Nothingness.

Absolute Nothingness.

No thought, no sight, no hearing, no awareness.

Starstep wasn't exactly sure when he realized that flicker of observation, however brief. He mentally struggled to clutch at that single straw of coherent thought in the murky, drowning black. Then gradually, the feeling returned to his body and the young stallion became aware of warmth around him, soaking into his coat like the summer sun. He couldn't comprehend where it was coming from, or where he was for that matter, all he knew was its soothing touch. A brief memory of his mother tucking him into bed as a colt flickered in his scattered thoughts.

Then a coolness washed over him, gentle but with just enough chill to stand his fur on end. A fragmented image of Ponyville on a winter night washed across his vision. Vision? He couldn't see, but...he wasn't asleep. Where was he? He couldn't remember. Above him in his mind's eye, the sun appeared next to the moon. Beautiful reds against blues. They did not fight for the sky, but co-existed in the twilight. Balance. There was balance. And from that balance he found the clarity to blink through the haze that clouded his mind and sight.

As his eyes finally began to focus, he noticed he was still entangled in the hooves of his brother, Lighthoof and the yellow unicorn lieutenant, Dazzle. He hesitantly glanced around, noticing the white and soft blue wings that cover them through his blurred vision.

“Star?” Lighthoof looked across the unicorn's neck at the other pegasus with a puzzled expression and rapid blinking with unfocused eyes. He gave his head a quick shake, brown mane flicking about before he looked up curiously at the blanket of feathers, gentle light filtering through the plumage.

Between the two of them, Dazzle still shivered softly, clutching Star's fore-leg with desperate strength. He leaned down to nudge the unicorn with his nose. “Hey, Dazzle, are you ok?”

“Y-yeah. Sorry.” She nodded, eyes staring off into nothing. “I-I'm fine.” She claimed, shaky voice and slight tremble in her fore-legs betraying her words. Long moments passed until her grip gradually relaxed and she seemed aware of her surroundings, a soft blush tinting her yellow cheeks when she realized she was cuddled up between the two colts. “Really, I'm quite well.” This time her voice was firm and no-nonsense with her Trottingham accent.

Star glanced up again at the feathers. “Princesses?” At his query, the wings pulled back, the two royal sisters looking down on them with concern. He noticed they were in the gardens, the sun just beginning to set over the western wall, the hints of stars shimmering in the east. “How did we...? I thought we were underground?”

Luna gave him her usual reserved but loving smile as she leaned down to nuzzle at his cheek which he returned affectionately. “Twas the grain store-room, more precisely. We hath brought thee out to chase away the darkness. Thou hath given us quite the scare.”

Lighthoof snorted in disbelief. “YOU the scare? That, that, thing down there...” He trailed off, wings giving a quick ruffle, eyes wide as he glanced down at the stones.

Celestia nuzzled the tan colt, calming his panic, then Dazzle, bringing a blush to the normally reserved unicorn. “Welcome back, my little ponies. We're both glad you're safe. We were very concerned when the guards alerted us.” Her flowing pastel mane curled about as she beamed a motherly smile at them. Star had to admit, the Sun-Goddess always had that reassuring presence.

“May we inquire upon what hath delivered thee to us in such a fearful state? What discoveries hath thou made?” Luna glanced between them.

The three ponies slowly untangled themselves before standing side-by-side to face the alicorns, then they retold the story of the graveyard, the cache of weapons, the sack of notes, and the terror in the tunnels. When Star mentioned shutting the secret door at the end of his tale, the sisters shared a knowing glance.

“Tia, it dost appear that there art passages into the fortress of which we were not made aware of. If there was one, there art certain to be more.”

The white alicorn gave a soft nod. “So it appears. We should be thankful that the ghosts of the past are content to stay in the ruins.” Celestia frowned, eyes glancing down at the garden's stone walkway.

A pony clearing her throat caught their attention. An older peach colored earth-mare with a quill tucked over one ear looked expectantly at the Royal sisters. Her mane was pulled up into a tight bun, and she was dressed conservatively in a business blouse and skirt. Her eyes flickered over the three guards before returning to the alicorns. “Princesses, my apologizes for interrupting, but the Griffons are becoming quite impatient. I'm not sure how long I can keep them stalled. Perhaps now that these fine ponies are well, we can return?”

Celestia gave the mare a warm smile. “Yes, Silver Quill, but allow us a few moments to debrief the guards. Please inform the Clan-heads that we will rejoin them shortly.”

The mare bowed her head deeply. “Of course, your highness.” She sharply spun and trotted away.

As they were speaking, Dazzle looked left then right, eyes darting about. “Where is the sack? It had all of the notes from the tomb.”

Luna nodded.“Worry not. I hath sent copies to the lieutenants and we shalt be using them in the meeting tonight.”

“Not worry? I am sorry, Princess, but we don’t know how long these griffons have known about the tunnels. Days, months, years? I found the way back into the castle because I tracked your feather, but we don't know how many ways in they might have found.”

