Rise of the Night/Run of Night

by Captain Shadowstep

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Human, Twilight Sparkle, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Original Character, Spike, Rarity, Tragedy, Adventure
Length: 37466

Set in Humanized Equestira.

Shadowstep is a solider in the New Lunar Army, he serves Luna and Celestia as well as a council that was appointed by both of them. However he is soon informed about a coup and assassination attempt on both of the princess and believes he knows who is attempted to take control of Equestira. Soon friends and enemies from his past show up and try to help and stop him. Old flames reignite and old scars torn open. He survived abandonment, suicide missions, and experimentation, but this will push him to the limit. Side note it will alternate between two points of view, Shadowstep with be called the Rise of the Night, while Lyla will be called Run of Night.

Published 2012-08-14 21:04:03 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-14 21:04:03 UTC

Rise of the Night 1

He stood upside down in his tent while four blocks of ice circled around him. He was wearing black pants and black leather boots. His arms are covered in intricate tribal tattoos that marked him as a Elemental Lord. His black and blue hair dripped with sweat. He started to push himself closer to the ground and back up in the air. In the corner of the tent was a suit of blue and black armor. The helm was fashioned after a skull and had horns that emerged from the sides that curled forward. The shoulder pads were the same way except for the mouths that are open emit a blue mist. The chest plate bore the symbol of Princess Luna where the heart is located. There was a belt that went with the armor that resembled the teeth of a wolf. The gauntlets were fashioned with a skull on the forearms. The leg plates had a cloth cover that covered the back of the legs down the knees. The boots had knee covers that would expose a spike when when the knee was bent. There was a sword and ax at the base of the armor. The ax was pure black and gave a blue glow along the jagged blade and spike on the opposite edge of the blade. The sword was dark blue with ice blue runes etched into the blade. Next to the bed was a small desk and chair. Sprawled across the desk was loose papers, maps, battle formations, and notes about spells. At the foot of the bed was a trunk full of clothes. A lightly armored solider entered the tent. The chain mail the solider wore jingled as he saluted the Higher ranked solider.

“Commander Shadowstep, Princess Luna has demanded your presence for the war meeting.” he said.

“Very well. Tell her I shall be there as soon as I am ready.” he said as he dismissed the solider.

The ice blocks that circled him started to be engulfed in shadows and started to grow smaller until they finally disappeared. He stood back upright and walked over to his armor and his tattoos started to glow. The armor disassembled and reassembled on him. He placed the sword on his back and held it in place with his shadow magic and placed the 2 handed axe on the belt. He grabbed the helmet and placed it under his arm. He walked out of the tent and saw that it was almost dawn. He walked toward the War tent and passed a group of soldiers around a fire.

“Hey commander is today the day?” one of the soldiers asked.

“Possibly so go and tell the rest of them to prep themselves for combat.” he answered.

The men started to run off toward the other tents and campfires. Voices being raised could be heard in the background as the tents and campsites stirred to life. Shadowstep continued his way to the tent. He finally came to a grand looking tent decorated with symbols of the sun and moon. He stepped inside the tent and there were several people surrounding a table with a map and markers for soldiers.

“Ah glad to see you could join us Martanis Shadowstep.” said a woman. She had pink hair and a crown. She wore a elegant dress that was a mix between cloth and battle plate. She had a sword at her hip, and underneath the cloth on her arms were more complex tattoos. Much more complex then Martanis's own tattoos. She was also much more taller then everyone else at the table.

“Forgive my lateness Princess Celestia, I was preparing for combat.” Shadowstep said as he took his place amongst the others at the table.

“Well brother next time you go to train be sure its not right before a war meeting on the day of battle.” a man said standing next to princess Celestia.

Lightblade was Shadowstep brother and second in command of the Solar Army. He was four years younger, had blond and red hair, used fire and light magic, and used a sword and shield instead of great sword and battle axe like his brother. He armor was the complete opposite of Shadowstep's own armor. The armor was colored in a crimson red and white. The shoulders had a open book with runes glowing with a bright light. The shoulders also had a cloth wrapping engraved with runes that glowed a bright white. The helm was opened collar that covered the face up to the nose and had a glowing sun symbol on the forehead. The breast plate was a sun and a phoenix rising on the sun. The gauntlets had a phoenix on each the forearm holding a sword and shield. The leg plates had a tail similar to Shadowstep's own armor. The legs had a claw on the thigh of the legs. The boots had a phoenix head and were in the same design to Shadowstep's boots. The shield was shaped after the sun and glowed a dull red along the edges. The blade was straight and and curved forward like the talons of a bird.

“Lightblade you may continue with your strategy.” Princess Celestia said.

“As you wish Princess. As you all know we have pushed Discord's forces back into the Everfree forest. Now even thought we have pushed them back there is still a chance that they could push a counter attack and defeat us. So I say we launch a strike now and shatter his forces once and for all.” he said as he looked at the large map on the table.

The other generals started to agree. But Shadowstep saw one problem with the plan. Even if they had marched all of the solders into the Everfree forest it would leave gaps in the formations and ranks. Discord would be able to slip though the ranks and use his personal guards to raise hell at the small village of Ponyville that was near by and he wasn't ready to sacrifice a whole village for the sake of a chance of ending this war and he was going to make his point load and clear.

“You make a make a good plan except for the fact that we don’t have enough men to make a full sweep of Everfree forest. He would be able to slip though our gaps in formations and he would raze the entire village of Ponyville once he gets past our defenses and I will not let another village be raze for our mistake.” Shadowstep said.

“As will I brother but if we know where he is. He's in the Royal Palace in the Everfree forest.” he said.

“Ok so we know where he is but that doesn't mean he wont run away before we get there.” Shadowstep argued.

“True but he won't resist going against Princess Celestia and Luna with the elements of Harmony.” Lightblade retorted.

“You can't be serious. The last time they tried to fight him like that they nearly died and we almost lost. I won't allow them to go there alone only to die.” Shadowstep shot back.

“Well that’s why your both gonna accompany us when we go to Discord’s base.” Celestia intervened.

The generals all agreed and if the princess said we were going then it was finally. In a few hours we would be making a march of only four people against all of Discords force.

Rise of the Night 2

Shadowstep took one last look around the tent before leaving. He saw Princess Celestia had walked away from the table and walked over to another person. She had light blue hair, wore a similar type of armor to her sister, Princess Celestia, and had a short sword at her hip, and sitting in a chair.

Shadowstep walked out of the tent. There was a crowd of people all surrounding the entrance to the tent.

“So when are we going to war?” one of them asked.

“We aren't. The only ones marching to the Royal Palace into the Everfree forest.” Shadowstep answered.

“But with everyone here won't there be a chance of ambush?” someone asked.

“Yea but as Elemental Lords me brother Lightblade will accompany the princess to fight Discord.” He replied.

Princess Celestia come out of the tent followed by Princess Luna and Lightblade. The entire army was on nerves end.

“My faithful soldiers I is my honor to have so many defending the right to live in peace and harmony but it is not your right to die for our fight. This fight is between the Alidores, Elemental Lords , and the Dragorns. So return to your homes and do not worry for by tonight this war will be over for better or for worse.” she said.

The crowd started to disperse and went into different camps and started to take them down and pack up. Some of the soldiers were muttering about how this wasn't right, how by making this choice the Princess have chosen a execution sentence. There was words of fear and hope circling around the camp. Shadowstep placed his hand on the axe on his belt and pondered what magic Princess Celestia had hidden up her sleeves. The only magic that could rival Discord's Chaos magic was the Princess's Elements of Harmony. However they haven't been able to unleash the full power yet and without the full power they would lose a duel with Discord. However if Lightblade and Shadowstep could empower the elements they might stand a chance.

“Well Shadowstep today the war will be over. I know it has been hard on you, your brother, and Bladebreaker.” Princess Celestia come up behind him and said.

“We're the last of the Elemental Lord's. This war has decimated the Alidores and Elemental Lord's. There is no turning back. We been together since the start. Only fitting that if we die we die together” Shadowstep said coldly.

“Once this war is over you are welcomed to stay in Canterlot. There will be a position on the Lunar Guard for you once this is over.” Celestia responded in a warming tone.

“Thank you Princess but I think I have seen enough bloodshed for one a longtime after this war.” Shadowstep said.

“It is time.” Celestia said.

Shadowstep took the helmet from underneath his arm and placed it on his head. There was a crack of thunder and he looked to the sky just in time to see a bolt of lightning strike him.

Shadowstep fell backwards off his chair and slammed his head on the hard stone floor. A dream Shadowstep thought to himself. He dusted himself off and looked at his clothes. He wore a task force uniform, a short sleeved shirt that instead of a crescent moon on the heart it bore a full moon starting that he was commander of a task force, olive green cargo pants, and black military boots. He looked around to see if anyone saw him fall. The room was a standard Guard office in Manehatten. Only one other person was in the room and that was Bladebreaker, Shadowstep's right hand man. He was dressed in the basic Lunar Guard outfit, a basic blue short sleeved shirt with a crescent moon on the heart of the shirt, black and blue camo pants with pockets on the legs, and black military boots.

“Fell asleep again didn't ya?” Bladebreaker asked.

“Not only that but I had the same dream” Shadowstep replied as he cracked his knuckles.

“The one where your fighting against Discord or the one in the camp?” he asked as he pulled out a knife from his desk and threw it at the wall.

“The camp dream.” Shadowstep answered as he picked the chair up off the ground. He set the chair back up right and sat back in it. Bladebreaker got up and pulled the knife out of the wall.

“How much longer do we have to wait?” He asked.

“Congo said he would be here by 1pm.” Shadowstep answered. He looked at the clock, it was already 12:50pm. He knew Congo since he was a kid. Hell Congo taught him almost everything he knew now, how to fight, how to steal, and how to kill. Congo picked up Shadowstep when he was an orphan abandoned by his father when he fled the city with his younger brother Lightblade, after the city officials began to use their power for themselves. They arrested anyone who defied their command and took the money that was meant for the betterment of the city. They didn't care who got hurt and when anyone went to try to get help they ended up in the city square, broken and with a warning. Congo found Shadowstep stealing from the trash and taught him the tricks of the trade. Soon even the gang lords started to fight each other for what little profit that could be made. It was Congo who was the first one to stand up to the corrupted politicians. He started having his gang steal priceless artifacts from the rich and hiding them all over the city. Soon he started calling the gang the Diamond Dongs. He was only 18 when he took control of the gangs and used them for the peoples betterment. He even helped take the city from the corrupted politicians. He even sent word to Princess Celestia and Luna when the city was retaken. Princess Celestia and Luna personally came to Manehatten to over see the changing of control of the city. Congo went underground at that point but Princess Luna had noticed that Shadowstep had a type of magic that hasn't been seen for ages. It was at that point that Princess Luna took Shadowstep from Manehatten and placed him into the Royal Academy.

Five years later Shadowstep was placed in a special task force. The Magic Hunter Task Force was a force that hunted down dangerous objects that held great magics capable of destroying cities. He found out once he returned that Congo ran the entire underground trade at Manehatten. He came back in contact with Congo and promised immunity from the law for assistance with hunting of the dangerous artifacts.

He heard the door of the office open and a voice say “Its been awhile Shadowstep.”

“That it has Congo” Shadowstep said.

Rise of the Night 3

Congo enter the room standing a few inches taller then Shadowstep. He was dress in jeans that were worn and frayed near the knees, the shoes he wore were a black leather boots, the belt was a simple black leather belt with a skull and cross bones belt buckle, and he wore a black tee shirt with a red vest. His hair drooped a little over his face and was black, short, and scruffy in the back. He was very thin and looked very fragile, like a starving man. However he was a Lupus, a race from the far western boarder of Equestria, which means his muscles where more compacted in his body. This meant even though lupus don't look that strong, they are almost as strong as the Earthen. Their nails were built differently then most. Since the Lupus most live underground to dig out gems and other earthly riches their nails harden to the point where it could tear through rock and softer metals like a knife though butter. He was followed closely by two girls, one on each side. He instantly recognized them from his childhood friends, Shiva on the left and Lyla on the right.

Lyla was the runner of the gang from Shadowstep past. Congo found her after some incident that not even Shadowstep knows, all that was known to him was that she didn't like fire. She was the fastest in the gang and often proved it in races in the underground passages under the city. Even though Shadowstep was fast, he couldn't hold a candle to her speed. She was competitive while growing up when it came to races and often spend time with Shadowstep since they were both around the same age while in the gang and learned various things from him. Her hair was brown, short, and combed forward. She wore canvas shoes, wore light olive green pants, and wore short sleeved shirt with a hood on it. She was just a tad bit shorted then Shadowstep. When Shadowstep left the Diamond Dongs six years ago she was beginning to learn parkour. He wondered how good she had gotten during his six year away from the city.

Shiva was a bit of a dominatrix. When ever they need information Shiva would always handle the interrogation of who they got a hold of. Hell even Shadowstep was slightly afraid of her. She had short purple hair. She wore leather boots that went up to her mid Thigh, wore arm gloves almost all the way to the shoulders, and a one piece leather dominatrix suit that showed the curvature of her body. Shadowstep then noticed what she had strapped to the side of the suit. He first noticed her famous electro whip, Bell as she named it, which on contract would send a electric shock to anyone it touches. Congo made it custom for her and she welded it with deadly precision.

Congo extended a hand forward and Shadowstep took it. “It's been far too long since we have seen each other.” Congo said.

“Indeed. Although you have been making it hard for me to keep you out of jail.” He replied.

“How is that we never do anything too bad?” Congo chuckled.

“Uh huh and those reports of girls going missing and turning up the next day are just bullshit reports.” he responded.

“Well you know how unreliable those reports can be.” Congo said.

“Well just be thankful I'm able to keep those reports buried underneath massive amounts of paperwork. I am be still an underground informant for you, but I can still be arrested and placed in jail for covering your ass.” He said with great calm.

“We know. We been careful with who we take and for how long. We also know you wouldn't sell us out easy and the same could be said for us.” Congo said with a smirk on his face.

“Well other then me and Bladebreaker over there, only three people know I still talk to you and trade information. Those three would be the two princesses Luna and Celestia and my brother Knight-guard Lightblade, and the only reason I'm in this is position of power was cause the princess saw talent in my magic and decided to ignore my past and just place me in the royal academy.” He said.

Shiva went over to Bladebreaker's desk and sat on it. “Well it can't be all that bad. I mean you don't look like your dying from stress.” She said.

“It's not that bad but Celestia's council knows I know you all and they want me to tell them everything I know since they view Congo as a rebel who needs to be in jail or at worse killed, they keep grilling me to try and help them find you.” He said as he want back to sitting behind his desk.

“Well if that's how the council feels why doesn't Celestia court martial you?” Lyla asked as she leaned against the wall.

“Because she feels that my connection to you all is important to the city and protection of the citizens. Also no matter what they did they couldn't get me to talk.” Shadowstep said.

“Is it because you has a crush on Lyla?” Shiva asked bluntly. Lyla started to blush.

“How the hell did you find out?” Shadowstep asked with eyes wide open.

“Please Shadowstep your easier to read then Congo is when he's drunk.” Shiva said.

“Well other then Shiva bluntly explaining my secrets that's not the only reason. You people are my family. Sure I have my brother but you all help raise me to who I am. I'm not going to sell the people who raised me out just like that.” Shadowstep said firmly.

“Well all that aside we can by to ask for help.” Congo said.

A gut feeling told Shadowstep that what ever they need help with was bad, cause that's the only time Congo asked for help directly.

Rise of the Night 4

“Are you fucking kidding me Congo?!” Shadowstep asked.

“I wish I was buddy.” Congo said in all seriousness.

“So your telling me someone is planning a coup on the Princess's and then plan on taking over the nation?” Shadowstep asked.

“Yep, but we don't know who. All we know is that someone wants complete control over the military force and that's still under the Princess's control.” Congo said leaning back on Bladebreaker's desk.

“This is gonna sound far fetched but what if its the council that's planing the coup?” Shiva asked wile sitting at Shadowstep's desk.

Shadowstep and Congo looked at each other and both thought. “Well I wouldn't put it pasted the council to be that evil. I mean they did put me behind enemy line for 5 months with no means of contact or exfiltration. So I wouldn't put it past them to try to kill off the Princess's.” Shadowstep said.

“Captain Shadowstep. There is a team of merc's from Canterlot under the order of the council. They demand to talk to you. Should I send them up to see you?” the intercom on Shadowstep's desk said.

Shadowstep lunged forward and grabbed Congo, Lyla, and Shiva and brought them in front of an empty and rather large closet. He pushed the three of them in and said “None of you say a word right now. If they catch you here I'm in deep shit and you are probably going to be executed.”

He then closed the closet and walked back over to the intercom. “Ok send them up. I rather get this done and over with.” he said.

A few minutes pasted and a team of ten men entered the office. “Gentlemen how can I help you today?” Shadowstep asked.

“Enough with the formalities Captain. The council knows you been in contact with Congo and his gang. Now they have asked for them to be handed over and have yet seen any progress of the matter.” the lead man said.

“I don't know what your talking about and I don't like your tone of voice.” Shadowstep said calmly.

“Listen up if you don't start working with the council on this matter then you will be removed from position of power and be imprisoned and tortured till you tell us where he is.” the lead man said again with anger in his voice.

Shadowstep stepped forward and even though he was a tad bit shorter then the team of men in his office he didn't show signs of backing down. “Are you threatening me? Do you realize who I am or what I have done? Or did the council just tell you to go and try and push this guy so he will give you what they want and you can get your money?” Shadowstep asked with a sickening calmness in his voice.

“I am aware of your service record. I am also aware that if you truly felt threatened we wouldn't be standing. I'm just telling you a warning and that's all. Now we will take our leave.” the lead merc left and his men followed closely behind.

“SON OF A FUCKING BITCH!!!!” Shadowstep yelled and he drove his fist into the wall. Congo, Shiva, and Lyla came out of the closet a little bit shocked. They weren't used to seeing their friend who used to be so calm and cool it was like he was emotionless when he needed to. Shadowstep pulled his fist out of the wall and it was all cut up due to the concrete wall. Lyla moved forward and pulled a small first aid kit from one of her pockets. She started to wrap his hand up before he bled all over the floor. She was very gentle while wrapping up his hand taking extra time to make sure he wasn't in pain.

“Is that any better?” Lyla asked looking over his hand making sure she covered all the cuts.

“Yea its fine.” Shadowstep said as he tried to calm down.

“What the hell are we gonna do now Shadowstep? The council is definitely trying to get rid of one of us and I don't think they won't be so forgiving if they figure out you been seeing us secretly.” Congo said.

“Ok I will try to get your warning to the Princess but I'm not sure what it will do. The council are the most trusted advisers in the land and they might wonder where the information came from.” Shadowstep said.

“Already we'll go back to the catacombs and try to see if we can get more info on this matter. It's been nice seeing you Shadowstep.” Congo said as he turned to leave. Shiva and Lyla followed soon but before Lyla left Shadowstep whispered to her “Come to my house tonight I need to talk to you again.”

The three friends left and Shadowstep looked out to the city rubbing his hand while Bladebreaker started going though some files. Shadowstep muttered under his breath “A storm is coming and we need to be ready.”

Run of Night 1

Lyla's breath misted softly in front of her face as she leaned over the building's edge, her neck craned as far as she could stand. Her sharp golden eyes flicked over the crowd as her brows furrowed together.

"Come on come on come on," she growled under her breath.

The night was chilly, more so than normal. The dryness in the air spoke of the coming snow. Even so, she only wore a loose hooded coat with the sleeves cut off roughly and a comfortable pair of olive green pants. With an absent flick of her wrist, she pushed her brown hair out of her face just in time to spot her target.

Grinning, she bounced a moment in her light canvas shoes before bounding off the roof to the next building. She skidded to a halt at the next edge, leaning over so far her feet dangled in the air behind her.

Good, there he is, she thought, unable to keep the smirk off her pretty face.

She lived for the chase, the hunt. And she was good. Very good. No one matched her for speed, let alone her knowledge of the city and its' secrets. It was probably why Congo chose her to be the Diamond Dongs lead runner. Handling messages, tailing those that needed it, and providing a level of last ditch security for her fellows. The group never took "come alone" to mean anything other than "appear alone but know your back is watched."

She followed her quarry for several blocks, hopping from building to building with ease. He never once looked in her direction.

"Tsk tsk, you're getting comfortable, sir. Too comfortable," she chided.

Dropping back to street level lost her a crucial moment and she lost sight of her prey. She picked up the pace until she spotted his hair bobbing ahead of her. She took a shortcut to get ahead of him again, watching his confident stride from the shadows.

