The last Ranger from the Wallby Death_wingChaptersChapter one - The Wall has fallen but also desertion?Chapter two - Stopping Enteral night and a failed ExecutionChapter three - Getting Pardoned and meeting the Captain of the Guard.Chapter four - Killing a nightmare and the new Lord Commander and Warden of the NorthChapter five - Northern honor and Brutality at the GalaChapter one - The Wall has fallen but also desertion?“This boy is a bastard.” That’s what the mysterious man said when he dropped Matthew off at castle black when he was still an infant. After bringing the small infant inside and discovering it was indeed a boy. Matthew’s name was written on a piece of paper hidden in the cloth that wrapped him. Once the kicking and screaming baby grew up, many years later, Matthew flipped through a book, searching for a story to pique his interest. The Ranger continued to flip through the old dusty book until footsteps echoed through the library. When someone approached Matthew, the stranger was wearing a black robe with chains underneath not to bind him, but rather, to show his status as head-Measter of the Night’s Watch. “A Ranger reading? What’s next, pigs with wings, and sociable Giants? What has this world come to?” Matthew rolled his eyes before he responded. “Careful Maester, I might let comments like that slide, but the other Rangers won’t.” Matthew closed the book as the Maester laughed, and his chains jingled. “Matt, if I’m being honest, most of the Rangers here at Castle black have gotten too arrogant, because of their Ranger status. But to me? They’re all the same. Plus, I’m the one who patches them up after every little scrap they get themselves into.” Matthew scoffed light-heartedly at the comment. “True. Very true, but someone has to read the orders from the First Ranger, or even the Lord Commander.” As Matthew spoke, the Maester moved around to sort the Library. “I know, Brother Matt, I’m just horsing around. I only joke about it with you, because you’re the only Ranger that ever comes to the Library.” “Rangers, think that only stewards and Builders should read because they never see battle. However, a clever man knows knowledge is a powerful tool that can teach and destroy. If you can’t beat an enemy with brute strength. Then a more strategic approach is sometimes necessary. That is something they will never understand.” The Maester was about to continue when footsteps came from the steps, as a Steward entered by the main entrance. “Maester, the Lord Commander, requested your presence. You need to be in the courtyard for the ceremony.” The young Steward said before looking at Matthew. After seeing that Matthew was a Ranger, he gave a glare of disgust before the healer shooed him away. “Tell the Lord Commander I’ll be there shortly.” The Steward turned his attention back to the old doctor and nodded before leaving. After the Steward left the Maester turned his attention to Matt giving him a sad expression. “They still call you ‘Matthew the Iron-skull,” Matt took the mask off and brushed his hair out of his eyes before speaking. “What? I was a boy, and I didn’t like the snow constantly blowing in my face. When I was allowed on top of the wall, for a short time a- “Matthew tried to defend himself before the healer interrupted. “A boy of twelve years should not be able to make a mask of that detail or quality. You stunned the head smith into silence, for so long that I thought he froze to death in the Forge.” “What can I say? I was smart for a boy that age. Anyway, you shouldn’t keep the Lord Commander waiting. I’ll be seeing you, Maester.” Matthew said before making his way to the exit. “Farewell, brother Matthew, you better be staying out of trouble, and a word of wisdom or two, at least try to believe in the seven. Many brothers here, mostly the newer ones, think you have their favor.” Matthew grinned at how much Maester treated him like his own son. In a sense, it was true. The Maester more or less raised Matthew. The irreverent doctor had taught Matthew how to read, write, and even how to care for wounds both small and terrible. . . Fighting, however, was left to his other brothers in black. As he walked up the spiraling staircase, memories played in his mind. They showed how terrible he was with swords and bows in the beginning. However, Matthew did eventually grow skilled enough to take his vows, along with the rest of the fellow recruits, now brothers of the Watch. Sighing, Matthew remembered that day. Speaking the words that bound him to the wall until death. Matthew tried to pass the main gates when he visited Winterfell as a boy, but they denied him permission. From what he heard, places like King’s landing were complete shitholes; he managed to travel to Winterfell, as a boy, and the furthest from the wall was whitehabor. And Bravos, ‘don’t even think it’ Matthew told himself. True, it wasn’t a part of Westeros, and therefore, not a part of the seven kingdoms. However, the rumors of face-stealing people, also known as the ‘faceless men, always slightly unnerved him. Compared to when he was a boy? They very much did scare him. Nowadays, the thought hardly bothered him. “Brothers of the Night’s Watch, can I have your attention!” said a gruff, commanding voice. Matthew was finally able to hear, and see, what was going on outside again, but the cold still made Matthew shiver. The Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch stood on a wooden stage while the large group of fresh recruits stared straight ahead, maintaining a silent formation the entire time. . . Leaning against a snow-covered stone wall, Matthew listened to the proceedings as snow began to fall. “These Recruits have proven their worth, but now it is time for them to take their Vows.” He said while looking down at the group of men before him on their knees. “Are there any of those who keep the old gods here in their prayers? There is a spot where you can do your Vows there.” Matthew had taken his Vows, before the tree and the old gods. Granted, he wasn’t religious, but it wasn’t like he had a choice. Shockingly, not a single one of the recruits moved to go. The Lord Commander nodded. After they said their Vows, the Lord Commander began assigning them to their respective orders. They sent two hundred men to the Builders, two hundred to the Stewards, and only a hundred joined the Rangers. ‘Great, more Fledglings who I’ll need to babysit because they think they’re hot shit, just because they’re a Ranger.’ Matt thought before leaning off the stone wall and brushing off the snow that peppered his dark cloak. Matthew made his way through the courtyard and heard a familiar snooty voice. “Brother Matthew, I see the Wildlings haven’t killed you yet, nor the White walkers!” Matthew stopped to turn around and saw the saddest excuse for a Ranger in the whole of this Fortress. “Hello, brother Robert,” Matthew said through gritted teeth. He mostly disliked this Ranger, he refused to go beyond the wall. Not once had he left the safety of Castle Black. He was a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, that didn’t do a single productive thing. Not on this side, at the top, or the other side of the Wall. “Do you need something, Brother Robert, or are you just here to bother me again?” Matt asked as a fake face of hurt flashed across Robert’s face. “Dear brother! I would never try to be a bother! I’m only here to congratulate you on having to deal with the new Rangers! Ta Ta!” He said before leaving Matthew where he stood, in the courtyard, and heading into the mess hall to warm up. Matthew shook his head as he let out a heavy sigh. ‘By the old gods, how is Robert the First Ranger?’ He thought before heading over to the group of new rangers. “Listen up brothers! Since you are now a part of the Ranger, we begin drilling in the early dawn, and once more in the evening. Your First Ranger is Brother Robert. If you have any problems, go to him, but for tonight, there will not be any training. Enjoy assignment day. it won’t happen again. I dismiss all of you. He stepped into the lift alone. He waited for it to start moving up before removing his helmet. It got stuffy in the helmet, now and then, but sometimes it wasn’t manageable. ‘gods that feeling will never get old.’ mulled Matthew, putting his mask back on when the lift neared the top. He pulled his hood up too because apparently, he was the ‘ Skull-masked crow.’ It was catchy, and a very simple way to distinguish him from other ‘crows’ to the Wildling Savages. To be honest, he preferred it to what his ‘brothers’ called him. Once he reached the top of the wall, he opened the old door. He stepped out onto a wooden platform as the door creaked and closed. Finally, Matthew was on top of the wall as he followed the main snowy passage. Making his way to the edge of the Wall, he looked out at the Lands of Always Winter. To new members of the Watch, it was breathtaking. But to Matthew. it was overrated. For years he had seen this unmoving, and frozen nightmare, and if Matthew was being honest? He was sick of it. ‘Maybe I could sneak away in the night?’ Matthew thought. However, he soon remembered what happened to those who became oathbreakers . ‘I need to stop thinking like that. Where would I go? If I did manage to leave and get pardoned from deserting the Watch. I know nothing about anything south of the neck.’ He gently rubbed the back of his head before stepping away from the ledge. He headed back to the elevator. Maybe keeping watch at night would help Matthew clear his mind of its Treasonous thoughts. The main mess hall was full of brothers, both new and old, feasting to honor the newly added brothers. Matthew decided to go back to the top of the wall, thinking it was time to clear his head, as he promised himself earlier. The moon had risen over the Wall as the sun disappeared from the sky completely. I spotted the top of the Wall with torches and lamps to keep the shadows away. It didn’t help that most of the wall guards were drinking. Which was breaking one of the many rules, that being the tenth rule, ‘Do not drink while on watch on top of the Wall.’ Matthew was the only sober person on the wall. True, he did drink once in a while, but not to the point of being wasted. The night seemed calm, a little windy and snowy, but that helped in easing the young but Veteran Ranger. ‘This wasn’t a bad idea, Matthew thought. He eased up as he slowly leaned against the ice wall in an attempt to relax. He looked down at the base of the wall and saw grayish-black dots climbing. Not wanting to start a panic over nothing, he simply grabbed a small telescope. Before a horde of the undead began their March on the wall. Matt’s heart began to race as he confirmed his fears. He began to run; and thought.’ We can handle wights, and White walkers, but the whole Army of the dead?! We’re going to need everybody for this one!’ Matthew’s training kicked, In as he snatched a sentry’s horn off its hook, and lifted his masked helmet to blow into it, as hard as he could while reminding himself of what blast of the horn means. ‘First blast means returning Rangers.’ He caught his breath, then blew again, as the Wall and castle below began to stir with life. A few dark-colored dots exited the hall. Everyone knew what two trumpets meant. ‘Second blast, mean’s Wildling’s.’ But soon Matthew blew the horn for the third time, ‘ Three blasts, White walkers.’ Matthew had learned this from a book and asked the Maester about it many years ago. The Maester had taught him what that was supposed to mean. He was to never joke about there being a White walker attack. They heavily punished even a false call about a Wildling attack. Equipping his helmet and mask back on, arriving at his original post, Matthew was able to spot several wights. That had climbed over the Ramparts, screaming and wailing, filling the air as the swarm of undead began to overwhelm the few defenders atop the Wall. The battle was fierce. Many brothers of the Watch fell to the dead. Those who were too drunk to fight were torn apart, and the few sober guards barely fared any better. Matthew did better than most. He knew how to fight a wight properly, on top of the harsh training, forced upon every Ranger. Wildlings were easier to kill. This was true. However, if Matthew had to choose, he would battle wights any day. Their lacking intellect made them easy prey. Matthew had been gifted a special sword. Courtesy of the Lord Commander, that Matthew received while growing up in the Watch. ‘He always favored me when I was younger, sort of like a father-son relationship.’ Matthew shook his head while he fought like a cornered animal. ‘Focus, Matthew! This isn’t the time of day to think about having a father figure!’ testing his luck along with his chances, by grabbing hold of the undead, at random and then throwing them over the 700-foot wall. And back into the sea of Undead, however, each throw came at a cost. Any time he threw a wight back to its comrades below, he risked being grabbed, bitten, or stabbed. Eventually, his luck ran dry. When Matthew tried to grapple with another opponent, the rotting corpse stabbed him in the arm. Matthew grunted in pain as the undead screamed, drawing more of the infestation to his part of the wall. Matthew “Shut the fuck up, you decomposing corpse!” Matthew shouted. While he stabbed the wailing corpse in the head, his sword sliding in like a knife through hot butter, before throwing the remains over the edge. “Old Gods, damn it. T-this is it.” Matthew thought as he heard the movements of more wights on their way. They heard the call for aid and were coming to fight, rushing toward him. Matthew knew deep down he couldn’t last forever. They were an enemy that never tired, while he was already getting worn out. “This is how my watch will End.” All seemed lost; there were too many of them, and no help was coming. Blackness covered his vision as his mind faded into the void. Fluttershy had a very eventful day. The mayor asked her if she could provide music for the Summer Sun celebration this year. At first, it took plenty of convincing, but eventually, Fluttershy agreed. She gathered her choir of woodland birds. Some from the White Tail Woods and a few from Ponyville Central Park. She asked them if they could help her this year and their answers shocked her they had agreed to help provide music for the Celebration. After picking a place in central park and the time to start practicing with them all. Later that day, Fluttershy saw a purple pony and her baby dragon, which surprised her. After all, it’s not every day a pony gets to meet a dragon. Her eyes sparkled at the thought. His name was Spike, and he was adorable! He seemed healthy enough. The biggest joy of all? He could talk! Her animals all spoke in their ways, but Spike? He was able to talk like a pony! Fluttershy blushed from embarrassment as she remembered that the birds were watching. One minute she was her normal shy self. The next, she was talking and more or less hugging the baby dragon. She decided that the birds deserved an apology and flew off to where they lived. “I hope the birds are still awake. I don’t think they found my behavior very P-polite, stupid Flutters!” She silently shouted at herself. She crossed her arms and hunched over as she passed the tree line. Currently, she was entering the white-tailed woods, which were connected to the Ever-free. At night, a lot of the more dangerous animals were out hunting for food. Fluttershy could handle manticores as they had some intelligence. Timberwolves though? They acted purely on instinct. Fluttershy had marked about fifteen birds off her list. Thank Celestia, she knew these parts of the forest like the back of her hand. She was coming up on the next nest. After gently flying up to the nest, she knocked on the tree. Her efforts spent on waking up the bird were interrupted by a growl from below. Fluttershy whipped her gaze down, confirming her biggest fear at the time, a snarling Timberwolf. If that wasn’t enough, it was also big, hungry, and glaring at her like a piece of steak. It began clawing its way up the tree as Fluttershy panicked. “Now N-now?! Um, I’m not an S-snack if that’s what you’re T-thinking, Mr.W-wolf.” She said as she scrambled further up the tree. The timber wolf growled before howling in response. A chorus of howls responded. Fluttershy spread her wings to fly away, seeing that talking wouldn’t work this time. She was just about to leap into the air when sharp needles of pain plunged into her back and wing, forcing a scream from her mouth. Looking back, she could see the wolf had jumped and latched onto her wing! The added weight made the duo fall, and the Timberwolf began circling her as his pack mates arrived. Matthew didn’t know how long he was out when he finally sat up. He felt a weight on his face and pulled whatever it was off of him. It turned out to be a black shield that had the symbols of the Night’s Watch painted on its front. The man looked around to take in his environment. There were trees with their leaves still attached, green plants, Hell, even bugs. This wasn’t the Lands of Always Winter, and sure as hell, not the Wall. After getting to his feet and checking his person, Matt felt a sharp pain in his left arm where the wight had stabbed him. Besides that, He had found that he mostly kept everything he had on him before passing out. Bits and pieces of his memory came back to him as he rubbed his head. There were wights. He blew the horn, and in the end, he accepted the coward’s way out. If his fellow Rangers could see him now, they would probably cut him down where he stood to give up so easily. Before he could begin to argue with himself about whether he became a deserter, a scream sliced through the dark. However, it wasn’t the scream of a wight or even a white walker. “Someone is in trouble.” He shoved any thoughts ath-breaking aside while grabbing the shield and unsheathing his sword. The screaming continued as he ran. After almost getting knocked out again by a tree, Matthew made it to a clearing. In the moonlight, he could see four large wolves made of wood surrounding a girl. She was curled up into a ball, trying to protect her head, and vitals. Matthew did have an idea but it needed more time than he had. He sprinted through the bushes he had been hiding behind, before angling towards the nearest wooden wolf. Matthew stabbed it in the side, causing it to crack as the wooden beast howled in pain. While it gave sounds of distress, its friends turned their attention to the uninvited guest. ‘Crap, I’ve done it now, Matthew thought to himself as the wolves growled at him. “Woman, can you hear me?” He asked as she gasped, her head turning towards his voice. “W-who are you?! How did you find me?” She asked, while the wolves slowly began circling him instead of her. “Listen, we can talk about the details later. I need you to run for safety!” Matthew spoke, and the woman nodded in response “R-right! I will come back with H-help!” she said before a pair of wings appeared in the moonlight, one of which had been bloodied. As she attempted to take flight, the flapping of her wings alerted one of the Timberwolves. It turned its head towards the strange woman and growled as it decided to break off from the group to go after her. “Oh, no you don’t,” Matthew said before bashing his shield into the Timberwolf. The force from the hit knocked it down, and Matthew managed to get on top of it. He began to slam his shield into its head. There were many loud clangs; until a loud crunch of wood sounded out and it fell apart. The display had stunned the other wolves for a moment, and the woman had stopped to see what was going on. Her voice was barely louder than a whisper, “O-oh my.” Matthew’s breath was ragged, but he managed to climb off the woodpile and prepared to fight the others. Knowing this stallion needed help, Fluttershy flew as fast as she could with an injured wing. Author's Note I'm gonna be honest with you guys. Correct me if I'm wrong but is this better then my other story? With grammar and spelling. I literally triple-checked this before publishing it so I hope this works for everyone here. And before I post this I want you guys and girls to know. "That winter is coming." Chapter two - Stopping Enteral night and a failed ExecutionChapter two Fluttershy streaked toward Ponyville, heart hammering, and breath shallow, as she pushed herself to fly as fast as her wings would carry her. As she passed over the outskirts of the town, she spotted the guard station, but her racing mind latched onto Twilight instead, and she made for the tree library at the center of town. Normally, the sounds of music, and laughter, from the treehouse would have driven her away, but the adrenaline spurred her on until she kicked open the door with a loud bang. That brought the party to a halt. “What up, Flutters!” Rainbow Dash called from the gathered ponies. “You’re late if you, uh, couldn’t tell!” She extricated herself from everypony else and began to approach her friend. “That was a heck of an entrance, though!” Fluttershy’s strength abandoned her. And she sagged to the ground in tears. Pinkie Pie and Applejack quickly moved over to the crying pegasus. “Sweet Celestia! What happened to ya sugar cube?!” Applejack half shouted, seeing the state of her wing and back. “Somepony got some rags! or does anypony know a healing spell?!” the farm pony shouted while she moved closer to Fluttershy, applying pressure to the wounds. Spike had managed to drag Twilight out of her room and through the chaos of panicking ponies. Seeing Spike made Fluttershy break down completely, finally speaking before the five mares and one dragon. “I-i left h-him for dead! He s-saved my life and i-I left t-that Stallion to be k-killed!” She spoke through her tears as Twilight’s horn began to glow. “You can let go Applejack, I got this,” Twilight said before casting a healing spell. Rarity tried to calm Fluttershy down while avoiding the bloodstains on her back, while Rarity rubbed her back. “Darling, listen to me. Breathe in, breathe out, calm down, you’re safe here. Now, tell us what happened, from the beginning, dear.” “I flew into the Ever-free alone. I felt b-bad for the display I showed my b-bird friends so I thought I sh-should apologize to them. Then I was a-attacked by Timberwolves.” Taking a shaky breath, Fluttershy continued as her friends listened. “I-I thought I was going to d-die when a stallion in all black s-saved me. H-he told me to run s-so I did.” After she finished, Rainbow Dash spoke up. “Let’s go save this guy. He doesn’t deserve to be chewed up by those overgrown toothpicks!” Then Rarity spoke up."I second the motion, a Gentlecolt like that doesn’t deserve that kind of fate." Applejack and Pinkie Pie threw in their opinions. “This colt sounds mighty nice sugar-cube, and for saving you I’ll help get him out of there, even if I have to buck every Timberwolf in the Ever-free!” “Yeah! This mysterious stranger deserves two parties! One for saving Fluttershy! And the second for a welcome to Ponyville Party!” When Twilight finished the spell, Fluttershy’s back and wings felt good as new. While Twilight spoke up, “It’s settled then. Come on, girls, let’s return the favor!” The six rushed out of the treehouse heading for the Ever-free. Matthew had taken glances at the woman as she flew away ‘that isn’t a human.’ He thought to himself, saving that conversation for another time because of the three Timberwolves that circled Matthew, baring their teeth and growling. “Come on, you overgrew weeds! I’m going to make you work for this meal!” He half shouted, trying to Intimidate them to turn tail and run off. Sadly, it wasn’t the case. Getting an idea, Matthew turned to the two others, giving his back to the left wolf, thinking it would go for the attack if his back was turned to it. Listening closely, Matthew was no doubt given a bone by the old gods, while the wooden wolf began running towards the experienced Ranger’s back, and when the moment felt just right, he turned like a dime. Stabbing it in the eye as Matthew forced it as deep as the head of the wood would give. “Let’s see if you can come back from this!” Matthew said while thrusting it deeper into the smaller Timberwolf. It howled in pain as it fell apart, turning its attention to the last two wooden wolves and seeing the larger one move closer, thinking it could take him while its packmate stayed out of this. “Come on now. I’m just getting started! When I’m done, I’m going to use your bodies to warm myself up!” He shouted while Matthew attempted to pull his sword out of the pile of wood, but it was not very successful. ‘Shit shit shit, this isn’t good. What else can I use as a weapon?’ He thought. Before looking down at the shield in his hand, and gulping, to use this metal shield Matthew would need to get in close, something he didn’t want to do, gripping the sides he readied himself for the wolf. Soon the large beast charged him, and once again his training kicked in, as he brought the shield down, causing a loud clang to be heard. The Main six, including Fluttershy, were running their way back while Rainbow Dash spoke up over the other four mares, heavy breathing. “How in the hay did you manage this Fluttershy with a broken wing?” She asked while the light yellow mare spoke up. “It was fear and A-adrenaline that got me to the tree house.” While Applejack spoke. “You did good sugar-cube, now let’s help out your new friend.” Before Fluttershy could speak, Twilight stopped dead in her tracks; before she spoke up. “Girls, do you hear that?” She asked as the group stopped, their ears moving around. After some time, their hearing picked up their breathing, but in the distance, they could hear loud clangs of metal. “I think we found our gentle-colt girls, let’s go!” Said Twilight as she began running towards the sound. The others did the same. Found themselves in a field of moonlight. The moon was shining bright, enough to illuminate the area as the clangs of metal were much louder now. Across the Cross the field, they could see somepony with a metal shield. In his hands he was using it as a blunt weapon, as he slammed it repeatedly into the Timberwolf’s head. “Sweet Celestia, I don’t think he needed any kind of help from us.” Rainbow dash said as Rarity spoke up again. “What in the hay is that kind of clothing? This isn’t nightmare night, it looks dreadful.” As they talked, the last Timberwolf’s ear turned to face them while turning its wooden head. Seeing that now they were outnumbered, it turned tail and ran. Matthew had climbed off the shattered Timberwolf while he walked over to a different pile of wood. Reaching down, and grabbing hold of something, the stallion began to pull on the object, while the group made their way over as Twilight spoke up. “Sir, we came to help you but I guess you had things covered?” Twilight said while Matthew grunted, as to show he heard her, the sounds of Metal slicing. Out of wood were heard the main six were able to see his sword, as they all had mixed reactions, especially Rainbow dash. “Your help was much appreciated. I see that your yellow friend managed to get to safety?” Matthew said as Twilight was about to answer him but Rainbow dash interrupted her. “That Sword looks so awesome! Where did you get it?!” Asked Rainbow dash to the mysterious Stallion, while she circled him. “What’s with the getup as well?” “Rainbow dash! Knock it off! This colt saved Fluttershy’s life. Show him some respect!” Yelled Rarity; the rainbow mare blushed, while she brushed some of her long mane out of her face chuckling nervously. “Heh, sorry about that big fella.” “I did not take any kind of offense to your questions, so there’s no need to apologize.” Not long after speaking, Fluttershy came up to him before she flung herself at him into a tight hug. “Y-your A-alive! I-i thought we wouldn’t be F-finding you in one piece!” Fluttershy spoke while she crushed him in a death grip. “Careful! This is a sharp sword, Fluttershy. I don’t need you to skew yourself, after seeing a Maester.” While Matthew worked around, he embraced, to sheath his sword. “Welcome! Even though you’re not near Ponyville! I welcome you anyway to our small town! If you’ll excuse me! I need to plan a party for you!” Before the pink mare Anthro tried to run off, Rarity stopped her. “Are you insane, Pinky?! You can’t run off from the group in a place like this! And need I remind you, Pinky pie, this area has Timberwolves!” The white unicorn mare shouted at the pink mare, while Matthew spoke up. “I’m sorry to interrupt you all, but I think proper introductions are in order.” While the main six had fixed their act up, the purple mare went first. “Hello, I’m Twilight sparkle. I’m from Canterlot to oversee the preparations for the sun celebration this year.” Nodding His head in acknowledgment, he turned to face the light orange woman with a hat on her head. “Greetings partner! My name’s Applejack! It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My family and I live on sweet apple acres.” Walking over to Matthew. Applejack grabbed his black-gloved hand, and she began to shake his hand furiously while giving his hand a firm grip. “I want to thank you personally for saving dear Fluttershy here. She doesn’t know how to stand up for herself sometimes, you see” Matthew gave Applejack’s hand a firm grip in return while he reciprocated the gesture. “I was just nearby. It was the least I could do.” “If you mind my curiosity partner, why the hay do you have a mask on? It’s going to scare anypony who hasn’t met ya. Let alone fillies and colts, and older folk.” After asking her question, she released his hand, and Matthew tried to pull Fluttershy off of his chest. “The reason I wear this mask was to block snow and strong winds, from getting in my eyes, I hail from the far North you see.” While Fluttershy refused to let go of the stranger. Applejack, having been satisfied with the answer, went back to the others as Rarity moved forward. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, darling. My name is Rarity and I run the Carousel Boutique. we’re I make new types of clothing and not to sound rude sir, but your clothing isn’t something that screams a knight in shining armor.” Matthew had rolled his eyes internally at how she complimented his apparel. “I’ll take your criticism to heart, Lady Rarity.” From the way she spoke to him about his clothes, Matthew assumed she was from their version of high society. Rarity nodded as she giggled with glee as she fanned her face. “such manners! I’m not surprised if you’ve already been dating or spoken for already!” After saying her peace, Rarity had gone back as Rainbow dash moved forward before striking a pose. “Name’s Rainbow dash! The fastest flier in all of Equestria! And I want to thank you for what you did for Fluttershy.” She leaned in close. “I would love to have a look at the Sword when the sun rises. It looks so cool at night!” While Matthew chuckled at her childish way of asking him to see his sword. “Yes, you can look at it when the sun rises, but we need to go over some ground rules beforehand. I don’t need someone getting hurt.” As Rainbow gave a sound of excitement at the idea of holding an amazing-looking weapon, suddenly coughing, and shrugging her shoulders. “Eh, that’s fine with me.” Rainbow dash said plainly, joining the group while Matthew looked away slightly. ‘Don’t lie Rainbow dash, you are looking forward to using this Sword.’ Matthew mulled before looking towards Pinky. “I know your name, Pinky pie. Thank you for offering two parties, but I don’t think I will be able to attend them.” After hearing those words, Pinky pie deflated some, before inflating again. “That’s Okay! With me! I’ll just have to do it another time!” After speaking, it was now his turn for Matthew to tell everyone his name. “Hello everyone, my name is Matthew. I would bow in respect to you all, but currently I’m occupied with being hugged. If you six didn’t hear me before, I hail from the North.” Before the main, six could pelt him with questions. Twilight stopped them by remembering the celebration that was going to happen soon. “Girls, we need to head back now, if we want to attend the sun Celebration so let’s make haste!” Matthew had finally managed to pull Fluttershy off his person; “we need to start moving. Now come on Fluttershy.” While she spoke up, “R-right! Sorry about that L-long hug. I thought you D-didn’t survive.” After that embarrassing episode from Fluttershy’s closeness, the group began the journey back to Ponyville. Matthew’s arm was burning. No doubt the wound he sustained from the battle for the Wall was infected. Sadly, he couldn’t check without the six others in his group getting worried about him being hurt. ‘God’s damn it, this hurts.’ he thought while trying to ignore the feelings his arm was currently giving him. But other than that, he met a baby dragon, shockingly, even after the small council of the king, in Westeros had just publicly declared, all dragons were dead for a couple of years before he was born. When the group entered a large building in the center of the town, the moment he stepped into the large room, he could feel plenty of eyes watching him. Matthew could see many colored ‘ponies.’ It didn’t help that the man was taller than these ponies by a foot, maybe even two. The unknown ponies of this building. We’re watching him, as Matthew stuck out like a sore thumb. Because of him being in pure black, among multiple different colors, and his height, he was easily spotted. ‘This isn’t good, I don’t like this.’ Matthew thought, as Rarity and Fluttershy left to prepare for the Ceremony, while the ponies that were closest to him moved away, in slight fear. Matthew had moved closer to Twilight, either above him in the air, or on the Balconies, ponies began whispering to one another, about this stranger in all black with a mask. ‘So much for blending in with a crowd.’ he thought to himself before he heard… birds singing? While the Wall didn’t have these kinds of birds. It had crows and ravens, while someone began to speak. “Fillies and gentle colts, as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to Announce the start of the summer sun Celebration!” Shortly after speaking, ponies all around Matthew were cheering along with more interesting; ways of showing their excitement. All but one pony, Twilight wasn’t showing the same joy as her peers. Leaning over, Matthew whispered into Twilight’s ear. “Is something wrong? You’re not happy about this celebration?” While the pony on stage continued to speak. While Twilight shook her head. “I am, but I’m just hoping I’m wrong about something.” She said while looking at the moon before letting out a shaken gasp. Matthew noticed her shocked expression before looking in the same direction. ‘What’s so shocking about the moon?’ Matthew was stumped as to what scared the purple Anthro, as the Mayor of the town continued. “And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun, and moon, each and every day the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria Princess Celestia!” Turned his attention to the stage, which had a bright light on it, as the curtains were moved back to show… no one? “I guess she didn’t get the signal to be standing there?” Matthew offered the idea to Twilight. “There’s no way Princess Celestia wouldn’t be there; she told me to come here and get everything ready for her this year.” While they watched Rarity, go behind the curtains; she disappeared, and the Mayor tried to keep the other ponies calm. Rarity had arrived back on the stage while she spoke out to everyone. “She’s gone!” Rarity half shouted, while Pinkie pie’s startled shout alerted everyone to the dark star-filled magic taking the stage. While the shape slowly grew in size till finally, a larger and dark pony appeared as Twilight spoke softly. “O-oh no! It’s Nightmare moon.” Matthew began to study this. ‘Nightmare moon’ in his mind. She was taller than the average pony but compared to his height, she had to be face to face with his shoulder or neck at most. He had to guess. She had massive wings, unlike Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash. this Nightmare moon had the largest wings both in size and wingspan, Matthew had seen so far. While Spike fainted, the baby dragon landed against his chest, the man took hold of Spike, not taking his eyes off Nightmare moon. as he sets him down, so Spike didn’t fall and hurt himself. The nightmare began to speak. “Oh~ my beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I last seen your sun-loving faces~,” Nightmare moon stated before Rainbow dash spoke up. “What did you do with Princess Celestia?!” Before Rainbow dash, tried to attack Nightmare moon. Applejack stopped her with her hands on Rainbow’s side. “Woah their sugar cube. Ya can’t fight her on your own.” Rainbow dash struggled. but shouted at the larger anthro, “What did you do with our princess!” Nightmare moon started with a gentle chuckle, which involved a gentle but evil laugh. “why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” While Pinky took this moment to try to answer Nightmare moon. Before she was able to get a single word out, Applejack plugged her mouth with some food, not wanting the Night Princess to gaze toward them as Nightmare moon continued. “Does my Crown no longer count, now that I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did no pony recall the legend? Did you ponies not see the Signs?” While Nightmare Moon gave her evil speech, Twilight moved to the center of the room. “I did. You’re the mare in the moon. Nightmare moon!” Shouted Twilight, while the surrounding ponies gasped. Ponies began moving away from the stage that Nightmare moon stood on while she gave a face of admiration. “Well well well.~ somepony who remembers me, then you must also know why I’m here.~” while she asked Twilight the question she was unable to answer. Seeing the Silence as Twilight’s response, Nightmare moon laughed again, before speaking once more. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last, from this moment forth. The night will last forever!” Nightmare moon began to laugh while her mane grew, shooting lightning bolts out to cause fear. Matthew had seen and had enough, ambling toward the center of the room. Keeping his hand on his sword handle. The Mayor pointed and shouted. “seize her! Only she knows Where Princess Celestia is!” Suddenly, ponies with golden armor appeared to capture her. “Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare moon shouted while she slammed them away, using her mane and fear to stop them. Matthew had made his way next to Twilight while the human stood in an open spot in front of Nightmare moon’s gaze. She stopped her evil laughing, seeing the newcomer in all black, while her mane went back to its normal size. And flowing in a nonexistent breeze, her slit eyes were on him, studying him. He knew that stare. Matthew intrigued her as he drew his sword. “Oh?~ and who might you be?” Seeing this is as good of a time as any, he decided to Recite the Night’s Watch Vow. However, before that, Matthew. Leaning towards Twilight, he whispered to her. “Get out of here, and whoever else will leave. I will buy you the time you need.” Matthew said, while moving closer to the balcony. Nightmare moon was standing on. She was still watching him expectantly. ‘This might piss her off, but I should give Fluttershy and her friends time to get out of here.’ “Hear my words. And bear witness to my vow; Night gathers. And now my watch begins, it shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, Hold no lands. Father, no children, I shall wear no Crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die. At my Post, I am the Sword in the darkness. I am the Watcher on the Walls, I am the Fire that burns against the Cold. the Light, that brings the Dawn, the Horn, that wakes the Sleepers. The Shield, that Guards, the Realms of men, I pledge my Life and Honor to the Night’s watch. For this Night and all the Nights to come.” Nightmare Moon did not like that answer by a long shot. The look on her face especially told how she felt about his vow, mostly the part about being the light that brings the dawn. While she began to grind her sharp teeth together, she spoke. “Did my sister think that founding an order to keep watch for my return? To try to stop me, was a good idea?!” she asked, sounding completely and utterly pissed. ‘Plan worked.’ Matthew thought before answering her. “Your sister had nothing to do with the founding of my order. The Long night. And the Dead Rising was the principal cause.” Nightmare moon scoffed, as she did her best not to laugh, covering her muzzle, before losing it at this seeing this as a joke. After catching her breath, she wiped the tears from her cat-like eyes. “I would apologize for my rudeness, but that sounds utterly ridiculous! The dead? How much of a fool do you think I am!” Nightmare moon asked while her mane grew in size. “Better yet, let’s test your claim! And see how skilled at fighting me! If you can handle the ‘dead’, you should be able to handle me! Better than my sister’s pathetic Royal guards!” She said while she used her enlarged mane to attack Matthew. Twilight and her friends were stunned, along with most of the population of ponyville. They were forced to watch, Nightmare moon tried to make Matthew follow the same fate as the Royal guards. However, Matthew was able to stop her attack by using his Sword, to cut her hair clean off, causing her to hiss in discomfort, while the magical hair disappeared from the ground. “You shouldn’t be able to do that! Where in my Moon did you get that Sword!” Nightmare moon said, hissing while flaring her wings. “If you’re looking for an easy fight, Nightmare moon, I’m not it,” Matthew said simply, showing her question did not faze him. Seeing her time was up, Nightmare moon decided now was the best time to leave, while she growled, slowly going back into a dark magic blob. “I’ll remember this Night Watchmen! You can count on it!!” While Nightmare Moon fled, Rainbow dash was finally able to free herself from her friend AppleJack. Rainbow tried to follow her but failed. Inside the library, Twilight had been using her magic to go through books at a decent speed, as Rainbow dash was trying to interrogate Matthew and utterly failed. “Just what are you ‘Matthew’ how do we not know you’re just a follower of Nightmare moon? Or even some kind of spy!” Rainbow dash said getting in his face while Matthew backed up. “Firstly, Rainbow dash personal space learn it. Secondly, if you all remember correctly, Nightmare moon threw three Royal guards as they are called, with no regard for their lives. She could have and possibly killed maybe one of them?” Rainbow grew frustrated with Matthew’s point. She went to go back into his face before Apple Jack stopped her from entering his bubble. “I don’t get what point you’re trying to make!” Shouted Rainbow dash. While Twilight answered for him. “He’s saying Rainbow, if he was with Nightmare moon, he wouldn’t have cared to save Fluttershy when Timberwolves attacked her.” While that took her attention off of him, it turned to the purple mare. “Oh yeah? What the hay are the elements of harmony, and how did you know that Nightmare moon would come back?” While Applejack grabbed onto her rainbow tail to stop her. “That’s enough Rainbow! If you keep yelling at ponies, nopony is going to want to give you the answer.” After calming down and landing, Rainbow dash gave Twilight an expectant look, and Twilight began to speak. “I learned about Nightmare moon and the elements of harmony in a book, but I can’t find anything else about them!” Pinky pie jumped out, giving the book to Twilight. “You forgot to check under E!” she said while Twilight facepalmed, while she used her magic to find the page she needed; While they approached the Ever-free forest, Matthew stayed close behind the group, while Twilight sighed. “Girls, I do appreciate the offer, including you, Matthew, but I need to do this on my own.” That made Applejack upset. “No sugar cube. Ya must have a few screws loose. If you’d think we all will let ya go in there alone!” Every single mare but Twilight had voiced their agreement, minus Matthew, who just drew his sword. “I’m fine with this. It is significantly better than going North of the Wall,” he said, thinking this was going to be an easy, in-and-out type of job. But when the time came and when he had his chance, he would need to kill Nightmare moon. She was a dangerous creature of the night, even rivaling or surpassing White walkers. When the time arrived, Matthew already knew what must be done for the good of the Realms, personally. He very much disliked it. She showed no signs of being a white walker but those eyes she had. We’re pretty damn similar to a monster, in Matthew’s opinion. Along with that being said, she was speaking. Another thing White walkers or even Wights never did. The path seemed stable enough, no animals were out as the girls stayed close to Matthew because of his sword, and while Applejack spoke up. “This forest isn’t natural.” Matthew responded, “it seems like a normal forest to me.” While Rainbow started to tell spooky stories about the forest. “Rainbow dash stops it. If you scare the others, you’ll be carrying them,” Matthew said, but she continued away. This time more towards him but after a few minutes of Matthew being unfazed by her tales Rainbow dash groaned in annoyance. “what? You’re telling me nothing scares you, matt?” She asked while he turned to look at her spot in the back of the group. “Rainbow dash. In my honest opinion, your stories only scare children before bed, along with our friends here.” While Rainbow dash grinned, she moved to his side. “oh yeah? Tough guy, lay it on me! Tell me what! Scare you!” “Rainbow dash the things I’ve seen, have given me Sleepless nights, more than once occasionally. Believe me, it takes a lot more than people or children going missing to scare me.” “Then tell me! I can take it! If you can, so can I. It’s not like you’re fighting an army of Timberwolves or something!” That’s when they arrived at a cliff’s edge. “Another time Rainbow dash not in front of the others. They aren’t trying to scare one another into running away.” Before they all knew it, the ground caved underneath them, and as they began falling down the steep end, Rainbow dash and Fluttershy were fine because of their wings, but the other four weren’t much better off. While their friends slid off towards a drop, they did their best to save everypony Rainbow dash and Fluttershy tried to save Matthew, but he waved them off. “I’ll be fine! Worry about the others! I’ll get down safely!” Matthew lied, while he couldn’t tell what was at the bottom, but he rather saved their lives than his own. Once getting off the cliff, he jumped, aiming for a tree to hopefully break his fall, as he braced for the fall. ‘Come on, just give me this one this one time!’ Matthew thought while he readied his sword. His landing was hard, but thank the old gods, the tree didn’t have many branches. He used his sword to stab deep into the bark of the tree to slow his rapidly falling descent, stopping at the foot of the tree. Matthew stood there in utter shock at what he just accomplished. Pulling his sword out of the tree, he made his way back to the group, on solid ground while Applejack landed next to him and began to ask questions. “Matthew! You’re alive?! How did ya survive?” “By using my Sword. as a tool to slow my fall. And if I’m honest, I didn’t think it would have worked, but here I stand,” Matthew said while the others looked Relieved seeing that Matthew was alive and not dead. It surprised Matthew to say the very least he had one hell of a night. First, he survived a fall from a cliff, and second, Fluttershy stopped a creature called a ‘manticore’ from attacking them. Pinky pie had made faces of trees disappear, by making everyone laugh, granted even he chuckled somewhat at their antics. Rarity stopped a giant worm-like creature by giving him some of her tail and finally, Rainbow dash helped put a wooden bridge back together. Now inside a very old-looking, and ruined Castle, Matthew stayed outside of the collapsed room keeping watch over the entrance. They all came out again but Twilight. Noticing this, he waved Applejack over to ask her about it. “Applejack, where is Twilight?” Matthew asked while Applejack stood in front of him. “She’s trying to find the hidden element to activate them all so we can stop Nightmare moon.” “What will happen if we win?” Matthew asked as Applejack snorted. “You’re gonna have to explain something to us all, partner.” “Explain what? The things I said to Rainbow dash?” Matthew asked while Applejack shook her head. “no sugar cube, ya just appearing on the same night as Nightmare moon wearing all this? Ya fancy words you told her didn’t seem to agree with what she’s planning to do.” Before Matthew could answer her, everyone would hear Twilight’s scream of surprise. This grabbed everyone’s attention. Making their way back inside, seeing their purple friend jump into a tornado of stars, and darkness, Matthew, along with the others, rushed to help her but it disappeared. “Where did she go? Twilight?!” Yelled Applejack, as Matthew took charge, “Spread out! Look for anything out of the ordinary! They couldn’t have gotten far.” While the ponies ran around, looking for where they had gone, Rarity’s voice broke through their panicked state. “Look! She has to be there at the top of the Castle!” Rarity shouted, while all the ponies looked including Matthew. “Let’s give her a helping hand so she won’t face that thing alone. Come on!” Matthew spoke while drawing his sword and ran outside, following the group to where Twilight had been taken to. Finally, the group of five mares and one human had managed to get inside the main part of the Castle, finding seemingly endless halls, and stairways, with widening turns. Getting more lost, with every turn, until. They heard evil laughter coming from a floor above them. While they all began shouting for Twilight, to ease her from facing Nightmare Moon alone, Matthew stayed silent, not wanting to dash any hopes if Twilight faced her end there. He wanted to be wrong; he prayed that he was. The group got closer, and they were finally able to hear Twilight’s voice. The group of ponies seemed witty, that they found her, Matthew however sighed a breath of relief, knowing she hadn’t died to a creature of the night. “Get in their girls, I’ll Hold these stairs, and make sure Nightmare moon. doesn't try to leave any surprises for us, while your backs are turned,” Matthew said while they all nodded, and went into the room to see their friend. Matthew could faintly hear what was going on and it seemed that this Nightmare moon was going to lose. Until suddenly, bright lights came from the floor above. Thinking they had won, Matthew climbed the steps two, and even three at a time, until he saw a strange sight. Everyone was lying on the ground breathing, thankfully. Seeing the creature Nightmare moon unconscious on the ground. He made his way over to her, his footfalls echoing through the room. Shortly, standing next to the now smaller Nightmare moon, the main six began to wake up. “Ugh, my head. Did we get her?” Asked Rainbow dash, while Applejack spoke up. “Everypony ok?” she asked, looking around before spotting Matthew. While Twilight asked. “Girls, what is he doing over their near Nightmare moon?” Before they could ask him, Matthew slowly drew his sword. As the loud metal being unsheathed. awoke Nightmare moon, her eyes wide in fear. While he held the handle with both hands as he settled the tip of the blade into the ground. “In the name of the Night’s watch, I Matthew second in command of the Ranger Order and next in line for first Ranger. While also being a sworn brother of the Night’s watch. Sentences you to death. If you have any last words now, is the time to say them.” She looked up at him, her eye’s as wide as dinner plates, while Nightmare moon tried to crawl away. As fear made her stutter words, Matthew couldn’t understand before his foot on her back stopped her while he spoke again. “I take no pleasure in this. I don’t, but I do this for the good of the Realms.” Finally, the stuttering stopped, and she began to speak. “M-mercy! I beg for your mercy. My actions were not of my own free will! Please, I didn’t mean to harm anypony!” As Nightmare moon pleaded for her life with this stranger in all black. Kept his foot planted on her back before speaking to her. “If you keep moving, this won’t be a clean cut, and you’ll feel pain. I’m trying to make this a clean passing, for you creature of the Night!” “Matthew, stop it! You don’t need to kill her! She’s weak! There’s no need to do this!” Shouted Twilight. While she got up and began slowly approaching the two. Her friends did the same. “And risk your world going through the long Night? Where thousands of innocents starve and froze to death? Is that really what you want for your future?!” Matthew asked before razing his Sword, getting ready to bring it down, on Nightmare moon’s neck, before a golden glow enveloped his Sword. It was ripped free of his hands as the blade slid across the ground. “That is enough, sir Matthew!” said an unfamiliar regal voice. A bright white orb entered the room, then appeared a larger white pony, with a horn and wings. Her appearance made the main six-stop. The look on her face was that of pure anger. “Get off of her this Instance!” Celestia said before her wings flared as she moved till she was in front of the main six. “My apologies, my Lady, but I do not recognize who you are?” Asked Matthew respectfully, and her horn began to glow. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of the day, and of Equestria! And I order you to stand down before I am forced to act against you!” While Matthew shook his head. “I’m sorry your Grace, but I can not do such a thing.” He said as Celestia raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “And what is the reason that is stopping you from getting off Princess Luna? “She asked while Matthew answered Celestia. “I have sentenced her to death and I must carry out the sentence or I will question my Honor.” “You did What?!” Celestia shouted as she blasted Matthew with a large amount of magic, causing him to slam against a stone wall, knocking him out along with opening his arm wound. While blood leaked from his arm, Celestia made her way to her sister. Seeing blood leak from the mysterious stranger, Celestia used her magic to stop his bleeding. So she could handle him later. She moved towards Luna." It has been a thousand years since I last saw you like this. It is time for us to put our differences behind us. We were meant to work together, Little Sister." Luna had been staring at the ‘pony.’ in all black, before slowly looking back at her older sister. Moving in and embracing her while tears fell from her eyes. “I’m so sorry, big sister! I’ve missed you all this time!” Shouted Luna, her head pressing against Celestia’s chest while hugging her tightly while her older sister did the same. “I’ve missed you as well.” Author's Note Holy crap guys! Chapter two is out sorry for the Wait! Make sure to relax and enjoy the reading! And do not worry readers! Luna will be fine you'll see in future chapters soon enough! Chapter three - Getting Pardoned and meeting the Captain of the Guard.Chapter three Matthew had been unconscious for an unknown length of time, his head was aching. something fierce, his heartbeat sounded like drums in his skull. he tried to reach up, toward his head to grab it hoping to ease the pain, before the sounds of irons were heard. And stopped his hand in its tracks Slowly Opening his eyes, Matthew would see he was in a Dark cell; his sword and dagger along with his shield were gone, and all that was left on him were the clothes he wore. Looking around, Matthew would see a yellow glow from his left arm; it was on top, and around his wound, suddenly, heavy footfalls came from the left hallway. "This way, Doctor Quick Healing. The Princess wants him fixed up, and ready, she wants to question him personally." While the male voice spoke, a light was coming closer while Matthew watched as a male pony in golden armor stopped at his cell. "This is the cell doctor." the second pony, this one being smaller in size along with having a feminine-sounding voice, Matthew watched from the darkness, as the mare moved to the door pulling her keys out, and unlocking the cell door before moving away. While the Doctor entered the cell, he spoke up. "It's too dark in here, may I get some light so I can work?" After asking, the male pony used his; horn. To shine a light spell, into the cell while the Doctor began unpacking his equipment. "I see you are awake sir," said the Doctor as the Guards panicked slightly. "How is that possible? The Princess put a sleep spell on him so he wouldn't be woken up unless she allowed him to!" Said the Stallion as his horn glowed brighter getting ready to blast the human. "Guard stand down. I requested her Highness to lift it so I can do my duties properly." The Doctor said, calming the Guard pony, he turned his attention to Matthew. "I'm here to treat your injury, She told me of. Mind showing me where?" Quick Healing said. Matthew was finally able to hold his head. "Where the hell am I?" He asked while this Doctor answered. "You're in the Royal dungeons of the Palace in Canterlot." Finding his answer good enough Matthew began to take off his upper clothing while the doctor hummed. "I see what concerns her so much. You've been stabbed and the wound has gotten infected. Let's start by cleaning the wound." Said the Doctor as he pulled out a black bottle while Matthew watched him suspiciously, seeing how the grayish-white pony worked. "Now this isn't going to hurt a single bit," the Doctor said, as he placed the wet gauze; onto the wound, Matthew gritted in pain, as his fist, clenched. "by the seven, what in fuck was that?!" He shouted while the doctor held his arm. "I'm cleaning the wound so I can bandage it." The Doctor said while pulling the gauze away as he cleaned. What was left, before wrapping it in bandages. "Your wound is infected. I made it so it won't get worse. I'll give the Princess a letter, asking her to allow your medication to fight your sickness. " Matthew nodded before reaching over, to put his gambeson on, while the doctor's hoof stopped him. "I understand you want to be dressed to meet Royalty, constantly sweating, isn't going to help your wound heal properly." Said the Doctor before packing up and giving it to the guardmare. "Have this cleaned, washed, and possibly fixed. We don't need him walking around topless in the future." Said the Doctor before leaving, "I'll check on you in the coming week sir to see how your wound is doing. Other than that he's yours." Said Dr. Quick Healing while he made his leave. The Guards entered the cell, while the Stallion spoke up. "Get up, the Princess wants to speak with you." He said while Matthew got onto his feet; The mare, sputtered in surprise, seeing Matthews's chest looking down matt was mostly muscle but what most likely caught her gaze, was the scars he had. "See something you like, my lady?" Matthew mockingly asked while the female in armor blushed faintly, before speaking. "S-start walking!" She ordered poking him in the back with the wood end of her spear. Shrugging his shoulders, Matthew followed the larger male out of the cell as the female stayed on Matthew's rear to make sure he didn't get the bright idea of running. Matthew and the two Guards were walking for some time now, through many halls, and up stairways, this Palace was like a massive Maze. entering what Matthew assumed was the main halls above ground, While they walked they encountered a small group of servant mares, roughly three or four of them. The eyes they were giving him were unnerving, they seemed to be sizing him up, like a piece of meat. 'Can this hurry up? I don't want to sleep with one eye open tonight.' Trying to cover his upper half with his black cloak, from their appraising eyes, until they arrived at two enormous wooden doors. Seeing two other Guards, these two were male thankfully, utilizing their magic to open the door. After the door was unlocked the pony leading Matthew entered, while the Ranger was forced to stay on his trail, the doors closing behind them. The room was massive, his boot falls were different compared to the two ponies escorting him. Walking on a red carpet taking in his surroundings. Massive stone pillars, and glass windows, caught his eyes until reaching the center of the room before trumpets were blown. "The ruler of Equestria, and the ruler of the day! Princess Celestia! And her sister! Ruler of the night and co-ruler of Equestria!" Said a triumph-bearing pony, everyone in the room kneeled. Even the Guards that escorted Matthew kneeled except him. Looking around the room Matthew saw who these two ponies were. The taller white-furred one, she almost killed him with the magic she used. Other than that she did not seem happy about something, looking over while he turned his attention to her sister she, however, had been eyeing him up the whole time, he had been studying her elder sister. Before Matthew knew it they were walking toward him with such grace that only Royalty could manage, they stopped just before him while Celestia stayed silent until they made it to a respectable distance. "your doctor patched me up, why?" Matthew said, showing his arm while the golden glow disappeared. "He's sworn to treat all wounded Ponies, friend or foe." Stated, Celestia Matthew looked towards Princess Luna, who looked down blushing, not wanting to make eye contact with him. "So what happens now, are you going to torture me?" Matthew asked, looking towards Celestia her eyes slightly widened in surprise. Before shaking her head. "Nopony is going to torture you." Matthew interrupted her, "I almost killed a Royal, your Sister no less, the punishment should be Death or the loss of a hand. Can you stop this Act? How will it happen? Hanging? Beheading? Drop me from the highest point of the Palace?" Matthew asked before Celestia interrupted his listing of ways they could kill him. "That's what the Royal council said. Thinking of ways to kill you but my Sister, and I denied it." "We were going to agree to a different kind of punishment, a life sentence in a cell; until we received a report, from my student Twilight sparkle who explained what you had done in ponyville, and she along with her friends begged for me to spare you." "Your grace, I mean no disrespect when I say this but I did only what my Duties asked of me." This caused Celestia to raise an eyebrow "and what are your duties?" Before he could answer, Luna, answered for him. "Thy male, speaks the truth. When he had the Nightmare moon's gaze he recited a vow." Celestia turned her head to her flustered younger sister before back at him "is what Luna says true?" Celestia asked before Matthew nodded his head seeing now as a better time than never Matthew removed his mask helmet to get some cool air After some time, Matthew pulled his mask back down to hide his face before Luna spoke up "you shouldn't hide your face it goes well W-with thy build." Matthew blushed under his mask but kept his cool. "Your Grace, can we focus on the topic at hand other than my body?" He asked Which made Luna blush even more while she went back to looking at his face even Celestia seemed gitty at her sister's actions. "Forgive my younger Sister, she has never seen a Stallion of your Statue, or Physique before." Hitting at his exposed chest. "Now you had said before to Luna that you had been at War with the dead?" Celestia said cautiously while Matthew nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, your grace, they aren't something to be trifled with." "Where is the proof of you fighting the undead? Not to show disrespect but scars don't tell tales" Asked Princess Luna while she asked Matthew answered "I have my memories, your grace. That is all I have." As Celestia nodded "I have a spell for that do not worry I recommend sitting down first sir Matthew." What Celestia told him, Matthew, while he did what she instructed him to do as She and Luna's horns glowed. The blackness that was all he could see around him stayed like this for a long time before the two Princesses appeared in his mind while Matthew had the privilege of being fully dressed in front of the two Royals. "What is this place?" Matthew asked as Luna answered, "this is a shared dream, Matthew I am keeping us together." She said as her horn was glowing a soft blue. "Now; where do I start?" Matthew asked Celestia spoke up. "From the beginning, as far back as you are willing to go." Nodding his head, Matthew began to Think back to the time he was assigned to the Rangers, his mind transformed the blackness around them, to the courtyard of Castle Black while the two sisters looked about the 700-foot wall caught both of their attention. "Welcome to the Wall your Highnesses," Matthew said simply while they were too stunned to speak as they both stuttered and had never seen something like this before in their lives. They were about to speak, and Matthew silenced them both, "look below in the courtyard." They both saw a large gathering of apes "do you want a closer look?" He asked while Luna moved them down, not waiting on her sister's Answer while they were able to hear a man speaking more clearly. "What are the apes talking about?" Asked Luna before Matthew interrupted her "your Grace, we are not apes where humans are. Now please listen." "Some of you came to the wall as outlaws, murderers, poachers, some came here in chains, others from low-born families. Even a few here with the name of proud houses, or no names at all. You might have traveled to the wall, with no friends or honor. It does not matter now, all that is in the past here on the wall. We are all one house." After giving his speech he backed away from the wood stage and began making his way down the steps. "Who is the older human male?" Asked Celestia while Matthew responded, " he is the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch." Meanwhile, the Lord Commander continued his speech this time being ground level with the new night watchmen. "A man of the Night's Watch lives his life for all the realms, not for a king, or a lord, or the honor of one house or that house, not for gold or glory or a woman's love. But for the realm! And all the people in it. You've all learned the words of our vow, think carefully before you say them. The penalty for Desertion is death; you can take your vows here tonight at sunset. Do any of you keep the old gods? In your prayers?" The lord commander asked while most of the men stood. "You'll find a Weirwood tree a mile north of the wall. But in the meantime, you all have been assigned an order according to our needs and your Strengths." After listening to a few hundred names Matthew was called "Matthew to the Rangers." After that two Rangers came walking out into the courtyard carrying a large wooden box. "I've heard rumors that many of you don't believe that what we fight is out there lurking, beyond the Wall. So I've had the rangers bring back proof." He said while they hooked a long chain into a metal holder that was bolted down before opening the box and pushing it over. After it fell over while one Wight came barreling out screaming and yelling as loud as possible while it ran at the new Watchmen intending to rip apart the living men the undead was stopped by the collar around its neck while it did its best trying to go for anyone close enough. "You see this? This is the enemy to the North! This is what you are protecting the realms from. If we fail then that is the fate of every person in the world! We are the only thing standing between the realms and what lies beyond! " Said the Lord Commander, he drew his sword and brought it down on the Wight's head. "Anything else, you'd like to see your Highness?" Matthew asked before Celestia spoke up. "Please call us by our first names, Matthew." Said Celestia while the area faded to black. "Do you believe I've shown enough?" Matthew spoke while Celestia and Luna moved a good ways away to speak to one another. After about twenty minutes of hush conversion, the two Royal sisters returned to Matthew, Celestia spoke up. "How many of those things are there?" She asked while Matthew brought his hand to his chin in thought. "Before I left the most recent reports said roughly around 20,000 Wights including undead Giants and Wildlife." Celestia hummed at the answer before speaking. "You're saying these Wights are not living? and they have undead Giants?" While Luna seemed a little bit amazed by the wall and its architecture. "Yes, Celestia but I'm unsure if their numbers have tripled in that time. the White Walkers will recruit any fallen that isn't burned the more they kill, the more they can recruit ." "Then how do you kill these White walkers?" The younger Sister asked while turning back to look towards the two. "I'm not sure about the books I've studied, suggested Dragon-glass, others say swords made from dragon's fire but no solid solution." Unsatisfied with the answer, Luna nodded her head going back to looking at the wall, her Sister tried to grab her attention however Luna's full attention was glued to the wall. "Sister, we should leave our Guest's mind. We spent enough time here." The older Sister said before Luna snapped out of her state "O-oh right!" Suddenly Matthew awoke back in the non-dream world while Celestia and Luna made their way back to a single throne Celestia sat down leaving Luna standing the elder Sister began to speak. "Sir Matthew I hereby pardon your crimes of attempted murder of my sister and Desertion, from your Post. However, I will not allow you to leave the Royal Palace, till the end of the month to see how much of a threat you are to my little Ponies. Along with that, you have my Forgiveness." "Thank you, your Grace but I sadly do not need your Forgiveness, only you're younger Sisters. I did try to end her life after all." He said turning to Luna her blush left her face while she nodded "thy is forgiven." After that Celestia used her magic as a bell floated up and began to ring for a short moment. While a single servant mare entered the throne room kneeling before the two sisters as Celestia spoke to her "make sure sir Matthew is given proper quarters and his clothes along with his kit." While the maid bowed, the stallion from the dungeons walked over holding Matthew's Wrists; he unlocked the Cuffs; they soon fell off as the maid approached him. 