The Mystics

by TheMysticBrony

First published 31st of October, 2014

Seven years have passed since the defeat of Tirek. Everything is peaceful and happy with all pony kind, however, a stallion named Fang comes to Ponyville bringing his mysterious past with him awaking a sleeping secret that has long been locked away.

Seven years has passed since the defeat of Tirek. Everything is peaceful and happy for all ponykind, but, a young stallion named Fang comes to Ponyville and brings his past with him, stirring a dangerous group known as the Mystics. Some of the most powerful magic wielders known to ponykind, however, this group has been plagued by evil and death. They are labeled as criminals and are wanted by the Royal guard. Will the heros prevail or will the evil consume them.
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Cover art by this awesome person-
Ryuku the creative

Ch 1-The Mystics

Magic, the energy that gives us life and prosperity, comes in many forms. It's in the air, the ground, the water and even in all of us. Used for good or for evil, magic is a boundless trove of wonder and mystery. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I have studied magic for most of my life and I still have so much to learn. Even with all my studies I never expected what was to come in these few past months, but now I will prepare those who come after.

Our story begins in the town of Ponyville. Ponies of all shapes and sizes talking and doing their daily chores as vendors sell their wares to passersbies. While at the Sugar Cube Corner, fillies of all ages enjoy their sweets before heading to school. Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara come out, giggling with a snobbish tone. The door closes with a jingle of its bell as they begin to trot over, rather slowly, to Ponyville High School.

Diamond Tiara huffs with annoyance as she turns to Silver Spoon, "I don't know why I of all ponies still have to go to this disgusting high school. I mean, I'm obviously the most intelligent of all the ponies here.”

She flips her mane as they begin to trot up the stairs to the entrance. Silver Spoon chuckles, pushing open the door, "I know, right? Wish your daddy would figure that out."

Silver Spoon steps forward and holds the door open for Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon feels as though she needs to bow to Diamond Tiara as she trots in. When she takes a step forward, however, an orange blur flashes by her, making her spin on her hooves before falling onto her stomach.

After collecting herself, she turns to yell furiously, "Who just did that?"

"Oh, calm down, Diamond Tiara. It’s not like you chipped your hoof or anything." Laughed the pegasus Scootaloo who , wore her pads and helmet with a shiny blue and silver scooter under her hooves. She turns away from Diamond Tiara and climbs onto the scooter, showing off her cutie mark of a scooter with a lightning bolt striking through it. Her purple mane spikes out at the top of her head while her wings curl up against her side ready to push off in a moment’s notice.

Scootaloo calls over her shoulder, "Now if you’ll excuse me, I am late for history class, so..." She zips off in the blink of an eye, shooting a gust of wind at the ponies around her. "See ya!”

Feeling the air in her mane, Scootaloo flies through the hallways, her scooter’s wheels passing over the smooth tile floor as if she were on ice, her wings beating faster than any humming bird. She whistles by pony after pony before screeching to a halt at Room 211 labeled history. Folding up her scooter so it fits into her saddlebag and taking off her pads and helmet, she pushes open the door to casually trot over to her desk next to the earth pony Apple Bloom and the unicorn Sweetie Belle. She looks at Apple Bloom as she sits down, flashing a smile before giving her a hoof bump.

"Hey, Apple Bloom! Hopefully I didn't miss anything."

"Nah, y'all ain’t missed nothin’. Mr. Hoofstein is late anyway," she tips up her red cowgirl hat that covered braided mane that traveled down her back with one large loop at the bottom close to the middle. Her body was slender with sweat bands around her legs. She swishes her tail that brushes against her cutie mark of an apple with a black belt wrapped around it.

Scootaloo tilted her head in confusion, "Huh, that isn't like him at all. I mean when I’m always late he is always, like, 30 minutes early."

"Maybe you finally got to him, Scootaloo," Scootaloo turns her head when hearing Sweetie Belle’s voice. Scootaloo laughs when she notices Sweetie Belle holding a mirror up to her face to adjust her streaked purple mane around her ears into small buns but laid out the further down her back. Sweetie Belle hums the lullaby she wrote that gave her the cutie mark of a microphone with a sparkling star on the handle.

"Now that would be something awesome!" The three friends laughed together only to be interrupted by a stern cough from the door of the classroom. The chattering ponies quickly fall silent as Mr. Hoofstein slowly trots into the room. He wore a pair of glasses and a suit with a V-neck. He uses his magic to adjust his tie before stopping in front of the board. He coughed to clear his throat, then looked out towards the class, "Now class, today we have a special lesson. But before we begin, who knows what the three basic battle magic types are?" When he looked around and found no quick awsners, he sighs and pointed to a young pink and green mane mare.

She took a deep breath before standing, "The three basic battle magic types are known as Sorcery, Conjuring and Scripted magic."

He nods to her, "That is correct. Well done, Candy. Now who can describe to me what Sorcery magic consists of?"
He blinks as a colt raises his hoof standing to answer. "Sorcery is the most basic out of the three battle magics. It consists of different spells that require specific factors. For example, if we used sorcery magic in this room, it may come out as turning the walls into a type of rock or boulder. Maybe even water since we are below sea level."

Mr. Hoofstein nods slowly, allowing the colt to sit down. "Very good. This magic is used today by the Royal Guard to pursue criminals and protect ponies throughout the world. Another example would be basic levitation and transportation magic" He stopped, adjusted his glasses, then coughs before beginning again. "Next is conjuring magic. What pony would like to describe this kind of magic?"

Another colt stands almost instantly, "Conjuring magic is one of the coolest magic out there! It allows whatever pony that uses it to summon objects or creatures to aid them. This is also why it’s called the Magic of Imagination. For example, Princess Luna can summon swords and other types of weaponry to help her in battle. Like when she and Princess Celestia fought against King Sombra during the Crystal War. Luna summoned wheels of blades that were bathed in moonlight to deflect Sombra's attacks!" He spoke with such enthusiasm, but was hushed by Mr. Hoofstein.

"That is a correct and very... uh, well, studied example. Conjuring magic goes across plains of different realms as well as a pony's own imagination. Next is the magic of Script," Mr. Hoofstein says as he hovers over a cup of coffee. "There is very little knowledge about this kind of magic, but it is rumored to be the building blocks of all magic. It is said that this magic can only be used if the right phrase and amount of magic power is produced for the spell the user wishes to cast. Also, it is known as god magic or even elemental magic." He takes a quick sip of his coffee before clearing his throat once again. "Now that the review is over, I would like to get started with our next assignment." He was going to his desk and was picking up a stack of papers when the intercom turned on with a loud bing.

"This is your principal speaking, I need all classes to head to the auditorium for a special announcement." A mare said over the speaker.

Scootaloo tilts her head confused at the announcement, but just merely shrugs as Apple Bloom nudges her saying, "Wonder what this is about. I don’t think I remember the principal ever calling all classes to anything before."

"I know right? I wonder if something has happened." says Sweetie Belle, who stands up putting her saddlebag on as the class stands to trot out into the hallway. As Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom walk into the bustling hallway, the teachers begin herding the students towards the auditorium. Scootaloo follows behind Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle who look around the hallway in silence. Scootaloo notices that the teachers shutting their doors as the last student comes out before getting on the side of the crowd. Mr.Hoofstein trots up next to Scootaloo and gives a small nod before turning to look ahead.

The confusion was heavy in the hallways. Students looked right and left while some just let their heads lay low as if trying to hide from something. Others chatted amongst themselves with the new given freedom of having to sit in class. Scootaloo trots up to get between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle who both were staying silent with nervous looks on their faces.

Scootaloo’s ears flipped up as she heard the chattering of voices up ahead, making her look up to see that the auditorium was up a head. Two teachers stood on either side telling students to go inside and sit down. As Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked inside the silence turned into cheers as the lights turned shined toward the stage where Celestia and Luna stood talking to the principal.

“What are the princesses doin ere?” Said Apple Bloom as the mares take a seat.

“I have no idea but it has to be important to have to go through all of this.” Says Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo nods as the whispers finally died down by Celestia spreading her wings. She looks into the crowd of ponys and smiles before levitating two clear rings with microphones attached to them. The devices shimmered as the lights touch them with brilliant colors coating the stage. Putting them on her head then onto Luna’s, who flicked her ears adjusting it as it rubs against her horn, and clears her throat.

“It is such a pleasure that I could be here today to talk with you young mares and colts. I first would like to apologize for pulling you out of your classes so suddenly but Luna and I have something to tell all of you.” Celestia says as her horn glows pushing the curtains away to reveal a large white screen. A soft click echos through the auditorium as an projector shoots magical hologram onto the screen revealing a red coated earth pony. The earth pony’s mane was black and long running down his shoulders and back while his tail goes down to his lower thighs. A long scar goes across his right eye while his left one stays a light brown. The hologram rotates a 3 dimensional pony turning him so his cutie mark is shown as a dagger crossing over a book with a white star on the cover.

Once the image comes up onto the screen Luna steps up and begins to speak, “What pony can tell me what breed of pony can use magic?” Luna asks. Almost instantly several hoofs shot up from the audience craving to answer. Luna smiles at how many hooves were raised but she points with her hoof to Candy who stands up quickly.

“That’s an easy one princess Luna! That would be Unicorns.” Candy says with a prideful smile across her face.

Luna chuckles then replies as Candy sits down, “Yes that is correct, however, what if I told you that there was a exception? That even earth ponies and pegasi were able to use magic?

Candy tilts her head, “but that’s impossible. Earth ponies and pegasi can’t use magic without a horn.”

“That is true, but there has been some special cases where we have had ponies that can use magic who don’t have horns.” Says Celestia as she steps forward and nods toward the pony in the hologram.

"We have decided to show you something that has been kept away for years. Only the Royal Guard has known, but we believe it is time to allow it to be known as well as taught. The earth pony you see on the screen is known as Rocketo. He was part of a group that we named “The Mystics”. When the group first rose to power they were able to defeat anypony in their path and never showed misery. They were a group of ponies that had the ability to use magic, even though, none of them were unicorns, or even related to one. The one thing that made these ponies stand out was the way they used their magic. The color of their irises would change and a black fog, almost like flames, would surround their eyes. This is what symbolizes the use of their magic, just like how a unicorn’s horn glows when they use magic."

The audience lies in silence, listening intently. Even Scootaloo gives her full attention, amazed by the information that she just can’t believe it. As she looks at the earth pony on screen, she notices his dark red coat and black mane. She also noticed his left ear is missing a small piece, almost as if it was cut off. A long scar crosses over his left eye. His flanks seem unharmed but slender with rippling muscles down his legs. His cutie mark is like nothing she has ever seen before.

Celestia points to a chart next to Rocketo's figure where a few of his characteristics are listed, but the one thing that catches Scootaloo's eye was the magic category and the criminal record. Celestia interrupts her train of thought, "Rocketo was known to be the leader of the Mystics. His intellect as well as his experiences with Sorcery magic was like nothing we had ever seen. Being able to use Sorcery magic, he was able to freeze anything or anypony in a block of ice, but his magic ignored all the basic laws of Sorcery magic. No matter where he was or the conditions of battle, he was in, Rocketo was able to use ice magic. When he uses his magic, his eyes turn to red, showing every pony how bloodthirsty he was."

She pauses for a moment to see if anypony had questions but then speaks again, "In addition to being able to use ice magic, Rocketo was also able to use the daggers attached to his flanks. These daggers, along with his ice magic, gave him the nickname, Scarlet Dancer."

She waits once more for any questions, and when none came, she nods and the projectors clicks to the next page. However, this time it displays another pony, a pegasus mare. Scootaloo has stars in her eyes as the pegasus was shown with the symbol of The Mystics next to her photo. She notices her blue eyes and large wings. Unlike Rocketo, this mare is very sleek and had a long dark purple mane that covered her shoulder blades, draping down on the right portion of her face. Scootaloo looks careful at the statistics on this mare’s chart, noting her magic being called “Necromancy”.
What kind of magic is that? she thinks as she lounges back into her chair.

Luna steps up, pointing with her wing toward the holographic image. "This Mystic is known as Raven, nicknamed The Reaper. She used the magic art of Conjuring. Her eyes would glow a dark purple. She would use her magic to call upon deadly weapons of darkness. Her favorite weapon was known as the Death Scythe which she swung and held in her wings with very little effort. She also labeled her magic as ‘Necromancy’. Raven would use her scythe to cut down her victims with incredible speed, slicing off limbs and even cutting ponies in half that dared defy her. When she and Celestia fought years ago, she matched even her strength when it came to her magic weaponry.”

Celestia steps forward again as Luna finishes, “These ponies were a evolutionary icon for what Equestria can be in the future, however, since the deaths of the Mystics years ago we havnt encountered any other ponies with such abilities.” As Celestia looks up at the crowd of young colts and mares two royal guardsmen walk into the auditorium and nod to her. She nods back beforing continuing, “Sadly that is all we have time for students. Now study hard and remember. Not everything is always as they seem.”

Scootaloo, amazed after hearing about a pegasus that could use magic finds herself, for the first time during her life, not wanting to leave. Her heart thumps with excitement as if doing one of her intense stunts, but this was something more. Something that couldn't be beaten by doing a measly stunt. Sighing, she stands up, getting her saddlebag as the princesses say their goodbyes. Scootaloo trots out with the other students behind her. She shakes her head coming, back from her day-dreams as the final bell pierces her ears.

Wow that was perfect timing. Scootaloo thought as she walks down the hallway with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom next to her. They get to the front door pushing it open before trotting outside into the warm, refreshing sunlight.
"Hey girls, want to go see what Twilight's doing? I heard she was renting rooms out in her castle, like a hotel or something," Sweetie Belle says as she puts her mirror away into her saddlebag.
"Sure, don't see why not. Could be fun to see what ponies be passin through," says Apple Bloom.
“Isn’t she only doing that until the new hotel is being built? I mean I can’t see her trying to keep up with that for very long.” Scootaloo says as they head out toward the middle of town. Passing by pony after pony, Scootaloo begins looking around. She sees butterflies flutter in for the flowers that bloom in the sun letting, their wings glow like small moons. She then spots Pinkie Pie jumping in her kitchen window bringing her famous cupcakes over to the young fillies, who are playing jump rope outside on the cobblestone pathway.

Before she knows it, they reach Twilight's castle. Walking inside, they look up with astonishment at how high the ceilings were compared to her old tree house library. The marble flooring and sparkling crystal walls so polished that their reflections can be seen. They walk through the front door onto a red carpet that seems to go on forever, only to turn left to where Twilight sits at her reception desk with room keys and sign-in sheet. A young stallion is talking to her as they walk up. Twilight points at her sign-in sheet, handing him a key as he begins signing his name.

Scootaloo looks at the colt with questionable eyes, noticing his short blue and white mane going down his back, outlining his shoulders. His tail is thick, brushing past his cutie mark, a hoof engulfed in blue flames. She can’t quite see his eyes or face. On his back is an old, brown saddlebag that looks as if it’s been through a typhoon, covered in cuts and tears as well as stains of mud.

I wonder where this colt came from? Scootaloo thinks to herself.

As they get up to the counter, they overhear Twilight speak to him, "Okay, now that you signed in, you just need to go up the stairs and take a left on the second floor, and your room will be three doors to your left."

"Excellent, thank you," he says as he turns and bumps into Scootaloo, causing her to slip on the marble floor. Just before she falls, he catches her. He quickly helps her up onto her hooves. “Oh, I am terribly sorry. I wasn't paying attention."
Scootaloo shakes herself before looking up to speak, "its okay, no big de..."

She looks up, his brown eyes meeting her's. Her heart begins to race as she finds herself unable to break her gaze from his soft chocolate brown eyes. She can feel a blush crawl across her face, but snaps out of it turning her gaze away from him, clearing her throat.

"M-my name’s Scootaloo. What’s yours?" she tries asking without sounding so nervous.

He smiles, standing up straight. "My name is Fang. It’s nice to meet you, Scootaloo."

Ch 2-The New Student

Author's Notes:

Hello everypony :D there is some singing in this chapter so i am going to paste the two songs in order from the performances if you would like to listen to them while at the points in the story. I dont own either of these songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzE1mX4Px0I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCZbjXzdP3A&list=PL12B2DBE83691CA85&index=58

The New Student

Fang blinks at the young mare in front of him and, with a soft smile, helps her up onto her hooves. He looks into her big purple eyes that seem to pierce through his very being.

Wow, her eyes are beautiful, Fang thinks as her voice soon snaps him back to reality.

"My name’s Scootaloo, w-what's yours?" Scootaloo says, looking at him, but turns her gaze towards Apple Bloom.

"My name is Fang. It’s nice to meet you, Scootaloo." Fang looks at her, then at the mares next to her and smiles softly as Scootaloo, who quickly realizes she hasn't introduce her friends.

"Oh yea, these are my friends, Sweetie Belle—" She points one of her wings toward Sweetie Belle who smiles, "and Apple Bloom—" pointing her other wing at Apple Bloom as she tilts her hat in greeting.

Nodding in greeting to them both, Fang looks at the clock that hangs overhead underneath the banner at the entrance, before turning back to the mares in front of him and politely saying, "I am happy to meet the three of you, but I need to get to my room. I am pretty beat from the train ride here. Maybe I will see you girls later?"

He smiles once more before picking his saddlebag up and walking up the stairs. He gets half way up the stairs, before turning around to see the three mares speaking to Twilight in hushed tones. Scootaloo glances over her shoulder to look at him but quickly turns away, seeing him turn around, looking down at her. She trots quickly out the door with, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle follow close behind her, waving to Twilight as they go.

Fang watches them go before making his way up the stairs, repeating what Twilight mentioned to him earlier, "Okay, go up the stairs then turn left and follow the hallway..."

Turning to the left, he follows the hallway. As he looks around, he notices several rooms with large marble doors with number printed above the doors. Numbers from 200-220 range to his left but only odd while his right has evens. The hallway sparkles with colors of red and blue from the windows at the end of the hallway. Astonished by the beauty of the scene, Fang's mind spins with happiness and warmth.

He shakes his head as he remembers what he was trying to do in the first place, "After I turn left, it should be the third door on my left."

He counts the doors until he comes to door number 203. Looking down at the key, the number 203 can be seen etched in the hilt. Unlocking the massive marble door, he opens it with a mere push, revealing a medium-size room. As he trots in, he notices a bathroom is toward his right with everything he could need. From uni-soap bars, toilet, and shower with a sliding glass door and shower handle. He looks around the room seeing a double bed with a wooden, but sturdy, headboard. The linings are a bright white with deep purple bed sheet and pillows neatly tucked in next to the frame. Fang sets his saddlebag in the closet across the bed and turns around to see a small kitchen with a stove, microwave, and four cupboards. A medium-sized fridge sits next to the stove.

