Chapter 3

– Truth and Consequences –

Lantern groaned, her head felt like she was looking through a thick fog. And she had a splitting headache, worse than the time Hazel took her out drinking for their 21st. But as the haze cleared, she found herself on a familiar couch in a familiar lap.

She looked up from where she laid, and immediately went red as she saw Hazel smiling down at her, “Hi Lantern.”

Lantern “eeped” and jumped upright, “Hazel, what the heck? How did I?”

She paused for a moment when she saw the stallion sitting in a chair across from them, the zony had an eyebrow raised and a neutral expression.

Lantern blushed harder, “Who are you!? What are you doing here? Were you watching us?”

“Let’s see, in order, Shadow Strike, Saving your hides, and no I just sat down while you were freaking out.” Shadow answered.

“Saving our hides? What’s going on?” Lantern asked.

“We got you out of your house. There’s something wrong in there, Lantern. Why didn’t you tell me?” Hazel asked.

Lantern looked at Hazel with worry, “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about. Everything is fine at my house.”

Hazel grabbed her by the shoulders, “I know something is wrong. You know why? Cause you never lie to me. Ever.”

Lantern’s ears drooped, “I… I can’t.”

“Can’t what? What is that thing in your house?” Hazel begged.

“Something that wants her punished. Something that has control over her life. Something that is drowning that house in hate and malice.” Shadow said.

Lantern looked at the stallion, this time with fear in her eyes.

“And I know that you know who or what it is. The quicker you tell me, the quicker I can help.” Shadow said.

Lantern shook her head, making Hazel hold her close.

“Lantern, what has you so scared? At the house, you said you couldn’t live with yourself if he hurt me. Who is he?”

Lantern shook in Hazel’s grasp, “He just won’t let me live my own life.”

Hazel’s ears pricked up at that, “Let you live your own life? Wait, it’s not…”

Shadow looked at Hazel, “What is it, Hazel?”

Hazel looked down at Lantern, “It’s your dad, isn’t it?”

Lantern cried out into the mare’s chest, looks like she hit the nail on the head.

Shadow raised an eyebrow, “Her father? Well, that would explain its hold on the house and why it’s so attached to her.”

“But why is your dad haunting you?” Hazel asked.

Lantern shook her head.

“When did he die? And how?” Shadow asked.

“Over a month ago. The doctors said he died from a heart attack. No one was home, so he couldn’t call for help.” Hazel said.

As she said that, Lantern shifted ever so slightly in Hazel’s embrace. Hazel didn’t notice, but Shadow did.

“Is that what really happened, Lantern? Did your father die in that house alone?” Shadow asked.

Lantern shuddered and looked at the stallion, “What are you implying?”

“I’m implying that something doesn’t fit with that story. Especially with how your father’s spirit seems particularly angry at you.”

Hazel looked confused, “Lantern, what is he talking about?”

Lantern looked between the two ponies back and forth, “Nothing, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“Lantern, how well did you get along with your father?” Shadow asked.

Lantern hesitated for a moment, “We got along just fine.”

Hazel raised an eyebrow, “Got along fine? The cranky old buck didn’t get along with anypony. Ran me out of her house more times than I could count.”

“Why was that?” Shadow asked.

“Cause he didn’t like me. Don’t know why, I always offered to help around the house.” Hazel said.

“He was strict, and maybe a little stubborn, but he wasn’t a bad pony.” Lantern said.

“But he didn’t approve of you two spending a lot of time together? Am I right?” Shadow asked.

Hazel and Lantern both blushed at that.

“Well, no. He might have caught us snuggling in her room, once or twice.” Hazel said, still blushing.

Lantern blushed too, “He said we weren’t fillies anymore. We should act our age.”

“And go find a stallion instead of hanging out with other mares so much?” Shadow asked.

Both mares looked at him, and then at each other.

“Bullseye. But there’s still the matter of your father’s death. Heart attack is pretty common. But if you also work around that house, I doubt you wouldn’t hear him fall or call out for help.”

