Bitter and Sweet.

Bitter and sweet

Chapter 1 - a strange new world.

Would you believe me if I said I am dead? If you said no, well, your only half right. Now, what if I said I was transported into a brand new world where ponies and mythical creatures roam the land? If you said no, your only half right again. If I told you that I was the wealthiest kid alive, would you believe me? Now, if you said yes, your bloody wrong! I fucking wish I was drowning in the money, ahem, I mean bits, which is the currency in this country called Equestria, dominated by a shit ton of ponies. Yeah, I know, ponies! Who would have guessed that ponies would one day turn around and tell you that they had enough of our shit and declared war upon all human then, somehow killing humanity off. Nah, I’m only joking. Humans would of fucking put a bullet through there heads and had them for a meal. To be fair though, these aren’t just any ordinary ponies to take likely. There are ponies with wings known as a pegasus, unicorns and just plain ass ponies. Ponies that have different structure to our horses too. shorter mussels, much shorter than our ponies, bigger eyes, more meaty legs. Get on this; their fucking colour stream is unreal. Have you ever seen a fucking pony with pink fur and hair.
At first, you should of seen me; my gob was bleedin touching the floor. Now keep everything that I said in mind, you would think that some twisted scientist went on a bender before creating these things. That isn’t even the mad part either. These fuckers are sapient, yeah, you heard me. Fucking sapient! They can think, talk, eat, sleep, piss and shit! If you don’t believe me, I don’t bloody blame ye; I would have laughed in your face then, laugh a bit more to piss you off for making dumb shit up and eventually pull a knife on ye and take all your money while I was at it. Unfortunately, folks, that's the situation I’m in.
I’m in a new world that I don’t belong. To be fair, I didn’t fit in much back in the past either. I was okay with that anyway. It’s not that I didn’t fit in as much, oh I can blend in if I wanted to back then but, it was more like I was being utilised. Trust was off and on; I could count the times my so-called friends did me dirty. I was too soft, never did redress them for the shit they put me through. I wish I could go back in time just to do that, a few shanks there and then until the guts are hanging out. Maybe life wouldn’t be that hard then. A few bodies to make my life a little easier would be worth a little stress off my shoulders. Yeah, that would be nice. I couldn’t believe how stupid I felt when it finally snapped into my head. It’s always the simple things that fly right by ye until it hits you that you’ve been doing everything wrong. It was almost hilarious how I missed all the signs, and I just took it like blades to my heart. It was so much easier just to kill them. It’s so laughable that when I think about it, I chuckle, like now.

With the night of day, where the moon is gracing the sky with its ominous light. I sat, almost deathly still on a red armchair just staring at the old roof of the living room, chuckling softly to myself with a big old smile on my face, feeling the ends of my mouth reach my cheeks, thinking back to the good old days. Nothing was amusing, but I do laugh at myself often. It’s funny how much I changed. A scared young pushover, to an embodiment of evil. It’s fucking hilarious. I put the small straw to my lips as I inhaled all them chemicals into my lungs and softly exhaled, leaving a trail of fog out my nostrils and mouth like a fantom river. It was satisfying to watch the gas leak out. Then, out of nowhere, I went back to laughing at my former self. Fuck me; I was such a runt. Smashing plates and glasses was heard from the other room, but I paid no interest. Tony and Vixen were probably looking for food. Doubt they will find anything considering they like meat above all else. The fire in the fireplace crackled and crackled with my mad fits of giggles. The light did catch my attention though; it's dancing shadows, it’s a powerful aura demanded its fuel. I smirked.

“Okay, okay I’m coming old friend.” I spoke to the fire, walking to the basket of chopped wood and fed it. Throwing chucks at it and watching it grow. I nodded to myself before standing back up on my two feet.

“Do you like the fire, little one?” I said, not looking away from the elegant dance. No one replied. That’s funny; I'm sure I'm not alone. I looked behind me to where the couch sits; a red colt sat still, wide-eyed and trembling. Still, I don't see why– oh, I know the problem, he’s still gagged, silly me. He should at least attempted to speak. Rude prick. I shuck my head and chuckled momentarily before lifting the white cloth from his mouth.

“Let me try that again, ay? Do you like the fire, little one?” I asked again, standing over the colt until my shadow covered him, a tooth grin gleaming showing my canines. He still didn’t reply; his jaw just malfunctioned as if he was going to speak, but his brain had a brain fart or some shit. I sighed before slapping his cheek, turning his head.

“Has your parents ever told you to speak when spoken too? Honestly, kids these days are bloody rude—no manners what so ever.” I tsked to the now crying colt. I plopped my small ass next to him, and he flinched closer to the arm of the couch while I rested my arms on the back of the sofa, leg over the other. I just looked at him as he stared back at me. I sighed. Talking to kids is like talking to a brick wall, I swear.

“What's your name, kid?” I asked, plain and simple. A question that he can answer easily. I waited, and waited– and waited. “Are you going to fucking answer or what? Cause I’m losing my patients with you!” I said darkly to the colt who seemed to freeze to my tone.

“kermis!” he blurted out, seemingly going stiff as if speaking his name would bring harm. I chuckled and took a pull of my ciggy.

“Kermis ay? I’m sure that’s the name of a village in the Netherlands. Why do you ponies have such fucking weird names? Doesn't it give you a headache just to remember mashed up words like, I remember there was a pony called Berry Punch, like, who the fucked thought putting berry and punch together would be the best name for this kid. Don't get me wrong; she knew how to have a good time; that’s why I let her off the hook. She’s a cool one but, honestly, why can’t they just be regular names like jack, James, Ellie, Sarah, like come on!” I ranted flailing my arms in annoyance just to cross my arms. I suddenly realised the kid was looking around the room desperately. My grin expanded, raising a brow. Should have guessed he’d look for a way out, they all do in a state of panic. Honestly, am I that scary? I know I’m not a pony and all, but still, I'm near enough their hight of a fully grown pony and much skinnier. You’d think I was much weaker than them. Oh well, not my fault they’re a bunch of bitches. I lifted my fist to my mouth and coughed lightly, making the ears of the colt to swivel towards me.

“Looking for something there, sonny Jim?” I asked brightly. Kermis’s head slowly turned to with such conflict in his eyes; I could see his eyes snap to the door behind me and back to me. It’s almost pitiful.

“Please–please let me go.” He whispered with a lump in his throat. I looked at him for a second before looking away and stared up at the ceiling once again, taking another pull and blowing the smoke in the colt's face, making him croak.

“No, not yet anyway. I must admit, I am feeling kinda peckish.” I saw him flinch and I turned to him with a devilish grin. “By any chance to you have meat in the kitchen?”

“N-no. We only eat-”

“Pick a hoof.” I said quickly before he went through the list of food he has in the kitchen.
“A- hoof?”

“Yeah. Pick a hoof; I'm hungry.” I rolled my eyes. Ah, there’s that face I’ve seen all my life, utter terror as he looked into my eyes.

“Please don’t do this, I don’t want to die! Please! Don’t!” He whaled, standing on all fours and slowly backing away. I sighed.

“I'm not going to kill you; I just want a piece of you. I’m being nice here, kid. I could pick for you if that makes you feel better? But one way or another, I’m getting a bite while your blood is still fresh.” I said, flattening the palms of my hands to my sides. More tears started to form, and he softly sobbed, his bloodshot eyes not leaving mine. I waited patiently for his tears to stop, aye, I know, what sort of evil person am I? Playing with small ponies like that is inhumane. Truth be told, I don’t really care what youse lot think anymore. I’m a free girl in an open world. These ponies want to see me as a monster. They've fucking got one. They chose what they wanted me to be, not me. Haha, to be fair, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Suddenly, something wet attacked the side of my face, I turned to see two green eyes staring back at me from on top of the chair's arm. Tony waggled his tail. I took a final pull from my ciggy before flicking it into the fire.

“Hiya buddy, finally finished raiding the kitchen I see.” I chirped, scratching under his chin and rubbing his head. His tail only got faster, oh Tony does love my attention. “Who’s a good boy? You are, yes, you are a good boy.” I rubbed roughly but he only leaned into it. Like a good boy.

“T-timber wolf!” The frightened sob came from the torn colt. An instant later, Tony’s fangs was displayed at the shaken colt with a low growl.

“Easy boy, take it easy lad. He ain’t doing nothing you daft twat.” I laughed, pushing him off of the side of the chair. As much as he loves the attention, he is also protective. Just like Vixen, he’s also protective but he doesn’t mind my attention. He’s more of a fat twat, eating anything that moves. Tony’s head swivelled and ears straightened to the kitchen as a momentary squeak echoed. In the doorway was Vixen with a twitching rat in his locked jaws, blood spilling like a delicious sauce. He wore a hungry smile that said how much he’s going to enjoy devouring the rat.

“Hiya boy, you gonna share that?” I asked. Vixen just looked blankly at me and a second later, dropped the rat. For a second, I thought he was about to share with Tony but how bloody stupid I was of believing Vixen had such an ability. Vixen put his oak paw on the red body of the rat and ripped off its head with a loud snap. He chowed down that mother fucker like there was no tomorrow, teeth tearing into flesh and bone. Tony gave of a low pitch moan, sniffing the meat hungrily. Vixen gave a gulp before looking up at me with a pleased look. I returned it with a stern look.

“Don’t even think about it.” I warned, levelling a finger at him. Vixen paused, looking at me then at
Tony. He gave an indignant huff before just leaving the rest of the rat there. Tony didn’t miss a beat as he snatched up the headless rat and nashed down violently. Vixen snorted as he just curled up on the couch, resting his chin on my lap. The glow in his eyes seemed fade as light breaths came from Vixen. Couldn’t blame the poor bastard. We haven’t slept, eaten or had a decent shelter over our heads. Watching Vixen snooze was making my eyes droopy. Then I remembered we had company next to us. The colt just sat there, trying to squeeze deeper into the couch. I was kinda surprised he didn’t try and run for it. That’s what everyone does when I get distracted. Hmm, fear maybe? Meh, lucky me. I mean, lucky him. Vixen and Tony here can reach speeds of 60 to 70 km/h. He would have been snagged up before he could get to the front door.

“You decided yet? I did say I am hungry. Make me wait, and I might get greedy.” I teased, which made the boy sweat more. Haha, watching these ponies squirm is generally funny and kinda cute.

