Leans back into his chair, and begins to spin around rapidly like some kind having a bit of fun. “Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell then! Now that the problem is settled, I no longer have to get involved, I think.” Ponders for a moment. “Hm… Maybe I should check to make sure?” Silver Star runs up and hops into his lap. “No, Daddy! Let’s spin around!!!” Eyes her for a moment, before beings to spin around. “No regrets!!!”

*Both found later, throwing up in a trash can*

A few days after the Night Guard’s swearing to protect Equestria, Night Claw found himself rather troubled. Something was bothering him, he didn’t know what but the stallion kept feeling like something was off. It was that warrior’s sixth sense that allowed them to predict a dangerous situation. To clear his head, he decided to walked down through the streets of Ponyville, it was his turn to pick up Scootaloo today.

Wearing his armor, the Night Guard made his way towards the School House. He was one of the few that blatantly showed he was part of the Night Guards, since the information was already obvious. The other key leaders of the Legion were also known members, but something in the back of his mind said there was a sixth member. One he knew revealed himself, being one of the Legion’s most legendary warriors, yet his name and face never came to him.

Disregarding all this, Night Claw slowly walked up to the school, smiling at the small building. “I wonder what Scootaloo learned today.” He thought, trying to keep his mind off of things, tilting his head one way before going to the other. “Math? History? Science? Nah, she isn’t like her mother…. Scootaloo is more of the athletic type.”

It was funny, because Twilight constantly tried to tutor their adopted daughter, but the filly often somehow snuck out to go on a run, or train, with him instead. She was learning how to fly rather quickly, her wings developing better than normal. However, it will take the filly more time before she is up to any actual long term flying…. She’ll have to resort riding on his or Twilight’s back.

His train of thought was suddenly ended, when the school bell rang and every single foal started to run out of the school house. Some stopped, and gawked, at him quite a few times but they continued on to find their parents or siblings. Though, even after the other two members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders passed, Night Claw didn’t see Scootaloo yet, which caused him to raise an eyebrow. “Hm? Where could she be?” He muttered, walking towards the school house, his armor clanking a bit with his movements. “I hope she didn’t do anything, to cause her to be held back after classes…. Twilight will ground the poor thing for life.” Night Claw though, making his way up the stairs.

When he looked inside, he noticed that Ms. Cheerliee didn’t have Scootaloo with her, and was preparing to put away some of her papers. The school teacher was a kind soul, the type that always had a warm smile. While he wasn’t one for such things, Night Claw always believed it to be a good trait for the foals. When his hoof steps thumped on to the wooden floor, Ms. Cheerliee looked up, and waved at him. “Oh! Hello, Mr. Claw! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“Quite alright, Ms. Cheerliee… Could have been quieter, but I didn’t want to startle you, you’re no threat to Equestria.” He commented, causing the two of the to laugh, while he walked closer to her desk.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Claw?” She asked, putting the last of her papers into a saddle bag.

“Where is Scootaloo? I waited outside for her, and yet she never showed up…. Did something happen, which I was unaware of?” He asked her, looking around for any signs of said filly. Twilight didn’t tell him she picked her up early, Night Haunter forbids that happens. “Showed up in my armor, and everything.” He chuckled a bit, noticing a happy look on the teacher’s face.

“Aren’t you the worried father… Unexpected from Princess Twilight’s Terror Guard.” She giggled a bit, pointing outside. “She’s out back, with Pipsqueak. Seems like you’ve rubbed off on her quite a bit.”

Night Claw raised an eyebrow at the comment. “Huh? How would you say that?” He asked, the school teacher motioning for him to follow her towards the window. When he looked out, the stallion saw that Scootaloo was with Pipsqueak, but wearing her Cutie Mark Crusader cape. The two were with one of the adult ponies on the school committee, and seems like the newest class president was speaking to them about something.

“She has been acting like his bodyguard for a while now, it is quite interesting to watch.” Ms. Cheerliee said, giggling a bit more. “Though, I have a feeling it is a little school crush.”

