Pops head out of a pile of paper* Huh… Sorry! Didn’t see you there, everyone. Finished the next Chapter rather early. You guys might like it! *sees a Military Article falling down* THERE YOU ARE YOU SON OF A BISCUIT EATER! *grabs* Enjoy!

The day was just another day in Ponyville, Night Claw was walking with Twilight down the town’s street. He was in his armor, because of the fact she was attending some ceremony to celebrate the victory over Tirek, twice. She was wearing her royal dress, and Scootaloo was also dressed up since she was technically a princess now. The stallion smiled at how they looked, and was looking forward to seeing his brothers again. Soul Hunter had told him that he, Sky Spear, War Sage, and Diamond Arrow will be there to represent Night Haunter. Something about the Lord of Night couldn’t attend because of some strange migraines he was getting… The gift of foresight must still be getting to him, somehow.

Night Claw shook his head, there was no time for such thoughts. Today was a happy day, and he knew that more of his brothers will be hidden among the crowd. Every Night Lord was able to get a new life, a new destiny, here in Equestria, those still loyal to their father of course. Some, within the short time of being here, were even able to find love like he did. There was even a rumor that Sky Spear and Rainbow Dash have been seen together, and he knew that War Sage and Applejack were often working the apple fields together and relaxing with each other nearby.

“Hey, dad, will we see grandpa today?” Scootaloo asked, looking up at the armored stallion.

Night Claw shook his head. “Sorry, Scootaloo, but Night Haunter will not be able to make it today. He has fallen rather ill, migraines preventing him to think straight.” He told her, the filly frowning at the thought of not getting to see her grandfather. “But your uncles Soul Hunter, War Sage, Diamond Arrow, and Sky Spear; will be here.” Night Claw grinned at her.

“Really!?” Scootaloo instantly brightened up, smiling up at her. “Uncle Sky Spear promised he would show me some of his new moves the next time he was in Ponyville!”

Both Twilight and Night Claw laughed at her reaction, both nodding. “Yes, but you must be on your best behavior, Scootaloo.” Twilight said, the two walking up to the Town Hall, Mayor Mare waiting with the four Night Guard representatives. “We have a royal duty to preform here.”

“Yes, mom…” Scootaloo said, tugging at her dress a little. “But… Why do I have to wear this dress? It makes me look so… Girly.” Night Claw laughed a bit, at her description of how she felt.

“Yes, Scootaloo. As a Princess, you have to look accordingly for official ceremonies.” Twilight explained, Scootaloo nodding to her. “Now… Let us get this started.”

When they approached the stage, the four representatives instantly saw them and walked up to the three. “Brother, Princess Twilight, and young Scootaloo.” War Sage said, his thick armor clanking against his body with each movement. “It is good to see you three again, sorry I haven’t dropped by to visit. The Apple Fields needed quite the tending to.” He chuckled a bit, remembering how many trees he accidently broke and Applejack scolding him.

“It is quite alright, War Sage.” Night Claw said, giving a nod of respect to the Legion Hero. “And, as always, it is an honor to stand in the presence of the four of you.” The five Night Guards shared a bit of a laugh before Scootaloo rushed up to Sky Spear.

“Uncle Sky Spear! Uncle Sky Spear! Are you going to show me some of your moves, while you’re in Ponyville?” She asked him, smiling brightly.

The Night Guard Captain laughed a bit, before nodding. “Sure will, kid. Just got to wait until after the ceremony, and I’ll show you some of the moves that even the Wonderbolts were impressed with.” Sky Spear told her, the filly stomping her hooves in excitement.

Soul Hunter suddenly cut in. “Sorry to be the ender of such a reunion, but we do have something to tend to at the moment.” The unicorn said, as the seven went back on to stage. “The crowds will be here soon, and I hear that they are excited at what the Princess is going to say during the ceremony… Along with what we, the Night Guard Legion, would say once the Princess is done with her speech.”

“Who will speak for us, Honorable Prophet?” Night Claw asked, trying to remain respectful to one of their Legion’s Legends.

