//------------------------------// // Night and Day // Story: An Angelic Soldier // by Korten //------------------------------// Night and Day By the time they got out of Luna’s office it was late into the night and Fiery decided it would be best to go to his parents tomorrow. One of Luna’s guards directed the two of them to their own rooms however Fiery stayed in Embers room to simply chat before they went to sleep. The Angel was still in her armor not having the chance to switch yet. “Feeling nervous for tomorrow?” she asked as he looked around the room. He turned to her, “Oh… Yes… It’s been months and I fear they will be very angry.” “I don’t know them but maybe they will be just happy you’re alive.” Fiery entertained the thought as it did hold merit as his parents were the kind who wouldn’t hold the anger for their entire lives, if anything they most likely yearned for things to return to normal. If not they most likely wouldn’t have put out a missing pony report. He watched as Ember sat on her bed and even moved up and down to see how it matched up to the beds from home. “So- do you want me to visit them with you?” she asked him. He shook his head, “No. It’s something I need to do by myself.” She couldn’t argue with that, in fact she was proud of him, “Well good for you.” “And what will you do while I am doing that?” Ember put her hand on her chin and began to think, “I think I will learn the layout of this castle. Learn more of your world and maybe even go about the city below. Maybe give my wings a stretch.” “Right… Well then no point in keeping you up- I think I will head off to slumber.” “Night,” she said to him as he left the chamber leaving Ember alone. Looking to her side she saw as the moonlight radiated through the window and everything was still. She stood up and walked towards the window and looked outside at the castle courtyard, seeing guards patrolling with torches littered against the walls. In the far distance she could also see the lights of the city. As she looked out, doubt began to flood her mind. She wasn’t being sent on some mission to find an object to go home or simply teleported. Instead she was now working for a black ops group that keeps peace from the shadows while they researched for some way to get her home. But she wondered if they could even find a way. Magic is powerful but maybe she overestimated its capabilities. Ember hoped it would be the answer to everything and that she would be there when they have the eventual funeral for her squad. An image shot through her mind of her family and friends looking over the caskets of her squad, five filled and one empty. Missing in action only went so far until they would accept death. Her family was tough, they would move on- eventually even if they didn’t want to and truthfully she didn’t want her family to live on with the pain of losing a love one forever. It was still hard for her to accept what happened to her squad. All so young and yet killed in instant. Her thoughts then moved on to their families and how they must also be reacting to the whole thing. But the biggest question of all was- could she live knowing she may never get home? Ember let out a heavy sigh and then turned towards her bed- she just stood there looking at it until she began to strip of her armor and into her civvies. As she reached the edge of the bed she just let her body fall on top and she clenched the covers but then slowly let go as she crawled up to the pillows and sunk under the covers. *************************** Fiery Slate wasn’t having the best time getting to bed, he closed his eyes but he kept opening them up again at the slightest sound or as he tried to find a better spot in bed. His thoughts kept going back to his parents and his journey up till this point. Nothing would be the same- whether it was his new found power, him joining the Night Corps, or being a blank flank despite all. His future had been altered and now he couldn’t tell where it was going. With the Night Corps he knew he would go up against the moles again and now even Dragons and he would need to kill them or they would kill him. Ember trained him but he still deep down felt he wasn’t ready to kill again, the first time it was so sudden and nearly uncontrollable but he knew the next time it would be on purpose and with full control. This would be expecting, if not demanded of him and unavoidable if they are to complete their missions. He had to admit that he was also starting to feel doubt, but at the prospect if he had made the right choice. His mind was scared and telling him to get up and go back to Luna to decline the offer despite having accepting it already. But his body wouldn’t move from the bed, it was firmly planted. Thoughts of living an average and possibly blank flank life plagued him, he could see images of peace and harmony but as much as he wanted to accept that future he knew it wasn’t what he truly wanted. Tomorrow he would be meeting with his parents and also telling them that he most likely wouldn’t see them again for a much long time. He could already see their expressions at this prospect, they will plead for him to come and stay home but he knew he had to refuse. Tears will run down their faces and his own. Fiery’s eyes opened sharply as he noticed he was starting to cry. He looked and saw it was still night, the morning was still ways off but he was starting to have more trouble sleeping knowing what lay before him. The stallion lifted the covers and walked off the side of the bed onto the carpet flooring. Fiery walked