EDIT: If I upset anyone, that wasn't my intent. Sorry. Just a cliffhanger.
Did you honestly think that I led anyone on all this time to give a downer ending so suddenly? I think I have a little more finesse than that.
Posted now instead of next week due to angry letters

A stone chamber greeted Reddling's eyes when he finally came too. A series of paradoxes assaulted his mind as he rose off the ground, glancing around at the room he is in. The floors here were composed of a deep purple stone that had been paved to the smoothness of a frozen lake. The walls rose up to form a dome for the ceiling of the room, light flickering from two candles held in a wrought iron holder above a single wooden door.

I really hope this purgatory or something, because this is pretty boring.

Reddling looked down at his equipment as he exited the room. He still had on Ausfall and his sword, but his coat and knives were missing. Passing into the hallway, Reddling was suddenly struck by just exactly where he must be. The hallway out here was like the ones he'd passed down on his way to kill Luna, but instead of being dark and decrepit, ruined from a thousand years of neglect, the hall was pristine and polished. Black carpets with blue lining ran down the center of the hall, covering the deep purple paving stones. Many other sleeping chambers were closed off by wooden doors, keeping any contents out of view. Here and there, above the doors usually, candles burned colourlessly in a holder on the wall.

Taking a moment to brush his bright amethyst mane back, Reddling began to trot to the left, heading towards... something. Somehow his hooves simply knew where to take him.

It's done. Luna is dead- but, does that mean? Reddling stopped in front of a tight spiral staircase, trying to scratch his last memories.

A scream echoed around the room and Reddling felt himself thrown back. Two bat ponies had pinned his hooves against the wall. They had their fangs bared, but no looks of fury covered their face. Reddling did his best to throw them off himself, but he was hopelessly pinned against the hard stone behind him. It was not until he heard the sound of of Lunar's claws snapping into place that reality all fell into place, just as it should be.

Reddling was laying on his back, two bat ponies restraining him and Lunar pointing a claw in his face. Behind Lunar lay Princess Luna, who was still in her bed, asleep and unharmed.

"Y-yes, I'll leave." Reddling whispered. I can't do it- argh- I can't kill her...

"Shining Armor, please escort him out." Lunar said, clicking his claws away. The two bat ponies released Reddling as he gave them a little shove at the touch. The world blurred by as he found himself out in the hallway once more. Reddling wasn't sure if the tunnel was shaking or if he was just wobbly on his legs.

Rainy, my home, my faith- I've failed it all.

"... What the hell happened there." Shining Armor demanded, turning on Reddling as soon as they had exited and Lunar began locking the door up again.

Reddling glared at the floor, trying to melt a hole through it with bat pony magic. "I... I am sorry to have wasted your time. I just need to... go." Reddling turned, hurrying away from Shining Armor. He hadn't just failed Silverfield- He'd also let down both Captains Lunar and Shining Armor. His breathing was heavy as he rushed past bat ponies, trying to get the images out of his mind. He could still see Ausfall shining with a light all of it's own driving into Luna. He could see her eyes popping as she grabbed at her neck and blood spilled out everywhere, running down her chest.

"L-Let's get out of here..." Reddling coughed, trying not to throw up anything.

"I'll take you somewhere you can rest, then I should get back to my watch." Shining Armor said. Reddling turned with a quick snap of his head, staring back at Shining Armor. They were both in the second level of rooms that bat ponies were occupying.

"I- I'll find a place. Thank you, really." Reddling said, shaking his head. It was hard to tell what was real and what wasn't real. Had he actually killed Princess Luna?

"Are you friends with any of the others here? They might be sleeping down a hall." Shining said. Reddling nodded, instantly starting down a hall before Shining Armor had a chance to say more. Reddling wandered down the halls until he finally found a room that was empty except for two ponies. Nightshade was laying on Tops' chest, her thighs wrapped around his midsection. Reddling didn't even pay their position any heed as he fell over on the other side of the room, instantly falling into the darkness of sleep.

There was so much to sleep on and decide. He'd failed Silverfield now and could never go back, but he couldn't stay here and live a lie. When Luna was awake, he knew he would have to come clean and explain his behaviour. He likely wouldn't be forgiven, but at least his own mind could be at ease.