Not here, not yet, patience, she reminded herself. Too public. You know how this one will react. Best in the dark, away, quiet.

She kept ahead for another block or so before slipping into his destination through an open window. She had scoped the place out beforehand and had been pleased to note that he at least had the sense to do more than lock the door. Not that it kept her out, of course.

She paused a moment to look around his apartment. It was decadent by her standards. Furniture, paintings, rugs, and pieces of his travels carefully displayed. She ran a finger over several of them, wondering about their origin.

Her attention shifted when she heard the heavy boots in the hallway. She eased into her already chosen hiding place as the sound of keys hit the doorknob. He opened the door and walked in, dropping the keys on the table by the door.

Then he paused. He looked around, his hand drifting slowly to the gun at his side.

Ah, maybe not so comfortable, she thought. But no worries, soldier, you're home alone aren't you? Of course...

Slowly, he relaxed, satisfied that he was alone. No doubt reminding himself that no one would dare come after him in his own home.

Now! her mind screamed.

She reacted quickly, aching for this moment. She darted out of her hiding spot and came at him. He managed to get his hand to his weapon before she slammed him against the wall, grabbing his wrist and cracking it against the door hard enough to make him drop the gun to the floor.

His vivid blue eyes burned rage as they met hers, his mouth twisted into the grimace of someone prepared to kill. But it melted away into shock as recognition drifted slowly to him.

"Lyla?" he choked out.

"You're losing your touch, Shadow," she said softly, still passed hard against him. "I'm a little disappointed."

He sputtered for a moment, his cheeks flushing bright red. Though she knew it wasn't anger or shame that got his blood pumping. "What the hell are you doing here?" he finally managed to get out.

"Checking on you," she said, releasing his wrist to keep both hands pressed against the wall on either side of his neck. She felt his hand drop and hover near her waist. "Congo wanted me to run intell on you."

"Are you supposed to be telling me that?" he asked, his dark hair falling across his forehead as he remained pinned to the wall.

"No. Wasn't supposed to make contact either," she grinned mischievously, easing off him to saunter over to his couch. "I was hoping you'd ruin that for me by paying attention but... Here we are." She plopped down on the couch to study him.

He looked much the same as he had six years ago. The intensity in his eyes was still there, the sharp cut of his jaw as he clenched his teeth. Black and blue hair perfectly kept. The dark blue tattoos on his arms looked almost black in the dim light. He was still dressed from work, a short sleeved task force surcoat with a full moon stitched on the chest, over his heart. Green cargo pants made the military uniform almost casual but Lyla knew what sorts of things the Lunar Guard kept on them. His heavy black boots were worn enough that they didn't even squeak when he moved cautiously towards her.

Hesitating again, he seemed to decide to just stand in front of her.

"Why?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Our fearless leader keeps an eye on the family. I'm that eye, you know that."

"No, why would you want to be caught?" His face was guarded. That was new. "It's not like you."

"Am I not allowed to have missed you? It's been six. years. Shadow. Barely a word from you." She pouted dramatically, fluttering her eyelashes at him as she grabbed his wrist and pulled him down to sit next to her. "I'm hurt, I thought you would have at least visited."

He chewed his bottom lip, buying it. At least that hadn't changed.

"You know why I couldn't," he said, real longing in his voice. "To keep all of you safe. It's no secret where I come from."

She sighed, resting her elbows on her knees. "Calm down, I'm just pulling your leg. I know the story."

"Then you know it's dangerous for you to be here with me, Lyla! You could be arrested and if that happened... The council wants information about you all. Badly. I hate to think what they'd do to get it." He sighed, looking pained at the thought. But he turned back to her and smiled. "It is good to see you, though."

They sat quietly for a moment before looking away from each other, the unspoken tension forcing them to this awkward place.

Shadow had a crush on her. Everyone knew. They had practically grown up together after Congo brought them to the safety of the gang as children. Shadow had been the first person Lyla talked to after spending nearly a year in silence after coming to live with Congo and his gang. She never told any of the others how she came to be there and the fact that Shadow never pressed the issue had made her trust him. She had feelings for him but when it came to matters of the heart, Lyla was cautious.

She hoped that someday he would realize it and take the first step she was terrified to even admit loomed between them. Better safe and alone than to take that plunge first.

"I should turn some lights on," he said, standing suddenly. "Are you hungry?"

"Oh. Uhm. Yeah, please," she said, standing to follow him into the kitchen.

They chatted idly about politics, the state of Manehattan, the princesses, and his responsibilities as Captain of the Lunar Guard. Never discussing the gang that was their family that he had left for his studies in magic. Lyla found herself longing to grab his hand and pull him back with her. To do something, anything, to bring him back. She hadn't realized how much she missed him until they stood here like old times. Laughing together like the years didn't matter.

She knew then that she had to leave. This wasn't fair to him. And it was quickly becoming painful for her. She made an excuse and they stumbled into their good byes.

Pausing in the window sill, she caught his eye. The words were coming and she couldn't stop them.

"We miss you, Shadow. I... I miss you." She bit her lip, both hands gripping the window tightly.

"I miss you too," he said softly, stepping close enough that she could smell the mix of his lingering body wash and sweat.

She darted close to kiss him on the lips before flinging herself out into the night.

Stupid, she growled in her head. Stupid and selfish. Fool.

She shook her head and focused on getting home.

Run of Night 2

Lyla was having a dizzying day, to say the least.

Two weeks ago she had seen her childhood friend Shadowstep for the first time in six years, against her protector's orders. Congo had been very clear that she was to observe only and make no contact with her friend. Confirm he was doing what little details he had passed their way and nothing more.

It hadn't been the first time he had asked her to trail Shadow. But this time, she hadn't been able to help herself. She talked to him. Then she kissed him and fled like a coward.

Congo didn't know. Or if he did, he didn't bring it up. But the whisperings of the catacombs left them all concerned. A coup in the works against the princesses. And their only reliable way of getting the information to them was Shadow.

Their visit today was cut short by the sudden arrival of the council's lackies and a shove into an empty closet. When they emerged, Shadow was angrier than she'd ever seen him. He had punched a concrete wall and bloodied his fist bad enough that she'd had to bandage it.

It scared her a little. She knew Shadow to be calm, quiet, level headed. She couldn't recall a time when she had heard him yell like that. Let alone injure himself. But the real surprise had been as he caught her arm as she, Congo, and Shiva had been leaving.

"Come to my house tonight," he'd whispered, a certain desperation in his voice. "I need to talk to you again."

She'd nodded curtly, her mouth slightly slack in surprise. What the hell was going on that would cause him to go from chastising her for coming to see him to practically begging her to return? She had to know and that was the end of it.

Once they had returned to the catacombs, it didn't take much to slip away again. Everyone in the Diamond Dongs was used to Lyla coming and going as she pleased. Constant reporting wasn’t her style and generally interfered with her job within the group. And Shadow’s words had been for her ears only, so no one else would know where she was going. It would be safer that way.

At least that had been what she’d told herself. Now she stood in his apartment, as she had for over an hour now, pacing. She’d gone through most of the home at this point. A general sweep when she had first scoped it out 3 weeks ago, the detail work done now. It was an old habit and one she hoped Shadow could once again forgive her for. It helped her feel less like they had six years apart to contend with.

Giving up on guessing when he’d finally make it back, she’d made herself comfortable on his bed and decided to at least get some rest. She drifted out into a light sleep, the kind she used on long surveillance missions. Just enough to benefit from but not so deep as to leave her vulnerable. Without fail, she heard him trudging down the hall again, keys already jangling in his hand. She sat up, suddenly not sure where she would want him to find her.

The couch? Too casual. Pacing? Pathetic. She could stay right here, perched on top of his comforter. Would that be too forward? She bit her lip but by then it was too late. He’d opened the front door and stepped inside. She was beginning to stand when he stepped into the bedroom doorway. For a moment they both froze and stared.

She could feel the heat building in her cheeks and wished desperately that she could hide it. Luckily, he broke the silence first.

“Why’re you in my... nevermind,” he said, stumbling over his words. “Please, don’t get up.” He walked towards her as she resettled herself on the edge of the bed, poised for flight if need be.

“What did you need to talk about?” she asked, her voice softer than she meant it. The tone was too private, she knew, but it was too late. She just looked at him, her eyes big and intent in her focus. Focusing helped. Now if only she knew what he wanted...

Rise of the Night 5

He walked to his house after leaving the office. He walked up to the door and unlocked it. He remembered a few nights ago where Lyla ambushed him after he came back to the city after such a long time away from here. He thought at how Lyla was gonna was gonna ambush him this time. He walked in expecting her to attack him but no such luck. He continued to his room where he say Lyla laying on his bed.

“Why’re you in my... nevermind,” he said, stumbling over his words. “Please, don’t get up.” He walked towards her as she resettled herself on the edge of the bed, poised for flight if need be.

He takes off his surcoat and threw it to the ground showing his chest. His chest was scared by years of fighting and hiding amongst enemies. The blue tattoos that was a gift from another tribe far from the north, showed signs of aging on his white skin. Around his neck were a pair of dog tags that jangled with his every movement.

“I have a fear growing in my mind that the council will be sending assassins to hurt me and the rest of you. It wouldn't be the first time they sent them.” he said as he stood there.

“They sent assassins after you before?” Lyla asked from his bed. He turned around to show a long scar across his back. It arced up from his right hip to his spine at the midpoint of his back.

“A assassin gave this to me after my first mission.” he said. He turned his head as he thought he heard a noise from the hallway. Instinctively his hand went for the colt magnum that was still on his leg. He opened the door with his gun drawn and silently walked into the hallway. He closed the door behind him.

“I know your here so you might as well get this over with.” he said as he scanned the hallway for any sign of movement. The assassin moved from a shadow near him quicker then he could aim and fire his gun. The assassin tackled him and pushed him back right thought the wooden door. The door couldn't stand the force of the 2 bodies slamming into it and shattered. Shadowstep landed on his back with the assassin on top of him knocking the gun out of his hand. As the gun clattered and skidded across the floor Shadowstep brought his left fist into the assassins face, forcing the assassin to be knocked off balance. The assassin staggered off to the side giving Shadowstep enough time to get back on his feet and tackle to assassin, pinning it to the wall. While he used his bandaged right hand to hold the assassin against the wall, he used his left fist to repeatedly slam it into the face of the assassin. His eyes went from the calm and cool blue to a raging blue storm. The assassin tried to break free from his grasp but to no success.

“Now I'm going to kill you and everyone of you friends that come after me or my friends.” Shadowstep said so calm and collective that it scared Lyla. Even thought he was in the middle of a fight he was calm enough to speak with full clarity of a threat he could carry out.

“What makes you think I came alone. The rest will be here and they will kill you.” the assassin managed to spit out. Shadowstep didn't hesitate to snap the assassin's neck.

“You need to run now. Get to the catacombs and tell Congo they might have some unexpected guess tonight.” he said as the assassins lifeless body slipped out of his hands.

“And what are you going to do?” Lyla asked as she got off of his bed and went over to his window and opened it. He pulled another body out of the closet and it looked just like him, like a long lost twin.

“This body will past for me if they want an official record of my death. Now go this building won't be stand for much longer.” he said as he pulled out a bag full of explosives. Lyla didn't wait around to see what he was gonna do. She had already left and was on her way to the catacombs by the time the second team of assassins arrived. He was had jumped out of his window into the back alley when the assassins reached his room and started to follow him. He went into a dead sprint as they followed him three miles across the city. A thunderous boom could be heard and Shadowstep realized that his house was now a pile of rubble.

The assassins still followed him as he came to the bridge over a tunnel in which the train ran. Shadowstep vaulted over the fence and landed on the train nearing falling off before he got a steady grip on the edge of the train. But the assassins wouldn't let up. The train passed though the tunnel and on the other side was the river. It was middle of winter and he weighted the odds of his situation. He could try and fight the assassins which would land in death more then life or he could risk the near freezing waters of the river. He chose the later option and dived thirty feet into the freezing waters. He landed in the freezing water and quickly swam for the surface. He looked around him to make sure he wasn't followed and spied a tunnel entrance. He swam over to the tunnel ad got out of the water. Even though he was good with ice magic he could still die to hypothermia. He started walking down the tunnel hoping to run into someone who could help him but his strength was fading. He started to black out before he finally collapsed in the tunnel.

Run of Night 3

Shadow removed his shirt and for a moment, Lyla stared in surprise. Perhaps being on the bed had been just forward enough...

Then she noticed the scars. New scars. They were scattered across his chest and sides. She recognized the tell tale flicks of a knife and for a moment, her hand darted to her own side. The remains of the injury that had nearly killed her three years ago looked much like the scars on Shadow. She didn’t intend to tell him she had almost died while he was gone, so she quickly moved her hand before he could notice.

"I have a fear growing in my mind that the council will be sending assassins to hurt me and the rest of you,” he said, still standing before her. “It wouldn’t be the first time they sent them.”

“They’ve sent assassins after you before?” she gaped, surprised. She had thought that Shadow had gotten in good with the government. Why would they try to kill him?

He turned to the side and Lyla nearly gasped. The long ragged scar ran from his right hip nearly to his shoulder blades. She shivered lightly at the thought of what that must have felt like.

“An assassin gave that to me after my first mission,” he explained, turning back to her.

“Oh, Shadow...” she breathed, still shocked but beginning to feel an anger in her stomach that someone would hurt her family like that. Before she could react further, Shadow raised his index finger and went dead still. She froze as well, listening.

Shadow’s hand slid smooth as silk to the gun holstered at his side. He raised it, the softness gone from his face as he moved towards the bedroom door. Lyla rose off the bed, quiet as she could be. He moved with a precision she wasn’t used to. Military, exact, practised.

“I know you’re here, so you might as well get this over with,” he called down the hallway. Lyla squinted and spotted the shape in the darkness just as it pulled away from the wall and came at Shadow. She didn’t have time to even shout a warning.

The man barrelled into Shadow, the force of the two men knocking the bedroom door off its hinges. The two went tumbling to the floor, a ball of punches and grunting. Shadow’s gun skittered off down the hallway when it was knocked from his injured hand. The two fought for supremacy until Shadow held the would-be assassin against a wall, pummeling the other man with punches. Lyla stood away, knowing she was no use in this fight. Shadow could hold his own.

The other man tried to free himself but Shadow’s grip was too secure. Lyla’s expression dropped when she noticed the intensity in her friend’s eyes. There was murder there, plain and simple. Something animal and foreign.

"Now I'm going to kill you and everyone of your friends that come after me or mine,” he said as calmly as if he were speaking of the weather. Lyla shifted uncomfortably. This darker side of Shadow was new and disconcerting.

“What makes you think I came alone?” the man snapped, his nose bleeding and probably broken. “The rest will be here and they will kill you.”

Shadow promptly snapped the other man's neck. Lyla grimaced. Killing was never her forte.

"You need to run now," Shadow ordered. "Get to the catacombs and tell Congo they might have some unexpected guests tonight."

"What are you going to do?" she asked, stepping towards him until he pulled what looked like another body out of his closet. She squeaked in surprise when she noticed that the body looked just like him.

"This will pass for me if they want an official record of my death. Now go," he ordered again, more firm this time. "This building won't be standing much longer."

He yanked a bag from his closet that smelled suspiciously of sulfur. She slipped out the window before she could find out what else he was up to. As she found her way to the roof of the nearby building, she glanced back in time to see Shadow vault from the same window she'd exited from. And close behind was several more men. Shadow took off running with the men following.

"You stupid fuck!" she snarled as she realized the direction he was heading. He would never lose his tail going that way.

She started following, running as quickly as she could without drawing attention to herself. It was difficult and slowed her down significantly. As she panted, trying to keep up, all she could think was that she wouldn't get there in time. That one of these men would catch him and kill him.

She pushed herself harder. "Fuck fuck fuck!" she growled between breaths.

She hit the bridge over the railroad in time to see Shadow hop over the fence to land on top of a passing train. The team of assassins followed. She ran to the other side the bridge, leaning over the edge to spot the mess of men on top of the train.

When Shadow leapt from the train into the near frozen river, Lyla made a frustrated noise. What the hell was wrong with him! He'd freeze to death. She began making her way to the shore as she kept an eye on his progress in the water. He hit a section of another bridge and disappeared into it.

"Damn! Come back!" she shouted, though she knew he couldn't hear her. "You...! Argh!"

She stamped her foot and continued her pursuit along the bank of the river. It was slow going with the mud. Her shoes were made for city running, not mud and sand. Finally she managed to catch up to the bridge and duck under where she had seen Shadow disappear into.

Ducking inside, she began to follow the long concrete tunnel. It was dark and moss and slime grew all most of the surfaces. Lyla continued on as quick as she dared, knowing a good slip could result in a broken bone. In her line of work, that was death. And in this case, it could mean both her own and Shadow’s.

The place smelled awful and she covered her nose as she moved, calling out to Shadow several times before deciding silence was the best idea. She decided that once she finally did find Shadow, if he wasn’t dead, she would kill him.

Stubborn, pig-headed, stupid... she growled in her head. Who do you think you are? Me?! You’re no runner...

Then in the distance, against the wall, she could see a pile of... something. She slipped towards it, then poked it gently with her foot. It was solid enough. She bent down and grabbed a small flashlight from her back pocket and shone it down on the pile.

Shadow.

Hours later, Lyla sat in a comfortable chair, her feet propped up on the cot in front of her. One of the Diamond Dongs lesser members poked his head in and she found herself letting loose a snarl.

“Congo wanted-”

“Get. Out.” She managed.

“Look, you need to relax-”

“Relax?” she snapped, advancing on the other gang member. “My friend could have died. I could have died. Fuck you, I’ll relax when he wakes up and you’re the hell out of my fucking sight.”

He seemed to consider it for a moment until Lyla took a quick step forward, her teeth bared. He backed off and finally slunk out of the room. Back to Congo, she could only presume, to report on her further insolence. She didn’t care. He could forgive her later.

For now, Shadow lay on the cot, unconscious. She’d managed to get him back to the catacombs and into a safe location that was rarely used by the rest of the group. She’d stripped him down out of his wet clothes and bundled him up with every spare blanket or jacket she could find. But he had still been shivering. Out of options, she had crawled under the blankets with him, holding him to her to try and warm him. The cold had been intense and left her shivering as well. She always forgot his connection to ice magic. And being in the freezing cold river didn’t help his situation. He was like ice itself.

But slowly, very slowly, he started to regain some colour. She got out from under the blankets when she couldn’t take the cold anymore. Bouncing on the balls of her feet, she’d made a circuit around the room until her own shivering ceased. She re-bandaged his torn hand and checked him for any new wounds, helping where she could.

Now all she had was to wait.

It had been hours when she finally noticed movement. She put her feet down off the edge of the cot, leaning close to him. It was almost like he was asleep. But there was a twitch at the edge of his mouth and behind his eyelids. She watched closely as his eyes finally opened, blinking a moment until they focused on her.

“...Lyla?” he croaked.

“Shadow...” she said softly, touching his cheek. He reached up and touched her hand, looking confused but relieved to see her. She glared. “What the HELL did you think you were doing?” she growled. “It’s the middle of fucking winter, Shadow! You could have died! What were you gonna do, huh? Crawl off into the sewers to die like a drowned rat? Fuck that.”

“Uhm... I...” he tried, more confused now that she was snapping at him.

“You’re not me, Shadow! Luna above, you should know better! What the hell was the stunt with the train? I wouldn’t have even done that! You... You just... Arrrgh!” she continued, finding herself with her arms over her head or smacking her thigh as she spoke. By all that was, she was mad at him. “When I couldn’t find you after your dumb ass decided to jump into a damn near frozen river, like it’s some kinda fucking sport... You could have died. Seriously! Do you even... What if I hadn’t found you, huh? Didn’t even ask for a tail, I had to follow you all on my own... Shadow, geez, c’mon!”

Lyla looked away sharply, leaning back to hug herself and suck her lower lip in. “Don’t... Don’t do this shit to me. You could have died.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, reaching out to touch her leg. He glanced down a moment before looking back at her. “Am I naked?”

“...yes.”

“Why.”

“You were freezing. I had to get the wet clothes off of you if I was going to have any chance of warming you up,” she explained. He had the sense to blush. “I’ll help you find some dry clothes in a bit. I just... wanted to be here when you woke up.”

This time it was her turn to blush and look away. She felt silly for yelling at him but, damnit, he had scared her shitless. The idea of losing more people she cared about was too much to bear, not when she could help. She forced herself to look back at him, knowing full well the fear and pain that was plain in her eyes. She didn’t care if he saw it. Maybe she wanted him to. Maybe then he’d understand why she yelled. The idea of losing him scared her and he needed to know.

