Guardians of light

Chapters

The begining
The meeting
Meeting the darkness
Going to Canterlot
the rescue
I make a new friend
I return
a new enemy or a new friend
a new relationship

The begining

"Hey Shadow, wake up big brother we are going to be late for school," I heard a voice.

"Wake up mom says you won’t get chocolate chip pancakes if you don't get up," the voice sounded again. Now that really got me to get up. I was in my room when i opened my eyes.

"Uh, OK, OK, I'm up," I responded to the voice.

It was my younger sister, Nightfire, she is a pegasus but with bat wings instead of standard pegasus wings, maybe that is because of our father who is a lunar guard. Her coat is as white as snow and her eyes are dark purple, and she has a mane that is green and red.

"What time is it," i asked.

"A quarter past Shadowfire getting up," she said with an attitude. We get that from our mother little tip do not get on her bad side.

"Alright tell Mom i will be down in a few minutes," I said.

I finally gathered my things and put them in my saddle bag. Going down the hallway i saw a picture of me as a young colt i was sitting at my high chair and eating what i still love today, chocolate chip pancakes. Just hearing the words makes me hungry.

"It lives," exclaimed Dad. He has a green mane and has a black coat with purple eyes. He was sitting in his normal spot at the table, right by he door. I pulled my chair that was next to him out and sat down next to him.

"Ehehehe, I forgot how to laugh," I responded "how was work?" He looked at me with a bit of amazement. You see my family on my dads side has been with the Equestrian army for centuries. He has high hopes that I join.

"Normal, i had to fly Princess Celestia to Manehatten," he replied.This time he had a look that seemed like he was trying to get into a conversation.

"So i met this cute colt at school yesterday," Nightfire randomly said.

"Are you going to ask him out," Mom asked excitedly. Mom was a unicorn with green eyes, red mane and a grey coat.

"No, not yet." she said.

"Ah, i remember when me and you’re mother met at the gala," dad said in a voice like he was having a flashback.

"Oh great here we go," I said while I started to eat.

"There I was walking around minding my own business and then I bumped into a beautiful mare." started dad.

Luckily i was able to eat my breakfast and I said "oh look at the time we will be late for school," I said and using my magic i levitated my saddle bag onto my back.

"Wow we need to tell stories more often to get you to hurry," Mom said.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Today is the last day of school before we get out for summer," said Nightfire.

"Yeah, no more school and we will be going to Ponyville after school too," I said excitedly.

We were walking to the Canterlot school and met up with Seig. Seig is a earthpony with gray eyes, a dark blue coat and has a teal mane at least i think. "Hey," he finally said after a minute of standing spaced out. He has always been like that never the one too stay focused but strangly enough he makes good grades.

"I actually want to make it too class on time Shadow lets go," Nightfire pushed.

"What are you going to do during summer vacation Seig," I asked. "We are going go to a private island for the summer, can’t wait," he happily replied.

'Ding dong ding dong' the school bell rang. "Oh no we are late thanks to you two stooges we will be late hurry," yelled Nightfire.

"Is Everypony ready we will have to leave in the next few minutes in order to catch the train," Dad asked as we were putting our things by the door.

Mom asked "are you sure it is alright with the princesses that you can take the whole summer off?"

"Yes dear, they thought that at least one of our family members needed a break, my side of the family has known them for centuries," responded Dad.

We started to put everything into the cab and then we were on our way to the train station. The ride to the train station was very quiet. We didn't really talk i pulled out my book of basic spells and started to read.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Not much happened while we were on the train Nightfire spouting about what rumors being spread and Mom happily listening to her ramble on and Dad and I fell asleep not five minutes after she started talking, like father like son i guess.

"Well, here we are, Ponyville," said Dad, "we'd better get our stuff to the summer home."

We then walked to the two story home. Not as great as our home in Canterlot but I like it, it's cozy. The house was a light yellow color which kind of relaxed me a little because I am not used to the surroundings and it reminded me of Seig's home. It had roses growing in front of one of the front windows and in front of the other window were daisies. It seemed small to me but on the inside it was big. the carpet was red and it was well furnished.

"I call the room with the window!" exclaimed Nightfire.

"Alright i get the dark room, score," I said. I have always like the dark and my sister likes the light, it is strange but it isn't so bad being in the dark. Though I'm as blind as a bat and I don’t know any spell which allow me to see into the dark. Nightfire has an affinity for the light for some weird reason our parents don’t know why but we have been watched by guards, since we were younger.

"I am going to unpack," I said but before i could climb the stairs i was enshrouded in a blue magic, my mom's magic.

"No, you two go out and make friends we will unpack for you see you at dinner," she said and i didn't really want to argue with her.

"Ok." I said. Drooping my head and having my ears down me and Nightfire walked out of the house to explore.

Me and Nightfire explored Ponyville and met a filly named Applejack and her older brother I can't remember his name though. They played with us most of the time, Applejack taught me how to use a lasso, i was gradually getting better and better, by the time i had it down they had to go inside to get ready for bed. We had to go home too it was getting dark.

"Well they were a nice bunch," Nightfire said.

"Yeah they were, i can finally use a lasso," I said. As we walked I couldn't help but feel we were being watched. Then out of a dark alley a full grown stallion came out.

"Children do you know of the Everfree forest?" he asked.

"I'm sorry we aren't supposed to talk to strangers," I said.

"That's good, but i know of a way to give both of you incredible power would you like that?" he said.

"What makes you think we want power," I said.

"I've been sent to watch you on behalf of the Princess herself and she asked me to give you the power of the sun, Nightfire and you the power of the moon, Shadowfire," he said in a strange tone.

Now I have to be honest I did not get a good vibe off this guy. It felt bad.

"Sure i want the power of the sun," Nightfire decided to say.

"Now hold on, remember what Mom and Dad said?" I asked her.

"Yes, but he was sent by the princess and dont you want to be powerful like Princess Celestia?" she asked me eagerly.

"But why the Everfree forest why not here?" I questioned the stallion.

"Well there are too many ponies here in town so we have to go somewhere secluded, if we did the ritual here then they could get hurt." he responded.

"I'm in I want power," said Nightfire. She started to go next to the stallion and turned to look at me

"I'm only going to keep you out of trouble alright," i said and i have to say, something was eating at me like i just stole something.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Here we are," said the stallion.

This place looked familiar I think i read a book about this place. We were in a structure what seemed to used to be a castle or something.

"What is this place?" I asked.

"In due time you will know everything young one," he responded and pretty quickly at that.

Then he pulled out some chalk and a book. He opened the book and he started to draw some type of circle in the middle of the room, and another to the east and west. He started to draw some designs in it and some symbols in the center of each.

"Shadowfire stand in the circle to the west, Nightfire stand in the circle to the east," he said while he pushed us to the spots where to stand.

When we were situated he stood in the center and spoke in a language i didn't understand. Then I heard voices from the outside of the castle.

"Honey I found them!" I heard Dad's voice.

Then next thing i know i see my mom and dad in cloaks which is strange because they usually never wear cloaks.

"Get away from my children you fiend" Mom yelled, then i saw a bolt of lightning come out of my mother's horn. Which is weird all spells like that are forbidden.

Suddenly a glowing light shrouded Nightfire and me and the stallion. Dad suddenly lunged at the stallion and so did Mom. There was then a flash of light and everything went dark.

When i came too i was alone. No pony was there. the room was completely empty except for me.

"Hello?" I said. "Mom, Dad, Nightfire?" I then looked around.When I looked at the ground all i saw was the cloak my Dad was wearing and i picked it up.

"MOM, DAD, NIGHTFIRE!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs."I DON'T WANT TO BE ALONE!"

Then tears started to fall down my face. Then i heard a crash of lightning and it started to rain.

"Dear young one why are you crying," asked a voice from behind me.

I though it was the stallion that did this. My horn started to glow red which was different because my magic was dark blue. I then turned around and mimicked the spell my mother used. When I hit the stallion, a dark cloud of smoke came about but then when it cleared I came to find it wasn't the stallion but what was left was wood and then a greenish aura was around the wood and built, to my horror, a timberwolf but this one was different it's leaves were silver not green.

"Now where did you learn a spell like that young one?" it said.

Wiping away my tears i said "I learned it from my mother."

"Well you are one talented colt to be able to do such a spell with such ease and it seems you have found your destiny," he said.

"What?" I asked and then I noticed something different. I turned my head and there on my flank was a cutie mark not only that, i had wings like my father. The cutie mark was a moon and some type of key, i didn't really under stand it.

"Young one," started the timberwolf but i interrupted.

"My name isn't young one, it's Shadowfire," i said.

"Shadowfire, you have a power of incomprehension," he said, "and very few are able to keep it at bay, i can help you keep it sound."

"First things first, what happened to me?" I said.

When the rain stopped the timberwolf explained everything while he was taking me to his pack. He said the reason I am able to understand him is because of the magic that was used on me and the magic used to create him are the same type. He also said his name was Silver Spruce. I read about timberwolves and the book said they were dangerous creatures, it was wrong. He also said that it is a miracle that i am even alive. When we got to the pack the other timberwolves seemed confused.

