Her Guardian Within the Shadow

Huh… A lot of people seem to have liked the Halloween Special. *wipes tear from helmet* Brings a tear to my eye, that so many enjoy my story, thus far. Makes me wonder, if someone will draw pictures of it, or even do a youtube vid… If they do, I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE FREE HUGS FOR LIFE! Well, it is true >.> I’ve always liked the idea of someone being that nice for me… Whelp, enough ranting. ON TO THE STORY! :D

Chapter Twenty-Two:

Lord of the Night’s Return

-An Abandoned Ruin-

Daring Do just looked around, trapped in the webbing of some giant arachnid that she didn’t know existed in Equestria, ever. The creature was black, as the very dark cave in which it dwelled in. It had eight red eyes, locked on to the helpless mare, fangs dripping with both venom and drool. She glared up at the creature, the end was near and she knew it. “Well, ugly? What are you waiting for?” Daring Do asked it, smirking a bit. “I don’t have all day.” The mare thought for a moment, so much for her newest book, she couldn’t help but laugh at the idea.

The spider made a clicking sound, before stepping towards her, the creature opened its large maw and prepared to bite down into the helpless mare… But then, a thin flash of light went across its body, followed by another, then another; before long the spider had completely froze after a total of seven lines crossed around its body. Daring Do raised a brow, tilting her head, when the sounds of some pony’s wings folding back against their body caught her attention. She looked behind the spider, and saw the biggest bat pony she’s ever seen! His armor was midnight blue, outlined by a brass looking color. He slowly looked at her, and gave a fanged grin while his gray eyes locked on to her, making Daring Do blush. “Greetings, Ms. Do.” He whispered, the stallion’s voice echoing throughout the cave. “I’ve come for you.”

The spider slowly looked back at the stallion, letting out a final hiss before its entire body fell apart, sliced to large pieces. Daring Doo couldn’t believe what she saw, at how fast a pony could dispatch such a creature without being seen, once! “W-Who are you?” She asked, looking at the stallion, as he slowly passed the spider’s carcass. “I mean; I didn’t even know anypony knew where I was.”

The stallion opened one of his wings, and swiftly slashed it around her, cutting the webs that held the mare up in the air. When she fell down on to her flank, she looked back up at him, he grinned again. “Your scent is quite easy to follow, actually. Once I found your place, and read through your most recent notes, it was quite easy to follow your tracks.” The stallion used his wing to help her off the cold ground. “As for who I am? Well, I’ll just say, it is my job to do things from the shadows, including helping a certain book writer slash adventurer out on missions that turn out to be way over her head?”

Daring Do suddenly blushed, remembering how the spider had caught her… One wrong move, along with one wrong decision, and she was almost spider chow. “That still doesn’t tell me who you are, mister?”

The stallion bowed his head, smirking. “Sir Night Claw, Terror Guard to Princess Twilight Sparkle, who asked me to come check on you… Seems like you have all your fans worried, and the Princess wanted to make sure nothing happened to you.” He looked around the ruins, curious as to why the mare was here, then raised a brow out her. “Which makes me wonder, what brings you to such a place, anyways?”

Daring Do was awe struck, never before has she ever seen the famous Terror Guard himself! Granted, she was a famous writer and often invited to celebrity events, where many important ponies had gathered… But not once has she seen the most elite of Celestia’s Guard, who now acts as both Princess Twilight’s bodyguard and coltfriend, even she knew about the adventures he might have gone on, the places he could have seen! She bowed her head in respect to him. “I’m honored to meet you, Sir Claw.” The mare said, before the stallion motioned for her to look up.

“Please, you’re one of my Princess’ idols, you may call me Night, or Night Claw. In fact, it is quite an honor for me to meet you too, along with saving your life, haha.” Night Claw simply said, the mare blushing again at how polite, and impressed he was being. “And why are you here?”

Daring Do went wide eyed, she had almost forgotten why she was here. “There is a tale about some powerful artifact within this ruined temple, one that is said could give the user both the powers of an alicorn and enslave all pony kind.” Her face suddenly got serious, as she looked up at the Elite Guard. “You can probably imagine how many bad guys probably want this artifact… I want to find it, and destroy it, before they do.”

Night Claw looked at her for a moment, before nodding. “If that is your true intention, then I’ll assist you in your endeavors, Ms. Do… After all, helping you in this matter, also helps my dearest princess.” He bowed his head to her, before turning towards one of the corridors, a glare set in his eyes. “So, which way do we go first?” He grinned at her, the mare smiling up at him while standing next to the large pony, feeling somewhat dwarfed.