Fang smiles and walks over to a window, pushing its purple shades aside, allowing the moonlight shines to coat the room in a soft white glow. Yawning, Fang crawls into the bed. The stars stay in sight as Fang slowly closes his eyes, letting sleep take him.
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The class chatter rings in Scootaloo's ears in Magic History. She sits at the edge of the class next to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle who are talking about the club sign-ups for next year’s semester.

"I'm definitely going to be captain of the martial arts team this time! Flare better watch out cause I'm not holding back!" Apple Bloom exclaims with determination.

Sweetie Belle softly laughs at her friend’s enthusiasm, " Oh yea, he better watch his back! I hope more ponies sign up for the chorus. We could really use another solo singer. Heck, maybe even a colt will sign up."

Scootaloo chuckles, joining in the conversation, "That would be a first. No colt that I know would join the chorus even if their colt-hood was on the line." The three friends share in a laugh giving off soft smiles.

A cough interrupts the class's chatter as Mr.Hoofstein walks in with his nose and head up with a cup of coffee floating beside him, only to set it on his desk. He looks to the class and clears his throat before putting his glasses on. "Good afternoon, class. Before we start today's lesson, I would like to introduce a new student." He turns and ushers in the student with his hoof.

Scootaloo puts her hoof on her cheek, bored, but soon snaps her head up as Fang walks into the room wearing a new, blue saddlebag. He stops next to Mr.Hoofstein and picks up a stick of chalk, writing his name on the chalkboard. He then turns and bows to the class, saying, "Hello, my name is Fang. It’s nice to meet all of you."He straightens back up and smiles.

What is he doing here? Scootaloo thinks to herself as she looks at him, straightening herself up. Her heart speeds up and her ears lay down onto her head. She hears giggling and snaps out of the spell she seemed to be under. She turns and notices Apple Bloom leaning toward her.

"Some pony has a crush," she smirks at Scootaloo.

"I do not!" Scootaloo glares at Apple Bloom, getting red in the face, turning away with a grumble.

"I was only playing with ya," AppleBloom softly nudges her, giving off a smile, then turns back toward the front.

Mr. Hoofstein looks at Fang, ushering, "Fang, why don't you tell us a little about yourself?"

Fang nods with a smile. "Sure, hmm... let’s see. Well, I am 18 years of age. I tend to enjoy traveling to see different things. I like hot weather, but I guess what my favorite thing to do is meet new ponies."

The class gives their greetings before Fang starts walking over to a free seat up in the third row and sits down. He looks around then opens his notebook, listening to the lesson. Scootaloo stares at him puzzled.

Why is he here? A colt that we just met yesterday enrolls to our high school the next day? She shrugs and closes her eyes to take her scheduled nap of the day. Maybe I am just overthinking this. Whatever. He is just another colt in the school.
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The bell rings as Mr. Hoofstein finishes his lesson over magic used in the cave pony era. Fang writes the last of his notes before trotting out of the class, behind the rest of his classmates. He looks around the hallways, seeing colts and mares alike walk back and forth to classes and events. He takes a deep breath in the new atmosphere of being in high school. I never thought it would feel so.. different being a student. He thinks as he turns around and starts walking down the hallway soaking in everything from voices, smells and different color ponies. He passes a large bulletin board but suddenly stops and trots back. He looks up, seeing letters and flyers for different club sign-ups. There were what seemed like hundreds to pick from. Looking over them, he sees advertisements for the chess club, chorus, band and several sports teams that just made his head spin.

Maybe I should sign-up for some of these. It would make getting used to this school thing easier for sure, but which ones should I choose? He thinks as he looks them over. As he looks, his eyes jump from one to another then stops. He smiles taking down a flyer for the school’s martial arts club. It reads:, "Looking to show off your skills in martial arts? Well, this club is for you! Tryouts for belts today and tomorrow, so don't miss them!

"This is perfect! I am a bit rusty after all," he says with a smile. He hears some hoofs come up behind him and turns around. A colt with a light red coat and orange mane with a yellow stripe going down the middle and a sharp red horn, trots up and chuckles looking at Fang then the flyer.

"Oh, you shouldn't waste your time newbie. That club is for the strongest ponies in the school, not some little weakling that just transfered," he gives off a smirk as two more colts get on either side of Fang, snickering. Fang glances around to look at the one to his left seeing a light purple shade of his coat and blue mane. His cutie mark is a spiral with a horseshoe in the middle. The one to Fang’s right has practically the same color coat but with a dark purple mane. His cutie mark showing a four leaf clover with a horseshoe. Fang sets down the flyer as his shoulders tense up from being surrounded by the three colts.

If they want to cause trouble, I'm not going down without giving them some bruises to remember me by. Fang thinks as they snicker at him.

"Hey, back off, Flare! " The red-coated colt turns his head and chuckles as both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom step between him and Fang. "I knew you were a coward, but come on! You guys would start a fight over some pony picking up a flyer? Well, if you mess with him you mess with us!" she exclaims as Scootaloo joins in on the left side of Fang. With a moment of silence, Flare looks at the mares in front of him and laughs, flicking around.

"Oh come off it, Apple Bloom! We were just having fun with the new kid" As he starts to walk away, both his goons nudge Fang in the shoulder as they walk by.

Fang relaxes his muscles and takes a breath from the tension lifting off his shoulders. He nods to Apple Bloom with a smile. "Thank you, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. So what’s that colt’s problem anyway? All I did was look at the flyer."

"He is just a bully who thinks he owns the school because he is captain of the martial arts club. But this time I'm gonna beat him!" Apple Bloom says as she puffs out her chest. Scootaloo picks up the flyer behind Fang and hands it back to him.

Nodding his thanks, Fang puts it in his saddlebag as Scootaloo asks, "So are you gonna try-out? I bet you could shut him up."

"Yea, I am. Especially after he thought he could push me around like that. Well, if I knew where the tryouts were, that is." Fang rubs the back of his head with his hoof with a soft chuckle.

Apple Bloom takes his other hoof and pulls him toward where the Flare walked away and says, "I can show you, I mean I'm going to tryout after all." She looks back at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. "You two want to come along and watch? School hours are over anyway."

"I can't, I need to get to the chorus auditions. Whoa! Speaking of which, I need to go!" She starts running down the halls and turns left, waving a goodbye to her friends.

Scootaloo walks up to them and shrugs, saying, "Sure I can go. I have nothing else better to do anyway."

They begin walking toward the gymnasium. Within minutes, they are able to hear cheers and whistles. Fang looks up at the red gymnasium doors before reaching his hoof out to push them open. Almost immediately he sees two ponies fighting one on one on a mat with white tape making a boundary around the two ponies. They walk over to an older, grey stallion with a black mane and a cut going across his lower front hoof. He blows his whistle as a colt hits the mat.

The stallion raises his hoof, looking down at a clip board, and calls out, "The match is over! Good fight you two. Alright, the next two fighters are Lucky and Marco." He waits until both colts are ready then blows the whistle again, starting the fight. Each of them throw blows of both kicks and punches.

Fang watches them then turns to Apple Bloom,asking,"Are there any rules I need to know about before I have my fight? Like no below the belt or something?"

Apple Bloom turns yelling in reply over the cheers and boos, "The rules aren't that hard to remember, but most of the time they don't really matter. The rules of fighting in this school are no hits below the waist and if a pony gets knocked out of the ring they lose. Also, if one pony gets knocked off his or her hooves before a finishing blow can occur, then they lose as well." Fang nods, looking back to the ring as the fighters continue, but is interrupted by the whistle ringing in his ear.

"Okay, that’s enough! Everyone take 5 and the try-outs will continue."The stallion turns around, sees their group and trots over. "You here to try-out, son? I need somepony to go up against Flare in the final match.”

"Hey, what about me coach? I wanted to fight Flare!" Apple Bloom says.

"Apple Bloom, you are the toughest mare in this entire school. You are already in my list of ponies to make it. Besides, you fought against Milky Way last try-out.”

Apple Bloom laughs and tilts her hat, "That is true. Oh well." She nudges Fang softly in the shoulder "Kick his little ass for me, won't ya?"

"Good, now do you know all the rules of the way we fight at the school?" Coach asks. Fang nods at Coach then turns to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

"You two gonna watch my match?"

"Oh yea, this is something I can't miss!" says Apple Bloom.

"Eh, I guess." says Scootaloo.

Fang smiles at them both as they walk up into the stands and sit down. Fang’s stomach starts filling up with butterflies from being so nervous.

Is this excitement? Or am I just really nervous? He thinks as he looks up at the mares. His eyes wander over to Scootaloo trying to see if any excitement or smile would sprout onto her face. Before he could find out, the sound of voices began to fill the room as the ponies begin to fill up the gym stands once again, screaming as if at a concert. But when the fighters from earlier trot in, the crowd hushes rather quickly.

It remains silent as Flare walks in with a red sweat jacket on. He grins as he walks onto the mat. The crowd goes wild in cheers as he raises his hoofs in the air. He blows kisses up to the stands off screaming mares, yelling his name so loud that they almost blowout Fang’s eardrum. The spectators then begin chanting his name. The coach nudges Fang out to the mats with his hoof, blowing his whistle to silence the crowd.

"Alright, for the final fight for today's try-outs is between our previous captain, Flare..." When he says his name, the spectators scream and cheer, making the coach blow hard on his whistle to quiet everypony again before continuing, "And a brand new student Fang!" The crowd howls at a loud "boo" as Fang walks into the circle, turning to face Flare.

"You can do it, Fang! Kick his ass!" Fang looks up to see that Scootaloo and Apple Bloom cheer down to him. He smiles at them and nods, focusing his gaze on his opponent. He stands up on his hind legs and gets into a stance. He stands sideways with one front leg bent towards his back while the other points toward Flare.

Flare smirks, standing up on his hind legs and slamming his front hooves together, "So you showed up after all, Fang. Well, I guess I have to beat you down in front of all these ponies."

Fang looks back at him without saying another word as the whistle is blown for them to begin. They begin to walk slowly in a circle never taking their eyes one another before Flare jumps in, throwing a right hook, only to be blocked as Fang moves his shoulder, leaning into Flare, hitting him in the chest with four left jabs before uppercutting him with his right hoof. Coughing, Flare jumps back, whipping his hoof across his chest, but before he could strike back, Fang lunges at him, swinging a roundhouse kick towards Flare's head. Luckily for him, Flare ducks in time but doesn't notice the quick low kick, knocking him off his hooves making him land on his face. Flare furiously looks up only to see Fang, who recovers his balance after the low kick, then throws a punch down at Flare, only to be stopped before it hits his eye, sending a gust of air blowing past Flare’s mane with great force. Stunned, Flare's head falls back down onto the mat as his nose bleeds from hitting the mat from the quick low kick that was delivered.

The coach blows the whistle and shouts, "That’s it! Fang, you win the tryout match!"

Fang looks up at the bleachers only to hear stunned silence except from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo who run up to him.

"Wow! Where did you learn to fight so well? I mean no pony has ever caught Flare off guard like that before!" Apple Bloom says with excited eyes, practically dancing.

"Seriously, looking at you, Fang! I wouldn't have thought that you had that in ya," said Scootaloo who softly nudges him with her wing.

"Thanks, and my father taught me how to fight. He knew a lot of hoof based fighting styles." Fang said, panting as they walk back to the sidelines.

The coach walks over to him and holds out a hoof. "I haven't seen a fight like that in a while. You are welcome to join, Fang. We hold practices every weekend at four o'clock and we have daily workouts after school here in the gym. Don't be late." He then walks away toward Flare who still lies on the mat.

"Awesome! I'm in!" Fang smiles as the three ponies high hoof in excitement. Scootaloo hands him a towel with her wing.

"You know for such a quick fight, you are covered in sweat," she says with a teasing tone.

Fang takes the towel and starts whipping off the sweat on his forehead and shoulders. "Hah yea, I was a little nervous with everypony looking at me." He looks up at both of them and softly smiles. "Your cheers helped a lot, though. Thank you, guys."

Apple Bloom slugs him in the shoulder, "Don't mention it. What are friends for? Hey, we should go tell Sweetie Belle how Fang stomped Flare."

Scootaloo laughs, "She would so get a kick out of that." She grabs Fang’s leg, pulling him into a run as they race out of the gym towards the chorus room.

"Let’s go!" Scootaloo says.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scootaloo, who is practically glued to Fang, and Apple Bloom turn down the corner they begin to hear singing and music. Scootaloo raises her ears a little bit as they get closer. "I wonder who's singing. I hope we haven't missed Sweetie Belle's turn. She always has the most upbeat music that you can dance to."

Fang's ears twitched at the idea of Sweetie Belle singing upbeat songs, "Looking at her, I thought she would sing more slow dance songs."

"Well, you, sir, have bad guessing skills," Scootaloo teases as they push the door open to see a light green mare bowing after finishing her song and walks off stage, allowing the next mare to come on.

As Fang walks in, he is astonished with how big the auditorium is. Thousands of rows of red, leather-coated seats going up two floors. Looking toward the sparkling wooden stage with a candy red curtain and every color light hanging down from the raptors, he spots three ponies at a table with several mares sitting behind them. More than 25 rows are filled with mares whispering to each other over the last performers’ song.

As they walk down to sit in the front row, away from the mares, the three ponies sitting at the table call the next mare to the stage, "Sweetie Belle, it’s your turn."

Fang looks over toward the stage while clapping ensues as Sweetie Belle comes on stage. Apple Bloom whistles loud and sharp making Sweetie Belle turn and wave at them, giving off a large smile from seeing her friends. She then takes a deep breath and stands in front of the microphone, saying, "I wanted to sing a song that my sister Rarity used to sing to me whenever I was down on myself. I hope you enjoy it."

She begins to sing with a soft tone as lights come on, focusing on her as she closes her eyes, absorbed in the rhythm of her song. Fang closes his eyes as he listens, tapping his hoof to the beat of her music. He looks back up to her as she stands on her hind legs, clapping her free hooves together. When she does this, everyone raises theirs and does the same, clapping them together with smiles on their faces. The lights then begin to change color and circle around her as the;
Na Na Na Na Na Na
I'm no beauty queen
I'm just beautiful me

As the song pics up she raises her voice letting out a long note and picking up the tempo. Her body sways to the beat as if on an unseen river boat going down a small stream. The lights glow around her until finally they rest on her once again as she softly comes to a close in her song. She steps back then bows with a large smile going across her face. The crowd cheers and claps like rolling thunder. She steps down from the stage and walks over toward Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Fang.

Panting, she says, "Hey guys, whatcha think?"

"You were incredible, like always!" says Scootaloo as she hoof bumps her breathless friend.

"Getting better every year. Oh, guess what Fang did to Flare during the tryouts!" Apple Bloom says, pulling Fang over to her with a hoof wrapped around his head.

"What he do?" Sweetie Belle says curiously.

"He kicked Flare's sorry ass like it was nothing! You should have seen it. He was so fast and his punches were like lightning." Scootaloo says, trying to mimic what Fang did on the chair she was sitting in before she walked over, "He was all like Bam! Blam! Sit down!" Scootaloo says with her version of jabs.

Fang rubs the back of his head, embarrassed by the praise. He turns his head, seeing one of the judges walk out of the auditorium before turning around to see his three friends laughing about the fight.

"He seriously dropped Flare so fast that he didn't even get up off the mat! Man, I wish I could have recorded that. It was amazing!" Apple Bloom said.

Fang turns a little red from all the praise. "I wasn't that amazing. It was just a fluke that I was able to get in that close when I did."

Scootaloo looks at him. " Pssh, please! You totally flattened him with skill." She bumps him with her side, giving off a soft smile.

Fang smiles back at her then turns as Sweetie Belle sighs, "I was really hoping we had a colt tryout this year. No colt showed at all. They were thinking of adding some duets into the acts, but it wouldn't really work without a lower tone of voice."

"Yea, I see what you mean, but oh well, there is always next time." says Apple Bloom, trying to encourage her disappointed friend.

Fang looks at them for a moment then toward the group of mares that were in the stands. He put his hoof to his chin in thought but is knocked back to reality as the door from outside the auditorium shuts as the judge comes back and sits down. Fang sighs before speaking, "I can try-out if you like. My mother and I would always sang short songs to pass the time."

Sweetie Belle's head pops up, looking at him in surprise, "Wait, you sing? That’s awesome! You should so try out! It’ll be so much fun!" She runs over to the judges, grabbing Fang by the hoof.

"Here is another pony that wants to try out, if it’s not too late." Sweetie Belle says excitedly as one of the judges nods to her with a smile, ushering him onto the stage.

Fang looks out to the crowd and freezes for a moment, then takes a deep breath, looking over at Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. He looks at Scootaloo's eyes then blinks as he takes another deep breath before beginning to sing softly.

The lights turn a dark blue as he sings with still air as everyone listens with attentive ears, not wanting to miss a lyric. Scootaloo listens, closing her eyes as she listens to his soothing voice, softly, tapping her hoof to the beat of his song. Her body begins to sway to his lyrics, absorbing the moment while the soft piano plays. As he finishes, she opens her eyes and meets his as he turns to face her. His eyes are clouded with some grief but he smiles and bows. As he raises his head, his warm gaze returns along with cheers and claps from his song. Sweetie Belle walks up the stage, jumping with excitement.

"That was incredible! We finally have a colt that has an amazing voice! You totally should join the chorus! Pleeeeeease!" She looks at him with large, puppy eyes as he chuckles with a smile.

"Well alright, but I am not wearing any tights," he teasingly says as they walk down off the stage.

Scootaloo walks up with Apple Bloom, nudging him with her shoulder. She says, "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

Fang chuckles then smiles. My first day has been something to remember and with my new friends I hope it's everyday, Fang thinks to himself as he and his new friends walk to the exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Celestia and Luna sit on their thrones, waiting in silence, watching their entrance door. Soon Twilight walks through, coming up to the throne, bowing before standing to speak. "You wanted to see me, Princess Celestia? Is something wrong?"

Celestia looks at Twilight and gets up, walking down to her with Luna at her side. She sighs then begins to speak, "Have you heard of the Mystics?"

Twilight nods, "Yes, I have, I read about them when I was here. Although, the record that I read says that they were killed by Shining Armor and you when I was only a filly."

Celestia looks at Twilight for a moment then says, "That may be true, but we have had some reports in kingdoms throughout Equestria with some strange occurrences. When the royal guard went to investigate, the teams that were sent never returned." She looks down with her eyes closed. "When we finally found the teams, all that was left was armor and ash. Witnesses said that strange blue fires were seen and have burnt down several buildings. The fires were something they have never seen before. They couldn't be put out or even controlled. We began to track these fires and, unfortunately, it led us to something tragic..."