Reddling leaned on the wall, closing his eyes and trying to take in everything. The place he was in was just too lucid and too real to be a dream, so he surely wasn't asleep. The more he thought, the more his head hurt. Resolving to get some fresh air, Reddling continued his path up to the halls of the ruined keep.

Only it was no longer a ruined keep. The ceiling was now whole and complete, a deep purple sky splashed with whites. The floor was paved and rich tapestries of dark moonscapes hung on every wall. Stained glass decorated the windows, depicting Luna and Celestia. The entire place was not unlike the palace parts of Canterlot Castle.

Reddling stared around at the place, completely floored. Here and there bat ponies trotted around, many of them wearing their Night Guard armor. before Reddling had even finished taking everything in, a giant grey pegasus turned to him.

"HEY REDDLING" Bruiser's voice cut across the hall as he stomped over. The bulky pegasus waved a hoof from a short distance away, a big grin on his face as he continued to trot.

My name sounds almost foreign to me- hey wait- "Bruiser!" Reddling facehoofed. It was already too late. Bruiser fell flat on his face, sliding a little bit on the paved floor.

"Hah!" Bruiser rebounded amazingly fast, still grinning as he faced Reddling. "Reddling, where the hell have you been?"

If Bruiser is here, then Tops and Nightshade must be around here somewhere too... I should talk to Tops about what happened. If anypony will be understanding it's him. If anypony isn't likely to murder me on the spot, it's him. I have to clear my conscious. I refuse to live a lie.

"I had something that required my attention." Reddling said quietly. "I'm a little lost now though. Where are we?"

"Far as I can tell, asleep!" Bruiser said matter of factly.

"Asleep!" Reddling said, stomping his hoof. "As in, right, of course we're asleep."

"More of this bat magic crap. It's over my head, so I'm not going to worry about it." Bruiser whistled, looking around at the different stained glass windows. "Tops and Nightshade are probably off snogging somewhere."

Luna is probably here too... - ack, and my wings. I don't want to look like the Night Guard when I'm living a lie. Wish I had my coat to cover them.

"Ugh, gross." Reddling snorted, trying his best to look at ease. "And Midnight is with Luna I assume?"

"Haven't seen him." Bruiser brushed his mane back. "Probably still awake."

"Maybe he doesn't need sleep." Reddling offered.

"He probably thinks that. 'Oh Luna, let me shine your hooves! Seeing you safe is all the rest I need' Hah!" Bruiser did his best to mimic a Midnight Tales accent.

Midnight, what a creep. She's a Princess, not a- well, I guess she is just that, a Princess. Whatever.

"From what I know, this just comes with the territory. Ask somepony who know more about magic if you really care." Bruiser said, motioning to the area around them. Reddling gave a quick nod.

"That would be Nightshade... ugh, I doubt she'll tell me anything without being a total bitch about it." Reddling grumbled.

"Tops, Cobalt, Web, Hell, Luna probably knows best.

Luna... Reddling gave his head a little shake. "I think I just need to be alone. I have to talk to Tops real quick first though... we'll catch up later, alright?"

Bruiser gave a snort. "Good, when we can have a proper reunion party. There ain't nuthing to eat here, or worse, drink. Worst reunion party ever."

"I can't remember the last time we all sat down for drinks." Reddling said, looking down and giving his wings a little sad flap.

"Diggin' the wings though. Pegasus power, am I right? Tops has 'em too." Bruiser turned with that as Reddling bolted upright.

Pegasus power? Reddling turned, quickly trotting away from Bruiser and heading down a side hallway. He had no idea where Tops or Nightshade might be, but for the current moment, that was not what was on his mind. Slowly turning his head to the side, Reddling felt his chest give out.

Reddling couldn't be sure how long he laid on the floor crying. It could have been a lifetime for all he cared, but that wasn't what mattered. Hot, salty tears fell onto his chest as red feathers hugged all of his front, keeping his hooves folded tightly to his chest. They were less flexible than bat wings, and while this minor inconvenience perturbed Reddling, it could not penetrate the happiness radiating from his body. All of the sin and injustice of the world had simply been cut away like butter, revealing a more honest pony. The warmness of the wings surrounding him now was more than just a comfort, it was a release. These wings did not just make him whole and innocent, they granted a personal absolution.

