Creeping Shadows: A Heart of Nothingness

Chapters

The Princesses Meet a Strange New Being
The Foals Awaken: Brawl in the Halls
Explanations and First Impressions Part 2: Stress Relief and Freeing The Suffering
Explanations and First Impressions Part 3: You're Not Ponies!? Clearing Up Misunderstandings
Seeking A Challenge Finding A Cluster
Blades Clash, Meet The Royal Pain
Reckless Pride
Complete Overhaul
Explanations and First Impressions Part 1: Introductions and Hostilities
Sorry Everyone
Second Impressions

The Princesses Meet a Strange New Being

Author's Note

This is my first story so tell me what you think. But please don't be unnecessarily rude or hateful.

The Princesses Meet a Strange New Being

Canterlot Castle

“Princess Celestia. Would you mind giving us a moment for an interview?” A pony with a microphone asked while walking alongside the alicorn through the castle.

“Not at all my little pony.” The princess responded in a kind tone.

“We heard that there were four foals found at the site of the monster attack earlier today. What exactly happened?”

“The guards found the group of foals fighting the unknown monsters that attacked Canterlot.”

“Really?!”

“Yes, after the beasts ran off the foals collapsed and they are now in the medical ward resting.” Celestia explained to the reporter while walking toward the door to the medical ward.
As the reporter was about to ask another question a feeling of dread and terror washed over them like a wave originating from the other side of the door.
The princess rushed through the door way and saw her sister, Luna standing by the bed of one of the foals with the Elements of Harmony standing close by. Like the others with him the young colt seemed to have been mutated by the strange aura of the monsters. He was completely hairless except for his mane and he had no tail or muzzle. Currently a dark aura was surrounding him and Luna seemed to be trying to cast a spell.

“Luna what’s happening?”

“Tia, there is an aura like a nightmare radiating from this colt and we cannot enter his dreams!” Luna exclaimed in panic.

“Let me help you.” Celestia said to her sister.
The two alicorns stood over the bed and closed their eyes while their horns glowed. Together they forced their way into the colt’s mind not noticing the image that projected form the colt showing his mindscape.

Unkown Colts Mindscape

The royal sisters saw what seemed to be a city made of glass and metal. They stood in a courtyard with a garden growing in the center.
Suddenly they heard a voice.
“Who are you?” It questioned, sounding like a group of ponies speaking at once.
They turned and saw what appeared to be a tall pony wearing a black cloak with a metal cape facing away from them.

“We are princesses Celestia and Luna. Who might you be?” Celestia questioned.

“Tia that is the nightmare, We can feel it’s evil!” Luna shouted.
The figure turned to face the sisters revealing that it wasn’t wearing a cloak and it wasn’t a pony. Its body was made of shadows, seeming to be both solid and made of smoke at the same time. As the thing raised its head they alicorns saw its face. It had no real facial features except for six long black horns curved in a way reminiscent of a crown, two rows of bone white fangs floating where a mouth would be, and three eyes, the right eye having a black sclera that was almost impossible to make out and a red spiral iris with a spiral pattern and the left looking like an orb that was filled with mist and a gleaming silver iris. Both eyes had plus shaped pupils formed by two white slits. Above those located in the center of its forehead was a third eye. This eye seemed to open vertically and was pure white except for the iris and pupil that were formed by a ring with eight sharp lines protruding from it and several concentric circles in the center.

“Nightmare? That’s a new one.” It said in its layered hiss.

“THOU ART NOT WELCOME HERE, BEGONE FOUL NIGHTMARE!” Luna shouted.

“The audacity you display, saying we’re not welcome when you stand in our home.”

“Silence! I won’t allow you to harm my subjects anymore!” Celestia said with a look of fury, her horn flaring with magic.

“If it’s a fight you want…” The thing said as music began to play. It then grew to at least twenty feet tall and rising into the air, its lower body becoming a vapor like tail, its teeth curving into a smile. “…Then it’s a fight you’ll get!”
With those words the metal cape on its back then split into ten long angular metal plates which hovered behind it in a wing like formation. The princesses fired two powerful beams of energy at the nightmare. Before the attacks could make contact two of the metal plates behind the creature sped through the air and intercepted the blasts before returning to their places.
Before the princesses could express their shock the creature spread out its arms revealing that it had six, two held to each side and two in front of it. Swords with long blades appeared in the four hands at its sides, two held normally and two held in a reverse grip, while the remaining two clutched a scythe. The scythe was black with its shaft shaped like a spine, at its end it had what looked like a black skull with no muzzle. The skulls mouth was open wide in a scream and protruding from its mouth was a long curved blade with a serrated edge.
The nightmare rushed at the sisters with its swords arcing through the air. The two alicorns spread their wings and took to the air while forming swords out of their magic and charged at their opponent. Celestia’s sword swung toward the things head while Luna’s was aimed at its chest. The thing caught Celestia’s sword between the blades in its left hands while one of its shields blocked Luna’s. It then flowed past them and stretched two of its arms forward thrusting its swords at their backs.
The two quickly teleported out of the blades paths. The battle went on like this for a while, with the princesses attacking from different angles and the creature stopping every strike and then attacking with its swords, and the princesses flying around the swinging blades.

The thing then broke the rhythm by saying.
“This has been a lovely dance, but We think it’s time to end this.”
As it said that it reared back its scythe in preparation for a swing. The princesses were about to fly out of the nightmares range when the scythes blade lit up with a black and silver shine.
With and exclamation of “Midnight Moon Cleaver!” the creature swung the blade sending an arc of silver and black magic racing towards the princesses faster than they could avoid it.
They attack hit the sisters and they were sent tumbling to the ground. The nightmare followed this up with a charge at the downed alicorns. The two quickly rolled away from its strike and got to their hooves assuming battle stances.
The thing smirked at this and did something that left the princesses stunned. It lowered its shields and reformed them into a metal cape.

Seeing their shocked expressions the creature said. “Since you two proved you are clearly stronger than We thought by getting up after our Moon Cleaver, We might as well be fair give you an actual chance to hit us.”
With that said the nightmare shrunk down to a size around a foot taller than Celestia and moved to the opposite side of the courtyard before getting into a fighting stance as well.
With a grin that spread across its entire face the creature shouted "Ready… Steady… GO!” before rushing at the two sisters who responded in kind.
Celestia swung her sword at the nightmares midsection while Luna fired a beam of magic at its face. The creature stopped Celestia’s sword inches from its ‘skin’ and then once again did something that shocked the sisters. It turned its head and opened its jaws impossibly wide swallowing Luna’s magic, then it gathered its magic in its mouth and fired a blast of blue and silver at Luna.
Luna quickly formed a shield and then charged at the thing in an attempt to sever its head. It moved its body around her blade and reformed itself a few feet away from them. The princesses charged their swords with as much magic as they could and rushed at the creature. The creature simply smirked and dematerialized its scythe. It then reached out and grabbed the alicorns swords stopping them both in their tracks.

“Checkmate.”

With that said the nightmare swung the princesses by their swords sending them flying to land in the somehow undamaged garden.

End Music

As the sisters looked up in fear the creature smiled and dematerialized its swords. The world then began to flicker in and out.

The princesses opened their eyes to see the colt looking at them with a smirk and their eyes widened with shock yet again. Because for a short time before changing into one black eye and one dull gray the colt had the exact same eyes as the creature had. The alicorns and everypony else present heard the same layered voice.

“Good game.”

The Foals Awaken: Brawl in the Halls

Everypony in the room stood there staring in shock as the colt stared at them with a smirk. As they stared they took note of the colts appearance for the first time.
The colt stood at around 6'6" about level with a normal pony's shoulders. His hair was ebony black and messy. His hands had five fingers and a thumb instead of three and they were longer and slimmer than normal. His skin was pale as if made of porcelain and had a few scars that could be seen because his outfit had been removed except for his undergarments and the black cloth wrapping his left arm, the most prominent being two straight lines on either side of his mouth tracing his jaw, a jagged ring over his heart, and a long line going from his throat to his crotch.
The colt then stood up and several of the observing ponies yelped in surprise when shadows cocooned his body. As the shadows receded the colt was revealed to be wearing clothes now. On his deformed hooves he had strange grey boots. His legs were covered by faded jeans with a black belt with a silver buckle. He wore a dark grey jacket that reached his mid thigh with a high collar that obscured his lower face that had a zipper running down its length, a black hood was on his head that when combined with his collar and the circular sunglasses with mirror-like silver lenses he now wore completely obscured his face. His hands were covered by black gloves.
While the ponies were taking in his new appearance the colt walked up to the bed one of his companions was lying on, his steps making no sound, and snapped his fingers
Almost instantly the colts eyes snapped open and he jumped up yelling "What's trying to kill us this time?"
This new colt was a few inches shorter than his companion and he was deformed the same way, except he only had five fingers. His skin was more of a bronze color and he had a short brown mane and bright green eyes.
As the colt looked around his eyes fell on the princesses. He then turned to the first colt and said something that left all of the ponies either slack jawed or glaring.

"Who're the horse chicks?"

The taller of the two responded with "Don't know, don't care.". This time he spoke with a single voice. His voice was clear and strong with a strange melodic sound.
As the brown headed colt went to wake the others the first colt walked up to the princesses and began examining them. After a few moments the colt turned to face his now awake and clothed companions and began speaking in a matter of fact tone.

"They appear to be some form of large humanoid mammal, seemingly intelligent and sapient. From their facial structure and backwards jointed legs designed for balance and strength we can identify them as equine in nature."

"What?" Asked a filly standing just at 5'4" with a long mane with dark orange, purple, and hot pink stripes and electric blue eyes, wearing a black leotard with spandex leggings and a dark blue open vest.

"They're giant horse people." The colt said in a flat tone further adding to the insult the ponies felt.
The last foal, a colt standing just under six feet with no mane, brown eyes, and light brown skin, wearing boots and jeans similar to the first colt and a brown long sleeved shirt with a thick vest then spoke.

"Where are we Relnak?" He asked the first colt.

"Unknown." Was the colt apparently called Relnak's response.

"Plan of attack?" Inquired the brown headed colt, now wearing dark grey body armor with a bronze badge on his left shoulder.
The gathered ponies tensed at the word attack but their apprehension was soon alleviated by 'Relnak's' response.

"Leave the area and find a defensible location to regroup."
With those words he turned and walked toward the doorway with his companions following.
This shook the ponies out of their stupor and an orange earth pony, Applejack, and a blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane, Rainbow Dash moved to block them.

"Ya'll can't go running off, it ain't safe for foals to be wandering around alone." Said the Element of Honesty.
The colt in grey stopped and regarded the two mares before shoving them aside sending them back several feet. The group of foals walked out the doors and began moving at a faster pace in the open halls.

Celestia called out "Guards secure those foals but don't harm them!".

As the guardsmares moved to capture the foals the 'Relnak' thrust his arm forward and the two guards were knocked of their hooves. If one looked closely they would have seen a thin transparent wall seemingly made of glass slam into the guards.

As more guards came having been attracted by the commotion, the foals stood in a circle and were suddenly holding weapons. The brown skinned colt held two ten inch daggers, the brown headed one held a dagger with a strange metal piece over his hand, the filly had what appeared to be a large green and blue yoyo, and 'Relnak' held a sword that had a long furved hilt with no crossguard and a blade that flared diagonally away from the hilt before angling upward forming a long straight single edged blade that was held inside a black sheath. All of the foals were tensed in preparation except for their leader, who was relaxed and seemed bored.

"Are these foals really going to try to fight us with knives, a toy, and a covered blade?" One incredulous guard asked aloud.

"Easy there little fellas, let's just relax and see if we can get you to your parents." Another said in a soft voice while making placating gestures.
In response 'Relnak' swung his sword in the direction of two guards. Before the guards could comment on what they believed was a childish and obvious mistake they were knocked off their hooves and landed on their backs , both having a slash mark across their armor.
The grey colt then said one word with their layered voice. "Gencall." At that the other foals sprang at the guards. The filly swung her yoyo at a guard and when it impacted a small explosion went off and the guardsmare went flying she then started leaping and flipping around the guards hitting them from all angles. The colt in armor had flipped his knife and twisted the metal part over his hand around so that it was facing the guards in front of him, he the pulled a trigger similar to a crossbow's multiple times and with a loud series of noises the guards were knocked to the floor with dents in their armor, the colt then changed his weapon back to a knife and began fending of guards. The brown colt jumped onto a mare's back and started banging her head with the butts of his daggers handles when she fell he leapt from her and started incapacitating nearby guards with blows to their joints.
Meanwhile 'Relnak' rushed at a guard and tapped her in the chest with enough force to send her skidding across the floor, then he ducked under another mare and hit her with his sword knocking her out. He then began swiftly swooping and dodging around the guards trying to restrain him while sending any mare he touched flying.
The unicorns tried to catch them with their magic but nothing happened, so they switched to erecting shields to defend from the Brown haired colts weapon and the filly's acrobatic attacks.
As more guards came to try to catch the foals 'Relnak' charged at the lead mare, a unicorn, with a downward slash. The mare was just able to raise a shield to block him by a few inches. As the colt's sword impacted the shield several cracks appeared on its surface and the colt leaned in close to the mares face and delivered a headbutt that sent her crashing into the mares behind her knocking them out cold.
By now the guards had managed to subdue the other two colts and were closing in on the filly. Suddenly 'Relnak' swung around to face them and his shadow seemed to grow. Within in seconds the colt was charging at the guards in a black blur and began knocking them away from the filly before charging at the guards holding the struggling colts.

The Elements and princesses had been watching the entire time and at this occurrence Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened in fear.

"Princess Celestia," She asked "is that dark magic?! How is an earth pony colt doing that?"

"I don't know for sure but it seems like it." The princess said with worry.

End Music

By now the grey colt had taken down all of the guards and was walking down the hall with his companions when a bright yellow Pegasus with a pink mane, Fluttershy, called out to them.

"Please wait! It's to dangerous for you out there."
At this 'Relnak' stopped the others following suit and glanced behind his shoulder at her. With his strange whisper he said "We can easily eliminate any threat we encounter.".
At this Celestia spoke up. "Be that as it may I cannot allow you young foals to wander alone."
'Relnak' turned to face the princess and cocked his head in curiosity.

"How are we young when we and our comrades have have fought in countless wars?" He asked.