She looks off toward a window facing Ponyville. She takes a moment then continues, "We believe that whoever is causing these fires is in Ponyville." Twilight gasps only to be hushed by a flick of Celestia's wing, "That isn't all the information we have gathered. In the latest report, the eyewitnesses claimed to have seen a white earth pony leave the scene. His or her mane was coated in blood, their right front leg was covered in dark blue flames and..." She pauses once more, straightening again, “the eyes glowed blue, just like a Mystic’s."

Ch 3-The Element Round

Celestia looks down at Twilight after revealing that another mystic has become known and is believed to be some where in ponyville. Twilight's face turns to panic. Her mind spins trying to find something that she could do but then takes a deep breath to calm her self before looking back up to Celestia.

" What do you think we should do? If another mystic has shown themselves then a spree can't be far behind."
Celestia nods as Twilight finishes then says, " I know Twilight but what I need you to do is go get the Element Round and meet Luna and I in your throne room. We need to discuss this with everyone before anything else can be done." Celestia says softly to Twilight trying to down her worries. Twilight nods and flys out the window going quickly to Ponyville. Luna trots up to her sister watching Twilight as she flys, watching her slop down into the village below.

Luna mentions softly to her sister. " Should i gather the captains and Princess Cadence as well? Shining Armor and Flash Sentry should know whats going on in case an attack like last time occurs." Luna lays her ears flat then flicks them as if brushing off an burden.
Celestia only nods at Luna's suggestion sending her off to gather them. Her thoughts circle in her head as if she is under water being pelted with current after current but only one thought seemed to prick at her mind and heart. I hope we aren't to late
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Twilight flies over the skies of ponyville her mind races with what has occurred. A new mystic after so many years! And what is it doing here? She shakes her head to focus on the task at hand. I need to find everyone, maybe i should start with Pinkie Pie. She flew over the village looking down at the hay roofed buildings as the warm sun bathed her wings with a warming glow. The cool wind breeze blowing through her mane and into her face as if trying to calm her worries of the immediate danger. She takes a deep breath trying to bury it but it just wont stop prickling her mind, however, before she knew it she was hovering over Sugar Cube corner. The most popular location for young fillies and even adults come to get all their sweets and goodies in Ponyville.

Hovering slowly down to the ground she looks into Pinkie Pie's window seeing if she is inside the pink room. Her pet alligator Gummy sits on her bed blinking blankly as she drops by the window but Pinkie was not inside. Twilight giggles after seeing Gummy open his mouth with his glistening gums where his teeth should be before shutting it with a snap. Twilight lands at the entrance watching as filly after filly trot out with cup cakes and candy of all different types. She smiles waving at them as they call her name in greeting before trotting into the store. As she trots in she looks around the store where several round tables are placed throughout with 6 round chairs at each table. With one breath Twilight smells the countless sweets, from cupcakes to candy and her favorite the shakes. I could use something to calm me down. Maybe just a small one. Twilight trots up to the counter where Mrs.Cake stands giving a little orange coated filly a cupcake with some oats sprinkled on it. She smiles at Mrs. Cake and nods her thanks as she trots over to the closet table to join her friends. Twilight trotted up as Mrs. Cake smiles saying in excitement " Princess Twilight! How you doing today?"

" I'm doing okay, I would be even better with one of your shakes." Twilight says with a smile

" Oh of course, wait one minute while i make it for you." Mrs. Cake says as she trots over grabbing a glass, oats and some ice cream. " I know your busy these days now that you have your castle and all. So you willing to give out some gossip?" She says as she places Twilight's glass into a mixer letting it blend all her ingredients into a soothing and frothy
" No kidding, Celestia has me doing a lot these days. Oh speaking of have you seen Pinkie Pie? I need to talk to her." Twilight says with a hungry eye on her shake as it blends. Mrs. Cake takes it out and slowly brings it over so not to spill it taking the bits from Twilight before opening the register. Mrs. Cake looks up and says, " Oh Pinkie Pie? She said she was going to be at Maud's for a couple days. She left yesterday so I guess she wont be back till at least a week or two."

Twilight sighs saying, " She really has bad timing to go on a family visit but i guess it cant be helped." She levitates her glass and takes a sip relaxing her shoulders and closing her eyes enjoying the soft and delicious taste of the shake. She smacks her lips together and sighs with relief, " Ahh that hit the spot. Thanks Mrs.Cake, say hi to Mr.Cake for me!" Twilight turns toward the front door walking out squinting her eyes to the sun shine. When her eyes adjust she spots FlutterShy, a light yellow coated pegasus with a pink mane while her cutie mark that rests on her flank are pink and green butterflys. Twilight smiles and trots over to her calling, " Hey FlutterShy!"

FlutterShy smiles and turns to face her saying in a soft voice almost as if she was whispering, " Hey Twilight, how are you today?"

" I'm doing okay, but I need you to come to the castle. Celestia has some important things to discuss with the round." Twilight offers FlutterShy a sip of her shake as she continues. " Do you by any chance know where RainbowDash, AppleJack and Rarity are?"

FlutterShy takes a hesitate sip before speaking in her soft tone, " Yea, they went to watch AppleBloom's school martial art practice. She invited me too but i don't like all the fighting." She says while rubbing her front right leg with her left one letting her mane to cover her right eye.

Twilight takes another sip of her shake before ushering FlutterShy towards the school, " We need to get them and head to the castle. We don't want to keep Celestia waiting for very long." They nod and run toward the school. Twilight drinks the rest of her shake before setting in on a outside table at SugarCube Corner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The school bell rings for the end of the day at PonyVille High School. Every pony begins flooding out of classes and into the halls talking and chatting with their friends and other classmates. Scootaloo, AppleBloom, Sweetie Belle and Fang walk out of Magics History. Fang walks next to AppleBloom and Scootaloo, while Sweetie Belle walks next to Apple Bloom.

AppleBloom nudges Fang, " This practice is going to be the last one before our first school tournament. I hope you're ready to sweat!"

"Oh and don't forget that our performance is in 3 weeks so make sure t mesmerize your song parts." SweetieBell says as the turn a right toward the gymnasium.

Fang chuckles and turns to the two mares, " Don't worry I will be ready for both clubs, so no reason to worry guys. Oh i almost forgot.." He turns to Scootaloo and smiles, " We still on for rollerblading after practice Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo turns her head and smiles, " You bet! I still can't believe that you have never roller bladed before. Every pony at our age should know that." She says with a teasing glint in her eye.

Fang laughs then rubs the back of his head a little embarrassed, " Yea you would think that right, but hey what can i say, parents just didn't think to teach me." As the quartet of friends walk and talk the gymnasium doors come into view. Fang hears whistles already being blown before they even got to the door. Pushing the door open with his right front hoof Fang sees the team practicing through out the gym. Looking over towards the middle of the court two colts were fighting in a mach match where the head coach gave scolds to them if they messed up , while on the right side weights and punching bags were placed and secured on the red mats under neath them. Toward the left side was the side coach running sprint drills up the left side of the bleachers. Wow this is far more then i expected.. Fang thought as they walked on the side lines toward the locker rooms. Scootaloo broke Fang's thoughts as she said, " Well we will be in the stands guys! Oh and your sister is here AppleBloom."

Sister? Fang looks up at the right stands and sees AppleJack. The orange coated mare with a long yellow mane roped into a pony tail with a red hair band sat in the bleachers with two other mares. The one to her left was a sky blue coat with a literal rainbow mane with a rebel style hair style. Scootaloo has her mane like that. Fang thought as he looks toward the mare on AppleJack's right who is white coated with a dark purple mane curled up and sparkling. Fang turns to AppleBloom as they get to the entrance to the colt locker room. " Hey AppleBloom who are the two mares next to your sister? I haven't seen them around."

" Oh the blue coated mare is RainbowDash and the other one is SweetieBell's sister Rarity. I asked them to come and watch the practice. You know to give tips and such." She says before waving at her sister with her hat in the air. Fang nods then looks back at them before heading into the locker room. He looked over his shoulder as the air began to die down to silence. He lets out a sigh before going to his locker spinning the lock to open it. The element round.. Out of all the ponys I could have befriended they had to be related to the round. Fang thought but shook his head as the locker door poped open. No, it doesn't matter if they know the round or not. It's all behind me. He slides on a sweat band on his forehead and legs before slipping a sweat absorber shirt and blue shorts on before shutting the locker to head out. " Alright, time to get sweaty!" He exclaims before trotting out of the locker room but with thoughts prickling his mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scootaloo heads up the stairs to the stands towards RainbowDash. " Hey RainbowDash!" She says as she goes and sits next to the mare.

RainbowDash turns saying, "Hey there kid, how you been doin?" She says as she gives Scootaloo a hoof bump.

Scootaloo smiles hoof bumping her, "I been doin good, got a couple zz's in Magic history class but still soaring through it like its nothin."
"That a pony, keep that up and you will be almost as cool as i am!" Rainbow says before laughing with Scootaloo as she pulls her in with her hoof giving her a nuggy.
" Your aren't a good influence Rainbow! She needs to pay more attention to her lessens." Says AppleJack as Sweetie Belle walks over to sit next to her sister giving her a hug
" Oh its no use darling, Rainbow is unscoldable" Says Rarity as she hugs Sweetie Belle fixing her hair with a brush.
" Got that right" Rainbow says chuckling.
Scootaloo laughs giving off a smile at the mares bickering before turning back to see Fang come out of the locker room in his blue sweat bands and grey sweat absorbing shirt and shorts. She watches him look over the gym before trotting over to the punching bag. He stands up on his hind legs before starting to punch the bag sending it bouncing back. He throws jabs to the sides of the bag before changing to quick kicks and repeating the process speeding up slowly. She watches him for what seems like hours before Rainbow's voice pierces her ears, " Hey.. Hey Scootaloo.. Scoot heeelloo" She says waving her hoof in front of her face making her jump and shake her head to clear her mind. She turns to Rainbow Dash stammering.
"s-sorry about that, I didn't realize you were trying to talk to me." Scootaloo says
RainbowDash looks at her then turns her head to look to where Scootaloo was facing and chuckles " Ooohh I see whats going on! Some pony has a crush." She says teasingly.
"N-no that's not it! I was just seeing if, um.." Scootaloo says nervously as her face starts getting red.
Rainbow smirks nudging her softly with her wing, " Hey its alright Scootaloo I was only playin, but seriously you should work on that. Colt's that good looking get taken real quick."
Scootaloo, who was thoroughly embarrassed hid her face in her wings but smiled as Rainbow Dash smiles at her. She reveals her face to see Swettie Belle standing in front of her with a stunned face. " You like Fang? You got to spill when that started." She says with a gossiped and excited face.
" It's not a big deal Sweetie Belle.." Scootaloo says as she looks away red in the face again but turns to face her shyly, " and since we first met him at Twilight's" She says before the whistle is blown and the coach turns and calls out, " Alright, Fang you're up for the skirmish!"
" Alright coach!" Fang calls back whipping off sweat that was dripping off his forehead before walking over to the center where another colt with a brown coat and black mane was waiting on his hind legs rocking back and forth in his stance. Scootaloo looked down at them as Fang stood up getting in his own stance with his hooves close together in what Scootaloo could see what looked like a "v" shaped form. The whistle blows and the brown coated colt lunges forward throwing a right jab but is quickly blocked by Fangs right hoof getting pushed aside letting Fang get three fast left jabs into the colts chest before he gets in close crosschecking the colt with his right shoulder across his chest making the colt fall over winded. The coach blows the whistle as Fang helps his sparring partner up with a hoof. The coach walks over and starts talking to the colt before doing some quick jabs towards Fangs arms then ribs. I guess that was a scold? Scootaloo thinks as the whistle is blown again to begin another spar. This time the colt gets a hit in on Fangs shoulder and rib but is quickly shut down by a quickly placed low kick by Fang. "Wow that colt is good!" Says Rainbow Dash," Whats his story Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo shrugs looking at Rainbow, " Honestly I don't know much about him. We never really talk about anything like that, but what I do know is that he is amazing! Oh wait he did mention that his father taught him how to fight the way he does." Scootaloo says.
" Ah that's cool." Rainbow says before looking over to see Twilight and FlutterShy, who nervously walks in after hearing the whistle blow again.
" There you girls are! I have been looking for you!" Says Twilight panting
" Whoa, slow down sugercube. Is something that matter?" Says AppleJack
Panting Twilight says," Celestia needs.. to talk to.. all of us.. come to the castle.. please" She says out of breath coughing some before clearing her throat.
" Okay, okay Twilight. We're comin" Rainbow said as the group of mares stood up and started trotting out. AppleJack stops and walks over to Applebloom who was doing the running drills and calls out to her, " Hey sis, sorry but somthin came up! See ya at home." AppleJack says waving back to Applebloom before following the others out of the gymnasium.

Scootaloo watches them go and tilts her head in confusion before turning to Sweetie Belle," I wonder what that was about. Twilight seemed to be in a really big rush to get them to the castle.

Sweetie Belle shrugs and brushes her mane that lies over her ear so it lays straight against her head, " Who knows,Twilight kinda over reacts when it comes to Princess Celestia."
Scootaloo nods and turns back to watching the practicing colts and mares. She sees Fang over by the weighs again lifting dumb bells with ease. He drops the one he was lifting and whips off the sweat on his forehead before looking up at her. Their eyes meet and he smiles waving to her before getting a water bottle, that is sitting next to him on the floor, and taking a long sip. Scootaloo smiles and waves back but as she watches Rainbow's words begin to prick at her mind, you should work on that before he gets taken. I wonder if he thinks the same of me? Maybe i'm just not the type he wants to be with? Scootaloo frowned but then smacks her hooves on her cheeks and smiles. I shouldn't think that way. If he doesn't like me then he doesn't its as simple as that, there is no reason to get all upset about it. Or is it..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" So what is it that the Princess wants to talk to all of us about?" Asks Applejack towards Twilight as they walk through PonyVille's streets heading towards the castle.
" You could have told us sooner so I could wear something appropriate! I look so dreadful for a meeting with her" Whines Rarity who frantically looks into a mirror that levitates in front of her as she brushes her mane inattentively.
" Its something very important, but I can't tell you all out here in the open. I might cause unnecessary panic and fear." Twilight says as they near the castle.
" Oh my, is it really that scary?" FlutterShy says covering down some while looking over in every direction as if looking for some pony in a crowd.
" Celestia will explain when we get to the castle so lets hurry to the throne room." Says Twilight as she pushes open the doors to the castle. Trotting into the sparkling crystal building the mares head straight past the make shift check out counter where a out to lunch sign rests on the counter. The mares turn a left into a wide open hallway where two large crystal doors stand at the end of the hall. As they walk large windows with their adventures carved into them shine with sunlight making them sparkle with the colors of the rainbow as if walking through a kaleidoscope. Chandlers softly sway on the roof sparkling light blue with soft yellow flames that reflect off the clear garnet floors. As they approach the doors two royal guard pegasi stand guard. With a quick bow in greeting they open the doors where a large round table and six thrones rest in the middle of the room. Celestia and Luna stand at the edge and turn as the doors open nodding in greeting to the mares. Twilight trots up and bows her head before standing straight up saying, " Sorry, it took some time to find all of them."

Celestia nods with a small smile, " Its quite alright Twilight, we are still waiting on two others before we begin."
Twilight blinks in confusion as every pony funnels in and sits in their chairs around the table. Each chair has the mark of the Elements of Harmony; Kindness, Honestly, Laughter, Generosity and Loyalty. FlutterShy sits in the kindness chair next to AppleJack who sits down in her respected Honesty chair. While Rainbow Dash hovers around her Loyalty chair next to both Pinkie Pie, who isn't here at the moment, who would sit in Laughter's and Rarity who keenly sits down in Generosity. Twilight sits in her own chair before asking Celestia, " Who else is coming?"

Before she could reply the doors begin to open again and two guards walk in bowing their heads. " Sorry we're late Princess Celestia. The train got backed up a bit." Says none other then Shining armor, captain of the royal guard surrounding the area of Celestia and Luna's castle. The white coated stallion stands up straight showing off the golden armor with the blue star like crystal that rest on his chest piece. His cutie mark, being a blue shield with purple stars on it, is visible through a hole in the armor on his flank. He turns toward the door and ushers another pony in, " You know the meeting is under way! We are late as it is."

" Yea yea i know." Says another armored stallion none other named Flash Sentry, captain of the royal guard located in the Crystal empire. The yellow coated pegasus walks up next to Shining Armor and bows to Celestia letting his golden armor shine but allows his defined purple crystal shine on his chest plate.
Twilight bounds over to her brother and hugs him, " Hey big brother, I didn't know you were going to also come."
Shining Armor hugs his little sister but before he could respond Celestia says, " I don't mean to be rude Twilight but we need to get this meeting under way as soon as possible."
Twilight nods and goes to sit back in her chair. Shining Armor and Flash sentry sit down next to Celestia on either side and wait patently. Celestia pauses before speaking, " Now this meeting is over something that can cause massive panic and fear. What ever you hear during this meeting should never leave this room." She looks at every pony watching them nod slowly understanding. Celestia nods then nods to Luna who uses her magic to project a image on the round table of the Mystics. " These are images of a group of criminals that the royal guard, Luna and I have deemed as the Mystics. They were a group that had powerful magical capabilities that we have never seen before." Celestia nods to Luna who nods back and projects two pony 3 dimensional images of both the earth pony Rocket and the pegasus Raven. " The earth pony is named Rocket or "The Frozen Death" as our guards used to call him, is the Mystics leader.."

" Whoa wait, i thought you said that they had magic" Says Rainbow Dash who is leaning in her chair, " This is a earth pony like Applejack and Pinkie Pie"

Celestia nods but Luna responds, " Yes he is, but what makes the Mystics, well the Mystics is that even though they weren't unicorns they were still able to use magic freely"

Celestia glances at RainbowDash who is stunned to silence and sits up, "Thats not all the Mystics were able to use magic that not even normal unicorns could use. Rocket was able to use pure Ice sorcery magic without having the normal requirements to preform it, such as damp and cold air. He could use the ice magic in the hottest and driest of weather, but his magic isn't what made Rocket the danger he was. His hoof to hoof combat and use of his twin daggers is what made him the monster he was. Now the pegasus is named Raven or " The Reaper" as she dubbed herself, was able to use darkness magic but yet again she renamed it to Necromancy magic. She was able to conjure up weapons of darkness that she could use during battle. Her favorite weapon however was her battle scythe, which she was able to swing with her wings." Celestia pauses looking around the room. She could see every pony focused. Even Rainbow Dash wasn't taken her eyes and ears off the speech. Celestia continued, " Now I am telling you this because we have been tracking a movement of fires throughout the region. They have struck multiple cites and villages. At first we thought of it as nothing more then normal fires but soon after the third fire.." Celestia paused and closed her eyes before speaking again in a soft tone," The forth fire was set in a building where royal guardsmen were staying. All 7 of them were killed and since then more and more bodies have been piling up." Celestia takes a breath before opening her eyes again. " After we began to investigate we have had reports of a earth pony with blue flames coming out of his hooves fleeing the scenes of the fires, but what got us the most was that his eyes were glowing.. Which was the sign that he was a Mystic." FlutterShy made a peep and hid behind her chair shivering. " We have determined that the Mystic is now in this Village and the ponys could be in danger." Celestia says then steps back and walks over to a window that rests to the left of the table. Looking outside she stays in silence before coming back to the table and sitting down.

