//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Break of Dawn 
// Story: Halloween Party 2020 
// by NicLove 
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Kohaku slowly walked up his big sister's walkway leading up to the cabin. Looking about he didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. He could have simply gone home to Sweet Apple Acres, but he needed the comfort only one pony could give him right now.

Good, no damage or anything out of place. I guess the punks decided to leave her home alone. I’m in no mood to rough them up this year. Kohaku closed the door behind him as he walked in. Pulling off his costume he tossed it in his room there and put on his night kimono.

Walking into Fluttershy’s room, Kohaku slowly pushed his way past the other animals that surrounded the bed before crawling under it into her little ‘cave’.

Fluttershy lifted her head up and looked down as she felt someone push his way under her wing. A pleasant smile crossed her lips as she folded her wing tighter about her adopted little brother. kissing his forehead she rested her head next to his. 

“Did you have a good night?”

“Scary dragons and shadows.” Kohaku sighed softly.

Fluttershy nodded as she nuzzled her head against his. “I understand sweetie, you get some rest. I’ll protect you. Did you have any fun tonight?”

“Well, I made a new manga friend. and got closer to a friend from school. I don’t think she’ll see me as much of a pest anymore.”

“Pearl?” Fluttershy giggled as she watched him nod his head. As if she even had to guess. He talked about her almost as much as Sweetie Belle and the other CMC’s. “Well I’m glad, now get some rest sweetie.” Closing her eyes she fell asleep snuggling Kohaku close as the other animals kept their vigil against Nightmare Night. 





Mom and dad were still out by the time Kirouac dropped Pearl off at home. Which was fine with her as she made her way to her room.

With some difficulty, she was able to get herself out of her costume, but not before setting her bag of candy down next to her bed. 

Placing the costume on her bedside table, Pearl looked it over, trying to see if anything had changed since earlier that night. But nothing looked different.

She giggled as she hopped into bed, too tired to even try and read something. “Maybe it was just for one night. But that was worth it. Seriously, how many ponies can say they did what I did?”

She shook her head as she looked out her window. “I don't know how it happened, or why me. But I’ll take being the Chromatic Dragon, even if only for a little while, every time. Even if it was a one time thing.”

She giggled. For a time, Pearl just watched the world outside her window. She had a great view toward the Everfree Forest and then Canterlot in the distance, occasionally snacking on some candy.

Eventually though, her tiredness and soreness caught up with her, and Pearl slid under the covers, turning her light off as did.

“Is it too much to ask for nice dreams tonight, Princess Luna?” She asked with a yawn before closing her eyes, and was soon snoring with a contented smile on her face.

Unnoticed, the eyes on the five heads of her costume glowed faintly for a moment before fading away.

The next morning, Pearl woke with a groan. “That’s the last time I have candy before bed,” she grumbled as she sat up and stretched. Outside, it was a beautiful fall morning. Ponies were already beginning to clean up the mess from last night.

Pearl took a moment to enjoy the view, before her eyes widened in shock. “Oh sweet Celestia, I’m late! MIss Cheerilee is gonna have my hide for this!”

In her panic, Pearl fell out of her bed in a heap, tangled in her blanket as she tried to free herself. “That’s the last time I spend a night in a haunted graveyard. Next year, I’m staying with Twilight,” she grumbled as she pulled herself free and tried to get all of her things together, not sure of how she would explain this to the school teacher.

A knock on her door finally slowed her down a little. “Pearl. Are you up?” Her mother asked.

Pearl glared at the door as she pulled her saddlebags onto her shoulders. “Mom. Why didn’t you tell me I slept in? I’m late for school, I’m in so much trouble for this.”

Her mother smiled as she pushed open her daughter’s door. Like Pearl, Cirrus Storm was also a Pegasus. Her white coat stood out next to her lavender mane. “You’re not going to school today, honey.”

Pearl gave her mom a confused look. “Why not? I’m not sick. Unless school’s canceled and I didn’t know about it.”

Cirrus shook her head, her smile growing. “School isn’t canceled, Pearl. It’s a Saturday. I warned you about eating too much candy before bed.”

