Chapter 7 A servant don't need generosity

Chapter 7 A servant don't need generosity

For days, he walked randomly through the forest and woke up after being thrown into the castle's water system. For days he encounters obstacles such as rocky climbs and rapids in his path that could hinder any adventurer. For days he walks without stopping for supplies or to rest, food and water included. For days he was not stopped by the dangerous local fauna and toxic flora that nature could throw at him.

"What kind of knight are you! You don't see a damsel in distress!!!", says the young white mare who was pushing her cart along the path he was passing.

Nope, he stopped when a young mare shouted at him.

On his journey to help his master, he came upon a path that led him to believe he could find a town or city, either to gain information on this 'Nightmare Moon' or its current location. What he found when he followed the path was a cart stuck in the middle of the road. It had many boxes, but some barrels gave him the idea that the cloth materials were the main elements of the cart, as large rolls of cloth appeared coming into view. He also noticed the mare pushing it, but he didn't care until she yelled at him.

As he approached the cart, the mare struggled to pull it out of the hole where the cart wheel fell. He could also hear curses like 'how a lady like me was abandoned', 'the stallions of this day can be so shameless' and 'WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!' in a very tearful manner and so on.

All the noise stopped when the mare could see him in the distance, walking in the direction of the cart. When he was about to pass, as if nothing mattered to him, the mare lost all fear and shouted at him angrily. He could ignore her but just as Spike something tells him to stop. Only at that moment did all his attention focus on the mare that was shouting at him.

He could see that it was a white-fur mare about his master's age. But unlike her, this mare looked more elegant with her curly purple mane and tail and with all her makeup. She would look beautiful, IF it weren't for the fact that her white dress with violet strips on the skirt, which matched her hair, was covered in mud from the stuck cart. The mud was also on their hooves and hands, but it did not degrade her natural beauty.

But the only thing he cared about and his thought about her was 'What an annoying mare.'

They both stared at each other for a long time, but it was the mare who broke the staring contest. "Well, are you going to say something or are you just going to stand there and not help a fragile lady such as myself?"

"..."

"Well?", she raised an eyebrow at his blank stare.

"..."

"... Helloooo???. Is there some-pony... or whatever you are?", she gained some courage from being behind her cart all this time. But then she calmed down.

For the first time she was calm enough to see that he wasn't a pony of any kind. She notice his flat face and strange armor. His entire appearance indicates that he was not just any pony. However, she herself was convinced that this... metal knight can help her.

Still without separating from her cart, the mare speaks again with some courage. "Sorry for being rude, but as you can see, a very delicate lady like me needs the help of a generous knight... you are a knight, right?"

"...", however the knight still stares at her... in silence.

She wasn't getting any answers and that made her angry, but he could be her best and only chance of help on this lonely road where she was abandoned. So she decides to get serious and hope he is a stallion of some kind. She is sure that her feminine vibes can reach any stud. Or male, if she was right.

She tried while thinking she was right about 'him'. "Please, my kind knight, I need your help, as you can see, my beloved cart is stuck in this horrible mud pit and I don't have the strength to get it out."

At this point, she moved from behind the cart and stood in front of him, it was only at that moment that he realized that she was a white unicorn mare. He also noticed the elegant design of the dress now muddy, some parts containing diamond designs, possible her cutie mark. He notes that she was not afraid for her life, but was afraid that she might scare him due to her dirty and sweaty state. As she approached 'Shadow', she clasped her hands in prayer beneath her flirtatious face as she raised her eyebrows at him.

"I was abandoned by the ruffians I hired by mistake and I fear for my well-being because I am alone. If you don't mind, could you be generous in helping me, oh noble knight?", she asked with a smile that was sure to captivate him. But she only receives his cold gaze and his silence.

For a couple of seconds she prays that it worked. For a couple of minutes she hopes to reach his heart. But it was only a moment that her faith fell to the ground when the so-called knight turned his eyes towards the road and began to walk. Leaving her behind with her eyes wide and her jaw hanging open.

The mare just watched him walk away from the scene since he has nothing to do with it, that's all she needed to lose all composure.

"You... You... YOU RUFFIAN AND SHAMELESS! ALL THE STALLIONS ARE THE SAME!!!"

She turned around and began to kick and stomp on the dirt on the road. "It was enough for me to miss the train thanks to those stupid curfews that appear for no reason! Just to hire those ungrateful and shameless car-pullers to leave me at nowhere! And just falling into the only mud pit on the middle path! My day is RIUNNNNEDDD!"

She continues to whine not knowing that 'Shadow' stops just a few steps away from her. Again he stopped and could not find out the reason. It could be the commandments, an unknown order, or something else wrong with your body or armor. He could only specify that the source was the voice he kept hearing in the back of his mind. His voice of reason perhaps, luckily his efforts to uncover the mystery were rewarded with what the mare shouted next.

"And if I don't arrive before sunset I will have to spend the night in the Everfree Forest! Only thinking about being in that ugly, horrible place and how dirty and disgusting things my fragile body will be exposed! It make me- EEEEEE!", as she continue stomping the ground, she spun around to find that 'Shadow' was behind her.

She froze at the sudden movement and thought she had finally made him interested in her, but she couldn't put her finger on whether it was a good or bad thing for her. She was about to turn around and run for her life, until he spoke to her.

"The Everfree Forest. Do you know what direction it is?", with a voice that made her doubt if it was real or artificial.

"Ehhh?... Yes I know where is... it?", she was somehow fascinated by his voice. 'Is that your voice? He looks like a pony my age. But at the same time mature and... ancient?', in the end it was quite normal for her, plus she was happy to finally get a word from him.

"Where?", he responded quickly and simply, something that made her even more curious to know his reason.

"Well... It's in the side forest of my hometown. You know, the one place in Equestria nopony will go even if their life depends on it?", she answered him halfway due to her fear and curiosity to know why. But she almost let her curiosity fly because of his next question.

"I need to go there. Are you able to take me?", more as command.

'It's not the other way around... me and my fantasies.', she was almost lost in his voice and almost forgot her situation. "Even if I can guide you on the way, I can't.", she turned to look at the cart. The problem of her day.

"As you can see, I was 'abandoned' by the ponies I hired.", she said with venom in her voice. "I even paid in advance only to be left alone with my cart full of the materials I purchased. I can't leave behind all the efforts I made to prepare the hall of the mayor's office where I will prepare the Summer Sun Celebration."

She closes her eyes, she was tired of all her bad luck. "So I will be stuck here until I get help to get it out. But all hope is lost for me as there is no good soul to help a lady like myself. This. -CRACK- Is. -CRACK- The. -CRAAAAACCCKKK- Worseeee?.....Oh my."

