MLP FIM: Season 4 Rise of the A.M. (a what if story)

Chapter 7: Dark Heart

It was a normal day in Ponyville. Clear sky’s, the sun’s rays shun down on everyone making it perfect weather for young foals to play. Arthur was busy moving his things into his new living courters with the assistance of Apple Jack’s older brother, Big Macintosh, Twilight, Spike, Rarity, and Fluttershy.

“Thanks for helping me out guys,” said Arthur levitating a desk to the corner of the room. “Big Mac, you can put that anywhere for now. I’ll figure out a spot for it later.” He added noticing the bookshelf Apple Jack’s big brother was carrying in.

“Nonsense,” said Rarity. “Big Mac, put it… there.”

She pointed over to an empty side of the room. Finally almost everything Arthur had brought with him was unpacked and placed in their necessary places thanks to Rarity insisting that they follow her interior vision and Twilight’s constant checking and double-checking the smallest tweaks.

“I think you’ll like it here.” said Rarity notably. “Ponyville is a wonderful place to live.”

“It’s only temporary,” said Arthur using his magic to levitate a picture onto a separate shelf. “I’m here because somepony from the Sapphire Kingdom has to be. Not to mention Twilight’s royal duties are unknown to the A.M. and it must be kept that way.”

When they all looked confused he added. “Twilight has to move back to her original living courters for now. Don’t worry she can still do her princess thing, as long as it’s not in Canterlot. Oh, and you might not want to wear your tiara or anything that will give you away.”

Twilight nodded her head in agreement and understood why these were requested for her to fallow. Ever since the three kingdoms were threatened by a group that call themselves the A.M. extra precautions had to be taken. Even with all the guards taking multiple shifts and security were at an all time high, the A.M. had managed to be a step ahead. So far they had made an alliance with the changelings and used them to ambush a group of guards after the Equestria Games and attacked Princess Cadence on her way back to the Crystal Empire. A most recent attack was when they used the ponies of neighboring towns to do their dirty work for them. What that work was however was unknown. Arthur told king Sullivan about his worries and thought that he would be needed in the kingdom, but Sullivan said that he needed to be in Ponyville to make sure that Twilight’s princess identity remained a secret.

“Is that you in the picture Arthur?” asked Twilight looking at the photo Arthur had placed down.

“Yes. On left is my big brother, Mark Cloud and the one in the center is our dad.”

“Where’s you’re mom?” asked Rarity.

There was a moment of silence then without turning to face them and pretending to look through the box for anything else to put on the shelf Arthur said, “She died after I was born.”

“Arthur, I’m sorry,” said Rarity. “At least you have your father still. He must be proud that you became the king’s apprentice.”

Arthur didn’t respond to this. He merely closed the empty moving box and said that Twilight aught to get what she needs from her castle and be ready to move back into Ponyville. Would his father be proud of him? How was he to know? He did think about this when he first started his training. Would his father have preferred him to do something else with his life? Or would he be excepting of his position like his older brother’s goal to be just like him. Arthur looked back at the photo before he left his apartment to help Twilight with her move.

Getting Twilight ready to leave for Ponyville took longer than expected. Her royal guards had grown so used to having her around, that they were hesitant to let her go at first, but did when told that this was a matter of keeping her safe when her big brother, Shining Armor stepped in.

