//------------------------------//
// Chapter 38: Canterlot Affairs 
// Story: To Equestria And Beyond (Rewrite In Progress) 
// by NightFurySpeedey8156 
//------------------------------//

The sun rose slowly and smoothly over Canterlot, rays of light shining through the windows of high level apartments and towers to welcome in the new day. But like most things in life, not everything runs at the same pace. Which is a more factual statement when considering a certain couple that still lay asleep within Canterlot Castle.

The black predator and the dark blue princess were huddled up together in each others' arms. They looked quite at ease. But one of them had to wake up eventually. Certainly not the princess of the night who hated the morning light but instead her catlike lover, Night Fury. He was more accustomed to waking up early as his kind was known for burning the early morning oil that most would leave till later in the morning. He looked out the window in pause, taking in the early morning light as he thought about his day.

Looks about 7:00 am, the perfect time to get ready. But I'm gonna have to be quiet too, I've got a girlfriend now. I can't just sloppily rock her awake like I would have done if I was alone. 

While the energetic Shifter appreciated being so close to his girlfriend, he also cursed how the sleeping Luna had him in a tight grip. Her four limbs wrapped around him, he would have to remove each one carefully.

Fury started with her front legs. Being an alicorn she was quite muscular which made it hard for him to move without his powers. But he managed to do so. And now onto her lower limbs.

Oh great, this is gonna be even harder.

He bemoaned that the lower limbs were in an even tighter grip and they were farther away from his arms. He really had to stretch to reach them while also wringing his own lower limbs to move them. He desperately prayed that she would not wake up, as he heard of how furious the Princess of Night could be without all of her sleep. Then, he got an idea.

Wait, why am I going through all of this stealthy rigamarole when I'm a Speed Shifter? I can just transform into something small and get out that way! Sometimes I'm amazed at how oblivious I can be with my senses.

After some contemplation, he placed his bets on a slug. After all their slimy bodies would help him slip through Luna's tight grip. 

As he transformed, he was still in her grip and he was unfortunately quite long for a sea slug. He was still too tired to use his full energy to shrink himself. But for Fury, he was fine with that. 

With his gooey body at his disposal, he was ready to slip by to freedom.

"Here I go!" The large black slug whispered to himself.

He used his full effort to slip past her first leg. After a whole minute he finally got past. 

The second leg was the same though it had a somewhat stronger grip, so it took him a full two minutes to get close to escaping.

"Yes, I'm almost there!" He whispered in triumph.

But the gods must have had a sick sense of humor for him, for just as he was about to leave, Luna all of a sudden rolled toward Fury, placing all her body weight on him.

Gah! So close! He said to himself, resisting the urge to yell in frustration.

Fury now was trapped under Luna's whole body. He had to admit, despite the pressure, it did feel kind of nice feeling Luna's warmth. 

Fury shook his head though. "Wait a sec, I like being close to her, but I cannot let that be an excuse to skip my morning run! What kind of Speed Shifter would I be then?!" He whispered. He continued to squirm against the pressure, moving slowly but surely until he came out from under her and next to her belly.

"Okay, I'm getting closer. I just have to do as Amethyst said and suck it up and get right ahead." Fury said, slipping under her soft stomach. He found it harder to inch ahead with all the weight of an alicorn on top of him. Luna might be smaller than Celestia but she was no lightweight.

"Ugh! This is so hard! Come on boy, you just gotta get to the end…" Fury said. He squeezed and squirmed against the soft fur of his lover's underside, trying as hard as he could to not wake her. But unknown to him, she was about to do it before he could cause her to.

Luna began to slowly shift, her body rubbing against Fury's smooth back as she began to awaken. She let out a stretch of morning pain and laid flat on her stomach, completely unaware that her boyfriend was under her.

"Eeeeeeeeeehhhh!" Fury squealed quietly, feeling even more pressure than before.

"Oh, morning already?" Luna grumbled to herself. "I wish my sister could understand that I desire more sleep!" She said, sighing into the pillow. 

"I want to sleep more. I have to reposition. I feel uncomfortable." Luna said as she shifted her body to the left, much to Fury's even greater dismay.

"Ohhhhhhhh. Whyyyyy…" He said quietly. He was even more surprised that she couldn't hear him.

Luna finally settled down. She felt comfortable again. And yet, she felt like something was missing or more accurately… someone.

"Oh that lightning bug, He always goes from place to place. Probably wants one of my moonpies. Hmmm, moonpies. Yes, that sounds delicious…"

The utterance of moonpies made her hungry. Her stomach rumbled and Fury was at the receiving end of the shock.

"Ahhhhhh!!! And I thought Sunbutt had a big appetite!" Fury said. "This is worse than an earthquake. But I can't get out…!"

Luna however, was none the wiser of his current predicament. 

"Oh my! I must be hungrier than I thought if that's the noise coming from my stomach. Maybe I should go get some food… Ohhh, but I don't want to leave this comfortable bed." She whined, nuzzling the pillow between her forelimbs.

"That Luna, She's hungry but she won't listen to her stomach's desires?!" Fury asked, baffled at the choice between sleep and food. For him, he would always pick food, even at the worst possible times.

He finally decided to give up his hope of a stealthy escape and tried to get her attention.

"Moonpie! Hey Moonpie, I'm under here!" Fury called out. Luna's ears flicked to the distant noise as her head turned around to try and find the source.

"Lightning Bug? Where are you?" She asked, her stomach growling a second time. Fury's body was shaken up again and his head was rattled almost to the point of being dizzy.

"Ughhh… I'm under your earthquake of a belly." He said weakly, his head a little rattled.

Being shocked at this, she raised her torso up finally giving the poor slug some much needed room. She finally saw a large black slug.

"You were under me the whole time?!" She asked bewildered.

"Yeah, I know, it's weird. I was just trying to get my day started early without waking you, so I transformed into a slug to try to squeeze my way out. Unfortunately, you turned over on me and trapped me under you."

Luna was horrified. She didn't realize she could do so much in her sleep until now.

"By the stars, are you alright!? I didn't break any bones, did I?! I am so sorry. I will fix you up!" Luna said in a panic while grabbing Fury and investigating.

"Luna, I'm a slug! I don't have bones! At least not in this form. And I'm fine! Well, mostly. Your stomach made it like a giant earthquake under there." Fury moaned.

Luna placed him back and blushed. "Yes, well, you see it is my daily ritual to have a bunch of moonpies in the morning. That and all of that circus action made me forget to eat." Luna admitted.

"Yeah, I can tell. My mom always says my stomach growls a lot. But wow, yours is like a giant monster!" Fury said. Luna's blush deepened as he commented on her appetite. She had to admit that she had a hidden foodie side to her, but she mostly suppressed it to keep herself from falling into an irreversible craze like her sister.

"Well for me, moonpies are the only thing that makes mornings actually pleasant to deal with. Without them, I don't know where I would be." Luna said, her mouth watering at the thought.

"Heh, look at that. The Princess of the Night has an underlying appetite. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to be just like me." Fury said, transforming back to his original form and giving her a half lidded smile.

Luna rolled her eyes. "Very funny lightning bug. But even I have my limits. I do not eat nearly as much as you do at breakfast."

Fury chuckled. "You should take that as a compliment. Whoever eats the most is the one who loves food the most. Your moonpies or my fish? A challenge for the ages!"

"Oh dear, don't tempt me. I'm already as hungry right now as is. Although, speaking of breakfast, why do you always choose fish?" Luna asked, showing genuine curiosity.

"Well, it kinda stems from the actual lack of choice we had back home. While we did have a few hunting trips for different prey, we only used them for material commodities like wild boar for their tusks and the occasional bull in a pasture for leather. Believe it or not, and brace yourself for this one, babe… I don't know what eggs or pancakes taste like." He admitted.

Luna gasped in what looked like horror. "You do not know the succulent taste of a pancake?! How is that possible?! And not even an omelet has crossed your lips?!"

"Yeaaaah… Not many of the stuff you guys cook, we Speed Shifters had the opportunity to discover." Fury said with a blush. Luna was shocked, her one true love had never tasted the sweet taste of buttered pancakes with syrup or the savory mix of flavors that an omelet holds.

"Your people must truly be in poverty if they do not know the food of joy! Fury, I must show you the way!" Luna declared. She charged her horn and teleported away in a blue flash. Fury was left on the bed confused before he was spooked by the random appearance of her in her closet.

"Hurry, my love! We must prepare ourselves for the day so that I may treat you to the wonderful world of breakfast foods!" Luna said, grabbing a toothbrush and toothpaste.

"Okay okay, I'm coming. Let's get this don- yikes!" Fury yelped as he was yanked by the tail into Luna's personal walk-in bathroom to wash up and get ready for the day as quickly as possible.

I just wanted to go for a run…

–

"Good morning, you two! I hope you are ready for some of my renowned pancakes! Filled with exotic syrup and even some chocolate bits." Celestia said enthusiastically to her niece and mother who shared her sentiment.

"I can't wait to chow down!" Cadence said.

"Now before we go, I want to see Luna and Fury. They're a little late it seems."

"Can you really blame them, auntie? Fury is a cat who loves to sleep in and Auntie Luna just doesn't like the day in general, I'm not surprised they're not here because they're probably sleeping in." Cadence said, her smug expression being at its most prevalent.

"Well I wish they came, I put my heart and soul into making these taste absolutely delicious!" Celestia said in an unusually whiny voice. Just then, the two nocturnal creatures of the night came in fast. Fury being the fastest, he drifted around the table until he came to a stop at Cadence's side. 

"We have come forth for an important assignment! Hear ye! Hear ye!" Luna cried out loudly.

"Yeah I don't think you spoke loudly enough." Fury said sarcastically.

"You're right." She said naively. "Ahem. "We have come forth for an important assignment!!! Hear ye!!!" She said even more loudly.

"Sweet mother of Faust, I was kidding!" Fury said in vain of who was present. "Who even is her mother anyways?" 

Ignoring Fury's remarks, Cadence asked, "Alright, alright, Auntie. What's the news?"

"It has been brought to my attention that even through his long life, my poor baby Lightning Bug has never had the luxury of tasting the beauty that is eggs and pancakes!"

Everyone had different reactions. Cadence was confused, Faust was curious, but the most noticeable was Celestia.

"I-is it possible for a creature to not know the true meaning of flavor?! What is the dreadful society we live in?! I have failed you, Fury!" Celestia cried, practically leaping at him and hugging him close as if she had seen him nearly killed.

"Oh come on, it can't be that big of a deal!" Fury protested. But that only made things worse.

"Not a big deal?! NOT A BIG DEAL?!" She said in a rare Royal Canterlot voice.

"It is an atrocity that you have not been exposed to such joy and beauty as the taste of omelets and pancakes! At least tell me you've had syrup!" Celestia screamed at the top of her lungs.

Fury cringed as he opened his mouth again to speak. "Uhhh… what's syrup? Is that some sort of cheese?"

The other princesses gasped, this time in an unmistakable collection of shock. They never knew Fury could say the exact wrong thing at the wrong time. He was not known for having discipline with his remarks, but even he should know better than to ask this to the desert loving princess like Celestia.

"What is this horror? What is this great societal problem where our own guest knows not of such sugary sweet delights?! Ahhhhhhh!!!!" Celestia cried in agony.

"Whoa princess, chill out! My eardrums won't exist anymore at this rate!" Fury said to Celestia. The other princesses gathered around to hold Celestia and calm her down, Cadence using a calming spell normally used for arguing couples.

"What in the name of Luna's mane is going on?! I'll admit that I don't know much about pony culture, but what in the flying feather is this?!" Fury called out in genuine confusion with a tint of fear.

Faust gave a sheepish grin. "Let's just say, my daughter has strong opinions on sweets. Everyone loves them, but only Celestia loves it like one of her children."

"Well, that was a major surprise! And not a good one! Seriously, this is starting to scare me!" Fury said.

Celestia though was silent for now at least.

"Um auntie, are you okay?" Cadence asked.

"...a little more."

Everyone sighed in relief.

"But injustice is still being done as we speak." Celestia said and then she spoke up. "Ambassador Night Fury, we must solve this issue! You shall have syrup, pancakes and eggs right now! Your tongue must understand! I will not let you leave till you are fully satisfied!"

The Princess of the Sun then teleported away quickly. Fury was left stunned with all of the craziness he had just experienced, even he didn't think this was funny.

He stayed silent for a moment before speaking his mind. "What the-"

"Fury! Language!" Luna warned. 

Cadence whispered. "Just agree to eat the food. She's not herself. And maybe she'll be sane again."

Fury asked. "Okay, but I hope this syrup does not give me the feeling those hay burgers gave me."

Celestia then shot into the kitchen with the speed of a cheetah. The other princesses and Fury heard mincing, mashing, stirring and burning.

"Am I wrong for thinking that after me technically 'Offending' her, that she may or may not try to poison me?" Fury said, with a crooked face.

"As her younger sister, who knows her inside and out, I can safely say no you are not wrong." Luna said to her. "And everypony says she's the calm and wise one." She whispered grumbling.

–

A few minutes later…

Princess Celestia came back into the dining room, walking proudly with five plates for each of them balancing on her wings and head as a way to passive- aggressively show off.

"Hello, everyone. I have come with gifts of joy! I have made the best possible meals I could muster! Well besides cake, but that is another story. Prepare yourself for a culinary delight!" Celestia said while giving a little spin before continuing for no reason.

She passed around the plates with grace, one after the other. Going around the table, she let the plates slide smoothly off her without incident before stopping at Fury. She stood tall behind him, placing his plate down before lowering herself down to his shoulder with a caring smile.

"Now, I want you to look at what is before you. Doesn't it look scrumptious?" She asked. Fury looked at the plate with scrambled eggs and pancakes with syrup and a pat of butter on top. As he looked at the plate, he couldn't help that his eyes seemed to glisten while seeing what looked admittedly very delicious. His mouth watered at the sight, licking his lips at the food.

"It looks good, doesn't it? So much sweet syrup drizzled upon the pancakes, the savory looking eggs that are seasoned to perfection, the wonderful aroma that makes your mouth water…" She listed in a hush voice. 

"Oh, stop teasing him, Tia. Any more drool from him, and this place will be flooded." Lauren chuckled.

Fury stared at the mysterious food before him. "I have to admit, I thought eating eggs was for lizards. And I expected pancakes to… you know, actually resemble cakes. But you know what, if the Crystal Empire taught me anything, it's that anything can be good. So let's see if this food passes the Speed Shifter Food Ranking." He said the last part in a pretend fancy Prench accent.

