Heirs of Grogar

by Israel Yabuki


Love and Heartache In The Night

With the others occupied after the battle with the Drakai pack, Twilight took it upon herself to take Heat over to her house. Her family was more than willing to let her bring Heat inside when they saw the state he was in. Of course, Twilight had to improvise that a pack of wild dogs got to him and almost tore him to shreds. As for the house, Heat had to tell Twilight's parents his mom was renovating. Twilight had to call Celestia and tell her what really happened.

Celestia has seen enough magic monsters in her life to know Twilight was telling to truth, so she backed her up on the story when her parents tried to call Celestia. So now they had some cover, Twilight got to work on helping Heat. The poor guy's shirt was all torn up and had nasty slash marks on parts of his body.

Heat was in the living room with Twilight. She had brought a first aid kit to help disinfect some of his injuries. He flinched when he felt his wounded areas sting. "It's okay, I know it stings, but try not to move too much," she said. Twilight looked at Heat's eyes and could still see the pain and fear still dwelling within. His body was slightly shaking and who could blame him? Getting attacked by a pack of Equestrian hellhounds will do that to almost anyone.

"I feel like a real jerk, pushing my problems onto you like this," Heat says with his head down. "If only I wasn't so weak and helpless. If only I had finished my project, you'd all be safe."

"Heat, don't beat yourself up. You actually saved my life from that one Drakai who almost turned me into a snack," Twilight said, covering some of his injuries with some bandages. "You're a lot stronger than you think."

"That was because of my gloves. I originally designed them to have the same healing functions as the nano-bots my friend gave me, but I also enhanced them with a shockwave that can send enemies flying. I didn't take into account that it'd kill," Heat explained. "For a prototype, it worked, but it still needs more work. Changing the subject, I'm glad you're safe."

“Same here, I was so worried of what Grogar would have done to you if those Drakais had taken you away.” Twilight replied, trying her best to hold back tears.

"I don't understand why he would want me. I didn't do anything wrong before all of this. Feels like my life is going out of whack," Heat said. Soon, his body grew weak and he soon fell back against the couch, letting out an exhausted sigh.

"Tired, huh?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. Demons are the worst," he groaned. “Well, except Daris, of course.” As much as she was worried for him, Twilight was still glad he made it out in one piece. While Heat had his eyes closed for a moment, she couldn't help thinking how cute he looks right now. But when she remembered that he was almost topless, her face heated up.

'Oh god! Why did I choose Timber over Heat? Because I was blind! Okay, calm down, Twilight. Now's not the time for you to be thinking about that. Although, I never noticed hooooooly moly, you're wandering off track again!' she thought to herself.

Heat soon opened up his eyes and turned to Twilight. "Hey… why's your face red? Are you catching a fever?" he asked, sitting up. Heat leans in and puts his hand on her forehead, feeling her temperature. "Hmm… you don't seem to be burning up, are you gonna be okay?" The more she looked into his eyes, the more she felt her heart racing.

"Y-Yeah, no problem… j-j-just… just don't mind me," Twilight stuttered. Heat thought she was hiding something, but didn't pry out of respect.

"If you do feel a little under the weather, let me know," he says before sitting back.

'Maybe things'll work out between the two of us,' Twilight thought to herself


The days passed little by little, soon, Eternal's birthday was drawing near. Only a day and a half before he's taken by the dreaded demon ram. He hasn't told Sunset or anyone else about his curse, nor does he have the courage to do so. On a side note, his friendship with Sunset was reignited at long last. But Eternal is still unaware that merely reigniting his friendship with Sunset isn't enough. Furthermore, Shadow Knight has been growing much more attached to Starlight Glimmer, but has yet to express himself fully.

But as the days passed, Eternal's pain only got worse every time he woke up from his sleep. He didn't want to sleep, but he knows his body needs it. Sunset grew more worried for Eternal and it only made her want to stick by him for longer.

There have been no demon attacks as of late, but the girls all made sure Heat was protected from anything that would do him harm. Heat's friendship with Twilight was slowly blossoming into something bigger than that.

