Blood Legacy: Book 1: Darkness Rising

After our conversation with Cross Fire over dinner, and what the plan really was, he advised Crystal and myself to get some sleep, since we would have to cover a greater amount of land tomorrow. I would be lying if I said that the sleeping bag I had wasn't comfortable, but for reasons I could not fully explain, I found that sleep continued to elude me thought the night.

I had tried various sleeping positions, but none of them seemed to suit me, until I finally managed to feel the embrace of sleep fill my mind, as I turned on to my side, facing towards the dim fire. Cross Fire had placed a ‘containment’ spell on it, to prevent it from spreading while we slept. I felt the comforting warm feeling from the fire, ease me into sleep, as my eyes eventually drifted closed.
________________________________________

Star Dust…wake up.

I felt the faint voice tickle in my ears, but I simply brushed it off as Crystal trying to play a trick on me, so I simply kept my eyes closed and tried to drift off back into place.

Star Dust…wake up child.

The voice seemed to come off as louder and more persistent, only this time it didn’t sound like Crystal’s voice. But the alluring call of sleep kept me from opening my eyes, and I simply brushed it away from my ears, as if it was some bothersome fly.

Star Dust…you let me die!

The voice shouted with enough volume, to shatter whatever sleep I had placed myself into, as my eyes shot open, my senses became fully aware of what was happening around me. My eyes focused to my surroundings as I found myself lying on my back, simply staring into an infinite blackness. I slowly rose up into a sitting position, and rubbed my eyes, to make sure I wasn't seeing things.

What in the world?

I slowly pushed myself up until I was fully standing and I looked around. I saw nothing but blackness around me, and with another quick rub to my eyes, I understood that it wasn't my senses playing a trick on me, it was something else.

“Hello? Is anypony there? Crystal? Cross Fire? Hello!!” I called out into the blackness, but I was greeted by nothing except the echo of my voice. Deciding it would be pointless to simply stick around, I began to walk forward, trying to find some answer as to where I was. It felt like I walked for hours on end, but in truth it was only a few minutes, until I felt the familiar feeling of cobblestone under my hooves.

I looked down with curiosity to inspect it and was surprised to find the black, shapeless floor I was walking on, had suddenly turned to a familiar looking cobblestone. I looked up with a confused expression, only to be slapped in the face with more.

The empty blackness I had been walking in, had suddenly turned into a dark, stone hallway, with unlit torches that lines the walls, which equally seemed to stretch on for eternity. I felt a strange sensation wash over me as I looked behind me, only to see that the part that stretched behind me had also turned into a long stone hallway, with no seeable end either.

I began to feel the faintest feeling of a nervous sweat come over me, and I placed a hoof over my heart, and tried to calm myself, by taking a deep breath.

Relax Star, this is…all just some strange dream you’re having! Yeah! Must have been something in that soup!

I tried to rationalize the situation, but each time I did, I felt something nagging in the back of my mind, urging me to rethink my answer. I took a deep breath and continued to walk down the dark, empty hall, which seemed to echo with my hoof steps. After some time, I noticed a faint light begin to grow as I neared what I thought would be the end of the hall.

I felt a wave of relief wash over, as I hoped to finally find something that could help me realize what was happening, but what I really got, only furthered my confusion of this strange place.

As I got closer to the light, I saw the shape of a pony begin to form, which became more and more defined as I stepped closer. The outline began to take the shape of a stallion, but the closer I got the more familiar he looked.

Wait a minute! Satchel!

My mind began to think of the possibilities as to how this could be, but it came up with nothing logical. Indeed, it was Satchel that stood at the end of this dark hall, levitating a lantern beside him, his side facing me, as he examined something on the wall, something I clearly couldn't see.

Despite all that, I felt a comforting wave of relief wash over me, and happiness swell in my heart, which quickly formed to tears in my eyes. “Satchel! It’s Star, I'm here! I'm so happy to see you!” I called out to him as I got closer, but each step I made, seemed to advance me no further towards him, as he simply turned his back to me and walked along the hall. My eyes widened in shock, as he quickly disappeared into thin air.

“Satchel! Wait for me! I’m coming!” I cried out as I broke into full gallop after him, only to receive the same answer as I did before. But, my prayers were answered as the hall finally came to an end, revealing a normal sized wooden door, nothing on either side. I slowed to a trot as I looked around, the hall didn't seem to break off into other halls, and it simply ended with this door. I could only assume Satchel had gone through it.

