"Isn't it beautiful little pup?"

Sombra was currently decked in a raggedy apron as he embarrassingly made his way around a private bedroom chamber. Of course the walls were made of rock in this fairly large room but other than that, it really was quite nice. The furniture laid about was beautiful, and as Sombra looked over each piece carefully, it wasn't hard for him to realize that all of it was most likely stolen. It'd make sense, the diamond dogs were practically master thieves after all, they even managed to ponynap unicorns.

He just continued to go about each section of the room, cleaning off different pieces of furniture as he used his telekinetic magic to lift the sponge from a pale gray bucket and proceed with his new duties. Still, in this situation he couldn't just ignore his new superiors, so he glanced back. "I guess it's nice."

The female diamond dog sat in a chair as she just had her legs crossed and she smirked at the black colt. "All of this came from ponies you know, pony architecture, pony craftmareship, all perfectly carved by ponies themselves."

Sombra groaned, rolling his eyes as he just continued to scrub. "Yea I think I get the point."

The diamond dog leaned her head back as she snickered. "Eh, I don't know if you do. You see, ponies just abandoned all these things, barely put a fight for them." She paused.

Sombra's expression sunk a little as he made his way over to another piece of furniture sluggishly.

Then continued. "Just like they did with you."

His eyes widened, as he looked back at her, as if shocked before wincing. He spoke, but his voice was shaky and hesitant, as if he didn't even believe his own words. "T-That's not true! You left them no choice!...."

The diamond dog hopped from her chair and began circling the colt slowly as she spoke. "Oh, they certainly had a choice, you just weren't important enough apparently." She smiled, "Like furniture."

Sombra gritted his teeth as he snarled, and turned, tossing the sponge at her. "SHUTUP! I'm not furniture!"

She sidestepped it with ease, placing her paws behind her back and slowly started approaching the colt. "Have you ever had power little pup? Power is a very dangerous thing, especially for ponies like you."

Sombra charged angrily as he'd attempted to strike at the diamond dog as she'd parried his frail blows before tripping him with a kick and forcing his head to the ground.

She raised a brow. "It corrupts, and runs just as deep as any form of actual magic. Most ponies have power, and with that power they've bought peace, and they've crafted perfect societies. They've become bigoted, in the sense they don't have to worry about anypony but themselves. I guess it happens to all who have such a taste of power," She chuckled, "Especially the ones who start off as trash, and work themselves up to the top." She leaned her head back and sneered once again. "Like you and I, you're nothing but trash, and I do enjoy being in power. I have to wonder though, just how dangerous somepony like you would become," She pulled hard at his mane before lowering her head and whispering into his ear, "If you got an actual taste of real power. What would you do with it little pup?"

Sombra scowled as he spoke in an annoyed tone. "Don't compare yourself to me! We're nothing alike!"

The diamond dog snickered before gently letting go of Sombra's mane and standing back to her hind legs. "Heh, talk is cheap little pup, say that again when you aren't so weak. You'll find out that maybe, we're not so different after all." She then turned, making her way for the door before stopping, picking up the sponge, and tossing it back at the colt.

The sponge hit Sombra's head, causing dirty murky water to run down his face and course through his mane, as he gritted his teeth angrily, but what was he to do? All he could do was take it, all he could do was accept the fact he was weak, there were no other options.

The diamond dog smiled softly, "Now finish cleaning up, I'm taking you crystal hunting with me after you're done."

Sombra's expression sunk as he continued to scrub, trying to hold himself back from crying, from revealing any form of weakness. He had power, he wasn't a coward, he wasn't a weakling, he could be just as great, just as strong as the rest of them. And when he was ready, he'd show them, all of them, just how powerful he was.

The diamond dog continued. "Because you're my piece of furniture now, and furniture, doesn't talk back to its owner." She then left the room, shutting the door behind her as she did so.

And Sombra sat there motionless on the floor for a moment, as he'd looked defeated, lifeless, and broken now that she was gone. He just stared at the floor in silence, his eyes watering, before he just continued scrubbing.

They were wrong, he wasn't a coward, he wasn't weak, he wasn't furniture. He, was, strong.

"Come Sombra, it's time to find you a suitable place to stay!" Stated Princess Celestia.

