//------------------------------//
// Chapter 43- Week of Hearth's Warming 
// Story: Of Flame and Shadow 
// by Garuda IV 
//------------------------------//

It's been nearly a month since Blueblood's trial had passed, and with it, the news about what he said about Dark and Twilight being a couple had spread throughout Equestria like wildfire. After all, news about a Princess of Equestria being courted doesn't come around often. Also, like Celestia had predicted, Dark quickly fell into the crosshairs of the Canterlot Elite and nobles. A few days after their arrival back in Ponyville, he'd since been receiving letters of complaint and threats of blackmail directed towards him. As he told Celestia and Luna before though, he ignored and burned them away, knowing that their threats were all hollow since they had nothing to use against him, seeing as how nopony even knew about his village before he told them.

There were, however, a few ponies that didn't mind it and even showed their support, such as Fancy Pants and his fillyfriend, Fleur De Lis, Rara, and Coco Pommel. Confused about who the last two were, Dark went to Twilight and was told that Rara was an old friend of Applejack's who turned into a famous pop star, and that Coco was a friend of Rarity's from Manehattan. Thankful for Twilight's explanation of who they were, Dark wrote back to each of them, thanking them for their support and hoping that he'd be able to meet them all someday. Besides them, he did receive one other letter that he was happy to get, but that was of a different matter. One that involved him being back in Canterlot.

Now though, it was the week of Hearth's Warming, and Dark was returning from Sweet Apple Acres from helping clearing the snow from the road and the roof of the barn and house, due to his being able to fly. What he didn't count on though was the sheer amount of snow that they got the previous night, even though Rainbow did warn them ahead of time. With his arms tired from all of the shoveling that he'd done throughout the entire morning, he flew back to the castle. As he was flying over Ponyville, he saw the Crusaders and their sisters playing out in the snow with a bunch of other kids over by the schoolyard. Flying closer to his destination, Dark soon saw his forge that had been completed just a little over two weeks ago. 

While it was a single-story building, it was big enough to easily fit a hundred ponies inside of it without it being too crowded, much to Pinkie's enjoyment when she threw a party for its opening. Through the heavy wooden doors would bring you into the waiting room where premade items were on display, and where you could also place your order. With a few benches and desk with a magazine or two off to the side, towards the back was a counter, and behind it, the entryway into the forge itself with a large set of wooden doors to allow wagons, chariots, carts, and other large vehicles or items in for him to work on. While Dark was happy with how the building had turned out, he also made sure that it was made out of thick stone with heat, fire, and sound proofing spells placed on them, so he would be able to work on his projects and orders as far into the night as he would want without waking anypony up. However, in his excitement of forging again, he lost track of time during his first few nights and caused Twilight to lecture him from experience that he shouldn't work too late at night and try to close-up at sunset.

As promised, Dark saw to repairs on the Apple Family's carts for free, and also offered them a discount when they would do business together. He was also surprised by the number of orders that he'd already been given. Besides a few tools and decorative pieces, he mostly kept himself busy with the orders from the guards still patrolling around town by repairing their armor and weapons, or supplying them with new ones.

For now though, Dark had closed it for the holidays. With magical and metallic locks in place, Dark was sure that nopony would be able to break-in very easily. And if somepony somehow did, then they would set-off the traps and alarms that Twilight had added. Smiling, Dark looked away from his relatively new workplace before beginning to land in front of the castle. Heating himself up to melt away any snow that might've latched onto his claws or hooves, Dark made his way through the castle and up to their bedroom where Twilight was just finishing packing for their trip to her parent's for Hearth's Warming.

"Hey, Dark," she warmly greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. "How was the snow clearing at Applejack's?"

"Tiring," Dark simply answered.

"Why? Didn't you use your magic or fire breath to remove the snow?"

"Nope. Besides risking melting the snow just for it to freeze over a few minutes later, I've been lacking with my workouts."

"How so?"

"Before I would workout when helping at Sweet Apple Acres, but ever since the season ended, I've gone without any actual physical labor and have started to go soft. That was, until the forge was built. But even so, I wanted to work on my physical strength, since my magic is already much stronger."

