Aboard the Imperial Sith Star Destroyer, Spear of Ren Var, Night Reaper currently hated the situation in which he found himself. Not only did he board an unknown warship, that apparently is one of the biggest ships that are built within this “Sith Empire”, but also has an army of red armored Imperial Stormtroopers and Battle Droids standing between him and his objective. Normally he would have cleaved through the mortal foes, and destroy their robotic comrades, but he soon found out that their energy weapons could actually penetrate his armor with ease. Now, he took cover behind one of the ship’s bulkheads, trying to keep their blaster fire from hitting him.

“If father would have politely informed me about an army that would be in my way, I could have better prepared myself for this!” He snarled, slightly poking his head out from behind the corner, only to be forced to pull his head back right after a Sharpshooter barely missed his mark and struck the corner instead of Night Reaper’s helmeted had. “Whoa! Way too close!”

“Come out, with your hands up and weapon on the ground, intruder! We have you surrounded!” One of the Stormtroopers, who Night Reaper assumed was their Sergeant, yelled.

He gave an irritated groan, shaking his helmeted head. “I’m just here to speak with your Lord! His father, the Black Knight, sent me, damnit!!!” Night Reaper yelled, losing his patience for this.

Without warning, the blasters started to deactivate, almost like Night Reaper’s words had been some secret code to disarm them. With a raised brow, the scythe wielding Night Lord poked his head out from behind the corner, seeing that the Stormtroopers and Battle Droids had lowered their weapons. “You’re here… On behalf of the Dark One?” The Sergeant asked, as Night Reaper gave a slight nod to him. He then pointed to one of the other Stormtroopers. “Quickly, go inform Darth Nextrion that he has a visitor, an envoy from his father!” The Stormtrooper gave a salute, with a ‘Yes, Sergeant!” and rushed off to carry the message. Afterwards, the Stormtrooper Sergeant quickly rushed up to Night Reaper, slinging his weapon and gave a salute. “Sorry about the misunderstanding, m’lord. We’ve been on edge, lately, ever since Republic Commandos have been spotted within the Ren Var System.”

“Uh… Understood.” He looked around, noticing that the Imperial Forces were a lot less hostile now. “So, where is this ‘Darth Nextrion’ at, exactly?”

“He’ll be on the bridge, m’lord. If we hurry, now, we shall arrive in no time at all.” The Stormtrooper Sergeant suddenly, visibly, shivered. “And, in all honesty, I rather not keep our lord waiting… He isn’t a very patient man.”

Night Reaper gave a slight chuckle, nodding. “Something he and I share in common.” With that, the Night Lord stepped forward. “Well, what are you waiting for? Let us get a move on then!” The Stormtroopers all nodded, leading the Astartes to their Star Destroyer’s bridge.

Night Claw and Twilight continued with their honeymoon, not long after sending word for the three to handle this ‘Hound’ character. However, the stallion couldn’t help but keep a close eye on their little shadows, and how they kept a relatively good distance away from them. Whatever they are running from, must be dangerous for them to try and stay near the High Commander of the Night Guards, let alone risk being caught by their more stealth oriented members and mistaken for threats. This told him they could be dangerous to Equestria, along with Twilight and Scootaloo, which unnerved him greatly.

But, Night Claw could not dwell on such matters right now, for he was having a late lunch with Twilight. He did not wish to be distracted in the least, while having to hold up a conversation with his wife. “So, what do you think we should do next, Night?” She asked, smiling at said stallion.

“Well, maybe we could catch one of the plays being offered here? Is there one you’re wanting to see?” He asked, using his wing’s claw to place the fork down, returning her smile.

Twilight began to think for a moment, trying to remember all the plays being shown today. “Mmm… There are a few, maybe we could go see one that is more foal friendly, since our little shadows may try to join us.” She giggled at the thought, as Night Claw gave a knowing sigh. “After all, don’t want to see anything too inappropriate for the filly.”

Night Claw rolled his eyes, still smiling. “Not even your filly, and you’re making sure she isn’t exposed to nothing too bad.” He joked, the princess placing a hoof over her muzzle.

“Of course I’m going to treat her as such! Mine or not, and stalker or not, she is still just a little filly!” She placed both forehooves on to their table, leaning towards the stallion. “I cannot, with a sound mind, even let her see something that may scar her for life!”

Her reaction caused him to chuckle a bit, Night Claw shaking his head before replying. “Ah, Twilight, so caring about others… One reason why I love you so much.” His comment made her blush, folding her wings tighter against her body. “Well, with that said, what play do you think she’ll enjoy?”

“I was thinking, maybe, the Manticore, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! It is perfect for her age, and she could get the perfect learning experience from said story!” Twilight beamed, making Night Claw smile at how much she glowed from this.

“Then it is settled, when is the-?” He was caught off.

