From Rookie to Adventurer

Chapters

The Greatest Loss - Vanhoover Police Force
Manticore Incident - Vanhoover Police Force
First Hearths Warming Away - Canterlot Royal Guard
Confrontation - Canterlot Royal Guard
Rookie - Vanhoover Police Force

The Greatest Loss - Vanhoover Police Force

It was around 11 o’clock in the morning and the sand colored earth pony, Chief Vines, was sitting behind his desk, mending a net. “Think I’ll do the curry cart fer lunch.” The pony mused to himself as he absentmindedly scratched the mark on his flank, a set of dark green vines wrapped around a bright silver badge. The officer set the net down on his desk and pulled a silver case from his police uniform’s breast pocket. After pulling a dark red carrot from it and putting the spicy vegetable in his lips, he placed the case back in his pocket and looked towards the door to his office. Vines sighed and ran his hoof through his short dark brown mane.

The police chief kicked a lever under his desk causing the office door to open a split second before a dark green pegasus in a police uniform flew into it. Vines tossed one end of the net onto a hook in the ceiling and threw the other end of it towards the pegasus, catching the officer before he could run into anything. “Kale! What in BLAZES is tha need for-”

“OFFICER STAR JUS’ RAN INTO TOWN WITH AN INJURED PONY ON ‘ER BACK!” Officer Kale cried out, cutting off the chief. “BOTH COVERED IN BLOOD!!”

Vines’ heart sank like a stone.

“Where?” demanded Vines as he not so gently started to pull the pegasus out of the net.

“Our Lady a’ the Sun!” Kale pulled his wing out of the net, loosing a feather in the process.

“Not where she’s goin’,” the chief growled. “Where. Did. It. Happen?”

“Uh,” stammered the green pony, “that wasn’t in tha report.”

“The recently discovered cavern near Crystal Falls.” A light grey coated unicorn stated as he entered Vines’ office. “Shadow mentioned that she was going with her cousin to explore it.” He pushed his copper glasses back up on his nose with a hoof. “The airship is ready to go, I assume that you are wanting to go to the probable scene?”

“Right,” Vines replied, putting his police cap on. “Need ta get there fast.” He turned to Kale, “I want two officers sent ta Our Lady o’ the Sun and keep an eye on Officer Star, but do NOT interrogate!”

“Yes sir!”

“LIEUTENANT THUNDER GUST!” The chief shouted over the noise of the police station causing it to cease instantly.

A dark blue coated pegasus hopped up from a desk. “Sir?” he called out in the silence.

“Get ta tha district attorney’s office and let ‘em know what’s goin’ on!”

“Head off rumors an’ speculation, chief?” Thunder Gust asked, putting on his police vest.

“Exactly!” Vines replied, following the grey pony towards the exit. “News’s gonna travel fast.”

“Then I’m gone!” The pegasus stallion bolted out a window, scattering papers from a few desks.

“What do you think transpired?” The unicorn asked the chief, opening the door to the street.

“I don’t wanna guess, Chisholm.” The police chief stepped out the door. “But this feeling in my gut.” He sighed, “says somethin’ bad.”

“Say ah,” said a light green pegasus mare with a braided lavender mane as she pulled a tongue depressor from her white doctor’s coat.

The little blue unicorn filly sitting on the exam table sniffled and opened her mouth, “Aaaaah.” A light red, blue maned unicorn mare stood nearby stroking the little one’s back.

The pegasus pressed the little filly’s tongue down and peered in with a flashlight. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a bit of a cold, but it’s not the flu.” The doctor said as she turned off the light and tossed the depressor in the nearby trash.

“Oh, thank goodness.” The red mare sighed.

“Okay, Mrs. Lightmane. Here’s a prescription for some cough syrup and something to take care of the stuffy nose. She should start feeling better soon.” The pegasus turned and gave the mother a couple pieces of paper. “And also, a note for school. Skylight should stay home for the next 2 or 3 days to get better.” She ruffled the filly’s light red mane, passing a small sucker to the girl. “And you know the drill, plenty of fluids, rest, yada, yada.”

The unicorn nodded with a chuckle and gathered her little one up in a blanket. “Thank you, doctor.” She cradled the sick filly as she left the room. “Let’s get you home, sweetie.”

The pegasus waved as the pair left the exam room. She turned to the elder light brown unicorn that was sitting in the corner who smiled warmly at the mare. “Yada, yada?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Well, it’s said so often it feels like a formality now.”

The stallion pondered for a moment. “Well, Dart, every doctor has their own style,” he nodded in a sage like motion. “And, I like yada, yada.”

“Thank you, Dr. Amber.” Dart stated as she changed the paper on the examination table. “I’m glad you’re my attending physician. I was surprised anypony would take me after I snapped at Director Faux.”

“Eh, you were right.” Dr. Amber said, making a note on a clipboard. “And the good director wasn’t going to listen.”

The mare chuckled, “I’m lucky that I didn’t get kicked out for-“ she started to say but was cut off as a dark grey earth pony mare dressed in scrubs entered the room. When Dart saw the nurse’s eyes, she knew something was wrong.

“Doctor Silverhoof, your sister,” the nurse paused for a moment and collected herself. Dr. Amber was already on his hooves and moving over towards the young doctor. “Your sister… Shadow Star…” Dart’s eyes went wide as the nurse tried to continue. “Something happened, Jasper’s wing was…. And Shadow…”

“Silver Ash, where are they?” Dr Amber asked softly, moving to the nurse and putting a hoof around her.

“Emergency,” came the reply.

A rush of air was the only thing that was left behind as Dart flew out the window and dove for the entrance to the Emergency room.

“Room E25!” The nurse at the triage station called out as the mare flew into the lobby.

Dart continued quickly, her mane scraping the ceiling as she flew. “THANK YOU!” She called back, turning down a hallway.

“No flying in the Halls!” yelled an ivory colored earth pony doctor as the pegasus flew by him.

“Family Emergency!”

“Oh, okay then!” was the stallion’s reply, though the mare was long gone.

Dart landed with a skid a bit away from room E25. Quickly, she made her way in, bumping into a yellow unicorn mare wearing blue scrubs as she passed the dividing curtain. “Dandelion, what’s going on?”

The nurse gestured to a large light grey earth pony stallion nearby. “Thistle and I are trying to assist Doctor Ginseng.”

“It’s not going well.” Thistle chimed in nodding towards a pink pegasus stallion with a short black mane that was backing slowly away from a deep purple mare. The mare sat on the floor, in front of the examination table, with unfocused eyes. She was covered in blood with her aqua mane horribly matted.

“They hurt her….” the mare spoke softly as she looked down towards the floor.

“Shadow?” Dart called to the blood covered mare.

Dr. Ginseng looked to Dart when she spoke. “Are you here to take over?” He asked, sounding very hopeful.

Dart shook her head as she ran to Shadow. “I can’t,” Putting her arms around Shadow. “She’s my sister!”

Shadow hooked her sister’s arms and quickly stood. Dart shifted to resist the throw, but Shadow paused, looking at the green pegasus. “Dart?” Her eyes seemed to focus a bit and she settled back down onto the floor.

“I’m here. I’m here.” Dart held onto the purple mare tightly.

“They hurt her,” whispered Shadow.

“What?” The doctor leaned back, looking at her sister. “Who hurt who?”

“They hurt her,” Shadow’s eyes seemed far away.

Dart ran a hoof over the mare’s matted mane. “What’s wrong?”

“They hurt her…” the voice was barely a whisper.

The green pegasus looked to Dr. Ginseng and the nurses with a concerned expression.

The doctor blinked, “Shadow carried a pegasus in that was missing a wing.” He thought for a moment. “Jasper, I think was her name, and she was rushed into surgery and Shadow was brought in here, but we haven’t been able to get her triaged or anything.” He shook his head.

“Haven’t been able to approach her at all,” stated Thistle. “Every time we started to get close,” He shrugged. “She would tense up, like she was getting ready to fight us.”

“They hurt her…” Shadow looked down towards the floor, tears dropping to the ground.

“That’s the only thing she’s been saying.”

“I believe that a delicate hoof is needed,” Dr. Amber stated, walking into the room, followed by a small light orange earth pony mare in blue nurses’ scrubs. “We’ll take it from here, everyone.”

“Thank you!” Dr. Ginseng replied with relief clearly in his voice. He turned and quickly exited the room.

“I think us being in the room isn’t helping.” Thistle said, pulling Dandelion with him. “Good luck!” The two nurses left the room, pulling the dividing curtain back closed.

“They hurt her…”

The police air-ship arrived at the forest location and the investigators began to disembark. Chief Vines and Chisholm were the first to walk into the campsite at the mouth of the cavern. As they entered and took in the gruesome sight that greeted them, Vines shook his head.

“This is one o’ those times that I don’t like being right, Chisholm.” He said, putting a fire carrot in his mouth.

“Understandable,” The light gray unicorn replied. “Haven’t seen anything like this in a long,” he looked up into a nearby tree, “Long time.”

“Sir,” A light tan unicorn said as he entered into the campsite carrying a case, “Where do you want - BY CELESTIA!!” His eyes went wide as he took in the area. “I’m gonna, gonna…” the stallion said while turning green.

“Outside the crime scene, please.” Chisholm calmly called to the unicorn investigator who turned and ran behind a tree. “If you have to get sick, do it away from the area.” He looked at the other investigators as they entered the camp. “I realize it’s pretty bad, but we have a job to do.”

Vines watched as the investigators started to spread out around the campsite and Chisholm moved towards the entrance to the cavern, carrying a forensic kit. Several more of the ponies had a hard time processing the scene, having to run to the edge of the area to be sick.

“CHIEF!” called out a dark brown pegasus from the center of the campsite. Vines trotted over to the investigator and was joined by Chisholm. “This one’s breathing!”

The police chief pulled a fire carrot from a silver case as he looked down. “Looks like we got a witness.”

