In a concealed grove outside of the small town of Ponyville Shannon walked. His steps were slow, and without meaning. It seemed like such a long time now that he had the chance to just wander about, as the last few weeks were filled with nothing but event after event, and it felt nice to him to just let his mind go blank. He soon noticed a small pond close to the forest's edge, and with the Dream Reaver cast over his shoulders, he stepped to the small shore. All his enemies were gone now, at least the ones he knew of directly. Those that outwardly opposed him, and his Goddess were just memories that could be left to be faded away if he so chose to. Yet he thought that it would be unwise to do so given the chance.

   His first thoughts went to Chaosia. She thought him to be a great threat to herself, and all those around her. He couldn't blame her really, he knew that she only desired the same as him, to protect her kind from some monster that she foresaw destroying everything she held dear. He could only imagine himself doing the exact same thing if the tables had been turned around, and Chaosia were in his place. He didn't regret doing what he had to do to insure that he made it back to his Worship's side. The small little mare fought well, and died fighting for a cause she believed to be true, and in the end, he thought that was as a good of a death as any one person deserved.

   Shadow Vein entered his mind next, and he couldn't help but laugh to himself. He found that he wasn't laughing at the thought of what Shadow Vein had become, more of what he was before hand. His memories took him back to that one night; the night where he assumed all this had began. He chuckled again as he remembered how Shadow Vein was paying more attention to the passing mares on the street than he was his own duties. How he had never heard of what a prostitute was, or how to approach one if he did know. He couldn't blame the undersized stallion much either. This place, this world, it was full of power, yet it was power that had to be born with in your blood, or seized from those around you. Shadow Vein could have been a powerful Unicorn. One that could have served his Moon Goddess well for many years. He just wanted to much, to fast, and he tried to take it from those that were all to well prepared to defend against such advances. The whole ordeal did frustrate him to a degree however. Shadow Vein was indeed powerful, but very dumb, and inexperienced in how the ways of the world worked. If he would have just come to him from the very start, Shannon imagined he could have had a partner that would guarantee that nothing could stop him from performing his duties as a Dark Guardsmen.

   Shannon felt himself starting to get a bit flustered at the thoughts in his head. Images of what was, what could have, and should have been. Different scenarios playing out over, and over again of how each encounter went. He scoffed to himself about the things that were said, all the things that should have been said. He even started going over each step in his combat tactics, every action replaying in his head, and how they could have been more efficient if he had performed them just ever so slightly another way. It was then, when his frustration was about to elevate to outright anger, that he saw the reflection of the Moon in the still pond's water. He slowly bent his head upwards, and let a long smile come over his lips as he looked up at the bright celestial body. He felt all the anxiety washing out of him as the soft beams of light came pushing themselves gently into his eyes, and once more, he felt at peace as he came to realize that all the things he had done, he had done for her, and would do them exactly the same way if he was given the opportunity.

      "It's beautiful. Isn't it?" Luna said, referring to the Moon that her Human mate was looking so intently at as she came to a soft landing just a few yards from where Shannon was standing. She started walking slowly up to him, and even though he did not turn to face her. She could almost feel the smile on his lips as she heard a single low chuckle come from his direction.

   "Yes," Shannon answered as he turned only his head to view the approaching Alicorn. "You are." This made Luna get a slight look of embarrassment on her muzzle as she turned her head to the side with her eyes moving towards the ground. She continued to walk towards him, and as soon as she was close enough, she reached up with an outstretched neck and planted a deep kiss onto Shannon's thin lips. Shannon was quick to return his Goddess's affections, doing so by leaning down just a bit to relieve some of the strain she must have had to reach him completely. Luna then broke away slowly, and nuzzled her head into his chest while letting out a content sigh.

   "You left so quickly from the little party that had been set up." Luna said as she pushed herself a little deeper into his body as she felt his hand come up and start to caress itself through her flowing ethereal mane.

   "Yes well, Devan has always been the one able to deal with social gatherings. I have had little need for them. Besides, when the happy music came on, and the locals insisted on dancing," he stopped there a moment to let an annoyed laugh come out. "Let's just say it would have been better for everyone if I just was not there." The pair shared a brief pause as Shannon increased his stroking motions on Luna's neck and mane. "Though now that I think about it. It was rather impressive how the pink one seemed to organize such an event in such a short notice."

   This made Luna laugh as she pulled herself away from his chest, looking upwards into his almost black eyes. "That would be Pinkie Pie. She is the Element of Laughter. And is known to have odd skills, to say the least." Luna then got a rather sudden serious look on her face, as she stepped towards the water's edge, and let out a long sigh. "So I have decided something," she said while looking at the Moon's reflection in the still pond.

   "And what would that be Worship?" Shannon asked as he too looked down to where the Alicorn was gazing.

   "I will be coming with you; tomorrow that is." As soon as she said this, Shannon gave an unseen smile, while at the same time letting out his own sigh.

   "No," he said in a quiet voice. "I am afraid that is very much impossible." Luna snapped her head upwards with an almost startled look washing over her face. Shannon actually saying no to her was something she had not become accustomed to, and it was an odd thing to hear.

   "You defy me?" she asked as an amused smile creeped over her lips, and she turned her whole body to face him.

   "Never my Goddess," Shannon responded with a small laugh. "If you were to travel with me through that gateway. All those on the other side would become victims of your glorious strength, and your sensual fury. All would stand in awe, and lament as you ravaged the unknowing minds of any that stood before you. And before they could even begin to comprehend the blissful paradise of being torn asunder by your unknowable power. They would have already ceased to exist." Luna felt another full blush rush over her entire body, and was about to add her own opinion. Shannon however, continued before she could open her mouth. "Be that as it may. There are still chances that cannot be taken. The technology that operates the gate could become damaged, stopping us from returning." Shannon sighed once more as he reached his hand up, and placed it on her cheek. "The thought of condemning you to be stranded on that world. I do not think I would be a very good Guardsmen if I allowed such a thing to pass."

   Unfortunately she realized that he had a point. She could not go racing off to a completely alien world with the sole goal of protecting her mate. If something were to happen, nopony would ever be able to conclude what became of her, and once more she would leave all the responsibilities on Celestia's already over burdened head. "Yes, you are correct," Luna said as the previous smile was replaced with a gaze of sadness. "Something could happen, and you could become stranded there," she paused for a moment so that the scenarios running through her head would not get the best of her. "Or something even worse. I would never know what happened." Once more the two fell into each other. Shannon taking her head into his arms as it fell into his chest.

   "I would be honored to know that your mourning would be for me. It is something I never thought someone would do if I were to die." The words of him dying made Luna get a shiver, and push harder into him. " But I am closer to my fortieth year of my life than I am my thirtieth. I probably only have another forty, or fifty years of life left in me." He then gently manipulated her head so he could look down into her eyes. "You are eternal. While those fifty years may seem like an eternity to me. They would be nothing more than a blink of the eye to an immortal such as yourself. It would sadden me to know that my passing would break your heart, but I would find some happiness in knowing that in time, your heart would mend, and the memories of me will simply fade away."

   "No!" Luna shouted as she jerked herself from his grasp and turned around to walk a few steps away. "You just don't seem to understand Shannon," she sighed out. "Yes I am immortal; I have lived for thousands of years, I will live for thousands more. But just know, that losing you would not break my heart, it would completely shatter it. For you, I have allowed death to bring itself down on our fair world. For you I have threatened to destroy my own sister. I have defended everything you have done, because I knew deep inside of me, they were tasks that had to be done, and you were the only creature on this world willing to do them. I have given you my soul, my heart, and my body." She turned her head to look at her Human, and had to hide a smile as she saw him standing at attention, with a look on his face as if he was being berated for some wrong doing. "These are not gifts I give out willingly, nor quickly." She then turned around, and walked up to him where the tip of her muzzle was about to touch the tip of his nose. "Now. Am I your Goddess?"

   "You are that Worship. You were such even before I knew the reality of it," Shannon answered with a tone of absolute dedication.

   "Am I not the Night, and Moon? Do I not command all the things with in my realms?" she said in a louder voice, as her wings spread outwards to their full span.

   "Yes Goddess. You are every beam that washes across the lands, chasing away the scorching heat of the Sun. You are the very Shadows, blanketing all in a chilling embrace of darkness." Shannon's voice at this point seemed to have a slight crack in it as he felt empowered by this Night Goddess's words.

   "Yes, I am that. I control all things I see, every aspect of creation is mine to manipulate, and twist as I see fit." She then leaned up as far as she could, and placed the tip of her lips to Shannon's ear. "All things, including time itself." After saying this, she slowly returned to her normal standing position, and folded her wings back into a tight package on her sides. "Do you understand this Shannon? I am yours, forever, and when I say you are mine. I mean you are mine, forever." Luna stepped backwards just a few feet, looking her mate up and down. Taking full notice of the rigid stance he had placed himself in. Almost every muscle that she could see had become flexed, as if he was awaiting a blow that would knock him over. "Now," she began again. "You have sworn to follow every order I give; to complete every command to it's final conclusion. Will you follow my commands Shannon?"

   "Your words are my Will Worship," Shannon said as he lifted his head slightly to make perfect contact with her glistening eyes. "Your commands to me are no different than if I had thought them myself."

   "Then I order you to come back to me!" the Alicorn shouted. "I command that you be mine forever! So that you and I can live through the ages. Until it is only you, and I standing at the twilight of eternity. And there, we shall watch the Thing that killed Time take it's final breaths, and we will live eternal in a passion filled nothingness!"

   "Then it will be so!" Shannon bellowed out as the two each gave a quick rush towards one another. Luna stood slightly on her back legs, as she let Shannon crash into her, their lips crushing onto each other, as passion filled moans came from both their heavy breathing mouths.

