//------------------------------// // The Predators of the Night, Part II - The Lunar Crystal // Story: The Taking of Tartarus // by Rakoon1 //------------------------------// Twilight, Blue and Star arrived to Ponyville, arrived from the new Light Kingdom Express, something that Mirror Coat created to adapt the Light Kingdom to modern times. When they stopped at the Ponyville train station, they managed to see a huge reception on the part of the inhabitants of the village that was once and always will continue to be Twilight’s home. The Light Kingdom royal family went out to the platform and the ponies began to acclaim with a lot of joy. Star, on top of his father’s back, seeing all that joy, started pounding the hooves happily while he laughed. The excitement was such that he started beating his wings, starting to rise in the air, but Blue noticed that and grabbed him with his hooves and brought him down, saying: "Easy, champ. After all, we just got here." The only thing the small alicorn colt did was laugh, while Blue put him again on his back. "Twilight!" called a voice, well known to the Light Kingdom Princess. She saw with joy her friends appearing from the crowd and heading to her. It was then that a pair of guards from the Light Royal Guard appeared in their way, preventing them from moving forward. "Hey, what was that for?" Rainbow Dash asked. "No one should approach Princess Twilight" one of the guards said. "It's for her safety" the other added. "But do you know who..." Rainbow Dash started, only to be stopped by Applejack. "Calm down, sugar cube" she said. "Let them pass" Twilight said to the guards. "They are my friends. All the residents of this village are my friends." "Are you sure, princess?" the first guard asked. "You heard your princess" Blue said. "You can let them go." The two guards exchanged a look, then they said: "Yes, princess. Yes, captain." Blue had been appointed Captain of the Light Royal Guard by Golden Paladin shortly after the restoration of the Light Kingdom, since he had to focus on keeping the peace in the world that had destabilized since the release of his star seed. The guards then came out and made way to Twilight's friends that went to her. "Finally" Rainbow said, while she and the others arrived at the edge of Twilight, Blue and Star. "But what was all that about?" "I'm terribly sorry, girls" Twilight said. "But since the Lord of Chaos freed the villains of Tartarus, the security of the Light Kingdom became pretty tight." "Golden Paladin adopted these measures, because it's pretty obvious that Twilight’s original star seed is the Lord of Chaos’ target" Blue said. "Despite I’m being the captain, he is still the General of Peace." "Well, tha point is made well" Applejack said. "Wait till you see what we have prepared for the Summer Sun Celebration" Rarity said. "It's all fabulous." "And if you need a foalsitter to the lovely little Star is just saying" Pinkie Pie said, while patting the baby alicorn, something he seemed to be enjoying a lot. "Well, you can believe that, if we need one, we will ask" Twilight answered. “Spike will be quite busy helping oversee the preparations." "Speaking of him" said Applejack. "Where the little guy is." That's when Spike went out to the platform, wearing a robe and with a fairly tranquil air. "I'm terribly sorry, but couldn't get out from the jacuzzi" he said. "That thing relaxes enough." It was then that Pinkie Pie appeared in front of him and asked him, with her eyes close to Spike’s: "There's a jacuzzi there?!" "Uh, yeah, in the royal carriage" Spike replied. "I've never seen a jacuzzi on a train before!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "I wonder if the bubbles whistle as the train's whistle when they break. I have to go check it out!" But before she could enter, Twilight stopped her with magic and said: "You better not, Pinkie. The train is about to leave." And, indeed, the doors closed and the train pulled out. Pinkie Pie watched it with sadness, saying while waving: "Goodbye, train jacuzzi." Twilight looked and noticed that only Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Rarity were there. "Where's Fluttershy?" Twilight asked. "Who knows" Rainbow Dash answered, shrug. "I haven't seen her since yesterday." "I saw her buying some medicinal plants from Rose and I didn't even have time to say hello or ask her about our weekly trip to the spa" Rarity said. "She seemed to be with a lot of haste. And she seemed also very worried. That left Twilight thinking. Although Fluttershy was quite nervous, a behavior like that was quite strange in her. After greeting many of her old