“WHERE’S MY BABY?” shouted a dark green pegasus mare as she galloped into the emergency room, a couple of rollers in her lavender mane. Several pegasus ponies followed close behind. “WHERE IS SHE?”

A yellow unicorn looked up from her paperwork as the mare stopped at the reception desk. “Umm…. Who are you looking for?” she asked.

“My little filly!” The pegasus mare cried.

“We are looking for Shadow Star and Jasper Silverhoof,” stated a silver coated pegasus as he stepped up next to the green mare, placing a hoof on her shoulder.

“And you are?”

“Her mother!”

“We are Shadow Star’s parents,” the stallion answered. “And Jasper’s aunt and uncle.” He pointed back to the other pegasus ponies that had arrived. “These are her cousins.”

“Jasper is in surgery,” An ivory coated earth pony stated as he stepped up next to the group.

“SURGERY?!?” The mother shouted, whirling on the yellow maned doctor, a roller landing on the receptionist’s papers.

“Her right wing had been severed,” stated the stallion looking at a paper on the clipboard he had picked up. “So, she is in surgery for that.”

With wide eyes, the mare covered her mouth with her hoof, “Sweet Celestia!” Anger quickly took hold of the her and a fire flared in her eyes. She leaned towards the doctor, reaching out to catch hold of his coat. “Who Hurt Her?” Her voice menacing.

The silver coated stallion caught the mare’s hoof before she grabbed the doctor. “Calm yourself, Anmitsu,” he said gently. The mare looked at the silver pegasus and dropped her hoof. Turning to the ivory pony, the stallion continued. “My apologies, doctor. I am Taneuma Silverhoof, and this is my wife,” He gestured to the green mare. “Anmitsu Silverhoof.”

“I’m sorry,” Anmitsu sighed. “I get a little protective of my family.”

The doctor smiled warmly, “I understand.” He tucked the clipboard under an arm and held a hoof out. “I’m Sundrop, the doctor in charge of the emergency room today.” Taneuma shook the offered hoof followed by Anmitsu doing the same. “Follow me, I’ll take you to where Shadow is.” He paused and looked back at the other ponies. “I’m afraid that only you two will be able to come back with me. The others will have to wait out here. Not enough room.”

“Kids,” Anmitsu called to the others, “Some of you wait here and couple of you head to the school just in case Jade and Lighting go there.” The group nodded and began to discuss who would stay and who would go.

Sundrop led the ponies down a hallway and to room E25. As they approached, the curtain was pulled back and Dart emerged, gently guiding Shadow into the hall.

Anmitsu gasped when she saw the state that her daughter was in. “GIRLS!” The dark green mare cried as she rushed up to the pair. Shadow’s head snapped around, her body starting to shift into a defensive stance. Anmitsu didn’t slow down as she saw the reaction, she just threw her arms and wings around the purple pony.

“Momma?” whispered Shadow as she dropped the defensive posture.

“Momma’s here, baby,” the dark green pegasus tightened her embrace. “What happened to you?” She inquired.

“They hurt her…”

Taneuma placed a hoof on Shadows back. He looked to Dart, concern evident on his face. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, poppa.” Dart replied, tears in her eyes. “That’s all she’s been saying.” She wiped at her eyes. “We have to get her cleaned up to see if she’s hurt.”

“I thought you couldn’t treat family.”

“She can’t,” Dr. Amber stated as he stepped up, making sure to stay back from the purple mare. “Due to the nature of this situation and state of my patient, Dr. Dart is assisting myself and Marigold.” He nodded to the small light orange mare that was next to him. “I’m Amber, Dart’s mentor.”

“A pleasure, Dr Amber.” Taneuma nodded to the doctor. “Dart speaks very highly of you. I’m Taneuma and this is Anmitsu.”

“I hope to live up to that.” Dr Amber pointed down the hall. “But for now, we need to get to the showers and get Shadow cleaned up so I can see the extent of her injuries.”

“What about Jasper?” asked the silver stallion as the group began moving in the direction the doctor indicated. “We heard she was in surgery.”

Dr. Amber nodded, “She’s in the very capable hooves of Dr. Osso and his team.”

“We sent word to her parents in Canterlot, they should be here by tomorrow. Any idea on what happened?” Taneuma sounded hopeful.

Amber shook his head, “Not much, I’m afraid. We know that they were attacked, and Jasper’s wing had been severed. She had lost a lot of blood, and somehow Shadow managed to carry her here while keeping a lot of pressure on the wound.”

“Why hasn’t she been cleaned up yet?” Anmitsu asked, continuing to help keep the purple mare moving.

“No pony could get close until I got there, momma.” Dart said, keeping a hoof on Shadows shoulder. The group entered an exam room with a large attached bathroom.

As they entered, Anmitsu stroked Shadow’s back and whispered, “What did they do to you?”

“They hurt her…”

The two pegasus mares led Shadow into the bathroom and to the large shower, sitting the purple pony under the spout. Dr Amber stepped in, “Marigold and I will be right here, tell us if you need anything.”

Dart nodded. “I’ll let you know what I see,” the light green mare stated, tossing her doctors coat to Taneuma. Her mother turned on the shower, icy cold water poured out of the shower head, striking Shadow. The mare didn’t flinch or move in anyway, just continued to look down at the floor. After a moment, steam started to build as the water warmed.

As the grime began to wash away, Shadow lifted her front hooves and stared at them, the red water flowing. She began to visibly tremble, her eyes wide, then she started to scream. Anguish and terror filled the air, her eyes riveted to her hooves, dark red washing over them and pooling beneath her.

“ANMITSU!” Dr Amber shouted. “DON’T LET HER LOOK DOWN! MAKE HER FOCUS ON YOU!”

The dark green pegasus put a hoof under Shadow’s chin, lifting the mare’s gaze to hers. “Honey look at me, you’re safe. Nothing can hurt you here.” She spoke softly, stroking Shadow’s mane, tears in her eyes, mixing with the spray from the shower, her heart breaking. “Momma’s here, I’ll keep you safe. Poppa and Dart are here too. Shh, shh, shh, shh.”

“THEY HURT HER!” cried Shadow, anguish filling her voice.

“I know. I know. You both are here. You’re safe.” Anmitsu’s voice cracked, emotion straining to break free. The mare looked at her daughter and saw her as she was, before the unicorn started dying her coat and mane. She saw Shadow as the scrawny little filly they took in, with a light lavender coat, almost pink, and a fiery red mane, resembling glowing embers. “Jasper’s going to get better. We need to get you taken care of. Shhhh.”

Taneuma watched as his wife struggled to bring their daughter back from the nightmare that held her, the agony of seeing his daughter in pain etched upon his features. He looked to Dart as she concentrated on washing Shadow, getting her clean, checking the mare for injuries as she went. Even with the water from the shower, he could see the tears in her eyes, affected by Shadow’s cries as much as he was.

“Momma’s got you,” whispered Anmitsu, stroking the distraught mare, looking into Shadow’s eyes, finding them to still be distant and unfocused. “Momma won’t let anything happen. Just… just please… please come back to me.” The purple mare’s cries began to get softer, becoming quiet sobs, her trembling starting to subside. “Keep looking at me, sweetie.” Momma started to gently wash her daughter’s mane, keeping her eyes locked with Shadow’s, not letting the mare lower her head. “We’re going to get you all clean.”

Dart leaned her head against her sister’s back, wrapping her forelegs and wings around the mare. She closed her eyes and squeezed, trying to bring some comfort to Shadow before continuing to wash her.

Time ticked by slowly as mother and daughter washed the purple unicorn, carefully keeping her eyes away from the floor and checking her for injuries. Anmitsu turned the water off, allowing Shadow’s eyes to drift back to the now clean floor. Taneuma approached with towels and began to assist his wife with getting their daughter dry.

“I didn’t see any obvious injuries,” Dart commented to Dr Amber and Marigold as she dried herself. “Shadow isn’t in any state to tell us if anything hurts.” She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.

“You did good, Doctor,” Amber stated. “Admirable work so far. I know this is difficult, but you are doing very well.”

“Thank you.”

“When we get to the room, we’ll have to run an IV.” The doctor gave a nod to Marigold who slipped out of the room. “Marigold will get everything set up for us. We’re heading to 3N46.”

Dart tilted her head, “That’s the intensive care wing… Oh, that’s where Jasper’s going to be taken after the surgery!”

Dr. Amber gave the young doctor a smile, “You are correct.” He looked past Dart, at Taneuma and Anmitsu as they had started to braid Shadow’s wild mane. The parents softly sang a lullaby to the mare as they worked. “Once they’re done, we’ll head up.” He looked back to Dart, “Will you be able to run an IV?”

“I can,” Dart nodded. “I don’t think… she’ll even notice.” The mare’s voice cracked a bit as she spoke.

Dr. Amber gave her a pat on the shoulder, “We’ll get her through this.”

The young pegasus looked at the older doctor, “Do you know what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know yet if anything is physically wrong.” Amber spoke softly, running a hoof through his short, grey mane. “But her mind has been injured and her heart shattered. That’s what I think.” He stood up. “These types of injuries take a long time to diagnose and even longer to heal.”

“We’re ready.” Taneuma said as he guided Shadow over with Anmitsu on the other side of the mare.

“Let’s get to the room,” Dr. Amber gestured for everypony to follow him as he turned an began to walk to the elevator.

Darkness greeted the griffin as he opened his eyes, only a small sliver of light came from under the door. His chest ached along with his right hind leg and left wing, keeping him from wanting to move too much. He lifted his right forleg and found a set of cuffs locking him to the bed.

“Oh good, yer awake,” said a voice coming from the darkness, followed by the soft click of a lamp. Across the room a sand colored pony in a police uniform stood in the lamp light. “I got some questions for ya.”

“We were attacked!” the griffin exclaimed. “We were just there to… uh…,” He looked around nervously as his mind raced. “FISH! Yeah! We were fishin’!”