“Commander Claw!” A Night Guard Bat Pony shouted, flying over to the pair, and kneeling down since he was in Twilight’s presence. “News from the Hunting Party you sent to aid Sunset Shimmer.”

He gave a nod. “Speak, brother. Were they able to rescue their Twilight?”

“Negative, sir.” The Night Guard answered, a serious look in his eyes. “They are calling for reinforcements, you in particular, the Warp Talon proved to be far too agile for them… They did not wish to interrupt your honeymoon, sir, but the circumstance requires your particular skills.”

Night Claw narrowed his eyes, rather angered by the fact that this certain mission could be handled by those hand selected Night Guards. He was so sure Harion, alone, would have been more than a match for this Warp Talon. To find out that it had out maneuvered them so easily, made his standards for the Atramentar drop a bit. He began to ponder on such a matter, their Twilight was in severe danger of that Warp Talon, but he did not want to hurt Twilight’s dream of a perfect honeymoon. Should he send more Night Guards to handle this situation? They could overwhelm the Warp Talon, lead it to an ambush where their numbers could defeat him… However, there was a risk to the other Twilight, since it is not really a common Night Lord attribute to hold back near civilians. Many would just consider her an unfortunate casualty fighting the Warp Talon.

He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts, when his Twilight placed a hoof on to his own. “Night… Go, and help them.” She said, with a smile that actually disarmed him. “You are needed, and we both know you’re the best option for her safety. I’ll be fine, I’ll just go see the play and entertain our guests until you get back.” Her words actually confused the Night Guard, but said bat pony quickly shook it off and turned his attention towards Night Claw.

Night Claw looked at her for a moment, as if he was pondering about her telling him to go. “Alright… But I’ll end his quickly as possible, and fly straight back.”

Twilight gave a nod, smiling at her champion and husband. “Good to hear, now! No more wasting time, get going. Her life is in danger!” She shooed him, both laughing at the playful antics of the princess, before Night Claw flew off with the other Night Guard… Twilight slowly looking back at the two trying to hide from her. “Looks like I’ll get to have private chat with those two.” She thought, before heading towards the Manehatten Theater.

Night Reaper had been escorted by nearly a platoon of Stormtroopers and Imperial Battle Droids. When he arrived, the Night Lord spotted who it was that he had come to see, the cloaked figure observing the frozen world that his ship had been named after.

The figure’s body had a muscular build to it, even as is black robes draped over his frame and on to the ground. He stood taller than your average mortal, adding to his natural intimidation factor. With his back turned, Night Reaper couldn’t see his head due to the hood, but he could see the long hilt of a Sith’s Saberstaff resting on his left hip… The figure’s arms were crossed at the small of his back, almost like he was some grand commander of an entire fleet. “Tell me, stranger… What terrible calamity has caused Father to send one of his estrange sons to retrieve me? Or is it…” He slowly turned to face Night Reaper, revealing the skull faced Sith Mask he was wearing. “You seek our eldest brother, and not me? Wishing that I take you to where he is hidden, and no other could possible go without a guide?”

Night Reaper soon felt… Unnerved by this Sith. The red eyes of his glaring mask actually felt like it pierced through to his dark soul, freezing it more. He could feel some sort of aura coming off of him, one of rage and hate, but also one of tempered wisdom and humility. “A-Actually, I come for him and you, b-brother.” He answered, finding it strange that this being was actually related to him somehow… And, if he remembered correctly, this ‘Darth Nextrion’ was only the second strongest of all his brothers, the Astartes dreaded what the strongest could possibly be like.

Darth Nextrion began to laugh at his words, slowly stepping down from his command platform and approached the Astartes. The closer he got, Night Reaper slowly felt a sense of power coming off of him. “Really now? What has gotten into father, to need us both to combat this threat, hm?” He asked, both hands still crossed at the small of his back. For some reason, Night Reaper could not answer him, the Sith’s presence being unnerving to him. “Well? Speak, I do not have all day, and I rather not bother dear big brother for something that could be meaningless… He terrifies even I, especially when he is angry.”

“F-Father has… Been struck, brother. Even now, he is bleeding out. Silver Star is in danger of the one who dealt the blow.” Night Reaper answered, the entire bridge falling silent and looking at the Astartes, while the Sith’s head lowered until his hood covered the skull faced mask.

Within seconds, the entire bridge had been thrown off of their feet, Night Reaper just barely holding his ground, as Darth Nextrion’s aura exploded out of his body! Immediately, he turned around and pointed at the officer back on the command platform. “Admiral! Order all ships within the fleets, by my order, set course to system dubbed ‘Dark Alpha’, now! That is an order!” The Admiral just looked at the Sith, in pure terror, before he suddenly roared. “Do it before I crush every bone in your entire body!”