Lantern looked away, not looking at either pony in the room.

“He controlled you, never let you live the life you wanted. Never let you have the one thing that made you happy. Because it’s not what he wanted.” Shadow said.

Hazel looked at Lantern, “Lantern.”

Lantern looked up, tears in her eyes, “He said mares need stallions to keep them in line. Make them mothers, house wives. That’s what I was born for, he said.”

Hazel’s expression grew sharper, more agitated.

“The day he died, I wanted to go see you. I wanted to… be with you. But he caught me, said that if he ever saw you near me again, he’d… kill you.” Lantern sobbed.

Hazel gasped.

“After he finished yelling, he started clutching at his chest. He couldn’t breathe, he fell onto the floor. He yelled at me to quit being so useless for once and go fetch a doctor. But I just stood there, glaring at him. I was so mad he would threaten you like that. I could take all his insults, put downs and rules. But I hated him so much for trying to keep me away from you. And he just… stopped moving. I ran to tell the sheriff about 20 minutes later.” Lantern confessed.

“So that’s why his spirit is so restless. His hatred in that moment filled the house, and made it his place of power. His spirit won’t rest until you are punished. And Hazel being there only made him more angry, more powerful.” Shadow said.

Hazel started shedding tears now, holding Lantern close, “All this time, I thought you were avoiding me because I did something wrong. But you were protecting me. You’ve always been protecting me, at the cost of yourself. Why? Why would you do that to yourself?”

“I couldn’t live with myself if you got hurt because of me.” Lantern said softly.

“AND HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL ABOUT YOU GETTING HURT BECAUSE OF ME!?” Hazel shouted.

Lantern froze, not knowing how to respond. Hazel pulled her face in close, “You lived in that house for over a month with that monster torturing you like that?”

Lantern couldn’t move much with her face held like that, but she could nod.

“You. You. You!” Hazel repeated.

Hazel then pulled Lantern into a kiss, shocking the mare, as well as the stallion watching them. Hazel held her for a few seconds, “Don’t you ever do that again.”

Lantern said nothing but “Uhhhhhhh”

“I think you broke her.” Shadow said, with a slight smirk.

Hazel then remembered that the stallion was in the room, “Oh crap.”

“So, now that we’ve all got our feelings out in the open. How about we focus on fixing the problem?” Shadow said.

Lantern’s coat almost looked like it completely changed from blue to red, looking between the stallion and the mare who just kissed her. She cleared her throat and both mares sat up straight on the couch, Lantern fixing her hair.

“Yes, so how do we go about this?” Lantern asked.

“Well, there’s the easy way. And there’s the hard way.” Shadow said.

“What’s the easy way?” Both mares asked in unison.

“We find where your father is buried, dig up his body, and salt and burn it.” Shadow said.

Lantern looked appalled, “You want to dig up my father’s grave?”

“Yes. His bones are what keeps his soul tethered to this world. Burn them, and his spirit will be forced to leave.” Shadow said.

“Then what’s the hard way?” Hazel asked.

“There are times where burning bones isn’t enough. Sometimes spirits can attach themselves to an object. Or sometimes ponies keep a lock of their hair or teeth. If the bones don’t work, we might have to search the house for anything that he might be attached to.”

“But for now, let’s focus on the bones. Miss Lantern, where is your father buried?”

Lantern led us to a secluded area, away from the main graveyard. It was far from the house, which confused me. If his bones were all the way out here, how was he haunting the house still?

“There.” Lantern said, pointing to a mound of stones.

“Wow, an unmarked grave out in the woods. Surprised no pony questioned where you buried him.” Shadow said.

“I’m the grave keeper, and the undertaker here in town. They just leave the bodies to me. If I had known this would happen, I would have cremated him.” Lantern said, walking towards the grave.

“Well, like I said, even cremation doesn’t always guarantee. Here's hoping this is one of the easy cases.” Shadow said, holding a shovel in his magic.

“He’s not gonna try and attack us while we dig him up is he?” Hazel asked.

