Letting Goby corythompson32298
Chapters
1. The Offer
“The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.”
- Steve Maraboli.
In the bustling city of Canterlot, MA, the jewel of the city stands high and proud near Pegasus Bay. The Crystal Empire Insurance Tower, headquarters of the wealthiest and most powerful company in the United States of America. The CEO of this business is none other than Sombra Darkhorne, a quiet yet stern upper-classman with work being his only life as of yet. His workaholic lifestyle has kept him from any desire of the lust for a special person to enter his life. His office is at the near top of the Tower; there he works from dawn till dusk.
While he owns the entire company, he does not run it on his own. His business partner and college friend, Shining Armor, works with him to help keep the company afloat. Shining considers himself to be the only person worried for Sombra’s lifestyle. With that mindset, Shining makes it his goal to find a special someone for his old friend. But time after time, Sombra refuses the company of anyone of the opposite sex. Shining still pursues to make sure his friend doesn’t die alone.
On a grey and wet day, Sombra sits at his desk, as usual, looking over the reports from the previous quarter. Numbers were high and solid as usual, nothing too big to worry about. While looking through the reports, a knock is heard at the door. Not getting the chance to tell the mystery person at the door to come in, the door flies open and Shining Armor enters in.
“Hey Sombra, how’s it going,” Shining says in a hardy tone. Sombra ignores his presence and continues to look over the report. “I’m doing just fine Shining,” Shining says mocking Sombra’s deep voice then goes back to his own voice, “Well that’s good to hear Sombra because I got some plans for us tonight…”
“No,” Sombra says.
“What?”
“I said no, I’m not going with you to some stupid club again to find some girl to fall in love with.” The last few times Sombra went to a club, each time had not turned out so good. Either, he ends up getting food and drinks spilled on him or some random gay guy starts grinding him.
However, Shining is still persistent, “Come on, I promise you that the club we are going to is just your taste.”
“And that would be..?”
“A fancy, quiet, and upper-class club; I figured that you might prefer something a bit more calm.”
“It took you fifteen clubs to realize that?” Every time they went to a club, it was, as Sombra would describe it, loud, obnoxious, far too dark, and too many lasers.
“Whatever, so what do you say, are you up for it?” Shining leans over Sombra’s desk with an ambitious smile.
Sombra blankly stares at the man with a slight look of annoyance, “No,” he says.
“Oh come on, pleeeeeeaaaasssse,” Shining begs.
Sombra sighs; he hates it when Shining starts begging to get his way with Sombra. Not that Sombra starts to feel guilt but that it gets annoying after about half a minute. “If you can finish all of your work for the day, I might just consider heading out with you tonight.”
Shining jumps away from the desk, “I’ll finish all my work for the entire week!” Shining rushes out of the room with a giddy spirit.
Sombra shakes his head and chuckles, “Hard to believe that man is 25.”
The work day drags on and the clock strikes 3:00 PM. Sombra closes that last file of last quarter’s reports; he lets out a sigh of relief and leans back in his chair. He looks at his watch and sees he still has two more hours before the day is done. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have a bit of fun.” He turns towards his computer and loads up a game of Spider Solitaire. But just as he is about to play, his intercom buzzes. He leans over to the buzzing device and pushes the answer button, “Yes?”
“Mr. Sombra,” a female voice answers, “You have an unexpected visitor here to see you. He says you two have business to discuss about your investment?”
Crap, it’s him, he thinks to himself. “Very well, send him in Cadence.”
Sombra hangs up and leans over his desk. Sombra, while he didn’t show it, began to grow nervous and started to stress about his visitor. The doors opened and in walked a man with skunk like hair, yellow eyes, and a suit made of a variety of fabrics. He spoke in a gawking tone, “Ah, if it isn’t my favorite customer of all time,” said the man.
“Hello, Discord,” said Sombra.
2. The Temptation
“Here is the solution to the American drug problem suggested a couple years back by the wife of our President: "Just say no.”
- Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard
Discord is the most notorious drug lord in all of the country. His drug, appropriately named the chaos pill, is designed to give customers a sense of craziness and careless joy, and to give a sense of relief and security when you sleep. Now this sounds like a drug that should be in pharmacies everywhere, only if it wasn't for the hundreds of cases of overdoses. People starting liking the drug’s high feeling that they began to crave it and taking as much as they can to keep that feeling alive.