When Twilight and her friends were done with the move, Arthur insisted that he went on ahead to unpack the rest of his belongings while they took the time to catch up on what each other had missed. To Arthur, his departure to a new town was taken to mind as a personal mission. King Sullivan and Princess Celestia had entrusted him to move to Ponyville to look after Twilight and help her from the sidelines. This he took very seriously and starting today his new life would begin. He thought it would be prudent if he were to know the princesses’ friends a little better. Rainbow Dash invited him to observe what she called her awesome talents as she preformed a number of stunts in the sky. Next was Pinkie Pie, who stuck to her ways by being up close and personal as she questioned him about where he was from all the way down to the mysterious markings on his body. At the end of it Arthur found out that Pinkie was a hyperactive loud mouth. Apple Jack introduced him to her family back at the farm, where he met her elderly grandmother, little sister who seemed to be a part of some local group that called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders and her big brother who didn’t seem to be as talkative as the rest of her family. Fluttershy took a while to introduce herself, but when she finally made herself heard, she was nothing short of an animal lover as well as a good conversationalist when given the chance. Lastly Arthur met Rarity for the second time. She eyed him observantly before answering his confused look by saying that she was picturing him in an outfit that she was visioning. This didn’t make him comfortable at all and decided that it was best to leave this particular unicorn as a fashion designer and leave it at that. He could have sworn that she winked at him before he left though. Spike, Twilight’s assistant, didn’t like how fascinated Rarity was by Arthur and shook his hoof harder than necessary when they introduced themselves. When meeting and greeting was done, Arthur was about to browse the town alone when he was accompanied by Twilight who showed him around with the rest of her friends. Together they had a fun time together and for the first time Arthur knew why King Sullivan wanted him to have a social life outside of the castle. He didn’t realize it until just then as he laughed with the girls as pinkie entertained them with her unique antics; he had ponies that he could call friends!

“I should be close now,” said a red unicorn to himself in the Everfree Forest.

He had black mane and tail with scars on his legs and a fresh cut on his face when he ran into a thorn bush a couple miles back. His light purple eyes scanned his poorly drawn map given to him before he left the mountains. Dark circles had formed under his eyes due to lack of sleep. He proceeded on his path when he came across a hut. The one living there had stepped outside and spotted him out of the corner of her eye.

“Oh, what is this?” she said as he approached her. “I come out my hut to see a stranger covered in muck.”

“Right,” said the red unicorn. “I am looking for Canterlot. Do you know where it is?”

“If Canterlot is what you seek a quick trail through Ponyville will be just what you need.” Replied the mare.

“I haven’t got time for riddles,” said the unicorn.

“Riddles, I think not,” said the mare giggling. “Just follow Zecora, and she will guide you to the place you seek.”

Having nowhere else to go without getting lost, the unicorn followed the strange mare through the forest. She wasn’t a pony she was a Zebra. Her dark grey stripes ran down her light grey body, tail and white mane. She wore a big golden earring and rings that fit around her right leg and neck. She appeared to know her way around because she warned him several times about a blue plant not to far from her home and to be carful traveling alone since it was easy to get lost if you don’t know the way.

“What is your name traveler?” she asked.

“I’m Dark Heart,” the unicorn replied. “What’s yours?”

“Zecora.” The Zebra replied. “Here we are, Ponyville. Just head to the train station and it will lead you to your destination.”

“Thank you,” said Dark Heart and left the odd Zebra behind.

Dark Heart’s tired and scared appearance made some heads turn, but he didn’t care. The slightly blurry vision due to lack of sleep made seeing difficult. He had to squint his eyes in order to see the price for a train ticket. When the writing came into focus he groaned in realization that he had no money. He thought that he would be able to reach Canterlot with out transportation. Perhaps he still could. He looked down the tracks and saw the castle in the distance. Guessing on the distance he thought if he left now, it would take until the afternoon to get there. Before Dark Heart was about to head on his way. A voice called out to him.

“Excuse me would you be heading to Canterlot?”

“Yes,” Dark Heart replied.

“Oh, good, I was beginning to think I was lost again,” said the voice in relief. “What are you heading up there for?”

“Who wants to know?” said Dark Heart uninterested in anything the stallion had to say.

“You see, I was supposed to be there for an interview with the princesses an hour ago, but things got all mixed up in the confusion.”

This woke Dark Heart up and he explained why he was going to the city as well. The stallion turned out to be orange unicorn with a black vest and suit over his waist. He had dark eyes, main and short tail.

“Ah, so you want join the Royal Guard eh? Good luck with that kid, I hear it’s not easy.”

“I think I’ll manage,” said Dark Heart seriously.

“Hmmm, come to think of it, you look like something the cat dragged in,” said the unicorn. “How’d you get those scars?”

Dark Heart paused for a brief second before saying, “Training,”

“I see, well we’ll both have quite a job on our hooves if we succeed.” said the unicorn.

The train was seen coming from west and the unicorn went to buy his ticket. The train came to stop blowing its whistle as the doors opened and the passengers came out. Dark Heart tried to get on his way once again when the same unicorn stopped him.

