The Black Knight simply sat in his chair, in a pondering state, while Silver Star road around on her Forgefiend… Amply named “Fluffy” by the little filly. “Things are about to heat up, everyone. With everything out of the way, my plans have been set in motion.” He leans back more into the chair, clasping both armored hands together. “Now, let us see if things go according to plan? If I’m truly good, as many of you believe I am.” He reached a hand up, and snapped his fingers! Allowing the chapter to play out.

Night Claw smiled, as he nodded to all those around him. It seemed like all of Ponyville were preparing for the future wedding. Many of which could not believe the announcement of such a thing, how Night Claw finally proposed to Twilight, and now the two are having their wedding soon. The princess organizing the whole celebration, while Night Claw handled the military details and ceremonies. Luckily, for him, Shining Armor was there to give him a few pointers on just how to do that.

“Now, you will have to hand pick an honor guard, to preside over the whole ceremony. It is tradition for when Royalty and a Royal Guard officer to have trusted elites protecting the wedding.” Shining Armor noted, walking beside the confused Night Claw.

“Isn’t that what the groomstallions are for??” Night Claw asked, giving a frustrated sigh.

“I wish; it would have made my wedding a whole lot easier.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “The groomstallions are there to be the last line of defense. Your champions, just in case somepony comes in to challenge the wedding and you.” The prince had to think for a few more moments, smirking a bit. “But we already know who they’ll be, the Command Squad, am I correct?” Night Claw gave a nod. “Good… Now, to decide your best mare or stallion for the whole thing.”

Night Claw looked at him, with a raised brow. “Aren’t they counted among the groomstalions?” He asked, Shining Armor shaking his head.

“Nope. Their job is to protect you and the bride, while the groomstallions fend off the challenger.” Shining Armor answered, looking up at the Terror Guard. “Any idea who it would be?”

Night Claw stopped, causing Shining Armor to, and sat back on to his flank before placing both hooves on his temples. “Not. A. Damn. Clue, Shining Armor… I would be easier to pick a member of the Command Squad, but they have the perfect number for groomstallions. As for the honor guard, I would probably pick what Atramentar stay here in Ponyville, and guard Twilight’s Castle. They are the best my Legion has to offer, and can defeat just about any would-be attackers.”

Shining Armor smirked a bit, and sat down next to the stressing Night Claw, placing a hoof on to his shoulder. “Hey, don’t get so stressed out, sir. I’m sure you will think of someone; you have a grand amount of choices out here.” He chuckled a bit, nodding his head. “After all, you have met so many ponies out there, all of which could make a great best mare or stallion.”

“It would be much easier, if I just made you so…. However, you’re the bride’s brother. Don’t think I can do that.” Night Claw said, with a deadpanned expression on his face. “Spitfire might be a good choice, since she always seen me as an older brother… But, Twilight barely even knows her. Dr. Bone Saw? No, he’s far too old now, I’ll be surprised if he could actually make it there.” He thought on it a bit more, with a raised brow. “Cannot use my lord, that would just be rather awkward.”

“Y-Yeah, I’ll have to agree with that. He would probably also terrify the non-Night Guards in the audience.” Shining Armor noted, seeming a bit nervous about Night Haunter being the best stallion. “Kinda gives me the creeps, too… How do you Night Guards stand that presence?”

Night Claw smirked a bit. “Like father, like thousands of sons.” He gave Shining Armor a fanged grin, making the prince roll his eyes and shove the Terror Guard’s shoulder and laugh. “Alright, but seriously, hm… Can’t ask Sunset Shimmer.”

“Who?”

“Long story.” Night Claw simply stated, before going more on to his trend of thought. “Can’t use any of her best friends, they are going to be the bridesmaids. Spike? No, ring bearer… GAH!” He started to smack his own head, before slumping down. “Can’t think of a damn pony to do it.”

Shining Armor chuckled a bit, nudging the larger stallion. “Don’t worry, Night Claw, you will think of somepony, I’m sure of it. Just, don’t get cold hooves.”

“You do not have to worry about that, Shining Armor. No way am I going to get cold hooves, I love Twilight far too much for that.” He looked down at the younger stallion, smirking a bit. “Though, I do wonder, are you helping me with this for Twilight? Or because you’ll be getting me as a step-brother? Her pay back for getting Cadence as a step-sister?”

Shining Armor went wide eyed, looking back and forth and gaining a nervous chuckle. “U-Uh… S-She told you I was a fan of your work, after joining the Royal Guard and finding out about you, didn’t she?”

“Mmmm… Maybe. A Night Claw Recruiting Poster? Seriously? That’s beyond creepy, Shining.” Night Claw teased, making the younger stallion lower his head, blushing.

“Hey, not my fault you were the Elite of the Elites, somepony every Royal Guard member strived to be!” Shining Armor noted, grunting a bit. “Still have it, if you do not mind signing it.”