“Middle corridor, it should lead to the main part of the temple. When we get there, we’ll have to solve a puzzle, and find a hidden lever… After that, we’ll need to traverse a trap filled corridor, and possibly some complicated trap set for anypony who managed to move the artifact in the first place.” Daring Do said, the two rushing down the hall way, both having a grin on their face.

“Sounds like quite the ride, if you ask me…” Night Claw said, his eyes locked on the hallway in front of him. “Reminds me of my old hunts, and these giant undead metal creatures I had to fight in my own adventures.” With that, Daring Do went wide eyed… She’s never come across such creatures; oh he must have quite the adventures to tell her.

Unfortunately, the two didn’t have time to notice that something was tailing them… An aura of malicious intent followed him. His glowing amber eyes, hidden within a large cloak, watching where the two ran off two, his cackle somehow muffled within the echoing halls.

-Ponyville Park-

The Princess just gasped at the book she had, not believing what she was reading. “T-This is where you’ve been the past month?” She asked, looking up at Night Claw, who simply sported a fanged grin.

“Yep… You did say you were worried, and mentioned that Ms. Do had often gotten in over her head time, and time again, before. So, to keep you happy, I went to give the mare some support.” Night Claw simply stated, eyeing the book cover for a second. Daring Do in: The Crystal Spider of Gilgamare. Starring: Sir Night Claw, Terror Guard of Equestria. He honestly didn’t want to be featured, but he had to admit. The books picture of him, standing right next to Daring Doo, the two ponies standing defiantly against a massive crimson spider…. Was rather good. “Didn’t expect it to be quite the adventure.”

“I’ll say, actually being able to work with Daring Do is quite the feat. She normally works alone, and it took Rainbow Dash saving her life for her to accept help.” Twilight said, the two looking down the hill, at Scootaloo and the other CMC members… The three fillies were all playing some pretend game where they were fighting some evil tyrant, Scootaloo dressed up at Night Claw, the others dressed up as their favorite heroes. The adult ponies couldn’t help but laugh at the display.

“Well, I did save her from becoming spider food… I guess that earned a right to help her, this once.” Night Claw defended the writer, slash adventure seeker, with a light shrug. “Though, I’m not much for artifact hunting, so I’m going to guess that it’ll be a onetime team up, as Scootaloo and Spike would say.”

Twilight giggled at his comment, trying to imagine him wearing an outfit like Daring Do. “Yeah, I don’t really see you as the archaeologist type, either, Night.” She said, leaning against his larger frame. “Doesn’t fit you, one bit.” She whispered, making the stallion smile.

“Oh? And what does fit me?” He asked, leaning down and resting his head on top of hers. “Something worthy of your attention, I hope.”

Twilight smiled, feeling his weight on her made the princess feel rather comfortable. “You’re more of that secret Dark Hero, who saves the day from within the shadow. Who protects the innocent, and smites the wicked, any way they can.” She smiled, nuzzling into the pony’s neck. “A true hero, in my opinion… One who sacrifices their own needs, and health, for others.”

Her response made Night Claw smile, and he kissed the top of her head. “Thank you, my princess.” He whispered into her ear, the stallion watching the three fillies play while the princess simply rested against him. He knew she’s had it rather rough lately, being the Princess of Friendship was obviously a difficult job, and he was happy to help in any way he could.

Though, the two were suddenly interrupted, when they heard a familiar baby dragon calling for them. “Twilight! Night! Emergency! EMERGENCY!” The baby dragon called out, forcing the two adult ponies to stand straight up.

“Spike? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked, the baby dragon running up to the two, a note in his claw.

He took a moment to catch his breath, along with a glass of water that Night Claw offered him. “A-A note from… Princess Celestia… There’s trouble in Equestria!” Spike said, his eyes filled with panic, and offered her the note.

Twilight tilted her head, taking the note with her magic and reading it. Night Claw, on the other hand, simply opened his wing and shielded the baby dragon from the sun’s ray… After all, sprinting from the Castle to the Park was no short sprint, especially where they were. He needed to cool off, and what better way than within the shade. “I’m sure it can’t be that bad, right, Twilight?” He looked at her, smiling, before getting a look at her face. Twilight’s eyes were filled with fear, along with terror, the former Astartes even caught the scent of fear sweat starting to form on her body. “Twilight?”

The princess looked up at him, her pupils shrunk to a pin point size. “I-Its Tirek… H-He’s escaped again!” She announced, shocking the Terror Guard.