   "It is such a nice night," Luna said as she broke the kiss in a gasp, and arched her head upwards as Shannon began to kiss, and nip his way down her neck. "I think I would like to go for a swim. Care to join me?" As she said this, she tore away from Shannon's increasingly lust filled affections, and started walking backwards, lowering herself into the night blackened waters of the pond. Shannon was soon following her, a long sly grin coming over his wetened lips. "Ah ah ah!" she said in a teasingly playful voice. "We don't want to get your clothes all wet. Take them off."

   "As you wish, my Worship," was all Shannon said as he slowly began to undress himself. He took much an extended amount of time to remove even a single garment. Using this time to tantalize, and tease the waiting lip biting mare in the water before him. It wasn't long however before he was completely nude, and started to lower himself into the deepening waters, where his Goddess lover placed her front legs over his shoulders, and wrapped her back legs around his waist as their lips joined once more to start what would be a very delightful swim for both of them.  

*****

      The sweet sounds of nature that surrounded all of Fluttershy's ranch slowly started to give Devan rise from his slumber. As he gave a long moan filled stretch, his mind started to fill with memories of last night's party. It made him smile, as it had been such a long time since he was ever able to go to any kind of gathering, and not have it be for a job. This one was just what it was; a gathering of friends to celebrate the fact that they were all friends. There were no hidden agendas, no political motives or favor trading. The smiles, and laughter were genuine, and any signs of affection from one party goer to another was intended to be just that; a simple sign of affection to share with a close friend. This is why he figured that Shannon was no where to be seen after the first five minutes of the festivities start. Without a goal, a devious plot, or a absolute promise of violence, Shannon had no reason to be anywhere in public.

   His thoughts then began to wander to when the party was winding down, and how he and Fluttershy had started to get into some pretty heavy public displays of affection. He really did think it was truly adorable how Fluttershy protected herself from sudden micro flashes of jealousy. There were lots of mares there at the party, and all of them interested in how Human males operated. Devan knew that their intentions were good enough. None of them seemed to be trying to move in on his mare's action. Fluttershy however must have seen them as a multi colored pack of wolves moving in on a defenseless prey. More often than not he found Fluttershy posted above him, by resting her chest against his back, her front legs over his shoulders as her head rested on top of his. It was like he had his own personal winged Pony backpack that was hell bent to drive away all the insidious, and lustful advances of others; even if they weren't there to begin with.

   This whole train of thought made him give out a sleep filled chuckle as he reached over the bed to try and find his mare. She wasn't in the bed with him, which was probably for the best he thought. He would more than likely try to get in another round of what happened after the party. Even though she probably didn't know it, or would never admit it if she did, Fluttershy was a ruthless seductress if she wanted to be. The entire walk home was nothing but a demonstration of how a Pony mare acted when she wanted the attention of her mate. There was no outright dirty talking, just an enticing series of direct to the point, yet subtle body movements, and a lot of very soft intentional touches all over his body. It was very safe to say that by the time they had entered the house, he was more than ready to give his little yellow pegasus a night to remember.

   "Shy?" Devan called out as he rolled over to his back, and finally opened his eyes. There was no answer, which was well enough for him. If she had sounded out that she was there, or tried to come into the bed with him. He would have just tried to get more of her lust dripping attention, and he did have things to do today. This prompted him to rise up to a seated position on the edge of the bed while he rubbed his eyes. The first article of clothing he reached for was his boxer briefs, which made him think that maybe it would be a good idea to try to get some more clothes back on Earth if he had the time. He didn't want to spend the rest of his days here in Equestria, with Fluttershy, with only one pair of underwear. The rest of his garments were scattered about the main bedroom, a tell tale sign that his, and Fluttershy's love making did not start, or end on the bed. It made him laugh as he had to get up from the bed to track down each piece of his outfit, reliving the memory of each location.

   It wasn't long however before he was completely dressed, and armed. He then moved his way to the front room, where he was rather shocked to see Fluttershy sitting there in front of the door, her head turned downwards, and her eyes slowly moving up to look into his. He kept a loving and friendly smile on his lips as he walked towards her. Though he knew all to well why she was there, acting as a blockade. "I have to go Shy," he said as he knelt down to one knee, and reached up to feel her silky smooth mane in his fingers.

   "Oh yes, I mean, umm, I know you do," the little mare stammered out. "I am not here to stop you from leaving." This made her pause for a moment and push her head further into Devan's hand. She did smile a bit seeing how her words had brought a look of confusion to his face. "I just wanted to give you this." As she said this, her left wing opened up, and out from underneath it, Devan's mask dropped to the floor.

   Devan's face had contorted up into one of light shock as he saw the thing he had forsaken that one day come falling out of his girlfriend's person. Like it had somehow crawled it's way back to him in a sort of defiance of not wanted to be discarded so easily. Something was odd about the mask now though. It was newer looking, it had been cleaned, washed up, and there was even a small detail on it that made Devan have to reach down and slowly pick it up.

   "I went out and found it this morning," Fluttershy said as she watched him cautiously pick up the mask, as if it was going to jump up and bite him. "It was just where you left it. So I just took it over to Rarity's workshop. I cleaned it up a little. Then I kinda went overboard I think." She said this as she saw Devan looking at the new addition that was placed just on the right side of the mask. This new pattern was almost an exact copy of Fluttershy's cutie mark, save that it was threaded in nothing but black string. "I, umm, I hope you don't mind."

   "Uhh, wow," Devan said with a sudden exhale as he reached up to scratch at his head. "I don't know what to say Shy. Really kinda took me by surprise here. I just kinda thought you didn't like this mask."

   "I don't like it," Fluttershy said as her voice lowered just a bit, and her eyes narrowed. "As a matter of fact. I think I kinda, umm, h-hate it." The two shared a silent glance into one another's eyes for just a few seconds. Then she started speaking again as to get her point across. "But I love you, and I know what you are going to do today, the t-things you are going to have to do. So I don't want it to be you that is doing those things. That's why I want you to wear that, that mask. That way, they have to face the thing they bore in that awful place you described to me." She paused for just a moment, only long enough to nuzzle into Devan's hand that was still lightly stroking her mane. "But after it is said and done. After you have finished what you have to do and come back to me; because you are, you are coming back to me. I want you to leave it there. Leave it there so the monster can be destroyed with those that created it."

   Devan fell to both of his knees, and then scooped up his mare into his arms, as he placed his head to her shoulder in a deep embrace. For a moment, she could have swore that he had started to cry, though after just a few seconds, she could tell all to well that he was laughing, rather hard. "Oh man!" Devan said in the middle of his body shaking laugh.

   "W-what is it?" Fluttershy asked as she pulled away just enough to see his slightly reddened face, and the wide teeth showing grin.

   "Nothing baby," devan responded while bringing his laugh to a dull chuckle. "Just that you have no idea just how great of an assassin you would have been."

   "Oh m-my! I don't think I would like doing that at all!" Fluttershy said in a scared, quivering tone. This cause Devan once again to start laughing as he looked at the worried little muzzle of the mare that just seconds before had just gave him permission to go on a killing spree of sorts. No, she wasn't an assassin, and it was very lucky to all those around here that she wasn't. Because there would not be a single Pony in all of Equestria that would be able to figure out that she was.

   "Love you Shy," Devan said as he leaned in, placing his lips to hers.

   "Mmm you too Devan," Fluttershy responded after returning the deep kiss he had started.

   "Well," Devan said as he slowly released her to come down to all of her hooves. He then reached down and picked up the mask, and slid it into one of his inner most coat pockets. "Think it's time we got this party started." With that, he gave Fluttershy a shooting gun gesture with his thumb and index finger, while at the same time winking at her. This made her give a bright, and wide close eyed smile as he reached over and opened the door where the two started to head towards the center of town.

*****

      A large crowd had gathered in the town square of Ponyville. Even in the short time that it had happened, word had spread far, and fast about the two alien creatures that had fought one another in this small country town, and many a Pony from all castes had gathered to see if they could catch a glimpse of them. Of course, here say had gotten the better of the stories told, and many Ponies were disappointed to see just one Human standing there beside Princess Luna, and her royal chariot. While he was exotic looking, he surely was not twelve feet tall, have long vicious talons, or being surrounded by all the creatures he could control from Everfree Forest's darkest depths. It was when many of the onlookers had become bored with the uneventful scene, and started to dissipate, when a new Human was announced to be approaching, and much of the crowd had reformed, in hopes of seeing a repeat of yesterdays excitement.

   Luna and Shannon watched in silence as Devan and Fluttershy approached in a slow fashion. Luna did little to hide the smile that came over her muzzle as she heard Shannon lightly tapping the butt of the Dream Reaver repeatedly on, and off the ground. While at the same time, giving off an annoyed sigh at the lack of haste in Devan's steps. That's when she leaned over, and gave a quick nuzzle to ease his tension. "So, I just happened to see Fluttershy doing something in Rarity's shop this morning. It gave me an idea," Luna said as she turned herself to face Shannon directly.

   "Hmm? And what would that be Worship?" Shannon responded, placing a hand on her long slender neck while still keeping a solid look at his younger brother, who at this point had given him a short friendly wave to let them know that he and Fluttershy had seen them.

   "It is nothing special really. Just a small token to let you know that even if I am not there with you in body. I will always be with you in spirit." With that, the Alicorn's horn began to glow, and a small cloth wrapped item came floating from the chariot behind them. Shannon was quick to take notice of the floating package, and held out his hands to retrieve it as Luna hovered it just at chest level. With a few quick flicks of his hand, Shannon removed the plain looking wrapping, and what was hiding inside was something that placed an unbreakable smile on his face, the likes of which Luna had never seen before.

   In Shannon's hands he held a pitch black mask. One that looked as if it had been carved out of a solid block of obsidian, or onyx stone. Yet on it's surface there were no signs of tool markings; chisel or hammer. Where the eyes were, rested two ruby like jewels that showed the same level of craftsmanship. They flowed in a downward angle, appearing to be fused into the dark material that housed them. There on the left side of the mask, was an etching of a long slender crescent moon, one that started at the top, and moved all the way down to the side of the jeweled garment. Yet there were no straps, or fastenings on to show that it could be held in place like his former mask did. Just two hooks that from the design of it, looked as if they would fit over his ears. "Luna, I," Shannon mumbled as he ran the tips of his fingers over the silk like smooth surface of his new mask. " I just don't know what to say. You have already gifted to me such things I never thought possible. Yet, I have given little to nothing in return."