Rise of the Night 6

Lyla left the room in search of new clothes, leaving Shadowstep to his thoughts. Why had he done it? Why did he make the jump? Back in the past Shadow would have never done it, but then again he wasn't the man he once was. After he left the Diamond Dongs he was trained to kill to survive, to cut off all ties with society if needed, and if necessary become a sacrifice for the greater good of Equestira. Hours pasted as Lyla never returned from getting him clothes. He could only guess that Congo and Shiva found her first and were giving her a chat about what happened. He got up from underneath the covers and explored the room before finding some old discarded clothes. There was a part of dark green cargo pants that were torn up at the legs, an old pair of canvas running shoes, and a very small shirt. He looked at the shirt and knew that it wouldn't fit him. However the shoes and pants fit. He remembered how angry Lyla was when he came to. She almost never yelled at him.

“Dammit I'm a fool.” he muttered to himself after he realized what he put Lyla though. He looked around the room and heard a noise from the roof. Someone was moving around up there but they didn't want to get noticed. Too bad Lyla had trained him to noticed just noise. He shot his hand up and his magic flowed out in the form of a shadowy tendril that pierced though the roof and wrapped around the leg and he pulled the body down. He was expecting one of Lyla's runners but he wasn't so lucky. It was one of the assassin's from last night, only problem was it wasn't slow to react like the last one. It shot out one of its arms and said “Die” in a feminine voice. She shot out a magic blast that pushed Shadowstep right out of the house into the catacombs. He looked around to see if he could spot the assassin's friends. He couldn't all he could see was lower members of the Diamond Dongs.

“All of you get the fuck out now!” he yelled to them as he got back on guard. They started to run out as the assassin came out from the house. Shadowstep figured her to be a kinetic magic user. Which meant if she got close to him, he could end up on the losing end of this fight. Which didn't bring any comfort since he couldn't tell how many supporters she had hiding in the shadows. He decided to push his luck as he shot out three spears of ice at her. Two figures from the shadows launched themselves from the darkness and caught the three spears.

“Three against one isn't much fair.” Shadowstep said as he tried to keep his guard up.

“Who said assassins fight fair?” the lead assassin said. The two new guys started to make an advance to Shadowstep. One of them was built like with bulk and the other was skinny and scrawny.

“So which one of you want to dance first?” Shadowstep asked mockingly forming two ice swords. The big guy took the bait and rushed forward. However he stopped a couple of feet in front of Shadowstep and launching off his back was the lead and scrawny assassins. In the scrawny assassins hands fire erupted and launched toward Shadowstep. Shadowstep threw his left sword in a desperate attempt to stop the fire and sidestepped the oncoming fire. He might have sidestepped the fire but he lost track of the lead assassin. She was now in front of him and shot a kick out toward him. He slide under her leg and quickly got back up. He swung his sword at her hoping to catch her off guard but she merely stepped through the openings in his defenses. She placed her hand on his chest and the energy pushed violently backwards hitting the ground and bouncing off it like a rubber ball.

“Ok maybe fighting you all was a bad idea. Can we have a redo?” Shadowstep asked as he got back to his feet wiping blood off a cut on his cheek. The three assassins laughed. Shadowstep knew he was in trouble. He could normally handle being out numbered but not when he just got back from being unconscious.

“Maybe if we can take your head then we can stop this game.” the lead assassin said. They started to move in slowly. They could see Shadowstep was in no state to fight and they were going to enjoy tearing him apart. Shadowstep moved further away from them trying to buy as much time as possible. He backed into a wall and looked around for an escape point. If he died here what would happen to the Princess, or Lyla and his family.

“Looks like its the end of the line for the brave captain.” the lead assassin said. She brought her hand up and he could see the magic gather in her hand.

“Shit” Shadowstep muttered as he looked on, waiting on the end to come.

Run of Night 4

A shot rang out in the open area of the catacombs and one of the assassins cornering Shadow dropped to the floor. The larger man standing next to him and female advancing on Shadow looked back at the body in surprise.

Another shot exploded from right beside Shadow and the larger man dropped. Shadow and the woman looked back towards each other, but the woman's turn was stopped by the business end of a handgun. Lyla stood to Shadow's left, firmly holding the gun in place.

"Nice trick," she growled. "Throwing someone across the room." She fired, coldly watching the woman jerk away from her from the force of the point blank shot. "I can do that too."

"I'd say nice shot," Shiva drawled from higher above them, "but that didn't exactly involve skill at that range."

"Shut up, Shiva," Lyla muttered, tucking the gun into her belt loop to inspect Shadow. She hated guns. Shadow seemed to be fine aside from some new bruises and the cut on his face but she still found herself frowning at him. "Are you alright?" She asked gently, trying to soften the expression on her face.

Congo hopped down from the perch he had taken to pick off the would be assassins with Shiva. "Yes, how is our intrepid solider?"

"Been better," Shadow admitted, letting Lyla inspect him before she tossed him the clothes she had gone looking for.

"And you," Congo said, turning to Lyla. "What am I going to do with you? Are there any orders of mine that you will listen to anymore?"

Lyla stayed silent, giving Congo a bold look of defiance.

"The silent treatment doesn't suit you, Lyla," he said, turning serious. "Didn't suit you as a pup, doesn't suit you now."

Lyla just glared in response.

"Look," Congo continued, despite Shadow's presence. "All I'm saying is that you're being... Very unlike yourself. Maybe a little... Irrational."

"Funny," Lyla finally said, looking very upset at Congo as she stood next to Shadow with her arms crossed. "I could have sworn we already had this conversation. For a couple hours. At a much higher volume."

"Then maybe you should have listened, pup," he said, pulling out his old nickname for her. "Don't get so easily distracted." And with that, Congo looked very obviously at Shadow. "But I suppose there are matters to attend to now that this riff raff have been cleared. Do you still have a safe house you could hide him at?"

Lyla nodded curtly, taking the opportunity to end the conversation. Congo had caught her while she was looking for clothes for Shadow and spent the better part of two hours reeming her up one side and down the other for ignoring his orders.

And for falling prey to your own feelings, she reminded herself. Though Shiva's response had been that Congo force Shadow to sleep with Lyla to get the whole thing sorted out. Lyla had damn near taken her head off, further proving the older lupus' point. Shiva had reminded them both that sexual tension helped no one before the fighting had broken out in the catacombs.

"What was all that about?" Shadow asked once they were out of earshot.

Turning suddenly, Lyla pinned Shadow into a dark corner of the tunnel they had been walking down.

"Do you want to sleep with me?" she asked, her gaze catching his and holding it.

"What?"

"Do you. Want to. Fuck?" she asked again, accentuating each word by pressing a little closer to him. She had to admit, being this close did feel good. Maybe Shiva wasn't so wrong.

The redness on his face crept all the way down to his neck. She knew her cheeks were flushed as well. He opened his mouth a couple of times as he searched for words.

"That's what it was about," she said, pushing away from the wall. She kept walking down the tunnel. "We'll be at the safe house in about twenty minutes. Best keep moving if we want to avoid another tail. Keep close, don't fall behind."

And with that, Lyla started to run. When she hit the edge of the tunnel, the ground dropped suddenly but she sailed right over the gap to the roof of a shed that ran parallel to the exit of the catacombs. She glanced back once to make sure Shadow could keep up. He had never been on one of her routes.

So she gave him the run of his life.

--

Once they reached the safe house, Lyla slipped in first to make sure the coast was clear. It was on top of the roof of the council building. No place safer than plain sight. The coast was clear, so she signalled Shadow to follow her. They squeezed down past some old rafters, Lyla leading the way with her small flashlight in her mouth.

They came out in what had once been the attic of the council building, back when it was several stories shorter and much less grand. Lyla flipped the lights on. It was a modest space, furnished with food and various supplies by her runners. A single bed sat in the far corner on the floor.

"We can talk here without worrying about the noise. The way they expanded to fancy the place up left them with a lot of dead empty space," she said, pointing to the awkward shape of the ceiling. "We're basically sound proofed. Makes a good place to rest."

She grabbed a water bottle and a packet of cookies from the food stash and plopped down on the bed to watch Shadow inspect the safety of the room.

Rise of the Night 7

Shadowstep was a little confused by what had just happened. First Lyla went off on him, then she asked if he wanted to fuck her, and now their hiding in plain sight. He didn't know what Congo, Shiva, and Lyla were planning but he had to trust them. Hiding underground was one thing but in plain sight inside the council building was crazy. He also hated being here. The last time he was here things didn't go so well for him. He was tortured and interrogated for what felt like days. He still to this day had the nightmares of the ordeal. He couldn't go to anyone, not the Princess, not Congo and his gang, he couldn't even talk to his own brother Lightblade in Canterlot. Plus the events that happened in the past few hours told him that they didn't care about who got hurt or how it happened. All they cared about was if Shadowstep got to the Princess or died before he could warn them. He took his shirt off as he ready himself to try and get some sleep. He laid down next to Lyla as he started to drift off. He only hoped that he wouldn't be haunted by his past. But the dream came back. It always came back.

“Sergeant Shadowstep you are here before the council to clear up some past mistakes with your records.” an old man said from behind a desk.

“And what past mistakes would that be?” Shadowstep said with his hands shackled.

“Five years ago you were a part of the Diamond Dongs gang that took over Manehatten and over threw the government in power there. Is that not correct?” an woman who sat in an copy of the desk said from the left side of the room.

“I cannot confirm nor deny any involvement I had with the Diamond Dongs after all it was sanctioned by Princess Celestia for my joining of the royal guard despite my past record.” Shadow answered trying to steer the conversation away from the subject.

“Yes we know about that but what we want to know is where they are, who leads them, and why you are still protecting them. They are a threat to the security of this nation and must be removed from the equation.” a man siting behind a desk on Shadowstep right said.

“Last time I checked they weren't the ones on the brink of war with us unlike the nation of Silbila.” Shadowstep said defiantly.

“I see we will have to do this the hard way then. Take him and make sure he talks.” the woman on the left said. Two man entered the room and grabbed him by the arms and dragged him away. Shadowstep tried to resist them and started to yell but they put a gag in his mouth and dragged him away. They brought him thought the building to a dark room underground. They threw him into a chair and strapped him in.

“They say you have a high pain tolerance, well let's see if that’s true.” one of the men said as the other brought into view a car battery and some alligator clamps. They attached the clamps to the metal that was exposed on the arms of the chair and pain shot though Shadowstep like no other. He had been shot and stabbed but nothing compared to the electricity going though his body. He wanted to scream to call for help or just to let the pain out, but they had gagged him so he couldn't do that. They continued for about 5 minutes before Shadowstep started to get used to the pain.

“Ready to talk mister gangster?” one of the men asked as he removed the gag.

“Why don't you go and fuck yourself.” Shadowstep said as he spit on the man's face. The man backhanded Shadowstep knocking him further into the chair.

“Maybe I should take the rest of your ears? Looks like someone left the job half finished.” he said as he pulled a knife out from behind him. Shadowstep was already missing the tips to his ears as they were taken by a rival gang as trophies. His buddy however grabbed his arm.

“Hey we went paid for body mutilation so let's just get him to talk and be done with it.” he said as he pulled the knife from his partners grip. The female council member walked in.

“Has he talked?” she asked.

“No ma'am. He's tough.” one of the men said.

“Well keep trying. What good are you if you can get a single man to talk.” she said as she left the room. The door slammed loudly behind her and he finally work up from the dream. He was in a cold sweat and looked over to Lyla. She had changed out of her runner's outfit into a tank top and shorts. He prayed to Luna that they didn't find in her. Because if they did he wouldn't be able to protect her. Even if he could.

Rise of the Night 8

He never explained to them his reasons for leaving. He never thought he was going to have to. He was always talented in magic. Even when was younger and was alot more inexperienced then he was now. He showed signs for improvement with his magic and he saw what the royal guards could do with their magic skills after seeing them in Manehatten after they took over the city. He saw that they were on a different level entirely. While growing up he was a fighter, he always protected them when they were younger. But his magic had a tendency to cause more danger for them or fail altogether. He wanted more control, more power to protect them better.

“I left to become stronger. I wanted more control to protect you all what danger I could but with my level of experience and magic back then I would only put you all in danger.” he said as he dropped the guard on his face. The expression was one of sadness. He truly felt it was his fault for the deaths of many back then.

“That's not true Shadow. You never put us in danger.” Lyla said to comfort him.

“Really? What about that time we both played middle-man to that deal with the New Brotherhood before Congo had them disbanded. You nearly got killed and only got away because I took the hits, not to mention they took the tops of my ears as trophies.” he said pointing to the missing tops and the v cut that were cut into his ears. He remember the incident very clearly. They were suppose to watch over some deal. However things went south and they ended up fighting for their life. Shadowstep ended up fighting most of them and tried to use a teleport spell to get himself out after Lyla ran and hid somewhere in the catacombs, but it failed and they got him. They took the tips of his ears and cut a v into his ears as a warning after beating him for about 5 hours. Congo founded him on his way back from the surface and instantly stormed the Brotherhood's base and wiped them out. Those that survived ran far away from Manehatten.

“It wasn't your fault. Congo had no idea the deal would go south or that they would even dare touch us.” she said trying to calm him down, which seemed to work.

“I know but still I can't stand to see that there are people better then me at a certain skill. I'm one of the strongest fighters the gang has besides Congo himself and yet I am still weak compared to some of the members in the royal guard.” he said as he looked down at his hands. In one hand shadows wrapped around his hand and moved like a snake. In the other an ice crystal started to form. He put both his hands together. He opened his hands to show an ice star with a black core inside.

“I know I haven't gotten you anything for your birthday for the past six years so here is something.” he said as he placed it in her hand.

“It's so beautiful. Wait it's made of ice so won't it melt?” she asked as looked at the crystal.

“Normally yes, however I placed a shard of my magic inside so that it will never melt. Not as long as I'm alive.” he said. She looked at it and smiled. He had never given her a gift much like the one he just gave her. In fact all of his gifts paled in comparison to the star. A couple of day before he left he gave her a knife he found in the catacombs but it still didn't match the level on which the star did. She was happy. For the first time in a long time he saw her happy. He decided to make a jump for himself, he didn't care how bad it turned out. He leaned forward and planted a kiss right on her lips and for the first time in a long time he made a jump for himself instead of anyone else.

Run of Night 6

Shadow's explanation left her feeling a little bit of closure. She had been wondering for so long why he had run. She supposed it made sense. His loose control of his magic when they were younger had gotten them into trouble. And she very clearly remembered the night the New Brotherhood deal had gone so horribly wrong. She had spent hours out with Congo looking for Shadow until they had finally found him, bloody and broken by the rival gang.

She could see wanting to learn control after all that. When he started playing with his magic, she watched closely. Lupus did not have magic and what the magi could do had always interested her. The star he formed of ice and darkness was beautiful.

"I know I haven't gotten you anything for your birthday for the past six years so here is something," he said as he placed it in her hand.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said, closely inspecting the star in her hand. It was cool to the touch. “Wait, it’s made of ice... won’t it melt?”

"Normally, yes, however I placed a shard of my magic inside so that it will never melt. Not as long as I'm alive,” he explained, looking proud of himself. She beamed at him, very impressed with the gift. It really was lovely and so sweet.

As she was tying it around her neck, she looked up at him to tell him thank you and he was suddenly very close. He kissed her.

Her eyes widened for a moment before closing and she returned the kiss. He was being cautious, gentle. She kissed him harder, getting a hand in his hair at the back of his neck and the other on his shoulder. He responded by putting his arms around her, the dark tattoos on his arms stark against her light skin. They pulled away for a moment to catch their breath before he pulled her tight against him again.

Lyla found herself straddling his lap as they kissed again. She ran her fingers lightly down his arm, tracing the shape of the muscles she found there. She felt a little light headed but she couldn’t help but fall into his scent, into the way he kissed her. His hand moved over her waist and hip before slipping under her shirt to move over the warm skin there.

Then his hand found the scar just above her hip. And he stopped moving. Lyla tried to regain his attention by kissing along his jawline but he tried to tilt so he could see what he was feeling.

“What is this?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said, pulling his hand up between them. “Don’t worry about it.” She kissed his neck, nibbling gently at the skin where his neck met his shoulder.

“Let me see,” he said, pulling his hand free and pushing her shirt up a little to get a better look. She moved his hand away again and pushed her shirt back down. “Lyla,” he said, stern. “Please.”

She stayed still for a moment before sighing and moving back from him. She lifted her shirt to bare her middrift and clearly show the scar on her left side. Though she couldn’t see it now, she knew exactly what was making his eyes go big and surprised. It was about two inches long and twisted in the middle to form a misshapen “V.” The evidence of stitches was still there along the entire line.

“...what happened?” he asked, slowly running a finger along the scar. “Did this happen while I was gone?” He looked crushed, like he felt guilty that he hadn’t been there to prevent it. It would be like him.

“I was stabbed. During a run,” she said softly. “I was watching a politician for Congo in an area of town I hadn’t had the chance to sweep yet. I didn’t know the territory like I should have. I told Congo it would be alright. I was being cocky. I was on the roof, getting ready to go.” She let out a breath for a moment, remembering. “I stood up and they were suddenly behind me. I didn’t even know what had happened at first.” She cringed. “Then he twisted the knife and pulled it up as he pulled it out. He nicked an artery. I... well, you know I never had much of a pain tolerance. He left me to bleed out on the roof. I guess he figured no one but their own would check up there. If I remember correctly, he was some sort of private security. You’d... you’d have to ask Congo. I don’t remember much of it. One of my runners found me in a puddle of my own blood about a mile away. He said he just followed the blood trail. I don’t remember getting there.”

“You... you walked a mile with a knife wound to the belly?” he asked, looking taken aback.

“I guess? I don’t know, it’s all kind of blurry. I mostly remember the pain. That’s about it.” She rolled her shirt back down over the scar and tried awkwardly to smile. “It was about three years ago. I lucked out. Good thing I train my runners so well.”

Shadow pulled her close again, hugging her to him. She slipped her arms around him in return and lay her cheek against his chest. How did he manage being this temperature? Everyone but other Lupus always seemed so cool in temperature to her.

Well. She’d fix that.

She kissed him again before pulling him down under the blanket of the bed and pulling him close to her. He followed without protest, catching a hand in her hair. Lyla nipped his lower lip until he pushed close to her and kissed her with a renewed intensity. She grinned despite herself.

Maybe Shiva had it right all along... she thought, running her hands over his back and sides as he explored her sides and belly, one hand slowly snaking up to trace her breast. His kisses had trailed down to her neck and collarbone, leaving her breathing a little quicker.

They were both so lost in it all that neither one noticed the young man who had slipped in through the rafters until he was almost right next to them.

“Lyla?” he said after giving a short cough.

Lyla yelped in surprise, bright red in the face when she recognized one of her newer runners, Kit. She stayed under Shadow, trying to regain her composure. Shadow straightened up and looked back at the young Diamond Dong, glaring.

“Kit, what’re you doing here?” Lyla interjected, trying to keep control of the situation.

“Enjoying the show,” Kit said with a grin. Lyla added her own glare to Shadow’s. “Sorry, sorry! Shiva told us all to find a safehouse to stay at for a couple days. I thought I’d come here.”

“This one is taken, kid,” Shadow said. “Beat it.”

Lyla rolled her eyes. Men. “He’s right, Kit, try the spot on Lunar Way and 13th. We haven’t used that one in awhile, but it should be stocked.”

The young runner nodded, took a glance at Shadow only to catch another death glare, and darted back out of the safehouse. Shadow turned back to her, gently pushing her back down against the mattress.

“Now,” he said, stealing a quick kiss, “where were we?”

“Somewhere between here,” she kissed him back, long and passionate. “...and here.” She had a slid a hand down to the tightness at the front of his pants. He grinned.

Shadow nuzzled Lyla’s neck as she unbuttoned his pants, pushing them down over his hips so she could get a good handle on his cock. He sucked in his breath as she started to stroke it, her free hand teasing along his ribs. She smiled as she moved her hand up and down, feeling him stiffen all over at her touch. His breath was hot against her neck as he suddenly started fumbling with her tank top.

Lyla propped herself up and helped him get the shirt off, turning her attentions to his once hers had been discarded. She gently pushed him back into a sitting position so she could kiss his chest and he could get his pants fully removed. They were quickly added to the pile, as were her shorts. Once there was nothing impeding them, they came together with a sense of desperation. Years of tension finally being released as Shadow pinned her down to the bed and began sucking on her right nipple while massaging her left breast.

