Author's Notes:

The next chapter in the story. My sincere apologies to prolong the tale for so long. However, with recent events of writing, such as they are, have given me enough inspiration to write this entire chapter in a day.

I hope all of those who are still with the story enjoy it, and I understand your feelings on having to wait for an update.

The Nameless Knight

“Come. Show me your resolve to defend yourself and this land.”

The guard before him huffed and brandished the wooden sword in his magic. “I do not see what sparring with each other will help us anymore now than it has in the past.”

Dusk Darkhelm held a practice shield in his own field, both ponies deliberately circling around one another in a clockwise fashion. “I am merely testing your abilities at this point. So far I only know your names, not your strengths and weaknesses, your endurance.”

The dark stallion never had difficulty remembering names. He made a point to memorize each face and the name which went with it. He felt that it was rather ironic, given that he did not know his own name. Perhaps that was why he made such an effort. In the few short hours that the unicorn had spent asking these soldiers their names before beginning this practice, he had each one committed to memory. Now it was only a matter of learning what their unique abilities were in order to teach them.

“What makes you think this strategy of yours will make a difference when the time comes?” The stallion, whose name was Ironsides, swung his wooden sword toward Dusk. He in turn drew his shield up to match his opponent’s strike, a dull thud ringing out in the castle training grounds. Both stood like that, unmoving and putting no pressure on the weapons held in their magic. Once contact was broken, after a short while of Dusk listening to the other soldiers practicing with one another, Ironsides dipped his head slightly. “Ser.”

The show of stern courtesy was unnecessary, though not unexpected to the dark stallion. Dusk saw himself as equal to the other soldiers, even the day guard; however, perhaps because he was given an order by the Princess of the Night to teach them, and because she mentioned his commanding rank over the lunar guard, they saw him as a superior officer. Whether that is the case or not, Dusk thought, I at least have their respect. He once again drew his shield up in front of him, slowly sidestepping around Ironsides. “I believe it will make a difference, for my princess has commanded me to teach you. Therefore, I will. These qualities have helped me many times in the past.”

Ironsides scoffed as his green eyes followed Dusk’s movements. “And how do you get to know these abilities of yours? How is it you are the best the princess has seen?” The white unicorn lunged at Dusk, sword swinging horizontally across the left side of his shield. Again, the night guard blocked the powerful stroke, this time turning his forward momentum against him and tossing Ironsides to the left.

He didn’t fall, but the look in his eyes told Dusk that his opponent hadn’t expected to have his strength cast aside so easily. Compared to Ironsides, the dark blue pony was slender. Not so much to be weak, but he had other methods of doing battle than brute strength. As Ironsides turned back around to face him, Dusk lowered his shield in his magical grasp.

“This is not the time to be discussing such matters,” he said simply. “My princess has told me to train you to use your mind as a weapon, and as a shield, so that is what I will do. As for the second question, we may discuss it together later. It may help you to understand this ability better.”

The other unicorn smirked after a moment; a careful and collected action that spoke volumes to Dusk. He is interested to know about the traits that all lunar guard possess, now that he has seen some in practice.

Ironsides was much like the other stallions in the guard of the Sun Princess, broad of shoulder and stern of expression. They were no funny business types of soldiers, something that Dusk could appreciate. His armour was golden and thick, and the hair of his shimmering helm was red. However, Dusk could see the differences in his stature, his stance, and in his eyes. His attitude was far more relaxed than the other guards in his unit. Perhaps even going so far as to say he is optimistic and trusting.

“You seem pretty loyal,” said the day guard, breaking Dusk from his contemplation to meet his gaze. “Maybe that could be a matter of discussion as well.” He galloped forward suddenly, swinging his sword at the dark unicorn several times. Dusk danced backward, deflecting each strike deftly.

On the final downward stroke of the practice sword, the dark stallion took hold of Ironsides’ hoof with his magic and flipped his opponent to the ground on his back, pinning him to the dirt with his shield. “Perhaps, if you learn to be truly prepared.”

Ironsides grumbled as he lay pinned on the practice field. And he is interested to know my connection with Princess Luna, Dusk reasoned, as he helped the guard to his hooves.