I then looked into a puddle to see my reflection. I saw that my eyes were not normal; they were like nightmare moon's eyes, i saw a picture of her in a book. The old me is gone.

"Is it possible that my sister would have survived it" I asked Silver Spruce.

"There is a very slim chance of that I’m sorry," he replied.

"Now come Shadowfire, you will start training tomorrow afternoon," he said while leading me into a cave.

"Papa where have you been I was worried," a female voice from the darkness.

"I went to investigate what that magic aura was, it was from this small colt," he motioned for me to come meet the voice and it was a pup, and like her father she stood out, her leaves were gold. She looked at me.

"Who is he," she asked.

"His name is Shadowfire, this is my daughter Gold Birch," he replied.

"Call me Shadow," I said to her.

"Hmm, he's polite i think we can get along." she said.

"Now go get some sleep Shadow we will start lessons tomorrow," Silver instructed.

He showed me to a pile of leaves and I lied down then I instantly fell asleep.

The meeting

Chapter 1

"You have done well Shadow, years of training and you have already mastered your abilities," Silver said.

"Thank you Silver you were a great teacher but what do I do now,” I asked.

“You were wondering what transformed you, i suggest you should start there,” he responded. “And also Gold Birch will go with you,” he then added.

Gold Birch and I have gotten close over the years she was like a sister to me, even though she is a timberwolf. Gold Birch then came walking up to us.

“When do we leave,” she asked.

“Here this is for you Shadow,” Silver said then he went into the cave for a minute and came out with a vine about four feet long. “I noticed that you were always playing with vines and tying up the food you caught,” he said.

“Wow, thank you Silver I will treasure it,” I said as he gave me the vine.

“Now that vine is very tough not even a sword could cut through it,” Silver explained “and before you head out, there is one more thing I want you to do as a last lesson from me, the castle in which I found you has a secret in it, find it and you will have a chance at what life has to through at you.”

I was a bit confused on why he wanted me to find the secrete but I had to do as he requested it is a final lesson after all. “Sure I will go, come on Gold we need to get to the ruins,” I said motioning her to follow.

“Good bye Papa see you soon,” she said in a cracking voice.

“Oh Shadow, do you remember the howl I taught you as the first lesson ,” he asked.

“Yes I do, why,” I responded. I remember the lesson well. We were on the top of a mountain when we started that lesson and i was able to do it perfectly.

“If you are ever in trouble howl and I will be by your side,” he said.

“I will remember that, I will if I need help,” I said. Then with that we headed to the ruins of the old castle.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

As we were walking in the forest we heard strange noises, it wasn’t very scary considering I lived here for the majority of my life. It was dark and I couldn't really see, it was night after all.Hearing a squeal we headed towards the direction it came from. We entered into a clearing and saw a pegasus. Her coat was some light yellow color kind of reminded of vanilla, and her mane was light pink and blue eyes. She seemed scared.

“Um, excuse me miss are you OK,” I asked and then she squealed and ran behind a tree.

“Well that was interesting,” Gold said sarcastically.

“Don’t be rude,” I told her “miss are you ok, why did you run?”

She peeked out from behind the tree. Cautiously she troted closer to us. She had her eyes trained on Gold. I can understand the mistrust between the ponies and the timberwolves and she had every right to be scared.

“Oh she is harmless, she wont hurt you,” I said to her.She slowly started to come out from behind the tree.

“What’s your name,” I asked.

“Fluttershy,” she mumbled but normal ponies wouldn’t be able to understand what she said but with training and all I am able to hear things a lot better than them.

“Well it is a pleasure to meet you Fluttershy, are you lost,” I asked her.

She nodded and said “I was looking for my pet bunny, when it was time for supper he didn’t come when I called for him.” She seemed to start to get really worried.

“I am going to some ruins maybe we will find you pet bunny,” I said trying to cheer her up.

She then nodded in agreement to come along. Then we started to walk to the ruins to look for the bunny and do what i have been told.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

We were walking on the main path and then she asked “I’m sorry I did not ask for your name,” she said nervously.

“I’m Shadowfire, my friends call me Shadow,” I responded. A few minutes passed and i got the idea to start calling her pets name.

“Your pet bunny, what color is it anyway and what is it’s name,” I asked.

“His name is Angel and he is white,” she said.

“Maybe we should call him, might help him find us,” I said.

After a few minutes of calling Angel we finally found the ruins.We took a few minutes of looking around outside for him and no luck.

“Lets look in around in here maybe he went in and got got lost,” I said but she just stared at the entrance.

“This is were Nightmare Moon was turned back into Princess Luna,” she said. I honestly had no idea what she was talking about, though I have been literally raised by wolves.

“Do you want to wait out here…,“ but before I could finish the sentence she interrupted me.

"No, please don't leave me alone," she said with a scared look.

We went into the castle ruins and it was exactly as I remembered. Then tears started to come down my cheek.

Fluttershy looked at me. “Are you OK,” she asked.

“Yes old memories are coming back, lets try and find Angel and leave,” I said as I wiped away the tears.

I have to admit it hurt to be in the castle, the memories were painful and I still had nightmares of the incident. We went into the throne room to look around.

“Angel were are you,” Fluttershy yelled, it was a bit soft but audible enough to have an echo.

“He might be behind the throne I will check, Gold keep her company while I do,”

I said. I walked up to the throne and noticed there was a button I pressed it and the room started to shake. Fluttershy squealed and held onto Gold for dear life. The throne and the floor around it then lifted a bit and split in half.

“Wonder were this leads,” I said.

“This is probably what Papa was talking about,” Gold said. She started to try and pry Fluttershy off of her.

“You might be right,” I said and looked at Fluttershy who had a confused look on her face.

“Who were you talking too,” she asked. She tilted her head a little and waited for a response.

“It’s a long story,” I amswered.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Several minutes of walking down stairs and the we reached a door. When I opened it I saw something move. Fluttershy apparently saw it too.

“Angle is that you,” she asked.

Sadly it wasn't. When it came out, a dark creature was walking towards us. It was black and had red eyes and stood on two legs, I’d say it was about the size of a Minotaur, Fluttershy freaked out and hid behind me.

Keeping my eyes on the monster I said “Gold what ever happens do not let that thing hurt Fluttershy.”

“You got it,” she responded in a serious tone.

I walked up to the monster and it gave a stance of attack. I was ready for it to attack.

“Lets play,” I said while I pulled out my vine that Silver had given me.

It lunged at me and I quickly dodged. The monster then tried to throw a punch but I again dodged but it got a hold of my cloak and ripped it exposing my wings. The monster was obviously getting angry and so was I, the cloak was all I had to remember my father by. Then I used a spell that shoots light at an opponent, I learned it from Silver, then the beast seemed stunned so I lassoed the monster and tied its hands to its feet. The monster suddenly closed it’s eyes. Breathing heavily I looked a Fluttershy who was staring at me.

“So you are an alicorn,”she asked. She was obviously confused a bit.

“In a manner of speaking, yes," I replied.

Then she stepped from behind Gold and then a door opened behind me. Something white darted and ran towards Fluttershy and she gasped. Then she was treated with a tackle hug from the white creature.

“Oh Angel I was so worried about you, don’t ever do that again,”she said happily.

“So that's Angel,” I said. After that I turned around and went into the room. It was small and had an old banner over a pedestal. The banner was white with a flame on it. On the pedestal there was a sheath and hilt to a sword. I went to the pedestal and saw a sheet of paper it read.

‘Dear Shadow, I knew from the start you would make it this far, the creature you fought was a creature of darkness. This weapon is a sword created from the realm of light. There are three realms, the realm of light, the realm of darkness and the realm in between. Earth is the realm in between the realms of light and darkness are still unknown but this weapon will help you in your fight against the darkness. This sword has a legend behind it. I'm sure it will be told to you soon. –sincerely Silver Spruce.

I grabbed the sheath and the hilt and to my surprise it had a blade come out of it and it glew brightly. I put it in its sheath and the light went away. Fluttershy ran into the room with a worried look on her face.

“What was that,” she asked. She noticed the sword in my hand.

“I honestly don’t know,” I said.

“Could you possibly walk me home if it isn't much trouble,” she asked shyly.

“Sure lets go,” I replied.

“But what about the monster…,” she asked and when she turned around the monster was gone. After that we walked out of the ruins and we were on our way out of the forest.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\//\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\//\//\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\//\/\//\/\//\/\

We got to the end of the main path and I saw a cottage with bird houses in the front of it as well as a small river. “Well somepony likes animals,” Gold said.

“Stop being rude,” I said with a tone.

When we got to the door Fluttershy said “that sword, is it special?”

“Yes and I guess I owe you an explanation too,” I said.

We went into the cottage and I told her everything that happened to me.

“So you were a unicorn then this stallion tricked you and your sister to going to the castle ruins and he casted some spell to give you some kind of abilities and your parents intervened and you passed out then you awoke to a timberwolf and your cutiemark appeared,” Fluttershy asked to make sure she was on track, “and you had gained wings and you are able to communicate with the timberwolves?”