"I can understand that. Speaking of which, how have your training sessions with Nocturne been going?"

"They've been going alright for the most part. I've learned how to create creatures made of shadow that'll follow my command like the royal guards do for you, your brother, and the princesses, but I still can't transform into Nocturne's dragon-form. At least, not completely."

"Haven't you been having trouble with that one for a while now?"

"Yeah, but according to him, it's just something that'll take more time. After all, I'm turning into another creature entirely."

"Well, I would say that I know what you're trying to do, since I was able to turn my friends and I into breezies, but they're nothing compared to a dragon."

"A dragon that towers over other dragons," Dark added, looking over his own bag for the trip. "I still can't believe that Rarity went on ahead and made me a suit to wear for the Ball."

"I still can't wait to see you in it," Twilight said from beside him. "I'm sure that you'll look really handsome."

"Just like how you'll look beautiful in that dress of yours," he replied before draping an arm over her and kissing her cheek.

"You two are so lucky," Spike complained from behind, causing them to both look back as he walked in. "You two get to go to the Hearth's Warming Ball together while the girls have to stay here."

"I know that you've been hoping to take them to the Ball too, Spike, but they each have their own things going on here in Ponyville," Twilight said. "Applebloom and her family are hosting Hearth's Warming this year at their place with Pinkie's family, Sweetie Belle and Rarity are with their parents, and Scootaloo is in Cloudsdale with Rainbow Dash and her parents."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I just don't want to feel like the odd one out is all."

"I understand what you mean, bud," Dark told him, placing a claw on his head, "but it's only for a week. Besides, you've given them their Hearth's Warming presents, right?"

"Got them right here," Spike answered, patting his bag. "Our fiends are going to see us off at the train station, so I'll give them their gifts there."

"Speaking of which, we better get going before it gets too late," Twilight told them. "Now, does everypony have everything they need?"

"Yep," the two guys answered.

"Alright then, let's go."

Grabbing their bags, the three made their way down for Twilight and Spike to get their coats before heading on out of the castle and locked it up behind them. With a quick spell, Dark created a dozen of his Shadow Wraiths. Faceless, bulky, ghost-like creatures made of shadows that wore metallic-gray armor and bladed gauntlets that extended beyond their shadowy claws. With these guards, he sent them to patrol the castle to keep it safe from any unwanted visitors who would want to break into or steal from it. With their home secured and guarded, they made their way over to the train station where their friends were gathering to see them off. As they were walking and enjoying the festive lights and decorations on every house, Dark looked over to Spike with mild confusion.

"Hey, Spike?" Dark called while they walked.

"Yeah?"

"How come you're wearing a jacket now, but you didn't last time we went to Canterlot?"

"Because Spike's cold-blooded, so he needs to stay warm," Twilight answered for him. "And the reason why he didn't wear a jacket last time is because it wasn't cold enough to affect him."

"Okay, but shouldn't I wear one then since I'm half-dragon?"

"While that's true, you're also half-pony, so you're still warm-blooded and aren't in danger like Spike would be. And you don't need to wear a jacket because the heat from your fire sac alone keeps you warm enough."

"I should've figured that one out. Well, at least I'll be saving bits on winter clothes."

Their talking caused them to lose track of how long they've been walking for, and before they knew it, they found themselves at the train station where their friends and the Crusaders were waiting for them. While Dark and Twilight were giving their friends hugs and wishing each other a Happy Hearth's Warming, Spike and the Crusaders were off to the side. Telling them how much he wished that they could all spend the holiday together, Spike gave each of the three fillies their gift before also giving them each a kiss on the lips and hopping onto the train. Once Dark and Twilight got on too, the three waved goodbye to their friends as the train started to bring them to Canterlot. 





Over in Canterlot, Night and Velvet were waiting at the train station for their children, granddaughter, and Dark to arrive. As they waited, Night began shifting from one hoof onto the other.

"Relax, Night," Velvet told him, "they'll be here soon. No need to get antsy about it."

"It's not the kids that I'm worked-up about," he replied.