“I see your point, ser,” Ironsides conceded, sighing as he drew the sword in front of him. “Clearly, there is more for me to learn if I am to defend my homeland. I will take from this training what I am able.”

Dusk simply nodded his head, placing the shield on his armoured back. “Take a walk, ser. Once you return, False Step shall be training with me, and I wish for you to replace him, sparring with lady Spellfire.”

“Very well. I will take a shield in exchange for this wooden blade.”

“As you were, Ironsides.” With no further words, Dusk turned on his heels and made for his next opponent. While he approached, he witnessed the speed with which False Step, a pegasus guard, danced around the unicorn spellcaster. Neither appeared to be gaining any ground on the other, the red mare using several enchants to keep the speedster at bay. These two seem to be a good match for one another, in terms of skill with defence.

False Step then took a series of turns and dodges, never staying in the same place for more than a few seconds. Spellfire followed close behind with her spells, appearing calm and collected as the passing breeze through the practice grounds. To Dusk it seemed as though the violet pegasus was finally gaining the upper hoof, darting this way and that, but on the last shift in position where the dark stallion expected False Step to attack, the ground where he set his left front hoof erupted in flame. The burst sent the guard falling backward as he shouted, landing on his side as he skidded to a halt.

Dusk trotted over and kneeled down to inspect the pony for any serious injuries. “Are you hurt?”

The violet guard grunted as he sat up. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine,” he responded, testing his wings and rubbing his burnt hoof. “And don’t be mad at her either. I asked her to do this. She’s a magic focused guard, and there isn’t a way to use wooden spells or anything.”

“Yet that spell may have gone a little too far,” Spellfire spoke up as she sauntered over. “My apologies, False Step, but I saw an opening.”

The pegasus stood with a firm smile as the pain on his face seemed to ebb away. “And you would be foolish not to have taken it.” Dusk pushed himself up shortly after, watching the display and contrasting the two characters with that of Ironsides.

Clearly these two work on different methods of engagement and procedure, though they still also seem to work nicely together. It was clear at this moment alone that False Step was a humble, but daring individual, as was Spellfire a stern yet kind hearted mare.

She was thinner than Ironsides was, though she still seemed sturdy like the other guards. Her face was fair, with sharp lavender eyes, and her posture was dainty and elegant. A deceptive attempt at making yourself appear fragile. The hair of her helm was indigo in colour, but her natural mane was long, slightly wavy and orange, reaching down to her shoulders. “My apologies on interrupting the two of you, but I would like a few minutes with False Step, if you would allow it.”

“He’s yours, Ser Dusk.” The red day guard smiled as she raised a hoof to her previous opponent. She turned her head to peer behind Dusk, before locking gazes once more. “Where has Ironsides gone?”

“I have sent him off for a moment to relax,” he replied. “When he returns, with shield in his aura, he will face you. I would suggest having a rest as well, before that time comes. Or, if you would prefer to wait and watch our practice, I would have no complaint.”

Spellfire nodded her head in acknowledgement. “If you would permit me, then I will watch. Examining stances and mannerisms when in combat are the key to understanding how your opponent will act. I have always had a sharp eye when it comes to a pony’s rhythm in battle.”

That you do, Dusk imagined, not missing that keenly placed fire spell trap from earlier. He merely nodded in her direction, and turned to face False Step as the unicorn took a seat a few feet from them. He was slightly shorter than the other guards, and not quite as built as Spellfire was, but that would assist in avoidance. Clearly he is built for speed, evasion and distraction; more for rescue and reconnaissance missions. His face was slim, and there was a scar on his cheek and a few more down his forelegs. For one so quick, it would seem he still leaves fights bloody. “I see that you are agile. That is good in many ways with a larger, slower opponent.”

The pegasus, clad in the traditional gold armour and wrist blades of the pegasus division, took his stance. “Thanks. My speed has saved many lives from ending when out on patrol, though when it comes to brute strength I might not be the proper choice.”

“You do what you must to protect those you care about,” Dusk recited, taking the shield on his back in his magic. He held it out in front of himself, readying for a fast paced fight. “Strength is not the only ability one needs to be victorious.”