She gasped and moaned quietly, running her fingers through his hair. He had a firm grip on her hip when he returned his mouth to hers. She had wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him even closer. His erection pressed against her thigh and it was all she could do not to beg. He ran a hand over her calf down to her ass, savoring every inch. He was smirking when he caught her gaze again, apparently liking the look she gave him. She was biting her lower lip and looking at him pleadingly.

Luckily, he seemed to catch on and his hand slipped down between her legs. She gasped again as his fingers found how wet she was for him. He gently slid his fingers over her, exploring before pushing two fingers inside her.

“Tease,” she snarled, moving her hips towards him as he moved his fingers in and out of her. He laughed softly, his voice raspy with lust. He shifted his weight and then the tip of his cock was pressed against her. She felt a small whimper escape her lips. She wanted him. Badly. But he was simply holding himself over her with a patience that was maddening.

“Lyla,” he said, drawing her eyes back to his face. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she breathed, kissing him hard. And with that he pushed inside her, drawing a low moan from her throat. He grunted softly once he was all the way in. She nipped at the tension in his neck muscles. “Please, Shadow...”

He laughed a little again and obliged her, starting his rhythm of thrusting slow and easy. She arched her back, responding to each stroke and trying to match him.

“Little eager?” he asked, returning a hand to her breasts.

“Just fuck me,” she said, accentuating her request with a groan as he moved inside her.

“Yes, ma’am,” he rumbled and picked up the pace. Lyla gasped. Luna above, he felt good. Her breath was coming in shorter and shorter gasps as they continued, her fingers dug into his back and hair.

“Ahh... ahhh... Shadow...” she moaned. Shadow grunted softly in her ear, focused. He would slow slightly before pumping into her quick and hard enough she thought she would scream loud enough to alert everyone in the council building. Then he would slow again, teasing her. Their foreheads were pressed together, their hot labored breath mixing as they fucked. He was taking his time, being careful.

“Damnit,” she snarled.

“What? Is something wrong?” he asked, pausing.

Lyla responded by flipping him onto his back and straddling him. She put her hands flat on his chest and took over. She could swear his eyes almost rolled back into his head as she moved her hips in a steady circle.

“Oh, Lyla,” he managed to get out, his hands moving up her thighs to her hips. As she continued to control the thrusts, she had to lower herself slightly to pick up the speed. She moved her hands to the bed on either side of Shadow’s chest and bounced her hips on top of him. He grunted softly, no doubt enjoying the way her erect nipples slid across his chest as she moved.

Soon he was using his grip on her hips to match her movements so he could better thrust into her. Lyla could think of nothing but this moment, the way his hard member felt... every single inch as he entered her. She wanted to enjoy it, to burn the image of him below her, sweating and focused on their love making. That was her Shadowstep, no mask, no military training. Just the man.

Then he turned the tables on her and flipped her back over, thrusting hard and strong to make her gasp and moan and claw at the sheets. She was breathing just as hard as he was, lost to his thrusts. She was close and moaned it out to him, encouraging him to continue his pace. He groaned in response and soon she was hanging onto him for dear life, his panting in her ear mirroring her own.

“Shadow!” she managed. “Aahhh..!”

“Lyla!” he called back as she came just before he did, slamming into her as hard as he could for his final stroke that left them both shaking and gasping for air.

They lay panting, the last twitchs of orgasm still holding both of them. Shadow slid out of her and collapsed half next to her, half on top of her. Neither could move for several minutes, just catching their breath and riding the high. Once they could move, it was just to reposition into a more comfortable cuddle.

“Thank you,” she finally said, tracing the tattoos on the arm he had draped under her breasts.

“For what?” he asked softly.

“For being here,” she said. “For coming back. For being you.”

“Mmm,” he murmured, kissing her cheek. “You’re welcome. Thanks for the good sex.”

Lyla laughed, still slightly breathless. “You’re welcome too.”

Rise of the Night 9

Shadowstep laid there with Lyla in his arms. He saw the scar and he knew who did it. The same man who beat Shadow all those years ago. His name was Vellix. He was the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. Congo had the members who weren't killed scattered across the nation, but Vellix stayed. For what reason Shadow didn't know but he was going to find out. He slid out from under Lyla once he made sure she was asleep. He placed the covers back on her so she didn't get cold. He got the spare clothes that Lyla gave him and looked though her clothes for the knife he saw her carrying. He found it and placed it on his right thigh. He left the hiding spot and went to the red light district.

No one cared about anyone in the red light district. Everyone that lived here was either a pimp ,whore, or killer. However they all were there when the Diamond Dongs took over the street so they knew better then to fuck with Shadow even though he was older. He knew of one bar where someone like Vellix would stay. The Wet Whore. A bar and brothel in one, people would rent out a room and could literally live there for as long as they wanted as long as they had the coin for it. He walked inside and not a single head turned to him. They were either too busy getting drunk, getting laid, or just didn't care anymore. Shadow walked over to the bar.

“I'm looking for a man with a V scar on his forehead.” Shadow said.

“We don't do custom orders nor do we sell information.” the bar keep said not even looking at him.

“Well this is Diamond Dong business and therefore it would help you to be willing to help us.” Shadow said calmly. The barkeep shot a look over to Shadow. Even if its been a while since the Diamond Dongs asked the people for help, no one refused them.

“Third floor room three zero one.. No one knows how you found out.” the barkeep said as she turned her attention to another costumer. Shadow smiled as he got the information he needed. He walked up the stairs to the third floor. He looked around till he found room three zero one. He rapped his knuckles against the door.

“Berry is that you? You better have my wine woman.” a disgruntled voice said from behind the door.

“A visitor from your past is her to see you.” Shadow said before kicking the door in. It took a couple of seconds for the man to respond to the door being shattered. He start to move to a gun that was sitting on the side table. Shadow wouldn't let him reach it or if he did he wouldn't let him get a shot off. Shadow grabbed the knife off his thigh and threw it at the gun. However the man was a drunken klutz and bumped the gun with his hand and the knife meet his hand sticking it to the table. He howled in pain like a wild animal, while Shadow simply walked over to the man and brought his right heel down against the man's jawbone.

“Who are you?” the man asked trying to pull the knife out of his hand.

“About 7 years ago you took my ears and left your mark. Then while I'm gone from my pack you attack her. Did you honestly think I wouldn't come after you.?” Shadow asked as he violently ripped the knife out, tearing bits of bone and flesh. The man's eye widen as he realized who was standing before him.

“So the the little bastard stand before me acting tough. I remember when we made you broken and bleeding.” he said gritting his teeth. Shadow grabbed him by the collar of a wore t shirt he was wearing and threw him into the hallway. Shadow placed the knife back in the sheath on his thigh and came out to the hallway. The man turned around and threw a feral left jab but it meet nothing but air as he moved in closer and slammed his fist into the mans face so hard that blood poured out of the mans nose. The man staggered back toward the stairs and railing and he tried to catch his footing. Shadow rushed forward closing the gap between the two and grasped his collard dragging him to railing that overlooked the bar.

“Maybe it's time to take a dive.” Shadow said as he threw the man over the railing. The man screamed as he fell and hit the ground with a sicking crack. Shadow jumped off the railing and slowed his decent with his shadow magic. The man had broken both legs. He grabbed the man and sat him on the bar laying down.

“I'm going to kill you for what you did to me and my friends Vellix.” Shadow said as he pulled the knife out.

“Shadow. Stop. Right. Now.” Congo said calmly with Shiva right beside him but his body spoke otherwise. Congo had his fist clenched tightly and the corners of his mouth were jumping up as she tried to keep a straight face instead of a raging snarl.

“Congo this isn't your business so stay the fuck out of it.” Shadow said calmly. That’s when Congo lost control and rushed forward. Shadow barely had time to drop the knife and right arm to guard against a kick from Congo. That's when Shiva knew it was gonna end up in a fight like old times only difference is that they weren't little kids and they weren't training.

Run of Night 7

Lyla woke hours later, stirring awake slowly as she stretched. She reached out for Shadow and didn't feel him. She opened her eyes and found herself alone. Looking around the safe house didn't produce him either.

"Shadow?" she called out. Silence.

Slipping out of the bed, she pulled her clothes back on. As she stood and tugged on her pants, she noticed her knife was missing. She frowned and dug around for it.

"Shadow... Where the hell are you and what the fuck are you up to?" She muttered. How was she supposed to keep him safe and out of sight if he went running off? "Dammit..."

By now it was getting dark, so she slipped her hooded jacket on and made her way out into the night. She had no idea where to start looking for him but she knew that once she did find him, she was likely to give him a good thwack upside the head for running off.

She started by slipping down to the edge of the roof where they kept a small hidden radio. She picked it up, giving the call button a test couple of pushes.

"All out to the dash," she said into the speaker. Heads up all runners. "Big up in the air, feet to the floor." This is Lyla, stay low. "No barking yet, but the shadows move." No word on how long, keep an eye out for Shadow. "Sing to the wind if you're in the dark." Let me know if you see him.

She leaned back and sat cross legged in front of the receiver. Any runner in the city that was near another of the radio receivers would hear her message. All she had to do was wait and hope one of them spotted Shadow.

It didn't take as long as she was expecting. The radio crackled twice before the voice came through. It sounded like Luke, the Shiva to her Congo.

"Barking at the red lights, big up," he said. Saw him in the red light district. "Damp in the river, dogs on the dry dock." At the Wet Whore, Congo and Shiva nearby. Lyla frowned. Shadow would normally have little reason to be at a brothel, even less considering what had just happened between them.

She flicked off the radio and made her descent to the street. She was careful and quick, now worried there might be some sort of trap. The four biggest leaders of the Diamond Dongs in one area seemed like a very bad idea. Still, she pressed on to the seeder part of town.

The Wet Whore loomed before her and she paused outside it with a disapproving look on her face. She sighed and walked in anyway.

She was surprised to see Shiva standing near the door, her arms crossed as she watched the spectacle playing out in front of the brothel's bar. A man lay moaning on the bar, his legs twisted at odd angles and blood flowing from his nose. The railing on the second floor above the bar was damaged. Lyla noticed Congo first, his broad back was to her, tense and standing tall. She immediately knew something was wrong. Congo was always very relaxed in his body language and anytime he tensed meant someone was being punished.

When he moved slightly, Lyla could see Shadow standing there, holding his hand to the left side of his face. The telltale glow of his magic swirling around his fingers. When he dropped his hand, his cheek and eye were already swelling. He must have been icing it with his magic.

"Good timing," Shiva said pleasantly. "They've only been at this a few minutes."

"The hell is going on?" Lyla asked, worried.

"Your little magi decided to blow cover to beat the shit outta Vellix. Congo's not happy with him, as you might imagine," Shiva explained. "Hey, isn't he the one that got it on you a few years back?"

Lyla frowned, ready to snap something back at the older lupus, but Congo turned and looked back at her.

"Ah, Lyla. Perfect," he said, though his serious expression didn't match his jovial tone. "When I'm done straightening out this one, it's your turn, pup."

Lyla instinctively took a step back, surprised by the look Congo gave her. He was going to punish her, that much was for sure. But she dared not leave the brothel. Running from him was a bad idea. Instead, she stepped forward and went to Shadow, who looked like he was about to start it up again with Congo.

"Are you alright?" She asked, getting a good look at his face. "Did he do this?" She looked back at Vellix.

"No," Shadow growled, his eyes locked on Congo.

Lyla looked between the two men and suddenly understood. She'd interrupted Shadow's punishment. "Shadow," she gripped his forearm. "Don't do this, please. He's your friend."

Rise of the Night 10

Shadowstep thought at the words Lyla said. Why was he fighting Congo? Was it because Vellix was still alive? Was it because Vellix attacked Lyla even thought he was supposed to be banished from the city? He relaxed his body and went over to fetch Lyla's knife. Congo still watched him, making sure he didn't decided to attack again. He simply snatched up the knife and handed it back to Lyla.

“Congo I'm not pissed anymore but I do want to find out why he was still breathing and managed to attack Lyla again.” Shadow said pointed to Vellix.

Congo relaxed and said “He went missing. We didn't even knew he was a part of the Dark Brotherhood till he attacked Lyla and left his mark. Hell we didn't even find him till two weeks ago and he hasn't left this spot since. We been trying to figure what to do but well I see you have your own idea's about what to do.”

“So is my spot still open?” Shadow asked.

“Can't find a single person to hold a candle to how you ran the military fraction.” Congo said reaching into his pocket pulling out a cigarette.

“So I take that as a yes?” Shadow asked. Congo nodded after puffing out a small cloud of smoke.

“Now come on you two we got some business to take care of.” Congo said walking out of the brothel. Shadow, Lyla, Shiva followed Congo back into the catacombs.

The main base for the Diamond dongs has changed a lot since Shadow was here. Last time he lived here they all lived in shacks and barely had enough clothes. Now it's like most of the shacks have been replaced with one story houses. Hell they even had a tailor shop and blacksmith now.

“Congo what the hell happened? Since when did the Diamond Dongs get so much money?” Shadow asked with his jaw open.

“Well after you left we started a um recruitment of sorts.” Congo said.

“You started the kidnappings and the mind altering drugs didn't you?” Shadow asked with a blank emotionless face.

“Um maybe. So here's where you will be staying for right now. Lyla will be back to drop off your clothes after the tailor gets done with them. Shiva make sure he gets packed in and try to keep him out of trouble. Now you on the other hand Lyla still need you punishment pup.” Congo said dragging Lyla by her collar.

“So I'm gonna guess you two finally popped the cherry?” Shiva asked blatantly. Shadow's face turned bright red as she asked the question.

“How the fuck do you find these things out? Is there like some mental magical connection between you and Lyla?” Shadow asked as Shiva leaded him inside the house. Shiva giggled at the thought.

“No but I could tell from your posture and hers that you two were um comfortable with each other. Besides she's my room mate sooner or later she would have told me or I would have figured it out.” She said inspecting the place.

“Congo's not going to hurt her is his?” Shadow asked with a caring in his voice and face Shiva never saw before. She didn't know how to react. She always teased him about this sort of thing but this time she didn't want to.

“I honestly don't know. So much shit has happened I can't even tell what he might do. But I don't think he will hurt her.” Shiva said. His face relaxed and be sat down a nearby by chair.

“Hey Shiva. Next time you see him tell Congo we might need to think of a new plan about how we're gonna warn the princess since I'm now supposed to be dead.” Shadow said chuckling to himself. Shiva grinned a little, leaving him sitting in the chair.

Run the Night 8

Congo walked confidently down the tunnels of the catacombs, Lyla following forlornly at his heels. Everyone they passed said their hullos to Congo, some of them starting to do the same to Lyla until they saw her face. She hadn’t been punished since she was a kid and Congo’s idea of punishment had... changed a lot since then. She’d been twelve, insolent, and angry. He’d spanked her until she couldn’t sit down without cringing. Now... she knew what happened in the darker recesses of the catacombs. She knew what Shiva did to the lesser members of the gang when they stepped out of line.

Lyla had never really had to punish her runners. Mistakes punished themselves in her line of work. Be it broken bones, wounds, death, embarrassment, or capture, being a runner had its own set of rules. So as she followed Congo into his set of office and living spaces, she was unsure what to expect. He sat down in a large office chair behind a simple table and indicated a simpler chair near it. She sat.

“So,” he began, hands folded in front of his face. “What’s going on between you and Shadow?” Lyla mentally cursed herself as she felt the flush of red across her face. She looked away. “I suppose that answers that then. Good for the two of you, it sure as hell took you long enough. I was about ready to let Shiva use her idea.”

“What idea?” Lyla asked, looking up.

Congo grinned mischievously. “Confiscate both your clothes and leave you two locked in a room together until you... sorted out your feelings.” He laughed a little before leaning back in the chair. “I hope this means that you’ll be a little more focused and obedient. With all that’s been going on, I can’t have dissension in the ranks at your level. You know that.”

“Mm,” Lyla murmured, nodding. She was having a hard time looking him in the face. “And... you’re going to punish me still?”

“In a manner of speaking,” he said, lighting a cigarette. “I can’t be seen as too soft. But then I can’t afford to have you look like you just rolled over and took it. So you’re going to punch me.”

“What?!” Lyla near shouted. “Punch you?”

“Mmmhm, the face, if you don’t mind, so it’s obvious.” He stood and walked over to her, pointing at the left side of his face.

"I can't do that!" she balked. "You're my... Well. Leader. Thing."

Out of nowhere, he back handed her hard enough that her head spun. It took a moment for her to regain her senses but when she did, she was leaning against the wall and panting. Her cheek was throbbing.

"You-you hit me!?" she gasped.

"That might have been what I did, yes," he said, standing just behind her. "Do remember yourself and do something about it."

Lyla spun, her foot catching him in the neck and throwing him towards the ground. He recovered before hitting the floor, his leg swinging out to take out her legs. She hopped over it and came after him, managing to land a punch at his face.

But the swing left her defenses open and he twisted her arm behind her back before shoving her face roughly into the floor. He pulled her arm until she yelped. He was straddling her from behind, most of his weight pinning her hard to the floor on her stomach.

"You're getting better, pup," he said with a laugh. "Maybe having Shadow around again will be good for you."

"Get. Off." She barely choked out, his weight pressing most of the air out of her lungs.

"Apologize."

"Fuck o-" her response was cut off by the loud scream of pain that escaped her lips when Congo twisted her arm. Her whole arm and shoulder felt like they were on fire. "Sorry!" She gasped out.

He released her and she rolled to her side, clutching her arm. "Fffffuuuuuck..." she hissed.

Congo relit his dropped cigarette. "You're fine. I didn't dislocate it." He sat back down in his chair and gingerly touched his face. His eye was darkening and swelling.

"You'll have a black eye," she muttered, still rubbing her arm before touching her cheek and cringing.

"Ladies like battle wounds, right?"

They both laughed and he helped her up. She dusted herself off and tested her arm. The movement was limited. Damn.

"Now. I'd tell you to go back to your room but we both know where you're going. Go get 'im, pup," he said, slapping her backside to get her moving out the door.

Lyla shot a guilty glare at him and started back down the tunnels. Though they were trying to be inconspicuous about it, some of the gang was gathered to see the results of Congo's punishment. Hamming it up was not difficult, it really did hurt. By the time she got to Shadow's new home, she was irritated by the stares.

She knocked before letting herself in. He was just finishing putting on his new clothes, Shiva fussing over the details. They both looked up and their smiles turned to surprise.

"Ice magic. Now. Please."

Shadow raised his hand, the glow soft. She snatched his hand and held it to her throbbing cheek. She sighed softly, the initial sting melting away to a certain numbness.

"Shoulder, please," she said, turning so he could place his hand on her shoulder. "Damn near pulled it out of the socket." She leaned back against his touch and closed her eyes. The ache lessened a little.

"Damn, girl," Shiva said, inspecting her cheek. "He did a number on you."

Lyla grunted and lay down on Shadow's bed.

Ow... She thought. Ow ow ow... Punishment sucks. Ow...

Rise of the Night 11

Shadowstep looked at Shiva and gave her a slight nod toward the door. She understood the message and left him and Lyla alone. Shadow moved next to Lyla on the bed. He looked at the face and shoulder making sure it would heal right. While each fraction leader had a choice in the punishment for those under their command, Shadow often did a punishment on his own fraction. His punishment wasn't like anyone else. He had simply rules which if broken the punishment would be harsh. The rules were: never abandon your family, never betray your family, never permanently harm your family, and never give up on the family even when times are at the darkest. Failure to follow any of these rules often lead to a fight with either Congo or Shadow.

“Damn Congo hit you hard. Normally he only hits me that hard.” Shadow said as he rolled her over onto her stomach, massaging her shoulder.

“Shut up. Most of it is your fault. If you weren't so hard headed and determined to get revenge he probably wouldn't have hit me so hard.” Lyla said give small grunts and moans as he continued to rub her shoulder.

“Is it feeling better?” he asked as he stopped for a moment.

“Yea thanks Shadow. You know having my own personal magi isn't so bad.” she said grinning. He smiled and focused his ice magic back into his hand. He slowly lifted up the back of her shirt and placed the freezing hand on her back. She yelped as she wasn't expecting the sudden cold on her back. She thrashed around trying to get his hand off her while giggling and laughing. She finally managed to push him off the bed and she jumped on top of him softly hitting his chest and shoulders.