“YES, M’LORD!” The Admiral yelled, getting back on to his feet and looking to the bridge operators. “Navigation! Set course for Dark Alpha!” He, frantically, pressed a button on the command consol. “All crewmembers and surrounding ships of Fleet Crimson! Prepare for immediate hyperspace jump! I repeat, prepare for immediate hyperspace jump to the Dark Alpha System! Emergency action, by order of Darth Nextrion!”

By mentioning it being an order from their lord, it did not take very long before every ship within Fleet Crimson had come about, and positioned themselves in a hyperspace jump formation. The navigation officers began counting down, until they hit zero and every ship within the fleet suddenly entered hyperspace! In all honesty, Night Reaper was surprised at how fast the Imperials reacted, following his Sith Brother on to the Command Platform. “S-So, Darth Nextrion… What can you tell me about our eldest brother?” He asked, looking down at the Sith.

“In a single word? Terrifying.” Darth Nextrion said, reaching up to remove his mask. “And that is something, coming from a pureblood.” Once the mask was off, Night Reaper saw the crimson skin underneath, the red eyes staring up at him, along with the strange facial spines and armor. “For our father to call upon myself is drastic enough… But to call on him? Whoever it is, has crossed the metaphorical line and is destined for eternal damnation and torture…” Darth Nextrion looked towards the observation window, watching the streaks of blue, black, and white; of hyperspace wiz past the Imperial Star Destroyer. “And the place where he dwells? The sheer darkness from it, will send a chill deep into your bone, and forever scar your memory. I’ve only seen him angered, once, and never want to see such a sight again… It seems, I never get what I want.”

That… Was not a very comforting thought for Night Reaper.

The members of Canterlot High’s Elements of Harmony, and three Night Lord members, waited at the school statue. The girls all seemed a bit on edge, wondering if Xeron could actually help them save Twilight from this “Hound”, but the Night Lords all seemed a bit on edge. Ever since Xeron became their Commander, he quickly asserted himself so and proved to be not the one to anger. With the Command Squad backing him, no Night Lord dared to anger him, or usurp his command. Right now, this was practically signing death warrant for the three, having to interrupt said Commander’s honeymoon.

They all jumped, as the portal to Equestria suddenly opened up! It expanded out and up, compensating for the arrival of a Night Lord from the other side. Slowly, Xeron’s taloned foot stepped out, and the Night Raptor exited from the portal. His helmeted gaze scanned those in front of him, making him tilt his head. “Don’t think I’ll ever get used to portal travel.” He admitted. Within seconds, the girls were all over the Night Raptor! Each one trying to tell him what had happened, how worried they were about Twilight, and asking if he truly could defeat this “Hound”. Lifting both claws up, he tried to ease them. “Whoa, now! Calm down, calm down all of you!” Xeron then looked to the Terminator that he sent with the hunting party. “Brother Harion, report.”

Harion gave a nod, placing the spiked powerfist over his chest. “Commander… As you already know, our foe is a Warp Talon from the Legion, a Rogue from what I can tell.” Xeron gave a nod, allowing the Terminator to continue. “From our engagement with him, it was made clear that this ‘Hound’, as he calls himself, is a former Night Raptor of our Legion, as well. His superior agility and skill in close quarters combat, makes such a guess correct… Even with both myself and Brother Uzas attacking him, he managed to keep us both on the ropes before retreating with Twilight… Saying something about it being too dangerous for her.”

That caused Xeron to raise an eyebrow. “He is… Protecting Twilight?” He asked, before the Night Raptor looked to Sunset Shimmer. “Got anything to comment on that? You were there when he first appeared.”

Sunset Shimmer stopped to think on his question, before giving a nod. “Y-Yes, actually…” She looked up at the Night Raptor, who is giving her his full attention. “This ‘Hound’ mentioned keeping Twilight safe before, and that was when she had nearly been struck by a car. He kept talking strangely, but mentioned that he was not going to let anything harm her again.” An idea suddenly struck her, before Sunset Shimmer looked up at Xeron. “You don’t think…”

“That this ‘Hound’ is from another alternate reality? Would not surprise me in the least. I’ve already ran into a third Twilight, who was a sadistic psychopath.” That caused the girls to go wide eyed, before clearing such a frightening image. “Now, we best go to where he is hiding her.”

“We shall show you to where we last-?” Xeron suddenly shook his head, causing Harion to fall silent.

“I already know where this ‘Hound’ has taken Twilight.” The group all raised an eyebrow, confused at how fast he figured it out. “Tell me, what are the two places where Twilight feels safe and comfortable? Where Hound can keep a close eye on her, without worry of someone ambushing him? Where she can pass the time, and be easily found by the Warp Talon?” He asked them, the group all thinking of different answers, certain ones in particular believing said intellectual felt the same way they did. Xeron held up two claws. “A school and a library. Tell me, where might there be both options, in a single place?” They all went wide eyed, the answer instantly coming to them, as Xeron pointed towards Canterlot High.