False Step smirked in response. “You want to talk mantras or do you want to teach me your night guard ways?” Before the dark unicorn could give an answer, the pegasus flattened his wings against his sides and dashed forward. Dusk drew back his shield and took to watching his opponent’s changing movements and fake outs, dodging blows from his hooves and his blades.

He is fast, I’ll give him that. He has an excellent degree of aggression, necessary to keep enemies off balance. He ducked underneath a left slice and sidestepped away to the left of False Step. It took little time for him to find his stance again, spinning around and continuing to dance around Dusk. And he doesn’t take much time to recover. Another step and there came a right punch that the night guard turned away with a hoof of his own.

The expression on the pegasus guard was one of focus and determination, Dusk could easily tell. Even though this was practice, he had no doubt that this was the same exact look False Step had on when in actual combat. Their training continued, the speedster advancing on the dark blue stallion and him retreating backward. One must fight speed with speed in this case. A shield would only slow me down, he thought, casting the round wooden slab away from the field of battle.

Another step, and Dusk slid just a fraction out of the way of False Step’s blade, turning sideways and grabbing the pegasus’ extended hoof. In response, the violet guard fanned out his wings as Dusk tossed him aside, allowing the wind flowing in the opposite direction to break the speed of the throw. He landed, facing the unicorn with the greyish-blue mane, wings still extended. Not bad. Fighting resumed with False Step charging in and sidestepping around the dark stallion. Following with sharp eyes for an error in his stride, Dusk remained calm.

Block after block and deflection after deflection, the fighting continued. Dusk made no move on the quick pegasus unless to dodge an incoming slice or punch from his opponent. Each time, he could see the hoof placement just before False Step’s attack, turning the assault into a toss or throw and watched as the guard kept going. Tenacious, he thought in approval as he caught a hoof meant to scratch his left cheek. But meaningless when your tactics are predictable.

With a smooth rhythm of the breeze blowing through the castle courtyard, Dusk locked his shoulder with False Step’s chest and hefted the pegasus over, slamming him into the ground. He trapped the day guard in place, making certain that no major harm had been done to his opponent. He was breathing heavily, surprise plain in his eyes that he had been flipped completely over.

After a moment, Dusk let him go and pushed himself to his hooves once more. False Step made no move to stand, but kept his orange eyes fixed on the lunar guard. Dusk heard hoof steps from behind, approaching his location.

“Well fought, you two,” Spellfire announced as she stopped on the right side of the dark stallion. “A finely fought and well-paced battle. Colour me impressed.”

False Step groaned and lifted himself up to a seated position, rubbing his right wing where he landed. “Yeah, sure. You get to see somepony else wipe the floor with me.” Dusk turned from the pegasus to eye the red mare discreetly. Her facial expression didn’t change from a thin smile when he said that, lending to the idea that these two knew each other well. “How did you do that?”

Shaken from his wondering, the dark blue unicorn stared at False Step, who was still rubbing the sore spot on his side. “I apologize for the rough treatment, but I saw no other way of ending the fight than that.” The day guard rose to his hooves and brushed the dirt from his legs. “And to answer your question, you leave too much of a hint when you are about to attack.”

“What?”

“Spellfire has seen it too, I don’t doubt.” He turned to her and watched as she lowered her head. Dusk turned his gaze back to the pegasus and continued. “You are quite agile, and your tactics at deception and feinting are good; however, I fear that sharper-eyed opponents can see that false step is more than just your name.”

False Step turned his head and exhaled through his nose, appearing grim of face. “I suppose that’s true, ser. I try to switch my moves up, to keep enemies off their guard, but I can’t change how I step before finally committing to an attack. Most creatures out in the wilderness are simple-minded enough to not notice before I’m already miles away, with my job done. Though what you’ve just seen with Spellfire and yourself is likely what normally happens.”

“You will learn to hide that fallout, though, I am certain of it,” the orange-maned unicorn spoke up at last, raising her head to join the conversation.

Dusk nodded his head. “Indeed. And I shall teach you, if your wish is to improve your own abilities and save even more ponies from danger. The aid that you provide to the guard is honourable, and needed when so many are far slower than you; however, if you want to leave battles completely unscathed, with citizens unharmed, then I can offer you this training.”