   "You have given me many things Shannon," Luna said with a deep smile on her lips. "I give these things to you because I love you, and I wish for your safe return back to me. If you wish to give your Goddess a valuable tribute. Then your return to me will be enough."

   At that moment, Shannon looked deep into his Alicorn mare's eyes. He wetted his lips, and leaned in slowly. His lips parted just slightly, and she could see him swallow hard as he tried to force words up through his throat. Luna herself held her own breath, as she anticipated what words that were going to come from his mouth in just a short second. It was something she had been dying to hear, something she wanted more than anything, and now it seemed Shannon had finally found the courage to give her the one small thing she wanted most of all.

   "Hey guys!" Devan shouted as he came with in just a few feet of the Alicorn, and his brother who looked as if they were having some kind of odd staring contest. "Did I miss something? Oh hey cool mask! Can I see it?" After saying this, Devan reached out to try to take hold of the glossy black item in Shannon's hands, but Shannon was quick to gently remove himself from Devan's reach, cradling the mask as if it were a newborn baby. Devan was just about to say something, but he himself did a physical recoil as he looked over at Luna whose grinding teeth could be heard from yards away, and giving Devan a look of pure malicious intent. "Umm, alright. Guess I won't see it then," Devan said as he took a step backwards, while placing his hands up in a surrendering posture.

   "My chariot is pulled by Onyx Flare, and Black Light." This caused the mare, and stallion Dark Ponies to turn their heads, and nod to those behind them as they heard their names being called. "They are some of the fastest flyers in my guard. They will get you to your destination faster than any others." Luna then bowed her head, and lifted her hoof to show both Devan, and Shannon that they were to board the drab, gothic looking chariot.

   "You will not be coming with us my Worship?" Shannon asked as he stepped up on to the sturdy platform.

   "No," Luna said with a sigh. "I fear that if I saw you step through that portal. There would be little to nothing that would be able to stop me from following you through. You know where I will be upon your return."

   "I do at that my Worship," Shannon said as he bowed his head. It was then the two had to look over to where Devan was standing, as Fluttershy was now openly weeping, and Devan had come down to one knee to console her.

   "Shh, Shy. It's going to be alright," Devan whispered  into her ear as she at this point had clamped her front legs around his chest, while using his body to hide her flowing tears.

   "It's not," she whimpered in a cracking voice. "I thought I could do this. I thought I could let you go there. I can't do it, I just can't. S-something bad is going to happen! I j-just know it will. Please don't go Devan!" All Devan could do at this point was just hold his little mare, and rock her back and forth, hoping she would cry herself out. Though he did feel a swelling of anger starting to rise from his chest. He hated it when she cried, not because she was crying, but there was something that made her cry, and that something was the people on the other side of that gate. He was going to make them all very sorry for making her cry.

   "Shy look," Devan said as he pulled away just enough to look her into her massive glossed over eyes as he reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out the mask that she had fashioned for him. "See, I have to go there. I have to give this back to them. If I don't give it back to the people that made it, then it will have to stay here with us. And I don't think either of us wants that." He placed as large of a smile on his face as he could muster as he saw her trying to control the tears that ran freely down her cheeks. "So I'll just be real fast. In, and out. Okay?" This caused Fluttershy to take in a long sniff through her nose as she reluctantly nodded her head up and down, knowing all to well he was just saying these things to try to calm her.

   "Devan," Shannon said in a low emotionless voice. "It's time to go."

   "Yeah, yeah," Devan responded, not even looking in Shannon's direction. He then gave Fluttershy one more smile, as he leaned in to give her a farewell kiss. Fluttershy tried to dodge this attempt, as her emotion filled outburst had left her face a mess. More so the front of her muzzle as several small strands of mucus had slid down right where Devan was aiming. Devan knew what she was doing, and let out a small laugh as he quickly maneuvered his head to counter her movements. He quickly pressed his lips to hers, then pulled away. They both gave each other a loving look, then a laugh as she saw his face now covered in slimy mucus, and tears, and he laughed at her as the mess on her face had become only worse. "Mmm, Pony snot. That's the good stuff right there!" Devan said in a laugh as he stood up quick, and stepped to join Shannon on the chariot's hold, while at the same time wiping his face with the sleeve of his coat.

   "Until our return Worship," Shannon said as he made a motion with the Dream Reaver towards the two Dark Ponies. With a standing whiney, the two bat winged Ponies stood on their hind legs, then took off in a flash. The chariot only stayed on the ground for a short time before lifting off into the air, dashing away with great speed towards the edge of the Everfree forest. Watching her mate fly away made Luna's heart sink to the lowest parts of her being. She felt herself almost be brought to the same state as Fluttershy was just moments before. Though just before she allowed herself to shed a tear, she felt the gentle nuzzling of some pony on her side. She looked down to see that Fluttershy was now using her as she had done Devan before. That is when Luna realized that she could not show her grief in the same way this small pegasus could. She was a ruler, and right now one of her subjects needed comfort. So Luna slowly reached out and covered Fluttershy with one of her wings, and bent her head down to give the little yellow Pony a quick nuzzle, before looking back up to see the chariot had all but disappeared.

*****

      It was a very short trip from Ponyville to the site where the portal back to Earth was. Luna was correct in saying the two Dark Ponies that piloted her chariot were very fast. Devan even commented several times on the way there that he was surprised that the two of them were not blown off, though there seemed to be a very lack amount of wind sheer even during their high altitude, and great speeds. All Shannon would say on the matter was that it was a magically powered device used by a living Goddess, and that he should not worry about it.

   Soon enough, the vehicle was on the ground, and both Shannon, and Devan had lept off. Devan already had the return device out of his pocket, and was walking back and forth from place to place, sometimes even holding the device up into  the air as if he were trying to get a cell phone signal. At one point Shannon had to close his eyes, and give off a deep sigh as he saw Devan actually shake the small piece of technology, then place it up to his ear. It was then he heard the two Ponies whispering frantically at one another, which made him turn his attention towards them. The two suddenly stopped talking as soon as they saw they were being watched, but it was the mare Black Light that decided to be bold, and speak up.

   "Umm, excuse me, Lord Nyx?" she said in a soft, and submissive tone. She couldn't help but feel a sudden blush wash over her as she saw her stallion counterpart dip his head to the ground. Along with the fact that she heard Devan give off a loud snicker when she said 'lord.' Shannon himself however remained quiet, and just stood there waiting for the mare to speak again. "I'm sorry for bothering you. I know you are about to go on what sounds like a very important mission and all. But uhh, I just wanted to say how much of an honor it is to work with you."

   "I was unaware that we were going to be working together," Shannon said as he crossed his arms while looking down at the now dodgy eyed Pony.

   "Oh! Well I mean we weren't. I mean we aren't, at least not yet. Well I guess we flew you here, and that is something I suppose." She didn't know why she was beating around the bush so much. She had this whole conversation planed out while on the way here. "It's just. Me, and several other Ponies all know of how you protected the Princess. And stories are running wild of how you defeated Shadow Vein," she paused for a moment to try to muster the courage to continue. "I know that Princess Luna's personal guard is now lacking members. I would just like to let you know I am fully ready to offer myself to you." This made all in attendance completely freeze, and give the little mare a variation of odd, and confused looks. This in turn made her jaw drop open, and her eyes go wide. "I, I mean, offer myself to you, for the guard!" After correcting herself, Black Light just let her head drop in a defeated fashion towards the ground.

   "Black Light, right?" Shannon asked as he stepped a few feet closer to the sulking mare, causing her to just shake her head. "Why do you feel you would be best suited to fill the roles of any of the three great warriors that have died here recently? Each one of them threw their lives to the winds to see that their goals were accomplished. Whether they succeeded, or failed is none the more important than the reasons why. So why do you think you deserve to stand by our great Worship, and heed her words directly?"

   A dull hush came over the group as all eyes were on Black Light. Her own deep purple pupils bouncing from one target to the next as she tried to force the right words from her brain to her mouth. "Well, it's not the Princess really I wish to work for. It's you," she said as she brought her head up to a proud determination.

   "I beg your pardon?" Shannon said as he uncrossed his arms, and placed his hands to his hips.

   "Ooo you're in trouble now," Devan commented as he went back to walking in random directions in the general area.

   "Well, I mean," Black Light stammered. She then took in a deep breath, and exhaled as she forced herself to become calm, and composed. "Look, it's not that I don't want to work for the Princess, I really do, I love the Princess, we all do. But I dunno, sometimes she seems just kind of, umm, unrelatable I guess?" She didn't know why, but as soon as she said that, she heard Shannon make a quick sucking noise with his teeth, and it made her worry. "But the way I feel, the way a lot of Ponies feel actually. Is that you did all these great things for Equestria, and you didn't even have magic like a Unicorn, you can't fly like a Pegasus. You just did what you had to do to make sure the job got done. I guess that is something I would want to be around."

   "Found it!" Devan shouted from several yards away in a rather casual tone.

   Shannon looked from Black Light, to her silent stallion partner, then to Devan, then back to her. "So you say there are many Ponies in the Guard that feel as you do?" He asked as he came even closer to the mare.

   "Oh yes!" Black Light said in an excited voice. "Ever since your arrival, and all the stories of the things you have done. There are so many Ponies, both normal and dark that said they would love to work by your side."

   "Yet you are the first to actually come forth and say anything," Shannon said as he reached up to stroke his chin with one hand.

   "I said I found it. Let's go!" Devan shouted again, this time stamping his foot to the ground as he yelled.

   Shannon just turned on his heels, and started to walk to where his little brother was standing. Black Light let her ears fall flat to her head, as a long disappointed sigh came from her mouth. Shannon then stopped, and only turned his head to look back at her. "Who is your commander?" He asked, causing Black Light's ears to pop back up.