As for the rest of the girls, they now find themselves in a shipping triangle, seeing how all three of their friends now found soon-to-be soulmates; who are taking their god darn time making their first move, which is now tiring their patience.

As for Fluttershy, she still takes care of Daris, who has quite evolved past his own savage demon nature. Each day, Daris would sometimes do chores around her house while she was either asleep or away; although there have been a few things that broke while he was doing them altogether. Also, the Drakai had developed a positive relationship with the animals at the Canterlot Animal Shelter and he would care for them while Fluttershy was busy; even he and Angel were on good terms–which everyone thought was impossible–and the two became like foster brothers.

On the subject of Flash, he's decided to accept that he and Sunset were never meant to be. And to hear that his other crush, Princess Twilight, was taken, he decided to move on, even if it was gonna hurt like hell. As for Heat, well, his project on his new healing suit was slightly getting better, even improving on how many times he can produce shockwaves and healing pulses through it. The only thing he needed to do was inject the nano-bots into his system and create a chip that would connect to his mind and make the suit function more efficiently.

As for Shadow, he was still wrapping his head around his feelings towards Starlight. All he felt in his life was sorrow and rage. But to fall in love, was something he didn’t expect to feel ever again; however, as much he’s going to deny it, he cannot escape what is real. He has officially fallen for Starlight Glimmer.

Speaking of Starlight, everyday she has spent with the girls again, made her feel that life was normal again. Although, she did enjoy her time with Shadow during her stay in the human world and even began to notice how much he’s changed. When she first met him, he was lost in all emotions and heartless; however, in the past few weeks, she sees his personality change dramatically; especially every time he’s around her. Whenever they were together, he would sometimes make himself look like a fool and would be the first to start a conversation; and in her mind, she had never seen him act like this before. However, she did find it nice and rather… cute, actually.

Sunset told the girls, except Starlight about this and have thought of a plan to help get the two of them together. So, as of right now, Sunset and Eternal were out, taking a nice walk down Canterlot City Park, admiring their surroundings. However, watching the two while sitting on a park bench undetected, Shadow observes their surroundings, watching if there was any demon activity lurking around. Even when everything seems peaceful, the assassin never learns to take a break.

"They do go well together, don't they?" Starlight asked. Surprising the assassin as he jumps out off the bench he was sitting on and fell face-first to the ground. Starlight giggled amusingly at his adorable foolishness.

The assassin sat himself up from the grass and stared at the girl that snuck up behind him while he wasn’t looking. “Starlight? How did you… Wha-... How in the hell did you sneak up on me while I wasn’t looking?”

"I just walked here like casual. I will say this. I kinda find the new you kinda funny. It's adorable when you think about it."

Shadow couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by this fact and his face turning a bit red after Starlight said ‘adorable’. Starlight couldn't stop giggling.

‘Alright, next time I need to observe my surroundings more.’ He thought in his mind. “Well, Starlight, what brings you to the park?” He asked her.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing. And from what I can tell, you're still taking your job as Eternal guard very seriously," Starlight said.

“Well his mom hired me. What else am I supposed to do?” Inferno replied as he removed his stenson and removed his mask because of the sweating he was having, using his stenson as a way to fan himself. He’s lucky that there was no one around except Starlight to see his face.

"From the look on your face, I'd say it's much more than that. My guess is you see Eternal as more than just a job. Tell me… have you and Eternal grown a friendship some time ago?" Starlight asked.

Inferno looks into Starlight’s beautiful eyes and could not bring himself to avoid her question. “Well, I’m gonna need you to sit down for this.” he stated. Starlight didn’t hesitate and gladly sat next to the assassin as he placed his hat back on his head, but didn't put on his mask. “You were correct about me and Eternal now on good terms.”

"That's great!"

“However… it didn’t start pleasant in the beginning.” He stated once again, which brought silence and curiosity to Starlight. “Don’t tell Sunset or the others this… But, remember the night I found him and took him to Sunset’s apartment. And also that he injured his leg when he fell in the streets I found him at.”

"Yeah, he said he got it from falling on a glass bottle, why do you ask?"

