Chapter Twenty-Three

None were able to comprehend what they just heard, many eyes wide. The alicorn stallion looked forward, at the centaur who simply gave him an unimpressed look. A sly, fanged, grin suddenly appeared on his face. “So, Daemon… Want to try your luck against me? I’ve yet to face a foe I could not slay.” Night Haunter said, tilting his head.

“Please, you’ve brought an army, but dare to challenge me to single battle? After seeing that the youngest of Princesses, her friends, and that strange bodyguard; could not? What makes you so special?” Tirek asked, motioning to Night Haunter.

“I’m not a normal… ‘Pony’, I guess you could say. I am more like the bodyguard, than you think.” Night Haunter laughed a bit, shrugging his shoulders. “Though, they do say the father is always stronger than his sons… But I must ask.” He looked up at Tirek, a deadpanned look on his face. “By chance, do you have your own army? My sons need something to hone their new skills on, and I am giving you a fight you’ll never… Forget.” For some reason, how he said that one word sent chills down everyone’s spines, even Tirek.

“Your overconfidence is laughable, at best… But I’ll grant what you want.” Tirek suddenly moved his hands around him, smaller versions of himself appearing around his hooves! There was an army of them, all cackling in some insane manner. “Here is something for your ‘sons’ to test their mettle on! I do hope they’re good, as you're making them out to be.” With that, the centaur began to laugh.

Night Haunter smirked, letting out a low cackle of his own. “Good…” The alicorn stallion suddenly opened his wings, looking back at the army of midnight clad stallions. “Go now, my sons! Stand with me, in midnight clad! Slay these foul daemons, and rescue our brother’s adopted home!”

At his order, the midnight clad stallions charged forward, bat ponies taking to the skies, unicorns summoning up weapon constructs, while the earth ponies used their bulkier armor as a form of shield, and battering rams. They all yelled out. “Ave Dominus Nox!” as they charged towards the army of miniature Tireks… The centaur pointing forward, and his own army going after Night Haunter’s.

The alicorn stallion looked back at the wounded Night Claw, his face emotionless. “Stay here, and rest with the mares, my son… You’ve done enough, from what I hear.” He smirked at him, tears actually in Night Claw’s eyes… Actually, physically, seeing his father again made him somewhat emotional. “Let us handle this battle.” Night Haunter shot into the sky, his horn giving off a red glow of magic. “Ave Dominus Nox! I have come for you, Tirek!” He roared out, bolts of magic slamming into the centaur, Tirek letting out a roar of pain!

“H-He actually hurt him!” Twilight said, eyes wide at the fact that Tirek was harmed by Night Haunter’s magic. “We were barely able to make him flinch, yet Night Haunter was able to make him roar in pain.” She knew the Primarch was powerful, but didn’t know he was that powerful.

“The Night Haunter was able to force one to experience their worst nightmares and release an aura of terror through pure psykic energy… Yet, not even the Primarch of the Thousand Sons, the greatest Sorcerer in our universe, knew the fullest extent of our father’s power.” Night Claw said, slowly getting up and stood next to Twilight, lowering his wing to cover the princess. “I’ll stand here, as he ordered, and guard you, Twilight.” He smiled at her, the princess giving a smile of her own.

The elements tried to get up, their bodies too weak. Most just laid back down, happy that they finally got reinforcements to help with Tirek. Though, Rainbow Dash couldn’t stand sitting on the sidelines, and tried to fly towards the battle… Watching the bat ponies swoop in, blades on their wings, and cut down clone after clone with deadly precision. The unicorns used their constructs to cut down the clones, or create several bullet like objects to mow them down. The earth ponies, on the other hand, were barreling through the clones, like their numbers meant nothing, and crushed them under hoof! It was like they were juggernauts of the battlefield, the Tirek Clones unable to pierce their armor.

When Rainbow Dash got close enough, her wings gave out! Causing her to crash right into a group of Tirek Clones. “Rainbow Dash!” The mares all yelled, Night Claw preparing to fly to help the rainbow maned mare, but his wings couldn’t open. “Damnit! My wings are still too weak!” He winced, feeling a sharp pain in the right one, possibly a broken bone in it.

The Tirek Clones cackled at the helpless mare, who simply glared at them. When they went to slash at her, or use some minor spell on her… A jagged spear suddenly rammed into one’s head, causing it to yell out in agony before falling dead. A rather large bat pony, slightly bigger than Night Claw, then slammed down onto another, biting into its neck and ripping out the clone’s jugular vein… Blood drenching his helmet and mouth. Rainbow Dash was wide eyed at the brutality this bat pony killed, even blushed when he glanced at her before grabbing his spear to slay another, and started to spin it around to slay the rest.

