Chapter Eleven

Pain and images started to overwhelm Twilight, the moment after Celestia’s seal was broken. Her eyes started to glow brightly, tears flowing from her eyes. When the spell ended, the young alicorn was slowly laid on to the ground, entering a dream-like state.

Her friends were instantly gathered around her. “I-Is she alright?” Applejack asked, gently nudging her friend.

Celestia, winded from releasing her spell, nodded. “Y-Yes… Her mind requires time to actually sort through the memories. It won’t take long but do you girls mind taking Twilight to her room? Night Claw and I need to discuss something about the possible battle ahead.” She asked, the five picking Twilight up and leaving.

Once they were gone, Night Claw finally spoke up. “Do I really need to say how dangerous that was? Not to mention, how it breaks our deal.” The stallion eyed Celestia, who nodded at his statement.

“It was needed, and I rather she knows both sides of you, if there comes a time when the real you is needed.” She answered, watching where the six left. “I do hope this Sombra ordeal doesn’t go that far.”

Night Claw gave a sigh, shaking his head. “Much as I hate to ask, if such a thing were to occur, how might I break your seal?” He asked.

“Simple, Night Claw. Both you and Twilight need to recite a simple oath, that you made when she was a foal.” Celestia said, with a smirk.

“You mean that old thing? I made it up, so she could feel like a Night Lord, when we flew around.” Night Claw said, with a raised brow.

“Exactly.” Celestia said, giggling at the thought. “I figured it would make a good release spell. Now, I think you may want to rest up.” Her look suddenly became serious. “I have the feeling Sombra won’t wait, since we know he’s out there.”

Night Claw gave a nod. “I will, Princess… If anything comes up, let me know.” He said, before walking off.

“I cannot fathom how much is going on, in your head, Xeron…” Celestia thought, watching the stallion walk away. “I can tell, right now, your body is a battlefield between both parts of you.”

Twilight looked around, where she was at the moment reminded her of Luna’s night sky. “W-Where am I?” She asked, to no one in particular, as her voice echoed around. “I-Is anypony there?”

A voice, no louder than a whisper, suddenly spoke up. “Greetings, Twilight Sparkle.” This made the young alicorn jump up, and look around for who just spoke. “Calm down, I mean you no harm.”

“W-Who are you?” Twilight asked, still trying to find the owner of said voice.

“I am a mere shadow, created to help guide you when Celestia’s seal was broken.” The voice said, Twilight relaxing some. “If you wish, I could take the form of a pony you haven’t met, but seem to respect?”

Twilight nodded, still wary of the voice. “If you don’t mind… Just talking to a voice is a bit… Nerve racing.” She admitted.

The shadows around her started to swirl in front of Twilight, before shaping into what looked like an alicorn. When they dispersed, she was now staring at a midnight blue batpony alicorn, whose horn was curved and jagged. Both his mane and tail were long and colored like a dark shade of black. His eyes were black, hard to tell if they were just his pupils or not, while he bore the Night Guard’s symbol as his cutie mark.

“Y-You’re Night Haunter?” Twilight asked, wide eyed.

“No, I took this form to give you a face to talk with. I figured this form would be best, because you didn’t know him, but of him.” The shadow corrected, turning to face a forming path of stars. “Shall we? There is much to discuss.”

“What are we going to discuss, exactly?” Twilight asked, trotting up next the larger pony.

“Why, your memories, of course. We have a lot more time here to discuss any questions you might have.” The shadow said, coming to a halt, panels of Twilight’s sealed memories starting to appear. “However, I am limited on what I can tell you.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow at his comment about time. “What do you mean by ‘more time here’?” She asked, using the fact he said any questions.

The shadow looked up, in thought, before speaking up. “Well, to put it simply, hours in here are mere seconds within the waking world. You know, the same concept with dreams and what not.”

Twilight gave a nod, understanding the idea. “Alright… Which memory shall we start with?” She asked, looking at the panels.

“How about your first one? When you first met him, you were just a newborn foal at the time.” The shadow answered, as he pulled up a panel where she saw the same bipedal being from before. He was looking into a crib, using his claws to gently play with the foal inside. “This was the moment he became attached to you… Even as a foal, despite his looks, you were not afraid of him.”

