In the forests near Ponyville live two zebras. Everyone knows Zecora as the resident herbalist and curer of magical maladies and her connections with the Princess. But a second zebra also lives in the area, one who keeps to himself and is a bit of a recluse. Almost no one knows who he is and what he does, and he seems to prefer to keep it that way.

Night Shield is a new unicorn guard taking up the post at Princess Twilight's castle. The strange habits of this second zebra soon become known to him, and a chance situation allows him to find and meet with this zebra to know what makes him tick.

Night Shield may not like what he finds.

Proofread by MightyShockwave