The Zealot

      The sound of thousands of hoof stomps could be heard as the dozens upon dozens of Canterlot's Ponies cheered as Princess Luna's chariot landed in front of the main gates. There, the Night Goddess, and her Human guardsman disembarked, and made their way into the castle walls, where even more Ponies of countless colors, and castes gave loud vocal accolades of praise, and approval for the deed that had been done. Word had spread faster than a wild fire through out the city. The tale of how a great monster of endless dark power had invaded the very throne room, and accosted both Princesses. Rumors flew even faster of how the gallant, and noble Royal guards of both factions had combined their efforts to drive this terrible invader from the walls, and save their precious Alicorns.

   Now most of the looks of awe had befallen the alien champion of the Moon, as Shannon walked beside Princess Luna, with the Dream Reaver slung over both shoulders; his arms using it as a yoke. While he heard every citation that was thrown in his direction, the only thing he could think of; is how weak he felt at this particular moment. The battle was over, his enemies had been slain in the name of his Worship. Though he could not help but feel empty since the Abyssal that had dwelled with in him had vanished along with Shadow Vein's half. With that power at his command, he could have easily brought down any of his Goddess's foes with just the smallest amounts of effort. Now, all he was, was just a normal Human again, subject to all the flaws, and failings that were wrapped inside his mortal shell. That's when he caught the sight of his Worship looking to him quickly, and giving him the most gracious of smiles. He then brought his one hand up to the long black handle of the Dream Reaver, and grasped it tightly. He knew then that it was through her he had all the power he would ever need to fulfill her wishes, and desires. Nothing else now, or beyond this day would he need, to become her will, just her.

   Down a great long hall Luna, and Shannon turned, where several Royal Guardsmen quickly filed in behind them, and closed off the still cheering, and clamoring onlookers from following. He could hear Luna take in a long sigh as her normal prestigious high step became just a normal walk; slowing in it's pace. It made Shannon smile at the fact that even in such a stressful time, that his great Night Princess was still able to put on a regal demeanor in the faces of her followers. to show them that even in the most daunting of times, she would always stand strong, and be the great Alicorn that they all knew she was; even if she herself did not feel it. He was about to say something, anything he could think of to alleviate the sadness she must have been feeling at that moment, now that she had a chance to. After all, she had just lost three of her closest guardsmen in the span of just a day, and the weight of it must have felt like an immeasurable boulder resting on her long, sleek back. However, just as Shannon was about to address her, a voice came from down the hall; one with much anger, and furious intent.

   "Shannon!" Shining Armor called out in a rough, and growled voice. It was enough to make both the Human, and the Princess stop suddenly in their tracks, and turn to face the blue haired unicorn as he came towards them in a fast pace. That's when Shannon looked over to his Goddess, and saw her head droop towards the floor, and her eyes dim a slight bit. He knew that this was something that she did not want to deal with right now. So that's when he stepped in front of her, and let the Dream Reaver slide down his right arm, where it came into hard contact with the floor, making a slow, subtle rumble flow through the thick stone tiles.

   "My Worship, and I have matters to attend to, that do not concern you Shining. Whatever dealings you have with me, they will wait until a more opportune time." As he finished speaking, he tried to turn, but was halted once again by Shining's commanding holler.

   "You will not turn your back, and leave Human! Not until you have heard what I have to say," Shining said as he came to a stop just a few feet from Luna, and Shannon. Though now that he thought about it, he should have perhaps stopped sooner, as he was in direct striking distance of the massive weapon Shannon held blade first to the floor.

   "And you are treading on very dangerous ground little Pony," Shannon said as he placed his free hand down to his waist, and quickly tapped his fingers rapidly onto the now torn, and tattered material of his long coat. "I think it would be wiser to simply walk away."

   "Don't you threaten me!" Shining said with a furrowed brow, and clenched jaw. He was at this time about to make his point, and say everything he wanted, though he was quickly cut off by a louder voice than he could ever muster.

   "That is enough!" Luna cried out, using the Canterlot Royal Voice. "This is not the time or place for this. It has been a very long, and horror filled day. I will not be delayed any longer by simple stallion squabbles!" Her look had turned stone like, and stern. Though it was a look that she was giving solely to Shining Armor, she made sure to give Shannon a small glance as not to show favoritism directly here in open sight amongst her, and her sisters most valuable guards. While Shining took on a look of shock from being yelled at, it was Shannon she felt the worst for as he took on a stance of submission, and almost a slump of cowardice. It made her feel terrible to see that, and she would have to make sure she corrected her intentions the second they had a moment alone. "Now," she began as she returned her voice to normal. "I will be returning to my room. Shannon, you hear what Shining has to say. Then send him to my sister, to inform her of my return.

   Without hesitation or thought, Shannon dropped his head as much as he could, bringing his feet together, in a handless salute. "You word is my will, my Worship."

   "As you wish Princess," Shining said as he to not only bowed his head, but was sure to take out any sharp tones he had previously used. With that, Luna turned quickly on her hooves, and continued down the hall. She felt confident in the fact that she had told Shannon to make sure that Shining was the one to inform Celestia of her return. It was something she knew that her sister had already been told, but it was something that was needed to insure Shining's overall safety if being left alone with a still very tense Shannon.

   The two males stood there for a few silent moments. Shining had his eyes locked on Shannon, however, Shannon was paying him absolutely no mind as he watched in quiet admiration while his Goddess disappeared by turning a corner. "It's like watching a school stallion watch his filly crush walking home,"  Shining said with a tone dripping of sarcastic informality. The words that he spoke, made Shannon turn slowly on his heels, as he made a quick sucking sound with his teeth.

   "To an oblivious fool like you, I am sure it would. I very seriously doubt you know how to even grace your Goddess, and wife with the devotion, respect, and undying loyalty someone like my Worship deserves. That is why your meager Sun Princess, and even your picture perfect love Pony will never achieve the grand amounts of power my great Night Goddess holds in the smallest fraction of her being."

   Shining knew that Shannon was trying to provoke him, he knew that if he gave him the slightest reason to; he would attack, and attack without mercy, or lack of resolve. He couldn't let those words slide however, he had to say something. For not only did this vile creation once again call Princess Celestia weak, he directly insulted his beloved Cadance. "Yes, well," he said while a forced pompous grin came to his muzzle. "Do remember that it was that meager Sun Princess that placed your great Goddess on the moon for a thousand years." As soon as he finished speaking, the grin was wiped clear off his face as Shannon lifted, then brought down the Dream Reaver with a solid strike to the ground, causing the whole hall to rumble, and quake.

   "That is something that would have never happened should I have been here, I assure you!" After the loud shout, Shannon quickly took in a breath, and regained his composure. "Oh and do trust me little Shining Armor. If I had been here during that glorious time where Nightmare Moon tried to take this pathetic little world. The outcome would have been much different, and naive simpletons like you would have already turned to dust in dark, shallow, unmarked graves."

   "Curse you Shannon!" Shining bellowed out as he fought every urge to just leap through the air, and thrash every ounce of life out of this dark creature before him. He wouldn't however, he knew that if he did so he would be lowering himself to Shannon's level, and as much as he thought he could trample the Human under hoof, he did not have the confidence to test the power that great axe held with in it. "Why?" he shouted again as he made a quick turn, took several steps away, then turned around again. "Why is it this way with you? We are both Guardsmen, we both work, and adore our Princesses. Why do you treat us so? It doesn't have to be this way!" An awkward still came over the two as Shining was finally able to tell Shannon how he truly felt. Though the Unicorn got a surprised look on his face when he saw Shannon just smile at him.

   "The answer is hidden there in your very words Shining." Shannon then shook his head, and lifted the massive scythe up to rest on his shoulder. "Work, adore, Princess. These are words a slack jawed dullard would use to describe a gaudy employer. It is to late for you to comprehend." The Human let out a sigh. "You will never understand."

