> Shining Unto You
>  by Jest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chrono Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A tall, dark unicorn with a sharp red horn and glowing crimson eyes threw the doors to his throne room shut. He then nearly toppled to the ground, his breathing harsh as blood oozed from over a dozen different wounds. A scratch on his cheek, a gash on his side, bruises riddling his right foreleg, they were small, but they were numerous.

Even his regal appearance was left disheveled, his crown gone, his armor mostly bent or otherwise torn away. Only his cape remained undamaged, though it was quickly becoming stained with its owner’s blood. Even his once-mighty castle had been besmirched in the ensuing battle, the great black pillars now a sparkling blue.

“This can't be happening,” he muttered in a low tone, his smokey mane flitting violently behind him. “I can't lose, not to those two morons.”

Rising from his spot on the cold ground, Sombra stood tall, straightening his back, and forcing himself to appear the part of a king. He was, after all, the true ruler of the crystal empire, no matter what those interlopers declared. For a moment he appeared the part of a proud king, then he took a step, and winced as pain shot up his leg.

“Gotta get to the basement,” he murmured to himself while hobbling across the room.

He had crossed only half of the crystal floor when a deafening thump could be heard from behind him. Glancing over his shoulder, Sombra watched as the two doors began creaking, as they were pounded repeatedly. Now cursing to himself, the unicorn stumbled awkwardly towards his twisted throne of pitch-black crystal.

He barely even paid attention to the many large, opaque windows that surrounded him, until one darkened. Acting on instinct, he rolled to the side, avoiding the angry pink meteor that shot through the crystal panel. With a wince and a grunt, the king stumbled onward, casting a half-hearted flurry of conjured crystal daggers at his foe. A bright pink wing blocked his attack, knocking the projectiles aside where they clattered against the ground.

“Your weak attacks won't work on me, Sombra,” spat the multi-hued alicorn.

“They will serve their purpose, worm,” Sombra spat, igniting his horn once more.

This time he conjured forth a pillar of ebony crystal from the ground, knocking Cadance back towards the doors. Which exploded outward, knocked clean off their hinges by an angry white stallion with a long spiraling horn. Shining Armor wasted no time in stomping forward, a shield covering him and the alicorn as he helped his wife back to her hooves.

“Are you alright honey?” he asked.

“I’m fine. Let's finish this,” Cadance exclaimed.

“The only thing you will be finishing is your brief stay in this life!” Sombra shouted though the threat was half-hearted as he continued to stumble towards his throne.

“You go high, I’ll go low,” Shining Armor whispered.

“Got it,” Cadance replied.

Sombra grunted, noticing the flurry of motion out of the corner of his eye as he grew close to his dark seat of power. He immediately realized he wouldn't be able to make it before he got hit, and turned around once more. Unlike him, the couple was more or less uninjured, sporting only the smallest of bumps and bruises.

As such, they moved with speed, and precision, unhindered by the multitude of wounds Sombra sported. This fact dug its nails deep into Sombra’s mind, sending another jagged bout of rage through the unicorn. This was stifled by cold logic and the shame of facing his defeat with only a slim chance of victory remaining.

Cadance came down from on high, leading with her right forehoof while her wings beat hard. Sombra conjured a sharpened pillar of dark crystal, hoping to impale the alicorn using her own momentum. A sudden barrier sprung up around the pink mare, allowing her to charge onwards, protected by her husband.

Sombra had seen this coming however and used his magic to make the crystal spear explode suddenly. The fine dust-obscured Cadance’s vision, forcing her to stop while Sombra continued backpedaling. He was stopped by another shield, one which walled him off from his throne, causing another angry snort to come from the dark unicorn.

Who was soon forced to retreat once more, dodging a punch from Cadance aimed at his head. The hoof bounced off Shining Armor’s shield, causing the dark barrier to ripple briefly due to the strength behind the blow. Now with an idea in mind, Sombra hastily scrambled away, his horn conjuring forth an explosive flurry of tiny glasslike shards of crystal.

Once more Cadance used her wing as a shield, inadvertently blinding herself to do so. Sombra capitalized on this by throwing himself forward, slashing with his unnaturally sharp horn. Feathers flew, and alicorn blood sprayed across the ground, shooting out of the damaged wing in a crimson sheet.

Cadance cried out in pain, stumbling back and clutching the injured appendage tightly.

“Cadance!” Shining Armor cried, his concentration now split.

Sombra lit his horn once more and commanded another long spear of crystal to charge towards the barrier. This time his strike was true, and the wall of magic shattered, into a thousand rapidly disintegrating motes of light. The ensuing cry of pain from the other male brought a smile of pleasure to Sombra’s face though he did not relish it.

He had yet to reach his goal, and so with all the strength he could muster, the unicorn threw himself at the chair. He then slammed his hoof into the right armrest while casting another spell, only this one aimed downward. Immediately the room began to tremble violently, with dust and debris raining down from the roof above them.

“What have you done?” Cadance demanded.

“Given you a new playmate,” Sombra replied simply.

Then, before the couple could say anything else, Sombra stepped aside, allowing the floor to heave upward. The dark crystal throne and a good ten feet of the floor below it rose into the air, twisting into a dark imitation of the tyrant king. Bearing rubies for eyes, and a jagged mane of shattered crystal, the golem replica stood three times the size of a normal pony.

“Kill them!” Sombra commanded, pointing towards the couple.

The artificial pony roared, its crystalline throat producing a sound like rolling thunder and the scream of a child. It charged forward a second later, lowering its shoulder in an attempt to tackle the two ponies to the ground and bury them under its weight. Another barrier stopped this from happening before Cadance blasted away with a beam of concentrated magic.

The crystal creature screamed, dark hunks of animated crystal flying off from its body and crashing across the ground. It adapted quickly, however, shifting around Shining Armor’s shield and striking at the stallion directly. This time it was Cadance’s turn to go on the defensive, with the alicorn leaping to her husband’s protection and firing another beam.

It was an amusing sight, but not one Sombra focused on for long, the king already trotting towards where the throne had been. Now, however, there was only a long winding staircase that lead down, down into the bowels of the ancient crystal castle.

“No time to walk it,” he muttered. “Gotta jump.”

Lighting his horn, Sombra leaped towards the distant floor, his forehooves extended and ready to brace himself. In the blink of an eye, he was gone, swallowed up by the hole in the floor, wind whistling past his ears. Floors flew past him one after another until the floor begin to rush up to meet him.

Sombra released his spell before that could happen, however, causing a sloping slide of solid crystal to form under him. Though angled well, it wasn't perfect, and the king took an undignified tumble, landing in a heap at the bottom of the staircase. Now without his cape, or more than a few pieces of armor, Sombra picked himself back up and stumbled forward.

He was sporting more injuries than ever, including a dozen, new scratches but he pushed through the pain. Focusing all his willpower, the tyrant king trotted towards an enormous runed circle in the very center of the room. Guided only by the distant light reflecting from far above him it was difficult to see where he was going. Sombra had experience on his side and was able to make his way into the center of the enormous circle on instinct.

There he stood tall once more, lighting his horn and igniting the six braziers that surrounded him. With the room now filled with light, Sombra could see the hundreds, maybe thousands of runed sigils that he stood in the midst of. Carved into the very crystal floor under his hooves, these many magical symbols were his final hope and only remaining trump card.

“Come on, work,” he cursed, horn burning brighter.

Energy coursed through the ground, igniting the many runes in rapid succession, filling the room with unnatural crimson light. Sombra grunted and pushed even more power into the ground, emptying his reserves almost completely. Then, just as the final rune ignited, a barrier appeared around him, only this one was not blue, but blood red.

A twisted, crooked smile crossed the mad king’s face and he couldn't help but laugh.

“Tell yourself a joke, or have you completely lost your marbles?” the voice of Shining Armor asked, the male stepping through the entryway and into the dark red light.

“I think it's the latter, dear,” Cadance added, joining her husband a moment later.

“Fools!” Sombra spat. “With the activation of these runes, I will ensure my victory over you naive interlopers.”

“Give it up, Sombra,” Shining Armor retorted. “One spell won't win you this fight.”

“Face it, you’ve lost,” Cadance declared.

“Oh but that is where you are wrong,” Sombra exclaimed, his horn glowing as he tuned the runes, setting them for a date he had in mind. “I don't intend on fighting you now.”

“What are you talking about you nutcase?” Shining Armor demanded.

“How else will you beat us if you don't intend on fighting?” Cadance inquired.

Sombra smirked. “I said I don't intend on fighting you now, but fifteen years ago, now that would be the perfect time for a rematch. Or perhaps a prequel. I never could grasp the proper wording for time travel.”

“Time travel? But that's impossible!” Cadance declared. “Even aunty Celestia couldn't figure that out.”

“That is because she is like you, a fool who cannot think outside the box!” Sombra bellowed. “Like most, they ignore the power crystals hold within them.”

“Wait, crystals…” Shining Armor glanced down. “Honey, the floor, he's pulling energy from the caves under the castle.”

“Yesss,” Sombra hissed, his smile growing wider. “The power crystals are unique to this region of the world and have the strength to hurtle someone backward through time.”

“But you’ll be trapped in the past,” Cadance exclaimed.

Sombra smirked. “That's okay. I don't mind taking the long way back.”

Then, with a flash of blood-red light, the tyrant kind of the crystal empire vanished.
> Boot Camp, Day One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining Armor hummed softly to himself as he brushed his hair, gaze lingering on his reflection before him. His soft features were slowly hardening, losing their boyish edge and gaining a firmness that made him proud to see. Gone was the slightly rounded, out-of-shape young colt he had known from his younger years, now he was an adult.

Sure he was only just barely an adult, who still lived at home, but he could vote, and drink. It didn't matter that his birthday had only just come and gone, he was finally no longer a child. A thought which prompted him to look about his room and realize that it needed a bit of redecorating.

Posters for his favorite bands, and hoof ball team covered the walls while laundry lay crumpled in a heap on the floor. His bed was unmade, and his desk was in a truly appalling state, with papers littering its surface haphazardly. Left there after a long night of studying, Shining Armor didn't really feel like dealing with them at the moment.

“There,” he muttered to himself.

Turning his head left, then right, the male eyed his reflection and gave it a final nod of approval. His tangled mess of multi-hued blue hair had been tamed, more or less anyway. He didn't care about his appearance so much that he did it up in any particular style save for not a complete disaster.

Putting down the brush, Shining Armor grabbed his saddlebags from atop his bed and throw them on his back. Weighed down by a few books, they were off-balance though that would change once he found his lunch. That would wait, however, as at the moment he was trotting down the hall towards the stairs which lead to the main floor.

He didn't make it there, at least not right away, as he caught sight of the strange empty room next to his own. Long used as a storage space for his father’s telescopes, it had been cleaned recently and was now barren. Though smaller than his own, it was still fairly large and had three large windows that overlooked Canterlot.

Pushing back his own curiosity, Shining Armor trotted down the hall, passing the bathroom and glancing down the stairs. A sudden whiz, thwap prompted the stallion to turn towards the third bedroom, where a soft purple glow could be seen. Trotting in that direction, he passed by a utility closet, and the open space separating him and his sister’s wing from their parents.

“Didn't burn your mane again, I hope,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

He pushed open the door and found that his younger sister was sitting on the floor with a dazed look on her face. Unlike his room, Twilight's was covered in bookshelves and stunk not like cologne, but burnt hair. The young mare herself sported only a small singe mark at the end of her muzzle, which created a lingering trail of smoke.

“Well that wasn't supposed to happen,” Twilight muttered.

Shining Armor sighed and shook his head. “Don't tell me you were trying that lightning bolt spell again. What did mom say about doing that in the house?”

“I wasn't!” Twilight whined, scampering up to her hooves. “I was just trying to conjure a few sparks, honest!”

“Then how did you get blown right off your chair?” Shining Armor asked, gesturing to the toppled piece of furniture resting nearby.

“I uh… thought it might work better if I substituted a rune or two,” Twilight meekly replied.

Shining Armor planted his hoof against his forehead. “You’re still in high school Twily. Save that kind of experimentation when you’re in college or at least out of the house.”

“Oh come on. You know that's only a technicality!” Twilight whined. “I’ve had enough credits to graduate since I was twelve!”

“And why haven't you graduated?” Shining Armor retorted.

Twilight frowned and crossed her hooves over her chest. “Because some dummy thinks you need to learn classic literature and physical education.”

“Which means you’re still a high school student and still can't do anything like this. Now open a window and get some air in here. You’ll set off the fire wards again,” Shining Armor ordered.

“Yes big brother,” Twilight griped, trotting over to her desk above which hung a large sliding window.

Shining Armor merely shook his head as he trotted away, walking down the large stairs at the center of the home. Upon hitting the landing, he took a left, and walked through the living room, into the dining area. Where his father sat, a newspaper in front of him, and a plate of pancakes sitting next to him.

“Hey son,” Nightlight greeted without looking up. “Have a good sleep?”

“Yeah, not bad,” Shining Armor replied, seating himself across from the older stallion.

“Oh?” Nightlight inquired, glancing over his paper. “I thought otherwise, given how late you got in last night. Don't tell me Cadance was keeping you for some extra special study session.”

“Daad,” Shining Armor whined. “It wasn't anything like that. We really were studying. Today is the first day of college and I don't want to look like a fool.”

“You went all the way across town to your girlfriend's apartment and all you did was study? I’m kinda disappointed in you son,” Nightlight exclaimed with a smirk.

“Okay, so maybe we fooled around a little…” Shining Armor muttered.

“Nightlight!” yelled a female voice from the attached kitchen. “Are you being weird about Shining Armor’s love life again?”

“I’m just teasing him, relax honey!” Nightlight shouted back. “He knows I’m just having a laugh.”

“Well tell him to get his butt in here before he leaves for school. I don't want to miss him,” bellowed the voice.

“You heard your mother. Better go see she’s got for ya before she bites my head off,” Nightlight exclaimed.

“Sure dad,” Shining Armor remarked.

The young stallion trotted around the table, and into the large, open-ended kitchen where his mother waited. The mare in question was currently packing several lunch boxes while making pancakes, as well as reading a book. Upon hearing her son enter the room, she put the half-written tome down and took the pan off the heat.

“Ahh, there you are. I was wondering if you were going to see your dear old mother before you left on your first day,” exclaimed the mare in a dejected tone.

Shining Armor rolled his eyes and planted a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “You know I wouldn't do that to you.”

“That's because we raised you right,” Twilight Velvet declared, turning around and hugging the young stallion tightly. “Oh, it makes me so proud to see that you’re finally setting off on your own. Why it only feels like yesterday when you were running around in your cardboard guard outfit talking about how you were going to protect the princess.”

“Mooom,” whined the stallion who struggled to escape his mother’s grip. “I was six!”

“Yes well, you were also adorable,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed, reluctantly releasing the stallion. “It's so good to see you spreading your wings and working towards your goal of becoming a royal guard. I just know you’ll be able to once you finish college.”

“If I pass,” Shining Armor corrected. “I’m not Twilight you know. It's not guaranteed that I’ll get a good grade.”

“Don't compare yourself to your sister,” Twilight Velvet chided. “She is a special young girl with her own sets of problems.”

“True. I don't have a latent pyromania I struggle to contain,” Shining Armor mused.

“She is not a pyromaniac. She just doesn't always think everything through to the end,” Twilight Velvet muttered.

“You know for a genius she sure does leap before she looks a lot,” Shining Armor pointed out.

Twilight Velvet sighed. “Your sister suffers from what we in the medical community call, being young. Once she has a chance to mature and make some friends she’ll slow down. I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so. I don't want you guys to have to sell the house because our insurance premiums keep going up,” Shining Armor teased.

“Oh I’m sure it will be alright,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed, thrusting a metal box into Shining Armor’s hooves. “Here, I packed you something special today.”

“I swear if you cut my sandwiches into smiley faces again…” Shining Armor muttered.

“I was tempted, but no. I just made your favorite salad and packed one of those eclairs you enjoy,” Twilight Velvet corrected.

“Ooh sweet,” Shining Armor muttered, tucking the box into his bags. “Well, I’m going to start heading out then. I planned on stopping at the bakery on thirty-second street today.”

“Leaving so soon? But I made pancakes,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed, levitating a plate of the aforementioned baked goods in front of his face.

“I know but they are making this fancy milk bread today and my buddies say it's to die for,” Shining Armor retorted.

“Don't forget to pick up the exchange student that's staying with us,” Twilight Velvet shouted.

Shining Armor paused midway through the door, and turned back to his mother with a confused look on his face. “What was that last part?” he asked.

“You know, the exchange student from Stratsburg,” Twilight Velvet replied. “We told you about them earlier this week. Apparently, they are coming to study at the same college like you.”

“Wait, why is he staying here then? Isn't he an adult? Also, I don't remember hearing about this at all,” Shining Armor declared.

Twilight Velvet cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. “Really? I told Twilight to pass along the information package that his therapist sent ahead of his arrival.”

“Wait, therapist? What exactly is going on?” Shining Armor demanded.

“We are housing a foreign exchange student for a little while, because he is an orphan who was abused for his unique appearance,” Twilight Velvet explained. “My friend Nebula mentioned that he was having a hard time finding a place to stay because everyone was leery of housing an adult.”

“So you thought putting him here would be the best idea?” Shining Armor challenged. 

“Why not?” Twilight Velvet exclaimed. “We have a large enough house after all.”

“I mean I guess,” Shining Armor admitted.

Twilight Velvet walked up to her son, and gently placed a hoof on his shoulder. “I’m not telling you that you have to be friends with him or anything. He's just had a bit of a hard life so far and needs to know what a real family looks like.”

“Ahh, I guess that makes sense,” Shining Armor murmured.

“It will only be for the school year,” Twilight Velvet assured. “After that, he’ll be finding his own apartment or moving back to Stratsburg.”

“Alright then. What's his name anyway?” Shining Armor inquired.

Twilight Velvet smiled. “Crystal Throne.”
> Boot Camp, Day Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining Armor bit into the buttered slice of bread and groaned in pleasure, his taste buds captivated by the flavor. It was different, but incredible, an instant favorite that he was already planning on getting next week when they baked more. He regretted getting only a couple of slices and yearned to go back in time and demand his previous self listen to the cashier.

Brushing that thought aside, the stallion gulped down the last of his breakfast and looked around. Only to find that he had actually reached his destination while he hadn't even been paying attention to his surroundings. Standing on the sidewalk in front of the prestigious magical college of upper Canterlot, Shining Armor looked on in wonder.

The building was an enormous four-story tall structure in the shape of a horseshoe, with a long walkway leading to the middle. Where two, mostly featureless alicorn statues stood sentinel on either side of the enormous double doors leading inward. They bore no plaque and had taken a beating from the passage of time yet still had an air of authority about them.

Much unlike the many students who excitedly entered the building, chatting excitedly amongst one another. They were also a good mix of male and female, without either gender outweighing the other for once. Why that was the case was fairly obvious to Shining Armor, as this college was the place to go for wannabe royal guards.

A path that attracted more males than the majority of other crafts. Putting them on an even playing field with the females who usually outnumbered them two to one. Shining Armor wondered how many of those present he would be gunning for the same position he was. Such considerations did not help the stallion, so he put them out of his mind and made his way towards the entrance.

As he did so, he caught sight of a familiar face standing awkwardly near a bush, his gaze downward. His golden eyes, partially covered by his swooping mane of greyish teal hair glanced this way and that, searching for something. Shining Armor knew immediately what he was looking for and made his way over to the light blue-furred male.

“Hey Knight, over here!” Shining Armor called, waving a forehoof.

Immediately the other male’s eyes lit up, and he all but sprinted up to Shining Armor, a grin on his face.

“Hey Shining! I didn't think you were going to make it!” Knight exclaimed in a slightly effeminate tone. “You’re not usually this late.”

Shining Armor rolled his eyes. “I am not late. We have over a half hour to get to our first class.”

“I know but what if we get lost, or get caught up talking to other ponies? You gotta factor these things into your plan!” Knight exclaimed.

“Knight night,” Shining Armor deadpanned. “It will be okay. Let's just go to class, yeah?”

“Err yeah,” Knight murmured.

The smaller, slimmer male fell in behind Shining Armor, taking position to the taller stallion’s right. A glance in his friend’s direction revealed this, and the demure male’s cutie mark of a drawn bow. Though a full head shorter than Shining Armor, Knight was surprisingly muscled despite his exceptionally wide hips. Gathered mainly around his forehooves, these patches of muscle were used primarily to help fire a longbow. Shining Armor felt his gaze linger a bit too long on the other pony, and quickly turned away, distracting himself.

To his surroundings, which were mostly other students piling into the enormous building through the central entrance. Once inside, the temperature dropped, and the sound of distant conversations dimmed. The distinct sensation of powerful magic briefly tickled his horn, making Shining Armor wonder just how many spells were placed on the school.

“Air conditioning, sound dampener, illumination, and…” Shining Armor’s attention trailed off, replaced by a sudden yelp of surprise when someone’s hoof fell across his shoulders.

“Hey, there you two are. I could have guessed Shiny over here was going to be late, but Knight?  Now that's a surprise,” remarked a voice.

“We are not late,” Knight corrected. “We are still a half hour early.”

“But you gotta give extra time to scope out all the babes,” declared the mystery stallion.

Pushing him away, Shining Armor turned to find that he had indirectly found his other best friend. The side of the male’s rust-colored head was shaved short, leaving only a long, poorly maintained blue mohawk. His turquoise eyes bellied a hidden calm that his large frame and broad shoulders did much to clash against.

He was the complete opposite of Knight and sported large wings, as well as a powerful physique. Unlike the smaller male, this new arrival also wore not only saddlebags but a red and white scarf that hung loosely around his neck. His cutie mark did have a bit in common with Knight though, as it was of an array of spearheads bunched together.

“Spearhead,” Shining Armor muttered. “What did I tell you about sneaking up on me?”

“That it was a fun, cool thing to do and I should do it more often?” Spearhead asked.

Knight chuckled silently behind his hoof while Shining Armor merely rolled his eyes.

“One of these days you are going to catch a hoof to the face and it will be your own damn fault,” Shining Armor grouched.

“Pfft whatever,” Spearhead dismissed. “Now let's go find our first class, I wanna see if we got a hot teacher.”

“I doubt it,” Knight remarked.

“Hey, ya never know,” Spearhead shot back.





“Yeah, nah. You were right, Knight,” Spearhead admitted.

The trio sat near the middle of the large auditorium, their books open and notes ready to be taken. The room was surprisingly sparse, with only a handful of other ponies having filed at that point in time. At the front of the class, seated beside a desk set off to the right, was an ancient stallion whose wrinkles had wrinkles. Upon the board were the words ‘magical theory 101’ written in stark white chalk.

“And with a name like Resonance Cascade too,” Spearhead grouched.

“What's so feminine about Resonance Cascade?” Knight questioned.

“Cascade, Cassy, it was kinda cute sounding at first,” Spearhead explained.

Shining Armor rolled his eyes, and ignored the back and forth going on to his left. With a hoof placed against his cheek, the stallion stared off into space, barely aware of his surroundings. That was until he noticed a pink shape appear next to him, one he immediately recognized.

“Cadance!” Shining Armor exclaimed with a smile.

A second later and a warm pair of lips met his own, causing Shining Armor to blush. Leaning forward, he kissed the other pony back before pulling away with a large, dopey smile on his face.

“Hey handsome,” Cadance whispered. “How's your first day going so far?”

“Well, it's barely even started, but so far so good,” Shining Armor stated.

“Would you mind spreading the sugar down here?” Spearhead called.

Knight slapped his friend in the shoulder while shaking his head in disgust.

“You’re lucky that Shining isn't the jealous type,” Cadance remarked, the young alicorn shooting Spearhead a smirk.

“Nah. I just know that she's so far out of you’re league that it will never happen,” Shining Armor exclaimed, sharing a laugh and a hoof bump with his girlfriend.

“Pfft, she's dating you!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Yeah, and that still surprises me,” Shining Armor remarked.

“Hey don't be so down on yourself,” Cadance demanded, slapping Shining Armor on the shoulder. “You are a smart, kind, motivated, and handsome young stallion. You deserve someone.”

“But not someone as hot as you,” Shining Armor retorted with a grin.

The sound of a bell sounding over the intercom made everyone perk up, Cadance the most. The alicorn leaned forward, planted one last kiss on Shining Armor’s cheek and rose back up.

“I better get going. Aunty wanted to give me a few more lessons but don't worry. I’ll still be at you’re parents' place for dinner tonight,” Cadance whispered.

“See you soon, gorgeous,” Shining Armor replied.

Cadance shot her partner a wink before hastily trotting towards the room’s exit, leaving the students behind. Not before opening the door wide for another learner to enter the room, one who seemed a bit outside the norm. Sporting a piercing crimson gaze, dark grey fur, and a slightly curly mane of midnight black hair, the stallion looked out of place. Especially when one looked upon the jagged red horn that sprouted from the front of his head.

Though intimidating, he appeared the same age as most in the room and nodded politely to Cadance. Who smiled back before slipping away, vanishing while the newly arrived male trotted his way up the rows. To where Shining Armor sat, prompting the seated stallion to blink in surprise and gaze up at the stranger.

“Mind if I sit here?” asked the dark-furred male.

“Err yeah, of course,” Shining Armor mutely replied, gesturing to the open seat next to him.

“Thanks. Say, you wouldn't happen to be Shining Armor by chance?” inquired the stranger.

“Yeah, that's me,” Shining Armor muttered.

“What a coincidence. I’m Crystal Throne,” exclaimed the disguised king Sombra, extending a hoof.

Shining Armor nodded and clopped his hoof against the other male’s. “You’re that foreign exchange student person that mom was hosting.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Sombra muttered. “I didn't want to put anyone out but my therapist was really insistent that I spend some time with a quote-unquote, real family.”

“Hey, it's no problem. I’m sure you’ll fit in-” Shining Armor began, only to be interrupted.

“Quiet!” shouted the elderly teacher. “We will now begin roll call!”

“We’ll talk later,” Shining Armor whispered.

“Looking forward to it,” Sombra replied.





“Well that was boring,” Spearhead deadpanned. “I knew like, ninety-nine percent of that crap, and the other percent was the syllabus.”

“They have to cover their bases and teach it in such a way that even us non-unicorns can learn it,” Knight Night remarked.

“I know it's important since we plan on joining the royal guard but it just seems silly to have us learning beside one another,” Spearhead continued as the group walked down the hall. “Like, if they split up casters and non-casters it would be easier to teach, ya know?”

“But that might cause resentment, or divide the class,” Shining Armor offered. “Keeping us together at least for the magical one oh one is a smart idea.”

“I think Spearhead is onto something,” Crystal Throne remarked. “Camaraderie can be built in many places, but here doesn't seem like the best of locations for such a thing.”

“Heck yeah, whoever you are,” Spearhead declared.

“It's Crystal Throne,” Sombra offered. “Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier, I got a little lost in this maze you guys call a school.”

“I didn't think it was that confusing,” Knight remarked idly.

“It is when the biggest building you’ve ever seen before this one was the post office,” Crystal Throne exclaimed with a snort.

“Ha, fair,” Shining Armor muttered, only to perk up. “Oh yeah, this is my new, sort of roommate. He’s going to be staying with my family for the school year while he adapts to Canterlot.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you both,” Crystal Throne offered.

“Well at least he's got decent manners,” Knight murmured.

“Seems cool enough. Even if his horn is kinda freaky,” Spearhead declared.

Crystal Throne grit his teeth. “It is not, freaky. It is a rare birth defect and the source of much consternation.”

“Sorry dude, sometimes I speak before I think,” Spearhead apologized.

“So I can see,” Crystal Throne muttered.

“Don't worry about Spearhead, he's a dolt but he means well,” Shining Armor added.

“Hey!” Spearhead whined.

“Well he's not wrong,” Knight Night agreed.

“But here's the real question. Do you play Ogres and Oubliettes?” Shining Armor asked, jabbing Crystal Throne lightly in the side.

“I do in fact,” Crystal Throne answered. “It was one of the few games that my uncle knew how to play, even if it was mainly just me and him the majority of the time.”

“Were you a player or DM?” Knight inquired.

“Dungeon master mostly,” Crystal Throne replied. “My uncle was a great coach and roleplayer but didn't really have the imagination for world-building or plotting things out.”

“That is awesome!” Shining Armor gushed. “Not your uncle part, but the dungeon master part.”

“Oh?” Crystal Throne prompted.

“Yeah our last DM turned out to be a big creep so we’ve been without one for a while now,” Knight explained.

“Which is too bad because we made these awesome characters only for them never to get played again,” Spearhead muttered.

“Well then,” Crystal Throne began. “Perhaps I could whip up a game that reintroduces those characters.”

“That would be pretty awesome. I’ve got the character sheets at my house so you could work on it tonight even. If you felt so inclined to do so,” Shining Armor added.

“Depends on how much work hefted upon us by these so-called teachers,” Crystal Throne exclaimed.

“Ha, yeah. I doubt it will be much, but I hear Missus Crabtree is a real stickler for that kind of thing,” Spearhead remarked.

Knight huffed. “I don't think it will be that bad.”





“I can't believe we have to complete the first twenty pages of the runic arrays one oh one,” Crystal Throne muttered bitterly. “This kind of pressure is not conducive to proper learning.”

