Love is a hurricane

Chapters

Love is hard
Love is painful
Love is hurtful (Side chapter)
Love is new
Love is new (interrogation)
Love is true
Love is hurtful

Love is hard

Night Shadow dragged his hooves through Ponyville, depressed with his luck in love, but not surprised. He stopped in front of the fountain and looked at his reflection. A large pitch black Earth pony with a black mane and tail with a crimson red streak running through them, blood red eyes and fangs stared back at him. 'No wonder Silverspeed refused me. If I didn't make that stupid mistake, she might have been harsher with her words instead of letting me down gently.' He sighed and hoof-dragged along while looking at the ground in sadness.

Silverspeed noticed him walking in the fountain. Sweet Celestia he was pitiful. Almost to the point where she felt sorry for him. Sure, call her a monster. Silverspeed was use to that. But honestly, he needed to grow up. Moping around was pointless. "Hey Shadow!" She waved, landing by his side. "What's up?"

Night snapped up at the familar voice before calming himself. He turned to the mare in question and gave a small smile. "Oh, hey Silver. What brings you here?" In his head, he knew he would never have a chance with her, but in his heart, he will always love the mare he admired.

"Shadow, no offense, but your shadow looks happier than you. How about we stop by Sugar Cuber Corner and get some happiness in ya', okay?"

Why was she doing this? She owed him nothing. She hadn't broken up with him. Heck, they hadn't even gotten on a date. And on top of that, he's insulted her with that smug look when he said he was going to keep her safe. Silver may be a thief, and maybe he's obsessed with proving that fact, but a good thief never let something like this blow out of control.

Night let out a sigh. "Yeah, I think that would be good. But don't think I'll let you pay for me, I still feel like I need a flank kicking, but I take what I can get." A small smile crept on his muzzle.

I take what I want, Night, whether or not it's available.

Silverspeed smiled. "Then come on, silly. I am your friend after all. Talk it out with me as if I was one of your big scary guards."

As they trotted to Sugercube Corner, Night chuckled darkly. "Don't know if you've forgotten, but the other guards are scared of me more than they are of the princesses. At least with them, they'll feel like they disappointed their mother. But with me, they look like they expect me to torture them for 90 days and 90 nights." He frowned after though. "And I think you know what's wrong. But you're not to blame, I am."

Silverspeed nodded. "You know it's usually the mare who holds the grudge, Shadow."

Silverspeed opened the door to the bakery, plopping her flank on the closest stool and gesturing Night to sit down. "But walking around, all depressed isn't going to change anything."

She grinned. "Besides, it's not the first time anypony's ever called their neighbor a criminal. Only they usually just poke fun at it where as you sounded awfully serious, Night, especially with that know-it-all smile. So quit moping and enjoy a sundae on me, alright?"

Night gave a sad sigh again. "Sorry, but again I wasn't implying that you 'were' or 'are' a thief. I was only making a guess at what you would be best at. I could tell that if you were one and I was on duty, I wouldn't be able to spot you. And if I did, I wouldn't be able to catch you, even if you were grounded. As for the reason for why I'm depressed. Well, it's had getting over your first love, especially when you've never seen anypony that why before, EVER."

"Well...perhaps then I should be apologizing. I don't mean to take such comments to heart, but the misunderstanding really got to me. But you know what? I'm willing to drop the past for my own friend's sake. And what did you see in me, out of curiosity?" Silverspeed asked, ordering two sundaes.

Night shuffled nervously while waiting for the sundaes. He could feel his blush and knew for a fact that it was showing through his dark coat. "Well, um....at first I didn't know what it was. The first time I thought about you, I was thinking how your hooves were formed in just the right way to use a bow and arrow and right after that I began to think on your figure and how it looked lean and graceful, like you could outrun anypony. The second time I thought how cute you looked when you were asking me about what I was cooking at the time. But I think that it was your eyes that really trapped me in your web. When I locked up waiting for your reaction, I almost drowned in how they captured me. It was then that I remembered that a few guards would talk about this when they thought I wasn't around and I knew what I felt. So when you rejected me, I kinda took it harder than I thought I would. You were quite literally the first mare I ever saw as more than another voice I hear. I'm not exaggerating when I say that before I fell for you, the world was dull in color and food was bland, been that way since my parents." At first, he was nervous, but as he spoke he became more serious and honest with his feelings and it showed.

"Heh...dull in color." Silverspeed examined her own grey coat. "Wow...you give me way more credit than your average pony, you know?"

She sighed. "You could say I was born with a silver spoon in my hoof. Only pony in the family with wings. Grew up fairly wealthy. Most of the time I spent with my Dad. But then...well...things didn't work out so well. He left...and ever since then it's just been the three of us, drifting apart. I know my father wanted me to come. I wanted to come too, but Mother had the better part of the deal. So it wasn't meant to be, I guess. Still hope though I can bring it together. The family."

It was so ridiculous, that Silverspeed began to laugh. "Who am I kidding? I'm sorry, Shadow, it's not nearly as sad as yours."

Well...better to talk about family than mention the fact that she was scared out of her wits by the grouch. Although...as a friend...maybe not so grouchy.

As he listened to her tale, Night could smell her fear. It didn't take mind like Twilight Sparkle's to figure out why. Being forced to survive in a forest in the griffon empire for six months can change a stallion. He leaned forward slightly while resting his right hoof on the table with a slightly hurt frown. "Silver, I want you to know that no matter what happens, I will always be there to help you and keep you safe. I know you can take care of yourself, but one day you may run into a problem that you can't handle. I understand if you never look at me like I do you, but that won't change how I feel. And if even the Princesses try to punish you, I will fight till my soul is burned to ash to keep you safe." His eyes burned with a fire, but not the hellfire from before.

"Wow...that's mighty generous of you, Night." Silverspeed smiled. "I enjoy the drama. And good to know I got a friend like you to watch my back."

She stood up. "Well, see you bright and early in the morning then. Don't worry, I already covered for you." She trotted off, humming some odd tune as she left.

Diamond Tiara was once again gallivanting off on her own, determined to find something to alleviate her of her boredom. That's when she saw Sugar Cube Corner. There was a hundred percent chance that the Cutie Mark Cru-Losers would be hanging out there. So, without skipping a beat, she passed through the doors.

Night watched her leave and felt warm inside. She now knew how much he cared and loved her and that was good enough for him. 'Still wish I could have her though. If she asked me to fight every demon and monster in Tartarus and then the princesses at the same time afteward, I wouldn't even speak before doing it.' He realized that he might be going overboard with his thoughts, but he didn't care. He got up and headed back to his home, eagerly awaiting for morning to come.

Diamond hadn't watched where she was going, and bumped into the odd stallion. "Hey buddy, watch where you're going...o....kaay?" Diamond's eyes widened. This guy was big. And on top of that, he was dressed like a freak. Why had she decided to go out alone again?

Night looked down at the tiny filly. It was a first for him, having to look straight down at his hooves to see somepony. He cleared his throat. "Sorry miss. I wasn't looking where I was going. How about I make it up to by treating you to whatever you want in here." He offered a gentle smile at the filly. Night always had a weakness for foals, no matter how rude or annoying.

"Oh...yeah...sure...whatever." Diamond picked up her tiara and carefully adjusted it on her head. "Just um...watch where you're going. And I prefer chocolate flavor for my milkshakes thank you very much."

Night's smile stayed, despite the filly's attitude. "All right. One chocolate milkshake, coming up!" He ordered the treat and returned to his table with the shake and placed it across from his own untouched dessert. 'Luna, I have got to pay more attention. Silver really messed me up, not that I'm not happy about it.' He began eating after asking the filly. "My name is Night Shadow, what's your name young lady." He still had his smile on.

"Night Shadow? That's a pretty morbid name don't you think?" Diamond sipped on her milkshake. "Well...since you obviously haven't met me before, Diamond Tiara Rich."

Night chuckled at her comment about his name. "Yeah, but it fits. Could you look at me and hear me say 'Hi, my name is Sunshine Sky' without bursting into laughter?" He smiled a little wider. "And that's a very lovely name, Miss Diamond Tiara." He gave a little bow as he said her name.

Diamond smiled. At least the weirdo had manners. "Thank you, and I think with a little proper make up, you could blend in as a real pony yourself."

Night laughed lightly. "Believe it or not, this is what I really look like. Even these beauties are real." He smiled big enough to show his fangs. "And besides, a Commander in the Lunar Guard needs to look scary." He knew he probably shouldn't be telling more ponies about his job, but with way things were going, everypony would find out soon.

"Commander in the Lunar Guard, huh?" Diamond giggled. "Yeah right. Where's your armor? And what are you doing in a place like this?"

Night knew she wouldn't believe him without proof, so he reached into his saddlebags and pulled out a badge that only those of high rank in the guard possessed, one that was impossible to make a fake of. It was common knowledge that was taught to fillies and colts so they knew who to trust when with a stranger who claimed to be a guard. He slid it to Diamond and, his smile still intact, answered her questions. "I'm not wearing my armor because I'm on leave for vacation, the same reason I came here."

"Wow..." Well...this was embarrassing. Hiding her chagrin under a self-conceited "hmph", Diamond continued their discussion. "So you like...fought bad guys or something? Protect the Princess?"

Night nodded. "Yes, but it wasn't just them. Take about four years ago. There was a bandit group of 250 griffons heading for a village in Equestria. Princess Celestia sent me to stop them. I fought for six. Days. Straight. And all without rest. When they were defeated, I had collapsed from pure exhaustion. My wounds didn't bother me, but my body was SCREAMING at me after that." He laughed a bit before continuing. "Do you know what the village's name was?" He knew she didn't as this wasn't recorded in history to spare the ponies of the village in question the fear of attack.

"Ummm...let me guess...Fantasyland?" Diamond Tiara shook her head, snickering at the stallion's naivety. "250 griffins, yeah right. Fought for six days? Come on, even I know that's outrageous."

Night simply stood up and shook his coat to where all his scars were no longer hidden, all of which looked like they were made by very sharp and deadly weapons. "If there's one thing I'm not, it's a lair. And no, not 'Fantasyland'." He chuckled. "Ponyville. If you think back to the earthquake back then, I think you'll make the connection."

"What earthquake?" Diamond scratched her head. "If you mean the stampede that was Applejack? Or when Nightmare Moon returned, the Elements of Harmony. Or when Discord took over...the Elements of Harmony. And...oh wait...that's right...I don't believe you." Diamond crossed her hooves, before drawing back in horror at the sight of the scars. "And will you please hide that. Bleh...that's disgusting. I still don't believe you. You've been in the guard for quite some time. If you really fought 250 griffins, I'd say you're just as crazy as Pinkie Pie, and believe me, that's by a long run. Like, seriously? We get so many things coming in this town I think we get a couple dozen earthquakes just from Pinkie's doozies. Anyway, you can't feel the earth shake in a battle with griffins. Number one mistake." Diamond kept up a smug smile.

Night smirked right back. "First off, I said it was 'four years ago', so unless you were in a crib, you would have felt the tremors. And second, it quite easy when the griffons are using bombs. I didn't earn the rank of Commander for nothing." He shook his fur again and hide the scars.

"First off. I'm ten. And second. Like I said, we get a lot of earthquakes in Ponyville. I highly doubt you fought all those big bad griffins by yourself. Not only is it physically impossible, but you don't look that tough."

Night decided to give Diamond a show. "Care to put your bits where your mouth is? I know where to find a spot to show you just how good of a fighter I really am. I win by proving what I said about me is true, then you have to admit that I was right with a witness. If I can't then I'll take you out around the town and get you anything and everything you want for a whole day." He gave another smile.

"Alright. Prove it to me." Diamond smiled. "Let's shake on it."

Night held out his hoof and met hers. They shook on it and the deal was set. "Alright, follow me."

They had arrived at a meadow at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Night looked around for what he wanted till he found it. "Ah-ha!!" He walked over to what looked like a sunken boulder. "This will do nicely. Alright, now I'll do three tests to show that I can back up what I say. The first is strength, then speed, and finally skill. You will pick what I have to do, but not how. Alright, first test!" He smirked as he knew he had this in the bag.

"Let's go right in order. Strength. Speed. Skill." Diamond Tiara continued to sip on the milkshake, which she'd taken with her. The Cake's wouldn't miss a glass after all. "And remember, this is proving to me without a doubt that you could take on 250 griffins."

Night grinned. "I'm waiting~" He sang out.

"Let's see..." Diamond pointed at the boulder. "Lift that up. Thirty hooves above the ground."

Night looked towards where she was pointing and felt the blood leave his face. 'I'm boned.' He sighed and ran at it full blast. When he was a few meters away, he leapt into the air and stuck his fore-hooves out to grab the overgrown rock and slammed his rear-hooves into the ground and pulled with all he had. He began to feel it give before he pried it from the ground to reveal that it was three times bigger than it appeared. 'Faust, you hate me, don't you?' He lifted as much as he could, but couldn't bring it more than twenty hooves high. He dropped it and panted hard as he dropped to all fours. "Well, first test was a bust. Next test?"

Opa the Okapi jumped when she felt the giant rock slam into the ground, and it didn't seem to be too far away from where she had been gathering herbs to fashion a nice herbal flower dish for her dinner. She paused from gathering to move in the direction of the sound to see the two of them standing next to the fallen rock. Staying close to the brush to not be seen right away, she thought, 'I should listen to what they say, so it's too soon to give myself away. But soon enough I should try, or they might think me a spy. It's not easy to find a solution to all of this confusion.'

"Alright...now for speed. There's a special sale in Canterlot. In the next five minutes, I want a prismere Butella scarf in my hooves before those five minutes are up, alright?"

