//------------------------------// // Where We Left Off // Story: The Veins Run Deeper // by Thunderblast //------------------------------// At five past one in the morning, Night carefully twisted the door knob and pushed inward, doing so to avoid stirring his family with the assumption that they were fast asleep. He slipped in through the door, having only jarred it just enough to fit into, then shut it silently and exhaled softly in relief. "Night." "Ah!" Night jumped, whipping around in a defensive stance. In the shadows, his younger sister just stood there, having come down the stairs after catching the faint creak of the door opening. "Dawn, don't do that!" he quietly said while calming himself. "Where have you been? Mom and Dad were worried when you didn't show up for dinner," Dawn questioned in whispers, taking slow steps toward him. "Something last minute popped up and I needed to be there, had no time to come home and explain," Night fibbed. Despite the seriousness in his tone, his edge showed quite visibly to Dawn. "Okay, fair enough. Now, tell me the truth," she said sternly. Night narrowed his gaze. "What's it to you?" "Oh, nothing, really. Just the fact that you've been off this entire time, you look like you haven't slept properly in weeks, and to top it off, you're sneaking out Celestia knows where without letting anypony know you'll be gone!" "I didn't sneak out, Dawn, I never came home. There's a difference." "Not much of one! How will you explain this to Mom and Dad tomorrow?!" "I won't. Want to know why?" "Please, do tell me!" she raised her voice. Night shoved his hoof into Dawn's mouth to silence her. "There is important business in Canterlot that I must attend to. Stuff you would not understand." Dawn gently smacked the hoof away, glaring up at him. "I'm seventeen years old, Night, don't give me that sh—" Night put his hoof over her mouth again. "Are you trying to wake up Mom and Dad?!" he whispered. Dawn simply rolled her eyes. Night lowered his hoof, trusting she would not yell again. "Now, can you please tell me what is going on?" Night stared quietly, then straightened his back. "A lot has been affecting me recently." "Yes, sheltering us halfway across the co—" Night gave a shook of his head. "No, after that. Something happened. Something terrible. Me along with my squadmates—" "The Zodiacs?" "Yes, the Zodiacs, hush. We were ambushed near Hollow Shades on a training exercise, completely caught off-guard." "Caught off-guard? Sounds like you do horrible with your job—" Dawn was once more silenced by Night's hoof, her grumbling behind it. "We were attacked out of the blue, got split up a bit, one of our own was murdered in cold blood, and another was kidnapped." Dawn's slit-pupil eyes shot wide open. She forced the hoof from her mouth again, whispering. "Holy macaroni, Night, why didn't you tell anypony?!" "That's the thing—they were bat ponies. Like us. No, like you. Like Mom, like Dad. Full-blooded bat ponies." "Why say that like you are not?" Dawn cocked her head. "You're just like us, save for certain parts of you." "Well, as of lately, I've felt the need to question that logic," Night responded, eyes glassy. "But, that's something for another time," he mumbled, turning away. Dawn went silent. Her tufted ears drooped. "So... what are you going to do? You never answered my question." Night looked out through the living room window, pressing a hoof on the wall beside it. "I don't know yet. The reason we've kept quiet on this is because we're afraid it will start a war." "A war... like the old times, when our colony was banished?" "Yes, like old times. We would be back at square one, all because of some false speculation that would arise in the chaos of it all," Night sighed deeply. Dawn's gaze fell to her hooves, ear twitching. "What would... happen to us?" Night tensed. "I don't know. If somepony uncovered it, and word got out, it would spread faster than the common cold. Ponies everywhere would lock up their houses, grab the guns and swords, attack innocents... we can't afford for that to happen again." Dawn glanced up, sauntering to the window, beside her brother. "And you don't have a plan to work this out?" "I... well," Night paused briefly. "Some notions have been tossed around. Mainly by some of my squad mates," he turned to her. "That's why I went absent tonight." "Doing what? What did you do?" "I spoke to Commander Kozak of Fang Legion, Dad's commanding officer. I informed him, and many others under his command, of the situation. He... they, rather, have voted on a coordinated attack against the colony responsible for the ambush, and are waiting for my word." "An