“I am the leader of The Unchained Talons.”

It felt like I just shut my eyes when a filly’s scream woke me. My eye’s snapped open as the ear-splitting scream filled the small room making me jump and fall out of bed. I reached for Dream Walker which was sitting on the nightstand as I looked for whomever was trying to attack us. What I saw was Byte trying to pull away from Wingnut, who had his hooves wrapped around her. Wingnut looked like he was still in a deep sleep.

I looked at the two of them for a full minute then lowered Dream Walker and started laughing, “Byte you scared the shit out of me.”

“Just calm down,” I said getting up and walking around to the other side of the bed, “Wingnut’s a deep sleeper, it won’t do you any good screaming and pulling like that.”

“Then what am I supposed to do? Just lie here and wait for him to wake up?” she asked still trying to pull away.

I put a hoof on her shoulder, “Relax for a moment and I’ll show you,” she did, laying back down as I moved my hoof over to Wingnut, letting it rest on his foreleg that was holding tightly to Byte, “He gets nightmares now and again, it’s hard to tell because he doesn’t cry in his sleep or anything like that. This is how you can tell if he’s having one. Now that you’re relaxed can you feel it?”

“He’s…shaking,” Byte said looking at the colt, “Why is he doing that?”

I started to slowly rub Wingnut’s leg, “He’s been through a lot in his young life. He listened to his parents as they died, he was almost killed by cazadors a couple months back, nearly died from mosslurker poison, had to watch as Stardust went crazy, had to deal with almost losing Aura, Stardust, and me, and he’s had to put on a brave face through it all. I’m surprised he’s been able to hold out as well as he has when he’s awake, but I’ve noticed over the past few days that he hasn’t been sleeping well.”

She looked at him again with a sad expression on her face, “I thought I went through a lot with losing my mom.”

“You’ve been though your own shit over the years I’m sure Byte. I’m not trying to say Wingnut’s life is harder than yours or anything like that. I think that when he’s stressed out he relives some of his bad memories. That’s why he’s holding on so tight, because he doesn’t want to lose hold of who he cares about,” I said moving my head down and whispering in Wingnut’s ear, “Shhhh, it’s okay Kiddo, I’m here.”

As I spoke his body relaxed along with his hold on Byte. She slowly pulled herself free and slipped off the bed. When she did Wingnut rolled over looking like he was more relaxed. Byte still looked at him and said, “You’re really good at that.”

I shrugged, “I used to have nightmares when I was younger, especially after my mom disappeared from our Stable. Vervain used to do the same thing to me to help me calm down.”

“Vervain told me that it’s not good to wake up somepony when they’re having a nightmare. She said that it’s worse in the long run because the nightmare will keep coming back until you face it.”

“It might, but I think she was right. I think it helped me face The Wasteland. It was scary to leave my home, but I think it would’ve been worse if I hadn’t faced my fears when I was younger,” I said turning to grab my saddle bags, barding and duster.

“What kind of bad dreams did you have?” she asked as she put on a set of filly sized leather armor.

I stopped in the middle of slipping on my Duster. A quick flashback of memories from a few years ago, back before I even entered Stable 28 came rushing into my head. A huge pony made of metal facing off against a Manticore, A creature made out of light attacking mom and then me. Dreams where I saw my chest rip open exposing a dead looking heart that was slowly dying. Mom standing in the rain covered in blood with three dead pegasi lying next to her. That last one was a dream I had almost as much as the one of my first memory of waking up in the stable. In that dream she’d looked over at me, her mane stained red from the blood of the pegasi saying, ‘I’m sorry my Little Star, but they had to die…they had to…”

I jumped a little as Byte poked my side, “Did you hear what I asked Shadow?”

I shook my head then finished putting on my duster, “Yeah, sorry I was just thinking back to those days. My nightmares weren’t normal, I think they were memories from before I went to Stable 28, only I didn’t know that at the time.”

“You must’ve had it rough before you went to Stable 28. I guess anypony who lives out here has had it rough,” Byte said.

“You don’t know the half of it,” I said as I finished getting ready, “Hey, have you seen Aura?”

“I saw her heading out just before you woke up. She made a little noise when she left and that’s what woke me up.”

“I wonder why she didn’t wake me up?” I said looking down at my Pip-Buck and seeing it was a little past 7am, “Oh that’s why, she knows I don’t normally do well this early.”

Byte yawned then stretched, “I love getting up early, more time in the day to get shit done. I’m gonna go back to Tonto’s cave and see more of the stuff he has in there. You wanna come?”

“Maybe, I want to see what’s going on first and check on Aura. I should also check on Wind Thrasher, she wasn’t doing too well last night.”

“Okay, if Wingnut wakes up, tell him I’ll be at Tonto’s,” she said as she headed toward the exit.

“You’re in a good mood today, are you sick or something? Where’s the normally snide and bitchy Byte?” I asked.

She turned back to look at me and just shrugged, “I’m nice sometimes y’know. Just most of the time I’m surrounded by idiots and I can’t stand idiots,” Then she left with a leisurely stroll.

Rolling my eyes, I took one more look at Wingnut who was still sleeping then sighed and left the room, turned right in the main chamber of Aura’s cave then headed toward where Wind Thrasher was sleeping. She was lying there with her wings over her face, looking like she was asleep. Doing my best to keep my voice down, “Wind Thrasher, are you still sleeping?”

She moaned again, “Everything’s loud right now, my head feels like somepony’s hitting the back of my eyes with a wrench, my body won’t stop shaking and I feel like I have to throw up but can’t. Don’t even get me started on the light, it just burns.”

I walked over to her and started to rub her mane a little, “I guess you don’t do so well with alcohol.”

“Apart from that Wild Pegasus you gave me in Whinnieapolis that was the first time I’ve ever drank more than a sip. I remember Vervain saying something this morning about my body not being able to metabolize the liquor because of the genetic manipulation that was done to my body. Which means that alcohol affects me ten times more than it does normal ponies…I’m never drinking again,” she said, her face still covered with her wings.

“That might be a good idea, but everypony says that when they have a hangover. Some ponies pray to The Goddesses when they have a hangover or did something stupid while drunk. Like, ‘don’t let it be true and I’ll never drink with a prostitute again’ or my personal favorite, ‘Please don’t let her be pregnant, and I’ll never drink again.’ Well if you want I’ll let you rest up more, if you’re feeling better later come find me. Also if Wingnut wakes up tell him to head over to Tonto’s.”

She waved a hoof laughing lightly at the last thing I said, “Thanks Shadow I’ll try.”

I stroked her mane one more time then got up and headed out of the cave. As soon as I did I ran right into Fletch. I yelped then backed up, “Oh sorry about that Fletch.”

She was rubbing her chest where my horn just poked her, “It’s fine, just watch where you’re going next time, and keep an eye on that thing, you’ll poke someone’s eye out.”

“I’ll try, so why are you up here? If you’re looking for Aura, she left already.”

She waved a talon, “No, I already saw her, she’s in the den talking with dad. I was looking for you.”

“We…didn’t get off on the right talon…or hoof in your case. I’ve been kind of a bitch to you since we first met and I was taking some of my anger at my little sister out on you and your friends. I wanted to say I’m sorry for what I did before and wanted to get to know you better,” Fletch said looking away as if she was embarrassed.

“Damn, one fight with your sister and now you’ve gone from bitch to kind. I’ll admit I never saw that one coming.”

She made a fist with the same talon she’d been waving back and forth, “Don’t make me hit you.”

I laughed, “I’m only teasing, I’d like to get to know you better too, same for the rest of Aura’s family. There’s so much I still don’t know.”

“I was going to go see Aura, but I could use a walk. I also need to go talk with Tonto later.”

Fletch smiled a little, “Well Aura’s going to be busy for a couple hours. She’s helping with a few things before Tonto talks about how The Red Talons started, that’ll be later tonight. She’s also helping dad get set up for our remembrance of Greta.”

“Well if she’s busy I don’t want to get in her way, so I guess we’ll go for a walk,” I said heading down the path that led down to the main level.

There was still a load of griffons all over Crimson Canyon, some laying around sleeping off inebriation from drinking from the opening celebration, others talking to other talon groups, and young griffons wrestling near the arena. Fletch noticed me looking at the griffons all around, “I’m sure you’ve never seen this many griffons in once place huh.”

I nodded, “You don’t even see this many in New Pegasus. Where do they all come from?”

“A good amount of them are Red Talons. Most of the time over half of the working griffons here are on jobs and away from home. They all put their contracts on hold for the Celebration. It’s something stipulated in every Red Talon contract. The rest come from all over Equestria, from Manehattan, Hoofington, and Vanhoover. Our grandmother made quite the name for herself when she started The Talons and since we’re the biggest talon group in The Wasteland and have the biggest territory, a lot of talon groups come to the celebration too. Then you have freelancers, either ones that used to be Red Talon’s that want back in or young griffons who want to join after they were either kicked out of their own talon group or left,” Fletch said as we walked past a pony from Cartwheel who was talking with two young looking griffons. One was male the other female and they looked like twins.

I noticed that the male griffon had two odd looking swords, “What kind of weapons are those? I’ve never seen them before.”

She looked back at them then chuckled, “They look like the claws from a hellhound. Not every griffon in The Wasteland can afford to get as nice a weaponry as we have, so they make their own. Those two must be tough if he was able to take down a hellhound to make swords from its claws.”

“I’ll say, though I’ve never really met a real hellhound apart from Rawr and he’s a different breed of hellhound,” I said as we started walking around the arena.

“Rawr huh? I’ve heard that name before,” Fletch said scratching at the bottom of her beak, “Oh right, he was the hellhound that was in The Bramble where my shit-faced aunt was.”

“Yeah, I helped him escape that place and in turn he didn’t kill me and he helped me take the place down for good. How’d you hear about that?”

She waved a talon in the air again, “Mom keeps an eye on things going on around here. She’s always doing her best to keep her eye on griffons like Gina. Before The Queen sent you to look into The Bramble, she tried contracting us. I was the one who was offered the contract, but at the time I was working on something else with the two idiots I usually work with and couldn’t do it. I think The Queen was waiting till Apollo went to Freedom again to talk to him, but you showed up first. Still, I was in the area before you went there and decided to ask around about the place before I headed back home. I couldn’t get anything from anypony, the only info I got was that I had to talk to a griffon named Gina. So, when I got back I made sure to tell mom about it.”

“Not really, she knew Gina was operating near New Pegasus again, just not where. She didn’t get mad until reports came in about you and your friends going to The Bramble,” Fletch replied.

We walked for a few minutes before I decided to change the subject, “So, Gigi said something about there being three hundred griffons in The Red Talons. How did you get so big?”

Fletch laughed, “We weren’t always so big. Around…I don’t know….eighty to a hundred years ago, we only had around forty griffons. Then Gail Windrider and her griffons from Stable 14 showed up and joined us. She had over a hundred griffons at the time who left the stable with her and didn’t leave or die when they got out. When they joined our territory grew like a wild fire. She was very accomplished as a contractor, or so my father says, she was his grandmother.”

That caught me by surprise, “So Apollo’s grandmother and the griffon he used to love were both named Gail?”

“It’s not as uncommon of a name with griffons as you’d think, but yes. Our aunt Gail was named after Gail Windrider. Our grandmother, my mom’s mom, was good friends with Penelope who was Gail’s Daughter and she named her youngest daughter after Gail because she looked up to her. At least that’s what mom told me,” Fletch said moving out of the way of two young griffons who went running by us.

“What was she like, you’re other Aunt I mean? Aura doesn’t talk about her much,” I asked.