“Really?” The officer calmly asked, pulling a carrot from a silver case. “Fishin’ without tha gear?”

“Uhh…. yes?”

“How ‘bout this,” the pony said, as he pulled a large roasting match from a vest pocket. “I’m Sandy Vines, tha chief of the Vanhoover police force.” Vines lit the match and started to run it under the carrot he held. “An’ I wanna know why ya ripped off a pegasus’s wing and assaulted one o’ my officers.”

“Well, see…. Uhm,” The griffon stammered, sweat forming on his brow. His eyes met the police chief’s and he went completely still.

“Let’s start with yer name.”

“Graft.”

“Well, Graft,” Vines calmly spoke, slowly twirling the carrot over the flame of the roasting match, his eyes never leaving the griffon’s. “The truth is gonna help ya a lot more than lyin’.”

Graft nodded and swallowed hard, something about this pony made him not want to make the chief mad. “Okay, but um… what… um… happened to me? Why do I ache so much?”

“If it weren’t fer tha pain killers, that ache would be a whole lot worse,” the police chief blew out his roaster match. “Ya got a broken leg and dislocated wing, along with a couple of holes in yer chest, courtesy of a minin’ pick.” He told the griffon, wafting the roasted fire carrot in the air a few times.

“Ow.”

“Yeah, ow.” Vines pulled a chair over and sat down at the foot of Graft’s bed. “Now, tell me everythin’ that happened.” Said the chief, placing the roast vegetable in his lips, with his eyes riveted on the injured Graft.

The griffon closed his eyes for a moment, when he opened them again Graft looked straight at the officer and spoke softly. “Alright, this is what we did.”

The sun was already low in the sky when Jasper was brought into the room. Shadow was sitting on a bed with Dart next to her, a wing wrapped carefully around the purple unicorn as to not disturb the IV in Shadow’s foreleg. Taneuma turned in his seat next to the window as Jasper was rolled in. Shadow lifted her head and watched as her cousin was being rolled into the room, with the monitoring equipment being placed in position.

Anmitsu followed the medical ponies into the room, carrying a couple small bags of chips. She looked to the tan unicorn that seemed to be in charge, “Can you tell us how she is?”

“Of course!” the stallion replied. “I’m Dr. Osso, I was the one who did Jasper’s surgery.” He gave a nod to the medical technicians as they finished settling the pale red pegasus and exited the room. “Even though she had lost a lot of blood, Jasper pulled through with flying colors!” The doctor paused, “I should have phrased that differently.” He gave an awkward laugh. “Anyway. Due to the damage, I was unable to reattach her wing. The bone was just slivers.”

Taneuma stepped up next to his wife and put a hoof around her. “We didn’t know that her wing was brought in with her.”

Osso nodded, “Oh it was, but whatever happened that severed it, twisted it around,” the surgeon started demonstrating with his hooves. “And pulled at the same time, causing the bone to just basically,” Anmitsu covered her mouth with her hoof as the doctor continued, her eyes going wide. “explode! I figure that at least an inch of bone was missing from what was broumphmrphe!” A light orange hoof slammed over the unicorn’s mouth, stopping him mid ramble.

“Love,” Marigold said softly to the unicorn, “You really need ease up on your rambling.” She smiled at Taneuma and Anmitsu, “My apologies for my husband’s rambling.” She looked back to Osso, “Are you going to give them an update and not a dissertation?” The doctor nodded and the little orange nurse removed her hoof from Osso’s mouth.

Osso gave the pair an embarrassed smile, “Sorry about that. I just ramble sometimes.” He stopped and looked at Anmitsu, “Why do you have a roller in your mane?”

“It’s still in there?” the mare reached a hoof back and pulled the remaining roller out, “My niece was practicing her mane therapy training. She was curling my mane when we got the news.

“I can completely sympathize,” Marigold commented.

“Okay, so the update on Jasper,” Osso nodded as he spoke. “Her wing can’t be repaired, she lost a lot of blood, and she has some bruising. So, she should recover completely.” He blinked, “Um, other than missing wing.”

“The engineering students with the University of Vanhoover have already been contacted to see if they can fashion a prosthetic wing,” Dr. Amber stated as he stepped into the room. “I took the liberty to get that started.”

Taneuma gave a bow to Dr. Amber, “Thank you, Doctor. I’m sure Jasper and her parents will be appreciative.”

“OH!” exclaimed Dr. Osso. “You aren’t her parents! I probably shouldn’t have told you all that!”

“We’re her aunt and uncle,” Anmitsu told the surgeon. “We have authorization to take care of Jasper if anything like this happens.”

“That is very smart!” Osso commented, gesturing with his hoof. “You would be surprised how many ponies don’t think of doing that! It really can complicate thinmphfs.” Once again, Marigold silences the unicorn’s ramble with her hoof.

“You have to go check on your other patients now.” Marigold said to her husband. She pulled her hoof back and released the stallion.

“I’ll be back in the morning to check on her.” Osso called as he trotted out of the room.

“Thank you, doctor!” Taneuma called after the surgeon.

“One of the best surgeons in Equestria,” said Dr. Amber. “But he rambles and will talk your ears off if given a sliver of a chance.”

Marigold gave a chuckle, “But that’s what I love about him.”

“Seems like a very nice pony,” Anmitsu said, “A caring soul.”

“He is.”

Dr Amber moved towards where Shadow was still sitting with Dart, her eyes still on the unconscious Jasper. “Let’s see how our patient is doing.” As the doctor approached, Shadow shifted causing Dart to wrap her front hooves around the mare and squeeze tighter with her wing.

“It’s okay, Shadow,” Dart spoke softly to the purple unicorn, “It’s just Dr Amber, he needs to check you.” Shadow’s head turned slowly towards the doctor, causing him to stop moving forward.

“Dart, I will need you to be my eyes again,” Amber said, taking a step back. “I’m not sure she’s back yet.”

“Okay.”

Dart picked up a small light from the table next to the bed and shined it in Shadow’s eyes. “Her pupils slowly respond, but she still doesn’t try to look away from the light.”

“So, no change.” Amber marked some notes on a clipboard. “Has she said anything or done anything different?”

“Other than look up when Jasper was brought in, nothing’s changed.” Dart sighed, “Even when we brought everyone else in, she didn’t move or anything.”

“Hmmm…” The doctor made more notes on his clipboard. “We are just going to have to wait.”

“Why ya’ll out here?” Asked a voice carried in from the hallway.

“We got chased out.” Was the reply. “Family only.”

“Ah, well, good job holdin’ up the walls. Keep at it.”

“Yes, Sir!”

A moment later Chief Vines stepped into the room. “How’s everypony?”

“As good as can be expected I guess.” Taneuma stepped over to the police chief. “What brings you by?”

“I need ta talk ta Shadow.” Vines said, looking at Shadow who was staring at the floor once again.

“She’s hasn’t been saying anything really,” said Anmitsu as she sat down on the other side of Shadow, sliding a wing and hoof around the silent mare. “I want to know what they did to her!”

“They hurt her…”

Vines stared at Shadow for a moment and then stepped towards her. Shadow’s head rose up and she looked at police officer, her eyes still far away, her body starting to tense. “Officer Star,” he said, waiting for a reaction, when he didn’t get one, Vines continued. “I’ve been ta tha cave.” Shadow tensed even more, but she lowered her head. She lifted her front hooves and began to stare at them. “I know what happened.”

“They hurt her…” Shadow started to violently tremble. “They hurt her…” The mare’s voice gaining in volume. Dart and Anmitsu embraced Shadow, holding as if they were trying to keep the mare from shaking herself apart. “They Hurt Her…”

Vines put a hoof over Shadow’s and knelt in front of her. “They attacked ya.” Shadow raised her gaze to meet the chief’s. “They wanted ta take ya ta Kludgetown an’ sell ya both.” Anmitsu gasped. “They had mugged a bunch o’ ponies already. Ya remember the gang we were after? That was them.” He held Shadow’s hooves in his. “They got bold an’ were gonna try ta make some bits sellin’ ponies they caught.” He leaned closer to the mare. “They were monsters.”

“They hurt her…”

“Yeah, they did. They were monsters,” he gave Shadow’s hooves a squeeze. “Not. You.”

“They hurt her…”

Vines nodded. “Yes, they hurt her… and?” he asked.

Shadow’s trembling lessened and her eyes focused on the chiefs, a fire sparking in them, “I ended them…” her voice low and carrying a steel edge to it.

“Yes, ya did.” Vines responded, patting Shadow on the shoulder. “You ended a threat not only ta Vanhoover, but ta Equestria as a whole. They were monsters, horrible monsters.”

Shadow looked around as if this is the first time she’s seen where she was. Tears began to stream down her cheeks once again.

“Officer Star,” Vines called, standing back up. “Ya need ta get some rest.”

“I have something will help with that.” Dr. Amber pulled a vial from a nearby cabinet as Marigold set out a syringe.

“Ya got a long road ahead o’ ya, but everypony here will be there ta help ya.”

Shadow nodded and let the doctor put the shot in her IV. With her own tears, Anmitsu cradled the purple unicorn as she quickly drifted into a peaceful slumber.

“I’m glad you knew what was wrong.” Taneuma said to the police chief. “We were at a loss of what to do.”

“I’ve seen it before, but,” Vines shook his head. “Never a good thing ta have ta deal with. No pony should have ta do that.”

“How many?”

“Five griffons, a pegasus, and a unicorn.”

“She took them all?” Taneuma inquired, his eyes wide.

“Yup, only one still breathin’.” Vines pulled a fire carrot out stuck it in his lips. He held the silver case out for the silver pegasus.

“Thank you,” Taneuma pulled a fire carrot for himself. “So, you’ve already questioned the one that’s alive.”

“Yup. He’s hospitalized on another floor.” The chief looked at Anmitsu, “an’ I’m not gonna tell ya where!”

The pegasus mare gave the officer a slight glare but continued to hold her daughter. Dart laid down on the other side of the unicorn and placed a wing over her sister.