"What then? Is it Dark? Please tell me that you're still not upset about him being the Lord of Death."

"Not as much as when he told us, but I'm still going to be keeping a closer eye on him."

"Oh lighten up already. It's almost Hearth's Warming, and I won't allow for it to be ruined because you're being stubborn about him. Also, remember that this will be his first Hearth's Warming without his own family, so he'll already have enough to deal with."

"Not to mention what the papers have said about him before."

Velvet sighed as she remembered the slander on Dark that she and Night had read about, but before she could think of that any further, she heard the train pulling into the station. Another minute later after the train had stopped, the doors opened with Twilight, Dark, and Spike leaving the train and walking over to them.

"Happy almost Hearth's Warming, kids," Velvet said to Twilight and Spike, giving them both a hug.

"Happy almost Hearth's Warming to you too, mom," Twilight returned.

Letting go of the two to go greet Night, Velvet went up to Dark next.

"And how have you been doing?" she asked with a hug.

"Just fine, Mrs. Velvet," Dark happily returned, with a hug of his own.

"Still with the 'Mrs.'? You know that you can just call me Velvet, right?"

"I know, but like I said before, it's how I was raised to address others, especially since you're Twilight's parents. Just calling you by your names alone doesn't quite sound appropriate to me."

"I know, I'm just teasing is all," she said with a smile that soon turned to a sad frown. "So, how are you doing? You know, with this being your first Hearth's Warming..."

"I know what you mean," Dark said with a sad smile. "It'll be different, and I'm already missing them, but I'll try to not let that get myself or anypony else down."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"So, mom," Twilight called, her greeting with her dad over with, "is Shining, Cadence, and Skyla already here?"

"Not yet, sweetie. Their train should be arriving in about ten minutes."

Taking a seat on the benches, they waited for the others to arrive. After a few minutes had passed, Dark noticed that Night had been trying to subtly glance over at him. The next time that Night glanced over to him though, he was met with Dark looking directly at him from the corner of his eye. Giving him a gesture to follow, Dark got up and followed after him around the corner. Once they were out of sight of the others, they stopped to talk.

"Is something wrong, sir?" Dark asked.

Night sighed before answering him. "It's about what you are."

"Still?" he scoffed. "It's been like a month now."

"I know, and I'm still unsure about you."

"But why? Besides you now knowing of what I am, what's so different about me?"

"... nothing."

"Exactly. I'm still the same as before you knew, so there shouldn't be anything different going on. Princesses Celestia and Luna, Twilight, Spike, Cadence, Shining, Mrs. Velvet, and our friends all know and are alright with it, so why can't you?"

"Watch your tone, Dark," Night warned. "While they might be alright with it, I'm still unsure about you and am doing this to keep an eye out on my kids and grandfoal."

"If you're worried that I'll somehow harm them, then you don't need to worry about that, because have no intention to. And besides, Twilight and Spike are the only family that I have now."

"I know that," Night sighed, shaking his head, "but I'm still going to be keeping an eye on you for my daughter's sake."

Now I know where Shining gets his stubbornness from, Dark mentally sighed. "Yes, sir."

"Good. Now, let's go back and join the others."

Before they could turn around to head on back though, they both covered their ears at the sound of a crystal train pulling into the station. Only when it finally stopped did they uncover their ears and run over to the others. Soon as they reached them, the doors to the crystal train opened, revealing Shining and Cadence with Skyla tucked away in Shining's saddlebag.

"There's my son!" Night happily exclaimed as Shining walked up to embrace him.

"Hey, dad."

"Hello, Cadence," Velvet welcomed with a hug.

"Hello, mom," she returned before going after Twilight.

"It's great to see you again, Cadence," Twilight said with a hug.

"It's good to see you too, Twilight."

While they were busy, Shining went over to Spike and Dark.

"Hey, Spike. How have you been doing?" Shining asked him.

"Alright I guess," he half-heartedly answered with a smile.

Knowing what was bothering him, Dark patted him on the shoulder.

"Spike's just a bit bummed that he couldn't spend Hearth's Warming with his fillyfriends," Dark told Shining.

