The Dark Pony: Origin

by DarkShadowHart

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Alternate Universe
Length: 34607

This story takes place in an altered version of the world of MLP. It's based in the distant past and in this version of their world the Everfree Forest is much larger and houses vicious monsters. It has some foul language and violence.

This story takes place in an altered version of the world of MLP. It's based in the distant past about 200 years after the leaders of the three tribes discover Equestria as told in hearths warming eve. In this version of the world, the Everfree Forest is much larger and houses vicious corrupted beasts that prey on this worlds residents . This story follows a group of warriors that protect the town they live in and the friends they love from the chaos that flows through the forests and from the hearts of those who have fallen.
It has minor foul language, minor gore and some violence.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-11-09 12:07:49 UTC

Intro and prologue

The Dark Pony: Origin

Written by DarkShadowHart Edited by Howard the Retro

This story takes place in a kingdom most of us know well. A kingdom sometimes called the magical land of Equestria; most of us tell the tale of how it was founded every Hearth's warming eve. However, few of us know what happened after, about the first Canterlot or the story of a brave group of ponies that fought against the powers of chaos that sought to destroy it. The story of these heroes has been lost to time but their actions paved the way for future generations.

Prologue

Our story began after the leaders of the three tribes discover Equestria,  a remarkable and beautiful land. When the leaders returned to their cities, they told their subjects about the wonders they have found in this new realm. The gentle winds and beautiful open skies, the fertile verdant fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see and the majestic snowcapped mountains full of gold, gems and many other magnificent treasures.

Their subjects were overjoyed to hear about this new world, until the leaders told them about their plan to build one glorious city for all the tribes to share. The tribes have been segregated for as long as anypony could remember and to suggest they unite so suddenly, outraged a vast majority of the populace.

The ponies of the tribes were not there to see the wonder of harmony, the majestic power that blew away the accused winter brought by the wendigos, and the story of it was not enough to change their minds or their hearts.

No matter how they pleaded, the leaders could not get the majority to agree to a single city. At a loss, they gathered to discuss their choices. They decided that trying to force the races to live together would not work, so instead they chose to build a city for each race but allow any type of pony to live in any city. The pegasi even agreed to build a small town beneath their cloud city for the earth ponies and unicorns.

The unicorns built a city in the North East at the base of a large gem filled mountain; they gave it the name Cornucopia.

The pegasi built their cloud city in the North West over a grand valley and named it Windfall.

The earth ponies built their city to the South in a vast fertile plain; they decided to call it Claymore.

When all the cities were complete, the tribes gathered their belongings and moved to this new world.  Most ponies went to their respective cities but to the delight of their leaders, a few ponies chose to live with the other races.

At first things were difficult insults and conflict were commonplace, but if the hatred grew excessive the leaders would quickly put their hooves down and remind the ponies of what hatred brings.

Though sometimes they would get disheartened and lament the loss of their great dream, the leaders never gave up hope, for they knew harmony’s splendor and believed that if it could thaw their once frigid hearts, there was nopony whose heart could not be warmed.

After two generations thanks to the hard work of the first leaders their children and their grandchildren, Equestria was relatively peaceful, aside from the occasional bickering and monster attack.

While hatred would sometimes show its unsightly face, it was no longer uncommon for a unicorn to have an earth pony as a neighbor or to have a pegasus as a friend.

The new leaders saw that there was now a chance for their grandparent’s dream of a single unifying city to come true, so they decided to give it a try.

The leaders gathered to look at a map of their land and they find a perfect spot right in the middle. This one place has it all calm cool winds, lush green grass, bountiful riches and it would be a great way to connect the three cities together. It seemed like a paradise; however, there was one problem, the territory they wanted to use was close to a dark awful place that nopony dared enter, a dangerous unforgiving wilderness where hideous pony-eating monsters dwell, a wilderness known as, The Everfree Forest.

The leaders knew the risks but they believed this place was just too good to pass up and the time seemed right, so they set their plan in motion.

When the city was completed, the leaders agreed to name it Canterlot and each sent to it a group of twenty-five ponies, each with a counselor to represent their respective crown. The councilors were to govern Canterlot, uphold the law and assure the town’s success, but this task would prove more difficult than any could imagine.

Chapter One: The Council of Canterlot

The three races arrived at the town’s entrance. An ounce of tension peppered the air as they entered together. Many small beautiful houses lined the streets, each equal in size and shape. A large square of stone covered the ground at the town’s center creating a perfect place for merchants to set up shop or to hold festivals on special occasions.

A tall clock tower lied to the north of the square. The light from the setting sun reflected off the large brass bell at its peak.

Shops rested to the east and west; their large windows eagerly awaited the chance to display the latest fashion or the finest produce.

The large building to the south belonged to the council. The building’s stone base stood one with the earth. A gentle wind blew past its strong wooden walls as its grand steeple reached for the heavens. A crest rested at the steeples center; this round golden crest featured a proud alicorn spreading its wings and holding its head high; this mythical creature was a symbol for what this town is trying to achieve, unity.

The new residents were weary from their long day’s journey but they had one last thing to do before they could rest. They had to meet the council, three ponies chosen by the rulers to act as their representatives. The three councilors stepped into the center of the square and stood side by side.

The pegasus stepped forward first. A youthful beauty flowed across her sturdy body. Her coat shined the dark blue hue of the night sky dimly lit by the glow of the full moon. Her ebony black mane and tail glistened in the rays of the setting sun; both were straight and silky with vivid streaks of violet flowing through them like shooting stars streaming through the heavens. Her deep turquoise eyes glowed with power as she announced to the crowd in a loud confident voice. “My name is Midnight Gale. I am the councilor representing the pegasi, it is an honor to meet you all.” She bowed to the ponies of the crowd; they respectively returned her bow as she steps back in line with the others.

Next, the earth pony stepped forward. Slightly small for an earth pony but he carried himself with a sophisticated elegance that few could match. His bright rose-colored eyes shined with pride. His short sunflower mane and tail were expertly fashioned, suave and sleek with small locks that rise up here and there. A green cape with gilded borders covered his back and most of his light brown coat, as two golden saddlebags adorned his sides. He held his head high and spoke in a noble authoritative voice. “My name is Scion Vial physician, alchemist and councilor representing the earth ponies. I look forward to sharing this town with you all.” He nodded his head with a small smile before returning to the others.

Finally, the unicorn stepped forth, a confident, handsome stallion. His violet eyes showed a kind gentle wisdom. It seemed as though a master had woven his coat from the silkiest silver. His sky blue mane was styled back resting on his shoulders while his matching tail hung just above the ground. He spoke in a calm kind voice “Hello my friends. My name is Ashen Flair. I am the councilor representing the unicorns.” He paused, looking over the crowd. He smiled as he saw ponies of every race, size, color, gender and age. He took a breath and held his head high “Now I know this will not be an easy journey, but seeing all of you here, standing side by side gives me hope. Hope that our small town can serve as a beacon, a guiding light to lead Equestria into a bright and glorious future. A future, where all ponies can share this great land and live as equals in peace and harmony. I cannot thank you all enough.” Ashen took a deep bow. The ponies of the crowd smiled and slowly applauded as Ashen returned to the others.

After a few seconds, Midnight raised her hoof to quiet them “We have all had a long trying day. With the sun now setting, I ask that you find your homes and settle in for the long quiet rest you so readily deserve. Thank all of you for traveling so far.” With that, the crowd bowed to the councilors, then headed off to their new homes.

Midnight turned to Ashen with a smile “Fine speech, Ashen Flair.”

Ashen returned her smile with a small bow “Thank you, my lady.”

“My lady?” Midnight replied with a small laugh.

Scion smiled playfully “Yes a fine bit of grand standing there Ashen Flair.” He let out a small laugh “You were only supposed to introduce yourself, not make the rest of us seem tactless.”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane “Sorry about that, but the sight of them all standing together was so…inspiring.” He chuckled happily “I just couldn’t help myself.”

Scion closed his eyes and put his hoof to his chin “It truly was a remarkable sight.” “However” He said, flashing a mischievous grin “You do know that a beacon and a guiding light are one in the same.”

“Oh, really?” laughed Ashen “Well I guess I'm not as eloquent as you” He returns Scion’s grin “Oh great physician and alchemist.” The both of them smiled and laughed cheerfully.

Midnight shook her head “All right boys’ that’s enough. We still have work to do.”

The full moon began its ascent into the night sky as the three walked into the council building. When the councilponies passed through the large double doors, they stopped to look over their chambers. A golden chandelier hung in the center of the room glowing brightly, making the finely polished stone floor shine. Several rows of pews lied on each side of the room making a path down the center leading to a large desk made from finely carved wood with one seat for each member of the council.

“Lovely” Ashen said as he looked around the room.

“Yes, clearly they spared no expense.” Said Midnight as they walk between the pews, their hoof steps echoing throughout the room “I can only hope that my home is half as nice.”

They walked up to their desk, Scion stretched out his back and let out a heavy sigh as he sat down  in the middle seat “Shame we still have work to do. I am rather tired and would like some rest.”

Midnight took the seat to Scion’s right “I know how you feel but it is imperative that our rulers receive our reports as soon as possible.”

Scion unrolled a blank scroll “I know these reports are important, but would it really do any harm if they had to wait a few hours to hear that all is well.”

“I agree but complaining about it won’t get it done any faster.” Said Ashen as he let out yawn

Scion sighed again “Yes, I am well aware of that.”

They all wrote out their reports on the day’s events. After a few moments of silence, Midnight spoke up “Do you two know each other?”

Scion looked up “No, I am afraid we do not.”

Ashen nodded “Right, today’s actually the first time we’ve met.”

“I’m sorry.’” said Midnight “It just seemed as if the two of you were acquainted by the way you were fooling around outside.”

Scion grinned with a small laugh “That was merely a spontaneous exchange of wit.” He turned to Ashen “However, I hope I did not upset you with my comment, it was simply a jest.”

Ashen dropped his hoof down onto Scion’s shoulder with a shake “Don’t worry about it friend. I knew you meant nothing by it.” They shared a friendly smile before Scion pulled away.

Midnight looked back to her work “You two certainly act as though you know each other.”

Ashen smiled at her “Well I may not know him personally but I have heard of him.”

“So have I.” Midnight said as she looked back up “He's quite famous around Windfall.”

“The renowned Scion Vial.” She said as her eyes turned to meet Scion’s “the doctor who stopped the lethal illness that plagued Windfall a few years back. That is you, right? You’re the one who cured the feather flu?”

Scion raised his head and grinned with pride “Yes that was me, but you see I did not cure it. I merely made a vaccine to stop the spread of that particularly virulent strain, and then I made a tonic to lessen the symptoms of those already infected.”

“Umm…well, whatever you did.” Midnight said with a puzzled stare “You saved the lives of many ponies including that of my father.” The cold air around her faded as a warm smile barley parted her lips “Thanks to your hard work, I was able to spend a few more years with him. Thank you Scion, thank you truly.”

Her small but beautiful smile struck Scion and stared blankly “Uh…u-um” he muttered as he caught himself staring. He shook his head, averted his gaze and cleared his throat. He turned back to Midnight with renewed composure as he replaced his blank stare with a smile “You are very welcome”.

Midnight covered her mouth and let out a small giggle before she returned to her work.

Scion, blushed and quickly changed the subject “You know Ashen, I have heard of you as well.”

“Oh, really? Well don’t believe everything you hear.” He chuckled with a wide smile “That crocodine was only four meters long not the nine that everypony says.”

“I do not believe I have heard that story” Laughed Scion.

Ashen winked playfully “That’s a shame. I’ll have to tell it to you some time. It’s a great story.”

“I am looking forward to it.”  Scion shook his head and snickered “Truly though. I have heard much about you. Ashen Flair a brilliant scholar, a pony well versed in magic and one of the greatest military tacticians of our time.”

“Oh come on now.”  Ashen grinned while he ran his hoof through his mane “You’re gonna make me blush. I'm not anything special.”

“Nonsense.” said Scion “The ponies of Claymore still tell of the time you stopped an army of over two hundred monsters with just twenty soldiers.”

Midnight looked up from her work with a skeptical glare “Is that true Ashen? Did you really win a battle outnumbered ten to one?”

Ashen sat up tall “Yes actually, that is true, but it was mostly goblins. They were easy to lure into that canyon and it doesn’t take many ponies to create a rockslide.”

Scion pointed his hoof at Ashen “Nevertheless, those creatures were headed straight towards Claymore.” He said as he dropped his hoof onto the desk with force “Those wretched things could have done a lot of damage and who knows how many lives would have been lost defending the city. Many ponies in Claymore still regard you as a hero.”

“A hero! Me?” Ashen replied with a laugh “I’m nothing of the sort. I’m just a pony that reads too much. I got that idea from a book called The Sleeping Dragon and The Fledgling Phoenix.”

Ashen pointed his hoof towards Midnight “Now if you want to see a real hero, look no further than right here.”

Midnight gestured to herself “Me?” She said before she turned away “I'm no hero.”

Ashen flashed a smile at her “Well, all the Wind Riders I’ve worked with seem to think you are you are.”

“What is a Wind Rider?” asked Scion

“It’s slang for a pegasi mercenary” answered Ashen “And nearly all of them have heard of Midnight.” Ashen turns to Midnight “I can’t count how many times I’ve heard your ogre story.”

“Oh, that one.” Midnight kept her head turned, hiding her small smile “That was nothing special.”

Scion tilted his head slightly “Did you have a grand battle against an ogre or some such?”

Midnight didn’t respond so Ashen answered for her “Yeah, something like that. Have you never heard it?”

“No, I have not” said Scion.

“Well then I’ll give you the short version.” Said Ashen “They say at the age of seventeen Midnight saved a Cornucopian trade caravan from a dozen ogres, each beast standing over five meters tall. She held them off by herself, allowing the unicorns to escape, and then she kept on fighting until reinforcements arrived to finish them off.”

Ashen turned to Midnight with a skeptical grin “But I have to ask. Did you really defeat two of the beasts single hoofedly?”

Midnight looked at the ground “Well no.”  She looked up; turning to Ashen, her eyes glowed with pride as a boastful smile crossed her face. “I beat four and injured two others before Skylark and his soldiers arrived to finish off the rest.”

Scion’s eyes widened “A-amazing!”

“Amazing indeed!” Ashen said looking equally impressed “It’s incredible for anypony to take out one of those beasts alone but to wipe out four of them that is truly remarkable. With your might and my mind, I believe nothing could stand in our way. I'm looking forward to working with you, my lady.”

“I think I see why we were chosen as councilors” Midnight said “If the three of us stood together little could stop us. However, would you please stop calling me ‘my lady’, it's embarrassing. Please call me Midnight or just Night if you want.”

“Ok then, Night.” Ashen, flashed a charming smile as he winked at her “A beautiful mare like you, can call me whatever she likes.”

Midnight glared at him “Funny, I already have a few words in mind for you, most four letters or less.”

Ashen’s smile widened as he chuckled “You mean like cute, smart, keen, sly, chic, fine, nice or maybe just go all out with handsome and irresistible.”

Midnight groaned “Not even close, and smart has five letters.”

Ashen lowered his head with a laugh “So it does.” He looked back to Midnight “But you did say most with four letters or less. Oh, I got a good one” He winked again showing his brightest smile “How about, love.”

Midnight rolled her eyes with a growl, turning back to her work.

Ashen laughed to himself, then turned to Scion “What about you, Scion Vial, do you have a nickname?”

“No I do not” said Scion.

“What? Well that won’t do.” Ashen, grinned playfully “How about we call you Scisci or maybe Mister Vial?”

Scion quickly turned to him “Certainly not!” He shook his head with a laugh “Scisci sounds like a name you would give to a pet and Mister Vial makes me sound like the villain in a bad story book.”

Ashen looked down and picked up the tail of Scion’s cape “Well.” He snickered through his grin “You are wearing a cape.”

Scion snatched his cape from Ashen’s hoof “There is nothing wrong with my cape! It is made of the finest materials and happens to be the latest fashion in Claymore.”

Ashen lowered his head with a laugh before he looked up with a wider grin “It’s also the latest fashion for villains in bad story books.”

“Ashen! Stop teasing him.” Midnight said with a commanding voice

“I’m not teasing.” Ashen said. He smiled mischievously while he ignored her command “Just having a little fun.”

Midnight glared at Ashen before she turned to Scion “Well I for one think it’s a lovely cape, Scion.”

Scion smiled while he proudly adjusted his cape’s neckline “Thank you, Midnight.” He lowered his brow and gave Ashen a cold stare “At least somepony here has an eye for fine apparel.”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane “umm…I’m sorry, Scion. I was just joking around. I didn’t mean to offend you, it really is a nice cape. In fact I have one of a similar style that I got from Cornucopia and I-.”

Scion raised his hoof with a small smile “No worries, Ashen, all is forgiven. I know you are simply jesting.”

Ashen bowed his head slightly “Thank you, Scion. You have to overlook me at times. You see, I have a very vivid imagination, sometimes it just takes over and I begin to see things in my own way, I just can’t help it. For instance just then I imagined you as a tyrant ruling over Canterlot with a steely gaze and an iron hoof.”

“Truly? He looked up to Ashen with a smile “You imagined me, as a tyrant?”

“Ah…I can see you now” Ashen said while backing from the desk “Standing on the balcony, staring over the ponies of this town, you rise up and address them.”

Ashen pretended to wrap a cape around himself as he rose onto his hind legs. He cleared his throat and mimicked Scion’s highborn accent with a voice like many small stones rolling in a pan “You poor pathetic ponies of this town. I am Mister Vial, your grand overlord hahaha” Ashen raised his front right hoof with an exaggerated evil laugh “Now my wretched subjects, I command you, bow before me or suffer my wrath Mwahahahaha!” Ashen stood tall and stared at the other councilors with a sinful grin and his best evil glare.

Scion, left speechless by Ashen’s sudden outburst, looked over at Midnight. She had her mouth covered as she giggled. The more she looked at Ashen’s twisted expression, the more her giggle became a full laugh. Hearing her laugh Scion couldn’t help but to laugh as well, more laughing with Midnight then with Ashen. Once Ashen saw this, his sinful grin turned to a big smile and he joined in the merriment.

For a short time, laughter filled the council chambers as the three of them released the stress from their difficult day.

As they began to wind down, Scion looked toward Ashen “Ashen, I.” He chuckled as he wiped a tear from his eye “I do believe you have read one too many bad story books.”

“Or.” Midnight giggled while she tried to compose herself “Or…or maybe you’re just overtired.”

Ashen let out a large yawn “Oh, excuse me.” He laughed “You’re probably both right. Luckily my report is finished and now I can go rest before I become delirious.”

“I think it is a bit too late for that.” Scion said with a teasing smile

Midnight held back a laugh while she rolled up her scroll “That may very well be true but thank you Ashen, a good laugh like that was just what I needed after such a rough day.”

Scion rolled up his scroll with a nod “I do believe we all needed such a laugh and by the looks of things, I can tell that this is going to be an interesting council.” He stood up showing a large grin “To say the least. I look forward to working with the both of you.” He gave a small bow “Farewell and goodnight.” He said as he walked to the doors.

Midnight nodded “Goodnight Scion.”

Ashen waved “See you tomorrow.”

Once Scion is gone, Ashen turned to Midnight with his charming smile “Well, I guess it’s just you and me now.”

Midnight shook her head without looking at him “Nope, it’s just you, I'm going home; I haven’t even seen my place yet.” She turned back with a small smile “Goodnight, Ashen.”

Ashen smiled and nodded “Sweet dreams Night.” Ashen laughed to himself, after he watched Midnight leave, “I think I'm going to like it here.” He walked out of the council building and closed the doors behind him. He turned, looked up to the steeple and stared at the golden alicorn crest at its center. He smiled with a small sigh “Yes, I'm certainly going to like it here.” With a content smile, he turned to walk home, guided by the light of the full moon.

Chapter Two: The First Day

Ashen sat in his home and ate breakfast at the start of a new day. His eyes darted quickly across the pages of his newest book as he took a sip of his coffee.

His was pulled him deeper into the tale as his story reached its climax. His eye widened as he saw the fantastic battle take place in his mind.

Ashen couldn’t help but to imagine himself fighting alongside the brave hero in red armor as he charged through the ice king’s minion horde. He saw himself delivering powerful kicks and slicing through the minions with his bladed shield.  Ashen sprinted towards a minion, leapt into the air,  pulled back his shield and swung with all his power. His mighty blow struck his his coffee cup and sent it sailing off the table. The sound of the glass crashing to the floor jarred him out of his fantasy.

Ashen looked down at the shattered cup and what was left of his morning coffee “Lovely” He sighed as he put his book down. “Just when it was getting good.” He muttered while picking up the pieces of broken glass.

Ashen looked for a towel and noticed the time on his grandfather clock “Seven fifty eight! Oh no, I'm gonna be late!” He rushed to a nearby cupboard, grabbed a towel and threw it on the spilled coffee. He snatched up his comb, quickly raked his mane back while he wolfed down his last piece of toast. He turned and ran to the door then swung it open.

Ashen suddenly stopped; he looked towards his closet and grinned “Can’t forget this.” He used his magic to open the closet and pulled out a light blue cape with a broad silver stripe running down its center. He quickly put on the cape then ran out the door.