She loses her moment when she hears the wood creak. She immediately turned around in time to see 'Shadow' in action.

What she couldn't move an inch with her strength and the three stallions she hired, 'Shadow' does with just one hand. He lifted the cart effortlessly enough and began to move it out 5 meters away from the mud pit. She wanted to celebrate that her nightmare was over but she stopped soon. 'Shadow' crouched in front of the wheel that got stuck. She turned around it to see what he was planning, and what she saw was that he pulled a sword from his back, which she had no idea about, and cut a piece of wood that was between the wheel frame. That jammed the wheel.

'Wait, all this time I really couldn't move it?!', she didn't get any response as 'Shadow' continued cutting additional pieces of wood. As soon as he finished, he got behind the cart and pushed it, seeing that the wheel was now moving without friction. 'Was that the reason the car stopped?'

'Shadow' inspects the cart for more potential problems. When he finishes he turns to the mare. "What direction?"

"Ew?", stupefy, the mare didn't know what to say.

"Your cart is fixed, you can guide me now.", now that the problem is fixed, she can answer him about his request.

Now, remembering his words, she couldn't believe he took them seriously, but now that the cart was settled she couldn't complain. "It's okay. My day is already ruined so... Why not?"

She then jumped into the cart and looked for her hat, which she left there. She grabbed her ruined sun hat without looking and decided to put it on anyway to protect her fur from the sun damage her body was already receiving. She then turned and pointed in the same direction as the path they were walking on.

"My home is at that direction. We can also find an outpost town on the way. I would like to stop there so I can take a healthy shower and revive my beautiful fur and skin, if you don't mind." She sat down. "It is necessary since I refuse to appear all dirty, so if you- WHOAA!"

She didn't need to finish because 'Shadow' already knew what he had to do. When the direction was determined and knowing that it was necessary to pull the cart, he jumped into the position of the cart puller and began to run with the heavy cart with the almost frightened mare on it. Even if he fixed the wheel, the speed at which it moved was out of this world, something she had never seen in her life.

'To be a strange pony, he really is a thing of marvel. I wonder who is he?', after the initial scare of her life moment, she focus on the back of the strange knight that appear on her life. Then she realize something.

"Sorry! But could I have your name!...", unknown to her if he was able to hear her or not she continued. "Well! If you can hear me! My name is Rarity!", she say with a happy face for the help she receive from this unknown knight.

'I must be honest, I was afraid that he might be a strange or dangerous creature but... his voice sounds so melancholic... It makes me want to hug him but at the same time he is out of my reach.', she got lost on her fantasy of being a princess with her dreaming knight.

But she shake her head knowing that he must be not the same pony kind as hers, at least she knows that. And may not be a normal knight as she liked in her filly-hood. 'Come on Rarity, you can not fall for any stranger. You just need to wait for that opportunity to meet The Prince who is waiting for you in Canterlot. And become the destiny Princess you are fate to.'

With the motivation that her day was getting better, she return to continue observing 'Shadow' back. And an idea was getting to her as she turn to see the sky. 'But should I expand my expectations? After all, these stallions of this days are so filthy.'

Then she return back to 'Shadow'. "Maybe. Well, let's see.", with a smile on her face she decides to enjoy the ride her knight gave her.

Outpost town were created to provide a stopping and resting point for travelers and merchant caravans. Everypony knew that Equestria was not safe in all places where the princess's authority was not strong or even absent. The outpost between cities and towns was implemented so that the ponies would not travel long distances with the risk of being mugged and would not need to camp in the wild. But still security was too low to say that citizens are safe in these types of places and the implementation of the law was questioned.

The guards at this outpost were lazy or more cowardly than those in more peaceful cities. This is because these guards have no loyalty to protecting these types of towns or they have no intention of helping. Most citizens preferred trains because they were safer and merchants always came with their own or hired bodyguards and mercenaries who were better than them.

That's why they did nothing, or rather were afraid, to stop the cart pulled by a dark golem in the distance. All they did was keep watching from afar. And how close it was getting.

"...Is that cart being pulled by a dark metal pony?.. What did you put in my drink?!", one of the guards stationed at the north door shouted in his partner's face.

"I swear I thought they were clean! They said they were one of the good stuffs!!!", knowing there must have been something in the drink, his worries dissipated as the car slowed and stopped in front of the door. The dark being stopped with the cart and stared at them.

Both sides did not act or say anything. Thinking they were hallucinations, both guards were brought back to reality when the mare behind them jumped off the cart.

"Huff.. what a ride, I should hire you from the beginning. I'll take it from here.", she says as she approaches them.

Soon their attention was focused on the beautiful mare, who even if her dress was dirty could not take away much of her beauty. "Hi gentlecolts, sorry to disturb your evening, but I will be happy if any of you could help me find the best hotel where I can rest with my friend behind me."

When she mentions her 'friend', both guards couldn't help but look back at the friend. He was still staring at them menacingly.

"So who could help guide me, mhm?", she made the same face when she tried to woo 'Shadow'.

The result, the two guards were fighting over who could escort them while Rarity made a victory pose in her mind. Once she ensured that her 'bodyguard' she met along the way would not cause problems, they were allowed to enter the town.

The place was small but had enough separate storage buildings where the carriages and their contents could be stored. After selecting the space for Rarity's cart, 'Shadow' pull it inside and leaves it there. He took Rarity's luggage and left the building where she was discussing with the managers their agreement to use the town's services.

Once they were clear, both were taken to the best place to rest, the town inn. For 'Shadow' it was a perfect place to rest, so he had no complaints. As for Rarity, it was not the same case.

"Yuck! What is that horrible smell!? And why are there food stains everywhere? It's just...yucky!", while she was whining, 'Shadow' just stared at her. "What? I know it's not a 5 star hotel but we're civilized ponies. Not cleaning the place is just... ugh!", she calmed down knowing what she needed.

"SIGH... Let's just get in there. I need a 5 hour shower therapy. And no, I'm not kidding.", she said knowing that 'Shadow' was looking back at her without being sure if she was real. She ignored his stare and simply entered the inn.

Once inside, they could see what the place was like. A small inn like the others. And Rarity's first impression was spot on.

To her taste, it wasn't really a 5 star hotel that she wanted to be and the first floor was more of a bar than a lobby. It had many tables and most of the customers were stallions, half guards and the other half who looked like mercenaries and bandits. Inside she saw more food and drink stains, she hoped the red ones were, and a smell that a lady like her should not smell. She tried to protect her nose, but it was the least of her worries as it received most of the stallions' attention.

