Dark Light

Chapters

Should have waited for Monday
A recipe for disaster
Monday...just...Monday

Should have waited for Monday

Dark Light

By: KRissCHu573

Chapter 1: Should have waited for Monday

It was a quiet Saturday morning. Twilight Sparkle gout out of her bed, after the warm rays of the sun shined on her face. She went downstairs, placed a hoof over her mouth to cover a yawn, and made herself a cup of coffee. Using her magic, she levitated the cup and a chocolate covered donut from a “Sugarcube Corner” bag, and headed for the front door. She went out, and was about to pick up the morning newspaper, when a bolt of lightning vaporized it, followed by the roar of thunder. The lavender unicorn was startled, and jumped back a step as she exclaimed.

“What the?”

She looked up in the sky, and saw how a familiar cyan pegasus was giving a storm cloud a major beat down.

“Rainbow Dash what are you doing?” She yelled.

“Oh, sorry Twilight.” The winged mare said with irritation in her voice.

With one last punch the cloud was gone, and the pegasus landed next to her friend.

“What has gotten into you Dash?”

“Well, you see Twilight, the Wonderbolts are holding a flying competition on Monday, over at Mareami. It will be the grand event for the local beech holiday, and the winner will officially become a Wonderbolt for a week!”

All the cyan pony received as a reply was a puzzled look.

“It will be like a trial period, to see if you have what it takes, and if so you remain a Wonderbolt permanently!” Dash squealed with a fangirlishly high tone.

“Oookay…but why were you bucking that cloud?” The lavender unicorn raised a hoof as she asked.

“Problem is that in order to sign up for the competition, you must have a valid flying license. Mine expired last night. All the flight schools and FMV’s in Equestria are closed for the weekend. If I am to wait for one to open, take the test and everything, I won’t have enough time to enter the contest.” The pegasus explained.

Then she collapsed on the ground, covering her face with her front hooves. Twilight shook her head with a warm smile, and patted her friend on the shoulder. The blue mare looked up, meeting the unicorn’s gaze, before the horned pony spoke.

“Rainbow, why didn’t you say so. You know that while I was studying pegasus wing abilities, Princess Celestia arranged for me to be an instructor in a FMV. You can take the test with me, then give my notes in an FMV station, and get your license renewed without losing any time.”

Rainbow Dash’s face shined in a wide happy grin. She grabbed Twilight in a bear hug, and took off in the air, while sounding like a broken record.

“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you…”

“Ok…can you please…put me down…I’m having trouble breathing.” The unicorn barely uttered.

“Oh sorry.”

The pegasus landed, letting go of her cargo.

“Alright. Let me just get ready, and we can get started in a few hours.” The lavender mare said.

High in the sky above Timber Hoof – the sister forest of the Everfree, found right opposite of it, north from Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was pulling a chariot without a roof, in which was riding Twilight Sparkle. After gliding past and over several clouds, the lavender unicorn levitated a check board and a quill in front of her face. Writing something down on it, she spoke to her flying friend with a reassuring tone.

“Wow Rainbow, you can actually finish the test with excellent marks in record time.”

“Heck yeah! But Twilight…” The pegasus’s tone became worried. “Are you sure it’s okay to fly over the Timber Hoof? I mean, you know of the rumors about the snake pony monster. Several mares and colts have reported seeing it, not to mention a stallion was kidnapped twenty years ago, and his torn apart body was found deep in the forest.”

“Oh Dash, you’re the last pony I’d expect to believe in such rumors. There is no monster. As for the stallion, he was probably lost, died from dehydration, and the local fauna did that to his body.” The purple mare said.

“Yeah right.” The cyan pony turned her head to the passenger. “How come you eggheads are always so skeptical about thi--”

“Look out!” Twilight shouted.

A blue box appeared out of nowhere, with a rather familiar blond maned gray pegasus hanging from an opened door. The two vehicles collided.

“Sorry Rainbow Dash!” The gray pony shouted, before a brown colt stuck out of the door and yelled.

“Derpy, get in!” Before pulling her in.

Closing the door, the ominous box vanished as quickly as it appeared. As the cyan pegasus was trying to stabilize the chariot, Twilight was sent freefalling. The mare hit the forest floor, and her vision began to darken. She saw some sort of a blurry figure move through the vegetation. Before she could distinguish it, the world sunk in darkness.

Twilight woke up after a while. Putting a hoof on her throbbing head, she noticed that it was bandaged. Her chest was also wrapped up in white cloth. She was in a spacious wooden cottage. Sliding off the bed she was in, the mare started to explore the building. As she got out of the bedroom, and into the combined kitchen and living room, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone, or something was watching her. The mare was in the center of the room, next to a sofa and three chairs , in front of a fireplace.

A slight shimmer caught her attention. The light from a window was reflected by something on the floor. She levitated the object with her magic, and examined it. It was a black dragon scale. A creek sound made her turn around. She slowly walked back. When her hoof stepped on a rug, the floor made a hollow sound. A purple aura removed the rug, revealing a secret door.

Curiosity came over the unicorn, she opened it, and headed down the staircase from underneath it. At the bottom she found a strange sight. There was a big pile of different gems. She tried to touch them with her hoof, but was stopped by a quiet thud behind her, A worried gulp went down the mare’s throat, and she slowly turned around.

A set of flaming orange reptilian eyes were locked on her. Before her stood a large figure, which looked both like a pony and a lizard. In terms of height it was probably as tall as Celestia, and in weigh – about twice the size of Big Mac. Its mane and tail looked as if they were living flames. The shimmering glow of the precious stones behind her, slightly reflected on his dark covering, which seemed to be scales, not fur. On its back was a set of dragonic wings, and the mark on its flank represented a nightish purple rose.

The creature took a step at her. Twilight Sparkle started walking backwards. When her rump touched the gems, it suddenly stopped, stood up on its hind legs, gesturing her to stop with its front hooves, and spoke with a stallion’s voice.

“Whoa there, easy. I’m not going to hurt you.”

She noticed two sets of fangs in its mouth, one for each jaw. Removing her terrified expression, the bandaged mare cleared her throat.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle. Who are you?”

“The name’s Shadow Blaze. Nice to meet you miss Sparkle.”

“Yes…nice to meet you too.” The lavender unicorn replied with uncertainty in her voice before asking. “If I may, what is this place, and how did I get here?”

‘What a dumb question Twilight. Of course e brought you here, It’s not like I walk in my sleep, find a cottage with a gem storage, bandaged myself up, and go to bed.’ The mare thought to herself, after her question, and facehoofed mentally.