...and yet, Reddling knew these were not his wings. Rising up with tears still in his eyes, he began to go and search for Tops and Nightshade. Personal release was one thing, but now he needed to get formal release. If his friends couldn't accept the truth, then Luna would never allow him to be absolved of his lies.

All of the halls here were decorated much like Canterlot Castle, but a dark-themed design had been used over a light one. Outside the windows the trees of Everfree Forest loomed and swayed. Sometimes they looked like faces, each one twisted into a frozen and horrifying snarl. Shadows danced between the castle and the trees, leaving Reddling hypnotized as he continued to hug himself with his wings.

It seemed like forever later when Tops and Nightshade finally fell in Reddling's sights. Tops was currently laying under Nightshade, his hooves locked around her neck as they kissed very gently. Nightshade's hooves were rubbing all over Top's mane and side as she leaned on his chest.

Reddling gave a cough, looking away from the two of them. Nightshade and Tops instantly jumped to their hooves, stopping their fun activities at the sight of Reddling. Tops was a regular pegasus, but Nightshade interested Reddling far more. She had retained all of her bat features down to the fangs and ears, yet she also sported a unicorn horn.

What a freak.

"Reddling!" Tops said sheepishly. "G-Good to see you!"

"Good evening." Nightshade said, quickly adding, "Or whatever time it actually is..."

"Hm. I didn't think anything of it." Reddling mumbled. His plan to talk to his friends had seemed a lot better in theory than in practice.

"You doing alright?" Tops asked. "What happened after we split up?"

Reddling's mouth twitched. He looked around to make sure that he was alone with Tops and Nightshade before continuing. "After we split up, I finished off Mantiae. Celestia has started her own hive, so Luna's the only Princess we have left, if you will."

"Well, good job killing that queen." Tops said cheerfully, approaching Reddling's side.

"Yes, but we still have to deal with Celestia and Chrysalis. Cut one down, and two more heads pop up." Reddling continued to grumble.

"Hopefully after those two that will be the end of this." Tops nodded solemnly. Nightshade had remained quiet, her eyes locked oddly on Reddling. It was incredibly uncomfortable, like she saw right through him.

"I do not believe in genocide, Tops. It won't solve anything. There needs to be a better way that doesn't involve mass slaughter." Reddling cleared his throat, trying to sound a little stronger.

"You're right, but if it's just in the nature of those things to do horrible things like this, what's there to be done?" Tops sighed. "I don't like it either. Chrysalis seemed reasonable, but the whole thing was just a trick. How can we know what's real and what's not?"

Reddling took a step back, pulling himself away from Tops. It felt like somepony had bucked him in the side. The last words Tops had said stung very hard, as the only thought that came to mind was... like me...

"I don't..." Reddling tried, his voice clamming up.

"You alright?" Tops asked.

Reddling shook his head no. This disgrace is worse than the fear I had. The fear of being detected passed, but this failure and- and the lack of forgiveness I know I'll suffer are never going end?

"What's wrong?"Tops asked, puzzled.

"I'd prefer to talk about this where I know that no other ponies will hear me out- I just... Maybe it is best if I get this off my chest. There is an empty tower here somewhere, would you two mind listening to me for a bit?" Reddling closed his eyes, expecting to be hit or something along those lines.

"Sure." Tops said simply, beginning to trot towards Reddling. Reddling turned blindly, letting his hooves guide him, Nightshade, and Tops towards an empty tower. The climb up the stairs seemed to take forever, like one long, endless labyrinth of stairs.

"It's a really nice castle though... I wonder if this is what it used to look like?" Tops mused, looking around the tower.

"Minus the moon stuff, I imagine this is what Silverfield might have looked like back before Equestrians destroyed it." Reddling said, his voice edged with venom. "You went there with me, you saw it."

"Equestrians did that?" Tops asked.

Reddling sighed, looking upwards at the stairs with stars in his eyes. "I guess I might as well explain. Silverfield, long ago, was destroyed by Equestrians. Your kin committed many heinous acts that they've never been forgiven for." Tops and Nightshade hurried to catch up, looking very surprised and alarmed as Reddling continued, "Destroyed homes, killed entire families. They burned, and raped, and destroyed, all because Silverfield would not do what Equestria wanted."