“Yes, and I need you to do me a favor, please keep this a secrete,” I said.

“I promise,” she replied.

“Now if you would excuse me I will have to go to my families vacation home,” I said.

A few minutes later I got to the town square and followed the road to my home. It didn't change much, looked the same to be honest. I went to the door and looked under the welcome mat and got the extra house key. I went inside and the interior didn't really look any different either. Gold started to sniff around to get a feel of the new area.

“Well time for bed,” I said. I started to stretch to get ready to go to my room.

I went to the room I was to sleep in when I first got here and I took off my cloak or what was left of it and put it on a desk in the room and slid the sword under my bed. Not five minutes after I lied down I went to sleep.

Meeting the darkness

Chapter 2

I awoke in dark forest and I didn't recognized it at first. It was the Everfree forest but it seemed darker even though the moon was out. I hear a scream that was familiar. It was Fluttershy’s.

“Hold on Fluttershy I’m coming to help,” I yelled to her. I ran through the forest and came upon a clearing and I saw Fluttershy. I got to her and she suddenly hid behind me. “What has gotten her this spooked,” I asked myself then I also noticed that Gold was nowhere to be found either. A shadow then moved over us and I looked up and saw an alicorn. I saw a picture of her in a book that I read a few years ago and I knew exactly who it was, Nightmare Moon.

She stared at me for a minute and said, “We are not who you think we are.” Her voice had more than one voice at a time which was a bit scary.

“If you are not Nightmare Moon then, who are you,” I demanded. Nightmare Moon just stared at me longer than she last did. It was as if she was trying to look into my soul.

“Why did the sword choose you, hmph, no matter you wont be able to stop us no matter what you do, so we will rule this world,” she said finally and then the wind started to blow which became stronger. Fluttershy then went to my side holding me pretty tight to be honest I had a hard time breathing because of it and then leaves were surrounding Nightmare Moon and then when they cleared she was gone. I then woke up.

Now after I have a dream I usually feel like i was just hit on the head but when I awoke from this dream I felt like an anvil landed on me. I looked on my desk and to my amazement Dad’s cloak was not torn but looked like new. So I guessed it was enchanted and I put it on. I walked out of my room and noticed how dirty everything was so I decided to clean up. About an hour later I had the entire house spotless of dust.

“That’s better,” I said.

Gold was sitting by the fireplace. Then I heard a knock at the door. Gold got up and got into the “protect my property stance”. I went to the door and it was Fluttershy.

“Hello Fluttershy what brings you here,” I asked. “I am going shopping for food, for my animal, and I thought I would show you around,” she said.

“Sure, do you think it will be alright if Gold comes,” I asked.

“I think it would be alright as long as she doesn’t try to attack anypony,” she responded.

I put on my hood then with that we were on our way. As expected, all eyes were on us. It isn’t very often when you see a pony with basically a pet timberwolf.

“I feel very uncomfortable right now,” I said while we walked to the market.

Then suddenly a pink pony with the strangest mane style trotted up to Fluttershy and said, “Hi Fluttershy.” Then she saw me and I wish I was invisible at that time because she gasped and started to rant about not knowing me and she asked, “Are you friends with Fluttershy because that is so great.” Then she noticed Gold. “AHHHH, a timberwolf everypony run,” she screamed.

Then after that there the streets were empty. I heard a noise and saw a sky blue blur with a rainbow trail tackle Gold and she was shattered to pieces. Now I wasn’t happy with that but before I could do anything Fluttershy grabbed the end of my cloak which I got the signal. “Your safe now Fluttershy are you OK,” said the mare. She had a rainbow colored mane and was sky blue.

“Thank you for destroying my pet,” I growled.

She looked at the remains of Gold Birch and asked, “That timberwolf was your pet.” “Yes it is,” I said. “Wait ‘is’, what do you mean by is,” she asked. Then Gold was being put together by magic.

“Are you ok Gold,” I asked her.

She said, “Yes but next time you offer me to go with you remind me to say, no.”

“OK I will remember that,” I said. I turned around and the blue mare had an eyebrow raised. She shrugged it off and asked Fluttershy who I was.

“This is Shadowfire he helped me find Angel last night in the Everfree forest,” she answered.

“Call me Shadow,” I added.

“Um, sorry for destroying your pet and my name is Rainbow Dash,” she said.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Soon after the incident Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and the pink mare whose name was Pinkie Pie showed me around. We walked for about an hour; they showed me the town hall, Sugarcube Corner, and Sweet Apple Acres. Then we were spotted by an orange mare with a blonde mane.

We walked to her and she said “Well howdy, came to visit,” she said. Then she saw me, “Hi there the names Applejack,” she took my hoof and frantically shook it. It gave me a minute to get feeling in my leg from the constant motion.

I said “it’s been a while Applejack,” I said.

“Have we met before,” she asked with a confused look on her face.

“Oh, my hood is still on,” I said while I was taking my hood off. She still seemed a bit confused but not as much as she was.

“You do look familiar but what is your name that might help some,” she said.

“Shadowfire,” I replied to the request.

“I remember you now, you had a sister too didn’t you,” she asked. The thought of my sister made a small tear come down my cheek. I don’t really like to think about my family.

“Yes,” I responded with my voice cracking a bit.

“Are you OK,” Pinkie asked.

“Yeah you look sad,” Rainbow Dash added.

Fluttershy said “We should move on, we still have to show him the library.”

Pinkie Pie gasped and said, “Oh my gosh, I forgot I have to do something see all of you later,” and she zipped away.

“Do you want to come, Applejack,” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Ah’m done with work for today so sure why not,” she responded.

When we were walking to the entrance of the farm I stepped next to Fluttershy and I said, “Thank you for changing the subject I appreciate it.”

We got to a giant tree and it had a sign that said Golden Oaks library on it, I was surprised that they would have library in a tree.

We went in and Rainbow Dash yelled “Twilight, are you here?”

“One moment,” I heard a voice and then a minute later a purple mare came down the stairs. “Oh hello,” she said looking at me “my name is Twilight Sparkle what’s yours?”

“I’m Shadowfire nice to meet you, call me Shadow,” I said.

“That cloak, is it enchanted,” she asked.

“Now that you mention it, it looks like its new did you repair it last night,” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes it is enchanted it regenerated last night,” I said.

“Wait, y’all already knew each other before today,” Applejack asked.

“Yes he helped me find Angel,” she answered “his cloak got ripped when he was protecting me from something, it was dark and I couldn't really see in it.”

“He protected you,” Rainbow Dash asked then she looked at me in confusion.

“What,” I asked.

“You don’t look like you can hold a fight,” she said.

“I've been through worse, but I didn't protect her completely Gold here really kept her safe,” I said.

“I have never met a pony who was ever able to tame a timberwolf before,” Twilight said.

“Tame has nothing to do with it I came along on my free will,” Gold said.

“Yes but you joined me didn’t you,” I whispered.

“Well it is getting late we need to head home we will see all of you around,” I said.

“We will come with you I’m pretty sure something will happen at your house,” Twilight said.

“OK whatever that means,” I said. We got to my house and then the light came on and out from the darkness came Pinkie Pie and some other ponies. Pinkie yelled, "Surprise, welcome to Ponyville!”

Twilight looked at me and said, “See, told you.”

After the party I was tired and everypony went home, well not everypony Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Twilight stayed a bit longer. Along with another pony name Rarity. She was a bit classy.

“Thanks for the welcome party Pinkie I appreciate it,” I said.

“You’re welcome, I always throw a party for a new friend,” Pinkie said.

“Let’s go, I’m pretty sure Shadow is tired from today,” Twilight said walking toward the door. “Good night Shadow,” Fluttershy said softly. “

Good night,” I said with a smile. Then they left closing the door behind them.

“Well that was fun,” Gold said laying down by the fireplace.

"We have to still get information on the spell that was casted on me,"i said. I went to my room and took off my cloak. I got situated on my bed and went to sleep.

Going to Canterlot

Chapter 3

Four months have passed since I moved into Ponyville. I have gotten a job with Applejack, apple bucking, I've gotten better at it. The first day I worked there, I had fallen flat on my face, it was a bit embarrassing. I have found out what the spell was that was casted on me. Apparently it was to bring the leader of the dark realm to Earth. I was sitting by the fire and Gold was lying down in her usual spot. There was a knock at the door.

“She’s here,” Gold said.

I went to the door and it was Fluttershy. She has been visiting me since we first met. “Hello Shadow,” she said. “Hi Fluttershy what brings you here,” I asked “to visit or do you need something.”

“The Princess has asked for our presence and she asked for you as well,” she responded. “Alright, come on Gold,” I said and the timberwolf was already at my side. We were on our way to the train station and along the way we met up with everypony. We got to the train station and we were on our way to Canterlot.

When we got off the train memories started to flood back of my time in Canterlot.

“How does it feel to be back home Shadow,” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m a little happy,” I said. “Wait, you lived here,” Twilight asked. “Yes, for a few years,” I responded as we were walking to the castle. We saw a few soldiers standing guard. I decide to have a little fun and Rainbow Dash pitched in too. We made faces and tested their will power. They were good.