That stopped Pearl dead in her tracks, suddenly remembering what day of the week it was. “Oh… right. ” She replied sheepishly.

Cirrus’s smile dropped after a moment though. “You’re not going to school next week, either. Princess Twilight has pulled you out for the entire week. Maybe even longer.”

Pearl’s eyes widened in shock. Her mentor never did that. Let alone for that long. Twilight was upset when she was home sick as it was. “Why?” She asked.

Her mother shook her head. “She didn’t say. But something must have happened because she seemed jumpy at something.” She pointed at Pearl’s costume. “She also said to bring that with you.”

Now Pearl was really confused, as she looked at it. But her eyes widened as she saw something attached to the black head. “Mom. Did you leave a note on it?” She asked, pointing at it.

Cirrus shook her head, just now seeing the note herself. “No. Your father and I checked on you last night when we got home. You were sound asleep. It wasn’t there then. And nopony’s been up here since.”

Pearl didn’t like the sound of that. But as her mother left, Pearl decided to see what the note said. Careful not to tear the costume, she pulled the note off and let it rest on her table.

Her eyes widened in shock and surprise at what it said. Twilight definitely needed to hear about this.






Flash had fallen asleep on a chair next to his best friend’s hospital-bed. They said that he’d be okay, but burnt out on magic and energy. It would take a while for Light to wake up, but Flash refused to leave him. He awoke like a shot as he heard Light groan awake.

“Uhhh… what kind of party did I go through?” Light asked himself softly before seeing he was in a hospital bed. “Oh… one of those…”

“Light!”  Flash said with joy in his voice.  “You’re up!” He pointed out before walking to the side of the bed to hug him.

“Hey… glad to see that the party is over.” Light said with a soft chuckle. “but next time, we’re going out of town.

Flash nodded.  “Yes, yes, of course.”  He told him before looking him in the eyes.   “So..”  Flash asked.  “Being surrounded by monsters, and your guardian form doesn’t get activated, but when I, a crystal-pony with unbreakable bones, is about to get hurt, that’s why the true hero that was inside of you comes out to save the day!?”  He asked before laughing with his friend.

“Um… what hero was that?” Light asked, sounding a little confused before remembering the last time Flash told him that something like this happened, which Book didn’t even know about. “I… I went guardian again?” Light asked, looking disheartened that he still couldn’t remember what happens when he goes into this form.

“Yes.. and it was… it  was something.”  Flash said as his excitement faded a little. “You took on some heavy hitters.”

Light groaned a little as he sat up. “That’s three. Three times I have woken up after blacking out and finding out that I was found in a wreckage.”

“A, yes.. I remember that.”  Flash said while thinking about it.  “Fast wouldn’t stop calling you Bruce Banner for a week.”

Light nodded with a soft sigh, trying to clear his head. “I guess it’s funny, seeing the power I have and knowing that I don’t know how to make it work without… completely losing my cool.” Light said as he rubbed his eyes. “How can I be so cowardly and yet so dangerous?”

Flash chuckled a bit. “Maybe it should have been you who was Shaggy, and I would have said “BAD”, to save on time.” 

“In character, it would have just made me fearless. Also, Scooby can’t pronounce that word.” Light reminded him before he started to chuckle. “Maybe Book should have offered us Scooby snacks?” 

“Oh, we would have cleared that place in half the time.” Flash quipped as both boys started to laugh, relaxing a little after the stressful night they had been through.

Light sighed a little as he started to calm down. “So, is everybody okay?”

“Well, Kohaku had to deal with being trapped  with.. 1.5 to 5.5 dragons.”  Flash explained.  “But.. I think he’ll be ok.”

“That's good, but did anybody get… physically hurt?” Light asked again, afraid that somebody else got caught in the fight.

“You’re the only one that was sent to the hospital.”  Flash explain.  “The only reason that I’m here was because I was too worried about you.”

“Is that why you’re not a nurse?” Light asked kiddingly, earning another laugh.

Flash crossed his arm before looking down to the side.  “I…”

“Hey, it’s alright. I was just worried about what I may have done.” Light said as he weakly stood up. “So, may we agree on something?”