“Wait!” he called over the buzz of the ponies in the crowd. “I thought since we’re both going to the castle I thought I might as well get a ticket for two!”

Dark Heart took the extra ticket wondering why the unicorn bought the extra when he didn’t even ask let alone never told him he didn’t have a single bit on him.

“Think nothing of it my boy!” boomed the unicorn taking Dark Heart’s silence for ill manners even if there was none. “The Names Swift Blaze! Come on then, we better get on board!”

Dark Heart sat across from Swift Blaze, his eyes closing on him before they felt the train move. Swift Blaze took out his brief case and began to go over notes that he had obviously prepared to go over before his interview. Dark Heart was fast asleep and would have remained that way if Swift Blaze hadn’t nudged him when the train arrived in Canterlot.

“You look tired,” said Swift Blaze.

“I’ve been on a non stop path ever since I left.” Dark Heart said yawning.

“Perhaps you better call off the Royal Guards plan until tomorrow?”

“No, I have to get it done today.”

Swift Blaze had to admit one thing, at least Dark Heart was dedicated, but there was a line between dedication and pushing yourself too hard. Still, it wasn’t his place to tell him otherwise so the two made their way through the city and up to the castle. A Royal Guard greeted them. He looked at the fully awaken orange unicorn then to Dark Heart who looked like he might collapse if poked.

“State your business!” he ordered.

“I am here for an interview!” said Swift Blaze. “The Princesses have requested me to come here. As for my young friend here, he is wanting to become a Royal Guard!”

The guard stared at Dark Heart with a raised eyebrow. At this point Dark Heart had already dozed off again.

“Right… A likely story.” said the guard doubtful. “And your name is?”

“Swift Blaze,”

“Ah, ok then, you can follow me, the princess Celestia is waiting. As for you,” he pointed a hoof at the sleeping Dark Heart. “You have to leave.”

“Leave? No, I can’t leave. Not when I’ve come this far,” said Dark Heart sleepily his eyes opened a fraction to stare at the two about to enter the castle.

“Sorry kid, but come back when you’re well rested. Then we can talk.”

Thinking fast, Dark Heart teleported from the spot and reappeared in front of them as they turned to leave. “What Swift Blaze had said is true and I promise you my passed training has prepared me for moments like these.”

“Carful or I’ll have to apprehend you!” said the guard warningly.

“Just give me a chance!” said Dark Heart his eyes fully open now and they stared at each other.

“Fine,” said the guard. “Wait here while I take Mr. Swift Blaze to the princess.”

It felt like Dark Heart waited for longer than he had anticipated. Just when he thought that the guard had lied to him, he reappeared and told him to fallow. They made their way over to the back of the castle where Dark Heart saw a maze and fountain. A guard wearing silver armor saw the two approaching and straitened up.

“What is this?” he asked eyeing the newcomer.

“This is Dark Heart sir!” Replied the guard in salute, “He wishes to join the Royal Guard!”

“Does he? What makes him think he has what it takes?”

“Give me a chance and I will be more than willing to show you,” said Dark Heart seriously.

The Silver armored earth pony surveyed Dark Heart carefully taking in as much detail as possible. Dark Heart knew that armored pony could tell that he was tired, but to his surprise the earth pony smiled knowingly.

“Very well then kid, show me what you’re made of!”

“You see Princess I can provide you with my expertise during these difficult times,” said Swift Blaze addressing his reason as to why Celestia and Luna should hire him. “I’m sure you can understand that in these times, you will need as much support as you can get and I promise you won’t have to look any further with me as your personal advisor.”

“And I take it that you will contribute your time to both me and my sister?” asked Princess Celestia.

“Your wish is my command your highness,” said Swift Blaze with a bow.

“I will think about it,” said Celestia thoughtfully. “Now that business is settled will you join me for lunch?”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly take up any more of your time than I already have,” said Swift Blaze. “I am sorry again for the delay in this meeting your highness.”

“It’s no problem, please, I insist that you stay,”

“Well I am hungry,” said Swift Blaze, the thought of food made his stomach growl. “Very well, you lead and I’ll follow!”