Shadow Blaze chuckled, forming a grin on his face, and replied.

“This place is my home. Well my gemstone cellar to be more precise, but up above is the rest. As for how you came here, I was hoping you’d tell me more. Late morning I was out on my regular stroll through the forest, when all of a sudden I heard screaming from above the canopy, and in the next moment you fall from the sky. Your landing was kinda rough, so I carried you back here, put some powder on the cloth and bandaged you. Several hours later I catch you sniffing in my cellar.”

“I’m terribly sorry for that Mr. Blaze. It’s just that I was kind of frightened waking up in an unfamiliar place, and secret doors do spark up the curiosity of ponies.” The mare chuckled.

“Very well, I’m glad you’re not a gem thief. Now, how about we go upstairs, and share some tea and daisy sandwiches? While you doze, I took the liberty of getting the herbs from the forest, and making something simple.” He gestured to the staircase with his front hoof.

Twilight nodded, and went up, followed by her host.

As they enjoyed the light snack, Twilight noticed the setting sun from outside the window.

“Oh dear, how long have I been out?” She exclaimed.

“Pretty much all day. You have to stay at least until morning, you haven’t healed enough to walk a lot, plus the forest is not very safe at night.” Shadow replied.

The lavender unicorn swallowed another bite from her sandwich. She wanted to know about the creature before her.

“Look Shadow…is it okay if I call you Shadow?”

The stallion, still chewing a bite, shrugged, showing he did not mind it.

Then Twilight continued.

“Right…see, I have some questions I want to ask you.”

After swallowing, Shadow replied.

“Well, given that you are one of the few, who didn’t run away screaming after seeing me, I suppose I can answer a few. Shoot.”

Not losing a moment, the mare began.

“Ok, first off, what are you exactly?”

“I am a dragony, exactly.”

Twilight’s puzzled look requested an explanation. Shadow sighted, and did so.

“That means that I am half dragon, half pony. Dragony, made it up myself.” He proudly said.

“But how is that even possible?” The unicorn’s jaw hung open for a while afterwards.

“Simple. My dad was a dragon, and my mom was a pegasus. I think you know how things go from there.” Was the reply.

“Also, what was the powder you used on the bandages? I feel a little achy, but better. A medicine like that could be very useful in the hospitals.” Twilight eagerly asked.

“I’m surprised you don’t use it already. I crush gems, and use that. For your remedy in particular, sapphires and garnets were the combination, but for different injuries, and different ponies, other are required.” Shadow explained.

The horned pony’s eyes widened, and shimmered. She was overjoyed that she had something new to study about.

‘Medical uses of gem powder? Who would’ve thought?’

Such thoughts rushed through her head. Seeing that his guest’s mind had dashed away to parts unknown, Shadow Blaze cleared his throat to get her attention. Accomplishing the task, he started a little interrogation of his own.

“So Twilight, do you mind giving me a little update of current events? I don’t go out of the forest much. In fact, the last time I met someone was about twenty years ago.”

“Wait, do you mean the colt who went missing in these woods twenty years ago? Who’s corpse was found torn apart deep in the forest?” The mare exclaimed.

“Well, yeah. Not many visitors come here. Heck, I’m starting to think the Timber Hoof is scaring more ponies than the Everfree.”

“Alright, I will tell you whatever you want, but…what exactly happened to him?” Her curiosity surfaced with full force.

“He was attacked by a manticore, which eventually I killed.” He said lightly.

A gulp went down the unicorn’s throat. Then she spoke, casting the subject aside.

“So, what is it that you want to know about the outside?”

“You know, base stuff. Are there any political uprisings? Are there any wars going on? What was the deal with everything going coo-coo four years back? Are there many gem hunters going on around? Any deforestation plans for getting lumber out of Timber Hoof? Am I going too fast for you?”

The quick recital of the questions left Twilight gawking speechless for a moment. Then she shook her head, getting a hold of herself, and replied.

“Well, there is the little friction between Equestria and Gryph, but there are no wars…at least not yet. Currently the kingdom is in a state of peace. To calm you down, “gem hunters” as you said are not going around in mass. Only a pack of Diamond dogs, living in the outskirts of Ponyville. Also there is no intention in getting lumber from any forest. The apple and other such farms provide enough with their dead or ill trees. As for everything going nuts four years ago, Discord – the spirit of chaos escaped his imprisonment, and plunged Equestria into chaos. Well…until me and my friends stopped him, using the Elements of harmony.”

A smug grin colored her face, after the last answer. Pleased with what he had heard, and seeing that the moon had began to raise in the sky, Shadow decided to end the conversation.

“It’s getting late, you should go and rest Mss. Sparkle. I trust you can find the bedroom I had left you in.” He said as he set down his tea cup.

“Yes, you’re right.” The mare yawned, covering her mouth with a hoof. “Good night Shadow.” She said as she trotted to the bedroom.

“Good night Twilight.” He returned the wish.

Rainbow Dash and Spike were making a hole in the library floor with their pacing. They were in the company of the other four bearers of the Elements of Harmony.

“Ugh, how long does it take the Princess to reply?” The dragon worriedly said, as he rubbed his hands.

“Don’t worry dear, I’m sure she will do so soon.” Rarity tried to calm him down.

“Ah man, not only that I won’t be able to attend the competition in Mareami, but now Twilight goes missing.” The cyan pegasus grunted.

Everypony and dragon gave her disapproving looks.

“What?” She exclaimed.

*BRUAAAH*

The awkward silence was broken by Spike, who burped out a cloud of green flame, which turned into a scroll. The white unicorn caught it in a blue aura. Everypony gathered around her, as she opened it, and read its contents aloud.

“My little ponies, this is dire news indeed. Unfortunately, both the Royal and Night guard are preoccupied, around our negotiations with the gryphons. I will not be able to send any troops no sooner than the day after tomorrow. In the mean time, try to find Twilight Sparkle yourselves. Good luck my little ponies.

Princess Celestia.”

“Well buck. What are we going to do now?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“What the Princess told us to. We’ll look for Twilight first thing at dawn.” Applejack replied.

“Um…aren’t you worried that Twilight might have trouble in the forest during the night?” The timid pegasus spoke up.

“Oh don’t be silly, silly. It’s Twilight we’re talking about Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Yes darling, we should have faith in our friend.” The stylish mare comforted the butter colored pony. “We just have to trust her.” The fashionista continued, as she looked out of a window, and into the night sky.

Twilight was about to go to sleep, when she heard hoof steps coming from above her.

