Nightshade: Death of a Psychic

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 2
Chapter 9

Chapter 1

With a jolt, Nightshade crashed heavily into the ground. It was nigh pitch black if he had to guess, it had to be roughly midnight.

"Sh-shit," He swore Discord's device was getting lazier and lazier. "I need to calibrate that thing... If that's even possible. How do you calibrate something that literally bends reality?"

He stood, shaking his head and brushing off his clothes. Where the hell even am I? He took a quick glance around and felt his neck hairs stand on end. The labs... It gave him chills just remembering the whole ordeal. Why am I here? I was at home after the Gala... After... He felt his anger boiling. After she let Ace die. He could still see the smirk on Totoro's face as he was forcefully escorted out of the castle.

Her days are numbered.

The unicorn looked down to his forearm, the multipurpose device looked slightly tarnished as if the metal had been overexposed. In some areas, it looked burned actually.

What? This makes no sense! What changed?

By this point he'd caught on, Discord's device would give him the second chances he desired but something would be different. Yet he couldn't place his finger on it, what had changed?

A few hours and a long train ride later, Nightshade had arrived back in Ponyville with the sun just beginning to rise. He left the station and even though it was early there were ponies milling about already, however, as Nightshade walked through he could feel eyes on him the whole time. He couldn't understand why, he wasn't a stranger, after all, everypony in town knew him or knew of him. He hurried home, avoiding eye contact.

He threw open his front door, "Hey guys! I'm back!"

Silence greeted him momentarily.

He heard a gun cock and a voice call from the living room, "Yer tresspassin'! I suggest you..."

A familiar figure rounded the corner in a cream turtleneck and jeans, the sleeves were rolled up to the elbows.

He watched as Strike dropped her rifle, it clattered loudly as she fell silent.

"You... You aren't real."

It almost hurt Nights as her voice almost trembled, her mane wasn't as vibrant as he remembered it being. The thin streaks of white more clear and her hand that had held the gun a moment ago were heavily bandaged. Her eyes shone momentarily with recognition.

"Strike... What the fuck happened to you?"

She ignored what he said as she slowly took a step back, her voice began to rise with anger and hatred. Nightshade looked nervous as he could see the fire in her eyes. "You're supposed to- You're dead. I was there, I attended your fucking funeral. Is this some sick prank? You a fucking changeling? I knew it! You fuckers can't get enough when somepony's in pain!"

"Strike," Nightshade extended a hand towards her as a calming motion to prevent her from doing anything rash, he gently used his foot to scoot the discarded rifle away from the ageing captain. The last thing he wanted to do was have to fight her, "Strike I need you to calm down. You're clearly stressed and not thinking straight, you're not making any sense. What the hell do you mean, 'I'm supposed to be dead-' "

He didn't get to finish his sentence as Strike charged him like an angry bull, she slammed him into the wall with her shoulder knocking the wind out of him before pinning him to the floor. She retrieved the rifle and chambered a round fluidly, "You have three seconds before I place a hot .45 between yer fuckin' eyes! Prove it! Prove you're real!"

The barrel was pressed to his skull as Strike huffed angrily, he squeezed his eyes closed.

"Toro was at the Gala! You had to take Sioux with you! You warmed up to him throughout the night! You went with Struck and I know that you and her hooked up that night!"

He heard the mare's breath hitch and the rifle was easied off his head. That last one had been a guess, but knowing Strike it was not possible she passed up on the opportunity. He thanked his lucky stars that he kept tabs on all his friends. She still straddled him, however, not allowing him to stand.

"Then how are you here?" She still looked angry. "Last I recalled, Ace had come back from someplace he refused to name, alone. He wouldn't stop crying about monsters and that you blew up."

Nightshade sighed, "The labs. I must've stayed too long, got caught in the blast then."

So that's what happened. I can only imagine what hell Ace went through after an experience like that.

"So what saved you?"

Strike's question was expected but still caught him off-guard.

"This device put me in stasis. Kept me alive." He lied as he held up his left arm. He couldn't tell her the truth, at least not if he didn't want a bullet in the head.

"I can't imagine how painful it might have been. I've seen the crater." She got off him and helped him to his feet.

"Shit, if you reacted like this I can't imagine telling everyone else. But, why were you here?"

"Struck and I fought." She held up a bloody bandaged hand, when Nightshade looked closer she had bandages on her neck too. She had a fresh scratch across her cheek, it looked almost like claws... "I decided to give her space. I crashed here, you should- fuck... You should really lock the doors man..."

She trembled as she limped painfully to the couch and collapsed with a pained sigh.

"Shit are you alright?" Nights rushed over to her side.

"I'll- I'll be alright. If you've got some painkillers in the house that'd be nice. I'm a bit sore from Struck and that little fight over there."

"Struck must be an animal huh?"

Strike was silent for a moment as she frowned at the ceiling, "More than you know."

That hung on Nightshade's mind as he made a bee-line for the bathroom.

Chapter 3

"Struck," Strike called as she swung open her door, "I'm back. I brought a friend."

"What?" A zebra-patterned face with a white mane poked around a corner, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Does he know?"

"Not the whole truth, but for now just get comfortable Nights."

"At least she didn't ask if I was dead," He tried to lighten the mood.

He followed Strike into their living room where Thunderstruck sat the couch with her knees pulled in close to her chest. Nightshade shot her a worried look and offered a weak smile but quickly covered her mouth.

Did she have...

He sat down near the Wonderbolt, she looked like she was on edge and absolutely terrified. He knew exactly what was wrong, he'd seen it before. His eyes wandered to her slightly overgrown fur, he just needed to be subtle. Bring it up in a way that would soothe the mare.

"So how long have you known you were a werewolf," Strike froze the moment the words left his mouth and glared at Nightshade.

Subtle, Nightshade thought to himself with a nod before realizing Striker was glaring at him.

"What? She should know! Now you better tell me, if you don't talk I can't help. It's not like you're the only one."

"Pardon my french, but what the fuck are you talking about? That shit isn't real, it's stuff we tell kids to scare them out of the Everfree- "

"Strike, I have a lot of respect for you. But if you truly believe that, you might be the dumbest mare I know. You're a big girl, you should know better." Nightshade said pinching her cheek and she promptly slapped his hand away.

"Prove it."

"I was hoping you'd say that. This is my favourite part, haven't done this since I took Ace to Manehatten. One moment." He was almost giddy as he walked into their kitchen and grabbed a knife before returning. "Strike, hold out your hand. Now if she isn't what I said she is then nothing should happen when I do this."

"You better be gentle- Fuck!" She cursed as he gently sliced the palm of her hand, she reflexively squeezed it closed and they watched as Struck put her nose in the air before stalking over to Strike and hungrily licking the blood from her hand. Strike's face twitched, "This... This is beyond weird. But that doesn't prove- "

Struck yipped and nuzzled up to Strike's leg.

"You were saying?" Nightshade chuckled, "It'll be like you have a dog. Except you won't have to clean up after her. That sounded better in my head but you know what I mean."

Strike tried to remain stone-faced, "You're actually fucking with me, right? This- I can't- This is... So- "

"So cute?"

She growled at Nightshade and took a deep breath, Nightshade appreciated that she was working on her temper issues. "She'll go back to normal right?"

