It was a lovely early morning in the white and pink forest. The life around the group of ninjas was waking up to meet the new day. The tall trees lightly shook from the wind. The birds were singing their first songs. It was a peaceful place, that would shield the tired ponies from the dangers of the light.

"We will rest here for the duration of the day. We will continue after dark." Triple said to his friends.

"How many 'dragons' you sense?" Blue Circle asked.

"Only three but they are moving away from our position. If you excuse me, I need some rest."

"Of course."

The old unicorn lay down on the grassy ground and sighed heavily. He couldn't remember the last time he galloped for so long. Circle turned away from him and froze. His blue eyes looked on the white pegasus. He was young and handsome. The two belts around his chest made him look quite deadly. He took off the white mask and revealed an innocent face, that hearts would melt from the sheer sight of it. The lush black mane was pulled back. Only few hairs fell on his cheeks.

Circle secretly approached him, while staring at his figure.

"What do you want, White Shadow?" the youngster sensed him, when he was close.

"Turn around."

The pegasus did so and was surprised to see the master ninja, fully covered in black. The rest of the group drew out their weapons. They were equally confused by this sudden move but maintained an almost perfect defensive formation around Circle.  

"Step back, I only want to test his abilities."

None moved from their position.

"Alright, lets make this into a big exercise. Your goal is to stop me, fair and simple."

"We shall not play your game, White Shadow." said one of the Guardians of the Portal. "End your trickery and stand down!"

"Actually, don't." Triple said behind them, which took everypony by surprise. "There aren't any threats near us, so we can use the time for exercises. Be gentle, Circle!"

"If Master Triple says so, then we train! Come everypony, attack him from all sides as one!" said the blue ninja, who clenched his big sword with his teeth. Every other ninja prepared to attack, except the white pegasus, who didn't seem very eager to fight.

After the hidden signal, everypony charged Circle's position. The old unicorn watched with pleasure how his students tried to make a single hit to the master ninja. He moved like the night wind. His dance was perfect and none was able to even touch his tail.

"He hasn't change a bit from our first meeting. What a tough fight it was! Despite knocking me out cold and stealing my outfit, I'm glad that I have met such a great ninja. It's a pity that not many like him walk on this world." Triple thought. "A true leader, who is creating bonds with his warriors through fighting. You've walked a long way from the rebellious young pony, you once were."

The attackers were throwing knifes and kunais but they all struck the ground or the nearby trees. The swords were too slow to slice him. Blue Circle was invincible, almost. The young pegasus waited for a good moment, when the shadow ninja moved straight to him. He had only one attempt to do this right, cause Circle was no fool.

He was patient and when the time was right, his wing swiftly threw six kunais at his target. This action was so fast, that even Circle was unable to notice the attack until the blades were just a meter away from him. The master ninja used all his tentacles to block the incoming blades. They weren't able to penetrate the black shield but this was enough to end the game.

"Bravo, you've got a good eye." Circle ended his magic and the kunais fell on the ground.

"If this was an actual combat, we all would be dead. You move just like the demon, who brought us to our knees!" the pegasus frowned.

"No, I'm faster than him but he has more powerful kicks. Do you have a minute to talk?"

"For what?"

"I want to ask you about the 'change' you were talking about the previous day. I know that your clan is the youngest and sometimes the one with the crazy ideas of how things should be done. Could you enlighten me?"

The pegasus felt quite uncomfortable, when his mad eyes moved from one spot on his body to another.

"Change. Everypony talks about it in my clan. I've been only three times in the homelands but it was enough to feel the new vibe in the air. The old ways are slowly pushed aside by the new customs and thinking. No pony wants to fight anymore, even the strongest ninjas. They are starting to realize that the world is bigger and nothing keeps us on this island."

"Are you thinking of building ships that can get your ponies across the ocean? Interesting. So your clan wants to flee like cowards?"

The youngster gritted his teeth.

"No, we are not cowards! We think of our future, unlike the other clans. We only want to live in peace and nothing more. If leaving this damn island is the solution to achieving our dream, then may the winds help us get to the new home faster!"

Circle moved in his personal space and stared deeply inside his inexperienced eyes.

"So you are on the side of your home clan? Weren't Guardians supposed to stay away from their homes, so that they'd not ruin the synergy between the keepers?"

"I'm not scared to say what I feel and think. They already know that I'll leave, when my clan leaves. There's noting that holds us here, except the burned villages and fields."

