Twilight couldn’t believe what she was seeing…. Standing right in front of her, an aura of terror coming off of his towering body, was the Lord of Terror himself! Night Haunter, the father of all Night Lords, Xeron’s father. “Y-Your… M-Majesty.” Twilight bowed her head, not really knowing what to do at the moment.

Her reaction caused him to let out a whispering chuckle. “No, no need for such pleasantries, Twilight.” His dark gaze went to the fallen Xeron, who was laying beneath Twilight. “Ah, Xeron… It has been some time since I’ve seen him, not since that day in my throne room.” He whispered, looking to the Night Lord with a golden sword. “Soul Hunter, see to your brother. It seems he has fallen into the deep sleep, and requires your skills.”

Soul Hunter saluted him. “Yes, my lord.” He said, before walking over and kneeling next to the fallen Night Lord, Twilight backing away so the Astartes could work.

“As for you…” Night Haunter slowly turned around, facing Sombra. “I have quite the business with you, dark one.”

Sombra took a combat stance, readying his staff. “I defeated that other creature, what makes you so different to the Crystal Empire’s King?” Sombra, arrogantly, asked with a smirk.

Night Haunter just looked at him, as if not impressed in the least. “Sevatar… Protect your brothers, and the young Princess, while I deal with him.” The crimson fisted Night Lord saluted the Primarch, backing up to gain a better defensive stance over the three. “To answer your question? Xeron is rather young. Granted, he has fought in countless battles and bloodied his claws enough to be worthy of the First Company Night Lords Night Raptors. However…” Night Haunter slowly stepped forward, holding his claws out in a displaying fashion. “Do not compare him to me. Yes, they have my genetic code within their bodies, but they are nothing compared to me!”

At that moment, a dark cloud passed over the windows and darkened the entire room for a few moments. When the light returned, the Night Haunter was suddenly gone! Shocking both Equestrians at his sudden disappearance. “W-Where did you go!? Face me, coward!” Sombra demanded, looking around the chambers.

The Night Haunter’s laugh echoed throughout the room, making Sombra look around in an attempt to locate him. “Coward? Is that the best you can do? My esteemed brother, Rogal Dorn, could come up with far better than you.” A quick flash within the darkness appeared, and Sombra was sent flying across the room! His side slashed in three places, the black crystals quickly attempting to heal his injury. “You claim to be a dark king, Sombra of the Crystal Empire… But you have no idea what true darkness is. After all.” Another flash occurred, slashing Sombra’s muzzle this time! “You simply force the darkness to your aid, make it fight for you… I, on the other hand, was born within the darkness! I became the darkness!” Sombra was suddenly slammed into a nearby column, by a massive kick, and the sounds of bones breaking followed. “My homeworld, Nostramo, was known as the Sunless World! It was truly a world of eternal darkness!”

Sombra continued to take unseen blows, trying to defend himself by wildly swinging his scythe around. None of his attacks seemed to strike anything, even after the Night Haunter struck and Sombra swung where the attack came from! “H-How is he doing that?” Twilight asked, watching the unbelievable display.

“Our Lord is the master of stealth and terror attacks…. A skill he forged since he was but a mere boy.” Sevatar answered, watching the confrontation. “This Sombra stands no chance against a true King of the Darkness.”

Sombra’s eye was suddenly, and viciously, ripped out by an unseen claw, making him cry out in pain. “You call me a Coward… Oh, you foolish creature, you know nothing of the reality of things.” Night Haunter continued, his attacks suddenly stopping and Sombra trying to mend his wounds with black crystals. “In real battle, there are no rules. There are no guidelines…. Only the will to survive, and kill your enemy by any means.”

“W-What are you!?” Sombra yelled, with pained breath.

