Following an Incident, Sombra is how on the verge of execution. The only way for him to survive, is to find a certain golden stallion who's gone walkabout in the desert.
Direct Sequel to Clause
Credit to Sirslowpoke and the anons of /mlp/ involved in the making of this story. It is also worth noting that this story was written in greentext format, simply un-greentexted to fit in here at fimfiction.
Several months had passed since Sombra and Fluttershy had moved to Canterlot Sombra's troubles however, were far from over. He was still under a watchful eye by Celestia, like an ant under a magnifying glass, and anon was still stalking him, breaking any moments peace He could find. the only reprieve He found was in Fluttershy's loving company and support...
A clear ringing sound filled the room Sombra, half asleep, drew a hoof and struck the alarm clock, knocking it from his bedside knowing better than to try make it back to sleep, He drearily moved to the edge of the bed With a thud and a curse, He hit the floor rump first The swearing was loud enough to awaken a sleepy Fluttershy several moments of silence ensued A screech from the alley behind their home signaled Anon's presence, not that they needed it anon had stalked them ever since that day in the Everfree forest, never allowing them a moment's rest Sombra had still neglected to tell anyone that it was his fault anon had ended up like this "Good morning" Fluttershy sat up in bed, giving Sombra a reassuring smile She had changed so much throughout their time together Sombra cringed, remembering what He had done He wanted nothing more than to forget all about it, but He couldn't It haunted him every minute of every day, keeping him up at night "Good morning" Sombra grumbled his reply, having started the day on a bad hoof. without words, the two shuffled through their small Canterlot apartment to the kitchen It was barely big enough for two ponies to fit into, but it was all they could afford. They had tried to get permission to live in Fluttershy's ponyville residence, but Celestia was adamant Sombra still remembered her words.
"Until I am convinced that you can be trusted, You will undergo a continuous trial period. I reserve judgement until I deem fit to pass it."
Sombra wasn't just being watched by a disgruntled anon, but a cautious princess and half a dozen of her guards at all times. his day routine normally involved nothing but work, but tonight was to be different. a new nightclub was being opened that night, and Twilight had invited Fluttershy, and by extension himself to party there Nightclubs. Sombra wasn't good with any kind of clubs, let alone ones in the night.
"Try not to let your bad mood get the best of you at work today" Fluttershy knew that Sombra was very disagreeable while grumpy "I'll try not to." Sombra knew it too, but couldn't bring himself to care enough to stop it. With a quick kiss and an embrace, they went their separate ways Fluttershy towards her veterinarian clinic, and Sombra towards the construction site at which He worked Fluttershy had adjusted to life in canterlot surprisingly quickly, opening up a Vet in just a few short weeks Sombra wasn't even from this time. The only job He managed to snag was being cheap muscle at a resort construction Sombra grunted in disdain. He was working at a dusty construction site, whilst nobleponies sat in their lavish suites, milling their days away without a care in the world. Fluttershy had tried countless times to get him to make friends. He waved her off every time. He had friends. They had saved him from Celestia's unjust judgement all that time ago. they were just never around. One was captain of the royal guard, and one was his right hoof. Of course they were never going to find time to hang out. Hang out. One of the many modern phrases He had picked up on. The world had changed since He was a king. He could lament his situation all He wanted, He would still endure it all for Fluttershy. His internal monologue was cut short as He reached his destination - The Pony Palms resort or rather, the half complete Pony Palms resort with a sigh, He donned his fluorescent safety vest and hardhat, and trotted nonchalantly towards his supervisor.
P.O.V. Change - Fluttershy
"Try not to let your bad mood get the best of you at work today." Fluttershy knew that Sombra was very disagreeable when grumpy "I'll try not to." Sombra knew it too, but couldn't bring himself to care enough to do anything about it. The two parted ways, Fluttershy heading towards her clinic. The buisness was booming, a lot of the nobleponies of canterlot loved small animals but they could never find the time to take care of their tiny companions. Fluttershy hadn't approved of the conditions of many canterlot animals, so She decided to open up a clinic. Princess Celestia had decided to fund the clinic under the premise that all creatures of Equestria were her loyal subjects, and deserved good healthcare Fluttershy was ecstatic. She got to be with Sombra without giving up her life's calling with a spring in her step, She trotted through the stone-lain streets of canterlot, towards her clinic. She had a lot to be thankful for, and She was incredibly grateful But She just couldn't shake her worry Sombra was stuck in a rut. He never socialized with Anypony except herself She had put together tonights event in hopes that He might make some friends. Canterlot nightclubs are typically less wild than the situations the two had been through Shining Armour and Golden Cutter had given him supportive words before they parted, but were never able to meet with Sombra He was slipping into depression. He was hit hard with the sudden changes to his life going from lavish palaces to lower class apartments would do that to anypony. and anon's constant harassment didn't do anything to mitigate the situation. arriving at her clinic, Fluttershy waved the worrying thoughts from her head. She needed to focus now, for the animal's sake. She unlocked the front doors, and threw them open Fluttershy's Veterinarian clinic was now open for buisness
P.O.V. Change - Sombra
The day passed with no real incident Just a typical canterlot friday As the clock finally struck 5, Sombra looked up from the hole He was digging. His horn still hadn't healed yet, so He didn't have the luxury of levitation for the job. With a grunt, He heaved himself out of the hole He was digging for a large support beam, sweating all over disgusted, He shook himself off... ...right onto his supervising officer
"Charming. I'm here to let you know that your shift is over. You may go."
As his supervisor wiped sweat from his glasses, Sombra rushed from the construction site. He hated his job with a passion, but they needed the money He arrived home before Fluttershy, and clambered into the shower to try and erase his distinct odor.
Fluttershy closed the door behind her, sitting on the couch after a long days work She heard the water running in the next room. Sombra must be home. With a hint of a mischievous grin playing across her muzzle, She trotted towards the source of the sound Sure enough, Sombra was in the shower, humming to himself surprisingly merrily Fluttershy stifled a giggle, before creeping across the bathroom tiles, not making a sound. She got to the shower curtain, and raised a hoof to rip it away when...
"BOO!"
Sombra ripped back the shower curtain and yelled, causing Fluttershy to squeal and fall backwards She looked up to see Sombra looking down at her, a satisfied smirk on his muzzle
"Oh, You're terrible!"
Fluttershy giggled, and picked herself up off of the floor
"Is there any room to join you in there?"
