//------------------------------// // New Home // Story: The Story of Nightshade // by Phoenix Nebula //------------------------------// Chapter 3: New Home "Hello Nightshade it's nice to meet you," Phoenix said. He was wondering why a little filly was out in a dangerous forest on her own, but he had a hunch as to why. He asked any way however "What are you doing out in the Everfree by yourself where is your parents?" Nightshade's face became downcast as tears began to role down her muzzle."Th-they..." She broke down into sobs. Phoenix was unsure as what to do it had been so long since he last comforted somepony."...d-din't want m-m-me a-a-a-any more!" She continued to cry profusely. Phoenix wracked his brain on what to do. Acting on instinct he wrapped his hooves around the small filly and stroking her mane trying to calls her down. To his surprise she hugged him back. He was shocked at how trusting she was. After having her parents betray her you'd expect her to be causes of who she trusted. The two just sat there in each other's embrace for minutes on end until the filly's sobs subsided. Suddenly realizing what was going on Nightshade blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry for bothering you with my problems Mister Phoenix" "Hey it's not a problem!" He said casually. Inside he was very uncomfortable he was not used to this and really wanted to get away. They just sat there looking at each other neither knowing what to say. Eventually a yawn coming from the filly finally reminded Phoenix how late it was. "Well I can't leave you here," He said while getting to his hooves "I have room at my home why don't you come with me and in the morning we can decide where you'll stay" "O-okay," Nightshade was now becoming wary about trusting this pony, but he did save her life after all and he did comfort her. Besides she had no place better to stay. She got to her hooves as well and looked up to the unicorn waiting for him to lead her to his home. "Now don't freak out I've had too many ponies go into a panic from me doing this," he warned. His horn glowed a deep orange as the air in front of them rippled then tore open like a piece of paper. "Wow!" Nightshade gasped. "That's a response I haven't heard in a long time," he said with a chuckle. Phoenix stepped through the rift and Nightshade followed. They passed through what looked like a black void to another rift which they also walked through. On the other side of the second rift was what looked like a castle. "Ooh! Is this where you live?" Nightshade questioned. "Are you a king?" "Well technically yes, but I don't really think of it that way. I only enforce the laws and protect my ponies." He said walking up the steps to the massive castle doors," I don't really need a big castle but ponies insisted that I have one because they view me as their ruler and I deserve it. I really don't care where I live as long as everyone is happy and healthy." The unicorn pushed open the doors to reveal a large room with arcing stairs up to an overhang and multiple hallways connecting to the main room. Phoenix made his way up the stairs to the overhang and a set of double doors. He turned to see the filly looking around the room with wonder. Phoenix couldn't help but chuckle at the little filly's amazement. "Come on it's late and young foals need their rest," he said as he pushed open the double doors and made his way in while Nightshade continued to follow. They made their way through the castle going down long hallways and passing multiple doors eventually they came to a stop outside one of the many doors at the end of one of the halls."This right here..." He pushed open the door "Is where you will stay" The room was rather bland the walls were white marble and the floor had a soft red carpet a small bed with a metal frame and a dark blue blanket covering it and a white bed sheet underneath."I hadn't changed the beds to wood frames yet because I don't get many guests I hope like it." "Night shade examined the room. Just ten minutes ago she had thought she would never see a bed again, and here was this kind stranger who saved her from death and brought her into his home. Tears began to fall from her eyes as she turned around and hugged the older pony," Thank you" she said softly. She soon felt a pair of strong hooves wrap around her. "Your welcome," Phoenix responded. Phoenix sat quietly at a large dining table. He sat in silence just thinking over the events of the day. He was now looking over a small filly named Nightshade who was obviously the daughter of Sombra and Chrysalis, but she was nothing like them. She was just like most fillies if not a bit shy. What he didn't understand why she was so willing to trust him. Most ponies would think he was trying to take advantage over them or think he had some sort of agenda. He sighed, he was more than a little lost. It had been a few billion years since he last interacted with somepony or anything for that matter other than maybe Discord "Did someone think my name," a cheery voice rang out and a flash of light revealed said draconequus. "Discord what did I say about reading my thoughts?" Phoenix asked jokingly. "I can't help it if you think so loud," He gave a cheeky grin "Fair enough so what did you want?" "I was just passing through when I noticed you bringing in a young filly," he said with a slight grin. "Yeah what about it I found her in the Everfree and she needed a place to stay." "Hmm... I was certain you just wanted to have a go at being a fool fiddler," the draconequus joked "Don't you even dare joke about that," the unicorn said angrily. Discord put his paw and eagle claws up defensively. "Okay okay, you're no fun anymore," "What ever so is that all?" "Celestia still blames you for Twilight's death." "How long has it been on this world?" "About a decade and a half since the event," "It feels like so long ago.. well for me it did actually," "I can't imagine how boring it must be to spend almost three billion years in a time lock, I would go mad before I got out," "Discord you're already crazy" "My point exactly!" Discord declared proudly! Phoenix just chuckled and shook his head. He got up and made his way towards the exit. "I'm heading to bed I guess I'll see you around" "Till next time Sir Pho!" Discord responded before disappearing in a flash of light.