Reddling shook his head angrily, flapping his wings at the same time. "That castle? It was pretty once! The town? had a lot more ponies once! but because we didn't submit, we were nearly wiped out- and now... history repeats with the Changelings, granted they attacked first. It's always the same story here in Equestria."

"That's..." Tops was cut off by Nightshade as she asserted herself.

"When did that happen?" Nightshade asked.

"Many years ago." Reddling said.

"How many?" Nightshade pressured.

"I don't know, over a thousand years ago? I know it was before Nightmare Moon stuff, that's for sure." Reddling scratched his brain, trying to come up with exact dates. "I read old books, Equestria wanted to secure it's southern border. Silverfield played a part in that, but I don't know what. The church probably destroyed a lot of records."

Nightshade was silent for a few moments before asking, "A thousand years, and nothing is fixed? A thousand years, and your populations still haven't recovered?"

"There weren't a lot of ponies left okay?" Reddling said, wheeling on her as they reached the top of the tower. "The big cities only have a few hundred ponies living in them. That's- that's another thing, Our population recovery is slow. That thing you do, between the two of you, that's a damn taboo in Silverfield, bloody god damned hell..."

"Okay, sorry. Sorry!" Nightshade said. Reddling could feel her eyes watching him as he paced back and forth, his hooves clicking on the smoothed stone.

"Don't say you're sorry to me, I'm the one who is sorry." Reddling sighed, stopping his pacing and facing his two friends. "Sorry to the two of you, sorry to Midnight, Bruiser, and Web... to everypony."

If I'm going to be fail and die, I may as well at least be executed by my friends. I guess pretty soon they won't be my friends.

Tops gave Nightshade an unhappy glance, quickly returning his eyes to Reddling and stepping forward. "Why? You haven't done anything..."

"Mantiade shared something with me when you two weren't around." Reddling said, smiling just a bit. "When I approached Chrysalis at the Wedding, I used some Black Agnosia to poison Celestia. Because of that, they were able to... change her."

Tops took a step back, looking aghast. "W-Why... did you do that?"

A cruel smile cut across Reddling's face as he bowed his head. This mad grin was the deranged kind that twisted the face, unraveling to reveal something that only the closest of Silverfieldians and no Equestrian should or could know. By the time Reddling managed to get words out, he was practically manic with his speech. "So she wouldn't overhear me talking with Chrysalis, or see my salute. Before I left Silverfield, I was made a holy knight by the church. I left on a crusade. I'm not the first, you both should have enough clues to figure out why a pony like me would want to join the Night Guard; why there is no obvious reason for me to be here when I have spent my whole life hating Equestria." Reddling blinked. His smile had faded over the course of the speech and now was replaced with sadness and pain as he waited for some judgement from his friends- that, or for Nightshade to simply do the obvious.

Nightshade's face had become a stony glare as she locked eyes with Reddling. "I suspected something about you. Nothing about you seemed sincere, ever since that day with the rocks. I didn't want to jump to conclusions- but after the way Rainy acted, some of the things he said, other little clues..." Nightshade's voice turned to an instant snap. "Tell us the truth!"

"The truth?" Reddling repeated. "Rainy wanted to kill you in your sleep. I stopped him. Changelings are not threat to Silverfield, yet I'm still fighting them. The truth is I like this life Nightshade, but it's not who I am. I'm Reddling Rain, Silverfield's premier assassin." Tops let out a gasp, but Nightshade wasted no time in stepping forward, pointing a hoof in Reddling's face.

"I KNEW IT!" Nightshade screamed. "I knew there was something wrong about you! You two faced traitor! How you could put on that thin facade and pretend to be nice one second and then turn around and be absolutely psychotic the next! I remember when you were fucking crying in the bleachers and I tried being nice to you that one morning! How much of that was fake!?"

"None." Reddling replied simply, looking down. He could no longer meet Nightshade's cruel eyes.

"You're full of-" Nightsahde started before Tops cut her off.

"Nightshade, enough!" Tops cried, turning away from her. "Reddling... why are you telling us this?"