“I don’t want to lose my hoof, please just let me go!” He begged like every other pony I devoured. Always whining, always praying. Can’t they take a bit of pain. Pussies.

“Alright, I'll make it easier for you, if you don’t choose what hoof I’m going to eat when I reach zero. I’ll pick for you. Okay? Okay. 3!” I said clearly, lifting three fingers up to show Kermis. He shuffled uneasily, knowing that one of his hooves is going to be gone forever.

“2!” one of my fingers going down, only showing two left. He went to lift a leg up but as quickly lowered it.

“1!” I said, my grin getting bigger and another finger falling. This is going to be the hardest choice he’s going to get. I wonder what one he will pick for me. Oooo, I do hope he picks his right hoof. Most of the population usually prefer the right hoof over their left. Just like people on my world. Fun fact, I found that out by getting hit too many times and ending up like the sister of fucking Igor. Looking back at it now, it’s a little funny. I had a swollen face and had a hunch. Present me is laughing at past me’s problem. Stupid past me.

I was about to finish my count down when he suddenly lifted his left hoof rapidly, looking down in his sobs. I smiled, it’s not his right hoof but, a-o, it is a hoof, can’t complain.

“Very well then lad.” I said, slowly manoeuvring myself so Vixen wouldn’t wake up and walked over to the colt. I looked into his eyes, and he looked back with such terror that I almost giggled. I took his hoof in my hand and my other in my back pocket.

“Listen closely, kid. This will really fucking hurt like a bitch. No like honestly, your arm is like fully going-“

With a quick, swift motion. I pulled out my kukri blade, and as fast as the speed of sound, I cut right through the bone and flesh and put it back in my back pocket. Nothing happened at first. The colt looked fleetly confused for a second as it looked like the blade just fazed right through with no harm. Then his face paled, and his mouth slowly opened in a silent scream. He pulled back his hoof- well, what was left of it as hot, red liquid rapidly flowing out like a sink. The pain struck him like thunder and a he screamed to the point that he lost his voice. I sat back down next to Vixen who was awake now from all the screaming.

“Aww, did the loud cunt wake you up? Aww, come here.” I said, plopping my ass back down next to Vixen who put his head back on my lap, eyeing up my pony leg. I bopped him on the nose which he sneezed soon after. The cute bastard. I look to the right where the colt clinched his severed hoof against his chest with his other hoof tightly, making more blood squirt out furiously. I whistled.

“You might want to keep that blood in mate, you have no idea how many people have died from loosing too much blood. It’s a killer.” I laughed at my dumb ass joke. A dad joke as you will. His eyes were pleading for mercy. His eyes told me he didn’t want to die. So, what I did was waved goodbye with the hoof in my hand with a big fuck off grin on my face before, taking a bite off his arm, the sweet blood, dripping from the edge of my mouth. I licked the nectar from my lips.

“I Must say, your blood is indeed fresh. Youngblood is always the best blood. Ay! Fuck off! That’s mine; you fat shit! You ate a bloody rat’s head! Prick!” I pushed Vixen’s head away from my meal. Tony, being the sneaky fucker he is, almost snagged it from the armchair.

“No, Tony! You can fuck off too, you shithouse!” I shouted, wrestling the two wood wolves. My piece of meat in the air while my other arm and foot were shoving the snouts of the two wolves. I tried to hold them off, but, they are some wriggly fuckers, and once they want something, they'll get it. They are just as stubborn as me. If not, more stubborn than me when they're hungry. Well, guess what? I’m hungry too, so I trump any living thing in this universe.

“Wait! Listen, boys! Do you hear that?” the wolves stopped their attack and listened, their ears picking up every little detail as such as the howling wind, the crickets, the crackling fire. It was peaceful. No screaming kid or anything. The two wolves glanced over to the colt. Well, how can I describe it… Well what can I say? He’s dead. His body went limp over the side of the chair; his eyes bloodshot and almost rolled to the back of his head, and blood covered the couch, floor, him, me and even on vixen. Doubt he cares though. His heart did not beat any longer. The two heads turned to look back at me.

“Well- go on. He’s all yours.” I said, nodding towards their meal. They seemed to smile happily, their tails wagging. They both nuzzled both sides of my cheek in gratitude and went over and dug into their feed. I did the same, impaling the meat with my fangs, scoffing my face with juicy fluid. Then, I facepalmed.

“Fuck! I forgot to ask him if he liked fire again. I wanted to look cool and wise before I killed him; God damn it. He would say yes; then I would laugh at him then, talk about a life lesson using the fire as an example, but then I fucked it up again. I always do that; I always get distracted by- oi! Vixen! What have I told you about sharing, fat fuck!.” I shouted with food still in my mouth. I sighed. Oh well, maybe next time. I looked around the living room and smiled a bit while chewing. Not a bad place, I do say so myself. It's a homey home. I would mind staying here for a few days. If I could, I would take this house to the Everfree forest with us but, life is never that easy with me. I stretched my arms up, seeing my double-jointed arms bend the opposite way a bit. I got up and had a little wonder around the room, taking nibbles of the arm there and then. On a cabinet, I did see a picture of the same lad smiling happily with a small grey filly and two older looking ponies. I stared at it for a good few seconds. A family ay? Haven’t had one of those in fucking year’s. Didn’t last long though, don’t really want to have another one. Fucking sucked, in my opinion, and if you say otherwise- well, you got issues. I tossed the picture from over my shoulder, hearing the glass break through the ripping flesh and blood gushing out from the colt. I opened the draw, to see keys, pen, pencils and oof sweets and a bag of bits! I put them mother fucker in my rucksack that hanged on the hangers where fancy-looking coats stood. There was also something that caught my eye, a golden ticket. A family ticket to Canterlot. A train ticket. My brow raised. It was dated for tomorrow. I could feel a grin form on my face as I took another bite, reaching the bone. I guess we are going on a trip.
I know what you must be thinking, who the fuck is the psycho bitch? Well, to be fair, I should of introduced myself at the start. My name is Ada, born and raised up in London, and I was a thieving cunt. The best. I had a whole gang around me, make me a vibrant girl for my age. But, the only problem I had was that I was soft. Took what I want and I left too many witnesses. The last time I stole anything was when I stole from a noble's mansion. He saw me, and I just ran. I should have slit his throat. The man sent all his men to the streets. He had heard about my crew, took one of my boys in, tortured him, and my boy told him everything. He told the nobleman where I lived, who my friends are, where my school is, everything. That's when my family was torn apart and my crew killed. I destroyed my family that day. That’s a burden I wear till this day. They should have never died because of me. I should have been more strict with my rules. No witness left alive. That will forever be a rule thanks for a certain someone. Luther, my somewhat like farther slash mentor. He gave me things that no other person could with a simple bite to my neck at the age of 15; my body has never grown up since. I became a blood-sucking monster that day. He taught me the ways of being a vampire.
The origin and theory of what we thought we knew about the vampires are wrong. It confirmed we suck the blood of mortals to live forever, and there is a rare few of us, but the sunlight does not affect us in ways of death, we prefer to eat meat raw and can eat other things like fruit and veg, but it's not common, and no, we can not turn into bats. We do have a superhuman, freakish strength and speed though, so, that’s pretty cool. Oh, also, I can manipulate blood by my will. Pretty cool ay? So, if you want to fuck with me, you're getting a blood sword up your arse. Luther did die sadly, caught sucking blood from a victim and was shot through the heart. That was when civilisation started to get creative with electricity in the natal stages of the industrialisation. The age where the legend of Jack the ripper was born. Haha, idiots. They thought I was a man. Gangs, crime, murder really came alive back then. Of course, I was all alone again. So I decided to build up a crew of thieving kids. Actually had feelings for one of them. Jacob was his name. A hotshot, bully he was, good at what he does too. After hundreds of year’s of my existence, he was my first kiss. In the end, though. I broke a rule, one of Luther’s rules. ‘Never tell anyone of our little secret’ he told me, and I ended up telling him anyway. He tried to kill me out of fear; he was never good at running away. He’s a fighter. He shot me; he shot me almost everywhere but my heart. It was agony. I killed him with my two hands. Haven’t had that feeling of love ever since. Never did tell anyone my secret either and for the ones that did found out, was killed and eaten. Now, in the modern day where technology was taken too the next level. I found it to be more- settled. War was common don’t get me wrong, but up in London, all there was were petty crime like homicide, gun and knife crime, robbery, drugs, small things like that. Not a special year really for me. Although, I did spice it up with relentless murder. For what you may ask? Cause I was bored. Plain and simple. A few hundred more year’s and I’ve suddenly just teleported here. Equestria. With a bunch of fucking talking horses. Yeah, I thought I fucking lost it or died in my sleep somehow, and yeah, I've just been surviving here ever since and made some powerful enemies while I’m at it. Fucking royalty.
Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Ah, the sound of a heartbeat. Not the colt’s, obviously. Not the wolves, they don’t have blood to push around their body. Not me, I’m already dead. So it must be the four ponies surrounding this building, and by the clanking of metal hitting one another, I'm guessing Luna’s night guards considering its still night time. They did not speak; they did not shutter a shaky breath. Did they know what to do, planned it through a scenario for when it came to the real thing. Possibly. Hoof language maybe? Either or, they really are prepared for me. Good. Now let’s see how prepared they are.
-=-
Name - Night Shade.
Age - 26.
Date of birth - 26/11/2174.
Height - 4,3.
Rank - sergeant.
ID number – 1837392738.
Address - 23 luna’s lake village.
Personal statement – I am a motivated, adaptable and responsible Thestral looking to make the world a better place. Saving lives is what I want to do in this world, and I couldn't think of a better place to be than the royal night guard. I am well disciplined, loyal and focused on my task in hoof. I am a team player; I have the listening, communication skills to communicate with my squad to ensure our task is complete. I will gladly lay my life down for the good of pony kind.
Qualifications - planning and strategising, basic combat skills, basic first aid, leadership skills, navigation and tracking skills.
Education - public services level 1,2,3.
Employments - none.

