Shadow Cries Wolf

What The Sun Cant See

Running. Always running.

His paws pounded the soaked earth, mud and loose grass caked between his toes as he drove his burning muscles and aching lungs towards the distant light that flickered between the heavy forest's branches. The rain blurred his vision and his sense of smell, drowning any lingering scents that could give him a clue to where in the world he was.

Vaulting over a small white fence, he pressed on, the trees he now ran through obviously cultivated and well cared for. The clean simple rows of apple trees gave him room to extend his lead on the monster that trailed in his wake, even the heavy downpour only slowing it by a few minutes.

Another leap carried him over the other side of the fence and towards the well lit home beyond, a simple house, two stories and well maintained, though the rain washed out any color as he stopped. His chest heaved for air as he rose up and placed his paws on the window ledge, catching a glimpse of the occupants within.

What. Horses. Horses? HORSES?! WHAT?! Within the warm confines of the house, four horses moved, a giant of a deep red, two others of orange and yellow, and the last an obviously aged slight green.

Shaking his head, he glanced back over his shoulder, his bottom lip being chewed for a moment by a vicious set of razor edged fangs. No time, no time! But I cant leave without giving them warning, or at least making them run from here! Its a damn lighthouse at this time and in this weather! Damn it all!

With a loud bang his shoulder rammed into the door, all noise within silenced by the impact, which he repeated twice more, both ears trained on the reply.

“I'm comin'. Don't go breaking down the door, ya hear?” Footsteps could be heard from the inside as the yellow haired one with the hat approached and unlocked the door.

Opening and unlocking the door? To a loud noise and in this weather? Must be a very trusting person. Or a very strong one... Best make this quick. Oh. Also, they can talk. What the hell?

The door swung open, the ponies face frowning for a moment, shock running up Applejacks features as she saw what was before her eyes. Memories surfaced, memories of when she and Mac were young, curled up under the blankets, jumping at every little noise after Granny smith had told one of her stories, the ones that always scared them far more than anything supernatural.

“TIMBERWOLF!” She screamed, slamming the door shut and ramming her shoulder into it to hold the beast out, shooting a glance over her shoulder to Mac. His eyes mirrored her own, filled with sudden dread. “Get a brace! Gotta keep him out!” She shouted, muscles twitching in fear as she braced for impact.

With a grunt he raced to the kitchen and gripped the stove with his jaw, muscles bulging along his frame as he tore it from its holdings. A garbled “Odda wawaa ag!” gave AJ time to dodge the improvised brace.

Applejack spun in place, ready to lash out with her hind legs at the first thing that moved funny, when she noticed that Granny was speaking in low tones to something outside the now opened window.

Granny Smith had been around for a long time. A long time indeed, and in those years had seen many things that most would consider to be...odd. So a creature who didn’t look like a timberwolf save in general shape tapping on the glass and giving her a wave? Didn’t even make her top ten in strangest sights.

That ain't a timberwolf at all. She narrowed her eyes. Not enough bark... got a mighty lookin' bite though.

A polite wave in return and she ambled over, giving the creature a good once over. Big beast, strong looking too. Big teeth, big claws, nice eyes though, real pretty green, and they glow in the dark to boot. It don’t look so mean, and it's standing out in the rain too, soaked to the bone. Might as well give the poor thing a chance to talk. Unclasping the latch, she raised the window and felt the icy water splash against her hooves and face. “Ello there, can I help ya with somethin'?”

Slightly taken aback, the wolf seemed to stumble for words, only to pause as its paw reached up to touch its jaw, eyes widening as it ground out a few words.

“H-hello, I'm-Wait, what?” It once again touched it's jaws, eyes still wide in disbelief. “Oh what the hell? Why can I talk in this form?!” Shaking it's head, it focused on Granny, eyes hard with dour intent. “Listen, sorry to be rude, but you and your family have got to get out of here, right now. In a few moments something extremely nasty is going to follow me, and when it finds this place it is going to kill all of you. You have got to go, right now.”

Granny's expression didn't change one bit, even as she seemed to be weighing it on some invisible scale. A heartbeat later she nodded, turning to see Applejack just now noticing her speaking with the dirty wolf. “Alright everyone, get on yer raincoats, we are headed into town.”

Needless to say, Big Mac and Applejack stared at her like she had just grown a second head.

“W-what? Granny, I know its late and yer tired, but ya know that there’s a timberwolf, right?”

Big Mac had already forced himself between Granny and the wolf, eyes narrowed as he quietly made his presence known. The wolf however, constantly glanced back over his shoulder at the dark, rain drenched forest behind him almost oblivious to the posturing.

“I know what I know, and this here beast ain't no timberwolf. Now get on yer coat, we don’t wanna be here for the thing following this here wolf. Now git!” Her voice snapped like a whip, the tone only mothers seem to know and use when they wanted complete obedience.

Cowed, at least for the moment, Applejack and Big Mac flung their coats over their backs, Big mac hoisting Granny onto his back and Applebloom onto Applejack's. With another tug the stove was removed, and the door opened to the downpour.

Tentative in the beasts presence without the comfort of thick walls between them, Applejack stared at the creature, eyes still wide, even with Granny's words ringing in her ears.

“Listen,” it spoke, the words sounding alien coming from the maw of a predator. “I want you to picture a place with lots of room, thick walls, and most importantly, away from here and with guards, okay?”

Confused, the foursome nodded as they stared at the wolf.

Opening its jaws, the fangs gleaming in the light from the doorway, Applejack nearly screamed at the sight.

Applebloom however gave a soft breath of wonder as emerald fire erupted in its open jaws, accompanied by a faint shimmer of multifaceted sparkles in a line perpendicular to its body, and its jaws clamped down on that flame, dispersing it before her very eyes.

What remained was a blade, like a unicorn's sword, nearly twelve hoof-lengths of gleaming tempered silver with a series of runes glowing the same green as its flames along its length, and without preamble it turned it's head and drove the blade's point into the ground.

Twin walls of that same green fire erupted from the earth before them, steam already filling the air as the drops tried in vain to douse it. Releasing the handle, but leaving it buried in the mud, the wolf spoke again. “Okay, follow the path, the flames will protect you from attacks, but go outside the flames and you wont get back in, got it? Good, now go! There's no time, it will have seen this by now! Go!”

Applejack turned to face it fully, angry words ready to skin the wolf alive for everything that had happened. Those words died a quiet death as a howl erupted from the forest, a horrible screeching moan that she had never heard before in her entire life, a sort of unearthly noise that sent a chill down her spine. Without another word she dashed into the walled corridor of flames, Mac and Granny right behind her, none of them noticing the blood flowing from the hole in the wolves side and washing away into the mud…

The ponies hooves tore into the soft earth as they raced down the flame enclosed path, the eerie green flames forming a canopy over the them that thankfully kept the rain out. The wolf’s eyes watched as Applejack spared only a glance to her grandmother, worry clear in her eyes as the elder pony hung from Mac's back, limbs trembling from the strain of the awkward angle and full gallop.

It was not a long trip to Ponyville, even in the poor weather and burdened by their youngest and eldest family members. Through the town they ran, not stopping for anyone as Applejack lead them towards the town hall. The group broke up at the main street to let Applebloom off Applejacks back, at which point she snapped out orders. “Stay with granny and Mac and don't go outside once yer at the hall, alright?”

Applebloom's shaky nod left her with enough reassurance to turn her attention to the matter at hand. Panting for breath she turned to the strange wolf. “Alright, you and I are gunna go get Twilight and get her to magic everyone to the town hall, right? Mac, you take them and get to it, I want it locked up nice an tight before we get back.”

Mac nodded and hurried off, giving Applebloom a soft nudge on the backside to get her moving when it looked like she was going to just sit there staring. Applejack locked eyes with the wolf, apple green meeting glowing emerald. “Follow me.”

It only took a few blocks for Applejack and the wolf to arrive at Twilight's residence, the wolf’s emerald eyes roving the strange sight. Okay, at any other time I would enjoy the tree being an actual house, but for the time being its going to be filed under 'Things Explained Later'.

---

Twilight was jerked awake by the pounding at the door, a drool stain on the paper she had been drafting. From below came Applejacks voice, harried and carrying an uncharacteristic urgency. “Twi! Wake up girl! I need yer help right now!” Twilight, in a shower of paper and quills dashed down the stairs, hooves pounding the floor as she wrenched the door open.

“Applejack, whats the big id-” Her voice stopped cold at the sight of the wolf towering over her, eyes going wide at its lethal visage. It was just a few hairs shorter than Big Mac, brown fur covered it’s body, only a splash of white across its muzzle. The features that caught her eyes however, were the brilliant glowing green eyes, and the fangs that filled it maw seemed far too large to fit in its skull. “W-w-WORULP?!”

Applejacks hoof firmly planted itself over Twilight's mouth, clamping it shut for a moment. “It's not a tim-wait a tick, what were ya gunna call him?” She asked, removing her hoof.

Twilight stared at the wolf, eyes round and wide as they were locked on the massive teeth. “Worg! A cousin of the more common dire wolf, only much stronger, and incredibly fast! I-I didn't know your race came out this far anymore, mister...?”

It paused for a moment, clearly working out a reply. “Howls-With-Laughter. Just call me Howls. And this is a...special situation.”

Applejack glanced at him, one eyebrow arched. “Howls? Really?”

Howls lifted a corner of his lips, exposing a set of gleaming fangs. “Yes. Problem with my name?”

Applejacks eyes snapped away. “Nope, no problems here.” Glancing at her friend, Twilight couldn't stop the admonishing thought. Okay AJ, don't tease the monster about the name. Big teeth, remember the big teeth. “Okay, but that aside, Twi, ta be honest I don't really know what he is, but somethin's comin', and I need yer help.”

The wolf spoke up then, sounding even more haggard than before. “Long story, but short version? Big skeletal horse with black wings and a big horn is chasing me, and there might be more things behind that considering the place that I escaped from. So we need to get everyone into the town hall and get some guards up and ready for action.”

Twilight shook her head even as he finished speaking. “No guards, only the palace has guards and that's several hours travel by foot from here. Ponyville isn't a-” She was cut off by an echoing screaming moan from outside, much closer than it had been when last heard. “What was that?!”

“That's the thing chasing me.” He replied, eyes narrowed at the window. “Okay, just get as many people up as you can and get them to the hall. Best defense you have right now. I'll try and lead it away, but if I can't...” He left the implications hanging in the air, the unknown dread spiking in her heart.

“How? There are almost three hundred ponies in this town, and we can't move that fast! Even Dash couldn't-Wait! Pinkies cannon! She's got enough boom in that thing to wake up everyone for a mile around!” Twilight nearly took off, getting three steps before slipping and hitting the floor to skid about a foot. “OW! What ha-Oh...Oh wow that's a lot of blood.”

Beneath the wolf was a puddle of crimson fluid that had pooled at his feet. “Don't worry, its not fatal.” He said, not seeming all that bothered by the six inch wide hole in his left side. “A few hours and it will be healed up, but right now we don't have time! Get to your friends and get the town up!” A deep snarl rumbled from his chest as he turned to the door, stopping suddenly. Spinning around, he stared at Spike, eyes wide in surprise.

“Twilight, what's going on? I heard shouting.” Spike asked, staring blearily at the giant wolf before him. “Hey, you a new friend of Twilight's? Applejack? You're here too? What did I miss?”

“Spike, there's no time to explain, but get a coat and get on, we're headed to the town hall, okay?” A quiver of fear in her voice betrayed her, try though she might to keep it hidden from him.

Confusion and apprehension clouded his face for a moment, especially at the sight of her fur coated bright red from her slip, but he obeyed, grabbing his coat and clambering aboard. As the group ran out into the rain, a shiver running down her spine as she felt it seep through her coat, a thought crossed Twilight’s mind. What are people?

On the hill overlooking Ponyville, a creature looked on as the Worg-like beast that had freed it from the bowels of Tarturus lead the orange and purple ponies out into the rain and vanish into the town streets. For a creature without flesh, the imposing figure still managed to give the impression of a malignant grin as it gazed upon its coming feast.

“Perhaps a simple approach... No, no that will not do. No need to put myself at risk, that is how I lost the first time.” Its ebony wings spread out, emaciated appendages flecked with tar colored feathers that drank in all light so that none would escape. Its figure grew more imposing as the shadow it cast grew far larger than the darkness and its size should permit.

A pitch black liquid dripped from its feathers and pooled into the blackness, making it grow ever darker. Rising from the pool as if a portal, umbral shades began to take shape, ponies... nay skeletal alicorns of pure blackness fashioned in the creatures own image with eyes that burned like hot coals. “Go forth... and bring me their shadows.”

A hundred pairs of wings snapped open in unison, and they took flight, a army of darkness right out of pony legend..

Racing through the streets as the rain pounded down around them, they were about halfway to Sugarcube Corner when Howls stopped dead in his tracks, the faint scent of old spirit matter carried on the wind raising his hackles. “Its here!” Turning the face the scents origin point, he tried to catch a glimpse of it through the rain, but to no avail. “Damn... I'm going to slow it down, you girls get to your friend!” With that he vanished into the sleeting rain, the mares only sparing him a single glance before continuing on their way.

As he raced down the streets, Howls lived up to his name, letting loose his own powerful roars, waking those he passed as he ran to meet the threat head on. Okay, its big and bony, so slashes and tears likely won't do much. Break the knees and wings, slow it down. Or at least hope that slows it down…

Arriving at the edge of town, he ground to a halt in a spray of mud and grass, jaws gaping at the sight before him, a small army of the thing he had encountered only an hour ago. “Oh are you kidding me?!” He shouted to the heavens, a snarl rolling up from his chest as he stared at the horde that was quickly descending upon him.

Glancing to both sides and behind him, a small grin slipped onto his lips as he realized no one would be able to see him in the rain without getting close. Lots of them, one of me. I need to keep mobile and can't afford to get surrounded or cornered. The buildings look sturdy enough for me to jump around on, and I can easily reach the ones that stay in the air if need be.

Howls came to a halt when the air in front of him bent and wavered like a heat haze. Howls' jaws snapped out to grasp the hilt of his blade once more. A familiar feeling tickled his spirit and a familiar presence grew in his mind, images and emotions wrapped in a tight cocoon of pure intellect that suffused his predators spirit. It was all Howls could do to comprehend it but also to filter the impression down to mere words, hollow semblance of their true intention that were, never the less, a more native form of thought. It would keep him sane at least.

“I have wisdom for you, Child of Fianna.”

His head drooped as he listened. “What is your advice, honored elder?”

“The abyss propagates in the shadows of all things. Try not to die.”

Howls' brow twitched slightly as he replied, trying to keep his voice from becoming caustic enough to melt steel. “Thank you for that incredible advice, honored elder. I will be sure to put it into effect.”

“Good. Survival is fury, remember that.”

Rolling his eyes hard enough that anyone watching might have thought they would roll right out of his head, Howls released the blade so it shattered into shards of glittering flame, and the wolf refocused on the incoming threat. In the space of a heartbeat he shifted his form, growing larger and larger until he would have stood above even Big Macintosh, his entire body pulsing with thick, powerful muscles and bones, his chest and skull over-sized even for his new body, giant teeth crowding for room in his maw as his fur matted into a thick protective coat. Rearing back, he let loose his own howl of battle, the reverberating roar reaching ears even over the lightning and thunder that crashed around the town, a challenge to the army before him.

The door to the Sugarcube was torn open by Twilight's magic, and Applejack's voice sounded in the aftermath of the bang. “Pinkie! Cakes! Wake up!” She slammed her hoof onto the floor several times, continuing to shout for the others to wake up.

In a few moments a trio of wide eyed ponies arrived, rubbing sleep from their eyes as Pinkie spoke up first. “Ooo! Is this a surprise party? Is it?! Is it?! If so, whose birthday? Its not anypony's birthday today that I know, Oooo! Unless it's mine and I forgot again! Or... OOOOOOOOO even better! Is there somepony new in town and its his or hers Welcome to Ponyville Party?!”

“Pinkie! Please listen!” Twilight replied, hurrying before the energetic pink pony could get another breath. “We need you to get your party cannon and fire off as many fireworks as you can, okay? We need to wake up everypony in town, and we need to do it as soon as possible!”

Mr. Cake looked at the three of them, confusion all over his features as he tried to get a word in edgewise. “Uh, Twilight, what's going on? Why do we need to go out, especially in this weather?”

Applejack spoke up in return as she faced the Cakes directly. “I know how this all sounds, but ya gotta trust us on this, somethin' real bad's hit the town an we need everypony safe. Get to the town hall and gather as many of the others as ya can along the way. My brothers already there, he'll keep ya'll safe. Please, just get goin', alright?”

The Cakes shared a long look, words passing silently between the two before Mrs. Cake said “Alright Applejack, we'll go. Just...be careful, all of you, okay?”

They simply nodded, though Pinkie's was several nods in the span of a few seconds and carried a wide grin. “Okie dokie! But my party cannon can't shoot fireworks, silly!” She vanished into the back room, emerging several seconds later with a cart laden with colorful streamers, poprockets, and enough tassels to make even the owner of a party supplies store cringe. “I do have fireworks on my welcome wagon though! Okay! All set!” Standing on two legs she shoved it out onto the street with her forehooves.

Twilight smashed her hoof into her face and groaned. Not important... Okay, I need to direct everypony as soon as Pinkie wakes them up. Perhaps if I shape my magic properly I'll be able to amplify my voice like a megaphone... yeah... and if I also make it resonate with the spell matrix…

Pinkie cut off the studious unicorn's train of thought as the pink pony grabbed a megaphone from her cart and shoved it before Twilight, grinning from ear to ear as she spoke. “Here you go Twilight! Lets make this the best Something Bad's Coming So Everypony Should Run Away Party ever!” Racing back over to the wagon, she turned to Twilight with her hoof on the button, waiting for the signal.

Megaphone... Twilight quirked an eyebrow as she considered it. What happens when you stack two megaphones together? And if one of them is made of magic? With a single nod to Pinkie, Twilight sucked in a deep breath, waiting for the shot to go off.

Pinkie depressed the button and covered her ears as the wagon roared, the explosion cracking the sky loud enough to drown out the thunder, and the distant howl of their wolf companion challenging the army before him. Windows slammed open as ponies looked out to see what all the commotion was, only to cover their ears as the loudest voice they had heard since Luna's visit rammed into their eardrums like a out of control cart. “RESIDENTS OF PONYVILLE! THIS IS TWILIGHT SPARKLE, AND I SPEAK WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE PRINCESS! ALL PONIES ARE TO MAKE THEIR WAY TO THE TOWN HALL WITH AS MUCH HASTE AS POSSIBLE! WE ARE DEALING WITH A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND WANT TO KEEP YOU SAFE. I REPEAT, PLEASE HURRY TO TOWN HALL!”

Releasing the magic, she rubbed her ears. She had not expected to nearly deafen herself with such volume. “OKAY.” She paused and cleared her throat, coughing out a wisp of amethyst sparkles. “Okay, lets hurry to the hall. I'll set up a barrier when we get there.” Already she could hear doors be slammed against walls as the winds snatched them from hooves, the clip-clop of running families racing to the town hall, several passing the trio as they ran, through the three soon joined the rush.

It was not long before the hall came into sight, Big Mac standing at the doors, ushering in the frightened ponies that clamored for explanations. He simply shook his head and pushed them inside with gruff replies of “The ladies will explain.”

“Applejack, help your brother get them all inside, I'll put up the barrier! Pinkie, make sure everypony is inside and tell me when you're sure.” She snapped out the orders as she moved through the milling crowd of ponies to reach the elevated dais, taking note of the Mayor already there, waving her arms up and down to try and calm the crowd.

“Everypony! Please calm down! I'm sure tha-Twilight Sparkle!” She gasped out, stepping down to grip Twilight's shoulder. “Please, whats going on?”

“I don't know for sure myself Mayor, but extenuating circumstances forced me to act to protect everypony in the town. Please, until we can clear up what's going on, keep the others calm. I'm going to make a barrier to protect everypony, but I need to concentrate on it. Just give me a little time, alright?”

Mayor stared at Twilight with a hard edge to her eyes for a moment before releasing her and gave a curt nod. “I'll deal with the ponies, you deal with whatever is threatening my town.” With that she turned back to the dais and resumed trying to calm the populace.

Evacuation to town hall, check. That's good. Now for that barrier... Just like Shining Armor taught me. I've done this before. Stop panicking Twilight! Her horn began to glow a pale purple, shimmering quintessence gathering as her thoughts gave it form and function, a bolt of power launching straight into the air before spreading, flowing over the building like a bubble, encasing it in a slightly transparent pale purple dome that shimmered like a polished stone. I'll leave a few openings at the bottom for ponies to get in, but other then that, it should be finished. Now lets just hope that the others can round up the rest, and that Howls is actually on our side... and safe.

His teeth crushed another false-alicorn's skull, but it did not shatter like bone, but rather popped with the consistency of gelatin. With ease, he flung the oozing body over his shoulder, following through with the throw to spin his back legs and slam another skeletal beast's ribcage, smashing it into droplets of liquid shadow.

The corpse joined a dozen melting shadows that were strewn about the field, though many more were still circling like vultures. They swooped down in droves, hooves flashing as they tried to cave in his skull before they flew up once more to escape his fangs.

As the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled, Howls leaped into the air, much higher then his frame would suggest he could, and clamped his maw around another undead's limb, hauling it back to the earth and splattering it to bits as he landed, ducking and rolling to the left as a trio of them dove and impacted where he had been only a second before. Moving with a speed that boggled the mind he drove his head into one of them, sending it flying back into a wall to paint it black.

As he ducked beneath a horn attempting to gore his side his jaws snapped at the neck and crushed it in a shower of gooey droplets that melted from between his teeth. The third assailant tried to bash his skull with a snapping hoof, only to have it torn off by a swipe of his massive paw and the two inch claws that adorned it.

He ran then, weaving between the homes as he tried to lead the army away from the town hall, stopping only as the flap of wings grew weaker in the distance, turning to see the army continue on their way, uncaring for his presence. “Son of a...” He muttered, chasing after the cloud of foes, a snarl escaping his lips as he realized that one of them had split off from the main group and was diving for something out of his sight.

Scootaloo's legs burned as she pushed them to the limit, struggling to keep up with her parents galloping gait, slowed even as it was to keep her in between them for protection. Her eyes kept on glancing at the skeletal horrors that flew above the rooftops, all converging on the town hall with a singular intent, save for one that peeled off and began moving towards them.

Her father increased his speed and moved ahead, then dropped back, placing himself between the monster and his family. “Keep going, no matter what!” He shouted, glaring at the creature as it grew larger and larger until it stood before them, wings spread. In that instant, as the shadow fell over them, Scootaloo felt the world drop out from under her as overwhelming nothingness subsumed her senses. It was wrong! Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong! She trembled in terror knowing that it would devour her everything, not just her body, but her very existence until she was less than nothing.

All three of them stood there, limbs locked as their minds struggled to comprehend the enormity of this thing that floated towards them, a macabre grinning mask sitting on its jaws. Her father's legs twitched slightly, the muscles standing in sharp relief against his brown fur as he tried to move, only to take a sharp hoof to the muzzle, sending him crashing to the soaking earth with blood leaking from his nose and jaw, legs weakly moving as he tried to stand through the haze of pain.

Scootlaoo's mother met a similar fate, the creatures flashing hooves cracking her twice across the face as she charged it in defense of her husband and daughter, laying her low. It leaned in low to put its face directly before Scootaloo's, the embers in its eye sockets staring into hers as its jaws opened, a mass of tendrils writhing within, each straining to reach her soft, warm, living flesh... no... the soul beneath it.

Out of the corner of her eye a brown and green blur came up behind the beast and pounced, striking it's wing with its massive front paws as its jaws arched around the mockery of an alicorn's skull, nearly engulfing the entire thing in its maw and crushed down, its fangs crushing the beast's skull like a grape mere inches from Scootaloo's face and showering her with the fragments of the dark thing's head, those pieces already melting away into oblivion.

A warmth ran down her legs, and her face flushed as she realized what had just happened, even as the wolf spoke, his voice a deep, thick guttural growl. “Town hall! Now!” Shivering in fear, shame, and the sobering chill of the rain she ran, her parents following behind, spurred on more by fear of the wolf trailing them then by the monsters flying above.

He followed them all the way to the hall and its protective dome, coming to a halt just outside it and turned to face the horde once again as Scootaloo and her family raced inside, passing Big Mac on the way. Pinkie stood just inside with a comically determined look of ferocity on her face as she muttered under her breath, speaking what sounded like Scootaloo's name, then nodding, as she gave the darkness beyond one last grin as she bounded into the crowd towards the purple glow emanating from the center of the room.

Still shaking, Scootaloo jerked as her mother's arm curled over her shoulders, leading her away from the entrance. Shivers ran up and down every bone in Scootaloo's body as her adrenaline wore off, her coat and hair soaked by the heavy rain and even her mothers touch could not shake the image of that predators teeth from her mind, her imagination giving all the details needed for thoughts of its fangs digging into her flesh to feel all too real.

So when two pairs of arms wrapped around her and jerked her from such thoughts, she yelped, high and tight with fear. It stopped as quickly as it came as she realized that it was Applebloom and Sweetie Belle that were gripping her, distant expressions of worry and relief at her safety sounding muffled to her.

“Scoots? Ya al'right?” Applebloom asked, poking her friends shoulder as Sweetie looked around, spotting Cheeriliee and the rest of the kids near the back. Their wide eyes focused on their teacher as she seemed to be reciting a bit of history to keep them all calm, though their attention was clearly on the whispers of the adults and the outside. Several pairs of eyes were locked on the rain choked grounds, straining to catch a glimpse of the monsters that ran amok this night.

Scootaloo nodded in reply, lips still locked tight as she edged towards the restroom, desperate to wash herself before the scent permeated her coat. Of course as she turned to the bathroom, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle followed after, and instantly realized what had happened.

“Scootaloo, did you...?” Sweetie Belle left the question hanging, her nose giving her the answer already. It was faint and the rain probably would have washed it away if only the adults had let her stand outside but a few moments longer. Scootloo's head nearly hit the floor, so low did it swing as her eyes welled up with barely restrained tears. Sweeping her neck over Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle met Appleblooms eyes, and they nodded to one another. Applebloom and Scootaloo entered the restroom to get her cleaned up, while Sweetie Belle stood guard.

Scoot entered a stall, the sound of paper rolling emerging a moment later, soon followed by choked back sobs as Scootaloo finally allowed her emotions a vent. Amid the quiet tears she heard Appleblooms voice, a welcome balm to her inner turmoil. “Scoots..If ya don't wanna talk, that's fine. But ah'm here, and ah'll listen if ya want.” Shuffling from side to side, anxiety eating at her gut, Applebloom did her best to be quiet and give her friend all the time she needed. Her patience was rewarded, as the sobs slowly turned into sniffles and blowing into tissues, Scootaloo opening the door to reveal her reddened eyes.

“Thanks 'Bloom, I needed that.” Scootaloo's eyes dropped down and to the left, her right front leg scratching the back of her left as her mouth opened and closed several times as she tried to put what happened into words. “I-I guess I should talk about it...” Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she continued. “My parents and I were running to Town Hall when-” Her breath hitched, the memory sharp in her mind, fear shooting up her spine. “Wh-when something really bad attacked. I... don't... I don't even remember what it looked like but is was going to eat us... like... all of us. It knocked mom and dad out so fast... it was so fast. It leaned in and looked like it was about to do something to me when...”

Her gaze snapped up to meet Applebloom, wide and shaking. “A giant monster, worse than the thing I can't remember appeared out of nowhere, and crushed the thing to nothing. Like it was cracking an eggs... no effort, just one bite and it was over. By Celestia, its teeth were so big... I've never been that scared before in my life 'Bloom! Never! You know the sort of stunts I do and I've never been scared! But that... that thing scared me!” Tremors shook her frame, face still flushed red in shame at her admission. “I... I can't be like Dash if I... Sh-she wouldn’t have been scared! She wouldn’t have-” Biting her lip, her backside slumped to the floor, her voice quiet as she finally voiced her shame. “She wouldn’t have peed herself just because of some monster.”

A arm encircled her shoulders as Applebloom hugged her, giving all the silent support she could. Scootaloo returned the hug after a few moments, wiping her eyes as a weak laugh escaped her lips. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime Scoots.” Applebloom replies, grinning as she lightly smacked her friend on the shoulder. “Come on, lets go see what's happening.”

They left the restroom and joined up with Sweetie Belle, the troublesome trio making their way to the windows on the second floor to watch the fight below.

Howls slammed his side, and the skeleton hanging onto said side with tendrils of liquid night, into the wall hard enough to send cracks running through its length. The wolf felt the creature's form break under the impact, spinning in place to send the now dissolving remains into the crowd surrounding him, ducking under a flashing hoof and riposting, his jaws snapping the ribcage and spine in half with one bite as his back leg shot out to crack a front knee, sending the creature tumbling to the ground as he jumped once again, escaping the circle of foes.

Landing on the rooftop he dashed across it and onto the next, keeping them occupied as he tried to figure out a plan. Okay, so I've killed about thirty of them, and more just keep showing up. They're not as tough or threatening as a Fomori, but there’s a lot of them for sure. For some reason they are only punching and kicking... they rarely use that horn for anything. Are they too stupid to use them? Not important now... focus! Don't question their tactics, exploit them!

He turned to face the monsters once more, a growl slipping up his throat as he prepared to strike. A heratbeat later he was nearly blown over by a sudden gust of wind as a blue streak shot through with red and yellow and green zipped by to impact the horde, their false bones popping like water balloons under the newcomers assault.

In moments the blue blur had completely destroyed the group following him, over twenty skeletons, all gone as the blur zipped up before him and stopped, revealing the pegasus pony gently hovering before him, chest out-thrust and a grin that looked like it might swallow her ears sitting on her lips. “Thanks for holding the fort for me, but I got it from here.” With a flap of her wings she was gone, a hole in the cloud cover the only sign of her passing.

“Myst?” Howls reached into the depths of his soul, touching briefly upon the bond with his sacred blade.

“Yes, child?”

“Are we on the other end of the 'have no fear, Howls-With-Laughter is here'? And by a pony version of the Flash?”

“Perhaps so...”

Shaking his head, Howls once more took to the fray, jaws and claws snapping and slashing as he kept an eye on the blur that zipped around the battlefield…

Rainbow Dash felt her hooves smash into the creatures bodies, shockwaves from the impacts running up her bones as her wings beat in tune with her heart, the foes more akin to umbral blurs that lashed out with too slow strikes and dodged like slugs. They might as well have been standing still. But still... Its not enough! I need more! These things may be slow, but by Luna are they tough! Like hitting a boulder with my hoof! Maybe... yeah! It'll be awesome!

With a tilt of her wings and a mischievous grin she sped up into the thunderclouds, eyes narrow to keep out the heavy rain. With a muffled 'thump' she entered it, hooves unfurling to grip a piece of the raging thunderhead. Gritting her teeth she hauled back, feeling the lightning within its depths growing as she fought to tear it from its larger self. Placing her back legs on the underside of the cloud she tugged with new leverage, finally ripping off a small section of the rumbling cloud for herself.

If possible she grinned even wider as she dove back into the fray towards the small group of remaining skeletons. The magic flowed like a cascade of quicksilver fire, lancing into the cloud, resonating... commanding it to obey her unobjectionable order. In the space between heartbeats the magic ricocheted across the black cloud's interior, filling the tuft of heaven with power, sparks trailed behind as it swelled ever larger, barely constrained by her will until it reached it was ready to do nothing but burst.

Dash licked her lips as she dove through the enemies center, leaving behind the cloud, overcharged... and without the restraint of her will.

Before they even had a chance to scatter it erupted, bolts of blue-white lightning blasting out into the skeletons, frying them on the spot and shattering their bodies to bits, the shadow-stuff that composed their very being was unable to withstand the full fury of heaven's fire at point blank range. Bones fell from the sky in a macabre shower until melting into wisps of emptiness. Rainbow Dash hovered in place, unmindful of the gale and rain as she stood triumphant.

For a moment anyway.