Night grinned a little impishly. "You mean..." He trotted over to his saddlebags and pulled out the very scarf she just described. "...this scarf?" He was grinning like a bandit now.

"Oh yes yes yes!" Diamond snatched the scarf, rolling the fabric over her face. "And you got this from Canterlot just this instance?"

Night couldn't lie, even if would it make her believe him. He smiled. "No, I've had that for a while now. It was given to me by a noblemare who was grateful for my help one day. She said she had it enchanted so it would never become dirty and it would keep you warm in the winter. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the test was to have that in your hooves before the five minute sale was over, yes?" He lidded his eyes as his smile remained.

"Quite." Diamond smiled. "Alright, final test. Convince me that you're a filly scout selling cookies."

Night felt his inner male sobbing while his inner flankhole was laughing his own flank off, but he kept his smile. "Alright, let see no-" His eyes narrowed in shock before continuing. "Diamond, come over here. Slowly." He was staring at what had caught his attention; eyes of a Timberwolf. How he had not noticed till now was beyond him, especially with that foul breath. His body went tense, as if he were about to pounce, which if things went south, he would.

"What?" Diamond cocked her head back. "If you're trying to impress me, you're doing a really bad job at it. Although I ought to have led the filly scouts. I could have led them down a totally new path of glory. But what do they know."

Night didn't say anything, as his glare was fixed on the Timberwolf not ten hooves behind Diamond. Finally, he spoke in a whisper loud enough for the filly to hear. "Listen to me, when I say run, you run. Don't stop till you reach Ponyville. Find a grey pegasus mare with a silver mane. Her name is Silverspeed. Tell her to warn the town to evacuate." He nodded towards behind her to prove his point.

"What are you talking about? And how do you know Silver...speed...?" Diamond turned around and froze, her eyes locked in those yellow irises. Unable to move, she could only shiver. "It's...umm..."

Love is painful

At that moment, the Timberwolf charged the filly with it maw wide open. When it was right at her, it was sent flying by a dark hoof. "RUN!!!!" At that cry, the forest erupted with a horde of Timberwolves, one which Night charged and met head on. He fought like a demon, crushing wooden skulls and ripping off limbs. One came close to the filly who was still frozen before he grabbed it by its tail and roar out. "GET OVER HERE!!!" He threw it into the other wolves, giving him moment. He yelled at Diamond. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! RUN!!!" While he was distracted, three Timberwolves had sunk their fangs into him. One on his back and one on each of his front hooves.

Diamond was paralyzed. She was supposed to do something. But what was it? All she could see were those yellow...beady eyes.

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Night roared in pain, but fought through it. He threw the one on his left hoof into the horde like the first, then he swung the one on his other hoof till it was under him and stomped his hoof through it's head, and finally threw himself on his back, crushing the third. He got up just as quickly and yelled one the top of his lungs.

"IF YOU WANT THIS FILLY, THEN YOU HAVE TO KILL ME FIRST!!!!!"

He was sure the all of Ponyville could hear that and with luck, Silver. At the thought of her brought a tear to his eye. He may not survive this, but he wouldn't care as long as she, Diamond, and the rest of Ponyville was safe. 'If I don't live, goodbye, my love.' He charged right back into the horde.

A spear was thrown at the ground tripping one of the Timberwolves destroying him causing them to stop and look at over at Aurora with anger. "Hey Timberwolves come get me instead I'm way more juicy." The Timberwolves started chasing him. "You ponies get out of here I got them!"

Night looked at the pony that had just pulled the wolves away. He saw that the stallion was faster than them and wouldn't need help. He turned and limped over to Diamond. "Hey, c’mon. Let get out of here while they're gone." He shook her slightly, snapping her out of her fear-induced trance.

"What...oh..." Diamond was still shell-shocked. But slowly the eyes were fading and she allowed Night to lead her away.

Night limped painfully as both his front hooves were turned into chewtoys, making him grunt in pain with every step. After fifteen minutes, they finally made it back to town, where he saw a certain mare. "We made it. You're safe now Diamond." His right hoof caught a rock, causing him to hit the ground hard. "Ghaa!!"

Opa couldn't help but notice the timberwolves chasing ponies back towards Ponyville, and knew that they had to be distracted to stay out of the way of the civilized folk. After all, she lived in the Everfree Forest almost full time, and knew how to live with the threats therein. She figured she could call many of the timberwolves back with an impersonation of a howl. After howling for several seconds, she withdrew back for a couple of minutes and howled again. One thing about an Okapi was their ability to run great distances at speed without taking a breather. After all, she spent most of her young life fleeing hyena attacks. After her tribe getting scattered about the world and ending up in the Everfree Forest, it wasn't hard to tune in from one wilderness area to another. Once they were drawn far enough away, she covered herself with the essence of a flower she knew was repellent to timberwolves, and hid in shrubs until they lost interest.

With Aurora still running not paying attention to his footing he stumbled down a hill hitting branches on the way landing hard on his head at the bottom. "Ah sweet Celestia that hurts." He see the Timberwolves still chasing him, he gets up and continue his run through until he loses them. He makes his way out entering to town where he trots over to the Ponies he helped. "Are you guys okay?" He said as blood rushed down his head through his mane.

Night looked up at the pony that helped them before, his own hooves and back bleeding as well as a few cuts and bites here and there. "You got away, I thought so. And yes we're fine, I just to rest a moment. Luna, I'm so tired." He could feel himself weakening from the loss of blood.

Diamond shook herself out of her momentary stupor, surprised at the amount of blood. "Sweet Celestia! Ugh...he's bleeding. Umm...where's the doctors?"

Aurora looked at his hooves. "You don't seem fine to me come on let's get you to the hospital so they can patch you up." Aurora picks up the stallion placing him on his back since his magic isn't working all of a sudden. "Come little filly you might want to come too, not safe for you to be around here alone."

"And who the heck are you?" Diamond questioned. "How do I know you didn't just send them here, huh?"

Night could see darkness encroaching on him. He looked from his position and saw Diamond. "Diamond, find either, hrgn!, either Silverspeed or Blitz Flare and tell them what happened."

"Blitz? Why would you want him? He's a total loser and dweeb. And Silverspeed's just a...hold on." Diamond rushed off. She had an idea where Silverspeed might be.

Aurora continued carrying the pony to Ponyville Hospital. "We're almost there just hang in there a little more pal."

Night saw her rush off, a smile on his face. "If she can run that fast, then she's fine." He glanced at the stallion carrying him. "Sorry about this. I know I'm not the lightest pony, exspecially with my large size. You okay?"

Aurora smiled. "Heh I'm fine just minor head injury and a broken horn I should be fine." He looked back at him. "Besides your weight is nothing I use to train with stallions heavier than you." They arrived at the Ponyville Hospital as Aurora placed the stallion on a bed. "Can we get a doctor in here fast please?"

Night croaked out. "I am Commander Night Shadow of the Lunar Guard, this stallion WILL be heeded." Even injured, he could pull off his rank quite well. After that though, he fainted after seeing the doctors and nurses run up to him.

Aurora went to go sit in the hallway until the doctors was done. 'He's the commander of the Lunar Guard, never expected that.' Aurora decided to get some rest from all that has happen.

Night woke shortly after he fainted, but gave no sign that he was awake. He could feel the doctors heal his wounds and stitch the ones that couldn't be healed fully. He then felt something wrap around him,bandages maybe. When all was said and done, they left him hooked up to a few machines. Not long after he felt the drugs they gave him take affect and he was out again, groaning out a name. "Sil...ver....."

"Are you kidding me." Silverspeed looked down at his bandaged body. "He went into the Everfree Forest?" She asked the doctor. "During Timberwolf mating season? I...I...ugh...I can't take this." She heard her name and glanced at Night. "Well...well...well...look who misses me."

Night's face began to twist into one of pain. Not many know, but when Night has nightmares, he talks in his sleep. "R..run Silver. NO, get away from her! Silver run!!" He began thrashing despite the doctors holding him down with magic.

Silverspeed shook her head, turning to the Doctor she asked. "How long is he going to be like this?"

Aurora woke up and walked in the room. "He's been here for a few hours." He got his head and his horn bandage while he was sleep.

Night let out an earth shattering scream before snapping his eyes open, tears of pure fear ready to flow. His eyes were wild, almost feral, and searching the room until he saw Silver and relaxed. "It...it was only a dream. Thank Faust you're safe." Tears of relief flowed while he smiled, despite the pain he felt.

Aurora eyes widen and he blinks twice. "You talk in your sleep you must been traumatized from the event."

Night frowned, shaking his head. "No, it was event from my past. Only Silver was the to be taken." He breathed out, refering to that day. "I still remember that horrible laugh. And those eyes, Luna those eyes, they haunt me to this day."

"Must been bad for you to scream like that." Aurora walks over to the bed.

Night breathed deeply before sighing. He looked over to Silver. "I'm just glad it was only a nightmare. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you." He smiled again, still being his usual self when around her.

"What were you thinking Night?" Silver shook her head. "Leading a filly into the Everfree Forest at night? Why?"

Night banged his head against the wall, seeing as how his hooves were restrained. "I knew it was mating season for the Timberwolves, but I checked their mating grounds and they nowhere near where we were. Something, or somepony, must have forced them away, making them really angry. I'll have to look into that when I'm healed. As for why we were there, Diamond wanted to see if I could back up my claims of being a guard. Which, now that I think about it, was the second most stupidest thing I've done since coming to Ponyville. I've could have requested my files from Canterlot, but my weakness to see a foal happy made me an idiot for a bit." He looked at the heart monitor, hearing it's beeps. "I'm just glad she's safe now. I would never forgive myself if even one scratch was given to her. " He sighed. "Am I even needed? All I seem to do is screw things up and make others mad at me or hate me."

Aurora spoke up after what he said. "Of course you're need you sir is the Commander of the Lunar Guard I would have probably got that position if I stayed in Royal Guard Academy, but you made it to Commander and you may not have known this Timberwolves leave their mating grounds to get sap from maple trees to make a their grounds stay together." Aurora hands him a book on Timberwolves he's been reading since he got at the Hospital. "I love to study different types of monsters and animals so i decided to read this book on Timberwolves since the attack so maybe you guys were around the maple trees where they get their sap." He scratches his mane around the bandage as it makes his head itch.

Night swore under his breath. "No wonder they were mad. Buck!! I could have caused a family to lose their filly! I won't be surprised if they despised me for putting their daughter in danger." He berated himself mentally for forgetting something so important.

"Yeah well you still saved Diamond Tiara, and for that...I think Rich is willing to let it slide." Silverspeed shook her head. "But Night, you on the other hoof need to realize you're not some superpony with extraordinary gifts, okay? You might be a guard, which is good, but you have to understand this town doesn't need a superhero. We just need a friendly face. But...I'm just glad you're okay."

With that, she gave him a gentle nuzzle on the cheek. "Now you owe Diamond Tiara a day of fun and since I'm her friend's sister, I expect it to be good, understand?"

Night blushed at the nuzzle and smiled. "After what I put her through, she needs it. Hay, I'll even give your sister a day with us if she wants, seeing as how I nearly cost her a friend." His face hardened after that however. "As for the 'being a hero' thing, you don't have to worry about that. This was just a bad choice on my part. But that doesn't mean that I won't put my life on the line to protect somepony, especially a foal." His eyes held a fire like when he had talked to Silver earlier, but not as intense.

"Then it's settled. And Night." She turned back. "Do be careful, evil often disguises itself in shades of grey, and those shades of grey often hide in more ponies than you'd think."

Night smirked. "Evil is subject to change. One who is a tyrant could be seen as a saint and vise-versa. My beliefs and feelings won't change no matter what happens." He looked at her beautiful lavender eyes. "Just promise me this. If you meet anypony with small green and yellow eyes, no matter what, run." He looked at her pleadingly, remembering his dream.

"Alright. Good night, Shadow." She walked out of the emergency room.

Blitz was coming out of the room that was before Nights,his hoof and chest area bandaged up, as well as part of his back hoofs and head "That 'Peaceful Forrest Hike' wasn't that peaceful at all."

Night saw how his friend looked and called out. "Blitz."

His ears perked up at hearing a familiar voice "Shadow? What the heck are you doing here,you crazy son of a gun." Blitz said as he tried to extend a hoof but instead felt pain "Argh, right bandaged, sorry, cant shake right now." he said with a tired smile.

Night's hardened look never faded, even for Blitz. "Listen to me and don't talk until I'm done. A filly and myself were attacked by Timberwolves today. The filly is safe, but I'm now out of commission. Since it's mating season, everypony is going to say that it was because we were near maple trees. But I checked that area, there were NO such trees. Something made them come to us, but I don't know what. What I'm about to ask you is important and could involve the fate of Ponyville if I'm right. I need you to keep an eye out for anything that might have caused this. I know you're not at top form, but you'll heal long before I will. I need you for this and to report to me when you have something or you think you do. You can refuse, but I rather have you on this than anypony else."

"Everfree again?Where do you think i got in this form,i got a broken hoof,3broken ribs and 2 more fractured,a concussion and some internal pleadings." Blitz said "I wont be feeling better for at least a month.First it was a Split snake whose venom makes you act like a psychopath,then it was minotaurs,and the rest i dont wanna talk about. I really need to find myself a mare,maybe she can smack some sense in me since all the beasts,adventures and all never did."Blitz said, then smiled sheepishly "But all in all,i got nothing stopping me from helping a buddy." He said with a smile "What do ya need?"