Sombra was currently munching on some sliced oranges, they weren't crystals, but they'd have to do for now. He glanced down at his blasted collar that was severely weakening his magical capabilities with annoyance. "Must this truly remain Celestia? Do you really think this will stop me?"

Princess Celestia smiled, "Yes, I do as a matter of fact."

Sombra groaned due to the fact she never seemed to be affected by his threats, which were obviously bluffs.

As the two of them made their way through Canterlot Castle, they were actually searching for Princess Luna, who'd last been seen relaying orders to her Lunar Guard. It was obvious based on her expression, Princess Celestia wasn't too happy about the situation. Didn't Luna know it was already time to go?

She rolled her eyes, she felt as if she'd been thrown back in time, back to the days when Twilight was a little filly and she used to cover taking her to school when her parents were absent. Just add in the fact that Sombra on the otherhoof possessed the intelligence of an adult and still came off as bratty, you had practically the same exact scenario. Okay, not really, but she still had some sense of nostalgia regarding the matter.

As the two ponies continued to trot throughout the castle, they'd eventually arrived in the private gardens. And thankfully, Princess Luna was there, but not relaying orders to her entire guard, there was only one present it seemed.

Sombra raised a brow, looking that guard up and down. She had a black coat with violet eyes, and a snow white mane with purple streaks acting as bangs. Her armor was a pitch black color with the crescent moon symbol carved into the breastplate. She was also a bat pony unsurprisingly, and looked to have some form of significance to Princess Luna's guard. "Who's this Luna?" Sombra questioned amusingly.

Princess Luna's eyes snapped wide as she'd even jumped a little due to the familiarity of the voice. She then turned, looking to Sombra and Princess Celestia in surprise before exhaling, "S-Sister! Sombra, what're you two doing here?"

Princess Celestia sighed, "Dearest sister, what do you mean? You're the one who'd made the scheduled time. We must head to Ponyville, Twilight and her friends are down there waiting for us as we speak."

Princess Luna's eyes widened. "O-Oh of course! Forgive me Silver Shade, I must be going."

The lunar guard revealed as somepony known as Silver Shade saluted the princess in suit. "Of course Princess Luna, thank you for your time." She then took a few trots back before glancing down at the little colt with a smile.

Sombra looked up at her, puzzled.

And soon that smile on the bat pony's face formed into a sneer, as she just simply flapped her wings and flew away.

Sombra blinked a bit, watching her depart, then shrugged after a moment. Freak.

Princess Celestia smiled as she shook her head. "Well then, shall we depart now that business is taken care of?"

Sombra blinked a bit, "Yea uhm, if you haven't noticed, no wings on this body."

Princess Luna used her telekinetic magic to levitate the colt onto her back before nodding to her sister, then spreading her wings and stating simply, "Problem solved."

Sombra trembled as he stared at his fingerless hooves. "Solved!?"

Princess Celestia chuckled, as the two princesses, then took flight, disappearing off into the vast sky.

Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the mane six were already down in the center of the small town, awaiting the princesses arrival, along with their new, guest.

Twilight sighed as she thought back to the letter Princess Celestia had sent her regarding Sombra's arrival, but the problem was, she'd yet to tell her friends about the entire situation. How would they react to Sombra returning? And even worse, how would they react to the fact that one of them would probably have to watch over him?

Twilights face scrunched up a bit at the thought. But she was going into this situation a little more open-minded than last time, due to the fact that Discord was actually able to be reformed left quite a few possibilities open to her. But still, this was Sombra they were dealing with here, was there really anyway that he could be turned into a good pony? Twilight had her doubts but she didn't want to be pessimistic about the situation either.

Applejack kicked at the dirt, a little eager. "Aw shucks, Apple Bloom would be stoked to have a new friend to play with! I reckon this little fella is gonna be a lot of fun!"

Rarity nodded. "You said it darling, although Apple Bloom already has Big Mac and the rest of your unbelievably huge family to keep her company! Sweetie Belle on the other hoof could really use a new friend."

Rainbow Dash then fluttered over the two of them, dashing through the sky before landing in style. "Hah! Yea right, what this kid's gonna need is a trainer, somepony to teach him the ropes! I've got all the time in the world, so it's obviously best he stays with me, the most awesome adult around! Come on you can't deny it!" She placed a hoof on her own chest in confidence.

