Author's Note: This is a non-profit fanfiction made for the sole purpose of doing something fun about one of my favorite characters in the Mass Effect series. Harbinger and Shepard belong to BioWare and My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro. Enjoy.

Chapter 12: Better Books are Better Guarded Part 3

Location: Equestria, Canterlot, Book Exhibit Main Building

Time: Fifteen Minutes post Infiltration

The Mane 6 were trotting through the empty hallways of the building in which the exhibit for the book 'Master Class Combat Magic' written by none other than Starswirl the Bearded. It was very quiet, unlike what the six mares had expected.

Black: Looks like Rainbow Dash's diversion worked a lot better than I expected, I'm surprised.

Rainbow Dash: Well you shouldn't, because I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria.

Black: Never heard of you.

Rainbow Dash: *angrily* WHY YOU!

The others, except Twilight, couldn't help but chuckle at their rainbow friend.

Twilight: *in a serious tone* Black… please tell me, what exactly do you have against Princess Celestia. What did she do to you? She's done so many great things, how can you be mad at-

Black: *with a sneer* She's done nothing for me. My loyalties lie earlier on her family tree. *sighs and speaks in a calm tone* I don't hate her Twilight, well…only a little, but that's because she's the Princess of the Sun. Don't get me wrong I don't hate the sun, I just like night a lot more than day.

Rarity: *chuckles* Oh dear, looks like Princess Luna has a secret admirer.

Black: Now that you think about it, you're right. Even Celestia doesn't know my true identity, of course we've met before in person, but the true person behind the mask is completely unknown to her. So I really am secret all the time. NICE!

The Mane 6 reached the end of a corridor, and stopped to check around the corner. Twilight levitated a mirror that she brought just for such an occasion and her face dropped at what was around the corner.

Twilight: Girls, we have a problem.

Fluttershy: W-what's wrong Twilight?

Twilight: There are at least ten guard in the hallway ahead. There's no way we can get past them.

Rainbow Dash: I say we just go there and knock them out before they even know what hit'em.

She was about to fly down the hall, but was stopped by Applejack who grabbed her by her tail.

Applejack: Woah there, slow down Dash. This ain't something we can handle, let's jus' stop an' think for a moment.

Rainbow Dash: *pouts* I still think we should just go and knock them out.

Pinkie Pie: I have an idea. Let's throw them a 'We're not trying to Infiltrate the building to get the book' Party and they'll think we're not here to get the book.

She was smilling from ear to ear, but the smile shrunk at the looks her friends were giving her.

Pinkie: Or maybe we could use the dart guns. *five surprised looks in her direction* *sad* I'll just sit here and not talk, then.

Her poofy mane started to sad.

Twilight: Wait, Pinkie that's a great idea.

Pinkie: *hair back to full poofiness* It is?

Twilight: Yes, we just all fire our dart guns, reload fast and fire again before the others notice.

Rarity: Brilliant, that should work.

Rainbow Dash: Hay yeah, let's go.

Applejack: Right behind'ya.

Fluttershy: Umm…yay?

Pinkie Pie: Okie dokie lokie.

The six mares all leaned looking down the corridor, lining their shots with one of their targets. They all fired. But it didn't go as planned. They didn't tell eachother what target target they took, so one guard got shot by three darts, while three others took each one dart. There were six left, they noticed this and looked around. The Mane 6 started panicking and couldn't line up any shots.

Twilight: *panicking* We should've chosen each a target.

Guard: *from around the corner* The shots came from that direction. We should inform the Princess that we have intruders.

At that piece of news Twilight nearly had a panic-attack. The others were trying to run, but Twilight was frozen in place.

Applejack: C'mon Twi, he 'ave tah run.

No response came from Twilight. The sound of the guard's hoofsteps were getting closer, but then they stopped and were replaced by the sounds of a falling object, several hits and a couple of muffled groans from the guards, then, it was silent.

The Mane 6 were scared to look around the corner to see what happened, but then a familiar voice came from the hall.

Black: That was the crappiest display of teamwork I've ever seen… at least in the past few weeks.