“Because he didn’t fall on a glass bottle… I stabbed his leg.” Inferno replied, causing Starlight to gasp in shock as the assassin continues to tell the whole story. “The night I found, he was standing over many beaten and bloodied thugs. When I confronted him, I didn’t even know it was him at the time; however, he acted like he didn’t know me either… like his mind was brainwashed and focused on one thing… to kill. Soon after, we fought for hours. The way he fought was something I had never seen before. When he had me in a chokehold, my survival instincts kicked in; I took out my Karambit blade and I stabbed him in the leg.” He explained

Starlight gasped. "I had no idea. You're lucky you didn't pierce his bones or Celestia would've had your head on a platter!" she whispered.

“I was glad I didn’t as well.” he replied. “After I had found out it was him, I was overwhelmed with so much guilt. Soon I was able to convince him to return back to the others; although, it took a long time of arguing to do it. But in our argument, I soon discovered that he and I have a lot more in common.” Inferno explained.

"Really? What is it that you two have in common?"

Inferno sat silent for a second, unsure if Starlight was ready to hear a dark secret of his past; but his feelings got the better of him and without hesitation, he told her. “We both lost something that was a part of our lives… our fathers.”

"Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear that.” Starlight said, having sympathy for the mercenary. And of course, her curiosity got the best of her. “H-how did you lose your father?” She asked him.

The assassin sat silent once again, his face now depleted of emotions; however, Starlight could see a single tear come out of his eye. After a few minutes of silence, Inferno finally gives his answer. “He was murdered… by Grogar.” He said, with a hint of venom in his voice.

Starlight trembled, but with anger. "How many lives does he have to ruin?"

“Countless. However, after I had to bury my father’s body 6ft under, I vowed to make Grogar pay for what he did. To let him know that he had made a fatal mistake; that he has taken his very last soul.” Inferno stated with slight anger and sorrow as tears begin to escape his eyes. “I spent 10 years… 10 years! Hunting that son of a bitch! But he always remains in hiding, staying as far away from my grasp as he possibly can. But I never stopped… not while my father’s soul remains restless.” He explained.

"What about Eternal, how did he lose his father?" Starlight asked.

Inferno was left silent once again, but immediately answered her question. “He didn’t say, but I'm sure it broke his heart the same way my father’s death affected me.” He said. “But his father’s death also cost me my freedom. The last time I was in Canterlot, back before I was the feared assassin in Equestria. I was in the library at midnight, researching all I can find on demons; their weaknesses, their preferred targets, and their abilities. As I was looking for some more information…”

"You… you mean to tell me… that you… killed his father?"

“No I didn’t, please let me finish.” Inferno said. “Like I said, I was looking for more books on demons, I heard a somepony talking in the library. I knew I was the only one in the library at the time, so I went to inspect where the pony was. As I searched along the hallways of the library, I eventually found out where the conversation was. And I found his Majesty, King Blaze Burn, talking to a mysterious individual that was wearing a black hooded cloak, so I couldn’t see their face clearly. As I was listening to their conversation, I saw that the King was upset with the strange pony, as if he knew them for some reason. I kept hidden as I saw the King turn to leave but before he could leave the library, I saw the cloaked figure stabbed him in the back with a small blade 3 times and teleported out of the library before I could catch him.” Inferno explained.

"So… he was murdered by someone else and made you the suspect because you were there at the time of his death," Starlight said.

“Yes.” Inferno replied. “When I tried to tell them who the real culprit was, my words fell deaf to their ears. The only pony who knew of my innocence was my mom, but I was young at the time and I was scared out of my mind…. So I ran. As far away as my legs could carry, and you could see how that landed me.” He explained.

"I can't believe it! Does Eternal know you've been framed?" Starlight asked.

“No… I didn’t tell him. Cause even if I did, he won’t blame me for his father’s death; instead, he’ll hate me for not doing anything to save him.” Inferno stated.

"How old were you when this happened?" Starlight asked.

“I was 12 years old,” Inferno said.

"I see… So you're a year older than Eternal.

“Yeah… but 3 years earlier, I was through the same thing he has. My father was taken from me when i was 4 years younger than Eternal; a 9 year old should never have to see their father die in front of them.” Inferno stated. “Ever!”