"Ah. Well, I can understand that part, bud," he sympathized before turning his attention towards Dark, but avoided eye contact. "Hey, Dark."

Noticing this, Dark mentally sighed, thinking that Shining was thinking the same thing as Night was.

"Hey, Shining. Umm, you're not upset about me being the Lord of Death, are you? You kinda look like you're avoiding me."

"Well... no, it's no that."

"Mind telling me then?"

"Not right now. Perhaps another time."

Seeing shifting from Shining's saddlebag, Dark craned his head just in time to see his vision become obstructed by something pink clinging to his head. Hearing it giggle cutely, Dark chuckled as he enwrapped the foal in his magic and brought it off of his face to look at.

"And hello to you too, Skyla," Dark softly welcomed, causing the filly to giggle again and reach its little hooves out for him.

Letting her do what she wanted, Dark put the foal on top of his head, allowing herself to get settled down before he walked over to the mares. Noticing them coming towards them and seeing the foal riding on Dark's head, they each giggled at the cuteness.

"Awww, looks like somepony missed you, Dark," Cadence smiled.

"Looks like," he replied before noticing Skyla reaching out for Twilight and asked her. "Do you want to see Aunty Twilight?"

With happy giggles and baby talk, Dark levitated the little foal off of his head and over to Twilight, who took her in her own magic and began nuzzling her.

"Hello there, Skyla," Twilight softly greeted her, causing her coo and nuzzle back.

Returning her to the warmth of Shining's saddlebag, the seven of them made their way out of the train station and over towards Night and Velvet's house. While they walked, they took their time while looking at the numerous lights and other decorations adorning the streets of Canterlot, not to mention all of the smells that were mixed in with the cool air. At the slow rate that they were walking, they were able to enjoy the festive feel of the city. As they did though, a few nobles had spotted them and glared at them, or more precisely, at Dark, but a quick look from Twilight was all that she needed to send them away.

"I'm starting to get tired of them acting like this," she huffed.

"You're talking about the nobles and Canterlot Elite, right?" Cadence half-guessed, getting a confused look from Twilight. "We get the newspaper from Canterlot up in the Crystal Empire, so I know."

"I just wish that they would all just get over it already."

"Well, if there's ever a time for that to happen, it would be at the Hearth's Warming Ball. Speaking of." Cadence paused to get Dark's attention. "Are you ready for it?"

"For the Ball?" Dark questioned, getting a nod from Cadence. "Well... mostly. Rarity was insistent on making me a suit for it, and I've taken some dance lessons, but I'm not sure. I've never been much of a dancer, let alone dance with a partner in front of Celestia knows how many ponies."

"Which she probably does," Spike added with a chuckle.

"You'll do fine," Twilight said reassuringly. "Besides, I was there to help you with your lessons."

"I know, but I'm still nervous. How am I suppose to dance properly with everypony watching?"

"Simple," Shining shrugged, "just do what I did during my first time dancing with Cadence and keep your eyes on your dance partner. After that, everything else around you two will simply disappear."

"Umm... thanks, Shining."

"Sure, welcome," he replied looking away.

Dark was about to question why he was acting like this again until his attention was drawn to a familiar house. Stopping with the group, they waited for Night to unlock the door and wave them in. As soon as Dark stepped into the house, he was immediately greeted with the scent of pine, mints, and cookies. But before he could take a look around, he, Twilight, and Spike went up to her old bedroom to unpack and settle down.

"Hey, Twilight?" Dark called.

"Hmm?"

"Do you know how long the stores are open till today?"

"They usually close up early, but I'm not sure what time exactly. Why?"

"Oh, just an order that I need to pickup."

"Really? What is it?"

"Sorry, but I'm not telling~" Dark sang as he walked out of the room and downstairs.

Heading down to the living room, Dark saw Velvet and Night playing with a laughing Skyla, but that wasn't what caught his attention. All around the room were Hearth's Warming decorations, which included several holiday family photos, quilts, pillows, and the Hearth's Warming tree, which had yet to be decorated.

