Shades and Tails

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 2 I'll Be the Light
Chapter 3 As Certain As Dark
Chapter 4 Before the Fall of Rain
Chapter 5 When We Don't Look Back
Chapter 6 Puppet Master
Chapter 1 Make or Break Me

Prologue

Prologue

It was cold and the fur lining and extra saddling on the armor didn’t really help. The ice crept in, not helping with nerves. My gun was held in my magical grasp of white light. The light through the darkness. My darkness…

My fellow hoofponies were around me, but I knew I couldn’t be the only one with nerves. But I was probably one of the few who didn’t let it show. I didn’t let it get to me.

“Shadethrower! Cardkeeper! Watch out!” came the sudden shout of our Sergeant, an orange Earth pony. It was an ambush.

My name is Shadow Bright. I’m a unicorn stallion, black coated, and my dark purple mane with it’s lighter colored stripes was in a buzz cut. I was a hoofpony in the Royal Guard. My callsign is Shadethrower, as my Sergeant had just called out.

It was an ambush! Cardkeeper was right next to me, and I dove at him, losing concentration on everything but that one action. I lost my gun, but I saved my friend.

Laying on top of him, he thanked me. I was looking around, scanning for danger. I could hear shouting, but me and Cardkeeper were alone.

I got up, lending a hoof to help the golden eyed, white and blue striped pegasus up. His cutie mark was covered, but I knew it was a large spade situated between a smaller heart and diamond. My cutie mark was a bright white light shining in the shape of huge 8 pointed star.

Cardkeeper got to his hooves, but as soon as he stood straight, he gasped and nearly collapsed. I caught him, “Card, you okay?”

“No…I think—I think I was hit by shrapnel.” His small voice was nervous, and he looked at me with frightened eyes.

Hoisting his left arm over my shoulders awkwardly, he and I began limping back to camp.

“Wait, where are we going?!” he cried.

“We have to get you laying down and that armor off.” I grunted.

“No! You should just…leave me and…rejoin the battle…” by now he was panting.

“You’re hurt, I’m not leaving you behind.”

“But—”

“Non-negotiable.” I snapped.

“You’re starting to sound like Sarge.” Cardkeeper chuckled.

I didn’t say anything. Card and I may have been friends from basic training, but he knew me. I wasn’t good at this. I knew you were supposed to say something, to keep the injured pony talking. But Card knew this was enough. For me, this showed I cared. Of course, I’d have rescued anypony. I would never leave them to die.

“The camp is just over this ridge,” I huffed, and Card nodded. I saw his bottom lip quivering, his eyes tearing up. He was doing his best to hold back the pain. “You’ll be fine,” I tried to reassure him, but something told me otherwise.

“He’ll die,” whispered my demons. Shadows that followed me everywhere, haunted me. I did my best to hold them down, to keep them hidden, but I didn’t always have complete control over them, and sometimes they’d come out. Thankfully there weren’t many at this point, and Cardkeeper hadn’t noticed.

We reached the top of the ridge, and the camp came into view. We stopped in our tracks. Even I, as unfeeling as I usually was, had never seen anything like this. “Death.”

“Is it safe?” Card asked me, his voice quivering.

“Probably not,” I answered bluntly. I began to move down the hill slowly, and the incline caused Card to begin whimpering. I couldn’t imagine his pain. His was physical.

I found a tent that was still intact, so I used my magic to lift the flap. I helped Card lie down. After I took off my own helmet, we worked together to take off his armor, layer by layer until we found the wound.

Pieces of grenade had gotten caught in Card’s armor, and had scraped huge gashes into the flesh of his stomach. Some were deeper than others, and there was certainly a lot of blood. Card gave me a look, and said in a barely audible whisper, “Shadow Bright…”

He’d said my name. Not my call sign. I froze, everything in me going cold. “Don’t,” I shook my head. He wasn’t going to die, I wouldn’t let him. “You don’t know that,” sang my shadow creatures. I wasn’t listening. Not to anything. Not to my demons, not to Card, and not to—

Taking my hooves off him for a second, so I could look around for something, anything, to staunch the bleeding. That’s when all Tartarus broke loose. Cardkeeper had heaved himself up and in the split second it had taken me to even move my head, he’d thrown himself at me. That’s when I heard gunshots, then “Oomph!” as Ace of Spades, my friend since training camp, went slack in my arms. He had saved me, taken the bullet for me. The bullets from my own gun.

I didn’t have time to think about or feel for the death. The only thing that consumed me was an uncontrollable burning rage, one I’d never felt before. It melted all the ice, and jumping up, I stood over Cardkeeper’s limp body.

I could feel a powerful energy, and the shadows around me were in a frenzy. I didn’t think, I acted, and released every last ounce of magic I had in me in one big powerful burst. The shadows shrank away from the light, and the pony who’d killed Cardkeeper fell forward, her whole front half charred and bloodied and the pistol dropped from her hoof, sliding to a stop by my feet.

I didn’t look at it. I didn’t want to. Beneath me lay Ace, dead. In front of me some other unknown pony also dead. Her blackened face was a mask of horror and disbelief. That only made it that much more worse as realization sunk in. Two ponies were dead, and it was all my fault. Not only that, but—

I walked forward a couple steps my jaw working. I didn’t know what to feel. I could only stare at the pony my trained eyes saw as a civilian. A puppet pony. I had killed my best friend and an innocent…

I slammed hard to the ground on my butt, disbelief and shock setting in. I heard more hoofsteps approaching, but I was too far gone to care. I’d barely cared about anything before this, why should I now? When all caring brought was death?

Dead, dead, dead, ran round and round in my head. “Shadow Bright?” came the voice of my Sergeant.

The voice snapped me back to reality. A reality I couldn’t face, and I immediately began to cry. It was a weakness, a weakness I wanted never to show again.

“It’s okay Shadow Bright. You have us.” The shadows converged on me, caressing me, trying to give me comfort and reassurance. It was something only I knew. Sarge thought he was the one calming me down. But all I had were my shadows. They’re all I’ve ever had.

“We’re all you’ll ever have…”

Chapter 2 I'll Be the Light

Chapter 2 I’ll Be The Light

It was only an hour until we needed to be at Canterlot Castle, and we’d been walking around since lunch. In all honesty, I’d just been following Cardkeeper. Well, at least he was calming down.

I couldn’t keep my mind off that newspaper. I’d actually folded it up and put it in my saddle bag, and my mind kept wandering back to it. I was forming a strong opinion that I wanted to be on the front lines fighting Lord Tirek. I wanted to protect Equestria and keep this monster from destroying us. He was draining magic for crying out loud! First he kidnaps one of our ponies? Now this? I thought it was too far. I wanted to stop him, wanted to fight.

I was being encouraged too. I always had my “faithful companions” to back me up…He’ll bring death and destruction…

You need to stop him…

Think about it…What if you’re the only pony willing to fight? It said it right in the article. The military is opposed to this. Even Celestia’s skeptical…

It takes one to start the ripple. Convince Sarge. We believe in you Shadow. It would all start with this.

I was broke from the internal struggle when Card saw a certain shop. I’d seen him going for it, it was inevitable. I knew Card too well. Yet, I didn’t try to stop him. What was I thinking? I guess I was too distracted by my own personal battles, but I was such an idiot not to snap out of it and divert my friend’s attention to something other than the—

“Dress shop!” Card smiled, barely able to contain his glee.

I began shaking my head, “Nonononono!” Card didn’t even respond to my protest. He grabbed my arm, and began dragging me to the shop. I dug in my back feet, “This is going too far!” I yelled, but I didn’t expect my friend to listen. He brought me all the way to the door, shoving it open. I resigned myself to the fate once we crossed the threshold, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t stop struggling.

I saw a couple mares at the back of the shop, presumably employees, giggling behind their hooves. Fanmaring no doubt.

“Hi!” The pink one on the left giggled uncontrollably between her words, “What…what can we help you…with?”

“Get my friend here the dress that suits him best.”

The yellow mare laughed, “I don’t think you’re in the right store, we don’t sell tuxes boys.”

Card leaned forward, “I said a dress.”

“Yeah, JC,” the pink mare nudged her coworker. Then she turned to me and I stared at her, making no movements. “Come on,” she smiled, “we’ve got something absolutely perfect for you!”

“To die for, right Penny?” said JC.

As I followed the girls to my death, I said, “Do your worst,” in a strong voice.

⚪⚪⚪

Yes, they put a dress on me.

I didn’t even struggle and yet it was still a difficult process. They yanked and pulled lots, and sometimes it got too tight in certain areas… The fitting was the worst part, especially when it came to the zipper. It was uncomfortable as they forced me into it, but eventually they got it on and it wasn’t too bad. Comfort wise. The two mares giggled the whole time despite all the difficulties.

They brought me to the mirror to let me see. They did their best to hide their amusement as I stared in wide eyed horror at my reflection, but they failed. They’d put me in a midnight blue flowing dress that matched my eyes. There were glittery streaks of—oh what was it called?—embroidering that led up to and really made the chest stand out. It made me look…beautiful? Disgusting! Out of place more like.

Usually I did well at containing and controlling my emotions. But as they brought me out from behind the curtains to show Cardkeeper, I was so flustered and humiliated that I blushed furiously, my cheeks flame hot.

Card fawned when he saw me, sighing, “Shadethrower…” I couldn’t tell if his act was a joke, or if he was actually admiring me. I really hoped the former.

“How much is it?” Card asked. I wasn’t really paying attention. I tried to hide my face as another pony, (a mare of course), entered the shop and stared at me.

Penny moved toward the counter, looking through a clipboard of papers, “Oh, just about 100 bits,” she chewed it over.