“Worried about what?” Flash asked.  “and what does that have to do with my failed medical exam?” 

“Oh… sorry. That was supposed to be a joke. I forgot about the failed test.” Light said as a look of regret came over him.

“It’s ok.”  Flash said.  “Personal success didn't follow me to my adulthood.”

“Dude, you are a teacher and make a lot more than me. I think you’re successful.” Light said as he petted Flash’s back.

“Yes but..” Flash petted Light’s winged back as well.  “Money isn’t everything.”  He said before looking out, through the window at the morning sky.  “And also, I’m just a school-aide.”

“With two daughters, a nice house, and more marefriends than I can shake a stick at.” Light tried to assure him. “That, and we have each other. I say you’re living pretty well.”

“Ya… it’s true.”  Flash said before looking a little upset. “Just wish that All could have the same opportunities as us, and not be limited by their race nor their income.”

Light could tell that Flash was getting overly emotional, so he decided to get Flash’s mind off of it. “Okay, I have most of my energy back. We’re going to pick up your kids and go get some ice cream.” Light said as he got out of bed.

“Ok.. hope that they had fun at the C.M.C.’s party.”  Flash said before helping his friend out. He always liked the fact that Light could cheer him up and get his mind off of things he couldn’t control. As they started to walk out of the room, Flash had an idea about his marefriends/ “Oh and Light, you can have one or two of them if you want.  I’m only going out with 2 of them.”

“Sorry, but I’m not ready for dating yet.” Light admitted before patting Flash’s back. “But thanks.”

“Oh come on.”  Flash said.  “One of them is your Boss, and the other is your magic teacher.”  He pointed out, trying to have his brest friend, and 2 of his female-friends to find love. 

“Dude, I’m not a lady’s man like you.” Light said with a chuckle. “That, and any girl who wants me just wants to date me for my wings and horn.”

“They don’t.”  Flash pointed out. 

“They barely know me.” Light added. “Mareian just had more money in her pockets than me for the store, and wanted me to work with her.”

“That’s something that you have in common, you two work together.”  Flash pointed out.  “Also didn’t she write your name on the lease as well?”  He asked.  “Aren’t you two co-owners?” 

“That’s beside the point.” Light said before having a thought. “Actually, let’s go visit our kitsune friend before we grab your kids.”

“Ok..” Flash said while thinking of something. “Let’s.”  





“And that is my complete report.” Book finished as he and Kirouac were standing in her throne room.

Twilight did not seem pleased by the results of Book’s report. “So, you disobeyed my orders to not go on patrol…”

“Wrong. I was going to a party and ended up in a creepy cemetery.” Book explained with a stone faced look. “I had the right to step in and protect those innocent ponies.”

“And your brother…”

“Was out of control. The second Flash got picked up, he lost it.” Kirouac explained. “However, after he passed out we got him to a hospital, and if past records are true, he should be fine.”

“Hm… maybe this power is like a mother bear instinct?” Twilight mused thoughtfully, wondering how he was able to do this devastating feat. However, her focus was still on Book. “However, my pupil warned me that you may try something like this, Book. Now, do I need to report you for going behind my back?” Twilight asked him sternly.

“From what I heard you are four days behind on paperwork, and that’s with an extra man, but I can wait a week for your reaction.” Book said with a small smile. “However, I did my job, which is protecting ponies, and they were in quite a bit of danger this time around.”

“Twilight, Ah need to talk to ya. and Ah won't take no fer an answer.” A cream colored mare wearing a stetson hat barged into the throne room.

Wonderful, Twilight sighed out and smiled at the mare. “I take it this is about Kohaku’s injuries, am I right Buttercup? Well if you please be patient, I will handle this in time.” Turning her head back to Book. The princess just shook her head.

“Do you care to field this one Book? Since you were there I’m sure you can answer her well enough.”

Buttercup took a deep breath and stared down the guard.