Night chuckled and smiled. "Sorry, it's just I got Timberwolf saliva in my wounds and it's making healing all the more harder. Not to mention that one nearly ripped out my spine. But like I said, just keep an eye and an ear out and tell me if anything seems suspicious. I'll handle it when I get out and I had my day with Diamond Tiara." He sighed. "I can just imagine how that's going to end up." He chuckled again.

"Just hope Filthy doesn't eat you up." Blitz said "Better prepare mentally cuz i have a feeling your gonna see him real soon."

Night smirked. "So THAT'S why her name sounded familiar. Well, you don't have to worry about me. He owes me a few favors, so I think I'll be fine." He grinned like a bandit.

"Doubt it,a few favors is nothing compared to the most valuable pony in his life,but i like your enthusiasm."

"I'll help too a little head injury and a broken horn not gonna stop me from protecting fillies and Ponyville." Aurora stepped up beside Blitz. "Should I do the same?"

Night laughed then winced in pain. "Trust me, if you knew some of the things I knew about him, you'd change opinion. If it wasn't for me, he would be poorer than a desert of water." He looked to Aurora. "And yes, I think you've proven that I can trust you with this. Once I'm healed enough to leave, I'll check out anything you two told me. Until then though, I've got a rich pony to embarrass." He smirked.

Love is hurtful (Side chapter)

[A/N] This is to show what happened with Blitz and Aurora while they were in the forest. Will also show others such as Silverspeed and Opa.)

Silverspeed was dressed up in a black cape and enchanted cowl that only revealed a pair of luminous eyes. It was agile, but most importantly it was quiet. Timberwolves had an insane sense of hearing. And besides, it had been a while since she broke this baby out. Grabbing the enchanted bow she bought from that merchant, she turned to give her sleeping sister a kiss on the forehead. "I'll be back soon." And with that, she locked the door.

"Awesome." Aurora put the spear to his side so he wouldn't cause any accidents with it. "I believe I'm ready for this mission."

"Daayyyyang." Blitz yelled mentally unfortunaltely for the other two the link was still active. Suddenly Filthy cam marching when they were passing the hospital,and he was mad "What i tell you." Blitz said with an 'I told you so' grin.

Aurora looked at a map. "Guess we'll split up." Aurora had a bad feeling about something but he pointed out the east side of the Everfree. "I'll take this side of the forest where the maple trees are where they collect the sap to see if there are any strange ponies are out that way."

Silverspeed was in the forest, truth be told she didn't really know why. But she figured as long as she was careful, no harm could come to her. She continued to go into the woods until she remembered Night's words. Well...was there really a point to danger? Was rushing off into the woods, determined to prove something that wasn't there truly noble? Putting her bow back over her back, Silverspeed decided to leave this battle in favor of fighting another one in the future.

Blitz was flying above the forest,since he completed his job in town and nopony suspicious was found.Thanks to the Night Sight lenses he got from Shadows armory he could see as if it was day.Thats when he saw a robed figure down below.He flew to it and landed in front "Excuse me.Its dangerous, with Timberwolf mating season,to go into the forest.May i ask why your here?" Blitz then noticed that only the figures eyes could be seen and a bow on her back,he put two and two together "Silver?Silver is that you?" Blitz said trough his helmet.

Silver jumped back, pulling out an arrow and pointing her bow back at Blitz. She didn't need to speak. Not if she wanted to blow her cover.

"Wow.wow,WOOOW." Blitz shouted as he jumped "Calm down will ya? Its me Blitz!" He said removing his helmet to reveal his familiar face only with his irises changed to a horizontal line, thanks to the Night Sight stone.

Silverspeed didn't say anything, merely backing away in the direction of Ponyville. She could hold the bow for a while, but her hindlegs were giving in. She took off in a sprint.

Blitz shakes his head and flies up "When will she learn she cant win in a race against me." He flew above the trees so not be seen and then landed right in the path Silver was running only for her to bump into him and her hood to fall of "You know, running from me, NOT the smartest choice." Blitz said with a happy smile.

Silver fell back on her rump, the hood coming off. She supposed the full outfit and enchanted hood would have been overdone a tad bit. "Well...the last thing I need is Silver Spoon finding out where I've been. And besides. You're always butting into other ponies' business. A smarter pegasus would have already known it's me and flew off. After all...you know I don't miss at point blank range."

"Unless you don't have arrows to shoot." Blitz said and putting on the ground 16 arrows "Im here because Shadow asked me and Aurora to check out anything suspicious,he cares way to much for you to ask you to help with this.So,why are you here?"

"The same reason you are. Except instead I'm going home." Silverspeed grabbed the arrows out of Blitz's hooves. "Good night, Blitz. And I prefer you keep this a secret around my mother."

"Keep what a secret?" Blitz said with a sly grin.

Aurora was walking through the Everfree when he looked ahead to see a bunch of Timberwolves collecting sap. "Oh buck." He quietly hid in the bushes hoping he doesn't get caught by them. "Everything seems normal out this way nothing strange I'll wait a bit and follow when they leave." When he saw them starting to move toward his way his eyes widen. "Oh no if they're coming this way thats the way to Blitz area." Aurora connect his mind crystal to Blitz. "Um Blitz the Timberwolves are heading your way." He as Timberwolves steps over him and on him he tries not to make a sound nor move. "Argh... hurry and get somewhere to hide."

"Silver.Fly.NOW." Blitz said as he took off and stopped below the leaves waiting for Silver.

Silver didn't need to be told twice, she took off down the houses, waving bye to Blitz. "Don't get eaten now."

"Like you need to worry about me." Blitz yelled back 'Aurora,whats up with you, how you hanging? Need assistance?' He mentally contacted Aurora.

Aurora got up slowly out the ground and answered back. "I-I'm fine sweet sweet Celestia Timberwolves are heavy." He notice a stallion walking away from the sap tree. "Blitz I found somepony I'm going to follow."

'Roger that mi amigo.' Blitz said telepathically 'Im gonna follow from above' With that said he took of and at the location Aurora was.

Opa would have been happy with the timberwolves she led astray earlier, but now things were different. She had to make sure none of them made their way into Ponyville. Once she was done with her run, she masked her scent so she could double back and look for signs of the ponies that the wooden menaces had attacked earlier. She hoped that they made it back to town in one piece, but she couldn't have taken the time to check while she was calling them away. It seemed to rather boggle her mind that any pony would have trekked so far out at that time of the year. Perhaps they just didn't know better. She had to make sure that no one was left behind to taken down in the attack. "Perhaps in the wrong place I be, for there are seemingly no ponies to see."

'Aurora,i see the suspect.' Blitz said. 'Do we corner and interrogate?'

Aurora gave a creepy grin. 'Interrogation time.' Aurora sneaks up on the stallion, takes the end of the spear and knocks him out.

''I was actually thinking corner him you from behind an i land infornt...but i guess that could work too" Blitz said as he descended.

Aurora takes some vine and ties the stallion to a nearby tree. "Now lets get some answers. Do we do this here or should we take him back to Night?"

"Ill contact Shadow while you tie him up." Blitz said as he activated the crystal "Shadow,come in,Shadow you there?"

"What's up Blitz? You got something?"

"We got a stallion who was messing with the trees. What do you us to do?"

"Good, bring him to my house and to the basment. I'll take care of him when I get home."

As Blitz made his way back to Aurora he noticed the figures actual...figure "Uhm Aurora,that aint no stallion."

Aurora looked closely. "Ummmmm." He looked confused.

Waking up tied to a tree, Opa has to wonder aloud, "Oh this pain in my head. Could I possibly be dead? Oh I must be alive for this pain to feel and thrive."

Aurora talking to Blitz. "Do you know this pony cause I sure don't and have Night answered back yet."

Blitz looked at Aurora "Sorry,no idea who she is."

"My kind you may not know. Far away did they grow. I am unusual as you can see. My people are called the Okapi. But when a spell scattered my tribe, the Everfree Forest became my vibe. Now if you could let me go, then I would happily tell you what I know. The timberwolves are breeding in their rut. The only ones to hang about here must have a loose nut. The reason I do not have to rant is I can smell like a plant. It's a bit of a feat not to smell like meat."

Aurora looked at Blitz and sighed taking his spear and cutting the vine. "Now tell us everything you know Okapi." Aurora talked to Blitz in his mind. 'Keep your guard up.'

"Calm down mate,i got this." Blitz said as he lowered his head to her level "Before we let you go,I want you to look me in the eye and tell me you had nothing to do with the attack of the timberwolfs on my friends earlier."

"I did not call the timberwolves to attack your friends. This line of guilt so here ends," she replied, "While they ran away from the attack, I used a wolf-call to call them back. In the forest do they belong. Not in Ponyville in a throng." She paused for a second. "What kind of call did I just hear? Not any beast I need to fear." She chuckles. "Perhaps your friends pony is making a call that sounds too phony?"

Aurora flicked his ear in confusion and a little annoyed. "What?"

"Listen friend,one thing to know about me." Blitz said as he rose his head "I can detect lies,and right now my detector is as silent as ever." Blitz face was show a bright gentle and happy smile "Thank you for helping our friends." He said as he untied her. "Aurora,we can trust her,she DID save our frineds."

Aurora grinned. "Alright then sorry for knocking you out." He said while helping Blitz untie her.

"Now you may tell me if you can see anymore wolves that threaten Ponyville and how do your friends do? I can catch the smell of blood. Some but no flood. I wish I could have helped them more when they were in need before. But I feared they might fall if not drawn back with a call."

"That blood might be from me.Still in my coat probably,really need to take a shower." Blitz said "They're fine though and as far as i can see no wolves." he said as he realized something "Ooh i need to tell Shadow of the new info."

'Shadow ya there?' Blitz said as he activated the crystal 'The mare's clean,and yeha its a mare not a stallion.I asked her if she had something to do with the attack of the timberwolves on you,she did but she is the reason you guys got out.She did some sort of call and called them off from you.'

Night chimed in. "I see. Tell her she's invited to my home and if there's anypony else around that hasn't attacked you yet, invite them too. If what the mare said is true, then she will probably spot them before you do."

Aurora took of his helmet to fix mane to where it all was hung back and not having some of it hanging through the front. "Strange." He tapped his hooves as he tries to remember what happen during the attack and remember something very important.

Opa smiled. "I'm glad that they turned out well. I could use a rest as I can tell. Leading the wolves by running for miles so that I may sneak back with smiles. Living Everfree for a while, I know how to pass a wolfish trial. It's not so different from distant home where the savage hyena roam. Lions can attack in prides, and cheetahs race with great strides. But I seem to carry on when there's ponies that were set upon. So perhaps I would like to hear what you yourselves are doing out here?" She looked between the two. "There is a little secret that I can tell. Timberwolves hunt prey by smell. Strong plant scents can throw them off the trail. The right smell will never fail. There pack is organized by their calls. Their interest in the members of the packs in hunting falls. I can thrive here with the creatures that live by knowing when to run and when to give."

Aurora was covering the back as they was heading towards Night's house. "This is a long night."

Opa followed along, something telling her that she should do so even if her common sense was warning her not to do so. But another feeling was telling her it would be more dangerous to stay behind. "It seems I should stay away from here for the night, then return with the morning light. But I have no bits to pay for a place that I might stay."

Aurora smiled. "I have enough bits to help you out if you need them."

"Your generosity I appreciate. I shall follow before it gets late."

Night called Aurora. "Aurora, I don't know if Blitz told you, but I've invited the mare to my home. It's close to the forest and away from town. I can guess she doesn't want to be in town any longer than she has to be. Plus, I wish to thank her face-to-face. I'm already here, so I'm just waiting for you lot."

Aurora knocked on Nights door but just for the heck of it as he open the door he connected back to him. "We're here." Then disconnects.

Love is new

Night smirked. "Smart flank." He looked to the mare and to say he was surprised would be an understatement. "An Okapi? I never thought I would see one here. Well, I'm happy to meet you, miss?"

She looked over the place as she replied, "Opa is the name by which I'm known. Is that the place that you own?"

Night closed his eyes and smiled, as if listening to soft music. "Ah, it's been too long since I've heard Okapi speak. Brings back memories." He opened his eyes, his smile still there. "And yes, it is." Night paused, before thinking for the perfect way to introduce himself. "I am called Night Shadow, it is my name. Meeting you is a pleasure, for you I hope it's the same." He spoke how his old Okapi friends showed him when meeting a new Okapi.

"Ah you speak like those from home in a land so far away. It's nice to be welcomed like that today. Other ponies haven't been so nice when they bother to look at me twice." She looks about just a little nervously. "Perhaps it is too much of a sin to wonder if I may come in?"

Night's face became one of anger at the news that other would be harsh and rude to Opa just because she's different, but he calmed himself and smiled. "If I thought it a sin I wouldn't have invited you. Let's go inside, before the morning dew."

"Perhaps it is not out of place to sing a blessing in this space?" Without waiting for an answer, Opa steps into the entrance way and begins to sing as well as prance in a small circle.

"Oh how may I describe a mighty warrior of this tribe?

And his home so grand to be known across the land.

May he touch so many lives with his cattle and his wives!

And many songs shall be sung and trophies from his wall are hung!"

As she sings and prances, her hooves begin to glow as she seems to step up into the air itself.

"Oh may we all elate in a warrior so great!

That he may not be aloof with all his foes under hoof!

When savage enemies attack, his courage shall not surely lack!

Oh that you could surely see that you could have a wife like me!"

Her voice rises as she spins faster, her hooves growing brighter.

"Oh mighty warrior I surely bless, that you deserve more not less!

While your enemies may deride, there is no better for the tribe!

When the time calls for might, you shall surely do what's right!

In the time when song and dance shine, we shall be yours and thine!"

A glow radiates from her whole body that seems to permeate all around her.