I felt a cold chill tickle my coat as I approached the door, my hoof cautiously reaching for it, which caused the nervous sweat to build up again, as my hoof began to tremble.

Don't be nervous. What you seek is on the other side of that door.

I felt a voice whisper around me, but when I turned around, I was simply greeted with the endless black of the hall behind me. I took a deep breath and grasped my hoof around the knob and turned it, slowly opening the door with a creak. As I opened the door fully, I was shocked to see nothing more than more of the endless dark void beyond it’s threshold, not even an empty hall to greet me.

Go inside. There’s nothing to fear. I want to help you.

I felt another chill brush past my coat, but this one seemed to ever so slightly nudge me toward the door, to which I had not budged past yet. I couldn't understand why, but I felt I had no choice but to obey the voice in my head, and with a few careful steps, I passed through the door.

I stepped through with a few eager steps, careful one where I stepped, even though I found it unlikely that I would step on something dangerous. As soon as I was past the threshold, I heard a strange creaking sound, as the door suddenly slammed shut behind me, causing me to shriek and spin around, only to see that the door no longer appeared. In it’s place I found myself staring at a familiar looking wall, with a few pictures hanging on it, some of them with me in them.

What in Celestia’s name is going on here?!

It was a question I had no answer to at the time, but I wouldn’t have time to figure that question out, once I heard the sound of clanging metal and flesh ripping behind me. I felt fear seize my body, as I slowly began to inch around, until I was fully facing the noise, eyes clenched shut tight.

I began to open my eyes, only to open them upon a gruesome scene. I found myself standing is Satchel’s study, the night he was murdered! I saw the black armored stallion, lying against the wall, watching with a surprised look, only to see myself standing with my back to him. My eyes widened in horror as I saw the stallion beside the copy of me, holding his throat while he gagged on his own blood, a fresh sword cut along his throat!

But the worst part came when I looked again, and saw a stallion hanging in the air in front of my copy, front hooves desperately clawing at his throat, while a bluish aura squeezed the life from him. His back hooves kicked and scrambled for escape, as his eyes widened in terror. I looked to the copy of myself, as I realized it looked just as Crystal had described it.

My mane was flowing slightly, despite there not being any wind, my eyes were glowing a bright white, as tears spilled down my cheeks. But the strangest and awkwardly, the most fascinating part about it, was that I had these transparent wings attached to my sides, like a Pegasus’s wings would be. My body froze up in fear, as I watched the scene unfold before me, to horrified to form any words at the time, but as I saw the sadistic smile on my copy’s face widen, I screamed the best thing I could think of.

“Stop it! You’re killing him!” I screamed out, but for some reason, my voice didn’t come out as strong as it previously did, but my voice failed to do it’s thing. Instead, the ‘other’ me simply turned to look in my direction, which only made me more fearful.

It simply smiled at me and tightened it’s grip on the stallion’s throat even more, “Good! They all deserve to die!” it said to me as it flicked it’s horn back, and the stallion’s neck simply twisted around to the other side completely, ending his life. The copy, simply threw the body to the side and turned to face me, slowly walking towards me, a look of insanity, pure rage, and uncontrollable sorrow in it’s eyes, but I was too afraid to face it.

I heard a low rumbling sound and turned to see the door behind me had reappeared, to which I quickly turned around and bolted to the door. I gripped the knob with my magic and nearly tore the door from it’s hinges as I opened it and ran into the gaping blackness. Hearing nothing more than my own sinister cackling behind me.
________________________________________

“Star! Hey Star! It’s time to get up. Come on already!” I heard a familiar voice say as my eyes snapped open, and I found myself lying safely in the sleeping bag, I had fallen asleep in. I spot where the fire had been was now almost completely out, as I looked around and saw that it was the early morning, and a thick layer of clouds covered the sky, giving it a lite grey look to it.

I placed a hoof over my chest, to try and calm my panicking heart, even as I rolled on to my back. “Star? You okay?” I heard the familiar voice ask again, and I turned to see my friend Crystal standing beside me, looking down at me with a concerned look. I groaned as I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eye, while still hearing the menacing cackle echo in my mind.

I turned to face her and did my best to smile, “Yeah, I just…had a really crazy dream.” I said to her as I rubbed my eyes again, trying to make the visions from my nightmare disappear.