Their reactions were diverse. Some note that her clothes were of good quality, which they would never see unless they were on noble daughters. Some noticed that she was dirty and began to imagine how funny her fall into the mud would be. Others were so fascinated by her beauty that they were lost in her beauty.

The problem came with the last group, they only had eyes to undress her, this made her feel chills all over her body but she was strong enough not to show them. She was about to give them her first impression, so she didn't care what they thought of her as she began walking towards the bartender who she could ask for the keys to her room.

'Remember Rarity, first impressions will put them in their place so don't fall for their looks and their dirty thoughts. SIGH... I'm getting tired of this. When will I meet my- Wait! What are they doing here?!, she stops when she recognizes three workers on a far corner.

At a table far from the entrance, she identifies them as the carriage pullers she hired and then abandons her. On their table, there were plates with food they had already consumed and empty beer mugs. They were having fun and clearly forgot her.

"BHUAHUAHUAH! Is that what you would do to her?! You're very kind! If you ask me I'll show her a good night she'll ask for more!", said the big green stallion who looked like the Boss of the three.

"Aja... But what a crybaby, if she weren't a hot slut I wouldn't accept her last minute request. You guys just wanted to have a chance to do it with her, don't you?", the yellow stallion, Yellow, who seems the weakest of the three, says it in a pitiful voice, showing his exhaustion from what his 'friends' were making him do. Again.

"Hey, you're already in, so don't buck it up now. Besides, when will you get the chance to spend quality time with a slut like her?", said the red pegasus, Red, who had scars on his arms and left cheek. Giving the idea that he is used to violence.

"Only if I have the chance if she is still alive after you are done with her.", the weak one, Yellow, responds. "Boss, when do we go back and help her?"

The green stallion, Boss, calmed himself down. "Just give her more hours before sunset, at which point it will be too late to continue and she will have the option to stay there alone for the night or give us a bonus for the... extra work~", when he said the last part he put on a smile that the other two know well.

Red continues for his boss. "Oh look, the wheel is broken, don't worry, we brought an extra wheel to change it, however, it's too late to fix it. So we'll have to wait until tomorrow. If you want protection for your merchandise we require a bonus... One that only a mare can give us.", he finish the monologue they prepare for this kind of occasion.

The coward of the group looks down, but without hiding his smile. "I can't believe it worked out for that trading couple from months ago. But it wasn't necessary to break all of that stallion's teeth.", Yellow point out the last time they scam their last client.

"Called it insurance so they can't talk back. And besides, the Summer Sun Celebration is just around the corner. It is very common for these 'events' to happen to ponies that travel the country and reach these types of outpost towns. It is not OUR fault that they do not purchase protection in advance.", said Red mocking their previous employees. "Beside, their luck is SO bad that they are not aware that the car will 'fail' on the trip. They should have used their own, instead of ours, if you ask me."

They both laugh, but Boss was the happiest of all. "But wow, we're so lucky that this time she's not only hot but alone. She must be extremely desperate, which means she'll definitely do anything.", he continues to gain approval from his two subordinates. Like him, they were both so fascinated with Rarity when they first saw her, that they wanted to make her their own.

"And if we were blessed, we just have to go around the outpost and have an extra night outside. You know what I'm talking about, right? And as always, we can abandon her again and go to the next outpost town for our next clients~ JAJAJAJA!", he laughed so hard that he didn't notice the angry mare behind him.

Hearing enough, Rarity grabs a glass of beer from another table and heads to their table. Once she reaches them, she dumps the beer on Boss's head, shocking all three of them. The boss turned to know who the bastard pony was who would bother him, but his anger turned into surprise.

SLAP And even more so since Rarity slapped him. Although she would like to break the mug on his head.

"How. Dare. YOU!", her face was red with rage and she exploded after hearing what they thought of her. A whore.

"Do you think I will do such dirty things! Do you thing I will lower myself to make real your filthy fantasies! I hope you were the gentlecolt when we meet, but I see you are just as all those degenerates that only have eyes for sluts. Well, I am afraid to disappoint you! I am a refined lady, so forget all your stupid desires! YOU ***************************!!!!"

The entire room was silent as Rarity finished venting her anger. Since these outpost town only welcome the lower class, they weren't used to seeing ponies like Rarity making a scene and using rich vocabulary they didn't know existed. All the ponies just stay silent not knowing what to do when faced with ponies like Rarity. But only two souls react to it.

One was Boss, he realizes that she was so beautiful, even if she was dirty and angry, it didn't degrade her beauty. Once his anger was suppressed, it changed to something else where he could witness Rarity in a different light, it was his lust. And with the help of alcohol he chose the stupid path, taking her now and making her scream.

He stares and smiles to answer her. "You know I can still be a gentlecolt for you."

"Huh?!", Rarity was surprised as he stood up from the chair. Now she was afraid of the way he saw her and that he was taller and bigger than her. She steps back to make some distance. "W-w-what do you mean?!"

She tries to stay away from him, but he grabs her wrist as soon as possible to prevent her from running away. "Where are you going~ Come on~ We reserved a room in case we need to rest. And don't worry, we paid for it with the money you used to hire us, so you can use it with us too.", the more he talked, the more pressure he put on her wrist, giving her the idea not to run and accept his offer.

"Are you out of your mind!? Do you believe I will go and follow you!?", she started to struggle to free herself. "And let me go! You can not treat me like that! Help! Guards, I need- huh?"

When she turned around, she could see that most of the guards who were having lunch at the bar had already left and the few who remained were turning a blind eye, not looking in her direction. The rest were mercenaries who witnessed her disgrace, but did nothing to help her. Some were even waiting to see what would happen, others even expected to receive a last minute contract if she became more desperate. Rarity then turns to ask the waiter, but he was missing too. But knowing that the commotion could alert anypony in the building, she realizes that he won't try to stop them either.

It seemed like these types of events happened frequently and she knew that outpost cities were not the best places for ponies like her. This was a place ruled by power and justice cannot be everywhere. She wanted to avoid this type of situation but her luck did not allow it. And now she will soon be a victim of the stories she hears in these types of places.

Boss wickedly smile to destroy her hopes. "Forget it honey, nopony will bother helping others out of generosity without a source of compensation."

Rarity turned towards him with fear printed on her face as he continued. "So why don't we make a new deal? Hey! You two wait until I give Miss Rarity a good time after our 'negotiation' is over.", his lackeys understood and nodded for their turn to come later.

"No..", Rarity panics, praying for help. Unbeknownst to her and everypony else, the second soul that reacted to her outburst was already in motion.