“You are going to be my new brother-in-law… Eh, might as well.” He chuckled a bit, as the stallion perked up like a colt in the comic book store. “Now then, help me try to-?”

“Commander Night Claw!” A voice shouted, causing the two to look where it came from, seeing a twin axe bearing Night Guard sprinting up to them. When he reached him, the stallion quickly saluted. “Sir! Princess Twilight requests your presence back at the castle, immediately. She says it is urgent.” Twin Axe reported.

Night Claw gave a nod, getting up. “Of course, brother. Escort Prince Armor back to the castle, while I fly ahead and see what the urgent matter is.”

“With pleasure, sir!” Twin Axe said, as Night Claw quickly shot off, leaving the two alone.

“So, uh… Shall we?” He said, smirking up to the berserker-like Night Guard.

“After you, Prince Armor.” Twin Axe grunted, moving out of the stallion’s way.

“By Celestia, that guy is intimidating… I keep getting the feeling he is going to go into some bloodthirsty haze. Where do the Night Guards find these guys…” He thought, passing the Night Guard, as the two made their way back to Friendship Castle.

Night Claw suddenly burst through the doors, coming to a skidding halt. “Twilight! I got your message, what is the emergency!?” He shouted, before raising a confused brow… Seeing Atramentar sprinting all over the place with decorations, feast samples, even music sheets, and even some dresses. Some were even up on ladders, trying to decorate the place, while quite a few had transformed into their Night Lord forms to help decorate areas a normal pony could not. “Uuuhhh… Twilight?” He started to bob and weave through the ponies and Night Lords, trying to find his fiancé, ducking under the occasional tossed decoration or recklessly carried tray. “Twilight?” Night Claw called again, before catching the lavender alicorn. “Twilight!”

Her ears perked up, turning around to see the bat pony stallion rush up to her. “Oh! Night! Thank goodness, you’re here!” She said, with a smile.

“Yes, got your message from brother Twin Axe… What is the emergency? He said it was urgent.” Night Claw asked, looking around but not seeing any danger or crisis that could have occurred.

Twilight’s ears flatten. “W-Well… I didn’t mean to make it sound like an emergency, really… I just, um.” He raised an eyebrow, looking back down at the mare. “Well, I couldn’t decide on a color to use for the wedding, really.” Night Claw suddenly gave a deadpanned look, as Twilight started to blush. “S-See? I couldn’t decide whether to use traditional white, lavender, or midnight blue.” She motioned to a few strands of colored decorations, making Night Claw tilt his head. “Rarity made a surplus in all three colors, for us to choose and not have to worry about possibly rethinking it.” She looked between the three. “Lavender is my colors, while Midnight Blue is yours… But the traditional White has its own flare and look to it. I just can’t decide which.”

Night Claw gave a sigh, smiling a bit. “Seems like I’m not the only one having trouble on trivial matters involving our wedding.” He thought, looking at the colors, pondering for a moment. “Hm… Why not use all three, Twilight?” He asked, looking at the mare, while she looked up at him. “I mean, for the primary decorations, use lavender while using midnight blue for the ribbons… And the table settings, use white as the table cloth. Midnight blue for stallions, lavender for mares?”

Twilight’s jaw just dropped at the suggestion, eyes wide. “That is… Actually a great idea. Rarity had the midnight blue trimmed with brass while the lavender is trimmed with pink… So it would match perfectly!” She suddenly hugged Night Claw, and pecked him on the cheek. “You’re fantastic, Night!”

This caused the stallion to chuckle a bit, nodding. “Yes, well, there are problems I can’t even solve.” That caused Twilight to back up and give a raised brow. “Can’t even decide who to have as my best mare or stallion for this.” He suddenly gained an agitated look. “Not even Shining Armor can help me with that.”

Twilight giggled a bit, smiling up at him. “I’m sure you’ll thinking of something.”

“That’s what he told me…”

“Well, maybe you need another mind to help you out?” Twilight suggested, making Night Claw tilt his head. “My apprentice could help you, since she is in need of making new friends, and this sounds like the perfect opportunity for her to gain a friendship lesson in! Hold on…” She looked at the Night Lords looking around. “Hide!!!!” She yelled, causing the Night Lords to stop what they were doing, and instantly turned back into their Night Guard forms…. Going back to their work.

While Twilight walked off towards one of the castle’s any doors, Night Claw couldn’t help but watch her in amazement. “Whoa… Here I thought only our father, or a Commander, could tell a Night Lord what to do.” Hearing his comment, Twilight giggled looking back at him with a slight shrug, before peeking into the door. Night Claw smirked, before looking one of the nearby Night Guards, noticing he was caring some of the sample foods. “Brother Shadow Sight.” He called out, earning the Night Guard’s attention.

“Yes, Commander!” Shadow Sight replied, saluting with his free hoof.