   "Oh what?" Shining argued back. "Understand like you? To understand things as you do Shannon? I would have to become vicious, and cruel," he paused for just a moment as he brought his temper back down to a simmer. "I would have to become, evil." While the words felt powerful as they left his mouth, the effect apparently fell short as Shannon let out a quick bursting laugh.

   "Shining," Shannon said as he lowered to one knee, and looked the stallion directly in the eye. He then took his free hand, and made a waving gesture, as if he wanted Shining to come closer. Shining was confused by this sudden alteration in the outward nature of the human, but never the less, he took several steps forward, to a point where the two were almost face to face. "I am going to tell you a simple truth now. It is something I came to accept long ago, and the moment you do the same, you will find living to be a much easier task." Shannon leaned in a little further before he spoke, "In a land of Villains. The Hero is the most evil force in the Universe."

   Shining felt an ice cold cringe race down his spine, and back up again, forcing his eyes to pop open at the words he just took in. It was in that one phrase did he completely grasp why Shannon acted the way he did, why he did the things he did. He truly thought everything around him was evil. He, in some altered, and twisted way thought himself to be the hero in any given situation; a dark champion that was on a crusade to rid the world of forces more malicious than himself. Yet he was able to see beyond that when he looked upon Princess Luna, for whatever reason, he did not see the evil he saw in all other things, and that is why he was able to draw such resolve from her. In a way he almost felt sorry for the Human now. He had always viewed him as a sick monster that wanted nothing more than the death, and dismay of all those he came into contact with. Now though, he came to think that it must have been monsters that had turned him this way, to make him look at the world with such distortion, that everything looked as faded, and blurred as the very shadows he worshiped without fail. "Shannon, I," the stallion said in a much softer voice, and an almost forgiving look in his eyes. "I don't know what to say."

   Shannon just stood to his feet, and rolled his shoulders, slightly adjusting the Dream reaver in it's place. He then let a single laughing breath out of his nose as he turned around, and started to walk away. "I am not surprised," he said while taking the same path as Luna did before him. "No one ever does."

*****

      With an easy push, Shannon slowly opened the door to Luna's chambers. The guards outside the door gave him little trouble coming in, as his Goddess had made it very clear that she was not to be disturbed by no Pony, save for Shannon, or her sister. At first glance, she was no where to be seen. The room was dim, as the tinted windows made sure that very little of the fleeting daylight made it through. It took him just a few moments to adjust to the lack of light. It was something he enjoyed however. More often than not, he would get a headache if he was exposed to the Sun's rays for to long. For just a quick moment, he leaned his back to the door. A long sigh came from him as he finally let his body start to relax from the constant pressing of stress he had been at for over the past few days. His eyes closed, while he took in a deep exhale, the relaxation came to a sudden stop as he heard the sounds of hoof beats coming from the other room. He opened his eyes just in time to see his Princess come rushing at him.

   With unbridled force, Luna came crashing into Shannon, pinning him deeply to the door, and even making a sharp exhale come from his mouth as quite a bit of the air in his lungs was pushed out. Never the less, as soon as the side of her head made contact with his chest, and pushed up against it as far as it would go, he let go of his great axe; letting it fall to the ground. "Oh Shannon!" she cried out as she tried to get as much of herself against him as possible while he in turn wrapped his arms around her neck. "I missed you so much! I was so worried when you left! I didn't know where you went. I couldn't find you. And when you, and Shadow Vein fought, and I saw him impale you with his horn." She couldn't help but start a slow sob at this point, finally letting all the emotions she had been keeping pushed down come to the surface. "I thought I had lost you at that moment. It almost felt as if my heart had been torn from me."

   For a time, all Shannon did was keep his embrace on her as tight as he could, even though the amount of pressure she had applied to him was causing a stinging in his chest; both from his prior fights, and being sandwiched between her, and the door. He really wasn't quite sure what to say at this point. He was never very skilled at deep emotional moments such as this. He did know that her mind was probably bursting at the seams with questions of everything that had happened both before, and after the encounter in the throne room; he just didn't know where to start. "Shining Armor has returned to where ever your sister may be," he said with a grimace, knowing all to well that was probably the last thing she wanted to hear.

   "Oh?" she answered back as she pulled away just enough to look up at him with her large glossed over eyes. With that, she let out a long laugh as she saw the odd look on his face. "Has he now?" She continued to laugh while she placed her head back to his chest. "Well thank you very much for doing my bidding, Guardsmen."

   "I am nothing more than an avenue for your desires to become reality Worship," he said with more confidence in his tone as he knew at least he could be that for her.

   "Shannon, come on!" she laughed out again with a sniffle from her nose while pulling away, and walking several feet before turning to face him. "I know we didn't say much to each other on the trip home, with all the other guards there. I know Shining interrupted our coming here together. But do you have any idea what I have been going through these past few days? Where you were, what had happened to you? Then when you finally come back to me, I have to send you off to fight to the death with one of my very own Guardsmen? I didn't know if that massive explosion was you, if it was him; or the both of you." She calmed herself with a deep inhale, then let her breath flow from her as she let her head slump towards the floor. "Just please, tell me you missed me. Let me know I was somewhere in your thoughts at some point."

   "At some point?" Shannon repeated as he slowly pulled himself from the door, and began to approach his Night Goddess mare with a subtle swagger. "There was no 'at some point,' my Worship." By this time he had reached her, and reached out to take her slender, and dainty head softly into both of his hands, coercing her to look up at him. "Every moment, of every day, and every night, you were at the fore front of my thoughts. Every voice I heard that was not yours, I cursed to the deepest depths of Darkness it self. I ached with the pain of not being able to swim in the overpowering flow of your great presence." He then lowered his head, and placed it on hers, right below her horn, making her close her eyes tight, and push up to only increase the bond of their touch. "My only saving grace, the only thing that kept my sanity intact, is when I could look upon the great benevolent Moon above me; feel the chilling warmth of it's rays, and know in some way that you were there with me."

   The all powerful Moon Goddess felt as if she would melt into a gooey puddle right there on the floor as his silver laced words danced in her ears. She could feel all four of her legs weaken, and her knees start to tremble as her bottom lipped popped into her mouth, where her teeth bit down. All in one fluid motion she pulled away, and at the same time thrust her head upwards, where she made sure her lips pressed as deeply to his as they could. She allowed herself to let out a passionate moan as she felt him press himself towards her, and magnify their lips embrace. Even when she felt him start to lessen his pressure; letting her know that he was about to pull away. She let out a small frustrated groan, and lengthened her neck as much as she could before finally giving way, and pulling back from their kiss.

   "It was him you know," Shannon said as he walked past her, straightening his coat, flipping the flowing locks of hair to where they rested on his back, as he reached inside his inner coat pocket. Luna couldn't see what he had in his hand. For as soon as he removed whatever was there, he kept his back to her. "The explosion you saw, it was him. With a devastating blow from your immaculate gift to me. I was truly able to over power him." That's when he turned around, and she was able to see what he had been keeping with him; the long severed horn of a dark unicorn. "While I could care less if his cursed remains are swallowed from either the very ground he laid upon as I left him to rot, or the vile creatures of the wild itself. I wanted to keep something of him, to present to you, my Worship."

   "His horn," she whispered out as she looked wide eyed at the macabre trophy she was being given. It surely wasn't the normal sweet smelling flowers, or giant box of chocolates she had received from other suitors in the past. She knew that in some dark twisted way, this was Shannon showing a large amount of affection towards her. He didn't present it to her in front of a large crowd of onlookers. He didn't give a long speech of how this represented the rage he would rain down on any who opposed her. He was just giving her a present, to show that even in the very throws of battle, and the great threat of death, he was thinking of her. "I," she began as she took hold of the dismembered horn, holding it in the air for a few seconds, before moving it to where it came to rest as a center piece on a large round glass table. "I love you Shannon." As soon as she said those words, she held her breath. All she wanted was to hear those three tiny words from him. No great declaration of loyalty, no elegant slinging of words towards her divinity, just three words. Her eyes widened as she saw him start to lean towards her, his lips parting to say something. It was then a loud banging came to shatter the moment at hand.

