Nightshade: the Legend of the lunar Rod (a PressStart and Steel Soul Story)by PressStartChaptersThe ArtifactRaiderNightshade's explanationThe MissionAftermathThe ArtifactGrey wakes up alone in the bed and heard the shower running. Fluttershy murrs softly as she let the water wash away her cares. The butter yellow mare with the adorable pink mane smiled wistfully before picking up her soap, and gently rubbing her fur, building up a healthy amount of suds on her. Grey nodded on the door which startled Fluttershy at first before answering, "who is it?" "It's me, Shy. I promise Nightshade I'd go on a raid with him. Since Daring is off trying to rescue Vinyl. You remember, right?" Grey said. Fluttershy replied with a "yes, but don't be late tonight. I have something special planned." Grey smell the air. It had a sweet lavender scent. Fluttershy blushed as she peaked out the curtain. Her gaze wavered but then she looked eyes with the stallion and gently puckered her lips. Grey softly kisses her for a few minutes and leaves it meet Nightshade. Nightshade was talking to a pony who responded to his tomb raider needs extra assistant flier. "So Steel Soul, was it? Have you ever raided a tomb?" Nightshade asked the stallion. The stallion in question, a brown furred brown maned earthpony shook his head from side to side. "Tomb...no...evil hangout...yes. I may not know about tomb raiding but if somepony needs help then I'll be there." Steel said and Nightshade shrugged at the reply he was given. "Well I have no complaints. Somepony is better then nopony." Nightshade replied then nugges the stallion and smiles. Steel nodded. "So...What are we up against anyhoof?" He asked as he tilts his head, "Where are we going exactly." "Well once a friend of mine get here, well be heading to find the lunar rod. It was said that nightmare moon used its power to let her escape from the moon. Though she didn't even think that it'll take a thousand years." Nightshade said shrugging again. "Wow...I thought it was with the stars help she escaped." He said tapping his chin with his hoof. "That is partially correct. The stars are a key to activating the rod." Nightshade said noticing the grizzly brown maned pegasus finally arriving. Nightshade said while the pegasus was catching his breath" Steel Soul, meet my late to arrive friend. Wolf Grey, but he goes by Grey." He looks towards the stallion before hovering him a curt nod. "It's a pleasure mister Gray. As he had said my name is Steel Soul. Adventurer and guards pony. I was hired to supply backup when needed." Steel said. Grey finally caught his breath and replied "nice to meet'cha steel." Grey placed his hoof out for a hoof bump. He tapped the others hoof before turning to the third in the group. "Alright! Ready when you are." Steel said. Nightshade nods and showed the way. They made it to Luna's and Celestia's old castle to find something that can point that in the right direction. They entered the castle and Nightshade said" this place is full of secret passageways. Find anything, tell me. A clue has too be here somewhere." Steel nodded before looking to the other pony. "You ready?" Steel asked. Grey shrugged and replied, "I just hope I'll be in time for dinner. My wife said she has something special planned later. Do you have a special somepony?" Steel blushed. "Well...Yeah...Um...Two actually..." Steel replied. Grey raised an eye brow. "and do both know that?" Grey asked. "Yeah...herd..." He said before looking away. Grey shrugged and replied "okay then, I don't expect you to tell me the names." Grey moved a statue, but nothing happened. "Just a dud." Grey said and continued walking with his new pal. "I can tell you the names. " Steel said picking up a skull, "If you want me too that is." "Well it's okay if you don't tell me. I don't need to know who's in your personal life." Grey said moved a chair in the room that they just walked into. "More duds. I'm surprised Flitter isn't here. She always hangs out with Nightshade, me, and a couple of the other guys. Hey I should introduction you to Al and Silver Thorn. Do you know the bowling alley near the alliance store?" Grey asked and Steel nodded. "Yeah...me and the girls go there sometime." Steel replied. "Great! Then we can all go together. Besides you don't look like the type to just hang at a bar and drink." Grey said then moved a vase and a wall opened up, but on the other side was Nightshade. "Well that was pointless." Grey said and Steel chuckled. "How about we move in deeper then. I doubt we will find anything near the entrance anyway..." Steel said. Grey nodded and the moved down a couple floors and continued to look. "This looks like Luna's old bedroom." Grey said and saw a property of Luna on the bed frame, "yep defiantly Luna's old room." "Heh...nervous about being in another mares room hmm?" Steel asked in a teasing tone. Grey shook off the comment. "Technically if I was in Luna's current room and not her old room then I'll be nervous. There's a thousand years of dust everywhere." Grey heared a flutter of wings. Realizing that they were being followed and waited till the flutter of wings was closer. Once it was close enough, Grey pounced on the pony that was following them, but was surprised to see who it was. "Flitter! What in Luna's sake are you doing here?" Grey asked. The mare smiled sheepishly. "Ah...I was...adventuring?" She said while slowly ducking her head. Grey got off her and helped her up. "This isn't those times were you hang with the guys. This is a tomb raid quest." Grey said, but quickly regretted it, since he saw her perk up with a large smile. Steel raised an eyebrow as he looked at the two of them. "Need some time alone? We are in a bed room and I need to go check on our partner." Steel said with a snicker. Flitter blush and Grey said "I told you I was married, remember." Steel chuckled before smileing. "Yeah...and a herd is not unheard of." Steel said and Flitter was now bright red. "Look Fluttershy is my mare and if I spend time with another mare in a bedroom, it'll just seem wrong." Grey said fiercely and Steel nodded. "Hey...I understand. One mare is good enough for you...I didn't mean to offend. Still what are you doing here fritter?" Steel asked and Flitter rubbed her leg with her hoof. "Well Cloudchaser was on work today, Al and Silver Thorn was busy with some sciencey thing, and I wanted to spent some time with somepony. So when I saw the three of you, I decided to see what you were doing. Plus I wanted to meet your new friend. Are you mad at me Grey?" Flitter said still bright red. Grey sighed and looked at Steel Soul. He then looked back at Flitter and replied to her question, "na, I'm not mad. What now Steel? You think it's a good idea to let her come with us?" "Well...I'm sure there's nothing too dangerous here...still she should stay close...and no wondering off." Steel replied. Grey nodded and turned to Fitter, "stay close to me, okay?" She nodded before brushing into him, keeping close. Grey was to nice to say she was to close, so he didn't. They walked over to Nightshade who has already found a secret passage. "What took so long?" Nightshade asked smirking. Steel pointed to the mare beside Gray. "Picked u somepony extra." Steel replied. Nightshade noticed Flitter finally and stopped smirking. "And you decided to let her come with you?" Nightshade said in a serious tone. "Well...we couldn't leave her. " Steel defended. Nightshade sighed and said, "I'm not mad, but this makes things difficult. Raiding tombs isn't a walk in the park. You understand right?" Fritter nodded. "I promise I won't get in the way." Flitter replied. Nightshade shrugged and said one last thing, "I found this secret passage that leads farther down than this castle floors actually go. How do I know this. Well I found at blue prints in that room and the stairs go off the blue prints. Flitter don't ever leave Grey's side or I'm sending you back to ponyville. I know that we are friends, but remember that if I want a artifact. So do somepony else." With that said he walked down the stairs. The other three looked down the stairs. "Hmm, dark, creepy, old, possibly boobie trapped. After you Steel." Grey said smirking. "Yay..." Steel said sarcastically. Grey followed Steel from behind with Flitter nuzzleing close to Grey's side. By the time the three caught up with Nightshade they had entered a chamber with a hole in the ground. Steel made his way to the hole. "Wow...Somepony was mad at the ground." Steel said. Nightshade said firmly, "Stardust." "Stardust?" Steel inquired. Nightshade nods and replied, "Stardust is the manifest of remains when the Lunar Rod activates. So to say, it's either down there or somepony got here before us. It's a good thing I brought rope." Nightshade pulled the rope out of the inside of his light brown jacket. "Steel your coming with me. Grey and Flitter stay here. I expect the two of you to pull us up if something happens. Did you bring the touch that was requested on the flier?" Nightshade asked. Steel pulled the torch from his pack. "You know it." Steel replied. Nightshade nods and with a slight grin he said, "Okay then. I'll meet you down there." The next thing that happened was Nightshade chimneying down the hole on the rope, he had tied around a pillar. Steel nodded before doing the same. By the time the two of them reached the bottom it was pitch black. "I think you forgot to light the torch." Nightshade said. He rolled his eyes before striking the torch with his hoof, exhibiting the flame. Nightshade pointed at the walls. "Do you see the starlight sparkles going down the tunnel? The light from the torch reflects off the Stardust, I have experience at thus because I'm a tomb raider." Nightshade explained and started down the tunnel. "I see..." Steel said as he followed after Nightshade, "How long have you've been tomb raiding?" "Ever since I got my cutie mark, it's a long story, I'll tell you later." Nightshade said as the two of them continued down the tunnel. "I see..." He said softly. It took a while for them to actually get to the end of the tunnel. On top of the big rock perched a rod with an illuminating light blue gem. Nightshade smiled and said "that's the Lunar rod, looks like we made it first." Steel statues in wonder at the item. "Wow...it looks pretty powerful. ." Steel said. Nightshade nods and replied, "and dangerous. Give me a moment to examine the rod." Steel nodded and stepped back a bit. Nightshade walked up to the rod and examined it thoroughly. After he was done examining it, he pulled the rod gently out and the tunnel started to shake. "Yep that's pretty much how I thought this will turn out." Nightshade said turning to face Steel Soul smiling, "Now this is the part where we run." Steel sighed before pointing towards the way they came. "Tomb raiders first!" Steel said. The two ran until they made it to the rope. "The place