towards his window as the snow outside began to descend from the sky slowly. However where Ember looked at the courtyards his eye was immediately drawn to the city below and his home part of the blob of buildings and lights. From the ponies walking around the city to those who sleep, all of them feel at peace. But he didn’t feel at peace, and he just didn’t know what to do to put his mind at ease. He then began to think of Ember, if she was having the same trouble or not. He wanted to go and check on her but he stopped himself- It wouldn’t be good to disturb her if she was sleeping and he wondered if this is something he needs to overcome himself. But how could he come over the realization that his life was changed and for his parents as well? Fiery continued to look out the window as the snow began to pile on top and Guards at time even shaking to get it off. He smiled at that. Their dedication was something to admired if a bit off topic to his current train of thoughts. However it was almost comforting, knowing he wasn’t alone. Just like the Royal Guards, the Night Corp had others to help and aid. Knowing that Ember would be there to pick him up and help. That began to put his mind at ease as he slumped towards his bed and fell asleep in its embrace. *************************** Luna had to admit she was curious about her new members of the Night Corps. Just like with many she was curious about their dreams and began to use her magic to see if she could enter them. However it didn’t work, for either Ember or Fiery. For the Angel the mare noticed a sort of barrier pushing out magic energy and not even her own could break it without straining herself out. She hadn’t learned much of the race yet but she wondered if they have natural immunity to magic. The next night she made note to ask about that. However for Fiery it wasn’t that she was being blocked but more so feared to delve. It seemed to be seeping into his dream but she could feel a dark presence. It felt familiar and dangerous and she backed out before it could consume her. She was so confused as how it could be possible that she didn’t realize how much energy she had used compared to regular dream watching. But she was now more worried for the stallion than before- she feared if this dark presence in him got even stronger that it could consume him. But she couldn’t tell how long it would take as it seemed to be dormant for now and not growing but she didn’t know how long that would last before it began to grow. Needless to say, the future of the kingdom was surely going to be an interesting one. *************************** Ember was the first to wake up from her slumber and then walked towards the bathroom that was on the other side of the room. She took off her clothing and was surprised that the shower was much larger than the one in Appleloosa. I wonder if it’s larger because it’s the Capital and they have guests from around this world… Stepping into the shower she let the warm water run over her body and after a bit then she began to actually wash herself with soap. Once she was finished she got out and dried herself. Afterwards she put on her clothing and checked the time on her UCD- 12:00 PM. I a bit later than she was trained to do but she had to admit the bed was extremely comfy and she almost didn’t want to get up. Once finished she stepped out and walked down the hall to Fiery’s room to see if he was up and around. She knocked on the door and got no response and she folded her arms as she waited to see if he was just getting out of bed. Then she knocked again after a few minutes and nothing. Putting her hand on the handle and see it was unlocked she stepped in only to see Fiery still sound asleep on his bed. Ember sighed and walked towards the bed and began to shake him, “Fiery get up, and it’s already 12 in the afternoon.” “No… Five… Five… more minutes…” he managed to mumble out in his sleep. She continued to shake him until he jolted upwards with panting. “Ember-! Oh… Sorry… I just…” “Took long to fall asleep?” He nodded, and she responded, “Yeah… Same here. Anyway you have things to do today so get up- take a shower and go meet them.” Fiery yawned, “That’s what was keeping me up…” he said as he headed towards his bathroom and closed the door behind him. She waited outside for him and eventually the stallion walked back out and a bit more awake then before. “How many days until Hearth Warming Eve?” asked Ember. “Four days- not including today,” he replied as he got his saddle bag back on. Her head sunk down, “Four days huh… I am going to have to find something to keep my attention. Not like we have an objective to get to before.” “Well you do that. I think it’s time I head out. I will probably eat at my parents.” Ember grinned, “Food… Yeah I bet this place has lot of food.” “Not any meat,” he spoke. She stared daggers at him, “Did you need to remind me?” Fiery chuckled and then spoke, “Yes. I do believe I did.” Together they walked to the front of the castle where the draw bridge was and that’s when the pony continued on by himself. The guards gave her an interesting look since the last time they saw her she was wearing her armor and now just clothing. However she paid no mind and turned back into the courtyard and then back into the castle. Once inside she asked about where she could get something to eat and was directed to the kitchen. It was an interesting chat she had with the chef with trying to find out what she could eat and what she couldn’t having also left out the omnivore aspect of her race. After