In the dark confines of her chamber, where the void like walls were littered with pulsating lights, was a single dark alicorn working the evening away. Not for the sake for her royal duties, nor was it for her subjects who would see her work; it was for the simple practice of leisure.

Without her night themed regalia, she was free to be who she wanted to be. An artist; inspired by her work amongst the stars, she quickly took to the hobby without missing a single beat. Much like her sister, she craved for the successful transfer of her mental creativity to the blank canvas before her.

Similar to a writer, each stroke had to be carefully added, and each tone had to be just righ to capture the moment. The message had to be clear, much like the drawn outlines of the image before the Mistress of the night.

A project she had been working on for a meeting amongst her favoured subjects, however it was not that she cared for them more, it was merely that she found their embrace more refreshing. This would be, as well as the rest of the collection, a gift in return to their kindness.

That, and the fact she promised the rest of the ponies better pictures than what last year’s ‘artists’ presented at Bronycon.

She stepped back, bringing the paintbrush and pallet with her in a grasp of navy aura. Studying the picture, she was content with letting the vibrant grass lands dry, before moving onto the four dark figures standing tall.

Well except the shorter pony-tailed one.

Setting the entire image down in a storage cupboard built into her wall, levitating it with an ethereal grasp, she closed the door ready to move on to her secret version. One she would die before revealing, never the less felt compelled to complete. From under the bed slid another canvas, draped over by velvet cloth, and was soon hovering before her. Removing the cover, she whims-fully looked upon her guilty pleasure.

Her and a large stallion; he was dark and mysterious as the midnight sky. Bearing wings, hoof bands and shades, nuzzling her affectionately. Relieved to be not the first pony to paint such pictures, she continued shading the dark meadow beneath them. She knew that this was just an innocent thought, a pondering of what could happen in some alternate universe, nothing more than a plagued image that would not leave her alone. She knew it was nothing serious.

Occasionally, however, she didn’t mind.

The broad strokes defined the single black rose clenched between his teeth, as she amused herself with this well-kept secret.

“Almost complete, soon I can be at rest with the images you taunt me with Shadow. I only have to think of what your cutie mark could possibly be.” She pondered, wondering how to capture a perfect symbol of her beloved character. Still unable to deduce the talent stamp, she returned it to its secluded resting place. Taking a moment to look back, she was reminded of some of the other ponies’ not so…innocent works of art.

“I can’t believe so many would go so far as to portray such vulgar acts. Worst visit to Hoofington it has ever been my displeasure to be a part of.” She chided to herself, cringing as pornographic images flooded her mind. “I’m glad I put a hole in that library; terrible curating, disgusting stories, although ‘The Prince and I’ was a brilliant romance novel and had the decency to miss out the coitus, those other images shall forever rot in Tartarus.” She remarked, harrumphing to no pony in particular.

Before she could prepare for her compulsory duty, a flash of blazing light erupted spontaneously and with it fell a scroll upon her bed. Bearing the celestial seal, she made haste to read it.

Luna.

I require the Species altering spell ASAP. Do not question why; all will be revealed shortly.

Wait until my duties are over before you to arrive, as we must be careful how we handle this situation. Please withhold all urges as we meet in the library Ponyville at sunset.

You are not going to want to miss this, but please note it will be difficult to restrain yourself.

I can barely contain my fan-mare side at the moment.

Your ever loving sister

Celestia

Confused, but with new found purpose, she made her way out of her chamber. She stepped into the brighter hallway, eyes adjusting to the inbound light rays, as she made her way towards the Library.

“What ever could she mean?” she mumbled to herself, recalling the whereabouts of the powerful tome.

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“Frank? Are you sure that this will work?”

“That depends, do you plan on switching it on today or never at all?” the man replied, slumping into the self-righted couch before the TV. His fingers had been punctured numerous times, some resulting in three fingers in need of plasters, however the majority were minor injuries and quickly stopped secreting tiny crimson spots.

“No need to be snarky, I told you to let me handle the wiring, but you had to be such a Frank.” The unicorn retorted, slipping into a common slang term. He arched an eyebrow, summoning an explanation that it meant to be full of pride and wind up hurting yourself.