“Aura didn’t know her that well, she spent most of her time with dad or Gina, they both took a lot of her time training her,” Fletch said rolling her eyes, “Sorry, even though I’m trying to get over that it’s still hard. Anyway, I spent a lot of time around Auntie Gail. To most griffons they only saw a kind griffon who was a good fighter in the arena, but out of it wouldn’t hurt a bloatsprite. In reality, Gail was the kind of griffon who manipulated others without them even knowing. When I was younger I didn’t notice it, but as I got older and started to learn from her I saw that most of Mom and Gina’s fights were because of her. Gail had a way of getting under your feathers and nipping at you without you even knowing it was her. She’d keep nipping and biting until you couldn’t take it anymore and you lashed out at the griffon she wanted you to be angry with.”

“Is that why Gina killed her?” I asked, “She couldn’t take the manipulation?”

Fletch sighed then looked around, seeing no griffon or pony she said, “The record says that Gina wanted mom’s job, to be the leader. She wanted to take both of her sisters out to make sure no one could contest her role as leader. She went after Gail first and started an uprising with other griffons, but she got caught.”

“From the look on your face, you don’t believe that,” I said with a smile.

“I don’t, the day Gina killed Gail, I was supposed to be training with Gail in her cave. When I went to meet up with her, she sent me away, said she had business to take care of. She told me that she had a mission for me, she sent me to an NLR camp that was a few hours away from home. Said she’d pay me half of what she got for the contract if I did that for her, so I went. Turned out that the NLR camp I went to had no idea a Red Talon was coming and they sent me away. When I got back, Gail was dead, Gina was arguing with Mom and a fight almost broke out. Then mom banished her from the Talons along with five other griffons who were said to be helping Gina with her coup.”

I thought about that for a moment then asked, “How would killing both her sisters make her the leader? Aura said Gina never fought with Gigi for leadership.”

“In our laws, if a leader of the Red Talons dies before the Rebirth Celebration, one of her siblings would take over until the celebration started. This happened six months before that year’s celebration so Gina would’ve had time to set up her rule before that day. With mom and Gail dead, no griffon around here would’ve challenged her for control. By that time, Gina was known to be the best fighter ever seen in the Red Talons since Greta herself.”

“Because the five griffons who were sent away with Gina were Gail’s friends. I knew them and they hated Gina. Also she killed them all not long after she was banished.”

“I’m not sure honestly, it’s possible that Gina did offer them something to gain their help, but it’s also possible that Gail was behind something and Gina found out and killed her for it. I’ve tried asking Mom about it, but she always sends me away when I bring it up. Tonto might know something too, but he also refuses to talk to me or any of us about those days. All I know is that something happened that they don’t want us to know about,” Fletch replied. We’d just reached the top of one of the far cliffs and were now outside of a large cave opening with a sign over it that read, ‘Story Teller’.

“If Gina was framed for the death of her sister, I could see why she’d be so mad about her banishment and why she keeps saying she was betrayed,” I said, “So is this Tonto’s place?”

She nodded, “Yeah it is, and when it comes to my aunts, I don’t think I’ll ever know the full story. Really no matter what she did back then, she’s gone bad now.”

“I can agree with that. I was going to ask Gigi about this before, but she’s been busy. Did anyone catch her after the attack on Cartwheel?”

“No, three griffons died in the attempt though. From the reports of the one griffons who made it back, said that it took them a little over a day to catch up to her. When they did they found her injured in a cave near the ruins of Gravel City. She was in no shape to fight and they could’ve brought her in, but a male griffon in a full set of griffon power armor took them by surprise. He killed two of the griffons before they knew what was happening. The last two tried to run when he showed up, but only one got away.”

“As far as we know he is,” Fletch said sitting down next to me and looking up at the cloudy sky, “We don’t know much about him, he doesn’t seem to show himself much, leaving Gina to command the others. The only things we’ve been able to learn about him from a couple of Unchained we’ve captured is that he used to be a Red Talon, he’s very close to Gina and he goes by the codename of ‘Archer’.”

“As far as we can tell. Honestly it has my mother worried, she doesn’t know what will happen if Archer keeps getting more griffons to join him. From what we can tell, he wants The Red Talons destroyed.”

“Maybe not, but over half of our griffons are either too young to fight if something happens or they’re too old. We have a lot of griffons, but not as many fighters as we’d like. If the Unchained Talons get enough griffons to join them and they attack, we wouldn’t stand a chance,” Fletch said with a sigh.

I nudged her with a hoof, “Don’t look so glum, I’m sure Gigi will think of something to take care of them. Remember you all have contracts with a shit load of ponies in The Wasteland, I’m sure most of them would come to your aide if something happened.”

Tonto’s voice echoed out from the entrance of his cave, “That’s right Shadow, Fletch would do well to remember that.”

We both looked over to see the older griffon standing there with Byte next to him. Fletch smiled, “You’re going senile you old coot. Those ponies pay us for work, not the other way around.”

Tonto just laughed, “I may be old, but I’m not senile yet. What I mean is that one reason we make sure to have such good friendships with so many ponies is so that we can count on them if we’re ever in trouble. The NLR alone would come to our aide if we needed it, because they like the way we do business. If a talon group like The Unchained took over, The NLR wouldn’t like that one bit.”

“I guess you’re right, still it worries me,” Fletch said getting back to her talons, “Anyway Tonto, are you busy right now? Shadow wanted to talk with you.”

“I was just talking to young Byte about some of the old tech I found when I was still a young griffon working with Box Tape. You two can come in if you’d like,” he said.

Byte beamed happily, “Shadow you have to see the stuff he has in here. I’ve never seen so many books or old tech in my life!”

Looking over at Fletch I asked, “Come in with me, we can talk more. I still haven’t told you about my time in The Wasteland.”

She shrugged, “I guess I can do that, I’m not needed for anything until tomorrow anyway.”

We both followed Tonto and Byte into the cave. The cave had to be the biggest cave in Crimson Canyon. My eyes went wide as I walked in, not only because the ceiling was at least two stories tall and almost as big around as the atrium in Stable 28, there were also rooms to each side, one I could see was filled with rows and rows of books and scrolls, Memory orbs of many colors were set onto shelves all over the main chamber along with more books. A recollector was sitting in the middle of them all. The other room looked like it was Tonto’s bedroom, even in there I could see more books laying all over the place. On more shelves high in the main chamber I could see older model Pip-Bucks, Spritebots, broken weapons, old rusty spears and swords, a helmet from Enclave Power Armor, a few old broken terminals and a Ministry Mare Statuette. Rainbow Dash’s from the look of it.

Out of all the stuff in his cave the Statuette was the first thing I ran over to, “Is this really what I think it is?”

Tonto smiled gently, “Yes, I believe Box Tape told me you already found three of them.”

“I visited him a day or so after you left for The Twin Cities. I’ve never been interested in collecting them myself. That one has been here all of my life, the story my teacher told me was that Absent Moon left it here when he ran off. I’ve been waiting for you to come visit me so I could give her to you.”

“Because I think you might be able to find them all, also because I know you’re descended from one of the Children of the Night. Rainbow Dash herself was the pony who ran that group along with Luna. She’s yours if you want her, think of it as a gift for helping the Red Talons so much,” he replied.

“Helping the Red Talons? I haven’t done anything for you, you’ve always helped me,” I said.

Fletch laughed a little, “Shadow, if it wasn’t for you and your friends, we wouldn’t know about the Unchained Talons yet. They could’ve gotten stronger without us even knowing about them until it was too late. You also saved my life and the life of my griffons by calling in my mother when they attacked us near Stable 28.”

Tonto added, “You also brought home Misery and that alone was worth so much to this old griffon. So, take her.”

I didn’t hesitate to examine her, first looking down at the Statuette of the pegasus who ran the Ministry of Awesome. She was younger, looking so full of life and pride. On the base it said ‘Be Awesome’ sounding so much like the Rainbow Dash I’ve heard stories about. I let my magic wrap around it and like with the others, it felt like something inside me changed. I felt like I could move a little faster and with more grace, both with my Magic and my Body. I placed her in my saddle bags with a smile, right next to the other three. Now I had Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, and now Rainbow Dash. Four of the six Ministry Mares, Image, Peace, Arcane Sciences, and Awesome. The only ones left to find was Applejack for Wartime Technologies and Pinkie Pie for Morale. Maybe I could find the other two and complete the set.

Tonto sat down on a large over-stuffed pillow in one corner, “I believe it was Rarity who made them with the help of a couple unicorns she knew. She made a set of six for all of her friends, all six Ministry Mares and Princess Luna. Not much is known about how Rarity made them, but no matter what you do to them, they won’t break. They’ve withstood the war and time itself and still look like they were just finished. I’ve heard rumors that they’re something called Soul Jars, but I’m sure that’s just silly.”

He frowned a little as he thought, “Well from what I’ve read in some nasty Zebra books, a Soul Jar is an item that has had a soul put into it by a zebra witchdoctor or even a unicorn. When a soul jar is made that soul within it keeps that item from ever being destroyed. Would be a good bit of magic to make armor I’d think, however the soul itself that resides in this soul jar would turn evil with hatred and resentment for being pulled out of its body and imprisoned in said item.”

“If it was possible then I agree with you. A soul should be able to move on to its next life when the body dies. If a soul is taken from its body and trapped, even if that body dies. The soul can never be reborn or even move on from the life it once had. A soul is eternal, but not meant to be on Equus for more than a century or less. Being tied to this land for too long can make a soul go dark and a dark soul is never a good thing, or at least that’s what we griffons believe.”

Byte rolled her eyes, “I’m sure that’s just a story, you can’t just pull a soul out of a pony and put it into something. Just a bunch of zebra mojo they came up with to make us scared of them.”

“Well little one, I’m not sure if it’s real or not, but I wouldn’t say it’s impossible,” Tonto said patting the top Byte’s head.

I walked over to the memory orbs and asked, “So what are all of these memory orbs of?”

The old griffon walked over to look up at the memory orbs, “Oh, most of them are just random memories of ponies during the war that I’ve collected over the years,” he pointed up at a row that were set apart from the rest, “Those are the ones that matter, they’re all memories of Greta. Most of them have been here since she started the Red Talons, some were found over the years by my predecessors.”

Tonto looked over at Fletch, “My dear would you mind grabbing the last one on the left for me?”

“No problem Tonto,” Fletch said flying up to the highest shelf and grabbing the orb.

Tonto took it from her then showed it to me, “This is the only one I’ve ever been able to find that belonged to Greta. I also believe that it was one of the most important ones.”

The old griffon smiled, “I know that you’ve been looking into The Children of the Night. I’m sure you’ve found some memory orbs of them during your travels, but have you found any that took place after the war?”

I shook my head, “No, I’ve seen a couple of Night Stalkers. One was during the attack on shattered hoof ridge, another when he killed an Equestrian Captain who was working with the zebras and a couple more. I also have one that was of a zebra that ended up working with them. I also have one from Greta during the attack on Las Pegasus.”

His eyes seemed to dance when he heard that, “You found a memory orb of Greta’s on the day the zebra’s attacked Las Pegasus?”

“Well I didn’t find it, my mom did. She left it for me with Lonely Hearts.”

The old griffon looked like a foal in a candy store as he asked, “Shadow would you let me…see it?”

I thought about it for a moment then sighed, “It’s a long memory, but if you want to view it then I’d be fine with that, but I can’t let you have it. Mom said she thinks she missed something in it and she was hoping I’d be able to figure out what she missed.”

“I won’t take it from you, though I’d love to add it to my collection. I mostly want to verify something and if that orb is the one I think it is, then I may just be able to put together a puzzle I’ve been trying to figure out for some time now.”

Byte walked closer looking at the orb, “Tonto, how can you watch a memory orb? You’re a griffon.”

He laughed lightly, “Oh little one, I have a recollector don’t you see? The one on the shelf is for a griffon.”

She looked up at the shelf, “Oh, I was wondering if that was what that was, it’s shaped differently than the one Rusty has.”

Fletch came over to me while Byte was talking to Tonto, “Shadow, I need to go check on a few things. I’ll let you hang out with Tonto for a while, if you’re still up for talking more later, I’ll be at the top of Crimson Canyon guarding the east entrance.”

I smiled, “I’d love to talk more Fletch, honestly I’m a little surprised that you’re so nice.”