“I can’t tell you everything that happened, but I know he spent most of the time fighting your pupil.” Book pointed out. “Me and Kirouac were doing what we could, but you forget that me and Kirouac were trying to handle your pupil, and then tons of villains. Frankly, injuries were inevitable. I’ve got the cuts and bruises to prove it. However, Kirouac and I did our best to handle the situation and we had no casualties. Isn’t that right?” Book asked as he turned to the half-breed.

Kirouac gave a soft sigh as he looked at the princess. “Was he perfect? No. Was I perfect? No. We both did our best at the time with what knowledge and resources we have. As much as I don’t fully approve of Book’s methods, he helped save lives that night. Possibly even Kohaku’s.” He said, clearly begrudgingly.

Buttercup sighed deeply as she took off her hat. “Ah’m sorry, ah don’t mean to come across like that. Now ah’m sure you did your best Book. Hell Kohaku usually has a lot of nice things to say about you. But he’s my son, After what happened a year ago in that hotel. Then to hear about what happened in the graveyard last night.” Buttercup sat down and put her hat on the ground. “Ah’m scared about what might happen to him. What if he becomes… that again.”

Twilight smiled at her friend's mom. “I’m sure you don’t have to worry about that.”

“Ah know, but it ain't easy. From what he told Fluttershy, that shadow did appear again.” Buttercup looked at Book. “Do you know how that happened? Kohaku wasn’t at all too talkative about how it showed up. or how he got rid of it. which makes me think he didn’t. so did you?” her eyes trailed over to Kirouac “or was it you?”

“I was unaware of any shadow figure.” Book admitted, in spite of him sometimes being described as such at nights.

“Don’t look at me. He and Pearl were the first to escape while we were holding the line.” Kirouac admitted.

Twilight nodded a little and looked up. “Then I think my pupil will have the answer to your question Buttercup. You're free to wait around for her if you like.”

“Ah think ah will.” The farm mare picked up her hat and put it back on her head before standing up and moving off to the side. “Kohaku’s always talkin’ ‘bout her. Nothin’ but good things of course. Although he does think she’s a might uptight and needs to relax and enjoy herself.” 

“I tell her the same thing. Excuse us, I'll be right back.” Twilight told Book and Kirouac before following Buttercup. “So, what is he up to right now?” 

“Oh he and Mac are taking down all the games and decorations around the farm.” Buttercup stopped in front of a stained glass window. it was one made in her honor for the heroics she showed that day. Taking up almost all the window was a black nine tailed fox. In the center was her clutching a small three tailed fox. the both of them surrounded by a heart. “Ah’m just going to wait here. let me know when your student arrives will ya.”

Nodding slowly Twilight went back into full princess mode as she returned to both Book and Kirouac.

“So, I’m guessing that I can go back to work?” Book asked the princess with a small smile.

“I… I never said that!” Twilight exclaimed.

“No, but Luna sent me some mail.” Book explained as he pulled out a letter. “Dear Book, we have had a long and tedious talk about your position here. Twilight has given many thoughts about you taking an extended break, along with relieving you of your duties. However, in spite of the impressive nature of the substitute she has brought, it’s become clear that they struggle with protocall and the paper load that you carry.”

Kirouac’s eyes widened at this assessment. “Hey! I patrolled the streets…”

“But not in the proper manner. You don’t follow the route, you have social chats longer than permitted, five min limit before needing to press on. Not to mention you let yourself get outsmarted by a twelve year old boy. You also haven’t listed any reasons for going off course on your reports. That’s why you don’t let Twilight file them for you. Also, there is a technicality about you.”

“And what is that?” Kirouac asked as he crossed his claws.

“You’re not a licenced guard.” Book explained as he held up the letter. “Although if you want to be one, I’ll write a letter of recommendation for you. Frankly, you are ten times as competent as normal guards.” Book said before turning to Twilight. “Shall I continue?”

Twilight’s rage started to turn into embarrassment. “I… umm…”

“That’s a yes.” Book said as he kept reading. “You and Twilight have always shown the ability to handle great workloads. However, after seeing her work these last two weeks, and after hearing about last night…”

“You told her?!?” Twilight asked in dismay.

