//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: The Wanderer // Story: His Light, Her Darkness // by Shadow Master //------------------------------// On the next morning... The sun shined on the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom. The castle's door opened on left side. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Nyx came out from it. They all heading to the Ponyville. They shown their happy smiles. They chatted happily, like they have always do since the beginning of their journey. Two crimson nightingale birds flew down, chirping for the moment. Twilight and her friends smiled, looking at the birds, whistled and chirping like they were singing. They flew up to the sky. Twilight and her friends smiled gently, continued walking on the streets. Twilight smiled, gently, sang: Morning in Ponyville shimmers... Morning in Ponyville Shines... Nyx and Spike walked to the front, smiling at Twilight, with their smiles... Mane Six sang gently: Ponyville is a peaceful town... Everyday, it was like yesterday... Ponyville, full of ponies, Twilight and her friends walked on the bridge of Ponyville. They came down, looking at the town - quiet and gentle. They all smiled together. Mane Six sang: Waking up to say... Opening the window, male and female, young and elderly, smiled and called happily to each other and even the Princess: "Good morning! Good Morning! Good morning! Morning!" "Good Morning!" Ponies of Ponyville smiled and called. Ponies from their homes or distance, came out, waving to each other happily, as well as to Twilight and her friends since Twilight was their Princess of Friendship. Both her and her friends were the heroines and saviors of Equestria. Ponies started their works and business at Ponyville, selling, working, building, constructing, chatting, cooking and more. Pinkie Pie smiled, watching her friends and ponies smiling at her and her friends. Their smile... It was her only choice and important priority than anything she wanted, and even becoming the best party planner as Cheese Sandwich. Pinkie Pie smiled widely. Pinkie, cheerfully, sang: Every single day I see some smiling on every pony Every single day there's something wonderful to do. Pinkie took a glance on her best friends' smiling at her, and then town ponies who also smiled in please and joy. She then turned and bounced towards the Sugarcube Corner. She bounced for two or three times before Pound and Pumpkin Cake, on their baby chairs. Pinkie's muzzle touched and nuzzled on twin's muzzle gently. They giggled happily. Unlikely before when Nyx visited the Cakes' Sugarcuber Corner, Pound and Pumpkin Cake cried in fear and scare, upon looking at Nyx's dragon irises-like. She had never entered or visited it. Couple of days and months passed, they trusted her when she played with them, acting her Smarty Pants like a pupet. Pinkie cheerfully sang: But nothing makes me happy To see the smiley faces I'm gonna make the party for everyone! Mr. and Mrs. Cake came out from the kitchen, smiling at Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie turned her attention to the Cakes. Nyx approached to both Pound and Pumpkin Cake. She smiled gently to them. They giggled happily, hugging Nyx's muzzle. Nyx giggled gently. Mr. Cake smiled and said gently, "Pinkie Pie. Good to see you dropping by." Pinkie Pie smiled, "Sir, yes sir. It's good to be back. So, what's the situation, Mr. and Mrs Cakes? Busy?" Nyx waved to Pound and Pumpkin Cake, with her gentle smile, along with her Cutie Mark Crusaders, waving to the babies. Mrs. Cake giggled gently, using her head, pushed the baby chair of Pound and Pumpkin Cakes to the kitchen while saying: "Busy as always. We could use some party planner for some help. We need someone to make ponies smile." Pinkie Pie smiled widely in joy and happy, said: "Be my guess!" She turned to her friends, waving to them. "It looks like I'm gonna be busy for my work. I'll see you at the restaurant tonight for our Friendship Anniversary." Twilight smiled, "Of course. See you, Pinkie Pie." Twilight and her friends headed out of Sugarcube Corner's entrance. Pinkie Pie turned to the kitchen, starting to cook her cookies, cakes and foods. Mr. and Mrs. Cake entered, smiling and baking the cakes, sweets and more. Pinkie Pie smiled and sang: It looks like I'm gonna be super busy Making sure everypony smile... Mr. Cake sang: She's one super party planner Mrs. Cake sang: Who else could take her place? Mr. and Mrs. Cake sang: She's our only number one assistant. Twilight and her friends were passing by,smiling and waving to the ponies of Ponyville, while singing along the way. The ponies responded back by smiling to them. Rarity and Sweetie Belle waved to Rose, Lily and Daisy smiled, waved them back. Rarity sang: Good morning. Sweetie Belle sang: Good day. Rarity and Sweetie Belle sang: How are your days? Derpy was passing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy by, flying to other