The night time wind whispered to me as I took my position by the side of the front door frame, Lenora tweaking with the door’s lock with her gadget. Two other of my squad picking the back door, Thana and Silas. We were waiting for this moment for a while now. I always volunteered to patrol the streets of Ponyville. There is a monster that lives in the Everfree Forest and always comes to play at night. I thought I was prepared to face this monster; I was confident the beast couldn't even touch me in a one on one fight, but- I don’t think I could have been more wrong. The blood draining scream of a colt out of nowhere made my whole body still, and I suddenly felt fear, something I don’t think I’ve had for years. It made my stomach twist and turn, and my legs shaky. I wasn’t so confident then.
“Night Shade, do- do you think it- it is here? The Mara? The monster?” Lenora said with the telepathic spell that Luna placed on us for our mission, still fiddling with the lock, a nervous sweat down her brow. The Mara. a violent, ruthless, monster. The embodiment of raw evil. Theoretically, conspiracy theorists had speculated that the relentless killing began when the six-element holders defeated the Nightmare Moon's spirit. They have started to question whether the elements of harmony had eliminated or just segregated the spirit from our Princess Luna, and it has found a new body. No one has confirmed that the spirit died at all, so; it's possible that we’re dealing with the darkness that Luna was absorbed in. I clenched my teeth, and I went through my thoughts like skimming pages in a book.

“Night Shade? Are you okay?” Lenora asked, looking up with concern. It only occurred to me that she was finished with the door. I tensed of the thought of moving in.

“Yeah, just keep your eyes open.” I replied. “Thana, Silas? You in yet?” I said through my head. Only grunts and curses came back to me.

“No, sarg. Something is jamming the lock– wait, is that- is that blood I smell? Is that meat jammed in the lock?” Silas mentally shouted, a hint of horror in his tone. Lenora gasped, wide-eyed as she suddenly wasn’t sure she wanted to look inside.

“I- I think your right Night Shade, Mara is here.” Thana said, her cheerful self none existent.

“Okay, we all need to calm down, there is only one of her and four of us. We just need to keep it safe and slow. It’s obvious that it wants us all to come from the front, so, I want Silas on me and Thana to see if there is an unlocked window you can go through, search for the colt while you're at it, he could be still alive. Do not let your guard down at any point in your search.” There was no reply from the Thestral mare at first but reply with an unsure affirmative.

“Roger that.”

“Its okay Thana, just stick to your training. You are the most stealthiest out of all of us. Mara won’t know you are there. We will be the ones making the noise down here, so don't worry about yourself.” I said in a calm voice.

“Yeah, don't worry. Thana, you got this.” Silas ensured his closed friend.

“Okay, I got this. Yeah.” She said to herself, trying to sike herself up.

“Okay, don’t go in just yet, let us make ourselves known to Mara first then, search each room for Mara or the colt. Over and out.” I said with clear instructions. I turned my attention to the Lenora and Silas who just landed making his dark armour rattle.

“Right, when we make contact with the monster, kill on sight. I’m not risking anything. Got that?”

They both nodded and stud each side of the frame, there wing blades out and ready for a raid. I inhaled deeply and slowly let it out, feeling my heart sooth. All my thoughts and fears were compressed into the back of my brain. The only thing I had in my head was murder.

Slowly, I warily opened the door wide to be greeted a strong stench that was all too familiar smell. The crimson blood. It was overwhelming our senses, being a bat pony, I shamefully have a craving for blood but, the punishment for taking blood from anypony was too great to ignore. I shuck my head rapidly, trying to say away from the beast within me. I could tell Silas and Lenora was fighting the feral selves. I took my first step inside the slightly lit room and was instantly greeted with blood everywhere, the walls, the ceiling, floor, furniture. I almost stepped back out at the scene, hell, I almost lost my dinner. That feeling. Fear. It came back to haunt me. It was paralysing the sight. I wanted to rip my own eyes out just to unsee this horrific image that is painted in my mind.

“Night Shade, your shaking. What-” she sputtered, taking in the sensation from over my shoulder. Her eyes wide as plates and her hoof reaching her mouth as she gasped.

“Oh, no, no, no. The colt. The monster. It- it, fireplace.” She squeaked before turning and letting her dinner exit. I didn’t want to look; I really didn't want to look anywhere near the fireplace.

“What's the big idea, just go in, it’s just a little bit of— blood.” He trailed off, looking inside for a good long while before looking back at me then, Lenora.

“See— just a bit of blood. Nothing we can’t handle.” He said, voice shaky and in a higher pitch. It was clear that he was scared shitless, but, that did snap me out of my trauma a bit.

“R-right. Let’s go.” I said, trying to compose myself.

I took my second step into the building, wing blades on standby. I scanned the blood bath. Seeing nothing but blood, until it came to the fireplace. Above the fireplace was a picture frame. Not just a frame but nailed to the frame was not a picture. The colt hung lifelessly by a nail that impaled his skull. He was unrecognisable. Chunks of flesh ripped from his body; face mutilated and his left hoof was missing, and his eyes were missing. That was not the most disturbing part, either. It wore a bloody wicked smile, cut from a blade up to the cheeks. I gaped at it. What ever this entity was. This can’t be the spirit of Nightmare Moon, no, she had meaning to kill but this pony does this for fun. This pony just ate an innocent, helpless colt and hung him as a decoration for his mother and father to see when they walk in. Their son dismantled and dead. Just like that, the longer I gazed only fuelled the fire that burned inside of me. Every detail of Mara's harm to this colt was like gasoline to it, my body began to quiver, and my jaw rooted. When the final mento had been added to the coke inside of me, I exploded with anger.

“Mara!” I shouted with my voice, my rage reaching every inch of this house. That might have been stupid but, I don’t think I cared there and then. We had to be known to the monster anyways. What Mara did was unforgivable, pure evil. Like a response, the entrance where we just came in slammed shut, making Lenora spin instinctively in a battle stance, wings outstretched.

“What the hell? It’s locked!” Silas pulled against the door but to no prevail. Abruptly, something shattered in the next room, making all of us swivel our heads. Lenora’s ears pinned down.

“Night Shade, I don’t like this. I feel like we're being watched.” She said, in a quandary with her fear and duty. I closed my eyes in thought, blocking everything out. I went through every strategy and scenario that my training has taught me. It’s clear that I must clear the ground floor then, make our way up to the second floor where we know Mara is a hundred per cent is hiding. It uses fear tactics to raise out anxiety or to scare us off completely, meaning it’s not a fighter. It most likely that it will sneak up on us when our guard is down. It won’t fight us head-on, not even in a duel. We mustn’t split up at any moment. I trust Thana will not be seen and can hold her own with the swift speed she has. She might as well be the shadow of the night. Still, we must meet up as soon as possible. I’m not taking any chances with this monster. I finally opened my eyes with a calculated head.

“Listen closely, if we’re going to kill this motherfucker, we must not be separated at any cost. This bastard will try and pick us off one by one. Understood?” I telepathically said, to ensure that the monster isn’t listening. They both nodded, catching an intrepid sentiment I had.

“Right, let’s clear the ground floor then the first. Watch your back and don’t let your guard down for anything.” I reminded. Not looking for a retort, I turned and tensed my leather wings, ready to fling out at any shadow or movement.

I took my movements slowly, not giving my direction away. The musty smell of the kitchen that had been abandoned since the last meal filled my nose. It was to my surprise that it wasn’t from the previous meal but, the dinner table was neatly set up like a date was taken place. Rich cloth covered the smooth wooden table, a lit candle in the middle with two plates on each table's end. I cringed on what was on the plate. A chuck of the colts flesh was splattered with little care. It was dim and inviting but uninviting at the same time. It was such a change in an atmosphere that I looked back into the living room just to check that I didn’t suddenly just entered a parallel universe. I tried to keep my emotions under wrap; I couldn't let Mara win over my mentally state but, I could see what Lenora meant when she said something was watching us, waiting to drag me into the shadows. I walked around the island, keeping myself low and making sure to look over my shoulder continually. Lenora was doing the same, mirroring my moves from the other side. Silas stud on guard by the door, looking into the blood-caked room and up the stairs way.

“Well, I’ve found the source of the noise.” Lenora said, stepping over the obliterated plate.

“Its just mind games Lenora, don’t let all this get to you.” I said, and I could hear her breathing slow down. Out of nowhere, the room just got a little lighter, and a slow humming sound made me jump out my skin. Even Silas looked startled as he looked over to the noise. I turned to see a microwave cooking something red inside.

“How the fuck did it just turn on by its self? There’s no way it could of just turn on.” Silas said, a bit shaken up.

“Keep your eyes forward Silas, Lenora, clear the whole of the kitchen. I’ll sort this.” I said, moving towards the carefree microwave. When I got into touching distance, it ironically was finished with it's humming and started to beep. I opened the door; not liking whatever was in here by its crimson colour. I sighed in disgust as what was left off the colt’s leg was shoved inside. I closed the door back over; the smell of the cooking flesh makes my head go dizzy.

“Kitchen cleared.” Lenora said in our minds.

“Okay, let’s head up-”

“Hey, guys.” Silas said, sounding more terrified than I have ever heard him.

“What is it, Silas?” I replied, narrowing my brows a bit. His head slowly turned to face me, terror evident in his eyes.

“The- the body, it’s gone.” He stuttered, Slowly backing up towards me. “Night Shade, this is fucked. I can’t do this, I-” he stopped in his tracks. Body frozen in time in the walking motion.

“Hey, are you okay? Silas?” I said, but he didn’t answer, his eyes were dead set on what was through the door frame. “What's wrong Sil-”

“Sh!” He quickly silenced, now starting to jerk. I looked at Lenora who looked back. I nodded toward Silas, and she nodded back, slowly making her way over. I could see her carefully peek her head at the bottom half of the doorway, crouching down. Like a connection to Silas to Lenora, she went rigid, and her eyes dilated. Now that was worrying.

“Lenora? What’s going-”

“Shh!” I was silenced again. What? What are they looking at to make them freeze up like that? I really didn’t want to look considering if I freeze-up like them, Thana will be upstairs all alone. Speaking of Thana, shouldn’t she be done upstairs by now? Well, I guess you can't rush being sneaky.

“Thana, what’s your status? Over.” I asked. Nothing. “Thana, are you there?” still nothing. Nothing but the floorboards creaking, dust falling from the from up top. Somepony is definitely up there, and I can only hope it's Thana.