When Ashen reached the council building he looked inside “Huh, noponies here yet.” He turned to look at the clock tower. He put his hoof under his chin, tilting his head to the side “Hmm we were supposed to meet at eight, right? Huh that’s strange.” He shrugged before he leaned against the council building “Oh well, I guess I’ll just wait here then. Hmm, I should’ve brought my book.” He laughed to himself

Scion meanwhile was at home preparing for the day. He walked into his alchemical workshop, a room brightly lit by the morning sun that poured through the many large windows that adorned the eastern walls. Each window had a shelf that extended from its frame; each held numerous potted plants of all shapes and colors, allowing them to bask in the sun's gentle glow.

A large cabinet sat across from the windows. The cabinet is as wide enough to hold two ponies and nearly reached the roof. A golden leafless tree, adorned its finely polished doors, made from a beautiful dark wood.

Scion looks around the seemingly pristine room “Oh my, what a mess.” He walked over to his plants and moves them around “Not a single thing is in its proper place” He sighed “but at least the movers did not break anything.” He stared at an empty pot in the middle; a label on the pot’s side read ‘Bashful Blue.’ Scion closed his eyes and let out a small sigh while he showed a weak distant smile. He shook his head then continued his work.

After he arranged his plants, Scion moved over to the table and organized it while he muttered to himself “Hmm, the mortar and pestle go here and the alembic should be here.” After everything was in its proper place, he grabbed his saddlebags off a hook on the wall and opened the large cabinet.  Many shelves lined the cabinet’s interior, each held several bottles and vials filled with assorted liquids of every color. Scion sighed heavily “Even this is a mess, but I just do not have time to fix it right now.”

Scion selected vials from the cabinet and carefully placed them into separate pockets within his bags. Once the bags were full, he put them on and secured them tightly. He went into his bedroom and looked into his full sized mirror. He began to style his mane just the way he liked It, smooth and slick in the back while spiking up the front just a little, it gave him the suave roguish look he so loved. He donned his favorite green cape and adjusted it so it’s perfect. He turned his head side to side and made sure every hair is in place, he smiled proudly the whole time “Yes I think this will do nicely”  His smile widened as he took one last look in the mirror before he turned to walk out the door.

Scion saw Ashen leaning against the council building as he reached it. Ashen smiled and waved when he saw, Scion.

“And I thought I was late.” Ashen laughed as they approached each other.

Scion let out a “Humph, well good morning to you to Ashen. I am sorry for being late but the movers left my home a mess.”

“No problem” said Ashen “I’ve only been out here for about five minutes.”

“Why are you waiting outside?” asked Scion.

“Well, since this is our first real day” said Ashen “I thought it would be nice if we all went in together.”

“Well, that is a fine sentiment, Ashen.” Scion laughed once he noticed Ashen’s cape “May I ask what that is you are wearing?”

Ashen turned to show off his cape “It’s the cape I got from Cornucopia. Didn’t I tell you I had one like yours?”  He flashed a wicked grin “And now that we match we could rule this town together!” He pulled his cape in front of his face and gave out an evil laugh.

Scion chuckled with a playful smile “Sorry, Ashen, as an evil overlord, I do not share.”

Ashen was glad to see that Scion was playing along and smiled widely “Well in that case, I guess I’ll just have to be the heroic steed that shows up at the last minute and saves this town from your evil clutches.” He grinned while he brushed his mane back “While rescuing the fair damsel of course.”

Scion shook his head with a small laugh “You certainly have an overactive imagination.”

Ashen closed his eyes and lowered his head with a sigh “Yes, but it makes me good at what I do. However I can’t imagine where our fair damsel is.”

“Are you talking about, Midnight?”  asked Scion.

Ashen looked back up with a smile “Of course, our fair damsel in distress.” He closed his eyes while he raised his head “Ahh, I could picture her now, sitting in a beautiful dress, staring teary eyed out the window of some distant tower, awaiting A.” He opened one eye and cleared his throat while he adjusted his capes neckline “Handsome, knight to come and save her from the villain’s evil grasp.”

Scion shook his head with a small laugh “Well a fair damsel she may be but if she hears you talking like that, I fear you may be the one in distress. I do believe that damsel could easily trounce the both of us.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” laughed Ashen

Midnight awoke well before the rest of the town. She crawled out of bed and headed for her back door. She walked up to her well, pulled up a bucket and sipped the fresh cool water. She stretched out her legs and wings then with a deep breath, she took flight into the early morning sky.

She looked down from high above and gazed upon the dimly lit town as the rays from the dawn sun drew long shadows in the empty streets. A gentle breeze blew past the small homes, It carried bright green leaves fallen from the young spring trees, specks of dust gathered from the dirt roads and the scent of wildflowers from the nearby meadow. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she felt the cool wind brushed past her face and comb through her mane. Her worries and fears all faded as she gently fell into the sensation of freedom and absorbed the breathtaking silence. A quiet calm washed over her as the very world seemed fall still beneath her wings.

After a few seconds, the crow of a rooster broke the silence and pulled Midnight out of her world. She shook her head and remembered what she came out here to do. She flew off to the Western side of town; she carefully scanned the Everfree Forest. She examined every twisted tree and knotted bush, she searched for any sign of the foul beasts that lurk within, she flew home when she was satisfied and landed in her backyard.

Midnight looked over her shoulder, back toward the forest “I can’t believe they chose to build this town so close to that accursed place.” She lowered her head as worry crept into her chest “Is the bounty of this territory really worth the risk?” She sighed as she looks at the ground “Come on, Midnight get a hold of yourself.” She said as she tapped her head with her hoof “Of course this is worth it, if not for this land's riches then for our goal alone.”

Midnight walked to the center of her yard. She stopped in front of a large wooden post buried halfway into the ground and focused her gaze upon it “Harmony is worth any risk.” She struck the post hard with her right hoof then her left.  She struck it over and over each hit gained speed and power. She turned delivering several quick kicks with one leg then the other. She spun again and struck the post violently with her wing. She let loose a volley of blows; every part of her body became a weapon as she pushed herself to the very limit.

After a while, Midnight stopped to rest and tried to slow her heavy breathing. She sat on the ground and closed her eyes and putting her front hooves together “This town may come under attack at any moment.” She took slow, deep breaths as she focused and blocked out the rest of the world. She imagined herself flying through the sky. She could feel the wind and the freedom, as she fell into the silence.

Midnight opened her eyes and felt the world around her crawl to a stop. She dashed forward and unleashed a flurry of lightning fast strikes. The post shuttered and shook under her strength as she slams it with her hooves and wings. The power of her blows echoed through the air that flowed around her body and ripple through the earth under her hooves.

Midnight jumped back then leapt forward into the air with a spin and delivered a devastating back kick that fractures the post. She landed on one-leg and spun while she focused all her strength into her wing. She landed an almighty wing strike on the post. The air filled with splintered wood as the post shattered in two, the top halve sailed clean across the yard and tumbled to the ground.

Midnight stood tall and folded her wings back to her side with a fierce glare “But that’s exactly why I'm here. I will protect the ponies of this town, no matter what the cost. This I swear.” She looked down at the shattered post; her powerful stare faded into a confident smile as she let out a small laugh. “But I can see now.” She tapped the broken post with her hoof “I'm going to need some stronger posts.”

Midnight walked to her well and pulled up a bucket of water. She gulped down several mouthfuls then ducked down and poured the rest over her head. She shook off the water as a cascade of color as the mist caught the rays of the rising sun “Ahh, nothing feels better than a good workout.” her stomach growls loudly “Umm…except maybe a good workout and a good breakfast.” She walked into her house and headed for the kitchen. She passed a wall clock and notices the time “Ahh! I'm already ten minutes late!” She held her stomach and groaned “Guess I have to skip breakfast.” She turned with a sigh, ran out the door and flew toward the council building.

As Midnight nears the building, she saw Ashen and Scion talking and landed near them.

Ashen greeted her with a wave “There she is.”

Midnight looked at them then quickly bowed “I'm so sorry, I was training, I lost track of time an-”

Ashen interrupted her “No problem.”

Scion nodded “No worries, Midnight. I myself arrived not more than four minutes ago.” He put his hoof to his chin with a smirk “But I must say, all three councilors being late on the first day. That does not bode well for us.”

“Well, I’ll try not to make a habit of it.” laughed Ashen

Scion glared at him “Speaking of habits, Ashen. I hope you do not make a habit of wearing that cape.”

Ashen grinned “Afraid I'm going to steal your style, Scion?”

Scion rolled his eyes “Hardly.”

Midnight looked at the both of them “Umm, if I may. Why are you both wearing capes?”

Ashen smiled at her playfully “Feeling left out Night?”

Midnight looked away “If you don’t want to answer just say so.”

Ashen let out a small sigh “I felt kinda bad for teasing Scion about his cape last night. So I wore this to show him that I think there’s nothing wrong with capes and to show him that I have an eye for style as well.”

Scion looked to Ashen with a smile “My friend, I have already told you that all is forgiven for your jest last night.” He looks over Ashen’s cape “However when it comes to your sense of style, you have the style right but the colors are all wrong.”

Ashen looked at his cape “But the silver is the same color as my coat and the blue matches my mane perfectly.”

Scion pointed at Ashen “Exactly! Your cape’s colors blend into yours too well. You should wear colors that stand out from your own while making sure they do not conflict with one another.”

Ashen thought for a second “Umm…do you have any suggestions?”

Scion looked at Ashen for a moment “Violet, a deep blue or perhaps turquoise if you can find the right shade. I think those would fit you well.”

Midnight looked at Ashen “I think violet would look the best, it would match your eyes.”

Ashen quickly looked at Midnight with a striking smile “Oh really?” He took a few steps towards her and never moved his eyes off hers “Then when the seamstress opens her shop, I’ll have to get a violet cape.” He stopped just in front of her and winked while flashing his charming smile “Just for you Night.”

Midnight blushed and stammered “Uh n-no that’s not, I-I didn’t mean it like that I jus-.”

“Well look at the time!” Scion yelled loudly “All this idle chatter has cost us another five minutes. We really should be getting to work. Don’t you agree, Ashen?”

The sudden outburst startled Ashen and made him turn “Umm y-yes, I guess you’re right.”

Midnight collected herself and felt relieved to be out of that situation, “Shall we then?” She walked towards the council building. She mouthed “Thank you” as she passed Scion and continued into the council chambers.

Scion smiled happily and he followed Midnight inside with a bit of a swagger in his step. Ashen grinned with a chuckle and a shrug before following Scion.

Chapter Three: The Fiendish Forest

The afternoon sun shined into the chambers as the councilponies sat at their desk and discussed their town’s affairs. Each pony passionately argued their points and opinions about laws, taxes and general ideas about town’s direction.

After they solved a taxation issue, Scion looked down at the agenda in front of him “our next topic is-“

“Excuse me, Scion.” Midnight interrupted “When will we get to the topic of defense?”

Scion scanned through the agenda “Hmm…ah, here it is. The discussion of town defense is five topics away.”

Midnight groaned “Do you mind if we skip ahead a bit. I believe that is a topic that needs attention now.”

“I suppose so” said Scion “Are you genuinely so concerned about monster attacks?”

Midnight slammed her hoof down on the table “Are you not!? The Everfree Forest is practically in our backyard and we have yet to set up any sentries, barricades or watchtowers and we have no military to speak of, if monsters attacked in mass it would be a disaster.”

Scion raised his hoof to his chin “Hmm, I see your point. In that case, our next topic is-“

A stallion burst into their chambers before Scion could finish his thought. Dull golden hair covered his large battle-scarred body. Strands of grey sliced through his short chestnut mane and tail. His jade eyes reflected the urgent look upon his face.

Scion jumped up with a shout “Raintree! What in blazes are you doing?”

Raintree answered back in a coarse voice “Quickly my lord! Somepony has been injured!”

Upon hearing that, Scion leaped over the desk. He rushed out the doors with surprising speed, followed shortly after by Ashen and Midnight.

The four of them ran towards the edge of town, Scion struggled to keep up as he shouted “Raintree, what has happened?”

Raintree’s strong legs propelled him effortlessly as he answered “All I know, is that a young mare walked into town covered in blood.”

Midnight gasped “Has it happened already?”

Ashen looked up at her “We won’t know till we get there, let’s not assume anything yet.”

As they neared the edge of town, they saw a crowd of ponies gathered around the young mare’s body.  Scion pushed his way through the crowd and yelled “Out of the way!” He tried to look at the girl’s injuries but the crowd closed in around him. A stallion bumped into him, Scion shoved him away “Get back! Raintree! Get these fools out of here!”

Raintree bowed “Yes my lord.” He raised his head, furrowed his brown and brought his large hoof crashing to the ground with a commanding shout “Leave this area at once! Or I will be forced to remove you!” All the onlookers stopped and looked towards Raintree. Raintree lowered his head and growled. The onlookers quickly turned away and left as fast as they could.

Scion began to examine the earth pony. Several slashes covered her body, some were little more than scratches while others were deep jagged wounds. Blood poured from her veins; the dark crimson buried her pale yellow coat and blended into her red mane.

Ashen closed his eyes. He turned away from the terrible scene. His teeth clenched as his chest grew cold “The poor thing.”

Midnight gasped upon seeing the girl. She took several steps back. Her eyes grew pale as they filled with tears. She shook her head and whispered “It…it can’t be. It just can’t be her.”

Scion lowered his head and placed his ear on the mare’s chest. He closed his eyes and listened carefully. After a moment, his heart sank but then he heard exactly what he was hoping for, a heartbeat. He opened his eyes and pushed then he heard it again, a faint heartbeat. He whispered “She’s alive?” he heard it once more. Scion quickly lifted his head and shouted “She is alive! Quickly Ashen help me get her to the hospital!”

Ashen quickly spun around, his grim expression turned bright “Yes, of course.” He slowly lifts the mare with his magic.

Scion walked next to Ashen and kept a brisk, steady pace “Keep her level, Ashen. We do not know the extent of her injuries.”

Ashen’s eyes locked onto the mare as he carefully carried her towards the hospital, once inside he brought her to a room and slowly lowered her onto a table.

Two nurses joined Scion. He gestured for the rest to leave before he pulled several vials from his bag.

The others headed to the lobby, Ashen and Midnight sat down to wait but Raintree spoke up “My lord and lady. May I take my leave? I would like to find the girl's family and tell them what’s happened.”

Midnight sat motionless, her head hung low as she stared at the ground with distant, icy eyes.

Ashen stared at Midnight “Umm, yes.” He glanced at Raintree before looking back “Yes, that sounds like a fine idea.”

Raintree bowed then walked away. Ashen and Midnight sat in silence. Midnight stared at the ground barely breathing and Ashen stared at her; he grew more concerned by the second. Even though her body was still, Ashen could see when he looked into her quivering eyes, that her mind was racing and the course it’s on, was not a pleasant one. They sat like this for a while until Midnight spoke up with a broken voice “Ashen, did you see her wounds?”

Ashen closed his eyes and nods “Yes, yes I did.”

Midnight looked up at Ashen her quivering eyes turned as solid as stone “I’ve seen wounds like that before, scratches down a pony’s side, mostly in pairs of three. I know what did this.” she stood up, her body tensed as a fire ignited within her chest “And I'm going to find it.”

Ashen stood in front of her “Where do you plan on going exactly?”

Midnight glared at him “To the edge of the forest.”

“And if you find it?” asked Ashen.

Midnight bore her teeth with a growled “I’ll kill it!”

Ashen sighed “I don’t suppose I can talk you out of this, can I?”

Midnight responded bluntly “No.”

Ashen moved to stand beside her “Then I'm going with you.”

Midnight looked away “Fine. But if we find it, you better stay out of my way.”

“Mind if I join you?” Scion said as he walked out of the operating room.

Midnights burning eyes quickly turned soft “Scion!” She ran up to him “Is she ok?” Will she be alright?”

Scion looked to Midnight with a cold stare “She had several deep lacerations and has lost a significant amount of blood. At the moment, she is still unconscious. I have done all I can for her. She is not yet out of danger, however.” He showed a soft smile and nodded “I believe she will survive and make a full recovery.”

Ashen laughed with relief “That’s wonderful news!”

Midnight beamed a beautiful smile “Thank goodness. You saved her, Scion, thank you.” Midnight quickly wrapped her hooves around his neck and hugged him tightly “Thank you, truly.”

Scion blushed and looked away as sweat beaded on his forehead “Y-you're quite welcome. It-it was nothing really.” Unsure what to do about the mare hanging around his neck, he cleared his throat and continued the conversation “N-now a-about this creature; are-are you still going to look for it?”

Midnight let go of Scion, her eyes caught flame once more “Yes, I am.”

Scion adjusted his cape “Then allow me to accompany you.”

“Can you fight?” asked Ashen.

Scion grinned “I can handle myself should the need arise.”

Midnight nodded “Alright, but you two try to stay behind me.”

Ashen laughed to himself “Will do.”

The three of them headed to where they found the mare. Midnight looked at the bloodstained ground “This is the spot.” She looked over the area “Where did she come from?” Off in the distance, a spot on the ground caught her eye; she rushed over to it and saw another blood stain. Looking towards the west, she saw another then another.

Ashen walked up to her “Hmm, I see. Shall we follow the trail of blood then?”

Midnight said nothing and flew forward, following the blood trail.

Ashen watched her as his concern built “Night? H-hey wait up!” Ashen ran after her followed closely by Scion.

Scion tried to catch his breath as they ran “She…she seems to be taking this rather personally.”

Ashen panted as he tried to catch up to Midnight “I’ve…I’ve noticed. I-I only hope she doesn’t do something foolish.”

When the two of them finally reached Midnight she was looking into a large pool of blood “Look, the ground here is torn apart and there’s blood spattered all around. This is where it happened.”

Ashen looked around the area “I think you’re right. It looks like something attacked her here. This spot is far from town, it’s a miracle that she made it back.”

A dark insight struck Scion, as he stared into the pool of blood “This was no miracle.” He slowly shook his head as a chill crept into him “There is too much blood here; it could not have come from the girl alone.”

Midnight gasped “You don’t mean. Was there another victim?”

Scion turned away from the blood “Either that or whatever attacked her was also injured. However this blood is red, if this was monster blood it would be black.” Scion scanned the area “I do not see any bodies though. Should we look around?”

Ashen shook his head “No point. If there was another pony, they’re deep into the forest by now. Dead or alive, the monsters always drag their victims away.”

Upon hearing this, Midnight’s eyes opened wide, she shot straight towards the forest.

Ashen yelled out “Night stop!” He used his magic to catch her in midair and pull her to the ground.

Midnight yelled franticly as she struggled to escape, his spell “Let me go! Let me go! Let me go Ashen! I…I have to save her!”

Ashen strained against her strength “Don’t be a fool! It’s been hours since the attack, if there was another pony, their long gone by now.”

Tears filled Midnight’s eyes as she screamed, “You don’t know that! She could still be alive! I have to save her!” Midnight broke free from Ashen’s spell; she spun onto her hoofs and kicked him away before she leapt into the air again.

Her kick knocked the wind out of Ashen but he recovered just quick enough to catch her again. Midnight screamed and yelled as she fought Ashen’s spell. Ashen poured his magic into the spell as he struggled to restrain her. Scion walked up and placed his hoof on Midnight’s shoulder. He looked into her fierce, tear-filled eyes and spoke with a calm soft voice “Midnight, you have to calm yourself and think clearly. Hours have passed since the attack, and we do not know if there was another pony. If you rush into that forest in a blind rage like this, the only thing you will accomplish is getting yourself killed. So please, take a deep breath and try to calm down.”

Midnight stopped struggling, after a few seconds, her heavy breathing slowed and the frantic look in her eyes slowly disappeared.

Ashen looked down at her “Midnight, are you ok now? Can I let you up?”

Midnight took a deep breath “Yes, I'm fine now, please release me.”

Ashen stopped his spell “Alright then, I’ll let you go. Please don’t take off like that again.”

Midnight got up. She shakes the dirt off her coat “Thank you, thank you both. I lost control and for that I am sorry.”

Ashen smiled gently “It’s ok, come on let’s go back to town, there’s nothing we can do here.”

As they started to walk away, they heard a rustle in the bushes behind them. They turned to see a creature step out from the forest. It stood just over three feet tall on two hooved legs. Dark fur and coarse scales created a patchwork design across its light grey skin. Remnants of dried blood covered its three razor sharp talons. The spattered blood traveled up its bony hands, past its skinny arms, and all the way up to its shoulders. Its twisted face vaguely resembled a ponies but its snarled, grotesque shape, came straight from a child’s nightmare. Its sharp brutal fangs dripped with saliva as it gnashed them together. A Smokey black mist filled the whites of its eyes, giving the creature a cruel, soulless stare.

Midnight stepped forward “A goblin!”

Ashen raised his hoof in front of her “Stop!”

Midnight turned to him “What, why!? Now’s my chance, I don’t want it to get away!”

Ashen stared at the motionless creature “Look at it Night, something’s not right. Why isn’t it doing anything? It’s not running away, not attacking, It’s just standing there and why did it wait until we tried to leave to show itself?”

“Good point” said Scion “also, when have you ever seen just one goblin?”