Fluttershy then cut into the conversation, shaking her head at Rainbow Dash. "Oh no no no Rainbow Dash, didn't you hear Twilight? This little colt is complicated, meaning he's going to need the comfort of many kind animals when he's feeling down. Obviously just being around ponies hasn't helped, he needs more, he needs affection, a friend, a pet."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Pshhhhhhh~ Yea Fluttershy, forcing the kid to hang around Discord would really be what's best for him."

Pinkie Pie bounced happily around the two pegasi. "Hehe! Well obviously he's going to need to learn how to look at life in a super spectacular super awesome amazing way sillies! At Sugarcube Corner we'll play games and all sorts of super fun stuff! He obviously needs to come with me!"

They all then burst into argument.

Twilight could only cover her face with a hoof and shake her head.

Soon descending from the skies, and this time, not being escorted by a chariot were both princesses themselves.

The citizens of the small town all gasped as they all immediately went into their bowing positions at the sight of both princesses.

Princess Celestia sighed, "I really wish they didn't feel so compelled to do that all the time."

Princess Luna chuckled, smiling, "It's only tradition dear sister."

Upon landing, the mane six who laid at the center of the town kept their heads down as they eagerly awaited for the princesses to give them permission to rise.

Princess Celestia nodded, "You all don't have to bow you know hmhm."

Twilight blushed as she and everypony else slowly started to rise.

Princess Celestia looked to Twilight with a smile. "Twilight,....are you ready?"

Twilight gulped as she shook her head, muttering, "N-No...."

Princess Celestia nodded with a smile, "Good!"

The rest of the mane six watched eagerly as they eyed around for the new colt.

Suddenly launching himself mid-air and then diving down angrily at the mane six was Sombra. "GRAAAAAAH!!!"

Rarity screamed "EEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!"

As Princess Luna snatched him with telekinetic magic. "No! Bad Sombra!"

As the mane six watched him, most of them suddenly looked as if they were looking at a piece of rotten meat, their faces scrunched up in hesitation and puzzlement, a little confused.

Sombra was like a wild animal, wincing at all of them. "Let me at em! LET GO OF ME THIS INSTANT LUNA!!!"

Rarity snickered as she took a few trots back. "Y-You knoooow~ Applejack, on the other hoof, you can have this one. I'm sure Sweetie Belle will be fine with just the two of us hehe." But as she took a moment to look the colt up and down, there was a hint of recognition. Wait a second, this was the same colt who'd shoved Sweetie Belle. "Hey, you're that little brat!"

Rainbow fluttered on over to the colt, getting in his face. "Sombraaaa?...Where have I heard that name before?"

Sombra attempted to slap the mare, hissing as he did so.

Rainbow easily parried his tiny hooves absently, swatting them away as they came. "Sheesh, calm down kid."

Princess Celestia's eyes widened in confusion before looking down at Twilight, "You didn't inform them Twilight?"

Twilight whimpered, lowering her head, "F-Forgive me Princess, I, I didn't really know how to put this into words."

Applejack raised a hoof, "Sombra, ain't that the name of the fellow who tried to take over The Crystal Empire?"

Rarity nodded, adding in. "And failed horribly might I add."

Sombra scowled at the white mare. "Shut it wench!"

Pinkie Pie gasped as she got in his face like Rainbow had. "OOOOH! It is him! Wow! He's all tiny and stuff now!" She looked him up and down curiously.

Sombra turned red as he crossed his forehooves. "I said shut it!"

Fluttershy cowered as she hid behind Applejack. "S-S-Sombra!?...But, but isn't he supposed to be?...You know?..."

Applejack scratched the back of her mane. "Erhm, yea, I'm a little confused here ya'll."

Rarity, trembling a little herself as well looked to Applejack. "Who isn't darling!? We've got a tyrant on our hooves!"

Rainbow then looked to Princess Celestia, "And you want us to take care of him!? Are you all nuts!?"

Twilight then made her way to the front of the group, facing the rest of them. "Sorry guys, I really should've told you all about this sooner. I just didn't want to worry you is all."