“Come on, you two. We need to assist Thana up-” I halted. I saw what they saw. I suddenly felt my blood drain as I felt cold. My body paralysed to the spot out of fear that if it caught me move; it would take a chase. I took a glance towards the fireplace to find that the body is indeed gone and now peeking from behind the couch; the left side socket glared back at us with that dead black eye and deformed face. It’s twisted smile forever painted into my memory. We waited, he waited. It was like the time it’s self waited too, only our thoughts in motion. How long we stud there, I wasn’t sure. Time passed me, and I must have forgotten to breathe.

“H-hey there buddy, a-are you okay?” Lenora said, putting on an apprehensive smile. I was about to tell Lenora to be quiet but, the colt, it nodded. Somehow, with the flesh missing, a nail through the head, eyes ripped out, he was still alive. The unimaginable pain he must feel with all he’s been through. He should be dead.

“Who did this to you?” I asked. His head seemed to move to my direction disturbingly. I gulped as now I was the centre of attention. Without warning and with unnatural speed, he went back from behind the couch, the wooden floor picking up the little scuttle of hooves, sounding like an insects taps. I shivered from the creepy behaviour. The colt shouldn’t even be alive never mind walking around on three legs.

“Silas, take him to the hospital as quickly as possible.” I asked, meeting his mortified eyes.

“What? Are you crazy! Did you just see him then? He should be dead but somehow alive, he’s never going to make it with the amount of blood he’s lost.” He blurted out as if I was a mad pony.

“Silas, please help this colt. He does not deserve to die in such a way. Please, try for him.” I pleaded. It’s not every day you see a commanding officer saying please to their squad member but, I’ve known Silas for a long time in the night guard. Didn’t start off in great terms either. A real hothead, all muscle but no brains, always looking down upon his teammates. I didn’t really like him. He’s the type of pony to get ponies killed because he won’t follow orders or take the mission seriously. One day, he thought he could win me in a spar and- well, he had no technique just brute force. He learned a thing or two that day. That same day, he sat down next to me at lunchtime. I think that’s when I started to see him in a different light. He admired me, and I considered him. Don’t get me wrong; I tell him off for not following orders and slacking off on patrols around Canterlot but, I can honestly say he’s a nice lad with a passion and bravery to help others in need. So, as I ask him to save a life, I could see his eyes soften.

“Okay, I get it. I'll see what I can do.” Silas said, calmer than he was. I nodded head towards before I noticed something out of place. It was a blood-covered print of some sort on the wooden floor, nothing I have never seen before. At the top of the print was five dots, all different sizes from left to right then, on the other print next to it it was right to left. The two bigger dots closed together when the strange figure walked. Below the dots was a bean looking shape. There are multiple of the bizarre-looking things, leading up the stairs like arrows to we’re Mara is. It finally hit me that whatever this thing was, it was no pony, and, it was waiting for us up the stairs.

The temperature dropped drastically when we followed the blood marks to the landing. The moonlight showed its beauty through the singular window at the bottom of the hallway where a cabinet is resting under the light with flowers and a picture frame. On each side were two doors, each having a name hanging. Kermis one was called, fuwie another was called. The third one was just mommy and daddy. It was quiet, too quiet for my liking. Rain, the wind, a creak of a floorboard, anything to fill this empty void of stillness and my nerves. Surely Thana should have encountered Mara by now. Now that I thought that in the silence made my heart sink. Did she make contact with Mara? What happened? Where is she? Did she win? Is she hurt? Is she— dead? A hoof touched my shoulder, making me spasm.

“She's going to be okay, trust her ability.” Lenora's soothing voice sent my thought flooding away; her been present next to me was like a bubble filled with peace and unity. I think it was always like that when we first met when I was just a colt. We were best friends in the school and college days. We did everything with each other. We hung out, played games, went to the festival; we sparred each other, we fought together, laughed together, cried together. She’s a special to me, always there when I need it most. I like her a lot. One day, I’ll ask her if she would want to be my special somepony… One day.

“You're right. Thank you, L-”

Our eyes departed from one another as the sound of a door slowly whining open. Movement could be heard from the far left room, where the door opened. Lenora and I took a stance, waiting for whoever to come out. Pained, Heavy breathing, a jagged step followed up with something sliding across the floor. It took me almost everything in my power to stay put and face whoever this is. Little by little, it got closer to the door. Eventually, a dark hoof was seen dragging itself from the door frame. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the scene that folded right in front of me. There was Thana, ripped of her armour, her mane loose and left covered in blood. She was crawling away in one hoof as the other was none existent. She was outright sobbing her heart out.

“Thana!” Lenora gasped looking absolutely beyond terror. Thana stopped her struggle to look at us with extreme affliction. Lenora left her spot beside me and went on a sprint towards her. Thana reached her hoof to her.

“Help.” She said no higher than a whisper. That was the last thing she said before she was getting dragged back in but, the door was slammed before her head and hoof could make it through. Thana started to choke violently as her bloodshot eyes dilated to pinpricks. The door was destroying her windpipe; she couldn't breathe. I suddenly found my legs and went on a mad sprint with Lenora. She Barged everything she had into the door, the door didn’t even budge a bit. The force pushing against was far greater. Even when we used our wings to push with our strength, it wouldn't move. What was pushing the door? A bloody bear? I slammed my body against the door, having the same result as Lenora. We both pushed with everything we have, but the pressure intensified. Thana’s face said it all; she was beyond fear. She couldn’t get a gust of air in her lungs. The only reason she hasn’t been decapitated yet is because of her hoof lodged in the door too. A devastating crunch was heard vibrated from Thana’s hoof. All she could give was a quiet scream as the bones in her hoof are being snapped in shards. Even worse, more strain is on her neck now, and she was helpless to help herself. She looked at me, her eyes watering up. She didn’t want to die. She had a filly and her special somepony at home, waiting to come back into their embrace. It was painful to watch her like this. She was a cheerful and humorous mare, always cracking jokes and always had that trademark smile on her face. I couldn’t think of a happier Thestral than Thana. She was the one that made us smile the most. I couldn’t ask for a better friend. Now that I see her in such a state, it makes me furious.

“On three, we give everything we’ve got!” I shouted through the struggle. Lenora nodded, eyes watery too. “Okay, on-”

“-e.” A mare’s voice finished for me. “Two!” the mare from the other side said in a sing song tone. Mara. That had to be Mara. But, she sounded so young. Thana tried to speak in panic. She didn’t say anything, but she didn't need too, she was desperate to get out.

“Three!”

“Three!” We both said at the same time. Crunch…! I think the entire world stopped at that minute to see what made that terribly awful sound. Gradually, my eyes saw the damage that was made. I just wanted to cry; I wanted to run away, I wanted to tear this whole house down until it was just rubble and most of all, I wanted to rip this creature in half. I trembled in peak hatred; My fangs gnashed, and my vision saw red. I was on the far side of mad. Thana, a guard, a friend and a mother of one died. Cause of death, decapitation by door.

Her blood covered me; her empty eyes looked distant and dull. She created a pool of blood beneath her like the red sea. I couldn't believe what I saw; I didn't want to believe what I saw. She’s dead—Thana, dead. I looked over to Lenora just in time to see her legs give out from under her. She must of fainted from the shock of seeing Thana die such a way. I was light-headed myself. I didn’t know what to do more. Laugh until this nightmare would wash away, scream until I had no voice, run to the other side of the world and curl up into a small ball or die trying to kill the one that did this to her. I went to lean on the door to support my shaky legs, little did I know that the door moved with effortless ease. It turns out both of Thana’s hind legs was carved off too, leaving the only hoof to crawl out. And it just watched her; it watched her bleed out. What lowlife pony would do that? How evil must she be. At least Nightmare Moon killed her enemies quickly. I slowly raised my head with such fury I felt my self snarl like a wild animal, growling primarily. And, there she was, a creature like no other I have ever seen, sitting on a chair in the middle of the room, the moonlight coming from behind it, giving a shadow to hide its identity. It wore a blood-stained black Hoodie with her hood up with some sort of black beak sticking out like a beak from a duck, no sleeves, expose to view a black shield like symptom with patterns around it like vines on one arm and a detailed skull of a creature he’s never seen with more vine like patterns on the other. Connected to the hood were two white strings hanging down its shoulders and had a two way pocket near its stomach. It also wore black coloured, baggy, long trousers that reached her black shoes that had some sort of white tick on the side of it. It leaned back on the chair, one leg over the other and arms crossed. From under the shadow of its hood were two red, fierce eyes, looking deep into my soul like the reaper.

“Sup, batboy.” She said mockingly. I got in my battle stance and let my fangs bare. Oh, I’m going to enjoy drinking all of her blood.

“You bastard, you killed her… You killed my friend!” I shouted, taking a heavy step forward, letting her know that I’m mad with rage, but, the mare didn't even wince. She just sat there like I wasn’t even here. Out of nowhere, in the corner of my eye, two woodland green orbs glowed and momentarily froze as a shape started to form from the shadows. First, it was a low, dark growl. Then, two rooted, slender legs stepped down from the comfort of the mattress. It’s body wrapped up in roots and sticks of oak. It only took me a second to realise that the beast was a timber wolf from the ancient Everfree. It walked across to stand in front of Mara, his daring eyes never leaving mine.

“Aye, I did. It was quite amusing seeing her try and sneak. She thought she could kill me while my back was turned but, I guess she didn’t see what I did downstairs. Oooo, speaking of downstairs, how did you like my display? Should of seen the look on your face, scared shitless you were.” She laughed, slapping her thigh hysterically. I growled as I wanted to wipe that smile off her face.

“The colt is alive; he's going to make it.” I said, my wings twitching in anger, but that seemed to make her laugh even harder.

“Oh, you’re a funny guy, you know that? Aww, I haven’t laughed like that in a long while.” She said, wiping a tear from her eye. “Anyway, it has been fun, not gonna lie. You did put on a show there. That’s why I’ll let you go but, your friend will die.” She said, pointing the finger at me, wait, not me, behind me. I turned my head rapidly to see Lenora unconscious and another timber wolf, it’s blood-soaked jaw ready to bite down on her neck. My fighting spirit instantly faded. I was too careless and left Lenora behind in a fit of rage. I did this to myself. I quickly turned towards the powerful being.

“Wait, not her, anything but her! Please!” I said, begging to this disgusting creature.

“Ohh? Do you plead for her life? And what do I get in return?” she leaned forward, seemingly interested. I blanked for a second and started to panic as I could see this going too many ways that could result in much more disastrous things in Equestria. Except one.