“It’s a possibility. If you feel chills or get a bad feeling, let me know.” Shadow said, starting to move the rocks off the grave.

“It’s already freezing out here and this whole thing has been giving me a bad feeling.” Hazel said, rubbing her hooves together.

“We will make quick work of this Hazel. Then you can make us your famous hot chocolate. I’ve been craving a cup all month.” Lantern said, starting to dig with her own shovel.

“Oh, so you only wanted me for my hot chocolate? I see how it is.” Hazel said jokingly.

“Hazel.” Lantern groaned.

“I’m kidding. But seriously, how can you two not be freezing out here?” Hazel said.

“Freezing? Please, I’ve hiked out in the frozen tundra outside of the Crystal Empire. I’ve hunted a Windigo on the Baaaahama Islands.” Shadow said.

“I thought Windigoes were just a Hearth's Warming Tale?” Hazel asked.

“Oh, they are very real. Darn thing nearly turned me into an ice sculpture. Who knew sheep could have so many arguments?” Shadow said.

The digging had continued while they were talking and after a few minutes, Shadow hit something solid. Both he and Lantern cleared out the dirt and Shadow busted the coffin open. There in the coffin sat the bones of a unicorn stallion.

“Good evening sir. Pardon the rude awakening, but it’s time for you to move on.” Shadow said, getting out the salt.

Lantern and Hazel watched from the side as Shadow covered the bones with salt, then pulled out a bottle of oil, pouring it all over the body.

He pulled out a match, lighting it, “Here we go, anything you two would like to say?”

“I got something, screw you old man! You won’t hurt her ever again!” Hazel said.

Lantern didn’t say anything, she just leaned against Hazel.

“Well, you heard the lady. Sayonara.” Shadow said, throwing the match into the coffin.

The oil ignited and the bones were set ablaze. The air felt heavier as the bones burned, like some kind of energy was being lifted up. As the fire burned, Lantern stared at it and trembled against Hazel. The bat mare feeling her partner’s fear held her hoof for comfort.

“Well, that’ll do it. The fire will burn out eventually. Let’s go get warm. I could use a cup of coffee.” Shadow said.

“Not a fan of hot chocolate?” Hazel asked, leading Lantern away from the grave.

“Haven’t had any since I was a colt. Though I wouldn’t dare steal any from your lady friend.” Shadow smirked.

Lantern scoffed, “I suppose you have earned the right to experience the delight of my Hazel’s hot chocolate.”

Hazel blushed hard, “Your Hazel?”

Lantern blushed as well, only now realizing what she said, “Oh, I… I mean.”

A gust of wind blew through the forest, bringing an incredibly cold chill. All three ponies shivered from the cold, stopping in their tracks. And while they stood there, the sound of splitting wood could be heard over the wind. They looked to find claw marks digging their way down the tree in front of them.

Shadow immediately got his sword out and stood in front of the two mares. The claw marks got bigger and deeper the further down the tree they went.

“Laaaantern!” A deep growly voice rang out from nowhere.

Lantern screamed and held her head, falling to her knees. Hazel saw this and held the mare. The claw marks scrapped across the ground, slowly revealing a vaguely pony shaped form. The pony looked like an older stallion, but the fancy collared shirt and jacket he wore were in tatters and some parts of his hide were covered in holes and decayed flesh.

The ghost looked straight at Lantern, “You stupid mare. Why couldn’t you just do as you’re told? Our family name is being dragged through the mud. Fraternizing with some pecan picking nopony, but a mare on top of that? I didn’t raise no fillyfooler!”

Hazel growled and stood in front of Lantern, “I love her, and she loves me! You’re so stuck in the old ways that you can’t see how you’re hurting her!”

The dead stallion jerked his head to the side, Hazel suddenly flew off her hooves and impacted a tree to her left. She screamed as she impacted the tree, her wing taking the brunt of the damage.

“I wasn’t talking to you, you’ve tainted my daughter enough.” He said darkly.