“Don't you ever do that to me you dick.” Lyla said still laughing. Shadow grabbed her arms and brought her face close to his. He was mere moments away from kissing her when his stomach started growl loudly. She laughed and placed her head on his forehead as he placed his head back on the floor boards, defeated my his hunger.

“Ok lets get you some food. I doubt you have eaten anything in a couple of days.” Lyla said getting up and going into the kitchen. Shadow sighed and followed her in as she started going though the cabinets and the fridge for food. She pulled out a box of crackers and a can of tomato soup. They sat there eating the meal while Shadow told tales of his travel what it was like being the royal guard and even told her about Bladebreaker, one of his closet friends he made after leaving the Diamond Dongs.

“Oh shit. I forgot you clothes at the tailors. I'll be back in a few. Knowing the tailors they probably made a couple of outfits for you.” she said as she got up.

“Well I'll probably be here staying out of trouble.” he said finishing up the soup.

“Well you could go and take a shower cause no offense you smell worst then a wet dog.” she said as she left his house. He took a quick whiff of himself and nearly gagged on the smell. Maybe Lyla was right maybe he should take a shower. He waited a bit, exploring the house some. He found several days worth of food and various books on a makeshift bookcase. He decided he waited long enough and headed into the bathroom. It was all tiled and the shower was right across from the toilet. The sink was right next to the toilet and had a large mirror. He started the water and took off his shirt when he heard the door open and close.

“Shadow, I'm back and I brought gifts from the tailor.” Lyla said.

“I'm in here taking a shower.” he said as he made sure the water was warm enough. Lyla opened the bathroom door and pushed him against the tile wall. She kissed him on the lips and he pushed the door close with a tendril made from shadow.

Run the Night 9

Shadow closed the door and Lyla could feel his grin as she kissed him. She edged him towards the shower, peeling both their clothes off in the process. They needed the shower, Lyla knew she was just as unkempt as he was at this point.

The warm water was amazing on her injured arm and shoulder, though it stung on the bruise that was forming on her face. They play fought over who would get to be under the water, laughing and squirming around. It ended with the two of them sideways under the water, hanging onto each other and squinting against the mist of water in their faces.

They got the business of getting clean done quickly, more interested in other ways to spend their time. Lyla found herself becoming very acquainted with all of Shadow. She stood in his arms, resting her head on his chest with her eyes closed. She found herself humming softly as she listened to his heartbeat.

"What song is that?" He asked, swaying gently to the tune.

"'Run the Night.' It's an old Lupus song," she explained softly. "Usually it's played with drums."

"It's pretty," he said, kissing her forehead and slowly moving to her neck.

"You should hear it properly. It's played before a night hunt."

"I'd like that," he said against her skin, reaching over to turn off the water.

The tune was still going in her head as he led her back to the bed. And after they were done fooling around, she could still feel the way the song made her blood run hot and strong as they lay together.

Lyla woke before Shadow and checked the time. Six in the morning. She stretched and got dressed in a black short sleeved hoodie, the fabric loose, thin, and perfect for running. The fabric dried quickly and didn't hold sweat like cotton. Her brown pants were a similar material and cut off just before her knees.

She wrote a note to Shadowstep, placing it on top of her pillow.

Out getting my morning run in. Stay in the catacombs, don't go running around being stupid. :P Be back soon. -Lyla

She slipped out of his quarters and walked calmly through the catacombs. This time of morning it was always peaceful and quiet. Most of the gang still sleeping soundly. She passed Kit on her way out, waving and smiling back at him.

The morning was chilly, snow beginning to fall lightly. Her breath hung in the air as she stretched. The muscles ached in her arm, causing her to grimace. She'd have to take it easy today. Catching a glimpse of herself in a nearby window, she could see the ugly purple bruise where Congo had struck her. She'd have to stick to the back streets too, where a lone woman with a bruised face wouldn't be questioned.

She started by jogging down the street for several blocks, putting some distance between herself and the catacombs. As she rounded her usual corner to pass a run down park, she heard another set of footsteps. Thinking it might be one of her runners, she glanced behind her.

She didn't recognize the man. He was far enough back that she couldn't make out his features. Hoping it was just another citizen of Manehattan out for a jog as well, she ducked down an alley and hopped the fence at the end, continuing on.

The sound of boots scrapping on the wooden fence echoed after her and she mentally cursed. She rounded another corner and picked up the pace, pushing herself hard enough to get distance but not hard enough to wind herself. There was an open courtyard up ahead.

When she passed through the entrance, another man stepped out from beside her, making a grab at her. She ducked below his reach, swinging her leg out to take his feet out from under him. By the time he hit the ground with a thud and a grunted obscenity, she was halfway across the courtyard.

She could hear footsteps barreling down on her. Good, he was going to waste all his energy trying to catch up to her. She'd run him ragged and then lose him once he couldn't keep up. She took a sudden sharp turn and looped back around.

To her surprise, the first man wasn't slowed at all. He kept right on her as she sped past the second man. He was trying to get back to his feet, so she swung her foot at his head and laid him flat back on the ground again.

She had to push hard to make up for the lost time. Her pursuer wasn't huffing and puffing like she'd hoped. He was keeping pace with her.

Shit shit shit, she thought. Go, Ly, go! Run!

Running faster, the song she'd hummed for Shadow started pounding unbidden in her head. She used it, feeling her body respond. It was primal, older than any Lupus knew. Her body sang to it and she soon had the upper hand. She grinned.

If she could get to the roof of a building she could lose him, she was sure of it. He may be able to keep up on the ground but there was no way he was a match for her knowledge of the city and her skills with Parkour.

She spotted her starting point and ran for it. Jumping on top of a large dumpster, she bounded off a fire escape and reached for the edge of the roof.

But when she gripped it one handed, her shoulder wrenched in protest, pulling a shout of pain from her as her arm gave out and she lost her grip. She went tumbling back down though the open air.

She dimly felt it when she hit the side of the dumpster before her head cracked on the cement and stars shot through her vision.

The world dimmed, then faded back, then dimmed again. She heard footsteps and panting. Someone nudged her in the side with their shoe and a weak groan came out of her.

Someone said something and was close to her.

Get up, her head screamed. Run! Get up!

She wasn't sure if the pounding she was hearing was her head or the final chords of the song.

The world dimmed again as the figure near her tied her wrists together and hefted her off the ground.

Rise of the Night 12

Shadowstep woke up and looked at the clock. Eight in the morning. He turned over to see Lyla missing and a note on her pillow. He picked it up and read it.

Out getting my morning run in. Stay in the catacombs, don't go running around being stupid. :P Be back soon. -Lyla.

He grinned. It was like her to be the first one up and doing stuff first. He got up and looked at the gift she brought from the tailors. It was his pants and boots from the night he was attacked plus several copies of the pants. There were black shirts that were sleeveless and a zip up hoodie that was fur lined. He tried the clothes on and they fitted very good.

“She's in danger” an voice said. A shudder when down his back as he realized who the voice belonged to. He quickly looked around till he saw her in a mirror. She was dressed in black armor and her hair was a black mist with white stars in it. Nightmare Moon or rather the fragment from an experiment that was implanted in him.

“Six months of not talking to me and you just come out of the blue to tell me someone is in danger. This isn't like you. Normally you try and get me to let you free or let you take control of my body. So what gives this time?” he asked her.

“Well this girl of yours, I believe Lyla is her name, well she brings a side of you out that I never witness. It's only natural for me to be curious on how this will affect you and she is in danger.” she said. She was helping him. She only came out to help him in a fight or to try to become free and take over his or someone's body.

“What kind of danger?” he asked.

“I followed her though the shadows and the council has sent their lackies after her. She was taken by them and if you don't hurry they will hurt her just like they hurt you.” she answered in the same calmness that Shadow normally used to instill fear into his rivals and enemies. Shadow rushed out after Nightmare said her piece and rushed to the armory.

“I need a magnum revolver and a combat knife now.” Shadow said the Diamond Dong gang member in charge of the armory.

“What you up to this time Shadow? Didn't I teach you a lesson last time?” Shadow didn't even noticed Congo ad Shiva relaxing in the corner going though inventory.

“Well in that case Shiva get a sniper rifle and Congo grab an assault rifle. Lyla's been taken by the council lackies and I won't let her go thought what I have.” he said grabbing the gear the lower member brought out. They both shot up and grabbed what they were told to and followed Shadow out of the armory.

“Shouldn't we call the fractions together for an assault on them or something?” Shiva asked with worry in her voice. Lyla was basically a sister to Shiva.

“No because I'm all the fighting force you need. Shiva you will go by roof top and cover us. Congo you will be with me.” Shadow said taking charge.

“We don't have any leads or know where she went so how are we supposed to find her?” Congo asked with a tense voice.

“Don't worry I know where she went.” Shadow said as Nightmare Moon showed a ghostly image of where she ran. He lead the other senior members taking them to the surface of Manehatten. He came across a courtyard and saw a man laying there in the snow. As he moved forward toward the man, the man whipped out a gun and shot at Shadow and Congo about five times. Three of those shots connected with Shadow's chest. Congo rushed forward to make sure his friend wasn't going to die but he was surprised to see that under the holes where the bullets hit, his skin was black. Shadow moved slowly toward the man and grabbed by the collar.

“You're going to tell me where she is, what you plan on doing to her, and why.” he said with a cold calmness.

“I ain't telling you shit.” the man said.

“Maybe I can find out what we need.” Nightmare Moon's voice echoed in his head.

'Fine we will do this your way Nightmare. However you will only find the information we need then leave his body' Shadow thought back to her. A dark tendril slithered across Shadows arm and into the man's mouth and moments later came back out. Flashes of memories came to his mind. She was at the docks and they wanted to find Shadow. However the man he stole the memoirs from didn't know why. He dropped the man down and walked away giving a gesture with his hand for Shiva to kill him. A loud bang echoed across the courtyard leaving the man dead in a pool of blood. He remember the first verse of the battle song taught to him by Princess Luna. 'We cheat death from his final victory, no one can stop us for we will gladly plunge feet first into hell in the knowledge that we will rise again.' -Rise of the Night.

Run the Night 10

Lyla drifted in and out, the world fuzzy and loud before becoming bright and quiet. Always shifting and moving. She tried to form some kind of coherent thought but every time she tried, it would escape like water from between her fingers.

There were voices she didn't know. Her head throbbed. There was heat and cold, a sharp prick in her arm. Then blissful darkness that she could float in. Lazily moving through it without thought or feeling.

It felt like days later when she finally regained any real consciousnesses.

She was hunched over her lap, the ropes that held her to the chair loose enough to let her slump forward slightly. She slowly leaned back, the ache in her shoulder still there but not as severe. Her mouth was dry and her lips cracked.

Looking around didn't produce much. The room was dimly lit so she couldn't properly judge the size. The air smelled stale so she guessed there were no windows. She could hear the hush of an air conditioner somewhere in the darkness.

She looked up and yelped as a stab of pain shot through her head. She probably had a concussion from her fall. No doubt there would be an egg sized swelling on the back of her head.

Instead, she pushed her feet against the floor to see if the chair would move. No luck. She strained to the side and saw that the chair was bolted to the floor. And her legs were tied down to the chair legs as well.

"Hullo?" she called out, her voice hoarse. Luna above, she was thirsty. "Anyone there?"

A moment passed and then she could hear muffled voices. They seemed to be coming from behind her. She couldn't twist far enough to tell what was behind her.

The voices stopped and there was another few minutes of silence before there was the sound of a door opening behind her. Footsteps, at least two people. She flexed her hands, testing the ropes. No give there either.

A man strode out in front of her, all confidence and swagger. He wore a white business shirt and black pinstripe slacks. his hair was brown and short, carefully combed to perfection. His face would have been handsome if it weren't for the twisted grin he wore. Lyla found herself staring, somewhere between disgust and fear.

"Hi there," he said, loosening his tie. He put his hands on her chair's arm rests and leaned close to her. He smelled like expensive cologne. "It's Lyla, isn't it?"

He didn't wait for an answer before dragging another chair out of the darkness. He straddled it, his arms resting on the back of the chair. He was close enough that their knees were touching. She glared.

"Now, I like a certain sense of honesty to these things," he said calmly. "I'm here to get information from you and don't bother telling me you don't know what I'm looking for or that whole 'I'll never tell you anything' tripe. You will talk, we both know it. The fun part for me will be finding out exactly what brings you to that point."

He stood again and began to circle her, slowly. It made her skin crawl.

"And in the spirit of honesty, you'll do me a favour and scream for me when the opportunity permits. It helps me keep track of the game. No sense having you pass out while I'm still taking my turn."

Lyla continued to glare but inside she was starting to panic. She was not Shadow or Congo or even Shiva. She was not brave and strong and this man was right, she would talk. She only hoped she could hold out as long as possible.

"Now, we'll take turns," he said. "I'll go first." He paused in front of her, relaxed and smiling. "Where is Sergeant Shadowstep? Now, your turn."

Lyla stayed silent and continued to shoot death at him.

"I figured," he said, melting into the darkness and returning with a long thin knife. Lyla's eyes locked on it, widening slightly.

He ducked behind her and she stiffened when he traced its edge along her neck.

"My turn," he said into her ear. He came back into sight again, the knife trailing down her left arm. "Not the face though, I think. No, you're too pretty for that. I may want you to stay that way."

Suddenly the knife dug into the skin near her elbow and she gasped, trying to escape it. She did scream as he dragged it slowly down her forearm. The blood welled up, hot and wet on her arm. When he finally lifted the blade, she found herself still letting out a scream and panting. It was like fire, like she wanted to rip off her arm just to make the pain stop.

"Aah, thank you," he said, behind her again. "I see you understand how this works." Lyla whimpered as she panted. He was running the knife across her other arm when he caught her chin in his free hand. "Focus, darling," he cooed. "It won't have permanent damage, though the scar will be lovely."

"Fuck you," she snarled, fighting the painful throbbing in her arm.

"Oh, trust me, Lyla. If I do, it won't be with your permission," he said, his lips brushing her neck as he spoke. She shuddered in fear. "Now. Where is Sergeant Shadowstep?"

"Go to hell," she snapped.

He moved away again. Lyla froze, listening. He was moving in the darkness then there was silence.

She looked around. Nothing. She began to shake involuntarily. Where the fuck was he?

When he did reappear, his hands were empty. He sauntered to her and untied her injured arm.

"What are you doing?" she asked, more panicked than she meant.

"Ah ah ah, not your turn, sweetness," he said and broke her wrist.

She screamed again. Angry, pained shouts continued, her body taking over as the pain left her more panicked.

"Please," she gasped. "Stop, just stop!"

"Ready to sing me a song, little bird?" He looked disappointed. "Do try to hold on a little longer, we're still at foreplay."

She was crying and couldn't stop. The pain was intense and her breathing was quickened. He leaned over her and gently wiped the tears away with a handkerchief. She wanted to bite his face off.

"How am I to show you a good time if you rush?"

"I... I thought you wanted..." she gaped, confused.

"Oh, of course, I want you to talk to me, sweetness," he said, gently caressing her cheek. "But I'll have my fun first. Haven't had a woman for me in so long and not one near as pretty as you."

Lyla continued to shake, the tears flowing again. He crouched in front of her, his hands on her thighs. He squeezed and looked like he was about to speak again when he glanced behind her. She hadn't even noticed the door opening.

"Oh bugger all," he grumbled and rolled his eyes. "I'd ask you to wait here, but you don't have much of a choice..." He grinned and lifted her face again, this time to force a kiss on her lips. She fought it until he pulled away laughing. "I'll be back soon," he called back. "Don't let the anticipation do you in too soon."

His laughter echoed back to her as he walked out of the room, the door slamming shut and leaving her sobbing in the dark.

I'll never get out of here, she thought. Shadow... Wherever you are, please... Get me out of here...

Rise of the Night 13

They had found the warehouse at the docks. Shiva peered though the scope on the rifle. There were several men armed with standard private police gear.

“Yea I can give you boys cover but the moment you enter that warehouse your on your own.” she said still looking thought the scope.

“Figured. Still one of our family is in there and we don't abandon family.” Congo said checking his assault rifle.

“I'll go in first. I'll use my Nightmare armor to smash my way int there. Congo Shiva raise as much hell as you can. Once I find her I'll teleport out and send a signal flare for your retreat. I will leave a message of bloody slaughter to prove a point. They will regret waging war on us.” Shadow said looking over the docks for weak points. Congo handed him the signal flare and gave a good luck nod. Shadow dropped off the roof of the build sticking to the shadows.

“The Nightmare armor won't be able to stop all the bullets. It may be strong but it isn't indestructible and since we're gonna slaughter them all you might as well let me help.” Nightmare whisper in his head.

'Nightmare just focus on keeping the armor up I'll worry about the bullets.' he thought back as his skin turned black being coated with the fragments power creating the armor. It covered him head to toe and he looked like something from a nightmare. He finally stepped into the light across from the dock. The guards sudden got into formation as he slowly walked towards the warehouse.

“Halt by order of the council no one is permitted to pass.” one of them yelled out to him.

“The fools have no clue who they are fighting or what kind of slaughter they will be a part of.” she whispered. He started to rush forward as Shiva and Congo opened fire on the guards from the nearby buildings. Bullets ricocheted off of the armor covering his skin and he soon came into range of the guards. Ice magic formed in his right hand as he made a slashing motion and icicles emerged from the ground, impaling several of them. He crashed right though the hole of men while Congo and Shiva picked off the remaining men. He didn't feel guilt nor mercy. He was in a war now and during a war those emotions only got you killed.

He crashed thought the front door of the warehouse only to find it wasn't designed like normal warehouses. There were several rooms and it looked like he went down into the water some thirty feet. Guards started to pour out of random rooms and he rushed forward. He formed claws of shadow and ice as he tore through them like they were pieces of paper. When the guards started to flee he grabbed the nearest one and slammed him into the wall.

“There was a girl brought here, a lupus. Where is she?” he asked in a cold yet angry voice.

“Sub level three. She was brought here to be interrogated by some payed for interrogator.” he answered with fear in his eyes. Shadow dropped the man.

“If you want to live, leave this city and never come back. For if we find you, I will kill you myself.” he said as he started for the stairs. He finally made it to his sub level three and started looking around for Lyla in the various rooms. He started to hear some whispers. He peered around a corner to see someone who he thought he would never see again. The man who tortured him in the past was the same man who was torturing Lyla.

“Fucking dog bitch. Next time I get in there I'm gonna rape her. She's resisted all of the methods so far. However she isn't Shadowstep nor is he coming. From what I been told We been attacked by a monster cloaked in black. However even if Shadowstep shows up I can handle some punk ass sergeant.” the man whispered into a phone. Shadow stepped out from the corner and into view.

“Well I was told we were attacked by some kind of fucking freak. Looks like your it huh?” he said mockingly.

“You know I still haven't forgotten the day you and your partner tortured me.” he said dropping the armor to show the man who he was.

“Oh ho so the sergeant is the freak? This must be my lucky day. I bag you off for the council and I get the dog bitch all to myself.” he said full of cheer.

“Sergeant? Wow your information is seriously outdated. I haven't been a sergeant for 4 years. I'm a captain now. Well I was before I faked my death. Now I'm gonna kill you for what you have done to her.” Shadow said moving closer to him. The man chuckled and pulled a knife out from behind him. He smiled thinking he could win this fight, however he had never seen Shadow in action before. The man rushed forward slashing wildly trying to connect the knife to the flesh. However Shadow moved with a raging swiftness that moved him through the wild knife barrage and formed a knife of ice in his right hand. He placed the knife in the back of the man's knee and he howled in pain and agony. The man brought the knife with a feral swing into Shadow's right arm but he barely noticed the pain from the cut along the arm. He pulled the knife out and plunged it deep into the mans shoulder and the man dropped the knife. He picked up the knife with his left hand and planted it deep into the mans jaw he then shoved the man down and the man laid there gurgling in his own blood. He went over to the room the man was in front to see the back of Lyla's head. He opened the the door quickly to run over to her.

“Lyla! Lyla can you focus on me. Come on Lyla focus.” he whispered. Her face was covered in cuts and brushes. Her left arm was bleeding a lot. He quickly under her bindings and picked her up in her arms. He teleported to the roof of the warehouse and with one hand he shot the signal flare into the sky. He then teleported back to his house laying Lyla on his bed.

“She is hurt very badly. I know what your thinking and even with my power it could take a couple of years of your natural life.” she whispered.

'I know but please just for once help me' he thought back grasping her left hand noticing the wrist was broken. Shadowy tendrils moved across his skin and moved onto hers, healing the broken bones, cuts and brushes. Healing magic by itself was difficult but to do a lot of it at once. Well only powerful magic users could manage it and with Nightmare Moon's help he managed to heal her. However healing her left him drained and he slowly collapsed onto the bed next to her with his head near her hand.