“Who made the samples for the wedding’s After Party?” He asked, walking up to the Night Guard Unicorn, eyeing the obvious Sweet Apple Acre treats, but some weren’t familiar to him.

“Sir, the Apple Family, Cakes, Cherry Jubilee, Doughnut Joe’s Bakery, and Gustav le Grand’s Bakery; have all sent in sample to be tested and determined if they’ll be catering the wedding.” Shadow Sight answered, presenting the treats to Night Claw. “The Princess hasn’t tried them, just yet, but it is the next thing on her list, after decoration choice.”

Night Claw gave a nod, eyeing the treats. He knew of the Apple Family and Cake Family’s treats, even got to try them before. Twilight told him about Cherry Jubilee’ cherry treats, and said they were rather good. For Doughnut Joe, he personally took Twilight to the Doughnut Shop a couple of times, himself, in the past…. Only one that wasn’t familiar, was Gustave le Grand’s Bakery. “Mmm… I’ll try the one I’m not familiar with brother.” Shadow Sight nodded to him, as Night Claw used his wing to pick up the éclair, taking a bite and tasting the cream filled treat.

He thought for a moment, tasting the glaze and chocolate icing at first, then followed the thin cream at its center. It melded well, and allowed the stallion to know that this ‘Gustav’ took great care of every pastry he baked… Almost like using it as a form of art, one that no pony could possibly do. This told Night Claw, it wasn’t one due to the requirements needed to perform such feats, requirements like hands gently hold the éclair and instrument to fill the pastry with the thin cream… Magic would require far too much concentration, and possibly damage the pastry in the process. This lead him to believe the baker was probably a Gryphon, which were a rare sight within Equestria, along with a rare case where one is a baker. But, he remembered Twilight telling him of one during a little mystery on one of her many train rides to Canterlot.

With a nod, smirking a bit while he finished off the éclair. “Looks like I’ll have to allow Twilight and Scootaloo the final vote on these… It is rather good, and I know two others are just as good.” Shadow Sight gave a nod, walking off with the tray.

“Night Claw?” Twilight called out, drawing the stallion’s attention, who quickly walked over to the mare. Strangely, she was standing next to a slightly opened door, a smile on her muzzle. “I’ll like you to meet my newest friend, and apprentice…” She suddenly opened the door, revealing a pink coated mare, with a purple mane and tail that had a single teal streak in them. Her cutie mark was of a star with some strange magical trail floating off of it. “Starlight Glimmer.”

The stallion’s eyes suddenly went wide, his pupils shrinking to a thin point, before he glared down at the mare. He knew exactly who this mare is, now, after hearing her name. Celestia had informed him of the situation from the map’s first mission for Twilight and her friends. The moment he gave her that look, the mare’s ears folded back into her mane and she scrunched down a bit, sensing the murderous aura about Night Claw. “Ah, Starlight Glimmer… Yes, I know of you, in detail.”

His tone scared her even more, making the mare back up a bit. “U-Um… Y-Yes, hello, Sir Claw. Princess T-Twilight has told me much about you.” Starlight Glimmer said, giving a nervous giggle.

Twilight, sensing the tension between them, quickly intervened by stepping in front of the over protective stallion, smiling up at him. “It is alright, Night, I promise. Starlight Glimmer is making up for her past wrongs… We even became friends, honest!” She said, causing the stallion to look towards her, before giving a calm smile… Though, the aura remained about his body. “Please, just give her a chance? For me?”

He just looked at her for a moment, giving a defeated sigh and allowing his body to relax. “Can never say no to you, can I?” He teased, nuzzling the mare for a moment, before looking to Starlight Glimmer. “Now then, let us take this business into the library… Twilight has much to do.” Starlight gave a nod, hesitantly following the stallion.

To the mare’s surprise, Night Claw was able to, flawlessly, find the library in the rather confusing castle. Once inside, the two of them approached the center table, and took their seats. “So… Um…” Starlight Glimmer stuttered, getting herself situated in the chair, while the stallion silently sat in his, both eyes closed. “H-How would you like to start this, S-Sir Claw?”

“You’re afraid of me, aren’t you?” He suddenly asked, the mare jumping a bit. “Your reaction tells me this is correct, good. Then that means Twilight went into detail about me.”

“Y-Yeah, she barely hid anything about you… Though, I always notice there was something she wasn’t telling me, and found hard not to tell. Along with finding it strange that she always has to rush into a room, before letting me in, if there are Night Guards in there.” Starlight Glimmer answered, really starting to not like this alone time, with the groom, already.

He gave a nod, smirking a bit. “Good. That is how it should be, until I deem otherwise.” His gaze went to Starlight Glimmer, the look in his eyes actually making her jump a little. “Now, tell me exactly what happened to change things between what occurred you and Twilight.”