She finished by saying the definition came from watching him and his friends on the television. To be exact it came about when upon the end of the first season, where Frank devised a machine to increase gold production. The results landed him in hospital with every bone broken, and whilst still smothered by his cast, the Prince could only say ‘it sounds like him, he’s such a Frank.’ The fact that he couldn't be identified, told him how severe his injuries were at the time.

“I told you not to do that. I am not a cartoon character.” He stated, shooting her a deathly glance. She waved it off, and continued.

“I think I know a cartoon character when I see one bro, you should not be real.” She stated in a matter-of-fact tone. She hopped behind her turn tables, used her magic to drink out of a bottle of Coca-Coltla, before he responded.

“Well how do you explain my physical form, the way I interact with the environment around me? More so, why do still retain my memories? I have a childhood, I have a mother and father, therefore was born. I think, therefore I am.” He added, ending with philosophical look and folding his arms over. He had removed the jacket, long after he felt it restrain his movements.

“Dude, I have no idea.” She shrugged and started flipping switches, “All I know is that you pal, are not meant to be here.” His face deadpanned, catching her eye.

“Thank you for that wonderful insight. I was starting to believe the human hunters wanted to offer me a house in the prairie, and not the ones seen on TV either.” He retorted, before focusing on the mercury ‘earth’ pony walking in with a third helping of tea. Plate between her teeth, she had to resort to settling it down upon the floor.

“Mint is all we have left I’m afraid.” She interjected, earning an appreciative nod from the man.

“That will do, for now.” He replied, aggravating her slightly with his grin. He had been winding her up, and watching her spin, all evening. Although he was sure to compliment her whenever he felt the need to, he wasn’t a complete jerk towards her. He only threw the odd comment here and there about her home’s décor, or her flank to her resentment, every now and then to even out his otherwise kind nature.

“I couldn’t help but hear your conversation, and can’t help but agree with Vinyl. You are not meant to exist.” She stated, hoping onto the only other empty space: next to him, to her blessing.

“We know what mythological means thank you very much, I was saying that I am alive.” He stated, bringing up a portion of refreshing brew to his knee. Whilst the hot tea cup rested on his lap, the mare next him eloquently sipped some of the fluid up.

“I was testing to see if you are at average intelligence level, you have only proved otherwise so far.” She remarked, before pointing at his wounded fingers.

“Touché, anyway I am alive and very much real. As are my friends, and you can start calling us actual real live sentient beings. Or if you prefer legends will suit me just fine.” He smiled at the thought, before bringing the beverage to his lips.

“Then tell us something we don’t know about Frank, or you if you’re really him.” The DJ was almost done setting up her equipment. The monster equipment, labelled ‘Little Wubsy’, was waiting to be put through his paces after finally being repaired.

He pondered over this for a while, testing to see what would actually not be seen, deemed irrelevant to entertainment purposes suitable for this ‘show’, and convince them he was actually real.

“My middle name is Joules, I am blood type A+, and can play the violin with my tongue. I also broke my spine when I was a teenager, but was lucky enough not to sever the cord.” He stated, slowly switching focus between the two mares. Whilst Octavia could not vouch for the information, given she was not interested in the show, Vinyl had difficulty believing it was true.

“Come on, you could be making that up.” He had it, he was no longer going to live with this inane debate following him where ever he went.

“Look,” he commented raising his injured hand, “I am alive and real. I know because I think and feel. I am more than complex biology, not a product of ancient pony dreams. Look, if you cut me do I bleed?” he asked, extending his hand out towards Vinyl in the corner.

She glanced at the hand, recalling the times he hissed curse words upon damaging himself. It was true, and Octavia could see this also.

Humans are real, whether or not that was due to the sudden turn of event was to be the next matter. However, they thought to let that slide for now as he asked for them to put the topic at rest.

“So are you going to try it out or what?” he stated, finishing his tea. “That was lovely Octavia, much like your hind quarters.” he stated inspecting the bottom of his empty cup. “Same can’t be said about the colours in this room, however." He heard a low growl to his side, signalling his success.

“Okay love birds, calm it down.” Vinyl was met with two fierce stares, much to her amusement. “Okay let’s put this baby to the test.” She slowly raised her hooves, poised like a ninja, and paused to face a worried mare announcing her concerns.

“Scratch, I think you can wait until morning, it’s getting dark.” Octavia suggested, concerned for her ears and the rest of the sleeping town.