“Enough!” Shadow shouted, charging the ghost with his sword.

The stallion only smiled but as the sword slashed through him, he screamed and his form seemed to glitch like a tv losing signal before disappearing.

Lantern looked surprised, “What happened to him?”

Shadow looked at her and showed off his sword, “Venta here is a perfect mixture of iron and silver. The perfect weapon to use against any supernatural entity.”

Lantern nodded and then gasped, “Oh no Hazel!”

She got up on her hooves, moving over to where Hazel lay against the tree. The mare hadn’t moved, and looked like she was in a lot of pain. Shadow moved next to both mares, checking on Hazel.

“Hazel, are you ok?” Lantern asked.

“No, my wing really hurts. I think that bastard broke it.” Hazel said, teeth clenching.

Shadow looked at the wing in question, all the bends in it confirmed it, “Yeah, it’s broken. Crap.”

“Oh Hazel…” Lantern said, tears forming in her eyes.

The wind picked up again, making Shadow take a defensive stance.

“You said burning the bones would get rid of him!” Lantern yelled at him over the wind.

“I said it should. Something else must be tethering him to this plane. You didn’t keep a lock of his hair or anything did you?” He asked.

“No! Of course not!” Lantern yelled.

“Then something else must be his anchor. An item he always carried with him, anything like that?” Shadow said.

Lantern thought for a moment before realization hit her, “His pocket watch, it’s a family heirloom he always carried with him. He never let me touch it.”

“That must be it. Where is the watch now?” Shadow asked.

“I don’t know really, it must be in the house somewhere.” Lantern said.

“Take Hazel and go find it!” Shadow shouted.

The ghost stallion reappeared again and tried to charge at the group, Shadow intercepted it with his sword but then the stallion vanished again. Shadow then found himself thrown against a tree, making him groan.

“Dang it, this guy has so much malice. I haven’t seen a ghost this powerful since that time in the Manehatten Theater District.” Shadow mumbled to himself.

Lantern shook Hazel just enough to get her attention, “Hazel, come on. We have to get to the house.”

Hazel groaned and got back onto her hooves, her wing really hurt but she could tough it out. “Ok come on, let’s go find that stupid watch.”

Lantern and Hazel began to move in the direction of the house, but were quickly stopped as a large tree branch landed in front of them. Her father’s ghost appeared in front of them and blocked their way.

“Running off with mares again? How much more shame will you bring to the family?” The ghost said.

Shadow jumped over the mares and slashed at the ghost, making him dissipate again, “GO!”

Both mares quickly ran around the fallen tree branch and towards the house, leaving the zony with a very angry ghost.

“You know old timer, things have changed over the years. Two of my best friends are an all mare couple, they’re very happy. Why not just let this go? Come on, you’re dead, what’s it gonna hurt now?” Shadow said.

That earned Shadow another shove, but he was prepared this time and bounced off the tree, “Shoving, what are we on a foal’s playground?”

“You have a very smart mouth for a zebra. Why don’t you go back to Zebrica and leave well enough alone?” The ghost said.

“Now you see, that’s racist. I was born in Equestria thank you. And sorry, but by the order of Princess Luna, Ruler of the Night and Dreams, I am here to free Glowing Lantern from the entity haunting her home.” Shadow said snarkily.

Shadow blocked the claws of the ghost that appeared to his right, pushing them back and slashing the spirit again, making it disappear.

“Come on girls, hurry up and find that watch.”

“Come on, Lantern. You’re always telling me to keep better track of my things. Where is this stupid pocket watch?” Hazel asked.

“I don’t know, I didn’t exactly want to keep it. Just didn’t feel right getting rid of a family heirloom. Just keeping looking!” Lantern said, frantically looking through her attic.

Hazel looked through the next box, finding an old photo album. She opened it and found the most adorable pictures, “Aww Lantern, you looked so cute as a baby.”

Lantern blushed and immediately jumped to try and pry the book away from the bat mare, “No! You can’t look at that.”