“I report directly to her. It’s protocol.” Book admitted bluntly as he kept reading. “...It’s clear that neither one of you are capable of handling both loads. It’s also apparent that due to said events, we still have need for your night duties. Kirouac is strong, yet lacks the training needed. I’d like your report on him, as Celestia agreed that he is a capable person and has a charming personality. My sister shall be in contact with Twilight concerning this, but I will now kindly ask that you continue your duties.” Book explained as he set the latter aside. “So, here we are again. You need me, no matter how much you like to pretend otherwise.”

Twilight looked streamed at this, but still tried to put up a defence. “W… well… Kirouac could have…”

“Twilight… I’m sorry, but I was in a powerless position last night against your pupil. Book was able to buy time for Kohaku to escape. Also… I realized what it was like to fight against killers, let alone not kill them.” Kirouac said begrudgingly as he looked at Book. “He’s a good guard, and a skilled hero. Even though I don’t approve of his methods, he knows how to save lives.”

Twilight didn’t look extremely happy about Kirouac’s report, but she was quickly interrupted as Spike ran into the room. “Sorry Twilight, but the princess sent this to you.” Spike said as he handed her the scroll.

“Another one?” She asked before recognizing Celestia’s symbol on it. “Oh… this must be the one Celestia was talking about.” She said as she opened it up and read it.

‘To my dear student, Twilight Sparkle.

I have been thinking long and hard about your complaints about Book, namely your disapproval of methods. I know a lot of this stems from what you stand for and your upbringing, but I have yet to find a good reason to release Book from his duties. I know of his arrogance and cold attitude, and I do ponder where it stems from. However, as a mare who has seen wars and crimes that I pray you’ll never see, I do see the need of somepony who can draw the line where you can’t.

I know that you will argue with me about the voting process, so I decided to conduct that vote formally three days ago. Luna and I voted against, and you have voted for many times. Cadence also voted for it provided that Book gets proper compensation and any assistance he needs. Light Heart repeated that he’s not royalty and asked why I barged in on him. I gave no answer. As for my final inquiry, Flurry said “Bubbles”. 

The final vote is two for, two against, one refusal on a technicality, and one bubbles. The vote didn’t pass.

Forgive me if you found that to be cheeky of me, but consider it payback for being behind on Book’s paperwork. I know that you have carried immense workloads before, but currently, you can’t handle yours and Book’s at the same time, even with Kirouac’s help.

I know that Book is a difficult pony to work with, but I have seen you turn enemies into allies, lonely into friends, and broken into whole. If you believe so strongly in friendship, then why are you refusing to try to work with a pony who was once your friend?

I hope that the events of last night will show you where Book’s loyalty lies, and that he understands where I drew the line for him. No killing, only high level crimes, and to protect first, fight second. He’s no saint, but we will continue to let him do his work as a guard, and a hero. However, we will work on finding a way to ease his workload.

Also, I hope that you give Kirouac my most sincere thanks for doing his best, and that I would gladly like to see him gain proper guard training, and possibly officer training if he is interested in guardwork. 

I hope we may continue these talks on friendlier terms soon.

Sincerely

Princess Celestia.’

Twilight stared at the letter in disbelief, realizing that her plan to get rid of this vigilante didn’t work anywhere close to where she was hoping. She gave a soft sigh as she looked at Book and Kirouac. “You two are dismissed. Kirouac, if you wish to get formal training, feel free to talk to me later, or ask Book about it. I was legally required to say the last part.”

Book nodded before bowing, which always irked Twilight, even though this was rare for him. “Thank you Twilight, and I hope you remember that my job is to serve the people and my princesses, in spite of you not trusting me.”

Kirouac bowed as the two men walked out of the room.  As the two of them left, Spike clutched his stomach for a moment before belching up another letter. He looked rather surprised as it materialized. “Huh. Princess Celestia usually doesn’t send two letters.”

Twilight took the letter with her magic, also confused. She hadn’t been expecting another letter today. But as she unrolled it and began to read, her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.

“What’s it about?” Buttercup asked.