“I also think you should lower the setting, I’ve added a lot more kick to this thing.” Frank added, eyeing up the device. He was hit hard by the previous comment like a freight train, as a revelation entered his mind via his hand slapping his head.

“I gotta go.” he added in a serious tone. He put the cup down and moved to the window. Checking the surroundings, he then began to head towards the door, grabbing his jacket on the way out.

“Where are you going?” Octavia questioned, curiosity laced in her voice.

He turned around, standing between the door and the staircase. He explained he would be meeting his squad at a rendezvous point nearby shortly, then they would be finding a way home, They argued for him to stay longer, allowing the night to fully take its toll on drowsy ponies. However, he was reluctant succumb to their reasoning, claiming his Prince needed him.

The slight use of profanity won the argument for him.

“Thank you by the way.” He gave a small smile of gratitude, before facing the cellist. “I may not have been the ideal guest,” he stated earning a snort from the focus of his attention, “but I meant every word I said that was complimentary. I guess being lost here and helpless, not to mention cutting myself a few times, didn’t exactly help my mood. Never the less I shouldn’t have been rude. It was just a coping mechanism.” He gave an apologetic look as his hand rubbed the back of his head, repeatedly bumping into the base of his ponytail.

“It’s alright bro, we understand, right Tavi?” the alabaster unicorn gave a smile to her roommate opposite her, who was only staring back at the man. She still had a neutral look, but arched an eyebrow.

“Even when you continuously commented about the desirable nature of my derrière? Was that all true?” she asked, refilling a cup of tea. He spotted she was trying to hide a smirk when her lips dipped moments before the teacup obscured them.

“I’ll let you decide that one,“ he said slyly, lowering her eyebrow in the process. “However, Mrs Octavia, Vinyl Scratch, thank you for being great hostesses. Now I must leave you; I have a job to do.” Frank began to twist the door knob, a though about how ponies could do this crossed his mind as the door slowly opened. However the thought was put aside once the DJ spoke up.

“Hey don’t be a stranger; if you need badass beats, or something classical, hit us up.” chirped Vinyl.

“Well don’t physically please. Remember what happened last time one of you did that?” Octavia quipped, before smiling at the man. “And it is Miss Octavia.”

“Like I care, tell that to the stallions.” He responded, before relating to how the use of her flank could be used as an advertisement board.

“Goodbye Frank.”

“See you when I see you Octavia.” He replied, stepping out into the cold unknown.

The snow white pony was bamboozled, especially when the only other occupant seemed content with his insulting remark. The mare in question seemed more at ease, happily settling into her couch and finally drinking a new cup of homemade mint tea.

“Did I miss something?”

“Yes, yes you did. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Like the way I missed out on telling him to fix your cello? Or better yet the roof?”

“… Oh for Celestia’s sake.”

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Pained, groggy, and feeling the wrath of a mental assault, Prince Albert’s mind slowly returned to him. Along the way, it made sure to make him away of the intense migraine, beating in time to the rhythm of his heart. Opening his eyes, he spied the blurry room he was once thrown into.

Still smothered by violet; the theme of the colour followed around, until he spied a white blob heading towards him. The fading light of closing his eyes soon rectified his vision upon opening them.

He realised it was pony; four hooves were the first focused things for him to see. At least he could confirm he was not being interrogated as he brought his hands freely to his eyes to rub them softly. He had a feeling he also knew who this particular pony was.

“Hello? Are you feeling fine?” Her voice soothed his mind as it glided through his ears.

“Let’s check, long legs,” he stated, starting to raise his head after looking at her horse shoes, “lovely divine white chest,” he pointed out upon coming to the breast plate, “wondrous wings,” he added as he reached the neck, “and a heavenly smile.” He added, causing a smile to sprout on her worried face. The more she fought it, the bigger it grew.

“You must be my guardian angel; yes I am more than fine now.” He finished grinning.

Oh my, he is exactly like the way I always imagined him being. I could get used to this, hehe; I can’t believe I’m actually talking with Prince Albert! And he’s flirting with me! Celestia mentally noted, restraining the urge to unleash her fan-mare-ish squeal.