“I’ll leave ya ta yer family.” Vines said, shaking Taneuma’s hoof. “I’ve got paperwork ta fill out.” He started to walk out the door but paused, “The DA’s already heard everything and not gonna file charges. There’ll have ta be a formal inquiry, but I already know the outcome.” He pulled a pocket watch out and looked at it. “I’ve got ta go meet Cymbal. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Chief.” Taneuma responded. “And thank you.”

Vines waved, and strolled out of the room, leaving the family to rest and begin to heal its injured members.

Author's Note

Shadow's first true taste of a pitched battle. It effected her in a number of ways that took her a long time to work through.

You know, one of these days I have to write a story from Shadow's perspective...

Manticore Incident - Vanhoover Police Force

In the Vanhoover town hall, Princess Celestia was visiting with the mayor of the city. Around midmorning, a unicorn dressed in the armor of the royal guard sprinted into the building, heading to the room where the captain of the guard was.

“Captain Steel Thunder!” shouted the blue unicorn as he burst into room, startling the grey Pegasus that was already there. “There is an emergency!”

Steel Thunder, steadied himself on a desk, recovering from the fright, “What in the heavens are you on about, Mythic Haze?”

“A manticore is loose in the city!” the guard gasped out, between breaths.

“Where did it come from?”

Mythic inhaled deeply, “I don’t know sir, but the officers of the Vanhoover Police department are trying to corral it
before it heads this way.” He stammered between breaths.

“Where are they?” The captain asked, sliding his helmet on.

“Four blocks west of here on Winglet Way.”

Steel stepped into the hallway, “Firelight! Stormhowl!” he called out. Turning back to Mythic Haze, “Catch your breath and let Swift Feather know what’s going on and that I’m heading to give assistance with Firelight and Stormhowl.” The blue unicorn nodded, continuing to pant. The captain turned and started running down the hall and was joined by a red Pegasus and deep blue earth pony.

Quickly, the trio of guards made their way down the street to where a large commotion was happening, coming to a stop at the entrance to an alleyway with a dead end where several officers were keeping ponies from entering. Recognizing the armor of the Royal Guard, the officers allowed the captain and his guards to enter the alley. At the end of the alley, a manticore roared and crashed about, its tail striking at the building. Partway down the alley was a single sand colored earth pony in a police uniform, chewing on a carrot, however the manticore is facing away from the officer that was standing alone.

Steel Thunder stepped up next to the sand colored pony, “Chief Vines.”

“Cap’n,” Vines responded, never looking away from where the manticore was rampaging. “What brings you out ‘ere?”

“Heard there was a manticore loose in the city and wanted to find out more about it.” The Pegasus stated. The two guards accompanying him watched manticore intently, trying to see what the creature was after in the shadows of the alley.

The chief finished eating the carrot he had been chewing on and pulled a silver case from his shirt pocket, opening it revealing a few dark red carrots. After taking one, he held the case out to Steel Thunder, “Fire carrot?’

“No thank you.”

Vines nodded and closed the case, putting it away. “Circus is in town, someone let the beast out.” He put the carrot in his mouth, holding on the side to gently chew on it. “Got officers looking into who did it, an’ we are keepin’ it here ‘til the trainer comes to an’ can come get it.”

The manticore roared, rattling the windows around the block and swung a paw at a dark shape on the wall. Before the strike could land, the shape moved, causing the sharp claws to spark on the brick of the building, leaving deep groves behind.

“THERE’S A PONY BACK THERE!!” the red Pegasus, Firelight, shouted as he took to the air. “I’VE GOT THEM!” The guard dashed forward, charging at the manticore.

“STOP YA IDIOT!” Chief Vines shouted as the Pegasus darted forward, almost losing the carrot being held in his lips. He put his hoof out and stopped Steel Thunder and Stormhowl from charging forward. “You two stay put!” He growled.

The beast turned towards the charging flyer and lashed out with its stinger. A half second before the point of the stinger would have slammed into Firelight, a dark shape leapt from the wall of a building and tackled the Pegasus, knocking him out of the path of the attack. The Pegasus found himself in the arms of a deep purple colored mare wearing the uniform of the Vanhoover Police department. The officer landed on the wall opposite the one from which she had launched herself, sticking to the side of building like a spider.

Firelight blinked, “Wha-?” He stammered.

“Stay out of the way, please.” The mare calmly stated as she let go of the guard, letting him hover next to her as she stood on the side of the building. “And please get to safety.”

“But-” Firelight said, however the rest of his sentence was cut off as the officer shoved him. The manticore’s tail struck where the guard used to be, catching the purple mare with a glancing blow on her shoulder that she managed to soften by rolling with it.

“GET BACK ‘ERE!!” Chief Vines shouted at the guard, keeping the other two next to him. “SHADOW, YOU OKAY?” The manticore turned towards the police chief as Firelight flew quickly back to where the pony was standing. Meeting the hard stare of sand colored officer, the beast froze for a moment.

“Yes, sir!” The mare called back to Vines, as she scampered up the wall, taking advantage of the manticore’s distraction. “Glancing strike to my shoulder, I’m still mobile.” Shadow pulled a small dark star from her vest and threw it at the creature’s hind paw. Though the star bounced off thick hide, it still caused the manticore to roar and resume trying to swipe at the fast-moving officer that was galloping on the wall.

Chief Vines spared a brief moment to glare at the red Pegasus as he landed next to Captain Steel Thunder. “Stay behind me, ya got that?” He snarled to Firelight. The chief turned his gaze back to the manticore.

“Why hasn’t it flown away yet?” Asked Captain Steel, as he pulled Firelight behind him.

“Sergeant Shadow Star there,” Vines gestured towards the mare as she sprinted down the building, dodging another swipe from the manticore’s paws. “Managed ta tie down one of its wings.”

“How is she able to run on the walls?” Stormhowl asked.

“Resident ninja o’ the department.” The chief smirked.

Captain Steel tilted his head, watching the manticore continue to try to catch the elusive Shadow. “Ninja, huh? So, she’s the only one fast enough to keep from getting hit, isn’t she?”

“Yup.” Replied Vines, shifting the carrot to the other side of his lips.

“Shadow Star, the name sounds familiar.” Steel tapped his chin thoughtfully.

“Should, she’s applied ta join the royal guard a couple of times.”

“How many ponies were injured before Officer Star got here?”

“About 16, nothin’ serious, for the most part.” The police chief paused as he finished his carrot. “Officer Wind Sheer took a hit that broke her wing when she was pulling a pony out of the things way.”

The Captain shifted on his hooves and glanced around. “Any idea what made it rampage rather than flying off?”

“Still under investigation. Shadow noticed that it had some green powder on its nose,” Vines shook his head. “Other than that, we don’t know.”

The manticore roared again, this time the roar sounding slurred and the beast fell to its side, its eyes unable to focus as they closed. Shadow dashed to the creature’s side, quickly shifting it so she could remove the rope binding its wing, keeping the wing from breaking. The beast softly mewed as it pawed the air, losing consciousness.

“WAIT FOR THE ALL CLEAR!” Shouted the chief as several officers started to move towards the unconscious beast, causing them to stop. “The sergeant will signal when we can move in!” He pulled the silver case out again and took another fire carrot. “I swear, no one follows protocol anymore.” Vines muttered as he placed the spicy vegetable in his lips and put the case away.

Shadow slowly walked around the manticore, watching for movement. After a moment, the officer turned towards the chief, “ALL CLEAR!” She called out. With the All Clear having been given, the officers started moving towards the manticore again.

Vines looked at Steel, “We got this under control, Cap’n.”

“Very well then,” The captain said, looking around. “My boys and I will head back to city hall.” He turned and started to head back, but stopped and asked, “Can you swing by and let me know what the investigation turns up?”

“Sure, I can do that.” Replied Vines. The Royal Captain nodded to the police chief and led his guards back to city hall while the police officers dealt with the unconscious manticore.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was early evening, and the Princess was attending a dinner being held in the ball room of the town hall, when a knock was heard at the door to the room that Captain Steel Thunder was using as an office.

“Come,” The captain called out. He stood up from the couch he was sitting on, setting aside the magazine he had been reading as the door opened and police chief Vines stepped into the room with a file held in his mouth. “Ah, Vines, I was starting to worry you wouldn’t make it tonight.” Steel said, extending his hoof to the officer.

Vines shook the captain’s offered hoof, “Investigation took a bit longer than expected,” He said, taking the file out of his mouth.

“Really?”

“Yup,” Vines sat on the couch opposite of the captain and set the file down on the table between them, opening it. “The green powder's a concoction called Dark Dust, makes anyone that gets a whiff go crazy, and when the effects wear off,” He clops his hooves together. “Out like a light.”

“How did the manticore get dosed?” Steel asked as he sat back down.

“Ever heard of the Dawn of Night cult?”

The captain shook his head, “No, I haven’t. But I feel like I should have.”

“Well, they’re a dooms day cult.” The police chief slid some papers from the folder to Steel. “Trying ta get rid of the sun and bring about the rule of Nightmare Moon.”

Steel looked puzzled as he picked up the papers, “Why in Equestria would anyone want to do that?”

Vines gestured at the papers that Steel was holding, “Take a look at their recruitment flyers.”

“Let’s see here. ‘The Sun, the Scourge of the land and burner of Ponies.’ then ‘Celestia, Despot of Fire.’ And ‘Embrace the Gentle Night of Nightmare Moon.’ You have got to be kidding me!”

“Oh, there’s a lot more, I only picked a couple of ‘em to bring.”

Steel set the papers back down, “And I take it that you’ve dealt with them before?”

“A few times. This time we found their headquarters an’ arrested the lot of ‘em. I’ll send a full report later.”

“Great, I look forward to reading it. Will you send copies of the pamphlets too?”

“O’course.”

The captain chuckled, “I have a feeling that the guard will get a laugh out of it.” He looks at Vines, “How is Sergeant Shadow?”