Reddling breathed in deeply, looking up at Tops and taking a fearful step back. "Because I am giving myself up. I surrender."

"You- you're what?" Nightshade asked, stunned.

"I should have murdered Luna when I got here, and I couldn't do it. I can't fight any of you." Reddling sighed. "For your part, you've been friends to me, and I'm standing down. I give up."

"The second we wake up I'm dragging you to Lunar and-" Nightshade was cut off again.

"Luna dammit Nightshade shut up! You're being an ass again." Tops didn't bother to pay any attention to possible donkeys as he rounded on his marefriend.

"I don't expect anything less of you, Nightshade. Wake up first and stab me in my sleep, then it'll hurt less." Reddling stared down at the floor. Fresh tears were welling up in his eyes now as fear gripped his heart. He had known this would happen, but that didn't make reality any easier to deal with.

"Reddling..." Tops said, putting a hoof somewhat roughly on Reddling's chin and lifting it up. "I- I don't know. I don't know what to do. Sometimes, you've been terrible to me, but you've been a good friend too. There's something wrong with Silverfield, and I want to help... even if- even if the only reason why you came here was to hurt us. I know you wouldn't have told us any of this if you didn't mean it.

"Ick..." Reddling shrunk backwards, trying to make himself as small as possible. "I never wanted you guys to know. Nightshade, you aleady knew though and well- I'm sorry. I can't accomplish my mission, I figured I may as well surrender. I'll spare everypony the trouble." The trouble of finding out and killing me later.

"...I didn't want to jump to conclusions, not without being sure." Nightshade said.

"Well, now you know." Reddling mumbled.

"I don't know what to do..." Tops repeated, now pacing. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I do think you're my friend."

"... Let Luna decide." Nightshade said quietly.

Reddling tried to look at her before his legs gave out. He hit the floor, his wings wrapping around him as he began to cry. "I don't want to die. I want to live, and fly around, and do things. I-I'll surrender myself to Luna later, when we wake up."

"Luna will be asleep when you wake up, but she's fine here." Nightshade retorted.

"We can- oh, she's dreaming too but- that- that means right now." Reddling felt his voice fill with panic, his voice cracking. "Like, now!?"

"Yes." Nightshade said plainly. "Leave your weapons and we'll go."

Reddling pulled his sword off without issue, but when he held Ausfall, he couldn't take his hoof off it. "I am very fond of this knife. Let's make this quick, I need it back."

"It's just a dream, it won't be gone forever- but let's just go." Tops said. Reddling watched his knife for every second it was in his view, not wanting to lose it.

The walk towards Luna was possibly the longest walk that Reddling could remember taking in his life. He felt completely naked without his knife, and it was like every single bat was staring at him now. Everypony was after him, and he wanted very badly to lash out at them and go steal away to retrieve his precious knife. A small crowd had gathered behind Reddling as he approached the throne room. Somehow they knew something was up, and they intended to figure out what it was.

Reddling kept his head down as he trotted through the main hallway and entered the throne room. Even more bat ponies were in the throne room than the procession that had grown from the main hall. Several ponies stood before Princess Luna, still guarding her even in a dream. Luna cut a tall and dark noble figure in the room, her mane of stars swirling behind her as she smiled down at the group of bat ponies and two pegasus ponies approaching her.

I could have killed you, but I didn't. Now what becomes of me? Death? Likely, at the very least I'll be expelled from the guard, and that's a fate worse than death...

Luna finished whispering what sounded like words of encouragement to two bat ponies near her, turning her full attention to the group before her. Nightshade jerked her head, motioning for Reddling to stand in the center of all the guards. Taking a slow trot forward, Reddling gave a quick sniff, staring up at Princess Luna. He knew he did not have on a brave face right now, but that wasn't something that he suspected would matter soon. He stopped when he was a respectable distance from Luna, waiting for her to speak.

"Tops, Nightshade, Reddling," Luna said, her voice medium and unreadable. "Welcome. I must appologize that we must meet under such circumstances. I hope that shortly I will be fit enough to reawaken."

"Princess Luna." Reddling said solemnly. He cold feel the eyes of Princess Luna join those of every other bat pony in the room currently staring him down. There eyes burned holes in his hide, each glare a talon keeping him locked in place.