As they sat down to enjoy the sandwiches made for them. They over heard the sound of shouting from outside and went to investigate. When they looked over the balcony they saw a red unicorn running with all his might as a silver armored earth pony barked at him.

“Where’s all that energy you were showing not to long ago rookie?!” he shouted after the unicorn’s retreating body. “Don’t tell me your getting tired now! Keep up the pace! Move, Move, Move!”

“The kid’s hard at work I see,” said Swift Blaze through another bite of his sandwich.

“Who is he?” asked Celestia watching as the red unicorn was ordered to stop and was made to carry sacks while he continued to run laps around the castle.

“His name is Dark Heart,” said Swift Blaze. “I met him on my way here. He told me that he wants to become a new addition to your guard.”

Celestia watched as Dark Heart came back into view. His muscles showed as he balanced the sacks on his back. The dark lines below his purple eyes made her frown with disapproval.

“Why on earth did he let him start now?” she sighed.

“He seemed determined to prove what he was made of on the train,” said Swift Blaze rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Dark Heart’s training went from running laps to making his way passed optical courses on the field. He was starting to draw a crowed as passing guards left their posts and gathered around to watch the new pony. Some started to wager bets while the rest waited for him to collapse from exhaustion. The silver guard watched as Dark Heart used his magic to form a bridge before crossing to the other side. His serious expression switched to one of surprise as Princess Celestia and Swift Blaze were heading toward him.

“Princess!” he exclaimed and stood at attention.

“May I ask why you let a new pony in his condition begin his training?” Celestia said softly but there was a towering star she gave her sergeant that pierced his skin making him gulp.

“I thought he might be worth giving a chance,” said the sergeant simply.

Celestia frowned at him and he quickly added. “Look, do you think I want to let him continue? I thought he would have given up hours ago, but this… Just look for yourself!”

“What I see is a pony who has dedication, but there is a line between that and going too far.”

“I understand your highness, I’ll order him to stop,” said the sergeant and turned to call out to Dark Heart who was just about to climb over a fence. “Hey rookie you can stop now!”

Dark Heart didn’t appear to have heard him.

“Oh, for the love of… Rookie, I said…”

But Celestia had galloped her way to Dark Heart and placed a hoof gently on his shoulder and said in a warm yet concerned voice. “That’s enough. You’ve proven yourself.”

Dark Heart stopped what he was doing and went still. Celestia saw that his eyes were blank and partially open. He wasn’t even awake. It was only by his stubborn insistency that he was still moving. His eyes closed and at last his legs gave in and he fell. Celestia caught him and brought him to an empty room where she laid him to bed.

“What else do you know about him?” asked Celestia.

“Not much, other than he wants to be a royal guard and from the looks of things, he’s traveled a long ways from home,” said Swift Blaze

“Where, is his home?”

“He didn’t say,”

“And the scars and cuts?”

“He told me that they were from training your highness,”

Celestia looked down at the sleeping unicorn. She used her magic to heal his cuts wondering what type of training would anyone go under to wind up with scars.

“So, how about it?” said Swift Blaze. “Do you think he made the cut?”

“We’ll see, but for now let him sleep. And as for you Swift Blaze, consider your self hired.”

Dark Heart turned in his sleep. In his minds eye he saw himself in forest running beside three other ponies. They galloped through the deep woods, jumping over stumps and following a path that had been set for them.

“Keep up slowpoke!” called one of his companions teasing.

He felt himself hurl forward as he tripped over an unseen root. Getting back to his hooves he continued on his way. The image turned fuzzy and was replaced by another that had him fighting beside two cloaked unicorns. They were up against an enraged bear that took another swipe at them. He didn’t move fast enough and was clipped by one of the four claws. Blood ran down his leg as the bear lifted its arm again. A flash of light and they were back in a cave where they were being briefed by a passing blue unicorn. He had a white mane and tail and a scar that ran down the side of his eye and face. His yellow eyes fell upon his purple ones. He glanced at his deep cut and his lip curled.

“This is a mark from battle, don’t cry about it! Wear it with pride!”

The image had changed again; this time he along with a group of twelve, were trekking up a mountain in thunderstorm.