Run the Night 11

Lyla woke with a violent start, gasping and looking around in panic. She had flailed into the corner where the bed meet the wall.

Bed. Wait.

How did she get on a bed?

Still breathing heavily, she actually looked around. She was not in the room where the man who had tortured her had been keeping her.

Jon Pierce.

He'd told her his name when he'd returned to the little room. The second man who came in with him hadn't been named. Pierce had seemed unhappy that he was even there.

"This is her, huh?" The second man had said. "Smaller than I expected. Aren't the lupus usually bigger?"

"Manners," Pierce had chided. "I think she's lovely. And you'll do well to keep her that way."

"Has she talked yet?"

"Regretably, she is tougher than she looks. My little bird has not sung for me yet," Pierce had touched her face again and she'd jerked away. He smiled, crouching in front of her again.

"Only one good way to break a woman, Pierce," the other man said, grinning at her as he eyed her up and down. "Give me ten minutes and we'll stop wasting everyone's time." Lyla had stared in horror, her wounds suddenly forgotten. The other man laughed. "See? I don't even have to fuck her and she's already shaking. You ever had a magi, bitch?" He asked, coming closer to her.

"Now now," Pierce said, putting his hand out to block the other man. "I do believe I was hired for this one, not you. Our benefactors have no need of your particular skills."

"Hmph," he grunted. "I'll still have her when you're done. If you leave anything."

The other man's phone rang then and he stepped out to take the call. Pierce smiled warmly at her.

"Don't fret, sweetness," he said softly so the other man couldn't hear. "I don't intend to share you. We'll spend plenty of time together first." Lyla couldn't help but whimper softly. She was in shock at this point, the blood loss and pain too much for a body unaccustomed to either.

"Shit! Pierce!" The second man shouted from the doorway. "Front guards are saying they're taking fire and some bat outta hell is cutting them down."

Pierce frowned. "Go call the council."

As the second man turned his back to his partner, Pierce waved his hand at him and suddenly it was like there was a second Pierce. Lyla looked back and fourth between them, confused. The other man didn't seem to even notice. Pierce must be a magi too.

"A simple illusion, but it will be effective nonetheless," he whispered to her. "Now it seems our time together is being cut short. A pity, I'm sure you'll agree. But allow me to leave you with a parting gift." She felt a prick in her arm and looked down to see that had was injecting her with something. Almost immediately, she felt light headed. "I'll be seeing you again, I promise," Pierce said before he suddenly disappeared before her eyes. She'd drifted away as she heard the second man saying something about a freak.

Now, she was here?

Then she noticed Shadow laying down near her. She stared. Was he dead?

She began to move towards him before she hesitated. What if it was a trick? If Pierce could make someone else look like himself, what would stop him from looking like Shadow?

Frowning, she crawled towards him slowly. Then she noticed that her injuries were gone. The wrist was fine and all that remained of the angry wound on her arm was a thin scar.

What the hell is going on here?

She pushed Shadow onto his side and shook him roughly until his eyes slowly opened. He looked exhausted.

"Lyla?" He said weakly. "How are you fee-"

"What did I give you when we were 12?" she asked, frowning.

"What?" he looked confused and struggled to sit up.

"Answer. The. Question," she growled.

"You talked to me," he said, rubbing his face. "You hadn't talked to anyone but Congo. Why?"

Lyla threw herself into his arms, dragging him back down onto the bed. She found herself sobbing and shaking all over again. Shadow held her close, running his hand over her hair.

"Sshhh, it's okay now," he whispered. "I'm here, you're safe. You're safe, Lyla..."

She sobbed in his arms until she stopped shaking so hard. They lay in silence for some time, Shadow still running a hand over her arm, back, or hair. She did feel safe with him. And at the moment, all she wanted was to lock out the world and stay here.

"I didn't think I was going to get away," she admitted softly. "I thought... I thought I was going to be stuck there forever. I-it was awful, Shadow. Just... Horrible." She hugged him harder for a moment. "How did you find me?"

Rise of the Night 14

Shadowstep held onto Lyla closer and told her how he found out she was in danger, how he got Congo and Shiva to allow such a dangerous mission to be done, and what he did to save her.

“Wait theres a fragment of Nightmare Moon in you?” Lyla asked looking him in the eyes.

“Yes. After Princess Luna made the Lunar Republic Guard, she realized that there were still fragments of Nightmare Moon that weren't destroyed by the elements of harmony. She made a task force to find these fragments called the Magic Hunter task force. I was captain of this task for the past four years. We spent about two of those years hunting down the fragments. After that the Commander thought that the fragments could be weaponized and they needed volunteers. I was one of thirty magi volunteers who signed up for the program and the only living volunteers left. The others either went insane or corrupted. By having a fragment inside me I can increase my own control of magic. She also allows for the most powerful magic she can conjure for being a fraction of her former self.” he answered looking away.

“So your like a super powered magi?” she asked pulling his face so she can look at him.

“Some would say that. Others would say freak, monster, or killer.” he answered with a sadness in his eyes. She pulled him closer and didn't let go. He let go and pushed her back on the bed.

“Listen I need to go and talk to Congo and Shiva they are probably back by now and the gang needs to leave Manehatten for right now.” he said to her as he stood up. He walked out his house and headed towards Congo's office. Once he reached the office Congo sat behind his desk going through paperwork.

“How is she? Is she ok?” he asked with concern in his voice.

“She's fine. She laying down in my house but we have an issue that needs to be dealt with now.” Shadow said with a seriousness in his voice.

“Whats the issue?” he asked setting his paperwork away.

“I think it's time we move away from Manehatten for a while.” Shadow said.

“No away! No fucking away are we running!” Congo yelled at him.

“Congo look around. One of your best informants has been attacked and nearly killed twice. Your best runner was taken right off the streets she runs everyday for the past 6 years. We are starting to lose this fight and I say we leave for now till the fire dies.” Shadow said with more assertiveness.

“I will not run away from this fight! They started it and by Luna we will finish it!” he yelled.

“Congo for once stop thinking with your balls and think with your brain. Lyla was kidnapped and attacked. If it wasn't for me we might have never found her and I don't want to think about what would have happened should we had not saved her. And what if this happens again? Are you willing to tell me that we couldn't save her? Willing to tell Shiva that her 'little sister' died in a street cause you wanted to play robin hood again?” Shadow yelled back. Congo gritted his teeth. Shadow knew he struck gold. Congo had a soft spot for Shiva and Lyla. Not to soft but soft enough that he thought about it.

“Ok say we do leave where do we go? Can't just go into another city and say 'hey we're the diamond dong mind if we crash here while we fight the council?'” Congo asked.

“Still got that diamond mine operation near Ponyville?” Shadow asked.

“yea but only like five members are there.” Congo said.

“Well we pack up and move the entire gang there. Last time I checked the area was large enough for everyone here plus council doesn't have control any where near there.” Shadow said. Congo thought about it and smiled.

“Ok well go with your plan” Congo said walking over to a radio and announced “Prepare for departure. We leave at noon tomorrow for the Diamond mines outside of Ponyville. Pack only what we need and get a good nights sleep.”

Shadow walked out of the office and noticed everyone was moving. Packing away files, weapons, food, and clothing. He returned to his house to see Lyla asleep on his bed. It has been a long day. Even longer for Lyla. He took his shoes off and laid down next to her holding her in his arms hoping he can protect her from what ever comes next.

Run the Night 12

The house was quiet as Lyla lay in Shadow's bed. He had been gone maybe fifteen minutes. She sat in the corner, against the wall, hugging her legs. She didn't want to be alone right now and really wished he hadn't left. The houses in the catacombs didn't have locks. A shiver ran up her spine and she tried to convince herself that the catacombs were safe. That Jon Pierce and the council hadn't found her for this long... Right?

She swallowed hard. It wasn't working.

She got up and grabbed a glass of water. As she sipped it over the sink, the scar on her forearm caught her attention. Putting the glass down, she ran a finger over it, half expecting the skin to be tender. But it was as if the wound had happened months ago, not hours. It was so fresh in her mind that she was struggling to comprehend that it was gone already.

The radio on the kitchen table crackled to life and Lyla nearly jumped out of her skin. She stared at it, panting. She couldn't remember grabbing the knife.

"Prepare for departure," Congo's voice said, his tone casual and in control. "We leave at noon for the diamond mines outside Ponyville. Pack only what we need and get a good night's sleep."

So Shadow had managed to convince him. She felt a certain sense of relief. The mines were more fortified than the catacombs and much easier to get lost in if you didn't know your way around. She put the knife down and forced herself to walk slowly back to the bed.

Damnit shit fuck, she snarled in her head. Pathetic. Get a spine.

Pierce's grinning face surfaced in her head. She resumed hugging her legs on the bed. He was still out there somewhere. Who knew what he could do besides illusions. And he had promised to find her again. She whimpered despite herself.

Stupid! Stop it, stop it, stop it!

She lay down and hugged a pillow tightly. Congo was right. Sleep. Things would be better in the morning. She couldn't sleep though.

When she heard Shadow come back in the house, slipping his shoes off at the door, she pretended to be asleep anyway. He slipped into bed behind her and pulled her close.

She intertwined her fingers with his where they rested on her hip. He nuzzled the back of her neck, firmly wrapping both arms around her. She twisted so she could face him. His eyes were closed.

"Shadow?"

"Mm."

"Do you think we'll be safe at the mines?"

He opened his eyes. "Yes, I think so."

"I ... I just..." She shivered again. "I'm worried he'll find me. He said he would."

"Who? That guy the council hired?" He kissed her forehead. "He's dead, Ly. I killed him outside your cell."

"He wasn't outside my cell, Shadow," she said, frowning. "He... Disappeared. Like literally. Gone."

Shadow frowned. "I recognized him. He was on the phone when I came down the hallway, he was talking about you." He expression darkened dangerously and Lyla felt tears welling up. "Ly, I killed him, I swear, it's okay," he said, cupping her face with one hand.

"No," she choked, trying to hold back the tears. "Shadow, he's a magi. He made the other guy look like him and he just disappeared!"

"Son of a bitch," Shadow growled quietly, letting Lyla bury her face in his chest as the tears came anyway.

"He said he'd see me again," she managed. "I'm...I'm so scared." She clung to his shirt, shaking. "I can't. Not again. He.. He was going to rape me and let... Let the other guy do it too," she said, each pause accentuated by a choked sob.

Shadow held her close, his expression dark and feral. "I'll keep you safe. Don't worry. You're with your family and we'll protect you."

She sniffled, trying to stop the wracking sobs but everytime she thought she was close, she would remember the pain. Remember his grin or the way he had threatened her with his lips at her throat. She would shudder and it would all start again.

"I-I'm sorry," she said into Shadow's shirt. "I-I'm a m-m-mess."

He smiled gently at her and kissed her forehead again. "It's okay. Just let it out. Then we'll get some sleep and leave in the morning."

She nodded furiously against his shirt. It wasn't long before sleep claimed her. Blissfully, she didn't dream.

The next morning brought harsh sunlight. Lyla woke, wishing the last twenty four hours had been a bad dream. The scar on her arm was still there, a harsh reminder that it had all been real. Her body was still feeling the strain of the large amounts of stress it had been through. Shadow was still asleep but she didn't want to get ready alone. So she gently woke him.

He was sleepy and seemed just as tired as she was. So she kissed him until he seemed a little more awake.

"I want to take a shower," she said, nuzzling his cheek as he held her. "I don't want to be alone."

"Mmm... Okay," he said, kissing her sweetly and carefully along her jaw and where her neck met her ear. It was almost like he knew exactly when to back off and give her some space. She was infinitely glad for it. The experience yesterday left her wanting his constant touch but at the same time left her wanting to push him away. He was striking a good balance without her even asking.

She took him by the hand and went to take a shower, hoping he would understand that getting clean was all she wanted. He paused outside the shower curtain when she got under the water. He pushed the curtain aside a little so she could still see him and she nearly sighed with relief.

He was amazing.

Some day she'd find a way to pay him back.

Rise of the Night 15

Shadowstep waited outside the shower for her to finish. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night due to waking up to every noise and shift Lyla made. He had spent the majority of the night on guard for her. The only time he did get any sleep last night was the time he had a good dream for once. The dream was a marriage between him and Lyla. Everyone from the gang and all of his task force members were there, which was impossible because his men had made sacrifices for the mission and greater good. However he hoped that the dream could become a reality. Lyla stepped out of the shower and he took of his clothes and stepped in. However he pushed the curtain open so he could keep an eye on her. He was truly scared for her. He finished his shower and got dressed.

“We should start packing now.” Lyla said taking him by the hand and leading him to the kitchen. She pulled a couple of wooden crates out and they both started throwing cans of food into the crates. He kept her in view or arm's length at all times. After they had emptied the kitchen they grabbed the crates and left. Everyone was rushing somewhere, either t the armory to finish packing it up, to the loading docks to get everything loaded up, or to the main hall where Congo was telling the plan for the day. He and Lyla passed the crates to two lower ranked members and made their way to the main hall.

“Ok we will be traveling in sections. There will be 12 trucks loaded with cargo so we will be moving in completely at midnight tonight, one truck an hour. Now we need a senior member from the information fraction and runners fraction to lead for the senior fraction leaders while we move bases.” Congo said as Lyla and Shadow stepped up next to him.

“No need for volunteers Congo I know who I want to lead. Luke your my replacement for right now. Make sure everyone gets to their spot and gets ready on time.” Lyla said. Someone in crowd nodded and ran off.

“Mhh who do I want for my replacement? Ah yea I think Silva you know how I like things done make sure it happens.” Shiva said.

“Yes mistress” Someone said from the crowd.

“Ok you all know your jobs now get it done.” Congo said turning his attention to Shadow and Lyla.

“I'm guessing were on the first wave of transports Congo?” Shadow asked.

“Yep I'm getting us out first then we gonna start setting up the mines and we leave in about 3 hours.” Congo said. They all prepared themselves to leave their home. Lyla went and gave orders to her runners. Shadow followed her and he wondered for what reason could Congo not want to return to the mines. He knew Congo didn't like to run nor hide but he know Congo would do it if he had too. A buzzing sound cracked to life from the radios around the catacombs. “First wave of transports begin preparations. I repeat first wave of transports begin preparations.”

“Their playing our song Ly. We got to go now.” Shadow said gently grabbing her hand and leading her to the auto bay. Congo and Shiva were waiting by one of the cars.

“Ok its about a 2 hour drive to the mines. I know the way best so I'm drive now lets go.” Congo said starting to get inside the car. Shadow and Lyla got in the back while Shiva got in next to Congo. Shadow felt he could finally get some rest and he start to lean on Lyla while Congo started pulling the car out of the auto bay. He only played silently that he had good dreams.

Run the Night 13

The truck rumbled like a content beast as they drove along. It was old and haggard but got the job done. Lyla tried to relax. If she was safe anywhere right now, it was in this truck. With Shadow dozed off against her and Congo and Shiva in the front seats. Shiva had drifted off too and the sound of her breathing and Shadow's light snores mingled with the crackle of the radio. Teams announcing their progress, laughing at each other's jokes and wising safe drives to others.

Still, she watched the road and passing cars vigilantly. Things were going well, the worst problem in the thirty minutes since they left the catacombs being a later team announcing a flat tire before they even started their truck. It should have been a comfort.

"Breathe, pup," Congo said quietly, so as not to wake Shadow and Shiva. "You're so tense you're freaking me out."

"Sorry," she said, still looking out the window.

"Hey," he said. She looked up. He was eyeing her in the rearview mirror. "That's better."

He smiled at her, the same rough and tumble kind of smile she expected from him. But concern was in his eyes and tugged at the edges of his smile.

"Where's your head right now?" he asked gently. "You here with us or are you back at the docks?"

"The docks?"

"Where we found you."

"Oh," she shifted in the seat, getting an arm around Shadow so she could play with the ends of his hair. The distraction was good. "I don't know. A little. I guess."

"You don't have to answer this if you're not ready, but what happened down there? One of your runners told me you were injured but that was all I know. And you look fine, physically at least."

"Shadow healed it," she said, now not looking back up at him. "They... He, really... Broke my wrist. Damn near opened up my arm. Drugged me. They... They were going to..." She paused, not wanting to admit all this to a man she respected. "He was going to rape me. At least one of them. Maybe more..."

"Did he?" Congo asked, his voice hard. When she looked up at him, his eyes were on the road but his face was tense.

"No." She looked out the window again. "He said he would find me again. I..." The tears were welling up again. "I shouldn't have gotten caught. I just... My arm... It couldn't hold my weight... I fell when I should have be able to hold on..."

Congo glanced back at her as they both realized what she was saying. Lyla flushed, horrified with herself. It wasn't his fault. She didn't blame him. But... if he hadn't punished her, she would have had the strength in her arm and wouldn't have fallen. She would have gotten away. They both knew it.

"Congo," she pleaded, "I don't blame you, please don't think that I do."

"I believe you," he said, softer this time. "I'm still sorry."

They rode in relative silence for the rest of the trip. Lyla just listened to the reports over the radio until she heard Kit and Luke's voices announcing that her small band of runners had left the catacombs safely. Counting herself, there were only seven of them, making them the smallest group under the Diamond Dongs.

"Big up?" Luke's voice called through the radio.

Lyla reached forward, trying unsuccessfully not to wake Shadow, and grabbed the receiver off the middle console. "This is big up."

"Young dash will need guidance," he said. Kit doesn't know his way around the mines.

"Ask and you shall receive," she called back.

"What was that about?" Shadow asked, rubbing his eyes and settling back against her.

"Kit will need to be shown around the mines. He's never been there before."

"Ah," he yawned as she put an arm back around him. He rested his head in her lap, absentmindedly rubbing her knee. "Are we there yet?"

"Another half an hour or so," Congo answered. "We'll go in armed to be safe. Lyla, you'll have to show your newbie around after we've got everyone settled. He'll survive for a bit on his own."

"Alright, can do."

"And Shadow, you're on point once we get in. Shouldn't be anything out of the ordinary but I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Rise of the Night 16

With his head on her lap he thought of the special request he made from the armory. He wondered if they managed to get enough for the mines. He went back to sleep on her lap. He was woken suddenly by Lyla shaking him.

“Come on sleepyhead. We're at the mines.” she said as she moved his head and got out of the truck. He got out of the truck and looked at the mines. The entrance to the mines was a simple cave and there were two other trucks. The truck was labeled Adult Playtime. Shadow simply looked at the truck and then back over to Shiva who was leading members on as they unloaded the truck.

“Shiva please tell me this truck isn't full of your toys but the weapons we need to guard this place?” Shadow asked with a disgruntled look on his face.

“Don't worry your precious toy guys are in her somewhere. However a lady needs her toys and I am much harder to keep happy then you.” Shiva answered flauntingly. After about thirty minutes of waiting they had finally started to unloaded the weapons.

“Finally please tell me the armory got my order filled in time?” he said starting to go though the crates.

“Barely. It took sometime but we managed to get all of the mines you ordered.” on of the members said fishing out of a crate a stack of fifty very thin disks.

“What are those?” Congo asked.

“Magi anti personal mines. A magi sets it up to recognize certain magic types. You see each magi has his own magic frequency that emits at all times. No magi has the same frequency so once I get this set of mines to recognize my frequency no magi can get inside without getting blown to pieces. So that means while we are here that fucker can't get inside.” Shadow said a little bit pleased with himself. He pushed his magic through all of the mines and handed them back to the members to place around in the tunnels. Hours passed as everyone worked to get crates unloaded and the mines set up. It was almost around eight pm when Congo called everyone that had arrived so far into the caves.

“From now on this is our home for right now. It might not be as cozy as the catacombs but still you know the drill. Now I spent the past couple of hours setting up the watch so with out further ado lets get some chow made.” Congo said. There were several cheers and Shadow finally caught up with Lyla after she had spent the entire afternoon teaching Kit the mines layout. Several people started to pass out food and started to make fires. There was the cracking of eggs and sizzling of pans as they prepared dinner. Congo, Shadow, and Lyla all sat down and discussed what their next move was. Shadow claimed he still had some contacts on the inside of Manehatten, as well did Lyla. Congo suggested that they waited for an opening to fight the council. After a while food was being served and eggs was given to all the members. There was chatter and shouts as they all celebrated a so far successful transfer to the new base. It is unclear on how it started but from somewhere in the room someone had thrown a handful of eggs across the room. The eggs landed perfectly on Congo's head and the entire room erupted into laughter. Hell even Shadow and Lyla who have been through hell the past two days were laughing. Congo's answer to the insult was simply picking up and plate of eggs and flinging it across the room. Soon enough the entire room was in a food fight, everywhere eggs were flying. It was all fun and games until Shadow and Congo threw eggs at the first person who walked into the room. Then the room fell deathly quite. Shiva stood there with eggs dripping off her uniform and hair. Shiva simply pulled the whip off her hip and lashed it out at Congo and Shadow's legs.