Lighthoof shook his head, “How could they have gotten past that... thing creeping around down there. They don’t have magic.”

The royal sisters shared a glance. Star recognized that look on Luna's face, she was debating on how much to divulge. At last Luna gave her sister the faintest shake of her head.

“That...thing...” Celestia began softly. “I had thought was gone. That said, we cannot rely on her to deter the griffons. Her motivations are her own. We should focus on seeking out the other entrances and warding them. I shall have the Sun-Guard put on alert and increase their presence around the clan-heads. You may have given us the edge we needed to prevent disaster.”

Luna nodded in agreement. “Thou hath done splendidly. A rest is well earned. All three of thee shalt have tonight and the morrow off-duty.”

“A rest?” Lighthoof cocked his head in disbelief. “We have threats against our guests and us, something horrible crawling around under our hooves, fighting in the streets; and you want us to take time off?” His voice rising as he spoke.

Celestia gave him a stern look. “Lighthoof, your devotion to duty is not in question, however I cannot have you three exhausted for the trials to come. We need you all at your best.”

Luna tilted her head up, striking a regal pose. “Hath thou not come to the realization that thee were not in slumber? Rather, thy minds locked, eyes wide open, unseeing.” She took a step closer leaning down to stare each of them in the eyes. “Thou art most fortunate we were present. Had we not been, thou wouldst become like those wretched souls forever trapped below. Tis not from violence that they perished. Thou wouldst be wise to trust our judgment.”

Lighthoof blinked. “Wait... they died from... terror?” His eyebrows rose.

The white alicorn gave a gentle shake of her head. “Not exactly. They were so terrified that they simply remained where they were until their bodies gave out.” She sighed, ears wilting slightly. “Those poor ponies...” The softness faded from her face and a motherly sternness replaced it. “You three are not to discuss what you found down there with any other ponies. Some things are better left in the past. Even talking about it draws its attention.”

“Tis not to say thou may not discuss thy fears and work past thy terror...however, the specific contents of the ruins is to remain secret. The old graveyard and hidden tomb art quite acceptable to speak with the lieutenants about. Beyond this, speak only of a hidden passage and nothing more. Tis not a request but a command.”

The seriousness with which the sisters were talking about the ruins caused a knot of anxiety to form in the pit of Star's belly. The fragments of memories of being chased in the darkness below welled up alongside the anxiety, the evil laugh still ringing faintly in his ears. He had to struggle against his wings to prevent them from clamping down against his body.

The tan pegasus stomped a fore-hoof. “Princesses, there's too much going on for us to relax. I can rest later. We have to help keep our guests and the ponies safe.”

“Lighthoof.” Celestia's tone was sharp and commanding. “You should trust your brothers and sisters in arms. You cannot do everything yourself. While you may no longer be a part of my Sun-Guard, I see great potential in you as a leader. However, leading also means being able to trust others to do their part.” She waved a golden-shod hoof towards the ramparts where the guards stood vigilant, her voice softening. “This is not like your days in Manehatten. You are not alone anymore, my dear little pony, are you?”

He glanced at his brother who gave him a nod before turning back to the regal white alicorn. “No, Princess. I'm not.” He hung his head, ears falling. “I'm sorry for arguing with you, Princess.”

“Do not worry. I admire your dedication to other ponies...” She reached out with a hoof to gently tilt his chin up. “But you must learn to share the burden and when to unwind so that you are ready for when crisis arises.”

Luna nodded. “This is especially true for thee, Starstep. Thou hath taken on many trials in so short a time and I fear it hath only begun. Now that thou art my husband, thy obligations will increase. I insist that thou taketh time for relaxation.”

He dipped his head in acknowledgment.

The alicorn's eyes shifted to the quiet yellow unicorn. “Dazzle, thy work behind the scenes these last few months have also pushed thee quite hard. Thy reaction to the terrors below is no surprise. I thank thee for thy splendid efforts and await thy return to duty.”

Dazzle bowed her head low. “Thank you, Princess. I am glad I was able to serve.”

The sisters nodded to each other then looked back to the trio of guards. “Now.” Celestia began. “Go off and enjoy yourselves. We expect you rested and ready for duty tomorrow afternoon. Our meeting with the Griffons may well last until the early morning. You're dismissed.”

The three guard ponies bowed respectfully.

“Starstep?” Luna caught his attention. “Speak with me for but a moment, if thou wouldst.”

He nodded, following the Moon-Goddess as she turned to gracefully walk away from the group. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lighthoof nuzzling Celestia and Dazzle looking away embarrassed.

Beyond earshot the blue alicorn paused and turned, leaning down to kiss the young stallion on the lips, gently and lightly, her eyes sparkling lovingly. “Mine apologizes we art so formal.” Her eyes flickered to the guards along the walls. “Appearances.”

“Of course, Princess.”

She leaned close, her lips near his ear, their cheeks gently rubbing. “I only wish to tell thee that I am most pleased that thou art safe. Understand, my love, that there art things within this world that we give power unto by acknowledging their existence. Dost thou understand my meaning?”