Opa rises onto her hind legs spinning tighter and faster like an ice skater in a tight spin. The glow grows as the charm of her magic seems to lift the hopes of all who hear her (or that's what it's supposed to do).

"Oh may all those near sing your praise for all to hear!

May your wives have many foals, and may you gain all your goals!

May you not be ruled by greed to help all those who are in need!

May all your decisions be wise as our spirit soar the skies!"

She spins so quickly, one has to wonder if she's getting dizzy. Just then, a rather torch burning at both end justs seem to appear in her mouth. She spins the torch on her nose in the direction opposite that she herself is spinning. She then transfers the torch to her right hoof as another appears on her nose. Then that torch is transferred to the left hoof as yet another appears in its place. It's amazing how the flames all seem to be contained close to her body, with no signs of smoke or embers. She almost seems to be ringed by two sets of rings traced by the burning ends of the torches she spins plus the one on the end of her nose.

At a few of her lines, Night couldn't help the blush that burned his face. Before he could say anything though, he heard a knock on his door and went to answer it. Before opening, he turned to Opa and smiled. "A beautiful song, that be. But behind my door, I must see." He opened the door and saw a messager. "Yes?" He kept his smile.

"I was told a certain Okapi was here." The messenger stammered. "Forgive me...it's a matter of some urgency that I deliver this note to her and only to her. Matter of confidentiality I'm afraid."

Night smile faded. Who could know she was here? Her coming here was a last minute idea. He turned to Opa and called out. "Opa, my friend! A message for you, somepony done send!!!"

"Ok, Night, did you catch the rhyme or something,or could you talk more normally, I know you mean respect, but she already knows that." Blitz said with a crackly smile.

"Eh what the hay,might as well give it a shot,outside of music."

"A message for you?" Blitz turned to Opa "Is the content of it true?"

She suddenly seems to snap out of a trance when she says "Uh, wha... AHHH!" It seems that to awaken a dancer in the middle of a spell is a bad thing. Her whole body explodes with light as she spins out of control, falling to the floor as the burning torches scatter several feet all around her. Falling to the floor, she lands on her back hard as the wind is driven from her lungs.

"Oh dear." The messenger held a hoof to his mouth.

Night rushed over ignoring the flames after yelling out two words. "AQUA VENTUS!!" Water fell from the ceiling as he reach Opa, breaking his rhyme. "Are you okay?! I'm so sorry, I didn't think that would...oh, Faust, are you okay?!" Night was worried out of his mind. He saw any harm to such a peaceful race as a grave sin. He helped her up, but she stumbled and ended up being caught in his arms, him blushing from the contact.

"Oh no," she gasp, "I know... the blessing song spell gone wrong I can tell... My inexperience does show. My spell I did blow..." Leaning against Night, she bursts into tears and sobbing. "I try so hard to relate, but sure now must I have earned your hate!"

Night was stunned. Earned HIS hate? He snapped out of the thought and began running his hoof through her mane, whispering to her. "Shhh, don't talk like that. It was a very beautiful song, but it was my fault that it was interrupted. If anything, you should hate me for almost getting you killed. The fire could have burned you if I didn't use the enchantments in my home. Please don't cry, seeing an Okapi, a mare Okapi at that, crying makes me want to kill the one responsible, and since I'm the reason you're crying....well...."

"NO NO!" she wept, "Don't you know? I should have keep up the song no matter the distractions strong! You know what the singer fails, the community itself ails! If you wish to stop this dud, then you must shed my blood! I must endure this fright in order to set things right!" She leans closer and wraps her forelegs about Night's chest. "I know I have not the right to ask to set upon you with this task. Take as much blood as you need in order to undo this horrible deed. I shall not wince nor cry, as it is my duty to try."

"wow,Wow,WOW." Blitz yelled "I'm not gonna try and understand the culture of your species,but i do understand one thing." Blitz said "Shedding blood will fix NOTHING.As i see it,there is no 'Horrible deed' done,it was just a small distraction,NOTHING MORE."

"Sir...I swear I'm just a messenger!" Muttering under his breath, he said, "I swear, all these ponies are so overdramatic it drives me to homicide."

Night snapped to the pony, hearing every word. "One more word out of you. Just one. Set the note on the night (pun not intended) stand, she will read it when she is good and ready and no sooner." Night turned to the others. "Aurora, Blitz, I think that's enough for tonight. Go home, I'll take care of her." Night lifted Opa's head to meet her eyes. "I will respect your laws, but in my own way."

Pulling herself free from Night, she positions facing him with her muzzle and barrel against the ground, and her forelegs underneath her body. Her hind legs remain standing if not slightly spread as she keeps her flank held high. It only seems that the tail between her legs is keeping some things from being seen. "You have seen fit to spare my life, so I must offer myself as a wife."

"What in the name of Tartarus?" The messenger arched his head back. "What's going on? Oh and that message is urgent. Okapi's eyes only. Thought I should add."

"OOkay, awkward," Blitz said,and then it hit him "Aint no way I'm gonna be best stallion.See YA." He said as he shot out the door past the colt.

Aurora exited out behind Blitz not saying a word.

Night blushed and his jaw hit the floor. The Okapi he met were NOT like this!!! He rushed to close her legs, place her on her hooves, and give himself a hard right hook, all in 0.3 seconds. He took a deep breath, then let it out. He smiled at her and turned to the pony at the door. "I understand, but if you could leave it there, I'm sure she'll read it before the night is through. Please, she's been through a lot. and I'd rather if we were alone."

"There is a message for me? Perhaps it is time to see." She does seem to be leaning into Night now.

"Looks to me like some sort of tribal thing," the messenger shrugged, taking out the note. "Can only be read by you and with me present. Sir, if you would be so kind as to leave us, it's more of a security precaution."

"Perhaps we should step outside," she sniffs, "To leave his own home I cannot abide."

Night looked at Opa. "No, I will leave, but only for a moment. If you need me, call and I'll tear down the walls to get to you." He then walked out the door and closed it.

"Oh he is surely a warrior great. Upon that point there isn't much debate."

Night stood outside deeply breathing. Then, out nowhere, he hits himself in the face with a hoof. He pulled it back and could already feel the 'heal' taking effect. "That was too close. I almost jumped her right there. Took every bit of my willpower to hold back."

The messenger pulled out the note, hoofing it to the Okapi.

To the reader,

My associates tell me you're a bit new to Equestria. Perhaps I can enlighten you? Meet me at the Ponyville Bank.

Sincerely,

T.G. Honesthooves

She blinks as she reads the message. "Who is this Honesthooves I know not? Is this a tribal chief who know a lot? I wish give you and thank, but I know not what is a bank."

"Well...they did say they'd explain it to you over there. So perhaps we should go?" The messenger jerked his head out the door. "This is kinda of a big deal, so yeah it's like meeting the chieftain except more for like...loans and stuff. Don't worry. You'll like it."

"Perhaps this chieftain I should see, but Night Shadow has been so kind to me," she says as she poked her head out the door, "I owe the mighty warrior my life, so he has the first choice to take me as a wife." She pauses to blush at her own words. "So if that is understood, then seeing this chief should be good." Looking down at her own hooves, she can no longer seem to look him in the eyes.

"Wife? No ma'am it's just offering you a bank account!" The messenger frantically waved his hooves. "No marrying of the bank chieftain. Just wants to welcome you to Ponyville. Would be mighty disrespectful if you didn't."

As the door opened, Night caught the last bit. Before the blush could set, his eyes widened and he marched right up to the messeger, his large size making his towering over the pony by a full head. He asked Opa without looking at her and kept his gaze on the pony in front of him. "This 'cheiftain' wouldn't happened to be named Honesthooves, would it?" Seeing her nod from the corner of his eye, he spoke to the pony. "I will come with her, this is not negotiable. I've already got an account with the bank. If they have a problem, then too bad." He never took his eye off the pony.

"I'm afraid it is too bad." The messenger sighed. "Sir, this is a matter of confidentiality. I was merely trying to express it in terms that she'd understand. Can't you respect privacy?"

Night snorted. "Oh I can respect privacy. But she has no idea know to handle anything like this." He took a breath to calm himself. "Look, if you can ask them to just wait till tomorrow night, let her get comfotable, she'll come. Just tell them it's me asking for this as a favor. I know they'll come back and collect on that favor at some point, but when they do I do it, no questions asked. Please."

"This privacy is confusing me, for mares have no rights you see." She looks around as if desperate to find something to fix on other than Night. "If he comes along with us, I surely cannot make a fuss."

"Well...mi'lady, in Equestria the mares do have rights. And so do businesses." The messenger looked at Night. "Fine...but it'll cost ya."

"Oh no," she sniffed, "I trouble you so. It so befuddles me... by the trouble you go through... just for what you see..." She turns and walks back into the house swishing her tail back and forth behind her.

Night didn't even flinch at the word 'cost'. "What will it take? Bits? Information? Death? What?"

Opa turned about at the word 'death'.

The messenger didn't even flinch. "Before you make this promise, I want your confirmation that should Honesthooves ever ask...anything from you...you will do it?"

"No! NO! NO!" she screams as she throws herself at the messenger's hooves, "I shall go! This Honesthooves I shall see! You owe NOTHING to me!"

The messenger held out his hoof. "Under any normal circumstances...I would not be saying this to anypony...anypony else. But if you do have an account, I want your word. On whatever honor you have, that you will obey this contract and should there come a time when we feel it is necessary to have you meet the demands of said contract...you will do it."

"Oh I cannot see why you do this for me!"

He turned away from Night, flashing her a gently smile. "I assure you, we are not a threat to be feared. We merely want to talk...trade as you will. If you'd like. Just follow me and I guarantee you'll be back before you know it."

"Oh Night do not fret," she sniffled, "I shall return you bet. If they wish to speak to me, then I shall go and see. Please wait for me to return, for your affections I shall not spurn. I have lived in a zone of war, so words don't scare me any more."

"Right this way." He led the Okapi out the door.

After reaching the bank, he gave two knocks, in which the door opened to reveal a wiry-haired manager. "Ahh, you must be the Okapi, well...our boss is waiting down there in the corridor if you don't mind."

"I have come this far not to run away," she replied, "so let us this this Honesthooves and bray." She walks towards the end of the corridor.

Without further adieu, the manager led Opa down towards the corridor, leaving her in a rather spacious cavern. "This was formally a vault until our boss...well...you'll see."

He closed the door. Locking it with his hooves.

"How good is your vision?" Topaz asked, deciding to keep herself coiled in one of the more darker areas of the room. "Just curious?"

"I have sufficient sight to run from hyenas in the night. Moonlight makes things better to see, as the moon is my friend you see."

"So tell me...can you see me?" Topaz asked, her luminous icy blue eyes studying the Okapi from head to hoof. "Clearly? Or unclearly?"

"Why I came from far away, I've seen a dragon or two I must say. Those icy eyes are something new, as I'm used to a fiery hue. I'm not sure what I should do, for I have seen things scarier than you. So what business brings me here that causes my friend Night to sear?"

"Night? So that's who's been stopping you." She chuckled, a tale slithering up to the Okapi. "You see, before I go into the details of our little arrangement, one thing I ask of anypony is silence. You keep your silence. And I'll make sure to keep mine. You don't talk to Night, your neighbor, that annoying dog on the street. Are we clear on that?"

"I know my place is where I'm told, so speaking out of turn is too bold. Only death can one reap if one's word they do not keep. Even if he should take me as a wife, I promise not to speak on my life."

"Good." Topaz replied finally. "Then...let's start with banking. Opa, have you ever dealt with any form of currency? Bits? Money?"

"I never dealt with bits before, but I know that I need more. They say you get them with some work. I don't mind that, I don't shirk."

"It's fairly simple," Topaz flashed her teeth, coming into the limelight. "You know what bartering is right? Well, bits are just the item that everyone wants to barter for. Pies, seeds, tools...all can be traded in for the appropriate amount of bits. As you can guess...this leads someponies to want and steal such bits. Which is why it's important to have banks that protect the bits...for a cost."

"So these bits are things good to see, and you wish to give some to me?" she asked the dragon, "For these bits, what do I owe? I feel that I have the right to know."

"Not exactly. I offer protection for your bits."

"Perhaps I don't understand a lot. You wish to protect what I have not?"

"Well...I assume you're trying to find a job, aren't you?" Topaz moved over to Opa, slithering a tail nearby. "You can't live in that forest forever. Not with all the...danger it's presented. And anypony can respond to a bit."

"When I have some bits to store, I'll come back to hear some more," she replied softly, "But I've spent my life most far away where bits were an unknown way. I'm not sure what you truly believe, but I guess it's time for me to take leave."

"No...you're going to stay." Topaz said flatly. "Because you and I both know you won't survive a second out in the streets. Tribal instincts and all. Even if you do find somepony and bound yourself to him...what's going to stop this world from taking advantage of your naivety. You'll be the target of every scammer from here to Vanhoover. But be my guest...walk away. But I only ask one thing. You're a mare of your word, and that means I want silence. You never saw me. If you did, I was just a normal banker. Not a dragon. Not even a zebra, alright?"

"If that's what you want me to say, then I shall not say thee nay. Now without a doubt, I can show myself out." She shifts to a singing voice as she kneels and sings, "With my tail I shall swish, I wish, I wish, I wish, I wish..." With a flash of light, she's gone. A second later, she appears at Night's doorstep in the nearest space open enough to taker her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night was tearing himself apart in his training room. He had set the danger level enchantment to the max and had been at it since Opa left. He didn't know why, but her safety was only thing that mattered to him right now and if he wasn't doing something, he would destroy the town to get to her. As the next set of 20 training dragon 'bots' came out, his eyes narrowed in self-hate for letting her go alone and charged, continuing the training.