Twilight looked up at the monumental constructed Equestrian Building, designed after the Romane times for the exterior. It didn’t take her very long after Night Claw had left, before she arrived at the famous building. A smile slowly appeared on her muzzle, the mare wishing that Night Claw could join her for this but knew he had something really important to do. After all, with her help, he had become a Hero and such things were expected from him… Something she learned about herself, and wished that she could go with him, but knew she’d only get in the way with that ‘Hound’ character on the loose. Her current duty, was to enjoy herself and give their little followers some form of entertainment until said stallion could return.

Speaking of the stalkers, the princess noticed the two were around the corner, the both wearing rather obvious stalker coats, the filly riding on top of her strange guard dog. She gained a sly smirk, her eyes playfully narrowing. “I think it is about time, I let them know they’ve been discovered.”

Her horn suddenly started to glow with magic, and before the three actually knew I, they were lifted off of the ground and levitated straight towards Twilight! The mare and guard dog started to flail about, while the filly merely giggled at how “fun” being levitated was. They came to a halt, and the princess unceremoniously dropped the mare and guard dog in front of her, the two gaining a dazed look, while she lightly sat the filly down on to her back, smiling at how happy she was.

“Now then, I think I have made it obvious Night Claw and I have known about you watching us.” Twilight said, still watching the filly on her back, before looking at the navy blue earth pony mare. “Though, I must ask, why are the two of you following us?”

Magic Shield rubbed her head, wondering why the Princess of Friendship decided to drop her and Fluffy on their heads. “Um… We are big fans?” She answered, giving an innocent smile.

Twilight gave a deadpanned look, making the mare feel nervous. “Nice try, but no dice. Prince Night Haunter had been following you, ever since the After Party… We know something is chasing you, and plan on going to Xeron when it arrived.” Twilight corrected, wanting to give the mare a chance to tell the truth. “However, he couldn’t figure out what threat that was, so you’re going to tell me.”

Magic Shield looked from side to side, not liking the fact they had been caught, before giving a sigh. “I cannot tell you much, only that even you maaaay be in some danger. Both Silver Star and I came here, to keep her safe.” She pointed to the filly, Twilight raising an eyebrow while wondering who would harm such a sweet little thing, before said mare pointed at the guard dog. “And this is Fluffy… Her, uh, guardian while she is away.”

The hound made a loud, and thunderous, bark and scared the daylights out of Twilight! She had never heard so much oomph come from a canine before, and he was abnormally large for one too. “I-I see… Well, care to explain who is after you, then? So that I may inform any Night Guard stationed in Equestria to be on the lookout?”

Magic Shield was preparing to answer, but another spoke up instead. “I believe, I can answer that question for you, Princess Sparkle.” All three looked towards the voice, and saw an actual human, dressed in black robes and wearing a mask, blatantly standing in the city streets. “I must thank you for helping me find those two… And it seems my little distraction, to keep your recently made husband away, is working.” Darth Various stepped forward, while Twilight turned around and backed up to the mare.

“W-Who in Equestria is that!?” She asked, feeling a dark energy coming off of the human, everypony within the area moving away from the figure’s sudden appearance.

“D-Darth Various!” Magic Shield shouted, before she took Silver Star off of Twilight’s back, and put her on to Fluffy. Both mares stood between him and the filly. “That’s who we’re running from, a major bad guy if you will… It seems he’s after Silver, but how he got past her father? I don’t know-?”

“You mean the Black Knight?” Darth Various chuckled a bit, placing both hands at the small of his back. “You know how easily he can be distracted… All it took, was letting you go through the portal, grab his unsupervised sword, and then ram it through his back!” The Sith cackled at his answer, Magic Shield and Silver Star’s eyes going wide, their pupils shrinking.

“Y-You… K-Killed daddy?” Silver Star asked, as the Sith shook his head.

“No idea… I left him within that accursed Realm, bleeding out. Though, by now and if no one has found him yet? Weeeeeell.” He grinned behind his metal mask, the dark aura growing. “I think you should consider yourself an orphan now, little one…Though, once I get my hands on you, that may change.”

“OVER MY DEAD BODY, YOU BASTARD!!!” Magic Shield yelled, her light blue mane flaring up. It was one thing to be mean, but to actually say such a thing to a filly!? That crossed the line for the mare, and she was not going to let this jackass touch her friend’s daughter!

Darth Various grinned, drawing both of his lightsabers and activating them. Such a display actually scared nearby ponies, who all went into the buildings. “That can be arranged, bitch.” With that, he leapt, at high speeds, towards the group! But, before he reached them, the Sith rammed square into a lavender barrier, that suddenly appeared and created a protective dome around the four. “S-Should… Have seen that coming…” Darth Various slowly slid off of the barrier, Magic Shield noticing a very angry Twilight.

“Miss.”

“Magic Shield.”

