This was it, my final look at the castle before I left for my new career. As Stone said before, I was no longer Lieutenant Spirit. Now, I am Private Spirit of the EUOD. My belongings were taken in the day by who I assumed to be more EUOD agents. Their not like other secret service divisions, no black coats or shades. They didn't even have armor on, which showed they were bat ponies.

" You Private Spirit?", one of them asked. I nodded and stood straight. " Gunnery Seargant Stalker, glad to have somepony like you in my op".

I shook his hoof. " Thank you sir", I said.

" Now then, the chariot is waiting outside, come on". I followed him out to the castle courtyard where some of the stallions were going through drills.

Again, I didn't have to since I'm not Solar anymore. My new CO brought me to the waiting chariots, just for me and him. I climbed on beside him and we were off. We went west of Canterlot, and soon it was clouded by, well, clouds. I sighed as we left my home, something I wish didn't have to be.

" Now that we're out of sight, I'd like to talk to you", Stalker said. " I read your file and, quite frankly, I'm impressed with what I saw. Twenty stallions pulled off the field by you, the stand in the Badlands, refusing orders and winning a war. You certainly are a rare soldier to find".

" Thank you sir", I nodded. He started chuckling, reminding me of Captain Stone.

" Another one of your traits is how serious you can be. That's good, because this isn't some walk in the park", he said. " You agreed to this, and if Captain Stone hasn't told you already, quitting isn't an option. You quit, you're dishonorably discharged, stripped of any titles you've gotten, and sentenced to death".

Okay, that was definitely something they never spoke about. " Death, sir?". No stuttering, I lost that in my Seargant years.

" Mm, we're a highly secretive division of the best soldiers ever assembled. We do what the Solar Guards and Lunar Guards aren't allowed or able to", he said it like he recited it. " There's already one who tried to leave, and he's ten feet under".

I gulped forcefully, guess there's no turning back now. " And what is it we do?", I hesitated.

" We're not soldiers anymore. We assinate, we steal or steal back, we do behind enemy line missions, get back any hostages a nation has". Almost like mercenaries, mercenaries I don't take a liking to. " And there's something else I should tell you. When we are sent on deployments, there's no 'no pony left behind' rule. You watch your own arse, you pull your own weight".

This was starting to seem like a worse idea by the minute. It was true, I pulled twenty stallions off a battlfield in one engagement. I couldn't watch any of them lay there, bleeding out from spells and spears. Here, I wasn't allowed to help a fellow officer. It was complete and utter...

" Horseapples", I said.

" What was that?", Stalker asked.

" With all due respect sir, I'm not going to watch a fellow officer die from a wound", I spoke with no emotion. Just like I learned.

Stalker turned to me with a sort of glare. " Like I said Private, this isn't the Royal Guard. We're not soldiers", he snarled. Before I realized it he raised his hoof and slapped me across the face. " If I see you pull somepony's hide back up, without good reason for it, you'll get a night in the ice cube".

I still couldn't believe he did that. Sure I got hit by my drill seargants but not like this, they were on the back or on my leg to simulate anxiety. Never had an officer hit me while on common terms.

" Sorry, sir", I barely suppressed the snarl.

He turned his attention to the front and chuckled. " Welcome to your new home rookie", he smirked.

Ignoring the earlier hit I looked to where he was smiling. I never saw a more strange sight. It wasn't a castle, or mobile barracks tent platoon. No, it was a cave. An enormous cave that we were flying into. The inside of it was hard for me to see, since I didn't have the cat like eyes these bat ponies had. Still, I could hear whooshing noises and the chariot dropped in altitude at times. With another tilt to the side a break of light was coming from a massive door, big enough for a huilding sized dragon.

As we got closer the chariot lowered to the ground. Outside the doorway I could see dozens of chariots lined up, waiting to be used. We stopped then clambered off, the other two agents unhooking themselves and walking behind us. I marveled at the size of the door, wondering what could be inside.

" This, is Fort Shadow", he smirked as the enormous door raised from the ground. As soon as I was able to see, an entire base was before me. Hundreds of bat ponies were going through drills of their own, and some were just talking.