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He rammed the first bot and used it to jump off and sunk his fangs into a second bot's neck while a third had it's head bucked clean off. He twisted into a death roll till the head in his jaws snapped off. He threw it in to a group of three bots, then jumped on the back of the first and ripped it's head off with his hooves. After, he charged the downed trio of bots and 'killed' them before they could recover. He was sent into a wall by a tail whip and then the bots swarmed him. He couldn't counter attack so he did the only thing he could be he was killed. "END TRAINING!!!" The bots stopped and returned to where they came from, removing the destroyed bots as well.

Night was a mess. Seven rounds with 20 bots each till he was finally beaten. His hate was still high, but he was calm enough to go outside and wait for Opa to return while his wounds and bones healed in the night air, his body sparkling like stars as they healed. 'Damn, gotta love 'Night Heal'.' And judging from the condition he was in, he won't be fully healed till after she came back.

As Night was healing, he heard hoof steps from behind him. Turning he was met with a small group of seven ponies who he hadn't seen before. "Can I help you?"

The stallion in the lead stepped up with a scowl. "Our boss said to take you out, don't know why, but we ain't paid to know. So no hard feelings, but you need to die."

Blitz halted not far away from Nights house,which they could still see "What The Royal...." Blitz stopped before he got overboard.Taking a few deep breaths he looked at Aurora and then at the house.They didn't notice Opa leaving. "Did that filly just ask in marriage ?" Blitz still in the armor asked. "Whops,looks like we forgot to give the stuff back.Lets go and leave it on the doorstep or something.Aint no way im getting mixed up with this.I can handle Split snakes,rouge dragons gryphons,EVEN minotaurs,but marriage."

Aurora looked around him."Whoops yeah lets take them back."

Night chuckled. "You're going to kill me? You have no idea how many made the same claim, but it didn't end well for them."

The stallion growled. "You may think you're unkillable, but we'll soon prove you wrong."

Night saw from the corner of his eye that Blitz and Aurora were coming back.

Night frowned. "Well, you're welcome to try."

One of the other stallions spoke up.

“Hey, after we make worm food out of this guy, I say we go for the slut that left earlier." Another agreed. “Oh yeah, that was a nice flank, can’t wait to smack that around!”

“I’m just gonna shove my meat right in her-“

He didn't finish as his head was knocked clean off by an angry right hook. Night looked royally pissed off!! "You are all going to die." He said in a hellfire filled tone.

As Blitz and Aurora came were making their way back,they noticed the big group outside.f course from the look of them,Blitz could guess they were some thugs,but it was nothing to worry about,so he decided to joked "Hey Shadow,i know i said i wasn't gonna be best stallion,but throwing the bachelor party without me, that's just mean mate."

Night slowly turned to Blitz, revealing the headless corpse, and a desire to murder the ponies that dared cross him. He said nothing, his eyes showing pure hate that could frighten a manticore.

"Yeah where was our invitations." Aurora said as his eyes widen from what he saw.

"They're all going to die." Night whispered loud enough for everypony to hear.

This worried Blitz "Shadow,STOP." Blitz yelled as he went to him "This isn't you,your not a murderer." Blitz tried to shake up night but it didn't work he finally decided to go for it "SNAP OUT OF IT YOU MORON." He yelled in his ear.

Night didn't budge. Instead, he turned back to the shaking stallions who were all a head smaller the him. He then let out laugh that sounded like a madpony. He smiled with a crazed look in his eyes and spoke, or rather, roared. "I'LL EAT YOUR STINKING SOULS!!!!" He rushed the group, sunk his fangs into the throat of the lead stallion and shook him like a Timberwolf would till a snap was heard. He dropped the now dead pony and charged the now screaming ponies.

Blitz had enough,he flew in the path of shadow spreading his wings in an X shape to signal him to stop "Dude,we just left less than 5 minutes ago,WHAT HAPPENED that got you this mad?" Blitz asked "Before we left you were so concerned and was about to brake down for Opa,and now this?" Blitz knew he couldn't beat Night normally,but now he had the armor and the Swords with Aurora backing him up,and shadow was crazed so much that he wasn't thinking clearly and even an untrained eye could see the openings he was leaving 'I just wish it doesn't come down to using the twins.' He refereed to the blades in his mind.

Aurora tried sneaking up behind Shadow to hold him back from killing the others stallions. He gave Blitz the look of 'keep distracting' so close behind him a crack sound came from the floor. "Shoot."

Night's anger and hate was so great, his speech sounded like a Diamond Dog, only deeper and more terrifying. "They say take Opa, do things to Opa. Me not let them. ME KILL THEM!!!" He roared the last part, causing Blitz to stagger from the force alone. He ignored the crack behind him.

Aurora jumps on Night's trying to put all his weight on him to take him the floor. "Calm down night we'll handle this we don't want blood on your hooves but I'm sure the Timberwolves would." He says as he spoke in Nights ear.

Night thrashed about, trying to throw Aurora off. They were getting through to him, but it only gave him more control. "NO!!! THEY DESERVE TO DIE!!!! THEY CAME TO KILL ME THEN THEY HAVE THE GALL TO ADMIT THEY WERE GOING TO RAPE OPA!!!! AS A LUNAR WOLF, I WILL KILL THEM ALL!!!!" He spoke through all the thrashing, still haven't thrown his friend off.

'That's it' Blitz thoughts turned to ice,a trick tough to him by his friend also named Night "SHADOW" His voice sounded like it could freeze over a volcano "Stop this right now.Do you remember the oath you gave when you signed up for the Lunar Guard?" he asked as he recited part of it,the most important part.

To protect what is good.

To serve for what is right.

To do so with the aid of the night.

Aurora tried immobilize Night by splitting his hind legs apart. "Night is way to strong for me to hold back." He said while still struggling to hold him down.

Night froze. He had forgotten, it had seemed so long ago. He slowly slumped till he was on his belly. "Faust, what have I done?" His body shook with sadness and pain of heart.

"Night." Blitz ran over to him,his voice changed to that of a warm sibling "Dont worry,its over,pal." He said as he sat next to him for comfort.

Aurora got up standing over Shadow breathing heavily trying to catch his breathe. "Sweet...sweet...Luna.....Shadow.....you....are.....hard to hold back."

With Night's mental barrers weakened, HE managed to break through and take control. Night grinned and said one thing.

“No, it’s not over.”

"Maybe not,but i need you to promise me you'll never do anything like that again." Blitz said as he managed to hear the whisper "If not for me,then for you,if not for you,then for Opa and Silver.What would they think if they saw you back then?"

Night giggled and when he looked to the scared pissless stallions, he said two words that Blitz remembers from the second day Night was in Ponyville. "Let's play!!!" He charged his prey, ready to 'play'.

Aurora tried jumping back on him but end up missing. "Oh no..."

Night grabbed one and began punching him like a jackhammer. He was screaming one word over and over, each word being said with each hit.

“PLAYPLAYPLAYPLAYPLAYPLAYPLAYPLAYPLAY!!!!!”

"Blitz take that vase and smash it over his head"

"No that will just make him angry." Blitz said "His head is even harder then mine,can you believe that?Any way i got a better solution." Blitz relinquished the twins so he could use his full speed,and thanks to the armor he had everything needed to make his plan a success "Sorry Shadow." Blitz said in low voice just before he hit the back of Night's neck,causing him to fall down asleep.

In Night's mind, he had gotten a hold of his darker side and put it to sleep. He couldn't kill it, since it was apart of him, but he could hold it back. Night woke a few moments after being knocked out, his voice and mind back to normal. He rubbed the back of his neck after he got up and bent it to let out a loud crack, then bent it the other way and got the same thing. He turned to his friends, who had worried looks and stood ready in case the worse happens. Night smiled. "Damn Blitz, any harder and you would've broke my neck." He joked and laughed, causing the two in front of him to sigh in relief.

"Nah,your one tough son of dragoness,and your even more thickheaded then me,so your gonna be fine." Blitz said as he wrapped a hoof around Night's neck and noogied him.He stopped quickly "So." he said as he looked back "What do we do about them?" Blitz asked.

Aurora tapped his hooves trying to think of an idea. "I have no idea. I'm still thinking of feeding them to the Timberwolves."

Night turned to the survivors with a glare. "I want nothing more than to kill them. They came here because their boss told them to. Then they thought it was a great idea to talk about how they're gonna rape Opa."

One stallion cried out. "What's the deal?! She's not even a pony, just some zebra look-a-like slut!!" Night was on him like lightning, a hoof on his throat.

"INSULT HER ONE MORE TIME AND YOU'LL WISH THEY LET ME KILL YOU!!!!" He roared with a demonic like voice, as if he came straight out of Tartarus.

Aurora had an idea and levitated some rope and gave a creepy smile as his eyes had a crazy look. "Interrogation time." He says while making the rope make a loud snapping noise.

Night heard him and gave his own creepy grin, which with the fangs made him even more creepy.

"Not this again." Blitz said with his face gloom and a sweat drop on the side of his face "I aint getting involved any more.JUST NO KILLING!" Blitz said as he stormed off inside to relax "When did this become normal?!" He yelled sticking his head out.

Night laughed loud. "The minute you made friends with me!"

Night looked to Aurora. "Have fun. I'm going inside, because if I have to be around these BUCKS any longer...." He left and went inside after Blitz and saw him resting on the couch. "Hey Blitz, I need to talk to you."

Blitz heard Night saying he wanted to talk.He stretched out "OK,Shoot!"

Night pulled up a chair and sat down, his head in his hooves. "I think....I am in love with Opa."

Blitz raised a brow "So is that supposed to be some kinda secret?" He asked "Cuz it wasn't since just before the letter for Opa came...."

Blitz paused,a sudden wave of realization hit him "Wait a darn FRIGGING minute." Blitz yelled making Night jump a little "How the royal hey did they know where to deliver the letter for Opa to?"

Night's mood darken at that. "That's what I want to know. And when I meet the one who sent it, I'll ask." Then his face became one of sad anger. "But this serious, Blitz! I just killed two ponies because they were going to rape her, one with my TEETH!! What happens if she gets hurt by a pony?! I don't know if I could, or would, hold myself back." He gripped his mane in frustration.

They could hear the screams of the stallions outside while Night waits for Blitz to answer.

"I cant start to understand mate,i still havnt fallen for anypony yet." Blitz said "But,i do know something about protecting the ones you love from yourself. Here's some advice." He paused. "Whenever you feel or even think your gonna start loosing it like that,ask yourself this,'What would Opa think if she saw me now?What would she do in my place.'" Blitz walked up to Shadow and put a hoof around his neck. "For now,you gotta work on taming that dude.Hes nAAAAAstaYYY."

Night didn't stop the laugh that came out, he needed it. With a smile, he wrapped a hoof around Blitz in a brotherly side hug. "I won't make any promises, but I'll try. And thanks, that might help in the future. But one thing remains." His face became cold. "What are we going to do with the bodies?"

"I'm not one for lying,but you cant go about doing this normally.Say it was an attempted murder by drunken morons or something.Actually it pretty much was something like that.If you need somepony to testify,just holler."

Night nodded. "It won't be a lie if I said it was self defense, because they WERE here to kill me."

Blitz looked at the bodies "Ain't there some kinda cleaning crew in the guard for this or something?"

Night shook his head. "Not for us wolves. We'll adapt and hide the bodies in the forest. Let the Timberwolves have a snack, because if they were sent by the one messing with them, then I think they deserve it."

"Better get this thing over with." Blitz said as he head towards one of the corpses.

After placing the bodies in the forest, the duo were heading back when Night froze, a look of horror on his face as he stared off into space.

"Shadow?You alright there bud?" Blitz asked a spaced out Night.

Night whispered, just loud enough for Blitz to make out. "If they knew where to find me, then....." In a flash, he bolted towards town, going at speeds that would make a pegasus green with envy.

Blitz followed night but he didnt know where they were going "Bro,whats up?"

Night kept running, seeming to go faster as he went, giving Blitz a real workout. "If they knew how to find me, what's to stop them from going after Opa?!?!"

"Who would be STUPID enough to attempt an assault while in a bank?"

Night went even faster, his body begging for rest. "I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances!!!" Night slowed as he picked up a scent, Opa's scent. "She's back home." Using what momentum he built up, he sunk his hooves into the dirt and shot himself back towards his home.

A robed figure trotted up to Opa. "Excuse me, miss. Are you the one known as Opa?" The pony asked, the voice showing it was a stallion.

"I am Opa as I know, but who are you to make a show?"

Under the hood, a smile could be seen. "Ah, then I've made the right choice on waiting here for you. You see, my master has saw fit to send a message to the black stallion who lives here, but he thought it would be better if you gave it to him."

Night left Blitz in his wake as he poured everything he had into his legs, desperately trying to get home and back to Opa.

"Very well. I shall tell. Please tell the message to be told. You seem to be rather bold."

Of course, she's normally wary about strangers that approach her, as it was sometimes a cover for an attack by another tribe.

The stallion lowered his hood, revealing a crazed looking Earth pony, one on the same size as Night, smiling like a devil. "The message is simple..." He pulls out a blade and swings it at Opa. "YOU'RE NEXT!!!!"

Before the blade could get close though, Night rammed the stallion with the force of a train, sending the assassin flying for a few dozen hooves. Night stood protectively in front of Opa. With a deep hate filled tone, he roar at the stallion. "TOUCH ONE FUR ON OPA AND I'LL DRAG YOUR SOUL TO TARTARUS!!!!"

Love is new (interrogation)

Aurora tied up the remaining ponies torturing them til he got what he wanted to know. "Why did you want to attack Night and Opa."