“Ms. Shield… Whoever this is, has just crossed the line for me. Anything you can tell me about him?” Twilight asked, her narrowed eyes glancing at the mare, before going back to the Sith. She watched as he kept trying to slice through her barrier, but failed to do so.

“We faced off with him before, BK, myself, Silver, Fluffy, and many others… We thought we kicked his tail, but apparently we were wrong. I mean.” She motioned to the black robed Sith, not a single mark on his body. “We didn’t even tickle him, it seems.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, before looking back at ‘Fluffy’. “What about the guard dog? Isn’t he supposed to be her guardian?”

Magic Shield shook her head. “Even if Fluffy does transform, he’ll be near useless right now, since there are a lot of ponies in the area… Those buildings they are hiding in, means absolutely nothing to what he uses to attack with.”

“Then our only option, is to get Silver Star out of here… What are our odds at out running him?” Twilight’s gaze went back to the, still attacking Darth Various.

“Nothing short of a speeder of some kind-…” An idea struck the mare, before looking back at the shocked Silver Star. In seconds, Magic Shield was at her side, gently nudging the filly. “Silver, sweetie, I need you to listen to me… We are going to need your help here, and now. I need you to do what your daddy taught you, when something scary appears.”

“B-B-But… D-Daddy is gone. H-He killed daddy.” The filly kept repeating, her eyes wide and filled with sheer terror. “Daddy is g-gone…”

“Sweetie, listen to me. He couldn’t have killed your daddy, he is too strong, even for him.” Magic Shield try to calm her down, knowing the shock is overriding the filly’s mind. “Remember? Your daddy is the strongest.”

“But there is only one way to get here… And Daddy was guarding that way.” Silver Star said, eyes still wide with shock while Fluffy looked back at his little rider, a look of concern on the hound’s muzzle. “He had to beat Daddy to get here… And here he is…”

Magic Shield wasn’t getting through to her; the shock had been too much for the filly. In all honesty, the mare didn’t know if the Black Knight was ok right now, she is just trying to get the filly to calm down… There was one thing that may help, and that was what the Black Knight told her before they left. Though, could she say something so early? The condition said filly was in, won’t end well for her health, and she kept repeating the same thing over and over, about her father being killed by the Sith. She had to make a decision, and she had to make it now.

“Galaxia!”

The name instantly snapped something within Silver Star’s mind, her eyes glowing for a mere second, before they returned to their normal size and color. Within seconds, it suddenly felt like a damn had burst, almost like a key finally unlocking some sort of seal in her. Some kind of strange magic started to fill up within her small body, it felt very familiar to the filly, yet she couldn’t remember from where she’s felt it before. Her horn started to glow with a strange silver color, a white outline to it, before she looked at the mare next to her. “M-Ms. Shield… W-What did you just call me?” She asked, tilting her head.

“No time to explain, Silvy… We need to get out of here, and now. The Princess won’t be able to hold that bad man off for much longer.” Silver Star looked towards the Sith, noticing how Twilight started to flinch, in pain, with each strike against her barrier, then back at Magic Shield. “We need you to summon something fast, something that’ll get us out of here in no time, and to her castle. Understand?”

Silver Star nodded, thinking about what she could do, but nothing came to mind. “I-I don’t know, Ms. Shield… I don’t have the same magic as daddy.” She admitted, looking back at the mare.

“That’s ok, sweetheart… Just think of your daddy’s models. Imagine one of the faster ones being here, to pick us up and take us home. That is all you have to do.” She coached, the filly trying her best to remember the iron clad models, before three certain ones appeared within her memory.

Just as the barrier shattered, sending Twilight to the three behind her, Silver Star’s eyes went wide and she leapt up into the air, throwing her right forehoof up, wings wide. “Que T.N.T!”

Her outburst caused Darth Various to stop, as music started to play…. The song “T.N.T” by AC/DC? “I-Is that the best you can do?” He laughed, nearly losing the grip on his lightsabers by how hilarious he found this moment. “A simple song, by some outdated band? You have got to be-?”

The music started to get louder, and so did the roar of some machine… Darth Various looked to where it was coming from, and saw a large cloud of dust, with three shadowy figures inside of it. They were big, and the roar sounded a lot like… Motorcycles?

“What in the-?” Before he could finish the sentence, the “motorcycles” whizzed past him, causing the Sith to spin violently out of control! When he came to a sudden halt, stopping his spinning head, Darth Various quickly noticed that his three victims were missing! “HOW!?”

Silver Star had her eyes closed tightly, shortly after a large, metal, hand had grabbed on to her. When the words “Because I’m T.N.T” sounded, she opened them up, and looked up at the iron clad Astartes she was holding on to, riding on a Chaos Bike! He pulled out a pink child biker’s helmet, and placed it on to her head, before going back to controlling his battle bike. She looked at the other two bikers behind hers, noticing that Twilight was riding with one, while Magic Shield and Fluffy were on the back of another. Silver Star’s jaw dropped, before she looked down at what is currently mag-locked to her biker’s hip, seeing the hazard stripped chainsword, then up to his horned helmet with a T-Visor.