'Crap she's one of the Ponies from the hallway!' just as she got any closer. Matthew used his black Cloak to cover his body as she kneeled in respect before him. "This way sir~," the pony said in a sing-song voice, while she made her way out of the throne room Matthew unwillingly followed the Servant. After Matthew had left the throne room Celestia leaned over toward her younger sister, giving a sly grin, while Luna watched him leave. Celestia spoke up the moment he left the throne room. "I saw the way you were eyeing him up, dear Sister. not even back a day as the Princess of the Night, and you're looking to court our new guest, to warm your bed during the day." The older sister teased as Luna's face became redder than an apple. Luna's blush continued before she finally spoke. "If you'll pardon me S-sister I have my duties to perform," Luna said before going down the white marble steps and leaving the throne room threw the hidden exit Celestia began to laugh hard from her Sister's reaction. Meanwhile, back with Matthew, the maid had taken him to the nicer side of the Palace, For Guests, Matthew assumed, and other important people that visited the Palace; stopping before a door. The maid used her magic to open the door and stepped aside. "Once your clothes are ready, I'll return them to you please, by all means, Relax and freshen up." Once entering the room, Matthew couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing, there was way too much White. Everywhere though he didn't mind the color, just the fact was Matthew was too dirty to be in a room like this. Peeking his head out towards the pony "is there a bath? Where can I clean myself?" While the mare nodded her head. "Certainly, next to your bed on the wall, there is a door, that has a bath for you, sir." Pulling his head back inside the room Matthew closed and locked the door not trusting the mare on the other side while he made his way to the door she spoke about. Opening the door Matthew was greeted by a fairly large room that had a Sink, a few Mirrors, a Window, and a Bathtub and Shower. Locking the Bathroom door, and closing the Window, so none of those flying ponies could get in. Even covering it with his cloak while Matthew began trying to understand the concept of a Shower and Bathtub made of Ceramics. After some time Matthew had managed to get the Shower to work these ponies had made a system that can give cold or hot water on demand. That level of technology kinda surprised Matthew but stayed focused on the task at hand while only being allowed to use his other free hand. Once getting clean enough Matthew washed off for the last time before turning the water valve completely to the position it was last in while the water slowly turned off. Once feeling clean, and refreshed, after fighting Wights then fighting Nightmare moon and a night in a cell was making Matthew's body felt a lot better and less sore; making his way to the wall and grabbing a Towel. He wrapped his lower half in the Towel to hide his 'private area' while collecting his Clothes along with his cloak and taking them to the bedroom. Unlocking the door and finding the maid from before was still there. Matthew caught her attention by unlocking his door. "Excuse me, do you mind having these cleaned and dried and then brought back here for me?" He asked, peeking his head out not trusting the female pony. "Why of course! you're the guest of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! Anything for you~" tossing his clothes at her seeing this as the best time to stop interactions with the mare. "Y-yes thank you, please when they are done please return them immediately." Matthew finished, closing the door he could have sworn he heard her giggle gently before leaving. Now having the room to himself, Matthew began to explore the decent-sized room there was a Bed, two Nightstands, a Desk, and more Windows, thankfully most of which had their Blinds closed so none could see inside, and Dressers. Opening a few of the Dressers he would find a few Clothes seeing if they would fit him, Matthew tried a few Clothes on and shockingly enough they did. 'Maybe they had magic in them?' the Ranger thought before shaking his head. "Magic hasn't existed for thousands of years," Matthew said before someone spoke up. "Yes it has," turning around he would see a male Guard standing there before Matthew blushed. "How much of me did you see when you walked in?" Matthew asked while the pony shook his head "only your back and from what Celestia's sun showed me no one wonders why the mare Guards and Servants are talking about you." This caused Matthew to blush while the guard laughed. "Careful bud, you're going to run the Stallions and me out of business with those scars." Matthew decided to look at this mysterious Stallion in closer detail. "if you mind me asking who you are? And also how did you get in?"Matthew asked before the pony spoke. "Oh me? I'm the Captain of the Royal Guard's Shining armor. I'm here to deliver your gear back and if I might say you have a fine sword! And how I got in I used my Magic to unlock the door. I figured you had left to explore the Palace since you have almost full access to everything. And mind telling me what your name is?" "My name Captain is Matthew and you didn't think to knock to make sure I wasn't in here? "Matthew said an eyebrow raising behind his mask while Shining armor sheepishly rubbed the back of his helmet. " I wasn't thinking about that sorry about that I do hope there weren't any mix singles I sent you by Matt doing that." Matthew waved his hand before grabbing hold of his Blade once again unsheathing his Sword. It felt Strange having the Blade in his hands after being parted with it for a night. "What time is it?" Matthew asked before Shining armor spoke, "around midday why?" "Is there a Training field nearby?" before Shining, nodded, "A training field? Oh! You mean training grounds There's a private area where Royal Guards train if you'd like we can both go there" "I'm getting rusty sitting here we might as well," Matthew said while grabbing his Sword while beginning to attach it to his side feeling the familiar Weight of his Sword's sheath against his right hip. "Perfect, let's just see how good you are with that blade of yours!" Shining armor challenged while Matthew chuckled. "I wasn't the second in Command to the Rangers for no reason. Captain, it will be most wise to think before challenging a Battle-hardened Ranger." Shining armor grinned, walking out of the room. "Then come on, esteemed Guests, come and make me eat my own words!" Shining said before walking into the exit of the guest room. Before the door blasted inwards the small group of pony mares from before were currently latched onto Matthews's clothing. "It's mine! He gave it to me to wash for him!" said the maid from outside his door while another spoke. "No way Marble shadow! I saw him first!" said a Pegasus maid, while the third mare spoke. "Ha! You think he would want a flying mare friend or a magic user?" asked a normal-looking pony before the other two snapped at the earth pony. While they both shouted. "Shut up Emerald Snow!" before they could go back to killing one another not aware of Matthew nor the Captain of the Guard. reaching up under the Mask to his lips while he whistled loudly, in hopes to stop them oddly enough, it worked as all three of their Heads snapped towards where the source of the noise came from seeing the target of their lust they all blushed before Matthew spoke pulling his hand out of from under his mask. "My Ladies, I thank you for returning my clothes to me. But I would rather have them all in one piece than in pieces." "See I told you Matthew you're making the Stallions in the castle look bad!" Matthew walked over and gently took his clothes back from the Servants "ladies do you mind leaving? You as well Shining armor." Nodding while helping the mares out of the room because they wanted to 'help him change' rolling his eyes at the pass at him Matthew began changing into his freshly cleaned and fixed black Uniform. Once putting his cloak and boots back on Matthew stepped out finding that most of the ponies had left only Shining and one of the Maids was still there. "ready?" Matthew asked the Captain before he turned to look at him. "You bet Matthew, let's test our Steel!" the Captain of the Guard said while Matthew just shook his head. "If I kick your ass I don't want to hear you say I Cheated," Matthew said plainly, while they walked to the training grounds. "we shall see and if I win you'll give me that sword for a day!" Before leaving Matthew turned his head to the last maid standing there "your name was Emerald snow?" he asked while she nodded her head quickly. "Yes sir! Is there anything you need?" she asked while Matthew shook his head. "The only thing I need from you, my lady, is for you to get some Rest. You don't need to stand there all midday and afternoon." Emerald snow bowed respectfully, before speaking. "Thank you, sir, for giving me the rest of the day off." After speaking her Peace, she walked down the marble to leave. "ready now Matthew? The lover of all mares!" Shining armor teased while the man in black punched him in the side. "Ow! What are your hands made of Marble?" he asked, rubbing his sides. "That was for telling a bad joke." Matthew said while Shining, spoke up after the pain stopped "if I win I get your Sword and I get to Punch you back!" Rolling his eyes behind his mask Matthew looked at the Captain "then let's start fighting, Author's Note Holy crap third chapter out fourth is on its way shortly do not forget people 'Winter is coming.' Chapter four - Killing a nightmare and the new Lord Commander and Warden of the NorthChapter four //a few hours later// "You cheated Matt!" yelled Shining armor while the Human helped the Stallion up from the mud of the training ground. " I do not need to cheat, I have nothing to gain by doing so." "You lied about being Rusty!" said Shining while whipping some of the mud off his Armor. "I didn't lie, I haven't trained in about three days?" Matthew said while bending down, snatching the dirty wooden Sword while giving it back to his exercise Partner. "I guess you're done? For the day?" Matthew asked while the Captain flicked mud off his Helmet. "Sadly I do, my duties call. Plus this is the night I'm going to ask my Mare-friend Cadence if we could get married." the white-furred Stallion said while taking the wood sword from Matthew. "Well then, I hope the old gods aid you in that Endeavor, good luck Captain," Matthew said, offering his hand to shake while he grinned, taking his black glove and giving a firm shake. "Please Matthew call me Shining Armor, there is no need to call me Captain, and don't you have a Mare friend as well?" he asked while Matthew shook his head. "I can not Shining armor, my vow, prevents me from taking a female Companion, to be anything with me." frowning while Shining replied, "Shame you could have gotten one and quite efficiently mind you; how in Celestia's name can you fight like that?" Shining asked before walking towards a stand and storing the fake Sword in a holder. "Did you forget Shining? I'm a Ranger of the Night's watch. They are trained constantly to be able to hold their own beyond the Wall." "Then I bet it's brutal! because you kicked my flank! Not many ponies can say they have these days. So what are you going to do now?" Shining asked while Matthew tossed the sword in his direction. "I might go to a temporary post to keep watch north." Shining tilted his head in confusion, "watch over what? There is nothing north beside grasslands and hills?" Matthew just shook his head before saying simply. "I am the Watcher on the Walls." Before leaving, Shining shouted at the Human, while he left. "That doesn't answer my question! But whatever." Matthew passed a few royal Guards. They did their best to stay clear of the Human, word Traveled fast about a pony in all black beating the Captain of the Royal Guard repeatedly in the training fields. Making his way onto the Stonewall, after getting a sense of direction of where north was Matthew stood there watching the terrain; then a Royal Guard or two would pass by him. While they patrolled until faintly Matthews's ears could pick up faint voices nearby. "Your Highness." he rolled his eyes knowing who that might be before a voice spoke "is sir Matthew on the battlements?" asked Princess Celestia. What Matthew assumed was a Guard responding to her his voice was harder to hear because his body was beginning to fight the Infection. ''Great.' he thought before hoof falls were heard walking towards him before a voice rang out over the ringing "I heard you were fighting the Captain of the Guard." Celestial's voice sliced through the ringing before Matthew answered. "I bested him around eight times; he only bested me once with a Cheap shot." a soft chuckle was her response. "That's not a laughing matter your Grace, if this City was attacked he needs to be its last line of Defense." Celestia stood beside him, "I know he's very busy that's all" Shaking his head before turning to look at her "that isn't good enough, your Highness but for now, I'll let it slide as it's not my place to Enforce your rules. But at least try and make him Train more" "I'll see what I can do sir Matthew but why are you here on the North wall of the Castle?" the Alicorn asked while Matthew leaned against one of the Stone railings. "I'm standing watch your grace." his legs felt like jelly while a strange little bottle appeared before him in a golden aura. "When you feel sick take those they will help you feel better," she said before sighing "Tomorrow morning would you be interested in having breakfast with me?" she asked with a neutral-sounding voice as he took the pill bottle Matthew would hold onto it before looking over at the Sun Princess. "May I ask what about?" Matthew asked while storing said pill bottle in his leather waistband. "It's about the vow, you've taken my Sister believes she can win you over enough, to make you break said Vow." "And she said this?" he asked before she shook her head. "I know my younger Sister, better than anypony she has her eye on you, and so do many other Mares in the Capital." Then why tell me? If she didn't state it I need not worry. "Matthew asked while she slowly stepped away. "Because my young Sister is the Princess of the Night she may try to convince you in the dream world by being; 'Physical' I only tell you now so that you can steel yourself before bed. I hope I'm wrong but just prepare." "Duly noted your Grace." Matthew blushed under the mask he didn't expect Royalty to have their eye on him, in this kind of sense he spoke again: "she's going to be Dissatisfied, your Grace I don't sleep till midnight on some nights and for others, I barely sleep at all." "Having trouble sleeping? I can get you something for that, possibly even a spell might fix it?" She Offered while he shook his head no "I'll be fine Celestia head to bed you have a Realm to Rule. And I have my Post to Guard." "Very well, seeing that I can't help you I'll leave you alone have a good night Matthew sleep well tomorrow we have a big day, "Celestia said before turning and walking back inside leaving the Ranger. After seeing the Sun Princess leave Matthew waited a period before he Snatched hold of the pill bottle from his Waistband and after opening it he proceeded to take one of these meds. Matthew was feeling hot and sweaty. His Clothes weren't helping him in the slightest, waiting for some time before leaving his post and not wanting to bump into Celestia while going to his guest quarters for some rest and that sounded good to the unwell Ranger. Using the Walls as supports, many different Ponies watched him when he Traversed paths with them; even a Guard or two offered to help the Ranger but he declined. Once making it back to his room the two Guards stationed outside looked at Matthew nervously having heard what the Ranger had done to their Captain making it to the Door he sighed before opening the door and stepping inside. Locking the doors, and even moved a Chair in front so that no one could enter Unless he moved the said Chair after that he checked the room making sure there weren't any Hidden ponies or perhaps a Princess in his guest chamber. Thankfully there wasn't anything while he began to strip his apparel off his body. The cool summer air was hitting his body while Matthew got into bed. The moon had risen over the Lands all seemed quiet but he couldn't doze off to sleep he couldn't sleep Matthew wanted to but the horror of the White Walkers and their Minions made his heart race and that's where he stayed most of the night only getting up to use the restroom to relieve himself. Until finally sleep claimed him the time was around midnight like he said earlier. Princess Luna had started her rounds of the Castle nopony ever showed up at her Night court either they didn't know it existed, or they still feared her and were convinced she was Nightmare moon or just had no power to do anything. Deep down it upset, Luna but the ponies of ponyville? And sir Matthew? They didn't judge her if she recalled accurately her mind reminded her of what the Human tried to do when she had been liberated from the Corruption. Shuttering slightly from nervousness, the Glint of his Blade from her recollections, scared her it was no doubt a gorgeous Blade no pony Smith from Ancient times or current, could replicate such a Weapon. 'But he wouldn't use it Right?' Luna thought, before arriving at the Throne room and using her blue magic to open the main doors she Sauntered inside her gown softly glittering like the stars in the night sky she sat down on her older Sister's throne. Sitting down as she looked around, nopony was here not even Royal Guards having enough of this Luna would close her eyes before entering the Dreamworld. All of her subjects seemed to be having Pleasant dreams from what she could see from the massive dark blue doors along with the crystals, and whatever color it indicated how the dream was for the Sleeper. Walking down the seemingly endless hallway of doors and Sculptures, Princess Luna came across a door that was black as darkness with two enormous Raven Sculptures, with their wings fully extended, instead of a pony's cutie mark. 'This must be sir Matthew's door.' Luna thought before looking up gasping as she saw that color; a deep black, she hated Nightmares but this wasn't a normal Nightmare that had infected his dream and it was her duty to fix this problem before it got too Serious. Stealing herself, for what she might see in his dreams, Luna moved closer to the door before opening it while she was Blasted with strong Winter winds and Snow. Once getting inside she could hear a horn. Using her wings to fly she soon found a massive army moving towards the wall. 'That's the army of the dead?!' she thought seeing hundreds, possibly thousands of undead moving towards the wall. 'I need to find Matthew!' \a few minutes before in the dream realm\ Matthew had awoken on the wall. He had been in one of the wooden guard posts on top of the wall shaking his head thinking the incursion on the wall from before was a Dream. while sitting up while the Winds blew hard snow falling. 'Something is off.' He pondered before getting up and looking out of the post The other Guard towers didn't have a fire going other than his thinking it was nothing big he stood there watching and waiting until he saw something down below while the wind grew stronger Not wanting to take a chance he Grabbed a Telescope and adjusted it to the bottom of the wall looking through the device he saw something he didn't want to see. "Shit White-walkers!" Matthew ran for the horn in the small wooden post but it didn't have one. He grew Annoyed, thinking if a Steward or Builder moved it he ran out of the wooden post and onto the wall proper, he ran for the next one finding dead Brothers everywhere. "What in the old god's name happened here?"Matthew thought but continued to dash for the next post. Seeing a leaning brother Matthew grabbed his shoulder. "Brother, White Walkers are here!" he said, pulling on him before it fell onto Matthew revealing a skeleton in a Night's watch Uniform. "Shit!" Matthew shouted pushing the corpse off to the side before running into the second Post seeing a Horn in its holder he snatched hold of it Matthew flung his mask off before his heart almost stopped seeing such a Massive force of Wights and Undead Giants while he blew into the horn for the first Blast. Again the Second blast came and still nothing. From his brothers down below on the other side of the wall, there wasn't any movement of any kind; it was dead Silent on that Side of the Wall. Matthew, did the Third blast, which made the Army of the Dead stop? Until he heard even evil laughing coming from below. Looking he could see someone down there. Using the telescope he still held on to and using it to see Nightmare moon? While she flared her massive Wings and flew straight for him. Slamming into the wooden post she pinned him against a wall of ice "I told you I would be back!" she said while Matthew was gasping for Breath while they went through solid wood and thin ice he slowly went for his sword before she shook her head in disappointment. "Such bad manners~ you won't be needing that," she said, grabbing hold of his Wrist while using her magic to rend it from his hand. While also Shattering his left hand she continued. "I want to personally thank you Matthew now that I know your name I can begin my domination of Westeros!" She laughed evilly before leaning and grazing her sharp teeth against his flesh "and first I'll start by killing you~ for getting in my way! You should have killed me when you had the chance, Ranger!" Nightmare moon Shrieked before he spoke in a raspy winded voice "I am the Sword in the Darkness! I am the Watcher on the Walls! I am the Shield that guards the Realms of men!" before he could continue her dark Magic closed his mouth. "I recall your Vow, it brought me such Displeasure but luckily for me, your pain is only beginning~ you're the last of your Brotherhood," she said, giving a wicked sharp tooth Grin, while her other hand moved to his, while her magic held him in place. "You're the last Sword in the Darkness." Nightmare moon said before snapping a Finger "you're the last Watcher on the Walls." another Finger was snapped and made to bend in a different direction. you're the last of everything and once you die your precious Night's watch is gone!" gritting his Teeth the Nightmare grinned. "by the Stars! ~ your Tough I like Breaking the Tough ones~" before a new voice was heard "You will stop this Madness! I Command you!" yelled, Princess Luna before she landed on the top of the Wall. It rumbled from the force she used to land behind, Nightmare moon while she turned. "I wondered when you would show a weaker Version of me!" the midnight Alicorn yelled. "Nay! You're nothing more than a tiny aspect of Dust!" Luna shouted before the evil Interpretation of her tossed Matthew away. "Stay on the ground Toy~ I'm not done with you yet." "by the Stars above Matthew!!!" Luna felt Disgusted that a Small amount of her Corrupted self prevailed, against the Elements and was Horrified by what it did to one of her Saviors but this was going to be an easy fix. "For what you've done to sir Matthew you will not live to see the end of this Dream!" Luna Snarled, before blasting the evil clone with her magic Matthew, however, was in so much pain he began Painstakingly trying to fix his broken Fingers with his broken left hand, and by the gods did that hurt. "I said stay down you valueless ape!" yelled Nightmare before, Luna landed a blast on her Wing while they exchanged blows both magical and some Physical; Nightmare hissed in pain going for Matthew. Who just managed to fix his right hand while she spoke. "An eternal night will happen! If I can't use you as a Vessel I'll use him!" While Nightmare Moon retreated using her magic to drag him, taking this chance to grab his sword while she dragged him off stopping a good distance away. Lifting Matthew, while he hid his Sword behind the black Cloak he could see her cat-like eyes while she leaned in close. "Matthew doesn't let it enter your mind!" Luna yelled before she tried to stop it. Before getting any closer, Nightmare moon had put a protective bubble around them to keep Luna out. "From this moment forth I and you will be one being~," Nightmare said before she Launched forward taking Matthew in for a kiss. It wasn't a kiss for love, or one of great admiration, the sole purpose was for Survival. He knew that grabbing the back of Nightmare's head made a sound of Surprise, while Luna wailed in despair. "Matthew no!" Suddenly, the sounds of Metal Slicing through flesh were heard. She gave a Muffled scream, while he broke the forced kiss by pulling her long hair like a rope while his face showed pain as he used his broken left hand while spitting out dark magic that she tried to use on him. "I had to get in close so I could get that thrust in." he said grinning "some advice before you die never leave a Ranger Unattended. If You plan to use one as a 'toy' " Matthew said before Nightmare vanished from his dream. While slowly waking up to the real world. Matthew grunted waking up in his bed, his Soreness had eased a lot more along with better hearing Compared to last night sitting up while a midnight black feather landed on the floor in front of him "it was all a dream?" he said out loud while taking his mask and helmet off and rubbing his face before getting up; he stood there for some time His body cracked all over, looking down he saw the Feather while he shook his head "it's going to take more than a feather to kill or control me." Matthew said Neutrality, before bending down and picking it up. It was soft and a decent-size Feather, possibly a flight feather he had just placed onto the nightstand when someone began to bang on his door. "Matthew! It's me, Luna! Open the door!" Luna half shouted with her Royal Canterlot voice while he responded "hold your Horses! Give me a second." he said while beginning to get Dressed before she slammed on the door again. "This can not wait a minute! Open the door or I'll use my magic too!" sighing he at the very least managed to get some of his clothes back on before pushing the Chair away and opening the door. The moment she heard it unlocked she flew past with such force she effectively knocked him over "Where is it!" she shouted looking all around for Something. "Where is what?" Matthew asked the night Alicorn mare "The Fragments! Something from Nightmare moon like her Helmet or Armor can cause a Nightmare on that scale!" she said while two Guards in dark-colored armor appeared slowly following her their eyes were Slits and their Wings were of bat Descent. Getting up with much haste, grabbing hold of his Blade and drawing it while taking hold of Luna "are you sure the fragments aren't them!" he asked, pointing towards her Lunar guards while her soldiers drew their weapons. "unhand the Princess!" shouted one of the Guards before Luna stopped them "Stand down!" she shouted before turning her attention to Matthew. "they're my Guards Matthew. I Told Celestia about your Nightmare and she Granted me to have the Night Guard again." Princess Luna explained before she gently took hold of his Swords Handle "your safe Matthew they aren't going to attack anypony." After gently taking his Sword away from him Luna gently pushed away from Matthew after getting the Sword out of his hands. "Now where are the Fragments?" Luna asked before Matthew nodded back to the Flight Feather looking over she would see the Feather while tilting her head while using her magic to float it over to her. "How is this possible? I'm getting nothing from my magic and yet this Feather gave. You had a fully active Nightmare of my past self." said Luna, confused "there's not an ounce of magic in this Feather neither good nor bad." "Can I finish getting dressed, your Grace?" Matthew asked, thinking this couldn't get any worse before Shining armor knocked on the door and entered "Matthew? Are you here? You left your door open this time." he asked before peeking his head in and seeing the scene in front of him. "Hay Feathers! Matthew, you look better on your chest compared to your back!" the Stallion complemented while Luna nodded her head to her Guards acted on their own accord pushing the Stallion out and refusing to let anyone in. "Hey! What's the big idea here? I'm the Captain of the royal guards!" he said while they closed the door behind them, Muffling whatever he had to say to them. "Why are you still here?" Matthew asked while resuming getting Dressed before Luna spoke up "I wish to check something but I'm going to need Sister's help so please hurry and get Dressed." not wanting to upset Royalty, the Ranger finished getting Dressed after he went for his sword. Before a blue Wing extended out to stop him from looking over towards her he spoke "either I am allowed to carry my Sword or I'll spend the next week Avoiding Celestia you decided." Luna sighed before moving her Wing "why do you always need to feel Armed?" she asked huffing while he grabbed the Handle of his Weapon looking it over for any Imperfections. Before responding "why do your Guards along with Celestia's need Spears and Blades but I can't have any?" She was about to Answer having her muzzle open but after nothing came out she quickly closed it. "exactly." Matthew said before Sheathing his Blade. "Right, let's go." He said before she nodded and began walking towards the door using her magic to open the slightly Damaged door, seeing Shining had been standing around before following the small group of Four ponies and one human. Arriving at a door while two Royal Guards opened it after seeing who they were while a small dining hall was inside Celestia currently had been seated at the far end of the large Table eating a rather light breakfast. She looked up seeing the group before giving them a gentle smile "Good morning Everypony and good evening Sister. Please take a seat." Celestia asked while setting the utensil down while Luna sat down next to her Elder Sister. "So, Sir Matthew, my dear sister told me about your dream. She quite literally broke my Chamber doors off their Hinges." Celestia said, giving a soft look towards the seated Ranger. "I don't see the problem here, Everybody has night terrors don't they?"Celestia nodded but before she was able to speak Luna spoke softly "Correct, but my duty as the Princess of the Night is to make Dreams Safe and Peaceful." uttered Luna before her sister continued speaking. "Your Nightmare wasn't a normal Occurring nightmare from what Luna believes so she thinks you took a piece of her Armor after she was turned back." Before Matthew could speak Luna floated over the feather in question while Celestia looked dumbstruck. "How could a Flight Feather cause a Nightmare?" the white alicorn said confused before looking towards Matthew "do you mind coming here?" she asked, waving Matthew closer before he nodded and stood up, and made his way over to Celestia. "Do you Consent to me Scanning you, sir Matthew?" Celestia asked before he nodded "the sooner I'm done here I can get something to eat." the human said before she nodded while she and Luna's horns began to glow while they scanned him. Five hours. They had him Standing for Five hours while the two Princesses of this land zapped him with their horns and Ultimately found nothing, not a bit of 'corruption' Luna called it but enough about the past. 