She gave off a comforting smile and sat down next to me, “I can see that troubled look in your eyes. You want to talk about it?” she asked me with a concerned gaze. My eyes widened slightly, how could she have possibly known what I was dreaming about? Or was she guessing? Or maybe I was just that obvious? Which only made me blush slightly.

I thought about how to respond to her question, I knew it would be best for me to share my troubles with her, because she was my friends and she would never abandon me. But, I also didn't want her to worry about me unnecessarily, if it wasn't for these nightmares that kept happening, I would be perfectly fine.

I looked over to her with best smile of confidence I could muster, “I'm fine, really, I am. Thanks for the offer, though.” I said to her with a smile.

She looked at me for a moment with suspicious eyes, but she gave a warming smile and brought me in for a hug, to which I responded with an eager hug of my own. “Alright then! I just want you to know, that…I’m always here for you. No matter what it is you want to talk about, I’ll listen. Anyway! Cross Fire made some rather delicious breakfast, you should get yourself ready, we’ll be heading out again, soon.” She said as she walked over to where Cross Fire was sitting as he made breakfast.

I sighed and slowly stood up, fixing my hair into it’s usual style, and then turning to my bag, and began folding it up. The entire time I did so, I glanced over at Crystal and sighed sadly to myself.

Should I tell her? What would she say?

She’s probably call you crazy! Then tell you to get lost!

What! No! Crystal would never do that! She’s my friend!

We’ll see soon enough!

I cursed the voice in my head for saying such a terrible thing, Crystal and I had known each other for nearly 20 years, and she would never do that to me now. Not after everything we’ve been through together. I sighed and rolled up the bag, and tied it shut. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide it from her for long, but I wanted to find out what my dreams meant more than anypony.

I won’t let anypony else die for my protection! Never again!

I levitated the bag up and made my over to my friends, my stomach rumbling with the desire for food.
________________________________________

After eating breakfast, we finished packing up our supplies and continued along the road. As Cross Fire had told us. We would need to cover a lot of ground today, if we were to make it to Van Hoover on time, which he said we should be there by tomorrow morning, which would give us time to settle in and he could speak with his contact. One of our Pegasus escorts had flown ahead, to watch for any potential hazards along the path, while we all stayed behind and continued to walk along.

As we walked, Crystal and I had remained mostly silent towards each other since this morning, but I had a feeling that she was slightly hurt by my refusing her offer, so I knew I had to find a way to make it up to her. I looked over to her and saw her eyes gazing at the trees around us, clearly trying to find something to occupy her mind.

“Crystal?” I asked in a nervous tone.

She turned to me with a quizzical look, trying to remain her normal cheerful self, but that only made me feel worse. I sighed and cleared my throat, “Listen, about this morning. I really do appreciate your offer, but…I want you to know that I really do feel fine! It may take some time to heal, but…I know I have you as a friend, and that makes it all better.” I said with a kind tone, and silently cursed myself for coming off so sappy.

She smiled at me and nodded her head, “I know, I just wanted you to know, that I’ll always be here for you.” She said to me in a kindly tone, which made me smile back at her. We continued walking on, until we heard the familiar flapping of wings, and looked up to see the Pegasus escort, land over by Cross Fire. Crystal and I exchanged curious glances and trotted over to them.

“Private, what do you have to report? Is something wrong?” Cross asked, as the Pegasus cleared his throat, and stood up properly.

“Master Cross Fire, I was scouting ahead like you asked, and I found something suspicious further up ahead. I found an abandoned trader’s wagon, in the middle of a clearing a few yards ahead of us.” He said in a straight, military tone.

Cross Fire looked toward us for the moment, but turned back to the young Pegasus. “Interesting, did you see anypony or anything in the area around it?” he asked, putting more emphasis on the ‘thing’.

The Pegasus guard simply shook his head, “No Sir! It appeared to be abandoned, from what I could see there was some bodies down there. My guess, is that it was bandits.” He said in a fixated tone. Crystal and I both watched in anticipation, as Cross Fire brought his hoof up to his chin to think for a moment.