"I agree. The poor prince suffered so much and yet he doesn't shed a tear. He must be holding it all in. If anything, he's having the hardest time trying to break out of his shell," Starlight said, observing the prince as he was conversing with Sunset. "Call me crazy, but I'm starting to think you two are more related than you think. Though… if you don't mind me saying so, I've noticed how you've been acting strange whenever you're with me. Something you're not telling me?"

Shadow’s eyes widen in fear and his body remains stiff, without a clue as to how to answer Starlight’s question. “Uhhhhhhh….” He replied, with a though of shooting himself for giving a dumb answer.

Starlight continues to stare at the mercenary expecting an answer out of him. Inferno was speechless, he didn’t know what to say to her. “Well, I…” Just as he was going to answer, his eyes soon noticed that the sky was becoming darker. He turn his head away, only to see that the sun was setting in the horizon. Soon after, Starlight turned her gaze at the setting sun, finding its coloration and beauty.

“Wow, I never expected this world’s sunsets to be beautiful.” Inferno said as he was amazed by the sight he was seeing. Soon he felt Starlight’s body lean against him, with her head laying on his shoulder as they watched the sun setting. The mercenary was once again left speechless and his face red once again.

“Yeah, it’s more beautiful than the way Celestia does it.” Starlight said with a smile”. "Always moving on its own.”

“I guess nature has untold beautiful things to it that ponies don’t need to control it.” Inferno replied while bearing a smile of his own.

But while they were having some time to themselves, the rest of the girls watched from some nearby bushes and were waiting for the two to finally get their confessions over with. Rarity especially, being the romantic drama queen.

"Oh, come on, Shadow. Give the lady a kiss, it's not that hard," Rarity whispered, trying not to give away hers and the other girls positions.

“Shhhh, Rarity they’ll hear us!” Applejack whispered, furiously.

"Umm, girls? Don't you think it's kinda… rude that we're eavesdropping on them?" Fluttershy asked quietly.

“Only if you get caught.” Rainbow replied. “Besides, we’re doing them a favor.”

"If the favor is to turn Shadow Knight into a ripe tomato, then it's working," Pinkie pointed out, forgetting to whisper. The other girls put their hands over Pinkie's mouth, shushing her.

"Be quiet, they might hear you!" Rainbow whispered furiously.

"Hmm? Shadow, did you hear something?" Starlight asked.

“I think I did?” He replied as he turned his head behind him to see where the noise came from. Luckly, the girls remained hidden in the bushes when he was observing them. After seeing there was nothing, Shadow turned back to his conversation.

“So wanna go take a stroll through town, cause I think I have spent too much time at the park.” Shadow asked, with slightly anxiousness in his voice.
 
"Sure, I'd love to," Starlight said, getting up from the bench. She and Shadow soon strolled out of the park and along the streets of Canterlot city. Leaving the girls hiding behind the bush they were in.

“Hey, where are they going?” Rainbow said out of curiosity.

"Ooh, maybe they're going on a romantic stroll. How lovely," Rarity said, sighing happily. "Love is in bloom today, dearies."

"I think you watch way too many romance movies or read too many romance novels," Rainbow chuckled teasingly.

"The author writes online romance novels, so does that count?" Pinkie asked. "He has been writing these stories since October of 2016. But he's certainly having a lot of help with his ShadowKnight friend."

"Come again, sugarcube? Ya sayin' that feller knows someone other than Eternal?" AJ asked.

"Oh it's nothing to worry about… ," Pinkie

“Shut up, you guys. We gotta catch up to them before they’re out of our sight!” Rainbow stated as she pointed towards the directions where Shadow and Starlight were heading.

"Shadow, you never really gave me a straight answer about why you've been acting so strange every time we're together. Is there something you're not telling me?" Starlight asked, this time, not even bothering to tease him. "You know you can always feel free to tell me. I am a counselor for the School of Friendship."

“Uhhhhhhhh… well, I… I…” Inferno is at loss with his words, he doesn’t even know what to say. ‘C’mon Inferno; you’re the most feared assassin of Equestria, why is it so difficult to tell a girl that you like her!’ He screamed in his mind. After taking a deep breath, he gives his answer… if only it wasn’t in a different language! “Ifiidiwdiiwdjdj?!” Inferno blurts out in anxiety.