Ashen scanned the edge of the forest “Precisely.” A shrub caught his eye, he was not sure what it was about this seemingly ordinary bush, but his instincts told him that something was wrong. He looked at Midnight and winked “Watch this.” He picked up a nearby rock and hurled it into the shrub, when it hit, a loud screech echoed out, a second goblin stumbled out holding it eye. The goblin pointed at Ashen and let out a loud shriek. Several more goblins leapt out of the forest and rushed forward. Ashen yelled out “Get ready! Here they come!”

By the time Ashen took his first step, Midnight is already in the air. She dived down and slammed her wing into a goblin’s chest. The hurricane force of her strike sent the best flying backwards, its body tumbled to a stop.

A clumsy claw swiped at Midnight. She spun, easily dodging the claw while she struck its owners jaw with her wing. Midnight followed through with a stomping kick from her hind hoof onto the side of the goblins leg, which brought the beast to its knees. Midnight’s body flowed as she instills the full momentum of her spin into her other rear hoof it slammed it into the goblin's head with a defining crack.

Midnight stood on her hind legs and let out a long breath as she stared down an approaching goblin. Just as the beast got close, she leapt forward and crushed it to the ground with her front hooves. A bloodied growl escaped from the creature’s mouth before it went silent.

Midnight grinned as she leapt back to easily dodge another claw. She lunged forward and buried her head deep into the goblin's chest. Her hooves planted firm in the ground. The muscles in her neck bulged as she lifted the beast. She threw it into the air with a fierce yell. Midnight pushed off the ground with a single flap of her wings and met the goblin in the air. She came from below with a head-butt to its chin followed by a downward strike from her hoof that sent the beast crashing to the earth.

Midnight grinned wider as she rose into the air. Her eyes locked onto the final beast in her way. She tore through the sky as she dove headlong towards the goblin. The frightened beast turned to run but it was too late. Midnight flipped forward at the last moment and extended her back leg. Her hoof slammed into the creature's back. Midnight’s thunderous roar drowned out the sound of the beast’s body helplessly crashing to the ground.

Ashen reached his first goblin as Midnight finished her second. Without a moment of hesitation, he slammed into the beast with his full force. As soon as the goblin hits the ground, a hoof crushed its chest.

Ashen strode forward without losing a drop of momentum. He stepped to the side to dodge a jagged claw. He instantly leapt sideways and smashed his shoulder into the goblin. Ashen spun on his front hooves. His back legs lashed out with blinding speed. The unsteady goblin took the full force of Ashen’s kick. It flew backwards and tumbled to the ground, falling as silent as the grave.

Another goblin rushed at Ashen; revenge filled its blackened eye. The beast slashed furiously. Ashen’s body swayed and slanted like a dancer on the stage as he dodged the strikes with a smile. One lucky swipe cut too close. The razor edge of the claw cut through Ashen’s mane and forced him to leap backwards. The goblin launched itself forward through the air, Ashen’s throat in its sight. A lavender glow surrounded Ashen’s horn. A bright flash of white light sliced through the air in front of him.

The goblin fell to the ground in front of Ashen, black blood slowly pooled around its body. Ashen looks down at the creature with a grin “Not bad, you actually made me use my magic.” He looked over the bodies in front of him; his heart sunk as his grin slowly disappeared as he looked at the carnage in front of him. He hung his head with a heavy sigh “You poor pitiful creatures. I'm sorry it had to end like this.” He looked down at the body on the ground before him and took a breath “Return to the mist and find peace.”

Ashen looked over to Midnight and saw the bodies lying around her as she breathed heavily with a fearsome smile. Ashen’s spirit lifted with his chuckle “Whoa, better remember to stay on her good side.” He turned to check on Scion and saw three goblins that broke from the pack charging towards him. Ashen immediately ran to help.

Scion stood smiling as he watched the beasts close in. He let a small laugh pass through his grin “That’s it, a little closer you fools. Come to me.” When the first one got close enough, Scion’s smile turned wicked.  He spun, snatched off his cape and threw it over the first goblin in one swift move. He leapt up and stomped down on the ensnared beast, its body viciously crushed to the ground.

Scion quickly reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a small vial of pale green liquid. He threw the vial at the other two. It shattered just in front of the beasts. The goblins ran through the liquid seemingly unaffected. However as they got closer, they began to slow. Panting and wheezing they slowly fell to their knees. They crawled towards Scion; one goblin got inches away before it stopped moving altogether.

Scion smiled and threw his head back as he laughed “Perfect, absolutely perfect!”

Ashen reached him just in time to see the last goblin fall. He grinned and looked at Scion “Well then, I guess you can fight.”

Scion grinned with pride “Like I said. I can handle myself should the need arise.”

Midnight landed next to them “Clearly you can.” She hung her head “But they never should have reached you In the first place. I'm sorry I should have done a better job.”

Scion chuckled “Midnight, there is no need for you to apologize; you routed a great number of the beasts, some in a single blow. You did a splendid job”

Midnight sighed heavily “No, I didn’t. My job is to protect the ponies of this town; you and Ashen shouldn’t have had to fight at all.”

“Protect them all?” asked Scion

Midnight answered back as a strong will filled her voice “Yes, every single one.”Scion shook his head “That is a burden far too great for anypony to carry on their own. Surely you know that.” He walked up to her and placed his hoof on her shoulder “Please allow me to bear some of that weight.”

Ashen walked up to her “I’ll gladly carry my share as well. This is my town to and I'm not about to sit by and let you have all the fun.”

Midnight raised her head with a faint smile “Thank you, thank you both very much.”

Scion walked over to his cape but stopped to look at Midnight “You are quite welcome, Midnight. If you ever need assistance with anything, please do ask.”

Scion looked back to his cape as he raised it off the goblins body. He saw a black blood stain on its underside and growled as he tossed his cape back down to the ground “It seems these filthy creatures have sullied my favorite cape.”

His irritation quickly disappeared when he looked at Ashen. Scion nodded to Ashen with a laugh “It seems my cape was not the only one soiled today.”

Ashen looked at his cape and noticed the black blood scattered across it “Honestly.” Ashen looked at Scion with a small laugh “I forgot I was wearing the thing. Well better the cape then the coat I suppose.”

Scion sighed “Yes, I suppose.”

Midnight smiled “Well, at least nopony was injured.”

Scion nodded “True.” He looked down at his cape “It seems the only casualties were our capes.”

“That’s a shame” said Midnight “I can tell you cared for that cape.”

Scion scowled at the stain “I will try to save it if I can but if I cannot, I have three others just like it.”

Ashen smirked “Wait, really? You have four identical capes?”

Scion looked up at Ashen with a smile “Well, yes. One should always be prepared. Do you not have an extra in case yours is destroyed?”

Ashen shook his head with a laugh “Not a single one, this was my only cape.” He turned to Midnight and flashed his striking smile “But this does give me one more reason to buy a violet cape.” He winked at her “You know, one that matches my eyes.”

Midnight groaned and turned away as she tried to hide a slight blush “A-are we done here?”

Scion rolled his eyes and turned to leave “Yes, I do believe we are.”

“Actually” said Ashen “Could I get you two to help me with something?”

Scion stopped and turned back to Ashen “I suppose so. What do you need?”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane and smiled weakly “Um…well, it won’t be pleasant, but could you help me get the bodies together in a pile?”

Midnight turned back with a questioning stare “What? Why? Won’t they just dissolve away after a while?”

Ashen nodded “Yes, but I want to purify them before they do.”

“Purify?” asked Scion “What exactly do you mean Ashen?”

“It’s a spell.” said Ashen “A very difficult spell that I only want to cast once, so I need to get them together.”

Scion glared at Ashen “Is this really necessary?”

Ashen grinned at him “Yeah, it kind of is, and didn’t you just say?” Ashen cleared his throat and mimicked, Scions accent “If you ever need assistance with anything please do ask? Or is that only for Midnight?”

Scion glared at him unamused then finally sighed “Fine.” He pointed to Ashen “Just remember, you owe me for this.”

Ashen smiled and laughs “Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back.”

Scion tossed his second body on the pile “Ugh, disgusting. These repulsive things reek and here I thought their stench was bad when they were alive.” He turned to see Midnight about to pick up one of the goblins he poisoned. He quickly ran towards her and shouted “Careful, Midnight! Do not touch them!”

Midnight quickly looked up “What’s wrong?”

“Those two are not dead yet” said Scion.

Midnight looked at the goblins then quickly looked back to Scion “What!? What do you mean ‘not dead yet’?”

Scion glanced down at the beasts with a grin “They are merely paralyzed.”

Midnight looked at one of the goblin’s chests and saw it rise ever so slightly. She quickly turned back to Scion and yelled “What are you thinking!? Were you planning to just leave them here?”

Scion takes a stepped back “Umm…well, yes. The paralytic I used on them quickly affects their limbs, but it takes more time to affect their internal organs. However, it would have killed them, eventually.”

Midnight looked down at the goblins “We don’t have time for eventually.” She took a breath before standing tall “I’ll grant them a quick painless death.”

Scion quickly snapped at Midnight “No! This was my doing! I will end them!” He reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a vial of deep purple liquid as he muttered to himself “A quick painless death. Humph these creatures deserve no such thing.” He walked over to the goblins. He carefully pulled the cork out of the vial then dripped a single drop into each goblins mouth. He corked the vial and placed it back in his bag “There, it is done.”

Midnight glanced at the goblins then looked back to, Scion “That’s all it takes, just one drop?”

Scion smirked at the disbelief in her voice “That is all it takes.”

Midnight stared at the goblins “Are they gone now?”

Scion’s intense stare burned a hole in the beasts “Give them a second” He smiled and intently watched the goblins as their eyes slowly dilated. Their claws started to curl as their faces contorted in agony. Their mouths gradually opened as their muscles constricted tightly and pulled their limbs towards their chests. Foam began to pour from their mouths as they gurgled out labored breaths. Midnight had to turn away from the ghastly scene just before their eyes rolled into the back of their head and they breathed their last.

Scion looked over to Midnight with a casual smile “Now they are dead.”

Midnight turned to him as she caught her breath “Th-that was awful, they looked like…they were suffering…horribly.”

“Something wrong?”  Scion asked.

“Well” said Midnight “Why…why did you do that? Why didn’t you just let me finish them mercifully?”

Scion scoffs “Mercy!? I have seen these…these things rip a pony apart in front of my own eyes. Why should they receive mercy when they have none to give?”

Midnight placed her hoof just below her right shoulder “I know how you feel, Scion.”  She closed her eyes “Better than you know, but not showing mercy makes us just as monstrous as them.”

Her words struck Scion hard “I…I never thought of it like that.” He hung his head “My apologies Midnight, I hope you can forgive me.”

Midnight opened her eyes and smiled “It’s alright, Scion. Like I said, I know how you feel, but please don’t do that again.”

Scion bowed “Thank you, Midnight; I will not repeat my actions today.”

Midnight nodded her head then lifted up one of the corpses and carried it towards the pile.

Scion gave the last corpse a kick as soon as she was gone “Damn! I never thought she would sympathize with these wretched things.” He reluctantly picked up the last corpse and carried it towards the pile. When Scion tossed the corpse down “There, that is number eleven the last one.” He turned to Ashen with a scowl “I do hope your spell is worth all this Ashen.”

“What does it do exactly?” asked Midnight.

Ashen wiped the sweat from his brow “It purifies the chaos magic that created them and returns it to natural state, or so the theory goes at least.”

Scion tilted his head and looked at Ashen “Chaos magic? Hmm…I have never heard of such a thing.”

Ashen shrugged “Well it’s just a theory. I’ll explain it all later.” He walked away from the pile “For now, will you both come over here?”

“Gladly” Scion said as he and Midnight walked to Ashen’s side.

Ashen took a deep breath “Ok, here goes.” His horn started to glow bright Violet. A white line slowly took shape and surrounded the goblins. The line traced a triangle on the ground around the bodies. Ashen exhaled sharply as he raised his head. The light shot up from the ground and formed a shimmering crystalline chamber around the pile. The glow around Ashen’s horn intensified as he poured more power into the spell. The bodies inside the chamber slowly began to dissolve into a swirling black mist, tinted with shadowy rays of purple and green light.

Ashen focused as he prepared for the final step in the spell. He stomped his hoof on the ground, lowered his head and took quick deep breaths. The glow around his horn intensified and created a corona that released small sparks of energy. Ashen focused his gaze at the chamber. The white light slowly grew in the chamber.

The black mist twisted and turned as it expanded and pushed out the light. Ashen struggled to lift his head as he poured more magic into the chamber. The chamber glowed brilliantly as the light began to collapse the dark mist. The mist writhed and took a serpentine shape as it shrunk. It slammed itself against the walls of its cell over and over as it tried to break free of its glassy prison. The light pushed the mist to the center of the chamber. Ashen knew this was his chance. He focused all of his magic into his horn and pushed his body to its limit. He screamed out to the heavens as his magic exploded into the chamber and filled it with blinding light.

An eerie cry echoed out as the light burst into the chamber. The black mist faded with the light and soon revealed a translucent, shimmering radiance at its core. The light glimmered and flickered, its ever-changing hue made the chamber’s walls glow in a myriad of colors. The chamber walls sung out as cracks worked their way up to the roof.  The small cracks split then shattered the chamber into thousands of tiny fragment that floated in the air and slowly faded away.

Midnight stood still, her jaw agape as she watched the mist fade into the winds “By the storm’s blood! What…what in Equestria was that!?”

Scion answered her in a voice just as shaken “I…I have no idea. I-I have never seen, nor…nor even heard of anything like that! That…mist appeared as though it was…alive.”

Midnight turned to Ashen “W-what just happened?”

Ashen’s head hung low to the ground, his eyes wide open as he took quick, shallow breaths. Concern quickly replaced Midnight’s Astonishment “Ashen? Are you al-?”

Ashen collapsed to the ground before, Midnight finished her sentence. Midnight and Scion both yelled out his name as they rushed over.

After a few minutes, Ashen slowly opened his eyes. Midnight knelt beside him and fanned him with her wing

Midnight quickly looked up to Scion “Scion, he’s awake!”

Scion bent down to look at Ashen “Ashen, are you alright? Your pupils are quite contracted.” Ashen nodded his head. Scion smiled “Well, that is good. However, you seem to have overexerted yourself.” Ashen tried to stand, he got about halfway up before his leg gave way and he fell back down. Scion caught him and lowered him to the ground “Easy, easy friend. No need to rush, take your time and catch your breath.”

Ashen spoke up in a breathless voice “How…how long was I out?”

“Nearly three minutes” answered Midnight “You had us worried. Are you sure you’re ok?”

A weak smile crossed Ashen’s face as he let out an exhausted laugh “Who wouldn’t be?” He paused to take a breath “Waking up next to you.”

Midnight immediately stopped fanning him and stood up with a scowl “Clearly, he's fine.”

Scion shook his head and sighed “Clearly.” His tone turned serious “Ashen, you have depleted most of your magic any further and you would have risked injury or even death. Do you understand how serious this is?”

Ashen slowly stood “Yes, yes I do. I understand perfectly, but I had to purify them and return their magic to its natural state.”

Midnight lowered her head with a sigh “I…I still have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Do not feel bad Midnight” said Scion “neither do I, that black mass, chaos magic, purification, magic’s natural state. Ashen could you please explain any of this to us?”

Ashen held his head “Alright. I’ll try to explain everything.”

Midnight’s stomach growled loudly before he could say another word “S-sorry” her cheeks slowly turned a rosy red, much to Ashen’s delight “I…I had to skip breakfast this morning and because of all this…I missed lunch too.”

Ashen could not contain his smile even if he wanted to “Maybe I could explain over dinner then. Come on it’ll be my treat to thank you both for helping me today.”

Midnight quickly smiled as her eyes lit up “Really? That would just be great!”

“A splendid idea Ashen” said Scion “but could we have some time to freshen up first?” He scraped the last remnant of goblin blood off his hoof and onto the grass “I feel rather…unsanitary at the moment.” “

“That’s fine” said Ashen “let’s meet at the restaurant in an hour.”

Midnight quickly spoke up “How about, half an hour?”

Ashen laughs “Alright then. I’ll see you in half an hour.”

Midnight spread her wings and walked past them both with an eager smile “Sounds great, see you boys there.”

Ashen happily watched her as she flew off “Seems all it takes to make her happy is to mention food.” He chuckles to himself “Wish I knew that earlier.”

Scion looked at Midnight then glared at Ashen “You know Ashen. You really should not tease her so.”

Ashen shrugged “Yeah I know, but she’s just so adorable, especially when she blushes.”

Scion chuckled “While that may be true, you just met her yesterday. You should not be so discourteous towards her.”

Ashen sighed and rubbed his mane “Yeah, maybe you’re right. I know I can be a bit irritating at times. Maybe I’ll apologize to her at dinner.”

“I think you should” said Scion “But for now, let us just get back to town. I want to wash the stench of goblin out of my mane.” Scion picked up his blood stained cape then they both headed towards Canterlot.

Chapter four: Chaos Theory

Ashen, headed toward the town’s restaurant as the evening sun begin to cast its final rays. He saw Midnight sitting at an outdoor table as he approached. She sat at her table and eagerly tapped her hoof as she waited for him and Scion.

Ashen smiled as he walked up to her “Hey, Night, am I late?”

Midnight quickly looked up “Hey Ashen, no you’re not late, I'm just early.”

“Have you ordered yet?” asked Ashen.

Midnight shook her head “No, not yet. I wanted to wait for everypony to get here first.” Her front hooves quickly reached for her stomach as it rumbled.

Ashen looked at her with a grin “I don’t think you can wait much longer.”

Midnight looked away “I-I'm fine but what about you, are you feeling alright?”

Ashen’s yawn broke his laugh “Yeah I'm ok, just a little tired, nothing a good night's sleep won’t fix.”

Midnight showed a small smile “Glad to hear it but you shouldn’t push yourself so hard.”

Ashen flashed his smile “I didn’t know you cared.” He lowered his head with a sigh “Sorry, I’ll try to be more careful next time.”

Midnight showed a frown to match Ashen’s “I'm the one who should be apologizing.”

Ashen quickly spoke up “What are you apologizing for?”

Midnight’s eyes drifted down as she answered “For the fight.”

Ashen chuckled “Oh, come on, Night you have nothing to apologize for, you fought great.”

Midnight let out a small sigh “It’s not that.”

Ashen’s smile faded, replaced by a calm stare “It’s what happened before the fight, when you took off, right?”

Midnight’s body tensed up “Yes, if you hadn’t stopped me…”

Ashen quickly interrupted her “You already apologized for that, you obviously had something on your mind keeping you from thinking clearly, it's no big deal.”

Midnight snapped back at him with a yell “Yes it is! If…If you weren’t there I-.”

Ashen interrupted her again “Night, really it's.”

Midnight’s body tensed tighter, she gritted her teeth then shouted “Ashen please!” She took a breath as she glanced around the empty café. She looked back to Ashen with sad eyes before she closed them tightly “Please, just-just let me say this.”

When he saw the look on Midnight’s face, Ashen sat in silence and answered her with only a nod of his head.

Midnight took a slow breath “Thank you, Ashen. I was rash and careless today, I rushed unprepared into a dangerous situation, dragging you and Scion with me. I knew we might have to fight and yet I did not stop to get my wing blades. I was completely unprepared and acted without thinking and for that, I am sorry. It won’t happen again, I swear it to you.” Ashen started to say something but Midnight raised her hoof to stop him “And” she added, “If you weren't there to stop me from rushing into the forest…or that ambush, I might not be here now.”

Midnight looked up at Ashen, her strong eyes now showed a hint of tears “So, Ashen, I want to thank you for what you did today, truly.”

Once Ashen saw that she was finished, he spoke up in a calm, kind tone “Midnight, you are very welcome and even though I feel there is no need for your apology, I will gladly accept it.”

Midnight sighed “Thank you, Ashen.” She stood up from the table “I'm sorry but…I think I'm going to go.”

Ashen ran up to her “Whoa, wait a second. Where are you going? ”

Midnight slowly walked past him “I'm sorry Ashen. I'm…just going to go home.”

Ashen stood in front of her “Hold on, you got here early and waited for us and now you’re just going to go home, even before Scion gets here.”

Midnight started to walk around him “I'm sorry, I'm not hungry. I just want to go to bed.”

Ashen took a step back and blocked her way again “Your stomach has been growling all day and you yourself said that you missed breakfast and lunch. So tell me have you eaten anything at all today?”

Midnight looked away “Umm…well.”

Ashen sighed, he stood tall and looked straight into Midnight’s eyes “Midnight, what you did today was reckless. You charged into an unknown situation completely unprepared and you were wrong to do so.”

Midnight took a step back, surprised by Ashen’s serious tone.

Ashen took a step towards her “Is that what you want to hear Midnight, do you want to be reprimanded?” He shook his head as his smile returned “If so, then that’s too bad, because you don’t deserve it. You just made a simple mistake and everything turned out well in the end. You’re not a child that should be sent to bed without dinner, so quit trying to punish yourself.”

Midnight’s eyes opened wide as she let out a quick breath.

Ashen walked past her and stopped halfway to their table “Come on, Night, let me thank you for your help today. Stay for the first course.” He smiled with a small laugh “Humor me.”