White hot pain smashed into her back, a single black hoof colliding with her shoulders like the hammer of god. The crack of her both her shoulder blades -her wings shoulder blades- snapping like dry tinder beneath the might of an angry titan filled her ears, drowning out the whistling wind as she plummeted to earth.

She couldn’t hear the scream that wretched itself from her throat seconds before she hit the dirt hard enough to leave a furrow in it, the bones in her chest, neck and skull creaking under the pressure, but held strong. Wha- What hit me..? Blurred eyes rolled in their sockets as a mind fogged with pain tried to see what had struck her, finally coming to rest on a single creature Its wings seemed to stretch from one horizon to the other as its shadow was cast as a monument to an eternal night over the town, so dark it dwarfed the midnight storm's umbral presence.

Everypony in the town felt the thing's presence as the dark alicorn-mocker hovered above the broken and bloody Rainbow Dash, as the darkness grew darker still, thicker, colder as it landed. Its hooves clopped with the sound of children whispering in terror as it waltzed across the stone pathway with an unhurried gait. The very air began to fill their mouths like a thick, icy stew as the heat was sapped from the world. Rainbow Dash suppressed a whimper as her heart pounded in nameless fear, primal dread took hold of her reason, and worse still... the sky was lost to her.

A flicker of motion from behind, and a whipcord thin tendril snapped out from behind its wings to catch Howls around the chest as he bounded on the shadow beast from the nearby rooftop. With a disinterested flick, the wolf was hurled through the air to slam into a building, a sharp snap exploding in his skull as he went through it, tumbling end over end as he smashed through a table and three chairs, through another wall and finally stopped in the bathtub, the water lines bursting and soaking him even further. For a moment he simply lay in the tub, feeling the lukewarm water soak into his fur, driving some of the chill from him as he felt his bones realign.

Groaning as he rolled onto his side, the wound on his side burning with renewed pain from the hit, he clambered to his feet just in time to catch another blow to the side of his skull, stars bursting before his eyes as a ringing filled his ears, the copper tang of blood flooding his mouth as he felt something snap under the strike. Flashes of shadow, bone, wall and earth spun before his eyes moments before pain screamed down his ribs, the wet, meaty cracks of his ribs snapping and impaling his lungs left him gasping for air in the mud as a hoof pressed down on his head, driving him deeper into the soft earth.

The alicorn-mocker studied the creature under its hoof, taking note of the injuries healing at a speed that outstripped even its own, the bones and organs resetting in seconds, only the wound on its flank remaining. Interesting. This creature is unlike the rest. Certainly this is no mere Worg... Still, it is of little consequence. I will simp-The sound of twin hooves slamming into its side, shattering bones as the sudden flight hurled him into and through a building, across the alleyway and into another building. All this and more went through its mind as the night creature rose, legs wobbling as it attempted to take stock of the stellar body that must have been responsible. Two strikes, and this body's entire left ribcage is destroyed, hips and shoulders fractured, spine broken in three places…

The breaks in its body flowed, mercury swift into a renewed form as he stepped out into the downpour once more, appraising of the giant red pony that had bucked him. Certainly it was no fallen star. The king of darkness tilted its head to the side as the empty sockets in its skull burned silently. “Interesting. I did not expect a colt to have that much power. Still, you are of no importance. All of your shadows are already as good as mine.”

Tendrils erupted from its wings, pitch black and as quick as vipers as they wrapped around Mac's throat and hauled him into the air. Then they curled and flicked, hurling the red stallion through the building that the alicorn himself had just sailed into, bashing Mac into the walls, pipes, appliances and beds, the entire building collapsing atop Mac's body. Moments later it rumbled as he was reeled from the wreckage by the tentacles to hang suspended before the alicorn-mocker's eyes.

Its jaws opened, thick tongues of slithering blackness writhing within as its neck craned towards Big Mac's chest…

In that instant it felt another set of hooves, much smaller and weaker, but directly at the backs of it's front legs, buckling them ever so slightly, which allowed the purple and white blur to slam into the top of it's skull and smash it to the ground. If it had lips they would have pulled back in a snarl as it glanced over it's shoulder at the trio of tiny mares, a triple set of eyes glaring at it, though shot through with a healthy dose of fear.

Scootaloo trembled suddenly. This was a bad idea.

“Let him go!” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle shouted as one, only to squeak in fright as more tentacles burst from the monster's back to flow towards them, a hunger growing in the monster's soul at the idea of such fresh young victims.

So eager was the beast that it did not hear the faint patter of paws on the soaked earth, turning only at the growl that rolled from the wolf's chest as it struck. Half turned and distracted, the alicorn-mocker's attempt to dodge came too late, far too late against the speeding bullet of fang and claw. It could only watch as the wolf's fangs sank into it's neck, teeth digging into steel-hard bone and the wolf's claws ripping long lines in its side, and for the first time in eons, That-Which-is-Darkness screamed.

The monster pony thing screamed as Howls wrenched his jaws from side to side as his front claws tore into its chest and sides, its tendrils releasing Mac and missing the three children as it strove to drive off the wolf that had its jaws clamped around the dark creature's neck. With a final, vicious tug, Howls tore off a chunk of the creatures spine and danced backwards, spitting out the hunk of melting spirit matter, its foul taste permeating his tongue as he snickered at the wailing monster.

“Ya like that asshole?!” Howls shouted, adrenaline coursing through his veins as Mac hustled the girls back to the hall before returning to Howls side, a slight nod all that passed between the two of them. Damn! I think I chipped a tooth... those grow back, right? But now I know I can hurt it. The words that summed up Howls' admittedly short life sprang to mind. Worth it.

“Be cautious, Child of Fiana, this specter holds great power. It will not perish from this world from any mortal claws and fangs. You must purify it... I will show you the way.”

That-Which-is-Darkness stumbled back, legs tangling and nearly sending its crippled form crashing to the ground as it struggled to keep its eyes locked on the monster that stood before its eyes, a demonic grin on its fanged jaws. Spirit-Maiming?! By the churning districts of Malfeas... I thought those defilers had long since died out in this equine world! How is one standing here before me?! Why is it so pitiful beyond its capacity for destruction?! I have to end this before it can strike again, and quickly!

Shadows surged out from its body, coiling and growing with each passing second, though the wounds given by the wolf stood out in stark relief against it's otherwise untouched body, it was able to move them to less crippling locations. The shadows ballooned out, engulfing Mac and Howls in an instant, tentacles sprang up from the earth to wind around limbs, torsos and necks to bind them to the dirt.

Within the circle, Howls struggled against the bonds. Gaia damn it all! I can't see a thing! I can’t hear... even the rain smells like I'm half a mile from the storm instead of in it... and my tongue tastes like dirt... Oh. That is dirt. Howls breathed deep and spat out a clump of mud, only to find he did not even hear his own projectile hit the ground. The whole damn worlds gone dark! Myst, is this part of the plan?!

“Calm yourself! It is unexpected but accounted for, as the shadows of all things are cowards before all else. It will make itself obvious. You struck fear into the dark, and such evil is the same as all. The shadow will gloat to feast upon your despair. Be ready.”

Snarling under his breath something about elders and their habit of always wanting to be cryptic, Howls continued his attempts to escape the cold black tendrils that entrapped his body. After what seemed like an eternity, the darkness peeled back to reveal That-Which-is-Darkness standing before him, apparently posing against the backdrop of lightning and sleeting rain.

“Hunter of Shadows.” It spoke, staring straight into Howls' eyes as it did so. “It has been many eons since I have felt the bite of one of your kind that I had given up counting. I admit, the feeling of actual pain -something I have not had since time immemorial- reminded me once again of my own capacity for fear.” A sneer at the self-admitted weakness. “I shall relish repaying that remembrance a thousandfold, after I devour your shadow, as well as all those within this paltry thing you ponies call a town.”

Laughter began to bubble up its form, hollow and dark, a mockery of what Pinkie Pie stood for. “Do you have any last words?”

“The time is nigh!” Myst roared out in Howls' mind, his body already flowing. His body shrunk, casting aside mass and muscle for a smaller, lighter frame. The tendrils that had gripped him now hung useless as he launched up between the strands and grew once more, twisting his shoulders to turn himself in line with That-Which-is-Darkness' front.

A emerald flame sparked between his jaws, a shower of sparkles flowing in its wake as he clamped down, the shining silver blade, the runes that ran its length burning with the same glow emerging once more. With a thrust of his hips and a surge across his shoulders and chest, Howls drove six feet of burning silver into That-Which-is-Darkness' chest, piercing it and driving forward, pushing through the dark creature's ribcage and out between its wings, pinning him on the blade. Two voices spoke from Howls maw, his own emerald eyes resonating with the flames as they uttered the command.

“BURN!”

The night erupted into light as the flames blazed up and out, consuming them both in its fiery embrace…

The flames slowly died down, the green glow softening as Howls tore the blade from Erebus's chest, widening the hole as he jumped back, still clutching the flaming sword in his maw.
That-Which-is-Darkness stood remarkably unburned beyond the obvious searing of the chest wound. Its mouth hung open, black drops of its essence dripping to the dirt from its jaws and vanishing into the soil. “Y-you... you harmed me! Again! You... I will drown you in the Sea That Marched Against the Flame so that you may know true agony and the depths of my ire!” It ground out, straightening its back and legs and rising to full glory even as its chest and mouth leaked black droplets. “I will-!”

“EREBUS.” The single word erupted from the sky with the force of a thousand peals of thunder, and the clouds parted in terror to reveal the two creatures that floated above the battlefield. The larger of the two strode forward, her prismatic mane and tail shining like a glorious dawn-lit sky contrasting sharply with her pure white coat and golden adornments, the crest of the sun on her flank. In spite of the night and poor illumination her glory shone with radiance of a figure basking in the noon-day sun.

The other was smaller, a deep, rich blue that only served to highlight the stars that swirled in her mane and tail, the crest of the moon shining upon darkened skies adorned her flanks. The two of them stared at the creature so named Erebus, a shiver racing down Howls spine at the name, lessons on umbral realms coming to the fore.

Erebus on the other hand, stared at the two true alicorns in shock, eye sockets shrinking as it realized what was about to occur. No! Not them! I can't fight them as I am! My essence is disrupted and my body losing material form after- The beast froze in place, the wheels in its mind spinning fast and hard, thoughts and plans running, remembrance of eons being analyzed, discarded and accepted.

Panic was replaced by cold triumph, even as it watched the moon race to the horizon far faster than was natural. “Stay your hand Sun-Steed, or I will end all lives in this pittance you call a town. The wolf struck me with Spirit-Maiming magic... and in doing so he intended to slay me through violence.” It watched as Princess Celestia's eyes narrowed at the declaration, but she gazed upon it's wounded chest and knew it to be so. “He has violated the Edict of the Silver Sands and the Compact of the Sapphire Maiden, and by their breaking, I am free to return in kind.”

Both princesses stopped in mid-air, meeting each others gaze for a long moment before looking to the wolf below them, and the blade grasped in his jaws. Gently floating to the rain soaked earth and landing between the ponies and Erebus, Celestia spoke. “Wolf. I pray this a fabrication of the deceiver?”

Howls quirked his brow at her, the blade dispersing in a flash of flame as he replied. “Uh, sorry? I mean... yeah... I guess there's not exactly a non-lethal way to shove six feet of enchanted silver into someones chest.” He trailed off, hackles rising as the white ponies stare seemed to bore into him. “What? Do you honestly expect me to believe that that thing,” A paw pointed at Erebus. “Was going to-to what? Just eat their shadows and let them off? I saw it's copies beat the shit out of a family and barely managed to save the kid from being eaten by it!”

Celestia closed her eyes for several moments before looking to Erebus. “What do you want?” While polite, there was fire under the razor thin veil of civility, the heat radiating off Celestia's body was already drying out the earth around her in her thinly veiled ire.

Erebus spoke quickly. “Safe passage out of your lands, and the wolf's shadow in payment to satisfy the clause of retaliation.”

“Wait, wh-?”

“Then we have an accord.” The sun princess affirmed, glancing at Howls, her eyes softening ever so slightly. “I am sorry, but my little ponies mean more to me than a single Worg's soul.”

“What are yo-?” Howls collapsed to the ground in a boneless heap, his eyelids fluttering as he struggled to stay awake. Erebus launched into the sky, a four limbed shadow clutched in its teeth..

Howling Mad

View Online

What the Sun Can't See

–

Twilight slumped onto her bed with a sigh of sweet relief. Two hours of sleep was not enough to function at full capacity no matter how much emergency caffeine Pinkie claimed to have stashed around Ponyville. Organizing takes brain power, magic takes brain power, and she used up what was left of hers with that barrier and organizing the reparations.

She'd never been so tired before as to dread seeing Princess Celestia simply because it would mean spending time not sleeping. Today is just full of firsts...

Horseapples.

Regret or no regret she had to be there.

With a groan she rolled onto her floor, dragging herself across the room before rising ungracefully and giving one last look of forlorn longing at her pillow. Her tired hooves clopped irregularly on the wooden stairs as she descended into the main room, the scent of aged paper and leather bringing a bit of focus to her frayed mind. Spikes absence was clear, the soft sounds of the duster across wood, the faint tap tap of his claws on the floor were missing from the room, but he was busy rooting through the collapsed buildings remains for valuable family heirlooms, his stout scales and small size making it easy for him to crawl through the wreckage.

Fortifying herself with a quick cup of cold tea, even as she grimaced at the taste, it at least woke her up a bit more. Lightly slapping her cheeks she nodded to herself and made her way outside, taking a deep breath, enjoying the sun soaked world as the earth under her hooves squelched on the over-saturated grass. A brisk walk through the town back towards the town hall showed the full extent of the damage.

Very few buildings had actually suffered aside from minor water damage to the interiors, though a few windows nearest to where Pinkie's wagon and her voice had been centered were cracked. Several others however had much more extensive damage, from cracks running through several walls to entire sections of the home in question destroyed, and one home reduced to rubble completely. Princess Celestia had already called in a crew of workers to begin construction of a new home for the family, and was offering to pay the full expense, while Luna had remained locked in the hospital with the patients. Most, like Scootaloo's parents, had gotten off with bruises and a few fractures, but a few, namely Big Mac and Rainbow Dash, were much more seriously injured.

Dash was the luckiest, comparatively, as it was only her wing blades that were broken, split clean in two by Erebus's hoof, though hairline fractures ran all down her front and bruises covered what hadn’t been hit. Big Mac on the other hand, had been used as a wrecking ball by Erebus, and was coming out of that fight with four fractures along his front legs, six broken ribs and a twisted back ankle.

I know Dash is going to be all kinds of miffed when she wakes up and finds out she’s grounded for a while, but I'm sure the latest copy of Daring Do will soothe her. A small grin lit her features as Twilight made her way to the center of all the activity, ponies hustling all about as they worked together to rebuild what had been destroyed.

Exactly as she had instructed.

The terror of the night seemed like a distant memory, the shadows banished before the light of their princesses, especially with Pinkie weaving through the crowd handing out free cupcakes, her smile and energy infectious even to the work crew, Applejack putting on a sale of apple flavored goods, and even Rarity finding a bit of work on the side reupholstering the furniture that had been damaged.

Twilight made her way through the crowd, eventually managing to get into the hall itself, the din outside thankfully dropping a few octaves. Trotting up the stairs towards the back where to the mayors office was, she stopped just outside the door and knocked, hearing the muffled voices within halting as Mayor Mare spoke up “Come in, it’s open.”

With a gentle push Twilight entered the office to see Celestia and Mayor looking over several thick stacks of paper. “I'm sorry to intrude Princess, Mayor, I came to report that everyone seems to be doing well, and the work crews already have a basic framework for the Onions new home up. They estimate two to three weeks until completion, and several other families have offered to put them up until its done. Dash and Big Macintosh are going to be fine, but they're still out cold. Howls on the other hand...” She trailed off at the ever so slight narrowing of Celestia's eyes.

“Yes... the wolf... you said he came with the Apple family... at what point did you get to be on a first name basis with a predator?” The slightly quirked eyebrow and the Princess's obvious distaste caught Twilight a little off guard.

“I um... he... introduced himself... I didn't really think...” Twilight's ears drooped as a realization came to her. “Is he... bad?”

Celestia's gaze softened. “I do not know. I can not know... it's complicated, Twilight... Luna has been guarding him since last night and has been cross with me all morning. She refuses to tell me why.” Celestia narrowed her eyes again for a moment before smiling at the Mayor. “My apologies, I must speak with my student in private. Do not spread around anything you have heard already.”

The Mayor bowed. “Of course your majesty.” Then she trotted out the door to her own office, giving one more concerned look before shutting it.

Celestia wasted no time. “When the wolf does awaken, I want you and the other Elements present. Even if he is not... bad, he has unleashed something darker than anything you have seen before... something I hoped would stay sealed.” With a graceful turn of her head she looked out onto Ponyville, her prismatic mane shimmering with its own light. “I have a feeling that the appearance of this... wolf creature is an ill omen. It is a shame that Erebus's interference makes it impossible for us to know.” Shaking her head, she turned to Twilight with a small smile on her lips. “Don't worry,” She said, catching the look of concern on Twilight's face. “He did help you, and he did warn the Apple family. I will give him a chance to explain.”

A soft sigh slipped from Twilight's lips. “Thank you, your majesty. Though I have to say, I don’t see why we should be present for the talk. Its not like we will be able to add much to the discussion, and for most of the battle we were all inside the hall.”

Celestia's soft smile grew a bit tighter as she replied. “Because, while I would enjoy nothing more than to let things get back to normal, the wolf's presence, his weapon, and even his own body carrying the power of spirit slaying magic, as well as Erebus's escape, all point to one thing: things are changing, and you and your friends will be in the center of it. Knowledge is power, and I plan on you being as well equipped as possible for the coming storm... you will not be there to contribute, but to observe.”

–

Rainbow Dash clicked the light on. Clicked it off. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

“Would ya pick a settin'?” Coming as it was from Big Macintosh, the question was softly spoken, but a hint of annoyance managed to eke its way through his self control. “Its a mite annoyin', ya know?”

“Well I'm bored! I don’t have any books, and I didn't expect to be waiting this long for someone to come visit! I figured your sisters would have been in here ages ago!” Crossing her arms and huffing Dash sat still for a whole five seconds before clicking the light off, only to begin tapping out a rhythm between her forehooves as she waited.

Mac simply rolled his eyes as he lay back, snuggling deeper under the sheets as he did his best to let his body rest, the aches and pains from being hurled through a house very much on the forefront of his mind... right behind his sisters. He was about nod off when the door slammed open and a trio of tiny mares burst into the room. Applebloom's hug hit her brothers ribs like a cinder-block, a barely restrained gasp of pain nearly slipping out as she squeezed him.

“Big bro!” She chirped, unaware of his pain as she squeezed even tighter, Mac's eyes shut hard to hide the tears of pain. “Ah was so worried! When that big alicorn grabbed ya and bashed ya everywhere an-”

She was hauled off by Sweetie Belle with a cry of “Hey!” before Sweetie pointed at Mac, admonishment clear in her gaze. “He's got broken ribs Bloom! Your hugs are just hurting him right now. Be more careful, alright?”

“Sorry.” Applebloom whispered, gently taking a seat on the bed next to Big Mac as he curled an arm around her.

“Don't worry. Ah'm fine, just a few breaks and bruises, nothin' a little time off wont fix. You gonna be able to help AJ with the chores around the farm while I'm in here?” He asked with a slight smile, glancing over at Rainbow Dash and how she seemed to be regaling Scootaloo with a blow by blow account of her battle.

“Then I tore the cloud off and pumped it to the brim with lightning, charged into the middle of their strongest point and dropped it right on their heads! Oh, if they had faces I would have loved to see them when that sucker went off! Boom! Dozen monsters done in one second! If that jerk Erebus hadn't sneak attacked me I would have beaten him too!” Pumping a hoof into the air, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, laying down on her stomach again. “Sorry kiddo, kinda tired. The doc said its gonna be a few weeks before my wings heal up, bones broken clean in half and all.” That said. Rainbow tried to hide a scowl by fluffing her pillow. If it wasn't a clean break I'd never fly again.

Scootaloo nodded. “I'll keep working on the wing muscles then, like you said. Just you watch, when your back up we'll go flying together!” She stopped, lightly smacking her forehead as she reached into her saddlebag. “Almost forgot! I know you like Daring Do, so I brought a few of mine. They are older, but I don’t know if you've read them all or not.” She slid the bundle to Dash, whose face lit up at the sight.

Dash leaned over to ruffle Scootaloo's mane. “Thanks Scoots, really. I was worried I was gonna go crazy from boredom in here. And that sounds like a plan. Just don't go bucking monsters in the dark again, okay?”

Scootaloo nodded, her own features nearly swallowed by the smile she wore as she bounded over to her friends, slipping into the conversation with ease.

Glancing over at the group, Dash watched them for a moment before snuggling back down as she pulled the covers higher, finally eager to slip into another few hours of rest.

Big Mac sighed in relief.

–

Luna's silver coated hooves rang on the stairs as she made her way to the office in the back. With a shove that sent the door slamming into the wall she strode in, startling Mayor Mare and sending several stacks of paper flying into the air. “Oh! My apologies Mayor. I did not mean to startle you so.” She declared quite loudly with an embarrassed glance to her sister.

“I-it's quite alright your majesty.” Mayor replied, a slight stutter in her voice as she nervously adjusted her glasses and looked anywhere but at Luna herself. “I just had to-to get something from the kitchen downstairs.” With a slight bow to each of the royal sisters, Mayor Mare raced out of the room, her hooves clopping on the carpet as she headed downstairs.

Celestia's wing lightly brushed Luna's cheek as she spoke, her voice soft. “Worry not sister. They will come to know you in time. I know they will come to love you just as they do me.”

Luna simply stared at the door, eyes narrowed as she stood frozen in place. For a long moment silence hung in the air as Luna collected her thoughts. Then in a swirl of stars and space she turned to Celestia, a small frown on her lips. “It matters not. The wolf-kin has yet to awaken, and the time of our return must be soon. The kingdom will not run with you absent for too long. I have already arranged for the Guard to transport him to the train station under heavy guard, and to keep him hidden from the public.
Celestia's own eyebrows rose in surprise. “Taking him directly to the castle? Sister... I do not know what this is about... but shouldn't you clear these decisions with me first?”

With a shake of her head, Luna's horn flared, a blue aura encasing the various papers that covered the floor, replacing them on the desk as she replied. “I will explain myself when you hear his story. His dreams are... private.”

Standing up from her seat Celestia's horn glowed as well, lifting a quill and paper. My dear Elements and Spike, please gather together a few things for your trip to Canterlot. Meet us at the train station in half an hour.

Burning the letter in a burst of golden fire, Celestia and Luna made their way out into the streets, not taking much notice of the bowed ponies on either side of the street as they walked towards the station. “Twilight came to see me before you arrived. The ponies will recover quickly, and are acting with great charity towards one another.” A smile lifted the corners of Celestia's mouth as she looked out on the town. “I am proud of them.”

Luna's own lips quirked just a bit. “As well you should be, dear sister. As you should be.”

–

Twilight woke up when Spike burped out a letter. Thankfully she had already told her friends to pack... but unfortunately had neglected to do so herself. “Spike! Where is Mordakisers Worgs and Wolfen? Also did you pack your scalebrush?”

With a sigh that let loose a tongue of green flame, Spike grabbed the tome Twilight wanted, shouting in reply, “Yeah! I've got it up here in section W, again.” Tucking it under his arm as he descended the ladder, he muttered under his breath. “Its supposed to go under M, but nooooo, title, not author, but what do I know, I'm just the assistant after all.” Claw tips clacking on the wooden floors, Spike made sure to grab his backpack with a few necessities in it, having already packed once there was a bit of free time. I mean, really, am I the only one who got packed for a trip to Canterlot after a skeletal monster shows up, a worg with a flaming sword fights it, and the princesses themselves arrive? Foresight, something even Twilight doesn’t have much of.

Hiking the pack over his shoulder as he walked downstairs, he held out the book to Twilight, who grabbed it and stuffed it into an already bulging saddlebag. “Sure you have enough research material? Extra paper? Quills? Inkwells?” Even the light teasing went right over Twilight's head as she jerked up and began scrambling through the other side of the bag.

“Six extra notebooks, three extra quills, three extra inkwells, checklist of topics to discuss...yes, I think I'm ready! Last thing on the checklist is to triple check the checklist and we're good to go!” With a grunt she lifted the bags, Spike trailing after her as he rolled his eyes at how hard of a time she was having.

The duo made their way through town without issue towards the station, spotting the prismatic mane of Celestia, flanked by the gold and blue helmets of her guards. Luna was already in the train, staring out on the populace that had turned out to see their monarchs off.

Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack were missing from the group as Twilight approached. “Princess!” She said, a slight squeak of joy pitching her tone higher then normal. “I'm all set and ready to take notes on everything Howls says! Where is he anyway? Is he awake yet?”

Celestia just smiled at her student, the warmth clear in her eyes. “He is in the train already, though he remains unconscious at this time. I have him under guard and out of view until he regains his senses. Why, do you wish to speak to him?” The bags under Twilight's eyes were obvious, but from the way she smiled, it was like they were not even there.

Twilight merely nodded as Spike slipped off her back and made his way into the train, taking a seat next to Luna with a smile. “He did help save our town, and I would like to thank him, and speak with him. Our knowledge of the Worgs is very limited, and the chance to interview one that doesn’t want to eat me right away is a rare chance.”

Celestia simply nodded, the smile fading ever so slightly. “You will have your chance to interview him, once I am sure of his intentions. You may take notes on the physical aspects, but please refrain from touching him. Creatures like him can have...violent reactions if touched without warning.” She glanced around at the crowd, eyes narrowing as she took notice of the absent ones. “The other three should have been here by now... its not like them to be late. Perhaps I should check on them-”

“Twilight!”

Applejack's shout carried over the din of the milling crowd as she shouldered her way through them, not even bothering to apologize as she slammed into ponies. Behind her came Rarity, her mane in disarray as she galloped towards the group. It was clear what worried them so, Fluttershy draped over Applejack's back, her limbs bouncing with every stride AJ made.

Her yellow coat was dulled, covered in dried mud, her body still shivering hours after the storm had ended. The group raced to her side, fearful cries wrenched from their throats as they crowded around the trio, Applejack letting her down with a careful hoof. “We hadn’t seen her all day, and when she didn’t show up before Twilight, I figured somethin' was wrong. Rarity an I checked her house and found her out back, the animals all crowded around her, tryin' ta keep her warm.” She trailed off for a moment before meeting the rest of the groups gaze. “It's worse though.”

In the light of day, Fluttershy cast no shadow.

–

The ride to Canterlot was subdued, the only sounds the clack of chess pieces being moved on the board as Spike and Luna dueled on its imaginary fields, and the flutter of rapidly moving paper as Twilight shuffled several paper stacks and books as she tried to find anything on Erebus. Celestia says that the loss of a shadow is fairly minor as far as short term effects go. Fluttershy should be fine for several months, but eventually she is going to have to get her shadow back... same with Howls. So we have time to find Erebus and beat him to get their shadows back, but it won't be easy. Luna thinks he went to the north, but didn’t say why. What's to the north? A few small settlements and research outposts, but nothing of significant value. I'll just have to devote the majority of my time to finding out any secrets locked in the ice.

The other girls were either catching up on sleep or finally getting something in their stomachs, though each of them took turns watching over Fluttershy, guarded even as she was by a duo of the Guards.
Celestia was also busy with papers, her quill shaking as she kept her mind occupied with the business of the kingdom.

With a sigh Twilight settled the ring of papers and books into a stack on the seat next to her, hopping off as she snatched up a quill and a few sheets of blank parchment, making her way to the back of the train where Howls lay, hidden in a box with four Guards making sure nopony without clearance would enter. With a flicker of amethyst sparkles the front slid open and set to the side as she peered into the dark, her voice small as she spoke. “Mr. Howls? Are you awake?”

Her horn lit up the inside of the box as she crept closer, Howls lay on his side, unmoving save for the rise and fall of his flank. He was bigger than she remembered. A lot bigger. Nodding to herself as she shakily put quill to paper, Twilight begins taking notes.

Subject: Howls-With-Laughter, (nickname Howls)
Race: Worg (assumed)
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male

Body shape consistent with known canine species, though much, much larger than normal, and very different from the first time I saw him (shapeshifter perhaps?), with jaws (teeth, holy Celestia, teeth!), chest, limbs, jaws (and seriously, I didn’t think those teeth were possible), and skull carrying a massive amount of muscle, far above the known worg range. Weight approximated at seven to eight hundred pounds, length of twelve hoofs, height of ten and a half hoofs.

Twilight blinked suddenly, a sharp stinging in her left eye as a drop of sweat rolled down her forehead. “What? Why am I sweating? It's not hot in here..” Now alerted to her body, Twilight realized her heart was beating a mile a minute, her legs shivering as the muscles beneath her skin were taut with tension, and several inkblots had smeared across her report, mostly around her scrawls, messy and jittery scrawls, regarding his fangs and claws.

Shaking her head, Twilight refocused on the task at hand, willing her body to get over it's sudden strange bout of reactions. With her lips pressed to a thin line she returned to her work, focusing on the worg before her.

Primary coloration of light brown with blond sections across sides and eyebrows, small section of white across muzzle. Eye color unknown, though memory currently places it as a bright glowing green. Signs of innate magic in blood? Mutation? Habit of devouring forest fairies with those giant teeth?! Will question when awake.

Subject also displays intelligence (level unknown, though lets hope its enough that he’s decided to be a vegetarian), and a level of skill in combat (who needs skill with those massive claws?) Both with his (giant, horrible) fangs, as well as a (superfluous) blade of unknown make and power, which, along with his own body (his giant carnivore body), carries a power called ‘Spirit-Maiming’ (though they seem more like ‘Everything-Maiming’), as recalled by Big Macintosh of the Apple Family when he fought Erebus.

As of this report, subject is shadowless, having lost it as a payment for breaking an Edict (research or approach her Majesty about this) and has been asleep for several hours (thank all things divine). Is the loss of a shadow mentally unbalancing? Has it inflicted a spiritual wound? Grasping at straws, must speak with an expert about this. More detailed reports to follow when subject wakes up (if he doesn't eat me).

–

Shining Armor shucked the heavy plate from his chest and shoulders, replacing them back on the stand as he rolled his aching joints for a few moments before donning the more ceremonial armor he usually wore. The letter that had sent him barreling along into the labyrinth under Canterlot with only his memory and his horn to guide his way was still on the floor where it had been dropped, the single sentence upon it still managing to send a shiver of dread down his spine.

Shining Armor. Make sure the Gate is locked.

Glancing at the bed with longing eyes, he shook his head and began the trek to the train station from the barracks in the castle, a short trip by any measure, though made long when he was already tired from the full out gallop he had taken to reach the Gate. Passing by the civilians, aristocrats, and even a few nobles on his way, Shining made sure to stop by Joe's for a quick doughnut and coffee to go, giving the retired Guardspony a tired grin as he left.

Slowly chewing the pastry as he weaved through the crowds, Shining Armor eventually reached the station, checking the clock to make sure he was on time before taking a seat on the bench. Looks like ten minutes before the train arrives. Stations pretty empty for the time, and its another three hours before most ponies get off work for the day. We should be able to get everypony to the castle without issue, and the worg will hopefully stay asleep while the transition happens. The cell bars have been replaced, at least the ones that looked the most corroded.

The train arrived soon after, chugging into the station in a cloud of steam and the sound of metal on metal, the din of the dispersing crowds quickly filling the air as he moved to the rear of the train, catching sight of Celestia's dawn colored mane in a window. With a small smile on his lips he waited outside the cart for the group to exit, snapping a salute to the Sisters as they exited, followed by the Elements, with the Guards behind them, carrying a large wooden box covered with a faded blue tarp. “Is that him?” He asked with a gesture to the box, the guards returning nods as they awaited his orders. “Take him to the cells, one of them has been worked on and will stand out. Keep him watched and under guard, but do not hurt him.”

One of the guards stepped forward, whispering in Shining Armor's ear. “Ah. A good idea. Make sure Fluttershy gets to the medical wing first, and put a pair outside the entrance.” As one they stomped a hoof and marched forward towards the castle, faces hard to dissuade questioning gazes.