"We thought that we would wait for the entire family to be here," Velvet spoke, noticing Dark looking at the bare tree.

"Ah. Umm, you wouldn't know what time the stores all close at, would you?"

"In a few hours. Why do you ask?"

"There's a gift that I had ordered last month that's ready for pickup."

"Well then, you better go and get it before it gets too late. You remember the way there?"

"Pretty much."

"What's the name of the store?" Night asked.

"... if it's alright, I'd rather not say and have it be a surprise."

"Well, as long as you're back in time to help with decorating the tree," Velvet told him. "I'm sure that Twilight would love for you to be apart of it."

"In that case, I better get going. See you in a bit."

Turning around, Dark went over to the door to open it when he felt a hoof tapping him on the shoulder. Looking back, he was met with a curious Twilight.

"Where are you off to?" she wondered.

"Oh, just out," Dark smirked.

"Mind if I come with?"

Chuckling, Dark playfully bopped Twilight's muzzle. "Sorry, but I can't risk you seeing your Hearth's Warming present before Hearth's Warming morning comes."

"Fine," she pouted. "How long do you think you'll be then?"

"If I fly there, I should be back in a half-hour or so."

Heading back out, Dark closed the door behind him and flew into the skies of Canterlot. It took him a while to find the right store with all of the festive lights and decorations that weren't there before, but after fifteen minutes of searching, Dark finally found the store he was searching for. With a slippery landing on the snow-covered sidewalk, Dark slid to a stop a few feet past the door to the store.

"You think they would have something for the slippery sidewalk," he muttered to himself before entering the establishment.

Inside, Dark was met with the sight of rows of shelves and showcases of gems, jewelry, fancy boxes, and other gem-encrusted items. But, while they all looked shiny, and to an extent, tasty-looking, Dark came here for one thing. Walking through the store, he soon saw the storeowner in the back as she was just finishing with a customer. Getting in line, Dark waited his turn, which was barely any time at all.

"Hello, sir," the storeowner greeted. "How may I help- oh! Mr. Dark, right?"

"Yep, and a hello to you too, Miss Gem Cutter," Dark greeted. "I got your letter saying that my order was finished."

"Yes, it is. Just give me a minute and I'll go get it from the back."

Standing in place, Dark waited for his order to be brought up. As he did so, he began to look at the different gems lining the walls. He'd already read about them due to the mine that he used to live over for most of his life, such as the fire ruby, ocean sapphire, forest emerald, prism diamond, sunlight topaz, and the twilight amethyst. Noticing that his mouth had started to water, Dark quickly gulped before Gem Cutter returned with a red, gold-rimmed, wooden box, and placed it on the counter in front of him.

"I hope that this is what you were hoping for," she said as Dark opened the box.

With a satisfied smile and nod, Dark closed it back up and looked back to Gem.

"It's just how I hoped it would've turned out. I'll have to thank Shining for sending me your way," Dark said, reaching out a claw. "And thank you so much for doing such a great job on it."

"You're welcome," Gem said with a return shake and a smirk. "Also, I hope that your princess will like it."

"How did you-" Dark paused and groaned in annoyance. "Don't tell me, it was from the newspaper, wasn't it?"

"... you don't sound very happy about it. I thought that being Princess Twilight's coltfriend would be a wonderful thing for you?"

"It is, it most definitely is. It's just that the nobles and most of the Canterlot Elite have been giving me a lot of grief ever since Blueblood told the world during his trial." He paused for a moment to sigh in annoyance at the memory. "I don't know if he meant to or not, but even behind bars he's still causing me problems."

"It'll get better in time, I'm sure," she reassured. "Now, as enjoyable it is to chat with a customer, we must talk about the cost."

"Oh, right. How much do I owe you for my order?"

"Actually, you don't. The fire ruby that you traded in was nearly flawless, so it covered both the gemstones and the metal for your order."

"... really? Sweet!"

"By the way, you wouldn't by chance be willing to tell me where you found it, would you?"

"... you sure about that? It's rather dangerous."

"I'm just curious is all."