As all attention was focused on the table, no one paid attention to the specter that entered the building. No one heard his footsteps as the complaining Rarity was getting louder than the sound of his footsteps. Nopony noticed his presence as the boss and Rarity's existence overshadowed him. So neither Rarity nor Boss sees the shadow grabbing the hand that was on Rarity.

Neither Boss notice the danger we has. "We are losing time so move your-" SNAP

Suddenly there was a cracking noise and he froze, not knowing what it was. Then he noticed something, he couldn't feel his hand or Rarity's wrist, so he put his hand up to his face. He didn't find nothing wrong, except that his wrist was inverted reversely more than 90 degree and could not feel his hand. It took time thanks to the alcohol, but soon reality came to him.

Hard. "AHHHHHH!!!"

He grabbed his broken hand screaming in pain because his hand was dislocated. The other two reacted to his shout but soon froze as they could not help their boss, seeing who was already at his side.

"What the BUCK?! Who! Who do this-!?", the boss words also freeze as he spun to found the culprit.

'Shadow' was in front of him.

"Huh?", is all Boss was available to say since 'Shadow' had enough from him. SMACK

Boss's jaw was hit by an uppercut that caused his head to snap back. BANG It was followed with a kick to his chest that sent him flying into the wall, breaking it upon impact where Boss was knocked out and trapped. All life in the room soon stops moving at what they saw. Even the missing bartender was already there at the back door frame, making sure the damage didn't get out of control when the screaming started.

But the show wasn't over yet. The two lackeys could only get up from their chair and witness the beating of their boss. BANG BOOM

'Shadow' didn't give them any chance to act, so when they turn to him, it was too late. What happened next was that both of them received a strong blow from 'Shadow' in their stomach, the blow was so strong that both stallions were left in the air for a moment. But they were soon caught by him in their faces and brought to the wooden floor, burying and knocking them out instantly. Everything happens in a matter of seconds.

There was no sound, not even the moans of the three corpses. The only sound present were the footsteps of the pony responsible for such a phenomenon that they witnessed. 'Shadow' was walking back towards Rarity, who she froze and did nothing at all. Even her mind wasn't there, trying to escape reality, but the voice she once feared brought her back.

"Are you hurt?", now sounded friendlier to her now.

"... Eh?", it took her a few seconds to process what happened. But by recognizing his voice and noticing his concern for her, she was able to regain her composure. "No... I'm okay darling... Thanks for asking."

He only nodded to indicate that he understood and continued to look at her, as waiting for her next order. She just stared back at him not knowing what to do. She was terrified and fascinated by him that she could no longer consider him as a friend or something dangerous. But when the bar crowd began to murmur, an idea occurred to her.

"...Did she call him darling? They are together?"

"What the hell is he, he just send flying a grown up stallion with a kick!"

"Is he a kind of guard?... No, must be a mercenary or bodyguard."

'Bodyguard? Ah yes I remember. Let use that!', she clear her throat to prepare her act.

"Thanks Darling, I was a little scared but with you as my bodyguard I know I'm safe. It's just that I'm not a fan of violence so you have to forgive me if I react badly to your... strong arms that can grab m- any fight the world throws at us. Jajaja!", she fanned her face with her hand because of the heat rising in her face.

'Shadow' lowered his face, it seemed that something was worrying him but, as soon as he returned to her, he nodded his head indicating that he understood her. It might look cute if it were a dog or any cute animal, not some unknown metallic being with a flat face and no mouth.

But for Rarity, she was only worried about one thing. What it looks like without the helmet.

'I really need to put a limit on my imagination but... I REALLY WANT TO SEE MY KNIGHT FACE! Is he cute, handsome or could he have another type of face I don't know? Don't know! Huff, well for now let's save what we can of what's left for this day.', she adjusted her hair and dress, still dirty with mud, and approached him, grabbing his arm.

"Let's book our room and rest for the night, okay, Darling~", without giving him a chance to respond, they both walk towards the bartender who was still in shock. "Excuse me?", catching his attention, he turned to both of them.

"Y-Y-Yes! H-h-how can I help you?!", fear was in his voice as he switched from her to 'Shadow'.

"Did those ruffians pay for a room?", she points to the three corpses behind her.

"Y-y-y-yes!", he doesn't lose a second to avoid becoming the fourth.

"Transfer the payment to my account because I want to book a room with room service included. I need a room for both of us with the best shower, also send us the menu of your dinner options. I have it clear?", she said the last part pulling the arm of 'Shadow' closer to her.

"Ye-e-es! Oh... H-h-h-how many beds do you want?", he asks this question when he thinks about 'Shadow'.

"I want- oh.", she hesitated before giving him the answer. She looks at 'Shadow', who also looks back at her for her sudden silence. "... give us your best biggest master room with one bed.", she said it with a redden face not looking to the reaction of 'Shadow' for her dare decision. Even if she did, there would be no reaction from him.

"Okay. One mo-mo-moment!", he went back to the back room and brought out not just one but all the copies of the room keys. "Y-y-y-your room is the t-t-top floor. H-hope you can e-e-e-enjoy your stay here. Ejeje.", he laughs as he walks away as 'Shadow' takes all the keys.

"Thank you. Also, my cart is currently using one of the storage buildings, so I'm hoping to receive a special discount as a new customer. And take our luggage to the room. So with everything clear we go to our room, Darling~", she drag 'Shadow' to the upper floor to look for their room.

As soon as they were out of sight, the room came to life. The rest of the ponies continue with their business, ignoring the three corpses in the room.

When they get to their room, they are surprised that even in a bad place they can find paradise. The room they received was the VIP room and was decorated with the most elegant furniture and ornaments. This room was intended to house an important pony, it could be a mayor, a celebrity or even the princess herself, so it was a requirement to have one in all outpost towns.

The room was big enough to have a personal table where Rarity could eat in peace. She had a closet where she could store her clothes and leave the new dress ready to wear the next day. She even got laundry service, so she immediately sends her muddy dress to be cleaned, but somehow refuses to give her underwear. She figures that a degenerate will steal them somehow. But she put all the complaints aside because she was finally able to relax in her 5-hour shower and bath therapy.

Yes, she was happy, her terrible day changed 180 degrees to a dream for her. A dream she didn't know if she could continue as she was deep in thought in the bathroom about the one mistake she made.

"Okay, I may let go my inner filly go wild. I just need to go outside and... OH WHAT I HAVE DONE!!!", Rarity could not get the idea that she may have her first time with some pony like him.

