Black Knight simply twirls his finger around, while listening to music from his headphones. Doesn’t even notice you what so ever, and Silver Star pops up in front of you. “Sorry, everypony… But daddy is busy listening to his music to talk. It has been a stressful week for him, and he needs a few moments. Have fun with the newest chapter!” She waves goodbye while the story starts.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Night Claw and Twilight made their way through the Castle, noticing a few of the Night Guard, heavily armored ones, rushing past them and towards Night Reaper’s current holdings. The princess looked up at Night Claw, noticing the stallion had picked up his pace some. His helmet was on, but she can tell by the gritting fangs and narrowed eyes that he was angered… Whoever the other version of him was talking about, really riled him up. “N-Night Claw? How are we going to do this? And, better yet, who is it we’re fighting?” She asked him, trying to keep up with the larger pony.

He suddenly looked down at her, his eyes suddenly softened. “We aren’t doing anything, Twilight… This is my problem, and I’ll see it done without throwing you into harm’s way.” He suddenly stopped, causing her to, and placed a hoof on to her shoulder. “The others will join me, and Sky Spear is rallying a few of the Atramentar to stay here and guard you… I don’t trust that Night Reaper, even for a moment.”

“But… You are going, and they are still my friends. I just can’t stand by and not do anything.” Twilight retorted, as Night Claw pulled his hoof down.

“This isn’t open for discussion, Twilight… This opponent is mine, and mine alone. The others are only coming, because I have the strangest feeling that coward didn’t come after me alone.” Night Claw explained, as they headed towards the castle study. “Not to mention, you aren’t ‘doing nothing’… You’ll be here with Scootaloo. I’m sure the previous events have probably gotten her shaken up.”

Twilight shook her head, as they entered the study. “That is what the others are here for, they know I’ll come with you and even help if I have to.” The princess suddenly got in front of the Night Guard, and glared up at him. “Night Haunter has already told me how to handle such situations, and I’ve learned quite a bit from watching you and your brothers all this time… I can help, more than you know.”

Night Claw just looked at her, with a passive look, before shaking his head. “That’s the problem. I don’t want you to learn from us, Twilight… We are a necessary evil, the left hand of justice… We are cursed, whether we like it or not.” Night Claw stepped around her and towards the machine. “To allow you into that life, to allow you to have a taste from that poisoned cup...” He suddenly looked down, away from the machine linking Equestria with Canterlot High. “I’ll never forgive myself.”

Twilight walked up to him, and looked up at the stallion. “But it is still something I understand, and know all of Equestria is grateful for.” She nudged him a bit, smiling at the Night Guard. “I know you’ll win, and I want to do what I can to help.”

Night Claw just looked down at her, before opening his wing up and wrapped it around Twilight. He let out a sigh, and rolled his eyes. “Why can I never win an argument with you?” He asked, the princess merely shrugging her shoulders.

“Because I know how to get to you.” She suddenly smirked at another thought. “That, and… I’m always right.”

The stallion suddenly gained a deadpanned look. “Ah, yes, that is correct… Well then.” He suddenly reached up, and grabbed hold of the lever. “Shall we go and say hello to your other set of friends?” Night Claw asked.

Twilight nodded, smiling at him. "Lets!” She raised a hoof up, and exclaimed. “Pull the lever, Night!”

“Why… Did I just get a henchman vibe from that?” He asked, looking at the mare, while Twilight shrugged. With that, he pulled the lever, and the machine suddenly came to life!

Sunset and the gang were hanging out next to the school monument, laughing about what had occurred in their classes for the day. It was just a normal day for them, nothing had gone wrong, there were no villains from Equestria attacking nor rogue magic from the Pony Kingdom. So, today was just another good day, and Sunset Shimmer was perfectly fine with that. Until…

The Wondercolt statue suddenly brightened up, as a portal to Equestria opened up from its base! The seven girls backed away, just before Princess Twilight rushed through and stopped herself before falling over. “H-Hello everyone! Sorry for the surprise visit, but… Uh…” She couldn’t really figure out what to say, but didn’t have a chance to finish explaining.

Six of the seven suddenly jumped and tackled Princess Twilight to the ground, all yelling. “Princess!” And just had a group hug right there, while their Twilight smiled, and waited off to the side. It still bothered her to know that there was a second Twilight out there. Though, she was content with herself right now, since she had friends now.

“What brings you to Canterlot High, Princess Twilight?” Sunset Shimmer asked, smiling at her Equestrian friend. “Something happen back home?”

Twilight stopped her laughing, and took a serious look before nodding. “Y-Yes… Something terrible.”

“What happened? Did something happen to Equestria?” Sunset asked, seeming rather worried.

“N-Not exactly…” Twilight said, just as the portal opened back up and the group looked towards it. Just in time to see the second one to arrive from Equestria, the group gasping at his new look.