“Shadow?” She called for the dragony, after opening the door of the bedroom she was in.

The mare received no reply, which made her feel uneasy. All of a sudden she felt the chilling touch of the wind. The purple unicorn trotted to the living room. She looked around, but the cottage’s owner was nowhere to be found. Yet again the wind made her shiver, only this time, she could hear its whistle. Twilight found it very strange.

‘How can there be wind, when all of the windows are closed?’ She thought.

The current of air was coming from around the corner of a wall, right from the kitchen, in front of which the mare currently stood. She made her way there. It was just an empty space, extending the building. On one of the walls the horned pony found a ladder, which led up to an open hatch in the roof. She gulped, and started to climb up.

The upper half of her body stuck out from the opening. She saw that there were no trees covering the cottage, and that the view of the sky was amazing.

“Can’t sleep?”

Somepony called from her right. Twilight turned her head, and saw Shadow Blaze laying on the roof, with his hooves behind his head, and he was staring at the sky, not even bothering to look at her. The moonlight made his scales shine. For some reason the sight made the mare blush.

“Ugh…yeah.” She said with uncertainty in her tone. “Do you mind if I stay a while up here?” The lavender unicorn didn’t notice herself say that, and thoughts of realization galloped in her head a tad too late.

‘What are you doing Twilight? Why did you ask that? Oh, he probably thinks I’m weird or something now.’

“Sure, no problem.” His calm reply surprised her.

She climbed up on the roof, and laid a leg’s distance next to him. The dragony didn’t break contact with the moon. Twilight, uncertain of what to do, gazed upwards too. The beautiful starry sky made her exclaim.

“Wow.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never looked at the night sky.” Shadow chuckled.

“No, I have, but…I only did for research. I’ve never actually looked at the sky…well…just for the sake of looking at it.” The mare explained.

“I see.” He said.

In a moment of awkward, for Twilight, silence, the unicorn made an attempt to start a conversation.

“So, you said that the last time you saw a pony was about twenty years ago. I don’t think that you’ve been living on your own as a foal, or hatchling, so that makes you what? Fifty, maybe sixty? I must say, the years are definitely not showing.”

“I think that’s due to something I inherited from my father.” Shadow replied.

“What’s that?” She wondered.

“Immortality.” He said lightly.

The mare was now gawking at him. Shaking her head to remove the rude expression, she asked the most obvious question.

“How old are you?”

The dragonic stallion smirked.

“In a few months I’ll be hitting 897.”

Her unease turned to shock as she learned his age. After another chuckle he continued.

“But I’ve been living in this forest for the past century.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask, a violet rose? That’s a bizarre cutiemark. What does it mean?”

“My mom explained it to me once. It represents something strange and unusual. Pretty much myself. As for why a rose, it stands for my sort of a split personality. The thorns often scare away people, hiding the bloom, but sometimes it is the opposite.”

After his last words he sighted, before starting another tale.

“I’ve been alone for quite a while. Ponies are scared of me, dragons despise me, and gryphons just plain hate everyone.”

“You mean, you’ve never had friends?” Concern could be felt in Twilight’s voice.

“No, I’ve had friends. Problem is, they fade away, while I don’t. That’s pretty much the only downside of being immortal. Even long lasting friends eventually disappear. For instance, one of my best friends – a unicorn, using his magic, shared my 119th birthday.”

“Who was that?” The mare got curious as to who had managed to live for so long.

“Oh, a nice old chap called Star Swirl.” He lightly said.

“Wait? You were friends with the great Star Swirl the Bearded?!” The unicorn almost yelled.

“Actually…” He chuckled again. “…Until his 50th he was known as Star Swirl the Mustached.”

The stallion laughed, as he remembered how he and his old friend used to prank each other, and get in all sorts of trouble. Twilight couldn’t help but giggle herself. But in a few moments, Shadow ceased his laughter, and returned to his serious composure.

“After he passed, I started travelling around the world. When I was 439 I met with a very strange brown colt, with a hourglass on his flank, and his companion – a gray coated pegasus mare with a blond mane and strange eyes. Her cutiemark were several bubbles.”

The description of the mare stunned Twilight for a moment, but then she dismissed the thought that that was Derpy, because it was impossible. But curiosity called again, and made her ask.

“What did you with those two?”

“Oh nothing major. We saved the world by preventing the gates of Tartarus from opening.”

That was the last answer, the unicorn had expected to receive.

“Anyhow,…” Shadow continued. “…after that was done, they left to parts unknown to me, and I have never seen them since. Afterwards I tried to find myself a place to live. That’s when I met a very special mare. It was about 300 years ago. We met in a land far away from here. It was love at first sight. So I moved to live with her. She was a sorceress like you, and she was good, probably could even rival the pony ruler Celestia.”

His last words made her feel strange.

‘He’s probably never met the Princess, and given his age, he may have never even heard of her sister.’

That train of thought was interrupted by his next words.

“But…heh…magic wasn’t the only thing she was good at, if you catch my meaning.” The colt said with a grin.

“Heheheh…” Twilight laughed quietly, not sure where this was going.

With the awkward moment gone, she asked.

“So what happened between you two?”

“There was…a little problem. She was royalty. At a point the country fell into a food shortage. Rebellions appeared one after another. The pressure changed her. She became very radical about dealing with the problems. The mare I loved was gone. I tried to stop her, make her see reason, but after her second attempt to kill me, I packed up, and left.”

“Kill you?” The lavender unicorn was stunned.

“Then I decided to return to Equestria. I found this cave filled with gems, and built my cottage around it. Since then, I often climbed on the roof, and gazed at the sky. But for the last five years I’ve been doing it more frequently.”

He pointed with his right hoof.

“There used to be an image of a mare on the moon, but it vanished. A few nights later I noticed that the constellations – The heart of the sky and the dragon have been moved closer to each other.”

The dragony moved his hoof. Following its direction, Twilight noticed the two groups of stars – one in the shape of the shape of a heart, and the other in that of a dragon, were very close.

“I took it as a sign that I would find the love of my life soon. Once you’ve tried love, being kept away from it is painful.” Shadow Blaze sighted.

The mare could feel blood rushing in her cheeks.

‘Where is this going at?’ She thought.

“I’ve been waiting for quite the while for that special someone, and now a mare falls from the sky, almost right in front of me…” The stallion said, and shifted his gaze from the moon to her.

‘Oh dear Celestia, he is a nice guy, and saved me, but I feel him as a friend. How can I decline, without being rude…’ Such thoughts ran rampant through Twilight’s head as she panicked.