The pegasus blinked in shock from his words, glancing down at his forelegs briefly before raising his head back up. Within a few seconds, the determined and unwavering gaze from when the fight started had returned to his features. “I appreciate what help you can give to me, Ser Dusk.”

“Hey, what did I miss?” called a familiar voice. Dusk and the two day guard turned their heads to see Ironsides approaching. He had a wooden shield in his magical grasp for the next scheduled practice spar.

“Ah, you are returned,” Dusk replied, nodding his head. “We were merely talking of further practice with False Step’s fight style. I see you are ready to begin with Spellfire, Ironsides.”

The white stallion dipped his head in acknowledgement and turned to stare at his next opponent. “I trust Ser Dusk has mentioned this match up prior to this meeting? The last time we sparred there was no clear cut winner.”

“Indeed,” the red mare replied, beginning to step away from Dusk and False Step. “I have improved much since that previous battle.”

Ironsides huffed as they wandered away side by side. “I would be disappointed if you hadn’t. Now here’s hoping I have learned a thing or two from my spar with Ser Dusk, despite my older visage.”

The night guard returned his attention to the pegasus before him, seeing that he had recovered quite quickly from his winded appearance. High stamina as well, Dusk imagined. Perfect qualities to keep foes off balance and guessing. “And you, ser. Take a breather for now. And have that burn from earlier checked.”

“But-”

“I’ll have no injuries that become out of hoof. That is an order.”

After a brief pause, False Step straightened up and nodded sternly at Dusk. “Ser.” The violet pegasus spread his wings and took off into the air, off to the infirmary to have his burn monitored. He watched him leave for a time, then turned his attention to the rest of the soldiers.

Thuds and spells rung out from the sparring grounds, wooden swords and shields wielded by the Sun Princess’ guard crashed against one another and pegasi fought on both land and in the air with one another. Earth ponies dodged kicks and grabs and punches as training continued unabated. It had been several hours since it began, and Dusk Darkhelm had only a few more ponies to deal with at practice.

As he made his way over to the last of the troops given to him by the princesses, the lunar guard imagined that they had done well in overall training. Each individual had a unique style with which they fought, not surprising to the unicorn. Some clearly learned from one another on stances and forms of combat, some being newer than other, hardened warriors, but they had made themselves stand out among their fellow soldiers.

Some were more adept at magic than others, such as Spellfire and Wind Catcher, though the latter used more defensive spells than offensive ones; others had speed on their side, like the green unicorn Fleet Strike, though none were quite as fast as Charm Spirit. She was a grey earth pony with some wrist blades that she had fashioned for herself, far more durable and deadly than those of False Step’s. Most, as Dusk had predicted, were slower, sturdier stallions and mares that used either their strength of legs or magic, or ever changing battle stances. All had certain tactics for battle, certainly, and a few even used their mind and leverage over such things to confuse and outmanoeuver enemies.

He fought with them all, made sure what it was that they needed to improve on, who, if anypony among them, had a fight style that would help them expand their prowess in battle and linked their specific abilities to the names Dusk had committed to memory. So far, it seems as though I have earned their trust through this training, he thought, wandering through those he had fought previously. “Do not overwork yourselves!” he called out to the soldiers. “I promise you, you will feel worse in the morning than you ever have before! You feel tired, you will take a break!”

“Ser!” they answered back in unison, some taking heed of his words and sitting out for a few moments. The rest, the majority, kept fighting. It was good to see that these ponies had such dutiful minds and caring hearts about defending their lands, or so the similar and resolute expressions Dusk saw on their faces led him to believe as he sauntered past.

As he approached the few remaining day guard sparring one on one, he felt hope that he was doing his princess of the night proud, firm in his belief that he could achieve what she asked of him. The four remaining ponies turned to face the dark unicorn as he ceased in his stride. They nodded to Dusk in acknowledgement, and the guard of the night magicked a shield over to him, followed by a practice sword.

“Let’s make this interesting, shall we?”

The field was silent as the rest of the guard stood around, all facing the same point. No words were spoken, and only the constant crashes of sword and shield and cast spells were heard.

Dusk tossed aside a masterful stroke of a wrist blade with his shield on the left and caught another wooden blade with his own on the right. One opponent was already lying down from the duel, having been taken from the fight by two guards who were not participating. The dark unicorn had asked to duel all of them, four on one, with whatever they wished to use; one chose magic, two with sword and shield and a fourth with wrist blades.