Discord has been selling the drug for over five years; over five years and over 500 cases of overdose from taking the chaos pill. You’re probably wondering why this monster isn't put away in a prison more secure than Fort Wagner? Discord has ties to people that will help him “influence” the jury’s decision. He’s been to court 15 times and 15 times he’s been acquitted.
Now he is not known on the streets as Discord, instead he is called by a different name. All of his dealers and customers call him the Lord of Chaos. His real name was also never used in his court cases as well. Over the years his empire has grown beyond any drug lord has ever achieved. It has even grown into the very walls of Crystal Empire Insurance.
Discord walked around Sombra’s office, brushing his hands over everything and grabbing random objects, while Sombra sat back at his desk eyeballing Discord. Discord’s eyes caught the sight of a small, purple crystal that stood on stand near the giant, left wall window. He picked up the crystal and started rolling it in his yellow gloved hands. “You know I've always like this crystal,” he comments, “It’s pretty when you hold up to the sun.” He holds it up to window expecting rays of color; only to be disappointed by the clouded sky outside. “If only today wasn’t so gloomy.”
“Enough of this foolishness Discord,” Sombra said, slamming his fist on the desk, “Why are you here?”
Discord put down the crystal and grew a Grinch like smile across his face as he giggled maliciously, “Oh I’m sure you exactly why I am here.”
He walked over to the desk and pulled out a small pill container with ten blue and yellow pills. He sets the container and pushes it towards Sombra. “I have your monthly supply right here for you.”
Sombra looked at the container and looks back at Discord with a neutral and slightly annoyed look. He pushes the container back towards Discord, “I told I’m not taking your pill anymore. I am done with your business.”
But Discord only smiled, shakes his head, and walks over to a nearby table with a crystal flask filled with whiskey and two glasses. He pours himself a drink and takes a small swig, “Come now Sombra, you and I both know you are not really done with this drug. If it wasn’t for my drug, those nightmares of your would still be haunting you.”
Sombra stood up and leaned over his desk, glaring at Discord. “If it wasn't for your drug, my wife would still be alive.” He walks over to Discord, rips the glass out of his hands, and walks towards the window with the glass in hand. He wipes the rim of the glass and takes a sip of the drink while looking out over the horizon of the city.
Discord walks up beside him, “It’s not my fault that your wife died. I warned her what my drug can do if used incorrectly.”
“And if I had found out she was taking your drug, I could’ve saved her.”
Discord turns to look at Sombra, “So the nightmares are back because you didn’t take your medicine; tisk, tisk Sombra.” Discord walks back over to the desk and sits on top of it.
Sombra turns around while taking another sip of the drink. “I’m fine; I don’t need your drug anymore to help me with my problem.”
Discord chuckled, “Are you sure, the bags and dark circles under your eyes speak for themselves.” It was true that Sombra had been having nightmares and the only way to get some sleep was to take the chaos pill. But Sombra felt that if he was to honor his past wife’s memory he shouldn't be taking the drug. However, it only turned out that without the pill the nightmares would not go away. “Sombra quit lying to yourself and to me. We both know that you haven’t got a goodnight’s rest in quite some time. So why don’t you quit wasting time and just buy the stupid pills?”
Discord grabbed the container, which was still on the desk, and held it towards Sombra. Sombra was now at a fork in the road. Is he going to continue to honor his wife’s memory and reject the pills or is he going to take the pills so he get rid of the loathsome nightmares? His eyes darted between Discord and the pills, he had to make up his quick but he doesn't know what to do.
Eventually, Sombra drops his head and says, “how much do I owe you?”
Discord smiles and sets the container down. “750 as usual.” Sombra pulls out his check book, writes a check for $750 and hands it to Discord. Discord snatches the check from Sombra’s hand and begins to walk out the door. Before he leave, he turns around and looks at Sombra who is now staring at the pills, “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you,” Discord says. He turns back towards to the door and walks out, leaving Sombra alone in his office.