is collapsing. You go first, don't argue just climb." Nightshade yelled over the load rumbling tunnel. Steel nodded before gripping the rope and pulling himself up. Nightshade attached the rod to his back and started to climb. Noticing that the rope was being pulled he continued to climb. When he got near the top, a pair of hooves grabbed Nightshade and pulled him up, but there was no time to celebrate. Some ponies Nightshade never seen before overpowered he and tied him up. Nightshade then noticed Grey and Steel Soul were in the same predicament as him, but Flitter was held hostage by a very bulky stallion. The next thing that happened was a stallion with a light brown coat and a black mane walked up to Nightshade. "You surprise me Nightshade. I thought that you were a loner." The light brown stallion said smirking. Nightshade glared and the stallion and replied in a angry tone, "Raider." Author's Note I'm glad this story wasn't made by me alone. I don't take full credit, Steel Soul has equal credit for the creation of this story. I'll be able to get the next four chapters in as fast as possible. Please leave a comment on what you think. RaiderSteel struggled in his bonds as he looked towards the stallions. "You better damn well let her go or else I will end you so hard an So fast even death will say what the fuckery?!" He said in a dangerous tone unwitting of his usual character. Raider smiled at the statement and replied, "ah, yes the stallion in knight armor. May I acquire your name?" "Steel Soul..." He said in a low growl. "What an interesting name. You don't have to worry. No harm will befall her, but I can't very well let her go." Raider said keeping his calm. "Why the he'll not?" He spat out in anger. "You should ask Nightshade. There is a reason he works alone." Raider said. Stell looked towards the other stallion. A goon walked up to Raider and said, "This area is going to collapse soon. We need to leave." "Very well, lets go." Raider said And started to walk out. "Wait are we going to just leave them?" The goon asked. "Don't worry. The Nightshade I know always has a plan. He'll escape." Raider said And then they left, leaving the three tied up stallions to themselves. Steel deadpanned. "Please Tell me that you do have a plan Nightshade...I really really want to bust some heads."Steel said very anxiously. Nightshade used his head to scoot himself toward Grey. "Grey I need you to bite the ropes off like your biting a dragon." Nightshade said in a serious tone and Grey did as he said And freed Nightshade from his bonds. Then Nightshade untied the other two. "Run before the entire stairway collapses." Nightshade now yelling over the rumbling. Steel nodded. "I'll see you two at The entrance." Steel said before zooming off, "I will catch up to those bastard!!" "Just escape, Flitter will be fine. Trust me." Nightshade yelled and they run out into the main castle before they were squashed be the falling stone. Steel rolled to a stopped as he made it out the entrance first he turned to face the cave. Nightshade sat down with his back to the wall trying to get his breath back. "Where's gray?" Steel asked as he made it to nightshade. "Right here Steelster." Grey said putting his wings away, "who was that asshole?" "And where's fritter?" Steel added. "Where do you think? She's with Raider." Nightshade said breathlessly. "Then we find him and kick his flank!" Steel said in a serious tone. "I already know where he is heading, but we aren't going to rescue her quite yet." Nightshade said standing back on all fours. "Why the Heck not?" Steel asked angrily. "I'm sure your wanting an explanation, but that will have to wait." Nightshade said walking past Grey and Steel, "meet me to the town hall in five hours. I have to prepare something. Raider maybe an ass, but he keeps his word. Flitter will remain unharmed." Steel closed his eyes. "good...as long as the girl is safe..." Steel said relieved. Grey made it in time for dinner. According to Nightshade they will be travelling all night, so it was wise to get some sleep. Forgetting that Fluttershy had something special planned he headed upstairs to the bedroom to get a little sleep. To his surprise Fluttershy was in the bedroom wearing a saddle and socks that was most likely made by Rarity. Grey blushed at the sight. The butter yellow Pegasus smiled softly before making her way towards him. "um...ah...do you...dou you like it?" Fluttershy asked softly. Grey answered with a hourse, "Eeyup." She smiled as she kissed him softly under his chin. "do you..want to come to bed?" Fluttershy asked softly. Grey nodded and then remembered why he was here. "Shit I forgot about Flitter." Grey said smacking his face with his hoof. "w-what...?"she asked in confusion. "When we were raiding for an artifact called the Lunar Rod, Flitter followed us and we let her come with us. We found out where the rod was and Nightshade descended down a hole with another stallion that was with us, but before the two of them came back. This asshole named Raider tied me up and captured Flitter. Nightshade and Steel Soul, the other stallion, got tied up as well. I'm supposed to meet Nightshade in four hours, cause we are going to pursue Raider all night." Grey said as fast as he can and all in one breath. Flittershy blinked Softly. "That means that I'm leaving in four hours and need sleep." Grey said doing a weak smile. Her ears deflated. Panicking Grey said, "But I can most likely snuggle you in my sleep. If that's any consolation." She lowered her head for a bit before nodding and smiling. Grey placed his hoof to her cheek. "I promise after Nightshade, Steel Soul, and I rescue Flitter we can," Grey paused what he was saying and swallowed some saliva before continuing, "do your special plans." She smiled. "I'll hold it to you then." Fluttershy said. Flitter was in a wagon with her wings ties to her back and her front hooves tied together. Raider sat across from her. "Are you uncomfortable miss...," Raider said hoping to get her name. Fritter huffed and looked away from him. Raider chuckled and said, "you are an interesting mare. Do you mind telling me what relationship you have with Nightshade?" "He's a friend." She said looking down, "Just...a friend..." Raider continued to smile. "What would you think if I told you I'm Nightshade' s twin brother." Raider said calmly. He me eyes widened. "he...has a brother? Wait...then...you left your brother to die in the cave! How could you you monster?!" Flitter shouted angrily. Raider laughed out loud which made her flinch. "Don't be silly. I'd never kill my brother." Raider said smiling. "So...You didn't just leave him in a collapsing cave?" Flitter asked. "No I did." Raider said still smiling. "So your saying he survived?" Flitter asked. "Nightshade always has a plan. I'm sure he escaped. I still don't know you name." Raider said leaning toward her. She looked at him for a moment. "Fritter..." Flitter replied. Raider leaned back and nodded. "That's a pretty name. Did you ever know a pegasus named Winter Rose when you were a filly?" Raider asked. "No...who is she?" She asked as she tilted her head. Raider's smile went away and he looked away from Flitter. He was apparently disappointed. "She is the reason I'm doing this." Raider said with a sigh, "I apologize. I was hoping that you knew her." "Was she...important to you and your brother?" Flitter asked. "Yes, she was. She was like a little sister to Nightshade, but I loved her. She's gone, but not dead." Raider said looking back at Flitter. "Why are you telling me this?" Flitter asked. Raider smiled again and asked, "did he tell you about the Lunar Rod?" She shook her head. "There is ten locations the rod must be placed to be activated. The trouble with Nightmare Moon is one example. Once the stars is in a certain position, the rod activates. But the position of the stars is different depending on the location." Raider explained. "So...why do you want the rod... you're planing on bringing back Nightmare Moon?" Flitter asked. Raider chuckled and replied, "No I'm going to open a gateway to the Nether." "The...nether?" Flitter asked tilting her head to the side. "Yes, the Nether is a place where ponies vanish from this world and drift in a spacelike world completely asleep. Winter Rose is there and I'm going to bring her back." Raider said with a smile. "You...mean...You mean she died?" She asked softly. "She's gone not dead." Raider said chuckling at her. She decided to keep quite as he laughed. When he was done she asked, "So...What does your brother think of your plan?" "No I didn't tell him, but he isn't clueless. He probably already knows." Raider said tilting his head with a smile. "Is he trying to stop you?" Flitter asked. "I suppose. There is a little detail about doing this." Raider said picking up a Hard Apple Cider and opening it, "do you drink?" She looked at it before looking at her hooves. "Cant grab it." Flitter replied. "I'm a earth pony and in holding it with my hooves, why can't you?" Raider asked. "I'm bounded..." Flitter said. Raider chuckled and replied, "right, my bad. Promise you won't run away." "You promise not to hurt me..." She said as she turned around. "I promised your companions that no harm will befall you." Raider said chuckling. She nodded as she backed towards him so he could unlock it "What if I do try to run away?" Flitter asked. "Do you break your promises?" Raider asked before cutting the rope. "No..." She said rubbing her hooves. "Then I trust you." Raider said and then cut the rope. Raider picked up a Hard Apple Cider and held it towards Flitter. She gripped it. "Um...So...What kind of mare was she?" Flitter asked. "She was a pegasus, like you. She had an icey blue mane and a snow white coat. She is a fragile like a snowflake. A paper cut to her is like a knife cut to us. She had the kindest smile that could sooth everypony." Raider said and paused. He seemed to miss her. "You...must have loved her a lot..." Flitter said. "I still do. I'm going to bring her back, even if the how I'm doing this has a risk. I'll pull her out of the Nether." Raider said with a gentle smile. "And...Your brother doesn't agree with this?" Flitter asked. "It's because he knows the risk of the Lunar Rod." Raider said smiling. "What is the risk?" Flitter asked. Author's Note Okay so Raider isn't that bad of a guy. I mean he knew Nightshade will escape and he is doing all this for a mare that he loves. What is the risk? That will be in the next chapter. Leaving you at a cliffhanger, aren't I? Nightshade's explanationIt was time to rescue Flitter from Raider and Grey really didn't want to leave the bed. He could still smell the lavender scent in Fluttershy's coat. The shy mare nuzzled against the stallion, shortening softly. Grey knew that now's the time to leave on his rescue mission, so he gently shook her awake. The mare woke with a start, sitting