I jumped up from the couch, sending Mumble into a summersault that left her standing on her hooves before darting to my side as I left the library with Mist hurrying along in my wake. The sound of my boots echoed in the suddenly silent halls as a sea of crimson parted for me silently and Mimic stared up at me from his position beside the table on which Umbra rested.
"What's wrong", Mimic asked in concerned confusion.
"I have to get home now", I replied and lifted Umbra into my arms.
"Mumble shall be accompanying him", Mist nodded.
"Why her", Mimic asked indignantly. "Why does she get the special assignment?!"
"It is decided", Mist shouted, causing Mimic to bow his head.
"Forgive me", the changeling mumbled.
"I already have", Mist replied and turned to my newest companion. "Remember your training. Every parcel, envelope and meal is to be inspected. Every visitor is to be questioned and searched. Leave nothing to chance."
"Their lives will be above my own", Mumble nodded and stepped forward to nuzzle Mist's leg before returning to my side. "I will not fail, Master."
"I have no doubt about it", he smiled softly before turning to me with an unreadable expression. "I need not warn you of the dangers you may face. Mumble will serve you well."
I nodded and shooed the others away from us, motioning Mumble closer to me. I began reciting an ancient incantation before biting into my wrist and flinging the blood on the floor. Mumble only had time to let out a squeak of surprise before the ground swallowed us and we were whisked away through rock and soil. Moments later we popped out of the ground in the middle of a moonlit meadow, the chirping of crickets and Mumble's panting the only sounds breaking the silence.
"What in Tartarus was that", Mumble gasped as she looked around frantically. "Where are we?!"
"That was terraporting", I replied softly as I knelt down and gently lay Umbra in the soft, dew covered grass. "We're in the Everfree forest. We're safe here."
"I'll… ch-check the perimeter anyway", she whispered shakily and walked away, circling around the edge of the meadow.
I left her to her task as I began removing Umbra's armor gently. As the last piece fell away I felt Mumble's presence behind me and summoned a wet rag, gently cleaning the blood from Umbra's fur. Several times I had to clean the rag but before long her fur was spotless. I banished the rag and rested my hands on her neck, slowly forcing the muscle, tendons and artery to stitch themselves back together.
"Does she… mean a lot to you", Mumble asked softly as I sealed the wound seamlessly.
"More than you know", I replied just as softly. "We've been through a good bit together."
"I don't get it", she eventually said as she rested her hoof on my shoulder. "If you knew you could revive her, why did you go so overboard with the unicorn?"
"He made me relive my worst memory", I whispered and drooped my head.
"What", she asked with visible confusion.
"My wife, Shadow Bloom, died in foalbirth", I explained quietly, turning my eyes skyward to judge the time. "I had never felt more helpless or alone than I was then. I rejected my own daughter in depression. In a moment of sudden inspiration I cloned her. I had read in an ancient text about reviving our kind, so I attempted it with her clone. Once revived, she took on a feral personality with no memory named Umbra Flore. After subduing her, I became her Master and she's been serving me ever since."
"Reviving our kind", Mumble breathed.
"She's so much more than some servant", I whispered and smiled softly down at Umbra's body. "She's a friend. A partner. A lover."
"Your love for her can be seen from Cloudsdale", she smiled with a light giggle. "Any mare would be blessed to have that love showered on them."
"Is that so", I asked as I turned my gaze to Mumble's smiling face.
"That's right", she whispered as she slowly approached me, her eyes never leaving mine. "I vowed to do anything for you if I could only catch just the tiniest fraction of that love for my own."
"That's kinda-"
"Don't speak", she whispered and covered my mouth with a hoof. "Don't let words ruin this moment."
Before I could formulate a response her hoof slid from my face and was replaced by her lips as her eyes closed and she sighed softly. As suddenly as the kiss began it was over and she was leaning away, her eyes still closed and lips still puckered slightly. After several seconds of silence she slowly opened her eyes with a new light shining within them.