Fury then proceeded to pierce the pancake before him with his fork. He inspected the piece of pancake closely, watching the syrup ooze on it for a second before eating it. He chewed on it slowly, the soft texture being a pleasant surprise. Then his taste buds hit the syrup… and his eyes went wide, as big as saucers.

He felt as if he was transported to another world. A world where nothing went wrong and everything was right. He now knew why Celestia felt the way she did.

The other princesses on the other hand were worried. Fury just stood there with a blank stare for ten seconds.

"Um Fury? Are you still there?" Faust asked.

"Oh no, have I failed the pancakes?! I am a disgrace! I deserve not to be called princess! I-"

"THIS IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER TASTED!" Fury finally cried out almost as if tears were coming out of him. "This… this is a masterpiece. The succulent flavor. The syrup, whatever that is. The soft texture." Fury said in delight. 

"Now, what about these eggs? I've never seen eggs like these." He said. "Where's the white stuff? Why does it all look just like the yolk?"

Celestia smiled. "It's complicated. I'll just say that it is as fluffy as a pancake but with a savory flavor instead. Also I added some cheese on it with some salt and pepper."

Fury liked the sound of that. "Well then, let's see what this egg pancake is like then!" He said, gobbling up the omelete.

"Wow!" Fury said while still chewing. "I never had this before! I thought eggs were only what desperate wilderness survivors would eat, but they must have no idea what they're doing if this is what eggs can turn into! Mmmm, totally a 10/10 tastylicious!"

Then, Fury got an idea. "Wait! I can add to this, I can make it even better! Back in a flash!" 

He took off quickly and left the room. In three red flashes, the pancakes on his plate were topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherry on top.

"Ta da!" Fury said, presenting his creation to the princesses. "What do you think ladies? Pretty genius eh?"

Celestia salivated at the sight. But she restrained herself for the only way to find out if it was good was to eat it. Fury took note of this with his sharp senses and brought it to her attention.

"I see that to think my creativity looks tasty. Why don't we share it?" He suggested.

He took his nail and sliced the pancake delight in half.

'Uh Fury, you know you could have used a knife right? Your claw's all dirty." Cadence said.

"Where's the fun in that? Besides…" Fury slurped his paw of the cream. "...it was never dirty. It was just food waiting to be consumed."

Luna and Cadence rolled their eyes in amusement, but Celestia looked focused as if her life depended on this moment.

"Well, then in the name of the Sun, I shall judge thee!" Cadence levitated a knife, cut the pancakes into quarters, and pierced her fork. She was ready for the taste. Celestia, Luna and Fury did the same and we're ready to see what had been created.

And after examining what was before then, they all dove in.

The princesses slowly ate the pancake, taking in all the flavor, even the subtle ones. The fluffy whipped cream, the sweet sprinkles, the oozing syrup. It tasted like what a sugar rush felt like.

Celestia got up.

"Fury, I have thoroughly analyzed this cake specimen and what I have to say is…"

Please like it! Please like it! Please like it!

"-in my humble opinion, is one of the finest achievements that Canterlot has ever seen. Absolutely amazing. I cannot comprehend how delicious this is, you have truly created a masterpiece. And I'm sure my fellow royals will agree." Celestia said.

"I have to agree, it tastes amazing! The soft pancake, the puffy whipped cream, the sweet but small sprinkles. It's all just amazing!" Luna said.

"Fury, I'm gonna be honest with you. It tastes like my childhood, filled with cheer and happiness with no dark spots in sight. It's like the best sugary rush with none of the negatives! It's like I'm a filly again!" Cadence added. Celestia agreed wholeheartedly.

"I knew cooking with mom made it all things worthwhile." 

Fury said, thinking back to when he used to help his mother cook dinner and special treats.

"Your mother seems to have passed down some real talent, even if it hasn't shown through much." Lauren commented, still llicking the syrup on her lips.

"Well, she is the one who ran the house for the majority of my childhood, but I ended up spending more time with my dad. To me, he was the one who understood me the most. My fiery personality, my love of adrenaline, the thrill of freedom, the excitement of exploring ruins and caves. He showed me the way through it all."  Fury said.

He then thought back to his village and how it would be doing now. 

"Although, it does make me wonder how my home is doing now. And how my old friends and relatives are. It's been a while since I've been gone and everyone there probably thinks I'm dead or got kidnapped by the same ones who took my parents. I realize now that I didn't tell them that I was gone and they have no idea that me or my parents are still alive. But I can't go back now, it just seems too soon to go back. If only there was a way for me to get through to them from here… And if someone back home does believe that we're still alive, I wish they'd give me a sign." Fury said, reminiscing.

The other princesses looked upon him with sympathy. Especially Celestia, who knows what it was like to not see one close to you for a while and Luna, who was taken away from Equestria. 

"I understand how you feel, Fury." Celestia said with sympathy. "But I'm sure even if it is a long time, with your dedication, you'll make it for sure."

Luna nodded. "Fear not Fury. You have grown so much since we last saw you. And those speed shifters will understand that too one way or another."

Fury felt happy that he felt seen, that his problems were just as important to them as they were to himself. It felt like he had all of the support in the world under him.

Just then, he heard something in the distance. "Wait… what is that?"

"What do you hear?" Celestia asked. Fury stayed silent as his ears twitched in every direction, eventually falling east as he silently got up and followed the sound.

Flapping? Did some bat get trapped inside?

From the flapping noises, he could tell it was not as small as a canary. But definitely not as tall as an eagle. He didn't fear it either way. He finally was ready to see what it was. He had his paws ready to catch it.

"Come to Daddy." He whispered.

He was then greeted by what looked like fire. It swiftly was about to fly into him when he dodged. 

"What kind of bird is that? A sort of fiery bird thing?" Fury asked.

"My goodness. Is it really you… Philomena?" Celestia asked in surprise.

Philomena looked at Celestia and after a brief silence, she flew toward the princess. Celestia placed her front leg up to give it a place to perch.

"Wait, you know what this crazy thing is?" Fury asked.

"Yeah, because bio-electric jaguars with super speed aren't crazy at all." Cadence said jokingly.

Celestia chuckled at her niece's joke before speaking. "Jokes aside, this is Philomena. She is a phoenix and by extension, my old pet. Isn't that right, girl?"

"Arawkk." The phoenix replied as she nuzzled her former owner's neck.

"Ah, you are lovely, aren't you?" Celestia said before getting back to it. "In case you don't know, a phoenix dies in adulthood. She died earlier."

"Wait, what the-? So is she a ghost or something?" Fury asked, confused.

"Nope. After she disintegrated into a pile of ash, the pile of ash reformed, turning her from a frail sickly bird to a beautiful majestic creature. There are fewer phoenixes left these days than before. I decided I would release her in the hope of rejuvenating their population. I didn't need her as a pet since I was focusing more on rehabilitating my sister back to Equestria." Celestia said. "And yet she came back to me didn't you girl? Missed me, sweetie?"

Philomena nodded and kept on nuzzling the sun princess. 

But then it stopped and seemed to have a serious expression.

"Is something wrong, Philomena?" Celestia asked. Philomena shook her head and gestured to a scroll that was strapped around her back.

"Hmmm, a scroll? Ah, I see. It must be a message to me. Very good my dear." She said as she fed the phoenix some of her pancake as a reward.

"A message?" Cadence asked. "What's it about?"

Celestia took a look at the scroll, inspecting it throughout. That was when she noticed the stamp holding it together. It was the usual candle wax stamp that she would usually hold her scrolls together with, but instead of a horseshoe marking… It was a paw print.

"Fury, come over here! I need your eyes." Celestia said.

Fury came up to her. "Okay, what is it?"

"This paw mark, I'm assuming this means it's from a feline. Would this happen to be your old village?" Celestia asked.

Fury inspected the claw mark to see the details like how many toes, the symbols above like lightning, to see if it was his village's.

"This is my village's insignia! Wow, Philomena, you must have flown a long way to get here considering how far the valley is from here." 

"Are you going to read it, kid?" Faust asked.

"I guess I should. It clearly is a message meant for me." Celestia said, opening the letter. The scroll was now open and she read from it aloud.

Dear Night Fury/Obsidian/Black Ice of Thunder Hollow,

To whomever receives this message, just know that you are missed back home. Relatives and friends alike miss you wholeheartedly and are wishing for your safe passage back home. Whether you are alive or otherwise, just know that we all love you and are wishing you well. To Black Ice and Obsidian, please tell me that Night Fury is with you. He has been a part of my life for too long for him to have passed on now. And to Night Fury, if you are alive, I am here. We are here. You may not agree with how this message is written based on how you've been treated in the past. But just know that at least one of us is here rooting for your survival. Please, if you are still alive, return a message to the phoenix that I have sent and let it be delivered to me. At least do me the courtesy of letting me breathe easily knowing that you, your parents, or even both of you are still alive and well.

Your long time friend,
Jade.

Fury was surprised at first. It had been so long away from home, that he sometimes forgot it existed. But he knew well of his friend Jade who always had fun with him in games and exploration. Though Jade was the voice of reason and back then more talented, popular and more sophisticated. But even when Fury embarrassed himself Jade was always by his side. 

"Wow. It's been such a long time. It figures Jade would never forget me, he always tried to keep me outta trouble." Fury said. "But now he wants to know what my status is…"

"Night Fury, I believe I can speak for all of us when I say we would completely understand if you would rather not return the message. Like it is written in this letter, your past treatment has been insulting and purely agonizing for your mental state. It would be of no offense if you want to hold that grudge." Celestia said, the other princesses and Philomena nodding along.

"No. He deserves to know that we're all still alive. The rest of the village may be on my personal hit list for that day, but he is not one of them. And besides, it's on me that I didn't tell anyone that I left. He at least deserves to know that I am still walking and breathing. At least that much." Fury said calmly.

"Cadence, grab me a scroll and quill. I've got some things to set right." He asked.

Cadence handed him a scroll and he was ready to write his thoughts.

Hey Jade, how's it going? Have you been bored without trying to stop me going into another forbidden cave and seeing a hungry dragon? Ah, I remember those times.

But anyways, I'm doing alright. Not just me, but my folks as well. My mom and dad are both fine and we've all been living comfortably in a nice mansion. My mom certainly thinks it's nice since she won't shut up about it. My dad has been putting himself to work as well, like he always does. Taking up deliveries and hauling heavy loads as he would. As for me, well I'm trying to show the rest of the world how Speed Shifters actually are. I've been in Equestria for almost a year now and things are going well. I've made friends with ponies, made allies with foreign dignitaries, saved the world a few times, and I've even managed to make a princess my girlfriend! I know that sounds ridiculous and you probably think it's one of my tall tales, but it's real, if you ever come by, I'll prove it! Anyway, things are going well for me now and I love it here. And just to give you a heads-up for the future, I will be returning home. But not too soon, I want to give it time before I feel comfortable with even setting a paw back in the valley. But I will come back home, just give me some time. I hope things are going well for you and that you're getting along well without me around. I promise we'll get back together soon, things just have to be in the right alignment for it to happen.

I'll be back soon. Promise.

Your friend,
Night Fury.

PS: And if you're wondering, yes, I did pull that stunt on you and your girlfriend that night with those bags of old fish. Just know you asked for it after bragging about how cool you were.

Fury stopped writing and looked at the scroll, he was happy that he was finally able to speak to someone back home. It felt good having linked back up with someone who he was glad hadn't forgotten about him. 

He walked over to Philomena and placed the rolled up scroll in the harness she had on. Then, he let her switch to his foreleg for a perch.

"Philomena, thank you. You've allowed me to finally make contact with the one who drove me to become who I am. You have truly done me a service with your long flight from my home." Fury said with a smile.

"Arawk!" The phoenix responded while giving a salute that Celestia trained her to do. She then rummaged through her wing and plucked a feather from it, placing it behind his ear and nuzzling his neck.

"Thank you, Philomena. It's beautiful." He said, grateful for the gift. "Well, I guess I should send you on your way. It's been nice seeing you, maybe you can come back to visit sometime."

"Arawk!" She cawed, taking off and flying away with grace.

"Bye Philomena, fly safe!" Fury waved to her, as did the other princesses.

Celestia came up to him. "Philomena took a liking to you, I see."

"Maybe that's what happens when you transform into different animals. You get a sense of animal magnetism." He said, chuckling. "And speaking of transformations…"

He grabbed the feather that Philomena gave him and focused on it, the fiery feather glowing as he did. As he became more pure energy, the feather merged with him as he changed form. Red flames circled around him as he slowly grew wings, tail feathers replacing his usual tail as he floated in the air. As he spread his wings, he let out a strong caw and let his form solidify as he let his aura shine through his red, orange and yellow feathers in his new phoenix form.

"Well, this is pretty cool if I do say so myself. The best bird form I've been in for sure." Fury said.

Celestia was amazed. "My goodness, Fury, you look almost like Philomena. You even have her colors!"

"I guess I do. But Speed Shifters don't change color when transforming. I guess there's an exception for me as an All Powerful. I feel strong, fast, and powerful. I guess the only difference between me and Philomena is that she's a girl." Fury said as he floated down and perched on Celestia's back.

"Well, I can tell you're a bit larger and more muscular than her. So that I can understand. It must be interesting being a phoenix." Celestia said.

"It feels so weird yet so awesome! I feel like I can do anything! Wait… can I…?" Fury took a deep breath in and with a big effort, blew out a flamethrower from his beak that almost grazed the tip of Cadence's horn.

"Woa-hoah! Personal flamethrower breath?! Now that is awesome, cha-ching!" Fury said, pumping a wing in triumph.

"Yeah, says the guy who shot fire right at my horn." Cadence said, annoyed though unharmed. "I'm starting to see why your friend had to supervise you. I feel sorry for him."

"Do I really need to bring up your old teenage years again, lollipop mane?" 

"Uh no no no! Never mind! I'll take it back!" Cadence said in fear.

"Heh, that's what I thought." Fury said smugly. "So Moonpie, how do you like my new fiery personality?" He joked.

"Hmmmm." Luna said. "It is interesting, for sure, but…"

"But what…"

"It's so bright! So fiery! It reminds me of my sister in summer! I'm not quite used to it." Luna said.

Fury chuckled. "Ah, I see that you don't like fire and light. Well, don't worry. I have another form that you may take a more favorable liking to."

He focused his energy once again and changed his form, his body becoming more bulky and his eyes becoming rounder as he turned into a white snowy owl.

"Hoo! Hoo!" He hooted, flapping his wings a bit.

Luna's eyes widened instantly. She had a look of childlike wonder. "By the stars! You look so beautiful! Let me feel you!" She said as she ran to the owl for a hug.