Star nodded slightly. “The thing down there.”

She nuzzled along his chin then gave him another sweet but brief kiss. “Duty dost call, my dearest pony. Thou hath mine permission to partake in anything that wilst soothe thy nerves and relax thee. I dost not expect to be finished until the morning, however I wilst contact thee upon a change of schedule.”

“You sure you don't want me along? I feel like I need to be by your side.”

The alicorn gave a soft giggle, looking into his blue eyes. “Neigh, love. Rest, relax. I assure thee that thou wilst have more than enough opportunities within the future to partake in the politics.” She winked, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Along with a promised punishment to administer to a certain seductive mare of naughty disposition.”

Star looked away, blushing. In response, the alicorn giggled and kissed his nose. “Until the morrow, love.”

The pegasus returned his eyes to hers, melting from the affection within their cyan depths. “Love you, Luna.” He leaned up to meet her lips, keeping it brief for appearances, then smiled over his shoulder at the Princess as he trotted away to meet up with Lighthoof and Dazzle. As he left, the Royal sisters departed the gardens for the main fortress, leaving the trio alone amongst the hedges and rosebushes.

When Star rejoined the group, Lighthoof smirked at him. “Well, dude, night on the town for us. Shame the Princess wouldn't let me tongue kiss her. Her kisses taste like vanilla and I'm starving.”

The yellow unicorn blinked at him. “You cannot be serious. The Royal image must be upheld. There's at least a dozen guards able to see us from the walls.”

The tan pegasus chuckled. “It's ok. I'll get her back for it tomorrow.” He winked at the unicorn. “You know, in the bedroom...I'll even kiss her-”

“No, no, enough!” Dazzle held up a hoof. “I know you are her consort, but that is really not a public topic.”

Starstep smiled at their banter. “Luna's reminds me of Honey-suckles.”

The unicorn groaned, putting a hoof to her forehead as Lighthoof chuckled.

“Both ends?” He asked.

Star choked back a laugh at Dazzles horrified expression.

“Anyhoof, dude.” Light shook his head. “I guess we're on forced down-time now.”

“Cider at a pub?” Star offered.

“Cider at a pub. They did say 'relaxed'. Not my fault if I come back stumbling drunk. I wonder what happens if you accidentally hurl on their magic manes?”

The two colts turned to walk towards the main courtyard. Starstep sticking out his tongue. “Eww. Not something I wanted to imagine.”

“I'm serious, dude. Does it fall into nowhere? Or does it stick? Or does it slide off like water on a duck?” He gave a backward nod to the yellow unicorn. “Later, Dazz. Thanks for the assist earlier.”

“You're putting way too much thought into this.” Star turned his head. “Yeah, thanks Dazzle, we'll...” His farewell cut off as he noticed the yellow unicorn's face. Dazzle seemed well composed, but her eyes had a haunting look, flicking to and from the colts, the faintest glimmers of envy and need on her face, ears tilted slightly. He stopped, his friend taking a few more steps before also halting.

“Hey, Dazzle. Why don't you join us?” Starstep gestured with a hoof.

She blinked, mouth opening slightly, ears perking. “Oh, I...I don't know. Are we allowed to go out drinking together? I mean, since you are my superior and all. And I really do not want to impose on your night of relaxation.”

Starstep tilted his head. “Superior?” He thought about it for a moment, “OH, because I'm a Shadow-Guard and Luna's husband?” He waved a dismissive hoof. “Seriously, forget about all that. I never wanted the authority, it's not why I married her.” He trotted over to Dazzle's side. “Us three went through something crazy tonight. I want you there with us.”

“I...I'm not sure that I should. I mean, you are a Prince.”

He cringed at the word. “Yeah...forgot about that part. Forget the noble nonsense-join us? Please?” he asked warmly, looking down at the slightly shorter unicorn until she gave the faintest smile of acceptance. "Awesome."

Lighthoof joined him on the other side of the mare. “Hey, the more the merrier. I can tell you all about what Princess Celestia likes to do in private.”

His friend glared at him before smiling at Dazzle. “Ignore him, he's just kidding. But really, the three of us should spend some time together.”

The faintest blush touched her cheeks. “I would like that. The other lieutenants and I never spend time together away from work.” The mare glared at the tan pegasus. “But you are buying first rounds for such crude remarks about her highness.”

The colt laughed. “Fair enough, Dazz. But you have to drink what I buy.”

“Agreed.” She tilted her nose up. “But upon my purchase of rounds, you too shall drink what I order.”

“Oh! A challenge!” Lighthoof grinned over at Star. “Hear that, dude? I think we have a new drinking buddy.”

The three of them started towards the gate together, hooves clicking on the stone walkway through the gardens. The blue-grey colt chuckled. “You have too many as it is, Light.” As they passed under the hedge archway marking the end of the gardens, he smiled at the unicorn. “I'm glad you're joining us.”

She returned his smile. “I am grateful for the invitation.”