"In that case, I found it on the outskirts of a ruined village in the mountains down in south-east Equestria. However, it's right on the border of the Dragon Kingdom, and the dragons have been encroaching onto that specific area."

"Eesh."

"Yeah. But, back to the price. I know you said that the fire ruby I brought in covered my order, but what about this box?"

"Thirty bits if you want it."

"Might as well," he shrugged before handing her the money.

With their business transaction done, Dark took the box and put it into his Shadow Storage for safe keeping. Once the box was safely tucked away, he looked back to see Gem giving him a curious look.

"Twilight found out that I was leaving to pickup her present, so I'm just putting it away so that she can't find or attempt to find it," Dark explained to her.

"Clever."

"Yeah. No doubt that she'll try to look for it when I get back. And if Spike catches the scent of it, then Twilight will probably figure out what it is, or close to anyway."

"In that case, you better get going before the scent of these gems clings to you."

"No kidding. Just being in here is making my mouth water."

"Can you even eat gems?"

"Yep. Since I'm half-dragon, gems could be apart of my diet, but I prefer not to eat them."

"Well, that's good to hear. For the safety of my stock that is," she laughed. "Anyway, have a wonderful day, and Happy Hearth's Warming."

"Thank you, and a Happy Hearth's Warming to you too," Dark waved back as he made his way out.

Walking out of the store, Dark gave a satisfied sigh and launching himself back into the air. Knowing where to go this time, it didn't take Dark long for him to return to Night and Velvet's house. Being extra careful as to not slip again, Dark steadied himself before landing on all fours. Seeing how he wasn't sliding again, he knocked on the door and waited for permission to enter, which was granted when Velvet came to see who it was.

"Dark, you don't need to knock on the door like that while you're staying here," she said while standing motioning for him to enter.

"Sorry," he apologized. "Force of habit."

"I should've figured. So, where's that gift that you went to go get?"

"I've got it hidden away where nopony can find or reach it."

"You put it in your Shadow Storage, didn't you," Twilight said walking over to him.

"Was it that easy to figure out?"

"Considering that you left without a saddlebag and have returned empty-clawed while looking like you succeeded, yes, I'd say that it was that easy."

"Of course you'd notice something like that," Dark chuckled before giving her a quick peck.

"So, you going to give me a hint as to what it is?"

"Sorry, but you'll have to wait till Hearth's Warming morning to find out."

"In the meantime," Velvet spoke, "we were just about to bake some cookies and other goodies before decorating the tree."

"Can I help with the baking?" Dark asked.

"Sure, if you want to."

Wiping his claws and hooves on the welcome mat to clear off any snow that he might've tracked in, Dark followed Velvet and Twilight into the kitchen to help with the baking. Walking in, Dark saw that Spike was already busy at the counter with a tray of peanut butter cookie dough.

"So, Dark," Velvet began, "what kind of cookies would you like to bake? We have enough for whatever anypony wants."

"Are you sure?" he questioned.

"She is," Twilight smiled. "Go ahead."

"In that case, I'll go with chocolate chip cookies, if that's alright."

"Of course," Velvet said. "I've got a few bags that need to be used up anyway. Go on ahead and help yourself."

Gathering the ingredients, Dark began working on his cookies while Twilight and Velvet both went over to make their own gingerbread cookies. As they were busy baking, Night, Shining, and Cadence were in the living room playing with Skyla and talking amongst each other.

"I noticed that you've been much nicer to Dark since the last time we were gathered like this," Cadence spoke.

"Well, I did say that I would give him a chance," Shining returned.

"Yes, but I've also noticed that whenever you two are talking that you would be looking away from him. Any reason why?"

"Is it because of him being the Lord of Death?" Night guessed. "Also, are you alright with it?"

"To be honest, I'm not really bothered by it. And, no, it's no that."

"Would you tell us what it is then?" Cadence asked.

Taking a quick glance over to the kitchen to make sure that none of them would hear, Shining sighed and looked back to them.

"It's about Blueblood's trial."

"What about it?"

"It's just... that could've been me."

"What do you mean, Shining?" Night questioned.