Rainbow made her way over to Twilight, bopping her on the head. "Yea you should've egghead!" She paused, then taking a look at Sombra worriedly. "But it's cool I guess, I mean...he can't do anything anymore, right?"

Pinkie Pie chuckled as she bounced her way over to the colt, giggling as she just continued to bounce in front of him. "Hehe! Aw look at how unscary he is now! He even has a collar!"

Sombra snapped at Pinkie. "Shutup! Jeez you're annoying!"

Applejack began tapping her muzzle. "Hmmmm, kinda reminds me of Winona's."

Princess Celestia nodded, chuckling, reassuring them. "Yes, I assure you, he's no more than a stubborn child now everypony. The tyrant Sombra was certainly vanquished back at the empire, what we have here is a colt in dire need of table manners, that is all." She then eyed him, "But doesn't mean we should completely underestimate him. If we do this right, with your help, he can certainly grow into a respectable adult someday."

The mane six then started eyeing one another before nodding and chuckling, muttering their agreements to one another as Sombra could only look on in disbelief. What was this? An auction house? Where was the fear? The dread? Why was there so much bucking agreement amongst them, he really needed to look at himself in a mirror cause honestly, this was all getting quite old to him. He pouted though, still being held up by telekinesis.

Princess Luna then raised a hoof, cutting them all off. "Excuse me, attention everypony, please remain still for a moment." She then made her way over to each of the mane six as they stood there, peering up at the night princess curiously as she eyed each and every one of them. She then raised her hoof over Twilight's head as she smiled softly, "You first Twilight Sparkle."

Princess Celestia just continued to smile as she watched, as if knowing what'd occur.

But even Sombra looked a little puzzled, unsure what the night princess was planning to do with that hoof.

Twilight, obviously nervous, muttered, "P-Princess Luna?"

The rest of the mane six just watched curiously.

Princess Luna smiled, "Worry not Twilight Sparkle, this won't take long at all." She then closed her eyes as her horn started to glow and she had a look of pure concentration. Soon appearing over Twilight's head would be what appeared to be a hazy scene, and in that scene depicted Sombra constantly harassing Spike, tearing down Twilight's books, and running up and down her stairs. But mainly, constantly harassing and yelling at Spike, as Spike, currently sick, just attempted to get sleep, plugging up his ears with earplugs. While Twilight was tearing at her mane in frustration, then screaming, waving them in the air with her eyes closed as she'd screamed.

Rainbow Dash began to snicker as she looked at the scene, "Heh heh.....pfffffft."

Twilight began turning in circles worriedly, "W-What is it!? What's wrong?! I can't see it!"

Rarity nudged Rainbow Dash humorously "Looks like Twilight isn't getting the little devil."

Princess Luna took a few trots back before glancing down at Twilight with a sigh. "Thank you Twilight."

Twilight just stared, a little dumbfounded as she raised a brow.

Princess Luna then made her way over to Rarity, repeating the process.

Rarity gulped, as she just stood there, awkwardly glancing to the left and right.

The scene appeared over Rarity's head in a similar manner, and in it, one could see her and Sombra arguing with one another. Sombra pointed to Rarity's stairs in the boutique, proclaiming how they wouldn't be good enough to be 'his' temporary pair of stairs. He also insulted her fashion, tossing around her fabrics and making makeshift evil capes and clothes to his liking. Rarity looked as if she were about to lose her mind in the scene, heading over to the kitchen with a twitching brow before grabbing a butcher knife and then grinning at the colt fiercely.

Princess Luna's eyes snapped wide as she immediately cut off the scene at that point.

Applejack then nudged Fluttershy. "Remind me to never make Rarity angry."

Fluttershy nodded, then speaking softly. "A-Agreed."

Rarity scoffed, looking up, "Oh come now, it couldn't have been that bad!"

Princess Luna could disagree, as she gulped glancing down at Rarity, then making her way over to Pinkie Pie, and raising a hoof over her head.

Pinkie Pie bounced with excitement. "Oh oh are you reading my brain!? What's it say what's it say!?"

Princess Celestia then cut in, raising a hoof herself in an explanatory manner. "Actually Pinkie, reading your brain wouldn't be so far from the truth. You see, what Princess Luna is doing is performing a spell she likes to refer to simply as, Deja Vu."