Starstep set his now empty glass-mug of Spurlin Ale on the table-top with a heavy clink. Lingering trails of foam slid down the inner walls as he licked his lips. The pub was the one Star had visited with Luna days ago. Rustic, with wood used for everything including the creaky stools that he and the other two used at the table in the back. The other ponies were much more somber this evening. Sticking to their groups or staring into their mugs. Star had been nervous at the defensive, suspicious looks that they had received when first entering, but Dazzle had assured them it would be ok. True to her word, other than the occasional glance in their direction the patrons had largely ignored them. Outside a storm that had rolled in on their tails, raindrops splattering against the glass as the streets went from grey to black.

Across from him, Dazzle was talking to a waitress who was dressed up in a wide-hemmed green dress with a white-billowy blouse. The unicorn had explained that the outfits were traditional during drinking festivals in Spurlin. Meanwhile, Lighthoof was rooting through a bowl of mixed nuts on the table for his favorites, ignoring the pistachios as much as possible.

Once Dazzle finished, she turned back to the colts. “Drinks will arrive shortly.” She declared before shaking her head at Lighthoof, strong Trottingham accent coming through. “Your first pick of local Ale wasn't much of a challenge. It's made for the factory workers, so it's enough to make you tipsy, but not enough for your intended drunkenness.”

The pegasus crunched on pecans, a tiny scattered line of shelled nuts between his fore-hooves, his eyes lifted as he was addressed. “That was just a warm-up.” He mumbled before flicking aside the empty shells and sliding a fresh walnut from the little pile near his mug.

She lifted an eyebrow. “So you say.”

“So you and the others don't spend time together?” Star asked the unicorn.

“No...” Her ears slanted. “We have a different culture from what you have on the main-land. Special Ops spending time together off the clock is often frowned upon. We learn to deal with most of our troubles ourselves. Makes us tougher. More self-reliant.”

Lighthoof cracked the walnut with his hoof, flicking aside the shell before popping the prize into his mouth. “Sounds a little like the command of the Sun-Guards. They're a bit stuck up.” He said around his chewing. “Night-guards are more like a family over there.”

“Well...we're not exactly rank-and-file either. The Night-Guard is very small here and our enemies might connect too many dots if we were to fraternize too much outside of work.” She smiled faintly at them. “I'm not complaining about my job. I love serving her highness. Though I will admit, I am at times envious of the closeness I see between you two.”

The tan pegasus grinned, reaching out to put a hoof around his brother. “Who us? Yeah, we're real close.” He puckered his lips and turned his head towards Star. “How about a kiss, bro?”

Starstep laughed and pushed the seeking lips away with the flat of his hoof while Dazzle looked away, blushing slightly.

“Don't mind him, he's just a silly colt.”

“So I see.” Her eyes returned to them. “I apologize. We're not used to such displays of affection here. It's much more...reserved.”

A thought occurred to the blue-grey pegasus as the waitress dropped off nine shots of neon-green liquor. After Dazzle tipped the earth-mare, Star tilted his head. “So...when you all caught Luna and I...well...”

“Muzzle-first in the lunar crater?” Lighthoof offered around a mouthful of salty peanuts.

Star face-hoofed as Dazzle cleared her throat, cheeks red. She nodded shyly. “Yes. I'm afraid it was the most...scandalous thing I could image. Thankfully, we lieutenants have enough tact to not spread rumors of such an event. I must say I was most surprised to discover you married her here. Usually weddings are massive events, and that's for non-royality. I can't imagine what a wedding here for a Princess would be like.”

The blue-grey pegasus scratched the back of his head and grinned shyly. “Yeah, she wants to keep it on the down-low until some peace can be restored. Public-image and all that.”

Lighthoof cracked open a new nut, happily chewing on the salty treat, eying the pile of green drinks next to Dazzle. He gestured a hoof at them. “Something stronger, Dazz?”

She smirked, placing three shots in front of each pony with her magic. “We call them Charging Green Knights.” Both colt's eyebrows rose as she continued. “I know, odd name for you Canterlot ponies, but we have a tradition here for the dramatic flair.” She lifted her glass up with her magic, waiting for the other two.

Lighthoof grinned, little bits of nut on his front teeth. “Alright, sounds strong.” He picked one up, nodded for Star to do the same.”

With a shrug he did, the three holding their shots high and following Dazzle's lead to tossing it back. For a moment, Star thought it was tasteless, and then his throat burned with a chilling sensation like someone had forced him to swallow a bucket of ice. Lost in his own suffering he didn't notice Lighthoof coughing and clutching at his throat or Dazzle grinning like a cat. When the odd, cool-burning faded he opened his mouth to speak and wish he hadn't. The air from the room reignited the tingling, causing him to gasp in surprise, making it worse with the influx of air.

Dazzle had both hooves over her muzzle, face darkening as she struggled to fight back the laughter at the two colts squirming in their seats, gasping for air, then groaning in discomfort. Eventually the pegasi regained their composure as the burning faded, blinking away tears from the corner of their eyes.

Lighthoof looked to Dazzle and broke into a grin. “Was it good for you too?”