I followed Captain Stalker down the stone steps and into the base. There was a huge wall made to keep out intruders, as if this place would even be found. The bat ponies saluted my CO and opened the gates. As soon as we were inside I saw all of those sharp eyes on me. A lot of them were glaring, some were confused, and another group was surprised. I ignored their gazes with an emotionless expression.

Three particular ponies came towards us. " Private, these are your classmates", Stalker pointed. " Dark Glider, Savage Crawler, and Shock Rock. Boys, this is our new recru-wait. Where's-"

" The seargant is on another deployment with Zulu squad", Crawler saluted. " As per Captain's orders".

" Not again", Stalker sighed. " Alright, I gotta go talk to the Cap anyways. In the meantime, show our new friend around".

The three of them saluted and Stalker walked off. " So you're the new guy huh?", Glider chuckled. His coat was a light gray and his mane was a dull white. " You Solar Guards are finally moving up in the world eh?".

They all surrounded me, like a pack of timberwolves surrounding their prey. Of course I got into a more stable stance, since this wasn't the best welcoming committee.

" How'dya like it so far rookie?", Crawler laughed. " Must be pretty scary down here in the dark". His brown coat was matched with blood red mane.

" Come on guys leave him alone", Rock hushed them. " He's not one of those flankholes". His coat was a dark red with a grey mane.

" You sure Rock? I could've sworn I heard him call one of us a pussy cat", Glider asked. It was just him and Crawler circling me now.

" They must have been real stupid to let some Solar Guard in the big leagues", Crawler laughed. Rock got between me and him as he advanced. It was only now that I saw how big Rock was.

" In case you haven't noticed, this is Lieutenant Silver Spirit". To say I was surpised that somepony from here knew me was...still pretty weird.

" So?", Glider chuckled. " He's the Private now, aren't you boy?". If I didn't learn a long time ago not to hit higher ranking officers, ooh what I'd do.

" Yeah, we'll leave Rock to show you the way", Crawler hissed as he bumped into me. Glider followed suit and knocked into me like the first.

" What's their deal?", I asked Rock. He sighed and shook his head.

" You're a Solar Guard, and you should know how they treat Lunar Guards", he rubbed the side of his head. " It's guys like them that only prove it. But I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot of crap about it. Come on, I'll show you around".

I shrugged and walked next to Rock, probably my only ally here. The barracks, and my new home, was on the east side of the base. Then the mess hall was right next to it. Across from there was archery training building, and behind it was the field. On the north end was weapon handling for any agent to get a new or different spear or sword. I've never handled a sword, but Rock told me I will.

The south side had the gates, and to the right was the Captain's quarters. To the left of it was the briefing and debriefing building. That was where we would meet to get our mission's and covert ops and stuff. The last building was next to weapon handling, which was named the interrogation training building. In the middle of this all was the course, a sandy field, and weights for the pegasi and Earth ponies. There weren't any unicorns here though, which got my attention.

" How come there aren't any unicorns?", I asked.

" Because it would be pointless, we might as well get an earth pony", he said.

" What do you mean? A unicorn could come in handy around here", I went on. He looked at me like I was stupid.

" We do covert operations. Covert. As in stealthy, no light, no attention", he waved a hoof for emphasis. " A unicorn needs to charge up their horn in order to use a spell. And the light it makes with the sound'll give us away".

No wonder Shining Armor couldn't be a part of the EUOD. " I see", I said. He brought me inside the barracks, where everypony stared at me with hateful eyes.

" Don't mind them", Rock whispered to me. He showed me to the showers, the weapon racks, and my bunk. My bag was next to it already, along with my armor on my bed.

Rock left me to myself as I went over my new armor. The helmet was black and without the usual feathers on top. The armor itself was thin and light, with some leather underneath for extra protection. When I put it on my coat changed into a black color, to match the armor. It was just like the spell for my old Solar Armor. I put the helmet on and looked in a mirror by another bunk.

Not to be egotistical or anything, but I looked pretty good. The armor was sleek and comfortable, giving me some flexibility in the joints and back. There was a mount for spear on my right shoulder, and a sheath for a dagger on my chest. They even replicated my old armor.

" Evening Private", Glider said from the door. I removed the helmet and armor and set them in the chest me and my bunk partner would share.

" Evening Glider", I said. He walked in with a smirk on his face, I was already waiting for a punch or tackle.