Fluttershy then flew up to 'Relnak' and embraced him.
"Oh you poor thing. Being forced to fight in horrible nasty wars." She cried.

The grey colt turned into shadows and moved away from the kind hearted mare.

He then said "We were not forced to fight. We always led the warriors."
The ponies were shocked that these foals had been in charge of so may wars. Princess Celestia stepped forward and made calming gestures when 'Relnak' tensed.

She then softly said "Please stay so that we know you're safe."
The colt seemed to considered her words before nodding his head.

"Very well then, we shall remain here until we decide to leave"

"I will stop you if you leave." The alicorn warned.

"You will try." The colt said nodding. "Now then we believe proper introductions are in order."

"We are Corvalius Dakenistaire."

Explanations and First Impressions Part 2: Stress Relief and Freeing The Suffering

Today had started out so simple for Twilight Sparkle, she had gathered her friends she had made a few days before to tell them the news.
"Princess Celestia sent me a letter, and she wants me to bring you all to the castle for a tour!" She said with joy.

Her friends all reacted to the news with excitement and an hour later they were walking through the castle gates. Celestia had greeted them personally and they were all having a good time. Then Celestia tensed up and said that she felt something wrong. Soon after there were howls and shouts about monsters filling the air. Celestia led the group of mares to a safe place and ordered the guards to go protect the citizens of Canterlot. They had huddled together in fear and waited for it to be over.
When the guards came back carrying four unconscious foals they had been horrified by their disfigurements and feared the worst. They rushed to the medical ward and laid the foals onto hospital beds before going to report everything to the princess. Then an hour later a nurse tried to cast a healing spell on the colt with the black mane. The colt started projecting a wave of terrible darkness, Celestia rushed in and she and Luna went into the his mind. Twilight could only watch as the princesses were left at the mercy of the monster they found in the colt's mindscape until the colt woke up.
Then the colt and his friends woke up and tried to leave, and when the guards tried to stop them they pulled out weapons and attacked the guards. Just when the guards had almost captured them the grey colt released a surge of dark magic and tore through the remaining guards.
When they introduced themselves the grey colt, Corvalius Dakenistaire she reminded herself, had refused to answer any of her questions, rejected Pinkie's offer to be friends, threatened Rarity, and got violent when he saw Applejack. Now he was walking away to do who knows what.
She tried to use her magic to stop them but nothing happened. It felt as if her magic was refusing to touch the group of foals. Desperate to keep them from wandering off and getting hurt she ran after the foals. She tried to grab them but it was like something pushed her away every time, so she settled for following them as they wandered through the castle to keep them out of danger and help them when they got lost.

Corvus walked through the hallways of the building they had awoken in, barely suppressing their daiyoshi to avoid harming their friends. The purple one, Midnight Sprinkle or something, was still following them. She tried to capture them with her strange energy but it was easily repelled, they would have to study this energy to determine its capabilities. Then she tried to grab them only to be forced back by a mental push form Corvus. Deciding to break the silence Corvus spoke.

"Why are you following us."
The purple equine looked startled by their question and responded "To keep you safe of course"

"We don't need your protection.

"Of course you do! You're only little foals!"

'There's that term again. Why do they insist on calling us that?' Corvus pondered while walking.

"Then make yourself useful and tell us where to find a wide open area with no distractions."

"Well, there's the guards' training grounds."

"Take us there, now."

"Why should I?"
Instead of answering Corvus twisted their head to look behind them and stared at her. Understanding the message the female decided it would be best to do what they said. She sped up her steps and lead the trio of humans and Corvus to a large courtyard the guards apparently trained in.
Corvus began inspecting the area, paying no attention to the gathering equines and making sure to block out the orange one's presence. After examining the courtyard Corvus nodded their head and spoke.

"This will do."

"Do for what pray tell?" Questioned a suspicious Luna.

"Catharsis." Was the answer.
Which elicited a confused "What?" from Rainbow Dash.

"He's going to let out his anger and release some of his power." Beatrice answered.

"How exactly?"

"Training." Replied Corvus

"By that he means beating the shit out of us." Stated Ben as he and the others pulled out their weapons and took up ready positions around Corvus.

"Tier 3. Gencall!" Were the only word Corvus said as they assumed the fluid stance, and with that their three companions rushed at them.p
Corvus leaned out of the path of Trick's charge disk and swung their fist into Ben's face, before twisting away from Walker's daggers. Ducking under a swing from Ben they grabbed his arm and threw him over their shoulder. They then stepped back to avoid a leaping Trick, driving their knee into her gut as she came down. Ben was getting to his feet as Walker charged at Corvus. They let Trick fall to the ground as they rolled away from Walker. As they stood they swung a leg at Ben knocking him to the ground. Trick threw her charge disk at Corvus' back, but they twisted their arm around their torso and caught the explosive disk, their hand easily containing the concussive blast.

"Crap."
Trick only had time to utter that one curse before Corvus pulled back their arm, whipping Trick around into Ben and Walker.

The gathered ponies watched the foals battling not quite willing to interrupt them. They all had their own thoughts about the scene before them.

'What have these foals gone through to have so much talent in battle?'

'What is that thing planning and how does it involve those three foals?'

'I can't wait to learn all of these foals' secrets!'

"The brat's actually pretty good for such a little guy.'

'Something dashing yet not gaudy, dark blue perhaps?'

'Ah'll teach that kid respect for adults.'

'I hope those poor dears don't hurt themselves.'

'This will bring in viewers for sure!'
They were pulled from their thoughts when they heard Corvalius Dakenistaire speak.

"Brute strength is ineffective, a head on assault is not feasible. Think before acting, use your unique abilities and styles."
The grey colt was standing with his hands in his jacket pockets looking at his opponents lying on the ground. In response to his words the three foals stood up and got into different stances. Beatrice Felix was lightly bouncing, balanced on the edges of her deformed hooves with her yoyo swinging behind her. Benjamin Galith was standing straight-backed with his hands at his sides. And Walker Green was in a relaxed stance similar to the one Corvalius Dakenistaire had used.

"Baed wij gencall!" Corvalius Dakenistaire called out.
The foals sprung forward again, Beatrice Felix was flipping through the air never standing in one place more than a second, Benjamin Galith charged forward pressing a vicious assault, and Walker Green was moving in the same fluid-like manner as the grey colt.
Corvalius Dakenistaire flowed around Benjamin Galith's strikes while ducking under Beatrice Felix's sweeping kicks, punches, and yoyo swings, and blocking Walker Green's attacks while returning their own punches. The quartet of foals became a writhing ball of flying limbs.

As Corvus danced around the humans' attacks they analyzed their movements looking for an opening. Ducking under a punch from Trick Corvus stepped back to avoid Ben's knife. As they diverted a punch from Walker they had an idea. Shoving Walker away they ducked under a swing form Ben. Corvus fell to the ground and landed doing the splits. They drew back an arm, the fist gaining a metallic shine, and punched Ben right between the legs. Those watching couldn't help but wince as Ben's eyes widened and he began to tear up. Ben let out a shrill scream and collapsed clutching at his manhood. All of this happening in two seconds.

"I surrender." He gasped out.
Corvus flipped away from a swinging charge disk and landed a few feet away. Before she could react Corvus sprung at her, a blast of air propelling them, and kicked their feet into her back slamming her into the ground. Corvus landed next to Trick and planted a foot on her back.

After a moment of struggling Trick stopped moving and said "You got me."
Corvus backed away from her and turned to face their final opponent. Walker stood on the opposite side of the courtyard watching Corvus.

"Let's see if you've learned anything."
With that the two fighters sprinted at each other. Corvus sidestepped a fist from Walker and grabbed his wrist and threw him over their shoulder. Walker landed on his side and rolled to his feet before charging again. Corvus twisted their body in unnatural ways to avoid the barrage of high-speed punches. Corvus kicked at Walker's stomach only for him to backstep and grab their leg. Walker levered them over his shoulder and Corvus' face impacted the ground.

The observing equines flinched and started to approach the colt, only to back up in shock as he pushed himself up and stood on his hooves looking no worse for the wear.

"You may be skilled in other styles, but you're only a novice in Guanvieloshek."
Corvalius Dakenistaire held out his arm with their palm facing Walker Green. What appeared to be an orb of glass formed in the colt's hand which then filled with white, bright purple, and electric blue energy.

"Charge Bolt." The colt stated.
With that the orb shot out of his hand and flew into Walker Green's chest knocking him to the ground. Corvalius Dakenistaire walked up to the downed colt and looked down at him.

"I submit." The prone colt stated.
With that Corvalius Dakenistaire held up a hand and raised it up lifting the trio of foals to their hooves, seemingly completely uninjured.

"That was fun." Came the voice of Benjamin Galith, causing many of the ponies to wonder how that could be consider fun.

"I need to work on my velocity and trajectory, I should've been so much faster more precise than that." Complained Beatrice Felix, leaving the pegasi and alicorns stunned that the filly's acrobatics were considered slow and imprecise.

Corvalius Dakenistaire then stated "You all did exceedingly well fighting your best under tier 3 restrictions."
It looked like he was going to say more but suddenly his head swiveled towards the way they had all come from and began marching towards the hall shoving past the ponies in his way. The ponies all followed after him, his strangely swift and silent stride necessitating that they quicken to at least a jog. Soon enough they had all arrived back at the medical ward and were awkwardly shuffling through the doorway.
The grey colt walked up to a critically wounded stallion lying writhing in pain on a hospital bed with a heart monitor slowly beeping and removed his sunglasses. He and the stallion looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds and then the stallion smiled and closed his eyes with a nod. Corvalius Dakenistaire took of the glove on his right hand and brushed his hand over the stallion's forehead. The stallion's body stopped moving and the heart monitor went silent.

'WHAT HAST THOU DONE?!' Demanded a furious Princess Luna.
The colt replaced his glove and glasses, turned to her, and spoke two words.

"Freed him."

Author's Note

The full names thing is because the ponies don't know that humans have multiple single word names not a single multiple word name.

Explanations and First Impressions Part 3: You're Not Ponies!? Clearing Up Misunderstandings

Corvus had been congratulating their packmates and were about to thank them for helping clear their head when they felt a spirit screaming in agony. They followed the feeling to the same hospital room they had woken up in. They marched through the doorway, paying no attention to the equines jammed in the doorway, and tried to pinpoint the spirit's location. They turned to face a male equine lying in a hospital bed convulsing in pain. Corvus called to the equine's mind as they removed their lenses, awakening their Seer's and Veil-Piercing eyes they made eye contact. Corvus let their souls reach out to the equine's and felt his being. As Corvus studied the equine they knew he was doing the same in an attempt to learn their intentions.

He was playing with his sister in the park. He was protecting a stranger from bullies. He was working in a factory, assembling toys for younglings. He was visiting his younger sister after years apart. He was distracting the beast attacking his sister so that she could escape. He was lying in a bed trying to make the pain leave his body. He was looking into a pair of otherworldly eyes, trying to understand this strange being in front of him.

Corvus understood, this equine was visiting family when the Corpse Hounds attacked them. He had blocked the hound's way to protect his sister. He had lost an arm and had his stomach punctured. He had lain there as his soul was being eaten at, corroding and fading, his body tearing and breaking. He was resigned himself to his fate, willing to face his death so that his sister may live.
Having realized what Corvus intended he closed his eyes and with a smile nodded, accepting their next actions. Corvus removed the glove on their right hand and lightly touched the equine's forehead, releasing his soul from his body and severing his connection with the material plane.
They heard furious scream from behind them.

"WHAT HAST THOU DONE?!"
Corvus sealed their eyes and replaced their lenses and glove before turning around. They saw the dark pseudo-angel. Luna, glaring at them with pure hatred.

"Freed him." Was their response.
Their words seemed to infuriate her even more and she resumed screaming.

"HOW IS MURDERING THAT STALLION SETTING HIM FREE?!"

"We did not murder him, we saved him from endless pain. We saved him from the Corpse Hound's venom."

"Wha-what?" She stuttered. "That doesn't excuse you ending his life!"

"He was already dying, he would have died from his injuries or been destroyed by the venom. We freed him of his suffering."
Corvus moved to leave the room when suddenly they felt their souls being torn apart.

When Celestia saw the grey colt kill that stallion she knew he was using powerful dark magic. When he started moving she put her hand on his shoulder to stop him so that she could help him be rehabilitated. Then black smoke started pouring of his body and he screamed in pain. Before Celestia could use her magic to help him the colt shoved her away and backed into a wall. She was about to comfort him when she heard the voice of Beatrix Felix.

"Don't touch him, I won't let you kill my friend!"

"What do you mean?" Celestia asked in confusion.

Benjamin Galith supplied the answer "Corvalius is a being of darkness, if they don't defend themselves high amounts of hostile or unrestrained light aligned energy will destroy their souls and burn them alive from the inside out."

"Ha!" Came the triumphant cry of Luna "We knew it was evil!"

"What makes you think We're evil?" Came the strangely melodic voice of the grey colt's mouth.

"You are an evil creature of darkness!"

"If all things dark are evil then you are as well."

"HOW DARE YOU! WE ARE NOT A THING OF DARKNESS!!"

"Then why is your power darkness aligned? Besides what's wrong with darkness?"

"Darkness means evil and destruction!"

"No, Darkness shields creation from Light."

"What do you mean?" Questioned an eager Twilight.

"You've already learned far more than you should have, be grateful that We explained that much"
With that Corvus and their pack once again moved to exit the room and were interrupted again, this time by a quiet whisper.

"Please stay, you're too young to be wandering all on your own."

Hearing this Corvus turned to face the flower-like female without stopping and asked "How old do you think we are?"

"W-well you look like your around 107 years old."

Ben spoke up at that "Actually I'm 26"

"I'm 22." Chimed in Trick.

"17."
All of the equines had faces that put their previous fish impressions to shame as the purple one started speaking.

"You're all that young?"

"So?" Questioned Corvus.

"But that's impossible! If you were that young you wouldn't even be able to walk or speak!"

"Say what?" Ben asked in confusion.

"Nopony that young would be able to function by themselves!

"Is that what you all are ponies?" Trick asked her.

"Of course we are, and so are you."

"No, we aren't"

"Of course you are."

"No we aren't."

"Yes you are."
It went on like this for several minutes before they all entered what appeared to be a dining hall.