Twilight shook her head as she finished it and rolled it up once more. “It’s about Pearl.” She stood up and ignited her horn. “I’m sorry to run like this. But I will be right back,” she said before disappearing in a flash of teleportation.

Buttercup just nodded and watched the princess disappear. Walking over to her daughter’s throne the mare smiled as she ran a hoof over it and sat down on the cushion “Ah can see why she likes this seat so much. very cozy.”

Ten minutes later, Twilight returned, an unhappy look on her face as she returned to her throne with a sigh. “I hate doing that,” she grumbled.

“Things arn’t goin’ to well ah take it.” Buttercup lifted the rim of her hat, having lowered it over her eyes earlier. “Well ah won’t bother ya about it. You have enough on your mind without me picking it.” Getting up from the throne Buttercup walked over to Twilight. “Ah still would like to talk to yer student, though. Just send her to Sweet Apple Acres when she’s able.”

Walking toward the door she looked over her shoulder. “Thanks fer hearing me out earlier. And ah’m sorry for barging in like that.”

“It’s okay Buttercup, you're always welcome here. Particularly around this time of year. I know it can’t be easy on you.” Twilight smiled pleasantly. 

Buttercup sighed and nodded. How long had it been? Twelve years now, closer to Thirteen really. Closing her eyes she took a deep calming breath. “Yeah, Ah miss Bright Mac somethin’ fierce. Had Granny not broken her hip forcing me to stay, Ah would have been caught up in that rock slide along with him. But Ah try not to dwell too much on the past.”

“Well, give your boy my best regards. and I have a few new books I’m sure he’d love to read.”

“Ah’ll do just that, once ah clean up whatever mess mah two boys have gotten into” Buttercup chuckled as she opened the Castle doors and almost walked over a small filly. “Oh Ah’m sorry little one, wasn’t watchin’ where I was goin’.” she said ruffling Pearl’s hair before walking out and started to gallop toward her home.

Pearl nodded, but didn’t say anything as she entered the castle. She wondered what Kohaku’s mother was doing at the palace this time of day. She froze up a little afraid that it might have had something to do with how Kohaku ended up looking like he did, or that she nearly killed him.

As they walked down the hallway, Book looked at Kirouac curiously. “So, why did you stand up for me?”

“Why wouldn't I?”  Kirouac asked.  “You're a… somewhat nice pony. You just need to find a way to manage what is in you.”

“What do you mean by that?” Book asked curiously.

“I.. I see a bit of little me in you.”  Kirouac admitted.  “When I was young I wanted to be the line in the sand and be able to take on the worst the world threw at me. Of course, I wasn’t as broody, but I see that dedication in you”

Book raised his eyebrow at this as he felt rather sceptical about this. “What changed?”

“They started to make stories about fire-breathing monsters that were worse than what I was fighting.”  Kirouac explained.

“Better than a shadowy demon.” Book explained as a dry quip.

“Do they think that you cook them before feasting?”  Kirouac asked.

“No, but they think that the glow my eyes gives off when I’m fighting is hellfire, in spite of it being green.” Book admitted. “So what did you do?”

“I decided to rebrand myself.” Kirouac explained.  “Show them that I wasn’t the bad monster that they thought I was.”

“And you think that I need to go through that change?” Book asked as he didn’t seem to like the idea.

“Well.. go ask Luna if they have nightmares about you, or what you are fighting.”  Kirouac asked.

“Kirouac, I know that the Shadow Knight isn’t some bright and shiny hero. Admittedly, I based him off of Batman in some ways. However, there are people, criminals who need something to fear.” Book tried to explain.

“But what when it’s the foals that fear you?”  Kirouac asked.

“Does it look like I do kids parties?” Book asked like this suggestion is nonsensical.

“But what if a kid sees you and can’t go back to sleep because of the fear you give them.”  Kirouac asked. “If you can scare grown adults, why should kids be any different.”

“You still don’t understand why I do what I do.” Book said defensively as he started to walk off.

“Some pony that you know got hurt, or dead and you blame your-self because you think you could have stopped it?” Kirouac asked. 

