Vengeance at nightfall

(chapter 59) first day

After two years

Nightshade was trying help Mantis pack quickly, and although he was excited about going to school, he didn't really want to leave. He had made this clear enough to his mother, that Nightshade agreed to walk him to his? New school. So the moment Mantis’s little saddlebags were packed, she began to walk through the streets of Canterlot with him, despite her discomfort with being stared at. It had been a very small pet-peeve of hers, and as a filly, she had found many ways to hide herself from wandering eyes. And it seemed as though Mantis felt the same way; looking around frantically and staying close to Nightshade's side as they walked.

“it's alright dear, they're just curious,”

Nightshade said, lowering a wing to his back to comfort him, and he moved under it more to hide himself.

This made her sigh and keep her wing low enough for him, as he peeked out curiously.

“can Sapphire stay with me? I want Sapphire with me,”

Nightshade turned her eyes back to him as he asked, and folded her ears back as she responded.

“I'm afraid your sister is too old and mature for pony school, but I'm sure you'll be just fine without her. And besides, she and I can come back later to pick you up,”

He hid even further under her wing and tugged on it gently. She knew how he felt and it brought back memories of school for her, being the only pony in the griffin Kingdom wasn't easy, but it taught her something valuable.

“hey, come on, look at me, you are unique and you don't have to be like anyone else but yourself at school. It won't always be easy but I can promise you, this is worth the nerves,”

She said as she stopped, and turned to face him,

“and you'll have so much to tell us, just think of this as your own private adventure, where you can be the hero of your own story,”

She nuzzled his muzzle gently, and he giggled before hugging her as she leaned down to return the gesture.

After they had begun walking again they had reached the school building, with fillies and colts running around and playing. Mantis stopped and gripped one of Nightshade's forelegs, forcing her to stop as well, and she looked down at him as he stared at the other foals.

“I don't know if I can do it mommy, I'm scared,”

Nightshade sat down in front of him, holding him close and using her wings to block his view of the other foals.

“it's ok, I'll be here until you feel brave enough for me to leave, I promise that you'll have fun,”

He looked up at his mother's kind expression, and took a deep breath before getting up and marching over to the other foals.

He seemed more confident now, and after talking to his teacher for a little bit Nightshade had said goodbye to him. Flying home as the hopes that she had for Mantis filled her mind, and she suddenly felt worried.