up. "Huh...Oh...Gray?" Fluttershy asked smiling softly. "It's time for me to leave on my rescue mission. Can I get a kiss before I leave?" Grey asked with a gentle smile. She smiled a She leaned in to kiss his lips softly, her tounge pushing into his mouth to allow entry. Grey parted his jaw open and let her tongue enter his mouth. Shortly after his tongue was also in her mouth. She moaned before pulling away. "If you need something while I'm on my rescue mission, Black Rain will help. He may not be my butler anymore, but he'll still help." Grey said and before leaving the bed he booped her muzzle. She giggled. "Be careful..." Fluttershy said. Grey was luck that he wasn't the only one who was late, because while he was flying overhead he saw Steel Soul moving toward the town hall. Grey decided to fly down and greet him. "Hey Steelster. You late too?" Grey asked landing next to the stallion. Steel smiled as he looked at him. "Heh...I tied to get here early." Grey laughed and asked, "so what did you do for your four hours?" He value and looked away. "Nothing special..." Steel said. "Really, is it really nothing?" Grey pried. He blushed deeper and kept his gaze away. "Come on, it can't be that embarrassing. Wait were you... .... ... masturbating?" Grey asked. "No you bastard!" He yelled. "I was with my mate!" "Sex or snuggle?" Grey continued to pry. "Ah...Um..." He blushed and looks away. "I snuggled with my mate. I needed the sleep, but since you decided to have sex with your mate. I guess that you didn't need the sleep." Grey said making Steel' s entire face red. Kept his gaze to the ground. "If I sleep I wouldn't have woken up on time..." Steel said. "Wait then you actually decided to have sex?" Grey said surprised. He blushed as he looks away. "I have one question. Did she enjoy it?" Grey asked. He groaned and buried his head in his hooves.Grey laughed at the embarrassed Steel and he glared at Grey. "Will I ever meet you marefriend?" Grey asked smiling. "Not if you say things like that." Steel Said with a light chuckle. "I don't even talk like this around Fluttershy. I only talk like this when I'm with the guys." Grey said shrugging. He smile and asked, "So...You didn't get lucky with the yellow mare?" "Actually she did what to have sex, but I resisted so I could get some sleep. I promise to do it later." Grey replied. "You refused a mare?" Steel asked. "Yeah, but she understands the situation." Grey said. "Still...a willing mare...take it from me...She might be a little miffed you didn't do it." Steel said. "I don't have to worry. She is going to make me have sex when I get back." Grey said. "I Belive it." Steel asked smiling. "So who is your mare?" Grey said nugging Steel. He coughed and looked away. "She's...a...different..." Steel replied. "What? I didn't catch that." Grey said. "It's nothing...never mind..." Steel said blushing. "You not a foalcon, are you?" Grey asked. "No! She was....Ah...she's...just different....that's all I can say..." Steel replied. "Are you really that embarrassed to say who it is?" Grey asked. Steel lowered his head and said, "Well...It's...kind of a delicate issue..." "Delicate? What is more delicate then a shy mare?" Grey asked completely confused. He mumbled under his breath, "...ling." "Ling? Wait, are you saying your mare is a Changling? That is awesome, but I thought that they feed on love." Grey said once again confused. "It's a bit more complicated then that. But yes they do..." Steel said. "Damn! Now I know that I've seen everything and I know a Changling that feeds on fear." Grey said rubbing the back of his head and Steel blushed. "Listen...She doesn't want every pony knowing what She is so..." Steel said. "Your secret is safe with me." Grey said and then stood in front of Steel, "cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Grey smiled at the confused pony. Steel raised an eyebrow before shivering. "Oh Crap...a pinkie pie promise...D-don't brake it...please...for your sake don't..." Steel said. "Don't worry, I won't." Grey said smiling. He smiled before sighing and said, "So yeah...I have a changeling as a mate..." "What's her name?" Grey asked. "We...settled on Vanilla Cream.." "Oh? That's a nice name." Grey said smiling, "kinda cute actually." "Heh...She thought so too..." He said as he looked to his leg.. "were is the other guy?" "It's about time the two of you showed up. Come I'll explain while we travel." Nightshade said walking past Grey and Steel. "Apparently we walked past him." Grey said. Steel rolled his eyes as he followed after nightshade. "So...what's up with that Luna rod...He planing on bringing back nightmare moon or something?" Steel asked. "No, he is planning on opening the Nether." Nightshade said. "The what?" Steel asked. "It's a Dimension between Dimensions. When a pony is trapped in there, they float endlessly asleep. It's pretty much like a pitch black spacelike dimension." Nightshade explained. "I see...So why does he want it?" Steel asked. "I think that I should start with 'who is Raider'. He is my twin brother." Nightshade said. "So your twin brother left us to die in a collapsing cave...talk about hardcore sibling rivalry..." Steel said. "More like I'm the cause of it, but before Raider and I stopped being partners we were really close. It was because of him that I got my cutie mark." Nightshade explained. "So...why does he want to open the rift?" Steel asked. "To bring a pegasus mare back from the Nether, because I got her stuck in there." Nightshade replied. Steel's eyes widened and he asked, "How?" "I was responsible for protecting her and I failed. There was a rift that opened up and I failed." Nightshade replied. "So...did you know about the Luna rod...where you going to open the rift?" Steel asked. "No I didn't even try to get her back. Raider said he hated me and we split up. Still we need to stop him." Nightshade said. "Why...is the rift bad?" Steel asked. "It's not the rift, it's the risk with opening the rift with the Lunar Rod." Nightshade said. "Is there...something else in there?" Steel asked. "No, nothing like that." Nightshade said. "So...why is it a risk?" Steel asked. "He is going to switch himself with the mare." Nightshade replied and Steel' s eyes widened. "So...sacrifice himself...I know he's your brother and all but...Well...He did leave us to die and all that...not saying we shouldn't stop him but..." Steel said. "He is doing this for her, because he still loves her and she was like a little sister to me." Nightshade said. "Is there another way to save her?" Steel asked. "The Mizlor Mirror, but it it was lost and the cause of the rift opening." Nightshade replied. "So that's what your looking for...and your brother is tired of waiting..." Steel said. "That seems to be the case." Nightshade said. "Well then...let's stop him!" Steel said. "That's the plan. Any more questions?" Nightshade asked and Steel nodded. "Where are we going?" Steel asked. "Hoofington. Well the temple a mile away from Hoofington. It's one of those places that you can't get to by train." Nightshade answered. "So we hoof it?" Steel asked. "Yeah, we're gonna be up all night." Nightshade replied. "Fantastic..."Steel muttered. "This just became an eight class raid." Nightshade said fiercely and Steel nodded. "Right...then I'll get my hero face on." Steel said as he made his way out front. "You have no idea what I mean, do you?" Nightshade asked raising a eye brow. "Not one bit but it seems important." Steel said smiling. "That figures. The tomb raider danger class ranks from one to ten. One being no trouble and no traps. Ten being large possibility of death." Nightshade explained. "Then like I said...hero face." Steel replied. "So who is this Mare?" Grey asked. "Her name is Winter Rose." Nightshade replied. "Winter rose...Heh..nice name." Steel said. "And gentle to everypony. She's like Fluttershy, but without all the phobias and twice as delicate." Nightshade said. "Wow...sounds cute." Steel said. "Yeah, she was." Nightshade said smiling gently and Steel nodded. "Well then...shall we get going?" Steel asked. "Huh? Oh right." Nightshade said. "Keep your head in the game boss." Steel said smiling. "Sorry, sometimes I remember the past and I'm distracted me." Nightshade said. "It's ok...lead on boss." Steel said. The night was long and it was even longer, because Grey had to carry a sleeping Steel all through the night. Steel snores deeply as he loses over the stallion that carried him. "You okay back there?" Nightshade asked. "Ask me again after I'm not carrying a stallion all decked out in armor." Grey replied sarcastically. Steel mumbed in his sleep. Grey drops Steel and Steel woke up. "Morning Steelster, sleep well?" Grey asked and Steel groaned. "Could have been better..." Steel said. "We have two more miles to go. You up for it?" Grey asked. "Yeah yeah...I can manage...maybe I should have waited to mate with vanilla cream..." Steel said rubbing his eyes. "Ya think?" Grey said and Steel shot him a glare. "Lets just he moving..." Steel said. Grey helped Steel up and started up a conversation, "I was carrying you all threw the night and an hour in daylight." "Oh...Well...thank you..." Steel said. "The only problem is that you are extremely heavy." Grey said. "Quite you." Steel said as he looked away. "I think my aching back is louder then me." Grey said. Steel rolled his eyes as he moved out in front. The three of them finally arrived at Hoofington, but to their surprise, a panicking Flitter flew in crying and tackles Grey. Steel moved to their side. "What happening!?" Steel asked completely confused. "Raider told me everything and he let me go." Flitter said burying her crying face in Grey's chest. "Everything...and just...let you go?" Steel asked. "Yes! That's what happened. You have to stop him. Please." Flitter said through her tears and Steel nodded. "You two heard the lady...time to take down a bad guy." Steel said. "I don't want you to hurt him, just stop him." Flitter said quickly grabbing Steel' s backleg. He looks down at her before nodding. "I'll try my best...no promises..." Steel said. Grey grabbed her with his hooves and pulled her close. "Don't worry we'll stop him. I pinkie promise you." Grey said gently. "Not to be uncaring, but if we don't hurry, we won't make it in time to stop him." Nightshade said firmly. "Stay with me okay?" Grey asked. Steel frowned as he led the way and said, "Right! Got a plan boss?" "Then let's hear it." Nightshade said. Author's Note So yeah, a lot of talking, but to my defence they did walk all night. Anyways Steel Soul only wares sholderarmor and a saddle bag, but still heavy. The plan will be be revealed in the next chapter. The Mission"Nightshade and Steel should be in position right about now. Flitter you remember what we were supposed to do, right? "Grey asked. "I...I mean...I.." She looked away. "Flitter focus. Recite Steel' s plan