Night Claw sat, in the dark, with a small orb in his hooves. His eyes were trained on this metal orb, scanning each detailed edge in it, before letting out a long sigh. “Why not? Just talking about it should help.” He said, before turning the orb a few times.

When the orb clicked one last time, a holographic image shot out from its center. The image was of a large Night Lord, wielding large power claws and a raven feathered cloak. While the image was at a distance, anyone could see the passive look on his pale face, unamused about what is happening.

Night Claw smiled at the image, fighting back the tears trying to come out. “Ave Dominus Nox… Hail Lord of the Night.” He whispered at the image. “F-Father, I beseech you… I have come to a crossroads, and know not what to do.” He continued, lowering the orb to the ground, so the image was at a better stance. “I must choose whether to continue my life, as is, happily. However, doing so will place the one person I care for the most, in danger.” He gritted his teeth, hooves pushing into the bed. “Or return to the Night Raptor I was, shattering everything I had created, to protect them and possibly rid this land of the evil in it… Both choices are hard and only I can make them.”

The image just stared at him, not even aware of the pony that had asked him a question. That is when the most unexpected thing occurred. “Death is nothing compared to vindication.” Hearing the voice of Konrad Cruze, forced Night Claw to perk his ears up.

“W-What?” He muttered, remembering the device was just an image recorder, and didn’t have any sound.

“Death is nothing compared to vindication.” The image repeated, just before the device suddenly shut off.

Night Claw continued to stare at the device, blankly, trying to figure out what had just happened. “Did… I just imagine that, or?” He thought, having a hard time believing what just happened.

“There, that should be all of them.” The shadow said, the panel showing Xeron actually killing the unicorn. “Well, except one. But I’m not allowed to show it.”

Twilight was wide eyed, jaw open, at what she saw. “Did… All that really happen?” She asked, shaking the daze off soon after.

The shadow gave a light nod. “Yes, every single memory was real. Even the last one, which is what drove him to disappear… Now, any questions?” He asked, looking down at the young Princess. “Remember, I am limited to what I can say.”

“Y-Yeah… Why did Xeron leave? I mean, he was protecting me. I’m sure the Princess would have understood.” Twilight asked, looking up at the Night Haunter’s form.

The shadow pondered her question for a moment, before answering. “Because you saw him do it. An innocent filly, that he actually cared for, watched him tear apart another pony." Twilight’s ears lowered, the memory was horrific. “Xeron felt his kind had no place in your life. He rather be erased from your life, rather than be the cause of some mental damage.”

Twilight thought about it for a moment, and then nodded at the sense it made. “So, he cared so much, that he threw away his own happiness…” She said, aloud.

The shadow leaned down, looking her straight in the eyes. “He didn’t just care for you, Twilight Sparkle…. He loved you, a very dangerous emotion for his kind.” He said, making Twilight nod in understanding. “Now, do you remember the oath he told you about?”

“Of course, what does that have to do with anything?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Because that oath is part of the spell to bring him back.” The shadow answered, giving a fanged grin. “Oh, before I forget… That Night Claw fellow.”

Twilight started to blush, thinking of said stallion. “W-What about him?” She asked.

The shadow continued to hold his grin. “When you wake up, I suggest telling him your feelings, before it is too late.” He said, suddenly disappearing along with the space around them.

“Wait!” Twilight yelled, leaping from under the blankets, this action caused her friends to jump back.

“Whoa, nelly! Calm down there, sugarcube.” Applejack said, putting a hoof on her friend. “Yer safe here, had us all worried fer ya too.”

Twilight shook the surprise from herself. “H-How long was I out?” She asked.

“A couple of hours, darling. No big deal.” Rarity said, smiling at her friend. “Though, we must do something about your mane! It is sticking out everywhere.” The fashionista had a brush float over, and started to take care of the young Princess’ mane and tail.

Twilight didn’t resist Rarity, knowing how her friend would get, and just thought about the last thing that shadow told her. “Hey, girls, where is Night Claw at the moment?” She asked, the group just looked at her.

“Feeling love sick, darling?” Rarity asked, giving her a teasing smile, Twilight blushing some. “We’ve all been in here, so I don’t know personally.”

“Oh! He’s in his room, resting.” Pinkie Pie said, everyone giving her a ‘how did you know’ look. “What? I heard some of the guards outside talking about it. Something about Celestia needing him to rest.”