Midnight hesitantly turned around and walked back to the table.

After they sat down, Ashen tried to lighten the mood with small talk “So uh, I had fun today, I mean I got to see you fight, which was very impressive by the way. I learned that Scion’s got some skills and.” He flashed his smile with a wink “I got to show off a bit myself.”

Midnight ignored him altogether.

Ashen’s smile slowly faded as he hung his head “I'm…I’m sorry, Night.”

Midnight looked up at him “Why are you apologizing?”

Ashen slowly ran his hoof through his mane “Well, I have realized, since we met I have said some things that might have been inappropriate and I…I just want to say, I'm sorry.”

Midnight looked away “Is that all? I don’t care about that.”

Ashen saw she is still quite upset and thought for a moment before a smile grew upon his face “In that case, mind if I say something now?”

Midnight sighed “Go right ahead.”

Ashen walked up to her, as his grin grew wider. He stopped just in front of her and winked “You know, Night, you’re cute when you’re sad.”

Midnight quickly turned away.

Ashen leaned in front of her and looked her in the eyes “But you know what, you’re beautiful when you smile.”

Midnight turned away again.

Ashen moved back in front of her with a big grin “Come on, show me a smile.”

Midnight growled as she turns away.

Ashen jumped in front of her “Just a little one.”

Midnight yelled at him with a growl “Stop it, Ashen!”

Ashen tilted his head “Come on now, I’ll beg if I have to.”

Midnight crossed her fore legs and adverted her gaze “I-I'm warning you, Ashen. Don’t…don’t make me hurt you.”

Ashen stared at Midnight “Alright you asked for it.” He dropped to the ground, put his front hooves together and looked up at Midnight “I'm begging now, Night…please.”

Midnight’s eyes widened as she stared down at him “A-Ashen! W-what are you doing down there? Get up before somepony sees you.”

Ashen stretched his hooves out to Midnight and pouted his lip. He stared up at her with big puppy dog eyes “Pwetty Pwease wit whipped cweam on top.”

Midnight’s face slowly turned to a delightful shade of red “A-Ashen stop that!, You’re…you’re acting like a child.” Midnight covered her mouth and turned away.

Ashen quickly moved in front of her and dropped into the same pose “Pweeeese!”

Midnight tried to hold it back, but a small snicker escaped her lips followed by a giggle. A small smile came with her giggle, much to, Ashen’s delight.

Midnight brushed her mane from her face “Ashen…you’re a child” Her smile slowly widened “But thank you.”

Ashen stood and showed a gentle smile “Anytime Night” He looked deep into her turquoise eyes “You know, you really are beautiful when you smile.”

Midnight blushed and looked away, after a moment she looked back and started to say something but her growling stomach interrupted her.

Ashen grinned “See, I knew you were hungry.”

Midnight held her stomach “More like starving. If Scion doesn’t get here soon I'm ordering without him.”

A voice called out from behind “Talking about me?” Scion walked up and showed a playful smile “You do know it is rude to talk about somepony behind their back.”

“Sorry” said Midnight “But you took so long.”

Scion took his seat “My apologies, removing the stench of those beasts out of my coat and mane was very time consuming.”

Ashen glanced at Midnight then turned to Scion “Well I'm glad you here, Scion, now we can eat before poor, Night starves to death.”

Midnight scoffed at Ashen “I'm not going to starve. With my training, I could go a week without so much as a scrap of food easily.” Her stomach growled again.

Scion flashed a grin at her “I do believe your stomach is telling a different story.”

Midnight quickly looked away “Oh, who asked you?”

Both stallions began to laugh as Midnight crosses her hooves with a “Humph!”

Scion managed to compose himself “I am sorry, Midnight but you know you did not have to wait for me.”

Midnight turned back “I know, but we fought together, we should eat together.”

Scion smiled “How very thoughtful and I must say, there is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends, especially when you get to eat for free.”

Midnight stared at Ashen with a grin “That’s right, Ashen’s paying. A fair warning, Ashen, I'm not going to hold back tonight.”

Ashen chuckled “Not holding back huh? That’s fine, I brought enough bits to pay for a feast so order anything you want. The two of you deserve it.”

Scion laughed “I have a feeling you will regret saying that Ashen.”

Midnight showed a playful grin “Oh, he will.”

Ashen shrugged “You know, I don’t think I will. As long as you’re both happy, I don’t care if it costs me a hundred bits.”

“My, my” Scion said teasingly “Aren't we feeling generous tonight.”

Ashen smiled at him “What can I say, guess I'm just in a good mood. Are you two ready to order?”

Midnight and Scion nodded. Ashen raised his hoof and called for the waiter. Ashen and Scion ordered their meals and Midnight ordered enough for three ponies.

Ashen laughed “I guess you weren't kidding about not holding back.”

Midnight returned his smile “Just wait till dessert.”

“Dessert!?” scoffed Scion “Do you truly think you can even finish your first course?”

Midnight raised her head proudly “Of course I can. Never underestimate the appetite of a pegasi warrior.”

Scion chuckled “Duly noted.” He turned to Ashen “Ashen, while we are waiting, would you mind explaining what happened today?”

Ashen sighed “I could but it's a very long story and it's only a theory, are you sure you want to hear it?”

Scion nodded “Of course I do. After what we witnessed today I for one would like an explanation, even if it is only a theory”

Ashen nodded then took a breath “Alright then. First off, I should say that this is a friend’s theory, not mine. Although I did help with research, she is the one who dedicated her life to understanding magic.”

“Who is she?” asked Midnight.

“Her name was, Everswirl.” answered Ashen.

Scion gasped when he heard the name “Everswirl!? You cannot mean Everswirl the Enchanted!?”

Ashen chuckled “The one and only. She and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. She taught me everything I know, including the purification spell.”

Scion put his hoof to his chin “Incredible, to think a legend like her tutored you.”

Ashen glanced at Scion with a grin “Legend is putting it lightly, nopony alive knows more about magic than she did and the Chaos Theory is her life’s work. That’s why I believe it's true, even though there’s no real proof.”

Midnight sat up straight and stared intently “Now I want to hear it even more.”

Ashen nodded “Ok then, here goes. If the theory is right than magic exists all throughout our world, though invisible to us, it flows through everything, coursing through the ground, streaming through the air, and running through the veins of every living thing, from the grandest of dragons to the smallest blade of grass. Magic also flows through everypony, no matter if they are unicorn, earth pony or pegasus.”

Midnight spoke up “Wait a second, I can’t use any magic.”

Ashen grinned at her “I believe you can, you use it every day, you just don’t realize it.”

“How?” asked Midnight.

“You fly.” answered Ashen.

Midnight chuckled “I fly by using my wings and they're not magic.”

Ashen closed his eyes, taking a slow breath. A calm air surrounds him before he opens his eyes again “I believe they are. A pegasi’s wings are quite small when compared to their body size. Other flying things such as birds or insects have wings that are much larger, sometimes making up half or more of their overall body mass. Your wings, as large and lovely as they are, make up about a fourth of your body size. They simple cannot generate enough force alone for you to fly and I've even seen pegasi with wings one tenth or even less of their body size fly. There’s no way that their wings alone could even get them off the ground.”

Midnight stared at him skeptically “So you believe, that the only reason I can fly is because of some sort of magic? Then why do I have to flap my wings to fly?”

Ashen nodded “Good question. I believe your wings are a conduit that channels the magic within you, allowing you to use that magic to affect the world around you, just like a unicorn’s horn.  When you flap your wings, you activate your magic, just like when a unicorn focuses on a spell. Now I'm not entirely sure what your magic does exactly, but I believe it has an effect similar to an anti-gravity spell.”

Midnight grinned “If that's the case, then how come I can fly further and faster as I train and strengthen my wings?”

Ashen grinned right back “Another excellent question. One possibility is that pegasi with larger and stronger wings can more easily channel their magic, while another is that the magic is just part of the equation giving you the lift you need while the trust is provided by your wings.”

Scion opened his eyes and lifted his chin from his hoof “You have certainly put a lot of thought into this, Ashen and you do make some valid points.”

Midnight sighed “Yeah, I guess.” She looked up and gave, Ashen a stare “But I'm still not sure if I believe it or not.”

Ashen shrugged “That’s fine but don’t forget pegasi can walk on and move clouds too. No other ponies can do that, at least without a magic spell.”

Midnight smiled “Ok, let’s say you’re right. If all ponies have magic, then how does it affect earth ponies?”

Scion gave, Ashen a questioning stare “Yes, Ashen, how do earth ponies fit into your theory?”

Ashen closed his eyes and took another calm breath “Earth pony magic is more subtle than the others but I believe they still have it. An earth pony seems to have more strength and stamina than any other type of pony. On average, they can work for longer without getting tired and are able to move heavier objects easier with less strain on their bodies. They are also physically tougher and seem to heal quicker than most, I believe that their magic is the reason why.”

Scion glared at Ashen with a small grin “So, we earth ponies are only good for work horses then. Is that what you are saying Ashen?”

Ashen’s eyes opened wide “No, no, no! That is not what I'm saying. All I'm saying is that pound for pound earth ponies are stronger and have more stamina than any other race, not only that but they seem to have some kind of connection with the land. Their plants always seem to germinate faster and grow stronger than any other.”

Scion tilted his head slightly “Hmm…that is true. My plants always grow well with very little effort on my part. Does your theory explain that?”

Ashen smiled “Well I believe, your hooves act as a conduit, passing your magic into the seed making it healthier and stronger, therefore allowing it to grow faster and produce more. I need to do some more research on earth ponies though; they also seem to make better chefs and inventors for some reason. Maybe it's just a stereotype or maybe it's because of their magic, I'm not really sure.”

Scion nodded “I will agree when it comes to the plants but as for earth ponies being better inventors and chefs that is most likely a stereotype; however Claymore does have an abundance of brilliant inventors as well as some of the world’s best chefs.” He laughed to himself “Perhaps we earth ponies pour a little of our magic into the food we make.” He grinned at Midnight “Just think, Midnight your meal may be flavored with earth pony essence.”

Midnight giggled “Oh come on, Scion, that sounds gross.”

Ashen’s eyes widened “Although, he might be onto something there. Think about it, as they touch the food, magic flows from their hooves. The magic enters the food enhancing its natural flavor and the-.”

Midnight quickly spoke up “Can we change the subject? I don’t want to think about earth pony essence being in my food.”

Scion pointed to the approaching waiter “Speaking of food.”

Midnight's eyes lit up “Finally, I'm starving.”

The young waiter delivered their meals. Scion took a sip of his tea “Well, as interesting as our conversation has been, you still have told us nothing about the monsters yet.”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane “Sorry, I guess we got a bit distracted.” He slurped up some of his noodles and his eyes widened “Oh, wow, this stuff is really good!”

Scion rolled his eyes and sighed “Ashen, please do not talk with your mouth full.”

Ashen swallowed then took a sip of wine “Sorry about that, but this is the best pasta I've ever had. How’s yours, Night?”

Midnight looked up from her spaghetti with a “Hmm.”

When Ashen saw her mouth covered with tomato sauce he couldn’t help but to laugh “Never mind, I can see the answer on your face.”

Scion interrupted Midnight’s growl with a stern shout “Ashen! The monsters!”

Ashen ducked down “Sorry, sorry!” He took a sip of wine And muttered to himself “Ok, so magic flows through everything got that. We covered earth pony and pegasi magic. We all know about the recently discovered harmony magic. Alright then all that’s left is the fifth type of magic and purification.”

Ashen closed his eyes and took a deep breath “Everswirl and I spent a lot of time studying monsters. We even went inside the Everfree Forest a few times; sometimes we stayed in there for days.”

Scion spoke before he could think “Were the two of you insane? That is no different than sleeping in a dragons den.”

Ashen laughed “I might have been.” He sighed as his cheer melted away “However, she was more like…obsessed. She wanted to know everything about monsters, what their made of, what they do and most importantly, where they come from. After all monsters are not like normal animals at all, the way they look, the way they act, the way they hunt and kill, the way they devour their dead and the way their bodies dissolve sometime after they die, there just not natural. She believed that something was creating or changing them into these unnatural creatures.”

Midnight took a sip of wine “Why can’t they just be born like everything else?”

Ashen looked at her “Well, Night, have you ever seen a baby monster?”

Midnight thought for a moment “Hmm…you know what, I don’t think I have.”

As soon as Midnight finished, Ashen continued “Well neither have I. I spent a lot of time with Everswirl inside the forest and we never saw a baby monster, or for that matter any monster that looks different from a member of its own species. One goblin looks exactly like any other goblin same color, same height, same weight and no noticeable genders; there all perfect copies of one another.”

Scion’s eyes widened as he thought back on all the monsters he has seen “I believe you are correct. I have never paid it much mind but they do all look exactly alike. That is very unnatural…and quite disturbing.”

Ashen barely lets Scion finish before he continued “That’s why we thought that somepony or something was creating them. That is until we saw something awful on one of our trips into the forest.”

“What did you see?” asked Midnight.

Ashen’s eyes grew stone cold as he stared at them both “The truth. It was late at night; we heard a sound like a small animal in pain, so Everswirl and I went to investigate. As we neared the source of the sound, we saw a rabbit lying on the ground. It looked like it was suffering, so we walked up to it to see if we could help. When we got closer, it turned towards us and we saw its eyes. While its pupil and iris were normal its sclera, more commonly called the whites of its eyes, were filled with a black mist.”

Midnight gasped “Just like a monsters’.”

Ashen quickly nodded “Just before we reached the rabbit, it let out a horrifying screech.  A black mist began to pour out of its body, a mist just like the one we saw today. The mist swirled around it, enveloping it entirely, just like a cocoon. Then right in front of our eyes, the cocoon began to take shape and before we knew it, we were standing face to face with full grown goblin.”

A cold chill ran through Midnight “I…I can’t believe it.”

Scion’s voice broke as he tried to speak “A-Ashen! Are…Are you telling me, that monsters were once normal animals?”

Ashen took a breath then nodded “Yes, until they were transformed by that black mist. Everswirl believed that the black mist is a type of magic, which she named chaos magic. After that night she became obsessed with chaos magic, she abandoned everything else and researched it tirelessly.”

Ashen’s eyes began to quiver more and more as he spoke “She…she would go into the forest and stay there for weeks on end. No matter how much I pleaded, she insisted on going in alone. When she would finally return to town, she would just lock herself in her workshop for days. After she was done with…whatever she did in there, she would come out, resupply then head back to the forest. This went on for about two years until one day a small group of monsters attacked the city, I went with few others to stop them but just after we arrived, Everswirl walked up and pushed passed us. She stood right in front of the charging pack, with one unbelievable spell, she blew them all away.”

Ashen’s smile quickly returned with a small laugh “It was an incredible sight, once she finished her spell she gathered all the monsters using her magic and then she cast the purification spell. It was like nothing I've seen before and it made the purification I cast today seem pathetic in comparison.”

Scion tilted his head “Hmm…for one unicorn to have so much power, Everswirl must be more incredible than I have heard.”

Ashen’s smile quickly faded “She…she was, she truly was.” He cleared his throat “later that day I caught up to her, she finally agreed to explain everything to me. For three months, she taught me the purification spell and everything she knew about the forest. I’ll try to summarize it all.”

Ashen closed his eyes and took another long breath “Everswirl basically told me, that the black mist is a dark magic that infects a creature, slowly corrupting it until it becomes a monster. When that monster dies, its body dissolves turning back into chaos magic. Then that magic infects another creature in a never-ending cycle. The purification spell removes the wicked corruption and returns the creature’s magic to its natural state, basically killing the chaos magic.”

Scion nodded with a smile “Now I understand, you abolished the darkness within the monsters so it could not infect another creature. Correct?”

“That’s right” answered Ashen.

Midnight’s eyes suddenly opened wide, the gasp that filled her chest ripped the smile off her face. “Wait a second!” Her voice quivered “Does…d-does that mean, every monster I've ever slain was just…reborn?”

Ashen looked away with a sigh “I'm…I'm sorry, Night…but I believe so.”

Midnight’s eyes slowly drifted down to her halve eaten salad “Then…e-everything I've done has…meant nothing at all.”

Scion stomped his hoof down on the table “Nonsense! You have defeated countless monsters and stopped many onslaughts. Even if they were just reborn, by slaying the beasts when you did you saved many lives that would have been taken otherwise and that is not meaningless.

Midnight looked up with a faint smile “Your right. If they come back a hundred times.” Her faint smile grew into a confident grin “Then I’ll just have to take them out a hundred and one times.”

Ashen laughed “That’s the spirit, Night.”

Midnight looked over at him “But, Ashen isn’t there some way to stop the chaos magic?”

Ashen nodded “I asked Everswirl the same question; she told me that all magic including chaos magic must have a source. Whether chaos magic’s source is a living being or an object she wasn't sure. However she believed whatever creates the monsters must have a finite amount of magic and if we keep purifying its dark magic, in time it would weaken and eventually lose its power.”

Midnight flashed a glare at him “That’s your plan, just weaken it and hope it goes away? Why can’t we just find the source and destroy it?”

Ashen sighed “We don’t know what it is, even if we did, it has the entire Everfree Forest and an army of monsters protecting it. We wouldn’t even stand a chance against those odds.”

Midnight put her front hooves on the table and stared at Ashen “But if we could destroy the source then we could stop the monsters for good, right?”

Ashen hesitantly answered “Well…I believe so, but trying to with so little knowledge would be suicide. Besides there is no solid proof that any of this is true, just the observations of myself and Everswirl.”

Midnight’s stare intensified “But still, if I could find the source and destroy it, then I could stop the monster attacks for good. I believe if there’s a chance then I should take it.”

Ashen’s eyes opened wide “I…I can’t believe it.” A depressed smile crossed his face as he slowly closed his watering eyes.

Scion looked at him with concern “Ashen, are you alright?”

Ashen turned away “Sorry, I’m fine.”

Midnight’s intense stare quickly faded as she looks at him “You don’t look it” She bit her bottom lip “Did… did I say something wrong?”

Ashen shook his head and took a breath “No it's not your fault, it's just, I know those words.”

Ashen turned back, took a sip of his wine then cleared his throat “You see, one morning I woke up and went to talk to Everswirl but she was nowhere to be found, apparently she left in the middle of the night. I found a letter addressed to me, it had those exact words in it. She went off alone into the forest trying to find and destroy the source of the chaos magic. That was three years ago now and noponies heard from her since. Every day I regret not chasing after her.”

Midnight’s eyes instantly drifted away “Oh, Ashen, I'm…I’m sorry.”

Ashen looked up with a smile “It’s alright, Night, you couldn’t have known. But will you please promise me you won’t go into the forest alone?”

Midnight took a moment then hesitantly answered “Alright, I won’t go into the forest alone. I swear it to you.”

“You swear it to me?” asked Ashen.

Midnight nodded “Yes, I swear it to you and when I swear, I mean it. It’s a promise I will never break, even on the pain of death.”

Ashen chuckled with a smile “I kinda like that, I’ll have to remember it.”

Midnight smiled back “You can use it if you want, but if you do use it, you must mean it.”

Ashen flashed a grin “I will” He winked at her “I swear it to you.”

Midnight shook her head before continuing her meal but soon her curiosity got the better of her “Ashen, can I ask something?”

Ashen put his wine glass down “Sure, go right ahead.”

Midnight paused for a moment “Why…why didn’t you go after Everswirl? Why didn’t you try to stop her?”

Scion quickly spoke up “Midnight, that question is a slight tactless, is it not?”

Midnight covered her mouth “Oh, you’re right, I'm sorry Ashen, please forget I ever asked that.”

Ashen let out a weak laugh “Don’t worry about it. I…I didn’t follow her because of the letter she wrote. When I first found it, I immediately wanted to rush off and stop her or at least join her. That is until I read the last part she wrote, Everswirl final words to me.”

Ashen closed his eyes as he recalled the bittersweet words “I’ll never forget those last words she wrote. ‘Ashen please don’t follow me. You’re the only reason I can enter the forest without apprehension. No matter what happens to me, I won’t regret anything as long as I know you’re there keeping everypony safe. I beg of you Ashen, you are my hope, my light, the only one I can trust, please take care of Equestria and leave the forest to me.’”

Scion sighed “Take care of Equestria.  That is truly a heavy burden she placed on you.”

Ashen laughed trying to push back the pain “No kidding.”

Midnight slowly looked at him “Ashen…you didn’t have to answer that.”

Ashen tried his best to smile “I know, I don’t mind.”

Midnight had to look away “But…you just look so miserable.”

“I'm alright…really” said Ashen

Scion crossed his forelegs “So you say, however the tears in your eyes tell a different tale.”

Ashen sighed and looked away “I….I'm sorry.” He wiped away the tears “I…I didn’t think telling this story would be so…hard.”

Scion smiled gently “It is alright, Ashen, there is no need to hide your tears my friend. We all have painful memories and there is no shame in having a heart.”

Ashen looked back with a fragile smile “Thanks, Scion.”

Midnight cursed her curiosity as another question escaped her lips “Were umm….were you and Everswirl close?”