Turning then to the Sisters, he gave a low bow. “Your majesties, the order you sent were carried out, and the gate is sealed tight. The guard remains at his post, and no sign of anything other then the worgs prints stirs the dust.”

Luna nodded as she replied, glancing at the milling crowd that was slowly forming once more as the monarchs stood in public. “Perhaps this would better be discussed in private. This is a... delicate matter, and should be addressed as such.”

“My sister speaks the truth. Shining Armor, would you kindly escort them back to the castle?” Celestia said as she nodded to the Elements. “I'm just as lost as you are.”

Shining bowed once more. He didn't want to say it, but the thought crossed his mind unbidden. I highly doubt that, your majesty. The Sisters wings snapped open and beat down, the pair launching themselves into the air as they flew towards their homes. A tired sigh slipped past his lips as he turned to the ladies, only to feel the breath being squeezed from him as Twilight's arm's tightened around his neck as she nuzzled into him. “Brother! Its been ages!” She said as she released him, grinning from ear to ear. “We have so munch- munch- much to talk about! The things we claw- saw last night were incredible!”

Shining Armor raised an eyebrow at his sister but couldn't help but smile. She's been staring at the worg for too long.

“Oh yeah! There was rain and thunder and lightning and Dashie zooming all around and the big bad wolf who wasn't really bad at all, with his flamey sword of shadow smiting (plus two) and the dark things everywhere!” Pinkie's energy, stuffed in a train for the last few hours, burst out in a rather amazing display as she mimicked the fight she had witnessed last night, snarling and chomping the air as she went through the motions. “Then the Princesses' show up and its all,” Her voice dropped several octaves as she tried to copy the alicorn-mockers voice. “By the edict of the Silver Sands I lay claim to your soul! Or something like that!”

Rarity huffed as she flipped her mane, Spike standing behind her, burdened with her luggage. “It was simply dreadful! Poor Fluttershy was all alone during it, and even lost her sh-” Applejack held a hoof up, giving a pointed glance at the still milling crowd.

“Princesses said ta talk about this in private. I reckon we should do the same.” Glancing at the others, seeing their nods of agreement, the group made their way to the castle.

–

Blurry eyes slowly opened, taking in the grey stone walls, the softness of the mattress under his belly, the sharp scent of rust, and his mouth feeling like it was filled with cotton, Howls gradually made the mental climb to consciousness. “Oh...by Gaia, my head...” He muttered, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light and spotting the bowl a foot in front of his muzzle, the scent of clean water forcing him to realize just how dry his throat was.

His first attempt to rise lasted all of a heartbeat before his legs buckled, a surprised 'Oof!' escaping as he lay there, feeling the pins and needles in his limbs gradually fade. Once he was sure they were going to behave themselves, he carefully stood up and made his way to the water, lapping up almost the entire bowl before his jaws and throat stopped feeling like sandpaper. Sated, he turned to examine the cell.

Okay, lets see... No food, only a little water left. Scent trails show more of those ponies have been here. Males, iron armor... barding, probably heavy given the sweaty smell... here little less then an hour ago. Pressing on the door with a paw, only to find it locked, he began pressing on each of the most corroded looking bars, taking note of the new rods in place. They work fast, I'll give them that. I've been out... shit. I have no idea how long I've been out. This could be days or weeks after the fight... Damn it. Maybe there's a window or-... Son of a bitch. I don’t know how their time works either! What if... what if I'm on Narnia time? Damn it all to hell!

With a snarl his jaws snapped around a bar, his entire body contorting to the right as the muscles in his legs, chest and neck snap-rolled, the slightly rusted bar breaking clean in two under the pressure. Oh... Hispo... no wonder I nearly swallowed the water dish. No two ways about it. Gotta get out and get some intel, can't trust the pony things here. Spitting out the bar, he clamped his jaws around a second bar to widen the hole when he heard a polite cough. Slowly releasing the rod, he turned to face the pony before him, a white unicorn stallion wearing purple plate barding.

With a grin he walked to the door, and pushed it open. “It wasn’t locked.”

Howls stared at the pony, eyes widening as his jaw dropped open. He visibly deflated, quite literally as he shifted back into his normal wolf form. “B-b-but it's a jail cell! Its supposed to be locked!”

“Ha!” The pony gestured for Howls to leave the cell, stepping to the side as he did so. “I'm the captain of the royal guard and you saved my little sister. You really think I was going to lock you in?”

“Uuuh....Yes?” Howls replied as he stepped into the prison wing. “I mean, I'm a predator, I'm an unknown creature, and for all you know I could have been working with that shadow pony thing to try and get into...where-ever the hell I am. Where am I?”

Shining just grinned as he threw a foreleg over Howls's shoulders. “Well, for starters, we ponies don’t usually put anything in cells, but the princesses wanted you to wake up away from lots of ponies for safety reasons... and Princess Celestia wanted extra insurance on the safety part. However we tend to be pretty grateful for someone saving our family members from anything dangerous so... common decency, you know?” Releasing Howls, Shining pointed to the doorway at the end of the hall. “That leads out into the catacombs beneath the castle, so stick close if you don't want to get lost.” He stopped, face-hoofing as he held out a limb to Howls. “By the way, my names Shining Armor. Sis said your Howls-With-Laughter?”

Howls stared at the outstretched hoof, wheels obviously turning in his head for a moment before he touched the hoof with his own paw. “Howls for short. And your sister is...?” He replied, his paw dropping back to the ground as he did so.

“Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn with the baby dragon?” He replied as he opened the door, his horn lighting up, illuminating the high, barren rock tunnels that surrounded them. “I get my white coat from my mom, and my dad has a sort of night-blue coat. Twilight got a mixed palette.”

The pair set off through the catacombs, a silence between them as they passed through the ancient tunnels. “So her Majesties are eager to meet you, and Twily wanted me to pass on her thanks for the help.”

“One question then.” Howls stated, his own eyes glowing in the darkness. “I assume the royalty are the pair that showed up right at the end and sold my shadow, right?” At Shining Armors nod, he continued. “Yeah, that's gonna be a fun topic.” Sighing as the pair began their upward climb, he glanced at the paths that branched off of the tunnel they were in. “How deep does this maze go? I can smell..” Closing his eyes as he sniffed, his eyebrows knit together in confusion. “I smell myself, you, the ponies that brought me here and the ones that fixed up the cell,” Catching Shining Armor's quirked eyebrow, he clarified. “Armor and iron bars undergo a difference in treatment, which alters their scent just a bit. Plus the ponies carrying them have a much thicker scent of sweat and... sugar... on them.”

“Pretty powerful nose you have there.” Shining replied, a grin on his lips as he ambled along. “Can you tell me what I had for breakfast?”

Sniff Sniff.

“Cream filled doughnut and coffee, little over two hours ago.”

“Not bad. How about how many ponies were carrying you down here?”

“Six. Four actually carried me in a-sniff-wooden box, while two stood guard.”

“Horsefeathers. Next time we have a rescue party, you're coming with us.”

Howls chuckled as he quietly padded alongside Shining. “Yeah, though let me tell you, walking into a spice shop or home where bathing is considered optional? Not great.”

They kept the conversation light as they spent the next half hour working through the winding tunnels, eventually Shining dousing his light as the pair pushed on the door, stone grinding underfoot as it yielded to them, revealing the stark white marble walls, tapestries hanging from the walls with a thick red carpet underfoot, to which Howls sank down into with glee.

“Aaah... carpet good.” He mumbled as he let the warm sunlight wash over his body. “Its chilly down in that maze, never noticed until now.”

Shining nodded, contemplation all over his face as he looked down the hall, making sure no one else was in sight before he too planted himself on the carpet, basking in the sun. “Alright, five minutes, then we go meet with her majesties, deal?”

“Deal.”

–

The great hall of Castle Canterlot was ablaze with the stained glass casting a prismatic shower of light across all the occupants within, from the Royal Siblings to the Guardponies who stood at attention. Twilight was busy speaking with Celestia, the two discussing Twilight's latest studies in magical theory, Applejack and Rarity quietly sitting at a small table to the left, though AJ was currently waving a hoof, dismissing Rarities claims of her mane needing more care.

Dash of course was still back in Ponyville recovering, Fluttershy was in the medical wing and Pinkie was missing, having vanished about five minutes after the group had settled down.

It was to this scene that Shining Armor and Howls entered, the double doors opening to admit them as the room fell silent, all eyes locked on Howls. In the light of day he seemed all the larger (though not as large as Twilight reported earlier), the fangs all the sharper (although not as sharp as Twilight remembered), and an almost palpable aura of danger that emanated from him (although not as dangerous as Twilight recalled), though it was at odds with the small grin that quirked his lips as he and Shining Armor stopped in the rooms center, the Guard Captain giving a small bow to the Sisters.

“Your majesties, may I present Howls-With-Laughter.” With that he took to the side of the Sisters thrones, eyes forward, face blank as he waited for orders from his commanders.

The sisters and the wolf stared at one another, silence filling the room as no one spoke for almost a full minute.

Shitshitshitshitshitshit! What do I say? Am I supposed to talk first, is there some custom here I'm unaware of?! Damn it Armor, you told me about the meat taboo, don't mention something called Nightmare Moon, and be nice to the thousand plus year old rulers! But it still doesn’t help me figure out what to say! 'Hey, nice to meet you, and thanks for selling half my soul off to save your ponies, that was really awesome' isn’t exactly diplomatic. A sigh slipped by his lips, breaking the silence as he said: “So. Hi. As he said, the names Howls-With-Laughter, but you can just call me Howls. Who are you two?”

Celestia nodded slightly to him. “I am Princess Celestia, or the Day Mare. This is my sister, Princess Luna, or the Night Mare. We are the sovereign rulers of Equestria.”

Howls eyes snapped to Luna, obviously studying her for a long moment before shaking his head. “Man, scared me there for a sec. But anyway, it is a pleasure to meet you both.” He said with a dip of his head.

“Now that the introductions are completed, tell us why you have come to our lands, and why Erebus was following you.” Luna spoke up, her hard eyes never wavering from him, even as Celestia gaze flicked to her before settling on Howls once more.

Howls simply shrugged. “Hell if I know. One minute I had just finished slaying the last Fomori goon between me and some giant magical circle where tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb stood chanting. Then bam, white light, loud noises and next thing I know I'm in an underground cavern that's filled with writhing shadows and walking screams. Oh, and cages with some very nasty looking... critters in them.”

“A magic circle you said?” Celestia asked, her horn glowing for a moment as a chalkboard and several pieces of chalk appeared on the ground before him. “Could you draw it for us?”

“Uh...Maybe?” He replied, glancing down at his paws, then back to the chalk. “But someone else is going to have to do the actual drawing, seeing as I lack thumbs or magic.”

Twilight trotted up to his side, a smile wide across her lips as she gathered the chalk. “I can help, I've got lots of practice with magic circles.”

“...Oookay.” He said, shuffling slightly away from her as he cleared his throat. “Anyway, like I was saying. First, please keep in mind that I only caught a glimpse of it, and I didn't pay it much attention, as I was pretty busy at the time. Also, this board is gonna have to be about three times larger.”

A ray of amethyst sprung from Twilight's horn to strike the board, causing it to undergo rapid growth that halted after a few seconds, leaving a board thirty feet by thirty feet in front of them. “Ah. Well then. Okay. Lets get to work, shall we? First, two circles..”

The pair worked for a hour drawing out the circle and the hundreds of glyphs that lined it, most of which Twilight filled in on her own and Howls either confirmed it 'looked right' or 'felt off'. However it was slow going, as everytime Howls spoke up out a difference in the runes, Twilight, so focused on her work, would twitch, sending the chalk skittering across the board. And once she even leaped into the air after a good five minute silence between them, curling up into a ball with a whimper of fright before realizing what had happened.

Needless to say, Celestia and Shining Armor had zeroed in on Howls after that with narrowed eyes. Though they dared not interrupt.

Once it was completed the group gathered around, several with tilted heads as they tried to work out the arcane writing. “What's it do?” Applejack asked as she poked the circle with a hoof.

“Its... hard to tell. I've never seen this pattern before, but I think it's supposed to be a summoning circle, but it's a little... I think this inner ring is a sort of communication array? No that's not right... more like... a formal request for communication... or for a contract? But I don't recognize the name of the summoned... the runes are unique, so it's probably really old.” A faint blush stained her cheeks as she glanced at her mentor. “Sorry Princess, I guess my studies haven’t been enough.”

“As well you should not.” Celestia replied, the board vanishing with a lance of energy from her horn. “That circle is a vile spell, and should never be used. I would ask that none here speak of this for the time being. It explains many things, but I would like to hear the rest of the story before we continue.”

He nodded once as he continued. “Anyway, I noticed as I was exploring that place that the two chanters, a Black Spiral Dancer and a Leech, had arrived with me, though at a different location. They were also exploring the area, but I didn't stick around to see what they found before I decided that 'Heeey, the fight between those two and myself also included seven other people with me.' and figured I should leave.”

“A what an a what?” Applejack asked from across the room as she grabbed an apple from her pack.

“A Black Spiral Dancer... hm... well think me, but bigger, stronger and covered in dragon vomit. A Leech is an undead, a-”

“Undead!?” Coming from Twilight, the shriek set teeth on edge as her wide eyes stared at Howls in horror. “What kind of undead?”

“A-a vampire? It's the correct term for them.” He replied, leaning away from her wide, unblinking eyes.

“A undead that survives by feeding on the blood of the living unable to walk in sunlight and possessed of supernatural might and mental powers correct?” The lavender mare began to hyperventilate. What kind of horrors was she neck deep in... Neck... throat... jugular... teeth. She broke out into a cold sweat.

“Yes?” He squeaked out. Why isn't she blinking?! BLINK DAMN IT!

“Twilight.” Though kind, Celestia's tone caught her attention, Twilight turning to face her mentor. “I see you have been studying on monsters since Queen Chrysalis attacked.”

Twilight huddled into her shoulders as her ears went back, a sheepish smile shone as she pawed the floor with a hoof. “Y-yes. Sorry about that.”

Applejack raised a hoof. “Question. But uh... walkin' dead?”

Twilight nodded. “The most vile of dark magics reach into a world beyond, into a realm called Tamberlon, where the bell of the dead rings to call the souls of the departed to their final rest. This magic halts the bell for but a moment, and pulls the souls back to the world of the living, where... the unicorn can pretty much do whatever they want with them. That is what is called Necromancy. The returned soul, regardless of what form it then takes, is called an undead.”

Celestia nodded, her smile softening as their eyes met, the simple trust between the two clear as day to any who looked. “That is correct. The last Necromancer to ever walk Equestria took his secrets with him to Tamberlon when the bell was made to ring eternal. Luna cast an enchantment on it so that as long as Equestria sleeps soundly, pleasant dreams will keep it ringing.”

“Though Vampires are self propagating, right?” Rarity interjected. “They can turn you into one of them if they feed you their blood after drinking you dry.” At Twilight’s confused look Rarity lifted a forehoof and coughed into it. “I um... read too... sometimes...”

“Anyway...” Howls spoke up, breaking the sidetracked line of discussion as he glanced between the student and the teacher. “As I was saying. I eventually came to a giant set of doors, made out of some sort of metal that I've never seen before. I pushed them open and-”

“A simple question about the doors.” Celestia said. “How heavy were they when you pushed them?”

“How heavy? Uh..” Tapping his jaw in thought, he replied with “A little heavy. I mean, there was weight to them, but considering they were about forty feet tall, ten feet thick and made out of an unknown metal, they were pretty easy to move. Why?”

Both sisters shared a long look before turning to face him once more. “We will tell you when your tale is done. Please, continue.”

“Anyway, I get through the doors and take about three steps when a beast out of yore appears before me, three heads full of slavering fangs and a breath like the fetid remains of a thousand battlefields.” Howls had begun to use gestures, spreading his forelimbs to show off the size, his face contorting as he spoke of the smells, his voice taking on a more dramatic tone as the storyteller in him came to the fore.

“I was sure my fate was sealed, and prepared to at least mark the beast before I fell, when it's tongue lashed out to wet my face, its giant paw reaching above me to gently push the doors shut. Its labors completed, it returned to its slumber, from which I was careful to not reawaken it.”

“I raced through the catacombs, led only by the scent of running water as my guide. I know not how long I spent in the caves, but in time I came across a stream. Following it as it slowly grew larger and deeper, several other streams connecting to it, forming into a river whose roar drowned out all other sound, I emerged to a waterfall that cascaded far below, the spray striking my face, a welcome change from the dead air of the cave system. 'Twas then that I felt it, ice and oil down my back as my instincts screamed out their warning of danger.”

The ponies had leaned in, caught up in the tale as he paused for effect.

“Behind me stood the creature you saw last night, jet black tendrils of the night swaying in an eerie dance as it stared down at me with a macabre grin on its fleshless face. It spoke not a word as it struck me across the jaw, sending me tumbling end over end till I struck the waters surface far below, my bones breaking like matchsticks from the impact. With only one leg working I swam to shore, gasping for breath as I waited for my body to heal. It was when the chill of ice sent a shiver down my spine that I saw the black beast gently falling towards me, and I knew I had to escape or die. I ran through the forest as fast as my legs could carry me, till upon yonder hill I saw a light, warm and inviting. The rest you know.”

Rarity raised a dainty hoof as she said “Pardon me, I do enjoy a well done story, but I must say it sounds like you've traveled quite a way from your home. How far are the worg lands from Equestria's borders?”

Howls simply shrugged. “Hell if I know, never been there. I've never even heard of this realm before, and that's saying something considering I have several friends among the Corax.”

“Who?” Rarity asked as she twirled the end of her mane around her hoof.

“Messengers, gossipers, the guys who find out secrets and tell everyone else about those secrets. Good fellows, but they can be a bit annoying when they never shut up. They travel everywhere and know all the shortcuts, so I figure I have to be waaaaay into the deep territory if I've never heard of a realm like this.”

Celestia stood suddenly, a tension filling the air as she strode forward to stand directly before Howls, who also brought his front up to level out the height difference, though he was still a few inches below her. “Now I have a few questions for you. Please answer as honestly as possible.” While polite, her words had iron in them, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Howls, his back and neck straightening under the scrutiny.

“Do you intend any harm to my subjects?”

“No.”

“Can you return to your world?”

“Hell if I know, as I don’t know the chant, the ritual, the artifacts, and I sure as hell don’t know if there’s a umbral path out of here.”

Twilight nodded. “That circle was very specific. Inverting it wouldn't even come close to helping... hate to say it but... if you're from another world then I can't send you home either without a cosmological map.”

“Do you intend to eat meat while here?”

“Uh... I should have expected the direct approach on this one, huh? I mean, its a pretty major part of my diet. No meat and my body will likely start to sicken... but... I'll... try?”

Pacing back and forth several times, Celestia at last stopped once more in front of him. “Very well. While I personally have a dislike for your kind, if what you say is true-”

“He's tellin' ya the truth yer majesty.” Applejack spoke up.

Howls glanced at her, one eyebrow raised in question. “You can tell when someone's lying?”

A sheepish smile was turned to Celestia as she replied. “Ah can feel it in my gut. He's bein' honest 'bout the whole thing. I'd bet my hat on it.”

With a nod to Applejack, Celestia glanced at the others in the room, her right leg sweeping out to the side. “Everyone aside from Luna and Howls-With-Laughter, please give us the room.” Twilight and her friends began to leave, but Celestia gave Shining Armor a nod. The Guard Captain nodded in turn and began to leave, taking the guards with him. Even with her silent smile, there was steel in her command which brooked no argument.

As the doors shut behind them all, Celestia paced back and forth before the throne, eyes narrowed in thought, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. “I will be blunt. Your appearance is not welcome to the nation. With Erebus on the loose and the possibility of undead roaming the land using magic that was outlawed over a thousand years ago, and you it seems, at the center of it all? I cannot say I am happy about this, and the possibility of more following from your lands brings no comfort.”

“I didn't bring them here, and I would be more than happy to kill them both and remove the issue.” He replied, a slight edge to his voice. “But as it stands? I cannot defeat them alone, and your subjects? To be equally blunt, are not going to be able to stop them unless your guards are much more badass than they appear. If you wish to keep your peace and I regain my shadow, we need to work together. So while you may detest my eating habits, you could at least not treat me like I am a lower life form.”

“You broke the Edict. That alone brought my people near to death.”

“Yeah, in the course of trying to slay an obvious evil, and I paid that price with half my damn soul, so I think that makes us even.” He shot back, heat clear in his tone. “And just what the hell is this edict anyway?”

Luna spoke up before her sister could as she shot Celestia a look before returning to Howls. “Perhaps I can explain. You have laws in your land, rules by which society agrees to act, with punishments given out for breaking of these laws, correct?” At Howl's nod, she continued. “The Edict of the Silver Sands is a law of our universe that the use of spirit slaying magic is completely forbidden. The compact of the Sapphire Maiden says that the act of murder, even in war, is blasphemous, and such a crime resonates throughout the heavens. Usually they are cosmically enforced, and you should have been turned to dust the moment you bit him with lethal intent. However...you seem immune.”

Howls stared at Luna as he seemed to struggle for words. “So...you're telling me that your universe personally protects that monster?”

“No, it is not that Erebus is not a reprehensible beast that needs to be put down, nor is it that the universe favors him. Far from it. However we have Law. Not your mortal understanding of mere 'agreements of conduct', we have True law here. The universe itself enforces it, and dictates how mortal creatures may act and interact with the tapestry of destiny and each other. You... are lucky to even exist after having broken one Edict, let alone two at once. Why you did not collapse to dust is beyond me... perhaps you are, as a being from another world... not entirely subject to our laws.”

An eyebrow rose, disbelief obvious on his face. “You're telling me that you have ruled this world for, what? A thousand years? Longer? And you've never killed anything, or following that to its larger logical conclusion, never had a war?”

“No.” Replied Celestia. “We have had wars, but not for a thousand years.”

“...What?” Confusion had replaced disbelief as he stared at Celestia. “You don't have wars anymore? How-but-! I mean, what? How do you control your borders? How do you take resources, or mates? How do you defend yourself against treachery from your neighbors?”

“We have no wars, but instead sports. Ponies across the land compete for prizes, or stakes of a more personal sort, and the winner of the game claims the prize. As for our neighbors...well, they have thought better of attacking a nation as prosperous as ours.”

“And you standing by the sidelines in clear sight of the opposing army had nothing to do with it, right dear sister?” Luna said, a sly grin on her lips.

“I did not threaten them, never once. I merely bested three gods before them.”

Howls sat dumbstruck, jaw hanging open in shock. “Y-you have not-but how does your world work?! You don't fight for the most basic things?! You live in peace without the threat of mutual destruction?!”

“No. You overestimate our peace to think such things nonexistent in this world just because they are rare... but...” Celestia replied, a tinge of horror echoing in her voice. “Such things do not require death to attain. Is your land so blackened by blood that you cannot see that?”

“Sister,” Luna's hoof gently touched Celestia's shoulder as she nodded towards Howls. “I fear that he comes from a land to which peace is such a rare thing that it is almost unknown. A true world of darkness.”

–

Pushing open the doors to see the group waiting outside, none of them looking at him directly, Howls quirked an eyebrow. Well, they obviously were listening in on that little conversation. Nothing to do about it, so if they want to pretend they didn't hear anything, I'll play along for the time being. Flashing a smile that was quickly banished at the slight shivers he noticed, Howls gave them a slight nod as he headed to the southern wing of the castle.

As the wolf made his way down to the hall, Applejack glanced to the others, their reaffirming nods all she needed. With a grin she galloped to his side, lightly punching him in the shoulder with a hoof as the others crowded around as she said “Hey there! Listen, ah heard some of what the Princess said. Ah just wanted ya ta know, ah don't think your a bad fella, and yer welcome at the farm anytime.”

“And I must say darling, your fur is simply lovely. What do you use to keep it so smooth? And would you be willing to model a few suits for me? Your body shape is giving me such ideas, and I would be the envy of the fashion world to be the first to have a Worg model! Ooo! Such ideas!”

“Wait, you want me as a fashion model?”

“If possible, because you see the demand for new ideas is quite large, and no one has ever had a predator model before, so it would be a first the world over! The clothes won't sell of course, but the calendars, the magazine! They'll just eat it up!”

Twilight twitched on the word eat.

“I don't thi-”

“And the money! Oh! We would be rich!”

“...How much are we talking here?”

“Of course it would be more for the spectacle then actual marketable items, but it would be worth its weight in bits!”

“Interesting... Hard choice though. Money and less fear, or less money and more fear, because while money is useful, being treated like an amusing pet would just piss me off.”

Applejack's laughter erupted from behind the group as she advanced up to Howls, jabbing a hoof into his chest. “Fear nothin'. One look at ya in one of Rarity's get up's and no ones gonna be scared of ya. Ya cant be scared of someone who looks that froo-frooy.”

You could freeze helium in the glare that Rarity hit AJ with. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”

Rolling her eyes as she came up to his side, Twilight spoke up over the bickering pair. “Sorry about that, they can get under each others skin...” Twilight paused and twitched as her eyes flashed to his claws again. Like those claws... skin... claws... “...at times. I don't think we've been formally introduced, have we? I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's student. You know Applejack, and that's Rarity.” Neither of the two stopped their argument. “Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are not here, but I'm sure you will like them...” For lunch. She twitched again. “...when you meet, and our other missing friend is Rainbow Dash, who you met last night in the fight, the blue pegasus?” Her smile seemed a little... too forced.

“The pleasure is all mine.” He replied with a smile as the group slowly made their way up the stairs, the various painted glass windows showering them with a rainbow of light, Twilight asking questions the entire way.

“-So your years are three months shorter, even though our days are the same length, and your seasons work in a much more linear cycle than ours as well. Who controls your sun and moon? Are they Princesses as well? Oh! Here we are!”

Finally reaching his room, Twilight pushed open the door to the unlit room, the only light from the hallway and the faint glimmer seeping through the curtains on the far wall. “Ah, sorry, let me see... lights should be around here somewhere..”

As Howls stepped into the room, he heard the swish of fabric rubbing across fabric, and then something landed upon his back. With a yelp and a jump that did nothing to dislodge the thing from him, Howls caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of his eye, seeing skin the color of uncooked meat, the wide, empty blue orbs where eyes should have been, the lank bloodstained hair that ran down its spine. Snarling as he leaped straight up and spun in place to hurl it from his back, the second his paws touched down he dashed forward to clamp his maw around its neck, severing it before the taste of paper and glue registered.

At that moment the lights came on, revealing him standing over the mauled remains of a Pinkie shaped pinata, dozens of brightly colored candies scattered all around, bits of pink fabric hanging from his jaws.

An awkward laugh from Twilight caught everyone’s attention as she said, “Well. Good thing that wasn’t really Pinkie, eh?” Then her laugh persisted, before she fell into a dead faint.

It was then that they all heard a muffled voice from above, every gaze snapping up to catch sight of Pinkie Pie hanging in the air, suspended by the dozens of colored streamers that wrapped around her like a cocoon. “MUPMSE!” She shouted cheerfully, her legs wiggling back and forth.

–

Freeing Pinkie had taken two hours, three guards, a gallon of oil from the kitchen, a rake, and a pair of wet noodles. Howls didn’t clearly recall just how those items had been used, but he seemed to remember the reasons making sense at the time.

Once she was down, the group had gotten along fairly well, even a few guards stepping in to partake once Shining Armor showed up an hour into extracting Pinkie, who had been all too eager to make up for lost time with Howls as she pushed him to play a dozen games, try out her cupcakes (which he devoured rather messily after just one bite), and attempted to have an arm wrestling competition with Applejack, though that died before it began when he showed that his limbs didn’t bend that way.

Several hours later, as the sun's last rays began to fade over the distant mountains, the party died down, ponies retiring to their rooms until Howls was pretty sure he was alone. He wasn't of course, but he only noticed after he flopped onto the simple bed with a tired sigh and a hesitant glance at the last cupcakes sitting on the table (which he wanted, but was too full to eat) and spotted Twilight and Shining Armor curled up in the corner, both having been dead asleep for hours.

Howls dared not wake them.

So when the soft clop of metal clad hooves on his balcony reached his ears, he suppressed the snarl that rolled up from his chest. He pushed himself up, and quietly padded to the balcony and opened the windowed door before him. “I really don't have much else to say to you Celestia, and I'm not in the mood for more insul-.”

“Tis not Celestia, but Luna.” Came the reply from the Night Mare perched on the rail. “I come to speak, and I ask that you listen well.”

Howls kept his silence as he looked up to meet her gaze, her mane mirroring the stars behind her. “I must first apologize for my sister. She means well, and truly is a loving, kind mare, but she can be... forceful when confronted with darker aspects of life. You know the type I'm sure, they lash out when cornered. It is not you personally that she resents, but what you represent. Change of a dangerous kind, creatures from other worlds with magic forbidden by universal laws, undead kings, Tartarus cracked open and Erebus on the loose. She fears that her thousand year peace will be destroyed, and she lashed out at you. For that, I am sorry.”

“Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I've had an elder lay into me, and she wasn't hitting me, so it was a step up from the usual routine.” He replied as he sat on his haunches, waving a paw to brush off her apology.

Luna gave a small nod as she stepped into the room, her horn glowing for a moment as a candle tip burst into flame, casting a warm glow over them both as she took a seat. “I have an idea of what you are, and what your purpose is. You are a killer, through and through, bred for the express purpose of taking life.” She held a hoof up to stop his much expected and likely terse reply. “Please, let me finish. I do not view you as less because of your role, nor of what you have done in life before entering our world. My sister never got around to it, but the doorway you left Tartarus through is special. Evil creatures cannot leave, as the weight of their deeds gives weight to the door. You're passing through it shows that yes, you have done things you are not proud of, but you are a good creature.”

A small smile flashed across her lips as she continued. “I know well the power of darkness and evil, better then my sister, for all her knowledge, ever could, and I would be a hypocrite to judge you on your nature alone. However, I have an offer for you.” She stood up, and her form melted, shifting in an instant to that of a wolf, fur black as night with eyes of starlight and teeth of silver as she towered over him, the hot breath washing over his startled face. “I am Luna, Princess of the Moon. I felt you draw upon my power the moment you entered this world, and so long as you are in this world and draw strength from my moon, you will obey me as you would your Elder. This will make things simple. You may obey your laws, in service to me.”

Eyes wide as he stared at this wolf, this creature who seemed far too large to actually perch on the railing, too large to have fit in his room. Howls first words were perhaps, not the best. “L-Luna? Oh. Well... fuck me.”

Her eyes widened ever so slightly as she glanced down at her current body, then her stance changed completely. A predatory grin made its way to her features. “Maybe later.”

If it had been possible for a wolf to blush, Howls would have been bright enough to guide planes in for a landing. “N-not what I meant!” He said, standing up fully. “I mean, I thought your name was just, you know, a coincidence! I didn't think you were actually Luna.”

It was the Night Mare's turn to blush this time, though it seemed more in an insulted bitterness than embarrassment. “What else would I be? I control the moon itself, the night is my domain, and you child, you seem to draw on both. However, it matters little. All I ask from you is an oath, not of fealty, worship or tribute, but of guidance. I know not the laws you obey, but I know that your lack of knowledge cost you much, and nearly brought about a fate worse than you can imagine.” Her body shrank and melted once more, flowing back into that of a pony. “If you would consent, I will grant you a gift so I may guide you.”

Howls stared at Luna, the emerald glow of his eyes bright even in the light of the candle, silence strung between the two as she returned his gaze with the fathomless depths of an immortal.

“Alright. I will swear this oath, but I make this addendum to it: Regardless of the laws of your land, the two that I followed here are going to die should I so choose.”

For a long moment Luna stayed silent as she considered his words until she at last nodded. “I agree to this. Those two will be dealt with by your laws.”

“Agreed. Now, what is this oath I must say?”

“No actual oath. Simply let our essences mingle, and I will grant you this gift.” A hoof rose, a faint light beginning to shine in a corona around it, silver, black and blue energy whirling as she looked expectantly at Howls.