Beside the disguised male, walking along the same sidewalk in upper Canterlot was Shining Armor who chuckled. “Well, this is one of the top schools in the country for a reason. Almost everyone who applies ends up in the military in some capacity.”

“Really? Even that rather feminine friend of yours?” Crystal Throne asked.

“Ha, yeah,” Shining Armor exclaimed. “Knight’s quite the archer you know. None of us are more accurate or faster than he is when it comes to a bow.”

“Interesting. I may have judged him too quickly,” Crystal Throne admitted.

“He’s surprisingly strong and smarter than most,” Shining Armor added.

“Well, considering Spearhead is part of that competition it would be hard to end up in last,” Crystal Throne remarked.

Shining Armor snickered. “Yeah he can be a bit of a bonehead sometimes but get him interested in something and he’ll know everything about it inside a week.”

“Motivation is a tough thing to…” Crystal Throne stumbled to a stop, gazing up at a rather large house looming over them. “Wow, that is one big house.”

“I mean, there are others on the same street that are bigger,” Shining Armor retorted, the stallion pushing open the iron-wrought gate that barred their path. “Why the Moonlight’s house has a whole nother floor on top of that giant place of theirs.”

“I know, but this is… so old, and nice,” Crystal Throne murmured.

“It's been in the family for a few generations,” Shining Armor explained, gesturing towards the door. “Come on inside. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Crystal Throne nodded to himself, the time-displaced king not needing to fake his reaction to the house before him. Standing at three stories tall, with more windows than a small palace, it was quite the abode. A large wrap-around deck extended all the way from the midway point of the home before disappearing around the side.

A well-maintained garden of local flowers and hedges were artfully arranged around the home, creating a welcoming environment. Made doubly strong by the soft, purples and blues that covered the exterior of the home that wasn't made of stone. It had to be several thousand square feet, and that was without taking the basement into consideration.

Following behind Shining Armor, Sombra approached the door to the home, pausing briefly at the step. Glancing into a mirror made of reflective colored glass, the stallion adjusted his bulging saddlebags, and pushed a few stray hairs back into place. He wanted to do more with his appearance, but there was little time, so the male ignored it.

“Ready to meet the family?” Shining Armor asked.

“Of course,” Crystal Throne declared.

Shining Armor smiled as he pushed open the door. “Then, welcome to the Sparkle family home.”

Crystal Throne stepped into the foyer and brushed his hooves off on the map, his gaze sweeping over the area. To his left was the den, which was inside a jut out of the homemade to resemble a tower, only one made mostly of windows. To his right was a living room, while in front of him were the stairs leading up and a hallway that went deeper into the home.

Everywhere he looked there were small, delicate flourishes of careful decoration. Complimenting the subdued, and homey furniture which could be seen everywhere. Nothing was grandiose, or expensive, with most everything being either well worn or clearly quite old.

It was the home of a family who didn't care about looking rich, or acting the part, but rather having things that fit them. Portraits of both color, as well as black and white, were visible along the stairs leading up while a wall of well-loved coats sat in front of him. Sombra found himself smiling despite his odd situation, as it was hard to feel nervous in a home such as this.

“Well hey there,” exclaimed a voice. “You must be Crystal Throne. Unless Shining Armor did the unthinkable and made the first new friend since grade five.”

Crystal Throne glanced over to where an aged stallion with a soft blue coat stood in the doorway. His curly mane of darker blue hair was combed to the left and hung a few inches down the male’s face. Clutched in one hoof was a rather large book sporting stars on its cover while upon his flanks was a moon inside of a second, smaller moon. 

“And you must be mister Light,” Crystal Throne greeted, extending a hoof.

“Last I checked, though you can drop the mister part. My granddad always made me call him that so it makes me feel old,” Night Light retorted, clopping his hoof against Sombra’s.

“Noted. I appreciate you housing me. I admit I am rather intrigued to see how you and you’re family act around one another,” Crystal Throne remarked, the disguised king doing his best to act awkward, and curious.

Which paid off in spades, as Night Light’s eyes gained an almost fatherly edge to them. “Well I can't say we are the best family in the world but everyone here loves one another immensely. Except for your mother. I don't think anything can take the number one place in her heart save for her daredevil desires.”

“I heard that!” shouted a female voice.

“I know!” Night Light yelled back with a smirk.

Shining Armor chuckled and motioned towards the living room. “Come on, let's say hi to my mom before heading upstairs.”

“What's up there?” Crystal Throne inquired.

“Bedrooms mostly, mine, Twilight's, and yours,” Shining Armor replied.

Sombra nodded slowly, merely following as they walked from the foyer into the living room. Comfortable, and intimate, the space was oddly relaxing and transitioned perfectly into a dining room. Though a sliding wall needed to be pulled back to reveal the long, mahogany table, and wall-to-wall painting of the Canterhorn before Canterlot had been built.

Sombra found himself struck by the painting, his hooves slowing as he inspected the remarkably detailed landscape. Each tree, bird, and bush was immaculately recreated, giving the impression that the painter had been there in person. Unlike the rest of the home he had seen from afar, this was new to him and made him curious.

“It was done by Jean, Baptiste, Corot,” Shining Armor remarked. “She was a minotaur who if you believe my great aunt Peartree, was adopted into our family nearly fifteen hundred years ago.”

“Such stunning attention to detail,” Crystal Throne murmured.

“The mare who adopted her was an enchanter by trade and loved this one so much that she dedicated her life to crafting the perfect preservation rune,” Shining Armor continued robotically as if he had explained this exact thing a dozen times. “As you can tell, it worked.”

“So I see. Please, proceed,” Crystal Throne offered.

Shining Armor stepped in through the small entryway to the kitchen, followed closely by Sombra. There they found the mare of the house pouring over a dozen books spread across a long granite-topped island. Reading glasses dangled from the tip of her greyish-white nose, emphasizing her bright teal eyes.

Upon hearing the clip-clop of hooves on her tiled floor, the mare turned to the newcomers and smiled. Her two-toned mane of white and lilac bounced slightly, the turn obscuring the three stars branded upon her flanks. Unlike her slim, bookish husband, Twilight Velvet was surprisingly well-muscled and downright eager.

“Good evening Missus Light,” Crystal Throne greeted, extending a hoof once more.

“Ahh there you are Crystal Throne,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed, rising from her chair. “It's good to finally meet you in person rather than simply reading your letters.”

“Yes well it's good to finally meet you-oof,” Crystal Throne muttered, cut off by the sudden crushing forelegs wrapped about his neck.

“No need for formalities here. Just call me Velvet, or mom if you so choose,” Twilight Velvet interrupted, giving the disguised stallion one last squeeze before stepping away.

“If that's what you wish,” Crystal Throne murmured, quickly gathering his bearings.

“Don't mind mom. She’s incorrigible,” Shining Armor whispered.

“Pish posh, dear. We should be doing everything we can to make our guest feel at home,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed enthusiastically.

“I appreciate it, Velvet. Coming to the city has been a… strange event for me,” Crystal Throne replied somewhat haltingly.

“It would be quite the change,” Twilight Velvet added before leaning towards her son. “Make sure you show our guest around and include him in your little game okay? No one should be without friends so far from home.”

“Way ahead of you mom,” Shining Armor declared.

“Atta boy,” Twilight Velvet congratulated. “Now why don't you finish showing Crystal around. I’m sure he wants to see his new room.”

“That would be nice,” Crystal Throne exclaimed.

“Come on. I’ll finish up the main floor first,” Shining Armor encouraged.

Sombra followed silently behind the other stallion as he lead him deeper into the home, describing the various rooms they passed through. From the kitchen, they briefly entered a covered patio overlooking a surprisingly large yard for a cramped city like Canterlot. Next was a family room, a carriage garage that had mostly been turned into a magical practice room as well as a library.

After that, he was led upstairs, where they briefly looked into the master bedroom and the unoccupied guest bedroom next to it. A study overlooked the bridge between the two wings, though it resembled an observatory. With only the kid’s wing left, the two stallions stopped outside of Twilight's room, where Shining Armor held up a hoof.

“Wait a sec,” he warned. “We gotta say hi to Twilight, but just be aware that she can get a bit over-enthusiastic okay? So just, have some patience with her.”

“I’m sure I can handle a child, Shining Armor,” Crystal Throne retorted.

“If I had a nickel for every babysitter who said that I’d be able to buy the Canterlot Broncos,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“Oooh is that the foreign exchange student?” asked a voice.

The pair turned around to find that a small set of eyes was peering up at them through a crack in the door. Upon being spotted, Twilight Sparkle stepped out and immediately lit her horn, though she didn't cast a spell.

“How did your horn get that way? Is it because of dark magic, can I scan you?” Twilight rattled off, asking questions so fast Sombra couldn't ask the one that proceeded it.

“No,” Crystal Throne declared.

“Daww,” whined the high schooler.

“Just be glad she asked. It took years to get her to do that,” Shining Armor whispered.

Sombra clenched his jaw and bit back the remark he could feel building in the back of his throat. Pushing down the bile threatening to rise from his gullet, the male put on a wide, if a little fake, smile.

“But to answer your other questions yes, it got that way because of dark magic though I have never used such foul sorceries in my life,” Crystal Throne exclaimed.

Twilight Sparkle’s eyes went wide. “Thaumatergical corruption! You had a parent that used dark magic.”

“A great grandmother, actually,” Crystal Throne corrected. “She sought to save her partner from death and plunged the depths of dark magic to do so, only for her efforts to be in vain.”

“Pfft, yeah,” Twilight Sparkle declared with a dismissive snort. “Noone can hold back death forever.”

“I’m sure she realized that. In the end,” Crystal Throne replied, his jaw clenched tight.

“She must have used a whole heck of a lot of dark magic if it's still present in your family,” Twilight Sparkle explained, pacing back and forth in the doorway. “It's the same for our family, though not the dark magic part, but rather divination magic. Heck, I’m the first Twilight who doesn't have a natural gift for the school since great great great great great grandma Twilight Twinkle.”

“Fascinating,” Crystal Throne deadpanned.

“I know right?” Twilight Sparkle continued. “Any focus on a particular school alters the user, but it's only dark magic that has such profound physical effects. Though supposedly some of our ancestors actually grew a third eye in the middle of their foreheads.”

“That's great Twily,” Shining Armor interrupted. “But why don't you regal us with more useless facts at dinner? I think Crystal here wanted to see his room.’

“Oh yeah, have fun or whatever,” Twilight Sparkle muttered. “I’m going to go do some more reading about thaumaturgical radiation now.”

“You do that kiddo,” Shining Armor encouraged.

The large stallion hastily trotted back into the hallway, where he paused and put on an apologetic look.

“Sorry about that,” he whispered in a low tone. “Like I said, she's a bit over-enthusiastic.”

“Doesn't seem to have very good social skills either,” Crystal Throne pointed out.

“No, she sure doesn't. Brilliant, however. She’s graduating two years ahead of schedule, though it would have been more had she not skipped every single phys ed class since preschool,” Shining Armor continued.

Despite his irritation, Sombra couldn't help but chuckle. “That makes a lot of sense. It's not as though such a course would seem important to one with her predilections.”

“Yeah,” Shining Armor coughed into his hoof. “Right, so. Wanna see your room now?”

“After you,” Crystal Throne invited.
> Mirage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sombra, still disguised as Crystal Throne, followed after Shining Armor, his attention mostly on the other stallion’s backside. That was until he walked into the room itself and found himself struck by just how nice it was. Sure it wasn't the largest of the bunch, being eclipsed by the other two he had glimpsed so far but it had a unique charm to it.

Two large windows overlooked the street while a slightly smaller one was set off to the left-hand side and allowed Sombra to gaze out over most of the yard. Big enough to accommodate a large four-poster bed, a chest of drawers, a mostly empty bookcase, and an unused closet it would suit his needs perfectly. There was also an end table as well as a few other smaller pieces of furniture but Sombra didn't pay much attention to that.

Instead, he inspected briefly the walls and overall color scheme of the place, noting that it was mostly purple. Some soft blues were added, as well as a couple gold or silver accents but altogether it had a very nighttime theme going on. It also had no spells placed upon it, or any manner of mundane methods of spying on him, or at least, none that he could see.

“This used to be my room way back in the day,” Shining Armor remarked, plunking down on the end of the bed. “Then dad ended up moving the library, allowing me to move into the room next to you.”

“I saw it through the door, it looked quite spacious, with many windows,” Crystal Throne added.

Shining Armor chuckled. “Yeah, Twily was a bit jealous at first, but quickly grew out of that once she realized how hard it is to keep all that light out.”

“A night owl then,” Crystal Throne exclaimed.

“Sort of,” Shining Armor replied with a shrug. “She just gets too excited and forgets that time exists as a metaphysical concept.”

“She seems quite touched,” Crystal Throne declared.

“What do you mean?” Shining Armor demanded, his shoulders tensing.

Crystal Throne waved a hoof. “Nothing bad. There is just a legend back home that such different people were touched by faeries, resulting in great focus but absentmindedness. A local legend, nothing more.”

“Ahh right. You come from the sticks,” Shining Armor winced. “Sorry, that came out ruder than I would have liked.”

“It is no trouble at all,” Crystal Throne declared.

“Well as you can see it's got all the basics. If you have any questions or anything lemme know. I’m going to go wait for Cadance downstairs,” Shining Armor began, hopping off the bed and walking towards the door.

Only to be stopped halfway by Sombra, who held up a hoof and cleared his throat. “Actually, would you mind lending me a hoof for a moment? I was hoping to move a few things around.”

“Uh, sure. What were ya thinkin?” Shining Armor replied.

Sombra hummed to himself for a moment before pointing to the bed and then to the corner of the room directly across from the door.

“I was hoping to move the bed against the wall over there. I know it's close to the side window but I’d like a little more space to practice magic,” Crystal Throne stated.

Shining Armor nodded. “Sure, I can do that. You wanna go backward, or should I?”

“I can do that,” Crystal Throne answered.

The pair moved into position, with Sombra taking a spot at the head of the bed, where he bent down and grabbed the edge. Together with Shining Armor lifting from the foot, they shimmied it away from the wall enough for Sombra to slip in behind. The time-displaced stallion then paused and took a moment to find a perfect position for his hooves to grab onto.

He made a show of flexing his muscles without showing any amount of visible strain. The effort seemed to work too, as for a moment Shining Armor was caught staring at the other male. He quickly looked away, however, focusing himself on carrying the bed across the room.

Once put in its proper place, Sombra shimmied out from between the bed and the wall once more. Then he reached down, and less than subtly leaned over, giving Shining Armor a good view of his backside. Then with a shove, pushed the bed into the corner with a brief screech of wood on wood.

“There we are,” Crystal Throne exclaimed, turning back around. “You know you’re quite the athlete. Do you work out?”

“Oh uh, yeah,” Shining Armor cleared his throat. “As you know I want to join the royal guard and they have a strict requirement for even trying out.”

“I could tell, why I bet you could lift me quite easily,” Crystal Throne teased, only to sigh. “I wish I was as strong as you but the first time I even heard of a gym is when I came to Canterlot.”

“What? You are totally strong!” Shining Armor blurted out. “You barely even seemed to notice when you lifted the bed and that's snakewood, stuff’s super heavy.”

“Really?” Crystal Throne exclaimed incredulously. “Everything’s made from metal back home, so I have very little frame of reference for this type of thing.”

“Well you nailed it, I bet you could probably even lift more than me,” Shining Armor continued.

Crystal Throne chuckled and gently punched the other stallion’s shoulder. “Now you're just flirting with me.”

“Oh uh no. I mean I’ve always been curious but I’m dating Cadance and-” Shining Armor blubbered, only to be interrupted.

“I was teasing you,” Crystal Throne stated.

“Oh right,” Shining Armor muttered while blushing profusely.

“Though, it is a shame that you're taken. Your quite the catch you know,” Crystal Throne pressed.

“Thanks,” Shining Armor murmured.

“You don't happen to have a…” Crystal Throne took a step forward and lowered his voice. “Open relationship, by chance do you?”

Shining Armor’s face went beat read and he hastily shook his head. “Cadance is not really into herds, harems, or otherwise. I mean I’m not super into it either but…”

The stallion shrugged.

Crystal Throne chuckled and took a step back. “Well if that ever changes, or heavens above you end up single, do let me know.”

Sombra then turned and flicked his tail invitingly before trotting over to the chest of drawers.

Shining Armor stood there for a moment longer before hastily trotting out of the room, a blush remaining firmly on his face. Once in the hall, he walked into his room, closed the door, and slumped to the ground, a hoof going to his chest. For a moment he just half sat, half lay there, his mind running over everything that had just happened.

“What the hay was that? Curious? You’ve never said that before,” Shining Armor whispered to himself. “Hell, I haven't even told Cadance that.”

After a moment of panic, Shining Armor firmly shook his head, dismissing the cloying notion entirely. “You handled it well, now just get…” Shining Armor frowned, and planted a hoof against his forehead. “Sun and stars. I’m talking to myself again. Why do I always do this when I get flustered?”

When the empty room didn't give him an answer, Shining Armor shook his head and trotted away. In the next room, Sombra was smiling to himself as he moved about the room, inspecting every last inch of it. He hadn't found any magical or mundane methods that they could use to spy on him, yet, but he was intent on looking everywhere.

Though unlikely to find anything, his paranoia demanded that he do a thorough search and he didn't minded obliging that urge. The ritual of ensuring that there were no unseen traps or other nasty surprises was one that he had gotten used to long ago. It was almost calming in a way, and his body moved on autopilot while his mind churned with plans.

Shining Armor was more interested in stallions than he initially led on, that much was obvious. He was also, bloody adorable, though Sombra pushed that thought from his mind immediately. They weren't friends, nor would they ever be, Sombra mentally declared. They were enemies, and in the end, Sombra would dominate the stallion utterly, ensuring that his future rule was secure.

“And if I get an adorable slave out of it all then all the better,” Sombra whispered to himself, a grin spreading across his face. “Plus if I do this without any hypnosis or the like noone will ever suspect a thing until it's too late.”

The stallion paused as he was inspecting an empty dresser drawer. “All that isolation got to me. I’m talking to myself again,” Sombra muttered. “Better hurry up here and get ready for dinner.”

The drawer snapped shut with a clack.





Sombra stood patiently at the top of the stairs, waiting for the telltale sound of Cadance’s arrival. As he waited, he looked around the area, studying the remarkably spacious room with a passing interest. He was most interested in the master bedroom in the corner, as well as the empty office space that was next to it.

Though he dare not wander into those rooms unprompted, especially so soon after arriving. His horn sparked, and he began to scan the house itself, seeking out any magic that may have been cast on the home. He found plenty, though they were fairly standard, if a bit complex, with the various preservation, and fire resistance spells interwoven beautifully.

“Fascinating,” Sombra muttered.

“Scanning the house’s enchantments?” asked a voice.

Crystal Throne spun around to find that he had been joined by a curious Twilight. The young mare was clutching a book to her chest and looking up at Crystal Throne intently.

“I…” Crystal Throne frowned. “Was curious.”

“I get it,” Twilight exclaimed. “I nearly pulled them all apart by accident when I started learning about enchantments for the first time.”

“There certainly are enough of them,” Crystal Throne exclaimed. “It seems unusual to find so many on the home of a lesser noble.”

The insult went right over Twilight's head.

“Oh yeah. Our family has had a ton of spell crafters in it over the years and you can't push the boundaries of thaumaturgy without starting a few fires as my grandma always said,” Twilight declared.

“Yes yes, that's wonderful, now if you would move out of the way,” Crystal Throne began, attempting to walk past the mare and reach the stairs.

“Did you see the one that cancels out dark magic?” Twilight asked, eyes wide. “That one is super cool. I spent so long studying it that I got a horn ache!”

Sombra hummed to himself and made a mental note to do his own investigations after he had another chance to sink his teeth into Shining Armor.

“Whelp, guess we better go eat. Unless you changed your mind on the whole, scanning thing,” Twilight half asked, half stated, her horn glowing faintly.

“No. I have not,” Crystal Throne declared.

Before Twilight had a chance to complain, however, Sombra roughly pushed past her and trotted down the stairs. Once at the bottom, he made his way towards the kitchen, ears perking up midway there. He stopped suddenly, having heard the familiar, and enraging voice of his greatest foe just beyond.

“Oh it was great,” gushed Cadance. “You should have been there Shiny. Auntie Tia was just beside herself she was so confused.”

“Ha, good one Cadance,” Shining Armor replied. “I’m surprised she didn't end up eating the plastic cake.”

“She almost did!” Cadance exclaimed.

The couple laughed and were joined by the other couple in the house as well, the four ponies chuckling at their monarch’s misery. Sombra nearly joined in their mirth before quickly pushing that thought out of his mind and focusing himself on the task at hand. He was here to test the waters, to see how deep the royal couple’s bond truly went, and to begin undermining that same bond.

Sombra walked into the kitchen and quickly surveyed the area, picking out each person already there. Shining Armor and Cadance were sitting across from him, while the two breadwinners of the home sat on either side of the table. Sitting before him was a pair of empty chairs, likely left for himself as well as Twilight Sparkle.

“Ahh there is our young guest,” Twilight Velvet exclaimed. “I wasn't sure if you were going to join us.”

“We do eat rather early. A leftover from when our evenings were filled with all the extra circular groups, and tutoring programs we had to plan for,” Night Light explained.

“You would not believe how many sports programs Shining Armor was a part of,” Twilight Velvet added. “I swear if there was a tiddlywinks team he would have joined it.”

“Jokes on you, I did,” Shining Armor retorted, sticking his tongue out at his mother.

“Shining Armor’s extensive physical education aside, I think there are some introductions to do, hmm?” Cadance offered, the young alicorn gesturing towards the disguised Sombra.

Before anyone had a chance to speak for him, the time-displaced stallion stepped forward. “My name is Crystal Throne, and I am attending the same school as young sir Armor.”

“Woah, none of that sir thing,” Shining Armor quickly interjected.

Sombra smirked to himself, noting the small blush that had leaped to Shining Armor’s face. “So be it, Shiny,” Crystal Throne replied.

“And none of that either,” Cadance interjected, a smirk on her face. “That's my pet name for him, thank you very much.”

“If you insist,” Crystal Throne remarked simply, seating himself directly across from Shining Armor.

“So,” Cadance began. “Shining Armor mentioned you briefly but he never said why you had moved in here in the first place.”

“It was my therapist’s idea,” Crystal Throne answered, a carefully practiced sigh slipping from his lips. “I know it may seem strange but he thought it necessary for me to, in his words, see a normal family.”

“Well he shouldn't have picked us then,” Night Light exclaimed.

Only to get a wad of napkins magically thrown at his head by his wife. “Now dear, little eccentricities are to be expected, and are normal, even,” Twilight Velvet admonished.

“Yes dear,” Night Light muttered while rubbing his forehead.

“So why do you have a therapist in the first place?” Cadance inquired.

Sombra’s eyes narrowed, and he was immediately able to tell that she was more suspicious than anticipated. The way she peered intently at him, a knowing glint in her eye made Sombra feel rather uncomfortable. His disguise was good, or at least as good as possible given that he could not magically alter or hide his horn. Pushing such worries from mind, Sombra chose to draw her in further and ignite her paranoia even more.

“I don't think you need to know that,” Crystal Throne exclaimed, forehooves crossed over his chest.

“I think I do,” Cadance retorted.

“Babe, it's okay,” Shining Armor tried to interject.

“No, she doesn't. I don't want to talk about it,” Crystal Throne stated firmly.

“You aren't some kind of murderer or something?” Cadance demanded.

“Cadance,” Twilight Velvet hissed. “I know you are surprised but that is no way to treat a guest.”

Cadance turned to Twilight Velvet and blinked, only now seemingly realizing that there were others present. “I uh-” she stuttered.

“My parents were killed, and I am an orphan. Since you must know,” Crystal Throne exclaimed, the stallion turning away and swallowing hard.

“I didn't know,” Cadance muttered.

“Cadance. What came over you? He said he didn't want to talk about it,” Shining Armor added.

“Thank you for standing up for me Shining Armor. I knew you were a good pony from the moment I laid eyes on you,” Crystal Throne exclaimed.

“I what?” Cadance stopped, put a hoof over her heart, and took a breath. “I’m sorry. I shouldn't have pried. I don't know what came over me.”

All eyes turned to Sombra, everyone expecting the stallion to forgive Cadance. Though he intended on doing so, Sombra made a show of sniffing and sitting straight up once more.

“I accept your apology,” he replied. “Please don't pry again.”

“I won't,” Cadance declared.

Having forced a concession, albeit a minor one, as well as an apology from the mare, made Sombra grin. He hid that expression beneath a cold mask of indifference and glanced expectantly at Twilight Velvet.

“What exactly were you thinking of for dinner?” Crystal Throne inquired.

“Oh, we’ve got a wonderful quiche that's nearly done,” Twilight Velvet began. “I’ve also got a nice salad and some-”

The specifics didn't interest Sombra, and he watched his targets closely from the corner of his eye. They were close, that much was obvious, but Shining Armor was slightly irritated with the mare even now. Cadance’s immediate suspicion had been a surprise, but evidently, she didn't know his true identity. If she did, then Sombra doubted she would have rolled over so easily and would have likely made some manner of accusation.

As it stood now, she was suspicious, though Sombra didn't know how or why she felt that way. He had checked and confirmed that his strange horn wasn't that unique as a few hundred ponies in Canterlot had that same affliction. So although it could be a simple reaction to seeing someone different, that didn't quite feel right in Sombra’s opinion.

It was more likely that she knew vaguely of his legend but couldn't deduce that it was Sombra who sat before her. Either way, her paranoia was simply another weapon in Sombra’s mind, and one that could be utilized to his advantage quite easily. All he had to was keep goading her, and acting hurt when she pushed too far.

Was it childish? Of course, Sombra knew that but he also knew that he had to start small. This would open the pair up to larger wedges, and eventually the end of their relationship. Which was admittedly a bit of a petty way to deal with his foes, but Sombra relished the thought immensely.

To beat one’s foe so badly that they submit to you, both in body, and spirit was the victory that Sombra yearned for. Sure Sombra could use dark magic for that but that was the easy way and a way that he could employ if worst came to worst. Yet the thought of employing his mind-bending magic on Shining Armor struck him as wrong for some reason.

“Focus,” Sombra muttered to himself.

“Did ya say something, Crystal?” Shining Armor inquired.

Crystal Throne shook his head and smiled. “It was nothing. Just, reminding my focus. Now, what were you saying?”

“Oh, I was just talking about-”
> Dark Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal entry, fifty-six, day of infiltration, thirty.

My initial successes have been stymied somewhat.

Introductions went well, the family accepts me for the most part, and I’ve formed a strangely pleasant relationship with Twilight Sparkle. She is brilliant, powerful, as daft as they come, and has the interpersonal skills of a brick. Still, her enclyopdic knowledge of nearly every topic outside of popular culture has proven valuable. 

So far she has saved me from several uncomfortable situations that I nearly walked into due to my incomplete understanding of modernity. True, I did my own research prior to inserting myself into Shining Armor’s home, but it would be impossible to think of everything. Why in Tartarus calling a dragon a wyrm is a slur is beyond me. It was simply what they were called back then, but I digress.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet are excellent hosts if a little lax on their security. You would not believe how many security flaws they have on their manor house. Why, if someone wished to they could rob them blind with minimal effort. I noted all of these vulnerabilities previously, but it bears repeating how lazy ponies of this time period are. Apparently, most homes don't even lock their doors at night.

Its madness.

Regardless, my mission has shown moderate success, most notably with Shining Armor’s friends. It took very little to gain their support, as all I did was start running one of their silly roleplaying games. I did kill them several times, but they have learned well and come to appreciate my ‘iron man’ style of play.

These weekly games have allowed me to learn much about Shining Armor, and incidentally his friend group. Spearhead is not nearly as stupid as he seemed, though not by much. The male struggles with easy-to-learn concepts but excels at anything he shows even a modicum of interest in. I believe he has what the ponies of this time period call, attention deficit disorder.

He is also rather easy on the eyes as well, and as much as I hate to admit it I’ve begun to consider bedding him. With my efforts towards Breaking Shining Armor’s relationship being stymied by Cadance’s hawkish protectiveness, I’ve grown frustrated. The chance to take out these emotions on someone that is at least somewhat appealing has become a tantalizing option.

If nothing else it would be an opportunity to further dig into Shining Armor’s past and win over one of his closest friends. The other one, Knight, has been less than useful in contrast to the more oafish of the pair. He is quiet, withdrawn, and though intelligent, suffers from a rather malignant form of anxiety.

His weakness disgusts me, but it does offer possibilities and pathways of manipulation that may otherwise be closed. I’ve considered getting them both on my side in an effort to drive a wedge between Shining Armor and Cadance using Shining’s friends. But the possibility of backlash would be immense, and would likely spell disaster for plan A entirely.

Shining Armor also seems off put by the entire concept of homosexuality, though he does find me attractive. I’ve seen his lingering glances and subtle looks, but the stallion seems completely unwilling to indulge that part of himself. Perhaps that is it…

Perhaps I could introduce the concept, and find a release for all this aggression at the same time. But how would I





“Yo Crystal! The guys are over!” shouted Shining Armor’s familiar voice.