She bit her lip and snorted back a laugh.

Starstep coughed and shook his head. “Whew. It's like I drank pure peppermint extract. Only worse.” He smiled at the unicorn's cute laughter and inwardly nodded to himself that it was a good idea to bring her along. That haunted look in her eyes had receded.

“Well, gentlecolts, you still have two to go.” The pegasi exchanged glances as Dazzle lifted her second with her magic.

The tan colt chuckled and toasted his shot to her. “Here's to Dazz. Bravest unicorn I know.”

Star toasted to that.

A few hours later, Star was certainly feeling the effects. Thankfully the food here had given his belly something besides the hard drinks. Nothing to write home about, but the vegetable pot-pie did have a great sauce. He smiled at Lighthoof, the other pegasus was clearly blitzed, looking about with unfocused eyes and wavering on his stool. Past the initial rounds of drinks, his friend had gone all in, sampling the more unique drinks of the region. Around them the customers had thinned and the remaining groups were huddled around a hearth on the far-side of the main-room.

Star looked across the table to Dazzle, who was calmly sipping coffee from a mug held between her hooves, her magic being a bit unreliable in her semi-drunk state. She lifted her green eyes up, catching his look and smiled shyly. Carefully the mare put the ceramic down and tilted her head, the short pale-blue mane tumbling to one side.

“I must say, you're being awfully reserved in your drinking compared to your friend.”

He smiled slightly, eyes drifting down to the pecan shell he was scooting about with his hoof. “This is just his way of coping. I have to make sure he gets home ok.”

She nodded, glancing outside at the downpour and the black streets. “I'm resisting the urge to join him in a drunken haze...” Dazzle shivered slightly. “I look out in that mess and...I can't help but imagine something looking back.” Her head turned back to the colt, confusion on her face. “You two have been laughing and smiling this whole time...which I must admit has been contagious. How do you do it? How can you just ignore that, that...thing in the dark.”

The pegasus shrugged. “We've...been through some pretty crazy stuff.” He crushed the shell under-hoof before looking up at the unicorn. “Something about our friendship, I donno, we keep each other going. I'm sure if I sat down and thought about what happened, I'd curl up into a ball and cry.” He glanced at Lighthoof, who had put his head down on his fore-hooves, resting quietly on the table-top. “But I can't. We can't.” He closed his eyes, that cold laughter from before was on the edges of his memory and a shiver ran through him. With a heavy exhale he reopened his eyes to find Dazzle looking at him with a touch of sadness.

“I want to curl up into that ball right now. I know, it's a weak thing to say as one of Princess Luna's lieutenants.” She turned her head away, ears flattened.

Starstep reached out to set his hoof on her trembling one. “I don't think it is. You're just honest. I'm as scared as you are of whatever that thing was. I really don't think anypony, save the Princesses, would walk away from that terror unaffected.”

A crash of lightning and sudden thunder caused all of the ponies to jump. Star and Dazzle shared a surprised look then laughed softly as Lighthoof tumbled off his stool. They helped him back upright, dusting off the debris from his coat, to which he simply groaned and grumbled a bit then returned to his nap on the table-top.

Dazzle looked out the window again, turning away as the streets lit up in lightning again. “I don't want to go back out there.”

“Gotta go home sometime.”

She didn't answer, looking out into the near blackness that the street-lamps barely penetrated in the gusting rain. “It's rather foalish. Me, a Night-Guard, and I'm suddenly afraid of the dark.”

“No, Dazzle. It's not the dark we're afraid of.” He gently touched the feather at his chest. “Luna is the night, I don't have any reason to fear it. It's what could be in it that we're terrified of.”

She thought on it for long moments as she stared out that window before giving a faint nod, her eyes returned to him. “You have a lot of faith in her. Despite what we've been through, she didn't tell you anything.”

“She will when she's ready. We may be married now, but Luna is Luna. Me trying to get anything out of her that she doesn't want to tell, would be like an Earthpony moving the moon. Besides, I trust her.”

Dazzle smiled at that. “Truly, she is a lucky pony.”

Starstep chuckled. “Despite all the madness I've gone through, she's my dream, my love. I'd walk through Tartarus itself if she needed me to.”

The unicorn sipped her coffee and nodded. “I believe I see where you get your strength. I must say, I'm quite envious.”

“I'sh woul'nsh be shoo 'nvaous.” Lighthoof slurred. “Shell her 'boush da sime she shurned you insho a presshee pony. Hahahaha...shoo presshee.”

The pegasus coughed lightly into his hoof and looked away embarrassed.

Lighthoof lifted his head, wavering about on his stool. “Or, 'boush da sime she gave yah shash harsh-on and yah bucked mah mare-friendsh wish me shoo gesh ridsh of ish.”

“Yeah, I think that's enough, Light.” He grinned shyly at Dazzle. “Please, ignore his ramblings.”

The unicorn put a hoof to her muzzle and gave a soft laugh. “I would if I could understand him. With all due respect, his Manehatten accent gets rather strong when he's drunk.”