Celestia looks up at the mares and stallions and continues, " Before we go any further I need to define how dangerous this pony can be by telling you what the Mystics have done that we actually know of and its all summed up into these cold words." She pauses again then says, " Cold hearted murder.."

Ch4-Past Sins

"M-m-m-murder!" Says FlutterShy who covers on the other side of her chair, shivering with her hooves over her head. She curls her tail around her hind hooves as if to shield herself. Celestia looks up at the ponies around her and turns to Shining Armor who nods and stands up next to her side and begins to speak.
"It began around 25 years ago, I was just promoted to deputy of my royal guard division at the castle. As you know the royal guard has several division among the guards for the princesses and others that act as guards over cities and villages to lower crime. So when we get reports of robberies and other crimes we act quickly, however, once ponies came to us saying that a earth pony had magic and was said to kill other ponies we just past it off as a rumor. It was always one description of a stallion with a blood red mane and coat with dark menacing eyes that were said to pierce their very souls." He sighs and sits down continuing, " I was soon informed of the reports, but I just saw them as a tall tale so I never went after them. Until one day, when the most devastating crime happened right in front of my guards eyes.." He lowers his gaze with a sadden face and softly said," They saw the same stallion with a pegasus killing three young fillies that weren't even 8 years of age.." Every pony gasps and FlutterShy ducks around her chair with her legs over her head as if to shield herself. Twilight says in a soft saddened voice.

"Why would any pony do such a thing? They had such a long future a head of them. A whole life to explore and dreams to fulfill." She clenches her chair in anger and lowers her ears letting the silence take over.
Shining Armor looks up whipping away a tear from his eye before continuing, " When this came to my attention I began a full investigation. The longer I investigated the more crimes that I discovered. They ranged from kidnapping, rape, vandalism and then murder..." He lowers his ears and sighs. " To think that I let all that happen because I couldn't take those reports seriously. If I did those ponies wouldn't have had to go through what they did.."
Princess Celestia looks over at him and softly says, "It isn't your fault Shining Armor. Even if you did it wouldn't have changed what they had done." She turns to everyone and continues in Shining Armors place. " Even after months of investigation we only learned what we have mentioned to you all. That they were ponies that could use magic even though they weren't unicorns and even the name that was given by ponies effected. To them they were known as the Mystics. They were given the name because of their star cloaks that they wore."

Celestial looked around the room at the mares. Their faces all with mixed expressions. Applejack and Rainbowdash both looked determined to listen while Fluttershy and Rarity practically shook in their seats. Twilight sat neatly in her chair gripping it with her hooves.

Celestia sat down in the floor and continued saying" We also believed that we found out how they found their victims. When they entered a town, city or village they would ask door to door about crimes in the area. How they happened, who they were towards and even the potential motives behind the crime. Once they have found some one that fits their wants or needs they wait a week before they do exactly what happened to the pony to the victim of their choice. This made everything difficult for us to find them because all their victims were random and we couldn't even determine what town or city that was going to be hit next."

RainbowDash tilts her head at the story and asks," Wait if you couldn't tell when or even where they were going to strike then how did you end up stopping them in the first place? I mean they didn't just come to you and wave their hooves in the air saying " come arrest me"

Celestia chuckles and smiles but Shining Armor replies," Believe it or not but that is almost exactly what they did." Rainbow blinks as the rest of the ponies giggle but Shining Armor continues. " We had no leads or eye witness reports for months but for some reason they decided to come to the royal palace draped in their cloaks. We acted imminently. All of the guards we had surrounded them with spears in hoof. They didn't flinch at the guards around them even when we had told them to surrender, all they said was this, " We only came here to fight those named Shining Armor and Princess Celestia. If you comply to these terms then none of the soldiers here will be killed" Shining Armor looked over at Celestia who nodded as he continued. " We accepted the challenge and started to fight. It was one on one for both of us. Celestia was fighting Raven while I was with Rocketo. The battles went on for what felt like days and we were both tired, however, so was our opponents. This is the part that made no sense to me but in the end it sparred my life. "

He stops and removes his chest piece making Twilight turn away her gaze. It shows a large scar shaped in a 'x'. The ponies looked at it with widened eyes and shocked faces before he puts it back on and continues. " That was given to me by Rocketo as he had me pinned on my back ready to kill me. I was light headed and winded, completely helpless, but as he brings up his dagger I noticed he looks over in the distance and yells something like, " What are you doing! Get out of here!" At that time I didn't try thinking about it I just mustered up what strength I had left and powered up a magic gun blast and shot him through his chest." He stops and closes his eyes as if reliving the event and takes a deep breath and continues. " He dropped like a rock still looking over towards what ever he was yelling at saying "get away" over and over. When Raven saw this she screamed out his name and charged at me. Celestia took that opportunity and ran her spear through her spine. Their eyes met still glowing and turned their heads as they died, but even as they laid their taking their last breath they still managed to crack a smile. " Shining Armor opened his eyes and shakes his head. " They were very confusing but powerful foes."

The silence took over once again until Celestia spoke, " Once the battle was over we began an operation and experiments on their bodies and cells to see if we could determine what gave them their abilities, but in the end in was null and void." She says as she steps forward to continue, " However, our scientists and doctors discovered one crucial detail that backs up the idea of another mystic."

" And what would that be?" Said RainbowDash who slumped in her chair

" That Raven or "The Reaper", was well.." Celestia blinks looking into the faces of the ponies around her before continuing, " well she had given birth at one point in her life." Gasps came out from the mares before Luna continued, " With the recent reports, on top of the results of the birth, we can estimate that the mystic's age to be at least between 21 to 25."

Luna speaks up saying," With the age demographic we didn't want to waste time for all of you to arrive, so we went ahead to the high school. We informed the students about the Mystics but only as a history lesson so not to ensue panic.

" Now that I think about it, Apple Bloom told me about that." Said AppleJack as she remained straight in her chair while fidgeting with her hat. "So what do you want us to do about it? Go door to door asking if some pony has seen a murderous pony with a star cloak on?"

Celestia turns to AppleJack saying " No, we just need you all to keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary. Also if any new ponies come into town try to watch their actions or mood. If you see or suspect some pony inform Luna, Shining Armor, FlashSentry or myself at once." Everyone nods and murmurs in agreement and stands up to go. Shining Armor pushes open the door with his hoof but gets blinded by the light of the afternoon sunlight streaming into the hallway from the castle windows.

When his eyes adjust he turns around to see the princesses talking amongst themselves while the mane six begin mingling as they walk out of the throne room, except FlutterShy who slowly walks out with her head down looking around in every direction as if being watched. Shining Armor chuckled a little watching the timid mare. He walks behind her a few feet away looking around the hallway at the designs of the diamond windows sparkling from the sunlight with all different colors. Each other window has one of the element round's cutie marks lining it giving sculpted light shining onto the walls. At the end of the hallway he stops seeing his sister's element and cutie mark. He can't help but smile from his immense pride for his sister. " Twilight has grown up so fast. Where did all the time go?" He says to himself as he turns away continuing into the lobby where ponies of all different colors and races trotting around talking to one another. Twilight trots over to her desk where she passes a key to a couple laughing as they sign a form and begin to head toward the stairs to their room. Shining Armor watches them go looking at them to estimate if they have other intentions but shakes his head as they kiss one another as they open the first door on the right hallway. With his paranoia clouding his judgment he decides to head up to the room that the princess had readied for him. He yawns putting a hoof to his mouth before walking up the stairs and turning left. He looks down the hall at the door numbers. He comes to his room numbered 125 but before he opens the door he hears some excited shouting. Turning around he sees Scootaloo with a colt he didn't recognize. The colt had a white coat like his own and a light blue mane and tail. He could slightly over hear their conversation and decided to listen.

" So this is the room you are living in? Looks kind of small from out here" Scootaloo says as she watches the colt put on some blue roller skates.

The colt laughs as he tightens the strings of his last skate on his right foreleg before saying, " Trust me, its bigger on the inside then what it seems out here." He tries to stand up but struggles sliding around on the floor. Shining Armor cant help but chuckle as watching the colt struggle. He shakes his head and pushes open his door, walking into his room listening to their voices fade out.

Trotting into the room he shuts the door and stretches his legs and shoulders before removing his armor setting it into the closet before starting a shower. Getting into the shower he runs through everything that was discussed. He sighs leaning against the wall of the shower enjoying the relaxing warm water as it baths over his body. He stands in silence talking to himself in a quiet voice, " This is going to be interesting, I just hope that it doesn't turn out to be as deadly as last time." He says before closing his eyes as the room begins to steam up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ch 5- Horsing Around

Horsing Around

Meanwhile, as the meeting is in progress..

"Come on tell me! I want to know everything!" SweetieBelle begs Scootaloo
Scootaloo rubs the back of her head in embarrassment trying to hide her blush then shushes SweetieBelle with her hoof as Fang gets out of his practice match and bows to his opponent before he walks over to the weights on the opposite side of the bleachers. Scootaloo watches then turns to Sweetie Belle. "Shh Sweetie Belle, not so loud. I don't want him hearing us." Apple Bloom walks up to them with a towel whipping her face before sitting down next to Scootaloo, "Hear what?" Says Apple Bloom.

"That Scootaloo likes Fang" SweetieBelle immediately says disregarding Scootaloo's warning.
Apple Bloom blinks and chuckles some before putting her hat back on. "I already knew about that. It was really obvious by the way she looks at him." Apple Bloom says before softly nudging Scootaloo with her shoulder before getting up to go. She turns over her shoulder and says, "You two would make a cute pair though." She says with a little giggle before going down the bleachers and into the mare’s locker room. Scootaloo smiles watching her go. She lets out a sigh of relief as if letting weights off her shoulders from hearing her say that. Sweetie Belle pokes her nose as she sits down next to her grabbing a hold of her arm.

"I need details! When did you first like him? What makes you blush when you think of him? Come on tell me already!" Sweetie Belle pesters with her big eyes and large grin. Scootaloo can't help but give off a light blush as she submits to her pestering friend and sighs looking at Fang as he starts doing laps around the gym with a light jog. Sweat drips down his brow and chest as he jogs. Scootaloo shakes her head and turns to Sweetie Belle and taking a stressful breath before speaking.

“Alright... alright I guess I really don't have a choice do I? Well I guess I had a crush on him since we saw him at Twilight's castle. He just seemed, um how do I say this. I guess different than other colts I met." She puts her legs together nervously as she continues,

"When we started hanging out more he was so nice and cool. He was determined but at the same time would let his feelings aside to help somepony else. Like when he got up on stage and sang for the chorus tryout." She looks out to the gym again before looking at Sweetie Belle.

“He is just so awesome that when he even looks at me I can't help but be nervous" Scootaloo nervously chuckles before Sweetie Belle blinks clearly satisfied as she nudges Scootaloo with her shoulder.

“I didn't think nervous was even in your vocabulary, but I guess love does all kinds of things to us mares." She smiles and giggles with Scootaloo as they turn back towards the practicing ponies.

Short of breath as Fang jogs along the edge of the gym, he looks up at the bleachers towards Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. He smiles softly before turning the corner toward the lockers. The whistle gets blown giving off the sharp loud noise to signify that practice was over for the day. Fang stopped jogging and turns to trot over to his water bottle, which lays against the bench at the bottom of the bleachers. He sits down and picks it up taking swig after swig before whipping his face off with his sweat towel. He looks up to look at Scootaloo again but sees that she and Sweetie Belle had started their decent. I guess I should get a quick shower before meeting up with them. Fang thought as he stands back up and begins to trot over to the colt's locker room. He looks around seeing the rest of the colts and mares that came to the practice begin to talk among each other or head into the locker rooms to shower or get their belongings. The coach begins to put away equipment with a few other students carrying boxes and pushing what looked like white wagons to carry the weights and heavier items. Before Fang knew it he was walking into the locker room. He trotted down into the room careful walking past the other colts that are at their lockers or leaving for the day. Hearing showers going in the back rooms behind a wall to the left of the entrance filling the room with a light cloud of steam. Fang goes and opens his locker pulling it open reaching in for a clean towel, soap and lo-fa. Trotting past the rusty blue lockers Fang gets to the entrance of the showers and looks in seeing if one is free. He sees several colts in the showers washing up with different soaps. The wet and exposed colts took their time enjoying the warm water. Lathering their faces and shoulders with water and soap as their manes lay down onto their coats and faces. Fang waited patiently as a brown unicorn finishes grabbing his towel and wrapping it around himself before walking by Fang. Walking up to the shower head fang throws his towel over the rack to his right. He turns on the water sighing as the refreshing warm water hits his coat and skin. Melting away his sores and aches of practice. He sticks his face up into the water closing his eyes as steam engulfs him. His shoulder blades relax while the water sends shivers of relief down his spine. Lowering his head Fang whips his face clear of water as he opens his eyes and reaches for his soap. He starts to rub his body starting from his chest and shoulders before heading down to his waist and colthood. After lathering the areas the water quickly washes the soap and sweat away to the drain under him with a gargle. He quickly lathers his legs before closing his eyes to do his face letting the water do its work. Setting down the soap Fang loops up again closing his eyes enjoying to water as he lets his mind wonder.

Let’s see what else do I have to do today? Oh yea, Scootaloo wants to go do some skating. Ugh I hope I don’t embarrass myself in front of her. Fang rubs his face with his hooves to get his mane out of his face before turning his head to the side and sees that every other colt had finished and left the locker room. Wow, every pony finished in a hurry. Fang’s ears flick up when he hears hooves walking toward him from behind making his shoulder tense up some as he says with stern voice

“You know that sneaking up on some pony isn’t a good idea?” He turns his body to face to one trotting up to him and blinks in surprise seeing Diamond Tiara. She gave off a evil grin trotting up to him making sure to bounce her hips with her tail raised up.

“Oh my, such a tough guy. Don’t worry big guy” She says as she rubs her back under Fang’s chin making sure her tail rubs up his chest before flicking up showing off her flank as she turns to look over her shoulder and winks “I just wanted to meet up with the colt that beat Flare.” She walks around him looking him over. Fang turns his head watching her tilting his head before turning away from her saying, “You shouldn’t be in here. The mare’s locker room is next door.” Fang says but then suddenly jumps when a cold hoof cups his pair making him turn his head and moves away.

“Whoa, what was that all about?!?” Fang exclaims as he backs up against the wall while Diamond Tiara advances.

“What? A mare can’t look at what she is going to be stuffed with?” She says with a giggle before turning toward the wall next to Fang and grins putting her front hooves against the wall and spreading her hind legs raising her tail presenting her goods.

“Come on big boy show me what you got!” She says shaking her butt and hips giving an obvious invitation. Fang sits there looking at her getting off the wall for a second then gets down on all fours. He notices that she turns over her shoulder and looks at him questioningly. Why you hesitating? I’m tight I can promise you that.”

Fang can’t help but chuckle at her comment and walks back over to where his shower items are and turns the water off grabbing his towel to dry off his mane around his ears and shoulders before turning back to her and saying,

“Not all the colts here want to be in you. I don’t even know you name, so why would I want to mount some random mare?” Fang says while picking up his soap. Diamond Tiara turns around and runs up to Fang getting nose to nose with him yelling a retort back at him.

“What do you mean you don’t know me?!? I am the most popular mare in this school! It is an honor when I shake this refined flank for you! How dare you, you stupid oaf!” She snorts and flicks her mane making sure it slaps Fang in the face before trotting out of the showers giving off a final irritated “hmph!” Fang, blinking try to figure out what just happened, laughs to himself rubbing where her mane snapped him before he walks out of the showers himself. He walks over to his locker and begins to turn the lock knob. Once it’s turned to 2, 5 and then 7, the lock pops open. Fang takes the lock off and opens his locker, before putting his soap and wet sweaty towel inside. He takes out a dry white towel then shuts his locker, sitting down on the bench behind him. He rubs his face with It before drying off his chest and legs.

By the time he gets down to his thighs and colt hood he hears Scootaloo calling into the locker room, “Hey Fang, you almost done in there? I am itching to get started.”

“Yea, I am almost done. I just need to dry off and I will be right out!” Fang calls back as he dries off his hind legs and tail. Once he finishes up he stands and opens his locker again, putting his towel on the bottom shelf. He shuts the locker and trots out of the locker room, meeting up with Scootaloo.

He smiles in greeting, “Alright, I am ready to go. We just need to go to my room in Twilight’s castle.”

“Oh yea, I forgot that is where you are staying. You should get a job and buy your own place. Heck, maybe you should get a roommate even.” Scootaloo says as they walk toward Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, who are standing outside the mare’s locker room.

The two mares light their heads as they walk over, “Hey guys! You heading out to do your skating?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“Yea, we are heading out. See you girls later.” Scootaloo says giving Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom hoof bumps before walking away with Fang. He waves his goodbyes as they walk toward the gymnasium exit, pushing it open.

Fang turns to Scootaloo and asks, “Hey Scootaloo, do you mind if we get a drink at Sugar Cube Corner on the way?”

“Sure, on one condition though.” She says with a smirk.

Fang blinks then says, “Okay, what is it?”

“You know that pond outside of PonyVille?” Scootaloo says as they walk out of the school and begin heading over toward Sugar Cube Corner.

Fang nods replying, “Yea, I saw it on the train ride here. It was in the valley across from the Everfree Forest right?”

“Yea that’s right. You have to take me over there to swim some time.” She smiles and trots out in front of him stopping him dead in his tracks. “So you promise to take me some time?”

Fang chuckles and gives off a smile, “I swear that I will take you and if not then you get to dye my mane whatever color you want.” He raises his right hoof and holds it out. “So we have a deal?”

“Oh we most definitely do.” She hoof bumps him and turns around to continue their walk. “Just a heads up buddy. If you don’t take me I am totally going to make you dye it pink! And not any of that dark pink. Oh no, it will be bright as a newborn fillies back side.” She says giving off a grin.

“It sounds like you rather not go and just dye my mane! Jezz Scootaloo never knew you like to embarrass you friends.” Fang says with a light laugh at the end.

They finally get up to Sugar Cube Corner and walk up the steps. Fang gets to the door and opens it up, holding it out for Scootaloo, before following her in. The chattering of ponies hit Fang’s ears as he looks around inside. He sees several ponies from his class, sitting and enjoying their treats, from; milkshakes, cupcakes and, Fang’s personal favorite, cake. The walls and pillars were painted like candy canes, swirling in spirals from top to bottom. While the floors were tan and smooth wooden tiles, which sparkled, reflecting the colors of the red and blue tables.