“Done!” Card exclaimed, running to the counter and slamming a bag of coins down. Then he made eye contact with me, giving me a shy smile, so toned down from how he’d been acting all day that I found myself blushing again even harder.

⚪⚪⚪

Canterlot Castle was a lot bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside. As soon as we’d gotten there, Card and I immediately went to our guest room, where I hid the dress in the farthest reaches of the wardrobe, (of course, I had taken it off before leaving the shop). I lingered on it for a second, but shook my head to snap myself out of it, closing the door and sighing.

I turned to Card, watching the pegasus. He was sitting on his bed, laying out his luggage he’d brought from home. He’d really calmed down, thankfully. He didn’t see me watching. Some part of me wanted him to turn and look, but another part was too scared.

It was nearly time for the briefing, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Lord Tirek. I knew my argument. I just didn’t know if Sarge would take it. It wouldn’t stop me from trying, I knew that for sure.

“Time to go,” I tapped Card on the shoulder.

“Alright, thanks Shade.”

He followed me to the hall and we walked together. “Do you think we’ll be posted in the castle?” Card asked.

“I don’t know,” I answered.

“I hope not,” Card said, almost to himself.

We stopped in front of the meeting chamber, and I pushed open one of the doors. Just as expected, there were ten or so new hoofponies sitting around, and there was hushed talking. I saw Sarge but he looked very serious. He wasn’t even looking our way.

I took a deep breath as I sat down, thinking over what I wanted to say to Sarge. I knew this wasn’t really a full briefing. We were new recruits, we were only getting assignments handed to us. But I knew what I wanted, and I was determined to get it.

So when Sarge came to the table I was sitting at with Card, I cleared my throat to get his attention. Sarge turned and gave me a skeptical look.

“Yes, Shadethrower?”

“Sir!” I barked, an automatic response training had pounded into me, “I have something I need to speak with you about.”

Sarge nodded, “Okay, meet me in the hall in a few minutes, Private.”

Cardkeeper gave me a look as Sarge walked away. When I didn’t say anything he shrugged and glanced away at the file Sarge had given him.

I took a moment to look at mine. I knew from the note Sarge gave to us when he gave us our armor that Cardkeeper and I’s files were the same. We’d be deployed to the same place.

I was reading over the statement when Card groaned, “Oh no! I knew it, I knew we’d be put on castle duty.” he sighed.

“Hey,” I chuckled, “It’s not Canterlot.” it wasn’t. We were posted in the Crystal Empire’s castle. And if I got my way, that wouldn’t last. I knew I’d get what I wanted. We know, Shadow, my shadows reminded me.

“I know.”

“Don’t worry Card, I’m going to talk to Sarge.”

⚪⚪⚪

“What did you need Shadethrower?” Sarge asked me, a disinterested look on his face.

“Sarge, I wanted to talk about our post.” I jumped on the bullet, so to say.

“Shadow, you can’t tell me you don’t like it.” Sarge was shaking his head.

“No, it’s fine,” my tone didn’t sound very believable. “It’s just, I had something better in mind.”

Sarge sighed, taking off his sunglasses and folding them. “Go ahead, but I wanna warn you, it probably doesn’t matter.”

“It does,” I said matter-of-factly, my voice cold. “Sir, have you put any thought into the situation with Lord Tirek?”

“I have.” he gave me a laconic answer.

“And?”

“And, I don’t like it.”

“So why don’t we do something about it? Bring us down south, post us near his homeland, that way if he attempts to enter Equestria, we’ll be there to stop him.”

“You see, it’s a lot more complicated than that, Shade. Queen Celestia doesn’t even know if the threat is real.”

“But that’s the problem!” I protested, “No one does. But if we don’t do something about it, Tirek and his brother will make the first move, and Equestria will be at the brunt of it.”

“I hear what you’re saying, but it doesn’t work like that. I also have ponies to answer to.” Sarge was giving me a hard stare.

I shook my head, getting irritated, “Sir, at least think about Card. I’ve never seen him more distressed about anything before than being posted in a castle.”

“I’ll take that under consideration.” Sarge began putting his sunglasses back on, closing the case.

I was pissed! My shadows flared up around me like fire, egging me on. They were my only comfort and only torment. “Take this under consideration! If Tirek gets into Equestria, a stupid castle won’t be the worst of our problems. We’ll have a war!” I spun around and stormed off angrily at a gallop.

“SHADOW BRIGHT!” I heard an angry sergeant behind me, but I didn’t care. My shadows were whispering harshly in my ears, making me even more furious as I ran.

⚪⚪⚪

I laid on the bed in our room, shuddering and trying not to cry. I’d exploded, and I couldn’t stop myself. You must have more control. “But you goaded me!” I closed my eyes at oblivion but it still got through. Stupid! Your fault! I bit my lip and tasted blood, but I was trying to find some way to block the noise.

Of course they changed their tune, they always did. They swarmed me, gently caressing me and whispering soft sweet words, We’re still here for you. We’re always here for you. Don’t cry. That only made me want to cry more.

“Shade?” came a weak voice. It was Card. “I heard you yelled at Sarge.”

My eyes snapped open and light came rushing in. My heart skipped a beat as a took a shaky breath. Then with a calm tone I asked my friend, “You heard that I yelled at Sarge or you actually heard it?”

Cardkeeper blushed, “Uh, yeah. You were pretty loud. Nopony could make out what you were saying though. Sarge is very angry by the way.”

I shook my head, “I…really don’t care right now.” I rolled over, my back to my friend.

Card touched me softly, “I care,” he cleared his throat, “I wanna know if you’re okay.” Strong reassuring Spade, that was him.

“Cardkeeper, we’re getting put on palace duty, Sarge has a new command yet nothing to show for it.” Plus, look how you failed your friend. My shadows snickered. “I couldn’t even help you!” I groaned. “Worst of all, Tirek—” I choked on words, close to tears.

“Oh, Shadow…” Card didn’t know what to say.

⚪⚪⚪

We were packing up to head north, when Cardkeeper said something totally unexpected.

“You’re a light Shadethrower.”

Pausing in my packing, I turned to him, “Excuse me?”

Card smiled, “Well, you know. A natural leader. It’s in you, just trying to get out.”

“A light?” I was quizzical.

“Yep,” he beamed, “You show the way better than anypony I know. You’re the light, shining in the dark. Maybe you don’t see it.” Card looked down at his suitcase, that dumb smile still there.

“Possibly.” I said. But all I knew was darkness and shadows. How could I be a light?

There came a knock at the door, “Knock knock,” Sarge poked his face in, “Just checking in. We head out in an hour.” he met my eye, “I’m still disappointed about yesterday, but I wanted to tell you, I understand. I contacted my superiors and left them with the suggestion. Anyway, saddle up. Time to get a move on.” Sarge left without another word.

Cardkeeper stood just gawking, and I could feel the tension he must be feeling too. I was glad Sarge had done something, but what about my discipline? I felt I deserved something other than disappointment. You do. Agreed my shadows. Somehow, Sarge’s disappointment in me was worse.

He kept opening his mouth to say something all the way to the train station, but he never said a word. I was preoccupied myself. I’d never felt so uncomfortable in a uniform. Ever.

Card snuggled up to me in our compartment, as I took the window seat. I didn’t tell him to move. It was actually rather comforting. The warmth of the pegasus quieted my nerves, at least for the moment. I let out a breath, wishing I could sleep like him. But I just stared out the window.

I watched as a couple raindrops splattered on the glass, then one or two more. After that it was a full on storm. Oh Celestia, I thought, why do I get a bad feeling from this?

It’d only been three hours into our trip, but suddenly the train stopped. “Attention passengers, we’ve received an urgent communication informing us of a situation in Dodge Junction, an attack by Lord Tirek. More on situation as we’re updated, but for now, we’ve been told to stop the train so the power from the electric tracks can be diverted.”

Cardkeeper awoke, lifting his head and looking around. He glanced up at me and smiled, but it turned into a yawn. He sat up and stretched his wings.

I stood, feeling restless. My shadows were buzzing too. I didn’t want to stay here and do nothing. I needed to show Sarge that I meant what I said. Court martial me, but somepony had to take the first step. So I opened the door of our compartment, looking into the corridor. Nopony was in sight.

“What’re you doing Shade?” Card was confused.

“Something about it.” and Card new exactly what I meant. But instead of trying to stop me he said,

“I’m coming with you.”

He followed me to the exit of this car, and I was shaking my head, “Card, what’ll that accomplish?”

“I don’t know. How about something, as you put it.” We were outside now. “Besides,” Card smirked and gave his wings a couple quick flaps, lifting himself into the air. “How else you gonna get there fast enough?” I was finally grinning like a fool at him.

“A bit of magic, trust and horsepower, huh?” I winked, my horn beginning to glow. He was offering to lift me, but he couldn’t carry my weight and we both knew it. But with a little magic, I’d lighten the load.

He wrapped his hooves around me, “You got that right,” his voice faltered, both of us realizing the intimacy of his gesture. “Uh…”

I cast my spell quick and he lifted me into the air with a jolt, not ready for the weight to be taken off so quickly, “Here we go!” I called.

Now I’d need to stay focused on my magic. It’d take a lot of concentration for such an extended period of time. I could handle it though.

⚪⚪⚪

Dodge Junction was not a pretty sight when Card and I arrived. Even the sky was bleak and gray. I saw emergency workers and first responders everywhere from up here, but they were all idle. It seemed like nopony knew what do exactly.

I pointed a hoof, “Card, there’s a good spot, out of sight of the other ponies.” It was a spot situated between two buildings at the south end of town, probably a couple of pubs. There was a small back alley formed by the backs of more buildings.