Howls held up his own paw, his brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to bring his Gnosis to the fore, eventually leaking out a trickle of energy that gradually began to form a orb of energy that swirled with green, red and blue light. Luna touched the orb with her hoof, an electric shock racing down Howl's limb as a gasp escaped his jaw, the orb and her energy vanishing, leaving behind only the candle's warm glow.

“Interesting...” She said, seeming to gaze at him with renewed interest, a slight smile on her lips. “You've done this before. You are a strange one, Howls-With-Laughter. The demons you pursue aside, I will be watching you with great interest. Do make it a worthwhile show, will you not?”

“Wait, you're always going to be watching me?” He asked as he shuffled from side to side. “Because I have to say that would be kinda creepy.”

Luna didn't answer as her horn glowed, a whip of silver light flowing from it to touch on Howls brow, shining a circle of silver, filling one half of it with the same light. “You were born under the half-moon...a balance between the light and the dark, the fury and the calm.” She said, peering at the symbol with a critical eye. Then a grin. “Not bad.”

A heartbeat later she vanished, only a faint trail of smoke slipping under the door marked her passage, leaving Howls alone in the room once more.

“...Son of a bitch! She took the last cupcakes!”

“So much for that ten dollars I’m never getting back.” said the beast, ten feet tall and rippling with muscle as it strode down the path waking upon two legs, idly letting the massive blade slung across its shoulder ring against one of the bars of the cages the duo passed.

“For what?” replied the much smaller man, and indeed he was a man, with his blond hair slicked back from his pale, angular face as he walked beside the giant, thumbs hooked into his pockets as he stopped before a barred cell meeting the burning gaze of a horned devil with four equine legs chained to the floor and crucified upon the wall.

“He told me we would never see anything stranger than an Unseelie Satyr’s love pit. Now? Here we are, standing in a hell containing some of the most tame looking demons I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t even stink... I think something mopped here recently, I smell old soap.”

“Heh... yeah. Well hey, who looks like they would crack with the least amount of trouble? I think I saw an honest to goodness gargoyle dog... I want to play with it.” The man’s fingers twitched, and rippled as though something other dwelled beneath his skin.

“Yeah, this is a fucking weird ass nightmare, not sure what kind of Unseelie shithead dreamed this up but I’m never coming to the dreaming again. When we wake up remind me to learn a Gift so I never have to sleep. I will trade ten shades of sanity to not have to deal with this cutesy play-pen hell ever again.”

“I think that pixie looks fun.”

“You’re a sick fuck Sutre.”

In the distance, a rumble could be heard, a faint crack of light, real, true light, not the flickering embers of dying violet flames, could be seen. From that crack between the doors of Tartarus came a voice, one all too familiar to them both.

“Uncle. Its been a long time...”

In Sheep's Clothing

View Online

What the Sun Can’t See

Chapter 3: In Sheep's Clothing

“AAAAAAAAAHH!” The amethyst ray burned like a piece of the sun in the dark room as it tore through the air to smash into the furred side of the beast that had just rolled out of the bed, eyes blazing with a eldritch light that served only to highlight its vicious fanged jaws. The explosion of magic carried the beast, blowing a hole clean through the other side of the room, sunlight flooding the chamber, filtered though it was by the small dust cloud that was once a bed and wall.

Gasping for breath as she struggled to stop the shivers that were wracking her body, Twilight spun at the touch on her shoulder, her horn flaring once more with power.

“Twilly!” Shining Armor shouted, surprise written clear across his features as he waited for her to calm down, his own heart slowing a beat as he saw the glow on her horn die.

“W-what?!” She said, tremors still working up and down her limbs.

“You just blasted Howls out the third story!”

“H-Howls?” Twilight's bewilderment betrayed her addled mind and made clear her obvious onset of dementia. “Wait, you mean that wasn’t a bad dream?!” Her eyes widened as the memories returned, a flush rising like the tide across her cheeks. “Oh Celestia, I just blasted him through a wall! I didn't mean too, I just saw him in the dark and-!” Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she stared up at her brother.

Armor pulled his little sister into a hug. “It's okay, I'm sure he's fine. But on a more important issue, you were like this earlier too... Did something happen? Did he... do something to you?”

Twilight opened her lips to reply, only to stop, her eyes narrowing as she went over the last two days. After a few moments she looked up once more to reply “No. We spoke for all of a minute, then I didn't see him again till I took notes on... the... train... Hang on a minute.” With a flash of purple light she vanished, Shining Armor standing in the middle of the room tapping a hoof as he mentally counted off the seconds, glancing at the door every so often before it burst open, a dozen guards brandishing various weapons as they surged in.

“Nearly a whole minute.” Shining Armor said as he advanced on the guards, pushing one of the floating spears out of his way as he walked down the line. “Not too bad, but you need to be faster. If this had been a real emergency, who knows what could have happened. Return to your posts, my sister just had a minor incident.”

Questioning gazes met that explanation, but considering it was Shining Armor who was standing before them, none decided to question it. A few, of course, had been around long enough to know what a Twilight accident looked like and nodded immediately. With a clanking of armor they left, leaving the Guard Captain alone as he sighed, glancing at the hole. Well, at least now I know that if I ever need to to make a new door I can have Twilly blast through three feet of solid stone. Also, note to self: beam-tag with Twilly is off the BBBFF activity list. Forever.

The door opened once more, this time to admit a disgruntled looking Howls, coated as he was in dust, damp blood around his mouth and nose, and oddly enough several large cabbage leaves. Shining Armor, the dashing prince that he was, spoke the eloquent appraisal, “Wow. You look like you just hoof-wrestled a grizzly and lost.”

Howls stared at Armor for a moment. “Ha ha. Your sister hits like a dump truck. Where did you find her? The foothills of mount Olympus or nestled in the roots of Yggdrasil?” Howls stopped briefly and considered. “No wait! In a crater after a meteor shower! Or maybe she mysteriously appeared on the front steps of the nearby church!”

“Uhuh...” Shining Armor sometimes, in the brief moments of clarity between insanity, wondered very similar things. However he refused to believe such outlandishly strange things like finding his sister nestled in a falling star. “Hope you enjoyed that salad for breakfast... because if you keep going like that you'll be having another.”

Glancing at his side, Howls sat down as he began to peel off the leaves. “Well, as much as I may deserved it, big maybe there, it wouldn't be fair to that farmer. I landed in some poor schmucks cart after my inglorious flight on the Sparkle Express, and the thing was full of cabbage-” Howls paused briefly as he recalled the look of utter despair on the pony's face.

“My cabbages!”

“...and broke my fall. Most of it anyway. Still had to heal up a broken rib or three... or six...” Howls silently thanked Gaia that he was born Homid, because not being able to regenerate in Lupus at the moment would have been fatal or inconvenient.

Shining Armor shuffled in place for a moment, his face tinted red. “Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Twilight can be a bit... jumpy?” Shining Armor tested.

“You mean crazy. I've seen jumpy, jumpy is bad, but trust me, I know crazy, and if blowing someone out a wall is on the low end, I would be worried.”

With a shake of his head, Shining Armor replied “No no, shes not that bad. Just a few ti-” He was cut off by the flash of purple light as Twilight reappeared, a grin across her lips as she held up a thick tome.

“Got it! Now I just need to find Howls and see what happens!”

A polite cough from behind sent Twilight spinning around, heart in her throat as she came nose to nose with Howls. “Glad to see me being blasted out a wall came first in your priorities there Twilight.” He said, a grin on his lips exposing his fangs once more, a small part of him delighting in both her slight twitch. Revenge was sweet.

Twilight's eyes narrowed as she stared at Howls, her gaze flowing over every inch of his body with a determined air. Heart rate normal, no excessive sweating, no tremors. It could be that he is not nearly as massive as he was in the train. Best to test it. “Howls, could you please change into your other form? The one I saw you in on the train?”

“Other form on the train? Oh! Hispo! Yeah, sure, but why? It's a form made for combat, not walking around in the streets.” He replied as he peeled off the last of the leaves.

“Please? I need to test a hypothesis about it. Something happened on the train... I need to make sure it is what I think it is.” She said, her horn faintly glowing with gathered magic for a moment before it spread out across her body, a faint shimmer surrounding her for a second before fading away. “Okay, ready.”

“Alright, here goes.” In the space of a heartbeat he grew once more, towering over both of the ponies as his fanged maw opened to speak. “How's this?” The words were slightly mangled, his voice a deeper baritone that rumbled like thunder, but he was still understandable... if barely recognizable. “This what you saw on the train?”

Twilight nodded, once again focusing on the now giant wolf. Look at the fangs and the claws, stare at them, picture them in my mind until they are all that I think about... A grin split her lips as she looked up to meet Howls gaze. “I did it! I'm not freaking out just by looking at you!”

Howls jaw dropped, his eyes snapping over to Shining Armor for a moment before settling on Twilight once more. “Wait, you saw me in Hispo, and had a panic attack? But that would mean...Oh shit. No no no, that's not right! You guys never went through the Imperium! You were never-” He shut up in an instant, a thread of common sense stopping him from continuing. Maybe telling them my ancestors committed genocide on a scale that would embarrass Hitler is a bad idea. Alright, new plan. This is useful to know, but then again, these two might be above average. Best to make sure.

“What is the Imperium?” Shining Armor asked, an eyebrow arched in question. “Sounds pretty nasty.”

Shit. I can't lie to them, as what's her face, Applejack? Yeah, she can tell when someone’s lying. Okay, okay, be vague and make it sound terrible without going into detail. “It's a nasty part of my worlds history, and I would rather not go into it, but the cliff-notes version is that way back in the day, something like ten thousand years of my worlds time, my people were at war. Well, another front of the same war, but anyway, my ancestors did some pretty nasty stuff in order to win, and it left a sort of...” He waved a paw in the air as he struggled to find the right words. “Scar, I guess would be the right word, on both the soul and the mind of the things we killed. Now anytime they see one of my forms, they react like you did on the train. Just worse.”

Shining Armor curled an arm around his sister. “How much worse?”

“Depends on the person, but it can range from running screaming in terror and not remembering the event, that's the most common, to trying to kill us on sight. Twilight only having a minor panic attack means she's got some major willpower, and now she is acting normal when viewing me in the same form, so she did something that protects her against the Delirium.”

Shining Armor nodded. “She cast a mind shield spell.”

“And you didn't feel this was an important piece of yourself to share?!” Twilight snapped, eyes blazing as she strode up and slammed her hoof into his chest, pain flickering across her face as her strike failed to hurt the solid wall of muscle, her joints jarred by the abrupt stop. Still she continued, her hoof pressing on his chest as she met his emerald gaze. “You really didn't think that you having an Alpha Presence in that form would be something to make sure we knew about?”

Howls ears lay back as his head dipped, a paw rising to scratch at a cheek. “Sorry, I honestly did not think that any of you would be affected. For one, you're not even the same species as the ones we fought, two, this is a realm so far removed from my world that the chances of there being overlap between them is astronomical. Finally, Shining Armor here doesn’t have any mental shields, and hes not freaking out...”

Twilight glanced at Armor over her shoulder, studying him as well. “You're right. He's not showing any adverse reactions to your form... Hm...”

Shining Armor simply grinned as he tapped his chest, the hoof ringing slightly on the metal. “Hey, my powers are barrier based, remember? I got all kinds of mind shields! Though I might have an idea for a real test, give me a sec.” He trotted out the door and down the hall, leaving the two alone once more.

“For what it's worth, I am sorry. I did not mean to hide anything from you, it just never crossed my mind that it would have any effect in this world.” Howls said as he gripped the covers of the bed in his jaws and pulled them back into place... mostly. They could probably magic the bed back together. Probably.

A sigh slipped by Twilight's lips as her horn glowed, the various chunks of rubble floating into the air, encased by the amethyst aura to be stacked neatly into a corner. “I am sorry as well. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. Maybe you're right, and your Alpha Presence doesn’t work on us, and I hope that is the case... maybe I'm just being...”

“Why do you call it an Alpha Presence anyway?” He asked as he straightened out the overturned table, eying the empty cupcake plate, thoughts of vengeance upon Luna flitting across his mind.

An excited gleam rose in Twilight's eyes as she turned to face Howls, eager to share her knowledge. “Because that's what it is! Your Delirium is not a unique thing, Howls-With-Laughter! In ancient times, long before Celestia and Luna took power, our people lived as separate races, often divided by simple physical differences and magical powers. We had none of the vast technological or social advances we have today, and were often fighting over the silliest things. But that's a Hearths Warming Eve story, and if you're here long enough you'll learn it. Suffice to say that my ancestors had to compete with the various worg's and wolfen that roamed the lands of the era, and were often the prey in that cycle. We saw that a lot of the alphas in their packs did not have to fight to maintain their leadership, even when around larger and stronger members, and could make the other pack-mates submit with just a growled warning... and ponies who gazed upon these extraordinary worgs were filled with a fear beyond reason.”

Howls just stared at her. “And you think my... ability to make things go insane with fear is similar?”

“The same.” Twilight declared confidently.

Shining Armor returned, holding up a hoof to his side as he spoke to someone out of their view. “Stay here until I call for you, this will just be a moment.” Looking to Howls, he nodded once, then glanced to his side once more. “Alright, look in there and tell me what you see.”

A guardspony peeked around the corner, his eyes instantly latching onto Howls, his pupils shrinking, chest heaving as shivers began to quake all across his body, and then a high-pitched shriek tore from his throat as the guardspony turned and ran from the monster inside.

Twilight broke the sudden silence after the guards scream had faded. “And that is exactly what I expected to happen.”

Shining Armor rubbed his temple with a hoof. “Great, and this other worg that you're after is exactly like you, but worse? Is there any way to counter this effect?”

Howls tapped his chin in thought, then shook his head. “Not to my knowledge, as you have to be...well, to put it bluntly? You have to be abnormal to avoid it.”

“Define normal?” Armor replied, a small smirk on his lips.

“Honestly? You're already a unicorn. I'm at a loss.” Howls said, drooping slightly.

Shining stopped for a second as he contemplated that response, then nodded. “Yeah, no idea how that helps... but me specifically? I'm not exactly normal compared to most ponies.”

Twilight could not have rolled her eyes harder. “And I am? I may not have freaked out and run screaming, but I did have a reaction that's stronger than yours, and I'm weirder than you by a long shot.”

Shining Armor shrugged, his armor grating slightly as he did so. “Can't argue there... Don't know what to tell ya sis, you’re the element of magic, you should know better than me why you reacted that way.”

Twilight opened her mouth, irritation furrowing lines across her brow as she held up a hoof. He didn't have to agree with me. Then she paused. Her jaw snapped shut with a click as she vanished once more in a flash of purple light.

Shining Armor sighed as he glanced at Howls. “Well, that bought us some time to deal with all this mess. Come on, lets go get some breakfast.”

Howls almost got out a reply before his stomach answered for him, a deep grumble rolling through the air as his empty insides made their displeasure known. “Heh. Yeah, about that food...” He began walking forward, shrinking back to Lupus form as he did so.

“Ha! So I've already found your weakness, eh?” Shining said as he waved a hoof for Howls to follow.

“You try being a giant slavering death beast on an empty stomach.” Howls-With-Laughter grumbled.

The pair ambled down several flights of stairs as they worked their way to the kitchen, the guards on duty snapping to attention at Shining Armors approach, though their eyes stayed locked on Howls as he passed.

As they entered the kitchen, Howls stopped for a moment, his eyes roaming the area, brow furrowed in confusion.

“What's wrong?” Shining Armor asked as he looked over his shoulder. “Smell something bad?”

“No..” Howls replied, his voice trailing off as he continued to look around. “Just...well, it reminds me of home.” His head ducked slightly as he scratched his jaw sheepishly at Shining Armors quizzical look. “It smells like a forest, the outdoors. I never spent much time inside aside from a place to sleep and study, and even then it was a short lived affair. Most of my life was spent either walking the streets or out in the forest, and its one of my earliest memories, the taste of air filtered through the leaves and the grasses, the scent of pine and oak.”

“Heh, you do have a little bit of a poet in you.” Shining Armor said, a grin on his lips. “Come on then, lets go get some grub and you can tell me some more about your home.”

Howls grinned as he took a seat. “Well, for starters, my world has no talking magical ponies.”

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza stood awkwardly in the doorway to her aunt’s study. She awaited invitation, though she knew she need not, and she was nervous even though she knew she should not be. Princess Celestia was simply too grand for the meager Cadance to possibly imagine entering her personal study uninvited, and Cadance felt such respect for the mare that she feared not her wrath, but simply feared failing Princess Celestia’s grandiose expectations.

It had been two thousand, eight hundred, and forty nine years since the last alicorn was born.

Princess Celestia had made no small ordeal out of Cadance’s birth alone, and because of that it nearly felt as if the weight of the world was on the youngest alicorn’s shoulders.

Simply by distant relation to Princess Celestia’s royal line she was given the title of Princess. Simply by the wings on her back she was called alicorn. Simply by the magic that flowed through every fiber of her being, the purest talent of love, she was whispered to be a goddess.

For a mare as young as her, it was almost too much to bear. At least Princess Celestia had time on her side, time to grow into her power, to build her kingdom, to be herself before being heralded a ruler and founding a reign so devoted it paralleled religious worship.

Princess Celestia turned her gaze to the opening doorway as a soft golden glow rolled her parchment and enveloped it in a small puff of magic and smoke. “Princess Cadance, please come in and have a seat. We have much to discuss.”

“Um… thank you, your highness…” Cadance offered with a bow.

“Please, there is no need to be so formal. Call me Celestia, you are family after all.” The matriarchal deity of Equestria offered with a smile.

Cadance shuffled her hooves awkwardly before trotting next to Celestia and taking a seat on a pillow. “You… wanted to speak with me?”

“Yes.” Celestia smiled and her magic lifted a teapot from a kettle, her horn glowing for a moment as she heated the liquid within. “Tea?”

Cadance nodded slowly and Celestia began pouring them both a cup. “You have done a magnificent thing you know. The power you unleashed to repel the changelings was a wonder to behold. I am very glad I was able to witness it firsthand.”

“Thank you… but I’m afraid I don’t understand it myself…” Cadance replied, her gaze flicking around the room. For the ruler of a nation, it was surprisingly simple, white washed walls with a curtain of pink and gold silk across the paired windows to the east and west, natural rosewood making up the few furniture pieces that lay within. The single desk directly opposite her bed was situated between the four massive bookcases, candle stubs and scrap paper carefully put away for later use. On the nightstand was a single photo, one that held the smiling faces of Twilight, Luna and Celestia herself dressed up in all their finery for the prior year’

“Understandable. I admit that grasping my full power took me quite a while, but you have a few advantages that I did not.” Celestia said, her eyes warm as she settled the teacup before Cadance.

“You and Luna?” Cadance said as a corner of her lips lifted, the teacup suspended halfway to her mouth.

“Exactly. While we may not be able to tell you how your powers will evolve or what new ones may awaken, we will be here to help whenever you need us.” The only sounds of the room for the next few minutes was the quiet sipping of tea. It was broken by the flap of wings and the ring of metal on stone as Luna landed on the balcony, a small smile slipping across her features as she noticed Cadance. “Ah! Niece! I was unaware you had returned from your honeymoon! Tell me, did everything go alright?”

A faint heat rose in Cadances chest, threatening to flush out her cheeks as her gaze dropped to her teacup. “No offense meant Princess Luna, but that is really none of your concern.” Though her voice was level, her own smile took the bite from her words.

Luna titled her head slightly to the side, an eyebrow raised in question. “What do you mean? I meant no offense, simply that I wished to know if the vacation went well.”

“Ah, yes, yes it went very well.” Cadance replied, her cheeks almost flushing worse in embarrassment for her misunderstanding as she sipped her tea.

“It is good to see you sister.” Celestia said, a warm smile on her lips as Luna grinned back. But you should not tease the girl so. “Please, let us take a seat. There is much we must discuss.” Celestia spoke up as the doors were encased in golden light, shutting quietly with a faint click.

“But of course.” Luna replied. I can't help it if it is as easy as corralling a hungry Linnorm.

The three princesses took a seat around the table as Luna poured herself a cup, blowing the steam away as she waited for Celestia to begin, looking as placid as the moon she controlled.

Cadance on the other hand.... Alright, do not panic. That's the key, just stay calm, pay attention and use your best judgment. The two of them are not going to throw you out of the room just for putting forth an idea or two, so just breathe.

Celestia spoke up once Luna had taken a few sips. “We are here to discuss the new state of affairs in Equestria, the wolfen and his portents of doom, as well as the possibility of necromancy and even worse magics being loosed upon the lands. As such, I hope we can all work together and pool our resources to deal with this threat. I will begin.”

Even as she laid out the uncomfortable situation, Celestia never truly lost the tenderness in her tone. “Erebus has fled our lands and likely headed to the frozen north, though I admit that his motives for doing so is unclear. However...” She glanced at the open window, closing it with a flick of her magic. “I also must admit that I have gaps in my memory regarding the north. Something happened in its frozen wastes eons ago, and all of my mental prowess cannot bring it to the fore of my mind.”

Luna nodded, eyes dour. “You are not alone in the memory gap sister. I too remember something occurring in its wintery embrace, but not the details of said event.” A small smile slipped across her lips. “Though admittedly that is not uncommon for me. I do not have your perfect memory. Also the cider did not help.”

“Ah, another party for something or someone?”

“Likely. I cannot remember for the life of me which it was, but I do remember it was fun.”

Celestia nodded once as she said “Indeed, but off topic. Now, we know from Howls-With-Laughter that-”

“Who?” Cadance asked as she looked to Celestia. “Sorry, I do not mean to interrupt, but I do not recall this pony.”

Luna hurriedly spoke over her sister. “Howls-With-Laughter is a worg, one who apparently came here from another land in pursuit of foul creatures. He and the ones he fought emerged into Tartarus, and he opened the doors to escape their wrath, which inadvertently allowed Erebus to escape from his imprisonment. Eventually the two of them met in battle once more, in Ponyville. We drove Erebus off, but not before we discovered the Edicts had been broken, and Erebus took Howls shadow as payment.”

Cadance just stared. “So...he's good?”

Cadance felt she could shave Shining's week old stubble with Celestia's tone. “That remains to be seen.”

The room went silent, tension filling it as Cadance sat in shock at Celestia's... chillingly hostile approach, until Luna at last broke it. “Sister, why do you still have issue with the wolf-kin? You have heard the testimony he gave be verified by Honesty herself, and the fact that he managed to open the doors from within speaks volumes as well.”

“Speaking the truth about how and why he is here does not negate his innate predatory nature, which will be a threat to our people before long, as you well know it has been in the past. You could sense it as well as I, the aura of lethality and rage that boiled just beneath his skin. He is a danger to the ponies, and I am sure that before this incident is over, pony blood will stain his fangs red. Why do you trust him?” Celestia replied, the faintest flicker of heat in her voice.

Luna stared at the swirling tea, brow furrowed in thought. “I walked his dreams, that night in the hospital, as I had to be sure of his intentions, good or ill. It was a violation of his privacy, and as such I will not relate the details of his less than lucid delusion... At least not everything I saw within. However, I can tell you this.” Her eyes rose to meet her sisters gaze. “I did not see a mindless killer within his soul. I saw a warrior, scarred and broken in many, many places, but beneath the blood and death? I saw a kind soul, one that would sacrifice all to save those he cares for. Also, an interesting fact that you should consider before leveling your distaste at him.”

“What is it?”

“He is younger than Twilight Sparkle by three years.”

Celestia stared and Cadance felt a burst of subtle magical power, somehow knowing Celestia had just used her divine power to avoid spit-taking at that. The Sun Princess stared a little more until she was snapped out of it by the small laugh that escaped Cadance as she listened, though a blush rose once more as she realized both of her aunts were staring at her. “Sorry, it just reminded me a little of Shining, and that brought up this mental picture of him that made me laugh. Speaking of, where is my husband? I haven’t seen him all day.”

“Ah, he is with the wolfen. They seemed to get along well, and I felt that having a master of barrier spells nearby was a wise idea.” Celestia refilled her cup, steam wafting up from the brew as Cadance nodded.

“But once again, we are off track. The wolfen aside, we must deal with Erebus and the two creatures that Howls-With-Laughter followed to our world. For the time being we know they are locked in Tartarus, but in the event that they manage to somehow escape, we must have plans in place. We currently know one is a vampire, and as such cannot survive in the sunlight. I was thinking that perhaps I could leave the sun up for a few weeks, give at least one of the two no time to move about to conduct whatever vile deeds it desires.”

Without meeting her sisters gaze, Luna sipped at her tea before speaking up. “I seem to recall something similar happening, but on my end. Perhaps repeating such an event, but on a far more devastating scale, would be amiss?”

Celestia smiled. “You have grown wise in the last thousand years it seems.”

“Well, I have had a lot of time to think on that one.”

“Perhaps a more subtle approach?” Cadance said, idly whirling a dissolving sugar stick in the tea. “What if we put guardsponies in each of the major cities, undercover? Say that they are,” Her hooves rose to eye level, then bobbed up and down once. “'On sabbatical', such as it were?”

Luna nodded. “Agreed. The best way to capture prey is to make it think it is unseen and unheard. Give the vampire and Black Spiral Dancer no clues that we hunt them, and they shall be less cautious about their activities. A fine idea niece.”

“Indeed. We'll leave a dozen or so guards for appearance’s sake, but the majority of them shall be dispersed among as many towns as possible.” Said Celestia. “For the time being, we shall also keep this matter quiet. I do not want a panic as ponies begin seeing danger in every shadow. The guardsponies are also not to go alone anywhere, for any reason. I do not want them picked off one by one and leave our subjects without a defense.”

Luna tossed back the dregs of her tea, then stood and walked to the window, wings snapping open. “I will retire for the day then, wake me when it comes time to raise the moon.” With one powerful flap she was gone, the curtains fluttering in her wake.

Cadance rose as well, nodding to Celestia as she did so. “I am going to reunite with Shining, and get a feel for the wolf myself. If I learn anything interesting I will be sure to share.” A moment later she too departed, leaving Celestia alone in her study once more. A sigh slipped from her lips as she lay her head down upon the table, staring out the window where Luna had left. He is only sixteen. What kind of world turns children into killers? Do I even want to know? In a voice so soft even she could barely hear it, Celestia whispered “I really am lucky...” A single tear struck the table. “I'm so lucky I'm not alone anymore.”

Rarity huffed, in a dignified manner of course, to herself as she erased an errant line in her sketch for a worg fitted suit. Dozens of crumpled papers littered the area around her as she waited by Fluttershy's bed, her quiet breathing and the scratch of pencil across paper competing with the beep of Fluttershy's heart monitor for the loudest noise in the room. Occasionally a nurse would show up to check on Fluttershy, but her vitals had stayed steady the entire time, the monitor having become a comfort in the hours of waiting.

Oooh! I swear if this was not going to be the most fascinating thing to hit the fashion world in decades I would just let it go right this instant! The worg physique, their sheer size and musculature, not to mention their much thicker fur? I've never worked with anything like it before... aside from the sweaters I've made for Winona... no no, I'm not making him a sweater, that would be too... droll. I need to get Howls into my shop and get him sized before I can get any real work done.

Her musings were cut short by the soft sigh and blinking eyes of Fluttershy as she awoke. “Where am I? R-Rarity?” She glanced around the room as she sat up, Rarity instantly at her side as a grin nearly took in her ears.

“Oh darling! The girls and I were so worried! How are you feeling? Oh! I'm sorry I did not answer your question! You’re in Canterlot my dear, in the medical wing of the royal castle.”

“Why?” Fluttershy asked, her forehead creased as she tried to recall what had happened. The last thing I remember was going outside to make sure all my friends were nice and safe in their homes when the storm was going on. Then I saw Mr. Bear in the forest and called out. Then... A shiver ran down her spine as she struggled to remember the next moments. “Cold...”

Horror gripped her heart as she felt inky tendrils worm across her body and into her soul. The creature in the forest moved, and...

She stopped, eyes wide as she threw off the covers and dashed into the sunlight and stared down for several long seconds before a small smile spread across her lips.

“Fluttershy, what are yo-” Fluttershy shot over to a mirror and began waving her forelegs back and forth, her wings flapping as her excitement obviously grew, the mirror holding no reflection of her in its smooth planes. She turned to Rarity, the smile still in place, and simply said:

“It's gone.”

I do not understand! She's... happy that her shadow is gone? Why? I know someponies joke about her being afraid of everything including her shadow... but is that an actual thing? She is scared of her own shadow... How is she even capable of speaking most of the time?! “But maybe you should get back into bed, I'll bring up something to eat, okay?”

“No, I want to walk, move about.” She replied as she almost skipped to the doorway, obviously not paying much attention to Rarity as she pushed open the door and headed down the hallway, wings fluttering as she went, Rarity quickly following after.

“Are you sure you are alright? You have been unconscious for a full two days since the attack.” Rarity said, forced into a light trot to keep up with the excited pegasus.

“Rarity, I'm fine.” Fluttershy replied, her voice carrying a greater happiness in it then Rarity had heard in a long time. “In fact, I feel better then fine, like a weight has been lifted! Why, I just want to start singing!”

A sigh escaped Rarity’s lips as she shook her head. “Perhaps later my dear, but since you are up anyway, let us get some decent food in you, shall we?”

“Yes!” The reply would be considered a normal volume. For Fluttershy, it was tantamount to shouting. Still, the pair made their way down to the kitchen, eyes wide as the doors opened to reveal the massive hallway and its sweeping architecture. “Ooooh... it's so pretty!” Fluttershy said as she took in the stained glass windows.

“Oh, very much so! It is the royal palace after all, I would be more surprised if it was not opulent. Still, I wonder where-Ah! There they are! Yoo-whoo! Sir Shining Armor! Howls! How lovely to see you both up and about.” She would have continued, but when her backside began to vibrate from Fluttershy shivering and staring wide-eyed at Howls, she turned to put a hoof over her shoulder. “Shh... it's alright Fluttershy, this is Howls, a friend of ours who helped save Ponyville the day before yesterday.” She glanced up and locked eyes with Howls. “I am sure that he will be a perfect gentle-colt and not scare you at all, won’t he now?”

Howls nodded quickly. “Yes ma'am, no scaring here, none at all.” Holy SHIT. Her stare reminds me way to much of Sia when she gets pissed... Hell hath no fury I guess. He turned to Fluttershy and gave her the biggest smile he could, holding out a paw to her, even though she was across the room. “Hello there Fluttershy, my name is Howls-Wi-” He stopped when he noticed that she had shrunk even further down behind Rarity, only half an eye staring at him from behind the pink veil of her hair.

Shining raised a hoof to his own muzzle, pointing at his teeth as he did so. Howls lips snapped shut as he curled the corners up to try and smile, which resulted in Shining Armor facehoofing.

Fluttershy took a step forward, Rarity at her side the whole time as they approached the table where the two males sat, and Fluttershy, head tilted to the side, her face hidden behind her hair, whispered out “It's nice to meet you too... I'm Fluttershy..”

Shining Armor spoke up after he leaned back into position. “Fluttershy, you must be hungry after nearly two days without food, and Howls and myself were just about to order something. It would be an honor if you ladies would join us for brunch.”

Rarity neatly took a seat beside Howls, giving Fluttershy the space next to Shining Armor as the waiter, a unicorn mare of pale blue fur and silver spoon on her flank, finally arrived, eyes locked on Howls the entire time. “C-can I get you all something? Our special today is a salad-soup with caramel dipped watermelon seeds.”

There was a heavy thud as Howls face-planted to the tabletop, his voice muffled as he spoke. “Oh Gaia. I forgot, your all herbivores.”

Shining Armor quirked an eyebrow at Howls. “How did you forget that? It's pretty obvious, you know? Hooves, flat teeth, a fondness for veggies are a certainty?”

Howls rolled his head to the side to glare at Shining with one glowing eye. “Yeah, I know. I just didn't consciously put it together until I realized there is no meat here.”

Rarity and Fluttershy paled slightly at the mention of meat, Rarity speaking up after a moment. “Well, have you tried to eat fruits and vegetables? We survive off of them just fine after all.”