"Well then, why don't we all have something to eat?" Celestia spoke.
After a minute the humans, ponies, and Corvus were seated at the table with salads in front of them.

"Where's the meat." Came the voice of Ben.

"Don't be ridiculous, why would you want meat?" Responded Twilight Sparkle.

"To eat."

"You can't eat meat." She said while walking up to him and reaching for his mouth. "You aren't built to digest it. If you were you wouldn't have completely flat teeth..." She had opened his mouth and taken a look at Ben's teeth, only just now realizing that he had sharp canines.

"You're a carnivore?!" Twilight shouted while backing away.
At those words the present guards pointed their spears at Benjamin Galith.

"No I'm an omnivore."

"A what?"

Corvalius Dakenistaire was the one who answered "An omnivore: a creature capable of consuming and digesting both plant and animal matter."

"What?" Questioned Rainbow Dash.

"It means he can eat both meat and plants." Answered the grey colt.

"I told you we aren't ponies!" Beatrice Felix said smugly.

"Then what are you?"

"They are humans." Stated Corvalius Dakenistaire.

"They? Then what are you?"

"You don't need to know."

"So you really are 26, 22, and 17?"

"Yes they are."

"Then how can you be functioning?" The purple female asked.

"Humans start developing earlier than a year after birth, reaching full maturity at 25 years of age." Corvus stated.

At that all of the ponies shouted "What!?"
Not wanting to deal with the ponies' questions anymore Corvus stood from the table and began walking away.

"Where are you going?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"Training." Was the only answer as Corvus exited the dining hall.

Seeking A Challenge Finding A Cluster

As Corvus walked through the hallways, memorizing the various turns, they went over the information they had gathered.

"We have been thrown into a new realm," they thought aloud as they walked, "The inhabitants are large equine creatures called ponies. Ponies are herbivores and do not know what an omnivore is. Ponies seem to live longer and mature slower than a human and therefore originally assumed we were disfigured younglings of their species. The ponies have no daiyoshi and the ones with horns use a strange unknown energy in it's place. This energy appears to be incompatible with daiyoshi and seems to have difficulty interacting with it."
As Corvus was thinking this they entered a courtyard similar to the one they had previously been in, only this one was already occupied. Several guards in golden armor were scattered around the area seemingly training, sparing or exercising by running laps or with various pieces of equipment. Corvus stood there taking time to observe the soldiers.
All of the guards were identical, possibly a look required by their military. The ones wielding swords were doing so very poorly, their grips were too tight and not properly placed on the hilt and their stances were either unsteady or not loose enough. The ones with spears were doing no better, their stances were also horrible and were are unable to keep their opponents at a distance, when they thrust they take too long to pull back leaving themselves wide open to retaliation. The horned ones appeared to be giving a minimal amount of exertion, either because of not able to handle physical strain or laziness resulting from an over reliance on their energy, or both. They each gave off different wavelengths, likely indicating what elemental or type affinity they possess. The ones with wings were moderately better, they appeared to have excellent balance and were considerably more agile, they had good coordination and control in the air though they were by no means Sky Lords. They were most likely less durable than the others if their bones were hollow like a bird's to allow flight and their wings were almost certainly fragile, meaning were are the most vulnerable point. They all possessed wind affinities. The average ones appeared to be the best soldiers, they had greater stamina and strength, proven by them working with the heaviest weights and running the longest amounts of time without rest. They were likely very durable and they did have somewhat better stances than the horned and winged guards. Like the fliers they all had the same affinity, theirs for earth and strength. For some reason there seemed to only be female guards. In fact the only male Corvus had encountered was the one they released.
When Corvus was done with that train of thought they decided to see how capable these soldiers were. They started walking towards the guards with their gaze on one particular guard on the far side of the courtyard who they decided was the most powerful. She was a normal pony wielding a long sword that had just defeated a flier in combat. As Corvus drew nearer another guard took notice of them and walked in their direction.

With a soft expression she said "Hey there little fella. Are you lost?"

Corvus was annoyed by the continued belief they were a youngling but decided to enjoy their faces when they realized their mistake. So they simply stopped and responded "No we are not. Now move aside, we have no business with you."
By now other guards were starting to notice Corvus and several including the one they had been approaching moved closer to them. Pointing at their target they declared "We wish to speak with that one."

"What do you need kid?"

"We wish to measure your power, you will duel us."
As the words left their mouth Corvus summoned Zendariel and held it to their side. The guard seemed surprised for a moment before her smile returned.

"Alright I guess I'll humor you." She said while sheathing her blade.

"Excellent."
With that said Corvus swiped Zendariel to the side with a flick of their wrist, creating a glowing green circle on the ground around them, encompassing both Corvus, the guard, and a large area of the courtyard around them around 12 feet in diameter and pushing back the crowd of guards who then gathered at the edge of the ring.

As the female looked at the circle in amazement Corvus walked to the edge of the circle opposite of the guard Corvus and explained "This circle is the boundary line of our field of battle. Neither of us leave the battlefield until one of us submits. Neither of us are permitted to use lethal force or cause lasting injury. Minor wounds and small cuts are permitted, although We don't believe you will even manage that." By the time they had finished speaking they were standing at the boundary facing the soldier with Zendariel next to them, somehow balancing on the tip of its sheath without any sign of shaking or instability. "Move to your edge of the field so we may begin" They gave the guard the order and stood there silently in their normal relaxed stance.
With a shake of her head the guard moved to the opposite edge of the circle and looked at Corvus with her arms crossed.

"Alright kid I'm ready."
Corvus' response was to announce "Gencall." and rush forward with a long step and punch their opponent, drawing back with another long step. The guard was knocked backwards and when she hit the boundary a green glow briefly surrounded her and pushed her away from the edge of the circle. She stumbled for a moment before regaining her footing. She and the gathered soldiers looked at Corvus with shock, having believed this wasn't an actual battle.

"How did you move that fast and hit me so hard?"

"Believing this was not a true fight was your first mistake, underestimating us was your second. Never assume you know an opponent's power or how great their strength is, appearing weak or nonthreatening is a basic trick, both in battle and nature." Corvus chastised the guard with a shake of their head.
They rushed at the soldier and grabbed her by the wrist and lightly threw her towards the center of the ring. The guard hit the ground with a grunt landing on her side. As their opponent stood herself up Corvus continued their analysis.

"Little to no ability to maneuver in the air or stabilize herself to land on her feet, this weakness is mostly compensated for by higher density offering superior balance combined with solid defense but can be overcome with sufficient strength.'
Getting irritated by this delinquent colt who must be using strength enhancing enchantments the guard decided to show this foal why she was a royal guard. She charged at Corvus intending to scare them into backing off with one good punch. When the guard got in close she threw her fist at Corvus. Only for them to catch her fist in their own hand.

Looking at the guard's stunned face they stated "If this is the full extent of your capabilities We greatly overestimated your power. Unless you plan to actually take this fight seriously We suggest you surrender now."
Corvus thrust their knee into the guard's stomach and while she was gasping moved behind her and shoved her forward.

"A warrior must treat every battle like a fight for his life. No matter if it is a spar between friends or a duel to the death, fight as if you have to win. Or you will fall in the one battle you cannot afford to lose. If you can't even land a hit on an opponent that is holding still how can you hope to win against an enemy warrior aiming to kill you?" As the soldier turned around and glared at them Corvus continued "Draw your blade and treat us like your worst enemy, because that is exactly what we are now. You must come at us with the intent to kill if you want to even have a chance to actually land a hit."

Seeing the soldier's hesitation Corvus stated "Draw your blade and fight or surrender, those are your options."
Corvus swung their arm at the soldier with their fingers posed in a claw, making several shallow cuts in the guard's armor.

"Draw your blade." Corvus ordered. This time they spoke with their other voice, the layered whisper carrying undeniable authority.
The guard looked stunned for a moment before adopting angry expression. She drew her sword and charged at Corvus letting out a battle cry.

"Training." That was Corvus' explanation of their intentions. That was the only word they spoke before leaving, the ponies with a camera and microphone following after them.
Immediately the trio of humans began discussing what Corvus might do.

"At least they're not on a rampage, right guys?"

"They're probably going to smash something."

"Relnak will likely seek out an interesting opponent."

"Dude's right, they're probably already assessing potential adversaries to determine who would be the best opponent."
Their discussion was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. The trio looked to the source of the noise. Celestia was looking at them with curiosity and concern.

"Why was Corvalius Dakenistaire so cold and harsh?"

Walker was the one to answer "That's just how Relnak is."

Twilight Sparkle had to ask "Why do you call him that?"

"Because they are my relnak."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Asked an impatient Rainbow Dash.

"My relnak, my master."
All of the ponies tensed at the word master.
The orange female had a look of fury as she practically shouted. "You mean yer his slave?!" The humans couldn't help but cringe slightly when they heard her voice. With a dark look in his eyes Walter spoke.

"How dare you even think my relnak would have slaves." He voice was calm but was filled with venom

"But that's what ya said, master like master an slave."

"No I did not. My relnak is not a slaver, they showed me what I am capable of. They taught me how to survive. They gave me the power to fight back." By now he was standing and had his fists clenched.
Walker was about to say more when Ben placed a hand on his shoulder.

With a shake of his head he calmly said "Calm down, it's not worth the effort."
Hearing his words Walker closed his eyes and took in a breath. He opened his eyes and sat back down. There was silence for a few moments before Trick spoke up.
"Let's go see if Corvus found anything fun to do."
Without a word the trio of humans went to follow Corvus' aura. The ponies fell in line behind them and silently followed.
After a minute or so of walking the two groups were in a courtyard with several guards gathered around something. The humans moved through the crowd pushing guards aside to get closer, the ponies followed after them being more careful in the crowd. What they saw stunned the ponies and made the humans grin.
The soldiers were gathered around a separation field watching a normal guard charge at Corvus with a sword. Before any of the ponies could attempt to interfere Corvus stepped towards the mare, now behind her guard they delivered an uppercut the guard's jaw sending her reeling back.

The guardsmare could barely believe that this colt was able to hit so hard. Corvus was barely able to believe that this soldier didn't even try to defend with her free hand. They followed the uppercut with a shove to the stomach before stepping back. The guard fell to the ground and quickly scrambled to her feet, she rushed at Corvus and swung at them. Corvus leaned away from the blade's path and pushed its wielder away when she stumbled forward, having been thrown off balance by the unexpected lack of resistance. Even though the blow was only meant to make a shallow cut her poor stance left her center of gravity too high. This left her with poor balance that was easily disrupted, the force of her swinging arm having acted as a lever and she was pulled forward by her own strength.
The guard stumbled back a few steps before steadying herself. With a cry of anger she started swinging wildly, attacking Corvus with a frenzied onslaught. Corvus leaned out of the way of every strike, avoiding the blade by less than an inch, never moving from the spot they stood on.

'Why is a guard attacking him?'

'How is he moving like that?'

'She must be going easy on him, but why is she toying with him?'

'This outta put that brat in his place.'

'If they were looking for a good fight I think they'll be disappointed.'

'Looks like Corvus' going to need something they actually have to put effort into after this.'

'Lacks any knowledge in any form of swordsmanship, simply swinging the blade like a club. Her combat stance while wielding a weapon negates the stability of a dense body structure, leaving her vulnerable to attacks that can knock her into the air. She is unable to accept that we are a superior warrior to her and reacts with anger, likely out of pride. Against an opponent with any skill at all with a weapon she would fall in seconds.'
Corvus jumped over a strike aimed for their legs and kicked the guard in the chest, throwing her to the floor. Corvus put their hands in their pockets and stood there watching their opponent pull herself to her feet. The guard, blinded by anger, rushed at Corvus and swung her sword at their neck.
The ponies were either staring wide eyed in horror or covering their eyes, the humans didn't show any concern.

"W-what?"
Hearing that the ponies who had covered their eyes looked up and were stunned by what they saw.
Corvus was standing perfectly still appearing to haven't moved an inch. They had caught the blade in their hand without looking. Corvus looked up at the guard, lenses seeming to glow from light reflecting off the mirror-like surfaces. Without a word Corvus disarmed her with a flick of the wrist, the sword clattering to the ground at the edge of the ring behind them. Before the soldier could react Corvus shot forward and slammed their fist into her torso, knocking her into the boundary line. Without allowing their opponent time to recover Corvus grabbed her head pressed it into the ground hard enough to hurt but without enough force to injure her.

"Submit."
The guard struggled for a moment before going limp. The separation circle disappeared as Corvus released her head and stood up, holding out a hand to help the guard up. Ignoring their offer she pushed herself up and glared at Corvus.

"You're in big trouble kid! Strength enhancing magic that strong is illegal."

"It is sad that you must accuse us of crime because you cannot accept that we are superior." Corvus said in a disappointed tone. The guard opened her mouth to respond but Corvus interrupted before she could speak "You have armor and a weapon but that doesn't make you a warrior. Your skills in combat are pathetic. You hold your blade but you can't truly wield it. You severely lack talent, discipline, and instinct, your mind isn't properly conditioned for battle, and you let your anger control you and take away your reason. In an actual fight you would be slain without mercy or hesitation, you would meet the fate of a failed warrior. Dying and fading from history, unknown with nothing to be remembered for, never experiencing True Battle. Do you want that?"

The soldier scoffed at that and with a look of derision asked "What would you know about skill in battle? What makes you so great?"

"We are not great, We simply developed the skills needed to live." Corvus had retrieved Zendariel and was now walking away from the gathered ponies with the blade's scabbard in their hand and the hilt resting above their shoulder.
(Like this)

Their companions shared a look and followed after them "You lack both skill in warfare and honor. You broke the laws of the duel and attempted a killing blow and accuse us of foul play in an attempt to preserve your ego."

"Nice work putting that pretender in her place, but you should have let me help."

"She wasn't worth it. Do you also want them to use a bazooka to kill ants?"

"That depends, what dimension are the ants from?"
Corvus was pulled from their discussion when they felt a nearby source of jielthis. Corvus stopped in their tracks and turned their head in the direction the felt it from. The three humans stopped as well and stood behind Corvus.

"What's wrong?" Asked Trick.
With out answering Corvus took off running at extreme speeds and becoming a grey blur. The humans and several of the ponies, including the guard Corvus had dueled, soon running in after them.

As they ran Corvus heard the panicked cries of ponies coming from ahead.
They turned a corner and stood there assessing the situation, their pursuers soon came around the corner as well and had mixed reactions. The humans were tensed in preparation, while the ponies were less professional.