'Time to stuff my belly.' Matthew thought while taking his seat back at the Table after both sisters cleared him. While he ate the now cold food they talked in huss voices Matthew could only pick up a few words like 'promotion' and 'Lord Commander' before they turned their heads to him as Celestia spoke up. "Sir Matthew how do your brothers and you Select a new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch?" asked genuinely while he took a sip of a strange liquid to clear his mouth of Solid food. "A large number of Sworn brothers Gather at the main Headquarters mostly high-ranking brothers like Commanders, First Rangers, First Builders, and Lord stewards," he said before putting his hand up to stop them to show he wasn't done "Then, once they have gathered, the Measter of the main headquarters will ask the small group who they should elect to be the next Lord Commander. After that is said any Sworn Brothers may be chosen to take the position. But the highest-ranking officers must cast a stone. To whoever they want in a nonsee thru container once this is done the stones are counted whoever has the most votes is the next Lord Commander." Nodding her head before asking another question "now is a Lord Commander the highest Authority within the North?" before he shook his head "No, your Grace that would be the Warden of the North. And that position is appointed to a person by a king or queen." Celestia would soon stand up along with her sister Luna looking a little more tired from staying up past her sleeping hours "when you're done ask a Guard outside this Dining room to take you to the Throne room they will take you there. Before both Royals left the room going to the place they had mentioned before to the Ranger sitting there alone felt odd looking around the room seeing they didn't even take the Feather getting up before making his way back said Feather taking it. It was a good-quality Feather and maybe he could write with it? Either way, he stored it in his leather belt before looking out over a good part of the City. Everything seemed peaceful enough, stepping back from the Window and heading back to the Table he finished his Plate of cold food and drink once that was done. Matthew placed his Helmet mask back on and stepped outside while the Guards stiffened up "m'lord, shall we escort you to the Throne room?" the Guard asked while Matthew picked up on this near-instantly staying Suspicious he spoke "yes?" he said cautiously before they got into positions on either side of him. Before taking him to the Throne room The trip to the Throne room had gotten strange. Guards tensed up when they saw him like Luna and Celestia's maids bowed when he walked by and the nobles? They didn't seem to take interest in him yet. Arriving at the Throne room the doors had been left open, and Guards standing at attention after entering triumph sounded while there was a medium-sized group of ponies some in armor others in fine clothing before getting halfway Celestia raised her hand to stop him. "Sir Matthew, I ask you to Kneel as a Brother of the Night's watch," Celestia asked, 'I don't like this.' he thought before the Guards disappeared from his side going to opposite ends of the Throne room. Drawing his Sword while Kneeling and gently placing it into the ground while trying to not cut the long and red Carpet once this was done, Celestia got up from her Throne and slowly made her way down the steps. Once she was in front of him on his left side she began to speak while luna took the Throne "I Celestia Ruler of the day, Princess of Equestria and Co-ruler of Equestria, Supreme Sovereign over the armed forces of the Day hereby name you sir Matthew Second in Command to the Rangers as the next Lord Commander of the Night's watch." before Luna stood up ready for her part. "I Princess Luna Ruler of the Night, and Princess of Equestria and Co-ruler of Equestria, Supreme Sovereign of the Night forces hereby name you Lord Matthew. As the First-ever Warden of the North." Before their horns Glowed making a box appear while Celestia spoke "stand Lord Matthew." doing as she Instructed he stood before a Badge floated out and was pinned to his cloak. "Your Grace I can't accept this." he said before she spoke up "you can and you will, this is a Royal decree." he shook his head before taking it off "my vow prevents me from holding any Crowns or Winning Glory. This is making me an Oath-breaker." Before she shook her head "I and my Sister have just named you the acting Lord Commander of your Order. You can decide what makes somepony an Oath-breaker along with how it is Managed." she said grinning before pushing some magic into her horn and taking the Badge gently out of his hand and clipping it back into its place. "Your quest is far from over." said a Tired Luna while she yawned "now that this is done I'm off to Sleep, farewell Sister good night Lord Matthew," she said before slowly leaving the Throne room "Your Grace, you just effectively made me a Lord, not just any kind of lord but a High Lord. Not only that, you made me the 777th Lord Commander of the Night's watch." Celestia nodded "I am aware of what I have done and you Earned it Matthew, I also trust you not to abuse the Powers I've given you." she said gently stepping back and walking back to her Throne "there will be no more Discussion of this Mine and my Sister's Decisions are Final. Now please excuse me Lord Matthew I have, Day court to hold." before sitting back down on her Throne. Matthew had been more or less stuck between a Rock and a Hard place if it was found out that he was made a High Lord no doubt his brothers will have his head. But what if the Nightmare from his dream was speaking the Truth? If he was the last Night Watchman he technically would be made the acting Lord Commander as per tradition. Sheathing his Blade and deciding to leave before her Day court started he wandered the seemingly endless halls of the Castle 'where's Some wine or Ale when you need it.' Matthew thought before deciding to go into the Gardens he had seen to clear the Events that happened today from his mind. Author's Note Another chapter for this book right Lads? Next chapter is the Gala I'm excited about that and I know a few of you are too so let's hurry this show up! Chapter five - Northern honor and Brutality at the GalaChapter five After his promotion, the two Royal sisters hardly bothered him afterward 'royal duties' they claimed but he was nearly crushed by Shining armor once the Captain of the Royal Guard had found him. But for the rest of the month, nothing really of interest happened besides his left arm healing and adding a fresh scar and occasionally Shining stopping by to talk. "So Lord Matthew" Shining said before Matthew cut him off "do not start calling me 'Lord' Shining it's not right." before he pats his shoulder "whatever you say, Matthew but I just wanted to ask are you attending the Gala tonight?" Matthew raised an eyebrow at the Stallion. Before speaking "what is this Gala?" he asked while Shining chuckled. "let's just say if you said that in a Village you would get jumped by all of the Mares." before he laughed until a guard approached them "Are you alright, Soldier?" Matthew asked while the soldier spoke. "I'm fine M'lord I came to deliver an important message." Shining nodded "well go on then Relay the Message." before the foot soldier nodded. "Princess Celestia wishes to have an Emergency meeting with you Captain about the Gala and guard placements," he said before Shining and nodding his head "very well take a break you need one." the young Recruit nodded and saluted his senior before leaving. While Shining leans over and whispers "that's a little gag Celestia pulls on the recruits, she tells them it's an emergency so they keep their Endurance up." This caused Matthew to scoff lightly. "She worries about their ability to run longer but at the same time will ignore the fact that they can barely swing a Sword or thrust a Spear?" Matthew said while he shook his head. "Celestia does care about them being able to fight; but mostly they keep the peace ." not long after Matthew just sighed, not in the mood to argue about his ways of Training in this country before speaking up again. "Now with that disruption gone can you tell me just what the hell this Gala is?" Shining looked puzzled at his friend in all black "you don't know about the Gala?" he asked while Matthew just shook his head in Annoyance. "no Shining Armor I was there when the first ever Gala happened. What do you think?" asked Matthew his voice of pure Sarcasm before the Captain punched his shoulder firmly. "smart flank," his friend said before answering "The Grand Galloping Gala I believe is the biggest event of the year every noble attends, the main purpose was to Celebrate the completion of Caterlot and even commoners but they need tickets to get in or no dice." "So you're saying I can attend?"Matthew said while Shining nodded "Attend? You could bring a small group of ponies without any form of tickets as your Guests to the Gala with your Status as a High Lord." Shining said before slowly getting up "It's time I go I have to see what her Highness needs from me." Standing up with Shining Matthew offered his hand to the Captain "will I see you later on?" Matthew asked before Shining took his gloved hand. Giving a firm shake "Sadly I can not. I'll be performing my duties but make sure to watch out for my sister Twilight Sparkle. And her friends, they saved your hide." "How so?" Matthew asked while he chuckled "after Celestia took you here. Twilight sent constant letters pleading and begging with her friends to show mercy while having Spike write constant letters and send them to Celestia." Shining said before Slowly reaching over and grabbing his helmet. "why are they so worried for me?" "Knowing my sister she most likely wants to learn more from you." After attaching it to his head the Captain of the Guard saluted Matthew "farewell my Lord." Matthew looked slightly annoyed again "I said stop that." before he walked away "sorry I didn't hear you!" he said before leaving the gardens. 'dick.' Matthew thought while shaking his head before heading out of the gardens and back to his guest chambers to rest until the Gala began. Meanwhile, within the Carousel Boutique, the main six along with Spike had been getting ready for quite some time. Rarity demanded that they all take their time getting ready and cleaning themselves was a must. " I can't wait to see that Bucking Sword!" yelled Rainbow Dash yelled while she flared her wings "and of course trying to get the Wonderbolts to recruit me!" before Twilight spoke up " easy rainbow I Don't know if our. Masked hero is ok, he told Celestia that he didn't want to be brought up in any Letters." This caught Fluttershy's attention as she spoke up softly. "Do you think he's ok?" asked the shy anthro pony while Twilight nodded "Princess Celestia stated he is fine and doing well other than getting sick he's been ok ever since." While Rarity shushed them trying to get them all prepared for their Dresses. "Ladies! Please focus on preparing for the Gala? It is not wrong to worry about a Gentlecolt just yet." said Rarity while she implanted fake eyelashes over her eyes; After painstakingly making them wash and clean to a Presentable state Rarity finally allowed them to get dressed now after all that was said and done the Main six were currently waiting inside the apple Carriage while the girls chatted with one another. Spike was left to manage the stallions who offered to help at Rarity's request The ride was about Four to possibly eight hours. None of them had a watch so more time could have passed without any of the six Mares and baby dragon knowing. After entering Canterlot proper He followed a line of many other Carriages that led to the Royal Palace. Seeing that his five friends and his Adoptive caregiver were busily Fantasizing about the event, Spike was left to either listen to them or try to chat with the two Stallions who had been pushing the Carriages. And to be honest? Spike doubted they wanted to speak with him after he more or less whipped them to go faster earlier in the travels so the baby dragon sat there following the huge line. Finally, it was their turn to disembark, jumping down with great haste he opened the unlocked door at the sign of them arriving while giving a bow his ears heard the ponies inside slowly get out one at a time. After the last mare had gotten off he closed the door before turning back and seeing the main six "you six look amazing!" he half shouted before they began making their way to the gate; //insert the 'at the Gala song' here// Once their Singing was done the Main six approached the drawbridge before they could hear a few nobles speaking "could you believe that? Princess Celestia named that. that thing a lord!" said a mare noble to her fellow Noble. "I heard she also named him a Lord Commander and some kind of Warden of the North? I mean what they hay even is that?" said the noble pony while they scoffed and made fun of this pony. "What the hay is that?" asked Applejack to Twilight while she shrugged "I'm not sure maybe it's a new Noble position?" The purple Unicorn offered before they all walked up to the Guard checkpoint. "Tickets please." the one in front said while twilight looked back at Spike "do you have them?" she asked while a face of fear flashed across his face "I thought you had them!" Matthew had been Convinced by Celestia and by the maid Emerald Snow to not have his mask or hood up during the Gala as showing off his 'heart-stopping' looks would earn the respect of some of the nobility of Equestria. Deep down he doubted this would even work Truth be told Matthew had never encountered nobles, especially ones who weren't taking the 'Black'. That was a whole new ball field for the Range- sorry the recently appointed Lord Commander. Standing in his restroom looking himself over in the Mirror he did what was possible. Matthew was dressed as a Ranger, not a Lord Commander and sure in the Seven hells not even close to what a Warden of the North might be wearing to a Royal event but he needed to make do with what he had. Taking his Cloak off for the third time the Cloak which was pure black while it reached down to the ankles of his shoes along with a second half layer of black fur. That covered his shoulders to just above his elbows in the front but any fur that wrapped around his back reached the center of said back. Dusting it off and smelling his Cloak surprised that it smelled Shockingly of a field after some Spring rain. Compared to its old smell which was close to a wet dog and a Rotting corpse, the new smell was a better Improvement along with his clothes underneath smelled clean. "Emerald snow knows how to clean leather and Cloaks," he said before Putting his cloak back on Matthew looked at himself in the Mirror and the color of him surprised him. He had noticed he was growing a beard. It was noticeable, maybe a light trim? This was a Royal event after all but this did fit the part of him being a Warden now. However, the far north was abrasive. Any source of warmth helped whether it be facial hair or thick clothing was the difference between life and death. Deciding to leave it and exiting the restroom Matthew finished the last Preparation and that was his Sword hovering his hand over his hand above where the handle lay resting against the bed. 'Should I bring my blade?' Matthew thought before shaking his head 'if this is a Royal event I can't unless they were at war. But isn't the Night's watch always at war?' deciding this should be left to how he looked, grabbing the Sword And heading into the restroom again Once back inside he reequipped his blade after that he looked at himself Stepping out into the hall he bumped into a Stallion by mistake "Watch it, Peasant! I just had my coat groomed and this suit is worth more than your clothes!" said a noble-looking Stallion. "Easy there Sir it was a simple mistake there's no reason to be so Aggressive." Matthew reasoned before he half shouted "do not call me Sir! I'm Lord Blueblood to you. You're just a Foreigner that's allowed here because my aunt Celestia allowed you here." Blueblood said walking away "if you want my forgiveness low-born don't show up at the Gala low borns aren't welcomed there." he said before walking away 'Gods and I thought Brother Robert was a pain in my ass. This blue blood makes my brother from the Watch look like a high priest!" Matthew thought before he followed him to where the gala was being held. After arriving in the main room he heard a familiar voice "I'm the Personal student of Princess Celestia and one of the bearers of the elements of Harmony. If you can just send a Guard to confirm what I'm saying we can be on our way." said Twilight while the royal Guard answered "And I'm Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's firstborn son. If you don't have an invite you seven aren't getting in." said the Guard before Matthew stopped him walking up behind the ticket checker. "That's enough good sir," said Matthew while he approached the Checkpoint the Guard turned to see who he thought he would never see "My lord!" he, before Matthew sighed inwardly as the main six including Spike had all heard what he didn't want them to. "let them pass they Earn tonight. For what they did against Nightmare moon." Matthew said while he nodded "yes, Warden of the North you seven may pass." before he knew it six ponies tackled him. While they embraced him the leader of the five mares spoke up "don't scare us like that Matthew! we thought Princess Celestia might have sent you to the sun!" said a nervous Twilight before Rainbow Dash plowed her over "Do you have the Sword?!" she half shouted causing Matthew to grin and nod. "yes Rainbow dash I have it." he said drawing his Blade and offering her its handle "Remember this is not a toy you can cut yourself or hurt Someone if you're not careful." before she fanboyed over the Blade and gently took it while Matthew turned his attention to Twilight again. "she wouldn't send me to the sun would she?" he asked before the lavender mare spoke while Spike helped her up along with Fluttershy. "It's possible I did see her very upset before to the point she nearly Zapped a poor Guard who didn't give me the book I needed." Matthew shook his head while Rarity spoke up "Darling I don't think I heard that Guard correctly but did he call you a Lord?!" half shouted the white-furred Unicorn anthro before he sighed and nodded 'there it Is. Old Gods dammit I hoped I was in the clear.' Matthew thought to himself before speaking "Yes, Princess Luna had hailed me as the Warden of the North while Princess Celestia made me the next Lord Commander of the Night's Watch." before Twilight butted her way back in "Is that the group you're a part of?! I never got to ask you what the Night's Watch was like!" before Matthew raised his hand to stop the girls from overloading him. "My Ladies, this is a party, please enjoy Yourselves and save the questions for tomorrow after midnight tonight I'm allowed to leave with you." all the girls Whined in delight which gave Matthew the creeps. ' I'll never get used to seeing somewhat human creatures making sounds of what they had been crossed with.' before all of them hugged him even Rainbow dash with his Sword. "Please don't do that again rainbow dash," he said, snatching hold of the uncovered blade before putting it back into its sheath. "what? I had it pointed at the ground!" she defended but he shook his head "that wouldn't have mattered, it's still very sharp, this blade isn't a toy next time when we're alone you'll get back." before she grumbled in slight anger while speaking "I have to go, girls need to prove myself to the Wonder bolts!" Shouted rainbow dash before darting off like lightning from a storm "the hell is a Wonder bolt?" asked Matthew while applejack spoke up. "don't let Rainbow hear you say that she would slice your head off with your fancy Sword. My lord." applejack had added the Lord part awkwardly only being used to your highness and nobles After Applejack finished speaking Matthew piped up "please none of you need to call me lord it's not necessary." Rarity and a few others had also dispersed while Matthew had seen Spike leaving the castle. Maybe he forgot so it didn't bother him much. Applejack, however, nodded her head while clearing sweat from her head from slight nervousness "phew! Thanks, partner. I didn't know how you would act if I didn't call you by your title." Before nodding his head "Farewell Applejack I'll see you later tonight if you'll excuse me." he said before heading off in the direction most ponies were heading. After making it to the doorway the sound of the music was being played while he saw a ballroom many of which had been dancing on the regal dance floor. It was a shock Princess Luna had attended the Gala. She was alone beside a few Lunar night Guards keeping watch as her bodyguards 'no one wanted to dance with a princess. Wasn't that a great honor? Here or anywhere for that matter?' Matthew had decided to do the noble thing making his way to her, and cutting through the noble ponies before two Lunar guards stopped him "I'm sorry Lord Commander but the Captain of the Night Guard has asked us to remove any weapons from those who wish to get near her highness." Shaking his head while drawing his Sword quietly before handing it to the Bat pony "you are aware I'm of higher rank than your commander correct?" While she nodded "I do my lord but orders are orders." the night-themed mare said, causing Matthew to sigh. Very well if I find something wrong I'll have your head on a spike." The bat pony mare seemed giddy at his threat. "I'll hold you to it my lord!" she said before prancing back to her position with his Sword in hand. "I guess bat ponies take much more to scare?" he said while Luna answered him "tis correct lord Matthew the bat ponies are less common in the lands of Equestria but they are a hardy race while far stronger than common ponies ." the night Princess explained before looking towards the bat mare who took his sword. "Your threat was seen as a mere flirty joke." shaking his head at that before Luna spoke up "but why have you come here? Shouldn't you be meeting your friends from ponyville?" the blue-colored anthro asked before he spoke up. "wanted to ask if you would like to dance." Luna couldn't believe what sir Matthew had said before she shakily spoke up "Excuse me, my lord? D-did I hear you correctly?" she asked while the man nodded "back home in Westeros it's an ancient honor code that a lady of high standing must have a lord escort for the rest of the event." She blushed before gently nodding "I Accept your offer, Lord Matthew." she said before gently offering her gloved hand which was of blue silk design knowing she wanted him to take her hand. Gently leaning over and placing a soft kiss onto her hand before taking her out to the dance floor "Forgive me, your Grace but I have no idea how to dance so this is going to be an interesting night." That caused Princess Luna to chuckle softly before speaking "It's alright Matthew we can take things slow." she said while beginning to guide him on how to dance. Rarity had found her 'Prince charming' or so she thought his name was Prince Blue Blood and in her honest opinion, she was getting very close to the edge of nearly strangling this oversized child. He did nothing that a noble prince should be doing. For example, he didn't offer her the most beautiful rose in the gardens, instead, he took it for himself. 'it goes with his eyes' he claimed And that was just the light stuff this Prince has done not holding doors or using his suit coat as a cover so she wouldn't slip instead he used a piece of her dress to do it! Maybe some food would 'awaken his inner prince' she thought of taking him to Applejack Stand "hiya Rarity I See you found somepony" her southern friend said before Rarity spoke up "two apple fritters please." her Friend nodded before offering her what she ordered. "that will be four bits" while she looked at prince Blueblood expectantly before he looked back at her causing her to sigh "I'm going to have to pay, aren't I?" Rarity asked before applejack waved her off. "It's ok I got you covered," she said before handing them to the two ponies "thank you Applejack at least somepony has some Manners." Rarity said while Blueblood took one of the fritters and took a bite. Not before long, he spat the offending peasant food onto the ground below. "My noble lips have tasted peasant food! I've expected more from you, Miss Rarity! Who knew you were nothing more than a peasant trying to be a noble mare!" he said before stomping off. Meanwhile Twilight had long since found Princess Celestia; she wasn't far from the entrance at the top of the steps before she threw herself at Celestia's feet. This action stunned the old monarch before she spoke up "Twilight what is the meaning of this? You know you never needed to bow for me?" Celestia said before twilight looked up "I wanted to thank you for sparing Matthew he thought what he was doing was for the good of the world!" Twilight was about to continue before her mentor stopped her. "Twilight it's alright we cleared up that mistake the next day everything is fine I promise you," she said before helping her star pupil up and using her golden magic to make her once again presentable. "but surely that wasn't the only thing on your mind now, was it Twilight?" asked the Princess of the sun while she shook her head "of course not! I hoped we could catch up on all we missed while I've been at ponyville" this caused Celestia to giggle softly before nodding. "Of course, Twilight you can stay with me all night and we can talk while I greet guests." This filled Twilight with glee as she shot over to her mentor's side not wanting to move for the rest of the night. Matthew and Luna had been trying to dance with a near three dozen eyes on the pair more so for Matthew if he counted her Night Guards "no your hand is supposed to go here." said Luna blushing and guiding his hand to her side as the Night princess did her best to teach the newly named Warden of the North. "I'm trying, you know, but having nearly half of the Nobility watching us is kind of unnerving. Luna" he said while she nodded "and I apologize for that Matthew but many nobles can't say that they danced with a Princess of Equestria." while the two continued to chat and dance Matthew heard a familiar voice from earlier "you're nothing more than a Commoner trying to sway nobles you disgusting mare!" gently letting go of Princess Luna, he stepped away. "Forgive me but I need to check something." She gently nodded "of course, Warden of the North" while he walked away the bat pony mare who had his Sword began to follow him to return his blade. Soon after arriving at the source of the voice and would instantly regret seeing who it belonged to, it was Prince blueblood who was belittling Rarity. Matthew wasn't going to get involved in reaching over and grabbing some wine. While taking a long drink until the nasty noble said " we nobles despise your class of ponies!" blueblood said before he spat onto rarity's face and dressed this was now his problem. Walking up to the duo with the bat pony anthro still following he spoke up "is there a problem?" he asked before blueblood snapped to him like a cornered animal. "Who in my aunt's name allowed a peasant like you into the Gala! And with your mutant whore!" pointing at the Lunar Guard Matthew moved in close having enough of this un noble behavior. "I think you've had a long night apologizes and go home." "You Dare command me like a peasant? You're nothing you son of a bucking whore!" blueblood spoke, spitting into Mathews's face as well Matthew backed while wiping his spit from his face. "call for backup." Matthew said while the bat pony mare grinned showing her fangs as she spoke. "My Pleasure, Lord Commander." she said before flaring her bat wings. While she broke a dark pouch on her wings and a certain unnoticeable smell went through the Gala while two more Lunar guards showed up "take Lord blueblood outside. And find a strong wooden box." he said before the Lunar Guards went at blueblood dragging him outside. "No! You can not listen. To him, I outrank him! Your Scum all of you!" he said shouting and yelling while they took him outside. While he turned his attention to Rarity "who else did he meet that you know?" Matthew asked as she answered. "Applejack and Fluttershy possibly." Rarity answered quietly while his hand gently held onto her shoulder. "Do you think you can find them and bring them outside?" he asked as the white-furred unicorn anthro mare nodded. Downing the rest of the expensive wine he sets the empty glass back onto the table than making his way outside he was pleased by the sight of a mixture of now Royal guards and Lunar guards gathered even a few nobles. Making his way closer he could hear blueblood "if the peasants think they can scare me they're mistaken! Yes, very mistaken!" yelled the blue blood while he was forced to keep his upper half pinned against the wooden box. Taking his Sword from the bat pony she grinned before flying up to have a front-row seat while Matthew sheathed his sword and pushed his way to the center standing over blueblood Matthew slowly drew the blade. Planting it gently into the ground and holding it by the Pommel while rarity and Applejack arrived Fluttershy however was stuck in a net. Shaking his head before rarity opened it and allowed Fluttershy free. "Now that everyone is here Rarity, tell me what happened with Prince blueblood," Matthew asked while she remained silent before turning his head to Applejack "tell me your account then." the farm pony nodded. "Rarity and the Prince had been my second customers this whole night. They had asked for two apple fritters."Matthew raised a finger to stop her for a moment. "and how much is that?" he asked seeing if she would answer "That was four bits. Anyway he wouldn't pay so Rarity felt like she needed to but I covered for her," said Applejack "then after he took a bite he spat the whole thing out! Said my goods were too good for nobles and that Rarity was impersonating a noble." Turning his attention to the nervous-looking Prince Matthew spoke up and directed toward blueblood "was the food poisoned? Was that why you spat it out?" the Warden of the North asked before he spoke. "yes! That food would kill a noble!" he answered before asking a question Applejack "do you mind giving the second fritter that you covered?" she nodded, walking over and giving him the paper bag it was in. Using his wrist to hold his Sword still he pulled out the pastry and took a bite. The taste was nothing he had ever tasted. It was sweet, slightly crunchy, and gooey, after putting it away he continued the trial; In the meantime, this ordeal had managed to get Princess Luna's attention while she joined the group watching the prosecution of blueblood before Matthew spoke up one last time to the prince. "I Matthew the 777th Lord Commander of the Night's watch and Warden of the North sentenced you to death. If you have any last words, my lord Prince, now's the time." Prince Blueblood was currently soiling himself; he had no idea what to say before Matthew spoke up. "If you have nothing to say" before he cut him off. "M-my Lord I'm sorry! Not only for Spitting on Y-your fine clothes, and face, but for all I've done and said! Your Right! I need to leave! I had a long night!" blueblood tried to Weasel, his way out of this one. Matthew raised his Sword before blue Blood shouted "My lord! please! Mercy! I beg you to show compassion! I'll apologize, I Swear!" His cry for mercy stopped Matthew's swing when he heard someone. "In the name of the day I Command you to stop!" yelled Celestia While she walked over Twilight followed her "what is the meaning of this?!" shouted Celestia while her younger sister answered, "Lord Matthew was doing his Duties as Warden of the North." Luna defended, "I will not have a Noble killed at the Gala what crimes; did he commit." asked Celestia "he had committed five Crimes, two against Rarity and three against me Celestia." while she listened, nodding her head for him to continue " he stripped her of her gown and spat on her as for me; attacking a High lord including, attacking the current, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Along with spitting on me."Celestia bit her lip softly, as she summarized that. Matthew would kill him but she didn't want that, "how about a different punishment?" she offered to make him title his head "what are you Suggesting your Grace?" "Maybe he could be banished from the castle for a year? or he could have his titles revoked?." before the human shook his head. "To light of a punishment at the very least he should be castrated, or death; either way, you see it your Grace he's not leaving this party unharmed for his Crimes." before Blueblood made a sound of fear not wanting to get them chopped off Celestia thought for a long moment before finding a middle spot " what about wounded? Five crimes equal five wounds." This made Matthew pause for a moment; before nodding. "I find that to be an Agreeable standpoint, your Grace. Guards hold him up." Matthew said Sheathing his Blade "Thank you Auntie Celestia I won't for-" Blueblood was cut off by Matthew's first connecting to his mouth; it sent him reeling back as he didn't expect to get it so soon. "Stand him up," Matthew Ordered in a stern cold tone before landing a punch to his gut that effectively knocked the air out of the ungrateful noble. Blue Blood was wheezing and coughing while trying to breathe on the ground as Twilight Applejack and Fluttershy watched along with many others. They held faces of horror. however, the night guards approved of this harsh treatment. Before he spoke again "get him up, he's not done." before they did he drew his dagger and chopped his mane off. After that was his tail while Celestia spoke up "one more lord Matthew then he's free to go." he nodded his head in acknowledgment before grabbing Blueblood's arm and bending it in a different direction. The sound of bones cracking, and popping out, of place was enough for some nobles one had left to go vomit behind a tree, same for a few Royal guards. "drop him." Once on the ground blueblood was in shock but still, coherent Matthew walked over leaning down and grabbed his mane making him look up at the Warden of the north. "Remember this Day if Celestia didn't save your honorless hide your blood would have been feeding the Flowers and your flesh the Crows," he said while he shook with fright. "Y-yes my Lord! I U-understand!" Blueblood said before soiling himself a second time. "Night Guards and Royal Guards you're dismissed." Matthew said the day guards took no time in Running off to either empty their Stomachs or to get as far as possible from the Warden of the North. The Lunar Guards seemed to be bowing to Matthew while the leader of this group spoke "we Honor your Strength Warden of the North, we shall spread the word of your honor and Strength to others." Before returning to their original duties as the Night Princess's bodyguards. "So I guess your Guards like me?" he asked before Luna nodded "you might want to sleep with all the Windows and Doors locked now," she said blushing before he asked. "Now what?" Twilight answered after stopping herself from vomiting. "bat ponies Either it be male or female, are attracted to strength more so during the Estru-." Raising an eyebrow Matthew spoke." I don't understand?" before Celestia took charge of the explanation while Twilight finally threw up. "Lord Matthew imagined for me a lit Candle. bat ponies see another one of their kind as these small lights do you know how they see you now?" she asked while he shook his head no. "They see you as a raging campfire of Strength. So when the Breeding season comes most females might go for you if given the chance." he was now blushing slightly "Great." Matthew said rubbing his face "well it was a pleasure Ladies. Your Grace's." he said before walking past them seeing it was midnight. "Where are you going?" asked Applejack "to get my things then I'm off to the north. I can't be Warden of the North if I'm not in the north." Matthew reasoned while going to get his things Matthew looked through the whole room to make sure nothing was being left behind. He went through everything he had his clothes and other items doing one final take he looked before finding Night guard Armor. before he felt a hand on his shoulder. "My Lord~ take a load off and let this bat pony care for you~," she said while a long tongue wrapped around his neck as her hands tightened onto him. It was the bat pony anthro who took his sword "M-my lady! This is N-not needed I promise you," he said while she hissed softly her bat wings flapped a few times before she flipped him around giving him a chance to see her uncovered body. "Why are you out of Uniform?!" he half shouted while he tried to not look at her exposed body she drew her long tongue back while covering his mouth. "Shhh~ my Lord I was relieved from my Bodyguard Duties~ I want to be the first bat mare you claim~" she growled sensually; while sliding a hand down his chest while she locked her golden slitted eyes with his brown eyes. "You and I, my lord will make Powerful offspring~," she said before she tried to lean in to kiss him, taking this moment he moved his head away. "My lady, what is your name?!" She stopped her hand before she giggled as her sharp fangs exposed themselves while she leaned in close to his ear and whispered. "my name is Midnight blossom~ I'm the only Daughter and heir to the strongest and oldest noble house of The five bat pony clans~" taking this moment. Matthew had his chance to throw the bat anthro pony off him before running out of the bathroom locking her inside while she hissed loudly trying to open the door. "My lord! Don't you leave me here!" Blossom shouted, he pushed a chair to block her while he left, equipping his mask and hood. Making it outside the main six while waiting for him "where's Spike?" asked Fluttershy while Twilight thought "did anypony see him?" she asked after everyone said no she continued to think "I might know where he is." she said, beginning to leave the Palace "let's go to an old place of mine. Matthew stayed Silent thankfully the main six didn't bother him. Thankfully while they traveled through canterlot to collect Spike. Spike slammed his little claw against the counter while calling out "pony Joe another Donut!" while the anthro in question moved back over to the young dragon. "don't you think you had enough?" "Another donut with extra sprinkles," Spike said before the door opened, seeing his friends and Matthew while Joe turned around and Chuckled "Twilight sparkle has been a long time, hasn't it? I see you brought some new faces here too." "How was your best night ever?" Spike asked before the six mares laughed; before the owner of the store had gotten Twilight's usual order in case it was one of those nights. Deep within the lands of always Winter. Deep under the frozen earth, the White Walkers had been frozen for thousands of years. Waiting to wage war against the world of the living again. while the new Night king within his protective ice shell cracked slightly. The slight disturbance awoke the Night king his eyes slowly opened showing deep blue and emotionle Author's Note The long-awaited chapter! Some of you have been waiting for is finally here! I do hope you enjoy the read and the little hint of the White Walkers!