"I can't believe that Triple has not punished you already for just thinking of running. I guess, he is too old to discipline you..." he turned to the rest, who were sitting or laying on the soft ground. They all had pointed their ears to their conversation, though they pretended that they were relaxing. "Are you all planning to leave like him?"

The ninjas turned their heads to Circle and said with one voice:

"No."

"... although I'd like to see the Kingdom in the north."

"Shut it!" his brother prodded.

The shadow pony turned back to the pegasus.

"So, you are alone but despite this you have the courage to walk among them, breath among them and eat with them. I admire that you want to live but you are a ninja and a Guardian of the Portal. Leaving these lands for a better future will result in very chaotic actions from the rest of the ninjas on this island. Think of how everypony will react, after they've learned about your plans. Yes, even you can see it. Another war will consume this piece of land again. Many will perish, while trying to conquer your territory or fleeing from another madness. This is how deep our connection goes and every attempt to cut it will be met with greater opposite force."  

Blue turned his back to him and said with a very honest voice:

"You are too young to feel it yet but with time, you'll understand that running will make things more difficult. We have to face our fears and problems or we'll end up screwing everything." there was a short pause, in which everypony listened to the silence. It whispered their names from the black list of the faceless. "I want to know one thing: can I trust you to cover my back in the mission or not?"

The pony from the Diamond Shuriken stamped mightily.

"I'm with you on this mission."

Circle smiled.

"It's not a problem to dream about a better world. I too share the vision of peace, but in mine we take it from the mouth of the monster, who created Tartarus on this island! This is the way of the ninja and your way too. Denying it, will only make you weaker."

Then he used his powers and covered himself with shadows.

"Get up, you lazy plots! The exercise is not over! Same rules. Ready. Go!"

"My sword for some rest!" said the taller brother.

"I hear ya, bro."

Meanwhile...

Lucky was prostrate on the bed and still swimming in the deeps of his subconscious, when a friendly hoof patted him on the shoulder. There was no response from him. It gently pushed him but again the attempt to wake him was futile. Then the hoof withdrew and suddenly a powerful kick send the poor pegasus flying at the wall on the other side. He slammed it really hard, which finally awakened him.

Lucky fell on his face and groaned.

"Why do you have to wake me so rude in this early hour?" the pegasus sounded like he was in pain.

"Because it's time to get up." she stood right beside him and enjoyed his slow attempt to regain balance. "I've opened the package from Rose and found a letter for you."

"It could wait, you know? It won't leave on its own." Lucky stood up on his legs and turned to his partner. "Anyway, could you read it now?"

"Yeah."

Lucky sat on the bed and was all ears.

"So it goes:

Hello, Mr Lucky Eight

I and my close friend thank you heartily for you work. Rain Paint told me how you saved her from the medallion, for which I'm forever grateful. We've become friends again and even she is planning to move in our house. We promised each other to never let anything separate us again and always tell the truth.

She also told me about the advices you gave me via the letter you've sent to her. I've given them much thought and decided that it was time to follow my heart. However, I'm not planning to permanently leave Canterlot for the time being.

Again, you've done so many great things for us and I've decided to double your reward.

Hope to see you soon again.

Blooming Rose"

Foxy crumpled the letter and threw it in the box, from where she found it.

"I'm glad that they've reunited." he noted.

"Don't get too sentimental, they were only clients." she turned to the door and said: "Come with me. It's time for the meditation."

"Like the one you thought me two days ago?" he quickly jumped from the bed. "Or is this a new one?"

"It's the old one. You are not ready yet for the complex stuff."

The two entered the bright living room and sat near the big windows. They were just in front of the wooden table. The brown and orange colors provided a suitable atmosphere around them. They were facing each other. She looked at him with the eyes of a master, who was about to tell his student another lesson. Lucky was a little sleepy but tried to stay focused.

"Start breathing slowly. Rid yourself of any thoughts. Follow only my voice." she sounded calm. "The trinity inside you must be in peace. Our visions must become clear."

Foxy placed her hoof on his chest. She felt his fast beating heart, which surprised her.

"Calm yourself. You wont be able to meditate, if you are nervous." she said strictly.

"I'm not nervous!"

"Then why..."

She was interrupted by the knocking on the door. They were not expecting anypony. The ninja stood up but a hoof stopped her before making even one step to the door.

"It would be better, if I went to check it instead of you." Lucky moved in front of her.

"Alright, I'll stay hidden but will be ready to help you, if there's trouble." then Foxy silently went behind the sofa.

Lucky slowly approached the door. There was another knocking. He felt a little edgy. His hoof grabbed the handle and cautiously opened the wooden door.