“Don’t call me Prophet…” Soul Hunter reprimanded. “As for who, I think the honor should be yours, Night Claw. You have been representing us far longer in Equestria, it is only right that you seem like the lead. Ehm… Pony, for the ceremony.” The other three nodded, in agreement to Soul Hunter’s words.

“Really? Well… I guess it makes sense.” Night Claw said, surprised that three of the Legion’s most iconic leaders would step down, and let some lowly Legionnaire speak instead of them. “I will be sure to make our father proud.” The Night Guards nodded, before all four of them took their position on the stage, Mayor Mare standing with Scootaloo. Twilight moved to the podium, preparing her cards, while Night Claw took his position next to her, making himself look like her stalwart guardian.

The citizens of Ponyville started to slowly make their way towards the Town Hall. While Twilight’s urge to be early and have everything prepared much earlier beforehand was annoying to both Night Claw and Scootaloo, they had to admit it helped with situations like this. The entire group were prepared and looked their best for the occasion. Even her friends arrived just before the others, though only Rarity dressed up for the occasion while the others made sure they looked presentable…. Rainbow Dash wearing her Wonderbolt uniform. They stood next to the Night Guard representatives.

Once the town had gathered, Twilight smiled and started. “Thank you, everypony, for showing up to this ceremony! As you know, there has been much going on in Equestria… With the attack by Sombra, and even Chrysalis’ attempt with foalnapping Scootaloo.” The filly shivered for a moment, but smiled when Night Claw glanced at her, and nodded. “But one thing we have overcame, marked how strong our community has become. It was the defeat of the villain, Tirek. Not once, but twice!”

The crowds all cheered at the mentioning of the centaur’s defeat. Many of the ponies, who were in Ponyville that day, believe everything was coming to an end at the centaur’s second return. Their protectors, even the Terror Guard, couldn’t defeat him… But what happened afterwards, gave them all hope that Equestria could never fall.

“Our home was almost destroyed, when Tirek returned with far more power than anypony could have thought… That is, until the return of our world’s greatest defenders, who defeated the centaur in battle! The Night Guard Legion!” Twilight motioned to the four representatives, who stood proudly, and rather heroic for the old time terror warriors. “As such, Princess Celestia has made a decree that says: All Night Guards, while remain hidden among the public eyes, are hence forth made Equestria’s Elite Disaster Response Force. Every Legionnaire has already sworn their alliegence to Equestria, as their Lord has been made one of Equestria’s royal members… Unfortunately, Prince Night Haunter could not make it today, but Sir Night Claw is here to speak on his behalf.”

Twilight nodded to her Terror Guard, who returned the nod and walked up to the podium. “Thank you, my Princess.” He said, Twilight nodding to Night Claw, as he turned his attention back to the crowd. “I apologize for our father’s absence, it seems he has fallen ill due to a strange ability he was gifted with, since birth.” The crowd all nodded, understanding why the prince wasn’t able to make it. “But, since I have been the longest attending member of the Night Guard Legion in Equestria… I was chosen to announce that our Legion will stand guard over Equestria, and fight off any foe that dares to appears, in order to disrupt the peace and harmony of the land… Allowing me to have the feeling, that we’ll be working directly under the four Princesses, especially Princess Sparkle, and-?” Screams of terror caught Night Claw’s, along with those on stage, attention. It was coming from Ponyville’s train station. “Brothers, with me, quickly!” He announced, opening his wings and soaring off towards the train station, the other four rushing off in the same direction.

“Scootaloo, stay with Mayor Mare!” Twilight said, the filly nodding and remained next to the older mare, while she ran up to her friends. “We need to hurry, girls, no telling what is going on.” They nodded, and followed Twilight in the same direction the five Night Guards went.

Night Claw and the four Night Guards arrived, just as a train of injured ponies started to scramble for the town. Before they could go any further, than they already had, the Night Guards landed right in front of them. “Night Haunter’s Claws, everypony! What happened?” Night Claw yelled, the ponies all cowering in fear or eyes wide. Some were so badly injured, the five were surprised they could stand. “Is there anypony able to say something to me? If so, step forward! I am Night Claw, Terror Guard of Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

“A-Ah can!” A yellow stallion said, as he weakly walked up. He had some sort of apple cutie mark on his flank, which lead Night Claw to believe he was kin to Applejack. The stallion was really injured, he had large gashes all cross his body, not meant to kill him… Just to maim him, preventing the earth pony from working the fields for a while. “Braeburn, sir… Me and my family were fleein’ from Apploosa. Our home was attacked by seven cloaked mares and one cloaked stallion, all really powerful. We didn’t stand a chance! Especially with that weird, cloaked, creature with them. He stood upright, on his back legs!”