attack? You're going to fight them again?" "Yes, but this time, we will ambush them, give them a taste of their own medicine," Night turned back to the window. "But, I don't know, I feel like something is missing. Something that I am neglecting to see." "About what, big brother?" Dawn asked, concerned, as well as bewildered. Night sighed lightly. "I don't know. You're right, I have not gotten much sleep. This has kept me up at night since the day after it happened. It's all I've been thinking about." Dawn gently set a hoof on his shoulder. "You need a vacation, big brother. A real vacation." "Not now, Dawn. Too much is at stake for the moment. They attacked us. Can you imagine if they targeted civilians?" He went coldly silent. "Targeted... they focused on us, and us only. Of course," he mumbled. "What is it?" Dawn asked, puzzled at his realization. Night snapped to face her directly. "Of all of the ponies there, bat ponies and other Equestrians, they chose us to launch an attack on. On top of that, they're possibly a group that prefers conflict over peace." "But, wait a minute, wouldn't they have caused more chaos than just that? Why only you guys?" Dawn raised an eyebrow. "See, that's the thing. They're only targeting those with authority. Without that, they have all of the power they need to work towards something bigger. What, I don't know. All I can possibly think of right now, is that they, whoever they are, long for attention, but not the kind of attention that makes them go public." "Night, I don't get it," Dawn shook her head, more confused than ever. "They want attention, but they don't want attention. What are you talking about? What do they want?" "They want us out of the picture. Other colonies. They're territorial, they outnumbered us, why else would they even conceive attacking us on their own grounds?" "That still doesn't quite add up, big brother," she breathed in, then out deeply. "Maybe... you should get some sleep. It could just be me, but, I feel like you're just going on a tangent about something because you believe it makes sense." Night eased up, eyes not breaking contact with Dawn's. "All I know is, even with all of that, I'm missing a big piece of the puzzle. Maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe I'm chasing some weird fantasy." Dawn nodded slowly, then took Night's shoulder and brought him with her toward the stairs. "Perhaps it would be best if you told Mom and Dad. Or, at least Dad. I know he would understand." "No, Dawn. This is something I would rather discuss at a later time. Now is not that time." She sighed deeply. "Fine, Night. Fine." "Can you do me one favor, however?" "Name it, big brother." "Do not tell Mom or Dad. Don't worry them. If Dad found out somehow, you and I both know he would do anything to get in on the fight, and that is the last thing I am looking for. I don't want for him to get hurt in the process." Dawn understandingly nodded. "You got it, big brother." *** Sun brightly rising, pouring golden light through open-curtained windows, the home came to life. Smiling as she made her way up the stairs, a warm breakfast tray across her back, Midnight knocked softly on Night's bedroom door, pushing in a moment later. "Good morning, my love! I hope you're hungry—" she opened her eyes, smile fading instantly. The bed sat neat, as if untouched for weeks, the blinds were open, but no Night anywhere in the room. Midnight entered slowly, gently setting the tray on the small wood desk, scanning around worriedly. "Night?" *** A warm light shed upon Canterlot, part of a sudden warm spell locked in central Equestria. Much of the winter's snowfall melted, feeding the streams outside of and the small one snaking through the center of town, then pouring off the edge, thousands of feet below in gathered pools at the foot of the mountain. This change in the weather pleased Night, as well as Skye, having nearly frozen during the flight just a week ago, albeit, winter was bound to return in following days. What else contented them—the princesses sharing this gratification—had been the large lack of paparazzi at their return, despite it occurring in broad daylight. Basking in the gleaming sun, eyes closed, the fanged pegasus stood center of his balcony, an overhang above one of the castle's many courtyards, while also high enough up with a one-hundred-eighty-degree view of the city, and a large sector of the Canterlot Palace. He had left both doors wide open, the curtains on either sides lightly waving in the breeze on the inside, and fresh air filled his apartment. An ear twitched or swiveled so often, Night taking in the sweet, relaxing atmosphere, a