“Faster you maggots! Faster!” barked the same unicorn over the treacherous winds over the mountains.

Lightning flashed as the blue unicorn gave orders to the cloaked ponies. There was a scream as one of the earth ponies lost her footing and the rope that connected all them tensed up as one by one they slid down the muddy ground. Dark Heart kept his footing as his hooves made imprints in the mud.

“On your hooves!” shouted the unicorn through a crack of thunder.

Dark Heart tightened his grip on the covers as the stormy night was replaced by solid ground and he saw himself stepping up to go through combat training. He avoided a streak of silver light and countered with burst of red light that knocked his opponent to the floor. He felt sweat running down his face as he turned in his sleep once again.

“You know what you have to do, “ said a motherly voice.

“Yes,” he heard himself say.

“Good, you are ready, now go.”

He heard himself go through the plan as he went down the list.

“Phase one: Find Canterlot.

Phase two: Become a royal guard.

Phase three: earn the Princesses trust.

Phase four: await for further instructions…”

An image of himself traveling from his home came into focus. He was running as fast as his legs could carry him. The sound of howling was heard from behind, but he didn’t turn to look back. His cloak had caught between outstretched branches. As he pulled the howling grew close. He saw green eyes glaring at him, the smell of foul breath reached his snout and the Timber Wolf sprung out at him, it’s jaw open wide.

Dark Heart shot out of bed panting heavily. For a horrifying second he thought he was still in the Everfree Forest trying to keep his distance from the Timber Wolves. He looked around and saw that he was in a small room. A desk laid next to the bed and a wardrobe stood against the wall. The window was cracked allowing air to come inside. Dark Heart placed his hooves over his face and realized he was sweating. Wondering where he was, he got up and made his way to the door and opened it. Stepping outside he saw that the sun was up and the place he had slept in was on the grounds of the Canterlot castle. A pair of Royal Guards marched by, their gaze focused only on where they were going. He tried to remember what had happened after following one of the guards. But everything after that was blank. Dark Heart thought he might as well look around before making another attempt at joining the royal guard. The castle stood tall looking over the small town below. Its white outer layer and radiant windows shined in the sunlight. Dark Heart retraced his steps as far as his memory would allow him and found himself behind the castle looking at the maze. He wondered how far out it stretched and was about to investigate when a familiar voice called out to him.

“Dark Heart, there you are lady!” It was Swift Blaze he was wearing a different business suit this time. It was grey with stripes running across. “Come with me, the Princess wishes to see you.”

Dark Heart nodded and followed Swift Blaze to the throne room where Celestia was waiting. She looked at him in wonder and began to speak.

“I am happy to see that you’re up and walking,” she said kindly. “You had me worried for a while.”

Dark Heart didn’t know what to say, he simply bowed to her and waited for her to continue.

“I have heard things about you from Swift Blaze. He tells me that you want to become a part my royal guard.”

“That is correct,” said Dark Heart at last.

“I’ve also been told that you’ve come a long way to get here. Dark Heart, before I can allow you to proceed any further you have to help me fill in the blanks. Where did you come from? And why do you wish to serve as another protector of the kingdom?”

Dark Heart thought for a moment. He could tell that Celestia was surveying him carefully. Trying to see any reason for trusting him. Taking a deep breath, Dark Heart began to explain.

“I come from the north. I am not a part the Sapphire Kingdome although I do live close to it. It is a small village full of ponies, all of which have no marks or cutie marks.”

“None at all?” questioned Celestia eyeing the black wand on his flank.

“Only I and one other are the only ones who have marks,” said Dark Heart.

“Extraordinary,” said Swift Blaze in aw. “I never knew that ponies could grow up with out one.”

“It’s true,” said Dark Heart, “And your answer as to why I am here your highness is simply because I have been training practically my whole life to have this opportunity.”

“I noticed,” said Celestia notably. “Please continue.”

“Training back home was rough, but it made me willing to take anything the world had to through at me.”

“And that is what worries me,” said Celestia sighing. “Dark Heart, it is one thing to have determination and it is another to be reckless. The other day when you were out on the training field it was like watching somepony push themself until they broke. Do you understand my concern?”