“That is wonderful news; I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to finally meet you.” she replied, turning to face the door behind her. “He is fine, you can come in now.” Turning back to face him, she spotted him slowly rising out of his chair.

“Please, sit down. I’d imagine you’ve been through a lot in recent times.” Celestia spoke softly, attempting to make a vague assumption about the truth, she already knew about. He saw through it, as what the little orange pegasus said to him returned to his mind.

“I know you know what I’ve been through. I would prefer you to simply not lie to me.” He stood at eye level, head to head with the alicorn, he gave slight frown in disappointment.

“Err…what do you mean?” she replied, backing up out of the room. She was happy he was walking, she was giddy that it Prince Albert, but if he tried to attack her she wouldn’t hesitate to render him unconscious once more.

“The little filly, she knows more about me than anyone should know.” He eased his frown up, following her towards the door. “I only ask that you be completely honest with me.” he added, grimacing as a sudden bolt of pain shot up his back.

“Very well I shall inform you, all of you, of what the current situation is in this world. Be warned however, you will not like the truth.” She turned around and headed out of the door, disappointed to not be on pleasant terms with him.

“Thank you. Now, I think proper introductions are in order.” He stated walking back into a more familiar room. The light from the candles started irritate his eyes, but he could make out the ponies of the library, Miss Rarity whose eyes shone upon his entrance, and new addition.

She shied away, hiding under her hat. Her apricot fur seemed unfazed by the illumination of the candle’s flame, unlike the other coats that seemed to be tainted by its glow.

His spirits heightened after being reacquainted with Hank. The giant grinned, extending a hand to greet him. Both held a vice grasp, pulling each other closer to bump shoulders.

“I see you survived the assault, with little injuries as well.” The Princess spied a hovering pegasus, cyan and rainbow haired, moving towards them.

“I was fine, turns out we’re celebrities here, sort of.” he responded, pointing towards the Princess.

“Yeah, I gathered. So care to explain how I came to be unconscious?”

Before the titan could explain, Rainbow Dash interrupted the conversation.

“Applejack thought you were going to hurt her sister, Applebloom, so she kind of bucked into next week. Or Rarity’s back room.” she stated, looking over his shoulder. The giant only shrugged and nodded, losing the smile he had from meeting his lord.

Applejack however, was also not very pleased with the speedster pointing out her mistake, an honest one, but with painful results.

“I will come round to that but first I we should get to know each other better. Starting with you my dear.” He turned his head to face Celestia, earning a momentary look of surprise.

He stepped forward, ignoring the pain in his side, and stopped before her.

Is he?

“My lovely lady of white.” He added, already earning rolling eyes from Hank, Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

I think he is.

“I am Prince Albert, Diarch of Primane.” He knelt down upon the carpeted floor, gently raised her hoof, and landed a brief kiss just passed the horse shoe. Whilst both he, and Hank, was not looking at her, she gave the librarian and the racer a large smile. Both were tittering quietly as she recomposed herself; she may have looked the part but her mind was screaming like a true humare.

“Why thank you. I am Princess Celestia, Diarch of Equestria.” She gave a bow before her equal in authority, well he would have been had his land been real. “It is very nice to meet you Prince Albert.” The two shared a happy smile, then he realised he had forgotten one key fact. He couldn’t see Shadowman.

“Where is Shadowman?” He was met with an awkward silence. He spied the Pink one from before spring out of her seat and land before him.

“He went to get Hank.” she chirped, pointing towards the front door. He spied the door, perfectly repaired, and sitting calmly as if it wasn’t face down hours ago.

“You mean Frank.” The brother corrected, scowling at the cotton candy party pony.

“Oh silly me, Frank’s the one who likes to play ‘Mr Grumpy pants’.” she stated, slapping her hoof against her forehead. “You’re the one who likes to play ‘Throw the cart’.”

“They were only slowing us down, besides I cleared up the traffic.” The tank replied, folding his arms.

“Well I know Shadowy likes to play hide and seek . If he can’t find Frank, then nopony can’t. Well maybe me, but it is only my third favourite game.” She added, earning a curious look form her lavender friend.

“What is your favourite game them Pinkie Pie?” she asked, moving closer to the group.

“Spin the bottle. That always brings a smile on a pony’s face. Well mostly colts, and a few mares, I can’t think why though.” The ponderous pink pony was further confused by the immediate facehoof, and palm, of a few individuals.

