Is laying down on his back, but seems to be floating in the air with Silver Star sleeping on his stomach. “Shhhhh… Little one is sleeping. Go ahead and read the new chapter, I think ya’ll will love it.” He waves good bye, allowing the book to open for you.

Night Claw clashed with Night Reaper for once more, before having to push away due to the weight of his scythe. He wasn’t designed for heavy combat, like his opponent was, Night Claw was meant for quick strikes. “This is becoming taxing… I can’t finish him off, because it is almost like he is predicting my every move.” The stallion thought, the two starting to circle one another again. Both bat ponies were taking their eyes off the other, like they were searching for some opening in the other’s defense.

Quickly turning on his hoof, Night Claw charged! Night Reaper took a defensive stance with his scythe, and swung it the moment Night Claw attempted to slash his wing blades on to the twisted pony. The blades clanked, and began to release the sounds of their metal stressing against one another. Night Claw could see a twisted grin slowly starting to form on his opponent’s muzzle.

“What’s so funny, imposter?” He asked him, before jumping back the moment he felt Night Reaper’s scythe start to bare down on to him more.

Night Reaper slung his scythe around, tilting his head. “I am enjoying how you feel like I’m predicting you… I bet you’re wondering that, aren’t you?” Night Claw didn’t respond, he kept his eyes peeled for any opening. “There, just like that… You’re searching for a weak spot within my defense.” His comment actually made the stallion go wide eyed, it was like he was reading his mind. “You don’t have to ask; I’ll just show you how I know exactly what you’re going to do.”

Night Claw allowed the twisted pony to remove his darkened Night Guard helmet, and toss it to the side. To Night Claw’s horror, Night Reaper looked almost exactly like him! Only difference, was the fact that his midnight blue coat had been darkened, and his eyes were red. His fangs were actually sharpened, filed down, to give him a more sadistic look to his body. What was even worse, his skin had been scared, like somepony had been using him for blade experiments. “What in the name of the Night Haunter…” He said, a look of disbelief written all over his face, while Night Reaper began to laugh.

“There it is! That look is priceless! You look exactly like the first time I showed you who I am!” The twisted Night Guard said, his dark laugh echoing around the park. “You had that very same look!”

Night Claw backed up a bit, the sight actually unnerving him quite a bit. “What are you!?” He demanded, both blade wings preparing for another strike.

“What am I, he asks.” He laughed at the question, shaking his head. “Isn’t it obvious, fool? I am you. Your every move, your every thought, every little thing that goes on within your head; I already know. We met before… But he tried to erase me, took away your memory of our spar and how futile it is for you to even fight me!” Night Reaper suddenly sped up, moving faster than Night Claw could even react to. Before he knew it, the twisted Night Guard was right on top of him, scythe ready to cleave him in half. “In simple terms, I’m Sadistic Night Claw!” He wailed, before swinging the large scythe at him.

But, just before the scythe could make contact, a large blade slammed into the scythe’s own and sent Night Reaper flying back. Night Claw looked to who it was, and saw a strange Night Guard Bat Pony standing, using a large two handed sword ready… His stance revealing, he was some sort of blademaster. “Thank you, brother… Your timely aid is appreciate-?”

Before Night Claw could finish, the bat pony suddenly shifted his stance. “No time to talk, he’s not down yet.” The stallion said, as Night Reaper slowly got back up and growled out him.

“Then tell me who I am fighting alongside, so we can fight him properly.” Night Claw said, preparing his wing blades for the battle to come.

“Swift Blade.” The stallion simply said, before the two charged towards Night Reaper. Both of them had their weapons ready, while the twisted Night Guard readied his scythe.

“You again!? I’ll be sure to end you this time, and not become distracted!” Night Reaper growled, before counter charging the two of them with his scythe. The quicker moving Night Guards actually moving around his swings. Night Claw managed to strike Night Reaper on to his side, cutting into the armor but had to back off before the twisted Night Guard could retaliate his attack.

Swift Blade attempted to go in, but Night Reaper suddenly turned and swung his scythe at him and forced the blademaster to back away from the attacker. They were better skilled at this sort of combat, out numbering their opponent and using quick strikes, but the twisted Night Guard had both reach and power over them. This meant they both had to be extremely careful, not to be caught within his swing, or else it would be over. Though, their strikes continued to hit home against Night Reaper’s armor, leaving decent cuts across it, but they weren’t enough to cause any real damage to him. They only seemed to be annoying him more than harm.

Dodging a downward swing of the twisted Night Guard’s scythe, Night Claw backed away while Swift Blade joined him. The two were glaring at their opponent. “This isn’t working… The bastard seems to have thicker armor than us.” Swift Blade said, preparing his sword for another round with the stallion

“Agreed, but our other option isn’t open for us…” Night Claw looked at Swift Blade. “Somepony might see, and I don’t have permission to do it from the Princess.”