Sombra walks over and sits behind his desk. He stares at the pill container and runs his hands through his hair in frustration and regret. He looks over to his right and stares at a small photo portrait of him and his wife back when they were still dating in college. Even thought she always wore dark clothing and had unnaturally pale green hair, it didn't derive her of the cherish and friendly attitude she radiated towards people.
“I’m sorry Chrissie, I tried my best,” he says to the picture.
3. The Club
I do think I am a country boy at heart. I love the buzz of towns and going out with friends and sitting with them drinking and whatever...it's fun, but, at the same time, I like space and freedom.
- Prince William
Sombra slumps over his desk, the container of chaos in his hands. He stares at the orange container, thinking about how his craving for a good night’s rest led him back to same drug that gave him the nightmares. 30 minutes passed since Discord’s visit, 30 minutes of beating himself over the head. He rolls the container in his hands and just stares at it.
“I’m such a dickhead,” he says to himself as he gets up from his desk and pulls out his brief case from underneath. He lays the case on desk, opens it up and starts filling it with today’s finished paper work. He picks up the pills and throws them into the case and continues filling the case with more paper work.
Just as he’s about done filling it, someone knocks at the door. “Come in,” Sombra shouts. The door opens up, a few seconds pass before a giant thud is made on the desk. Sombra quickly looks up and see Shining Armor standing in front of him with arms crossed and a smuggish smile across his face. Sombra looks down at the source of the sound and sees a file with about two and half inches of paper work.
“There you go, all of this week’s work completed,” Shining says proudly, “So how about it, you up for tonight?”
Sombra dashes his eyes between Shining and the large file. He was impressed that Shining was able to finish all of his work for the week in just one work day. There was now only one thing left to do and Sombra wasn’t one to break his promises, even though he wasn’t being fully serious when he did make his promise. Sombra closed his eyes and lets out a big sigh, “So what’s the name of this club,” he asks Shining.
Shining, feeling victorious, pumps his fist in. “It’s called the Bucking Brony,” he says, “It’s classier than it sounds. It’s this theater club where a bunch of people give performances through singing, dancing, comedy, and other stuff. My sister is performing there tonight…”
“Hold on,” Sombra interrupts Shining, “Your sister is performing there? So we are just happening to be going to this club that your sister just so happens to be performing at tonight? Why does this smell fishy to me?”
Shining was confused at first until he processed the information in his head and realized what Sombra was trying to say. “WHOA, no it’s not like that,” he shouts, “Don’t worry, the last person I expect to see my sister with is you.”
Sombra gives off an annoyed look at his comment, “Gee, thanks.”
“So anyway, where something nice, fix up your hair, and meet me at 1110 Appaloosa St. at 9:00, okay?”
“Awesome, I’ll see you there tonight.” With that said, Shining left the room.
Later that night, Sombra went to the exact location where Shining told him to be at. But his GPS led him to, not a club, but the entrance of an alleyway. ‘Great, he gave me the wrong address.’ Sombra pulled out his phone and starts looking through his contacts for Shining’s number. Just as he was about to hit the call button, someone shouts at him from the alley, “Hey Sombra come on, it’s this way.” Sombra looked into the alley and saw Shining standing half way down, waving him over.
Sombra walks down the alley to meet Shining. He sees that Shining is wearing a white dress shirt with a black blazer, black dress pants and a tan tie around his neck. “Well you certainly dressed up for tonight,” Sombra comments.
“Not you though, you look the same as you did this morning,” Shining says.
Sombra wears his usual black suit business suit that he always wears every day. “Actually this is my formal attire,” he says, “All my attire is like this.”
Shining covers his eyes and groans in frustration, “For once can you forget about work?”
“Whatever,” Sombra looks around observing the environment, “So where is this club of yours?” Shining turns and points at a small pair of stairs leading down to a rusting green door with a small slot with a sliding door near the top. Sombra is befuddled by the appearance of the entrance, “I thought you said this one of those ‘fancy clubs?’”
Shining walks down the steps, ignoring Sombra’s question. He bangs on the door, which makes a metallic gong like noise. The slot opens up and a pair of eyes looks down at the two guys. “Hey Big Mac,” Shining says to the man behind the door, “Can you let us in, me and my friend are here to watch my sister perform.”
“Nope,” said Big Mac.
“Why not?”
“Password?”
“Oh right, um, apple pie?”