"Uh, what?" Starlight asks, tilting her head in confusion. Her thoughts were interrupted yet again by some more commotion. Only this time, a little ways away, they two can see multiple people lighting up these lanterns and letting them go in the sky. "Hey, look at that! Come on, let's go check it out!" she urged with a beautiful smile.

"O-Okay," Shadow said. Starlight grabbed his hand and took him with her over to where they were now at the Canterlot Park bridge. Starlight's eyes lit up brighter than the night sky. As the sun set in the distance, she watched all of these sky lanterns float gracefully up in the night sky.

"Now I know. Sunset told me how every year around this time of night, the people light up these lanterns to bring everlasting happiness and love, both to each other and anyone out there searching for their significant other. It's sort of like a more giving holiday than Hearts and Hooves Day, or in this world, Valentines Day," Starlight explained. Just then, Starlight finally understood what Shadow couldn't tell her as she looked up at him. "Now I understand why you've been acting differently… and to be honest… I'm flattered." she said, keeping her hand locked with his.

“R-really?” Inferno responded in surprise, Starlight replied with a nod and a warm smile. The mood couldn't be in a more perfect setting as Starlight stared into Shadow's eyes, feeling her heart soar through the skies as she sang.

The assassin couldn’t help but feel that his heart was warming up on the inside, just hearing of how beautiful Starlight’s voice sounded and how the lights of the sky lanterns caused her face to brighten in a way that made her beautiful.

When Starlight had stopped singing, she looked deep into the assassin’s eyes and soon asked him a question that she hoped to find an answer: “Inferno… Are you in love with me?”

The Assassin smiled warmly to her and answered: “Yes.” An answer that brought a big smile to her face. Soon, the assassin found his courage and, he too, sang along with her. Now it's like his anxiety left him the more he stared into her eyes and sang at the same time. Inferno finally felt at ease for the first time in years. Best of all, he's got someone beside him. Someone… Who helped him to finally let love into his heart once again.

As their song ends, they lean in close and let their lips connect for the first time. The girls watched from afar and Rarity could not stop herself from crying tears of joy. Mascara was running down her face, a tissue box in hand, everything a lady like her needs to watch a real life romance take place.

Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out in disgust about how mushy it was getting. "About time, but jeez, cheesy much?" she asked quietly to herself.

"Oh suck it up. Ah think it's sweet," AJ said, taking her stetson off in respect for the new lovers.

"That's so beautiful. It does my heart good to see those two so happy," Fluttershy said. Behind her, Daris growled while stuffing his face full of pies. So far, he's cleaned out a total of 5 pies.

"What did he say?" Pinkie asked.

"He says "you humans are so confusing. I don't see why love is so special. If you ask me, love is completely pointless." Fluttershy translates.

Rarity gasped in a dramatic way after hearing what Fluttershy translated. “Darling! You tell that beast to take back what he just said.” She said, while she was still drying her tears.

Daris growled again. "He says "don't blame me if us demons don't care for love," Fluttershy translates as he continues eating his pie.

Meanwhile, back with Sunset and Eternal, the sun was almost out of view and he was walking back over to Sunset's home. Of course, they weren't holding hands, but they still walked together fairly close.

"Yet another day gone, another cherished moment," Eternal said.

"You're taking it seemingly well. You sure you're not worried? I mean… tomorrow night is your… you know…" Sunset pointed out, worried.

"I know, but I'm not worried. I still got to spend time with you like I have been the past few weeks and it's been fun," Eternal said. "And Sunset… thanks for everything."

"I-It was… no worries," she replied. The two of them arrive at Sunset's front door where she takes out her house key and unlocks her door. She opens up the door and steps up to her doorway and then looks behind her, seeing Eternal not budging, but looks perfectly fine. "Aren't you coming inside?"

"Later. I'm gonna go for another walk to give myself some time to think about things. But I'll be right back after I'm done. You just go ahead and rest up," Eternal assured.

"You sure you're gonna be fine on your own? The city can be dangerous at night," Sunset warned, but Eternal shook his head.