She was about to sleep in the only bed in the room. 'Shadow' himself would sleep in that same bed. Probably.

"Okay, let's calm down. He didn't say anything when he came in and saw the bed. He didn't even try anything or turn around while I was changing in the same room. And he didn't even try to peek on me when I was in the shower.... Should I be happy or insulted?", she shakes her head trying to rid her imagination of the novel book she used to read.

"Why did I request a room with a single bed? There should be more rooms like this with two beds, but...", she looks down at what she was wearing.

She usually wore pajamas at home and when she slept elsewhere, but this time she was wearing a purple nightgown with loose straps for a possible date she could get in Canterlot. And this was the only clean one he took out of his luggage without looking before entering the bathroom. The nightgown covers her breasts, but with a little excitement you can see her nipples. Furthermore, the veil that covered her stomach to her knees was almost transparent, clearly revealing her matching purple panties.

"At that time it was a good idea.", she tries to defend her choice with this outfit. Only then think on the positive side. "But if we look at it another way... maybe I can see what's behind his helmet."

She begins to form a fantasy with him, she does this ritual with any stallion she knows and believes is the chosen one. "In the road, a damsel was in trouble and suddenly he, a strong noble knight, appears out of nowhere, helps the damsel and protects her from the ruffians who dare to harm her during the journey, and as night falls, the two come to embrace their feelings for each other, as their bond was forged from the difficulties they face together."

"Ohohohoho~", she let out the laugh of a filly in love as she danced in the bathroom. Her fantasies increase as she tries to imagine what her Prince Charming's face would look like. A green prince could even be expected, but so far 'Shadow' has not given him a bad image.

"Oh my, I need to calm down or I'll be the one who assaults him. But who could resist a beauty like me! Oh, I wonder what he'll do. Will he come after me to hug me while I look at the town from the window to take me away? Or will he be embarrassed that he can't look me in the face, while I hold his chin so we can see each other face to face? Will he be a dominant or a passive? "And most importantly, what he looks like!", then she turns towards the door, where behind, 'Shadow' is waiting for her.

"Lets find out!". With determination to see what will happen, she exits the bathroom and....

Nothing. Nothing happen.

"He is just sitting there.", Rarity let out with monotone tone after a couple of minutes staring to 'Shadow' on the floor. A sleeping statue on the floor.

She could recognize the idea that he was in a state of deep meditation or sleeping in a yoga posture. He had his legs crossed and his hands joined with his thumbs up, forming a triangle. She realized that he was sleeping since the lights on his stripes and his eyes were off.

"Again, should I feel happy or insulted?" She turned around and walked towards the large mattress. "Forget it, I'll finish the day and get my beauty sleep."

She does her sleeping ritual, she has one, and once she's done, she gets between the sheets of the mattress and closes her eyes. ""This is what I get for letting my fantasies take over me.", but not before taking one more look at the sleeping 'Shadow'.

"But I am glad to meet you. My lovely knight...", and with that, Rarity let exhaustion take over her.

When she went to dreamland, her worries and stress melted away as she didn't have to worry about 'Shadow' doing anything to her. If only she wasn't a deep sleeper, she might have been aware that 'Shadow' was standing next to her bed, staring at her. Unbeknownst to her, 'Shadow' was not sleeping or meditating, he was listening to his surroundings.

'What annoying ponies...', as soon she was dead sleep, his red eyes were wide open and he move to her side.

He shouldn't worry about her or any pony he encounters, but to complete his master's orders he must do everything possible to make them real and for the good will of his owner. To find Nightmare Moon, he had to go to the Everfree Forest. To get to the place, he needs Rarity to guide him. For her to guide him, he must make sure Rarity is safe. That was his logic and the reason he helped her. But showing some generosity from him wouldn't hurt if it aligns with his goal of carrying out his master's orders.

He kept thinking as he flexed his right hand while looking at Rarity, '...should I kill them?', and he was not annoyed by her, but by the scum who was a nuisance in his quest.

He turned around and walked to the large circular window in the wall of the room, where he could look out over the city. There he could see everything, including the buildings, the watchtower, the roads and the forest that surrounded the town. He could also see rats moving in the shadows.

Heading towards the storage buildings.

"A-a-are you sure we should do this? What could happen if we get caught?", the cowardly Yellow says of the scammer groups once they spring into action.

After waking up, the three workers (the scums) were so pissed off that they wanted revenge and nothing more, but they were smart enough to know that 'Shadow' was a big threat to them. So they choose to take out their anger on Rarity.

As soon as they could walk, they went to find their hidden thief equipment, which they always carry in case of a good opportunity, and headed to the storage area. They decided to take their cart back and all the goods as revenge, so they were now unlocking the storage building assigned to Rarity.

The boss, tired of listening to his wimp partner, grabs 'his friend' with his good hand. "Hey, that ass ruined our chance with that mare. If he didn't show up we could have a good night with her in a nice room. BUT now we're in the middle of the street and hurt! So get your guts and stop whining!"

They complain as Red works on the lock. "Besides, that freak is with her. Even if we try something, it will definitely interfere. I just wish he would take off that armor so I could pin him down and demolish him to the ground.", the last stallion of the group said with venom in his voice.

Red was spying on them in their room, but when he got the idea that 'Shadow' wasn't going to take off his armor, he decided to return to his fellow thieves. CLICK As he worked on the lock he could hear the sweet metallic sound he was waiting for. "There, let's go in."

Anxious to finish the job, Boss pushes open the warehouse door to find the cart and fabrics Rarity brought from Canterlot. "Oh~ Hohoho! Something is finally working our way. Come on, let's take all the good things."

The group entered the warehouse and began preparing the merchandise. They were not happy with the cart, so they began to loot the rest of the materials that they could take and sell at a good price in the storage building. The three of them were distracted at work, they didn't stop for anything until they were satisfied.

SLAM That was until Yellow dropped a box, scaring his companions.

"What's wrong, be more careful, that box may contain fragile goods that we can sell!" Boss says but his friend doesn't answer him.

Red's patience for his useless friend was quickly wearing thin, he stomps on his way with anger on his face. "Hey! You might be the most cowardly and annoying partner I could ever have. So stop it or I-?!", only when he was close to him could he see that something was wrong.

Their partner did not respond or even look at them, because he was looking at something that was more important than his job to steal the goods and listen to his partners' opinions. With fears that Yellow had not shown before on his cowardly face. Boss notices too and, along with Red, they turn in the direction he was looking at. And he was heading towards the entrance door of the warehouse.

With stripes of red lights reflecting that he was covered in blood, just as he returned from his massacre, with his blood-colored eyes thirsty for more. 'Shadow' was standing there.

