//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: A Haunting Past Revealed // Story: A Hermit With A Heart // by Robobrony //------------------------------// A Hermit With A Heart Chapter 6: A Haunting Past Revealed Morning came and Nightshade was pacing nervously in his room as his shadow stood by and watched. “I can’t believe this, I just can’t believe this! I actually agreed to let those ponies stay the night in my house! How could I be so STUPID!!” Nightshade was scolding himself for agreeing to the sleepover tonight. “Would you just relax. Everything will be fine.” “No, everything will not be fine, this was a HUGE mistake! I can’t believe I agreed to this!” “Jeeze, get a hold of yourself, nothing bad is going to happen. They’ve been over here twice now and the only thing that happened was the snapper plant getting Pikie’s nose, and Fluttershy getting wrapped up in those vines.” What Nightshade’s shadow didn’t mention was the fact that after Celestia asked to speak to Nightshade alone, she froze him in time and probed his mind. Luckily, shadow Nightshade was able to hide just enough information from Celestia to keep her from finding out anything too important before forcing her out. He knew that if Nightshade were to know that the princess was trying to read his mind, it would make it impossible to convince Nightshade to finally find friends so he could be happy. “Exactly, that may very well be a prelude to something much worse to come!” “You know why you agreed to it, so you might as well just calm down, relax, and just go with it. Besides, it just means more time with…..her.” “We’ve already been over this. There’s no way a relationship between me and her could exist. Besides, in two days, her wounds will be healed and she can go home, and I can finally be rid of those ponies! But, you’re right, I did agree to this sleepover. If only I hadn’t found that stupid flower!” Nightshade had finally come to terms with his agreement to let the ponies and dragon stay the night at his house and see the lunar lily bloom. Nightshade made his way down to his living room and then to the basement to collect the supplies to change out Twilight’s bandages again. He made his way back upstairs and over to Twilight’s room and found her reading yet another book. She didn’t seem to notice him when he entered the room, so he got her attention. “Time to change out your bandages again.” Twilight lifted her head from the book she had and saw Nightshade, she got up and walked over to nightshade to let him switch out her bandages. But then she noticed that same green goop that Nightshade placed on her cuts yesterday floating by him. She really didn’t like that stuff and it made her recoil a little at the sight of it. “Do you really have to put that on me?” Twilight asked as Nightshade removed her old bandages. He saw she was disgusted by the salve he had. “Do you want your gashes to get infected? Besides, it looks like they’ve closed up completely, so this will be the last time I’ll have to apply it and these new bandages can stay on. In two days, your wounds will be healed completely and you can go home.” This worried Twilight. She knew that if she couldn’t convince him that having friends was a good thing before then, she might never see him again. But what could she do? How could she show him the magic of friendship? She just couldn’t figure it out herself, so she decided that she would wait for her friends and come up with something tonight. Nightshade had finished replacing her bandages while she was trying to figure this out, and it was now time for breakfast. Nightshade left for the kitchen to make breakfast, while Twilight continued her reading to wait. He began to make pancakes from scratch for himself and his guest. It was an uneventful meal but Twilight was still worried about how to show Nightshade that having friends was a good thing. After breakfast was had, the two had the day to themselves, but there wasn’t really much to do. Nightshade did have some things to take care of. “I need to head into the forest to find some more plants, I’ll be back later. In the meantime, you can just help yourself to the books.” Twilight was concerned for Nightshade as she remembered him telling her it was dangerous. “Wait, didn’t you say that place is dangerous, why are you going in there?” Nightshade could see the worry in her eyes. “Relax, the creatures in there have a migratory pattern, I know when it’s safe in what area of the forest. Besides, I can handle myself just fine. I have been living in this forest for a long time after all.” Twilight was still worried for him but knew she wouldn’t be able to talk him out of it. Nightshade opened the large double doors at the front of the house and went out into the forest to collect more plants, leaving Twilight free to explore the book collection more. Back in Ponyville at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was hard at work bucking apple trees with her big brother Big Macintosh. He had a red coat with an orange main and tail, and half a green apple for his cutie mark, and wore a brown wooden yolk around his neck. While Applejack tried to work, she was being pestered by her little sister Applebloom and her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Applebloom was a little filly earth pony with a yellow coat, a red mane and tail, and had on a red ribbon on her head. Sweetie Belle was Rarity’s little sister and a unicorn like her. She had a white coat and a purple and pink mane and tail swirled up at the ends. And Scootaloo was a little Pegasus pony with a dark orange coat and a neon purple mane and tail that was clearly unkempt. Together, they formed a club calling themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The three fillies had heard about what happened to Twilight and how Nightshade had saved her and is currently taking care of her. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came over to see Applebloom and try to convince Applejack to let them come along with her to meet Nightshade and see if maybe he could help them get their cutie marks, and to see the lunar lily. Applebloom begged her sister. “PLEASE Applejack, can’t we come with you, we promise to be good!” Sweetie Belle tried to back her up. “Yeah, and besides, he might like some help with his books, we could be Cutie Mark Crusader librarians.” Scootaloo didn't like the sound of that. “Librarians, are you kidding, that’s booooooring! Maybe we could help him with his garden and be….Cutie Mark Crusader gardeners.” Applejack heard enough and was getting annoyed with their persistence. “That’s enough you three! Now lookey here, I’m sorry, but Nightshade just wouldn’t be real appreciative if’n we brought along some guests unannounced. So I’m sorry, but the answer is still no. But I suppose if’n ya’ll really want ta meet him, ya’ll can be there with us when he comes.” The three fillies were sad that they wouldn’t be able to come with Applejack and her friends to the sleepover, but would be happy just to meet Nightshade. Rarity was busy in her dress shop, the Carousel Boutique, packing what she would need for the sleepover tonight. Mane spray, makeup, eyelash trimmer, all kinds of things for hair and facial care, and a sleeping bag. Once she was satisfied that her beauty supplies were packed up in her saddle bag, she set it on the bed next to her sleeping bag and went back to work on a dress. Meanwhile, at Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie was busy planning and packing all the party supplies she would need for the sleepover party with Spikes’ help. Pinkie listed off each item while spike had a checklist to mark everything needed. “Let’s see, balloons.” “Check” “Party hats.” “Check” “Streamers.” “Check” “Sweets.” “Check” “Record player for music.” “Check” “Well, that’s everything, OOOHHHHH, This is going to be so much fun, I just know Nightshade will love this.” Spike had his doudts. “I don’t know Pinkie, I just don’t see him as the party type.” “Oh don’t be silly Spike, everypony is a party type, we just have to show him and help him find that party pony deep inside him and let him out!” Spike still wasn’t sure, but he did hope Pinkie was right, Nightshade was a hero, he saved Spikes’ beloved adopted big sister. So he continued helping Pinkie get everything packed and ready to go. Rainbow Dash was in her cloud house above Ponyville ready and waiting for the party. The only thing she really needed was her sleeping bag. She was also waiting for the party with a big smile on her face, she also couldn’t help but feel sorry for Nightshade for living such a lonely life, who she saw as a real cool stallion for facing down three manticores and not even breaking a sweat. So she wanted to do what she could to convince Nightsade that she was his friend. Fluttershy was busy fluttering about her house taking care of her animals to make sure they would be all right tonight while she was gone. She too wouldn’t be taking much with her, just a sleeping bag to sleep in when it was time for bed. Finally the sun began to set and the girls and Spike were all gathered in front of the town library with their sleeping bags on their backs to wait for Nighshade to get them, but there were four others there as well. Applejack asked Big Mac to come along to make sure the three fillies would get home all right once they left. Rarity decided to try to remind her little sister and her friends to be careful around Nightshade. “Now you three mind your manners and don’t be rude when Nightshade shows up, understand.” The three just smiled an innocent smile at Rarity. Suddenly, right in front of them, a dark hole appeared and Nightshade emerged. The cutie mark crusaders were amazed at this and Scootaloo couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as she jumped up in excitement and fluttered her little wings. “WHOA, that was so cool! How do you do that?!” Nightshade saw the four new ponies and got worried. “Who are they? PLEASE tell me they aren’t coming too!” Applejack decided to alleviate Nightshade’s fears. “Don’t worry Nightshade, they just wanted to meet you in pony, this here is ma big brother Big Macintosh.” Big Mac simply gave him a nod as a hello. “And these three fillies are-“ But before Applejack could even begin her introduction of her sister and her friends, the three ran forward and stopped in front of Nightshade to introduce themselves. “I’m Scootaloo,” “I’m Sweetie Belle,” “And I’m Applebloom, and together we are,” The three shouted out their club name at the top of their