“Come along Princess Celestia is waiting. We got into the throne room and there was the Princess, along with Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence, we had visit her and Shining Armor at the Crystal Empire a few weeks ago. Twilight and her hugged and did their thing the last time we saw them together. It is my first time meeting Princess Luna so naturally I bowed to all three of them. Princess Cadence had her eyes locked on Gold after she noticed her.

“She won’t hurt anypony,” I said.

“I hope so,” she said.

“How have you been Shadowfire, I has been a long time,” Princess Celestia asked.

“I have been fine,” I said.

“Wow I did not know you knew the princess,” Rainbow Dash said.

“My family has been working with the royal family for centuries,” I said.

“I can see that you have grown stronger since we last met almost as if you were alicorn yourself,” Princess Celestia said then Fluttershy and I looked at each other.

“Hehehe, yeah you could say that,” I said nervously. Then suddenly there was a male voice coming from the outside. Then a soldier came running in and he took off his helmet. His coat was blue and he had a teal mane.

“Your majesty it is here,” he said. Then he saw me. “Shadow,” he asked.

Now that i looked at him close enough he seemed familiar. “Seig is that you, it’s been a long time how have you been,” I said.

“Fine where have you been all these years me and my family were worried about you and your family as well,” he asked.

“It’s a long and painful story,” I said while we were walking outside.

When we got outside I saw what look like a miniature pillar. It had a strange aura coming from it. I had a bad feeling about the pillar.

“What is it,” Rarity asked.

“It is a relic that has been shut away in a cavern, we have been trying to get it here for several years now,” Princess Celestia said.

“This…relic it seems a bit…off,” I said.

“What do ya mean, Shadow,” Applejack asked.

“You don’t feel the negative energy around it,” I said while walking up to the small pillar.

I put my hoof on it and I heard a familiar voice or should I say voices. “The time will come all will bow to the darkness,” the voice said. I backed away obviously I was freaked out to the max. I kept a straight face and turned around. Then a pony went up to the pillar and looked at an inscription and read it. The way it sounded was familiar.

“It is getting late we have a lot to do tomorrow,” Princess Celestia said. We walked back into the castle and I took one last look at the pillar before I went inside.

Everypony went to their rooms but me. The moon was out and shining brightly. Seig and I were catching up.

“So how is your mother and father,” I asked.

“They are fine,” he said, “they will be excited to know that you are OK.” "So where have you been all these years,” he asked but before I could answer, there was a scream. We looked at each other and ran to where the scream came from. When we got there we met up with the others. Shining Armor was standing in front of Princess Luna. He was different somehow.

“Shining Armor are you OK,” I asked. He turned slowly and his pupils were like mine but the rest of his eyes were gray. Then his horn started to glow and he shot out a dark beam at us. Quickly I put up a shield around us. I lowered the shield “Gold protect everypony all costs,” I said.

“Shadow what are you about to do,” Cadence asked. Before I could answer Shining Armor shot another dark beam but this time it was coming towards me. Then I saw Gold jump in front of it and she shattered into pieces. Then I saw the sword I have gotten from the castle ruins. I picked it up and unsheathed it. Then Shining Armor put a hoof in the air and the shadows started to swirl around it. He pulled his hoof out and a sword was being held. It was a broadsword and the color of it was midnight black.

“Shadow what is going on,” Twilight said.

“All of you stay back, he is possessed by the leader of the dark realm,” I said.

“Well it is true, the sword has chosen its wielder,” Shining Armor said but he had the voice that I heard earlier. “Let’s see how good you are with it,” he added. Then he tried a forward jab at me but I used my sword to deflect it. He did a downward slash, I dodged it but then he caught my cloak and he twisted the sword enough to rip off my cloak exposing my wings. I heard gasps but I wasn't worried about that, I was worried about Shining Armor. He threw my cloak to the side and he went for another jab. I dodged it and did an upward slash and it caused a small cut on his side. He turned swinging his sword and I deflected it with mine. I then hit him in the face with the butt of mine. That staggered him for a bit then I used a spell that shot a beam of light at him and it paralyzed him for a few seconds so I took the opportunity to tie him down. After that he closed his eyes and then he opened them and they were back to normal.

“Now that is what I call a hog tie,” Applejack yelled excitedly.

“Uh, what happened,” Shining Armor said.

“Well glad you are back to normal,” I said.

“Whoa, how long have you had wings,” he asked in astonishment. Then I noticed that everypony was staring at me.

“What happened to you, Shadowfire,” Princess Celestia asked with concern in her voice. Princess Luna was getting up with the help of Seig and I looked at Gold who was rebuilt.

I explained everything to them and why I asked Fluttershy to keep it a secret.

“So you were raised by Gold’s father and you are able to speak to the timberwolves,” Seig asked.

“Yes and the information on the spell I have gathered so far was supposed to bring the leader of the dark realm to Earth,” I said.

“Well at least I get a new flying buddy,” Rainbow Dash said.

“So that’s why you and Fluttershy spend so much time together,” Pinkie pie said.

“Well you aren’t too far off, we spend a lot of time together because she is my first friend that I made after I left the pack, so you could say she is one of my closest friends,” I said. Fluttershy seemed pleased but for some reason she started to blush after I said that. I felt a bit weird after saying that. “I’m off to bed I just used most of my energy, good night everypony,” I said and I grabbed my cloak and went to my room followed by Gold. I lied down on the bed and I fell asleep.

the rescue

Chapter 4

“Honey, what do you think the kids are doing,” I heard a familiar voice. Everything was blurry at first but then it cleared up. I was in a cell with two ponies…a bat pony and a unicorn. It was my mother and father. I knew it was them because they looked like they haven’t aged a day.

“They are most likely living their lives, falling in love, going on adventures and what not,” Dad said. Mom looked towards my direction.

"Is it just me or do I see an older version of our Shadowfire,” she said.

Dad looked at me and asked “Shadow…is that you.”

“Yes, Dad it is me,” I responded. Mom tried to hug me but she only went through. What is happening why am I in a strange place, I asked myself.

“Shadow, where are you exactly,” Dad asked helping Mom up.

“When I last checked I was in my room in the castle,” I said.

“You are in the castle,” he asked excitedly, “my boy is following in his ancestor’s hoofsteps.”

“Well no,” I said, “I actually don’t work for the royal guard I work for one of my friends at her family’s farm."

“Oh,” he said glumly. I guess he still wishes for me to join the guard even after all these years.

Then a guard with red eyes came and yelled “keep it down in here you two.” Suddenly everything was getting fuzzy. “Shadow, you are disappearing,” Mom whispered. I had a feeling I was waking up.

“Wait, tell me where you are, I will find you,” I yelled. Their faces turned sad.

Dad said, “we are in the realm of darkness do not look for us it is too dangerous.”

After everything went dark I heard another familiar soft voice “Excuse me, Shadow, it is time to get up.” I woke up to find Fluttershy by, my bedside.

During breakfast I told everypony about my dream. “I want to go to the realm of darkness to save my parents,” I said. “Shadow, have you lost it,” Rainbow Dash, “need we remind you of what happened last night.”

“I know what is at risk just want to save my parents, if you were in my situation wouldn’t you want to do the same thing,” I asked. She stayed quiet after that then the Princesses walked in.

“Shadow what you want to do can cost you your life are you sure you want to go there,” Princess Celestia asked. I thought for a second but it was not long before i came up with my final answer.

“Yes, I do,” I responded. “Then you should prepare for your journey,” she said and she looked at Princess Luna, they both nodded at each other. I had no clue why they did that but I shrugged it off. I went to my room and Gold was sitting by the window. She noticed me and I told her what I was going to do.

“I know we will find your parents,” she said with

“I’m sorry but I am going in alone,” I said. With that I got my sword and left the room. I went to the throne room where everypony was to see me off and Shining Armor came up to me and said “sorry for attacking you last night.”

“It is fine you weren’t you,” I said.

“Are you ready Shadowfire,” Princess Celestia asked.

“Yes, I am,” I said.

“My sister, Princess Luna will be accompanying you,” she said. Princess Luna had a sattlebag on her back which I was surprised because usually they had a servant to help with that stuff. She noticed that I was confused. “She will be of use to you she has been there before,” she said.

“Aren’t you afraid that she will become Nightmare moon again,” I asked.

“I will not be overcome by the darkness once again,” Princess Luna said.

“Let’s begin,” Princess Luna said. Her horn started to glow and then a dark mass appeared in front of us. Fluttershy then walked up to me and to my surprise she gave me a hug. “Shadow please come back safely, and be careful,” she said.

“I will,” I said. Then Princess Luna and I went into the dark mass and we were in a dark world.

The sun didn’t even shine you could look straight at it without closing your eyes, it was dim. The sun caused enough light to see though but just barely.

“We need to sneak into the jail, Princess Luna,” I said turning towards her.

“Call me Luna, Shadowfire,” she said.

“Ok then call me Shadow,” I responded.

“First things first, where are going to need to find the jail,” I said.