She ruffled his feathers as she felt his fluffy body. She had a special place in her heart for owls, her love for them coming from her time after her banishment when she was still adjusting to the world. She called owls 'The phoenixes of the night' with their silent flight and beautiful looks.

"You're so fluffy! It's like I'm hugging a plushie!" She said.

"Aww, thanks! And that's not even the coolest part, check this out." Luna stepped back to allow Fury to do his thing, watching him shift his orientation on her sister's back and do what she thought was the most amazing part of owls. Turning his head completely backwards to look at her.

"Look at that! I've got a swivel head!" Fury said. "And look at my wide eyes, searching for my next meal!" 

"Ah it seems you've done your research on owls. The superior bird." Luna said, turning smugly to Celestia

"I believe you have that wrong, sister. The phoenix is a much better bird than the owl, but I will give you the fact that they have swiveling heads." She said with somewhat of a forced smile. Fury snickered as he flew away from the now distracted sisters and landed on Lauren's back.

"I'm guessing that this was something coming from their childhood?" He asked with a smile.

"Yeah. They almost always had opposite preferences. Dark vs light. Somber vs cheerful music. Tragedies vs comedies. And of course, which type of animal was better." Lauren chuckled.

"Gee, they're still arguing about that even after thousands of years?" Cadence asked.

"Well as they say, you never completely grow up. You're still a child even with all the experience you have. Just ask me." Faust said. 

"Or Fury." Cadence jabbed.

"Heh, I'll take that. And besides, my parents told me basically the same thing. The ones who let life pass them by grow up. But the ones who live life to the fullest, only grow older." Fury said.

"Very true." Faust said. "That what I told those two before they had become adults. Just keep those words in your heart."

"I agree, that's the true way that you should live your life." Fury said. He then stopped as he heard something else.

"Hang on, I'm picking up something else!" He called out, getting everyone's attention. 

"Is Philomena back already? She must have really liked you." Celestia joked, but Fury didn't laugh.

"No, no flapping this time. Sounds like a pony, and they're coming this way." Fury said. Just then, someone came through the doors. The pony was a mare, a white coat similar to Celestia's and a black mane tied up in two buns. She wore semi-circle glasses and seemed to be wearing a sort of collar with red fabric in a wavy pattern. She held a clipboard in heroic foreleg as she looked up at the royals before her.

"Ah, good morning, your highnesses. I see you've gotten a jump on the day. The mare said, showing a smile.

"Yes, Raven. But I have some guests that I'd like you to meet first." Celestia said, gesturing to her mother and Night Fury who was looking away. As soon as Raven looked at Lauren, she gasped. She had also heard the tale of the legendary Fausticorn, the mother of Celestia and Luna. The rumors of her return were engraved in her mind as of late, but she had never thought that she would actually return.

"Oh… my goodness. Y-your majesty, it's such an honor to witness your return. May I just say that you have raised two wonderful daughters." Raven stuttered, her amazement at an all time high. Lauren chuckled at the secretary's emotional overload.

"Thank you, Ms. Inkwell. I agree that they have truly grown over the years and have made the world a great place. But I am not the only one that has made an impact on the world, as there is another who has done much more. Raven Inkwell, I'd like to introduce ambassador Night Fury." 

Night Fury heard his name and turned his head backwards, addressing the secretary of the sun goddess.

Raven was confused. "Um… Not to be rude, your highnesses, but that is just an owl."

"Yes! And I'm also Night Fury."

Raven's eyes widened. "D-did that owl just talk?"

"Uh yeah, I'm Night Fury. I transformed into an owl. Does it ring a bell?"  He asked, unamused.

"Ohhhhh. Right, I forgot. The memo told me you had some shapeshifting abilities. My apologies. I am happy to meet you, Mr. Ambassador." She said with a bow.

"Eh, just call me Night Fury." He said flying to her as he transformed back to normal. Raven took a step back once she saw how burly he was. She had heard that he had some decent muscles, but he looked built in person.

"O-oh my…" She said, her face going a slight pink.

"Heh, hey princess. I think your secretary is a bit distracted by me." Fury chuckled.

Raven looked away immediately, blushing ever harder.

"Well, she has always liked the dark and mysterious types." Celestia said, amused.

"Um… c-can we get back to the issue at hand, handso- I mean, Mr. Fury." She said, embarrassed.

"Ah, so you do like me." Fury said. "I appreciate it, but I'm taken by the lunar goddess."

Raven paused at the statement and looked back to the lunar princess, getting a nod of affirmation in return to solidify his words.

"I- I see. You are one lucky princess, your highness. I congratulate you." Raven said.

Luna smiled. "Thank you, and I am sure that a hard worker like you will have your own very special somepony oneday."

Raven nodded.

"So what are you here for anyways?" Cadence asked, getting back to the point.

All of a sudden she went from nervous to straight laced.

"Well, I have come to inform you all that there are a few things that need to be addressed. Princess Celestia, your court will be lighter than usual. Most of the delegates that would be pushing the limits of your schedule are preoccupied with maintaining the calm after the invasion. Princess Luna, a few guards made it a point that I inform you of the currently deteriorating barracks which could use a thorough rework."

Celestia was relieved at having less time for the boring and inauthentic diplomats. She would have more time for more important affairs.

Luna on the other hoof, had a serious expression on her face. She remembered when her guards were slain. And she always wondered what could have been done to save them. She was quite pleased to hear this proposal.

"I find this proposal appropriate. We must defend against another of these calamities befalling our way of life. I will have the castle's personal construction crew have a look at the barracks and evaluate the situation." Luna said, getting a nod from Raven as she continued.

"Princess Cadence, your husband has sent a message through that he has received the delivery of new guard armor and spears from the forge. Also, he says he loves you and misses you." Raven said with a smile.

Cadence smiled. "That is good. It's about time they arrived. And I knew he would say that. My Shining is truly the most wonderful stallion in the world." She said in a bit of a daze.

Night Fury however, was slowly sneaking away to get away from the boring princess business, either in terms of politics or sapiness. He had no plan on sticking around for whatever snooze fest jobs that were about to go down.

Maybe I can finally go for that morning- well, now a mid noon run finally. Fury said to himself.

Fury went into a hallway, saw a window and decided to fly out, transforming into a phoenix to do so.

He soared over Canterlot, surprised at how strong a phoenix was. Of course, he didn't want to be a phoenix too long. It took a lot of energy and he wanted to save it for running as fast as possible. 

He spotted an open street to start his run and went for a dive, pulling up and tucking into a roll as he transformed back and landed on all fours. He pulled his head up and looked around, the streets were busy but not its usual hustle and bustle.

Perfect, I can stretch my legs and maybe show off a bit. Hopefully that Raven isn't a hard case and somehow appears in front of me to tell me off.

"Ambassador!!!" said a sadly familiar voice.

Well at least she isn't in front of me. He said looking behind to see a surprisingly fast Raven speeding as quickly as possible to catch up to him.

"You… haven't listened… to my report yet!" She said, panting as she slowed to a stop.

"I'll do it later! I just wanna run right now." Fury responded. 

"You can do that later! It's very unbecoming of an ambassador to not listen to news as quickly as possible." She responded.

I think I found Twilight's twin sister. I'm sure these two would just love to talk about how fun their schedules are. Even at my expense.

"Well, too bad. I may be an ambassador, but I'm not like everypony else. Deal with it." Fury huffed, burning out in Raven's face before taking off.

"You will listen to my message!" Raven cried out.

"Yeah, later!" Fury called out.

Fury was finally free. He felt the urge and excitement of dashing on the roads. Seeing all the cool shops, statues and buildings fly by driving his adrenaline sky high. 

Now this is fun. I've never really raced through a city before, let alone on paved roads at all.

For Fury, running through a city was more tricky being that it was a narrower space and there were obstacles in the way. But he also found it thrilling to have to avoid obstacles and test his reaction time.

As Fury ran, he saw some kids on a trampoline. It was by some apartments with slanted roofs. He had an idea.

He leaped in the center away from the foals. The foals were surprised but then amused as he kept bouncing and bouncing till he finally got to the roofs.

"Thanks kids! See ya later!" Fury said as the children cheered him on while he bounced out and raced away.

Fury smiled at the sweet moment, he felt like a sort of cool uncle. Though he didn't have a niece of his own, the relationships he's made with kids like the CMC were pretty close. His powers echoed through the city like a wailing ghost, grabbing the attention of any and everypony that he passed by. As he skidded around another turn, he pushed his speed to the limit.

He saw his surroundings blur more and more as he raced forward, the wind howling in his ears. Then, he saw an unfamiliar face. And to his immediate horror, it was directly in his way.

Sweet Celestia, who's that?!

He managed to pick up a surprised squeal from up ahead, giving him the impression that it was a girl. Now knowing he was dealing with somepony with a more fragile frame, he knew he had to put the brakes on.

"Get out of the way!!!" Fury cried out. He pushed all of his weight into the floor and attempted to stop, smoke and screeching bellowing from him. Luckily he stopped before he crashed into her.

"So sorry about that, miss! You alright?" He asked the unicorn mare. 

"Ah do not worry, mon ami. I am quite alright. I was simply curious about what I was witnessing, I would have teleported out of the way. I should apologize to you for just standing here instead of moving like normal ponies." The mare said with a bow.

Fury noticed the mare was unlike others. Her coat was snow white and her mane was a light pink. Her body shape was similar to Cadence, but she was slightly taller and slimmer. Her eyes were a purple color and she wore a small smile despite the fact that she was nearly run down at sonic speed.

"Do I recognize you? You seem… familiar." Fury said with his paw on his jaw.

The graceful unicorn simply giggled. "You may not know me personally, but you do know my husband."

"Husband?" Fury asked. Just then, a familiar face walked out of a clothing store and began to speak.

"Are you okay, darling? I could have sworn I heard rubber skidding on pavement, is there a cart race going on that I wasn't aware of?"

Fleur de Lis smiled. "Oh don't worry, mon cheri. I'm quite alright. No damage has been incurred." She said leaving out the incident for the sake of politeness.

"Ah good good. These streets of Canterlot. I swear they need more room so that these incidents don't happen again." Fancy Pants said.

All of a sudden he noticed the black feline. "Wait a second, is that… Ambassador Night Fury of Thunder Hollow?!" He said with surprise.

"Fancy Pants?! This is your wife?" Fury asked with the same level of shock. "And please, no need to use my full title. We aren't at a summit or fancy party, I am but a humble cat in public."

Fancy Pants gave a jolly laugh. "Ha ha ha, still just as open as ever. A break from my haughty acquaintances. It's great to see you. How have you been and have you been up to anything?"

Fury shrugged. "Let's just say it's mixed. Some good, some bad, just the life of an ambassador. And now that I'm getting a better look, I think I know who your wife is. Back in a flash, you two." 

He dashed off again making Fancy Pants jump a bit.

"Wow, that young fellow can make our best runners look like turtles!" The stallion remarked. His wife nodded, knowing that fact firsthoof. Fury then returned with a colorful magazine and compared the covers to the mare in front of him.

"Wait… Now I recognize you! You're Fleur De Lis, Canterlot's top supermodel! My friend Rarity raves on about your recent Coltifornia show." Fury said, opening the magazine and pointing to her show photos.

Fleur nodded. "That is correct. Most ponies in Canterlot would recognize me over their own cousins. I was surprised that you were unaware at first."

"Eh, modeling isn't really my thing. I usually stick to sports and speed. My more athletic build being one of the more… prominent clues of that fact when ponies see me." Fury said. Fleur gave him a quick look over and smiled.

"You know, with your looks, you could be just as good a model as me." She said. Fury was taken aback by the comment, he never saw himself as a model.

"Aww, come on. I'm no model, my looks aren't that big of a deal anyway." He said sheepishly.

Fleur shook her head. "I hate to be so blunt, but have you looked in a mirror? Have you not noticed the muscles you have? The shiny black coat of yours? And that exquisite jawline." She said, grabbing his mandible.

"Uh, are you coming on to me? I'm taken. And so are you." Fury said worriedly.

This got out a hard laugh from Fancy Pants.

"My wife does that with everyone. She likes to feel things and examine them. She doesn't have much sense of personal space." He chuckled a little at Fleur's expense.

"Oh very funny, Fancy. But long tangents aside," she said, rolling her eyes. "I cannot believe you are truly ugly or even average looking. Surely some females have taken notice of you. I am sure even those who are not the Princess of the Night find you to have a certain appeal to you."

"Well…" Before Fury could deny it, a flock of mares came walking by and began gawking at him.

"Hey there, hot stuff~. You're lucky you're already taken, because we'd love to show you what we can do." One more said, causing the rest of the group to giggle uncontrollably. Night Fury blushed a harsh red that matches his eyes, he had never heard something like that in reference to him.

"Now that, Fury, is real flirting." Fleur remarked.

"Yeah, I can see that!" Fury said, unsure of what to do.

Fury took a deep breath before continuing on. "Look ladies, you're pretty and all-"

"You heard that Scarlet?! He called me pretty!"

"No you idiot, he was clearly talking about me!"

Maybe I shouldn't have said that. Fury said to himself.

"But, you have to understand. I'm only loyal to one and one mare alone. Her name is Luna. And I will not break that trust. It goes against the honor that Speed Shifters were taught in childhood." Fury said firmly. 

The mares either had a look of jealousy, sadness or continual lust. Fury had to think of something to satisfy them.

"But if you just want some autographs, then I'd be happy to provide. Go get yourself some items and I'll draw my name in it Speed Shifter style!" 

Every mare seemed to squeal in excitement as they handed him their purses, hats, old dolls and so on. 

Wow these ladies will do anything for my autograph. I don't know if that's cute or creepy. Maybe both.

"Alright, just hold them out and watch the magic happen." Fury said, the mares obliging to his request and holding their selected items out. Fury focused his energy into his paws, a charge surging into his exposed claws as they glowed red. Rearing back in his hind legs he extended his forelegs and zapped each item, engraving them with his name and a signature paw print with two lightning strikes crossing through them.

"There! Now you have some fancy new stuff to show off that you manage to meet the legend himself!" Fury said confidently.

"Oh my Celestia! We are so lucky!"

The mares said, finally fully satisfied as they happily trotted away with their new custom merch. 

"Hoo, it's finally over! I have faced many terrors in my lifetime. But none comes close to the horrors of fangirls." He said in disgust.

"Now you must understand how I feel." Fleur de Lis said. 

"Oh yeah, definitely! I can only imagine how crazy stallions must get when they see you. Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if one of them decided to propose to you in public without warning!" Fury chuckled.