“…and it’s not her.” He ended his statement, returning his look to the moon.

“Eh?” The unicorn flinched.

“I mean you are cute in a clever sort of way, and a pair of librarian glasses will make you look amazing, but there just isn’t that *zing*.” The dragony explained.

“Aha…?” Twilight uttered.

Her face resembled the combination of surprise and confusion. Shadow looked at her again, and spoke calmly.

“Judging by your face, I’d say you’re disappointed?“ He had a puzzled look.

“What? No, no! Not at all!” She exclaimed, making gestures with her hooves, as her face turned red.

After the awkward moment passed, the mare rubbed her chin in thought, and spoke up.

“Say, why don’t you come with me to Ponyville tomorrow? You look like you could use the social contact. Besides, your dream mare could be waiting for you there.”

“You’re right, I could use the socializing, but how do you know that nopony will run away screaming? I mean…I’m not exactly something you can see every day.” The stallion ended his statement.

“It’s alright. Ponies are much more acceptive of things, than they were…well…several centuries ago.” She reassured him.

Sighting in defeat, Shadow Blaze agreed.

“Alright Twilight, if you say so, I will trust you.”

Both of them exchanged friendly smiles, and looked back at the sky. In a few silent minutes, the mare doze off. The stallion picked her up, took her to the bedroom, put her in bed, covered her with a blanket, and returned to gazing at the moon and stars.

Author's Note

So, this is what my brain decided to create these past two weeks. Still no ideas for chapter 11 of TCOTU, so expect a second chapter for this fic in a week or so. Please write some comments on your opinion about this one. All feedback will be much appreciated.

A recipe for disaster

Dark Light

Chapter 2: A recipe for disaster

Twilight was on a grand stage in Canterlot. On her left were her brother Shining Armor and Cadence, and on her right – Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Spike and her pony friends were cheering for her, right in front of the stage. Behind them was a giant crowd of cheering ponies. Flashes from cameras, confetti, fireworks, and loud sounds of joy flew through the air.

Then Celestia stepped next to her. Both of them exchanged approving nods, before the Princess turned to the crowd. Gracefully raising her hoof, the goddess of the sun made everypony quiet down.

“Welcome everypony!” The alicorn’s voice echoed in thousands of ears. “I present to you my star pupil, Twilight Sparkle – Successor of Star Swirl the Bearded and greatest sorceress in all of Equestria!”

Celestia stepped away, giving the lavender unicorn the spotlight. Cheers and hoof stomps escorted her movements. She waved to the crowd, when all of a sudden Pinkie Pie jumped on the stage.

“Pinkie what are you - -?”

Her words were stopped by the pink mare, who blew a flugle horn in her face.

Startled, Twilight jumped into a sitting position. She looked to her right and saw Shadow Blaze, standing at the door of the bedroom. He held a flugle horn in his hoof. The stallion looked at the instrument, and spoke with surprise.

“Huh, this thing actually works.”

“W-w-whe-re d-id you g-et th-at?” The mare stuttered.

“Some colt 350 years ago. He said it was from some “crystal empire”.” The dragony explained, as he flinched his hooves.

Twilight looked outside of the window, and saw that the moon still reigned in the sky.

“But it’s still night time.” She said.

“Two hours before sunrise. Perfect time to get going.” Shadow replied, and closed the door.

The lavender mare was still sleepy. She yawned, and slowly stepped out of bed. When she was about half way out, her host opened the door again, and asked.

“Should I take this?” he pointed at the flugle horn with his eyes. The unicorn rushed over to him, and yelled.

“No!”

Shadow stared confusedly at the panting mare. Catching her breath, she said.

“Please, whatever you do, don’t take the flugle horn!”

“Okay…” Shadow replied, uncertain what was the deal with the instrument.

In a few minutes they started their journey though the forest. The colt was tasked with carrying two saddlebags. One full of herbs, and daisy sandwiches, the other was filled with gems. As they walked, Twilight was eating a sandwich, and the dragony was munching on a green emerald. Not exactly the perfect breakfast, but it did the job.

Spike, Rarity and Pinkie Pie were waiting, several yards away from the edge of the forest, for Rainbow Dash and Applejack to brig Fluttershy. It was seven am, and the sun was just rising. Five minutes later, the two pegasi and earth pony joined the group.

“What took you guys so long?” The pink mare exclaimed.

“Fluttershy was asking her bird friends ‘f they’ve seen Twilight.” The orange mare replied.

“And?” Rarity asked.

“Nothing. It’s like the forest ate her.” The cyan pegasus raised her voice.

“Well in that case let’s get going.” The baby dragon commanded, and turned to face the forest.

But just as he took a step forward, he stopped, and his serious expression turned to a worried one.

“What is it Spike?” Applejack wondered.

The purple lizard pointed at the forest. Everypony looked at the trees. They noticed two ponylike figures. One was pretty big, with a black coat, and fire like mane. The other was much smaller, and purplish in color.

“That’s Twilight!” Spike yelled.

“But what’s that thing with her?” Fluttershy spoke up.

“I sure as hay am not waiting to find out!” Rainbow Dash stated, and dashed in the direction of her lost friend, leaving a multi-colored trail behind her.

“So you are Celestia’s protégé?” Shadow asked.

Twilight nodded.

“After Ponyville, I’m sure the Princess and her sister would like to meet you.” The mare said.

“Sister? I never heard of Celestia having a sister.” The colt put on a confused look.

“Yeah…113 years before you were born, they ruled equestria together. But the younger sister – Luna, envied Celestia, because ponies played and thrived in the daylight, but slept in the night, and were afraid of it. She felt unappreciated. So one day she refused to lower the moon. Celestia tried to reason with her, but with no effect. Luna was corrupted by dark magic, and became Nightmare Moon. In order to save Equestria, Celestia was forced to use the Elements of Harmony to banish her sister to the moon. That was the image of a mare you referred to last night.” Twilight explained.

“Aha, but, why is it gone now?” The dragony asked.

The mare was more than happy to continue the history lesson.

“A thousand years after her banishment, the stars helped Nightmare Moon escape. She threatened to plunge the world in eternal night, but me and my friends stopped her. By using the Elements of Harmony we managed to cure her of her madness , and turned her back to Luna. That happened five years ago. Now, she co-rules with Celestia over Equestria once again.”

“I see. Surprising how much can one miss while living in a forest.” The colt chuckled.

The unicorn did so herself, and tried to reassure him a bit.