" Today's your first day, so you got interrogation training", he grinned. " Best head on over, right?".

I glanced quickly at my bag, then back to him. " Right", I nodded. I walked past him, well after he bumped into me again, and made my way out of the barracks. Thankfully he came out of the bed areas and went to the showers.

When I stepped inside I wanted to run out. Behind a glass wall was a bat pony strapped to a chair, bleeding, vomit all over him mixed with sweat. From where I was, a console of buttons and blinking lights along with a heart monitor and brainwave tracker were being operated by several agents.

" Simulation complete. Corporal Fin to the med bay immediately", a female voice announced. The straps unlatched themselves and the Corporal limped out through a side door.

" Private Silver", the stallion standing said. " A pleasure to have you here. I'm Dr. Tick".

" Good evening sir", I saluted. He chuckled and took a once over of me.

" This is interrogation training, where you'll learn to keep secrets if you are to be captured", he grinned devilishly. " Its a first to see a Solar Guard here".

This guy, was creepy. " Thank you, sir?".

" I do hope this isn't the last I see of you", he sighed. " It would be a shame if you didn't survive the drill".

Creepyyy! " A shame indeed", I calmly said. He gestured to the chair, which was now clean and ready to be used.

I walked into the room which was white all over except for the one glass wall. It was a one way enchanted wall of glass. Two bat ponies strapped me in tightly, glaring a little at me, and hurried out. This was the worst mistake I could have made.

" We're going to start with level 2 Private. Brace yourself", the doctors voice said through a speaker.

A couple of whirring noises started, and two spears mounted on what looked like slingshots were pointed at me. Beside me a ball of electricity sparked from some sort of platform. On my other side a sword came out of the wall, and behind me was three daggers in a triangular formation.

" Now, the point of this is to stay silent no matter how many times we ask you for the information on the glass in front of you", the doctor said. A magic screen relayed the words: south, 15 kilometers, 50 stallions, all pegasi and vanished. " We begin now. And try not to move."

The spear on the right launched towards me, tearing my coat open just below my shoulder. I screamed out of pain and struggled before I remembered not to move. The second spear fired and grazed my side, making another gash. I cried out again and started tearing up at the pain.

The whirring to my right made me look at the sword that was poking my chest. " Where is you squadron?", a voice asked.

When I didn't answer, the sword stabbed an inch into my chest. " How far from here are they?", another asked. No answer, and the next thing I knew the sword was moving slowly across my chest. I hollered as loud as I could but kept my words crammed into my throat.

I started vomitting onto myself, which was pretty nasty. I kept spitting to get the taste out of my mouth, but I could still taste the bile. The blade wasn't done, it moved back and started sinking itself into my thigh. Tin was prevailant in my mouth as it went deeper and deeper until it was all the way through. I screamed the whole time.

" How many ponies survived?", the first voice questioned.

Still I kept my lips shut and waited for the next form of torture. The blade pulled out of my leg and retreated back into the wall. Only now, the ball of electricity was coming out of the wall. A spark made my coat stand on edge, and when it pushed into me I started convulsing and twitching around.

More vomit made its way out of my esophagus and into my lap and on floor. The sphere of electricty pulled away finally, leaving my coat singed and my body yelling for mercy. Just one last thing to worry about, those damn daggers behind me.

" What kind of ponies are they?", the second voice asked. The blades positioned themselves at my back, waiting for the go. My silence was it, and they plunged into me.

Talk about getting backstabbed, I kept still but yelled no less. My nose started bleeding and I spat out another glob of blood. The daggers started moving back, until they pulled out of me completely. The whirring noises receded until they were no more. I sat there for two minutes, just bleeding and trying not to throw up at the sight of my own vomit on me.

"Simulation complete. Private Silver to med bay immediately", the female voice announced. The latches unhooked and I collapsed on the floor, barely able to move. Sadly I was still able, so I shakily stood and stumbled out the door.

The med bay was right inside the doorway. The other bat pony wasn't here, which was strange after the beating he took.

" Private Silver". What...wait...why is she here?

" Princess Luna? What are you doing here?", I croaked. Her horn glowed a faint blue, and soon so was I.