“Night Claw… Who is that pony?” Twilight asked, wide eyed at the sheer brutality, feeling somewhat sick to her stomach.

Night Claw tried to get a good luck at the pony, unsure himself… That is, until he saw the red paint on said bat pony’s fore-hooves. His eyes went wide at the possible thought of who it might be. Spear, check. Brutal way of slaughtering his foes, double check. Cold exterior, and large size, check. Sinner’s Red on his “hands”, big time check. “C-C-Captain Jago ‘Sevatar’ Sevatarion….” He muttered, Twilight giving him a confused look.

“And who is that, Night?” She asked him, the other mares looking to the bat pony for the answer, and they saw a terrified look on his face.

“The most dangerous of all the Night Lords, and said to be the only one to be worthy of the title… Captain of the First Company, and leader of the Elite Atramentar. The Prince of Crows himself.” Night Claw said, Twilight suddenly remembered that day in the Cavern of Crystal Spirits, the Night Lord with the spear.

Her jaw dropped, looking back at Sevatar. “T-That is who he was? He seemed just like an honor guard, or something.” Twilight said, placing a hoof at having meeting such a respected being, and not giving the respect he deserves.

Sevatar looked around, noticing the clones around Rainbow Dash had all been slain, he let out a displeased grunt. “None a worthy challenge… The Dark Angels fought better.” He sighed, shaking his head before looking back at Rainbow Dash. “Don’t you think you should stay with the others, and wait for a healer?” Sevatar asked, earning a glare from Rainbow Dash.

“Like I’ll sit on the side lines, and let others do what I’m perfectly capable of doing!” Rainbow Dash argued, trying to get up but fell right back down. She gave off an annoyed grunt, not liking how her body isn’t responding to her.

When another clone rushed towards her, it found a spear right dead center of his face, a look of terror on his face. “I applaud your determination to fight, I really do… But right now, it is best that you just stay with the others.” Sevatar grabbed his spear, before picking up Rainbow Dash in his hooves. He flew her back over to the other Elements, placing her near Night Claw. “Watch her brother…” He looked at Twilight, giving her a fanged smirk and a respectful nod. “Princess… A pleasure seeing you again.”

Twilight gave a nod, in return, before the Captain flew off towards the battle, rejoining it. Rainbow Dash was grumbling about how she wanted to fight, and wished her body didn’t hurt so much. Fluttershy, weakly, walked over to Rainbow and patted her side. “It’s alright, Rainbow… We know you would fight if you could-?” A navy blue aura suddenly surrounded them, their injuries slowly starting to actually heal. Night Claw could even feel the bone, in his wing, starting to heal.

The seven turned around, to see a unicorn stallion, same height as Sevatar, his horn glowing with a navy blue color. His helmet had a skull on it, with some strange marking, along with a very familiar golden blade, with wings and a blood drop. Next to him, was an even larger earth pony with a sword of his own, and the left side armored like a shield. “Well done, Soul Hunter… With them fully healed, we’ll stand a better chance.” The earth pony said, nodding to the unicorn.

“Please, War-Sage… You know how I feel about that name.” Soul Hunter said, waiting until the seven were fully healed. “Plus, it is the only logical path to take. Getting them into the fray will open more of a battle for us to win… The lavender one has great power, I can sense it in this form.”

The War-Sage nodded, before walking forward, past the seven. “Then focus on their health, Soul Hunter… I will join our brothers in battle, for I wish to test my limits, too. It has been far too long since I was able to fight with flesh and bone, instead of ceramite.” The unicorn nodded, as the earth pony drew his sword, and charged into battle! The Tirek Clones suddenly being launched into the air, by his mere passing, before many were cut down by his large sword.

Night Claw bowed his head, in respect to the unicorn. “P-Prophet Talos… It is an honor to meet you.” He said, the girls following his sign of respect.

“Please, brother. Do not let such things distract you, yet. Soon, you’ll be able to join in glorious battle, with your brothers.” Soul Hunter said, the group’s wounds almost finished healing. “And I’ll be able to test both yours, and the princess’, skills myself.” Night Claw nodded to him, smiling at the chance to show the legendary VIII Legion’s Prophet his battle skills.