Night Claw’s eyes narrowed, growling at the thought of that daemon, as he called him, escaping again. “How did he do it? And any idea where he is?” He asked her, stepping forward.

“None know where he is, or how he escaped… All we know, is that his cage was found destroyed, Cerberus injured… It was like somepony, very powerful, broke him out.” Twilight answered, lowering the note and handing it back to Spike. “What are we going to do? I don’t think we can use the Elements again to defeat him.”

Night Claw nuzzled her, trying to calm her down. “Gather the girls, get the fillies to the Castle… Protect everypony, I’ll see if I can hunt him down.” He said, the princess nodding before running off to the three fillies.

Spike looked up at the stallion, somewhat panicked. “W-What are you going to do, bro?” He asked, tapping his claws together.

Night Claw looked down at the baby dragon, giving him a serious look. “I’m going on the most dangerous hunt I’ve ever been on, and Night Haunter willing… End that daemon’s reign of terror for good, like I have done in the past.”

“But… Tirek is waaaaay out of our league, Night. I mean, at full power, Discord couldn’t even defeat him.” Spike noted, the stallion starting to walk off.

“Then, pray to Celestia and Night Haunter, that he isn’t and I find him before he drains anypony of their magic.” Night Claw said, opening his wings, blasting off towards the castle, so he could get his armor.

-Sometime later, Friendship Castle-

Twilight was doing her best to keep all the ponies calm, her friends also assisting to the needs of Ponyville’s citizens. “Please, everypony, keep calm. I’m sure Night Claw will be back, and had taken care of the emergency, very soon.” She called own, trotting over to calm down a group of foals.

“But, Princess… What if he cannot stop him? I mean, Sir Claw is strong, but this is… Well.” A mare said, leaning in close to whisper the name to Twilight, so the foals couldn’t hear it. “Tirek we’re talking about… He almost took over Equestria.”

Twilight nodded. “I know, but I have confidence in Night’s ability to fend him off, plus… He now has an ability to help him take him down, and be unexpected.” She assured, smiling at the mare. “We just need to have faith in him to fend Tirek off-!” An explosion, which sounded close, caught her attention. The entire castle suddenly shook violently, possibly from the shockwave of said explosion.

“That sounded close!” Rainbow Dash blurted out, flying up.

“I have to agree… You don’t think they?” Rarity looked at the others, while Twilight looked towards the door, a look of concern on her face.

“Quickly! Board the door, and windows… Just in case they are nearby.” Twilight announced, everypony quickly putting things in front of the door, and boarding up the windows with what they could find. “I do hope Night can defeat him, in his Night Lord form… Tirek is far too strong for us to take on.” She thought, her hooves shifting a bit.

“M-Mom?” Twilight looked down, and saw Scootaloo with her friends. “Is dad going to beat Tirek?” She quietly asked, the princess had told her of the emergency, hoping the filly could help her with keeping everypony calm.

“I’m sure of it, Scootaloo, don’t worry.” Twilight nuzzled the filly, smiling. “Just have faith in your father to defeat him, and hope the spirit of the Night Haunter is fighting alongside him.” The filly nodding, smiling at her.

Another explosion, and a flash of light outside one of the windows, caught Twilight’s attention. That one sounded really close to the castle. Everypony suddenly jumped, in fear, when an imprint of some massive bipedal creature slammed forward against the wall. The imprint was familiar to the elements, Twilight, and Scootaloo. Twilight panicked, and teleported outside of the castle, finding Xeron slouched against the wall, his armor damaged… He had a knee kicked up, and breathing heavily. “H-He’s too strong… I don’t know what gave him all that power, but I can’t face him alone.” Xeron muttered, his voice heavy, before transforming back into his pony form.

Twilight looked towards Ponyville, seeing Tirek walking towards them, the town on fire. He suddenly began to laugh. “How wondrous to be free again! Now I can enact my revenge on you ponies!” The centaur bellowed, keeping his laugh. Twilight quickly teleported back inside, gathering the other elements and returned outside.

The Elements surrounded the downed Night Claw, allowing him to catch his breath. It was their turn to try and fend off the centaur, until Night Claw can rejoin the battle. “Alright girls… We just need to stall him, it seems Night was able to do some damage to him, but he needs rest.” Twilight said, noticing the claw marks on Tirek’s massive body. This… Is going to be one long battle, and the sunset was coming close. “Where is Princess Celestia? Her letter said she had a plan to defeat Tirek, but wanted us to hold him off until she can gather the needed materials for it…”

-Cavern of Crystal Spirits-

“S-Sister… Are you sure about this?” Luna asked, following the white alicorn into an opening within the caverns, several hundred crystals lining the walls. “I mean, disturbing them will probably bring an unbalance within Equestria… Didn’t you say that these crystals hold a great power within them?”