“Please, just kill me instead and let her go.” I shouted, feeling my heart race as I just set my time and date on a tombstone.

“Aww, how heroic. No, I decline.” She waved her hand. My heart stopped, and I felt my body temperature decrease.

“Just tell me what you want!” I exclaimed.

“There, now that wasn’t that hard to say now was it?” she said with the most delighted smile on her face.

-=-

Ada.

Ponyville.

“Soooo, batboy, I never did catch your name. Well, I probably did but I must of forgotten with all-”

“Why do you care?” the bat pony said, glaring definitely.

“Well fuck you too then, I guess I’ll just call you batboy for now.” I said, one side of my cheek lifting. He gave an indicative huff.

“Its NightShade.” He mumbled.

“Aww, cute name. Really suits your look in all that dark armour and batponyness.” I said, strolling with my hands rested on the back of my head, taking slow but long steps, matching the pace that my temporary companion was going. We agreed to help me out for the life of her friend. Oh ponies, they're too easy to manipulate. I swear, I could run-up on a pony and command for all their bits otherwise I’ll jump off a cliff. The gullible bastard would probably give me all their bits and jump for me. The worse thing about that is, I don’t know if I’m exaggerating that or not. Ponies man, what goes through their head.

“Where is this place where we’re meant to be going anyway?” Night Shade said, looking away from me. Must be a shamed to talk to me. Oh, I can tell he hates me to the core. It’s taking him every ounce of will power to not lash out on me there and then considering were walking alone. Yeah, I left Tony in charge of Vixen, trusting that they will be good boys and watch Night Shade’s friend while she is unconscious, leaving the corpses of the two-night guard's and the colt’s body if they felt tempted to have a nice bite of Lenore was it? I’m sure that’s a shampoo brand back on earth. I’m sure there’s a connection between our two universes or something like that, I don’t know. I'm not no teacher's pet. You should off see his face when he saw his other buddy, Silas was it? Yeah, I think so. Silas’s throat was torn off by Vixen. Guess they didn’t check the kitchens cupboards. Now that’s the definition of a man look.

“Oh, why do you care?” I said, using his own words against him in a kiddish way. I may be a couple of thousands of year's old, doesn't stop me being a kid though. Where are my parents to tell me otherwise, huh? Yeah, thought so. He just sighed and stared at the gravel path we took to the location. He looks depressed, wonder why?

“Oh don’t be like that, you’ll get use to it. It will hurt at first but, you’ll get over it sooner or later so cheer up you miserable cunt.” I said, punching his shoulder making him flinch a bit.

“You expect me to take advice from a pony who just kill two of my crew and keeping another with hungry wolves. Who do you take me for? Don’t act all buddy-buddy with me you lowlife.” He said low and dangerously. I chuckled again. I know he hates it when I laugh at what he says. He hates that I’m not affected by what he’s saying. Little does he know, I’ve heard it all before. Oh, it really annoys the fuck out of him.

“Boo-hoo, get over it, fucking baby.” I shuck my head, a half smile on my face. It wasn’t long at all reaching the site. It was the most yummiest building I’ve ever seen. The roof was covered in mouth-watering chocolate and cream covering the edges, reminding me oddly of hot chocolate but as a ceiling. Sticking out the top was a cupcake… No, like, there’s a big ass cupcake just chilling with a window, looking like a Rapunzel’s castle. Oh, there’s also a figurine of a pony with a candy cane. Random as fuck but I rate the effort as one of the weirdest looking buildings I've ever come across.

“Welp, here we are Night Shade. Are you ready?” I said, looking up at the bizarre building. Night Shade looked up and was confused for a second.

“Why are we standing in front of Sugarcube Corner?” He asked with a deadpan expression. I huffed and crossed my arms.

“In that building is one of the most dangerous mortals you will ever face, ever!” I said in a tone that meant no joke. Night Shades eyes went wide by this claim.

“Th- the most dangerous mortal? What do you mean? Have you faced it? What does it look like?” He said, looking at the building with a new sense of dread.

“I have faced it and I barely made it out alive.” I said, feeling a sweat drip just from the memory of our encounter. “I can remember it as clear as day, it was actually when I first came to ponyville. It was night just like this one, I was checking my bearings of the village when I came across this building. It was the only one that stud out to me, you know, it being one big bloody candy store. I break in, as I do, and snuffed out the place, you know, shoving a shit ton of sweets in my bag when all of a sudden-“ I paused for dramatic affect. “There she was, just standing there with those large eyes. I know my are pretty creepy but holy fuck! Her eyes, it had something to them that I can’t explain. It’s a feeling that made me down right terrified. Despite that, I fought her. It was only a one sided fight. I couldn’t touch her, not a single blow. No, that’s a lie. I did get a good blow on her but, her body defied the law of physics. Her body was like rubber when she bounced off the wall with its tail, yeah, it’s fucking tail. And bounced back at me. I think that’s when I ran. I did take some of her candy and as much as the candy tasted amazing but, I never went back, until now.” I said, staring at the building, it was exhilarating. I couldn’t help but to smile with my fangs bare. “But now, I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Why? What makes you sure that you can beat it now?” Night Shade asked.

“I was unprepared. At the time, I was so confident I could take on the monster with my bare hands. Now, I’m going to have a little more fun.” I giggled, reaching into my bag for a specific tool. The metal structure of a gun. When I pulled it out, it reflected the light. A 44. Round revolver. It was beautiful as the day I used it. I snapped out the cylinder and gently rolled it, showing 44. Rounds in the chamber. Lovely.

“What- what is that?” Night Shade said in awe. Taking in the beauty of my weapon. I just tapped the side of my nose, knowing that will piss him off. He just grunted. “Whatever.” I laughed.

After licking the door cause it looked tasty, I twisted the nob on the door; now, I was expecting the door to be locked but, the door opened effortlessly. It was like she was expecting me. Excellent. As I slowly opened the door, I took aim at every corner of the unlit candy store. I studied the room like an artist looking for a shape, colour, or anything out of place. Nothing but, one heartbeat from upstairs. It was her. I know it is. Her heartbeat has a higher pace than any other pony. Her heart is pushing blood around her body so fast that I doubt she's asleep. Somehow, she knew I was coming. I took a glance over to Night Shade who stud at the side of the door, peeking in.

“I can’t believe I’m doing this because you want sweets. You know if I get caught doing this with the likes of you, I might as well send myself to Tartarus.” He mumbled.

“Yeah, yeah, keep crying scrub. Just remember I have your girl with my little friends so, you better be prepared to give your life to me if you want to save her, that is if you are having second thoughts?” I asked. “Of-of course not. Let’s just get this over with.”

“That’s the spirit; now, Once you try them, though, you'll be glad you came with me.” I patted his dark blue hair. He shuck his head defiantly. I just stuck my tongue out. I took the first step into the leery area, landing on my trainers' side to reduce sound. I was on my guard, one hand pointing my revolver and my other in the my waist, resting against my kukri. I wanted to laugh on how wary I am. I have faced many things in my life. Gangs, wild animals, the military, hell, I’ve survived a bullet to the head, so, why does she all of a sudden get me on edge. Why has she called me on the defensive? I don't know but, if there's one thing, I do know, if my heart were working, it would be exhilarated with excitement.

Scanning around the room was more difficult than usual; my eyes would always glance to the sweetie goodness.

“Okay, the room is clear. Stuff all the sweets you can get your hands on and I’ll free your girlfriend.” I whispered.

“Girlfriend?” he asked, raising a brow. Oh, shit, yeah. Forgot I’m in pony land.

“Fillyfriend, marefriend, whatever you want to call it, mate.” I rolled my eyes. Oh, theirs that blush I’ve been waiting for.

“Sh-she not my mare friend. And I’m certainly not your mate.” He growled with that red tint.

“Oh, but you like her, do you not? Your heart rate picks up every time she’s near you, lover boy.” I teased. And now he’s gotten redder. I’m jealous; he's got blood that flows around his body, especially his cheeks. Lucky prick. He didn’t answer; he just walked away to the jars of sweets on the shelves. I shuck my head. Young love. Never gets old— get it? Young love? Never gets old? Go fuck yourself if you didn’t get it. Suddenly, a black figure in the corner of my eye moved with impressive speed. I spun my whole body towards it, the barrel being the first to meet the target. But, there was no target to be met. I took a step back from the area. This doesn’t make sense. There are two heartbeats, Night Shade who is with me, and the one upstairs. So, who’s this other third party, and why can't I hear it’s heartbeat? I don’t know why but, I wanted to laugh. The thrill of something being sneaking in the shadows with having no heartbeat has my finger twitching. If only I had a heart to feel the blood rushing through my veins. Another shadow passed again in the corner of my eye, making my whole body jolt to it. Nothing again.

“Hey, Night Shade, quick question. Have you ever killed someone?” I asked, Spotting another blur fly by. It seemed to hit him like a knife to his back. Never the less, he didn’t reply. “If so, that’s a good start, and if you haven't, it's about time you lost your kill virginity. You know, I remember when I lost my killing virginity. Some guy off the street, pissed off his head. It was easy picking for me but, because of alcohol was in his system, I got pissed off my head, and now I have a toxic relationship with whiskey- get it? Toxic, whisky? Whisky is intoxicating. No? Fuck you, then. All that build-up for a plain ass stare like that. Fuck you!” I sulked. It was only then that I felt an all-mighty force push against my back, my feet leaving the floor and into the shelves beside Night Shade, making a massive dent in the wall. Night Shade almost jumped out his armour before turning and going wide-eyed. If I had air running through my body, I would have been winded for sure. I smiled as I got up, wiping the fragments of the wall off. I turned to see a cloak fit enough for a pony with the hood up. Strangely enough, I can’t hear her or his heartbeat. Which only could mean one thing. She’s already dead like me.

“My, oh my, what do we have here?” I said, holstering my revolver into my jeans but my hand still on my back pocket.

“I'm impressed creature; you took a mare jab from me. Not bad for an undead monster.” She spoke.

“Impressed? It barely tickled me, love. And don’t act like I’m the only undead here.” I smirked.

“Undead?” I hear Night Shade whisper to himself, seeing the gears turn in his head.