Ashen smiled at her and chuckled “Yeah you could say that. I saved up my money for months to buy her a necklace. I finally got enough to get it one day before she left. It was beautiful, a gold necklace with a round pendant that had a heart shaped diamond at its center…a pink diamond. ”

Midnight gasped and covered her mouth “A…a pink diamond!? That’s a sign of proposal.  You mean, you were going to propose to her?”

Ashen nodded with a quiet laugh “Yeah, I was, but I was a fool, she was already married to her research, she never would have said yes to me.”

Midnights eyes grew dim “Oh. I'm…I'm so, so sorry Ashen. I seem to be doing all the wrong things today. Now I really feel bad.”

Ashen’s normal smile flashed across his face “Please don’t. If you feel bad then I’ll feel worse and then poor Scion is gonna start feeling bad, which will make you feel worse, which will make him feel worse, which will make me feel terrible, which will make the both of you feel terrible. Then we’ll all start crying with the tears, the sobbing, the blubbering, and the runny noses. We’ll all look just awful and nopony wants to see that.”

Midnight smiled with a small giggle “Ok, ok, I get it, I won’t feel bad.”

Ashen laughed with a big smile “Glad to hear it.”

Scion smiled as he took the last bite of his salad “It is good to see you smile friend, a frown does not suit you.”

Suddenly the voice of a mare called out from behind them “Doctor, Vial.”

Scion turned to see one of the nurses he worked with earlier as she ran up to him “Is something wrong?”  said Scion

The nurse stopped with a small bow “Doctor, Vail, the young mare you brought in today woke up and I have a message for you.”

Scion stood up “Excellent news.” He bowed to the others “If the two of you will please excuse me. I will be right back.”

Scion and the nurse walked a little ways off to talk

Ashen turned to Midnight “Do you want to go to visit the girl, Night?”

Midnight took the last bite of her baked potato “No, that’s ok, she’s in good hooves and besides you’re not getting out of buying me dessert.”

Ashen laughed “Didn’t think I was, but I can’t believe you still have room after all that.”

Midnight smiled “Umm well…I think I’ll just have a small dessert.”

As Midnight looked at the menu something stirred in Ashen’s mind. He looked at her with a deep stare “Midnight?”

Midnight slowly lowered the menu, a bit surprised by Ashen’s serious tone “Umm…yes.”

Ashen stared at her for a moment “I have told you my story, now will you tell me yours?”

Midnight hesitantly answered “I…I don’t know what you mean.”

“I think you do” said Ashen “Earlier today when I stopped you from going into the forest, you yelled ‘I have to save her.’ You weren’t talking about the girl. So who were you talking about, who were you trying to save?”

Midnights bright eyes quickly grow dim as her gaze drifted off Ashen and onto the ground.

Ashen nodded “I see, that’s a look I know all too well. You lost somepony special to you, didn’t you?”

Midnight closed her eyes and nodded her head.

Ashen smiled gently “It's alright, Night, you don’t have to say anything at all. I'm sorry I asked.”

Midnight spoke up in a broken voice “Don’t be. I asked things I shouldn’t have and you answered them all.” Midnight looked up to Ashen and took a breath “I…It h-happened a…a long time ago, when I was just a filly. Her name was…was.” She bites her bottom lip, grabbed her right shoulder and turned away “I-I'm sorry…I-I just can’t. You told me so much but I-I just…”

Ashen quickly ran up to her “Night!” He put his hoof on her shoulder “Night It’s ok. You don’t have to say another word.”

Midnight closed her eyes tight as a tear rolls down her cheek. Her breath grows heavy she stared down at the ground .

Ashen stared at her quivering body “Look at me, Night.” He lifted her chin “look at me. It’s ok, whatever happened is in the past and you don’t have to say anything, please just-.”

Scion’s voice called out “What is going on here?!” He ran up to Midnight and glared at Ashen “What did you do to her!?”

Ashen stepped back, turned away and gritted his teeth “I…I said something stupid.”

Midnight quickly spoke up “No…It wasn’t his fault, I…I did this to myself.”

Scion glanced at Ashen then looks back at Midnight “Is this true, Midnight?”

Midnight nodded “yes, he didn’t do anything.”

Scion looked at Ashen “I am sorry for accusing you, Ashen.”

Ashen shook his head “Don’t worry about it.” He sighed then mumbled under his breath “It’s my fault anyway.”

After a few moments, Midnight regained composure “I'm sorry for that. Today has just been a rough day. I just…really need to go to bed.”

Scion sighed “Well I am afraid that will have to wait. The nurse had some good and bad news. The girl is awake and will be fine but there was another pony with her.”

Ashen and Midnight both quickly turned to Scion.

Scion cleared his throat “A young pegasus stallion was with the mare. He tried to defend her and was overwhelmed.”

Midnight looked at the ground and Ashen hangs his head with a sigh “By the blood, that’s just awful.”

Scion nodded “That is not all. Once the stallion’s father found out what happened, he began to gather ponies in the council chambers for an emergency town meeting, without permission. Most of the town is now waiting for us in our chambers.”

Midnight stood from her chair “Well, we better not keep them waiting then.”

Ashen looked up “You two go on ahead. I’ll pay the bill then meet up with you.”

Ashen sat at the table staring up at the stars. H thought about the day and wished that it were over. A well-dressed teenaged unicorn walked up and brought Ashen the bill.

Ashen looked at the bill and laughs “Thirty bits! She was trying to break me.” He pulled a bag of coins out of his saddlebag and tossed it on the table with a smile.

As Ashen walked away, the waiter’s voice called out “Sir, Sir! You overpaid. The bill was thirty, you paid fifty.”

Ashen smiled without turning around “The rest is your tip, kid.”

The young waiter’s eyes opened wide “B-But sir, tha-that’s twenty bits. That’s almost what I get paid for a week!”

Ashen laughed “Then you shouldn’t complain, kid. Buy your mom a nice gift or something.”

The waiter laughed happily “Thank you, thank you very much sir!”

Ashen waved back at the waiter then walked off with a chuckle “That was fun” He lets out a heavy sigh as he neared the council building and heard the shouting voices coming from within “Now for the hard part.”

Chapter Five: The Corps

Ponies filled the council chambers and each of them had something to say. What started out as a conference quickly became a shouting match as everypony tried to get their questions and opinions heard above the rest.

“Is my family safe here?” shouted one mare.

“Do the kingdoms even care what happens to us?” yelled a stallion.

Scion tried to speak above the crowd “Please, everypony calm down, once Ashen arrives, all of you concerns will be heard.” The unruly crowd deaf to his pleas continued to yell as the doors opened and Ashen stepped in.

Scion showed a relieved smile “Thank the stars. Everypony Ashen is here now if you wi-.”

Scion was cut off by a stallion shouting “What are you going to do to protect us?”

Scion tried again “If you all will please jus-” But a mare cut him off “I refuse to put my foals in danger!”

“Please just listen to me” Scion said being ignored once more. He let out an angry growl. He lift up, bought his hooves crashing down on the desk and yelled with all his might “Silence!” The crowd quickly turned to him now paying full attention.

Scion held back the urge to yell “Please, take. Your. Seats.” Everypony quickly sat down, even Ashen hurried to his seat.

Scion cleared his throat while he adjusted his collar “This meeting was called so everypony can speak their minds. You will all get a chance to do so. However, you will speak one at a time and you will keep your voices down. Is that understood?” The crowd looked at Scion as a scolded child would look at their father.

Scion nodded with a smile “Very good. We are here to discuss today’s events, but before we get into that, allow me to clarify some facts. First off an earth pony mare fourteen years of age and a pegasus stallion fifteen years of age were attacked by monsters from the Everfree forest.” The crowd gasped with fear and began to chatter.

“Secondly!” Scion said loudly “The young mare was injured and is currently resting in the hospital. She is expected to make a full recovery.” Scion sighed and crossed his forelegs “However, the stallion’s body was not found. By the mare’s account, he fought against the creatures allowing her to escape but was overwhelmed and carried off into the forest. He is presumed deceased.” Hearing that upset the crowd more and they began to raise their voices again.

Scion quickly spoke above them “Please everypony, I and my fellow council members personally hunted down the beasts that were responsible for this attack.”

A pegasus stallion stood up and shouted “Too little, too late!” He walked towards the counselor's desk. His read mane flowed back onto his silver coat and his amber eyes burned with anger as he stomped his way forward.

Scion began to speak but is cut off by Midnight “You’re right, this never should have happened in the first place. We should have had sentries posted at the edge of town from day one. That is a matter we were going to discuss today but we were too late and for that I am sorry.”

The stallion gritted his teeth and yelled furiously “Your apologies won’t bring back my son!”

Midnight gasped and instantly put her ears back “He…he was your son?”

The stallion took a breath and tried to speak calmly “Yes, he was. He was smart and kind, strong and brave. He had a good heart and a smile that could light up a room. He was all I had left. And now” the stallion began to breath faster “and now! I have nothing! Nothing! And it's your fault!”

Midnight bit her bottom lip and looks away.

Ashen quickly yelled “That’s enough! I know you’re in pain but you can’t possibly blame Midnight for this.”

The stallion's eyes glowed with a deathly stare “I do! I blame her! I blame you! I blame the council! That mare! The forest! The monsters! This town! The kingdoms!  I blame the whole damn world!” The stallion took a few breaths as tears formed in his eyes “Especially myself.” He said quietly as he turned to walk away. “I'm going back to Windfall tomorrow.” He stopped as he reached the door. He looked back, his distant eyes burned with a cold, cruel flame. “I hate this town. I hope it burns to the ground and takes all of you with it.”

The chambers fell silent after the stallion left. His anguished words struck hard and left even the most boisterous of ponies speechless. After what seemed like a thousand years of stillness, a familiar form rose up from the crowd. Raintree’s words broke the defining silence “If I may, I have a suggestion.”

Scion nodded “Go ahead, my friend.”

Raintree bowed his head “I suggest we form a guardian corps, a group of ponies to act as sentries, guards and if necessary, warriors to drive off monster attacks.”

Scion put his hoof to his chin with a smile “Hmm, a fine suggestion. I approve. Recruiting will start tomorrow at noon.”

Ashen cleared his throat “Umm…Scion? Are you forgetting something?”

Scion looked at Ashen “Hmm, I do not think so. Am I forgetting something?

Ashen gestured to himself then to Midnight.

Scion looked back and forth between them; suddenly Ashen’s meaning struck him and he let out a laugh “Oh! My apologies, I am still not quite use to needing another’s approval. I do hope you forgive me.”

Midnight smiled “It’s alright, you’re forgiven. Just remember we’re here next time.”

Scion bowed “I will and thank you. Now back to the issue of a guardian corps.” He looks to Midnight and Ashen “What do the two of you think?”

“It’s a good start” said Midnight “But it will only be a start.”

“I agree” said Ashen “We need to build some watch towers and maybe a strong wall. At this moment I believe creating a corps is the best thing we can do.”

Scion nodded “It is settled then, we will begin recruiting tomorrow. And Raintree?”

Raintree bowed “Yes, my lord.”

Scion grinned at him “Would you be willing to be the corps commander?”

Raintree laughed “You want this old pony to be commander?”

Scion returned his laugh “You are not that old, besides, I know you are a powerful warrior. You are more than capable of fighting monsters and training new recruits. Are you interested?”

Raintree bowed deeply “It would be an honor, my lord.”

Scion looked towards Midnight “Do I have your approval?”

Midnight thought for a moment “Well…I don’t know him but if you trust him then so will I. I have a friend that may want to join as well.”

“I agree” said Ashen “If you vouch for him, then that’s good enough for me.”

Scion showed a proud smile “Splendid” He cleared his throat. He stood tall, placed one hoof on the desk and pointed at Raintree with the other. Raintree kneeled down. Scion nodded his head. He pulled back his hoof and placed it across his chest.  Scion spoke in a loud royal tone that befitted a proud monarch “Then I, Scion Vial, hereby name you, Sir Raintree, commander of Canterlot’s Guardian Corps. Now arise, Commander Raintree.”

Raintree stood up. He let out a small laugh as a content smile crossed his face “Sir Raintree, That’s a name I haven’t heard in awhile.”

Scion smiled with a nod “It is one you deserve, friend.”

Raintree bowed “Thank you, my lord.”

Ashen looked at Scion with a playful grin “Scion? Wasn't that a little over the top?”

Scion adjusted his cape “My apologies.” He flashed a small grin “But I have always wanted to knight somepony.”

Midnight hesitantly spoke up “Umm… S-Scion? Can I do the next one?”

Scion laughed “Of course you can, Midnight.”

Midnight flashed an energetic smile “Alright! I’ll have to get my wing blades and do it pegasi style.”

Ashen laughed to himself and muttered under his breath “I thought I was the unprofessional one.” He stood tall and addressed the crowd “Everypony, your attention please. First off, I want to give our sincerest apologies for what has happened today, we were unprepared. However, I assure you that it will not happen again. As Scion has said, we will begin recruiting for the Guardian Corps tomorrow, anypony interested in joining, please be in front of the council building at noon. Your responsibilities will be discussed at that time.”

A unicorn mare seated in the back called out “Hey! How much do we get paid?”

Her voice, with its strong earth worker accent, seemed familiar to Ashen “That will also be discussed then.” He squinted and tried to see the mare but the chandeliers light did not reach the back row.

Unable to get a good look at the mare, Ashen ignored her and continued to speak “Now, I would like to give all of you some guidelines to help you keep you safe. First, do not go past the Western side of the town or anywhere near The Everfree Forest, that is the monsters main habitat. Secondly, do not leave the town in the hours between dusk and dawn, that is when the monsters are most active and if you must leave, do not go alone. Always be mindful of your surroundings when you’re outside of town, most monsters prefer to ambush their victims from behind large rocks, bushes or trees. Lastly, if you do see a monster, of any kind, do not approach it or attempt to confront it. Just get back to town as fast as you can and inform a member of the council or the Guardian Corps. Please pass on this information to your children and anypony who is not present here tonight.”

Ashen paused for a moment and took a breath “Now, does anypony have any questions or perhaps comments they would like to add?”

The unicorn mare stood up and walked onto the dim back aisle. Her short blonde mane and tail were messy and seem to lie where they fell this morning. The brazen look on her face reflected in her dark blue eyes, which offset her vermillion coat. She shouted with force “Hey! Ya’ said the try outs start at noon, right?”

Ashen stared at the mare for a second as he tried to glimpse more than her shadowy form through the dim light “Yes, yes I did.”

The mare turned towards the doors “Alright then, see ya there Ash.”

Ashen put his hoof to his chin and tilted his head as he watched her leave.

Midnight looked at Ashen “Do you know her Ashen?”

Ashen laughed “Let’s hope not.”

Midnight stared at Ashen with a questioning look.

Ashen shook his head “Never mind.”

Scion sighed “Moving on. Does anypony else have something to say?” He looked over the silent crowd. “In that case this meeting is adjourned. Please, rest assured that we the council put the safety and security of this town and its residents above all else. Today’s events will not be repeated, you have my word.”

Ashen sighed as the crowd began to exit “Well, that went better than I expected.”

Midnight hung her head and held her shoulder “E-except for that stallion’s father.” She paused and took a slow breath “I’ll never forget the look in his eyes.”

Scion closed his eyes with a nod “I know what you mean, a horrible mix of wrath, misery and hopelessness. He was truly in more pain than anypony should ever have to endure.”

Ashen looked away. The others barely heard him as he whispered to himself “That’s a look I’ll never get used to.”

Scion turned to him “You have seen that look before?”

Ashen looked up at the arches in the ceiling “Too many times…far too many.” He got up from the desk and walked toward the exit.

“Ashen?” asked Scion “Are you alright?”

Ashen ignored his question “Have a good night you two. I’ll see you both in the morning.”

Scion looked at Midnight after Ashen was gone “What was that about?”

“Scion?” asked Midnight “last night you said Ashen was in the military, right?”

Scion nodded “Yes, he was and technically still is a military tactician. He was never associated with one particular kingdom, however. He traveled from place to place using his knowledge to put down large armies of monsters wherever they appeared.”

“Was he ever a commander?” asked Midnight.

Scion held his chin “In a way, he was always put in command of mercenary groups and because of his skill; he was sometimes given command of Kingdom troops as well.

Midnight chuckled “How do you know so much about him?”

Scion shook his head with a small laugh “My cousin was once under his command. She became enamored with him and would talk about him incessantly.”

Midnight laughed “I see” She goes quiet for a moment then hesitantly asked “Did…he serve as commander often?”

Scion nodded “Yes, he did, he acted as commander in many battles.”

Midnight eyes drifted down “I think I understand now.”

Scion looked a bit puzzled “Could you please explain it to me then?”

Midnight sighed “He acted as a commanding officer, whenever a soldier…dies under your command; it’s tradition for you to deliver their belongings and the news of their death to their loved ones…personally.”

Scion’s eyes widened slightly “I…I see.”

Midnight looked up and showed a small, sad smile “I’ve had to do it a few times myself and I never left, Windfall. If Ashen has traveled, then he’s probably been a part of every major battle in the last five years.”

Scion shook his head “More so, he became a military tactician at the age of sixteen, so that would make it the past eight years then.”

Midnight turned away as a gloomy tone entered her voice “That’s a lot of battles.”

Scion put his ears back. His tone matched Midnight’s “And a lot of death.”

Midnight stood up “I don’t think I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Scion stood as well “Neither shall I, but I shall wish you a good night anyway.”

Midnight smiled “Goodnight to you to, Scion.”

The both of them left the council building and returned to their homes for a restless night’s sleep.

The next morning, Scion was the first at the council building. His hoofsteps echoed as he walked down the empty aisle “I do hope the others will be on time today.”

Just then, the doors opened and Midnight walked in “Morning, Scion.”

Scion turned “Ah, good morning, Midnight” As he looked toward her he noticed two large, ornate cases strapped to her sides “Hmm, what are those?”

Midnight looked at the cases “Oh, these. Since were going to be meeting recruits today and maybe doing a little training. I just thought I’d bring my wing blades and their connecting chest plate.”

Scion smiled “Wonderful, I look forward to seeing them.”

Midnight’s eyes lit up “Oh, do you like weapons?”

Scion shook his head “Not particularly but after seeing how well you fight unarmed. I cannot wait to see what you can do with those.”

A confident smile glistened across Midnight’s face “Well if I do have to use them, you better pay attention, because if you blink, you’ll miss it.”

Scion laughed “I will be sure not to blink then. May I see them?”

Midnight shook her head “Not yet, I want to wait for Ashen.”

A voice called out from behind her “Your wait is over.” Ashen walked into the building. He winked with a mischievous smile “Now, what do I get to see?”

Midnight turned to him with a smile “My wing blades.”

Ashen sighed “Oh, is that all, I was hoping for something better.”

Midnight snapped at him “There is nothing better than my wing blades!”

Ashen laughed as he took a step back “Easy, Night, I’m just kidding. Quite a coincidence though. I brought something for show and tell as well.”

Ashen raised his left foreleg up to his chest and showed off the circular shield strapped to his leg. The shield’s silver edge glowed with a metallic luster. Its green face shined with mirror quality and sparkled, as if made of emeralds. At its heart, there was an emblem of a blazing amber sun. From the center of the sun, rose a crescent moon, carved from onyx as dark as night.

Scion looked into the shield’s surface and stared at the rose-colored eyes that looked back at him “My, my quite a beautiful shield, Ashen.”

Midnight smiled and let out a small giggle “Looks like something you’d hang on a wall. Do you actually fight with that thing?”

Ashen grinned “Of course I do. It's a lot stronger than it looks and its edge is sharp enough to cut a goblin in two.”

Midnight showed a spirited smile “Not bad, but these.” She looked at the cases on her side “Can cleave an ogre in halve.”

Ashen laughed “Alright then, I showed you mine, now it's your turn.”

Midnight walked behind the desk “Alright.” She ducked down with a small laugh “No peeking.”

Ashen and Scion looked at each other as they heard sounds coming from behind the desk. First, they heard the sound of the cases opening, then the sound of clanking metal and rustling feathers, finally the sound of metal interlocking and straps being tightened.

Midnight called out “Ready boys?” She rose up and stood tall. In one quick motion, she raised her head and spread her wings wide. Metal armor enveloped her chest and wrapped around the base of her neck. The right side of the armor is pearl white, while the left is a glossy black. Golden borders outlined the armor and the two crescent moons that sat back to back on her chest. The armor continued down her back until it rose up the forward edge of her wings and formed into razor sharp blades that flowed down her wing’s entire length and just past their tips.

Just after Midnight spread her wings, the sun broke through the windows, illuminated her form and made her armor and coat sparkle and shine. The gentle rays of the morning sun caressed her body, enveloped her in a sacred light that gave her a divine, breathtaking beauty.

Scion and Ashen both stood speechless with their mouth open in awe. Midnight, flapped her wings a single time, leapt over the desk and glided to the others. She landed just in front of them and smiled with pride.

Ashen managed to muster enough of his senses to utter a single breathless word “W-wow.” While Scion wasn’t even able gather that much.

Midnight looked at her blades “I know, they’re beautiful, aren’t they.” She gently ran her hoof down the white wing blade “This one, I call Faith.”  She softly held the black wing blade up to her cheek “And this one, is Conviction. They have been my constant companions for eight years and they have never once let me down.”

Ashen managed to collect himself “They…they fit you well, both in name and appearance. They’re beautiful Night.” He bumped Scion with his hoof “Right, Scion?”