Chief Vines pulled the silver case out of his vest, “The sergeant suffered four cracked ribs, a sprained shoulder, and a lot of bruising.” He opened the case and pulled a deep red carrot from it, placing it in his lips.

“Was that all from when she saved Firelight?” Steel asked with a concerned look.

The officer held out the case to the guard captain, “Nah, most o’ it was from having ta pull officers an’ civilians out o’ harm’s way.” Vines replied as Steel took one of the offered carrots. “And that brings me ta somethin’ I want ta ask ya.”

“And that is?”

“Why don’t ya want her in the Royal Guard?”

Steel put the dark red carrot into his lips and winced, “Dang it, Vines! I forgot you like these things really spicy!” The Pegasus cried as he pulled the carrot back out of his mouth. “I’ve never seen her application, turns out I remember her from an issue of Martial Arts Monthly.” Putting the carrot back in his lips, he picked up the magazine he had been reading when Chief Vines entered the room. “February’s issue actually, she took first place in forms in the Starlight Competition in Fillydelphia back in January.”

“I forgot about that. The precinct teased her for weeks about it.” Vines smiled warmly at the memory. “Officer Shadow, our very own celebrity.”

“Well, I would love to have her in the Royal Guard, but why are you asking?”

“Shadow’s always wanted ta be in the Royal Guard. It’s been her goal all along. An’ she’s applied twice. First time she didn’t get a response, second time she received a letter stating that her qualifications weren’t what the guard was looking for.” The officer slid another set of papers over to the captain who picked them up.

Steel shook his head, “I’ve never seen this, and her qualifications exceed what we are looking for. Heck, she has police training and that’s a lot more than what our recruits have when they join.” He looked over the documents as he and Vines chewed on their fire carrots for a moment. After a bit of silence, Steel looked up from the papers, “Lieutenant Platinum Chalice, I’m not surprised.”

Vines tilted his head, “Problems with the Lieutenant?” The officer asked as he finished his fire carrot.

“Platinum thought he was in the running with me for Captain of the Royal Guard when Silver Ace retired.” Steel said, then paused and shook his head. “Actually, he thought that he was next in line to be captain. It was a big surprise to him when he didn’t get it.” Setting down the papers, the Pegasus continued, “The lieutenant was a fine guard, just a bit full of himself. However, I’ve come to find out that he has been trying to undermine my command.” The Captain gestured at the papers on the table. “And this is an example of one of the ways he’s been doing it. Keeping good candidates out of the guard.” He sighed, “It’s never easy is it?”

Chief Vines shook his head, “Leadership never is.”

“So, looking over her qualifications and application, I’ll put my stamp of approval on her joining the guard.” Captain Steel smiled as he put all the papers back together and slid them over to Vines. “I’ll take care of the paperwork when I get back to Canterlot and send Shadow Star a letter accepting her into the Royal Guard.”

“She’ll be thrilled.” Vines said as he picked up the papers and put them back in the folder. “Shadow will be missed on the force, but I know she’ll be a perfect fit for the guard.” He stood up, “I’ve got ta get home, it’s almost time for me ta read little Sandy his bedtime story and he doesn’t like it when his mother does it.” The officer held his hoof out to the Royal captain.

Steel stood as well, “Thank you for the update and bringing Shadow’s application to my attention.” He shook Vines hoof, “Tell Cymbal hello for me.”

“I will. See ya around, Steel.” The police chief said as he turned and headed out of the room.

“See you, Vines.” Replied Steel.

First Hearths Warming Away - Canterlot Royal Guard

Just after the sun had gone down on Hearth’s Warming Eve, Princess Celestia quietly closed the door to her chambers in the top of the tower and moved over to the lounge in the sitting room. With a soft, weary sigh, the princess laid down up on it. Using her magic, she picked up a quill and journal from the dark oak end table nearby. Opening to her last entry, the princess was distracted by noise coming from outside.

“What is that sound?” inquired Celestia as she looked towards her balcony. She stood, setting the journal and quill aside, and walked to the balcony door. Opening it, the princess was greeted by the singing of a Hearth’s Warming carol by at least a hundred voices. Curious, she stepped out and looked over the railing, down to the castle gardens below, where the singing was coming from. A great many pegasus ponies were playing in the snow-covered gardens, joining in on a song that was coming through the open doors of the great hall.

Celestia smiled as she listened to the singing and watched the young ponies play. After a moment, she ducked back into her rooms, gathering up a couple of pillows and a blanket. The princess placed the pillows on the balcony and gently settled down, wrapping herself in the soft blanket. She looked down on the celebration with a smile, listening to the carols being sung, and before long, Celestia found herself singing along with the enthusiastic singers from below.

She picked up the steaming mug of apple cider in front of her and took a sip, enjoying the warm drink in the cold night air. As the princess set down the mug she paused. “I didn’t have this when I came out,” she stated, eyeing the cider. Celestia looked around and found no pony nearby, only the ones celebrating below. She looked back over the railing and noticed that some of the Royal Guard had joined the ponies celebrating. Smiling once more, the alicorn princess settled back down on the pillows and took another sip of cider.

“You are more than welcome to come down and join us, your majesty.” A Silver coated Pegasus with a sky-blue mane said from next to the balcony, his wings flapping silently.

“Oh, my!” exclaimed Princess Celestia, almost spilling her drink as the stallion spoke.

“My apologies, Princess.” Said the pegasus, bowing to the royal pony. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I am Taneuma and those you see below,” Taneuma gestured to the hall and gardens below. “Are my family, the Silverhoof clan.” Taneuma looked back to the Princess and continued. “And you are welcome to join us for Hearth’s Warming.”

“I would not want to impose.” Replied Celestia.

“You would not be imposing. And it is my belief,” He paused and smiled, “My family’s belief, that no one should be alone on Hearth’s Warming Eve when it can be helped.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

Taneuma smiled, “Yes, your majesty. This year, the clan was supposed to meet in Trottingham. However, since my daughter, Shadow Star, recently joined the Royal Guard, she was not able to take time off to make the trip,” His smile turned to a broad grin. “So, we surprised her by bringing it here.”

“That’s very sweet!”

“I was very happy that we managed to get the hall and gardens to hold the celebrations.” The silver Pegasus bowed to the royal pony. “Thank you for allowing us to use it.”

Celestia stood and returned the bow. “No one else had requested it. Truly, No one has requested to use it on Hearth’s Warming for a few years.”

“Well, I’m glad we asked.”

“As far as the invitation to join you.” Celestia looked to the gardens for a moment and then back to Taneuma, “Would it not cause a disruption if a royal were to attend the festivities?”

“Ah, I see.” He stroked his chin, silently hovering near the balcony. “If you so wish, a royal pony doesn’t have to attend, but a pony who would like to enjoy the company of a surrogate family on this fine holiday evening?”

“I think that would be lovely.”

“Then let us join,” Taneuma gave a kind smile to the alicorn, “our family below.” Celestia returned his smile and took to the air. She followed the silver pegasus down to the celebration below. As they neared the hall, the celebrating ponies paused in their activities to watch as the pegasus and alicorn landed. They began to walk into the building and the old stallion called out in the ensuing silence, “Everyone! We happen to be joined by a late arrival this Hearth’s Warming Eve. Let us welcome our honorary family member!”

Celestia looked around as the pegasus finished and was pleasantly surprised to hear a cheer come from the most of those in attendance, with only the guards who joined the celebration being a bit confused. As the ponies turned back to their activities, the sun marked mare smiled broadly as ponies approached her and began to introduce themselves, none of them bowing or addressing her as your highness, or majesty. Instead, they greeted her as if she were a member of the family who they hadn’t seen in a long time and only needed a reminder of who they were and a warm hug. Soon Celestia found herself pulled into conversations that ran the gamut from dresses to food, not a single bit of hurtful gossip or drama was spoken of.

The shared laughter and joy were almost a physical force to the alicorn, wrapping her in a feeling that she hadn’t really experienced in a long time. With every embrace from her surrogate family, every bump of a hoof, and shared laugh, her spirit was filled with warmth.

After a time, Celestia found herself at the buffet table trying to decide on which delectable treat to load her plate up with. As she pondered, a dark purple earth pony mare with a long, slightly wild, dark aqua blue mane trotted up.

“What do you think I should get?” Celestia asked absentmindedly.

“Granma Marachino’s cherry pie!” Replied the mare, as she picked up a plate and levitated a slice of the afore mentioned pie to it, causing the alicorn to do a double take. “And some hot cider,” She pauses for a moment, thinking. “I think Lily Frond got it from Apple Acres in Ponyville.”

Celestia blinked as the purple pony ladled some of the hot cider from the pot to her mug. “I thought you were an earth pony.” She said softly. “OH! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean...” Celestia stammered, covering her mouth with her hoof.

The mare gave an amused laugh, “It’s okay.” She lifted her mane with a hoof, revealing a tiny nub of a horn, “My horn never really came in, so almost everyone thinks I’m an earth pony.” Letting her hair fall back down, covering her little horn, she extends her hoof to Celestia, “I’m Shadow Star.” Shadow said with a smile.

Celestia returned the smile and shook the offered hoof, “So you’re the one that just joined the guard.”

“Yup, that’s me!” Shadow moved a bit out of the way, allowing other ponies to get to the table. “I just transferred in from the Vanhoover police department about a month ago.”

The alicorn lifted a large slice of the cherry pie with her magic and set it on a plate along with a large slice of chocolate cake. She moved to a little table nearby and gestured for Shadow Star to join her. The purple coated mare trotted over with her own plate and mug of cider.

“So, how are you enjoying the party?” Shadow inquired as she set down her plate.

Celestia smiled warmly at the purple pony, “It’s been wonderful!” She took a quick bite of pie and then continued, “I’m treated like a family member and not a princess,” the mare looked around the great hall and her smile grew. “No drama, court gossip, fawning praises, or attempts to sway policy! I LOVE it!”