Everything was wild west styled, and as I looked around to get my bearings I noticed the difference in the landscape from anything I was used to. It was so dusty and dry. I got up and stared at Cardkeeper, who was moving toward the back of the buildings.

“Shade, there’s something back here,” Cardkeeper sounded nervous, the stallion’s voice wavering.

“What is it?” I followed him, turning the corner into the shadows of the alley. Laying in the furthest, darkest corner was an earth pony, his cowboy hat had fallen off. He was staring at it with wide afraid eyes, unmoving, unseeing. He was still breathing, and I knew he wasn’t dead. There are things worse than death… “Not helping,” I grumbled to myself.

“Huh,” Card looked at me with frightful eyes. “Is he d-dead?”

“No…” I approached, poking at the brown stallion, “He’s breathing. Hey!” I began calling to the pony, “Are you alright?” there was no response.

“We need to find somepony,” Card glanced around in a fret.

“Card!” I laughed, turning to face him and not really feeling afraid or nervous at all, “We’re Royal Guard, we went through intensive training, we can take on anything! We don’t need anypony to help us.” Card’s eyes widened. That’s when my shadows laughed maliciously at me. Are you sure you don’t need help, dearest Shadow?

I got a really cold feeling, but I only frowned as I moved back, standing beside Card. The pony who was just a second ago lying uselessly on the ground like a sack of potatoes was now getting up. He looked like a zombie, his eyes glazed over and not focused on anything in particular.

“Shadethrower, that’s really freaky.” Card whispered. The brown stallion’s eyes snapped to the pegasus, and I tensed. Card reached toward me, wanting to grab my hoof, and I would’ve let him. But the other stallion suddenly lunged on Card, attacking him with imprecise punches and kicks.

I yelled, grabbing the pony and trying to tear him off my friend. Card had his arms up in a big X across his face, protecting himself from the blows. The brown pony was clumsy, not really trying to hit for any specific spot. Something seemed to be controlling him, like hypnosis, but it wasn’t a very strong hold, that was certain. A well placed kick to his side did the trick, sending him crashing into the wall of the building next to us.

Card was breathing heavily, staring at the sky like it was all he saw. He shook his head, lowering his arms. “Is it over?” Card glanced at his attacker, who once again lie motionless. But this time the pony was unconscious.

Suddenly there was the sound of loud gunfire, three sharp reports. Next came yelling. Card jumped up and shook off his wings. “We better go see what’s up,” he told me.

I gave the unconscious stallion one last glance before moving off. Puppet pony, I remembered…

Chapter 3 As Certain As Dark

Chapter 3 As Certain As Dark

We ran as fast as our hooves would take us, winding up in a small town square. To our left was a row of puppet ponies, appearing to have gathered in a sort of formation, a front line. They faced down law enforcement personnel, which meant a few deputies wearing silver stars on their tan uniform button ups. One had a curling mustache and seemed to direct the others, giving hard glares to the enemies. Currently they were at a standstill.

I moved into the square ahead of Card, moving toward the deputy ponies. “Shade, that might not be a good idea,” Card whined.

He was right, I heard the click of a revolver being cocked, and it was pointed straight at me. “Hold it righ’ there pardner,” the stallion with the brown mustache narrowed his lime green eyes at me. I stopped, but only to show I had a sense of coherence, that I wasn’t a puppet.

“It’s alright,” I called, “We were sent by the Royal Guard,” I indicated my uniform. You’re such a lier!

The deputy opened his mouth to answer me, but he looked over my shoulder and cursed. “Luna dammit! You’ve gone and attracted their attention.” the other officers began firing rifles, sending off warning shots, but the puppet ponies didn’t stop coming. I saw one coming for me, but a bullet pierced her chest and she fell.

“Faust!” came a shout, “I didn’t mean it, I didn’t wanna shoot ‘er!”

Unexpectedly, Card jumped over the hitches of an abandoned coach that had been being used as a blockade. He snapped, “Oh, gimme that!” grabbing the gun from the pony’s hooves. He spun round and aiming, fired immediately, his aim immaculate. One of the hostiles was hit in the hind legs, causing him to fall hard. A couple more of the puppets came forward, but they were shot off their hooves as well. The ones left standing stopped moving, now standing out in the square, muzzles hanging slack jawed. One was even drooling.

It was quiet for a minute, giving us all time to get acquainted fast. “Howdy, my name’s Deputy Director Houdin Baster. It’s a good thing y’all folks came when ya did. I haven’t seen shootin’ like that from my boys here in awhile. I think they’re a bit rusty.”

“Fine, but what’s going on?” I rolled my eyes. Formalities were a bit annoying in this situation.

“Well ain’t yer gonna introduce yerself?” Houdin narrowed his eyes at me.

Card glanced forlornly at the director, “Shade isn’t much for introductions. I’m Card…” Why did he sound so down about it? He was a social creature.

“Card…” I breathed, staring at him. He looked away. Yet again I noticed the mark on his hip had changed. Now it was a spade, diamond and club, in that order. Again, I was concerned. It was obvious by now that his cutie mark could change, but I needed to know what it meant. There was something in me that yearned to understand my closest friend better. To be closer.

My shadows taunted me for it, not caring how I felt. That I cared. I stopped thinking, repressing the emotions, stopped feeling. I had to be like that, all my life. It never ended. My shadows never went away and they fed off my emotions and turned them into something bad. It’s all I knew so by now I was used to being dulled and gray all the time.

“Hold it,” Houdin turned away from me, looking out into the square. I followed his gaze and saw an odd creature move into the middle of the square. He floated by the soft beat of his batlike wings.

His face was similar to a lion’s and gentle yellow eyes peered from beneath a well kept mane. Around his waist he wore a large golden buckled band and his tasseled tail swept back and forth. I couldn’t take his eyes off him. I was transfixed. The creature looked at me curiously, but there was a depth of sadness there too.

He looked away, addressing us, “Lord Tirek wishes me to tell you, a thousand years of imprisonment has not bode well. He shall show Equestria what it means to challenge him.”

Goaded by my demons, I shouted, “It means war!” I was upset by the whispers I heard, but my heart wasn’t into the anger they wanted me to feel. I couldn’t bring myself to inflict any kind of hurt on this poor winged creature. I saw myself in him, and that in itself hurt.

“Yes,” came his response, eyes closed and head drooped. “It does.” He snapped his eyes open, and the puppet ponies were suddenly on the move, not toward the group, but flanking the creature.

“Now hold up, youngin, we didn’t catch your name.” Houdin was scowling.

“I’m the dearest brother…Scorpan.”

⚪⚪⚪

It wasn’t long before the city had cleared out and the deputies were left confused. Plus, nopony could find the Sheriff and other law enforcement officers were missing. A few military ponies from up north had arrived a couple hours ago and I had given a quick debriefing of the events. They’d told me Scorpan was a gargoyle, brother to the centaur Lord Tirek and Prince of his kingdom. But they didn’t know much else.

“Shade, yer help was greatly appreciated,” said Houdin while sitting in the Sheriff’s office later that evening.

“S’no problem, really.” I answered him. I think the deputy director had taken a liking to me, but we couldn’t be friends because I wasn't capable of extending feelings anymore, and hadn’t been for so long.

“Ya know pardner, ya got here in the nick er time. I don’t know what we woulda done without you and yer friend.” Houdin nodded at Cardkeeper, a hoof on the brim of his hat. Said pegasus was sitting in one of the waiting chairs, staring with a forlorn expression through the blinds on the window.

I would say I didn’t know what was up with him, but I did know. He’d gotten a taste of the real world. Maybe he hadn’t realized what he’d been getting himself into when he signed up for the army. I’d known, because I’ve been told since the beginning of my life.

It’s as certain as dark, Shadow, and you’ve played the fool. Always, always. They whispered and haunted.

I knew one thing was certain. I couldn’t keep my mind off that gargoyle. Something drew me to him, like a song. Or a whisper in my certain darkness. The never ending cold pit that my heart dug. Where did it lead, I wondered.

I was just working up to answering Houdin when Card sat up straight in his chair, parting the blinds to look out more clearly.

“Shade, Sarge just got out of a taxi coach, and he’s coming toward the sheriff’s office.”

“Horse feathers,” I muttered a curse under my breath.

The cafe doors into the building opened in the other room, smacking the walls. There came quick gallops, then the office door—with its big textured glass window—opened, Sarge bursting in.

“By Faust, when you two disappeared!” he was out of breath. He continued once he’d caught his breath, “You had me worried sick.”

I sat back, not wanting to speak. There was nothing for me to say. I’d never thought Sarge had a soft side. He’d always been tough on his cadets. This side of him, the concern in his indigo eyes. It was unsettling. Of course, never in a million years would I ever let anypony see my coiling emotions. Ever. Period. I just thought neither would Sarge.

“Are we in trouble?” Card asked, nervous.

Sarge shook his head, “Faust no, though you should be. I could court martial your flanks for this.” He was smiling as he said it, “But no, I’m actually glad you flew the coup and came here. It gives me legitimate reason to put us on the front lines. Now that Equestria knows the threat is real…” that made everypony in the room feel the tension of the implication. Because like I had said to Scorpan…it meant war.

⚪⚪⚪

DODGE JUNCTION TAKES FIRST HIT! WAR MAY BE ON OUR TAILS.

That was the headline on the latest newspaper. I set it down, blinking. I was the only pony awake on the train. I looked to Cardkeeper, watching the soft rise and fall of his chest. The way he slept was adorable. He was on his back, hooves in the air, wings twitching and blanket draped over his stomach, nearly falling off. Watching him sleep was somehow comforting to me. Seeing his gentle breath. Something about it calmed my shadows, and for once they were quiet.