“Yes your Highness,” said Dark Heart. “I promise you that if I join your guard I will try and lower my abilities to ones that are more reasonable.”

Celestia thought long and hard before she said with a warm smile. “I will hold you up to that, but in the mean time take some time off you need it.”

“Does this mean…” began Dark Heart hopefully.

“I can not say yes or no to that,” replied Celestia.

Dark Heart bowed in appreciation and left the castle feeling confident that everything so far was going to plan. Before he had a chance to take in more sights he was approached by an excited Pegaguard.

“You must be the new pony we saw the other day!” he said shaking Dark Hearts hoof with his own. “You caused quit a crowed to show up! The names Whirl Wind!”

Dark Heart let his hoof drop and not wanting to make conversation he made to leave.

“Hey, wait, wait! You can’t just appear out of no where and expect not to be noticed by anypony!” said Whirl Wind cutting him off.

This Pegasus sure was an intrusive fellow Dark Hart found himself thinking as the Pegaguard question him about where he was from and what brought him to Canterlot in the first place. Dark Heart tried to walk away but the Pegasus staid right behind him.

“Look,” said Dark Heart after a while of walking in silence. “How long do you intend to fallow me?”

“Depends,” said Whirl Wind thoughtfully gliding lazily above him. “How about we start by you telling me your name rookie and we’ll go from there,”

“It’s Dark Heart,”

“Ah, so… How about telling me why Canterlot of all places?”

“If I tell you will you leave me alone?” asked Dark Heart glaring up at the Pegaguard.

“Of course!” Whirl Wind said.

“Ok, but come here it’s a secret.”

Intrigued, Whirl Wind floated down to eye level and leaned in.

“It’s place called, NONE OF YOUR BEESWAX!!!”

He yelled the last words making Whirl Wind rub his ear as it rang. Dark Heart smiled deviously and walked ahead thinking that he must have made the Pegasus fly off. He was mistaken. A few seconds after arriving in the city, Whirl Wind stopped him.

“Ok, sorry if we got off on the wrong hoof back there, let’s start again.” He cleared his through and held out his hoof. “My name is Whirl Wind new pony and on behalf of the royal guard I welcome you to Canterlot!”

“Your not leaving are you?” said Dark Heart darkly.

“Well, do you know your way around these parts?” asked Whirl Wind.

Dark Heart had to admit he had a point and sighed accepting his defeat and allowed Whirl Wind to show him around. They walked through the city, Whirl Wind stopped every few blocks and pointed out the areas where he and the rest of the royal guard tend to hang out during there time off.

“That little shack over there is the Crowned Acorn and that bar you see over there is, The Leaky Road. Some friends and I spend time over there quit a bit. Not for the drinks even though those are nice. Oh, no, we go there because we see the sergeant and others in command there as well and once they get off it’s a blast watching them! Why just last Christmas the sergeant…”

“That’s nice and all,” said Dark Heart making a mental note to avoid The Leaky Road in the future. “But I was wondering if there was a store to buy necessities.”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that,” said Whirl Wind happily. “Those will be taken care of for you. In fact you should have everything you need waiting in your room by the time we get back."

Just then shouts came from the street and the two hurried over to see what was going on.

“I told you already how should I know how I grew up without one!” spat a mare to two highly amused earth ponies.

“You mean to say that you’ve been a blank flank your whole life?!” said the yellow one of the two laughing. “Freaky! Tell us how somepony goes on with their lives with out a cutie mark or mark to bare?”

“Now, now you two,” said Whirl Wind taking action, his royal guard side of him took over as he approached the scene. “What seems to be the problem?”

“No problem at all sir,” said the yellow one. “We were just having a little chat with the blank flank here.”

Before anyone could respond the yellow earth pony was lifted of the ground and dangled upside down. His companion looked around and saw Dark Heart stepping forward his eyes filled with rage and his attention was on the surprised pony hovering feet from the ground.

“Easy Rookie,” said Whirl Wind seriously. “You don’t want to…”

“Apologize!” Dark Heart snarled.

“What?!” exclaimed the frightened earth pony.

“You heard me!” Dark Heart snapped. “You owe this Mare an apology!”