Shadow furrowed her brow at the alicorn’s words. “There are ponies that do that to you?”

“Yes,”Celestia stated flatly. “Doesn’t even need to be a party or function.” She lifted a fork full of cherry pie. “I will get accosted almost anywhere, even at Donut Joes!” the alicorn exclaimed just before taking a bite.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about that here,” Shadow stated with a wave of her off as Celestia took another bite of the cherry pie. “We were told that you’re family, so you’re family!” She said with large grin.

“And I’m than-,” Celestia started to say but was cut off as two foals, a soft blue pegasus colt and a light green pegasus filly, flew up to the two mares.

“Auntie Shady!!” The colt grabbed the purple mare’s foreleg, “Ya gotta come see our snowponies!!” He started trying to pull Shadow away from the table towards the garden.

“You too, Miss Cel’stia!” The young filly added, trying to push the large alicorn, causing Celestia to giggle.

“Okay, Okay!” Shadow laughed as she stood up, “You don’t have to pull, Cloudhopper. And Leafbright,” she said, looking to the little filly pushing on Celestia’s flank. “No need to push.”

Celestia stood up, giving a playful grin to the little filly, “I’m up! I’ll go!”

“Yay!” Leafbright and Cloudhopper shouted in unison as the two mares started to walk out to the gardens. The young foals darted outside and flew circles around a couple of snowponies.

Shadow looked over at Celestia as they made their way outside. “Still happy about being treated as family?” She asked with a smile.

“Oh, Definitely!” Came Celestia’s happy reply.

Out in the garden, the mares were pulled to several different snow creations, with foals rapidly telling all about them. Time slipped away from Celestia as she listened to the stories of the various snowponies, and about the snow castle and the princesses that reside inside.

“Oh! This looks fun!” A voice called out, causing the noise of the Hearth’s Warming celebration to cease. All eyes turned to newcomer, Princess Cadence. “Princess Celestia, what are you doing?” She asked Celestia, who was levitating a small flag to put on a snow tower that had just been finished.

“I’m not a princess here,” Celestia replied, giving her niece a smile, “I’m an honorary Silverhoof, and I’m helping put the finishing touches on a snow tower for a pretty princess to live in.” She turned back to the tower, lifting the flag towards the top.

“Well in that case,” Cadence said as the festivities started to resume. “Since you aren’t a princess…”

The sun marked alicorn finished placing the flag and began to turn back towards the princess. “What was tha-*” Celestia’s question was cut off by a snowball smacking her in the side of the head.

The entire area went silent. Everypony waiting to see Celestia’s reaction.

“How DARE you!!” Shouted Celestia, “I shall NOT allow this insult to stand!” Several large snowballs rose up next to the mare as she ducked down with a mischievous grin.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!” Cadence shrieked as Celestia launched the snowballs at the young princess who brought her wing up to shield herself, but there was a flash of movement as Shadow Star leaped to the princess’s defense.

Using her skills in martial arts, Shadow struck the snowy projectiles, reducing each one to a fine powder, keeping her charge from getting touched by a single snowflake.

“You may be family,” Shadow called out, her voice carrying over the gardens. “But, due to my vows as a guard, I cannot allow anyone, even a family member, to strike at the princess.”

Princess Cadence lowered her wing and looked around as all the ponies watched the exchange while gathering up snow and forming their own snowballs.

“ROYAL GUARD, FORM UP ON ME!” Shadow commanded, causing the guards that had joined the celebration to gallop over and surround the grinning alicorn princess.

Up above, along the walkways, some of the patrolling guards had to stop themselves from answering the call and jumping down.

“GET ‘EM!” Leafbright shouted, awkwardly throwing a snowball at the princess but falling a bit short. With the call from the little filly, the Silverhoofs launched into a full snowball assault on Princess Cadence and the guards. Shadow threw few snowballs, concentrating on keeping the princess protected as much as she was able too. Celestia found herself being given snowballs to launch since she was able to launch them quicker and more accurately than the older Silverhoofs that had dropped down next to her.

It wasn’t long before the snowball war devolved into chaos, becoming everypony for themselves.

The great snowball war of Canterlot ended with the announcement of hot coco and promises of marshmallows. Everypony headed into the great hall as the coco began to be served.

Princess Cadence walked into the hall next to Celestia, with both alicorns grinning broadly. “That was SOOOO much FUN!!!” the young princess pranced a little as she spoke. “How did you get pulled into this?”

“Since you went to Silver Chalice’s party, I was going to have a quiet evening.” Celestia replied to the princess’s question. “I didn’t want to deal with any of the aristocrats. I was going to wait for you to get back and share the rest of the evening with you.” She looked down at Cadence. “And it seems you left early.”

“Oh, by the stars!” Princess Cadence exclaimed, rolling her eyes. “Now I understand why you didn’t want to go!”

“Seen more substance in whipped cream?” Shadow Star playfully asked as she approached the alicorns carrying 3 mugs of hot chocolate, with generous amounts of marshmallows.

Celestia smiled as she, and the princess, took a mug from the purple mare. “Thank you, Shadow. This is my niece, Cadence.”

“Nice to meet you,” Shadow started to extend her hoof to the alicorn. She stopped as she noticed Cadence’s confused expression. The purple coated mare lifted her dark, aqua blue mane, revealing her tiny horn, “I’m a unicorn, but my horn stayed small.”

Cadence’s eyes went wide, and she giggled, “Oh, it’s so CUTE!!” she squealed as she reached over and tapped Shadow’s horn. Realizing what she had just done, Cadence pulled her hoof back, “I’m sorry! I should have asked before doing that.”

“It’s okay,” Shadow said, “Some of my family like to rub my horn for luck.”

“Does it work?” Celestia inquired.

“I’d like to think so.”

“Thank you for the cocoa by the way.” Cadence commented, after taking a sip.

“You’re welcome.” Shadow smiled, “And do you want to set aside your crown for the evening and join with our family?”

“I would love to!” Cadence gave a happy bounce.

The purple pony raised her voice and called out, ““Everyone! We have a late addition to our Hearth’s Warming Eve. Let us welcome our honorary family member!” A cheer erupted from all the ponies around and soon, Cadence found herself being greeted by a large number of ponies, each one treating her as a family member that they haven’t seen in a long while, with a reminder of who they are and a warm hug. Soon the family members were pulled back into conversations ranging from food to décor.

After a time, Taneuma, flying above the gardens, called out, “It’s time to say goodnight, refill your drinks, and let’s move outside again.” All the ponies in hall moved out to the gardens after refilling their mugs of cocoa. The elder stallion landed next to the two alicorns, “I just want you to know, you are welcome to join us at anytime you want or need to.” He said with a bow.

“Thank you, Taneuma.” Celestia replied, “We appreciate that.” Cadence nodded in agreement.

He inclined his head to the two mares, and then walked a short distance away, where the ponies had left a clearing. The silver coated pegasus waved for Shadow Star to join him. Once she had, he called out, “Everypony, Shadow will be leading the song to close out the night.” Turning to the mare, Taneuma smiled. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Shadow nodded and closed her eyes. After a moment, she raised her voice in song, “When family cannot be here, having journeyed far and wide. We sing a song to honor them, to remember days gone by.”

All of the others joined their voices to hers, raising their mugs, “So, take your cup and raise it high, just as surely I’ll do mine. And laugh we will at stories told as we smile at days gone by.”

Celestia wrapped a wing around Cadence, pulling the young alicorn close, and joined her voice to the song.

“For family not here, my dears, having journeyed far and wide. For loyalty and kindness both, we smile at days gone by.”

Cadence looked around at those in the garden. Ponies leaning on one another with wings wrapped around each other, holding their drinks in hoof, raised to mare marked winter moon. She looked back to Celestia and saw tears running down the mare’s cheeks.

“Our paths will cross again one day, in time to reunite. For family is always near, even when the seas are wide.”

The young alicorn wrapped a foreleg around Celestia’s front leg and squeezed tight, causing the older mare to look down and softly smile.

“So, take your cup and raise it high, just as surely I’ll do mine. And make a toast for family and the tales of days gone by.”

Taneuma pulled Celestia and Cadence to the center, joining Shadow. As the final verse of the song began, the only voices that remained were the purple mare’s and the sun marked alicorn’s.

“For family not here, my dears, having journeyed far and wide. For loyalty and kindness both, take joy at days gone by. For loyalty and kindness both, we smile at days gone by…”

As the final verse echoed throughout the castle, the ponies embraced one another and bid each other good night. After drowning in a sea of warm embraces, the alicorns flew up to Celestia’s balcony.

“Can I stay the night with you?” Cadence asked softly.

Celestia smiled and nodded. “I would love for you to.” They moved into the chambers and Celestia pulled her blanket over to in front of the Hearth’s Warming tree standing near her fireplace as Cadence kindled a fire. They placed their Hearth’s Warming dolls on the mantle and settled down under the blanket. Celestia wrapped a wing around the young alicorn once more, pulling her close.

“This is the best Hearth’s Warming Eve.” Cadence stated with a smile that seemed to go from ear to ear as she settled her head on Celestia’s foreleg.

“I agree.” Celestia laid her head down on a pillow.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming,” Cadence closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth and comfort of being under her aunt’s wing.

Celestia softly smiled as her eyes drifted closed, “Happy Hearth’s Warming.”

Author's Note

One of the things that I'm the most proud of in this chapter is the shift I slipped in, the change from Royalty to Family, and all I did was drop Princess after the alicorns were introduced to the clan. It's kinda cool to be able to shift tone by using, or dropping, a single word.

Confrontation - Canterlot Royal Guard

“YOUR MAJESTY!” shouted an armored, gold coated unicorn as he ran into the throne room, slamming open the doors. “I HAVE IMPORTANT NEWS FOR YOU!” A large black binder held in silvery magic floated next to him.