Twilight waited until Rarity to stop brushing her mane, before getting up and trotted over to the door. “You girls mind staying here?” She asked, looking back at them. “There’s something I need to talk with him about, in private.” The five nodded, Twilight smiling before she left.

Once they were sure Twilight was gone, Applejack suddenly spoke up. “We’re going to spy on her, aren’t we?”

“Oh yeah!” The others said, before quickly sneaking after their friend.

Twilight just looked at the single room door, that had Night Claw’s cutie mark on the top of it. She slowly shifted her hooves around, unsure if she could actually knock. “What am I doing? I-I can’t tell him this…” She thought, looking down at the stone floor. “I’m just an egg-headed bookworm thatgot lucky and became a Princess… Night Claw is probably the most elite pony in all of Equestria… He deserves a Princess like Luna or Celestia.” Unknown to her, she spoke quietly and a certain stallion was quietly listening to what she was saying.

“What am I going to do…” Night Claw thought, standing at the door, frowning. “If she knew who I really was… It is very doubtful she would keep those feelings.”

Twilight looked at the door again, her friends watching from a hidden spot. “The shadow said to… And he is a creation of Celestia’s magic!” She thought, starting to knock on the door. “Um… Night Claw, are you there?”

“Yes, one moment.” Night Claw said, still standing at the door and was trying his best to think of something to say. He looked back at the orb, and sighed. “Might as well…” He opened the door, seeing the blushing Princess. “How can I help you, Twilight?” Night Claw asked.

Twilight continued to shift on her hooves, her face redder than before. “T-There is something… I-I n-need to t-tell you.” She stuttered, finding it a lot harder to say it now.

Night Claw gave a nod, smiling. “I’m all ears, Twilight.” He said, remembering how Twilight looked when she asked him to take her to the gardens on Hearts and Hooves Day. “She’s redder than that day.” He thought, with a mental chuckle.

“Come on, Twilight! Just say it!” She scolded herself, suddenly blurting it raher than just saying it. “I’m in love with you!” The moment it escaped her lips, Twilight quickly placed a hoof over her mouth.

“Wow… She actually said it.” Night Claw muttered, eyes wide surprise.

Twilight just looked at the ground, face staying red. “I would understand if you request a change in assignment.” She said, before looking back up at him. “But I won’t to know how you feel before you-“

The Princess found herself unable to talk, due to a stallion’s lips on her own. Twilight’s wings shot open, the moment she realized it, she was actually kissing Night Claw! When he pulled back, her face was full of shock from had just happened. “So, does that answer your question? Figured one blunt statement deserved another.” He said, giving her a smile.

Twilight just slowly nodded, putting a hoof over her lips, unable to speak. They both looked down the hallway, after hearing five voices suddenly squeal. “Awwwwwwwh!!!!” They saw all five of her friends standing in the hallway, out of their hiding place.

“Huh… Seems like your friends saw us kiss.” Night Claw said, inching towards Twilight. “I have a feeling, we might need to run..” She gave a nod, Twilight suddenly being picked up and whisked away on Night Claw’s back. They could hear her friends suddenly giving chase.

“Wait, Rainbow Dash is very fast, she’ll catch up to us!” Twilight shouted, snapping out of her trance. “I’m not sure if we can out run them!”

Night Claw suddenly smirked. “Let me worry about that, Twilight.” He said, stopping at a window, and opened it. When the five were about to catch up, he waved them goodbye. “I apologize, ladies, but no questions just yet.” With that, both wings opened and the two were gone in a flash.

Rainbow Dash quickly went after them, smirking. “Nice try! I’m the fastest pegasus in Equestria!” She shouted, slowly gaining on the two.

This caused NightClaw to smirk, as the pegasus flew up beside him. “Well, it is a good thing I’m not from Equestria, then.” He said, Rainbow Dash giving him a confused look. “Hold on tight, Twilight.” She nodded, her hooves tightening around him.

Once he was sure that Twilight was holding on tight enough, Night Claw exploded forward with a single flap of his wings. The shock wave of his sudden increase in speed actually sent Rainbow Dash into a tail spin! When she regained control, the cyan pegasus couldn’t believe what she just saw. “N-No way! I’ve never seen a pony go that fast on command before!” She said, watching the black blur disappear. “And that move…. It reminds me of that day Fluttershy and Twilight were attacked in Everfree Forest…” Then it hit her, like a ton of bricks. That black blur was Night Claw! There was a pony actually faster than her!