“It is this way,” she pointed out a sign that read jail. “Oh would you look at that,” I said feeling embarrassed. We walked to the jail and there was a guard. Luna stopped and went into an alley dragging me along. “Hold on I have a plan,” she said then she used her magic to make herself look like Nightmare Moon. “Whoa,” I said.

“Do I scare you,” she asked.

“Not much,” I said. “Come hopefully they don’t know what happened a year ago,” she said. We started to walk up to the guard and he asked

“Nightmare Moon, what pleasure do we owe you for the visit?” Luna said

“I heard you have two prisoners from Earth and I would like to interrogate them,” she said.

Then the guard saw me. “And the other pony,” he asked.

“He is my general, where I go he goes,” she said.

“Go on in Ma’am,” he said. We started to walk into the jail.

“That went well,” I said.

“Yes now all we need to do is find your parents,” she said. We saw another guard. I was pretty sure he was the jail’s warden.

“Ah, Nightmare Moon you are looking as beautiful as ever,” he said.

“Enough with the kissing up I am here to interrogate the two ponies from Earth,” she said sternly.

“Yes, I will show you to them,” he said. He showed us to a room with a table and chairs around it.

“They will be here shortly,” he said.

“Leave, we will be done soon,” Luna ordered him.

Minutes passed, we saw my parents coming in and upon entering the door behind them closed. They saw Luna, who still looked like Nightmare Moon, and they freaked. Mom noticed me, and then she started to cry then she hugged me.

“You have grown so much, Shadow,” she said.

“It is great to see you again son,” Dad said but he did not seem happy. “I told you that it was too dangerous for you to come here,” he said with a frown.

“I know but I wanted to get both of you out of here,” I said.

“How are we supposed to get out then,” Mom asked. I had to think for a minute.

“I got it,” I said. “Luna, are you able to get able to have my parents transferred,” I asked.

“Yes, I should be able to,” she said. She walked out for a few minutes and I acted like I was interrogating my parents as the door opened. After the door closed we went back to talking. Seven minutes later Luna came back and she said “We should be able to leave with them in a minute.” Then a guard came in and told Luna and I to go to the lobby and wait. The lobby was a bit weird. It was dark and there were pictures of some pony on a throne that looked really young. “That is our leader,” Luna said staying in character. Then a guard along with Mom and Dad were walking toward us.

“Are you sure you don’t need an escort,” he asked.

“Yes I’m sure they will not try anything,” she said.

Right when we turned around the warden asked, “by the way, Miss Moon, why didn’t you go to the castle for the get together that the king had.” Luna seemed to be nervous from that question.

“Oh, I was busy that day I kind of forgot,” she said.

“Hm, how sad, well there is just one thing left to do,” he said then he whistled and a couple of guards came and pointed their weapons at us.

“Did you really think we were dumb enough to believe you were Nightmare Moon,” he warden asked. “Dang they found out,” I said. “How long would it take for you to get us out of here, Luna,” I asked. “Only a few minutes, why,” she asked then I drew my sword causing it to shine brightly.

“AHHH, the light,” I heard a guard yell.

“Don’t just stand there get him if we capture him the king will give us a giant raise in our pay,” the warden ordered. One guard had a spear and another had an axe and the other two had swords. The first to attack was the guard with the axe. He lunged at me and did a downward slash but I dodged and I hit his head with the hilt of my sword and he fell to the ground.

The next that attacked me was the one with the spear. He tried to stab me but I dodged it and slashed this side and he went down in pain. The two with the swords attacked. I have to admit they were skilled. They tried to do a cross cut but I jumped back. Obviously they were pros. They both tried a downward slash but I blocked it with my sword.

“Uhhh, not to be pushy but I am getting my flank kicked here Luna,” I said, “are you almost done?”

“Almost, just a few more minutes is all I need,” she said. Then I pushed the guards against the wall and I used a spell that knocks out whoever it is casted on.

“If you have a job, do it yourself,” the warden said, and he pulled out a long sword. We clashed swords and I heard Luna say, “it’s ready let’s go, Shadow.” Then I pushed the warden away. He threw something that was headed towards Luna. My body acting on its own and I got in front of her and I felt something sharp go into my shoulder. I fell and then I felt somepony grab me and pull me through the dark mass. We were back in the throne room.. Princess Celestia, Cadence and my parents looked at me in horror. I tried to get up but my shoulder hurt really bad, I put my hoof on it and I looked and there was blood and a knife, everything went dark after that.

I make a new friend

Chapter 5

I was in a dark place and suddenly I heard a voice that was too familiar. “Did you really think you could capture the wielder of Harbringer,” the voice asked. Everything suddenly became visible and I was in a throne room. There were black drapes over the windows and the carpet was red. The throne was gold and sitting on it was a pony with an emerald crown and in battle armor, his coat was scarlet red and his mane was black. Beside him was a mare, she had a purple coat and a dark blue mane.

Then I saw the warden. “Well I thought he would be inexperienced in combat, my lord,” he responded. “Seeing that you let the two prisoners from Earth escape and let a spy in the prison…I banish you from Zorthos, begone,” the king said.

“My lord, please reconsider,” the warden pleaded.

“I have made up my mind,” the king said angrily. The warden started to walk away with his head and ears down.

A stallion walked in and said “My liege, they are here.”

“Bring them in,” the king said with a serious tone. A minute later there were five ponies walking in and all wearing cloaks. The colors of their cloaks were dark blue, purple, dark green, crimson, and brown.

“Welcome back to my castle, generals,” the king said while getting up from his thrown.

“As you know there has been a break out at the prison,” he said while facing them and he had one scary look on his face. Worse than Fluttershy’s “stare” which is a great accomplishment? “Do you have any information on the mastermind,” the pony in the purple who was obviously a mare due to her voice.

“No, all we know is that he is Harbringer’s wielder,” the king said. “I’m sure one of our spies will gather info on him soon,” the pony in dark green said and it seemed he was a stallion.

“What are they planning,” I asked myself. And after that the pony in dark blue looked in my direction. I froze in fear. ‘Can they hear me, if they can I am dead’ I thought to myself freaking out a bit. Then the pony in brown looked at the pony in dark blue and looked at my direction.

“What are you looking at,” he asked.

“Nothing I thought I heard something,” she said.

“We will send our top spy to Equestria and she will grow close to him and gather as much information as she can,” the pony in crimson said.

“See that it gets done, this meeting is over,” the king said. Everything started to get fuzzy and it went dark.

I awoke in a soft bed and I started to look around. I saw a doctor and he noticed that I have woken up. “Good you are awake,” he said.

“What happened,” I asked.

“You were stabbed with a throwing knife and you passed out from the pain, you have been passed out for a day,” he responded.

‘Well that would explain the slight pain in my chest’ I thought and I looked down and the wound was not there.

“Excuse me, Doc, what happened to the wound,” I asked tilting my head.

“Strangely enough when we got you on the bed we took out the knife and instantly your body began to heal, quit remarkable,” he said looking at me in wonder.

“Oh, well I don’t think it is healed completely but do you think I can walk,” I asked.

“Try and see I’m sure you can,” the doctor said. I got off the bed and got my hooves to the floor and almost fell until the doctor caught me.

“Slowly, now you don’t have to push yourself, the wound has not healed completely internally,” he explained helping me up. I was able to stand on my own and the doctor said, “I will inform your friend.”

“My friend,” I asked I was a bit confused now I know the others had important things the princess wanted done but who would wait until I was awake.

“Yes the pegasus with the light yellow coat and pink mane,” he responded. I stood there for a minute.

‘Why would Fluttershy wait for me to wake up’ I asked myself. The doctor opened the door and I heard his voice say, “he is awake.” The door swung open and Fluttershy was there with tears in her eyes.

“Hi Fluttershy, why are …whoa!” I exclaimed as Fluttershy tackled me with a hug which kind of hurt seeing that my wound was not healed all the way. She was holding me pretty tight; it is as if she thought I would be asleep forever.

“I was so worried, when I heard that you were put in the hospital I rushed over here as fast as my wings could go,” she said with her voice cracking some.

Hugging her back I said “Fluttershy it is me, you out of everypony should know how tough I am.” She let me go with tears still in her eyes and I wiped them away for her.

“Don’t do that again,” she said.

I knew she wanted me to promise so I said “I promise.” We left the hospital and went to the castle together.

We got to the throne room and everypony was there, everypony except Luna. “Shadow!” my parents exclaimed as they started to trot to me. “Morning,” I said. They hugged me and then Princess Celestia walked up to me and said, “glad that you are OK.”

“By the way where is my sword,” I asked. Then it hit me, I looked at Gold.

She said, “Well you see I kind of used my magic to store it in my body.”

“Uh, well OK that is…strange,” I responded with a freaked out look.

“Are you alright dear, you did pass out from pain,” Rarity asked.

“No need to worry about me, as long as Princess Luna is alright I’m happy,” I said. Fluttershy shot me a look and I whispered “what?”

“Well we need to talk about what is going on,” Shining Armor said.

“I think it is time that all of you know of what the story is behind that sword,” Princess Celestia said. After the Princess told the guards to close the door and immediately they did. “Now where to begin,” she said. “The sword was created from the realm of light, Alderia. The sword’s name is,” she said but I interrupted.