What the stallion said, sounded more like a demand than a question, one that the mare feared to deny answering. Within seconds, the mare started to regale Night Claw with what had occurred in her village, afterwards, what transpired through the time paradox she had created, and then with the crystalling up in the Crystal Empire. The entire time, she was becoming unnerved at how silent Night Claw was being about it. Not once did he say a word, simply kept his eyes closed and nodding a few times throughout her story. Though, when she noted how Twilight admitted her having a gift in the magical art, the stallion’s right brow rose up… Almost like giving an inquisitive look.

“And then, after Princess Twilight reunited me with my fillyhood friend Sun Burst, we came back to Ponyville… I was gone during the time you proposed to her.” Starlight Glimmer ended, looking towards the large Night Claw.

“I see… That sounds a lot like Twilight, wonder why she didn’t tell me about this?” Night Claw pondered about it for a few moments, before shrugging his shoulders a little. “Regardless, I understand her reasoning, now… But, I believe you understand why I am being skeptic, am I correct?” He looked to Starlight, who gave a nod.

“I-I would not blame you, I did so many terrible things… In all honesty, I’m surprised the Princess took me in, like she did, with barely a thought on the matter.” Starlight Glimmer admitted, causing the stallion to raise a brow. “I thought she would forever hate me, yet… She offered me friendship, and even to help me when I needed it. To guide me on to the right path, so I do not lose my way.” The mare smiled a bit, Night Claw tilting his head. “To hear that, coming from her, actually made me feel… Feel so…”

“Changed? That you could not be what you once were, wanting to be something better?” Night Claw guessed, the mare nodding and caused the stallion to chuckle.

Starlight Glimmer raised an eyebrow, looking up at the stallion. “W-What is so funny?” She asked.

“How alike you and I are, actually.” Night Claw leaned back into the chair. “I will not tell you the whole story about it, but… At one point in time, I was far worse than what you were. A monster, a daemon to many, one who would take a life without a second thought.” He reached a wing around, eyeing the claw that rested on its spine. “Many died at my hooves and claws, and I never anything about it.” He chuckled a bit, while Starlight Glimmer’s eyes were wide, she never heard of a pony that thought in such a manner. “Then, I was allowed to meet Twilight, who changed my very nature… First, I was meant for nothing but conquest, war, and to instill fear upon those I had been unleashed upon. Now, I protect Equestria, acting as one of the Kingdom’s heroes alongside my Legion. All because of one mare, who always kept her eyes on me with a cheerful smile… Seeing me as the hero I am portrayed as, not wishing to disappoint her.” He gave a slight nod. “No matter what, I would protect her, giving up my own life if need be.”

Starlight Glimmer smiled, nodding. “Twilight is very lucky, to be marrying somepony who is so devoted to her… I’m jealous.” She admitted, giggling a bit.

Night Claw gave a nod, looking up a bit. “Agreed… I’m guessing you’re trying your best to try and complete Twilight’s expectations of you? To try and learn the magic of friendship?” He asked, the stallion’s gray eyes falling upon her.

“I-In a sense, yes… Though, I wish it was easier, than having to go through list after list of possible friendship lessons.” Starlight Glimmer frowned a bit, before pointing towards several large stacks of papers. “Those are the lists she’s already made, and that is just the A’s and B’s!”

Night Claw looked at the stacks, with a deadpanned look on his face. “Ah… I can understand that all too well, classic Twilight.” He gave a nod, thinking for a moment. “And this is a friendship lesson, too, huh?” She gave a nod, as the stallion smirked a bit. “And you are to help me pick a best mare or stallion.”

“That’s the plan, but honestly? I have no idea who, since I do not know those you are familiar with, and such a position is not so easily picked.” Starlight Glimmer admitted, leaning on to the chair’s side.

“Oh, I think I’ve already picked somepony.” Night Claw answered, causing Starlight Glimmer to raise an eyebrow.

“Really? Who are you going to pick?” She asked.

“You, of course.” That threw Starlight Glimmer for a loop, confusing her every which way.

“W-What? But, you don’t even know me, not to mention trust me.” Starlight Glimmer asked.

Night Claw gave a soft chuckle, before getting up from his chair and walking around the table. “In all honesty, this is true. I don’t trust you.” He admitted, walking over to the stacks of papers. “But, I do trust Twilight more than anypony out there, and she seem to have absolute faith in you.” His wing’s claw reached down, and lifted the stacks up to eye some of the friendship lessons listed there. “Not to mention, you and I hold a great deal in common… Both seen as villains, both changed for the better. While my path was much darker, we both treaded the same fate... Both changed because of Twilight.” He looked back at her, the stallion’s messy black mane sliding over the side of his head. “Understand where I’m going with this?”

“A sign of change… What Princess Twilight is capable of, and her accomplishments standing together, on her big day. A student she saved, standing alongside a pony whose destiny she changed!” Starlight Glimmer said, eyes wide as the bat pony gave her a fanged grin.

“Exactly, Starlight Glimmer.” Night Claw said, walking over to her. “Something to add to for the memory of such an important day.”