Twilight blinked, looking up at Princess Celestia. "Deja Vu?"

Princess Celestia nodded. "Yes Twilight, Deja Vu. Essentially, Princess Luna is looking into each of your minds in a similar manner to how she watches over your dreams, from there she is able to create the most likely scenario based off what she's seen, and what she knows about little Sombra here."

Twilight looked at the night princess in disbelief, "T-That's amazing!"

Princess Celestia chuckled. "It is."

After seeing a horribly miserable Pinkie Pie, Princess Luna sighed heavily once again as she shook her head. I do hope at least one of them has what it takes to reform him, perhaps sister was right. She then looked to Rainbow Dash worriedly.

Rainbow placed a hoof on her chest once more. "Hah! Worry not princess! Prepare to be amazed, hah, I'm the perfect pony to whip this troublesome kid back into shape! You'll see!"

Princess Luna then raised a hoof over Rainbow's head as in the scene, it showed Rainbow Dash wearing a bath robe as she had bags beneath her eyes and an annoyed expression. She exited her cloud house holding Sombra over the edge before simply dropping him then making her way back into her house, shutting the door behind her.

Rainbow Dash smirked, "Heh! See, I told ya!"

Everypony else was quiet as they just stared at Rainbow Dash with blank expressions.

Rainbow blinked, wide eyed, confused. "What?"

Princess Luna made her way over to Fluttershy, okay, this one definitely couldn't fail. Fluttershy was the pony who'd done the impossible, she'd reformed Discord, and nopony was worse than Discord. Sombra would be cake to Fluttershy, there was no way she could be bested by the little black colt. So Princess Luna raised her hoof over Fluttershy's head as the timid mare trembled during the process. Honestly, everypony was thinking the same thing, Fluttershy would be the one to be able to handle Sombra, as depicted by the Deja Vu spell. And as the scene appeared over Fluttershy's head, everypony watched with interest as they saw Fluttershy's home looking normal as usual.

The rest of the mane six smiled with relief, as did Princess Luna and Celestia, they all nodded to one another.

Then Fluttershy's home exploded.

Everypony's eyes snapped wide.

Fluttershy was suddenly in a world bathed in fire and destruction, Ponyville being no more than a giant crater as Sombra was nowhere to be seen. Fluttershy was wearing sinister looking plate armor and looked as if she were some war veteran, riding atop Discord as if he were some mount and chaos reigned down all across the lands of Equestria.

Fluttershy whimpered, "I-Is everything okay?"

Suddenly everypony spoke in unison, nervously, each of them possessing a shakyness to their voices. "Y-Yep! 'All Okay!' 'Yep nothing wrong here' 'Everything is toooootally fine!'"

Fluttershy blinked a little confused.

Princess Luna sighed as she looked to Applejack. This was their last chance.

Applejack nervously glanced up at the night princess. "Ulp...."

Sombra snickered as he glanced over at Princess Celestia. "Looks like I might be getting what I want afterall."

Princess Celestia scowled at the colt in annoyance.

But as Princess Luna kept her hoof raised over Applejack's head, she seemed lost in the vision. And nopony else could see what was depicted in Applejack's scene, but Princess Luna seemed a little speechless by whatever was occurring, although there was nothing there. She then glanced down at Applejack wide eyed.

Applejack bit her lower lip and had shifty eyes as she blinked nervously, "Uuuuugh, is everything alright?"

Princess Luna nodded, smiling, "Everything is just perfect!" She then raised a hoof as she lowered her head to Applejack's level. "Applejack, would you be so kind as to be the one to take in Sombra? I do not have all the answers, but I do believe that you're one of the sole individuals that would be able to accomplish the task of getting him off to a better start."

Applejack blushed a little, "Aw s-shucks princess, me? Well, sure, I deal with kids all the time, I mean I do got a pretty big family. And without your parents around, learning how to watch over a bunch of little ponies ain't easy I tell ya. One should be no problem," she eyed the evil little colt, "Eveeeen,...if he used to be some tyrannical pony lord."

Princess Luna smiled softly. "It's settled then! Applejack, I thank you again for your kindness. There are truly no words to describe my gratitude concerning this matter." She bowed before the earth pony, lowering her head, as did Princess Celestia.