      "Oh of all the poor timing!" Luna hissed as her head snapped towards the door, her teeth visible in a hard clinch, while her eyes narrowed to vicious slits that could have turned even the most solid of rocks into a blazing pile of ashes. "The castle had better be on fire!" she bellowed out again as she stomped her way towards the door, grabbing it with her magic, and then ripping it open to view who had destroyed the one moment she had been waiting for. "What?" she yelled, then quickly pulled the menacing look from her face as she saw who was standing there before her. "T-Tia!"  she coughed as her elder sister stood there outside the door, with a rather disjointed look on her face.

   "I do hope I am not interrupting anything," the Sun Goddess said with a sarcastic tone as she invited herself in, walking past her still shocked sister, and eyeing the Human in the room.

   "No of course not," Luna said as she shut the door behind her, and came stepping lively in front of Celestia.

   "Yes, you are," Shannon added while placing himself beside his Moon Goddess, and crossing his arms.

   "Shannon!" Luna gasped out with a mock laugh as she reached up, and nudged him gently. "He's kidding Tia, I promise. But what are you doing here? You should still be in bed resting. I would have come to see you if you needed anything.

   "Well all the excitement around the castle gave me quite a bit of energy. Plus I wanted to come, and congratulate our dear Shannon personally. For all the self sacrifice, and hard work he has shown towards our small little Empire." Both Celestia, and Shannon were looking each other dead in the eyes. Though after Celestia had finished speaking, he was quick to let her know how seriously he was taking her, by rolling his eyes, and making a sudden sucking noise through his teeth. "Then there is the matter of a reward."

   "Reward?" Luna added with question as she brought one eyebrow up, while the other fell to show her lack of understanding.

   "Oh dear sister," Celestia said with a light hearted laugh. "You didn't honestly expect me to not give our great hero here his just rewards for vanquishing that vile Abyssal did you?"

   "There is nothing you have, that I want," Shannon said as he uncrossed his arms, and walked away from the white Alicorn. "I did what was needed of me in the service of my supreme Goddess," he began as he reached the place by the door where he had let the Dream Reaver come down to the floor. "Wether it be dealing with her insignificant enemies." He made a quick gesture with his hand, and in a flash the giant scythe leaped from the ground, and into his hands where he brought it up to rest on his shoulders. "Or doing a task as menial as picking flowers in the light of the Moon. I am nothing more than a tool for her to use to express her desires. I am sure it is something you wouldn't be used to with your golden clad minions."

  While Luna was very taken back as always with Shannon's dedication, and complete lack of humility to show it. It was the look on her sister's face that made her feel just a bit uneasy. For instead of giving him a narrow eyed glare, with mashing teeth at the obvious insult he had just thrown her way. She just stood there, with an odd smile over her muzzle. "Well what he means to say is-" She tried to interject as to smooth over the current tensions in the room.

   "I know exactly what he is trying to say, sister," Celestia said, cutting off her little sister's explanation. "And as always Shannon, you have my gratitude for being such a devote to my sister's needs. Which is just another reason for me to give to you this small token of appreciation. It is nothing grand by any means, just a bit of information."

   Shannon did not for one second trust this overly kind demeanor the Sun Princess was pouring onto him. Shaking off his verbal lashings with a smile, thanking him for doing things she would have normally tried to prevent if she had the chance. He knew all to well she was hiding true motives under her gleaming pink eyes. However, he did find it interesting that she was offering him information as a reward, when she could just tell him, she was trying to play herself as an ally in this situation, and it did amuse him to a degree. "Very well, Princess," he said, wanting to make sure that the tone of his sarcastic formality was well understood. "Just what information do you have for me?"

   "Well it seems that the night poor little Shadow Vein lost his mind, and attacked me. I just happened to run into a very interesting individual. As a matter of fact, they claimed to know you very well indeed." She paused for a moment, wanting to see if Shannon was taking in all she said. Though, he did nothing but stand there, glaring at her. "He was at Ponyville the night I met him. He told me his name. What was it now?" she teased as she looked up to the ceiling, and brought her hoof up to her chin in a false thought. "Ah yes, Devan Crey."

   Before any of the two Princesses could react, Shannon had taken hold of the door; throwing it open, and dashing down the hallway in a flash. Luna was quick to follow, calling out his name in chase, as Celestia as well limped out after them both. "Luna!" she yelled out, trying to get her sister's attention. Her wounds still gave her body much pain as she tried to hurry to catch up, and her muscles still ached all over from her confrontation with Shadow Vein. "Luna, wait! Please, comeback!" Fortunately for her, Luna decided to turn around quickly, and rush back to her sister as she saw she was having trouble moving down the hall in a hurry.

   "Tia! Is it true? Is there another Human here? One that actually knows Shannon?" Luna shouted excitedly as she jogged in place while Celestia still limped quickly forward.

   "It is true sister. I was meaning to tell him at an earlier time. Though, certain circumstances prevented me from doing so." With that, Luna once again took off in a dead run, making Celestia shout out in a panic, "Luna, wait! Don't go!" The Moon Princess did not stop this time, she simply turned her head, and called down the corridor.

   "I have to go with him Tia! Please, take care of things here for me!" As soon as she had said those words, she turned a corner, and was gone. Celestia just let out a sigh of both fatigue, and frustration as she came down from her strained trotting, to a more relaxed walk. While the effect she had desired came to pass on Shannon, removing him from the castle to meet his newest enemy in Ponyville. She had hoped to not get Luna involved, though it looked as it was something that just could not be help now. She truly didn't want her sister to watch her new mate's demise at the hands of a stranger, and she knew she would have to be prepared to do a large amount of consoling when she returned.

*****

      "So I told him: 'Oh, I thought you meant the blue one!' " Devan said, causing a cascade of laughter to echo all over the front of the small little restaurant. Fluttershy, and her Human mate had become quite hungry after a long day of time with each other, and she had convinced him to come with her into town. Like most of the places he did not have decent intelligence on, he tried his best to keep a low profile, but being the only Human in the whole town made it a rather impossible chore. So he decided to make the best of it, and rely on his 'dashing spy' social skills. Soon enough, an entire gathering of Ponies had collected themselves to get an up close look at one of the only two mysterious creatures that had come to their world. It was something Devan was used to. Back on Earth he would place him self into large social gatherings for recon, and information gathering, so being the life of the party was a skill he had actually trained for.

   Fluttershy though was acting very nervous, and one might even think a little clingy, and over protective. She would not leave his side for one moment, she rarely said anything except to answer questions that were addressed to her directly. More often than not, she was actually grasping on Devan's arm when he wasn't using them to animate one of his many stories that several of the Ponies had almost pleaded with him to tell. She wasn't trying to be mean, or really even stand offish. It's just she felt very fortunate to be the one at Devan's side. There were so many other much more interesting, and prettier mares just in this town , let alone the whole of Equestria. She just hated to think of what could happen if he was left alone with more attractive, and devious mares. It was when she felt Devan reach behind her, and gently stroke her back, as he looked down and gave a wide warming smile. It was then a small amount of her anxiety started to subside. For even though many other Ponies were trying to grab his attention, he took the time to acknowledge she was there, and tried to comfort her.

   "Your world just sounds absolutely divine Devan!" Rarity commented after hearing many stories of some of the high grade social gatherings. "The big cities, full of lights. All of societies high rollers coming in finely pressed suits, and elegant gowns." The pretty little unicorn looked as if she had stars dancing in her eyes as she raised up on her back legs, and clapped her hooves together. "You make it sound as if everyday there was like the Grand Galloping Gala!"