Fluttershy eyed Sombra, with just a hint of lust in her eyes Sombra moved back, allowing Fluttershy to hop into the shower, before closing the curtain behind her Sombra leaned down and kissed Fluttershy, which She returned passionately within seconds, the two were exploring each other's mouths, warm water running down their bodies the whole time their wet fur slipped against each others, hooves exploring every point of interest on the other's body Sombra's masterful hooves made their way to the base of Fluttershy's wings, and began to massage the muscle joint Fluttershy moaned and shuddered in pleasure, leaning into sombras arms and nuzzling against the bottom of his chin Sombra once again leaned down to lock lips with Fluttershy, slipping his tongue into her warm mouth the moment was shattered by a lock at the door. Sombra peered out through the shower curtain at the clock, realizing that they should have been ready to leave 10 minutes ago. Sombra swore loudly, before helping Fluttershy out of the shower the two dried themselves in haste, before going to get the door
Sombra nonchalently opened the door, meeting eye to eye with a nervous twilight sparkle
"Uhh... Hi.. Is Fluttershy home?"
Sombra grunted before stepping aside, allowing twilight entry She somehow immediately found the bedroom without direction, and began helping Fluttershy put on a dress. Sombra wondered just what the only two stallion friends He had ever had were doing. He walked back into the bedroom, disregarding the mare that had just cockblocked him. Cockblock. Another modern phrase. looking through the his part of the wardrobe, He decided on a white shirt and tie. Nothing big. He was dressed and waiting on the couch before the mares had even begun putting their makeup on. this had better be some party.
dusk was falling by the time Twilight and Fluttershy were ready Sombra looked back at the apartment, practically falling apart Fluttershy had gone from living in her comfortable cottage to this dump for him. He felt terrible for it. He was going to ensure something changed, there had to be some sort of way. Sombra began walking alongside Fluttershy, looking primed and dapper looking, not feeling. He wished He could just go to bed, and forget about the day. but Celestia forbid He ever got his way. Sombra said nothing as the mares chitchatted relentlessly, all the way to the club. She just about turned around and walked home when He saw the line.
"Hello, Twilight Sparkle, I should be on the list alongside a Fluttershy and a Sombra?"
the bouncer flicked through his clipboard, finding their names and allowing them in, much to the annoyance of all the ponies waiting in line hearing their whining made Sombra smirk a little. that was to be the closest thing to a smile He would find that evening.
The interior of the club seemed to be all black, littered with all kinds of colored lights the music blasted from speakers all around the club, directed by some mare with gigantic shades. Sombra shuffled along behind Fluttershy, to a table where 5 other mares sat. Of course, He knew these mares relatively well. They blew him up, and then just about blew him up again. and now they had invited him to a nightclub. Their cruelty knew no bounds. Sombra sat down next to Fluttershy, before hastily looking at the drinks menu. He was going to need a lot of cider to get through this. the mares frantically exchanged news of how things were going for them Sombra looked around the nightclub. lots of neon lights. lots of strobe lights, too. The place was essentially a black box. The floor was carpeted in black, the walls were black, and the ceiling looked like the night sky. wait a minute. the ceiling was made of glass. That WAS the night sky. somewhat impressed, Sombra looked around for something else that could pique his interest. bar. lots of cider barrels. without a word, Sombra got up and weaved through the crowds, before sitting at the bar there wasn't much to order. Equestria isn't known for its beverages. It was either cider or soda. Not a hard decision. As Sombra drank, He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see a neon blue pony with a black mane staring at him quizzically.
"You know, most stallions would give anything to sit at a table with 6 mares."
Sombra grunted. He wasn't about to let some random pony's opinion phase him. another prod at the shoulder. Sombra felt his anger rising
"Well? Aren't you going to go back there and chat them up?"
Sombra turned back again, trying to ignore the incredibly annoying stallion behind him. another prod at the shoulder. Sombra turned again
"Why are you wearing a tie?"
Sombra couldn't contain his anger anymore. his day had been bad enough already He wasn't about to take anything from this stallion Sombra whirled around, and with a strength obtained from working at a construction site for months, struck his harasser straight in the eye the stallion staggered back, a hoof over his eye, before rearing up and striking down at Sombra. this whelp had gotten himself into far more trouble than He could anticipate. it almost reminded him of someone. Sombra tackled his opponent, sending him flying backwards into a group of mares the music went silent, everyone in the club was staring the silence seemed to last forever. suddenly, a stallion at the bar started yelling.
"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!"
Sombra decided to give the crowd what they wanted, turning and bucking, sending the poor stallion flying again, crashing into the stage. Fluttershy rushed over
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
Fluttershy stared Sombra down, striking fear into his heart. He cringed. He couldn't do anything but stare back at her CRACK Fluttershy squealed as Sombra was felled by a guard from behind, and knocked out cold.
Sombra woke up in an office A familiar white stallion sat at A desk opposite him, they were alone. Sombra sat up. He was handcuffed to his chair The white stallion looked up grimly, and tried his best to force A smile.
"It's been A while Sombra. How've you been?"
Sombra didn't buy any of it.
"Why am I here? Why hasn't Celestia killed me yet?"
Shining Armour raised A hoof to his forehead, sighing loudly.
"Princess Celestia is on A diplomatic trip to Roam. You're lucky, too. She hasn't heard yet. Its up to me whether or not She ever hears about this."
Sombra knew where this was going.
"So you're going to blackmail me?"
Shining Armour met his gaze coldly
"No, I'm going to make you an offer. If you'd rather die than help me out, then thats fine."
Sombra snorted in laughter
"Help you or die? And you say you aren't blackmailing me? Don't make me laugh."
Shining Armour continued to stare.
"I'm not blackmailing you, i'm asking you for help."
Sombra stopped for A moment. What would The captain of The royal guard want from him? Shining began to speak, A speech He had clearly practiced.
"Several weeks ago, I lost contact with A friend of mine in The desert. I think you know him."
Sombra thought for A moment, before realizing that He meant his right hoof, Golden Cutter.
"Why don't you look for The runt yourself?"
Sombra was surprised by his own cold words. One of his only true friends was asking him to save another of his only true friends.
"Because my position binds me to Canterlot. I can't just wander off into The desert on A personal matter."
Sombra considered it for A moment. He had A lot to gain here. And not much to loose. If He succeeded, The captain of The royal guard would be in his debt Sombra did A double take. He didn't really have A choice. He couldn't just give up and die.
"I will help you, on A few conditions."
Shining Armour raised an eyebrow
"Conditions?"