side. Rainbow sang: Hey there. Fluttershy sang: Good day. Scootaloo gasped, seeing where Derpy heading to. Scootaloo sang: Watch yourself. Rarity saw Minuette, who was upset, looking at her torn dress, Rarity approached to Minuette. Rarity, gently, sang: Do you need me to fix the dress? Using her magic, she levitated the dress and sew it back gently. She gave it back to Minuette. Minuette smiled gently and happily. She took some bits to Rarity. She shook her head. Rarity sang: No need for payment. Rarity returned to her group. Twilight and her friends continued walking. Twilight smiled, gently sang: Everything is certainly fine... Twilight and her friends arrived at the Carousel Boutique, spotting Sapphire Shore, dressed in her usual former hip-hop white dress, waiting at the entrance. She turned and smiled at her friends. "Aw, Miss Sapphire Shore," Rarity greeted to her client, approaching to her. She asked, "What can I do you for, madam?" Sapphire Shores smiled, "Good to see you too, Rarity. I hope you're up to my next order." "I'm ready for it, madam." "Good. Of course, I hope I don't take very much of your time. It's going to be heavy and busy." Sweetie Belle smiled, "Whatever you asked, Rarity takes care of it." Sapphire Shore giggled lightly, "I like your style, Sweetie Belle. Then, let's get started." Rarity nodded her head, turning to her friends, smiling, "I'm going to be a bit busy. But I'll be there for the dinner at Restaurant for our Friendship Anniversary." Twilight smiled, "Okay. Meet you there soon." Rarity turned to her client. Twilight and her friends turned and headed off. Rarity took her sister and Sapphire Shore into Carousel Boutique, listening to what Sapphire Shore's request and need for the dresses. Rarity sang gently: It looks like I'm going to be busy in making dresses I wonder if I can make it in time... Sweetie Belle sang: With me to be around To help you around Rarity and Sweetie Belle sang: We'll make it in time... Twilight and her friends continued walking through the streets and passing some houses by. They arrived at the water fountain, rested for the moment. Twilight saw many ponies waving to her and Nyx, with gentle and happy smile while saying: "Good morning, Nyx. How are you, Nyx? Long Live, Princess Nyx? What's up, Little Nyx?" Twilight turned to Nyx, nuzzled her muzzle gently. Twilight sang: Aw... Isn't this amazing? Everyone seems to show love and kind to you... Spike hugged Nyx gently. Nyx hugged him back. Spike nodded his head, sang: You... are not Nightmare Moon. Because you are daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight and her friends stood up and headed off. At Filthy Rich's business office, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came out from it. They saw Twilight Sparkle and her friends passing by. They smiled and waved to them. Even though Cutie Mark Crusaders hated the bullies, but unlike them, they showed a respect. As soon as Twilight and her friends passed by, Diamond Tiara groaned angrily as she sang. Diamond Tiara sang: I'd still never like that Nightmare Moon brat But she is Princess Twilight's daughter. Silver Spoon nodded her head, sang: But she prefer blank flanks. I don't think she's worth to our group. But we don't want the trouble Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sang: We don't want to trouble with her We definitely don't want it to happen. Vroom! Twilight and her friends looked up, and saw three familiar Wonderbolt flying off, creating the smoke behind them. They quickly flew towards far before turning back. They landed in front of Twilight and her friends. They were Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot. They bowed and saluted to them. Spitfire spoke, "Your highness..." Twilight smiled, "Spitfire. Nice to see you dropping by." Soarin waved to Rainbow Dash, "Hey, Rainbow Dah!" Rainbow Dash blushed, waved back to Soarin, "Hey, Soarin!" Twilight and Spitfire turned to their own teammates, and glared at them for the lack of respect. Soarin and Rainbow Dash whistled innocently, like they had nothing to do with this. Soarin cleared his throat gently, before he asked, "I hope you don't mind of letting Rainbow Dash to come with us. We're on the training routine. We could use her for it." "Really?" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly. Wonderbolts nodded their heads. She turned to Twilight, who smiled and nodded her head. She then looked at Scootaloo, who looked upset and disappointed since Wonderbolts only trained their own recruits and never let anyone to come in. She turned to Spitfire, and asked: "Can Scootaloo come? Besides, I promise her that I'll bring her to the Wonderbolt Academy." Spitfire had her eyes rolled up, having some thoughts. She sighed and smiled, "Of course, Rainbow Dash. Just make sure that your squirt stayed out of the field. The last thing I want is to lose your fan." Rainbow Dash gasped. She shook her head hard, before she saluted formally, "Yes, ma'am! You won't regret." Scootaloo smiled, "Yeah!" Soarin smiled, "Then, let's jet!" Scootaloo jumped on Rainbow's back. Four Pegasi flapped their wings and flew up in midair. They turned to Twilight and her friends for the moment. Twilight giggled, "Don't forget about our tonight's dinner." Rainbow snorted, "Wouldn't miss it!" "Yeah!" Scootaloo smirked. Twilight and her friends headed off. Spitfire, Soarin, Fleetfoot and Rainbow, with Scootaloo on her back, flew up to the sky. Rainbow sang: I, from the moment, had a great and best dream. And now I'm living in it. Scootaloo sang: In Ponvyille, it's only she. She's the best and fastest flyer. Nopony can beat her in flying. Twilight and her friends were passing more town and houses by. Fluttershy turned and spotted some animals were injured and hurt from the vet. She turned to Twilight Sparkle. "Twilight," Fluttershy said. Twilight Sparkler turned to her best friend. She explained, "Those poor animals need my help. I really want to help and treated them properly." She squeaked meekly before she continued, "If you don't mind, of course." Twilight said, "Of course, Fluttershy. Go on ahead. Just don't forget about our Friendship Anniversary." Fluttershy approached to the veterinarians, that she wanted to help. They allowed her. She tended and treated the animals wounds and injuries. Fluttershy sang: Helping animals is what I do. It's what I'm good at. Caring these creature had filled my heart These animals need to be treated And I'm gladly to help. Nothing is more important than my friends and animals Twilight, Applejack, Nyx, Spike and Apple Bloom walking passing through the hallways of thousand houses, watching and looking at the ponies smiling and waving at each other happily, while working on their works. Ponies of Ponyville must be happy and joy to have not only princess at their home, but brave and kind heroines of Equestria. Twilight and her friends smiled gently and happily at the happiness. Apple Bloom sang: Look at how those ponies reacted to us Applejack sang: It is because we had a special friend. Every home and shop, ponies looked at Twilight Sparkle and her friends, with their smiles. Ponies of Ponyville: Look how special and great these girls truly are A very blessing to the Mane Six It is special and blessing To have them here They are very special girls... Twilight and her friends came to the Ponyville's Hall. Nyx jumped on Twilight's back. Twilight looked up at the sky, smiling with happy and pleased. Twilight smiled and sang: Life in Equestria shimmers... Life in Equestria shines... And I know of absolute certain Applejack, Spike and Apple Bloom came to the front, standing along side with Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, looking up at the sky. They smiled happily. Twilight, Applejack, Nyx, Apple Bloom and Nyx sang: That everything is... Coz everything is... Coz everything is certainly fine... It's fine... Every journey Twilight and her friends had been through, they overcame it and learned from the mistakes, and especially defeating Tirek and sent him to Tarturus, making sure that he won't escape again. Twilight smiled, turned to Applejack, Apple Bloom and Spike, knowing that they have something to do. "So, Applejack, you have something important to do?" Twilight asked. Applejack shook her head, knowing that her family were not very busy in working, answered, "Nah. I've got nothing to do. Big Mac can handle with his bucking on the apples while Granny Smith is relaxing at home, hoping to gain some confidence. I hope she wouldn't push herself too much." Applejack rolled her eyes in concern, didn't like what Granny Smith's thinking of doing something stupid like drinking Flim-Flam brothers' false Curative Tonic. She continued, "But I would like to spend some time with my best friend." Twilight smiled, "Thank you, Applejack. That's the least of what I need." "So, what are we gonna do?" "I'm not sure... I'm still thinking..." Twilight paused, thinking of what to do. She smiled, "Maybe a visit to your family." "Yeah. That would be a good idea." Applejack agreed. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Nyx and Spike turned to the south, preparing to move out and heading to Apple Sweat Acres for a visit. Twilight could use some family visit, reminding her of her family and made her calm down from "Princess Twilight!" The familiar shouted. Twilight, Applejack, Nyx, Apple Bloom and Spike turned to their back and found Mayor Mare, galloping towards them. They looked shock, seeing how she looked and behaved. She was in concern and scared. There must be something danger or problem to deal with. "Princess! We need your help!" When there's the trouble, Princess Twilight Sparkle will be the one to handle the problem and situation since she was both princess and heroine of Equestria. It was her duty to protect and help them. "What is it, Mayor?" Twilight asked. Mayor Mare answered, "We've received word that