"Well yes, but unless it's a full moon... Call me if she's like this for longer than 4 hours. I'm gonna head to sleep. Have fun."

Nightshade stepped quietly out of the apartment building into the morning sunlight, he tried to stay lighthearted but he felt bad. Strike had no idea what she was in for now, on top of that he didn't know if Struck had already been a werewolf or had been turned. More importantly, he didn't want Celestia to find out. She couldn't find out, it would ruin Struck's life if it didn't end in death or imprisonment. He couldn't ensure Struck's safety or freedom if Celestia ever found out, he didn't want it to happen again. Not to Strike.

He walked into a nearby coffee shop needing a distraction and to sate his newfound need for caffeine. The place was packed but the place felt warm and welcoming, an odd feeling to have in such a cold and proper place like Canterlot. He joined the line of ponies waiting to be served and looked over at a group in a booth by the front window, a tan pegasus with a fiery ginger mane in a long sleeve black shirt and jeans leaning on the shoulder of a raven maned pegasus in a t-shirt and pants. Across from them sat Lyra, Bon Bon, Octavia and Vinyl. The sight put a smile on Nightshade's face, it reminded him.

Speed and Endie!

He stepped over to the table, "Congratulations! No- wait, I meant, good morning! Sorry, the brain's still a bit fried."

Vinyl and Octavia offered smiles while the rest of the group seemed confused as he rushed out of the coffee shop. He knew how he could let everyone know he was back without setting Celestia's alarms off.

With a big smile on his face, he strolled into his old friend Lucky's bar, it fell silent the instant he walked in. Instinctively he tilted his head down towards the floor to avoid the stares, multiple scratch marks lined the floors. He quietly sat at the bar counter. Why is it so packed? It's midday in a bar at the edge of Canterlot. This feels wrong. The bar didn't feel as welcoming as he remembered. That was until he saw a familiar green pony coming his way.

"Hey Lucky how- " There was a gun shoved in his face, "You know you'd think by now everypony would know I'm not afraid of guns- "

He looked over his shoulder, all the other patrons shared scowls in his direction.

"Now why are they angry? You, I could understand-"

The safety clicked off and Nightshade got serious.

"Before you do anything rash, I literally just had the conversation we're more than likely about to have already with Strike."

"You just vanished and didn't even think to make contact with us. That was almost a year ago. Never dropped by to let us know you're alright." Lucky growled as he tipped his hat back, smouldering green eyes glaring Nightshade down. His ginger mane seemed to glow like fire in the bar light.

"You say it like I had a choice."

"Pray tell, lad. What stopped ye?"

"Ace."

Chapter 4

"So what's stoppin' ye from seein' the Prince now?" Lucky slid Nightshade a drink.

The stallion stared into the dark liquid as if it held the answer.

"Well, I broke the news to Strike and she nearly put a hole in my face. You almost did the same, so how do you think a Prince with infinite magic and pissed off is going to take that?"

"Fair point. So then what're ya gonna do lad?"

"I'm gonna get an audience with the Prince, but I need to get proof that I'm who I say I am." The unicorn hopped up from his seat, "Tell our friends I'm back. Nobody else. Not Sunbutt, not Luna, especially not Ace. If they don't believe you... Show them this."

He removes an ornate, golden watch from his jacket pocket and puts it on the counter before walking out of the bar.

Nightshade walked back into his old home, heading straight for the attic. He had a theory and now was to time to investigate. As he came up the stairs a figure was waiting for him.

"Next time you decide to fake your own death," Computer stood with a stern face but there was joy in his eyes. Relief even. "Keep us in the loop. Whatever you did, Pandora lost your vitals for a while."

"Well, being in literal comatose put my plans on hold," Nightshade chuckled as they both entered the ship that sat in the attic.

"So, talking to Strike must have been rough. We heard when she pulled the gun on you- I would have stepped in, but I thought she was just alone and drunk again. It wasn't the first time she spent a night in the place while it was empty, it was the first time she didn't cry herself to sleep though. She's weirdly attached to you."

"She'd never admit it though. Lucky didn't take it any better."

"I can imagine. Bri would probably kill you himself. How are you going to break the news to The Prince?"

Nightshade chuckled and cleared his throat, "About that- "

"You weren't going to tell him, were you?"

"No, how could I? you want me to walk in and say, 'Hey Ace, you thought I was dead but I'm actually alive! I waited until now to tell you. How about a hug?' No. He'd probably send me to the sun."

Nightshade paused. I'm missing something, something's not right.

"Computer? What was Totoro convicted of again?"

The metal pony raised an eyebrow as the data came to him, "Multiple homicides, why?"

"No reason. She didn't happen to have a sibling did she?" The unicorn stepped up to the controls, "Pandora, let me fly this one."

"Not that I'm aware of but if she did the records would have been wiped."

The ship shuddered defiantly. Pandora seemed opposed to what he was implying.

"No, I'm not going to mess with The Doctor's timeline. We have a gentlemen's agreement to leave each other alone."

Pandora groaned reluctantly.

"Thank you, love."

Bloody tears rolled down the face of the small rust red mare as she vomited in pain, a shadow figure roughly placed a knife in the filly's hands before walking out the front door of the home. The girl crawled over to her parents who now lay in pools of their own blood, nudging the bodies as she felt around the floor clutching the knife tightly. They felt cold.

"Mommy... Dad?" Now her nightgown was covered in blood, a mixture of hers and her parents.

A metallic groaning sound filled the air, she whirled around blindly in an attempt to locate the origin to no avail.

"Alright," Nightshade's footfalls were softened by the carpeted floor as he slowly approached the small filly and picked her up, "Kiddo... This is where it gets interesting."

Nightshade walked up to the side of the bed where the filly lay bandaged up, he leaned over and nearly flinched as the girl turned her head to face him. Although Computer did the best he could there was still dried blood and some scarring visible around her bandaging. Who would do something like this? This just reeks of chaotic energy... Nightshade thought, almost ignoring the girl until she slowly sat up and brought a hand up to her bandages.

"Hey don't mess with those too much," Nightshade slowly moved her hands away from her face. "How do you feel?"

"My head kinda hurts."

"That's good, that means you still have feeling in your eyes." Nightshade almost inwardly cursed, regretting mentioning her eyes.

She frowned, "Who are you? Are you a police officer?"

"No..."

"A doctor?"

Nightshade held back for a moment. "My name is Nightshade. I'm... Well, a lot of things. Your parents... Whoever attacked them, they didn't make it... I'm sorry."

The girl just looked broken, her whole world crashing down around her.

"So it must have been your sister then."

"Mister?"

"Yes, child?"

"I don't have a sister."

Nightshade raised an eyebrow, "I'm sorry, I've been rude. I introduced myself and never asked you for your name."

"Everyone calls me Torri... But my mom named me Totoro."

"How old... How old are you, Torri?"

"8."

Chapter 5

Nightshade paced outside the room, this wasn't right. This couldn't be right. Toro was 17 when she killed her parents, yet an 8-year-old 'Torri' sat in the bed in the next room. What was he gonna do? He'd never taken care of children before, but there was a bigger question in all of this...

Would this create a paradox?