"So that's what a kiss is like", she breathed softly.
"Was that your first kiss", I asked as I touched my lips.
"It was", she smiled softly. "The Northern Oracle told me long ago that I would one day meet my destiny in the dark. That my heart would recognize it when the time came and it would bring change with it."
"And you think I'm your destiny", I mumbled as I looked down at Umbra again.
"I know you are", she whispered and leaned forward to kiss me again.
"And if I asked you to do something potentially deadly", I asked as she leaned back.
"I live and die by your word", she replied, her smile fading as her eyes focused on me intently. "To die at your hand would be such tormented bliss. The feel of your fingers digging into my flesh, lovingly choking me to death as I squirm for you…"
I cocked an eyebrow as her eyes closed and she squirmed, a moaning whimper slipping from her chest. I could only stare as she curled in on herself before her pheromones hit me hard and I had to stop myself from reaching out to her. Instead I rose to my feet and turned away, turning my attention toward my castle.
"Stay with Umbra", I said as I began walking away. "I'll be right back."
"As you wish, master", she bowed, panting lightly with a blush.
I didn't bother replying before teleporting just outside of the gates, waving to a smiling Silver on the way inside. I acknowledged the few changeling servants that bowed to me and headed straight down to the laboratory, locking the door behind me. My mind raced as I slumped into the chair in front of my computer with a groan.
Welcome home, Jackson.
"Hey, Audrey", I smiled weakly. "Did I miss anything while I was gone?"
There have been three crib fires during your absence. Zecora came to petition for the funds to open her own pharmaceutical potion shop in Ponyville and Rainbow Dash inquired about a picnic with all of her friends next week.
"And", I asked as I rubbed my eyes tiredly.
Funding was provided to Zecora and the picnic will be next Friday.
"Cool deal", I sighed. "Now, I need you to access Umbra's genetic profile and synthesize four and a half gallons of blood."
I materialized a five gallon bucket and a funnel on a nearby table and looked around the lab. As Audrey began synthesizing the blood I needed I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my eyes. The sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway drew my attention toward the door and I spun my chair to face the door. The door was suddenly unlocked and pushed open and the imposing figure of Cain strode in with his usual wide gait, his cloak folded behind him and his hands clasped firmly behind him as well, his head nodding in greeting.
"I trust your mission went well, besides-", he began but trailed off, hesitating slightly. "I heard about Umbra. Will she be okay?"
"Mostly", I sighed and leaned forward resting my elbows on my knees. "We couldn't cut the head from the snake. Apparently the coven was run by a dude named Bloodmane. But I also gained the support of an older vampony family. Even gained a new servant. Mumble is with Umbra now."
"Mumble? I take it she's a mute then? People like ironic nicknames. But what are your plans for this… Bloodmane character", he asked as he stepped closer and looked down at me. "What are his operations? Drugs, human trafficking, arms dealing? What's his empire?"
"Mumble just speaks quietly", I replied with a tired smile. "As for what I intend to do, I'm gonna eventually destroy the bastard when he resurfaces because he runs drug and prostitution rings. I don't mind the foalflower but the coltaine… And I don't even know if he's got a hoof in arms dealing."
I stood and stretched as I stared at my mostly golden genetic code displayed on the computer monitor.
"More changes", I muttered and shook my head before turning to Cain. "There are covens in Sao Ponyo and Moorocco so Umbra, Mumble and I will take them down before heading to Transylmaneia where he's supposedly living now."
"I'll gather information and handle a few stakeouts in all three of those locations as well as interrogating certain vamponies. I can be very, very persuasive when I want to be", he said and idly adjusted his gauntlet before shooting me a dirty look. "Without resorting to such brutish methods as used used by yourself."
He turned and stared at the display, seeming to be lost in thought.
"I may go undercover, take some poor schmuck's identity", he said and looked around. "Is there a chair for myself?"
"Brutish", I asked with a chuckle and summoned a large chair with thick crimson cushions for him. "If you have any issue with what I did then take it up with that cunt Luna. I was following her orders."