“E’yup.” Big Mac closes the slot and opens the metal door. Shining and Sombra walk in as Big Mac closes the door behind them. Sombra looks behind him and sees a big, tall man with ginger hair and in a red suit standing guard by the door. Sombra was a little repulsed by his bright red attire.
“Nice suit, ‘big apple,’” Sombra jokes.
“Wise ass,” is all Big Mac says.
Shining grabs Sombra’s arm, “Come on Sombra, you don’t want to piss Big Mac off.”
Sombra and Shining walk off and enter a semi dark room that’s only being lit by table candles and the lights pointed at a stage. The stage is small one with a long platform that goes out into the audience. The layout of the room is like an amphitheater with three levels with tables on each level except the top. At the top are about four different bars. Waitresses walk around the entire room taking orders and handing out drinks. Sombra was rather impressed that Shining was able to find a club that was quite classy. That was until he saw who was performing first. “Sweet,” Shining shouted, “Snips and Snails are on.”
Two guys come onto the stage, one is tall, skinny, wearing an orange suit and has green hair. The other guy is short and fat, he wears a teal suit and has orange hair. Their act is a bunch of slap stick comedy jokes, Sombra’s least favorite kind of act. Shining takes the table closest to them on the third level.
“Excuse me gentlemen, can I get you anything?” The two looked up and saw a young woman with light blueish, white hair and wearing a waitress outfit.
“Oh hey Trixie, I’ll just take a Bloody Mary,” said Shining.
“Ok, and for you sir,” she asks Sombra.
“Whisky on the Rocks,” he says.
“Ok, I’ll be back in moment with your drinks.” The waitress turned around and left the two at their table.
Sombra continued to watch the act in pain. He was appalled by the unorthodox entertainment that these other people seemed to enjoy so very much. How much longer until this is over, he thought to himself. And speak of the devil, the two ended their act just before Sombra was about lose it. Sombra taps Shining shoulder, “Exactly how long until your sister comes on?”
“I don’t know, why,” Shining replied.
“Because that’s the only reason you drug my ass down here tonight was to see your sister perform.”
“Alright ladies and gentlemen,” said the announcer over the speaker, “Please put your hands together for our newest performer tonight, Miss Twilight Sparkle.”
Entering the stage was a young woman with a navy blue dress that sparkled in the spotlight. Her hair was dark purple with a light purple and pink streak running down the entire length of her hair. When Sombra looked at her, he was blown away by her looks. She looked like one of the most beautiful creatures he has ever seen.
4. The Introduction
“Sometimes, it’s just great to bring new people into the mix.”
- John Oates
The spotlight beamed down on Twilight as she stood still on the stage. It is her first time performing in front of an audience. She had practicing for weeks and now she is actually going to do it. She is extremely excited to get this chance.
But she is just as nervous as she is excited. She is afraid that she’ll forget the lyrics, or her voice will crack during a long note, or…snap out of it Twi, she thinks to herself, Just remember that Shining is out in the audience cheering for you no matter what. Your BBBFF will always be there for. Remember, don’t do anything fancy, just sing the song and you’re done. She took a few breathes and began to sing.
You had plenty of money 1922
The band behind her begins to play a soft, jazz tune.
You let other women make a fool of you
Why don’t you do right like some other men do?
Twilight begins to walk down the platform, her purple, glittery dress sparkles with every step she takes.
Get out of here and get me some money too
All the men in the room begin to huddle around the platform trying to get close to Twilight. Shining watches in annoyance, he didn’t appreciate all these mouth breathers huddling around his baby sister. He wanted to push them away but he didn’t want to ruin Twilight’s song.
Twilight continued to sing and strut down the platform, even with all the men. Thankfully none of them were being grabby.
You’re sitting down, wondering what it’s all about
If you ain’t got no money, they will put you out
Why don’t you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too.
Twilight steps off the platform and begins to walk between the tables. She runs her hands over the tables and over the backs of chairs.
If you had prepared twenty years ago
You wouldn’t be wanderin’ now from door to door
Why don’t you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too
I fell for you jivin’ and I took you in
Now all you got to offer me’s a drink of gin
Twilight steps back on the platform and begins to walk back towards the main stage.
Why don’t you do right like some other men do?