friends of Ponyville, Twilight met with Cherry Blossom and Big McIntosh that brought their son, Jonagold Apple, which was on his father’s back. "Cherry, so long no see!" Twilight exclaimed. "And you too, Big Mac." "We no longer see each other practically since your marriage" Cherry said. "Yes, unfortunately I do not have many opportunities to leave the Light Kingdom" Twilight said. "And, as far as I can tell, you don't leave Ponyville very much too." She looked at Jonagold and said: "Your son is very sweet. He's a lot like you, Big Mac." "Eeyup" he said, filled with pride. "And it seems that he’s already a friend of little Star" Blue commented. Indeed, Star Knight, curious with Jonagold, flew to the edge of him and the two colts began to observe each other and then started bumping the hooves merrily, making their parents laugh. Finally, the Royal family arrived at the place where Twilight lived before moving into the Light Kingdom: Golden Oak Library. With the guards guarding the entrance, Twilight, Blue, Star and Spike entered, with the latter bringing the bags. "Home sweet home" Twilight said, breathing deep. "It feels so good to come back here." "Tell me about it" Spike said, landing the last bag. "It seems that passed an eternity since we leave this place." "Looks like someone's been cleaning up this place" Blue noted, looking around. "There is only a thin layer of dust and cobwebs." "It wasn't too long since the last time we were here" Twilight replied. "Besides my friends or another pony must clean it, after all it’s Ponyville library." "Well, it's better we unpack everything" Blue said. "Wait, are you suggesting to unpack our stuffs?" Twilight asked, surprised. "Normally, I'm the one who reminds you that, because if I don't, you just remember that the night before we leave." "Ah, ah, ah, very funny" Blue said, cynically. "You see, Star? Your mommy knows how to be funny." "Mama funny" Star said, between laughs, something that also made Twilight laugh too. In Fluttershy’s house, she was taking care of Thunder Night. During the day yesterday, she made sure the cottage was totally dark, illuminated only with some candles, and began to put wet compresses on Thunder Night’s forehead to make the fever down, putting plasters made with some medicinal herbs she had brought from the village in his wounds and burns. He improved slightly during the rest of the day, but he only improved significantly when she took him out for a while after nightfall. The dark night allowed Thunder Night to recover a good part of his forces. While Fluttershy watched his wounds and burns, her boyfriend woke up and saw her taking care of him. "Fluttershy..." he said. She turned to him and said: "Thundy, don't make efforts. Rest. You just got a part of your strength and your fever just disappeared a few hours ago." "You... You took care of me?" he asked. "But of course, silly" she said, approaching her head. "You're my coltfriend, aren't you?" Thunder Night smiled and said: "I'm glad I have you by my side." The two exchanged a smile and then a kiss. Fluttershy continued to look Thunder Night’s wounds and burns and then questioned him: "But what happened for you stay in this way, Thunder Night. I've never seen you like this." "It's a long story... and also quite confused." He then told her what had happened. "That's terrible!" Fluttershy exclaimed, horrified. "Don't tell me" Thunder Night said. "It was horrible to see ponies and thestrals that I know being turned into monsters like those." "And the pony you saw? The one that turned your friends. Do you know his name or who he is and where he came from?" "Nothing. I don't know anything about him. I don't even know what he was exactly. I had never seen anything like him." Fluttershy meditated for a while and then she realized that he should be some villain of Tartarus. If that were so, then she had to tell to Twilight. Luckily she would come to Ponyville that day. She hoped she had already arrived. "Thundy, I have to leave for a while" Fluttershy said. "Will you be okay?" "Of course" he replied. "You know I will. Where are you going?" "Don't worry about it" she replied. "I won't be long." She gave him a kiss on the forehead and then she headed to the exit. "Angel, can you watch Thundy for me?" Fluttershy asked to her white bunny. He responded with a salute. And then Fluttershy left. Rarity was in the town when a voice said to her: "Look who's here, the beautiful lady of yesterday.” The white unicorn nearly froze when she heard that voice. She turned and saw Shadow Claw before her. "Uh, hello..." she said, laughing nervous. "It is a great pleasure to see