Suddenly he heard familiar voices, which pretty much surprised him.

"Hi, there sonny! Haven't seen you in a week. Where have you been?" Quarter Key greeted with his western accent.

"Two days, eh? Glad that at least you are in Manehatten and not somewhere in the woods." Diamond Rod entered inside without an invitation. He wasn't wearing armor. "I hope that you haven't forgotten about your responsibility?"  

"What are you guys doing here?"

"We've come to see you." Quarter Key went in front of him and handed him a box. "This is your costume for tonight. Better try it, cause we might have made a slight mistake with the size."

"What? You know about the mission? How? Wasn't it supposed to be a secret?" Lucky was so overwhelmed by this unexpected visit.

"We are the decoys for tonight's event." Diamond answered, while checking the living room. There were shelves with a lot of books, an yellow sofa and a short table in front of it. "So, where is she?"

"Right behind you." the dark voice gave him the shivers.

He turned around and looked angrily at her.

"Sneaking like that is not what most consider pleasant."

"Then don't leave your back unprotected." she impaled him with her demonic sight.

"Maybe you two should let some steam somewhere else. Diamond, I too don't like her but we are now colleagues. We should respect one another." Quarter tried to calm their spirits.

"Technically, your precious princess never mentioned that I was part of your team." Foxy said coldly.

"But without you, I wont be able to do this!"

Then the grey unicorn turned to Lucky.

"So, what happened with you and this pony? You've been missing for almost a week."

"I-I... we were doing some important stuff." Lucky smiled very unconvincingly.

"It's not your business!" Foxy stood between them and looked threateningly.

"Actually, as the members of the Royal Guards we have the right to know what you two were doing in the past days." Diamond Rod grinned delightfully. "Don't make me use my authority!"

"Diamond, that's enough!" Quarter's blue eyes impaled his big colleague. "We need to stay focused on the mission and not on personal conflicts. Lucky, I respect your wish to not talk about it."

"Thanks, old horn." Lucky felt relieved. A small smile appeared on him. "So, you will help us tonight. I wonder why the command chose you?"

"It wasn't the Commanders' HQ that decided our participation in the mission. Princess Celestia personally ordered us to join the team four days ago. Our poor Princess had her hoofs full and it was miraculous, that we were able to see her in person."

"What do you mean?" Lucky sounded a bit worried.

Quarter Key glimpsed at the still open door and said with a low voice:

"Let's make sure that no pony can hear us first and let's sit on something comfy."

The ninja was intrigued by the secrecy the older unicorn was showing now. What was he afraid of?

Lucky closed the door and joined the rest in the living room. Only the ninja sat on the floor in front of the two unicorns. The pegasus noticed that his partner was not on the yellow sofa. He didn't want her to feel like an outsider, so he sat next to her.

"So, what happened in Canterlot? I heard that there was a flooding, which I can't imagine to be true. The Capital is in the mountain and has a very good sewer network."

"There was an inundation. The storm was fierce and not even the sewers could handle the amount of water that fell on our heads. Some streets were completely unreachable and impassable on hoof. It felt unnatural. The Guards suspected that sorcery was behind the immovable clouds. The two Princesses were silent about the matter and would only speak with our superiors. Princess Celestia even asked her student to help her with this problem. Twilight Sparkle was her name and I wont forget how she and her friends helped us with the renegade clouds. A very talented unicorn, indeed."

"Yes, she managed to recreate a spell that hadn't been used for centuries." Diamond Rod continued. "Almost none knew how it worked and what were the key words for it because somepony had torn the page, on which was illustrated how it was performed. We thoroughly searched the library but couldn't find the missing chapter. However, Twilight somehow managed to rewrite it and successfully used it on the clouds. In just a few moments, the storm dispersed on itself. It was a great time for celebrations.

Afterwards we met the Princess Celestia in her throne room. She was literally swimming in documents and reports. There were a lot of damages that needed to be covered and news from a distant country arrived at the same day. In short, there was a lot to be done. Her Highness was quick with the briefing and ordered us to depart as soon as possible."

"Woaw, interesting story." Lucky happily smiled.

"Yeah, though we should not talk about it in public. For the rest of the ponies it was just a very bad weather. We do not need to make anypony worried, understand?" Diamond asked in a serious manner.

"We understand." Foxy answered faster than Lucky could open his mouth.

"Glad that we have an understanding here." Diamond noted.

Suddenly, somepony opened the door and entered in the apartment. Everypony in the room turned their heads to see who was this new guest.