"What the-?!", both of their initial reaction to 'Shadow' was fear, but then it changed to rage. The boss stepped forward and pulled out his crowbar as his weapon of choice. "Well, well, if it's not the bodyguard our employer hires. What can we do for you? Hmm?!"

Boss raised his voice as Red approached him with his own crowbar and Yellow as well. The latter tried to put on a brave face, he was scared by how 'Shadow' looked under the moonlight with his glowing red eyes and stripes. But he almost wet himself, even his friends, when he spoke.

"There is something I must confirm with you.", his voice sounded emotionless and so cold that they thought the voice was not coming from him.

"...Huh?", the scum could only respond with a dumb face. Even if the voice was unnatural, his words were strange to them.

Only Red decides to answer him. "W-w-what do you mean?", he tried to sound brave but seeing him out of nowhere plus the effect of the strange lights on his armor made him think he was talking to a ghost.

'Shadow' turns to him, still showing no emotion in his voice. "As your leader mentioned before and from what I heard, you were hired by Miss Rarity for a job. Is this true?"

Boss looks at his lackeys to make sure they understand what he heard before answering him. "...Uh, yeah... When we were in Canterlot, there was a curfew that made her miss her train last night. She came to the merchant alliance to look for a dispatcher to transport her goods. I went to see her once I saw the commission when it was published and make a deal with her.", then changed his altitude as soon as a thought occurred to him.

"If you think you can get information from us to alert the guards, you're wrong my friend. It wouldn't work, we already took care to leave no traces, not even real names, and you won't get anything from us.", he says with a threatening voice.

But the response he got was not what he expected.

"Negative. Your suspicions are wrong, I have no need to alert the guards.", this makes the three thieves widen their eyes. "The concern is located what we can do now and the consequences that may affect the fulfillment of my orders."

Yellow, guided by his curiosity, says his first words to 'Shadow'. "W-w-what do you mean? If you're not going to hand us over, then why ask?" 'Shadow' moved his red sights to Yellow, but he wasn't the only one who was scared by what he said next.

"I need to confirm before I can act. The resolution to simply kill all of you and dispose of your bodies is no longer favorable to my orders."

Fear. For the first time the three stallions feel fear and the cold air for their lives.

In a moment, the air becomes so cold not because of the cold of the night but because of the lack of emotions 'Shadow' said those words. They didn't carry any emotion at all, in fact he said it so matter-of-factly that it was the truth or it was the reality where they were, as a fact that they were already dead.

They thought he wasn't even taking the situation seriously since he didn't even mean it nor did he care what he said. It was as if he just needed to say it and that's it. But soon another fear comes to them. To the unknown.

"Since the option of killing all of you is out of the question, I must make another resolution...", 'Shadow' closed his eyes and lowered his head in thought. He suddenly opened his red eyes and they were brighter than before. "It's confirmed. A new option is now available."

"Huh?!", the thieves almost scream and jump back in fear when they see him walking, but what they fear is that he was not going towards them but towards the side of the entrances.

Boss tries to act brave while interrogating him. "Hey! Where are you going! What do you mean by a new option? You mean a new deal! IF that's the case we can talk!", listening to what he felt when 'Shadow' mentioned 'killing all of you', tried to save whatever was about to happen to them. But it was all in vain.

"As I mentioned before, killing all of you may upset Miss Rarity and jeopardize the trip. This issue must be taken care of now since she does not want to witness any more violence, giving me no choice but to act now.", He said as he started to look around. "I must remove any obstacles for Miss Rarity to guide me towards my goal. Eliminating you guys permanently is the most efficient way, but if Miss Rarity feels uncomfortable with the result, it may end in failure. But now I have a new option that can to be taken."

"Is he for real?", Red says without believing the words coming from him. "Hey, what are you planning to do? Stop us or what?"

'Shadow' ignored him but as soon as he found what he was looking for, he gave them his answer. "Since you were hired for a job, that gives more possible options to choose from and get a better resolution.", after giving them his answer, he turned around and they could see what he was grabbing.

A wooden log. "What are you doing?", Boss asks now afraid of what will happen next as 'Shadow' walks towards the door.

"As I mentioned before, getting rid of you is out of the question. Taking care of you is not a problem. I just need to get the most efficient benefits out of the situation.", he stopped once he reached the door and began to close it. "The best resolution now is to train all of you for the job you were hired for."

As soon as 'Shadow' said those words, somehow their backs became cold enough to freeze them. As he placed the wooden log between the door handles, all will to fight back was draining away. As he pulled out his swords that they didn't know he had, their voices were lost as he stabbed them into the doors. As the moonlight disappears thanks to the passing clouds, shadows emerge with him, making him look more like the demon he is as he turns to face them. As if devouring all the light in the room like the void from which he came from.

In the darkness, only his red stripes and eyes were visible as the only thing they see, as they listened to his next declaration.

"So without wasting more time. Let start your training."

"What do you mean they're trained?"

Was the only thing Rarity could say after she woke up and went to get her cart. Finding something she couldn't believe her eyes.

The next day, Rarity wakes up and soon realizes that she was alone. Fearing that 'Shadow' will also abandon her and be alone again, she decides to prepare to leave the town and get her cart out of the storage building immediately. Without running the risk of another incident happening to her. She puts on a simple purple shirt and dark blue jeans in order to pull the car by herself. Skipping the lobby and breakfast, she runs to her cart hoping nothing bad happens.

It was there that she found, not only 'Shadow', but also the three workers she hired, waiting for her next to her carriage. She was about to call the guards, only then did she inspect them better, noticing some details.

The three scammers were on the ground, kneeling. Boss looked more hurt than before his beating as he held his now incapacitated arm. Red looked like he had more scars and his wings had fewer feathers than before, almost as if he had been brutally plucked and one of them even looked broken. As for Yellow, he was holding his casted hands with a black eye on his face. Once convinced that she wasn't imagining it, she turned to 'Shadow' who repeated what he just said.

"I was reunite with the workers you hired to transport your cart last night, Miss Rarity. After some consideration, I convince them to complete the assignment they accepted for what you asked of them.", he said in his monotone voice.

She realized that the 'convince them' part wasn't something as simple as asking them politely, but what surprised her was the fact that he did it behind her back. 'Could it be that he took action because of what I said?', she looked at the ruffians again and could see fear in their eyes. 'I never thought he would consider my views on violence. But it's better to ask.'

"And why do you say that this time they will do the job?", she was surprised once again.