Sombra paused mid-sentence, his pen lifting from the page as his face scrunched up in anger. He detested being interrupted, but stowed away that tiny bit of anger, pushing it down somewhere deep inside. It took several seconds for Sombra to sort out his emotions, but when he did, he rose from his desk and closed the book sitting atop it.

Slim, with a black cover, and a simple buckle around the middle, it contained recountings of nearly every day since Sombra’s arrival. Though a security risk that if found would ruin him, Sombra was confident it would not fall into the hooves of others. For he had a special way of ensuring that didn't happen, a magical way at that.

His horn lit up, and then a black crystal suddenly grew around the tome, sealing it inside. He clopped a hoof against it and was satisfied when the crystal remained unblemished. Able to be destroyed only by his magic, the crystal was the perfect security device to keep his diary safe.

“Enough dawdling,” Sombra chastised himself.

The unicorn pulled open a drawer and dropped the crystal inside. He then used a quick spell to lock it securely before adding a magical trap that would give anyone who tried to open it a nasty shock. He considered making the effect lethal, but that wouldn't be worth the effort, he decided.

So the male gathered up his campaign notes, and bag of dice, and began to walk over to the door of his room. A sidelong glance stopped him dead in his tracks, the king’s gaze landing on his own slightly warped reflection. The disguise remained identical to the last time he had used it, yet it looked off for some reason.

“Look at you,” Sombra muttered aloud. “A king a conqueror, a ruler, now nothing more than a house guest and student.”

Sombra sighed. “It's just a vacation, that's all.”

With those rather hollow words rolling around in his head, he trotted out the door, and down the steps. Pausing briefly to glance into Twilight's room, Sombra noticed that the mare was, as usual, nose deep in a book. He gave the other pony no mind and merely continued on, trotting down the many steps to the first floor of the home.

There he passed by the family room, where Night Light sat, newspaper draped over his face, snoring loudly. To the left, in the living room, stood Twilight Velvet, the mare doing some manner of aerobic activity advertised to middle-aged ponies. It was ridiculous and brought a smile to Sombra’s lips though he quickly walked out of sight, pushing the thought from his mind.

Walking through one door, Sombra paused in the narrow hallway, noting that he could hear a lively conversation just beyond. He passed by the coat room and paused, placing an ear against the entrance to the garage.

“So she's still busting your balls over playing with us?” asked Spearhead, the male’s voice lowered slightly.

“Yeah. She thinks it's a dumb board game, and that I should be doing something else,” Shining Armor replied.

“But it's not a board game,” Knight pointed out.

“I keep telling her that but she doesn't get it. She just says it's a game you play on the table, so it's a board game,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“But wouldn't that make it a tabletop game?” Spearhead muttered, confused.

Shining Armor groaned. “I know right?”

Sombra chuckled to himself, and pulled open the door, stepping inside. “Ahh good, you're all here on time I see,” he greeted.

“It was one time, dude,” Spearhead whined.

“I simply believe in being prompt,” Crystal Throne declared.

“No kidding. I thought you were gonna bite that waiter’s head off the last time we went out for dinner with everyone,” Shining Armor retorted.

Sombra wanted to explode, and insult the stallion but resisted that urge. “I am simply used to my dinner being served promptly, that is all,” Crystal throne stated.

“Anyway,” Knight offered.

Sombra bit back the urge to prove how correct he was and focused on simply sitting down at the table. Which lay directly before him, and occupied a good section of what had been designed to serve as a multi-carriage garage. The family only had one such vehicle, however, and it was parked off to the right, allowing Shining Armor to take over the rest of the area.

There were a few couches, a bookshelf occupied entirely by rule books and games, a fridge stuffed with pop. Posters covered the walls, replica swords and suits of armor copied from favorite books hung next to them or sat on ponyquins nearby. It was dark, lit only by a couple of candles and the lone window on the far wall, but the group could see enough.

The table was illuminated well, and everyone could see the character sheets that sat before them. The ambiance was rather nice, Sombra had to admit, though it reminded him a bit too much like the dungeon of his old castle. Still, it suited Shining Armor, and if Sombra was being honest, it was rather charming in a way.

“Now then,” Crystal Throne began, seating himself at the head of the ratty old table. “Where did we leave off?”

Shining Armor pulled out his notes. “I think we were just about to head into the lost mines of Pendelhaven in search of the stone of eternity.”

“Yeah, we were trying to stop that evil queen of the dragons from going back in time, and killing the king of Vaalia,” Knight added.

“Which is a bit weird though right,” Spearhead muttered, scratching his chin. “I mean, if she went back in time wouldn't she see herself, or would she go back then end up in an alternate reality?”

“Don't think about it too much, you might hurt yourself,” Shining Armor teased.

Spearhead snorted. “I’m just wondering what kind of rules were working with here. Does time travel create paradoxes? What about the grandfather problem? Isn't there a chance that she stops the events that lead to her conception?”

Crystal Throne groaned and ran a hoof down his face. “That's not how time travel works at all.”

“Your pretty smart, why don't you tell us how it works then,” Spearhead offered.

Sombra was about to retort with some manner of insult but chose not to as Spearhead’s tone was oddly complimentary. Not only that but he was looking at Sombra with an expectant look, clearly hoping for an answer to his question. The other two players mirrored his expression, to varying degrees of interest.

“Alright,” Crystal Throne conceded, grabbing one of the miniatures from the table, as well as an extra piece of paper. “Time is a straight line, a constant, and upon it sits everything in existence.”

Sombra drew a long line across the page and placed the miniature on it somewhere near the end.

“If someone leaves that point in the timeline they aren't anywhere else in the timeline,” Sombra picked up the miniature and dropped it further down. “There is only one instance of them at any point.”

“But… what,” Knight muttered, scratching his head.

“It's best not to think about it,” Crystal Throne warned. “Time travel is messy, weird, and involves far too much math for anyone’s liking.”

“Blech, math,” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Is that how it really works? I thought time travel was impossible,” Shining Armor declared. “Starswirl wrote that-”

“Starswirl was a blowhard who took credit for discoveries not his own!” Crystal Throne all but shouted, only to cough and sit back down. “Or at least that's what I’ve heard anyway.”

“Right so, back to the game. Where exactly did we leave off?” Knight asked.

“You were about to enter the mines, and had paused outside to rest,” Crystal Throne hastily stated, eager to change the topic.

“Oh yeah. That's where we found that creepy message carved above the entrance. What did it say again?” Spearhead asked, clopping his hoof against the table.

“Beware all who enter here, death waits within,” Shining Armor replied.

“That one kinda got me,” Knight admitted.

“So, what do you do?” Crystal Throne asked.

“We should make a plan, and start looking for traps,” Shining Armor declared.

“Right, and I’ll start preparing some countermeasures for mind magic, since every dungeon Crystal runs have to have some of that,” Spearhead offered.

“It does…” Crystal stopped and frowned. “Carry on.”





“Woah, now that was a plot twist,” Spearhead muttered.

“No kidding,” Shining Armor added while dumping a load of dice into a bag.

“I never would have thought that our guide would have ended up being the big bad of the mines,” Knight remarked.

Sombra drank the compliments in silence, his attention focused mainly on cleaning up the remnants of the game. While he did, he also mentally congratulated himself for remembering such an obscure part of history so well. The dragon queen had, in reality, been where he had acquired the temporal travel spell in the first place.

Though names and events were changed or switched around they were largely playing out real events. No history book spoke of what occurred back then, he had made sure of that, so the chance of discovering his identity was non-existent. Though using such events as fodder for a game may be seen as cheating by some, Sombra thought it was rather fitting.

One last embarrassment for that turncoat of an ally. Sombra thought to himself.

“You alright there, dude?” Spearhead asked.

Sombra blinked, the stallion finding himself alone with the other male, with Shining Armor and Knight having already left. The pair could still be heard in the distance as they walked towards the entrance to the house though it was distant. Upon realizing how limited his company was, Sombra couldn't help but peer a little closer at Spearhead.

The stallion was tall, well built, and quite attractive, with a prominent jaw as well as a decent sense of style. Though not intelligent enough in Sombra’s opinion to serve as a proper partner or advisor, he was suited for another role. One that he would do quite well at considering his toned, generous flanks, and athletic physique.

“Yes, just… thinking,” Crystal Throne murmured.

“Ahh cool, cool,” Spearhead remarked, a blush crossing his face. “So I was uh, kinda wondering what you may be up to this weekend?”

Sombra raised an eyebrow. “Are you asking me out?”

“Well uh, maybe?” Spearhead muttered, scratching the back of his neck. “I always knew I was bi, but never really went out with another guy before. Your like, really hot though.”

Sombra made a show of considering the proposal before nodding. “I accept your offer.”

“Woah, really? Aww crap, I didn't think you’d say yes,” Spearhead stammered. “Now I gotta think about what we should do.”

“Well, you have a few days. Meet me here, seven o clock, Saturday,” Crystal Throne stated.

“I promise I won't be late!” Spearhead declared.

“See to it that you are not, and Spearhead,” Crystal Throne continued.

“Uh yeah, dude?” Spearhead muttered.

Sombra reached forward and pulled the other stallion into a sudden kiss.

“Wear that cute ascot,” Crystal Throne whispered huskily.

“Y-yes, sir!” Spearhead stuttered.
> Hail To The Chief
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sombra, still disguised as Crystal Throne, trotted down the sidewalk at a slow, leisurely pace. In his telekinetic grip he held the mostly eaten remnants of what had been a rather towering pile of ice cream. Nude, save for a simple reddish orange scarf cast around his shoulders, the stallion was unbothered by the occasional cool breeze rolling in from the north.

His companion, Spearhead wore something similar to the other male, a red and white ascot that was tied proudly around his neck. He wasn't quite so impervious to the cool breeze as Sombra, but he hid his occasional shiver by taking a sip from his warm drink. Temporarily distracted, the slightly oafish male stared up at the newly emerged night sky, marveling at the many stars visible.

Sombra wasn't quite so keen to star gaze, and instead cast his gaze to the side, eying up his date. Looking at him made Sombra feel rather disappointed, but still intrigued, though Spearhead wasn't aware of any of this.

“That sure was something, huh?” Spearhead offered. “I’ve always loved that place but I think you enjoyed the food there even more then I did when I was a kid.”

Sombra stifled a blush and coughed into his hoof. “Yes well. Back home we didn't have the oil necessary to deep fry anything, nor the dairy to produce such a delectable treat such as this.”

Spearhead chuckled. “Well I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. Shame the theatre wasn't open. I heard that the ‘Crystal King’ was quite the tale. Did you know its even based on a historical battle the princesses fought like, a thousand years ago?”

“I was indeed aware of the propogandist nature of that little show,” Sombra muttered bitterly. “Though to say it was based on fact would strain credulity in the extreme.”

“Well I’ll trust you on that one. You do know your history,” Spearhead replied, oblivious to Sombra’s silently seething resentment.

The disguised king cooled his hatred by consuming the last of his icecream, and walking in silence. The stiff breeze, and general quiet of the affluent neighborhood did much to silence the angry screaming echoing in Sombra’s head. By the time they reached the end of the road, and gazed upon Sparkle manor, Sombra’s rage was more or less gone.

Replaced by cold calculation, as well as a simmering desire that was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

“Whelp, here we are,” Spearhead proclaimed, stopping at the front gate of Sombra’s temporary home. “Sorry if I might have been a bit awkward back there. I don't go on many dates.”

“You were quite sweet,” Sombra replied, biting back his initial urge to add ‘and a total bufoon’.

“Aww shucks. I try… very hard,” Spearhead muttered, pausing to clear his throat. “Anyway, I best be going before it gets too late. Got homework to do.”

“Don't go quite yet,” Sombra declared, touching Spearhead on the shoulder. “You have yet to receive your kiss goodnight.”

“Oh uh I didn't want to assume or anything,” Spearhead muttered.

Sombra grinned and leaned forward, planting a firm, wet kiss on the other stallion’s lips. It lasted several seconds before Spearhead began to pull away, only to be yanked forward by Sombra’s aura. Forcing open Spearhead’s mouth, Sombra dove in, tantalizing the confused and melting male with an intense, but brief make out session.

A moment later and Spearhead was released, the stallion staggering backward, blinking rapidly.

“I uh. Wow that was… a lot. Thanks,” Spearhead muttered.

“Do not thank me yet,” Sombra purred.

“What do you mean?” Spearhead asked.

Sombra rolled his eyes. “I believe this is the point you ask if you can return with me, and acquire coffee.”

“I mean I could go for a cup… if you’re offering,” Spearhead remarked.

“That is a possibility, but now that I’m thinking about it I have a much better idea,” Sombra exclaimed.

“Oh, like what?” Spearhead asked.

“I believe as though we should practice our magic,” Sombra grinned.

“Oh uh, I’m not sure how much I could help with that,” Spearhead offered, gesturing over his scalp where there was a distinct lack of horn.

“Come now. A mage or not, even you could help me test a few spells. Like say, a sound proofing enchantment,” Sombra offered, stepping closer. “Or perhaps a lubrication spell.”

Sombra breathed deeply, and leaned upward, whispering into the other stallion’s ear. “Or maybe even a bit of healing magic to ease the bruises and exhaustion that is sure to come.”

Spearhead shuddered, his one eye twitching. “That sounds… great. I love helping.”

“Thats a good boy,” Sombra whispered, running a hoof down Spearhead’s cheek. “Now come on, lets get up to my room before I run out of patience and take you right here.”

“Uh wait a sec. Are you sure we should… you know? I’ve never exactly done… it,” Spearhead muttered while blushing profusely.

“Are you turning me down?” Sombra teased.

“No!” Spearhead cleared his throat and repeated himself in a lower volume. “I mean, no. Lead the way.”

Sombra chuckled and turned around, lightly smacking Spearhead across the face with his tail in the process. Ignoring the fact that his companion was not following after him, Sombra continued up the path towards the manor. Sure enough, Spearhead hastily jogged after him when hefinally picked his jaw up off the ground.

As he walked, Sombra glanced up to the large windows of Shining Armor’s room, noting that candle light was visible within. The rest of the house had only faint illumination, likely magical in origin given that it did not resemble the flicker of fire. This indicated that Shining Armor was in his room, likely studying, while the rest of the family was still awake and probably relaxing.

Sombra confirmed this upon opening the door to the house and stepping inside. Immediately he heard the tell tale sound of conversation from somewhere to his right. After wiping his hooves, Sombra continued deeper into the home, casting a sidelong glance as he did so.

Sure enough, he saw the familiar shapes of Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, and Night Light. The three ponies were hunched over a board game of some kind while the master of the house reveiwed a book of rules. The two mares present seemed to be in an argument over something, but Sombra paid them no mind and simply pressed on.

Spearhead seemed ready to greet the Sparkle family, only to think better of it when he noticed Sombra had not done so. Without saying a word, the ascot wearing stallion trotted after his date, joining him on the second floor. As they went up the stairs Spearhead took note that the steps seemed abnormally loud for some reason.

Each one of Crystal Throne’s steps resounded throughout the house, as if the other male was attempting to alert everyone to his presence. Regardless of the reason, Spearhead didn't inquire further, as his attention had been firmly stolen by the shapely behind before him. Sculpted as if from granit, the unicorn’s posterior didn't invite itself to be viewed, but rather it demanded viewership.

Spearhead was barely even aware of what was happening until they suddenly came to a halt. The slightly confused stallion nearly ran face first into his date’s backside, only stopping at the last second before that could happen.

“Now where is it,” Crystal Throne murmured.

Spearhead blinked, and watched as his date rummaged around inside of his scarf as if looking for something. “Watcha lose?” Spearhead asked.

“I did not lose anything,” Crystal Throne retorted. “I merely misplaced my key.”

“Why would you even lock the door anyway? The Sparkles are like… the most trust worthy ponies around,” Spearhead inquired.

“I know, and I trust them considerably. Its merely an old habit. Helps me sleep,” Crystal Throne, his tone a little louder then what was necessary.

Spearhead wasn't quite sure why his date was speaking in such a manner, but his unspoken questions were forgotten a moment later. As the door popped open a moment later, a key having been located within some hidden fold of Crystal Throne’s scarf. Once more greeted with the rather enticing sight of the other male’s backside, Spearhead didn't notice the sound of hooves nearby.

Only a few feet away behind the door to his room stood Shining Armor, a confused look on his face. Peering through the crack, he watched as Crystal Throne, and Spearhead disappeared into the unicorn’s room. Though he had wanted to great them, and ask how their date went, something held Shining Armor back.

The sensation felt almost like jealousy, or was it envy? Regardless, Shining Armor felt awkward, and unsure of himself so he had resisted the urge to leave his room. Instead, he simply observed the pair before trotting back to his bed and sitting down.

“I should probably keep studying,” Shining Armor muttered.

The stallion glanced over at his desk and all the work covering it, only to stop when he heard something. Standing up, Shining Armor trotted over to the wall and after a moment of hesitation, pressed his ear against the wood.

“Wow, this is pretty nice,” Spearhead remarked aloud, glancing about Sombra’s room. “You’ve never actually let any of us see what you did with the place.”

“Like I said, I enjoy my privacy,” Sombra muttered, ears twitching.

The shuftling of hooves could be heard just behind the wall separating his room from Shining Armor’s. The noise made Sombra grin, and he glanced over to Spearhead as the male inspected a pile of metal set aside for an experiment. After taking in the young male’s physique one final time, Sombra released a shuddering sigh, relishing what was about to happen.

Taking someone’s virginity was always a pleasant experience, especially when that person was as eager to please as Spearhead seemed to be. Sombra rolled the pleasant taste of desire, and arousal around in his mouth for a moment before stepping forward. A firm hoof grabbed Spearhead and forced him to face Sombra, a question springing to the younger male’s lips.

Spearhead was not able to utter his inquiry, however, as Sombra had already silenced him with a kiss. It deepened a moment later, with Sombra dominating the other pony in a visceral manner that left Spearhead as aroused as he was confused. He had never thought he would be made so powerless, or that he would enjoy being made so quite as much as he did.

Sombra pulled back, smiling at the way Spearhead’s lips followed after Sombra’s own, eager to meet once more. The disguised unicorn leaned forward, and nipped at his partner’s neck, drawing a shuddering moan from the other male. Sombra continued to bite, and kiss his way down Spearhead’s neck, horn glowing faintly as he worked the various spells.

A locking spell was first to be completed, ensuring that noone interrupted his bit of fun. After that he conjured a bit of lube, and dropped the bottle on the end table next to his bed, ready to be used. The final enchantment was the most complicated of the bunch, as it was a blanket silence though with one small, purposeful defect. 

A flash of light signaled its completion, with Sombra’s uniquely colored magic washing over the entire room. All save for a small circular section on the wall that separated his own room from that of Shining Armor’s. Placed perfectly above the other stallion’s desk, there was little doubt in Sombra’s mind that his plan would work.

With the final piece done, all the time displaced king had to do was actually enjoy himself. Which was absolutely his favorite step, as it meant he could finally blow off the steam that had been accumulating for what felt like months. With that in mind, he quickly made his way back up to Spearhead’s lips, planting a passionate kiss that left the other male reeling.

Spearhead’s confusion turned to surprise when he suddenly found himself shoved backward onto the bed. The moment his butt hit the soft pillowtop his panic vanished and he wondered briefly how he had been moved so far without noticing. Then he saw a hungry looking Crystal Throne approaching him and all such thought fled his mind in a rush.

“Dude, you are like… so intense. I kind of like it,” Spearhead muttered.

“Only kind of?” Sombra teased.

Spearhead chuckled nervously. “I didn't think I’d like it this much but wow you are really good at this.”

“You haven't seen anything yet,” Sombra purred.

Sombra stepped nimbly between Spearhead’s legs, and gently, but firmly, pulled them apart to reveal the male’s erection. The sight of the turgid tower of stallion cock gave Sombra pause, and caused the time traveling king to grin. He was big, just as Sombra suspected, though not so big that special accommodations would be required.

“Uh dude, you alright? Its not too big is it? I’m larger then average but only by a few inches I think,” Spearhead muttered.

“Oh no. Not at all,” Sombra exclaimed. “In fact it suits you rather well. Big, but not too big. Thick, but not too thick. Perfect for what I have planned.”

“Are you still talking about my dick?” Spearhead murmured absently.

Sombra ignored the comment, and knelt down between the other male’s legs, tongue already running across his lips. Spearhead had just long enough to peek over his stomach and down to Crystal Throne before Sombra lurched forward. Taking nearly half of Spearhead’s cock in a single go sent the confused young pony into a state of startled shock.

A set of emotions he was becoming quite used to at this point.

What Spearhead wasn't used to was the sensation of having his dick somewhere warm, wet, and tight. His balls churned, his cock twitched and a slightly effeminate moan slipped past Spearhead’s lips. The noise made Sombra smirk, and pause there for a moment, licking the underside of his the other male’s cock.

He then swiftly pulled back and lapped at the head of Spearhead’s dick, relishing the taste of pre on his tongue. Sweet, heedy, with plenty of salt, it was just as delicious as Sombra assumed it would be. Not only that, but he knew his newest pet would cum buckets when Sombra allowed him to reach completion.

That wouldn't be terribly far in the future, but Sombra didn't mind, the dry spell had heightened his own pleasure as well. So much so that he coulde feel his own dick twitching excitedly against his chest, pinned between himself and the bed. Sombra ignored his own appendage at the moment however, and focused completely on Spearhead’s.

Lavishing it in kisses, while stroking the section closest to Spearhead’s crotch, Sombra was quickly able to tease out another moan. Judging from the tonal shift between the most recent grunt and the last Spearhead was clearly enjoying himself. Not only that, but he wouldn't last very long, meaning Sombra couldn't tease him too much, at least not yet anyway.

With a small grin on his face, Sombra raised his head, and in a single long, fluid motion, swallowed the fat orange cock. He didn't bat an eye at taking the thing all the way to the base, though his barely existent gag reflex did flare up for a moment. It was quickly subdued with well practiced intent however, pushed out of Sombra’s mind so firmly that it wasn't even a memory.

There Sombra remained for several long seconds, simply enjoying the sensations assaulting his senses. The heedy aroma of lust, the taste of dick, the sounds of his lover’s pleasure, it all made for a wonderful appetizer. It was only the beginning however, Sombra reminded himself, one he would need to cut short soon lest his partner enjoy himself a bit too much.

With a lurch, Sombra fell backwards, letting the stallion cock fall from his mouth. Standing tall, and glistening with spit, the towering pillar of maleness was an enticing sight. One that Sombra was quick to jump on, both literally and metaphorically.

The dark mage wasn't so hasty that he forgot the lube however, and using his magic he levitated the bottle over to him. He then looked down on the other pony, and couldn't help but feel a desire to impress the already stunned male a little more. So instead of depositing the glistening liquid on Spearhead’s cock, Sombra dumped it into his mouth.

“What is…” Spearhead began, though he couldn't complete the thought.

As Sombra had already leaned forward and wrapped his lips around the other male’s cock. The time displaced king then repeated the motion he had taken a moment earlier, dropping his head all the way down. Until his lips pressed against Spearhead’s crotch and cock stuffed Sombra’s throat completely.

He didn't linger there however, and immediately pulled back, making sure to apply a generous amount of lube as he did so. Only a few seconds after he had taken the slippery liquid into his maw, Sombra sat up, and looked down at his handiworked. Spearhead was shuddering in ecstasy, his moans turning into half mumbled nonsense. More importantly the virile young male had a thick layer of lube covering his turgid appendage.

Sombra licked his lips and leaned forward, allowing what little of the stuff that was left in his mouth to dribble down. Where it splashed against the twitching head of Spearhead’s dick, causing another tremor to run through the male.

“Holy fuck dude,” Spearhead muttered. “I know we’re only getting started or whatever but that was amazing.”

“Then prepare to have your mind blown,” Sombra retorted with a smirk.

The time displaced king didn't give his lover a moment to consider his words, as he was already in motion. Rising up from the bed, Sombra deftly gripped his lover’s cock in his magic, guiding it towards his asshole while getting into position. With the deftness of someone who had done it a thousand times, Sombra stood up, placed the cock against his hole and sat back down.

Sure enough, the already slick appendage slid right into Sombra’s opening, pushing its way inside with only a shred of resistance. Sinking lower, Sombra shifted his legs, and adjusted his position so he was a bit more comfortable. While he did so, he also took a moment to glance down at his partner, enjoying the pleasurable sensations flooding his system.

Spearhead was biting back a moan, while one eyelid fluttered and the other stayed firmly open. Though he looked ridiculous, and Sombra was tempted to laugh at him, it was also a pleasant sight. Sombra had the other male firmly beneath his hoof, and it wouldn't take much for the king to assert his dominance after that night.

With that thought in mind, Sombra chose to slow himself, and gently slide his way down his partner’s cock. The feeling was immensely pleasurable, so much so that even Sombra couldn't help but release a small moan. Spearhead remained relatively silent however, the pony biting his bottom lip so hard it nearly drew blood.

Rolling his eyes, Sombra fixed his partner with a firm look. “You know you can be as loud as you want. I made sure to cast the silence spell,” Sombra remarked.

“Really?” Spearhead muttered.

“Would I lie to you?” Sombra asked back.

Spearhead considered it for only a moment before releasing a long moan followed by a half whispered. “Oh fuck you’re tight,” under his breathe.

“That was good, but I want you to be louder!” Sombra barked, dropping his butt down another few inches, taking Spearhead’s cock all the way to the medial ring.

“Fuck you are tight!” Spearhead exclaimed. “You feel so good. I never thought it would be this amazing.”

“Tell me how much you love it,” Sombra demanded.

The king grinned, and ground his hips in a wide circle while waiting for Spearhead to gather himself. Sombra’s relatively smaller cock dangled in the air, dribbling pre down on Spearhead’s chest, clumping in his fur. Spearhead didn't care, and neither did Sombra, the small feeling of inadequacy being buried beneath a mountain of dominance.

“You’re great. Amazing even! Sex with you is better than I could have ever dreamed,” Spearhead blurted. “I wish we did this way sooner!”

Sombra grinned, gripping that feeling of dominance, of control, as surely as he gripped his partner’s cock. With that confidence filling him with vitality, Sombra shifted backward, pausing just before he let himself slip over the edge.

“Don't stifle your moans and don't resist the urge to cry out,” Sombra declared. “You wouldn't want me to feel unwanted or unappreciated. Do you?”

“No sir!” Spearhead shouted.

“Then just lie back and let me handle everything,” Sombra purred in a low tone.

Again Sombra didn't wait for his words to sink in, the male pushing forward before Spearhead could even muster a response. Dropping his hips, Sombra felt his butt hit the soft, toned flanks of his partner. There he rested for only a moment, shifting his position and grinding his hips against Spearhead’s crotch.

Then, when he had moved into a better spot that gave him more leverage, Sombra lurched forward. Lifting nearly completely up, off the other stallion, Sombra didn't hesitate and fell right back down again. With a thump, their bodies connected once more, shocking Spearhead slightly by the weight Crystal had put behind it.

He was a tough guy however, so Spearhead didn't complain, merely laying back and watching as Crystal Throne rode him. And ride him Sombra did, bouncing up and down on the other stallion’s length at an almost break neck speed. There was no build up, no slow assent to the height of pleasure, merely a slight adjustment phase as Sombra got used to the position.

Then it was off to the races, with Sombra slamming his hips down repeatedly, asshole easily swallowing the other male’s cock. The intense pleasure tempted Sombra to grip his own erection and begin tugging on it but he knew he didn't need to do that. Too much time spent celibate had heightened the pleasure to truly ludicerious levels, making any extra effort largely unneeded.

Just the feeling of having his hole plundered by such a thing, long and powerful cock was enough for him. It didn't hurt that Sombra was in complete and absolute control, a position that heightened the ecstasy he felt to truly ludicrous levels. Normally such a spike would cause him to slow down, to ride things out and let the haze of lust pass over him slowly.

Now was not a normal time however, and Sombra ran straight for the end result, knowing full well it wouldn't take long to reach. Spearhead certainly didn't let up throughout, the stallion moaning, grunting and occasionaly crying out. His ability to dirty talk was not quite up to Sombra’s standards, but it would do for now, decided the king.

With his forehooves placed against Spearhead’s chest Sombra rode away, hips audibly thudding each time he bottomed out. Each thrust was deep, powerful and only made possible by experience, and a well toned body made for this moment. Though Spearhead himself was unused to such things he adapted quickly, bracing himself each time Sombra descended down his cock.

Over and over Sombra imapled himself on the fat dick wedged deep inside his hole. Each time another spark of pleasure shot through his brain, activating neurons that had gone unused for too long. So intense was the feeling that Sombra could sense that it wouldn't be long before he came to his first orgasm.

One look down at Spearhead’s face revealed that the other male wouldn't be far either. The pony’s tongue hung from his mouth and his already terrible dirty talk had been reduced to gibberish. A change that would have earned himself a stern retort from Sombra, had he not been seconds away from an anal only orgasm.

“I’m close Crystal!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Do it, cum for me. I demand it!” Sombra shouted, pressing his hoof down hard against Spearhead’s chest.

“Hnnngh, here it comes!” Spearhead replied a moment later.

Sombra grinned, and pushed himself even harder then before, determined to milk the handsome stallion for all he had. The displaced king’s efforts were not wasted for after only a few more bounces, Spearhead came and came hard. The younger pony went rigid, hips thrusting upward in an attempt to bury himself as deep as possible in Sombra’s hole.