Tonto looked at us and chuckled, “She comes off as tough and mean, but deep down Fletch is just a sad little girl who wants to be loved.”

She looked over at him, “Bite me,” then she looked back at me and smiled, “See you tonight?”

“I’m just happy to see her smile again, it’s been too long. Now if she’d just find a griffon to forge a life bond with, the world would be a happier place for her,” he said.

Byte looked out of the cave’s entrance then back at Tonto, “She’s not bad looking for a griffon, I’m surprised she doesn’t have males drooling all over her.”

“Most of the males are too scared of her to be honest. That, and she’s said that she wouldn’t be with any griffon that couldn’t prove that he’s just as tough as she is.”

Tonto laughed, “I agree and so does she. Fletch told one griffon that’s been infatuated with her for years, that if he could win fifty fights in the arena, she’d give him a chance.”

“No, it’s one thing to win a fight here and there, griffons normally lose one out of every five fights. What Fletch wants is for a griffon to win fifty fights in a row,” he said.

“Damn,” I said my eyes going wide, “Who was the griffon she told to do that?”

“Yeah, he’s the one she always refers to as ‘Fuck’ when she’s angry and forgets his name.”

“I take it you haven’t really dealt with Fletch and the other two much have you? Gouger has already won forty-nine fights. One more and he’ll finally be able to prove himself to her,” Tonto said with a laugh.

“Wow, I had no idea he was such a good fighter. I hope he’s able to do it.”

“Hmm, indeed,” Tonto said, showing me the memory orb again, “I want you to watch this and tell me what you think afterward. In the meantime, would you mind if I watched one you have?”

“Yeah I think I can do that,” I said bringing up my Pip-Buck and searching my inventory until I found the memory orb box mom gave me. Pulling it out I gave him the last orb in the box, “Just make sure you get it back to me.”

“What am I gonna do while you two are looking into memory orbs?” Byte asked.

Tonto smiled kindly, “Byte, go look in my room, you’ll see a box on the other side of my bed. Bring it to me please.”

She walked into the other room and returned a moment later with the box, “Why do you need this?”

He took the box from her and opened it, inside was another recollector, “This one is made for ponies, it used to belong to Box Tape. He left it with me a few years ago. If you want you can pick any of those orbs and watch them.”

“Really!?” Byte said running over to the shelf and looking through the various memory orbs.

I took the one Tonto had and looked down at it, “What’s so important about this orb?”

Knowing he wasn’t going to tell me more, I laid down next to the orb, concentrating my magic on it. That familiar feeling I’ve grown accustomed to by this point filled my body and the world melted away…

At least with this orb I didn’t have to guess who my host was. Greta was walking down a dark hallway, her talons slightly sinking into what looked like a polished wood floor, but could only be made out of cloud. Each step she took the floor gave off a small puff of white. Her body felt tired, there was a twinge of pain in her left rear leg and I could feel she was missing a digit on her right talon. At the end of the hallway there was a large door with four pegasi in black combat armor in front of it. Over the door there was a sign that read ‘Head Counselor’.

When she drew closer to the door one of the pegasi stepped in front of her, “I’m sorry Captain but I can’t let you inside. The Head Counselor is in a meeting with…”

Greta grabbed him, lifting him off the ground, “I don’t take orders from you grunt. Let me pass before I gut you like fish!”

The other three started to charge up their laser rifles, “Drop him Greta, we have orders not to let anyone in.”

She glared at the others then slowly pulled out one of her blades. It was Misery, she pointed it at them and said slowly, “Like I said, let me in before I gut all of you. I don’t give two shits what Night Stalker told you. Step aside soldier.”

The pony she was still holding in her talons said, “Put me down you filthy Griffon.”

I felt Greta’s heart start to beat faster when he said that, “What did you call me!?” She threw him into the door, “Filthy griffon huh? Is that what you all think? Is that why you fucking pegasi destroyed my HOME! I’ll eviscerate every last one of you if I have to!”

“Fuck this, take her down!” one of the other guards said firing his battle saddle.

Greta went nuts. She ducked under the shot twisted her blade around and cut the pony in half, “You fucking morons made a big mistake!” she jumped over another shot, twisted around and stabbed Misery through another’s head. Then she reached onto her back and pulled out another sword. This one was shaped just like Misery, only it was pure white with the same silvery glow at the edge. That one must be Joy, she spun it around and beheaded a third pegasi then started walking toward the pegasus she threw.

“I don’t care how sorry you are, you should’ve let me pass,” she said pushing his body aside and opening the door.

Inside sitting at a wooden desk was Night Stalker. He was starting to get some grey in his mane, he now had the goatee I’d seen him with when I saw him on the surveillance video from The Lucky Horseshoe. Sitting on the other side of the desk was Thunderlane. He turned when Greta walked in and smiled, “What did I tell you boss, I told you what she’d…”

Night Stalker interrupted him, “You can leave now Thunderlane, I believe Greta came for a talk.”

Thunderlane chuckled getting to his hooves, “Fine by me boss, I should go turn in my report anyway,” he started to walk past my host when his eyes fell on the dead bodies just outside the door, “Shit, looks like the birdy made a mess.”

Greta’s eyes snapped to Thunderlane’s, “You better leave before you join them.”

Thunderlane just chuckled again and moved a little closer, whispering so only she could hear, “Temper, temper Greta. Just remember that I told you something like this would happen one day. It’s just too bad you weren’t there at Griffonstone with us, you missed all the fu…”

Before the black pegasus could finish what he was saying, Greta grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the wall. Then her other talon came up and she started to hit him, first in the face, and then the gut followed by another to the face. Over and over again she beat the pegasus until he was bleeding and one of his eyes was swollen shut, “Shut the fuck up Thunderlane, you piece of shit. You fucking Enclave rat, I should’ve slit your throat years ago!”

For a long moment Greta glared into Thunderlane’s face. He started to chuckle a little, “Yes, good little dog, do as your master says.”

She moved her face closer to his, “One day Thunderlane, you’re going to die by my blades. I know you had some part in what happened to my home and when I find out what part that was, you’re dead,” she punched him one more time then threw him into the hallway. His body landed on one of the dead guards then slid through the pool of blood leaving a long smear. He didn’t get back up.

When my host looked back at Night Stalker he was still sitting behind his desk, watching her, “Did that make you feel better?”

She drew Misery and pointed it at him, “I don’t want to hear another word out of your mouth Absent. I know what you did, what role you played in what happened to Griffonstone.”

He didn’t even flinch, even when she moved to the desk and put the blade an inch from his left eye, “You have no idea what you’re talking about Greta.”

“I don’t do I!? So it wasn’t your special ops team along with you and some of the Children who attacked OUR home? Was it some random group of rough Pegasi, or was it Dashites huh? What bullshit excuse do you have for me this time?”

“I told you that the Griffons were making trouble for us in the skies. They keep taking down the cloud cover near Griffonstone, not listening to the new laws that have been put in place, sending wings of young griffons to Pegasi cities to cause havoc,” he said calmly.

“So you used a chemical bomb on them!?” she yelled, “Do you know how many griffons died?”

“Five-hundred and thirty-two. Forty-two of which were children, another fifty expecting mothers, two-hundred and fifty-eight elder griffons, one-hundred and eighty-two fit griffons who were guarding the skies and ground. Yes, I know the numbers, I saw the faces, heard their screams as they died,” Night Stalker answered.

“You led the team that went there, you told me before you left that you wanted to come to some kind of understanding, to sign a treaty with them. Instead I find out that you let your grunts bring a chemical bomb with and when they refused to listen to reason, you had them all killed. That was your home, the place where Gran raised us both, the land where we used to watch the Aurora Borealis during the winter. How could you do that to our home?”

“Griffonstone hasn’t been my home for a long time Greta, it’s the same for you. They kicked us both out…me when Gran died…you when they didn’t like the way you decided to join the war. It was nothing more than a land of greedy selfish griffons who refused to see reason. They needed culling.”

“I DIDN’T KILL ANYONE!” Night Stalker exclaimed as he slammed his fore-hooves on the desk and stood, his temper finally rising, “I had no idea that bomb was there! I still don’t know who brought it, who set it up, who decided to let it go off. I didn’t want them to die, I didn’t like that land anymore, didn’t see it as home anymore, but I would NEVER just out right kill those griffons unless they gave me a reason to.”

“Bullshit Absent, I’m not going to listen to your lies anymore. I saw the reports, you gave the order. You made sure they were equipped for it, everypony had rebreathers or Power Armor with them. Three ponies from the special ops even said they saw you threaten three of the council griffons,” she said, Misery shaking in her talons.

Night Stalker backed away from her a little, “You think you got it all figured out? If that’s so then why are you even here? Why haven’t you tried to kill me? You didn’t seem to have a problem killing my guards.”

“They deserved it just as much as you do. I know for a fact that three of them are in the special ops corpse, they were all at Griffonstone with you two days ago.”

“That might be, but Cloud Slicer is just a normal guard with three kids and a wife. He was anyway.”

“He’s also one of Thunderlane’s spies, he got what he deserved. As to why you’re still alive, that’s because I’m not stupid enough to try and take you head on. I just wanted you to see my face, see my anger before I destroy everything you’ve spent the past five years trying to build.”

For the first time since Greta walked into the office Night Stalker looked scared, “What do you mean?”

Greta returned Misery to the sheathe on her back then took a few steps back, “You betrayed me for the last time Absent Moon.”

He looked confused by that, “Betrayed you? I’ve never betrayed you Greta, you’re my best friend, the only one on Equus that I trust, that I respect, that I…” he stopped talking before he said what was on his mind.

I could feel the anger in Greta as she looked at her old friend, “Never betrayed me? Absent, do you know how much shit you’ve pulled over the years, how many of your friend’s you’ve let take the fall for you?”’

“Don’t call me that, Absent Moon is dead, he was nothing more than a scared colt.”

She laughed, “Bullshit, you’re still that scared little brat I found half dead in the snow all those years ago. You’ve just been hiding behind this mask of Night Stalker.”

“I’ve never been more right,” Greta said taking another step back, “You just can’t see what you are. You’re a coward. You always let everypony or griffon else take your place when you’re about to get hurt. Phoenix Heart died for you, your parents died for you, and you let Petal die. Your stupidity for sending Comet Tail after your sister led her to her death too. Babs lost her leg in that same fight, Amethyst Star was murdered by a pony who wanted to get back at you, Minuette went off and killed herself a month later because of Amethyst’s death. You let countless others die to help you build Falling Shadows, which you couldn’t even get right and because of that, Equestria DIED. Now you’ve shut out the world below the clouds letting the rest of the ponies and griffons down there die when The Enclave have the recourses to help. You chased Rainbow Dash off, you sent Scootaloo away and made this Dashite program because of her sending more pegasi to die in the wasteland that represents what’s left of Equestria. And now you’ve killed the only place that you could call home, the land you grew up in all because you’re too scared to let somepony else take control, to do what you think is fucking right. You make me SICK!”

“I said I had no idea that bomb was there!” Night Stalker yelled kicking his desk aside, “I’ve done a lot of bad shit in my life Greta, but I wouldn’t have ever let something like that happen in Griffonstone. And how dare you blame me for the deaths of my friends and comrades, I did EVERYTHING to protect them and Equestria. Petal wasn’t my fault either, if you would’ve TOLD ME she was in the city I would’ve made her LEAVE! You talk about betrayal Greta, when it’s your fault she’s dead. Her blood is on your talons, you’re the one who betrayed her and me. I never betrayed you or any of my friends or family.”

“Oh that’s rich. What do you call what happened the night before your fucking wedding huh? Did you tell Lightning about that? How you came up to my room, tears running down your face, crying over the death of your little sister again. When you couldn’t sleep because of the nightmares you kept having, your breath still smelling like Wild Pegasus. Did you tell her how you kissed me, how you FUCKED ME, then left the next morning leaving me alone and confused!” she screamed.

