//-------------------------------------------------------// MLP FIM Rise of the Night. -by Ask Shadowstep- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter One //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter One He stood upside down in his tent while four blocks of ice circled around him. He was wearing black pants and black leather boots. His arms are covered in intricate tribal tattoos that marked  him as a Elemental Lord. His black and blue hair dripped with sweat. He started to push himself closer to the ground and back up in the air. In the corner of the tent was a suit of blue and black armor. The helm was fashioned after a skull and had horns that emerged from the sides that curled forward. The shoulder pads were the same way except for the mouths that are open emit a blue mist. The chest plate bore the symbol of Princess Luna where the heart is located. There was a belt that went with the armor that resembled the teeth of a wolf. The gauntlets were fashioned with a skull on the forearms. The leg plates had a cloth cover that covered the back of the legs down the knees. The boots had knee covers that would expose a spike when when the knee was bent. There was a sword and ax at the base of the armor. The ax was pure black and gave a blue glow along the jagged blade and spike on the opposite edge of the blade. The sword was dark blue with ice blue runes etched into the blade. Next to the bed was a small desk and chair. Sprawled across the desk was loose papers, maps, battle formations, and notes about spells. At the foot of the bed was a trunk full of clothes. A lightly armored solider entered the tent. The chain mail the solider wore jingled as he saluted the Higher ranked solider. “Commander Shadowstep, Princess Luna has demanded your presence for the war meeting.” he said. “Very well. Tell her I shall be there as soon as I am ready.” he said as he dismissed the solider. The ice blocks that circled him started to be engulfed in shadows and started to grow smaller until they finally disappeared. He stood back upright and walked over to his armor and his tattoos started to glow. The armor disassembled and reassembled on him. He placed the sword on his back and held it in place with his shadow magic and placed the 2 handed axe on the belt. He grabbed the helmet and placed it under his arm. He walked out of the tent and saw that it was almost dawn. He walked toward the War tent and passed a group of soldiers around a fire. “Hey commander is today the day?” one of the soldiers asked. “Possibly so go and tell the rest of them to prep themselves for combat.” he answered. The men started to run off toward the other tents and campfires. Voices being raised could be heard in the background as the tents and campsites stirred to life. Shadowstep continued his way to the tent. He finally came to a grand looking tent decorated with symbols of the sun and moon. He stepped inside the tent and there were several people surrounding a table with a map and markers for soldiers. “Ah glad to see you could join us Martanis Shadowstep.” said a woman. She had pink hair and a crown. She wore a elegant dress that was a mix between cloth and battle plate. She had a sword at her hip, and underneath the cloth on her arms were more complex tattoos. Much more complex then Martanis's own tattoos. She was also much more taller then everyone else at the table. “Forgive my lateness Princess Celestia, I was preparing for combat.” Shadowstep said as he took his place amongst the others at the table. “Well brother next time you go to train be sure its not right before a war meeting on the day of battle.” a man said standing next to princess Celestia. Lightblade was Shadowstep brother and second in command of the Solar Army. He was four years younger, had blond and red hair, used fire and light magic, and used a sword and shield instead of great sword and battle axe like his brother.  He armor was the complete opposite of Shadowstep's own armor. The armor was colored in a crimson red and white. The shoulders had a open book with runes glowing with a bright light. The shoulders also had a cloth wrapping engraved with runes that glowed a bright white. The helm was opened collar that covered the face up to the nose and had a glowing sun symbol on the forehead. The breast plate was a sun and a phoenix rising on the sun. The gauntlets had a phoenix on each the forearm holding a sword and shield. The leg plates had a tail similar to Shadowstep's own armor. The legs had a claw on the thigh of the legs. The boots had a phoenix head and were in the same design to Shadowstep's boots. The shield was shaped after the sun and glowed a dull red along the edges. The blade was straight and and curved forward like the talons of a bird. “Lightblade you may continue with your strategy.” Princess Celestia said. “As you wish Princess. As you all know we have pushed Discord's forces back into the Everfree forest. Now even thought we have pushed them back there is still a chance that they could push a counter attack and defeat us. So I say we launch a strike now and shatter his forces once and for all.” he said as he looked at the large map on the table. The other generals started to agree. But Shadowstep saw one problem with the plan. Even if  they had marched all of the solders into the Everfree forest it would leave gaps in the formations and ranks. Discord would be able to slip though the ranks and use his personal guards to raise hell at the small village of Ponyville that was near by and he wasn't ready to sacrifice a whole village for the sake of a chance of ending this war and he was going to make his point load and clear. “You make a make a good plan except for the fact that we don’t have enough men to make a full sweep of Everfree forest. He would be able to slip though our gaps in formations and he would raze the entire village of Ponyville once he gets past our defenses and I will not let another village be raze for our mistake.” Shadowstep said. “As will I brother but if we know where he is. He's in the Royal Palace in the Everfree forest.” he said. “Ok so we know where he is but that doesn't mean he wont run away before we get there.” Shadowstep argued. “True but he won't resist going against Princess Celestia and Luna with the elements of Harmony.” Lightblade retorted. “You can't be serious. The last time they tried to fight him like that they nearly died and we almost lost. I won't allow them to go there alone only to die.” Shadowstep shot back. “Well that’s why your both gonna accompany us when we go to Discord’s base.” Celestia intervened. The generals all agreed and if the princess said we were going then it was finally. In a few hours we would be making a march of only four people against all of Discords force. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter Two //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter Two Shadowstep took one last look around the tent before leaving. He saw Princess Celestia had walked away from the table and walked over to another person. She had light blue hair, wore a similar type of armor to her sister, Princess Celestia, and had a short sword at her hip, and sitting in a chair. Shadowstep walked out of the tent. There was a crowd of people all surrounding the entrance to the tent. “So when are we going to war?” one of them asked. “We aren't. The only ones marching to the Royal Palace into the Everfree forest.” Shadowstep answered. “But with everyone here won't there be a chance of ambush?” someone asked. “Yea but as Elemental Lords me brother Lightblade will accompany the princess to fight Discord.” He replied. Princess Celestia come out of the tent followed by Princess Luna and Lightblade. The entire army was on nerves end. “My faithful soldiers I is my honor to have so many defending the right to live in peace and harmony but it is not your right to die for our fight. This fight is between the Alidores, Elemental Lords , and the Dragorns. So return to your homes and do not worry for by tonight this war will be over for better or for worse.” she said. The crowd started to disperse and went into different camps and started to take them down and pack up. Some of the soldiers were muttering about how this wasn't right, how by making this choice the Princess have chosen a execution sentence. There was words of fear and hope circling around the camp. Shadowstep placed his hand on the axe on his belt and pondered what magic Princess Celestia had hidden up her sleeves. The only magic that could rival Discord's Chaos magic was the Princess's Elements of Harmony. However they haven't been able to unleash the full power yet and without the full power they would lose a duel with Discord. However if Lightblade and Shadowstep could empower the elements they might stand a chance. “Well Shadowstep today the war will be over. I know it has been hard on you, your brother, and Bladebreaker.” Princess Celestia come up behind him and said. “We're the last of the Elemental Lord's. This war has decimated the Alidores and Elemental Lord's. There is no turning back. We been together since the start. Only fitting that if we die we die together” Shadowstep said coldly. “Once this war is over you are welcomed to stay in Canterlot. There will be a position on the Lunar Guard for you once this is over.” Celestia responded in a warming tone. “Thank you Princess but I think I have seen enough bloodshed for one a longtime after this war.” Shadowstep said. “It is time.” Celestia said. Shadowstep took the helmet from underneath his arm and placed it on his head. There was a crack of thunder and he looked to the sky just in time to see a bolt of lightning strike him. Shadowstep fell backwards off his chair and slammed his head on the hard stone floor. A dream shadowstep thought to himself. He dusted himself off and looked at his clothes. He wore a task force  uniform, a short sleeved shirt that instead of a crescent moon on the heart it bore a full moon starting that he was commander of a task force, olive green cargo pants, and black military boots. He looked around to see if anyone saw him fall. The room was a standard Guard office in Manehatten. Only one other person was in the room and that was Bladebreaker, Shadowstep's right hand man. He was dressed in the basic Lunar Guard outfit, a basic blue short sleeved shirt with a crescent moon on the heart of the shirt, black and blue camo pants with pockets on the legs, and black military boots. “Fell asleep again didn't ya?” Bladebreaker asked. “Not only that but I had the same dream” Shadowstep replied as he cracked his knuckles. “The one where your fighting against Discord or the one in the camp?” he asked as he pulled out a knife from his desk and threw it at the wall. “The camp dream.” Shadowstep answered as he picked the chair up off the ground. He set the chair back up right and sat back in it. Bladebreaker got up and pulled the knife out of the wall. “How much longer do we have to wait?” He asked. “Congo said he would be here by 1pm.” Shadowstep answered. He looked at the clock, it was already 12:50pm. He knew Congo since he was a kid. Hell Congo taught him almost everything he knew now, how to fight, how to steal, and how to kill. Congo picked up Shadowstep when he was an orphan abandoned by his father when he fled the city with his younger brother Lightblade, after the city officials began to use their power for themselves. They arrested anyone who defied their command and took the money that was meant for  the betterment of the city. They didn't care who got hurt and when anyone went to try to get help they ended up in the city square, broken and with a warning. Congo found Shadowstep stealing from the trash and taught him the tricks of the trade. Soon even the gang lords started to fight each other for what little profit that could be made. It was Congo who was the first one to stand up to the corrupted politicians. He started having his gang steal priceless artifacts from the rich and hiding them all over the city. Soon he started calling the gang the Diamond Dongs. He was only 15 when he took control of the gangs and used them for the peoples betterment. He even helped take the city from the corrupted politicians. He even sent word to Princess Celestia and Luna when the city was retaken. Princess Celestia and Luna personally came to Manehatten to over see the changing of control of the city. Congo when underground at that point but  Princess Luna had noticed that Shadowstep had a type of magic that hasn't been seen for ages. It was at that point that Princess Luna took Shadowstep from Manehatten and placed him into the Royal Academy. Five years later Shadowstep was placed in a special task force. The Magic Hunter Task Force was a force that hunted down dangerous objects that held great magics capable of destroying cities. He found out once he returned that Congo ran the entire underground trade at Manehatten. He came back in contact with Congo and promised immunity from the law for assistance with hunting of the dangerous artifacts. He heard the door of the office open and a voice say “Its been awhile Shadowstep.” “That it has Congo” Shadowstep said. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter Three //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter Three Congo enter the room standing a few inches taller then Shadowstep. He was dress in jeans that were worn and frayed near the knees, the shoes he wore were a black leather boots, the belt was a simple black leather belt with a skull and cross bones belt buckle, and he wore a black tee shirt with a red vest.  His hair drooped a little over his face and was black, short, and scruffy in the back. He was very thin and looked very fragile, like a starving man. However he was a Lupus, a race from the far western boarder of Equestria, which means his muscles where more compacted in his body. This meant even though lupus don't look that strong, they are almost as strong as the Earthen. Their nails nails were built differently then most. Since the Lupus most live underground to dig out gems and other earthly riches their nails harden to the point where it could tear through rock and softer metals like a knife though butter. He was followed closely by two girls, one on each side. He instantly recognized them from his childhood friends, Shiva on the left and Lyla on the right. Lyla was the runner of the gang from Shadowstep past. Congo found her after some incident that not even Shadowstep knows, all that was known to him was that she didn't like fire. She was the fastest in the gang and often proved it in races in the underground passages under the city. Even though Shadowstep was fast, he couldn't hold a candle to her speed. She was competitive while growing up when it came to races and often spend time with Shadowstep since they were both around the same age while in the gang and learned various things from him. Her hair was brown, short, and combed forward. She wore canvas shoes, wore light olive green pants, and wore short sleeved shirt with a hood on it. She was just a tad bit shorted then Shadowstep. When Shadowstep left the Diamond Dongs six years ago she was beginning to learn parkour. He wondered how good she had gotten during his six year away from the city. Shiva was a bit of a dominatrix. When ever they need information Shiva would always handle the interrogation of who they got a hold of. Hell even Shadowstep was slightly afraid of her. She had short purple hair. She wore leather boots that went up to her mid Thigh, wore arm gloves almost all the way to the shoulders, and a one piece leather dominatrix suit that showed the curvature of her body. Shadowstep then noticed what she had strapped to the side of the suit.  He first noticed her famous electro whip, Bell as she named it, which on contract would send a electric shock to anyone it touches. Congo made it custom for her and she welded it with deadly precision. Congo extended a hand forward and Shadowstep took it. “It's been far too long since we have seen each other.” Congo said. “Indeed. Although you have been making it hard for me to keep you out of jail.” He replied. “How is that we never do anything too bad?” Congo chuckled. “Uh huh and those reports of girls going missing and turning up the next day are just bullshit reports.” he responded. “Well you know how unreliable those reports can be.” Congo said. “Well just be thankful I'm able to keep those reports buried underneath massive amounts of paperwork. I am be still an underground informant for you, but I can still be arrested and placed in jail for covering your ass.” He said with great calm. “We know. We been careful with who we take and for how long. We also know you wouldn't sell us out easy and the same could be said for us.” Congo said with a smirk on his face. “Well other then me and Bladebreaker over there, only three people know I still talk to you and trade information. Those three would be the two princesses Luna and Celestia and my brother Knight-guard Lightblade, and the only reason I'm in this is position of power was cause the princess saw talent in my magic and decided to ignore my past and just place me in the royal academy.” He said. Shiva went over to Bladebreaker's desk and sat on it. “Well it can't be all that bad. I mean you don't look like your dying from stress.” She said. “It's not that bad  but Celestia's council knows I know you all and they want me to tell them everything I know since they view Congo as a rebel who needs to be in jail or at worse killed they keep grilling me to try and help them find you.” He said as he want back to sitting behind his desk. “Well if that's how the council feels why doesn't Celestia court martial you?” Lyla asked as she leaned against the wall. “Because she feels that my connection to you all is important to the city and protection of the citizens. Also no matter what they did they couldn't get me to talk.” Shadowstep said. “Is it because you has a crush on Lyla?” Shiva asked bluntly. Lyla started to blush. “How the hell did you find out?” Shadowstep asked with eyes wide open. “Please Shadowstep your easier to read then Congo is when he's drunk.” Shiva said. “Well other then Shiva bluntly explaining my secrets that's not the only reason. You people are my family. Sure I have my brother but you all help raise me to who I am. I'm not going to sell the people who raised me out just like that.” Shadowstep said firmly. “Well all that aside we can by to ask for help.” Congo said. A gut feeling told Shadowstep that what ever they need help with was bad, cause that's the only time Congo asked for help directly.