"Mother of Faust, what is that thing!?"
Sitting in the hallway next to a large hole in the wall was, for lack of a better word, a monster.
It looked like several ponies' bodies had been torn apart and stuck together. It was a heap of flesh that stood as tall as the princesses. Its body was a twisted mess of body parts with arms, legs, wings, and heads jutting out randomly along with several fleshy tumor like protrusions. The eyes on it's heads were sunken in and bloodshot, and its mouths dripped with a thick unknown fluid, their tongues hanging limply. It had a guard trapped by several hands and a group of ponies were backed up against the wall with three guards trying to hold it off with spears. The one with a horn appeared to be trying to attack with her energy and seemed to be doing some damage, but the creature ignored the burns left by the blasts.
Without looking away from the thing Corvus spoke with their layered voice as they flipped Zendariel into the air and grabbed it by the hilt while removing it from its sheathe, revealing a gleaming silver-white blade that made a metallic ringing sound as it was drawn.

"Degirz yuntilds wij tolnak helfriig."
With that they dashed toward the beast, their packmates running to the cornered group of ponies.
Corvus slashed at the creature and dodged a swiping arm and cut its hand off at the wrist. The creature screamed in anger and Corvus rolled to the side as it slammed a fist into the floor where Corvus had been standing. They severed the limb with a swing of Zendariel, the resulting wound spurting black blood. On the opposite side of the creature Corvus' comrades had reached the ponies and were trying to guard them. Ben shot at any of the creature's heads that were in his line of sight, Walker fended of any limbs that got too close with his daggers, and Trick flipped through the air, weaving around the flailing appendages and throwing her bladed disc at the creature's body.

The ponies could only stand and watch, paralyzed by fear and shock. The thoughts going through several of their minds were questioning what this monster was and could these four could really stop it. The guard who dueled Corvus however was thinking something different.

'Just what is this guy capable of?'

Ben flipped the gun in his left hand into a knife and ducked under the arm swinging at him, stabbing the elbow joint as it past overhead. Walker stabbed a knife into the hand of a reaching arm and pulled on it, slashing at the arms that tried to throw him off. Trick was using the creature's body as a springboard to distract it from the ponies.
Corvus caught sight of the hands holding the screaming guard and leapt into the air towards the captive pony. They swung Zendariel cleaving through the limbs. As the guard, still clutched in the severed hands, began to fall Corvus grabbed her by the arm and landed near the ponies who had followed them here. They set down the soldier and took a step back. They aimed a series of slashes at the soldier, all of the hands were cut to pieces and fell to the ground.

Corvus nodded at the soldier and spoke to their comrades "We'll open a path, get them clear."
They spun around and charged at the creature, knocking it down the hall with a shoulder check. The humans quickly ushered the ponies away from the battle.

"Get your asses in gear people!"

Corvus, no longer having any noncombatants to worry about, was finally able to use a bit of power. Jumping over a sweeping leg Corvus severed the limb and landed a few feet away from the beast. Zendariel's scabbard took on a dull ivory glow and Corvus flipped it into a reverse grip. The creature lunged at them and they rolled to the side. Faster than the eye could follow Corvus zoomed around the creature, delivering lightning fast slashes that left the its limbs laying on the floor in pieces.
Before Corvus could continue the assault they were hit by a headbutt from the creature and knocked to the ground. Before they could get up they creature pounced on them, slamming onto the ground and crushing them under its weight.

The humans and ponies were watching Corvus battle the thing when it knocked them off their feet and bodyslammed them. Some of the ponies moved to join the fight when they were blocked by Trick's arm.

"Don't, they've got 'em right where they want him. They don't need you interfering and complicating matters." Before the could question her she held up a finger and said "Watch."

The creature lifted itself up and looked at the ground, only to see Corvus wasn't crushed underneath its body. It looked around for a moment before it heard a voice from above it.

"Up here."
The creature and ponies looked up and were stunned to see Corvus standing on the ceiling looking down at the creature. With light flashing off their lenses they stated "Bull's-eye." and shot downward toward the creature. With a slash of Zendariel all of the creature's heads were severed. As they approached the creatures body they slashed with a downward cut cleaving through the creatures body, then they reached a hand into its wound and ripped something out before flipping through the air and landing in a crouch. Corvus held their hand up to their face looking at the thing in their grasp. It looked like multiple hearts with several small openings leaking blood held together by slimy black tendrils. With a clench of their fist they crushed the mass of flesh.

End Music

As the ponies stared at them in astonishment Corvus stood and looked first at the bloodstained hall and then at their own bloodied clothes. Without saying a word Corvus pointed Zendariel at the floor and slowly lifted it up, the blood on the floor, walls, Zendariel, and people and ponies' clothing rising with the blade. All of the blood gathered into one mass, floating in front of Corvus. The zipper on their collar unzipped and the blood flowed through the opening and into Corvus' mouth, the zipper then closing itself. Corvus then dematerialized Zendariel.
Before anypony could react Corvus was suddenly standing in front of them, looking into their eyes... possibly. Corvus pointed at one of the ponies that had been saved from the creature and spoke.

"What happened?"
The stallion stammered for a moment or two before Corvus stepped closer and lifted their lenses, looking him in the eyes.

"Speak."

"We were in the morgue preparing the bodies of ponies who had died in the medical ward after the monster attack earlier. I noticed that the bodies seemed to be twitching, but before I could say anything they tore themselves apart and turned into that... thing and then it-it ate two ponies. We ran out the door and it burst through the wall after us. Then those four guards came and, well you know the rest."
Corvus nodded their head as they began thinking aloud.

"The Corpse Hounds left their victims infected with Soul Rot. When the bodies were all in one place they must sensed the presence of the morticians, then in an attempt to get to the food they knew was around them they formed a Cluster-Class body and attacked."

"What?" Was the question of several ponies.

"Let us explain."

"Great, you set him to lecture mode." Groaned Ben.

"Please save all questions until the end."
Corvus projected a 3D image of a basic model of a human.
"This is a normal mortal in average condition."

"This is a mortal with Soul Rot in their body or a 'taint blood' as they are known."
The image gained a network of veins throughout the body, some of them black instead of red.

"Soul Rot is a type of disease that, as the name implies, causes the taint blood's soul to corrode and decay."
The model gained a thick blue outline which then started to thin, break up, and turn dark as the black spread to the others veins.

"After the soul has become irreparable, a point which is known as Withering, the remains of the corrupt soul twist and change and the body mutates as well, killing the taint blood and creating a Defiled."
As they said this the model's outline turned completely black and the body started to change. Its limbs bulged and stretched, its mouth stretched impossibly wide, the skin and muscle on the cheeks stretching and tearing, and filled with huge fangs.

"There are multiple phases to the infection and many more different possible mutations. To simplify things they are put into one of five stages and are categorized by body structure, physical traits, and abilities. There are six categories which are then divided into three subcategories."
The image changed to show five rectangular blocks stacked on top of each other with a number on their left, 1-5 going up, and 6 symbols lining their right.

"What We just killed was a Cluster-Class Defiled, Cluster is a branch of the Multi category. Clusters are Defiled whose bodies are formed from multiple corpses fused together. Clusters are best known for their many extendable limbs, though these don't manifest until Stage 3, and ability to eat several victims at once. This Cluster bypassed the first stage and went right to Stage 2, Stage 2 is made up of Defiled that have recently gained enough power and have lived long enough to exit the infancy stage. Stage 2s are still considered young and can be dispatched considerably easily so they don't normally pose too much of a threat."

"Any questions?" Corvus asked while dispelling the hologram.

"Not much of a threat?! That thing demolished us!"

"Well not much of a threat to us anyways. But for you it would be much more difficult without any effective weapons, knowledge of your enemy, or fighting ability."

They then turned to face Luna "This is what We meant when We said We had freed that man."

"What are we going to do about that thing's body?" Asked a guard.

"That's not something for you to know." Trick cautioned the guard who had spoken "Let's all just leave and let them take care of the monster corpse." Seeing the ponies' still standing there watching Corvus, Trick and the two men started herding the group away while Trick said "Seriously, you're not allowed to see this." in a flat tone.

"That means you too camera dude!"

A few minutes later

Royal Canterlot Library

The humans and several ponies, including the ones present at their awakening, the ones they had rescued, and the guard Corvus fought, were scattered around the library doing various things. Walker was lying on the floor meditating, Ben and Trick were reading books, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were making too much noise, Applejack, Luna, and the guard were trying to understand Corvus' actions, Celestia and Fluttershy were thinking of how to help the humans, and Twilight Sparkle, well...

"Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me!"

"No."

"Tell me!!"

"No."

"TELL ME!!"
This time Ben looked up from his book and glanced at her.

"No."
With that Ben returned to his book, occasionally laughing quietly to himself.

Without looking up Trick called out "You shouldn't do that." Startling Rainbow Dash, who had been about to try moving Walker while he was asleep. (Or so she thought.)

With a smirk Rainbow Dash asked "What do you mean? He's asleep."

"No I'm not." Walker said with one of his eyes cracked open.
Startled, Rainbow Dash jerked away from him with a shout, hitting her back against the bookshelf. Suddenly everyone heard a voice.

"This is a library, keep it down."
The ponies and people looked towards the source of the voice and saw Corvus sitting on a bookshelf.

"How did you get there from the door without anypony noticing?" Rainbow Dash asked, voicing the question on all of the ponies' minds.

Corvus ignored her in favor of looking at their friends and asking "What are you reading?"

The responses from Trick and Ben were "Scholar's research on interfacing with a daiyoshi matrix." and "A book on battle tactics." Ben gave his answer with a laugh.

Tilting their head in confusion Corvus asked "What is so amusing about battle tactics?"

"It's fucking hilarious how stupid this is!"

The guard took offense to that and shouted "Those are the most modern and effective tactics there are!"

"According to this book military tactics haven't changed in centuries. Not only that, all it has is directions to keep your armor shiny and instructions to 'brandish your weapon to intimidate'. It's a joke at best!"
Corvus turned to the soldier and began speaking in a matter of fact tone.

"Those modern and effective tactics are completely useless. Any opponent with any knowledge of combat at all would never be intimidated, and would easily kill the guard "intimidating" them. This tactic would never work in a real fight against a real criminal or enemy warrior."

Walker then chimed in with "Besides not everyone wants to avoid violence. In fact there are several who want and enjoy combat and actively seek it out, like Relnak."

"You like fighting?!" Twilight shouted with a horrified expression.
Corvus looked at her and jumped down from the bookshelf, his landing making no sound.

"Of course We do. Why wouldn't we?"

"Because fighting is wrong!"

"Combat is a form of art."

"But violence is never alright!"

"There is nothing more wonderful than the rush We feel as our blade cuts through our enemies."

"Y-yo-you've killed?!" As she screamed this the other ponies either back away or took offensive stances.
Luna fired a blast from her horn at Corvus, which they deflected easily.
"You saw us kill the Cluster." They reminded calmly.

"But that's different, it wasn't alive! Killing is wrong, all life is precious!"

"So we should have spared our enemies and allowed them to torture, maim, kill, or eat innocent people?" Seeing the ponies' horrified expressions they continued "Very often the only solution is to take a life to save many more. That is the first lesson all who would become warriors must learn if they are to survive."
After they finished speaking Corvus started walking toward the door

"Where are you going this time?"

"We won't be challenging any more of your soldiers to a duel, We've already learned that would be a waste of time. We will be exercising resonance."
The humans shared a look and followed their leader, the ponies not far behind.

In a familiar courtyard Corvus was going through a series of movements looking like a cross between martial arts and dancing.

"What's the point of this?" Asked a curious Twilight Sparkle.

Without looking at her Corvus responded "Ask again when We trust you."
A few minutes had passed before Corvus stopped and stood still. After a moment they reached out a hand and gathered their daiyoshi. To the observers it looked like their hand glowed for a moment before seeming to explode. Corvus clutched their now smoking hand.

"Dude what happened?" Asked a concerned Trick.

"We tried to open a Shadow Gate, but there was some kind of backlash." Corvus explained while looking at their right hand "Our daiyoshi matrix must have been burned out by the overflow of energy from being pulled through that warp directly after connecting with light aligned power."

"What does that mean?" Asked Ben.

Corvus turned to look at their friends and spoke.

"It means we're stuck in world."

Meanwhile

By the light of the moon a figure is seen riding a motorcycle on an empty road. As the rider speeds down the road he takes a moment to look at the full moon, his crimson eyes shining in the moonlight.

'Time to wreak some havoc.'

Author's Note

If you have any questions I'll be more than happy to answer as long as they don't spoil anything I have planned.
Also if anyone wants to be my beta reader please PM me about it.

Blades Clash, Meet The Royal Pain

Luna had seen this being, Corvalius Dakenistaire, was clearly some sort of monster. It had access to powerful dark magic, was unnaturally strong, and had no remorse for ending a pony's life. It even openly admitted to being a dark monster.
But what she noticed that the others didn't made this creature even more disturbing. Its shadow wasn't always shaped like a silhouette of its owner. Sometimes it twisted and stretched, becoming taller, growing claws, and once even becoming an amorphous black mess. It also had a strange metal object attached to the back of its right hand that nopony else had noticed. It was a silver circle with swirling lines engraved along its length with a golden star in the center. Whenever she looked at it Luna felt as if she was staring at a roaring fire.
When Corvalius Dakenistaire spoke of being trapped in this world everypony was confused, except for Luna who realized what was happening.
'It is an alien monster here to destroy us all!'

Corvus looked at their packmates as they took a few seconds to register the information. They took it rather well, Trick flashing her confident smirk, Ben straightening his back and crossing his arms, and Walker nodding in acceptance.

"That's not all." Corvus stated "Solar Flare is out there somewhere, we need to find him and contain him."

Trick gave them a thumbs up and said "Let's rock this world!"

"E-excuse me." Came a barely audible voice.
The four turned to see the still unknown flowerlike winged pony looking at them through her hair.
She was the same height as Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie. Her fur was butter yellow and she had long pink hair with a matching tail. Her eyes were a soft blue color. she wore a forest green sweater and a light yellow skirt reaching below her knees.

"What?" Questioned Corvus.

The female was obviously terrified but still answered "I-I-I w-was w-wondering where you were going now."