“Oh don’t undermine yourself. To have known Star Swirl the Bearded personally, that’s quite the honor. And preventing the gates of Tartarus from opening is no small feat.”

“I guess so.” Shadow shrugged.

The next moment the two laughed together. Without any warning, a colorful blur came out of nowhere, went behind them, turned, and grabbed Twilight Sparkle, carrying her away from the forest.

“Twilight!” Shadow Blaze shouted, and galloped after them.

He was still in the tree line, so he couldn’t use his wings, which allowed the attacker to increase the distance between them. At first Twilight was in shock so she shrugged, and closed closed her eyes shut. But after hearing a familiar voice, she reacted.

“Twilight, are you okay? Did that guy hurt you?”

“Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Don’t worry you’re safe now.”

“But I wasn’t in danger.”

“What?” The cyan pegasus was confused.

She landed next to the gathered ponies, who immediately caught their friend in a group hug. Joyful squeals, and questions if she was okay filled the mare’s ears.

“I’m fine everypony, thanks to my friend.” She said.

“Friend? You made a new friend, and you didn’t tell me?!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Well I met him last night, so I couldn’t have possibly told you.” The lavender unicorn tried to explain.

“Who was that with you Twilight?” Rainbow asked straight ahead.

“That was my friend Shadow Blaze. He is a dragony.” The mare gave her friends a warm smile.

“What’n tarnation’s a dragony?” Applejack wondered.

“He is half dragon and half pony.” Twilight said.

Everyone’s jaws hit the ground.

“When could have a pony and dragon even got to…you know?” Rainbow blushed a bit, as she gave her question.

The lavender unicorn rubbed her chin and answered.

“If I’m to be exact, about 898 years ago.”

Puzzled looks demanded an explanation.

“Oh right, he is immortal like the Princesses.” The mare tossed that out lightly.

In a few moments the gawking stares began to disappear. Spike was the first to break the silence.

“So, a half dragon, half pony? That is so cool! I think I’m going to like him.”

“Oh, oh, oh I just have to become friends with him! Thank you for bringing him Twilight!” Pinkie followed, and hugged the purple mare.

In the next moment, the sky above them darkened. They looked up, and saw a ginormic set of dragonic wings, blocking the sun. Their owner retracted them to his back, and dropped like a boulder. Hitting the ground, he made a thick cloud of dust. Once it cleared, before them stood a figure, whose size was more than intimidating. He took a step closer to them, leaving four deep hoof holes in the ground. The five mares, and dragon’s eyes widened at the sight.

‘Look at him, he’s all muscle, those mane and tail are like actual fire, and the sun’s reflection on his scales matches his eyes so well…’ Rarity thought, not noticing herself quietly say. “Hello handsome.”

No one but Spike heard her. The little dragon put on a grim expression, crossed his arms, and muttered to himself, unheard by anypony.

“On second thought, I don’t like him.”

The dragony’s furious eyes found Pinkie holding Twilight, and slowly spoke.

“Put…her…down.!”

“It’s alright Shadow, they are my friends. You know, the ones I told you about.” The lavender mare talked him down.

In an instant the enraged stallion before them disappeared, leaving a calm colt, whose face was colored by a smile. Once the pink mare let her go, Twilight cleared her throat, and started the introduction.

“Everypony meet Shadow Blaze.”

After which, she pointed at each of her friends as she introduced them.

“This is my assistant – Spike.”

The dragon had his arms crossed, and had put on a frown, for reasons unknown to anypony.

“Spike be nice.” The purple unicorn nudged him.

“It’s alright Twilight, I guess he doesn’t want a treat.” The dragony said, as he took a hoof sized amethyst out of his saddlebag, and waved it in front of the small lizard’s face.

Spike’s eyes widened, removing his frown. The dragon looked at the stallion, then at Twilight, and asked.

“Can i?” After a nod from the mare, he took the gem, and took a bite. “Mmm, it’s delicious!” He exclaimed after swallowing.

Then the lavender unicorn continued, pointing at the orange mare.

“This is Applejack.”

“Howdy.” The earth pony greeted, taking her hat off.

Shadow returned with a light bow.

“And this is--” Twilight was cut off by a pink blur.

In the blink of an eye, the hyperactive mare was on the dragony’s head, and loudly said.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! We’re gonna be best friends forever!”

“Okay…” He worriedly said, as his neck bended under the ponies weigh.

“Pinkie!” The lavender unicorn exclaimed, as she grabbed the pink hurricane in a magical aura, and took her off the stallion, who sighted in relief.

“What?” The captured pony asked.

“You’re going to freak him out more, that he did you guys.” The purple mare explained.

“Alright…” Pinkie sighted in defeat, and calmed down…a bit, enough for Twilight to release her.

With that done, introductions continued.

“This here is Fluttershy.” She pointed at the curbed yellow pegasus, who barely uttered a squeal. “You have to excuse her. She is a bit frightful around new ponies.” Twilight explained.

“Especially if they are so intimidating, and part dragon.” The cyan pegasus stepped in.

“And that’s Rainbow Dash.” The lavender mare almost sighted.

“Fastest flyer in all of Equestria.” She did not pass up the opportunity to gloat.

“Right…, and lastly--”

“Rarity.” The fashionista interrupted. She stepped closer, and reached out her hoof, while saying. “ ‘Tis a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine.” He calmly replied, gently took her hoof, and kissed it like a well mannered gentlecolt from Canterlot.

A strange sensation came over the white mare. She gave out a sound which was somewhere between a squeal and a gasp, and fainted, with what seemed like a smile on her face. Shadow just stood there dumbfounded. He slowly raised his hoof, pointing at the collapsed unicorn, and asked with worry in his tone.

“Is she going to be alright?”

“Yeah, she’s fine.” Applejack said, as she picked her friend up, before continuing. “She does that quite often.”

“Alright, now that that’s done with, let’s head over to Ponyville.” Twilight said, and everypony, dragon and dragony followed her.

Spike ran up to her, still munching on the amethyst, and gave her a little report.

“Twilight, you should write to the Princess, and tell her you’re okay, because she’s worried sick about you, but she couldn’t search for you, because she is caught up in the negotiations with the gryphons.”

“I’ll make sure to do so Spike.” The purple mare replied.

While Pinkie was keeping the dragony busy, and Applejack was trying to keep her from becoming full on Pinkieactive, Fluttershy was following silently, and Rainbow Dash was helping the reawakening Rarity.

“Way to go on making first impressions Rarity.” The winged pony teased.

“You’re right darling, I just don’t know what came over me.” The stylish mare didn’t even bother on defending herself from it.