He looked back up to the Pegasus, “alright then, get back to the wagon and remain on guard!” he told him and the Pegasus saluted and flapped over to the wagon, and took a seat next to his friend, as the earth pony stallion began pulling it once again. Cross Fire quickly turned to us, “okay, here’s the plan. We’re going to head through that clearing, and keep an eye out. If there’s any trouble, let us handle it. Don’t get involved unless you have to, is that understood. Star, I suggest you keep the Aura Blade close, but only use it if necessary.” He said with a serious look.

Crystal and I looked at each other and nodded in confirmation, before turning to him and doing it again. He looked back to the guards and motioned them for us to follow, as we quickly began walking again.
________________________________________

After cresting up another hill, we came into view of the small clearing, and slowly made our way down to it, until we stood by the edge of the forest. Cross Fire examined the area, looking for any possible sings of a threat, but he found none as he turned to us. “Alright, we’ll head into the clearing, but keep a sharp eye out for anything that might pose a threat.” He said as he walked back over to us.

Crystal and I simply glared at him with confused looks, until she cleared her throat and spoke up. “Don’t you think you’re being the slightest bit paranoid? It’s just an abandoned wagon, it could have been there for years.” Crystal said with an amused look, to which I chuckled at, but it quickly went away when the one Pegasus stallion that reported it, spoke up.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. The wagon seemed brand new, and there were signs of a battle that took place. Plus…I was sure I saw some fresh bodies.” He said in a solemn tone, that made the two of us share concerned expressions.

Cross turned to us and gave a serious look, “one thing you’ll come to learn soon enough, nothing is as it appears to be. Let’s go!” he shouted as he turned and made his way down the small hill, while Crystal and I slowly trotted after him.
________________________________________

As we entered the clearing from the tree line, we kept an extra eye on our environment, while the two Pegasus stallions flew over to the wreck. As we approached, my eyes widened in shock and horror as I saw the place around the wagon, littered with the bodies of dead ponies. All of them stallions and mares, some dressed in bandit armor, which indicated that these ponies put up a fight.

All manner of weapons scattered the ground, even some pistols, that looked like they had been fired off. I removed my hood as I walked up to the bodies of one stallion and mare, who appeared to holding hooves together as they died. I felt a deep pang of sadness fill my heart as I looked at the death and destruction of reality.

This is horrible! What kind of a pony could bring themselves to do this?

I felt a set of hooves walk over to me, and I turned to see Cross Fire looking at the dead ponies, a sorrowful look in his eyes. “I can understand that this may seem a shock to you. But the truth is…this world is a cruel place, where the innocent are shown no mercy. You’ve had a taste of what this world can throw at you, but…trust me when I say…it doesn’t get much better.” He said as he sighed and walked away.

The look in his eyes, told me that he had seen more than his fair share of violence and death, but I could still see that it affected him greatly. I felt a single tear trickle down my cheek as I turned to walk away, but I was quickly stopped by something else.

WOOSH!

I heard the quick flap of wings, but before I could react fast enough, I felt a powerful force knock me off my hooves and on to my back, smacking my head on the ground in the process.

“Star!” I heard Crystal call out, but it seemed to be far off in the distance, as the pain rung through my head. I tried to push myself up, but I felt a hoof press me down on my chest, to which I looked up with fear filled eyes.

After my vision returned to normal, I looked up to see a dark grey coated Pegasus stallion, standing above me, looking down with anger fuelled eyes. My eyes widened in shock and terror, as he reached under his coat and quickly pulled out a pistol and placed it against my temple, only adding to the fear pulsing through my body.

“Fucking bandit scum, I got you now! Move one muscle, and I’ll blow your brains across the ground!” he shouted in my face, as his came into better view. I was shocked to see one of his eyes covered by a patch, and the beginnings of a scar running from the top to bottom of it. I felt my body freeze up, and my mouth go dry, as I thought of a proper way to defuse the situation, but another pony quickly beat me to it.

I heard a sword unsheathe and suddenly be placed around the Pegasus’s throat, as his eyes widened in shock too. We both turned to see Cross Fire levitating the sword to the pony’s throat, a look of anger and determination on his face. “If I were you sir, I would think logically about your next move. If you so much as even move a muscle, and I cut your throat open before you could even blink!” Cross fire said in a challenging voice.

I watched in utter shock and confusion as two ponies stared each other down, the new Pegasus saw the determination and seriousness in Cross Fire’s eyes, that he looked down to me with a shocked expression. “Wait a minute! You…don’t look like bandits.” He said as he slowly began to step off me and back away slowly, while Cross still kept the sword pointed at him. I coughed slightly and rubbed my chest, just as Crystal came rushing over to me, to help me up.