The six mares including Twilight who recovered from her stupor, quickly looked around the corner. The hallway was dark, apparently the lights went out when Black came in. They didn't see anything, but in the dark, two red slitted eyes flashed, causing the six mares to jump back in surprise. The lights returned, and there was no one in the hallway.

Black: *through intercom* Next time, each chose a target before firing, I ain't gonna' be there everytime you muck things up.

Twilight: *chuckles nervously* Thanks.

Black: All right, the Book Expo atrium is just down the - *talks to someone else* Yeah, I did order a pizza… No, I said pepperoni not macaroni… What do you mean, you don't know what pepperoni is?

The six mares gave eachother confused looks.

Black: *to the Mane 6* Just had some trouble with the pizza delivery guy. Go down the hall, you can't miss it. Oh wait, almost forgot, looks like the guards just found out that you six are here, the entire guard squad is converging on you position. You better run or - *static*

Twilight: Black. Black! DO you hear me? *static*

Applejack: Looks like we lost'im.

The sounds of numerous hoofsteps started to resonate down the halls. The floor started to shake, showing the sheer number of guards approaching. The six mares turned around and ran down the hallway, which for some reason looked like it had half-a-mile. From outside several light spells flashed in their direction.

High Rank Guard: Twilight Sparkle and friends, by the decree of Captain Shining Armor, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, you are to cease any resistance and come out with your hands up!

Another Guard: *whispers to High Rank Guard* Did the Princess really say that?

High Rank Guard: No, she said I could say anything I wanted.

Another Guard: *snickers* Well, you suck at stuff like this.

High Rank Guard: Shut Up!

The six mares reached the atrium door, yet when Twilight heard the name of her mentor she froze. The guards were quickly converging on them.

Rarity: Twilight, dear, if we do not open this door, everything we have done until now will be for nought.

Rainbow Dash: C'mon Twi, get in there and read that book.

The purple unicorn looked up at her friends an noticed all of them smiling and urging her to go in.

Twilight: B-but what about you?

Pinkie walked up to Twilight and placed her hooves on the unicorn's shoulders. Looking Twilight in the eyes she said.

Pinkie: *serious face* Twilight, right now reading that book is more important than what happens to us. We all agreed to come here and help you read that book and you're gonna' read it. Go, Twilight, fulfill your dream, we'll stay back here and…*dramatically* HOLD THE LINE!

Outside a lightning bolt flashed, despite the clear skies. Before Twilight could say anything Pinkie gave her a nice punt on the rump sending her inside the room and closing the door behind her. Twilight immediately stood up and tried to open the door, but it was closed. From inside she could hear the voices of her friends struggling to fend off the guards.

Outside Guard: AHH! Not the cupcakes! I'm allergic to cupcakes!

Some Other Guard: I'll save you- oof!

Twilight turned to look at the room. There were no guards which she found strange, the only thing in the room was the pedestal holding The Book in the center. She remembered what Pinkie told here before she sent her in, so she ran for the pedestal. Reading the book was the objective, if she failed now, her friend's sacrifice would be in vain. She picked up the pace and finally arrived at the pedestal. There it stood in all of it's grace – 'Master Class Combat Magic' by Starswirl the Bearded. All of the stress was now gone, replace by her usual bookworm excitement. She used her magic to pick the book up placing it on the ground. Twilight opened the book. Inside there was a note 'Gotcha!'. Before she could comprehend what the note meant, she felt something hit her side. Her eyelids suddenly became heavy, her body no longer could support itself. She slumped to the floor. The last thing she saw was four familiar glowing eyes in the dark, before she blacked out.

Harbinger: Sleep tight Twilight Sparkle, you deserve to rest.

---

Location: Equestria, Canterlot, Twilight's Old Room

Time: Next Day, Morning

Twilight woke up the next morning to find herself on a familiar bed that she used to sleep on while living in Canterlot. She tried to comprehend what was happening, but she suddenly remembered everything, how they infiltrated the Book Exhibit, how they got help from Black, how they got busted and her friends stood behind while she read the book and how she lost consciousness. She got off of her bed and found… all of her friends sitting around the room. Some were sad, others were frustrated, Pinkie had a poker face.

Fluttershy: *notices Twilight* Everypony, Twilight's awake.

At that piece of news, the five mares rushed over to Twilight, each with expressions of concern.