"Finally home!" Doggy Nose said loudly. He quickly went to the sofa and sat. His plot was in a need of something soft, after working all night. There were a lot of preparation for the arrival of the Princess that needed to be made and he was not finished even with half of them. "Finally, the moment has come!"

His hoof pointed to Foxy, who was not amused by his act.

"You and I haven't begun our talks about your past and how you are connected with the ninjas from this photo." Doggy put the shot on the table. "Start spitting the beams, darling."

"Stop it!" Lucky slammed on the table. "What's this obsession of yours? She is not the enemy!"

The green pegasus leaned over the table. Their faces almost touched. Both seemed a little pissed.  

"What are you two hiding? Do you work for her?"

"Enough!" the old unicorn screamed and then continued with a calm voice. "You are from the Royal Guards. Behave like ones!"

Lucky wanted to defend her again, when Foxy put her hoof in front of his mouth. The pegasus resisted but her strength was too great.

"I'm no coward and I don't run from the truth. Hit me with your questions! I hope that you'll get your satisfaction." she said without any regret. Her eyes were pointing at Doggy without blinking. Tail was ready for the incoming attacks that could ignite the old flames in her soul.

At first, the green pegasus couldn't believe his luck, but then he quickly returned to his game and began shooting those hot questions like a ballista. The two unicorns, though didn't like the idea of it, were a bit eager to hear something about this ninja.

"What's your real name?"

"Dragon Born." she calmly answered.

"So, Ms Dragon, from where you are?"

"Clan Dragon Claw."

"You've used magic to leave the Office, so are you an unicorn, right?"

"What a question is this?" Quarter Key looked surprisingly at Doggy. "She is clearly an earth pony."

"I'm an earth pony." Foxy admitted, though she wanted that to remain a secret.

"Excuse me for the doubts but earth ponies don't do magic!" Doggy leaned on the table. "You could be using a trick to hide your real type."

"I'm completely honest here." her voices indicated that she wasn't having the greatest time in her life.

"Alright. What's your profession?"

"I don't have one, though you could say I'm a pony for hire."

"To hire for what exactly?" he looked in her eyes, trying to guess, if she was laying.

Lucky felt a little worried for Foxy. This question was kind of tricky to dodge and could lead to more personal questions.

"Anything. I can find stuff, break stuff or carry stuff. I'm kind of a Jack of all trades."

"Tell us about your clan. I'd like to know what's your opinion about it."

"Crap!" Foxy thought.

"Ha-ha, I've got you now, ninja!" he smirked.

"It's big, old and has one ruler. I don't like it a little bit." she answered.

"And why is that?" Doggy closed his face to her. Despite her calm look, fear was beginning to take over her body. She left the memories of her past in the deeps of her mind, so that they'd never see the light again. However, if this continued, they'd return in a violent way.

"Oh, no!" Lucky thought. "Foxy... No, I'm not gonna stand this anymore. I'll have to save my partner!"

"Well?" the green pegasus could feel that he struck on gold. The ninja was oddly silent. Her orange eyes didn't reveal much but Doggy sensed that her mind was troubled and he liked it a bit. This was his game and finding out the little secrets would give him the ultimate satisfaction.

Suddenly, his attention turned to the right but was too late. An angry hoof hit his cheek and sent him flying over the sofa. The two unicorns quickly ducked. Tail was not surprised by Lucky's intervention. She actually was hoping that he'd save her from the interrogation.

"Lucky, what in the name of Celestia, are you doing?" Quarter Key was indignant.

The pegasus opened his mouth to answer, when Doggy slammed into him with his entire body. The two fell on the floor, the green one was on top of the white one.

"If you don't want her to talk then you will instead!" Doggy yelled and afterwards sent his right hoof directly at Lucky's face. A small drop of blood fell from his lips. Before it even reached the floor, the Guardian felt a presence behind him.

"Stop in this instant!" Diamond Rod strictly commanded. He used his horn to separate them from each other and placed them on the opposite ends of the room. "Now, calm down!"  

"Lucky, what you did was wrong." Key said, when he stood up from his seat. Then his eyes turned to the other pegasus. "Doggy Nose, I think you've got enough information from the ninja, so this interrogation is over."

"But-but, they are hiding important information, which can be crucial for the mission!" he exclaimed.

"I ordered to calm yourself!" Diamond stood in front of him, so that Doggy couldn't see her or her partner and thus soothe the fires in his heart.

"Is he right, sonny? Do you two have information that can help us with the mission?" Quarter Key slowly approached the white pegasus, who looked a bit angry.