Get out of here and get me some money too
Once she’s on the main stage she looks back at the audience and begins to wrap up her song.
Why don’t you do right, like some other men do?
Like some other men do.
As she finishes the last line, the curtain closes as the music begins to fade.
The whole place begins to cheer. Everyone, including Sombra, was really impressed with her performance. Sombra sits in his chair, his face a little shocked but yet pleased. There actually is some decency in this club, he thinks to himself.
“Alright ladies and gentlemen, let’s give another round of applause for Ms. Twilight Sparkle,” says the announcer, the room fills with applause and cheer once more, “Thank you for being here tonight, we’re going to take a quick break right now. Feel free to grab a drink or some grub; we’ll be back in about fifteen minutes.”
Everyone gets up from their seat to get some more drinks, some food, or to go to the bathroom. Sombra and Shining continue to sit and sip on their drinks that they got during Twilight’s song. “So, what did you think,” Shining asked Sombra.
Sombra took another swig of his drink before answering, “She has a lovely singing voice; it really fits her beauty.”
“Hold on dude, that’s my sister you’re talking about!”
Sombra’s eyes widen in surprise. He quickly jolts his head towards Shining, whose face is a little bit annoyed. “That was your sister,” Sombra asks. He couldn’t see it; there was no way she could be related to him. They look almost nothing alike. That Siren with her lovely voice couldn’t be related to this man.
“Yes, and I don’t really appreciate the fact you may be thinking about hitting on her.” His voice began to rise from annoyed to offensive. This kind of attitude was never revealed to Sombra at work before. If Shining ever showed this kind of attitude at work he would surely be kicked to the curb. Then again they aren’t at work right now, so Sombra has no authority over him here.
Sombra lifted up his hands in defense, “Easy dude I meant no offense.”
Shining smiled and lightly punched Sombra’s arm, “It’s alright dude I was just joking with you. I bet you can now see how we’re siblings, we share the same complexion,” Shining says as he whips his hair back with his hand.
All Sombra did was give him a confused look. “Again, she’s your sister,” he said as sort of an insult toward Shining.
“Haha, that was so funny I forgot…”
“Shiny,” shouted a voice from the far right of the club.
Shining and Sombra looked to the right and saw Twilight running towards their table, wearing a tan trench coat to cover her sparkly dress. Shining shot up from his seat and ran towards her. They met in the center and gave each other a big hug, “Hey Twily, you were amazing up there!”
“Thanks BBBFF,” said Twilight, “I was really nervous up there, I was about to just run off the stage and get the heck out here.”
“Well it’s a good thing Rarity gave you those lessons on handling your stage fright.”
“Indeed,” Twilight looked to the side and saw Sombra standing right behind Shining, “Who’s your friend?”
Shining turned around to see Sombra standing there, “Oh, Sombra this is Twilight, Twilight this is Sombra my boss.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Sombra said holding out his hand.
“Oh a gentleman,” Twilight says as she shakes his hand, “Much more appropriate than some of your friends from basic.”
“Indeed,” Sombra agrees, “I had him and one of his friends over at my dorm for dinner once, while we were in college, and…well let’s just say it took me about a week to get the stains out of my carpet.”
“Oh that’s nothing,” said Twilight, “one time one of his basic buddies ‘accidentally’ broke one our mother’s fine china. She was so furious that she literally kicked his butt out onto the curb.”
“I’m starting to think you guys don’t appreciate my choice in friends,” said Shining.
“Well to be honest, you don’t exactly have a keen eye when it comes to picking out the people you want to be friends with,” said Sombra.
“Yep, your friends define who you are,” said Twilight.
“Well I love you too sis,” said Shining.
“Love you too,” Twilight said while giving him a hug. Once she pulled away from the hug she began to walk off, “I got to go change and head back home, I got work tomorrow. See ya later BBBFF.”
“See ya Twily,” Shining shouted back.
“We better call it a night as well,” Sombra said while looking at his watch, it was a quarter till ten. “We still have work tomorrow.”
“You do but I don’t,” said Shining, “I finished all my work for this week, remember?”
“That doesn’t mean I still don’t have work for you to do,” Sombra said while putting his coat on, “So let’s get going.”
“Fine,” Shining groaned while getting his coat.
