Lovers of the Night

"We need to increase security. Sparking Blade and his accomplice could strike at anytime," said Princess Celestia. "Might I ask, was there any evidence left behind?" asked Lance.

"What do you mean?"

"Did whoever broke in leave something behind."

"There was the dagger that struck both guards down."

"Okay. I suspect whoever this is was working in the castle or managed to somehow slip passed us."

"Lance, please inform Shining Armor to recruit more people."

"Recruits? Are you sure about this Princess?"

"Yes. We will need more men guarding the castle."

"I know one person who would join. My brother."

"Good. Now please, tell Shining Armor now. Luna will stay with me. Come back once you have told him."

Lance ran around trying to find Shining Armor. He finally found him. He was outside helping bring in more recruits. "Captain. Princess Celestia told me to tell you to keep letting in more recruits," said Lance. "That's going to be hectic! We won't have room to train all the recruits," replied Shining Armor.

"She wants to up security. With Sparking Blade out, she believes he could strike at anytime. I personally agree, but getting more recruits won't help."

"I guess I'm gonna have to start placing up flyers again."

"I know my brother will join. Don't worry, he is a fine pony. He has been trained by our father."

"If you say so. I'll come with you to test out his strength."

"But don't you need to coordinate the arrivals and everything?"

"The others can handle it. I need to get out of this stressful situation anyways."

Lance and Shining Armor managed to get on a train and travel to Manehatten. "Your brother lives in Manehatten?" asked Shining Armor. "Yes. But I haven't seen him in years. I do wonder how he is doing," said Lance. They arrived at the train station. But once they got off, Lance saw a man watching him closely. He couldn't make out his face because of his coat and hat. Lance ignored it and continued on.

"Wow. This is where your brother lives? It's pretty nice," said Shining Armor.

        The house was a green painted two story house. It was larger than most homes in the area.

"I'm quite amazed he could afford this. I mean we were sort of poor back then."

Lance knocked on the door. Both he and Shining Armor could hear hoof steps coming toward the door. The door unlocked and opened. A grey Pegasus pony with pompadour hair, wearing formal attire stood at the door. He looked like an average pony. "Yes?" he said. "You really don't remember me?" said Lance.

"No I don't... Oh wait. Lance!"

"Jesus Logan, you scared me for a second there."

"It's been quite a while since I've seen you! Come in, come in. I also see you've brought a friend."

"This is Shining Armor, captain of the Royal Guard."

"It is an honor to meet you," said Logan talking to Shining Armor. He nodded in agreement.

The three ponies sat in the living room. There was a fireplace and the hilt of The Emozian stood atop of it. "So, what brings both of you out here to Manehatten?" asked Logan. "We need you to be a part of the Royal Guard," said Lance.

        "Me? You're kidding right?"

        Logan began to laugh.

        "Logan, this is serious."

        "Oh this is serious? Listen brother, I am here to support you. But joining up? For what? I mean that would be a waste of time..."

        "Your brother is in danger," snapped Shining Armor. "Might I mention, so is Princess Luna and you want to sit here laughing and wasting time? You obviously don't know that, but at least have politeness!"

        "Oh yeah? What's he 'in danger' of?"

        "He could be killed."

        Everything had suddenly gotten serious. Lance told Logan the whole story. The small love triangle between Luna, Sparking Blade and Lance. Also what had happened ever since Lance had gotten there. "Listen Silver Lance, I know I'm your big brother, but I mean I don't even know if I can make it past the simplest of tests," said Logan. "Well that's why the captain is here to personally test you," said Lance. "Let's go out to your yard brother."

        The three of them went to the backyard. It was a pretty large one. It was big enough to accommodate the training. There were simple flight, agility, speed, and strength tests. Most of which were simple enough. Logan got passed them and managed to get the same spot as his brother. "We'll, you've surpassed standard recruitment trainings, so I guess I'll just make you a private then," said Shining Armor. "Captain, I will come with you now, but tomorrow, I will need to comeback to the house to pick up a few things."

        "Why not now?"

        "It's gonna take me a while to dig through my stuff. Trust me, Ike my brother, both of us always do research and study."

        Shining Armor nodded and they headed back to the train station. As they left the house, Lance saw that same pony from the train station. He was sitting at the cafe shop across Logan's house. The pony saw the three come out and he quickly looked away. Lance thought in his mind asking himself questions. Like who was this pony? Why was he staring at them? Lance, yet again ignored him and traveled to the train station.

        They arrived back at Canterlot to see more ponies not just patrolling the castle, but patrolling the streets. There were many new faces. Lance could tell that the majority of them were recruits. The three colts traveled back to the castle. "Logan, you can have the room next to Lance's. settle in and get some rest. God knows that I need it'" said Shining Armor. "We'll talk again Later Brother. I a, getting tired," said Lance. Logan nodded and both of them headed down the hall and into their rooms.

        Lance changed his clothing to something lighter and laid in bed. He began to think about what would happen to Luna and him if Sparking Blade were to come back. He also thought about that pony back at Manehatten who had followed him. With these ideas in his mind, Lance slowly fell asleep.