"I see you've pinpointed my taste in design", he said in amusement and sat, crossing one leg over the other and bracing his chin on a fist. "You didn't need to have relations with his skull, though. But trust me, I have plans for Luna's blackmail leverage. Have I ever mentioned that I studied archery extensively?"
"No, but can you handle a war with all of Equestria", I asked as I leaned back again. "I have a changeling army at my disposal but I don't want to kill mom. Aunt Luna can get raped by prickly dicked demons and die for all I care but mom doesn't deserve to die."
"Who said I intend to start a war with Equestria? If you must know, I planned a scapegoat. Take the guise of some small enemy of the state, such as a small coven of vamponies, and put a well placed arrow through her stomach", he said quietly and leaned back. "I imagine it would be well within Celestia and Luna's power to eradicate a band of ill meaning vamponies, no?"
"Yeah, but that throws mud on all vamponies", I mumbled in thought and chewed my thumbnail. "How about a demonic arrow that curses her? No matter how much she eats, she wastes away to skin and bone but doesn't die?"
"Alright then, a terrorist. Some lone crazed fellow that commits this one act and flees like hell itself was on his heels. I don't want her dead or wasting away like some leper, but I do want to remove her leverage. Just watch where you stick it next time", he grinned and lightly shoved my shoulder.
"That works", I chuckled. "But we need to figure out a reason for him being a terrorist. Eh, that can be worked out later. Can you do it tonight while she's on the throne?"
"I could. Then again, if there are windows, who says she would even see me? I could snipe her from afar and she would never know, maybe even use a crude arrow to make it seem as if some lunatic attacked her for the sole reason of grievance with the diarchy", he suggested and splayed his hands before rubbing his chin. "But nonetheless, I will see to it that she no longer blackmails you with an unborn child. And we're still taking out those covens. It's been too long since I've had some action."
""That works for me", I replied and rubbed my eyes. "I just want to be done with her. And I'm bringing you with me to attack the other covens. Maybe Bloodmane himself will show up!"
I've finished synthesizing the required amount of blood, Audrey suddenly spoke as a chime sounded, causing me to jump.
"Fuck", I gasped and rubbed my face roughly before standing. "Thank you, Audrey."
I stepped over and picked up the funnel and bucket, thick crimson blood sloshing within the bucket as I turned to Cain.
"Wanna come with me", I asked as I rolled my shoulders.
"If he shows up I want a turn at him. He sounds so fierce", Cain replied with a clear hint of sarcasm.
"I doubt it", I grinned.
"I just want to see if the rumors hold true", he shrugged as he stood and receded into his cloak, nodding once. "Lead the way. I'm interested to see how this revival process functions. And also to meet this Mumble character."
"She's a real cutie", I smiled, leading the way out of the lab, chatting as we walked. "She was turned right after getting her Cutie Mark so she's an adult, just tiny. I don't think I could do more than cuddle her. Besides, she's my bodyguard now."
"You've got a real soft spot for these ponies, hm", he asked with a cocked eyebrow before amending, "And yet again, sometimes I forget that you have only known the company of ponies before my arrival. Nonetheless, you're guarded by someone now?"
"Yep", I replied simply.
"Since when do you need a bodyguard", Cain laughed lightly.
"This is all I've ever known", I shrugged. "You and the previous reaper are the only two humans I've ever met. I mean, minotaurs are humanoid, but the pussy is hairy as fuck."
"You continue to prove my theory that you think with your crotch. But nonetheless, I was… surprised to find not a single ounce of human life on this planet except for you. It was… jarring to say the least", he said with a shrug. "However, despite not offering near as much of a challenge as my world did, I find this place somewhat comfortable."
"It's definitely a comforting place", I replied and returned the crisp salute Silver Lance sent my way as we passed through the gates and walked down the road. "Ready to teleport to the meadow?"