I rubbed my chest, as I fully stood up and walked toward him, but Cross held out his hoof to stop me. “Wait a minute, we don’t know who this guy is, and he could be working for the imperials!” Cross said in a menacing tone. But the strange Pegasus stallion burst out laughing, as he relaxed a little bit.

“Imperials? Ha! I wouldn’t be caught dead working for those bastards! I think your mistaking me for somepony else gramps.” He said in an amused tone, which only caused Cross to scowl and point the blade further towards his throat, which quickly silenced him.

“I would advise watching your tone with me. I am a Master of the Light Seeker Order!” Cross said while puffing out his chest with a sense of pride, while Crystal and I simply deadpanned.

“Oh! So you’re a Light Seeker, I’ve heard about you ponies. You prefer to hide and wait, while Grey Sky conquers the rest of the world! That’s something to be proud of!” he said the last part in a sarcastic voice, which seemed to anger Cross to a point that I had never seen him.

Oh! That’s not good!

“why you foolish, insolent b-“ he said as he pulled his sword back for a swing, while the other Pegasus reached for his blade as well, while he readied his wings for takeoff, but I managed to intervene before things got ugly.

“ENOUGH! Both of you, let’s not let things get out of control.” I yelled as I stepped between them, to which both of their eyes widened, as Cross simply stared at me with a confused look.

“But…you can’t be serious! He pulled a pistol to your head! He just tried to KILL you!” Cross said with an angry voice, but I simply glared at him. I quickly looked to the other Pegasus, who simply shrugged his shoulders, and pulled his hoof away from his weapon, and eased back into a normal standing position.

“That may be true, but he didn’t, I’m perfectly fine. So let’s all calm down, and try to figure this out. That means putting away your swords, that means you guards as well!” I shouted over to them, as they simply stared at me in confusion, and then glanced over at Cross for further orders. He simply sighed and sheathed his sword, and nodded to the others.

I smiled and turned to the newcomer and gave a friendly smile, to which he glared at me with a suspicious look. “Now then, let’s try and settle this on good terms. I’m sure this is all a big misunderstanding, so let’s try to be adults about this. My name is Star Dust, and this is my friends Crystal, the cranky old stallion you were about to fight is Cross Fire, and these three other stallions are our escorts. Who are you and why are you here?” I asked in as calm a tone as possible.

I didn’t even need to look back to see Crystal’s confused and shocked expression, but I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of it. He continued to glare at me with suspicious eyes, before he opened his mouth to speak. “You are a rather…trusting young mare. Now why is that? You meet a stranger in the woods who easily had you at gunpoint a few moments ago, and now your kindly asking for my name? For all you know, your cranky friend there could be right, maybe I was sent to kill you.” He said to me with a confident tone.

I looked back at Cross, who simply rolled his eyes at being called cranky. But I quickly turned back to him and gave my friendliest smile, “I think…that if you were sent here to kill me, you would have done so long before you even tackled me.” I said with a certain level of confidence that even surprised myself. Truthfully I really didn’t know if he was good or bad, but I did know that a true assassin, would have simply killed from afar, rather than rush into a group of trained fighters.

The surprised look on his face told me I was right, as he looked around and sighed deeply, which only made me smile. “Smart girl. Anyway, the name’s Silver Heart, it’s a pleasure to meet you, and I would like to apologize for that inconvenience, I hope I didn’t hurt you too badly.” He said with a calm smile, as he removed the hood on his head, revealing a dark red mane.

I smiled and shook my head, while Crystal gave a sigh of relief, and Cross stepped next to me. “If you’re not with the imperials or the bandit clans, then what are you doing here? And why attack us?” he asked in a calmer more reserved tone, just like he always did.

Silver Heart turned to Cross and frowned slightly, “to be honest, I thought you were the bandits! I was hired to protect this caravan while we traveled north to Vale Town. Sadly, we were ambushed by bandits, and most of the traders were dragged off into the woods south of here, I tried to go after them, but they know these woods better than I do, so I came back to find you sniffing around, so you’ll have to forgive me if I attacked.” He said in a calm fashion, as he stepped toward the wagon and looked at the dead bodies sadly.