"Unfortunately, this time I can't give a correct answer,", she thought he had everything under his control. However, her concerns were dismissed by what he said next.

'Shadow' turned his gaze to make sure the three of them could hear him. "I cannot guarantee that the training I provide them will be 100% effective. But I can remind them of the consequences of breaking the contract.", unbeknownst to Rarity, he let his killer instinct reach them directly.

Once again she was surprised when three adult stallions began to cry because they understood what he was mentioning. Because of the reaction they make when trying to protect their lower parts, she was able to suspect what kind of consequences 'Shadow' was referring to.

'Perhaps I should stop thinking of him as a noble knight and more as a debt-collecting demon. Well, as long as he is in my favor, I can reap the benefits.', she stopped thinking about it and moved on.

"Okay Darling, if you say so...", she was about to turn around when something occurred to her. "They will obey all my orders, correct?"

"Affirmative, Miss Rarity. I ordered them to follow your orders as well.", she did not need to hear 'Shadow' to confirm it, she just knew but asked. Just in case.

"Okay... Listen up you ruffians!", Rarity shout to the now three submissive colts. "I've already lost a day thanks to your incompetence and I have a lot of work to cover! So I hope, no, I want to arrive in time before sunset. So... Move. All. Your. Big. BUTTS!!!"

"YES MA'AM!!!", the three shout and run to prepare the cart.

"Huff... Sorry for my vocabulary, but even the ladies, like me, need to vent sometimes.", she took out a fan and covered the lower part of her face as she returned to 'Shadow'.

'Shadow' wasn't against it, as long as she was happy, he was fine as he nodded. "Understood, Miss Rarity."

"Please, can you stop using 'miss'. We're friends after-!" she stopped using it as soon as she realized, she never knew his name. "Sorry for asking this now...but can you give me your name? We never, ahem, exchanged our names. Hehe...hmm?"

He did not answer. He simply stared back at her for a long moment and it made her uncomfortable. She thought she had asked something she shouldn't have asked. But 'Shadow' simply got lost in his thoughts to make a decision. For now he has come to accept, as temporary until his master decides another path, the name he receives from the ponies.

"The Shadow Blade."

"The... Shadow Blade?... Well, Shadow, it's nice to meet you. While we wait for the cart preparations, would you like to come have breakfast with me?"

"Any notice of 'The Shadow Blade', General.", Princess Celestia asks in the castle's war room.

After a day of searching, Canterlot was on high alert the night after Shadow fell into the fountain, but since they never got any leads from the search, they expanded to the grounds around the mountain. Today, Princess Celestia met with her high-ranking generals of the Equestrian Army. These generals move from their post to help at this meeting, only to fail their princess.

"We are sorry, Your Highness. We already assigned platoons to explore the lands around the mountain. We already followed your orders to hide the operation as militia training but we couldn't find anything from him.", the second in command of her Royal Army responds.

Celestia lower her head and put it in her hands as she meditate on her seat what she know now. 'He came to my castle but did not return. Discord didn't escape with him. And we still don't know his objectives or his goals. What is he planning or what was he looking for?'

She continues to mediate the mystery as she remembers what she was told before coming here with the only pony who had enough time with Shadow. Celestia returned to meet Iron yesterday, the morning after they never saw Shadow again. Both ponies were in the same bed and chair they used last night. Talking about Shadow with Twilight meeting him.

"Iron, what do you mean it has something to do with my student?", she asked Iron Wing still in bed.

"Well, like I told you before, it's just a theory that I can't prove.", Iron blurted out as he tried to get comfortable. "First is the fact that he revealed himself."

Thus he began to explain what he thinks. "Why did he do that, if he came with hidden reasons then why ruin it by appearing in an open room with many eyes. The next part came from the fact that he escaped from the throne room, if you were his target, why escape from you? The last part, and not the most important, is the fact that we are still alive."

"Are you telling me he didn't come for our lives?", she asked, realizing what Iron was trying to say.

"Yes and no. He didn't come to kill us and from what I heard from those who got in his way, other than our guards who took a beating, there was no harm done in any way. But he did show the intention to get us out of his way, that's the other part I notice when he decides to fight back. And it's another story once he saw Twilight."

"Keep going.", worried about what it might be, she continued to listen to what her Captain wanted to tell her.

"I don't know what my substitute and student saw in the tower before the fight broke out, or what his sister actually experienced. But I can tell you what I saw.", he lowered his voice, just so they could hear it. "He listened to her."

Now Celestia was surprised, she knew that her student was special but not in that sense. 'Did they know each other?... No, if they did then Twilight would never act that way during the incident. Plus, she's not that kind of filly who keeps secrets from me and she had a normal life until the School for Gifted Unicorns exams. So when or how could the two meet?', she turns her focus back to Iron as he continues to explain.

"When we fought with him, we didn't get any response, not even a joke or insult in return. But I realized that his killing instincts were real, it just went off when he laid eyes on Twilight."

"Could it be that he found her without knowing who she was, and it was just love at first sight? Heh~", Celestia jokes, not believing what she just said. Iron took it seriously.

"Well, love makes us do stupid things. But I don't think that can be the case for both of us.", he closes his eyes as he ponders his response. "I think some source of magic is causing them to have some kind of bond that we don't know about. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Celestia retracted her joke and got serious about what her Captain theories were about. However, she still can't get the answer to her concern as to why he hasn't returned. "Well, whether it's true or not, he still hasn't reappeared. So if there is a bond or they are destined to meet, what could be the reason for him to ignore her?"

Iron looked back at his princess and smiled as he had an answer for that. "There is your highness.", once he was sure he had his full attention, he let him know his theory.

"She ordered him not to come near her."

Celestia continued repeating those words in her mind, then returned from her memories to address her general and captains for the new orders. In the war room, only authorized guards and generals were selected to know the true danger of Shadow. They were willing to fight to the end for her and for the peace of the country.

"Gentlecolts, we are about to carry out the renovation of the Princess of the night, my sister, Princess Luna. It is important to complete preparations for the arrival of her dark side and her followers. As we mentioned before, the new holders of the elements was found in the same town and my student is the last key. Soon I will send her to complete her destiny."

When she finishes, one of her generals asks her. "How are we sure they can take care of the evil inside the princess of the night? They are civilians, your highness. They are not trained in combat or, in the case of his student, to wield such magic. You were one of the previous holders, correct?"

"I will not deny your concerns, General, I can only defend that the holders are not selected by me or any other authority. They are destined to be holders once the previous owners are no longer worthy. I have studied their life history and analyzed their potential due to their feats and achievements in their routine life. I know they are capable of reaching the ancient magic that saved our country in the past."