Starlight Glimmer smiled up at the stallion, and nodded to her. “I would be honored to do such a thing, for Princess Twilight, Sir Claw.”

“Good… Now, let us return to Twilight, before she drives my brothers completely crazy.” Night Claw said, motioning towards the door.

“I cannot agree more.” She giggled, quickly joining the stallion. “Though, I do not look forward to when Twilight is getting a dress made… From what I can tell, she can be quite the perfectionist.”

“You don’t know the half of it, Glimmer.” Night Claw teased, shaking his head, as the two shared a laugh.

Night Claw stood at the castle’s alter, wearing his decorated armor, with Celestia on his right and Starlight Glimmer, the Night Guard Command Squad, and Spike; on his left. While he hid I rather well, only Celestia and the Night Guards could tell… The stallion was nervous. Like he told Pandora that faithful day, he would prefer fighting Loyalists, Daemons, or even the dreaded Necrons; rather than be doing this. But, the stallion remained where he was, hooves planted on the rug covered crystal flooring. Not moving a single centimeter from that spot.

On the main hall’s right side, Twilight’s family, Canterlot Nobles, Ponyville citizens, and some estranged friends made over the years; had taken their seats, each excited about today’s event. While on the left side, sat the armored members of the Night Guard Legion, those who were not selected for guard duty. In the front row of the Night Guard section, though, the pregnant Trixie sat between Swift Claw and Night Haunter, Luna sitting next to the mighty Prince and Scootaloo happily sitting in her adoptive grandfather’s “lap”, despite her just sitting between his forelegs. They were all waiting for the music to start, Night Claw’s mind running completely wild right now, hoping that if something happens… Both he, and the Night Guards, can handle it before anything could possibly happen to Twilight.

“Calm down, relax… Breathe, Xeron.” Celestia whispered, ever so silently, smiling a bit at the stallion.

“Easy for you to say… You’re not the one getting married, Princess.” Night Claw whispered back, his hooves shaking a bit… His armor slightly moving at the shaking. “Seriously, bring on any apocalyptic entity. I would rather face them, then be here right now.”

The response made her give a silent giggle. “Oh, trust me, I know. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Now, Astartes Up.”

“Oh hardy har har, Princess.” Night Claw deadpanned, not really finding that funny.

The eldest princess was about to respond… But the music starting to play cut her off, and caused the whole group to straighten up. The doors flung open, allowing the flower fillies to come prancing into the main hall, with Twilight right behind them… The bat pony going completely slack jawed at the sight of her. The mare’s wedding dress was pure white, with a lavender band, with golden trims, tying around her and at certain points of her dress. There was even crystal-like threading woven into the base of her dress, giving it a sparkling look to it, and her royal regalia holding the same golden color as her elders, except with her sparkling star cutie mark being the gem. Her new crown adorned her expertly styled mane, holding the same look as the day Twilight was coronation as a Princess of Equestria. Over her face, Twilight wore a pure white veil to hide her features, as tradition often dictated for the bride to do during such a time. Right behind her, were all five of the mare’s friends, even Sunset Shimmer walked with them! Each wearing a dress appropriate for their friend’s wedding day, and complimenting her.

When she walked up to the alter, facing the dumbstruck stallion, Twilight blushed and glanced away from him. “H-How do I look, N-Night?” She asked, nervous about what he thought.

Night Claw tried to say what he thought, but unable to voice it. After a couple of seconds, he quickly shook his head and smiled to her. “Unbelievable, Twilight… Nothing compares to you right now, or ever.” His comment made her blush further, before Celestia cleared her throat.

The two looked up at the eldest princess, who smiled at them. “If the two of you are finished?” They nodded, Celestia giving a nod. “Then, we shall begin.” She looked at the audience, smiling. “My little ponies, we are gathered here today…”

A figure dressed in a black robe walked up to the black castle’s door, eyeing it carefully and tilted his hooded head. Reaching an armored hand up, he slid his fingers against the red painted wood, slightly chuckling. “Ever the show boat, I see… Giving off a display, showing that this is truly the place where you dwell, Black Knight.” His voice was metallic, a strange glaring metal mask covering his face. “But… No defenses can keep the likes of me out.”

Strange runes appeared on the door, right after he voiced those words. The cloaked man took a step back, and held his left arm to the door. The wooden barrier started to groan, the wood being pulled towards him, as the runes started to grow even brighter! The man began to strain with his strange pull, but continued to do so. He wanted in, to end this farce, once and for all… Nothing was going to stop him, not again. There was only one way to end the story, and that as to take out its source. The man starting to see his actual hand grasping the door, tightening around its frame, and pull it towards him, causing the hinges to buckle and bend, bolts starting to shoot out. The door started to groan even more, attempting to resist such a pull but failing to do so. Its protective runes started to fade, before dispersing from too much pressure being placed on to them.