Thunder boomed just as the front door opened, a cloaked pony swept in as the rumbled died, water streaming from her hood as she pulled it back. “Oy, Henry, right nasty brew. Usual tah go if yah please.” She greeted the barkeep. Star recognized her sand colored mane and soft brown coat, raising a hoof to wave at the unicorn-mare.

“Hey Sandy.”

His call caught her swiveling ears before she turned her head to locate the shout. Upon seeing him, her face lit up and the mare trotted over with a grin. “'ello, love. Surprised tah find yah here.”

“Ah, well, wife kicked me out for the night.” He gave a lop-sided smile.

She gave a soft giggle. “I'd heard yah hitched up with 'er highness. All us guards got ah briefin' on it. Congrat's.” She glanced from the semi-conscious Lighthoof to the curious Dazzle, extending a hoof to the other unicorn. “Don't believe we've met. I'm Sandy.”

The yellow unicorn shook the offered hoof. “I'm Dazzle, I'm a Night-Guard.”

“Well, nice tah meet 'nother guard.” She watched as Lighthoof put his head back down, her eyebrow raising. “Seem yah got in some fine drinkin'.”

Star nodded. “Yeah, orders from the Princess to unwind.” He looked out the window at the storm. “But I'm not going to enjoy hauling Light's rump all the way back up that hill to the fortress in this mess.”

“Well, if yah got nowhere yah have ta be, my place be just 'round tah corner. Was just poppin' in to nick a pie. I've a right comfy futon for you lot to crash. Seein' as we're all guards and all, no strangers here, eh?”

He pondered it for a moment, imagining the long climb back up to the fortress with Lighthoof's drunk-weight. He looked to Dazzle. “How do you feel about it?”

“Well...” She looked up at the other mare. “I don't want to impose.”

“Nah, it's no prob. Star here owes me a right favor anyway.”

At that, Dazzle's eyebrow rose.

Starstep coughed. “Well, the Princess said she'd be busy until morning, I guess it would be fine. Thanks, Sandy.”

“Pleasure is all mine, love.”

One wet walk down the block later and Sandy led the way into her cozy townhouse on the corner. It was a simple two story brick structure, easy to overlook amongst the other Spurlin buildings. Thunder boomed as Sandy shut the door tight behind Star as he managed to drag Lighthoof's stumbling body out of the downpour. The living-room was simple with just a couch and a loveseat made of matching beige fabric resting on worn hardwood. The candles around the walls in the candelabras added a very cozy old-world feel to the place. All of them lit from Sandy's magic as she had let them in. Dazzle was standing in the living-room next to the couch, glancing about at the paintings on the walls. Star followed her example, noticing almost all of them were of either royal-like figures or guard-ponies in armor. Vibrant colors, pure and saturated with bold strokes. He particularly liked the slightly abstract version of Luna and Celestia on the far wall.

After rubbing down his and Light's coat with a donated towel from Sandy, he toppled the drunk pegasus over onto the couch. “Well, never let it be said that Lighthoof is not true to his word.”

He turned to find Dazzle smirking and Sandy giggling. “I really appreciate you letting us crash for a bit, Sandy. That storm came out of nowhere.”

“Oy, no prob, love. We get those wild storms from griffin territory from time to time. Right sneak up on you, they will.” Rolling thunder accented her words as the rain pounded the windowpanes.

Dazzle slipped up onto the matching loveseat next to the couch, towel draped around her neck after ruffling her short pale-blue mane dry. “Tell me about it. I got caught in one while on my way to a wedding a few months back. Needless to say, I didn't present the ideal image of a lady with my dress half-hiked up my backside and soaked from the wind and rain. I fear they thought I was some crazy pony.” The mares shared a laugh.

“Hang on a sec, I'll brew up a pot.” Sandy nodded to her guests before trotting around the half-wall that separated the living-room from the kitchen area. While she used her magic to clank about in her cookware, Star took a moment to admire the paintings a little more.

Hanging over the couch was an oil painting of two Earthpony Sun-Guard in their pristine gold armor, the painter taking extra effort to show the lighting flares from the edges of the plate. It was subtle, but the curves of the bodies told him it was a mare and stallion, striking a heroic pose side-by-side with the Trottingham city flag flying in the background. A fairly patriotic piece. Over against the wall nearest the door was another oil of a sun-guard with her helm off, the pegasus laying out on the edge of some rampart, possibly the fortress. She smiled towards the viewer with half-lidded eyes, one fore-leg propped up on her helm, her sword in her teeth. It was an odd mix of 'come-hither' and 'I'm a bad-ass'. Star wasn't sure if he was suppose to be attracted to her, or intimidated.

After a few minutes, their host returned with a pot and mugs already filled to the brim with steaming dark liquid. Star accepted his, blowing across the top before taking a cautious sip. Tea. He raised an eyebrow at the strong, slightly bitter brew.

Dazzle sipped hers and blinked in recognition. “Griffon Tea?” She sipped again. “Daggerbeak brew if I'm not mistaken.”