To say Tirek underestimated Night Haunter, was an understatement in itself. The alicorn stallion actually sent the centaur straight to the ground with a single spell. When Tirek managed to get up, he noticed Night Haunter was floating above him. “Such confidence before, Daemon, and yet I have found you wanting. Is this truly your fullest potential?” He taunted, earning an annoyed growl from Tirek.

“Silence, whelp!” He bellowed, before sending an energized blast towards Night Haunter, who simply flew around it and sent his own square into Tirek’s face! The blast actually making the centaur fall back on to the ground again.

“You remind me of that fool, Sombra… Thought he was a king, and godly, until he met one with such power and was slain by them.” Night Haunter said, somewhat disappointed with the fight against Tirek. “This is… Most pitiful.”

“Silence!” Tirek suddenly said, actually HITTING Night Haunter and sent him into a nearby building! “I am Tirek, the true Master of Equestria… I will enslave you ponies, and take all of your magic before reducing this land into nothing but smoldering ash!” He roared, before hearing a strange laugh coming from where Night Haunter landed. “What’s so funny!?”

“You… Such words, almost sound just like Sombra, until I revealed to him what he truly faced.” A flash of light appeared within the ruined building, making Tirek squint a bit… But he was suddenly sent, flying, from an uppercut that Konrad Cruze suddenly delivered! His wings wide, jet pack roaring, and claws electrified! “I’ll reduce you to nothing but disemboweled flesh by the time I’m through with you!” The Primarch yelled, a sick look and grin on his face.

“So you are like that bodyguard… The pony form merely a second skin…” Tirek said, a spell appearing between his horns. “And I’m not like that fool, Sombra! I’ll destroy you here, and now!” With that, the spell was unleashed, sending a powerful blast of energy towards Konrad. However, the Primarch used his jump pack to leapt left and then fly towards Tirek! Before the centaur could react, his stomach was suddenly pierced by Konrad’s claws! When they suddenly electrified, Tirek let out an agonized roar. “AAGGH!”

“Scream, you worthless daemon! For today, you’ll meet your end at the claws of the Night Haunter!” Konrad laughed, before using his other clawed hand to rip into Tirek’s stomach, blood pouring from the opened wounds. When the centaur swiped towards him, Konrad simply flew back and dodged the frantic attack, smirking as Tirek held his wound in a foolish attempt to stop the bleeding itself. He grinned, remembering his battle with Sombra… This world’s villians truly didn’t hold a candle to his brothers, in the least. His jump pack roared back to life, allowing Konrad to soar straight for Tirek’s face. “I’m not done with you yet, daemon!” He yelled, Tirek looking back up at him.

“Get away from me, you worthless insect!” Tirek sent another blast of energy towards Konrad, who suddenly flew up, using the wings to guide him. This angered the centaur, and he started to send minor blasts to try and hit the Primarch… Who was able to dodge the attacks rather well. When Tirek aimed for where he was going, the Primarch suddenly transformed back into his alicorn form and dive bombed the centaur! A spell charging on his horn, while having a strange, twisted, look on his face. His eyes wide with excitement. “Why are you smiling!?” Tirek demanded, suddenly sending a large blast of energy at him.

“Because, today, I slay an actual demon! Making him scream in terror, as I rip out his own heart!” Night Haunter released the built up spell, piercing through Tirek’s attack like a hot knife through butter! Tirek could only scream the word ‘no’ as Night Haunter closed in on him, the red glow becoming brighter and brighter before….

SHRIIIIINK!

Night Haunter’s spell had incased his entire body, forcing his entire being to be like a blade itself. He had cut all the way through Tirek’s spell and actually went through the centaur’s chest. His screams of terror were like honey to the alicorn’s ears, before they were silenced once he created the large hole in his body… In Night Haunter’s fanged mouth, he held Tirek’s black heart, a satisfied grin on his maw. He suddenly bit down, destroying said black heart and allowing the blood to drip from his mouth. “Another evil brought low, by Night Haunter.” He said, cackling, as the Tirek Clones suddenly dispersed, no longer able to stay physical after their creator was slain. The stallions began to chant. “Ave Dominus Nox” holding up their weapons, and cheered at the victory. The alicorn even noticed that the elements and Night Claw were healed, and had slain quite a few clones themselves. “Something tells me… What will occur after this, will be most interesting.” Night Haunter thought, walking towards the army.

When the citizens of Ponyville left the shelter of Twilight’s Castle, they were met by an army that resembled Night Claw, even an alicorn stallion that looked much like him! They all stood behind the Princess, the elements, and Night Claw; as Night Haunter slowly approached the small group, his face emotionless. “Greetings, again, Princess Twilight… It has been some time since we last met, hasn’t it?” He asked her, Twilight bowing her head.