Seeing that the white unicorn was an easy target at the moment, the rainbow maned pegasus decided to joke a bit more.

“Well who could not feel a little disfocused around a stallion like him. I mean, tose mane and tail look like they can burn you. And those deep burning eyes, matched so well by his scales, which cover a body, for which athletes dream about throughout their entire carriers.” The winged mare dazzled off.

Waking up a bit more, Rarity did not allow this joke to slip by. She smirked, and spoke.

“Why Rainbow Dash, are my ears deceiving me, or are you hitting on the colt as well?”

“Wha-? No, no! Of course not! What makes you say that?” The pegasus’s face turned bright red.

“Well, the way you described him sure was a nice indicator. Not to mention you’re avoiding straight conversation with him.”

“Oh I’ll give you a straight conversation.” The rainbow maned pony muttered to herself before yelling to the front.

“Hey Fluttershy.”

The butter colored mare turned around.

“Come here to help Rarity, the slow motion is driving me stir crazy.”

“Yes, it’s the slow motion.” Thw white unicorn chuckled.

To that Rainbow Dash returned a huff. After the two pegasi changed places, Dash flew next to the dragony’s head, and began a “straight conversation”.

“So, how’s your flying?”

“What do you mean by that?” Blaze was confused.

“I mean, how good are you in a race?” She cleared out.

“Well, I don’t want to brag, but I won a medal in the hardest discipline at the flight Olympics 500 years ago.” He said with a proud grin.

“O’ really? And what discipline would that be?” Her eyes widened.

“Smart flying. To win, you had to rely on your wit, not just speed.” The dragony explained.

“Seriously?” The pegasus asked, before bursting into laugh. “What, you guys were trying to keep up with the breeze? Or wait, wait, you were probably playing a game of chess or something, and you had to go from a certain point to another in the time the quickest of those games ended? I mean, you guys must have been mighty slow back then, if you had to use wit to win flight competitions.” RD said between her mocking laughs.

To that Shadow gave an angry frown. Then an idea popped up in his head.

“If you’re so smug, perhaps you’d like to try your luck pipsqueak?”

The pegasus ceased her laugh, got up to equal eye level with him, and closed the distance, until she was but a muzzle away from his face, and slowly asked.

“What did you call me?”

At that point everypony was gawking worriedly at the stallion. Nopony spoke to Rainbow Dash in such manner so lightly. They thoughts that Shadow has made an attempt for a joke, and was going to back out, but instead the dragony asked for more.

“You heard me pigeon. Do your best against an old timer, who you’ve just offended, and defend your title of fastest flyer. Or are modern pegasi nothing more than overgrown chickens, which quack as much as ducks?”

No one made a sound after that impressive taunt. Dash broke the awkward silence.

“You are so ON!” The mare almost shouted in Shadow’s face.

“Alright you guys,…” Twilight stepped in between the two. “…first let’s get to Ponyville, inform the Princess that I’m not lost, or worse, relax a bit, and tomorrow you can settle your score on the Clodsdale track, sound good?” The lavender unicorn asked.

The two flyers exchanged death stares as they said in union.

“Fine.”

They made it to Ponyville in about half an hour. Everypony, and other were silent, but Pinkie, who rambled around.

“Oh, oh, I know! Now we can have four parties! A “welcome back Twilight” party, a “welcome to Ponyville” party, a “congratulations on winning” party and a “don’t worry, losing isn’t so bad as long as you have fun” party!”

By the time they reached the library, their guest had gathered lots of terrified looks from the townsfolk. Right before they entered, the pink hurricane gasped.

“Four parties?! I need to get things ready! Oh, how can I manage all of that alone in so little time?”

“I can help you Pinkie.” Fluttershy offered. “There’s a recipe for lemon flavored muffins I wanted to try out, so I could bake it for my animal friends.”

“Oh thank you so much Fluttershy, now let’s go.” The pink mare grabbed her yellow pegasus friend, and left a trail of dust, leading to “Sugarcube Corner”.

“I guess I’ll go too. Two Pinkie parties in one day, and a race in the next will require quite the bit of rest.” Rainbow Dash said, stretching her back and wings, before she took off into the air.

“And I’ll go pick myself a fitting outfit. I do want to look good at any occasion.” Rarity said, as she nuzzled in the stallion’s side.

He quietly laughed through his teeth. Unnoticed by them, Spike yet again crossed his arms, and put on an angry frown. After half a minute of physical contact, Shadow lowered his head to Twilight’s, and spoke, with his teeth still shut.

“This is getting awkward…”

“Alright Rarity, that’s enough.” The lavender unicorn pulled her friend away.

“Yes, you are right. I’ll meet you two at the party. Ta ta.” The white mare said, as she fixed her mane.

Then she winked at the stallion, turned around, and trotted off to her boutique.

‘Man…coming here is becoming to look like a bad idea.’ Shadow thought.

“Let’s get inside, shall we?” Twilight suggested.

The two dragonic beings followed her. Once inside, the the mare instructed her assistant.

“Spike, keep our guest company, while I write a letter to the Princess.”

After receiving a salute from the dragon, the unicorn went upstairs to get a sheet of paper and a quill. Shadow sat down on the sofa in the living room, under the strict gaze of the purple dragon. This was getting rather unnerving, so the dragony went ahead and asked.

“Is there a reason for your behavior, little one?”

“Listen. You better not get any ideas about Rarity.” Spike said with a serious tone.

“Why would I--, ooooh…” Shadow cnapped into what was going on. “Don’t worry buddy. The bright flashy ones are not my type. She’s all yours.”

“Really?” The dragon perked up.

“Completely. Would you do me a favor, and keep her away from me? That lady creeps me out.” The dragony said.

“Deal.” Spike replied with a chuckle.

He then sat next to Shadow, and spoke with a friendly tone.

“You know, aside from this matter, you’re a pretty nice guy.”

“That’s the nicest thing someone had told me in the last 200 years.” The stallion replied, before the two laughed in union.

Upstairs Twilight was composing a letter to her mentor.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I wish to ease your worry, by telling you that I am alive and well. Also I’d like to report that while I was in the forest, I made a new friend. He had been living there for a while, and on his own. I was the first pony he had met in decades, literally. The reason for his solitude is his unusual appearance, but despite it, he is very nice. If you go through the scariest of thorns, you can find a lovely bloom. Everypony here is starting to open up to him, some more than others…However, a little friction appeared between him and Rainbow Dash. Nothing serious, just a little squabble about flight racing. They agreed to settle their score tomorrow at Cloudsdale. I’ll try to convince him to visit Canterlot with us on the day after. I’m sure you’ll find meeting him rather interesting.

Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle.

She left her quill in its inkwell, wrapped up the sheet into a scroll, and headed downstairs to the living room. There she found the two dragonic beings in the middle of a friendly conversation.

“So can you breathe fire?” Spike eagerly asked.

“No, I think that’s the only dragon trait I don’t have…not counting the lack of paws that is.” Shadow replied.

The mare cleared her throat, getting their attention.

“Spike send this to the Princess.” She levitated the scroll to him.

“Roger that.” The dragon said, took the scroll, and burned it in a cloud of green flame.

“Now Shadow, hold on to your hooves! You are about to experience your first and second Pinkie party.

The dragony raised an eyebrow.

In the Cutiemark Crusaders’ club house Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell were going over a list of various items, when Scootaloo burst inside.

“Guys! You won’t believe this, but I saw a monster go inside Twilight’s library!” The small pegasus exclaimed.

Her friends looked at her, then at each other, then back at her, before Apple Bloom replied.

“You’re right, we don’ believe it.”

“Are you sure you haven’t been in the sun for too long? I mean it’s pretty hot today.” Sweetie Bell added.

“I’m telling you, I wasn’t hallucinating!” Scootaloo protested.

“Let’s talk about this some other time, now help us pack up for tomorrow’s school trip to Cloudsdale.” The yellow filly said.

Monday...just...Monday

Dark Light

Chapter 3: Monday…just…Monday

The rest of the day was like a survival challenge for the dragony.

‘Man, how do these ponies make it with such “parties” on a daily basis?’ He asked himself mentally, as he visualized the past afternoon and evening.

The amount of sweets, despite their amazing taste, nearly put him in a food coma. Good thing he did not have the ability to breathe fire, or he might have burned down Applejack’s barn with the gassy explosions, which erupted from his throat. The loud music, dancing and party games continued for what seemed like an eternity, despite Shadow’s pleads for their end, draining away his strength, and put his stamina to its limits. The last thing he remembered was consuming lots of hard cider in attempt to get away from a certain glamorous white unicorn.

A sharp pain in his head woke him up. Not paying attention to his surroundings, Shadow put a hoof on his head, and closed his eyes. Once the pain faded a little, he reopened them, and was startled by the place he was in. The dragony was laying on a cloud, roped to a purple air balloon, raising them to a giant cloud formation. He got up on his hooves, and then flew up to the basket of the balloon. In it were five of the six mares he had met, with the exception of the cyan pegasus, and the purple dragon. Each was having a light breakfast.

“Morning Shadow.” Twilight greeted.

He simply raised a hood in response. Then he leaned on the side of the basket, and just hung from it. With a groggy expression he called to the little lizard.

“Hey Spike, pass me one of them orange ruby muffins.” He pointed at a basket with gem bakeries.

“Roger.” The dragon replied, grabbed the requested pastry, and gave it to the dragony.

“Thanks.” Shadow said, took the muffin, and gobbled half of it in one bite. “So, where are we going?” he asked, finishing the desert.

“To Cloudsdale silly! You have a race with Rainbow Dash, remember?” Pinkie happily exclaimed.

“Right.” The dragony uttered as he stretched.

Then he flew to the side, grabbed a dark cloud, and squeezed out the water in it on top of himself.

“Aaah…refreshing.” He stated as he shook his head to dry his mane.

“So, Shadow, yer gonna have trouble winning this. Not only is she fast, but Rainbow Dash knows this course like the back of her hoof.” Applejack chuckled.

“Beating someone on their home turf isn’t that hard. You just have to observe the muscles at the base of the wings, the feather tips’ positioning, and the movement of all four legs. Predict as much following actions as possible. Use every opening you get, while leaving no such yourself, and you’re golden.” Shadow explained casually.

“Right…” The orange mare replied.

In a few minutes all of them were at the famous Cloudsdale track. Rainbow Dash was stretching at the start. After a short briefing how the two unicorns, earth ponies and dragon could walk on clouds, the two racers readied themselves in take off positions, awaiting the drop of the flag in Twilight’s magical aura. In the last few seconds the flyers exchanged several words.

“Get ready to suck my dust, and meet me at the finish line grandpa.” The cyan pegasus said.

“The only meeting that will happen at the finish line will be between you and my victorious flank squirt.” The dragony replied.

Their course was an uprising air current with obstacles, followed by a circle around the weather factory, after which a long straight flight for speed, with a few loose clouds, and finally a dive down to the finish line. The lavender unicorn dropped the black and white squared flag, and the two took off. The air current they made nearly blew Twilight off the cloud.

Through the obstacles the flyers were pretty even, each poking a head in front of the other in short intervals, but once they reached the city, Rainbow’s superior speed and smaller size gave her the upper hoof.

“And this here is our rainbow fountain.” A gray coated colt with a dark mane, dressed in a white worker’s outfit pointed at the pouring colorful liquid.

Missis Cherilee and her class were on a special platform for tours, on which all kinds of ponies could walk.

“And with that we conclude the tour of this section of the factory. Hey you three, don’t drink that!” The tour guide yelled at three certain fillies, who were trying to taste the rainbow.

“Girls, what did I say about eating various substances on the school trip to Hoofington’s parasprite pesticide factory last year?” Their teacher exclaimed.

The yellow earth pony, white unicorn and orange pegasus’s faces saddened.

“Now what do you have to say for yourselves?” Cherilee asked.

The three looked up. Instead of the expected: ‘Sorry Missis Cherilee.’, their eyes widened, and they screamed, pointing at the sky. Everypony turned their heads to see Rainbow Dash being chased by a giant black creature.

“Sweet merciful Celestia, what the hay is that thing?!” The tour guide yelled.

“That was the monster I saw go in Twilight’s library yesterday, but someponies here thought I was hallucinating!” Scootaloo loudly exclaimed, and gave her friends an irritated look. The entire facility was in panic.

“Send word for the Royal Guard now!” Somepony yelled amongst the chaos.

Shadow was lagging two, maybe three meters behind the cyan pegasus, as they flew up the weather factory. Reaching the top, the two started the long straight flight, before the dive for the finish line. They maneuvered between rogue clouds, who were a lot harder to dodge than the ones at the start of the track. About a yard from the dive, Rainbow turned around, and mocked her opponent.

“What have you got to say now loud mouth? Let’s see your “smart flying” help you now!”