Nightshade had never been in a situation like this as he tended to stay out of political and global affairs unless he was specifically called on, but this was new territory. Someone altered Toro's timeline and it seems to have had no adverse effects so far. Not to mention her present-day self was in the hospital in Canterlot only a train ride away. He took out his phone, he needed help. At least, someone who could help him, he began to dial when a sharp knock sounded from the front door. His eyes narrowed, nobody should know he was even here save for Lucky, Struck and Strike. He crept down the stairs but only made it down the first few before a hand reached out and grabbed his. Torri stood shakily, Nightshade's hand in hers.

"I thought I told you to rest," He started.

She pouted, "I'm not tired."

Nightshade rolled his eyes, carefully guiding the now blinded filly down the stairs. Her bloody gown swished with every step.

Nightshade put on a southern accent before another knock came, "Who is it?"

"Nightshade if you don't open this goddamn door, I'll pummel you myself!" A voice shouted from the other side.

"She sounds angry." Torri squeaked.

"Yeah, she very much is." Nightshade stuttered throwing the door open, "Speedstar- "

He was cut off by the sound of a fist flying towards his face suddenly halted.

"D'aww, well who's this little one?"

"You lied!" Nightshade scowled.

"Shush, I'm still mad."

"Who told- "

"Lucky."

Nightshade facepalmed. He'd completely forgotten that he'd told Lucky to tell them.

"This... This is Totoro. She likes to be called Torri."

Endie's face seemed stuck between horror and a snarl, "You mean-"

"Yes... Right after it happened."

The Endpony seemed to calm, she stared doubtfully at the child that Speed was now kneeling in front of. She could hardly believe a meek child could murder two fully grown adults.

"I actually was about to call you two," Nightshade leaned against the door frame, "I... I need help... You two good at handling kids?"

Nightshade sighed as he walked back into Pandora, "That should keep them busy-"

"Let me guess," Computer almost sounded irritated, "You're going to keep her?"

"I didn't say that. But I sure as hell can't send her back-"

"Yes, Nightshade, you can. You have to."

"Why?"

"Because you'll be changing history! A lot of things will have never happened-"

"I don't care!" He stared at the floor slamming a fist on the console, he seethed silently. "It isn't fair... Why does this happen to me? Why her? She didn't deserve it. She's just a kid, I know she didn't do it. Why would I put her back and let her endure that?"

Computer's face relaxed. Nights wasn't being defiant, he was trying to spare- No, save Toro. Even after all she had done. It wasn't every day that he was the forgiving type.

"Nightshade," the metal pony leaned on the console, lowing himself so that he was slightly shorter than the charcoal unicorn and softened his tone. "I didn't say you have to put her back now, but she has to go back at some point. We can keep her for now."

"Thanks."

Nightshade shortly joined Speed and Endie in the kitchen, at the table sat the blind Torri with a plate of food in front of her. Nightshade thought nothing of Torri and glanced at Speed and Endie, who were whispering to one another. He got in close to them and leaned in.

"What's happening? Why is she just sitting there?" Nights whispered.

"She won't eat," Endie stated with worry in her eyes.

Nightshade rolled his eyes, wondering why he'd trusted them with this in the first place. He turned around and faced the filly who hadn't even made a move to pick up a fork, the plate of eggs in front of her still hot.

He decided to try a direct approach as he walked over and sat in a chair next to her, "Hey Torri, you gonna eat? Endie made that just for you."

Without skipping a beat her response came quick, "My mommy always said that children are supposed to wait for the adults to eat first."

Ah. Her parents are those kinds of ponies.

"Well, I'm not your parents and you can eat when you please... Oh, real quick before you eat..." Nightshade gently pressed two fingers against her temple for a second before using every muscle in his body not to flinch as he moved away.

"What was that for?"

"Checking your temperature," Nightshade lied as he got up and motioned for Speed to follow him. Once he was out of earshot Speed looked confused.

"What? What did you see?"

"Her parents," He started with a sigh, "They were assholes. I'm... They were abusive."

"Well, that'll explain a bit of why she's fucked up in the future."

Nightshade shook his head, feeling almost guilty as the next words left his muzzle.

"I don't think that's what's going to mess her up..."

Chapter 6

Nightshade held his breath as Computer began unravelling the bandages from Torri's head. He didn't want there to be severe damage, he felt sick. When he grabbed her, there was blood everywhere and he couldn't tell what she'd actually injured. He hoped she would be alright, it would be disheartening if it was all for nothing.

"Nightshade you must be joking," Computer put a hand on his hip and motioned to Torri, "She's fine."

The girl painfully squinted as her eyes began to get used to light again, her pupils dilating and contracting trying to find the right balance. If Nightshade wasn't in such disbelief he might have found it interesting.

"What," Nightshade darted over to the couch where Torri and Computer sat. Torri stared at the Unicorn with milky red eyes, he held up 3 fingers. "How many- "

"Three," The little girl said with a hint of confusion, "It's a bit whooshy."

"W-Whooshy?"

Computer crossed his legs, "I couldn't fully grant her back her sight. Her eyes didn't heal properly. She can still see but... Well- "

"That's good enough. Don't want to bore her with the details now."

Nightshade grabbed a hold of the girl's hand and led her away from the living room, he didn't want her to be subject to that. She didn't need to hear that, he didn't want to hear it.

"Torri, go get dressed. Speed or Endie must have left you some- "

Computer cleared his throat, "Yeah, I don't trust those two. Torri, go to the attic and inside the big red police box. Down the hall, two lefts, a right and the third door on your right. You can pick what you like."

"Okay."

Nightshade watched as the girl ran up the staircase and out of sight, he could only wonder how she was holding up.

She did watch her parents die after all...

"... That's why you always make sure nuclear waste is properly disposed of and not tossed out the airlock."

Torri nodded along as they walked through the doors of Sugarcube Corner, although Nights were sure she didn't even comprehend most of what he was talking about it was nice to have intelligent thoughts with someone who was willing to listen. Nightshade was impressed at how well she'd dressed for the weather, black jeans a white short-sleeve. It was simple but appropriate...

Better than how Ace used to dress...

Once inside the crowded place, Torri seemed to grip his hand tighter. When did she start doing that? He hadn't really even noticed, but he had noticed her discomfort and walked to the nearest booth just hoping for an empty spot-

"Oi!" Nightshade cringed.

He knew that voice, that annoyance, that goodie-two-shoes...

Nightshade turned to look at the source of the voice. There sat the Doctor, with his cross-eyed blonde assistant. Nights had met her before, Derpy, a very nice girl. He slowly marched over, allowing Torri to slide in next to the Doctor and him next to Derpy. He preferred it.

"So Nightshade, this your new travelling companion- She's awful- "

Nightshade glared at him, "I swear if you say- "

"Small. I was going to say- small. What's your name, little lady?"

Nightshade faked a gag at The Doctor's sweetness, he wished The Doc was more like him sometimes.

Torri glanced at the smiling muzzle and wild mane of the well-dressed earth pony, "Torri."

"Well, I'm the Doctor and this lovely lady is Derpy Hooves-"

"Hiya, Torri," Derpy said politely.

"Torri, the Doctor is, unfortunately, an old friend. He also ditched me during the Pegasi Blitz-"

"Hey! I told you I was going to head out to stop that Cyber-controller-"

"You left me. To babysit. A. DALEK!"