to me." Grey said firmly. "I...I stand by...and...and wait to grab the specter when steel frees it from the bad ponies grasp..." Flitter replied. "Good." Grey said and looked over the rumble, "I think there's a problem with Steel' s plan. Raider has the Lunar Rod." "Steel is planing on Takeing it from him." Flitter said. "Okay I hope it works." Grey said. Raider stood in the place where the rod most be placed. "My men. This is where I part. I made sure you'll receive your money. It will be delivered to your place tomorrow morning. I thank you all." Raider said out loud. Steel made his way to the behind the crowd. "Hey raider!" Steel yelled. "Ah, Sir Steel. Come for the return of Winter Rose. Nightshade had already told you want I'm going to do, yes?" Raider said. "Yeah...and I have to stop you." Steel replied and he smiled. "That is if you can stop me." Raider said smiling. "I can try..." He said gearing up. "Nightshade really does intend to stop me, huh? Does he not care about bring back Winter?" Raider asked smiling. "He cares...but he also cares about you..." Steel said softly. "I see. Because I'm his twin brother, yes? I love Winter, with all my heart. This will be the final try. I will not fail. I'm sorry, but I can't simply walk away. I hope you understand." Raider said with his smile gone. "I figured as much...properly would do the same thing in your place....still...I have a job to do..." He said pawing at the ground, "I intend to do it..." "I'm sorry for this. Brick Smasher, Boxer, take him out, but don't kill him. Not a fan of death." Raider said and the two bulky stallions nods and attacks Steel. Steel smiled and said, "Heh...Ok then boys...let's see what you two can do in a fair fight." He lunged at the pair galloping full speed towards them. One of the stallions pinned Steel to the ground, but noticed that he was smiling. Steel kicked his back legs up, knocking the stallion into the air. With swift movements, he jumped back to his hooves and ran for the other stallion, catching him off guard. The guardian grabbed him by his tail and swung the stallion to his air born buddy, knocking them against each other. Both stallions landed in a crumpled heap not too far away from Steel. "Two down..." Steel said smiling. "My, my, get him." Raider said and the seven other ponies charged at the smiling Steel. Steel deadpanned and said, "Well...ponyfeathers..." Fritter gasped from her lookout and said, "Oh no! Steel is in trouble!" "I'm coming Steelster." Grey yelled and quickly flew landing next to Steel. "Heh...Well...my plan backfired completely..." Steel said as the stallions drew nearer. "You don't say?" Grey said mocking him even if it wasn't the time to do so. Steel gave a sheepish smile. "Heh...Well nothing for it now eh..." Steel said. "Nightshade made a new plan. We take these ponies on and Nightshade will go for the rod." Grey whispered. "Right...I'll handle the four on the right...You got the left." Steel said. "Wait how come you get to fight four of them? That only leaves me with three." Grey said. "Fine...I'll take three and you take four..." Steel said rolling his eyes. "Good, this will be fun." Grey said and the two of them charged at the the ponies. Fritter watched as steel and gray fought before turning her attention towards Raider. Nightshade was walking up to Raider from the back. "You of all ponies, know that it is impossible for anypony to sneak up on me." Raider said turning around. "I know, but I'm still going to stop you." Nightshade said smiling. "Right to you Steelster." Grey said and right hooked a pony to the face, making the pony fly towards Steel. Steel turned and bucked the stallion hard before running off to defeat his throws one. "Come on! Their not even trying!" Steel said. "I know, it's slightly embarrassing." Grey said and left hooked a pony into another one. Steel raised his hoof to strike the last one bit found him cowering. With a groan he let his hoof down and leaned into him. "Run..." Steel said. The stallion jumped and ran like his life depended on it. Nightshade was socked in the muzzle and fell in front of Grey and Steel. "About time you got here." Nightshade said. Raider picked up the rod. "Too late." Raider said And placed the rod in the slot, making a gust of wind that blew the three stallions away. "We have to fight the wind. Watch out for bits of Stardust. It'll hurt if it hits you." Nightshade yelled over the wind. "You say that likes its going to be easy!" Steel said as he fought against the wind. "It isn't, that's why I said it." Nightshade yelled again. Steel rolled his eyes as he fought against the wind, makeing his way towards Raider. A large clump of Stardust hit Grey and made him tumble backwards. Steel looked back towards his fallen friend. "Gray!" Steel yelled. "I'll be fine, just go." Grey yelled over the wind. Steel nodded before turning back to face Raider. Nightshade finally got a hold of Raider. "You have to stop this. This isn't something that you like to do." Nightshade yelled. "I think not. I'll being her back if it kills me." Raider yelled back. "Nightshade!" Fritter yelled. "What?" Nightshade yelled back while trying to get Raider to let go of the rod. "Somethings happening! In the sky!" Flitter yelled. "Sorry Nightshade, but I'm not giving up." Raider yelled and nailed him on the muzzle. That made him let go and do to the strong wind, made Nightshade fly into Steel. The next thing was a bright light and instead of seeing Raider and the rod. They saw a snow white pegasus mare with an icey blue mane unconscious on the ground. Steel caught Nightshade, allowing the stallion to rest against him when he did. Looking up he saw the mare on the ground and sighed. "Well...I don't know if I would be happy...or sad..." Steel said. Author's Note Didn't go well didn't it. Well one chapter left. AftermathFlitter flew down to Grey to help him. "Sorry Flitter. I couldn't keep my pinkie promise." Grey said. "No...It's ok..."She said softly. "I have this large pain on my chest." Grey chuckles and then flinches from the pain. Steel helps Nightshade up before makeing his way to the mare. She finally opened up her eyes and looked up at Steel. Steel could see her soft lavender eyes looking at him. "Who are you?" She said softly. "A friend of...Nightshade and Raider...I suspect." He said softly holding his hoof out to her. "Steel Soul, at your service." She smiled and place her hoof on his. Steel felt her soft and fragile hoof as he helped her up. "Where are they?" She asked with a gentle smile. His gaze faltered before casting a look towards Nightshade as he slowly made his way up the steps. "Winter I can explain." Nightshade said clearly upset by his failed to save Raider. Winter quickly wrapped her hooves around Nightshade, leaving him speechless. Steel smiled sadly before makeing his way down the steps. "Right...You two have a bit to catch up on...I'm gonna go ahead and jet." Steel said with a wink and a smile, "If you need anything at all, you know where to find me Shade." Steel made his way toward his injured friend and Flitter. "Hey, Steelster what's it hanging?" Grey said trying to not show he was in pain, but failed at doing so. "Heh...all's good on the western front more or less...for now, I'm going back to Vanilla...I'm guessing you and Fritter want to be alone?" Steel said as he passed them. "Heh, crap. You wanna take me home?" Grey asked with a painful smile. Steel rolled his eyes as he helped him up. "Heh...Sure...I'll order us a cart." Steel replied. "Thanks and Flitter you should come with us. Let Nightshade figure it out himself." Grey said and Flitter kissed him on the lips before nodding and helping Steel with the other side. "You know I'm still married, right?" Grey asked. "Yeah...and a herd is not unheard of." She said as she nuzzled him. "Your never going to give up on me, huh?" Grey asked. "Not one bit." She said as she kissed his cheek. It wasn't long before Steel knocked on the door and Fluttershy answered. "Hi, I'm in some massive pain right now." Grey said. "Oh dear..." Fluttershy said as she made he way to him, "Are you ok?" "I was hit with Stardust. I'll be fine." Grey said and Steel rolled his eyes. "Will you tend to him Flutters? You and Fritter will be better caretakers then me." Steel said. Fluttershy nods and takes Steel' s place where he was holding Grey. The two stallions said goodbye and the two mares took Grey to bed so he can rest. Fluttershy then kissed Grey, which made Flitter blush. "Well...Ann...let's get him to the couch shy." She said softly. "Bed or couch. Makes no difference to me." Grey said and received another kiss an the cheek from Fluttershy. "Couch...It's closer. "Flutter shy said. They then placed him on the couch and the two mares saw a large swollen bruise on his chest. "Oh...dear...does it hurt much?" Fluttershy asked. "Nope, I feel fine." Grey said trying to sound like he wasn't in massive pain, but the mares didn't buy it. "Here...I'll get some ice." Fritter said rushing to the kitchen . It wasn't long before she returned with ice and as she softly placed it on Grey, his entire body jolts with pain as his he yelled out a painful scream and then bit his lip. Flitter smiled as she looked at him. "A little better?" Flitter asked. "I feel like my chest is on fire. I think I'm good." Grey said trying to joke over his pain. "Oh dear...do you need a doctor?" Fluttershy said. "Does it look that back?" Grey asked not looking at the wound. "It looks like a really bad bruise...maybe we should?" Flitter said. "Then let's call in Redheart." Grey said and within an hour. Redheart walked in the cottage. "Hey doc, what's new?" Grey asked still trying not to show how much pain he is in. "Oh dear..." She said as she made her way to him. Gently she placed a hoof on his chest. Grey then squirmed in pain which made Redheart jump back. "Oh dear...I think I have some soothing solutions in my bag." She said as she rummaged through it. "I wonder if Nightshade is okay." Grey said to himself with a worried look on her face. "Me too...we...did leave him and that mare there..." Flitter asked. "Do you suppose that was Winter Rose?" Grey asked. "It had to have been...geez...She was pretty..." Fritter said with a pout. "I didn't get a good look. To busy with the fact I was I pain." Grey said smiling. Fritter shook her head. "It's ok...let's concentrate on you for now. You need to get better." Flitter said. "Sorry Shy. Wasn't careful enough." Grey smiled. "It's ok, I know you tried you best...even if I really don't understand what it is you did." Fluttershy said smiling at him. Nightshade watched Winter sleep in his bed, while he was sitting on a chair. "I'm sorry Winter. I'll be leaving you again, but for a good reason this time." Nightshade said and got up. He was going to bring back Raider and this time he will succeed. Author's Note Yes that means there will be a sequel. It's still under development, so you'll have to wait. This is the end of this book.