Howls snorted as he reared up from the table, peeling back one side of his maw, revealing the razor edged fangs. “You have seen these, right?” He asked as he let go. “My body is ill suited to going from a fairly balanced diet of meat and veggies to straight plants. Plus my digestive system has issue with most plant matter outside a very select number...” Tapping his paw on his chin, he said. “I don't suppose you have berries, apples or melons, do you? I can subsist on those for a little while at least.”

The waiter nodded, a smile breaking out across her face. “Of course! I can get you all three of various types if you would like to see what works best.”

Fluttershy's head poked up over the tables edge as she listened. “So..you’re not going to be eating meat?”

Howls nodded, glancing sideways at Rarity as she watched him like a mother hen guarding her chicks. “Yup, no meat.” For this meal at least. Buuut they don't need to know that. That forest I passed through on the way to Ponyville had some tasty scent trails in it. Just have to get out of view, or I could try eating in private and going Homid to let that digestive system deal with the fruits. Though that is just a delaying tactic, I will eventually have to get meat into my system.

Rarity smiled at Howls after giving the waiter her order. “Thank you for that. I realize it is never fun to eat things distasteful, but making the effort is appreciated nonetheless.”

Fluttershy simply nodded, her tense muscles relaxing a fraction as the waiter walked away. “So, Mister Howls, can I ask you a que-” A sudden bang erupted from behind them as a purple flash of light seared the retinas of everyone in the room that happened to be facing her way.

“Hmm, I might have put a bit much into that Teleport...” Twilight said as she saw everyone rubbing their eyes, Fluttershy curled up under the table with a renewed set of tremors running down her frame. “Oh! Sorry! Sorry!” Twilight said as she rubbed the back of her head. “I was just so excited I put too much magic into the teleport spell! I forgot it vents that stuff as... light.”

“Twilight, why can't you just walk like a normal pony?” Shining Armor groused, rubbing the last of the afterimage from his eyes. “It's not like walking ever hurt a pony.”

“I said I was sorry.” Twilight replied as she too took a seat next to the (again) reemerging Fluttershy. The waiter returned at that moment, a smile spreading as she noticed Twilight. “Ah! Twilight! It's been awhile since you were last here, how have you been?”

“Spoony! Oh wow, I didn't know you still worked here, its been ages!” Twilight replied as she smiled up at the older mare.

Spoony grinned as she lightly ruffled Twilight's mane. “Twi, it's only been a year since you left for Ponyville. Things don't change around here that quick, even with a new princess to fuss over. And can I get you anything new, or just your usual?”

Twilight nodded quickly. “Yes please, just my usual salad.”

Howls glanced at Spoony, eyes narrowed as he studied the mare. “How come you didn't get blinded by her entrance?”

Spoony grinned as she replied. “Twilight lived in the castle for several years, and learned to teleport inside the first year. The entire kitchen staff knows the signs of an incoming Sparkle-Portation. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go put these orders in.”

Twilight sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, an embarrassed grin on her face as Spoony walked back to the kitchen. “Yeah... I got a little... carried away whenever I learned a new spell.”

Shining Armor nodded as his eyes narrowed at Twilight. “This actually explains how you got so good at hide and seek when we were little.”

Twilight simply closed her eyes, put a hoof over her chest and said “I have no idea of what you mean. I would never cheat at the sacred game of hide and seek.”

Howls arched an eyebrow at that. “This is starting to be a problem. Is hide and seek really a sacred game or are you being sarcastic? I'm not making any assumptions anymore.”

“A good idea.” Twilight said as she leaned forward onto the table. “As to that point, are there any major questions you have about our society? I imagine as a worg you don't see much of ponies, especially if your lands are so far away that you have never heard of our nation.”

Fluttershy looked up at that, her eyes locked on Howls. “He's not a worg.”

The table turned to her, questioning gazes meeting hers as she kept her stare leveled at Howls. “You are not a worg.” She repeated.

Twilight glanced between the two as she said “Uh, Fluttershy? How do you know?”

“His eyes. They glow green, not red. Worgs eyes always glow red, all the time.” She replied, her eyes narrowing slightly. “He is not a dire wolf either, as he is not nearly large enough, plus dire wolves are not intelligent.”

Howls stared at Fluttershy, her words rebounding in his skull. Wait...a race of wolves that have constantly glowing red eyes? Assuming they work like me that would mean... Oh... Oh shit. He was brought out of his musings when he noticed Twilight.

Twilight leveled her own stare at Howls. “And you’re obviously not an elemental wolf, as you're not on fire, not made of frost, nor earth, and you have no wood-” She stopped as Shining Armor and Howls broke out into a fit of snickers. “What? What’s so funny Shining? He's lied to us about what he is!”

Shining just waved a hoof as he choked back his laugh. “Sorry Twilly, it's nothing.” Taking a breath, he calmed down enough to at least give Howls level look. “But seriously, I think we should get a straight answer.”

Howls shifted side to side. “Well..the thing is, I told you guys the truth. Just... flavored slightly. You are right, I am not a worg, I am of a race called Garou. We are... shapechangers, though we are limited to five forms, counting the one I am in. As for where I am from? Well, I also did not lie on that point, as my land is still so far away that I had never even heard of this realm. By that, of course, I mean the entire facet of reality you call home.”

Twilight leaned in further, almost climbing onto the table. “And your lands have never heard of the Princesses?”

“Well, no. It's worse that that actually. In my lands your... pegasi and unicorns in general are considered flights of fancy, myths, and fables. We even joke that they're as rare as virgins.”

Shining Armor snickered again.

Twilight blushed.

“Seriously, you're supposed to be right up there with dra... gons...” His head slumped onto the table. “Right. You have dragons here.”

Twilight looked around, eyebrows rising as she said “Speaking of dragons, where is Spike anyway?”

Everypony shrugged as they looked to each other, though Howls put up a paw. “Just to be clear, Spike is the little purple lizard, right?”

Twilight nodded in return. “Right, though he is a dragon, even if only a baby one. I hatched him on the day of my magic exam and my entrance into Celestia's tutorship.” A smile flashed across her lips as she recalled that day. “It was pretty crazy, what with him growing to be bigger then the room we were in for a little while, but it worked out in the end, and we've been inseparable since.”

“How old are you two anyway? Fourteen? Fifteen?” Howls asked as he straightened up from the table.

Twilight grinned as she put a hoof to her chest. “I am nineteen actually, the only student Celestia has ever personally taken under her wing, and Spike is twelve.”

“Though the little darling often acts like a gentle-colt of his early twenties.” Rarity said as she rose up slightly to glare in the general direction of the kitchen. “My goodness, they take their time with the serving here, do they not?”

Shining Armor just shrugged. “We are kind of mooching off them. It's not like this is a restaurant, girls.”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear is the saying, and it held true when Spoony reappeared, levitating the dishes into place. “Bon appetit” She said with a smile, though it vanished as Howls jaw dropped as he looked to her. “What’s wrong?”

Howls looked around at the ponies staring at him, then his head once more slowly sunk to the tabletop, one paw pushing the plate of berries and melons to the side as he covered his eyes with his paws. “I... No, I'm not even going to bother asking. Magical talking ponies, just remember it's a land ruled by magical talking ponies.” He began mumbling. Then paused for a moment before continuing. “I cannot believe I am uttering that sentence aloud while sober.”

One eye drifted over to the plate, his stomach growling as he caught the scent of the fresh food. Ignoring the slight glances the ponies gave him, Howls jaw opened as he sank his fangs into the melons grind, his teeth dicing it before he gulped it down with a contented sigh. “Oh yeah, something in my stomach at last.”

Twilight seemed just a slight shade greener as Howls devoured his meal. Wow...Okay, stop looking at the teeth there Twilight. She looked down at her salad and its colorful bounty of carrots and apple slices. Don't think about those teeth and how easy it would be for them to rip- With a quick shake she shoved those thoughts into the back of her mind, digging into her salad with gusto.

Rarity on the other hand, stared at Howls with unabashed horror. “Pardon me,” She said as she spoke over the crunch of rind and slight splatter of melon juice near her foreleg. “But do your... people I believe the word was, teach table manners?”

Howls glanced up at her, one glowing eye studying her for a moment before he held up a paw. “No hands, and-” He stopped at the sight of Fluttershy lifting a teacup to her lips, her hooves somehow able to hold it with the grace of a refined noblewoman, not a single drop spilled as though lifting a delicate teacup without hands was the most natural motion in the world. “...That's just not fair.”

Fluttershy's eyes shot to him as she shrank back behind her mane. “Oh, I'm sorry, I did not mean to make you feel inadequate.”

Howls just shook his head as he resumed mauling his plate, though he did take a bit more care to not let the splatter go as far, the others digging into their meals as well.

It was to this scene that Cadance arrived, her wings ruffling slightly at the sight of Shining Armor, lit up as he was by the warm glow of sunlight filtered through the massive window directly before him, the play of shadow and light across his body highlighting the movement of the iron muscles beneath his coat, a shiver racing down her spine as memories surfaced. A faint blush rose in her cheeks, though she quickly banished it as she spoke up to catch their attention, a warm smile on her lips. “Hello everypony.”

Everyone at the table turned to her, smiles breaking out across all their features, save the wolf, who stared at her with an unblinking stare of emerald eyes, his eyebrows drawn together. Twilight dashed over to stand before her, eyes alight with joy as the two of them did the 'Sunshine' dance... which looked suspiciously like patty-cake.

Howls' eye twitched briefly. The wolf stared at Cadance, eyes wide as his gaze wandered across her body. "Who’s that?" He whispered to Shining Armor, one paw pointing at her.

Shining just grinned as he whispered in return "My wife, Mi Amore Cadenza, the Princess of Love. Or Cadance for short.”

Howls turned to lock eyes with Shining, a new found awe in his gaze. “Your married to the princess of love?” His memory of their culture transmuted Princess into Goddess.

“Yup.”

“Love? In all its forms?”

Shining Armor's grin only grew wider as he nodded.

Howls held up a paw, toes curled inward to form a rough fist, Shining raising his own hoof as the two bumped them together.

A blue aura surrounded a chair as Cadance took a seat next to Shining, both of them meeting each others gaze for a moment, a warmth that could rival the sun in their eyes. Cadance turned to Howls at last, her smile never faltering as she held out a hoof to him. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Howls-with-Laughter.”

Howls dipped his head to her, his gaze flashing around the table to make sure his bow was low enough as he tried to smile in a non-threatening manner and lifted a paw, awkwardly flexing his toes until he began wondering if she wanted him to shake her hoof or kiss it, and then realizing the guards across the room would see either action as hostility... he settled for the bowing. “Princess Cadance, the pleasure is mine, I assure you. What brings your grace to the hall?”

Laughter lit up Cadance's eyes as her smile grew from the formal to the sincere. “My aunts said you were different, but they did not mention your way with words.”

Howls scratched his cheek as he stared at his plate, heat rising in his face as he replied. “It's nothing really. My mom always made sure that I knew how to act in all social situations and with proper decorum. Some just stuck better then others, and one I remember is that you always have to be nice to w- to fe-... mares.”

Shining Armor nodded as he crossed his forelegs. “Always a good idea to be nice to the mares. Trust me.”

Rarity giggled as she brushed a hoof through her mane. “Quite so. Sadly gentle-colts are in short supply these days, and her majesty here seems to have snapped up the last one for herself.” A wink to Cadance took any venom from the comment, though Cadance nodded in agreement none the less.

“I certainly did, or maybe it was he that swept me away?” She lightly nuzzled Shining. “I do not think it matters one way or the other.” Her eyes once more focused on Howls, narrowing slightly as she seemed to contemplate something.

Howls could almost feel her heavy stare in his skin, his fur rising as the feeling raked across his body, not in the unpleasant exposed way but in the sort of personal way, assuredly strange but not... caught with your pants down dangerous. Their eyes met, and Howls felt himself slip, a gentle tug at his soul as he gazed into her eyes, her eyes growing in his vision as tiny sparkles began to form, like fields of starlight... no... diamonds shining inside the vastness of infinity. He saw them, almost invisible lines connecting those sparks together into a weave of light so complex, so massive that he could never hope to find the end, like the facets of a diamond the size of the universe... beauty unimaginable... love, pure and untouched, wash over him.

In the next instant the starlight vanished, leaving him once more sitting at the table with the ponies as they watched the pair staring at one another, his stunned look contrasting with her smile. Is this love at first sight? Howls-With-Laughter felt a slight pain in his chest. Is this... heartbreak in the same breath? Was that... magic? Her magic? That's sadistic! Who does that! I loved her for a grand total of five seconds and she just... drops me like a toy!

RAGE.

Howls-With-Laughter barely avoided biting the table and tried to hold back a snarl, the muscles in his neck tight as corded steel as he struggled to keep himself from latching his maw around her neck. Stop giving a fuck. Stop giving a fuck. You didn't want to love her anyway.

She closed her eyes, a soft hum slipping from her lips for a moment before she said “You're quite lucky, even if you do not think so.”

Howls simply stared, jaw agape as he struggled to process the... audacity of that statement after what she had shown him. Why?! As he struggled to digest her doubtlessly hidden meaning, Howls watched Cadance as she turned back to the others, easily slipping into the conversation that had sprung up, something about farmland that he barely registered. He just stared at Cadance, the pain flowing from his heart spread out into his limbs... numbing slightly, his muscles relaxing as he let the strange feeling go more easily than he had ever let anything go in his life. She's a goddess of love... I just... don't understand is all. Someday I will... that's what the elders would say.

Cadance pushed her empty plate away and gave a small cough to catch the others attentions. “I have a few announcements! First, Shining has just been approved for a vacation.” She leaned in nuzzle him in his confusion and when their horns touched briefly, a spark flashed between them for a second.

Twilight caught this out of the corner of her eye as she watched the two. Huh. Somethings going on here, likely a telepathic communication, but what does she need to hide? Wait... with everything that happened... why is Shining Armor getting a sabbatical? He's Captain of the Royal Guard... As she turned back to her plate, she locked eyes with Howls, or would have if he hadn't been glancing her with a rather disheartening stare. A shiver ran down her spine as she tapped her temple with a hoof. “Howls? My eyes are up here.”

His eyes snapped up to meet hers, focus returning to his gaze. “What? Sorry, kinda spaced out there for a minute. What's going on?”

Oh Celestia, his mind wandered while his eyes focused on my throat. Good to know! Shaking off that train of thought, Twilight replied. “Nothing important, but I was wondering where your staying?”

“Staying? Uh, far as I figured I would find a nice cave in the forest and make myself at home. Pretty sure I can't stay with any of you in town.”

“What? Why not? I'm sure the other ponies would love to have you over as thanks for helping save the town! Ponyville is very accepting, and we always treat others...” Rarity trailed off, the memories of Zecora's treatment coming to the fore, though she brightened after a moment. “Admittedly we do have our moments, but we mend our ways once we see they are wrong.”

Howls was already shaking his head in denial. “Not what I meant. I mean that simply my presence will cause trouble. I told Twilight about it, but there's this thing called Delirium...”

“Deliri-what?” Rarity asked rather flatly, she and Fluttershy exchanging a glance. “You make ponies go mad?”

“No,” Twilight quickly interjected. “It's more of an overbearing presence that instills fear. Whenever he assumes his larger Hispo form, that war-like form he used to fight Erebus, Delirium becomes unbearable.”

“S-so...why not just never assume that form? Why would you ever need to take on a form made for fighting?” Fluttershy asked, eyes wide as she stared at Howls.

Howls shrugged. “It doesn’t matter... look, let me tell you a story. There once was a wolf that lived as a lamb, but all the other sheep could see his teeth. Mother was kind and showed him the way to live as a lamb, but there was only so much she could teach. Wolves aren't lambs, the truth was told as they left the flock forever. Sheep can see when a wolf wants meat, they really are very clever. The wolf can only hide for so long in the sheep's clothing.”

At the somewhat bewildered look on their faces Howls sighed. “Just try to imagine being afraid of a pony, okay? You don't know why you are scared, but you are. Something about this pony you know just tickles your instincts, sets off all the warning bells in your mind that there is something wrong with that pony. Now your a nice enough guy, you don't like to fight or get hurt, and the pony doing this has never done you wrong, but they are... not safe. You feel perhaps they are...not a pony at all.”

His voice dropped in tone, his eyes glazing over. “And the next thing you know you're driving them out of town with fire and bullets.”

“Or magical barriers made of pure love.” Twilight added. Everyone turned to stare at her. “What?! You were all thinking it!”

Fluttershy seemed almost... afraid at that thought. “Do you think some of the Changelings were really nice too? Maybe... maybe we were a little too... harsh on them...”

He paused for a moment as he let that sink in. Changelings... “You drove out a bunch of faeries? That does sound a little harsh. They're tricky scamps but nothing dangerous... usually.”

“Not faeries... not anymore.” Twilight cringed. “At least... it's more complicated than that. Changelings are monsters that can change their forms and feed on love. Their Queen infiltrated Canterlot and I managed to figure her out... because she felt wrong to me... and... well... Cadance and Shining Armor defeated her.”

Suddenly Howls realized the interjection made a little more sense.

“Yeah... that sort of feeling is one of the curses of my people. One of many we inadvertently cast on ourselves. Our very presence causes fear, and to borrow a quote 'fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate'...” Hate leads to suffering. Man... I would make a horrible Jedi. “So no, I do not think staying in your civilized parts would be a good idea. I can easily live in the forests, and if I stick near the edges it shouldn’t be hard to find me.”

Fluttershy looked to Howls, her eyes widening. “Y-you’re going to live in the forest? Near m-me?”

Howls could smell the near panic that was sending the poor mares heart racing. “Uh, maybe? I could stay deeper in if you like? Or maybe on the other side of the town?” He glanced at Twilight “Um, there is another forest around, right?”

A shiver ran down Rarity's spine at the thought of Ponyville's other forest as she cut off Twilight's reply. “Yes. The Everfree. It is a strange place. The animals, the weather, the plants? They all do things on their own, making weather, tending themselves, eating... whatever they eat... like young fillies and colts that get lost in the wild at night. We have no control over them at all. Things just... happen there.”

“Sounds like home.” Howls said somberly.

“Really?” Shining Armor said, one eyebrow quirked. “Your world is like the Everfree?”

Howls nodded as he replied. “Damn right. My world has no controlling power, and the animals and plants grow on their own, fighting and finding their own places in the world, so this Everfree sounds like a perfect place to live to me... which begs the question concerning how the rest of your world works...” Then it clicked, like his arch nemesis, math, things suddenly made a fancy little equation that made sense.

*Click*

Everfree Forest = Evil Forest of Evil

Earth, the World of Gaia = A World of Everfree

A World of Everfree = An Evil World of Evil

Howls-With-Laughter = From an Evil World of Evil

*Click*

Howls put his paws on his head and whimpered. I'm a demon to these ponies... I'm literally a demon. “I think I'm beginning to realize why Princess Celestia doesn't like me.”

A grin spread across Twilight's face as she nodded in agreement. “You and I are going to sit down and you’re going to tell me all about your world.”

Howls returned the grin. “Right back at ya. I have to admit, the ecology that isn't automated at all boggles my mind, especially considering how similar to my world it all really is on the surface.” Glancing down at his empty plate, Howls rose up onto his haunches and looked to the kitchen. “Uh..” He sat back down, meeting Shining Armor's gaze. “Where is the dish return? I'm done and all.”

“Ah, just take it back to the kitchens.” Shining Armor replied, pointing as Howls slid off the seat, his tail waving slowly side to side as he stretched his back legs.

With a twist of his neck and a small pop that reverberated in his skull, Howls said “Anyone else done? I'll take your plates back if you want.”

A round of polite thanks and suddenly he had a pile of dishes before him. Howls paused as he realized the issue. Right....no thumbs. Ah well. His maw opened, the fangs gleaming as he bit down gently onto the plates and hauled them over to the tray return, catching the stink eye of the washer as the stallion glared at the scratch marks.

Shining Armor watched this, a soft “Hm...” slipping his lips as his narrowed eyes examined Howls.

The group stood from their seats, stretching their legs after so long, Cadance and Shining walking side by side as the group headed for the doors, Howls angling to catch up with them, a smile on his lips.

Howls had his head stuck out the window as his fur flowed in the breeze, eyes closed as he took in the scents that billowed in the wind, marred slightly by the... Whatever the hell it is that powers this thing. Seriously, what the hell is this? Mentally noting to ask Twilight what it was later, Howls resumed enjoying the breeze, though it brought to an end when a tug came up his tail. Ducking back inside to catch sight of Applejack, he grinned. “Sup Applejack?”

“Twi wanted ta talk with ya. Somethin' about the Everfree forest? I heard you were gunna be livin' there 'stead of in town cuz you'd make the other ponies scared?” Disbelief rang in her voice as one eyebrow rose.

Howls nodded as he hopped off the seat, waving a paw for Applejack to go before him. “Pretty much. I can't stop it or control it. Magic stuff, ya know?”

Applejack nodded a bit absently as they made their way to the others, AJ taking her seat as she rubbed her chin in thought, her eyes flicking to Howls for a moment before returning to the windows view. “I can understand that a bit... Earth Pony magic never stops. It's a darn good thing it don't got any side effects.”

Putting her aside, Howls reached out and tapped the book reading Twilight on the shoulder.

A scream, a flash of purple light, and Twilight was gone. After a few precious moments there was a muffled thud from the roof as the train entered a tunnel and a muted shout of “Feather flipping wolves!” Another flash of light and a pop of air as Twilight Sparkle reappeared, her mane ruffled as she glared at Howls, who was living up to his name.

Laughing so hard he could barely breathe, Howls managed to gasp out “Oh! Oh Gaia! Is that how you ponies curse?! It's-! It's like I'm in a G-rated cartoon!”

Pinkie popped up, her face semi-serious as she placed a hoof on her chest. “Hey! I resemble that remark!”

Howls nearly choked as his laughter turned to a cough, his eyes latching onto Pinkie as he replied. “Did you... quote Foghorn... but your... huh. That was a perfectly time reference. Props.”

“Reference to what?”

“Just... yeah no, nevermind.” he said, waving off the explanation. Glancing at Twilight, who was in the process of having her mane brushed back into shape by Rarity, both of whom were shooting him heated glares, Howls at least had the shame to duck his head in apology.

A silence hung between them until Rarity finished, lightly bopping Howls on the head as she passed, though it was a gentle strike at least.

Twilight spoke up as she began to rearrange her upset book stack. “Well, as fun as that was,” She said, still sending heat Howls way, though it had lessened slightly. “I think we should go talk to Zecora when we get back.”

“Who?” Howls asked as he took the seat in front of Twilight, draping himself over the top of the chair as he did so.

“She's the only pony who lives in the Everfree full time, and she has magics that are outside my own... kinda. She might have an answer for us, or at the very least an idea that we might not have thought of, so you, me, and Fluttershy are going to visit her the day after tomorrow. We'll get you settled in first at least.”

“Aaaah, coolio.” He replied, both eyes locked on her book stack. “Hey...Twilight, can I borrow one of those books?”

She eyed him, obviously taking note of his clawed paws before levitating a book up to him and opening it to the middle. “Can you read this?” She asked, an eyebrow quirked.

A dead silence met her question as Howls struggled to gleam anything from its text. For a good thirty seconds he strove, but in vain. A sigh slipped from his lips as he said “No. No I cannot read any of that. I'll have to see about learning your alphabet while I'm here.”

A gleam grew in Twilight's eyes as she smiled. “Really? You want to learn our language? Because if so, I have a dozen books on the subject, and our local teacher Miss. Cherilee is always happy to have new students.”

“Cool.” He said as he once more studied the text. Some of this looks vaguely familiar, like someones half-remembered attempts at remaking Celtic... it's like a sloppy English Celtic hybrid with smatterings of Norse. It's... cartoonishly bad. Ah hell, I'm not a linguist, I need Blue-Ray for that kind of stuff. One corner of his lips turned up in a smirk. Man, Pinkie and Blue in the same room, talk about total opposites. Still, I hope the group all made it out of that ritual chamber in one piece. Shaking his head, Howls pushed the book back to the pile and took a seat, curling up as he waited for the train to reach the station.

First Watch snarled under his breath. Why do I have to check the Tartarus gate? Shining Armor checked it not twelve hours ago, and if Princess Celestia wanted her precious demon jail watched so badly then she should just out with it and post a guard down here. Feathers, I don't mind doing it myself, the decor isn't outside my tastes and frankly? The caves just open enough and labyrinthine that I could turn the patrol route into flight path and not even have to do any ninety-degree turns... of course, where is the fun in that?

Still, he preferred it to walking up and down those stairs over and over again.

His hoofbeats came to a stop when he reached the gate and his mouth opened slightly.

The gate was open.

Cerberus was missing.

And worst of all?

There was not a trace of what had done it.

“Ah, pony feathers.”

My What Big Teeth You Have...

View Online

What the Sun Can't See

–

Chapter 4: My, What Big Teeth You Have...

–

The three tiny mares tore through the bramble patches as they sought to escape the six wooden wolves that chased them, the fillies packs clanking with each stride as the trio ducked under the low hanging branches, the snap of wood erupting from behind as the timberwolves smashed it to pieces.

“Head for Zecoras!” Applebloom shouted, angling to the left as she followed her own advice, her legs and back aching already from the heavy pack and chase, Scootaloo keeping pace, but Sweetie Belle was beginning to fall behind, even as she carried the lightest pack.

Sweat poured down Sweetie Belle's face as she struggled to keep up with the two more athletic members of the Crusaders, the hot, fetid breath of the wolves sweeping across her backside as she pressed on, fear driving desperate energy into her limbs as she strove to keep ahead of the howling monsters behind. Scootaloo's shout reached her as she looked ahead, Applebloom's teeth tightly gripping a large branch, her eyes narrowed as she counted the distance.

Sweetie Belle ducked, the branch whistling over her as a high pitched yelp and the snap of wood cracked the air behind her. Without slowing she raced past the other two fillies, though their hoof-falls were close behind as the trio worked their way through the brush again, the wolves keeping a bit more distance between themselves and their prey, wary of another oak branch to the nose.

“Which way?!” Scootaloo shouted, eyes wide as she sought a landmark of any sort in the dim forest, only to burst out of the brush to find herself facing a concave of high rock, a thin waterfall streaming down its center. “Not this way!” She shouted, turning to angle towards the lowpoint of the wall, catching sight of Applebloom and Sweetie Belle shooting out of the forest as well, the wolves snapping at their heels only seconds behind.

With seemingly supernatural precision, the wolves spread out to encompass the escape routes, one cutting the hesitant Scootaloo off. As one the wolves began to advance, snapping and snarling at the fillies as they drove the girls back to the rock wall, the air fouled by their breath as they slowly closed the trap, still wary of the lashing hooves of the ponies.

All three faced the timberwolves as they backed away, limbs shivering from the mix of fear and the full gallop, until they pressed against the rock face. Scootaloo ducked low, tears gathering in her eyes as she desperately flapped her flightless wings, moving a few sticks with the downdraft, and nothing more.

Applebloom moved in front of her friends, instinct whispering in her ear as she lowered her head, spreading her legs to brace against the coming attacks. “G-get out of here!” She squeaked out, her body trembling as the wolves advanced. “I’ll hold them off while you climb!”

Sweetie Belle’s horn burst into light as she moved to stand besides Applebloom. “No way! The Cutie Mark Crusaders never leave a mare behind!”

From above and behind them, Scootaloo heard a voice, one that tickled her memory of storms and night..

“Aaaaaand...action.” A howl ripped the air above them, blazing green fire bursting out over the hilltop as a figure posed at its peak, highlighted by the eldritch flames glow as its voice rumbled through the fillies bones. “Have no fear! Howls-With-Laughter is here!”

The three fillies looked up at his arrival, the timberwolves snarls reaching his ears as Howls grinned back at the wooden wolves. “Huh. Wood spirits chasing after small fry? Must be pretty low ranking ones to take such desperate action. How about you leav-” He stopped, the wolves already fleeing at the sight of the emerald flames that surrounded him. “Hey!” He shouted at their retreating backs. “Get back here! I didn’t finish my badass entrance!” The brush shivered as the timberwolves vanished into it, leaving Howls alone with the three fillies, though he caught the rushing hoofbeats of the slower mares coming closer.

The three fillies stared up at Howls, eyes wide. “Whoa..” They breathed out in unison, their gaze’s inexorably falling to the teeth that were on full display as he smiled at them, slight shivers beginning to run down their spines.

So when Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy burst into the clearing with the snap of wood, the rustle of brush and shouting, Sweetie Belle reacted.

Twilight’s shout of “Howls! Why did you run off?” was cut short by a flash of light magenta energy that slammed into Howls side, hurling him like a frisbee before Twilight’s eyes. As she watched him sail through the air, only to slam hard into the upper branches of a tree, Twilights next words were, perhaps not her best. “Howls! Why are you in a tree?”

His dull, pained reply of “Oww...” barely reached the ponies below as Rarity wrapped Sweetie Belle in a tight hug, her voice near panicked as she tightened her grip. “Sweetie Belle! Whatever possessed you to enter the Everfree?”

As one the CMC flipped up their saddlebags and pulled out a pickaxe. “Cutie Mark Crusaders, Dinosaur Hunters!”

From above and behind, Howls shouted “How is that even a thing?!”

Rolling her eyes as she made her way to the tree he was stuck in, Twilight called up “Howls? Can you get down without help?”

“Yeah, I’ll be okay, just give me a minute.” His voice sounded a bit rough, but Twilight simply shrugged, glancing at Fluttershy, a small jerk of her head up to the tree.

Fluttershy nodded as her wings spread, the soft wingbeats carrying her up to the hole in the canopy. “Mr. H-howls? Are you alright?” She asked, one hoof reaching out to move the foliage.

There was a snap from within its darkened confines as he said “Oh shi-” before a shape tumbled down from the branches, a series of sharp cracks following as he fell down, leaves shaken loose by his rapid descent, punctuated by the dull thud of his landing face first into the dirt, his body slowly falling to the side. “I hate this world.” He mumbled as he pushed upright. “So...can someone tell me what just hit me? Felt kinda like when you smashed me through a wall.” He said as he glared at Twilight. “Just less dump truck and more S.U.V.”

“You smashed him through a wall?” Fluttershy asked as she landed between the two, her eyes wide as she stared at Twilight. “Why would you do that?”

Twilight at least had the decency to look guilty. “It was an accident, I just panicked when I woke up and saw him in the room...and I kinda blew him through the wall.” A wince at Fluttershy gaping mouth and Twilight elaborated further in shame. “From the third story.”

“Are you alright?!” Fluttershy gasped out to Howls, one hoof covering her mouth, her wings flaring slightly. “I know Twilight is a really powerful unicorn, so her hitting you must have hurt a lot! I have some herbs at home I can give you to ease the pain.”

Waving a paw as he shook his head, Howls replied “Nah, don’t worry about it. I already healed the damage.” Looking to the the tiny fillies, he asked “And again, what hit me?”

“Sweetie Belle, the white and purple one. She’s Raritys younger sister.” Twilight replied suddenly sounding pensive at the concept. “I’m a bit surprised actually.”

“Me too!” Sweetie Belle shouted. “I can barely make sparks!”

“Damn. You unicorns pack a wallop, ya know that?” The wolf brought up a paw to rub his chin and realized that if that kind of magical blast was a Unicorn’s fight or flight instinct then he could see how they survived to be sentient.

The trio turned to look at Rarity as she admonished the fillies. “Honestly girls! The Everfee forest is not a place for mares of any age! It’s dangerous, filthy, and positively gruesome!”

“Aww! But sis, how else are we supposed to know what our cutie marks are?!” Sweetie Belle replied, her bottom lip trembling as she met Rarity’s gaze. “And besides! You're here now, so its fine!” Applebloom and Scootaloo nodded in agreement, the red cloaks flapping with their movement.

Before Rarity could respond, Howls spoke up. “Pardon, but what is a cutie mark anyway?”

Twilight replied quickly as she too recognized the opportunity to cut short the tirade. “Cutie marks are a mark denoting our special talent. Think of it as a sort of... destined pre-disposition for an activity. Typically a pony will find a way to make a career out of it. For me,” She pointed at her flank and the star emblazoned upon it. “It represents my talent in magic, and my affinity for the arcane arts. They can look like just about anything, but you know what your special talent is because the mark appears when you realize that the activity is your special talent to begin with.”