Night Claw nodded, as more started to pour from the train. “I understand your fear, Braeburn… I’ll inform the Princess right away, then prepare a relief force to meet these attackers head on.” He said, the other four nodding.

However, just before they could set off, the Elements arrived on scene. “Braeburn! What in tarnation is goin-… What in Equestria happened to you, partner!?” Applejack practically screamed, upon seeing her cousin in such a condition.

“Apploosa was attacked, by nine figures, from what I was told…” Night Claw said, allowing Braeburn to save his weakened breath. “I was getting ready to come inform you six, along with prepare a relief force to meet these attackers.”

Twilight nodded, smiling at how quickly Night Claw was already working. “We’ll see to the injured ponies, and see to it that they get medical attention… Any idea what could have done this?”

Sky Spear walked over to one of the injured ponies, eyeing their injuries, while Soul Hunter joined him. “They’re sloppy, whoever they are. These wounds are shallow, but deep enough to maim their targets. But, luckily, they’ll heal within the week.” Sky Spear noted, Soul Hunter agreeing with his conclusion.

“Looking at the others, I can tell they are indeed powerful. To do so much damage, to so few, shows this… And judging by some, they actually have firearms.” Soul Hunter said, examining one of the ponies, who had four bullet holes in her side. “This one will require emergency care, right away. Her condition is critical.” Rarity nodded, and rushed over to the mare. Her horn glowed, and within a blink of an eye… They vanished in a teleportation spell.

“Firearms? Must be the work of the bipedal one…” Night Claw said, thinking on the matter.

“How exactly did you escape, Braeburn?” War Sage asked, walking up to comfort the panicked Applejack. “Judging by how injured you all are, these attackers were preparing to finish you all off.”

“That’s the weirdest thing…. Ah couldn’t believe my own eyes, and I saw it!” The group turned their attention to the injured earth pony, interests peaked. “Some really big dragons, obviously way older than the Princesses, showed up and bought us enough time before flying away. From what we could tell, something had possessed them until we had gotten away… Going so far as to follow the train until we were at a safe distance.”

“That is strange… Dragons wouldn’t help Ponies; they would rather attack us.” Twilight said, looking up at Night Claw. “Any idea how to get ahold of your brothers for this, Night?”

“I’ll have to go to Canterlot. Most joined the Royal Guard, and are protecting our Lor-?” Before he could finish, a group of Night Guard Stallions, wearing their armor and battle ready, suddenly appeared in a flash of navy blue energy.

“Sir Night Claw! Word from Prince Night Haunter!” One, presumably the squad Sergeant, yelled out. He rushed up to Night Claw, and had a note float up to him.

Night Claw instantly took the note, and ripped it open. When he pulled it out, and read it, he was shocked. “Dear Night Claw… I already know about your situation, and what you plan to do. I have a total of three companies of Night Guards preparing to meet with you, at the Train Station. Please wait, until they’re able to teleport to your location. Sign, Lord Night Haunter.” He looked at the others, who all had strange looks on their faces… Though, before long, more and more flashes of navy blue occurred, as large numbers of Night Guard Legionnaires started to appear.

“That’s the gift of foresight for you…” Sky Spear said, with a grin. “Three Companies of the Night Guards Legion. Whoever these nine are, I highly doubt they’ll stand a chance against this number.” He continued, looking at the others. “Ready, brothers?”

The group nodded, while Night Claw looked to Twilight. “Take everypony back to the town… We’ll head out and meet these invaders head on, Twilight.” He smiled at her, while the princess gained a worried look. “I don’t want anything to happen to you or Scootaloo, so stay safe.”

She nodded to him, but couldn’t help but ask. “How will you get there, in time? I doubt the train’s crew would dare return to Applooosa and we can’t get the train turned around so quickly.” Twilight started shifting her hooves at the thought of wasting time.