"Reddling, you seem troubled." Princess Luna pointed out. Reddling nodded his head to the obvious. Standing as tall as he could, Reddling gave Princess Luna a Silverfieldian salute, covering one of his eyes with a hoof that was placed at the top of his brow.

"I sur-surrender. I'm turning myself in." Reddling's voice sank to a whisper, all of the life in his chest being sucked out by a vacuum. Tears well up at the edges of his eyes. The one thing he'd never been able to truly come to terms with was actually dying for what he knew was the right course of action. Regardless, this must be done.

"Reddling..." Luna said, her voice becoming oddly soft. She rose from her throne, trotting slowly towards him. "And for what are you surrendering?"

No knives, no weapons of any kind. I can't resist or run away... Reddling scrunched up his face, dropping the salute painfully. "I was sent to Equestria to kill you, your sister, and Cadance- and anypony who was royalty!" Reddling's voice had become weaker with every word, and now he was barely pushing out air. "You probably already know, don't you? Watching my dream, you know why I left Silverfield and- and that's why I surrender." Reddling stared at the ground bitterly. The absolute worst thing was to completely fail- to see his entire life crash down and burn right in front of him.

"Be at ease, child." Luna said, a little firmness hidden behind the softness of her voice.

Child? How can you call me that? Why am I not dead yet? Reddling sniffled, keeping his thoughts to himself and waiting for Luna to continue.

"I had long suspected. Ones such as yourself from Silverfield have come before." Luna mused. Reddling could feel her eyes on him as he thought about all those other ponies who must have lived by the sword and died at the end of a blade.

"-And I had seen glimpses into your dreams. there were times when I saw your pain and anger grip you in those depths of your nightmares. In those darkest of Nightmares you called out for help, and I did answer." Reddling blinked at Luna's words. She had indeed protected him in the worst of his dreams, helping to keep him safe when he was training at the bat pony enclave.

"But I must ask you again, what have you done to warrant punishment?" Luna's presence seemed to fill up the entire room, blocking any oxygen that might have tried to reach anypony's lungs.

"Your sister was captured because of me. I'm the reason she's one of those... those Changelings." Reddling whispered.

"Celestia," Luna said, not bothering to finish her sentence. She turned, staring out a window and up at a grander castle in the distance. These had been ruins when Reddling had visited, but now resembled an old castle that he'd seen drawn in a book. Celestia and Luna's old keep, from long before the Nightmare Moon business, and indeed, their keep during the battle with Silverfield.

"A thousand years ago, in this very place, I succumbed to a terrible evil." Luna said quietly, staring up at the keep.

Nightmare Moon. So then, that keep and these halls are where they fought for the throne. Was most of the battle contained in this small area then?

"Not one for some other world. I was not possessed by some spirit of the night, but one from my own heart. Bitterness, pain, rage, and hate." Luna swallowed, still staring out at the world outside her castle. "I tore open the Veil between this world and that of the living. I flooded the world in shadows and usurped the sun. I banished the day. Had my sister not defeated me, I may very well have undone the entire world. A thousand years later... a thousand years of hate smoldering as red embers, I returned. Once more I was defeated, this time by Twilight Sparkle and her friends. My Nightmarish powers were finally stripped from me, and the hate finally was extinguished."

A harsh punishment, one thousand years of banishment. Hate, anger, bitterness, they're what has always fueled me.

"-And despite all my sins, despite all I had done, when I lay helpless before my sister, she forgave me." Luna smiled ever so slightly.

I find it difficult to believe that Equestrians are capable of such things, but I don't think I should tell Luna that.

"If she holds even a shred of her equinity, then she will forgive you for what you have done. As do I." Luna turned to Reddling, putting a hoof on his chin gently and forcing him to look up at her face. "It is not my place to punish ponies for their thoughts, for their feelings. Such a thing is a gross abuse of my duties and powers."

"But you are the judge, jury, and executioner, Your Highness." Reddling said, balking ever so slightly at Luna's friendliness. Luna and Reddling studied each other for a few tense moments. Every single eye was on Luna, waiting for her to give a verdict.