Her slacked jaw soon turned into an excited, beaming, smile. “HON!” She screamed, holding on to the Biker Astarte’s armored back.

“In the ceramite, righteous little sister!” The Chaos Biker Sergeant yelled, laughing while popping a wheelie on his Chaos Bike. “Lightning Hon comin’ in for a dynamite rescue!”

Silver Star nuzzled into the Biker Brother that Black Knight created for when she wanted to have a high speed play day! The Iron Warrior Chaos Biker actually doing all kinds of tricks on his bike and making her go into a near excited state. “Huh… Didn’t know BK made Iron Warriors Chaos Biker OCs….” Magic Shield muttered, holding on to her Biker for dear life.

“Y-You know these guys!?” Twilight asked, doing her best to keep a grip on her own Biker, nearly failing a couple of times before said Biker grabbed her and sat the princess in his lap, making staying on much easier.

“Y-Yeah! They are… Um… Iron Warrior Bikers, like the Night Lords but think siege masters, instead of terror tactics.” Magic Shield answered, feeling the wind practically ruin her mane. “At least we’re getting away from-… Oh crap!” When she looked back, the mare instantly saw Darth Various gaining on them. “Um, Hon-.”

“Lightning Hon!”

“Yeah, Lightning Hon? We got a serious problem back here!” The Biker Sergeant tilted his head, slightly looking back. “Bad Guy, at six o’clock!”

“Man… This buzzkill is seriously bumming me out of my hero vibe here…” Hon said, noticing said Sith right behind him, and then looked down at Silver Star. “Hey, Righteous Sister, wanna do the trick shot?” He asked, the filly smirking before nodding. “Awesome!” He grabbed hold of her, and placed the filly on to his lap. “Ready?”

“Ready!” Silver Star announced, placing on the goggles from her helmet, and grabbed on to the handle bars with her hooves.

“Here we go!” Without warning, the bike roared and leapt off of the ground, the treads landing on to the side of a building, tearing its stone wall to pieces. Not long after, the bike was launched into the air and spun to where the twin linked bolters were aiming right at Darth Various.

The Sith stopped his persuit, seeing the sudden turn of events. “Ah crap….” Were his only words.

The twin linked bolters roared to life, sending a hellstorm of bolter rounds right at the Sith, who barely had enough time to try and defend himself against it. “RIIIIIIIIIGHTEOUSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!” The two on the bike yelled together, as the twin linked bolter flashes caused Silver Star’s goggles to light up, an eat shit grin on the filly’s muzzle.

Darth Various kept trying to deflect against the hellstorm of bolter rounds, but failed against one volley and ended up being sent flying back towards a building, then fell right into a dumpster that closed shortly after.

The Bike landed on to the ground, burning a doughnut into the pavement, before it quickly caught up with the other two Chaos Bikers. Silver Star was cheering nonstop, as the Biker Sergeant kept up his bellowing laugh. “Righteous! Righteous! Righteous! Righteous!” All four, the three bikers and filly, chanted while they gunned it down the city streets… Heading straight for Ponyville… A really confused Twilight, a facehoofing Magic Shield, and a panting Fluffy; with them.

Hound continued to squad near Twilight, even as the teen continued to read a book she was using to calm her nerves. She had already read it twenty times before today, but the book about her favorite Scientist, Starswirl the Bearded, somehow relaxed the overly stressing teen. So far, she has read it five times, in such an attempt, the Warp Talon hovering over her shoulder not helping one bit.

“Twilight… Alright? Hound can tell Twilight is stressing.” He asked, tilting his helmet.

Twilight didn’t want to anger her psychopathic companion, trying to think of a response that wouldn’t do so. “W-Well, H-Hound…” She started, shakenly placing her book on to the library table. “I g-guess you can say, I d-don’t do well when I’m kidnapped-?”

“Hound hasn’t kidnapped Twilight; Hound is protecting Twilight. Keep her safe from danger, yeeees.” Hound said, moving to where he is now at her side, picking the book up with his crimson claws. “Twilight should read more, yes. Help Twilight feel better, Hound keep watch. Read long as Twilight wants, Hound make sure none bother.”

“Hound… You’re keeping me from my friends and family… Those Night Lords were called here, to rescue me.” She looked up at the Warp Talon, she can somehow sense the confused look coming from behind his helmet. “F-From you.”

“No, they were Sombra’s tricks. Yes, Hound protects Twilight.” Hound replied, shaking his head. “Twilight is tricked, doesn’t know the-?”

