*Silver Star simply bounced up and down the couch, giggling the whole time* Yay! I wonder when Daddy will show up, it’ll be so awesome! You guys wanna watch with me?? *The filly looks at you with a hopeful look on her face*

Night Claw flew straight for his counterpart, and clashed with the twisted version of him. Their blades screeching against each other, sparks flying with each strike one tried to deal the other. To say they were an evenly match, was close to the fact of that matter, it was almost like the two could predict the other’s movements… Knew what the other was thinking, and quickly countered before the attack could be dealt. Twilight couldn’t help but watch, in a panicked state, as Night Claw struggled to try and gain ground against his foe… All the while, Brutalight watched Night Reaper with an uneasy calm demeanor.

As for the others? Their own battle was an even greater struggle, since it was six on four. Sky Spear decided to try taking on both Rainbine and Derpigun, the two machinegun wielding pegasi, and keep them locked down…. If it weren’t for his speed and skill with the spear, the First Company Captain would be in some serious trouble, but the two kept him on his toes. Diamond Arrow, on the other hand, clashed with Rarifruit in a battle of magical range attacks. His diamond like arrows firing straight into her giant clawed hands, the two keeping the other’s attacks at bay while trying to somehow penetrate their magical defense. With Void Dancer in surgery, it fell to War Sage to take on both of the twisted earth ponies, and luckily Pinkis Cupcake was still injured to put up a proper fight. Though, Applepills was still powerful for the weirdest of the group, and packed a kick just like Applejack. The three battling it out, leaving the massive stallion to try and hold his ground against their double strikes.

Soul Hunter, though, had it the hardest of the group. Fluttershout was a sound based attacker, and he was more of a medical stallion. He couldn’t really attack her flat out, despite having the blade at his side. The moment she released her sonic attack, Soul Hunter quickly created a barrier between him and her to try blocking it out…. It worked, but it was obvious it couldn’t take another attack, and needed to be reinforced after each time. “This isn’t good… While we do out match them, alone… They still have numbers against us and different skill sets.” The medical stallion said, his horn glowing navy blue and the barrier becoming reinforced for another attack.

“Don’t you think I know that!?” Night Claw yelled, clashing with Night Reaper again, the sadistic version of him starting to get on his nerves with the psychotic laughing. “I can’t get an even-!” Night Claw was suddenly caught off guard, as Night Reaper struck his side with a sudden strike of his wing. This left the sadistic version to fall to the ground, but Night Claw had a nasty gash on his right shoulder. “Damnit.” He growled.

“We’ll have to think of something.” War Sage said, using his shield to block Applepills, and quickly bucked Pinkis back and away from him. “We cannot hold out like this, forever…. Their stamina is something else, entirely. It is on par with Astartes.”

Night Claw nodded at the former Captain’s observation. “Well then… Looks like we’ll have to fight them on the same level, if that is so.” He said, backing away from his counterpart. “Brothers! With me!”

With that, the other four withdrew from their fights, and stood next to Night Claw. “Are you sure about this? The Hospital is right behind us; the ponies inside will surely see us.” Sky Spear said, adding a word of caution to the leader of their group.

“It is something we’ll have to deal with, Captain…” Night Claw said, remaining respectful of the Legion Hero’s station. “We’ll explain things later, and hope that the Princess can forgive us…. Now, do you all know the war cry for it?” They all nodded. “Good… Then let us give the girls, and Ponyville, a display they won’t forget.”

The five stood together, like some squad of heroes from a cartoon. The Elements watched, wondering what they were doing, while the invaders just cackled at their attempt. “W-What are the boys going to do, they’re just standing there.” Rarity asked, looking at the others, a hoof over her muzzle at how brutal the fight had been so far. Their armor was scratched, dented, and broken; from what they’ve had to deal with so far. She couldn’t imagine all the repairs they’ll require after this.

“I-I think… They are pulling out their trump card, Rarity.” Rainbow Dash said, noticing a strange look on Sky Spear’s face, almost like he was ready to spring a trap.

Twilight went wide eyed, looking back at the Hospital. Even from where they were, she could see the ponies that had been watching from the windows. “But, if they do that, then everypony will know what they are… That means-…”

“Ah think they know that, Twi.” Applejack interrupted, watching War Sage, as he stood stoically between them and the Elements of Insanity. “And ah don’t think they care much for it… Protectin’ us seems more important.”