“Right you are. They make some O' tah best.” She sipped hers, setting it back down on the saucer. “So, Star, seein' as you're here al'eady. Fancy repayin your debt tonight?”

The pegasus nearly spit his tea. “What, here, now?”

She laughed. “No, yah bugger, upstairs in me bedroom. Shouldn't take more than a few hours.” She glanced at Dazzle. “Assumin' yah don't mind me snaggin' 'im away from yah.”

“No, please. Not at all. Far be it from me to get in the way of settling a debt.” She smiled sweetly.

“Oy, right nice of yah.” She gestured to the closet. “Some blanket's and books there. Couch folds out if yah be feeling tired.” She smirked at the dozing Lighthoof. “Assuming yah can move that lug. More tea in tah pot and I think I gots some biscuits in the jar in tah kitchen. Please, make yourself at home, love.”

Dazzle smiled at the unicorn as Sandy started up the stairs, magic carrying her tea-cup. “Thank you, Sandy. I'll be fine. Enjoy yourself.”

The brown mare laughed. “Oh, I most certainly will.” She looked over her shoulder at the bewildered colt. “Well, come on. I can't do this by myself.”

Star watched her climb the rest of the stairs and looked to Dazzle. “I...Um...this is kinda unexpected. Sorry, I really do owe her big time for saving my tail the other night.”

She smirked. “I know, we were briefed about watching out for Sasha after that incident. Go on, it's ok. I'll look after our drunken colt here. Have a good time.” She gestured with a hoof to send him on his way.

He took a deep breath and exhaled before climbing the stairs, trepidation rolling in his belly. It was so sudden, was Luna's sexual exhaustion gone? What could this mare ask him to do? Were Luna's suggestions about Sandy being into dominated true? For that matter, did Luna give him the ok to be with her? He racked his brains a few moments, his slight buzz making it hard to focus on a moment of permission.

Before he knew it, he'd climbed stairs and was standing at Sandy's open bedroom door. It was a simple room, a queen sized bed tucked into a corner with a flickering candle next to it on a nightstand. The cream colored sheets and blankets jumbled and unmade. There was a double-hinge window at the back of the room with an area large enough for a pony to stand in front of it. More of the paintings similar to the ones downstairs lined the walls. Sandy's front half of her body was hidden to him as she rooted through what he figured was a closet. With a heavy exhale, he shut the door behind him and hoped he knew what he was doing.

“Listen, Sandy. I...I'm not sure I'm up to preforming too well tonight. It's been a really long day and I'm still a bit buzzed.” He looked away, a little embarrassed to admit his possible short-comings.

She giggled from behind the closet door, sounds of boxes been shuffled about. “That's awfully sweet O' yah tah admit it, but I'll be doing all the hard work, love. I'll handle everything.”

“Oh...uh...well.” He blushed at the thought, his wings twitching. “I mean, that's great...I think. I just don't want you to be too disappointed by my performance.”

The unicorn leaned her head around the door-frame and smirked. “All yah have tah do is lay there. Really, it's no big thing.” With that she returned to the closet, shuffling about, wiggling her rump to and fro as she hummed to herself.

Star watched her swaying, feeling his wings creep up. She was attractive enough, and the little dance was cute...he wondered if he could get Luna to do a dance for him. Luna...did she give him permission for this? He thought so, but was it right? She did say for him to unwind and Lighthoof always seemed relaxed after rutting. So why did he feel anything but relaxed? His gut twisted and rolled and he suddenly had the urge to leave. But...he did owe her.

The pegasus closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He hoped Luna's tips about her being a submissive were right. Cautiously, he walked towards her soft-brown rear, bouncing about to a tune she was humming. Was he suppose to jump right in, or was fore-play involved in this sort of thing? He really had no bucking idea what he was doing. He leaned in close, catching a whiff of her scent, then opened his mouth to nibble her cutie-mark when she halted suddenly.

Sandy giggled, a fore-hoof coming to her mouth as she looked over her shoulder at the colt in mid-bite. “As flattered as I am, I must ask what yer doing?”

“I...um...that is...Luna said you were submissive, and I thought this was how I was suppose to start repaying the favor?” He blushed and scooted back a step.

Sandy tilted her head quizzically. “Princess Luna said I was a submissive? No, love. I'm quite the dominant in a relationship.”

He puzzled on that for a moment. Did Luna actually say it was Sandy who liked all those things? He couldn't remember. “So...what should I do?”

“Do?” She looked at his half-risen wings then started laughing. “Oy, I see.” With a flourish of magic she pulled paint-brushes of various sizes from her closet, spinning them about Star's head. “Yah thought I wanted a romp with yah tah repay the favor?” She winked. “Cheeky thing. No, I wanted tah paint yah. I love paintin' guards and royals.”

Star felt his cheeks flush red and his wings and ears dip in embarrassment. “I'm...oh...I'm so sorry, Sandy.”