With a defiant roar of pure anger, the hooded man ripped the red door from the castle’s frame, flinging it off into the courtyard! Smirking at his work, the man grabbed hold of a strange hilt at his waist, drawing the weapon and quickly activating the red bladed energy. His lightsaber glowing the very color of his persona. Arrogantly, he walked into the castle, looking around the dark room. “Oh Black Knight! Are you home? I’m here to speak to you about how to end your stories…” He held the lightsaber up, its red glow giving off the only light within the room. “Permanently.”

“Really now? You know… There is a problem with that.” The Black Knight’s voice echoed within the darkness, causing the Sith to look around and try to find him… But became blinded, the moment every light suddenly came on! Revealing Commissar Craner, Shadow227, Halo Inquisitor, Warwolf, and the Black Knight; all pointing their weapons and powers at him. “We don’t agree with them ending any time soon, Darth Various."

Not giving him any time to recover from the sudden blindness, Halo, Craner, and Shadow; started to unload their pistols at the Sith in front of them! A hail of bolter and .45s flying straight towards him! The Sith was barely able to pull his lightsaber up to deflect the attacks, forcing the three to take cover from anything being sent back at them. Though, Warwolf and Black Knight quickly charged him, their weapons drawn and ready to split him in two.

Darth Various quickly backed away from them, just as the werewolf’s axe collided with the Black Knight’s greatsword! The Sith, feeling threatened by the fact of being outnumbered, drew his second lightsaber and quickly activated it. “Think I am afraid of some Commissar, Inquisitor Reject, an over grown puppy, and some drunk; Black Knight? Please, don’t be so naïve!” He quickly charged the two melee fighters, using his twin lightsabers to force them apart! When the three ranged fighters attempted to fire at him again, the Sith threw his left arm towards them, his concentration sending a shockwave straight for them, and sent the three square into the wall!

Warwolf, being the larger one, of the two melee fighters, recovered from the hit quicker and rushed Darth Various, attempting to crush him with his axe! But the Sith quickly crossed his blades, parrying the massive weapon on to the energy. Knowing brute force would not work on the larger creature, Darth Various quickly shifted his weight back, and sent a leg right between its legs, aiming straight for the weak spot! This caused Warwolf to release a pain filled yelp, and fall to his knees. When the Sith prepared to finish the disoriented werewolf off, the Black Knight quickly appeared to his right, and attempting to slam his blade square into him… Darth Various using his right hand’s light saber to parry the blow.

But, the force behind his attack was greater than the Sith could deflect, sending him skidding back towards the door. “Really? Is that the best you four can do? I expected better from you, Black Knight… This is barely a work out, and you all are struggling just to beat me!”

Strangely, the Black Knight suddenly relaxed, staying between the Sith and the recovering Warwolf. “You miscalculated a bit, Darth Various.” He let out a slight chuckle, tilting his armored head. “Such as… Are you sure there is only four of us?"

“What do you-!?”

“FUCK YOU, MOTHER FUCKER!!!” A yellow and red powerfist suddenly burst through the wall, slamming square into Darth Various! Before he could recover, a second one suddenly slammed right into his gut, allowing him to see the Angry Marine, with a Mudkip symbol on his left shoulder guard, send him back outside of the castle! “I’M GOING TO SHOVE THESE POWERFISTS RIGHT UP THAT ARROGANT ASS OF YOURS!”

Darth Various crashed, and skidded, across the courtyard, sitting up to wipe a sleeve against his mask. “So, you got an Angry Marine Author helping you, so what-… What in the name of?” When he looked down, the Sith quickly noticed several vines tying him to the ground, almost like they were constrictor snakes.

His gaze was forced up, and to the right, when a mare started to giggle at his response. Her coat was a dark navy blue, with a bright blue mane and eyes. “Hi, I’m Magic Shield, and I’m here to teach you a lesson… About messing with good stories!” She said, giving a confident grin before one of the vines suddenly forced Darth Various’ arm up, and actually started to make him hit himself!

“Gah! Stop-oof! Stop it-OWCH! I said, STOP!” He attempted to force his lightsabers back to him, but the vines quickly grabbed them, and rooted the Sith further into the ground. “What?”

“Ah-ah-ah…” Magic Shield said, waving her hoof at him. “Not just yet.” She looked up, smirking. “You ready up there?”

Her comment made Darth Various look up, before seeing a lightning trailing heading straight for him! At the bolt’s point, was a katana wielding orange pegasus stallion, with purple and black streaks in his mane. “Let’s see how well he can recover from this!” With Darth Various being bound by the vines, he was unable to dodge the pegasus’ attack and took it at full force! Feeling every bit of electricity flowing through his body, anchoring into the ground. Feeling the vines being strained by the attack, Magic Shield quickly released her hold on the Sith and allowed the pegasus to send him flying into the castle’s wall!

Darth Various growled, rubbing his head, and slowly stood up. “I’ll make you pay for that-?”