“Oh… I hope Soul Hunter will be alright after this.” Fluttershy said, she was able to catch how dazed the medical stallion was. The first time he figured out that Fluttershout was a sonic attacker, he was hit pretty hard by a sonic blast. “He’ll lose so many patients, not to mention… No doctor would tend to his injuries.”

“Well, no matter what, I’m sure Diamond Arrow will always be that gentlecolt who came by for tea at the boutique.” Rarity said, smiling at how noble the stallion stood with the group. Truly, a prince charming she had been dreaming of. “I just do hope he doesn’t scratch his armor anymore; it’ll take me so long just to fix the damages thus far.”

Twilight nodded, watching Night Claw. He was breathing heavily, but his gash had stopped bleeding, the Astartes genetic healing being the cause of that. “Come on, Night… Show them what you’re really made of.” She caught a glance from the stallion, and noticed that he was giving her some kind of que to do something. Twilight suddenly smirked, she knew him well and knew what he wanted. The princess stomped her hoof forward, making her friends look at her. “Night Guards! Permission granted, strike terror into the foes of Equestria, so says Princess Sparkle!” Twilight yelled, the five stallions suddenly tensing up.

“Yes, Princess!” They yelled out, their eyes suddenly glowing red. “We Stand in Midnight Clad!” Their bodies were suddenly engulfed with a white light, blinding all those who were watching them. When it dimmed down, those in Ponyville Hospital were shocked to see the five bipedal giants, clad in midnight blue armor. “Our Claws Forever Red!” They completed, all striking some form of pose. Malachion, in his Terminator Armor, stood behind the group and seemed like their base. Both Talos and Mercutian stood at their flanks, like they were guarding it, the Havoc readying his heavy bolter while the Prophet prepared his patterned bolter. Sevatar stood at their center, kneeling with his Guardian Spear, like he was praying to the Night Haunter for the Hunt to come, cackling some. While Xeron hovered over the four, is form seeming like some sort of Angel of Death.

“Command Squad! We Bring the Night, Ave Dominus Nox, Brothers! Attack!” Xeron yelled out, his jump pack exploding him forward, while the others yelled out. “Roger!” and unleashed their own furious assaults.

The Elements of Insanity, along with Night Reaper, were forced to retreat back to Brutalight just before the five struck at them. “Mistress?” The sadistic version of Night Claw said, a strange grin on his face.

“You all may.” She simply said, still remaining where she stood since the beginning.

“About time!” Rainbine said before the group were suddenly engulfed in a flash of light, as well. The Night Lords suddenly halted their advance, waiting for the light to dim so they could see their targets… To their shock, the Elements of Insanity had transformed into their own Human Forms, along with Night Reaper transforming into a black version of Xeron. “Time to make this even more interesting!”

The groups attacked one another once more, but this time the Night Lords had a better advantage over the humans. It took everything the EoI had just to avoid being crushed by the demi-gods, and their enhanced strength. Applepills and Pinkis had to be even more so, since they faced a Terminator and not a normal Astartes. However, Xeron was dueling with himself again, but there was just a single difference… Which proved to be dangerous, for him.

Night Reaper didn’t wield claws, like Xeron did, no… He wielded the weapon the twisted Astartes was named after, a giant war scythe. While Xeron was allowed to be more agile than his counterpart, he couldn’t risk being struck by the dangerous power weapon, knowing it could probably cleave his armor in half. When the twisted Astartes just floated there, Xeron clashed with him, actually grabbing hold of the scythe and going into a interlocked struggle for the power weapon. “Is that all you have, brother?” Night Reaper asked him, laughing behind his howling helmet. “I’m seriously disappointed in you… I have already wounded you once, and you’ve yet to lay a single strike against me!”

“I’m not your brother, imposter.” Xeron growled, his voice metallic from the helmet’s vox speaker. “And I’ll rip you to shreds, the moment your confidence gets the better of you.”

“Really? I doubt that.” Night Reaper suddenly overpowered Xeron, by grabbing the butt of his weapon, and ended up slinging him to the ground with the scythe. “I cannot wait for you to become enraged enough to fight me, so I’m going to speed things up a bit.” His glowing eyes were suddenly set on Twilight. “Derpigun! Cover me while I take down the Mistress’ foe!” He called out, the Cyborg Woman suddenly flying over to where they were, Night Reaper activating his jump pack and went straight for Twilight!