   "It's Hammer Fall," She said as she gave a hard swallow in anticipation of what was on his mind.

   "Return to Canterlot. Tell Hammer Fall that you will be working for me directly from now on. His guard is mostly composed of brutes and the like. I think your demeanor would be more suited for our Worships own personal designs." With that, Shannon simply continued to walk away from the two bat winged Ponies. Not noticing the look of pure glee that had washed over Black Light's face, and how she was now play pushing, and pummeling her partner.

   Shannon arrived at Devan's side, who by this time had a long devious grin over his face. "What?" Shannon asked in an annoyed tone. As he knew all to well what was going through Devan's mind.

   "Hmm? Oh nothing. I was just standing here thinking of stuff like pillows, marshmallows. You know, things that may be just as soft as you." Once again, Shannon had to close his eyes, as his thumb and index finger came up to rub the bridge of his nose. This made Devan cock his head slightly as he was fully expecting some kind of verbal assault to be launched from Shannon in a way to defend his character. "Nothing huh? Wow, you're getting old Shannon." Just as soon as Devan said this, Shannon couldn't help but laugh at the irony of that statement. As far as he knew, after this was all said and done with, getting old, and worrying about the passing of time would be something that he would not have to deal with any more. "You ready?" Devan asked as he held up the device, which was now beeping in quick succession.

   "Any final words?" Shannon asked with his own sly grin. "You know, just in case something were to occur."

   This made Devan pause for a second, and tilt his head a bit while a smile came to his face. He then looked all around him, closing his eyes, and taking in a deep breath as the smile widened. "This world," he started as he let out an exhale. "This world was meant for saints, and angels. It is to bad that they got a pair of sinners, and demons like us. Lord knows they probably would have been better without." Devan then pointed at his older brother. "And you?" he asked, wanting to know if Shannon had any great overly dramatic details he wanted to add.

   Shannon at this point as well took a moment to think. He did the same as far as taking in a quick glance of the scenery around him. Although his smile was not as large, nor as friendly as Devan's. "I do not think about what would happen if we were to fail this day. My mind keeps racing to the thoughts of us succeeding." He looked to Devan to see if he would have something to say on this. Devan just stood there silent as he waited for his brother to finish. "If we succeed. I will be stuck here in this place. Completely surrounded by lively, overly friendly, colorful, singing Ponies. And now to make matters worse, you will be here as well. I can't imagine a more horrible hell to dwell in." This made Devan's smile increase in size, and he let out a soft chuckle. "However," Shannon continued as his thoughts came to rest on his one true purpose for being, the whole reason he had found the strength to carry on after his involuntary exile. His Goddess, his lover, Princess Luna. "It is a hell I am willing to protect."

   "Well alright then." Devan couldn't think of anything more else to say on the matter. He simply reached into his inner coat pocket, and removed the mask that Fluttershy had made for him. "One more ride," he said as he placed the mask over his face, then reached behind his head, and pulled the hood up, and into place.

   "Indeed," Shannon agreed as he too placed his own gem forged mask over his face. He was more than surprised to find that  as soon as it made contact with his skin, it quickly conformed itself to the shape of his head. While at first it was next to impossible to see anything out of the ruby lenses, in no more than a second, his vision became as clear as if he was wearing nothing at all. He too then reached back, and took a hold of the hood attached to the collar of his long coat, pulling it up over his head before turning to face Devan. "After you," he said as he made a simple gesture towards the return device with one hand, while he slung the Dream Reaver over his shoulder with the other.

   "Guess who's coming to dinner," Devan said with a malicious laugh as he reached down and pressed the button on the return device, causing the gate before them to spring to life in a swirling torrent of light, and sound.

*****

      Director Cook stood there in the gate room along with Doctor Everet Balens, a small assortment of scientists, then finally a group of ten well armed men, who were all standing in a tight formation. He scanned the group of his finest agents, each one a well trained soldier from some of the world's finest militaries. It seemed to Richard that this day could not have come quick enough. If it had been up to him, he would have done this the second they had found out how to return to the world Shannon had escaped to, but the investors wanted a more subtle plan to be implemented. That's why he had to bring in Devan, who had obviously failed at his job, and now was more than likely dead. It was fine however, this contingency plan would be much more professional, much more precise in the matter of getting results, and he could finally put the thought of Shannon Nyx behind him, and move on to more lucrative goals.

   "Alright gentlemen," Richard said as he paced from one of the soldiers at one end of the line, down to the next. "You are going to be the first, fully aware, armed, and successful team to make steps onto an alien planet. You have all been made aware of the situation at hand, and I expect each of you to fulfill the requirements of the job to the best of your abilities." While Richard was being dead serious in the tone of his voice, and the words he was speaking. He was getting a large kick out of addressing a group of men like this again. It had been forever since his own military days that he was able to do so.

   "Sir," one of the soldiers in the line said as he stepped forward from the crowd. "Question sir?"

   "Go ahead," Richard said as he came up face to face with the man asking for his attention.

   "The intel on the natives is still a little vague sir. From a standard observational stand point. These creatures would be viewed as prey animals. It is unlikely that they would be cause for threat."

   Richard gave a quick chortle through his nose, while a long smile came to his lips. "Always a smart one in the bunch eh?" he said as he walked away from the inquisitive soldier, and returned to the middle of the room. "Be very aware gentlemen that two former agents of this company, agents much more skilled than you, I might add have gone to this world. Neither of them have been seen, or heard from again. We can only assume that the local population is to blame for the lack of response from our covert contact. Now." He turned his back to the crowd, and then walked up to the arch way before turning around to face them again. "Rest assured that this mission is as simple as they get: seek and destroy. You are going to find the whereabouts of Devan Crey, and Shannon Nyx, then you are going to bring me their corpses. Any interference from outside sources are to be taken as a hostile act, and dealt with accordingly. Do we have an understanding?"

   "Yes sir!" the group of men shouted in unison.

   "Excellent," Richard said with a long smile as he turned towards Doctor Balens. "Doctor if you would. Fire it up." This made Doctor Balens nod his head as he excitedly moved over to the largest of the many control panels in the room, and started typing furiously on the virtual keyboards. At the same time he was making quick gestures to his colleagues through out the room.

   "Umm, Doctor? We seem to have a problem," one of the other scientists said without looking up from his screen.

   "What's the situation Doctor?" Richard asked as he watched several of the white coat wearing men start to scamper from one control screen to the next. "Can you not establish a link?" he asked as he decided to join the Doctor at one of the control panels.

   "No. It's not that we can't establish a link. One has already been created," Doctor Balens said as if he were answering Director Cook's question, and his own at the same time.

   "You will have to explain that to me Doctor," Richard said with a mild tone of frustration.

   Doctor Balens then stepped away from the console, and walked to the center of the room, looking up at the gateway with a gaze of wonder. "It means something is already coming through." It was just as he finished saying these words, that the portal erupted to life. All in the room immediately ran for cover as long crackling arcs of blue electricity came swirling from the brilliant light show. Then, as the gate began to settle, and all in the room started to regain their composure, they all looked up to see a single faceless man standing there in front of the gate.

   "Well hey there Dick!" Devan shouted in a deviously happy voice. "Did you miss me?"

   "Devan?" Richard murmured as he moved out from behind one of the stations that he was using as cover. He was about to bring down a barrage of questions at Devan. However, just as he was moving closer, the gate once more started to spark, and bring forth swirls of light. The first thing Richard saw coming from out of the portal was a large bladed weapon. It slowly came materializing through the wisps of light, and electricity. Next came the person holding the massive scythe like weapon, a person that made a shiver of pure fear fire itself down both Richard's, and Everet's spines. Director Cook had to swallow hard as he looked up at the stage where the gateway was sitting, there he saw the one thing he hoped to never see, Devan, and Shannon, standing next to one another, their masks fully on, their hoods pulled up to hide that they were even Human at all.

   "Ah! Doctor," Shannon said in a low tone that seemed to have a sense of sinister intent dripping from it. The sound of his name being called from the masked figure from his nightmares caused Everet to slam himself up against a wall, breathing heavy as the memories of that night came flooding back to his mind. "It is so good to finally see you again," Shannon continued as he could feel the Dream Reaver start to hum, and quiver in his hand. "I am looking forward to finishing that little business we had started, so long ago."

   "Oh God!" Doctor Balens shouted as he pushed himself down the wall, and past the still dumb struck soldiers who stood there looking at the odd looking men that just stepped out of the wall of light.

   Richard's eyes bounced from Devan to Shannon again, and again. Time had seemed to stop as he looked at the two faceless killers before him, and he knew all to well why they were here. It was when he saw something that set him off that he knew the situation was about to escalate, it was Shannon's mask, the glossy black covering that suddenly lit up under his hood as the two red jewels for his eyes ignited in a firey red. "What are you waiting for?" he shouted at the soldiers who suddenly came to life as well, each one drawing a very fully loaded assault rifle. "Fucking fire!" Richard shouted again as he ran over to another control panel, and tapped a few buttons in a very specific sequence.

   "Facility lock down procedures initiated," the computer said over a series of loud speakers as several sirens, and alarms started to ring out their warnings. "All entrances, exits and ventilation systems have been sealed. Continue?" By this time, Devan had already retrieved both of his pistols from his back, while Shannon did a lightning fast flourish with the Dream Reaver.

      Time came to a sudden crawl to Shannon as he saw each of the soldiers draw their weapons, placing them without hesitation to their shoulders as they formed a steadfast firing line. He knew that just he alone could easily dispatch the entire group with a just a single swing from the Dream Reaver, who at this point felt as if it wanted to leap from his hands, and bathe it self in the life force of those that stood before it. He knew he couldn't let loose at full strength like he did with Shadow Vein. This room alone was filled with all sorts of high tech equipment, each piece more than likely being a very important piece in the puzzle that made the gateway work properly. He knew that one powerful burst of energy from his Goddess empowered weapon would bring this confrontation to a rapid end, but it would more than likely stop them from returning to Equestria.