“Yes, Lieutenant Chalice?” Princess Celestia asked, sitting upon the throne. At the base of the dais stood Captain Steel Thunder, his head tilted, and an eyebrow raised.

The unicorn looked to the captain. “Good, you are here as well.”

“Why is that, lieutenant?” asked the grey pegasus.

Chalice took a moment to adjust his armor. “Because you need to explain,” he stated, opening the binder. “Why you have allowed a KILLER into the Royal Guard?”

“A killer?” inquired the princess.

“Yes, your majesty,” the officer haughtily replied. “A cold-blooded killer.” He flipped a page in the binder. “The guardpony named Shadow Star.”

The guard captain scowled, “That’s a heck of an accusation, lieutenant. What proof do you have?”

The gold unicorn held up the binder, “In this file are numerous instances where the pony known as Shadow Star used lethal force!” he pulled several pictures out of a pocket in the binder. “Just look at the destruction, the, the, the…” Chalice stuttered, holding out the pictures for Steel to see. “Horror that this pony is capable of!” He gestured at a picture. “She pinned a griffon to a tree with a unicorn twenty-five feet off the ground!!”

“Twenty-seven feet and four and a quarter inches to the point of impact with the tree,” Thunder muttered, causing the unicorn to pause. “To be precise.”

"They hurt her..."

Princess Celestia looked upward for a moment, then returned her gaze to the lieutenant.

“Lieutenant,” Captain Thunder spoke softly, concern etched on his face. “Why do you have these?” He held a wing over the pictures that were being held up to him.

“I wanted to know more about this…” Chalice paused, as if looking for the proper word. “Monster, that you are wanting to promote to sergeant.” He adjusted his stance and leaned his head back a bit, looking down his nose at the captain. “And what I found is DISTRUBING!” Gesturing towards the princess, the unicorn continued. “How could you let this THING near our dear sovereign?”

The princess stood up from the throne, her eyes riveted on the black binder.

The captain glanced up at Princess Celestia and then sighed. “Lieutenant, this is a sealed file, sealed by court order,” stated Steel. “What gave you the authority to break this seal?”

“I am an officer of the Royal Guard!” Lieutenant Chalice called out, straightening up more. “And I have a duty to know who is under my command!”

“Shadow Star is NOT under your command!” snarled Captain Thunder, anger in his eyes. “She is under Bonfire’s command!”

“That doesn’t matter!” the unicorn snorted. “I am an officer and I have the authority to look into any personnel file that I see fit.” He jabbed a hoof at the pegasus, shaking the binder. “And with you allowing a MURDERER-!”

“ENOUGH!” Celestia called out, her golden magic ripping the binder from Chalice’s mystical grasp, pictures following close behind. “Platinum Chalice, you had no right, no cause, and no authority to break the seal on this file!” She placed the pictures back in the pocket they came from. “You are relieved of duty.”

“But your majesty!” cried Chalice, stepping towards the throne.

The ringing sound of steel echoed through the throne room, as a dark shape slammed down in front of the unicorn. Platinum Chalice found himself facing a dark purple mare, dressed in smoky grey armor, six swords floating next to her, three to each side, and a spear held in her front hooves. The mare was already taller than most ponies, but standing on her hind hooves, she towered over the unicorn.

Shadow Star stood between him and the princess.

Even with tears streaming down her cheeks, the dark pony’s brilliant green eyes bored into the stallion with an intensity that cause him to shrink back. The golden unicorn took a couple of extra steps away from the guardpony, swallowing hard. “I… I… I knew you… couldn’t be trusted…” stammered Chalice as he tried to push down the fear that gripped him. “You would even threaten a superior officer!” He looked up at the princess. “This MONST-“

“BE SILENT!”

The powerful Royal Canterlot Voice echoed throughout the throne room and beyond, causing all the ponies in the castle to jump. Princess Celestia stood at the edge of the dais, her wings spread and anger clearly visible on her face. “Platinum Chalice,” the majestic alicorn stared down at the wide-eyed unicorn. “You have been relieved of duty. You are no longer an officer in the Royal Guard. You have broken the oaths you took when you donned the uniform.”

“I recommend you remain silent.” Captain Thunder whispered to the stallion as he opened his mouth.

“Captain, escort Mr. Chalice out of the castle, and see to it that the guard is notified of the change in command.”

“Yes, your majesty!” stated the pegasus, snapping a salute with his wing. He turned to Platinum and gestured to the door. “Let’s go!”

“One thing, Chalice, before you leave,” Celestia called to the unicorn. “Remove that armor. You are no longer worthy of wearing it.”

The gold stallion looked between the royal pony and the captain, then began to remove his armor. “But, princess…” He started to say but stopped as the princess glared at him. Platinum looked at the guard who stood between him and the alicorn and scowled.

Shadow watched as the unicorn removed his armor, never relaxing her stance, staying between him and her charge.

It didn’t take long for Platinum Chalice to remove the armor, tossing it to the side. “I’ll make yo-“ he started snarling at the mare, but was cut off by the captain pushing him.

“Quiet!” barked Steel as he started to direct the unicorn towards the great doors to the throne room. “Let’s go!” He commanded, marching Platinum towards the exit. “OPEN THE DOORS!” called the captain as the pair approached. The massive doors swung open and the disgraced unicorn was escorted out of the room, the doors closing once they had passed beyond.

Shadow stared for a moment after the doors had closed and then dropped to her front hooves. Her spear floated to her side and the swords returned to their scabbards. She pulled off her helmet and wiped at her eyes with the back of her hoof. “My apologies, your majesty.”

“Whatever for?” Celestia gently inquired, walking down the steps towards the purple mare.

“I spoke out of turn earlier,” responded Shadow, her words shaky. She sat down, continuing to wipe at her eyes, attempting to calm her breathing. “And a guard shouldn’t breakdown while on duty.”

“You didn’t breakdown,” the princess calmly pointed out. “You performed your duties admirably.” She moved in front of the guardpony. “And you didn’t speak out of turn, I barely heard your whisper, and it was quieter than what usually goes on in court.” The elder alicorn sat down facing Shadow and used her wing to wipe away a tear on the mare’s cheek. “I’m heartbroken that you had to experience the things in this file.” She nodded at the black binder being held in her golden magic.

Shadow took a shaky breath and looked over at the binder. “Better that I took those actions,” she stated, drawing herself up again. “Than let others suffer a worse fate.” Closing her eyes, Shadow took another breath, beginning to force her emotions back down.

Celestia pulled the guardpony to her, wrapping her forelegs and wings around the mare startling the pony. “No, child.” She squeezed Shadow with her embrace. “Holding it in will only have it build up until you break.”

For a moment, Shadow sat stunned. Then the tears started to flow again, and sobs echoed in the throne room. “I am a monster!” She buried her face in Celestia’s chest. “I ended lives!” Shadow held onto the alicorn, years of pent up emotions flowing out. Celestia allowed the young pony to cry, holding her in a warm embrace.

After what seemed like hours to Shadow, Celestia spoke softly to the mare she cradled, “You are no monster.” She pointed to the binder that now rested on the floor. “I’ve seen the reports for all of the incidents.”

Shadow looked up at the princess, her eyes red.

“You acted in defense of others,” Celestia helped the mare sit back up straight. “and those are not the actions of a monster.” Using her magic, the princess picked up the black binder and set it upon her throne. “You are a kind soul, Shadow. Protecting and caring for others.” She tilted her head and asked, “How have you been handling this?”

“Meditation, reciting my oaths, and performing my duties,” was Shadow’s response.

“Oh, my stars,” said the sun-marked alicorn softly. “Have you been having nightmares?”

“Yes, often.”

“There are some ponies that I want you to speak with,” stated Celestia as she released Shadow from her embrace. “They will help you with what has happened.” She stood and gave the purple mare a warm smile. “I will speak with the captain and he will help get you scheduled to meet with them.”

Shadow nodded, then opened her mouth to speak.

“It is not weakness to get help,” Celestia stopped the guard from speaking. “Everypony needs help sometimes. I don’t want you to lose yourself.”

“I was going to say thank you, your majesty,” Shadow softly chuckled, sniffing.

“Oh!” the princess chuckled as well. “I’m used to warriors like you not wanting to ask or receive help.” She smiled. “I’m happy that you are different. You are not a monster, or a horrible pony.”

“I know that,” Shadow said, tapping her temple with a hoof. “Up here.” She moved her hoof to her chest. “But my heart, is another story.”

Celestia placed a hoof on Shadow’s. “Your heart won’t listen to me, but the councilors will be able to convince it.”

“Thank you, princess.”

“Let’s go get some cake and ice cream, that always makes me feel better when I’m feeling a bit down.” The princess stood and offered a hoof to the purple mare.

Shadow smiled as she accepted the offered hoof and stood. “By your leave, your majesty.”

Author's Note

One of these days, I'm going to have to commission a comic of some of Shadow's stories.

Rookie - Vanhoover Police Force

“STOP!! THEIF!!” The shop pony cried out as a tan earth pony ran from the front of the Hoof ‘n Save grocery store in Vanhoover. The young stallion galloped as fast as his legs could carry him, faster than the heavy red shop pony that was trying to follow.

“Okay, Nimble Comet, just a bit farther,” He whispered to himself around the jar of pear preserves in his mouth as he turned down another street. He continued running but not at the same sprint as when he ran from the store. Nimble Comet slid a bit as he turned down an alleyway, almost losing the jar. As he righted himself, something wrapped around his legs, bringing them together, and causing the tan pony to slam into the ground. “NOOO!!!” He shouted as the pear preserves flew into the air, only to be caught by a dark purple colored mare with a dark aqua blue mane wearing a Vanhoover police uniform.

“Good work, rookie,” A rotund coffee colored unicorn commented as he waddled up next to the mare. “Never thought ah using that blolee thingy.”

“It’s a bola, sir.” the mare said.

“Whateva’.”

“LET ME GO!” Shouted Nimble as he struggled against the cords of the bola wrapped around his legs.