The Yellow pony sniffed stubbornly and said, “Why, what’s it to you anyway? It’s not my problem if she’s a bla…” he felt a force on his throat and he started to choke.

“For your information,” began Dark Heart, his temper rising. “Where I come from only a few of us have cutie marks or marks and we look after ones who don’t! Now, lets try this again, look at her and say your sorry.”

The yellow pony spluttered and gasped as he felt the pressure on his throat leave and his partner cried out. “Barbarian! Who are you?!”

“Dark Heart,” warned Whirl Wind.

“What?!” Dark Heart spat.

“I really think you should put him down,”

“What and let him off the hook? I don’t think so!”

“It’s not that. Its that I think you drew his friends in.”

Whirl Wind was right. From the bar rose five other ponies who gave the two guards really ugly looks indeed and the crowd around them dispersed. Even the mare that was being bullied not to long ago backed off slowly and disappeared amongst the onlookers. Dark Heart looked around a t the odds before them and released the spell allowing the pony to hit the ground. He got up brushing his shoulders and smiled wickedly at the two.

“Now, gentlecolts,” said Whirl Wind warningly. “You wouldn’t dare to assault members of the royal guard would you?”

“What do you think?” said the yellow pony eyeing them with meaning; his friends behind him were putting their hooves together and flexing their muscles.

With out hesitation Whirl Wind turned around and galloped off, Dark Heart followed behind him in bewilderment. The seven angry bullies ran after them.

“You have got to be kidding me! What was that for?!”

“Well, typically the royal guard try to settle confrontations peacefully and we only fight when we are being assaulted!” said Whirl Wind.

“Then what’s stopping you?!” inquired Dark Heart.

“Follow me and we’ll take this somewhere else where nopony else will be in harms way!”

The two cut across the street still being pursued by the angry posy behind them. They led them into an ally between shops and waited for the trouble to catch up with them.

“Done running now?” asked the yellow pony panting.

“Guys I’ll give you one last chance to back down now before it’s too late!” demanded Whirl Wind.

“Enough games, lets get them!” shouted one of the seven.

Whirl Wind sighed and with a shrug stood in a pose that declared he meant business. Dark Heart also stood his ground and waited for them to swarm in. The first three were taken out easily by Whirl Wind who blocked a punch and countered with swoosh of his wing that swooped his attackers off their hooves. Dark Heart used his magic to levitate one brute and slammed him into his friend. They both crumbled to the floor groaning. The rest of the cronies fell just as fast. They might have acted tough, but they were picking a fight with two stallions who had years of combat training on their side. The fifth member hit the ground with a loud thud as Whirl Wind upper cut him in the jaw.

“Don’t just stand there!” shrieked the yellow pony to his friend who looked just as scared.

He picked up and empty bottle and chucked it at Whirl Wind’s head. It was stopped dead in its tracks and hovered inches from his snout.

“Bullies and Cheaters what a combination,” said Dark Heart coldly.

“Shut up!” roared the skinny pony rushing to him. Dark heart stood still and let his attacker punch him.

“Ha, how do you like that?!” he boomed feeling accomplished.

Dark Heart felt blood run down his lip as he looked at the pony with a smile.

“My turn,”

With a strong burst of magic shooting out from his horn he sent the skinny bully slamming into his friend and they both slid out of the alley and didn’t get back up.

“Wow,” exclaimed Whirl Wind impressed. “Did you have to be that rough on them though?”

“I see why not. He came at me with all his might. So I figured I’d return the favor.” said Dark Heart shrugging and whipped off his bloody lip with his hoof.

The two left the Alley and called in for back up to escort the foolish ponies to the hospital.

“You did well,” said Whirl Wind as they watched their fellow guards escort the injured ponies away.

“You didn’t do so bad yourself,” replied Dark Heart holding out his hoof.

Smiling broadly Whirl Wind raised his own hoof and bumped Dark Hearts. “So does this mean we’re friends now?” he asked as he followed Dark Heart back to the castle flying over his head.

“I suppose it does,” said Dark Heart simply.

“Will you tell me more about where you’re from? I mean you did mention an interesting factor back there when you stood up for that mare?”

“Don’t push it,” said Dark Heart.