The second sword and shield wielder, named Fate Chaser had been taken, and only three remained. A stream of fire came crashing into Dusk’s raised shield. Fortunately, most of the shields here were metal, so there was little worry that anything would catch fire. He saw out of the corner of his eye, how Saber Showers, a beige pegasus mare, was flying in for another assault. He leant back on his hind legs and grabbed one of her own back legs with his hoof.

Dusk readied to slam the pegasus to the dirt with what momentum she had built up on her way over, but instead, he was forced to let go and step to the left around a shot of ice from Dream Waker, a unicorn with a brown coat and silver mane. The guard of the night readied his weapons as Saber Showers and Twin Lightning, the unicorn mare with her sword and shield, recovered.

He could see Dream Waker casting another spell as Twin Lightning galloped forward, swiping down hard with her blade. Dusk jumped to the left side, blocked her sword with his and knocked her off her hooves with a swift and heavy bash from his shield. The dark stallion heard a shout from behind and turned his head in time to see the pegasus flying forward with blades ready. With no time to spin around and use his weapon, he pushed himself up on his hind legs and blocked the pony’s attack that would have otherwise bloodied him at the neck with his dark armour.

Dusk spun around with his shield directed at the unicorn caster and sword pointed left, where Saber Showers had flown. The wind shifted suddenly on his right, and the night guard felt the heat coming up on his side. It surrounded and almost overtook the shield, though he kept his magical grasp on the piece of metal. The pegasus dove and weaved in the air as she approached, trying to confuse Dusk.

He stayed focused and never lost sight of the day guard, still remembering that he had the unicorn to contend with afterward. As blades connected, he could tell that the unicorn was moving around his shield, still casting his flame spell to catch him unawares. Before either of them could react, the stallion turned his blade and spun the pegasus off balance. She crashed into the ground at Dusk’s hooves and from around his shield he threw his sword into the dirt before Dream Waker’s hooves.

The heat dissipated, and Dusk heard a shout as the teal blue unicorn jumped slightly at the wooden blade before him. Dusk dropped his shield and aided Saber Showers to her hooves, before turning to the four ponies. “A splendid show of teamwork. And you told me that the four of you had only just met.” Still out of breath from the combat, the four guard of Princess Celestia nodded their heads in thanks. “If I had not been a unicorn, this battle would have ended much differently.”

Suddenly, the courtyard erupted in cheer and applause. Dusk turned to see the rest of the guard shouting out at the fight they had just witnessed, smiles spread across all of their faces at the show. Dusk spun around and went to check on Fate Chaser, to make certain that he had sustained no injuries. The two ponies attending him assured the dark blue pony that no lasting harm was done.

The stallion exhaled in relief and faced the soldiers around him. “Well done, all of you. I would expect nothing less but a steadfast day guard to watch over the populace as they stroll about their daily lives. You honour your princesses with your bravery.”

“Ser!” they once again shouted as one.

Dusk smiled. Not too large, just a small smile from the shared respect between them. “Now if only the Princess of the Sun could have seen this.” He shut his eyes a moment, and once he reopened them, each soldier was seated in the courtyard, in the rows that they had greeted Dusk in.

Each pony in turn either stood or looked around in disbelief and bewilderment, seeing that all of the weapons and shields they had were now gone from their grasp. “How…what happened?” Ironsides asked of the night guard, while the rest began to search for answers.

“We are finished for the day,” he said simply, no longer smiling. “Your first day in the dreamscape has ended, and I daresay you will require much rest if we are to continue tomorrow.”

“Dreamscape?” Slipstream called out from a few rows back. “Do you mean to say that all of that was in our minds?”

Dusk shook his head. “No. I merely transferred your subconscious into the dreamscape after I put you all to sleep. For now, you must rely on my mind as the catalyst for entering the dreamscape, though in time it will come far more easily to you.”

As if they were just waiting for that very response, each guard who stood moments ago from their sleep, stumbled and fell back to the ground in exhaustion. “That may have been a dream as you said,” Fate Chaser groaned, while he struggled to keep on his haunches. “but I still feel like you put me through a pain equal to the expanses of Tartarus.”