a muse like you" Shadow Claw said, picking on her hoof and kissing it. "Just to see you, my day has been entertained." "Oh, Shadow Claw, you really need to stop with these complements" Rarity said, giggling while she blushed. "As I said before, I only speak the truth" he replied. "In fact, I was on my way to your botique." "Oh yeah?" she asked. "Yes, I was wondering if you wanted to take a smoothie or something with me. On my own, of course." "Well... I don't know... It's an invitation quite unexpected. I have a lot to do for the celebration. But, I accept with pleasure." "After you" Shadow Claw said, making an inviting gesture. Rarity blushed slightly and then advanced. After she passed Shadow Claw, he made one of his evil smiles, following her then. Fluttershy walked through Ponyville, heading to the library, hoping to find Twilight there. It was then that she noticed Rarity and intended to ask her if Twilight had already arrived. But she noticed that she was with a stallion, probably on a date, as was the custom of his friend, so she decided not to bother her. When she reached the library, she saw two light ponies guards guarding the entrance door. Fluttershy realized, to her great relief, that Twilight had already arrived. She approached and one of the guards said to her: "Who goes there?" "Uh, my name is… Fluttershy" the yellow pegasus answered in a shy way. "I am one of Princess Twilight’s friends. I wanted to talk with her." The two guards exchanged a look and one of them waved to the other. The second then knocked on the door and, moments later, it opened and Twilight appeared. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but here is a friend of yours to see you." "Fluttershy!" Twilight exclaimed, going to hug her friend. "I thought I was going to spend my time here without seeing you. I was told that you've been weird since yesterday. But what's going on?" "Twilight, I need you to come with me" Fluttershy said. "It's a bit... urgent. Well, it's not urgent, but it is certainly important." "What is it?" Twilight asked. Nervous, Fluttershy approached Twilight's ear and whispered: "It's something that has to do with possibly one of the villains of Tartarus." Upon hearing that, Twilight realized Fluttershy should know something about the mysterious villain who activated Heartbeat’s alarm. "Ok, let's go" Twilight said, turning then to the guards. "I'll just be out for a bit. I will be with my friend Fluttershy." "I think one of us should go with you, princess" one of the guards suggested. "It’s not necessary" Twilight replied. "This will be quick. Just make sure my husband knows." "Yes, Your Highness" the two guards replied, bowing their heads. Fluttershy then began heading to her cottage with Twilight. Meanwhile, Rarity was sitting at the table of a village esplanade to take a smoothie with Shadow Claw. While they drank their smoothies, both exchanged glances. There was an immense silence, with one waiting for the other like the first step. Tired of all that silence, Shadow Claw was the first to speak: "So, how's your sister?" "She’s okay" Rarity replied. "But she seems not to sympathize with you." "I'm sure it's not a big deal" Shadow Claw said. "Children are always like that. I bet if she knows me better, she will like me." Rarity let out a laugh and said: "You're such an optimist." "An optimist who has a good taste in choosing mares" Shadow Claw answered. Rarity was delighted with all Shadow Claw’s charm. There seemed to be something that attracted her to him. When she found herself, she was approaching her muzzles to Shadow Claw’s and he began to do the same. It was then that both lips touched in a kiss. Fluttershy and Twilight were walking to the cottage when they passed by the esplanade where Rarity and Shadow Claw were and they saw them kissing. "Well, it looks like Rarity has found a new coltfriend" Twilight commented. "Yes, I've seen them before when I was arriving to your library" Fluttershy said. "I was going to ask Rarity if you had arrived, but I didn't want to bother." "I wonder who is that stallion" Twilight said, watching Shadow Claw. "I don't know why, but he gives me the creeps." "Twilight, I'm sorry, but I wonder if we could..." Fluttershy started, making a gesture to the path that led to her cottage. Realizing what Fluttershy wanted, Twilight replied: "Oh, yes, of course." And they continued their way. Rarity and Shadow Claw ceased the kiss and the white unicorn exclaimed: "Wow! I never thought you kiss... so well." "Did you like it?" Shadow Claw asked, causing a slight smile. "If I liked?" Rarity repeated, sensing the enthusiasm growing within