Instantly hearing the sounds of, rather large, weapons loading, he quickly looked up to see a pair of Hades Pattern Cannons in his face… With the Ectoplasm Cannon head of a Forgefiend charging up behind them. On the Daemon Engine’s large head, the Sith could see the little gray alicorn filly glaring at him, with the most serious face an adorable filly could give. “Sick’em, Fluffy!” She yelled, pointing her hoof at Darth Various… With a bestial roar, the Forgefield unloaded everything it had on to the Sith! Effectively sending him all the way through the castle’s wall, and down into the abyss beneath the Realm.

“Heck yeah! Chalk another victory up for Lightning Eclipse!” The pegasus yelled, hoof pumping.

“Eeeeeeeecuse me, but you weren’t the only one to finished him off, knuckle head, my vines holding him in place for your attack, and sweet little Silver Star had Fluffy send him through the wall.” Magic Shield noted, making the stallion rub the back of his head. “Plus, the boys inside actually wore him down a bit, so we cannot take full credit.”

“Y-Yeah, got a little ahead of myself there.” Lightning Eclipse rubbed the back of his head, as the mare rolled her eyes.

“Whatever, lets head back inside, come on. BK might have more instructions for us.” Magic Shield smiled towards the Daemon Riding Filly, waving at her. “Come on, Silver! Let’s get back to your daddy!”

“’kay!” She replied, having ‘Fluffy’ rush her back towards the castle, Magic Shield helping her off of the Forgefield’s large head… The two Pony Authors walking her back inside. Ironically, the group were waiting for them, Silver Star flying up to the Black Knight, hugging his armored frame. “Daddy! Daddy! Me and Fluffy sent the bad man through the wall, did you see? Did you seeeeee?”

Her excitement made him chuckle a bit, as the group smiled at her antics. “Yes, little one, I saw. You and Fluffy did great dear.” He answered, the filly gaining an even bigger smile, before he looked towards Magic Shield. “You remember what to do, Shield?
"

She gave a nod. “Yep, take her into the story, stick with her until you give the word. Piece of cake.” Magic Shield gave a salute, as the Black Knight placed the confused Silver Star on to her back. “So, if trouble comes, go straight to the big guy?”

The Black Knight gave a nod. “That’s right, he can help protect her. Though, if more trouble comes, I’ve made sure specific instructions are to be followed.” He leaned down, Silver Star tilting her head at him. “Sweetie, you remember where I told you to go, if that bad man comes with his friends, right?"

“Yeppers! You told me to take Big Brother Xeron, and his friends, to the ‘Twin Peaked Mountains’!” She cheered, as if she got some big question right. “There, we’ll meet Mr.CA, and he will protect us!”
The Black Knight chuckled at the little nickname she gave the character, nodding a few times. “Good, now Ms. Shield is going to take you to visit Xeron’s world, alright? You be good for her, ok?"

“I will, daddy!” She smiled, as the mare nodded.

The Black Knight stood back up, looking at the other authors. “The rest of you, return to your own stories and guard them. No telling the lengths this ‘Darth Various’ would go, just to win. He is a Sith after all.”

They all nodded, before each were suddenly engulfed in a bright light, and disappear. Though, Shadow2777 walked up to him. “BK, you sure you’ll be fine alone? I mean, what if he comes back?”

“I’ll be fine, Shadow. I’m more than a match for him. I just wanted to show him what kind of power he was facing, for attacking Her Guardian like that.” The human-like author gave a nod, before vanishing in a burst of light. Once they were gone, the Black Knight gave a nod to Magic Shield. “Follow me… I keep the entrance hidden, in case someone were to break in." The mare followed the Black Knight further into the Castle, and into a strange room. One could imagine her shock, when all she saw was a simple, large, mirror bonded to the very wall that propped it up.

She watched the Black Knight set his sword to the side, and walk over to the mirror, smiling at how Silver Star was playing with her really long mane, and placed his gauntleted hand on to the center piece. The area around it started to glow, before lines of light shot out to the North, South, East, and West; points of the mirror! Pulling his hand back, he allowed the mirror to slowly seem like it was opening four panels! Filling the room with a bright, white, light.

“There, the doorway is open for you, Shield… Take care of Silver for me, will you?” He asked, turning to the side and looking at the mare. “You know how important she is, especially with the power she wields. One like Darth Various could use that for terrible things, and not even the Forums could stop him.”

“Don’t be such a worry wart, BK. She’ll be fine!” Magic Shield assured, walking up to him. She could already feel the filly laying on to her back, slowly starting to fall asleep. “If there is any trouble, I’ll have her to Xeron before any are the wiser!”

He gave a nod, kneeling down. “Good… If I am to activate that weapon we spoke about, you must know her real name… So, not to confuse any of the others.” The Black Knight leaned in, as Magic Shield opened her ear up.