there's the murder. He murdered 20 ponies from Land of Ma! He goes by Marauder Boris. And now... We believed he's coming here! What should we do?!" Twilight gasped in shock and concern. She was hoping not to have problems again. But it did since she and her friends had put Tirek behind the bars of Tartarus. However, she knew, as the princess; it was her duty to respond to the calls and deal with the situation at once. Twilight breathed in calm, answered, "It's okay. Everything will be fine. I know what to do. Leave everything to me." Mayor Mare breathed in relief, "Thank goodness. I'm glad that Ponyville to have you here." Twilight turned to Applejack, with her smile, said: "Applejack, are you ready for the mission?" Applejack smiled, "You know I'd always do." ------------------------------- On the Ponyville's Train Station, the train had arrived its destination. Most of ponies came down and out from the train. Shadow Dragon, who wore the straw hat, came down as well. He looked up. He saw the town of Ponyville ahead of him. He breathed in relief and calm, finally found a place to stay in peace and quiet. He smiled gently, looking at it. The town looked peaceful and quiet. It didn't look like much of problem and troubles for this town. He wondered why would ponies spread the rumors about it. As far as he knows it, Shadow Dragon turned to his left, and found the reception center. He could use some help to understand the town. He approached to the Unicorn Receptionist. Unicorn Receptionist smiled, and asked gently, "What can I do for you, sir?" "I would like to know..." Shadow Dragon asked gently, "I would like to know about this place." The Unicorn Receptionist smiled gently, before he nodded his head. Shadow Dragon asked: "I heard the rumors about this town. But I don't find it true." "What do you mean, sir? Can you explain properly?" Shadow Dragon sighed of a bit frustration, and knew that his communication proved to be... 'old' and 'difficult' for him to understand. "Well..." Hesitantly to ask, he doesn't want to make the receptionist or Ponyville looked back because of the rumors. He breathed in and out, before he speaks, "I heard that Ponyville was a troublesome town since the return of Nightmare Moon. And since then, this town had always been in troubled due to both upcoming villains and some disasters." He looked around of his surroundings, found so many ponies looked happy and pleasant, like nothing had happen to them or their hometown. He continued, "But... It is very peaceful and quiet." The Unicorn Receptionist smiled, nodded his head in understanding, "Ah... I get it." He chuckled lightly. Shadow Dragon looked confuse and concern. The receptionist explained, "As you can see, sir, I'm not laughing about your question. I was laughing at the rumors." "As you can see sir, the rumors were indeed true. But all of that has been dealt with, thanks to Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They not only defeated Nightmare Moon, but also some bad guys like Discord, Queen Chrysalis, King Sombra and especially the Ultimate Evil of Equestria, Tirek himself. But of course that joker Discord turned into a good guy and he's our best friend." Shadow Dragon looked surprise and shock of what the receptionist had said... Twilight Sparkle and her friends had defeated and beaten so many villains, and they even reformed Discord into a good guy. He smiled happily, wishing that they could do the same for him. Unicorn Receptionist continued, "Therefore, sir, you had nothing to worry about. Any more question?" Shadow Dragon smiled gently, as had some thoughts, said: "Actually I had one." Unicorn Receptionist smiled, listening to what Shadow Dragon wanted. ------------------------------- Upon entering the Ponyville Town, Shadow Dragon wandered across the narrow alley of the town, hoping to. He smiled gently, looking at the place and the ponies of how happy and pleasant they were. He then turned to the front of him, seeing many ponies heading to the town's hall. Wondering of what has happen, Shadow Dragon shrugged, going to the front. He headed straight to the town's hall for few meters ahead. Shadow Dragon arrived on the town hall's center. He turned to left side. He spotted the noticeboard. He heard some of commotions from the noticeboard. He narrowed his eyes at that location, wondering of what was going on. He headed towards the noticeboard. He saw some notice papers on the board, consisted of job lists, advertising lists, helping lists, wanted lists, pet lists and more. These notice papers had always been for ponies to do something. Shadow Dragon noticed a paper. It had the 'Wanted' sign and had picture of Pegasus which has silver long spiky and messy mane and his face had three scars. He narrowed his eyes in anger, knowing this paper was the Wanted Poster. He read it carefully: 'A former marauder murdered 20 ponies from Land of Ma. Rumors spread that he has boarded on the train, coming to