Night Haunter suddenly appeared behind Sombra, his claws releasing a strange discharge of energy. Sombra turning around, and seeing the sight of not the Primarch, but some Avatar of Fear… A Monster, the likes he has never seen before. “I am the Night Haunter of Nostramo, and Lord of the Night Lords….” He pulled back both claws, bat wings suddenly springing out behind him and giving the Primarch an even more terrifying look. “Konrad Cruze!” With that, his claws fell upon the dark unicorn, ripping his body apart. His left claw dug into Sombra’s neck, the unicorn’s screams of agony echoing throughout the chambers, and ripped his head clean off.

"S-So… That is the one… Who trained those like Xeron." Twilight thought, looking back at the fallen Astartes, then back at the Primarch. She quickly shook the shock out off and went to Xeron’s side. “H-How is he?” She asked, looking up at Soul Hunter.

Soul Hunter was using some sort of tool, on the side of his left arm, to dig something out of an opening in Xeron’s armor. “He’ll live, once I remove these shards from his body. After that, he’ll heal on his own.” He answered, the sounds of something clinging against the ground with each time Soul Hunter pulled his arm back. “I wonder how he took this stab in the first place… Not often a Night Lord becomes so open that the foe gains a strike on his chest, up close.”

Twilight suddenly looked down, not noticing Night Haunter eyeing Sombra’s severed head. “I-It is my fault… Sombra was coming after me, and I couldn’t move. Xeron got in the way, and took the attack himself.” She admitted, both Astartes looking at her in surprise.

Sevatar then noticed the amulet around her neck, kneeling next to the princess. He reached his bloody red gauntlet over to it, and grabbed hold of the coin itself. “The boy’s token… His actions make sense now.” Sevatar said, leaning the guardian spear against his shoulder. “Tell me, did this Sombra harm you before?”

Twilight gave a nod, Night Haunter also seemingly listening for her response while eyeing the head. “That is correct… He harmed almost all of my friends, and Princess Celestia.” She answered, Sevatar giving a nod.

“Makes sense now… Whoever holds these tokens, are the personal slave to the Night Lord. To harm them, is to mark yourself for death.” Sevatar said, looking towards Twilight. “Though, the fact that he took the attack, instead of taking bloodied vengeance for your death… Means you’re something more than a slave to him.”

Twilight blushed, not looking the Night Lord in his helmet’s eyes. “Y-You can say that…”

“Pathetic creature.” Night Haunter suddenly blurted out, tossing the severed head to the side. “Though, I can understand why he was considered so dangerous to your people, Princess.” The Primarch turned and walked over to the four, eyeing her. “And don’t hide it… Celestia told me about your little… Crush.” He gained a fanged grin at the mentioning of her crush, Twilight becoming even redder.

“Her? In love with an Astartes?” Sevatar said, nearly laughing at the thought. “My Lord, you can’t be serious.”

“Believe it, Sevatar.” Night Haunter said, matter-of-factly. “Though, here, young Xeron had become one of them, due to a deal. His work on this world, is most impressive, and I have to say… I’m most pleased with it.” He continued to hold his grin, chuckling a bit. “Like a Night Lord, he struck from the shadows, and caught many enemies by surprise…. He was a god among them, in combat prowess.”

“Fitting.” Soul Hunter said, his tools digging deeper into Xeron’s side before pulling something out. “There… That was the last of them. He should be able to mend the wounds himself, now.” He slowly stood up, and looked down at Twilight. “Hm… I’m guessing he is some sort of hero, then?” He asked.

“Y-Yes… A hero within the shadows, one that doesn’t take credit for his deeds.” She answered, Soul Hunter giving a nod at her statement. “Though, no matter what… Even if he was considered a ‘bad pony’ to everyone else.” Her gaze went to the unhelmeted Night Lord, who silently slept. “He would always be a hero to me.”

“Good… He achieved what I couldn’t.” Soul Hunter said, turning to the Night Haunter. “My Lord, is there anymore need of me?”

“Or I, my Lord? Finding out our brother, here, has been living so… Makes my stomach churn.” Sevatar said, shaking his head.

“No, you both may go… I must speak with the princess, alone.” Night Haunter said, the two nodding before they disappeared within shadow-like mist. “Now then, Princess… What do you plan to do now? I think it’ll be rather hard for you to actually return with him so.”