"That… they did. But thankfully, I found the right stallion to hold them off." Fleur cooed, brushing up against her lover.

"And that's a major step up, take that and run with it for as long as you can." Fury said. 

Then, a voice called out to him that drove him near insane.

"Finally! I've been looking all over for you, ambassador!" Said Raven, making her way towards him.

"Oh for heavens' sake. That persistent little bug just can't leave well enough alone. Sorry for the quick exit, but this one… I cannot deal with right now." Fury said as he charged up and began to do doughnuts around the couple, creating a smoke screen that covered his exit as he raced down a side alley and disappeared into the blackness.

"Fury, you get back here this instant!!!" Raven called out.

The illustrious couple just looked at the event with a mix of both confusion.

"Do you think that's another of his fangirls?" Fancy Pants asked.

"Mmm, in some ways. I would say she is a fangirl, in the sense she wants Fury to do what she wants. But she is far more persistent than those others for sure." Fleur commented as she went close to her husband.

– 

Later on…

Fury was happily cruising along the city streets, passing by stores and ponies that he greeted along the way. Finally having gotten away from Raven, he was free to stride along without interruptions. Making a right turn onto a stone path, he had pulled into the castle gardens. He looked around at the beautiful array of flowers, even stopping to smell a few and take in their aroma. His mother sure would love this.

He thought to himself as he kept going. He then saw a set of double doors that were painted in a familiar combination of blue and black.

Hmm, that must be the door that leads to Luna's part of the castle. I wonder how that barracks revamp is going, maybe I can pop in and see if I can help out.

Fury stepped inside and began his trek to the lunar guard's barracks.

As he entered, he noticed how dark it was in Luna's part of the castle compared to Celestia's. There was very little light shining through and most of the curtains were drawn closed. Just enough for it to have some visibility and not be a complete safety hazard for normal ponies, but not so much that it was like the sun was shining right through. Fury wasn't surprised that his girlfriend wasn't as much of a fan of the day as he was, being the Princess of the Night and all. 

He then heard somepony speaking along with some hammering and scraping.

"Keep it up, everypony. Her Majesty wants this place up to code by sunset, so let's make sure we do things right." A feminine voice commanded. Fury figures he was close to his destination and sped his pace up slightly, turning a corner and seeing the doors open to the barracks. Outside stood a strong looking thestral mare, cladded in dark blue armor. Alongside her stood Luna herself, most likely overseeing the revamp of the barracks. The princess was silent but clearly took this extremely seriously.

Fury decided to walk up to her and take a look inside. 

"Wow, these guards sure have cool armor. I guess you trained them well." He said.

The commander looked back in a bit of shock. "You! Don't you know that civilians aren't allowed in here?"

Luna calmed her worries down. "At ease, commander. Fury will not interrupt anything. And besides, he is not quite a civilian with how he has defeated some of Equestria's threats."

The commander nodded and her face softened. "My apologies, sir. Please proceed."

Fury took a look inside and was surprised at what he saw. Multiple thestrals were replacing tiles, cleaning lockers, changing lights and repainting the walls. Fury was impressed, but was a little disappointed at the slow process.

"Y'know, these guards are majorly slow. Clunky, sloppy, distracted. And that's coming from someone who gets distracted easily by the most mundane things." Fury said bluntly, not pulling any punches.

The commander looked at him. "You little… Who do you think you are?! This process is effective."

"So? You're doing it the wrong way. It would be so much easier if you used rollers instead of paint brushes, went two by two with the tiles instead of one by one, and didn't have those bulky lampshade lights and traded them for some fluorescent lights. There's a difference between restoring and revamping. Nothing here is ever gonna improve if you use the same old stuff that you know is gonna be run down in a few months every time."

The commander was still offended but she seemed to be flustered. "Well… it builds up discipline and the ability to embrace tradition! They are forced to be precise and to work harder instead of taking the easy way out!"

Fury rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, because battles are won by using the least effective ways possible. See, this is exactly why this place is gonna be useless after you eventually run out the supply of these lights, tiles and paint. You'll just end up with an abandoned room that you can't keep restoring over and over. Discipline is a good factor, I'll give you that one. But what's the point in constantly teaching the same lesson over and over when the world is evolving around you?"

"You can't constantly trust tradition to be your guide, you have to go with the times. Otherwise, you'll just end up with out of date tactics that'll bring you down in the long run. I mean, think about it. What do you think the world would look like if the main governmental front was still run by the same ponies who were born in a time when unicorn and pegasus supremacy was still a thing?" Fury explained.

The commander was at a loss for words. She could only respond with vitriol. "But it's part of tradition! You just don't get it because you don't know our ways, you predatory menace!!!"

After the commander said that, everyone froze. The guards stopped work to lock back at her like she was crazy, even they wouldn't have said that. And in the presence of their princess who was also the ambassador's lover?! 

"Commander Frosty Blizzard, are you insane?!" One of the guards yelled out. "I may be under your command, but in no way will I stand for the disrespect of the ambassador! And do any of us need to remind you that this very feline is not only a friend of the princesses, but the lover of our princess?!"

"Yeah, commander. We may have been taught to be honest with who we speak to, but even we wouldn't go as far as talking down to another species! In my honest opinion, you should consider yourself lucky he hasn't tried to kill you!" Said another.

"Now Now, Everyone, I don't need to do that." Fury said. "She's already proven how much of a clown she is. The only thing I need to give her is a wig and a big red nose."

Blizzard was furious. She turned to Princess Luna. "Your highness, say something to him! He is dishonoring your guards' traditions! And has turned my soldiers against your humble servant!"

"Oh, I will. But I believe it will not be what you expect." Luna said sternly. She walked up to Fury, held his head up to hers, and dove in for a kiss. Fury went wide eyed for a second at the surprise kiss, but he soon allowed himself to fall in. But not before giving a wink and a smile to the guards working on the barracks.

"Wow. For being the princess of the night, your kisses are hotter than fire, babe!" He said flirtatiously.

"I save my passion for the right moments, Lightning Bug." Luna said with a smirk.

The commander was in shock. "But- but- but- but- but-"

"Hey, Frostbite, having some engine trouble?" Fury shot out.

"Gahhhh! Princess! I have been a loyal follower of you, you cannot choose this foreigner over your own loyal servant! Does my service mean nothing?" The commander asked.

"I am not being partial to him or you. Fury has given some advice. And your response was to act like a whiny filly. Instead of thinking about it, or simply ignoring it, you decided to cause a ruckus. You focus so much on unimportant details, you forget the most basic of courtesy. For shame." Luna shook her head. 

"Not to mention that your ego is as 'bout as big as that melon you have for a head." Fury said. "All that room, and you can still hear an echo when you knock on it."

"Grrrrr… Fine. Forget I said anything! Soldiers, get back to work! Ignore this conversation ever happened!" Frost said, trying to forget about Fury's words.

"No, I don't think they will." Fury said. "Now, I may not be the one who is in charge of maintaining the guard and calling the shots, but what I can do is advise one such figure to call those shots. And in my opinion, I believe a discharge is in order. Am I right, your highness?" 

Frost turned to the one she dreaded most. The princess of the night who was glaring at her.

"Your majesty?" She said with an unintentional squeak.

Luna had a look of judgment on her face. "I believe he is correct, a discharge is in order…"

Frost went as pale as snow at that notion…

"But, I will put it up to a vote for the sake of fairness."

But immediately took on a smug smirk at that statement, thinking that her loyal guards would instantly take her side.

"Now, by the show of hooves and paws… who thinks that Commander Frost should not be discharged?"

Everything was silent. Not one hoof or paw was up. This made Frost worry. But she told herself maybe they just didn't want to commit to any decision yet. Surely they'll make the right choice this time!

"Now who thinks that Commander Frost should be discharged?" Luna asked.

And in that instant, everyone put up their forelimbs in support of the second option. One thestral guard even flopping on her back and putting up all fours in spite.

"W-what? Don't you know how immature a joke is at this time?! Be serious!" The Commander yelled.

All the soldiers remained silent.

"Y-you're serious? But why? Have I not guided you thick and thin?! Have I not been a mother to you all?! Have I not led you to self betterment?! And this is how you repay me?!" She said with rage.

"Oh no, you did do all of that for us. And we thank you for it, but no one gets to be rude to this fine feline and just expects us to brush it off. Honor is not something you can be trained to be given, it is earned. And through all of the battles he has been through to even have the privilege to stand here before us is worthy enough." said one of her formerly loyal soldiers.

"And let us not lie to ourselves!" Said the mare in the back. "You make us live in miserable conditions! The food is barely food! The showers don't work properly! And you won't even let us write to our families! All for your so-called discipline that is really just an excuse to be lazy, do nothing and expect others to do all the work! We have all tried to muster through, but now enough is enough!" She said, stomping her hooves.

"Aww, you guys. I think the little snowflake here is about to have a temper tantrum. Ha!" Fury pointed to the red hot chili pepper that was their former commander.

"Oooh, you sneaky, two timing, lazy, reject, son of a-"

"SILENCE, YOU!!!" Luna said with a thundering voice, which made Frost yelp in fear. 

"You have failed as a commander! You have failed as a decent soldier with honor! All your great achievements in the past have been negated for your treatment of Fury and even the guards you were assigned to watch over! For this offense, you shall be transferred to Dodge City!" Luna declared.

"Wait what?! You can't send me to that accursed place! There is nothing to do there but to supervise a bunch of drunk bums, hobos and gamblers! There is no honor being there! I will be disgraced in history for this!" Frosty said.

"Well, deal with it! Or else I'll cripple you and send you out there on wheels." Fury snarled.

"Do you dare test him, Frost?" Luna asked.

Frost swiftly shook her head. "No… alright I will leave, Your Highness."

"Oh no no, you're not leaving yet. I've got some stuff that I want to teach you for the foreseeable future!" Fury said, almost sounding like he was about to go insane. He slowly walked towards her, grabbed her right foreleg, and clenched his paw. Hard. An audible cracking could be heard from the thestral's bones as she screeched in pain.

"You honestly thought I would let you go without making an example out of you? No. You're too cute to go to Dodge City, you need a couple of scars to fit in there. Just so you can fit in with the scars your recruits have had." He said coldly, pointing to the guards who have even had their ears cut up by her. She was dazed and Fury proceeded to grab her wings and twist them, bending the frame and leaving her flightless. She dropped to the ground in agony, not being able to do anything but whimper in pain as Fury stared down at her broken and bashed body with a smile.

"And now for the grand finale! You like tearing your recruits' ears off, eh? Well they can't hog up all the fun! Time for you to have it too!" He said, opening his jaw.

"I'm sorry! They were not learning! I had to teach them not to bumble around! You have to understaAAAAAAAA-"

She felt unbelievable pain. Her formerly large ears were now incredibly small and red with blood. Same could be said for Fury's teeth, red like his eyes and dripping with her blood. At this point, her pain had gotten the attention of others and they were coming towards the barracks to investigate.

"Now, we have a decent look for you. You fit in just fine with your new scars and broken leg. Oh, and it sounds like there's a couple of ponies here to check out your new look. Make yourself look good, if you can even do that anymore." Fury said as he slipped into the shadows to watch the show from afar.

She was stricken with a mix of pain and shock. She felt totally helpless. She looked at her former soldiers who had stone cold faces. She looked at Luna who simply stared harshly at her.

"Princess?" She said weakly. "How c-could you harbor such a… violent creature into our land? He has nothing but his own bloodlust to guide him."

Luna finally replied. "He has a taste for blood, true. But he also has an even greater taste for justice. Something that has been lacking these days. Something you seemed to have forgotten. You might have fought in battles, but you show no compassion for your troops. Perhaps Dodge City will purify your heart or if not at least take you down off of your throne of ego." Luna said sternly.

Just then, Celestia, Cadence and surprisingly, Shining Armor showed up to the scene. Having heard the cries of pain, they all decided to see what was what. Fury sat in the shadows patiently, watching as the scene unfolded with no regrets of his decisions, regardless of what consequences might be in store.

"Commander Frost, what happened?! Are you alright?!" Shining asked. "Do you need medical attention?!"

"She will not need it." Said a stone cold princess. "The wounds are deep enough to affect her permanently. At least physically. Besides, she asked for it."

Cadence and Shining Armor were confused at this.

"What do you mean? Has she done something wrong?" Cadence asked.

"Yes. She thought it would be a good idea to talk down to the ambassador because of his species and his lack of awareness of our traditions just because he made a few comments on the speed at which my other guards were working and how to improve the barracks. Therefore, she suffered the consequences of getting dishonorably discharged from my guard, sent away to Dodge City, and crippled by the ambassador himself."

Shining Armor understood what she meant. He always knew her to be effective but strict and even cruel. It seems Fury will tolerate no one, even war heroes if he finds them without honor.

"Sir, you cannot let this stand!" She finally spoke up. "The princess has been influenced by this foreigner! Shining Armor, you respect traditions right? Then defend me and defend the old ways that will always work!" She pleaded with him.

Shining Armor was silent, pondering what to say. He idly looked to his right and was surprised to see the accused feline himself, standing there with his red eyes staring at him from the shadows. He was surprised that nopony else could see the dim but noticeable glow, but perhaps that was one of the skills the ambassador possessed as he was a being of stealth. Night Fury gave him a look, simple and straightforward. 

He then looked back at her. "To answer your question, Frost… Yes, I am a respecter of the old ways. Of the conventional ways. Of the traditions of Canterlot. Not just me, but the whole Sparkle family abides by these too. Usually, I support the status quo…"

The thestral was pleased. "So you know why you must turn in Fury-" 

"But…" Shining Interrupted. "We also hold ourselves to a code of respect and conduct. We show respect to those who respect us, we act as we should in the presence of figures of importance, we allow the opinions of others to be heard, we treat others how we ourselves want to be treated. And you, Commander… have done none of those things. In fact, it is my fault that I did not discharge you earlier for your actions against your soldiers. I was too focused on your prestige and not on your effectiveness. But I'm fixing that now."

Commander Frost was appalled, how could the captain of the guard side with those who hadn't earned their place in the world like she had? He continued to speak.

"I shall oversee the discharge of your services from this post and your transfer to Dodge City. I will also be taking it upon myself to watch over the revamping of the Lunar Guard barracks. They will not live in these horrible conditions anymore. They will be trained in a good and honorable manner. Do I make myself clear?" He said in a voice that intimidated her.

She was about to defend herself but then her wiser self realized she had lost and there was no point in trying to keep her pride.

"Y-yes sir." She said in defeat.

"Guards! Prepare transportation for her." Shining said. "You are dismissed, Frost. Go think about what you've done and leave when your means of transportation have been prepared."