“I have a few questions for you, Mara! I’ve watched you mess with the royal guards but, something’s just didn’t add up. The colt’s body you merrily killed just got up like a puppet. How did you do that? Did you turn on the microwave, how?” she commanded. I wanted to tell her like it was my master plan, I really did but, I need to keep the fact that I can manipulate blood a secret. That’s my secret weapon for tight situations. Instead, I just tapped the side of my nose with a shit-eating grin.

“Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it. No good telling my enemy my abilities before a fight.” I said, now gripping my blade. “Come on, Night Shade. Let’s get her.” I said, leaning forward a bit in an offensive stance. Night Shade was conflicted against the order but quickly didn’t needed to remind his situation he's in.

“Forgive me, whoever you are.” He said in a low, pained voice and he opened up his wings. She didn’t move, not even to take a stance. She just stared at us, and we stared back. It was intense not gonna lie. The mystery mare didn’t looked dazed at the least. It was electrifying. I wonder how this could get more exciting?

“Well, well, well, what’s going on down here? A party?” A cheerful, familiar girls voice said from the stair way, making all three of us turn. There she was, with two different shades of pink, sky blue eyes and that god damn smile. There’s no mistaken that smile.

“Well, well, well, look who got their lazy ass up. Isn’t that right pink pony.” I said, rotating my body a bit to face them both. A sweat dripped from Night Shade’s cheek and gulped.

“Now what?” Night Shade asked, not liking the situation he is in at all.

“It’s clear you are weak compared to us, take the sweets to the edge of the Everfree. Wait for me there and if I find out you’ve gone to save your marefriend. I’ll make sure to torture her right in front of you. Got that!” I commanded like a Sargent would speak to his troops. He slowed his breathing and looked at me in the eyes. He nodded and made his way to the door with the sack of goodies. I followed him to the door, blocking him from them.

“Hey! Is that my candy your stealing?” The pink pony’s cheerfulness now gone.

“Run.”

And that’s what he did. Off the hoof she took at step with, she displayed speed that no ordinary living being could expect. Good thing I’ve fought her before and I’m not a living being. I saw the strike as if it was in slow motion; the pink hoof was inches away from my head before I moved to the side, my fist meeting her shocked, rubber face. I put as much power as I could from my awkward angle, Making her fly back into the wall behind her. I wasn’t satisfied. I prefer feeling the fleshy bones crack beneath my fist. Not one second later, the cloaked mare was upon me from the side in a flash. Pain rushed through the side of my liver as I felt my body bend to the force. Got to hate them liver shots. I skidded across the floor, taking a knee while holding on to my side.

“I’m giving you one chance before I kill you right here and now.” The cloaked mare said, twisting her hoof just for a hidden blade to appear from the contraption she wore. “Leave this village and never come back.” She warned.

“No, no, I don't think I will. Nice looking blade though, I want it.” I smiled, wiping the blood from my hand and Getting up into a sprint, now pulling out the Kukri and went for a slash.

“Fool.” I heard her whisper, sidestepping my attack and parrying my fury of attacks with her blade as she stud on her hind legs. The clack from metal to metal, the spark it creates. You don’t know how beautiful it was as I watched it sparkle like a firework. I know I should take this duel seriously but, something about fighting to the death, the feeling of my flesh and blood being shed. It never gets old; I love it. I was born for this. I was born to kill everyone that stands in my way. It’s the way I am; it's the path I've taken. It’s too late to walk another path. I went for a side slash from the left but instead, rotated my body into a sidekick, catching the mare off guard. Kicking the slobber from her gob. But, before she went flying through the window where all the yummy cakes were on display and left on the streets. I snuffed off her hidden from her hoof.

“I’ll be taken this.” I said, meeting her wide eyed red eyes. Now that was satisfying, feeling her ribs crack from my kick was magnifico. I was too caught up on playing with my new toy on that I didn’t hear the the heartbeat of the pink pony from behind me. I couldn’t turn around fast enough to get a hoof planted right in my face. Before I was hit, I saw something dark within those eyes, Something far passed rage.

“You- you destroyed everything!” She shouted the rage before sending me into the same all I crashed in, making the dent even worse. My nose was bleeding and some point I had dropped both my kukri and the hidden blade. The pink pony didn’t stop there however, In an instant when I was getting up from my wreckage, her hind hoof met my chest in a super kick and the wall couldn’t take the force, me and the pink pony went through the wall and into the streets. I didn’t need to breathe but, the pain driving through my chest made me forcefully pant. My vision was hazy and I could taste blood again. A couple of meters away was the little pink demon standing there, her eyes hidden by the shadow. Unlike me, I was sprawled on my side, clutching my chest with one hand and trying to get up with the other. When I did eventually get up, I suddenly felt how heavy I was, how bloody I was from the blows and cuts. I could barely stop my legs from twitching. But still, I wore a smile. I want to keep fighting until one of us dies. So, I hopped side to side on my tiptoes and raised my fists like a boxer.

“Come get it if you think your hard enough!” I shouted and that was the moment when the pink pony came at me from the front and the cloaked mare somehow snuck on me from the back. The battle continued. This is gonna be fun.

Swiftly jumping back from the two heavy blows, I regained myself into a defensive stance, hopping slightly. Once they had the velocity going, they came at me once again with a flurry of hits. The two mares seemed to ignore one another as their main target was me. I didn’t mind that though, in fact, I think that made it more enjoyable.

Tracking each punch that came my way, I blocked and bobbed away from their assault. It wasn’t easy keeping up with their attacks but, I had times where got a good jab in or too but, would get punished by the other mare. I must admit, these two are pretty good. But not good enough. Crossing my arms, I took a combined punch by the two mares together, and I reeled back, skidding while leaving two lines in the dirt from my attempt to stop. I panted.

“Damn, you two are good. I’ve fired up now bitches.” I said, a demonic laugh coming from me as I charged to their surprise. Clinching my fists as I sprinted full acceleration towards the cloaked mare. She dodged my attack with ease, as I predicted, and so I used my momentum in my punch to stop instantly with my foot in the soil and using that power to sidekick the mare once again, which connected perfectly. That did leave me wide open for the pink mare, though; I turned my head just in time to see a pink hoof right in front of me; I barely moved my head fast enough to evade that attack; I could feel that power from the scratch of the cheek with that single blow. I can tell she is getting severe herself now.

“Your reaction time is impeccable; I was about to finish you off with that single blow.” She said with frustration. “I won’t miss next time.”

“Compliments will get you nowhere, pink pony! Come at me if you're not going to miss again.” I challenged, gesturing her to bring it. With a snarl, she zig-zag towards me. I got ready to dodge but, sensing someone behind me, I dodged early to escape the attack that came from above. The cloaked mare is back already? I put everything I had into that kick. Dismissing the thought, I was shocked once again by this pink mare’s speed as she was already up in my face, a smile nowhere to be seen. I think it dawned on me that this pony was holding back on me when we first fought. She is nothing like I fought back then. She didn’t take it seriously then but now…

An excruciating pain shot up into my left arm as my whole body arch to the blow as the pink pony hooked me from the side and sent me flying. I crashed through a solid, object as I lay in a heap of rubble. I think I blacked out for a second because, when I came to my senses, I didn’t know where I was. I was looking up at a sandpaperish ceiling and sweets scattered around the room. That’s when I realised that I just got knocked the fuck out for a few seconds. My smile crept onto my face as I got up on my two shaken feet, my left arm completely fuck as it is bending the way it shouldn’t. Through the smoke and dust, I could see the two mare standing side by side, looking through the hole I created in a posture.

“Is that all you got?” the pink mare grinned.

“Give up! It’s pointless to continue.” The other remarked. Sadly for them, that isn’t all I got, and I'm not giving up so easily. I step up through the hole, my arm dangling lifelessly.

“Those are my lines, fuckers.” I laughed madly, a smirk growing on my face. “Cause now; I'm pissed off.” I shouted before I went to charge but, the only difference is that I’m not having fun with them now, I’m gonna kill them.

Placing everything I have into my legs, my vision was a far until I felt the air slam against me as one moment, I was a few meters in front of them, then the next, I was in a crouch position, my fist inches away from connecting a uppercut. I was so quick that the pink mare’s eyes couldn't even track my movements. Before she knew it, I knocked her up above the buildings. I didn’t stop there. Before the cloaked mare could even turn her head to see what sent the mare flying. I followed the pick pony with the right amount of power and angle to meet her. Once I was near her, her eyes widen as her stomach met the heel of my shoe, making her spit saliva. Once she hit the ground, she formed a crater as particles raised, screening her body. For good measure, I followed her down with a war cry from me as my fist affiliated with the pink side of the mare’s rubbery cheek. Rubber or not, she is not getting up from that. She never stood a chance. Limping away from the crater, my available arm grasping my broken arm, and I looked around for the cloaked mare.

She was gone… Well, so I thought as soon as I felt pain rush through my back as my body went gliding across the floor. Looking back, there she was, and she looked shaken up. Good, looks like I made my point that I can’t be trifled with. With that being said, I’ve got a lot of fight left in me. Time to kill this motherfucker again. I stood up in a stance, and she was already upon me in an aerial attack; I took the blow by raising my arm above my head as her downward kick made my knees weak, and my feet buried from the impact. I Pushed her blow off as she somersaulted away, manoeuvring her body to land. I didn’t give her time to breathe as I charged her once again with a fury of quick and powerful jabs, making her grunt of pain with each thrust as she was now on the defensive. How the tables have changed.

“Do you realise how fucked you are, miss cloak mare?” I wryly laughed. “It's pitiful how both of you ganged up on me like that; I'd say you are too chicken shit to fight me alone.”

“One says such words because they believe they have won, but, that is your downfall.” She said through the painful grunts. I laughed at her comment. What? Does she really think she can beat me? A predator? She’s weak and frail. I’ll admit, the kick from me should have kept her down for good but, she managed to get back up. It might be the undead power she has, but... What the?

I could see it like it was in slow motion; as she stood on her two hind legs, she took a step back, and like an ancient technique from martial arts, she blocked my jab from the inside of my arm and with a liquid stir which stopped my impetus entirely. What? How! How could she block my attack with the quickness of my attacks? Not even that pink mare saw it coming. It should be invisible to the naked eye!

My thoughts were quite literally knocked out of me as I felt my power my jab wash away into the cloaked mare, and with a flexible movement, she twisted her body into a devastating Thai style kick into my chest. I could easily feel my ribs chip away as I felt the blood come from my mouth as I was sent flying once again. Making a dirt trail in my halt with my rolling body, I couldn’t help but heave blood from my internally bleeding body.