He rolled over, his face in my direction. “Oh, Card,” I smiled to myself.

As though he’d heard me, he blinked awake. He saw me and returned my smile sleepily. “Hey Shadow,” his voice cracked. My heart skipped a beat. He said my name.

He rolled to his stomach, resting his head in his arms and watching me with that calm smile. “What’re you doing on the floor? Did you sleep?”

“No,” I sighed. “I stayed up all night reading up on news.” I held up the paper we’d gotten that afternoon in Appleloosa. Now we were on our way to a base a ways outside the small town. I’d never even heard of it, and Sarge said it was a well kept secret. Mustang Town it was called.

“You’ll be tire-errrrUHHHHHH,” Card yawned, a hoof in front of his mouth. I chuckled softly. “What?” he gave me a quizzical look.

I coughed, blushing and looking away, “You’re just uhhh, you’re…”

“Shadethrower, spit it out,” Card whined, plopping his head down and giving me puppy-dog eyes.

“Youresocute!” I blurted.

“Cute?” Card whispered.

I closed my eyes and nodded with a sigh. “That’s what I said.” I picked up the newspaper, grunting and trying to distract myself.

Card slowly crawled out of the bunk, falling to the floor in a heap. He shook himself off, flicking his wings. Then he shuffled toward me. I hid my face behind the newspaper, so he would not see my burning face. But he leaned against me, his head resting on my chest.

“I care about you Shade…” Card whispered, blinking his tired eyes up at me. I rested my head on his, putting the newspaper to the side. “Yesterday scared me.”

I didn’t know what I was supposed to say to that. It was a bit scary to me too, but I would never admit that to anypony, ever. “I think that we need to expect it. But this is why we’re heading to that base. We’re finally going to do something about it.”

“I’m glad.” Card closed his eyes. There were a few moments of silence, and cuddling, but I felt a little uncomfortable. I’d never done this with anypony before. It was so hard for me to understand what I was feeling, whether I was okay with this or not…

“Hey,” I said softly. Card shifted so he could face me. He sat patiently. “I wanted to know, I mean, if it isn’t too much…Why does your cutie mark change?”

Card looked down, his cheeks turning pink, “Oh, you’ve noticed?”

“If you’re not comfortable sharing with me…” I didn’t know how to talk about these things. Was I being insensitive?

“No! You’re my best friend. I, uh, ok don’t judge me…” Card dragged a hoof through the dust. I waited in silence. “I have multiple personalities. My cutie mark shows which personality is out at that moment.”

“What personality is out right now?” I was curious.

“My normal personality, the Ace of Spades. My truest self.”

“I love you just as you are, I don’t care about the personalities Ace.” I barely breathed the words. It almost choked me to say them at all.

His voice was low, still not looking at me, “It’s my turn to ask a question. I saw the way you looked at that gargoyle. Something up?”

“I’m definitely intrigued by him. He’s between a soul and a shadow, that’s as certain as dark. But I don’t know what to make of it.”

I kept talking, faster and faster, until the words blurred together. “I wanted to know, wanted to see kuzheremindsmeofmyselfanditdoesntmakesense and—”

Card pressed his lips firmly to mine, a strong kiss that felt like it’d been locked away for a very long time. My eyes widened and my face heated up. I was blushing furiously and I had no idea what to do. Pull away, do nothing, return the kiss?

If watching him sleep had sent my shadows into a state of temporary serenity, the out of the blue kiss sent them into a mode of frenzy. They were back, flaring up and yelling incoherently at me. Anyway, Card broke off before I could react and he came away with heavy breath. He gave me a crooked smile.

My shadows buzzed like hornets around me and I felt dizzy. “What, uh, was that for, eh?” I licked my lips gingerly, still tasting a subtle sweet taste.

“I think you’re so adorable when you get worked up, you know? And you get worked up about a lot of things.” Card’s face reddened as he stared at my mouth.

“I do not!” I waved dismissively, but my voice cracked.

Card put his head on my shoulder, “Mm.” His noise of agreeance still sounded sarcastic. Faust, I so badly wanted to kiss him again. I settled for breathing in his scent instead. A bit sweet, but masculine too.

When we woke up, it was morning, and Sarge found us cuddling on the floor.

Chapter 4 Before the Fall of Rain

Chapter 4 Before the Fall of Rain

Sarge brought us to a large metal garage style door set into a tall hill. A panel was set into the wall and Sarge typed a code in. Next he scanned his hoof. “Welcome Sergeant Baise Fooler.” Said a computerized mare’s voice. The door slid upward in a loud clang. Inside it looked like any ordinary garage, a workbench on one wall, cabinets and tool sheds set neatly to the sides. They all had locks on them.

“This way,” said Sarge. There was a smaller metal door at the back, another keypad next to it. Another code was inputted and it slid open to reveal the interior of an elevator. Sarge nodded at us as he clicked the button for 10. “Now, as soon as we’re down there, you’ll have to sign documents swearing to secrecy. Your clearance wasn’t technically high enough for this, but I was able to get a few exceptions put in.”

“Of course, sir!” I inclined my head in respect.

It wasn’t long until we reached a small conference room. There were a few official looking ponies, but there was no way in tartarus they intimidated me. Card on the other hoof looked nervous as he took a seat directly next to me, grabbing my hoof under the table for reassurance. I wasn’t the most comforting of ponies though.

“This is simple,” said the first suit, hoofing over a stapled packet of documents to both Card and I. Simple my tail! “You just need to sign here, here, here, here and here. Oh yes, and here.” He flipped through the packet. “Don’t bother reading it.” his voice was gruff.

“What,” I rose an eyebrow, “are we signing our souls away?” the stallion couldn’t tell if I was being serious or not.

“In a sense,” said another of the ponies. He’d been sitting back overlooking this entire meeting like he owned the place. “Your soul would be the last thing we took if you ever compromised the security of this base.”

“Meet Colonel Jack Heartless, commander of this base,” Sarge nodded at the yellow earth pony who’d spoken.

“Good name,” I said smoothly.

“Shadow Bright isn’t such a bad name itself,” Heartless frowned.

I picked up the pen between my teeth, signing my name quickly on each page—twice on the last page. Card was next.

“Now that the dull and gritty is done, how about I take you somewhere?” Heartless grinned. We stood, following him out.

⚪⚪⚪

Before us was a view into a massive training hall. It was a shooting range, a gym, and a track all rolled into one. There were other small things I couldn’t make out, but the ginormous room just reminded me of basic training. Of course, you had to keep up with fitness.

“Mustang Range, the hidden jewel of Appleloosa. We have an extensive training ground here, plus the largest royal armory in all Equestria, second only to Moon Base.”

“Why such large facilities in such a small area, if I may ask, sir? Doesn’t that take up most of the space this base would’ve had available?” Card braved questioning the Colonel.

Heartless waved a hoof, motioning us on. The four of us continuing walking along the platform, slowly, so we could see more of the training hall. “A good question. And I have a good answer. Mustang Town is Appleloosa’s first defense, and Appleloosa is Equstria’s. Our personnel must be properly prepared to face any threat from the south, especially now that bastard centaur, Tirek, has attacked Dodge Junction.

You know, I was great friends with Sheriff Lasso Cloud. He and I grew up together in Dodge. Nopony can find him, and I can bet a fiddle he was taken to be a damned puppet pony.” Heartless snarled.

I gave no reaction to the speech, but Card was grimacing. I’d seen him wince at the word fiddle. We all knew the stallion hadn’t meant the musical instrument.

“I see you don’t much mind what I have to say, do ya Shadow?” Heartless smirked over his shoulder at me. “I think I’ll like you just fine.”

You don’t deserve that praise.

You’re worthless.

Open up, you antisocial wreck.

I worked my jaw, words unable to and not coming out. I was being assaulted by my shadows once again. I knew I had to show strength, be an unmoving fortress. Always suppressing my emotions as best as I could. I had so many weaknesses.

“Heh! Anyway, on official terms, I want you training daily. You have to be ready before the big storm hits, right? Shadow, you better be using that big horn of yours, you got the highest magic scores in boot camp. Oh, and make sure you stop by to see Riggs Bailey, he’ll hook you up with our latest weaponry.” Heartless gave a look to Sarge, “Baise,” he inclined his head, then disappeared down a side corridor through a hatch.

“Sarge?” Card gave him a weary look, “Y-you haven’t spoken since the tour started.”

“Righto,” said Sarge. “Ima take you two downstairs.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked. I’d never heard the stallion speak this way.

“I really don’t like that pony. And when he takes a liking to you,” Sarge shivered, “it’s never a good sign.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” I grunted, rolling my eyes. Yes it does, Shadow Bright.

“Ok,” Sarge nodded, clapping me on the shoulder. “You’re a tough unicorn, you know that?” I rolled my eyes again.

⚪⚪⚪

When we got down to the armory, we were greeted by a cream colored pony with very large antlers. A stag! His coat was the color of eggnog, white chest and stomach, and stripes that swirled over his back and into his small fluffy tail. There were white speckles on his face, and his eyes were green like mistletoe leaves. His short mane was a cappuccino color, light brown, and his bangs curled softly at the end. His cutie mark was of two snowflakes, staggered beside each other—and they were moving! Wiggling back and forth.

“I’ve never met a stag before,” Cardkeeper whistled. I facehooved.

The buck smiled, taking it in grace, “Aye, not many ponies have, mate.” he had a rich aussie accent.

“Hello there Riggs,” Sarge had a bright smile.

“Oiy! Baise Fooler! I haven't seen you around ’ere in forever, mate!” Riggs was laughing.

“I know!”

“Are these those boys of yours then?” Riggs gestured with his chin to us.

“Yes they are,” Sarge nodded, looking proud.