a while they said they would simply make French toast and they had soda as well so she grabbed one. An interesting combo but she wasn’t much for making foods and drinks mix. Really it was just which ever she was in the mood for. Once she got her meal she went to the dining hall where a long rectangle table was situated and she sat down. She was happy that they appeared to have silver wear for other species that use them. Apparently some Griffins used them, but most of them just use their claws. As she ate happily, the doors opposite of Ember opened up and Princess Celestia walked in with some butler unicorns using their magic to levitate the plates above them. As the Princess sat down the plates landed and their tops came off revealing the lavish food. Ember didn’t say anything and continued to eat silently. Until Celestia spoke first, “Lieutenant Ember, are you enjoying your meal?” Ember stopped eating, “Please Princess Celestia, just Ember, but yes. I am enjoying my meal thank you.” Celestia smiled, “That is good to hear. I heard from Luna that you and Fiery Slate have joined her Night Corps.” “That is correct,” Ember said as she dug into her meal. “Do stay safe- I know my sister must say I don’t know of what they do and there is truth to that but I am not completely blind… I do know there are dangers.” Ember looked up at the Princess from her meal, “We will.” *************************** Fiery walked through the streets of Canterlot, as he got closer to his home he could feel sweat going down his head. His clothing and scar got him stares from the high society ponies as to them he looked out of place in their idealized Canterlot. No doubt his parents would ask him how he got the large scar across his eye- he didn’t mind it too much. Honestly he was just happy he didn’t lose his eye as he was very close to it. He arrived just outside, the furnace and smelting part of the house where they worked was a walk in and the actual living part was on the side and back of it. However the furnace was off and everything dark with no sign of his parents around which was a little unsettling. Fiery walked into the room and saw that a great amount of dust had been built up and many tools hadn’t been moved in a while. Even some snow was lying atop the tables. They must have taken it harder than I thought. Walking out he went to the front door and found it was locked. Bringing up his hoof he knocked on the door a couple of times. The pony waited outside for a bit in the cold with his feet in the snow. Until he heard steps coming from behind the door and it opened revealing a black-colored pony with a grey mane, “Yes… Is there something you need?” “Dad… It’s me,” Fiery spoke and the older stallion lifted his head and his eyes widened as he looked at Fiery. A tear ran down his father’s face, “Fiery..! I-Is that really you?” Fiery nodded his head, “Yes Dad… I am home.” Smith launched out and hugged his son, “I can’t believe..! We were so scared!” “That’s so like you two…” he said. Smith continued to hug for a while but then let go and walked inside, Fiery followed. The house was still clean as his parents would keep it clean all the time. They didn’t want their blacksmithing career to spread it’s dirtiness into the main house. “Honey!” his father yelled out. “Come down please!” Steps could be heard above him and then watched as an older mare, his mother, Silica, with grey fur and a black mane, came down the stairs. When she reached the bottom she saw Fiery and just stood there. She then looked at Smith who was overjoyed and then slowly walked towards Fiery. “Is… This is real- right?” “Mom…” he said as he hugged her. “I’m back.” They let go and she noticed he still had no cutie mark, “Your flank… It’s still blank… Oh Celestia… I am so sorry…” “Mom, you have nothing to be sorry about. I ran from home and I guess I couldn’t find it,” he said solemnly. “Are you two…? Mad at me?” he asked as he was on the verge of breaking into tears himself. “Fiery… My son,” his father began as he put his hoof on the stallions shoulder. “We’re just happy you’re back and safe.” He looked at the two of them and then down, the two of them could sense something was wrong. “Mom… Dad… I am not here to stay…” “What…” his mother began. “But you just got here. No… You just…” “After Hearths Warming Eve… I will be working under Princess Luna in the Night Corps. We will very busy,” he spoke with a heavy heart and tears starting to come down his face. “Princess Luna? The Night Corps?” His father spoke, his face still teary eyed but suddenly a sense of pride. “Son… That’s amazing.” His mother stayed silent and Fiery spoke, “I will be gone after that but… I can stay here till Hearths Warming Eve.” That made Silica a bit happier, “Fiery... I-I bet your hungry, let’s eat. Honey?” she spoke in a cheerier voice. Smith nodded, “I’ll cook something up. Come sit down, you must have a lot to tell us.” It was then that she realized it, the scar over his eye. She was so in the moment that she hadn’t even taken notice to it. “Yes… Lots to tell us,” she spoke as she sat down along with Fiery as his Dad began making a simple breakfast. As he cooked, Fiery told them of the events that had happened. Similar with the Sheriff, he omitted the parts about his fire magic. A wide range of emotions came over his parents, more so of fear when they learned of what happened to Santa Mane and the moles. However if there was something they were interested in was meeting Ember, the Angel who traveled with their son and saved his life. Silica didn’t want her son