An urge Sombra was happy to oblidge, slamming his hips down one final time and impaling himself fully. A moment later Spearhead flared, and began to pump what felt like a small flood of semen directly into Sombra’s guts. The moment that first wave shot inside of him, Sombra came, his cock spurting thick potent ropes across Spearhead’s chest.

Over and over the pair came, with Spearhead laying as stiff as a board while Sombra relaxed as much as he was able. Together they rode out their orgasm, with Sombra finding himself delightfully surprised by the sheer virility of his partner. Not only was he above average in length, and width, but Spearhead also seemed intent on stuffing Sombra with jizz.

Long before that could actually happen, his orgasm began to peter out and finally stopped. Sombra himself had long since finished but still enjoyed the feeling of so much cum sloshing around inside of himself. He would never say so outloud, but it was one of his favorite parts of the entire event.

“Woah,” Spearhead muttered. “That was intense. I don't think I’ve cum so much in my entire life.”

“Well I hope you have more left in you because we are far from done,” Sombra pressed.

“Err what? Shouldn't we take a break or something?” Spearhead replied.

“Do you want to stop?” Sombra asked, fixing his partner with a firm look.

“No way!” Spearhead declared. “But I can't ya know. Get it up right away. Refractory period and all that.”

“No need to fret. I can handle that,” Sombra stated.

With a flash of his horn, Spearhead’s slowly softening cock began to harden once more.

“Oh dang. That kinda stings a bit but wow I am ready to go again,” Spearhead declared.

“Now the real training begins,” Sombra proclaimed.

“Training?” Spearhead asked.

“You didn't think you were supposed to last less then five minutes did you?” Sombra retorted.

“Err no but you didn't either so-”

“That is beside the point,” Sombra interrupted. “I expect you to be loud, proud and to carry your weight from here on out.”

Spearhead grinned. “Sir yes sir!”





Spearhead stumbled out of the door, and turned around, legs trembling so bad they barely seemed able to hold him up.

“That was…” Spearhead paused and shuddered. “Wow, just wow.”

Sombra smirked, leaning against the door frame. “Good to hear you enjoyed yourself.”

“You sure seemed to as well. Though I promise next time I’ll be even better,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“Who said there was going to be a next time?” Sombra shot.

Spearhead blanched. “What but I thought you said-”

“I am teasing you,” Sombra interrupted, leaning forward and planting a kiss on the other male’s lips. “Now get out of here. Before the Sparkles begin to wonder why you stayed so late.”

“Err right,” Spearhead muttered. “Goodnight.”

Sombra smirked as he watched the other male trot away, his path somewhat imperfect as he strayed too far in either direction. After nearly knocking a vase from its perch, the male reached the stairs and proceed downward, pausing to give Sombra a smile. A gesture Sombra returned, though not quite as enthusiastically as Spearhead.

Once out of sight, Sombra waited until he heard the entrance to the home close before continuing with his plan.

“I better get cleaned up,” he proclaimed a bit louder then what was necessary.

Sombra then stepped forward, and with loud, confident steps, made his way toward the closest bathroom. As he did so, he made sure to let his tailswish back and forth, ensuring any would be veiwer got a good look at his backside. Which was spattered in a thin layer of cum that grew thicker the closer it got to his asshole. 

There it gathered in a large, oozing river that dribbled down Sombra’s legs, thoroughly ruining his fur. Sombra didn't mind though, nor did he mind the fact that his hole gaped somewhat each time a blob of jizz slipped out of him. He even squeezed out a bit extra just to put on a show in case a certain someone was observing him through the crack in his door.

Once in the bathroom, Sombra closed the door behind him, and turned on the water. With a smile on his face and satisfaction in his heart, Sombra started the long process of cleaning himself up. Shining Armor however, was thinking something very different, as a hoof grasped as his cock, the pony considering the possibility of masterbating.

The scene was so hot, the noises so specific that Shining Armor couldn't help but imagine what had happened. Sure he had been tempted to put a stop to it, to add his own layer of silence but something stopped him. A curiosity, accompanied by a mostly stifled urge that he hadn't felt in years had made him abandon his homework.

Instead of reading, the male had sat with one ear against the wall, listening to the violent interource happening only a few feet away. Now that it was over, Shining Armor wondered if he should enjoy himself, maybe while thinking of Crystal Throne. Then he realized just how debauched his own thoughts were, and with a firm shake of his head, Shining Armor dismissed the notion entirely.

“That wouldn't be right,” he muttered. “Though I mean it was kind of hot.”

“No,” Shining Armor whispered to himself. “I can't do that, and if it ever happens again I’ll cast my own silence spell.”

He paused, and bit his lip. 

“Maybe I should apologize to them for accidentally listening in?” Shining Armor asked noone.

“No,” Shining Armor repeated. “That would be awkward. Just gotta focus on homework, and make sure I give them privacy next time.”

“Right… next time,” Shining Armor muttered.
> Sidestepping
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spearhead trotted down the street at a hurried pace, ascot wrapped tight about his neck. The thin piece of fabric did little to ward away the bitter wind that blew in from the north but he didn't mind. Keeping the cloth close to him, he turned sharply and jogged down the sidewalk toward a distant cafe.

Above him, the wind continued to howl, though it did nothing to banish the omnipresent fog that clung to everything. Canterlot was far greyer than usual, and it felt like it may begin raining at any moment. As such there were few ponies brave enough to tread the streets, or at least not without some kind of rain gear at least.

Spearhead didn't mind too much, and quickly pushed his way inside the small cafe. Pausing in the entrance, he took a moment to slick back his mane, and do a quick once over his appearance. With that done, he began to look around the rather dimly lit room, searching for a few familiar shapes.

Sure enough the three ponies he was hoping to find were sitting in their usual spot at the back, right next to the bathroom. It wasn't the most glamorous of locations, but that was where the sole booth was located, and thus it was chosen for its relative privacy. 

Spearhead passed by the many delicious-looking sweets and the bored look of the young earth pony stallion behind the counter. Normally the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and donuts would entice him at least a little, but not today. Plunking down in the booth next to Knight Night, Spearhead looked around expectantly, noting that both Shining Armor and Cadance had already ordered.

“What I miss?” Spearhead asked.

“Nothing much. Cadance is just trying to get more dirt on Crystal again,” Knight Night remarked.

“I am not. I’m just… curious as to what he's been up to,” Cadance retorted, the alicorn taking a sip of some incredibly sweet-smelling tea.

“I don't know why you do this babe,” Shining Armor added. “The guy’s a little willful but honestly that's not a bad quality to have. Stars know we could all learn to be a bit more forceful. Like, say with Celestia’s classes for instance.”

Cadance winced. “I can't just say no to her. Plus I need those extra training sessions. I’m going to be a princess one day, Shiny.”

“Yeah but in the meantime, you’re still just one of us common folk,” Shining Armor pointed out.

“Just a slob like one of us,” Knight Night added.

“Just a stranger on the bus,” Spearhead picked up.

“You know I love any song that talks about Celestia just being a normal pony but you also know I hate songs that imply she has some sort of divinity,” Cadance interrupted.

“Oh come it's just a fun song. Lighten up babe,” Shining Armor chided.

“How can I relax when I’ve got more classes than someone going for a double major, and my boyfriend is being hypnotized by a dark magic user,” Cadance asked incredulously.

“Woah that was kind of out of nowhere,” Knight Night muttered.

“Yeah, Crystal has never used dark magic,” Spearhead retorted.

“But his horn. You don't get a horn like that without using dark magic,” Cadance declared.

“The house would know if he used dark magic, plus you know that's not a definitive indicator that someone used any forbidden spells,” Shining Armor stated. 

“Yeah. Only that someone in his family has,” Spearhead added.

“Oh come on you guys. He shows up out of nowhere, with like, the shadiest backstory ever and  immediately inserts himself into our lives. You aren't saying that’s not the least bit weird?” Cadance alleged. “Have you ever even heard of Stratsburg before?”

“Look. I get that you’re going to be a princess and thus are way more important then us peons but not everyone is an assassin,” Spearhead growled, jabbing a hoof at Cadance.

“Guys let’s not fight,” Knight Night tried to interrupt.

“I’m not saying he's an assassin per se, just that it's weird you know. Like, why won't he let me use a lie detector spell on him?” Cadance asked.

“Now you know that's not fair,” Shining Armor tried to mediate. “A zone of truth is an invasive, and-”

“Would you let Crystal use one on you?” Spearhead accused.

“Well, I-” Cadance muttered.

“Didn't think so,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“Why are you defending him so badly anyway?” Cadance pressed, raising an eyebrow. “A few weeks ago when we talked about this last you were okay with doing some more digging on him.”

“That was before I really got to know him. Something you should really consider doing,” Spearhead retorted.

The stallion then crossed his hooves over his chest and sat back in the booth, glaring at Cadance.

“Augh,” groaned Cadance. “I don't get why you all run defense for him so much he's clearly a creep.”

“Who’s a creep?” asked Crystal Throne.

All eyes turned to the disguised Sombra as he walked up to the table.

“Noone. Don't worry about it,” Cadance dismissed.

“Cadance was complaining about you again,” Spearhead remarked.

“Typical. I assume you defended my honor?” Crystal inquired, glancing at Spearhead expectantly.

“Of course. I have gotten to know you pretty well recently,” Spearhead replied.

“My knight in shining armor,” purred Crystal.

The disguised king then leaned forward and planted a brief kiss on the other stallion’s lips. The kiss was then repeated, and deepened, with a hoof wrapping around a confused Spearhead’s neck. With nowhere else to go, the athletic male made out with Sombra until finally being released a few seconds later.

“Squish over, would you?” Sombra asked.

Spearhead nodded mutely, making way for his partner to sit down next to him in the booth.

“Now then what were…” Sombra paused, and looked around, noting that everyone was staring at him with mixed expressions.

Knight Night seemed disappointed, and slightly guilty, the stallion avoiding Sombra’s gaze. Cadance was withdrawn, her expression hardening, her shoulders squaring up to Sombra. Shining Armor just looked confused, but Sombra could detect a hidden arousal from the blush on his cheeks. The disguised king could also tell that the other male was also a bit curious, his gaze flicking between Spearhead and Sombra.

“What?” Sombra asked.

“You’ve only been here for what, two months?” Cadance hissed.

“Relax. It's not like were getting married or anything,” Spearhead quickly interjected.

At the mention of marriage, Cadance glanced expectantly at Shining Armor, but the stallion wasn't paying attention.

“I’m happy for you… both,” Knight Night offered somewhat awkwardly.

“Thank you, Knight,” Sombra exclaimed. “It's heartening to know that not all city folk are quite so judgemental.”

“Was that a jab at me?” Cadance demanded. “Because I’ll have you know that I am not homophobic.”

“You’ve done an excellent job dissuading such a notion so far,” Sombra needled.

“I just…” Cadance groaned and turned to Shining Armor. “Shiny, dear. Could you explain to them how my empathy powers work again? I’m too frustrated to even speak right now.”

“Oh uh, what? Yeah sure,” Shining Armor muttered. “Cadance isn't trying to be mean to you Crystal Throne. It's just that your emotional state leaves her a bit irritable.”

“I fail to see how that excuses her behavior,” Sombra exclaimed.

“I have bad days too but I don't take it out on others,” Spearhead paused. “Or at least not very often anyway.”

“It's not an excuse,” Cadance hissed. “It's a warning signal. Whenever I come across someone with as turbulent an emotional state they are either murderers or… worse.”

“How dare you accuse Crystal of something so awful,” Spearhead shot back.

“Yeah babe that was a bit over the line,” Shining Armor added.

“I didn't mean it like that. I’m just saying that when people get that messed up they hurt people,” Cadance pressed.

“I told you what happened to my parents. I told you of my isolation, and I told you of my therapy yet you continue to assert that I am some kind of monster,” Sombra stated in a low hurt tone. “I’m beginning to wonder if this is some kind of projection on your part.”

Cadance recoiled as if struck, a hoof going to her heart. “I don't know what you’re talking about,” murmured the mare.

“If the shoe fits,” whispered Spearhead.

“Look, let's all just take a breath okay,” Shining Armor intruded. “Cadance is under a lot of stress- but! That does not excuse just how antagonistic she’s been.”

Shining Armor then turned expectantly to the alicorn, who frowned, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

“Shiny’s right,” she said finally. “I’m sorry Crystal. Auntie’s training has been more intense than usual and I’m afraid I took it out on you.”

“Is Canterlot going to come under attack or something?” Knight Night whispered.

“No, nothing like that. Well sort of,” Cadance muttered. “It's all very complicated and has to do with really powerful magic. What matters is this was not an excuse for my behavior. Could you ever forgive me?”

Sombra hummed quietly, contemplating the possibilities.

If he forgave her that would be a lot of brownie points earned, but if he didn't then he’d be able to keep using her hostility as a wedge. That wasn't a great plan though, as it wouldn't be socially acceptable to turn down such an honest apology. He couldn't come out of things with nothing though, so he just needed to leverage her mistake to gain another foothold.

“I could. But on one condition,” Sombra exclaimed, raising a hoof. “You go on a double date with Spearhead and I.”

Spearhead blinked. “What, really?”

“Indeed,” Sombra stated rather proudly. “Cadance just needs to get to know me, like you’ve come to know me.”

Spearhead shuddered at the low, sultry way Sombra said the six words.

“I don't know…” Cadance murmured.

“That sounds like a great idea,” Shining Armor interrupted. “We had a date this weekend all planned and I’m sure with a bit of alteration we could make it work.”

“I would hate to intrude,” Sombra exclaimed.

“Yes, and I’m sure Crystal Throne and Spearhead wouldn't want to go to the opera of all places,” Cadance added.

“You’re not going to see Violetta are you?” Spearhead suddenly inquired, leaning over the table.

“We were. Have you heard of it before?” Shining Armor answered, then asked.

“Guiseppe’s work is legendary. I never thought he’d let it be played here in Canterlot though. He’s a bit of a griffin supremacist,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“I never pegged you as the opera buff. I’m impressed,” Sombra commented, the stallion being genuine for the first time in a long time.

“Well its not really my cup of tea but my mother always took me to them when I was a kid and so it makes me feel… I don't know, young. I guess,” Spearhead remarked.

“Dude your like, eighteen,” Knight Night pointed out.

“Still,” Spearhead retorted.

Shining Armor clopped his hooves together. “It's settled. We’ll see the opera together. Go to dinner, and when it's over we can go have a drink down at the King’s Head.”

Cadance seemed ready to argue but one look at Shining Armor told her that such an effort would be wasted. “Fine,” she conceded. “That does sound like a rather pleasant evening, I suppose.”

“Quite nice indeed. You are an excellent planner Shining Armor,” Sombra commended.

“Thanks. I swear if magic shields weren't already my talent it would be management,” Shining Armor remarked, turning his flank to the side to reveal his cutie mark of a shield.

“I think you would excel in either regard,” Sombra exclaimed, his vision never leaving Shining’s backside.

“Yes, quite,” Cadance curtly added, pausing to clear her throat. “Though we should probably be getting back to the school. Don't want to miss any classes, right?”

“Oh right! We’ll talk more later,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

The stallion then trotted off, with Cadance close behind. The alicorn shot Sombra a glare, but the time-displaced king didn't flinch, and just smiled back at her.

“I should probably get going too,” Knight Night declared.

“Oh, sorry Knight. Let me get out of your way,” Spearhead murmured.

Sombra stepped out of the booth first, followed closely by Spearhead and finally Knight Night.

“See you guys later,” Knight Night offered.

“Oh, we’re coming to-” Spearhead began.

“Actually I think we’re going to stay here for a few minutes. I really wanted Spearhead to try this donut I had a few days ago,” Sombra interjected.

“Oh,” Knight Night muttered, frowning. “Later then.”

“Later!” Spearhead called, turning to the counter after Knight Night had left the cafe. “So, what was this donut you mentioned?”

Sombra grinned and touched the other male on the shoulder. “That wasn't where I found it. Rather it was located back there.”

“But that's the bathroom,” Spearhead pointed out.

“Exactly,” Sombra whispered huskily.

“Oh… oh!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Now go on. I’ll be right behind you,” Sombra assured.

“Right,” Spearhead muttered.

Blushing profusely, the other stallion glanced left then right before hastily slipping into the bathroom. Sombra watched him go with growing amusement, relishing how adorable Spearhead was. Adorable, and malleable.

Perfect for his plans.
> In The Thick Of It
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sombra followed a moment later, stepping into the small, single-toilet bathroom. Thankfully it was sized appropriately for the physically disabled, so there was at least enough room for the two to stand. Sombra didn't take note of that right away, however, as he was locking the door, and attaching a rudimentary ward on the exit.

“I’ve never done something like this before,” Spearhead muttered somewhat awkwardly.

“You aren't backing out on me, are you Spearhead?” Sombra purred.

“N-no,” Spearhead stuttered. “It's actually kind of hot, even if it is still a bit weird.”

“Well you did deserve a reward for being my knight in shining armor, and what better way to reward a knight than to polish his blade,” Sombra continued, a hoof pressing against Spearhead’s shoulder.

“His blade, oooh,” Spearhead muttered a shudder running down his spine.

Sombra leaned forward, and embraced the other stallion, sharing a tender, and surprisingly passionate kiss. Though there was a strange intensity to it and honesty that Sombra hadn't expected, he didn't pull back. He was merely rewarding a pawn that had done well, that was it, there were no emotions at work here. Merely a manipulator working to ensure that the loyalty of his unwitting ally was maintained until it was no longer required.

His tongue swirled around the other male’s and a hoof caressed the tender nape of his lover’s neck. The disguised king played a bit with Spearhead’s mane before pulling back slightly and planting one final kiss on the stallion’s lips. Spearhead leaned forward, unconsciously following his partner even after he had stepped away from the kiss.

“So needy,” Sombra chastised lightly.

“What can I say? Your pretty fucking hot,” Spearhead replied with a grin.

“And so vulgar too. Maybe you don't deserve your reward after all,” Sombra shot right back, matching his lover’s smile.

“I don't know. I did work pretty hard to defend your honor,” Spearhead retorted.

Sombra chuckled. “Then sit down and spread your legs before I start to become hungry and seek my salty snack somewhere else.”

“Yes sir,” Spearhead exclaimed.

The stallion dutifully seated himself upon the porcelain throne and sat in the correct position with his legs spread. His turgid length stood straight up, the young stallion sporting an erection that was already standing at full mast. Sombra smiled faintly, mentally congratulating himself for bringing his lover to attention with only a kiss and a tender caress.

I still got it. Sombra thought to himself.

“Such a big sword,” Sombra teased. “What do you think it is, a claymore, or maybe an odachi?”

“Nah, it's a zweihander for sure,” Spearhead replied proudly.

“You’re lucky your hot, for a nerd,” Sombra shot back.

“You're the one who brought up an odachi,” Spearhead pointed out.

Sombra frowned. “Point taken now shut up before I change my mind.”

Spearhead made a zipping motion over his mouth before leaning back on the toilet. Sombra stepped forward and for a moment considered changing his plans, but shrugged off that notion. Spearhead was still in need of a reward, and if Sombra was being honest with himself, he wanted to give the stallion a blow job.

He had a fat, veiny, cock and cum that even Sombra had to admit was weirdly addicting. Plus he was still young, youthful, and a bit of a quick shot so it wouldn't take long to get what he wanted. To reach that final goal he would still need to work though, so Sombra began by eying the other male seductively while walking up to him.

Then, as sexily as he could, Sombra put a hoof onto Spearhead’s thigh and gave the other male one final kiss. With that, he lowered himself down until his lips were hovering mere millimeters over the throbbing head of Spearhead’s cock. It was a delicious sight, the flat tip already sporting a small dribbling of pre.

Sombra licked his lips and descended on the other male, eagerly taking the head into his mouth. Like always, Spearhead shuddered the moment he felt the warmth of his lover on his member. He also moaned faintly, as if he were embarrassed by the mere sound, while also trying to get over the embarrassment at the same time.

It was adorable, and for some reason, that thought made Sombra want to keep going even more than before. So with his heart beating a little faster, the disguised kind descended, slurping up nearly half the stallion’s cock before pulling back to the tip. There he rested, licking up what pre remained on Spearhead’s dick and swallowing it down.

While he did that, Sombra used his free hoof to massage the base of his lover’s member. He maintained this for a few seconds before pulling his hoof back and descending straight down. This time he didn't stop until his lips met Spearhead’s crotch. There he paused, slurping away at the underside of the other stallion’s dick while Spearhead himself shuddered in pleasure.

Even after receiving more than a few of Sombra’s blowjobs Spearhead still trembled like a leaf every time Sombra sucked him off. Now was only slightly different, as he was especially sensitive, though not because anything had changed with him. Rather Sombra approached the blowjob with an intensity that his usually dispassionate demeanor didn't allow.

Whenever he pulled back he continued to stroke the shaft, while still making sure to lavish attention at the tip. Slurping, and licking the tip, Spearhead felt his orgasm begin to rise up in no time at all. Less then three minutes into it and he could feel it become all but inevitable, but Spearhead didn't want things to end there.

Biting down on his lip, the stallion tensed up and tried to think of something else, something to distract himself. Sombra sensed all this with little effort, the other male being as easy to read as an open book that all but screamed the contents of its pages. It was adorable that he thought that was going to help, Sombra mused to himself, a crooked smile coming to his face.

Taking a moment to adjust himself, Sombra pulled back and formed a tight seal on Spearhead’s dick. He then plunged forward suddenly, impaling himself on the length and filling his throat with stallion cock. Spearhead briefly relaxed, only to tense right back up the moment Sombra pulled back slightly.

The moment of relief lasted less than the blink of an eye as Sombra threw himself forward immediately. The wet slurping noise nearly beat out the low hissed moans coming from Spearhead. Sombra continued to throat himself on the other stallion’s cock repeatedly, never letting up for even a second. Over and over he went, throat bulging slightly each time Sombra’s lips met Spearhead’s crotch.

Sombra didn't make any attempt to stifle the whorish slurping his self-inflicted throat fucking made. He didn't care, nor did he care about how his own dick was bouncing excitedly against his chest. Right now all Sombra was thinking about was how he wanted to beat Spearhead’s will and claim a rather sexy victory.

Sure enough, Spearhead couldn't help but begin moaning louder, his shoulders slumping and his muscles falling slack. The moment this happened, Sombra pressed his advantage, moving faster than ever before. In seconds the disguised king could feel as Spearhead’s balls started to churn, and seed prepared itself to be unloaded.

“C-cumming!” Spearhead shouted louder than he wanted to.

Sombra grinned, and fell one final time, pushing himself as deep as possible right before Spearhead started to cum. With his lover’s cock planted firmly in his throat, Sombra couldn't help but swallow the potent load getting shot into his belly. One shot, two, three, on and on it went until Spearhead began to slump, his orgasm tapering off somewhat.

Then, and only then, did Sombra pull back, allowing the final shots to land on his tongue. A few more ropes followed, giving Sombra half a mouthful of spunk to roll from cheek to cheek. Before finally being swallowed with an audible gulp.

“Wow,” Spearhead muttered. “I should stand up to Cadance more often.”

Sombra grinned, and after giving Spearhead’s cock one final lick, pulled back. His lips made an audible pop as they left the stallion's cock behind.

“Yes, yes you should,” Sombra stated.

“So uh… now what?” Spearhead asked. “Cus I don't think I can feel my legs right now.”

“Well you better change that because I am not done with your reward,” Sombra replied.

“What do you… ohhhh,” Spearhead muttered.

Sombra turned around and presented his asshole to his seated mate. A spell had ensured he was ready, and even pre-lubricated, though Sombra didn't tell Spearhead that. He would rather let the young male audibly wonder how Sombra always manage to take him without using any lube.

Spearhead began to stand, only to get pushed back to the toilet with a bit of telekinesis from Sombra.

“Ah ah ah,” he tutted. “You must help me get ready for you first. Oh, and don't you worry, I had a feeling things may end up this way.”

Spearhead chuckled. “Well alright then. Guess it's only fair.”

“That's right, it is only fair. Now,” Sombra began, backing himself up until his butt was only a few short inches from Spearhead’s face. “Get to work.”

“Yes sir,” Spearhead replied.

Sombra grinned and waited patiently with his tail raised as Spearhead leaned forward, lips puckered. A moment later ass met mouth, and Spearhead began to kiss all over Sombra’s pert opening. The sensation was pleasant, but not enough to satisfy Sombra, thankfully Spearhead knew what to do by then.

Pressing forward, he squished his lips tight against Sombra’s asshole and extended his tongue, licking the ring in a long, wet slurp. He repeated this motion a few times until the opening was completely covered in his saliva. With that done, Spearhead slipped his tongue inside and started giving Sombra the rimming he had been yearning for.

“F-f-fuck,” Sombra muttered, the disguised king a bit surprised he had said anything. “You are too good at this.”

Spearhead just grinned while he worked, never slowing down for so much as a second. Wriggling his girthy tongue deeper into Sombra’s hole, he licked all around the opening, lubricating it thoroughly in his spit. While he did this, he reached forward and unexpectedly gripped Sombra’s dick with his hoof.

Sombra jumped slightly, but forced his muscles to relax and for his admonishment to be cut down before it could be uttered. Though he hated surprises, a bit of forwardness helped to spice things up a little. That being said, Sombra still made a note to reprimand Spearhead, later. Right at that moment he was enjoying a hoof slash rimjob.

The tongue work from Spearhead was remarkably good, as was his firm yet still gentle grip. While pumping the other stallion’s cock slowly but steadily, he made sure to wriggle as deep as he could. While his dick twitched madly, Sombra started to feel a yawning emptiness that he yearned to be filled.

“Alright,” he declared suddenly. “I’m as ready as I’m going to get. Hurry up and fuck me.”

Sombra took a step forward, giving Spearhead room to clean his mouth out with a bit of water. Once he finished taking a spit, the young stallion stood up eagerly, his own cock bouncing excitedly beneath him.

“Yes sir!” Spearhead declared.

Sombra rolled his eyes and faced away from the other male so he couldn't see the smile on his face. If Sombra was being honest with himself he would have admitted that he was enjoying things more than he would have liked. But the king kept on thinking about how this was definitely nothing more than a simple exercise and not earnest lovemaking.

Either way, his thoughts were interrupted when the well-muscled stallion he was currently dating landed on his back. Immediately Sombra was greeted with the feeling of a rock-hard appendage getting wedged into the crack of his ass. It was a pleasant sensation but the true joy the act garnered was the promise of getting a good pounding.

Spearhead made good on that promise a moment later when he reared up and aligned his dick with Sombra’s hole. With the surprising dexterity Sombra had come to expect from the athletic pegasus, Spearhead hit the nail on the head first try. Then, in one smooth motion, he pushed forward, while also landing back atop Sombra’s back.

“Fuck I love this part,” Spearhead muttered.

Me too. Sombra thought to himself as he felt the other stallion slide into his rear passage.

Given just how much love and attention had been given to his pert hole, there was little shock when Spearhead was able to hilt the other stallion with little effort. Two gentle thrusts were all it took, with the gentle top barely needing to even move his hips.

“I freaking love being inside you,” Spearhead muttered.

Sombra couldn't help but blush, though he pushed that expression from his face a moment later.

“Hurry up already. We still have to get back to class,” Sombra demanded.

“Oh, right,” Spearhead murmured.

A moment later he began to pull back, only to push forward a second after, his hips beginning a slow rocking motion. He didn't maintain that slow but steady pace for long, quickly working his way up to something far better. Fast, but not too fast, Spearhead pounded away with just the right amount of force in Sombra’s opinion.

Enough to make their balls clap audibly against one another, but not so fast that Spearhead threatened to knock them over. Though Sombra would never admit it, Spearhead was stronger than him, and he worried about getting bowled over. He didn't need to concern himself about that now though, as Spearhead was doing a perfect job of fucking the disguised king.

Slow, firm, and deep, each thrust brushed right against Sombra’s prostate. The gentle thud of their hips connected sent ripples of pleasure through Sombra’s body and caused a moan to escape his lips. Unable to stop himself, Sombra placed his hooves against the door, raising up the front half of his body so Spearhead’s thrusts hit the right spot.

Spearhead didn't need to be told what to do, the male quickly adapting by placing his own forehooves on either side of Sombra’s head. He then just as quickly, continued to pound away, his speed increasing slightly due to the more comfortable position. With his hot breath on Sombra’s neck, Spearhead snorted loudly and really began to push himself.

Sombra wanted to tell the other male to slow down, to draw it out just a tiny bit more but he ignored that thought. He wanted it badly, and his own cock was twitching so frequently that Sombra had little doubt that he was about to cum. Spearhead wasn't far behind, the pegasus flapping his wings absently while thrusting as hard as he could muster.

The powerful impact of their hips rocketed Sombra towards his own release the head of Spearhead’s cock all but mashing against his prostate. The stretching, the lube, the risque scenario, everything mixed together to create a powerful cocktail of pleasure. Which quickly boiled over, pushing Sombra to begin orgasming earlier than he would have liked.

“Come on stud. Give it to me!” Sombra demanded.

“Alright, you asked for it!” Spearhead retorted.

Sombra shuddered as his balls churned, and seed began to shoot up from the base of his dick. As he painted the wall white, Spearhead began to paint the inside of Sombra’s anal walls a similar color. The two stallions moaned together, the sound of their passion becoming a strange symphony of ecstasy.