The ponies, while in pain, were to scared to NOT answer. "We were paid to kill the black stallion!!! The bitch was just an after thought!!! We don't know why our boss wants him dead!!! We swear that's all we know!!!" One had already fainted from fear and pissed himself.

Aurora punched the stallions. "Whose your boss and tell me NOW!!" He was breathing heavily filled with rage.

The hit stallion screamed. "We don't know!!! All we know is that he's a unicorn!!!! When he spoke, it sounded like he was insane, but he gave 700 bits to take the job and said we would get 700 more when we killed him!!!! He also said that if we failed to kill him that we were to leave the crystal that's in my saddlebags!!!"

Aurora paced back and forth thinking about hitting him again. "What are the crystals for huh?"

"He said that they're for talking to him!!! He said that he wanted to talk with the stallion if he lived!!!"

Aurora looked through the saddlebag. "I may not be Night, but I'm going to get some answers from him and you."

Aurora levitated out one of the crystals. "Activate it NOW!!" He put the crystal in front of the stallions face.

The stallion quickly spoke. "CALL BASE!!!" The crystal glowed and soon a voice was heard, albeit muffled. "Hello!! Is this Nighty Night?" The voice spoke with a cheery tone.

"No this isn't the stallion you're looking for. Who are you and what do you want with him?" If Aurora couldn't get answers out of him he didn't mind making threats. "If you don't tell me I'm going to make sure your henchponies crawl home." He levitated a sword towards the tied up stallions.

"Oh, so they lost? Then how are they still alive?"

"They're alive because i want answers and that how I got to you now tell me who you are?" Aurora's heart started to beat faster and faster. I don't have it in me to kill another pony, just tell me what I want to know.

"Oh, in that case, you can kill them. They're useless now."

Aurora eyes widen as he looks at the stallions. I can't make myself look like a wimp in front of the boss let me try one more question. "Where are so you I can tell the stallion you was looking for your location."

"OH nononononononononononononononono, NO. I can't do that, because it wouldn't be any fun if he came for me. Besides, our reunion WILL come, just not yet. Well, tell him that I'll be coming to pay him back for the bite. Toodleloo!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

With the crystal disconnected sadden from his dead end he laid the swords back on the ground. "I was so close." He paced back and forth thinking of what to do next next with his head down. "What am I gonna do with you two huh.....I'll let Night determine that." He connected his mind with Night. 'Night I hit a dead end I got them to call their boss but all I got out of him was something about you guys having a reunion also I still have these two stallions what should I do with them?'

"Do what you want, feed them to the Timberwolves for all I care. We'll talk tomorrw, I need to be alone with Opa right now." He sounded hurt and broken by rage, but not at Opa.

Aurora ears went back as he started to talk to himself pacing again. "Failure, a big failure you are Aurora. Nooo you just had to ask the wrong question and make a threat that you can't do yourself." He looks at the other stallions levitating them outside to the Timberwolves mating path so he could get out safe.

Love is true

"Your battle skills sorely lack. I've been hurt more in a hyena attack." However, Opa was deeply moved by Night's commitment to protect her. "But my friend you have faced, so he has by me replaced." Judging by his rage, she moved to observe in case she was needed.

The sword that was flung from the stallion grip came down like a windmill. Before it hit the ground, Night caught it in his hoof and brandished it at the pony. "I knew letting her go alone was a bad idea, but I couldn't figure out why. Now I know." The pony got up onto his hooves and tossed his cloak, revealing a deep green coat with a deeper green mane.(We'll call him 'Green')

Green turned and stared at Night with those crazed eyes. His grinned. "So what the master said is true, target the slut and the beast will come running." Night froze in anger. Then, in a whisper, he asked.

"What did you say?"

"What? Do you have cotton in your ears? I said, 'Target the slu-" He couldn't finish due to the hoof being slammed into his face.

From the hit, Green bounced twice before righting himself and looked at Night, who was ready to kill anything. "Slut? Slut?! SLUT?! YOU DARE CALL SOMEPONY AS BEAUTIFUL AND KIND AS HER A 'SLUT?!?!?!" He dropped the sword, wanting this to not end TOO quickly, and charged, ready to kill.

"Not only have you a lame attack, but in manners you surely lack." She uses one of her forehooves to kick a grapefruit sized rock at Green's hind knee.

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The rock hit Green's knee and he hit the ground. Or rather, he WOULD have, if Night hadn't grabbed him by the throat and ran on his hind hooves, dragging Green's face through the dirt and rocks. A little know fact about Night, because of his missions, he has fought many enemies, but also made many allies. One such ally is a minotaur who taught Night how to fight on two legs, freeing up his forelegs for more deadly combat. As he dragged Green, who's face was getting cut up, he came up to a tree and threw Green at it. Green's back hit the tree hard enough to crack it, but before he could fall from it, Night was on him again. Still standing on two legs, he started punching Green at a horrifying speed. He left nothing spared, not even 'down there'. Night didn't stop, even as his body pleaded, begged, and screamed for rest. His eyes held a look of pure hate, wanting nothing, but the death of Green, and his fangs were bared, ready to be used if he desired.

"That Night is surely a piece of work," she sighed quietly, "I've never seen such a fierce berserk." She was more concerned about how he would act after his enemy was dead than what he was planning to do to his foe. Opa was no stranger to severe violence and bloodshed, after all, and it was at least part of the reason she was in no hurry to go back home even if others from her tribe somehow found their way back.

Night stopped his attack, only to tear Green from the now destroyed tree. He threw him to the ground and grabbed his throat to pull him close. "I'm going to kill you. You made the mistake of threatening and insulting Opa. Had it been me you attacked, you would have lived, but not anymore. You deserve a fitting fate and I know just the thing." He then broke all four of Green's legs, hearing him scream, then dragged him to the forest and threw him deep into it. soon, he returned from the forest and back to Opa, Green's screams of agony being heard as he was eaten alive by Timberwolves. When Night stood before Opa, he felt sadness within him and it showed. "Can you ever forgive me? Had I not left you alone, you wouldn't have been attacked, and you wouldn't have had to see me like...that." He lowered his head, too ashamed to look her in the eye.

Catching up to the now one sided battle just ending with the new pony's death,blitz felt sadness that his friend was reduced to killing again. "Hope he was a crazed psychopath that was after Opa,or else i don't know what to think." Blitz said as he closed to the two.

"Oh Night, you should not fret. You're hardly the worst I've seen yet," she said as she moved closer and placed her neck over his, "While I was but a filly... oh, this will probably sound silly... but you should have heard my cries... as hyenas tore apart my father before my eyes... A warrior disobeyed the chief... I cannot stand to see his grief... but he was punished because he stopped to shield my life... the chief banished him and kept me from being his wife... so what I've seen is not so bad... compared to the sadness that I have had... But that is the terrible price of war... so I can stand to see a little more..."

Night cried in relief and nuzzled her. He pulled back and, with a little fear in his eyes, confessed. "Opa, I know we have only met a few hours ago, but I can't help thinking they way I have been about you. When we were apart, it felt as if my whole being was in agony. In order to not tear down the town looking for you, I pushed my body beyond the breaking point and kept going. But now that I have felt you on my fur and skin, I feel whole again. No, that's not right, I feel whole for the first time in my life. I may have loved Silver greatly, but I feel a greater love for you. Without you, I'm broken. Please, will you stay with me, as my mate?"

"For you I could give my life, so I would be honored as your wife," she replied as she nuzzled Night's ear, "as long as I have you here, I feel there's nothing that I should fear."

Night nuzzled her back, wrapping a hoof around her in a hug, and whispered. "Thank you, my love. I can't describe the joy I'm feeling right now. I swear that I will always be there for you." He pulled back and smiled sheepishly. "I'm ashamed to admit that while I did love another pony, my feelings weren't returned, so I'm rather new at this. I know the basics, but...." He gulped a nervous knot in his throat as he stared into Opa's beautiful amber eyes.

"I am a bit embarrassed to admit that I am also new to it," she replied with a blush, her voice coming in a rush, "As a spellsinger and fire dancer, the chief didn't take me for a prancer. He kept me for my song and spell, or at least that's what i could tell." She looked down as she continued, her cheeks crimson hued. "So I was never wed... nor have I been bred." She scuffled the ground with her hoof hoping not to look aloof. "But with you I'd like to learn, and hope my love you shall not spurn." She gulped hard as she looked back into his eyes, her words failing as she tries. "So as long as you wish to be with a mare such as me, then I shall rejoice to stay here with you along the way."

"Ookay,I'ma repeat my self here,NO WAY I'M BEST STALLION." Blitz said as he started heading towards town "But do remember to invite me to the bachelor party." he said turning his head a little as he then continued.

Night just chuckled at Blitz as he left. Then he remembered something he could do. "Opa, I want do something, something that will bound us together. If you will allow it, we can start." He asked while still looking into her eyes.

"Just tell me what I must do, and I shall gladly do it with you," she replied as she sighed.

"You must know that I'm not just a guard, I'm what's known as a Lunar Wolf. We wolves serve Princess Luna as her guardians of the night. As such, we are more powerful at night than we are in the day. But what I'm about to ask you is one of the many blessing of the princess. If a wolf finds one who is to be their mate, we perform a blood ritual. It will bind us together to where we will 'feel' each other when we are close enough. It is a simple ritual, but it does tend to make those who do it rather.....stimulated, for lack of a better word, so we may end up...well, you know." Night was blushing so hard at this point, that his entire coat turned from black to red.

"Oh this is such a joyous day. Almost too much to say." She looked deep into Night's eyes as she spoke with more happiness and enthusiasm than she had in a long time. "I have sung many a tune to the power of the moon. This Princess Luna I should meet. She sounds like one that I would greet." She stepped up to nuzzle his neck again. "And rituals are blood are not new to me, so nothing scary I expect to see." Turning to wave her flank near his face, she added with a wink, "and as to where this all might go, I have a feeling I might know." She blushed hard herself as if she just realized what she said aloud, glad that there was no crowd.

Night smiled, but added to his explanation. "There's something else you should know. The Lunar Wolves are more like a clan in their own right. I have been with them for some time now, but I have fought my way through and defeated the former Alpha, or as you would call him, 'the Chieftain'. And according to Lunar Wolf code, I am the new Alpha. I only tell you this because you should know all, and I mean ALL, about me if we join. I wouldn't do any less for you."

Opa turned about to look Night in the eyes as she said, "Forgive me if I sound too bold, but I am glad that you have told. There is so much I wish to know that my soul just seems to glow."

"And I you, but brace yourself, my eternal love. For when we bond, you will see all my memories, a rare few are good. However, I will not see yours, for you must tell me your past and story. I don't know why it's like that, but it is. Many of my wolves have told me about this many times, so prepare, you may not like what you will see." Night walked up to the door to his home and held it open for Opa, a pained look on his face as he spoke.

"If I can help and share your pain, then I surely shall not refrain." She followed him closely, but paused at the door. "Perhaps there's something that I don't see, but normally you should go before me."

Night gave a weak, but firm smile. "I'm just being a gentlecolt. If you're going to be my wife, then this your home too." He moved fast and planted a kiss on her cheek, him blushing after.

Not used to being treated with such deference or respect, she awkwardly if not slowly steps through the doorway. Without even thinking about it, she swishes her tail back and forth as well as waving her flank back in forth opposite to the swish of her tail. Then she suddenly takes three steps forwards and turns to face Night again with a deeper blush. "Oh you are such a dear to make me feel so welcome here."

Night's blush couldn't get any hotter at that little show, as with the others. He smiled and went in after her. He lead her to the couch and sat down, motioning for her to sit with him. When she was seated, he asked. "Are you ready?"

"Oh I can surely see that I'm as ready as I can be."

Night nodded and used his fangs to bite down on his foreleg, drawing blood. He then held it out to Opa with a strange request. "Drink."

"I suppose if we were brothers of the blood to be, it wouldn't be a little strange to me. But since this seems important to you, then this thing I shall do." She leans forward to place her lips over the cut and suck blood into her mouth.

Night could feel his blood leaving his body, but something else was happening to it. He could feel a heat in his chest as she drank, one that spread throughout his body. A glance at Opa told him she was feeling it too.

She continues to drink the blood, since she has no idea when she's supposed to stop. But her breath through her nose quickened along with the beating of her heart. She also became sweaty as she continued.

Night sighed. "That's good." Opa stopped and sat upright. Night then grabbed a knife from a drawer in the night stand next to the couch. He placed the knife at his neck before speaking. "What you just did prepared you for the wave of memories so that it doesn't overwhelm you. Now comes hard part." He slit the side of his neck and drew more blood. "Now you must drink again, but this time, you will see everything. My past, my happiness, my sorrow, my hate, everything."

Although she hesitates for just a fraction of a moment, she leans forward and seals her lips over the neck wound to drink that blood as well.

Night could feel it as soon as she began. He was taken back to when his parents were killed by that psycho pony. He saw how his father was killed with just one slash, but his mother wasn't so lucky as she was tortured. After she was killed, Night, at the age of six, made his first kill, by sinking his fangs into the monster's neck. He was then taken to when he was drafted into the gang at 13, doing dishonorable thing just so he could live, till he killed a member that was going to mug a mare and her foal. After that he went back to the hideout and killed the head and left for the road. At 17 he was accepted into the guard and served for three years till Princess Luna came back, then he was made a Lunar Guard. He continued till he was invited to join the Lunar Wolves, where he soon became the new Alpha. He then saw Silver and remembered how he felt about her. He then saw his stay in Ponyville and how much he changed and all that he did while living here. He knew Opa was seeing the same things as he was. He could only hope she wasn't too frightened.