The very moment he whispered the name to her, Magic Shield’s eyes suddenly went wide. “You have GOT to be kidding me?” She looked directly at him, surprised at the name. “You came up with that??” He slowly gave a nod to her question, the mare giving an irritated sigh. “Uggh… Why does everypony always entrust me with the important foals?”

The Black Knight held up his right hand, index finger being the only one up. “Because you are an awesome pony, and you are also great with foals?” He answered.

“Go to Tartarus, BK.” She said, before walking up to the portal, the Black Knight facing them. “So, am I to do this alone?” She asked, looking back at him.

“Nope." The sound of heavy foot falls caused the mare to look back, and see none other than the Forgefiend ‘Fluffy’ standing next to the Black Knight. “Before you say it, Fluffy will get a new form the moment he enters the story…. So not to draw unwanted attention to the two of you.
"

“Like an Alicorn Filly wouldn’t do that…” Magic Shield muttered, before nodding to the Daemon Engine. “Alright, slobber mouth, let’s go!” The Daemon Engine walked up, next to her. The mare gave a quick confidence breath, before leaping into the portal with Fluffy. “I swear, BK, if this messes up my mane, I’m gonna murder you!!!!”

The Black Knight chuckled a bit, shaking his head. “Good luck, you two.” He looked at the portal, giving a regretful sigh. “Best close this before-!?” He suddenly felt a powerful push forward, forcing the Black Knight to look down at his chest… Seeing his bloody blade ramming through him. Both glowing red eyes wide, he slowly looked back to see none other than Darth Various, giving a metallic cackle.

“Did you really think it was going to be that easy? Please, you lot were easily fooled by a simple solid shadow I made.” He ripped the blade from the Black Knight, forcing him to the ground and throwing the blood off of the blade. “Though, neat little portal you have here, directly linked to Her Guardian Within the Shadow, huh?” He threw the sword to the side, no longer having any use for it, walking up to the glowing mirror. “Looks like you’ve made my plans a lot easier, though… That vindictive son of yours, will be a problem.” The Black Knight could barely breath, trying to cover up the bleeding hole at the center of his chest… All he could do, was watch the Sith walk over to a bookshelf of cancelled stories. “Hmm… Let’s see, who would be perfect to distract him?” His armored finger scanned through the different books, before it stopped on one. “Oooooh, ‘Hound of Equestria’, huh?” He opened the book, reading some of the contents. “Oh, yes, he sounds like a perfect distraction!”

The Black Knight’s eyes grew wider, realizing just who this crazed author was about to use. “N-No! You can’t! Not him, there is a REASON I cancelled that story! If you unleash him upon Her Guardian, there will be no safe haven in Equestria, not even for you!” He warned, reaching towards the Sith, almost like grabbing him would actually stop the Sith Author.

“Even more insentive to actually use this. He’ll give your son one heck of a fight, while I go after this ‘Silver Star’… Yes, I heard your conversation with the horse.” Darth Various said, walking over to the mirror, smirking behind his mask. “Oh, what fun this shall be.” He held the book towards it, forcing the Black Knight watch said mirror absorb it, until nothing remained within his hands. “With that…” He glanced back at him. “I bid you, adieu, Black Knight.” Darth Various then stepped into the mirror.

When it slowly returned to its reflective state, all the Black Knight could see of the portal, was only the reflection of his wounded self, eyes wide. “I-I… Have failed.”

“If there is no pony who thinks these two shall not be wed?” Celestia asked, as the Night Guard suddenly presented their weapons more, armor clanking with their movement. They waited, but none said a word, no pony challenged Twilight’s and Night Claw’s right to wed, and he eldest princess gave a nod. “Then, with the power invested in me-?” A flash of light caught her attention, causing Celestia to raise an eyebrow.

“Princess? Is everything alright?” Twilight asked, Night Claw also looking at the white alicorn, wondering if something was the matter.

Celestia looked where she saw the light, tilting her head, but caught the doors opening and some pony, with a filly her back, quickly join the crowd. “Ah, a late comer… Better late than never.” She thought, noticing the blue mare take a seat with Twilight’s family, and nodded. “Apologies, thought I saw something… Back to business. Then, with the power invested in me, you may now kiss the bride.” She looked to Night Claw, who used his wing’s claws to lift Twilight’s veil, smiling at her.

The stallion leaned in, and pressed his lips on to the mare’s, the two sharing a moment together while the entire castle roared with cheers! From both Twilight’s Family, and the Night Guards chanting “Ave Dominus Nox! Ave Dominus Nox!” over and over again. Night Claw then quickly used his wings to help Twilight on to his back, before rushing forward and down the aisle, the Atramentar Night Guards raising their weapons at the newly wed’s passing… But, the stallion stopped, when he noticed a gray… Alicorn filly? Who was bouncing up and down on a blue earth pony’s mare’s back, waving at him.

Shaking the idea off of his mind, believing it was just him seeing things, Night Claw continued out the door, with a waving Twilight on his back.