Swift Blade tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. “You need permission to do become what you truly are?” He chuckled a bit, shrugging his shoulders. “I’ve just been hiding it, to prevent too much confusion for a certain pony… That I really don’t think should see me like that.”

The two of them suddenly got into a deeper combat stance, the moment Night Reaper stomped forward, laughing at what they were saying. “Really!? You refuse to turn into what you really are because you don’t want others to see you!” His laugh became darker, as his red eyes beamed on to them. “Then it is a good thing… That none of your worries apply to me!” He stabbed the scythe into the ground, and yelled out. “In darkness I come!” A dark purple aura appeared around his body, as his eyes flared red. In a flash of dark energy, Night Reaper suddenly transformed into his Night Lord form, still wielding his scythe… But it had become more twisted, almost like the shaft itself was the spine of some massive victim, while the blade was bloody. “To reap the souls of all before me.” He laughed, staring at the two ponies…. His Jump Pack humming.

“Crap…” Night Claw said, seeing the twisted Night Lord in front of him.

“Ok, this is really bad… We’re screwed if he hits us!” Swift Blade yelled, just as Night Reaper’s jump pack roared to life, and flew towards them with his scythe ready to strike. “SCATTER!”

The two Night Guards quickly separated from their current spot, allowing Night Reaper to destroy the ground instead of hitting one of them. The twisted Night Lord turned around, swinging his scythe around and watched the two retreating ponies. His laugh became metallic, while he watched them slowly move away from him. “What is wrong, fearless Night Guard?” He asked, holding his clawed gauntlet out to them. “Why do you run from me? Are you afraid to face me in combat!?” He demanded, his voice cackling each second.

“Now he’s just trying to taunt us…” Swift Blade said, watching as the twisted Night Lord watched them both. He could tell the imposter was picking out who he’ll go for next. “We need to do something, fighting him straight up is not an option, just a single hit from even his fist and we’re done for.”

Night Claw nodded, watching his twisted self too. “Agreed… There has to be something we can do.” He noted, trying to think of something.

War Sage bucked one of the trees, causing the apples to fall down into their respective baskets. Moving the strain of wheat into his mouth, the now cowboy hat wearing commander smiled at the many apples he just harvested. “Seems like yer getting’ mighty good at that, Sage.” Applejack said, smiling up at the large stallion.

“I had a good teacher.” He simply replied, while both Big Mac and Applebloom got the baskets into the cart. “Before, I was just snapping the trees in half.” The two of them laughed a bit, remembering how many trees they had to replant.

“Yer tellin’ me, partner… It’ll be awhile before we can harvest them trees again.” Applejack said, nodding before she realized something. The stallion next to her had tensed up. “Ya alright there-?” She looked up at his face, and noticed that War Sage’s eyes narrowed, glaring towards Ponyville. “What is it?” She asked, looking towards the small town.

“Trouble… I sense it.” War Sage said, turning around and heading towards the Farm House.

“Where are ya goin’, Sage?” Applejack asked, trying to catch up to the large veteran.

“To do the job I swore to do… You stay here, and finish the harvest.” He looked back at the mare. “I’ll take care of what hasn’t been harvested when I get back.” With that, the stallion left to collect his armor.

Applejack nodded, frowning at the thought of him fighting. “Ya be careful, ya hear…” She muttered, but saw the veteran nod.

A mouse was held in a navy blue glow, a scratch on its body slowly healing. Standing in front of the small creature, was the famous unicorn doctor, Soul Hunter. With him, was his reliable nurse, Fluttershy. She was tasked with keeping the mouse calm, while said unicorn stallion healed his injury. Before long, the scratch was gone and the aura dispersed. It began to squeak a few times, the stallion looking towards the mare for a translation.

“Mr. Squeaks said thank you for healing him. That scratch was making it hard for him to forage food for his family.” Fluttershy translated, smiling up at Soul Hunter.

He returned her smile, before nodding to the mouse. “Then it is a good thing I came for a visit, from Canterlot, or his injury would have taken longer to heal.” Soul Hunter said, leaning over to nuzzle the shy pegasus, who blushed at such a touch. “Let him know, no thanks are required. I’m always happy to help my favorite mare in Equestria.”

Fluttershy blushed deeper at his words, before translating what he had said. Then, the mouse got a look of concern that made the shy mare raise an eyebrow. “W-What’s wrong, Mr. Squeaks?” She asked, the mouse pointing up at the stallion, making Fluttershy look at him too. She was surprised, to see that Soul Hunter had gained a serious look, his gaze aiming towards the window facing Ponyville. “W-What is the matter, Soul Hunter?”