much-needed relief in the wake of one eventful month. In just a matter of days would begin the new year, and from there on, with time, he expected all to return to normal at last. It met Night with heartbreak upon discovering the true reason behind a lack of planning for Shieldhunter's funeral service, the repercussions of ordering his Zodiacs to keep quiet until the time was right. His body remained in Hollow Shades, likely buried beneath a coating of snow, decomposing, lost in the chaos of Zava rescuing them, neglected disrespectfully and unknowingly. It pained him, knowing he put this on himself, weighing his shoulders more when it was completely unnecessary. The regret for even planning the trip gathered, dangerously close to spilling over. Not much time could be put aside for emotion, as work only stood in the way at every minor opportunity. His lids trembled, a tear or two slipping between the creases, steadily working down his cheeks and hanging beneath his chin, threatening to fall to his hooves. His ears gradually lost their perk. The guilt was, at long last, overwhelming. Any longer for him to remain bottled up would later result in another regretful explosion, one he feared will unleash upon a second undeserving soul. Battling the ache in his heart, Night reopened his bright gold, teary eyes, gazing ahead blankly, across the commercial district of the city. He inhaled slowly, deeply, then breathing out softly in a quiet sigh. He flicked his right ear, head shifting and sight fixing on the northeast part of town, more less-developed or low rise structures occupying that space. That sector of Canterlot, in particular, rebounded dismal reminiscences for numerous significant reasons. Nonetheless, it attracted his attention, enough for a longing push to head in that direction. *** Much changed around these parts, especially since his debut to Canterlot four years ago, nearing five. A few of the old brick apartment blocks now sat replaced by condos of newer, more modern construction to match the ever-so growing diverse infrastructure of the city. A gentle tingle sped his heart rate the closer he came. Glancing up, Night noted a three-story lily-green structure, formerly a different type of business the last time he was here. Now, the first floor was a flower shop, and all of its outdoor displays remained covered or tucked away for the season. The further along the cobble road he went, the more his chest tickled and pounded. Few ponies walked this street, allowing for ease of travel. Those four years certainly made a difference, as this area used to be busier than a bee on the first day of spring. He came to a stop in the center of the road, scanning around him slowly. His ear flicked and twitched, glancing to his left. There stood the same cheese deli as before, and a narrow, darkened alleyway. A crushing pressure fell on his lungs, his breath ceasing for a solid thirty seconds. His heart probably stopped, as well, and not once did he pay mind to it. Slowly, he strode into the alleyway. He shuddered upon accidentally dipping his hoof in a cold puddle of melted snow, advancing further into the corridor between the deli and a townhome block. His gaze then fell upon an old, raggedy piece of cloth, lying crumpled inside a large box on its side. Moving a shaky hoof, he took the dirtied blanket and held it up, spreading it out. For at least a minute he stared, teary-eyed at this blanket, the very one that kept him warm on the coldest, rainiest nights, beneath the very cardboard box it sat in. Part of him questioned the reality of the moment, wondering why either remained without being tossed out. Regardless, the box and the blanket struck him, reminding him of those awful days when he quite literally—and accidentally—flew to Canterlot, hoping to get as far away as possible from his home with, at the time, no hopes of returning. Night closed his eyes, grasping the old blanket to his chest. Tears from either eye rolled down, his teeth clenched and heart pumping with a mentally-induced ache. Both of his ears laid flat backwards, his chin lowering. "I n-never thought I would say I missed you, old friend..." he shakily mumbled, sniffling and holding the blanket out a second time to examine it. Despite how long it likely sat in this stark, cold, messy alleyway, it appeared as though one—or two washes would do just the trick. A very small portion of Night questioned the logic of bringing this old piece of his past life back home. Yet, it served as a decent reminder of who he used to be, and how far he's come. Perhaps, he thought. Perhaps I can turn this bad memory into something... positive. His ears