   "Easy there Rarity," Applejack said with a chuckle on her voice. "Don't want you getting to excited, there isn't a couch around here for you to fall on."  This made several of the Ponies in the vicinity to get a good laugh and the fashionista's expense, though Rarity was quick to brush it off as she turned back to Devan.

   "Now Devan, you simply must allow me to make you some clothing. We can't have you running around town in the same," she paused for a moment to look over Devan's black clothes." Grim, shall we say? Outfit all the time."

   "Oh but Rarity. You've never made anything for a Human before," Fluttershy said with the thoughts of not letting Rarity get Devan alone, then take his measurements. It wasn't that she didn't trust her good friend. She just knew that if she got a look at Devan's unique physical qualities, it would be the talk of the town in no time, and she didn't want to embarrass Devan.

   "Pfft, Fluttershy, darling." Rarity came back as she turned her head up, and to the side, while tossing her mane back. "I am a professional. And as such, I would just leap at the opportunity to make the first set of clothes for Ponyville's only Human! Why designers from all over Equestria would come to see my work."

   "Well, that's kind of you Rarity," Devan said as he took the glass of water from the table, then leaned back to place his arm back around Fluttershy. "Don't think a new wardrobe is in my budget right now anyway."

   "Well come on out and work a spell or two in the apple orchards." Applejack whinnied in a pleasant tone. "Or you could help fix up a couple of the storage barns. Fraid they have gotten a little run down."

   "Yeah," Devan hissed out in an almost nervous tone, reaching up to scratch his head. "Never been one for manual labor. And the last time I tried to build something, I kinda burned down a construction site." This had the desired effect Devan was aiming for as most of the gathered crowd let out a bellow of laughs at his portrayal of incompetence. "Besides," he said as he looked down at Fluttershy. "I am just starting my retirement. I plan on doing some catching up on living, with my mare here." After he said this, he leaned down, and gave Fluttershy a quick kiss on the lips, making her close her eyes, and do the same.

   The multitude of verbal swoons was almost deafening as the collection of Ponies watched in sweet awe, and some even in mild jealousy of the public display of affection. "It's just so romantic!" Rarity cried out. "A quiet little mare from a middle of no where town. A dark, and mysterious alien stranger from another world. Two start crossed lovers destined to meet against all odds." Devan couldn't help but laugh at Rarity's dramatic description of he and Fluttershy's meeting. The fact that several other mares in his line of sight had the same distant gaze in their eyes, as they allowed themselves to be taken up by the fantasy.

   "Anyway," Devan said as he placed the glass on the table. "Been great hanging out with you all. Think Shy, and I are going to turn in early." With that, Devan rose to his feet, while Fluttershy quickly jumped to her hooves. She had to smile at his wanting to be alone with just her, and the audible disapprovals from the crowd at his leaving made her feel as if she was with a high class celebrity.

   However, their departure was quickly halted as Rainbow Dash came swooping down into the crowd, almost crash landing due to her haste. "Guys, guys!" the blue pegasus shouted as she leaped several times, to make up some distance, and getting the attention of all there. "I think one of the Princesses is coming here!" This made many of the Ponies let out gasps, and look to one another as questions danced from mouth to mouth. "Look!" Dash said as she pointed up to the sky, towards the still setting Sun, where a faint silhouette could be seen in the fleeting rays, getting closer, and closer by the second.

   With in just mere moments, the tiny dot in the sky became a speeding flash as Princess Luna's Dark Pegasus pulled chariot came thundering over the small town. The crowd of once joyous Ponies started to scatter, and rush towards the new visitor. Devan however was not in the least impressed by the sudden show of theatrics. For as the flying carriage came into view, he could see all to well the one occupant that caught his eye. "Shannon, you over dramatic asshole," he sighed out as he picked up his coat from the chair, throwing it on, while at the same time, reaching back, and adjusting the holsters that were strapped to his back.

      In the large town square, almost every Pony in town had made their way to view the unannounced, and unexpected arrival of Princess Luna. Several circles the regal, and dark looking carriage made around the town center, before the two Dark Pegusi brought it down to the ground, causing a rustle of light dust to be shaken up from the stone walkways. Once the chariot had come to a halt, many Ponies started to approach, until the Human with the massive black steel scythe leaped down, causing many of the small equines to halt in the tracks, and others to retreat away completely.

   With a deep slow scan of the area, and all those before him, Shannon turned his head from side to side. He could sense all to well the tension that was brought up by he, and his Goddess's arrival. He felt as if something was off however, something about these Ponies made it feel as if he was a familiar sight. That's when he knew that it wasn't he they had become accustomed to, but Devan, who had more than likely made himself well known to the citizens of this rural town. He knew the tactic, the hide in the open, while at the same time letting all who was there know you were there. It was Devan's way of trying to bait him here, and it made him wonder just how long he had been here hiding in this town, preparing, waiting.

   Luna was right behind Shannon, making a single leap to the ground. As soon as she had her footing, she gave the two pegusi a quick glance, where they reared up on their hind legs, and lept high into the air; taking the chariot with them. A tan coat, and silver haired Pony started to approach the two of them, she wore a long smile, as she stopped before Luna, and gave a quick bow. She had just opened her mouth to start speaking, but that is when Shannon brought the blade of the Dream Reaver down to the ground, causing a massive shudder to rumble through the streets. "Devan!" He shouted, looking past the now panicked Ponies running scared from the sudden shaking. "Where are you?" he called out again, still surveying the sides of houses, tiny alleyways, and even the rood tops.

   "Yeah, yeah," Devan said as he rounded a corner of a building that was being used as a shield by many of the frightened onlookers. Fluttershy was right there by his side, although, she was not able to put on the face of bravery that her mate wore. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash were also quick to join at the Pegasus's side, each one with a varying look of confusion at the sudden arrival of the other Human, and the actions he had taken to get their attention. "No need to make a big commotion Shannon. It's not your style." As soon as he took notice of the weapon Shannon was holding, he closed his eyes, and shook his head as a smug snicker came from his nose. "Wow, that's really cute. I didn't know they had a Ren Fair here."

   Shannon said nothing to the taunts that were being tossed his way. He just simply let a one sided smile come to the corner of his mouth, then he turned, completely putting his back to Devan and his group. "Forgive me my Worship," he said as he knelt down to one knee, and placed his blessed axe on the ground by Luna's hooves. "I do not mean it an insult, but I believe I will be dealing with this person with my bare hands."

   Luna smiled down at him as she leaned in, and gently nuzzled his ear. "Please be careful. He looks very skilled."

   Devan let his jaw drop to it's fullest as he watched Shannon actually place himself in a position of humility before the tall, slender dark coated Pony. Never once in a million years would he think Shannon would humble himself before anyone, or anything. Yet there he was, bowed down, having something told to him by what he could only guess was another Alicorn, like the one he had met prior. Shannon then stood up quickly, and while turning back around, slipped off his coat, and tossed it to the ground. "Alright," he mumbled to him self as he also slid his arms out of his own coat. He turned to Fluttershy, who at this point looked as if she were about to explode from the look on her little muzzle. Devan just smiled at her as if nothing was wrong, then placed his coat over her back. "Hey there! You look pretty cute in black," he said as he gave her a wink, and made a pistol gesture with his thumb, and fore finger.

   "Devan, p-please," Fluttershy said in a quivering tone. "D-d-don't fight him. The secret you told me. J-just don't." Her large blue green eyes became as shiny as a crystal lake. tears forming from the worry that something truly awful might befall her new found love, it was something she was having a very hard time dealing with. She really wished Twilight was here, that way, they could all wear their Elements, and make sure nothing bad happened.