Twilight went wide eyed, she actually didn’t think of that. “I-I don’t know… I was thinking of possibly teleporting us to areas I saw on my way down? Though, it’ll take some time, and it will physically drain me.” She answered, not really sure if that was the right answer.

“Oh? I wonder how long you’ll keep that up, before your body finally gives out.” Night Haunter said, looking back at Xeron. “Also, his jump pack is destroyed, and he had to dispose of it… Not much of a Night Raptor without it, now is he?”

Twilight nodded, shutting her eyes tightly. “I-I know…”

“Then… What will you do, Princess? Sounds like you don’t have much of a plan, and possibly have a death wish.” Night Haunter asked, inquisitively.

“I don’t know ok!” Twilight shouted, looking up at the Night Haunter, staring deep into his dark eyes. “I don’t know what I’ll do! I didn’t actually think of that when I came down here! Or when I saw him fall, and thought he was dead!” For some reason, his presence no longer scared her, the alicorn’s emotions running wild. “He did everything he could for me, ever since I was a foal! He sacrificed everything he was, or could have been, for me! I’ll do anything to make that up to him, whether I drain my entire body completely trying to get him back to the others! As for the jump pack, I’ll fix it! Or even build a completely new one that is ten times better than what he had!”

The Night Haunter didn’t react to the princess’ words, who instantly covered her muzzle after realizing she had just yelled at an actual deity. “Most intriguing answer…” He started, his dark eyes locked on Twilight, slowly moving a claw to her face. The moment it reached her cheek, Twilight flinched but relaxed the moment he started to stroke her mane. “You are indeed worthy, that is for sure. Such determination is admirable…. To the point I’ll assist you in such endeavors.”

“W-What do you mean?” She asked, looking up at the Night Haunter, while he stroked her mane.

“First, I’ll give him a new jump pack… One he can be proud of.” Night Haunter put his hand towards Xeron, a flash of dark light slowly appearing, before a strange jump pack appeared on his back, forcing his torso off the ground. It looked like its old one, but the bat wings on it were much larger, almost like they could actually fly like regular wings. “And the other part… Well, I’ll just say… The range of these Caverns is rather far.”

“Wait… The Caverns? But, I thought, we were in your domain.” Twilight asked, as Night Haunter began go laugh again.

“Oh, Twilight…” He started, raising both arms out, the chambers disappearing and the Crystal Caverns slowly reappearing. “You never left the Caverns. These crystals allowed me to project my domain here. Now, for me to assist you this final time….”

“Twilight has been down there for a long time…” Fluttershy said, her entire body shaking.

“Oh dear, I hope the darling, and that Xeron fellow, is alright… No telling what that brute, Sombra, could have done down there.” Rarity added, placing a hoof over her muzzle.

“That’s it!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flying up. “I’m going in after her!” The moment she tried to fly into the Crystal Caverns, her entire body was surrounded by a golden glow.

“I am sorry, Rainbow Dash… But I cannot permit you to enter the Caverns.” Celestia said, looking at the hole. “It is hallowed ground, only alicorns may enter those tunnels… Not to mention, it is far too dangerous, the tunnels themselves becoming so dark that you’ll never find your way back.”

“B-But… We can’t just leave her down there.” Rainbow Dash argued, looking at the elder Princess.

“Ah have ta side with Rainbow on this one, Princess… Twi is our friend, we can’t just sit here and do nothin’.” Applejack agreed, looking up at the white alicorn.

“I understand how you feel, my little ponies… I wish to save Twilight myself, but I also have no idea where she may be, nor do I know if the spirits, that dwell within the Caverns will assist me in finding her.” Celestia said, her face filled with concern for her prized student.

“Well… I don’t think we have to worry… That big, tall, dark, evil looking; guy is bringing her back.” Pinkie Pie said, looking over the hole’s edge.

“Pinkie, what in Equestria are you talking about?” The five asked, walking up next to their friend, Celestia also curious as to what the party pony meant.