"Yeah, what's the plan?" Asked Ben.
Corvus quickly ran through the information they had.

'We are unable to leave this world while our daiyoshi matrix is damaged and unable to properly direct travel through Unreality. Solar Flare is almost certainly somewhere in this world as well and planning to purify this world. He is most likely in a similar weakened state as us, though we cannot depend on the possibility. It is unknown if he is able to leave this world or summon reinforcements, so we must assume he can. The inhabitants of this world have no defense against daiyoshi and are weak in combat. Without any effective resistance the Legion of Light would easily purify this world and beyond.'

'Conclusion...'
In the same even tone they had used all day Corvus answered.
"Find a location to set up at so that we have a central base."
The Trick and Walker nodded while Ben saluted and called out "Yes sir." The flowerlike female spoke up at this point, her voice a little more steady.

"W-well, if y-you need somewhere to stay you c-could come to Ponyville. If that's alright with you?"

Immediately Rainbow Dash protested "What?! Fluttershy they can't come to Ponyville!" Pointing a finger at Corvus she continued "That one's a murderer!"

"If we are murderers for killing living creatures then so are you." Came the response from Corvus "Plants are living organisms and you eat plants."

The ponies paused at that and the flowerlike pony began tearing up.

"No it doesn't!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed "Plants aren't sentient creatures!"

Corvus looked at her for a moment before nodding in satisfaction.

"At least one of you has a brain. But we agree with Rainbow Dash, us staying with ponies will only lead to complications and could potentially be hazardous to all involved."

"Actually I think that's a wonderful idea." Everyone turned to look at Celestia "If they go to Ponyville you six can keep an eye on them."

"And I can study them!" Cheered Twilight Sparkle.

"We will consider this Ponyville after we have seen it." Corvus said, adding their own thoughts while their friends nodded "Also you will not learn anything unless We decide you are worthy to learn." This made the purple female's eye twitch.
Before anyone could try to argue they moved on to another topic.

"What is your name?" They asked while pointing to the flowerlike female.

She answered "F-Fluttershy." her voice lower than a whisper.
Corvus nodded, shocking the ponies that they understood her.

"Let's go."

"Wait."

Corvus stopped and turned to face Celestia.

"What is it?"

"As a new species we need to give you all physicals and record how bodies differ from ours." The princess explained "You will also have a small group of royal guards to monitor you."

With a silent shrug Corvus gestured for the ponies to lead the way.

The group was now in a waiting area outside of a room being used for medical examinations. The ponies were either curious or nervous about what the results would be, while the humans were interested in how much, if any, of Corvus' unique body the ponies would be able to understand.

The group, having been lead to the front gates of the castle, stood facing the trio of guards who had been assingned to them. Corvus focused on the one on the right in particular. Walking up to stand in front of her they crossed their arms.

"We are not okay with being watched by one who broke the rules of our duel."

The ponies were shocked by their words, especially the one they had spoken to.

"How did you recognize me? This armor is enchanted to make us all look and sound alike."

"In part by your posture and recognition of us, but mostly by your scent." Corvus stated matter-of-factly.

"My scent?"

"Yes your scent. Everything has it's own unique scent that defines it as much as names or appearances. Yours is no different miss guard."

"I have a name!"

"We do not know it."

"It's Morning Glory."

"And We are Corvalius Dakenistaire." They sad while walking away. "Now let's get going.'

1 Hour Later

The group was seated in a train car passing the time. Twilight Sparkle was writing something on a scroll, Rarity was checking her makeup, Fluttershy was sitting in a corner trying to go unnoticed, Pinkie Pie was trying to get the others to play a game, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and two of thee guards were watching the humans with wary eyes.
Morning Glory was trying to understand the strange creature dressed in grey. She had thought they were just a punk who looked down on her. But they had not once boasted or acted arrogant, only truly insulting her when she accused them of using illegal strength enhancing magic to beat her. And even then they weren't malicious about it, speaking as if giving a lecture rather than intentionally insulting her.
Trick was reading, Ben was doing maintenance on his gunknives, Walker was looking out the window, and Corvus appeared to be standing in a shady corner, ignoring everything around them.
Unknown to the ponies Corvus was not actually in the train. They were on top of the car performing resonance, the shaking of the train and the high speed wind not affecting their balance.
Corvus could feel their individual pieces hum with power as they connected with each other and resonated, sharing, amplifying, and merging wavelengths into one frequency.
Corvus was pulled from their euphoria as they felt the train stop, having reached its destination. Corvus saw the station platform and jumped off the train.

The ponies and humans had just exited the train when Corvus landed in front of them, startling the ponies. Predicting their reactions Corvus quickly cut off any questions.

"We jumped off of the train car, which We were on top of since the train began moving, doing something you do not need to know about. That is all We shall tell you." This earned curious and/or suspicious looks from the ponies.
With a shrug Corvus decided to ignore it. Turning around they pulled a cigarette out of their pocket, unzipped their collar, and put it to their lips, creating a spark to light it. Placing their hands in their pockets Corvus began walking toward the town, already analyzing their surroundings, however they soon decided there was no immediate threat and let their mind wander.
As they were walking Corvus was reaching outward with all their senses and their daiyoshi, searching for any sign a threar was nearby.
It wasn't long before they sensed a strange presence in the distance to their left. Veering to the left with their packmates and the ponies following Corvus enhanced their hearing to get a better idea of what was happening.

"This place is such a dump and the people here are all worthless."

Recognizing that voice Corvus halted just outside of what appeared to be the town square, their companions following suit. Corvus stood at the edge of a crowd and focused on the figure walking away from them who had spoken.
The person was the height of a tall pony foal like Corvus and was wearing a black cloak with a hood that completely concealed his appearance.

"I can't believe I have to work in this world just because Solar Flare failed his assignment."

The figure was going to say more but was interrupted when a young female pony in a dress with white fur and a purple and pink mane bumped into him, knocking them both over.

"How dare you touch me, you insolent brat!" The stranger yelled in outrage as he stood up. His cloak had been knocked off revealing him to the world. He had silver armor and a similar crown resting in his blonde hair. His face, marked by a small scar on his cheek, could have been called handsome if it wasn't set in a harsh glare. His ice blue eyes were full of fury as an ornate sliver greatsword appeared in his hands.

"I shall teach you to respect your betters!" He declared as the sword swung toward the girl's head.

"SWEETIE BELL NO!"

Sweetie bell closed her eyes as the blade descended. But instead of the sound of steel cutting flesh those present heard metal clashing against metal. Faster than the eye could follow, Corvus had summoned Zendariel and intercepted the blade.
The attacker's eyes narrowed and his mouth formed a scowl .

"YOU!" He roared with hatred.

"Tellrieth the Vain." Corvus stated coolly "We meet again."

"This time our meeting will not end like before." Tellrieth threatened.

"Yeah, this time I'm going to rip through that oversized knife you call a sword and your lackeys won't be here to bail you out!"

"Well said partner."

Corvus turned their head toward the child on the ground between Tellrieth and them.

"Get out of here."
The girl quickly crawled away from the two, scrambling to her feet she ran towards the ponies that had followed Corvus and embraced Rarity. The guards moved to confront the man in armor but were stopped by the humans.

"Don't, you'll just get in the way."

With the youngling out of the way Corvus leapt back, the sudden absence of resistance sending Tellrieth to his knees. He quickly stood back up and rushed at Corvus who took a stance and rushed to meet him, their forms blurring with speed.

As a crowd gathered around the two swordsmen the humans and ponies watched the duel unfold, they all had several different thoughts going through their minds.

'What's going on?!'

'That guy's a murderer. Why did he save Sweetie Bell?'

'How could that brute attack Sweetie Bell?!'

'What history do those to share?!'

'How will he fight when holding that sword?'

'Tellrieth never fights without his gang of thugs to back him up.'

Corvus ducked under Tellrieth's swing and slashed his chest, leaving a shallow cut in the armor. Tellrieth responded with a kick that knocked Corvus off their feet.
Corvus saw Tellrieth's sword approaching and quickly rolled out if the way, the blade embedding itself in the ground. While Tellrieth struggled to free his weapon Corvus stood to their feet and were about to continue attacking when they felt a strike coming from behind. Corvus twisted around and moved Zendariel to block the sword aimed for their neck.

"What is that thing?!"

The gathered ponies couldn't help but agree with the guard's exclamation.
The sword's wielder was what seemed to be a huge living suit of armor with its hand replaced by a blade, two icy blue lights could be seen shining through the visor of its helmet. It was taller than most ponies and made of dull, unpolished steel in contrast to Tellrieth's shining and pristine armor.

"That thing's at least as big as Big Mac!"

"Eh, it's very high quality for a basic construct but still nowhere near the best. Besides, I've seen bigger."

"She's right."

"A sword golem." Corvus observed.

"That's right." Came the voice of Tellrieth, who had successfully removed his sword from the ground. "Have fun with my servant, I'll be leaving now."

"You're running with your tail between your legs already?"

"Oh no, I simply don't wish to remain in this dirty place any longer. Rest assured Darkstar, someday soon I will have revenge and claim what is mine." With that Tellrieth vanished in a flash of light.

"At least this one has actual talent for wielding a blade. Who would know more of a weapon than the weapon itself?"

"We're similar in that regard."

Corvus pushed forward, shoving the golem backwards. They followed this with a slash aimed at the golem's sword arm, however Zendariel simply bounced off its armor and the golem swung its arm in retaliation. Undeterred Corvus caught the blade in their free hand, their skin hardening in response. Quickly analyzing the golem Corvus pin pointed a weak spot in the right side of the chest. Throwing the blade to the side, knocking the golem off balance, they thrust Zendariel forward stabbing it in the chest. Corvus wrenched Zendariel out of the golem, tearing open its chest and revealing its core. In the center of its chest cavity was a large blue sphere of crystallized daiyoshi.
In response to its core being exposed the golem began glowing light blue and slashed at Corvus, its speed much greater than before, while its other arm became a shield. Corvus leapt back and assessed the golem's new behavior.

'It appears to have an emergency mode for when it's near destruction. It will no doubt be able to defend against all close range attacks on its core and the core itself will absorb any energy attacks. Which means we need to use an attack it wasn't made to defend against.'

Corvus held out their left hand and grabbed the weapon they summoned. It was a large revolver made from some sort of black metal, the Lawmaker. Corvus pointed the gun at the golem and as it charged at them they charged the gun with daiyoshi and pulled the trigger.
An explosion, powered by the sudden release of the stored daiyoshi, rang out as the bullet was sent flying. It impacted the core, the kinetic force shattering the crystal. The golem stopped in its tracks and began falling apart, unable to hold itself together without its creator's will fueling it.

"That piece of scrap called itself a sword?" Corvus said derisively as they dematerialized their weapons.

"Hey, that was a very well made weapon. It's not its fault it was used against a superior weapon." Corvus couldn't help but agree as they turned to their companions, their packmates giving gestures of congratulations and the ponies standing in stunned silence. Using a long step to appear in front of the girl Tellrieth had attacked. They removed their hood and made their collar recede to appear less threatening to the frightened child.

"Are you unharmed?"

Sweetie Bell was scared and confused. She had been returning to Carousel Boutique to tidy up for when Rarity got back when she bumped into that colt and he started yelling at her. She was about to apologize when he pulked out a huge sword and tried to kill her.
She was so scared and then this colt in grey appeared and saved her. She ran to her older sister and watched as the grey colt fought, first the other colt and then the huge metal pony with a sword. The way he moved, precisely and with purpose like a dancer, captivated her and his confidence and bravery astounded her. She could tell that her sister and her friends felt the same way. The only ones who didn't seem impressed were the strange hairless foals watching the fight calmly. They had all been surprised, except again the three strange foals, when he pulled out a gun because only high ranking guards and the richest ponies had guns.
She was about to ask what was going on when the colt suddenly appeared in front of her, startling her. She watched as the colt revealed his face and she realized he was just like the other strange foals, although his facial features were smoother and more sharp.

"Are you unharmed?"

All she could do was silently nod. The colt gave a small smile and nodded his head before covering his face again. He started to walk away when Rarity stopped him.

"Thank you for saving my sister."

He looked at Rarity for a moment before shaking his head.

"Don't thank us for doing our job."

This caught Twilight's attention.

"Your job? Are you some sort of guard?"

"More like a warrior or guardian" The ponies weren't sure what they meant like that but they continued before questions could be asked "We have also been called other things but they don't matter right now."

"Who was that guy that attacked Sweetie Bell, why did he attack her? "

"Tellrieth the Vain, an arrogant and selfish man who craves power and respect that he does not deserve. He sought to punish her for disrespecting him." Corvus then turned to their pack "Search the surrounding area. We don't know how many more enemies could be present." The humans nodded and ran in different directions, ignoring the crowd that had gathered. Corvus stood where they were, monitoring their friends locations for danger.

"The royal pain's going to cause more trouble soon enough."

"True but Corvus can handle anything he throws at us."

"He's right. We can easily best Tellrieth and all of his servants." Corvus stated before they sensed Ben was in danger. They raced toward the forest Ben was near, the ponies following though most struggled to keep up.

Location Unknown

Tellrieth stands in a featureless white courtyard watching Corvus defeat his golem.

"Damn it! That worthless golem didn't kill Darkstar!" A feminine voice exclaims

"What did you expect?" Tellrieth questions "A simple golem has no chance against one such as them."

"Then why did you sic it on him?"

"To put them on edge. That way they'll be prepared for any threats and will survive to be at their best when I crush them."

Corvus arrived at the forests edge to see Ben with his gunknives drawn surrounded by wolves made of wood. Corvus sent a mental question to Ben and recieved Ben's memories leading up to now.
Ben had been searching the town when he saw a Legion of Light grunt heading towards the forest and chased after it. When he got to the forest the grunt was gone and a bunch of wooden wolves came out of the trees and attacked him. No matter how many he cut down they just kept getting back up.
Without hesitation Corvus rushed the wolves and smashed two into pieces, Ben using the distraction to escape. Corvus ducked under a lunging wolf and kicked another away, taking note as the two they had attacked pulled themselves back together.

Twilight knew things were bad. Timberwolves almost never came this far from their territory deep in the Everfree Forest, and they could pull themselves together from a pile of sticks. They could shrug off anything except being burned. She was preparing to cast a fire spell when Corvalius Dakenistaire spoke.

"Ignite!"