I watched him with a concerned look, as I stepped toward him, “Hired? Wait a minute? So…you’re a mercenary?” I asked in a confused tone, while he simply turned to me with a small smile.

“Indeed I am, these ponies hired me in Van Hoover, and I found a safer route that ran next to the main road, but...as you can see, it turned out differently.” He said with a distant look, but before either of us could say anything, Crystal spoke up for the first time during this endeavor.

“Well, I’m not sure if you’ve heard or not, but…Vale Town isn’t the safest place right now. The school we came from was attacked by imperial soldiers, and many of our friends were killed in the attack.” She said in a sad tone, as she looked over at me, which caused me to sigh with sadness as well.

He looked shocked at what she said and stepped toward her, “Wait a minute? You’re saying that Vale Town was attacked by imperial soldiers? I mean, I’ve heard of the school you’re talking about, but…that’s something I’ve never heard of. Vale Town always seemed so peaceful, I can’t believe the soldiers would attack it.” He said in a shocked town, while I simply looked at the ground and walked away.

“Believe it, my teacher was murdered in that attack, so we’ve been forced to flee. Crystal and I are the only remaining survivors of the staff and students. We’ve been traveling south to Van Hoover for a day or so now.” I said as I stood up and turned to him, while I watched Cross simply face-hoof in the background.

He looked down in sadness, “I’m sorry to hear that, but…I think I’ve hung around here long enough. I hope you make it there safely, maybe we’ll see each other again.” He said as he readied his wings to take off, but was cut off by Cross silencing us all with his hoof.

“Quiet! All of you, there’s something out there.” He said in a low tone, that forced all of us to look towards him with confused stares, even Silver Heart stopped his flight preparation and walked over to us with a confused look, to which we simply shrugged. Cross looked back to the guards, and motioned for them to walk towards the spot he was staring at.

The three stallions nodded and unsheathed there swords and started cautiously began walking over to the edge of the forest. We all watched with tense expressions as the soldiers approached the trees.

WOOSH!

In one quick instant, the three stallions were knocked back by a powerful burst of magic, which knocked them back to where Cross was standing, and in one moment, three shadowy figures burst from the tree line, and sprinted at us. “Damn, I knew it!” Cross yelled out as he unsheathed his sword, just in time to block an incoming blow from one of the assailants.

The attacker came into better view, as Cross struggled to hold him back. His body seemed to be completely encased in shadow, to the point where you couldn’t even tell the difference. Their eyes were a complete white color, no sign of even a pupil, just empty whiteness. It didn't seem to have any proper features of a pony, yet it seemed to take the shape of one

What is Celetia’s name is that thing?!

As if seeming to instantly recognize my presence, the creature snapped it’s head towards me, and then instantly broke away from Cross’s resistance, and sprinted at me with incredible speed. Time seemed to slow, as I narrowed my eyes, and gripped the hilt of my sword with my magic, but before I could even unsheathe it, the creature appeared right in my face, staring blankly into my eyes. I felt fear crawl through my body again as it reeled it’s hoof back, and delivered a hard slap to my cheek, with enough force to send me flying. I cried out in sheer pain, when I crashed into a nearby tree.

Dammit, that thing’s fast!

I slid to the ground and rubbed my head, my vision had become blurry again, but I quickly looked up to see the creature stepping towards me closely, giving me an ever better look. The shape appeared to be that of a stallion, but I couldn’t see any other features that labeled it as a real pony, not even a mouth could be seen. At first I thought the creature was merely draped in the shadows of the forest, but I quickly saw the jet black coat, or whatever it was called, was it’s real coat.

As it stepped closer, I tried my best to stand up, but the force of the blow had left me weakened, but I managed to ignore the pain, so that I could stand up. But when I looked back to face the creature, instead of it’s black coat, and empty white eyes, I saw something that only added to the fear, already coursing through my body.

Star Dust…you wouldn’t hurt your own teacher would you?

Standing before me was none other than Satchel himself, slowly walking towards me, a warming smile on his face, the same kind he would give me whenever I was scared or confused. I felt my hooves grow weak again, and begin to tremble, to the point where I fell back down, my eyes widening in utter terror.

This isn't real! It can't be him! You watched him die, and you burned his body! FIGHT IT!

I felt the thought scream and shout in my mind, but the sight before me told me that it was truly him. I watched in terror, as the cruel imitation stepped closer, everything else around me simply fading away. Despite what the thoughts in my mind screamed, I still felt my body lock up and refuse to act.