The ArtifactGrey wakes up alone in the bed and heard the shower running. Fluttershy murrs softly as she let the water wash away her cares. The butter yellow mare with the adorable pink mane smiled wistfully before picking up her soap, and gently rubbing her fur, building up a healthy amount of suds on her. Grey nodded on the door which startled Fluttershy at first before answering, "who is it?" "It's me, Shy. I promise Nightshade I'd go on a raid with him. Since Daring is off trying to rescue Vinyl. You remember, right?" Grey said. Fluttershy replied with a "yes, but don't be late tonight. I have something special planned." Grey smell the air. It had a sweet lavender scent. Fluttershy blushed as she peaked out the curtain. Her gaze wavered but then she looked eyes with the stallion and gently puckered her lips. Grey softly kisses her for a few minutes and leaves it meet Nightshade. Nightshade was talking to a pony who responded to his tomb raider needs extra assistant flier. "So Steel Soul, was it? Have you ever raided a tomb?" Nightshade asked the stallion. The stallion in question, a brown furred brown maned earthpony shook his head from side to side. "Tomb...no...evil hangout...yes. I may not know about tomb raiding but if somepony needs help then I'll be there." Steel said and Nightshade shrugged at the reply he was given. "Well I have no complaints. Somepony is better then nopony." Nightshade replied then nugges the stallion and smiles. Steel nodded. "So...What are we up against anyhoof?" He asked as he tilts his head, "Where are we going exactly." "Well once a friend of mine get here, well be heading to find the lunar rod. It was said that nightmare moon used its power to let her escape from the moon. Though she didn't even think that it'll take a thousand years." Nightshade said shrugging again. "Wow...I thought it was with the stars help she escaped." He said tapping his chin with his hoof. "That is partially correct. The stars are a key to activating the rod." Nightshade said noticing the grizzly brown maned pegasus finally arriving. Nightshade said while the pegasus was catching his breath" Steel Soul, meet my late to arrive friend. Wolf Grey, but he goes by Grey." He looks towards the stallion before hovering him a curt nod. "It's a pleasure mister Gray. As he had said my name is Steel Soul. Adventurer and guards pony. I was hired to supply backup when needed." Steel said. Grey finally caught his breath and replied "nice to meet'cha steel." Grey placed his hoof out for a hoof bump. He tapped the others hoof before turning to the third in the group. "Alright! Ready when you are." Steel said. Nightshade nods and showed the way. They made it to Luna's and Celestia's old castle to find something that can point that in the right direction. They entered the castle and Nightshade said" this place is full of secret passageways. Find anything, tell me. A clue has too be here somewhere." Steel nodded before looking to the other pony. "You ready?" Steel asked. Grey shrugged and replied, "I just hope I'll be in time for dinner. My wife said she has something special planned later. Do you have a special somepony?" Steel blushed. "Well...Yeah...Um...Two actually..." Steel replied. Grey raised an eye brow. "and do both know that?" Grey asked. "Yeah...herd..." He said before looking away. Grey shrugged and replied "okay then, I don't expect you to tell me the names." Grey moved a statue, but nothing happened. "Just a dud." Grey said and continued walking with his new pal. "I can tell you the names. " Steel said picking up a skull, "If you want me too that is." "Well it's okay if you don't tell me. I don't need to know who's in your personal life." Grey said moved a chair in the room that they just walked into. "More duds. I'm surprised Flitter isn't here. She always hangs out with Nightshade, me, and a couple of the other guys. Hey I should introduction you to Al and Silver Thorn. Do you know the bowling alley near the alliance store?" Grey asked and Steel nodded. "Yeah...me and the girls go there sometime." Steel replied. "Great! Then we can all go together. Besides you don't look like the type to just hang at a bar and drink." Grey said then moved a vase and a wall opened up, but on the other side was Nightshade. "Well that was pointless." Grey said and Steel chuckled. "How about we move in deeper then. I doubt we will find anything near the entrance anyway..." Steel said. Grey nodded and the moved down a couple floors and continued to look. "This looks like Luna's old bedroom." Grey said and saw a property of Luna on the bed frame, "yep defiantly Luna's old room." "Heh...nervous about being in another mares room hmm?" Steel asked in a teasing tone. Grey shook off the comment. "Technically if I was in Luna's current room and not her old room then I'll be nervous. There's a thousand years of dust everywhere." Grey heared a flutter of wings. Realizing that they were being followed and waited till the flutter of wings was closer. Once it was close enough, Grey pounced on the pony that was following them, but was surprised to see who it was. "Flitter! What in Luna's sake are you doing here?" Grey asked. The mare smiled sheepishly. "Ah...I was...adventuring?" She said while slowly ducking her head. Grey got off her and helped her up. "This isn't those times were you hang with the guys. This is a tomb raid quest." Grey said, but quickly regretted it, since he saw her perk up with a large smile. Steel raised an eyebrow as he looked at the two of them. "Need some time alone? We are in a bed room and I need to go check on our partner." Steel said with a snicker. Flitter blush and Grey said "I told you I was married, remember." Steel chuckled before smileing. "Yeah...and a herd is not unheard of." Steel said and Flitter was now bright red. "Look Fluttershy is my mare and if I spend time with another mare in a bedroom, it'll just seem wrong." Grey said fiercely and Steel nodded. "Hey...I understand. One mare is good enough for you...I didn't mean to offend. Still what are you doing here fritter?" Steel asked and Flitter rubbed her leg with her hoof. "Well Cloudchaser was on work today, Al and Silver Thorn was busy with some sciencey thing, and I wanted to spent some time with somepony. So when I saw the three of you, I decided to see what you were doing. Plus I wanted to meet your new friend. Are you mad at me Grey?" Flitter said still bright red. Grey sighed and looked at Steel Soul. He then looked back at Flitter and replied to her question, "na, I'm not mad. What now Steel? You think it's a good idea to let her come with us?" "Well...I'm sure there's nothing too dangerous here...still she should stay close...and no wondering off." Steel replied. Grey nodded and turned to Fitter, "stay close to me, okay?" She nodded before brushing into him, keeping close. Grey was to nice to say she was to close, so he didn't. They walked over to Nightshade who has already found a secret passage. "What took so long?" Nightshade asked smirking. Steel pointed to the mare beside Gray. "Picked u somepony extra." Steel replied. Nightshade noticed Flitter finally and stopped smirking. "And you decided to let her come with you?" Nightshade said in a serious tone. "Well...we couldn't leave her. " Steel defended. Nightshade sighed and said, "I'm not mad, but this makes things difficult. Raiding tombs isn't a walk in the park. You understand right?" Fritter nodded. "I promise I won't get in the way." Flitter replied. Nightshade shrugged and said one last thing, "I found this secret passage that leads farther down than this castle floors actually go. How do I know this. Well I found at blue prints in that room and the stairs go off the blue prints. Flitter don't ever leave Grey's side or I'm sending you back to ponyville. I know that we are friends, but remember that if I want a artifact. So do somepony else." With that said he walked down the stairs. The other three looked down the stairs. "Hmm, dark, creepy, old, possibly boobie trapped. After you Steel." Grey said smirking. "Yay..." Steel said sarcastically. Grey followed Steel from behind with Flitter nuzzleing close to Grey's side. By the time the three caught up with Nightshade they had entered a chamber with a hole in the ground. Steel made his way to the hole. "Wow...Somepony was mad at the ground." Steel said. Nightshade said firmly, "Stardust." "Stardust?" Steel inquired. Nightshade nods and replied, "Stardust is the manifest of remains when the Lunar Rod activates. So to say, it's either down there or somepony got here before us. It's a good thing I brought rope." Nightshade pulled the rope out of the inside of his light brown jacket. "Steel your coming with me. Grey and Flitter stay here. I expect the two of you to pull us up if something happens. Did you bring the touch that was requested on the flier?" Nightshade asked. Steel pulled the torch from his pack. "You know it." Steel replied. Nightshade nods and with a slight grin he said, "Okay then. I'll meet you down there." The next thing that happened was Nightshade chimneying down the hole on the rope, he had tied around a pillar. Steel nodded before doing the same. By the time the two of them reached the bottom it was pitch black. "I think you forgot to light the torch." Nightshade said. He rolled his eyes before striking the torch with his hoof, exhibiting the flame. Nightshade pointed at the walls. "Do you see the starlight sparkles going down the tunnel? The light from the torch reflects off the Stardust, I have experience at thus because I'm a tomb raider." Nightshade explained and started down the tunnel. "I see..." Steel said as he followed after Nightshade, "How long have you've been tomb raiding?" "Ever since I got my cutie mark, it's a long story, I'll tell you later." Nightshade said as the two of them continued down the tunnel. "I see..." He said softly. It took a while for them to actually get to the end of the tunnel. On top of the big rock perched a rod with an illuminating light blue gem. Nightshade smiled and said "that's the Lunar rod, looks like we made it first." Steel statues in wonder at the item. "Wow...it looks pretty powerful. ." Steel said. Nightshade nods and replied, "and dangerous. Give me a moment to examine the rod." Steel nodded and stepped back a bit. Nightshade walked up to the rod and examined it thoroughly. After he was done examining it, he pulled the rod gently out and the tunnel started to shake. "Yep that's pretty much how I thought this will turn out." Nightshade said turning to face Steel Soul smiling, "Now this is the part where we run." Steel sighed before pointing towards the way they came. "Tomb raiders first!" Steel said. The two ran until they made it to the rope. "The place is collapsing. You go first, don't argue just climb." Nightshade yelled over the load rumbling tunnel. Steel nodded before gripping the rope and pulling himself up. Nightshade attached the rod to his back and started to climb. Noticing that the rope was being pulled he continued to climb. When he got near the top, a pair of hooves grabbed Nightshade and pulled him up, but there was no time to celebrate. Some ponies Nightshade never seen before overpowered he and tied him up. Nightshade then noticed Grey and Steel Soul were in the same predicament as him, but Flitter was held hostage by a very bulky stallion. The next thing that happened was a stallion with a light brown coat and a black mane walked up to Nightshade. "You surprise me Nightshade. I thought that you were a loner." The light brown stallion said smirking. Nightshade glared and the stallion and replied in a angry tone, "Raider." Author's Note I'm glad this story wasn't made by me alone. I don't take full credit, Steel Soul has equal credit for the creation of this story. I'll be able to get the next four chapters in as fast as possible. Please leave a comment on what you think.