The dark stallion dipped his head. “That is another part of entering the dream world for the first time, in the way that you have. Unlike dreams, you must adapt to the dreamscape. Minutes within it feel like hours here, you tire more rapidly within the confines of that world, and injuries are felt more heavily without, though you received none in the waking world. Do not worry. The first time within the dreamscape is always the most trying.”

He allowed them a few moments to recover from the strain they doubtlessly felt from the switch, before watching them enter back into the castle. Ironsides stepped up in front of him, smiling slightly despite the change. “Ser Dusk, we would be honoured to have you join us at the dining hall. All of the guard will be there, if you are willing to stay up longer.”

The blue-maned stallion contemplated his offer only briefly, before bowing his head in courtesy. “Though I have not slept naturally in two days, the visit to the dreamscape should be enough to spend a few more hours with all of you.”

“Two whole days?” Spellfire called from behind him. “That can’t be good for your health, Ser Dusk. Are you in such a condition to be teaching us anything?”

Dusk chuckled softly and made his way up the steps toward Spellfire, hearing Ironsides close behind him. “Fear not. The dreamscape is an alternative to sleep, given that I am so well adapted to that world already, though I may want to sleep in a true bed after our meeting at the hall.”

Later, when all of the guards were in attendance at the dining hall, the dark stallion sat alone with a mug of hot chocolate, watching the others converse with one another. The chamber was truly expansive, and dimly lit for the late hour that it was. Large rectangular tables took up most of the area, still with enough room to manoeuver around without issue. On the right end of the hall there rested the counter, where the guards had ordered their food and drink, and where Dusk took his mug. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling amongst the tables, providing just enough light for the calm atmosphere of the night outside. The rest of my guard should be waking soon, to protect the night and those who sleep soundly.

“So,” a voice called from in front of him. Dusk turned his head to see Ironsides, Spellfire, False Step, Slipstream and Twin Lightning approaching his table. “Sitting all alone, even with everypony here. We thought you’d be at least conversing with a few of us by now.”

They each took a seat around the stallion, each with mugs of their own in their grasp. “Perhaps you should turn in for some well-deserved rest, ser,” put in False Step. “You’re no good to us when you can’t function in this world.”

“Not a chance,” replied Ironsides with a grin. “At least, not until I hear what you reassured me to be a topic of discussion, should I uphold my end of our deal. I bested Spellfire with those tricks you showed me. Proved that I could learn from what you taught me, so out with it already.”

“Out with what?” Slipstream questioned. She was a yellow earth pony who was far stronger than she seemed. Her mane was indigo and straight, and it dangled down only slightly below her helm, unlike Spellfire’s mane. She made a point about not fighting with bladed weapons on the sparring grounds, despite having no magic or wings. The mare was passionate about defending those that required aid, but also refused to bring severe harm to those creatures that threatened those citizens.

He had to respect her for that, though given the developing situation that Princess Luna had spoken about, Dusk was not certain if she could hold true to that mantra for much longer. Perhaps it would not be needed. Though the look in my princess’ eyes, he thought. “I suppose that there is no harm in explaining how I came to be here.” Dusk removed his helm and rested it in front of him, staring at each of the guards in turn.

“Your first stated question: how did I learn these abilities? And the second: how am I the best the princess has seen? Before I answer them, I will ask you…what is my name?”

The five day guards turned to one another, before returning to gaze confusedly at the stallion. “Ser Dusk,” Spellfire spoke up. “We’ve been calling you that all day.”

“Dusk…” he repeated, turning the helm from facing him to face out toward the others. “Dusk…Darkhelm. That is what they chose to call me, for I have no name.” Ironsides leaned back wide-eyed, as did False Step and Slipstream. Spellfire and Twin Lightning stared at him in a mixture of confusion and worry. “Twenty-seven years ago, I was found alone in a forest, just before the Everfree. Nopony knows why I was left there, or who it was that did so. The forest lay in such a place that was far from any kind of civilization.

“There was nopony to question within miles of the area. It was nighttime, though I am not exactly certain of the time. I was only a couple of years old back then. The night guard found me; two stallions that had no reason to be out so far from Canterlot. This was all that they could find with me.” He tapped the helm a few times. “Dusk…the time at which I was found, perhaps; and Darkhelm…imaginative name, though I grew into it. Even back then, I felt that a presence was watching over me, though I had no idea who it was at the time.”