“So…um… are you okay? Do you need more of Zecora’s medicine?” The timid butter pegasus asked, stepping out of the corner of the room. She saw how discomforted his walk was, the way he jerked with every step. Both the caretaker's and the Prince's face soured recalling the smell of the putrid concoction.

“I will be fine, I have survived worse. Although his comes pretty close, I can walk it off. Now about my attacker.” The entire group turned to face the farm pony, still hiding behind her hat. She flicked it up, sheepishly glancing at him and the rest.

Thankfully she had sent her sister home, along with the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, because she sensed a long talk coming her way.

Her azure friend glared at her, expecting some sort of apology attempt. However it was when the Princess nodded, holding a reassuring smile that she began to talk.

“Ah’m sorry I bucked yer.” she spoke, rubbing the back of her head; she gave him an apologetic look before continuing. “Ah thought you were going to hurt mah sister is all, and I didn’t know you were friendly like.”

He stepped forward, knelt down in front of her, and wore an emotionless mask. He saw the worry in her eyes build up, but evaporated slowly as he smiled warmly.

“It is okay, I understand. You wanted to protect your sibling; I would do the same for my younger brother. Perhaps next could you just ask first before almost breaking my spine?” he suggested, chuckling slightly as she winced. He reassured her that he was returning to fit condition, but the guilt still hung there.

He planned to do the royal introduction, however, he only got as far as getting her name before she stopped him completing the tradition. She wasn’t one for this sort of treatment, and politely asked for him not to bother. He was more than happy to keep the peace and left it at that.

“So, Princess, what happens now?” Albert asked the other royal Equine.

“We find the rest of your kind, who should be regrouping by Twilight’s library if I’m correct.” She glanced over to Hank, who was rooting had his hands in his combat pants and was now resting against the wall.

Despite the numerous times the fashionista asked him not to. Now she only glared at the side of his head.

“That’s what Shadowman said. It’s nice to know you guys were going to rescue me. I’m touched.” He remarked, switching focus to Albert.

“We were planning on rescuing you, just when we had the element of surprise.” He responded, folding his arms.

“You mean when you were safe right?”

“Possibly, likely, maybe.” the Prince responded, rotating his hand around, earning a grin from the behemoth.

“Well I think we should meet up with Shadowman. He might be holding out in your library, Twinkle.” he suggested, glancing towards the purple pony.

“Twilight, actually, and yeah I think we should head back. It’s getting dark so we might be able to make it back without bumping into anypony.” The majority agreed, however one more eager to return than the others.

Celestia had a frightening epiphany, as she realised the sun was setting.

Her sister would soon be joining them shortly, but would be meeting Frank and (unfortunately for him) Shadowman first.

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The agreed rendezvous point wasn’t exactly the library; they were going to meet up at some point in the street at an unspecified time. Frank had been waiting for half an hour, watching form the alleyway as the neighbourhood lights were snuffed out for the night. The slow rise of the moon came into view above his intended destination.

The library was opposite him, down the road from the small passage. He leant against the wall, lighting a cigar found in his upper jacket pocket. The soft glow of a fine Handsterdanian cigar lifted his small sorrows as he checked the street before him. The plan was simple, follow a zigzag pattern through the alleyways leading to about halfway, before creeping along the left out carts.

It was simple, and yet, he felt something was waiting for him. Something was waiting for him to make the first move. Had this been two master minds caught in a battle of the wits in chess, or even the mundane unchallenging trail of ‘Jenga’, he would have boldly stepped out first. However, this was not his area of expertise, he was a support guy, opening locked doors and feeding critical information from afar.

He was out of his element, like Shadowman in a karaoke bar. Or that speed dating restaurant a couple of months back.

Paranoia took over as he glanced behind the alleyway he had silently edged through. Shadows forged by boxes and bins, the trodden newspapers and posters littered across the floor, and the closed window had remained in the same state since he last saw them.

He turned back to the street, taking in a refreshing drag of burning foreign tobacco. He sighed loudly, allowing the smoke to escape into the air before him. Without taking his eyes off the alleyway to the right of the street, he snuffed out the cigar by pressing it against the wall, and pocketed it for later.