Torri smiled, and that cooled Nightshade's temper slightly.

"Hey, it was a defective Dalek. It thought you were pretty."

Nightshade let his head rest on the table, "I've never been more disgusted than being flirted with by a Dalek."

They all shared a chuckle.

The Doctor fixed his tie with a smile, "So. Nightshade, where you gonna head off to? Hopefully somewhere safe with little miss Torri?"

Nightshade rolled his eyes, "Oh please, I'm not some pansy like you. I'm a Valentine stallion, we don't do safe."

The Doctor's smile seemed to falter, "Say, you haven't seen any... Anyone... Just... Heard any whispers? I don't want to worry you but, someone's out there causing trouble. I thought I'd let you know."

"Did you really mean that," Torri asked as they walked into Pandora she didn't look scared if anything she looked intrigued? "That you don't do safe things?"

Nightshade flipped a few switches while a pressing thought ran through his head, Torri didn't even seem to notice how Pandora was bigger on the inside or that it was a spaceship- That's when it hit him, children are just more accepting of everything. That and they just had ice cream.

"No, that was the truth," Nightshade sighed resting a hand on a big lever, "The safest thing I ever did was visit Rarity and that ended in her hitting me."

"What did you do?"

"Accidentally tore one of the shirts she made me."

"She must have really liked that shirt."

Toro shrugged at that and Nightshade was fine with that, there was no way she could know who Rarity was after all. Nightshade looked up at the moving parts in the middle of the console, then back at the girl who now began to take an interest in her surroundings.

"Torri you ever been to space?" Nightshade asked with mischief in his eyes and smiling wide when she shook her head. "Would you like to?"

The girl frowned, "You can't go to space, it's all the way up in the sky."

"Is it?"

Nightshade threw the switch and Pandora rumbled lightly as the centre of the console began to rise and fall gently, the ship groaned lightly as it dematerialized from his attic. Nights sighed, that was arguably one of the most notable impacts The Doctor had on him. He'd grown to love that sound, oddly enough. Even if it wasn't supposed to happen.

"Alright, Torri. Now it isn't. Take a look outside."

Why was he trying to impress this filly? He couldn't find an answer himself.

The little filly squinted at him, "Why?"

"We're in space now, I put us in space."

Torri shot him an unimpressed look.

Nights feigned being hurt, "You don't believe me kiddo? Take a look, if I'm wrong we can go get ice cream again."

He heard rushed footsteps before the doors opened and turned to watch in amusement as she stared out into space. Torri was speechless as she watched the planet below her turning slowly and silently in the void of space, the moon on the far end. Stars burned brightly and danced in the distance as grand galaxies swirled brilliantly.

"I can't believe you doubted me. I am genuinely hurt kiddo." Nightshade sauntered over to the doors and put a hand on her shoulder, "So, what do you think?"

"It's- "

"Yeah?"

Nightshade was interested, this view would bring most ponies to tears. He could only imagine how-

"Really cold."

Nightshade mentally facepalmed as the filly shivered, how could he forget? The vacuum doesn't hold heat.

"Sorry, forgot space doesn't hold heat fairly well. Lack of proper gravity does that," The unicorn explained as he took off his jacket and placed it on Torri.

"Then how are we here? My teacher said there's no air in space."

Nights sat down next top Torri, "She's right, there's no air. However, Pandora has her own gravity and oxygen field. That's why you're not floating away and why you can still breathe. Nothing to worry about."

"Are we flying?"

"Yep. How else would we be here?"

"Does that- What if I fall out? While we fly..."

Nightshade chuckled, "I think Pandora likes you too much to let that happen."

The unicorn and earth pony stared out into space for a few minutes before Nightshade broke the silence, walking back to the console. He couldn't help it, he gets antsy fairly quick.

"How about an adventure?"

"To where?"

"Anywhere! Anytime! All of time and space is now in your hands, kiddo. Where do you want to go?"

Torri pouted, "How am I supposed to choose? That's not fair."

Nightshade patted her head, "Well, did you know that in the future... Ponies live in space?"

"Really?"

"Yep. You Equestrians really know how to get going. Wanna check out a settlement?"

"Didn't you say it was going to be dangerous?"

"Torri. Listen. Everything is relatively dangerous, but if we only did safe things life wouldn't be much fun would it? Now you can choose between the pegasi stations or unicorns station- "

"What about the earth ponies?"

Nightshade could understand that, she is an earth pony and she would be more interested in earth pony things.

"They love the land too much to be stuck in space. They terraformed- That means they made the planet able to be lived on by growing plants- a few colonies. Strong-willed as they come. I swear you lot could scold a dragon. So what'll it be?"

Torri scrunched up her face in thought and Nights almost chuckled, this was fun. He hadn't had genuine fun in a long time. Not since-

"Pegasi!" Her answer snapped him out of the stupor as she flapped her hands excitedly, "They fly and do cool tricks and, and, and- "

"Alright, alright! Don't tire yourself out before you get there!" Nightshade snapped his fingers and Pandora's doors shut themselves.

"Yay!"

"Next stop... Everywhere."

Chapter 7

"Hey!"

A masked hooded figure bolted down the sidewalk pushing past a group of ponies, knocking down a few mares in their wake with the police hot on their trail. With a hard flap of their wings, they flew fast and low, weaving through the street and traffic as they evaded capture. The figure dipped into a dark alleyway, laying flat on the ground as a whole squad of officers flew past and overhead. They let out a sigh of relief as they removed a bag from under their cloak, the bag had been weighing them down, but they felt it was worth the risk.

Footsteps from the entrance of the alley caught the pony's attention, but they kept calm.

"Hey, citizen," the officer who entered the dark alley called pointing a flashlight at the figure sat on the ground, "Hey, there's been a robbery and- "

The hooded pony pressed a hand against their chest and hunched over towards the officer with a pained grunt, the officer rushed over to their side.

"Local units, repeat, local units! We have a potential stabbing- Agh-!"

The pegasi officer suddenly couldn't breathe. The pony hunched in front of him made eye contact with the officer, the officer looked down and there was a midnight black blade sunk to the hilt in his chest. They struggled for breath only making pained gargles before shrieking out into the night.

Nightshade stuck his head out of Pandora's doors, "Nice! Here we are Torri, twenty-third century Pegasi Station Solaris. Or Celestial if you like that one better."

Torri stepped out of Pandora and her mouth hung open, whispering a quiet 'wow'.

"See, I told you it would be cool. Oh, hold on," The unicorn stepped back into Pandora, grabbing a small cylindrical tube with a dark red tip. He reemerged offering his hand for Torri to take. "Now before we do anything, I have a few rules. One, don't wander off. Two, pay attention."

Toro just nodded along excitedly but wilted slightly, "But my eyes- "

"Funny you mention that... I thought about that and figured you might need these."

The charcoal pony reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a pair of ordinary-looking glasses, much to Torri's confusion. He ignored her doubting face and gently placed them on her face.

"Boom. Glasses. Timelord tech. It'll fix your vision for as long as you wear them."

She nudged her glasses up her nose, "Timelords sound awesome."