lungs. “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!” Nightshade recoiled a bit at the volume the three little ponies produced, as did everypony else there. Even spike tried to cover his ears when he saw what was coming, but it wasn’t enough. Nightshade’s ears were ringing a little from the shout. “Ok, OW. Would you PLEEEAAASE not do that again!” The three continued their introduction with Scootaloo starting. “Were on a mission,” Sweetie Belle, “To find our cutie marks,” Applebloom finishing, “And discover our special talent.” Nightshade just looked at them, he had never seen such enthusiasm before. Rainbow Dash apologized for the three of them. “Sorry about them Nightshade, they can be a little…..energetic.” Nopony could see it, but from the way he spoke next, they could tell Nightshade was cocking and eyebrow. “A little energetic?” The five mares and dragon could only laugh at that. Rarity decided it was time to be on their way. “Now you three be good while were gone, ok.” The three just let out a sad ‘AAAAWWWWEEEE’ and Sweetie Belle voiced her disappointment. “Do you have to go already?” Scootaloo was next. “Yeah, we didn’t even get a chance to ask Nightshade if he had any ideas on how we could earn our cutie marks.” Fluttershy tried to comfort them. “Now girls, I’ts ok, I’m sure you’ll get a chance to ask him later, ok.” They simply answered in unison, still disappointed, ‘Ok’. Then Nightshade noticed Pinkies saddle bag full of party favors. “What is all that for?” Pinkie Pie looked at her saddle bag and then back to him with a smile on her face. “Oh, these are for the party of course. You can’t have a party without decorations silly.” Nightshade did not like this one bit, he may have agreed to let them stay the night to see the lily, but he did not like the idea of these ponies decorating his house. “NO NO NO NO NO! Absolutely not! I’ve got my house just the way I like it, there is NO way I’m letting you hang those fru fru girly colorful things up in my house!” The ponies got worried as he said this, but Pinkie was the saddest. She gave him the saddest look she could muster as her eyes became wide as dinner plates, tears forming, mouth quivering, and Nightshade could swear he heard what sounded like a little puppy whine. “PLLLLEEEEAAASSSE, Nightshade.” He was helpless before this pink ponies sad pleading look. He tried to look away but even then he could still feel it. He finally caved in. “UUGGHH, FINE, but you’d better take them down when it’s over, GOT IT!” The girls gave out a relieved sigh and Pinkie perked right back up. “Okie dokie lokie, Cross my heart , hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Nightshade just looked on in confusion as Pinkie used one hoof to make an x over her chest then fluttered both hooves and finally put the hoof she used to make an x over her eye. It was finally time to depart, so the girls and Spike came close so Nightshade could wisk them to his house. He created the dark portal and they all quickly vanished. Big Mac lead the Cutie Mark Crusaders away to take them back home. The group once again found themselves in Nightshade’s house. Pinkie happily jumped ahead with everyone following her to Nightshade’s library, opened the doors and happily greeted Twilight. Nightshade figured he might as well stick around this time as they always seem to follow him. He simply stood at the entrance of the room while the girls, except Twilight, set up the decorations. He was very unhappy that Pinkie was so insistent with having decorations, but he was helpless before that sad pleading look she gave him and dared not do anything to incur it again. Besides, she did say they would clean up afterwards. The streamers and balloons were all set up and Pinkie placed a record player at the center of the room to start the party. She then began to pass out the sweets she brought with her in her saddle bag to everypony there, even Nightshade. “Here you go Nightshade, have a cupcake.” He seemed to look at it curiously as he has never seen a cupcake before. “Uhm, what’s a cupcake?” Pinkie let out a huge gasp as she couldn’t believe Nightshade had never had a cupcake before. “Why, It’s only one of the most spendiforuous supertastic sweets of all time! Try it, you’ll love it.” Nightshade levitated the strange confection from Pinkie’s hoof and examined it, it had pink frosting covered in sprinkles. He carefully moved it closer to his mouth and opened wide to take a bite. Pinkie just watched in anticipation for Nightshade to take his first bite of a cupcake, the others watched the scene as well, wondering what Nightshade would think of it. He bit down on the cupcake and let the taste sit in his mouth to see what it was like. It was unlike anything he ever had before, it was so sweet and tasty, it almost made him feel good inside. Even though he thought it was delicious he still showed no real emotion when he expressed what he thought of it. “It’s actually pretty good, thanks Pinkie.” Pinkie Pie cheered in excitement that Nightshade liked his first taste of a cupcake. “YAHOOO! You mean it!” “Well, it’s certainly different than anything I’ve ever had before, so, yes.” He stated bluntly before gobbling up the rest of it. Pinkie smiled a big smile at Nightshade as she turned and headed for the record player to start the