Sombra smirked
"I want A government residence. A good one, too."
Shining Armour thought on it. there was no doubt He would be able to make that happen.
"Is that all?"
Sombra thought long and hard.
"I want Fluttershy to come with me."
Shining Armour raised A hoof to his forehead yet again
"I'm not about to stop you taking her with you."
Sombra was satisfied.
"I'll do it, then."
This was just too easy. A free wild west vacation for Fluttershy and himself, and A better home. all He had to do was find The runt and tell him to go home. for A captain of The royal guard, Shining Armour was pretty dense. Shining Armour trotted over to Sombra, undoing The handcuff restraining him.
"Your train leaves in 30 minutes. Just find Gold, and tell him to come back. He's probably lazing around in The sun somewhere."
Sombra snorted. some things never change.
Sombra trotted from The palace, and noticed something strange The guards weren't watching him like they had. Shining Armour must have told them to back off. This deal kept getting better and better. He trotted back to his flat, and carefully unlocked and opened The door Fluttershy was asleep, A box worth of tissues strewn along The floor She had been crying, probably over him Sombra creeped over to her, and shook her gently to rouse her from her sleep She groggily rolled over, froze, and then draped herself over Sombra
"What happened?"
Sombra explained, Fluttershy listening intently from start to finish She thought for A while, and finally spoke up
"Yes, I think we should do this. It's our only real chance."
Sombra sighed in relief.
"But I'm still mad at you for assaulting The nightclub owner."
Oh, so He was The owner. He was still an annoying prat. Sombra noticed The time, and spoke out quickly “We don't have much time until The train leaves. Lets go."
A pegasus guard discreetly handed Sombra and Fluttershy their tickets. private carriage. Shining Armour was too kind. It was almost enough to make up for his sister's impeccable timing. climbing into their carriage, Sombra and Fluttershy took one last look at The city The sun was setting. Their carriage was being treated to an amazing orange glow. The two sat down at A table opposite each other, and began to talk. It wasn't long before Fluttershy brought up what had been on her mind since The night before.
"Why did you assault that stallion?"
Sombra grunted his reply;
"He was getting on my nerves. Nothing else."
Fluttershy sighed.
"You aren't very happy with The way things are now, are you?"
Sombra met her gaze
"It doesn't matter. Once we find The runt and send him on A train back here, thing'sll change for us."
Fluttershy rolled her eyes
"The 'runt' has A name. And He saved your life, and offered you his friendship. The least you could do is use his name."
Sombra rolled his eyes
"Can't be bothered."
Fluttershy followed suit. The two watched The sunset together, and watched The lush equestrian greenery rush past outside. Fluttershy was The first to break The silence
"How long do you think it'll take for us to arrive in Dodge junction?"
Sombra thought for A moment
"We should be there by morning."
Fluttershy noticed that there was something else on his mind. She had A rough idea of what it was, and She knew how to cheer him up... A mischievous glint in her eye, Fluttershy snuck out of their carriage. Sombra was too deep in thought to notice. She quickly moved down A car, and used her wings to ascend to The luggage rack She opened The first suitcase She found, careful not to disturb The already sleeping ponies below. The suitcase had A variety of different travelling items... Fluttershy spotted an electric toothbrush and high strength dental floss The floss could be used for restraining, and The toothbrush for teasing. perfect She quickly took The two items, before edging back out of The luggage rack, and leaving The carriage silently Fluttershy crept back into their carriage, ensuring nopony saw her ever leave She dropped The two items on The table, before snapping Sombra out of his daze He saw The two items, and looked at her quizzically She winked. (from her eye) Sombra quickly understood The situation, and A smirk slowly crept across his muzzle. using The floss, He tied Fluttershy's hind legs back, and tied her legs outwards, exposing her marehood She laid back in submission for what was about to happen Sombra picked up The electric toothbruth, puzzled by her choice of fetish objects nonetheless, He flipped The switch and The small dental hygiene device whirred to life The head was soft brush, lucky break. Fluttershy's marehood stood quivering, waiting for attention slowly, He began to run The toothbrush along The outer rims Fluttershy quivered in delight, The gentle vibrations sending waves of pleasure through her body her marehood began to dampen, ready for Sombra to dip in He decided to make her work for it He continued to gently brush around The rims of her vagina with The toothbrush, as more lubricant seeped out Fluttershy moaned, and began to thrust towards The toothbrush, only to be held back by The floss Sombra smirked and continued, Fluttershy's moaning and thrusting becoming stronger and stronger eventually, She broke free of The floss and wrapped her legs around Sombra
"Give it to me! Give it to me now!"
Sombra smirked and complied, towering over Fluttershy before leaning down and hungrily kissing her in his typical fashion He began to pump with his masterful hips, causing shudders of pleasure to resonate throughout Fluttershy's body eventually, Sombra wasn't able to hold himself anymore. Fluttershy was still on The pill, so Sombra went for A big finish inside her She moaned as She reached orgasm as well, before going completely limp. Spent. They both took A moment to relax with each other, before Fluttershy quickly went to return The sticky toothbrush.
The salt block was rowdy as usual Gold sat at the bar, a can of soda in hoof Almost every other stallion in the pub was jeering at him because He wasn't drinking cider. This was the southern desert, alright. But He had messed up big time. Not only had He failed to retrieve the information on some big "threat to equestria", He had also fallen in love with one of the farmponies out here. The only information that He had uncovered out here was that He was a coltcuddler Gold dodged another bottle being lobbed his way, and it shattered on the wall behind him. Having had enough, He left his seat and began to leave Right outside was that same, similarly golden stallion and the sheriff, preparing to head inside and calm down the rowdy pub
Gold swallowed His heart was sent fluttering every time He saw that hat and vest He finally understood what mares felt like With a quick movement, He took flight and hid behind the counter, signalling the shocked barkeep to be quiet Gunshot sounds bounced around the room as the sheriff fired two bullets upwards, contributing to the large circle of bullets embedded in the ceiling
"That probably isn't safe..."
Gold mutters, as the sheriff and Braeburn escort each stallion from the pub The barkeep hides Gold well Looking around, satisfied, the sheriff leaves the pub, signalling Braeburn to follow Braeburn looks at the barkeep suspiciously before trotting out as well Gold thanks the barkeep, leaving a pouch of bits on the counter before leaving the bar. He sees Braeburn take a turn off of a main road On a dime, He decides to take to the rooftops and follow him...