   It was then Shannon heard the familiar sounds of Devan's pistols letting out several reports as he himself did a mad dive to place himself behind one of the taller consoles in the room. Two of the rifle wielding soldiers went down to their fates before their bodies even hit the ground, while at least one more retreated away as one, if not more bullets hit him. This is when time came back to it's normal flow, and Shannon got a long vicious grin under his gleaming mask as he cocked the large axe back behind him, then let it fly through the air at the remaining members of the opposing group who had not taken cover as Shannon himself followed Devan's example, and lept behind a tall metal structure.

   The Dream Reaver hummed a malicious song as it flew through the air at it's intended target. By the time it had reached it's full speed, it was nothing more than a glowing blur of glimmering black steel. One of the agents unfortunate enough to be in it's path was only allowed a small scream of pain as his body was turned from one piece to two, causing a fountain of blood to erupt forth, showering all those in the vicinity with the red sticky fluid. This morbid sight was more than the stalwart soldiers could bare, as the remaining numbers fell back from the room, and pinned themselves hard against the room's outside wall. One more had his luck fail, for as he turned around to join his companions, it was only in time to see the flying weapon that had ended the man before him come straight about, and then carve it self through his chest as it returned with great haste to it's owners outstretched hand.

   "Four down, six to go by my count," Devan said as he performed a blind fire with one of his pistols from above his head. By now the retaliation had begun. Several of the agents closest to the door had started to quickly show themselves, only to let out quick bursts from their rifles, several of them hitting the barricades Shannon, and Devan were propped behind. Other's pinging the walls behind them, causing striking spark ricochets to bounce around the area.

   "We cannot continue this in here Devan!" Shannon shouted as he covered himself while a bouncing stray bullet whizzed past his head. "If this tech goes, we are stuck here!"

   "You want to ask them to step outside?" Devan answered with a kind of serious laugh as the clips dropped from his handguns, and he quickly reloaded, then gave more suppressing fire. Devan then saw something that made him smile, Director Cook was now trying to inch his way closer to the door to try and make a speedy escape from the fire fight. Devan took a quick well aimed shot, that made perfect contact with Richard's forearm, making him yell out in pain as he recoiled back to his hiding spot. "Where you going Dick?" Devan shouted as he ducked back to his cover just before one of the gun men got a solid bead on him. "You and me are going to have a long discussion about my severance package."

   "I grow weary of this," Shannon said more to himself than anything. He then stood up, and just before one of the soldiers could react to the target that presented itself, Shannon held the blade of the Dream Reaver up high, then brought it down to the ground. The resulting energy wave was small, and lack luster compared to the ones that he had used before. It did little damage to the floor it traveled; only tearing up the first few layers of the thick metal plating that covered the ground. As soon as he saw the one agent take notice of the odd translucent wave heading towards the door, he quickly stepped back to his own hiding position. This is what Shannon was waiting for, as he dashed out from behind his cover, and followed the Dream Reaver's attack like a convoy.

   Devan chuckled to himself as he watched his brother take the offensive. He knew all to well that Shannon had little patience for duck, and cover style fire fights, and would take extreme measures to make any battle he was in a more up close and personal one. Devan then stood up, and let fly shot after shot from his forty fives; offering a sonic barrage of cover for Shannon. Once again he saw Richard poke his head out, probably in a way to warn the unsuspecting agents in hiding of the threat that was drawing closer to them. It only took one shot that landed just inches away from the Directors head that made him shoot back to where he was hiding, giving Shannon more than enough time to finish his rush.

*****

      The soldier that came very close to becoming the Dream Reaver's next victim smashed himself up against the wall to the left of the door. He did so just in time to see the odd weapon's attack scream past him and the few others there in the hallway, and smash itself into the closest wall, making a large hole, and sending debris flying. He quickly looked towards his comrade who had stationed himself on the opposite of the door frame. The two locked eyes, and the agent gave a quick series of commands in the form of sudden gestures with his one hand that wasn't grasping his weapon.

   With his orders understood, the agent nodded quickly, then dashed back into the room with his rifle held high. He only had time to squeeze off one panicked shot as he saw the faceless figure with the dimly glowing red eyes rush at him. It was then that Shannon brought his mammoth scythe up from the ground, catching the man directly between the legs, and effortlessly cleaving his body in almost perfectly symmetrical blood spewing halves. Shannon did not stop his motions there. He came spinning out into the hallway, the Dream Reaver completing the circular motion over his head, and smashing back down to the floor that caused a sizeable rumbling shudder to wave it's way through the ground, knocking the rest of the soldiers lying in wait to stumble due to the unexpected quake.

   The remaining five agents were quick to recover however, steadying themselves, while at the same time bringing their weapons to ready to find their target. Unfortunately for the agent on the right side of the door, he was not fast enough. Shannon's movement's became like that of a flowing stream, he spun on one heel, extending his leg out in a powerful pin wheel kick that connected with one of the soldiers in the hallway, while his giant axe sliced through the air with a ring, and smashed the agent to the right of the door into the wall, turning him into a blackish red stain that had not even the time to scream in protest as the magically created killing blade sent him to the next world.

   The four remaining members of the recon squad now all took several steps back as the one that hadn't been kicked, and another on the left side of the hallway both let their own weapons start to bark out round after round of ammunition at the alien weapon wielding assailant. Once again Shannon became a blur of black, presenting his aggressors with speed that they had not yet seen, nor expected from a person using such a massive, and dense looking weapon. In one fluid motion Shannon brought the Dream Reaver up, as he himself side stepped to dodge a rain of bullets aimed at all parts of his body. When the strike had finished, the agent found that his weapon had been sliced perfectly in two, and the giant blade was now moving past him to do the same to his partner's weapon that was trying to align a killing point blank shot.

   Shannon then heard the loud bang of the two other men's weapons, as they had more than enough time to assess the situation, and act accordingly. It was then Shannon moved towards the second man who he had used his black axe to disarm, while at the same time grabbing the first one and dragging him directly into the line of fire, as he himself stepped backwards, using the man as a now hole riddled meat shield. Shannon then used the leverage of his spin to bring the now corpse of the man he used to shield himself, tossing it at one of the soldiers in the left side of the hall. As the agent that had just helped fill his companion with multiple gun shots tried to move out of the way of the now flying body, Shannon twirled the Dream Reaver over his head, then let it fly once again towards the other agent that was now moving to get out of his evading partner's way.

   As soon as the now flying saw like weapon left Shannon's grasp, he turned his attention to the last man on his side of the hallway. This, one of the few remaining adversaries, had now decided to try and match Shannon on his own level, by reaching into his belt, and pulling out a long silvery tactical knife. This man knew he was in for the fight of his life, as he saw the weapon that had been used to eliminate so many of his group, now take one more life as it turned one of the men into an explosion of blood, and bile while it tore through his body like a flaming knife through wet paper, but more than that, it was the singular chuckle he heard come from the hooded and faceless man as he saw him pull his knife.  

   With lethal strikes that would have brought even some of the more better trained individuals to the ground in no time flat, the man attacked. He couldn't believe how fast this one person was moving to simply evade his endless stabs, slashes and strikes. He couldn't begin to comprehend how this man was able to anticipate so well his attack patterns, all the time wearing a mask, a hood, and that flapping long coat that whipped back and forth with each sudden stance adjustment, and foot placing. He then heard his one remaining squad member shout at him, and he suddenly realized that this masked marauder had been keeping himself directly in front of him this entire time, completely negating the fact that the other agent had a full clip just waiting to go. That's when he threw the long blade at the masked man; forcing him to dodge it, while at the same time diving towards the wall in full retreat to give his comrade the shot he wanted. It was to late by this time however, for just as soon as he had gotten out of the way the humming blood stained and spinning blade severed the gun man's head cleanly off as it came swooping back into it's master's hand.

   This was more than the last soldier could take. For in the span of just a few seconds he had seen one man completely eliminate an elite squad of some of the finest warriors he had ever seen. The agent gave off an enraged scream as he clenched his fists, and threw himself into close quarters with the hooded fighter, hoping to at least get in a few good blows. Shannon was not about to grant his attackers wish however. For as soon as he was in range, Shannon used the butt of the Dream Reaver to strike forward and down, smashing into the man's shin, causing him to trip forwards. The scythe bladed side of the weapon then came down, and easily embedded itself in the man's back, causing him to holler in pain as he was yanked like a rag doll, and crushed back first up into the now completely blood stained wall. Shannon then took a simple starting stance, pausing for only a brief moment to gain all his targets. With a sudden dash forwards, he and the Dream Reaver became a flashing torrent of multi angled slashes, that in the span of just a second or two, removed each of the soldier's arms, followed by his legs, and finally his head came flying as Shannon finished his final flury with a quick flourish, that brought the blade of the Dream Reaver hard into the ground.

*****

      Richard grimaced in pain as he pushed himself hard up against the thick metal console. He had seen Shannon swoop past him, he saw what the massive axe bladed weapon could do to the Human body. All he could do was sit there and listen in horror as the screams of the men out side the room echoed in his ears, along with the random sputtering of gun fire. Then just as quickly as it had started, all became quiet, and he knew all to well that each of the men he had brought in on this assignment had been killed, he just hoped it was a quick death. Now it was just him, in this room, no one here to come to his aid save for a couple of sobbing, and quivering scientists that had either ran away with Doctor Balens, or found refuge in some dimly lit corner of the room to try and hide themselves from the mass slaughter that was taking place. To make matters worse, he knew Devan was still in here with him, watching, waiting for him to make a mistake.

   "Devan?" Richard shouted as he tore off a long piece of his pants, and started to wrap the still bleeding bullet wound in his arm. "Come on Devan. Let's talk this out alright? We can work something out. What do you want, money, weapons? You know I can get it for you."