With his hooves lowered somewhat, Spearhead leaned forward and locked lips with Sombra. The disguised king was tempted to push him away but instead allowed the embrace to both continue and deepen. As they awkwardly made out, they came, and came hard, with Sombra feeling a sizable load get squirted inside of him. After nearly a minute, Spearhead parted, panting and twitching as his orgasm began to die down. Sombra’s own release had ended abruptly a moment earlier, and the disguised king felt a tremor run up his spine.

“That was… really good,” Spearhead remarked.

“Mmmm, agreed,” Sombra purred. “But we really must get back to class so if you don't mind…”

“Oh, right,” Spearhead muttered somewhat bitterly.

Sombra silently agreed with the unspoken desire of his partner to remain like they were for a while longer. Yet circumstance demanded that they part, at least for the moment though Sombra knew this situation would play out again all too soon. Only that promise of future intimacy kept the king from going against his better judgment.

Spearhead pulled back until with a wet slurp, his dick fell from Sombra’s ass and slapped against one of his back legs. He then stumbled back just enough for Sombra to stand normally without bracing himself against the wall. The pair then took a moment to steady themselves before Spearhead took a step toward the door.

“So, should I go first?” He asked.

“Hold on a second,” Sombra interrupted.

Before Spearhead could ask why, Sombra knelt down, and swallowed the entirety of his lover’s cock in a single motion. He then formed a perfect seal, and pulled back, gathering all the spare cum that hadn't been swallowed by his ass. The once and future king then gulped it down and stepped over to the sink.

“Now you may go,” Sombra announced dismissively.

Spearhead chuckled giddily. “Well alright then. I’ll see you soon hot stuff.”

Sombra rolled his eyes and ignored the comment. 

As Spearhead left, Sombra watched himself in the mirror, pretending to fix his appearance. In reality, he was maintaining his illusion, as he had noticed a slight fluctuation, though that was swiftly mended. Once that was done, and Spearhead had left the entire cafe, Sombra smiled at himself.

“That was actually pretty good,” he admitted aloud. “He’d make for a good member of my stud harem.”

Sombra scowled suddenly and shook his head. “Focus Sombra. You got a lot left to do, and your window to get it done is closing,” Sombra whispered to himself. “This double date is exactly what we need, so let's not blow it.”

With his confidence surging, Sombra finished cleaning himself up and headed back to school, a wolfish smile on his face.
> Direct and Dominate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sombra stopped and gazed into the reflective surface of the shop’s dark window. Staring back at him was his disguise, only it had received a few minor alterations recently. A subtle application of makeup highlighted his eyes, and prominent cheekbones but that wasn't all.

The disguised tyrant also wore a tuxedo, minus the pants, and without the usual color choices. His suit was a mix of greys, silvers, and soft pinks that looked ostentatious without going over the top. Eye-catching, and near the point of becoming gaudy, it was the type of outfit to grab the attention of a viewer and hold it firmly.

“Gorgeous even under all that,” Sombra remarked to himself.

The former king chuckled to himself before turning back to the street and trotting down the mostly empty sidewalk. The late afternoon sun had set behind the Canterhorn by that point, casting the city in deep, early shadow. Lamps flickered on, and inside the many homes and businesses, candles were lit, or spells cast.

As the city adapted to the shift in light, Sombra adapted to the change in scenery, noting the upscale establishments on either side of him. Though the buildings weren't quite tall enough to loom over the landscape like the Canterhorn did, they were still quite tall. Stranger still to Sombra was the fact that they were built from wood and stone rather than the crystal he was used to.

Though the architecture intrigued him, he was more interested in what lay within those interesting structures. High-class boutiques now shuttering their windows, expensive sounding cafes advertising their expansive arrays of foreign teas. Though it all looked rather nice, Sombra couldn't imagine Shining Armor willingly coming here.

The slightly nerdy stallion with a surprisingly well-built physique appreciated the simple pleasures in life. The protective older brother ate root vegetables, had a sweet tooth, and generally didn't like any of the baggage that came with high society. Yet here they were, going on a double date of Cadance and Shining Armor’s design though Sombra was beginning to wonder just how equal that partnership really was.

“Just another wedge in my pocket,” Sombra muttered to himself.

Sombra rounded a corner and entered a slightly wider street more populated than the one he had left behind. Here carriages were common, taxis waited patiently every hundred meters, and dozens of ponies trotted along the wide sidewalks. Dressed mostly in the upscale attire that one associated with the noble district, there were few ponies without their noses stuck in the air.

The atmosphere was stifling, the air of arrogance and old money drawing out a disgusted growl from the monarch. He wondered just how many of the individuals walking about had ever worked an honest day in their lives. The suffocating aroma of unearned wealth parted slightly, with Sombra catching a glimpse of his date halfway down the street.

Spearhead was standing in front of a rather impressive building of clearly ancient origin. Tall pillars held up a green roof lined with statues of ponies from various tribes and lineages. Sombra didn't know who they were, but he assumed they must have been influential in their day given that their statues had been painted a bright gold.

The three-story tall domed structure had tall columns, nearly a dozen archway entrances, and a life-sized statue of Celestia out front. The sight made Sombra’s skin crawl, and he had to restrain his desire to spit on the gaudy monument. Yet as Sombra drew close he couldn't help but notice that the false princess looked like she was glaring at him.

“How strange,” Sombra muttered.

“Apparently she hated the sculptor,” remarked a familiar voice. “But had lost some kind of bet and had to pose for it.”

“Ahh hello Spearhead. How are you doing this evening?” Sombra inquired.

The pair leaned toward one another, sharing a brief kiss.

“Not half bad, and you?” Spearhead replied.

“I am doing most excellently,” Sombra declared.

“No kidding, you clean up good,” Spearhead exclaimed, whistling through his teeth. “I mean wow, where did you get that suit?”

“It is one of my own designs,” Sombra admitted, straightening his collar proudly. “A hobby I picked up during my isolation.”

“Well you nailed it dude,” Spearhead commented.

The stallion tugged at the loose blue and white fabric wrapped about his neck. 

“Kinda makes me feel like I’m a bit underdressed, to be honest,” he muttered

“You look delicious dear,” Sombra replied, pecking the other stallion on the cheek. “I am glad you sprung for some cuff links, though did you have to wear the blue ascot?”

“What? You don't like it?” Spearhead asked sadly.

“It's fine,” Sombra muttered. “I just think you should consider expanding your wardrobe into something that isn't a neck covering.”

“What? It's like, my trade mark ya know? Some ponies always wear a hat, I always got one of these,” Spearhead retorted, tugging at the white and blue scarf hanging from his neck.

Sombra rolled his eyes and glanced about the street. “Have you seen the others yet? I had assumed they would have beaten us here.”

“Nah, not yet,” Spearhead answered. “They are even later than you.”

“It is only ten minutes passed the point at which we agreed to meet,” Sombra retorted.

The disguised king resisted the urge to express the disappointment he felt at not being able to make the dramatic entrance he had planned for.

“Yeah, I guess you’re still in the fashionably late department rather than the rudely late zone that those two are quickly approaching,” Spearhead stated with a chuckle.

Sombra snorted derisively, ignoring his date as he glanced about the street, eager to locate any sign of Cadance and Shining Armor. He didn't have to wait for long, though they didn't arrive in the manner he expected. Rather he spotted the pair approaching in the back of an ornate carriage pulled by a golden helmeted stallion.

Spearhead whistled. “Whoowee, Cadance sure is breaking out all the stops today. She even got the royal carriage.”

Sombra ground his teeth angrily, though he resisted the urge to sputter any of the many insults running through his head. Left with nothing to do but glare, Sombra sat in silence as the aforementioned carriage rode up to them. Stopping only a few short feet away, Sombra observed Cadance as she stepped out, head held high.

Once outside, she held a hoof out for Shining Armor, who awkwardly took the offered limb while blushing profusely.

“You didn't need to go through all this trouble,” Shining Armor muttered.

“Nonsense, it is only fitting that I flatter my first knight,” Cadance whispered back.

Sombra heard it all, the small interaction prompting a new wave of distaste though also a bit of hope. The nugget of contention may be a small one, but it was another arrow in Sombra’s metaphorical quiver.

“Hey guys, how was the ride over?” Spearhead cluelessly greeted.

“Embarrassing,” Shining Armor announced.

“Romantic,” Cadance corrected.

“I suppose it was rather nice, though I could do without the crowds,” Shining Armor admitted.

Sombra glanced over to the small group of gawkers that had gathered in a semi-circle around them. The moment the attention was turned back on them most departed with guilty expressions though a few remained.

“Thank you again, sir guard. We no longer require your assistance,” Cadance announced.

The golden armored guard moved to depart, but suddenly turned and looked directly at Sombra. For a moment Sombra was certain that he had been found out, only for the guard to crane his neck and look past the disguised king. Following his gaze, Sombra noticed that the carriage guard was staring intently at an advertisement for the upcoming operas.

“Yes well, perhaps we should continue to the venue before the opera begins,” Sombra offered.

“Excellent idea, come dear,” Cadance announced.

“Err right, ‘spose we should get moving,” Shining Armor muttered.

Sombra restrained a grin and joined Spearhead as they walked over to the theatre entrance. While they moved, Sombra observed the dress both Cadance and Shining Armor had arrived in. Both were a bit on the formal side, though dialed down just enough that it didn't appear overly stuffed. A black and white suit slightly too large was worn by Shining Armor while an immaculately crafted poofy silver dress adorned the lone alicorn present.

“That suit may be ill-fitting, but Shining Armor does look nice tonight,” Sombra remarked.

“I don't know, it's certainly not playing to his strengths. Now Cadance’s attire has definitely been properly fitted and recently too by the looks of it,” Spearhead pointed out.

Sombra snorted.

The pair walked right past the ticket booth on the way in, confusing Sombra somewhat. When the disguised stallion began to slow down, Spearhead motioned toward the theatre.

“Come on, I already got our tickets,” Spearhead declared.

“My my, how chivalrous,” Sombra remarked with a smirk.

“Perhaps later you could help polish my armor as thanks,” Spearhead exclaimed.

Sombra chuckled. “Don't get too far ahead of yourself, you may trip.”

The pair exchanged a chuckle.

The trek to their seats was short and uneventful. Passing by a ticket counter, they made their way down a hall, up some stairs, and into a private booth. There they spread out in a single row, with Shining Armor at the far left, followed by Cadance, Sombra, and finally Spearhead. Sombra glanced over at the purposeful divide placed between himself and Shining Armor and frowned.

“I hope you find these accommodations acceptable,” Cadance exclaimed with a slight smirk.

“Oh yeah totally. I love the seats. Thanks for upgrading the tickets by the way. I didn't even know that was a thing,” Spearhead declared.

Sombra mentally removed a few of the brownie points he had assigned to the stallion.

“What about you, Crystal Throne? Do you find the arrangements acceptable?” Cadance needled.

“It is,” Sombra replied. “It's quite comfortable. Though I’m curious what exactly we are here to see.”

“Oh yeah, what are we seeing anyway? I wasn't even paying attention when I bought the tickets. I just asked for two to the next opera playing,” Spearhead muttered.

“The Beggar’s Opera,” Shining Armor announced. “It's one of my favorites.”

“Wait, what? I thought we were going to see Les Huguenots,” Cadance whispered in a harsh, low tone.

Shining Armor rolled his eyes. “That opera is five hours long and we have a dinner reservation in  two hours.”

“And the running time of the Beggar’s Opera is an hour and a half,” Spearhead muttered.

“It still amazes me that you’re such a big opera buff,” Sombra remarked.

“Why, did you have him pegged for being uncultured?” Cadance prodded.

Sombra chuckled. “Oh no, I just didn't think he had smarts and looks.”

“I’m the total package. What can I say?” Spearhead declared.

“That you are,” Sombra whispered huskily.

Cadance groaned, but Shining Armor continued to remain silent, the stallion purposefully looking away. Even still, Sombra could see the slight blush on the other male’s cheeks, and feel the awkwardness radiating from him.

“Oh hey look. I think it's starting,” Spearhead pointed out.

Everyone turned to the stage below, though Sombra was barely aware of what was going on. His thoughts were distant, focused instead on the discontent he could sense between Cadance and Shining Armor. There was a difference in priority, as well as opinion which should make for the perfect wedge, all he needed to do was wait for the right moment.





“I detest this Macheath fellow,” Cadance remarked dryly, pausing to hand over several bits and retrieve the popcorn and drink she had just paid for. “He's knocked up half a small village and still mares are throwing themselves at him.”

“He does kind of feel like a writer insert,” Shining Armor added.

“You two are missing the true brilliance of his character, and the story in general,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“What are we missing? He's a roguish malcontent with no redeeming qualities,” Cadance declared.

“I don't know, he's got a great ass,” Sombra remarked.

Shining Armor spat out a mouthful of his drink.

Cadance patted her partner on the back glumly. 

“I suppose I have to agree with you there,” Cadance exclaimed. “Though great butt or not he's still quite the ruffian.”

With Shining Armor recovering from his short coughing fit, the group moved back to their seats, snacks in hand.

“He is a satire of the character archetype,” Spearhead stated tiredly. “If you keep viewing him without the context of this satire of course he's going to look bad.”

“Explain,” Shining Armor offered.

“Well think about it. Stories like this almost always have some kind of noble rogue who gets the mare, and saves the day right?” Spearhead asked.

“I suppose,” Cadance admitted.

“Well now he's gotten all the mares, and is nearly getting hanged every other act,” Spearhead continued. “These features are exaggerated versions of the aspects present in most of the more mainstream operas.”

“I never really thought about it like that,” admitted the disguised king.

While Cadance looked on, a puzzled expression evident on her face, Sombra stepped forward and took his seat.

“Come, sit. Try some of these red candies,” Sombra encouraged.

“Don't mind if I do,” Shining Armor replied.

Without thinking, Shining Armor sat down to his left, taking one of the small spherical candies and popping it into his mouth.

“Mmm I love gobstoppers,” murmured the stallion.

Sombra chuckled at the barely concealed moan of pleasure, as well as the less restrained irritated groan coming from Cadance.

As the alicorn sat down on the far left, she shot Sombra a glare, but the disguised king pretended not to notice. He had secured a spot between the two stallions and had both eating out of his hoof, one literally, the other metaphorically.

“Just wait until you guys see the ending. I think Crystal Throne especially is going to get a kick out of it,” Spearhead remarked.

“Oh?” Sombra replied.

“You’ll see,” Spearhead promised.

“Color me intrigued,” Sombra muttered.

“Me too. I never actually sat all the way through to the end before. Twilight got bored, wandered off, and got us kicked out because she flooded the bathroom,” Shining Armor remarked.

“I remember that,” Cadance exclaimed. “Your father said something about how she wanted to measure how much water passed through the pipes.”

“She was a strange kid,” Shining Armor frowned. “Still is, but was as well.”

“Regardless, I don't think it will be enough to salvage this one,” Cadance exclaimed. “Because right now it feels like we are supposed to root for that emotionally distant mare abuser with the fickle heart.”

Spearhead scoffed. “Philistine.”

Sombra bit back the urge to snicker.

“How dare you I’m-” Cadance began, only to be shushed someone from a box over.

While Cadance muttered angrily to herself, and Sombra nearly failed to withhold his giggling, the lights dimmed. The actors returned, and the scene began, with the crowd falling utterly silent in short order. While Act Three began, Sombra glanced hastily from left to right, gauging his companion’s moods.

Spearhead still looked irritated, the stallion holding Sombra’s hoof a little tighter than usual. Cadance was annoyed but swiftly buried that emotion, stopping it from becoming too apparent that she was pissed off. Shining Armor was being adorable, the unicorn stealing another of Sombra’s candies and grinning like a schoolboy.

Sombra shot the other stallion a wink, and leaned the package toward him, earning the king a nod of thanks. Cadance seemed to want to stop this from happening, though her expression swiftly returned to neutral. Only to change to a slightly smug look of satisfaction that made Sombra wonder what the alicorn had up her sleeve.

I’m sure it's nothing. Besides, we still have a dinner to attend. Plenty of time to sew the seeds of discontent. Sombra thought to himself.





Sombra couldn't help but get lost in the rich texture and decadent flavors that were assaulting his tastebuds. The sweetness was beyond anything he had tried, beating out even the carbonated drinks he had consumed during their last role-playing get-together. Yet despite the sweetness, there was also a bitter undertone that was easily detected beneath it all. It tasted almost like coffee, but its layered nature kept changing with each bite he took.

“What do you call this?” Sombra asked, swallowing the last of the dessert.

“Tiramisu. Have you never had it before?” Cadance inquired.

“No. Though the village I grew up in had little in the way of coffee,” Sombra replied.

“It doesn't actually have very much of the stuff. You’re probably tasting the cheese,” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Cheese? In a cake?” Sombra muttered in shock.

“Yup, it's good stuff ain't it?” Spearhead pressed.

Sombra nodded. “Quite so. I shouldn't have doubted you.”

“Well it's important to trust your partner even if it's just over dessert,” Cadance began. “It shows how deep a relationship is, right Shining Armor?”

Shining Armor blinked. “Oh, what? Uh yeah totally.”

“Don't sound too enthused,” Cadance prodded.

“Sorry, was staring off into space. This restaurant is really nice, a bit uh… royal for my tastes though,” Shining Armor remarked.

Following the other stallion’s gaze, Sombra found that he was staring at one of the many Celestia statues present. Not only were there more than a few of the tiny golden alicorns present, but the sun princesses’ colors were everywhere. From the tablecloths to the baseboards, everything bore the image of the ruling monarch in some way or another.

“I know, Aunty hates this place,” Cadance exclaimed with a chuckle. “Which is one reason I wanted to check it out, to see if it was just the decor she detested or the food too.”

“Well it certainly can't be the food,” Spearhead offered.

Sombra wouldn't admit it out loud, but he couldn't help but respect Celestia a little more given how much she seemed to hate vanity. Then the disguised king reminded himself that he was going to usurp her kingdom and likely destroy the princess in the coming years. With that thought in mind, he shook off the malaise of idle pondering and focused on what lay before him.

“I’m glad you trusted me enough to go along with my choice for dinner location. I appreciate how much faith you put in me,” Cadance commended, leaning down and pecking Shining Armor on the cheek.

The stallion chuckled. “Well, you usually have a reason for your madness.”

“Speaking of getting wild, perhaps we should start packing things in for the night,” Cadence offered.

“It's barely even seven,” Sombra interrupted. “And last I checked we were still planning on going to that Jazz bar that Shining Armor was talking about.”

“Oh yeah I almost forgot about that,” Spearhead murmured. “You’ve been talking about that place for years.”

“Pipers Place, though I didn't think that was on the menu for today,” Shining Armor offered.

“It wasn't,” Cadance declared.

“I thought it was. Shining Armor has just been talking about it so much recently, I assumed you would have fit it into tonight’s festivities,” Sombra prodded.

“Oh Shining Armor doesn't want to go there, he wants to come back to the castle, with me,” Cadance added, running a hoof along Shining Armor’s cheek. “It's so cold there this time of year I may need some help keeping my room warm.”

“You can always do that a bit later,” Sombra offered. “After we’ve had the chance to do something Shining Armor wants to do. Don't you think, Spearhead?”

Spearhead blinked. “Oh right ya, totally. I wouldn't mind having a drink or two. We haven't really had the chance to hit the town really since we all became legal age.”

“It would be nice,” Shining Armor muttered.

“But Shining,” Cadance whined. “You said tonight was our chance to have a little fun.”

“And we can. After we enjoy a set or two,” Shining Armor declared.

Sombra restrained the urge to grin, or gloat over Shining Armor finally standing up for himself.

“Oh fine,” Cadance surrendered with a huff. “But we really can't be out too late.”

“We won't, right guys?” Shining Armor asked.

“Yeah totally,” Spearhead declared.

“Of course not,” Sombra lied.

“Great, then let's get the bill and bounce. If we hurry we might be able to catch the tail end of the last band,” Shining Armor proclaimed.

Sombra smiled. “That sounds wonderful.”





“So then I said anaconda? I don't even know her!” Spearhead exclaimed.

Shining Armor spat his beer onto the floor, while beside him, Sombra quietly chuckled to himself.

“I don't know what's funnier,” Sombra began, pausing to giggle. “The joke, or Shining Armor spit-taking every time you get to the punch line.”

“I know right!” Spearhead replied. “I swear, I could whip out a knock-knock joke, and he’d still empty his beer all over the place.”

“Hey if the beer’s that bad you could have a bit of my wine,” Sombra offered, extending his hoof and swishing around the bright red liquid.

“No, I’m fine,” Shining Armor coughed. “It's just really funny okay?”

“I mean it's pretty funny but it's not that funny. Admit it, you’re drunk,” Sombra accused.

“I am no-” Shining Armor belched suddenly. “Okay, maybe I’m a little drunk.”

“Not as drunk as your lady friend,” Spearhead remarked.

The table turned to where Spearhead was pointing, their gazes landing on the tipsy alicorn throwing back a drink at the bar. Between them and her were a veritable horde of ponies as well as a few other creatures all enjoying the music. Currently, there was only a single earth pony on the stage, the mare blowing hard into the golden instrument. Though the sounds it made were unlike anything Sombra had heard before, even the disguised tyrant couldn't deny their beauty. Without lyrics, without even any other members of the band, he could feel that the song itself was about heartbreak and loss.

Neither of which he felt when he gazed upon the giggling alicorn at the bar. Cadance stumbled backward, caught herself, and then walked over to the serving platter waiting for her. Gripping the thing in her teeth, she made her way back to their shared table, somehow managing to not spill a drop in the process.

“Did you see that?” Cadance asked, sitting down next to Shining Armor. “That nice guy bought me a boiler maker.”

“Isn't that whiskey in a beer?” Spearhead asked.

“Oh is that what was in it?” Cadance asked. “I could barely even taste it.”

“Maaybe that's a sign that we should be going home,” Shining Armor offered.

Sombra opened his mouth to interject but was beaten to the punch.

“But Shining Armor,” Cadance whined, the alicorn shaking her date by the shoulder. “The next act is gonna be coming on soon and I wanna hear what Blue Holiday is like.”

Shining Armor smirked. “You really took to jazz haven't you?”

“It's sooo good,” Cadance exclaimed. “Even Ice Prince over there likes it.”

Sombra blinked. “What, no I don't.”

“You can't fool me, I can see how much you love it. Even the mare with the sax moves you,” Cadance retorted.

Sombra stiffened briefly before releasing a sigh. “I suppose you’ve got me there. I do enjoy how brass-heavy they are, and the focus on more down-to-earth stories.”

“How can you be so eloquent, even now?” Spearhead demanded. “That's like, your fifth glass of wine?”

“I take it slow, my dear Spearhead,” Sombra smirked. “That and unlike you all I have yet to break the seal.”

“Wait, you haven't peed yet?” Cadance whisper shouted. “How can you do that? I’ve used the bathroom like six times!”

“Can we stop talking about piss?” Shining Armor asked incredulously.

“Hey you were the one that made it sound gross,” Spearhead retorted.

“Just talking about the bathroom is what made it gross,” Shining Armor retorted.

“Anyway,” Sombra interrupted. “What were we talking about before Cadance left to grab the last round?”

“Oh yeah our plans for the winter break,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“I have a bunch of special training things I have to do with Aunty,” Cadance muttered in childish indignation.

Sombra swirled the last of his drink before downing it, savoring the flavor as well as the emotions at the table. Shining Armor was wincing in sympathy for Cadance, while the alicorn pouted so hard Sombra was sure her lips would fall right off. Spearhead was cracking into his next beer, and staring off into space, clearly deep in thought.

“But you guys don't have to deal with future empires or anything awful like that,” Cadance exclaimed. “What do you plan on doing?”

Sombra bit his tongue, holding back the urge to inquire more about the training as well as this future empire.

“Oh you know, the yearly camping trip at my family’s cabin,” Shining Armor replied with a shrug. “Same thing as every year.”

“Is it even camping? I mean the nearest town is only fifteen minutes away, and the cabin is big enough to house a family of four,” Spearhead shot back, jabbing Shining Armor in the shoulder.

“Well it's not exactly roughing it but I think it still counts as camping,” Shining Armor stated.

“Oh, that sounds like so much fun. I wish I could come,” Cadance blurted. “Stupid responsibilities.”

“Even if you could it's kind of a us thing you know? Spearhead, Knight, and I go every year and play role-playing games all weekend,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“I don't know how you guys play that,” Cadance muttered. “It sounds so boooring.”

“That's because you’re too impatient,” Sombra retorted.

Cadance seemed ready to argue but unexpectedly sighed. “Yeah, I suppose so.”

“Hey, why don't we invite Crystal Throne here?” Spearhead offered. “He is DMing the current game, maybe we could finally defeat that big bad of his then?”

I could kiss you, you big dumb hunk. Sombra thought.

“That would be nice. That is if you don't mind,” Sombra remarked.

“I don't know. It is a tradition we’ve done since we were probably too young to be out there by ourselves,” Shining Armor murmured.

“Come on, he's one of the guys, and besides, I bet Crystal Throne knows a bunch of cool scary stories that we’ve never heard before,” Spearhead pressed.

“More than a few,” Sombra answered.

“Oh alright,” Shining Armor conceded.

“Yay, to friends!” Cadance exclaimed, raising her glass.

“To friends,” Shining Armor added, bringing his bottle up.

“To friends,” Spearhead repeated, clanging his can against the others.

“To friends,” Sombra agreed, adding his own wine glass to the pool.

With a clatter the cups met, and parted, their owners tipping them back and swallowing their contents. After a good few mouthfuls, they were placed back on the table.

“Ahh that was good,” Spearhead murmured. “I think I’ve found a favorite.”

“A lager? How… basic,” Sombra remarked with a smirk.

“Hey, good is good even if it's simple,” Spearhead defended.

“I am enjoying this… what did you call it? Eye Pee Eh?” Shining Armor inquired.

“Tastes like a bucket of needles if you're asking-” Cadance stopped suddenly, a hoof going to her mouth.

Before anyone could move, the alicorn teleported away.

“Uh, should we go help her?” Spearhead asked.

“I would, but I have no idea where she went,” Shining Armor replied.

A sudden clatter came from the back of the rather cramped jazz bar. The table turned to the male’s washroom and the blushing alicorn that had just stumbled out of it.

“Sorry guys!” she called.

“Come back anytime sweetheart,” replied an older stallion.

“I hate to say it but maybe we should wrap it up for the night,” Sombra offered.

“Yeah it's really starting to hit me too,” Spearhead muttered.

Shining Armor stood up. “Alright, I’ll see you guys later. Crystal Throne, are you going to head home right away?”

“We’ll see. Have a good night Shining Armor,” Sombra replied.

The other stallion gave Sombra a nod, and trotted away, reaching Cadance just as she was about to run into a pole.

“Up for a moonlit walk?” Spearhead whispered, trotting right next to Sombra.

“Maybe,” Sombra purred.

“Maybe?” Spearhead replied.

“You are deserving of a treat, and I am eager to repay you,” Sombra whispered in a low, sultry tone.

“Oh? Was the date that good?” Spearhead asked.

Sombra nodded. “You were charming as always, and I am genuinely thankful you extended the invitation to me as well.”

“Of course,” Spearhead stated. “You are one of the guys, even if we do have sex.”

“We fuck,” Sombra corrected. “And we will again, soon.”

Spearhead stopped for a moment then hastily trotted after his partner. “Really? I mean, what did you have in mind.?”

“Follow me, dear Spearhead, and find out,” Sombra retorted, swishing his tail in emphasis.
> Dominated
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So like, what did you mean exactly?” Spearhead asked. “Because I’ve been following you for a while now and we haven't gotten any closer to either of our houses.”

The young male was indeed correct, as they had only gone deeper into the rich neighborhood near the venue they had left behind. Long rows of tall houses flanked either side of the street, nearly all of them dark and seemingly empty, their occupants having long since gone to bed. Unlike the two stallions, who continued to walk along the road, with Sombra standing out front, his head swiveling left and right in search of something unseen.

“Patience dear Spearhead,” Sombra cautioned. “We are indeed getting closer to home, but more importantly we are nearing a quaint little spot where we may rest and get better acquainted.”

“Better acquainted? I figured we were about as acquainted as we could get without sharing a liver,” Spearhead remarked.

Sombra wanted to be annoyed, to snap at the male for such a childish joke, but couldn't help but feel a bit amused. He passed this off as just his good mood, but for some reason, he felt as though this was also incorrect. Such musings would be had later, Sombra declared to himself, pushing the thoughts aside so that he could focus on something more important.

“That may be, but there is something I had always wanted to try and we are nearly… aha, there it is,” Sombra murmured, gesturing down the street.

Spearhead followed his partner’s gaze to where a small park sat tucked into a nook that had likely been occupied by a house at one point. Now it was a long, narrow section of greenery dominated by tall trees, a chain link fence at the entrance, and high brick walls all around. These walls were absolutely covered in vines, or in the case of the back one, a fake waterfall originating from some unseen pump.

A long, winding path weaved through the tree cover, to the playground itself, which wasn't overly large. There was only a swing set, a sandbox area at the center, a seemingly purposeless dome in the shape of a bulbous cat, and a slide that was also made to resemble the common house pet. This slide was different, however, as it would require someone to take steps up, then climb into the side, and finally slide down, out of the mouth of the creature.