Twilight couldn’t help but laugh at what just happened. “Oh, Celestia, the look on her face! I couldn’t believe it!” She said, laying down on the floor, her legs tucked under her body. “Not to mention, we actually out flew Rainbow Dash.”

Night Claw lowered himself next to her, slightly laughing at the same fact. “I told you to leave it to me.” He simply said, watching the mare lean against his larger frame. “Before we say anything else, I want to be sure of something.”

Twilight looked up at him, a questioning look on her face. “What is it, Night?” She asked, the stallion looking down at her.

“You read the book I left, all those years ago, right?” He asked, Twilight gave a nod.

“From cover to cover, ten times. I have to say, the Night Guard Legion sounded like a great tragic hero’s story… Especially their alicorn leader, Night Haunter. The book even had a drawing of him, at the beginning, for those chapters dedicated to him.” Twilight answered, smiling a bit. “I wouldn’t mind meeting him one day… Night Haunter actually made it possible to meet somepony, like you.”

Night Claw, trying not to show the fact he didn’t know what the book’s name or details inside. “So… Then you know what the Night Guard were for?” He asked, she nodded. “Then you are sure that the-“

Twilight suddenly cut him off. "If you’re about to say ‘the feelings you have for me will stay the same, knowing what I have done’… The answer is yes.” She said, looking up at him. “To be honest, those actions are what made you into the stallion I fell in love with. They are what made you into the hero I see.” Twilight nuzzled into his neck. “And no matter what, nothing will change that.”

Night Claw was at a loss of words, so he just lowered his own head and rested it over Twilight’s mane, with a smile. “Thank you, Twilight.” He muttered.

“You’re welcome, my Black Knight.” She whispered, using the fact that Night Claw was knight-like, but also the kind who would do whatever it takes for others.

“You helped me more than you realize…” He thought, smiling while they laid there together. “I know what it is I must do, when the time comes.”

Their moment was soon interrupted, by a dark, echoing, laugh. “My, my, what a tender moment this is.” It said, making the two of them jump up. “A Princess and her brave Knight?”

Without a second thought, Night Claw took a protective stance around Twilight, his eyes searching for the one talking. “Whose there? Show yourself!” Twilight demanded, knowing Night Claw should focus on any potential attacks, instead of talking.

“Oh, Princess Twilight, you should know who I am.” The voice said, before a figure slowly made its way out from the castle shadows. “After all, you were told about me.” His red horn, dark gray coat, and green eyes; made it painfully obvious who he was.

“Sombra!” Twilight yelled, powering up her magic, ready to blast him with all she had, but was stopped when a batwing was extended in front of her.

“Don’t waste your energy, Twilight. It’s not the real him.” Night Claw said, glaring at Sombra. “When you hunt evil, you learn to pick up its scent. Right now, I can only smell the two of us.”

Sombra let out a low cackle. “Clever stallion… Celestia did well to pick such a protector. But it makes one wonder, how long does it take for a Monster Hunter… To turn into one himself?” He asked, giving a fanged grin.

“An answer you will not find with me, Sombra. Such mind games will not work!” Night Claw said, slamming his hoof on to the old stone floor.

“Wait… If he’s a fake Sombra, then where’s the real one?” Twilight asked, thnking about it.

Night Claw continued to look around, trying to figure that out. “He’s not anywhere near here.” He said, before setting his sights on the real threat at the moment.

Sombra’s illusion smirked at their attempts. “You know what? Since I enjoy seeing others in panic, I will give you a hint.” He said, walking towards the two thrones. “All I will say, is somewhere in Canterlot.”

Twilight went wide eyed, before looking at the stallion. “Night! We have to get back!” She said, before being picked up on it.

“I know, just hang on!” Night Claw said, opening his wings up and prepared to take off.

“And who said I’ll let you leave?” Sombra’s illusion asked, black crystals suddenly exploding all over the place, heading straight for them.

“Too slow.” Night Claw said, with a smirk, and explodes off the ground! The two of them flying through a hole in the ceiling, black crystals right behind them.

Sombra’s illusion just watched them, with a blank look on his face. “Hm... He’s faster than I thought.” He muttered, before disappearing in a puff of black smoke.