"Yeah... They were..." Nightshade almost frowned but changed the subject before Torri could get a word in, "Now let's not dawdle, I have a few friends around here. We can go visit them."

He flashed the filly a sharp smile before snapping his fingers, Pandora's doors closing and locking, and beginning to lead her down the sidewalk. Despite the fact that they were hundreds of years in the future, Torri couldn't help but feel like she was in Manehatten. With hovering cars zooming around the streets and ponies soaring overhead in a clear rush.

Nightshade smiled, She's just like him.

They continued down the noisy streets, from how busy it was Nights could only assume he had the misfortune of landing them on a Monday morning. He would have to pay attention next time, but that was for next time. He turned the corner at an electronics store just as a breaking news story began to broadcast, much to Torri's confusion he slowly came to a halt holding her hand firmly.

The newspony looked worried, a streak of grey in his jet black mane and his teal fur looked dull in comparison to his blue suit. "There is an update to the robbery that took place just last night. The suspect was last seen wearing a long tattered cloak and a metal mask, they are to be considered armed and dangerous. Two officers brutally attacked, one killed and one in the hospital from injuries sustained. If you spot a suspicious pony, inform your local Peacekeepers."

A tug from Torri's hand snapped the unicorn back, "C'mon Mister Nightshade!"

I can't let her worry about this, I'll pop in for a visit and then we leave. Nights thought anxiously. He picked up the pace, keeping the smile on his face as the walked down another street and his destination came in sight. A small tech shop on the nearby street corner, the neon sign read 'Ze's Upgrades'. He hurried over, holding the door open for Torri. Nights took one last glance back at the street and froze when he made eye contact with a pair of red eyes that belonged to a well-dressed unicorn who stood across the street. It seemed improbable but he knew who it was, it was him and next to him stood a blonde pony that he couldn't identify. The two Nightshades nodded at each other before the one in the street grabbed the pony by the hand and vanished in the crowd, Nights shook his head before joining Torri inside the workshop.

"Lassie be careful with that," a voice shouted. Nights walked farther in to find Torri holding a prosthetic arm and an older white unicorn slowly taking it from her, "You're right trouble, where's yer- Nightshade! So this little hellion belongs to you? You finally smashed that royalty then?"

The unicorn lit up with embarrassment, "Zenith! Don't say stuff like that in front of her!"

"Oh please, when I was a wee lass- "

"To answer your question, no. Nothing happened between Ace and me. We actually aren't on speaking terms right now."

"Hurt his feelings?"

"He thinks I'm dead."

"So I'm gonna assume you're gonna be leaving soon? Seeing the recent events?"

Nights simply nodded.

"Well, surely you could help out to eliminate this murderous thief. They've been scaring away me clientele, for Celestia's sake they've rolled out the Peacekeepers."

"Ze. I can't. I have Torri with me, I'm not gonna put her in danger to help out. I'm sorry-"

"No, Nights. I'm sorry." The white unicorn looked away running a hand through her wild greying mane.

"For wha-" Nightshade stood defensively in front of Torri, she clung to his leg as officers surrounded them. The officers looked different from what he expected. They wore polished minimalist armour, only enough to cover shoulders, torso and legs. Some wore tactical visors and others wore helmets, on some the outfits were form-fitting. All of them were armed with automatic rifles, all pointed at Nights and Torri. "You bastards, you Equestrians love using force to get what you want- Put the damn guns away! You're scaring her. Don't you morons have any decency?"

Nightshade scowled at the security detail as they marched him and Torri to the Peacekeeper HQ, a massive skyscraper in the centre of the station. From the outside, it was an elegant and ornate building that stuck out like a beacon of light. Inside there were agents milling about, some armed, some in plain clothes, some in fancy suits but all of them had a pistol or gun of some type on their person. It was almost impressive to him, but he was still pissed about them aiming a loaded weapon at an 8-year-old. The two were marched into an elevator in the lobby with security following them inside and hitting a button at the top of the panel, the doors soundlessly slid closed and soft annoying music began to play as the elevator rose up. Nights took his free hand and dug it into his jacket finding the sonic screwdriver, it had been given to him by The Doctor as a birthday gift. He pressed down on the button of the screwdriver getting a warbling noise before the music cut, earning a confused look from the security. Before another song began to play.

"Straddle the line, in discord and rhyme, I'm on the hunt, I'm after you, mouth is alive, with juices like wine, and I'm hungry like the wolf..." The speakers kicked out the familiar tune and Nights nodded his head along.

Then the unicorn noticed the stares, "What? It's a classic! Loosen up a bit, geez..."

The doors opened to an office with an amazing view of the nearby galaxy and sun, dark oak desk and bookshelves lined with countless files and books. The floor was made to look like smooth wood panelling if it wasn't for the circumstances that they were there under he might have taken a few notes on interior design. Nights and Torri stepped off the elevator but the security detail stayed inside and let the doors close. At the desk sat a zebra in a clean grey suit, polished shoes and a shaved mane. The blue eyes stared into Nights' blood-red with amusement.

"You know," he began, putting a cigar in his mouth before lighting it and taking a quick puff. "You're quite the difficult pony to get a hold of-"

"So you point guns at a child?" Nightshade snapped.

"Unfortunately we're in a situation where this is needed, seeing as I don't know if you heard but, someone robbed one of our military installations last night. We heard of you and your skills through the grapevine-"

"No."

The zebra looked confused as Nights let go of Torri's hand before the unicorn crossed his arms, "That sounds terrible, but it also isn't my problem. I don't do that stuff anymore. You got some psycho willing to rob a military base? No deal, especially because I have- "

"Han." Nightshade whirled around just in time to see a gryphon firmly grasp Torri. She squirmed and protested, Nights bared his teeth in a snarl at the zebra who smiled wide. "Maybe you misunderstand me. You will help us catch this bastard. Hopefully, my new bargaining chip will help you see reason. You will help us capture this terrorist, dead or alive. This is motivation- "

Nightshade raged behind his relatively calm eyes, he considered killing these two but he couldn't. Not in front of Torri. He only had one choice.

"If you move a single hair on her head out of place, there won't be enough of you left for a funeral."

"Excellent! Head back down to the lobby and my Lieutenant will give you all the information you need to know. Good luck."

Nightshade gave Torri a little pet on her head as he passed by and entered the elevator. Stay strong kid. Nightshade thought as the elevator zoomed down to the lobby. When the doors opened a mare stood waiting, or at least what Nights initially thought was a mare due to the pony's stature, the pony stood a good foot shorter than him. It wasn't all that surprising considering he was actually decently tall but they seemed like the runt of the litter, a short dark brown mane brushed neatly over one eye, grey fur, hazel eyes and a smug looking grin that almost irritated him to look at. They wore a smaller chest piece that seemed more for show than for protection. The brunette had a large katana strapped to their back. Wings neatly folded against their back and helmet held in their hand against their hip, Nightshade's eyes lingered for a bit too long.

"I thought you'd be taller." It was a male voice, albeit effeminate sounding.

Nights growled, "I thought the LT was a stallion."

"Really? How tall are you? 6'2? I didn't know they stacked shit that high."

That one got a chuckle out of the black unicorn, it had been a while since he had someone to banter with. He felt like someone was missing and knew who.

"Now that formalities are out of the way, I'm Lieutenant Princess."