Gold flew from rooftop to rooftop, following the leatherclad stallion through appleloosa's small township
Braeburn stopped and waited If He could just time this right... Clouds moved, revealing the moon He whirled around to see Gold, watching him from a rooftop, illuminated by the moon
"Ah-hah! So ah do have a shadow!"
"Damnit!"
Gold cursed loudly He hadn't thought about moonlight possibly giving him away The desert heat was definately getting to him Strangely enough, the stallion wasn't angry. In fact, He had the biggest grin on his face.
"Well to what do ah owe this pleasure?"
He didn't seem phased by golds stalking at all
"I..Uhh...uhhh... Uhh..."
"Aw shucks, yeh don't need to be so tongue-tied!"
Gold couldn't help but find himself hanging onto every word Silently, He descended from the rooftop, meeting eye to eye with this strangely friendly Stallion.
"Ah'm Braeburn! You got a name?"
Braeburn. The name sounded perfect Gold mentally kicked himself.
"I... uhh. I'm Gold..."
The stallion leapt forward, much to golds surprise, grabbing his hoof and shaking vigorously
"Well Howdy there partner! What brings you around these parts?"
Gold immediately snapped back to his senses
"Oh. Just catching some rays, indulging in the local culture, no big deal."
Braeburn raised an eyebrow in an almost seductive way
"Now ah dun mean to be intrusive, but ah think we both know that ain't the truth."
Damn, He was good.
"Why dun' you stay with me t'night. Mah house is nearby and yeh dun wanna be out late in these parts. Some nasty folk scurryin' about."
Too taken aback to do anything about it, Gold allowed himself to be ushered away by Braeburn.
The two Stallions eventually reached Braeburn's residence Braeburn sat Gold down, before heading into the kitchen to "Fix up some vittles" Gold looked around
Braeburn returned with two mugs of hot cocoa and a plate of cookies Gold couldn't quite determine whether or not Braeburn was trying to get him under his wing or under his covers. Braeburn sat down, his thigh pushed right up against golds The two sipped their hot cocoa in silence, until Braeburn broke it.
"Yeh look like an interesting fella. What're yeh really here for?"
Gold seriously considered telling him He couldn't quite understand why Braeburn was being so quick to take him in Beggars couldn't be choosers, but they could still be cautious. Gold turned to look at Braeburn, and the two locked eyes. For the longest time, they just sat there, gazing at each other. Gold blinked, and got up.
"Thanks for the hospitality, but I've really gotta g-"
He was stopped by a hoof on his own, and turned to see Braeburn looking at him, pleadingly.
"Ah dunno what it is about you, ahm just as confused as you are. But please dun go. We can just talk. Please?"
Gold looked deep into braeburns emerald green eyes. They were stunning, soul piercing even. Gold remembered back to one of the many nights He and shining armour had spent at pony joes. He remembered how his best friend had recounted how He met cadence. He remembered how He had called it love at first sight Gold turned to look at Braeburn again. There was definitely something in those eyes. He decided to take the risk, and sat back down again
"Alright Braeburn. Let's talk a little."
"A little" Turned to several hours locked in conversation The two getting closer every minute By 12am, the two were locked in an embrace Each of them debated taking it further It was Braeburn that eventually took the initiative
"Why dun yeh come up to mah room?"
Gold didn't need to be asked twice. The two trotted up the stairs Braeburn opened the door, and went to sit on the bed Gold flew over, lowering himself onto the bed with carefully timed wing flaps. Braeburn crawled over to Gold, taking him in his arms
"Y'know, ah heard that pegasi like it when yeh massage the base of their wings."
And with that, Braeburn began doing just that It was the first time He had ever done so, but He did so perfectly, causing Gold to melt in delight Nobody had ever done that to him before, the pleasure causing him to shudder all over He put an arm around Braeburn, pulling himself closer The two leaned in and kissed passionately, rubbing against each other the whole time Their stallionhoods became very aware of the situation, and rose to attention The two lay in an embrace, stroking each others warm members Braeburn, master of subtlety, was the first to take it futher.
"Y'wanna try anal?"
Gold considered for a moment
"Depends. Have you done it before?"
Braeburn looked Gold in the eyes
"A'hm a virgin partner. Honest to Celestia."
Gold didn't even take the time to think.
"Let's do it, then."
Braeburn positioned himself over Gold, who lay belly-down on the bed His member wet and ready, He slid into Gold, causing him to moan in pleasure Slowly at first, Braeburn began to slide in and out, whilst lying atop Gold, caressing him gently Braeburn nibbled the tip of Gold's ear, as He began to slide in and out, faster and faster Gold's breathing became heavy, Braeburn started thrusting ever faster Braeburn's chest began to heave, as He panted heavily, still relentlessly pumping When He was close, He pulled out, and flipped Gold over The two shared in another passionate kiss, Braeburn shooting his load in the midst of it The sticky fluid spread into their coats as they rubbed together Gold was next He wet his boner, as Braeburn lay down, ready to receive He slid into Braeburn, and slowly began to grind Much slower than Braeburn had been He wrapped his arms around Braeburn, rubbing up against his back with every gentle thrust Gold continued going slowly, not ever wanting the moment to end Braeburn took notice
"What's wrong, partner?"
Gold continued to thrust, but replied
"I don't want this to end"
Braeburn put his hooves on golds reassuringly, before whispering
"It won't."
With newfound vigor, Gold thrusted into Braeburn with every drop of lust in his body Braeburn moaned in delight underneath, pushing up into Gold as they continued Finally spent, Gold pulled out and flipped Braeburn over, Finishing on his underbelly Gold leaned down and kissed, rubbing against Braeburn and rubbing his fluids into their coats The two closely embraced there, until they fell asleep
Sombra woke to The loud screech of a train whistle Rubbing sleep from his eyes, He sat up Fluttershy fell off of The bench, hitting The ground with a thud and a squeal Oops. Sombra helped her up, and was met with an angry, sulky look it was pretty early In The morning, but if they didnt get off of The train, itd take them back to canterlot drearily, The two roused themselves and left The carriage The platform was quaint. small, wooden there was a strange appeal to it, regardless Sombra looked down at Fluttershy she was struggling to keep her eyes open they wouldn't have stayed up so late if they had realized they'd arrive In appleoosa so quickly even In The dawn, The desert sun was harsh and unforgiving Sombra then realized that shining armour had given him absolutely no information about Gold's whereabouts He would have to search The entire settlement Sombra cursed loudly He knew it was too good to be true Fluttershy drearily looked up
"What's wrong?"