   "Have to," Devan whispered as he as well came down to one knee, and placed his hand on the top of her head. He gave her long mane one good stroke, then leaned in, and gave her a short, but deep kiss. "Now you will cheer for me right?" he asked as he pulled away, and stood back to his feet. He gave a long grin as she forced a smile to her lips, and nodded in response. With that, he spun around quickly, while at the same time, reaching behind him, taking hold of the hand guns, and pulling them from their holsters. With two loud clicks, the hammers of the pistols fell back, and the barrels came to a fast rest, aimed directly at Shannon's chest. While many gasps could be heard through the now gathered, yet distant crowd, Shannon did nothing to react to the fire arms being pointed at him, but simply cross his arms. That's when Devan let the hammers fall pack into their starting position, then reached to the sides of the guns, and clicked a button, making the clips slide from the handles, and clank to the ground. With a slow start he began to walk towards Shannon, while at the same time tossing the guns to the ground. "Shannon Nyx right? From Earth? Wow, it is so weird meeting you like this," he said with an obvious comical, and sarcastic voice.

   Shannon let out a quick sucking noise through his teeth, as he uncrossed his arms, and started a slow nonchalant step towards Devan. Soon the two were toe to toe with one another, and a still, dead quiet fell over the entirety of the town as all in the make shift audience looking on with unblinking eyes. "Missing something?" Shannon asked as he brought his hand up to his face, and made a tapping gesture on his nose.

   Devan smiled at the mime, but just shook his head. "Nah, that isn't me. I don't need it anymore," Devan responded, then looking directly at Shannon's face. "And yours?" he asked as he reached up, and made the same movement Shannon did with his hand.

   "Burned off in an explosion," Shannon said as he let a sly grin come to him with the memories of dealing the fatal blow to the traitorous Shadow Vein.

   "Ah, I see, I see," Devan said, in a whispered tone, almost as if he was trying to make small talk. He then leaned to the side a few inches, looking over Shannon's shoulder to get a quick glimpse of the tall, Dark Pony standing completely still. "Hmm, she's cute. Didn't know you were into goth chicks though."

   Shannon quickly smiled, and nodded his head in a way of showing that the challenge was understood, and accepted. He then looked over Devan's shoulder, in a way that had been done to him, looking the small little yellow Pegasus that he witnessed Devan kiss just seconds earlier over for a moment, then returned to look Devan square in the eyes. "And I was unaware that yellow, and pink were your favorite colors. Perhaps I should have brought you a nice arrangement of flowers, and a pretty little apron so you two could prance through a meadow together."

      Devan let a single mocking laugh come from him as he placed the weight of his body slowly forward to his toes. "Yeah well. You know." With that, Devan lunged forward, with a solid clenched fist, that was coming straight at Shannon's jaw. The blow was quick, powerful, and precise with it's intent. Shannon however was not in the least bit surprised by Devan's sudden attack, and was able to easily avoid the felling blow all with but a simple back step. This was only the beginning however of Devan's assault. A twisting acrobatic dance of thrown punches, and kicks came from Devan as he tried as hard as he could to land a limb on Shannon's body. Though Shannon just became a mere partner in the flurry of Devan's blows. He dodged, and evaded with the best of his abilities, keeping in perfect synch with all of Devan's blurred movements. It was then Devan let out a powerful yell, and tossed himself into the air, fist drawn back, and coming down to over power Shannon's greatest defense.

   Stepping inwards, Shannon slid himself across the ground, putting his shoulder directly in Devan's abdomen as his assailant came towards the ground. A pained groan came from Devan as he felt his self being stopped suddenly in mid air. It was then Shannon reached around Devan's waist, and one up to where he grabbed a hold of Devan's hair. He gave a great twist of his hips, and brought Devan to the ground with a hard smash. This is were Shannon quickly maneuvered himself to lay himself in a cross position over Devan's chest, while at the same time, snaking his lean powerful arm to take hold of Devan's neck in a powerful head lock. "Predictable, crude, and very uninspired Devan," Shannon taunted as he increased the the squeeze around his captive's neck. He could hear Devan try to speak, though the amount of crushing force on his wind pipe was making all but impossible to say anything clearly. "I'm sorry? Did you want to say something? You will have to speak up if you want me to hear you."

   In one fluid motion, Devan arched his back, using his feet to put as much of his weight on his shoulders as possible. Then with a hard thrust, he brought both of his feet downwards, a move that placed the tops of both his boots with tremendous force on top of Shannon's head. He could feel Shannon try with all his strength to not lose the grip he had on him, but it was to late. Devan brought one foot down to the ground to support his bridge, while the other fell into a chamber along with his knee. With a sharp inhale of what little air could be gained from Shannon's lessened grip, Devan brought his one foot down again, this time coming into clear contact with Shannon's head, making him have to abandon the hold as he rolled away, and leaped to his feet. Devan did the same, even lacking much of the air he needed, he was still able to place both hands beside his head, and push himself up off the ground with a kick from his legs; placing him on his feet.

   Shannon took a long step to the right, then another sweeping motion to the left as he came in a fast charge towards the still recovering Devan. The lack of air, the sudden random movements, all of these a series of misdirections to get him in close so he could deliver a devastating series of pummels that would bring Devan down. This was the plan at least, that is until Devan hurled himself forwards, where he tucked himself into a somersault; all except his one leg that became a stiff rolling guillotine as Devan's compact state rolled in between Shannon's spread legs. The sweeping kick struck Shannon hard, and solid in both the stomach, and the groin, giving him no choice but to evacuate all the air from himself as he doubled over from the sudden shock of pain that raced through the afflicted areas. Devan finished his roll by coming up to his feet, but he did not pause as he once again started another roll. This time however, it was backwards; tossing himself several feet towards Shannon, but stopping himself on his shoulders while his legs continued on, becoming straight, and rigid as they came over his own head. The final move was placing a pushing kick directly into Shannon's backside, making him lose all balance, and fall forward.

   Once more Devan was on his feet by twirling his legs in a cork screw fashion, and placing himself to the ground where he spent only a mere moment to see Shannon trying to correct his own position. Devan took off in a mad dash to prevent Shannon from regaining his footing, completely prepared to run over Shannon's entire body with the amount of momentum he had gained. He stopped himself suddenly however, only to allow his one leg to thrust out in front of him with a powerful kick that was aiming more at the wall behind Shannon, rather than it's intended target. A look a shock came to Devan's face however, for just as soon as the kick was about to land, Shannon twisted just his upper body to face Devan, where his arms reached out and took hold of both his foot, and his leg right at the bend of his knee. It was here that Shannon pulled himself backwards, keeping an iron like grip on Devan's leg as he yanked Devan forward, while sticking his own leg up to trip up Devan's supporting leg, and brought him crashing hard, face first to the ground.

   Devan mashed his teeth together hard as the foul taste of sweat, and dirt rushed on to his tongue. He knew he was face first on the ground, and it was a place he didn't want to be. Quickly he rolled onto his back, just in time to see Shannon coming at him through the air with intents of pinning him where he was. Devan waited for what seemed like just a nanosecond to all those watching, and just before Shannon was about to finish his ground tackle, Devan placed both feet hard into Shannon's chest, while at the same time reaching up and grabbing his shirt. With another weight shifting roll onto his shoulders, Devan used Shannon's own power to turn him into a living projectile, sending him soaring uncontrollably through the air. Shannon landed hard on his back, with enough force to make him go lightheaded, and dim eyed. He did however manage to right himself onto his feet, though the lack of oxygen from his sudden rise gave him a head rush as he stumbled backwards through a yard, and came into deep contact with a wall behind him.

   With another loud grunt, Devan saw his opportunity to advance, and leaped at the chance. With a blinding rush, Devan put himself directly in front of Shannon, where he launched a bludgeoning combination of punches, ridge hands, and even elbows to Shannon's rib cage, stomach and face. It wasn't long though before Shannon was able to get his guard up, as he resorted to more of a boxing style as his arms became a solid wall in front of him. This did not stop Devan's onslaught however, he relentlessly continued his attacks like a machine that could not tire, desperately trying to get his opponent to falter in one way or another. It was only when Devan started to wind up with a blow that he was intending to become the beginning of the end of their confrontation. The small pause in Devan's strikes gave Shannon just enough time to kick with his manticore plated boots, bringing his leg up in a shallow roundhouse that met Devan's hips, and knocked him slightly off balance.