Chapter one - The Wall has fallen but also desertion?“This boy is a bastard.” That’s what the mysterious man said when he dropped Matthew off at castle black when he was still an infant. After bringing the small infant inside and discovering it was indeed a boy. Matthew’s name was written on a piece of paper hidden in the cloth that wrapped him. Once the kicking and screaming baby grew up, many years later, Matthew flipped through a book, searching for a story to pique his interest. The Ranger continued to flip through the old dusty book until footsteps echoed through the library. When someone approached Matthew, the stranger was wearing a black robe with chains underneath not to bind him, but rather, to show his status as head-Measter of the Night’s Watch. “A Ranger reading? What’s next, pigs with wings, and sociable Giants? What has this world come to?” Matthew rolled his eyes before he responded. “Careful Maester, I might let comments like that slide, but the other Rangers won’t.” Matthew closed the book as the Maester laughed, and his chains jingled. “Matt, if I’m being honest, most of the Rangers here at Castle black have gotten too arrogant, because of their Ranger status. But to me? They’re all the same. Plus, I’m the one who patches them up after every little scrap they get themselves into.” Matthew scoffed light-heartedly at the comment. “True. Very true, but someone has to read the orders from the First Ranger, or even the Lord Commander.” As Matthew spoke, the Maester moved around to sort the Library. “I know, Brother Matt, I’m just horsing around. I only joke about it with you, because you’re the only Ranger that ever comes to the Library.” “Rangers, think that only stewards and Builders should read because they never see battle. However, a clever man knows knowledge is a powerful tool that can teach and destroy. If you can’t beat an enemy with brute strength. Then a more strategic approach is sometimes necessary. That is something they will never understand.” The Maester was about to continue when footsteps came from the steps, as a Steward entered by the main entrance. “Maester, the Lord Commander, requested your presence. You need to be in the courtyard for the ceremony.” The young Steward said before looking at Matthew. After seeing that Matthew was a Ranger, he gave a glare of disgust before the healer shooed him away. “Tell the Lord Commander I’ll be there shortly.” The Steward turned his attention back to the old doctor and nodded before leaving. After the Steward left the Maester turned his attention to Matt giving him a sad expression. “They still call you ‘Matthew the Iron-skull,” Matt took the mask off and brushed his hair out of his eyes before speaking. “What? I was a boy, and I didn’t like the snow constantly blowing in my face. When I was allowed on top of the wall, for a short time a- “Matthew tried to defend himself before the healer interrupted. “A boy of twelve years should not be able to make a mask of that detail or quality. You stunned the head smith into silence, for so long that I thought he froze to death in the Forge.” “What can I say? I was smart for a boy that age. Anyway, you shouldn’t keep the Lord Commander waiting. I’ll be seeing you, Maester.” Matthew said before making his way to the exit. “Farewell, brother Matthew, you better be staying out of trouble, and a word of wisdom or two, at least try to believe in the seven. Many brothers here, mostly the newer ones, think you have their favor.” Matthew grinned at how much Maester treated him like his own son. In a sense, it was true. The Maester more or less raised Matthew. The irreverent doctor had taught Matthew how to read, write, and even how to care for wounds both small and terrible. . . Fighting, however, was left to his other brothers in black. As he walked up the spiraling staircase, memories played in his mind. They showed how terrible he was with swords and bows in the beginning. However, Matthew did eventually grow skilled enough to take his vows, along with the rest of the fellow recruits, now brothers of the Watch. Sighing, Matthew remembered that day. Speaking the words that bound him to the wall until death. Matthew tried to pass the main gates when he visited Winterfell as a boy, but they denied him permission. From what he heard, places like King’s landing were complete shitholes; he managed to travel to Winterfell, as a boy, and the furthest from the wall was whitehabor. And Bravos, ‘don’t even think it’ Matthew told himself. True, it wasn’t a part of Westeros, and therefore, not a part of the seven kingdoms. However, the rumors of face-stealing people, also known as the ‘faceless men, always slightly unnerved him. Compared to when he was a boy? They very much did scare him. Nowadays, the thought hardly bothered him. “Brothers of the Night’s Watch, can I have your attention!” said a gruff, commanding voice. Matthew was finally able to hear, and see, what was going on outside again, but the cold still made Matthew shiver. The Lord Commander of The Night’s Watch stood on a wooden stage while the large group of fresh recruits stared straight ahead, maintaining a silent formation the entire time. . . Leaning against a snow-covered stone wall, Matthew listened to the proceedings as snow began to fall. “These Recruits have proven their worth, but now it is time for them to take their Vows.” He said while looking down at the group of men before him on their knees. “Are there any of those who keep the old gods here in their prayers? There is a spot where you can do your Vows there.” Matthew had taken his Vows, before the tree and the old gods. Granted, he wasn’t religious, but it wasn’t like he had a choice. Shockingly, not a single one of the recruits moved to go. The Lord Commander nodded. After they said their Vows, the Lord Commander began assigning them to their respective orders. They sent two hundred men to the Builders, two hundred to the Stewards, and only a hundred joined the Rangers. ‘Great, more Fledglings who I’ll need to babysit because they think they’re hot shit, just because they’re a Ranger.’ Matt thought before leaning off the stone wall and brushing off the snow that peppered his dark cloak. Matthew made his way through the courtyard and heard a familiar snooty voice. “Brother Matthew, I see the Wildlings haven’t killed you yet, nor the White walkers!” Matthew stopped to turn around and saw the saddest excuse for a Ranger in the whole of this Fortress. “Hello, brother Robert,” Matthew said through gritted teeth. He mostly disliked this Ranger, he refused to go beyond the wall. Not once had he left the safety of Castle Black. He was a sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, that didn’t do a single productive thing. Not on this side, at the top, or the other side of the Wall. “Do you need something, Brother Robert, or are you just here to bother me again?” Matt asked as a fake face of hurt flashed across Robert’s face. “Dear brother! I would never try to be a bother! I’m only here to congratulate you on having to deal with the new Rangers! Ta Ta!” He said before leaving Matthew where he stood, in the courtyard, and heading into the mess hall to warm up. Matthew shook his head as he let out a heavy sigh. ‘By the old gods, how is Robert the First Ranger?’ He thought before heading over to the group of new rangers. “Listen up brothers! Since you are now a part of the Ranger, we begin drilling in the early dawn, and once more in the evening. Your First Ranger is Brother Robert. If you have any problems, go to him, but for tonight, there will not be any training. Enjoy assignment day. it won’t happen again. I dismiss all of you. He stepped into the lift alone. He waited for it to start moving up before removing his helmet. It got stuffy in the helmet, now and then, but sometimes it wasn’t manageable. ‘gods that feeling will never get old.’ mulled Matthew, putting his mask back on when the lift neared the top. He pulled his hood up too because apparently, he was the ‘ Skull-masked crow.’ It was catchy, and a very simple way to distinguish him from other ‘crows’ to the Wildling Savages. To be honest, he preferred it to what his ‘brothers’ called him. Once he reached the top of the wall, he opened the old door. He stepped out onto a wooden platform as the door creaked and closed. Finally, Matthew was on top of the wall as he followed the main snowy passage. Making his way to the edge of the Wall, he looked out at the Lands of Always Winter. To new members of the Watch, it was breathtaking. But to Matthew. it was overrated. For years he had seen this unmoving, and frozen nightmare, and if Matthew was being honest? He was sick of it. ‘Maybe I could sneak away in the night?’ Matthew thought. However, he soon remembered what happened to those who became oathbreakers . ‘I need to stop thinking like that. Where would I go? If I did manage to leave and get pardoned from deserting the Watch. I know nothing about anything south of the neck.’ He gently rubbed the back of his head before stepping away from the ledge. He headed back to the elevator. Maybe keeping watch at night would help Matthew clear his mind of its Treasonous thoughts. The main mess hall was full of brothers, both new and old, feasting to honor the newly added brothers. Matthew decided to go back to the top of the wall, thinking it was time to clear his head, as he promised himself earlier. The moon had risen over the Wall as the sun disappeared from the sky completely. I spotted the top of the Wall with torches and lamps to keep the shadows away. It didn’t help that most of the wall guards were drinking. Which was breaking one of the many rules, that being the tenth rule, ‘Do not drink while on watch on top of the Wall.’ Matthew was the only sober person on the wall. True, he did drink once in a while, but not to the point of being wasted. The night seemed calm, a little windy and snowy, but that helped in easing the young but Veteran Ranger. ‘This wasn’t a bad idea, Matthew thought. He eased up as he slowly leaned against the ice wall in an attempt to relax. He looked down at the base of the wall and saw grayish-black dots climbing. Not wanting to start a panic over nothing, he simply grabbed a small telescope. Before a horde of the undead began their March on the wall. Matt’s heart began to race as he confirmed his fears. He began to run; and thought.’ We can handle wights, and White walkers, but the whole Army of the dead?! We’re going to need everybody for this one!’ Matthew’s training kicked, In as he snatched a sentry’s horn off its hook, and lifted his masked helmet to blow into it, as hard as he could while reminding himself of what blast of the horn means. ‘First blast means returning Rangers.’ He caught his breath, then blew again, as the Wall and castle below began to stir with life. A few dark-colored dots exited the hall. Everyone knew what two trumpets meant. ‘Second blast, mean’s Wildling’s.’ But soon Matthew blew the horn for the third time, ‘ Three blasts, White walkers.’ Matthew had learned this from a book and asked the Maester about it many years ago. The Maester had taught him what that was supposed to mean. He was to never joke about there being a White walker attack. They heavily punished even a false call about a Wildling attack. Equipping his helmet and mask back on, arriving at his original post, Matthew was able to spot several wights. That had climbed over the Ramparts, screaming and wailing, filling the air as the swarm of undead began to overwhelm the few defenders atop the Wall. The battle was fierce. Many brothers of the Watch fell to the dead. Those who were too drunk to fight were torn apart, and the few sober guards barely fared any better. Matthew did better than most. He knew how to fight a wight properly, on top of the harsh training, forced upon every Ranger. Wildlings were easier to kill. This was true. However, if Matthew had to choose, he would battle wights any day. Their lacking intellect made them easy prey. Matthew had been gifted a special sword. Courtesy of the Lord Commander, that Matthew received while growing up in the Watch. ‘He always favored me when I was younger, sort of like a father-son relationship.’ Matthew shook his head while he fought like a cornered animal. ‘Focus, Matthew! This isn’t the time of day to think about having a father figure!’ testing his luck along with his chances, by grabbing hold of the undead, at random and then throwing them over the 700-foot wall. And back into the sea of Undead, however, each throw came at a cost. Any time he threw a wight back to its comrades below, he risked being grabbed, bitten, or stabbed. Eventually, his luck ran dry. When Matthew tried to grapple with another opponent, the rotting corpse stabbed him in the arm. Matthew grunted in pain as the undead screamed, drawing more of the infestation to his part of the wall. Matthew “Shut the fuck up, you decomposing corpse!” Matthew shouted. While he stabbed the wailing corpse in the head, his sword sliding in like a knife through hot butter, before throwing the remains over the edge. “Old Gods, damn it. T-this is it.” Matthew thought as he heard the movements of more wights on their way. They heard the call for aid and were coming to fight, rushing toward him. Matthew knew deep down he couldn’t last forever. They were an enemy that never tired, while he was already getting worn out. “This is how my watch will End.” All seemed lost; there were too many of them, and no help was coming. Blackness covered his vision as his mind faded into the void. Fluttershy had a very eventful day. The mayor asked her if she could provide music for the Summer Sun celebration this year. At first, it took plenty of convincing, but eventually, Fluttershy agreed. She gathered her choir of woodland birds. Some from the White Tail Woods and a few from Ponyville Central Park. She asked them if they could help her this year and their answers shocked her they had agreed to help provide music for the Celebration. After picking a place in central park and the time to start practicing with them all. Later that day, Fluttershy saw a purple pony and her baby dragon, which surprised her. After all, it’s not every day a pony gets to meet a dragon. Her eyes sparkled at the thought. His name was Spike, and he was adorable! He seemed healthy enough. The biggest joy of all? He could talk! Her animals all spoke in their ways, but Spike? He was able to talk like a pony! Fluttershy blushed from embarrassment as she remembered that the birds were watching. One minute she was her normal shy self. The next, she was talking and more or less hugging the baby dragon. She decided that the birds deserved an apology and flew off to where they lived. “I hope the birds are still awake. I don’t think they found my behavior very P-polite, stupid Flutters!” She silently shouted at herself. She crossed her arms and hunched over as she passed the tree line. Currently, she was entering the white-tailed woods, which were connected to the Ever-free. At night, a lot of the more dangerous animals were out hunting for food. Fluttershy could handle manticores as they had some intelligence. Timberwolves though? They acted purely on instinct. Fluttershy had marked about fifteen birds off her list. Thank Celestia, she knew these parts of the forest like the back of her hand. She was coming up on the next nest. After gently flying up to the nest, she knocked on the tree. Her efforts spent on waking up the bird were interrupted by a growl from below. Fluttershy whipped her gaze down, confirming her biggest fear at the time, a snarling Timberwolf. If that wasn’t enough, it was also big, hungry, and glaring at her like a piece of steak. It began clawing its way up the tree as Fluttershy panicked. “Now N-now?! Um, I’m not an S-snack if that’s what you’re T-thinking, Mr.W-wolf.” She said as she scrambled further up the tree. The timber wolf growled before howling in response. A chorus of howls responded. Fluttershy spread her wings to fly away, seeing that talking wouldn’t work this time. She was just about to leap into the air when sharp needles of pain plunged into her back and wing, forcing a scream from her mouth. Looking back, she could see the wolf had jumped and latched onto her wing! The added weight made the duo fall, and the Timberwolf began circling her as his pack mates arrived. Matthew didn’t know how long he was out when he finally sat up. He felt a weight on his face and pulled whatever it was off of him. It turned out to be a black shield that had the symbols of the Night’s Watch painted on its front. The man looked around to take in his environment. There were trees with their leaves still attached, green plants, Hell, even bugs. This wasn’t the Lands of Always Winter, and sure as hell, not the Wall. After getting to his feet and checking his person, Matt felt a sharp pain in his left arm where the wight had stabbed him. Besides that, He had found that he mostly kept everything he had on him before passing out. Bits and pieces of his memory came back to him as he rubbed his head. There were wights. He blew the horn, and in the end, he accepted the coward’s way out. If his fellow Rangers could see him now, they would probably cut him down where he stood to give up so easily. Before he could begin to argue with himself about whether he became a deserter, a scream sliced through the dark. However, it wasn’t the scream of a wight or even a white walker. “Someone is in trouble.” He shoved any thoughts ath-breaking aside while grabbing the shield and unsheathing his sword. The screaming continued as he ran. After almost getting knocked out again by a tree, Matthew made it to a clearing. In the moonlight, he could see four large wolves made of wood surrounding a girl. She was curled up into a ball, trying to protect her head, and vitals. Matthew did have an idea but it needed more time than he had. He sprinted through the bushes he had been hiding behind, before angling towards the nearest wooden wolf. Matthew stabbed it in the side, causing it to crack as the wooden beast howled in pain. While it gave sounds of distress, its friends turned their attention to the uninvited guest. ‘Crap, I’ve done it now, Matthew thought to himself as the wolves growled at him. “Woman, can you hear me?” He asked as she gasped, her head turning towards his voice. “W-who are you?! How did you find me?” She asked, while the wolves slowly began circling him instead of her. “Listen, we can talk about the details later. I need you to run for safety!” Matthew spoke, and the woman nodded in response “R-right! I will come back with H-help!” she said before a pair of wings appeared in the moonlight, one of which had been bloodied. As she attempted to take flight, the flapping of her wings alerted one of the Timberwolves. It turned its head towards the strange woman and growled as it decided to break off from the group to go after her. “Oh, no you don’t,” Matthew said before bashing his shield into the Timberwolf. The force from the hit knocked it down, and Matthew managed to get on top of it. He began to slam his shield into its head. There were many loud clangs; until a loud crunch of wood sounded out and it fell apart. The display had stunned the other wolves for a moment, and the woman had stopped to see what was going on. Her voice was barely louder than a whisper, “O-oh my.” Matthew’s breath was ragged, but he managed to climb off the woodpile and prepared to fight the others. Knowing this stallion needed help, Fluttershy flew as fast as she could with an injured wing. Author's Note I'm gonna be honest with you guys. Correct me if I'm wrong but is this better then my other story? With grammar and spelling. I literally triple-checked this before publishing it so I hope this works for everyone here. And before I post this I want you guys and girls to know. "That winter is coming."
Chapter two - Stopping Enteral night and a failed ExecutionChapter two Fluttershy streaked toward Ponyville, heart hammering, and breath shallow, as she pushed herself to fly as fast as her wings would carry her. As she passed over the outskirts of the town, she spotted the guard station, but her racing mind latched onto Twilight instead, and she made for the tree library at the center of town. Normally, the sounds of music, and laughter, from the treehouse would have driven her away, but the adrenaline spurred her on until she kicked open the door with a loud bang. That brought the party to a halt. “What up, Flutters!” Rainbow Dash called from the gathered ponies. “You’re late if you, uh, couldn’t tell!” She extricated herself from everypony else and began to approach her friend. “That was a heck of an entrance, though!” Fluttershy’s strength abandoned her. And she sagged to the ground in tears. Pinkie Pie and Applejack quickly moved over to the crying pegasus. “Sweet Celestia! What happened to ya sugar cube?!” Applejack half shouted, seeing the state of her wing and back. “Somepony got some rags! or does anypony know a healing spell?!” the farm pony shouted while she moved closer to Fluttershy, applying pressure to the wounds. Spike had managed to drag Twilight out of her room and through the chaos of panicking ponies. Seeing Spike made Fluttershy break down completely, finally speaking before the five mares and one dragon. “I-i left h-him for dead! He s-saved my life and i-I left t-that Stallion to be k-killed!” She spoke through her tears as Twilight’s horn began to glow. “You can let go Applejack, I got this,” Twilight said before casting a healing spell. Rarity tried to calm Fluttershy down while avoiding the bloodstains on her back, while Rarity rubbed her back. “Darling, listen to me. Breathe in, breathe out, calm down, you’re safe here. Now, tell us what happened, from the beginning, dear.” “I flew into the Ever-free alone. I felt b-bad for the display I showed my b-bird friends so I thought I sh-should apologize to them. Then I was a-attacked by Timberwolves.” Taking a shaky breath, Fluttershy continued as her friends listened. “I-I thought I was going to d-die when a stallion in all black s-saved me. H-he told me to run s-so I did.” After she finished, Rainbow Dash spoke up. “Let’s go save this guy. He doesn’t deserve to be chewed up by those overgrown toothpicks!” Then Rarity spoke up."I second the motion, a Gentlecolt like that doesn’t deserve that kind of fate." Applejack and Pinkie Pie threw in their opinions. “This colt sounds mighty nice sugar-cube, and for saving you I’ll help get him out of there, even if I have to buck every Timberwolf in the Ever-free!” “Yeah! This mysterious stranger deserves two parties! One for saving Fluttershy! And the second for a welcome to Ponyville Party!” When Twilight finished the spell, Fluttershy’s back and wings felt good as new. While Twilight spoke up, “It’s settled then. Come on, girls, let’s return the favor!” The six rushed out of the treehouse heading for the Ever-free. Matthew had taken glances at the woman as she flew away ‘that isn’t a human.’ He thought to himself, saving that conversation for another time because of the three Timberwolves that circled Matthew, baring their teeth and growling. “Come on, you overgrew weeds! I’m going to make you work for this meal!” He half shouted, trying to Intimidate them to turn tail and run off. Sadly, it wasn’t the case. Getting an idea, Matthew turned to the two others, giving his back to the left wolf, thinking it would go for the attack if his back was turned to it. Listening closely, Matthew was no doubt given a bone by the old gods, while the wooden wolf began running towards the experienced Ranger’s back, and when the moment felt just right, he turned like a dime. Stabbing it in the eye as Matthew forced it as deep as the head of the wood would give. “Let’s see if you can come back from this!” Matthew said while thrusting it deeper into the smaller Timberwolf. It howled in pain as it fell apart, turning its attention to the last two wooden wolves and seeing the larger one move closer, thinking it could take him while its packmate stayed out of this. “Come on now. I’m just getting started! When I’m done, I’m going to use your bodies to warm myself up!” He shouted while Matthew attempted to pull his sword out of the pile of wood, but it was not very successful. ‘Shit shit shit, this isn’t good. What else can I use as a weapon?’ He thought. Before looking down at the shield in his hand, and gulping, to use this metal shield Matthew would need to get in close, something he didn’t want to do, gripping the sides he readied himself for the wolf. Soon the large beast charged him, and once again his training kicked in, as he brought the shield down, causing a loud clang to be heard. The Main six, including Fluttershy, were running their way back while Rainbow Dash spoke up over the other four mares, heavy breathing. “How in the hay did you manage this Fluttershy with a broken wing?” She asked while the light yellow mare spoke up. “It was fear and A-adrenaline that got me to the tree house.” While Applejack spoke. “You did good sugar-cube, now let’s help out your new friend.” Before Fluttershy could speak, Twilight stopped dead in her tracks; before she spoke up. “Girls, do you hear that?” She asked as the group stopped, their ears moving around. After some time, their hearing picked up their breathing, but in the distance, they could hear loud clangs of metal. “I think we found our gentle-colt girls, let’s go!” Said Twilight as she began running towards the sound. The others did the same. Found themselves in a field of moonlight. The moon was shining bright, enough to illuminate the area as the clangs of metal were much louder now. Across the Cross the field, they could see somepony with a metal shield. In his hands he was using it as a blunt weapon, as he slammed it repeatedly into the Timberwolf’s head. “Sweet Celestia, I don’t think he needed any kind of help from us.” Rainbow dash said as Rarity spoke up again. “What in the hay is that kind of clothing? This isn’t nightmare night, it looks dreadful.” As they talked, the last Timberwolf’s ear turned to face them while turning its wooden head. Seeing that now they were outnumbered, it turned tail and ran. Matthew had climbed off the shattered Timberwolf while he walked over to a different pile of wood. Reaching down, and grabbing hold of something, the stallion began to pull on the object, while the group made their way over as Twilight spoke up. “Sir, we came to help you but I guess you had things covered?” Twilight said while Matthew grunted, as to show he heard her, the sounds of Metal slicing. Out of wood were heard the main six were able to see his sword, as they all had mixed reactions, especially Rainbow dash. “Your help was much appreciated. I see that your yellow friend managed to get to safety?” Matthew said as Twilight was about to answer him but Rainbow dash interrupted her. “That Sword looks so awesome! Where did you get it?!” Asked Rainbow dash to the mysterious Stallion, while she circled him. “What’s with the getup as well?” “Rainbow dash! Knock it off! This colt saved Fluttershy’s life. Show him some respect!” Yelled Rarity; the rainbow mare blushed, while she brushed some of her long mane out of her face chuckling nervously. “Heh, sorry about that big fella.” “I did not take any kind of offense to your questions, so there’s no need to apologize.” Not long after speaking, Fluttershy came up to him before she flung herself at him into a tight hug. “Y-your A-alive! I-i thought we wouldn’t be F-finding you in one piece!” Fluttershy spoke while she crushed him in a death grip. “Careful! This is a sharp sword, Fluttershy. I don’t need you to skew yourself, after seeing a Maester.” While Matthew worked around, he embraced, to sheath his sword. “Welcome! Even though you’re not near Ponyville! I welcome you anyway to our small town! If you’ll excuse me! I need to plan a party for you!” Before the pink mare Anthro tried to run off, Rarity stopped her. “Are you insane, Pinky?! You can’t run off from the group in a place like this! And need I remind you, Pinky pie, this area has Timberwolves!” The white unicorn mare shouted at the pink mare, while Matthew spoke up. “I’m sorry to interrupt you all, but I think proper introductions are in order.” While the main six had fixed their act up, the purple mare went first. “Hello, I’m Twilight sparkle. I’m from Canterlot to oversee the preparations for the sun celebration this year.” Nodding His head in acknowledgment, he turned to face the light orange woman with a hat on her head. “Greetings partner! My name’s Applejack! It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My family and I live on sweet apple acres.” Walking over to Matthew. Applejack grabbed his black-gloved hand, and she began to shake his hand furiously while giving his hand a firm grip. “I want to thank you personally for saving dear Fluttershy here. She doesn’t know how to stand up for herself sometimes, you see” Matthew gave Applejack’s hand a firm grip in return while he reciprocated the gesture. “I was just nearby. It was the least I could do.” “If you mind my curiosity partner, why the hay do you have a mask on? It’s going to scare anypony who hasn’t met ya. Let alone fillies and colts, and older folk.” After asking her question, she released his hand, and Matthew tried to pull Fluttershy off of his chest. “The reason I wear this mask was to block snow and strong winds, from getting in my eyes, I hail from the far North you see.” While Fluttershy refused to let go of the stranger. Applejack, having been satisfied with the answer, went back to the others as Rarity moved forward. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, darling. My name is Rarity and I run the Carousel Boutique. we’re I make new types of clothing and not to sound rude sir, but your clothing isn’t something that screams a knight in shining armor.” Matthew had rolled his eyes internally at how she complimented his apparel. “I’ll take your criticism to heart, Lady Rarity.” From the way she spoke to him about his clothes, Matthew assumed she was from their version of high society. Rarity nodded as she giggled with glee as she fanned her face. “such manners! I’m not surprised if you’ve already been dating or spoken for already!” After saying her peace, Rarity had gone back as Rainbow dash moved forward before striking a pose. “Name’s Rainbow dash! The fastest flier in all of Equestria! And I want to thank you for what you did for Fluttershy.” She leaned in close. “I would love to have a look at the Sword when the sun rises. It looks so cool at night!” While Matthew chuckled at her childish way of asking him to see his sword. “Yes, you can look at it when the sun rises, but we need to go over some ground rules beforehand. I don’t need someone getting hurt.” As Rainbow gave a sound of excitement at the idea of holding an amazing-looking weapon, suddenly coughing, and shrugging her shoulders. “Eh, that’s fine with me.” Rainbow dash said plainly, joining the group while Matthew looked away slightly. ‘Don’t lie Rainbow dash, you are looking forward to using this Sword.’ Matthew mulled before looking towards Pinky. “I know your name, Pinky pie. Thank you for offering two parties, but I don’t think I will be able to attend them.” After hearing those words, Pinky pie deflated some, before inflating again. “That’s Okay! With me! I’ll just have to do it another time!” After speaking, it was now his turn for Matthew to tell everyone his name. “Hello everyone, my name is Matthew. I would bow in respect to you all, but currently I’m occupied with being hugged. If you six didn’t hear me before, I hail from the North.” Before the main, six could pelt him with questions. Twilight stopped them by remembering the celebration that was going to happen soon. “Girls, we need to head back now, if we want to attend the sun Celebration so let’s make haste!” Matthew had finally managed to pull Fluttershy off his person; “we need to start moving. Now come on Fluttershy.” While she spoke up, “R-right! Sorry about that L-long hug. I thought you D-didn’t survive.” After that embarrassing episode from Fluttershy’s closeness, the group began the journey back to Ponyville. Matthew’s arm was burning. No doubt the wound he sustained from the battle for the Wall was infected. Sadly, he couldn’t check without the six others in his group getting worried about him being hurt. ‘God’s damn it, this hurts.’ he thought while trying to ignore the feelings his arm was currently giving him. But other than that, he met a baby dragon, shockingly, even after the small council of the king, in Westeros had just publicly declared, all dragons were dead for a couple of years before he was born. When the group entered a large building in the center of the town, the moment he stepped into the large room, he could feel plenty of eyes watching him. Matthew could see many colored ‘ponies.’ It didn’t help that the man was taller than these ponies by a foot, maybe even two. The unknown ponies of this building. We’re watching him, as Matthew stuck out like a sore thumb. Because of him being in pure black, among multiple different colors, and his height, he was easily spotted. ‘This isn’t good, I don’t like this.’ Matthew thought, as Rarity and Fluttershy left to prepare for the Ceremony, while the ponies that were closest to him moved away, in slight fear. Matthew had moved closer to Twilight, either above him in the air, or on the Balconies, ponies began whispering to one another, about this stranger in all black with a mask. ‘So much for blending in with a crowd.’ he thought to himself before he heard… birds singing? While the Wall didn’t have these kinds of birds. It had crows and ravens, while someone began to speak. “Fillies and gentle colts, as Mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to Announce the start of the summer sun Celebration!” Shortly after speaking, ponies all around Matthew were cheering along with more interesting; ways of showing their excitement. All but one pony, Twilight wasn’t showing the same joy as her peers. Leaning over, Matthew whispered into Twilight’s ear. “Is something wrong? You’re not happy about this celebration?” While the pony on stage continued to speak. While Twilight shook her head. “I am, but I’m just hoping I’m wrong about something.” She said while looking at the moon before letting out a shaken gasp. Matthew noticed her shocked expression before looking in the same direction. ‘What’s so shocking about the moon?’ Matthew was stumped as to what scared the purple Anthro, as the Mayor of the town continued. “And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun, and moon, each and every day the good, the wise, and the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria Princess Celestia!” Turned his attention to the stage, which had a bright light on it, as the curtains were moved back to show… no one? “I guess she didn’t get the signal to be standing there?” Matthew offered the idea to Twilight. “There’s no way Princess Celestia wouldn’t be there; she told me to come here and get everything ready for her this year.” While they watched Rarity, go behind the curtains; she disappeared, and the Mayor tried to keep the other ponies calm. Rarity had arrived back on the stage while she spoke out to everyone. “She’s gone!” Rarity half shouted, while Pinkie pie’s startled shout alerted everyone to the dark star-filled magic taking the stage. While the shape slowly grew in size till finally, a larger and dark pony appeared as Twilight spoke softly. “O-oh no! It’s Nightmare moon.” Matthew began to study this. ‘Nightmare moon’ in his mind. She was taller than the average pony but compared to his height, she had to be face to face with his shoulder or neck at most. He had to guess. She had massive wings, unlike Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash. this Nightmare moon had the largest wings both in size and wingspan, Matthew had seen so far. While Spike fainted, the baby dragon landed against his chest, the man took hold of Spike, not taking his eyes off Nightmare moon. as he sets him down, so Spike didn’t fall and hurt himself. The nightmare began to speak. “Oh~ my beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I last seen your sun-loving faces~,” Nightmare moon stated before Rainbow dash spoke up. “What did you do with Princess Celestia?!” Before Rainbow dash, tried to attack Nightmare moon. Applejack stopped her with her hands on Rainbow’s side. “Woah their sugar cube. Ya can’t fight her on your own.” Rainbow dash struggled. but shouted at the larger anthro, “What did you do with our princess!” Nightmare moon started with a gentle chuckle, which involved a gentle but evil laugh. “why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don’t you know who I am?” While Pinky took this moment to try to answer Nightmare moon. Before she was able to get a single word out, Applejack plugged her mouth with some food, not wanting the Night Princess to gaze toward them as Nightmare moon continued. “Does my Crown no longer count, now that I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did no pony recall the legend? Did you ponies not see the Signs?” While Nightmare Moon gave her evil speech, Twilight moved to the center of the room. “I did. You’re the mare in the moon. Nightmare moon!” Shouted Twilight, while the surrounding ponies gasped. Ponies began moving away from the stage that Nightmare moon stood on while she gave a face of admiration. “Well well well.~ somepony who remembers me, then you must also know why I’m here.~” while she asked Twilight the question she was unable to answer. Seeing the Silence as Twilight’s response, Nightmare moon laughed again, before speaking once more. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last, from this moment forth. The night will last forever!” Nightmare moon began to laugh while her mane grew, shooting lightning bolts out to cause fear. Matthew had seen and had enough, ambling toward the center of the room. Keeping his hand on his sword handle. The Mayor pointed and shouted. “seize her! Only she knows Where Princess Celestia is!” Suddenly, ponies with golden armor appeared to capture her. “Stand back, you foals!” Nightmare moon shouted while she slammed them away, using her mane and fear to stop them. Matthew had made his way next to Twilight while the human stood in an open spot in front of Nightmare moon’s gaze. She stopped her evil laughing, seeing the newcomer in all black, while her mane went back to its normal size. And flowing in a nonexistent breeze, her slit eyes were on him, studying him. He knew that stare. Matthew intrigued her as he drew his sword. “Oh?~ and who might you be?” Seeing this is as good of a time as any, he decided to Recite the Night’s Watch Vow. However, before that, Matthew. Leaning towards Twilight, he whispered to her. “Get out of here, and whoever else will leave. I will buy you the time you need.” Matthew said, while moving closer to the balcony. Nightmare moon was standing on. She was still watching him expectantly. ‘This might piss her off, but I should give Fluttershy and her friends time to get out of here.’ “Hear my words. And bear witness to my vow; Night gathers. And now my watch begins, it shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, Hold no lands. Father, no children, I shall wear no Crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die. At my Post, I am the Sword in the darkness. I am the Watcher on the Walls, I am the Fire that burns against the Cold. the Light, that brings the Dawn, the Horn, that wakes the Sleepers. The Shield, that Guards, the Realms of men, I pledge my Life and Honor to the Night’s watch. For this Night and all the Nights to come.” Nightmare Moon did not like that answer by a long shot. The look on her face especially told how she felt about his vow, mostly the part about being the light that brings the dawn. While she began to grind her sharp teeth together, she spoke. “Did my sister think that founding an order to keep watch for my return? To try to stop me, was a good idea?!” she asked, sounding completely and utterly pissed. ‘Plan worked.’ Matthew thought before answering her. “Your sister had nothing to do with the founding of my order. The Long night. And the Dead Rising was the principal cause.” Nightmare moon scoffed, as she did her best not to laugh, covering her muzzle, before losing it at this seeing this as a joke. After catching her breath, she wiped the tears from her cat-like eyes. “I would apologize for my rudeness, but that sounds utterly ridiculous! The dead? How much of a fool do you think I am!” Nightmare moon asked while her mane grew in size. “Better yet, let’s test your claim! And see how skilled at fighting me! If you can handle the ‘dead’, you should be able to handle me! Better than my sister’s pathetic Royal guards!” She said while she used her enlarged mane to attack Matthew. Twilight and her friends were stunned, along with most of the population of ponyville. They were forced to watch, Nightmare moon tried to make Matthew follow the same fate as the Royal guards. However, Matthew was able to stop her attack by using his Sword, to cut her hair clean off, causing her to hiss in discomfort, while the magical hair disappeared from the ground. “You shouldn’t be able to do that! Where in my Moon did you get that Sword!” Nightmare moon said, hissing while flaring her wings. “If you’re looking for an easy fight, Nightmare moon, I’m not it,” Matthew said simply, showing her question did not faze him. Seeing her time was up, Nightmare moon decided now was the best time to leave, while she growled, slowly going back into a dark magic blob. “I’ll remember this Night Watchmen! You can count on it!!” While Nightmare Moon fled, Rainbow dash was finally able to free herself from her friend AppleJack. Rainbow tried to follow her but failed. Inside the library, Twilight had been using her magic to go through books at a decent speed, as Rainbow dash was trying to interrogate Matthew and utterly failed. “Just what are you ‘Matthew’ how do we not know you’re just a follower of Nightmare moon? Or even some kind of spy!” Rainbow dash said getting in his face while Matthew backed up. “Firstly, Rainbow dash personal space learn it. Secondly, if you all remember correctly, Nightmare moon threw three Royal guards as they are called, with no regard for their lives. She could have and possibly killed maybe one of them?” Rainbow grew frustrated with Matthew’s point. She went to go back into his face before Apple Jack stopped her from entering his bubble. “I don’t get what point you’re trying to make!” Shouted Rainbow dash. While Twilight answered for him. “He’s saying Rainbow, if he was with Nightmare moon, he wouldn’t have cared to save Fluttershy when Timberwolves attacked her.” While that took her attention off of him, it turned to the purple mare. “Oh yeah? What the hay are the elements of harmony, and how did you know that Nightmare moon would come back?” While Applejack grabbed onto her rainbow tail to stop her. “That’s enough Rainbow! If you keep yelling at ponies, nopony is going to want to give you the answer.” After calming down and landing, Rainbow dash gave Twilight an expectant look, and Twilight began to speak. “I learned about Nightmare moon and the elements of harmony in a book, but I can’t find anything else about them!” Pinky pie jumped out, giving the book to Twilight. “You forgot to check under E!” she said while Twilight facepalmed, while she used her magic to find the page she needed; While they approached the Ever-free forest, Matthew stayed close behind the group, while Twilight sighed. “Girls, I do appreciate the offer, including you, Matthew, but I need to do this on my own.” That made Applejack upset. “No sugar cube. Ya must have a few screws loose. If you’d think we all will let ya go in there alone!” Every single mare but Twilight had voiced their agreement, minus Matthew, who just drew his sword. “I’m fine with this. It is significantly better than going North of the Wall,” he said, thinking this was going to be an easy, in-and-out type of job. But when the time came and when he had his chance, he would need to kill Nightmare moon. She was a dangerous creature of the night, even rivaling or surpassing White walkers. When the time arrived, Matthew already knew what must be done for the good of the Realms, personally. He very much disliked it. She showed no signs of being a white walker but those eyes she had. We’re pretty damn similar to a monster, in Matthew’s opinion. Along with that being said, she was speaking. Another thing White walkers or even Wights never did. The path seemed stable enough, no animals were out as the girls stayed close to Matthew because of his sword, and while Applejack spoke up. “This forest isn’t natural.” Matthew responded, “it seems like a normal forest to me.” While Rainbow started to tell spooky stories about the forest. “Rainbow dash stops it. If you scare the others, you’ll be carrying them,” Matthew said, but she continued away. This time more towards him but after a few minutes of Matthew being unfazed by her tales Rainbow dash groaned in annoyance. “what? You’re telling me nothing scares you, matt?” She asked while he turned to look at her spot in the back of the group. “Rainbow dash. In my honest opinion, your stories only scare children before bed, along with our friends here.” While Rainbow dash grinned, she moved to his side. “oh yeah? Tough guy, lay it on me! Tell me what! Scare you!” “Rainbow dash the things I’ve seen, have given me Sleepless nights, more than once occasionally. Believe me, it takes a lot more than people or children going missing to scare me.” “Then tell me! I can take it! If you can, so can I. It’s not like you’re fighting an army of Timberwolves or something!” That’s when they arrived at a cliff’s edge. “Another time Rainbow dash not in front of the others. They aren’t trying to scare one another into running away.” Before they all knew it, the ground caved underneath them, and as they began falling down the steep end, Rainbow dash and Fluttershy were fine because of their wings, but the other four weren’t much better off. While their friends slid off towards a drop, they did their best to save everypony Rainbow dash and Fluttershy tried to save Matthew, but he waved them off. “I’ll be fine! Worry about the others! I’ll get down safely!” Matthew lied, while he couldn’t tell what was at the bottom, but he rather saved their lives than his own. Once getting off the cliff, he jumped, aiming for a tree to hopefully break his fall, as he braced for the fall. ‘Come on, just give me this one this one time!’ Matthew thought while he readied his sword. His landing was hard, but thank the old gods, the tree didn’t have many branches. He used his sword to stab deep into the bark of the tree to slow his rapidly falling descent, stopping at the foot of the tree. Matthew stood there in utter shock at what he just accomplished. Pulling his sword out of the tree, he made his way back to the group, on solid ground while Applejack landed next to him and began to ask questions. “Matthew! You’re alive?! How did ya survive?” “By using my Sword. as a tool to slow my fall. And if I’m honest, I didn’t think it would have worked, but here I stand,” Matthew said while the others looked Relieved seeing that Matthew was alive and not dead. It surprised Matthew to say the very least he had one hell of a night. First, he survived a fall from a cliff, and second, Fluttershy stopped a creature called a ‘manticore’ from attacking them. Pinky pie had made faces of trees disappear, by making everyone laugh, granted even he chuckled somewhat at their antics. Rarity stopped a giant worm-like creature by giving him some of her tail and finally, Rainbow dash helped put a wooden bridge back together. Now inside a very old-looking, and ruined Castle, Matthew stayed outside of the collapsed room keeping watch over the entrance. They all came out again but Twilight. Noticing this, he waved Applejack over to ask her about it. “Applejack, where is Twilight?” Matthew asked while Applejack stood in front of him. “She’s trying to find the hidden element to activate them all so we can stop Nightmare moon.” “What will happen if we win?” Matthew asked as Applejack snorted. “You’re gonna have to explain something to us all, partner.” “Explain what? The things I said to Rainbow dash?” Matthew asked while Applejack shook her head. “no sugar cube, ya just appearing on the same night as Nightmare moon wearing all this? Ya fancy words you told her didn’t seem to agree with what she’s planning to do.” Before Matthew could answer her, everyone would hear Twilight’s scream of surprise. This grabbed everyone’s attention. Making their way back inside, seeing their purple friend jump into a tornado of stars, and darkness, Matthew, along with the others, rushed to help her but it disappeared. “Where did she go? Twilight?!” Yelled Applejack, as Matthew took charge, “Spread out! Look for anything out of the ordinary! They couldn’t have gotten far.” While the ponies ran around, looking for where they had gone, Rarity’s voice broke through their panicked state. “Look! She has to be there at the top of the Castle!” Rarity shouted, while all the ponies looked including Matthew. “Let’s give her a helping hand so she won’t face that thing alone. Come on!” Matthew spoke while drawing his sword and ran outside, following the group to where Twilight had been taken to. Finally, the group of five mares and one human had managed to get inside the main part of the Castle, finding seemingly endless halls, and stairways, with widening turns. Getting more lost, with every turn, until. They heard evil laughter coming from a floor above them. While they all began shouting for Twilight, to ease her from facing Nightmare Moon alone, Matthew stayed silent, not wanting to dash any hopes if Twilight faced her end there. He wanted to be wrong; he prayed that he was. The group got closer, and they were finally able to hear Twilight’s voice. The group of ponies seemed witty, that they found her, Matthew however sighed a breath of relief, knowing she hadn’t died to a creature of the night. “Get in their girls, I’ll Hold these stairs, and make sure Nightmare moon. doesn't try to leave any surprises for us, while your backs are turned,” Matthew said while they all nodded, and went into the room to see their friend. Matthew could faintly hear what was going on and it seemed that this Nightmare moon was going to lose. Until suddenly, bright lights came from the floor above. Thinking they had won, Matthew climbed the steps two, and even three at a time, until he saw a strange sight. Everyone was lying on the ground breathing, thankfully. Seeing the creature Nightmare moon unconscious on the ground. He made his way over to her, his footfalls echoing through the room. Shortly, standing next to the now smaller Nightmare moon, the main six began to wake up. “Ugh, my head. Did we get her?” Asked Rainbow dash, while Applejack spoke up. “Everypony ok?” she asked, looking around before spotting Matthew. While Twilight asked. “Girls, what is he doing over their near Nightmare moon?” Before they could ask him, Matthew slowly drew his sword. As the loud metal being unsheathed. awoke Nightmare moon, her eyes wide in fear. While he held the handle with both hands as he settled the tip of the blade into the ground. “In the name of the Night’s watch, I Matthew second in command of the Ranger Order and next in line for first Ranger. While also being a sworn brother of the Night’s watch. Sentences you to death. If you have any last words now, is the time to say them.” She looked up at him, her eye’s as wide as dinner plates, while Nightmare moon tried to crawl away. As fear made her stutter words, Matthew couldn’t understand before his foot on her back stopped her while he spoke again. “I take no pleasure in this. I don’t, but I do this for the good of the Realms.” Finally, the stuttering stopped, and she began to speak. “M-mercy! I beg for your mercy. My actions were not of my own free will! Please, I didn’t mean to harm anypony!” As Nightmare moon pleaded for her life with this stranger in all black. Kept his foot planted on her back before speaking to her. “If you keep moving, this won’t be a clean cut, and you’ll feel pain. I’m trying to make this a clean passing, for you creature of the Night!” “Matthew, stop it! You don’t need to kill her! She’s weak! There’s no need to do this!” Shouted Twilight. While she got up and began slowly approaching the two. Her friends did the same. “And risk your world going through the long Night? Where thousands of innocents starve and froze to death? Is that really what you want for your future?!” Matthew asked before razing his Sword, getting ready to bring it down, on Nightmare moon’s neck, before a golden glow enveloped his Sword. It was ripped free of his hands as the blade slid across the ground. “That is enough, sir Matthew!” said an unfamiliar regal voice. A bright white orb entered the room, then appeared a larger white pony, with a horn and wings. Her appearance made the main six-stop. The look on her face was that of pure anger. “Get off of her this Instance!” Celestia said before her wings flared as she moved till she was in front of the main six. “My apologies, my Lady, but I do not recognize who you are?” Asked Matthew respectfully, and her horn began to glow. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of the day, and of Equestria! And I order you to stand down before I am forced to act against you!” While Matthew shook his head. “I’m sorry your Grace, but I can not do such a thing.” He said as Celestia raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “And what is the reason that is stopping you from getting off Princess Luna? “She asked while Matthew answered Celestia. “I have sentenced her to death and I must carry out the sentence or I will question my Honor.” “You did What?!” Celestia shouted as she blasted Matthew with a large amount of magic, causing him to slam against a stone wall, knocking him out along with opening his arm wound. While blood leaked from his arm, Celestia made her way to her sister. Seeing blood leak from the mysterious stranger, Celestia used her magic to stop his bleeding. So she could handle him later. She moved towards Luna." It has been a thousand years since I last saw you like this. It is time for us to put our differences behind us. We were meant to work together, Little Sister." Luna had been staring at the ‘pony.’ in all black, before slowly looking back at her older sister. Moving in and embracing her while tears fell from her eyes. “I’m so sorry, big sister! I’ve missed you all this time!” Shouted Luna, her head pressing against Celestia’s chest while hugging her tightly while her older sister did the same. “I’ve missed you as well.” Author's Note Holy crap guys! Chapter two is out sorry for the Wait! Make sure to relax and enjoy the reading! And do not worry readers! Luna will be fine you'll see in future chapters soon enough!
Chapter three - Getting Pardoned and meeting the Captain of the Guard.Chapter three Matthew had been unconscious for an unknown length of time, his head was aching. something fierce, his heartbeat sounded like drums in his skull. he tried to reach up, toward his head to grab it hoping to ease the pain, before the sounds of irons were heard. And stopped his hand in its tracks Slowly Opening his eyes, Matthew would see he was in a Dark cell; his sword and dagger along with his shield were gone, and all that was left on him were the clothes he wore. Looking around, Matthew would see a yellow glow from his left arm; it was on top, and around his wound, suddenly, heavy footfalls came from the left hallway. "This way, Doctor Quick Healing. The Princess wants him fixed up, and ready, she wants to question him personally." While the male voice spoke, a light was coming closer while Matthew watched as a male pony in golden armor stopped at his cell. "This is the cell doctor." the second pony, this one being smaller in size along with having a feminine-sounding voice, Matthew watched from the darkness, as the mare moved to the door pulling her keys out, and unlocking the cell door before moving away. While the Doctor entered the cell, he spoke up. "It's too dark in here, may I get some light so I can work?" After asking, the male pony used his; horn. To shine a light spell, into the cell while the Doctor began unpacking his equipment. "I see you are awake sir," said the Doctor as the Guards panicked slightly. "How is that possible? The Princess put a sleep spell on him so he wouldn't be woken up unless she allowed him to!" Said the Stallion as his horn glowed brighter getting ready to blast the human. "Guard stand down. I requested her Highness to lift it so I can do my duties properly." The Doctor said, calming the Guard pony, he turned his attention to Matthew. "I'm here to treat your injury, She told me of. Mind showing me where?" Quick Healing said. Matthew was finally able to hold his head. "Where the hell am I?" He asked while this Doctor answered. "You're in the Royal dungeons of the Palace in Canterlot." Finding his answer good enough Matthew began to take off his upper clothing while the doctor hummed. "I see what concerns her so much. You've been stabbed and the wound has gotten infected. Let's start by cleaning the wound." Said the Doctor as he pulled out a black bottle while Matthew watched him suspiciously, seeing how the grayish-white pony worked. "Now this isn't going to hurt a single bit," the Doctor said, as he placed the wet gauze; onto the wound, Matthew gritted in pain, as his fist, clenched. "by the seven, what in fuck was that?!" He shouted while the doctor held his arm. "I'm cleaning the wound so I can bandage it." The Doctor said while pulling the gauze away as he cleaned. What was left, before wrapping it in bandages. "Your wound is infected. I made it so it won't get worse. I'll give the Princess a letter, asking her to allow your medication to fight your sickness. " Matthew nodded before reaching over, to put his gambeson on, while the doctor's hoof stopped him. "I understand you want to be dressed to meet Royalty, constantly sweating, isn't going to help your wound heal properly." Said the Doctor before packing up and giving it to the guardmare. "Have this cleaned, washed, and possibly fixed. We don't need him walking around topless in the future." Said the Doctor before leaving, "I'll check on you in the coming week sir to see how your wound is doing. Other than that he's yours." Said Dr. Quick Healing while he made his leave. The Guards entered the cell, while the Stallion spoke up. "Get up, the Princess wants to speak with you." He said while Matthew got onto his feet; The mare, sputtered in surprise, seeing Matthews's chest looking down matt was mostly muscle but what most likely caught her gaze, was the scars he had. "See something you like, my lady?" Matthew mockingly asked while the female in armor blushed faintly, before speaking. "S-start walking!" She ordered poking him in the back with the wood end of her spear. Shrugging his shoulders, Matthew followed the larger male out of the cell as the female stayed on Matthew's rear to make sure he didn't get the bright idea of running. Matthew and the two Guards were walking for some time now, through many halls, and up stairways, this Palace was like a massive Maze. entering what Matthew assumed was the main halls above ground, While they walked they encountered a small group of servant mares, roughly three or four of them. The eyes they were giving him were unnerving, they seemed to be sizing him up, like a piece of meat. 'Can this hurry up? I don't want to sleep with one eye open tonight.' Trying to cover his upper half with his black cloak, from their appraising eyes, until they arrived at two enormous wooden doors. Seeing two other Guards, these two were male thankfully, utilizing their magic to open the door. After the door was unlocked the pony leading Matthew entered, while the Ranger was forced to stay on his trail, the doors closing behind them. The room was massive, his boot falls were different compared to the two ponies escorting him. Walking on a red carpet taking in his surroundings. Massive stone pillars, and glass windows, caught his eyes until reaching the center of the room before trumpets were blown. "The ruler of Equestria, and the ruler of the day! Princess Celestia! And her sister! Ruler of the night and co-ruler of Equestria!" Said a triumph-bearing pony, everyone in the room kneeled. Even the Guards that escorted Matthew kneeled except him. Looking around the room Matthew saw who these two ponies were. The taller white-furred one, she almost killed him with the magic she used. Other than that she did not seem happy about something, looking over while he turned his attention to her sister she, however, had been eyeing him up the whole time, he had been studying her elder sister. Before Matthew knew it they were walking toward him with such grace that only Royalty could manage, they stopped just before him while Celestia stayed silent until they made it to a respectable distance. "your doctor patched me up, why?" Matthew said, showing his arm while the golden glow disappeared. "He's sworn to treat all wounded Ponies, friend or foe." Stated, Celestia Matthew looked towards Princess Luna, who looked down blushing, not wanting to make eye contact with him. "So what happens now, are you going to torture me?" Matthew asked, looking towards Celestia her eyes slightly widened in surprise. Before shaking her head. "Nopony is going to torture you." Matthew interrupted her, "I almost killed a Royal, your Sister no less, the punishment should be Death or the loss of a hand. Can you stop this Act? How will it happen? Hanging? Beheading? Drop me from the highest point of the Palace?" Matthew asked before Celestia interrupted his listing of ways they could kill him. "That's what the Royal council said. Thinking of ways to kill you but my Sister, and I denied it." "We were going to agree to a different kind of punishment, a life sentence in a cell; until we received a report, from my student Twilight sparkle who explained what you had done in ponyville, and she along with her friends begged for me to spare you." "Your grace, I mean no disrespect when I say this but I did only what my Duties asked of me." This caused Celestia to raise an eyebrow "and what are your duties?" Before he could answer, Luna, answered for him. "Thy male, speaks the truth. When he had the Nightmare moon's gaze he recited a vow." Celestia turned her head to her flustered younger sister before back at him "is what Luna says true?" Celestia asked before Matthew nodded his head seeing now as a better time than never Matthew removed his mask helmet to get some cool air After some time, Matthew pulled his mask back down to hide his face before Luna spoke up "you shouldn't hide your face it goes well W-with thy build." Matthew blushed under his mask but kept his cool. "Your Grace, can we focus on the topic at hand other than my body?" He asked Which made Luna blush even more while she went back to looking at his face even Celestia seemed gitty at her sister's actions. "Forgive my younger Sister, she has never seen a Stallion of your Statue, or Physique before." Hitting at his exposed chest. "Now you had said before to Luna that you had been at War with the dead?" Celestia said cautiously while Matthew nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, your grace, they aren't something to be trifled with." "Where is the proof of you fighting the undead? Not to show disrespect but scars don't tell tales" Asked Princess Luna while she asked Matthew answered "I have my memories, your grace. That is all I have." As Celestia nodded "I have a spell for that do not worry I recommend sitting down first sir Matthew." What Celestia told him, Matthew, while he did what she instructed him to do as She and Luna's horns glowed. The blackness that was all he could see around him stayed like this for a long time before the two Princesses appeared in his mind while Matthew had the privilege of being fully dressed in front of the two Royals. "What is this place?" Matthew asked as Luna answered, "this is a shared dream, Matthew I am keeping us together." She said as her horn was glowing a soft blue. "Now; where do I start?" Matthew asked Celestia spoke up. "From the beginning, as far back as you are willing to go." Nodding his head, Matthew began to Think back to the time he was assigned to the Rangers, his mind transformed the blackness around them, to the courtyard of Castle Black while the two sisters looked about the 700-foot wall caught both of their attention. "Welcome to the Wall your Highnesses," Matthew said simply while they were too stunned to speak as they both stuttered and had never seen something like this before in their lives. They were about to speak, and Matthew silenced them both, "look below in the courtyard." They both saw a large gathering of apes "do you want a closer look?" He asked while Luna moved them down, not waiting on her sister's Answer while they were able to hear a man speaking more clearly. "What are the apes talking about?" Asked Luna before Matthew interrupted her "your Grace, we are not apes where humans are. Now please listen." "Some of you came to the wall as outlaws, murderers, poachers, some came here in chains, others from low-born families. Even a few here with the name of proud houses, or no names at all. You might have traveled to the wall, with no friends or honor. It does not matter now, all that is in the past here on the wall. We are all one house." After giving his speech he backed away from the wood stage and began making his way down the steps. "Who is the older human male?" Asked Celestia while Matthew responded, " he is the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch." Meanwhile, the Lord Commander continued his speech this time being ground level with the new night watchmen. "A man of the Night's Watch lives his life for all the realms, not for a king, or a lord, or the honor of one house or that house, not for gold or glory or a woman's love. But for the realm! And all the people in it. You've all learned the words of our vow, think carefully before you say them. The penalty for Desertion is death; you can take your vows here tonight at sunset. Do any of you keep the old gods? In your prayers?" The lord commander asked while most of the men stood. "You'll find a Weirwood tree a mile north of the wall. But in the meantime, you all have been assigned an order according to our needs and your Strengths." After listening to a few hundred names Matthew was called "Matthew to the Rangers." After that two Rangers came walking out into the courtyard carrying a large wooden box. "I've heard rumors that many of you don't believe that what we fight is out there lurking, beyond the Wall. So I've had the rangers bring back proof." He said while they hooked a long chain into a metal holder that was bolted down before opening the box and pushing it over. After it fell over while one Wight came barreling out screaming and yelling as loud as possible while it ran at the new Watchmen intending to rip apart the living men the undead was stopped by the collar around its neck while it did its best trying to go for anyone close enough. "You see this? This is the enemy to the North! This is what you are protecting the realms from. If we fail then that is the fate of every person in the world! We are the only thing standing between the realms and what lies beyond! " Said the Lord Commander, he drew his sword and brought it down on the Wight's head. "Anything else, you'd like to see your Highness?" Matthew asked before Celestia spoke up. "Please call us by our first names, Matthew." Said Celestia while the area faded to black. "Do you believe I've shown enough?" Matthew spoke while Celestia and Luna moved a good ways away to speak to one another. After about twenty minutes of hush conversion, the two Royal sisters returned to Matthew, Celestia spoke up. "How many of those things are there?" She asked while Matthew brought his hand to his chin in thought. "Before I left the most recent reports said roughly around 20,000 Wights including undead Giants and Wildlife." Celestia hummed at the answer before speaking. "You're saying these Wights are not living? and they have undead Giants?" While Luna seemed a little bit amazed by the wall and its architecture. "Yes, Celestia but I'm unsure if their numbers have tripled in that time. the White Walkers will recruit any fallen that isn't burned the more they kill, the more they can recruit ." "Then how do you kill these White walkers?" The younger Sister asked while turning back to look towards the two. "I'm not sure about the books I've studied, suggested Dragon-glass, others say swords made from dragon's fire but no solid solution." Unsatisfied with the answer, Luna nodded her head going back to looking at the wall, her Sister tried to grab her attention however Luna's full attention was glued to the wall. "Sister, we should leave our Guest's mind. We spent enough time here." The older Sister said before Luna snapped out of her state "O-oh right!" Suddenly Matthew awoke back in the non-dream world while Celestia and Luna made their way back to a single throne Celestia sat down leaving Luna standing the elder Sister began to speak. "Sir Matthew I hereby pardon your crimes of attempted murder of my sister and Desertion, from your Post. However, I will not allow you to leave the Royal Palace, till the end of the month to see how much of a threat you are to my little Ponies. Along with that, you have my Forgiveness." "Thank you, your Grace but I sadly do not need your Forgiveness, only you're younger Sisters. I did try to end her life after all." He said turning to Luna her blush left her face while she nodded "thy is forgiven." After that Celestia used her magic as a bell floated up and began to ring for a short moment. While a single servant mare entered the throne room kneeling before the two sisters as Celestia spoke to her "make sure sir Matthew is given proper quarters and his clothes along with his kit." While the maid bowed, the stallion from the dungeons walked over holding Matthew's Wrists; he unlocked the Cuffs; they soon fell off as the maid approached him. 