The rest of the mane six, although a little disappointed they weren't chosen, also let off sighs of relief.

Sombra scowled, enraged, "W-What!? But her vision didn't even depict anything!"

Princess Luna glanced back at him. "Exactly."

Sombra winced, "Rrrrrrrrrrrg.........."

Twilight looked to Princess Celestia, "Don't worry Princess Celestia, we'll make sure to watch over Sombra just as much. Even if he's staying at Applejack's place, doesn't mean we won't help her manage him. I'm sure he'll be quite a pain in the butt, but you can trust us with this."

Princess Celestia smiled, "Thank you Twilight, you and your friends have done so much. I don't know where I'd be without you all." She looked up towards the sky. "I have a feeling everything is going to be just fine."

Rainbow Dash smiled as she'd sneered at the little colt. "Heh, you bet! Watch yourself little tyrant, because it looks like you're hanging with us for the next few weeks."

Sombra winced at the rainbow maned mare. Graaaah....

Meanwhile outside the Crystal Castle of the Crystal Empire, a lone hooded figure approached from a distance.

The guards of the crystal empire eyed this individual curiously, as one raised his spear. "Halt! Who goes there?!"

The hooded figure gave them no reply.

As she only continued her approach, there was suddenly a voice that rang out in her head.

"Remember, in and out, don't waste any time."

The hooded figure nodded, "Of course my queen."

The guards repeated themselves. "WE SAID HALT!"

The hooded figure then moved swiftly, instantly reappearing in the front of one of the individual guards as her forehooves moved with incomprehensible speed, her moves masterful and precise as she landed blows upon the guard in a matter of seconds, tripping and then bucking him against one of the walls.

She repeated the process, reappearing in front of another one of the guards as she stood on her hind legs, landing blow after blow against him, then disarming him masterfully and knocking him upside the head and uppercutting him before knocking him off his hooves and slamming him in the head with practically no reaction.

The rest of the guards then went into full assault, charging after the mysterious figure. "DON'T LET HER GET TO THE PRINCESS!"

The hooded figure wore a cold expression.

As Shining Armor laid in his bed, he chuckled while laying beside his love, Princess Cadence. "Hah, now that's just crazy."

Princess Cadence chuckled herself as she leaned up, shaking her head, "No! I'm serious you goof, we really should."

Shining Armor raised a brow, "You're being serious right now?"

SLAM!

Suddenly their door burst open, as a guard was standing in the doorway. "P-Princess! You must hurry and hi-" but he was cut off, his world going black as he fell to the side limp, as standing behind him was the hooded pony.

Princess Cadence gasped as she'd immediately rose from her bed, her horn glowing a vibrant blue color. "WHO DARES ASSAULT MY SUBJECTS AND THREATENS ME WITHIN MY OWN KINGDOM!?"

Shining Armor reacted in suit as he rolled from out of bed and his horn started to glow as well. "Who are you!?"

The hooded pony didn't show any expression, she only spoke, "Sombra sends his regards."

Princess Cadence's eyes widened as she raised a brow, "S-Sombra? What're you talking about? Are you some insane cultist or something. Not to be the barer of bad news for you, but, the Crystal Empire is now under my rule."

Shining Armor looked just as baffled as he shook his head. "Yea what're you talking about? Sombra's been-"

The hooded pony then tossed down a picture as she'd smirked, "Make of it what you will." She then took a few trots back as she lifted her hood somewhat, revealing a flash of green in her eyes before they reverted back to violet. "See you."

Shining Armor's own eyes widened as he bolted after her, "Where do you think you're going!?"

But as he'd approached, the hooded pony tossed down a small circular orb which created a veil of black smoke.

Shining Armor coughed as he'd snarled afterwords, "W-What!?"

Princess Cadence had a look of hysteria written over her face as she'd looked down at the picture.

As the smoke cleared, it was revealed that the hooded pony had certainly made her escape. Afterwords, a multitude of guards showed up in front of Cadence's bedroom chambers.

One of the guards spoke, "M-My Princess, my Prince! Are you two alright!?"

Shining Armor was furious, "Mind telling me how one pony managed to make it through my entire guard!?"