Sombra looked back down
"We have absolutely no idea where this runt is."
Fluttershy rolled her eyes as Sombra remembered their conversation The night before Oh well, too late now Sombra wondered where He should begin his search...
Sombra and Fluttershy wandered through The city If He were a lazy runt, where would He be? somewhere with shade inside somewhere? no... pegasi typically don't like being indoors Sombra caught something out of The corner of his eye a large apple orchard maybe The runt is messing around over there Sombra and Fluttershy slid down The dusty slope, and began to search through The maze of trees...
for what seemed like hours, The two searched through The apple orchard at least The trees provided some shade from The desert sun Sombra was starting to become irritated this deal had turned sour pretty quickly why couldn't The runt slack off In a bar or something? typical. oh well. The sooner they were done with this, they had a few days to relax there were no guards watching them out here In The desert Sombra's ears suddenly perked up He could hear a grunting nearby one of The farmponies must be bucking apples Sombra trotted towards The source of The sound, noticing something with each passing step that didnt SOUND like "hard work" grunting it sounded more like "hard fuck" grunting Sombra continued towards The source of The sound until He came to a road a road heading straight through The heart of The orchard peeking through The trees, He could see two stallions leaning up against a tree one was squatting over The other sombras eyes widened they were squat-thrusting Oh celestia, what had He trotted In on? Sombra raised a hoof to his eyes, trying his best to ignore The scene In front of him a loud "YEE-HAW!" echoed through The trees Sombra buried his face In The grass why did He get all The tough breaks? The stallions, finished, climbed to their hooves before trotting off together Sombra looked back up just In time to identify one of them as Gold Sombra felt sick He didn't know why He was so disgusted maybe because The stallions were The same colour entirely mane and tails included they could have been related were they related? wait, why was this shocking him so much? there was once a time where no area of sodomy was unknown to him was life taming him? was He losing touch with The wild stallion He once was? sombras thoughts were interrupted by a hoof on his shoulder He looked up to a concerned Fluttershy
"What's wrong?"
"You really don't want to know."
Sombra snapped to his senses looking at Fluttershy, his racing mind was put at ease He remembered that He had just found their target, and turned to run at full gallop Fluttershy was close behind, still concerned Sombra followed The dusty trail all The way back into town, but didn't find The stallion couple Sombra kicked The dirt, swearing to himself under his breath it didn't take Fluttershy too long to catch up
"Sombra, what happened? What did you see?"
Sombra turned to look Fluttershy right In The eye
"I saw The runt. Some pony In a vest and hat, too."
Fluttershy's eyes widened
"I think I know that pony In The hat and vest!"
finally. Some good news
"Do you know where He would be heading?"
Fluttershy nodded
"I know where He lives. I'll try to remember. Lets go"
it wasn't long before Sombra and Fluttershy were lost Fluttershy had only been to appleloosa once before, and hadn't taken much time to look around, much to Braeburn's disappointment. The sun was setting quite quickly, as well The hours had flown by, their search eating The daylight away Deciding to finally call it a day, The two found The town's inn, and managed to get a private room Private, as opposed to The bunk rooms that most of The ponies out here lived In It had cost him 3 weeks salary, but at least they'd be able to spend The evening In peace The two made their way through The crowded lounge, and up a flight of stairs their room was The last door In The hallway. The wooden boards creaked beneath their hooves The door, however, swung open without so much as a squeak The room had a cozy feel to it The sheets on The bed were rough, but clean The room all In all had a wholesome atmosphere to it Sombra was going to have fun shattering that atmosphere. But just how would He do that...?
Sombra decided that this time, He wouldn't get too nasty Oh celestia, what was wrong with him? He turned to look at Fluttershy, settling herself down on The bed They hadn't eaten yet, but there would be plenty of time for food later Sombra climbed onto The bed, locking eyes with Fluttershy In a quick movement, Sombra pulled her In He stared into her eyes for a moment, before beginning to trail down her body with his hooves Fluttershy gently rubbed his groin with her hooves, waking his slumbering member Sombra leaned down and kissed Fluttershy A long, hungry kiss The two thrusted into each other, becoming fully aroused Sombra flipped Fluttershy onto her back, before climbing atop her Slowly, He began to grind, not penetrating just yet He began to massage The base of her wings, causing her to shudder In pleasure Slowly, Sombra began to slip into her marehood Fluttershy moaned In pleasure as sombras masterful hips began to pump In rhythm Sombra wrapped his hooves around Fluttershy's neck, leaning down and kissing her passionately while pumping Fluttershy returned The kiss, her entire body convulsing In pleasure Sombra, unable to contain himself any longer, shot straight up into Fluttershy's marehood Fluttershy reached orgasm at The same time, her whole body stiffening, and then going limp Sombra pulled out, and flopped down beside Fluttershy, wrapping his arms around her The two fell asleep, arm In arm
Dawn over appleoosa Sombra and Fluttershy awoke, still embracing as they had the previous night Sombra sat up, and rubbed sleep from his eyes he looked around the room, and then out the window a quick shower and he was ready to search Fluttershy hadn't woken yet he figured he would let her sleep in, she had been deprived of sleep for the past few days Sombra closed and locked the door quietly, sliding the key under the door so that Fluttershy could get out after a quick breakfast in the lounge, he was out in the dusty streets of appleoosa, searching for the runt it was hardly his idea of a vacation he had definately overestimated the sweetness of shining armours deal how could that damn runt elude him in such a small settlement? sombras thoughts were cut short by the scuttling of a shadow down one of the alleyways curiousity having gotten the better of him, he peered down the alleyway, shocked by what he saw it was some giant insect but it looked like a pony it was some sort of horrendously ugly pony insect the thing flew away before he could get a good look just what was it that he had seen? Sombra turned and continued his search, heading for the apple orchard surely if he returned to the apple orchard, he would find the two again it seemed as if the runt and himself were the only ponies in appleoosa who didnt wear ridiculous hats Sombra found the same area that he had saw the two stallions the day before, and waited and waited and waited but they didn't pass by the orchard seemed deserted Sombra heard a rustling behind him and the screech that haunted his thoughts for the second time that week, Sombra was knocked unconscious by a blow to the back of the head
Fluttershy had been dozing for several hours when she finally decided to get up Sombra had left to search several hours ago without waking her he must have thought she was asleep looking around, Fluttershy sat up and got ready within half an hour, she was preened and ready to search again She decided to find and ask the sheriff. he would know if there were any outsider ponies about, especially ones from equestria's capital thankfully, this time, Fluttershy didnt get lost she was at the sheriff's shack by midday
"Um, hello there?"
the sheriff didn't LOOK like a nasty pony, but she still couldn't bring herself to relax
"What can ah do ya for, missy?"
the sheriff smiled warmly, and Fluttershy was able to speak slightly easier
"Um, I'm looking for a friend... yellow-Gold coat, smaller than most stallions... came here from canterlot?"