“Righty then, this way.” We left Sarge behind, and followed the stag to a small locker room.

“All to yourself, this locker room is a bit outta commission, but still useable. Righty, look inside the lockers with your names.”

I opened mine, finding inside a rifle, a glock, a few frags and mines, and two army knives of different sizes with their own leg straps.

“Pretty nice huh?” Riggs was smiling like a colt in a candy shop. But he was smiling about guns. Guess that was a sergeant quartermaster for ya.

I picked up the glock, the first weapon I'd ever been issued. I couldn’t decide if this was a good sign or a bad sign.

“There’s a few rules, but I'd be an arse to get into it straight away. Tell me about yourselves, Heartless has told me a few things but I want it from the source.”

I had to leave my gun behind and shut my locker to follow Riggs out of the room. “Whatever Heartless has to say, he can shove it up his tailhole.”

“Is that so?” Riggs chuckled.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Shadethrower,” Card scolded. “Shade and I are from Manehattan, we grew up together. We’ve always wanted to join the military, just never thought we’d both come so far so quickly. Royal Guard right off the saddle.”

“Right, I heard you two went to Dodge Junction, didn’t ya, flew right off the train. Takes guts, I can tell you that.” Riggs winked.

“There’s no way in Equestria I’d ever sit back and let somepony attack us. I had to do something.” I snapped.

“Aye, that you did. I would’ve done the same in your hooves. Tell me, is it as bad as I heard? I never get much good talkin’ in ’ere.”

“Sure. I don’t think it could’ve been worse. Tirek didn’t just drain their energy and magic. He turned them into puppets.” My voice was cold, and I felt stiff inside.

Card nudged me gently, “You’re fine Shade, you’ll be okay.” He’ll never be okay, my shadows swept around unnoticed beneath him, laughing harshly. I hated them so much.

“Fine let’s just hear the rules and get to the training room.” I grunted.

⚪⚪⚪

Card was looking up toward the ceiling, which was high, high above us. “Whoa, look at that flying course!” There were hoops and rings suspended from the ceiling, but also tunnels, clouds and other types of obstacles you must have had to be a pegasus to understand.

“She’s a beauty,” Riggs barely even glanced up. Card’s wings flapped twice and he had two hooves off the ground when Riggs said, “Ah ah ah. There a few things we need to do first before you can use this facility.”

Card looked put out, “What do we have to do?”

“You have to get a physical done. There needs to be an updated physical on record every month to use Mustang Range.”

“Every month? Are they expecting to keep us here that long?” I scoffed.

“Didn’t you want to be here, Shade?” Card asked me.

“Well yeah…” I glanced to the side.

“Alright, time you meet Dr. Sayaka Weystone.” Riggs gave us both gentle shoves with his antlers.

⚪⚪⚪

“Oiy, Sigh!” Riggs called into the infirmary as the doors slid open. “Where’re you at? I got Baise’s boys ’ere for their physical!”

A side door opened, and a bright purple unicorn mare stepped out. Her blue main was put up in a bun and was glittery and caught the eye. She wore glasses, and a smile that brightened the room. At least it would if I cared.

“Ok, I’ll need your ID’s left in the drawer on that counter over there. Usually each exam is confidential, but I was told to ask if you were comfortable taking it together.” Sayaka rose her brows at us.

“Of course we can!” Card announced.

At the same time I said, “Um sure, I mean if that's not an issue…” Why did I always have to be so awkward? I could feel my cheeks heating up as Card made eye contact with me.

“Ok, follow me.” She led us to a room that looked like a typical checkup room. I sat down next to Card on the exam table and Sayaka closed the door. “I’ll just be asking a few questions and checking your hearing and vision, heart and blood pressure, muscles and reflexes, height and weight, and I'll take a blood sample to run a few tests on and you’ll be good to go.”

“Ok,” I replied laconically.

“Sounds good,” Card added with a nod.

She adjusted her glasses and lifted a clipboard up, looking down at it, “I want you to answer these questions as truthfully as possible. Don’t worry because I’m only here to help you. Alright, first question: Do you have any handicaps or impairments concerning mental health that may hinder any of your duties?”

“Nope,” I said instantly. I’d never told anypony about my shadows, and I never would. It was my burden to bear, and I would bear it alone as I always have.

Card was immediately uncomfortable, “Well, you see…I um…”

“Don’t worry Ace, I'm not here to judge you, I’m not gonna bite. I just want as honest an answer you can give me.”

“I have MPD!” he blurted, his face going from white to red in a second. “Sarge knows about it though, I got through basic training, I—”

I wrapped my arm around him, stopping his nervous babbling. I’d seen his cutie mark change—it was like a slot machine—and I saw that it was on a different personality. Spade, diamond, club. “Hey, you’re okay, she understands. Next question please,” I shot our doctor a murderous look but my voice was calm throughout.

“That’s completely fine with me. Question two…”

Chapter 5 When We Don't Look Back

Chapter 5 When We Don’t Look Back

“Are you okay? I-I saw how you, er, acted in there.”

“She just, it was a personal question, and I felt uncomfortable. I’ll be okay with you.”

Card and I were walking together to our quarters, having finished training for the day. I’d seen him up there, whooping as he spun through the air. He was so graceful and it was entrancing to watch. Those blue candy-cane stripes blurring into the white. I’d been in a separate part of the facility most of the time though, practicing magic. I was alone the entire time, whereas I saw a few other pegasi up there with Card.

I didn’t know what to say to Card. He felt comfortable with me but I didn’t feel comfortable with anypony. I didn’t know how I was supposed to respond, how he expected me to respond. And that kiss last night…what was I supposed to make of it? I thought I should ask, but I didn’t know the right time. I didn’t know the right words…

“Shade, I—” he was cut off as we entered our room, a row of bunks spread before us on the left, a long set of dressers on the right—and Sarge in the center of the room, turning to see who’d entered.

He was at a little desk, hooves typing away at a small computer, but he smiled when he saw us, “Ah, there you two are. How was the Range?”

“It doesn’t end does it?” I snorted.

“Nope, what did you think basic training was for?” Sarge laughed, shutting the laptop.

“Mmhbmlnn,” Card mumbled, looking away. He was obviously uncomfortable. I could understand why.

“Are we sharing this room with you?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Sarge nodded, “why not? There’s more than enough bunks. What, don’t like me?”

“Of course we do!” Card’s voice had risen an octave.

“I’m just teasing,” Sarge chuckled, waving him off. “Don’t worry, I’ve gotta lot of work to do, I probably won’t be in here until long after you’re asleep most of the time. They’re just preparing my office.”

I plopped down on a bed, not caring where, closing my eyes as my face hit the pillow. Yeah, it was exhausting to use magic consistently for 2 hours straight. I heard the door open and close, then somepony nudged me. I opened one eye, groaning in exhaustion. It was Card.

“Can I, uh, can I join you Sh-Shadow Bright?” he stuttered nervously. “Sarge just left and I, uh, don’t wanna—”

I scooched over a little, inviting him up with a pat on the bed. He settled in next to me. We were like that for a little bit, snuggling, but I couldn’t fall asleep and I didn’t think he could either. I couldn’t get the question out of my mind and I had to ask,

“Card, do you like me?”

“Like you?”

“Well, that kiss…”

“Oh,” I opened my eye to look at him and I saw him blushing. “Well yeah, I’ve loved you for a long time. Do you…love me?”

I felt like there was a frog in my throat. “Y-yes,” I barely whispered.

Gingerly, like he was petting an upset cat, he put an arm around me, “It’s okay Shade.” he nuzzled me lovingly and it felt like my heart stopped. I was so awkward! I froze up and didn’t move. I didn’t want to ruin the moment. I hadn’t thought anypony would ever be capable of loving me. So I rolled over, leaving Card to be confused.

⚪⚪⚪

He was there, hiding in the shadows in the back of my mind. I don’t dream, so what was this? My shadows playing more games? They had given me nightmares before. But I didn’t hear their voices. Somehow that wasn’t as welcome as I’d have expected. They were all I really knew.

So now I was left in my own mind with my own thoughts, wondering why Scorpan was waiting for me in the depths of slumber.

“Hey there,” came a dark whisper. It drifted softly to me.

“Scorpan? Brother to Tirek? How dare you intrude my sleep.”

Scorpan sighed. “You don't know the whole story, you know.”

“What whole story?” I didn’t particularly care what he had to say.

“I wish I could tell you…I’m scared Shadow. I’ve messed up, I know I have.”

I was shocked and angered beyond belief, “How do you know my name?!”

“You and I have a lot in common don’t we?”

“You’re nothing like me!” I snapped, but the gargoyle was already fading away. Yet again I saw the years of torment locked in his yellow eyes. I was lying if I said I didn’t see shadows similar to my own there. “Wait!” I yelled.

“Don’t look back.” He was gone.

⚪⚪⚪

“Shade! Oh please wake up!” I heard sounds of distress. My eyes snapped open and I saw Card above me, tears in his eyes. Next, I felt sensation come back, my shadows swarming me and screaming loud like never before.

“Aughhh!” I slammed my hooves over my ears, “Stop, oh Faust, it's too much!” I shook my head.

“Shadethrower? Hey, what happened, are you okay?”

By Celestia, I was probably freaking him out to no end. But I couldn’t handle the noise. If only he heard, if only he understood, but he—

He kissed me hard, breaking all my concentration. It left my shadows disoriented for a second and I dropped my hooves. “Are you okay?” Card asked me, worry plain to see in his eyes. I nodded slowly, waiting for it to all come back, but my shadows were acting normal again. If their torment could be called normal.

Card drew me into a tight embrace, breathing hard, almost sobbing. “I'm glad you’re fine. I love you so much.”