music. Everypony in the room started dancing to the wonderful party music while Nightshade just sat at the entrance of the room to watch. Rainbow Dash took notice and decided to see if she could get him to dance. “Hey Nightshade, Care to dance?” “Uh, no thanks.” Rarity came over to see if she could help. “Oh come on dear, it’s a party, loosen up and have fun.” “Really, I’m fine.” Rainbow then thought of a way that might get him on the dancefloor. “What’s the matter, ya chicken.” Nightshade didn't like the sound of that, if anything he was no chicken and he didn’t like being insulted. “Now look here featherbrain, I’ve faced down monsters that would give you nightmares just from looking at them! I am NOT A CHICKEN!” She got him, she let the feather brain insult go as she has been called worse things before. “well, come on then Mr hero.” Nightshade really didn’t want to dance, but these girls were going to be persistent, so he would have to admit something that, for some reason, he was embarrassed to admit. “Look, uhm, i..i..don’t… know how to…dance.” He thought they would laugh at him for that. Fluttershy happen to hear the conversation and came over to try to make Nightshade feel better. “It’s ok Nightshade, I don’t know how to dance either, but you don’t have to know how at a party, or around friends. We won’t laugh at you, promise.” Nightshade was left with no way to avoid it. They promised not to laugh at him, no matter how ridiculous he may end up looking as he tried to dance. So he reluctantly agreed….sorta. “um,…well” Before he could actually agree, Rainbow Dash cut in. “Great, lets boogie!” She then grabbed his hoof and dragged him into the room more and got him in front of Twilight. Twilight just smiled at him. “Come on Nightshade, let’s dance.” “Uh……ok.” He did not like the situation Rainbow Dash just put him in, she was practically forcing him to dance with the mare he liked a lot but would never be able to be with. But there was nothing he could really do, so he just did his best to dance with her. It was awkward at first, but he was actually starting to enjoy himself. The others could tell as well, even though he managed to keep a straight muzzle, as usual. Spike was definitely enjoying himself as he got to dance with the mare of his dreams, Rarity. They danced and danced for what seemed like hours. Everypony was soon tired from the dancing, so it was time to relax a bit with a game. Twilight made a suggestion for a game that she really wanted to try. “Hey, how about truth or dare, I’ve always wanted to try that.” Everypony agreed, but Nightshade didn’t like the sound of that game. Everypony took a seat in a circle at the center of the room. Twilight decided to sit next to Nightshade. Before the game began, Nightshade needed to know the rules. “So,…how do you play this game?” Applejack answered. “Simple, we each take a turn callin out another pony and ask them if’n they want to take a dare, or tell the truth. You have ta do the dare yer given, or tell the truth to any question yer asked. If’n you go through with either, then you get ta do the same thing to another pony.” Nightshade REALLY didn’t like the sound of that, if it came to his turn and he chose truth, he thought that they might ask him something about his past, he would have to take a dare. Since Twilight suggested the game, she went first. “Rarity, Truth or dare?” Rarity gave her choice some thought. “Uhm, truth.” “Ok, is there somepony in town you have a crush on?” Rarity was surprised that Twilight would ask her something like that, but it was a game, so she decided to go ahead and answer. Spike got his hopes up that he would be the somepony Rarity liked. “Nope. Sorry to disappoint you dear, but I just haven’t found that special somepony yet.” Spike was sad that Rarity didn’t like him, but at the same time hopeful that he would still be able to win her over yet. Now it was Rarity’s turn to pick somepony. “Hmmmm, Applejack, truth or dare.” Applejack already knew what she was going to take. “Dare.” “Alright, I dare you tooo…….stand on your head for five seconds.” “yer on!” Applejack got up and began to try and balance herself on her head, she succeded in her attempt but was wobbly as she held her stance,…3…4…5. Done. Applejack quickly fell forward and landed on her back and everypony shared a good laugh at the scene. Nightshade just watched in silence as the mares and dragon played their game, fearing what might happen when it was his turn. The game went on and then it was rainbow dashes turn when she had to tell a truth. She decided it was time for Nightshade to get in on the action. “Nightshade, truth or dare.” This was it, he was afraid of this, but as long as he chose dare, he hoped nothing sereious would come of it. “uh..dare!” Rainbow Dash had a great idea for a dare that she thought would be hilarious. She knew Twilight did indeed have a crush on Nightshade after thad day when they saw her kiss him on the nose and hugged him. “I dare you too……kiss twilight on the cheek and hold it for five seconds.” Twilight and Nightshade exclaimed at the same time, ‘WHAT’. Then Nightshade spoke on his own. “I’m not kissing her!” Rainbow Dash knew how to get to him. “Whats the matter, you chicken?” “I AM NOT A CHICKEN, AND I’LL PROVE IT!” Twilight turned