I look up to see the mare was right there in front of me, looking down at me. I smirked, not letting her see me in a weak state.

“Nice trick, I must admit. And that kick, damn!” I laughed weakly, hearing myself wheeze.

“You should have taken my offer; it wouldn’t have ended up like this.” She remarked dryly. “Any last words?” she asked before pulling out a blade from her cloak with magic. My smile grew.

“Yeah, I do. Do you want to see that ability you was so bothered by earlier? Do you want to see it?” I said coyly.

“It does not matter what it is; you're going to die for what you have done tonight.” She screamed as she thrusted down the blade.

“Too bad.” I sighed, and with a flick of my finger. All the blood that was spilt from my body suddenly projected itself into tiny, thin spikes that reached to the mare, who was startled by this bend in blood. She couldn’t dodge; she let her guard down. She couldn’t block; she was going to be impaled either way. All she could do is die.

The many spikes I made impaled her chest, stomach and neck as she gagged from being stabbed, her eyes wide, and blood trickled from her mouth. Her body seemed to quiver as if her will power would let her die again. I retracted my blood; her body fell to the ground with a hard thud. Twitches and a clogged throat indicated that she was still alive but, she won’t be getting up, ever. I deliberately aimed for her spinal cords. She should be paralysed for the rest of her life, if I'm correct. No point in killing her… Although… She could be a good snack.

“Well, mystery mare, it’s been fun. I hope I see you again; if you resurrect again, that is.” I laughed, gripping my revolver and aimed in between her eyes. She tried to speak, but the fluids in her throat obstructed her speech. “Bye-bye, pony.” I pulled the trigger and blood-splattered the floor behind her, her body finally going limp and still… Well, that’s what I wanted to happen.

When I pulled the trigger, a stone ricocheted off my barrel, interfering with the projectiles target. The bullet landing into the soil, a millimetre away from her head. I looked at the direction where the rock came from to find that there was another cloaked pony, dashing towards me. I dashed back as the pony punched and kicked me enough, so I was a few meters away from the cloaked mare. Once, the other cloaked pony was near the almost dead pony. The pony, threw a black smoke bomb on the ground where black clouds engulfed them both.

“Oh no, you fucking don't.” I shouted as I ran into the cloud of darkness, pulling the trigger one more time into the black smoke to get lucky. I Swished my arms to uncover them, but as the cloud depletes. There was nothing but a puddle of blood. “Fuck!” I screamed with fury. Motherfucker just stole my kill! Bastard! Prick! Fuckin… Ahhhh! I looked around frequently for her saving grace as I felt lava boil up within. I forced myself to calm down. It’s okay. This isn’t a loss. I’ve smacked up the pink pony and the cloaked mare. I’ll take the victory here. Speaking of the pink mare.

I walked over to the basin to find the pony had disappeared. Just my fucking luck. Now I have at least three witnesses. Fucking fuck! I sighed, stroking my fringe from the inside of the hood. I wonder how this could get worse… Actually, I take that back. I shouldn’t have thought that fuck sake! Now, something shitty will happen. I looked around frankly to see if the stereotype would come true. I waited a couple of seconds before relaxing my shoulders. Uh... Okay? Nothing has happened. must be me being a dumb fuck, I guess. Now to collect my prize.

I walked back into the recked sweet shop and looked for that cool looking blade that mare had. It was one of the hidden blade contraptions that comes out when you twist your wrist. I’ve seen it in a game before, and fucking hell; I loved it. I want to feel like an assassin. A blade in plain sight. Ah, there it is, right next to my curved blade. Come to mama!

-=-

Night Shade.

Everfree.

At the top of the Everfree’s hill, it was easy to see the elegant sight of dawn rise like a sunflower. As beautiful as it may be, nothing could distract me from my thoughts. So many horrible things have happened; it was hard to keep my head straight. The murder of the colt, the murder of my team, the culprit behind it. It makes me sick how she sounds so young and does such evil deeds. Mara isn’t the first to commit murder but, by far, this was the most relentless. I need to know what goes through that fillies head. I need to know how she can just murder without hesitation as easy as breathing. It’s mad. She’s mad. Well, I guess I can’t judge. I don’t know her history, her race or anything for that matter, I mean, I don’t even know her real name. We call her Mara because in the old alicorn language the two sisters once spoke, Mara meant Night Reaper. A Night Reaper was a rebellious group wanted to overthrow the former princess and prince from their thrown. Not much was told of their history other than they hid in the shadows and stole, killed at night for the bits they needed to trade with the Griffins and minotaur for weapons, armour and supplies. The reason we call her Mara is because she wears a hood to cover her identity as the Night Reapers did. That’s the only thing that connects them both, which isn't a lot to go off of what she actually is. She looks like a skinny minotaur with no horns. Who knows, it actually might be a female minotaur with a twisted mind, I haven’t seen her face or body because of her weird looking clothes and hood, and that honestly terrifies me. Undead. Is what her that cloaked mare said is true? Is Mara dead? Then, how is it that she’s alive. To be honest, I didn’t want to know, but for information on the enemy sake, I have to know.

I don’t know how long it took when thunderous booms echoed and the wind seemed to stop, as if it was listening itself. I stud from the tree line in wonder of the new monsters roar. A few minutes of looking and a figure merged from fading shadows of the ponyville’s alleyway. I could only see a sleeveless black form, limping and holding her left arm as her crimson blood dripped from her wounds. She was covered in it, and somehow, I could still imagine her smile through it all. Yet again, this might be my chance to take revenge for Thana. For Silas. This might be the greatest chance I’ll get to take down one of the evilest creatures to walk Equestria. I can not mess this up; I'll wait till she turns her back then I’ll cut off her head then, save Lenora.

“Yo, Night Shade. I guess you're not as dumb as you look. For some reason, I thought you would've ditched me for your mare friend.” She tried to laugh but, coughs of blood interrupted. “Oh dear, looks like I’ve overdone it again. I guess I’ll never learn. That’s okay, though.” She said, taking a knee right in front of me now. I could feel my hooves tremble. When was the time to strike? When she looked away? No, that’s too risky. Her reaction time is tremendous if that dodge from that pink pony was anything to go by. When she was comfortable, letting her guard down. Yeah, that could do the trick. Maybe when her back is turned. Yes! That’ll be perfect.

“No, I couldn’t risk it. I trust you’re a mare of your word.” I said, giving her a hoof. She looked at it sceptically before she met my eyes from under that hood. From under that black hood was a filly with a small snout, little red eyes and a smile with teeth that can rip through flesh like butter. She didn’t only look young, but she was young. That brings me back to the question as to how did she become such a killer.

“Well, well, trying to get in my good books, ay?” She chuckled as she took my hoof, wrapping her arms around my barrel, and I barely contain a smile as I come one step closer. All I need to do is keep building trust then…

“And no, I’m not a mare of my word.” She uttered into my ear. I stopped in my tracks and was about to pull away but, an unbearable pain shot up where her hand was wrapped around my neck. I suddenly felt cold as my blood drain rapidly. “Who do you take me for? You hated me from the very start. It was obvious that you were going to kill me when I was at my weakest.” Mara said. Slowly, removing her palm as well as her blade. “To be fair, though, I never intended to keep our deal. Your marefriend is probably ripped to shreds by now.” My eyes went wide.

“You- you what!” I shouted, blood dripping from my mouth as my jaw clenched, teeth cracking with the absolute fury I felt building up within my soul.

“That’s right. I never planned to keep her or you alive. You ponies are so pathetic. Did you really think I’d keep you alive? I have a rule. The most important rule of them all.” For the first time, the filly lifted her hood up to revile her dirt brown mane and red, devil eyes. She had no fur, but cream coloured skin. She leaned closer to my ear and whispered the most haunting thing. “No. Witnesses.” And with that, I felt nothing. My vision went black as the last thing I saw was Mara’s, no, the cloak mare’s hidden blade was pushed into my skull.

-=-

Ada.

Edge of the Everfree forest.

Night Shade’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he drew his last breath and went limp as my new toy left his skull as the sweet juice flows out like a waterfall. Poor bastard, he only wanted revenge. Oh well. I limped my way towards the tree trunk and sat against it where the slick grass met my ass, taking out a packet of ciggies and counting how many she has left. Two left.

“Well, shit, better save one of you for a special occasion, in the meantime, I start making my own.” I muttered, taking one out, held the Orange bit with my lips and lit the other end with a lighter. I took a long and steady pull of my stress relief before took it out and put my index finger and thumb in my mouth and whistled. After that, I just sat back and looked at the raising sun. Nothing new seeing the sunrise majestically but, it is a nice view, I guess. It took my mind off the pain where my body was full of cuts and where my broken bones pleaded to be attended too, My ribs especially. I could imagine I look like a corpse. I was caked in blood, and I could barely moved except when my chest raised than went back down when I inhaled the chemicals. Not too long later when I could see the peak of the sun, Tony and Vixen were in sight, dragging two sacks of what I could smell was meat. I smiled. The two bags looked nearly full, enough to feed a pack. When they were close enough to see detail, they were delighted with the new remains. I don’t know how long we sat there, me nodding off in and out of consciousness, Tony licking my wounds and Vixen just curled up against me as I softly stroke his back. I rubber behind the ears of Tony who is merely leaning into with his tongue hanging out. Not a bad night if I do say so myself, tons of meat that can last us a week or so, I’ve been acquainted with a new enemy, and now I've got a new blade that I only thought was fiction from a video game until now. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t manage to kill the pink pony, the pink pony or the cloaked Mare. The pink pony is just simply immortal, and the cloaked mare got away before I completed the final blow. I took my final pull of my ciggy and flicked it away. That was when I heard the scream of a mare’s voice in the centre of Ponyville. I took that as the signal too get my ass moving. I got up on my one good leg and hobbled on over to Night Shade’s dead body. I grabbed him by the hoof with the sweets in the other and me, Tony and Vixen walked off into the Everfree Forest with our prizes and grins on our faces.

-=-

Detective Brown.

Canterlot.

The dirt brown stallion rose like the undead, feeling his head twist and veer uncontrollably. How much did I drink last night? He thought, feeling a wad of vomit threaten to spill. He held his stomach as he gave up on getting up and flopped his head back on the pillow, covering his brown eyes from the turning room. He felt like shit.