“It has, my lord… And I see you’re doing quite well.” Twilight said, being respectful, as a group of midnight clad stallions walked up behind Night Haunter. They instantly recognized Sevatar, Soul Hunter, and War-Sage… But the other two were new to them.

“I am now, Princess Twilight, and I also see one of my sons still guards you closely.” Night Haunter smirked a bit, before noticing the orange filly from before. He decided not to address such a thing, just yet, and continue on. “Princess Celestia called for our aid, shortly before your battle started. Luckily, we arrived just in time.”

Mayor Mare, nervously, walked up to the group. Her eyes were filled with fear, and sweated quite a lot at the mere presence of Night Haunter. “A-And w-who might you all be, if I may ask, your majesty?” She asked, flinching the moment Night Haunter looked at her.

“To put it simple, Night Claw is one of us, one of my many sons.” He opened his wings, scaring the groups of ponies near the castle. “We are the Night Guard Legion, and I am their Lord and Master, Night Haunter. We are the blades within the darkness, Harbingers of Fear and Justice, those of the Sunless Kingdom.” He announced, the fillies and colts getting awestruck looks on their faces.

Night Claw bowed his head before giving a salute. “It is an honor to be in your presence again, my lord.” He said, giving his words truth.

Mayor Mare nodded at his words, and backed away. “T-Thank you for clarifying, your majesty… I’ll just go back to my citizens and make sure everypony is alright.” She said, giving a nervous smile, as Night Haunter nodded to her.

The alicorn stallion then turned his attention back to Twilight. “Which reminds me, Princess… My sons will require fitting jobs, now that we are revealed. Things to do, while we are lying in wait for the next danger to appear.” Night Haunter asked, earning a confused look on Twilight’s face.

“You aren’t… Going to disappear, like you did last time?’ She asked, Night Haunter shaking his head.

“No… This time, Princess Celestia has called for us, her spell allowing my sons and I to remain in this world. But, I rather us hide, and wait, instead of blatantly appearing. It will give your enemies quite the surprise when they find out, a Legion of well-trained warriors await them.” Night Haunter explained, the Princess smiling and nodded in agreement.

“I’m sure we can work something out… My friends can help with finding them things to do, while they wait.” Twilight said, the elements walking up and joining her…. The five stallions then walked up themselves.

“Very well… These five have been chosen to help with such things, each one having an attribute within the Legion…” He looked to the five. “Introduce yourselves, my sons… After all, these mares will be working with you, rather closely.”

“Talos Valcoran, or Soul Hunter as my father calls me. The name would seem to fit within this world, so I will go with it... We have already met, Princess.” He suddenly looks at Fluttershy, who gave him a nervous look. “If you do not mind, miss… I would like to work with you, if you know of a way to help me find a job within the medical field.”

Fluttershy suddenly lit up, smiling. “S-So, y-you’re a doctor?” She asked, coming out from her mane, Soul Hunter giving a nod. “T-There are many w-ways you can be helpful around Equestria, as a doctor… A-And I’m F-Fluttershy.”

Soul Hunter gave a nod, smiling at her. “I look forward to working with you.” Fluttershy gave an agreeing nod.

War-Sage walked up to Applejack, and nodded to her. “I am Captain Malcharion, or the War-Sage… I think my title would fit this world better. You seem like one of the easy going, more down to earth type mares.” He complimented, making Applejack blush at the sheer size of the stallion and how he actually complimented on her life. “If you would not mind, I wish to take a break from the life of war, and wish to try something more… Civilian.”

Applejack smiled at what he asked, oh she knew what to offer him. “Well then, War-Sage. Me and my family could always use some help down at the farm, after all. An extra hoof is always welcomed with the Apple Family! I’m Applejack, by the way.” She announced, earning a pleased smile from the grizzled veteran.

“Sounds like a plan, Ms. Applejack. I look forward to working with you.” He nodded, before giving her one last smile. “By the way, I like your accent… Makes me think of you as a hardworking mare.”

Applejack nodded, nudging the large stallion. “Flattery will get ya somewhere, mister.” The two laughed a bit.

Sevatar walked up to Rainbow Dash, the two shared a glare at one another. “Captain Jago ‘Sevatar’ Sevatarion… But, I guess, you can call me ‘Sky Spear’ in this form, giving the mark on my flank.” He motions to the slightly exposed Night Lord’s symbol with a storm cloud over it, and a spear behind it. “I would prefer something that will keep me on edge, making sure my battle prowess never weakens. Do you have anything that can keep up with me?”