Scion was still half-stunned. His tongue forgot its manners as it stumbled over itself “Y-yes, s-she’s beautiful.” His face instantly burned red “Uh I-I mean it’s beautiful um, ah, they’re beautiful.” Scion looked to the floor and cleared his throat “They are quite beautiful Midnight. Their style and elegance are unmatched.”

Midnight showed a kind smile “Thank you both, they are my treasures. They mean everything to me.” She let out a small giggle “Honestly, I'm looking forward to showing them off today.”

Scion looked up and adjusted his cape “W-well, we…we still have sometime till noon. Shall we get some work done?”

Midnight nodded “Sounds good to me.” She flew behind the desk.

Ashen grinned as he whispered to Scion “She’s beautiful, huh?”

Scion glared at Ashen with a “Humph” before he walked up to the desk and took his seat.

Ashen laughed to himself before he joined them. After several hours of deliberation passed, Scion spoke up “It is almost time. We should go outside and begin preparations.”

Ashen looked up with a smile “It’s not like we have a lot to prepare, but let’s go anyway. I'm anxious to see how many will show up.”

Midnight laughed with excitement “This will be fun. How about we make a grand entrance?” She walked up to the doors “Scion, you get to my left and, Ashen, you get to my right.” The stallions happily did as she asked.

Midnight nodded “Ashen, when I say so, use your magic to swing the doors open. Then we will all walk out together. Stick out your chest, suck in those bellies and hold your heads high.” Midnight spread her bladed wings wide. She looked at the stallions that stood proudly next to her “Ready?”

Ashen nodded his head. He showed a prideful smile as he took a strong stance.

Scion did his best to pose “I suppose so. However, I feel a bit silly.”

Midnight stood tall “Ashen, now!”

Ashen swung the doors open wide making a layer of dust fly into the air. The high sun beamed on them as they stepped out from the doorway.  A gust of wind blew through just as their hooves hit the ground. The wind blew back their manes and made Scion’s cape flutter. The three of them looked as if they were heroes returning from a glorious battle. Their grand entrance struck awe and admiration in the group of…four ponies.

When Scion saw the small group, immediately dropped out of his pose and muttered to himself “I am never doing that again.”

Ashen whispered to Midnight “I was expecting more, four ponies don’t make an army.”

Midnight whispered back “Maybe the rest haven’t arrived yet, I know my friend’s not here.”

Scion looked around with a small sigh “Neither is, Raintree. If the two of you would be willing to interview these…four, I will go and see what is keeping him.”

Ashen nodded with a small laugh “I think we can handle that.”

Scion nodded back “Very well.” He turned away “I wish you luck.”

Midnight walked up to the four and pointed out a unicorn and a pegasus “I’ll take these two.”

Ashen looked at the other pegasus and earth pony “That leaves you two to me.”

After Ashen interviewed his second pony, he looked up at the young earth pony stallion that seemed to be in his late teens “Let me get this straight, you have no tactical experience, no weapon experience and no combat experience of any kind. Is that right?”

The young stallion nodded his head. Ashen sighed “So, why do you want to join the Corps then?”

The young stallion stuck out his chest “I want to be knight, just like, The Flame from Blue Moon.”

Ashen’s eyes lit up “I just finished that book! It was a great story.”

The young stallion nodded excitedly “I know! That part near the end when the six heroes charged through the ice kings minions fighting them off left and right. That was so awesome!”

Ashen smiled wide “That was my favorite part!” He laughed “But you know being a real knight is nothing like that? You spend fifty percent of your time training your flank off and forty-nine percent staring at nothing. Only one percent is actual combat, if that.”

The stallion nodded “I know, but I still want to be a knight, fighting for glory on the battlefield.”

Ashen glared at the young stallion. A heated tone enters his voice “If you’re fighting for glory, then you’re fighting for the wrong reason. There is only one good reason to fight, to protect something you love. If you fight for anything else.” Ashen glare struck firm on the stallion as his words lashed like a whip “Then you are wrong! Remember that.”

The young stallion took a step back and lowered his head “Y-yes, sir.”

Ashen took a breath and looked away “Umm sorry. Please return to the others, when Scion gets back we will announce our decisions.”

The young stallion nodded “Yes, sir.” He turned back to the others and hung his head as he walked off.

Ashen looked at the recruits and shook his head with a worried sigh. Just as he got lost in thought, two large duel ended halberds flew in from behind and stabbed into the ground, one on each side of him missing him by mere inches. Ashen jumped back with a shout “Ahh!” A loud laugh echoed from behind him. He turned around to see the mare from last night.

The blonde mare laughed loudly “That gets ya every time!”

Ashen yelled “Terra! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!? What are you doing here anyway?”

Terra walked up and struck Ashen on the shoulder with her hoof before she draped her foreleg over his neck “Aww, come on now Ash. Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

Ashen glared at her “I could ask you the same thing. You never answered my question, Terra. You didn’t come here with the other unicorn, so what are you doing here?”

Terra let go of him “I was in Claymore fer’ a while, then I heard bout this place, reckon I’d come check it out.”

Ashen smiled “And what do you think of it?”

Terra looked around “I think ya got a nice place here. I'm thinkin of settalin’ down.”

Ashen let out a loud laugh “Really!? You settling down, never thought I’d hear that.”

Terra shrugged “After ya left, beein’ a mercenary got borin’. Them new guys wouldn’t know a timber wolf from a turkey, but look at this place. It’s close enough to the forest that I can kick ass all day and drink all night.”

Ashen shook his head with a laugh “Is that the reason you want to join the corps?”

Terra laughed back “Well duh, that way I can fight and get paid fer it.” She bumped him with her elbow “And I get ta hang around ma favorite stallion too.”

Ashen grinned playfully “Hmm…I don’t know, we might be better off without you.”

Terra scoffed “Ah come on, ya gotta be kiddin’ me! Can ya even count how many times I pulled yer flank out the fire?”

Ashen nodded with a laugh “Yeah, a lot but If you remember, most of time the reason I was in the fire, is because you kicked me out of the frying pan.”

Terra grinned “Oh come on now. It weren’t most of the time, maybe bout half the time.”

Terra suddenly got excited “Oh! Let me introduce ya to ma new ladies.” She walked up to the large duel ended halberds stuck in the ground and easily lifted them with her magic.

Ashen smirked “We’ve met.”

Terra spun both halberds into the air “Tch, don’t be that way.”

Terra floated her unique weapons in front of Ashen. Both had black metal poles as long as Terra’s body. The poles had serrated spear tips at each end and crescent shaped axe blades at top and bottom, just before the spearheads. The top blade faced to the right and the bottom blade faced left. On the other side of the blades are long pyramid shaped spikes that came to a vicious point.

Terra spun one halberd in front of, Ashen. A slight glow, like a spark of a match reflected from the small rubies imbedded into the halberd’s blades “This one, is Rage.” She spun the other halberd. A small glint, like a rays of light passing through falling tears, shined in the small sapphires imbedded into the halberds blades “And this one, is Despair.” She grinned proudly “What do ya think of my ladies Ash?”

Ashen chuckled quietly “They’re just like you, Terra, unrefined and dangerous.”

Terra yelled “Hey!” She paused and thought for a second “Ya know what?” She laughed “I kinda like that.”

Terra spun her weapons back to her sides and placed them in their sheaths.

Midnight saw Ashen and Terra laughing so she walked up to them “Ashen, who is your well-armed friend?”

Ashen pointed to Terra “Night, this i-.”

Terra quickly spoke up “Hey there, the names Terra, Terra the Thorned.” She held out her hoof “Nice to meet ya.”

Midnight shook her hoof “My name is, Midnight Gale. A pleasure to meet you Terra the Thorned.”

Terra smiled wide “Just call me Terra.” She looked over Midnight “So, uh you Ash’s new girl?”

Midnight’s eyes widened slightly “What?” She looked to Ashen then back to Terra “N-no, no nothing like that. We’re just friends.”

Terra looked at Midnight with a grin “Ah, ok…so uh you single then?”

Midnight hesitantly answered “Um…y-yes.”

Ashen smirked “Forget it, Terra. She’s not your type.”

Terra looked Midnight over again and took her time doing so “Ya sure about that Ash? Girls got muscles, weapons and one helluva of a figure.” She turned to, Ashen and grinned “Sure sounds like ma type to me.” She laughed “Heck if ya don’t want her, I’ll gladly taker’.”

Ashen quickly spook up “That’s enough Terra.”

Terra looked at him with a grin “Aw, come on, Ash. I was just startin’ to have some fun.”

Ashen sighed “Terra, if you want to join the corps, please stand over there with the other recruits.”

Terra glanced over at the others “Ya gotta be jokin’ me! Those morons look like they couldn’t beat an egg and you want me to stand with them.”

Ashen shook his head “Terra, please, just stand with them for now. We’ll talk later alright.”

Terra kicked the ground “Tch, fine.” She winked as she walked by Midnight. “I’ll be seein’ ya later gorgeous.”

Midnight eyes opened wide as she watched Terra walk away. She quickly walked up to Ashen “Um, Ashen, what was that about?”

Ashen smiled at her “Well, you see, that’s just Terra being Terra.”

Midnight tensed slightly “But what about the winking and the way she looked at me and calling me gorgeous?”

Ashen shook his head with a small laugh “Yeah that’s just Terra. She umm, doesn’t like stallions, but don’t worry, she was just kidding about most of that.”

Midnight nervously glanced over at Terra “I-I see, but she seemed very serious to me. How can you tell she was joking?”

Ashen watched as Terra introduces herself to the others “You just have to know her. She’s actually really nice and very kind.” He laughed as he watched Terra drape her hoof over the dark colored pegasi’s neck. The pegasus looked away and shifted uneasily “I won’t lie.” Ashen said as he shook his head “She’s crazy and doesn’t care about personal space but believe me, I'm happy she's here and even happier she’s on our side.”

Midnight looked back to Ashen “Is she a good fighter?”

Ashen quickly nodded “Oh, yeah! She's one of the best I’ve ever see, she’ll watch you’re back better than anypony I know. She’s saved my life more than I can count and is completely reliable on the battlefield. You two will probably get along well.”

“Really?” asked Midnight.

Ashen nodded “Yeah, I think you’re really a lot alike.”

Midnight quickly stammered nervously “B-but, Ashen I-I don’t like…g-girls. I'm n-not a-“

Ashen interrupted her with a laugh “You’re not that much alike. But really don’t worry about that. She might tease you a bit but she would never do anything, at least without permission.”

Midnight tensed a bit more “I-I'm sorry Ashen. I’ve just never been around a…a umm…g-girl like her before.”

Ashen smiled “Trust me, once you get to know her you’ll forget all about that.”

Ashen looks over at Terra. The recruits gathered around her and looked at her halberds. He smiled and laughed as Terra drew her weapons and began to show off some of her moves. She spun her blades around her at high speeds, both halberd’s whirled around her, their blades flashed in the sun light as they danced through the air.

Ashen smiled then turned to Midnight “How were your recruits?”

Midnight sighed “Not great. They have no real training. The unicorn seemed intelligent but almost came off cold and the ash grey pegasus could barely look at me.”

Ashen nods “Yeah same here, neither had real training, plus the blue earth pony was way too excited, though the silver pegasus had a strong air about him and even had his own spear. I was hoping to get some real hardened warriors or at least ponies that have actually have seen real combat but I guess beggars can’t be choosers.”

Ashen suddenly found himself standing in a shadow.

Midnight excitedly looked up to the sky “He's here!”

Ashen followed Midnight’s gaze “Huh, who’s here?”  He saw a large shadowy form of a pegasus flying towards them.

Midnight rushed up to greeted the stallion with an excited hug just as he landed “Skylark! It’s good to see you.”

Ashen’s eyes opened wide as he got a good look at the giant of a pegasus.

The top of Midnight’s head rested even with his bottom jaw. His light grey body stood like a great stone carved by a master. His stance was so solid and strong it looked as though a hurricane could barely move a single hair of his short, snowy mane and tail. He showed no emotion, that is until he looked down at Midnight. His face light up with a large smile the instant his golden eyes landed on her.

Midnight looked up at him “I'm so glad you came.” She turned to Ashen “This is Skylark. When I was a commander, he was my lieutenant.”

Ashen looked up at Skylark “Hello there. My name is Ashen Flair. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Skylark smiled and nodded his head.

Ashen paused then spoke up again “So, uh you were a lieutenant? Did you see much combat against monsters?”

Skylark nodded his head again.

Ashen looked a little confused “Alright.” He looked down at Skylarks legs and noticed the armor covering them.

Dull metal enclosed Skylark’s front and back legs. The armor reached all the way up to his shoulders. All four pieces had several downward facing claw-like spikes that wrapped around them. Thick, solid pieces of heavy metal completely encased his hooves to add weight and force to his every strike.

Ashen smiled “Those are iron hooves, right? Aren’t those usually earth pony weapons?”

Skylark nodded his head once more.

Ashen looked over at Midnight, with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, he can’t talk.” said Midnight “He was injured years ago and lost his voice.”

Skylark lifted his head and showed a large, jagged scar that covered half his neck. His scar was so deep and brutal that hair could no longer grow on its surface.

Ashen looked away “Oh, uh sorry, Skylark.”

Skylark smiled at him and nodded.

“He says, don’t worry about it.” said Midnight

Skylark looked at Midnight then nodded his head toward Ashen.

Midnight nodded “Yes, that’s him.”

Skylark silently stared at Ashen. Ashen smiled and stared right back. Skylark showed a big smile before he turned to Midnight with a nod.

“You think so?” asked Midnight.

Skylark nodded again.

Ashen smirked “Can you read his mind or something?”

Midnight grinned “Yeah, kind of. He and my father were best friends. I’ve known him most of my life. I can tell what he’s thinking just by looking at him.”

Ashen showed his playful smile “That’s pretty neat.” He stared intently at Midnight “Can you tell what I'm thinking?”

Midnight looked at Ashen “Hmm…you’re wondering what we were just talking about.”

Ashen laughed with a wink “Oh, ho, you are good! So, uh…what were you talking about?”

Midnight giggled “It’s a secret.”

“Oh, come on, that’s not fair.” Ashen laughed “Do I have to beg?”

Midnight quickly answered “No, no, please don’t do that. He was just saying that he is willing to lend you his power.”

Ashen looked at Skylark “Really? Is that what you said?”

Skylark nodded

Ashen looked up at him with a smile “Well, I'm sure glad to have you.”

Ashen held out his hoof. Skylark tilted his head towards, Midnight. He glared at Ashen then grabs his hoof and yanked Ashen to him. Skylark lowered his brow; then raises his head slightly with a snort.

“Skylark, stop that now!” yelled Midnight

Skylark quickly let go.

Ashen pulled his hoof back and tried to shake away the pain “Yeah, no need to translate that one. I get the idea.”

Skylark nodded, a laugh shined in his eyes as he grinned at Ashen.

Suddenly a voice called out and broke the tension “You’re a big one aren’t ya!” Terra said as she walked up and looked at Skylark with a whistle “Ya look like a mountain with wings.” She laughed “Bet all ya gotta’ do is sit on em.”

Skylark looked at Terra.  He puffed up his chest to make himself look even larger while he wore a big smile.

Terra laughed and stuck out her hoof “The names Terra, Terra the Thorned.”

Skylark shook her hoof “His name is, Skylark.” Said Midnight

Terra glanced over at Ashen.

“He can’t talk.” said Ashen.

Skylark raised his head and showed Terra his scar.

“Holy hell!” Terra yelled as she stared at his scar “What the heck happened to ya!?”

Skylark looked at Midnight and nodded.

“He was attacked by a grimalkin.” answered Midnight

“A grimalkin?!” Shouted Terra “Dang, last time I scrapped with one of those I nearly lost my tail. Mighty impressive you survived, big guy.” She walked up and stuck him on the shoulder. Terra cringed a bit then pulled back her hoof and shook it with a laugh “What the heck are ya made of!? Feel like I just hit a brick wall or somthin’.”

Ashen laughed as he watched them. He heard hoofsteps approaching so he turned around and saw Scion heading his way.  Ashen walked up to Scion “Hey, Scion. Did you find, Raintree?”

Scion answered with a laugh “Yes I did, the poor fool could not find his helmet.”

Ashen chuckled and looked around “Well, where is he?”

Scion looked over at the others “He is on his way. In the meantime, who are these…interesting looking ponies?”

Ashen looked over at the others “Well, the big one is, Skylark, Midnight’s old lieutenant and the blond over there is Terra, a mercenary and an old friend of mine.”

“Ex-mercenary!” shouted Terra

“Excuse me, ex-mercenary.” laughed Ashen

Scion looked over at Terra “Hmm….a mercenary. Is she trust worthy?”

Ashen nodded “She is, when it comes to battle.” He laughed then talked loudly “But I wouldn’t let her near your liquor cabinet.”

“I heard that Ash!” Terra yelled as she walked toward him with a growl.

“Here it comes.” chuckled Ashen

Terra stopped just before she reached, Ashen. She tilted her head to the side and looked down the road behind him. She pointed and yelled “Wh-what the heck is that!?”

Ashen and Scion both turned around and saw what looked like a pony made of solid metal as it walked towards them.

Form fitting armor covered the pony from nose to tail. The armor’s well-polished surface shined like fine silver. Short metal spikes ran from the top of his head all the way down to the base of his tail. Long metal lances attached to his sides, they reached past his shoulders and came to a frightful point. The only part of this walking armor that looked alive was the short brown tail that stuck out the end.

Ashen’s eyes opened wide “I-Is that charger armor?”

Scion nodded “Yes it is, that is, Raintree’s specialty.”

Ashen’s eyes widened further as he shouted “That’s, Raintree!?”

The sound of clanking metal grew louder as Raintree’s fearsome form approached them. Raintree bowed deeply after he reached, Scion and Ashen. His helmet perfectly formed to his face and hinged at the jaw when he opened his mouth. “Lord, Ashen. Please forgive me for my tardiness.”

Ashen stared at him in awe “Y-yeah, don’t worry about it.”

Raintree stood up straight “Thank you, my lord.”

Ashen leaned in and examined Raintree’s armor “Your armor is extraordinary. It looks as though it was molded to your body.”

Raintree laughed proudly “That’s because it was, a blacksmith friend of mine custom made it for me, piece by piece.”

Ashen stared at his reflection in the armor’s mirror like sheen “I can tell. It's magnificent and very fitting for a commander.” Ashen smiled at his reflection than ran his hoof through his mane.

Terra quickly ran up “Commander!? Oh, yer that old-timer from last night, huh?” Terra turned to Ashen “Ash, ya really gonna let grandpa here play commander?”

Raintree stood tall “Young lady, I’m not playing! I was a knight in service of the king of Claymore for twenty three years.”

Terra grinned “Yeah, That’s my point, gramps. Yer fightin’ days are behind ya. Why not just let me be commander?”

Raintree growled as his voice took an annoyed tone “Because a commander needs experience and that is not something a nursling like you has.”

Terra took a step forward “Nurslin’, huh? So what, ya think you’ve taken down more monsters then me or somethin’?”

Raintree let out a condescending laugh “Young lady. I was fighting monsters when you were no more than a gleam in your father’s eye.”

Raintree’s laugh made Terra’s temper boil “Well judgin’ by the look of ya. I'm guessin’ the best part of your daddy’s ‘gleam’ ran down your momma’s leg!”

Raintree took an aggressive step forward “Excuse me!”

Terra steeped forward with a fearless smile “Ya heard me gramps or is yer hearin’ as bad as your breath?”

Raintree stomped towards Terra “You disrespectful little whelp!”

Terra drew her halberds “Oh, ya wanna scrap!? Bring it on gramps!”

Scion bravely stepped in between them “Please, there is no need for this foolishness.”

Terra pushed Scion to the side “Outta my way ya prissy dirt digger! I'm gonna teach grandpa here a lesson.”

Scion stepped up “How dare you!” He looked at Ashen “Ashen, you cannot expect me to let such an uncouth, volatile, discourteous, ruffian into the corps!”

Terra turns and yells at Scion “Didja, just call me a ruffian!?”

A superior tone rung clearly in Scion’s voice “Yes, ruffian! Do you even know what that is?”

Terra’s voice turned arrogant “Yeah, I do. I’d ask if ya know what a corn cob is, but judgin’ by the way ya prance around I'm guessin you got a big one shoved waaay up your a-.”

“Terra! That’s enough!” Ashen shouted quickly

Ashen walked towards them, his brow lowered, His teeth bore and a fierce glare showed from his normally kind eyes. He glared at Raintree and Terra and yelled at them both “Is that any way to act in front of new recruits! You are supposed to be authorities! You are supposed to represent the best this town has to offer! Instead you’re in the middle of the street slinging insults and bickering like children!”

Terra, Raintree and even Scion are taken aback by Ashen’s shouting and the fierce glow in his eyes.

“Terra! Apologize to Raintree and Scion!” demanded Ashen

Terra looked at him “What no way, gramps here started it.”

A fearsome atmosphere surrounded Ashen as he growled her name “Terra! You insulted them both and you insulted there race! Now apologize!”