Xeron, wearing his Corvus Armor, slowly stepped out on to the side walk, barely able to fit through the portal. He eyed those before him, and nodding. “Something is about to happen here.” He continued, for Twilight. “Something that I came to finish.” That caused the seven to look at one another, before looking back at the Astartes.

“So… You’re saying this ‘Lord Grathor’ is here, somewhere, hunting you?” Rainbow Dash asked, tilting her head a bit, while the Night Lord nodded.

“That is correct. It was many years ago, and those events actually lead to me being by Twilight’s side.” Xeron answered, holding his hand out to the side. “Now, he seeks the revenge denied to him. I killed a whole squad of his warriors, for betraying me… If it is one things we Night Lords are vindictive about, it is vengeance and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.” He looked at the seven, eyeing each one with his red lensed eyes. “Along with go any lengths to achieve this vengeance… Which includes targeting innocent bystanders.”

Rarity placed a hand over her chest, gasping at such tactics. “Barbaric… Why would he do such things, there is no call for it!” She complained, shaking her head.

Xeron sighed a bit, shaking his head. “It is the Night Lord’s way. Our tactics mostly involve a singular end: Win by any means necessary. We’ll go so far, as to poison our blades, just to win a battle.”

The seven looked at one another, before Sunset spoke up. “But… You don’t act so, you seem rather honorable and noble, to us at least.” She noted, smiling up at the giant.

Xeron looked down at her, keeping both hands at his side. “Then… You have been deceived by my first impression.” Their attention was grabbed, as the Equestrian portal suddenly opened up. The girls had the biggest shock of their lives, seeing four other Night Lords cross through the portal, one a foot taller and wearing bulkier armor. “For even I will cheat to win… It is how I was trained; it is how I hunt… To always take an advantage over my opponent.”

Jago looked towards the younger Night Lord. “Night Reaper is on lock down; our father is even helping oversee his imprisonment until we return… We aren’t taking any chances that this ‘Grathor’ has already crossed into Equestria.” Xeron nodded to the First Captain, placing a fist over his chest. “Seriously, boy, stop saluting me. If anything, you’re the commander of our little group, not me.”

Xeron flinched a bit, he keeps forgetting that… Then again, he was far too used to having Jago being in command over him. “Sorry, Captain… I keep forgetting. Guess I spent far too long under your command, to remember that I’m the Commander now.” The Night Lords shared a laugh, as Jago platted Xeron’s shoulder plate.

“It’s alright, boy… Now then.” Jago looked towards the girls, tilting his head a bit. “Whoa… This will get confusing.” They were exact copies of their pony forms, except they were humans instead of ponies.

“Indeed.” Talos said, walking up to Fluttershy. “I take it… You are still known as Fluttershy, here?” He asked, the meek human nodding while he holds his hand out to her. “Please, show me around. I wish to know the hunting grounds before we start.” Fluttershy looked up at him, then down to his hand. She hesitantly placed hers into the larger one and lead the Apothecary towards Canterlot High.

“I’ll go with Rainbow Dash, and start my hunt… After all, I’ll still be able to scan this place while moving quickly.” Jago said, walking up to the rainbow haired teen, nodding to her.

“I like this guy already! He’s speaking my language!” Rainbow Dash said, nodding back at the First Captain, the two of them rushing off.

Malcharion walked up to Applejack, his head nodding to her. “I wish to get an understanding of your academy’s layout… Mind showing me to where a map would be? I’ll be able to scan it, and upload it to my helmet.” The Terminator asked, the farm girl nodding to him. “Good. Once I have that map, I can place runes where our brothers are and keep updated on locations.” With that, Applejack lead the Terminator towards the school.

“Dearest Rarity.” Mercutian said, as he walked up to the fashionista. “Please, show me the best advantage point of your academy. I wish to give what support I can for my brothers.” She raised an eyebrow at him, as the Havoc snickered a bit. “I must say… You are just as breath taking, as the Equestrian Rarity.” The comment made her blush, as Rarity lead Mercutian to Canterlot High’s roof.

“Sunset, take Pinkie and help search inside Canterlot High.” Princess Twilight said, as Xeron walked in between her and their Twilight. “Xeron, your Twilight, and I; will go tell Principle Celestia about Lord Grathor.” Sunset nodded, and quickly rushed off towards Canterlot High. The princess looked up at the Night Lord. “Think we made it in time, Xeron?”

He picked both of them up, allowing them to lean on to his shoulder, before rushing forward. “I hope we have.” He replied, his stomps causing slight indents in the sidewalk while students got out of his way. “If fate is on our side, we arrived before Grathor has done any damage to their world.”