“Celestia, damn it. With all that is holy, just put me out of my misery.” He muttered, a spike of merit coming from his words. He didn’t want to get up; he would stay in bed all day if it weren't for the fact that he had to be available at all time and not drowning in alcohol every night. His job was limited and downright tedious. He couldn’t think of a time he actually enjoyed his career. It went as far as find out who took the cookie out the cookie jar. Detective brown hated to say it but, he hoped somepony would just dropped dead to have that bit rush in his life. Might be one of the best things that could happen in his career. Headliner, Detective Brown solves the murder behind such and such. Is that too much to ask for. He rolled over on his side as he felt last nights snacks raise from his throat. He hurled into a bucket beside the bed. He moaned as his head went limp from the side of the bed. He just lazily looked into the bucket and wondered why there was blood mixed with his vomit. He didn’t know why; he also didn't care. He also didn’t mind himself to a half-empty of bottle whisky. Getting to his hooves and stumbling to his bathroom, he leaned his head over the toilet seat and processed to eject more vomit, spitting out the aftertaste on the tip of his tongue. He stayed there until there was a knocking on the door.

“Who the fuck is knocking on my door at this time?” he sputtered before looking to where the clocked was on the wall that read 2 o’clock. No wonder Celestia’s sun is shining brightly through my window. He sighed and tried to fix himself in the mirror before wobbling to the door.

“Who is it?” I spoke near the door. “If it’s Cloud Dusk, fuck off back to the café, I’ll meet you there in a bit.”

“It’s the Celestial guardsmen; Princess Celestia has summoned you. She requires your abilities, detective Brown.” A make disciplined voice replied. “ Its urgent.” Princess Celestia? What does she want? Urgent? Highly unlikely. Their just saying that to get his lazy ass out off bed. Well obviously to solve some sort of petty crime against Equestria of course. Why would she want to check up on little old me? He softly banged his head on the door and sighed.

“Just fuck off.” He moaned under his voice. “Can't be bothered anymore.”

“Detective Brown, what was that?”

“I said, fuck off! give me a second to get my shit!” he shouted back angrily. The guard didn’t reply, which was Brown’s queue to do just that. Fucking royalty, giving me shitty investigations. I don’t get paid enough for this. He thought darkly, not bothering to wash or do his teeth, just putting on his trousers, white shirt and a tanned trench coat that was just scattered around in his two-roomed house, the bathroom and his bedroom. He didn’t even have a kitchen so he would have to go out to get something to eat at the local restaurants. It was the cheapest building he could afford and what a shit hole it was. With being half ready to go, he opened the door to be greeted by two stallions and one mare, all covered in golden armour. Detective Brown was escorted to a chariot where they took off.

“Here, this is pacific orders from Princess Celestia.” The mare shouted through the wind, sitting across from him and handed over a rolled-up scroll with a red ribbon and a seal. “I’ll be accompanying you.”

“Great, do you know where we are going?” the Detective shouted back.

“Yes, we are going to Ponyville. Don’t bother asking us anything else, that’s all we know.” She shrugged. Brown just sighed and glanced away to spy at Ponyville in the distance.

“Ponyville ay? I’m starting to think that crime evolves around that little village. I’m sick of visiting this place.” The brown stallion murmured, raising a hoof to his cheek in boredom. “It's frustrating to know that I'm going back there, why can’t somepony else violate the law somewhere else?”

“To be honest, Princess Celestia looked angry about the note she received like; I’ve never seen before.” That made Brown’s ear twitch.

“Anger, huh? Something must of really got to her. Most likely her personal student. Celestia knows what her and the rest of the element bearers get up to these days. Maybe another monster attack from the Everfree and they just need me to substantiate the area. Never anything serious.” He said lazily, yawning as he pulled the unfinished whisky from his coat. “I'm starting to think that I've made the wrong choice joining the SCU, nothing of the significance happens so, what’s the point?” The mare just sighed and looked onwards to their destination.

“Always negative, aren’t you, detective.” She said disappointedly. “Would it hurt to be a little positive than drinking on duty?”

“Should know me by now, Cherry Hill. I’ll be negative until something positive happens.” I said speaking her name, which made Cherry Hill to look back to him.

“You know not to use my full name while on duty.” Cherry Hill pouted. “Its unprofessional.”

“Are you really going by that rule? What’s the point? You’re no secret agent or specialist, just a plain guard. Sure, for disciplinary reasons but, I’ve known you since we were in school. Theirs no need for this formal shit.” Brown turned back to Cherry Hill.

“I take my job damn seriously, Detective.” She snapped. “I have to take my job seriously.”

“And why would that might be, Cherry Hill? To protect Equestia? From what? War? We haven’t had a war in centuries. To die with honour? I’d rather die with nothing to my name than serve her. Your job is pointless. Conflict will never happen as long as the world is in harmony.” Brown said harshly.

“I am not saying conflict will happen, but, that doesn’t excuse the fact that war can happen at any point in my life. And when that does happen, I'll be there for my country.” She stomped her armoured hoof. “Maybe if you took your job seriously, maybe you’d-”

“Detective Brown, Lance Hill. Enough!” a stallion next to Cherry commanded. His name was Oscar. He was leading commander and a ex-marefriend of cherry red mare ironically enough. Cherry Hill just snarled as she just looked away from the both of them. Brown looked to the unknown pony that just watched in silence. He was a lightly shaded stallion with a white mane and half-lit blue eyes.

“What's your story, kid? Decided to put some armour on one day and called yourself a royal guard?” Brown asked scorn in his tone. The young buck seemed to wake up by the question and looked around goofily.

“Huh? What?” he faltered.

“Ay yigh yigh.” Brown face-hoofed. “If war did actually happen, I’d be surprised if we won.” Brown chuckled half-heartedly.

“My name is Heartburn, and I joined because I want to serve and protect my country. I want to travel around the world and meet new friends. I joined because-”

“Why are you speaking to me as if I was the interviewer. Now, tell me the real reason why you joined the military.” The Detective intruded. The young buck looked nervous and twiddled with his hooves.

“I-I joined because of my friends. They all wanted to join the Royal guards, and I didn't want to be left out.” He mumbled unsurely. The detective pointed at hoof at Heartburn and looked at Cherry Hill with a deadpan expression. She just rolled her eyes and said nothing. The rest of the ride there was in silence. Detective Brown just sat back and felt the howling breeze brush his mane, and he closed his eyes while drinking sips of his bottle. He was asleep when he had landed only to be woken when he felt her bottle move.

“Ay!” He shouted as he pressed tightly on the bottle, refusing to release the bottle. “Fuck off!”

“You know it’s bad to drink.” Cherry Hill’s voice said as Brown tried to regain his focus.

“Yeah? Well fuck you too then.” The detective yawned, rubbing his eyes. “We their yet?” Brown asked, but no reply came, but the chatter of ponies and hooves trotting gave him the indication that he made it to his destination. Slowly, he opened his eyes and leaned upon his seat. His eyes widened a little as he took in his surroundings. Royal guards were among the citizens of Ponyville, asking questions and had a sharp eye out. What the hell happened here? The detective thought as everypony looked more slum than their usually are. It put her spine on end.

“What the hell is going on?” Cherry Hill repeated his thought, stepping down off the carrier. “Ive never seen so many royal guards in one spot.”

“The reason I’m here I’m guessing. How serious is it that a platoon of royal guards has been deployed.” Brown asked mostly to himself in wonder. “A better question yet, where is the SCU?” Then, it only came to him that this was something serious. It’s been a while since he felt the ends of his mouth rose into an excited smile. For once in his career, he was excited to solve a crime. In the corner of his eye, he saw a glint of purple armour that a white stallion wore, and he was walking straight for them with two other guards.

“Am I correct that you are Detective Brown?” the leading stallion asked.

“It is, and your captain Shining armour, correct?” the detective replied. The captain was shocked before a smirk showed.

“That’s correct, but how did you know? We’ve never met.”

“I got your name from one of Princess Celestia’s conversation, not to mention you’re the brother of an element bearer.” The detective shrugged.

“I see, I’ll have to talk with Celestia about leaking information like that around. No matter, that’s not important at the moment.” Shining armour’s expression turns grim. “Follow us.” He said, turning without another word and walked off to a destination. The detective couldn’t help but feel eager to get to it. When they finally made it, the surrounding area was surrounded by ponies with cameras being held back by a wall of guards. Shouting questions and taking snapshots of the doorway. It was chaotic. Other than that, there was a small, colourful group of ponies and a little reptilian drake; standing to one side. It was all new to the detective and so thrilling.

“I must go now; I need to take care off… Personal matters.” Shining armour sighed as he looked off to the small group of colourful ponies.

“That’s fine, I understand.” The detective muttered as he made his way into the commotion with Cherry Hill on his tail.

“Do we have the identity of the pony who could have done this?”

“What about the victim? What is his or her condition?”

“Why is it that the royal guard have been sanctioned to deploy at ponyville? Where is the SCU?”

With the questions piling up, the detective’s grin grew as he and Cherry Hill pushed and shoved through the crowd. Detective Brown didn’t know if he should feel ashamed that this scene was making him feel alive. Who knows? This could be systematic, and there will be more cases like the one he’s approaching. His hopes of something like murder, sexual offence, public order offences, slavery or drug offences. He wanted Any of them to start something within this tedious world. He couldn’t imagine how it couldn’t. One crime could incite another to follow in its hoof steps. But, that could only happen if…

“Is- is that blood?” Cherry Hill gasped, holding a hoof to her mouth in shock. That knocked detective Brown out of his thoughts and looked up to find the bodily fluid. There it was, that crimson colour I haven’t seen in a long time. The colour that pillaged the frame of the door like a stain. How relentless must it have been to be shot up to the millimetre wide crack between the door and the frame. It would have to be a flood of blood in there. What are the odds? Maybe it was a hit and run from the doorway? Maybe. He’d need to see more to get the bigger picture. When they both made it to the front of the crowd, he immediately flashed the SCU badge from his inner pocket. The guard squinted at the badge before he gave them the all-clear with a nod of his head. Now that he had room to breathe, he smiled at the scene before him.

“Finally, something he can work with.” He muttered quietly to himself, looking deep into the living room of hell. The none existent eyes are looking back with a smile of its own, Practically begging him to come inside.