Scootaloo nudges him with her wing and says, “Well you going to get in line Fang?”

“Oh right!” He says getting into the line of 3. He waits patiently as the line begins to dim and when its his turn he sees Mrs.Cake at the counter. She wears an apron and a small white hat with a carrot going through a piece of cake.

She smiles at Fang asks, “Hello, what can I get you young colt?”

“Yes I would like a cup of water if you don’t mind.” Fang replies.

“Sure hun. Would you like a water bottle? We just starting selling them this month since the sport teams are preparing for their games.”

“Oh that would be wonderful! I will gladly take one.” Fang says giving off a smile.

Mrs. Cake lowers down and picks up a bottle from below the checkout counter. The bottle is white with a orange lid. The shaft has the same symbol on Mrs. Cake’s hat with the phrase “Sugar Cube Corner”. She holds out her hoof and says, “Okay that will be 3 bits.”

Fang reaches into his saddlebag and pulls out three bits, dropping them into her hoof. He picks up the bottle and calls over his shoulder with a smile, “Thank you very much!” He walks up to Scootaloo, who is sitting at a table with her head on her hooves from impatiently waiting.

Fang nudges her and smiles, “Man you look bored out of your skull! I didn’t take to long you know.” He teases as she stands up with a grunt.

“Yea, but it still felt like forever!” She says before giving him a grin running out the door calling back to him, “Hurry up slow poke!”

Fang laughs and runs after her, putting his water bottle into a pocket of his saddle bag. They run laughing throughout Ponyville, weaving through the crowd, trying to stay in front of one another. Fang sees his chance to get past her coming up on her right. He picks up the pace going faster and faster until he is move then a tail’s length ahead. Scootaloo looks after him panting from the long run as they come upon Twilight’s castle.

Fang stops at the front door and sits down panting as he looks over to Scootaloo, “Haha! I won! Though I don’t think I won anything.” He says as she gets up to him and sits down laughing.

“That was nothing! I am going to blow you away in the next race we have! You can count on it!” She exclaims with a smile.

Fang smiles back and stands up turning toward the castle’s front door. “Oh I don’t know about that Scootaloo. I mean I had that race in the bag!” He calls over to her as he starts trotting into castle and up the stairs.

Scootaloo snorts and trots after him catching him at the middle of the stairwell, “Pft please!” She says as she passes him flicking her tail underneath his chin. Fang stops when he feels her tail brush under his chin and watches her go up to the top of the stairs. He chuckles and starts walking up again till he gets next to her and turns right down the hallway heading to his room. He gets out his key from his saddlebag and puts it in. He pushes it open after unlocking it and turns to Scootaloo, “Well here is the room I’m staying in. You can come in if you like. I just need to put my saddlebag away and get the skates I bought yesterday.”

“Sure, I was wondering how you been living since you got here.” She says as she trots in after Fang. Scootaloo shuts the door and starts looking around the room. She sees the two pony bed with the purple blanket and blue pillows. Next to the bed is a side table with two drawers, a clock and lamp. Fang puts his saddle bag on the marble table before walking over to the clothes closet closest to the bathroom. He opens it and grabs a pair of four wheeled skates that are blue and white. Scootaloo tilts her head noticing two black suit cases with a gold unicorn insignias on them.

Curious, she reaches for it but her hoof is stopped from Fang. She jumps and looks at him seeing that he is looking at her with stern eyes, “Sorry Scootaloo I didn’t mean to scare you, but those mean a lot to me.” He holds her hoof up and rubs it with his other free hoof before letting it go.

She blushes lighting when he rubs her hoof but turns her face to the side to hide it, “O-oh it’s okay. What’s in them exactly?”
Fang smiles softly and looks at them saying softly, “They are the last things my father gave to me before he died. He told me that these were passed down in his family and that it was my turn to keep them safe.” He shuts the doors and turns back to Scootaloo.
Scootaloo lowers her ears and simply says, “Oh…” She looks at him as he closes the doors. He must have gone through a lot when he was a filly. With both his parents dead before he was even 18. Even if I don’t live with mine at least I know that they are still around if I need them. But he doesn’t have anypony.

She thinks in a somber mood but lightens up as Fang turns around with a smile on his face. He tilts his head and says, “What’s with that look? I said I was sorry.”

She flicks his nose with her wing and smiles replying, “It’s nothing. Come on we are losing daylight.” Scootaloo opens the door but then turns back around and says, “Oh yea do you mind if I leave my saddlebag here? I don’t feel like having it on me the entire time we are out.”
Fang nods and walks over to her as she gets out her own skates, which are orange and white with four wheels. He sets it next to his own on the table and then opens the door again and holds it open for Scootaloo. Once out in the hallway Scootaloo starts putting on her skates.
Fang blinks confused, “Shouldn’t you wait till we are outside? Or at least on the ground floor?”

“Nah, I can just grind down the stairwell.” She says as she ties her last skate.
Fang chuckles looking at her, “You just want to show off don’t ya? Well I guess I better try these on, though I might regret it.” Fang sits down and starts to put on his own skates as Scootaloo stands up and begins rolling up and down the hallway with ease. She spreads out her orange wings and goes back towards Fang. Using her wings to slow down she slides to a gently stop next to him as he finishes putting on his last skate.

Before Fang could stand he hears voices coming from below. Looking over to his left he sees multiple Royal Guardsmen, The Element Round and the Princesses. Fang starts grinding his teeth as he stares at the princesses. What are they doing here! And what were they doing with the Element Round? He thinks as he turns toward the other end of the hallway and freezes. At the other end stands Shining Armor. Shining Armor waves at Scootaloo and looks at Fang. Their eyes meet making Fang tense up as he tries to remain calm. Calm down! He and the others have no way of finding out! It’s impossible! Fang takes a deep breath through his nose and nods a greeting to Shining Armor before seeing him walk into a room.

Scootaloo nudges Fang impatiently, “What are you sitting there for? You look like you have seen a ghost or something.”

Fang laughs nervously and smiles up at her, “Sorry about that Scoot. Royal Guardsmen make me a little nervous.” He starts to stand up slowly to avoid slipping.

Scootaloo looks at him getting in front of him bending her head down to get at eye contact as he shakily stands, “Why’s that? I mean I know they look intimidating but it’s not like they are out to get you.” She says as he gets up and tries to take a step but slides forward making him fall forward. Scootaloo catches him against her chest helping him back up. “Whoa! Maybe you should take them off until we get outside. It would be bad if you hurt yourself even before we start.”
Fang nods and starts taking them off, “I don’t really know why I get nervous around them.” He says as he unties his last skate. He stands up holding his skates in his right hoof and starts walking down the stairs. Scootaloo grins and jumps on the railing, grinding down it with great speed.

At the bottom she notices Twilight, Celestia, and Luna talking. Twilight turns her head and sees Scootaloo and runs over using her Levitation magic to pick her up stopping her from grinding and softly puts her onto the ground. “What were you thinking Scootaloo? You could have hurt you or somepony else!”

Scootaloo rubs her left arm and chuckles replying, “Yea sorry about that Twilight.” Twilight stares sternly at the young Pegasus before seeing Fang reach the bottom of the stairs with his skates in hoof.
Twilight's face changes into a grin and leans in closer to Scootaloo whispering, “Oh I know why you did it now. Some pony has a crush.”
Scootaloo jumps blushing, “I do not!”

“Oh you so do, but don’t worry I will keep it a secret. If you stop doing dangerous stuff within the castle.” Twilight says. Celestia and Luna giggle behind her from overhearing the conversation.
Fang gets up to Scootaloo and bows his head to the princesses, “Afternoon Princess Celestia, Luna and Twilight.”
Each princess bows their heads in return but before they can say anything Scootaloo grabs Fang’s hoof and runs toward the entrance calling over her shoulder, “I agree with your terms Twilight! See ya later!” The princess wave as the fillies leave and giggle amongst each other.

Fang sits on a bench slipping on his last skate. Scootaloo watches him before standing up to get in front of him.

He starts standing up while holding onto the bench to keep his balance. Once he is finally up he looks at Scootaloo, “Alright, now that I’m up and not shaking like a leaf how do we start?”

Scootaloo smiles and holds out a hoof, “Well first you should get some practice on how it feels to roll around.” He takes her hoof as she starts to slowly roll backwards. He slides with her wobbling forward and back. She extends one of her wings to push him forward saying, “Don’t think about keeping your balance. Focus on how it feels under your hoofs.” She says as she starts going around a fountain surrounded by smooth cobblestone.

Fang nods to her and feels his wheels under his hoofs sliding smoothly over the ground. He ignores the nagging need to bend backwards to pull away from the sliding freedom as he looks into Scootaloo’s eyes. He smiles as he looks at her. The air blowing through her mane and beautiful wings.

She smiles back at him and says, “Now how do you feel?”

“I feel free! Like I am soaring through the sky.” He says as the world around him begins to slow down. Confused Fang looks at Scootaloo who holds up both of her hooves.

“That’s because you are! I haven’t been holding onto your hoof for a while.” She says before pushing to the side to get next to him putting her hooves behind her back to give him space.

“Wait really!? That means I have been skating myself this entire time?!” He looks at her as she nods. He starts kicking his legs forward propelling himself forward slowly. He smiles and starts speeding up before turning down a path leading into the park. “Woo! Ha-ha! This is amazing!” He exclaims as Scootaloo catches up to him

She laughs giving off a smile, “Just wait till you get good enough to go off ramps! It’s just like your flying!” She says.

Fang starts speeding up as they get to the center of the park where ponies are eating lunch at the picnic tables. He notices Mrs. Charlie and Big Mac sitting under a tree having a picnic while fillies throw around a frisbee.

Fang zips by table after table feeling the cool wind blow through his mane. His blood pumping from the rush of speed. He feels like he can do anything and nothing could stop him! He looks over at Scootaloo who calls over to him, “Hey watch this!” She speeds up and goes toward a bench. Fang watches what he can seeing her jump over the bench with ease. She laughs waving over to him with one of her wings.

Fang calls out, “That was awesome!” He smiles then turns his head and jumps in surprise as he comes up to the end of the path. “Hey Scootaloo! How do I stop?” Before she could reply Fang hits the grass and tumbles forward. He rolls onto his side then sits up rubbing his head.

Scootaloo skids to a stop in front of him, “You okay Fang?” She says with concern as he sits up.

He rubs his head and right shoulder, looking up at her, “Yeah I’m okay Scootaloo. Just some bruises here and there.” He smiles at her to calm her worries while she sits down next to him. “You never did tell me how to stop.”

“Haha true! That was my bad but I’m glad you’re okay.” She says with a small smile. She looks over him looking for scratches but then turns to look at the slowly setting sun over the horizon. A shadow looms over them making her look up to see that they were under a large oak tree. Its leaves slowly float down to them landing on Fang’s muzzle. He sneezes from it tickling him. Scootaloo giggles at him and then starts taking off her skates, “I think we should call it a day. It’s going to get dark soon, plus I bet you’re tired from all you did today.”

Fang nods and begins to take his own off, “Yea it’s probably for the best, but we should do this tomorrow after class.” He stands and holds out a hoof to Scootaloo. She takes it and smiles up at him as he helps her up as they start walking back toward the Ville square.

Scootaloo looks at him confused, “Isn’t Twilight’s castle that way?” She points a hoof in the opposite direction.

“Yea it is but I thought I would walk you home.” He says with a smile. Scootaloo turns her head away to hide a light blush before nudging him with her left wing as they walk into the square.

They walk past several houses with hay roofs, red doors and windows. I never noticed how all these houses look alike. This Ville needs a makeover. Fang thinks as they come to another house but it has a scooter door mat and the windows painted blue.

Scootaloo turns around to face him, “Well here we are! The place I call home here in the marvelous Ville.” She spreads her wings as she talks.

Fang chuckles with a smile, “Well my lady, it is quite marvelous indeed!” They both laugh as the sun finally sets over the mountains outside Ponyville. Fang walks up to her and gives her a hug letting her head press into his neck, “Thanks for today Scootaloo. It was really fun.” He says as he pulls out of the hug with a smile.

Scootaloo looks at him trying to keep her composure, “Y-you're welcome Fang. Let’s do it again sometime!” With that Fang waves goodbye and starts walking back toward Twilight’s. Scootaloo walks inside and sets her skates next to her door. The walls around her are white with picture frames. The living room contains a television, a small wooden table and a long three pony coach. Scootaloo stares off thinking about today’s events. She shivers letting her wings rise up. I don’t know why I’m so excited over a hug. I mean, that’s just what it is. A hug. She thinks to herself as her face turns red and her ears get hot. She slaps her face with her hooves and shakes her head. Calm down! No need to get overly excited over it. She walks over to the stairs and starts her ascendance. The stairs are red with ten steps turning to the right to go into her bedroom. She pushes her door open and flops onto her bed. Pulling her orange covers over her and laying her head down, she closes her eyes and slowly starts to drift to sleep.

Before she is completely asleep her eyes pop open and she sighs, “Damn it! I left my saddlebag at Fang’s.”

Ch6- Pain and Agony

Scootaloo slowly opens her eyes as sunlight peeks through her orange shades. She flinches from the sunlight before sitting up with a groan. She rubs her eyes and stretches out her arms and legs before peering over to her clock that sets on a nightstand next to her bed. She pushes off her blanket and slowly gets to the ground and trots out of her room to the bathroom across the hall. She pushes the door open and turns on the shower before stepping in and closing the glass slide door. She sighs with delight as the warm water hits her skin, trickling down her face and back. Her wings unfold and flex out catching the water soaking her feathers.

“Ah that’s the stuff!” She says as she reaches for her shampoo bottle. She squirts the purple shampoo, setting the bottle aside, and begins lathering her mane on top her head.

“Okay, what am I doing at school today? Hmm, Oh right! The test in chemistry!” She says as she washes out the soap before getting soap into a loofa, rubbing down the rest of her body. She extends her wings in front of her chest softly rubbing her feathers, sending small shivers down her spine before washing them soap off and turning the shower off.

“I know AppleBloom will get an A no problem. Maybe I should just sit next to her and see where it goes. Eh” She says with a shrug as she opens the glass down and grabs a white towel from the towel rack. She grips the towel with her wings and dries off her back and head before reaching down to her legs and tail. Trotting up to the sink she puts keeps the towel wrapped around her back and looks up at the mirror. She chuckles at how fluffy her mane is but shakes her head sending water droplets all over the room. She looks into the mirror again and smiles seeing her mane has laid in place the way she likes it before picking up her toothbrush. She squeezes some toothpaste onto the brush before brushing her teeth and tongue. She spits into the sink and washes her mouth out with water before smiling into the mirror. She shrugs and trots out back into her room. Throwing the towel into a hamper with other cloths before opening her closet where some t-shirts hang on hangers and more than a dozen of scooters lay on the bottom.

She puts a hoof to her chin, “Which one should I take today?” she says as she glances over them before reaching for a blue and silver. “I think less showy today” she says as she takes it out and gets her helmet that lays next to her door before going down her stairs. She trots up to her front door then stops looking at the corner of the door.

“Where’s my saddle bag?” she says as she starts searching the down stair rooms. She stops back at the door and thinks.

She sighs and face hoofs, “Damn it! I left it at Fang’s” she says with a grunt. “Oh well, I can’t get to his place and back to school before the bell in time.” She says as she straps on her helmet and ready’s her scooter. Trotting outside, she shuts her door before hopping onto her scooter and flaps her wings sending her shooting forward like a speeding bullet. Dodging out of the way of other ponies as she picks up the pace before getting up to Sweetie Belle’s house. She slides against the ground slowing herself to a halt at Sweetie Belle’s door.

“Yo Sweetie Belle! You ready yet?” Scootaloo yells up at an open window.

Sweetie Belle peaks out the window with a toothbrush in her mouth and nods before ducking back in. Within five minutes the front door opens with Sweetie Belle walking out with her blue saddlebag on her back.

“Sorry Scootaloo, I woke up a little late this morning.” Sweetie Belle says as she walks next to Scootaloo.

“It’s fine. I am never in any rush to get to school anyway with the chemistry test waiting.” Scootaloo says as they get to the middle of Ponyville then the park. Scootaloo looks around spotting several royal guards talking to other ponies. She leans over and asks Sweetie Belle, “Hey do you know what’s up with all these Royal Guard? There seems to be a lot more than usual and I mean A LOT more.”

Sweetie Belle shrugs and says, “I’m not sure. Maybe Twilight just wanted more guards around. I mean she does have that giant castle with barely anyone in it. She probably wanted more security around it.” Scootaloo nods as they come up to the school. Scootaloo smiles as she spots Apple Bloom talking with her sister. Apple Jack hugs her before trotting off.

As Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle get up to her Apple Bloom smiles, “Hey ya’ll! How you girls doing this morning?”

“Great thanks.” Says Sweetie Belle as she hoof bumps Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo shrugs buts gives off a smile, “Eh, I’m doing well I guess. I am not looking forward to the test today I can tell you that.”

“It’s not that hard. Just over the basics of element bonding and carbon atoms.” Says Apple Bloom.

Scootaloo blinks at her and laughs nudging her shoulder before saying, “That may be easy for you to say Apple Bloom. You have always been amazing when it comes to chemistry.”

“What can I say? I just study a lot.” Apple Bloom says in reply.

The three of them laugh together before Scootaloo looks around the front of the school.
Apple Bloom nudges Scootaloo, “Some thing wrong Scootaloo?”

“Oh sorry, I was looking for Fang. He is usually here before any of us” Scootaloo says.

“Maybe you worked him too hard with the skating yesterday?” Sweetie Belle chimes in as the bell rings for first period.

The three mares start to trot in as Scootaloo looks over her shoulder before walking into the school.

Fang pants as he runs out the front door of Twilight’s castle. His saddle bag swings from his neck while Scootaloo’s rests on his back.

“Damn it, I can’t believe I over slept! I need to hurry or I will be late!” He says to himself as he sprints through Ponyville, weaving through ponies as they go on their daily lives. He jets past the park and stops panting with sweat running down his face at the school. He shakes himself whipping the sweat off his face and forehead but before he can turn to go inside he hears some pony calling to him.

“Hey Fang!” says a hoarse voice. As Fang turns around he sees a pony in a cloak waving to him. He tilts his head and walks over to the pony who ducks into an alleyway. Cautiously Fang walks into the alley but stays at the entrance.

“Who are you? I couldn’t see you because of the cloak.” says Fang as he sets down both his and Scootaloo’s saddlebags. I don’t have a good feeling about this guy. I should prepare to run if need be. Fang thinks to himself.