"So can I. Don't worry, not all princes are like my idiot cousin, Blueblood." he reassures.

"Well… okay. But if you run into trouble, come back," Sunset said..

"I will," Eternal then goes up to Sunset and hugs her. She hugs him right back and was about to head inside. But Eternal surprises her when he leans in and kisses her on the forehead before walking off. Sunset's face turned bright red, her eyes slightly shrunk, mouth hanging open. As soon as Eternal was out of ears reach, Sunset's eyes grew to normal, looking happier than she ever felt.

She closes her door and sighs. Sunset walks over to the steps, singing a little song to herself. Lost in her own world, she starts changing out of her regular clothes and into her pajamas. It's like a sense of peace and happiness has come over her. And Eternal was at the center of it. All this time she spent hanging with him, even watching over him, she felt herself growing more attached to him.

After she finished her little song, Sunset headed downstairs and sat on the couch to watch some TV, see what was on.


As for Eternal, the prince strolled down the streets of Canterlot, taking in the view of the city as the light lit the town up. But his mind was drifting towards a certain bacon-haired cute girl. Whether he admitted it to himself or not… he was in love. However, drifting off in his own world distracted him so much, he didn't notice that he bumped into someone.

"Oof! My bad," Eternal said.

"Didn't think I'd be bumping into you here of all places," a male voice said. Eternal looked at the guy, recognizing the blue hair and blue eyes.

"Hey… I know you. you're uh… Flash, right?" Eternal asked.

"The one and only. Listen, I know it's been weeks since that incident at the fast food restaurant, but I just wanna apologize for how I acted that day. I was acting real childish because I still had feelings for Sunset. But I've learned to accept that she likes you more. Listen, if you ever need anything from me, just let me know. It's the least I can do for almost ruining your relationship with Sunset," Flash said.

"I appreciate the offer and I'll let you know if I ever need any assistance. See ya," Eternal replied, continuing onward. Flash sighed and walked off as well. 

A few more moments of walking later, things went quiet again. Possibly a little too quiet. Eternal's expression got more cautious and more serious than before. Suddenly, his ears picked up something in the distance.

"Come on, you don't have to do this. You got what you wanted, now let me go," a man's voice said in distress.

"It ain't gonna cut it, old man. That's not nearly enough for the other boys. So cough up the rest of the dough or we'll beat it outta ya," another man's voice demanded.

"I told you before, I already gave you everything I have," the victim insisted.

"Don't play with us, old man. We saw some extra green tucked away in those other pockets of yours, so fork them over now!" the thug persisted. Eternal watched from a dark corner, his blood boiling just from seeing this disgusting display.

"Listen to what he says and we won't rough you up… much," thug 2 said.

"Come on, just kill the bastard already. He's obviously just dead weight anyways," thug 3 said, growing bored.

"No, you don't want to do that," the victim said.

"Hey!" thug 1 shouted, slapping the man with his backhand, knocking him to the ground. "Don't you talk back to me old man." Eternal couldn't stand to see this any longer and appeared out of the dark corner, storming his way over to the disgusting thugs.

"Back away from the man right now!" Eternal shouted, getting the thugs' attention.

"Hey, stay outta this, punk. This doesn't concern you. If you walk away now, you won't wind up with as many bruises as this old fart," Thug 1 threatened.

"If you had half a brain, you'd give up this stupid mugging crap and work for your own damn money, now back away from the man or I'll put you through a living hell," Eternal said, cracking his knuckles.

"Psh, you think we're afraid of a runt like you? How about we show you what we do to people who think they can be heroes? Get him, boys," Thug 1 said as he and his other members walked over to Eternal, taking out a knife and some guns. Eternal was only pissed off even more and spelled trouble for these thugs.

"Who said I was trying to be a hero?" Eternal asked in a dark, deep tone. "I'm gonna show you assholes how a true superior deals with his inferiors…" before the thugs knew it, the earth rumbled underneath their feet and a dark aura surrounded Eternal Flames. "DISGUSTING… FOUL… MORTAAAAAAAAALS!!!" 