'Crap she's one of the Ponies from the hallway!' just as she got any closer. Matthew used his black Cloak to cover his body as she kneeled in respect before him. "This way sir~," the pony said in a sing-song voice, while she made her way out of the throne room Matthew unwillingly followed the Servant. After Matthew had left the throne room Celestia leaned over toward her younger sister, giving a sly grin, while Luna watched him leave. Celestia spoke up the moment he left the throne room. "I saw the way you were eyeing him up, dear Sister. not even back a day as the Princess of the Night, and you're looking to court our new guest, to warm your bed during the day." The older sister teased as Luna's face became redder than an apple. Luna's blush continued before she finally spoke. "If you'll pardon me S-sister I have my duties to perform," Luna said before going down the white marble steps and leaving the throne room threw the hidden exit Celestia began to laugh hard from her Sister's reaction. Meanwhile, back with Matthew, the maid had taken him to the nicer side of the Palace, For Guests, Matthew assumed, and other important people that visited the Palace; stopping before a door. The maid used her magic to open the door and stepped aside. "Once your clothes are ready, I'll return them to you please, by all means, Relax and freshen up." Once entering the room, Matthew couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing, there was way too much White. Everywhere though he didn't mind the color, just the fact was Matthew was too dirty to be in a room like this. Peeking his head out towards the pony "is there a bath? Where can I clean myself?" While the mare nodded her head. "Certainly, next to your bed on the wall, there is a door, that has a bath for you, sir." Pulling his head back inside the room Matthew closed and locked the door not trusting the mare on the other side while he made his way to the door she spoke about. Opening the door Matthew was greeted by a fairly large room that had a Sink, a few Mirrors, a Window, and a Bathtub and Shower. Locking the Bathroom door, and closing the Window, so none of those flying ponies could get in. Even covering it with his cloak while Matthew began trying to understand the concept of a Shower and Bathtub made of Ceramics. After some time Matthew had managed to get the Shower to work these ponies had made a system that can give cold or hot water on demand. That level of technology kinda surprised Matthew but stayed focused on the task at hand while only being allowed to use his other free hand. Once getting clean enough Matthew washed off for the last time before turning the water valve completely to the position it was last in while the water slowly turned off. Once feeling clean, and refreshed, after fighting Wights then fighting Nightmare moon and a night in a cell was making Matthew's body felt a lot better and less sore; making his way to the wall and grabbing a Towel. He wrapped his lower half in the Towel to hide his 'private area' while collecting his Clothes along with his cloak and taking them to the bedroom. Unlocking the door and finding the maid from before was still there. Matthew caught her attention by unlocking his door. "Excuse me, do you mind having these cleaned and dried and then brought back here for me?" He asked, peeking his head out not trusting the female pony. "Why of course! you're the guest of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! Anything for you~" tossing his clothes at her seeing this as the best time to stop interactions with the mare. "Y-yes thank you, please when they are done please return them immediately." Matthew finished, closing the door he could have sworn he heard her giggle gently before leaving. Now having the room to himself, Matthew began to explore the decent-sized room there was a Bed, two Nightstands, a Desk, and more Windows, thankfully most of which had their Blinds closed so none could see inside, and Dressers. Opening a few of the Dressers he would find a few Clothes seeing if they would fit him, Matthew tried a few Clothes on and shockingly enough they did. 'Maybe they had magic in them?' the Ranger thought before shaking his head. "Magic hasn't existed for thousands of years," Matthew said before someone spoke up. "Yes it has," turning around he would see a male Guard standing there before Matthew blushed. "How much of me did you see when you walked in?" Matthew asked while the pony shook his head "only your back and from what Celestia's sun showed me no one wonders why the mare Guards and Servants are talking about you." This caused Matthew to blush while the guard laughed. "Careful bud, you're going to run the Stallions and me out of business with those scars." Matthew decided to look at this mysterious Stallion in closer detail. "if you mind me asking who you are? And also how did you get in?"Matthew asked before the pony spoke. "Oh me? I'm the Captain of the Royal Guard's Shining armor. I'm here to deliver your gear back and if I might say you have a fine sword! And how I got in I used my Magic to unlock the door. I figured you had left to explore the Palace since you have almost full access to everything. And mind telling me what your name is?" "My name Captain is Matthew and you didn't think to knock to make sure I wasn't in here? "Matthew said an eyebrow raising behind his mask while Shining armor sheepishly rubbed the back of his helmet. " I wasn't thinking about that sorry about that I do hope there weren't any mix singles I sent you by Matt doing that." Matthew waved his hand before grabbing hold of his Blade once again unsheathing his Sword. It felt Strange having the Blade in his hands after being parted with it for a night. "What time is it?" Matthew asked before Shining armor spoke, "around midday why?" "Is there a Training field nearby?" before Shining, nodded, "A training field? Oh! You mean training grounds There's a private area where Royal Guards train if you'd like we can both go there" "I'm getting rusty sitting here we might as well," Matthew said while grabbing his Sword while beginning to attach it to his side feeling the familiar Weight of his Sword's sheath against his right hip. "Perfect, let's just see how good you are with that blade of yours!" Shining armor challenged while Matthew chuckled. "I wasn't the second in Command to the Rangers for no reason. Captain, it will be most wise to think before challenging a Battle-hardened Ranger." Shining armor grinned, walking out of the room. "Then come on, esteemed Guests, come and make me eat my own words!" Shining said before walking into the exit of the guest room. Before the door blasted inwards the small group of pony mares from before were currently latched onto Matthews's clothing. "It's mine! He gave it to me to wash for him!" said the maid from outside his door while another spoke. "No way Marble shadow! I saw him first!" said a Pegasus maid, while the third mare spoke. "Ha! You think he would want a flying mare friend or a magic user?" asked a normal-looking pony before the other two snapped at the earth pony. While they both shouted. "Shut up Emerald Snow!" before they could go back to killing one another not aware of Matthew nor the Captain of the Guard. reaching up under the Mask to his lips while he whistled loudly, in hopes to stop them oddly enough, it worked as all three of their Heads snapped towards where the source of the noise came from seeing the target of their lust they all blushed before Matthew spoke pulling his hand out of from under his mask. "My Ladies, I thank you for returning my clothes to me. But I would rather have them all in one piece than in pieces." "See I told you Matthew you're making the Stallions in the castle look bad!" Matthew walked over and gently took his clothes back from the Servants "ladies do you mind leaving? You as well Shining armor." Nodding while helping the mares out of the room because they wanted to 'help him change' rolling his eyes at the pass at him Matthew began changing into his freshly cleaned and fixed black Uniform. Once putting his cloak and boots back on Matthew stepped out finding that most of the ponies had left only Shining and one of the Maids was still there. "ready?" Matthew asked the Captain before he turned to look at him. "You bet Matthew, let's test our Steel!" the Captain of the Guard said while Matthew just shook his head. "If I kick your ass I don't want to hear you say I Cheated," Matthew said plainly, while they walked to the training grounds. "we shall see and if I win you'll give me that sword for a day!" Before leaving Matthew turned his head to the last maid standing there "your name was Emerald snow?" he asked while she nodded her head quickly. "Yes sir! Is there anything you need?" she asked while Matthew shook his head. "The only thing I need from you, my lady, is for you to get some Rest. You don't need to stand there all midday and afternoon." Emerald snow bowed respectfully, before speaking. "Thank you, sir, for giving me the rest of the day off." After speaking her Peace, she walked down the marble to leave. "ready now Matthew? The lover of all mares!" Shining armor teased while the man in black punched him in the side. "Ow! What are your hands made of Marble?" he asked, rubbing his sides. "That was for telling a bad joke." Matthew said while Shining, spoke up after the pain stopped "if I win I get your Sword and I get to Punch you back!" Rolling his eyes behind his mask Matthew looked at the Captain "then let's start fighting, Author's Note Holy crap third chapter out fourth is on its way shortly do not forget people 'Winter is coming.'
Chapter four - Killing a nightmare and the new Lord Commander and Warden of the NorthChapter four //a few hours later// "You cheated Matt!" yelled Shining armor while the Human helped the Stallion up from the mud of the training ground. " I do not need to cheat, I have nothing to gain by doing so." "You lied about being Rusty!" said Shining while whipping some of the mud off his Armor. "I didn't lie, I haven't trained in about three days?" Matthew said while bending down, snatching the dirty wooden Sword while giving it back to his exercise Partner. "I guess you're done? For the day?" Matthew asked while the Captain flicked mud off his Helmet. "Sadly I do, my duties call. Plus this is the night I'm going to ask my Mare-friend Cadence if we could get married." the white-furred Stallion said while taking the wood sword from Matthew. "Well then, I hope the old gods aid you in that Endeavor, good luck Captain," Matthew said, offering his hand to shake while he grinned, taking his black glove and giving a firm shake. "Please Matthew call me Shining Armor, there is no need to call me Captain, and don't you have a Mare friend as well?" he asked while Matthew shook his head. "I can not Shining armor, my vow, prevents me from taking a female Companion, to be anything with me." frowning while Shining replied, "Shame you could have gotten one and quite efficiently mind you; how in Celestia's name can you fight like that?" Shining asked before walking towards a stand and storing the fake Sword in a holder. "Did you forget Shining? I'm a Ranger of the Night's watch. They are trained constantly to be able to hold their own beyond the Wall." "Then I bet it's brutal! because you kicked my flank! Not many ponies can say they have these days. So what are you going to do now?" Shining asked while Matthew tossed the sword in his direction. "I might go to a temporary post to keep watch north." Shining tilted his head in confusion, "watch over what? There is nothing north beside grasslands and hills?" Matthew just shook his head before saying simply. "I am the Watcher on the Walls." Before leaving, Shining shouted at the Human, while he left. "That doesn't answer my question! But whatever." Matthew passed a few royal Guards. They did their best to stay clear of the Human, word Traveled fast about a pony in all black beating the Captain of the Royal Guard repeatedly in the training fields. Making his way onto the Stonewall, after getting a sense of direction of where north was Matthew stood there watching the terrain; then a Royal Guard or two would pass by him. While they patrolled until faintly Matthews's ears could pick up faint voices nearby. "Your Highness." he rolled his eyes knowing who that might be before a voice spoke "is sir Matthew on the battlements?" asked Princess Celestia. What Matthew assumed was a Guard responding to her his voice was harder to hear because his body was beginning to fight the Infection. ''Great.' he thought before hoof falls were heard walking towards him before a voice rang out over the ringing "I heard you were fighting the Captain of the Guard." Celestial's voice sliced through the ringing before Matthew answered. "I bested him around eight times; he only bested me once with a Cheap shot." a soft chuckle was her response. "That's not a laughing matter your Grace, if this City was attacked he needs to be its last line of Defense." Celestia stood beside him, "I know he's very busy that's all" Shaking his head before turning to look at her "that isn't good enough, your Highness but for now, I'll let it slide as it's not my place to Enforce your rules. But at least try and make him Train more" "I'll see what I can do sir Matthew but why are you here on the North wall of the Castle?" the Alicorn asked while Matthew leaned against one of the Stone railings. "I'm standing watch your grace." his legs felt like jelly while a strange little bottle appeared before him in a golden aura. "When you feel sick take those they will help you feel better," she said before sighing "Tomorrow morning would you be interested in having breakfast with me?" she asked with a neutral-sounding voice as he took the pill bottle Matthew would hold onto it before looking over at the Sun Princess. "May I ask what about?" Matthew asked while storing said pill bottle in his leather waistband. "It's about the vow, you've taken my Sister believes she can win you over enough, to make you break said Vow." "And she said this?" he asked before she shook her head. "I know my younger Sister, better than anypony she has her eye on you, and so do many other Mares in the Capital." Then why tell me? If she didn't state it I need not worry. "Matthew asked while she slowly stepped away. "Because my young Sister is the Princess of the Night she may try to convince you in the dream world by being; 'Physical' I only tell you now so that you can steel yourself before bed. I hope I'm wrong but just prepare." "Duly noted your Grace." Matthew blushed under the mask he didn't expect Royalty to have their eye on him, in this kind of sense he spoke again: "she's going to be Dissatisfied, your Grace I don't sleep till midnight on some nights and for others, I barely sleep at all." "Having trouble sleeping? I can get you something for that, possibly even a spell might fix it?" She Offered while he shook his head no "I'll be fine Celestia head to bed you have a Realm to Rule. And I have my Post to Guard." "Very well, seeing that I can't help you I'll leave you alone have a good night Matthew sleep well tomorrow we have a big day, "Celestia said before turning and walking back inside leaving the Ranger. After seeing the Sun Princess leave Matthew waited a period before he Snatched hold of the pill bottle from his Waistband and after opening it he proceeded to take one of these meds. Matthew was feeling hot and sweaty. His Clothes weren't helping him in the slightest, waiting for some time before leaving his post and not wanting to bump into Celestia while going to his guest quarters for some rest and that sounded good to the unwell Ranger. Using the Walls as supports, many different Ponies watched him when he Traversed paths with them; even a Guard or two offered to help the Ranger but he declined. Once making it back to his room the two Guards stationed outside looked at Matthew nervously having heard what the Ranger had done to their Captain making it to the Door he sighed before opening the door and stepping inside. Locking the doors, and even moved a Chair in front so that no one could enter Unless he moved the said Chair after that he checked the room making sure there weren't any Hidden ponies or perhaps a Princess in his guest chamber. Thankfully there wasn't anything while he began to strip his apparel off his body. The cool summer air was hitting his body while Matthew got into bed. The moon had risen over the Lands all seemed quiet but he couldn't doze off to sleep he couldn't sleep Matthew wanted to but the horror of the White Walkers and their Minions made his heart race and that's where he stayed most of the night only getting up to use the restroom to relieve himself. Until finally sleep claimed him the time was around midnight like he said earlier. Princess Luna had started her rounds of the Castle nopony ever showed up at her Night court either they didn't know it existed, or they still feared her and were convinced she was Nightmare moon or just had no power to do anything. Deep down it upset, Luna but the ponies of ponyville? And sir Matthew? They didn't judge her if she recalled accurately her mind reminded her of what the Human tried to do when she had been liberated from the Corruption. Shuttering slightly from nervousness, the Glint of his Blade from her recollections, scared her it was no doubt a gorgeous Blade no pony Smith from Ancient times or current, could replicate such a Weapon. 'But he wouldn't use it Right?' Luna thought, before arriving at the Throne room and using her blue magic to open the main doors she Sauntered inside her gown softly glittering like the stars in the night sky she sat down on her older Sister's throne. Sitting down as she looked around, nopony was here not even Royal Guards having enough of this Luna would close her eyes before entering the Dreamworld. All of her subjects seemed to be having Pleasant dreams from what she could see from the massive dark blue doors along with the crystals, and whatever color it indicated how the dream was for the Sleeper. Walking down the seemingly endless hallway of doors and Sculptures, Princess Luna came across a door that was black as darkness with two enormous Raven Sculptures, with their wings fully extended, instead of a pony's cutie mark. 'This must be sir Matthew's door.' Luna thought before looking up gasping as she saw that color; a deep black, she hated Nightmares but this wasn't a normal Nightmare that had infected his dream and it was her duty to fix this problem before it got too Serious. Stealing herself, for what she might see in his dreams, Luna moved closer to the door before opening it while she was Blasted with strong Winter winds and Snow. Once getting inside she could hear a horn. Using her wings to fly she soon found a massive army moving towards the wall. 'That's the army of the dead?!' she thought seeing hundreds, possibly thousands of undead moving towards the wall. 'I need to find Matthew!' \a few minutes before in the dream realm\ Matthew had awoken on the wall. He had been in one of the wooden guard posts on top of the wall shaking his head thinking the incursion on the wall from before was a Dream. while sitting up while the Winds blew hard snow falling. 'Something is off.' He pondered before getting up and looking out of the post The other Guard towers didn't have a fire going other than his thinking it was nothing big he stood there watching and waiting until he saw something down below while the wind grew stronger Not wanting to take a chance he Grabbed a Telescope and adjusted it to the bottom of the wall looking through the device he saw something he didn't want to see. "Shit White-walkers!" Matthew ran for the horn in the small wooden post but it didn't have one. He grew Annoyed, thinking if a Steward or Builder moved it he ran out of the wooden post and onto the wall proper, he ran for the next one finding dead Brothers everywhere. "What in the old god's name happened here?"Matthew thought but continued to dash for the next post. Seeing a leaning brother Matthew grabbed his shoulder. "Brother, White Walkers are here!" he said, pulling on him before it fell onto Matthew revealing a skeleton in a Night's watch Uniform. "Shit!" Matthew shouted pushing the corpse off to the side before running into the second Post seeing a Horn in its holder he snatched hold of it Matthew flung his mask off before his heart almost stopped seeing such a Massive force of Wights and Undead Giants while he blew into the horn for the first Blast. Again the Second blast came and still nothing. From his brothers down below on the other side of the wall, there wasn't any movement of any kind; it was dead Silent on that Side of the Wall. Matthew, did the Third blast, which made the Army of the Dead stop? Until he heard even evil laughing coming from below. Looking he could see someone down there. Using the telescope he still held on to and using it to see Nightmare moon? While she flared her massive Wings and flew straight for him. Slamming into the wooden post she pinned him against a wall of ice "I told you I would be back!" she said while Matthew was gasping for Breath while they went through solid wood and thin ice he slowly went for his sword before she shook her head in disappointment. "Such bad manners~ you won't be needing that," she said, grabbing hold of his Wrist while using her magic to rend it from his hand. While also Shattering his left hand she continued. "I want to personally thank you Matthew now that I know your name I can begin my domination of Westeros!" She laughed evilly before leaning and grazing her sharp teeth against his flesh "and first I'll start by killing you~ for getting in my way! You should have killed me when you had the chance, Ranger!" Nightmare moon Shrieked before he spoke in a raspy winded voice "I am the Sword in the Darkness! I am the Watcher on the Walls! I am the Shield that guards the Realms of men!" before he could continue her dark Magic closed his mouth. "I recall your Vow, it brought me such Displeasure but luckily for me, your pain is only beginning~ you're the last of your Brotherhood," she said, giving a wicked sharp tooth Grin, while her other hand moved to his, while her magic held him in place. "You're the last Sword in the Darkness." Nightmare moon said before snapping a Finger "you're the last Watcher on the Walls." another Finger was snapped and made to bend in a different direction. you're the last of everything and once you die your precious Night's watch is gone!" gritting his Teeth the Nightmare grinned. "by the Stars! ~ your Tough I like Breaking the Tough ones~" before a new voice was heard "You will stop this Madness! I Command you!" yelled, Princess Luna before she landed on the top of the Wall. It rumbled from the force she used to land behind, Nightmare moon while she turned. "I wondered when you would show a weaker Version of me!" the midnight Alicorn yelled. "Nay! You're nothing more than a tiny aspect of Dust!" Luna shouted before the evil Interpretation of her tossed Matthew away. "Stay on the ground Toy~ I'm not done with you yet." "by the Stars above Matthew!!!" Luna felt Disgusted that a Small amount of her Corrupted self prevailed, against the Elements and was Horrified by what it did to one of her Saviors but this was going to be an easy fix. "For what you've done to sir Matthew you will not live to see the end of this Dream!" Luna Snarled, before blasting the evil clone with her magic Matthew, however, was in so much pain he began Painstakingly trying to fix his broken Fingers with his broken left hand, and by the gods did that hurt. "I said stay down you valueless ape!" yelled Nightmare before, Luna landed a blast on her Wing while they exchanged blows both magical and some Physical; Nightmare hissed in pain going for Matthew. Who just managed to fix his right hand while she spoke. "An eternal night will happen! If I can't use you as a Vessel I'll use him!" While Nightmare Moon retreated using her magic to drag him, taking this chance to grab his sword while she dragged him off stopping a good distance away. Lifting Matthew, while he hid his Sword behind the black Cloak he could see her cat-like eyes while she leaned in close. "Matthew doesn't let it enter your mind!" Luna yelled before she tried to stop it. Before getting any closer, Nightmare moon had put a protective bubble around them to keep Luna out. "From this moment forth I and you will be one being~," Nightmare said before she Launched forward taking Matthew in for a kiss. It wasn't a kiss for love, or one of great admiration, the sole purpose was for Survival. He knew that grabbing the back of Nightmare's head made a sound of Surprise, while Luna wailed in despair. "Matthew no!" Suddenly, the sounds of Metal Slicing through flesh were heard. She gave a Muffled scream, while he broke the forced kiss by pulling her long hair like a rope while his face showed pain as he used his broken left hand while spitting out dark magic that she tried to use on him. "I had to get in close so I could get that thrust in." he said grinning "some advice before you die never leave a Ranger Unattended. If You plan to use one as a 'toy' " Matthew said before Nightmare vanished from his dream. While slowly waking up to the real world. Matthew grunted waking up in his bed, his Soreness had eased a lot more along with better hearing Compared to last night sitting up while a midnight black feather landed on the floor in front of him "it was all a dream?" he said out loud while taking his mask and helmet off and rubbing his face before getting up; he stood there for some time His body cracked all over, looking down he saw the Feather while he shook his head "it's going to take more than a feather to kill or control me." Matthew said Neutrality, before bending down and picking it up. It was soft and a decent-size Feather, possibly a flight feather he had just placed onto the nightstand when someone began to bang on his door. "Matthew! It's me, Luna! Open the door!" Luna half shouted with her Royal Canterlot voice while he responded "hold your Horses! Give me a second." he said while beginning to get Dressed before she slammed on the door again. "This can not wait a minute! Open the door or I'll use my magic too!" sighing he at the very least managed to get some of his clothes back on before pushing the Chair away and opening the door. The moment she heard it unlocked she flew past with such force she effectively knocked him over "Where is it!" she shouted looking all around for Something. "Where is what?" Matthew asked the night Alicorn mare "The Fragments! Something from Nightmare moon like her Helmet or Armor can cause a Nightmare on that scale!" she said while two Guards in dark-colored armor appeared slowly following her their eyes were Slits and their Wings were of bat Descent. Getting up with much haste, grabbing hold of his Blade and drawing it while taking hold of Luna "are you sure the fragments aren't them!" he asked, pointing towards her Lunar guards while her soldiers drew their weapons. "unhand the Princess!" shouted one of the Guards before Luna stopped them "Stand down!" she shouted before turning her attention to Matthew. "they're my Guards Matthew. I Told Celestia about your Nightmare and she Granted me to have the Night Guard again." Princess Luna explained before she gently took hold of his Swords Handle "your safe Matthew they aren't going to attack anypony." After gently taking his Sword away from him Luna gently pushed away from Matthew after getting the Sword out of his hands. "Now where are the Fragments?" Luna asked before Matthew nodded back to the Flight Feather looking over she would see the Feather while tilting her head while using her magic to float it over to her. "How is this possible? I'm getting nothing from my magic and yet this Feather gave. You had a fully active Nightmare of my past self." said Luna, confused "there's not an ounce of magic in this Feather neither good nor bad." "Can I finish getting dressed, your Grace?" Matthew asked, thinking this couldn't get any worse before Shining armor knocked on the door and entered "Matthew? Are you here? You left your door open this time." he asked before peeking his head in and seeing the scene in front of him. "Hay Feathers! Matthew, you look better on your chest compared to your back!" the Stallion complemented while Luna nodded her head to her Guards acted on their own accord pushing the Stallion out and refusing to let anyone in. "Hey! What's the big idea here? I'm the Captain of the royal guards!" he said while they closed the door behind them, Muffling whatever he had to say to them. "Why are you still here?" Matthew asked while resuming getting Dressed before Luna spoke up "I wish to check something but I'm going to need Sister's help so please hurry and get Dressed." not wanting to upset Royalty, the Ranger finished getting Dressed after he went for his sword. Before a blue Wing extended out to stop him from looking over towards her he spoke "either I am allowed to carry my Sword or I'll spend the next week Avoiding Celestia you decided." Luna sighed before moving her Wing "why do you always need to feel Armed?" she asked huffing while he grabbed the Handle of his Weapon looking it over for any Imperfections. Before responding "why do your Guards along with Celestia's need Spears and Blades but I can't have any?" She was about to Answer having her muzzle open but after nothing came out she quickly closed it. "exactly." Matthew said before Sheathing his Blade. "Right, let's go." He said before she nodded and began walking towards the door using her magic to open the slightly Damaged door, seeing Shining had been standing around before following the small group of Four ponies and one human. Arriving at a door while two Royal Guards opened it after seeing who they were while a small dining hall was inside Celestia currently had been seated at the far end of the large Table eating a rather light breakfast. She looked up seeing the group before giving them a gentle smile "Good morning Everypony and good evening Sister. Please take a seat." Celestia asked while setting the utensil down while Luna sat down next to her Elder Sister. "So, Sir Matthew, my dear sister told me about your dream. She quite literally broke my Chamber doors off their Hinges." Celestia said, giving a soft look towards the seated Ranger. "I don't see the problem here, Everybody has night terrors don't they?"Celestia nodded but before she was able to speak Luna spoke softly "Correct, but my duty as the Princess of the Night is to make Dreams Safe and Peaceful." uttered Luna before her sister continued speaking. "Your Nightmare wasn't a normal Occurring nightmare from what Luna believes so she thinks you took a piece of her Armor after she was turned back." Before Matthew could speak Luna floated over the feather in question while Celestia looked dumbstruck. "How could a Flight Feather cause a Nightmare?" the white alicorn said confused before looking towards Matthew "do you mind coming here?" she asked, waving Matthew closer before he nodded and stood up, and made his way over to Celestia. "Do you Consent to me Scanning you, sir Matthew?" Celestia asked before he nodded "the sooner I'm done here I can get something to eat." the human said before she nodded while she and Luna's horns began to glow while they scanned him. Five hours. They had him Standing for Five hours while the two Princesses of this land zapped him with their horns and Ultimately found nothing, not a bit of 'corruption' Luna called it but enough about the past. 'Time to stuff my belly.' Matthew thought while taking his seat back at the Table after both sisters cleared him. While he ate the now cold food they talked in huss voices Matthew could only pick up a few words like 'promotion' and 'Lord Commander' before they turned their heads to him as Celestia spoke up. "Sir Matthew how do your brothers and you Select a new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch?" asked genuinely while he took a sip of a strange liquid to clear his mouth of Solid food. "A large number of Sworn brothers Gather at the main Headquarters mostly high-ranking brothers like Commanders, First Rangers, First Builders, and Lord stewards," he said before putting his hand up to stop them to show he wasn't done "Then, once they have gathered, the Measter of the main headquarters will ask the small group who they should elect to be the next Lord Commander. After that is said any Sworn Brothers may be chosen to take the position. But the highest-ranking officers must cast a stone. To whoever they want in a nonsee thru container once this is done the stones are counted whoever has the most votes is the next Lord Commander." Nodding her head before asking another question "now is a Lord Commander the highest Authority within the North?" before he shook his head "No, your Grace that would be the Warden of the North. And that position is appointed to a person by a king or queen." Celestia would soon stand up along with her sister Luna looking a little more tired from staying up past her sleeping hours "when you're done ask a Guard outside this Dining room to take you to the Throne room they will take you there. Before both Royals left the room going to the place they had mentioned before to the Ranger sitting there alone felt odd looking around the room seeing they didn't even take the Feather getting up before making his way back said Feather taking it. It was a good-quality Feather and maybe he could write with it? Either way, he stored it in his leather belt before looking out over a good part of the City. Everything seemed peaceful enough, stepping back from the Window and heading back to the Table he finished his Plate of cold food and drink once that was done. Matthew placed his Helmet mask back on and stepped outside while the Guards stiffened up "m'lord, shall we escort you to the Throne room?" the Guard asked while Matthew picked up on this near-instantly staying Suspicious he spoke "yes?" he said cautiously before they got into positions on either side of him. Before taking him to the Throne room The trip to the Throne room had gotten strange. Guards tensed up when they saw him like Luna and Celestia's maids bowed when he walked by and the nobles? They didn't seem to take interest in him yet. Arriving at the Throne room the doors had been left open, and Guards standing at attention after entering triumph sounded while there was a medium-sized group of ponies some in armor others in fine clothing before getting halfway Celestia raised her hand to stop him. "Sir Matthew, I ask you to Kneel as a Brother of the Night's watch," Celestia asked, 'I don't like this.' he thought before the Guards disappeared from his side going to opposite ends of the Throne room. Drawing his Sword while Kneeling and gently placing it into the ground while trying to not cut the long and red Carpet once this was done, Celestia got up from her Throne and slowly made her way down the steps. Once she was in front of him on his left side she began to speak while luna took the Throne "I Celestia Ruler of the day, Princess of Equestria and Co-ruler of Equestria, Supreme Sovereign over the armed forces of the Day hereby name you sir Matthew Second in Command to the Rangers as the next Lord Commander of the Night's watch." before Luna stood up ready for her part. "I Princess Luna Ruler of the Night, and Princess of Equestria and Co-ruler of Equestria, Supreme Sovereign of the Night forces hereby name you Lord Matthew. As the First-ever Warden of the North." Before their horns Glowed making a box appear while Celestia spoke "stand Lord Matthew." doing as she Instructed he stood before a Badge floated out and was pinned to his cloak. "Your Grace I can't accept this." he said before she spoke up "you can and you will, this is a Royal decree." he shook his head before taking it off "my vow prevents me from holding any Crowns or Winning Glory. This is making me an Oath-breaker." Before she shook her head "I and my Sister have just named you the acting Lord Commander of your Order. You can decide what makes somepony an Oath-breaker along with how it is Managed." she said grinning before pushing some magic into her horn and taking the Badge gently out of his hand and clipping it back into its place. "Your quest is far from over." said a Tired Luna while she yawned "now that this is done I'm off to Sleep, farewell Sister good night Lord Matthew," she said before slowly leaving the Throne room "Your Grace, you just effectively made me a Lord, not just any kind of lord but a High Lord. Not only that, you made me the 777th Lord Commander of the Night's watch." Celestia nodded "I am aware of what I have done and you Earned it Matthew, I also trust you not to abuse the Powers I've given you." she said gently stepping back and walking back to her Throne "there will be no more Discussion of this Mine and my Sister's Decisions are Final. Now please excuse me Lord Matthew I have, Day court to hold." before sitting back down on her Throne. Matthew had been more or less stuck between a Rock and a Hard place if it was found out that he was made a High Lord no doubt his brothers will have his head. But what if the Nightmare from his dream was speaking the Truth? If he was the last Night Watchman he technically would be made the acting Lord Commander as per tradition. Sheathing his Blade and deciding to leave before her Day court started he wandered the seemingly endless halls of the Castle 'where's Some wine or Ale when you need it.' Matthew thought before deciding to go into the Gardens he had seen to clear the Events that happened today from his mind. Author's Note Another chapter for this book right Lads? Next chapter is the Gala I'm excited about that and I know a few of you are too so let's hurry this show up!