The guards lowered their heads, as one spoke, "Our humblest apologies my Prince! B-But, she, she wasn't using any ordinary means of combat. Whoever she was, she was obviously highly skilled, and had a pretty good idea on the layout of the entire castle, we've, we've never dealt with anything such as that before."

Shining Armor groaned as he'd done a facehoof, before scowling at his guard. "Well fan out and find her! I'll be with you all soon, she couldn't have gotten far!"

The guards all then saluted their prince as they bolted off in search of the mysterious attacker.

Shining Armor then made his way over to Cadence worriedly, before looking her up and down. "C-Cadence! Are you alright?" He paused before sighing heavily, "I'll ensure that the guard is more fortified from now on, no excuses, after this little stunt, I'm upping their training regime a ton. I swear, something like this won't be happening again."

But Cadence didn't say anything, she only continued to stare at the picture.

Shining Armor raised a brow, "Cadence?" Before he to glanced down at the picture as well.

And depicted in the picture, was a little black colt, accompanied by Princess Luna and Celestia in the Canterlot throne room.

Later that night, as Sombra sat in the apple family home, he was actually more behaved than expected, and just sat at the table with a somewhat nervous look. Surrounding him were a multitude of visiting ponies, as they all were just digging into a large assortment of different apple baked goods.

Suddenly Granny Smith approached the colt as she'd placed an Apple Pie in front of him. "Now what're ya doin sonny!? You can't just sit there and expect not to eat!"

Sombra glared at her, before muttering and looking away. "I'm not hungry." But his stomach grumbled.

Applejack then suddenly appeared behind him, grabbing the colt and raising him to the air. "Attention everypony, as you've probably noticed! We've got a special guest with us tonight! One who'll be stayin with us for a little while until he learns some proper manners!"

All of the ponies raised hooves, greeting the colt in unison. Many of them holding jugs of apple cider.

Sombra was an apple red color in the face, as he gritted his teeth, glancing down at Applejack. "A little warning next time?"

Applejack then lowered the colt down before raising a hoof in regards to the visiting members of her family. "Sombra, I'd like you to meet some of the members of the Apple Family!"

Sombra's eyes widened. "S-Some!?"

Applejack proceeded, taking in a deep breath before going off, "Apple Fritter, Apple Bumpkin, Red Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Caramel Apple, Apple Strudel, Apple Tart, Baked Apples, Apple Brioche, Apple Cinnamon Crisp, Big McIntosh, and Granny Smith. Peachy Sweet, Apple Cobbler,....and-" She paused before glancing around. "Where's Apple Bloom?"

Apple Bloom sat at her bedside once again, sketching a picture of her and Babs Seed. She had yet again, a bored look as she'd looked over the picture.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Apple Bloom looked to her closed door before heading on over. "Comin!" And opening it.

Applejack stood in the doorway, "What're you doin up here Sugarcube? Everypony's eatin downstairs."

Apple Bloom sighed, "I'm not that hungry right now."

Applejack winced a bit, before shaking her head. "Nope, I don't think so, you're comin down and grabbin a bite to eat. Plus, there's somepony I want you to meet. It's our job to ensure that he can grow up to be just as respectable as a member of the Apple Family," She paused before exhaling, "And I don't think I can do that without you Sugarcube."

Apple Bloom's brow raised before she sighed. "Fiiiiiine...."

As Sombra sat in his chair, just glaring down at the Apple Pie, he muttered. "I've never had an apple before, let alone an apple pie. I'd rather not."

Everypony gasped, before Granny Smith slammed her hooves on the table in disbelief. "NEVER HAD AN APPLE BEFORE!? WHAT IN TARNATION!?"

Suddenly entering into the dining room was a small red headed filly with a curious look. "So, where is he?"

Applejack pointed a hoof in Sombra's direction, before Apple Bloom followed that hoof, catching sight of the colt.

And once she did, she to, looked on in disbelief.

Sombra, leaning his head on a hoof, just looked to Granny Smith as it looked as if the two were lost in an argument.

The rest of the Apple Family looked on in interest, chuckling as they saw the two go at it.

Applejack lowered her head next to Apple Bloom's. "Meet Sombra, Sugarcube." Next Chapter: Chapter 6: Accumulation Estimated time remaining: 16 Minutes