Rainbow Dash smirked at the challenge. “If you want high speed, death defying stunts, and the like… Then I suggest trying out for the Wonderbolts. They’re the best flyers in Equestria, besides me.” She gloated, earning a fanged grin from Sevatar.

“I think I just might.” The two shared a strange look at one another, that matched two challengers about to push themselves to the limits, in order to win something.

One of the more mysterious stallions, a unicorn, walked up to Rarity. His horn suddenly had an ice blue glow appear around it, before a diamond-like flower appeared in front of her. “I am Mercutian, former Havoc of the Soul Hunter’s personal Squad, and a Noble from the Sunless ‘Kingdom’.” He said, smiling at the fashionista, who blushed and took the diamond rose from him. “I guess, in this world, you can call me ‘Diamond Arrow’… Giving the mark, as Captain Sky Spear mentioned.” He looked back at his own Night Lords symbol, which had two crossing diamond arrows behind it, and then looked back at Rarity. “If it is alright with you, I would like to try and impress the higher class, try and get our ‘hooves’ in the door for anything we might need in the future. I figured that a most beautiful mare, such as yourself, is just as cultured in such things… And could help a stallion in need of such lessons about her own Kingdom.”

Rarity continued to blushed at how this ‘Diamond Arrow’ presented himself, and complimented her. She cooed for a moment, before nodding. “Oh, darling, I’m sure I can think of something to help you… After preparing such well cultured noble, such as yourself, with only the finest clothes… We can take a trip to Canterlot, and help you socialize with the higher classes.”

Diamond Arrow nodded, with a smile. “I’ll enjoy that, Miss?”

“Rarity.” She gave a nod, making him smile even more.

“I’ll enjoy that greatly, Miss Rarity.” He gave a nod.

The next stallion walked up, he was another earth pony, and went straight to Pinkie Pie. “Oooooh… Aren’t you a mysterious one!” She bounced, seeming quite the happy mare.

He gave a nod to her, tilting his head. “Do you always bounce so?” He asked her, the mare nodding before he chuckled a bit. “I am Vandred Anrathi… But you can call me Void Dancer. I was an expert in void-.” He looked at the nearby ponies and corrected himself. “In sea battles. However, right now, I wish to try and use my organizational skills for something more… Promising, to help others smile.”

That caused Pinkie Pie to gasp loudly. “You can sooooooo help me with organizing other ponies’ parties! An extra hoof with so many ponies would make things so much easier, and a second pony can make it double the fun!” She bounced even more, earning a laugh from Void Dancer. “I’m Pinkie Pie, by the way!”

He gave a nod to her, smirking. “It is an honor, Ms. Pinkie Pie… I look forward to working with you.

With that, Night Haunter turned around, and started to walk away. “My lord?” He stopped, after Night Claw addressed him.

The alicorn stallion turned to look at the bat pony, with a raised brow. “Yes, my son?” He asked, the stallion giving a nod of respect.

“What will you do, my lord? It seems we’ll be able to find many jobs for my brothers… But you still seem to be a mystery, and didn’t even ask for such a thing?” Night Claw asked, tilting his head.

Night Haunter suddenly smirked, looking in Canterlot’s direction. “I’ve already found something I wish to do… While I may decide to stay in this ruined castle, within that Everfree Forest, I’ve heard so much about. There is a mysterious alicorn mare that I wish to try and court, according to Princess Celestia, she controls the beautiful night and the lovely moon that comes with it.” Both Night Claw and Twilight went wide eyed… That’ll be something, for sure. But he suddenly stopped. “Before I go….” He looked back at the group of ponies. “I overheard that I have a granddaughter, while we were at Canterlot Castle.” He gave a fanged grin, the group of ponies suddenly moving out of the way, so Scootaloo could be seen.

The filly watched, as the allicorn stallion slowly walked up to her, feeling more dwarfed by his size than Night Claw ever did. “H-Hello, Lord Night Haunter, sir… I-I’m S-Scootaloo.” She said, feeling really nervous right now.

Night Haunter nodded to her, with a smirk. “Well?” He asked her, making Scootaloo become rather confused.

“W-Well, what, sir?” She asked, her hooves shaking.

“I believe it is customary for the granddaughter to give the grandfather a hug, when they visit? So, where is my hug?” He held out one hoof, as if to offer her an opening embrace. “And no more sir, young Scootaloo… You may call me Night Haunter, or grandfather… Even granddad.” He grinned a bit, Scootaloo suddenly brightening up and smiling.