“Me too Card,” I said.

He pulled back, hooves on my shoulders and looking me square in the eye, “Tell me what happened?” he asked a little squeakily.

“Just—just a nightmare.” Card nodded.

“Do you wanna go to breakfast?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

⚪⚪⚪

I was enjoying a pleasant conversation with Card and an ok tasting bacon and egg sandwich. When you’ve eaten military food for the past year, you got used to it. Breakfast had taken my mind off of my dream, and I was doing my best to ignore my shadows. They hid in the darkness beneath the table, watching me, ever observant.

“I hope we can head to an actual restaurant sometime in the near future. I enjoyed Broken Shield.” Card was saying.

“Yeah, but that was expensive. Celestia, you spent so much that day Card!”

Card smiled evilly, “Do you still have that dress?”

I blushed, playing with my napkin, “...Er, yeah, why would I get rid of it?”

Card laughed, “That’s awesome. Of course, I wouldn’t blame—” He was interrupted when the alarms began to blare, red lights flashing.

Heartless’s voice came on over the intercom, “Attention personnel. Just receiving updates of an ongoing situation from Appleloosa. There’s been reports of unidentified movement a few clicks south of town. No doubt Tirek and his blasted puppet pony army. I want all ponies to their stations immediately. Units in the field gear up and move out! This is Colonel Heartless, signing off. Go get ’em!”

I stood, looking around with narrowed eyes. Everypony in the room was up and moving, heading out to deal with the threat. Sarge came bustling into the hall, galloping our away. “Hey,” he said, out of breath, “Whoo, I’m getting old! You two gear up and meet me upstairs. I’ve been putting together a squadron. They’re under my command, but I know you two work best as partners. I just want you to meet them before you’re ever assigned with them.” Sarge shrugged, then turned and ran off. Card and I went quickly to our locker room in the armory.

⚪⚪⚪

Ok, Sarge had made me think Card and I were working alone. That wasn’t the case though. Sergeant Baise wasn’t the stallion in control of the show. Heartless was, and he’d dictated we worked with Quartermaster Riggs. I liked the stag just fine, but he wasn’t familiar to me. I needed familiar. I needed Card and him alone.

“You’ll get used to it,” Heartless said with a smirk as he left us at the elevator. We were on our way to meet the buck in the garage right now.

“Honestly,” I complained to Card, “I think he’s posting us with Riggs because he wants an eye on us. ‘He took a liking to me’, my flank.” I huffed.

“Hey, we’re gonna do just fine with Riggs. He’s a nice pony.” Card said cheerily.

“Yeah, yeah. I'm just glad we don’t have to wear that royal armor. This pleather stuff is just fine.”

“Great,” Card beamed, “focus on the positive.”

“Oh that’s not positive,” I snorted. “You know I don’t do positive. I’m still complaining.”

Card chuckled and rolled his eyes. “I love you, babe.” it was a simple word said casually, but it still made me blush and choke on nothing.

The doors opened, and there was Riggs Bailey, waiting for us, a NATO sniper rifle slung around his back. I sighed. “Oiy, mate! You get to work wit’ me!”

“Isn’t that a pleasure,” I said under my breath. Horrible. Nothing could be worse. You’re being undermined. Different shadows whispered to me, coiling around me, never letting me go.

“But I’ll warn ya, I’m insane on the field. It’s why my job is mainly armory and supply warden.” Riggs bounced from hoof to hoof, chuckling. Click clack, click clack.

⚪⚪⚪

“Oiy, target in sight.”

We’d been atop a ridge with a clear view of the desert, a scattering of small boulders our only cover. We’d been out here in the heat for about half an hour. I pulled my M15 rifle off my back, pressing it against my shoulder and testing its weight. I also double checked the ammo cartridge, reassuring myself it was loaded. I saw Card doing the same with his pistol.

Our radio picked up chatter, “Bzz-Luna Blue here. Yeah we see ’em, a whole convoy. I think that’s a couple humvees. Bzz-No approach on this end, Desert Sun out.”

Riggs picked up his radio, sitting on the rock beside him, “Heartless Niner ’ere, there’s a second team on approach from my end. No vehicles but I see at least ten ponies on approach to the east end of town.” he lifted his snipe, taking aim. “They're too far away to discern our position, and I've gotta clear shot.” he said to us without looking at anything but his targets. His hoof was on the trigger, squeezing, then—

BAM! A shot rang out from Riggs’s weapon, but Card had snapped his wings open, slamming into Riggs and knocking his gun off aim. “Faust dammit!” Riggs snapped. “Mate, what’s up?” Riggs wasn’t too upset.

“You can’t…shoot them…to kill!” Card panted for breath, sprawled on the rocks from his stunt.

“Why not, mate? We have authorization to fire at will.”

“They’re being used against their will. They’re innocent civilians.” Card frowned.

“Aye, that may be, but they won’t hesitate to kill us first. This isn’t my first rodeo, I know what I’m doing.”

That’s when things lost control. Bullets began pummeling the rocks and Riggs fell backward. Card shrieked, as he jumped down. “It grazed me! That hurts!” His left wing was all bloody, feathers torn and hanging loose.

“Cardkeeper!” I exclaimed, moving toward him. Riggs held up a hoof, “No good. You don’t have medical training. I on the other hoof do. Cover us, I’ll get this under control.”

Quick thinking kept you alive. I turned back to the rocks, hearing Riggs say, “Oight, Ima staunch the bleeding. This’ll hurt, I won’t lie.” I didn’t look as the pegasus I had fallen in love with yelled in pain. Whatever Riggs was doing, it would be to help my coltfriend. He’ll find his head mounted on a wall if he hurts him, my shadows cackled darkly at me.

I climbed onto the rocks, aiming down the sights. I was a great aim, but what Card had said shook me. He was right, it was wrong to shoot the puppet ponies. They were innocent civilians after all. So I didn’t shoot to kill.

I pulled the trigger, not afraid of the weapon. We’d used simpler guns in training, but this gun was just as easy to operate. Click! “Buck!” I threw the rifle down. “Useless piece of junk!” It was jammed.

I shook my head. This was ridiculous. I didn’t need a gun, I was a unicorn for Faust’s sake. I closed my eyes, concentrating on magic. My shadows began writhing and yelling at me. They always did this when I summoned up power. I always ignored them, but this time it p*ssed me off. That fueled my energy.

More bullets rained down on our rocks, and I heard Card shout in pain. You’re weak, Shadow. You’ll let them die. Just like your family…

“No!” I snapped my eyes open. I only found out later they had been glowing with a brilliant white light, just as I knew my horn was. “Shut the buck up!” I screamed and released my magic. It shot in a wide beam straight at the platoon of puppet ponies. The bullets stopped coming and my magic dimmed to nothing.

I noticed my shadows had shrank away from me, and their voices were silent. But that didn’t last long. They shrouded me, whispering frantically, and I passed out.

⚪⚪⚪

You can’t hold us back, because your rage means nothing to us, Shadow. That rage is what feeds us.

Your light was dulled by your ill feelings. You’ll never be able to ignore our influence.

We’re a part of you Shadow, never ever forget that. You’ll never know how much we love you…

“Shadethrower, wake up! Mate, we aren’t bloody losing you.” Riggs had his hooves on my shoulders, shaking me.

Gunshots sounded, “Riggs, there are more of them. I can’t hold them off forever.” Card shouted.

My eyes adjusted, and I realized Luna’s moon had risen. We were situated behind a wall of sandbags, and the western fronted buildings of Appleloosa towered above me.

“We moved?” I asked, sitting up.

“Aye, Luna Blue moved us after, well, you cleared out that group of ponies coming for us.”

“Cleared…out?” I repressed my reaction, but I looked up at Card, who didn’t look back at me.

“We’re surrounded, but we’ve managed to hold fort at the Sheriff’s office. But it won’t last long.”

Almost as though his words were some kind of cue, everything seemed to stop. Then there was screaming, but gunfire had ceased.

A large shadow fell over us, “Interesting, I’ve never seen your kind before,” a very large, well muscled and red skinned centaur shoved aside the sandbags we hid behind. I jumped up, shielding Card from the centaur, who was obviously Lord Tirek. I noticed the medallion he wore around his neck. Tirek had a smile on his face, but he was focused on Riggs, not Card and I.

“I ain’t afraid of you!” Riggs yelled. He lifted his pistol, but Tirek knocked the weapon from his grasp. “My dearest brother, tell me, what creature is this? You know more of pony races than I.” Tirek eyed Riggs like he was hungry.

“He is a stag pony, simply a large majestic deer.” said a familiar voice.

“Yes, that is good. And my, what an interesting cutie mark.” Tirek lifted his—they weren’t hooves, but I had no words for them—they began to glow, and so did the beast’s eyes. And Riggs gasped.

“What’re you—?” he choked, and I saw a tear in his eye. Then the magic entered him, and his eyes glowed a ghastly orange. The tear fell, but Riggs was unable to fight back as his mouth opened and a purple essence was extracted from his body, into a glowing orb between Tirek’s horns. Riggs let out one last groan before he slumped to the ground.

His eyes were wide, staring at nothing. It was just as blank an expression that first pony had in Dodge Junction. It was wrong, unnatural. There was nothing left of Riggs Bailey. Just an empty shell.

“How dare you!” I shouted. I tried to get up, but my legs were wobbly. I fell straight back to the ground.

“Weakness doesn’t interest me.” Tirek turned, completely disregarding me.

“I’ll show you!” I yelled angrily after him.

Tirek laughed, “I await it.”

“I’m sorry.” Scorpan was behind me. “I want to help. Once upon a time, I was a great friend to—”

“Scorpan, come!”