The cloaked pony laughs then says, “Are you serious kid? You don’t remember me at all?” The pony walks out of the shadows and flicks his hood off. The stallion was a unicorn with a coat color of dark dirty yellow. His mane is dark green and long covering most of his shoulders. A long scar goes down his neck to his chest while his yellow eyes rest on Fang with intensity.

Fang blinks at him and tilts his head before saying, “Yea I have no clue who you are.”

The stallion blinks and sighs rubbing his head with his hoof, “I guess it has been a while but still! I mean I thought all of what you did with us would be burned into that skull of yours.” the stallion says.

With us? What is he talking about? Fang thinks to himself.

“Fine, I know for a fact that this should jog your memory” he says before turning to the side lifting his cloak showing a tattoo of two unicorn heads crossing their horns within a triangle.

Fang looks at the mark and his breath stops. His body starts to shake and he looks down at the ground standing still and quiet.

The stallion turns and faces him before saying, “Oh yea that did the ticket. Now then the...” before he can finish Fang runs forward and grabs the stallion by the throat slamming him into the wall. The stallion tries to shout but only gags for air as Fang holds him against the wall by his throat. He kicks his legs as he struggles to get out of Fang’s grip.

Fang breaths heavy while his arms shake with anger. He looks up at the stallion with eyes wide in anger as he says, “What the hell are you doing here? I cut ties with you guys years ago.” He waits for a reply only to slam the stallion against the wall again hard enough where the wall cracks yelling, “Answer me damn it!!”

The stallion spits out blood taking small breaths as he can, “They weren’t kidding when they said you wouldn’t be easy to talk to...” He gasps in a breath before continuing, “I am only here to pass on a message. Nothing more.”

Fang grinds his teeth then grins bringing him down to eye level, “I don’t care about that stallion’s message! Maybe I should just kill you. Do you think that will be a big enough message for him?”

The stallion laughs, “You can certainly can but you know that my death won’t mean a damn thing to him. Plus he could just send more and more members and they might not be as nice as me” he says with a snicker.

Fang stares at him before throwing him to the ground at the back of the alley walking back to his saddle bags and stops, “What message does he want me to hear?”

The stallion coughs and breaths heavy for air, “The master only told me to say this to you. ‘Meet me in ManeHatten’.” he says as he shakily stands spitting up more blood.

Fang chuckles and picks up the bags walking out of the alley. He stops and looks over his shoulder saying, “Here is a message for him. If he comes after me again, I promise that I will kill him and the entire Tirade.” Fang walks out and heads toward the school as the stallion watches him go.

The stallion chuckles and folds his cloak over his head, “That one sure is interesting.” He said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scootaloo sits in her math class looking out the window with a board daze. She puts a hoof under her chin holding her head up. She sees birds flying from tree to tree while the wind rustles the leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. Wish I could have had the day off. Today is just so beautiful. She thinks as she turns her head toward the chalkboard again as the teacher writes several different equations. Scootaloo recognized some of them but she didn’t know the correct names for them. She only knew when to use them in homework and tests.

The teacher turns her head and asks, “Does anypony know what the answer is if we apply a logarithm?”

All the students stay quiet but one stallion breaks the silence by replying, “Yes, if you apply the logarithm to this problem the answer would be one over four.” He said. Scootaloo chuckled as she notices that Rumble was the one who replied. The stallion smiles at his answer as he adjusts his blue and white class jacket. Rumble looks back at Scootaloo and smiles winking at her before turning back. Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at the wink but giggled at the gesture.

The teacher was about to continue her lesson but the bell for next period rings. All the ponies stand to leave. Scootaloo stands up and heads to the door but is stopped by Rumble who gives off another smile.

“Hey Scootaloo! How you doing today?” Rumble says.

“I am doing okay. I am so glad that the bell rang when it did. I don’t know what I would do if that lesson continued.” She said as she and Rumble trot toward the door then out into the hallway.
Rumble laughs letting her trot out first, “That lesson so hard. Well with a calculator it isn’t anyway. Just have to know what goes where in the equations.” He says. They trot up to Scootaloo’s locker where she puts her combination in and reaches in grabbing a binder.

She looks up at him and playfully nudges him saying, “Maybe it is easy for you big guy but to me it’s just numbers.” They both laugh as she shuts her locker.

“So you busy this weekend? Thought we should catch up over a shake or something.” He says as they head down the hallway passing four doors before stopping at the chemistry classroom 176.

Scootaloo turned and looked at Rumble replying, “Oh I’m sorry Rumble but I have plans with another friend of mine. He and I made a bet on a basketball game and I intend to win!”

Rumble tilts his head a little confused replying, “He?”

“Oh yea, you haven’t met Fang. He just enrolled to the school about a month ago.” Scootaloo says. Before Rumble could reply something catches Scootaloo’s eye. Fang walks into the school with his gaze down toward the floor. She lowers her ears as he trots through the hallway ignoring the ponies around him. Scootaloo walks past Rumble and up to Fang.

“Fang you alright?” She asks with a worried tone.

Fang raises his head and tilts his head confused, “Yea I’m fine. I have a major crick in my neck though.” He says rubbing the back of his neck. Scootaloo smiles and slugs his shoulder giving off a smile. Fang rubs his shoulder, “What was that for? I swear one of these days you’re going to break my shoulder with one of those hits.”

Scootaloo laughs putting a wing around him pulling him up to Rumble, who patiently waited at the chemistry room. She unwraps her wing putting it against her side again, “Rumble this is Fang.” she’s says before turning to Fang, “Fang this is Rumble. He has been a friend of mine since elementary school.”

Fang holds out a hoof and smiles, “It’s nice to meet you Rumble.” Fang says as Rumble shakes hooves with him.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Rumble says with a small smile.

Fang smiles back then turns to Scootaloo holding out her saddlebag saying, “I think this belongs to you. You left it at my place yesterday.”

Scootaloo rubs the back of her head with her hoof giving a small embarrassed laugh taking it from Fang saying, “Yea, sorry about that. I guess with all the excitement it didn’t even cross my mind.”

Rumble blinks looking at both of them then smirks nudging Scootaloo’s shoulder before saying, “what kind of excitement are we talking about Scootaloo?”

Fang laughs when Scootaloo turns with her cheeks red. She slugs Rumble in his shoulder before putting a wing to cover her face, “Not that kind of excitement buddy! Plus it’s none of your business!” She says from behind her wings.

Rumble and Fang laugh but afterward Fang hugs her before the bell rings for class. Rumble waves trotting down the hall to his class as Scootaloo and Fang trot into the chemistry room. Scootaloo and Fang sit down, taking the saddlebags off and placing them onto the floor next to their chairs.

Fang looks over at Scootaloo and sees her face still red with embarrassment. Fang puts a hoof onto hers saying, “Sorry Scootaloo we were just playing around.”

She turns to him and smiles softly, “I know and it’s okay. Oh and by the way...” She starts as she rubs his hoof before taking hers away and nudges his shoulder with it, “Don’t get too sappy on me.” She says with a smile. Fang smiles back then turns toward the front of the classroom as the teacher walks in with a stack of papers.

Fang groans and takes out a pencil, “This test is going to be brutal. I wasn’t able to read the last two chapters.” He says as the teacher starts passing out the test papers.

Scootaloo laughs saying, “Oh please, you just didn’t want to read them.” The teacher gets to their desks and gives them the test papers. She then walks to the front of the class and sits down at her desk and says, “Alright class you have 45 minutes to complete the test. Good luck and begin.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fang sighs putting down his pencil flipping the final page of his test. He looks around the room seeing that several other ponies have finished before him and were patiently waiting for the bell to ring. Fang got out of his seat and walked over to the teacher handing in his test before going back to his seat where Scootaloo rubs the top of her head with her pencil before shrugging. She puts her pencil down and gets up passing Fang. He grabs his bag as Scootaloo trots back. He tilts his head at her and she just shakes her head and shrugs sitting back down in her chair. Scootaloo puts her head in her hooves and closes her eyes trying to take a quick nap before the bell rings.

Fang looks out the window putting his hoof under his chin. The Triade... I thought I got away from them, but no matter how far I go I just can’t get away. I bird flies by the window landing into a nest that casts a shadow through the window over Fang. He closes his eyes then looks down at his hoof. If I’m going to live a normal life the Triad is going to have to be dealt with. He clenches his hoof around his pencil but relaxes as the bell pierces his thoughts making him turn around. Scootaloo yawns and stretches out before picking her saddlebag up and trotting out into the hallway. Fang picks his up and trots out after her as she meets up with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Rumble.

As Fang walks up to them Scootaloo says to Apple Bloom, “I must defiantly bombed that test. The energy conversion equations were the most difficult though.” She says.

“Aye wouldn’t worry about it too much Scootaloo. It’s only the second test of the semester.” Apple Bloom says. She tilts her hat as Fang walks up to them.

Fang smiles in greeting hoof bumping Sweetie Belle and Rumble who hesitated at first. “I do agree on those equations. Those things seriously kicked my ass and I just couldn’t figure out what went where. Ugh it just sucked over all.” Fang says.

Sweetie Belle giggles saying, “Well maybe you two would have had more time if you laid off on all the fun you two had yesterday.” She grins at the two of them.

Fang and Scootaloo turn red making Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle laugh while Rumble looks at the two of them. Scootaloo extends her wings stomping both of her front hooves on the ground in annoyance, “Would everypony stop that! All we did was go out roller skating! I mean seriously!” says Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom rubs her head and smiles, “Sorry Scootaloo we just couldn’t resist. Rumble told us that Fang brought your saddle bag from his place and it was just too good to pass up.” Says Apple Bloom.

“Whatever its fine…” Scootaloo says before turning around pointing a hoof at Rumble making him jump a little in surprise, “And you better not start telling ponies stuff that isn’t their business.”

Rumble swallows and pushes her hoof down softly, “Okay, okay sorry Scootaloo. If it helps I didn’t tell any other pony.” He says.

She snorts but nudges him before turning back around to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Fang trots over to his locker while the three mares talk and opens it up. He puts his textbooks in and then pulls out his magic history book along with a red folder putting them into his saddlebag.

He closes his locker and turns back towards his friends only to see Flare down the hallway. Fang sighs looking at him and his companions walking down the hallway bumping other ponies out of the way. When Fang gets up to his friends he points to him saying, “Look who decided to show back up.”

“I was wondering where he went. Maybe he got into more trouble than he could chew.” Says Sweetie Belle.

“Pfft who cares why he wasn’t here? All he does when he is here is cause trouble.” Scootaloo says.

Fang nods in agreement then looks back up at Flare who he noticed is looking right at him. He starts walking a little faster not taking his gaze off Fang. Fang turns to his friends again then before walking away from them. He turns around the corner looking over his shoulder to see Flare following him. The three colts go past Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and quickly turn the corner.

Scootaloo turns her head at them giving off a disgusted look only to notice that Fang isn’t there. She looks around going up to his locker then further down the hallway. She gets back up to her friends asking, “Where did Fang go?”

Apple Bloom shrugs and replies, “Maybe he went to class early. It is almost time for the bell.”

Scootaloo nods but feels a nervous shiver go down her spine. What is this feeling? I feel like something bad is going to happen.

Fang comes stops at a dead end in the hallway with lockers on either side of him and sets his saddle bag down. Flare rounds the corner and grins at Fang. Fang looks at him as his two companions get on either side of him breathing hard from almost jogging to follow him.

Fang sighs, “What do you want Flare?

Flare snickers replying, “Oh nothing much. I mean you did take my position in the Fighting Club and embarrass me in front of everypony. That is behind us though isn’t Fang?” Flare glares at Fang.

Fang picks his bag back up and takes a step forward saying, “good, then if you don’t mind I would like to get back to class. I am already late as it is.”

“Yea I don’t think so.” Flare says as he taps his hooves together making both the colts to his sides rush Fang. Fang throws his bag to the side only to catch a punch to the left side of his face and a kick to his stomach. He falls backward but quickly gets up dodging a right hook while he throws a left jab into the purple stallion’s chest knocking the wind out of him and a round house to the other brown stallion’s head sending him flying into the lockers. Both stallions roll on the floor in pain while Flare grits his teeth.

“Pitiful! You two can’t even take this weakling? I guess I am going to have to do this myself.” Flare says as he gets into a fighting pose. Fang whips his face where he was hit getting into his own pose. The two colts stand looking at each other for a moment before Flare charges forward throwing a right punch which Fang blocks with his shoulder only to send a left hook to hit Flare in the ribs making him wince and jump backward. Flare aim kicks up to Fang’s stomach making Fang back up into the wall behind him. Flare grins sending a volley of punches at Fang who can only get his guard up covering his face. Fang keeps his guard up as best he can wincing at every punch that connects. He takes a deep breath and pushes forward catching a punch under his arm pulling Flare toward him hitting him with an elbow in his throat then slams Flare’s head into his knee knocking him back holding his head in pain.

Fang breaths heavy holding his left arm which is thoroughly bruised from the punches, “Give it up Flare. You aren’t going to feel any better if you keep this up.” Fang says as he looks down at Flare.

Flare looks back up at Fang with anger burning in his eyes, “Like hell you scum!” he screams as he stands up with his horn glowing bright red.

Fang’s eyes widen as he sees the horn glow, “Flare what are you..!” Fang starts only to be cut off as his body glows bright red and is thrown backwards into the wall with immense force that the lockers cave in. Fang lets out a howl of pain as he slams into the lockers coughing up droplets of blood only to be thrown into the wall to the right then back and forth without any sign of stopping. Flare pants with anger but grins as he slams Fang against the back lockers again pinning him against them. He walks up to the beaten stallion and chuckles looking eye to eye with him.

“You are trash Fang. Nothing more and nothing less.” Flare says as he increase the pressure of magic making Fang wince. “I am going to show every pony that whoever crosses me gets punished.” Flare says before chuckling and whispering into Fang’s ear, “I think I should start with Scootaloo. Don’t you think? She would be a perfect and she would have to do every little thing I say. And there is nothing you can do about it.” He says laughing as he drops Fang onto the floor coughing and beaten.

Fang coughs feeling his body pulsing and numb unable to even lift his head up off the floor. Fang cocks his head up against the lockers as he hears several pairs of hooves coming down the hallway. The first pony to turn the corner was Scootaloo who looks straight at him and freezes with horror across her face.

“Fang! Dear Celestia what happened to you!” Scootaloo says as she runs over to him.

Before she could get to him Flare steps in her path and grins, “Oh you don’t have to worry about him my dear.” Flare says as he steps up to her making her back up. Rumble turns the corner next followed by Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

Rumble steps between Scootaloo and Flare, “Flare back the hell up or else!”

“Pfft please, you aren’t worth my time so move it!” Flare says as he levitates Rumble and throws him aside with magic making him hit the wall. Rumble lets out a whine as the wall knocks the wind out of him as he falls to his side. “Now where were we hehe.” Flare snickers as he advanced toward Scootaloo again.

Fang watches as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle try to get in the middle of the two of them push Scootaloo away from Flare. Fang’s ears ring as he watches the three ponies talk and argue. He musters up the strength to speak under them, “Stop it…stop it... leave them alone… Leave them alone!!” Fang shouts as he musters the strength to stand up and rush Flare. Fang tackles Flare in the side rolling with him on the floor. Fang manages to pin Flare under him raising his hoof to punch. Before Flare can put up his hooves to block his face Fang strikes one after another hitting Flare harder with each punch.

Flare shouts in pain yelling out, “Stop! I give! I give!” Fang ignores his pleas as he keeps punching eventually knocking Flare out.

When Fang notices Flare is knocked out he stops, sitting there panting looking down at his bloody faced opponent. Silence overtakes the moment as the noise of hurrying hoof steps gets closer and closer. Fang turns his head slightly looking at Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle who are looking at him with shocked and fearful eyes. Fang stares at them for a moment before turning around and stands. He gets off the now unconscious Flare and limps down to the end of the hallway and pushed open a security door leaving a bloody hoof trail behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fang watches from an alleyway as several royal guardsmen medics rush into the high school. He watched as Rumble is helped out leaning against a guardsmen who lets him sit down on a bench. He sighs at the site and limps out of the alleyway and out toward the western hills of ponyville. He looks down as he comes across the hilly field getting up next to a tree and lays down. Fang looks at the sky and takes a deep breath letting the wind blow onto his mane. The faces of his friends flash into his mind, the faces full of fear. Fang closes his eyes and grits his teeth letting tears go down his bruised face. They were scared of me. I just got here and I already lost my friends! Damn it! Fang thinks as he opens his eyes again looking at his blood covered hooves. Will I ever have the normal life you wanted for me? Father? Mother?

Ch7- Guard Duty

Shining Armor knocks on a wooden door calling out, “excuse me is anypony home? I need to ask some questions.” He can hear hooves coming to the door and a mare’s voice sounding as if hushing a filly. The door shakes as a lock is unhinged, opening with a light squeak. A caramel coated mare looks at Shining Armor. Her mane dark brown while her eyes a light yellow.

She looks up at him and smiles, “Well hello there sir. How can I help you?” she says.

“Sorry for the intrusion ma’am. I am Royal guard captain Shining Armor and I was wondering if you have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary in the past couple months or so.”

“Hmm no I don’t think so. I mean besides all the travelers and tourists that are coming through due to Princess Twilight opening her castle doors.” She says.

“Okay, one more thing. Has one of those ponies wear a cloak with what looked like stars on it? It would be black with white stars.” Shining Armor says.

The mare puts a hoof to her chin thinking but ends up shaking her head, “No I don’t recall anypony wearing a star cloak of any kind.” She said as a small brown coated filly turns the corner curiously looking up at Shining Armor.

Shining Armor smiles down at the filly and waves before replying, “Alright thank you for your time and if you remember anything or see anything out of the ordinary please don’t hesitate to tell any Royal guardsmen.” He bows his head before turning away to walk down the street. He sighs as he looks around at the houses on the current street. He spots Flash Sentry walking out of a house and bowing his head to a stallion. He sees Shining Armor and trots over. The stallion wears a white shirt with a lightning bolt going through the middle instead of his usual guard armor.

Shining Armor raises an eyebrow as he trots up to him, “Flash why aren’t you wearing your armor? You know that is the only way ponies know your royal guard.” Shining Armor says.

“Exactly! Why would I wear my armor when we are looking for a pony that is running from us? It’s like a beacon saying ‘Hey look over here we are hunting you!’” He says with a joking tone. Shining Armor stares at him with stern eyes but sighs putting a hoof to his forehead. Flash Sentry laughs before looking around the houses on his left. He points at them with a wing, “Have you finished up all these houses already?”

Shining Armor nods, “Yes I have and so far no pony has seen anything out of the ordinary or anypony wearing a cloak. We aren’t getting anywhere this way. There has to be some other way to find this guy.” Shining Armor says as the stallions walk the streets.