“She’s right, ‘Hound’.” A familiar voice, to Twilight, called out, causing both to look towards the library doors… Seeing none other than Xeron standing there, his claws ready for a fight. “Now, hand her over… Before you harm her.”

“HOUND WOULD NEVER HARM TWILIGHT!” The Warp Talon roared, instantly going to a combat stance, his helmeted eyes glaring at the opposing Night Lord. “Hound knows you, yes. One of Sombra’s tricks. Trying to trick Hound, yes. Trying to get Hound to lower Hound’s guard, so Sombra could harm Twilight again!”

Xeron slowly widened his stance, seeing the aggressiveness increasing from said Warp Talon. “Hound, think about this… The Warp is burning you from within, slowly degrading your mental state. Before long, you’ll be nothing more than a savage animal.” He stated, the Warp Talon slowly to relax. “It will not be long, before you do not recognize anyone, not even Twilight… It will not be long, before you actually try to kill her. Brother, you’re not well.” Xeron knew a kindred spirit, when he saw one, and felt the same about protecting Twilight so zealously. Trying to avoid any potential threat to Twilight, the Night Raptor decided that an attempt at reason would be his best course of action.

The Warp Talon looked back at Twilight, his entire body starting to shake… Reasoning did not work. “Harm… Twilight. NEVER!” Out of nowhere, the Warp Talon lunged towards Xeron, the two agile warriors instantly locking their claws together. “You want to harm Twilight; Hound will not let that happen! HOUND KILL YOU!”

The two started to fight in a battle of grappling, their claws trying to rip into the other’s armor! Twilight quickly backed away from the two demi-gods, battling it out within the library and ramming the other into a bookshelf. Everytime one landed a blow against the other, the teen flinched at their pain filled grunt, before the battle continued and soon took flight! Their jump packs sending each fighter into the air, trying to gain the upper hand on the other. At one point, Xeron actually scored a blow to Hound’s stomach, his claws ripping into the Warp Talon’s flesh and bone, sickening cracks nearly making Twilight puke.

The Warp Talon howled in pain, before he slammed his claw into Xeron’s helmeted head, sending the Night Raptor rocketing back down to the ground. Hound didn’t hesitate, and shot back down to the ground, in an attempt to comet slam his opponent with all four claws and talons! However, Xeron quickly recovered, and used his jump pack to send him away from the crash site, and then send him soaring back to the Warp Talon, tackling Hound square into his stomach! The combined thrust of their jump packs actually sent the two Night Lords through the wall, and out in front of the High School Campus, not paying any attention where they were going!

The two were clawing, punching, and headbutting; each other mid-flight, trying to fatally harm their opponent. When they closed in on the statue, and portal to Equestria, Xeron’s claws sailed up towards Hound’s helmet… Their tips digging into the breather, slowly ripping its mag-locked seals clean from the neck guard. He only had a second to see his opponent’s face, before the helmet and two Night Lords went through the portal… His own helmeted eyes going wide what had been hidden by the twisted helmet.

Those within the portal’s chambers had to scatter, as the two Night Lords sailed through the portal! One went flying into the wall, causing a large dent within the crystal wall, while the other managed to land and come to a sliding halt. Xeron breathed heavily, before ripping his helmet off and throwing to the side, his eyes filled with pure anger and sheer shock. “What… In the Night Haunter’s name… IS GOING ON!?” He roared, causing the Night Guard and Elements to flinch at how powerful his tone was, before seeing the Warp Talon slowly stand up… Gasping at the helmetless foe.

The long hair and the pale skin was a key factor for any Night Lord within the VIII Legion, Hound’s bestial fangs being the only thing different from the others. But, what surprised all the others, was the fact he looked extremely familiar to them. Despite the puling veins under his skin, the burn scars coming from his neck, the cut open sides of his lips… Hound looked like a feral, and scared, version of Xeron!

“How is this even possible!? Tell me! Tell me now, damnit! You’re the second look-a-like I have ran into!” Xeron demanded, glaring at Hound, the feral Night Lord snarling at his foe.

“Hound knows you’re a fake, yes… Sombra make copy of Hound, make him look normal again. But Hound isn’t going to be fooled!” The Warp Talon’s jump pack suddenly roared to life, the two locking claws again. “Hound not going to lose Twilight again! Hound lost Twilight once, Hound never going to again!” The Warp Talon actually tried snapping his abnormally large fangs down on to Xeron, but the Night Raptor jerked his head back each time he attempted to. Neither of the combatants noticing a new group arriving, and seeing the twins brawling within the chamber.

“Calm down! I’m not a fake, you have to realize-!"

“HOUND WILL NOT LISTEN TO FAKE!” The Warp Talon suddenly headbutted Xeron square into the head, causing the Night Raptor to fall backwards. This caused him to land with the Warp Talon right on top of him, said corrupted Raptor bringing his claws back. “DIE!” He bellowed, bringing the crimson claws down towards Xeron.