Howls nodded, just saying “Huh. Interesting.” Like some kind of spirit mark maybe. Not the strangest thing I have heard today. “Anyway, what now?”

Nodding, Twilight looked to Rarity. “Would you take the girls back? I’ll take Howls and Fluttershy to see Zecora.”

Rarity’s reply was drowned out by the fillies gasps of surprise. “Cutie Mark Crusaders, Alchemists!” Applebloom ran up to Twilight, wide eyes shimmering as she met her gaze. “Please Twilight? We just wanna see if alchemy is our special talent!”

Rubbing her temple, Rarity glanced towards the dark forest. The dark, timberwolf filled forest... “I hate to be a bother, but perhaps it would be a good idea for us all to stay together. The Everfree is not a place I would like cross alone. Zecora’s home is not far in any case, so why not bring them along?”

Howls shrugged as he rolled his left shoulder, the blast from Sweetie Belle leaving behind a ache in the muscle. “I don’t see a problem with it. They are here, we’re here, might as well stick together.”

An annoyed sigh from Twilight later and they were off, Twilight leading the way, Howls in the rear, and the rest in the middle, though the CMC continually glanced over their shoulders at the wolf at their backs. Finally Applebloom whispered to the girls: “What’s wrong with ya all? Dontcha wanna ask him somethin’?”

Sweetie Belle shook her head, her mane swishing back and forth in its abundant curls. “No. I just...I just don’t want to, alright?”

“Alright, what about you Scoots?”

Scootaloo grinned and waved a hoof, her eyes closed as she held her head up high. “Nah, things are kinda tense right now, might as well wait till everythings calmed down a bit.” And I don’t want to get too close to him...

Applebloom eyed her friends, knowing something more was going on between them. I can’t really force them to talk to him. I just wanna know what’s wrong. Maybe talkin’ to the wolf will clear things up. Dropping back to walk by his side, Applebloom started up the conversation. “Hi! I’m Applebloom, we met a few days ago at mah house. Do ya remember?”

Staring at her, his ears turning to and fro as he did so, Howls nodded, smiling in return. “Yeah, I remember you, you were the only one who didn’t freak out on me at first sight.”

“Thats cuz yer blade was so cool! All sparkles and green flames!” She exclaimed, her eyes now freely wandering his body, searching for the runed blade. “Where is it anyway?”

“Actually I always have him with me, just put away so I can summon him whenever I want.” He said as he glanced up at the obviously listening mares. “He’s magic, and really old, so I don’t know all the details about his origins, but Myst is very potent.”

Applebloom tilted her head to the side, one eyebrow rising. “Is that its name, Myst?”

“Nickname actually.” He replied a bit absently as he stepped over a odd piece of ground, eyeing it. That looks like a trapdoor spider’s burrow cap...but its the size of a dinner plate. Fuuuuuuuuck. “His full name is Mystmorning Moonlight, though he has other names and titles as well.”

“Like what?” She asked, all ears as she listened.

Tapping his jaw for a moment before resuming his trek, Howls let his voice drop into what his pack always called his ‘bard tone’, a deeper, slightly more melodic voice that came from deep in the chest to carry his words far afield. “In the days before time was counted, Mystmorning Moonlight was forged, so named for the essence of dawn’s last shards of moonlight filtered through the mists of the highlands, and the metal of starlight and moonglow under which he was born. Down through the ages he passed, in fire and fury from one hand to the next, always bringing forth the light of hope to those in need.”

“As for his names...well... That is a tale in and of itself. One of the oldest perhaps is Claíomh Solais, the Sword of Light, wielded by the Tuatha Nuada Airgetlám, the Silver Arm against the nightmarish Fir Bolg. The Fair Folk of my world whisper that if such a thing were true, then I would be holding a blade that has not once failed to slay a single foe it was drawn against, and that shines like a fragment of the sun itself. He has also been known as Skofnung, a blade unparalleled, wielded by the Danish King Hrólfr Kraki, and is said to contain the spirits of his twelve berserker bodyguards. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, should Hrólfr have been a Garou, and should he have received the sword from the Fair Folk... well... to quote Mystmorning Moonlight himself, 'that would be telling.'”

“He talks to ya? Like you and I are?”

“Kinda... its more like he sends feelings, or perhaps the idea of a feeling, wrapped in thought.” He replied as his head tilted to the side, his ears twitching. “Sorry, it’s kinda complex, yet at the same time very simple.”

Applebloom just stared at him as she worked out what he meant. “Soooo... ya don’t know yerself?”

Howls nodded twice, grinning. “Pretty much!”

Applebloom grinned in return, her steps quickening as she made for her fellow fillies, though not before calling back over her shoulder “Yer silly, but I like ya! Come by the farm sometime, okay?”

“Sure thing little lady.” He replied with a dip of his head, watching the trio huddle closer to talk more privately.

The group gradually made their way through the thick foliage to Zecora’s home, its warm lights inviting them inside. Twilight knocked on the door as she said “Zecora? Its Twilight, and I brought some friends to talk to you.”

From within came Zecora’s voice, a strange accent to Howls ears as they entered. “Welcome one and all, make yourself at home within my walls.” Zecora looked up from her desk to the group, her eyes and smile soft with affection. “It is good to see you all safe and sound, tell me, what brings you to my ground?” Her eyes locked onto Howls then, her head tilting slightly to the side as she spoke up once more. “A worg enters my domain, yet refrains from devouring my remains?”

Before Howls could speak up and likely say something regrettable, Twilight said “He’s not actually a worg, but that's a long story. He and Fluttershy have a similar condition, and I was hoping you might have an idea I didn’t.”

Placing the various herbs back into their containers, Zecroa approached the pair with a critical air as her gaze swept over them for a moment before she nodded. "I can see there is something lost that you must find, before it begins to take a toll on your mind."

“You mean our shadows, right?” Howls asked as he let his rear end settle on the floor. “If we don’t get them back, we lose our minds?”

“Worse still, a shell you will be, as your soul is eaten by he who tore your shadows free... although perhaps not so literally.” She replied, her voice heavy as she slowly shook her head. “No potion or brew will do, to solve this requires something from you.”

As he listened, Howls ears were twitching back and forth as his tail lay unmoving. She’s still talking in rhyme. Great. His eyes glanced at the other ponies as his right paw curled in and out, leaving tiny marks in the wooden floor. Obviously this is how she always talks as they are not put off by it, but you would think she would cut the crap when someone’s shadow has been stolen. “So what happens if we find and kill this Erebus guy who stole them? Do we get them back?”

Turning to the bookcase as she pulled out another tome, she replied, “The shadow king's fall will not be a cure all. Truth of heart must mend what was torn apart.” Cracking it open, she flipped the pages till she came upon what she sought. Running the edge of her hoof along the line, she recited, in her own way of course, “Terrors of the night will prey upon you with all their might, till the waking world will be an equal fright.”

Howls lips drew into a tight, thin line. “We won't be able to sleep at all, and eventually we’ll start hallucinating?” A hallucinating Garou was not something anyone deserved to deal with.

Zecora nodded as she closed the book, glancing over to the shadowless pseudo-worg, her eyes soft. “When lack of rest reaches a crest, a threat to others you will possess.”

Rarity glanced at Howls as she slid slightly closer to Sweetie Belle. “H-how long might that be, if I may be so bold as to ask?” She said, the memory of Howls peeling back his lips to reveal his fangs flashing across her mind.

Howls spoke up then as he held up a paw, curling the toes down as he did some mental calculations. “Well... the longest I ever went without sleep was a week, and things got weird before that was done, but to be perfectly frank? I’m up most of the night anyway, and I just take power naps throughout the day to get my eight hours. What about you Fluttershy?”

It was about then that everyone noticed that Fluttershy was gone, the door swaying slightly in the breeze.

“Oh. Well shit.”

Twilight shot out the door, shouting for Fluttershy as she did so, Rarity glancing at Zecroa as she said “Please watch the girls for a moment!” as she too dashed outside.

Howls just arched an eyebrow at the ladies actions, snorting as he looked to the foursome of mares that remained inside, only to jerk slightly at the looks he was getting from them. “What?” He asked as he met Zecora’s gaze, ignoring the tiny fillies. “It’s not like they are in any danger...right?”

Zecora shook her head as she replied, her hoof pointing to the open door. “A friend is in need, go do a good deed.”

Rolling his eyes as he walked out the door, sniffing the air to catch the mares scents. Twilight I think, since nothing else in this forest probably smells that much like parchment and fresh ink. Anyway, Rarity is definitely the perfume trail. I am willing to bet the one that almost blends in with the local fauna is Fluttershy.

Twilight and Rarity had taken off in opposing directions, perhaps making educated guesses as to where she might have tried to go, not knowing that Fluttershy had not bothered to turn or think about her destination, simply running headlong into the brush. Shrugging his shoulders as he ambled into the forest after her, Howls took his time as he followed her trail, since her scent was rather hard to distinguish from the local herbs and wild life. That mare must run a zoo. The broken bush branch, the faint hoofmarks in the earth, all in addition to the trail of scent that she left behind, a scent he was beginning to put his finger on as a kind of herbal shampoo under a layer of rabbits and birds. Catching up to her took about five minutes of walking, which led him to an open meadow of knee high grass.

In the middle was a rather large group of creatures, ranging from a small group of deer, a lone bear, dozens of birds from several different species, and what caught his attention the most was the manticore that towered over them all, its scorpion tail curled over it’s back as it watched from the far side of the group. Every eye had locked onto him as soon as he had entered the clearing, the tuft of pink hair and small bit of yellow fur in the midst of the strange herd clueing Howls to Fluttershy’s location. What is she, Snow White?

Keeping one eye on the manticore as it stared right back at him, Howls advanced on the group with a determined air, stopping just outside the deer’s ranks, his lips pulling back as he tried to give them a reassuring smile.

When the ones directly in front of him backed up rather quickly, eyes wide with fear, Howls rolled his eyes once more as he spoke up. “Fluttershy? It’s me, Howls. Can we talk, please?”

“Go away! I-I don’t want to!” Came the choked reply, sniffles following soon after as she huddled deeper into the warmth of the surrounding creatures.

He took a single step forward, and the creatures moved closer together, fear wafting from them like a fog, but never the less they stood in his way more determined than ever, even with shaking limbs and terror in their eyes, they stood between him and Fluttershy at her command.

Quirking an eyebrow, Howls settled down onto his stomach and waited, head upon his paws as he listened for Fluttershy to speak. He had never seen a Garou so in tune with nature, let alone a person or pony. It was, in some way, humbling.

For a long while the only sounds were of Fluttershy and the faint breathing of the animals, then at last she began to speak, her words broken by the faint sobs that still tried to silence her. “Do you know what it's like to be picked on and made fun of because everypony thinks you're weaker than them? They hurt you so much because they don't get it, they don’t want to get it, and they don’t care.”

A faint note of anger crept into her voice as memories began to surface, a shudder running down her spine, the spark of anger flaring as she continued. “Hurting ponies is easy. It's so easy it's hard to stop doing it. They don't know how strong somepony has to be... to ignore all that pain... to not hurt them back... to smile and want them to stop hating so they'll be happy. I'm afraid... not of them... of what I might do if they don't stop pushing.”

She looked to him then, her eyes narrow through the tears that ran down her cheeks. “I'm scared. Scared if what Zecora said happens... it'll wear me down, and I won't be able to stop myself.”

Silence hung between them as Howls looked to the dirt, one toe idly scratching at it as he sought the right words. He met her gaze, a soft, sad smile upon his lips as he spoke. “In my chest beats a inferno of rage and violence. You can feel it in the air, you can sense it in my words and see it in my eyes, can't you?”

She nodded once, sniffling as she waited for him to continue.

“So when I say that I know that feeling, that I know it as intimately as breathing, as perfectly as my own heartbeat, you know I am speaking the truth. I am surrounded by people that I care for, people that I love and would give my life to protect.” A chill grew in his words as he continued, his eyes once more falling to the earth. “And I know that if I lose control...if I let that maelstrom of anger and murder take hold, then they will die. Hurting people is as you said, it is easy, and it takes strength to hold it back, strength that cannot be taught or bought.”

A small grin slipped across his features as he glanced up to her. “You’re stronger than me, little pony. You have so much inner strength to hold back all that pain and still want to help. You're stronger than me for having the same wounds, yet all you want to do is heal others. Do not fear yourself Fluttershy, and do not fear your might.”

He stood up and advanced, the animals parting for him at last as he walked up to her, a paw held out before her. “I’ll make you a deal Fluttershy. If you try to hurt somepony, I will stop you.”

She jerked her head up to look at him, eyes wide. “You’ll stop me?”

He nodded, still holding out his paw. “Aye little one. Me, and all your friends. We’ll keep you safe, and everyone else along with it.”

She stared at him for a long moment before wiping away the tears and taking his paw to stand up. She held it as he tried to pull away, a question in his gaze. She spoke then, so soft he had to lean in to hear it. “And if you try to hurt somepony, I’ll do the same for you. My friends and I will keep you safe too.”

He smiled at that, part of him doubted she would succeed, but a small part of him held hope that her unique strength would carry through the task, his eyes glowed just a shade brighter as he gently bumped her with his muzzle. “Thanks Fluttershy. Think you’re ready to head back to your friends?”

She nodded and moved past him to speak to the collection of animals all around. “Thank you all for coming.” She smiled at them, her voice warm as she looked upon them all. “I’m okay now, and my other friends will be arriving soon. Go back home to your families, and remember to come to me if you or another is sick or hurt.”

The manticore growled several times, his eyes having never left Howls.

Fluttershy turned to meet the Manticores gaze, her own gaze soft. “No, he is a friend as well. I’ll be alright alo-”

In the distance came the sound of a tree trunk crashing to earth, a echoing roar reverberating through the air as more and more crashes were heard, a series of heavy thuds impacting the ground that signaled the sign of something massive trampling towards them. The animals scattered, only the manticore staying, both it and Howls sniffing the air, trying to catch the scent of what was coming.

“W-what is it?” Fluttershy asked as she stared towards the noise.

“Can’t tell. It’s downwind of us, no scent to be found.” He replied, glancing sideways at Fluttershy. “But it’s big, and angry. You should leave.”

“But what if it’s just a hurt? I have to help.” She replied, already walking towards the disturbance, her gait quick and sure. “Besides,” She glanced over her shoulder to Howls. “I have you here to protect me, don't I?”

Hanging his head as he followed after her, Howls glanced behind at the manticore that stayed where it was, watching still. Damn animal has more sense then this girl. Still, she has a point. I’m way scarier than anything else in these woods.

It was then that the creature burst from the treeline, it’s three heads snapping back and forth as bloody spittle flew from their snarling jaws. In the lengthening shadows of the day, Cerberus howled out a pain-filled cry, and moved towards the trio before him, each step shaking the earth.

Howls recognized the beast by its major distinguishing traits, but was more than horrified by how different it was, and if he did not know better he would have assumed they were different creatures altogether. Cerberus’s looked bulkier, his body swelled out in strange places under his skin, cancerous welts that hardened like chitin, turning flesh to armor, twisting muscle into padding. The three heads came low and roared, their mouths arrayed with four lines of teeth in an overt display of predatory overkill. The beast braced itself for a charge and Howls watched as bony spurs burst from its spine like a ridge of dragon scales, and the monster’s ribcage swelled with a soft white glow deep in its heart.

“I was wrong!” Howls shouted at the sight of the giant demon dog. “That's way scarier than me!” He dashed in front of Fluttershy even as his every instinct screamed terror into his waking mind, his body lowered to the ground as he growled at the giant dog. “We should leave! Right now!” he snarled out as Cerberus advanced.

“No, it’s alright.” Fluttershy replied, her wings carrying her over Howls and towards Cerberus, her eyes filled with sympathy. “It’s okay, no one's going to hurt you here.” She said, voice smooth and soft.

All six of Cerberus’s bloodshot eyes locked onto Fluttershy as she drew closer, their mouths hanging open as his tail wagged back and forth, his black fur twitching as the muscles beneath tightened in anticipation.

Howls shouted “Get back!” A heartbeat before Cerberus’s right paw flashed up and struck Fluttershy across the side, his claws raking through her wing and ribs, blood spraying as it tore into her flesh and hurled her across the glen, her sudden flight stopped only as she smashed into a tree trunk, branches snapping under her impact upon the wood.

Her pained scream was drowned out by Cerberus rearing back, all three heads roaring out as he charged the injured Pegasi. His paws tossed up great clods of dirt as his heads bayed for blood. His long strides covered the distance quickly, so quickly Cerberus was halfway to Fluttershy when he roared out in pain, his rightmost head twisting around to glare at the wolf, doubled in size and power that had torn out a relatively tiny chunk of his calf.

Howls danced back to avoid Cerberus’s retaliatory kick, his own growl reaching the ears of the giant canine. Cerberus turned to face Howls fully, all three heads watching him as the manticore moved behind it, gently lifting Fluttershy in its maw and carrying her to the far side of the field, where it crouched over her protectively.

Cerberus sucked in a lungful of air as he once more unleashed a roar from its triple throats, its fetid breath washing over Howls as he watched the beast. Gaia, what happened?! He stinks of the Wyrm! The two must have escaped somehow and... His eyes narrowed as he began to walk to the left, low to the ground as Cerberus turned to follow him, all eyes watching for his movements. Only one thing to do now... He glanced over to Fluttershy, nodding to himself as he did so.

So when a purple light flashed in the sky, Howls could feel his stomach sink, and was proven right when another flash flared in the middle of the glen, Twilight appearing from its light. “What's going on-” She stopped when she recognized Cerberus, her eyes widening. “C-cerberus!? What is he doing here? Howls! What's going on!?”

“Behind you! Fluttershy!” He shouted back as he shot forward to snap at Cerberus’s exposed neck when he had looked to Twilight’s entrance. Cerberus pulled up to avoid Howls snapping fangs, his middle head striking snake quick back at the much smaller wolf-beast.

Twilight gasped as the middle head descended, far quicker than she had thought possible, her horn beginning to glow as magic flowed into it, but that vanished as Howls just blurred, his entire body moving so fast he almost vanished from her sight as he dove under Cerberus’s belly and latched onto his inner thigh, his whole body snapping side to side as he tore off another chunk of Cerberus’s hide.

Once more he moved too quickly for words, escaping Cerberus’s attempt to crush him and spat out a hunk of flesh. Damn! His hide is like steel! I can barely get through it, and I’m just pissing him off at this rate! Still... He chanced a glance at Twilight as she hurried to Fluttershy’s side, a gasp slipping from her lips at the sight of both the blood and the protective manticore. Gotta keep his attention on me. They don’t heal like I do. And the sooner they leave the sooner I can end this. “Hey doggy!” He shouted at Cerberus, quickly moving back in front of the dog to regain his attention. “Come on puppy, don’t tell me you want to go play fetch with the ponies!”

Once he was sure Cerberus was fixed on him, Howls shouted back over his shoulder. “Damn it Twilight! Grab her and get out of here, now!” The sound of rushing air caught his ears a heartbeat before Cerberus’s clawed paw would have gouged out his side, giving Howls the half-second needed to duck under the swipe. Following the curve of the limb and using it to shadow his movements, Howls leaped once more, his fangs sinking into the creature's chest, the white glow pulsating in tune with Cerberus’s heartbeat.

Releasing his bite as he dodged Cerberus’s snatching jaws, Howls jumped back under the trio of heads, emerald fire flashing across his maw as he leaped forward, twisting sideways to drive the six foot blade into the chest, the enchanted blade piercing through with ease, Howls lips peeling back in victory. Or at least until a white fire poured out of the wound, running like lava as it washed over Howls, high-pitched yips of pain filling the glen as the fire burned it’s way across his body, his flesh and fur boiling away to reveal the muscles beneath.

Cerberus roared out in pain as his head snapped down to catch Howls tail in his jaws, the pain forcing another yelp from Howls as he was hurled to the far side of the meadow, dirt and grass flying as he rolled with the impact, his paws digging into the earth to control his tumble. Snarling as he once more looked to Twilight, Howls groaned as he saw Rarity, the fillies and Zecroa had arrived, obviously having heard the multiple roars from the twenty foot tall dog before them. His body was already mostly healed, the skin rippling over the wounds, fur sprouting back into place as his regeneration pushed back the pain.

“Will you all get the fuck out of here already?!” He screamed at them, what little patience he had vanishing at last. Heavy footfalls brought him back to the issue at hand as Cerberus rapidly closed towards him. Baring his teeth, Howls raced forward to meet the charge.

Twilight and Rarity’s hooves were coated in blood as they pressed them onto Fluttershy’s wounds, Zecora pulling bottles from her saddlebags, pouring them into one another with a feverish intensity as Applebloom watched with wide eyes, torn between the mares working to staunch the bleeding, and the chaotic battle that was taking place only a few yards away, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo covering their eyes as something tugged at their minds, memories screaming out gibberish at just a glimpse of Howls.

Applebloom watched the two duel, the blood splattering across the ground, the sickly sweet scent of flesh torn apart, the sharp clack of teeth, the sound of their snarls, barks and growls as they prowled around each other. To her eyes, their battle was almost entirely a blur, their motions faster than she had ever seen anypony move.

Howls was faster, but only by a hair, always dodging away at the last second as Cerberus snapped and clawed at the speedy Garou, and Howls bit off small chunks of Cerberus, but it only seemed to irritate the giant dog all the more. In all honesty, Applebloom had no clear idea of what was happening, unable to catch up with their full speed as Howls ducked and dodged through Cerberus’s attacks, always zipping about to harry the larger monster.

Every few seconds he would leap away to pace left or right of Cerberus, as though he had to catch his breath, yet he never looked to be breathing hard. The two canines were breathing evenly, no gasps for air or shuddering lungfuls, the two appeared none the worse for wear, even as the blood dripped from Howls jaws and ran in rivulets from Cerberus’s wounds. In the span of a heartbeat Howls charged back in, the battle once more becoming a vague blur of shapes and sounds to her eyes, but then...

A high-pitched yelp sounded from the midst as Cerberus’s left head caught Howls back leg, his middle head crushing down onto his midsection, blood spurting from between his jaws as the rightmost head gripped one of Howls forelegs, both left and right heads pulling to either side as the middle head pulled up. Everypony there could see what Cerberus intended, even ignorant as they were of violence.

“Mister Howls!” Applebloom shouted, shivers running up and down her tiny frame as she watched the battle reach its climax. I gotta do somethin! He’s gonna...he’s gonna die! Forcing the fear to the back of her mind, Applebloom’s hooves tore into the earth as she shot forward.

Howls barely held back his screams as his limbs were slowly being yanked from their sockets, only his supernaturally toughened body allowing him to hold on as long as he had. Fuckfuckfuck! Gotta do something, or I’ll seriously going to die! It was then that Cerberus drove his heads into the earth, smashing Howls and driving his fangs deeper into the worgs body, a frustrated growl rolling from his chest as he struggled to dig them into the small wolf’s torso.

Howls pushed at Cerberus’s face with his free leg, but might as well have tried to move a mountain for all the good it did him. Cerberus watched Howls as he struggled, his eyes bloodshot and wild, and an idea sparked in Howls mind. Here’s hoping they don’t see this! Focusing all his concentration upon his free arm, Howls felt the quicksilver fire race through his veins, drowning out the pain of his wounds, and transforming his body, a flash of emerald fire bursting into light...

Applebloom, at the same instant, kicked Cerberus at the base of his knee, her legs barely reaching the joint as she hit, but a meaty thud filled her ears when she struck. “Let him GO!” She shouted, only to gasp as the leg snapped back, passing so close by her that the wind of its passage whipped her mane up, Cerberus’s torso turning to see what had hit him. Or rather, he would have, if Howls had not struck at that moment of distraction.

Cerberus screamed, Howls landing hard on his side, the holes from Cerberus’s fangs already closing before Applebloom’s eyes. Looking up, Applebloom saw what had occurred, for Mystmorning Moonlight was buried deep into Cerberus’s eye, flames already charring the skin black as the head dropped low, blood pouring from its ruined eye socket.

Cerberus backed away, its two remaining heads wavering all around as he struggled to adjust to the loss a head, already the blood loss taking its toll as its lifeblood ran in a steady river down its shattered skull. A weak growl emerged from its maws as Cerberus advanced towards Howls, each unsteady step barely holding up as his knees began to collapse. With a final pained cry Cerberus, guardian of the Tartarus gate, fell to earth, the red blood already pooling beneath his body as his massive heart pumped it out.

“I..is it over?” Twilight spoke up from where she and the other mares were watching, Zecora keeping an eye on Fluttershy to ensure she didn’t move and dislodge the strange cream that was coating her wounds.

“Almost.” Howls replied as he advanced towards Cerberus, his body tensing as fire flared in his mouth, Myst reappearing in his jaws.

“Wait...” Twilight whispered, horror dawning as she watched Howls rear up, Myst’s edge catching the last rays of sunlight, and Cerberus’s heads jerking up in a last ditch attempt to survive.

“DON’T DO IT!” She screamed out as Howls blurred once more, the sick sound of metal carving through bone and flesh filling the glen.

Both of the remaining heads dropped, cut in twain by the silver blade.

Silence settled over the meadow as the twilight faded, giving way to the night as only the wind moved across the glen, the rustle of grass and the creaking of timbers breaking the silence. Eventually Twilight Sparkle came up to the giant corpse, her hooves stained red as she walked through the cooling pool of blood. For a long moment she just stared as she stood at Howls side, then slowly she turned to look at him, their eyes meeting. Tears ran down her face as she tried to speak, her throat tight, the words locked inside, her chest filling with an unknown emotion, almost as though it was about to burst.

Howls met her gaze, the emerald glow of his eyes blazing in the deepening shadows of the night as he waited for her.

Eventually she ground them out, the words spewing forth, at last given a release.

“You... Monster.”

Closing his eyes as he prepared himself for what he knew to come, Howls turned away from Twilight, his nose leading the way back to Ponyville.

“Don't you walk away!” She screamed, a flash of purple energy smashing into a tree in his path, the entire trunk exploding from the impact as she shouted at him more, her horn burning with eldritch light. “You just murdered an innocent! You killed him, and you're not even sorry! What kind of monster are you?!”

Howls stopped as he looked over his shoulder to Twilight. “I’m going to send a message to the Princesses. They need to know the gate is unguarded.”

His body was enveloped in a purple aura as he was yanked off the ground, spun in place and hauled back to float a few feet in front of Twilight. “I’m still not done with you! How could you have done that to Cerberus!? He didn’t need to die just so you could feel strong!”

“Are you serious? You want to do this now?” Howls replied, surprise coloring his tone as he continued to hang in the air. “Because with Cerberus here and corrupted, that means the two are free. We need to warn someone.”

Her eyes narrowed as her horn pulsed, and she vanished from sight.

Howls continued to float in the air, looking as put out as possible for a wolf. He tested his movement, and found it unhindered by the aura. Huh. Guess she just put a levitation spell on me. Interesting. I wonder what she’s doi-

Twilight reappeared in another flash of light, her gaze still hard as she said “Done. Just sent a letter off to Celestia letting her know what happened. Now, where was I?”

“Repeatedly calling me a monster."

“Why are you so calm!?" she said as she stepped closer, her teeth grinding as she glared at him.

"...I'm being held in the air by an enraged pony. Frankly? I have had scarier things holding me." He shot back, his eyes half-lidded as he watched her fume.

"Good! I'm not trying to be scary! I'm trying to be authoritative!"

He arched an eyebrow at that. “Oh. You're being serious.”

Twilight barely held back a frustrated scream at that, but still snapped out. "You really don't respect me at all! You're a big violent idiot and you have no idea what any of your actions even mean! This isn't your world! You can't just do whatever you want!"

Howls leaned forward, studying for for a moment before he said "...Are you retarded? You have no idea of what's coming for your world. You haven't got a clue as to what's going to start happening! This?!” He waved a paw to Cerberus’s corpse. “This is the barest tip of the iceberg that's going to run all over your pretty world and blacken it! Don't you dare tell me what I do and don't know when you're the one in the dark here!"

Twilight had begun to shake with anger, the aura around Howls flickering slightly as her concentration wavered. "Dark... I've been 'in the dark' plenty of times! And every time everypony turns to me to find out what's going on and how to stop it! No hints, no clues, no help until such a time as I've already figured out a solution! If you could use your head instead thinking with your teeth and claws maybe you'd have thought up another solution!"

Howls rolled his eyes as he sighed. “Really? Another solution? How many did you have?”

“I had a hundred, a thousand of them! If you-”

"You had a thousand ways to do it better. A million ideas that could have fixed it all, right?"

"Yes!"

"Then why didn't you do any of them?"

“Because you were too fast! Too stupid to wait! Too callous to give pause, and ultimately too paranoid to listen to me!"

"Too fast? You think I'm fast? The Black Spiral Dancer is twice my speed. More ruthless than I, far more paranoid, and smarter than I am. But please, keep telling yourself that it was all my fault. That for all your magical power, you apparently couldn't stop me. If thats what lets you sleep at night."

Her horn flared out a gout of magical energy, the earth beneath her feet cracking as loose bits floated into the air around her. "Cerberus isn’t your twice muled Black Spiral Dancer you iron skulled nitwit!”

Rarity and Zecora gasped, Rarity quickly covering Sweetie Belle’s ears in horror.

Howls lips quirked at her outrage, a quiet laugh slipping from his lips for a moment before he shot back “Not the point. You said you had ideas. You have power. Yet you failed to act. If you're looking for someone to blame for his death, then by your own logic you are the one who killed him, by failing to stop me and implement your plans."

If it was possible for a pony to have steam erupt from their ears, Twilight would have made a sauna. "Yes! I failed to save him! So guess what I'm doing now? Blaming you! Blaming you to get it through your thick skull so that next time when I say stop you stop! My plan to save the next innocent soul you think is a monster is to make sure that you will listen to me! I'm trying to prevent this from ever happening again! I'm being responsible the only way I can short of sending you too the moon because you were the blade that killed Cerberus! If it is my fault, and you are the weapon, then I should melt you down and blunt you're edges! Tear out your fangs and claws or lock you away where I cannot use you to hurt anypony else!” She pulled in a shuddering breath before continuing.

“Would that be your preference Howls?! Nothing can bring Cerberus back, all of my plans are pointless except for the ones I will use later! Every single enemy is different and I am not stupid enough to presume your foes innocent or to ask you to stop against an enemy that I don't think you could escape if given the opportunity! I'm not a monster!"

Howls smile had vanished at that, his own heart beginning to pound with anger at her words. "Then you are an idiot. I have no reason to listen to a person whose so arrogant to assume her way is the right way in a situation she has never been in. Your applying your values and rules to a situation that is outside their scope. And go ahead, tear out my fangs and claws, they'll grow back, but do it anyway, lets see how much fun you'll have inflicting torture on someone.”

Twilight’s lips peeled back, exposing her gums as she snarled back at him. "I have been in that situation before! Against Dragons, Hydras, Manticores, and Changelings! You don't even know what I'm capable of! I won't torture you, but I will show you what this tiny pony you disrespect so much can actually do!"

Howls smirked back at her, his own lips drawing back to display his fangs in return. "Why in the hell would I respect someone who doesn't respect me? You don't like me killing? Tough. Shit. There's going to be a lot more death in the coming days if my guess is right, so grow a spine and deal with it."

Twilight’s horn flared again, a plastic mannequin’s spine appearing in mid-air to wrap around Howls body, her grimace turning to a mocking grin for a moment. "Done and done. I respected your authority on your enemies. Cerberus wasn't. He was hurt, and confused. You didn't kill a monster. You killed a dog. You can be belligerent and disrespectful all you want, but don't complain to me when you get no respect in turn. If you had apologized that would have been the end of it, but your bullheaded attitude has snared you in a pitfall of your own making. Turn it back on me. Blame me for your doings. Dismiss me as unimportant and disrespect my authority here. Fine. You get none in return. We're done. If I see you in Ponyville then you won’t be for very long."