   "I want you to apologize," Devan said. This made Richard turn his head from side to side, as Devan was using a tone of voice that was low enough that he could not directly place it in any one particular location. He then spotted a blood stained assault rifle that had been dropped by one of his former agents, it was just with in reach, all he had to do was grab for it.

   "Apologize? For what?" Richard said as he slowly came to a resting squat behind the cover he was in, ready to pounce forward.

   "You made her cry. I hate it when she cries." Richard heard Devan's voice again. That's when he decided to make his move. With a fast motion he quickly stuck his arm out from behind the console opposite of the direction he wanted to go. He wasn't surprised as he heard a gun shot come from where Devan had been hiding, making him leap forward in a roll, sliding through the pools of flowing blood left by Shannon's onslaught. He was more than able to reach the rifle, and pick it up while at the same time bringing it up in a blind fire as he pulled the trigger, and let loose a hail of bullets in the direction Devan's shot had come from. He then rolled once more, and placed himself behind a large metal desk, and filing cabinet.

   "Well I have made a lot of people cry in my time kid. You are going to have to be more specific than that." Richard's taunt had no effect as he did not get a response from Devan. This made him swallow hard as he ever so slightly poked the smallest amount of his head out the side to see if he could be lucky enough to see his stalkers movements. He then pulled back, and shuffled his way to the other side of the desk, performing the same thing. "Is this how you are going to repay me Devan? All the jobs, the money, luxuries and women over the years. I did all of that for you and Shannon. And now you are just going to kill me? I think I deserve a little more than that."

   "I do have something I can give to you Dick," Devan said from the darkness, and his hiding spot. "You gave it to me before you sent me through that gate the first time. I thought I was going to need it, but I think it would be better if you had it." Only a few seconds after hearing Devan say this, Richard heard something being tossed, and it wasn't long before he saw a whole pound of C4 come hitting the ground just a few feet from him, a detonator firmly planted into the explosive, with it's little red light beeping faster, and faster.

   Richard took in a wide eyed gasp that could have drained the room of all it's air as his instincts took over. He threw himself over the desk, and rolled several times before coming to rest flat on his stomach, while covering his head. It seemed like minutes past as Richard laid there, holding his breath, and waiting for the massive explosion to occur. It was only when he had to take in a deep breath did he realize that the beeping had stopped, and had become just one long tone.

   "You have to prime it first. It won't work if you don't," Devan said as he stepped casually up to Richard's prone body. This made Richard let out a defeated sigh as he came to terms of how he had just been tricked into exposing himself. Suddenly, he let out a loud grunt, as he raised up to his knees, and tried to point the weapon he held at Devan. With just a simple kick, Devan was able to knock the rifle out of Richard's hands. Without letting his foot touch the ground, his foot came back, and made solid contact with Richard's head, driving him back down to the ground. With a sudden out burst of screams, Richard felt the burning sting of two bullets enter his legs, right at the bend of his knees. Devan then reached down, and grabbed Richard as hard as he could by the collar of his coat, dragging him over to a wall where he threw him back first into a sitting position.

   "I made you! Damn you I made you, you bastard!" Richard cried out as he reached down to cradle his now blown out knee caps.

   "Yes, you did," Devan said as he knelt down, perching himself on his toes, and giving Director Cook a long unblinking stare from with in his mask. "And as soon as Shannon gets back, we are going to show you what exactly it was that you made."

*****

      Doctor Balens huffed, and puffed as he ran as fast as he could down the halls of the facility. He had heard the gun shots, he had heard the screams, and all of these things only made him move his burning legs faster towards his goal. A relieved smile, followed by a hopeful cry came from the elderly man as he saw the front door come into view. With all his might he smashed himself into the door, hoping to let it free him from this living nightmare he had been witness to. However, as if the doors themselves had been made of solid rock, he bounced off them, sending him to the ground with a hard thud, and a gasping exhale.

   "No, no, no!" he screamed as he lept to his feet again, grabbing the long horizontal handles, pushing and pulling them over, and over again. "Open damn you!" he yelled as he continued to yank at the handles with all his might.

   "This facility is now in emergency lock down," the computer said over the loud speaker. "Class A1 clearance is required to gain access to the outside. Continue?"

   "I don't care! Let me out! Let me out right now!" Everet screamed up at one of the speakers on the ceiling by the door. Hoping in some way, through some divine miracle the mindless computer that held him at bay from his freedom would have mercy on him, and let him out. A blood chilling scream could be heard from down the hallway, forcing Doctor Balens to spin around, slamming his back to the doors just in time to see the now limp body of one of his project partner's body come sliding into view where it came to a slow halt up against the wall. That's when he heard the slow foot steps hitting the cold metal floor, and the ear piercing scraping of a metal blade being dragged across steel plates.

   Everet's heart almost came to a full stop when the black wearing faceless man came into view. His breathing increasing ten fold as the hooded killer slowly turned only his head to face the over panicked scientist, showing nothing but a black hollow of where his face should have been, with only two glowing red eyes staring down at him. "Your Darkness awaits you Doctor," the man said as he brought the impossibly large scythe like weapon up into both hands, and started a slow march towards his target. "And I will be the ferryman that rows you to the Void. Where the Moon shall shine upon your soul, forever." With these words, the hooded man brought the weapon up to end his life, in one fell blow.

   "Wait! Please, wait!" Everet shouted as he fell to his knees, and placed his outstretched arms in front of him, spreading his hands out like a shield. For a moment, it halted Shannon's progress for whatever reason, and Everet thought this was his chance to plead his case. "I'll stop, alright? I am not a stupid man. I know why you are here. I know why you came here the first time. If you want to bring this company down then that's fine. If you want to destroy my work then tear it down. But please, just let me go. I will never build something like this again!"

   "Hmm yes," Shannon said as he brought the Dream Reaver down to a resting position on the ground. "And I suppose the grass will stop growing, the wind will stop blowing, and the world it self will stop turning."

   "No, no, it's not like that. I promise, you will never hear from me again. I'll retire, I'll live in a home for the elderly," At this point, Everet had placed his hands together while bringing them to his chest, and bowing his head while several tears came flowing down his cheeks as he desperately tried to plead to this walking nightmare's sense of compassion.

   "Come now Doctor!" Shannon said with an odd laugh in his voice. "You are what you are. You could no more stop being a brilliant man of the sciences any more than I could stop doing what it is I do. You should feel fortunate that you were able to find out what you were early enough to receive the education, and training necessary to accomplish such a grand feat as this." Shannon held out his arms wide, and did a small spin to illustrate his point of what the Doctor had helped create. "However, it is unfortunate that you had to cross destinies with someone like me. Someone who found out just as you did what he was at an early age, and like you, embraced it."

   "Please," Doctor Balens whimpered out. "I have a family."

   "Family," Shannon repeated. With that, he slung the Dream reaver over his shoulder, turned around, and started to walk away. Everet placed his hands down to his thighs, while opening his blood shot eyes, letting in a small amount of hope that in some way he had reached this monster's heart. However, Shannon suddenly stopped, and in one full motion, spun back around, while letting the arm the held the Dream Reaver fully extend. This turned his weapon into an unstoppable guillotine, one that completed it's purpose, and removed the Doctor's head with a clean, fast cut. "I have a Goddess," Shannon whispered as he watched the decapitated body fall to the ground. After letting out a satisfied sigh, Shannon once again placed his blood dripping weapon up to his shoulders, as he turned, and started to make his way back to where Devan was sure to be waiting.

*****

      Walking into the gate room, Shannon couldn't help but let out a sudden small laugh as he looked to his side to see Devan hovering over Director Cook like some kind of predator toying with it's freshly caught prey. He was a little surprised to hear Richard give off a weak chuckle as well. "Do you think you've won Shannon?" Richard asked in a voice showing his fatigue from the blood loss of his injuries. Do you think we are the only ones that have developed, or will develop this technology?" He then let out a cough, as he slid further down the wall. "You both are such fools. You have stopped nothing."

   "Oh I know all to well how many industries of this world are trying to bring this kind of tech to light," Shannon said as he too came down to a toe resting perch before Richard. "But the chances of them successfully executing the accident that sent me to where I wound up. Well, I doubt it will be a problem we will have to contend with in over a thousand lifetimes."

   "Perhaps," Richard said in an even more weakened voice. "But it will have to be dealt with. And I truly hope whatever it is you are protecting in that place gets burned to the ground." This made Shannon and Devan look over at one another, shake their heads, then both raise up to their feet before starting to turn away. "Wait," Richard said in a dull shout. "Devan, just tell me. tell me how you convinced him to go along with this. I have to know."

   This made Devan burst out in laughter. "And we're the fools," he said looking over at Shannon. With this, Devan removed his hood, causing Shannon to do the same. Then he removed his mask, and tossed it into the dying mans lap. Shannon removed his mask as well, but only placed it in the inner pocket of his coat. "You never did figure that out did you Dick? You had seen us standing side by side a dozen times, and you never once got a clue. Well look one more time, look very hard, and maybe in your last moments you will be given the wisdom to figure it out."

   This made Richard laugh, but he decided to humor himself, and do as Devan instructed. As he looked at the pair, lightning seemed to crash down on him. The same cold brown eyes that seemed to go black in this light; the same shimmering black hair, the angle of their eyes, the features of their faces, the tone of their skin. "No," he whispered to himself as the reality of what they were came stabbing at his heart. "Oh no," he mumbled once more.

   "Same mother," Shannon said with a devious grin.

   "Different fathers," Devan added. Shannon at this point turned around, and headed towards a control panel, slowly examining it. Devan however, returned to his toe perch, putting his face much closer to Richard's. "You look sad Dick," he said as he reached into his coat, and removed a very expensive looking wallet. "If it is any consolation to you. All the jobs, all the money, all the luxuries," he paused for a moment as he opened up the wallet, and let out a laugh. "And especially all the women. You gave those to us while we in turn were playing you like a well tuned harp." By this time, Devan had removed several plastic cards. "You know what? You can have all that back now." Devan then tossed the collection of credit cards onto Richard's heaving chest. He then reached down, and picked up the mask he had been wearing, placing it over Richard's face. "You can definitely keep this. Oh, there is one more thing I want to give you." With that, Devan in a flash placed his pistol right up to Richard's head, and pulled the trigger, bringing the Floor Thirteen's Director's life to an abrupt end.