Ponyville. Beware of the marauder. Shadow Dragon hummed gently and calmly, wondering of what was the marauder's purpose doing here in the first place... Shadow Dragon turned to his back and headed off, while wearing his straw hat on his head and holding his saddlebag. He hoped not to get the wrong attention from ponies. He feared that he might hurt someone. "There he is! Get him!" The young boy's voice shouted, making Shadow Dragon yelped in surprise and curious. Before he could react, he dropped to the ground on front, like someone had pushed him down. Shadow Dragon moaned painfully, having his eyes swirling and stars on his head spun. Shadow Dragon shook his head. He looked up and saw Applejack, Spike and Apple Bloom on his back. Shadow Dragon groaned angrily, "What the heck are you doing?" Spike scoffed, "Isn't it obvious, marauder? We caught you now, murderer!" Shadow Dragon gasped in shock and worry, these ponies and a dragon were making a mistake. He quickly protested, "You're making a mistake! I'm not the marauder! Honest!" Apple Bloom scoffed, "Yeah, right. Like we're gonna fall to that one. Just confess and gave up! Did you kill those 20 ponies?!" "I honestly didn't!" Shadow Dragon shouted while moaned in pain. "Would you please get off my back?!" "Not a chance!" Spike and Apple Bloom shouted in defiance. Applejack huffed, "You expect us to believe in you. A murderer like you, could never be honest!" "What's going on?" Twilight Sparkle demanded. She headed towards her friends, while having Nyx on her back. She gasped in surprise and shock. She immediately asked, "What the hay is going on?" "Why are you girls and dragon sitting on the Earth Pony?" Nyx asked curiously. Spike smiled proudly, "Simple. We caught murderer!" Twilight heard of what Spike had said. She giggled gently, making her friends looked confuse and concern. She explained gently, "If he was, don't you think he supposed to have a sword with him?" Applejack, Apple Bloom and Spike looked surprise and shock of what Twilight had said. They looked and searched on Shadow Dragon's body. It annoyed Shadow Dragon angrily, while they continued searching on his body. Surprisingly, they found nothing... No sword. No weapons. No blades. They were in deep trouble for accusing him of wrong pony. They laughed uneasily, getting off from Shadow Dragon. He slowly got up, sweeping the dirt off from his armor, and then dropping some dust off from his straw hat. He then out it properly on his head gently and carefully. Twilight approached to Shadow Dragon. She looked at him and asked: "Hey. Are you alright, sir?" Shadow Dragon turned to Twilight Sparkle. His eyes met her purplish eyes. They gasped. Their eyes received the sparkling stars. Shadow Dragon's glowed in crimson while her glowed in purplish. ZING! Both of their eyes received the passing white light on their pupils. They both gasped in shock and surprise. What... What was that? Twilight thought in concern, I'd never had this kind of feeling and beating in my heart before... Shadow Dragon gasped while having thought, I'd never had that feeling since few years ago... But... Why now? "I... I - I... I..." Twilight hesitantly said, before she shook her head, "I'm sorry! Very sorry for what my friends had did to you. Very sorry, sir!" Shadow Dragon shook his head. He cleared his throat before he speak: "No, it is fine. Miss..." "Twilight Sparkle. My name is Twilight Sparkle." Shadow Dragon gasped, upon hearing of what she had said. He quickly bowed to the ground before Twilight Sparkle. She yelped in surprise. "Please, forgive my rudeness, your highness. I didn't mean to disrespect you," Shadow Dragon apologized. Twilight looked surprise and shock, before she smiled and said: "It's okay. I wouldn't mind calling 'Twilight' or Miss 'Twilight'." Shadow Dragon looked up in surprise. She continued, "I maybe the princess, but I'm still ordinary citizen of Ponyville. And besides, it was my fault for not stopping my friends bumping on wrong pony." Applejack, Spike and Apple Bloom blushed in embarrassment. Shadow Dragon chucked lightly. "It's okay. It's only natural for ponies to bump and blame the wrong ponies since he came from Land of Ma," Shadow Dragon said politely. Applejack smiled, bowing her head and lowered her hat down, "Well, I hope you forgive me sir. The name's Applejack." Spike bounced up and down in front of Shadow Dragon, introduced himself, "I'm Spike." Apple Bloom waved to Shadow Dragon, "I'm Apple Bloom." Nyx came up to Twilight's head, waving to Shadow Dragon, "I'm Nyx. And you, sir?" Shadow Dragon smiled, putting his straw hat gently, "For me, my little one. I'm just a wanderer from Land of Ma, looking for peace and quiet. And This place is perfect." He looked at them, "By the way, were you looking for those murderers?" Twilight and her friends nodded their heads. He sighed, "Be careful. That criminal is no ordinary fighter. He won't care anything about the lives he take." Spike arched his