Opa's eyes snapped wide open, and suddenly glowed with the white light of magic. It was something that never had happened before: magic without a song. Perhaps it was the effects of the blood, or what she was feeling at the time, but some of her memories fed back along the blood to Night. Her earliest memory was being presented to the Chieftain by her biological mother. Something just told her the Chieftain was in fact her own father. What he said to his mother made no sense at that time, but now that she was grown, his words became painfully clear: "ANOTHER MARE?! Dammit woman, I need SONS! If you weren't my first wife, I'd feed you to the hyenas myself!" The next memory is her mother teaching Opa her first spell song. A simple tune that went, "How married I wish to be, Let a mighty warrior choose me." When she was older, she remembers lining up with other mares as visiting warriors come to choose wives to take home with them, but when the chief stops in front of her first, he knocks her to the ground with his hoof, plants one hoof on her stomach and another on her chest, and snarls, "Damn you! Go back to your mother!" The last word is spat like a curse. She rolls to her feet and flees to her mother in tears. Then the terrible day her father was torn apart by hyenas comes to mind. A brave warrior forsakes his chieftain just to protect her, a mare even her father would have deemed expendable but for her growing skill with spell songs. The new chieftain banishes the warrior, accusing before the whole tribe of cowardice and being a failure as a warrior. He strikes her because he's a zebra, not an okapi like most others. She never sees him again. While she performs dances and spells for the tribe, her heart seems empty, because her mother died of a broken heart not long after her father. The remaining wives are taken by the new chieftain, but most of their children are forced to fend for themselves.

The two broke off as the memories were complete. Night immediately pulled Opa into a strong hug as his fangs grated against each other and he cried tears of anger, at her father for the way he treated her, at the hyenas that made her life even worse, and at himself for not being there for her when she needed him most. As enraged as he was, he could still 'feel' that she was in a battle of her own.

Opa returned the hug, bawling as tears overflowed her eyes, overwhelmed at the sorrow, rage and misfortune of Night's life. She finally knew someone who knew as much about childhood pain as she did. Her wailing could probably be heard well into the streets around the house. If she weren't being held up, she may well have collapsed to the floor, but she was leaning hard against Night as she cried.

Night held her tight as he cried. "Regardless of what you say, if I had been there I would have killed him myself." He whispered, referring to her father.

"If I had been with you from the start, I might have mended a broken heart," she sobbed back, "But you cannot do much for me. The past is gone as it should be. But I am here with you now, and perchance to comfort you somehow. But you are more than I deserve; I say that without reserve. I can see what your life has meant, but I can't help but be a disappointment." She is overwhelmed by sobbing and choking tears again, burying her nose against Night's mane.

Night pulled back to stare in her eyes, his own showing anger-love. "NO!!! You are not a disappointment!! You are the greatest thing that has happened to me!! The pain that I've felt may had lessen over the years, and my heart and life had started to heal when I met Silverspeed, but I have never met a mare with the passion you have!!! The fact that you suffered such a cruel father and still be as beautiful and kind as you are is a blessing in itself!!! You're the world to me and I will never let anything, or anyONE, hurt you again!!! On my parents' souls, this I swear!!!" He then pulled her into a deep kiss, wanting to erase all her pain.

She returns the kiss without holding back, now that the two were joined by measures beyond the understanding of most mortals. The tears from her eyes almost magically transform from tears of pain and sadness to tears of joy. She doesn't even notice when a wound like his appeared on both her leg and neck, her blood spilling forth like his own had. The wounds, however, seemed to glow with a light of magic even as the magic faded from her eyes. It seemed for the moment that their bodies were synced with each others.

Night never felt so strong. It's as if all his life he had been crippled and now he wasn't. He pushed his tongue into her mouth, feeling every inch, and could fell her tongue fighting back.

She felt her heart swell like she never had before. Her tongue (which was silly long for her size) probed his mouth as eagerly has his had done within her mouth. She even felt confident enough to try and push him onto his back and settle on top of him. In her eagerness, she sprinkled some of her own blood over him as she did so.

Night didn't pull back when he felt her long tongue. In fact, he kissed even harder and held her while on his back. He could smell her blood as it flowed, but peeking open an eye showed him that she was healing as fast as he was. He reached a hoof down a gripped a flank cheek while pushing his tongue harder.

Opa moaned into his mouth as they continued to kiss, her flank squirming as he grabbed it. She felt in her heart was willing to go all the way with him.

Night pulled back from the kiss, but her tongue was having trouble getting back into her mouth. It looked like they were connected by a thick noddle. After Opa got her tongue back, Night brushed a hoof across her cheek. "I think we should continue this in my bed."

"I would be honored to go to your bed, and ask when we can be wed?"

Night smiled, a few tears in his eyes. "We'll tell everypony in the morning. For now, I think that you've earned some serious loving." He smirked as he carried her in his forehooves to his bed.

Love is hurtful

Aurora saluted. "Yes sir!" 'Uh why did i just do that guess I feel like I'm back in the academy taking orders from a commander.' "But before we go back to the Everfree we may need to go by my house before nightfall."

"I have a few items at my house that might be of use. I even have a few healing tonics for Unicorns and Pegasi, so you two can get healed in minutes. Blitz, make sure you check behind the mirror in the living room. There's a room for armor and weapons. Take what you two need." Night mentioned.

The two left and headed for Night's place, which Blitz knew how to get to. After 10 or so minutes after Blitz drank the tonic he could feel his hoof moving "Wow,this some good stuff." He opened the mirror to fine the equipment. "Im gonna take the light weight armor and a short sword,if you have it." Blitz said "But i hope i im not ganna use it."

Aurora looks at the tonic then starts to drink it. "It has a funny taste but oh well." Aurora removes all his bandages to see his head doesn't have a single scratch and this horn is no longer broken. "Awesome, I'll take a Lunar Guards armor to hide in the shadows oh and a spear."

Night, through a mind crystal he loaned them, spoke out. "Remember, take what you need. There's more tonics in the back, but I don't have any for earth ponies unfortunately. Just don't mess with the black gauntlets. Also, you might want to take a ranged weapon for insurance."

Cant really work ranged weapons,now silver,she could hit you between the eyes from anywhere,maybe you should have asked her." Blitz said mentally trough the crystal.

Night choked back sob. "I...I can't. I've already put her through enough. It would only seem like I'm getting something for nothing. Besides, if my fears are true, then it's best she isn't a part of this. I almost made one family lose a filly, I won't risk a filly to be without a sister. And you know how I feel about her being put in danger."

"I'll be long ranged i have good spear throwing skills." Aurora grabbed a spear and spotted a target across the room with all his might he tosses the spear landing a headshot on it. "See don't worry Night we won't let you down."

"Thank you, both of you. And be careful, those tonics will heal wounds, but they won't regrow limps. So if you take a tonic after losing a wing or horn, you WON'T get it reattached." Night let that sink in. "Also, the armor and weapons are enchanted. Tell me what you have and I'll tell you what they can do."

Aurora looked at all his gear. "I have a long spear for a weapon and a light armor from the Lunar Guard sergeants rack and no shoes cause I want to know what shoes can help me move faster."

Blitz was next. "I have a green armor thats light, I presume its for better maneuverability?" Blitz said "And a dual swords one light blue, the other dark blue, both with red stripes in the center."

Night explained. "I only have one spear type, it allows you to call on lightning from anywhere, even indoors, and the armor gives you the proportional strength of an Earth pony of the size of whoever wears it. The green armor channels the winds to make you almost one with it and blends in with your surroundings if you stay still for a few seconds. The light blue sword has a chance to freeze your enemies while the dark blue sword makes anything that it hits twice as heavy, even if it doesn't cut. So if you hit something ten times, it's weight will double ten times. The red stripes allow you to sense body heat that's around you, as to give you better tracking, just as long as you're holding it that is."

"Awesome." Aurora put the spear to his side so he wouldn't cause any accidents with it. "I believe I'm ready for this mission."

"Daayyyyang." Blitz yelled mentally unfortunaltely for the other two the link was still active. Suddenly Filthy came marching when they were passing the hospital,and he was mad. "What i tell you?" Blitz said with an 'I told you so' grin.

Meanwhile Filthy Rich marched his way into the hospital. "Where is he? Where is..." He saw Shadow in the bed. "Is that him? I want to talk with him! You!" He pointed at Shadow. "Are you a Mr. Night Shadow?"

Night cut off the connection and turned to Filthy, smirking. "Why hello there, Filthy. It's been a few years."

"Few years, what do you talking about?" Filthy tilted his head. "I don't recall seeing you before? But do you know who does?" He walked up to Night, staring him right in the eye. "My daughter!"

Night kept his smirk. "Oh, we never met face to face, but we've done business before. And I remember her and saving her life. How is she anyway?"

"Scared like a kicked puppy." Rich narrowed his eyes. "Let me guess what business we did. You bought a jar of Zap Apple Jam and I sold it to you 20% off? Now if you're done looking at me with that stupid stare I'd like to know why my daughter won't even come out the door and how the buck you endangered her life. She's a filly for crying out loud. That and she's my daughter. If I don't start getting answers I won't stop till kingdom to make your life a living hell mister. Now tell me right this instant! What in the name of Tartarus were you thinking?"

Night's smirk left for an unnatural glare and his voice changed. "First off, don't you EVER talk to me that way. Second, she came with me of her own will to see what a Lunar Guard could do. Third, the business we did was four years ago, involving a certain band of griffon bandits, or did you forget that YOU hired me to wipe them out?" If Filthy was smart, he would know that when Night gets like this, the chances of him killing somepony were quite high.

Filthy narrowed his eyes. "If you're the Lunar Guard I hired than you would have been smart enough to know when you stop a filly from doing something as stupid as that." He stomped his hoof in frustration. "Look at you, up in a bed. What if you died? What if my daughter...I...I won't say it."

"And if you ever think you can just flash me some self-satisfied smirk because I'm the kind of parent who will bow down and kiss your hooves, think again, buddy." He pushed his snout against Shadow's. "You think you're some kind of hero? Think you can keep playing the part of supermare? Well...a hero doesn't take little fillies into the forest at night to show off their bravado. I won't call you a coward, but I will call you a fool. You stay away from my daughter, okay. Consider you're act to save her making us even. But I owe you nothing. And I don't care what she says. You are to stay away from her or so help me, I will personally strangle you with my bear hooves." Filthy took a deep breath. "You do not want to anger a father protecting his daughter. If you're half the stallion you say you are, you'll stay away from her."

Night got out of the bed, the pain ignored, and grabbed Filthy by the throat and slammed him against the wall. "Now you listen to me you insignificant worm. I'm a little unhinged at the moment, so you will be silent. I have more than enough dirt on you to drive you into the ground bitless. I'm no hero, I'm no better than the scum that I kill. But there's a difference between me and them. Where they show fear to a more powerful figure, I gather every ounce of information on said figure to use against them. I'm glad that you care for your foal, but I can't help, but think that maybe you're more worried about your image than about her. Instead of seeing me, you should be with her right now, comforting her after what's she went through. Trying to scare me into your demands will only succeed in making me want to kill you. But I won't because Diamond needs a father, a better one than you, but we'll make due. Remember, if it wasn't for me those years ago, we wouldn't even be having this little talk. Cross me again and I'll let some personal secrets about you out. Maybe even tell a few to the Princesses, I'm sure Princess Luna would love to hear some of them."

Filthy Rich scowled, spitting into Night's face. "How dare you. How dare you think that I'm more concerned about my image than my own damn daughter. Go to Tartarus with whatever dirt you found on me. I'm Filthy Rich for a reason. And I'm not demanding you to give me anything. I'm demanding a damn apology."

He slammed a hoof in Night's cheek. "Did that hurt? Didn't think so."

"Dad..."

"Diamond..." Filthy's eyes lit up. "Diamond...what are you doing here?"

"I...I know I sort of kicked you out of my room but...what the heck are you doing to my Daddy, Night?" Diamond's gaze turned to one of anger. "You let go of him right this instance."

"Diamond, go back to the house. Please. Daddy's fine."

"No you aren't! He's holding you against the wall like some...some thief! Stop it! Right now."

Night dropped him and scowled at him. "She is the only reason I haven't done more to you. I know the real you. You may have changed from when we last met, but your sins will never be forgotten. As for Diamond, the only one that can keep me from her, is Diamond herself. She deserves FAR more than what she has. She's a wonderful filly that I would give my life for. Remember that she saved your life, not the other way around." He lowered his head so their eyes met. "I will leave her alone, until she says otherwise, but if she is hurt in any way while under your care. I. WILL. KILL. YOU."

"YOU SHUT UP!" Diamond smacked her hoof against Night. "You shut up about my Dad! Just shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut. UUUP!"

"Diamond please don't." Filthy picked her up. "Remember, take some deep breaths--"

"No I won't." She walked up to Night. "You make me sick, Night. You...you are just some dumb idiot who doesn't know anything about ponies. All you do is judge judge and judge."

She didn't know what came over her, but she somehow felt obligated to defend her father. "He's not the best Daddy. He isn't very good at plays. He makes bad jokes."

"Hey."

"He likes weird romance stories. But he loves me. He tucks me into bed. He helps me with my homework. And even though he barely gets time off his job, he tries to make time for me. So you shut up about my Dad! Maybe you should stop looking for bullies and look at yourself some time. At least my Daddy had the guts to stand up to idiots like you."

Night looked at her in silence and sorrow. He then turned slightly and looked at the table used in the surgery. He saw what he wanted. "You're right." He walked over to the table and picked up a scaple. "I'm only a plague to other ponies. The moment I make friends, I ruin everything. But that's about to end." He raised to tiny blade to his throat. He turned back and looked Diamond straight in the eye. "I'm so sorry." His tears flowed.