“By the way,” Sombra says as he begins to walk out with Shining, “Why did she call you ‘BBBFF?’”
“It stands for Big Brother Best Friend Forever,” Shining replied.
Sombra halted instantly after what he just heard. He was still for a moment while Shining exited the building. He then leaned his forward while his right hand cups his eyes. “Good Lord, I’m friends with a ten year old,” he groaned to himself.
Sombra and Shining parted ways after they exited the club. Sombra went to his car, which parked not far from the ally on the street, got in it, and headed straight for home.
When he entered his house, which is the penthouse of the Crystal Castle Estates, he began to get ready for bed. Once he was all done, he sat on his dark grey bed, holding the bottle of chaos pills which he pulled from his briefcase. He rolled the orange bottle in his hands pondering whether he should continue taking these.
If I take them the nightmares will go away but I’ll also be dishonoring her, he thinks to himself, but if I don’t take them the nightmares will remain but I’ll be honoring her. He went back and forth in his head, debating whether or not he should take them. He finally lets out sigh, “Screw it,” he says. He pops open the bottle and pulls out one of the blue and yellow pills. He reaches over to a glass of water sitting on his nightstand, tosses the pill into his mouth, and chugs the water down.
Sombra sets the glass and the bottle on the nightstand. He shuts off the light, lies back on his bed, and hopes he can get a good night’s rest. Not from the nightmares, but from the sin he had just committed.
5. The Nightmare
“You learned to run from what you feel, and that's why you have nightmares. To deny is to invite madness. To accept is to control.”
― Megan Chance, The Spiritualist
Sombra tosses and turns in his bed. After this long day of dealing with Discord again, and being dragged to another club, all Sombra wants right now is some sleep. But, while his mind says he needs rest, his body won’t let him settle. He tosses and turns under the covers; this battle goes on for about two hours until Sombra finally gives up. He lies still on his bed, eyes wide open and fully awake. He turns his head to left to see what time it is. The small digital clock reads 1:32 PM. “Perfect,” he mutters, “Just perfect.”
Sombra sits up from his bed, throws his legs to the right side while throwing his blanket off, and gets off the bed. He walks out of his room and towards the bathroom to see if some zolpidem can help him.
He enters the gray-walled bathroom and starts looking through the medicine cabinet for any zolpidem. Once he spots the white bottle, he pulls it out, places it on the white, porcelain counter and closes the cabinet. However, once he closes the cabinet, a figure appears out of nowhere behind him. Sombra is caught off guard by the figure that he nearly jumps out of his skin. He looks behind to look at the figure directly, but no one is there.
“Calm down, your mind is probably just playing tricks on you,” he reassures himself.
Sombra turns back to the sink counter and picks the white bottle up. He opens the bottle and spills two tablets into his hand and fills up of cup water. Just as he’s about to take the pills, he looks into the mirror again and there stands the figure from before. This time Sombra doesn’t react, he just stares at the haunting figure.
The figure resembled a woman with cob web like hair. Her entire body seemed soaked to the skin; puncture wounds all over her arms and legs; and her eyes bore the color of a malicious blue and green. She spoke in a deep, echoy voice, “Why, why would you leave me?”
Sombra’s breathing started increasing and sweat begins to bead on his forehead. His throat becomes choked up from fear that he can barely get a sentence out. “I-I-I d-d-didn’t m-mean t-t-to.”
“You shouldn’t have left me, this is your fault,” said the woman. She reaches out her hands and places them around Sombra’s neck. The woman’s grip starts getting tighter and tighter that she is now strangling Sombra.
Sombra tries to escape the witch’s clutch but her grip is too tight. Sombra gags and coughs, he yanks and claws at the woman’s hands but it’s no use. He can feel the life leek from his body.
Sombra violently wakes up in his bed, screaming as though he is being murdered. His breath gasping for oxygen, his body covered in sweat, and his hands shaking like a rattle snakes tail. He looks around the room to figure out where he is. He is still in bed in his bedroom. Sombra lightly clutches his neck with his right hand; it was all just a dream.
He falls back onto the bed and tries to get some shut eye. However, for the entire night, he remains wide awake with the memory of the horrid woman trying to kill him. He knows who it was but why wasn’t she blocked from his mind?