“Aww, why not? Look, it's your first birthday. You have cake all over yourself. So cute.” Hazel said, playing keep away with the book.

“Hazel!” Lantern said, trying to grab the book.

She then remembered she had magic, so she lit up her horn and tried to pull the book out of her grasp. But all that accomplished was pulling Hazel toward her and causing both to tumble over a bunch of boxes. When the dust settled, Hazel found herself on top of Lantern, looking right into her eyes.

The bat mare grinned and leaned down, bumping snouts with the mare, “You know, this reminds me of our first kiss. Remember coming up here and hiding behind the boxes. You were so nervous, took you almost five minutes to just lean in.”

Hazel started leaning in, Lantern blushed so hot it almost looked like steam came out her ears. Her eyes lost focus and she just started to lean up, getting closer to Hazel. Both mares lips almost touched.

“Are you two serious!?” A male voice interrupted their moment.

Both mares blushed violently and looked to the attic ladder, seeing Shadow’s head poking up, “I’m fighting for all our lives out in the woods and you two are making out!”

Both mares quickly separated and spoke in unison, “No we’re not!”

“Did you happen to find that watch while you were staring into each other’s eyes?” Shadow asked sarcastically.

Both mares puffed their cheeks at the stallion, but when Lantern turned her head to give a “hmph”, she saw a tiny flash of silver. She quickly moved a mound of junk out of the way, revealing a silver pocket watch with a crescent moon symbol on it.

“Got it!” Lantern said, holding up the watch.

“Wonderful, now we just have to-” Shadow said, before being violently pulled down the ladder.

Both mares screamed and ran over to the ladder, seeing Shadow knocked away from the ladder by an invisible force. Lantern pushed Hazel back away from the ladder, just in time to dodge claw marks.

“I told you to stay out of the attic, you stupid girl. Why don’t you ever do as you're told!?” Her father said.

“Lantern, stay behind me!” Hazel said, getting in front of Lantern.

Her father’s spirit appeared in front of them, his form looking more disheveled than it did earlier.

“Shadow’s been putting you through the ringer, huh old man?” Hazel said, trying to sound tough.

“That stupid zebra won’t save you two. I will not be shown such disrespect in my own home!” He bellowed.

“This isn’t your home anymore Father. You do not belong on this plane anymore.” Lantern said.

“How dare you speak to me in such a manner. I am your father, I will teach you some discipline.” He said, pushing boxes out of the way.

Lantern grabbed Hazel’s leg and charged up her horn, the light of her horn grew so bright that Hazel had to shut her eyes. When she opened them again, she and Lantern were by the fireplace in the living room.

“Lantern, you can teleport?” Hazel asked, shocked.

“Kinda, was my first time actually trying it. I feel really dizzy.” Lantern said, her legs shaking.

A crash came through the wall of the living room, Shadow emerged from the dust, “I am really getting sick of being thrown around.”

He then noticed the two mares, “Oh, when did you two get down here? Better question is how? That old man just shot me down the ladder again.”

“Lantern apparently learned how to teleport. But she needs more practice.” Hazel said, holding her mare upright.

“Hush Hazel. We have the watch, what now?” Lantern said, holding up the watch in her magic.

“Excellent.” Shadow said, walking by and snatching the watch.

He went and grabbed a wooden chair that was leaning against a wall, dragging it over to the fireplace and smashing it.

“Hey! That was my grandmother’s chair!” Lantern shouted.

“Need firewood.” Shadow said, throwing the chair into the hearth.

He pulled out a flint and lit the fire, holding the watch in front of him, “So long old man. Hope Tartarus is hot this time of year.”

Just as he was about to throw it into the fire, Shadow was thrown again, dropping the pocket watch in front of the hearth. As the zony picked himself off the floor, the ghostly stallion stood in front of him. His form radiated a heat, the malice inside of him had grown even stronger.

“You have caused enough trouble in this house. You’ll be the one going to Tartarus tonight.” The spirit sneered.

“Father!” Lantern shouted from behind the ghost.