He motioned for Nightshade to follow as he began to walk through the lobby.

"Wasn't my idea and not my actual name. It kinda just stuck. My drill sarge heard my name and called me a princess. I was a bit of a diva in training camp. After all, my parents named me after a princess. Just call me LT or Lieutenant. You're Nightshade. I know."

"We should head to the crime scene- "

"I can take you to the alley where the murder happened, but the military base is under lockdown. Nobody in or out kind of deal. There have been whispers that this was an inside job, they say this was carried out by Peacekeepers. They think we did this."

Nights shook his head as they exited the building, "I know the feeling. You're just trying to do your job and people think you're the villain."

It wasn't long before the two stood in the opening of the alleyway, it was blocked off by police tape bit the forensics team was long gone. All that remained were splatters of blood on the ground and walls with the faint metallic odour of blood. Nights light up his horn and stepped into the alley, walking slowly as his magic began to create a choppy image of what had occurred. He was really missing Ace now as he felt the painful strain of using lots of magic at once. He didn't have a clear image but there was one detail he'd managed to glean from it.

"Lieutenant," Nightshade looked over his shoulder, "I've got some bad news."

"What do you mean, this fucker is among us?"

Reasonably, the LT wasn't taking it well.

"LT, one of your guys did this. The killer had on one of your bodysuits. I couldn't catch their face- do you know what they stole?"

The two hurried into the Peacekeeper HQ, making a beeline for the barracks. The LT put their helmet on before bursting into the bunk room that was bustling with life. Peacekeepers sat around talking, playing cards and cleaning weapons.

"Atten-ttion!" LT barked.

Nights' jaw nearly dropped as all of them stood in two rows at attention not a single one even showed a shadow of dissent. A few had been in the middle of a card game and there were now cards scattered all over the floor.

"Agents? This is Nightshade. He's so graciously offered his services to help us solve this case and find this bastard. I've got news, boys. He's identified a crucial part of the perp's outfit. In fact, all of you are wearing it. There is a traitor among us agents. The barracks is now under lockdown, head to the mess hall. You will be questioned by Nightshade if there's even the slightest bit of deception... You better hope he can hold me back. Dismissed!"

Nightshade glared at LT as the other peacekeepers filing into the mess hall looking sombre and paranoid, "Well what the fuck did you do that for? We had the element of surprise-"

"Trust me. I know all my men, they wouldn't dare disobey a direct order. You're free to question all you like. I have two guys sweeping perimeter and making sure nobody can get through any nearby airlocks."

Nightshade loosened up, the LT had a handle on the situation. If one of the PKs did it then they would have to be in the barracks, there would be no escape as the whole place was locked up tight. There would be no escape. And I can get Torri out of here. He thought with a scowl.

Nightshade frowned after his first rounds of questioning on the superior officers, a few of them seemed shady and clearly were doing illegal activities but none fit what he was screening for. He looked to the LT who had walked back into the room and was carefully watching the room, making sure nobody left.

Nights hurried over to the LT, "Hey, where are those two guys on patrol? There's something I need to ask them- Well, I might as well ask you. Was anyone here in the squad that was chasing the guy?"

"Yeah," He murmured, "Styx and Tungsten were... Shit, they're on patrol. Go find them, I'm gonna try to get them on the horn. They should have been back by now. They should be circling just around the entrance-"

Nightshade took off sprinting down the hall, hastily pulling out the sonic screwdriver. It wasn't a weapon but it gave him some reassurance. The unicorn hit a hard left, skid around a right and rounded another corner and stumbled upon something on the floor quite literally, nearly falling as he caught his footing and whirled about. On the floor lay the bodies of who he assumed to be Styx and Tungsten, both stallions lay dead on the floor with their helmets shattered as discarded. Their throats were slit and blood had already begun pooling around them. This was recent, Nightshade's mind reeled in realisation. Nights yelled for the LT and the pony came charging down the hall, sliding to a kneeling position next to one of the bodies. The scent that followed the LT was akin to that of chemical cleaners and that distinct hospital smell.

"You a medic, LT?" Nights asked.

"I am, but it's way too late for them-"

An explosion rocked the barracks and smoke billowed out from a nearby hall, words didn't need to be exchanged for the two to understand what was happening. Both bolted out but Nights ran towards the lobby that looked like a warzone blew through, he rushed into the elevator and smashed the top floor button. He tried to take deep breaths, the place was well guarded and that bodyguard should have-

The doors opened to the gryphon bodyguard's head sitting on the desk, his blood painted the office and his lifeless eyes still seemed to show horror. The window behind the desk was shattered from the inside, Nights already knew what he would see but walked over to the window and looked down. The body of the zebra lay in a dark red puddle on the sidewalk. He turned away in disgust and spotted the glasses, Torri's new glasses laying in the gryphon's blood. He reluctantly bent down and picked them up. I did this. I brought her here because I wanted to show her the world... Why did I do this? Why did I think it was a good idea? He walked into the elevator and smashed his fist into the lobby button before taking a deep breath and focusing his magic on the glasses.

A memory began to play in his head. The deafening burst of gunshots filled the air and now he could see hands and knees scrambling across the floor. He must have been looking through Torri's view! He watched as she crawled across the floor over to a vent near the elevator, Torri's vision glanced back at the zebra and his bodyguard but the two were focused on the elevator. She focused on the vent cover, sound seemed muted but he could faintly make out the filly's feverish hyperventilating breaths. She pulled at the cover, the metal digging into her small hands. Just as she broke the cover off the hinges, the gut wrenching sound of a pin being pulled reverberated as the gryphon screamed. There was a blast and the glasses lay still on the floor.

Nightshade let his magic rest, he saw what he needed. There was a chance. That Torri got away and she was safe. He was going to catch this guy. Nights stepped off the elevator in a huff. LT looked Nightshade's way with concern, he only shook his head.

"Any word?" The unicorn inquired.

"Reports of a masked and shadowy figure headed towards the docks. We can end this, I can get us some EVA suits in case things get ugly."

They took off, LT leading the way as he called for all forces to converge on the docking bay and be ready for a potential spacewalk. Whoever the pony was who had done this left a trail of destruction, Nightshade would probably have to kill them. He would have liked to leave that in his past but it seemed to not want to leave him without a fight as if it was part of his very soul. Luckily for the LT and his troops, not to mention Nightshade, the docking bay wasn't too far.

The LT gathered his men, "Alright! Alpha, go secure a perimeter of the entire port. Nobody comes in. Beta, go suit up in EVA. If he tries to leave, you blow him to hell. Nightshade, let's hunt this bastard."

"Wait, " The unicorn followed the angry lieutenant inside the port, "Shouldn't we suit up-"

"No time, we can't let them escape. Too many died today. This ends here."

The two split up to cover more ground, although the unicorn would have preferred them sticking together. He felt sick as he stepped over countless bodies and following a trail of bloody footprints on the metal floor. Nightshade could feel adrenaline rush as there was a shout as the sound of a scuffle, then a gunshot. He bolted towards the sound, hurdling workbenches and sliding under a low hanging transport ship. He turned and growled. In front of him was the hangar's energy barrier that kept the deadly vacuum of space out and a shadowy figure holding the LT with their arm wrapped around his throat. Nights pointed the screwdriver upwards and activated it, the spotlights came to life and illuminated a familiar face. He looked different, speckles of grey in his fur and mane, his fur and mane seemed to now have an iridescent golden sheen to them.

