Night Slash woke up the next morning alone in bed. He looked around to see if he could find Lily or Daisy but they were nowhere to be seen. He felt slightly hurt that they didn’t say they were leaving but got over it since they were nothing but puppets for him to play with. He got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. Once inside he took a look at his arm and leg to see that there was no evidence that he was attacked. The pain was still there from where he was bit but it was easy to ignore. He jumped into the shower as changed forms again to get cleaned. Night Slash released a heavy sigh from how tired he was feeling. He may be fine on the outside but he still felt like crap on the inside. He couldn’t do anything but just wait out the healing process before he could fight again.

He got out of the shower and dried off his body as he went back to his unicorn form. He got dressed in a regular t-shirt and jeans and headed for the living room. Once inside he was met with Fiddlesticks and Junebug sleeping on the couch. Night Slash could only guess that they slept out here since he was sleeping with Lily and Daisy during the night. Letting them sleep he went to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. He opened the fridge and grabbed the carton of apple juice and poured himself a glass. He then placed two slices of bread in the toaster and grabbed a banana. He finished off the banana when his toast was finished. He grabbed his toast and ate as he looked over the two mares.

He went back into the kitchen to make the mares some waffles for when they woke up. As the waffles were almost finished being cooked Fiddlesticks and Junebug came into the kitchen. Night Slash couldn’t help but laugh at how they looked. Their manes were a mess and it looked like they were the living dead as they shuffled in. Though when they saw Night Slash their looks changed to that of liveliness as they sat down at the table. Once they were seated Night Slash brought over their waffles and set them down in front of them. The mares smiled at him as they grabbed their knives and forks and started eating. While the mares ate Night Slash just drank his apple juice waiting for them to finish. Night Slash started to stare off into space before his thoughts were pulled back to reality.

“So do you like the apple juice that I got master?” Fiddlesticks asked as she looked her master dead on wanting a truthful answer.

“Actually I do like this. This is better than what I used to have before I moved.” Night Slash wasn’t lying because the juice did taste like heaven.

“Well I can get you some more since my cousin Applejack is the one that made it.” Night Slash had to get control of himself because the juice almost went down the wrong pipe.

“I didn’t know you were a cousin of Applejack.” Night Slash stated confused that she was somehow related to Applejack. If she looked like to be related to anyone it would have been Octavia.

“Yeah I get that a lot from ponies. It usually is because of my looks. Also me and Junebug were headed over there so I can say hi to her. Will you be alright by yourself while we are gone?” Fiddlesticks asked worried a little that if she and Junebug left Night Slash might get hurt.

“Yeah I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me since it will take a lot more to finish me off.” Night Slash stated flexing his muscles trying to reassure them. He actually wanted them to leave so he could head to the Everfree forest and talk with Nightmare. Nightmare told him where the old castle was that she was staying at until the hooded figure showed up again.

The mares looked at him with slight doubt that he wouldn’t be okay but then smiled. They nodded their heads as they finished off their breakfast. Once their breakfast was done they all gave each other hugs as the mares left. Once the door was closed he watched from the window waiting for them to get out of view. Once they went over a hill Night Slash opened his door and headed for the Everfree. He was now standing at the entrance of the forest looking deep within it. As he looked he took some time to plan out his approach. He decided to take a quick nap to at least top off his energy in case he ran into anything in the forest. He took a shady spot under a tree and closed his eyes.

Fiddlesticks and Junebug

The mares were walking down the dirt road to where Applejack was living. As they got closer Applejack noticed her cousin and ran towards her. When Applejack reached her cousin she gave her a big hug glad to see her. Fiddlesticks returned the strong hug with one of her own. Once the hug was broken off Applejack shook Junebug’s hand welcoming her to her farm. The mares headed back to the farmhouse so they could all sit down and talk with each other. As they got closer to the farmhouse Soarin exited the building with Carrot Top and Bonbon following behind him. Soarin, Carrot Top, and Bonbon waved to Applejack as they were nearing the farmhouse. Fiddlesticks was confused to see these three ponies at the farmhouse so she had to ask what they were doing there.