to face Nightshade to try to object to the awkward dare Rainbow gave him, but as soon as she turned her head, before she could say anything, ‘SMOOCH’. Everypony’s jaw hit the floor. They couldn’t believe it. Nightshade was kissing Twilight on the lips. Appearantly, he had his eyes closed as he was doing it because he didn’t pull away. Twilight’s eyes widened in shock at the sudden lip contact at first, but then began to enjoy it as her eyes began to close. Two seconds, the ponies just watched in shock, mouths still hanging open, Spike was disgusted with this. “Ewwe gross.” Fluttershy just felt embarrassed for the both of them as her cheeks began to blush and she hid behind her mane. “Oh….my.” Three seconds, Twilight was in heaven, her heart was beating like crazy at the lip contact she was making from the pony she had a crush on, and Nightshade still had no idea that he was kissing her on the lips. Four seconds, her mind was racing so fast she couldn’t think straight, all she could do was enjoy the moment while it lasted. Five seconds finally passed and Nightshade pulled away and faced the group. “There, kiss, five seconds, on the cheek, whose chicken now, HUH!” The ponies all just turned to each other while Twilight still had a dreamy look on her face, looking at Nightshade. Rainbow Dash couldn’t contain herself any more. She burst out laughing and started rolling on the ground with her hooves flailing in the air. “BWAAA HA HA HA!” Soon everypony was laughing but Fluttershy, who was still blushing at the awkwardness, and spike was still just disgusted. Nightshade looked at them in confusion, wondering what was so funny. “What, I did the dare. I kissed her on the cheek and held it for five seconds.” Rainbow Dash tried to tell him what happened but she was just laughing too hard “HA HA HA HA YOU HAA YOU DIDN’t HAAHA I CAN’T HAHAHAHAHA” Since Rainbow Dash couldn’t do it, Applejack decided to inform him of his aim. “HA HA you were HAHA a little off target there romeo, HAHAHAH!” Nightshade was still confused as to what she meant. “What are you talking about!” Still not getting the hint, it was up to Fluttershy to point out what happened. “Um, Nightshade,…I’m sorry but…you kind of kissed Twilight on the lips.” “WHAT! Twilight what is she-“ He turned to question Twilight about what Fluttershy was talking about, but when he saw the dreamy, love sick expression on Twilight’s face, it became clear. He felt more embarrassed than he ever had in his whole life. His cheeks turned so bright red, they could be seen clearly from the shadow of his hood. Not only was he feeling embarrassed, but he was furious that he was put into such a situation in the first place. He just had to get out of there to cool down. “You know what, I’m done, I don’t want to play anymore!” He got up and stormed out while everyone was still laughing. Pinkie tried to stop him but she too was laughting too hard to talk. “NIGHSHADE, HAHAHAHA WAIT HAHAHA….PLEASE HAHAHAHAHA!” No good, Nightshade stormed out of the room and made his way to his room to try to calm down and think about what just happened while Twilight still stared at the space that Nightshade once occupied with that same dreamy look. Spike ran over to Twilight to try and get her to snap out of it. “Twilight, snap out of it.” He snapped his claws in front of her face a couple of times and it seemed to bring her out of her trance. “HUH, Nightshade,…where did Nightshade go?” Pinkie answered, still laughing at the incident. “He hahahah..went to his room..heheheh.” Twilight just had to scold Rainbow Dash since this was her fault. “Rainbow,….That wasn’t very nice! What if we hurt his feelings!” Rainbow dash was also still laughing a little from the situation she was responsible for. “Oh, lighten up Twilight, haahaha…besides hehe…don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it. We saw he he the look on your face when he kissed you hahahaha.” Twilight just had to try and see if there was anything she could do to apologize. “I’d better go talk to him.” Applejack figured that would be a mistake. “Now hold on there sugar cube..hehe..I think seein you would just flare him up again..hehe. Just give him some time to cool down. I’m sure that once he’s settled, he’ll come back.” Twilight wanted to object but Applejack was right. The last thing Nightshade needed right now was to be confronted by the pony he kissed and felt embarrassed about, so she stayed behind, hoping this wouldn’t make things worse. Back up in Nightshade’s room, he was FUMING about the incident that just took place, and his shadow double came out to try and comfort him. “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS, I KISSED HER! HER! ON THE LIPS! THIS IS GREAT, JUST BUCKING GREAT! I KNEW SOMETHING BAD WAS GOING TO HAPPEN I JUST KNEW IT!” “Would you just calm down, it was a simple mistake!” “A SIMPLE MISTAKE!? ASIMPLE MISTAKE!? NO NO, this was not just some simple mistake, THEY LAUGHED AT ME! THAT’S IT PARTY IS OVER! I’m sending them all home RIGHT NOW!” “Calm down, what about Twilight, she’s still injured remember. You can’t just send her home. That kiss was an accident, besides, you can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it, can you? Just take a deep breath, calm down and relax here for a bit until your