Ashen’s terrifying glare seemed to pierce through Terra; this is a look she has seen before. Terra took a step back “Ok, ok easy Ash. I’ll do it, alright.” She turned to the others “Damn it.” She said under her breath. She looked at them “Ok, here goes. Scion, Raintree I'm sorry I insulted ya both and I'm very sorry for callin ya dirt diggers.”

Scion stared at her “Hmm, alright. I will accept your apology, this time.”

“As will I.” said Raintree

Terra looked back to Ashen “Ya good now, Ash?”

Ashen answered bluntly “No!” He turns to Raintree “Raintree! Your turn.”

Raintree stared at Ashen “I have said nothing wrong.”

“You called Terra a nursling and a whelp!” yelled Ashen “Then you advanced towards her in a threatening manner! You’re as much at fault as she is! Now apologize!”

Ashen’s piercing glare cut right through Raintree’s armor and made him feel frightful uneasiness. He quickly bowed “Y-yes my lord. Lady Terra, I humbly ask for your forgiveness for my earlier actions.”

“Don’t worry bout it. I’ll let ya off the hook this time.” Laughed Terra

Ashen nodded then turned to Scion “Now you, Scion.”

“You must be jesting.” scoffed Scion

Ashen fixed his glare on Scion “I am not! Now, apologize to Terra.”

“Ashen! I am not some underling you can give orders to!” yelled Scion “I am a councilor the same as you.”

Ashen stomped his hoof hard to the ground “I don’t care who you are! You insulted my friend. A friend that I have fought alongside in many battles. A friend that has risked her life to save mine. A friend that I would risk my life for in an instant. And you WILL apologize to her!”

Scion looked to Ashen then looked over at Terra. He closed his eyes then let out a sigh “Very well. Terra I apologize for my needless insults.”

Terra smiled “Well thank ya, Sci. I'm guessin were all good now, huh?”

Scion nodded “I suppose, but my name is, Scion not Sci.”

Ashen turned to Terra “One more thing, Terra. We named, Raintree commander last night. That decision may have been made in haste but it was still made, so he is the corps commander.”

“Fine.” said Terra “but just ta let ya know, until gramps here proves emself, I'm only gonna listen ta you.”

Ashen nodded “That’s fine.” He turned to Raintree “Raintree, you are the commander. However if you neglect your duties or fail to meet our expectations, you will be stripped of that title immediately. Do you understand?”

Raintree bowed “Yes, my lord. I will not let you down.”

Ashen smiled “Good, now will you both please join the recruits over there.”

“Yes, my lord.” said Raintree.

“Alright” said Terra.

Ashen looked over to Midnight and Skylark “Skylark, please join them if you will and, Midnight please join us.”

Skylark nodded his head and moved to join the recruits while Midnight moved toward Ashen and Scion.

“Um, Ashen, are you alright?” Asked Midnight

Ashen showed his normal, gentle smile “Sorry, about that. I just lost my temper a bit.”

“A bit!” scoffed Scion “For a moment it seemed as though you were preparing to throttle me.”

Ashen ran his hoof through his mane “Was I…that bad?”

Midnight nodded “You were a little frightening.”

Ashen laughed “Wow, I frightened you? Really?”  He bowed his head “I truly am sorry then. I just wanted the arguing to stop.”

Scion shook his head “It matters not. Can we continue?”

“Of course” said Ashen.

“So then” said Scion “How do the recruits look?”

Midnight sighed “Not great, they have little to no experience or training at all.”

Scion held his chin “That is a shame, but can we afford to turn them away?”

Ashen shook his head “Not really. At this point, they’d be useful as long as they can see. But we can’t let them fight.”

Midnight nodded “I agree, they have no business on the battlefield until they’re well trained. Untrained ponies will just get themselves or others killed.”

Ashen sighed “It can take years to train a pony well. I guess the six of us will have to do the fighting, at least until we get some more real soldiers. Six ponies to protect a whole town, not good.”

Scion adjusted his cape’s collar “Do not count me. I am a doctor not a soldier.”

Midnight quickly looked at him “But you fought so well last time.”

Scion grinned “And I will do so again if I have to. If a battle should arise, I will gladly support you. However do not expect me to be on the frontlines.”

“That’s fine not everypony is a soldier.” said Ashen

Scion bowed his head slightly “Thank you for understanding. Do we have a decision then?”

“I believe so.” said Midnight “As much as I hate to accept dreamers, we don’t have much choice.”

Ashen smiled at Midnight “Night, would you like to do the honors.”

Midnight smiled back “Of course.”

Midnight’s face turned cold as stone the instant she turned to face the recruits. She held her head high and walked towards them proudly with her bladed wings spread wide. Her voice boomed with authority “We have made our decision. We have decided since our numbers are so few, we will accept all of you.”

The four new recruits begin to get excited and chattered amongst themselves. Midnight raised her hoof and silenced them “However.” She pointed out the new recruits “The four of you, have no training, so you will not be allowed on the battlefield.” The recruit’s excitement instantly dropped away.

Midnight stepped forward “Do not fear, you will receive training from myself and others. When you are ready, you will be allowed to fight alongside of us on the frontlines.” Midnight saw the excitement return to their eyes. She took a strong stance “But this will not be easy. We will push you further then you have ever been before. We will shatter you, heart, body and mind. We will expose your weaknesses and dare you to overcome them.”

Midnight walked towards the recruits with a fierce glare “To become a knight. You need a mind sharper then winter’s frigid bite, a will stronger than summer’s blazing sun and a heart fiercer than a hurricane’s raging winds.” She stares them down “Ponies that have those, have no room for doubt. If you have even a shred of doubt, do yourself a favor and leave now.”

The recruits looked at each other nervously. Midnight focused her intimidating stare on one small, frail looking pegasus mare that seems especially nervous. The young mare’s somber colored body trembled slightly. Her deep violet mane hung in her face and flowed down her side.

Midnight’s glare intensified as she stares deeply into the poor mare’s sapphire blue eyes “You look like you have doubt.” Midnight said as she stood tall above the mare “Save yourself some pain and leave now!”

Midnight’s icy words struck the mare. She drug her hoofs through the dirt as she slide backwards . She looked down the road behind her, but then something struck her deep in her heart, something she has not felt in a long time…desire. She felt like she needed to be here, she knew she didn’t want to leave. This longing filled her with courage and drove her forward. She turned back, took two strong steps, and looked up at Midnight.

The tears that filled the young mare’s quivering eyes were not enough to extinguish the fire that now burned within them. A roaring blaze created by strength of heart that few have and even fewer can recognize, but Midnight saw it instantly and smiled.

The mare took another strong step forward. She stared directly into Midnight’s eyes and gave her powerful glare of her own. The small pegasus shouted in a voice stronger than any she has ever used before “My mind is sharp, my will is strong and my heart if fierce.” She spread her wings wide and shouted “My name is Wave and I have no doubt!”

The small mare’s courage empowered a young pegasus stallion. His short pale blue main and tail brushed back with the breeze as he confidently stepped forward and stood strong next to Wave. His fearless sky blue eyes stared into Midnight’s as he held his head high with pride. His silver coat shined with purity and the strength in his unwavering stance resounded in his voice. “I am sworn to valor. My blade will defend the helpless. My wrath will undo the wicked." He brandishes his large spear then holds it to his chest. “My name is Silver Spear and I have no doubt!”

A cobalt blue unicorn calmly walked up beside Silver. Her light yellow mane twisted into a low bun and her tail neatly braided. She adjusted her glasses and raised her head to Midnight but kept her eyes closed. Her voice was calm and quiet but each of her words carried the strike of her whip like tongue “Doubt belongs to those who do not know their limitations or capabilities.” She opened her fiery orange eyes “My name is Cross Bolt I know my abilities and therefore I have no doubt.”

Finally, an azure blue earth pony stallion stepped forth and took a place with the others. A bold confidence shined in his emerald eyes. His unkempt golden mane hung midway down his neck and his matching tail nearly touched the ground. He looked up to Midnight and spoke with conviction “I’m going to fight with everything I got. I'm going take down every monster in that forest. I will be a hero.” He grinned confident and wide “My name is Shiver Vein and I have no doubt.”

Midnight proudly smiled at them all and laughed contentedly “All of you are either brave or foolish. Welcome to the corps.”

Chapter Six: A Thorn in the Wind

            Chapter Six: A Thorn in the Wind

A week has passed and everything in Canterlot has been peaceful. While the memory of that fateful first day still haunted the minds of a few, most have moved on and continue to create a new life for themselves and their families.

Raintree and Scion stood just past the town’s Western gate as they addressed the new recruits.

Raintree’s full suit of armor gleamed in the sunlight as he pointed toward the dark Everfree Forest “Do you see that?”

The recruits looked at the distant tree line; the gnarled, twisted trees gave the forest a cursed visage that sent shivers down the spine of even the bravest recruit.

Raintree’s commanding voice seized their attention “That is where your enemy lives, that is where they will come from when they attack this town, not if, when.”  Raintree stepped in front of the recruits and stared them down. His powerful stance inspired a frightful awe that demanded respect “Do you understand your duties? You are sentries; you are to keep a close watch on the forest. You will be working in teams of two. One team will have the morning shift the other will have the evening.”

Wave’s gaze slowly drifted off the forest. Her soft voice is barely heard above the breeze “W-what do we do if we see something?”

Scion stepped up “Report it immediately, if it is just a small monster or a small group of monsters, find a superior such as Raintree or a councilor such as myself. If you see large monster or a large group, ring the clock tower’s bell and we shall all come running.”

Silver Pear looked to Scion and saluted.  “Sir! If it is just a small monster, can’t we fight it ourselves?”

Raintree answered sternly “No! Under no circumstance will you be allowed to fight until we feel you are ready.”

Shiver Vein stood up straight with a proud grin “I am ready. I can take down a goblin blindfolded.”

Raintree flashed a disapproving stare “Never underestimate them! A goblin’s body may be frail but their claws are more than sharp enough to peel your flesh from your bones.”

Vein’s grin grew as he stared back at Raintree “They’d have to hit me first.”

Raintree took a stomping step towards him and stared down at the young stallion “You may be fast enough to dodge three claws but do you think you are fast enough to dodge nine, fifteen, or maybe even thirty claws? Goblins never fight alone, remember that young vein.”

“Y-yes, sir.” Vein stammered as he took a step back

Cross Bolt glanced at Vein and lashed with her harsh tongue “You’re an overconfident  fool.” She looked to Raintree before, Vein could respond “Sir, aren't the goblins the least of our worries?”

Raintree nodded his head “That is correct, lady Bolt. Timber wolfs, Ogres, Brontaurs, Crocodines, Vespids, and Grimalkins. They are what you should worry about, they would gladly devour you, if you give them a chance.”

Wave felt a shiver course through her body “I-I had no idea there are so…many.”

“That is only the beginning.” Said Cross “He didn’t even mention Elementals, Lianas or Vilethorns.”

Scion smiled as he looked to Cross “My, my, quite impressive, Cross.”

Cross adjusted her glasses as she turned to, Scion “Thank you, sir. Though such knowledge should be mandatory for those who will be defending this town.”

Scion nodded “You are quite welcome and I could not agree more. I did not expect any of you to have such knowledge. However, there is much more to learn and all of you will be trained appropriately. Today you will learn about various weapon types and tomorrow, Ashen will teach you about the different species and how best to deal with them.”

Cross grinned slightly “I'm looking forward to it, sir. I can’t wait to see what Ashen Flair has to teach.”

Scion grinned with a nod “I am glad we have willing recruits. Be sure to get here early tomorrow to learn from Ashen, he may act like a fool but he is brilliant.” Scion chuckled and mumbled quietly “Supposedly.” He stepped up and addressed the whole group “Now, Ashen and I will train your minds. Raintree and Midnight will train your bodies. If you follow our directions and do not falter, then you will surely become great knights one day.”

Wave timidly looked up to Scion “You really think so, sir?”

Scion nodded with a gentle smile “I do, I believe you all show great potential and look forward to seeing where it takes you.”

Raintree stepped up “As do I, but for now, let’s start today’s drills.”

Raintree ran the recruits through their daily exercises, sprints, push-ups, sit-ups and others. He made sure to challenge them without pushing them into a state of exhaustion.

In the meantime, Ashen, Midnight, Skylark and Terra were off preparing the recruits weapon training. The four of them set up various weapons in an open field, just past the farms on the Eastern side of town. The weapons were all training versions, ranging from wooden wing blades to bows with blunted arrows.

Ashen and Midnight were setting up goblin shaped targets made from hay. Midnight looked over to Ashen and watched him as he struggled to set up two poles in a cross shape and tie a bale of hay to them, all without using his magic.

Midnight finished her target then turned to Ashen “Ashen, can I ask you something?”

Ashen pulled the final string taut “Sure, go right ahead.”

“Why aren’t you using your magic?” asked Midnight.

Ashen grinned “Because I don’t want to.”

Midnight let out a small sigh “Why not, wouldn’t it be faster if you did?”

Ashen wiped his forehead “Yes, it would, but I believe if I don’t need to use my magic then I shouldn’t and I don’t need to use it to make a target.”

Midnight let out a small chuckle “That’s a strange thing for a unicorn to believe.”

Ashen smiled “I never claimed to be normal.”

Midnight shook her head with a small smile “No, you’re certainly not normal.”

“And what's that supposed to mean?” laughed Ashen “Are you saying I'm weird or something?”

Midnight looked away with a smile “Or something.”

Ashen walked up beside her and flashed his striking smile “So uh…what am I then?”

A voice yelled out from behind “A bloody fool!” Terra walked up with a grin “That’s exactly what ya are.”

“Hello, Terra.” sighed Ashen

Midnight instantly tensed up “Um…h-hello, Terra.”

Terra smiled at Midnight “Hey, there gorgeous. So, ah what ya’ll talkin’ bout?”

Midnight hesitantly glanced at Terra “Uh…um, well.”

Ashen answered for her “Midnight was asking me why I don’t use my magic that often.”

Terra laughed loudly “I already answered that one. You don’t use yer magic cause yer a bloody fool.” She walked up to a pile of material “Here, watch this.” Her horn glowed blue as she used her magic to lift up two poles, a bale of hay and several pieces of rope. Within seconds, she assembled the materials into a perfect target, complete with a red bull’s-eye and a helmet on top. She laughed with a boastful grin “There, ya see? I just did in five seconds what takes ya five minutes.”

Midnight looked at the perfect target “My, quite impressive.”

Ashen nodded “Yeah, yeah, you did it faster and better than I did but you use your magic for every little thing, if you ever lost it you would be helpless.”

Terra grinned at him “Well I ain't bout ta lose ma magic.”

Ashen shook his head “No, but you could lose your horn. Then what would you do? No horn, no magic.”

“Is that true?” asked Midnight.

Ashen nodded “A pegasus without wings can’t fly and a unicorn without a horn can’t cast spells. More than halve of our horn has to be broken though and it does regrow in time.”

“I didn’t know that” said Midnight.

Terra laughed as she drapes her hoof over Midnight’s neck “Yep that’s our weakness.”

Midnight gasped. She shoved Terra away and quickly stepped back.

Terra looked up at Midnight with a raised eyebrow “Uhh, somthin’ wrong, Night?”

Midnight looked away feeling instant regret for her actions “N-no it’s…it's nothing.”

Ashen looked at Midnight and saw how tense her body is “Midnight, what's wrong?”

Midnight quickly shook her head “N-nothing, I'm fine.”

Terra moved to look Midnight in the eye.

Midnight looked away and took another step back.

Terra looked at her with an intense stares “Ya gotta problem wit me!?”

Midnight answered quickly “N-no, of-of course not.”

“That’s bull!” yelled Terra “If ya gotta a problem wit me then just say it!”

Skylark walked up with a worried look after he heard Terra yelling. His concern grew when he saw Midnight. He walked up to her and put his hoof on her shoulder. He lays his ears back as he looked into her eyes with a sad, caring stare.

Midnight held his hoof “I'm fine, everything’s ok, Skylark.”

“Like hell it is!” Terra yelled again “I wanna know what ya gotta against me.”

“N-nothing!” yelled Midnight

Ashen shook his head “She’s not going to give up, Midnight.”

Terra grinned “That’s right, I ain't! So I reckon ya might as well just spit it out!”

Midnight hesitantly looked at Terra “Well…um it's…it's just, I…I've never been around a…a um…m-mare who um, l-likes mares before and-.”

A furious scowl crossed Terra’s face “So that’s it, huh? You got some kinda problem with marians?”

Midnight looked away “N-no, not really. It's just, since we’ve met you have been calling me gorgeous and staring at me. It makes me feel…uncomfortable.”

Ashen nodded at Terra “You can come on a little strong.”

“Shut it Ash!” yelled Terra “I ain't talkin’ ta you!” She looked at Midnight “Now listen here! If it bothers ya I’ll lay off, alright but I am who I am and I ain't gonna change for nopony! If ya don’t like that then that’s just too damn bad!” Terra took an aggressive stance “Now if ya still got a problem wit me, we can settle it the old fashion way!”

Skylark stepped in front of Midnight. He puffed up his chest, stood tall and stared down at Terra.

Terra growls “Outta my way ya two ton tank! This is between me and her!”

Skylark stood still and stared intently at Terra.

Ashen walked up and put his hoof on Skylark’s side “She’s right this is between them. Come on, Skylark, let’s go.”

Skylark looked at Ashen with a glare and shook his head no.

Ashen looked at him with a calm stare “They need to talk this out. We’d just get in the way.”

Skylark looked at Midnight.

“It’s ok, Skylark, I’ll be fine.” said Midnight

Skylark hesitantly turned and walked away.

Ashen looked over his shoulder “Oh Terra, no yelling. Just try to talk to her.”

Terra looked away with a “Tch.”

Ashen smiled “Please, for me.”

Terra sighed “Fine, no yellin’.”

Ashen nodded at her before he turned to walk away. Skylark followed Ashen but kept looking back as he took hesitant steps forward. The two of them rounded a distant barn.

Ashen sat down “This should do.”

Skylark looked in the direction of the girls then looked at the ground as his eyes darted back and forth.

“You worried?” asked Ashen.

Skylark nodded his head.

“Don’t be.” Ashen said with a smile “I know how this is going to go. I’ll bet you anything that in ten minutes those two will walk around that barn the best of friends, bruises and all.”

When Skylark gasped when he heard the word bruises. He quickly turned and prepared to take flight.

“Hey wait!” yelled Ashen “It won’t work if you go charging in there.”

Skylark turned to Ashen. His brow lowered, his teeth bore and an intense fury in his eyes.

Ashen showed a confident, calm smile “Relax, everything’s gonna be alright.”

Skylark turned back and prepared to leap into the air.

“Uh, I swear it to you!” Ashen hastily yelled

Skylark quickly looked back at him with wide eyes and an open mouth.

“That’s what Midnight says right?” asked Ashen “Midnight, will be alright, I swear it to you.”

Skylark stood up straight and hesitantly folded his wings back to his sides.

Ashen grinned “If I'm wrong, then you can strike me down yourself.” His grin turned into a kind smile “I’d deserve it if I let either one of them get hurt.”

Skylark turned toward Ashen then sat on the ground.

“That’s better.” Ashen smiled at Skylark “You really care about her, huh?”

Skylark nodded his head then moved his forelegs as if rocking a baby.

Ashen stared at him quizzically “Uh, she's your daughter?”

Skylark shook his head. He pointed to himself then his head then he mimicked rocking a baby.

Ashen guessed again “Uhh, you know her baby?”

Skylark put his hoof to his forehead and sighs.

Ashen held his chin “Hmm…you, know, baby.” His eyes opened wide “Oh! You’ve known her since she was a baby.”

Skylark smiled and nodded.

Ashen wiped his head with a laugh “Phew. You ever consider carrying around a chalkboard or something?”

Skylark smiled and shrugged.

Ashen shook his head with a small smile “Anyway, now for the fun part” He sighed “Waiting.”

After a moment Skylark’s eyes lit up. He gestured to Ashen to call him over.

Ashen walked up “What is it?”

Skylark put his hoof in the dirt and drew out a tic-tac-toe board.

“Tic-tac-toe?” laughed Ashen. He showed a wide grin “you’re on! Just to let you know, I never lose.”

Skylark slammed his hoof down in the center of the board and drew an X while wearing a grin.

Terra and Midnight are having a difficult conversation while the boys played.

“I'm sorry, Terra.” sighed Midnight “I don’t mean to offend you.”

Terra stared at her “Kinda hard not to be offended when ya shove me away like that.”

Midnight looked away “I-I'm sorry, that was just a reaction.”

Terra sat down and crossed her forelegs “Just cause I'm a marian. Ya wouldn’t have done that to Ash.”

Midnight slowly shook her head “No, I wouldn’t have. I'm sorry.”

“So just what is yer problem?” asked Terra.

Midnight looked up “Well, you’re always staring at me, every time I see you in town you stare, you’re always calling me gorgeous and two days ago when we were in line at the market, you groped my flank.”

Terra stood up “I already told ya, that was an accident!”

Midnight looked away “I doubt it.”

Terra stepped forward “It was! That guy behind me shoved me right into ya!”

Midnight sighed “E-even if that was true, you still call me gorgeous and stare at me all the time.”

Terra laughed “Don’t know if ya noticed but a lot of ponies stare at ya and I call ya gorgeous cause ya are.”