At that moment, Eternal's entire body glowed a dark violet color. His teeth became jagged, eyes turned dark rose red and he grew claws. His body levitated a few feet off the ground and extended his arm out at the thugs.

"What the hell is this shit?" thug 1 asked, stepping back.

"I dunno, but I ain't about to stick around to find out!" thug 2 replied.

"Same here, my life ain't worth some chump change," thug 3 said, backing away.

"Screw you guys, I'll take care of this little cocky bastard myself," thug 1 said, aiming his gun at Eternal and firing a few shots at him. The thug hit his target in the heart and stomach, but the bullets bounced off his body. "What?! How is he not dead?!"

"Big mistake," Eternal said in a demonic tone before firing some dark aura blasts at all three thugs, constricting them in dark aura. He slowly clenched his hand, tightening the grip his aura has on the thugs. If he makes it into a fist, he'll cut them from breathing. And he was biding his time to make sure they all suffered. He growled with a smirk as he made the three thugs shout out in agony.


Meanwhile, back at Sunset's house, she was happily strolling through her TV channels, not caring if there's nothing to watch. She did the process for hours since she came back to her apartment; however, surprisingly, she isn’t bored out of her mind; which everyone would be in her position. But with love on her mind, she doesn’t have a care in the world

While she was happily strolling through channels, she hears a knock on her door. She gets up from the couch and walks over to check through the peephole. She instantly recognizes Starlight Glimmer and opens up the door. "Did you have a wonderful time hanging out with Shadow Knight, Starlight?" she asked happily.

Starlight nodded. She could also tell something was on Sunset's mind and she had a good feeling what it was. And Starlight couldn't be more happy with her friend.  "I sure did," she replied, walking inside. As Sunset closes the door, Starlight walks straight towards the couch and sits on it as she gives a love sigh, as she relaxes her body on the sofa. Sunset sat down beside her as she relaxed on the sofa as well. The two Equestrian-turned human girls sat silently for several minutes, they eventually turned towards each other and then shared a laugh with one another, both knowing that the other had a wonderful time.

"You should've seen how cute he was all embarrassed. I kept pestering him if there was anything on his mind every time we were together. I even got to know so much more about him that I thought possible. He's got so much in common with Eternal, like how they're both without a dad, went through their troubles on their own. It's like they're soul brothers. But even though they went through so much, they still stood strong through it all." Starlight explained. "And so far, only one of them has ever broken out of their shells."

"Something tells me it's not our traumatized prince," Sunset guessed. 

"It sure helps to have a sharp mind thanks to those lessons Celestia taught you," Starlight nodded with a slight chuckle.

"So, other than his backstory, how'd it go?" Sunset asked.

"Well… we went for a walk when it was getting dark. I saw this sky lantern festival taking place at the Canterlot City Park bridge, couples were lighting them up, sending their lanterns flying in the sky. I figured out why Shadow Knight was acting the way he was and… he kissed me," Starlight said dreamily. "Right on the lips." She then squealed like a fangirl

"Ooh, that sly dog. Eternal kissed me, too. But it was on the forehead," Sunset replied.

"Wow, he sure isn't shy about showing off how he feels, isn't he?" Starlight asked.

"I don't think he knows the meaning of the word "shy" anymore. So, I'm guessing this means you and Shadow are officially boyfriend and girlfriend?" 

"I guess so. What about you?"

"Not sure, but I am willing to admit this: I love Eternal. It's hard for me not to fall in love with him since he's been so easy to talk to recently these past few weeks."

"Speaking of which, where'd he go?"

"He said he had to go for a walk. What about you? Where'd Shadow Knight go?"

"You know him. He went to go and check up on Eternal, since it's part of his job. But you know, he sees Eternal more as a friend now because they told each other about their troubled lives."

"That's good to hear. I hope they're okay."

But Sunset's hopes were all in vain. On the street where Eternal was still strangling the thugs, Inferno was walking down the same street the prince was on and noticed the purple glowing light in the distance. He also hears the sounds of people screaming in agony, along with a line that sent chills down his spine.

"YOU...ARE… GOING…TO DIE!!!" said a demonic voice, followed by an evil laugh.