“Weird,” Spearhead muttered.

“Strange place, isn't it?” Sombra mused aloud. “Almost no one comes here save for some filly who sells flowers and the colt who has a crush on her.”

“Are you stalking kids Crystal Throne?” Spearhead asked, half seriously.

Sombra growled. “I am doing no such thing. I merely come here to think on occasion and they are the only ones I’ve ever seen here.”

“Sorry,” Spearhead quickly apologized. “I guess I’m just surprised you’d come all the way out here to a place like this.”

“It's not so strange,” Sombra retorted. “The Sparkle house is rather busy as they say and sometimes a stallion needs some time alone. Furthermore, there is a path back there which leads up to the noble quarter, so it is not as far as it may seem.”

Spearhead leaned to his left, gaze following Sombra’s hoof. “Oh, would you look at that.”

“See? Besides, it is rather charming is it not?” Sombra invited.

Spearhead nodded. “I suppose it is. Though what I do not know is why you brought us all the way out here.”

“It's simple,” Sombra began, stepping closer to the other stallion and fixing him with a sultry look. “I wished to give you your reward, and what better place than somewhere so quiet.”

“You mean to… right here?” Spearhead whispered.

“Why, would you deny me?” Sombra retorted.

“Well, I…” Spearhead gulped down his fear and shook his head. “No way, I’m just a little surprised is all. I know liked letting people hear us when we did it, but this is a bit much.”

“Oh come now, don't be so afraid Spearhead,” Sombra teased. “It is past midnight, and everyone is asleep. The only ones who would come to such a place would be other horny ponies such as ourselves.”

Sombra ran a hoof down Spearhead’s cheek, and neck, ending at his shoulder.

“Uh, well…” Spearhead nodded. “Yeah, you know what? Fuck it. You only live once right?”

“Indeed you do,” Sombra muttered.

“Let's do this, yolo!” Spearhead proclaimed.

Sombra recoiled. “Don't ever say that again.”

“Right, sorry just kinda slipped out,” Spearhead murmured.

“You may apologize to me by kissing me like you mean it,” Sombra offered.

“That I can do,” Spearhead replied.

The pair leaned forward, meeting in the middle and beginning a kiss that would only deepen with time. Their lips locked, and they began a delicate dance of who was in charge of who. It didn't last long, however, as Sombra quickly overpowered his partner, controlling the ebb and flow of their embrace.

A hoof, braced against Spearhead’s shoulder held the stallion still while Sombra kissed him firmer, and with clearer intent. Their mouths opened, and tongues darted across one another, the touch brief but pleasurable. Spearhead was submissive, yet he did at least attempt to take a leading role when Sombra allowed him to of course.

The delicate exchange of touch, kiss, caress, and embrace went back and forth, with Sombra remaining in control of it all. He kept one hoof moving, roving across Spearhead’s upper body and never sitting in one spot for long. Spearhead tried to mimic his partner’s actions but he lacked the grace, and raw confidence that Sombra did. The time-displaced king didn't mind, for his partner was enthusiastic, willing to explore, and above all eager.

So much so that even after only a few short seconds of making out, he started to smell something pleasant. Spearhead’s spear had emerged from its sheath, its head beeding with pre that occasionally dribbled down onto the ground. Sombra was far more reserved, though even his member had begun to become engorged during the exchange of passion. Before it could reach full mast though, Sombra took a step back and gestured toward a nearby tree.

“Sit down right there,” Sombra ordered.

“Oh, uh sure,” Spearhead muttered.

Sombra smirked to himself, silently enjoying the small amount of sadness that Spearhead felt the moment they parted. The stallion, despite being as eager to fuck as any Sombra had seduced, clearly enjoyed making out more than he was likely to admit. Sombra wondered briefly if he could use that somehow before tossing the idea aside for the moment.

Today had been a success, and now he would enjoy a bit of celebration. Concocting further plans at this point would only sour the mood, he thought to himself.

Meanwhile, Spearhead was dutifully following orders, plunking down at the base of the tree and turning so his cock was sticking straight up. The sight was almost adorable, with the stallion almost shaking with excitement as Sombra trotted up to him.

“If I didn't know any better I would have thought you had a bit of an exhibitionist streak,” Sombra teased.

“Hey, this is news to me as well,” Spearhead replied. “It is kinda hot though, I think its the danger.”

“So it's danger you like huh? Maybe I should bring a knife next time and really amp that up,” Sombra pressed.

Spearhead chuckled nervously. “No thank you, this is enough danger for me.”

“Wuss,” Sombra shot back, sticking his tongue out at the other stallion.

“I may be a wuss, but you like me, so nya,” Spearhead returned fire, also sticking his tongue out at his partner.

Sombra stepped in close, a smile on his face as he gripped the stallion’s cock with a hoof. “I do admit I’ve come to like you quite a bit. I have also come to like this hunk of meat quite a bit as well,” Sombra purred.

“Well it, and me, are all yours my king,” Spearhead offered.

Sombra stiffened. “Why did you say that?”

“Oh well, cus you’re so commanding and I read that you should have a pet name for your partner. Sorry, should I use something else?” Spearhead asked, wincing slightly like a wounded puppy.

“I..” Sombra smiled. “I like it quite a bit actually. Apologies if I was a bit stern for a moment there.”

“Hey no problem, my king. Your throne awaits you,” Spearhead exclaimed, gesturing to his crotch.

For a moment Sombra wanted to slap the other stallion, then he chuckled, the humor catching up with him.

“Then I best not keep it waiting. Wouldn't want it to get cold now would I?” Sombra asked.

“Nope!” Spearhead giddily replied.

“Well then, just sit back and enjoy yourself, handsome,” Sombra purred.

Sombra stepped forward, and knelt down over his partner, taking a small moment to relish in the simple act of domination. He pushed past that emotion, however, reminding himself that it was not yet time to indulge in any gloating. If he was being more honest with himself, he would have realized that despite how highly he held himself he was not above wanting it just as bad as his partner did.

Hovering over Spearhead, Sombra felt powerful, and that feeling grew as he placed a hoof on the other male’s shoulder. Using a bit of skill, he guided the head of his lover’s cock up against his back door, preparing himself for the ride of a lifetime. Before he could quite get that far, however, Sombra took a moment, pausing just before insertion.

With his now hard cock resting against Spearhead’s chest, Sombra was offered a unique and pleasant view. It also prompted an idea.

“I’m not quite hard enough. Would you help me, dear?” Sombra asked, gently slapping his cock against Spearhead’s chest.

The other male was tempted to argue, no doubt to point out that he was as hard as a rock. But then he just shrugged to himself, his mind seemingly made up. With his course chosen, Spearhead leaned forward and opened his mouth, taking the head of Sombra’s cock into his maw.

The time-displaced king couldn't help but shudder, the feeling of imminent penetration already making his body incredibly receptive. He wanted more, to drop down on the cock that waited for him, but he resisted once more, reminding himself of how much better it will feel in a few moments. A bit of teasing, he thought to himself, that Sombra really enjoyed feeling someone suck his cock though not to completion.

A power bottom through and through, Sombra rarely felt the desire to truly let someone take the reigns in such a manner. For a moment though, while he was hovering over his partner, a moment before the true for began, that was wonderful. Made even more so by the dexterous manner in which Spearhead worked his tongue and sucked gently on Sombra’s cock.

The angle wasn't great, but Spearhead was as always, eager and more than willing to ignore the slightly uncomfortable circumstances. A hoof moved to Spearhead’s skull, the eager king holding him down there while he rode out the wave of pleasure. It felt great, and he wanted to let it continue but cut it off before it lasted longer than a few pleasurable seconds.

“Mmm perfect,” Sombra murmured.

Spearhead recoiled, allowing his partner’s cock to pop audibly out of his lips. He then wiped his face against the back of his hoof and grinned, looking up at Sombra.

“So, ready?” Spearhead asked.

Sombra didn't answer, at least not with words anyway, merely dropping his hips down with a firm, wet slap. His partner’s turgid length vanished into Sombra’s greedy hole, easily swallowed by the domineering male’s backside. The sudden sensation of fullness was quickly brushed aside, and Sombra donned as confident a facade as he could muster.

“Does that answer your question?” He replied.

“H-holy fuck h-how do you s-stay so calm?” Spearhead stuttered, the male twitching with excitement.

“A king must be stoic. Plus you’re cute when you squirm,” Sombra teased.

“Jerk,” Spearhead retorted, grinning at his partner.

Sombra just smirked back. “Careful, you shouldn't insult someone when you are balls deep inside of them.”

To drive his point home, Sombra squeezed down on Spearhead’s member, making the other male shudder and wince.

“Sorry, my king. Can you forgive me?” Spearhead murmured.

“This once, now lie back and let your king reward his most loyal of servants,” Sombra purred.

Spearhead did just that, reclining against the tree and doing his best to relax, though he mostly failed at this.

Sombra didn't care one way or the other, as he was already in motion, grinding himself against his partner’s crotch. Around he went, moving slowly but deliberately and really stretching himself out as much as he was able. The sensation of having such a thick young cock inside of him was orgasmic, though he kept the pleasure from rising too much lest he finish early. This wasn't difficult for the king as self-restraint was something he needed to have in excess considering his circumstances.

After a few seconds of really relishing the feeling and taking a more psychological pleasure in dominating someone so trusting, Sombra rose up once more. With just the tip inside of him, Sombra wiggled his hips, drawing out the eventual plunge for a moment longer. Then he fell, and his hips met his partners with a wet, meaty slap that could no doubt be heard for a fair distance.

Spearhead evidently knew this as well, as he stiffened up, both in the shoulders as well as other places. This made Sombra grin, and the next time he descended, he made sure to make the impact just as loud. Spearhead tried to glance past his partner, hesitant to who else may be out there, only to get intercepted by Sombra.

The domineering king, caught his partner by the chin and forced their eyes to meet, leaving Spearhead unable to look away. Sombra continued to hold the look while he bounced up and down, riding his partner hard, ensuring each impact was meaty. Though naive, Spearhead caught on to his partner’s game quickly and did his best to try and appear calm.

Sombra wasn't a graceful loser, however, so he upped his game even more, bouncing faster, and faster. His hips started to burn, and his knees ached but Sombra easily pushed past those minor annoyances. For the increasing sound of their bodies meeting made Spearhead’s pulse quicken and his body began to stiffen once more.

The subtle, unspoken war between the pair continued unabated, with Sombra going as fast and as hard as he dared. While at the same time, Spearhead did his absolute best to both bite back his pleasure while also trying to look cool and in control. Though Sombra initially held the edge, Spearhead was closing the gap and even started to become a little confident.

Then Sombra moaned, his tone carrying a slightly higher, almost girly pitch to it that carried across the park. He repeated it soon after, relishing in how it made Spearhead both more aroused, as well as more worried. It was adorable watching the young stallion struggle with his own emotions, while his cock twitched madly in Sombra’s hole.

“Oh fuck me, stud,” Sombra whispered huskily.

Spearhead wanted to shush his partner, but he held back, biting his lip.

“I can feel you so deep inside of me,” Sombra continued, running a hoof down Spearhead’s chest. “You want to cum inside of my ass don't you, my servant?”

Spearhead’s look of conflicted enjoyment nearly made Sombra laugh out loud.

“You yearn to fill me up, I can feel it. Your balls churn with hot cum you want to pump inside me,” Sombra continued, leaning in close and whispering loudly in his partner’s ear. “Isn't that right, my little stud?”

Spearhead nodded his head eagerly, clearly edging ever closer to a powerful orgasm.

Sombra merely smiled while he rode his partner hard and without a hint of restraint.

“Mmm I can't hear you,” Sombra purred. “Do you want to cum inside of me not, oh favored servant of mine?”

“I… I do,” Spearhead whispered.

“What was that? A no?” Sombra taunted with a smirk.

“I want to cum inside of you,” Spearhead declared a little louder.

“I don't think you have the determination necessary to earn such a pleasure,” Sombra retorted.

While Spearhead struggled with the ramifications of what he may or may not say, Sombra remained in motion. With a hoof on each of Spearhead’s shoulders, Sombra had all the leverage he needed to really lay into him. Bouncing up and down, over and over and over, pushing both himself and Spearhead ever closer to orgasm.

“Fuck it,” Spearhead muttered, before clearing his throat and declaring quite loudly. “I want to cum inside of you so fucking bad it hurts.”

Sombra, temporarily taken aback by his partner’s boldness, nearly stumbled, only catching himself at the last moment. The moment he did so, he grinned and licked his lips.

“So be it, my stud. You may fire when ready,” Sombra replied just as loudly.

With permission given, and the end in sight, Sombra tossed aside what resistance he felt as did Spearhead. The pair no longer cared about volume, moaning as loudly as they wanted while they fucked in full view of whoever may pass them by. Neither of them cared, nor did they make any attempt to quiet themselves or look around to see if they were being observed.

They merely threw themselves into the passion of the moment, with Spearhead even thrusting up into his partner. Normally Sombra would hold the other male down, admonish him, or otherwise make him stop but this time he didn't. He was too far gone to care, and if he was being honest it just felt amazing. The thrust helped apply a bit of extra pressure to the male’s prostate, nearly making him cum instantly.

Though not holding back, Sombra at least wanted to wait for his partner to get a bit closer so he held on a little longer. Thankfully he didn't have to wait for more than a few seconds, as Spearhead’s humping became erratic. His jaw clenched and he reached out and grabbed Sombra with both forehooves, holding the other male close.

Again Sombra wanted to admonish the other male, to discipline, but again he ignored that urge. Instead, he released whatever inhibitions he had left and let himself feel the full brunt of his own pleasure.

“C-cumming,” Spearhead murmured through grit teeth.

Sombra bounced once, twice, three times before feeling Spearhead’s cock begin to twitch. With his partner’s orgasm sealed, Sombra let himself fall as far down the other male’s cock as possible. There he pushed himself hard, feeling every last possible millimeter inside of him before finally cumming as well.

As he orgasmed, Sombra fully embraced the other male, holding him, and kissing him deeply. They made out as Sombra came onto Spearhead’s chest and Spearhead in turn emptied his balls into Sombra’s ass. The moment was strangely romantic, and intense, with Sombra dimly aware of the fact that he had let himself enjoy things a bit more than he originally intended.

There, with a thick cock in his ass, and a cute male in his hooves, he didn't care. Brushing aside such high-minded concerns, he kissed Spearhead without restraint. They continued to do so until their orgasms began to wane, and the duo realized that they needed air. Sombra leaned back, the stallion remiss to end the moment but aware of the necessity of doing so.

Once parted, Sombra breathed in and out, slowly filling his lungs while sharing a heady look with his partner. The time-displaced king was about to speak, to break the silence when something else beat him to the punch. A crack, followed by the sound of hoofsteps prompted both males to turn towards the source of the noise.

In the distance an older woman peered into the darkness, adjusting her thick-rimmed glasses. She seemed confused, yet inquisitive and was slowly approaching their position near the center of the park.

“We should-” Sombra began, only to be interrupted again.

This time it was Spearhead who did so, the other male awkwardly hefting Sombra from the ground and holding him against his chest. With a surprisingly strong hoof holding Sombra in place, the king rode under his partner as Spearhead trundled deeper into the park. After a few seconds of awkward three-legged stumbling, he sat back down behind a tree, boyfriend still impaled on his cock.

Sombra couldn't help but feel annoyed, turned on, and a bit confused.

While the time-displaced king struggled to put his feelings in order, the mare stopped near the playground. She looked around expectantly, her ears twisting this way and that.

“If anyone’s out there, it's past curfew. You’re not allowed to be in the park at this hour!” she called. “Don't make me call the guard!”

“What a Karen,” Spearhead whispered.

Sombra stifled a laugh.

The pair remained quiet while the woman continued to look around for a few more seconds. Then with a snort, she turned and trundled off, grumbling something under her breath as she did so. Once gone, the two lovers shared a long exhale of relief, with Spearhead falling against the tree and finally relaxing.

Sombra took this moment to stand up, extracting Spearhead’s cock from inside of him and letting the semi-flaccid tip pop out of him. The moment they were apart, Sombra concentrated for a moment before sighing contentedly, his backside tight once more.

“Wait, you're not going to uh, let it out?” Spearhead asked.

“That would be wasteful don't you think?” Sombra replied with a smirk. “Besides, we are going to need a bit of lube for round two, and what better lubricant than all-natural?”

Spearhead shuddered, and immediately jumped up, standing at attention. “Please tell me we are going to one of our places first because this was hot but I really don't want to get caught.”

“Relax, stud. We’ll go back to my place,” Sombra took a step only to feel his knees start to shake. “Though I may have gone a bit too far.”

Spearhead chuckled. “You really rode me back there, your majesty.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Sombra retorted, only to grin. “But continue anyway, I find your attempts amusing.”

“Well for one you’re hot,” Spearhead replied.

Sombra smirked. “Obviously.”

“And smart, and handsome, and like, really really sexy. I don't know how you pull off both commanding and also a bottom at the same time but you totally do,” Spearhead continued.

“Your compliments could use some work,” Sombra pointed out.

Spearhead shrugged. “I try my best.”

“That you do,” Sombra purred. “Now come on, I can feel my legs again and I don't want to.”
> Divide and Conquer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal entry, seventy-one, day of infiltration sixty-six.

My infiltration has finally started to bear fruit, as I’ve driven a wedge between the royal couple. Though nearly every single one of my initial plans either failed outright or were rendered unviable due to circumstance, I anticipated this. Plans never survive contact with the enemy, it is one’s ability to adapt that determines survival and eventually success.

To this end integrated myself quite deeply into the friend group, seducing Spearhead and taking him as my temporary concubine. The rather thick-headed male has turned out to be quite the asset, both in my endeavor to prevent my future and in other matters. He has proven adept at servicing my more physical needs as well as buoying my confidence on the few occasions it has faltered.

It helps that he has become a skillful lover under my direction, his initial eagerness still present though augmented by real experience. His ministrations are so enjoyable I find myself thinking about him on occasion, wondering if he… no, I need to end this line of thought immediately. I am here to ensure that there are no barriers between me and my eventual domination, not to make friends.

Though with that being said, I certainly would appreciate adding him to my harem when the time comes. Then at least the time he has spent as my lover would not be wasted.

Focus Sombra, focus. No matter how much you have enjoyed your erotic forays with this stallion he is merely a stepping stone. One that will soon be discarded provided all goes well, and the next phase of the plan goes off without a hitch.

To that end, I have increasingly planted the idea of taking a male partner in Shining Armor’s mind. His lecherous looks have grown bolder, and I can sense him close to the door when I fuck Spearhead. He has even started to look at other stallions in a more critical eye, no doubt due to his own blossoming bisexuality.

Furthermore, my teasing is being returned without even the clumsy halfhearted attempt to shield his waning heterosexuality with excuses or obstruction. It is rather amusing really, watching Shining Armor as he goes from changing the subject the very moment something gay comes up in conversation to actively participating.

It's enough to make me wonder just how much of this is his own upbringing versus Cadance’s influence. And an unpleasant influence it is. That hag seems to genuinely despise most of Shining Armor’s hobbies and smaller personality quirks. It goes beyond just a mere mismatch in who they are and has even made me wonder why they are even together at all.

Sure there is a physical spark there, Shining Armor is in near-peak health and though he could hit the gym a bit more, he is wonderfully well-muscled. As reluctant as I am to admit it, Cadance is also fairly attractive for a woman, though she does herself few favors with her choice in makeup. Honestly, who wears fake eyelashes that long? You look like you have spiderwebs sticking off your face. It's repulsive.

Regardless, she is certainly the very image of royalty, though her manners could still use a bit of work. Evidently, Celestia has not imparted the wisdom of which fork to use for one’s salad. Where was I again? Right, their connection.

From what I have come to understand Shining Armor had a bit of a princess fetish. I discovered this just the other day when I-





Sombra’s ears perked up and he trotted up the remaining stairs two at a time, quickly reaching the top floor. There he spotted Shining Armor stepping out of his room, the stallion dropping a large box on the ground before going back inside. So distracted was the other male that he didn't even notice Sombra approach the entrance to his room.

“Moving out already?” Sombra questioned.

Shining Armor stood upright and turned to the disguised king, his face beat red. “Oh h-hey Crystal Throne. What are you doing at home? Didn't you have a date with Spearhead?”

“He wasn't feeling very good so we ended it a bit early,” Sombra raised an eyebrow. “The crown scouts?”

Shining Armor sprinted across the room and shut the top of the box he had just placed outside, using far more force than what was necessary.

“It's nothing, just a club I was in when I was younger,” Shining Armor dismissed.

“It is an equivalent to the filly scouts though just for boys,” offered a voice.

“Hello Twilight. Didn't you have homework to do?” Shining Armor muttered, his tone low and bitter.

“I completed it already,” Twilight replied simply.

Sombra raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly is this, Crown Scouts?”

“It was once a training program put into place to select promising young recruits for the royal guard though it has long since become something different,” Twilight answered.

“We just learned how to tie knots and stuff. No big deal really,” Shining Armor dismissed.

“And you learned sword fighting and armor maintenance. You even reached the rank of solar scout,” Twilight pointed out.

“Solar scout? Is that like a Celestia fan club or something?” Sombra pressed.

“It is not a Celestia fan club,” Shining Armor stated firmly.

“For once you are correct brother. Though you were still president of the Sun Celebrants if I remember correctly,” Twilight Sparkle offered.

Shining Armor’s face immediately became bright red.

“I feel a bit like a broken record but what are the Celebrants?” Sombra asked, raising an eyebrow.

“A Celestia fan club,” Twilight Sparkle replied calmly.

“We are- er were not! It was a club for guys who wanted to become royal guards when we grew up!” Shining Armor hissed while glaring daggers at his sibling.

“Is that why you had a poster of Celestia over your bed up until last year when you-” Twilight Sparkle began.

“Alright, that's enough of that. Out of my room you little dork,” Shining Armor interrupted.

The stallion then gripped the filly by the shoulders and began firmly, but gently pushing her across the hall.

“But I’m not in your room,” Twilight whined.

“I don't care, go bug mom or dad,” Shining Armor retorted.

Twilight Sparkle grumbled under her breath but trotted down the stairs anyway, shooting as nasty a glare as she was able to muster all the while.

“Just… ignore all that,” Shining Armor muttered while passing Sombra by.

“So she was lying?” Sombra pressed.

“I mean no but…” Shining Armor hesitated. “Please don't tell the guys I kept that poster for so long. They’d never let me hear the end of it.”

Sombra chuckled and leaned against the doorframe. “So it sounds like this royal guard thing isn't just born out of nationalist fervor.”

“Look I just really idolized Princess Celestia okay? It's not that weird, plenty of ponies do,” Shining Armor shot back.

“But do plenty of teenage colts?” Sombra teased.

Shining Armor blushed even harder. “Y-yes! Now excuse me but I need to finish packing this stuff up to store in the basement!”

“Fair enough. I for one don't fault you for your childhood obsession. I think it's only natural that you would find Celestia a worthy target of adoration. She is a skilled diplomat and is quite adept at statecraft,” Sombra admitted.

Shining Armor blinked in confusion, his embarrassment and confusion slipping away. “I uh… thanks.”

He then closed the door, leaving Sombra to chuckle to himself.





This event leads me to wonder just how much of his attraction is not simply the fulfillment of some boyhood fantasy. Though at one point Celestia was the focus of such adoration it wouldn't be difficult for that to shift to another princess, one much younger. It would explain how they made things work despite just how little they have in common and how poor their rapport is.

Those are considerations for another time however, for the moment I must enjoy the modicum of success I have acquired while planning on how best to push forward. Shining Armor yearns for me if not emotionally then physically, that much is obvious from the way he looks at me. His own growing acceptance of relationships of a more masculine nature is also a promising sign as well.

He refuses to do anything about it out of loyalty, both to his partner and to his friends though I think I have something in mind for that. For you see I have not only stirred feelings of envy in my roommate as it were, but also the more bookish of their friends. This was unexpected, though if handled properly could indeed work out in my favor, with the possibility of this situation creating the perfect storm as it were.

You see dear diary, I happened upon a curious conversation the other day-





“And thus concludes today’s adventure,” Sombra declared.

“Wow, that was… wow,” Shining Armor muttered.

“No kidding. All those hints about our shopkeeper buddy having debts suddenly make a lot more sense,” Spearhead murmured.

“Wait, that's why he betrayed us? That snake!” Shining Armor declared, slamming a hoof against the table.

“I don't know, what do you think?” Sombra teasingly replied.

“Oh you cheeky dog,” Shining Armor exclaimed. “You laid it all out but I never put the pieces together.”

“Where were you that game Knight Night? You usually see this kinda thing a mile away,” Spearhead proclaimed. 

The demure young stallion blinked in surprise. “Oh uh… sorry. I’ve been a bit distracted. In fact, I think I’m gonna head out early and skip the usual snacks. Gotta do some homework, or whatever.”

Knight Night then rose and awkwardly walked out of the room before anyone had a chance to say a word in edgewise.

“What's with him?” Sombra asked.

“Yeah he always does his work before coming to game night,” Shining Armor answered.

“I should go see if he’s okay,” Spearhead offered.

The male then ran after his friend, leaving the others behind.

“I sure hope nothing’s wrong,” Shining Armor murmured.

“I’m sure it's nothing,” Sombra blinked. “Spearhead left his dice behind.”

“I should-”

“Don't worry, I got it,” Sombra interrupted, snatching up the dice for himself.

“Alright then. I’ll just uh… clean up then,” Shining Armor muttered.

Sombra ignored the male and trotted off, proceeding through the house and out the front door. There at the edge of the property, Sombra could see that the pair were chatting just behind a large hedge. Their faces were obscured while their backsides were sticking out either end.

Sneaking up to the hedge, Sombra raised his ears and listened closely to the conversation.

“I just… don't like roleplaying as much these days,” Knight Night remarked absently.

“That's bologna and you know it. You always beg us to play and you’re like, the first one here every time,” Spearhead retorted.

“So what, ponies change,” Knight Night shot back.

“Not that much, not that quickly,” Spearhead whispered. “So what's really bothering you? Its Crystal Throne, isn't it?”

“N-no,” Knight Night sputtered.

“It is, isn't it? First Cadance now you,” Spearhead muttered in a disappointing tone.

“It's not like with Cadance,” Knight Night stated firmly. “I just… miss the time we got to spend together alone is all. I don't blame you for spending time with him or anything I just…”

Spearhead sighed. “I get it. I was your first friend, and we haven't really had a chance to hang out like we used to.”

“Y-yeah,” Knight Night muttered. “I just really miss you. Miss hanging out with you I mean.”

“We totally never finished that game, didn't we? That one with the house and the hill!” Spearhead asked suddenly.

“What do you… oh yeah, we didn't,” Knight Night replied.

“How about this? I’ll come by this weekend and we can finish it. It’ll be like old times, only with less studying and more hanging out like bros,” Spearhead proclaimed.

“Right yeah. Just two bros,” Knight Night rather awkwardly added, his tone carrying a subtle undercurrent of disappointment.

It seems as though someone has a bit of a crush. Sombra thought to himself. No wonder he has been so short with me. I took his stallion.

Sombra mused briefly on the irony of him stealing one stallion by accident while purposefully trying to take another. His thoughts were interrupted when Spearhead spoke once more.

“Cool, so this Saturday then? Say like, noon?” Spearhead inquired.

“Yeah, that sounds fun. It’ll just be us though right? No Crystal Throne?” Knight Night asked hesitantly.

“Just us,” Spearhead replied.

Knight Night breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, I’ll see you then.”

Sombra hastily trotted back to the path and slowly began to approach the street, dice held aloft. Just as he was about to reach the sidewalk, Spearhead trotted up to him, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Oh, Crystal! What are you doing here?” Spearhead asked.

“You forgot some things,” Sombra replied.

“My dice thanks!” Spearhead exclaimed, snatching up the small bag.

“Annd?” Sombra pressed.

Spearhead cocked his head to one side. “And what… oh!”

The male then leaned forward and planted a kiss on his partner’s lips.

“Later Crystal!” Spearhead called.

“Later, lover,” Sombra purred.





This little interaction makes it obvious that the feelings go at least one way, and since then I’ve been able to deduce more. Namely that Spearhead is slightly attracted to Knight Night, though the circumstances around that attraction are a bit odd. You see apparently when they were younger they were trying on Knight’s parent’s clothes.

A typical childhood experience became a bit more impactful when Knight Night chose to dawn his mother’s wedding dress. He apparently wouldn't take it off for some time, and Spearhead even went so far as to admit that he looked weirdly confident while wearing it. Since then Knight Night has apparently taken every opportunity to dress up as a female character, indicating some rather repressed emotions.

I note this not out of genuine care for his, or perhaps her, well-being but rather it is a string I may pull on. For if I get them together, while in one fell swoop seducing Shining Armor, I would align everything into the perfect position. I could bow out of the relationship gracefully, earning brownie points in the process, while moving my own plans along.

All I require is a catalyst.

Like a moderately powerful lust potion which will combo quite well with a bit of alcohol and some mild prompting. Being isolated together at the Sparkle family cabin for a few days will ensure that the air is charged with untapped sexual energy. A few beers, a small nudge, and some playful banter are all I’ll need to snag Shining Armor’s heart.