“Trouble.” He simply said, making the pegasus flinch, going wide eyed, and start to shake. “Once I’ve got my armor on, I want you to hide, Fluttershy.” Soul Hunter looked down at her. “If anypony knocks at the door, and isn’t me… Do not answer it, alright?”

She gave a nod, following the large stallion upstairs. “O-Ok…” Her meek voice said, making Soul Hunter smile. “Y-You j-just be careful, ok?” The stallion nodded to her, before nuzzling her a second time.

“Alright maggots, look alive!” Sky Spear yelled, causing the Wonderbolt Recruits to snap to attention. “I am your instructor for the day, Captain Sky Spear of the Night Guard, and member of the Wonderbolts! As of right now, all of your asses belong to me, so…” He suddenly turned to face them, his eyes giving the recruits a harsh, and deadly, look. “Better pray to the Princesses, and Prince, that you survive this training. Those who do not make my standards… Will be sent home, crying to their mothers, that moment!” The recruits started to shake at his harsh words, the Captain was showing them no mercy, what so ever. “Now, Five hundred laps around the Headquarters! GO! GO! GO!”

The recruits suddenly shot off! Moving fast as they could, just to get away from the harshest of all the Wonderbolt Instructors. “Sheesh, Sky…. Talk about harshness beyond belief.” A voice called out, as a familiar rainbow maned pegasus, wearing her Wonderbolt uniform, flew up next to him and landed next to the stallion. “Even I didn’t have it that rough, when I joined.”

“They want to be the best, so I’ll train them to be the best.” Sky Spear answered, smirking at the mare. “Want to give my training routine a go around, Dashie?”

Rainbow Dash giggled at his attempt to persuade her to join in. “Nah, I’m good. Besides, I’m really just waiting for you to get off duty, so we can have that race we were planning.” She poked the Captain’s shoulder, giving him a teasing grin. “Not afraid are ya? Wanting to wear me down before the race?”

Sky Spear laughed at her question. “I don’t need to wear you do, in order for me to win our races, Dashie-…” His ears suddenly perked up, and eyes narrowing off to their left.

Rainbow Dash suddenly became concerned, she’s seen that look in Sky Spear before, and it usually meant trouble. “What is it?”

“A threat, that needs to be neutralized.” He growled, both large wings opening up. “I can’t allow it to roam free, not after the oath I swore in the Night Haunter’s name.” He looked down at the daredevil mare. “I may have to reschedule our race, Dashie… If the recruits come back, and aren’t puking… Give them a hundred wing ups.”

Rainbow Dash nodded, as the Captain shot off to retrieve his armor, hidden in the Wonderbolts Headquarters, while she waved good bye to him. “Be careful, and come back like you left…” She muttered, not wanting to see the only truest challenge she ever had… Disappear.

-Rarity’s Boutique-

“Darling, you look absolutely fabulous right now.” Rarity said, using her magic to bring her wine glass up. After taking a sip, she eyed the stallion in front of her, wearing his custom made noble uniform. She was able to make the black bring out his navy blue coat, even the white collar shirt underneath. “Mmm… Dashing, is more like it.” She said, giving him a quite the inquisitive look.

Diamond Arrow smiled at her, using his own magic to lift a wine glass up. “All thanks to you, my dear. I only look so, thanks to your unmatched skills in fashion.” The two of them allowed their cups to lightly tap one another’s. “I don’t know where I would be, here in Equestria, were it not for you.”

Rarity blushed at him, trying to hide the crimson tint on her cheeks. “Oh, Diamond, you must stop… Making a lady blush, much as you have, isn’t quite nice nor fair.” She took another sip of her wine, trying not to make eye contact with her personal ‘prince’. “Not to mention, did we not do this little get together, so we can talk about your future endeavors in Canterlot? After all, those nobles seem to have taken offense to the Night Guard Hierarchy appearing out of nowhere.”

Diamond Arrow nodded to her comment, smiling at the mare in front of him. “Another thing, that you’ve graciously helped me with. Teaching me the Equestrian Nobility and Rules came in handy… Not to mention, adding in your council in such meetings.”

“Thanks to you, I also met so many new ponies. Our relationship has gotten both of us pretty far.” Once again, the two of them tapped their glasses together, before taking a sip. “You have so many supporters within the common pony folk and some of the nobles.” Rarity waited a moment, before raising an eyebrow. The stallion keeping her company had fallen silent, oddly enough. “Diamond, dear, is everything-?” She noticed the stallion was looking out a window of her boutique, his eyes narrowed in both a knightly and barbaric way. “Something the matter?”