to go, more so now than ever with the dangers she listened to. She wants him to stay home and be safe; however she knew that even if she wanted it. It wouldn’t happen as Fiery expressed passion about going to the Night Corps and really helping people. Both of them, Silica and Smith were both proud of their son as they could tell he had grown a lot in the months that he was gone. *************************** Ember walked through the castle unsupervised and got a good feel for the layout and not as labyrinth-like as before. As she walked on the inner wall she could hear noise on the ground below, so she walked towards the edge and looked down at what it was. She could see various guards, Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi. It appeared they were doing sort of competition between the Pegasi while the others cheered them on. Intrigued she found her way down steps on the side of the wall that led to the training area. They appeared to be flying through various hoops that were hung up around the area. Lots of sharp turns needed to be made as obstacles made it difficult to go from one hoop to the next. It reminded her of Angel Training she had back on her home world, before getting out of High school and then going into the military where there many of the Angel Training was disregarded. The Pegasus in lead made a turn and soared through the last hoop, the crowd of guards cheered and the Pegasus landed. However the crowd continued to watch as the other Pegasi continued to come through the hoops. He then noticed the Angel watching them in the back and walked towards her. “You’re Lieutenant Ember, correct? The Princesses told us about you.” Ember nodded and handed out her hand, the Pegasus put his hoof in her hand and they shook. “Yes, I saw you out there. Quite impressed.” “I’m Sky Hook, and I appreciate that coming from a land walker.” Ember raised an eyebrow, “Land walker?” “Yeah, you know. Like Earth Ponies and Unicorns, they’re stuck to the ground. I mean no offense.” She smiled and saw an opportunity to waste time, “Well… I take offense to that and challenge you to the course.” He looked at her, “You’re serious?” “Oh I am very serious,” she said as she walked towards the course. Sky followed her just as the other Pegasi landed and the race ended. That’s when Sky made the announcement that Ember would be racing, seemingly unaware of her wing capabilities. They stood at the edge of the line, both in their ready position. However just as they began counting down Ember began to take steps back but just as the Unicorn counting down spoke “one,” Ember began to run forward and just as she hit the line both of them soared. He was surprised when suddenly she made wings appeared on her back, and she was fast and catching up quickly to him. They moved through the hoops and dodged all the obstacles. She had to admit, the flying was great, it wasn’t like before where it was simply going up and down. Making turns was a really good work out for the wings and the adrenaline began to run. She twisted her body sideways as she passed through two large rocks and then turned as she exited. Only a little bit ahead of her was Sky Hook also dodging and flying with ease. However as the adrenaline pumped she was getting faster and starting to catch up to him. They both began to fly upwards to the upper part of the course. As they reached high up into the sky they both made a very sharp turn back down and that’s when she began to pass him. Seeing this, he began to go even faster and then they were on equal footing. The two of them together began to twist and turn through the obstacle course. Until they reached close to the end the two of them began changing places, one head and the other behind. She was sure she was going to win as she passed him but then suddenly like a blur he passed her and scored through the final hoop, and then she followed after. Sky landed and was panting heavily, Ember landed as her wings vanished she was also drenched in sweat. Despite the snow and only in her normal clothing, she felt extremely hot. She walked towards him, “Good race,” she said as she once more put out her hand and he took it. “You too… I almost though I was going to lose for a moment.” “I almost thought I was going to win,” she replied and they both began to laugh. They both were handed a canteen of water. “You know they didn’t tell us you had wings,” Sky spoke as he put down the water. “I thought it was in the letter to the Princess. Or maybe they glossed it over?” Ember tried to rationalize. Sky shrugged, “No idea- but it doesn’t matter now. Want to stay here and train with us?” Ember thought about it for a moment and agreed to stay. She couldn’t think of much else to do so it was better than nothing. Plus it would be good to get some more exercise and not sit around like a lazy ass all day. *************************** “You have had quite the journey,” Silica spoke to Fiery as they all were sitting in the living room, the sun having gone down a bit ago. The fire place had been started and it warmed them through the cold night. “And that journey will continue on…” he said. Silica and Smith looked at each other and then back at Fiery, “Can you promise us one thing?” she spoke. “What’s that?” Silica grabbed his front hoofs, “Please… Be safe. Don’t be reckless. Come home to us.” Fiery smirked, “I promise as Celestia as my witness. I… promise.” They both were happy at this and the family continued to talk and catch up through the night until they settled down for the night and embraced Luna’s night.