Night Stalkers eyes went dead, “I was drunk, it was a mistake I told you that.”

Greta moved closer to him again then she whispered, “Was it a mistake when you told me you loved me? Was it a mistake when you told me how you truly felt, or when you started to kiss my body, when you cried as we made love, or were you just afraid that ponies would think you were a freak because you loved a griffon.”

“You what?” She asked pushing him back a little, “Tell me Absent, you fucking WHAT? Love me?”

Night Stalker didn’t say a word, it was like her words scared him somehow. So Greta continued, “You don’t love anyone. Maybe you’re right and Absent Moon is dead, he died when you took on the name Night Stalker and became the leader of the Children of the Night. You know what the sad part is? I loved the pony you used to be. I never saw Absent Moon as scared or weak, that colt saved me from bullies when we were young and almost lost his eye because of it. That colt wasn’t weak, he just thought he was. I never cared if you were a pony, because deep down I know that I had feelings for you ever since that day. The day you saved me and got that scar. That’s why I followed you to Equestria when you came back, that’s why I returned later when you joined the war effort, that’s why I became a Child of the Night. That love I had for you is why I helped you start the Enclave alone with those other idiots. I’ve watched you commit monstrous atrocities over the years and I’ve stayed by your side because of how I felt. I always made excuses for you because I was blind to who you really were…a monster. Not this time, this time you’ve gone too far and I’m not going to let my feelings for you blind me from the truth.”

Greta turned to head back out the door, as Night Stalker said quietly, “I’m not a monster…”

Greta stopped and looked back at him, “Yes you are…it’s about time you see that, goodbye Night Stalker. If we ever meet again, I’ll kill you, the same goes for any of your lackies if you try to send them after me.”

“Greta…where are you going?” Night Stalker asked his voice sounding more under control.

She started to walk away again, her talon stepping in the blood of the dead ponies, “I’m going to do as I said before, I’m going to destroy everything you’ve built. I’m going to destroy everyone you care about. I’m going to make sure that when you finally take your last breath you’ll have nothing left. I may not be able kill you right now, but when you have nopony left to protect you, no power left, you’ll finally see that you’re NOTHING. No wife, no kids, no underlings, no pride, no power. A monster with nothing to destroy is the saddest of all beings.”

She just laughed, “No, I won’t have to. I’m just going to make sure you can never use it. I’m going to make sure nopony can ever use it.”

“I’ll stop you Greta, if you go down this path, I’ll fucking DESTROY YOU!” he yelled as Greta stepped passed the unconscious Thunderlane.

She stopped at that, then smiled turning back one more time to look back at her old friend, “No you won’t Night Stalker, because I’m going to the surface to make something of my own. I’ll find as many griffons as I can and train them to be the most powerful group of fighters you’ve ever seen. I’m going to keep the new way of life of Griffonstone alive. We’ll live for the Contract, for money, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” she lifted one of her talons up, her claws covered in the blood of the ponies she killed, “Remember my name Night Stalker, Greta Bloodtalon is going to make sure you pay for what you did to our home. Got it memorized?” she tapped her head with a claw smirking

With that said Greta opened her wings and flew down the hallway, out the far door, past ponies in combat armor and power armor, and flew high into the sky turning west. As she flew and the alarms started to go off under her from what looked like a huge military base in the clouds. Tears started to fall, her chest was tight as she did her best to hold back sobs. She looked down at her still bloody talons, “Greta Bloodtalon…could’ve come up with a better name than Bloodtalon. Oh well, I can’t turn back now. I’m sorry my old friend, but I can’t let the monster you’ve turned into live on. I just hope that Petal will forgive me for breaking my promise, but I can’t watch over you anymore.”

Slowly opening my eyes, I took a minute to think about what I just saw. Greta left The Enclave because Night Stalker destroyed Griffonstone, or so she thought. I saw the look on Night Stalkers face when she accused him of setting off the bomb. He was telling the truth when he said he didn’t know about the bomb. He was a good liar, but I’ve lived Night Stalker’s memories, seen what he’s like when he lies and when he’s being honest. I understood now though why Greta made some of the rules she did once she formed The Red Talons. She was in love with Night Stalker, they were also intimate at one point. That was something I never heard about. Nopony must’ve known about that one night they spent together. They loved each other, but something kept them apart. I don’t know what came over me, but the emotional pain Greta felt had somehow made its way to myself and I started to cry. Quickly I regained my composure and looked around the cave.

I saw that Tonto was watching me from a cushion not far off. He smiled, “Interesting memory wouldn’t you say? I didn’t expect the repercussion that memory gave you. Memory Orbs are quite the magical artifact.”

“Sad, more-like,” I said then something came to me from the memory, “She called him Absent Moon in the memory, I thought you didn’t know that was his real name.”

“I didn’t until you said something. That memory orb was in Box Tape’s stuff that I was able to save from his broken home. I watched it while the rest of the griffons were partying. I thought you should see it,” he said.

“I had no idea they felt that way about each other,” I said looking back down at the memory orb.

“I’ve always had my suspicions, but no proof until now. There were rumors over the years that those two were having an affair, but no one ever believed them. What I find interesting is how Night Stalker reacted to the accusations about him being the pony who destroyed Griffonstone. Our history says that he was the one who ordered the attack, but what I saw in that orb makes me think he wasn’t the one,” Tonto said.

“I think your right. Wait a sec, why aren’t you watching the orb I gave you?” I asked.

“I will in a moment, I wanted to wait for you to wake. I wanted to be awake in case you had any questions.”

I chuckled a little, “I’m not sure if I understand everything I saw or not, but if I have any I can ask you later.”

“Very well Shadow, then I’ll watch the orb you have. You can stay here for a while if you want, or go wander around the canyon. Today is still the first day of the celebration and it’s the best one to meet other griffons. Tomorrow we’ll have fights, and more, things get chaotic on day two. Same goes for the last day as well, so take this time to mingle if you can,” he said putting his recollector on.

“I’ll do that, I’ll let Byte enjoy her memory orbs for a while too,” I said seeing Byte laying on another cushion wearing the other recollector.

“I’ll see you later tonight then Shadow,” he said, placing the memory orb I gave him into the center of the recollector and drifting into the memory as it activated.

I didn’t get far from Tonto’s cave when I ran into Aura, “About time I found you. Where’ve you been?”

“I was visiting Tonto, watching one of his memory orbs. Byte’s in there with him right now,” I said giving her a hug and a kiss, “So what are you up to?”

She smiled, “Just finished up some prep with my mom. I wanted to see if you wanted to come meet some of the griffons I grew up with and meet some of the other talons groups.”

“Sometimes I wonder if Tonto has a gift of foresight, he suggested exactly that,” I said as Aura started to walk back toward the huts and the mass of griffons walking around Crimson Canyon, “So was that all you were doing? Helping your mom with stuff?”

She blushed a little, “Well no, I decided to make my own small talon group. Mom was helping me with some of the stuff I needed to know and making me sign some contract so I can work within The Red Talons’ territory.”

“Wait…you started a Talon group? How’s that gonna work with what we have to do?”

“Don’t worry, since I’m the only member of my new group it won’t get in the way. It’s just easier to work out being able to keep working this area if I want and still be able to come home whenever I want. Freelancers aren’t let into Crimson Canyon often, but Talon groups are. At least ones that work with The Red Talons that is. Maybe once this stuff with your mom is finished and we can settle down, I’ll start bringing on more griffons,” she said still smiling.

She blushed again rubbing the back of her head, “I decided to name the group after…you. The Shadow Talons.”

I blushed, stumbling over my words, “Aura, I-I’m flattered but I don’t want you naming your new talon group after me, it sounds stupid.”

She laughed, “Too late, it’s already done. Besides I think it has a nice ring to it.”

She moved her head down and kissed me, “You’ll learn to love it, come on, let’s go have some fun.”

Over the next few hours Aura introduced me to so many griffon’s that it was impossible for me to remember the names of most of them. We found Stardust and Vervain later in the day and had a couple drinks with them as we listened to more griffons sing on the stage. We danced, laughed, and played games with some of the younger griffons. I also got to meet one of Aura’s old friends in her cave as the sun was going down. Her name was Natalia and she had a griffon egg that was about to hatch.

Natalia was pleased when I told her I’d never seen a baby griffon and she let Aura and I stay as the egg started to tap, then shake, and later finally crack open. I’ll admit that the baby griffon, what they call a chick was a little gross when it first hatched, but once Natalia cleaned it off it was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. It was beautiful to watch how much love was in Natalia’s eyes as she held on to her new born son.

“What are you going to name him?” I asked as I slowly stroked the soft feathers of the sleeping chick.

“I won’t, I was hoping Aura would do me the honor. Since my life partner passed away, I have no one to do so,” Natalia said.

Aura smiled, “It’s the father’s job to name their sons and the mother’s to name their daughters for griffons. If one of the parents die before the egg hatches and a name wasn’t picked out before, the chick is normally named by a close friend,” she looked over at Natalia, “Are you sure you want me to do this? I haven’t been around for a long time Talia.”

“I know, but you’re still my friend and the only one I have left that’s known me as long as you have. I’d be honored to have my son named by a griffon as wonderful as you Aura.”

Aura looked down at the chick. His feathers were a dark blue almost like Stardust’s mane, his eyes were a pale green that matched his fur, and he had black talons like his mother with an orange beak. Finally, Aura put one talon on his head, “You remind me of my grandfather, I believe that you may be him reborn, so I name you Alistair. May your life be forever joyous and you grow up to be strong.”

Natalia put a talon on Aura’s saying, “You honor me my friend, thank you.”

She sighed, “He was the griffon who was shot by Gina outside of Stable 28. She was one of Arys’ Wing.”

She smiled, “It’s not your fault Shadow, he died doing his job. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. He might not be here to see his son born, but he still left his mark on the world.”

We spent more time meeting with griffons and having more fun with our friends. Wind Thrasher and Wingnut found us later, both looking a lot better than they did that morning. I couldn’t help chuckling a little as Wingnut told me about a strange dream he had where he could’ve sworn he was hugging Byte. Finally as darkness fell across the canyon, Tonto made his way onto stage with a much younger griffon who stood a little behind him.

“That’s Toby, he’s Tonto’s assistant. He’s learning Tonto’s role in The Red Talons so that one day he can take over for the old griffon when he passes away,” she replied.

“He is, but he’s been working with Tonto for ten years. The keeper of history like Tonto is always start out very young and learn from the older griffon so they can take over one day. Now shush, I wanna hear this. Tonto’s stories are always fun,” she said.

I shrugged and sat down next to her with Wind Thrasher and Stardust on one side of me, Wingnut, Byte, and Vervain on the other next to Aura. Tonto waited until everyone went quiet before saying, “Thank you one and all for joining me tonight to close out the first day of the Rebirth Celebration. Like every year, tonight I will tell you all a story from our past. Not because no griffon doesn’t know the story, but because sometimes one needs to be reminded. History can teach us a lot, like how we can avoid making the same mistakes of our ancestors.”

He paused looking over the hundreds of griffons and some ponies then continued, “Today I want to talk about something I recently learned about what led our founder Greta to start The Red Talons. For many years we have always thought it was because the pony she called friend for most of her life, destroyed Griffonstone. His name is taboo in The Red Talons, but you all know who he is. He is the pony who helped build The Enclave. He is the pony who took away the sun and the moon by blanketing the sky with clouds. We do not speak his name here, but he is well known. This pony betrayed his best friend or so we thought.”

The crowd was utterly quiet as Tonto talked, during Tonto’s next pause I nudged Aura asking, “How many stories does he tell?”

“Just one normally, now shush already, I can’t hear him,” she answered, her eyes glued on Tonto, then she looked back at me and asked, “Where are you going?”

Whispering so I wouldn’t interrupt Tonto as he continued, “I just watched the memory orb he’s telling you all about, I don’t need to hear the story too. I’m going to go say hi to Fletch, she’s on guard duty tonight.”