her. "It was... It was... It was... I don't even have words. It was the best kiss of my life!" "If you want, we can repeat" Shadow Claw answered. "Seriously?" "Seriously. But not here. Maybe in a more romantic atmosphere. How about at the Summer Sun Celebration? At the time Princess Celestia rises the Sun?" "Okay" Rarity answered. "But you have to promise that you will be there." "You bet I will" Shadow Claw said. "How could I lose an event like that, especially when a mare as pretty as you will be there." Rarity smiled while she blushed. Shadow Claw stood up, gave a kiss on Rarity’s cheek, causing her to blush even more, and then walked away, saying: "See you later." "Sure" Rarity replied with a dreamy air. And Shadow Claw pulled away, displaying a dark smile on his face. Fluttershy and Twilight arrived to the cottage and the first opened the door, calling: "Thundy!" "I'm here, Fluttershy" he said, still lying on the couch. "Where’s Angel?" Fluttershy asked, while she and Twilight entered. It was then that the Bunny appeared skipping along coming from the kitchen, carrying a glass of juice that he gave to Thunder Night. "Thanks, buddy" he thanked him, taking the glass. "Wow, I never thought I'd see Angel being so helpful with somepony" Twilight commented. Repairing on Twilight, Thunder Night rushed to put the glass at the table and saying: "Princess Twilight, it’s a great honor." He bowed respectfully his head to Twilight, saying afterwards: "My name is Thunder Night and I am a member of the Princess Luna’s Royal Guard." "Nice to meet you, Thunder Night" Twilight said, returning him the gesture. "You know, Twilight, Thunder Night is…" Fluttershy started, going to his edge. "He is my coltfriend." "Seriously?" asked Twilight, slightly surprised. "But this is amazing. Since when?" "Since... Well, we met shortly after your marriage " Fluttershy replied. "I know it's been several months since then, but I didn't have the guts to tell everypony about our relationship." "Don't worry, Fluttershy, I understand" Twilight said. "But what does this have to do with the villains that escaped from Tartarus?" Fluttershy and Thunder Night exchanged a look and then the last began to explain what had happened in Hollow Shades two nights ago. After finishing his story, Twilight mused about it and said: "From what you've told, Thunder Night, it seems to me that we're dealing with a villain of Tartarus, probably the one that Golden Paladin and Mirror Coat went investigate. I don't remember any ponie specie or another type of creature that resembles or do what you described." There was a pause and then she had an idea. "I had an idea" she said. "If you let me, I can get in on your mind to be able to see who or what we're dealing with. Don't get me wrong, but I want to have every detail possible." "Of course, princess" Thunder Night replied. "You have my permission." So Twilight focused and charged her horn with magic, keeping in mind the instructions of the reading minds spell. She closed her eyes and when she opened them, she could see what had happened through Thunder Night’s perspective. She saw the turned ponies and thestral attacking another pony and turning him into one of them. She saw the leader of creatures appearing and ordering the others to turn Thunder Night and his friend. She saw his friend being turned too, while they were fleeing. She saw Thunder Night escaping, running away from Hollow Shades, while the Sun raise up, making the creatures returning to their pony forms, including their leader, and Twilight could see who he was, through his wild air. Upon learning his identity, Twilight was shocked and finished the spell. "What's up, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked, seeing her friend’s. "I already know who's the responsible" Twilight said, rising up. "We have to find Rarity immediately. She is in great danger." The Lord of Chaos and Fire Punch watched that scene and the last said: "Looks like our friend with fangs has been discovered, master." "In fact, but you're forgetting that our beloved princess thinks Shadow Claw’s purpose is her unicorn friend" the Lord of Chaos said. "But the truth is that he's only playing with her. She doesn't know what Shadow Claw actually wants. " Twilight and Fluttershy galloped to Carrousel Boutique, finding Sweetie Belle doing her homework. "Sweetie Belle, do you know where your sister is?" Twilight asked, while she and Fluttershy panted. "In her bedroom, getting ready to the date of her life" Sweetie Belle mumbled. "You should see with whom she will leave. He is sinister." Twilight and Fluttershy climbed the stairs and, upon