“Let me guess ‘Harbringer’,” I said.

“Yes how did you know,” she asked.

“I had a dream,” I responded scratching the back of my head nervously. Mom and Dad looked at each other.

“It was originally for a king but the king could not unsheathe Harbringer. The king spent years trying to find a wielder for it but those who tried to but failed. Frustrated he sent it to the previous king of Equestria, before the rule of Discord. The king hid it away and my sister and I found it in some ruins when we were fillies. Soon we were informed by a letter that told us everything, this is all I know,” she finished.

“So let me get this strait,” I said, “That sword is from the realm of light, and only I can use it.”

“Yes, I forgot how much you pay attention,” she giggled. I was happy to be praised by the Princess.

"By the way where is Princess Luna anyway, I thought she would be here with us,” I said.

“She is in her room, I tried to get her to come out but she seems distressed that you got hurt from protecting her,” Princess Celestia answered. I felt guilty and wanted to make it up to her.

“OK, I will see all of you later I will be back,” I said. Fluttershy said “Shadow wait.” Then I heard my mom say as I was walking out “that is just like him, when somepony is upset he will try to make them happy.” That made me a bit uncomfortable, enough actually to make me stop and think. Then I was on my way to Luna’s room.

When I got there a guard was standing there and he said “she doesn’t want to be disturbed right now sir.”

“I just want to let her know that I am fine,” I said.

“OK,” the guard responded.

I knocked on the door and said “Luna it is Shadow I’m coming in.” I opened the door and the room was dark, I saw some stars on the ceiling and there was a carpet that was blue with a moon that matched Luna's cutie mark and I saw Luna lying on her bed with her front hooves covering her face. “Why so glum Luna,” I asked.

“You could have died if the knife hit anywhere else other than you chest, I couldn’t bear to see somepony get hurt for my sake,” she said still covering her face. Grabbing her front hooves and uncovering her face it seemed like she just recovered from crying. She looked at were my wound should have been. “Where is the wound,” she asked. “I think my pure awesomeness prevents me from being injured,” I joked. Then she started to laugh. I have to be honest it made me happy to see her smile, Mom has taught me never leave a lady crying.

“Well I’m glad to see you are OK,” she said with a smile.

“Would you like to join us in the throne room,” I asked.

“Yes, I very much would,” she responded. We were on our way to the throne room and then Luna stopped me.

“What is it,” I asked. To my surprise she hugged me and said “thank you.” And we walked into the throne room.

“Sister I am glad you decided to join us,” Princess Celestia said. While the two started to talk Cadence, Rarity, Mom and Fluttershy all came over to me.

“Wow, I didn’t know you were that good,” Mom said. As the princess were talking Luna glanced towards our direction and smiled. They noticed and Fluttershy asked in a tone “what did you say to her, huh?” Cadence and Rarity looked at each other after she said that and they smiled. Brushing it off I said,

“All I did was tell her that I was fine and that my wound was gone because of my pure awesomeness.” Then they all laughed. Apparently everypony heard me say that because they all got a kick out of it. Pinkie was laughing so hard that she was on the ground. Twilight, Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were laughing a bit at it too. Even the Princess where laughing. Gold was just sitting there maybe because she did not get it.

“Wow never thought I can make others laugh so hard,” I said. After a few minutes everypony calmed down I said “OK is there anything else that I need to know?”

“No that is all,” Princes Celestia said. “I want you to have experience in the art of swordsman ship Shadow, so Shining Armor has agreed to teach you,” Princess Celestia said. Shining Armor then stepped by me and said “Your training will start tomorrow…it will take a while for you to learn how to learn everything.” “We will see you in Ponyville Shadow, be careful,” Twilight said. With that the day went to by quickly and ended.

I return

Chapter 6

Three months passed since Shining Armor started to train me. Today was my last day in Canterlot before I had to go back to Ponyville. I had completed my training and I temporarily joined the royal guard. It was midnight and I was in the gardens with Luna. It was a full moon and the stars were shining brightly.

“So you really are leaving tomorrow,” Luna asked.

“Yes, I will have to leave,” I responded. She had a sad look on her face. She started to walk with her head and ears down.

“I will write to you though,” I said when I noticed she was getting sad. That brightened her up a lot. She looked at me and said “thank you, I will look forward to you writing to me.” I looked up at the moon and said “it’s beautiful out tonight you are doing a great job.” She turned her head to hide the blushing. ‘Why has she been blushing so much’ I thought.

“Thank you, I have been doing my best since the darkness was taken away,” she said still hiding her face. We sat outside in the gardens for hours looking at the sky and when I realized how late it was I had to go to bed. I knew what was in store for me, a big “welcome home” Pinkie Pie party. “It is getting late I have to go to bed,” I said getting up. Luna stood up too. As I started to walk away I felt something grab my foreleg. I turned to see what it was and Luna was holding onto it.

“Please don’t go yet,” she said but I couldn't really say no. We spent another hour looking at the sky and talking then I fell asleep.

It was dark and then I heard a few voices. “Oh, I can’t wait to see Shadow,” I heard Fluttershy’s voice. Then everything became clear. There was her, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight, Spike and Pinkie Pie in Twilight’s library. Fluttershy was wearing the small pink bow in her mane that I sent her a month as a gift. I was glad she was wearing it.

“Yes, I can understand that you want to see him,” Rarity giggled.

“Yeah, you do want to see your coltfriend,” Rainbow Dash teased.

‘Wait, what’ I thought. “He is not my coltfriend,” she spouted in protest and turned around to hide her face.

“Rainbow Dash, stop it,” Applejack said in Fluttershy’s defense.

“Relax I was only playing,” She said then walking to Fluttershy and put her hoof on her shoulder.

“Well Pinkie, do you have everything that we need,” Twilight asked.

“Yes, I have,” she responded.

I walked over to Fluttershy and said “Don’t worry I will be here tomorrow.” I guess she heard me because she squealed and she flew up to the ceiling.

“What the, Shadow when did you get here,” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I don’t know, one second I was sitting in the gardens and the next I was here,” I responded.

Fluttershy came down and looked at me and said “Did you hear anything we just said.”

“No,” I lied. “How are you here,” Twilight asked. She then started to walk around me as if fascinated. “I have no idea,” I responded.

“Hm, we will have to look into that when you get back, OK,” she said. “It is getting late, we should go to bed,” Spike said while he yawned and started for the stairs. Everypony started to leave and Fluttershy stopped and turned to me. “Please come home safely,” she said. “I will, don’t worry and go get some sleep,” I said. Suddenly everything went dark.

I awoke in the gardens and it was around eight o’ clock in the morning. I looked over and Luna was asleep by me...and hugging me. This made me feel a bit uncomfortable. “Hey, Luna wake up we fell asleep in the gardens,” I said. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around.

“So we did,” she said. Then she noticed she was hugging me, she instantly let go and said sorry.

“Its fine I need to get ready to leave,” I said. Then I got up and walked away. She got up and caught up with me and we started to talk on the way to my room. When we got there all I had to get was my bag of bits, my cloak and Gold. She was lying on the floor sleeping. “Hey Gold wake up we need get ready,” I said and she woke up.

“Where were you,” she asked. “Well, I kind of fell asleep in the gardens with Luna,” I said. “Oh well, let’s hope Fluttershy doesn't find that out,” she said. Brushing that off I gathered my thing I said “let’s go tell Princess Celestia we are leaving.” We got to the throne room and Shining Armor, Cadence, Princess Celestia, Mom, and Dad were all in waiting. They noticed me and Luna and they smiled. “Well it has been fun but seeing that I am done with the training I will need to go back home,” I said. “It was great seeing you again Shadow, have a safe trip,” Princess Celestia said. Then with that Dad, Mom, Cadence Shining Armor, Luna and I all walked to the train station together.

“Well this is it, for a while,” Cadence said. “It isn’t the last time all of you will be seeing me,” I said. Mom then hugged me and did not let me go until she felt like it, no matter how much I resisted. Dad hugged me too but he didn’t stay on me as long as Mom did.

“Remember what I taught you Shadow,” Shining Armor said. “Believe me, I won’t,” I said.

“Also write to me, Shadow, like you said,” Luna remarked. “I will,” I said. As soon as I said that Mom and Cadence looked at each other then at Luna, then at me. I ignored it and heard ‘ALL ABOARD! ’ “Here, I had this and I wanted you to have it,” Luna said. She levitated a small necklace with a small blue stone. “What is it,” I asked. “It is a moon stone, it will give you luck,” she explained. “See you next time, Shadow,” they all said. Then I got on the train and I was on my way to Ponyville but when I looked out the window I saw Luna waving to me. I waved back. Then the train started to move.

A few hours on the ride Gold fell asleep and I was staring out the window blankly. Then a mare came to my seat and asked if she could sit next to me. She was an earthpony and her coat was light green, her mane was curly and blond and her eyes were a mixture of blue and green which I found kind of cool. “Sure you can, oh and don’t mind the timberwolf she is harmless,” I said.

“OK thank you,” she said, “I’m Autumn Breeze nice to meet you.”