“Better get moving before this town gives me the crazy.” he remarked to himself, stepping out before hearing the distinctive sound of heavy breathing. Frozen in place, he managed to crane himself around mid-step, and spot the source of the disturbance.

A pony: mint green coat, buzz saw mane, with a single white stripe, pinpoint amber eyes (from what he could tell), and a creeping grin, moving at the kind of pace that looks like an albino snake slowly slithering out of a hole. The pearly whites remained on show, even as she continued breathing as if she had finished a marathon.

“Crazy? Bonbon called me crazy, but what does she know, eh?” She crackled to herself, left eye twitching and stepping forward. He backed up accordingly. “You know, I never thought I’d meet you of all humans.” She continued, not taking those narrowed eyes off him.

“So I’ve been told. I thought it would be a good idea to share my charm with the rest of the world.” he replied instinctively, looking over his shoulder to see if the alley way was still there.

She giggled again, this time it was more innocent, which only made the situation more horrific.

“You’re still funny, even after your traumatic painfull death; I can’t wait to take you back home with me.” She edged closer; he still had the alley in sight.

“What? No dinner or a date, well you do seem like my type of girl. Say how about you go away and meet me here tomorrow?”

He kept on edging towards the alleyway. However, given that he was facing the mare he tripped over the cobbled curb. He took a moment to quickly glance at his only escape route; it must have appeared to be some form of twitch at the speed he performed it at.

However, she caught onto his slowly developing plan.

“Oh no no no noooo. My Big Human,- I always wanted to say that- you won’t be getting away so easily. I suppose dinner and a date isn’t such a bad idea after all.” she spoke, slowly lowering into a pouncing stance. Where amazement, and an unsettling amount of obsession, once rested a new face of anger and predatory gaze now sat.

The hunt was on.

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Shadowman was walking through the alley, resting his hands on his lower back to pop his spine. He mentally noted to never again be on the wrong side of that orange pony ever again. Even afterwards, when she apologised she scared him. It had been a while since anyone, who wasn’t given the satanic powers the pink blur possessed, has managed to sneak up upon him.

Let alone deliver an unexpected blow.

Still the past was the past, the events happened long ago he guess from the rising moon. He made his way over towards the library, recognising the same path he took to arrive at the boutique. Key milestones were the traces of cut rope, footprints in the mud, and finally the black jacket he used to temporally blind his pursuer.

Upon reaching the end of the side passage, gaining full view of the solid oak tree, he paused to check if the coast was clear on his side of the street. Peeking out, he only spied the windows of houses blacking out. He heard a mother wish her daughter goodnight, yanking more bitter memories from his mind. Not of his own mother, he couldn’t ever look to her with anything less than admiration.

It was one day, one moment, one minute, he could never forget.

Shaking his head lose free of an irrelevant past event, he double checked his surroundings. Accepting the fact the stone road was empty, he moved out of the dark. His trench coat seemed to want to cling onto the shadows, and remained outstretching slightly in the opposite direction to where he walked.

Hawk hazel eyes inspected the window of the library. Hoping to see his team mate scanning the collection of literature and knowledge, he was only met with a quiet sight. A single candle was lit, illuminating the empty large room he occupied hours ago. He could still see the chair he slept in until the Princess’ arrival.

Returning to the street, not willing to be caught off guard again, he paused on the spot. He was standing next to a sign of an open book, when he heard the distinct sound of a running flat footed man.

The phantom immediately recognised him as his cynical friend. Admittedly, he was relieved to him alive, but was instantly disheartened to see him running. He could only imagine that it meant another chase was on the way. To his surprise however, Frank stopped before him, panting like a dog that had ran in the sun.

“Well…it’s good… to know… you’re here.” He paused, checking behind him. “I might need that silver tongue of yours.” he remarked still gasping for air. The shaded face of his companion remained still as he looked over the arrivals shoulder.

Noticing a lack of danger, he raised an eyebrow slightly.

“There’s this pony, she’s crazy about us. Mostly me, but us all. She wants to keep us…from what I gathered anyway. She is incredible dangerous. She tried to catch me with magic a couple of times. You won't stand a chance.” He steadied his breathing rate after one final breath. His flustered cheeks revealed how out of shape his was, given that he only managed to run down the road.