“No! I won’t let you!” Xeron called out, his own jump pack coming to life. But, before he could actually take off, Derpigun suddenly flew in front of him and started to fire her chaingun square into him, along with activating her missile pods to try and force the Terror Guard back. “Damnit! Get out of my way!”

“Not a chance, Big Blue!” She taunted, firing the missiles straight at Xeron, forcing him back, the missiles cracking his armor while he tried to protect his face from the bullets… Using both claws as a shield.

Talos caught the oncoming attack from Night Reaper. He pointed the patterned bolter at Fluttershout and opened fired, while he quickly vaulted straight over to the girls… The sonic human unable to actually attack, due to her having to avoid being hit by the explosive bolter rounds. Just as Night Reaper got close, Talos quickly slammed his blade into the twisted Astarte’s scythe, dropping the patterned bolter to the ground and trying to hold his ground. “There’s… More than… One protecting them.” The Prophet said, struggling to hold back the fact that Night Reaper was using his jump pack to push forward.

“If it isn’t the Prophet? I’m surprised you were given a second chance, after your failure.” Night Reaper taunted, his jump pack roaring even more. The Prophet started to slide back, towards the girls. “Heh, I wonder how well your skull will look, dangling from my armor.”

Just before Talos could retort, he suddenly caught the sight of Fluttershout right behind Night Reaper! Within seconds, the twisted Astartes shot up, just as the sonic human unleashed a sonic blast on to him! The Prophet landed right in front of the Mane Six, who quickly rushed up to him. “Soul Hunter! A-Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, kneeling next to the Prophet’s shoulder.

“I’ll be fine… Once the ringing stops.” Talos said, grabbing his head and sitting up.

“You won’t have enough time for that, Prophet!” The group looked up, to see Night Reaper coming straight for them, his war scythe held over head and ready to bite into Talos’ armor. “Die!”

Both Twilight and Rarity prepared to create a barrier, but the two wondered if they could actually hold back an Astartes with such a powerful force behind them. Just when Night Reaper got close, a shadow suddenly zipped straight for him, and slammed into his side, sending the twisted Astartes to the side. “Not today, whelp!” Night Reaper crashed into the ground, the girls watching as a large Night Guard Bat Pony, wielding a massive sword, landed between them and him. “I won’t allow you to harm the Prophet.”

Night Reaper quickly got back on to his feet, using the scythe as a form of brace. “Who are you to get in my way, lowly pony!?” He asked, obviously furious that someone stopped him from taking the Prophet’s life.

“Someone who constantly saves the Prophet’s life time and time again. In this world, I’m known as Swift Blade. However, I have another name, one the Prophet knows well.” The pony retorted, looking back at Talos. “In trouble again, I see, Talos… Seriously, have you not yet learned anything?”

Talos just looked at the pony, confused at who he was. The Prophet was able to see his eyes, and they weren’t of a normal pony nor a Night Guard. This one had the eyes of a true hunter, and murderer. “W-Who are you, brother?” He asked him, getting up to one knee. The fact that he was using a two handed sword narrowed the list of potential Night Lords down quite a bit. However, none of them were known to be loyal to their father… They were just born killers, seeking the next hunt.

“Don’t even recognize my voice… Your time here, with these ponies, have made you soft, Talos.” The bat pony said, turning his attention back to Night Reaper. “Maybe I should show you, seeing how your senses have dulled.” Talos couldn’t help but feel a familiarity with the pony’s constant negative words, almost like it was familiar to him. He somehow knew who it was, but he just couldn’t remember exactly. A light engulfed the pony, obviously not one for such dramatic flares, and he quickly took on his Night Lord Form… One that shocked the Prophet.

The Night Lord before them held a two handed chainsword in his hands, the blade itself worn from many years of battle but the teeth looked new and ready for battle. His armor was decorated with both the bones and skulls of his victims, some skulls dangling from chains attached to his armor. The bat wings on his helmet were straight, and seemed like they opened fully for display and intimidation. Yes, Talos knew this Night Lord, for it was his only real brother… The only person in their entire galaxy he would have called friend.

“X-Xarl…” Talos said, shocked to see his oldest friend standing before them, especially after what happened with The Genesis Marines.