Celestia nodded, her face serious. “Yes, I did Luna. A power that I was planning to bring forth, when the time was dire.” She looked back at the younger alicorn, and smiled. “And it isn’t the kind of power you are thinking… This is no spell, weapon, or magic.”

“Then, may I ask, what kind of power is it, dear sister?” Luna asked, watching Celestia stop at the opening’s center.

Celestia’s horn started to glow. “It is an army, one I contracted to help protect Equestria, when none of us could defend it.” She said, her eyes starting to glow a pure white. “Go, and prepare for their departure. Draw the moon high into the sky, they prefer to hunt at night.”

Luna nodded, her entire body starting to shake. When the crystals began to light up, the biggest one actually let out a terrible aura. A fearful chill suddenly sped down her spine, making the Moon Princess no longer wish to be down within the caverns. Within seconds, she teleported to Canterlot Castle’s highest point, her own horn glowing, as she summoned the moon. “I do hope you know what you’re doing, dear sister…” She thought, before that same chill returned to her, meaning… Whoever it belonged to, was nearby or within the castle.

-Outside of the Friendship Castle-

The group of stalwart defenders were badly injured, having to face off with Tirek was no easy task. Night Claw stood with Twilight, and the other elements, but was unable to transform into his Night Lord form. He was far too weak, and his body was bleeding rather badly. The stallion looked at the mares with him, each was bruised, beaten, and bleeding; like him… But they all were willing to stand their ground, even Fluttershy, to protect those within the Castle. He grinned at their determination, it reminds him about the story of when Talos and the Tenth Company in their last moments, and how he first died. “Heh, looks like I’ll greet death with a grin, once again.” The stallion thought, a fanged grin glued to his face.

“N-Night… What are w-we going to do…” Twilight asked, she was extremely weak, the young princess having to use up a decent amount of magic just to try and fight Tirek. Her body was shaking, and blood stained her coat. “We don’t stand a chance, without the elements, and I don’t have all the Equestrian Alicorn Magic to even hold my own against him.”

Night Claw nodded. “I don’t know, Twilight… All we can do, is hold our ground until Celestia comes with her weapon. Hopefully we’ll still be-!” His eyes went wide, the entire group having the same reaction. A chill ran down his spine, fear sweat suddenly finding its way within his nostrils. It was coming from the mares, he knew that, but why was he actually feeling sheer terror too? Only one being could ever do that to him-… “I-It can be…” He slowly turned his head, looking up at the castle’s highest point.

Up on top of the tower, he could see a shadowed figure, he was massive for a pony, bigger than even Celestia. His eyes were locked on the battlefield, giving a deadpanned look. Suddenly, he opened those large, red, bat wings… Hundreds of voices yelling out. “Ave Dominus Nox! Ave Dominus Nox! Hail, Lord of the Night!” Night Claw’s jaw just dropped, and looked down towards the castle itself.

Flanking the castle walls, slowly appearing from behind them, were large ponies, his size, clad in the very same midnight blue armor. Their eyes locked on Tirek, each holding a weapon of some sort or wielding magical ones. The unicorns of the group had curved, red, horns with brass colored armor protecting them, while the pegasi had batwings. Even the earth ponies had fangs! What caught his attention, even more, was the insignia on their left shoulder pad… The white skull and red bat wings of the dreaded VIII Legion, even some had red shoulder pads with a black version.

The loud thud of something big landing near him, caused Night Claw’s attention to be pulled towards his front. There, the figure was far more clear than when he was on the castle tower. It was an alicorn stallion, with both red bag wings and curved horn. On his flank, exposed from the armor, was the Night Lord’s symbol. His black eyes locked on to the centaur in front of him. “M-My… L-Lord.” Night Claw knelt down, followed by the Elements, who somehow able to ignore their pain filled bodies to mimic the Terror Guard’s motion.

The alicorn stallion just kept his eyes locked forward, giving a slow sage-nod. “Yes, my son… It is I.” He looked back, noticing that those within the castle had unboarded the windows, to see what held such an aura. There, in the front, he spotted an orange pegasus filly. Her face was filled with both awe and surprise, as he slowly grinned. “Night Haunter.”