“Oh fine, I figured you’d like to at least spend some time with me,” she huffed.

“I do, but you’re too into this, I’ll be back soon,” I said, I kissed her cheek ignoring the looks I got from two younger griffons from another talon group and walking past the rest of the griffons and heading up the small walkway that lead to the top of the cliff face.

I was only able to get about halfway up when I found that the walkway didn’t go up any higher. I guess that makes sense, this place was made by griffons. They can fly, why build a walkway to the top of the cliffs and make it easier for enemies to get to you? For a moment I thought about going back to Aura and seeing if she’d be willing to fly me to the top. Then I thought better about it, she was too interested in Tonto’s story. Then I remembered that I’d seen the top of the cliffs before in Greta’s memories. If I could hit myself in the stupid I would. I could just teleport up there.

Summoning my magic, I teleported up to the top of the cliffs. Once I was up there I took a long moment to look down into Crimson Canyon. It was amazing how beautiful it was from way up here. Tonto was still on stage telling his story about the night Greta left The Enclave. I could just make out his words even up here. He was telling the ponies around about how with this betrayal Greta left to find more of her own kind. Some of the griffons down there won’t like the truth Tonto has to give, but they’ll get over it…one day.

Turning away from the side I was on, I started to head toward the east entrance where Fletch said she’d be. I hadn’t gone more than a few feet when I heard something land behind me. I stopped, but didn’t turn to see who was there. Instead I readied Dream Walker. Whatever just landed a few feet away was heavy, I could tell from how he or she landed. Then a chill went down my spine as I heard a deep metallic voice say, “Greetings Shadow Star.”

Slowly I turned my head to find a griffon dressed in power armor like I’ve never seen before on a griffon. His entire body was covered in black, his wings were the only thing exposed. I couldn’t tell what color they were because he used the darkness around him to hide himself as best as he could. On his helmet I saw glowing red coming from his visor. On his chest, painted in white was the emblem of The Unchained Talons. I drew Dream Walker and pointed it right at him, “Get the fuck away from me!”

He cocked its head to one side as he spoke again in the creepily altered deep voice, “Gina said you’d be difficult, but I didn’t think you’d point a gun at me so quickly.”

He chuckled to himself then bowed low to me, “I am the leader of The Unchained Talons, I’m known to my griffons as Archer. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Courier, or would you prefer me to call you Shadow?”

“Archer huh, yeah I heard that name from one of The Red Talons already. Why are you here? I thought a griffon like you would stay far away from Crimson Canyon,” I said.

Archer started to chuckle, “And what makes you think that? You know nothing about me Shadow. You know nothing about what I want or where I came from.”

“Your lackeys have been trying to kill my friends and I, plus your griffons have been working for Elder Wolfsbane,” I said pulling back on the hammer.

“Ah yes, our contract with Elder Wolfsbane and his Steel Rangers from Los Alicorn. The whole debacle with him was quite the disaster,” he said slowly walking around me as he spoke.

“A disaster!?” I yelled feeling a burning rage building inside me, “He destroyed an entire town and killed somepony I cared about! All with the help of Gina and your damned talon company.”

“Yes, I was quite angry with Gina for letting that happen. I told her three things when she took the job to help Wolfsbane. First that the towns ponies weren’t to be hurt, second to keep you and your friends alive, third to make sure that Wolfsbane got you back to Los Alicorn. She failed at all three, I would’ve punished her for it, but Aura made sure that I didn’t have to.”

I kept my eyes on him as he slowly walked around me, “I don’t get it, why did you tell her to do that? Why do you care about Cartwheel or me, also why do you want me in Los Alicorn?”

That caught me off guard, “I’m guessing it has something to do with how The Red Talons are run. They have their ten rules or laws; your group consisting mostly banished Red Talon griffons, don’t have any laws.”

“Very good, but still you are wrong. It’s true that a lot of my griffons are former Red Talons, but we still have rules, they’re just different than The Red Talons. The ten laws of the Red Talons were created two centuries ago by a sad, lonely griffon who had a burning anger inside. She used those laws to chain the griffons she led to her. She made the griffons that joined her think they had to do things the way she said, made them think that if they didn’t stay and work with her to make her Talon group a reality, they’d be failing all of griffon kind. It worked, and because of that The Red Talons became one of the most respected and feared Talon groups in all of The Wasteland. The Unchained Talons refuse to be held down by stupid laws like that. The only laws we follow is that of the contract and to follow the griffon who is the strongest,” he said finally stopping to look down at Crimson Canyon.

“It sounds the same to me, you’re just using different words for the same goal. You want them to follow you and do as they’re told. You also didn’t answer any of my questions.”

“Oh, but we’re so very different Shadow. First of all, my griffons can take on any contract they want, be it with The Enclave, The Steel Rangers, or just some random pony in the wastes, hell even The Romans. Also, we don’t kick griffons out because of their sexuality or who they are with like The Red Talons do. If one of my griffons gets into a fight with another and they fight to the death, then that’s their problem. The only time they have to do what they are told is if we have a big contract, like the one with those Steel Rangers, even then, I choose who will participate on the bigger contracts,” he said chuckling more.

“As you wish,” he said finally turning back to look at me, “The reason I wanted you and your friends kept safe is because of my own contract I have with a very important mare. She also wants you brought to Los Alicorn.”

“No, the mare I’m talking about is The Director. The mare who runs The Ministry. She contracted me personally a little over a month ago. Once she realized that she couldn’t rely on her own agent to fetch you,” he pointed at my Pip-Buck, “That Mark II you have belongs to her you see and she wants it back. Your mother was supposed to bring it to her eight years ago when she left Stable 28. Instead she left it in the Stable and now you have it.”

“Why am I not surprised, everypony wants my damned Pip-Buck. Well if that’s true, they why has Gina been trying to kill me?”

“It only seems like she’s trying to kill you so she can keep up the disguise that she hates you. In truth, she’s done everything she can to make sure you live.”

“Bullshit,” I said as I point Dream Walker at him again, “Why are you here then? Trying to take me back to Los Alicorn?”

“Not at all, mostly I just wanted to meet you. I’ve heard so much from others and I wanted to see if what I heard is true. So far, I’m not that impressed, but I do see promise in you,” he said.

“Why shouldn’t I kill you here and now and take care of a problem for The Red Talons while I can.”

He started to laugh, “Child, that gun isn’t powerful enough to make it through my armor.”

I grinned as I pulled out a different mag and swapped it. One that Stardust said I should always have on me just in case I ran into ponies in power armor, “Want to bet your life on that?”

“You shouldn’t make threats that you can’t deliver on,” he said with another chuckle, “Unlike others you’ve run into in the past, I’m not scared of you.”

“If you say so,” I pulled the trigger. Archer jumped to one side, but his power armor slowed him. Instead of the bullet ripping through his head like I intended, the armor piercing round I loaded into Dream Walker blew through his left shoulder. Blood sprayed out of the hole followed by a yelp of pain from Archer as he slammed to the ground.

I aimed and fired again, but this time he was ready for it. He threw a flash bomb before I could get my shot off. I closed my eyes just as it went off, but still it was just enough of a distraction for him to fly away. When I opened my eyes, he was high above me holding onto his left shoulder, “You’re full of surprises, I’ll admit I didn’t think you’d have AP rounds for that weapon.”

“Why don’t you come down here and face me, or are you going to run away just like Gina?”

“Like I said before, I only came to meet you Shadow. Don’t worry, we’ll meet again very soon, and then I won’t be caught off guard. Until next time,” He said then with another flap of his wings he was gone.

“Motherfucker,” I said holstering Dream Walker, “What was that all about?”

A moment later Fletch landed next to me looking around with her spear at the ready, “I heard a gunshot, what happened?”

“I just had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting Archer, the leader of the Unchained Talons. You just missed him.”

Fletch looked down at me shocked, “What the hell did he want? How did he even get over here, we have patrols all over Crimson Canyon?”

“I have no idea, it’s possible that he came in with some of the other griffons for the celebration. He was in a full set of griffon power armor, it hid everything about what he looked like.”

“Fuck, we’ll have to go tell mom about this. Come on, hop on my back,” Fletch said.

Sighing I hopped aboard the griffon express, holding on tight as Fletch took to the air and flew back toward The Den. I started to think about what Archer said about who contracted him. What would The Ministry want with me or the Mark II? Do they want it for the same reason as mom, or does this Pip-Buck that’s stuck to my fucking foreleg have more information in it than even mom knew about? Either way, the more I learn about it the more I’m certain that I’ll have to head to Los Alicorn. I couldn’t put it off much longer, I have to deal with Mom, get my uncle back, deal with Wolfsbane, and now find out what this Director wants with my Mark II.

A moment later as I was lost in my thoughts we were already outside of The Den with Gigi sitting at her usual spot Looking over some paperwork. It took a little over an hour for me to explain what happened with Archer and answer Gigi’s questions. The whole time I was in The Den with her; Tonto and Apollo never joined us. Tonto I could understand, he was still finishing up with his part of The Rebirth Celebration for day one, but Apollo was another matter. From what I learned, he drank too much earlier and wasn’t feeling well. Something was going on and I don’t like it. First, I find Apollo talking to another griffon outside of the Canyon, a griffon that left a feather behind that reminded me a lot of Gina. On top of that he lied to me about what he was up to, I just know it. Then my meeting with Archer, now Apollo is sick? Something deep inside told me that Apollo had something to do with The Unchained Talons.

Commander Redwood told me that Apollo has been acting strangely as of late and he hasn’t been giving his reports on The Romans like they contracted him for. Then griffons from a Talon group Redwood didn’t know about were leaving messages for Apollo. The only thing I could think of was that Apollo was using his vast resources to spy on the Unchained Talons, there’s no way he’d work with them. They’re monsters that don’t follow the same kind of code that he does, also he’d never work with Gina, the griffon that killed the griffon he loved.

I want to tell Gigi what I’m thinking but I can’t, not without proof and a single feather from her sister wouldn’t prove anything. I’ll have to talk to Tonto again when I can, maybe once the Celebration is over.

Once I finished with Gigi, she put more guards around Crimson Canyon and sent out a small team to see if they could find Archer, even though we both knew they wouldn’t find him. I met up with my friends and we all headed to bed. Tomorrow was the second day of the celebration and no matter what happened with Archer or Gina or even Apollo, I’m not going to let it stop me from having fun with my friends.

The next day came quickly, at least for me. For the first time in a while I felt like I got a full night of sleep. That could’ve been from being cuddled up next to Aura. After a quick breakfast with the others we all headed toward the arena to watch the fights.

“So, are these fights going to be like the ones with Fletch and you?” Wind Thrasher asked as we sat on one of the overlooks to view the arena.

Aura shrugged, “Depends on how good the fighters are. Not many griffons outside of the Red Talons are as good of fighters as myself or my family. Also, the first fights will mostly be younger griffons.”

I watched as two griffons in their late teens entered the arena, one was wearing the leg-band with the Red Talons emblem on it, the other had none. They both chose their weapons, one picking a scimitar, and the other a lance. As they both started their fight I looked back to Aura and asked, “Are the rules the same as they were with your fight?”

“No, it would take too long to do a fight that goes to ten points. With these fights, the winner is the first griffon to land a killing blow. Just watch, I’m sure the kid with no Talon company will win this one,” she said.

“Why do you think that?” Wingnut asked, “The Red Talon griffon is bigger.”

Stardust answered for Aura, “Bigger doesn’t mean he’ll win. The other griffon has an advantage being smaller, he’s also using a lighter weapon that’s easier to wield. The Red Talon griffon is using a lance which has more reach, but it’s harder to change its direction because of its weight.”

“The unassociated Talon griffon also has more riding on this fight than the Red Talon griffon does. If he loses he’ll still be without a Talon Company,” Aura added.