“Hey AJ who are those three ponies that you were waving to?” Applejack looked at Fiddlesticks trying to figure out the best way to explain who they were. Applejack took a deep breath as she just put it bluntly for her cousin.

“Those three ponies are my herdmates. The stallion over there is Soarin, she is Carrot Top, and she is Bonbon.” Applejack showed her cousin as she pointed at them and told her who they were. Fiddlesticks was astonished to see her cousin in a herd with other ponies.

Fiddlesticks saw that Soarin was a pegasus when she saw the wings on his back. She was a little less than thrilled that Applejack was with a weak race. Though she was glad that the other two members of her herd were earth mares so at least she was at least safer with them than if she was with Soarin. Applejack could see the concerned look on Fiddlesticks face as she looked over her herdmates. She could even see that she was staring intently at Soarin and knew that she didn’t like the fact that he was a pegasus. To help put her cousin’s mind at ease she explained who Soarin was.

“I know that you’re upset that Soarin is a pegasus but he is stronger than he looks. He is part of the Wonderbolts so he can hold his own. I mean he even held out with the three of us during heat season so that should show that he is pretty strong.” Fiddlesticks looked at Applejack and then back at Soarin surprised that he was able to handle Applejack during heat season along with the other two mares.

They finally reached the farmhouse and Soarin was the first to greet them. Soarin knew about Fiddlesticks from Applejack so he gave her a hug. Fiddlesticks was surprised by this action and didn’t know what to do. She was able to gather her thoughts as she returned the hug with her own. Soarin broke off the hug as he shook hands with Junebug. As Fiddlesticks got a closer look at Soarin she could see that Applejack was right about him being able to take care of himself. They all took seats on the front porch so they could all catch up with each other. As they talked Fiddlesticks was quickly blinded by some light.

She saw that on Soarin’s finger was a wedding ring. Worried that he was with her cousin on some fling she was going to say something. She was stopped cold when she saw the Applejack was wearing a ring on her finger along with Bonbon and Carrot Top. She was able to add two and two together to know that they got married. Fiddlesticks waited for her chance to say something as Junebug was busy talking to them. The conversation that Junebug was having was finished so Fiddlesticks asked the question that was on her mind.

“So Applejack when did you get married?”

“I got married a couple of days ago and I must say that I’ve never been happier.” Applejack stated as she smiled brightly at Soarin. Soarin just gave a small blush as he rubbed the back of his neck. Fiddlesticks gave her own bright smile as she continued the conversation.

“So how did you two first meet before you got married?”

“Well my friend James was helping me out in the field and we would always see mister showboat here flying overhead. Then he had the bright idea to bring Soarin to the farm without my knowledge and introduced us. That may have been the craziest thing that I had ever seen but it seemed to work. Then not long after Bonbon here joined us and then Carrot Top. So I guess if it wasn’t for James then I would never be at this point in my life.” Applejack shared her story and seemed to hold a lot of respect for James. Though inside of Fiddlesticks mind she was very angry that James was able to worm his way into being friends with Applejack. Fiddlesticks was able to keep her anger hidden so she could continue to talk with Applejack.

As the conversations continued on Fiddlesticks noticed another pony coming down the dirt road. Fiddlesticks had to squint her eyes to try and figure out who it was but when she did she was elated to see who it was. Coming down the dirt road was one of her old friends Octavia. Octavia noticed Fiddlesticks sitting on the porch with the others and waved to them. They all waved back and waited for her to reach the porch so they could all talk. As she walked towards them Applejack said something that made Fiddlesticks even more infuriated than she already was.

“I wonder what she is doing here. Last time I heard she was supposed to be with James so he could help her with her music.” When Applejack said this Fiddlesticks excused herself from the group for a few seconds.