“I mean that guy.” She pointed towards a figure soaring through the caverns, his jump pack lit with flames as he headed straight for the entrance. In his right hand, Twilight was held tightly to his breastplate, she had Xeron’s helmet within a bubble of her magic. While in his left, he had Xeron by the collar of his armor! Carrying the fallen Astartes like he was nothing! “Oooooh… He looks coooooooooool.” Pinkie bounced. “And scary.” She raised an eyebrow at the last comment, stopping her bounce.

“I-I can’t believe it…” Celestia muttered, the five looking up at her.

“Princess, do you know who that possibly is?” Rarity asked, looking back down at the figure, who drew ever closer to them. “It looks like he may be related to Xeron, in some way.”

“I do, Rarity… And I can’t believe it..” Celestia said, just as the figure flew out of the hole, and landed behind them. He placed Xeron and Twilight on the ground, turning to face the group, his raven feathered cape sliding against the ground. “The Night Haunter, Lord and Gene-Father of the Night Lords Legion…. Konrad Cruze.” She finished, bowing her head to the Primarch.

The girls didn’t really know what to say, they only bowed before him, since the Princess showed enough respect to bow her own head. “Princess Celestia… It has been far too long since we last me… How long has it been, ten years?” He asked, tilting his head.

She smiled, and nodded to the Primarch. “Yes… Ten years since I asked for the book, that is correct.” Celestia confirmed, looking back at the hole. “What about Sombra? Is he trapped down there?”

“If you mean that dark unicorn, with an arrogant attitude, I slayed him shortly after Xeron fell into the deep sleep.” Night Haunter answered, crossing both arms over his chest. “He will trouble you no longer.”

Celestia nodded, the Primarch walking back towards the hole’s edge. “I cannot thank you enough, Lord Cruze… Truly.” She said, the Primarch stopping next to her.

“Consider this repayment for allowing my spirit, and those of my sons still loyal to me, to rest within your world… I rather they not be fed to some Daemon Spawn within the warp.” He said, before taking a step into the darkness. “And… Take care of that Twilight Sparkle. I have the feeling, she is very special.” His voice whispered, from within the hole, the Princess nodding.

Twilight nuzzled her head into Xeron’s neck, happy that he was alive and out of the Caverns. “I was so worried that I lost you.” She whispered, unable to fight back the tears.

“Twilight!” The girls yelled, rushing over to their friend after they knew the Primarch had left and no longer around. Before Twilight could react, she was suddenly tackled to the ground, and the victim of a pony-pile-hug.

“Girls! Girls! I’m alright.” She giggled, trying to hug each of her friends. “Truly, I am… Sombra wasn’t able to touch me, thanks to Xeron and the Night Haunter.” She said, her friends backing up.

“Ya had us worried sick, sugarcube!” Applejack said, smiling at her friend.

“She’s right, darling! Poor Fluttershy and I about had a heartattack when you jumped in!” Rarity said, the meek Pegasus nodding, unable to speak because she was so happy that Twilight was alright.

“Twilight! Tell us how those two kicked Sombra’s tail! I bet it was awesome, I mean… That guy was just oozing with pure awesomeness!” Rainbow Dash said, wanting to know about the battle within the Caverns.

“I will answer your questions girls, but first…. I need to see to Xeron.” She looked back towards the fallen Night Lord, using her magic to place his helmet back on and activate the mag-lock. “After all, he is recovering from his injuries, even though Night Haunter saw to his wounds.”

“It will not be easy carrying him to your chambers, like he is, Twilight.” Celestia said, walking over and hugging the younger princess. “His armor makes telekinetic spells nearly impossible to hold, since there are too many moving parts.”

“T-Then how are we going to take him anywhere to rest? Let alone, find a bed to hold him, I bet that armor weighs a ton!” Pinkie Pie said, looking at the group, who didn’t have any answers.

Celestia smiled, her horn starting to glow. “Oh, I have an idea… One that Twilight here will most love.” She said, Twilight raising an eyebrow as she suddenly used a familiar spell, to herself and Xeron at least, that engulfed the Night Lord. While his body glowed with light, the six suddenly gasped in surprise at what they were seeing, Rarity and Fluttershy placing a hoof over their muzzle.