Sure enough the smaller griffon ducked under the blunted blade of the lance, twisted around the bigger griffon and jabbed his scimitar into the other griffon’s leg. The bigger griffon yelped and dropped his lance. The smaller griffon kicked him in the side then flew into the air, twisted around and brought his Scimitar down on the bigger griffon’s neck.

Viridiana who was mediating the fight lifted her talon saying loudly, “Gavan is the winner. With his win, his request to be welcomed into the Red Talons as a new recruit to our training program is approved.”

Gavan, the smaller griffon helped the bigger Red Talon griffon up and said, “Thank you for putting up a good fight.”

The Red Talon griffon chuckled, “You’re quick and skilled, I look forward to training with you Gavan. Welcome to the Red Talons.”

“Damn that was fast,” Byte said, her eyes glued on the two griffons as they walked out of The Arena.

“They were a mismatched pair, Gavan had the upper talon on the other kid. Normally, a griffon who wants to join is paired off with a griffon who’s close to their size,” Aura said.

Fletch who was sitting on the other side of Aura along with Syn said, “Gavan’s been friends with him for years, he’s from the Lunar Talons down south.”

“Yeah, Gavan and two others were the only two who survived, they’ve been Freelancing ever since. Gavan made friends with some of the younger griffons over the past couple of years and finally was old enough to try and join us. He requested to fight his friend and Gigi agreed so here we are,” Fletch said.

“I’m surprised they’d let him fight his own friend. What if he tried to cheat?” Wind Thrasher asked.

Fletch shrugged, “We’d have seen it. Vi knows how most of the younger griffons fight so she would’ve seen if he tried to let his friend win. Either way, I think Gavan will be a great addition to The Red Talons.”

We sat back and watched as two more fights went on. One of them lasted for a good half an hour, both griffons were evenly matched. In the end The Red Talon griffon was able to win against her foe. The griffon who lost stomped away after throwing her spear to the ground. As she walked away I yawned then asked Aura, “Do you mind if I go wander around a little?”

She looked back at me, “What else is there to do? Most of the griffons are here and there isn’t anything else going on until tonight.”

“I really want to look at one of my memory orbs and see how Vervain is doing.”

She shrugged, “Okay, I’ll come check on you in a couple hours when we take a break.”

I only got a few feet away from the platform when Wingnut came running up to me, “Hey Shadow can I come with you?”

“Why?” I asked as we pushed our way past a few griffons who were heading toward the arena.

“You said you were going into a memory orb and I figured I’d keep an eye on you while you did,” he said.

“That sounds like a good idea honestly, even here you never know what could happen. Though I was planning on visiting Vervain first, she should be in Sandstone right now.”

“Damn, well I guess I’ll check out the Memory Orb first then. Though I have no idea how long it’s going to last, you might get bored,” I said as I turned to head back toward our cave.

As we walked back into the cave something came to me, “You know what, I think I have something you might like to see. I’ve been meaning to show it to you for a while, but kept on forgetting.”

I walked back into my room and started to dig through my saddle bags as Wingnut spoke nonchalantly, “Shadow you shouldn’t have, your taken, what would Aura think?”

I rounded on him and gave him a well-deserved brain duster, “Are you kidding me Wingnut?”

“Impossible colt,” I sighed and laughed a little and dug through my saddlebags again pulling out the blueprints I found for the Lucky Horseshoe, “I found these while I was with The Stranger while we were at Spitfire’s Flight Academy,” I said.

He took them and started to look them over, his eyes going wide, “Are these the blueprints for The Lucky Horseshoe?”

“I think so, but the thing I found strange about them was this,” I said pointing down at the basement level and the antenna that seemed to go from the basement all the way up to the roof, “It looks to me like there’s more to that old casino than meets the eye. But I don’t know anything about blueprints.”

He took a moment to look them over, “I’ve learned a lot about blueprints from some of the books I’ve read so this shouldn’t be any problem for me to figure out. What I find strange about these isn’t the antenna, it’s the sub-basement below it. Also, there seems to be another chamber that connects to it. A casino wouldn’t need any of this, I’ll have to look through the installation plans here to see what they did or what they tried to hide. It’s a good thing you found the contractor’s blueprints and not the submitted ones.”

He rolled his eyes, “A lot of big buildings like this have two sets of blueprints, one is the set that goes to the contractor who builds the structure, the other is the set sent to The Ministries for approval. Normally when a business wants to add things to the structure, but doesn’t want the government to know, the blueprints they submit won’t have everything on them for what they’re doing. You found the ones that have everything on them which is a good thing for us.”

“Oh, I see,” I said, “So, do you think you can find out what The Children of the Night were doing with them?”

“I’m not sure, but at the very least I could find out what they put into the building that wasn’t part of the submitted plans. This’ll take me a while, so I’ll go over them while you’re in your orb,” he said moving over to a small desk.

“There’s my smart little colt, let me know what you find,” I said pulling out the memory orb I took from The Lucky Horseshoe. I moved to lay down on the bed while Wingnut started going over the blueprints. I touched the memory orb to my horn and concentrated my magic on it.

Like before the voice of Night Stalker echoed inside my head, “What is my name!”

Taking in a deep breath I replied, “Absent Moon,” this time instead of a spark of power throwing me away from the memory orb, I felt a connection. Feeling more relieved that I got the right name, the world melted away…

The memory started unlike none other I’ve experienced before. Night Stalker was flying though a nasty thunderstorm in his power armor, rain was coming down in sheets, lightning flashing in the distance, and the wind slamming into him. If it wasn’t for the tech in Night Stalker’s armor he wouldn’t be able to see a thing through the storm. Luckily his helmet had night vision that was able to see through the murky darkness. From what I could see, he was flying over a city that sat next to an ocean.

At the moment he was flying around the tallest building in the city, a huge skyscraper that towered over the rest with a sky carriage landing platform on the top. Right now, the landing platform was empty apart from a single earth pony standing in the rain, as if he was waiting for somepony. As Night Stalker flew around looking down at the pony, Greta’s voice echoed into his com, “Boss, do you read me?”

“The target’s two minutes out, coming from the east like you thought, but he has three pegasus escorts,” Greta replied.

“No, private contractors, they look like former Shadowbolts. I know at least one of them is,” Greta replied.

Lightning Dust’s voice echoed in Night Stalkers com next, “They all are, two of them were part of the squad that was discharged after the battle in Hoofington. Their leader is still in the Shadowbolts, he’s a Sergeant with the sixth battalion, his records say he’s supposed to be stationed on the frontlines near the badlands.”

“Great, looks like I’ll have to redo the plan a little. I want both of you to keep an eye on the skies around the bank building. If he has three pegasi guarding his sky carriage then he’s bound to have more,” Night Stalker said as he flew higher watching for the sky carriage to arrive.

“I can hear you, you know Greta. Please have a little more faith in me,” the voice of Noire said through the com.

“He proved himself when he helped us take down his brother during the battle in Las Pegasus. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have survived. Now do as you’re told,” Night Stalker said.

Night Stalker watched the skies to the east as a sky carriage showed up in the dark skies. One pegasus pulling the carriage, three others in combat armor flying around it. The way they flew made it look like the storm was making it hard for them. Night Stalker seemed to be doing fine though, something about his armor must be helping. Either that or he was just used to flying in weather like this.

They sky carriage landed and the pony who’d been waiting on the roof ran over to open the door for whomever was inside of it. Night Stalker tapped a gem up near the ears on his helmet. As soon as he did the sound of the storm around him seemed to fade and the pony who opened the door’s voice was easier to hear, “Welcome to the Equestrian Bank sir. We’ve been expecting you.”

The voice of a zebra came out of the door to the sky carriage, “I have taken a great risk coming all of this way Mr. Coal. I hope that your boss was not lying when he told me he had information that would help my kind win this war. If so, we will make an example of what happens when you cross a prince of the Zebra tribes.”

The pony called Mr. Coal bowed a little saying, “I assure you that my boss has what you want. If you’d just follow me inside.”

Night Stalker watched as a huge zebra got out of the sky carriage and followed the pony through the downpour and into the building. When they were gone, Night Stalker tapped the gem on his ear again then said into his com, “I’m going in, Lightning Dust and Greta, keep an eye on those three and watch for more ponies in the sky.”

“Boss, are you sure it’s wise to go in there alone? You don’t know who else is helping that Zebra,” Greta said.

“Maybe not, but we can’t risk them getting their hooves on what was stolen. If the Caesar sees the intel, Falling Shadows will be exposed and we can’t risk that information getting out, the same goes for Project Solar Flare. We don’t have time to wait,” Night Stalker said before activating a gem on his chest. Just like when The Stranger used the one on his trench coat, time seemed to slow down. Night Stalker dove for the rooftop, he landed hard sending up a spray of water that seemed to hover in the air.

He moved over to the door, there was a number pad on it and he quickly entered six numbers. The light turned green right as the spell that slowed time finished. The door clicked and he pushed the door open before the pegasi around him could see. Night Stalker closed the door behind himself then locked it. He took a moment to take in his surroundings then said into his com, “I’m in, Noire do you have eyes on our target and is it the zebra we thought it was or just a stand-in?”

“I do, they are on their way to the main office on the top floor and as far as I can tell, it is him. Do you want me to take him out now Sir?”

“No, we need to know if this other pony has what we came for. Once we know that, then we’ll take him out,” Night Stalker said. He tapped another gem on his armor. A moment later his body vanished as if he turned on a stealth buck. Once he did he started to move down the hall. He passed by a few security guards and two mares who were talking near an elevator, before making his way toward two double doors. They were just shutting as the zebra and the pony walked in. Night Stalker flapped his wings and flew into the room silently right before the doors closed.

As soon as he did, he flew over to a dark corner of the room and watched as the zebra walked over to a large desk where a fat pony was sitting, his chair turned toward the floor-to-ceiling windows watching the storm rage outside. When the zebra made his way to the desk, the fat pony said, “I see you finally arrived Xaltin. I hope your journey here wasn’t too unpleasant.”

The Zebra rolled his eyes, “I was not expecting such a bad storm today, I was lucky the pegasi who flew me here made it through without us crashing.”

“Ah yes, my apologies, I bribed the weather patrol to help mask your sky carriage. I told them I wanted a nice rain fall for the day, from the looks of it they went a little overboard,” the fat pony chuckled to himself.

Xaltin rolled his eyes again unamused, “Be that as it may, I did not come here to talk to you about bad weather Mr. Banks, I came here because you said that you have information I would find interesting. I do not like wasting time with scumbag ponies such as yourself unless I have to. Now do you have the information or not?”

The fat pony grinned wider, “Straight to business I see, I’ll never understand why you stripes are so edgy all the time.”

In a flash Xaltin reached across the desk, took Mr. Banks by the scruff of his suit and slammed his face down, then in a calm tone he said, “I do not want to hear that word escape your lips again Mr. Banks. I am a zebra and the oldest son of the Caesar, you will call me by my name or by my title. If you are talking about my race then you will use the correct word for them, do I make myself clear?”

Xaltin let him go, “There’s a good buck, now tell me what you have before I decide to throw you off the roof of this skyscraper.”

Mr. Banks looked over at the other pony in the room, “Mr. Coal, bring me the item in question.”

“Right away sir,” Mr. Coal said trotting over to a large painting of the fat pony and pulling it aside to reveal a large safe in the wall. He opened it quickly then took out a box. After closing the safe he brought it to Mr. Banks, “Here you are sir.”

“Thank you,” Mr. Banks said taking the box and opening it, “It’s all here, memory orbs from a group of ponies that call themselves The Children of the Night. According to all records they don’t exist which brings me to believe that they’re some kind of black-ops team that work for one of The Ministries. There’s also documents about a couple of projects they’re working on, as well as intel they have on your movements near Las Pegasus. They’re led by a stallion that goes by the name Night Stalker.”

Xaltin reached into the box and pulled out a memory orb then after setting it on the desk he pulled out a few sheets of paper. He took a moment to look them over, his eyes getting wider as he read, “This intel cannot be correct, this Stargazer project should not be possible for a pony. Even if it was, the creature they would have pulled down would kill anypony it saw.”