Xarl scoffed. “So… You do remember me, Talos.” He took a combat stance with the large chain sword, as if taunting Night Reaper. “You deal with that Sonic Witch… I’ll fight the imposter.” Talos nodded, getting back to his feet and preparing his power sword. The two were together again, fighting enemies of their Legion. Nothing could make the Prophet happier.

With that, the two struck out! Xarl unleashing a flurry of strikes with his roaring chainsword, Night Reaper barley able to keep pace with the fast acting Night Lord. Talos went back to fighting Fluttershout, unable to recover his patterned bolter. His sword was electrified, and had his audio sensors quickly shut off to protect himself. Xeron smirked, even he knew the skills of the famed Night Lords Swordsman, known as Xarl. The mares were in safe hands with him around to join in, which means. “You’re all mine, Cyborg.” Xeron suddenly charged her, his claws open, while dodging her attacks. With Twilight safe, his focus had returned to the battle at hand, and he was able to out maneuver Derpigun’s fire and missile barrage.

“W-What!? How can you-!” Before she could finish the sentence, Xeron was on top of her, and rammed his claws straight into her stomach! The Cyborg let out a pained scream, as both circuitry and blood shot out from her wounds.

“Derpi!” Rainbine yelled, seeing her friend hit hard, and slung straight to Brutalight, as if to taunt the twisted alicorn. “I’ll make you pay for-!?”

“Don’t forget about me, Cyborg.” Sevatar said, appearing near Rainbine, his guardian spear ready to rip her apart.

Rainbine quickly backed off, and started to unleash a barrage of her own gunfire at the Captain, who quickly evaded. The cyborg couldn’t see to her friend, not with this person waiting for her to make a mistake. All the while, Xeron approached both Brutalight and the pained Derpigun. “I hope you’re ready, Brutalight… For I’m going to rip you apart, limb from limb, for everything you’ve done.” He taunted, claws opened and ready to spill more blood.

Brutalight smirked, turning to face Xeron. “You think, just because you harmed Derpi, We’re on the same level?” She asked, her magic began to grow more. “I can’t wait to show you just how wrong you are… Hood, move Derpi away, I rather not deal with possibly killing her.”

Mr. Hood nodded, walking up to the fallen Cyborg. “As you wish, Mistress.” He stated, pulling the cybernetic woman off to the side and tending to her injuries. “To think that one of the late comers was Xarl… Unbelievable, I really hope they can win now.” He thought, smirking behind his hood.

With the Mane Six, Twilight had a strange question on her mind, that she just couldn’t shake. “Girls?” The others looked at her. “I can’t help but wonder, if Xarl or… Uh, Swift Blade, kept his presence to the others unknown, who could have brought him here?” She looked to them, who all seemed to wonder that as well. Last they heard, every Night Guard was in Manehatten, repairing the damage the EoI had caused. Which means, they were all known.

“Isn’t it obvious, Twilight Sparkle.” A confident voice spoke out, causing the Mane Six to turn, and see a very familiar sky blue mare walking up to them. She had a smug grin on her face, as she slowly walked up to them. “It was the Great and Powerful Trixie who brought him here…. After Trixie meeting Swift Blade so many months ago, saving her from a vicious manticore, the two of us had been traveling together for some time. When he said that his brothers were in trouble, Trixie couldn’t just allow him to try and get here alone.” She stopped before them, still holding her smile. “Trixie used her teleportation spells to get us here quickly, and it seemed like we arrived just in time too.”

“T-Trixie!? But why would you-…” Twilight stopped herself, seeing the sudden change in the usually confident unicorn’s face. She was now saddened by something.

“Trixie still had much to owe Twilight Sparkle, Swift Blade mentioned you were probably in danger to, so of course we would react even faster… But, Trixie didn’t know about this.” The show mare looked at Xarl, blushing a bit at how well and skilled he was. “That Swift Blade held such a secret.”

Twilight smiled, and hugged the astranged friend. “Thanks, Trixie… And I know, right? It is what makes the Night Guard unique, and you should see the others.” She motioned to the other five fighting, making Trixie go slack jawed. “There are hundreds of them, the five you see out there are some of the six leaders…. The sixth is currently in surgery, taking one of the invaders on his own.”

“Only five? Well… With Trixie’s Swift Blade here, there shall be seven leaders.” Trixie announced, the others suddenly catching her words.

“Did you just say ‘Trixie’s Swift Blade’!?” They all yelled, suddenly making the show mare blush a bit, not realizing what she had said.