As they fought of the wooden beasts their mind was racing.

'These creatures can reassemble themselves when damaged but they're made of wood so obviously weak to fire.'

With their course of action decided Corvus held their right hand in front of their face and made a fist. Focusing on one piece of their being and the intent behind their next word they called out.

"Ignite!"

Their fists, forearms, and legs were wreathed in flame as they charged at the wolves.
Unlike their previous style they were more direct and brutal, beating the timberwolves and reducing them to ash.
Corvus punched one wolf and it burst into flames as they spun around and landed a kick on another wolf's face. They shot a fireball at a wolf and caught another as it lunged at them and threw it at another
Soon all that remained was piles of ash. Corvus extinguished their flames and turned to face Ben.

"You okay?"

"Yeah I'm good." Corvus nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good. Let's go find the others." Corvus then grabbed Ben's shoulder and with a long step the two vanished. Leaving the ponies to think about what they had just seen.

Author's Note

And cut! What did you think? Please leave a comment, and if you have any questions for me, about the characters, or for the characters feel free to ask. Also please forgive any grammar mistakes, my computer's getting fixed and I'm typing on my phone.
Also I still need a beta reader. Please PM me if interested.

Reckless Pride

Corvus and Ben appeared in the town square, where Trick and Walker had come to regroup. As they and Ben approached Corvus sensed something close by, something angry. But when they looked for it they saw nothing and they felt no physical threat.

'It must be spiritual in nature, no physical form. We'll have to project.'

"We're going to investigate that presence. Take control."

"You got it."

Corvus ejected theirself from their body, their consciousness and souls taking the form of a translucent version of their body, invisible to spiritually unaware beings. As they walked away trick noticed Ben and Corvus' body approaching and called to them. "Hey guys, how'd it go?"

"Corvus saved my ass "

"Well good job Corvus."

"Not Corvus" Corvus' body responded.

Ben turned to the body in confusion. "Is that you Flesh? Did Corvus separate fron you?"

The now named Flesh nodded in affirmation. "I'm in control while they investigate a possible threat."

Trick gave a smile and said "Well then, let's find somewhere to come up with a plan."

With that the group began searching for a meeting place.

Corvus was nearing the entity and decided to see if it was intelligent.

"We feel your presence. Reveal yourself and state your intentions."

They felt the entity's suprise as a spectral Princess Luna appeared in front of them with a stunned expression.

"How did you find us?"

"We felt your presence and assumed you were a threat and left our body to investigate."

"Left your body? How?"

"By separating out spirit from our body to exist on the astral plane. Is that not what you did?"

"No this is a mental projection, We are meditating in Canterlot to keep you under watch."

"Ah, We see. While We seperate our body and souls and have them exist independently, you remain in your body. While we exist here and can affect the physical realm, your method is similar to having a vision of another place, you can see and hear but nit touch." However Luna had stopped listening by that point.

"You seperated your soul from your body?! That's impossible! Nothing can live without a soul!"

"First, the Defiled are creatures without souls." Corvus stated, irritated that she had forgotten their explanation. "Second, our body is still being driven by a soul."

"What?"

Ignoring the question Corvus turned away and began walking toward the aura of their body, humming a tune (The chorus of Counting Stars by One Republic) as they went, Luna following after them.

"This woman is trying my patience."

"As long as she doesn't get in our way, I'm good."

"Yes, I'd hate to have to waste time dealing with her."

"We must be careful we don't end up her prey."

"We should plan for any hostile actions."

"But for now let's just enjoy the fact we'll get to pound The Royal Pain when he shows up again!"

"I wonder what the others are doing right now."

"Let's go over what we know."

The group was gathered on the roof of a building, Trick playing with her charge disk, Walker and Ben sitting calmly, and Flesh, who had spoken, pacing in front of them.

"The Legion of Light is present in this world, as evidenced by my other's confrontation with Tellrieth."

"I saw a legion grunt earlier." Ben added.

"I found these light aligned crystals." Trick said while holding up the crystal shards.

"Thank you." Flesh said before continuing "My other and I don't yet know how serious the damage to our matrix is or if/how it will effect our abilities beyond being unable to shield mortals from Unreality.'

"Couldn't you and Corvus go through yourselves?"

"Yes but that would mean abandoning you." Flesh explained with a shake of his head. "Corvus prioritizes your safety above all other immediate goals, and as their other I share the same goal."

He was about to continue when the voice of Twilight Sparkle called out. "There you are I've bee- How are you doing that?!"

"You'll have to be more specific."

"How are you walking on nothing?!" She shouted, her friends, and the guards staring at Flesh floating in the air.

"Simple, I create platforms of solidified air beneath my feet, creating stepping stones to support myself."

"First, that's impossible, second why did you start referring to yourself in the singular now Corvus?"

"In order: It's actually quite easy if you have a wind affinity. My name is not Corvus, I'm their other, Flesh. And you do not have the right to use that name."

"It's Corvalius Dakenistaire. Remember that Twilight Sparkle."

The ponies turned to see a see-through copy of Corvus standing with its arms crossed. Pinkie Pie appeared next to it with an unnaturally wide grin.

"Neat! How'd you make another you?" She said while poking her fingers into the image's body.

"Pinkie, it's not another Corvus, it's just an illusion." She was about to continue when Corvus grabbed Pinkie Pie's arm.

"First, do not touch us. Second, We are very real. Third, don't try to explain things you don't understand. And fourth, We just told you, you are not permitted to use that name. We are Corvalius Dakenistaire, and you will address us as such." As they were speaking their image dissolved into a mass of energy and transferred into their body, the last sentence being spoken by their physical form.

"We do not appreciate a potential enemy who hasn't earned our respect acting so familiar with us." They finished.

"You jerk!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she flew towards Corvus, getting in their face. "She's just trying to be friendly, now apologize!"

"You are angered by our disrespect, but you treat us with just as little respect."

"Why should I respect you?"

"Why should We respect your friend? "

"Because she's my friend!"

"By that logic you should respect us because We're Benjamin's friend." Corvus said. "Having friends doesn't mean you have the respect of those you aren't friends with."

In response Rainbow Dash shoved Corvus away.

"What do you know?!"

Flipping to land on their feet on the roof of the building, Corvus stood there and looked at her, the light of the sun reflected off their lenses.

'Such immature and reckless behavior.'

Corvus decided to leave before things escalated further. As they turned away they looked back at the multicolored pony.

"We know how little the superficial respect you demand from us is really worth." With that they blurred away.

Complete Overhaul

Author's Note

This probably isn't going to meet your expectations because this is my first time doing this and I'm trying not to have everything about the characters be told to you instead of shown and to not write questions that will be asked later in the story . I promise that the next interview will be longer and will actually help to give the cast of Creeping Shadows some more characterization. (I hope I didn't just use that word wrong and make a fool of myself)

Character Interview 1

Me: Hey there guys! It's me, your favorite author of Creeping Shadows (At least I hope I am since I'm the only author of Creeping Shadows) Doomed Soul. Since this segment is still a work in progress I was only able to get one character to interview. Here with me I have our protagonist Corvus Darkstar.

Corvus: Yanem. (Hello.)

Me: As of writing this we've only recieved one question so here it is. InfernoRage008 says: Here's a question; Corvus (can I please use that for now? It's hard to pronounce the entire name) how will you and the others deal with the ponies, should they interfere with your duties, plans, and such? Because we all know how ignorantly annoying they can be.

Corvus: First, yes you can call us Corvus, We usually prefer the shortened version unless We are being formal or believe it and our other nicknames are not appropriate at the time. Second, it all depends on how they interfere. We would either ignore them if they are simply being an annoyance, move our base of operations elsewhere if they are inhibiting our actions, or intimidate them with a display of force if they decide to oppose us. We will only attack or attempt to harm them in any way if the ponies leave us with no other options.

Me: That's the only question that I'm aware of at this moment so now I'll move on to the pre-made questions. Ready to rock Corvus?

Corvus: Ready to roll!

Me: Alright then, first question: What is your favorite thing to eat?

Corvus: Easy, it's a tie between seafood and barbecue.

Me: What is your favorite movie?

Corvus: Now You See Me or Pacific Rim.

Me: Have you seen Jurassic World? I bet you would like it.

Corvus: We'll put it on our list.

Me: What is the strangest thing you've ever seen or done?

Corvus: Definitely the time We fought a monster butterfly somehow wielding a sword the size of a telephone pole.

Me: Can you explain a few of your basic techniques?

Corvus: Sure thing. The long step is a technique that, when used properly, allows one to greatly increase the speed and distance they travel in a single step. The seperation field is basically an energy barrier. Windwalking is the ability to walk on air by creating platforms of solidified air.

Me: Describe your dream girl.

Corvus: We don't understand the question, We have had a lot of dreams and have encountered many females in them.

Me: I mean what do you look for in a girl.

Corvus: The same things We look for in anyone, courage and and a sense of justice, nd preferably skill as a fighter as well but that's not necessary.

Me: No I meant- You know what, nevermind. I forgot who I was talking to.

Corvus: Obviously you are talking to us.

Me: Well, we're about out of time so let's end this with one last question. Corvus, what is your favorite thing to say to your enemies?

Corvus: This body is harder than steel!

Me: And that's a wrap, see you all next chapter! And don't worry, next time there will be more characters and better questions. By the way Corvus, I'll be wiping your memories of this encounter.

Corvus: We figured you would.

Explanations and First Impressions Part 1: Introductions and Hostilities

The two groups stood there regarding each other, the ponies with expressions of sympathy and concern, and the three humans and Corvus with apprehension and calculating gazes. As Corvus crossed their arms over their chest as their comrades the spoke up.

"I am Benjamin Galith."

"The name's Beatrice Felix."

"Walker Green."

"As you know I am Princess Celestia and this is my sister Princess Luna." The white alicorn introduced. "And this is my most faithful student Twilight Sparkle." As Corvus wondered why they would know that she gestured to the purple horned equine with a curious expression and that same predatory glint in her eyes as The All Seeing when it was given the chance to study Corvus.
Then came the questions.

"Was that dark magic you used? How did you use magic without a horn? Where did you learn to fight like that? Did your parents teach you? Where are your parents? Why were you alone in Canterlot? What was-"

"Silence." Came the voices of Corvus.
Corvus took the purple equine's shock as an opportunity to take in her appearance. She was around 7 feet tall with lavender fur and dark purple hair with a pink stripe reaching her upper back and a matching tail. Her eyes were ridiculously large and expressive purple orbs. She wore a simple white blouse with a lavender skirt.

'Underdeveloped muscles and curious nature suggests she is some form of scholar with little to no regular physical exertion. Further supported by her being this Celestia person's student. This 'Twilight Sparkle' is clearly to curious for her own good. More information required for complete analysis.'

Meanwhile Twilight Sparkle was having similar thoughts.
'That dark magic must have effected his personality making him cold hearted and mean. I hope it's not too late to save him.'

"We will answer your questions if we deem you to be worth giving an explanation, no sooner." Corvus stated, cutting her off before she could respond.
Corvus then turned to face Celestia, who had a face of shock and mild anger, and said "Next." The white horned female stepped forward and Corvus took in her appearance.
She was a few inches taller than Twilight Sparkle with snow white fur and deep purple hair that was set in intricate curls along with her tail. She had sapphire blue eyes with blue eyeshadow and red lipstick. She was wearing a sky blue dress decorated with dozens of gemstones. Adorning her neck, ears ,and arms was a small jewelry shop's worth of expensive looking accessories. On her hooves were what appeared to be high heeled shoes.

"Hello darling." She spoke with a Trans-Atlantic accent, her tone vaguely condescending. "Where in the world did you get those clothes? They're so plain and filthy. Why would your parents let you run around in such horrid outfits?"

'The way she carries herself and her tone of voice displays a sense of superiority and concern. Her clothing, jewelry, and makeup speak of a noblewoman with high consciousness of her appearance, coupled with her criticisms of our clothes suggests extreme fascination, possibly obsession, for fashion.'

"This 'horrid outfit' as you call it is not just simple clothing. It is valuable for several reasons and it's appearance is irrelevant."
At this the female gasped in horror and put a hand to her forehead.

"Oh the tragedy! You poor little dear, parents who force you to wear these rags and no fashion sense whatsoever! Don't worry I'll help you posthaste!" She cried in an overdramatic voice.

"If you so much as touch us we will remove your tail and sew it onto your face as a beard."
At this she backed away towards her companions.

"The nerve, refusing my help in such an emergency and threatening to ruin my beauty."

'Does not understand value of clothing besides appearances.'

Corvus was about to reply when suddenly the pink one was in their face and babbling at hyper speed.

"HiI'mPinkiePie!Ilovemakingfriends!Willyoubemybestestfriend?Doyoulikeparties?Ofcourseyoudowhodoesn'tlikeparties!Ihopeyourparentsaren'tbigmeanieswhoabandonedyou-"

Once again Corvus interrupted. "No."

"What do you mean?" Pinkie Pie asked in confusion.

"We do not wish to be your friend and we do not like parties. Now leave us alone."
At this the pink mare's explosive cloud of hair deflated and her smile fell. Corvus noted stood at the same height as Twilight Sparkle and had blue eyes and that she was wearing shorts and a bright yellow T-shirt.

'Childish demeanor and extreme reaction to rejection reveals an immature personality with inability to accept refusal of friendship. Immediate request for friendship demonstrates extreme naïveté. However she seems to be capable of some form of instantaneous movement with unknown limitations or alignment, this requires further observation.'

She just stood there staring into space until the rainbow flier got up in Corvus' face, glaring into their lenses. "Hey you little brat, she's just trying to be nice to you! Now apologize!" She shouted in their face.

"No." Corvus stated while taking a step back. "Why should we? We don't have any reason to be friends with a complete stranger." Corvus stated while taking in her appearance.
She was a few inches shorter than Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie with sky blue fur, cerise eyes, and wild multicolor hair and tail. She wore a black sports bra and matching workout shorts. She was noticeably more muscular than Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie.