It was over that quickly.

Chapter 6 Puppet Master

Chapter 6 Puppet Master

I had a mission report to write, but I didn’t feel in the mood, and I couldn’t leave—let’s face it—a friend in the infirmary. Riggs was lying inert in a bed, his eyes still open and blank. It was a bit eerie.

I also didn’t trust him though. I knew what Lord Tirek did. He could control Riggs at any second and attack this base. But Heartless had let his personal feelings get in the way. He and Riggs were friends. He wasn’t losing another friend to that bastard Tirek, he’d said. Maybe I didn’t understand that.

Yeah, other ponies lie in other parts of the infirmary, ones who had fallen and had either been injured or had had their magic sucked from them. It didn't matter, because Riggs here, he got his own room. Yes, I admit to myself I consider him a friend, but I wouldn’t want to be treated any better than anypony else.

I also wouldn’t want to be left in this state, nothing but an empty shell. I didn’t think Riggs would’ve wanted to either.

What was I doing here? Nopony was around, it was just me here. My hoof shook, tight on my pistol’s grip. The barrel was pressed firmly against the side of Riggs’s head. He doesn’t deserve to be like this, Shadow. You know he wouldn’t want this. Pull the trigger, end it. I gritted my teeth, steeling myself. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. To…kill him. There is no him, Tirek already killed him. You saw it with your own eyes. Shoot the deer, Shadow. He’s a liability to this base. It’ll be your fault if the base is attacked.

Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. I saw what Tirek did to Riggs. It was something I never wanted to see again. That horrible purple color as the centaur basically ripped the soul right out of Riggs.

The gun really shook now, but I was prepared to do it. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

“Shadethrower!”

It was like a bomb went off, my gun dropping to the floor with a reverberating clatter. My shadows exploded away from me so fast, it was like the screech of a violin string as it went high off key and snapped. Light came back to me, and suddenly everything looked a bit sharper.

I sat down in the chair, smiling weakly. “Shade, what in Equestria is going on?” Card ran to me, taking my hooves.

“Oh nothing.” I shook my head.

“You had a gun on Riggs!” Card’s hooves squeezed mine tightly.

My eyes fell on the gun. “He’s dangerous.”

“What? Shade, he’s our friend.”

I shook my head again, “No, Tirek took our friend. Sweet Celestia, that’s something I never want to see again.”

“Shooting Riggs won’t change that, you know.”

I looked up into his eyes, “Card—”

“I’m here for you. Do you want me to hold you?”

“I’d…like that.” Card took me and held me close, my face buried in his chest. I slowly wrapped my own arms around him.

He didn’t even know what I needed to be comforted for. Most of the time, neither did I. All I knew was I was in a dark place. My shadows slowly came back to us, disregarding Cardkeeper and caressing both of us at once. It was so dark, and so cold.

“It's okay if you—you know, wanna cry or something.” Card gave a nervous laugh.

I gave a soft snort, “I don’t cry Card.”

I almost didn’t realize the darkness wasn’t just my shadows until it was too late. They were wrapped around the two of us so tightly that they formed a sort of noise barrier. I was surprised Card didn’t notice their presence, this was the most corporeal they’d ever been.

My eyes snapped open, seeing the oblivion we’d fallen into. The red flashing lights broke through the barrier and I knew something was terribly wrong. It shouldn’t be this quiet.

“Card, watch out!” I yelled, throwing him off me. He slammed to the floor, and I took the wack from Riggs. The hard back end of my gun smacked my face hard, leaving me seeing stars. That’s when the sound my tormentors had been repressing came flooding back.

“I don’t know how we didn’t hear the alarms!” Card gasped. “Shade, are you okay?”

I rubbed my head, groaning. I had to throw one of my rear hooves up when Riggs suddenly attacked me again, his hooves failing. I was barely holding him off me. “Get back Riggs!” I grunted, “I don’t wanna hurt you.” I pulled my rear legs back as far as they could go in this awkward position laying on my back on a chair. Then I literally bucked the buck, kicking him hard with both hooves square in the stomach. He was sent flying across the room, slamming into the door.

It detected the motion, sliding open as he hit the ground. He got to his hooves in the next second, not fazed at all. Puppet ponies didn’t feel pain, did they? Or they at least didn’t acknowledge it. Riggs took one last backward glance at us, and somehow I thought I saw something in that look, then he bolted from the room, off to do Tirek knew what. Because Tirek knew exactly what he was doing with his puppets. He was the ringleader that controlled the whole show. Or rather, the puppet master…

“Card, are you okay?” I got up and moved toward him. I saw the bandages on his left wing turning red, soaking up an excessive amount of blood.

Card looked at it, “It still hurts.”

“Luna,” I sighed, “we need to get you up. I need to replace your bandages. Let’s see if Sayaka has more.”

⚪⚪⚪

The infirmary had more than one entrance, most of them fortunately on lockdown. I wondered how safe we truly were though. Walking around down here without a guide was like traversing a labyrinth. But I was able to find my way by reading the directional signs. Luckily somepony had turned off that annoying alarm, but it wasn’t over and the red lights still flashed.

These corridors had an eerie feel to them without nurses and medics running about. Where had they all gone? They might have been the first to die. That made it a priority to find the head doctor, before something happened to her. In these situations it was really best to be pragmatic, and it was logical to assume we wouldn’t find many ponies alive.

Logic isn’t what’s playing into this, Shadow, but go ahead and keep telling yourself it does!

I must’ve been letting to much emotion show through, because Card said, “It’s okay Shade, just breath and let your light shine. You have it in you, it’s why I love you.”

“What do I have in me?”

“You have strength. You can light your own way through the darkness, you just have to stop letting it get to you.”

“You think something is getting to me?” I croaked.

“I know you really well Shade,” Card bumped my hip with his. “Maybe any other random pony wouldn’t see it but I know things get to you, I know you have things you get hung up on. Even if you cover it with a hard exterior and tough walls you put up around yourself. But Sarge wasn’t kidding when he told you you’re one tough unicorn. So show me. Show me what ‘Bright’ means. Show me what you got that cutie mark for. A light in the darkness. My light Shadow Bright.” Card was blushing furiously by now, but there was a deep love in his golden eyes for me that surprised me every time I saw it.

I felt something warm building up within me. Like when I drew upon my magic. But this was a pleasant warmth, whereas the times I summoned my magic willingly were because of rage, because I hated the world. But this was new, this was good. This was love. I took Cardkeeper, my beautiful, amazing Ace of Spades, and pulled his face to mine. I kissed him like I never thought since I was a colt I’d ever kiss anypony. It was passionate, it was heated, and it was full of an intense love. I felt my magic growing, and it enveloped us, sending away the angry, frantic voices of my shadows.

I stopped for a second to catch my breath and I opened my eyes to examine my coltfriend. His wings were spread wide, and we were lifting into the air. I saw my magic, my light in all it’s bright white glory, healing Cardkeeper’s torn wing. Card was staring at me with a shocked expression.

“I didn’t know you could kiss like that,” he sighed.

“You’re my coltfriend aren’t you?” I smirked at him.

His eyes widened and locked into mine, “You’re willing to admit that?”

Yeah, I realize I hadn’t even fully admitted it to myself. But I loved Cardkeeper with everything I had, even when I hated him. So I said, “Why not, gotta DTR sometime.”

He lifted his wing, giving it a quick glance over, “Wow, this is amazing. I didn’t know you could do this.”

“Me neither.”

His wing healed and we slowly started sinking back to the ground. My horn alit in a steady white blaze, I said, “Come on, we have to find Sayaka Weystone.”

⚪⚪⚪

All power was off in one hallway except for one room off to the side. It had large glass windows and its door had been left deactivated in the open position. Dim blue light emanated from inside, flickering like images on a screen were changing.

Card and I approached cautiously, me ready with my magic, him ready with a glock in one hoof. We slowly rounded on the door frame and stepped inside.

It was a mess and computer monitors were flicking through unidentifiable script. There was one with a map of the base, and in the corner a symbol I didn’t recognize.

We were only halfway into the room when a table flipped into the air and a mare came soaring out with a yell, “Yaaaaa!” She landed on her hooves in front of us. It was Sayaka and she had a crossbow aimed at my chest.

She lowered it, “Oh, thank Luna. You aren’t puppet ponies.” Her mane was undone, the glittery purple strands falling in soft curling locks around her shoulders. It was beautiful, but I hadn’t come here to gawk.

“No, we aren’t,” I moved past her. I stared up at the map, Card coming to stand behind me.

The screen changed, and I glanced over at Sayaka, who had ahold of the mouse. Now a view of a few cameras scattered throughout the base were shown onscreen. Most shown empty hallways, but from a couple ponies could be seen battling off enemies.

“It’s been getting worse by the minute.” Sayaka sighed. “Mustang Town has fallen.”

“It was a surprise attack.” I said under my breath.

“Oh, I feel like this is my fault!” Sayaka threw her hooves to her eyes, sinking to the floor.

Card came up behind her, rubbing her back, “It isn’t your fault.”

“I’m the one who admitted the puppet ponies into the infirmary. It was only a matter of time before they awoke and acted under Tirek’s power. I should’ve realized that. It is my fault!”

“Now listen, if anypony should get the blame, it’s Heartless.” I snapped, “He let his personal feelings cloud his judgement. Riggs Bailey, no matter how much I like him, didn’t deserve any better medical attention than anypony else.”

“I guess you offer a valid argument.” Sayaka got to her hooves. “Forgive me, I don’t usually break down like that.”

“You were only doing your job, Doc.” Card smiled at her.

Sayaka inclined her head, “Thank you. Now, we must go. My staff, not many survived the initial attacks. I need to offer medical assistance to anypony who needs it.”