“Shadowfire, call me Shadow,” I responded. We talked most of the way to Ponyville and before I knew it, we were in Ponyville. We got off the train and I said, “Well I will see you around.”

“Wait, I don’t know my way around can you show me please,” she asked. “Sure, why not,” I said. We walked around and I was showing her the town. We went to Sugarcube Corner, Twilight’s library, Sweetapple Acers and then we stopped at what she said was her house. “Thank you for showing me around, will I see you again,” she asked with hope in her eyes. “Sure I’m sure we will, see you around,” I said and we parted ways.

I was making my way back to Sugarcube Corner but as soon as I got there Pinkie Pie stopped me. She gasped and said “Shadow, you’re here.”

“Yeah, what’s going on,” I asked. “Come with me,” she said dragging me against my will into Sugarcube Corner. “WELCOME HOME, SHADOW!!!” everypony yelled. By everypony, I mean everypony from town was there.

“Thanks guys,” I said. “So, how was training with my brother, did he let you stop and visit,” Twilight walked up and asked. “No, I am done with training,” I said. “What, how, it’s only been three months,” Applejack said. “I learn quickly,” I responded.

“Wow, I guess that is why you know so many spells like Twilight,” Rarity said. I looked around and I did not see Fluttershy anywhere. “Where is Fluttershy,” I asked. “She might be a little late, she was helping some birds with a little dispute,” Twilight said. Then I heard “Oh, I’m so sorry I’m…” I turned around and saw Fluttershy, still wearing the bow....it looked great on her. “Shadow, it is great to see you,” she said while walking up to me and then bringing me in for a hug. The other girls started to giggle which I turned red at but I hugged her back. “It is great to see you again Fluttershy,” I said.

“Well enough chit chat time to PARTY!” Pinkie Pie yelled and we started to party. Rainbow Dash and I got into an hoof wrestling contest and I won. I am going to admit it I was playing dirty. She was giving it her all and she had a straight face through. So I decided to have some fun. “Don’t show emotion it is a sign of weakness,” I said with a straight and serious face. She burst into laughter, and so did everypony else, which made her loose.

After the party the ponies, except me, and the girls, and the Cakes, had left. The Cake twins were climbing on me while I was sitting on the floor. They seemed to like me a lot; Pound Cake was punching my right front leg while, Pumpkin was chewing on my ear. It kind of tickled but the punching was pretty good as well. The Cakes soon put them to bed and I said “Well that was interesting.”

“I had no idea that foals liked you so much Shadow,” Fluttershy said looking at me in amazement. “I didn’t know either,” I responded. “It is getting late we should head home,” Twilight said. “Yeah I have to get up and get to work tomorrow,” I said in agreement. “Um, excuse me, would you walk me home, Shadow, if that's alright,” Fluttershy asked shyly. “Yes, I will,” I responded.

The other five mares looked at each other and giggled.

“What,” I asked. “Oh, it is nothing, you wouldn't understand,” Rarity said patting my back. “O…K, come on Fluttershy I will walk you home,” I said and we walked out. We had a deep conversation about the animals in Canterlot for several minutes and before we knew it we were at the door step of Fluttershy’s house and I asked “Do you know what that giggling was about.”

“I’m sorry but I don’t,” she said. “OK, I will see you tomorrow then, goodnight,” I said. I started to walk away but then I heard Fluttershy say something. “Wait, Shadow,” she said. I stopped and turned around. She seemed nervous for some reason. I walked up closer to see what she wanted. "Yes,” I asked tilting my head slightly. That seemed to make things worse. “Um, wh… wh...” she said as if trying to get something out. I was a bit confused on what she was trying to ask. “Did you have a dream about me and you and Nightmare Moon after the first night we met,” she asked quickly. I stood there thinking for a minute then it hit me.

“You had that dream too,” I said. “Do you know what that voice meant,” she asked. “No, I don’t but I am sure I will soon enough OK,” I said. “OK, goodnight Shadow,” she said. “Goodnight,” I said. Then Fluttershy closed the door and I heard her voice say, “Why do i have these strange feelings when he is around?” That threw me off. What is that supposed to mean? I sighed and walked home and Gold was waiting for me by the house. “What is up Shadow you seem different,” she said. “I do,” I asked. “Yes, you seemed spaced out, what happened,” she asked. “Nothing happened,” I said and opened the door and walked in. I went to my room and went to sleep.

a new enemy or a new friend

Chapter 7

I woke up to the familiar darkness of my room and I got out of bed and put on my cloak. Leaving the room I heard movement downstairs. I got on the first floor and I saw Gold sniffing around. “What are you doing,” I asked. “There is an unfamiliar scent in the house,” She responded while sniffing.

“You think it could have been an intruder,” I asked.

“Seeing that everything is in place and not disturbed, I would say that they weren’t intending to take anything,” she replied.

“We should be on our guard then,” I said.

“Yes we should,” she said while going back to her usual spot. I went to my chair and started a small fire in the fireplace then I watched the flames. I sat there watching the wood burn for a good twenty to thirty minutes. I lost track of time but what got me out of my trance was a knock at the door. I went and opened the door and it was Autumn.

“Good morning Autumn, what brings you by,” I asked.

“I was going for a walk in the park and was wondering if you wanted to come with me,” she answered seeming anxious.

“Sure I don’t mind I need to wake up more anyway, mind if Gold comes with us,” I asked.

“I don’t mind,” she said. We walked out of the house and we were on our way to the park.

“You have my sword right,” I whispered to Gold to make sure.

“Yes, I have it,” she whispered back. Autumn noticed that I was talking to Gold.

“Where you talking to Gold,” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes,” I said bluntly. She seemed a bit confused and we started to walk to the park.

We got to the park and we walked for about an hour. We rested under a tree and started to talk. “So where are you from anyway,” she asked.

“I’m from Canterlot,” I answered.

“Wow, and you are not snooty, strange,” she said seeming surprised.

“Where are you from,” I asked.

“I’ grew up in Manehatten,” she responded. Suddenly I was hit by something very hard.

”Ow, what was that,” I said as I opened my eyes. It turned out to be Pinkie Pie giving me one of her spine crushing hugs. By spine crushing, I mean spine crushing. She was literally squeezing the air out of me. “Uhh, Pinkie I am glad to see you too but can you let go of me now I can’t breathe,” I said as my voice got scratchy.

“Oopsie, sorry,” she said while letting me go. She noticed Autumn and she ran right up to her. “Oh, I have never met you before, my name is Pinkie Pie what is yours,” she said obviously excited.

“Autumn Breeze nice to meet you,” she said. We started to have conversations and it was a bit difficult for Autumn to keep up with Pinkie and her randomness.

“Oh, before I forget we are going to have Fluttershy’s birthday on Tuesday, Shadow,” Pinkie said.

“OK, I don’t really have any plans for that day,” I said.

“Really, that is good,” Autumn said in a suspicious tone.

‘I have a bad feeling about her now,’ I thought. After that we all went to doing what we had to do that day and it ended quickly.

The next few days went by fast. I had Fluttershy’s present ready to be given to her, which it was a phoenix egg that I found in the Everfree Forest.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you,” Gold asked.

“Yes I am sure,” I responded.

“OK, just be careful,” she said. I grabbed my vine and I got my sword from Gold and I left for Fluttershy’s house. It was dark, around 7 O’clock to be exact, and there was a full moon. ‘I need to write a letter to Luna when I get home,’ I thought to myself. It was quiet for quite a while then I heard a scream. ‘Uh oh,’ I thought to myself and I headed towards the scream. The scream came from the park and I headed into the park and looked around. I stopped in a field with few trees in the park. “Hello!” I yelled. “I heard a scream and wanted to make sure if everything was alright,” I added. Then I saw Autumn come out from behind a tree. She was dressed differently though. She was wearing spandex and she also had throwing knives on her hind legs, and she also had a weapon in her hooves, it was a scythe. “Autumn, what is with the get up,” I asked putting my hoof on my sword just in case.

“I’m sorry that it has to come to this, Shadow,” she said.

“What do you mean,” I asked but she tried to slash me with the scythe. I dodged it and took out Harbringer. The light of Harbringer made her cover her eyes and I took the opportunity to attack. When I did she blocked it with her scythe.

“Did you really think I could be dumb enough to keep my eyes off you,” she asked. We were trying to overcome each other by using our strength. She tried to kick my feet from under me but I jumped back. “So, you have been trained well,” she said.

“Who do you work for,” I asked.

“Isn’t it obvious, I am a spy for the king of Zorthos,” she responded.

“Well I must admit you are a great actress,” I said admiring her skill.

She blushed a bit and said “Thank you, but flattery will get you nowhere.” ‘It seems I won’t be able to talk my way out of this one’ I thought to myself. We then went into combat and we were relentlessly attacking each other. A few minutes later we were breathing heavily and I was getting tired. ‘This is bad if I don’t end this now then I will most likely die’ I thought.

“You are better than I thought, Shadow,” she said.

“Thanks, you are pretty good too,” I said.

