//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 - Release // Story: Essence of the Night Stalker // by Merc Scar //------------------------------// I will admit, those ponies know how to cook a fine meal, Obsidian commented as Micheal and his escorts entered the royal gardens. I'm sure if they can cook so fine, perhaps they will taste even better. You're really not right you know, Micheal stated shaking his head. You'll learn soon enough what I mean, and in time you'll enjoy it as much as I do, Obsidian replied. "Something wrong?" Azura asked from his side. "Just internalising," Micheal responded. "Planning something?" The unicorn guard beside him accused. "Depends on what your definition of a plan is," Micheal hummed. The unicorn growled back at him, horn glowing slightly. "Hey hey hey, let's all just take a step back and take a breath okay," Azura interjected, shouldering her way between the two. "Astral could I talk with you for a moment". Astral tried to protest as Azura more dragged than lead him to a small bench near a fountain, soon the two looked to be in heated debate. It wasn't anything new, Micheal had been letting off comments most of the night which irritated the unicorn, only to be reigned in by Azura. Now he began to wander around to find a nice shaded spot to watch the two argue. He liked Azura she'd been nothing but kind and patient with him, but the opportunity to have some fun could never be passed up. Astral Flare, like all the other ponies he'd come across either eyed him with suspicion and revulsion or outright avoided him, so he had no qualms with annoying the unicorn. Soon the pair broke off, Astral turned and stormed out of the gardens while Azura turned to come back. "I'm sorry for his behavior, he's a bit...paranoid," Azura said. "Paranoid? That seems like it would be the opposite of what you want around me," Micheal replied. "Like, imagine if I sneezed all of a sudden, I don't really know how to control these wings yet, I might send myself straight up and it could be taken as an attempt at escape." Azura shrugged at him. "Neither of us chose this assignment. And escape would be impossible, the princesses would have at least placed wards to alert them if you tried to leave." "At least? Well that's a comforting minimum," Micheal sneered. "I guess the next step would be some field that'd electrocute me if I went near it." "Possibly, yes," Azura replied. "Now come this does ill, you've still yet to see the full extent of the gardens." Micheal sighed and rose and followed her stride as she lead him deeper into the gardens. _____ Some weeks later _____ Micheal hung from his bed, wrapped in his wings like a cocoon. Watching the fire slowly burn out as he sway side to side. We've been here weeks now, Obsidian declared angrily. You've done nothing but talk to that therestal this whole time, we're no closer to our goals since coming here. Well I can't really do anything now can I, you heard what Azura said, the moment I try to escape I'll get caught for sure, Micheal shot back. Yes yes, and I expect that those damned alicorns would have accounted for our powers, Obsidian sighed. I'm just so bored, I miss the thrill of the hunt. I just want something, anything to happen. Micheal hated to admit it, though while life the past couple of weeks were among the better he'd experienced; he too was growing bored, like some piece was missing. Micheal stayed in this state until several quick knocks snapped him to attention. The door to his room creaked open, revealing princess Luna. "Stalker,” she adressed him formally. “My sister and I have decided that if you are willing, you may leave the city and travel to a nearby town.” “What's the catch?” Micheal asked. “All rules that you've been subject here will continue, we have however agreed that if you feel so compelled to hunt, you may do so on some of the local wildlife,” Luna stated. “The resident guard will inform you further.” “While that sounds enticing...I've no idea what your talking about,” Micheal replied. “Do not try and fool us,” Luna shot. “It is obvious to everypony that you have been growing restless.” Micheal only gave a small smile. “Which is why we will have an observer with direct contact to both my sister and I,” Luna stated. “Along with other insurances, you will find it rather detrimental to do anything out of line.” “Recieved crystal clear, princess,” Micheal said. Luna snorted and turned and left through the door. “You depart tomorrow,” she called back. Well now, events are turning in our favour, Obsidian purred. Not yet they haven't, we're not free from them, Micheal replied. Not yet...but soon, Obsidian droned. Soon the hunt will commence. Micheal hummed. The thought of chasing his prey becoming more a reality stirred something within him, he shivered from his new found excitement, a small part at the back of his mind told him he was wrong. Soon, they both said in unison, and his thought was crushed. _____ Micheal now sat on a train with a group of guards surrounding him. He had been led to the train station under a veil provided by several unicorn guards. The carrige he had entered was similar to his room he had been in residence for the past few weeks, cool colors of silver, blue and purples dominated the features. The guards on the other hand looked out of place with their golden armor. If Micheal had to guess, he'd have been travelling for most of the night, the only sound the steady clattering of the wheels on track. Micheal looked between the guards. “So, uh...anyone know where we're going?” The guards expressions