Flash Sentry trots next to him taking in a breath, “Yea but it’s not like this was going to be easy to begin with. I mean this guy has been avoiding us for more than twenty years. We were just lucky that Celestia was able to follow the pattern he left to corner him here and surrounded the area with guards.” Flash Sentry says as he raises his head letting the sunlight to hit his face. He lets out a sigh of content, “at least it’s a beautiful day.”

Shining Armor looks up at the clear sunny sky and smiles, “Yea I guess you are right. About the weather I mean. If it is true that the Mystic is here in Ponyville then don’t you think something would have happened by now? I mean we have the buy practically shoved into a corner with some many of us here.” He says enjoying the warm rays hitting his face.

Flash Sentry shrugs as they come upon the end of the street where the park can be seen with the school across the street. Flash Sentry notices students trotting up and down the campus talking to one another while others yawned trying to wake up for their first periods. He smiles and nudges Shining Armor, “It may be the toughest mission we have been assigned but I know I will give it my all. After all, if we don’t find this guy who knows what will happen. We have to protect the future from ponies like the Mystics at all costs.” Flash Sentry says as he turns to Shining Armor, “don’t you think buddy?”

Shining Armor chuckles and nods in response as they watch the students. He tilts his head as he sees Scootaloo meet up with AppleBloom with Sweetie Belle next to her. They have grown up so fast. Where has the time gone? He thinks as he watches the young mares. They laugh together but stop as the bell rings. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom starting trotting into the building but Scootaloo stops and looks over her shoulder as if looking for some pony before trotting in after her friends. Shining Armor trots over to a bench and sits down with Flash Sentry following him but stands instead.

“Why do you think he came here? Well besides there being no Royal Guards presence here.” Shining Armor asked as he tilts his head to look up at Flash Sentry

Flash Sentry shrugs replying, “I have no idea. It may have been the only place he could go without bringing suspicion and it was just his luck that Twilight is using her castle the way she is.”

Shining Armor nods putting a hoof to his chin thinking, “I see your point and I know what we have to do next.” Shining Armor says stand back up turning to Flash Sentry, “We need to check out the castle for anyone that feels off.” Flash Sentry nods as they turn to walk towards the castle.

Before they can take a step Flash Sentry puts a wing out to block Shining Armor. Shining Armor opens his mouth to ask why but then stops as he follows Flash Sentry’s gaze. He sees a young stallion running down the street with two saddle bags. Do I know that colt? Shining Armor thinks as they watch the colt run to the front of the school and stops to catch his breath. His blue mane catches Shining Armor’s eye as he wipes his forehead.

Flash Sentry nudges Shining Armor asking, “Hey you know that colt?”

Shining Armor nods, “Yea I know him. He was with Scootaloo the other day. She told me that he moved into Twilight’s castle about a month ago and became a student at the school.”

“Well what vibe you get off of him?” Flash Sentry says.

“I’ll tell you when I figure that out.” Says Shining Armor as they continue to watch Fang. Fang goes to pick up the two bags but stops and turns his head. He walks out into the street with the bags and looks around.

“What is he doing?” Said Flash Sentry.

“I’m not sure but we should stay out of sight just in case.” Shining Armor said as the two stallions stayed behind a tree letting their coats getting coated in the shade.

Fang suddenly starts walking toward an alley way. Shining Armor follows him and tenses up as he sees a cloaked pony go into the alleyway with Fang close behind him.

“Did you see the cloaked pony?” Said Shining Armor.

Flash Sentry nods in response. The two guards sit patently as they watch the entrance of the alley. Several minutes go by and Flash Sentry sighs impatiently, “Can we just go and get those two?”

Shining Armor shakes his head, “no of course not! I want to see what happens. Plus I think we need to get the one in the cloak by himself.” Shining Armor says.

“Oh come on! Sitting here is getting so...” Flash starts but is quickly interrupted by a yell and a loud cracking noise that shakes an entire house.

“Answer me damn it!” Comes from the alley way followed by a cough before going silent once again. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry see Fang walk out of the alley way with both of his bags before turning around saying something that they couldn’t hear before trotting up into the school with his gaze toward the ground. The cloaked pony peers out from the alleyway before slowly walking into the street and trotting away back toward the castle.
Shining Armor comes out from behind the tree and gestures Flash Sentry, “We need to follow him and see where he is going.” Shining Armor says as the stallions start trotting after the cloaked pony. Ponys start to flood the streets going about their daily lives. Shining Armor keeps his eyes glued to the cloaked pony, never taking his gaze off of him even for a second. The two guards keep their distance so not to be noticed. The cloaked pony stops at the end of the street before the castle and looks around. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry freeze as the mystery pony combs his surroundings before he slips around the corner going toward the Everfree forest.

Shining Armor and Flash Sentry hurry around the corner so not to lose him and follow him into the woods. Shining Armor squints his eyes letting them adjust to the darkness that came upon them. Twilight wasn’t kidding on how dark this place can be. Flash and I need to be careful in here or we might get lost. Shining Armor thought to himself. The woods creaked and howled with every hoof step they took. Shining Armor’s heart pounded in chest as a twig snaps followed by a loud splash. Calm down its nowhere near you. Just focus on the cloaked pony and nothing else. He thought to himself.

“Hey Shining there is a clearing coming up. We better stick to the shadows and stay quiet. We don’t know if he is going to be alone or not.” Flash Sentry says. Shining Armor nods in response as the clearing became visible to him. The trees parted letting sunlight bath the grass in between a large ring of trees. The two guards darted behind two trees letting the darkness coat their coats as the cloaked pony trots into the middle of the clearing and stands still. He looks around into the trees behind him kicking at the dirt.

“He looks like he is waiting for some pony.” Says Shining Armor.

“Yea, I agree. Wait some pony is coming.” Says Flash Sentry as the bushes rustle across from them. Shining Armor can make out to other ponys as they break into the clearing. The two new comers walk up to the cloaked pony before looking around the area.

“Did you pass on the message?” Says the stallion who has a yellow coat and a light brown mane with a light brown horn.

“Of course I did, but it almost got me killed. No pony told me the kid could have killed me!” Said the cloaked stallion as he flips his hood off revealing a brown mane and tan body. When he turns to face the other blue coated stallion, who was laughing behind him, a long scar that goes down his neck is visible.

“Oh calm down Gridmire! That brat knows what will happen to him if he did.” Said the blue stallion.
Shining Armor’s ears flick up hearing the cloaked pony’s name. He leans over to Flash Sentry and whispers, “I heard that name from somewhere. We might need to bring that stallion in for some questions.”
Flash Sentry nods, “If you think so then I don’t see why not, but what about the other two?” He says nodding towards the other two ponies.

“That’s a good question. If they get in the way we can bring them in as well, but we will need back up to make sure this good smoothly.” Says Shining Armor.

The blue coated stallion looks at the yellow coated stallion and nods saying, “Make sure that we are alone. We don’t want any onlookers.” The yellow stallion nods and closes his eyes as his horn glows yellow. He lowers his head towards the opposite end of the trees as a yellow net projects from his horn. He slowly turns letting the magical net brush along the trees vibrating against the trees while shimmering.

Shining Armor’s eyes widen turning quickly to Flash Sentry, “Flash get close to me quickly! That’s a radar spell he is using if that hits us he will know we are here.” Flash quickly presses closer to Shining Armor, even to his discomfort while Shining Armor takes a deep breath letting his horn glow blue. I need to cast my cloaking shield. It’s the only spell that would hide us from that spell. Shining Armor thinks as his horn begins projecting a clear shell that wraps its self around the two guards. Shining Armor opens his eyes taking slow breaths to stay concentrated as the detection spell draws near only by a few feet.

“What if this isn’t enough Shining? We won’t be able to call for back up in this magic barrier of yours.” Says Flash Sentry but Shining Armor doesn’t have to time to reply as the detection magic net goes around them brushing against Shining Armor’s spell. Flash tenses up his shoulders and legs as the spell slowly glows over them as if in slow motion. The spell then vanishes with a flash making Flash Sentry let out a sigh of relief.

The yellow coated stallion looks at his companions and nods before trotting up next to Gridmire. The blue coated stallion sighs, “really Gridmire? You just couldn’t be more cautious when coming here you dolt!” he says before his horn glows a dark blue quickly turning to the guards tree and fires a magic bullet. When the bullet hits the tree, breaking it into splinters, both Shining Armor and Flash Sentry come rolling out of the bushes and out into the open. Gridmire and the other two stallions stand still tense as they wait for the dust to clear from the magic bullet’s blast.

“Who’s there!?” Says Gridmire whose horn is glowing a dark yellow.

“Damn it Shining Armor! You said that they wouldn’t be able to detect us with that Cloaking Barrier of yours.” Says Flash Sentry flapping his wings to clear the dust staring down the three other unicorns before him.

“Hey it’s not my fault! That sensor spell of his must have been searching for magical power!” exclaims Shining Armor as his horn glows a bright blue before standing onto his hind legs getting into a fighting stance.

“Whatever, even if that’s the case we have to fight our way out of this now.” Flash Sentry says as he gets onto his hind legs as well putting his hooves up while bouncing up and down with his wings extended.

The blue stallion grinds his teeth seeing the two guards in front of him while the yellow coated one looks at them wide eyed. His body shakes as he looks over them backing up one hoof at a time. The blue coated stallion turns noticing the movement and exclaims, “Where do you think you are going!?”

“Sir there is no way we can beat those two! Th-the pegasus is Flash Sentry, captain of the crystal empire’s royal guard. He was the number one boxer in the last ten Crystal Games! The unicorn on his right is even more powerful! Shining Armor, captain of Celestia’s royal guard! Also known as the Canterlots shield and husband the crystal princess.” He turns around and starts running yelling over his shoulder, “If you really want to fight them then be my guess but I am out of here!”

“Flash we can’t let him get away!” yells Shining Armor.

Flash Sentry leans forward then flaps his wings once before shooting forward with a large gust of wind zipping past the other two stallions, making them cover their faces from the strong wind. Flash Sentry gets in front of the running unicorn in seconds making the stallion slide on the ground to stop only to meet a fast punch to the face sending him flying backwards. He rolls over and over on the ground before coming to a stop laying on his side. He lifts his head slowly and shaking while staring at Flash Sentry who looks back flicking his mane out of his face.

Gridmire looks back at Flash Sentry with shock of what just happened. What just happened? I saw him flap his wings only once and before I even knew it he had caught up to him. I couldn’t even see that punch! Gridmire thinks as he looks back at the blue stallion next to him. We don’t stand a chance against these two!

“Now are you two going to come quietly or do we need to get rough?” Says Shining Armor.

The blue stallion growls and turns around retorting, “Like hell we would just give up to royal guard scum! Now die!” He lowers his head pouring magical power into his horn before blasting another Magic Bullet at Shining Armor.

Shining Armor sighs and as his horn glows brightly, he thrusts a hoof forward and quickly exclaims, “Go Shining Royal Shield!” A large metal shield ascends through the ground taking the magic bullet’s explosive force. Dust sprays around the battle ground but dissipates revealing the front of the shield. The marvelous defensive weapon is unscathed while the front is blue and silver with a star in the middle.

Shining Armor grins as the shield flashes and disappears, “that wasn’t the smartest move.” He says before running up to the blue enemy stallion.

“Damn you!” said the stallion as he lowers his head firing magic bullet after magic bullet at Shining Armor, who merely side steps each one closing the gap between the two ponys before hitting the blue stallion in the back of his head smashing his face into the ground knocking him out cold.

Gridmire backed away slowly staring in shock as he watches Shining Armor stand back up and turn towards him as the dust clears. He turns to Flash Sentry who trots up to Shining Armor’s side and says, “Alright buddy, either come with us quietly or end up just like you pals here. Well, what do you choose?”

Gridmire chuckles closing his eyes and with a swift motion pulls his hood back over his head before saying, “I don’t know what Kodama was thinking. I mean fighting both The Lighting of the crystal empire and Canterlot’s Shield was a losing battle before it even started.”

Shining Armor’s horn stops glowing as he stares down Gridmire “Take off the cloak and put your hooves over your head! You will not be asked again!” he says as he starts walking up to Gridmire.

Gridmire shakes his head slowly replying, “Sadly I can’t do that Shining Armor. The King would not be happy with me if I get caught with these two so I am going on my way.” He bows his head and laughs as Shining Armor jumps towards him but is blinded by a yellow flash from a teleport spell.

Shining Armor froze but Flash Sentry flaps his wings jumping into the air flying quickly around above the woods but sighs flying back down next to Shining Armor shaking his head, “He must have teleported into a more dense part of the forest. I couldn’t see his exit flash or anything.”

“That’s alright Flash. What matters is that we were able to capture two of them. Let’s get the magic jammer cuffs on them and haul them back to the castle quickly! ” Says Shining Armor as he reaches for a pair of clear crystal cuffs that rest on his armor on his side. The crystal cuffs sparkle in the sunlight as he pulls the blue stallion, Kodama’s, front hooves behind his back locking the cuffs around them with a click before pull his unconscious body up and placing him onto his back. Shining Armor turns seeing Flash Sentry has done the same.

“Why you suddenly in a hurry.” Says Flash Sentry as they start running with the two captives.

“Because he said “The King”. If that means what I think it does then we need to get back and tell Princess Twilight.”

“Right, I don’t know what is going on but if you are sure then let’s pick up the pace.” Says Flash Sentry as they start running back to Ponyville.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Scootaloo sits on a bench in the Ponyville hospital looking down at the floor in worry. She sighs but as she brings her head up Apple Bloom rubs her shoulder with a hoof. Scootaloo looks at her, who softly looks back giving off a reassuring look, but then turns to the glass room in front of them. Two nurse ponies were looking over a bed where the battered Rumble lays. His head is wrapped up in white bandages while being covered by a white blanket. His dark blue mane covers part of his face as he sits up in his bed making the nurses jump a little. One of the nurses nod to the other and heads towards the door pushing it open.

She looks at Scootaloo and Apple Bloom and says, “Okay you two can come in now but not for very long cause he needs his sleep.” Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stand up and trot inside nodding to the nurses.

Rumble blinks and looks around confused before seeing the two mares, “Where am I? What happened to Flare and Fang? Ack!” he says before putting a hoof to his head wincing.

“Calm down Rumble! You are in the hospital and you have a small concussion.” Says Scootaloo who trots up and sits down on a chair next to Rumble’s bed.

“Ugh that explains why I feel like crap.” He says laying back down. He turns his head to look at Scootaloo who looks at him with somber eyes. He puts a hoof on hers and smiles saying, “Hey what’s with that look? I’m alight Scootaloo.”

She pulls her hoof away and gives a small smile to him, “Sorry I just a little shook up from what happened...” Scootaloo trails off while her smile disappears, “You know... with Fang getting hurt.” She stops and gets off the chair and trots out of the room.

Rumble watches her then looks at his hoof seeing a tear droplet. He looks at Apple Bloom asking, “What happened after I got knocked out?”

Apple Bloom sits in the chair Scootaloo left and sighed tilting her hat down, “When you knocked out Flare went after Scootaloo. He said what he always wanted to for a long time, but when Fang heard him he...” She stops for a moment pushing her hat back up and taking a deep breath before starting again, “He got up and tackled Flare to the ground and starting beating him. Flare kept yelling for him to stop but Fang wouldn’t listen. He just kept hitting him over and over till Flare’s blood was all over his hooves.” Apple Bloom starts shaking as she continued, “It was terrible to watch Rumble. It was like Fang was a completely different pony from who we know.”

Rumble looks at Apple Bloom and puts a hoof on hers trying to calm her down, before looking out the window of his room to see Scootaloo. She was looking at the entrance of the hospital as if waiting for somebody. “How bad did he beat Flare?”

“The doctors said that he had five skull fractures and a broken muzzle that could possibly make him unable to talk for a while.” Apple Bloom replies.

Rumble’s eyes widen. He did all of that to Flare after taking such a beating? Fang you are one scary stallion.

Scootaloo wipes her face and takes a deep breath before pushing back into Rumble’s room giving a small smile, “Sorry about that Rumble. I-I just needed a minute to absorb what has happened.” She says as she pulls up another chair next to Apple Bloom.

Rumble smiles at her, “its okay Scootaloo. After what happened anypony would need some time.” He says before poking her nose with his hoof laughing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The sun slowly begins to set as Fang looks at the hospital and sighs. His nose bleed from his beating earlier had dried up as well as his cuts along his shoulders and flanks. The bruises on his ribs, chest and the right side of his head have turned a black and blue. He holds up his left front leg as he began to limp slowly over to the building. When he gets up to the building he takes a deep breath and pushes the door open with his good leg. His eyes take a moment to adjust as he sees the white walls and floors of the lobby. Nurse ponies go about their jobs from pushing an injured pony in a wheel chair to filling out clip boards. Fang takes a few more steps into the building before stopping. His eyes widen as a sharp pain stabs his side making him stumble and crying out in pain. He falls to the ground gripping his right side as a nurse rushes over to him and calls for a doctor.

Fang’s vision gets blurry from the pain as the doctor gets up to him. He says something but Fang couldn’t understand him. His ears began to ring and time started to seem slow as two more nurses come over with a stretcher. Fang takes a soft breath and opens his mouth to say something but the words don’t come as he loses consciousness.

Fang slowly opens his eyes to a bright white light, which makes him squint, but he tilts his head over to the right. He sees a heart monitor, a transfusion bag and transfusion tube attached to his arm. When his eyes adjust back to normal he sits up and pulls the blanket off. He sighs looking down to see his stomach wrapped in tight white bandages. So that’s what that pain was earlier. I didn’t realize that I even had broken ribs. He thinks as he rubs his head then his face. He stops when he over his right eye feeling a bandage around it and drops his hoof down to his left arm which was in a red cast. Concussion and a broken arm? Man I was more messed up then I thought. He thinks to himself as he pulls out the transfusion tube with his teeth getting down onto the floor. I don’t need to stay here. I only needed them to patch me up. He thinks as he trots with a small limp to the door, but as he gets to up to the door it slowly opens. Fang freezes and backs up as Scootaloo trots into the room. Her ears are up but droop down as she shuts the door. She stays silent while looking at Fang keeping her wings folded. The air feels heavy on Fang’s shoulders as he lowers both his ears and looks down away from her gaze down toward his hooves.

Scootaloo finally breaks the silence saying in a normal and stagnate tone, “Where do you think you are going Fang? After four hours of hiding or, whatever you were doing, you come to hospital. Then once they give you the help you needed you just leave in a drop of a hat?” Before Fang could even open his mouth to reply Scootaloo continues on with her tone getting more aggressive, “What kind of macho crap are you trying pull huh! Trying to show off to every pony that you can just trot away after being beaten up so badly?!” She says. Fang opens his mouth to reply but stops as he raises his gaze to look into hers only to see tears running down her cheeks.