Slowly, Xeron opened his eyes. His head was, unsurprisingly, pounding nonstop. “Damn…. What hit me?” He asked himself, slowly trying to get up before everything that occurred, prior to him blacking out, came rushing back to his mind. “TWILIGHT!” He yelled, quickly sitting, while a loud “eep!” sounded right next to him. He looked towards the sound, and saw said princess lying next to him. “Twilight?” Xeron asked, confused.

“You’re alright!” She blurted out, suddenly hugging his neck.

“Besides a headache, yeah… I’m alright. What about you? What happened after I blacked out?” He asked, looking at her…. Not really noticing anything about himself just yet, his attention being strictly on the princess he was willing to die for.

“You’ve been out for five days, Xeron… After you blacked out, it turned out Sombra wasn’t dead just yet, he was preparing to kill the two of us. However…” She looked off to the side, not really believing it herself. “Someone else intervened and stopped him.”

“Really? Who? Was it Princess Celestia, or Princess Luna?” He asked, smiling at her. “Or was it that hyperactive friend of yours, using those strange, and unexplainable, powers of hers.” He joked.

Twilight still tried to piece it together, thinking of how to say it. “You won’t believe it, when I tell you… I hardly believe it myself, honestly.” She admitted, before letting out a sigh. “It was… The Night Haunter. Apparently, Princess Celestia had pulled his spirit into the Cavern of Crystal Spirits, claiming that she predicted that one day he would be needed in Equestria. He agreed, long as those of his sons loyal to him joined in his rest.”

Xeron just looked at her, with a ‘really?’ deadpanned look. “You’re right… I don’t believe you.” He answered, truthfully.

“Well, to help you see that it is true…. I can tell you what he looked like, along with the two that showed up with him.” Twilight suggested, Xeron nodding to her, in an attempt to humor the Princess.

Though, the moment she went into a detailed description of the Night Haunter, Sevatar, and the Soul Hunter; Xeron’s mouth suddenly dropped to the point it nearly hit the bed sheets. “Unbelievable… Just…” His eyes went straight down to the sheets, allowing him to finally catch something he was oblivious to, until now. “I’m a pony again!?” He yelled, jumping up and looking around his body. Bat-wings, check. Midnight blue coat, check. Hooves, check. Strangely handsome mane and tail, double check. Yep, he was a pony again. “How did this happen?” He asked.

“That… Goes into the second part. After Night Haunter defeated Sombra, Soul Hunter saving your life by removing those crystal shards in your body… Your Lord flew us up to the entrance, so that we found our way back.” Twilight explained, Xeron listening to every word. “After a little reunion, and he returned to rest… Celestia turned you into a pony again, so you could rest.”

Twilight suddenly got a sadden look in her face, glancing off to the side. This caused Xeron to raise a brow, and lean towards her. “What is it, Twilight? Honestly, I thought you’d be happier I am alright.” He simply asked.

“I am, but…” She looked back up at him. “I figured you’d want to return to your original body. Since, well, you’re much stronger in that form.” Twilight admitted.

Xeron smiled at her, understanding where she was coming from. “I told you I wanted a normal life with you.” He suddenly nuzzled against her cheek and neck. “Looks like, I’ll get that chance after all.”

Twilight smiled, and returned his nuzzle. “Thank you, Xeron.”

He chuckled, kissing her cheek and leaned back. “In this form, call me Night Claw… It would be best to reserve that name, if I ever have to go back to being a Night Lord.” She nodded in agreement. After all, why would a pony have a singular name? That didn’t even seem like it was from Equestria.

“Either way… No matter what, you’ll always be the same pony.” Twilight said, smiling up at him. “My Guardian within the shadow…”

Night Claw suddenly leaned in and kissed her right on the lips, smiling after he pulled back. “Your Night Lord.” He whispered to her, the two nuzzling into each other.