better, ok.” “GRRRR, FINE! But if anything like that happens again, they are gone!” Back in the library, the girls had calmed down enough to talk. Twilight was still upset with Rainbow Dash for putting Nightshade on the spot like she did. “I still think that wasn’t very nice Rainbow dash.” “Oh please, I was trying to do you a favor, and it worked out better than I thought it would.” Fluttershy didn’t think so. “Uhm, Rainbow…I kinda have to agree with Twilight, that was kinda mean of you,…if you don’t mind me saying.” While the girls talked, spike decided to finally take a good look at some of the books in the room to compare them to the books in the library he called home. He was impressed with the collection as he looked through it. But one book he came across on the second level shelf caught his eye. It was a black book with no title on it, unlike the rest. “Huh, I wonder what this one is.” Spike reached out to take the book from the shelf to get a better look at it, but as soon as he tried to pull it off the shelf, he heard what sounded like gears turning. Spike quickly released the book , still on the shelf and backed up. “WHOA, what the hay!” The girls turned to Spike to see what the sound was and Twilight thought Spike might have done something wrong. “SPIKE, what did you do?” “Nothing I swear. There was this book and-“ But before he could finish, the shelf Spike found the book on moved forward some, then to the side to reveal a small alcove with a stand in it and one black book resting on it. The ponies moved toward the alcove and looked on in curiosity. Pinkie was impressed. “OOHHH a secret room. I wonder if there are other secret rooms in here?” Applejack was next to speak. “What in tarnation is that.” Pinkie had the answer. “UH It’s a book, Duh, silly.” Rainbow Dash Knew what Applejack meant. “I think what she meeeaans is why was it hidden?” Twilight then levitated the book in front of her with everypony looking over her shoulder. Fluttershy got worried about the book. “um..Twilight..I really don’t think we should read it. I mean what if it was hidden for a reason.” Rarity had to disagree. “Now darling, what harm could possibly come from reading a book.” Twilight was curious about why this book was hidden away also, she saw no harm in looking at it. She read the title out loud. “THE HISTORY OF THE SHADOW WALKERS” Applejack wondered out loud. “The shadow walkers, who in tarnation are the shadow walkers?” None of them had ever heard of the shadow walkers. Twilight opened the book and began to read the contents within. THE HISTORY OF THE SHADOW WALKERS A long time ago, there was a tribe of ponies known as the shadow walkers. They were different from normal ponies, but they varied in species just like the normal ponies. There were those who could fly and control the weather, those that had magic and sought knowledge to share with their kind, and those that excelled in growing food and plants. But there was one trait that all shadow walker ponies shared that gave them the name. They could control and manipulate the shadows. The shadow walkers were a peaceful tribe and lived in harmony with one another while under the rule of their kind hearted and loving king and queen who had both magic and flight, they were the equivalent of an alicorn. They ruled their kingdom with compassion and love. They called a forest known as Blackwood forest their home, which resided just along the borders of the country known as Equestria. At the time, Equestria was ruled by a terrible king who’s name has been lost to history. He learned of the shadow walkers and didn’t like that they were happy. So, he was able to convince his subjects that the shadow walkers were evil and must be destroyed. It was easy, he was able to use the fact that the shadow walkers had control over the shadows to convince the ponies that they were evil. The terrible king rallied an army to strike at the shadow walkers and eliminate them. The ponies marched to Blackwood forest lead by their king to wipe out every last shadow walker. Once they reached the forest, the slaughter began, the ponies set fire to the homes and killed every shadow walker they came across, regardless of how young or old they were. The shadow walkers tried to fight back to defend themselves, but they were too heavily out matched by the well trained soldiers. One by one they were killed until only the king and queen were left, but they were able to flee the village. They were chased through the forest bye the ponies and were never heard from again. No pony knows what happened to them that night. Some think that they escaped and are still alive today, hiding. Others think that they were caught and killed. The truth was lost to history. THE END Every pony was silent when Twilight finished reading. They couldn’t believe what they just heard and read. They thought that Princess Celestia had always been the ruler of Equestria. If that was the case, then who was this mysterious evil king that caused such terror? How could such history not be known to them? Twilight had read every history book she found in Canterlot and in her own Library, but she had never even seen so much as a hint at what was in this book. Twilight finally broke the silence. “I…I…Can’t believe it. Is this true? How could-“ “What do