Chapter five - Northern honor and Brutality at the GalaChapter five After his promotion, the two Royal sisters hardly bothered him afterward 'royal duties' they claimed but he was nearly crushed by Shining armor once the Captain of the Royal Guard had found him. But for the rest of the month, nothing really of interest happened besides his left arm healing and adding a fresh scar and occasionally Shining stopping by to talk. "So Lord Matthew" Shining said before Matthew cut him off "do not start calling me 'Lord' Shining it's not right." before he pats his shoulder "whatever you say, Matthew but I just wanted to ask are you attending the Gala tonight?" Matthew raised an eyebrow at the Stallion. Before speaking "what is this Gala?" he asked while Shining chuckled. "let's just say if you said that in a Village you would get jumped by all of the Mares." before he laughed until a guard approached them "Are you alright, Soldier?" Matthew asked while the soldier spoke. "I'm fine M'lord I came to deliver an important message." Shining nodded "well go on then Relay the Message." before the foot soldier nodded. "Princess Celestia wishes to have an Emergency meeting with you Captain about the Gala and guard placements," he said before Shining and nodding his head "very well take a break you need one." the young Recruit nodded and saluted his senior before leaving. While Shining leans over and whispers "that's a little gag Celestia pulls on the recruits, she tells them it's an emergency so they keep their Endurance up." This caused Matthew to scoff lightly. "She worries about their ability to run longer but at the same time will ignore the fact that they can barely swing a Sword or thrust a Spear?" Matthew said while he shook his head. "Celestia does care about them being able to fight; but mostly they keep the peace ." not long after Matthew just sighed, not in the mood to argue about his ways of Training in this country before speaking up again. "Now with that disruption gone can you tell me just what the hell this Gala is?" Shining looked puzzled at his friend in all black "you don't know about the Gala?" he asked while Matthew just shook his head in Annoyance. "no Shining Armor I was there when the first ever Gala happened. What do you think?" asked Matthew his voice of pure Sarcasm before the Captain punched his shoulder firmly. "smart flank," his friend said before answering "The Grand Galloping Gala I believe is the biggest event of the year every noble attends, the main purpose was to Celebrate the completion of Caterlot and even commoners but they need tickets to get in or no dice." "So you're saying I can attend?"Matthew said while Shining nodded "Attend? You could bring a small group of ponies without any form of tickets as your Guests to the Gala with your Status as a High Lord." Shining said before slowly getting up "It's time I go I have to see what her Highness needs from me." Standing up with Shining Matthew offered his hand to the Captain "will I see you later on?" Matthew asked before Shining took his gloved hand. Giving a firm shake "Sadly I can not. I'll be performing my duties but make sure to watch out for my sister Twilight Sparkle. And her friends, they saved your hide." "How so?" Matthew asked while he chuckled "after Celestia took you here. Twilight sent constant letters pleading and begging with her friends to show mercy while having Spike write constant letters and send them to Celestia." Shining said before Slowly reaching over and grabbing his helmet. "why are they so worried for me?" "Knowing my sister she most likely wants to learn more from you." After attaching it to his head the Captain of the Guard saluted Matthew "farewell my Lord." Matthew looked slightly annoyed again "I said stop that." before he walked away "sorry I didn't hear you!" he said before leaving the gardens. 'dick.' Matthew thought while shaking his head before heading out of the gardens and back to his guest chambers to rest until the Gala began. Meanwhile, within the Carousel Boutique, the main six along with Spike had been getting ready for quite some time. Rarity demanded that they all take their time getting ready and cleaning themselves was a must. " I can't wait to see that Bucking Sword!" yelled Rainbow Dash yelled while she flared her wings "and of course trying to get the Wonderbolts to recruit me!" before Twilight spoke up " easy rainbow I Don't know if our. Masked hero is ok, he told Celestia that he didn't want to be brought up in any Letters." This caught Fluttershy's attention as she spoke up softly. "Do you think he's ok?" asked the shy anthro pony while Twilight nodded "Princess Celestia stated he is fine and doing well other than getting sick he's been ok ever since." While Rarity shushed them trying to get them all prepared for their Dresses. "Ladies! Please focus on preparing for the Gala? It is not wrong to worry about a Gentlecolt just yet." said Rarity while she implanted fake eyelashes over her eyes; After painstakingly making them wash and clean to a Presentable state Rarity finally allowed them to get dressed now after all that was said and done the Main six were currently waiting inside the apple Carriage while the girls chatted with one another. Spike was left to manage the stallions who offered to help at Rarity's request The ride was about Four to possibly eight hours. None of them had a watch so more time could have passed without any of the six Mares and baby dragon knowing. After entering Canterlot proper He followed a line of many other Carriages that led to the Royal Palace. Seeing that his five friends and his Adoptive caregiver were busily Fantasizing about the event, Spike was left to either listen to them or try to chat with the two Stallions who had been pushing the Carriages. And to be honest? Spike doubted they wanted to speak with him after he more or less whipped them to go faster earlier in the travels so the baby dragon sat there following the huge line. Finally, it was their turn to disembark, jumping down with great haste he opened the unlocked door at the sign of them arriving while giving a bow his ears heard the ponies inside slowly get out one at a time. After the last mare had gotten off he closed the door before turning back and seeing the main six "you six look amazing!" he half shouted before they began making their way to the gate; //insert the 'at the Gala song' here// Once their Singing was done the Main six approached the drawbridge before they could hear a few nobles speaking "could you believe that? Princess Celestia named that. that thing a lord!" said a mare noble to her fellow Noble. "I heard she also named him a Lord Commander and some kind of Warden of the North? I mean what they hay even is that?" said the noble pony while they scoffed and made fun of this pony. "What the hay is that?" asked Applejack to Twilight while she shrugged "I'm not sure maybe it's a new Noble position?" The purple Unicorn offered before they all walked up to the Guard checkpoint. "Tickets please." the one in front said while twilight looked back at Spike "do you have them?" she asked while a face of fear flashed across his face "I thought you had them!" Matthew had been Convinced by Celestia and by the maid Emerald Snow to not have his mask or hood up during the Gala as showing off his 'heart-stopping' looks would earn the respect of some of the nobility of Equestria. Deep down he doubted this would even work Truth be told Matthew had never encountered nobles, especially ones who weren't taking the 'Black'. That was a whole new ball field for the Range- sorry the recently appointed Lord Commander. Standing in his restroom looking himself over in the Mirror he did what was possible. Matthew was dressed as a Ranger, not a Lord Commander and sure in the Seven hells not even close to what a Warden of the North might be wearing to a Royal event but he needed to make do with what he had. Taking his Cloak off for the third time the Cloak which was pure black while it reached down to the ankles of his shoes along with a second half layer of black fur. That covered his shoulders to just above his elbows in the front but any fur that wrapped around his back reached the center of said back. Dusting it off and smelling his Cloak surprised that it smelled Shockingly of a field after some Spring rain. Compared to its old smell which was close to a wet dog and a Rotting corpse, the new smell was a better Improvement along with his clothes underneath smelled clean. "Emerald snow knows how to clean leather and Cloaks," he said before Putting his cloak back on Matthew looked at himself in the Mirror and the color of him surprised him. He had noticed he was growing a beard. It was noticeable, maybe a light trim? This was a Royal event after all but this did fit the part of him being a Warden now. However, the far north was abrasive. Any source of warmth helped whether it be facial hair or thick clothing was the difference between life and death. Deciding to leave it and exiting the restroom Matthew finished the last Preparation and that was his Sword hovering his hand over his hand above where the handle lay resting against the bed. 'Should I bring my blade?' Matthew thought before shaking his head 'if this is a Royal event I can't unless they were at war. But isn't the Night's watch always at war?' deciding this should be left to how he looked, grabbing the Sword And heading into the restroom again Once back inside he reequipped his blade after that he looked at himself Stepping out into the hall he bumped into a Stallion by mistake "Watch it, Peasant! I just had my coat groomed and this suit is worth more than your clothes!" said a noble-looking Stallion. "Easy there Sir it was a simple mistake there's no reason to be so Aggressive." Matthew reasoned before he half shouted "do not call me Sir! I'm Lord Blueblood to you. You're just a Foreigner that's allowed here because my aunt Celestia allowed you here." Blueblood said walking away "if you want my forgiveness low-born don't show up at the Gala low borns aren't welcomed there." he said before walking away 'Gods and I thought Brother Robert was a pain in my ass. This blue blood makes my brother from the Watch look like a high priest!" Matthew thought before he followed him to where the gala was being held. After arriving in the main room he heard a familiar voice "I'm the Personal student of Princess Celestia and one of the bearers of the elements of Harmony. If you can just send a Guard to confirm what I'm saying we can be on our way." said Twilight while the royal Guard answered "And I'm Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's firstborn son. If you don't have an invite you seven aren't getting in." said the Guard before Matthew stopped him walking up behind the ticket checker. "That's enough good sir," said Matthew while he approached the Checkpoint the Guard turned to see who he thought he would never see "My lord!" he, before Matthew sighed inwardly as the main six including Spike had all heard what he didn't want them to. "let them pass they Earn tonight. For what they did against Nightmare moon." Matthew said while he nodded "yes, Warden of the North you seven may pass." before he knew it six ponies tackled him. While they embraced him the leader of the five mares spoke up "don't scare us like that Matthew! we thought Princess Celestia might have sent you to the sun!" said a nervous Twilight before Rainbow Dash plowed her over "Do you have the Sword?!" she half shouted causing Matthew to grin and nod. "yes Rainbow dash I have it." he said drawing his Blade and offering her its handle "Remember this is not a toy you can cut yourself or hurt Someone if you're not careful." before she fanboyed over the Blade and gently took it while Matthew turned his attention to Twilight again. "she wouldn't send me to the sun would she?" he asked before the lavender mare spoke while Spike helped her up along with Fluttershy. "It's possible I did see her very upset before to the point she nearly Zapped a poor Guard who didn't give me the book I needed." Matthew shook his head while Rarity spoke up "Darling I don't think I heard that Guard correctly but did he call you a Lord?!" half shouted the white-furred Unicorn anthro before he sighed and nodded 'there it Is. Old Gods dammit I hoped I was in the clear.' Matthew thought to himself before speaking "Yes, Princess Luna had hailed me as the Warden of the North while Princess Celestia made me the next Lord Commander of the Night's Watch." before Twilight butted her way back in "Is that the group you're a part of?! I never got to ask you what the Night's Watch was like!" before Matthew raised his hand to stop the girls from overloading him. "My Ladies, this is a party, please enjoy Yourselves and save the questions for tomorrow after midnight tonight I'm allowed to leave with you." all the girls Whined in delight which gave Matthew the creeps. ' I'll never get used to seeing somewhat human creatures making sounds of what they had been crossed with.' before all of them hugged him even Rainbow dash with his Sword. "Please don't do that again rainbow dash," he said, snatching hold of the uncovered blade before putting it back into its sheath. "what? I had it pointed at the ground!" she defended but he shook his head "that wouldn't have mattered, it's still very sharp, this blade isn't a toy next time when we're alone you'll get back." before she grumbled in slight anger while speaking "I have to go, girls need to prove myself to the Wonder bolts!" Shouted rainbow dash before darting off like lightning from a storm "the hell is a Wonder bolt?" asked Matthew while applejack spoke up. "don't let Rainbow hear you say that she would slice your head off with your fancy Sword. My lord." applejack had added the Lord part awkwardly only being used to your highness and nobles After Applejack finished speaking Matthew piped up "please none of you need to call me lord it's not necessary." Rarity and a few others had also dispersed while Matthew had seen Spike leaving the castle. Maybe he forgot so it didn't bother him much. Applejack, however, nodded her head while clearing sweat from her head from slight nervousness "phew! Thanks, partner. I didn't know how you would act if I didn't call you by your title." Before nodding his head "Farewell Applejack I'll see you later tonight if you'll excuse me." he said before heading off in the direction most ponies were heading. After making it to the doorway the sound of the music was being played while he saw a ballroom many of which had been dancing on the regal dance floor. It was a shock Princess Luna had attended the Gala. She was alone beside a few Lunar night Guards keeping watch as her bodyguards 'no one wanted to dance with a princess. Wasn't that a great honor? Here or anywhere for that matter?' Matthew had decided to do the noble thing making his way to her, and cutting through the noble ponies before two Lunar guards stopped him "I'm sorry Lord Commander but the Captain of the Night Guard has asked us to remove any weapons from those who wish to get near her highness." Shaking his head while drawing his Sword quietly before handing it to the Bat pony "you are aware I'm of higher rank than your commander correct?" While she nodded "I do my lord but orders are orders." the night-themed mare said, causing Matthew to sigh. Very well if I find something wrong I'll have your head on a spike." The bat pony mare seemed giddy at his threat. "I'll hold you to it my lord!" she said before prancing back to her position with his Sword in hand. "I guess bat ponies take much more to scare?" he said while Luna answered him "tis correct lord Matthew the bat ponies are less common in the lands of Equestria but they are a hardy race while far stronger than common ponies ." the night Princess explained before looking towards the bat mare who took his sword. "Your threat was seen as a mere flirty joke." shaking his head at that before Luna spoke up "but why have you come here? Shouldn't you be meeting your friends from ponyville?" the blue-colored anthro asked before he spoke up. "wanted to ask if you would like to dance." Luna couldn't believe what sir Matthew had said before she shakily spoke up "Excuse me, my lord? D-did I hear you correctly?" she asked while the man nodded "back home in Westeros it's an ancient honor code that a lady of high standing must have a lord escort for the rest of the event." She blushed before gently nodding "I Accept your offer, Lord Matthew." she said before gently offering her gloved hand which was of blue silk design knowing she wanted him to take her hand. Gently leaning over and placing a soft kiss onto her hand before taking her out to the dance floor "Forgive me, your Grace but I have no idea how to dance so this is going to be an interesting night." That caused Princess Luna to chuckle softly before speaking "It's alright Matthew we can take things slow." she said while beginning to guide him on how to dance. Rarity had found her 'Prince charming' or so she thought his name was Prince Blue Blood and in her honest opinion, she was getting very close to the edge of nearly strangling this oversized child. He did nothing that a noble prince should be doing. For example, he didn't offer her the most beautiful rose in the gardens, instead, he took it for himself. 'it goes with his eyes' he claimed And that was just the light stuff this Prince has done not holding doors or using his suit coat as a cover so she wouldn't slip instead he used a piece of her dress to do it! Maybe some food would 'awaken his inner prince' she thought of taking him to Applejack Stand "hiya Rarity I See you found somepony" her southern friend said before Rarity spoke up "two apple fritters please." her Friend nodded before offering her what she ordered. "that will be four bits" while she looked at prince Blueblood expectantly before he looked back at her causing her to sigh "I'm going to have to pay, aren't I?" Rarity asked before applejack waved her off. "It's ok I got you covered," she said before handing them to the two ponies "thank you Applejack at least somepony has some Manners." Rarity said while Blueblood took one of the fritters and took a bite. Not before long, he spat the offending peasant food onto the ground below. "My noble lips have tasted peasant food! I've expected more from you, Miss Rarity! Who knew you were nothing more than a peasant trying to be a noble mare!" he said before stomping off. Meanwhile Twilight had long since found Princess Celestia; she wasn't far from the entrance at the top of the steps before she threw herself at Celestia's feet. This action stunned the old monarch before she spoke up "Twilight what is the meaning of this? You know you never needed to bow for me?" Celestia said before twilight looked up "I wanted to thank you for sparing Matthew he thought what he was doing was for the good of the world!" Twilight was about to continue before her mentor stopped her. "Twilight it's alright we cleared up that mistake the next day everything is fine I promise you," she said before helping her star pupil up and using her golden magic to make her once again presentable. "but surely that wasn't the only thing on your mind now, was it Twilight?" asked the Princess of the sun while she shook her head "of course not! I hoped we could catch up on all we missed while I've been at ponyville" this caused Celestia to giggle softly before nodding. "Of course, Twilight you can stay with me all night and we can talk while I greet guests." This filled Twilight with glee as she shot over to her mentor's side not wanting to move for the rest of the night. Matthew and Luna had been trying to dance with a near three dozen eyes on the pair more so for Matthew if he counted her Night Guards "no your hand is supposed to go here." said Luna blushing and guiding his hand to her side as the Night princess did her best to teach the newly named Warden of the North. "I'm trying, you know, but having nearly half of the Nobility watching us is kind of unnerving. Luna" he said while she nodded "and I apologize for that Matthew but many nobles can't say that they danced with a Princess of Equestria." while the two continued to chat and dance Matthew heard a familiar voice from earlier "you're nothing more than a Commoner trying to sway nobles you disgusting mare!" gently letting go of Princess Luna, he stepped away. "Forgive me but I need to check something." She gently nodded "of course, Warden of the North" while he walked away the bat pony mare who had his Sword began to follow him to return his blade. Soon after arriving at the source of the voice and would instantly regret seeing who it belonged to, it was Prince blueblood who was belittling Rarity. Matthew wasn't going to get involved in reaching over and grabbing some wine. While taking a long drink until the nasty noble said " we nobles despise your class of ponies!" blueblood said before he spat onto rarity's face and dressed this was now his problem. Walking up to the duo with the bat pony anthro still following he spoke up "is there a problem?" he asked before blueblood snapped to him like a cornered animal. "Who in my aunt's name allowed a peasant like you into the Gala! And with your mutant whore!" pointing at the Lunar Guard Matthew moved in close having enough of this un noble behavior. "I think you've had a long night apologizes and go home." "You Dare command me like a peasant? You're nothing you son of a bucking whore!" blueblood spoke, spitting into Mathews's face as well Matthew backed while wiping his spit from his face. "call for backup." Matthew said while the bat pony mare grinned showing her fangs as she spoke. "My Pleasure, Lord Commander." she said before flaring her bat wings. While she broke a dark pouch on her wings and a certain unnoticeable smell went through the Gala while two more Lunar guards showed up "take Lord blueblood outside. And find a strong wooden box." he said before the Lunar Guards went at blueblood dragging him outside. "No! You can not listen. To him, I outrank him! Your Scum all of you!" he said shouting and yelling while they took him outside. While he turned his attention to Rarity "who else did he meet that you know?" Matthew asked as she answered. "Applejack and Fluttershy possibly." Rarity answered quietly while his hand gently held onto her shoulder. "Do you think you can find them and bring them outside?" he asked as the white-furred unicorn anthro mare nodded. Downing the rest of the expensive wine he sets the empty glass back onto the table than making his way outside he was pleased by the sight of a mixture of now Royal guards and Lunar guards gathered even a few nobles. Making his way closer he could hear blueblood "if the peasants think they can scare me they're mistaken! Yes, very mistaken!" yelled the blue blood while he was forced to keep his upper half pinned against the wooden box. Taking his Sword from the bat pony she grinned before flying up to have a front-row seat while Matthew sheathed his sword and pushed his way to the center standing over blueblood Matthew slowly drew the blade. Planting it gently into the ground and holding it by the Pommel while rarity and Applejack arrived Fluttershy however was stuck in a net. Shaking his head before rarity opened it and allowed Fluttershy free. "Now that everyone is here Rarity, tell me what happened with Prince blueblood," Matthew asked while she remained silent before turning his head to Applejack "tell me your account then." the farm pony nodded. "Rarity and the Prince had been my second customers this whole night. They had asked for two apple fritters."Matthew raised a finger to stop her for a moment. "and how much is that?" he asked seeing if she would answer "That was four bits. Anyway he wouldn't pay so Rarity felt like she needed to but I covered for her," said Applejack "then after he took a bite he spat the whole thing out! Said my goods were too good for nobles and that Rarity was impersonating a noble." Turning his attention to the nervous-looking Prince Matthew spoke up and directed toward blueblood "was the food poisoned? Was that why you spat it out?" the Warden of the North asked before he spoke. "yes! That food would kill a noble!" he answered before asking a question Applejack "do you mind giving the second fritter that you covered?" she nodded, walking over and giving him the paper bag it was in. Using his wrist to hold his Sword still he pulled out the pastry and took a bite. The taste was nothing he had ever tasted. It was sweet, slightly crunchy, and gooey, after putting it away he continued the trial; In the meantime, this ordeal had managed to get Princess Luna's attention while she joined the group watching the prosecution of blueblood before Matthew spoke up one last time to the prince. "I Matthew the 777th Lord Commander of the Night's watch and Warden of the North sentenced you to death. If you have any last words, my lord Prince, now's the time." Prince Blueblood was currently soiling himself; he had no idea what to say before Matthew spoke up. "If you have nothing to say" before he cut him off. "M-my Lord I'm sorry! Not only for Spitting on Y-your fine clothes, and face, but for all I've done and said! Your Right! I need to leave! I had a long night!" blueblood tried to Weasel, his way out of this one. Matthew raised his Sword before blue Blood shouted "My lord! please! Mercy! I beg you to show compassion! I'll apologize, I Swear!" His cry for mercy stopped Matthew's swing when he heard someone. "In the name of the day I Command you to stop!" yelled Celestia While she walked over Twilight followed her "what is the meaning of this?!" shouted Celestia while her younger sister answered, "Lord Matthew was doing his Duties as Warden of the North." Luna defended, "I will not have a Noble killed at the Gala what crimes; did he commit." asked Celestia "he had committed five Crimes, two against Rarity and three against me Celestia." while she listened, nodding her head for him to continue " he stripped her of her gown and spat on her as for me; attacking a High lord including, attacking the current, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Along with spitting on me."Celestia bit her lip softly, as she summarized that. Matthew would kill him but she didn't want that, "how about a different punishment?" she offered to make him title his head "what are you Suggesting your Grace?" "Maybe he could be banished from the castle for a year? or he could have his titles revoked?." before the human shook his head. "To light of a punishment at the very least he should be castrated, or death; either way, you see it your Grace he's not leaving this party unharmed for his Crimes." before Blueblood made a sound of fear not wanting to get them chopped off Celestia thought for a long moment before finding a middle spot " what about wounded? Five crimes equal five wounds." This made Matthew pause for a moment; before nodding. "I find that to be an Agreeable standpoint, your Grace. Guards hold him up." Matthew said Sheathing his Blade "Thank you Auntie Celestia I won't for-" Blueblood was cut off by Matthew's first connecting to his mouth; it sent him reeling back as he didn't expect to get it so soon. "Stand him up," Matthew Ordered in a stern cold tone before landing a punch to his gut that effectively knocked the air out of the ungrateful noble. Blue Blood was wheezing and coughing while trying to breathe on the ground as Twilight Applejack and Fluttershy watched along with many others. They held faces of horror. however, the night guards approved of this harsh treatment. Before he spoke again "get him up, he's not done." before they did he drew his dagger and chopped his mane off. After that was his tail while Celestia spoke up "one more lord Matthew then he's free to go." he nodded his head in acknowledgment before grabbing Blueblood's arm and bending it in a different direction. The sound of bones cracking, and popping out, of place was enough for some nobles one had left to go vomit behind a tree, same for a few Royal guards. "drop him." Once on the ground blueblood was in shock but still, coherent Matthew walked over leaning down and grabbed his mane making him look up at the Warden of the north. "Remember this Day if Celestia didn't save your honorless hide your blood would have been feeding the Flowers and your flesh the Crows," he said while he shook with fright. "Y-yes my Lord! I U-understand!" Blueblood said before soiling himself a second time. "Night Guards and Royal Guards you're dismissed." Matthew said the day guards took no time in Running off to either empty their Stomachs or to get as far as possible from the Warden of the North. The Lunar Guards seemed to be bowing to Matthew while the leader of this group spoke "we Honor your Strength Warden of the North, we shall spread the word of your honor and Strength to others." Before returning to their original duties as the Night Princess's bodyguards. "So I guess your Guards like me?" he asked before Luna nodded "you might want to sleep with all the Windows and Doors locked now," she said blushing before he asked. "Now what?" Twilight answered after stopping herself from vomiting. "bat ponies Either it be male or female, are attracted to strength more so during the Estru-." Raising an eyebrow Matthew spoke." I don't understand?" before Celestia took charge of the explanation while Twilight finally threw up. "Lord Matthew imagined for me a lit Candle. bat ponies see another one of their kind as these small lights do you know how they see you now?" she asked while he shook his head no. "They see you as a raging campfire of Strength. So when the Breeding season comes most females might go for you if given the chance." he was now blushing slightly "Great." Matthew said rubbing his face "well it was a pleasure Ladies. Your Grace's." he said before walking past them seeing it was midnight. "Where are you going?" asked Applejack "to get my things then I'm off to the north. I can't be Warden of the North if I'm not in the north." Matthew reasoned while going to get his things Matthew looked through the whole room to make sure nothing was being left behind. He went through everything he had his clothes and other items doing one final take he looked before finding Night guard Armor. before he felt a hand on his shoulder. "My Lord~ take a load off and let this bat pony care for you~," she said while a long tongue wrapped around his neck as her hands tightened onto him. It was the bat pony anthro who took his sword "M-my lady! This is N-not needed I promise you," he said while she hissed softly her bat wings flapped a few times before she flipped him around giving him a chance to see her uncovered body. "Why are you out of Uniform?!" he half shouted while he tried to not look at her exposed body she drew her long tongue back while covering his mouth. "Shhh~ my Lord I was relieved from my Bodyguard Duties~ I want to be the first bat mare you claim~" she growled sensually; while sliding a hand down his chest while she locked her golden slitted eyes with his brown eyes. "You and I, my lord will make Powerful offspring~," she said before she tried to lean in to kiss him, taking this moment he moved his head away. "My lady, what is your name?!" She stopped her hand before she giggled as her sharp fangs exposed themselves while she leaned in close to his ear and whispered. "my name is Midnight blossom~ I'm the only Daughter and heir to the strongest and oldest noble house of The five bat pony clans~" taking this moment. Matthew had his chance to throw the bat anthro pony off him before running out of the bathroom locking her inside while she hissed loudly trying to open the door. "My lord! Don't you leave me here!" Blossom shouted, he pushed a chair to block her while he left, equipping his mask and hood. Making it outside the main six while waiting for him "where's Spike?" asked Fluttershy while Twilight thought "did anypony see him?" she asked after everyone said no she continued to think "I might know where he is." she said, beginning to leave the Palace "let's go to an old place of mine. Matthew stayed Silent thankfully the main six didn't bother him. Thankfully while they traveled through canterlot to collect Spike. Spike slammed his little claw against the counter while calling out "pony Joe another Donut!" while the anthro in question moved back over to the young dragon. "don't you think you had enough?" "Another donut with extra sprinkles," Spike said before the door opened, seeing his friends and Matthew while Joe turned around and Chuckled "Twilight sparkle has been a long time, hasn't it? I see you brought some new faces here too." "How was your best night ever?" Spike asked before the six mares laughed; before the owner of the store had gotten Twilight's usual order in case it was one of those nights. Deep within the lands of always Winter. Deep under the frozen earth, the White Walkers had been frozen for thousands of years. Waiting to wage war against the world of the living again. while the new Night king within his protective ice shell cracked slightly. The slight disturbance awoke the Night king his eyes slowly opened showing deep blue and emotionle Author's Note The long-awaited chapter! Some of you have been waiting for is finally here! I do hope you enjoy the read and the little hint of the White Walkers!