"When I first heard about Dark, my only thought was to kill him on the spot. And if I did succeed, then I would be responsible for turning Equestria into a land of the dead. Hay, I could've entire world for all we know."

"But you didn't," Cadence said, placing an assuring hoof on his back. "He survived."

"Only because of Twily stepping in and stopping me. Looking back on what I did to him now, and comparing it to what Blueblood did, I feel like... I got off easy, considering."

"Nopony knew what his role as Lord of Death implied at the time. Even Aunty Celestia thought at one time that it was just a title with nothing attached to it."

"I know, but still, I still feel guilty about it."

"Why don't you talk to him about it then?"

"I plan to, just not yet. Not with everypony around."

"Perhaps tonight then when everypony is getting ready for bed?"

"I guess that could work."

"So, am I the only one who has a problem with who Dark is?" Night wondered, getting a hesitant nod from Shining while Cadence's was almost instant. "Huh."

"If you don't mind, why is it that you seem so against him now that you know?" Cadence questioned. "We all know and are alright with it since he's still the same guy that we first met."

"Yes, I know. I'm just worried for my Twilight is all. I just don't want for her to get hurt by him."

"Actually, from what I've heard from Twilight, it's anypony who would hurt her that we should be worried about."

"Hmm?"

"Before Blueblood's trial, Twilight told me about how Dark saved her from a heavily armed group who threatened her and her friends."

"Really? When did this happen?"

"When she went into the portal to rescue Dark from the world that he was sent to," Cadence answered. "According to her, Dark defeated over fifty of them before flying off to their hideout to takeout the remaining few hundred, including their leader. The scary part though was that there was barely anything left of them besides ashes."

"And he did all of that because they threatened Twily?" Shining asked, getting a confirming nod from Cadence.

"It seems like he's rather protective of her and won't tolerate anypony harming her unless he's told otherwise. And I'm sure that if we would've allowed it, he would've executed Blueblood and his assassins on the spot when they failed to go after Twilight."

"Sorry, Cadence," Night spoke, "but is there a point to all of this? I'm starting to get lost in the meaning here."

"Overall, even though Dark is the Lord of Death, we have no reason to fear him. Take Skyla for example. When we first brought her to Canterlot for a visit, she immediately welcomed you, mom, Twilight, and my aunts, while she would cry when Blueblood or some of those other snobby nobles came close to her. Even though she's just a foal, she already has a sense of who to trust, and if her actions towards him is any indication, Dark is one who can be trusted."

Massaging his temples, Night looked down to see Skyla looking up at him with a small giggle, almost as though she was agreeing with what her mom had just said.

"I guess that this thing has gotten to me more than I thought it did," Night sighed. "But, can you really blame me? I mean, how would you feel if you found out that your daughter was dating Death Incarnate?"

"I would keep an eye on her," Shining admitted.

"So would I," Cadence agreed. "However, Dark has proved himself enough to earn our trust, hasn't he?"

"... I suppose," Night begrudgingly admitted. "But my point still stands."

Cadence sighed and shook her head. "Seems like you two should just get together with him and talk about all of this... without it ending in a fight."

Shining's face brightened a little bit. "You know what? I think I might have an idea in mind, but I'll need your permission first, honey."





Later on that evening, Night and Shining were leading Dark over to their favorite bar in Canterlot. Of course, they had to get permission from Velvet and Twilight first. But, a quick explanation from Cadence as to why was all that they needed to allow it, provided that they didn't return home too drunk.

Walking into the bar, Dark and Shining took a seat at one of the tables while Night went off to place their orders. While they waited, Shining would move his mouth as though to speak, but his words would keep failing him. After his fourth attempt, Dark decided to engage the conversation.

"Something you want to say?"

"Yeah," Shining sighed with a small nod. "Just having a hard time finding the words to say it. It's actually part of the reason why we're here."

"What?"

"What Shining's trying to say," Night began saying as he walked back with three mugs of beer in his magic, "is that we both wanted to talk to you. And in order for us to do that, we need some... extra help."

"And this 'extra help' is beer?" Dark questioned, looking at the mug that was placed before him.

"You'd be surprised of how much beer helps with trying to get something off your chest."