She looked down and went out of her former soldiers' barracks presumably back to her own special barracks to prepare for her trip to Dodge City. He then looked back over to the spot in the shadows and spoke.

"So you decided to let things play themselves out, huh?" He asked. Out from the shadows stepped the ambassador, a straight face held on his witnessing of the events.

"Better to let things play out after I've done my part than try to put more fuel on the fire with my words that may have put me in a bad spot." Fury said simply.

"Sweet mother of Equestria, I didn't even know you were there!" Cadence said in shock. 

"Just one of the things us Speed Shifters are good at. Surveying from the shadows and hiding in plain sight." Fury said.

"I could tell by your expression that you were expecting just as much flame for your actions as gratitude and praise." Shining pointed out, getting a nod of affirmation from the feline.

"Despite the fact that I was, believe it or not, heavily reducing my primal urges. I would have expected nothing less than some pushback for my more… aggressive punishment. I wouldn't have even been surprised if I got more than just a talk." Fury said. This statement in such a nonchalant way was surprising to the beings present. Would he really not have resisted if he was subjected to punishment in the more 'Extreme' sense? Was he just… expecting them to go to the most aggressive solution just because of his violent tendencies? Despite having shown that he can do without?

Shining spoke up. "I must admit I was a bit shocked at first. I was tempted to give you a good talking to. But the fact that Luna was so adamant on her treatment and your eyes, it made me realize what kind of thestral she was. When I saw your eyes, I saw someone who had no regrets and felt just in his actions. I trust you Fury as well as the princess. You did something I as commander should have done long ago."

"But, that begs the question… Fury, would you really have been nonresistant if we took… extreme measures to reprimand you?" Cadence asked, almost sounding concerned.

"It's true. You ponies take violence against your kind seriously, don't you? If what I did to the former commander was enough to warrant such a response… What's to argue about? You protect what you hold dear and I get the punishment I deserve, no matter if it's mentally scarring, physically scarring, or even fatal. All's fair when protecting your own, right?" He said, no trace of fear or anger in his voice.

Everyone was surprised at this philosophy. He was so level headed about it too. 

But for Shining Armor he simply smiled. "Agreed. You and I may be different but I think our code of honor is the same. And we do not care what happens to us as long as we do what is just." He said, reaching his hoof out.

"You're not as lame as I thought." Fury said with a smile as he shook his hoof firmly.

Cadence though, was not as pleased with this. "You're kidding me! Fury, do you know what you just said?! That you would be willing to die just like that?! How is that honorable?!"

Celestia nodded. "I too find it a bit… disagreeable."

"If I were to step over the line in terms of what you see as 'Acceptable behavior', why should I complain when you take action in the way you see fit. I'm not from this nation and I have no say in how you ponies react to my behavior in the slightest. What's to debate about when how you associate certain punishments to certain crimes is completely different from mine? All's fair when you're a guest in another realm and have no jurisdiction in how you're treated."

Celestia and Cadence started to understand more but were at a loss for words until Luna spoke up.

"Sister and niece, I know this way sounds odd. But I believe it to be honorable. Fury will fight for what is right while also respecting our own ideas of justice. I believe this is honorable." Luna said with resolve.

Celestia finally spoke up. "I see. I understand now. You are more concerned with living with honor than with escaping punishment. To be honest Fury, I can understand that. I, as a princess, have to do both sometimes for what is unpopular but have the courage to accept my fate. You, Fury, are truly noble. I see why you are the Chosen One."

"I… I can't be okay with this. I just… Why would you be so comfortable with dying? Especially when it could be at the hooves of one of us?! How can you say you wouldn't care if even your one true love was the one who ended you?" Cadence asked, completely down in the dumps in terms of her understanding of what was said.

Fury smiled. "Because I would know that I died with honor. That I chose not to live as a coward, but die a hero. We Speed Shifters take honor as higher than death. Well, I used to be different when I was younger. I used to be scared to fight and always wanted to choose my life over honor. But I learned from those times. I fight and die with pride. That is my answer. And as a princess, I'm sure you understand that that is necessary at times."

Cadence was stunned. She would have never thought of something like the death of Night Fury by her own judgment to be something to think about, but it was a thought she had to bear nonetheless.

"The Cockatrice fight back in Ponyville… You thanked everyone at the venue, even when they wanted you dead… Even when you technically did die because of the petrification… you didn't care. This… this changes everything." Cadence thought aloud, walking up to her feline friend.

"Fury, I completely understand why you would be unmoved if you were subjected to punishment that you have no right to object to… But, I just can't be okay with the fact that you wouldn't care if it even were me to ultimately strike you down. I was the one who ultimately brought you to this point with that invitation, I was the one who heard your unspoken cries of anguish and responded to them, I was the one who encouraged you to bring yourself back from the brink of suicide! I just… can't bring myself to be okay knowing this."

Fury had a softer expression and put his paw on her shoulder. "Cadence, listen to me. I know you care for me a lot. And you are worried about these things happening. But I will assure you, I will not hold any grudge against you for that. Especially since you are so caring. And anyways, even if I say I'm prepared to be punished, I still do my best to avoid the worst. I don't think I'll be put into that type of mess anytime soon. So don't worry about it. After all, I knew Luna was already on my side, so it wasn't a complete risk for me. I'm good at calculating odds. Does that relieve you a bit more?"

Cadence stayed silent for a few seconds, then looking into Fury's caring eyes that she knew wouldn't turn her wrong.

"I… I guess so. You are someone I don't fully understand… But I know I can trust your instinct." She said with a small smile.

"Atta girl! There's nothing to worry about." Fury said. 

He then stretched a bit. "Wow, I wasn't expecting all this to be honest today. I was just going for a run, heh."

Shining nodded. "Yep, me neither. Today I got some work to do on these barracks."

"Hey, why don't I lend a paw? I could use something to pass the time anyway."

"Well, I could use some help. Okay. We'll work on this together in a few minutes." Shining said as he walked away it got his bearings.

Cadence was curious about something though. "Say, I was wondering, Fury. If you were on your afternoon run, how did you end up here? This isn't on your normal route and it's not easy to run to. Were you always intending to go here?"

"Well, for one, I just wanted to pop in and see what's up with the revamp. And two, I was trying to get away from AvenRay Well Inksay." Fury said, speaking in Latin.

"Huh?" Cadence said.

"He's talking about Raven Inkwell, my advisor." Celestia said. "I didn't know you had that talent with words."

"Latin isn't that hard of a language. But I didn't read it to learn how to speak it. Yuck, such a boring waste of time! Twilight always makes me learn this boring formal stuff!" Fury said.

"Be careful with your words, Lightning Bug. You should count yourself lucky she isn't here to catch that." Luna said with a smirk.

"Oh please! Even if she was nearby, what's that know-it-all, grape with legs gonna do about it? Lecture me to death!? Jokes on her, I already died many times listening to my mom say all that." Fury said.

Then Cadence spoke up, getting back to Raven. "Hold on a moment. Now that I think about it, weren't you supposed to hear what Raven was going to say to you? No wonder why you're here! You tried to hide from her and ended up here!"

"Shh! Not so loud! You giant, pink, cough drop!" Fury said. "I'm doing it later! But she won't take no for an answer."

Cadence had a mischievous smile. "Oh I'm so sorry, Fury! I did not know you were trying to procrastinate! I am very sorry about that!" She said loudly.

Fury pouted. "Hey, it's not that bad! I just wanted a morning run till she ruined my schedule! Wait… why am I talking so loud?" Fury said, realizing he fell into Cadence's trap.

"There you are, you little sneak!" said a not so amused looking Raven. "You shall hear my words starting now!"

"Not while I can still avoid you, short stack! Scoot it or lose it time!" He said jumping out a window high up.

"I will get you!" Raven cried out.

"Raven, let it go." Celestia sighed. 

"I cannot! He must obey the call to duty! And that is now!" She said, drinking an energy potion to make her go more quickly. She dashed out the door and continued her quest for him.

"Oh for crying out loud…" Celestia said. "She may be the best advisor I've had, but she can be just as obnoxious as she is helpful. Come on princesses, we have to rescue Fury!"

The princesses nodded and flew off. Just then, Shining Armor returned with a load of tiles, paint and lights.

"Hey Fury, I got the stuff ready. You can help me now." Shining said. But looking around, he saw no one. "Uh Fury? princesses?" He said, looking around. Sighing, he accepted his fate. "I can never get a steady schedule these days."

-

Fury dove through the air like a bullet, the air whipping around his body like a hurricane before he eventually crashed down on something soft. Looking down, he saw that he had landed in a patch of lilies that cushioned his fall.

"Phew, finally got away from that pint-sized nuisance. Hopefully I can actually get something done today without that one pushing herself towards me." Fury said as he climbed out of the lily patch and onto the stone road nearby.

He breathed in the pleasant aroma of the lilies. "Ah, time to feel the wind again!" He said as he dashed off once again. He took it easy through the garden so as to not uproot any of the flowers that he could only imagine were planted with immense care from the gardeners to please the royal sisters. 

The wind in his fur felt good, almost as if he was being introduced to the freedom of running for the first time in his life. But, to his chagrin, that sense of freedom would not last long as a piercing shriek pulled him away from his carefree state.

"Fury!!!! You cannot escape me! I'll chase you to the ends of the earth!"

"Oh for the love of all things dark and light, go away!" Fury called out as he floored it and left his previous position covered in smoke.

"How did she get here so quickly?! She wasn't this fast before!" Fury said. Then he remembered she had a potion with her. It had a lightning symbol on the bottle which he assumed meant it gave high speed. Now he knew he couldn't just give 40% effort to escape, he'd have to go all out now.

Oh great, now I have to deal with this one trying to mimic my powers?! Ugh! Alright, time to push it!

Fury closed his eyes, focused and he became a ball of red energy and dashed through the streets.

Okay Fury, you just have to stay out of sight and stay out of reach. If it's a potion that small, it'll probably wear off in a few minutes. I just gotta stay ahead. But seriously, what was Celestia thinking when she hired this lunatic?! At this point, she owes me a rescue from this craziness!

"You think you're the only one who can go at super levels of speed?!" Raven said. 

Fury looked behind and saw a purple ball of energy. Unfortunately, the potion also seemed to replicate Shifter energy. She'll catch up to him eventually. He had to think fast.

Wait a minute… that's it! She may be fast, but she can't climb like I can!

Fury saw a wall approaching fast ahead of him and took his chance. Jumping up, he extended his claws and grabbed onto an external fire escape, leaping from rail to rail as he left Raven behind and went for the roofs.

"Don't think you're safe upon the roofs of Canterlot for long, I was born in this city! I know all of the paths around this place! Ponies have tried to escape the Princess's summons and have all failed. You'll be next!" She called out to him, though remaining glued to the ground as Fury finally made his way to the top of the roof and took a breather.

"I… am so going to hold this against Celestia! That overgrown snowball is gonna owe me big!" Fury said with deep breaths. 

Fury did not like this situation. He was using way more energy than wanted to use. It was one thing running from slower ponies but since she decided to cheat with the potion he had to use more energy to escape her.

"Dang, what is up with her? I almost respect how determined or should I say desperate for me to listen to her." Fury admitted. "But it won't matter. I'm safe up here for now. I can recover my energy." 

Just then, another voice popped in.

"Night Fury…"

"I swear to the gods, you discolored albino giraffe! If the next words out of your mouth aren't 'I give up', I will personally show you what it means to get on my bad side! So try your luck!" Fury yelled.

"My goodness, even Sombra was not that creative in name calling." Said an amused regal voice.

"Wait, Celestia?" He turned around to see it was other than the Princess of the Sun herself with her sister and niece in tow. "Luna? Cadence? What are you ladies doing here?" He squinted at them. "Lemme guess, here to make me listen to her speech, right, Cadence the Quiet?!" Fury said to Cadence in particular who ratted him out to Raven.

"Woah woah, easy! I may have been messing with you before, but I don't want you to blow a blood vessel. I didn't think she would actually catch up with you!" Cadence said.

"I tried to stop her, but she has a will of her own." Celestia said.

"Hmm just for today, Celestia, I will put off the sunbutt jokes for you at least trying to stop her." Fury said. "But you, lovebutt, guess what? She has a speed potion that makes her as quick as me! I expected nothing less from that persistent, insufferable twit!" Fury huffed, a vein pulsating in his jet black head. 

"I'm sorry! I never knew her that well! And potions like that are very expensive! What kind of pony would spend 350 bits on that just to be able to chase someone down?" Cadence said.

"Well I guess her, apparently!" Fury said. He took a deep breath. "But at least I have finally gotten some shelter. Hopefully the effects will wear off soon." Fury said before sighing again. "All I wanted was a peaceful run around town to ease my mind from all the drama with Tirek and Pyro." 

Just then, a nearby access door burst open and a roughed up Raven stood there panting. Fury saw her and immediately was ticked off, clenching one of his paws in annoyance before drawing his claws. 

"Woah, calm down, Fury. Easy… easy…" Cadence said, trying to relieve him.

"No good ambassador is so lazy and persistent on avoiding responsibility that they can't deal with some news. And besides, you could use some etiquette lessons. And possibly some anger management therapy." She mumbled that last part. "Didn't your mother teach you any manners?"

"Yeah, she did. And she also took me away from playing with friends to work on her projects like shopping for rugs! And I always said to myself I would never go through that again!" Fury said. "This can wait until later and I will die on that hill!"

"Can't you just hear it now to get it over with?!" Raven said with equal defensiveness. At that moment, Fury went over the edge and decided to set her straight.

"Yeah, but it's not as much about the breaktime as much as it is the principle! And that is you do not mess with a Speed Shifter's morning run! I do things on my own time!" Fury said. 

"Alright, I'm going to say this once and only once. What in your pathetic life prompted you to bug me all day just for some irrelevant news? What drove you as far as to use a potion just to push me over the edge? What in your nonexistent, depressing, disappointment of a life told you that you'd be anything more than a nuisance to the rest of the world and that you ever amount to anything?"

Celestia decided to step in to try and defuse the situation. "Alright, you two, let's be done with thi-" 

"No." Raven said pointedly. "I'll tell you what prompted me. I am the advisor to Her Royal Highness! My ancestors served Celestia for centuries. To me, duty is more important than even life itself. And it's especially more important than a stupid morning run. You would know that if you were to wake up early like I do everyday!"

Fury chuckled darkly as he gave Raven a chilling look. "My people ruled over this land long before a mistake like you was ever considered to be a good idea to exist. You have no right to put me at fault if you don't understand who gave you the land you have under your hooves. We let you have all of this. And as one of the All Powerfuls, I could take it right back. My people were here before you… My people were the ones to bring this land to its glory. We own you."