Rarity: Twilight, thank Celestia you're alright. What happened, the guards said that they found you unconscious on the floor right next to the pedestal.

Twilight: I don't know, one minute I was reading the book, then the other I felt something hit my side and then I blacked out.

Fluttershy: Does it hurt?

Twilight: It does sting a little, but nothing bad.

Rainbow Dash: It's all fine and dandy, but we're forgetting one thing – we failed. All that work for nothing. And you know what's worse? *five heads turn in her direction* Looks like Harbinger ratted on us. *five shocked faces* The guards said he came last night and told the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna about our infiltration plan.

Twilight remembered the four glowing eyes she saw last night before she passed out, it was without doubt him. Her emotions turned from sadness to anger. How dare he? First he insults the Princess, then he tells her to get the book and finally he stops her just before she can read the book, what kind of hypocritical thinking is that?

Applejack: That darn varmin' if I get my hooves on'im ah'll –

The six mares turned their heads when they heard the door to the room open. Inside came Shining Armor, he looked at each of the six mares. His gaze lingered at Twilight a little more than the others, his face was one of disappointment. Twilight noticed this and looked away ashamed.

Shining Armor:*sigh* The Princess invited you six to the Throne Room, she wants to speak with you about your little fiasco yesterday.

The stallion turned to walk away but stopped and said.

Shining Armor: I'm really disappointed in you, especially you Twilight, that's not what the Elements of Harmony are all about.

The Mane 6's ears drooped down and they look at the floor with downcast expressions. But they followed nonetheless. It took them quite some time to reach the Throne Room, during the entire walk not a single word was spoken. Finally when they were at the doors of the room in which Princess Celestia would be, Rainbow Dash was fed up with the silence.

Rainbow Dash: C'mon girls don't be so gloomy, I'm pretty sure it won't be that-

The door opened revealing a room full of ponies, reporters and others. Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne with an unreadable expression, but obviously disappointed. By her side was a sleepy Luna that tried her best to stay awake and Shepard who was supplying Luna with coffee.

Rainbow Dash: *whimpering* -t-that bad?

The reporters immediately came at them with questions like: Why did they do it? How did they evade the guards for so long? What did they eat for breakfast today? As well as other questions like that. Celestia cleared her throat to get everypony's attention, this worked very well, as a dead silence settled upon the room. To be honest, for the six mares this was even more nerve-wracking than when they asked questions.

Celestia: Elements of Harmony, step up closer.

Despite the initial hesitation the Mane 6 stepped forward and stopped at the base of the stairs leading to the throne that was currently occupied by the Sun Alicorn. Princess Celestia looked down upon them with a disappointed, yet very imposing look.

Celestia: Twilight Sparkle, of all ponies to try and steal the book, you are the last pony I would ever think would try to do so. I have only one question: Why?

Twilight looked up to her mentor her eyes on the verge of tears.

Twilight: Princess… I-I… *starts crying* I just wanted to read the book! I wanted to know those spells. Harbinger said that it's never bad to know some combat magic!

Princess: *raises eyebrow* And you listened to him?

Twilight: I'm not here to question your rule, but-

Celestia: But?

Twilight stopped crying and her face turned to one of determination.

Twilight: But, he's right. If I want to protect my friends, my family and everypony in Equestria, I would have to know how to do some damage. The best defense is offense, or so they say.

Harbinger: Well said Twilight Sparkle.

Everypony in the room turned towards the doorway. There he stood in all of his fiery greatness. Shepard grinned at his arrival. Many ponies were surprised at his arrival, others were angry, some were even disgusted and voiced their opinions on how he should be removed from the room. The Reaper paid no attention to anypony, and just proceeded to walk towards the six mares. As he came up to them, he tried to say something but was met with a punch to the face, then a buck and then two more punches. Fluttershy walked up to him and gently tapped him on the face, but immediately squeaked in fright and hid behind her friends asking forgiveness for hitting the Reaper. Harbinger stood there his expression unchanged. Twilight came up to him and gave him a good punch that sent him backwards a few feet.

Twilight: You told me to get that book and then you rat us out. How dare you?! To think that I thought you were nicer than what your reputation is.