"... not really actually."

"Huh?"

"I had to give Spike 'the talk', and I thought that a bottle of hard apple cider would help me tell him."

"And did it?" Shining pressed.

"Not in the least. Turns out that when I was turned into a kirin, I became highly resilient to alcohol and didn't even get so much as tipsy after downing a full bottle."

"Well then, it's a good thing that you're not the one who has something to say then, is it?" Night said.

Pausing, Shining and Night both took a moment to down their mugs before calling over another round for them. Starting into their second mugs, Shining was the first to speak between them.

"So, about what I wanted to say to you, Dark," he began.

"Yeah?" Dark unsurely returned.

"I just wanted to say that... well... I'm sorry."

At that time, Dark regretted taking a sip of his beer as hearing those words caused him to snort it through his nose simultaneously snorting fire, causing it to turn it into steamed beer. Taking a moment for the burning sensation in his nose to die down, Dark looked surprisingly back at Shining.

"I'm sorry, I must've misheard that. Did you say that you're sorry?"

Shining sighed. "Yes, I did."

"... why?"

"What?"

"Why would you feel like you need to apologize to me?"

"It actually started after the trial last month. Here, let me explain."

And so he did. Shining explained to Dark about how he felt guilty for what he did to him and how he felt like he got off easy. Especially since if he did manage to kill Dark like he intended to, that would've essentially meant that he'd be the one responsible for dooming Equestria to becoming a land of the living dead. While he continued to speak, Dark kept quiet and listened, figuring that that would be the best thing for him to do at this time. By the time he was finished, a half-hour and another three rounds of beer had passed.

"Umm... well... I didn't see that coming," Dark slowly said. "So, was that why you weren't looking at me whenever we would talk?"

"Yeah. It was mostly the guilt eating away at me," Shining admitted. "Look. I know that you really have no reason to other than to please Twily, but I would like it if we could try to be friends."

"Okay."

"... really? Just like that?"

"Hey, at least you have your reasons, though as vague as they may be. Those guys tried to kill me just because they wanted me gone, and from my understanding, you did it because you had some bad past experience with kirins and were thinking of Twilight's sake."

"Bad is an... understatement."

"Well, now," Night spoke up. "Now that Shining is done, I suppose that it's my turn."

"Sir?" Dark questioned.

"Look, Dark. I know that I've been a bit hard on you since you told us what you are, but you understand that I'm just looking out for my daughter, right?"

"I know," he sighed. "And to be honest, I can't really blame you, considering what I did in that other world."

"Yes. Cadence told us what Twilight said you did to those guys, and I have to say that I'm surprised that you would go to such lengths to defend her as to incinerate them."

"Heh, you should see what I did to their hideout. By the time I was done with it, that monstrous, metallic building was nothing more than superheated, warped metal."

"From your death magic no doubt."

"Actually, no, it wasn't. That deal with the building was all from my fire magic."

"Huh. So, are we good then?"

"I suppose we are."

"Good. But, just so you know, I still intend on keeping an eye on you. While I'm a bit more at ease with you being the Lord of Death, I'm still going to be looking out for Twilight."

"Yes, sir."

"Hey, Dad," Shining spoke, "isn't there a rule how that a dad isn't suppose to like his daughter's coltfriend?"

"Exactly," Night proudly said with a nod, looking a the empty mugs littering the table. "Well then, I suppose that's everything that needed to be said, unless I'm forgetting something."

"Nothing that I can think of."

"Same," Dark agreed.

"In that case, let's get our bill paid for and head on back home before it gets too late. And Dark?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Don't worry about your bill, I'll get it for you. Think of it as my way of making it up to you."

"If you're sure."

"I am," Night said with a nod, "but don't get used to it."

"Yes, sir," Dark chuckled.

With their drinks paid for and their moods brightened, the three headed back for Night's home laughing and joking. As they walked back through the flurries of snow though, they failed to notice a bodiless pair of ice-blue eyes hovering just above them. However, these weren't the eyes of something malicious, but rather of curiosity and eagerness. And they were directed at Dark.