RaiderSteel struggled in his bonds as he looked towards the stallions. "You better damn well let her go or else I will end you so hard an So fast even death will say what the fuckery?!" He said in a dangerous tone unwitting of his usual character. Raider smiled at the statement and replied, "ah, yes the stallion in knight armor. May I acquire your name?" "Steel Soul..." He said in a low growl. "What an interesting name. You don't have to worry. No harm will befall her, but I can't very well let her go." Raider said keeping his calm. "Why the he'll not?" He spat out in anger. "You should ask Nightshade. There is a reason he works alone." Raider said. Stell looked towards the other stallion. A goon walked up to Raider and said, "This area is going to collapse soon. We need to leave." "Very well, lets go." Raider said And started to walk out. "Wait are we going to just leave them?" The goon asked. "Don't worry. The Nightshade I know always has a plan. He'll escape." Raider said And then they left, leaving the three tied up stallions to themselves. Steel deadpanned. "Please Tell me that you do have a plan Nightshade...I really really want to bust some heads."Steel said very anxiously. Nightshade used his head to scoot himself toward Grey. "Grey I need you to bite the ropes off like your biting a dragon." Nightshade said in a serious tone and Grey did as he said And freed Nightshade from his bonds. Then Nightshade untied the other two. "Run before the entire stairway collapses." Nightshade now yelling over the rumbling. Steel nodded. "I'll see you two at The entrance." Steel said before zooming off, "I will catch up to those bastard!!" "Just escape, Flitter will be fine. Trust me." Nightshade yelled and they run out into the main castle before they were squashed be the falling stone. Steel rolled to a stopped as he made it out the entrance first he turned to face the cave. Nightshade sat down with his back to the wall trying to get his breath back. "Where's gray?" Steel asked as he made it to nightshade. "Right here Steelster." Grey said putting his wings away, "who was that asshole?" "And where's fritter?" Steel added. "Where do you think? She's with Raider." Nightshade said breathlessly. "Then we find him and kick his flank!" Steel said in a serious tone. "I already know where he is heading, but we aren't going to rescue her quite yet." Nightshade said standing back on all fours. "Why the Heck not?" Steel asked angrily. "I'm sure your wanting an explanation, but that will have to wait." Nightshade said walking past Grey and Steel, "meet me to the town hall in five hours. I have to prepare something. Raider maybe an ass, but he keeps his word. Flitter will remain unharmed." Steel closed his eyes. "good...as long as the girl is safe..." Steel said relieved. Grey made it in time for dinner. According to Nightshade they will be travelling all night, so it was wise to get some sleep. Forgetting that Fluttershy had something special planned he headed upstairs to the bedroom to get a little sleep. To his surprise Fluttershy was in the bedroom wearing a saddle and socks that was most likely made by Rarity. Grey blushed at the sight. The butter yellow Pegasus smiled softly before making her way towards him. "um...ah...do you...dou you like it?" Fluttershy asked softly. Grey answered with a hourse, "Eeyup." She smiled as she kissed him softly under his chin. "do you..want to come to bed?" Fluttershy asked softly. Grey nodded and then remembered why he was here. "Shit I forgot about Flitter." Grey said smacking his face with his hoof. "w-what...?"she asked in confusion. "When we were raiding for an artifact called the Lunar Rod, Flitter followed us and we let her come with us. We found out where the rod was and Nightshade descended down a hole with another stallion that was with us, but before the two of them came back. This asshole named Raider tied me up and captured Flitter. Nightshade and Steel Soul, the other stallion, got tied up as well. I'm supposed to meet Nightshade in four hours, cause we are going to pursue Raider all night." Grey said as fast as he can and all in one breath. Flittershy blinked Softly. "That means that I'm leaving in four hours and need sleep." Grey said doing a weak smile. Her ears deflated. Panicking Grey said, "But I can most likely snuggle you in my sleep. If that's any consolation." She lowered her head for a bit before nodding and smiling. Grey placed his hoof to her cheek. "I promise after Nightshade, Steel Soul, and I rescue Flitter we can," Grey paused what he was saying and swallowed some saliva before continuing, "do your special plans." She smiled. "I'll hold it to you then." Fluttershy said. Flitter was in a wagon with her wings ties to her back and her front hooves tied together. Raider sat across from her. "Are you uncomfortable miss...," Raider said hoping to get her name. Fritter huffed and looked away from him. Raider chuckled and said, "you are an interesting mare. Do you mind telling me what relationship you have with Nightshade?" "He's a friend." She said looking down, "Just...a friend..." Raider continued to smile. "What would you think if I told you I'm Nightshade' s twin brother." Raider said calmly. He me eyes widened. "he...has a brother? Wait...then...you left your brother to die in the cave! How could you you monster?!" Flitter shouted angrily. Raider laughed out loud which made her flinch. "Don't be silly. I'd never kill my brother." Raider said smiling. "So...You didn't just leave him in a collapsing cave?" Flitter asked. "No I did." Raider said still smiling. "So your saying he survived?" Flitter asked. "Nightshade always has a plan. I'm sure he escaped. I still don't know you name." Raider said leaning toward her. She looked at him for a moment. "Fritter..." Flitter replied. Raider leaned back and nodded. "That's a pretty name. Did you ever know a pegasus named Winter Rose when you were a filly?" Raider asked. "No...who is she?" She asked as she tilted her head. Raider's smile went away and he looked away from Flitter. He was apparently disappointed. "She is the reason I'm doing this." Raider said with a sigh, "I apologize. I was hoping that you knew her." "Was she...important to you and your brother?" Flitter asked. "Yes, she was. She was like a little sister to Nightshade, but I loved her. She's gone, but not dead." Raider said looking back at Flitter. "Why are you telling me this?" Flitter asked. Raider smiled again and asked, "did he tell you about the Lunar Rod?" She shook her head. "There is ten locations the rod must be placed to be activated. The trouble with Nightmare Moon is one example. Once the stars is in a certain position, the rod activates. But the position of the stars is different depending on the location." Raider explained. "So...why do you want the rod... you're planing on bringing back Nightmare Moon?" Flitter asked. Raider chuckled and replied, "No I'm going to open a gateway to the Nether." "The...nether?" Flitter asked tilting her head to the side. "Yes, the Nether is a place where ponies vanish from this world and drift in a spacelike world completely asleep. Winter Rose is there and I'm going to bring her back." Raider said with a smile. "You...mean...You mean she died?" She asked softly. "She's gone not dead." Raider said chuckling at her. She decided to keep quite as he laughed. When he was done she asked, "So...What does your brother think of your plan?" "No I didn't tell him, but he isn't clueless. He probably already knows." Raider said tilting his head with a smile. "Is he trying to stop you?" Flitter asked. "I suppose. There is a little detail about doing this." Raider said picking up a Hard Apple Cider and opening it, "do you drink?" She looked at it before looking at her hooves. "Cant grab it." Flitter replied. "I'm a earth pony and in holding it with my hooves, why can't you?" Raider asked. "I'm bounded..." Flitter said. Raider chuckled and replied, "right, my bad. Promise you won't run away." "You promise not to hurt me..." She said as she turned around. "I promised your companions that no harm will befall you." Raider said chuckling. She nodded as she backed towards him so he could unlock it "What if I do try to run away?" Flitter asked. "Do you break your promises?" Raider asked before cutting the rope. "No..." She said rubbing her hooves. "Then I trust you." Raider said and then cut the rope. Raider picked up a Hard Apple Cider and held it towards Flitter. She gripped it. "Um...So...What kind of mare was she?" Flitter asked. "She was a pegasus, like you. She had an icey blue mane and a snow white coat. She is a fragile like a snowflake. A paper cut to her is like a knife cut to us. She had the kindest smile that could sooth everypony." Raider said and paused. He seemed to miss her. "You...must have loved her a lot..." Flitter said. "I still do. I'm going to bring her back, even if the how I'm doing this has a risk. I'll pull her out of the Nether." Raider said with a gentle smile. "And...Your brother doesn't agree with this?" Flitter asked. "It's because he knows the risk of the Lunar Rod." Raider said smiling. "What is the risk?" Flitter asked. Author's Note Okay so Raider isn't that bad of a guy. I mean he knew Nightshade will escape and he is doing all this for a mare that he loves. What is the risk? That will be in the next chapter. Leaving you at a cliffhanger, aren't I?