The stallion turned to see Lantern holding the pocket watch above the fireplace, Hazel stood next to her protectively.

“You were a vile, bitter old cretin. Even before Mother died, you were this way. But I stayed in this house because you were my flesh and blood. But no more. This ends now. I am leaving to be with Hazel Nut, my true love.” Lantern declared.

Hazel blushed but stood proud next to her marefriend.

“You bring shame to our family name! You stupid, stupid filly!”

“I am no longer a filly! I am Glowing Lantern, and you have overstayed your welcome!” Lantern shouted.

She then threw the watch into the fireplace, the flames consuming the metal. The ghostly stallion lunged forward at the mares but stopped as the fire began to travel up his body. The tattered clothes burned and the flames soon consumed him. He let out a last piercing shriek into the night as he finally disappeared.

Hazel took a tentative step forward, “Is he gone? For real this time?”

Shadow groaned and got off the floor, “Yes, his spirit is gone. Wherever he is now, I hope it’s boiling hot and terrible.”

“Agreed. Are you ok, Shadow?” Lantern asked, walking over to the stallion.

“Eh, a few bruises. Nothing serious.” Shadow said, rubbing at his shoulder.

Hazel then suddenly hugged him, catching him and Lantern off guard. Shadow did not know how to respond, so he just stood there.

“Thank you, you kept your promise. You saved her.” Hazel said softly.

“I always keep my promises. Just doing my job Miss Hazel.” Shadow said, trying to sound professional.

“Oh shut up with all that Miss stuff. It’s always Hazel to you. And you’re always welcome in our home.” Hazel said.

“Our home?” Lantern asked.

“Oh yeah, I’m never letting you out of my sight again. I’ll drag you and all your stuff to my house if I have to.” Hazel said, turning her head to her mare.

Lantern blushed and stepped closer, “Yes well. I would also like to thank you, Shadow Strike. You have done so much for us in just one night.”

“Like I said, just doing my duty.” Shadow said, gently pushing Hazel off him.

“Truly, I hope you two can find happiness now. Let your father’s influence and malice not affect your lives from now on.”

“We shall. Now come on, let’s get out of here. This house is so dreary now.” Lantern said, walking out the door.

“Yes! I’ll brew up the best hot chocolate in all of Equestria.” Hazel said, taking off into the air.

Shadow just smiled and shook his head, another job well done.

Two days later.

“So, that’s your report? The spirit of the father has passed into the veil, and nothing else haunts Miss Glowing Lantern?” Princess Luna asked.

“That about sums it up. He was a bitter old prick. Now those two can live in peace.” Shadow said.

“I must say Shadow, you performed quite well. Other than a broken wing on Miss Hazel Nut, no long term injuries or permanent psychological damage this time.” Achelois praised.

“You know Achelois, there are times I feel that even when you are praising me, you’re still scolding me.” Shadow said, glowing at the mare.

“I have no idea what you mean.” Achelois said, merely adjusting her glasses, with a slight smirk.

Shadow rolled his eyes, “So, can I have my pay please? I got bills to pay, and could really use a good meal.”

“Well since you asked so nicely, here you are. 1500 bits, I trust this will be efficient for a reward.” Luna said, levitating a bag of bits.

Shadow whistled, “Now that’s a payday. I can buy that new coffee maker I’ve been eyeing.”

“A coffee maker? 1500 bits and that’s the first time that comes to mind?” Achelois chuckled.

“Eh, go choke on the dust in your library. I’m out. Later Luna, see ya on the next job. Hopefully it’ll be some really cool rare beast.” Shadow said, walking out of the throne.

“That’s Princess Luna, Shadow. Really, do try and be professional.” Achelois scolded him.

“Ok, here’s my professionalism” Shadow blew her a raspberry and disappeared out the door.

As the door closed, Luna sighed, “If only his skills portrayed his maturity.”

Author's Note

Hey guys, Hades here.

Decided to take a break from Trails and finish this story. A little taste of a new project I'll be starting after Trails is done.