Twilight gave a nod, as a pair of students quickly opened the door, just before Xeron rushed passed them and into the inside of the school. The lobby area of Canterlot High was already surprised, to see Applejack walking with the Terminator, but became even more so when Xeron sprinted inside, carrying both Twilights. Quite a few waved, Princess Twilight waving back before the Night Lord continued sprinting towards the principal’s office. Though, Canterlot’s Twilight continued to hold on to dear life, never moving so fast before. She honestly wondered how the princess was used to the powerful speed and quick, jerking, turns the Night Lord was making.

Before they knew it, the Night Lord had arrived at the principal’s office, leaning down so that both Twilights could be set down. “There, we’ve arrived… I’ll stand guard out here, while you two talk with the principal.” Xeron said, both nodding, while he turned around and began to scan around the hallways… Keeping a sharp eye out for any signs of a Night Lord, who wasn’t with the Command Squad.

When they entered, Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna were given quite the surprise. “Princess!” Principal Celestia said, smiling while she stood up and Vice-Principal Luna stood next to her. “It is good to see you again, what brings you to Canterlot High?”

“It is good to see you too, Principal Celestia, but I wish I came on better circumstances.” Princess Twilight explained, both her and her counterpart rushing up to the desk. “But, there is a major problem in your world, and a big threat may be stalking the school.” Both principals looked at one another, before becoming serious and nodding at the princess. “Xeron is here with me, along with the Night Guard Command Squad… They are here to hunt down this threat, but we need to make an announcement so the other students can be on the lookout.”

Principal Celestia nodded, and quickly turned the school intercom system to Princess Twilight. “Here, you’ll be able to reach the whole school using this. Just press the green button, and you’ll be live.”
Princess Twilight nodded, and pulled the microphone towards her. She told Xeron she’ll try to be some help, and this will definitely make their hunt a lot easier. The princess pressed the green button, and the intercom system went live.

All of the High School’s students stopped what they were doing, hearing the intercom’s tone suddenly ring out. They were surprised to hear the voice that followed. “H-Hello everyone! Princess Twilight Sparkle here… U-Uh, sorry for interrupting your day, but I’m sure quite a few of you have seen quite a few students walking, or running in a particular pair’s case, around campus with giant, mid-night blue armored, warriors around campus.” Princess Twilight stopped, some students looking around to see the ones they were talking about. “But, these warriors are here because of a threat that has possibly come to Canterlot High.”

The students somewhat freaked, after hearing that some threat has returned to the High School. Even when one of the Night Lords passed, the flinched under their intimidating gaze. Some even found it strange, that the school stars were walking with them, not afraid what-so-ever!

“But do not worry, these are the most skilled warriors Equestria has to offer… They were formally known as the Night Lords Legion, now known as the Night Guard.” Princess Twilight explained further, hoping that she can keep the students from going into mass hysteria. “They are the Night Guard’s Command Squad, and are here to hunt down one that looks almost like them. Xeron is here, with me, to help with the hunt and prevent this Night Lord from causing any harm to the student body… So, if you see a Night Lord, without one of the Rain Boom members with them, quickly run away and locate one that is! Do not attempt to approach him, or fight him yourself. He is considered extremely dangerous, and is to be left to those of the Night Guard, here, to handle.”

The students all looked at one another, before those out near the soccer field saw Rainbow Dash sprinting next to the jogging Jago! His eyes scanning every bit of the school, looking for said rogue Night Lord, while the speed demon did her best just to keep up with him.

Those within the lobby watched Applejack talk with Malcharion, showing him different areas of the school on the map… Along with certain spots where a Night Lord could hide. It looked like the two of them were planning for some big campaign, pointing out key factors, helping out when one missed something. It surprised them how calm the farm girl was, with the nine-foot-tall giant, in bulk battle plate.

Those near the edge of the school watched Fluttershy being cradled by Talos, the Apothecary carefully walking around different areas of the school and noting places that might not be on the map. Even the meek teen was shocked, when he noticed Angel Bunny, knelt down and offered the rabbit a carrot from her bag… The rabbit happily taking it from the Astartes before they continued their search.

Though… Some couldn’t take their eyes off of what was seeing on the school’s roof. Many of the teenage boys seeming heart broken, seeing Rarity lay next to the Night Lord Havoc, as he braced his heavy bolter. It was obvious, by how he was looking at her, and kept a hand under her chin, along with a wide smile on the fashionista’s face… That the Night Lord was showering her with compliments and sweet words. Every now and then, the Havoc glancing over the roof’s edge, to see if he could see anything from the high view point.

“Just remember… These warriors aren’t here to bother you, they are here to stop this threat, and return to Equestria with me.” Princess Twilight stopped for a moment, the student body on edge to hear her next words… It seemed like the princess was composing herself for the next part. “Night Guard! Permission granted, begin your hunt! Find this ‘Lord Grathor’ and bring him to justice! So says, Princess Twilight Sparkle!”

Before anyone could say something about the last part, the entire school echoed with a loud, wailing, and bone chilling, response. “We Stand in Midnight Clad! Our Claws Forever Red!”