Harbinger wasn't paying any attention to what she was talking, he was busy nursing the spot where he was punched and bucked six times. Indeed the cracks where the hits landed weren't glowing, making it look like a bruise. The lavender unicorn noticed he was ignoring her, her friend noticed this as well, they were getting angry. But, before any of them could do anything, Harbinger reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a book. He then placed it at Twilight's hooves. Without saying a word he started walking out of the room, which was silent.

Twilight: W-what's this?

Harbinger:*stops* A token for you efforts. A copy of 'Master Class Combat Magic'. I made you infiltrate the exhibit as a mere distraction in order to make my job a lot easier.

Celestia tried to interfere but was stopped by Shepard who shook his head.

Shepard: *reassuring smile* Just let the kid have the book. She deserves it a lot more than you can think. Her motives are noble as well, which adds to the list of why she should read it.

Celestia sat down and glared at Shepard who gave her a toothy grin.

Harbinger continued walking out of the room, but felt as something hit him from behind. Twilight tackled him and delivered a nice big smooch on his cheek, hugging him in the process. The flames on the Reaper's body started glowing brighter.

Twilight: *whispering* Thanks.

Harbinger: You're welcome.

The pair looked around and saw everypony looking at them with jaws hitting the floor. Pinkie Pie was giggling and Shepard was rolling on the floor laughing. Twilight blushed furiously, Harbinger was unfazed.

---

Location: Equestria, Canterlot, Random Alley

Time: Same Day, Late Evening

Harbinger walked into an alley in Canterlot. One at first wouldn't see anything strange about this alley, but the Reaper knew better. In the alley stood a red stallion with a brown cropped mane and tail and an N7 Cutie Mark, his name was Shepard. From another shadow emerged another stallion, a very strange one by most pony standards. The stallion was as large as Celestia herself, only a lot more buff. He wore a black skintight turtle neck, dark grey cargo pants that were held up by a belt on which various small pouches were attached. On his hooves there were dark metallic grey armored boots. Even his head was wrapped with a black scarf that seemingly obstructed his vision, but the stallion showed no signs of being burdened by this. The only feature visible was a black and red tail sticking out of his pants.

Harbinger: It seems the operation went better than I expected.

Shepard: My money was actually on it failing.

Black: Doesn't matter how it went on, in the end we succeded and that's what matters. Your plan was very well laid. It only required Shepard to distract Celestia, you to get the book and me to make sure they got far enough for the „betrayal" to work out.

Shepard: *snickers*You can come up with pretty good ideas when you want to.

Harbinger:*to Shepard* And you can shut up when not asked. *to Black* I also wanted to thank you for your help, although i would have preffered to thank you in person, not through a projection.

Black: Just a precaution. Plus, I'm a little too far away from here to talk to you in person. But one day we might actually meet. Guess my time's up, gotta go. *gives them a wave with two...fingers?* See ya around.

Transmission Terminated

Logging Off

*New Codex Entry Available*

Codex: Princess Luna

Princess Luna is the second ruler of Equestria along with her sister Princess Celestia. She is responsible for raising and lowering the moon every night. Famed for being the legendary Nightmare Moon, Luna is often eyed with suspicion by many ponies. Her thousand year absence wasn't without it's negative effects, as she often has trouble keeping up with the modern traditions. Despite all this, she is rumored to be a better diplomat than Celestia, as well as being an avid gamer when not working. No pony has yet to confirm these rumors. Despite the fact that Nightmare Moon's control over Luna has been severed, some believe that she may still be lying dormant inside, or even that she may be resurrected by other means...

Author's Note: #1: This is my longest chapter so far. Wasn't Harbinger awesome here?

#2: Black is revealed, not sort of revealed but trully revealed. Although the story is still not ready for posting, i think the closest time would by the end of next week.

#3: The next arc is coming soon, but we first must pass another small story before. I finished this late during night so i'm too tired to write something else but as always I leave you with another –

Fun Fact: One of my friends ( a girl) gave me a pair of edible thongs for my 18th birthday. To be honest they tasted like shit. But maybe that was because I lumped it and ate it. The world will know later, if you catch the drift *wink wink*.

-LittleMisterBlack out-