Star Dust, don't be afraid. Let me ease your fears child.

As the creature, imitating my beloved father figure, inched ever closer, I heard a new voice enter my thoughts. “Hey kid, watch out!” I heard another voice call out, as another pony entered my view, knocking the creature to the side, instantly knocking the memories out of my mind. I shook my head and looked up to see none other than Silver Heart standing above me, offering me a hoof with a kindly smile.

“You alright? I don’t know what happened there but you looked like you had seen a ghost.” He said in an amused tone. I fully stood up and turned to him and gave a thankful nod, but before he could react, he was knocked away by a powerful black blur, that moved faster than either of us could see.

I heard Silver cry out in shock as I turned to see the shadowy creature pinning him to the ground, and despite the attempts he made to break free, repeatedly punching the creature in the jaw, or where you think the jaw would be located, and the creature didn't even flinch.

I watched in shock as I looked around to see one of the escorts down on the ground and unconscious, while the other two seemed to be having enough trouble fighting off another one of the creatures. I looked over to see Cross Fire trying his hardest to evade swipes from a third one, while Crystal simply watched in fear. The silence was quickly broken, by Cross Fire’s voice.

“Star Dust! Crystal! Run! Get out of here! Head for Van Hoover! Go Now!” he yelled at us as he exchanged blows to his fierce opponent. I stood there frozen in fear, he was telling me to run, to hide and let them all die.

What should I do? Should I listen to him?

You have to leave! What do they matter to you? What difference would it make if they died?

No! I have…to help them! I have to! I can't just let them die!

But why not? What good will it do if you end up dying for such a pointless cause!?

It’s not about that! I promised myself that I would never let anypony else die for my protection!

I felt my muscles and nerve’s tense up, as I began to grit my teeth to the point where it hurt. I moved the coat away to grasp the hilt of my sword with my magic and drew it out, looking at the blade glisten in the sunlight. I opened my eyes, and felt the anger in my body boil over the fear, as I turned toward the one that was overpowering Silver Heart.

The pony standing above him, began to open it’s jaw, which revealed a row of sharp, shining teeth. I could see Silver’s expression turn to that of fear. Seeing this only caused my anger to boil over it’s breaking point.

I looked to my sword and frowned, time seemed to slow as I took off at full speed, even kicking up small bits of dirt, each time my hoofs wedged themselves into the soil.

“I won't let you hurt any of them!” I yelled out as I slowed to a stop in front of the creature straddling over Silver Heart, and swung the sword as hard as I could. The creature turned to me, and actually briefly looked surprised, as it jumped away from him and landed a few feet away. To which I simply kept charging at him, swinging my sword wildly.

The creature kept dodging my attacks, even as I cried out in anger each time, only increasing my swings. At one point, I reached my limit, as I felt my magic aura increase significantly, until the point, where my aura did not simply envelope the hilt, but the entire sword itself. I cried out in rage as I swung the sword one last time, to which the creature jumped further back than my blade could reach.

But to the surprise of all of us, a bright flash of blue magic ejected from the sword’s blade in the manner of a cut, that simply went until the creature landed in front. Traveling at a speed not even the creature could react quick enough too, I watched in awe, as the slash cut through the creature’s throat completely, instantly severing it’s head from it’s shoulder. I watched as the creature’s head flew a mere few inches off it’s head before both it, and the creature’s whole body simply faded into a black smoke, the sank into the ground and disappeared.

Time seemed to slow again, as I watched everything unfold around me. I felt a heavy weight wrap around me, as my vision grew dark. I felt the gravity pull me down, to where I collapsed to my side. The only thing I heard last was Crystal’s voice calling out to me.
________________________________________

I felt a heavy pounding in my head as I slowly began to open my eyes. My vision came out slightly blurry, but I instantly recognized the midday sky, to which I sighed and began to push myself up.

“Whoa there! You have to take it easy, your body might still be recovering.” I heard a familiar voice call out, and I leaned my head back, only to find the comforting eyes of my friend staring back into mine.

With her aid, I managed to push myself into a sitting position, and I turned to find myself surrounded by all the other ponies I had come to know. Even Silver Heart had decided to stay, while I rested my body. “Ugh! What happened?” I asked looking around, to which Cross Fire stepped forward and cleared his throat.