“Lyla feel free to help me put some discipline into these two.” Shiva said as she started to drag both Congo and Shadow who was scream bloody murder to be freed or helped.

Run the Night 14

The makeshift mess hall rang with laughter as Shiva started dragging the two men off. Lyla hopped from her seat and started to follow. Someone touched her arm as she passed and she turned to see Kit. He smiled.

"Hey, I'm still struggling with the lower levels. Can you help me when you've got a few minutes?"

"Heh, yeah, sure," she said, bounding off down the hallway.

"See you later then!" he called after her.

She waved absentmindedly as she chased the two captured men, laughing. Shiva didn't drag them far before Lyla was trying to free Shadow.

"What about me?" Congo protested, trying not to laugh.

"I can only save one, Congo!" she said, smacking Shadow in the leg for flailing around while he laughed. "Hold still!"

"You've got to be kidding me," Shiva said, stopping outside the door to her dungeon and picking the last of the egg out of her hair. "Lyla, you're pathetic with rope."

Shiva walked over and untied Shadow's leg, helped him up, and then retied his wrists together.

"There," Shiva said, handing him back to Lyla. She continued down, dragging Congo who just shrugged. "C'mon, you."

Lyla grinned at Shadow and tugged his ropes. He smiled sheepishly and followed her.

"This could have its uses," Lyla teased. "Magi on a leash."

"Very funny," he said, trying to be serious though he was still smiling.

Without more warning than a quick "get in there," Shiva suddenly shoved the both of them into a side room. The door slammed behind them. Lyla turned back and looked at Shadow. She smiled.

"Now what to do with you," she mused.

"You could untie me?" he asked, holding out his wrists.

"I think I'll take a page from Shiva's book and say no," she said, backing him up against the wall. He was trying not to smile but it kept tugging at his lips. She kissed him, gently at first, then harder as he responded.

"Lyla," he said, his voice already husky as she nipped at his neck. She looked up at him as she slowly slid down to her knees in front of him. He watched her closely, flexing his fingers as he moved against the ropes tying his wrists. She grinned and unzipped his pants.

He let out a soft groan as she took him into her mouth. She gripped the back of his left knee, using her other hand to stroke him. Pulling away a moment, she returned with running her tongue up and down his length before paying special attention to his tip. He was breathing heavy by the time she put her mouth back around him. She moved her mouth up and down his dick, sucking gently and and flicking her tongue around the head.

Shadow leaned back against the wall, his legs tensing as she worked on him. She could hear the ropes straining as he inadvertently struggled against them. At the moment, she liked him not being able to touch. The control was somewhat comforting.

"Doing okay?" she asked, still stroking him with her hand. He nodded lazily, his eyes closed. He was moving his hips towards her so she obliged and went back to blowing him.

Lyla took a certain satisfaction in listening him get closer and closer to release. When he finally did cum with a deep throated moan, she grinned up at him and swallowed. She gently released him and zipped his pants back up, standing back up and holding her hands on his sides as he caught his breath.

"Damn," he grunted, smirking. She kissed his cheek as she untied him. As soon as his hands were free, he had pulled her close. She hugged him back, content.

They both froze when they heard Shiva and Congo somewhere else in the dungeon. She was yelling and Congo was obviously making some bad joke. Lyla and Shadow laughed before making their escape.

"I need to catch up to Kit," Lyla said, holding Shadow's hand as they walked. "He's really having a hard time with the lower levels. I always forget that not everyone grew up here and in the catacombs."

"I'll drop you off with him then," Shadow said, squeezing her hand. "Just have him drop you off at our room when you're done."

They walked back to the mess hall and were greeted by whistles and hooting from the gang that remained. They both blushed and stayed close together as they weaved they way over to the runners amongst the congratulations and pats on the back.

Kit jumped to his feet when he spotted them and met them midway.

"Hey, ready?" Lyla asked, giving him a light punch on the arm.

"Yup!" he said, smiling. He turned to Shadow and shook his hand. "And don't worry, I'll keep her safe."

"Thanks," Shadow said, nodding. He kissed her on the cheek before letting her go.

Lyla led Kit down to the lower levels of the mine, reviewing some of the tunnels they had covered earlier in the day. He nodded, repeating their destinations and intersections as best he could. Lyla joked with him when he messed up, trying to keep him from feeling frustrated.

"So you and Shadow, huh?" he asked when they took a break on some crates.

"Yup," Lyla said, smiling. "Finally."

"Heh, that's good though," he was watching her closely, the way he normally did. It always seemed like it was because he was so intent on learning, but today it made her squirm a little.

"We should head back up," she said, standing and brushing herself off. "Shadow wanted me to meet up with him."

"Sure thing, sweetness," Kit said.

Lyla froze.

"...what?"

Kit stood behind her, completely still as he smiled at her. Lyla's heart was racing.

"I told you I'd see you again, didn't I?"

Lyla swallowed. She was cornered against the crates and the panic was setting in so fiercely that she felt rooted to the spot. It couldn't be. Not here. Not one of her own. No!

"Very... Very funny, Kit," she tried to laugh but it stuck in her throat.

"I don't think it's funny, Lyla," he said, advancing on her so suddenly she barely had time to gasp before he had thrown her roughly against the wall. He held a hand against her mouth as she tried to scream. "And call me, Jon, darling, this 'Kit' lie is tiresome."

Lyla struggled against him but he held her still without much effort. He laughed softly at her attempts.

"Now, we have places to be that are far from here. Unfortunately, your little magi wised up with those discs of his. Would have worked better if I hadn't already been inside the barrier, of course. But that is to our benefit."

He pulled out a long scrap of fabric and gagged her with it, barely noticing her attempts to fight it. He tied her wrists next and pulled one of the gang's guns out of the waist of his pants and held it to her head.

"Now, I want you understand that even though I look forward to spending more time with you, I do not cherish the idea of fighting my way out of here. Cause me problems here and I will kill you. Do I need to shoot a leg to prove my point?"

Lyla shook her head vigorously, tears already blurring her vision.

"Good girl," he said and started leading her towards one of the lesser used back exits.

Survive, Ly. She told herself. You just have to survive. Do what he wants. Run the first chance you get but until then, survive. It's all you can do.

When they neared the exit, Pierce, still looking like Kit, stopped a step behind her. She saw the discs Shadow had distributed laid out on the floor.

"Move them," he said. "Pile them up over there." He pointed at an alcove with his gun.

Lyla picked them up as best she could with her wrists tied and piled them where he indicated. She looked around for more and didn't spot any. Pierce nudged her forward with the gun and they passed safely through the gap.

They walked for several minutes before disappearing into a grove of trees. A truck sat waiting. He sighed and the pretense of Kit slid away from his features like shimmering water. He was just as well kempt as before and grinning. Lyla found herself shivering.

"That's better, don't you think?" he asked, though he didn't look at her for an answer.

He opened the side door and helped her in. Out of the glove box, he pulled another strip of fabric and used it to blind fold her. Then he buckled her in.

"I'd take the gag out, sweetness, but I've heard your people have quite the bite," he said, testing the snugness of both. "I'll put some music on for the drive though, so we don't get bored without conversation."

He closed and locked the door. She could hear him walking around to the driver's side. He got in the car and started it up.

They drove for so long that Lyla couldn't begin to guess where they were. She did her best to be strong, but it wasn't long before she was crying. Her attempts to be quiet only brought pained shudders and whimpers.

Then Pierce reached over and squeezed her thigh and she found it in her to stop crying. The shaking she couldn't quit but so long as he couldn't hear her crying, he didn't touch her.

When they arrived, he picked her up out of the truck and walked across gravel. She heard a door open, though she never heard another person. Pierce muttered something to himself and she could see light through her blindfold. He walked for what seemed like ages, the sounds of heavy doors following them.

He finally put her down on what felt like a bed and the shaking renewed. She could hear him digging around in what sounded like a bedside table before he took her arm.

"For your own good," he said and the prick of a needle made her jerk away from him. "Ah, ah, you'll break the needle, hold still."

Whatever it was, it worked fast. She almost toppled over backwards but he caught her and laid her down. She felt weak, like her muscles and brain had a delay so severe she could barely raise an arm.

"Now I know you're thinking Shadow will find you like he did at the docks. Let me reassure you, he cannot find you within my halls. He may know ways to keep other magi out, but I know ways to keep us hidden. Though those little bombs are useful for me here as well."

He took off the blindfold and smiled at her. "Step one, check. Step two, won't be as easy for you, I'm afraid. But it is necessary and with those drugs, you won't care as much."

She stared at him, trying to focus and understand what he was saying.

Then he lifted a heavy looking wrench and hit her with it.

Congo was sorting through reports when Luke burst into his office, panting heavily.

"What's wrong?" he asked, frowning at the distressed looking runner.

"I found this during patrols," he panted, holding out a manila envelope. "I thought you should see it first."

Congo took the envelope and went through the contents. Once he was done, he put them back down on the desk and sighed heavily.

"...you're right. Does anyone else know about this?"

"No, I went straight here."

"Good. Get Shadow and be quick about it. I need to catch him before he does something stupid."

Luke disappeared and Congo looked back down at the three photos and the note. The first photo showed Lyla, laid down on a bed with a gag. It was slightly blurry and the details were hard to discern. The second showed her still lying down, her face already beginning to purple on one side. She looked dazed, maybe drugged, he wasn't sure. But the blood dripping out of the corner of her mouth was enough to make him glare.

The last photo showed her propped up in a corner, slumped forward slightly, her arms tied behind her back in nothing but her shirt and underwear. The note was what worried him the most.

Shadow,
Funny how traditional methods are useless on you. But here we are, years later and I've finally found out how to properly torture you. And I don't even have to touch you. Interesting, isn't it?

Behave and I won't do worse. I like her pretty as much as you do.

I offer a trade. Your life for hers. You'll know she's safe and the council gets what they want. We all walk away happy.

Leave your response in Ponyville. I'll be sure to get it, one way or another.

-Jon "Kit" Pierce

Rise of the Night 17

Shadowstep waited for hours while Lyla showed Kit the ropes. He didn't think it would take this long nor would she want to take this long showing someone the basic ropes. He had almost just given up hope and decided to go to sleep when Luke, Lyla's next in charge came storming in to the room.

“Shadow, Congo needs to see you asap” he said between breaths gasping for air. Shadow followed Luke into Congo's office where Congo was arguing with Shiva very loudly. Luke went and ran off somewhere leaving Shadow to wait for the two lupus to stop fighting. He looked around while he waited until something caught his eye. It was photos of Lyla and a note.

Shadow,
Funny how traditional methods are useless on you. But here we are, years later and I've finally found out how to properly torture you. And I don't even have to touch you. Interesting, isn't it?
Behave and I won't do worse. I like her pretty as much as you do.
I offer a trade. Your life for hers. You'll know she's safe and the council gets what they want. We all walk away happy.
Leave your response in Ponyville. I'll be sure to get it, one way or another.
-Jon "Kit" Pierce

He cursed to himself silently as he realized that it wasn't the gang the council wanted this time. It was him. Lyla just got caught in a bad place at the wrong time and the council would use her to use his weakness. He silently rushed out of the office not going to wait for Congo or Shiva to tell him not to do anything. He had to do something. He couldn't sit by while a family member was in danger, let alone Lyla. He would do almost anything to get her back. He ran out of the caves and hopped into one of the trucks that was parked outside not being used. He drove straight to Ponyville with only two thoughts in his mind. One how to save Lyla and keep her alive and safe, two how to rip that fuckers head clean off of his spinal cord.

He finally reached Ponyville after about thirty minutes of driving. He parked the truck on the outskirts of town just to be safe. He wandered around till he finally found her. Lyla was propped up in a chair next to the train station. He ran right over there and tried to undo the rope that bound her hands and legs.

“Ah ah ah. That's not how this game is played Shadow.” 'Kit' said walking out from the shadows. “First lets be clear on the rules. You come with me and she can go back to her little pack of mutts. The council really doesn't care about them as much as they do you so they will be left alone. So long as you cooperate with us. Second rule you try something stupid or try to escape, we tell the local guard that the diamond dong killed Captain Shadowstep and decided to leave town for a while. You already burned down your house with a body that could almost be mistaken for you. Thirdly I'm being paid for your 'safe' travel to Appleloosa where the council will do what they want and I can go home and do what the fuck I want so let's try and be as safe as we can.”

“Fine but she is untied the moment I agree or I kill you right here and now and you never go near her again or else I can make some bullshit lie about how you beat me or some other bullshit to the council and I don't think they will pay top dollar to a man who can't even resist hitting the product.” Shadow said as he saw 'Kit's' face wrinkle. He knew Kit, Jon, or who ever this man was, wasn't going to risk a lower paycheck due to not playing fair for once.

“Fine she goes free once you and I agree. And don't worry I didn't have fun with her. Gave her some nice nap time juice but other then that she's fine.” he said pulling a pair of handcuffs out. They were anti magi cuffs designed to stop the magic of any magi who was touching them. Even magi holding them to put on other magi. Shadow held his hands forward and he slapped the cuffs on him. 'Kit' then turned and pulled out a knife cutting the rope.

“Now lets go” he said pushing Shadow onto a train toward Appleloosa. After they were on the train he pushed Shadow into a train car that had a small jail cell in it.

“Can't even give us first class. Figured the council would be so cheap.” 'Kit' muttered as he pulled a small needle out and injected Shadow with the same drug that he gave Lyla the first time. Shadow slowly started to stagger forward until he finally hit the floor asleep. 'Kit shut the cage door behind him and sat in the chair thinking why would the council want him so badly, what about this magi made him so damn important?

Shadow woke up a few hours later. He was Still in the cell as 'Kit' snored loudly. Everything was quite until a crackle emerged from the radio next to 'Kit'.

“Um boss we got what looks to be a cow standing on the tracks. Do you want us to stop?” a voice asked. 'Kit' rubbed his eyes and sighed.

“Its a fucking cow run the damn thing over we're on a time frame here.” 'Kit said into the radio. The train didn't stop until an ear shatter explosion and the groaning of metal being twisted around sounded. The entire train seemed to shake and finally the train started to tumble and fall apart. The small train car the Shadow and 'Kit' were in started to roll and be hammered by other pieces of the train. Sounds of both men hitting the walls and floor of the car and cursing and grunts of pain could be heard as the car rolled of the tracks and down a small hill next to the train tracks. Shadow was the first one to come to, noticing that the door the cell had been ripped off. He slowly got to his feet still feeling some of the after effects of the drug. He heard a gurgling sound as he looked over and saw 'Kit' on the ground with a piece of metal erupting from his chest. His left arm was pinned underneath the broken jail cell door. His right hand weakly trying to pull the metal out of his chest. Shadow walked over to him and simply looked down at the man.

“You caused her so much pain, so much agony she couldn't sleep without crying the first night she was back. I figured you would have learned a lesson from your partner who I killed. I figured once they saw what kind of monster I can become the council would let us have some breathing room, but you proved me wrong. I now know that the council won't stop, won't let me have a life I can enjoy. So you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to take the fight to them. I'm gonna drag their families into the street and set them on fire as they watch helplessly. I'm gonna take everything they built over the past six years and I'm going to tear it down and watch their world crumble.” he said looking at the man who had caused so much pain and agony to Lyla for the past few days. He slowly placed his foot on the mans throat and slowly applied pressure, listening to the gasps of air the man made trying to get air. He applied more pressure till he heard a sickening wet crunch of the mans throat being crushed under his boot and the snapping of the spinal cord behind it. He started to feel the drug trying to kick back in and tried to make his way out of the train car. He looked back over the hill to see a fire and several people moving. He figured survivors, but survivors didn't steal food and water from a destroyed train. He fell to the ground again hearing voice shouting and a light pour upon him.

“Hey Wildcard we got us a live one.” one of the voice shouted. He tried to look at where the voices came from as they surrounded his body. Hands ran up and down his body as they were looking for anything to use or find. A pair of hands quickly found his dog tags and pulled them off of him.

“Whoa this guy's a captain in the lunar guard. Check it out.” he said as he passed the tags around.

“Funny if he's a captain why is he in cuffs and more importantly why does he look like he's been running from something?” one of the voices asked.

“No clue but we take him as he is. Maybe he can give us some answers on why a train that was supposed to be full of supplies is almost empty except for the dead bodies and him.” a voice that sounded more in control of the group said as a pair of hands grabbed him by the shoulders and picked him off the ground. Shadow tried to get a look around as he slowly slipped back to sleep.

Run the Night 15

Lyla struggled viciously against the ropes that still held her. Pierce had only released her hands and she was still trapped by the legs and waist. The train had long since disappeared into the distance, taking Shadow and that horrid Jon Pierce with it.

"Aahh!" she shouted angrily at the tracks. She couldn't reach the ties to unbind herself. She rocked the chair as hard as she could, hoping she could break it. But instead it toppled over, leaving her seething on her side on the train station deck, still stuck to the bloody chair.

"Are you alright?" someone asked, footsteps moving towards her.

"No!" Lyla shouted, trying not to cry in her anger. "Bloody stupid arrogant magi!" she snarled, thrashing anew.

"Excuse me?" A girl's face came into view. She had light skin and dark purple hair. She seemed honestly concerned at Lyla's predicament. "What happened?" she asked, starting to work on Lyla's bonds.

"The train! I have to catch the train! Shadow's on it!"

The girl frowned at her in confusion, getting the rope around her waist free and straightening the chair back up. "You won't catch the train now, it's on its way to Appleloosa already. Who's Shadow?"

"Pierce has him and I swear to Luna above, if he hurts him..." Lyla growled, finally managing to pull her legs away from the chair. She stood and immediately dropped to her knees. She was still weak from the drugs.

"Slow down, dear," the girl said, helping Lyla back to her feet. "I'm Rarity, by the way."

"Lyla," she said. "Thanks."

"Of course," she said, smiling warmly. She helped Lyla sit down on one of the station benches. Lyla paused to get a good look at her. She wasn't a girl, now that she really looked. They were probably about the same age but Rarity was gorgeous to the point that her age was difficult to discern. "Now, what is this all about? And why were you tied to a chair?"

"It's probably best you don't know," Lyla said, rubbing her legs.

"Well a lady doesn't pry. Maybe there's something I can do to help?"

Lyla started to shake her head. "Not unless you can get me to that train."

"Is it an emergency?"

"Yes," she said, barely thinking.

"Life and death?"

"Possibly."

"Then I may know just the person," Rarity said with a smile. "Spike!"

A young man came from inside the train station, a huge half eaten sandwich in his hands. His short hair was vivid green and his eyes almost shone. Lyla frowned slightly. He wasn't a lupus. Or a magi, or earthen, or even a seraph. He was something...different. But he smiled happily at Rarity nonetheless.

"What's up?" he asked, taking another huge bite of the sandwich.

"Give Twilight a call and ask her to come down here. This young lady needs our help."

"Sure thing!" He pulled out a phone and wandered off talking into it.

"Now, you're in no condition to go chasing after this gentleman of yours, Lyla. It seems to me that you need to get your legs back before we can let you go gallivanting off," Rarity said, a perfectly manicured hand on her hip. "Let's get you fed. We'll have some time before Twilight is able to get here."

Lyla hated to agree, but Rarity was right. Pierce hadn't fed her and the drugs left her feeling so weak she hadn't noticed how hungry she was.

"The lupus have quite the appetite, do they not?" Rarity asked, helping Lyla into the train station. "I don't mean to be rude, of course, I've just had my fair share of dealings with them."

"We can, yeah," Lyla admitted, her stomach growling in agreement.

"Nothing like dragons, though," Spike said, suddenly beside them and relieving Rarity.

"Dragon?" Lyla gaped. Now that he was holding her up, she did notice how incredibly warm he was. Like he'd been sitting next to a fire for hours.

"Yup!" Spike said proudly, chest puffing out. "And don't worry, I don't eat folks."

Lyla stared. She didn't know dragons even existed anymore. Rarity smiled warmly at Spike and patted his arm as she sauntered over to the cafe counter to order food.

"Wow," was all Lyla could manage.

Spike laughed. "Twi'll be here soon."