Cain merely gave a silent nod of his head and waved his hand motioning for me to proceed. I focused momentarily and with the crack of teleportation we stood in the middle of the meadow, the tall grass swaying gently in the nearly unnoticeable breeze. I looked around in concern when I didn't see Mumble beside Umbra but jolted as a crimson blur burst from the grass and rocketed toward Cain with fangs bared.
"Mumble, no", I shouted and jumped between the two causing her to drop from the air and slide to a stop mere feet away from us, the levitation spell rapidly fading from her body.
"Master, who is he", Mumble asked softly, distrust clear in her voice as she sniffed in his direction, nostrils rapidly flaring.
"Wanna introduce yourself", I asked with a grin and turned to Cain. Seemingly unfazed by Mumble's behavior he let a warm smile overtake his features and took a single step forward, bowing with a familiar flourish before speaking.
"Cain Estinis, currently Jackson's mentor. A pleasure to meet you", he said and stepped back. "I take it you're Mumble, then?"
"I am", she replied as she returned the bow, visibly relaxing. "It's a pleasure to meet you. You said you're master's mentor?"
"Just call me Jackson", I sighed and made my way to Umbra's side, resting my supplies in the grass beside her.
"Aye. I'm to teach him all manners of combat and magical capabilities, along with strategic planning and even day to day things like sewing, forging and cooking. Essentially all I know", he explained and gestured toward me, continuing with a slight grimace. "I believe he will become a fine student, unlike his predecessor."
"I see", she nodded.
"Jackson mentioned that you're now his bodyguard, yes ", Cain asked with a slight grin.
"Silent Mist assigned me to him after learning of Bloodmane's involvement", she whispered and giggled softly as she glanced at me. "Master is going to learn mares' duties too?"
"I beg your pardon", he asked and raised his eyebrow. "Mares' duties?"
"Cooking and sewing", she replied quietly. "The household duties of a good mare, along with foal rearing."
"Oh, of course, though I don't see them as selective to females. They're rather practical skills to have, and I fully intend to teach them to him as well. Sewing can help him fashion survival items and mend armor, and cooking can help to fully maximize how much you're getting out of meals. It's also nice to be able to cook good food yourself", he said and looked around. "It isn't really mandatory to teach him that, but I don't half-ass jobs."
"Commendable", she smiled.
"Hey, you guys gonna just sit around and chat all day or are you gonna help me", I called to them causing Mumble to instantly be at my side.
"How can I help", Cain asked, banishing his cloak and striding toward me. "Or is that fancy talk for 'come watch'?"
"I need you to hold the funnel in her mouth", I replied as I lifted the bucket and stared down at Umbra. "The process is simple but requires more than one po- I mean person, to do this."
He nodded and moved to Umbra's side, gently clasping her jaw and tilting it to the sky. He reached out and took the funnel in one hand placing it in her mouth before closing her jaws as much as the funnel would allow.
"Whenever you're ready", he said with a nod.
I slowly poured the contents of the bucket into the funnel, completely silent until the last few drops slid down the funnel into her throat.
"You can lay her head down", I said softly as I banished the bucket and funnel.
Cain gently let her head return to a resting position and rose, folding his arms and pursing his lips as he stepped back.
"How long does it usually take for them to return", he asked as he turned his eyes to me.
"Just a few minutes", I replied as I sat behind Umbra, pulling her into my lap and gently stroking her forelock.
"I wish he would hold me like that", Mumble whispered in an almost inaudible voice.
Cain glanced at Mumble for barely a moment before stepping back and looking upward, his eyes scanning the sky as we waited for Umbra to awaken. My fingers never stilled as I watched the color slowly return to Umbra's coat, her right front hoof twitching just enough to be seen. Slowly her amber eyes opened and she drew a ragged breath causing me to sigh in relief. Upon hearing my sigh she stiffly sat up and looked around the meadow just as the sun peeked over the horizon and illuminated us all.
"Jackson", she whispered hoarsely and looked around the meadow, her gaze locking on Mumble and Cain. "Mumble died too?"