'Developed muscles and streamlined shape of an athlete, a runner or swimmer. Hostility at us for causing the pink one distress display a close bond to her with strong protective instincts, perhaps the alpha of their pack. She is quick to try to intimidate and display dominance even after witnessing what we did to the guards, showing she is arrogant and acts before thinking.
Before the flier could respond, the voice Corvus had been trying to get away from called out "Relax Sugarcube, he's just a colt." Corvus tensed at the voice and their human companions flinched.
As the now named Rainbow Dash pulled away with a grumble, Corvus turned to look at the orange normal female and forced themselves to take in her appearance. She stood significantly taller than the others, her coat was bright orange with her blonde hair and tail pulled into ponytails, she had white freckles on her cheeks underneath her bright green eyes. She was dressed in shorts and a red tank top showing her toned stomach with a brown Stetson on her head. On her hooves were brown coverings, protective footwear maybe?

'Western accent and headgear points to roots in a traditional western town. Well defined muscles and style of clothing likely mean long lengths of time spent doing physical labor in the sun, strange footwear and particularly muscular legs suggest the majority of her work focuses on using her legs. She is likely a farmer of some sort.'

"Howdy there Sugarcube, mah name's Applejack." She said cheerfully, not noticing the clenching of Corvus' fists or the worried glances at them from their companions. Corvus looked at the equine, glaring behind their shades, bitter memories rising to the surface.

Dust filled the air, blood pounded in their skull. The booming steps drawing closer. So much blood-

Without realizing it Corvus had flared their daiyoshi, gripping the humans and equines in a suffocating presence filled with despair and malice, bringing the equines to their knees. Their shadow became a formless mass and lifted them into the air. As they hovered there looking at the orange female they spoke. Their voices rang with authority and carried a sense of malice.

"Your presence disturbs us."

With that said they swiped a dark tendril at her, knocking her to the floor. As they descended Corvus turned around and began stomping away, their footsteps still making no sound. Their packmates soon followed, leaving behind the gathered equines who were either looking at them with pity or glaring with hostility.

Sorry Everyone

I know I promised a new chapter a long time ago and haven't given it to you but I have an explanation.
I was halfway done when I realized how horrible the chapter was, so I scrapped it and couldn't figure out the right direction to go and lost my drive to write. That's a problem of mine, one day I'm passionate and driven about something and the next day it seems boring and tedious and I move onto something more interesting.
I know I'm only an average writer on my better days and normally much worse, but I still want to try my best for everyone who actually likes this story. I started Creeping Shadows mostly as an experiment to work on my writing and storytelling skills, I never thought it would get very much attention, especially with the rushed and confusing mess that was my first five or so chapters. But several people have followed this story and I don't want to let them down by posting some rushed poorly made trash like the first half of the chapters I've posted so far.
I have recently had an idea for this story but it might take a while for the next chapter to come out, because I have trouble coming up with the smaller details that connect the major events and I need time to set everything up so that the story makes a little sense and has some sort of pacing. The next chapter will be posted soon, but first I have something to say.

Thank you to everyone who reads this story, because you are the ones who give me a reason to keep writing. As long as there is one person who enjoys Creeping Shadows I will not stop writing, I refuse to cancel this story and let down all of you guys who actually like it. There may be times when I lose my inspiration and take a long break from writing, but I will never quit, I will always return with new inspiration and better writing skills than before. Every failure leaves me better than before and determined not to fail the same way a second time, every mistake is just a lesson on what not to do. I'm probably starting to sound ridiculous, if I didn't from the start, so I'm going to wrap this up.
Until next time guys!

Second Impressions

The ponies and humans stood in silence for a few moments before Trick broke the silence.

"We should get moving, Corvus will find us later."

"How can you stand that ruffian?" Was the first response.

"What do you mean?" Asked Ben as everyone turned to Rarity.

"I mean how can you stand being around somepony who acts so rude and cold?"

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed "That guy's a no good jerk."

"How do you know that?" Questioned Walker.

"Because he's been nothing but a flankhole all day! He insulted us and attacked Applejack and the princesses!"

"Corvus acted hostile, so what?" Trick started "How would you act if you woke up in an unknown place surrounded by strange creatures with unknown intentions?"
Before anyone could respond a young voice spoke up. "He doesn't seem that bad to me." Everyone looked at Sweetie Bell in suprise, having (like me) forgotten she was there. "After all he did save me and didn't ask for a reward."
The ponies considered the girl's words for a moment before Ben jumped off of the building and started walking in a random direction, the other humams following.

"Let's get going, we can talk about this when Corvus is here to speak for themself. Right now I would appreciate it if you guys showed us around."
As the ponies moved to catch up to the three humans several of them were contemplating the strange mystery that was Corvalius Dakenistaire, not knowing that they weren't the only ones. They were also the topic of conversation between two sisters.

Canterlot Castle

"Sister we must do something about that thing!"

"Luna we've been over this," Celestia sighed "We cannot do anything to Corvalius Dakenistaire just because they could be a threat."

"But sister, it is a threat!" Luna argued "It's only a matter of time before that monster starts killing our subjects!"

"Luna they are not a monster." Celestia reprimanded.

"Yes it is! How can something like that be anything but a monster?"

"If they are really a monster why did they save that filly?" Celestia countered, having been informed by her sister of the events of earlier that day. Seeing Luna pause she continued "I'm not saying we should trust them completely, but we shouldn't antagonize them and make them an enemy. I realize they're dangerous and might become corrupted by dark magic but that's why we need to be cautious, especially if there really is a threat from an unkown enemy that they are familiar with."

"Very well sister, We will trust your judgment. We won't trust Corvalius Dakenistaire or befriend them, but We won't provoke them either."

"That is all I ask of you Luna."

With The Humans and Ponies

The group had been walking around town giving the humans a tour for awhile when Morning Glory decided to try to learn more about the one called Corvus.

"Benjamin Galith," she began while turning to the armored human to her left, her formal tone a result of her training "What can you tell me about Corvalius Dakenistaire?"

"Corvus is... a complex individual, but I guess I can tell you some basics.." Came the man's response "The first thing most notice about them is their love of combat."

"Hmph, such a barbaric brute. I'm sure his parents are ashamed."

"Word to the wise lady," Trick said in a serious tone "never bring up Corvus' parents so casually like it's no big deal."

"Why is that?" Asked a curious Twilight.

"It's not our place to tell you," stated Ben "but suffice to say they have a lot of issues."

"Moving on to lighter topics," he said, changing the subject "Corvus doesn't just pick a fight with anyone they meet, they look for powerful individuals who would be worthy opponents.
A love of fighting isn't all there is to Corvalius Dakenistaire, they greatly value their honor and pride, as both a warrior and Son of The Stars, and look down on those who would throw away their pride and those who claim to be warriors without knowing what it means to be one."

"How can he just look down on others like that!?" Questioned an angered Twilight Sparkle who believed it was wrong to think yourself better than others.

"They," corrected Trick "and the reason is that Corvus has no patience for those who insult the dangerous path of a warrior and those who choose to follow it."

"But why would anypony want to fight and hurt others?" Asked a horrified Fluttershy.

"Being a warrior isn't just fighting, to be a warrior is to walk with death, it means dedicating oneself to combat, to seeking out challenges to test you and growing stronger. It means facing impossible odds with bravery and overcoming any challenge, it means fighting to protect the things you care about and the things you believe in."
By now Trick was speaking energetically and with passion, as Ben and Walker smiled and nodded their heads.
"When those who don't seek to grow, who run from danger and avoid challenges claim to be true warriors it is an insult to all warriors, especially those who died bravely fighting to protect the things they treasured. How could Corvus not hate pretender warriors?"
The ponies were stunned, not just because of what they heard but because of who had said it. Because of her appearance and attitude they had assumed the female human was like Rainbow Dash, hot-headed and too worried about being cool to care about intellect or complicated concepts, but here she was giving a passionate and sophisticated speech about what a warrior was.

As if reading their minds Ben smirked and said "Don't act so surprised, just because she looks like a delinquent punk doesn't mean she is one. She's actually quite brilliant, she did did create her weapon and my armor after all."

"Moving on from that," Morning Glory said to get back on topic "what did you mean by Son of The Stars?"

"That's a bit too personal for me to explain." Stated Ben "But I'm sure they'd be glad to explain to you next time you see them."

"They don't seem to want to tell us anything."

"Only because you guys are either treating them like a threat or interrogating them. If you don't try to force them to do anything they won't have a problem with you."
And so the group continued on their way, the ponies were once again deep in thought about the strange grey wearing creature.

Meanwhile With The Strange Grey Wearing Creature

Allow me to step back in time so that everyone has context for Corvus' current situation.

Earlier

Corvus had been wandering around Ponyville for a while, lost in thought and talking to themself.

"These ponies are very strange, and the blue one with wings and the blue pseudo-angel, Rainbow Dash and Luna, are very annoying. Although We can't blame them for being suspicuous, We haven't done anything to deserve this much hostility. And why do only some ponies have certain traits? Wings/horns/both/neither, are they status symbols or are they all different species? Then again one definition of species is a group of creatures that can produce fertile offspring. That reminds us of a really good band called The Offspring. We wonder how Loki is doing."

"Oof!"
Before their mind could wander further Corvus was pulled back to reality by a large object impacting them from the side, knocking them off their feet. Flipping in midair to get their feet back underneath them, Corvus landed in a battle stance. Only to see instead of an enemy a grey winged female pony (Corvus wondered if mare would be an appropriate term since they were equines) standing up, rubbing her head. Her mane and tail were blonde and she was wearing some type of uniform with a messenger bag hanging at her hip and several letters scattered on the ground.
Relaxing their body Corvus helped the woman to her feet, or more accurately her hooves.

"Are you alright?"
The pony shook her head and started to grab the fallen letters in a panic.

Curious about her behavior Corvus asked "Miss are you alright?"

"Look, I'm really sorry for crashing into you but I have to go!" Came her frantic response.
Now Corvus was concerned about what could cause her so much distress.

"What's wrong?" They asked.

"It's adult business."

"We're a lot older than We look, please tell us why you're in such a rush."

"Because I have to deliver all of these letters on time or I might lose my daughter!"
Upon hearing this Corvus clenched their fists as light flashed across their lenses. They grabbed the female's shoulder and turned her around to face them, taking note the fact one of her eyes was looking in a different direction from its twin.

"Explain." They ordered in their layered voice, their tone leaving no room for argument.

"Because my eyes are messed up I have trouble with bumping into things,"

'Makes sense, her depth perception is off.'

"so I have trouble delivering the mail on time and I don't always get payed enough bits. I also can't always be there to pick up my daughter Dinky Doo from school. And now because everypony assumes I'm a clumsy idiot, somepony's called Foal Protecive Services and I have to prove to the agents they sent that I'm capable of caring for Dinky or they'll take her away from me and put her in an orphanage! I have to deliver all these letters and be there on time to pick her up, my daughter can't become an orphan!"

'Wait, if there's school today what was that youngling We saved from Tellrieth doing?'

Meanwhile, Sweetie Bell was trying to get out of trouble by explaining that she finished her schoolwork early so she could leave in time to get ready for Rarity's return, and failing because she still left school early without permission.

'Nevermind, that's not important right now!'
To say Corvus was enraged would be an understatement, the thought of a family being torn apart infuriated them. They could feel their blood starting to boil and had to consciously prevent themself from catching fire, even so steam was beginning to rise from their body, although at the same time they felt great respect for this female who was clearly dedicated to protecting her family. Without a word Corvus gestured with a finger, lifting up the remaining letters and directing them into the mare's satchel, suprising her greatly in the process.

"Where to?" Corvus asked as they grabbed her hand.

"Wha-what?" She asked in shock.

"We will assist you in your quest."

"My quest?"

"Yes, your goal you are working to accomplish, in this case proving you can care for your youngling. We will lend you our speed, now tell us where to go."

The mailmare couldn't believe that this stranger who she had crashed into and confused for a foal was willing to help her just like that.

She pointed and said "That way."
And in a blur of speed they were off. The grey female pointed out the correct houses and Corvus used their speed, further enhanced with wind daiyoshi, to get them there in seconds. They rode the wind to boost their speed, enhance their jumps, and soar through the air. As they glided the pony looked to the stranger that was helping her and realized something.

"I forgot to ask your name!"

"The name's Corvalius Dakenistaire, you can call us Corvus Darkstar for short. You?"

"I'm Ditzy Doo!"
Soon after they had delivered all of the letters and Ditzy pointed Corvus in the direction of the school building.

"Stop there!" Ditzy said, pointing towards a small purple and blonde pony with a horn.
They landed in front of the youngling who ran up and embraced Ditzy as Corvus released her hand.

"Mommy you made it!"

"Of course I did Muffin," Ditzy said with a smile "but I didn't do it alone. I had some help from Mr. Darkstar here."
Hearing this Dinky quickly embraced Corvus with tears in her eyes.

"Thank you for helping my Mommy stop those mean ponies from taking me away Mr. Darkstar!"

With a chuckle Corvus pet her head and said "It was nothing little one, and just call us Corvus."

"No, it wasn't nothing, if I hadn't picked up Dinky today they would have decided I wasn't fit as a parent." Ditzy argued "How can I ever repay you."

"Don't." Corvus responded, raising a hand to stop her from protesting "What kind of monster would We be if We needed a reward for helping a family stay together?"

"Still I need to do something for you."

"I know!" Dinky spoke up "We can give him muffins."

"That's a great idea!" Ditzy exclaimed "Are you hungry Corvus?"

"Yes."

"Well then would you like a muffin? They're my special recipe."

"You have to," Dinky pleaded with puppy eyes "Mommy's muffins are amazing!"

Corvus chuckled at the youngling's attempts at persuasion, having dealt with such a thing before, but decided to humor the two.

"Alright lead the way."
Corvus and the two ponies set out towards Ditzy"s home. Soon dark clouds had gathered and began to pour rain.

"Oh no, I forgot it was scheduled to rain today!" Ditzy exclaimed in dismay, normally she wouldn't be concerned because as a pegasus she was naturally resistant to bad weather, but Dinky was a unicorn and might get sick "Dinky come here, I'll cover you with my wings."

"No need."
The grey pegasus looked back to see Corvus giving their jacket to her daughter, giving a small smile as they helped her with the buckles of the jacket.
Underneath the jacket Corvus wore a tight fitting black tank top, and their left arm from the shoulder down was wrapped in black skin-tight bandages. Hanging around their neck by a silver-white chain was a pendant shaped in a silver-white circle inside a gold ring, a strange symbol that resembled a scorpion engraved into it.