Within seconds, she was actually hugging the alicorn stallion, her wings buzzing with excitement and allowed her to hug his chest. “Hey, Granddad!” She shouted, the alicorn stallion hugging her with the opened hoof, lowly chuckling at her reaction, and kept her against his chest.

“Hello, Scootaloo… It is good to finally meet you, dearest granddaughter.” Night Haunter said, allowing the filly to nuzzle into his neck.

Spitfire had just gotten the new recruits formed up, smirking at how they all seemed rather nervous to be there. “Alright! Listen up! Today’s training will involve working your wings out, trying to push past your limits-?” She was suddenly interrupted, by an unexpected voice.

“Captain Spitfire, Ma’am!” The captain looked behind her, just in time to see Rainbow Dash land, and salute her.

“Rainbow Dash? It had better be good for interrupting me.” Spitfire asked, the rainbow maned mare smirking.

“It is, ma’am… But, it isn’t coming from me.” She said, just as Spitefire’s eyes went wide,when a familiar stallion suddenly landed right next to Rainbow Dash.

“S-S-Sir Night Claw, Sir!” She stuttered, before growling back at the recruits. “Battalion! Aaaatention! Commander on Deck! Commander on Deck!” The entire area suddenly stopped and went to attention, all saluting the Terror Guard.

“At ease, Captain.” Night Claw gave a salute, smirking at her. “It has been a while, Spit.”

“Y-Yes, sir! It has, and thank you for all you did for me, when I was a filly, sir!” Spitfire agreed, feeling somewhat tense being near her former mentor and current high general… “Uh, sir, if you don’t mind me asking, but what brings you to the Wonderbolts’ Headquarters, for a surprise visit?” She asked him

Night Claw suddenly gained a fanged grin. “I so happen to bring you even more recruits, all battle trained and battle hardened stallions… Each wishing to join Equestria’s best, each one from my own Legion and homeland.” At that, several Night Guard Bat Ponies joined Night Claw, each one eyeing the Wonderbolts with strange looks, none seeming impressed. Night Claw moved aside, allowing Sky Spear to walk up. “Meet Captain Sky Spear… The commander of the Night Guard Legion’s First Company, and leader of our Elite. Along with, my former Commander Officer.”

Spitfire saluted the Captain. “An honor, Captain Sky Spear, sir!” She announced, the stallion saluting her back.

“So, you’re the Wonderbolts’ commanding officer, huh?” Sky Spear eyed her carefully. “Both Rainbow Dash and Night Claw speak highly of you… I look forward to working with you, and hopefully you find me, and my brothers, Wonderbolt material.”

Spitfire tried everything in her power not to faint right now. She was standing before, possibly, the very pony that trained her trainer… And he was asking to join her unit! “I’ll do my best, sir! And I do not plan on going easy on your group, either, sir!” She saluted again, her military instincts kicking in.

“I expect no less, Captain Spitfire.” Sky Spear walked passed her, with the contingent of bat ponies he had brought. They all formed up with the new recruits, and saluted. “Night Guard Wonderbolt Recruits, reporting for duty, Captain Spitfire!”

She saluted him back, and nodded. “Well then, time to get to work! Two hundred laps around the Drill Field, on the double!” With a loud ‘yes, ma’am!’ both groups of recruits shot off, starting their training. Spitfire looked back at the bat pony, smiling, before she broke her military bearing, and hugged the older brother figure she had while growing up. “It’s good to see you again, Big Bro.” She whispered, making Night Claw laugh a bit.

“You’re never going to stop calling me that, are you?” He asked her, the Wonderbolt Captain shaking her head. “Oh well, I got used to it so long ago… Still has a ring to it.”

“Better! You treated me like your baby sister for so long, and helped me become the mare I am today.” She gave him a confident grin. “And I heard about your little romance with the Princess, you lucky dog.”

Night Claw shrugged. “What can I say? She’s always had a place in my dark heart.” He chuckled, the two sharing a laugh.

All this time, Rainbow Dash just couldn’t get over how buddy-buddy the two of them were being! Her jaw dropped far as it could possibly go. “I-I’ll never get used to knowing this… And he never told us he was like Spitfire’s older brother, either!” Her mind race, watching the two… She was definitely getting a sibling vibe from the two of them, and was seriously hoping she wouldn’t have to be weirded out like this for very much longer. “Twilight and Sky Spear oooowe me.”