"I'm sorry Quarter Key. I made a promise and I'll not break it! However, the knowledge I possess doesn't in any way endanger this mission. You are actually better off without it."

"Alright then. I respect that you have a responsibility and will not ask you of this anymore. The same goes to you, Doggy Nose. Diamond, release them."

The white unicorn did so and the purple aura, that was around the two pegasi quickly vanished. Doggy was not happy about this but what choice did he have. Defeated, the Guardian headed to the kitchen to refresh with cider. The pegasus was feeling a little tired after the long work and wanted some rest.

Lucky went to the ninja and sat next to her. She hadn't even moved a muscle. Foxy wanted to maintain her innocence and the best way to do it was not to take any actions.

"Thanks." she whispered. Lucky only nodded.

"Huh, I didn't think that by coming here, we'll just disrupt the team's spirit so badly." Quarter Key sat on the sofa, joined by Diamond Rod. "At least we have made clear our differences, which will only make us more united. We are here for only one thing: to take off the masks of those smart fellas. It will be tricky, so we need to forgive each other and stay concentrated on the task."

"Yes, of course." Lucky noted. He cleaned his mouth of the small drops of blood, though the red now covered his white hoof.

Unexpectedly, there was another knock on the door.  

"Doggy Nose, are you there? It's urgent!"

"Come in!" Quarter Key invited.

The door opened and shut. A white unicorn in golden armor appeared in the living room.

"Where is Nose?"' he carefully scanned the room but without a success.

"I'm here." Doggy said from the kitchen. Soon he came in the room with a mug, which was full with delicious cider. He stashed the drink in bottles and hid them in a cold place, which only he knew where it was. "What's the problem?"

"The pegasi have found a pony with an unknown identity, laying on the shore this morning. There was also wreckage from what seems to be a flying ship of unknown sort."

"So, the crash in the sea was not caused by a meteorite... interesting. Did she say anything?"

"She said that she a is ninja."

Doggy Nose almost dropped his mug.

"Did she say from which clan she came?" Foxy asked.

"No, the mare hasn't spoken a word after that." the armored pony shook his head.

Doggy took a big one from his mug and placed it on the table.

"I have to speak with her at once!" he immediately headed for the door.

"We'll come too." Quarter Key and Diamond Rod stood up from their seats and went after the green pegasus.

"Aren't you two coming?" the remaining unicorn asked.

"Give us a moment." Foxy said.

After a few short moments, they were completely alone. She turned to Lucky, who guessed what was going to happen.

"I know." he looked down. "It was not the best way to help you out but..."

Tail placed her hoof on his lips.

"Quiet." she whispered. Lucky was a bit confused.

Then suddenly it hit him like a train, sending him to the wall. He slammed his back so hard, that some books fell from the nearby shelf. His left cheek turned red from the powerful blow, at least his teeth were still intact. Foxy silently approached him. She looked at him with the eyes of a warrior. Lucky tried to defend himself but was no match for her super strength. Tail pulled him to her. Only inches separated their faces from one another.

"Was it the way how I hit him?" Lucky joked painfully.

"From where I come, we defend ourselves alone."

"Is this some kind of tradition?"

"You could call it that way and I tried to warn you." she closed a little more to him. "Also, I had to vent my frustration somewhere. You'll understand, won't you?"

"Yeah... of course." Lucky tried to smile, though he really wanted to give her a try of her own medicine. "Will you let me now?"

"After this..." Foxy pulled down her mouth mask. Her heart began beating like mad but there was no force that could stop her. Tail quickly closed her lips to his and kissed him. This came unexpectedly for Lucky and at first, he was frighten by her. His eyes grew wide and soon Lucky felt like in heaven. As if he was drugged and she felt like higher power just gave her wings. A lot energy went through them, charging their hearts with emotions they never felt before. To bad that it only lasted for a few moments.

"Did you like it?"

"Um..." Lucky was completely speechless.

"I thank you for sparing me the little hell, that I've locked inside the dark corners of my mind. I'd rather not relive the past."

"Not a problem." he smiled. "However, I can live happier without the hitting part."

"It was necessary. Don't speak of this with the others. I have a reputation to maintain." Foxy slowly moved away from him, pretending nothing happened.

"Not a word!"

"Come, let's not be late."

Then the two left the apartment and headed to the Royal Guards Office. Little did they know that there was a pony in this brick jungle, which was a threat to their existence. Although he was yet to find out about them and try to stop the two connected hearts.

Next Chapter: Chapter 21: The Duo Estimated time remaining: 9 Hours, 22 Minutes