The mare giggled, stepping out of her closet to give him a peck on the cheek. “It's very kind of yah tah consider doing that with me, love. Really. But yer not my type, sorry.” Her magic pulled out a prop pegasus sword and a rather decorative black vest from a box, setting them on the bed. “I just want to paint a heroic image of our stunning new prince, though at the time yah was just a consort to the Princess.” She patted his cheek. “Aww, don't be disappointed, love. If yah really want to romp, I'm certain we can work something out. Dazzle seems tah like yah.” She winked.

The pegasus let out a breath and chuckled to himself. “I suppose I'm relieved. No offense to you, Sandy, you're a beautiful mare, but Luna is really the pony I want to be with.”

“That love, is very sweet.” She smiled and gave a nod. “I believe a change is in order...” With that, her magic swept up the sword and vest and replaced it with a fake rose and a black halter with silver studs. “I shall call it, Starstep the Romantic.”

True to her word, it did take Sandy a few hours to paint him. She left the background untouched, claiming she'd add it in later and refused to let Star see the unfinished painting. All the while, thunder rumbled and shook the house, wind howled and rain pattered on the windows. Surprisingly, sitting still to be painted in such conditions was surprisingly calming. He always was a sucker for a good rainstorm. The soft candles had lulled him into a daze as he laid out in his 'come-hither' pose for Sandy, eyes half lidded, a fake rose in his mouth, halter around his head. It was odd, but soothing.

Once the unicorn yawned and put aside her brushes, she used her magic to pull the halter off and massaged his tense face and neck muscles briefly. He was thankful for that, as sitting in one position caused them to tighten.

Finished for the night, she bid him a good evening and retired to her room as he crept downstairs in the near-darkness. Only a single candle on the half-wall partition was lit. He made out the shape of the futon in the shadows, slipping around the back of the couch to find Dazzle curled up next to the snoring Lighthoof. He sighed at his friend, pushing his shoulder just enough to tilt the other pegasus and stop the sounds. Star pulled one edge of the blanket back and slipped up on the other side of the mattress, giving a soft sigh as the thunder rolled outside.

Long minutes passed and as he felt himself beginning to drift off, something warm cuddled up to his side. Puzzled, he blinked away his sleepiness, glancing down to find the yellow unicorn snuggling into his side. “Dazzle?”

“Hold me...please.” She whispered, her body trembling against his.

Concerned, the colt pulled her close with one fore-leg, now near enough to hear her soft sniffing. He tilted her chin up with his other hoof, noting the wetness on her cheeks in the candlelight. “What's wrong?”

“I'm sorry, I'm such a foal crying like this...but I close my eyes and...I can...I can...sense it reaching for me.” Her body shivered violently against his. “I can feel it's cold breath. I'm terrified. I shouldn't be, I live in the night, but I'm afraid.”

“Shhh...it's ok, Dazzle.” He rocked her as he would a foal, stroking her short mane and wondering if there was anything he could say to her to calm her nerves. But there was nothing. He wanted to assure her that she was safe...but even he didn't feel completely safe. So, instead he continued rocking the mare and petting her mane and ears. Thankfully, it seemed to help and the frazzled unicorn stopped shivering, the tension in her body gradually diminished and eventually she dozed off in his fore-legs, head tucked against his chest.

What he didn't want to tell her was he felt something in the room watching them from the far-corner. He was terrified to roll over and look, afraid of what might stare back. But as long as it was content to stay and watch, he was content to ignore it. He suspected that Luna's warning held a lot of truth. But it watched and waited as the minutes and hours ticked by, a shadow within a shadow, staring at his back as he held the sleeping mare protectively in his hooves, causing the hair on the back of his neck to gradually stand. Without Luna here, it was up to him to protect the ponies during the night. In a sense, they were his subjects now. The thing knew, and so it waited, and watched...

BAM BAM BAM!

The jarring noise of a heavy hoof on the door shocked Star upright and startled Lighthoof from his sleep with a snort. Dazzle glanced about in near-panic, huddling into his hooves. He twisted his neck to look over at the half-wall, noting the candle had long since burned out. Rain still gusted against the windows and thunder rumbled overhead. He had no idea what hour it was.

BAM BAM BAM!

Whoever was at the door wanted them to answer urgently. Star glanced at the corner he suspected all night but found nothing looking back. He wasn't sure if he was relieved or not. He took Dazzle by the shoulders. “Hey, it's ok, just someone at the door. We're ok, alright?”

She nodded, taking one of the pillows to hold as he slid from the futon and trotted across the living-room to the front door. He closed one eye to look into the peep-hole, noting a single pony in the dark streets. He sighed. “Dazzle, I need a light.” She nodded, her horn glowing briefly, summoning a shimmering golden orb over his head. He took a breath to steady his nerves and yanked the door open as the pony outside raised his hoof again.

Star looked up as the light fell across the drenched features of the massive pony. His deep-blue, almost black mane was plastered to his body and face, partially obscuring his smoldering bronze eyes, his silvery coat glinting in the flickering magic orb.

“Mister Starstep.” Steelhoof rumbled. “We have a problem.”