Shadow moved the sword her neck gently not killing the griffon but leaving a trail of blood.

"Do it!" Lacoden shouted.

"Stop!" Garren shouted. He let go of Retina."Shadow, you passed the test. Stand down Changelings." They crept back into the darkness."Retina, go back to the brig. I will turn in." Garren went to the captain's cabin. The only ones on deck were Shadow, Lacden, and a few Changelings.

"Of course." Retina took the griffon away from Shadow and went to the brig. The griffon was crying.

"Lacoden, you are becoming more thoughtful of your actions," said Shadow"instead of killing her yourself, you held back." Shadow went to the helm to speak to her up close.

She turned her head and replied,"So?"

"You know you could've killed and I wouldn't have done anything. You care for the griffon and Retina. Don't you?"

"No. They are just my...prisoners. Nothing more." She was quiet.

"Don't lie to me, or rather yourself."

"So what if I did? Would it make a difference in how I act?"

"No, but, it could. I have a child and those two prisoners are children. I care for them just because they are young. Why do you care for them? I am going to the cargo bay for some sleep. You should get some shut eye as well." SShadow found a place in a corner where it was dry and warm. He shut his eyes.

Lacoden was alone,"Why do I care for them? For anything? These feelings are weakening me."

"They don't weaken. They strengthen." Lacoden began speaking to herself.

"Are you dead yet?"

"Not until I get back what's mine. He's right, isnt he?"

"I don't care for anyone. Not earth, pegasi, unicorn, or griffon. So shut up and leave me alone."

"As you wish. You have matured, Lacoden. I'm proud of you." Her other side stopped.

"Damn it. Why do I feel sorry for myself? I need to do something soon about these feelings."

Shadow Fell into a deep sleep. He was in a dream tonight, he was in his memories. He was with his friend, Artemis. She was a unicorn. Her coat was light-lavender and her mane was purple. Her eyes were a deep blue. She always wore a heavy jacket, covering her cutie mark. She never explained why she did. It was a khaki colored jacket with no pockets, just a hood, and a zipper that ran along the bottom of her body.

"Hey, Shadow!" She was living in southern Fallen Star nearby Shadow's home. She called him, running to his door,"Hey!"

Shadow ran out,"What is it? Is something wrong?"

"No, just exciting news. The granddaughter of Star Swirl the Bearded is here." She was panting with excitement.

"Really? Where is she?" He met up with Artemis and lifted her up,"She is really here? Why?"

"I don't know. We can ask her. She's up north."

"What are we waiting for then? I suggest we get Barrier as well."

"I just came from there. He's there already." Her face lit up with excitement.

A get together of the whole island was north, they were greeting. Her reason for being there was still a mystery. The small island was lively, doing anything they can to get even a glimpse of the granddaughter of Star Swirl. Shadow and Artemis were in the very back of the the crowd. "We'll never get to see her at this rate. Any ideas, Artemis?" Shadow swore she was just behind him.

"Up here dummy!" She was to the left, in the trees.

Shadow flew up to her,"You're always one step ahead." He looked to the front of the crowd, to a stage.

"Who are those stallions?"

"I think bodyguards. Ponies would do anything to be famous, even if it means killing the granddaughter of Star Swirl."

"Nopony wouldn't do kill her. That's just dumb. Where is she anyways?"

"You never know Shadow. Come on, put your wings on me. I'm going to teleport us closer. Perhaps that roof, right next by the stage."

"Wait, I don't see any other pegasi or unicorn doing anything special to get a view. Maybe we shouldn't. They might think we're a threat and the bodyguards will attack us."

"Don't be such a wimp." She forced him on her and teleported on the roof."See not so bad. I'm going to peek over the top of these shingles. Shadow wasn't looking and Artemis used this chance to play a prank on him. She went up to the top but didn't look over."She's really pretty." She said,"Come look."

"How pretty?"

"Not as pretty as me but I think I might fall for her even." Shadow came over.

"She's probably old like Star Swirl." He looked over the shingles. The next thing Artemis saw was Shadow's eyes widen."Oh crap! Whys you make me do that? She not even there, the bodyguards saw me. I think they're on their way here."

Artemis chuckled,"Come here. Wings around me now. I'm going to use an invisibility spell on us." She cast the spell and the bodyguards came up and looked at the roof."See they are clueless. I will dispel us when they're gone." The guards left,"Okay."

"Where'd you learn to do that?"

"I have a friend. She should be around. I'm going to look over."

"I don't think its safe."

"Oh and I forgot to mention. Those are Barriers guards. He told them to expect us here."

"You planned this?"

"Yeah, it was worth it. You were trembling." She laughed.

"I did not." He joined Artemis at the top of the roof. He looked at the guards, they were laughing. He sighed,"Where is she?"