“I assure you it’s real, my contact said that everything he was able to gather is real. If you think that Stargazer project is bad look at the other one, they call it Solar Flare. It’s a project they just finished, and if what I read is true, they could take out an entire platoon of your zebras with a single shot,” Mr. Banks said.

Xaltin picked up the memory orb again and asked, “I am guessing the memory orbs will prove what you say is correct?”

“As far as I know, yes. I wasn’t able to watch any of them, I couldn’t get my hooves on a recollector. The Ministries are making it almost impossible for normal citizens to get them anymore,” Mr. Bank said.

Looking up Xaltin asked, “How did you get your hooves on this intel? I’m sure you have your ways to find things out, but if this team is really black-ops, there’s no way a pony like you would have gotten this so easily.”

Mr. Banks smiled again, “Let’s just say I have my own ponies on the inside. One of them works at the casino that they use as a base of operations.”

Mr. Banks wasn’t smiling anymore, he looked down at his desk, “I’m not like other ponies Xaltin. Personally, I think this war is pointless and bad for business, the sooner it’s over the better.”

Night Stalker whispered as quietly as he could into his com, “The intel is here, Noire move in.”

Xaltin was looking around the office then his eyes fell on a picture just behind the fat pony, “I see, this is more personal to you isn’t it?”

Mr. Banks went pale for a moment, “Yes, it is. So, do what you want with that intel. All I care about is that you pay me the price we agreed upon.”

“It is always about the bits is it not? Oh well, yes the price we agreed on will be wired to you once I get back to my father,” Xaltin said putting the papers and memory orb back into the box.

Xaltin smiled, “I have not killed you have I? That should be reason enough for you to trust me.”

“I…guess you’re right,” Mr. Banks said sitting back in his chair then whipping the small bit of blood that leaked from his nose form Xaltin slamming his head on the table.

“You did the right thing by giving this to us…” Xaltin said then, stopped to look back down at the box, “You said the pony who leads these Children of the Night is called Night Stalker?”

“Yes, he’s said to be one of Princess Luna’s personal guards, though he’s never in Canterlot with her. Not much of a guard if you ask me.”

Xaltin’s face went dark as he said, “He is the pony who killed my brother in Las Pegasus. Him and a zebra who should have been killed.”

“I think I read something about that in the papers,” Mr. Coal said, “I didn’t know that zebra who was leading the attack was your brother though Xaltin, neither did my boss.”

Xaltin ignored the other pony and started to look around the office again, only this time he looked angry, “Are you sure nopony knew that you had this intel?”

“Of course not,” Mr. Banks said, “I was careful when I took it from my contact.”

Xaltin laughed a little, “Careful? Night Stalker is not a pony you can just be careful with Mr. Banks. He is working with my brother, a zebra who is great at figuring out the plans of others. Together they are a force to be reckoned with and for all I know, they know I am here! You should have told me who this intel came from before I came!”

Night Stalker watched as the zebra took the box and started to back away from the desk. He smiled and lowered the stealth from his armor saying, “Your right prince Xaltin, he was a fool to think he could get away with this.”

The Zebra jumped and looked at my host with fear in his eyes, “I should have known this was a trap. Let me guess Night Stalker, you have half the Shadowbolts just waiting for me outside of this tower.”

Mr. Banks on the other hoof fell out of his chair when Night Stalker appeared, “How the fuck did you get into my office!? From the reports I got you’re still in Las Pegasus. How did you get to Los Alicorn so fast?”

Night Stalker looked over at Mr. Banks and Mr. Coal and smiled, “According to spies you have in my tower, I’m sure they do think I’m still there. Nice trick of one of my unicorns. Now shut your yap, I’ll get to you two in a moment.”

Right then the doors to the office slammed open and a pony was standing there in a body tight black suit that covered his entire body with orange goggles over his eyes. When he spoke I realized it wasn’t a pony, it was Noire, “Hello brother, long time no see.”

Xaltin looked back at the other zebra and frowned, “So you are still alive Zaphan, father said you betrayed us, but I still cannot believe it. What does this pegasi have on you to make you work for him?”

“He saved my life Xaltin, he showed me kindness even when I was his prisoner and he showed me the truth about this war. I’m working for him because he is on the right side of this war, unlike father. Also, father stripped me of my name, I am reborn now brother as Noire,” Noire said.

“That’s right Xaltin, now how about you come with us peacefully. It’d be a shame for the great Caesar to lose his last son to the same stallion who took his other two,” Night Stalker said.

Xaltin grinned, “I do not think so Night Stalker, you may have killed Kajin, but he was more brawn than brains. I will not let you use your tricks on me,” In a flash, Xaltin pulled a zebra stealth cloak out of the saddle bags he had on him, at the same time throwing a small ball to the ground. Smoke filled the room as soon as the ball hit the ground. Night Stalker and Noire both backed away from the smoke, Xaltin used the distraction to throw on his cloak and vanish before they could do anything.

Night Stalker growled then yelled at Noire, “Go after him, I’ll catch up,” then he said into his com, “Lightning Dust, Greta, Xaltin escaped with the intel, take out the pegasi and make sure he doesn’t get away.”

As Noire ran after his brother and Night Stalker’s team replied to his orders, he turned back toward the other two ponies. Mr. Coal pulled a pistol out of his jacket and fired, “I won’t let you hurt Mr. Banks!”

The bullet just bounced off his armor, a gem imbedded into it glowing a little as it did. Night Stalker jumped forward and spun, his left wing shot out and the swords on the edges sliced cleanly through Mr. Coal’s neck. His head went flying only to land right on Mr. Banks’ desk, blood leaking out onto the papers. The eyes wide as they looked up at Mr. Banks, it’s jaw open in surprise.

“You really should hire better help when dealing in black market trade, Mr. Banks. Tell me, who gave you all of that information?” Night Stalker said slowly walking toward the fat pony who was looking at my host like he was a demon from hell.

Night Stalker laughed, “I sure did, but I don’t think I’ll get into any trouble for killing him…or you. Treason is a serious crime and he was a traitor to the crown, both of you are. I don’t see anything wrong with killing ponies like you. Now tell me, who gave you the information, the memory orbs, all of it!?”

He started to shake, “I don’t know his name, he never showed me his face or gave me his name. He just said the intel would be helpful to the zebras and that I could make some bits off of it.”

Night Stalker brought his wing up and let the sharp edge of one of the blades come within an inch of Mr. Banks’ neck, “Do you expect me to buy that? Why would anypony want to help the zebras?”

“I have my reasons, this war has gone on too long and with what you’ve got planned it’ll only get worse,” Mr. Banks said.

As he spoke Night Stalker looked at the same picture that Xaltin had. It was a picture of Mr. Banks, a younger looking zebra who was mildly attractive, and a filly who looked to be around eight. The filly had a few stripes on her and her eyes looked more like a zebra’s than a pony’s, “I think I understand now, you want this war over because of her…right?”

Mr. Banks looked over at the picture as well and a few tears fell from his eyes, “My wife, Kafra and our daughter Golden Sky. I did it for them.”

Night Stalker lowered his wings, “From the records I’ve looked at about you, they say you aren’t married.”

“Not legally, I met her a few years ago. She was with one of the first refugees that came to Los Alicorn when the war started to get worse back east. I fell in love and we had a daughter. Because of this blasted war I have to keep them hidden so they’ll be safe from ponies like you,” he said.

“And you thought that helping the zebras would make this world better?” Night Stalker said in a mocking tone.

“At least they would accept my wife and my daughter, better than Equestrians would.”

“You’re wrong there Mr. Banks. Do you know what the Caesar does to Zebras who have children with ponies? He has all zonies killed and the same with the zebra who had them. Luna doesn’t care who somepony is with as long as they aren’t helping the enemy.”

Night Stalker sighed, “I know the feeling. Mr. Banks, if you tell me everything you know about the pony who gave you this information, I’ll let you go.”

“You have my word as Night Stalker, leader of The Children of the Night,” Night Stalker swore.

“Fine, the pony who gave me the intel works in your tower, he’s a pegasus that has access to every part of your base. He works with the Ministry of Awesome, that’s all I know.”

“I don’t believe you, no pony could’ve gotten that information unless they were a member of The Children of the Night, and I know none of my team would betray me like that.”

Mr. Banks put up his hooves, “I’m telling the truth, the only other thing he said when I asked him how he knew all of this was true, he said that he was there when your team was working on some power system near one of the bases. That’s all.”

Night Stalker took a moment to think, “Maybe one of the workers was able to get the information from there. Most of what I saw was stored there so I guess it’s possible. I’ll have to ask Minuette if anypony could’ve gotten past her protections or if the memory spell she used could’ve not worked on somepony.”

“That’s possible, but I don’t know, now can you let me go? I told you everything,” Mr. Banks said as he shook in his chair.

Night Stalker walked passed him then pushed a button next to one of the windows, “I am a stallion of my word, I will let you go.”

Night Stalker moved quickly, he took hold of the fat pony and threw him to the ground next to the open window, “Who said I’d let you leave through the halls?”

Mr. Banks’ eyes went wide, “You said I could go. How else am I going to leave this place?”

“And you can, but you’ll go through the window, I can’t afford to let you tip anypony off about me being here once you’re out of my sight.”

Mr. Banks looked out at the rainy sky and started to shake, “I’m an earth pony, I can’t just jump out of a window.”

“I’ll DIE! You said you’d let me go, you gave me your word!” Mr. Banks yelled.

“I did, and I’m not breaking my word. I said I’d let you go, I never said I’d let you live. You know too much about The Children and sadly for you, I don’t have Minuette with me to modify your memory. So, this is the only way I can be sure nopony finds out about my team or my plans for the war. Now jump,” he said coldly.

“Fuck you Night Stalker, I’m not going to kill myself. If you really want me dead then do it yourself!”

My host smiled wider, “That’s not how this is going to go. Nopony can know I was here. Once you jump, I’ll make sure that the death of your ponies looks like the work of the zebras or zebra sympathizers. Your death will go down as a suicide, I may even make sure that you go down looking like a hero who killed yourself rather than give the zebras what they wanted.”

Night Stalker moved his face closer to Mr. Banks’, “Either you jump, or I’ll go find your wife and your child and bring them back here. I’ll have you tied up and make you watch as I push both of them out of this window after telling them it was because you were too proud to die to save their lives.”

Mr. Banks’ face went from angry to horrified in an instant, “You wouldn’t do that…how could anypony threaten to kill a child just so he can get his way?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Mr. Banks. If your daughter or your wife die, it’s because of you not me. I’ll make sure they both know that before they both go splat.”

Night Stalker’s smile vanished and he sighed, “A monster I might be, but at least I’m not a fucking traitor like you. Now either jump or let your family jump.”

Mr. Banks looked back at the open window, fear written on his face, “One day I hope that you look back at this moment and hate yourself for what you did.”

Mr. Banks took in a deep breath and said, “I love you, Kafra. I hope that you and Golden Sky have a good life one day,” Mr. Banks walked out of the window. He fell and the sound of his scream was masked by the wind and the thunder outside.

Night Stalker waited a moment then shut the window, “Fool, what did he think was going to happen when he decided to give the information to the enemy,” he sighed again then got back on his com, “Status report.”

Greta answered first, “The pegasi are down same for the one who was flying the sky carriage. We just saw a pony jump out of the window, looks like he didn’t make it.”

“I know, that was Mr. Banks, guess he decided that he couldn’t live with himself with what he did,” Night Stalker said.

Lightning Dust laughed in her com, “That or you pushed him, either way it looks like we’re almost done here. Noire just captured his brother on the roof and we have the intel, all of it’s here.”

“I’m on my way up,” Night Stalker said. He turned and headed toward the hallway that led back to the landing pad. As he walked he switched the channels on his com and said, “This is Night Stalker with the royal guard. I need the sky patrol to get rid of this storm right away.”