Night Claw nodded, chuckling at the thought too. “Agreed… Though, I probably should go and get her. After all, I did promise to give her more flight lessons.” Cheerliee nodded, as the stallion made his way outside.

Ms. Cheerliee allowed him to use the back door, so he could sneak up on the two foals. When the committee member noticed him, he quickly motioned for them to be quiet, while he walked up behind them. What he heard Pipsqueak say next, impressed the Night Guard quite a bit. “I would also like to note, that the supplies for arts and crafts is running drastically low… Ponies are having to share small portions of the material, just to do what they want. I feel that they should be allowed to express themselves more, but cannot do so if they don’t have the supplies…” He smiled up at the adult pony, who nodded to him. “Thank you for your time, good sir.”

The two foals waited, until the committee member left, before Scootaloo spoke up. “You did great, Pip! I with you becoming more active in figuring out what every pony needs, then presenting it from the most needed, to those that can wait, has helped out our class!” The filly said, both sharing a laugh.

“I know… Though, it’s much harder than it seems, so many ponies believing their problem is greater than the others.” Pipsqueak gave a sigh, looking down. “I just can’t help every pony all at once, and have to sort them by which is more important.”

Before Scootaloo could reply, they were startled by their unexpected observer. “And that, little one, is what makes you a great leader.” Night Claw said, as he walked up behind him. The two looking up at the massive stallion, while he gave a fanged smile. “Determining the best course of action, often involves sorting out the odds and importance. For example, when it comes to tactical objectives… I would target the major objects, and only go for the minor ones if I have either the time or resources.”

Pipsqueak’s jaw went slack, hearing a compliment from the very pony he’s been looking up too, since they publically took on the job of Twilight’s bodyguard, in Ponyville. “S-Sir Night Claw! Thank you, m’lord, for the compliment.” The small colt tried to stand proper before the Elite, but he only looked rather strange, and earned a light chuckle from him.

“Please, relax yourself, Class President… No need in trying to look formal with me.” Night Claw said, looking to Scootaloo. “Scoots, are you ready to go? I came to pick you up.” He smiled at her, the filly giving a nod.

“You know it, dad! We’re going to go train, right?” She asked him, her wings buzzing with excitement, when he nodded. “Awesome!”

“You’re so lucky, Scootaloo… The Night Claw is teaching you how to fly!” Pipsqueak said, smiling at his friend. “Wish I was so lucky, but you know how it is.”

Night Claw heard a bit of remorse within the colt’s voice, causing him to raise an eyebrow. “Now, what do you mean by that, young Pip?” He asked, looking at the colt.

“Well, uh, Sir… I’m a bit small, so any form of training wouldn’t be good for me.” Pipsqueak said, honestly, as he looked up at the stallion. “So, why I would love to be part of some Royal Guard, it’d be impossible for me to make it past the first day.”

“Understanding your own weaknesses… You have the mind of a leader.” He thought for a moment, before smirking. “I’ll speak with Twilight about an idea you just gave me… You show quite the leadership qualities. However, as you said, you wouldn’t make it very far within some form of military.” He chuckled a bit, thinking of another perfect tutor. “I’ll even see if War Sage would give you a few tips.

“That would be splendid, Mr. Claw! Thank you so much!” The colt said, smiling up at him, while Scootaloo nudged him.

“Told you my dad was awesome, in more than one way.” She muttered, the stallion catching what she said and merely smirked.

“It is the least I can do for you, Pipsqueak.” Night Claw said, moving next to Scootaloo. “Now, let’s go, Scoots… We have quite a bit to work on today.” He gave her a fanged grin, the helmet revealing mostly his mouth. “After all, we’re starting on forward gliding and momentum today.”

The filly lit up, she had been mostly doing strengthening and hovering exercises, to help her wings become stronger. The fact that Night Claw is acknowledging that her wings are strong enough, meant that she’ll be working on actual flying lessons! “Let’s go, dad! No time to waste!” The filly shot off, causing the stallion to chuckle.

Night Claw smiled, as he passed the young colt and looked down at him. “Keep up the work, young one… Even I can foresee the good things you’re intended for.” He said to him, the colt giving a salute while Night Claw saluted with his large wing, going after his daughter.