Raven was flabbergasted by his remarks. A mistake? Her? 

"You little…. Hmph! I am one of the most respected ponies in Canterlot! Everyone respects my duty and my discipline! You are not a child, an adult has duties to maintain even if he does not wish to do them! I didn't want to spend my whole day searching for you but I know what duty is!"

"Duty! You always say the word duty as if you think I don't have any sense of responsibility! I'm responsible when I need to be not so I can brag to others how much better I am than others! We speed shifters at least the best ones know when to relax and when to go into action, unlike you!" Fury shot back.

Celestia, Luna and Cadence were worried. This argument had gotten out of control. They didn't expect something so seemingly comedic to be rooted in such feelings of bitterness and conflict of values.

"Alright that's enough, for real." Cadence said. "You are both acting like children! You two need to calm down!"

"As soon as he admits that we ponies have a better sense of duty and responsibilities, then I'll retract!" Raven said snootily.

"Oh please, the only thing you ponies have a better sense of is entitlement! You stick your pretty little muzzles up in pride as if you have something to prove to those who don't have the luxury of even speaking to you! We Speed Shifters gave you this land with no resistance, and yet you spit all over your sacred land as if it's beneath you to acknowledge the fact that we were the ones who gave you the comfort of living in relative ease." Fury argued.

"We have grave sights, ancient buildings, memorials to greater beings all over this land! But yet you disregard the importance of those who came before you by building over the ground that our greatest heroes lay to rest!" Fury pointed out.

"Speed Shifters did great things in the past, but that was back then! Now we ponies are the ones who have to make sure things don't go into chaos! You should give us some credit too because you clearly have no gratitude for what ponies have done for the world!" Raven replied in fury. "Maybe there's a reason why we ponies are the new rulers."" 

"And there's also a reason why I haven't killed you yet, so be grateful for that!" Fury shot back.

Then they heard a loud thundering noise.

"CEASE YOUR ARGUING AT ONCE!" Celestia commanded. They both became silent.

"You two have failed to be civil toward one another!"

She turned to Raven. "Raven I ordered you to let Fury go and you would not listen! I am the Princess and I say that no meeting is more important than breaking our trust with our ally!"

And then she turned to Fury. "And you, Fury! You should know better than to let a small disagreement over running get to you! Much less to threaten her! And no less to insult ponykind itself! She might be very strict but that is no excuse to vent like you had just done."

"You two act more like eight year old fillies than professional adults! Your parents would be ashamed of your conduct!" Celestia said in anger. 

At this point, both of them were stunned. But while Raven stood in shock, Night Fury began to mentally collapse. Her words echoed through his mind like a shockwave, flashes of his brutal past of hearing exactly the same thing from his own kind rattled his inner thoughts. Fury did not move, he didn't speak. All he could do was internally cry as Celestia's commanding tone rattled his mind and brought back the heinous actions that were taken against him for his failures in times past.

"What a coward! He quivered in front of the Cragodile!"

"You're a disgrace to the village!"

"Your parents should have given you up as soon as you were born!"

"I can't imagine the mental state of your parents having to deal with such a disappointment!"

"All you do is goof off, and run away from enemies! A troublemaker AND a coward!"

"You have no place in this life. Your mother should have let you go before you were born, it probably would have saved her the stress of having to deal with a waste of flesh like you!"

Fury stood still for what felt like forever, not coming back with a counter or even a joke. He was just… broken. Like the final nail in the coffin was driven in. First he had been called names and disgraced by his own kind, and now the ponies who brought him in were doing it as well.

"So… I got no one, huh…?"

"Fury. I-" Celestia said.

"Everyone thinks I'm a disgrace. Speed Shifters and Ponies. Yep. Nothing new. Same old thing. I'm a failure. I'm just a troublemaker. That's what they always say." He muttered, looking down. "It's all over. First I get told that I'm a disgrace to my parents and that I should be ashamed by my own kind, and now I'm being told the exact same thing now."

"You're right. My parents would be ashamed. And now that I've been told the same thing from both sides… I don't think there's any coming back now. I've failed, and that's that. I failed to be a good son, I failed at being a good ambassador… Heh, I wouldn't even be surprised if I'm the next few days, I lose my relationship as well." He said in a shattered voice, completely void of any joking or happiness.

Night Fury looked down in despair. Even Raven looked sad. Same for the princesses including Celestia, they didn't predict this attitude shift. He looked so meek.

Raven was the first to speak up. "Fury, you know I don't hold anything against you. I just went a bit too far. And I'm sorry-"

"It's not you who should be sorry." Fury interrupted her. "It's me."

"Fury…" Luna said.

"Stop, Luna… Celestia's right. I stepped over the line and I got what was coming to me… no matter how many bad memories come back and how broken it leaves me." Fury squeaked. At that moment, everyone around could swear they could hear quiet sniffling.

Celestia was shocked. Did he just… shed a tear?

Has he really been struck by grief by my words that much? I didn't mean to make him feel so dreadful. Does he really think of himself as a failure? He is not!

Celestia spoke up. "Fury, please, you are not a disgrace. You are a talented speed shifter who is flawed but is a great creature overall. Please don't of yourself like that."

"Can you just not speak?" Fury jumped in. "I… I can't even look at you right now. Just… just leave me alone."

Fury said, walking away. 

"Where are you going?" Cadence asked.

"For a walk." Fury said succinctly as he looked down to the street.

"Come on Fury! We can talk about this!" 

"We've already talked enough, Cadenza! Just let me be for a minute."  Fury said, finally disappearing out of sight.

"But Fury…"

"Let him be." Luna said. "He needs time to himself. I know if I got angry, I would not want to talk now. I would just end up more aggravated by the second. He just needs to be alone."

Cadence reluctantly agreed to leave him be.

Raven had a look of guilt. "Princesses, I am so sorry for what I have done. I just thought… I was doing my duty. I wanted him to learn responsibility but… I went too far."

"Indeed, you have!" Luna said accusingly. "You have no idea how Speed Shifters live their lives! And you think Fury was just a lazy slacker!? But he was not! He was a hero who just wanted to do things his own way! Like me… I am ashamed of you-"

Celestia interrupted her. "Alright that is enough, sister. She's learned her lesson. If anything, I should be the one who is ashamed. I tried to get him to step back and take a breath, when in reality, I brought back the most horrid memories from his past. He was already in enough pain having to deal with the fact that his own kind turned on him, and now I've added onto that by doing just the same."

"Auntie, you had good intentions. Things were getting personal and you had to step in. Nopony is going to hold that against you." Cadence said. But the elder princess disagreed.

"But did I have to get just as personal to get it to stop? You saw how devastated he was when he heard me, he looked completely shattered. His world view cracked open and swallowed his ambitions whole. He truly believed that we were his saving grace, that we saved him from a life of misery. You said it yourself, you were basically the driving factor in saving him from succumbing to his inner depression and ending his life. We saved him from the nightmare that was his current home life, and the only thing I managed to do is bring back those terrible memories." Celestia said, lamenting over the fact that she managed to go so far as to make Fury cry.

Luna spoke up. "Perhaps, this is similar to what happened when he was preparing to take on Tirek and Pyro Flare. His inner demons clouded his judgment and his nightmare-ish memories of his home only drove those demons deeper. That is probably why he went as far as to break Pyro's leg and practically cripple her. He thought that if he let this slide, he would be regarded as just another failure to us as he was to his own kind. He was so scared of not holding his responsibility to protect Equestria alongside us that he sacrificed his own mental wellbeing just to do his part." Luna said somberly.

"It would also explain why he was so adamant on not resting until they were both defeated. He didn't want to crack a single joke, he didn't want to go one second without planning to take them both out because he felt as if he had no choice but to sacrifice what mental stability he had to keep his promises. All of this just because of one simple mistake. All of this mental stress just because he was basically cast out for his inexperience." Cadence added.

Celestia nodded. 

Luna spoke again. "I know how he feels. Being an outcast among his people just like I was. Feeling you need to do anything to get people to acknowledge you. I used to be the meek one. The one no one cared about. The inferior sister. And that is why I made a deal with a sorcerer for greater power and turned into Nightmare Moon. I let rage seethe through me to be able to crush my foes. Yes, I know very well how that feels." Luna said. "And I don't want him to go through that again."

"Then I suppose it's time we go find him." Raven spoke up. "And I will accompany you. I have to apologize for how much I said to him. It's only fair that I make things right before they become irreversible. Princess Celestia, may we do so?"

Princess Celestia nodded slowly. "Yes, we shall. But we must be careful with our words. And if he is too angry, back off. We must not cause him to be temperamental. And Luna, since you understand Fury, make sure Raven does not say anything too aggravating."

Luna nodded and Raven bowed as they went down to the streets. Celestia and Cadence follow up later after exchanging a few words, now all they had to do was predict where he would be.

-

They searched high, they searched low. They even asked around for a few leads from the nobility. Few actually knew where he was, mostly because of how fast he flew by. But for those who managed to keep an eye on him, they managed to get a solid path to follow that eventually led back to the castle. Specifically, at the top of Luna's balcony.

Luna was not at all surprised that he would be there. Not just because it was the living quarters of his lover, but also because it had a great view of the city and park with trees. A perfect place to get away from the stresses of life.

Luna led the other princesses to the top of the tower. And lo and behold, Fury was there. They saw him quiet and lying down, looking out to the city skyline.

"Who should talk to him first?" Cadence whispered.

"Let me talk to him." Luna said. "I think I can sooth things a bit."

The other princesses nodded. Luna walked up to him. She noticed his ears flicked in her direction as she approached. He knew they were there but he said nothing. Luna swallowed as she thought of what to say.

"I see you enjoy my viewing area well. It is indeed relaxing and puts one at ease." Luna said, sitting next to him.

"It's nice. Almost reminds me of the hills back home. You had a good view of town, beautiful treeline, and you could see far into the valley for miles. The only difference being that those were natural hills and this is an artificially built tower." He said, almost monotone in his speech.

"Mmm, true." Luna agreed. Then there came another uncomfortable silence. Luna sighed at the fact that she, the Princess of the Night and the lover of the feline next to her, couldn't even muster up the courage to speak to him. It was like they had just met all over again. She collected her thoughts and began to speak.

"Night Fury… I can't imagine how shattered you felt after hearing my sister's words. All of those horrid memories flooding back in, the feeling that now both sides were against you… I sympathize with you wholeheartedly." Luna spoke. 

"Luna, this is nothing for you to worry about. You're not the one who disgraced oneself. I appreciate the help, but this is a me problem." Fury said, not looking in her direction.

"While it is true that you went over the line, I believe that it was no place to get just as personal to set you straight as you did with Raven." Luna said, shooting a disapproving look to her sister who seemed to shrink slightly. Fury's good hearing could hear her movements and everyone else's, so he just sighed.

"You picked the wrong cat to pull the 'Hide around the corner and watch the drama' trick, you three. Just come on out."

Celestia, Cadence and Raven walked out, a bit nervous of what to say.

"It's um… a beautiful evening, isn't it?" Celestia said unsure how to start the conversation.

"Save the pleasantries, your highness. You know why you're here." Fury snapped, while still sounding calm. Celestia had heard this attitude before when she got in trouble with her mother.

She sighed. "Right to the point with me, huh? Well, yes. And I do want to say I am sorry for what I have said. And for letting my advisor go too far. I did not intend for it to get this personal. I would just like us to forget this happened and move on."

"Hard to move on when the most poisonous memories of my past were brought back to me from the very pony who brought me into this world with open arms, don't you think?" Fury reminded her.

Celestia looked guilty. "Yes. Yes it is. But I am very sorry and I promise not to say such things again. Even if you were quite argumentative toward Raven, I crossed a major line."

"Crossed? Heh, more like leapt." Fury spat out.

"Fury…" Cadence pleaded. "I know you're still conflicted in your head, but you need to let go. Both for you and us."

"You didn't seem to want to “let things go” when you sold me out, snitch!" Fury said.

"I thought it was a funny situation! And besides, you technically were slacking off even if Raven went too far in her actions." Cadence said

"Ohhh! So first my parents should be ashamed of me, now I'm a slacker? Yeah, thanks for the morale boost."

Luna gave the two an annoyed look. The two were clearly making it worse. She shook her head.

"Fury, please. Don't take this the wrong way, we just want to help you. And… you weren't actually serious when you said that you wouldn't be surprised if I decided to… separate from you, were you?"

"You're thinking of a break-up, sweetheart. And well, I don't know. Maybe you would. Maybe it would turn out everyone would have their limits with me and I would just have to accept living alone." Fury said.

Luna was angry at this. "Well I would certainly not allow that!" She said, slamming her hoof on the ground. "Fury, you are a noble creature. I believe in you and your ability to improve. You have come so far to make your life happen in Equestria and to have me be your lover. Sure, you can maybe go overboard a few times, but you've shown you can improve that. And do you truly think a little argument would make me, as you said, break up with you?"

Luna stood him up and made him look into her eyes."You listen to me. I shall always love and cherish you. And nothing you do will change that! You are a good feline and that I am confident in."

Fury looked long into her dark blue eyes, captivated by how they seemed to glisten as the evening turned to night. He took some time to think of all that he has done in the past. King Sombra, Blueblood, Moonbeam… he fought through all of that to be where he was today. He had to hand it to himself, he went to the ends of the earth to be in Equestria and in a relationship with Luna. He couldn't let that all float away from him now, and he knew she would either without a fight.

He finally had a smile. "Thanks, Luna, I think I get what you're saying. I guess I'm so worried about me losing respect and love from others like in my village, that I forgot, I don't need to be worried about that. I'll be okay and I'll keep improving, especially with a moonpie by my side." He said with a smirk.

Luna blushed. "Oh you didn't have to, you old charmer."

"Hmm, you're right. I didn't. All I had to do was this." Fury said, pulling her in for the best kiss he could muster.

The two had the most passionate kiss together in a long time. It was a relief for the other three to finally see him happy again.

"Fury..." Raven hesitantly said, trying to get his attention.

"Oh, just let him be. He's clearly a little… preoccupied." Cadence said with a giggle. Just then, a new face popped in and was surprised by the moonlit scene before her.

"Well well well, it looks like you two are making out in the moonlight." Lauren said. The two lovers both let out a gasp of surprise and opened their eyes to see Lauren standing there smiling. Luna just stood frozen while Fury transformed into something small, practically disappearing from sight.

"Y-you must have been seeing something! I was simply um… feeling passionate about my duty as princess of the night!"

"Wow, great lie." Fury whispered.