“Seriously, she must have chased me for miles. She’s crazy!” he explained, refusing to reveal the origins of his chase, and yelling and causing him to flinch. Whilst he quickly scanned the area, his stealthy counterpart watched another window darken. Shadowman’s eyebrow rose further.

“I’m not joking! She…” his raging lecture mode was cut short by another voice. Sweet, calm, and hiding true emotion.

She found him.

“There you are. Come on now, play time’s over.” she stated.

“Gotta go, see you soon. Meet you back here in five.” Before the dark figure could inquire, silently off course, the man took off. Sprinting down the road, his footsteps echoed in the street, much like the hoof steps galloping past.

The mute spied an aqua mare, skidding to a halt. She then faced the man and charged for him. Preparing for another tackle, he was surprised a second time. This time it was to see how she stopped before him, beamed a smile, and then pointed a hoof at him.

“When I get Frank, you’re next.” she chirped, merrily smiling as she closed her eyes and tilted her head. Before he could process the warning, whoosh, she was gone. He watched the mint bullet take of down the road after his comrade.

He opened his mouth and raised his index finger, upon sighing his finger flopped before he massaged the bridge of his nose; at least when he was dying the world made sense.

He glanced up to the sky, seeking some form of familiarity. He got much more. A beautiful canvas, speckled with the thousands of small lights. He wished he could admire the alien sky a bit longer, but found he had wondered into the middle of the street. He took one last look at the moon, spying a unicorn head forming amongst the mile long craters.

It brought a smile, the night sky. This night sky. Not a huge one, something small like the sight he took for granted back home. A smile similar in size, to the little things he began to miss; his sharpening stone, night runs, collection of art, and the first master piece he ever appreciated and never lost interest in.

A starry night like this.

However, his musing was cut short when a large black blur bolted across the moon’s flat face. He tried to track it, but found its location impossible to lock onto, especially when he moved before under the tree for cover. Feeling an intense curiosity wash over him, he moved forward, and hoping to get a second glimpse of the flying missile. What he got was the return of the panting man.

A victorious grin on his face informed Shadow he had lost the pursuer, but the way he was sweating told him the genius hadn't ran so much since he was chased by a hydra three years ago. He also could remember the man promising to get fit.

The both knew how that turned out.

“Okay she’s gone, lets’ get inside before… another…crazy…” His lips continued to move, but no sound was being produced. Disregarding it as a chance to insult his mute method, Shadow man followed his companions gawking focus point.

“Oh, my goodness!” the dark human heard a voice squee behind him. Ridiculously close, he noted. Taking a moment to reminisce in his failure of trying to avoid being snuck upon, the man brought both palms to his face, and gently slid them down over his shades.

“You’re Shadowman!” He continued turning, also sharing a feeling of shock at the sight. She was indigo, merging with the darkening background. Same height, bearing a starlight mane, and letting it flow as free as the hidden breeze it rode on. The sapphire eyes widened, revealing small sparkles that twinkled like the stars above. The horn made him believe he had been discovered by a large unicorn. However, the slowly unfolding wings said otherwise.

“I cannot believe this! Tia has found a real live human, and it is you of them all.” she continued, bearing a grin Frank was all too familiar with.

Gulping, Shadowman stepped back into the street, raising his hands defensively. It was silent as recovering man watched the alicorn follow the assassin into the cold cobblestone road. He spied a small side bag, but then was quickly distracted by a voice he could do without hearing for the rest of the night.

“Oh you’re good. You may be smart Frank, but you can’t outsmart me.” He turned to see his stalker prowling towards him. Both humans locked eyes, before they conversed.

“Well at least mine’s a unicorn. Good luck mate, you’re probably going to need a lot of it. Heck you probably won’t make it, but best wishes anyway.” Frank spoke, backing of. The frown of the man he spoke to earned another giddy squeal from the newest addition to the hunt. The runner gave a quick nod, subtly revealing three fingers to his friend.

Okay…3. Frank noted, preparing his lungs for the next athletics session.

2, come on! You can do this! he mentally supported himself, seeing that his silent capadre was busy. Upon viewing the back of the library, he formulated a plan. Not an escape route, but something to buy him more time.

With a single finger left, he readied his legs, pointing both of them in his intended direction.

1. Do or die Frank. I choose die if anyone offers.