There was an unfamiliar voice centimeters away from Shadow's ear,"Where am I?"

Shadow turned his head to the right, screamed, and fell. He rolled down but the gutters stopped him from falling. Artemis saw her,"Starflare!" They hugged.

"Hey, Artemis. What's the deal? You're prettier than me?" She laughed."I see you learned how to become invisible. I taught you well."

"It comes to be useful. Anyways, that lump over there is Shadow. I'm guessing he screamed because of how ugly you are."

"Ah, shut up." She pushed Artemis down and laughed."They're waiting for me. See you later Artemis. South right?"

"Yes, you're welcome to stay with me."

She smiled and went up to the shingles,"Hello, citizens of Fallen Star." She said,"I am happy to here today. I am planning on staying here for a short while. I have business to tend to so, I can not enjoy your greetings as of now. Enjoy the rest of the morning. I promise tonight I will be here." She cast her invisibility spell and another that made sparks of light to appear she teleported elsewhere. When the crowd was distracted by the festivities, she appeared by Artemis. She picked her up,"Sorry, for pushing you down. Just lay off the ugly jokes. Okay?"

"Oh, alright. Give me a hoof. I'm kinda weighed down by my jacket."

"Why do you even wear it?" She helped Artemis up."You have to be hot in that."

"I'm used to it. Looks like you got a new fan Starflare." Artemis looked behind Starflare, Starflare looked behind her,"He's been staring at you since you pushed him down."

"Not a new fan, a new toy. What's your name pegasus?"

"Shadow." He bowed.

"What am I a princess? Get up."

"Sorry, I'm Shadow."

"Nice to meet you Shadow. Can you give me and Artemis a moment?. She walked away from Shadow and Artemis followed,"Not much of a working type is he?" Shadow was as scrawny pegasi when he first met Starflare on that roof."How'd you make him as a friend? Please don't tell me he's your boyfriend."

"Hey, don't be so mean. He's just nervous, it's not everyday you see the Starflare the Warm Hearted. Give him a chance and you'll see why I'm friends with him."

"Fine but, if he's one of those guys that a perverted then I will have nothing to do with him. Deal?"

"But, I assure you he's not like that. Hoof?" Artemis held out her hoof. Starflare sealed the promise with hers.

Not parting, Starflare asked,"What happens if he really is cool? What do you get out of it?"

"Entertainment plus, it's up to you. If he's cool then you can do whatever you want." They parted.

Shadow opened his,"Artemis. I'm sorry for what happened to you. Even though, we couldn't find your body. Maybe they turned to ash as well. What if you're still out there?" He chuckled,"She's not immortal. Silly thought of mine." He looked at the wooden planks above him, staring at them. He heard a voice in his head. It was clear, not an echo.

"She has something to tell you. Shadow, go the brig. Find Retina, now!"

"What's the rush Starflare? Can't I relax?"

"No, this involves Dawn. Please, hurry."

"Shit. Alright, I'm going." He ran as quietly as he can,"What does Retina have to do with Dawn?"

"I don't know. We're here. Calm the griffons nerves, she must be petrified with fear."

"Hey, what's your name griffon?" It was looking a the darkest corner of the cell. As Starflare said, she was terrified. "Pay no attention to whatever is there. Look at me." The griffon had trouble doing so but made it."Your name."

"H......Hagger."

"Now, Hagger. I can't step into the cell but, I want you to stay as close to me as possible." She backed up to him shaking. She put her claws on his hoof through the bars.

"Something's wrong with h-her."

"Hagger, you won't like this. I'm going to call her over. I want you to keep calm and grasp my hoof as hard as you want. Understood?" She nodded."Retina. What's wrong?"

She came from the pitch black corner into the dim light. It was enough lighting for Shadow to see her eyes were black."A shroud of darkness will end all evidence of modern warfare." Her voice was loud and deep,"Not even Rising Dawn can stop it! This is only the end of the beginning!" Shadow felt Hagger's claw sinking deeper into him."A virus will spread through the land and devour it from within. There is no avoiding it, this has to run its course." She suddenly collapsed on the floor.

"Hagger, I want you to let go of me. Lift her eyelids."

She shook her head,"Please don't make me."

"That is the only way we can be sure it's over." She agreed finally. She lifted her eyelids, her eyes were no longer black. A breath of relief went through Hagger's lungs."I have to leave now. Take care of her. I don't think the rest of the ship heard her. Shadow looked at his hoof and saw Hagger's imprints of her claws."She was really scared, Starflare. Rising Dawn, haven't heard those two words together ever since-"

A voice in his head said,"Since we figured out what Dawn's name was going to be."

"What do you think that all meant?"

"Nothing of good fortune."

Author's Notes:

The next chapter will be a flashback. Italics won't be used.