“STOP!”

A familiar voice, sweet voice, to the Warp Talon caused Hound to halt, just as the claw’s tip were at the bridge of Xeron’s nose. His helmetless gaze was slowly pulled to the left, eyeing the mare at the door way. Her familiar lavender coat, those lavender wins and horn. Her dark purple mane and tail, with a pink streak going through it. Her violet eyes locked on to the Warp Talon, asking for him to stop. “Please… Stop.” Twilight pleaded.

Hound removed himself from Xeron and, on all fours, walked towards Twilight, stopping just in front of her. When the Night Guards, who had transformed into their Night Lords forms shortly after the battling twins arrived, went to stop him… Twilight threw her wings to, causing them to halt, and back away. The Warp Talon reached his claws to Twilight’s cheeks, both shaking like a leaf on a tree during some sort of storm, and gently pressed them against her flesh. He let out a gasp, realizing that she was real, eyes going wide. “T-Twilight is real? Real, yes, Hound can touch Twilight… Not some trick, no.” His pattern of talking had gone hay-wired, almost like seeing Twilight so had caused his mind to nearly break completely. “But… Twilight d-died, Hound saw Sombra kill her.”

Twilight opened her wings up, allowing her to float up to the Warp Talon’s exposed face, Hound moving his claws to where she could rest on to them. “I’m real, Hound… Did you become so, because of what Sombra did?”

Hound gave a nod. “Y-Yes… Sombra kill Twilight, Hound couldn’t save Twilight. Anger took Hound’s mind; the Warp overtook Hound’s body. Hound slaughtered Sombra, cried long for Twilight. Now Hound’s body burns for failing, Hound hurts even now… But Twilight is here, Hound can bare.” He leaned forward, and actually nuzzled against Twilight’s cheek. “Hound feel like Shadow Blitz again, like when before he became Hound, yes. Feel like one that Twilight named.”

Twilight wrapped her hooves around the mutated Xeron, slowly nodding at his words and allowing him his time. “You’re in pain?” She asked him.

“Y-Yes… Warp burns Hound from the inside out.” He answered, embracing the princess even more. “But Hound no are anymore, because Twilight is here with Hound again.”

Twilight looked towards Xeron, who shook his head to her… With pain in her eyes, she gave a nod. “Hou-… Shadow Blitz?” Her response was a simple nod from the Warp Talon. “I-I… Can make the pain stop, but it will hurt a lot by doing so. Do you trust me?”

The Warp Talon had tears in his eyes, happy to hear her call him that name, truly believing that he would never see Twilight like this ever again. Never see his Twilight ever again. “Yes, Hound always trust Twilight. Hound will take any pain for Twilight, Hound burns for Twilight.”

Her horn lit up with a magical aura, one of the Night Lords noticing his gladius being unsheathed by the same magic, and float over to the pair. Twilight leaned back, which caused the Warp Talon to do so as well. “Get ready, Shadow Blitz…” He gave a nod, the mare having said gladius positioned under the exposed point of Hound’s breastplate. Without warning, she had him come back in for another hug, the Warp Talon returning her embrace, before Twilight shoved the gladius up into his chest! The jagged blade ripping through the underlying suit and straight into both hearts.

Letting out a gasp, Hound felt the blade bite into his flesh and tear through the two vital organs pumping his lifeblood. Slowly, his eyes started to get heavy, a smile finding itself on his lips. “T-Twilight… Hound d-doesn’t feel the b-burning anymore.” He whispered, the mare nodding to him, as his blood poured on to the gladius and the floor below them. “T-Though, H-Hound i-is… G-Getting sleepy. Can H-Hound rest, now?”

Once again, Twilight gave a nod, feeling the tears in her own eyes. She’s actually having to kill someone, someone that looks exactly like her beloved Xeron. An Xeron that became damned after losing his precious Twilight. “O-Of course, Shadow Blitz….” The Warp Talon started to fall back, releasing Twilight as he laid on to the floor. The mare moved to his side, placing a hoof on to Hound’s shoulder plate, smiling while the tears fell from her eyes. “You can rest much as you like.”

“T-Thank you… Twi-Twilight.” With that, Hound’s eyes closed, his blood leaking on to the floor, while Twilight remained where she was.

“I… Understand how hard that could have been for you.” Xeron said, walking up next to the mare. “Twilight, if-?”

“It had to be done, Xeron… You said it yourself, he was slowly degrading, and he actually admitted to being in pain.” Twilight wiped her muzzle, before looking up at the Night Raptor. “Besides, we have an even bigger problem to deal with.” That raised Xeron to raise an eyebrow, before Twilight pointed towards the three Iron Warriors, guard dog, navy blue mare, and waving filly sitting on the Iron Warrior Sergeant’s horned helmet. “A threat to all of Equestria has appeared.”

“This should be good.” Xeron sighed, facing the six.