" Due to the injuries this exercise exhibits a master healer is needed", she explained. " As I have done with countless other stallions, this spell will stop the bleeding, close all wounds, removed the scars, and rebuild the muscle".

I could feel what she meant, since my body started to wake up. The wounds closed and I felt normal, like I wasn't almost killed. My throat healed up as well, letting me talk like I wasn't just screaming like a banshee.

" Thank you ma'am", I saluted. She nodded and I made my way out the door. It led to the observation room, which was packed with agents.

Rock, Glider, and Crawler were waiting at the front. " Glad you made it whelp", Crawler cackled.

" Kinda hoped you wouldn't make it, Sun Lover", Glider hissed. Rock stood there with a tiny grin.

" Guess what I heard was right about you", he patted me on the back. I noticed a lot of the agents swapping bits.

Betting on my life, how flattering. " I'm starting to think you heard wrong", I sighed. Me and him pushed through the crowd until I was back outside.

I still got angry glares from all the agents, but I just ignored them. " Go and rest up. After interrogation training you have the rest of the night to yourself", Rock said. He trotted off to the weapons building and I to my bunk.

The vomit and sweat still reeked in my coat and I went to the showers. All the agents hissed insults at me and bumped into me as I passed. One even tried to trip me, thankfully I saw his hoof and stepped over it. The agents in the showers snickered things to each other while I washed up. I really hoped they were as loyal as the Captain and princesses said. Otherwise my stay may be short lived.

Quickly I dried myself and went to my bunk. Some of the other agents were napping or talking, but stopped when I came in and called me," Sun Lover". I ignored them and laid down, and right on cue my bag started glowing.

" Show the one who looks for me", I chanted quietly. The gem swirled into existence my sisters face.

" Salut Silver", Blossom smiled. " I have Daney here".

My pegasus sister fluttered over to Daney's crib and brought him over. He was still teething like an idiot on the guard plushie I got him. " Hey Daney", he smiled.

" Ahh bubububu", he mumbled while he bit the toy. Sis and I laughed at her son. He started giggling with us and tried to touch me.

" He misses his favorite uncle y'know", Blossom said. I sighed sadly, it had been weeks since I last saw my nephew. " When could you visit him?".

" Don't know", I sighed. " But I promise to visit as soon as I can".

Daney started cooing as his hoof slid over the gem. Apparently it was too much for his tiny brain to comprehend. " He'll be so glad to see you", Blossom smiled. " So how was your day big brother?".

I slumped a little in my bed and groaned. I would be lying to my little sister, the filly I practically raised since ma and pa were so busy. Still, it's either I lie and see her, or tell the truth and never see either of them again.

" It was...interesting to say the least", I shrugged. " You know, just standing around waiting for trouble".

" Sounds interesting", she rolled her eyes. " Uncle Silver's job is bo-wing wight Daney?".

My nephew started giggling as Blossom nuzzled his cheek. I wanted so much to hold him, but now I wasn't sure I ever would. Not with this career, or considering how far she was.

" Where's Chaser?", I asked. Blossom sighed after I asked.

" He got hung up at work", Blossom glumly said. " He might not be back for some time. And Daney misses his Daddy right?".

The colt was just munching on the plushie as he stared off to who knows where. I started laughing when I saw that, and Blossom told me to stop.

" Sometimes I think my nephew's special", I laughed.

" He must get it from you I guess". Damn, she was really good at this insult thing. Always has been.

" Well, say hi to Chaser for me, and I'll see you whenever I can", I sighed. Blossom was a bright mare, that's how she got her job in Prance.

" What's bugging you Silver?", she asked. I waited for her to put the little tike in his crib as he used all four of his hooves to hold up the plushie.

" Nothing, just had a long day". Yeah, a long day filled with enough bloodshed for a small skirmish with a timberwolf. " I'll see you soon sis, okay?".

Hopefully she remembered how she could never get something out of me when I didn't want to talk about it. " Okay Silver. Stay safe". The image vanished and I put it back into its bag.

What have I gotten myself into?

Author's Note

And now we know why there's a dark tag. If you can't handle torture, vomit, and suffering on a regular basis, I suggest you turn around now before it's too late. In other news, I have so much excitement for this story! 80 views in one day! That's the most ever for a new story! Remember guys, like, fav, comment, check this out, and have an awesome day/night!