Nightshade's explanationIt was time to rescue Flitter from Raider and Grey really didn't want to leave the bed. He could still smell the lavender scent in Fluttershy's coat. The shy mare nuzzled against the stallion, shortening softly. Grey knew that now's the time to leave on his rescue mission, so he gently shook her awake. The mare woke with a start, sitting up. "Huh...Oh...Gray?" Fluttershy asked smiling softly. "It's time for me to leave on my rescue mission. Can I get a kiss before I leave?" Grey asked with a gentle smile. She smiled a She leaned in to kiss his lips softly, her tounge pushing into his mouth to allow entry. Grey parted his jaw open and let her tongue enter his mouth. Shortly after his tongue was also in her mouth. She moaned before pulling away. "If you need something while I'm on my rescue mission, Black Rain will help. He may not be my butler anymore, but he'll still help." Grey said and before leaving the bed he booped her muzzle. She giggled. "Be careful..." Fluttershy said. Grey was luck that he wasn't the only one who was late, because while he was flying overhead he saw Steel Soul moving toward the town hall. Grey decided to fly down and greet him. "Hey Steelster. You late too?" Grey asked landing next to the stallion. Steel smiled as he looked at him. "Heh...I tied to get here early." Grey laughed and asked, "so what did you do for your four hours?" He value and looked away. "Nothing special..." Steel said. "Really, is it really nothing?" Grey pried. He blushed deeper and kept his gaze away. "Come on, it can't be that embarrassing. Wait were you... .... ... masturbating?" Grey asked. "No you bastard!" He yelled. "I was with my mate!" "Sex or snuggle?" Grey continued to pry. "Ah...Um..." He blushed and looks away. "I snuggled with my mate. I needed the sleep, but since you decided to have sex with your mate. I guess that you didn't need the sleep." Grey said making Steel' s entire face red. Kept his gaze to the ground. "If I sleep I wouldn't have woken up on time..." Steel said. "Wait then you actually decided to have sex?" Grey said surprised. He blushed as he looks away. "I have one question. Did she enjoy it?" Grey asked. He groaned and buried his head in his hooves.Grey laughed at the embarrassed Steel and he glared at Grey. "Will I ever meet you marefriend?" Grey asked smiling. "Not if you say things like that." Steel Said with a light chuckle. "I don't even talk like this around Fluttershy. I only talk like this when I'm with the guys." Grey said shrugging. He smile and asked, "So...You didn't get lucky with the yellow mare?" "Actually she did what to have sex, but I resisted so I could get some sleep. I promise to do it later." Grey replied. "You refused a mare?" Steel asked. "Yeah, but she understands the situation." Grey said. "Still...a willing mare...take it from me...She might be a little miffed you didn't do it." Steel said. "I don't have to worry. She is going to make me have sex when I get back." Grey said. "I Belive it." Steel asked smiling. "So who is your mare?" Grey said nugging Steel. He coughed and looked away. "She's...a...different..." Steel replied. "What? I didn't catch that." Grey said. "It's nothing...never mind..." Steel said blushing. "You not a foalcon, are you?" Grey asked. "No! She was....Ah...she's...just different....that's all I can say..." Steel replied. "Are you really that embarrassed to say who it is?" Grey asked. Steel lowered his head and said, "Well...It's...kind of a delicate issue..." "Delicate? What is more delicate then a shy mare?" Grey asked completely confused. He mumbled under his breath, "...ling." "Ling? Wait, are you saying your mare is a Changling? That is awesome, but I thought that they feed on love." Grey said once again confused. "It's a bit more complicated then that. But yes they do..." Steel said. "Damn! Now I know that I've seen everything and I know a Changling that feeds on fear." Grey said rubbing the back of his head and Steel blushed. "Listen...She doesn't want every pony knowing what She is so..." Steel said. "Your secret is safe with me." Grey said and then stood in front of Steel, "cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Grey smiled at the confused pony. Steel raised an eyebrow before shivering. "Oh Crap...a pinkie pie promise...D-don't brake it...please...for your sake don't..." Steel said. "Don't worry, I won't." Grey said smiling. He smiled before sighing and said, "So yeah...I have a changeling as a mate..." "What's her name?" Grey asked. "We...settled on Vanilla Cream.." "Oh? That's a nice name." Grey said smiling, "kinda cute actually." "Heh...She thought so too..." He said as he looked to his leg.. "were is the other guy?" "It's about time the two of you showed up. Come I'll explain while we travel." Nightshade said walking past Grey and Steel. "Apparently we walked past him." Grey said. Steel rolled his eyes as he followed after nightshade. "So...what's up with that Luna rod...He planing on bringing back nightmare moon or something?" Steel asked. "No, he is planning on opening the Nether." Nightshade said. "The what?" Steel asked. "It's a Dimension between Dimensions. When a pony is trapped in there, they float endlessly asleep. It's pretty much like a pitch black spacelike dimension." Nightshade explained. "I see...So why does he want it?" Steel asked. "I think that I should start with 'who is Raider'. He is my twin brother." Nightshade said. "So your twin brother left us to die in a collapsing cave...talk about hardcore sibling rivalry..." Steel said. "More like I'm the cause of it, but before Raider and I stopped being partners we were really close. It was because of him that I got my cutie mark." Nightshade explained. "So...why does he want to open the rift?" Steel asked. "To bring a pegasus mare back from the Nether, because I got her stuck in there." Nightshade replied. Steel's eyes widened and he asked, "How?" "I was responsible for protecting her and I failed. There was a rift that opened up and I failed." Nightshade replied. "So...did you know about the Luna rod...where you going to open the rift?" Steel asked. "No I didn't even try to get her back. Raider said he hated me and we split up. Still we need to stop him." Nightshade said. "Why...is the rift bad?" Steel asked. "It's not the rift, it's the risk with opening the rift with the Lunar Rod." Nightshade said. "Is there...something else in there?" Steel asked. "No, nothing like that." Nightshade said. "So...why is it a risk?" Steel asked. "He is going to switch himself with the mare." Nightshade replied and Steel' s eyes widened. "So...sacrifice himself...I know he's your brother and all but...Well...He did leave us to die and all that...not saying we shouldn't stop him but..." Steel said. "He is doing this for her, because he still loves her and she was like a little sister to me." Nightshade said. "Is there another way to save her?" Steel asked. "The Mizlor Mirror, but it it was lost and the cause of the rift opening." Nightshade replied. "So that's what your looking for...and your brother is tired of waiting..." Steel said. "That seems to be the case." Nightshade said. "Well then...let's stop him!" Steel said. "That's the plan. Any more questions?" Nightshade asked and Steel nodded. "Where are we going?" Steel asked. "Hoofington. Well the temple a mile away from Hoofington. It's one of those places that you can't get to by train." Nightshade answered. "So we hoof it?" Steel asked. "Yeah, we're gonna be up all night." Nightshade replied. "Fantastic..."Steel muttered. "This just became an eight class raid." Nightshade said fiercely and Steel nodded. "Right...then I'll get my hero face on." Steel said as he made his way out front. "You have no idea what I mean, do you?" Nightshade asked raising a eye brow. "Not one bit but it seems important." Steel said smiling. "That figures. The tomb raider danger class ranks from one to ten. One being no trouble and no traps. Ten being large possibility of death." Nightshade explained. "Then like I said...hero face." Steel replied. "So who is this Mare?" Grey asked. "Her name is Winter Rose." Nightshade replied. "Winter rose...Heh..nice name." Steel said. "And gentle to everypony. She's like Fluttershy, but without all the phobias and twice as delicate." Nightshade said. "Wow...sounds cute." Steel said. "Yeah, she was." Nightshade said smiling gently and Steel nodded. "Well then...shall we get going?" Steel asked. "Huh? Oh right." Nightshade said. "Keep your head in the game boss." Steel said smiling. "Sorry, sometimes I remember the past and I'm distracted me." Nightshade said. "It's ok...lead on boss." Steel said. The night was long and it was even longer, because Grey had to carry a sleeping Steel all through the night. Steel snores deeply as he loses over the stallion that carried him. "You okay back there?" Nightshade asked. "Ask me again after I'm not carrying a stallion all decked out in armor." Grey replied sarcastically. Steel mumbed in his sleep. Grey drops Steel and Steel woke up. "Morning Steelster, sleep well?" Grey asked and Steel groaned. "Could have been better..." Steel said. "We have two more miles to go. You up for it?" Grey asked. "Yeah yeah...I can manage...maybe I should have waited to mate with vanilla cream..." Steel said rubbing his eyes. "Ya think?" Grey said and Steel shot him a glare. "Lets just he moving..." Steel said. Grey helped Steel up and started up a conversation, "I was carrying you all threw the night and an hour in daylight." "Oh...Well...thank you..." Steel said. "The only problem is that you are extremely heavy." Grey said. "Quite you." Steel said as he looked away. "I think my aching back is louder then me." Grey said. Steel rolled his eyes as he moved out in front. The three of them finally arrived at Hoofington, but to their surprise, a panicking Flitter flew in crying and tackles Grey. Steel moved to their side. "What happening!?" Steel asked completely confused. "Raider told me everything and he let me go." Flitter said burying her crying face in Grey's chest. "Everything...and just...let you go?" Steel asked. "Yes! That's what happened. You have to stop him. Please." Flitter said through her tears and Steel nodded. "You two heard the lady...time to take down a bad guy." Steel said. "I don't want you to hurt him, just stop him." Flitter said quickly grabbing Steel' s backleg. He looks down at her before nodding. "I'll try my best...no promises..." Steel said. Grey grabbed her with his hooves and pulled her close. "Don't worry we'll stop him. I pinkie promise you." Grey said gently. "Not to be uncaring, but if we don't hurry, we won't make it in time to stop him." Nightshade said firmly. "Stay with me okay?" Grey asked. Steel frowned as he led the way and said, "Right! Got a plan boss?" "Then let's hear it." Nightshade said. Author's Note So yeah, a lot of talking, but to my defence they did walk all night. Anyways Steel Soul only wares sholderarmor and a saddle bag, but still heavy. The plan will be be revealed in the next chapter.