never changed, like they had never heard him. “Somewhere nice?” He asked again. “Quite,” one of the guards spoke. Well at least their not all mute dull bastards, Micheal thought. No, but most of them, Obsidian sneered. Gradually Micheal felt the momentum of the train shift, slowly he began to lean forwards. We must be here at last, Obsidian stated. Be on guard, I shouldn't have to remind you by now to not do anything that will antagonise the ponies against us. That coming from you, really, Micheal deadpanned. She who would see all of these ponies be her prey. Shut up, I only get to watch the hunt, not enjoy it, I can say what I please, Obsidian replied. Yeah? Well don't forget who's driving this thing, I can DO what I please, Micheal shot back. We shall see, Obsidian hummed. A sudden jerk and loud screech from outside let Micheal know that the train was just about at its destination. “Up,” commanded the same guard as before. Complying Micheal rose to where two guards fell in beside him, three more formed at both the front and rear. “I have to ask,” Micheal began. “Is all the security for me, or the locals?” For a while none of the guards answered until the doors opened. “Fifty-fifty, there is a rather excitable mare in this town.” The guards then escorted Micheal out onto a nearly empty platform, not many ponies having travelled from Canterlot and even fewer departing. “Come this way,” the guard directed. _____ Micheal grumbled to himself as he sat in a cell, twitching tail cause the blade to clang on the ground. “Would you cut that infernal racket out!” A guard shouted from down in the corridor. Micheal stopped for a few minutes, he could hear the guard sigh from where he was. Then he started up again, the guard gave a scream of frustration. Serves them right for putting me in here, Micheal thought. He was unsure of how much time had past since he had been taken to the garrison, it was kind of hard to tell time when all you had was a small cell and bed to look at. “The sun will be setting soon, so you'll be leaving then,” the guard shouted again. “Please just for the love of Celestia, BE QUIET!” Micheal stopped again, his intrest now piqued. “How long away is that,” Micheal called out. “Probably only an hour or so from now,” another guard called out. “Now will you please be quiet.” “Yes,” Micheal answered. “Celestia be praised, peace,” the guard sighed. Once every few minutes Micheal again tapped his tail on the ground, which soon had the guards yelling with frustration. _____ Azura trotted along, the last rays of the suns warmth giving way to the coming night. She was coming up to a small fortified garrison. The garrison consisted of a small stone tower, surrounded by a low stone wall with wooden parpets. Banners bearing the emblems of the sun and moon hung from either side of the main gate. The gates opened as she approached, creaking on dry hindges. On the other side the local gaurds captain stood there to greet her, he appeared old with age, yet his eyes remained sharp as a youth. “Leuitenant Windsong, reporting,” she said throwing a salute. “Captain Stormshield,” he replied, returning the salute. “I am to believe that you will be taking the beast from us for observation purposes.” “That is correct, I have the release documents here,” Azura replied, pulling a silver lined midnight blue folder from her saddle bags. “Very well, come,” the captain said, indicating to the tower.” Come collect your stalker, I'll start signing these.” Azura fell in beside the captain, a couple of guards formed up behind them. “So has he really been causing trouble?” Azura inquired. “The damned thing has been doing nothing but make the most irritating noise since it got here,” the old pony grumbled. “What?” She asked. “Tap it's tail,” Stormshield deadpanned. “Tap his tail?” Azura echoed. “If you were here for the whole thing, you too would be loosing your mind,” Stormshield sighed. “Please, take him away before anyone of us need to go get medical treatment for head truama.” Azura had to suppress a chuckle, gaurds trained to defend equestria we're been beaten by a tapping noise. “Take the righthoof door down to the cells, I don't fancy going in there with that damned thing,” Stormshield said, indicating to a reinforced door which had two guards standing either side of it. Azura opened the door and went down the stairwell, the masonary looked worn, in some places there were damp patches. As she decended she could gradually hear a noise like somepony slapping a sword on stone. “I swear to Tartarus that if you do that again,” a lone guard began, looking more furious than a manticore. “I”LL TEAR YOUR TAIL OFF AND BEAT YOU TO DEATH WITH IT!” Silence reigned once more besides the sound of Azura's hoofsteps. “Is there a problem here,” Azura asked, keeping her composure. The guard snapped to her. “That bloody monster won't keep quiet, its been whacking it's tail on the stone for hours now,” he said with distress. “We're going mad down here.” Clang “Worry not, I'm here to release him from your custody,” Azura said. Clang “Thank you...” the guard trailed Clang “I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!” The guard screamed, charging out of the dungeon. Azura walked down the cell rows to where the noise was coming from. There she saw the Night Stalker laying on the cell bed, tail snaking off the bed and onto the ground, twitching every so often. “You can stop it now,” Azura said. There was no response except for the twitching tail. “I'm here to release you, so get up,” Azura tried again. Still the Stalker gave no