"Well," He started with a pained toothy grin, "I haven't seen you in a few centuries. Still licking Celestia's boots?"

"Darkstar." Nightshade growled lighting up his horn.

"You know this asshole?" The LT struggled and Darkstar tightened the grip.

"Ah, ah, ah. Language. Now come on, I don't see you for year's and this is how you greet me? Quite frankly I'm hurt-"

Nightshade tried to step towards the two but Darkstar seemed to be prepared for that as he pointed a gun at the unicorn.

"Don't think about it. You know you should thank me- I mean, you were trusting this... What are you? I can't tell- a stallion? Shaped like a succubus this one- I'm helping you. Trust me."

Nightshade snarled, "Trust you. Trust you? In the past, you tried to end reality! You tried to kill my friends. You tried to kill Ace-"

"You do know that playing nice for that fool isn't gonna get you any right? Nevermind, you believing me doesn't matter. This is- "

The ground shook as the cargo ship that Nightshade had passed a minute ago now began its automatic takeoff cycle before slowly flying out, much to the annoyance of Darkstar.

"Dammit Nights! You always have to fuck up my plans don't you?"

"Let the lieutenant go."

"That's the thing you never understood about me Nightshade, you think you can control me. Say hello to Celeste for me-"

Darkstar seemed to leap backwards, still holding LT hostage. "Nightshade-!"

That was the last thing that escaped the stallion's lips before they passed the barrier, the sound cut short as the two floated off slowly and silently. Darkstar might be like Nightshade, but not even he could survive open space without a suit. It was almost ironic how Darkstar scolded Nightshade for his distrust, then commits mass murder. Nightshade looked away, he couldn't bare to watch the LT's body float away lifelessly.

"It didn't have to be this way..."

It was only mere moments before Pandora materialized beside him and he walked in with his eyes closed. First priority is to find Torri.

"Computer, station-wide scan. I'm not leaving until I find-" The stallion opened his eyes. Torri stood next to Computer with a few scrapes and cuts. Nightshade picked up the filly, hugging her right and bursting out in relieved laughter. Compared to the shitstorm that just occurred, this was a bright spot. "My God kiddo, you had me worried! I thought... It doesn't matter-"

Torri looked sad however, "But I dropped your glasses when I escaped the bad pony-"

Nightshade couldn't believe it, the girl was set to cry over something so trivial. "Fuc- I mean, forget the glasses. I'll make you new ones, better one's. How's that?"

The figure huffed as they closed the airlock on the cargo ship, ice chips covering portions of exposed fur. An impromptu spacewalk was not in the plans, but thanks to Nightshade it was needed to make an escape. They flicked the frost of their wings and began to make their way towards the cockpit, the grumbled softly about how shitty the ship was and how they could have taken one of the experimental ships. Hindsight was always twenty-twenty. The hazel-eyed pony sat down at the controls and adjusting their perfectly brushed brown mane, with a smug smirk.

Chapter 8

"Well, we should be back now." Nightshade chimed hopping up from his chair, if he had to be honest, the chairs were a nice touch. Good for long flights, he thought as he looked over at the sleeping form on the other seat.

Torri had fallen asleep a long while ago after he's tinkered up some new glasses, he felt bad for putting her in danger like that. He should have known better. Yet he felt like he had to impress her, he almost laughed at the idea. Pandora's engines began to spin down and he stood from his chair, gently nudging the filly awake. She sleepily slid out of the chair to her feet, much to Nightshade's amusement. He found it uncanny how she and Ace seemed to interact with Pandora. It wasn't like the old girl to pick favourites, she even flew silently so Torri could sleep.

"Come on kiddo," Nightshade offered a hand and she grabbed it, "That's enough scary adventure for one day. Doncha think?"

"Mmhm," Was all Torri could muster in her groggy state.

Nightshade approached the front doors and snapped his fingers, Pandora's doors flying open in response. He stepped out, still smiling at Torri, the moment the sun touched his mane there was the familiar clicking and clacking of multiple guns. With a sigh, the unicorn glanced up at the squad of Royal Guards surrounding him and his ship. Had it been another life, he might have just erased them all.

"What is it with Equestrians and guns? Before you gents even say anything, the guns won't be needed." Nights tried.

"If you think I'm gonna march your changeling ass- "

"Whoa! Language!" Nightshade shouted, taking a step forward causing all the guards to flick off the safety on their weapons. "Can't you see I've got a little lady with me? Didn't your mother teach you not to swear in a lady's presence?"

The guard was a bit speechless as he eyed Torri in mild confusion, "Either way... Osiris. Transport us."

In the blink of an eye, the entire group was suddenly just outside the throne room doors. Nights could faintly hear a conversation on the other side, three different voices. A cold sweat came over him, one he couldn't understand.

Why am I nervous? It's just Ace... I'm not... I'm not afraid of him. Imagine that, ha! Me... Afraid of... He thought bravely, but a nagging feeling in the back of his head said otherwise.

He wasn't afraid of the Prince, he was afraid of what the young alicorn would do.

"Well, guys, they're clearly busy-," Nightshade was halted by Strike opening the door from the inside. "Bugger... You ratted me out, Strike?"

She just stared straight ahead, her pristine helmet casting a deep shadow over her eyes. He couldn't believe it, especially after he'd gone out of his way to help Struck? He and Torri were ushered into the room, Celestia and Luna stared daggers into his soul. If looks could kill, he'd be in a stone prison. The prince, however, stared out the window facing away from the filly and stallion. The only visible changes were the elegantly tailored suit he wore instead of sweats or any of the clothes Nightshade had gotten him. He slowly glanced over his shoulder, his baby blue eyes locked on Nightshade's bloody crimson. There was an odd terror that gripped him. Why would he be afraid of Ace? Ace is harmless.

Celestia walked past him with Luna in tow, "If it were up to me, they would have just executed you. Bug."

The princesses and Strike cleared out, leaving just three. Nightshade, Ace and Torri who seemed more than confused and now wide awake. It was silent. Eerily silent.

"I just need to know," Ace started in a low and almost disarming voice. "Are you really him? Did Captain Strike tell me the truth?"

"I'm not a-"

Ace stomped and a thunderous clap of magic filled the air holding Nights like a chokehold, "Truth is a single word. Lies are many. Answer."

"Yes."

"Are you a changeling?"

"No."

"Who is the filly?"

"Friend."

"Where have you been?"

"Everywhere." Nightshade meant that, and Ace's grip loosened.

The young prince marched up and slapped the taller stallion probably harder than he'd ever been slapped, he coulda sworn Ace had knocked something loose.

"What the he- Mhm!" Nights rage was silenced by a deep and passionate kiss, now he was confused.

What? What the hell? This isn't right, why is he?

Nights separated himself from the prince, "What are you doing? Th-that's highly inappropriate! Plus you gave Torri a complete eye-full of whatever that was- "

"Right, sorry." Ace smiled, "I've just never been so happy to see anyone in my life. I knew you'd be back, you said so. It just took you longer."