But if that doesn't work, and the instance is only a one-off, it will at least earn me some potent blackmail. I hope it doesn't come to that, however, as that would mean my primary plan has failed and I would need to fall back to a secondary one. I shall not think of such a thing though, for my plan is perfect, if a bit childish though I suppose it's not like I’m much older than them.

My reign was brief, and I ascended to the throne at a young age so the difference isn't that-

Why am I writing all this down? Am I trying to justify my own actions? This is all getting rather ridiculous. I need to attend to the potion and finish packing for our trip.

I need no excuse, nor permission. I was king once, and I shall be again! Any action I take is justified in order to get back what is rightfully mine.
> Always Ascending Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sombra stood in a dark alley stuffed between two tall buildings, a frown creasing his face. His horn sparked with life, and for a moment there was a flicker of darkness that clung to the tip. Then it was gone, the dark magic blown away by some unseen wind.

“Dammit,” Sombra cursed under his breath.

The disguised stallion glanced out from around the dumpster back towards the street where he had left behind the others. There the three stallions stood, decked out in winter wear and laden with large bulging saddle bags stuffed full of supplies. Sombra wore just a scarf, the future king having long since grown used to the cold of the far north. He also wore similar bags around his sides, and though he too had stuff like clothes, and books the king had something different. Namely a secret lust potion, as well as a camera rigged to trigger every few minutes like clockwork while also remaining nearly invisible once triggered.

“You alright back there?” called Spearhead.

Sombra waved a hoof. “Just another minute. I think breakfast does not agree with me.”

“Well, Twilight was helping in the kitchen this morning…” Shining Armor remarked half-heartedly.

“That explains why the eggs tasted purple,” Sombra muttered.

The stallion stepped back behind the dumpster and lit his horn once more. This time the magic returned quickly, and held for a moment only for it to escape his grasp after only a few short seconds of focus. Frustration built, and the disguised stallion clenched his jaw so tight his teeth hurt.

“Why aren't you working? Why can't I call on my dark magic?” Sombra asked the empty alley.

When he attempted to grasp his magic a third time the pointed appendage atop his head barely even glowed. He could feel the strain of exhaustion begin to assault him, sapping his strength and weakening his resolve. Yet he continued to grasp at the trailing threads of his foul spellwork, attempting to gather at least enough to cast a single low-level incantation.

“Come on, come on,” Sombra muttered.

When his magic failed, and his horn shot a small jet of sparks against the wall, the stallion was tempted to scream. Instead, he bit his tongue, and stood there, breathing heavily for several long seconds. Only once the wave of rage passed did he move, picking his chin up and heading back in the direction of his so called friends.

“Feeling better?” Spearhead asked.

“Twilight didn't poison you, did she?” Shining Armor inquired.

The concern from two handsome stallions did little to buoy the disguised king’s mood but it was still nice.

“No. I think your sister’s latest attempt to kill me has failed,” Sombra murmured.

“This happens often?” Spearhead inquired, glancing from Sombra to Shining Armor.

“Eh, not that often,” Shining Armor murmured while rubbing the back of his neck. “At least not any more frequently than she inadvertently attempts to kill anyone she lives with.”

“Don't tell me she's trying to learn how to cast fireball again,” Knight Night added. “I still get nightmares about that last time.”

“Thankfully no, just a light poisoning this time,” Sombra replied.

“I think she was attempting to induce synesthesia in cooking in order to quote, expand one’s pallet to the rest of the senses,” Shining Armor remarked.

“Your sister is either going to be the most accomplished mage of our generation or in a loony bin by twenty and there is no in-between on that one,” Spearhead exclaimed.

Shining Armor groaned. “Let's just hope it's that first one.”

“Indeed, now I believe we had a train to catch?” Sombra offered.

“Oh shit, that's right. We better get moving. If we miss this one we’ll have to reschedule the whole weekend as the next one isn't till Monday!” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Lead the way mister royal guard,” Spearhead offered.





Sombra stared out the window idly, his mind distant and his gaze unfocused. Though the beautiful countryside passing by his window was spectacular and slightly reminiscent of his home, it garnered no attention from the stallion. Instead, his thoughts were utterly focused on his apparent failure to call upon his magic in a meaningful manner.

He ran through possibilities both great and insignificant in his mind, desperate to seek out an answer to his pressing question. He knew of dark magic’s intrinsic link to negative emotions and understood how one fed upon the other. Yet despite how well things were going, and how little he truly had to worry about he still held those foul festering feelings close to his heart. The hatred at being denied his destiny, the contempt at being bested by individuals so far beneath him. Both served as ample ammunition for his magic to feast and grow strong on, so that was simply out of the equation.

Perhaps, Sombra thought, that it may be the house that had stymied him. After all, it had quite detailed wards, and was capable of combating dark magic, but expunging it entirely… that couldn't be right. Complicated wards or not, that simply wasn't something a static defense could really manage on its own.

“Bit for your thoughts,” Shining Armor offered suddenly.

Sombra blinked and glanced away from the window to the stallion sitting across from him. Shining Armor wore a concerned expression and had a folded-up book resting on his lap. Spearhead wasn't present, while Knight Night was snoring softly next to Shining Armor, the male having evidently fallen asleep at some point.

“I was just thinking,” Sombra murmured, his gaze going back to the window and the snowy landscape beyond. “It looks so much like home, only not nearly as mountainous.”

“Is that so?” Shining Armor muttered wistfully.

For a moment the pair stared absently out of the window, watching as the train chugged around another corner. Dangling from the edge of a cliff hundreds of feet in height, the train only a single small screw-up away from plunging hundreds to their doom. Despite just how close they all were to potential death, Sombra gave such considerations no thought. The Equestrians were nothing if not sticklers for safety, no his thoughts went out beyond the cliff.

To the valleys and hills that lay out there, away from the Canterhorn, tucked away far from civilization. Though not terribly far from Canterlot, Sombra had noticed that the so-called ‘backside’ of the Canterhorn was sparsely populated. Here other, minor mountains were plentiful, though none could dare stand against the monster that the range was named after.

Connected only by train and a few winding pathways through the valleys and vales, the towns Sombra saw were small. Little more than villages of maybe a hundred ponies total, they attached themselves to natural resources like ticks on the backs of larger creatures. None so far had train stations, though a couple had at least a small platform should there be an emergency necessitating supplies.

Though his thoughts wanted to wander further, Sombra cut them off, pointedly stopping before he could start making comparisons to his home. For there were many, though even then the most hilly area he had known as a child could not be compared to the Canterhorn.

“Are you homesick by chance?” Shining Armor pressed.

“No, not really anyway,” Sombra murmured. “Though I sometimes yearn to return to the place of my birth, I don't believe as though I am ready quite yet.”

“What do you mean?” Shining Armor asked.

Sombra sighed and glanced at the sleeping Knight Night. “My family lands are not exceptional but should I return I would have to resume my duties as lord of my demesce. And though I was once confident in my skill, after coming here I have seen just how much I have yet to learn and how much I still must grow.”

Shining Armor nodded mutely. “That makes sense. I noticed that you were having a bit of trouble with that spell the other day. The one that was supposed to create a floating disc I think.”

“You were not meant to see that,” Sombra hissed.

“Hey, I wasn't spying or nothing. You were just in the backyard and I looked out the window,” Shining Armor quickly replied, raising his forehooves defensively.

Sombra sighed. “It's fine, and yes it is a bit of a struggle. The techniques taught to me as a foal are dreadfully antiquated and my… condition only makes things even more problematic.”

“How so? I thought it just made your ability to cast dark magic easier,” Shining Armor remarked, gesturing to Sombra’s bent horn.

“It does, though it also makes all other brands of magic more difficult,” Sombra admitted bitterly. “It makes what you call it, a catch twenty-two?”

Shining Armor nodded.

“Yes,” Sombra muttered, his lips turning into a bitter snarl. “Other magic is harder, and dark magic easier so why resist the temptation if you will never reach the mastery your peers are capable of?”

“Well I think the struggle makes your successes even more notable,” Shining Armor replied. “That and if it was easy would it even be worth doing?”

Sombra opened his mouth to reply, only to stop before he could do so. For a moment he just sat there, attempting to come up with some manner of bitter retort only to abruptly give up.

“I suppose,” Sombra reluctantly agreed.

“So buck up. You’re already the most powerful member of our friend group. Is it really so bad that you aren't also the strongest in our school?” Shining Armor continued.

“Hmmm,” Sombra hummed. “You speak truth though I still rankle under the restraints of my condition.”

“Fair,” Shining Armor remarked with a shrug.

Spearhead appeared a moment later, the stallion opening the door to their cabin. He then stepped inside and plunked down next to Sombra, the impact startling Knight Night from his slumber.

“What I miss?” Spearhead asked.

“Nothing,” Sombra replied immediately. “Nothing at all.”





Sombra trudged through the snow, each step making a soft crunch when his booted hoof punched through the thin layer of ice that had settled atop the white powder. The snow drift went up to about his knee, nearly going over the lip of his boot, though thankfully not quite. Before him the trail wound in a gentle rightward direction, his right flanked with tall frost-covered trees while on his left a small stream trickled past a dozen or so meters away.

The land was quiet, almost deathly so, a realization that made the disguised king pause. He then turned back and glanced down the trail, where he saw no one. Realizing that he was alone, Sombra chose to wait, though thankfully he didn't have to do so for long.

“Hold up Crystal!” Spearhead called.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Sombra called back.

Spearhead perked up, the stallion peeking over a bush half buried in snow in order to catch a glimpse of his partner.

“Oh, there you are!” Spearhead shouted.

The stallion disappeared, only to reappear a moment later as he came around the bend in the trail.

“How the heck are you so fast? The snow is so deep!” Spearhead whined.

“This isn't that deep. It doesn't even come up past my knees,” Sombra retorted.

“Well some of us aren't like you, Crystal. We aren't used to wading through ten miles of snow just to use the outhouse,” Spearhead muttered.

“You are wrong,” Sombra retorted, pausing briefly. “It was eleven miles.”

Spearhead rolled his eyes.

“Wait for us, we’re, coming!” shouted the distant voice of Shining Armor.

“How is it that you are so far behind?” Spearhead called. “Aren't you training to join the royal guard?”

“Hey!” Shining Armor exclaimed. “I’m not slow. I’m just keeping Knight Night company back here.”

“Oh yeah, it's definitely not because you packed those super low-cut boots that Cadance recommended so you have to stop every few minutes to knock all the snow out of them lest you freeze your hooves off,” Spearhead added.

Sombra chuckled under his breath, and the pair of males exchanged a hoof bump.

“Keep laughing and you two can sleep in the shed tonight,” Shining Armor shot back.

“Meh,” Sombra remarked with a shrug. “Given the relative wealth of your family, I wouldn't be surprised if it was heated.”

“Damn, bro you got him pegged. It totally does!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Whatever,” Shining Armor muttered, pausing to turn around. “Knight, are you alright back there?”

“I’m fine!” shouted back a familiar voice. “Just got a little stuck for a second.”

“Mmhmm,” Shining Armor murmured.

“So,” Sombra began. “How far are we anyway? I haven't been keeping track of the distance.”

“We’re almost there. Just one more turn,” Shining Armor offered.

Sombra nodded before setting off, with Spearhead falling in behind him a moment later. The pair powered ahead while Shining Armor hung back slightly, waiting for Knight to hurry up. Sure enough, the duo swiftly happened upon a single-story cottage made primarily of stone waiting for them around the final bend.

Slapped between the creek on one side, and a cliff on the other, the small vacation home didn't have much open space around it. There was just enough for a raised fireplace half buried in snow, and a shed that sat under a stony overhang jutting from the cliff wall. There was only one thing that was mysteriously absent, in Sombra’s estimation anyway.

“Where’s the outhouse?” Sombra asked.

“It's right behind the house, but you don't have to worry about the smell or nothing. You know that great aunt I told you about who worked on the house’s ward system?” Shining Armor replied.

“She also worked on this one,” Sombra assumed.

Shining Armor nodded. “She also put in more experimental enchantments.”

“Like werewolf detection,” Spearhead added in a low mysterious sounding tone of voice.

Sombra rolled his eyes. “There is no such thing.”

“Not anymore,” Spearhead replied.

“They say werewolves were a real threat back in her time,” Shining Armor offered.

“Ridiculous,” Knight Night retorted, pausing to take several hasty breaths. “The last confirmed werewolf died just over a thousand years ago.”

As the others moved toward the cabin, Sombra paused.

“Wait a second, is that true?” Sombra asked, hastily trotting after Knight Night.

“Augh don't listen to him, otherwise you’re going to end up believing in Mothman, the Jerseigh devil, and the Loch Ness monster,” Spearhead replied with a smirk on his face.

“H-hey!” Knight called. “Those are all true, except for the last one. That was just a weird-looking log.”

Shining Armor stopped at the porch of the small one-level cabin and placed his hoof against an abnormally large red brick in the wall. After a moment the door clicked, and swung inward slightly, pushed open by the ever-present wind that came down from the mountain.

“Alright everyone, pile in,” Shining Armor offered. “The sun’s gonna start setting soon so we gotta hurry up if we are going to do our polar plunge up at the spring.”

“Aww,” Spearhead complained.

Sombra raised an eyebrow. “Polar plunge?”

“These nut jobs jump into ice cold water and then compete to who can stay in the longest,” Knight Night answered.

“You don't participate?” Sombra inquired.

“I do, for like… two seconds,” Knight replied.

“This year I’m going to win for sure,” Spearhead proclaimed. “I’ve been taking nothing but cold showers for the last six months to prepare.”

“And I’ve been letting Twilight test her cold enchantments on me for the last two months,” Shining Armor retorted.

Sombra was about to offer a boast of his own when he stepped into the house and looked around for the first time. Directly before him and to the left was a large living room with a fireplace at the far end. To the right, a kitchen, and just beyond, a narrow hallway that went to a bathroom at the end, and a bedroom on either side. Or at least, that's what Sombra assumed from the layout of the place.

“So Crystal. Are you going to join us?” Shining Armor asked.

Sombra blinked. “Oh yes. I think I shall, and not only that but I believe I shall give you all a run for your money.”

“Ha we’ll see about that,” Spearhead exclaimed. “I don't give up easily you know.”





“I give up!” Spearhead shouted before lurching out of the icy pond.

“C-c-coward,” Shining Armor shouted, the shivering stallion standing neck-deep in water.

“Don't listen to them. You beat your previous best and did really well,” Knight Night retorted.

Spearhead accepted the warm blanket offered to him by Knight Night. “Y-yeah but s-s-still. Crystal isn't even ph-ph-phased!”

Sombra blinked. “What was that? I was just about to doze off for a second there.”

“Thats inequine!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“When you have as long a winter as we do, you get used to it,” Sombra retorted.

“S-sstill,” chattered Shining Armor.

Sombra shrugged and reclined near the bank of the pool. “It's not so bad. Hey Knight, would you mind kicking that big hunk of ice into the water? It could be a little colder in here.”

“S-s-s-screw this,” Shining Armor chattered.

The stallion then surged out of the water, and once free, cast a heating spell on himself as well as Spearhead.

“You need to toughen up Shining Armor. How are you going to guard a princess if you can't even handle this?” Sombra teased, splashing a bit of water at the other stallion.

“I don't think it's ever going to matter, besides I uh…” Shining Armor paused and shook his head. “I don't believe there are many springs in Canterlot Castle which I may need to rescue the princess from.”

“Ha, true,” Sombra replied.

The disguised king rose from the pond, and trotted over to the others, the stallion accepting a warm place at the side of his partner.

“Either way we got lucky that the moon was so bright out,” Sombra pointed out.

“True,” Spearhead admitted, glancing up at the large, radiant heavenly body floating overhead.

“Let's not push our luck. There aren't many predators out here but I’d rather not run into anything,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“I told you. The abominable snowman doesn't live in these mountains,” Knight Night exclaimed.

The sudden howl of a distant wolf forced the conversation to pause.

“Yeah, but there are wolves out here!” Spearhead hissed in a low tone.

“Right, let's go. I’ll lead the way,” Shining Armor offered.

“Do you ever get tired of being a knight in shining armor?” Spearhead teased.

Shining Armor chuckled. “Nope. I’d have to change my name otherwise.”

The group all chuckled despite their fear.





“Babe, are you coming to bed?” Spearhead whispered.

Sombra blinked and looked over to the bed, where his partner could be seen, or at least his head anyway as the rest of him was tucked securely under the covers.

“Just a second,” Sombra murmured.

“Got a lot on your mind?” Spearhead inquired.

Sombra closed the blinds and trotted over to the bed.

“I suppose,” Sombra admitted.

Spearhead pulled back the bedding, allowing Sombra to slip in next to the other male.

“What were ya thinking about?” Spearhead whispered.

“Just… how enjoyable this has all been so far,” Sombra murmured.

“And it's only been the first day,” Spearhead added. “We still got two more full days here.”

“True,” Sombra admitted. “What were we all planning on doing again? I can't recall.”

“All day d and d tomorrow, then a hike, board games, and finally…” Spearhead leaned closer. “Booze.”

“You’re an adult. Quit acting like you’re breaking the rules by enjoying alcohol,” Sombra retorted.

“But not like this. We are going to get like, drunk drunk. Not just tipsy off overpriced cider,” Spearhead replied.

“Hmm, fair,” Sombra admitted, turning around. “Wrap your hooves around me. I want to be the little spoon tonight.”

Spearhead smirked. “Sure thing babe. Anything for you.”

Sombra smiled faintly before closing his eyes and quickly drifting off.
> Always Ascending Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The room was quiet, its inhabitants sitting there in a state of shock, confusion, and in one case, rage. Why the four ponies would be angry at one another wasn't readily apparent, for they had all been enjoying the act of roleplaying together. Snacks, drinks, dice, and sheets of paper were strewn across the table, marking a long day spent mostly sitting in one spot.

A record player in the corner of the room belted out relatively bland background music that they had all heard several times today. Though the song itself wasn't terribly interesting, it added to the ambiance, or at least would, had the game not come to a sudden stop. Most of the ponies present were staring down at the table, and the miniatures that sat atop the map, or at Spearhead.

Who was wincing and rubbing the back of his neck nervously, as if he expected to be assaulted at any second. Beside him, Knight Night looked confused more than anything, his full health character not illuminating any of the mystery around what had happened. On the other side of Spearhead was Shining Armor, and unlike the other two, he was more than a little angry.

The stallion clenched and unclenched his jaw, gaze going from the singular fallen piece at the center of the board back to his friend. It was clear that Shining Armor wanted to say something, something not exactly nice and he was holding himself back. Sombra, still disguised as Crystal Throne, held nothing back, the stallion snickering to himself as he watched the scene play out before him.

Sure a bunch of his notes had been freshly placed to the side and turned over, no longer needed but that was fine. For despite the fact that some of his freshly laid plans had to be tossed out, the moment was indeed a dramatic one. The event in question seemed to be Spearhead’s fault, and the game board backed up that assumption.

For the group’s characters were arrayed across a crude map of an ill-used carriage road winding through a dense woodland. In the center, there was a single figure, one which belonged to Spearhead, the miniature wielding a flute in one hand and a longsword in the other. On either side of the road, seemingly forgotten were the other two players at the table both of whom had yet to act.

The lone character who had acted rolled a natural twenty, and then max damage, if their dice were any clue. And the single fallen miniature amidst the small group of hooded figures was evidently the bard’s target. A target which once it had fallen, was revealed to be a child bearing a distinct x scar on his cheek and who wore an amulet around his neck.

“It's always a kid,” Spearhead muttered.

“And yet you always roll first and ask questions later!” Shining Armor shouted, throwing his hooves up. “How many times do you have to commit child murder before you think, oh maybe I should find out who I’m trying to kill before you plunge a knife into their back.”

“Actually this time I shattered the kid’s mind with viscous mockery,” Spearhead pointed out.

“I don't think that's better,” Knight Night offered.

“It was quicker if nothing else,” Sombra added.

“That is not better,” Shining Armor groaned. “We’ve been looking for this kid all day, and like what, five days in game?”

“Six,” Knight Night replied.

“I’m kind of impressed, you know,” Sombra remarked. “I baited you into killing that first kid because it was funny but I haven't even tried to push you into any infanticide since then.”

“H-hey!” Spearhead shouted. “Quit trying to make me out to be a monster.”

“I mean if we judge our characters based solely on the amount of kids we’ve killed you’re clearly the evil one in this party,” Knight Night prodded.

“Hey, Shining Armor killed one kid when he burned down that orphanage,” Knight Night shouted.

“That was an accident,” Shining Armor quickly fired back. “It was only one, and I resurrected him after so it doesn't count.”

“It does so,” Spearhead exclaimed. 

“I mean technically it would be manslaughter but I think we’re splitting hairs at this point,” Knight Night muttered.

“Augh whatever,” Spearhead murmured, only to sit up suddenly. “The body is just lying there, right?”

“You are not looting the prince we were charged with protecting!” Shining Armor quickly intruded.

“Well, why not? Part of the quest was to bring back the special amulet of his and it's not like that's damaged, right?” Spearhead asked, glancing at Sombra.

“I don't know. He did fall face forward when you killed him, so it may very well have shattered,” Sombra replied.

“Good going Spearhead, you blockhead,” Shining Armor exclaimed.

“We should like, go check on him right?” Knight Night asked.

“Nah he's dead dead. I rolled max damage,” Spearhead replied.

Knight Night sighed. “And we used our last scroll of resurrection on that merchant we thought was a vampire.”

“That's right!” Spearhead exclaimed, turning to Shining Armor. “Why did you think he was a vampire in the first place?”

“Well there were those rumours in town,” Shining Armor nervously began. “And he had fangs, plus he had this whole blood theme about him.”

“He was a thestral, and really liked the color red. That shouldn't be a death sentence you racist,” Spearhead shot back.

“Racist? I just…” Shining Armor groaned. “Look, I think its best if we just take a short break and grab some food or something. The sun went down an hour or so ago so I’m fairly certain we missed dinner.”

“How can you miss a meal that was never made?” Spearhead pointed out.

“He's got a point,” Sombra added.

Shining Armor rolled his eyes. “Let's just pack things up for the moment and get some food going. I’m starving.”

“Ditto. This trail mix is good but it's not exactly filling,” Knight Night declared.

“Hmm, true,” Sombra began. “So, what's the plan after this?”

“We were thinking of switching it up and drinking tonight,” Shining Armor stated. “I know we planned on doing that tomorrow, but the weather is supposed to be great and it would be a shame to not go on that hike.”

“True,” Sombra murmured.

“Plus I’m dying to get my drink on!” Spearhead declared.

“I am less enthused about this turn of events,” Knight Night muttered.

“Oh come on Knighty,” Spearhead proclaimed, catching the other male in a sideways hug. “You are always so high-strung. A little booze will do you good. Besides, you liked the stuff we ordered at the club, right? It's just more of the same.”

“That was kind of good,” Knight Night murmured.

“Then it's settled. I’ll throw together a nice salad, while y'all finish cleaning up here,” Spearhead declared.

The stallion released the hold he had on the other pony and walked over to the kitchen. While he walked away, the others he had left behind, including Sombra, packed up the various dice, papers, and other game pieces that had not been tucked away yet. Sombra himself was deep in thought and didn't speak a word until Shining Armor unexpectedly broke the silence.

“You know this campaign has been really good so far,” Shining Armor offered.

Sombra blinked. “Oh, uh thank you. I rather enjoy crafting a good story, even if you three seem to have a habit of throwing a wrench into things.”

“Sorry about that,” Knight Night offered.

Sombra scoffed. “Think nothing of it. I would not be an adequate dungeon master if I could not adjust my plans in accordance with your actions.”

“You are pretty good at that,” Knight Night murmured, packing up the last of his dice and stepping away from the table. “I’m going to go help Spearhead. Thanks again for the fun game.”

Sombra nodded and watched as the demure male hastily trotted over to Spearhead, who had assembled a line of vegetables by then and was beginning to dice them.

“It does seem a bit familiar for some reason,” Shining Armor exclaimed suddenly. “The game that is. You aren't basing this on historical events or something, are you?”

Sombra paused, a bolt of panic shooting threw him with enough force to knock him off balance. It was true, the game was roughly based on his rise to power, but no one could have possibly known that. He had made sure that there were few who witnessed such events and fewer still who escaped with their minds intact.

“Perhaps subconsciously,” Sombra murmured.

“Ahh that makes sense. Cus I can't tell from where but this feels like it's inspired by some historical event,” Shining Armor offered, only to wince. “Not like I’m insulting the story or anything. I love it, and a bit of historical inspiration is always good.”

“It's fine,” Sombra dismissed. “There is a bit of history in there, but mostly it's unique, though I did also add in a few characters from fiction that I enjoy.”

“It’s the vampire you keep teasing right? The one with the backward name and the big red hat?” Shining Armor replied.

Sombra frowned. “Is it that obvious? I tried to change him up.”

“I mean it's a little obvious but that's only because everyone was putting him in their games for a few years there,” Shining Armor admitted.

“Well I was notable to play with anyone so I hardly think it fair that I get lumped in with them,” Sombra retorted.

Shining Armor chuckled. “That's fair. So, ya looking forward to having a drink? You barely had any back at the club.”

“Oh, I drank just as much as you. I merely didn't make a big deal out of it,” Sombra replied, tucking the last of his notes together.

“You do seem to have more experience in that regard,” Shining Armor pressed.

Sombra bit back a grimace and forced a thin-lipped smile onto his face. 

“Not much, just the odd cup of wine here or there,” Sombra declared. “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to put my notes away and use the outhouse before supper.”

“Cool, I’ll finish up here,” Shining Armor offered.

Sombra merely nodded before setting off, making a beeline to his and Spearhead’s room. Along the way he passed by the kitchen, and noted that the two stallions present there were laughing at some unheard joke. Sombra didn't give them any mind, and continued on, quickly dropping off his notebook before grabbing a few things and heading for the door.

Passing by the two chefs a second time, Sombra couldn't help but feel a little jealous over Spearhead. Sure, if all things went according to his plan Sombra would be single, and Spearhead would be dating Knight Night but for the moment he was still Sombra’s. Yet he was laughing along and sharing an intimate moment with the other stallion despite the fact he was taken. Such thoughts were quickly brushed aside by the time-displaced king, who quickly refocused himself on the task at hoof.

With his bags resting on his back, he exited the cottage and made his way around the backside of the building. There he paused, glancing around the area. After he determined that no one was looking out the window and that there was no one else around, he set up his camera. Hiding it in a snow pile, and further obscuring it with an illusion spell, Sombra was confident it wouldn't be discovered, at least not by accident anyway.

With that done, he proceeded to the outhouse, where he hastily did his business, now painfully aware of how cold it was getting. With the sun having set, and the wind having picked up, even Sombra, who rarely if ever felt cold had begun to shiver. He didn't tarry long and was soon out of the cold, and back into the warm embrace of the cottage.

“Ya get lost out there?” Spearhead asked, a smirk on his face.

“Just enjoying the pleasant evening,” Sombra replied.

“It is rather nice. Even if it is kinda spooky,” Knight Night murmured.

“What's so spooky anyway? We’ve been here like a bajillion times at this point,” Spearhead remarked.

“Its dark there are bears, wolves, and worse out there,” Knight Night shot back.

“I keep telling you Knight, your completely safe in here,” Shining Armor declared. “The wards on this place extend to the edge of the property and do everything from repel predators to purify water.”

“Purify water?” Sombra asked.

“Yeah,” Shining Armor answered. “There's a well under the cottage which connects to a system that pipes it up through to the taps. Pretty crazy to think it's like, super old.”

“That is interesting,” Sombra murmured.

“Yeah this old place has a ton of crazy old magic placed on it,” Spearhead added.

Sombra trotted past the others, the disguised king noting idly that they were setting up the table, and getting ready for dinner. The salad had been mostly assembled, though it lacked the signature bow-tie pasta that was to be added. Sombra himself would have never thought to have added such a thing to salad, never mind one primarily made of spinach but living with the Sparkle family had opened his eyes in many ways.

With his belly rumbling and his mind now occupied with food, Sombra made his way to his room and closed the door. Once alone, he dug out his bag, dropping the thing on his lap in order to better peer into the thing. It didn't take long for him to locate the alcohol, though while searching, his hoof brushed up against the lust potion.

Disguised as a simple bottle of water, it had a minor avoidance spell cast on it. Lighting his horn, he checked on the enchantment and found that it was degrading unusually quickly. It would last at least as long as it needed to, Sombra calculated, but the fact that it was being worn down somehow unnerved him.

Switching his magic to a more generalized scan, he followed the lines of energy that crisscrossed the cottage. It wasn't long before he was able to locate the tight night of spellwork that lay at the heart of the small house’s ward network. What he found was not surprising, though it was certainly annoying.

The thing was dense, more so than even the network that had been embedded in the walls of the Sparkle family manor. Where there the spells were intertwined with skill and experience, here they overlapped to create a mess that didn't make much sense. This was clearly the testing ground for the main family home, as Sombra could easily see the small, subtle flourishes he had grown accustomed to seeing.

“Over complicated, and downright masturbatory,” Sombra muttered bitterly to himself.

“Hey, supper’s ready. You coming, Crystal?” Shouted the familiar voice of Spearhead.

Sombra stowed his irritation, and put on a calm, neutral expression. 

“In a moment, dear. I am just organizing some of my notes,” Sombra called back.