Then she turned around, and sped away. The dragony rushed to catch up to her. All of a sudden a large cloud appeared in front of the rainbow maned pegasus. With a little effort, and back bending, the mare dodged it. Unfortunately, Shadow didn’t have such luck, and whit a scream he rammed into it, and disappeared inside the cloud.

Right before the dive, Rainbow stopped. She flew back to the cloud, and called for the dragony as she inspected the puffy surface.

“Shadow, you alright?”

A set of black hooves emerged, grabbing her by the shoulders. The colt pulled himself on her back, and jumped off it, sending the cyan pegasus falling behind. The mare quickly got a hold of herself, and dashed after him, but it was too late. Shadow had already taken the dive, and crossed the finish line a firm two seconds before Rainbow Dash.

“What the buck was that?!” The pegasus angerly shouted, as the ponies and dragon gathered around them.

“That was smart flying.” Shadow smugly replied.

“Like hell it is! That was pure cheating!” Dash protested.

“Oh come now. Everybody knows that cheater is just a fancy word for winner.” The dragony continued.

“Nuh-uh! Cheaters never win!” Rainbow shouted again.

Her face had turned red from anger. With a sinister grind the stallion asked.

“And what did I just do?”

“You…” The blue mare just said, before he continued.

“By your own words I am not a cheater.”

Everypony looked at Twilight. The lavender unicorn scratched the back of her head, and spoke with uncertainty in her voice.

“Sorry Rainbow, he has a point there.”

Dash turned around, and her enraged gaze met her opponent’s smug expression.

All of a sudden three white coated pegasi in gold armor and two dark gray bat ponies in nightish blue armor barreled down on top of the dragony, sank through the cloud floor, and started freefalling. In forty seconds of struggling in mid air, the ball of flesh hit the ground, leaving a small crater. Shadow took the force of the entire impact. Down there, two armored white earth ponies, and two more bat pony stallions were waiting for them, and jumped on top of the pile, in an attempt to pin the large creature.

From underneath all of the bodies, an enraged expression took place on the dragonic stallion’s face. His vertical reptilian pupils thinned so much, they almost disappeared in the burning orange irises. He stuck his hooves in the solid ground, and pushed upwards with his legs, and attempted to open his wings. The guards tightened their grip. Their muscles ached as they felt how their prisoner’s strength started to overwhelm their own. In thirty seconds, Shadow tossed them all off his back.
Stallions rained around him, as he stepped out of the crater, bended in a battle ready position, and shouted at them.

“Come on you whelps! I’ve brawled one on one against Cerberus, what makes you think you can do any better?!”

In the next moment he jumped to the side, dodging a blast of purple magic. He looked at the smoking hole, left by it, and then his eyes were set on the shooter, who calmly replied.

“Is that good enough of an answer for you?” Before Shadow stood a white unicorn.

His blue mane could be barely seen under his helmet. The colt wore purple armor, and had a strange looking shield on his flank. On each of his sided stood two more unicorns in gold armor. The dragony huffed out some steam. The purple wearing stallion raised his right hoof, and the other colts next to him took aim. When his hoof fell, four magical blasts were shot at Shadow.

He jumped to the left, dodging the yellow and green one, then he took a spin, avoiding the orange blast, and flinched his head backwards, right before the blue one hit him. The commander ordered another round of shots, this time all directed at one point. Shadow was going to dodge them easily, so he jumped away, but them he noticed that the beams headed for a bird’s nest, so he returned, and took all of the blasts head on.

The explosion made a black cloud around the dragony. Once it cleared out, the unicorns witnessed how the creature’s head was bent down, and it was breathing heavily as smoke steamed from his body. The purple wearing unicorn stepped forwards, and addressed the dragony.

“Surrender peacefully, and we might go easy on you. What do you say, monster?”

“What do I say?” Shadow chuckled.

He lifted his head, wearing a grin, and spoke with a smug tone.

“Biology for the fifth grade. The more a dragon ages over his 300th year, the more he is immune to unicorn magic.” And charged at them.

The five colts dispersed, and surrounded him. Two behind him, one on each side, and their commander in front of him. As Shadow picked a target, all of them conjured magical chains. The yellow and blue ones caught each of his hind legs, the orange and green ones – each of his wings, and their leader’s purple chain locked around the dragony’s muzzle. The stallions pulled in their direction. The struggling creature was hard to hold.

Shadow relaxed his wings, and in an instant clapped them together, pulling their holders at him. The two unicorns smashed into one another, and fell on the ground as their chains disappeared. With the stability from his spread wings, the dragony instantaneously pulled with his hind legs. The two stallions flew at him. Then the dragonic colt bucked them several feet away.

Now the purple armored unicorn was trying to bring down the behemoth on his own. He managed to extend the creature’s head forward . But it was too strong for him to handle alone. Shadow pulled back his neck. The commander was tossed at his target. His magical chain broke, just before the dragony headbutted him in the ground, leaving a small dent in his helmet.

The colt slowly looked up, and saw that his opponent was on his hind legs, and was preparing to splat him on the ground. He covered his eyes with a hoof, preparing for the pain. All of a sudden, a purple shield appeared around the unicorn. It cracked under the dragony’s hooves, but it didn’t break.

“Shadow stop!” A shout was head in the distance.

Both stallions turned around, and saw a purple mare galloping at them.

“Twily?” The white unicorn quietly said, before yelling back at her. “Twilight get back!”

She didn’t pay attention to the warning, and stood between them.

“Shadow don’t!” She exclaimed.

“Why?” The dragony asked with anger in his tone.

“Because he is my brother.” The mare replied.

“Brother?” Shadow quietly said. He calmed down, and took several steps back.

Twilight then turned around, and helped Shining Armor get up.

“Why did you do that?” She scolded the dragony.

He pointed at the white colt before answering.

“He started it.”

The lavender unicorn rolled her eyes.

“Shining are you alright?” She asked worriedly, as the rest of her friends rushed to them.

“Sort of.” He said as he took off his helmet with his magic, and rubbed his head.

“Twilight how did you do that…with the…words?” He continued, still a little dizzy.

“This may sound crazy. But he is actually my friend.” And awkward smile found its way on the mare’s face.

Her brother stared at her confusedly. After a chuckle, Twilight introduced the two stallions one to another.

“Big brother, meet Shadow Blaze. Shadow, this is my brother Shining Armor.”

“Nice to meet you…I guess?” Shadow extended a hoof.

“Yeah, pleasure.” Shining shook hooves.

Groans and moans came from the awakening guards around them.

“Soo…how’s Cadance?” Twilight broke the awkward silence.