   Feeling the kick to his person, Devan decided to leap backwards, and land in a solid defensive stance, while at the same time Shannon pulled himself slowly from the wall, and stepped just a few feet from Devan, taking almost the exact same stance. "Well," Devan said with a series of long heaves of air, as his lungs tried as hard as they could to replenish themselves. "I think you're getting rusty Shannon. This has gone on far longer than I would have bet money on." Devan then let a small quivering grin come to his lips. "Or maybe you're just getting old."

   Shannon mocked his opponents smile, by getting one of his own; though it was much more sinister than the one it mirrored. "On my worst day. You will never be able to get the best of me. You never have, you never will."

   "Things change," Devan growled as he wiped both his smile, and a long stream of sweat from his lips, and chin.

   "Not this day," Shannon said, his smile not only persisted on his face, put grew in size, and angle. With this, the two moved exactly at the same time, rushing at each other to continue the brawl. Devan however had other plans as he looked down to the ground, and saw a long poled rake, with it's head pointed upwards. A stuttered side step was all it took for Devan to reach the gardening tool. He made a hard stomp, where his foot came down solid on the metal pointed spikes, causing the wooden handle to spring to life. Leaping from the ground, the long wooden pole of the rake shot up, making Shannon have to stop dead in his tracks to avoid being smashed in the face from it. It was this that gave Devan all the time he needed as he caught the swinging handle, then with a hard tap from his foot, sent the metal end of the tool flying through the air. Shannon actually made a loud shout of pain as the metal of the rake came crashing underneath his chin. Not only the pain that made him recoil, but the added force, and his instincts to get away is what threw Shannon backwards, and tumbling to the ground.

   "How was that for uninspired? You prick!" Devan laughed out as he pulled the rake back, and did a flowing set of twirling motions with it, before bringing it under his arm. Shannon pulled himself slowly from the ground, and brushed his long, now very much matted hair out of his face before spitting a small spout of blood from his mouth. He looked to Devan, who by this time was bouncing from foot to foot, confident in the fact that he had drained all that could be brought from Shannon's body. He then looked towards Luna; who saw him do so, and got a very concerned look on her face as she lifted a single hoof, as if she were coming to help him. With just a motion from his hand, he signaled her to stop, which she did with a reluctant pause. That's when he took in a deep breath, and pushed himself up to stand straight, giving Devan a sly, and wicked grin.

   "Now you see Devan. You forget your training," Shannon said as he reached up high with both arms, stretching himself, and causing several vertebrates to crack. "Very basic rules of engagement. Do not escalate the battle at hand, unless you are fully prepared to deal with the consequences." After saying this, Shannon stretched his arm outward to his side, and all of Ponyville could hear the loud screech of heavy metal being pulled across stone ground. Devan went completely wide eyed as he saw the massive black bladed axe tear itself across the ground, as if being pulled by a hundred men. Then with a dead stop, it slapped itself into Shannon's waiting hand, where he held it as if weighed no more than a feather.

   "I'm not scared of your toys!" Devan shouted as he lifted his own weapon high into the air, and rushed towards Shannon. He brought his rake as hard as he could in a full side swing, treating the tool more like a bat. It was here that Shannon made a small move of his arm, and brought the Dream Reaver to block the futile attack from Devan's mundane garden utensil. to Devan, it felt as he had just ran full speed into a solid metal wall. As soon as his rake came into contact with the shaft of Shannon's over sized scythe; it shattered into a thousand splinters that shot out like a fragmentation grenade. Added on top of this, he felt as if something had reached deep into his very being, and plucked out every last ounce of energy he could even muster.

   "This isn't a toy," Shannon hissed out as he reached back, and backhanded the perpetually stunned Devan, sending him spinning on his heels as he did all he could to not only remain conscious, but standing as well. It was all for naught however, Shannon advanced with simple slow steps, repeating his blow, over and over again, until Devan stood upright, blood streaming from his mouth, and nose. Shannon just chuckled as he chambered his knee to his chest, and snapped it forward, catching Devan directly in the abdomen, making him start to fall forward. Shannon did little, but wind his fist back, and launch an obliterating uppercut in to Devan's leaned over body, making him rock completely backwards, where he fell arms outstretched onto his back.

   "Devan!" Applejack shouted as she reared up on her hind legs, planning to hit the ground running to aide her new found friend from the monster weapon wielding opponent. However, She was stopped suddenly as Fluttershy placed herself in front of her. "Fluttershy, why?" Applejack asked with a look of unbelievable shock on her muzzle, and an equal amount of surprise in her voice. The rest of the girls, including many other onlookers as well, all turned their eyes towards the yellow mare.

   "It's a secret," Fluttershy said with a sniffle, her emotions becoming frayed, and ragged from watching Devan put himself through this whole ordeal. With their looks remaining the same, the Ponies all looked on with horror as Devan remained lifeless on the ground, with Shannon looming over him like a great predator, about to claim it's prize.

   Shannon wasted little time while he staggered, and paced a little over Devan's unmoving body. It was when he saw Devan open his eyes only to small slits, did he make his final move. With a loud grunt, Shannon brought the Dream Reaver up over his head, where he paused for just a second to make sure that Devan was looking up at him. Then, with a yell, Shannon brought the piercing blade of his blessed weapon down hard, finally ending the fight. He held tightly onto the handle of his Goddess gifted blade, finally allowing himself to take in deep burning breaths while looking to his side, and over his shoulder at all the drop jawed Ponies that got to witness the match. He let out a single chuckle, showing blood stained teeth, as he fell to one knee, and looked down at Devan. "Now tell me little brother. This entire time I have been gone. Did you actually practice your skills? Or did you just sit around, and watch TV?"

   Devan just let out a pained, and very frustrated sigh as he looked to his side, and saw the humming black blade sticking in the ground, no more than an inch away from his head. He looked up, and tweaked his lips into an offset position as he laid there, thinking the fight over for a moment, realizing that no matter what he had done; this entire session was just Shannon's little game to test him, like he had done so many times before. "Shannon," Devan said with a dry, and shallow voice. He used what little energy he had, to make a waving motion to beckon Shannon to come closer. The victor of the intense spar did what he was asked, and leaned down, using his weapon to support his shaky arms. "Eat a dick. You cheating asshole!" He then tried to make a swing of his arm to give his older brother a solid punch in the face. Shannon however, did not allow this small spite to take place, merely pushing Devan's arm away with little effort.

   "Devan," Shannon said as he raised to his feet, pulling the Dream Reaver from the ground. "If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times." He then let the axe blade of his weapon fall down, where the flat of the blade bounced off Devan's forehead, making him give a loud, childish cry of pain, where he even brought his hands up to his head, and rolled from side to side. "Stop cursing! It really makes you appear to be a dullard." Shannon then performed a small kick to Devan's leg, making Devan cry out once again. Shannon cared little for his siblings distress, as he placed the Dream Reaver over his shoulder, and walked away.

*****

      Luna watched in silence as she saw Shannon start to depart himself from the brutal scene that just unfolded. It was the words he spoke that had her mind reeling in place, that fact that not only did these two Humans know one another; they were related as well. It was something she had never once thought to ask Shannon; if he had a brother, or family at all. The persona that he wore made her think this entire time that he was void of such things, and now she realized that it was just a ruse that he had practiced, and mastered over time. Of course he had family, he was just a Human after all, and as far as she knew, Humans worked much in the same way Ponies did. Shannon did have a mother, he had a father, and now she knew that he had a brother. It a way it made her get a quaint smile as she continued to watch him walk, it made him seem so much more approachable. Not because of the fact that he had a family he never spoke of, but because of what she just witnessed made her think of the trials, and troubles her and Celestia had gone through. It made her come to think that she, and Shannon were more alike than even she knew.