Howls glanced down at the spine, an eyebrow rising as he touched a segment. Huh. Well, she at least put her money where her mouth is. Still, she’s missing the point. "And when your friends are attacked, your town burned, your people go missing? When your world begins to crumble and you don't know where or how to fight? Find me then, and I'll consider helping you. Because for all your idiocy, I don't want to see your people die."

Twilight stepped forward, pressing herself nose to nose with the wolf. "You are one wolf. There is nothing you can do if we are in so much danger that my friends and my people cannot handle it. Your pride is disgusting. Just because you have fangs and claws you think yourself better. Just because you kill you think yourself stronger. Just because you have seen death you think yourself worldlier. You are flatly, and unmistakably a complete and utter foal!"

Howls began to laugh. He laughed long and loud, his laughter cold and mocking as he leaned back, his diaphragm taking in even more air as he let his lungs bellow out his laughter. His laughter did not end even as Twilight, her eyes burning with amethyst light, blasted him in the chest with a bolt of energy, sending Howls hurtling deep into the Everfree, his laughter stopping only after the faint thud of his body landing had reached them.

Feeling his ribs slide back into place, Howls bit the spine, his jaws easily cutting through the hastily crafted construct, the rest of the spine falling to dust a moment later. Snorting blood from his nose, he turned to the glen and began to walk back, unfinished business on the forefront of his mind.

---

Shining Armors heart was in his throat when he saw Twilight and the rest emerge from the Everfree forest, the adult mares hooves coated in blood, and Fluttershy’s coat doused red from the wounds across her side. “Twily!” He shouted, racing up to them, First Watch landing beside him, his metal shod hooves clinking on the stone. “What happened in there?”

Twilight’s gaze snapped up to him, simmering with rage. But instead of words she simply released an inarticulate scream and trotted past her brother and the gray coated pegasus beside him.

Rarity winced. “Howls-With-Laughter killed Cerberus... it was self defense, kind of, but...”

“The worg slew Cerberus?” First Watch said, his eyes widening just a fraction as his wings ruffled. “In single combat?”

Rarity nodded, shooting Twilight a look as the purple mare just continued to move, levitating Fluttershy towards the hospital. “Honestly, it was unnecessary. Twilight and Howls had...words, and he remained behind in the Everfree.”

“And if he ever shows his face in town I’ll make sure he stays there! He and that forest deserve each other!” Twilight shouted from just barely in auditory range.

First Watch leaned to Shining Armor and whispered. "Yeah can't lie, just a little impressed, but now that we know Cerberus is well and truly gone I think I can convince the Princesses to post actual guards at that feather ruffling gate."

"So for you this is a win win?" Shining replied in equally low tones.

"Pretty much."

"You're kind of a jerk."

"S'why I'm not Celestia's pet dog."

“No, your just a mule kisser.”

“And proud of it.”

Both Captains smirked, their mild banter drowning out the group of mares for a moment before Shining spoke up again. “Where are Cerberus’s remains? We should at least give him an honorable funeral.”

First Watch nodded as his leathery wings snapped open. “I’ll find him, you get the girls safe. The investigation at the gate at least tells us the Black Spiral Dancer and the Vampire have been out a day, and with Cerberus showing up today, that's two days they have on us. They could be anywhere within a hundred miles by now, so watch your flank.” With a single beat of his wings he shot into the air, vanishing against the night sky.

Nodding as he shouted after First Watch “I’ll join you once I see them home!” Shining Armor followed the mares back to the main street, as he filled them in on why he was there. “Yesterday First Watch discovered that the Gate had been opened, and Cerberus was nowhere to be found.”

Twilight nodded mechanically as her brother ran to catch up to her, her eyes narrowed in thought as she listened. “What did the investigators find? Magical residue, broken weapon fragments?”

“None of that actually.” Shining Armor replied. “All we found were footprints, four sets in total. One was obviously Cerberus, what with them being nearly five feet across. The others were left by a trio of bipedal creatures, two with large claws on each toe and very similar in appearance, though one of them was larger and deeper sunk into the dust. The final tracks were...odd.”

“How so?” Rarity asked as she glanced behind at the fillies following along.

“They were not actual footprints, but more... more like treads. Like... you know how our shoes leave different patterns than our normal hooves do? Same thing with that set of tracks. Whatever was leaving them behind was wearing a foot covering of some sort, and was much lighter and shorter than the other two.”

Twilight nearly let out a snarl of her own as she realized what this meant. “We’re going to have to ask Howls to explain this.”

“Yup.”

“Not doing it.”

Holding up a hoof, Shining quickly spoke up. “Don’t worry Twi, I’ll ask him.”

“Good, because if I see that wolf again too soon...” The implications were clear to what she intended.

The rest of the trip was in silence as Shining walked the mares to the hospital, a quick hug to his sister in goodbye before returning to the Everfree.

---

First Watch flew higher and higher into the sky over the Everfree as he sought any sign of the battle that had been waged, and the green glow in the distance caught his eye easily in the dark. His leathery wings carried him towards its center, eventually revealing the bonfire that sat in its center, its light casting everything within its light into a slightly sickening green.

Near the center where Cerberus’s body lay, First Watch noted the small figure that sat next to the flames, apparently unaffected by the heat that was burning the giant dog’s body. Nodding to himself, First Watch banked, returning to Ponyvilles outskirts to wait for Shining Armor.

It was not a long wait, Shining Armor’s horn aglow as he made his way back to the Everfree, nodding once to First Watch as the pair began their trek through the forest. “So, what's happening in there?”

“Nothing much. From what I saw the worg is burning Cerberus in the middle of the meadow where they fought, but the flames are not spreading out beyond his corpse.”

“Magical fire?” Shining asked, an eyebrow arching up. “I didn’t know he had that power.”

“I think its the blade more than him, as the sword was stuck in Cerberus’s side and the flames seemed to be emanating from there, so I don’t think Ponyville is in danger of a forest fire.”

Shining Armor was silent for a moment as he listened with half a mind. “And if he decides not to speak with us? If he tries to run or fight?” Posed as a question, his tone implied he already knew the answer.

First Watch’s lips pulled into a tight line. “Frankly? If he was able to solo Cerberus, then he is not somepony I want to fight, even with you at my side. If things go badly I’ll fly us out of here while you put a barrier around us. Sound good?”

“Yeah, sounds like a plan.”

The rest of their trek was silent, only the strange noises of the Everfree keeping them company as the glow grew brighter and brighter, eventually the pair entering the meadow, taking a moment for their eyes to adjust to the light.

“Come closer, I won't bite.” Came Howls voice, carrying over the crackle of flames as he glanced over his shoulder to them, his features cast in flickering shadows. “You two here to call me names as well?”

“No.” Shining Armor replied as he made his way up to Howls side. Odd. Those flames are charring Cerberus to ash, yet I barely feel any of the heat. Meeting Howls gaze, he said “I’m here to get your side of the story. I have already spoke with my sister and her friends, so I wanted to get hear from you as well.”

Turning back to face the flames, Howls replied. “Nothing much to say. We came to speak to Zecora about the loss of our shadows, Fluttershy didn’t take it well, and ran off. I chased after her and found her here. We talked for a bit, then Cerberus burst out of the treeline, attacked her, and I slew him. Simple as that.”

“My sister says you killed him without needing too. Can you tell me why you felt it was necessary to slay him?” Shining asked, following Howls gaze to the burning body.

Howls held up a paw, a ball of soft yellow light popping into being as he tossed it out over the grass in front of Cerberus. “Look at the grass where his blood spilled.”

First Watch and Shining Armor caught each others glance, words passing as they looked at the bloodied ground. Well... First Watch thought to himself as he examined the dirt. Nothing out of the ordinary, just blood soaked dirt. I don’t see what he’s getting at here- He stopped as he finally caught what Howls had hinted at. “...The grass here is dead. Everything that the blood touched is dead.”

“Yes... Howls, what is the meaning of this?” Shining asked, one hoof pawing at the earth in question.

“That is what my foes do.” Howls replied, still staring at the slowly burning husk. “They take what was pure, and twist it until nothing remains. Cerberus was a good dog, I saw that when we first met.” He paused for a moment of thought. “Well...” A hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “After I stopped my heart from bursting out of my chest in fear anyway.” He turned in place to fully look at the two stallions. “What I killed today was not the Cerberus you knew. He was corrupted, overtaken by the mental and spiritual powers of my enemies. Ask yourselves, would he have ever struck Fluttershy of all ponies if he was in his right mind?”

He got up and moved beside the duo, one paw digging up the grass to show its dried and withered roots. “This is the fate that awaits your world, the fate that my world is in the death throes of at this very moment. What I did this day is ill met, and I realize the price for my actions will be revilement and disgust. But what happened to Cerberus is going to happen to other creatures, ponies included.”

Both stallions remained silent, their eyes shadowed as images played out across their minds.

“They will come for your friends and family, and they will break them, torture them until they get what they want, and then kill them. If they are lucky anyway. If they are not...” A cold, nasty grin slipped across Howls lips. “If they are unlucky, they get to live a half-life, screaming in endless agony as a twisted shell of the person they used to be, the vile spirits infused into their empty selves controlling them utterly, only a tiny fragment of their minds left intact.”

“Not out of kindness you understand.” Howls said as his paw curled, digging furrows into the dirt below. “But because the spirits love the taste of their hosts despair and fury as they are forced to watch the spirit turn what they love to ashes.”

A brief moment of silence hung as the two stallions contemplated that, Shining eventually speaking up. “Howls, we found strange tracks around the gate to Tartarus, and I was hoping you could shed some light on them.”

“Shoot.”

Shining quickly repeated what he had told the mares, his eyes watching Howls for every flicker of emotion that crossed his features.

Howls nodded as Shining finished, still watching Cerberus burn. “The two tracks you spoke of, the ones with the claws on the toes? That sounds like the tracks left by my people in one of our forms, our most dangerous form. However..” His eyes narrowed. “You said two pairs of those tracks, which likely means a second Dancer was pulled in with them and myself.” A sigh slipped from his lips as his head drooped. “Great. Just fucking perfect. Cadman, Louis and now another Gaia damned Black Spiral Dancer added into the mix, just for kicks.”

He glanced up at the sky, searching the stars for familiar constellations, only to find none waiting for his gaze. “As for the strange tracks you found? That was the vampire, and he’s wearing what we call shoes in my world. His body is less resilient than the Dancers, so he needs to wear something to protect his feet, that's all... or at least that was the case, now that I think about it, he probably wears them to look normal.”

First Watch spoke up then. “So basically our situation is even worse.”

“Yup.”

The trio sat in silence for an hour as they watched Cerberus’s body slowly burn, their thoughts hidden from the others, until First Watch spoke up once more. “How come I can’t smell him burning?”

“Hm?” Howls replied, glancing at First Watch in confusion.

“It’s a bonfire made out of a giant dog, we should be smelling cooking meat, right?”

“Ah, that's Myst doing his thing.” Howls said as he pointed at the blade. “Myst is a purifying fire, and as such he burns away all corruption. Cerberus’s entire body was corrupted, down to the marrow of his bones, and as such Myst is burning everything away, so there is almost nothing for the air to carry. I can still smell it because my nose is sharper than yours, but even that is little compared to what it normally would be.” Turning to face First Watch, Howls said, “By the way, I don’t know you. What is your name?”

First Watch placed a hoof upon his chest, the metal already cold to the touch. “First Watch, Captain of Luna’s Night Guard.”

“...Sooo the same thing as Armor then, just for Luna?”

“Exactly. His official title is-”

“I can say my own rank, thanks.” Shining said as a small grin tugged at his lips. He too placed a hoof upon his chest as he said “Shining Armor, Captain of Celestia’s Day Guard.”

“Well, it was nice to meet you Watch, but it’s getting pretty late. You two should head back to Ponyville for the night.”

Shining arched an eyebrow at that. “And what are you going to be doing?”

“Cleaning up the rest of this mess. Shouldn’t take long, but after that I’m going to find a nice little cave and make myself a shelter, as your sister might try to keep that promise of throwing me back into the Everfree if I enter the town.”

“Oh, she was serious alright.” Shining said, a soft laugh escaping. “I would give her a few days to calm down. She’ll feel bad about it after that and want to come apologize.”

Howls stared at Shining. “Are we talking about the same mare? The same one that hurled my ass like a frisbee into the forest, the same one that blew me through three feet of rock? That mare?”

“Yes...?” Shining replied, a question in his eyes. “She was pretty mad, but I’m sure she’ll calm down once I explain things to her.”

Howls shrugged at that. “Either way, her being happy with me isn't important. What is important is getting your people ready for what's coming.”

First Watch pointed to the now dying fire, the final bits of Cerberus all but ash. “Is that what's coming?”

Howls met his gaze, his eyes burning with their own inner flames as the last flickers died from what little was left of Cerberus. “Worse.” He said as the darkness encompassed them all.

“Much worse.”

Hungry like the Wolf.

View Online

What The Sun Can’t See

Chapter 5: Hungry like the Wolf.

The branches were placed down crossways, corded grass wound with stripped supple wood used to tie off the ends as Howls crouched over the pile as he deftly strung the thick branches together into a large cover for the cave entrance, the logs they were attached to framing the entrance to allow only a single wolf sized hole in the wooden wall, several more logs braced behind it to hold the wall up. A tune slipped from his lips as he worked, sealing the gaps in the wood with mud, sap and leaves, giving a bit of insulation and cover so that the flames within wouldn't reveal his location at night.

Stepping back to admire his handiwork, Howls nodded to himself as he made his way to the small brook that ran just north of his cave to wash off the mud and sap that clung to his skin. His long legs bent as he ran the water over his limbs, then his ears perked up at the sound of hooves crushing grass and twigs, a gasp and a thud filling the air behind him as he spun on his heels, crouched low, arms spread and teeth bared.

Applebloom stared up at the giant creature, its hairy body covered in scraps of cloth that looked like they had once been whole, but were now worn and torn by some outside force. In an instant the yeti shapeshifted, its body contorting down into the now familiar form of Howls-With-Laughter. “Mr. Howls! W-why were ya a yeti?!” The picnic basket she had brought still stood upright after being dropped, and now that his nose was once more that of a wolf, the heady scent of apple pie struck him, his stomach grumbling as the sweet smells sent his mouth to watering.

Still, he managed to stop before just digging into the treat, his paw coming up as he let out a small cough. “Sorry Applebloom, didn’t mean to ignore you. What did you say?” Now that his full attention had returned, Howls glanced up and over Applebloom as he tried to spot Applejack following behind. When no one appeared, no sounds were heard, he glanced down at the tiny filly, one eyebrow rising.

“Why were ya a yeti? Is that yer other form? How many others do ya have?” Howls held up a paw to forestall the torrent of questions that looked ready to spill from her.

“Hold on, hold on. First, I have to know, is your sister with you?”

Applebloom shook her head, the ribbon trailing behind with every movement of her mane. “I came by myself, I wanted ta give ya somethin fer helpin yesterday. I told my sis what happened, an she said ta invite ya over fer dinner, if ya wanted too. She was gunna come herself with the pie, but she was real busy on the farm today, so I figured why not bring it myself?” The words rushed out of her all at once, like they had been under pressure for a while.

Howls grinned, a soft chuckle escaping. “That was very kind of you Applebloom. I would be happy to have dinner with you and your family. Should we bring the pie back then?”

Applebloom shook her head, even as a smile plastered itself across her lips. “Naw, we’ve got lots of pie at home! You can leave it in yer cav...” She trailed off as she finally saw the construction that had taken place over the night and day. “Wow! Ya did all that by yerself? It takes Mac and AJ a couple a days ta get that much done when we had ta put up the new barn!” Her eyes locked onto his paws, the glimpse of his other form flashing across her mind. “You got hands in yer yeti shape, right?”

“Yup. Useful little things aren't they?” He replied as he lifted the basket with his muzzle, leaving his mouth free. “Just one sec, I'm gonna put this away for later.” A quick push through the needles and he was in his cave, the entire space devoid of light, save for a few slivers from the spaces between the branches and the entrance. Note to self, cover those up before hitting the hay.

A circle of stones were piled high in the center, a stack of wood in the far corner and a bed of leaves and grasses clumped a few feet from the fire pit, a weather beaten and threadbare black backpack tossed down next to the simple bed.

Nine fish were sitting under the crude smoker he had fashioned to retain their heat, and it was by this that he set the basket, quickly letting the branches that made up his door fall back into place behind him as he left to make sure Applebloom didn't catch the scent of cooked meat. “All set! Lets be off, shall we?”

At her excited nod, the duo began the trek back through the forest, Howls sticking close by Applebloom’s side just in case, his ears constantly turning in search of danger. “Applebloom, I gotta ask, how did you find me here anyway? It’s not that deep into the forest I admit, but I’m pretty good at hiding. And that aside, why the hell did you come into this forest after what happened yesterday, alone?”

She glanced up at him, her smile still in the megawatt range as she skipped at his side. “I just wandered around till I found ya! Lots of the trees were missin’ branches or cut down, so I just followed till I got to yer place. As fer alone, I'm an Apple, I ain't scared of some trees!”

A grin tugged the corner of his lips up as he shot back “S’not the trees that you have to worry about. Timberwolves ring any bells?”

She waved a hoof dismissively. “Bah, I can handle a few timberwolves! ‘Sides, they don’t come this close to the town.” She glanced at the sun, her eyes narrowed for a moment. “We got a few hours till dinner, but AJ should be at home, Granny went inta town ta get Mac outta the hospital.”

The pair rather quickly left the forest behind, the walk filled with talk of ‘Can you tie knots really easily with them hands?’ and ‘How many can ya make in a minute?’ to which Howls tried to keep up, but eventually settled for answering a few questions when she had to stop for oxygen.

Sweet Apple Acres was at last revealed to Howls in all its splendor, the rolling hills covered with the lush apple trees that rippled in the wind, the cherry red apples swaying amidst the green. For a moment Howls closed his eyes and raised his muzzle, breathing deep of the air, the clean, pure wind filling his lungs. He exhaled, a grin on his lips as he looked across the vast field. They have never used fossil fuels in the town. No cars, no airplanes, just trains that run on something magical and wagons. Damn, not a speck of pollution anywhere.

The light nudge at his side brought him back as he looked to Applebloom, his ears falling back slightly as a flush heated up his chest. “Sorry, got a bit carried away by the view. Your home is beautiful, you know that?”

She nodded, the smile nearly taking in her ears as she motioned for him to follow. “Come on! Wait till ya see the farm!”

“Heh, never been on a farm before, most of the time I was living in the cities or out in the deep wild.” He replied, the earth warm beneath his paws as the pair crested the hill blocking the farm from view, finally letting him see it in the daylight. Man, that is a nice looking place. Not many defensible positions, but a good view of the area so sneaking in would be hard. Walls wouldn’t stop a single assault, but it has multiple entry and exits, so escape would be a valid option.

Applebloom dashed ahead, giggling as she did so, glancing back at the wolf who was just shaking his head, his chest puffing with silent laughter as he walked after her, one eyebrow rising as he took note of her speed. Little lady can move when she wants too. She stopped at the door and wiped her hooves off before entering, holding the door open for him with a grin on her lips.

Howls wiped off his paws as well before entering, the air inside much cooler than he had expected, the rooms filled with a mix of scents, the sort you only get from a home that had been lived in for years, each place marked with a distinct scent of who and where.

A clang of metal on metal was heard from the kitchen, followed by a pained cry of “Dang it! Stupid pipes!” as Applejack stomped to her feet from under the cabinets as she tried to reattach the mangled pipes for the stove. “Consarn it all! I swear, these feather flip-” She stopped, cutting the curse off mid-oath as she caught sight of Applebloom. “Applebloom! Why didn’t ya say somethin? I thought ya were still out with the other girls?”

Applebloom flushed slightly as she waved a hoof for Howls to come forward, which he did with only the slightest bit of hesitation. Okay, okay, play nice. If she can hit half as hard as her brother can, I think she could punt me back to the Everfree without breaking a sweat.

Applejack met Howls gaze with her unblinking stare, her thoughts whirling. Well land sakes. I didn’t think she was gunna bring ‘em over. Can’t rightly say I’m happy ‘bout this, but he did save mah sis. Gotta give him a fair chance fer that at least. She held out a hoof to him, a tight, small smile on her lips. “Howdy there Howls. ‘Bloom here invited ya over fer dinner eh? Well...’Bloom, why dont’cha go get the food outa the fridge and put it on the counter.”

Applebloom looked back and forth between the two, her eyes narrowed for a moment before she nodded, quietly making her way through the door on the far side of the kitchen.

Once more the two locked gazes, Applejack lowering her voice for Howls alone to hear. “Can ya promise no funny business? I don’t want any trouble, ya hear?”

Howls nodded. “I promise I will be on my best behavior, and I will do my best to not cause any trouble.”

Applejack listened to his promise, a smile breaking out across her features as she watched his eyes for any sign of a lie, and failed to find any. “Well come on in then partner! I’ll show ya what an Apple family dinner is all about!”

She stopped then, the stove’s awkward angle reminding her of the work to be done. “Or I would, but that there stove still needs to be put back inta place. Might have to hold off on the pies and fritters.”

Applebloom returned then, a plastic bag clenched in her teeth as she plopped it down on the counter, her eyes latching onto the pair in front of the stove, but a smile spread as she listened.

“Well, I can fix that pretty quick if you want.” Howls said as he pointed a paw at the tools. “Just give me a few minutes and I’ll put it all together.”

Applejack glanced at him, obviously eyeing his paws as she said “You sure? I’ve been at this since I got back, an the thing still ain't wantin ta get back together.”

“Yeah, but mister Howls has hands!” Applebloom piped up as she bounced to her sisters side. “I saw them myself!”

Howls spoke up when he saw the confusion gathering on Applejacks face. “Oh! Right, you weren't there for that conversation. I’m a shapechanger, so I can get hands real easy.”

Applejack stared at him, her mouth opening and closing several times as she tried to process this. Finally her thoughts got back on track, though it was only a bit. “Yer a changeling?”

“What? No I’m not a fae, I am a garou.”

“A fae? Garou? What in tarnation are those?”

Rubbing his muzzle, Howls sat down and gave Applejack the cliff-notes version of his conversation in the kitchen. “Uh... right this is confusing. First of all, my changelings probably aren't the same as yours. Second, I'm neither my kind of changeling nor yours. Garou is what my people call themselves, we're..." The best fitting words felt alien on his tongue before he could even say them and knew that he needed an alternative. "Spirit Wolves, for lack of a better term... Blink Dogs, Okami, Wendigo, Yenaldooshi. Whatever sounds most familiar and is also a wolf in your crazy horse culture.”

Applejack just nodded. “Wendigo is a spirit of Winter in our lore, a nasty critter that feeds on hate an fear an grows strong on it, but seein as yer not a pony or made outta ice, pretty sure yer not one’a them. Spirit Wolf sounds different, but I know the words. I’ll ask Twi about it, see if we got a good name fer yer people.” A small smile spread on her lips as she continued. “Anycase, I believe ya, so get ta changin and fix my stove.”

“Uh...actually, could I do it in private?” He asked, scratching at his cheek with one toe as he spoke. “You’re used to this form, but the one with hands is going to be real strange. Just wait outside and I’ll have this whole thing fixed up, okay?”

“I wasn’t scared when I saw it!” Applebloom piped up, one foreleg stomping the floor as she made her point heard.

“Yer also the one that thought buckin a shadow alicorn was a good idea.” Applejack shot back as she wrapped a hoof around Appleblooms shoulder and ushered her out the door. Over her shoulder she said “Just holler if ya need any more tools.”

As the door clicked shut, Applejack leveled a stare at her little sister as she said “You, little missy, got a lot of ’splaning to do.”

“‘Bout what?” Applebloom replied, eyes wide as she did her best puppy dog eyes, her voice the very definition of innocence.

Applejack didn’t buy it for a second. “You walkin inta the Everfree, alone. And while I get what you were tryin to do, buckin Cerberus was one of the most fool-hardy things I have ever heard of! I say again, I get what ya were aimin to do, but ya gotta stop hittin things that are way outta yer weight class!”

Applebloom jabbed a hoof up at her sister as she shot back. “Yer one ta talk! Discord, Nightmare Moon, that insect lady at the weddin! Yer an Element, but all ya can do is tell when somepony’s lyin to ya! The rest at least got somethin goin fer them, magic or speed or Pinkie, but all you have is yer buckin, and ya still go in ta fight! How can ya do that and then turn around an say I can’t?”

“Ya don’t understand. The girls an I are a team. I aint as fast, I aint got magic, and I aint Pinkie, but ya know what? Those things matter sure, but they aint the main reason. The girls an I? We make the Elements, and while I can’t do all the things they can, in the Elements, I can see the truth, of somepony or somethin, and bring it ta light. I don’t see lies sis, I see truth. So when I get ta buckin somepony, it’s cus I’m watchin’ their backs, and I know they’re watchin’ mine.”

“An I was watchin’ Howls back! If it wern’t fer me, he mighta died!”

Inside the kitchen, Howls listened to the sisters argument as he tightened down the connections. Well, I don’t think I would have died per say, but Applebloom did help with that attack of hers. Still, not going to speak up just yet, family affairs and all that jazz. But I will have to point out to AJ that she did help... if she doesn’t already know.

Applejacks voice came through the door once more, the heat in her voice having cooled somewhat. “I get that, and I’m glad ya helped out. I just worry ‘bout ya Applebloom. Cerberus is..was, a good dog. Dangerous, but a good dog. An’ this Howls feller just killed ‘em, so part ah me worries ‘bout you hanging out with him.”

“That weren’t Cerberus anymore.” Applebloom replied, her voice thick as she tried to work around the emotions that were welling up. “He was...he was wrong. Twisted up, inside an out. Fluttershy was bleedin’ and barely breathin, an everypony was scared and Mister Howls, he... he did somethin‘bout it! It wasn’t right, it wasn’t perfect, but he kept it from hurtin’ anypony else, includin’ me!”

Applejack was silent for a long moment as she met her sisters gaze, at last sighing as she pulled Applebloom into a hug. “Alright, alright. I’ll talk with him some more, get a real feelin’ fer him, an’ we’ll go from there, okay?” She lightly rubbed her sisters mane, then remember what else had come up. “Oh! Before I forget, yer cousin Babs Seed is comin down ta visit tomorrow. Be sure ta show her around town.”

Nodding in her sisters chest, Applebloom looked up, her mouth opening to speak, but was cut off by the loud bang that filled the house, a self-satisfied “Ha!” Coming from the kitchen.

“Come on in, check it out!” Howls called out as he shifted back to his familiar Lupus form, a grin on his maw as his tail wagged back and forth. The door opened, the sisters greeted by the sight of their stove back in place, heat wafting from its interior as its coils glowed cherry red.

Tilting her stetson back, Applejack gave a firm nod towards the repaired stove. “Well, that’ll do just fine there Howls. I can scrounge up a few bits fer yer time...” She trailed off as she began a mental tally. “How does ten bits sound?” She said as she held out a hoof to him.

“Sounds like a deal to me.” He agreed as he reached out, only for his paw to get grabbed by Applebloom and nearly yanked off his feet as she began to pull him towards the door, her smile wide as she said “Come on! Tour of the house!”

Applejack just smiled as she turned to the kitchen, setting out the pots and pans and closing the stove, listening as bits of the conversation between the two filtered down to her.

Howls followed behind Applebloom as she showed him the living room that wrapped around the entire bottom floor of the home to meet up again with the kitchen, the back and side doors leading out to the tool barn and the backyard respectively. The upper floor was connected by the single stairwell in the main hallway and lead up to the bedrooms, four of which were in use, only the guest room left unused.

Applebloom thrust open her door, chest puffed out as she waved a hoof for him to enter. “This here is my room, the best room in the whole house!” It was a simple room, light green painted wood with stylized patterns and flowers engraved into it, a large green armoire next to the door with more stylized apples on it, with a standing mirror dresser directly across from the bed and its, once again, stylized apple decor.

It was a clean room, at least, and Applebloom instantly made a beeline for a small set of double doors carved into, what else, a apple shape and flung them open, grabbing several books and other odds and ends as she dumped them on the floor in the middle of the room. “Come on, I wanna show ya this stuff!”

“This is totally unfair.”

“Just stay in bed Dash.” Redheart replied, even though her eyes never left Big Mac’s body. “Not our fault earth ponies heal fast, you’ll be back to normal in a few weeks.” She ran a hoof down Big Mac’s side as she checked one last time for any abnormalities. “Nothing. The bones seem to be knit properly, so just take it easy for the next week and you’ll be back to normal. Light jobs only, no bucking, no hauling carts, anything like that.”

Big Mac and Granny Smith nodded as they made their way out of the hospital, both stopping to cast long glances at the glowing red sign at the end of the hall, the ICU still occupied by Fluttershy as the doctors monitored her condition.

Rarity emerged from the cafeteria then, a small cup of steaming coffee hovering before her as she noticed the pair, a shaky smile breaking across her lips as she walked over to the pair. “Hello,” She said, one hoof running through her frazzled mane and her slightly bloodshot eyes wandering a bit too much to be normal. “I am dreadfully sorry I did not come in to say hello to Dash and yourself, I just-”

Granny Smith cut her off with a waved off, brushing her explanation away. “Dont’cha worry none, that there mare need’s a friend nearby, so ya just stay here for her, ya hear?”

Big Macintosh simply nodded in agreement, one corner of his lips turning up in a small smile at Rarity’s light blush, but quickly vanished as he glanced around for the smaller white mare. “Sweetie not here?” He asked, his tail flicking to brush his side in a futile attempt at get at an itch under the bandages.

“Oh no no, I didn’t want her around in case...” Rarity stopped herself from uttering the rest of the sentence aloud, breathing deep for a moment before she continued. “But the doctors say Fluttershy will make a full recovery, though she won't be flying for at least a week.” She glanced side to side before she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Actually, I hate to impose, but would it be alright if Sweetie Belle stayed with your family for a few days? I don’t want to leave her alone, especially after such a traumatic sight as what... the worg did, but I do not wish to have her in the hospital either. I think a bit of time with friends and the outdoors would do her some good.”

Granny Smith nodded once, her lips drawn tight. “Aye, giving the fillies somethin’ ta do would help. Mac an I’ll pick ‘er up on our way home, alrighty?”

Rarity broke out into a dazzling smile as she nodded happily. “Oh thank you darlings! I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” She quickly wrote a note for Sweetie Belle and handed it to Granny Smith. “Just give her this so there’s no problem. Again, thank you so much.”

Pleasantries aside, the pair made their way out of the hospital at last, Big Mac breathing deep of the air that no longer carried the faint scent of bleach. “Everythin’ okay at home?” He asked, his customary monosyllabic answers vanishing when alone with family.

“You bet’cha,” Granny replied, her aging eyes twinkling as she seemed to have a bit more skip in her step. “The girls are workin, an Applebloom took a pie over ta the wolf as a thank ya. I’a gots a feeling he’ll be joinin us fer dinner tanight.”

“What makes ya think that?” he replied, eyeing the ground for a suitable stem to replace his lost one.

“Grandma’s intuition.” She said, a small grin quirking her lips. “Now come on sonny, lets get home fer dinner.”

Rainbow Dash huffed as she watched the Apple pair leave the room, grumbling to herself as she reached for one of the Daring Do books, cracking it open when the door creaked behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Dash grinned when she saw the tiny orange and purple haired filly giving her a small wave.

“Hey kiddo, what brings you here?” She asked, a smirk on her lips as she returned the wave, a spark of pain flashing across her nerves as the muscles pulled around the broken shoulder blades.

She failed to hide it properly.

“I... I don’t know... nevermind.” Scootaloo began to turn around but Rainbow Dash could not ignore the panic on the young filly’s face, the bags under her eyes clear to anyone looking. So she threw her book, it crashed into the door and slammed it shut before the filly to could pass through and the book, Daring Do and the Serpent’s Trove hit the floor.

“Liar.” Rainbow Dash puffed her cheeks. “Get over here you little squirt, and tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Well...” Scootaloo awkwardly approached the bed and shuffled for a moment before she tossed the book back onto the bed. “You saw it right? The monster? The... monsters? It even beat you, aren’t you... scared?”