      Devan joined his brother's side at the fancy looking screen, as Shannon haphazardly scrolled through various screens and menus. He stood there for just a moment, then couldn't help but get a long sly grin, and let out a laugh. "You find something amusing?" Shannon asked as he stopped what he was doing.

   "Huh? Oh it's nothing really. It's just for a second there you actually looked like you knew what you were doing," Devan said while containing the out burst he wanted to go into as he heard Shannon make a quick sucking noise through his teeth. Shannon just let out a sigh, then continued to look through several screens. Devan watched still, crossing his arms while at the same time, raising him self several times up and down on his toes. "You know, not to bug you or anything. But I am pretty sure they don't have Minesweeper on this system."

   "Fine!" Shannon shouted as he slammed one of his fists to the metal plating of the work station. "You think you can do it better? Go right ahead." Shannon then took a long step backwards, while holding out an out stretched arm towards the device as if he were presenting it to Devan. This made his little brother give him a friendly smile as he stepped up to the console. In just a few short seconds, Devan had accessed all the major systems, including the power grid that according to the schematics, was hidden directly under the facility made to look like an everyday run down warehouse.

   "How did you do that?" Shannon asked, trying to restrain the actual sense of curiosity in his voice.

   "Well you have been gone for a while Shannon. So I took some time to learn this system," Devan responded while still running through different system screens.

   "Learned their system huh? And how exactly did you learn their system?" Shannon asked while crossing his arms.

   "Oh, a little bit of money thrown here, and there. Asking the right questions to the right people. Plus, add on the fact that I am rather brilliant, and it wasn't that hard. Although," Devan paused for a moment, and brought his hand up to his chin. " I am going to need something from that locker over there. Mind getting it for me?"

   Shannon looked over to the locker in question that Devan was now pointing at. It looked rather mundane to him, nothing special about it, just a normal locker someone would keep their stuff in. Regardless, Shannon quickly walked over to the tall metal container, and pulled it open, then suddenly had to recoil a bit when he saw what was inside. "Oh please don't kill me!" the scientist in that had been hiding in the locker this entire time shouted as he fell out, and down to the floor while curling up into a fetal position.

   "This what you were talking about?" Shannon asked as he looked over to Devan, while pointing down at the quivering man on the floor. All Devan did was nod his head, while laughing a little as he continued to type into the virtual screens that flowed back and forth in front of him. That's when Shannon reached down, and took hold of the man's collar, yanking him up to his feet, and dragging him quickly over to the computer where Devan was.

   "Command code," Devan said in a slow voice as he pointed at the input field that had just popped up on the screen.

   The now captured scientist looked at the screen before him, then to Devan, then to Shannon. "But, but that's the power grid control sub routines."

   "Gee thanks Mister Wizard!" Devan said as a long mock smile came over his lips. "Now tell me the command code to override the safety protocols."

   The man in the white coat looked at his captures one more time, then back to the screen. "But if you do that, the second you activate the gate it will overheat and," he stopped speaking suddenly, as he quickly realized what was being planned. "Oh whoa whoa guys. If the core of this place overheats, it is going to go off like a nuclear bomb!"

   "By george I think he figured it out!" Devan said teasingly, while Shannon did little to react to the information being given, or how Devan was making fun of it.

   The scientist was trying very hard not to lose his composure at his current predicament. He knew all to well what these two had done to the others that were in this room, the soldiers that were now scattered in either pieces, or corpses around this very room, or the outside hallways. That's when he swallowed hard the little amount of spit that had formed in his mouth, along with his conscience. "Okay guys, fine, you want to blow this place up, go ahead. Just promise me you give me enough time to get out of here, and to a safe distance. Which would take me about five minutes if I understood how big of an explosion this thing will make once it goes off. Promise?"

   "Yep," Devan said quickly as he nodded his head up and down.

   "Agreed," Shannon added as he too nodded his head in the same fashion as Devan was.

   "Very well then," the scientist said as he stepped up to the screen, and in just a few seconds, entered the long series of numbers and letters required to bring the safeties down. As soon as he was finished, it sounded as if a dozen alarms, sirens, and warnings from the computer had been tripped, and started playing all at the same time. "Now once the gate activates, you will have about five seconds to get through, and get out of the way. There is a slight chance some of the explosion will get caught in the wake, and pulled through with you." As soon as he finished giving the instructions, the scientist just stood there, looking back and forth from one man to the other, waiting for his permission to go.

   "What's your name?" Devan asked the man.

   "Brent sir," the scientist responded as he held his hand outwards to make a formal greeting.

   "Thanks Brent! Goodbye," Devan said as he quickly placed his pistol right between Brent's eyes, and pulled the trigger.

   Devan just stood there for a moment, looking down at the now newly dead scientist called Brent. He then clicked a button on the side of his pistol, and let the clip fall to the ground, followed shortly by the hand gun itself. This process he repeated again with his other custom made forty five pistol as he gave a small sigh, and turned around to walk right towards the gate. Shannon just shook his head as he looked down at the discarded weapons there on the ground. He thought that if it were him, and he cared about using ranged weapons in the slightest, he surely wouldn't have left them behind. The thought just made him shrug his shoulders as he as well turned around, and joined Devan at the front of the gate.

   "You ready?" Devan asked Shannon as he pulled the return device from his pocket, and placed his finger on the blinking red light that signaled the archway was ready to be used. All Shannon did was nod, then set him self as if he were going to make a long leap forward. Devan did the same, and then pressed the button making the gate spring to life in the bright, and colorful light show they had seen several times now. Something new came with it this time however, a deep and low rumble that shook the foundation of the building it self. "Go!" Devan shouted as the two sprang forward, and through the portal.

*****

      Several bright flashes broke the silence of the quiet spot near Everfree, as the portal sputtered to life. It was not Shannon and Devan however that were the first to exit the gate, but a long plume of smoke and fire. Then a pair of yells followed, as the pair of Humans were tossed out of the portal like a couple of rockets. They hit the ground with such force, that neither of them had the ability to make a decent landing. They both smashed into the ground hard, and rolled several times before coming to a stop several yards away from each other, lying on their backs.

   "Five seconds my ass!" Devan shouted in an angry tone as he slowly sat up, shaking his head, then looking himself over to make sure he was not on fire, or if anything was broken.

   "Don't curse Devan," Shannon said as he too came up to rest in a seated position. "It does make you look a fool." The two sat in silence for just a minute, each one coming to terms with the fact that the mission that had started so many years ago, had now finally come to an end. Shannon was the first to raise to his feet, followed shortly by Devan. The two looked at each other, and almost at the same time, started to laugh out loud.

   "Yeah!" Devan shouted as he pumped his fist up into the air. This made Shannon nod his head with a long smile, as he simply clapped his hands together in his own small form of celebration. "Man, talk about your long jobs. That took for freaking ever."

   "It was lengthy to say the least," Shannon said as he leaned over, and picked the Dream Reaver that had been tossed from his grasp when he hit the ground. "Although, we did have a minor setback in the process."

   "Meh, better late than never I suppose," Devan commented on Shannon's statement. He then looked to his hand, and found that he in some way had been able to keep a hold of the return device. The screen had gone blank now, the flashing red button had become a dull color of itself. Devan reached over with his finger, and tried to press several of the buttons, only to get nothing but a dry click noise. "Well this thing is shot. Guess that is a good sign." He looked up from the device as he placed it into his coat pocket, and was surprised to see Shannon had already started to walk away towards the large mountain on the horizon, where several spires protruded out. "Where you going?" Devan shouted, not knowing why he asked; he knew all to well what was on Shannon's mind.

   "I have a report to make," was all that Shannon said as he continued to walk.

   Devan shook his head, and laughed to himself, as he looked into the deep forest he had to traverse to get to where he was going to. "Yeah. I have some one to see too," he whispered to himself as he turned, and started to walk towards the forest's edge.

   "Devan," Shannon said, causing the younger of the two to stop, and turn back around to see that Shannon had stopped. Devan just smiled, and waited for whatever it was Shannon was going to say. "That mare from before we went back, Black Light. She was right you know. My Worship's personal guard is missing several members now. It would do well to benefit from the experience you have. If you were interested."

   This made Devan wish he had some kind of recording device, or at least a camera to use. This was maybe only the second or third time in his life that he remembered where Shannon actually reached out to him. As much as he thought it would be a great job to work along side his older brother once again, there in that massive city where a living Goddess dwelled. He knew something much greater, and far more important was waiting for him beyond that forest's reach. "Nah," he said as he shook his head. "Fluttershy's life is there in that small town. So that's where mine is going to be." The next words he was going to speak made him blush just a little, even before he spoke them. "You and that Princess of yours are more than welcome to stop by though."

   "I see," Shannon said as he slowly nodded his head. "I would make the same offer to you, and the yellow one. Should you find the time."

   "Well, I'm retired now. Think I will have lots of time on my hands." After saying this, Devan just waved his hand while turning back around to begin his trek back to his new home. "Later."

   "Goodbye," Shannon said as he too turned, and started walking towards Canterlot.

*****

      Rainbow Dash knocked furiously at the door several times again, as Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie all stood there waiting, each with a concerned look on their muzzles. "Fluttershy!" Dash yelled through the solid wooden door. "You come out of there right now. It's been over a day! You can't just waste away in that house."

   "No!" Was all the group heard coming from inside the locked up tree house.

   "I'll get AJ to kick in the door if I have to!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she once again pounded at the thick barrier.

   "Don't rightly think I would do such a thing Sug," Applejack scoffed as she rolled her large green eyes.