   As she continued to think on the matter, she could see the resemblance now. They both had darker skin, they were both tall, and slender in their frames, their hair was the exact same, although she much more prefered Shannon's long razor straight flowing locks. The way they fought, the way they spoke, and the way they moved, she could see that while they may be brothers, they were very much different. While she looked towards Shannon, she noticed that each of his steps made a multitude of Ponies move backwards to avoid being in his path. They wanted nothing to do with him, even arriving the way he did, and showing his status as her Guardsmen, they were just frightened of him. That's when she looked towards Devan, still laying on the ground, but for him, many Ponies had come rushing to his aide. They all showed a deep concern for this alien creature that had just shown them all that he was capable of performing extreme acts of vicious violence. They didn't care, especially Fluttershy who was at this point weeping openly, as she threw herself on top of Devan, making him gasp out as the over flowing act of her affection aggravated the pains coursing through his body.

Once more she saw the characteristics that made her feel so much closer to Shannon. The Ponies feared him, just like they feared her for the most part. Yet they rushed towards Devan, who was essentially the same, just his presence was so much more inviting in some way, just like her, and her own sister. She was an Alicorn Goddess; Celestia was as well. She had the power to prove ultimately destructive if she so wanted, and the creatures of this world saw it. Yet, they looked upon Celestia with so much more admiration; they always had. Normally these thoughts made her very sad, but now a new thought came to her that made her smile. Even though many, if not all the Ponies saw her sister Celestia as the superior ruler, that's all they saw her as. Nopony ever even tried to court Celestia, perhaps they thought they were beneath her, or that she was not truly capable of such feelings. However, she no longer had to worry about troubles like those, she had found her mate; he was like her, he knew her, because he had more than likely gone through the same things. She turned her head to catch a full view of Shannon standing at a well, getting ready to quickly cool himself off. Yes, he was hers; she was his, but she just needed some explanations.

   Shannon leaned over the well by placing his hands on the rim, and letting out a long sigh as he let the muscles in his body relax, and try to lose their tension. He then grabbed the rope, and gave several slow hard pulls until the bucket full of water came close enough for him to grab it. While making sure his hair was completely over his shoulders, and pointing down into the well, he dumped the entire bucket over his head. For several seconds he just stood there, letting the water flow over his face, and down the long lengths of his hair, before doing a quick jerk with his head, causing his hair to flip backwards, and send a spray of water behind him. He tried to run his hands over his angular face, but stopped rather quickly with a quick inhale through his teeth as his hands hit the spot about where Devan had just smashed a rake into his chin.

   "Brothers huh?" Luna said as she walked up next to her Guardsman, and mate. Shannon just gave a small chuckle as he continued to lean over the well's rim. She was trying very hard to sound irritated, even more so she was attempting to keep a stern look on her muzzle, but his long, dripping wet hair, and heavy breathing suddenly had her mind occupied with other thoughts. Her eyes dashed from side to side, and she decided to try to hold her ground as far as wanting to truly know what was going on. "You know Shannon," she started, putting an over emphasis on his name. "It was a decently long trip here, even on the chariot. Perhaps at some time during the flight you could have told me the only other Human in this world, was in fact your brother."

   "Hmm, well I am going to have to ask your forgiveness for that Worship," Shannon said as he rose from where he stood, and turned to address her.

   "And you shall have that forgiveness, I assure you," she said with a gentle smile. "I would just like to know a few things. It just seems so," she paused for a moment to try and find the right word to fit what she wanted to say. "Odd, I suppose."

       Shannon got a far, and away look on his face; even looking away for a few seconds before starting to speak. "My father, was Stephen Nyx," he began, as Luna settled herself for the story she knew he was about to tell. "I know this because of what my mother told me. I never knew him, for he died just a short year after I was born. A car accident, so mother tells me." He returned to the rim of the well, where he placed his back to the brick structure, and crossed his arms together. "My mother was, and still is a very skilled doctor. Though I suppose she became rather heart broken after my father's death. There was another doctor at her hospital, a man by the name of Terence Crey. The two had been friends for many years, and I imagine it was he that was able to console my mother's loss. A little under a year and a half later, Devan was born."

   He paused for a moment, he took in a deep sigh, and reached up again to rub his still stinging chin. He let out a small laugh before he continued telling his tale. "You know, I always knew what I was; what I was capable of doing. I knew that it was something that could, and probably would come back to my mother, my brother. So in an effort to distance myself, to make sure the things I had done, and the things I would do, I kept my father's last name." After speaking he looked over at Devan, who by this time was up on his feet, and appeared to be having some trouble keeping the small yellow pegasus from knocking him back down. "Devan knew what I was doing, even at the youngest age, he knew what I was. He is rather brilliant really. Mother and, well, father I guess you would call him. They were absolutely sure that Devan would get into the medical field like them. And if he had, he would have become a fantastic heart surgeon, brain surgeon, any field he wanted really."

   "What happened?" Luna asked, as she stepped closer to Shannon.

   "Me," he answered with a lopsided grin. "He became my shadow. He was always there trailing me at some point or another. In our youth, where ever I went, he followed, what ever I did, he did as well. At first it was annoying of course, I couldn't find a moments peace. But then I started to realize that perhaps my smaller sibling could become an asset, instead of a hindrance. So while hiding the fact that we were related, I would have Devan become the focus of attention. All who saw him would give them their attentions, leaving me to work in the shadows, doing what ever it was I was planning on doing." This time he actually laughed out loud as he let the thoughts, and memories of those times long past come rushing back to him. "During our school years, we became quite the pair of bandits, and amassed a rather large horde of stolen goods."

   The laugh disappeared, though the smile remained for a time. "I was hoping that by the time we went to high school that he would branch out on his own. He didn't have to try to become popular, all he had to do was speak a few words, and give a fast smile, and all those that saw, unknowingly gravitated towards him. He didn't however," he sighed out these last words."He was always just a step behind me in everything. I took football, he was on the team the next year, I took JROTC, he was in the same class, just months later. The entire time we were running our scams, and sometimes, much worse. I joined the Marines almost immediately after graduation, and of course, Devan joined just as soon as he did as well."

   He stopped talking, and Luna thought for a moment that he didn't know that he had, so she was about to say something herself, but was cut short as he continued, with a much more dry tone. "Things changed there I think. Through the course of my life, I had done everything I could to remain silent, unseen and obscured by all I did not want to perceive me. I had taught Devan differently however. His charms, mixed with his flamboyant attitude made him very much noticeable, add on his skills that we had developed ever since an early age, and he was noticed all to quickly." Once more he rubbed his chin; moving it from side to side, actually really hoping that Devan didn't shake loose some teeth.

   "Then something happened, for the first time ever, Devan took a step forward before me, when the Floor Thirteen came to see the all star Marine."

   "They recruited him first then?" Luna asked with intrigue. She found it some what odd that during the telling of his story, Shannon almost appeared to have just the slightest tinge of jealousy in his voice. It made her want to laugh, or at least smile, but decided it would be best to try and not break the mood.

   "Yes, yes they did," Shannon started again. "I knew what they were. Stories, and rumors had been flying around the ranks for some time. It only took a small amount of investigation, and prying on my part to find solid information. I tried to get him to not join, but they were making the offer to sweet for him to decline," he looked at his Goddess, and got a sly grin on his lips. "So I showed them that I was just as capable as Devan, they took me in without hesitation. So I followed my little brother into that dark womb of monsters where we watched hundreds of people die all for the purpose of making the 'perfect soldier.' "

   "We quickly decided to make sure that this agency would never attempt such a thing again, so we decided to bring it down." The grin on his face contorted into a more devious one, and he cracked his knuckles into a fist. "It was simple enough, I became the one they couldn't control. I fought them tooth, and nail until they decided I was to much of a threat to keep around. Devan decided to go rogue, becoming a thorn in their side, but would always rush at the chance to work for them directly if the pay was well enough." Shannon noticed that Luna had gotten a slight hint of confusion on her muzzle, which made him smile. "So you see, while all their attentions were focused on me, who was deliberately trying to tear them a part from the outside. They had no clue that Devan would do odd jobs for them, getting classified information, then using it to tear them down from the inside." He couldn't help but laugh as he explained. "Our roles, had finally become reverse. I was the one in center stage, while Devan was working in the shadows. How it made us laugh. Then there was that night."