arriving Rarity’s room, the first knocked on the door, calling: "Rarity, open, we need to talk to you!" The door then opened up and Rarity appeared, wearing a robe and a towel wrapped around her mane. "I'm sorry, girls, but I'm very busy" she said. "I have a date with the most handsome and charming stallion I ever met." "It is about him that we wanted to talk with you, Rarity" said Twilight. "He..." "He's wonderful!" Rarity exclaimed, dreamily. "I know. Therefore, I can't let him get away. Now, if you excuse me, I have to arrange myself." "But, Rarity..." Twilight started. But their friend simply closed the door and Twilight managed to feel a soundproof barrier being invoked from inside. "What do we do now, Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. Twilight thought for a while and then said: "We have no other option. We have to watch Rarity and ensure that the most handsome and charming stallion don't turn against her." Night fell and the ponies of Ponyville kept celebrate the event that was going to happen. There was plenty of food, games and lots of laughs. Twilight, Blue and Star walked through the party, satisfied with everything. The guards that accompanied them were nearby, ready to ensure their safety, if some villain showed up. Twilight looked at all sides, hoping to find Rarity, but it seemed that she had not yet arrived. Blue, knowing by Twilight what was going on, helped her find her friend. "But where is she?" Twilight asked. "She has to be here." "Take it easy, Twily, you know how Rarity is" Blue said, while holding Star so he wouldn't get away. "She likes to get always a little late." "Yes, but taking into account that we may be dealing with a villain of Tartarus..." Twilight started. "I know, but try to calm down" Blue reassured, passing his hoof delicately by his face. "Everything will be fine." "I hope so" Twilight said. Elsewhere, Twilight's friends were all over the place trying to find Rarity in the crowd. Twilight warned them of the danger that their friend could be running and they should keep an eye on Rarity. They had also been surprised by knowing that Fluttershy had a coltfriend, which Rainbow Dash couldn't believe it when she heard about. "I still can't believe that Fluttershy has a coltfriend" she said to Applejack, while the two were walking around. "I mean, she's not the type to relate with other ponies." "Well, technically, Thunder Night is not a pony" Applejack replied. "You know what I mean" Rainbow Dash said. "Fluttershy don't have coltfriends. She can't even face us assertively without look away right away." "It seems tah me that somepony is jealous for not havin’ a coltfriend" Applejack provoked. Rainbow Dash snorted and then said: "Please! As if I needed a coltfriend. You know what I think about all these sappy things." "I know you know" Pinkie Pie said, coming out of nowhere between the two mares. Rainbow Dash startled, dropping a little scream, but quickly recovered her composure and said: "Pinkie, don’t scare us like that! I mean, I'm not scared, but I'm saying this for Applejack." "Yeah, yeah…" Applejack said, turning then to Pinkie. "What are ya doin’, Pinkie?" "Now, I'm having fun, silly" she replied. "Isn't that the point of the Summer Sun Celebration?" "But we have to find Rarity, remember?" Applejack asked. "That's what Twilight ask’d us tah do." "Oh!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Okey-dokey-lokey." And then she walked away, hooping. Twilight and Blue were talking, when... "Twilight!" a familiar voice called. Twilight turned and saw Cadance approaching. "Cadance!" she exclaimed, going to her sister-in-law. When they reached the edge of each other, they began to sing their song: "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap you're hooves, and do a little shake!" They ended up with a wagging tail, a laugh and then a hug. "It feels so good to see you" Cadance said. "Especially after the Lord of Chaos have taken Tartarus. I heard about the Krylock. Are you okay?" "Yes" Twilight replied. "Fortunately, Golden Paladin appeared just in time." "Good" Cadance said, turning then to Blue. "Hello, Blue. How are you? " "Quite well" he replied. "With everything that has been happening, a moment of relaxation with the family is everything I need to be right." "And how's my nephew?" Cadance asked in a jovial manner to the little colt. She patted his mane, while he laughed, and then commented: "He's more grown up every day." "I bet Gleaming Shield too" Twilight said. "Did she stay at the Crystal Empire with Shining?" "Yes, I thought it was better that way" Cadance said. "With the celebration here in