response. Azura a bit annoyed now opened the cell and walked up to him, she then nudged his shoulder with a hoof. The stalker gave a few snorts and quickly shot up looking around wildly. “Wha-whats going on,” the stalker stuttered. Azura gave a short giggle. “Come on, it's time for you to leave here.” “Wait...Azura, what are you doing here?” He asked. “Somepony decided that I should be your observer while your here,” She answered. “And I see you've been doing a wonderful job already irritating the local gaurds.” “I got bored of that ages ago, I've been asleep for the past few hours,” the Stalker defended. “Mhmm, now come” Azura said leaving the cell. “I need to go get you set up in some accommidation, and there's also a pony that wants to meet you.” “Argh and I just got comfortable,” the Stalker grumbled. “I could leave you here,” Azura suggested with mirth. The Stalker looked at her for a second. “I'm...fine, thank you.” “So have you been able to think of a name yet, or are we all cursed to just call you 'the stalker',” Azura asked as they left the garrison. “Yes. You can call me, Corvus,” the stalker said. “Corvus, I like it,” Azura replied. Together the two walked through the darkening streets, lamps came alight with the changing of the day to night. “So where exactly are we?” Corvus asked. “We're in a town called Ponyville,” she responded. “You had to be taken to the garrison because the train that took you had been delayed due to mechanical reasons...also paperwork.” “And where are we going?” he asked again. “To see the town's librarian, she will be housing you for your stay,” Azura answered. “She'll also be helping you intergrate with pony society. She's also princess Celestia's student.” “I see,” Corvus hummed. _____ Micheal looked up at the large tree infront of Azura and himself. The tree had several windows and a door spread about it, they almost appeared to have been formed like natural growth. Well that's interesting, Micheal thought. “Well here we are, Ponyville's Library,” Azura announced. “Home to Twilight Sparkle, Town librarian and student to princess Celestia. At least that's what the file said.” “And why exactly am I staying here of all places?” Micheal asked. “Because she practically begged to take you in when she heard about you,” Azura answered. “She and her friends have a history of reforming some of Equestria's greatest villains into citizens.” Micheal looked at her with an unamused look. “Not that I'm saying your bad or anything,” she quickly added. “It's just with the help of Twilight and her friends you'll be able to intergrate with pony society much better.” “Mhmm, right,” Micheal deadpanned. The pair went upto the tree house library, a sign reading 'Golden Oak Library' sat outside the main door. Auzra gave a few swift knocks on the door, her armored hoof amplifying the sound. “Coming,” a vocie sung from the other side. The door was enveloped in a purple glow, opening it revealed a purple unicorn, her mane streaks of various shades of purple. Micheal managed a glance at her side, a star surrounded by several others on her flanks, her so called 'cutie mark'. “Good evening. Welcome to Golden Oak Library,” the unicorn said. “If you want to hire out a book you'll have to come back tomorrow I'm afraid.” “Good evening Miss Sparkle,” Azura said formally. “I am Lieutenant Windsong of Princess Luna's Night Guard, I've been tasked with overseeing the integration of the Night Stalker into pony society.” “OH,” Twilight exclaimed. “I wasn't expecting you to have come so early, please come in.” Together the pair entered the library. Micheal gazed around the interior, bookshelves were carved into the sides of the trunk itself, a small sitting area was situated in the center of the room. To the side Micheal could see a doorway leading to what appeared to be a kitchen. Micheal could see a staircase lead to an upper level which appeared to be the living quarters. “Would you like something to drink Lieutenant?” Twilight asked. “I will have to decline this time miss Sparkle,” Azura responded. “I'm needed back at the garrison tonight, I was just escorting Corvus here.” Twilight then turned her attention to him. “So your name is Corvus,” She said. “Pleasure to meet you.” Be careful, I can feel this unicorn as been exposed to some powerful energy, Obsidian cautioned. Triffling with this one now may prove difficult to overcome. “Twilight Sparkle, student to princess Celestia and bearer of the Element of Magic,” Twilight continued. “As has been stated, I am Corvus. Recently awakend demoic creation of a dark entity,” Micheal said. Twilight gave an akward chuckle. “Yeah..Well I'll be housing you while stay here in Ponyville and learning to intergrate with ponykind,” she said. “Don't worry it'll be easy, and I'm sure my friends will help too.” “Well I'll be on my way,” Azura called, leaving the library. “Paperwork and what not, try not to annouy or scare anyone tonight will you Corvus. “I'll try to restrain the urge,” Micheal said sarcastically. Azura rolled her eyes and shut the door behind her. Micheal turned to face Twilight, only to find she was gone. “Twilight?” Micheal called. “Where'd you go?” “Up here,” she called back. “Sorry I was just grabbing a quill. Now do you mind if I ask you a few questions?” “I...guess not,” Micheal answered, somewhat surprised by the mare. “Excellent,” she said, a tome flying over to her flipping open. “Could you tell me about your origin?” Oh stars...She's one of those types, Obsidian cursed. What? Micheal asked. Find a seat, were going to be here all night, Obsidian moaned.