left eye at Shadow Dragon, and asked suspiciously, "And how did you know, mister?" "I had experience from my time. But now... I'm just retired." Shadow Dragon answered. "So, I came here for peace and quiet. So, I suggest you to take my advice. Be careful and don't underestimate your enemy's strength." Twilight and her friends looked shock and surprise of what Shadow Dragon had said. Shadow Dragon headed off, hoping to find the place to rest. Twilight and her friends looked at each other, with their concern and surprise looks. Shadow Dragon... He really seems to have experience from battles before. "So, what now?" Spike asked. Twilight's eyes turned to determined, and said, "We moved out and find that marauder." Twilight and her friends headed out, finding and putting an end of the marauder. Behind the house's and distant away from Ponyville Hall, Shadow Dragon overheard of what they had said, narrowing his eyes on them. ~ Twilight and her friends looked around of their surroundings, hoping to find the criminal and marauder. On the narrow alley, they looked around carefully and patiently. Screaming in pain and fear sounded on their ears. They turned, and saw the shadowy pony stabbed by the shadowy sword. They gasped in shock. They narrowed their angry eyes and snarled angrily. They found their suspected criminal. They quickly headed off in finding him. They turned to the left when reaching to the front. They gasped in shock, seeing Royal Guard slaughtered and killed in front of their eyes. Applejack closed Apple Bloom's eyes. Nyx quickly covered hers and Spike hid his. Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack watched Royal Guards got killed by a marauder and his band. Some had their heads cut off, others had their limbs and wings cut and wounded, a few had their bodies pierced through and most got their arms wounded. The dark purple Pegasus swung his sword on both Royal Guards with two swings. They both shouted in pain, having their chests bleed out before falling to the ground. The same marauder from the 'Wanted Poster', who is big and muscular, laughing evilly and cruelly, "Oh yeah! That's what I call! Beat them up!" His gang cheered and cried happily for their leader. Twilight snarled angrily, hated somepony killed his enemies for fun. She turned to Nyx, Spike and Apple Bloom and said, "Spike, take Nyx and Apple Bloom for some safe place!" Spike nodded his head, quickly took Nyx and Apple Bloom to the back, leaving Twilight and Applejack handled their enemies. She shouted angrily at the enemies: "Who dare you killed those soldiers?! Shame on you! You won't get away with this!" The marauder and his band turned to Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. The marauder smirked, "Well. It looks like we have our own ladies to date with." Applejack groaned angrily, "Hey! That's Princess Twilight you're talking to! You ain't gonna get away with this, pal!" "Princess Twilight, eh? Impressive. It looks like I've got the date with the princess." The marauder joked, making his band chuckled and laughed evilly and cruelly. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Spike and Nyx growled in anger. He continued, "Here's the deal, your highness... Why don't you go easy on me, so I won't anypony?" Applejack growled in anger. How dare he asked that question?! She yelled in anger, charged in and started punching on The marauder by punching on his face as quick and hard. The Marauder dodged the attacks quickly and faster, before it could hit him. He smirked at her. It had made her annoy and angry. Before Applejack could do anything, her chest bruised painfully. She coughed out painfully. Applejack looked down and found the marauder had kicked on her chest very hard. She fell to the ground. "Applejack!" Twilight, Spike, Nyx and Apple Bloom shouted in concern. Twilight growled in anger, "You won't get away with this!" Twilight gathered her energy on her horn. She blasted at the marauder. He quickly moved to left. She blasted the second. He dodged to his right. Twilight continued blasting on left, center and right fro few times, but the marauder dodged them for few times. Twilight charged in, punching him for few times. Instead, the marauder dodged for few times. He jumped up and swung his sword on Twilight's right front leg. Twilight turned and faced at the marauder, who landed on the ground safely. The crimson blood spit out from Twilight's right shoulder. She groaned in pain, feeling it.She shouldn't feel the pain because she was an immortal Alicorn. She shook her head, preparing to fight. She gathered her magic energy again. She moaned angrily, feeling nothing in her. Twilight gasped in shock, finding her magic wasn't working. She looked down, and found the golden brace with crimson diamond on the center around her neck. What the?! When did that -?! Applejack slowly got up to watch of what has happened. She gasped in shock and worry, while Apple Bloom, Spike and Nyx from the back were too. The marauder chuckled evilly, "Not only I had manage to harm you, thanks to this rare metal, but I manage to put Anti-Magic Brace on your neck. You know what this means?" Twilight gasped in shock. She fell for it. The marauder raised his sword up high and cried, "If I kill you, then I will become the Prince of this country. This is better than working for Lord Azure. Prepare yourself, princess!" The marauder charged in, swinging his sword right at Twilight Sparkle. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Nyx and Spike gasped in shock. Twilight was left in shock and scared, not knowing what she can do. She can fly but the marauder could get her too. Even if she removed the brace sooner, he will still kill her. Is this it?! Twilight closed her eyes, avoiding to see herself killed and watched her friends scared. ZANG! Hearing the sword stroke down, Twilight knew she was dead yet... Why did she feel her heart beating and her nose breathing? Twilight opened her eyes slowly, and found herself lifted on the back. She found herself that she wasn't stabbed or cut. She was alive?! How?! She looked to her right. She gasped in shock. She was carried by... Shadow Dragon? Everyone in the area gasped in shock and surprise. Shadow Dragon rescued Twilight Sparkle. How?! Shadow Dragon took and placed Twilight Sparkle gently to the wall. He took the Anti-Magic Brace out. Twilight gasped in surprise and shock. He helped her? "Stay here," said Shadow Dragon. He turned to the front of his enemies. He glared at them, "I will give you a chance. Leave now... Or suffer consequence." The marauder groaned angrily, "No one will get away with this. Get him, boys!" The marauder's band charged in and attacked Shadow Dragon. With the blink of his eye, Shadow Dragon disappeared from sights. Twilight and her friends gasped in shock. The screaming marauder's band punched and kicked on their chests, limbs and heads. Shadow Dragon appeared in front of the marauder. How does he do that?! The marauder groaned angrily, preparing to swing his sword, on Shadow Dragon's head. Shadow Dragon dodged down. The marauder groaned angrily, continued swinging his sword on top, bottom, left and right for few times, but Shadow Dragon dodged the attacks. Shadow Dragon grabbed the marauder's shoulders, and punched on his chest for three times, before he jumped up and using his back right hoof's heel, slamming on the marauder's head hard. The marauder screamed in pain, before falling to his back. Twilight and her friends gasped in shock and surprise. He defeated all of them, and even the worst marauder to face with. "I was hoping you provide minor resistance and succumbs to surrendering." Shadow Dragon sighed, "But you left me no choice. You not only hurt poor warriors and innocents, but the princess is unforgivable. Next time, be polite." Shadow Dragon turned and approached to both Applejack and Twilight Sparkle, who were in shock and surprise. He placed his hoof on two girls' neck, checking their pulse and strength. He sighed of relief, "You're lucky not to get yourself killed." Applejack sighed, "You're telling me. And thanks for saving me and my partner." Twilight nodded her head, agreed, "Yes... Thank..." Twilight said weakly, feeling her body tired out due to using her energy of magic and physical in fighting. She fell to the ground. "Twilight!" Applejack, Apple Bloom, Spike and Nyx shouted. Shadow Dragon touched on Twilight's neck, checking her pulse. He closed his eyes, trying to feel her pulse. He breathed in relief, turning to Twilight's friends. He said, "She's fine. She must have put all the effort in stopping the marauder." Twilight's friends breathed and sighed of relief, glad that Twilight was not in danger. Shadow Dragon picked Twilight Sparkle on his back, smiling to her friends. "She was lucky to have you. Now where is her place? We wouldn't want her to be like this, now do we?" Applejack, Apple Bloom, Nyx and Spike smiled, nodded their heads. ------------------------------- Few hours passed... Twilight moaned painfully, opening her eyes, slowly waking up from her sleep. She found herself in her own room. She was in surprise and shock of it. How did she get here? She then looked at her right shoulder. Hers had been bandaged. Who did it? "Mommy!" The familiar voice shouted. Twilight turned and found Spike and Nyx jumped up and hugged Twilight hard. She yelped in pain. They quickly departed before they could harm her. They shouted happily, "You're okay!" Twilight giggled happily, hugging both Spike and Nyx gently. She said, "Yes, I am. Thank you, Nyx and Spike." She departed from hugging, wondering of how she got here, asked, "So, how did I get here?" Spike and Nyx smiled, explained to Twilight Sparkle of how she got here and the marauder and his band took in custody, heading straight to the kitchen. ~ Twilight, Spike and Nyx entered the kitchen, and found all of her friends and Cutie Mark Crusaders were waiting at