   "The night you came here?" Luna asked, knowing all to well it was what he was referring to.

   "Indeed," he nodded. "The Here to There project was going to throw Floor Thirteen into the fore front of cutting edge technology. It would give them the power to demand whatever they wanted, when ever they wanted it. They had also dumped all of their resources into getting it up, and running. So the job was simple: destroy the facility, kill the staff, and Floor Thirteen would tumble." He paused for a moment, and let an embarrassed laugh trickle out. "That one doctor though. Who knew of all the people of my world. He would be the one to get the drop on me."

   "Yeah. I waited for you outside that stupid warehouse for like three hours!" Devan said as he, and Fluttershy came walking up to the pair, Devan with the slightest of limps, while the pegasus at his side was trying to become a make shift crutch by pressing herself against his side; even though it was very apparent he didn't need the assistance.

   "Eavesdropping again Devan?" Shannon said while looking down at the ground. He had noticed that Devan, and his group of Ponies had wondered off, he just didn't think he had worked his way around to where he could approach he, and Luna undetected.

   "Well I am a spy you know. Been known to do that from time to time." As he said this, he noticed the tall, and slender dark coated Pony get a smile, and let out a tiny giggle, while she was looking at Shannon, then to him. "Hello there, Princess, umm." He quickly looked down to Fluttershy, who mouthed something quickly up to him. "Luna!" he said as he snapped his head back up.

   "Greetings Devan. It is good to meet you. I am glad we were able to do so. When I first arrived. I did not think we would be given the opportunity." After saying this, she reached out, and gave Shannon a quick brush with her hoof, down his leg, which made him smile only slightly.

   "Well, Shannon here is known for keeping to himself." Devan then let out a loud friendly sounding laugh." He wouldn't tell you his arm had gotten cut off unless you asked him why it was missing." This made Luna join in his laugh, and she couldn't help but lean in, and give Shannon a playful, and loving nudge as she heard him suck air through his teeth.

   "Oh my," Fluttershy said with a rather serious tone. "That didn't really happen, did it?" This made both Devan, and Luna stop laughing, and all three of them give the little mare a collected look of confusion. Devan quickly broke the silence by giving out a forced chuckle, as he reached down, and patted Fluttershy on the head, and stroked her ear.

   "You sure are lucky you're cute," Devan said making the yellow pegasus look up at him, and give him a long, closed eye smile. "Anyway," Devan breathed out as he rocked back and forth on his heels. "So there is more than likely a strike team getting ready to invade through the portal in about." He quickly reached into his inner coat pocket, and pulled out the return device he had been keeping with him. "Fourteen hours."

      "What?" both Shannon, and Luna shouted in stereo as the information that was just dropped on them did not have the weight behind it that Devan was implying it should.

   "Yeah," Devan continued while placing the device back into his coat pocket. "After Dick asked me to come here and find you, I did a little snooping through the files in his office; really easy to break into, I was disappointed really. And then I shuffled through his computer for a bit. Hey, did you know his password is Superman? Seems kinda pretentious to me."

   "The point Devan," Shannon said through clenched teeth. "Get to it."

   Devan gave a shrug, A little saddened that his comedy didn't get more of a response. "Well anyway. Seems like I only had a  certain amount of time to get here, find you, and get back. Once that time goes down. Well, he is more than ready to send in a rather well armed team of Floor Thirteen's finest through that portal. All with the intention of taking you, and more than likely me down."

   "And any Pony that gets, or is in the way," Luna added, using her own intuition to finish the scenario that Devan was drawing out. This made Devan get a half grin, half frown on his face, as he nodded his head quickly up, and down in agreement.

   "That just doesn't sound good at all!" Fluttershy said, with a solid quiver in her voice, and a visible shiver that ran the course of her body. That's when the trio heard Shannon give off a single chortle, causing them to all look at him as he let his arms fall to his side, then reach up, and take hold of the Dream Reaver, who had been resting on the well's side.

   "Let the Director send in as many of his lackeys as he wishes. I will send them back a piece at a time at regular intervals," Shannon said as he let a deep, and vicious looking grin come over him.

   "That's all well, and good Shannon," Devan said, while crossing his arms, and letting his weight shift from one foot to the other. "And I am sure it would work the first three, or four times. What happens after that though? What happens when Dick gets so pissed that he sends in a platoon, or two, or ten? What happens when he builds a large enough portal to start sending in jeeps, maybe even tanks?"

   "It doesn't matter!" Shannon shouted, placing the blade of his weapon to the ground, where it caused a small rumble to flow through the stone tiles. "I am the Night's will! I carry her Desire, and her Wrath!" This sudden declaration made all in the group, and even many around them who had gathered to see the odd collections of rare creatures. "Let him send every Human on that planet rushing through that gateway. Let them see what awaits them on the other side. Oblivion, in perfection." Shannon stopped speaking for a moment, and let his nerves settle, though it didn't help to see that Luna had a rather shady smile on her lips as she listened to him make such threats. "However," he started again placing the large axe back to the well. "I would run the risk of becoming bored. So I assume you have a plan?"

   Devan just bowed his head, he was trying very hard to not laugh at the very over dramatic words Shannon had just let flow out of his mouth. He always knew Shannon had used long, and confusing words to illustrate his point. He remembered often how he would stay up late at night, studying a thesaurus. There was something more though, that look that the Princess had on her muzzle, staring longingly at him. He just nodded his head up, and down, seeing that it was more than likely for her benefit. "Well in fact I do," he said, finally shaking off the urge to laugh. "Though it is not as complicated as carving a path of blood, and gore. It does incorporate some of those aspects."

   "Which are?" Luna asked, in Shannon's stead. Having a concerned tone in her voice after hearing the part about blood, and gore.

   "We go back." Devan responded quickly.

   "No!" Fluttershy screamed as she popped up to her hind legs, and placed her front hooves on Devan's chest with a sudden tear filled pleading gaze.

   "Absolutely not," Luna said with a much more calm, but just as concerned voice as her pegasus counterpart. "Shannon is right. I command some of the most feared, and powerful Pony Guards of Equestria. Your Human forces do not know what waits for them behind that gate." The Night Goddess was about to continue offering her own soldiers up. However, Shannon gently placed his hand on her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze, making her fall quiet.

   "We go in. Then what?" Shannon asked, trying to get back to the subject at hand.

   "Same plan as before. We head in, and we burn down everything, and everyone in that place post haste." Devan then smiled while being sure to take Fluttershy in his arms, and gently push her down to where she was on all fours.

   "But if you destroy the technology that brought you here. You might not be able to get back," Luna said with a whimper in her tone, while Fluttershy at this point, and with the thought of losing Devan to a place she could never go, started to let out small quiet weeps.

   "Well, let me worry about that Princess," Devan said, almost giving her a wink. He then turned his head to Shannon. "So you in? Or are you just going to hack, and slash anything that comes through that portal for the rest of your life?"

   Shannon thought for only a moment, then a long grin came to him as he looked up at his younger brother. "Well, it would only be polite to let our dear former director know what it means to anger my Worship. It sounds, fun."

   "Tomorrow then." Devan said as he had to reach down, and gently start rubbing Fluttershy's cheek, trying to reassure her in a silent fashion, and stop the small trickles of tears rolling from her eyes."

   "Tomorrow," Shannon repeated, as he took up the Dream Reaver, and brought it to a fast rest on his shoulders.

Next Chapter:

End of the Road