"No I didn't", Mumble blurted before I could explain.
"Then…", Umbra began before stopping and I could see the gears turning in her head. "This isn't the spirit realm? You lied to me?!"
"Umbra, please", I said softly as I hurried to my feet, backing away as she stalked toward me with fangs bared. "I didn't mean to lie to you, I just-"
"Just what", she snarled and tackled me, pinning me to the ground. "YOU JUST WHAT?!"
"I wanted to make passing easier", I urged and cupped her cheek but she pulled her face away. "Umbra, please!"
"You promised me paradise", she shouted tearfully and stomped the ground beside my head. "You promised a place of beauty and perfection! YOU PROMISED ME!"
"Get off my master", Mumble actually shouted as magic sparks flew from her horn.
"ENOUGH", Cain roared in a booming voice and stomped the ground, the very earth shaking as he started forward. "Mumble, back off! Umbra, get off Jackson!"
He took a deep breath and turned his eyes to Umbra.
"Jackson only had your best interests at heart. Think about this, Umbra. How long would you have had to wait before Jackson could have joined you, hm? How long, do you wonder? How long would it take an immortal being like Jackson to join you there", he reasoned, splaying his hands out. "Jackson may have promised paradise, but it would have invariably been a lonely paradise."
"There was nothing", Umbra shouted as she rounded on Cain with tears in her eyes. "Nothing but shadowy darkness! My own voice made no noise! I couldn't move a muscle! All I did was float in and endless sea of emptiness!"
"I'm sorry", I said as I stood, my own eyes tearing up at my failure. "I had no idea you experience what you did!"
"But I did", she sobbed and hunched over. "You promised paradise and I experienced hell!"
Before I could respond she rocketed into the sky scattering small white flowers with the downdraft from her wings.
"Umbra, wait", I shouted and chased after her but stopped and fell to my knees as she disappeared over the treeline. "Umbra…"
Cain watched her leave for a moment before silently stepping over to me and kneeling down, resting an arm around my shoulders with a sigh.
"Just give her time, Jackson. Imagine how rattled you would feel if you experienced what she did. She'll be back, especially if you two are as close as I believe you are", he said and smiled warmly, patting my back. "Chin up, Jackie."
"I hope you're right", I muttered and wiped the tears from my eyes as Cain stood and backed away.
"You still have me", Mumble whispered as she pressed her side against my leg.
"That's right", I smiled softly and rubbed her head gently. "Come on, let's introduce you to the rest of the family."
"I can't wait", she smiled softly and nuzzled her head into my palm.
"She might still be awake", I said to Cain, giving him a pointed look as I rose to my feet. "Or are you coming home?"
"I will depart on my own. Things to handle and all that. Keep him in check, Mumble", Cain said with a broad grin and nodded to us both. "Take it easy now, Jackson."
I nodded and his draconic wings shot out behind him and he shot into the sky and out of sight. I sighed deeply and turned, slowly walking toward the nearby castle.
"Master, who were you talking about", Mumble eventually asked when the gates came into view.
"It's best you not know", I replied and we walked the rest of the way to the castle.
Welcome back, Jackson, Audrey said as soon as we entered and I chuckled as Mumble dropped into a fighting stance.
"Who's there", she demanded as her eyes scanned the halls.
"It's just my castle's automated defense array", I smiled down at her. "And… I'm sorry about this."
"Sorry about what", the tiny mare asked in confusion.
"Audrey", I called as I looked upward, "collect DNA sample, designation Mumble, category ally."
Half a second later an ear piercing shriek rang through the halls as Mumble shot forward, racing under a table and nearly overturning it as she stared around the hall.
DNA profile stored and categorized. Do you require anything else?
"Nope", I replied and made my way to Mumble, coaxing her out from under the table.
Understood, Audrey chimed. I was asked to inform you that Cindra requests your presence in your chambers. I was also asked to inform you it was not of a carnal nature.
"Do you know what it's about", I asked nervously.
I do not.
"Well, fuck."