Rainbow Dash averted her gaze as the filly somehow managed to take complete control of the conversation. “Well... a little. Not for the reasons you’d think though. Everyone has their fears I guess... even Daring Do is afraid of snakes. I’m...” She took a deep breath. “Well... when Erebus kicked me in the back I had never been more afraid than when I heard the sound of my own bones breaking. For a moment a possibility flashed into my head and I couldn’t make it go away until the doctors told me it was fine, but my fear is... what if I could never fly again?”

Scootaloo kicked her feet. “But that could happen any time you fight monsters like that, right? So why do it?”

“Same reason Daring Do went into the Serpent’s Trove. Not being afraid is called being stupid. Fear only wins when it rules you, overcoming fear, that is courage. Ponyville was in danger, and I couldn’t just let it go on like that.”

Scootaloo nodded, her eyes watching the ground more than anything else as she thought about Dash’s words. “How do you learn courage then?” She asked, her voice soft. “I can get scared, been scared lots of times, but the fear I got from those monsters? It was... it was different. Colder, stronger, and I couldn’t move, no matter how I tried...”

“It helps to have a reason, I think.” Rainbow sighed, then reached over to rub Scootaloo’s mane. “Next time you and the girls get into trouble, just look at them, then take a good look at yourself and ask ‘What would I do to keep them safe?’”

Rainbow paused briefly as that sank it and horror dawned. Twilight Sparkle was going to murder her if she left Scootaloo with the lesson ‘risk your life for your friends’. “Not that you should go fighting elder gods of purest darkness just because your friends are in danger. Leave that to the adults.” Hopefully reckless wisdom tempered by obligatory (and self-preserving) caution would satisfy the librarian hero.

Scootaloo nodded, a small, tired smile peeking at the corners of her lips. “Thanks Rainbow Dash.” Even as she said this, the lines in her face had not thinned, but they had not deepened either. “I’m gonna go home, get some sleep.”

“You do that, squirt.” she said, gently pushing Scootaloo off the bed as she lay back down. “I’ll see ya tomorrow, alright?”

“Yeah, see you later.” Scootaloo replied, her steps just a little lighter as she left the room.

---

“Thank you sosososososososososososososososososo much! I really really really didn’t want to be home alone!” Sweetie Belle’s happy, high-pitched voice carried over the threshold of the home easily as she danced ahead of the returning pair. “Applebloom!” She called upstairs, her forelegs stopping on the lowermost step.

“Sweetie?” shouted back Applebloom, surprise competing with mirth for room in her tone. “Hang on! I’ll be right down!” Muffled voices carried down to the stairwell, sharp tones and pleading, followed by the faint thumps of a heavy body walking down the stairs.

Sweetie Belle stopped cold, frozen as she watched the strange sight before her. Applebloom was riding atop the worg, two dozen brightly colored ribbons all across his back, tail and head, and Applebloom’s giggling was infectious as the rest of the group got past the surprise of his appearance. Sweetie Belle alone was silent, the nausea in her stomach combining with the pounding at her temples, yet at the same moment her lips wanted to curl up, laughter bubbling in her chest, the sensations at odds.

Yet as quickly as they struck her, the strange combination of emotions vanished, her insides settling down. Covering her mouth with a hoof as she snorted, Sweetie Belle could barely hold her laughter in at Howls expression, the half-lidded, tight lipped and stiff legged posture practically screaming his annoyance. Still, he stood there at the bottom of the stairs and said nothing, letting the ponies laugh, and even he was unable to keep his lips from twitching ever so slightly up.

“Yeah yeah, its very funny.” Howls said as the group seemed to relax, an unseen tension falling from their backs. Granny and Big Mac made their way to the kitchen as Applebloom clambered off Howls back to give Sweetie a hug, the pair dashing back up to her room, hooves pounding the stairs in their haste.

Which left Applejack and Howls alone in the hallway, though not for long as she motioned for him to head into the living room, then took a seat on one of the the divan’s that circled the fireplace, waving a hoof to the others. “Take a seat Howls, I wanna chat with ya.”

Eyeing both the sofa and the pony, Howls lay down across from Applejack, one eyebrow rising in question. “So, what's on your mind?”

“Well,” She began, a small smile on her lips. “I promised Applebloom I’d talk ta ya, and I mean ta keep that promise, so I figured we can get ta know each other.”

“Alright.” He replied with a nod. “How about family then? You have any other family then these three?”

Applejack’s smile nearly reached her her ears as she nodded. “One sec par’ner, lemme go get the album.” Standing and making her way to the bookshelf, she gripped a thick tome and hauled it over to the rug in front of the unused fireplace. “Cem’re, lemme show ya the family.” The book was opened as Howls lay down beside her, watching her hooves turn the pages as she began. “Welp, it all started when Granny and her folks found the Zap apples in the Everfree after talking ta the Princess…”

Applejack got about halfway through the history of the Apples and the founding of Ponyville when Granny called from the other room. “Dinners up!”

The pair made their way to the table after the fillies bounded down the stairs and and took their seats, both chatting a mile a minute about ideas to try tomorrow for their marks. Big Mac had just set the pot of buttered corn on the table as Granny turned off the stove, nodding to herself as she inspected the work before taking her own seat. Once everyone was seated, Applebloom stopped Sweetie Belle from snagging a cob for herself, then waited as the adults looked to Howls, a small smirk on Granny’s features as she said “Well now mister wolf, got anythin ta say fer the food here?”

Howls looked around, confusion clear as he replied “Uh..You mean like saying grace? My parents never did that, plus I have no clue what would offend you, and I really don't want to do that.”

Applejack smiled and nodded as she tilted her stetson back. “Ah, an here we were worried ‘bout offending ya by not sayin somethin!”

Howls grinned in return as he said “Well, I got something, and since thats cleared up now I don't see a problem, eh?” Tapping his toes in thought, an idea sprung to mind. “Alright, I got one.” Glancing down at his paws, Howls just shrugged and closed his eyes, his head dipping an inch.

“Corn and grain, meat and milk,
upon my table before me.
Gifts of life, bringing sustenance and strength,
I am grateful for all I have,
By the bounty of Gaia.”

Applebloom spoke up after he finished, curiosity in her eyes as she said “What's Gaia? You mentioned it before.” The whole table looked at him then, mirroring Applebloom as they waited.

“Ah, thats… complicated.” He replied, his tail stopping as his jaw opened and closed several times as he worked out a reply. “Gaia is the spirit of the world, not earth, but the world in its completeness. She is indeed the earth under your hooves, but she is equally the stone in your mountains, the water in your rivers, the breath in your lungs, and the life in your woods. She is the flames of extinction, but only because she is also the mother of all. Everything that she bears must one day return to her, but in turn they become a part of something new, the next generation. To understand Gaia is to look towards the future while revering the past.”

Applejack seemed pensive for a moment. “That does sound a mite complicated. Gaia sounds like she’s really important.”

Applebloom considered for a few moments. “So… she mus’ be super powerful, right? Like a Princess?”

A paw rose and tilted side to side as he said “Eh...kinda? But at the same time, not at all. Just as Celestia cannot, at least to my knowledge, actually be the sun, neither can Gaia manifest as a single... pony. At least, again, to my knowledge. She is just too vast.” Arlen tapped his chin with a single claw for a moment. “It’s simply beyond her to look upon the individuals that walk over her. She cannot perceive any of us any more than you a single hair on your coat. She can acknowledge the whole but not the parts.” He stopped for a moment, a small, sad smile on his lips. “That’s kind of why my people were created. We keep her safe from things too small for her to notice, but nevertheless dangerous, like a tick… or a leech.”

Granny Smith leaned forward a bit, her eyes surprisingly steady as she asked “I take that ta mean she’s got a lot of leeches on her?”

A low growl rumbled in Howls chest at that. “More than I would like. Way more.” The rumble passed just as quickly as it had arrived, and he continued with a calmer tone. “My people also tend to view ourselves as her children, though one tribe takes that title to heart as their namesake.” Huh. Now that I think about it, the Childrens totem is Unicorn… Note to self, investigate that when I get home.

Shaking a head, Howls said “Anyway, sorry for all that. Didn’t mean to go on a tangent.”

“Actually, I would’nt mind hearin some more. Yer world sounds pretty interestin.” Applejack replied as she dropped a buttered cob onto her plate, licking her lips at the scent wafting from it. “But after dinner, ya know? But I do wanna hear ‘bout yer family, fairs fair an all since I told ya ‘bout mine.”

“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle said, suddenly paying much more attention to the wolf. “You have any sisters?”

Howls was silent for a long moment as he stared down at the plate, the heady scent of warm buttered corn filling his lungs, memories surfacing at the fillies innocent question. “My family…”

The iron taste of hot blood flooded over his tongue, the slight tug of flesh parting under his claws, the crack of bone beneath his strike as he tore out half of the twisted lupine’s ribcage and the whole of it’s throat, screams resonating in his skull, rebounding over and over and over and over.

Heat burned in his chest, lancing down into his limbs as the world slowed to a crawl, dyed red as the beat of his foes heart rang in his ears, a skull snapping underfoot, friend, foe, didn’t matter, just had to kill them.

“Howls? Ya alright? Howls?” Applejack’s voice carved through the memories, snapping him back to the present, his head jerking up as he stared at her for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, sorry, just got a little lost in my head, ya know? Anyway, I’ll tell ya, but lets eat first.” It was rather awkward for Howls to get the corn down, but after watching the Apples for a moment to see how they did it, pressing their forelegs onto either side and holding it in place, he quickly began to scarf it down.

After everyone had finished their first one, Applejack once more asked “So, yer family?” as she reached for another cob.

Nodding, Howls leaned back from the table, his long tongue licking the butter off his muzzle as he did so. Tapping his jaw, Howls began after lining up his thoughts.

“Family… well, I guess you could say I have siblings of sorts. Not by blood, but Thomas might as well be my brother. He’s a bit of a nice guy… too nice, in fact. He would like Equestria I think. His girl? Not so much, as she’s a bit…” Corpsy. “Difficult to get along with. No idea what he sees in her. Then there’s Siana, or just Sia for short, she’s like a little sister… sorta. I think she’s the Pinkie Pie of my group… only less confetti and more fire.”

“Then there’s Sunny, and she’s a sorceress, a bit like Twilight only a little less…” Obsessive. Dorky. Boring. Serious. “Studious. It kind of comes more naturally to her I think. Also less sparkles and more fire. My group has a thing for fire now that I think about it.”

“Other than them, Jay’s a bit like that sleazy uncle nobody talks about but secretly everybody loves. I think he swindled me out of all my money when I first met him. Not sure how. Helps me often enough that he can be forgiven for…” Being a thief. Being dead. “Stuff.”

“The last two are basically the Team Mom and Dad. Zhan-Cheng is a Chinese wizard with an affinity for…” The lands of the dead. Because she’s dead. “Darker magic. Not evil necessarily, but colder. She likes to strike a balance though and watches out for us. Higgs would probably kill her if she didn’t, he’s a Gurahl, sorta like me, only a bear. He’s… unstoppable, to say the least.”

Big Mac spoke up for the first time then, a small nod to Howls as he said, “Sounds like a good family. Odd, but good.”

The rest of the Apples nodded, Applejack speaking up to say “Yeah, sound like ya care alot ‘bout them. But ya said siblings, what ‘bout yer folks?”

Howls went still, just a split second as his entire body locked up before relaxing, his eyes darting to the fillies. “That’s not really a story fillies should hear, you know?”

Both the girls opened their mouths to protest, only to be stopped cold by Granny’s stare. “Dont’cha go rootin ‘round in this younin’s past little fillies. A stallions got a right ta telling what he wants ta who he wants.”

Howls nodded to Granny in thanks. “And speaking of Princesses, my world doesn't have any. At least not as you think of them.” Once more the eyes of every pony turned to him, questions burning in their eyes. He couldn't really hold back his grin. “Just as Gaia is the World Spirit, so too are there countless spirits that manage the world. Your pegasi control the weather, right? In my world it's the spirits job to manage themselves, so the people of the world don’t have to worry about it.”

Applebloom seemed to be counting as she muttered under her breath. “But...everything? Every cloud? Every blade of grass?”

“Yup.” He replied, pointing at the remains of the cob. “Even in that plant, there is a spirit. Don’t worry!” He said at the ponies horrified stares. “The vast majority of spirits are not killed if their purview is. The spirit of the corn lives on so you can make more corn, but the physical aspect is what you eat. Plus the majority of spirits are not really...awake. Some are, but they are the major players in the Umbra.”

“Umbra?” Sweetie Belle asked after she gulped down the mouthful of corn.

“Ah! Thats some serious cosmology stuff, and can wait for after dinner.” He replied, licking up a few stray kernels.

“Cosmo-whatnow? What’s shadows gotta do with travelin’ an’ cities’?” Applejack’s ear twitched while she narrowed an eye incredulously.

“Cosmology, not cosmopolitan.” Howls said. “Still, I have to say, your vocabulary is surprisingly vast.”

“An what’s that supposed ta mean? Ya thought I didn’t know any big words cuz I’m a farm pony?” She replied, both eyes narrowing now as her ears leaned back. “I’ll have ya know I spent a lotta time in Manehatten with them up an ups, learning that high falutin talk.”

Howls quickly waved a paw to stave off her growing ire. “No no no! I just-I… uh… um… crap. I guess it did come out that way didn’t it?” Putting his paw down as he bent his head towards her, he said “Sorry. Really didn’t mean to insult you. Just sometimes...most of the time, my mouth runs roughshod over my brain, you know?”

A small grin tweaked at the corner of Applejacks lips. “Yeah, Dash is the same way alotta the time. Just gotta let her know what’s what, an she gets it. Most of the time.”

“Dash? The fast blue one?” He asked, his teeth carving furrows in the cobs side. “She was a bada- A real good fighter. Is she okay after Erebus smacked her one?”

Big Mac spoke up at that. “Yeah. Doc’s say she’ll be fine inna few weeks. She’s mighty angry ‘bout it, but least she’ll still be able ta fly.”

“Healin magic’s rare, rarer than gettin Zap Apples in a thunderstorm without knowin how.” Applejack replied as she wiped her hooves on the napkin. “Even the Princesses don’t have it. I think the closest we got is Zecora an’ her potions. Course, those only speed things along, an’ never work any better than healin normal anyway. Zebra's ain't no miracle workers after all."

Nodding more to himself then to her, Howls resumed gnawing his cob to the stem. No healing magic? Strange… I figured with so many unicorns around, they as a species would have figured something out ages ago. Still, if thats the case I can make a friend out of this Dash character by healing her wings. He glanced at his reflection in the water pitcher on the tables center, glaring at his own eye. Just have to get the stody old bastard to give the gift to me.

“Ya alright there Howls?” Applejack asked, one eyebrow rising as she caught his glare at the water. “Ya don’t havta drink it if ya don’t wanna.”

Flashing her a grin, Howls shook his head. “Nah, just thinking to myself is all. I might be able to help Dash, just have to wrangle up the mojo, ya know?”

The rest of the dinner went quickly, the last of the corn scarfed down by the hungry ponies, while Howls regaled them with myths and legends from his people, of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, of the Tuatha Dé Danann and their supposed descendents, the Fair Folk.

He did not remember when he fell asleep, and when he awoke he found the night had left him and a pair of young fillies were curled up against his fur as he lay next to the fireplace. He remembered neither when they had fallen asleep beside him, nor the last time he had ever slept for the whole night through.

Somehow, that thought left him more uneasy than he would have liked to admit.

I...I don’t even remember the last time that happened. Somethings wrong, either with this place or with me. Even as the first light of dawn began to creep through the window, Howls carefully eased out from under the fillies, Sweetie-Belle giving out a soft yawn as she snuggled closer to Applebloom as Howls warmth vanished.

Alright, I gotta admit they are pretty cute. Well, when they are not blasting me into a tree. Softly opening and closing the door behind him, Howls lopped off into the Everfree forest, a churning in his gut as he looked back over the peaceful apple orchards, the idyllic setting grating across his nerves, like sandpaper across a papercut. When the shadows came over him, the sudden change in atmosphere from the cultivated landscape of the town to the wilds of the Everfree came as a balm to his frayed nerves, and the lack of any new scents on his makeshift home brought the raised hairs on his back down a notch.

Lets find a deer around here…

---

Spike eyed the last spot on the shelf high above him as he glanced over at Twilight, her hooves pointing out the various magical formula that hovered in mid-air as she talked to the dark blue unicorn that sat across from her, a larger than average male with a open book and quill on his flanks.

Rolling his eyes as he hauled the ladder across the floor, he made it half-way up before the door opened to admit the Crusaders into the library.

“Hi Spike!” Sweetie-Belle cheerfully said as she made her way to the bottom of the ladder. “We were wondering if you had any books on worgs or stuff like them?”

“Uh, yeah, I know we have at least one.” He replied as he shoved the book into place, then slid down the ladder, his claws deepening the grooves that had long ago been carved into its sides. Making sure not to disturb Twilight and her guest, he made his way to the same book Twilight had taken to Canterlot and held it out to the fillies. “Mordekaiser's Worgs and Wolfen, the best resource we have on carnivores.”

“Thanks Spike!” Scootaloo happily piped up, the bags under her eyes having faded since yesterday. “This should help.”

“What are you up to anyway? More cutie mark ideas?” He said as he slid the ladder back into its storage.

“Yup!” Applebloom said, her eyes bright with ideas. “Mister Howls was tellin me an Sweetie lot’s of stuff yesterday, so I figured why not try doin some stuff with worgs?”

Spike arched a scaled eyebrow at that. “The giant, clawed and fanged, meat eating monster that killed Cerberus? Yeah. No way that could go wrong.”

Applebloom stared at him for a moment. “Aren't dragons supposed ta be giant, clawed and fanged, meat eating monsters too?”

Spikes eyes narrowed. “Touche.”

“Hey!” She said as she jabbed a hoof at his chest. “I don't speak fancy, that was the cutie-pox! I talk normal now, so no usin them foreign words.”

Spikes hand smacked his forehead. “Anyway…”

Sweetie-Belle shot Spike a look of acknowledgment, the shared suffering of being the most cultured children in the town, and she came to his rescue in the moment of awkward silence. “We figured since we’ve tried a whole bunch of normal stuff, and no one else has had a worg related cutie mark, we might as well try a few things while he’s here.”

Rubbing his chin in thought, Spike glanced over at the still talking pair of unicorns. Twi’s gonna be tied up with that stallion for a while, considering what they are working on, and all the books are in place… A grin slipped across his lips. “Can I come with you?” I can finally get to meet this worg face to face, and Twi and that unicorn are getting awfully friendly. I don’t want to be here for that. “I got nothing else to do, and I kinda want to meet him.”

“Sure!” All three of the fillies said in unison before they turned on their hooves and darted out the door, Spike following behind as fast as his stumpy legs could carry him.

---

Babs Seed sat on the bench at the train station as she waited for the Apples to show up, the train just now pulling out of the station, the wind blowing her forelock down across her eyes, which she blew back into place with an irritated breath. Just as she was going to grab her suitcase and head into town for directions when from around the corner trotted the Crusaders, Spike at their side, Applebloom all smiles as she shouted “Hey cuz! Sorry ‘bout bein late, had ta stop and get some things!”

All four of the ponyville residents crowded around Babs in greeting, smiles so different from home for the young filly, full of happiness that reached their eyes, no malice hidden behind fake grins or mocking in their voices. Taking a deep breath, Babs forced a nod, her eyes flicking back and forth between the group that had surrounded her. “No prob, I'm cool. What things are ya wanting to do?”

“It’s a surprise!” Applebloom shouted as she spun in place. “Follow us!” The girls and the dragon ran ahead of Babs, dust kicked up in their wake.

Rolling her eyes, but unable to keep the hint of a smile from her lips, Babs grabbed her suitcase and followed after.

---

Howls stomach rumbled as he stared at the herd of deer, the three eldest bucks watching him as he lounged in plain view, the memory of his first attack replying over and over in his mind as he tried to rationalize it.

He watched the unsuspecting young buck from downwind, his form blurred by the brush as he waited for it to come closer to his kill-range, not wanting to have to deal with the other dozen larger bucks that grazed closer to the does and fawns.

Not because they were dangerous, but because it would be a waste of good meat to have to injure them.

The young buck took another step closer, and Howls struck. His body was a blur as he exploded out of the brush, its life saved only because it shouted “Holy forest fires!”

Howls stopped in his tracks at that, his mind grinding to a halt as the deers words struck him. “Holy shit. They are sentient…”

The deer rejoined its herd and ran into the forest, each echoing the cries of a predator in the forest. “Well. Now I can’t eat deer. Perfect

“So,” he said out loud towards the three sentinels. “What else talks in this forest?”

All three bucks shared a glance with one another before the eldest answered him. “Everything.”

The moment’s pause was punctuated by the progressive reddening in Howls’ face in spite of his fur.

“FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF-”

---

As the group of fillies and dragonlings approached the Everfree, a cry rose up, scattering the birds that had been roosting in the still early morning light. “-UUUUUUUUUUUCK!”

After a moment, Spike piped up. “Oh no, what if he ran into a dire duck?!”

--
All three deer locked their eyes on him as they backed away, only one glancing at the doe’s in his herd. “Everything?”

“What?” Howls replied, eyes narrowed in confusion.

“Nevermind. We’re leaving now.” The eldest buck said as it and its fellows continued backing away, the rest of the herd already vanishing into the treeline once more.

Howls sat there, his stomach still growling as he stared after the deer. Shitshitshit. Everything on this planet is sentient? Even the fish? Welp, that leaves me with exceedingly few options. Either I eat only veggies in homid, I kill innocent thinking creatures, or… yeah, not really seeing a third option here. So yeah… Damn it.

Rolling onto his side to let the sunshine warm him, Howls scowled. I’m going to have to learn more about this world. Which means I need a zoologist, a scientist, or a library. Hm...I think Applebloom mentioned a library in the town, I could ask her where and get some boo-...Damn. I don't read their language.

Clambering to his feet, he made his way back to his camp, stopping as the wind carried the familiar scents of the fillies, accompanied by another young filly, and a strange reptilian scent, one that nagged at the back of his mind as familiar.

Purposefully breaking a twig to alert them to his presence, Howls grinned to himself as Sweetie-Belle and Applebloom ran up to him, while Scootaloo hesitated, staying near to the newest filly, and Howls finally placing that strange scent. Oooh yeah...the dragon. Huh..what was his..her? It’s name..S something…

“Hey girls, what's up?” He gave them a closed lip smile, not wanting to flash his fangs at the new members.

“This-” Sweetie-Belle zipped over to Babs and threw a foreleg over her shoulders. “Is Applebloom’s cousin from Manehatten, Babs Seed, and that’s-”

“I’m Spike, we met that night, remember?” He said, arms crossing as he stared up at the garou.

“Ah! That’s right, sorry, I had a lot on my mind then.” Giving the drake a small nod, he turned once more to face the fillies. “So yeah, again, what brings you lot out here to my humble abode?”

---

Howls stared out across the lakes surface, blinking his eyes to clear the water from his vision as the fillies took turns scrubbing his back, dunking water over his head, or ramming the Brush of Hell across his ears.

Beneath it all, Howls couldn't keep a simple fact from surfacing.

He had really needed a bath.

The sudden splash to his right caught his attention, Spikes voice raised in rage as he ran from the snapping beak of the massive duck that chased him, its quack cracking the air like a gunshot as its wings flared out to maintain its balance.

“DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!”

As the chaser and the chased approached, Howls raised his head, bared his fangs, and let out a snarl that brought the duck up short, its beady eyes appraising him before it turned and left, head held high. It was not retreating, it had simply grown bored of the game.

“Dire ducks don’t like him, do they?” Howls asked, a slight hitch to his voice as the brush ran over an itch.

“It’s mutual.” Spike growled as he slogged back towards the group, his eyes flashing over the flanks of the fillies. “No luck with washing either?”

“No..” All four muttered at once, Babs tail flicking over her blank flank. “An no luck with brushin his coat, massaging-”

Howls shuddered a bit at the memory of tiny hooves pounding on his spine like miniature jackhammers.

“-An tryin ta brush his teeth made Scoot’s fly inta a tree!” Sweetie-Belle finished at last as she tossed the brush to the ground.

“Hm..” Tapping his cheek for a second, the tip of his claw clacking on his scales, Spike eventually threw up his hands. “I don’t know, maybe its not being a veterinarian, or anything worg specific? I mean, really, working with worgs? Aside from Howls here, I’ve only heard of them when they attack ponies.”

“Garou.” Howls glanced to Spike with one eye. “I’m a garou, not a worg.”

“Oh, sorry.”

Shrugging, Howls turned to face Spike fully. “No prob, but I was hoping to find out where to get some books on your language, as I can’t read.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Teachers!” All three shouted at once, forehooves gripping Howls with surprising power and hauling him out of the water, Babs raising an eyebrow at the display.

“We can get books from the library and take you over to Ms. Cheerilee! She can help, its her special talent!”

“Cheerilee is your teacher I gather?” He asked as he shook the water from his fur, spraying droplets everywhere.

“Yup! Come on!” Without even waiting for permission, Applebloom hopped up onto Howls back, a soft grunt coming from him as he locked eyes with her over his shoulder.

She just smiled back, all innocence and simply joy at getting a piggy back ride. Rolling his eyes as he straightened out, he saw the others staring at him, fear competing fun for room on their features. With an explosive sigh he nodded to them. “Fine, you can all ride on my back.”

And so it was that the first good look the ponies got of Howls was with four fillies riding his back, and a baby dragon in between his ears as he made his way down mainstreet towards the library.

As the newest form of transportation in Equestria brought his cargo through the streets, Howls saw the ponies stop and stare at the strange progression that passed by, their reactions generally falling into one of two categories. One the one hoof, most seemed amused, smiling at the strange, but still obviously bemused wolf ferrying the children around.

The others just stared, eyes wide and mouth agape as their chests heaved from their rapid breathing before they took off towards the town hall, usually followed by the titter of the kids laughter. Putting the ones who ran out of mind, Howls and the kids stopped in front of the library, all his passengers disembarking from his back as he pushed the door open.

And came nose to nose with one Twilight Sparkle.

For a moment they stared at one another, glowing emerald meeting amethyst. Then her horn burst into light as her eyes narrowed to enraged slits, her head lowering to a goring angle, Howls lips peeling back from his fangs, his jaw parting as a snarl grew in his chest, Rage flooding into his limbs as he prepared to attack, only for Sweetie-Belle and Applebloom to rear up on their hind legs in front of both the potential combatants, their eyes wide at the idea of being between the two angry adults.

Twilight was the first to calm herself, the light fading around her horn as her head came back to the normal level, though her eyes remained the razor slits that seemed to be trying to blast Howls back to the forest by sheer willpower alone.

For a moment, Howls almost believed she could.

Glancing down at the fillies that were in front of the wolf, her seething gaze cooled somewhat, the tiniest nod given to him, which he returned in kind, the fighter in him recognizing the temporary truce until innocents were no longer in the line of fire.

Finding her voice as she looked over her shoulder to the blue unicorn still standing over by the book covered table, she said “Sorry Grimoire, could you give me a moment? I need to talk with them.” While pleasant, fire surged just under her words.

Stepping outside as Howls backed up to give her room, she spoke more to the fillies than to him, her eyes flashing to Spike as she did so, the promise of chores without end in her gaze. “Hey girls, what can I help you with?”

Spike spoke up before any of the girls could. “Twi, they are looking for primers on our language. They want to try being teachers for their cutie marks, and I figured no where better to find them than here.”

Her chin lifted a fraction at that, a hint of pride flavoring her words. “Right, well ladies, why don’t you and Spike go find what you’re looking for? I’d like a few words with Howls in private.”

Applebloom piped up, her hoof switching back and forth between the two. “Pinkie promise no fighting!”

Twilight almost made a rather disgusting sneer at that, but held it at bay and instead gave an exasperated sigh. As if she would ever get into a fight with anypony. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

At their expectant looks, he grumbled out the same phrase. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Arlen felt an itch along his spine... a familiar one. Was that some kind of Faerie Oath?

Seemingly satisfied with that, the girls followed Spike into the library, the door shutting behind them, leaving the two alone outside, the birds singing, the sun shining, the grass waving in the light breeze, and the air between the two carrying enough sparks to set ablaze the whole town.

“So. I didn’t know you were the town librarian.” He said as he looked up at the tree, getting his first good look at it since the thunderstorm. “An oversight on my part, not figuring the local bookworm would be in the place with all the books.”

“What are you doing with them?” She asked, all traces of warmth gone from her voice. “Somepony like you running around with fillies? You’re trying to get sympathy from the other residents, right? Showing them you’re not a bloodthirsty killer with no scruples?”

The hair on the back of his neck bristled, but he turned away from her, his eyes traveling over the town, his voice level when he replied. “Actually, I had a lovely time last night with the Apples when Applebloom invited me over. Told them a lot of things, and today when Babs, thats Appleblooms cousin from Manehatten by the by, came to visit they figured hey? Why not use the one of a kind creature living nearby to experiment on to get their cutie marks?”

“And the language primers?” She never took her eyes off him, a near invisible trace of light swirling around her horn as magic gathered, driven by her subconscious will. “Still wanting to learn our language after all?”

He nodded, waving a paw idly in the direction of the schoolhouse. “Yeah, the girls are going to introduce me to their teacher Cheerilee for the actual learning bit. They just want to help and see if it triggers anything.”

For a long moment they were quiet, the only sounds coming from inside as the children laughed at each other antics. Then she quietly said “I don’t trust you. And if you hurt those fillies I will make you hurt. I have never promised that to anypony before, so understand I do not make that kind of promise casually.”

“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” He said. Heh, can’t beat the classics. “But I have no intention of harming children, regardless of how you want to think of me.”

“You will care if you keep ignoring me.” She whispered back, her voice seething as she took a step forward, her horn flaring for a heartbeat before it faded once more. A sigh slipped from her lips as she met his gaze. “But that aside, why are you really hanging out with them? I doubt it’s just to learn our text, as you speak it fine.”

She waited for his reply, the silence stretching out for almost a full minute before he replied, his voice softer than she had ever heard it. “Honestly? It’s fun.”

“Fun? How so?” A bit off put by his answer, she stepped closer to the wolf, that curious mind urging her on.

He shrugged one furred shoulder before he answered. “I didn’t have much of a childhood, at least not like theirs. Usually I was on the move, or training or in home school. Not much free time, and sure as shit no other kids my own age to hang with.” He shot her a small grin. “It was nice, hanging out with such innocent kids. A real change of pace, you know?” A soft, short laugh escaped. “How pathetic is that?” His voice dropped even further, almost to the point where she could not hear it. “Big bad wolf huh?” He snorted. “My ass.” Shaking his head, he looked up to speak, only “But-” The door slammed open behind Twilight, the fillies pouring out, several books shoved into their saddlebags as they bounced around the pair, nearly bodychecking Howls into getting a move on.

Rolling his eyes as he began to move, he gave Twilight another small nod, which she returned before re-entering the library and resuming her conversation with the blue unicorn, the magical formula still hanging in the air, Grimoires smile causing the tiniest flush of heat across her cheeks. “I can’t even imagine why he wouldn’t pay attention to you. Everything you say is just so overwhelmingly interesting.”

“Guess he’s an idiot.” Twilight mumbled, smiling in turn.

“I don’t doubt it.”

---
Miss. Cheerilee hummed a little tune to herself as she wiped down the blackboard, her warm eyes sweeping over the empty desks of her classroom, a bemused sigh slipping from her as she stared at the pile of papers she had to grade.

A knock at the door stopped her before she could even begin, Scootaloo’s voice carrying through the door. “Miss. Cheerilee! We got a question for you!”

Quietly laughing as she opened the door, she saw Scootaloo, Sweetie-Belle, Applebloom, a new brown filly she didn’t know standing at her door.

And behind them were four clawed, brown fur coated legs that went up and up and up into the lean chest, which in turn flowed up into the fanged maw of a smiling worg, its eyes burning with a terrible light.

A squeak escaped her clenched throat as her eyes rolled back in her head, and she hit the floor in a dead faint.

“...And of course, she faints. Why did I expect anything else?”