Suddenly a gunshot is heard in the middle of the streets, drawing Eternal’s attention from his victim and now focusing his attention at the source of the gunshot. Only to find Inferno standing in the center of the street with his Smith & Wesson 17-8 raised in the air, with it’s barrel smoking; revealing that Inferno fired the shot. The assassin then brings his pistol towards the demon prince, threatening to shoot him.

“If I were you, I let the guy go and no one gets hurt.” Inferno said with a serious tone. His demonic adversary's eyes drift towards him. Inferno's then surprised as the "demon's" grip loosens and the thugs fall to the ground safely before running off.

"No… NO!!! Cannot risk him! Too dangerous!!!" the demon said before zipping off at high speeds, leaving no trace whatsoever… except for a little trinket that fell off of him. Inferno quenched an eyebrow and picked up what the demon dropped. He gasped upon seeing a repaired locket necklace with a picture of Sunset on it.

“Oh shit.” Inferno said in a shocked expression. Inferno tucked the locket inside his pocket and hastily sprinted back to Sunset's place to alert her of this shocking discovery. As much as he despises having to do this, she deserves to know. The truth always hurts, but in this case, it's gonna break her heart.


At Sunset's house, the girls had decided to watch a movie in order to wait for the boys to come back and they both seemed to be enjoying themselves… at first. But as time went on, Sunset was beginning to grow worried. Starlight sensed Sunset's distress and patted her shoulder, trying to bring her some comfort.

"Relax, Sunset. They'll be back soon. Just have a little faith," Starlight assured. And wouldn't you know it, there's a knock on the door. "See? I told you so."

Sunset quickly got up from the couch and ran over to the door and opened it up. Her smile left her when it was Shadow Knight at the door. "Oh, hi, Shadow. Hey, where's Eternal? Shouldn't he be with you?" Sunset asked. Shadow Knight looked down in despair, barely having the stomach to tell her what went down. Sunset's worried expression only made it worse. "Shadow, what happened? Where's Eternal Flames?"

"Listen, Sunset… I don't know how to tell you this, so I'll just say it. I found Eternal, but he took off when I saw him in a… demonic frenzy trying to kill a group of thugs. And I know it was him because… he dropped this," Inferno reaches into his pocket, showing Sunset the locket necklace that had Sunset's picture in it. Sunset backed away, placing both hands over her mouth, hearing this shocking news.

"He's a… demon? Then… that puncture wound he got weeks ago… that was him… and the time he saved Heat Blitz from a hit and run… oh no!"

“Which explains why he reacted negatively to my moonstone potion I used to heal his wound… It’s because it was lethal to him, just as it’s lethal to demons.” Shadow stated. 

Sunset shook her head in disbelief, but stole her thoughts and ran up to her bed upstairs. "Where did I put it?" she asked herself. She searched frantically and then found her book she uses to keep in contact with Princess Twilight. She gets out her pen and writes down a message to her.

"Dear Princess Twilight,

I need your help with something: Answers. Shadow's informed me about Eternal having these strange demonic powers and took off the moment Inferno saw him. What's going on here and how is it that he has these horrible powers?

Signed, Sunset."

"Sunset? Is there anything I can do to help?" Starlight asked.

"I… I just need you guys here, I don't feel so comfortable on my own right now," Sunset said. Starlight and Inferno looked at each other, nodding.

“Well if we are gonna find a way to uncover Eternal’s situation; then we’re gonna need all hands on deck.” Shadow said. “But since the situation has gotten out of hand… Now there’s no more hiding secrets.” He stated as he removed his stenson and his mask, revealing his face to Sunset finally. Revealing himself to be the Equestrian counterpart of someone she knows.

"Inferno Blaze?" Sunset asked in shock.

“Yeah, I’m his counterpart. So now we got that out of the way, you need to call up your friends cause we’re gonna need help finding Eternal before he inflicts more damage on himself.” Inferno said.

"True," Sunset said before getting her phone out. She added the girls in a group text chat, texting them, "Girls, code red. Eternal's in danger. Meet me at my place. We need to plan a strategy to bring him back. I'll explain once you're all here." Once she got that out of the way, she sighs. "I hope that for Eternal's sake and all our sakes this doesn't end badly."