"There shall be no punishment for you, nor do I expect any of the rest of you to treat Reddling any differently... if you have truly abandoned your crusade." Luna's voice had retained softness, but now there was a serious edge to it. It was a great thunder that backed her words, not unlike a royal decree.

"I spent an entire lifetime being trained in how to plan and conduct assassinations. If the Night Guard still has use for me, then my skills will be at your disposal- I have abandoned my crusade." Reddling felt his words become a little stronger as he nodded to himself.

"Given the nature of our foe... I think your skills may find some practical use soon, although the thought does not bring me joy..." Luna said, her face taking on an unhappy tightness.

"I still maintain that mass slaughter will bring us no better future. You'd only recreate a foe like Silverfield- but this foe will hide much better among Equestrians than I ever could." Reddling waited, carefully watching Luna as she took her seat again.

"Reddling, with you, I see hope of a permanent solution with Silverfield... and not one of death, but of reconciliation." Luna sounded rather sure of this, although Reddling could not maintain the same feeling.

"...with the Night Guard, there may be chance for some kind of solution." Reddling said quietly. With help from ponies that understand, like Tops, maybe we've got a chance. If only ponies like Nightshade or Web could come around...

"Regarding the Changelings..." Luna continued, "You seem to have dealt with them the most. Do you see some possibility of peace with their kind?"

Reddling crossed a hoof, thinking for a moment. nodding, he began to recount his thoughts aloud, "I've interacted with the drones, even allowed some of them to feed on me. They'e as varied in personality as any pony would be, so while some may seek to reconcile with ponies, some will also find the idea disgusting. However, they all have an undying loyalty to their leaders- our best chance of avoiding genocide would be to find some different leadership for the Changelings."

Reddling uncrossed his hoof, nodding again. "I'd like to consult with Cadance and her drone before I say anymore, Princess Luna."

"Very well, I understand." Luna gave a nod back. "Do you wish to speak on anything else?" The room was tense, and although bat ponies had done their best to make it look like they were disinterested or no longer following the discussion, it was still obvious by the occasional glances that Reddling and Luna were the center of attention. Many of the bat ponies had confused looks on their faces, but others showed hurt or even anger. Despite their orders to not treat him differently, Luna could not control their thoughts or feelings anymore than she could control his.

Reddling glanced back at his wings, paying careful attention to the knife and pen mark that was almost hidden by his feathers. "Actually, yes, although it is of a less serious note." Reddling watched Luna nod for him to go on before clearing his throat." I've had something in mind that Tops mentioned, and I didn't notice it until I was here looking at all the bats- and seeing... pegasus wings instead of my wings. Cutie Mark and name changes- brands and sobriquets, within the Night Guard? Is that some kind of bat pony magic?"

Luna rubbed her hooves together, thinking for a moment. "To change one's name is a simple affair. You could simply ask to be called something different. A cutie mark... Often, if one finds that they have turned away from their special talent, they will simply know. It is like an inch one cannot scratch. A sense of wrongness tugging at the mind."

"You mean like not stabbing you in your sleep a few hours ago." Reddling muttered. "I think I know the feeling."

"I think it is perhaps best not to dwell on that..." Luna said mildly. Reddling quickly got the hint that he should let the bygones be bygones. 'Sometimes, should a new talent present itself strongly enough, a change will happen on its own accord. Or, if the original talent becomes so abhorrent to the owner, the mark will wipe itself clean until a new one presents itself.

What an awful thought. "I understand." Reddling said, swallowing hard. Despite how humbling this had all been, he was still able to draw on the same sense of distance and aloofness that had kept everypony at bay for so long.

"...For less serious cases, magic can facilitate this, if a pony truly wishes it- although cutie mark magic is not something that is normally dabbled in, for it can have rather heinous results if it goes wrong.

Plus I'd have to think of a mark. Maybe I can find some old book that has a fitting one in there. As long as I don't get turned into a griffon or something, we should be good. Or, as Luna says, I can wait for it to happen if it is supposed to happen.

"Serious business, cutie marks... that's all I wanted to ask, Princess Luna." Reddling said.

"Reddling." Luna said, motioning for him to leave if he wished too. "You can just call me Luna. There is no need to be formal all the time."

Reddling rose, blinking. "Of course, Princess Luna."