When the food arrived, Lyla scarfed it down. She suspected it wouldn't have mattered how good the food actually was, it was worth its weight in gold. When she was done, she did feel a little better. She walked a little, testing her legs. They were still shaky but at least she didn't fall over.

"Again, thank you," she said to her temporary hosts. "I don't know how to repay you."

"Got any jewelry?" Spike said with a lazy grin.

"Spike," Rarity chided, patting his wrist. "It's nothing, really."

"Still, I'll make sure I come back and pay you back for your generosity."

"What's going on?"

Lyla turned to see another purple haired girl approaching the small group. She was dark skinned and modestly dressed, a book tucked under her arm.

"Ah, Twilight," Rarity said, standing to embrace the girl. "Punctual, as usual."

"Spike said you needed my help?" Twilight noticed Lyla and smiled. "Hi, I'm Twilight!" Another magi, Lyla noted. Like Rarity and Shadow.

"Hi, I'm Lyla."

"And Miss Lyla needs your assistance, Twilight," Rarity said, squeezing the other girl's shoulder gently. "She needs to catch up to the train to Appleloosa. There's a gentleman who needs her help."

"Are you thinking teleportation?" Twilight asked.

"Of course, dear. Do you think you can manage it?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Lyla interrupted. "You can't teleport that far. And it's a moving train."

"Fear not," Rarity said with a proud smile. "Our Twilight is very talented in magic. You'll find that if anyone can get you there, she can."

Twilight blushed furiously. "You're too kind, Rarity."

"She's also humble to a fault," Spike muttered into Lyla's ear.

"Spike!" Twilight said, still red. "Are you ready then, Lyla?"

Lyla couldn't help but make a face of disbelief. "I guess."

Twilight took her hand her closed her eyes. There was a sudden flash of light and Lyla felt like she was being jerked suddenly and violently by her belly button. The world snapped back and they dropped hard a couple of inches to the ground. Lyla crouched over for a moment, fighting the urge to heave.

"Oh no..." Twilight murmured.

Lyla looked up, expecting to be in completely the wrong place. But instead she was met by the burning wreckage of a train derailment. It looked like the train had run into explosives and scattered across the desert like a child's toy. She stared in horror. Shadow had been on the train, how the hell could he have survived this?

"I... I should go back and get help out here," Twilight said, looking pale. Lyla nodded blankly. The magi disappeared with a flash.

Lyla found herself starting to walk through the wreckage. When she spotted the shape of a body up ahead, she felt like she was in a daze. As she moved closer, she could tell there was a huge jagged piece of metal jutting from the body's chest. The distance, setting sun, and blood made it difficult to judge the identity from here.

The body, she reminded herself. Not Shadow, please not Shadow...

Once she was upon it, she froze. It felt like the world froze with her until she drew a slow shaky breath. It shuddered through her and things began to be normal again.

Jon Pierce lay before her. The metal spear through his chest would have surely killed him, but his throat had been crushed. The boot marks in the dirt nearby were easy to recognize. She stared down at the body, the emotions inside her battling hard.

Shadow was still alive. Pierce was dead.

With a snarl of rage and panic and relief and a hundred other feelings, she kicked the body. And kept kicking until her foot hurt. She backed off, noticing suddenly that she was sobbing. She raked her hair back, her breath coming in ragged snarls and gasps.

Focus, she thought. Focus. Shadow. Have to find him.

She followed the boot tracks until they dissolved into scraps in the dirt, as if he fallen. There were more footsteps here. Lots more. She looked into the distance where they led, following them until she found hoof prints.

Sighing, she started following the tracks.

Rise of the Night 18

For the next several hours Shadowstep came in and out of consciousness. He felt his wrist noticing that they had taken the cuffs off and replaced them with simple rope bindings. He heard voices too, sounded like they were arguing.

“What do you mean he's dead? If hes right there breathing he ain't dead.” one of them said.

“Well I have searched every data base I can get into and they all say that this Captain Shadowstep died in a explosion in Manehatten. I don't know if it's a glitch or if it's a mistake.” Another said.

“Well check again and check newspapers and anything think we can find. Hell might even think about calling that diamond dong woman. After all she sells information.” the first voice said. Shadow passed out again a few seconds later.

Shadow woke up to being in a cot, his body ached in pain from the train wreck. He looked around the room. His hands were still bind together. There was a small table with a jug of water and a small bowl of fruit. There was a window that had bars over to prevent escape and also a large metal door. He got up off the cot and staggered over to the table. He nearly choked while drinking all of the water. He ate the fruit with out thinking. He had only one thing on his mind. Getting out of here and making sure Lyla was safe. He had a feeling that with 'Kit' dead the council might take a while to pick their next solider to get Shadow which might give the Diamond Dongs some time to make a plan on how to warn the Princess and to kill the council. He could finally used magic but he focused it mostly on pain suppression. He focused his ice magic on the dark bruises under his shirt and pants. The door rattled as the sound of locks being taken off echoed in the room. The door opened to a man walking inside with a chair. He simply sat down and looked at Shadow.

“So 'Captain Shadowstep' That is your name isn't it?” he asked spinning Shadow's dog tags around one of his fingers. He was dressed in a duster coat, cowboy boots, leather pants with a revolver on his leg, a simple white shirt, and a wore cowboy hat with a ace of spades.

“Yea that's my name. That's what the dog tags say isn't it?” Shadow answered.

“Now now no need to get defensive. I'm just wondering why you were on a train that was supposed to be supplies for me and my men.” the man asked.

“You want answers from me yet you haven't told me a damn thing like where am I who are you and your men and why did you take me?” he asked the man.

“Ok we can play that game. My name is Wildcard, I'm the leader of Crimson Saddles. You're in the desert, can't tell you specially where but you're not that far from the train tracks in case we let you go. Now it's your turn. So tell me, how does a dead man end up on a train heading to Appleloosa?” Wildcard asked.

“Ok fine I'll tell you. Well you see the council isn't much of a fan of me so they tried to kill me in Manehatten or at least that's what I thought was going on when they sent the assassins. So I planted a decoy body, blew up my house, and made my escape. I then fled to Ponyville only to get captured there and well you know know what a dead man does to get on a train.” he answered avoiding details about Lyla and the Diamond Dongs. He knew Congo and the Diamond Dongs had good relations with out of town gangs but he wasn't sure about this one.

“So the council wants you dead. Big deal they want a lot of people dead what makes you so special?” Wildcard ask.

“That's just it I don't know what makes me so special. I don't know why the council is going out of their way to make sure I'm dead or inside their cage.” he answered. There was a soft tapping on the door and Wildcard left the room. Shadow could hear a soft whisper on the other side of the door. He couldn't tell what they were talking about but it sounded important. Lyla popped into his head and he was worried. He left her with only half the bindings cut and alone on the train station. He hoped that he could get out of here and get back to Lyla soon. She had been put through so much and he had to make it up to her any way she wanted him to. He went over to the cot after the whispering had faded away and laid down. He now waited for something to happen or some kind of sign of what he was to do next.

Run the Night 16

The desert was blessedly cooling as the sun began ducking below the horizon. Lyla welcomed it. The lupus were made for the cooler weather, not this bloody heat. Her shirt had been peeled off and wrapped around her head in an attempt to keep cool. Her skin was still baking warm, even as the temperature around her dropped slowly.

She'd be tan as hell by the time she found Shadow. The tracks were at least easy to follow. For now. Once the sun went down, she knew she'd lose them.

Luckily, as she breached a tall hillside, she paused to get a good look at the landscape. And there in the distance she saw it, a run down set of buildings. Wind and sand blasted, they nearly blended in with the surrounding rock they were taking shelter beneath. Horses were grazing nearby, enough to signal a much larger group than Lyla could handle alone. The outcropping hanging over them looked like it would make a good starting point. If she could get there.

She sighed and started down the hill, making to go around the encampment and come down onto the outcropping. Then she could get a look around and do some recon before making her next move.

And rest, she thought, her legs aching as she continued on. You're no good to anyone like this.

Still, she pushed on.

Making it around the camp was easy. But once she reached the edge of the hillside the camp was crouched against, she spotted a scout. He was smoking, looking around lazily with a gun at his side. She hid down amid the rocks and watched him until he turned away. She moved out from the rocks and darted across to another set of rocks.

A stone tumbled down as she skidded to a halt and she froze, sucking her breath in. For a moment, there was silence. Then the sound of a gun being cocked as slow footsteps moved towards her. She cursed herself and tried to edge around the rock as he moved closer.

But he had gone around the other way and caught her roughly by the shoulder, the gun pressed between her eyes.

"And what's this?" he drawled. "A sand fox? Y'all shouldn't be out here."

"Really?" she growled, baring her teeth in a sharp smile. "And here I thought this was a hotel."

He leaned close to her, smiling back. "Is that so... Well, I know there's at least one bed available for a pretty thing like you." Lyla slowly moved her hand, intending to find a way to knock the gun from his hand. He caught her wrist with his free hand and clucked his tongue. "Nice try, little sand fox. But ah think not."

He whistled a long low tone, then a higher quicker tone. There was an answering whistle and another man was soon coming around a corner, gun drawn.

"Awww, c'mon now," the second man said, lowering his gun. "Call me over fer this?"

"She's been sneakin'. Bring 'er to the boss," the first one said. "Might be he'll have som'thing ta say ta ya if you don't."

The second one frowned. "Fine."

He shoved her roughly down the path he'd come up, gun trained on her back.

"Now don't ya go tryin' nothing, miss. We put bullets in the backs o' anyone what deserves it, man or no."

Lyla glared at him but behaved. At least she was getting in the building and with any luck, she'd end up in the same place as Shadow. They plodded along, Lyla struggling with the terrain and making the sentry laugh a little. When she fell and slid down in the dirt, landing in a heap of dust and coughing he jogged after her, laughing uproariously. Lyla snarled and knocked the legs out from under him when he approached her.

He went down with a shout of "fuck!" and a solid thump. He recovered quickly, half sitting with his gun pointed at her face.

"Still funny?" she asked boldly.

He broke out laughing again and climbed to his feet, offering her his hand. She hesitantly took it and he pulled her to her feet.

"Ya, it's still funny," he said, grinning, then poked her with the butt of his pistol. "Now get ta walkin'."

They continued down into the buildings, passing another sentry who opened a hole in the floor for them. They walked down a set of steps and took a left to enter a larger room than the main floor boasted together.

At the far end sat a man, dressed similarly to the sentries. His hat had an ace of spades tucked into the brim and his leather pants were worn heavily. The white shirt was dirty and stained with sweat and dirt. He was looking down at some papers.

When he looked up, Lyla couldn't help but frown in confusion. He had dark brown hair, lightening at the tips. His eyes were a peculiar dark orange and his ruggedly handsome face was set in a bemused smirk.

The sentry shoved her into the room, causing her to stumble to her knees as she stared. It couldn't be...

"What's this, then?" he asked the sentry. The voice was unmistakable.

"Sand fox, as best ah can figure, Wildcard" the sentry said. "If she's a spy, she ain't a good one." Lyla pulled herself to her feet, still staring. Wildcard? No... That wasn't his name.

"...Lucky?" she asked quietly, still frowning slightly.

There was a flash of surprise in his eyes and he seemed to physically jerk away slightly. It was enough. It was him, she was sure of it. She practically tackled him, knocking his hat off as she embraced him with a squeal.

"Don't call me that..." he said meekly, as if no one had called him that in so long he didn't know how to respond.

Lyla pulled back a little, still hugging him as she beamed. "I can't believe it! What're you doing here?"

"What the fu..." he trailed off as the recognition dawned on him. "Lyla?!"

He laughed and stood as he hugged her, swinging her around in a circle.

"By Celestia, Lyla! It's been, what, ten years?" he said, laughing and putting her back on her feet. "I could say the same of you! I thought you were in Manehattan?"

"I was, but the gang's in Ponyville while things cool down. And I lost Shadow. I followed the trail here."

"Shadowstep?" He grinned, the same easy going grin she knew as a child. "You're in luck, it so happens that he's a... Guest of the Crimson Saddles."

"...you were hoping to ransom him, weren't you?"

He shrugged, still grinning. "Maybe, maybe not."

Lyla rolled her eyes. Lucky... Apparently Wildcard now, had been her childhood friend before she lost everything and Congo took her in. The small town she had grown up in had been a mix of earthen and lupus, hard working folks who didn't deserve what happened. She tried not to think about it too often.

When she was 16, Congo had let her go back to what remained of the town, hoping to settle some old ghosts. Instead, she'd found the young man she thought had perished along with everyone else. They'd both been young and surprised to see the other still alive. After spending time catching up and sharing their survivor stories, they'd parted ways again. Lyla back to Manehattan and Lucky into the desert again. They'd lost contact after that. She never told Shadow, preferring to leave her friend in the past that Shadow knew nothing of.

"You look good... Wildcard," she said, stumbling over his new name. "It's been too long."

"It has," he said, draping an arm around her shoulders and leading her out of the room. He smelled like dirt and horses. Not entirely a bad scent. "Never thought I'd see you out here. Not exactly your style."

"It's not, trust me."

"And who is this Shadow guy to you anyway?"

"He's my..." Lyla scrunched up her face. Boyfriend sounded silly and trivial. "Well... He's my... Person."

"...your person."

"Yes. My. Uhm. Boyfriend. I guess."

Wildcard shook his head. "How blissfully romantic. Follow your wanted lover deep into the desert to free him from brigands and outlaws."

"Shuddup," Lyla said, laughing.

They came upon a door and another sentry. Wildcard dismissed the man with a look and opened the door, striding in with his arm still around her shoulders.

Shadow sat in the cell, looking exhausted. She darted over to him, lifting his face with her hand on his cheek.

"Shadow? You okay?"

Rise of the Night 19

“Shadow we need to talk now” Nightmare moon's voice echoed in his mind while he was asleep.

“What is it? Assassins? The water and food was poisoned?” Shadow thought back to her.

“No I can't hear them anymore. The other fragments have gone silent.” she said.

“Ok and that's supposed to to be important … wait what do you mean the other fragments?” he thought back in a slight panic. He only had one fragment of Nightmare Moon so how is it that she can hear the other fragments?

It seems that you have forgotten that I am connected to the other fragments. However they have all gone silent. Something has happened to the other fragments and I can't tell what.” she answered.

“Wait you been talking to the other fragments this whole time? Why the fuck haven't I ever heard of them in my head then?” he asked.

“Because I didn't want to bother a lowly subject with my talks” she thought back.

“Well you seem to forget that this lowly subject is the only reason you can walk around or interact with anyone so it would be wise to not piss me off.” he thought back to her.

“And why is that? What can you possibly do to me? Put me back in my cage? Try to remove me? Last time I check all of the other test subjects that had their fragments removed before death went insane or died.” she thought back. She was right. All of them had either went insane or died during the operation.

“So what is it you want me to do?” he asked her.

“There was one thought that kept repeating before they vanished. The council has us. My guess is that's the reason why the council has been after you. They want me for some kind of experiment or to clean up a mess that wasn't meant to be successful. Well it would seem our chat is to be cut short.” she said. He wondered what she meant and that's when he felt he was being woken up.

“Shadow? You okay?” Lyla asked with her hand on his cheek. He was surprised to see her here and not bound like a prisoner like he was. But he couldn't deny that he was happy to see her. Even with his hands bound he managed to sit up and wrap his arms around her.

“I thought Congo told you not to be reckless?” he jokingly asked her.

“Kinda hard not to when you decide to play hero a lot.” she said wrapping her arms around him. He removed his arms and looked back to Wildcard.

“So why is he here? Is he an inside man for Congo?” he asked.

“No, he's an old friend of mine. Long story that I might tell you one day.” she answered as she pulled the knife out and cut the rope binding his hands. He flexed and massaged his wrist.

“Old friend? Like after I left or before that?” he asked a little more concerned about who this guy was.

“Before she come to the Diamond Dongs. But how she fell for someone like you I will never know.” Wildcard answered for her, taunting him.

“Well maybe it's because I'm better looking.” Shadow answered taking a step closer to Wildcard.

“Enough the last thing I need is for you two playing 'whose got the bigger dick'.” Lyla said as she stepped between them. Shadow and Wild both chuckled as one of Wild's men came inside the cell.

“Hey boss phone call from the Diamond Dongs. They are asking for aid in tracking down two of their members who might be lost in the desert.” he said holding out a phone in his hand.

“Alright I'll talk to them.” he said before leaving the room with the man.

“Just so you know I'm punishing you for scaring me like that.” Lyla said wrapping her arms around him once again.

“How did I scare you?” he asked holding her close to him.

“The body at the train wreak. I thought it was you.” she whispered.

“It wasn't. It was that fucking traitor 'Kit'. Also I should punish you for for letting him join in the first place.” he whispered back before kissing her forehead.

She gasped. “Why are you punishing me? I didn't know he was a traitor. You can't hold this against me.” she said.

“Sure I can. Your holding the fact that I saved you from something worse then you could imagine against me so I can hold this against you.” he said. Wild walked back into the room.

“Ok so Congo is going to drop by tomorrow after they get things sorted out. Seems like with the recent event he is going through all the members, making sure they are who they claim they are. Which means I guess your my guess for the night. So let me show you around my lovely abode.” Wild said leading them out into camp.

The camp was build in the ruins of a town. However the holes and torn down buildings where either patched up with wood or was covered in tarp. He showed them around to several of the buildings. They had a saloon, barber, a small armory, and a storage for supplies. However they looked low on supplies.

“Where are all of your supplies? If your robbing trains you should have this building at least half full.” Shadow asked looking over the supplies.

“Well there hasn't been a supply train in over several months. We barely got any supplies from last nights train that you were on.” he answered.

“Hey Lyla, Congo has a lot of supplies that we took from Manehatten right? So we should be able to give some to these guys.” Shadow asked.

“We probably can spare some rations and water.” Lyla said.

“Why are you trying to help us?” Wild asked.

“Because I see it as bad faith to note lead a helping hand to someone who saved me from the desert.” Shadow answered as they left the supply shack. They spent the next few hours exploring the camp and looking at all the various clothing they wore. Lyla tried on several outfits before fore she decided to keep one. She didn't show Shadow what it was only that she had sworn that he would like it and that she picked one out for him. Hours passed as night time finally came and Wild showed them to a ruined building with wooden planks for a wall.

“Don't worry about privacy. I'll tell the men to steer clear of this one for the night. Take care you two” Wild said chuckling to himself.

Run of Night 5

Lyla watched Shadow sleep for some time. He was still recovering from all the stress his body had been through in the last twenty four hours and she was glad he could catch some sleep where it was safe.

She sighed and downed the cookies and water before getting changed into a tank top and shorts. Where Shadow had always had his connection to ice magic, Lyla was a lupus. She was naturally warm, running a bit hotter even when resting than the magi like Shadow. Most of her runners were the same, so the room was cool to offset their natural heat.

But it did concern her that Shadow might get too cold. She lightly put a hand on his cheek to check his temperature. It seemed fine so she let him sleep. She kept herself busy by updating some of the city maps she stored in the rafters. Normally the maps were used to train new runners, to get them used to basic routes.

She glanced up when Shadow began to shift around. It got worse as she watched so she could only imagine he was having a nightmare. She scooted back over to him and gently shook him.

"Shadow, wake up," she said, as gentle but stern as she could manage.

He woke up with a start, covered in sweat. He looked confused for a second, as if the nightmare still lingered. She sat closer to him, worried.

"You alright?" She asked, touching his arm.

"Yeah," he muttered, rubbing his face. "This place brings back memories is all."

"Bad ones by the looks of it," she said, getting up to grab him some food and water. "Here, you haven't eaten in awhile. You need to get your strength back." She plopped back down on the bed. "What happened?"

He stayed silent for a moment, his face dark as he ate and sipped the water. "The council wanted information."

"Did they get it?" she asked, eyeing him.

"No. No, they did not."

"What did they want?"

He looked at her. That same guarded expression was back, making it impossible for her to read him. It was so frustrating. "They wanted information about the gang. Who you and Congo and Shiva were. Where to find you. Everything."

Lyla shifted uncomfortably. What had they done to him to try and get all that? The thought left her feeling somber and the look on his face made her feel alone.

"I'm sorry," she finally said. "For whatever they did."

He nodded and went back to eating. Lyla hugged her knees. They sat in silence for several long minutes.

"Why did you leave?" she asked suddenly, surprising herself with the question. It had been hanging in the back of her mind for six years. Now or never. "I know you wanted to train in magic but you could have done that and stayed with us. I... I missed you. A lot. I didn't want you to go... So why did you?"