Fiddlesticks found an apple tree far away from the farmhouse. Looking around to see that there were no other ponies around Fiddlesticks released her anger. She beat on the apple tree until there was a hole in the trunk of it. Before she could continue any further she was stopped by Junebug. Junebug gave her a promising look that they would help her friend and cousin but right now she needed to keep herself under control. Fiddlesticks released her breath and headed back for the porch. She was certain that she wouldn’t be able to control herself anymore so she just grabbed the apple juice that Applejack makes and left.

Night Slash

Night Slash woke up from his little nap feeling a little better than he was before. He got up from the shady part of the tree and started his trek through the forest. He walked along the path that Nightmare told him about but kept his eyes and ears open for any weird noises. Listening for weird noises is easier said than done because everything sounds weird in the Everfree. As he continued along his walk he heard two low growls from behind. Night Slash quickly turned around ready to fight whatever it was that was behind him. What he saw made him happy since it was the timber wolf and manticore that he was able to brainwash.

When the two animals got a better look at who the creature was they stooped growling at it. They looked at Night Slash and then walked up towards him. When they were standing in front of him he looked down at them and smiled. He extended both of his arms and pet them both on the head. The manticore gave a low purr as the timber wolf pushed its head in a little farther. When Night Slash was done petting them he asked them if they could lead him to the old castle ruins that were in the forest. The animals nodded their heads as they took the lead and headed for the old castle. Night Slash was glad that he ran into these two animals because now he continue to conserve his energy for healing himself and not waste it on pointless fighting.

They reached the castle ruins and Night Slash could feel the immense dark energy that it gave off. He walked forward as his animals parted and left to go somewhere else. As he got closer Night Slash couldn’t help but feel that he was being watched. He reached the castle doors and opened them to get inside. Once inside he looked around at what was left of the castle. He saw the old banners of Celestia and Luna and he found their old bed chambers. He continued to walk around until he came to two large double doors. Night Slash could only guess that behind these doors was the throne room. Not wasting any time he opened the doors and entered the room. Inside he saw Nightmare sitting on her throne staring at him.

“Hello Night Slash and to what to I owe the honor of your visit?” Nightmare asked as she looked at Night Slash.

“I just came by to check and see if you were doing alright out here. I love what you did with the place though. The dark aura that surrounds this place will keep many unwanted creatures out except the ones that we truly hate.” Night Slash said as he continued to look at Nightmare.

Nightmare could only nod her head in agreement knowing who he was talking about. The dark aura could keep any lesser beings away but those that have the power to destroy them both could easily fight through the darkness. Night Slash could see that she was worried and he couldn’t have that. He wasn’t going to admit it but he was also scared a little at what will happen. The outcome is still uncertain for when the fight comes. Though if anypony deserved any reassurance it would be Nightmare. Hell Night Slash could care less what happened to him as long as James was dealt with.

Night Slash put a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her. Nightmare gave a smile of her own as she could feel his uncertainty. She could call it out if she wanted to but he seemed content in having that uncertainty. Maybe it was because of this uncertainty that he would be able to win and do as he pleased. Then there is the second road that could happen where the uncertainty would get him killed and he would fail. With those two goals set in mind Night Slash would train as hard as he could to defeat James.

Nightmare offered to give him some training time if he wanted. Night Slash accepted as he looked out the broken ceiling seeing that he still had time to blow off. Nightmare nodded as she asked for some training right now as he pulled out the dagger. Night Slash could feel the magic that it gave off but didn’t know what the dagger could do. Once his dagger was unsheathed Nightmare summoned some shadow demons for him to fight. Night Slash took a few breaths as he got down into a ready stance waiting for them to attack. The shadow demons circled around him trying to find and opening.