"Oh, yeh mean the one thats spendin' all his time with Braeburn? They took the day off. Said somethin' 'bout a 'thread to equestria'. Heh, young ponies like you can get the strangest ideas in their heads."
Fluttershy sighed this meant that Gold was in fact, doing exactly what shining had sent him to do so nothing bad had happened
"Um, Do you know where they might have gone?"
the sheriff looked down from the veranda to Fluttershy
"Ah think they're lookin' round town for any "suspicious folk", not that they'll find any. Our law enforcement's as good as they come."
Fluttershy sighed it'd be difficult to find them if they were moving about she decided to try the orchard, maybe they were working there
Gold and Braeburn had been looking about all day, but had found nothing suspicious at all The whole town seemed to be in perfectly innocent order
"This is hopeless. We're never going to find any leads."
"Hang on now, we dun' know that yet."
Braeburn was maintaining his optimism, even after several hours of searching appleoosa Braeburn wrapped an arm around Gold, pulling him close
"Now, there's gotta be SOMETHIN'. Maybe we just ain't lookin' in the right places."
"Well then what ARE the right places?"
Braeburn paused to think
"Y'know, maybe this "threat to equestria" and the salt block becomin' rowdier lately are connected!"
Gold pondered on it a moment
"I suppose it's worth a shot. We can ask the barkeep, he seems like a pretty cool pony."
Braeburn beamed
"Thats the spirit. Let's go."
Fluttershy stopped
"That's strange..."
there was blood in the dust and it looked like somepony had been dragged away from here Fluttershy looked around cautiously
"Oh goodness... Oh goodness... Should I follow this trail?"
she just couldn't decide whoever it was, somepony could be seriously hurt if she went back to town to get help, it might be too late she resolved to help whoever it was that had been hurt, and began to follow the trail through the trees
Gold and Braeburn arrived at the salt block without incident most ponies were still working the fields, or the mines the barkeep was alone, cleaning the place up for another night of rowdy drinking he briefly looked up at Gold and Braeburn as they entered, before returning to the bar
"What can I do for you fellers?"
Braeburn stepped forward, taking a seat at the bar, while signalling Gold to follow
"Hey there Salty, we needa catch up on some of the talk o' the town."
the barkeep raised an eyebrow
"Just what is it yeh wanna know?"
Gold stepped in, putting on his friendliest voice
"We just needa know if you've noticed anything suspicious about your customers."
salty took a moment to think, before speaking up
"The ponies from the mines have been actin' real strange lately."
Braeburn tilted his head
"Y'mean the mine near the orchard?"
Salty nodded
"One in the same."
Gold, satisfied, tipped the barkeep and left
"Thanks for the info. I think I know everything I need to."
Fluttershy arrived at what looked like a mineshaft the dirt trail ended here whoever had gotten hurt had to be in there the mine was well illuminated, torches strewn across the walls Fluttershy took a deep breath and began to decend the mineshaft was long, and just kept going down she walked for several minutes, but they seemed like hours eventually, she came to a large cavern muddy puddles made up most of the floor Sombra was in the middle of the cavern Fluttershy screamed anon was atop him biting and scratching at him Fluttershy, acting on a protecting impulse, rushed forward and leapt at anon a primal rage fueling her assault, Fluttershy knocked him back into the mud anon looked up at her, with just a glimmer of fear and remorse in his eyes, before scurrying further into the mines Fluttershy trotted through the mud back to Sombra he was pretty badly injured with every ounce of her strength, she lifted him up onto her back, and started climbing out of the mineshaft
Sombra awoke in a hospital bed, with Fluttershy at his side he had taken quite a beating, but would ultimately be alright Fluttershy explained that she had found him unconscious in a mineshaft, with anon tearing into him viciously Sombra couldn't help but feel that he deserved it It would be a day or two before he would be able to continue his search for the runt Vacation ruined Oh well. It's probably just what he got for trying to vacation in the desert. the nurses attempted several times to remove Fluttershy from his room, but she refused to leave his side eventually, they allowed her to stay they even wheeled in an extra bed for her the two talked about their situation for a while, before falling asleep...
"Is the rifle really neccesary?"
"It was passed down from my pa. Ah assure yeh, this baby won't let us down."
"That's not what I meant. Do we really need a gun to visit a mineshaft?"
Braeburn gave a loving, but almost teasing smile
"Well, Salty did say that the stallions have been rowdy the past few days. Who knows what we could run into."
Gold rolled his eyes
"I dunno about you, but I'd prefer not to murder anypony while we check out these mines."
Braeburn did the same
"Ah dunno about you, but Ah'd rather not be murdered while checkin' out these mines."
Gold couldn't top that
"Buck it, you win. Let's just go"
Braeburn couldn't help a satisfied smile as the two decended into the mineshaft the two came to a muddy cavern Braeburn pulled Gold back and spied from around the corner Gold had to stifle a gasp when he saw what was happening Anon had just strangled some kind of bug pony to death, and was screeching and laying into its friend. With both of the strange bugponies dead, anon scuttled further into the mines
Fluttershy couldn't sleep she had refused to leave Sombra's side, and he had gotten visibly better he had wanted to leave the hospital earlier that day, but she hadn't let him he needed his rest fluttershys ears perked up, and she looked around to the window a single shadow was there, looking in on them it made an urgent, beckoning motion, before disappearing into the night Sombra sat up he had clearly seen it too
"Oh no. You have to stay here and get your rest."
Fluttershy knew it was a losing battle with a grunt, Sombra heaved himself off of the bed and trotted over to the door Fluttershy rolled her eyes, and decided to follow there was no point arguing with him when he had made up his mind the two crept from the hospital, narrowly avoiding the night-shift nurses. the desert air was cold, crisp the two looked around, and just managed to make out the ominous figure in the shadow of a building nearby within a moment, it had scurried away towards the apple orchard curious, the two followed the shadow lead them through the winding orchard path right to the same mineshaft Sombra had been dragged into, earlier that day. Fluttershy gulped, but Sombra looked determined he wasn't afraid of some tunnel the two began the long trot downward, into the center of the desert sands....