Lauren simply laughed. "Oh love. It makes us say the silliest things. And Fury, did you not think I wouldn't know an average critter from you?" 

Night Fury, in an effort to disappear from sight, turned into a small creature called a Moth. Six legs, black wings, red eyes, and a fluffy ring of fur around his neck. Not wanting to be exposed, he tried to play along with his form and tried to act like a moth by flying over to a lamp in Luna's room, attempting to play on the moth's love for bright lights.

Lauren had a naughty smile. "Hmmm, those are some pretty moths you have there, Luna. I think I would like to take a look." She said, flying to the lamp. 

"You know, when I was young, I used to catch fireflies. It was fun. And sometimes there was a rare one that would glow blue not yellow, different from the others. And likewise, I think there is one very unique moth here." She said, looking at the moths by the lamp. "Isn't that right, you?!" She said as she caught a black both in her hooves.

"Gah! How did you know?! The other moths were black too!" Fury called out.

"You might have looked like one in color. But you definitely didn't move like one, going around in a perfect circle, almost like you were going on another flying session." Faust said with a smirk. "Also you're still a little too big. You still have not mastered shrinking down to the correct size for the creatures you turn into."

"Doh!" Fury exclaimed. "I guess the gig is up." Fury said, flying out of Lauren's hoof and transforming back to his usual self.

"I guess I can't blame you for the size, but maybe you should learn not to race everywhere." Faust said.

"Narcissist." Fury huffed. "You're one to talk for someone who always tells crazy stories and draws everywhere." Fury said, sticking his tongue out like a child.

"Touche." Lauren replied. "But it is nice to see you all getting along again."

"Wait, you knew what was going on with us?" Celestia said, a bit embarrassed.

"I was watching from a distance. And I must say, I am very proud of how Luna resolved things."

"Thank you, mother." Luna said, bowing slightly.

"But I am a little disappointed in how you two did it." Faust said, looking at Celestia and Cadence.

"Sorry…" said both of them in shame.

"Ha ha, you two got in trouble." Fury said, truly sounding like a little brother.

"Please forgive me, your majesties." Raven said. "Everyone can make mistakes, even them."

Faust had another smirk. "Hmmm, you said everyone, Raven. Would that not include you too?"

Raven looked down. "Y-yes. Yes it would, madam."

"Oooh, somepony's in trouble…" Fury said, pushing his little brother antics even further.

"That's right, Fury. I do mean everyone. She needs to know others' limits better. But we all can learn that too. Right, Fury?" She said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yep! That's right- Oh you were talking about me this time." Fury said. "Yeah I could have been more diplomatic about that."

"Now remember, you two! What do we say when we do something wrong?" Lauren said to Raven and Fury as if they were in a classroom.

"Yeah yeah I get it." Fury said. "I'm doing it."

Fury and Raven approached each other.

"Sorry about saying your family was a disgrace. I'm sure they're very proud of- Ugh!" Fury recoiled, almost gagging. 

"Oh come on, don't be so dramatic! Just get it out." Cadence encouraged. Fury tried to open his mouth, but he couldn't. It was like he was fighting himself to say it. At that moment, a second version of Fury started to materialize. Sprouting out of his neck was a holographic red Speed Shifter with pure black pools for eyes and red slits. The exact opposite color scheme of Night Fury.

"Fury doesn't apologize to her, Fury must show dominance over her!" The second one spoke in a raspy, gollem-like voice.

"Oh come on, just let me say it!" The original pouted, trying to get the other to stay down.

"By the gods! He's so conflicted about apologizing to Raven that his mind created a split personality!" Luna pointed out. 

"Look, I made a mistake and I want to make it right. Is that a crime?" Fury asked.

"To Fury? It is! Fury doesn't apologize for anything. And besides, Fury doesn't apologize to that mare with that silly bun!" The red copy sneered.

"How rude!" Raven scoffed. 

"He can't help it, Raven! These two heads of his are completely different! One, the original, who is kind and caring. The other, his inner grievances and bitterness pulling back on any sort of positive vibes. He is quite literally, fighting himself to apologize to you." Luna said. 

"How do you know so much?" Cadence said.

"Well, when I started dabbling with Nightmare powers, Nightmare Moon became another side of me. She and my compassionate side fought each other for months until I finally lost to my dark self." Luna said. 

"Yikes," said Cadence. "You don't think that will happen to Fury, right?"

"This is mild compared to what I dealt with, but we must help him fight back!" Luna said. "I do not know what would cause him to have this other side but I assume it comes from being a Speed Shifter as well as an All Powerful. So maybe our solution will have to do with spells, meditation and incantations like before." Luna theorized.

"Or… you could just force him back into himself." Raven spoke up. "While I do agree that using the techniques that Night Fury has made known to you all would be a good solution, perhaps it is much simpler than using an incantation? Maybe we just have to get the two half's back to one singular entity?"

Luna seemed to find merit in that solution. "Hmmm, you make a good point, Raven Inkwell. It would definitely be less time consuming for sure. But we would have much of our power to force him back. But it can be done."  

"Well, we better get to it and fast! Because his double is starting to grow legs!" Cadence pointed out, Night Fury's other half very much growing farther apart and more independent from the original's body.

"Ugh, what the heck are you, evil me?! This is like out of some horror movie Spike shows me when Twilight isn't around!" Fury said.

"Only horrible to you! For Fury, I-I will be free! And Fury sssshall fulfill his role as All Powerful and make Canterlot his new capital! And you'll all be Fury's slaves! Nya ha ha!" Said the evil double.

"Not as long as I'm still in control! Get back in here!" Said the original, transforming his own good half into an octopus, and trying to pull his evil double back in with his tentacles. "Uh girls, I could use a couple extra hooves here!"

The four alicorns and Raven used all their magic to resist holding the evil Fury back. It delayed him but he was still quite strong.

"Nya ha ha! Do you think Fury will be done in by your fairy magic? No! Fury is strong! Fury will be free!"

"Stop calling yourself Fury! I'm the only Fury around here! And I don't talk in the third person!" The original said.

The princesses found the evil self quite persistent and it seems he is partially resistant to pony magic. They needed something to really tighten him.

"Do you have another idea, Raven?" Cadence asked. "We could use one now! We can't force him in at this rate."

Raven thought to herself what to do. She remembered all the missions adventurers in the name of Celestia embarked on. She remembered some similar situations with creatures. Then, she came up with an idea.

"Wait, if this thing is somewhat like Night Fury, maybe he has the same weaknesses as the original! Quick, what's the one thing that makes Night Fury lose his focus? Something that makes him unable to resist any force put on him?" Raven asked. At that statement, Night Fury blushed in embarrassment. He knew what the answer was, but he just didn't want to admit it.

"Come on, Raven! Isn't there something else you can try?" Fury begged.

She simply shook her head. "This is how it was meant to be." She said, rubbing her hooves with a creepy smile. "Besides, this is my chance to get even with you."

Cadence immediately knew what was happening and smiled. "Well, if you're going to do the special treatment, you'd better hurry up and do the deed." She said.

"With pleasure!" Raven charged in like a bull to where Evil Fury was. 

"Hey, what are you doing here, bookworm? Fury is busy trying to be free!" The evil double snarled.

"Oh, just a little tender loving." She said, using magic to hold his tail.

"W-why are you holding my tail like that?" Evil Fury said, forgetting to use the third person out of fear.

"You know why..."

"No no no! I beg you to not do it! Your hair is actually nice! Your father was a great guy! Just don't-"

"Tickle time!" She quickly rubbed and caressed the tail, causing him and good Fury to both burst out in laughter.

"Nya ha ha ha ha! No no! Come on, ya can't do this! I am an All Powerful, nya ha ha ha ha!" The evil twin said.

"Hahahaha! You think you have the worst of it!? I'm getting it too!" The original squealed. At that point, the evil twin began to give way and began being absorbed back into the original's body.

"Nya ha ha! No Fury, wait! We can conquer the Canterlot together! We can make the whole city our running ground! Nya ha ha, we can even keep Luna as the only pony left! Just let me-!"

"Ha ha nope!" He said pushing the last of his evil self in.

As soon as he did, a burst of red light filled up the whole of Canterlot. 

After the light subsided. Everything seemed normal. Especially Night Fury's laughing being one single sound instead of two separate noises.

"Fury!" Luna said. "Are you back to normal?"

"Hehehe, I think so." Fury said, feeling himself over. "I'm glad I'm not being tickled anymore." He said with a sigh of relief.

"Actually, I don't think he's all there." Raven said. "Perhaps I should test it to confirm." 

Fury's eyes shrank to pinpricks as he heard her and began to panic. "Wait wait wait, don't-"

"Come here you!" Raven said deviously, diving on him and continuing her vengeance. 

"Bahahahaha, you crazy mare! I already suffered enough, ha ha ha ha! Celestia, can't you give me a paw here!?" He called out, looking for a shining light to save him.

"Oh, those are some nice stars aren't they Luna?" Celestia said seemingly ignoring his pleas.

"Indeed, sister, I swear I heard something though." Luna said, playing along in her lover's tickle torture.

"You traitors! Alright, when nopony else will help you, you've just gotta do it yourself!" Fury said, flexing his legs and pushing Raven off of him. He then pinned her on her back and looked down at her.

"Hmmm… you seem to be a well organized and strong mare. Let's see if I can break you." Fury said, turning the tables on her and experimenting with her weak spots. "Let's see, how about we start with your collarbone." He said, striking it.

All of sudden a high shriek filled the air followed by her own laughter. Fury almost felt sorry since she was like a little doll compared to the alicorns. But then he remembered her tickling him and went even harder.

"Hee hee heee ha ha ha ha! I'm sorry, ambassador! I was going to let go eventually!" She said, not even putting up any resistance.

"I know, you just did right now!" He said moving on to her neck. "Wow, you smaller ponies are a lot less resistant to this stuff."

"Oh come on! Ha ha ha!" She said, tearing up a bit. "Even I didn't tickle your neck!"

"Because you didn't get the chance to." Fury said.

"Princesses, can you tell him to stop!?"

But the princesses seemed to be seemingly ignoring cries too. She was without hope.

"Please Fury ha ha. Tell me what I must do for you to show mercy!"  Raven squealed. Fury took her statement and let up for a moment.

"Okay then. First, I want you to apologize again to me for how you reacted to me wanting to go for a run." Fury said.

"Okay, I'm sorry that I pursued you all over Canterlot to tell you what I wanted to say." Raven said, still recovering.

"Good. And second, I want you to apologize to your princess for putting her through so much trouble just to get you off my back." He directed her attention to the princesses on the balcony who finally turned around after hearing his statement.

"I apologize to you, for being stubborn and not obeying your wiser judgment. And I should not have wasted time on such an unimportant task." Raven said.

"Good girl." Fury said. "And one last thing before I release you…"

"Go ahead. I am prepared."

"I want you to admit… I am the best tickler here. And you are just a victim of my genius." Fury said.

Raven looked at him blankly. "Seriously? You really are a child inside."

"Yep! And that's why I'm gonna tickle you if you don't answer…"

"Okay fine! You're the best tickler and I'm a victim of your great almighty genius! All hail Fury, master of pranks!" Raven said desperately.

"See, was that so hard?" He said finally getting off of her. For Raven, she was still catching her breath. 

"You really needed that to boost your ego, didn't you?" She asked. Fury gave her a side eye and laughed.

"Hey, at least I can be humble. Unlike a certain blue pegasus Wonderbolt that I know…" He chuckled.

"Ugh, I can at least agree with you on that." Raven said, remembering how much Dash boasted of herself.

Faust couldn't resist laughing. "Oh Night Fury, Tia was right. You really are a little brother. You're cheeky, energetic, funny, goofy. And most of all, you have just about the same level of maturity as a colt in an arcade. At least, sometimes."

"Well I'd rather be that, than to be some boring rule stickler like Miss Harshwinny. I don't care what those other villagers thought of me. I ain't budging." Fury said, crossing his forelimbs.

Luna went close to him. "And I wouldn't have it any other way, Lightning Bug." She said, kissing him.

Fury was the one who blushed now. He was so thankful to have such a loving lady in his life.

"Heh, I hit the jackpot." Fury said.

Everyone was happy for them. It was a crazy time but they sorted it out.

"So… would you like to hear my announcement now, Fury?" Raven asked.

Everyone looked at her.

"Really?" Cadence asked.

"Easy, Cadence. I think after all of this drama, we should give her the benefit of the doubt and listen. Even I have to admit that." Fury said.

"Really? But don't you want your run?" She asked.

"Nah, the whole split personality thing was equal to three whole days of running. I think I need a break. I'll even take a boring announcement over that." He said.

"Oh thanks- Hey!" Raven said unamused to Fury's own amusement. "But since you accept…"

Raven cleared her throat while reading a scroll.

"Mr. Night Fury, Most Honorable Ambassador of the Lands of Thunder Hollow and its territories-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know who I am. Can we get on with the message?" Fury moaned.

"Uh, right." Raven said awkwardly. She seemed to be a little nervous. 

"Did a cat get your tongue?" Cadence asked.

"It's a bit… unorthodox for ponies to speak like um… yaks."

"Yaks?" Fury said, a lot confused. Speed Shifters and Yaks had their dealings in the past during what they called 'The Great Migration' after Speed Shifters had spread out across Equestria and beyond when the Windagos were defeated and the snow melted enough to allow them to leave. "Raven, who sent that letter?"

Raven took a closer look at the signature. "It was sent by one… Prince Rutherford?" 

Celestia seemed to recognize him. "Ah that fellow. Heh, quite a perfectionist if I do say so myself. Definitely filled with honor and pride, for better or worse."

"I remember hearing about the Yaks in school back home." Fury said, calling back to his middle school days. "After the defeat of the Windagos, the Speed Shifters of old took part in what we call 'The Great Migration'. It was basically the time that Speed Shifters spread out across Equestria and beyond after the snowstorms dissipated. I think I remember hearing that a collection of them went up to the frozen north near the Crystal Empire and made first contact with the Yaks in their early days."

Cadence was now curious. "Did they get along well? Or was it hostile? Or just neutral? I met a yak once as a filly. I know how stubborn they can be."

"Hard to say. Most of the Speed Shifters that did end up in the frozen north were said to have kept their distance, only coming out of 'hiding' every once in a while to accept trade deals from the Crystal Empire when your mom still knew about us. For all I know, they could still be up there. The only difference being that a different generation of that tribe is probably thriving up there after the elder Shifters passed on. Isn't that right, Lauren?" Fury said, looking up at her.