“You passed out after fighting that creature. But, you used a technique I never thought possible, at least for a mare your age. You used what was known the ‘magic blade’ technique, it’s activated when the user of the Aura Blade’s magic, reaches a certain level, to which it sends out an unstoppable slash of magical energy, that can cut through nearly anything. But…the fact that your son young and inexperienced, meant that you used too much of your energy, so you passed out. That was a very reckless move you made, but…it did help us in the end.” He ended with a small smile.

I smiled back at him and looked around, “where…where did the other two go? And what exactly where they!?” I said in a more demanding tone, to which Cross simply sighed and looked toward the tree line.

“Those…were known as Shade’s. They serve as the Emperor’s demonic servants, a gift after his deal with Lord Nocturne. Legend says that each of them is the soul of a former pony, whom was tricked into a deal with Nocturne. They are incredibly powerful and very dangerous, few who ever face them survive. they have a nasty habit of getting into a pony's head and distracting them with visions, it's how they beat you. the other two fled the fight after you killed the first one.” He said as he turned away and sighed heavily.

“I knew the Emperor was desperate to find you, but…I never thought he would result to that.” He said in a quieter ton as he turned back and cleared his throat. “Anyway, you’ve been out for almost two hours, and that puts a major dent in our schedule, so we have to hurry and get back on the road.” He said as he made his way over to the wagon, to which the three guards followed.

I groaned as Crystal helped me up, and I leaned on her for support until my head cleared and I could stand on my own. We both turned to Silver Heart, who regarded me with a curious look, but I was more confused as to why he was still here. “Um, not to sound rude, but…what are you still doing here? This place isn’t safe anymore. You should leave while you can.” I said with a curious expression.

He simply smiled at me and chuckled, “Wow, you have got to be the strangest mare I’ve ever met, and yet…you saved my life. If it weren’t for you, that thing would have…done whatever it was going to do to me. So…I would like to repay that kindness, please, allow me to escort you the rest of the way to Van Hoover.” He said in a kindly tone, while giving a slight bow of thanks to me.

Cross seemed to overhear that part, and rush back over. “I’m afraid we’ll have to decline your generous offer. You see, we’re on a tight schedule, and we must be on our way.” He said as he began walking away. But before we could move, he stopped him and called out.

“Hey gramps! Stop telling the kid what to do! I was talking to her, and I think it should be her decision not yours!” he said in an amused tone. Crystal and I didn’t need to see Cross’s face to know he was becoming more and more irritated. He quickly turned back and walked over to us, intently staring at me.

I looked between them and then to Crystal who simply shrugged her shoulder’s. I looked down for a moment and thought hard. In a way, a part of me was still suspicious about him, but he had saved my life from that Shade.

I looked up between them and turned to smile at Silver Heart, “I think…we could use the extra help! Besides were not leaving yet.” I added to the last part, as I turned and walked over to destroyed wagon and sighed sadly.

Cross Fire’s jaw nearly hit the floor as he shook his head and walked over to me, “I’m sorry, I thought I heard you say we weren’t leaving yet. Firstly, need I remind you, that I am in charge of this mission, and that we are on a very strict schedule? Secondly, why should I even allow this…mercenary to come with us?” he asked in an irritated tone, but I remained silent for the moment.

I sighed and turned my head up to the trees, simply listening to the sound of the wind, and sighing as it blew through my mane, I looked down and turned back to him. “Firstly, it’s better to travel in numbers, and he could prove to be useful. Secondly, were not going anywhere, until we give these ponies a proper burial, they deserve that much at least. Or are you saying that they’re not worth our time?” I stared back at him with a challenging look.

Crystal and Silver’s jaws nearly hit the floor at my response, while Cross Fire’s eyes simply widened at my comeback, and he thought for a moment. I waited for him to answer, and after a moment he caved and sighed, “Fine! We’ll give them a proper burial, guards! Get some shovels from the wagon.” He said as he walked off. To which I smiled at Crystal and Silver and winked as I followed after him.
________________________________________

After giving each of the fallen ponies a proper burial, we packed up our wagon, as well as taking any useful items from the destroyed one, we set out on our journey. Silver heart calmly walked beside us, but it was amusing to see Cross’s annoyed expression as we talked to him. But, before we left the clearing, I glanced quickly back at the graves we set up and sighed sadly, before I continued on with the others.

Our next destination…Van Hoover.