Fluttershy and Sombra once again entered the muddy cavern Fluttershy stifled a shriek two strange, bug like ponies lay mangled in the mud over to one side of the cave Sombra quickly checked their wounds
"Strangled, from the looks of it."
Fluttershy stood motionless she knew what those things were. or what they had been Sombra noticed the recognition in her eyes
"You know these things?"
Fluttershy swallowed. her throat was dry there was no doubt about it
"They... They're changelings."
Sombra raised an eyebrow
"They're what now?"
Fluttershy shook herself from her daze
"Changelings. I was told that they take the form of someone you love, and gain power by feeding off of your love for them."
the thoughts were racing through fluttershys mind it was true, the changelings had been exiled, but not defeated they were blasted... straight to the southern desert and now they were up to something down here in the mines? Fluttershy began to hyperventilate
"Whoa, calm down."
Sombra pulled Fluttershy in for an embrace, and her breathing calmed.
"We need to tell someone. Now."
Fluttershy seemed adamant until she saw what was squatting on a rock, just behind Sombra with a screech, a shadow leapt over them it leaped into the shadows of the scaffolding with further screeches, the ground began to rumble
"GET DOWN!"
Sombra barely had time to yell before boulders began to fall from the ceiling the mighty crashing sounds seemed to go on forever when the dust cleared, the exit route had been blocked off they weren't going to be able to go back the way they came...
Gold was starting to lose focus the two had been sneaking around in these mineshafts for what seemed like an eternity was salty leading them on? the pessimism in the area was blown away when the two saw a shadow whirl down the shaft in front of them
"What was TH-?"
Braeburn was cut short as Gold lept back into him in surprise the two collided, toppled, and ended up on the dusty mineshaft floor
"Real smooth, partner. Y'all aren't scared, are ya?"
Braeburn raised an eyebrow, while grinning in golds direction Gold huffed, getting up and wiping himself of dust
"Yeah right. It just surprised me. Surprised and scared are two different things."
Braeburn grinned, before climbing to his hooves
"Well alright then. Ah think we should follow whatever that was."
"Are you NUTS?"
"Yeh really are scared, ain'cha?"
Gold puffed, indignantly
"No way. Fine, we'll do this your way."
with a triumphant grin, Braeburn took point down the shaft that the shadow had followed... the two trotted down the dusty corridor for what seemed like an eternity eventually, Braeburn was able to make out a light at the end of the tunnel
"Ssh. Ah think we're onto something here."
Gold perked back up, once again filled with resolve
"Then let's go find out what it is."
"Ah'right partner."
the two trotted towards the light, only to be set upon by an unseen force kicking and screaming the whole way, the two were dragged into the room by...
loud screams echoed throughout the mineshafts Sombra's ears perked up he knew those voices the runt and the farmpony
Fluttershy had also heard the screaming her little heart pumping, she collapsed into the dirt in fear Sombra picked her up, and carried her on his back towards the source of the sound
"W-w-we... we never s-should have... l-left the h-hospital..."
Fluttershy was struggling to speak through her tears and fears. Sombra laced his voice with as much warmth and consolation as he could muster
"It'll be alright. They probably just saw a large cave spider, or something..."
Fluttershy whimpered even louder damnit, she was afraid of spiders Sombra kicked himself mentally, before continuing down the mines toward the source of the sound eventually, Sombra could make out a reddish light at the mineshaft's end. Sombra stopped to give it a little thought why would there be a red glow in the heart of a desert mine? Sombra knew something wasn't right changelings. He had never heard of them but by description, they didn't sound like the friendliest of creatures Sombra continued towards the source of the light, Fluttershy quivering on his back he stepped out onto a rocky outcrop, his eyes quickly adjusting to the light there seemed to be a large glowing gem in the center of the cavern and the place was crawling with.. Sombra gagged they were bug like ponies, pulsating, crawling all over the walls they were disgusting near the top of the cavern was a huge, gooey membrane almost like a... chrysalis? it didnt take long for its contents to become clear Sombra gagged again two stallions were trapped inside the cocoon tubes ran from the cocoon to what looked to be a throne, on an outcrop far above his own sitting on the throne was a large, menacing looking shadow
"I've been waiting for you to find your way down here."
the voice was feminine, but certainly bug-like with a crack, Sombra was felled, and sent crashing to the floor...
Gold and Braeburn were the first to come to
"What in tarnation?" Braeburn struggled, but only managed to get into a tragically comical position with Gold
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
it was Gold's turn to raise an eyebrow
"Ah swear, this is a mistake."
Braeburn seemed overwhelmed by the situation Gold wasn't faring much better he noticed someone looking up at them hey... wasn't that...
"Hey you, are you that hag who tried to crash Shiny's wedding?"
bad move the cocoon was bucked by two flying changelings
"One and the same, little one."
Gold remembered hearing about it the whole changeling army had attacked canterlot shining armour and cadance had defeated them all
"Let us go! Ah'm warnin' you!"
the changeling queen only laughed
"But I'm doing you a favour! You're about to witness something few ponies ever have!"
the two suddenly stopped struggling what was this psychotic queen talking about?
"What do you mean?"
Gold was suddenly far more serious about the situation this only served to amuse the queen
"You little ponies are so cute. Always so full of yourselves. Well then, allow me to show you!"
the queen sat up from her throne, before engulfing the large red gem in the center of the cavern with her magic the gem began to spin, radiating a powerful heat Gold felt as if he was being boiled alive inside the chrysalis
"What in Celestia's name is that thing?"
Gold choked it felt as if all the moisture in his body had evaporated the queen snickered
"Tell me, are you familiar with the history of this world?"
Gold was puzzled everyone was taught the story
"Yeah, I know it."
the queen grinned, devilishly
"Then you are aware that the two royal Princesses only came to rule later in his worlds life?"
Gold was lost
"Where are you going with this?"
the queens smile disappeared quickly
"SILENCE. Surely, you didn't believe that your precious princesses always controlled the sun and moon, did you?"
Gold had never really given it much thought Braeburn seemed to be in shock the queen continued regardless
"The ponies of ancient times had to move the sun and moon by themselves. This jewel, this Desert Ruby, was the key to doing just that."
Gold and brae began to struggle again
"Using it, I can take the control of the sun away from your precious princess celestia. I had my changelings take the miner ponies prisoner, and impersonate them while searching for the jewel. And now, my revenge is finally coming together!"