A mares voice echoed out of his com, “Night Stalker? What are you doing all the way out here?”

Switching over, Night Stalker spoke, “Rainbow, we got the intel back from Mr. Banks, looks like he killed himself before we could capture him. I’ll need a clean-up crew here right away.”

Rainbow Dash sounded angry as she responded, “What did you do Night Stalker!?”

“I did my job, also since you’re at the weather patrol base, you need to know that one of the higher ups is taking bribes to change the weather for some ponies out here.”

“I already know about that, that’s why I’m here. A report went out about the weather not staying on schedule and I was looking into it. Now tell me what’s going on, why is Mr. Banks dead?”

“I’ll fill you in when we’re face to face ma’am, right now I have to deal with a zebra.”

Rainbow Dash cursed then said, “Did you capture him alive? If so we need to give him to the M.O.M.”

Night Stalker just made it to the door to the roof, he opened it to see Noire holding his brother in a head lock. Night Stalker smiled then responded to Rainbow Dash, “Sorry, but we couldn’t take him alive. Talk to you later…Boss,” he cut the communication before she could say anything else.

“Let him breathe a little,” Night Stalker said then looking at the other zebra prince he asked, “Tell me all you know about where your father has zebras in or around Las Pegasus.”

Xaltin spat at Night Stalkers hooves, “I won’t tell the pony who killed my brother anything. I’d rather deal with your Ministry of Moral. I request to be treated as a prisoner of war.”

“Shame, well I guess if you won’t talk to me, then you’re of no use to me. I’ll let Noire deal with you,” Night Stalker said turning toward Greta and Lightning Dust who were standing a few feet away, “Did you find any more pegasi?”

Before they could answer Xaltin yelled, “You fool, do you really think my brother would hurt or kill me? He may have betrayed us, but he is still family and my little brother. I know him better than you do!”

Night Stalker turned back toward Xaltin then looked up at Noire who was still in his full body stealth suit, “Noire, is that true? You wouldn’t kill this zebra because he claims to be your brother? I thought your old family abandoned you?”

Xaltin looked pissed, “His name is Zaphan not Noire,” then he tried to look up at his brother, “Brother what have they done to you to brain wash you so?”

Noire looked down at Xaltin, “Zaphan is dead, didn’t you hear when father disowned me? I am Noire now and all you are is a Zebra who is trying to destroy my new home.”

Night Stalker smiled, “And what do we do to those who try to destroy our home Noire?”

Xaltin started to yell again, “You have let the stars corrupt you Zaphan! You have fallen under the spell of Nightmare…”

Noire tightened his hold on Xaltin then twisted his brothers head with a quick jolt, snapping his neck with a loud crack. Noire then pulled the mask off his face and spat on the body of his brother, “No brother, you have let the stars take hold of you, just like father. Princess Luna is just a pony who cares about her subjects.”

Night Stalker walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder, “You did well Noire. Now let’s get out of here before the cleaning crew shows up,” he looked back at Greta, “You sure we got it all?”

Greta lifted the box Xaltin had before saying, “It’s all here and more boss.”

Lightning Dust walked over to him and kissed him for a long moment then said, “We better hurry, I want you all rested up for tomorrow.”

Noire took his eyes off the lifeless body of his big brother then said, “That is right, your rehearsal dinner is tomorrow right?”

Night Stalker grinned, “That’s right, and I’m expecting my team to throw me a big bachelor party.”

Lightning sighed, “As long as you all don’t get to drunk and there’s no dancing mares then it’s fine.”

They all laughed, all except Noire. He tried to look like he was happy, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. He may agree with what he said to his brother, but he wasn’t happy about killing him. And before the memory ended, I saw him let one tear fall to the ground as he said something in zebra to his brother…

I opened my eyes slowly still taking in the strange memory orb of Night Stalker’s. From everything I knew about The Children of the Night, nopony should’ve had access to their floors or the intel on Stargazer. Did one of Night Stalker’s team betray him? If so who was it? I wanted to dive back into the orb and see if I missed anything when I saw Stardust looking at me from the end of the bed.

I blinked and looked around, the cave was dark and the light outside was starting to fade, “How long was I out? Where’s Wingnut?”

Stardust looked panicked, like something was bothering him, “You’ve been out for a couple of hours, Wingnut’s with Vervain and so is Byte, and the younger griffons, they just left through the west entrance to Crimson Canyon.”

“What? Why?” I asked getting off the bed, “What’s going on, you look like a hoard of dragons is outside the door.”

“Shadow, I wish it was dragons I really do,” he said walking over and picking up my barding and duster, “Get dressed, we don’t have time.”

Stardust looked scared, I’ve never seen my friend scared at least not like this. His eyes were wide, his breathing heavy and his wings were shaking as he said, “The Unchained Talons are coming, over two hundred griffons are making their way through the east entrance.”

“What!?” I said pulling on my barding as quick as I could, making sure Dream Walker and my plasma rifle were ready to draw, “What the hell are they doing here?”

“I have no idea, but Gina is leading them. As far as I know they haven’t shown any sign of attacking.”

“Is Archer with them?” I asked as I started to head toward the cave entrance.

“No idea, nopony knows what he looks like. You’re the only pony who’s met him and he was in power armor and keeping himself in shadow. If he’s with them, we have no way of knowing,” he said following me out.

Aura was waiting for us just outside watching as griffons started to come out of the east entrance. Sure enough Gina was leading them in, but she wasn’t holding any weapons, instead she held up a white flag. Looking over at Aura I asked, “Why is Gigi letting them just walk right in?”

Aura was glaring down at her aunt as she said, “Because she came in with the flag of parlay. On any other day of the year we’d have told them to leave or risk death for coming here, but during The Rebirth Celebration she has every right to ask for entrance.”

“She has no choice, all Gigi needed was one member of the council to accept her parlay. From what I heard Tonto gave it to her,” she said.

“Good idea, just don’t do anything unless they do. That’s my mom’s orders,” Aura said as we all started to run down to the main level.

We just got close to where Gigi was standing with the rest of Aura’s sisters as Gina slowly walked up to them all. Gina smiled wide and bowed a little to her older sister, “Gillian it’s wonderful to see you sister.”

Gigi looked ready to explode as she answered, “What the hell are you doing here with this filth?”

“Now-now sister, is that any way to act when my griffons and I come under the flag of truce?” Gina asked, a smile on the red griffon’s beak.

“Fuck your truce, you’ve been banished from our lands forever. You’re lucky I haven’t had you shot,” Gigi said, anger leaking out with every word.

“Oh, dear sister, have you forgotten that today is The Rebirth Celebration. Every banished griffon is welcomed back during this time of the year. I just wanted to see my old home, the same goes for the griffons with me. Well some of them at least, not all of them are former members of The Red Talons.”

“For most griffons yes, but you broke rule eight Gina. No matter what, you can’t ever come back not even during The Rebirth Celebration. Killing another member of The Red Talons is a crime punishable by death. I showed you mercy for what you did to Gail. You’re lucky to even be alive!” Gigi said.

Gina laughed, “Yes, Gail, the little sister who was so great, so honest, so…perfect. Normally I’d agree with you about a Red Talon killing another and how great of a crime it is to our kind, but you seem to have forgotten something sis.”

Gina’s smile grew wider as she said so all could hear, “I may have been the one who killed Gail, but I did it on your orders! Gail was the one who was trying to overthrow you, I found out about it and went to Tonto. He told me he spoke to you then he came back to me and told me what you wanted me to do. So I went to Gail’s cave, confronted her about the coup she was planning, and then killed her.”

Gigi looked ready to explode as the griffons around her started to whisper, “I never gave such an order! You’re trying to turn my own griffons against me!”

It was Gina’s turn to get angry, “LIAR! You betrayed me sister, I did what you wanted me to do, just like I’ve always done. And what did I get for my loyalty? You said I was the one who was trying to overthrow you, you banished Gail’s co-conspirators saying they were mine, and BANISHED ME! You betrayed me sister, I never betrayed you.”

“You can’t prove anything Gina, I know what happened and I did what I had to as the leader of The Red Talons!” Gigi yelled.

“Oh really? You know I find it funny that you go back to that every time you get into a bind. You always say you did what you had to because you’re the leader. It’s all bullshit, if you were really as good of a leader as you say then why have you been doing such a poor job as of late? Explain that. You haven’t been able to stop The Unchained Talons from getting stronger, you couldn’t protect Cartwheel a town that’s been friends with The Red Talons for almost forty years. You’ve been sending griffons on missions without pay to help out the fucking Courier, you bent the rules and let your griffons go into an active stable breaking rule nine. Even better is the fact that you knew about your daughter sleeping around with a pony and hid it from the rest of The Red Talons until you couldn’t anymore. It’s funny how I get banished for doing something I was ordered to do, but you can just do whatever you want and get away with it. Well I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong SISTER!” Gina said, her voice getting louder and louder.

Gigi took a step back, she looked like Gina had just slapped her, “You don’t know what you’re…”

Apollo walked up to Gigi and put a talon on her shoulder. Where the hell did he come from, he wasn’t there a second ago, “Gillian, I just spoke to Tonto. She’s telling the truth.”

Gigi pulled away from him, “Apollo what are you talking about? I never gave the order to have my sister killed.”

He bowed his head a little, “I know, Tonto did, he just told me. He didn’t want you getting mixed up in it so he told Gina what to do and said it was ordered by you.”

“I have no idea, I think we should have him come down here and explain himself,” Apollo said, a few griffons around them seemed to agree as they all yelled something after Apollo spoke.

Gina smiled, “I agree, but still you have a lot to answer for Sister. Even if you didn’t order the death of Gail, you still hid things from your griffons. You are an unfit leader, you have been for a long time.”

Gina looked over at Aura and sighed, “Sorry Aura, but justice has to be served,” then she looked back at Gigi, “Gillian Bloodtalon, in five hours at midnight I challenge you to a fight to the death for leadership of The Red Talons. As Apollo said, I never broke rule eight, so technically I’m still a member of The Red Talons and I have the right to take your place!”

“I know that, but I won’t believe this is true until I speak with Tonto myself,” Gigi said, then griffons around her started to yell and scream about justice and the truth.

Gina put a talon up and yelled, “Enough, I agree with Gillian, I can’t clear my name without Tonto’s word.”

A griffon a few rows back yelled, “Yeah, go get the old griff and make him talk so we can all hear the truth!”

Gigi sighed and looked over at Vi, “Go get Tonto from his cave, I want the truth from him.”

Gina spoke up, “No, send another griffon to get him. I can’t trust that you won’t have one of your children do something to him before he can testify.”

Aura put a talon on my shoulder, “No, don’t get yourself mixed up in this Shadow.”

I pulled away saying, “I’m the only one who can, I’m a Courier for Equestrian Express, I don’t take sides. I’ll fetch Tonto and bring him back here so he can tell his side of the story.”

“Because Tonto trusts you Apollo, if Shadow can’t get him to come out here, then you can,” Gigi said, “That is if my dear sister can trust that I wouldn’t have my own husband kill an old friend.”

Gina looked at Apollo for a long moment then shrugged, “Fine with me, but my challenge still stands sister. Will you accept?”

“Mom don’t,” Aura said, “You don’t have to listen to her, she’s got something planned!”

“Aura be quiet,” Gigi said before looking at Gina, “Fine, if the evidence about what happened shows that you weren’t responsible for the death of Gail, then I will accept your challenge.”

Gina’s beak split in a wide smile as she started to laugh, “Good, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long, long time…”

[FOOTNOTE: LEVEL UP!]

NEW PERK ADDED!

Unlikely Companion: You’ve had your fair share of enemies in the past but have either found common ground or discovered some hidden truth between you and them. When fighting alongside and enemy-turned-friend you gain +1 to all attributes. (WARNING: This perk does NOT make it easier to befriend an enemy)

Fallout Equestria: Falling Shadows

by Drako Moon

Chapter 49: Beautiful Pain