//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Night on the town // Story: Follower of the Night // by Nova_Wings //------------------------------// Chapter 3: Night on the town Night, Storm and Emerald walked the busy streets of Canterlot night, the city seemed to have two lives now, one during the day and one at night. They trotted together taking in the sights and sounds, they passed pony and vampony alike going about their business. Night mused, no matter how many times he walked the the streets here, he still found it odd how normal everything felt in Canterlot. They passed three stallions, each of them with there noses in the air, taking no notice of 'the common rabble' around them. What Night did notice was one was a vampony, and the other two were regular ponies. Being equally as snobby isn't something to aspire to, but I guess it just means they see themselves as equals to each other at least. Storm and Emerald seemed to share his thoughts on the matter, They continued walking until they cam to the palace district. With vamponies now living in the city Canterlot had been rebuild and expanded into four districts, the palace district, commerce or shopping district, pony district and vampony district. The area around the palace walls had been converted into parks and common areas, one such area was a large park venue used for all kinds of performances. Night looked around the large open area, it had been little more then planning back before he had moved to Ponyvill. Now it was a beautify and impressive area, as they entered they heard upbeat classical music coming from the group playing on a raised wooden platform. There were only eight ponies in the group, but it sounded like a full orchestra, there seemed to be a spell or two working in the background. Emerald led the group to an open spot in the grass and pulled out a large blanket from her saddle bag, they sat down and waited for the group to begin there next piece. There was a low hum of conversation around the park. “How has Ponyvill been dear?” Asked Emerald once they were settled in. “Quiet, Star Light only had to flatten Lighting twice this week.” Storm rolled his eyes. “Somepony really needs to take care of that foal, hes been nearly his whole vampony life with out any kind of guidance.” “Applejack and Generosity have been trying, but he keeps everypony at legs length. And if they try too hard, well lets just say they learn first hoof his special talent.” Emerald shook her head. “Its sad, why anypony would abandon their charge is beyond me.” Night put his hoof on Emeralds shoulder, as he gave her a warm smile. “But neither of you guys did, and that's what counts. You can't control what other ponies do.” Emerald smiled and nodded her head, music filled the park once again now, beginning with a steady string opening. Deciding to try and lighten the mood, Storm changed the topic. “How has work been with you by the way?” Night now turned his attention to Storm. “Slow the last week, but I expect it to pick up again soon, a lot of the senor guild members took the contracts for Manehattan.” Night Shade worked as freelancer for the contract guild, like the name suggests the contract guild is just that, a guild that contracts out various jobs to the ponies and vamponies they employ. Contracts can range from anything to finding a lost pet, hunting a rouge vampony, or aiding in a battle, as long as you have the bits to pay anypony can post a contract in the guild. “I've heard guild contracts have been down all over Equestria. I hope its only for good reasons.” Storm added with a hint of concern. “The guild go's through cycles, it will pick back up soon. But it will probably be mostly 'I lost this' or 'help me find that', I did pick up a long term contract you might find interesting.” “Oh? Whats that?” Storm asked with some curiosity. Night Shade's horn glowed and an ethereal chest plate formed on his body, it was light blue with a white crescent moon in the center. It was an exact replica of Nightmare Moon's armor plate, it was also now the uniform of the vampony night guard. “Well I didn't see that coming.” Emerald said with some surprise. “So your a night guard as well?” “Not quite dear,” Storm Shadow said before Night could answer. “We've sent out contracts to the guilds, there essentially deputy's, they carry the same authority but don't patrol or ware uniforms at all times. It helps bolster our numbers without breaking the bank.” Storm added a chuckle at the last sentiment. “Ya, we only get payed when we actually do something, like helping with an arrest, investigation or some other work that official guards might need help with. But we can step in when needed, like if there is a fight or something, things that the guard might not normally help with.” “Seems like a good idea,” Emerald said tapping a hoof to her chin. “But how do they know you actually did any of that?” “There's an enchantment on the armor that records what we do when its on, both guard and deputes.” Storm explained. “Its a good way of keeping everypony honest.” Night added. Both Storm Shadow and Emerald Dust nodded in agreement. Now a new song began playing, everypony paused in their conversation to listen to the new piece. The song began with a solo opening, everypony gathered looked at the gray earth pony who's cello was the focus of the music. Night Shade recognized the mare from his study of vampony history, Octavia Melody. One of the oldest and most renowned earth pony musician in Equestria, it was said she learned music originally from Ludwig Von Beethoofen. No pony spoke as the music continued, it was still a mystery even to the clan elders how an earth pony could make an instrument sing as if it were alive, but Octavia did somehow. All too soon the lovely peace came to an end, for a moment nothing but silence was heard, but it was quickly broken by loud applause from the crowd. Octavia took a deep bow, her fellow musicians followed in kind. From off to the side of the stage somepony announced that the group would be taking a break, but they would be back shortly. Conversation began to rise up from the park once again, as the night wore on Night Shade, Storm Shadow and Emerald Dust continued taking about all manner of thing. They chatted happily, continuing to enjoy the music and each others company, only the peaking of dawn from over the horizon broke there conversation. Making it home just as the first few rays of light turned the glass to stone in the loft apartment, Night flopped onto the couch and settled down for the day.