We all took a backwards glance at her words, staring forlornly at the camera screens on the big monitor. It didn’t seem like there was much hope for Mustang Town, nor Appleloosa. The light on my horn began to dim, and the warm feeling went away. You’re right, Shadow. Mustang Town is screwed. The only thing for it now is to save yourself and Card. Leave this useless mare behind. I sighed. It had been bliss for my shadows to be gone, but I had known they’d never really leave me. They told me so all the time. What would my life be without my constant darkness?

We left the lab and the doors slid closed behind us. It was time to leave Mustang Town for good. I hadn’t liked it much here anyway.

Card’s next words sent a shudder down my back, which made my shadows happy. “You think Sarge is okay?”

Chapter 1 Make or Break Me

Chapter 1 Make or Break Me

Ten Months Earlier

“Hey, did ya hear about that pony from that other land that kidnapped an Equestrian unicorn?”

“It wasn’t a pony doofus, it was a centaur, and yeah, I did hear that.”

“Well did ya hear he tried ta suck all the magic outta the unicorn?”

“That’s not the only thing! Straight from Sendak himself, he was teaching Lord Tirek to drain so much magic, a pony would become brain dead, and because of that, the spellcaster could make that pony their slave!”

“A puppet pony!”

I sat at a table in the bar Sarge had brought us to, and the other cadets—now either Privates or hoofponies—were all scattered throughout the bar. I was sitting close enough to one group to hear what they were saying. It piqued my curiosity just slightly.

“Here ya go!” Ace of Spades—or Cardkeeper as he was known—came and sat next to me, setting a drink of amber liquid down in front of me.

“Card,” I frowned at him, “You hear what they’re talking about?” I pointed with a hoof.

“Yeah, and it doesn’t sound like something they should be—”

“Enough!” Sarge said sternly to the ponies at the table talking about Lord Tirek. “We’re here to have fun, and to celebrate your graduation. Not to talk about sensitive material.” There was murmuring amongst the ponies in question.

I laughed, a bit amused at their anguish. “Shadethrower!” Sarge was suddenly in my face. I was instantly stone silent as I met his indigo eyes. Sarge cracked a huge grin, “Here’s your uniform when you wanna look at it.” I kept myself from heaving a sigh of relief. Sarge still said, “Thought you were in trouble, eh?”

“No,” my voice remained its usual monotone.

Sarge chuckled, “Didn’t think so.” He walked off, chuckling to himself, his yellow tail swishing.

I bent to put the box beneath the table, planning to look at it later. I noticed how heavy it was as I lowered it, but I paid it no mind until Cardkeeper shouted, “Shadethrower, stop! Look!” He was pointing at the box with vigour. I rolled my eyes but lifted it back to the table. Card jumped at the box, halfway on the table and fumbling to open it. I sighed, but chuckled under my breath at the scene.

I immediately sobered when Card pulled out a shiny mist blue and indigo helmet of the Royal Guard. He set it down in front of me. I sat up taller, opening the box further to look for myself. There was a note, and as I picked it up, I noticed a gold helmet sitting underneath with the rest of the armor.

“There’s one for both of us,” I stated, trying to keep my cool, but my heartbeat had picked up. Unfolding the note, we looked at it together:

For Shadow Bright and Ace of Spades. Outstanding performances in basic training camp. Being in the Royal Guard is a high honor. You two really deserve it. I’m proud of you, and I'm proud to say, I was chosen to be your commanding officer.. I'll be seeing you boys in Canterlot before we head off to our station. Good job,

Sergeant Baise Fooler

I caught Sarge’s eye from across the room. He smiled proudly at us, but I quickly looked away, self conscious.

“By Faust, Shade! Look at this!” Cardkeeper was freaking out.

“Yeah. It’s great.” I didn’t like the attention. Yes, I was glad to get into the Royal Guard right off the bat, when most ponies could only dream. But I didn’t think there needed to be such a big deal out of it. I didn’t think anything needed to be a big deal.

“Aren’t you excited?” Card inquired, calming in his concern for me.

I stared at him, “Of course I am. I just don’t think we should make a scene.”

“Oh. Right.” he sounded disappointed.

I felt bad. Of course he was excited. Everypony reacted to things differently. I put a hoof on his shoulder, “I didn’t mean it like that, Card.”

Cardkeeper blushed, avoiding eye contact with me, “That’s okay.” But it wasn’t, and I knew it.

I slowly dropped my hoof. “Hey, if we’re heading to Canterlot, we should get going on packing.” I stood as I said it, and picking up the box with my magic, I began to walk away.

I caught a glimpse of his cutie mark. A large diamond, situated between a smaller heart and spade. That was odd, usually it was a spade in the middle right…? I decided to ask him later.

“Hey, everything alright?” Sarge asked me as I approached the exit.

“Yeah fine, but do you know if Ace’s cutie mark can change?”

“I…don’t…know…” Sarge said slowly, glancing to the side. He quickly met my eyes again, “Hey, hoofpony, eh? Pretty exciting, huh?” I noticed how he changed the subject.

“Yeah,” I answered, emotionless. After that, I left the bar, feeling uncomfortable. Strange, Sarge never made me feel like that…

⚪⚪⚪

Card and I both wore our combat uniforms that weekend. It was the day we departed for Canterlot.

I was quiet when I met Card at the train station. But he was as talkative as ever. “Shade! We’re going to Canterlot! Can you believe it?”

“Calm down Card, we’re not going on vacation. It’s just a debrief before we are assigned our post.” I said, but I was chuckling softly.

“That doesn’t matter. We’ll have a whole three days there! I’m excited.” I could tell nothing would dissipate his excitement.

“Okay, but we’ll keep it professional.” How did I know that wasn’t going to happen? Probably by my best friend’s distracted expression.

The pegasus began jumping up and down as the train arrived. The Friendship Express chugged into the station and the closer it got the higher into the air Card went, his wings fluttering like a hummingbird’s.

“All aboard!” called the conductors. Cardkeeper basically dive bombed the train.

I sighed, shaking my head, “Oh Card.”

⚪⚪⚪

As we arrived in Canterlot, I noticed the old architecture mixed in with the new. I had to admit, the stonework on the more medieval buildings was beautiful. But I didn’t spend too much time looking.

Card did though, and he let me know it. He kept spouting all the things he had planned for us to do this weekend. I mostly ignored it, but some of it gave me the shivers. I kinda questioned it, but I wasn’t gonna say anything.

We got off the train, Card skipping out ahead. “Card, we’re supposed to be in the Royal Guard!” I hissed.

Card obviously didn’t care, “We have three hours until we have to be at the castle. I say we look for lunch first!” Card bounced off, and I had to follow my friend, huffing and rolling my eyes. I got that he was excited, but this was ridiculous. But perhaps it was just me and my repressed emotions that didn’t know how excited was socially acceptable.

“Hey!” Card called, “I know a great restaurant!”

“What is it?” I grumbled.

“It’s called Broken Shield.”

I began looking through my saddle bag, “Is it expensive?”

Card laughed heartily, “I dunno! I’ve never been!” he rolled his eyes at me with a big grin like it was supposed to be obvious. “I do know it’s four stars though.”

“Fine, let’s go.”

⚪⚪⚪

The restaurant wasn't too long a walk away, and it was in the city’s lower heights, so it was all downhill. Card chittered the whole way, but I mostly ignored him. Other ponies were giving him looks.

I was busy making observations. I kept seeing newspapers, either being read, littered around, or still in their stands, but they all said one thing: LORD TIREK DRAINS MAGIC FROM EQUESTRIAN PONIES. CELESTIA CONCERNED FOR EQUESTRIA.

Card suddenly stopped and I ran right into him. “We’re here!” he shouted. I facehooved.

“Let’s just go in.”

We were greeted at the door by a mare wearing a frilly blue shirt with an apron. She had her mane done up in a bun.

“Welcome to Broken Shield, please follow me to your seats.” she sounded just as done as I was.

We were brought to a circular table covered by an off-white cloth, the centrepiece a blue candle. The area had an opening in the wall instead of a window, looking out on the cobblestone street.

“Your waiter will be right with you.” the mare left, and soon a stallion wearing a black uniform and apron showed up.

He immediately scowled when he saw us. “Are you two gay?”

My eyes widened and my jaw began to work as I shot Cardkeeper a horrified look. Card only shot our waiter a smile, “What if we are?”

“We’re just here for lunch!” I squeaked.

“I guess so, I mean you are wearing Royal Guard uniforms.” the waiter stared us up and down.

“Royal ponies can be gay!” Card guffawed.

“Cardkeeper, enough!” I growled at him under my breath.

The waiter ignored us, “Whattaya want?”

I cleared my throat, “Can I just have water to start please?”

“Me too,” Card said. The waiter gave him one last look before heading off to grab our drinks.

“Card, what has gotten into you?” I questioned, really getting irritated.

“Nothing!” Card looked guilty of something.

“What’d you do?”

“Oh, nothing much…I may have just snatched this,” Card slammed a newspaper down on the table, then sat back to watch me.

“Card wha—” LORD TIREK DRAINS MAGIC. I pushed it away, “Card, didn’t you just say yesterday this isn’t something we should really be talking about?” but Card’s knowing smile made me reach for it again.

Quickly, I read it, not wanting to, but too curious to stop myself. Afterward, I stared in wide eyed shock. “She’s threatening war?” Card didn’t say anything. When I looked at him, he seemed not to be paying any attention to me.

I knew I’d be thinking about this newspaper article for the rest of the day. I felt that a war with Tirek may not be uncalled for. Not with the kinds of things he kept doing.

This was something that thinking about too hard would either make or break me.