Once she finished her speech, all the generals understood the way the universe works and accepted as long as she was sure of that. Only she wasn't sure about the part about being decided by fate. 'If Twilight is destined for greatness, then what is Shadow to her? Or rather, what is Shadow meant to be?'

"Are there any other questions?", she asked and was greeted with no further questions. "Then you are all free to return to your posts.", she stood up and walked to the bedroom window as her generals left the room.

From there she could see her city and, beyond, her country. She reflects on what she has achieved and what needs to be done. She remembers that she fights for the future and for what she lost in the past. She keeps her spirits high thanks to the benefits she can achieve for her ponies, just as she did not forget the current problems she faced for them.

She inhales her strength and exhales her stress, the only stress of this day. "At least I'm sure Twilight has let the situation with Shadow go. I hope the other holders don't have to go through the same events as her or at least are lucky enough to not know him. And if they do, I hope they don't get interested in him... Hmm, it's not like he's going to make a harem with them... Or... No, it must be that new novel. It can really bring out your inner filly."

Not sure she wants to finish the joke, Celestia decides to stop those thoughts.

Once Rarity made sure all of her affairs were complete in the outpost town, the group finally left and restarted their journey.

The three stallions change the role of pulling the cart in order to arrive in time, but they couldn't cover the entire distance on their own, after all they were bruised. At those moments, Shadow took the cart and was able to pull it at the same speed even carrying the extra weight of the stallions. So their trip was reduced and they could arrive at any time of the same day. Once the three of them said they could finish the job, due to fear that if they didn't they might break the contract, Shadow and Rarity were resting in the passenger seat enjoying the last moments of the journey.

Rarity should be happy as her nightmare will soon be over and she will be in her beautiful home. But his face reflects displeasure at his new complaint. 'What do I need to do to see his face!'

The excuse for the breakfast offer he gave him during the morning was to see if Shadow could take off his helmet while he ate. But he didn't ask for anything and all he had was a glass of water and apple slices that she offered him. All the ponies who saw him eat did not believe what they saw. He just took the food and threw it directly in his face. What scared them was that the food disappeared where his mouth might have been but the only thing they could see was the flat black metal plate of his helmet.

Nopony knew how he did it. And Rarity was more committed than ever. 'Now I'm more curious if he really is a horrible demon under that helmet. I can accept it since he is much better than all the pigs I dated before.'

To get his attention, she even puts on a reddish-pink dress that hugs her chest and waist and reveals her legs just above her knees with her sun hat that match with it. That way when she was in front of him she could tempt him to look at her. But all the way he simply meditated in the same position he slept in the night before.

She may have continued to be in her thoughts, but she was not alone. "Miss Rarity?"

"Huh?!", she turned to see that Yellow was next to her resting until it was his turn to pull the cart.

"S-s-s-sorry to bother you, but now we can see the town!", he shouted almost as the life was being sucked out of him.

Rarity then turns around and forces her gaze forward to the road, she could see her house in the distance. From a distance you can see a small town with a forest on one side and an apple farm on the other.

This lights up Rarity's heart. "OH! We're here with overtime, good job guys.", the three workers (slaves) let out a sigh as their nightmare was about to end. To forget that they were still at it. "But I remind you all that the work is not done yet so... Chop. Chop.", she said with a scissors gesture with his hand.

They got the message. "YES MADAM!!!", the three respond as Yellow also joins in to push the cart. Satisfied with their fears, Rarity turns to Shadow, who was awake and like her, observes the town.

Shadow could see that it was a medium-sized town but at the same time more lively and friendly than the city and the towns they passed through. He was able to see multiple unique buildings from a building that looks like dessert, flower shops, music stores with a vinyl on top, a large park, an open street market, as well as a carousel of some kind and assuming a tree house with a telescope on top. On the horizon he also sees the large apple farm next to the town.

As he continued to look at the town, Rarity couldn't suppress the sadness she felt because their journey together was ending. 'Well, we'd better enjoy the rest of the time we have left.', she clears her throat to get his attention as he turns to face her.

"It seems that we have finally reached our destination. So my beloved Shadow, I want to welcome you to Ponyville! As you can see the town is a little smaller than Canterlot, but it has good places to visit. There is the Spa, the market, music and flower shops that you can check out. There is also the mayor's building if you need information about the town. Even the library... which nopony is using right now. Sorry for that, hehehe~"

She keeps mentioning more places to get a clue or some of his hobbies of interest in hopes of seeing him again by 'accident'.

"We also have the park in the middle of town and an apple farm that one of my friends works at. Oh, we also have my friend Fluttershy and her shelter that can be found in that direction, it's where the edge of the Everfree Forest is. So if you want to visit it we-", She let herself go that she didn't realize, that she gave him what he was looking for.

"Thanks.", she didn't know why that word hurt her, but when she turned around and saw Shadow jump out of the car, she understood.

BANG

Shadow kicks the ground as his feet hit the road, forming a cloud of dust as he takes off. Rarity covered her face with her sun hat, but as soon as the air was clear enough, she turned towards the direction Shadow was going. And she could no longer see him as she went deeper into the forest.

"He's really gone, huh...", she took a moment to let the reality and dream of the existence of the one she met sink in. Shadow appeared and gone instantly as he was just a part of her imagination. Fortunately, Rarity wasn't crazy as the three stallions also saw and lived to share the tale.

That reminds her. "You know the job isn't done.", the three addressed Rarity once she returned from reality. "What are you waiting for? I can call him anytime, you know?", it was a lie, but seeing their terrified faces makes it worth it.

Rarity fixed her dress and tried to enjoy the rest of the trip, but she couldn't resist taking a look at the bewitched forest. 'I hope you can find what you are looking for, just know that I will not forget the generous help you gave me. My beloved knight, The Shadow Blade.', she then returns and concentrates to make sure her slaves don't try anything again.

While Rarity was heading towards Ponyville, Shadow was running at incredible speed en route to the heart of the Everfree Forest. His first objective was to locate the highest point to map the forest. Soon, at the speed his body was available to traverse the forest, he located a rocky mountain to climb. From there he climbs it from its base without rest until he reaches the top.

The view he had while hanging from the edge of the peak was beautiful. He was able to see the entire town and everything it offers as well as the entire forest as the sun was setting. He saw part of the forest as a field with blue flowers, a kind of shelter on the edge, swamps that were closer to the east, and a rare characteristic tree with totems or masks in the west. But he didn't care about any of that, he just focused on what was important to him.

And that was the abandon castle on the south he spotted, his next destination. "The castle of the two sisters."