"Starswirls's beard!" Filthy ran up, tackling Night to the floor.

"Daddy!" Diamond cried out

"Doctors! Get security in here!" Turning to Night, he managed to grab the scalpel and toss it across the room. "What do you think you're doing? Trying to land yourself in some asylum?"

Night didn't struggle, there was no point. "I'll only cause more pain. Diamond is right. I dispise those who opress the weak, but I'm the same. What just happened proved that. And I can't seem to stop hurting ponies emotionally. You yourself stated that I could have gotten Diamond killed today. I swore to protect those who live in Equestria. The best way to do that is by ending it ." He finished by biting his tongue, blood gushing out.

"Oh Celestia cry me a rainbow." Filthy wiped the sweat off his brow. "Listen, Night. I'm sorry. Sometimes I lose my temper. But for honest-to-goddess sake, you're taking this to the extreme. And will you stop trying to kill yourself in front of my daughter? The last thing I need is her savior cutting himself like some juvenile delinquent. You want to be a hero, stop trying to take the coward's way out and stop crying about yourself. A real hero accepts his faults and works to improve upon them."

Night didn't say anything, as his tongue was bleeding in his mouth. But he thought on what Filthy said. He remembers how he was cold and cruel to those who didn't obey him, even more so when he hired them for an extermenation. But this stallion was the complete other side of the coin. Night couldn't face him or Diamond. And if Silver found out....he prayed that wouldn't happen. When he opened his mouth to speak, intead of words, blood poured out.

"Oh shoot. Doctor! Get him in asap!" Filthy turned to him. "Get him something to knock him out. I don't need him hurting himself again!"

After healing his tongue, Night smacked his mouth to get the taste of his own blood out. The doctors couldn't knock him out no matter what they tried. The drugs barely made him sleepy and magic hardly affected him. He turned to Fil- Mr. Rich and began. "Mr Rich, I know it won't make up for what I said and done, but I'm going to do you a favor. I'm going to destroy all evidence and files that could be used against you. When I'm done, you'll have a perfectly clean record and if somepony does find something, I'll personally handle it. I am humbled to say that you now have a Lunar Commander on your side." He gave a strong salute, then relaxed before continuing. "And I'm terribly sorry for putting Diamond in danger. I'll respect your wishes and stay away from her." He gave a low bow like one he would give the princesses.

"You don't have to destroy squat." Filthy shook his head. "But stay away from Diamond. Until you can prove to me you're a better stallion and one who is more realistic about his surroundings...it'd do you well not to judge other ponies on superficial evidence. If somepony looks like a burglar, they probably aren't. If somepony acts corrupt, they're doing it wrong. Ponies aren't black and white, Night. They're all manner shades of grey."

Shades of gray. Silvers words rang out through his head. 'So this is what she meant.' He looked Mr. Rich in the eye. "I understand, but regardless, I will still clean your record. Diamond needs a father and I now see that it should be you. If you ever need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask." He turned to Diamond, a sad smile on his face. "I guess until I earn back your trust and your fathers apporval, we'll have to put our day out on hold for now."

Diamond nodded. "I think that's best. Daddy?"

Filthy smiled, ruffling his daughter's mane. "Let's go home, Diamond. I'll tell you that joke about the Diamond Dog and the banker..."

"DAAAADD..."

"No buts, you're grounded young lady." And with that they vanished behind the door.

Night watched them leave with a heavy heart. He messed up, AGAIN!! He may have been forgiven again, but soon that will change. He could only hope that he could before that happened. He snuck out of the hospital and headed home, his wounds healed enough. He walked through the town, admiring the night sky. Stopping, he began talking to himself. "The night is beautiful, as always, but I think Silver is more beautiful." He smiled to himself as his wounds fully healed in the night air. One good thing about being a Lunar Wolf, all members are blessed by Luna herself and gain 'Night Heal' as well as other abilities, but these are subject to race. Night only got the healing.

"Ummm...Commander?" A short, plump colt in a suit tapped the general lightly on the shoulder. "I have a note here from the Ponyville Bank of a special notice for you. To be read at the bank at appointed time, which is in just a few minutes."

Night took the note with a smile and a nod and thanked the colt. He headed for the bank and made it at the right time and held up the note. "Alright, let's see what we got here."

Dear Commander,

We seem to have come to a mutual understanding. As you know, our banks are prided for their discretion. And we'd be interested in creating an account with you. Just ask the manager to talk to a Mr. T.G. Honesthooves. He'll lead you down the corridor. Knock twice once you reach the door.

Night's face hardened. 'Well, isn't this intresting. I seem to have caught somepony's eye.' He went into the bank and asked the manager where to find the pony in question. He was directed to a door to which he knocked twice, as the note stated and was let in.

Another stout stallion was at the door, but flinched a little at the appearance. "Oh dear...that explains a lot." He hoofed Night another note.

Outside the Everfree Forest. Down the road.

"I hope you're worth the trouble my boss is going through to get you here." The stallion sat back in his chair. "Well...go on then."

Night was begining to feel like he was in one of role-playing games he'd seen his wolves play from time to time. Shrugging, he headed to the next spot. He had arrived and was alone, but sensed somepony watching.

"Mr. Shadow is it?" A voice whispered from the trees. "My friends have been keeping an eye on you. And must I say, a pony like yourself ought to have more security in his bank."

Night didn't budge, his face a mask of stone. "What's in my account is only a fraction of what I have. Now quit wasting both of our time and tell me what you called me for. I have Timberwolves to hunt and you're in my way."

A chuckle. "And where do you store the rest?"

Night only replied, not even twitching. "The princesses have hold of it until I ask for a quick withdraw. Now what do you what? Your note said we had similar intrests, so what would they be?"

The voice answered. "The pursuit of progress. Of change. An investment in this change would do quite nicely, yes?"

"Explain."

"We will keep your money safe. No high interest rates. We have quite a reputation, and our banks can be any bank in the world. Very...convienent for somepony like yourself."

"Maybe I didn't make myself clear. WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT? Nopony goes through THIS much trouble just to get somepony to set an account with them. So either come clean or I walk. I can tell we would good allies, but I only ally myself with those who don't go cloak and dagger to speak to me."

Two icy blue eyes appear out of the trees, the thing stared into his soul. Into his own body, looking over every curve and feature. "Your silence. I don't like squealers in my business. If we are to be allies, I need you to give me your word of confidentiality. And in return, I will put whatever dirty secrets you have to bed."

Night's eyes narrowed. No, he couldn't have....he had to make sure. "You're going to have to refresh my memory. Just what do you want me to stay out of that you would dig up dirt on little ol' me?"

"My business is looked down upon for giving second chances. Nobles, rivals, and perhaps even a few royals here and there. I just want your assurance that if and only if my business comes to light, you will do your best to defend it. We may work under shadows, but we're all honest folks trying to earn a living. I want a guarantee that you support my mission of uniting our banks under one system."

Night couldn't help, but smile happily. "You could have just asked, you make it sound like the princesses hate you. I'm going to guess that it was you who helped change Mr. Rich?"

"Mr. Rich? Hardly. He invests in my company, but does he know...well...not so much. But I wanted to make sure of course."

Night chuckled. "You didn't have to bring up the dirt on me. Had you been upfront with me from the start, I would have said yes." He heard Blitz in his mind. "Excuse me for a moment, mind link coming in." "What's up Blitz? You got something?" After hearing what they found and who they caught, he told them to bring the stallion to his house and to the basement. "Sorry about that, couple of friends of mine had found a stallion tampering with a few maple trees, so we're going to question him. But yes, you have my support. If even the princesses go against you, I'll still help."

"Good." The voice chuckled. "Head back to the bank. I'll let them know you're on board. Oh and Shadow...I reward loyalty. But disobedience...that can be punished."

Night gave a glare, but not one of disrespect. "If I did anything to harm your work, I would eat my own legs and let myself bleed out."

"Be careful what you promise...it might come back to bite you in the rear."

"If it came to that, I would no doubt deserve it." He walked away and headed for the bank, but as he left, he heard the voice say one last thing.

"Is there something troubling you Commander? This conversation doesn't have to be entirely about business, you know."

Night stopped in his tracks and sighed. "It's just....I wonder if I'm even really needed. I may have saved a filly, but it was my actions that put her in danger in the first place. Then I meet her concerned father and how do I react? I throw him against the wall and threaten his life, making the same filly I saved witness the worst side of me. Then to set things right, I try to kill myself, only for the father to stop me and tell me what an idiot I've been. The bottom line, what good am I for other than killing?" A tear had escaped and landed in the dirt.

For a moment it was quiet. "Well...why did you take the filly out? Why did you threaten her father? And finally how would killing yourself set things right?"

Night shakily breathed in. "In order? Me and the filly had a bet and I took her out for it which resulted in us getting attacked by Timberwolves. I threatened her father because I remember him being the worst scum in Equestria and I didn't think he cared for his filly when in fact he did and I nearly killed him in front of her. And all I bring is misery, one of the first friends I made was hurt because of a poor choice of words, then I let out a monster in me and nearly rape another friend. And now this. So again, what good am I for other than killing?"

The voice sighed. "I'm a hypocrite when it comes to morality. I understand it well enough, but I don't much care for its uses. I feel it blinds the mind from what's important. But...from what I'm hearing...you're suffering not because you can only kill. You're suffering because you can only judge. There are pros and cons to this. Judging the situation and determine the best course of action, such as staying away from a forbidden forest at night, might have been a wiser course of action for your fillyfriend. Immediately jumping to the conclusion that her father was vile scum is equally hypocritical. If he's a business pony, which I believe he is, you have no right to assault him even if he is scum. You kill others for a living. Soldiers. Things that have families no? But you do it for the necessity of your own country. This businesspony...how was he vile? And most likely, the answer will be because business requires him to be. There's no such thing as an honest merchant. If they were honest, they'd be selling things at their exact price and run out of business. No real point in profit now, is there? Poor choice of words also come from poor judgement calls. You cannot assume what you don't know. You cannot expect things to remain static. You have to adapt. Yet, I understand the intentions. You want to be a whole...good natured soul. To be the defender of the innocent, like some superhero in the comics. But we can all agree that innocence, like superheroes, don't exist. They never will. Everything has a bit of evil in them, but you learn to work with it. You can't expect to bring in your own failures and try to drive others to...pity you. You're a grown stallion who weeps like a foal and fights like a fool. But I digress. You're a capable fighter, just not the best. You will never be the best. And once you realize that and learn to humble yourself in front of others...you'll be able to make the right judgement calls."

Night sighed and smiled. "How is that the others said something like that, but it takes a blunt answer to get it through my thick skull?" He looked back, not really looking at anything. "I'll try not to judge so much. I'm not trying to be a hero, nor do I want to be. I just want others to be safe. Thank you, I hope we can meet face-to-face one day." He walked off, heading home with a much lighter heart, and a much MUCH clearer head.

The banker waited patiently, twiddling his hooves. "I hope he answers. Then I can get back to work."

Night went back to the bank before heading home so he could give his answer. He knocked the door twice like before a was let in, him smiling.

"I see everything went well?" The banker asked.

"You have my full support, just let me know if you ever need my help." Night smirked.

The banker gave a broad smile. His boss really did know how to convince a customer. Pulling out a large white packet, he gestured for Night to look it over. "Excellent, if you'd just sign here and here we can begin? You're officially a member of the Ponyville Bank!"

Night signed the papers after looking through them. If there's one thing he knows what to do, is look through a contract BEFORE signing. Seeing as how there was nothing that could be used against him unless he desevered it, he signed and hoofed it back. "Sorry if I seemed unsure there. I had a fellow of mine become a victom of a contract that made him lose nearly everything. It's now become a habit that I check through any and all contracts I sign, just in case. But your boss is real helpful, I now have the answers that had been slapping me in the face all this time."

The banker smiled. "Yeah, most ponies think bankers are just cold...heartless cretins. But we're ponies too you know. I mean, yeah our boss can be a bit tough. And certainly doesn't like to be seen. But they know how to run a business. And that's good enough in my book." He smiled at Night. "You are to also understand that any betrayal of this account or information of it is a strict liability on you. These kinds of accounts aren't the ones you brag about to your friends. They're under the tab and radar. You can request the money anywhere within Grpyhos and Equestria, and as long as you pay the interest, we're good." The banker looked over the forms. "Oh yes, yes...this will do just fine."

Night grinned at the banker. "As I said to your boss, if it should come to that, I would no doubt deserve it."

"Excellent, how did you find...her personally?" The banker twiddled his hooves nervously. This guy was way too happy to sign a contract.

Night answered the banker with the smile. "First off, I didn't know that she was a mare, the voice was garbled. Second, let's just say that if she weren't against it, I'd extend an invitation to join the Lunar Guard. A mind like hers is a rare thing, you're lucky to have a boss like her."

'He actually...nevermind I had the same idea to as manager.' "Well...she's certainly strong-willed and goal-oriented. Hehe. Although for some reason, she prefers being referred to as mister. Says most ponies like to trust a colt's business. And yes...a mind like hers...you don't meet often. As for the Lunar Guard, I'm sure she'll be fine just supporting it as is." Did this guy not see the oddness about her eyes. No sense of pupils, almost like a shark's eye when it bites down its prey. A rare mind? If you considered her sadistic streak maybe. And participation in the Guard? The manager almost laughed out loud at the notion.

Night smiled. "In my own opinion, I trust a mare to do business over a stallion, but that's just me. Well, have a good night." He turned and left for home, expecting guests.