“Cool, I’ll dish you out a plate,” Spearhead replied.

Sombra smiled faintly as he uncorked the bottle of whiskey, pausing for a moment to enjoy the scent. The pleasant earthy notes and oaky aroma tickled his nose, urging him to partake of the dark brown liquid. He didn't resist this temptation, and took a quick swig, downing only a small mouthful of the stuff. The taste was complex yet pleasant, tantalizing his taste buds with a complicated mix of different flavors. Though he was tempted to take a second swig, Sombra resisted and instead dumped the contents of the lust potion into the bottle. The resulting liquid turned an unpleasant greenish color before returning to the normal dull brown of the whiskey.

“Perfect,” Sombra whispered. “Now to wait until the perfect moment.”

He used a quick spell to reseal the bottle before heading back to the kitchen, whiskey floating behind him. Reentering the main area of the cottage, Sombra realized he must have been getting lost in the ward system for longer than anticipated as everything was done. The three other stallions were all sitting there patiently at the table, none having started to eat yet.

“Finally. I thought we’d all starve before you showed up,” Shining Armor remarked.

“You didn't start without me?” Sombra asked in confusion.

“Well that wouldn't be very polite now would it,” Spearhead declared.

Knight Night nodded his head in agreement.

Sombra placed the whiskey bottle off to the side before sitting down next to his boyfriend.

“Well then,” he began. “Let's dig in before you all perish a regrettable death.”





Sombra reclined in his seat, the stallion sipping on his cider while observing his companions. Conversation had ended abruptly, at least for the moment anyway, as everyone else took a moment to grab something to drink. Spearhead and Shining Armor were getting beers from the enchanted ice box, while Knight Night was mixing himself something sweet made primarily from vodka.

The sitting area had been cleared, and the unused couches had been moved so that they faced the fireplace at a slight angle. The result was a warm, cozy, and rather intimate atmosphere that lent itself nicely to exactly what Sombra had in mind. The disguised stallion’s musings were interrupted by the arrival of Knight Night, who plunked down on the couch across from Sombra.

“Got the mix right this time?” Sombra teased, gesturing to the other male’s drink.

“Oh um, yeah I think so,” Knight Night muttered. “But it's getting kinda hard to pour stuff, so I’m too sure.”

The other male took an awkward sip of his drink before placing the cup down on the floor to the left of the couch. His motions were jerky, and he swayed slightly in the process of moving but he was not so drunk that he spilled his drink or fell forward. Which happened to be about the same level of intoxication as Spearhead, who returned next, the male flopping down next to Sombra.

“Ahh there's that hot guy I’m dating,” Spearhead exclaimed, planting a not unwelcome wet kiss on Sombra’s cheek. “Thanks for keeping my spot warm.”

“It is no trouble at all dear,” Sombra replied.

Spearhead giggled as his partner gave him a kiss right back. Across the way, Knight Night shrunk inward, the stallion averting his gaze and growing noticeably colder. The moment lasted only a second, as Shining Armor’s sudden and bombastic arrival soon distracted everyone.

“Woo!” Shining Armor shouted, appearing in a pop of magic. “This wheat beer rocks! Why didn't anyone tell me that not all beer was like that awful Wiser stuff my dad made me try when I was a kid.”

“Me, for one. I told you that,” Spearhead offered.

Shining Armor fell onto the couch with a thump. “Fair. Though you could have at least been a bit more convincing. Simply saying ‘Come on, try it.’ Over and over wasn't exactly a winning strategy.”

“Pfft, you shoulda just trusted me,” Spearhead retorted.

“Shining Armor’s dreadful mistrust of his oldest friend aside. What were we talking about before?” Sombra asked.

Shining Armor snorted bitterly. “I think Knight Night was complimenting Spearhead about his cooking. Though I could be wrong about that because he was mumbling pretty hard.”

“Oh, you were? Well then, do start from the top and praise me again,” Spearhead proclaimed, the male grinning from ear to ear.

“It was erm…” Knight Night swallowed hard. “Very nice, thank you.”

“Ahh that feels nice,” Spearhead murmured.

“You say that like he just sucked you off,” Shining Armor remarked with a chuckle.

Sombra watched as Spearhead began to blush slightly, his gaze drawn to the nearly tomato-red Knight Night. It was the look of someone with a crush, or at least a physical attraction anyway, it just needed a bit of pushing. With that thought in mind, Sombra leaned in and elbowed Spearhead in the midsection, whispering in his ear.

“Maybe I’ll let him,” Sombra declared in a hushed tone. “It would make for an enjoyable sight.”

“What?!” Spearhead shouted. “I mean, uh haha you’re so funny Crystal.”

Sombra chuckled evilly to himself.

“Look at them, giggling and sharing secrets. Makes me feel like a bit of a third wheel,” Shining Armor remarked while leaning toward Knight Night. “Or would this be fourth wheel?”

“Can you have two third wheels?” Knight Night replied.

“Ha! Don't feel too bad. We promised we’d keep the lovey-dovey stuff to a minimum,” Spearhead exclaimed.

“A shame,” Sombra muttered, reclining further into the couch and sipping his drink.

“Well I appreciate it,” Knight Night remarked with a bit more bite than he evidently intended.

“I don't mind the whole public display of affection thing, myself,” Shining Armor offered.

“Of course, you don't, Cadance is all over you the moment we’re in public. You’d think she has a kink for being watched with how hoovesy she can get,” Spearhead exclaimed, the stallion jabbing an accusatory hoof at his friend.

Shining Armor genuinely winced, his slight intoxication temporarily forgotten as his shoulders turned inward.

“I can't help it. She’s just so forceful sometimes. Not like I mind it, it's just…” Shining Armor shrugged.

“Sounds… not abusive,” Sombra began, glancing briefly at Spearhead. “But like she doesn't understand the unspoken language of consent and desire.”

“Oh we desire one another that ain't the problem,” Shining Armor declared.

Sombra rolled his eyes. “That's not what I meant.”

“Anyway, getting off less intense topics,” Spearhead interrupted. “We should totally do a toast! Maybe even break out that hard stuff Crystal’s kept hidden away in the cupboards.”

“Yeah, totally!” Shining Armor proclaimed. “I bet it's not nearly as bad as you said it was.”

“I don't know,” Knight Night murmured. “Isn't it still kinda early? We should take that out later.”

“Pfft, it's almost midnight. If not now, then when?” Spearhead retorted.

Sombra smiled, and silently congratulated the other stallion for inadvertently aiding Sombra in his plan. The disguised king made a note to thank the other male a bit more personably, should he ever get the chance again. For with his plans going the way they were, that option may not present itself any time soon.

“Fine,” Knight Night murmured. “But just one shot.”

“Wooo! Let's go!” Spearhead shouted.

“Do you got it, Crystal?” Shining Armor asked.

Sombra rose from his seat. “Yeah, I’m a little more sober than you. Wouldn't want to spill another drink, now would we?”

“Augh I hadn't even started drinking yet. You just distracted me,” Shining Armor retorted.

“Me just standing there is not a distraction,” Sombra taunted.

“Just go get your stupid drink already,” Shining Armor proclaimed.

Sombra chuckled and did just that, though as he walked away he was fairly certain he heard Shining Armor whisper something about ‘stupid sexy Crystal’ under his breath. Upon reaching the cupboard, Sombra retrieved four glasses, and the bottle of prepoisoned booze he had been saving. For a moment he considered casting an immunity spell on himself, or maybe even faking it somehow but decided not to. With a shrug, he simply poured himself an equal-sized serving of the lust-infused alcohol and returned to the circle, cups floating before him.

“Alright boys,” Sombra began. “Time to see if you’re half as tough as you say you are.”
> Always Ascending Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Aww yeah. This is what I’m talking about,” Spearhead declared, hefting his shot into the air.

“This smells gross,” Knight Night muttered.

“I mean it's not that bad,” Shining Armor retorted, only to pause. “Okay yeah, that does kinda smell gross.”

“It's not supposed to smell good, you dopes,” Sombra exclaimed. “Unless you mix it with something a bit sweet, but I didn't have the pack space to bring a bunch of liqueurs with me.”

“Shoulda got Twilight to cast that magic pocket spell,” Spearhead declared.

“That would be a terrible idea. You know what happened last time,” Shining Armor shot back.

“I’m sure she's figured it out by now,” Spearhead replied.

“Stop distracting them,” Sombra admonished, his gaze focused on Spearhead. “They can't run from this shot forever.”

“True. Well, who’s got a good toast?” Spearhead asked, glancing about the room. “To good times and good friends?”

“Hmm, not bad but a bit corny,” Shining Armor argued.

“Toasts are supposed to be a bit corny. Come on Knight Night back me up here,” Spearhead offered.

“To good friends, and even better times?” Knight Night declared. “No, I like yours even more.”

“Oooh not bad,” Spearhead murmured.

“That settles it then,” Sombra continued, raising his glass. “To good friends and good times.”

“To good friends and good times!” The other three declared in varied levels of cheer.

The four glasses were bumped against one another before returning to their owners and being thrown back. Sombra didn't let the foul-tasting liquid hit his tongue, swallowing it all in a single gulp and glancing about the room. Spearhead had evidently tried to do what his partner had, but failed, as he wore a disgusted grimace. Knight Night seemed to be on the edge of vomiting and was repeatedly swallowing while holding a hoof over his mouth. Only Shining Armor seemed fine, the male sitting quietly with a confused look on his face.

“Hey, that wasn't too bad,” Shining Armor murmured to himself.

“Y-yeah. It wasn't bad at all,” Spearhead murmured. “Where did I put my drink again?”

“Here, dear,” Sombra offered, retrieving the beverage and placing it in Spearhead’s hoof. “Do try to slow down after this. You look a little green under the gills.”

“Speaking of green under the gills,” Shining Armor began. “Maybe we should grab the pu-”

“Don't say it,” Knight Night interrupted, holding up a hoof.

“Ya’ll doing okay there little buddy?” Spearhead murmured.

“Just… give me a minute,” Knight Night exclaimed.

Knight Night took one last deep breath and then a small, shallow sip of his drink. After a few more moments of silence, he nodded.

“Alright, Knighty. Nice work,” Shining Armor declared.

“I err, thank you,” Knight Night muttered weakly.

Sombra grinned behind his glass, immediately noticing how Knight Night turned a bright red after being called Knighty.

“Yes, Knighty here sure did a good job,” Sombra stressed.

“No kidding. I totally thought you were gonna blow it for a sec there but you totally toughed it out,” Spearhead added, the stallion pausing to take a sip of his drink only to miss his mouth twice.

“Let's just put this over here for now,” Sombra interrupted, gently pulling the drink away from Spearhead.

“Yeah that's, -urp. Probably a good idea,” Spearhead regretfully agreed.

Shining Armor finished his beer and placed the empty can next to the growing pile off to the side.

“That's probably a good idea,” Shining Armor murmured, covering his mouth to burp. “I feel like, really good right now but it is taking everything I got not to fall over.”

“Me too,” Knight Night added, pushing his own still half-full cup into the mound of mostly empty beverages at the edge of the circle.

Sombra chuckled silently to himself but chose not to say anything, as Knight Night was already blushing. Though that may have been the booze, as the diminutive male had been beet red for nearly a half hour at that point.

“Aww you guys are lame,” Spearhead exclaimed. “What's the point of coming all the way out here if you don't want to get sloppy, embarrassing drunk?”

“I mean I’m still having a good time,” Shining Armor offered.

“I don't want to get sloppy. Er sloppy drunk that is,” Knight Night added hastily.

“You’d totally love to get sloppy, provided it was with Spearhead,” Sombra jabbed with a smirk.

“Oooooh,” Shining Armor added.

Knight Night’s already red face grew so red he nearly turned a shade of purple.

“Hey lay off the guy. It's not his fault I’m so fucking hot,” Spearhead declared.

“Uh yeah. That's it,” Knight Night exclaimed a little too eagerly.

“I mean yeah you are objectively hot but not like, my kinda hot though,” Shining Armor added with a shrug.

“Oh? I thought you were straight, mister I’ve already met my future wife,” Spearhead shot back.

“It's… complicated,” Shining Armor muttered absently.

“Enlighten us,” Sombra prodded.

“Augh it's just… I know we talked about this before like, forever ago but I didn't get much experience with ya know… gay stuff,” Shining Armor muttered.

“You knew me since forever and knew I was gay, er bi…” Spearhead’s eyebrows furrowed. “Or is it pansexual now?”

“I don't think the label matters,” Knight Night offered.

“Labels shmables. Love is love,” Spearhead exclaimed, leaning back.

“Yeah well it just took a bit for my brain to really grapple with that and I don't know I’m thinking I might be gay, er pan or whatever. I don't know,” Shining Armor muttered, his shoulders folding inward. “Everything is so confusing lately.”

“That's rough buddy. I never really thought about it too much,” Spearhead murmured. “I just saw a guy, thought to myself he looked hot, and then realized I liked dudes.”

“Not all of us can be quite so cock sure of ourselves,” Shining Armor shot back only to chuckle. “Heh, cocksure.”

The others shared a somewhat awkward, but utterly honest chuckle.

“I guess… I just thought I had it all figured out. I thought I knew who I was gonna be with for the rest of my life. Who I liked, who I was…” Shining Armor continued, staring down at his hooves. “But now I’m just not sure anymore.”

“Whatever you end up deciding, and whatever you end up becoming we’ll be here for you,” Sombra exclaimed, reaching out a hoof and touching Shining’s shoulder.

“Y-yeah!” Spearhead declared. “We totally will be. Right Knight Night!”

“Totally!” Knight Night proclaimed.

“And that goes for all of you,” Sombra pressed, looking from Spearhead to Knight Night. “I know I can be a bit… cold, but I do care about you all.”

“Yeah.”

“Mmhmm, same.”

“Are you… serious?” Knight Night whispered.

“Absolutely,” Sombra exclaimed. “It may just be the booze talking but I feel like I can trust you all.”

“You can totally trust us, babe. We’re the fab four,” Spearhead declared.

“Augh not this again. I thought we were going with the fantastic four?” Shining Armor shot back.

“Nah that makes us sound too much like a superhero team,” Spearhead dismissed.

“Regardless of whatever name you all decide on. We are friends and we can confide in each other,” Sombra offered, glancing to Shining Armor, and then Spearhead. “Right guys?”

“Totally!” Spearhead stated immediately.

“What he said,” Shining Armor added.

“In that case, do you think you guys could… keep a secret?” Knight Night muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I mean that depends on what it is,” Spearhead murmured. “You didn't kill someone and need help hiding the body right?”

“Knight Night wouldn't do that. He can barely hurt a fly. At least not without feeling terrible about it,” Shining Armor declared.

Sombra noted how Knight Night winced every time someone used the word he or him when he was being referred to.

“Let's not get too far off-topic. It seems like Knight Night has something to say,” Sombra interrupted.

“Aww shit. Sorry, Knighty. Go ahead,” Spearhead murmured.

“Just talk over us if you need to,” Shining Armor offered.

“Pfft he's never gonna do that,” Spearhead dismissed.

“Guys,” Sombra barked.

“Sorry,” both Spearhead and Shining Armor half whispered.

“The floor is yours. Knighty,” Sombra declared, gesturing across the circle.

With all eyes on him, the stallion shrunk inward, his already natural awkwardness getting cranked up to eleven. His shoulders pulled inward, he tapped his forehooves together, and he looked down, avoiding the gaze of his friends. 

And Sombra.

“I umm,” Knight Night stuttered.

He winced prematurely, expecting to be interrupted, to have someone offer to help or to finish his sentence with what they assumed he intended to say. Yet that didn't come, and though both Shining Armor and Spearhead wanted to do one of those two things, Sombra’s glare kept their mouths shut. In that moment Knight looked over to the disguised king and smiled faintly, a small amount of respect blooming between them.

“I… think I’m a girl,” Knight Night declared softly before turning away.

“Oh shit, really? Fuck I thought you were gonna say you didn't want to play in the game anymore,” Spearhead muttered.

Shining Armor leaned over and slugged his friend in the shoulder.

“Dude shut up. This is serious,” Shining Armor growled.

“Hey, I was being serious. That game is awesome,” Spearhead retorted.

“Don't worry Spearhead. I won't leave you,” Knight Night exclaimed.

“Well, congratulations Knight Night. Or perhaps you have another name in mind?” Sombra offered, extending a hoof to the sole female present.

“Uh no, not yet anyway,” Knight Night murmured.

“What about Nighty?” Spearhead asked.

“Naming someone after a nightgown doesn't seem very nice,” Shining Armor offered.

“I’ll think about it,” Knight Night replied. “For now, Knight still feels right.”

“Sweet. Wait, ahh shit,” Spearhead muttered.

“What?” Shining Armor asked.

“I got like, fifteen years of verbal muscle memory. There is no way I’m gonna not fuck up,” Spearhead complained, the stallion visibly stressed out from this little revelation.

“It's fine,” Knight Night declared, taking her friend’s hoof in her own and patting it gently. “I know you, and I know you’ll do your absolute best to get it right.”

“I mean I’ll try but I’m kind of a dumbass,” Spearhead remarked.

“That isn't true, right Knight?” Sombra interrupted, handing the conversation off.

“Yeah,” Knight declared, patting her friend’s hoof one final time before releasing it. “You’re smarter than you give yourself credit.”

“Pfft, yeah right,” Spearhead retorted.

“Dude just take the frickin compliment,” Shining Armor declared, throwing up his hooves.

“Err right. Thanks, Knight, and Crystal,” Spearhead muttered.

“It's no problem at all darling,” Sombra declared.

“Oh wait, shit,” Spearhead murmured suddenly, his eyes lighting up. “I just realized that we can't call ourselves the boys anymore.”

“But that also means it's less of a sausage party,” Shining Armor replied.

“I mean is it still less of a sausage party if the number of sausages hasn't decreased?” Knight asked with a small chuckle.

“It's metaphorical sausages,” Spearhead replied, only to pause. “Damn, now I kinda want to eat a sausage.”

“You couldn't wait until we retired to our bed later?” Sombra teased.

“I uh…”

“Lay off the poor guy. He just got his mind blown,” Shining Armor playfully intruded. “You can blow something else of his later.”

“Hmm, fair,” Sombra murmured in amusement.

“Okay so I know we said we were taking a break from drinking for a bit but we gotta do a celebration drink,” Spearhead declared, glancing about the room. “It isn't every day something like this happens. Unless someone else has been reconsidering things.”

“I quite like being a stallion,” Sombra declared.

“Ditto,” Shining Armor added.

“Same. But that's not like a value judgment or whatever. It's not like stallions are better or uh… I probably should have stopped at the same huh?” Spearhead murmured.

“Probably,” Knight Night replied.

“Damn,” Spearhead whispered.

“Well, how about you and Shining Armor go pour us a few more drinks hmm? Knight and I will hold down the fort as it were,” Sombra offered.

“So long as I’m the one doing the pouring. We are not doing another round of giant shots,” Shining Armor declared.

“Oh pisha. You’d have us doing pussy shots if you had it your way,” Spearhead replied, only for his eyes to widen. “Not like there’s anything wrong with-”

“Go,” Sombra interrupted, shoving the stallion in the direction of the kitchen.

“Err right,” Spearhead murmured.

Shining Armor and Spearhead trotted into the kitchen, leaving Sombra and Knight Night alone in the living room.

“I approve by the way,” Sombra offered. “It suits you.”

“I don't need you to approve of my gender,” Knight Night muttered bitterly.

“That's not what I was talking about though I do think that she fits you better than he ever did,” Sombra replied.

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Knight Night murmured.

“Oh just your choice in a partner of course. You certainly could do worse than Spearhead you know,” Sombra whispered in a low tone, leaning close to the other pony. “He is a very kind, endearing stallion with many wonderful qualities.”

“But you two are… he is…” Knight Night’s jaw hung open.

“Yes, you two make quite the perfect drinking buddies. You have about the same tolerance level as well,” Sombra pointed out.

“Y-yeah. I guess we kinda do,” Knight Night murmured.

Sombra smiled to himself, and watched as Spearhead and Shining Armor returned, four shots floating between them. Held aloft by Shining Armor’s magic, the drinks levitated to their respective owners as the dou sat back in their spots.

“Right, four small shots of Crystal’s private reserve,” Shining Armor stated.

Sombra blinked in surprise, only to quickly subdue that reaction. Though he hadn't anticipated on them going back for another that alone likely wouldn't be enough to disrupt his plans. Still, the added drunkenness and doubled lust poisoning would make things interesting, to say the least.

“Thanks for this, by the way,” Knight Night murmured. “I couldn't help but imagine the worst when I resolved to tell you guys about well, you know.”

“I’m surprised you think so little of us, Knighty,” Sombra exclaimed, dramatically clutching at his heart.

“Totally. We are like, super accepting,” Spearhead declared.

“Well most of you are, but Cadance has said some well… iffy stuff in the past,” Knight Night replied.

“She had very conservative parents. She’s doing her best to adapt but well…” Shining Armor remarked, only to trail off and shrug.

“Either way. We accept you, wholeheartedly,” Sombra declared, lifting his glass up.

“Damn right, we do,” Spearhead proclaimed, joining Sombra in raising his shot into the air.

“We’re behind you one hundred percent,” Shining Armor declared, making a trio of hoisted cups.

“Aww you guys,” Knight Night murmured. “I don't know what to say.”

“Don't say anything. Just take your drink so I can put down my hoof,” Spearhead remarked with a chuckle.

“I can do that,” Knight Night replied.

The lone female raised her shot up and clinked them against the others already hoisted. The four shots were then brought down, and tossed back, the various ponies swallowing hard. Spearhead chased it with a sip of beer while Knight Night grabbed a nearby glass of half-forgotten about water and swallowed a mouthful. 

Shining Armor, and Sombra however merely sat there, enjoying the drink to varying degrees. Sombra’s tongue roamed across the interior of his mouth, capturing any of the lingering flavors. Shining Armor meanwhile, still looked a bit confused, but was seemingly getting quite used to the acquired nature of the taste.

“So… what now?” Spearhead muttered. “I don't exactly know how to follow that up. Do we just do another drinking game?”

“Actually. I think a small surprise is in order. If you all will remain here for a moment I shall be right back,” Sombra stated, standing up only to stumble briefly.

“Ooh, so booze does affect him!” Spearhead exclaimed.

“Har har,” Sombra shot back with a smirk. “I am just as affected as you all. I merely have restraint.”

“Most people call that stubbornness you know,” Shining Armor prodded.

“Tomato tomato,” Sombra retorted.

The disguised stallion then departed, trotting down the hall with a blissful smile on his face. Upon realizing just how wide his grin had become, the unicorn schooled his expression though he couldn't help the joy that bubbled inside of him. It was nice, this was nice, and though the evening had yet to be truly useful to him it was still very enjoyable.

Turning the corner to his room, Sombra searched for his bags only to see that they weren't where he had left them. Annoyed but not super concerned, he began to look in earnest. While he did so, his mind wandered.

He wondered if the lust potion was affecting them more than it was him. Things were a bit steamy, and several hungry looks had been exchanged but it had yet to become overt. Their desires were there but that push the potion was supposed to give had yet to arrive. Or at least it seemed so, as Sombra barely felt anything other than a bit tipsy.

“Ahh there it is,” Sombra murmured, reaching into his bag. “Maybe this will move things along.”

Sombra tossed the garment he had located over his withers and departed once more. As he moved back to the living room he considered what his plan b would be. Dismissing that for the moment, he stepped back into the living room.

“Watcha got there? Looks lacey,” Shining Armor remarked.

“It is, though it is certainly no doilie,” Sombra replied.

“Ooh, what is it?” Spearhead asked.

“A little coming out gift,” Sombra began, reaching back and grabbing the outfit. “For our favorite mare.”

“You didn't… oh my,” Knight Night murmured.

Sombra unfolded the dress in front of everyone, displaying it for all to see. Though a plain, pure white, it wasn't as simple as it appeared upon first glance. Halfway down just at the point where the wearer’s navel would be the dress became thinner, becoming an intimate lacey pattern that looked almost like flowers. Save for that, it was the average sun dress, form fitting, but still a little loose, perfect summer garb for those desiring a bit more freedom.

“You got this for me?” Knight Night asked.

“I did indeed,” Sombra replied. “I apologize but I thought such an outcome was all but inevitable so I planned ahead and purchased this in advance.”

Sombra didn't mention that he was planning on wearing it himself should he need to spice things up with Spearhead. They didn't need to know that bit of information, or the fact that he had bought it weeks ago at this point.

“Inevitable?” Knight Night muttered in shock.

“Yes, the signs were quite clear but I did not wish to hasten your journey so to speak,” Sombra replied.

“Wow Crystal. That’s really thoughtful,” Shining Armor remarked.

“And surprising,” Spearhead added. “I didn't see this coming at all.”

“No offense dear but you don't see many things coming,” Sombra whispered, leaning towards the other male as he did so.

“F-fair,” Spearhead murmured.

“I don't know what to say,” Knight Night muttered, half to himself.

“No thanks are needed,” Sombra exclaimed. “Though if you are feeling up to it I’d appreciate it if you tried it on. I was just eyeballing your measurements and would hate to find that it is ill-fitting.”

“I don't know…” Knight Night whispered.

“You should totally try it on. I bet it will fit you perfectly,” Shining Armor added.

“And you’d look great,” Spearhead murmured, only to flinch. “I mean, better than now anyway which is saying something because you already look good.”

“Hun,” Sombra interrupted. “Take your hoof out of your mouth and tell the mare she looks pretty.”

“You uh… look pretty and I think it suits you,” Spearhead agreed somewhat awkwardly.

“I suppose I should at least try it on but I’m not wearing it all night,” Knight Night was quick to add, taking the dress from Sombra.

“Wear it for however long you feel like. We don't mind,” Shining Armor offered, glancing about the room.

“Of course,” Sombra agreed.

“Totally,” Spearhead chimed in.

“Okay. One second,” Knight Night exclaimed.

Taking the dress in her hooves, the mare slowly began to don it, stumbling a bit as she tried to find where which hoof went where. While Knight Night tried to put her head through the correct hole, Sombra was watching the others present. He couldn't feel the lust potion kicking in but he noticed that Shining Armor and Spearhead were both a bit turned on.

Though the act of putting clothes on wasn't usually considered sexy it was hard not to find the newly christened mare attractive. She had already had a narrow waist, wider than average hips, and a feminine figure that was almost always hidden under a hoodie. With her soul having been beared to them all, she was glowing, and her previously subdued qualities shone with an inner radiance.

“She looks pretty hot, don't you think?” Sombra whispered, leaning in close to Spearhead. “The way that dress really hugs her waist really accents her natural curves, doesn't it?”

By then Knight Night had indeed managed to put the dress on, and properly no less. With her form draped in fine white cotton, Knight Night gawked at herself in silent awe. She ran a hoof down her side, smoothing out an errant wrinkle and taking a moment to appreciate the sight of herself.

“Y-yeah,” Spearhead replied.

“Don't you just want to push her down, lift that dress, and have your way with her?” Sombra pressed.

“Fuck me that does sound hot,” Spearhead muttered

Sombra grinned and leaned in the other direction, whispering instead to do Shining Armor.

“She’s almost hotter than Cadance, right?” Sombra asked.

“I mean… yeah,” Shining Armor reluctantly agreed. “Certainly cuter.”

“Mmm she is quite cute, isn't she?” Sombra mused aloud.

“Very,” Shining Armor murmured.

“Can someone find a mirror?” Knight Night asked suddenly.

“Shining Armor, would you conjure one for us?” Sombra prompted.

“Oh, uh sure,” Shining Armor muttered.

Lighting his horn, Shining Armor cast a spell that once complete, created a reflective silvery surface hovering in front of Knight Night. Slightly taller and a little wider than the mare, it allowed Knight Night to gaze at the whole of herself from various angles. Turning from one side to the other, the mare struck several, somewhat awkward, poses while staring at herself.

“I look amazing,” Knight Night whispered, mostly to herself.

“She does indeed, doesn't she?” Sombra added.

“Fuck yeah she does,” Spearhead declared.

“Hell yeah,” Shining Armor murmured. “You look like you belong on the cover of a magazine or something.”

“Wait, hold on a moment,” Sombra interrupted.

Sombra stepped forward and with a small flourish, moved the hair from Knight Night’s eye. A bit of hastened alterations and the unruly, uncared-for mane of hers was vastly improved.

“There, much better. Now we can all see that pretty face of yours,” Sombra declared.

Knight Night looked into her reflection and merely nodded mutely.

“Thank you, Crystal,” she murmured.

“It is no trouble at all. Though perhaps I could help you with something else while I’m feeling generous,” Sombra exclaimed.

“What do you mean?” Knight Night replied.

“It seems as though you’ve pitched a tent as it were,” Sombra remarked. “I could give you a hoof you know.”

“I…” Knight Night blinked, and looked down, following Sombra’s pointed hoof to her own budding erection.

“Let's not pressure her into anything,” Shining Armor quickly offered.

“There’s no pressure at all. She is free to do whatever or whoever she desires,” Sombra exclaimed, glancing expectantly at Spearhead.

“Totally,” Spearhead muttered thoughtlessly.

“Still, we shouldn't-” Shining Armor began.

“Yeah. I’d love a hoof with that,” Knight Night interrupted. “But only if Spearhead fucks me in the ass.”

“What?!”