Ditzy wouldn't admit it, but her gaze had lingered on her new friend's well-muscled form longer than necessary. Corvus wasn't terribly bulky like a bodybuilder, being more lean and streamlined like an athlete. Even so, the muscles of their arms, chest, and core were well defined and clearly quite powerful, which was proven by how effortlessly Corvus had carried her when they helped her deliver the mail.

"Thanks Mr. Darkstar!" Dinky said, beaming up at the pale man.

"We told you to call us Corvus, now hang on." With that they lifted her up onto their shoulders, to her delight.
Ditzy Doo watched as Corvus gave her daughter a piggyback ride, Dinky laughing in excitement, and smiled. While she was curious about what Corvus was, she was too grateful right now to care about it very much.

A short time later the trio had arrived at the Doo household and were now located in the living room, Ditzy sitting on the couch, Corvus standing nearby eating a muffin, and both watching Dinky playing on the floor with her toys.

"How are the muffins Corvus?" Ditzy asked.

"Delicious!" Corvus exclaimed between bites "Thank you for being kind enough to feed us."

"It was the least we could do after what you did for us, but if you have to thank somepony thank Dinky. She did all the work, I just supervised."

"Really?" Corvus asked in suprise "She made these herself?"

"Yeah," Ditzy confirmed with a nod "She said she wanted to show her gratitude for you helping me today."

"She didn't need to do that." Corvus insisted "It feels wrong to accept any reward for what We did. It's like saying you aren't worth helping unless you can do something for us."

"It's that kind of talk that made her want to reward you." Ditzy said with a laugh "She said you were like a superhero, helping us when nopony else would."
The way she said no one would help them made Corvus think of something that they realized they should have thought of already.

"What about her father, couldn't he help you?" Ditzy's silence was all the answer they needed. "What happened?"

"He left when he found out I was pregnant."
He had been the only stallion to give her a second glance, all the others took one look at her eyes and thought something was wrong with her. They had been happy together and she thought he would be as excited as her to have a foal, but he panicked and ran out on her. It had been difficult raising a filly alone, she had to work constantly to have enough bits to support herself and her daughter.
Ditzy was pulled from her thoughts when she felt somepony embrace her, she look to see Corvus smiling gently at her.

"What are you doing?" She asked with a blush, because you don't just do something as intimate as hugging someone you just met.

"You seemed upset and We've been told that being given a hug cheers people up." Corvus answered, oblivious to the social boundary they had crossed. "Did it help?"

"Yes it did." Ditzy said with a smile "Thanks Corvus."

"Why did he leave you?" Corvus asked before quickly adding "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to, it's just in our experience talking about a problem helps you get over it."
Ditzy was silent for a few moments and Corvus pulled away from her with a sigh.

"Sorry, We didn't mean to upset you, We just have trouble recognizing the boundaries of what others find acceptable and unacceptable. We'll just leave now."
But they were stopped when Ditzy placed a hand on their arm.

"I guess he didn't want to be a father."

"But why wouldn't he want that?" Corvus asked in confusion "Shouldn't he have been joyful to have a youngling to nurture and teach?"

"I guess he just didn't love me enough to start a family with me."

"Do you have any regrets?"

"Of course not, I love Dinky so much and she's made me so happy."
The two sat there in silence for a while before Ditzy realized something.

"You're new to Ponyville right?"

"Yes, why?" Was Corvus' response.

"That means that the party Pinkie Pie's throwing tonight is to welcome you to town."

"Really?"

"Yeah, in fact it's getting kind of late. The party's probably already set up."

"In that case We should get going. Will you and Dinky be coming?"

"Of course, we'd never miss a Pinkie Party." Ditzy said before she realized something "Hey Corvus?"

"Yes Ditzy?"

"I know I probably should have asked this sooner, but what are you?"

"That's easy," they stated with a smirk "We're Corvalius Dakenistaire."

"That's not what I meant!" Protested the grey mailmare.

"But it is what you got."
With that said the two ponies and one Corvus were off, Dinky once again riding on Corvus' shoulders as Ditzy led the way.

Sweet Apple Acres

As they approached the large red barn, from which music and several voices could be heard, Corvus had only one question.

"Hey Ditzy?"

"Yeah, Corvus?"

"Why are barns always red?"

"I'm not sure."
With that out of the way, they walked through the door.

The trio of humans were sitting at a table thinking about the events that had led up to them attending this party. After Trick's speech not much happened, they continued exploring Ponyville and then Pinkie Pie had led them the huge barn where the party was being held. They had spoken to some ponies and a news reporter and a pony with a camera who had been sent to learn more about them, Ben was currently telling them a story to pass the time until Corvus arrived.
Walker perked his head up and looked toward the doorway, feeling his relnak's presence.

"They're here."
The party-goers looked toward the opening door, many were shocked to see Corvus enter with Dinky Doo perched on their shoulders, her mother walking alongside them.

"Hey there Corvus." Ben called out to his friend as the stallion with the camera turned to record them "Who're these two?"

"Yanem everybody," Corvus greeted as they approached the table "this is our new acquaintance Ditzy Doo and her daughter Dinky Doo. Ditzy, Dinky, these are our friends Benjamin, Walker, and Beatrice."

"Hello."

"Greetings."

"Hey there."

"It's nice to meet all of you." Ditzy said with a smile, having been told about the humans by Corvus on the way to the party.

"Hi there!" Was Dinky's response.
Ditzy was about to ask more about the group of aliens when she noticed the way ponies were looking at them. Most of them seemed either afraid, disdainful, or suspicious as they looked at the group of humans and Corvus.

"Everypony seems pretty tense." She commented.

"Probably on edge knowing what we can do." Ben explained.

"But how do they know that?" Ditzy asked in confusion.

"They saw Corvus and the rest of us fighting on the news." Answered Trick, pulling out a phone and showing a video of Corvus' fight with the Cluster "And they saw Corvus' fight with Tellrieth earlier too."

"Wait hold on, your phone still works?" Corvus questioned.

"Of course it does, you and I made it." Trick stated with a grin.

"But how does it have a signal?"

"Who knows, who cares?"

"Anyways," began Walker "these ponies are now wary of us, especially you Relnak."

"Ironic that this happens right after We decided the ponies don't want to be enemies."
Ben was about to respond when a pink blur appeared next to the table.

"Hey there Corvalius!" Pinkie Pie greeted, having decided to wait for them to let her use their nickname "Do you like the party? I know you said you don't like parties, I thought you might like one when you weren't feeling grumpy anymore."

"We just got here so We'll have to tell you later, and yes We are willing to accept this party now."

"That's great!" Exclaimed the party pony "Because this party's for you guys, and I can't have my new friends not enjoying their party!"

"We're not friends," Corvus stated, holding up a hand when Pinkie opened her mouth to show they had more to say "not yet. We've only just met you, We have no idea if We can trust you yet. We can't be your friend until you have earned our trust and we get to know each other."

"Well what can I do to make you trust me?" The pink pony asked with a serious face "If I make you trust me then I can be your friend, and then I can make you smile!"

"There is a way you can start." Corvus began "Help us show these ponies We mean no harm."
Pinkie took a thinking pose for moment before a lightbulb appeared over her head. Apparently Pinkie Pie was able to project her thoughts as well as teleport, Corvus noted with interest.

"I've got it!" She said with a grin "If the ponies see you having fun and being nice, they'll want to be your friends!"

"How do you propose they do that?" Asked Walker.

"Easy!" Pinkie Pie said before pointing to a makeshft stage at the back of the barn "They can sing, everpony loves to sing!"

"Great idea!" Trick said with a laugh.

"Yes it is," Corvus agreed "but We don't know any pony songs. Oh well, here's hoping they have similar taste in music to humans."
With that said Corvus used a couple long steps to appear on the stage. Gathering daiyoshi into their lungs and vocal cords Corvus cleared their throat, the magnified sound waves heard throughout the barn.
The ponies all stopped what they were doing and looked to the source of the noise. Several of them began muttering, asking what Corvus was doing or why they were here.
Corvus knew that if they had a heart it would be hammering in their chest right now as adrenaline coursed through their body. They had never sung in front of the population of an entire town before, while being recorded, only to their comrades and close friends. It was a way that they expressed themself to make up for their difficulty with doing it the usual way, the way normal people did it.
Glancing at their table they saw their packmates smiling at them, Trick pumping her fist in the air as if cheering, Ben giving a thumbs up, and Walker looking at them with an admiring gaze that told Corvus their student was cheering for them. They also saw Pinkie pie and Dinky grinning in excitement and anticipation, and Ditzy smiling encouragingly at them. Their confidence restored, Corvus looked out at the crowd and smirked.
Back at the table Corvus' friends were relieved to see Corvus giving one of their signature smiles, recognizing it as the self-confident smirk that showed their anticipation for the excitment of a new challenge to overcome.

"Yanem, ponies of Ponyville," as they spoke, Corvus focused their daiyoshi, the star on their right hand briefly flashing as they began channelling sound-type daiyoshi into the air.
"We are going to be singing a song for you, a song from the land We come from." They announced while shaping
"This song is called, Kryptonite." As they said that Corvus activated the daiyoshi they had filled the air around them with, broadcasting the energy in the form of music.

The ponies were caught of guard by the music seemingly coming from nowhere.
Corvus waited for the music to reach the right point before they started singing.

Well I took a walk around the world
To ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere
In the sands of time
But I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon

I feel there's nothing I can do, yeah

Now the music began to pick up as Corvus nodded their head to the beat.

I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be
Something to do with you
I really don’t mind what happens now and then
As long as you’ll be my friend at the end

Both the music and Corvus' voice increased in volume as the chorus began.

If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well, will you be
There a-holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite

Several ponies were now nodding their heads or tapping their hooves to the beat along with Corvus, including Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

You called me strong, you called me weak,
But still your secrets I will keep
You took for granted all the times
I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head,
If not for me then you'd be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground

If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well,
Will you be there a-holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite

Corvus stopped singing as the guitar solo began, and as it came to an end they started singing more softly than before.

If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well, will you be there
Holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
Yeah!!

Corvus threw their head back as they began singing with more energy again.

If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I'm alive and well,
Will you be there a-holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite

Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh, whoa, whoa

As the music died down several ponies began cheering. Corvus took a bow and long stepped back to their friends' table.

"We think that went well." They said with a grin.

Author's Note

What did you guys think? Honestly I thought the ending was a little too abrupt and didn't set up the next chapter properly, but It's the best I can do.

Now you might be wondering why Corvus is acting so warm and friendly when before they were cold and reserved and kind of condescending, this has a perfectly logical explanation. When Corvus woke up they had just fought two unknown invaders that had managed to breach the surface of their subconscious, after they had collapsed after a recent near death experience in Kelrnasid. This left them in a mindset of the ponies being enemies, which was not helped by some ponies acting very hostile, in fact this just reinforced Corvus' suspicion. That's why they were so analytical, they were assessing potential enemies for threat levels and weaknesses, but now that they've had time to calm down Corvus has decided the ponies, while not yet trustworthy, had not made themselves enemies.
Then when they met Ditzy and heard of her problem their sympathy for her, combined with their heroic nature and desires for justice and to protect the weak and innocent, caused Corvus to revert to the more emotional and energetic state they are normally in.
Emphasis on emotional because their main affinity, darkness, is not only fueled by emotion and instinct, but also amplifies the instincts and emotions of the user. This means that Corvus feels emotion more intensely than most others and is very sensitive to others' emotions. They have trouble reading others' emotions through tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language and unless it's obvious usually need to be told what emotions others are feeling. Normally they'll assume others feel similar to how they do, but when they are aware of others' emotional states they tend to feel similar emotions but amplified by their daiyoshi.
This is one reason why Corvus hates to see others sad or in pain, because they feel it as well and want to help the person feel better.
And the reason Corvus is trusting Ditzy so easily is because now that they aren't assuming the ponies are enemies, they had no reason to be suspicious of her.
Corvus is usually a good judge of character and decided that Ditzy was a good person after seeing how much she loved her daughter, this meant she was worthy of respect.

As for why Corvus was so nervous about singing in front of a large crowd (well technically they potentially had an entire country as an audience depending on how many ponies watch the news), and said yhey have trouble recognizing boundaries it's really quite simple.
Corvus is autistic.

Please leave a comment if you liked it to tell me what you like or to ask questions/messages for the first upcoming character interview (which will have a few pre-made questions as an example of what kind of things the characters hoping to be asked/told, and to help you understand the characters I have created), or to tell me what you don't like if you didn't like this chapter. But please make sure it's constructive criticism instead of just complaining and insults, that means tell me where my problems are and give suggestions for how to fix them.
I know it's not required to comment but it makes me feel good because it gives definitive proof that people are reading Creeping Shadows, and it tells me what my readers think about it and what they like and dislike, so that I can write the best story I can. It also seems more personal and meaningful than looking at a bunch of numbers and statistics about how many views a story has.

Sorry for rambling, I just go on autopilot and try to make sure I convey everything I mean to say. Sometimes this causes me to start making long speeches where I end up repeating things I say in different wording to make sure my message is clear, or use words that are bigger or fancier than necessary. And then I start making myself sound ridiculous because it probably seems like I'm either taking things way to seriously, or quoting random movies, shows, books, and motivational posters. But at least I usually realize how ridiculous I sound so that I can prepare to be mocked for being melodramatic or something like that.
And I just realized I went from explaining Corvus' behavior, to asking for for you guys to leave comments, to going on a short rant about my tendency to make ridiculous rants. My mind wanders way too easily.
Like this one time I asked myself how colorblind people can drive if they can't tell which color the traffic signal is flashing. I then remembered reading in a book that cows are colorblind, and said to myself "It's a good thing too, otherwise they would go berserk whenever they saw a barn. " I then wondered why people kept painting barns red if they didn't want to piss off their cows, which ended with me asking why barns are always painted red in the first place. Yeah, I'm easily distracted and tend to go from thinking about one thing to another thing that may have only been vaguely related to my original thought if it's related at all.

But that's enough of my rambling that I'm sure most of you will just skip over. So to wrap this up:
• There is an explanation for Corvus being so nice
• I really like it when you guys leave comments
• The first character interview will be finished later today so you'll need to send your messages to the cast of Creeping Shadows soon or wait for the next interview
• I realize I probably sound ridiculous and melodramatic, and I apologize for going on so many rants with way to much detail and repetition, but I won't stop because that's just what feels most natural to me when I write.

Anyways, see ya later!