“Nah, ya gonna come with us to tha station.” The rotund officer said, dragging the tied stallion with a bit of bluish magic from his horn.

“No!” Nimble called out as he struggled against the cords. “Don’t take me from my sister!”

“Shoulda thought about that before stealin’!”

The purple mare looked down to the end of the alleyway, “Your sister?” She asked softly as a small green maned filly with an amber coat peered around a trash bin. “Um, Officer Zeppoli, please wait a moment, sir.”

“Wha’? We got tha bad pony!” Zeppoli gave Nimble’s legs a rough yank.

“I’m not sure he is a bad guy, sir.”

Rolling his eyes, the officer turned to face the mare, “Look ‘ere, Shallow Bar –,”

“It’s Shadow Star, sir.” The mare interjected.

“That’s what I said,” Zeppoli snorted, jerking the rope around Nimble’s legs a few times causing the stallion to whimper. “And don’t interrupt ya superiors.”

Shadow looked around at all the ponies that were watching them as they stood at the opening of the alleyway.

“As I was sayin’, I know ya’ve only been on the force fer a few weeks so ya still gotta learn that ponies like dis one ‘ere,” the officer shoved Nimble towards Shadow. “are scum. So just lock ‘em up an’ throw away tha key.”

Nimble looked up at Shadow Star, fear in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I... I didn’t want to –!” His words were cut off as he was shoved again towards the female officer.

“Ahh, shaddup!” shouted officer Zeppoli.

A soft voice came from the darkness of the alley. “Please don’t take my brother!”

Officer Star looked over at the little filly hiding in the shadows. “What’s your name?” She asked.

“Nova,” came the soft reply from the scared filly.

“Well, we are gonna take him!” Zeppoli said, “And that’s that.” He looked at Shadow, “Put ‘em in cuffs.”

“If you take him, I’ll be here all alone!” Nova cried, dashing forward out of the darkness of the alleyway to grab a hold of her brother.

Officer Zeppoli forcefully pushed the little filly away from Nimble, knocking her to the ground. “Tough break!” Nimble tried to bite Zeppoli’s leg, causing the officer to pull back. “Why you little!” The officer moved to strike the tied pony, only to find himself stopped by Shadow blocking his hoof.

“Sir, you need to calm down,” The mare calmly stated, staring straight into Officer Zeppoli’s eyes with such an intensity that it caused the rotund officer to take a step back. “You are out of line.” She gestured to Nova, “There was no need to push her and,” the mare then pointed to Nimble, “he is subdued. There is no call to abuse him.”

Officer Zeppoli looked around at all the ponies that had stopped to watch the situation that was unfolding, his brow furrowed in anger, “Look ‘ere, rookie!” He shouted. “I know what needs ta be done with low life’s like these.” Zeppoli sneered, “He’s a thief and she’s gonna grow up ta be just like ‘im!” Stepping back towards Shadow his voice raised, “I’m gonna put this in the report I give to tha captain about how you’re doin’!”

“Fine then,” responded Shadow as she checked on little Nova, “I’ll handle this if you want to go tell the captain about this incident.”

Office Zeppoli snarled, “I will! And… And…” the rotund officer stuttered, “YOU’RE filling out tha report for this!” He turned and stomped off through the crowd.

Shadow eyed the officer calmly, “Yes, Sir.” She replied, watching him storm off. She turned to Nimble and began unraveling the bola still wrapped around his legs. “Are you okay?”

“I… I think so…” Said the stallion as the officer unwrapped his legs. Once freed, Nimble slowly stood up, wincing at the scrapes on his flank and back.

“Then come with me.” Shadow turned and started walking back towards the Hoof n’ Save, while wrapping up her bola. She nodded to the gathered ponies as they moved aside.

“Nimby,” Whispered Nova as she hugged Nimble’s leg, “Are we in trouble?”

“Yeah, I am.” The tan pony sighed, “Come on, Nova.” He gently nudged the little filly towards where Office Shadow had stopped and was watching them. Nova stayed next to her brother’s legs, looking around nervously, as they joined the officer and walked back to the store that Nimble had just run from. Other ponies started following them as well.

The red shop pony was still standing outside the shop looking that direction when the trio arrived. “Hey Officer, you got the pony that…” His voice trailed off as he noticed the little filly holding onto Nimble’s leg.

“How much for the preserves?” Shadow asked, holding up the jar.

“Uh…” The shop pony paused, “6 bits.” He finally replied.

Shadow pulled the bits from a pocket on her uniform. “Here you go.” She said, handing them to the shop pony.

Nimble blinked, “What?” he stammered as the officer paid for the preserves.

“It’s obvious you were trying to get your sister something to eat.” Shadow said, opening the jar and handing it to a bewildered Nova. “You both look like you haven’t had a good meal in a long time.”

With tears in his eyes, Nimble watched his sister take a hoof full of the pear preserves and stuff it into her mouth. “No, we haven’t.” He whispered.

“And, as long as the good shop keeper here,” Shadow nodded to the red pony watching the little filly dig into the pears. “doesn’t have a problem with it, you aren’t going to jail.”

The shop keeper frowned, “Well, I DO have a problem with it!” He stormed up to a startled Nimble. “Next TIME, you ASK for help!”

“I tried asking, but no one would help…” Nimble stumbled back a little from the angry shop pony. “Said it wasn’t their problem.”

“But you didn’t ask ME!” The red pony shouted.

“PEPPER GRIND!!” A voice cut through the air and all the noise in the area seemed to cease. An old grey mare stepped out of the store, “You do NOT yell in front of this little filly!” She walked up to the red pony and not so gently pushed him out of the way. “Now little dearie, come with me, you need some fresh baked bread with those preserves,” the old mare declared, nudging Nova towards the store. She paused and looked up at Nimble, “An' you, you’re coming too!”

“Yes, ma’am!” Nimble stammered out, not quite sure what to make of this situation.

Shadow smile broadly at the grey mare, “Nanna Mint, I didn’t know this was your store!”

“It is, Sensei Star.” Nanna Mint replied with a warm smile to the officer. “An' are you able to come in for a snack?” She inquired, holding the door to the shop open for Nova and Nimble.

“I’m afraid not.” Shadow shook her head. “I have to report to the captain. My senior partner, Officer Zeppoli, will probably be complaining about me as soon as he gets back to the precinct.”

“That’s too bad,” said Mint. She looked at Pepper Grind, “This is Shadow Star, the instructor for the martial art class I take every Wednesday. Sensei Star, this is my son, Pepper Grind. An' he could use some of the lessons that your master teaches.”

“And not the lessons I teach?” Shadow asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, you’re too nice.” The old mare said, turning and following Nova and Nimble into the store. “See you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow.” Shadow called back, “And take care of those two for me.”

“Of course,” Pepper Grind said, with a bit of a smile. “Mamma an' I’ll take care of them.”

“Thank you,” said the officer as she started walking the direction towards the police station. “I’ll come by in a day or so to see how they are doing.”

With a wave, Pepper called to the officer. “We’ll be here!”

The following evening, Wednesday, Shadow Star waited for Nanna Mint in the entry way to the Sapphire Mount Dojo, wearing a crimson karate uniform with a black belt tied round it.

“Good Evening, Nanna Mint.” Shadow said, bowing to the grey mare, who adjusted her white uniform tied with a white belt before bowing back. “I wanted to ask about your new friends.”

“Those poor dears. Names Nimble Comet for the older one, and Nova Starburst for the little filly,” the elder mare sighed, “Their parents were in the mine collapse a few weeks ago, and you know how that turned out.”

“By Celestia, that’s awful!” gasped Shadow. “And there wasn’t anyone to take care of them?”

Nanna shook her head, “No one wanted to take 'em in. No family to speak of and they had no money to live on. Seems like their parents were trying to get a better life. They had just come from Fillydelphia were they were just barely managing to make it. Took a chance.”

Shadow shuddered, “Oh my.”

“Well, Pepper put Nimble to work sweeping the store and helping stock. The boy wanted something to do to make up for what he did, and I think Pepper’s taken a shine to him.” Mint looked up at Shadow with a smile, “And little Nova is going to be helping me bake when she isn’t in school. And, she wants to come here with me. Couldn’t tonight though, she’s got a cold from being so hungry for so long.”

“That’s good. I’m glad you took them in.”

“Oh, honey. I’m glad you were the one to catch Nimble. I don’t want to even think about what would have happened if it was someone like that Officer Zeppelin had been the one to do it.”

“Zeppoli, actually.”

“Dirt for brains more like it!” Exclaimed the grey mare, causing Shadow to giggle. “Speaking of which, did you get in trouble for what you did?”

“Well, Officer Zeppoli was already talking to the captain, Platinum Ace, when I got there. So, I was pulled into the captain’s office with him and Zeppoli. I was asked about what happened and I explained that Nimble was just trying to get something to eat for his little sister. I told the captain about what Zeppoli did to Nimble and Nova, and let him know that accounts were squared away and that you were helping those two.” Smiling, Shadow continued. “Officer Zeppoli tried to defend what he did by saying that I was making it up and that is when another officer poked his head in and dropped off a few complaints about Zeppoli’s actions. Turns out a few of the ponies that were watching went to the precinct to file a statement about what he did. So now, I’m working with Thunder Gust and Zeppoli is directing traffic for a while.”

“Oh, good for you!!!” The mare clapped happily, “I’ve known Thunder Gust since he was a little colt. He and Pepper are good friends! So, I know you are going to have a good time working with him!”

Shadow looked up at the clock, “That’s what I hope. But it’s almost time to start class.” She bowed to Nanna Mint. “Thank you for letting me know how your new little ones are doing!”

“You’re very welcome, dear.” Mint replied, returning the bow. “Time to learn things!”

“Yes, it is.” Shadow smiled and lead the elder mare into the main part of the dojo to join the rest of the class.

Author's Note

Funny thing, this is the first story chronologically in all the short stories that I've written so far for Shadow, but it's actually the third one.