Ponyville, I don't think I'd have plenty of time for her." "Yes, I guess you're right" Twilight said. It was then that Twilight noticed Rarity walking nearby, elegant and well-dressed. Twilight intended to call her, but then Cadance said: "Twilight, come on. Celestia and Luna must be almost rising the sun and downing the moon. We have to go." Although Twilight want argue that she had important things to attend to, she realized that from the stage she could see Rarity and, if she met Shadow Claw, Twilight could intervene. After resigning from her husband and her son, she and Cadance went to the stage, where Celestia and Luna were already there. The crowd was also there, so they could watch the most awaited moment. Twilight looked around and noticed Rarity, but, fortunately, she was alone. She, in turn, looked from one side to the other, trying to find Shadow Claw, but without success. Twilight just expect things to continue like that. She also could see Fluttershy and Thunder Night (who had recovered enough to get out) and they seemed to be vigilant too, if Shadow Claw showed up. In Shadow Hollow, Golden Paladin and Mirror Coat were investigating the place where Shadow Claw had attacked. While looking around, Mirror Coat said to his older brother: "You know, this may be nothing. There are lots of creatures that attack ponies and take them away. This may not have any relationship with the villains of Tarturus." "No way" Golden Paladin answered. "Heartbeat’s alarm warns us whenever there is a large-scale activity of the villains that we seek." "Now you're going to take a leap of faith to one of Heartbeat’s spells? Her magic is unstable. Maybe the spell made a mistake." "Brother, you have to have more faith in our little sister’s capabilities. Don't forget that she is the most powerful of us all." Mirror Coat tried to refute, but he couldn't say anything and continued searching for clues. Golden Paladin looked around, trying to figure out who could be behind those attacks and why. However, there were plenty of villains to be considered and the time was so limited. It was then that a cloud deviated and they were soaked by the moonlight. The General of Peace looked at the sky and noticed the full moon shining in the night sky. That made Golden Paladin understand everything. "Mirror Coat, I think Heartbeat’s alarm was right" he said. "What do you mean?" Mirror Coat asked. Golden Paladin pointed to the sky and Mirror Coat peered, repairing also in the full moon. "And we have a winner." Back to Ponyville, Celestia stepped forward and said: "Citizens of Equestria, welcome to one more Summer Sun Celebration. It is with great joy that I lift the summer sun in a party that celebrates the return of my sister, Princess Luna." Princess Luna bowed her head slightly to the public, while they congratulated her. "Now, we will begin the celebration" Celestia said. But before some pony could do anything, a malicious voice said: "I don’t believe so, princess." And that voice then gave a huge laugh. Everypony looked around, some wary. The royal guards that were there looked to all sides, all raising their weapons. "Who's there?!" Celestia demanded. "Reveal yourself!" "Oh, Celestia, don't tell me you forgot about me" the voice said. "But of course I should expect something like that. The last time we saw each other, one of us ended in Tartarus." It was then that Celestia immediately recognized that voice and became petrified. "It can't be" she said. It was then that someone came from one of the rooftops of nearby buildings, landing right in front of the stage, with the ponies retreating as much as they could. It was Shadow Claw, on his pony-wolf form. He brought with him a saddlebag. "Hello, Celestia" Shadow Claw greeted, displaying his evil smile. "Shadow Claw" Celestia said, with anger in her voice. Rarity was stunned by what she was seeing. The stud of her dreams was a villain of Tartarus? "So, you remember me" Shadow Claw said. "I haven't forgotten you, too. How could I, when I was locked up in a cell for hundreds of years." "You were arrested because you were just a fierce predator that used to terrify and turn the ponies during the full moon" Celestia said, with contempt, while the other princesses put themselves at her edge. "What can I say?" Shadow Claw asked, rhetorically. "It's the nature. We, pony-wolves, were meant to hunt and breed." "Whatever your plan is, Shadow Claw, whatever your master has in mind, it won't work" Celestia said. "I know your weakness. You don't have any powers without the full moon and I'm about to lift the Sun that will remove all your powers." It was then that