the dining table. The table was filled with few bamboo steamers which consisted of buns, dumplings, skinned dumplings, fried dumplings, rollers and tofu. She was surprise and shocked. Applejack gasped, "Twilight! Thank Celestia! You're okay!" Applejack jumped and hugged Twilight Sparkle hard and gently to the ground, followed by Apple Bloom, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Spike and Nyx joined as well. They all giggled happily and nuzzled each other, feeling they were all together again. Shadow Dragon came out from the kitchen. He spotted Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders hugging Twilight tight and gently together. He smiled happily, seeing them to be together, reminded him of the past... Twilight turned and spotted Shadow Dragon in front of her and her friends, "Mr. Wanderer?" Her friends departed from hugging. She gently stood up, looking at him with her pleased and glad smile. She looked at the food and then to him, "All of this was your doing?" Shadow Dragon smiled, while having his head's back scratched, nodded his head. She smiled, "Thank you, sir." Shadow Dragon smiled, removing his apron off from him, said: "I think it's time for me to leave." Shadow Dragon headed to the front, preparing to leave, yet making Twilight and her friends, "Leave?!" Shadow Dragon turned and nodded his head. They asked, "Why?" Shadow Dragon sighed, "My purpose was to find peace and quiet. Not intruding Twilight's Castle for self-interest. Since I've done my part in giving best foods for your Friendship Anniversary. So therefore, I must leave." Shadow Dragon turned to the front, heading to the kitchen's entrance. He took his stuffs from the entrance's sides; his saddlebag on his back and straw hat on his head. Twilight and her friends approached to him. "Wait, sir," Twilight said. Shadow Dragon turned to her. She continued, "Sir, I noticed that you must have come along way from your home, Land of Ma. And you had no money to pay for. I feared that some ponies won't let you to stay." Shadow Dragon shook his head, said, "It's okay, your highness. You have nothing to worry about. After all, if I can't pay for the rental, at least I could do is to work until I earn enough money to pay it off and buy my own supplies I required. It's nothing serious." He has good experience in helping and handling the situation. He turned to the front, "Now, if you excuse me, my ladies. I've got a home to find to stay." Twilight knew he can handle it, yet her heart and mind felt like she wants to know him... She really did want it... She wanted to do something good for him... She really want to help him since he helped and saved her... She wants to return the offer to him... She smiled, answered, "You already did." Shadow Dragon looked shock and concern, knowing what she was talking about. He turned to her and said: "With all due respect, your highness, I have no right to take this place as my home." Twilight shook her head, "As the Princess, this place... is perfect for you. And trust me... this is your home. It's the least I can do for you." She turned to her friends, hoping for some approval. They smiled and nodded their heads. She smiled, turning back to Shadow Dragon, with her smile: "See? They even agree to let you stay." Shadow Dragon smiled gently, yet concern looking down, asked: "Weren't you worry of a stranger? What if I'm not really of who you're expecting? What if... I'm not good?" Twilight shook her head, waved her hoof off, explained: "You have nothing to worry about, sir." She smiled, continued, "Besides, you are good pony. You've proven yourself in saving my life, never kill those ponies and never hurt my friends even if you are telling the truth. If someone really is bad, I wouldn't ask that, now would I?" Shadow Dragon thought for the moment before he smiled, "Yes... You are indeed right. Thank you, your highness." Twilight smiled, "No need for some formalities. In my home, you can call me Twilight, sir. My friends do." Shadow Dragon smiled, "It's best you call me... Shadow Dragon... Your highness." Twilight groaned a bit, "If I were you, I start calling 'Twilight', before she could threw me off from her home!" Shadow Dragon yelped in concern, feeling her threat was real. She started giggling, followed by her friends. Shadow Dragon chuckled lightly, should have expected that. She continued, "I was kidding. You are welcome to stay here, Shadow Dragon." Shadow Dragon bowed, feeling grateful to have her let him stayed, said: "Thank you, Twilight." Twilight smiled, "Come, Shadow Dragon, let's have the Friendship Anniversary together. I don't want it to be ruined." Shadow Dragon nodded his head, "As you wish, your highness." Shadow Dragon followed Twilight Sparkle and her friends to the dinning room. They all had their Friendship Anniversary together happily and enjoyable as one, eating the foods and chatting. Shadow Dragon smiled, found a place to call... home.. To be Continued...