“Trouble.” Was the only word he used to describe it, before he turned to face her, giving the mare his normal gentlemanly look. “I do apologize, Miss Rarity, dear… But I must take a rain check on our little dine. It seems something has come to Ponyville, and I must take to my oath before the Night Haunter’s name. I will go, and retrieve my armor… Taking great care of removing this lovely suit you’ve made me.”

Rarity smiled, he truly was a Knightly Prince. “Oh, dear, please… Allow me to assist you in removing it, after all. I did help you put it on.” They both got up from the table, Diamond Arrow allowing her to lead the way.

“Then please, lead the way, my dearest lady.” Diamond Arrow said, as she smiled once more at him and lead the stallion further into her boutique.

No one knew what happened to Void Dancer, not even he did. Pinkie just found herself in the Ponyville Hospital, sitting next to a hospital bed with the stallion fast asleep on it. His body looked like the veteran had been a regular pony that had gotten into a brawl with some Timberwolf. His body was bandaged, along with splinted, but something with in the pink mare’s heart demanded that she stay by the stallion’s side, no matter what.

Even now, she pushes his wheelchair through Sugar Cube Corner, so the injured stallion can help her greet their guests and party goers. But, right now, he just wanted to sit near a window, and spend time with her.

“You really don’t have to do this for me, Pinkie. We both know I am able to move myself in the wheelchair.” Void Dancer said, smiling at the mare sitting across from him.

“No way, Silly. I’m not going to leave you alone, again.” Pinkie said, smiling at him from where she sat. “Something happened to you, and my heart sank, seeing you like that, to the point it felt like no party could cheer me up.” The mare admitted, blushing a bit before shaking her head. “Besides, what kind of pony would I be, if I didn’t assist my bestest, funniest, assistant in all of Equestria!”

“…. I would have to say…. Not the Pinkie I’ve come to enjoy being around.” Void Dancer said, the two laughing a bit, as they both eyed what was going on around the bakery. “You know… Getting this second chance, I have to say everything I did was worth it, if it meant I got to end up here.” He looked back at her, nodding. “Especially when I get to work with a kind mare, like you.”

Pinkie’s hair just spurng up further than anypony would have believed! Her face turning red with embarrassment. For once in her life, Pinkie Diane Pie had no idea what to say to the stallion. “V-V-Voidie… Y-You d-didn’t have to say such things. I mean, it is what I-I do.” She shifted a bit, smiling. The party pony didn’t know why, but her heart was racing because he said that. But then, a chill ran down her spine and she instantly looked up at Void Dancer.

He was looking out the window, both eyes narrowed out into Ponyville. The look in his eyes told her that there was something terribly wrong, and he needed to be there. “Trouble…”

“No!” Pinkie shouted, nearly jumping over the table and grabbed on to Void Dancer’s front hooves. Her eyes were filled with panic, the likes the stallion had never seen. “Y-You just got out of the hospital, and the doctor said you’re lucky to be alive! I can’t let you go out there!” Her voice cracked a bit, and even he could tell that the party pony didn’t want him to go. “I don’t know why, but I can’t lose you, Voidie… I’ve always had fun with everything before you arrived, but now?” She slumped back into her seat, looking down at the table. “I guess my cake can’t really be super doper fantastic without you being it’s icing.”

“Typical Pinkie, using a cake reference.” Void Dancer thought, smiling at her. “Well then, I won’t go…. Because you asked me not to, and make a valid point about my injuries.” Pinkie suddenly brightened back up, as he looked back out the window. “Besides, there are enough of my brothers within Ponyville. They’ll handle whatever threat it is.”

Within Luna’s chambers of the castle, Night Haunter laid with his Princess of the Moon, the alicorn stallion silently sleeping where he was. Though, his slumber was interrupted when a strange, mysterious, feeling rose within his body. He slowly raised his head up, eyes drowsy, and uninterested with the happenings of the waking world. The stallion looked down at the sleeping princess, and smiled at her.

He leaned down, and placed an affectionate kiss on to her head, said princess smiling in her own sleep. “It seems to have begun.” He thought, looking back out towards the window, a fanged smirk upon his muzzle. “Good luck, my sons… I cannot help you in this endeavor, for my attention is needed elsewhere within this world…. Attention that requires only the Lord of the Night keep.”

With that, the alicorn stallion decided to lay back down, trying to get more sleep before he truly sets off to do what must be done. The Moon Princess smiling, lightly opening her eyes. “Back to sleep again? Such a lazy Prince.” She thought, nuzzling into the larger stallion a bit. “Then again, who am I to complain? He is here to keep my bed warm, hehe.” She mentally giggled, before rejoining her Prince of the Night in their shared slumber.