   Pinkie Pie then bounced up to one of the windows, and pressed her face hard against the glass, to see that Fluttershy had curled herself up on the couch, where she had her head tucked deep into her own hooves. "Fluttershy!" the pink Earth Pony yelled in a muffled voice as she continued to press herself as hard as she could to the glass. "I made your favorite treat! Look!" She then reached into a small saddle bag on her side, pulling out an expertly made carrot cake, with white frosting, and small carrot slices spread randomly around with an assortment of colored sprinkles. She then proceeded to smash the baked good up to the glass, completely ruining it in the process. "It's a carrot cake! It's so good!" Her bright blue eyes then slowly went to the smeared disaster that was once Fluttershy's gift. "Uh oh. I'll be right back! I made another one in case I did this." Pinkie suddenly became a pink blur, as she sped her way to Ponyville to get the back up cake.

   The whole scene just made Rarity sigh to herself as she gingerly strolled up to the door, and quietly tapped on it. "Fluttershy, darling. We all know you miss Devan. But you really must not sit in there and dwell on the worst case scenario. It isn't good for your coat."

   "Says the Pony that wanted to stay in her house for a week because she messed up the color scheme of a dress," Applejack said with a sudden chuckle at Rarity not taking her own advice. This made Rarity's eyes narrow as she shot Applejack a mean glare.

   "I will have you know that, that was a very important client's dress!" Rarity started to argue, as both Applejack, and Rainbow Dash started laughing at their friend's sudden defense.

   Fluttershy just let out another sigh as she heard the argument start outside her door. She didn't even care at this point, all she wanted to do was sink deeper into her couch, and try to not to burst into tears again. She didn't even know if she could cry again at this point, as she feared she might have ran completely out of tears. Not even the soft, and gentle pets that Angel Bunny had given her would come even close to brightening her mood. She just wanted him back so badly. She wanted to hear his voice, feel his fingers scratch her ears again. She wanted to wake in the morning with him by her side, or cuddle up with him in the middle of the day, and just rest her head on his toned, narrow chest. Then the thought of him never being able to do those things jumped into her head, as much as she didn't want them to. The images of him being stranded back on his on world, never being able to get back, or even worse, lying dead somewhere she could never see, or go. That was the thought that did it, as a free flowing stream came rushing out of her eyes, followed by a loud wail of sadness.

   "Please don't cry anymore," Devan said as he finished his stealthy sneak down the stairs from the upper level of the house where he had bypassed the group outside, and came in through the window. "You know I can't stand it when you cry." Fluttershy almost jumped through the roof as she took in a long wide eyed gasp. She had to rub her eyes with her hooves as Devan walked up to the couch, and kneeled down to the floor. "You shouldn't really leave your windows unlocked. Devious persons with ill intents might get in," he said with a jokingly wide grin.

   "D-d-d-evan?" Fluttershy stuttered as the disbelief of what she saw would not yet go away. She even reached out slowly with her front hoof, attempting to place it on the side of his cheek. He did not allow her to finish herself however. For he reached out, and took her hoof into his hand, then placed it himself to his face, pushing up against it.

   "Hi Shy," he said as their eyes met, and he in turn reached up, and placed his own hand to her tear drenched face.

   "H-h-hey." She tried to stammer out their little rhyme, but found the words getting caught in her throat. "Oh Devan!" the little Pegasus wailed out as she threw herself from the couch, completely tackling Devan to the floor. This caused Devan to let out a burst of little laughs as his face was being assaulted by her lips, in the form of tiny pecks, to massive kisses. "Devan! Don't you ever scare me like that again! Don't ever leave again! I want you here, with me always." Devan was just about to agree, but Fluttershy took in a quick gasp as her face brightened, as if she had just realized something. "And foals! I want lots of foals!"

   "Foals huh?" Devan said with a happy wide eyed look of surprize. He wasn't sure if he and her were even able to have kids, but if it was something that she wanted, it was something he would try to give her. "We'll see what we can work out about that," He said as he ran his hands through the long, thick silk like mane. The two then fell into each other, as they squeezed themselves into a tight embrace. Their lips then met in one of the deepest kisses Devan could remember getting, or giving to anyone. "You want to go outside before the girls tear the house down?"

   "Yeah," Fluttershy said with a giggle. She then rolled off of him, and nuzzled her nose into his face as he lifted himself to his own feet. The two started walking towards the door, to meet the others outside who seemed to be still arguing over something.

   Just before Fluttershy was about to open the door, Devan's face contorted into an odd look of disgusted wonder. "The hell is that on the window?"

*****

      Morning was starting to approach, Shannon could tell by the activity he had seen on the road that led into Canterlot. He had wanted so to rush towards the main castle, to fly up the stairs to where he knew his Moon Goddess would be waiting for him. There was something else he had to do first however, something he had never done before. He took in a deep sigh as he knelt down before the grave in front of him, looking silently at the master crafted tombstone that stood at the head of the freshly poured dirt. He couldn't read the epitaph that was carved into the thick marble like stone, as it was written in Equestrian, but he knew from what the groundskeeper had told him, who was lying in the ground under him.

   "Chaotica," he said in a low voice, as he placed his hand to the loose soil. "I hope you were given a hero's burial when they placed you here. Not because of the sacrifice you made to save me. But because of what you did to save so many Ponies lives. When I first arrived here, on this world. I knew that I would easily become a horrible plague that would take the lives of any creature that got in my way. I knew I would try to carve a path of destruction until something more powerful than myself put me down. Then you found me. You convinced me that there was something more in this place than just what I saw, and you took me to meet the Goddess that I would dedicate my very existence to."

   He stopped for a moment as his mind went back to that day, where he was confronted by the red eyed beast that would eventually take him to her home, teach him how things worked in his new surroundings, and even gave him food, and a place to stay. It was something that had never happened to him before, save for the standard attentions he would get from his immediate family. Yet this new alien creature did so without wanting anything back, or without worry of what would happen to her if her trust had been misplaced.

   "I'm sorry I couldn't give you what you wanted, my heart," he continued as he leaned back to rest on his feet. "I fear I may have caused you to lose great opportunities in chasing after me the way you did." He couldn't help but get a smile as new images flashed into his mind of all the times she had hit on him, made every excuse to bump into him, or outright touch him. "However, I want you to be happy in the Forever you dwell in now to know these few things: You were my guide, you were my mentor, you were my comrade. But more importantly than that, you were my friend, and I am going to miss you."

   He made a deep sigh as he came up to his feet. He then looked over to his right, and saw that another grave had been dug, and it's tombstone was identical to Chaotica's, and he knew all to well who lay there as well. He gave a long deep bow to Chaosia's grave. giving her the proper respect one warrior would give to another. He then turned around, and continued back towards the palace, where he had one more thing to say.

*****

      Luna slowly shuffled her hooves down the hallway that led to her home. Her head hung low, and her eyes only stared down to the ground, only to look up every now and again to make sure she wasn't going to run into anything. Even the random greetings of the patrons of the castle offered her no comfort as they tried to smile at her, and give her friendly formal greetings. She arrived at her room, though mostly through auto pilot. Something did catch her attention however as she turned her head up to see several guards, and even normal Ponies were trying to act very casual in a group, while at the same time glancing over towards her, only to look away quickly thinking they might get caught. Moon Burn then stepped into sight, along with his small wife. He did little to acknowledge his princess however, save for a quick nod with his head. Though it was what he had in his mouth that seemed most odd. A large gold locket attached to a chain.

   Without thinking, she burst into her room, her head became a swivel as it jerked from side to side, while at the same time her body spun in circles. She couldn't see anything new or different about the scene before her, which made her heart sink deeply into her chest. Then she heard something coming from her bedroom, and she almost took to the air as she dashed towards the sound.  She gasped suddenly, and had to swallow the lump in her throat while fighting away the tears of unmitigated joy as she saw Shannon standing there by her dresser. He was completely clean now, his face shaven, and wearing nothing but a pair of loose fitting pants as he slowly brushed his long wet raven black hair with a brush. He saw her reflection in the mirror he stood in front of, making him smile with a sigh as he placed the brush down, and turned to face her.

   "Forgive me Worship for not letting you know of my arrival sooner. I realized my outwardly condition was simply to morbid to present to you in a fashion you are accustomed to." He started slow at first, walking towards her as she did the same. Though instead of a smile, she wore a quivering lip, and even a weak step as her knees threatened to give way with each step she took.

   "Shannon, I," Luna tried to say as soon as the two came face to face. Shannon did not let her finish however, as he placed a single finger up to her lips.

   "Shh," he sounded out as his finger left her lips, and traced itself down her jaw line, where his palm came to rest on her cheek. His thoughts then suddenly raced back to the fight he had with Shadow Vein, a very particular moment when Shadow Vein asked him a certain question, and an answer was whispered into his ear, just before Shannon slit his throat, and snapped his neck. It seemed like the right thing to say at the time, but now, he almost regretted saying it to Shadow Vein first, as it was information a traitor of his sort should not have been privy to. Never the less, it was something he had been meaning to say, and now he would correct that mistake. That's when he looked down into those beautiful silvery eyes of his Goddess, and leaned in ever so slowly. "I love you Luna."

   Nothing in this world or beyond it could have stopped the tears of happiness Luna had been holding back from flowing now. She let out a sniffle filled laugh as she closed her eyes, squeezing even more tears to roll down her cheeks as she pushed her head hard up against his bare chest. "And I you," She whispered as she felt his arms come around her neck, making her nuzzle herself deeper into him. "My beloved Darkness." The two then looked up at each other, and Shannon leaned down to place a loving, and deep kiss to her lips, making her moan out in joy. Her horn then began to glow, as the covers of her bed were pulled down with her magic. She smiled up at him, and he down at her as the pair slowly crawled into the large bed. They shared another hard kiss, then Shannon laid himself down, and pushed his head between her front legs, and into her chest. She then closed her eyes, as her wing came out slowly, and covered her Human mate, as her own head came to rest on his shoulders. There, wrapped in her embrace, and she in his, the Alicorn Goddess of the Night and her zealot, fell fast asleep.

The

End