Gold was still lost
"How do we come into this?"
the queen smirked
"Simple. I was the one who brought the desert to shining armour's attention. I made sure he sent you out here to investigate."
Gold was still lost
"But why?"
the queen seemed irritated
"What better way to exact my revenge? With you as a hostage, he won't do a thing to stop me!"
the queen licked her lips she wasn't done yet
the queen turned her attention to a second chrysalis
"Not only do I have a means of halting any retaliation by the royal guard, I now also posses the powers of the ancient king of the crystal empire!"
Gold and Braeburn craned their necks to see Sure enough, Sombra and Fluttershy were in a chrysalis right across from them Fluttershy was crying, her tears dissolving into the fluid within the chrysalis this didn't go unnoticed.
"Not only has he been reawakened..."
the queen began to drawl again
"...but he has also learned to love this mare! That love will allow me to absorb his dark magical powers! I'll be unstoppable, Ruler of the sun and moon, Dictator of the stars!"
Gold sighed she had an affinity for speeches, alright...
A dark figure looked on from an overhead outcrop unnoticed by the changelings, anon witnessed Everything something inside him was niggling trying to break free it was when he saw Fluttershy crying that it happened anon collapsed, holding his head in his hands it all flooded back his memory who he was he remembered Fluttershy crying that night
"B...But anon.. I dont... want to go..."
he had been forced to make it happen he remembered what Sombra had done yet now Sombra, on the verge of being drained of all his power held Fluttershy, attempting to protect her no... this wasnt things werent... With a screech, anon leapt from his hiding place...
climbing along the walls, swatting changelings as he went, anon climbed towards the base of the two chrysalis' with a mighty screech, he tore the chrysalis holding Fluttershy and Sombra out by the roots, hurling it onto a nearby ledge with just as much feral expertise, he repeated with the chrysalis holding Gold and brae the four ponies broke free of their gooey prisons, shaking themselves off and turning to face the queen once again
the queen seemed unfazed by the development with a single whisk of her horn, the cavern radiated with heat the changelings seemed resilient, but the four ponies were just about baked alive
"Can't you see that you don't stand a chance? With or without Sombra's power, I'm a goddess!"
with a mighty wave of her horn, the heat in the cavern intensified the four ponies took shelter together in their small outcropping the princess continued to intensify the heat in the cavern magma burst from the rocks below, further contributing to the heat
"If this keeps up, ah dun think we're gonna make it!"
Braeburn was right the cavern was becoming red hot even their durable hooves were being singed they couldn't stand much more of this was it over? were they doomed?
the gem in the center of the room was glowing fiercely anon stood on an outcropping the rocks below burned his feet he remembered who he was once, he would have given absolutely anything, just to be accepted by that yellow mare but she had moved on it was time for him to move on he closed his eyes, and shed a single tear he hadn't cried in so long Everything that had happened came back to him the two eloping through equestria the fiasco in manehattan stalking them, watching Fluttershy grow anon decided it was time for him to make it up to her to apologies for Everything he had done without thinking twice, he leapt from the overhang
"This is for you, Fluttershy."
he collided with the gem, and went sailing with it down into the lava below.
Everything flashed before his eyes on the way down how he had been forced to deliver Fluttershy to Sombra right up until how he had seen her tears no regrets. anon hit the lava, and was dead instantly. the gem went with him, melting into the lava
the four could only watch immediately after the gem hit the lava, the heat in the room dissipated there was silence not stopping to mourn the loss, the four leapt into action Sombra bucked the two nearest changelings with all his might Gold flew upwards, tackling two more of the changelings Braeburn's rifle spilled smoke as he emptied barrel after barrel into the changeling mob Fluttershy could only stand, devastated, staring at where anon had entered the lava a primal rage overtook her, and she flew towards chrysalis Sombra followed, knocking changeling after changeling into the lava below in his wake Gold cracked down on another changeling, sending it spiralling downward he turned just intime to see Braeburn being tackled from a ledge acting on impulse, Gold lunged down, saving Braeburn just intime arm in arm, with Gold providing the airtime, the two began to massacre the changelings all around there would be no prisoners. not this time.
Fluttershy arrived at the outpost where chrysalis was standing, devastated her godhood ripped away from her, she was outraged turning to face Fluttershy, the two locked in a stare with twin roars, Sombra and Fluttershy charged forward, ramming into chrysalis the queen staggered back, slipping down with a scream, she barely managed to catch a hold of the ledge hanging over the lava, she could only look up as Sombra and Fluttershy closed in
Fluttershy couldn't do it instead of stamping down onto chrysalis' hooves, she took them in her own, pulling her back up onto the ledge, and away from impending doom chrysalis stood in silence and shock, looking at her hoof Fluttershy stepped forward
"If you want love to feed your people, then make some. Don't steal some."
chrysalis stood, broken she lifted a hoof, signalling the attacking changelings to stand down Gold, exhausted, collapsed onto the ledge behind Sombra and Fluttershy, with Braeburn falling right next to him good thing too, because he was running out of bullets.
4 ponies and a changeling resurfaced into the dawn the whole night had passed while they were down there Gold turned to chrysalis
"You've blown your chances in equestria. But I wish you luck finding a new home."
chrysalis nodded Braeburn eyed her and every single one of her subjects as they flew away looks like they had a sense of honor after all Sombra then clicked
"AH-HA!"
Gold and brae jumped at the sudden exclamation
"FOUND YOU!"
Braeburn was puzzled
"You were lookin'?"
Sombra rolled his eyes
"Not for you, for the r-... For Gold."
Gold turned to face Sombra
"What can I do for you?"
Sombra blinked for a moment, trying to remember just what he had been sent here to do
"Go back and report to shining. Tell him Everything thats happened. We're gonna stay behind and enjoy some of the sun."
Braeburn raised an eyebrow
"This ain't some beach. It's the southern desert."
Sombra shrugged
"Sun is sun. We'll be catching you later."
Sombra and Fluttershy trotted off to the hotel
"Guess this is goodbye, huh?"
Gold looked downtrodden Braeburn grinned
"Says who? Ah think ah'll go with yeh."
Gold looked up, confused.
"Really? But why?"
Braeburn pulled Gold in for a hug
"Y'all gave me a taste of danger. And a little more. Think Ah'm addicted."
Gold returned the embrace, burying his muzzle in the fur on Braeburn's chest
The two got on the train together, and headed for canterlot.