Lauren nodded. "Agreed, I may be old but even I don't know what happened with the Northern Speed Shifters. I remember speaking to Queen Amore about their relations with her and even she said that once they settled down, they didn't appear as much as they used to."

Fury was genuinely curious. Who were these Northerners? Did they have a glorious city like the Silver Blue? Or were they more of small village people like Thunder Hollow? He even heard rumors they could speak the language of Windagos. What were these lost legendary Shifters like?

Now, he had to find out what's up. "Raven, let me see that letter. I'm a bit rusty with how yaks speak, but if my middle school days taught me anything, it's how to interpret different languages."

"Okay. But just know it's a bit… dramatic." 

"Eh, that's what my teacher said. But I had a crazy mom and aunt. I think I know what dramatic means." Fury said, taking the letter and reading it.

"WE SEEK HELP FROM YOU! YAKS HAVE HEARD YOUR EXPLOITS AGAINST LORD SOMBRA, AND YOUR GREAT FIGHTS FOR YOUR HONOR! WE EVEN HAVE HEARD OF YOUR MUSEUM OF SPEED SHIFTERS!"

"Wow, I can already hear the hollering." Fury said, continuing to read.

"YAKS THEREFORE REQUEST AID FROM YOU! WE HAVE HAD HEARD RUMORS OF SPEED SHIFTERS IN THIS AREA! THEY ARE STRANGE. THEY HAVE BLUE EYES AND THINK WHITE COAT! SOME HAVE SAID THEY CAN EVEN LOOK BLUE OR CLEAR LIKE WINDIGOS!"

"Oh boy, I like where this is going." Fury said with a big smile.

"WE ASK YOU FIND THESE OUT! WE YAKS WISH TO HAVE A FELLOW SPEED SHIFTER DO RESEARCH! YOU ARE MORE FAMILIAR THAN US YAKS! WE WILL MEET THEM AFTER YOU! WE ALSO REQUEST THAT YOU BRING ELEMENTS OF HARMONY AND PINK PONY PRINCESS WITH YOU FOR PROTECTION! WE MAY BE BIG, BUT YAKS ARE VERY UNDER EQUIPPED TO FIGHT OTHER SPEED SHIFTERS!"

"Wait, fight Speed Shifters?" Celestia asked. "I'm not sure if we would want to get into some diplomatic trouble with these mysterious North Shifters, as I like to call them."

"Maybe he's just saying, if." Raven clarified. "As long as we don't anger anyone we should be fine."

"That's good and all but we have to address something. Pink pony princess? Really?" Cadence moaned. Fury instantly burst out laughing at that statement.

"School never spoke of the wisdom of yaks. But only the truly wise could describe you so well, Pink Pony Princess." Fury said.

"Yeah, really wise to not even refer to me by name. But you seem to be lucky for them to use your name." Cadence said, still annoyed.

"Oh please, Cadence. The only time you'll get respect out of me is when you're not being a prime target to completely rip on." Fury laughed. "And besides, they must think I'm way better than you if they call me by my name."

"Why you…"

"Let it go, Cadence." Celestia said. "Okay, Fury, get back to reading it."

"Ugh, yes mom." Fury joked.

Celestia was about to respond but realized it was a waste of time and said nothing.

"RUTHERFORD DEMAND REQUESTS YOU COME IN THREE DAYS! WE ARE WORRIED ABOUT THESE SHIFTERS! WE WOULD BE SAD AND OR MAD IF YOU DO NOT COME DURING THAT TIME!"

"Three days!? Aw man, I would have to miss my birthday if I abided by that request." Fury moaned, sounding sad.

"That's horrible!" Raven said.

"Oh, you poor thing." Cadence added with sympathy.

"I am truly sorry about that, Lightning Bug." Luna said. "Maybe we could get the Mane Six to negotiate an extension." 

"Nah, yaks can be real messes if you don't be friendly with them. At least if what my teachers said about them was true. I guess being an ambassador is more burdensome than it looks. Well, I guess my birthday is a no-go." Fury sighed. But little did he know, somepony who cared too much to let that slide was nearby.

"What… did… you… just… say?" A voice spoke.

Fury and the others looked around to see the source of the voice.

"Huh? Who's there?" Fury asked. Just then, a large pink cannonball tackled him to the ground. Looking up, he saw the face of a familiar earth pony party planner.

"What did you just say?!" Pinkie Pie asked.

"What the- Pinkie!? How did you even get here?!" 

"That doesn't matter, answer the question!" She said, shaking him a bit.

"Um… I said that my birthday is a no-go? It's not that big of a deal. I'm an adult anyways…"

"SILENCE! You are never too old to have a birthday party! And you will NOT miss this party!" Pinkie said. "What in your right mind told you that you could miss out on that?!"

"Uh… this letter I got from the yaks up in the frozen north." Fury said, slightly intimidated, holding up the letter.

She swiped the letter from his grip rather roughly, reading it in its entirety with speed almost rivaling Twilight when she got her hooves on a new Daring Do issue.

"That's all?" Pinkie said plainly, completely changing her attitude. This caught Night Fury off guard as he was still recovering from practically getting bulldozed by her earlier.

"Huh?"

"That's the supposed tiny reason why you cannot have a birthday party?!" Pinkie stomped the ground with the force of an elephant. "Well I say horseapples to that!"

"Miss Pinkie!" Raven said, surprised by her vulgarity.

"A birthday is meant as a day of joy! I will not, on my party cannon, let you go without a super duper party! If you're going to the land of the really icey place, you're not leaving until your birthday has been celebrated! Not while I still have my Pinkie sense!"

Raven interrupted. "Um… Pinkie Pie, that might interrupt our schedule. We don't want to be late. We just have to deal with it."

"Excuse me, but since when is he on your schedule? He's not one of the royal sisters, since when does he have to abide by your word?" Pinkie questioned her. Raven was taken aback by her stern tone, she had never had somepony question her authority before. Especially not her. After all she was the advisor to Celestia herself!

"Um well… I am…"

"It doesn't matter who you are. No one is exempt from the Sacred Laws of Merrygoing! Fury, we will have this party right in your new home, Ponyville." Pinkie said.

Her face then softened. "Besides, after all the stress of what's been going on don't you think you deserve a nice birthday? I don't know if you celebrate birthdays in your village, but where I'm from, I don't let anyone get away with a boring birthday. If you think you saw fun before, you ain't seen nothing yet. You deserve to be happy. And even more importantly, your parents deserve to see you happy. After all they've seen you struggle through, I'd say they deserve to see you at your best."

"If I say, no?" Fury asked out of curiosity.

"Oh believe me, you won't. I have ways to make others agree to the parties they are due for." Pinkie said.

Fury did not want to test Pinkie Pie.

"Um, what do you think, Tia? You think I can have a birthday before I go?" Fury asked.

Celestia thought about this for a moment. She had to think carefully of how to fit this all in the schedule. 

"Sire, this yak meeting is more important. Pinkie can put it off later." Raven said.

Celestia still pondered. Just then, Luna and Cadence decided to give their input. 

"Tia, we should allow him this party. After all of the stress of having to deal with big diplomatic and tyranny problems, he deserves the rest." Luna whispered.

"And I think the same." Cadence added. "Besides, this would be his first Equestria style birthday party ever! He would get to see the wonder that is pony parties. And to top it all off, he has the best party planner in Equestria to boot. If anything, he at least should get this from us as a way to fully apologize for our shortcomings in that argument we had earlier." 

Celestia had to admit that those were both insanely good reasons. He had truly been under a lot of stress with the current threat of Tirek and Pyro Flare coming back for a second round, possibly with a better plan that could stretch him to his limits. He also hadn't experienced a birthday party in Equestria before, let alone that same party being planned by the most renowned party planner to ever grace the planet.

Celestia nodded. "Very well. You may celebrate. Pinkie Pie, do you promise to give him a party like no other?"

"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" Pinkie said, doing her signature Pinkie Promise.

"There ya go, Night Fury. You've been sworn in for the best party ever! And just so you know, when Pinkie makes a Pinkie Promise, she holds that to the end of Equestria." Cadence said.

"I don't wanna know what that last part of that promise means," Fury admitted, a little disturbed. "But I know one thing, I cannot wait to have that party! This is gonna be the best party ever, no doubt. Everypony in town will know and I'll be the star of it all! This is gonna be insane!"

Pinkie was literally bouncing with jubilance.

"Oh, just plain insanity won't cut it. It will be super duper mega insane, I tell ya!" Pinkie said. 

Pinkie then turned serious. "And that means I have to start ordering supplies right now! I must depart. When you see me again, you will not be the same." Then Pinkie jumped off the ledge.

Fury was about to run after her but Luna stopped. "Do not fear, she will be fine. The laws of nature don't apply to her."

Fury chuckled. "I can tell."

The feline then yawned. "I'd better get some sleep. Today's been quite a day. Quite a lot of drama." Fury chuckled. "Oh, and Raven?"

"Yes?"

Fury smiled. "You gave me a run for my money. Not bad for an advisor."

Raven smiled back. "Well, when you're in Canterlot, a lot of crazy things happen. And I am prepared for them."

Fury nodded. "Well, Imma get to sleep. I gotta be ready to do some exercise and help Shining- Oh shoot! I forgot to help him with the barracks! I need to leave now!"

"Woah, easy fuzzball! I knew when we went on that chase through Canterlot that he'd be left high and dry. So I asked some of the other guards to help him while we were gone." Cadence told him, getting a relieved sigh in return.

"Phew, that's good. One less thing I have to worry about. Otherwise than that, I think I'll be heading back to Ponyville tomorrow. I want to see how everyone is doing, and I do owe my parents a visit. I haven't really talked to them ever since we found out about Pyro." Fury recalled.

Celestia nodded. "Very well. It was nice to see you in Canterlot despite some issues. I hope you have good travels."

"It's always a treat so see you guys, no matter the drama. Whether it's dealing with a centaur sorcerer and a rogue Speed Shifter, or just some personal issues. It's always an adventure with you three, it seems." Fury chuckled, getting up to head off to bed.

"Same for you, lightning bug. Same for you." Luna said. "Sweet dreams."

"I know you'll make sure that happens…" Fury said, taking a long pause before saying…

"Woona. Ha ha ha ha!" And just like that, he took off laughing.

"I told you not to call me that!" Luna roared as he leaped and ran away while the other princesses were laughing.

-

Meanwhile, in another part of Equestria…

Tirek and Pyro Flare strolled through a cold forest through the night. While Tirek strode tall and true with just a few bruises, Pyro was left limping with a makeshift cast and a few bandages around her head. After the brutal thrashing she got from the ambassador, her head ached and her leg felt almost non-existent with how broken it was. The bone was somewhat intact from the time she had let it heal, but the excruciating pain of Fury's aura still coursing through her slightly made the pain worse.

With every step, she wobbled along. With every slight head movement, her head pounded. And in general, every part of her body was crying out in agony.

"Curse that disgrace of Speed Shifters. I hope we grind his bones to feed the Cragodiles! Gahhh!"

"You've been complaining for two hours! Keep your whining to yourself." Tirek said. "I'm trying to think of what our next move should be."

She simply turned away.

"You have other Shifters at your village, right? Why not use them?" Tirek suggested.

"No. The leader of the Speed Shifters does not want to risk his soldiers in an invasion. Basically, when I advised him to take 9ver Canterlot, he agreed but only if I went ahead to do enough damage first. Then he would send the rest of the soldiers." She explained rather unpleasantly. "Hmph, that little cowardly pampered prince, sending me away with nothing." She scolded him.

"Perhaps that's not the only reason that he didn't send any soldiers along with you." Tirek said. "I have to ask, did this leader know of the ambassador's destiny? Was he aware of the power he held?"

"Yes. We Shadow Shifters suspected he could be a candidate for a while. He had the physique that matched the All Powerful prophecy. And once we heard of his feats in battle including Sombra, the criminal known as Green Bits and especially his slaying of Moon Beam, we knew he was an All Powerful. Not just me but all of the leaders of the Shadow Shifter tribe. Not to mention that he was said to bear the mark of The Raging Storm, the next generation of the All Powerfuls." She explained. "What does that have to do with my leader?"

"Well, it could be possible he sent you as a guinea pig. To test whether he should fight or not. And considering how battered you got, I think we know that answer to that."

She growled.

"So you're saying… that the entire reason I was sent out here to be battered, bruised, and broken… was just because he was using me as bait on a line?!"

"Yes. And considering how you act, I don't blame him for not being worried about your fate." Tirek said with a smirk.

"GAHHHH!!!" She roared in rage. "That cowardly brat! This is how I get repaid for all the work I've done for the Shadow Shifters!? I have led raids, espionage missions before he was born! And this is how I get repaid!?" Pyro said while punching a random tree. "I'm just trying to get us Shadow Shifters to finally do something instead of playing games and getting drunk." She said, thinking of her young leader.

"Well, it looks like I'm not the only one who's beginning to reconsider changing sides." Tirek said.

"I have never changed sides! I have always been loyal to the Speed Shifter cause, that we would regain our glory! It's those leaders who want to be overly cautious that are the unloyal ones!" She said.

"Technically that is changing sides." Tirek said.

"Raaggh! Whatever, when the time comes, I will have my revenge!" Pyro declared, but not before her injuries made themselves known once more. "Ow! But for now, I shall let my wounds heal before I go anywhere."

"Finally, a sane sentence out of your mouth." Tirek said. "We'll camp here for now. I'll be on watch. You go to sleep. And if you complain one more time, I'll make you wish you were never born."

you to aid in my survival!" Pyro said, spitting in his general direction before walking away.

That stupid girl, every word that comes out of her mouth makes me want to get rid of her… and turning over to the ambassador's side seem more enticing, as much as that makes me ache inside. But I do need her around. 

Tirek kept thinking. He knew right now the two of them alone could not overcome Fury. As much as hated to agree with Pyro, he did wish there were creatures to help fight Fury. And as much as he regretted it, he also thought about what would happen if he converted over.

He absolutely hated the thought of turning over years of hard work and tireless efforts to uphold his father's wish just to conform to the ponies that he dreaded and abhorred. But, he had to admit that the ambassador showed great strength with his ability to persuade and use his power. His non bias towards anyone who threatened his way of life was slightly admirable and his diplomacy was that of many of the centaur dignitaries that he had seen in his early life. 

If it were not for his love of ponies, I would probably take him over her. But I have to somewhat give him credit for his devotion to his cause. 

Of course, Tirek knew that was not going to happen now, especially with that violent entrance into Canterlot. The centaur was still unsure of what to do exactly. But he knew one day all this struggling will be worth it. He knows one day he will rule over the ponies. With or without Pyro.