you think you’re doing?” The group turned to see Nightshade, standing there with a very displeased look on his muzzle. Twilight tried to explain. “Nightshade, I…I..” “How much did you read?” Twilight was worried that reading the book was a mistake after all. “We, uh….well” “HOW MUCH!” He was clearly furious that they found and read the book. Twilight figured it would be best to be honest with him and hope they could apologize to him. “All of it.” Nightshade simply walked over to them and took the book with his magic and placed it back in the alcove and closed it. The girls just looked on in worry. Quietly and calmly, he spoke, “So…..now you know.” This confused them. Twilight again spoke as the others were too afraid to. “Know what, Nightshade?” “THE TRUTH, THE TRUTH THAT I’VE BEEN TRYING TO HIDE ALL THIS TIME!” They were still confused. Twilights spoke again. “Nightshade, what are you talking about?” “You want to know what I’m talking about? I’LL SHOW YOU!” Nightshade turned to them and finally flung his cloak off in front of them. “THIS IS WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!” The girls and Spike were shocked at what they saw. Nightshade was not a unicorn like they all thought. He had large, dragon like wings, two horns atop his head that came up and curved back, and his eyes were slited like a cat’s eyes. “I’M A SHADOW WALKER!” They had never seen anything like him. Twilight tried to say something to comfort him. “Nightshade, I…I..” “THIS is what I’ve been hiding from you the whole time, because I was afraid of what it would mean, because of what you would do to me!” “Nightshade, are you the king of the shadow walkers that was mentioned?” “No, he was my father. You might as well hear the rest.” Nightshade figured that since they read the book, they might as well hear his side. FLASHBACK: I was just a young colt when it happened. My mother and father loved me very much, but they weren’t my only family. The entire shadow walker clan was like a family to me. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, every shadow walker was my family, not just my subjects. We lived happy peaceful lives and never did anything to hurt anypony. But when the attack came, we had to run. My father picked me up and placed me on his back, he and my mother ran through the village to escape from the slaughter, we made our way through the burning village I called home while screams and yelling filled the air. I looked back at the scene and saw the monsterous king responsible for it. I don’t know what his name was, but I do know that he was pure evil as he laughed at the pain around him. My mother and father ran as fast as they could through the woods with me still on my father’s back. We were being chased by a group of ponies. I suggested to my father that we could fly to get away but he said we would be easy prey for the pegasi in the air. My parents knew there would be no escape, that it was just a matter of time before they were caught. So they did the only thing they could think of. Suddenly, we stopped, my father placed me in a hollowed out dead tree and said to me, "Be safe son, no matter what happens, we love you." I called to him "DAD!" My mother spoke to me next, "We love you son, stay alive for us" I called to her "MOM!" My dad spoke to me again, "No matter what happens, you stay here and keep hidden, alright." Before I could say another word, they took off and left me in that tree. Soon the group that was chasing us passed me by as I watched their hooves gallop past. After a minute or so, I heard screaming in the distance. I got scared, thinking it was my parents, so I crawled out of the tree and ran as fast as I could in the direction of the scream. I came to the top of a hill and looked down, only to see the same group of ponies that passed me by looking at something on the ground. I quickly ducked down behind a tree and waited for them to leave. It wasn’t long before they left and were out of sight, so I took the opportunity to make my way down the hill to see what it was they were looking at, fearing the worst. There…at my very hooves….were my parents, dead. Broken wings, shattered horns, bloody muzzles, dead. I stared at them for what felt like an eternity, not knowing what to do. My clan was gone, my parents were dead, and I was all alone. After I cried all the tears I had in front of my parents, I knew what I had to do. Survive. END FLASHBACK There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Nightshade finished his sad tale of woe. Every pony and dragon we’re crying for their friend who had lost everything. Twilight was crying as she tried to console her shadow walker friend. “Nightshade,….I” He cut her off. “For two thousand years……..TWO…..THOUSAND YEARS I’VE BEEN ALONE BECAUSE OF PONIES LIKE YOU! I’VE LOST EVERYTHING! MY HOME, MY CLAN, MY FAMILY, EVERYTHING, ALL BECAUSE OF PONIE LIKE YOU!” The girls just watched as Twilight tried to talk to Nightshade while Fluttershy simply hid behind the group and covered her head with her hooves, and spike next to her. “Nightshade, please!” “JUST SAVE IT! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGH, THE PAIN I’VE EXPERIENCED, I….I….” Nightshade started to tear up as he tried to find the right words. “I....just don’t see the point in living when I’m the last of my kind, I… just can’t go on anymore.” Nightshade lowered his head and turned to the side. “Just do what you have to and make it quick.” He readied himself for the inevitable. This was the last Straw for Twilight. She walked over to him and lifted his head to force him to look her in the eyes. “Nightshade, we don’t care what you look like, we don’t care you’re a shadow walker, I don’t care……I…..I love you Nightshade!” Twilight then closed her eyes and pressed her lips against his in such a passionate kiss. The girls and spike just gasped at what they were seeing. Twilight had just confessed her love for him and was kissing him. Nightshade’s eyes widened in shock as the mare he cared for kissed him on his lips in an act of love. She shortly broke the kiss and Nightshade was stunned. “You……I……But.” He couldn’t speak, the realization that these ponies truly didn’t care what he was, and the fact that the mare he had fallen for had returned his affections was too much. His eyes began to water, his heart began to ache, he raised his head and he let out the loudest emotionally induced scream he could. “GGGGGRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” The room grew slightly darker, and the house shook with such force at its owners cry. Twilight just stood there and watched her love release all his pent up emotions in one primal scream. When he finished, the room lit back up and Nightshade just collapsed on the ground as his eyes were streaming with tears. Twilight slowly walked up to him and put a hoof on his shoulder. He looked up at her and saw the most beautiful smile in the world. He got up and they embraced each other in a hug. Nightshade continued to let loose with his tears. The others saw this and figured now was a good time to show him they were his friends, so they walked over and embraced him in a group hug while Spike just stood there and watched. He never was one for mushy stuff like this, except for when it came to Rarity. Nightshade cried his eyes out over Twilight’s shoulder while the others continued their embrace in silence to let Nightshade release everything he had been holding onto for so long. After what seemed like hours, Nightshade’s tears finally let up and he was down to sniffling. They broke the embrace and took a few steps back to give him room. He just looked at his new love, and friends as his once cold heart that had formed melted away. After two thousand years of pain and loneliness, he did something he thought he would never do again,…..he smiled. “Thank you, I can’t tell you how much this means to me, and how much better I feel now that I was finally able to let it out. I…I was too afraid to admit it, but I really was lonely. Thank you all so much, my friends.” He said it, he finally said it, he called them friends. The girls have done what they wanted to do when they first found out that he saved Twilight’s life. They showed him the beauty and magic of friendship. Pinkie couldn’t contain her excitement that they succeded. “YAAAAHOOOOO! THIS CALLS FOR A PARTY!” But Applejack had to remind her of something. “Uh, Pinkie Pie, were already having a party remember.” “Oh yeah.” Then Nightshade remembered the whole reason they came here in the first place. “OH, that’s right, you all came here to see the lunar lily, it’s almost time for the moon to be in place!” Now that Nightshade had finally started smiling, he couldn’t stop. Twilight hung back a moment and watched Nightshade in admiration as he lead her friends to the green house. She got up and was about to try and catch up, but then she felt a presence behind her. She turned around and saw……Nightshade? At least.. it looked like Nightshade, but the figure was shadowed over, she tried to talk to it. “Hello?” The figure just smiled at her and mouthed something to her. ‘thank you’ Twilight then remembered what Nightshade said when he told them about how his subconscious took on a form for him to talk to. She simply smiled back and responded. “You’re welcome.” The figure then simply faded out and Twilight turned to join her friends and new love to watch the lunar lily. She made her way to the greenhouse where the others had gathered around and were sitting on their flanks to enjoy the large flower. Twilight took a seat next to Nightshade. They turned to each other with a smile, then back to the plant. “It’s almost time.” Nightshade announced. They saw the moon slowly move into position just above them through the roof of the glass house. The rays of the moon shone down upon the flower and it slowly began to open. As it did, the glow from the inside of the plant could be seen shining through the top as the pedals began to open. The flower was now completely open and the pedals made the flower look completely round, the girls gazed at the beautiful white glowing flower. Even spike couldn’t help but be amazed at the sight. Twilight leaned against Nightshade to enjoy his company, he looked down at her. As he gazed upon her, a thought suddenly came to mind, he still didn’t think that, even though he loved her and she loved him, a relationship just couldn’t work, but he at least had to do something special for her to pay her back for accepting him. He knew exactly what he could do before he had to say goodbye to her…. forever.