Night Slash counted his enemies and was coming up with a plan to kill the three demons. He looked over to Nightmare and see that she had some worry in her eyes that he was going to get himself hurt. Night Slash could only shake his head that a creature of the night was worried for him. He himself was a creature of the night but only lived in your nightmares making you go insane. As your insanity would increase with him inside of you the host would either then give up their body or they would kill themselves to end the pain.

The first shadow demon charged at him and Night Slash held his ground. When the creatue was about to attack Night Slash side stepped his attack and slashed at his back. The creature stumbled a bit before turning back around. By the time the creature took two steps to try and charge again it was engulfed in black flames. The creature screamed as it burned to death before Night Slash’s very eyes. The second demon came in for a strike and Night Slash just threw the dagger into its chest. The dagger impaled the demon in the chest and it screamed in pain.

The demon fell onto the ground writhing at the intense pain its body was going through. The dagger turned into a dark cloud as it enveloped the demon. Night Slash could hear the screams of the creature and enjoyed the sounds of it. The sounds slowly died down until there was nothing left. When the screaming was done the dark cloud came over to Night Slash and climbed his body. When all of the dark cloud reached his hand it turned back into the dagger. Night Slash looked back over at the demon and saw nothing left but bone. On the bone was this goo that looked as though it was digested from the cloud.

Night Slash gave off an evil laugh at how good this dagger was. Night Slash turned to the third demon and it looked scared. Wanting to see if the dagger worked as the though he threw it into the air. The demon saw Night Slash do this and thought that he was crazy. Using this to his advantage the demon charged at him. When the demon was only a few feet away it was smashed by a giant claw. The demon struggled to break free from the claw that was crushing its lower half. As it struggled it felt a breath of hot air on its face. The demon turned around and saw that he was held down by a dragon apparition.

The dragon just looked at the demon before turning to Night Slash. The demon and dragon stared at Night Slash to see what he was going to do. Night Slash held out its left arm with his thumb sticking sideways. After a few seconds he pointed his thumb down. The demon knew what that meant as the dragon looked back at it. The dragon then raised its other claw and slammed it down on the top half of the demon. When the claw hit the ground there was shadow blood splattered all over the place. The dragon removed its claws as it turned back into the dagger and went back to Night Slash. Night Slash put the dagger away as he looked back towards Nightmare. She looked very surprised at what she saw. Night Slash waited for her brain to process what she just saw.

“How exactly did you do that?” Nightmare asked unbelieving of what she saw right in front of her.

“Well it was a theory but this dagger is connected to my mind in a way. I can think of something and depending how I use the dagger it will do what I think.” Night Slash answered with a smug grin on his face.

Night Slash left the castle and headed back for the house before the mares got back. He walked through the Everfree before he ran into his two animals. The animals lead him to the entrance of the forest that he came from and exited the forest. He walked through the little moonlight that there was. As he walked he was able to see Fiddlesticks and Junebug walking to the house. Not wanting to deal with the mares being worried for him he ran back to the house. Night Slash was the first into the house as he got started on dinner for the mares.

As the food was set he headed for the shower so he could get the blood off of his body. He cleaned his body for the second time of the day. Once he was finished he heard the front door open and then close. He headed for the kitchen and saw the mares finishing cooking dinner and putting away the apple juice. Fiddlesticks saw Night Slash standing in the door way and she grabbed a glass for him. She filled it up with the apple juice and gave it to him. Night Slash nodded his head in thanks for the glass. Dinner was finished and they all sat at the table.

Dinner was silent and after they finished Fiddlesticks shared the bad news with Night Slash. Night Slash rubbed her back as he gave her comfort that James was hurting her friend and cousin. Night Slash assured her that he would make sure that they would save them but it wouldn’t be for a while since he was hurt. The mare nodded and then asked if she and Junebug could sleep with him tonight. Night Slash nodded his head as they went for the bedroom. Once inside the mares cuddled close to Night Slash as they all fell asleep together.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to ErikTheSoulReaper for the idea on this chapter.