Midnight quickly looked at her “Well, please stop it! It makes me feel…uncomfortable.”

“I've only been teasin’ ya.” sighed Terra “but I it bothers ya that much, I’ll stop.”

Midnight showed a small smile “Thank you.”

“So, uh we good now?” asked Terra.

“I…I guess so” said Midnight.

Terra smiled and walked up to Midnight “Good ta hear.” She held out her hoof “put er there.”

Midnight shied away from her.

Terra looked at her for a second then lowered her brow as her anger built.

Midnight stammered as she took a step back “Uh…I-I'm.”

Terra growled “What the hell is yer problem!?”

Midnight felt an odd sensation in her chest, a nervousness akin to fear “I…I don’t know, I'm sorry. I-I don’t know what's wrong with me.”

Terra took a step forward “Well that makes two of us!” she yelled “I ain’t contagious and I ain’t gonna do nothin’ to ya!”

Midnight lowered her head with a miserable sigh “I-I know, I'm…I'm sorry.”

“Stop sayin’ that!” Terra quickly shouted

Midnight cringed down “I-I'm sorry. I…I don’t know what else to say.”

Terra realized she has been yelling and looked at the ground with a sigh “Sorry, I don’t mean ta be yellin’ at ya.”

Midnight shook her head “No, you shouldn’t be apologizing. I know I’m the one in the wrong. I just don’t know why I feel the way that I do.”  Midnight bit her bottom lip and looked down at the ground “I wish I did. I really do.”

Terra’s mind raced as she tried to think of something, anything to say. Coming up blank, she kicked the ground “Dammit, Ash! Why’d you have ta go and leave like that.” She sighed “I'm…I’m no good at this kinda stuff.”

Midnight looked up “I know how you feel. I just can’t seem to find the words I need.” Midnight’s eyes began to wonder around the field as she tried to understand the unnerving malaise that grew in her chest. Suddenly the cache of training weapons caught her eye. Midnight turned to Terra “Ashen told me you’re a good fighter.”

Terra looked up with a grin “Well, he weren’t lyin’. I can scrap with the best of em.”

Midnight smiled as she flew over to the training weapons.  She strapped on a pair of wooden wing blades then picked up two staffs before she flew back to Terra and dropped the staffs on the ground in front of her

Midnight smiled “Those should make good substitutes for your weapons.”

Terra looked down at the staffs “What? Ya wanna fight?”

Midnight shook her head “No, I want to talk to you.”

Terra looked up with a laugh “Ya wanna talk…with weapons?”

Midnight looked at Terra with calm eyes “I can’t find the words to explain what I feel. I am a warrior, a fighter, that is what I do and I believe you are the same.” Midnight bent her knees, spread her wings wide and gave Terra a fearsome stare “If there is something I cannot convey with words, then I say it with my wings!”

Terra used her magic to spin the staffs to her sides with a laugh “Hoo yeah! Now yer talkin’ mah language. Guessin’ we’re goin with spar rules then?”

Midnight nodded “Yes, no blows to the face or other sensitive areas and we fight until one surrenders.”

“Alright then, let’s talk!” Terra said as she dropped her head low, her deep blue eyes glowed with fearsome intent as she stared at Midnight “Ya ready?”

Midnight grinned and returned Terra’s stare “Anytime!”

Both mares charged toward each other. Zealous-vigor fueled every step they took. The sound of wood smashing against wood echoed out as Terra blocked Midnights wing strike with her staff. Terra swung her second staff overhead. A wooden thud rang out as Midnight blocked the staff with her wing.  They shove into each other and tried to push the other back.

They stared into each other’s eyes as they pushed and shoved. Their eyes didn’t glow with the fury or hatred one might expect from two warriors locked in combat. Instead, their eyes shined with an intense excitement and vitality, created by a passionate spirit that burned deep within their hearts.

Both mares used every muscle, every ounce of strength they had, but it was to no avail. Neither one was able to drive the other back so much as an inch.

Midnight spun back and broke the deadlock. She lashed out with a high sweeping back kick. Terra stepped back. She could feel the wind surging from Midnight’s hoof as she barely dodged the kick. Terra lifted both staffs and brought them straight down towards Midnight. Midnight folded both wings in front of her to block the strike.

Midnight burst through and shoved both staffs aside. She rushed at Terra with a strike from her wing. Terra dropped low to the ground under the strike. She leapt forward and landed at Midnight’s side. Terra smashed into Midnight’s side with all her weight. Terra slammed into Midnight with enough force to knock her off clean off her hooves and send her rolling to the ground.

Midnight recovered quickly. She was back to her hooves and ready to charge in again within a fraction of a second. A barrage of staff blows met Midnight before she could take a single step. The strikes rained down upon her like a torrent that came from every direction. Midnight was barely able to keep up with the unrelenting assault. As soon as she dodged or blocks one blow, another was already coming at her. Midnight stepped backwards as she fended off what seemed like half a dozen whirling staffs.

Terra used her superior range to her advantage and pushed Midnight backward. She pulled one staff back and thrusted it straight for Midnights chest. Midnight stepped to her left and dodged the attack, exactly how Terra wanted her to. Midnight landed in a patch of loose gravel that threw her off balance.

Terra aimed at Midnights front legs and swept one of her staffs’ low. Midnight reared up and dodged the attack. Terra brought her other staff spinning down from the sky, aimed at Midnights front shoulder. Midnight saw the staff coming down and tried to block it but her angle was off. The staff struck her wing, slid off its tip and struck Midnight on the mouth with enough force to knock her to the ground.

Terra immediately stopped her assault and quickly ran up to Midnight.

Midnight slowly rose from the ground with heavy breaths. She shook her head in a daze as blood dripped from her lip.

Terra took a step back “Oh, sorry bout that Night. You alright?”

Midnight’s eyes widened as she gazed at Terra She showed neither pain nor anger. Instead, her face brimmed with elation as she showed a bloody smile. Her smile widened as she spread her wings and lowered her body to the ground. Midnight’s fixated her gaze on Terra. She dug her hooves into the dirt as she grinned.

Terra jumped back with a laugh “Woo yeah! Bring it on, girl!”

Midnight flew forward at an incredible speed with just a single beat of her wings. She headed straight towards Terra. Terra held her staffs in front of her and prepared to block and counter. Midnight’s wing struck with much more force than Terra expected and slammed her staff back into her shoulder.

Midnight struck with her other wing. Terra ducked down and just barely dodged the blow. Midnight spun using the momentum of her missed swing. She delivered a hard kick to one of Terra’s staffs. The kick sent the staff flying across the field. Terra tried to pull the staff back but another wing was flying towards her. Terra stepped back just in time to dodge the strike.

Midnight’s flurry pushed Terra back, now that she’s fighting with a single staff. Strike, spin, kick, strike, spin, kick, Midnight unleashed her power and gained speed every second until she became a blur of hoofs, wings and feathers that seemed to come from every angle. Terra kept her composure under the blinding assault as she blocked and dodged what she could. Terra showed her prowess by angling her body to deflect the blow whenever a strike managed to makes it past her defenses. She made sure no strike hit flush.

Terra saw an opening after she dodged one of Midnight’s kicks and brought her staff down towards Midnight. However, the opening was only there because Midnight wanted it to be. Midnight easily sidestepped Terra’s strike. She dove forward and delivered the first clean blow of the match. A rush of pain poured into Terra’s body as Midnight’s wing slammed into her chest. Before Terra could react, another strike hit her shoulder and rolled her to the ground.

Midnight stopped her assault and took several steps back as she folded her wings. Terra rose from the ground as her heavy breath rapidly filled her aching chest.

Terra laughed and looked at Midnight with a smile, once she caught her breath “Damn, girl. I ain’t had a fight like this in a long time.”

Midnight returned her smile “Neither have I. Do you want to continue?”

Terra grinned and quickly answers “Hell yeah! I'm just startin’ to have fun.”

Midnight nodded her head toward the staff lying across the ground “Then you might want to rearm.”

Terra looked at the staff. She used her magic to lift it off the ground and spin it to her side.

Midnight dropped into an aggressive stance “Are you ready?”

Terra spun her staffs in front of herself “Oh, yeah! This is gonna be good.”

Terra held her ground as Midnight charged. Terra’s gaze dropped to the ground in front of herself as Midnight closed in. Her horn began to glow with a blue light. A square foot of earth suddenly erupted from the ground in front of Midnight.  The pillar shoot into the sky and created a column of stone six feet tall. Midnight was moving too fast to stop.  she tried to step to the side but she was too close to clear it. Her shoulder clipped the column and threw her off balance. Terra’s staffs greeted Midnight as soon as she stumbled around the column. One staff swept low. It took Midnight’s legs out from under her and flipped her sideways into the air. The other came crashing down on Midnight’s exposed side and slammed her out of the air.

Midnight hit the ground then rolled onto her back and gasped for the wind that was knocked out of her. Both of Terra’s staffs spun in and struck Midnight’s forelegs. They pushed her legs above her head, pressed them to the ground and pinning her in place. Terra walked to Midnight, stood over her and looked her straight in the eyes with a big grin “Bet ya didn’t see that one comin’.”

Midnight struggled to free her front legs but it was no use. The magic that held the staffs to the ground was too strong.

Terra laughed “Gotta admit it, yer good, girl.” She leaned in just an inch away from Midnight’s face and whispering to her “But not good enough. I win this one.”

Midnight stopped struggling. A smile flashed across her face “Not yet.”

Midnight rolled her back legs up underneath Terra and planted her hooves on Terra’s chest. She kicked Terra into the air with all the strength she could gather. Midnight easily freed herself with the spell on the staffs broken. She quickly rolled to her hooves and flew backwards.

Terra got up from the ground and shook off the dust. She spun her staffs up and back to her sides with a laugh

Midnight landed some distance away and yelled with a smile “I bet you didn’t see that coming!”

Terra laughed loudly and yelled back “Ya got lucky! I got distracted by them gorgeous eyes ah yers.”

Midnight smiled with a giggle “Shall we continue?”

Terra yelled “I ain’t beaten yet!”

“Very well.” Midnight said to herself before she stood up straight. Terra rushed in at full power, determined to end this battle. Midnight cleared her mind. She closed her eyes and took a in a deep breath. She listened to the sound of Terra’s hoof steps. The steps beat the ground like a drum. The rhythm grew louder as she approached but they also grew slower and slower. Midnight opened her eyes and slowly exhaled as she focused on Terra. Terra seemed to slow with every step as the world around her began to blur and dissolve before it faded away to black.

All Midnight could see in this world, in her world was the unicorn charging towards her. She could see the muscles in Terra’s legs as they expanded and contracted to power her every step. She could see her short blonde mane being blown back by the air rushed past and she could see Terra’s smile slowly widen as she brought her staffs to her sides.

Terra stuck when she reached Midnight. She swung both staffs horizontally one low from the left one high from the right. Midnight barrel rolled into the air and narrowly slipped in-between the staffs. She could feel the wind rushing off the staff as it blew through her feathers. Midnight could feel the impact of the ground as it slowly traveled from her hooves into her shoulders as she landed. She could feel the calm breeze blow through her mane and the gentle brush of the grass on her legs as she lunged forward, straight at Terra.

Midnight struck with lightning speed, first with her right wing then her left. She spun and delivered a powerful kick to Terra’s side that rolled her to the ground. Terra managed to recover quickly in spite of the force from the blow. She rolled up and onto her hooves before she pulled her staffs in front of herself. Midnight wasted no time as she sprinted towards Terra. She saw Terra’s gaze drop to the ground. Midnight timed her next move perfectly. She leapt into the air and flipped forward. A column of earth shot skyward. Midnight could feel the column as it rose at her back, just close enough to graze the hair on her coat. Midnight completed her flip and planted her back hooves on the column. She kicked off and exploded towards Terra at an incredible speed with her left wing pulled back, ready to strike. Terra did the only thing she could with so little time. She held both staffs in front of her and poured her magic into them.

Midnight’s wing crashed into the staffs with enormous power. The staffs bent, cracked then shattered into pieces. Midnight’s wing flowed through the splintered wood and struck Terra‘s shoulder. Though it lost force from hitting the staffs, the strike was still strong enough to shove Terra to the side. Midnight followed through and hit Terra’s chest with an uppercut to from her right wing. The strike lifted Terra’s front hooves off the ground. Midnight ducked under Terra and leapt up slamming her shoulder into Terra’s chest. The blow lifted her into the air before Midnight brought her crashing to the ground.

The slam knocked the wind out of Terra. She gasped and coughed as she tried to catch her breath but before she could, she felt a wing gently press against her throat.

Terra looked up to Midnight who’s wore a confident smile. Terra weighed her options, with her staffs broken and her chest throbbing she decided she only had one choice “Alright, alright, ya got me. I surrender.” She said reluctantly

Midnight pulled her wing back and stuck out her hoof with a friendly smile. Terra smiled back as she grabbed Midnight’s hoof.

Terra stood up and stretched out her chest “I reckon ya win fair and square.”

Midnight smiled “Actually, I’d give that win to you.”

Terra laughed “Are you crazy?! I was the one layin’ on the ground”

Midnight nodded “Yes, but If it was a real fight, you would have won.”

Terra raised an eyebrow “Just how do ya figure that?”

Midnight pointed to her mouth “The blow to my mouth. If you were using your halberds, it would have been lethal.”

Terra stared at her “Uh…yeah but I weren’t usin’ mah halberds. Ya won that match when ya broke those staffs.”

Midnight shook her head “But that would not have happened in a real fight. I could never have broken you halberds. So you win this round.”

Terra scratched her head “But it weren’t a real fight, so you won.”

Midnight smiled “I always judge sparring matches as if they were real, so you win.”

Terra growled “No! You won!”

Midnight giggled “No, you did.”

Terra paused for a second then smiles “No! You won.”

Midnight laughed lightly and showed a big smile “No. You won.”

Terra shook her head then stuck out her hoof “How bout we call it a draw.”

Midnight shook her hoof “Deal.” They both looked at each other with a smile and newfound respect.

Terra felt a twinge of pain in her chest as she pulled back her hoof “Ah” she held her hoof to her chest.

“Are you ok?” asked Midnight.

Terra looked up at her with a smile “Think ya mighta’ cracked one of ma ribs.”

Midnight covered her mouth “Oh my goodness, really? I am so, so sorry.”

Terra laughed “Aw it’s alright. It ain't really broken, just hurts a bit.”

Midnight bowed “I'm so sorry, truly I am. I should not have hit you so hard.”

Terra shook her head “Relax, girl. It’s just part of the game.”

Midnight stood and looked Terra in the eye “Terra, I lost control and put too much force into my strike.” Midnight bowed again “I should never have used so much force in a sparring match, I am truly sorry.”

“It ain’t nothin’ but if you’re feelin that bad about it.” A grin crossed Terra’s face “I know how ya can make it up to me.”

Midnight stands up and looked warily at Terra “Um…how?”

Terra laughed “Easy.” She walked up and draped her hoof around Midnight’s neck with a smile “Buy me a drink tonight.”

To Midnight’s surprise, the anxiety that used to grip her chest when Terra was near was completely gone. She looked at Terra and smiled “I’ll buy you two.”

Terra gave Midnight a shake with an excited laugh “Alright! Now yer talkin’!” Her smile faded as she hesitated “So…uhh, we good now?”

Midnight nodded “Yes.” She put her hoof on Terra’s shoulder “We’re good now. I think we said all we needed too.”

Terra’s smile quickly returned “Glad ta hear it. Come er, Night.” She pulled Midnight closer and gave her a tight hug.

Midnight let out a nervous laugh “Uhh…a-although, I would be uncomfortable this close to ahh…a-anypony.”

Terra looked up to Midnight “Not much of a hugger are ya?”

Midnight looked away “N-not really.”

Terra let go of Midnight “Well ain’t that a shame.” She turned and gave Midnight a wink “And I just love givin’ hugs too.”

Midnight put her hoof to her head and let out a sigh “Are you and Ashen related or something?”

Terra shook her head with a laugh “Nope, I’ve just known the guy since I was fourteen.”

Midnight looked up with a probing stare “How did a fourteen year old meet a military tactician?”

Terra shook her head “It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll tell ya tonight.”

Midnight walked up to her “Alright, well, I guess we better go find them then.”

Terra nodded “Yeah, guess yer right.” She pointed towards the distant barn “They went that-a-way.”  Terra looks at Midnight with a grin as they walked towards the barn “Ya know, I gotta give it to ya girl, flippin’ over ma pillar like that. I didn’t see that one comin’.”

Midnight returned her grin “I didn’t think you could use a spell like that.”

Terra laughed “What, ya thought makin’ things float was all I could do?

Midnight let out a small giggle “Well, kind of. I don’t really know much about magic.”

Terra sighed “Really, girl? I can do all sorts’a tricks.”

“Can you teleport?” asked Midnight.

Terra shook her head “Nah, I ain’t never been too good at that one. Ash can though; he’s really good at that sorta thing.”

Midnight stopped “Really? I-I’ve always wanted to try that.”

Terra stopped and looked at her “You can fly anywhere ya want.  Why would ya want ta teleport?

Midnight looked off in the distance “I don’t know, I’ve just always wondered what it feels like to disappear, then instantly be somewhere else.”

Terra chuckled “Well it ain’t nothin’ special, but if ya really want ta do it, ask, Ash I'm sure he wouldn’t mind teleportin’ ya sometime.”

Midnight started walking again “M-maybe I will…sometime.”

Terra smiled mischievously “Hey I got an idear. Ya wanna’ mess with Ash’s head?”

Midnight smiled back “What do you have in mind?”

Terra winked as they rounded the barn “Just follow my lead.”

Midnight giggled excitedly “Alright, this will be fun.”

They hear Ashen yell as they got near “Oh, come on! That’s twenty three ties in a row!” Ashen crossed his forelegs “That’s just ridiculous.”

Skylark smiled as he pointed to a mark on the ground that showed an S with a one underneath it and an A with a zero.

Ashen groaned “Yes, I know, you won the first game.” He turned away with a snort “You don’t have to remind me every time we tie.”

Skylark’s smile grew as he laughed a silent laugh.

Ashen rolled his eyes and turned away. He saw Midnight and Terra walking towards him and he pointed to them “Hey, Skylark, look, there back.”

Skylark jumped up and quickly flew towards Midnight. He looked down with a big smile after he landed in front of her. His smile quickly disappeared when he saw her busted lip. Skylark lifted Midnight’s chin. He turned towards Terra and spread his wings while he bared his teeth with a scowl.

Midnight grabbed his shoulder “Skylark, no!”

Skylark turned back to Midnight as his golden eyes glowed with anger.

Midnight shook her head “It’s not her fault, it was mine, we were sparring and I missed a block.”

Skylark looked at Terra then back to Midnight then back to Terra again.

Midnight smiled “Skylark, thank you, but please stop.”

Skylark folded his wings to his sides and turned to Midnight. He slowly exhaled and gently lowered his brow with a small frown.

Midnight’s smile grew “It’s alright, you don’t have to apologize.”

Skylark turned to Terra and gave the same look.

Terra smiled “Don’t worry bout it big guy, I can’t blame ya.” She walked up to Midnight and draped her hoof over her neck “If somepony busted up ma girl here, I’d go after em myself.”

Ashen walked up with his normal smile “Glad to see you two getting along so well.”

Terra grinned “Yeah, we kissed and made up. Let me tell ya, this girl is one helluva kisser.”

Ashen laughed “Yeah, I’ve seen her fight a bit and it was impressive.”

Terra turned to Midnight with a wink then turned back to Ashen “Yeah, she’s a pretty good fighter but that ain’t what I'm talkin’ bout. This girl here can lock lips wit the best of em.”

Ashen paused and looked between the two of them.

Terra bumped Midnight with her elbow.

Midnight looked at Terra who nodded at Ashen. Midnight grinned “Oh, um, you’re not too bad yourself, Terra. I especially liked it when you kissed down my neck.”

Ashen’s jaw dropped in an instant “W-wait…what?” He smiled “Oh, I get it, you’re kidding.” He turned and bumped Skylark with his elbow “Their just kidding.” He looked back at the girls “You’re just kidding…uh, right?”

Terra pulled Midnight in close.  Midnight put her hoof around Terra and they both smiled at Ashen.

Ashen’s smile slowly faded as his eyes darted back and forth between the two. He looked at Skylark “They are kidding…right?”

Skylark smiled, shrugged then turned away.

Ashen looked back to the girls with a smile “Come on, y-you two can’t fool me. I know you didn’t really…I mean you wouldn’t…Right?”

Midnight let go of Terra and turns away “Believe what you want, Ashen.” She looked over at Terra “So, are we still on for tonight?”

Terra turned to walk with her “Ya better believe we are. You still gonna give’em ta me?”

Midnight smiled as she held back a laugh “Yes, tonight they're both yours to enjoy.”

Ashen’s eyes opened wide. He quickly ran up to them “So, uhh, ladies.” he stood in-between them and draped a hoof around both their necks with a big grin “What two things are we talking about here?”

Midnight and Terra looked at each other with a grin as they tried not to laugh. Terra started to speak but a sudden loud noise interrupted her. Fear struck their hearts as they heard the frantic ringing of the clock tower’s bell.