The Mission"Nightshade and Steel should be in position right about now. Flitter you remember what we were supposed to do, right? "Grey asked. "I...I mean...I.." She looked away. "Flitter focus. Recite Steel' s plan to me." Grey said firmly. "I...I stand by...and...and wait to grab the specter when steel frees it from the bad ponies grasp..." Flitter replied. "Good." Grey said and looked over the rumble, "I think there's a problem with Steel' s plan. Raider has the Lunar Rod." "Steel is planing on Takeing it from him." Flitter said. "Okay I hope it works." Grey said. Raider stood in the place where the rod most be placed. "My men. This is where I part. I made sure you'll receive your money. It will be delivered to your place tomorrow morning. I thank you all." Raider said out loud. Steel made his way to the behind the crowd. "Hey raider!" Steel yelled. "Ah, Sir Steel. Come for the return of Winter Rose. Nightshade had already told you want I'm going to do, yes?" Raider said. "Yeah...and I have to stop you." Steel replied and he smiled. "That is if you can stop me." Raider said smiling. "I can try..." He said gearing up. "Nightshade really does intend to stop me, huh? Does he not care about bring back Winter?" Raider asked smiling. "He cares...but he also cares about you..." Steel said softly. "I see. Because I'm his twin brother, yes? I love Winter, with all my heart. This will be the final try. I will not fail. I'm sorry, but I can't simply walk away. I hope you understand." Raider said with his smile gone. "I figured as much...properly would do the same thing in your place....still...I have a job to do..." He said pawing at the ground, "I intend to do it..." "I'm sorry for this. Brick Smasher, Boxer, take him out, but don't kill him. Not a fan of death." Raider said and the two bulky stallions nods and attacks Steel. Steel smiled and said, "Heh...Ok then boys...let's see what you two can do in a fair fight." He lunged at the pair galloping full speed towards them. One of the stallions pinned Steel to the ground, but noticed that he was smiling. Steel kicked his back legs up, knocking the stallion into the air. With swift movements, he jumped back to his hooves and ran for the other stallion, catching him off guard. The guardian grabbed him by his tail and swung the stallion to his air born buddy, knocking them against each other. Both stallions landed in a crumpled heap not too far away from Steel. "Two down..." Steel said smiling. "My, my, get him." Raider said and the seven other ponies charged at the smiling Steel. Steel deadpanned and said, "Well...ponyfeathers..." Fritter gasped from her lookout and said, "Oh no! Steel is in trouble!" "I'm coming Steelster." Grey yelled and quickly flew landing next to Steel. "Heh...Well...my plan backfired completely..." Steel said as the stallions drew nearer. "You don't say?" Grey said mocking him even if it wasn't the time to do so. Steel gave a sheepish smile. "Heh...Well nothing for it now eh..." Steel said. "Nightshade made a new plan. We take these ponies on and Nightshade will go for the rod." Grey whispered. "Right...I'll handle the four on the right...You got the left." Steel said. "Wait how come you get to fight four of them? That only leaves me with three." Grey said. "Fine...I'll take three and you take four..." Steel said rolling his eyes. "Good, this will be fun." Grey said and the two of them charged at the the ponies. Fritter watched as steel and gray fought before turning her attention towards Raider. Nightshade was walking up to Raider from the back. "You of all ponies, know that it is impossible for anypony to sneak up on me." Raider said turning around. "I know, but I'm still going to stop you." Nightshade said smiling. "Right to you Steelster." Grey said and right hooked a pony to the face, making the pony fly towards Steel. Steel turned and bucked the stallion hard before running off to defeat his throws one. "Come on! Their not even trying!" Steel said. "I know, it's slightly embarrassing." Grey said and left hooked a pony into another one. Steel raised his hoof to strike the last one bit found him cowering. With a groan he let his hoof down and leaned into him. "Run..." Steel said. The stallion jumped and ran like his life depended on it. Nightshade was socked in the muzzle and fell in front of Grey and Steel. "About time you got here." Nightshade said. Raider picked up the rod. "Too late." Raider said And placed the rod in the slot, making a gust of wind that blew the three stallions away. "We have to fight the wind. Watch out for bits of Stardust. It'll hurt if it hits you." Nightshade yelled over the wind. "You say that likes its going to be easy!" Steel said as he fought against the wind. "It isn't, that's why I said it." Nightshade yelled again. Steel rolled his eyes as he fought against the wind, makeing his way towards Raider. A large clump of Stardust hit Grey and made him tumble backwards. Steel looked back towards his fallen friend. "Gray!" Steel yelled. "I'll be fine, just go." Grey yelled over the wind. Steel nodded before turning back to face Raider. Nightshade finally got a hold of Raider. "You have to stop this. This isn't something that you like to do." Nightshade yelled. "I think not. I'll being her back if it kills me." Raider yelled back. "Nightshade!" Fritter yelled. "What?" Nightshade yelled back while trying to get Raider to let go of the rod. "Somethings happening! In the sky!" Flitter yelled. "Sorry Nightshade, but I'm not giving up." Raider yelled and nailed him on the muzzle. That made him let go and do to the strong wind, made Nightshade fly into Steel. The next thing was a bright light and instead of seeing Raider and the rod. They saw a snow white pegasus mare with an icey blue mane unconscious on the ground. Steel caught Nightshade, allowing the stallion to rest against him when he did. Looking up he saw the mare on the ground and sighed. "Well...I don't know if I would be happy...or sad..." Steel said. Author's Note Didn't go well didn't it. Well one chapter left.
AftermathFlitter flew down to Grey to help him. "Sorry Flitter. I couldn't keep my pinkie promise." Grey said. "No...It's ok..."She said softly. "I have this large pain on my chest." Grey chuckles and then flinches from the pain. Steel helps Nightshade up before makeing his way to the mare. She finally opened up her eyes and looked up at Steel. Steel could see her soft lavender eyes looking at him. "Who are you?" She said softly. "A friend of...Nightshade and Raider...I suspect." He said softly holding his hoof out to her. "Steel Soul, at your service." She smiled and place her hoof on his. Steel felt her soft and fragile hoof as he helped her up. "Where are they?" She asked with a gentle smile. His gaze faltered before casting a look towards Nightshade as he slowly made his way up the steps. "Winter I can explain." Nightshade said clearly upset by his failed to save Raider. Winter quickly wrapped her hooves around Nightshade, leaving him speechless. Steel smiled sadly before makeing his way down the steps. "Right...You two have a bit to catch up on...I'm gonna go ahead and jet." Steel said with a wink and a smile, "If you need anything at all, you know where to find me Shade." Steel made his way toward his injured friend and Flitter. "Hey, Steelster what's it hanging?" Grey said trying to not show he was in pain, but failed at doing so. "Heh...all's good on the western front more or less...for now, I'm going back to Vanilla...I'm guessing you and Fritter want to be alone?" Steel said as he passed them. "Heh, crap. You wanna take me home?" Grey asked with a painful smile. Steel rolled his eyes as he helped him up. "Heh...Sure...I'll order us a cart." Steel replied. "Thanks and Flitter you should come with us. Let Nightshade figure it out himself." Grey said and Flitter kissed him on the lips before nodding and helping Steel with the other side. "You know I'm still married, right?" Grey asked. "Yeah...and a herd is not unheard of." She said as she nuzzled him. "Your never going to give up on me, huh?" Grey asked. "Not one bit." She said as she kissed his cheek. It wasn't long before Steel knocked on the door and Fluttershy answered. "Hi, I'm in some massive pain right now." Grey said. "Oh dear..." Fluttershy said as she made he way to him, "Are you ok?" "I was hit with Stardust. I'll be fine." Grey said and Steel rolled his eyes. "Will you tend to him Flutters? You and Fritter will be better caretakers then me." Steel said. Fluttershy nods and takes Steel' s place where he was holding Grey. The two stallions said goodbye and the two mares took Grey to bed so he can rest. Fluttershy then kissed Grey, which made Flitter blush. "Well...Ann...let's get him to the couch shy." She said softly. "Bed or couch. Makes no difference to me." Grey said and received another kiss an the cheek from Fluttershy. "Couch...It's closer. "Flutter shy said. They then placed him on the couch and the two mares saw a large swollen bruise on his chest. "Oh...dear...does it hurt much?" Fluttershy asked. "Nope, I feel fine." Grey said trying to sound like he wasn't in massive pain, but the mares didn't buy it. "Here...I'll get some ice." Fritter said rushing to the kitchen . It wasn't long before she returned with ice and as she softly placed it on Grey, his entire body jolts with pain as his he yelled out a painful scream and then bit his lip. Flitter smiled as she looked at him. "A little better?" Flitter asked. "I feel like my chest is on fire. I think I'm good." Grey said trying to joke over his pain. "Oh dear...do you need a doctor?" Fluttershy said. "Does it look that back?" Grey asked not looking at the wound. "It looks like a really bad bruise...maybe we should?" Flitter said. "Then let's call in Redheart." Grey said and within an hour. Redheart walked in the cottage. "Hey doc, what's new?" Grey asked still trying not to show how much pain he is in. "Oh dear..." She said as she made her way to him. Gently she placed a hoof on his chest. Grey then squirmed in pain which made Redheart jump back. "Oh dear...I think I have some soothing solutions in my bag." She said as she rummaged through it. "I wonder if Nightshade is okay." Grey said to himself with a worried look on her face. "Me too...we...did leave him and that mare there..." Flitter asked. "Do you suppose that was Winter Rose?" Grey asked. "It had to have been...geez...She was pretty..." Fritter said with a pout. "I didn't get a good look. To busy with the fact I was I pain." Grey said smiling. Fritter shook her head. "It's ok...let's concentrate on you for now. You need to get better." Flitter said. "Sorry Shy. Wasn't careful enough." Grey smiled. "It's ok, I know you tried you best...even if I really don't understand what it is you did." Fluttershy said smiling at him. Nightshade watched Winter sleep in his bed, while he was sitting on a chair. "I'm sorry Winter. I'll be leaving you again, but for a good reason this time." Nightshade said and got up. He was going to bring back Raider and this time he will succeed. Author's Note Yes that means there will be a sequel. It's still under development, so you'll have to wait. This is the end of this book.