perked, and his eyes widened. Folding the blanket and holding it with one hoof to his chest, he spread his wings, taking off into the afternoon sky. *** Nearing the village of Ponyville, Night scanned across the countryside below, searching for one strangely-shaped hill in particular, one with features of a home. Certainly, this turned out to be some sort of game of hiding the needle in a haystack, albeit a much larger scale. For all he knew, the house was miles behind him, or north of him, or south... His heart raced with anticipation, as well as anxiety. On such short notice, he spent a short part of the afternoon just getting here. Having to change his mind and head back now would be somewhat devastating to him out of all. Yet, in some sort of miracle, his eyes fixed upon a small cliff, gently sloping down to a grassy knoll from behind, with a large wooden door and windows on the sides of this cutoff. He began his descent, rather quickly, too. The sheer size of the door confirmed he arrived at the right place. He took in a deep breath, lifting his hoof and holding it there, before knocking, hopefully audibly enough for the occupant to catch. Emanating from the inside out, rumbling hoofsteps, enough to shake the ground below due to their weight and size, steadily approached. The click of a simple hook latch uncoupling, followed by the door swinging inwards, there standing a massive red pegasus, standing twice as high as Night himself. The pegasus' maroon gaze set on Night, narrowing and scrutinizing on the significantly smaller pegasus. His ears lost their perk. "Hello, Captain," Redflare greeted flatly. Night's maw parted, about to speak, then closed. He shrunk down just barely, no longer standing as straight. "I am sorry, Red," he dove straight in. The red pegasus remained statue-still, stare not removing from Night. "I'm... really... sorry," Night sighed deeply, squeezing the piece of cloth in his hoof against his chest. "I appreciate the apology," Red responded, taking the door handle and beginning to close. Night's pupils shrunk to pinpricks, he raced forward to step in the way of the door frame. "No, Red, wait—!" Sighing, the red pegasus reopened the door, a sizable frown visible on his muzzle. He blinked slowly, lazily, down at Night still. "Please, Red," Night trembled, his voice cracking. "I-I gave it thought, I gave it some time to let some things cool down, b-but they didn't... Please..." Still, a scrutinizing, cold stare. Night's teeth grit, his ears falling back. "I shouldn't have yelled... I-I shouldn't have pushed you away, I shouldn't have done... a-anything!" he bawled quietly, voice between a whisper and of normal volume. "P-please, Red, forgive me." No response. His eyes tightly shut, teardrops squeezing between his lids. "P-please, Red..." he softly whimpered. Following more silence, Night nonchalantly turned around, preparing to embark on the journey home. He felt as though the color would literally drain from his body, from his soul. "Come back." One ear stood up, freezing in his tracks. Slowly, he glanced back at the larger stallion in the door. "What is that you are holding?" Redflare's eyes moved to the small blanket, folded neatly in Night's hooves. Night gradually faced back toward Red, ears once more fallen back. "T-this? This... gave me comfort. This blanket, it... it came from a grim time in my l-life, but... it..." He paused to sniff deeply, cheek fur patted down from the stream of water. "It gave me... hope. It... it kept me—or part of me—trusting a brighter future. A h-home of my own, cabinets full of food, a warm bed to sleep in... everything I could hope for at the time." Redflare's eyebrow raised slightly. "You were a homeless colt?" Night slowly nodded in response, coming closer steadily. "Wh-when I came across it again, it... sparked me. It spoke to me." Redflare now furrowed his brow even higher. "It spoke to you?" "It told me to find you..." Night looked up from it, gold eyes glassy still. Faintly, Redflare begun to smile. "Is that what it did?" "It reminded me that, e-even though times can be rough, I will make it through... we will make it through. It reminded me of the warmth it gave on the most frigid of nights, the rainiest of days, and n-now, it reminded me of the warmth of a heart, and the sympathy of a friend. I lost that when... I lost you." The small smile on the large red pegasus grew. He bowed his head in a nod, thankful for this most unexpected of changes. "It brings me much joy, Night, to have you back." Smiling behind tearful eyes—tears of joy, this time—Night returned the gentle gesture. "Thank you, Red, for letting me come back. Thank you."