Night Claw grinned. “We’ll head there ourselves. Remember? We aren’t normal ponies, what is a sprint to you, is a light jog to us.” He assured, before turning to face the Legionnaires. “Brothers! To Apploosa! Equestria is under attack, and by Night Haunter’s name, we will not allow anypony to harm our home! Ave Dominus Nox!” Night Claw quickly turned around, and rushed off towards Apploosa, the warriors all roared ‘Ave Dominus Nox!’ before following their commander.

“Be careful, Night Claw…” Twilight muttered, watching the Terror Guard take to the sky, with a few squadrons of Night Guard Bat Ponies.

“Don’t worry, Twilight… I’m sure he’ll be fine.” Fluttershy said, with a smile.

“Ya, we have our own job ta worry about.” Applejack said, helping Braeburn stand. “We got a lot of ponies ta take to the hospital, so we better get a move on.”

Twilight nodded, smiling at her friends. “I’ll go and get more help from Ponyville, you girls go ahead and get who you can. I bet Rarity has already informed the hospital of the surplus of patients coming in.” The princess quickly teleported away, to inform Mayor Mare, while the other four start to work.

The Night Guard Reaction Force descended upon the small town, from all directions and in their own formations. “Ave Dominus Nox!” Night Claw wailed from the sky, his screech shattering windows, while more joined in his deafing call! Before long, all groups going for the small country town met each other at the town center… With no opposition.

“What in the Night Haunter’s name? Where did they go?” Sky Spear said, stabbing his spear into the ground and letting out an irritated sigh. “From what I’ve learned, the nearest town was in the direction we came from, and going the other way is suicide unless you’re one of those Buffalo that wonder this land.”

“I don’t know…” Soul Hunter said, eyeing the town suspiciously. “And I don’t like this. Every fiber of my being is yelling that this is either an ambush, or we’ve been tricked.”

“I agree.” War Sage said, walking over to the damaged Town Hall. The structure was damaged, but it wasn’t to the point to cause the building to collapse on itself. “Whoever attacked this town, didn’t go through with it all the way. They let the ponies live, and get away, despite having to fight dragons. They could have easily waited, and caught up to them, yet didn’t.” He looked around and noticed none of the buildings were beyond repair. “Plus, their attacks were meant to maim the villagers, and the buildings are minorly damaged. Which means, everything would have been back to normal in two weeks' time…. This wasn’t an attack; this was a diversion.”

“Diversion from where? We travelled all the way from Ponyville, they would have had to cross our forces first, teleporting or not.” Diamond Arrow said, looking at the senior members of the group.

“That I don’t know, we’ll have to consult a map of Equestria to find out.” War Sage said, shaking his armored head.

“Regardless.” Night Claw looked around, his keen eyes searching for any signs of the attackers. “Whoever did this, isn’t here. Which means, they are probably preparing to attack another town or city in Equestria.” He turned back, and looked at the other senior members. “We have to get back, and report to our Lord about this. One or more of them are using firearms, and the ponies are not prepared to combat such a thing.” He growled a bit, eyes narrowing. “We may even have to transform, in order to fight them. The armor issued to us, isn’t graded to ward off rounds.”

The leaders all nodded, in agreement, before they rushed off with their forces. Hell bent on arriving in Canterlot before another attack occurs.

Nine figures stood atop one of the large buildings of the city. They looked down at the unsuspecting victims, and some even laughed at it. “Think those Night Guards bought our bait?” One asked, licking her lips a bit.

“Of course they did. Despite those dragons jumping in, we all made sure that there were enough survivors to spread word about our attack.” The lead mare said, her voice echoing with each word. “Now then, time for us to wreak havoc on this city. The scale of damage we can cause here will be much greater…. And who knows, we might run into a Night Guard and test our skills on them.” She laughed, joined in by the six other mares.

While they laughed, the cloaked figure sighed, and nodded in agreement with them. “Man, if he finds out about this, I’m soooo screwed. It’s a good thing I was able to call those dragons, or else I would be dead when he did.” He thought, soon joining the others in their leap towards the city.