“Let’s end this so I can get paid,” she said and started to come at me. I started to charge and our weapons clashed and I felt something sharp cut my chest and I managed to get away from her and slashed her side and I got it deep. She looked at the wound and fell to the ground.

“It was a good run I guess,” she said while gasping for air.

“Before you die, tell me have you met a mare named Nightfire,” I asked.

“I only know of one pony with that name and that is one of the generals,” she said.

“Which one,” I asked. Before she could answer she started to fade away slowly. “Autumn! Autumn!” I yelled, and then she died, no she wasn’t dead I could hear her heart beat. I tore most of my cloak off and used that to cover the wound. Picking her up with my magic I took her to the hospital. When I got there a nurse came to me and took her.I walked home and I was having trouble walking from the blood loss. I walked in and got to my room, and remembered that I was supposed to go to Fluttershys birthday party. 'I'm going to be in for it tomorrow,' I thought to myself. Taking off my cloak I got on my bed and I noticed that the blood stopped. I went to sleep after a few minutes of lying down.

a new relationship

Chapter 8

It was dark and I was hearing voices. “So she lost the battle against the enemy,” one of the voices said. Everything began to clear up and I was in the throne room and the king and the generals were all in it as well.

“Yes, my liege, but we did get some information on him,” the pony in dark green responded. “His name is Shadowfire and surprisingly he is an alicorn,” he added.

“An alicorn you say,” the king asked.

“Yes sir, he was originally a unicorn but due to the misfortunate accident of summoning you to Earth, the power, which was supposed to go to you, went to him,” he responded.

“But it seems that Autumn has decided to leave us,” the pony in purple said.

“What makes you say that,” the king asked. He pulled out a letter and started to read.

“Dear King Will, I am sorry but I am leaving the army. I have seen what the light has to offer. I do not want to hide in the darkness anymore. I am sorry my king, from Autumn Breeze,” he finished.

“Well that was unexpected,” the pony in green said.

"So, what should we do now,” the pony in blue asked.

“We shall find another to take her place,” King Will said.

Then everything became fuzzy and I was in front of Fluttershy’s house, and I saw Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie. ‘What is going on,’ I thought ‘and why does it look like it is in the afternoon.’ “Fluttershy come on, I’m sure Shadow forgot about the party,” Twilight said.

“He did not forget, he didn’t come because he is upset with me,” I heard Fluttershy yell from inside the house with a sob that followed it. Rainbow Dash seemed angry and she opened her wings and took off.

“Rainbow where are you going,” Rarity asked.

“I’m going to find Shadow,” she responded and she flew off.

“I’m sure Shadow will apologize lets go and wait at the library,” Twilight said and they all walked towards Ponyville. Again everything was getting fuzzy and then dark.

I woke up and my chest still hurt from the fight with Autumn. I put on my cloak and went down stairs. I looked at the clock and it was about one o’clock. “Wow longest you ever stayed asleep,” Gold said walking up to me. I looked at the wound and it was bleeding a bit. I guess I was moving around when I sleeping.

“I’m going out I will be back OK,” I said grabbing the phoenix egg and I walked out the door, and I was headed to Fluttershy’s house.

“SHADOW!!!” I heard Rainbow’s voice. She landed on the ground and I have to say she looked mad. She punched me and I fell to the ground.

“Where were you last night, Fluttershy is crying her eyes out because you missed her birthday party,” she asked then she noticed the wound on my chest and the dried blood. “How did you get that,” she asked.

“Well I was attacked last night by a spy and I got this,” I said. She looked at it more.

“How come it isn’t healing as fast as your stab wound,” she asked studying the cut.

“That I don’t know,” I said.

“Well Flutteshy is crying up a storm,” she said turning away.

“I know, I was about to go there now,” I said. Rainbow stopped, turned and asked “How did you know?”

“A dream,” I responded while turning around and walking to my destination.

I got to Fluttershy’s door and I noticed water. ‘What the heck’ I thought. Crying was coming from inside the house. I knocked on the door and said “Fluttershy are you in there?” The crying didn’t stop so I opened the door and Fluttershy was on her couch crying her eyes out and Angel was sitting by her trying to cheer her up. I ran to her side and sat down. “Hey, what is the matter,” I asked, which was a stupid question.

She turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Y… you didn’t come to my b… birthday party, I thought you were upset with me,” she said and she covered her face and she started to cry again. I took off my cloak, exposing my wings, I moved them and wrapped Fluttershy into a hug, she moved to my shoulder but she was still crying.

“Something came up,” I said, but what I said next took a lot of heart to say. “Fluttershy, I wasn’t mad at you, I love you entirely too much,” I said and I knew my face was turning red because it started to feel warm. She stopped crying and looked at me with wide eyes.

“You…you love me,” she asked and I could see the hope in her eyes.

“Yes, I love you, more than you think.” I said with a smile. Right after I said that she kissed me on the lips. A few seconds had passed, what seemed like forever, and our lips parted.

“I love you too, Shadow,” she said and she hugged me.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” I said and I went into my cloak pocket and I gave her the egg. She looked at it in her confusion.

“What is it,” she asked. “A phoenix egg, I was going to give it to you for your birthday but I wasn’t able to get here in time,” I said. She kissed me again and said, “Thank you.”

“Do you feel better,” I asked. She nodded and after she let me go I put on my cloak and I walked toward the door. I opened the door and i turned to her. “Would you like to walk to the library with me,” I asked. She then ran up by my side and we started to walk to Golden Oaks together. She was actually walking closer than usual. 'I guess we are dating now. I'm glad she feels the same,' I thought. “By the way would you like to go out one day,” I asked.

“Would that be considered a date,” she asked.

“It depends, do you accept,” I said.

“Yes,” she said happily.

“Then it would be considered a date,” I responded smiling to her.

We got to the library and Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were talking, they noticed us and swarmed me. “Why didn’t you come to the party, Shadow,” Pinkie asked with an upset look.

“Darling, why is there a giant gash on your chest,” Rarity asked.

“I guess I can tell all of you what happened.” I explained what happened, how I was on my way from my home and I heard Autumn’s scream and how she attacked me.

“Rainbow knew part of this,” I finished. Fluttershy came over and hugged me nuzzling my neck a bit; I knew exactly why she was doing it. “I’m fine and don’t worry it will heal soon enough,” I said hugging her back and I kissed her on the cheek.

“Why did ya kiss her on tha cheek,” Applejack asked. They all looked at me as if waiting for an answer…all except Rarity who knew what exactly happened.

“No,” she said in shock, “no, you two?” breaking the hug we both looked at her and nodded. I swear this was the most excited I have ever seen her since I introduced her to one of my friends, who was big in the fashion business. “I can’t believe it,” she said, bouncing up and down. “I was right, I was right,” she yelled. The others seemed confused.

“What are y’all talking about,” Applejack asked tilting her head to the side.

“Shadow and I confessed our love to each other,” Fluttershy said. They all started to ask questions, Rainbow seemed unsurprised though. “

You know what this calls for, A PARTY!!!” Pinkie yelled excitedly.

“I think we should keep this on a minimal of between us,” I said, “I don’t want to put her in danger.”

“Awww, and I was excited to throw a part too” she said glumly. We spent the day at the library talking about why I didn’t want it to be public and it became night fall.

“See y’all tomorrow,” I said. Fluttershy walked beside me and was the same distance to when we were going to the library. We got to my house and I said, “Well that was interesting.”

“Yes, it was,” she said.

“I will see you tomorrow, good night,” I said giving her one last hug before I went inside. “Good night Shadow,” she said and walked away to her home.

I got inside and Gold was in front of the fire place sitting. It was strange because around this time she is asleep. “Wow never thought you would be up,” I said then I noticed a familiar scent. I looked on my couch and I saw Autumn lying on down on it.

“What is she doing here,” I asked.

“She told me what happened and that she had nowhere to stay,” Gold responded. Autumn started to wake up and she noticed me.

“Oh, hi Shadow,” she said in an accent. I never noticed it when we met or when we were fighting.

“So, care to explain why you are in my house,” I said putting a hoof on my vine.

“I quit being a spy and that means I am not being paid so I can’t pay for my rent, you were the only one I can think of that I could turn to,” she explained.

“How do I know that you are still trying to kill me,” I said with my hoof still on my vine.

“If I was still trying to kill you I would have done so already,” she said with a serious look.

“Valid point, alright you can live with me but here is a warning, if you cross me you will never have my trust again, got it,” I said.

“Yes, I do and thank you,” she said.

“Well you have my trust, it might be a while until you get the others trust though, I will show you to a room, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to sleep on that couch all night,” I said and motioned her to follow me. We went upstairs and showed her the master bedroom.

“Here is where you will be sleeping,” I said. I looked at Autumn and she seemed confused.

“Why the master bedroom, shouldn’t I get a smaller one,” she asked.

“No, you are a friend and a guest, I will give this room,” I explained.

“Oh, thank you,” she said while walking in.

“Good night see you in the morning,” I said while I was walking to my room.

“Good night Shadow and again thank you, you are too kind,” she said and I heard the door close. I got to my room and I took off my cloak and I flopped down on my bed. I then fell asleep after a few minutes.