That hurt the unicorn to hear, that Ace still believed he was alive after all that time. There was a mild tingle in the back of his head.

"So what's up? You look worried."

Ace frowned, "I have a problem. A colossal problem. A drifter problem."

"A drifter," Nightshade scoffed, "Come on, you could send some guards to mop up some random drifter causing issues."

"Were it so easy," Ace sighed shakily and tried to maintain the smile with little success, "You know, I think you coming back is a good omen. Cause last week this drifter send three guards back to Canterlot in body bags."

Nightshade motioned for Ace to continue.

"I want to welcome you back properly, maybe even get Luna to give you your job back... Hell, you can take me out after this... But this drifter threatened to assassinate two ponies who are now under Luna's personal watch. You're the only one I can trust with this-"

"Who were they-"

"Strike and Sioux. I can only guess why."

"He wouldn't."

"They have the means and capabilities..."

Nightshade almost cursed under his breath. He had completely forgotten about Sioux, not to mention Strike's condition is bad as is and she refused to take leave. This was brewing up something that wasn't gonna end pretty.

"Nightshade? What do you know about the Samurai of Manehatten?"

Chapter 2

Once Nightshade was sure that Strike wasn't going to fall apart, they made their way through town.

"F-... Damn," Strike hissed as she gingerly sat in a chair wincing as the train bumped.

"You look like death Strike," He said with genuine worry, "Mind telling me what the fuck happened?"

Strike nearly looked ashamed, "I don't want to talk about it. Thunder and I are having some- having some issues, that's it."

Nightshade fell silent, he couldn't force her to talk. Well, I could... But he decided against it, right now Strike was the only pony who knew he wasn't dead and he didn't want to blow it.

"Can you tell me what happened at the Gala?"

"What didn't happen," She huffed with the traces of a smirk. "So there I was, dancing with Struck and Sioux- you haven't met him have you? He's a changeling before you even start that stuff, he's harmless. Some idiot in an all-black suit and a mask walked in with a loaded 45, I thought the Prince was gonna die that night. He shot at the Toro girl instead, I'm not saying she didn't have it coming but she sure as hell didn't deserve it, I pinned that fuck to the floor and he was under arrest in 10 seconds flat. Turns out someone let it slip that the girl who got away with multiple serial murders was attending the Gala. We're still running an internal investigation."

"The fucking gall of the guy who did it," Nightshade mused with a frown, "Did she- "

"No, she's not dead. She only was shot in the stomach. She didn't shrug that shit off though, she's probably still in the hospital."

A thought then rushed into Nights' mind. Had I jumped the gun on that last one? What if Ace hadn't died last time?

"Let's hope she's awake. I wanna talk to her."

"That's if you get past her guard dog," Strike muttered with a chuckle.

Strike noticed his perplexed look and continued, "Some lunar agent that was pulled out of early retirement- "

"Rita." Nightshade thought out loud.

"That's probably what her name was. Heard she suffered serious trauma. She was specifically requested by the Prince of all ponies to watch over that murderer. Luna practically begged her to come back. Real jumpy mare."

By midday they walked into the hospital, there was extra security. Well if anypony wants to start shit at least there's someone to do something about it. Nightshade though darkly. Strike led Nightshade past them only offering a glare to anyone who thought of stopping them. They walked down the noisy hospital halls in silence, there really wasn't much for them to discuss. The thing Nightshade did want to talk about Strike was adamant to avoid the topic altogether. They turned a corner and came across a door with a royal guard posted outside, Strike gave him a salute and opened the door.

Nightshade began to follow but froze as the guard levelled his weapon to Nights' chest, "Hold up civi'. Where do you think you're going?"

"Stand down Skipper, he's with me." Strike motioned for Nightshade to come inside and the guard lowered his weapon but his cold stare never left as Nights hurried inside.

The door closed behind him and the air felt different in the hospital room, the tense feeling was seemingly gone. There in the bed lay the pony he resented, she looked quite bored as she rested her chin on one hand. Her other hand was handcuffed to the bed. Next to the bed in a chair and a fine suit was a familiar face.

Toro looked up at Strike and Nightshade, "Captain I must be imagining things. I don't think I can see ghosts.... yet. Hello... Nightshade. Back in the land of the living?"

She tried to laugh but it came out choked as she almost doubled over in pain.

"N-nightshade?" Rita looked nearly terrified, "Aren't you- "

"Yes! I know! I'm not dead, it would take more than a puny explosion to kill me." Nightshade snapped, Toro wasn't phased by his glare. Not that she could see it anyways. "I swear you all think so little of me."

"So it would seem. Why are you here? Come to kick me while I'm down? You would. After all, you live for blood don't you?"

"If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead. It isn't a threat, it's a promise. I would be careful what you say and who you say it around. Talking like that will get you in trouble with some dangerous ponies."

Strike raised an eyebrow, "Really? Someone, you consider dangerous? That's a new one."

"What do you mean? Don't you remember the- " Nightshade looked at Rita who looked interested, "The dragon Bri told you about from the desert?"

"Right. All things considered, I think we all might want an explanation on that- "

Strike was interrupted.

"Hey, this has been fantastic an all but could the fillyfooler and the idiot leave? I'm feeling... tired."

"You bitch! Who the fuck are you callin'-! " Strike began to snarl but Rita stood with a baton in hand as Nightshade held her back.

"Strike." Nightshade hissed in a warning tone.

"I'm sorry Cap. But she wants you to leave, so you gotta go. You can contact me if you have any questions." She rested a hand on the baton and it seemed to hum softly.

Nightshade led the irate captain out, scolding her for losing her cool.

"Come on Strike, you know better. Let's head to your place."

The moment the door closed Toro sighed almost shakily. The duo's footsteps faded as they left.

"Nina come here- "

"Rita," The mare corrected as she sat next to the bed.

"That's what I said. I want you to wake me up at 9. Get us some food and we can eat together."

"Totoro, you do know I'm not your maid. I'm here to watch you, not mmph-!"

Toro silenced the mare with a kiss, she broke it and laid down facing away from her. Rita was shocked, not really flustered but more in a state of confusion. There was a strange feeling building in her mind. She wanted more.

"9 o'clock Nita."

Chapter 9

"Isn't that like a Mercenary group," He asked really to himself while Ace paced the floor, "Something like that..."

Ace looked at the floor, "Not so much a mercenary group, as really just a mercenary. He worked for Luna once or twice, though he wore a mask back then- He's just a murderer now."

"How do you know about that?"

Ace rolled his eyes, "Luna doesn't really know that I look through her files sometimes. It's irrelevant."

Nightshade frowned, "Right. So I'm hunting this guy, anything I should know? Like what he looks like?"

"Pushy," Ace snorted much to Nightshade's annoyance, "I don't know what he looks like anymore. I haven't had that express luxury. Anyone who had seen him who could report back to me is dead."

"I figure I'll know him when I see him," Ace smiled a toothy grin at Nightshade's begrudging compliance, Nightshade caught a glace of the Prince's small fangs. "I'll see what I can do. But I don't do killing anymore, I'll catch him and you can prosecute him."

"That is all I ask."

Nightshade frowned as he stepped out of Pandora and into the brisk morning air of Manehatten, he locked Pandora's door. He