[b

Night Claw was laying under his favorite tree, watching as Scootaloo was trying her best to get the forward flight down. He had shown her how to do it, along with instructed the filly on wing movements while in flight… Now, it was just for her to practice and perfect in her own way. His eyes went up to the sky, seeing the orange change starting to appear within the sky, signifying that Celestia’s sun was starting to go down.

He watched her attempt the lesson one more time, which the filly was able to hold for a short period of time before she went tumbling against the ground. He gave a low chuckle, before standing up and walking over. “Alright, Scootaloo… I think it is time to go.” He said, the filly giving him a pouting look.

“Awh, but dad! I almost had it that time, with a bit more practice, I’ll be soaring just like you!” Scootaloo said, the determination burning in her eyes.

“True, and I believe you can, however…” He looked towards the sky, allowing her to see the change in color. “It is starting to get late, and I rather your mother not fuss at me for keeping you out far too late.” Scootaloo flinched, like he did, at the possible chance of Twilight scolding them…. She would even find some reason to scold Spike, for not reminding them at some point of the day. “So, let’s get going.”

“’Kay!” Scootaloo said, giggling a bit while she raced around him, the stallion laughing a bit himself. His movements weren’t very fast, but due to his large size and long steps, he was able to give Scootaloo a bit of a playful workout.

The two of them were laughing, mostly at Scootaloo’s antics in trying to cause the stallion to fall down or chase her. But, the moment a suddenly chill went down Night Claw’s spine, along with the tell-tale sign of his warrior senses going off, about being watched. The feeling reminded him of the many times he fought another Astartes, one whose skill was formidable and dangerous to him… The stallion slammed a hoof in front of Scootaloo. This caused the filly to be caught underneath his large frame, Night Claw standing protectively over the filly while he searched for the source of that feeling.

His helmeted gaze searched all around, the red eyes glaring at any strange movement or figure around them. “D-Dad, what is it?” Scootaloo asked, becoming worried at her father’s change in attitude. Him becoming this protective, usually meant bad.

“Stay quiet, Scootaloo.” Night Claw warned her, while he continued to search for the threat nearby. Whoever it was, they were skilled in stealth combat and only slightly allowed their presence to be known. If Night Claw didn’t know any better, he would say that the foe was another Night Lord. But, he only knew of the ones that were in the Night Guard… This one, actually felt like they intended to harm them. That was when he caught it, a slight movement near one of the trees. “Scootaloo, RUN!” He yelled out, flaring both wings out and charging towards the target.

The filly sprinted towards town, heading for the Friendship Castle to tell Twilight. “Go get them, dad!” She called back, while Night Claw dashed from left to right, in a zig-zag pattern, towards his target.

The moment he charged towards them, the pony shot out from his hiding place and went straight for Night Claw. Catching the flash of a weapon, the Night Guard instantly threw out both wings, and clashed his blades against the large war-scythe of his opponent. Just as he believed, the foe was a strangely armored Night Guard Pony… It looked like his, but darker, showing the stallion’s muzzle to the point he could make out a twisted grin on their face.

Night Claw quickly pushed off, feeling a slight movement with his opponent’s stance, and got away before they could do anything. Spreading his wings out more, allowing both wing blades to glisten within the dusk sky, he glared at his opponent. “Who are you, what do you want, and why do you wear the garb of a Night Guard?” He demanded, the two slowly starting to circle each other, as if their actions had initiated some ancient tribal duel.

“He thought I could be sent away…. Thought I could be forgotten, but no. I can’t be gotten rid of that easily.” The stallion’s grin became even more twisted. “Waited, yes, waited for a long time… Now, is my chance to finally test you, Night Claw.” He held the scythe at the ready, before it looked like his armor actually made a facial expression that could only be described as excitement. “I am Night Reaper, and I shall make you suffer!”