her horn began to shine with her magical aura. "I don't think so, my dear" Shadow Claw said. He then took the hoof to saddlebag and then pulled out what appeared to be a crystal with the shape of a crescent moon with a bluish color. He raised the crystal and it began to glow with a bright blue luster that began to compete with Celestia’s magical aura. The Princess of the Sun struggled to resist, but the crystal’s power was too strong and Celestia couldn't resist more and was hit and thrown to the ground, while moaning, falling unconscious. All the ponies were shocked with what they saw. "Celestia!" Twilight called. "Sister!" Luna’s called. The three alicorn princesses went to the edge of the fallen princess. But then Luna turned to Shadow, which featured a triumphant smile, and told him with immense anger: "You're going to pay for it, your mutt!" "Honestly, I doubt about it" Shadow Claw said, while he saw the royal guards surrounding him. "Do you think that I would make an attack like this without bringing reinforcements?" "Attack!" Luna and Shadow Claw exclaimed. The royal guards prepared to attack, but it was then that pony-wolves appeared from everywhere, advancing to protect their leader. Blue, seeing all that, took his son and handed him to one of the light guards, saying: "You two keep Prince Star Knight safe." "Yes, sir" the two guards said, saluting him. "Daddy" Star said, looking frightened with what was going on. "Don't worry, champ, daddy just goes deal with some bad guys" Blue said. And so Blue went to join the fight, while the light guards were coming out from there to keep the baby prince safe. Thunder Night also joined the fight, as well as Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The fight against the ponie-wolves seemed to be going well to the ponies side, but a few pony-wolves bit some of the combatants, turning them, which increased their number. While that fight happened, Shadow Claw took a big jump, going up to the stage and getting face to face with alicorn princesses. Luna, Cadance and Twilight placed themselves up ahead of Celestia, which was still unconscious. "What cute" Shadow Claw said cynically. "You are protecting the dear and sweet Celestia." "We'll protect her from you" Cadance said. "That’s very bold, but, tell me, who gonna protect you?" Shadow Claw asked. "Do you really think you can defeat us?" Luna asked. "With the Lunar Crystal by my side, of course I can" Shadow Claw said, referring to the crystal that was now surrounding him. "My sister said that without the full moon, you are nothing" Luna said. "Well, I, as the Princess of the Moon, I'm going to do that you and your nefarious creatures don’t cause more damage." Luna's horn began to shine and everypony could see the Moon starting to change its face. Seeing that, Shadow Claw managed to feel his power of pony-wolf starting to disappear. To prevent that, he pointed Lunar Crystal to the Moon and then launched a beam that hit the star of the night. That started a fight between Luna and Shadow Claw to decide the face of the Moon. But it was then that Luna could not overcome the crystal’s power, starting to feel exhausted. Her magic began to go off and then the Moon stayed full again, restoring again Shadow Claw’s strength. He then emitted energy waves from the Lunar Crystal that reached the three alicorn princesses that were still standing, throwing them to the ground. After that, he motioned to two of his pony-wolves and they took Celestia and got out of there quickly. Shadow Claw looked around and then found her. Rarity was petrified, watching him with great horror. With an immense speed, Shadow Claw came to her and said: "I'm really glad you are here, my dear, and you're even more beautiful than usual." "I can't believe..." Rarity said. "You... You are..." "A loyal servant of the great Lord of Chaos" Shadow Claw said. "Yes, and I’m proud of it." "You lied to me" Rarity said. "I thought we had something special." "And we have" Shadow Claw said, trying to pass his paw through Rarity’s face, but with her putting it away. "I never lied to you. I just omit certain details so you wouldn't be scared." Rarity couldn't even respond or act. "Now it's time for both of us to be together forever, my love." Twilight lifted his head and then saw Shadow Claw right in front of Rarity. He made the Lunar Crystal begin to shine. "No!!" Twilight exclaimed. But it was too late, because Shadow Claw and Rarity disappeared, as well as the Lunar Crystal. All pony-wolves also disappeared. Twilight couldn't believe what had just happened. Shadow Claw had just taken her mentor and one of her best friends.