Ironsides seemed to clue in after a brief moment. “Princess Luna.” The others turned to stare at the white stallion in surprise, before looking back at Dusk for confirmation. He continued.

“This was back before she was released, twenty-one years before she returned as Nightmare Moon. Once they brought me to Canterlot, they had a bed ready, as though they knew I would be there. It was soon after that I learned about Princess Luna; how they had been contacted by her, to take me in. And so I had my answer. I had heard her voice that night. Though she was imprisoned for her transformation, her true self had the decency and ability to save the life of a nameless foal.

“Even back then I could still hear her calls in my ears, distant as they were. And so I dedicated my life to learning her abilities and listening to her teachings, protecting her citizens in her stead. I became a lunar guard to honour what she did for me twenty-seven years ago, even though she was in a far worse position than I was. What she requires of me; what she asks me to do, I do so without question…because I owe her my life, my trust, my honesty. If it is required that I lay down my life for her, I would not hesitate. And that is why I do what I do.”

The five around him at the table were silent, though Dusk could still hear and see those behind them, chatting and conversing. He took the helm in his hooves and set it back atop his head, waiting patiently for the others to say something.

“I…I don’t even know what to say,” Slipstream whispered, shaking her head. “That’s amazing.”

“Well, I certainly don’t question why you’re so loyal anymore,” Ironsides said, finally taking a sip from his mug. “No wonder she has you teaching us about her abilities.”

Dusk opened his mouth to respond, but closed it quickly as his eyes widened and then narrowed. He pushed himself up from his seat and stepped away from the table. “My apologies. I must go.”

“Wait! Where are you going?” False Step asked, as the others either looked on or stood up from their seats in confusion and concern.

“Princess Luna has some lead on what we are training to defend against. I will explain the situation to you once I know more, but for now I must go.” The dark unicorn stepped silently around them and started out of the dining hall.

When he reached her quarters, he saw that the sun had set long ago, seeing the gift given by Princess Luna through the glass windows. Stars dotted the late night sky, shimmering harmlessly in the space above the land. Two lunar guards stood watch near the door to the room. They nodded to him and walked away to other duties, leaving Dusk alone to hear of this new development. He went to knock on the door, but a dark blue aura covered it and pulled it open. The Princess of the Night stood before him, appearing as stern and collected as she always seemed to be.

“Come. There is no time for formalities, time is of the essence.” She turned and sauntered over to her podium, as Dusk followed closely behind. He saw a letter resting on the stand and guessed that that was the letter Princess Celestia had sent. “I hath received word from my sister. It appears that while in the Crystal Empire, she hath discovered something of value in the catacombs of their library.” Princess Luna turned to face the lunar guard, as she stood just right of the podium.

“You spoke of learning the identity of the threat we now face,” Dusk replied, standing tall and prepared before his princess.

She merely nodded her head. “Not precisely, yet she hath discovered documents millennia old of sightings the crystal ponies of eld hath witnessed and written about. The north is a cold and desolate landscape, and that is where they reside; however, it appears that there may be another species living in those frozen mountains.

“Only glimpses. Passing glances of a creature. These first hoof accounts express little detail in terms of the shape and size of said animal, but what these ponies say they felt once they come across it is in line with how my sister felt three hundred years ago near the Ibexian Tundra…and what I felt when I was in the dreamscape recently; remorseless, hateful, unyielding and unceasing, a chill that runs from out in the air to the very core of thine being.”

Dusk approached the letter, seeing that the Sun Princess had also sent several ledgers and journals of which he guessed contained what information he was hearing presently. He turned his head to face the princess. “So, your grace…you are saying this threat we are facing is undoubtedly real.”

“I am saying…that we are not dealing with any normal villain. Whatever these ponies saw, thousands of years prior, is yet alive. We are dealing with a threat that is ancient and resourceful, one that has escaped the knowledge of my sister and I both until only recently. I knew it the moment I felt it that it was something I have never sensed before, something terrible…and it appears that it now has amassed enough power to reveal itself to us.”