“That’s why I work alone!” Book barked as he turned to the half breed. “I put on the mask so I could protect my people. So we don’t have people like Batman or Spiderman or other heroes born in tragedy! That’s why I had to put on darkness and fear, because no one else will without that birth by blood.” Book explained firmly. “Do you think that criminals are just going to stop if law and order quits? No. I became a hero so that someone else doesn’t have to be. That’s why Twilight hated me the second I put on the mask. She doesn’t understand that some evil needs a response, and friendship isn’t always it.”

“Ok.. but don’t forget about the most important part of life.” Kirouac told Book before he could leave. 

“And what is that?” Book asked as he neared the door.

“Friends and Family.” Kirouac said as Book paused before him.

Book seemed hesitant as he reached for the door. “I… I know that my family is a key element to me being able to put on the mask, but friendship is something I don’t have anymore. I know having family alone is dangerous, but friendship… is something I lost before I put on the mask, and I can’t get it back.” Book explained before turning to Kirouac. “I do respect you, and admittedly, you are better than me. I know that, but we both need to exist in order for the world to keep turning. I just hope that my life won’t be in vain in my mission to keep the peace.”

Pearl pushed open the door, having heard the whole thing. “Then if you want your ideals to live on after your death, don’t try to force ponies to stand with you. Give them a reason to stand with you. Batman never demanded anyone stand with him. And yet so many do.”

Book sighed as he looked at the child. “I’m not forcing you to stand with me. I stand alone. People like me aren’t around anymore, and I am not an agreeable person. Just remember this, the people who often stood by batman got broken, one way or the other.” Book said soberly as he started to walk off.

Pearl watched him go. “Broken, but they didn’t quit. Not the ones who believed in the ideal he fought for.”

“And do you see any believers? My biggest one is my arch nemesis.” Book pointed out.

“Then why keep fighting?” Kirouac asked curiously.

Book paused for a moment as a soft glow came over his eyes. “One, I believe in it, and two… I love my job.” He admitted with a small grin. “You’d have to know me better to understand why.”

Kirouac smiled.  “Then let me!”  He asked.

“Really?” Book asked with a raised eyebrow. “What about the whole nightmare thing?”

“Together we managed to save both you little brother, and his friends.”  Kirouac pointed out. 

“But we have two different ideas of how things should work.” Book added. “I also don’t work well with others.”

Kirouac grabbed Book’s hoofs with a large grin. “If you say yes, we can convince Twilight to get off of you.”  He offered.

Book looked sceptical as he stared at Kirouac. “Why? And what's the catch?”

“You and I have to be partners.”  Kirouac asked.

“You have something planned.” Book said, not believing that Kirouac would just hop on board with this.

“Maybe!”  Kirouac asked with a blush.

Pearl rolled her eyes as strolled past the pair. “You two enjoy your new bromance. I’m in enough trouble as it is. Don’t wanna keep the princess waiting.”

“We aren't in love!”  Kirouac called out at her.  “And I already have a lover/wife!”

Pearl turned and gave Kirouac a flat look. “Yeah? Who?”

“Derpy!”  Kirouac called out.  “Derpy Hooves!”  

Pearl wasn’t convinced. “I’ll have to ask her about that. Don’t remember seeing you two together before.”

“How many dragons do you see allowed to walk around ponyville.”  Kirouac asked.  “she goes to my place!”  He pointed out.

Pearl waived a wing dismissively as she turned back to the throne room door. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll believe it if Derpy says the same thing. Unless you made her swear not to talk about it.”

“You’ll have to ask her specifically.”  Kirouac asked.  “She doesn't think that anypony would believe her that she is with a half dragon.”  

Pearl nodded. “Oh I will. But after I get chewed out for nearly ripping you guys to pieces last night. I’ll be lucky to still be her student after what I did.”

“Oh, talk away. I’m married to my job, and I think after my performance with Twilight, you’ll have a better time with her.” Book explained with a grin as he simply walked away. “And Kirouac, I’ll think about it, but the next time we train, I will kick your flank.”

Pearl giggled. “Now that’s something I’d like to watch.”

“a pony besting a dragon?”  Kirouac asked Pearl.