Night Claw only had seconds to parry and dodge Night Reaper’s sudden attack, the scythe destroying the very ground he stood on just moments before. Such attack caused him to ponder the stallion’s power. “He’s strong, which means I can’t allow him to get a good shot off… The war-scythe is a large weapon, so I’ll have to rely on my speed.” He thought, landing from the dodge before he shot forward, both wing blades closed in but only a small portion while he soared towards his foe. “I believe you will be the one to suffer, ‘Night Reaper’!” He retorted, the stallion turning around and flying straight for him, releasing a wail.

A large cart slowly halted at the town’s center, while a light blue show mare got off of it, a pale gray bat pony stallion unhooking himself from the cart. “Swift Blade, why must you bring Trixie to this town? We rather not be here, after many… Bad situations in the past.” The mare said, as she walked up towards the stallion, a bit nervous.

“I wished to see some of my brothers, Trixie… Nothing more, nothing less. Once that is done, we will be on our way to Canterlot soon after.” Swift Blade said, smiling down at Trixie, before a chill suddenly went down his spine, and his eyes narrowed.

“What is it?” Trixie asked, she saw this look before… It was when they were ambushed by a group of gryphon bandits, and Swift Blade was able to predict their attack. She quickly backed up closer to him, pressing against his larger frame.

“Get my armor… There’s a foe here and.” His ears moved a bit, as if listening to something. “One of my many brothers seemed to have clashed with them.” Trixie nodded, quickly going into the cart, to retrieve his armor and weapon, while the stallion waited outside. His gaze fell to a young, orange, pegasus filly sprinting towards a castle. “Little one!” He called out, flying towards her.

His voice called her to halt, before the sight of how he looked made her smile. “You’re a Night Guard!” She said, happily, before running up.

“Uh… In a way, yes. What are you running from?” He asked her, titling his head while walking up to the filly.

“Dad is fighting off some bad guy, I am going to get mom so he can have help, just in case… From what I saw, while running, was that he is facing off with a strange looking Night Guard. Though, he seemed off, darker.”

Swift Blade gave a nod. “Alright, go get your mother, I’ll go and help your father.” The filly nodded, before sprinting towards the Friendship Castle. He turned his attention back to the cart, as Trixie walked out with his armor and two handed sword, holding them towards the stallion. “Thank you, Trixie… I’ll return, soon as I possibly can.”

When the stallion walked over, putting his armor, Trixie simply pecked him on the cheek. “You better… You are Trixie’s stallion, and no way is she going to allow you to get out of our relationship so easily.” She said, watching him place the heavy armor on. “Don’t get hurt too much, hurting such a foolish stallion is Trixie’s job.”

Swift Blade chuckled, slightly, at her comment. Once the last bit of armor was snapped on, his winged helmet in place, the stallion made sure his large sword was hooked in. “Don’t worry, I doubt they’ll lay a single scratch on him.” He kissed the top of her head, before rushing off towards the park.

Trixie just lazily watched, as Swift Blade rushed off. Her eyes locked on to the stallion, while he ran away. “You better… Trixie cannot do her future plans without you.” The show mare placed a hoof over her stomach, it wasn’t showing very much but one could tell if they looked close enough.

“Trixie!?” A familiar voice suddenly blurted out, making the mare turn to see the last person she ever wanted to see.

“T-Twilight Sparkle? What do you want with the Great and Powerful Trixie?” She asked, backing up to her cart a bit. Without Swift Blade here, she felt defenseless.

“I could ask you the same thing, but right now I have to find somepony…” Twilight said, before looking down to Scootaloo. “Where are they, dear?” She asked the filly, as she pointed to the park… Exactly where Swift Blade went.

“The park, I heard fighting while I was running. Some stallion from the Night Guard said he’ll go help.” Scootaloo said, Trixie’s eyes going wider.

She had overheard this filly talking to her stallion, speaking of her father fighting off some strange attacker, while she went to get her mother…. The way Twilight stood around her, made the mare’s assumption seem correct. “Trixie’s Swift Blade went to go deal with a threat, that one of his brother’s is facing… Maybe she should join you, and see if she is needed?”

Twilight looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “Everypony helps.” She admitted, the three rushing off towards the park.