“How selfish can you get!? Making us all worry about you!?” She says sobbing before continuing by only saying, “Making me worry...” She lowers her head down letting her tears fall onto the floor before trotting up to Fang pushing her head into his chest.

Fang looks down at her as she cries into his chest. He lowers his head placing it on hers before wrapping his good leg around her saying in a soft tone, “I’m so sorry I had you so worried Scootaloo.” She wraps her wings around him pushing her head into his neck saying, “Just promise me that you won’t ever do this again. Please promise me Fang.” Scootaloo says with a soft tone.

Fang rubs her back replying, “I promise.”

“You better mean it buddy.” Says Rumble as Sweetie Belle pushes him into the room in a wheel chair with Apple Bloom close behind.

“Yea no kidding! You had us totally stressed out.” Says Sweetie Belle.

“Ya’ll should never leave your friends hanging like that.” Chimed in Apple Bloom who tilted her hat back giving off a soft smile looking at Scootaloo and him.

Fang looks at the four ponies in front of him and smiles letting a tear run down his cheek as he says, “Sorry guys. I just lost my head for a bit.”

“We don’t want your apology! Just get your ass back into bed and get better.” Said Rumble who just smiles. “And when your better you just have to teach me some of your moves.” He says with a joking tone before a nurse pony opens the door.

“Alright every pony visiting hours are over now so you will have to come back tomorrow.” The nurse pony says before retreating out the door.

“Well I guess we will see you after class Fang.” Says Sweetie Belle who smiles and uses her magic to push Rumble’s wheel chair. The stallion waves his good bye followed by Apple Bloom who shuts the door behind her. Scootaloo remains pressed against Fang but retracts her wings softly before whipping her face with a hoof. She looks up at him and gives off a warm smile before leaning in to give him a soft kiss on his cheek.

“I will come back after school, so you better be here when I get back.” Scootaloo says before trotting out of the room waving a wing in goodbye. Fang watched her go with a light red face rubbing the spot she kissed with his good hoof. He smiles and climbed back onto his bed, pulling the covers over himself, he looks at the ceiling and chuckles. I have met some incredible ponies in this town haven’t I? To think after what they saw they would only care if I was okay. He thinks as he softly turns onto his side before looking at the window watching the warm glow of the orange rays of sunlight begin to dissipate behind the horizon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gridmire pants as he runs through the streets of ManeHatten. The moonlight shines overhead making the city streets glow white. The buildings stay quite while trash cans are rustling in the wind. Gridmire makes his way to a warehouse in the corner of the city. The warehouse has rusted patches scattered throughout the walls. It rests in a lot that hangs below a bridge that has constant carriages running across drowning out any noise that comes from it.
He stops at a rusty blue door and stands panting. Once he catches his breath he pushes the door open and walks inside. He hears a large amount of voices of several ponies inside. Once he comes to the open room of the warehouse he sees 100s of uni-corns. On the right side he notices cages with mares inside. They wear tattered clothing and their manes are frizzed and tangled, like they haven’t had a bath in months. At their hooves were rusty shackles they were locked to the cage bars. On the left side were tables, where uni-corns were organizing money into suit cases. Each one would put the money into a counting machine before strapping a paper band around them and putting them into the suit case that rested to their right.

Gridmire began walking down the middle of the ware house and up to the back where a velvet banner hangs from the ceiling. On the banner was a symbol of two uni-corn horns cross, this made Gridmire gulp nervously. Just tell him what happened straight up. Don’t hesitate just do it! He thinks to himself as he comes up to a large metal chair in the shape of the sun resting on the back. A dark blue stallion sits in it with his head on one hoof letting his blue horn be shown. His eyes are a sharp yellow and his mane a bright green, while his legs and chest are built.
Gridmire immediately bows getting as low to the ground as possible before saying, “I am back King.

King smiles and sits up to look down at the bowing stallion, “Welcome back Gridmire. I hope you have good news. I haven’t had the best day, so I could really use some cheering up.” King says.

“W-well King, sir I managed to pass him the message b-but...” Gridmire begins but is interrupted by the King, “Spit it out!”

“Both Kodama and Sand Stream were captured by two Royal Guardsmen. They must have tailed me after I gave the message. They were so strong! We just didn’t even stand a chance.” Says Gridmire who shakes nervously.

King sighs and gets up from his chair trotting over to Gridmire, who shakes in his bowed state saying, “How disappointing. That you three were no match for two royal guardsmen.” He stops when he gets in front of Gridmire and slowly bends down so he is almost eye level with Gridmire, “You disgrace me Gridmire! How dare you lose to a bunch of weaklings!” King yells before kicking Gridmire in the ribs sending him flying backwards only to stop midair from a levitation spell from King, who then throws him into the wall behind his chair. Gridmire is slammed again and again against the wall of the warehouse before being thrown back to King’s hooves, where he coughed up blood. “If you ever disgrace me again Gridmire I promise you that I won’t show you this kind of mercy again. Do you understand!!” King exclaims as Gridmire shakes his head before collapsing, coughing.

King turns around and takes a deep breath before shouting out into the warehouse, “Every pony listen up!” With that one shout every pony turns their head and silence takes over. King smiles licking his lips before shouting, “The royal bitchs have gotten in my way for far too long! So how about we show them what the strongest race of pony can do! Let’s show them what we of the Uni-Corn Triad can do!” With every statement King says the stallions cheered and raise their hooves cheering his name. King held his hooves a part taken in the cheers before saying, “We are going to Ponyville! So pack your bags!” He lowers down onto all fours and walks back to his chair before sitting down while the crowd of uni-corns cheered his name.

Gridmire shakenly stands up, “King I forgot to mention that he sent a message back to you.”

“Oh did he now? What did he say?” says King who fixed his gaze on Gridmire.

“He said that if you ever go after him again that he would kill you.” Gridmire says

King starts laughing putting a hoof to his head, “Oh that boy still has his humor I see. Well its time he learns that he can’t threaten me without losing his life.” He says calmly but with a stern one.

Ch 8- Lunar Dreams

Chapter 8

Shining Armor and Flash Sentry, both panting with their unconscious prisoners, walk out of the Everfree Forest trotting quickly to Twilight's Castle. Flash Sentry, who is falling behind, runs up to Shining Armor using his wings to hold Sand Stream on his back.

Panting he speaks with a rushed tone, “Hey Shining Armor what is with the rush?" Flash Sentry gets up next to Shining Armor, with unconscious Kodama lays on his back.

Shining Armor turns his head replying, "I can explain when we get to Twilight's castle. These two will be in code red lock down. Do you understand Flash?"

"Alright Shining, but it better be a good reason. I haven’t ran like this since boot camp!" Says Flash Sentry as the two stallions make their way up to Twilight's castle. The two guards quickly go inside and down the main hallway. The guards around them watched with confused faces nodding to each other to wait for orders. As Shining Armor and Flash Sentry reach the throne room Twilight jumps at the sudden slam of her door.

"Shining Armor! What is with the rush? You’re acting like the world is ending." She exclaims only to have Shining Armor trot up to her.

"I will explain in a second Twilight but right now I need a room with no windows and completely made out of crystal." Says Shining Armor in a hasty tone. Twilight nods and trots in front of her troubled brother leading them down a hallway on the left side of the throne room. As they make their way down Shining Armor looks around the hallway, seeing the crystal sparkling in bright colors while the windows sparkle in dazzling light from the sun. The ceiling lined in lime stone that glowed in soft green light, illuminating the ceiling and chandeliers that hang down. The two guards follow Twilight until coming across a blue sparkling door no more than a pony length high.

Twilight turns to her older brother and hands him a key saying, "This was going to be a storage area once the hotel was built, so you can use it for anything you need brother." As Shining Armor nods and reaches for the key she pulls it away continuing, "Now tell me what’s going on." She demanded looking at Shining Armor with a stern look.

Shining Armor looks back at his sister then nods to Flash Sentry who sets down Sand Stream then pulls of Kodama from Shining Armor's back as Shining Armor says, “We were following a lead and came across a meeting between these two ponies and another. When we intervened and captured these two the third one told me that King wouldn't be pleased." Shining Armor stops as Twilight looks at him confused. He sighs and continues, "King is the leader of a large gang of unicorns that the Royal Guard have been after for years. If these two belong to that gang I need to get information out of them as soon as I can. It could be crucial to find and stop them from causing anymore chaos." Shining Armor looks at his sister who hands him the key and nods. Shining Armor gives Flash Sentry the key, who then opens the door, dragging the two unconscious ponies inside. He puts them back to back before shutting the door and locking it back up.

"Now we need to get Celestia here before we continue." Says Shining Armor who then nods to Flash Sentry continuing, "Do you mind using your Transponder Crystal?"

"Sure, first time I used this thing though. Well here goes nothing I guess." Flash Sentry places his hoof on the purple crystal within his chest plate. He keeps his hoof softly placed on it and takes a deep breath closing his eyes. He lets his mind drift letting his breathing match up to his heart rate. A sudden rush goes through his body as the crystal suddenly glows purple. His body feels light as a feather making his wings fluff up as if preparing to fly. He then exhails and opens his eyes speaking in a soft voice, "Celestia, this is Flash Sentry, do you hear me?"

Twilight tilts her head and looks at Shining Armor, "What is he doing? He is talking to a pony that is miles away."

"That may be true Twilight but during our recent exploration of the Crystal caves we found some special crystals that react when magic is present." He points to Flash Sentry's chest plate where the glowing crystal rests, "For example, the crystal that Flash and I have in our chest plates is a Transponder Crystal. When magic is applied it allows us to communicate with whoever has the other half or piece of the same crystal. Think of it as a Telepathic spell that Luna uses to get into ponies dreams." Says Shining Armor.

Twilight nods and turns to Flash Sentry again who nods saying, "Yes Celestia. Something has come up and we need you here in Ponyville as fast as possible." He says then moves his hoof away from the crystal shaking his head. "Man that drains you. Feel like I have ran for days through a tornado." He says as he sits down with his back against the wall.

Twilight looks at the both of them saying, “So tell me about this Uni-Corn Triad group. I mean what makes them so powerful and feared."

Shining Armor sits down in front of Twilight while Flash Sentry says, "Yea I would like to know the same thing. You have been acting like your tale has been on fire ever since we lost that other stallion.

Shining Armor looks at both of them before saying, “Sorry about that. It has been a while since we have heard from these guys and we should take immediate action, however, without Celestia's approval we can't interrogate them for now." He lays down onto his stomach before clearing his throat. "The first thing to know about this group is that they have a heavy presence in the Manehattan. It all started about 8 years ago. There were heavy reports of mares vanishing within the city and never being seen again. From fillies to full grown mares they just vanish without a trace. Once we began our investigation within the gangs we discovered them. It is a gang only made up of unicorns and they are merciless. They kill and kidnap any pony that would ever talk down on them. Even royal guardsmen were slaughtered by them from magic that was strictly forbidden. They even have key points in drug and pony slave trades through out Equestria.”

"So if they are so popular why haven't they been seen or even caught by now?" Says Twilight as she lays down on her stomach as well letting her wings fluff up a bit.

Shining Armor looks at his sister saying, "They haven't been caught because they have covered their tracks. They use sorcery spells that hide their faces and hoof prints. They even have spells that wipe ponies memories and in the end if that isn't enough that just kill the loose ends. Their leader was identified as King. A unicorn that has immense strength and is feared by his members. He runs the entire show when it comes to their operations. We were lucky enough to get information on his magical abilities as well as his Generals.

Twilight tilts her head confused, "Generals?"

Shining Armor nods to his sister, "Yes his generals. These generals have been his top ranked ponies within the gang and are split between three groups or units. These units were categorized by the skills and magic among the generals. The first general is Gilgamesh, general of the Assault unit. This unit is used for fear and gorilla tactical assaults on rival gangs. They are ruthless, blood thirsty and have never taken prisoners. Their leader Gilgamesh is the most aggressive out of the Unicorn tirade. He is reported to use Enhancement magic.

Twilight tilts her head in confusion, "Enhancement magic? That magic is used to reinforce objects and condense enclosed spaces. Most ponies use that basic magic for construction. How would that magic even benefit him?"

"Your right on the mark Twilight, like always, however, he uses his magic in a more creative way. By building up magic within his body he is able to condense and reinforce his muscles. That allows him to have a body that is practically made of iron." Says Shining Armor.

Flash Sentry stands up and trots up to Shining Armor and Twilight sitting down on his haunches rubbing his face with his hoof saying, "So in other words this stallion is like a tank? That’s just great."

"Yea I know. He can even reinforce objects he touches or grabs onto. So for this stallion anything can be a weapon." Says Shining Armor as his ears perk up to the echoing of hooves coming from the hallway. The metallic clanking of armored hooves made Shining Armor stand up and slowly edge around the corner. Twilight follows him, turning her head around to look at him. Before she could see much she notices him solute clicking his hind hooves together with his left foreleg to his forehead. Twilight giggles seeing her brother before getting to her own hooves to greet Princess Celestia and Luna as they come around the guard.

Princess Celestia trots up to the room and looks inside. Her eyes narrow as she spots the unicorn tirade marks on Kodama and SandStream's shoulders. She turns to Shining Armor and Flash Sentry before speaking, "How did you two come across these two?"

"Sir! We were patrolling the streets when we came across a suspicious pony with a cloak on. We followed him and came upon a meeting among him and these two. When we intervened to arrest them the one in the cloak teleported away, however, these two weren't so fortunate." Says Flash Sentry in a stern and direct tone. Celestia nods before her ears perk up hearing the captives steering. She turns around slowly and sees Kodama raise his head.

Kodama groans as he looks up at the ceiling. His head pulses and his vision is still a little blurry from the hit on the back of his head. He tries to move his forelegs but the rough rope scrapping against his skin. His hooves are bound by crystal cuffs making him fidget. He looks around confused before weakly saying, "Where the hell am I? How did I get...?” He cuts off as he looks to his left and sees Celestia. He grinds his teeth as anger flares up in his eyes. He begins to struggle against the rope, bouncing and shaking his chair before toppling in the chair making him land on his face. He glares, eyes full of anger, at Celestia and the guards spatting, "You scum! Who do you think you are tieing me up like this! I would kill you all on the spot if I wasn't bound!"

"It’s no use Kodama. They have magic absorbing cuffs on us. No way we can get out of here so shut up before you make my head split." Says SandStream who looks calmly at his companion, who spits at him in spite.

"Of course you would be calm in this situation!" Kodama yells as he tries to get his hooves freed. SandStream looks down at his companion and just shakes his head before looking at the guards. We are in a terrible situation. Neither of us can teleport out of here with these cuffs on. SandStream thinks as Shining Armor turns to speak with Celestia.

Celestia keeps staring at the tirade members then says," Shining Armor and Flash Sentry question these two and see what they can tell you. Then prep them for transfer to Canterlot." The two guards nodded and trotted inside shutting the door behind them. Kodama looked up at Flash Sentry as the guard pulled him up and pushed him back into his chair while Shining Armor trotted up to SandStream who looked calmly into his eyes.

Shining Armor turned to Flash Sentry saying, "Flash push the other one to the other side of the room. I'm going to put up the interrogation barrier".

"Alright Shining Armor. By the way why do you always get the quiet ones?" Says Flash Sentry as he pushes the reluctant Kodama to the other side.

"Hey you walked up to him first. Not my problem. I am putting the barrier up now. Knock twice if you are ready to leave." Says Shining Armor as his horn glows blue. He walks to the middle of the room and bows his head letting shimmering light creep its way onto the floor and branch to the walls. As if filling the room with water the shimmering magic begins to merge creating a wall of magic. It sparkles as the reflections of each pony flash into view.

SandStream calmly looks up to Shining Armor as he turns around, "Let me guess. That magic barrier prevents any pony from hearing us if they are on the other side." SandStream says.

"Good eye. I like to call it an Interrogation barrier. The only ones that can hear or see anything in this space is you and me" Says Shining Armor as he trots up to SandStream, who calmly stares at him. Shining Armor towers over him making SandStream crane his neck up to face him. "Now you are going to tell me everything I need to know.”

“In this situation I guess I have to don’t I? However I is impossible for me to tell you anything about the Triade.” Said SandStream as he fidgets in his chair from the ropes rubbing against his forelegs.

Shining Armor looks down at him and lets out a puff of frustration, “Oh is that so? And please tell me why you can’t tell me? You would really give up your freedom for your gang?

SandStream lowered his head and gaze leaning back into the chair letting his head rest against the head rest. “I can’t tell you anything because I literally can’t. Once you join the Triade King puts this on us.” He turns his head revealing the Unicorn Triade’s mark on the side of his neck. Shining Armor hasn’t seen one up close before. He bends down to get a closer look and to his amazement the mark glows red along its edges as if lava runs beneath.

Shining Armor straightens back up astonished by the mark. It’s not a mark. It’s a Magic Sigil! SandStream straightens his neck back out looking back up at Shining Armor before saying, “Now do you understand? This sigil prevents any information about the Triade being revealed. If we were to say anything at all this mark would send a charge of magic through our bodies. Thus killing us within seconds.”

Shining Armor still baffled by the discovery thinks to himself to collect his thoughts. That sigil is a big problem! With that thing on these members we can’t get them to say anything to us. Wait SAY anything. That’s it! Shining Armor walks toward the door, lowering his shield he walks out and turns to Celestia, Luna and Twilight.

Before Shining Armor could explain Twilight chimes in saying, “So what do you find out? Anything that could help with stopping the Triade?”

“Unfortunately no I have not Twilight. We have a slight problem. The Uni-corn Triade’s member’s marks aren’t just marks. They are magic sigils. They prevent any of the members to speak about the triade and if they do that mark will kill them, but I think I have an idea. He told me that they couldn’t say anything but what about writing information down? It would be the same information and we wouldn’t lose a captive.” Says Shining Armor.

Twilight rubs her chin with her hoof, “That could work but when Sigils are placed the caster can put different coding for each one. It is possible that the sigil will do that same thing if he writes the information. Like if the sigil’s code states, that if any pony gives information about the Uni-corn Triade then that pony will perish.” Says Twilight.

“In other words it’s a 50-50 gamble on the stallion surviving? That’s just great.” Says Shining Armor who starts to trot into the room again but is stopped by Luna who goes in before him. Confused Shining Armor trots in after her sealing the barrier back up. SandStream looks up at the two ponies with a calm face but then sighs.

“I already told you that I can’t tell you anything about the Triade.” SandStream says turning his head to the side against the chair.

Luna looks at the stallion before saying, “We know you can’t so we some other questions to ask instead."

SandStream turns his head in curiosity, “What do you mean other questions? What would any of you want to know besides the Triade?”

“Please tell me about yourself. SandStream was it?” Luna says before sitting on her haunches in front of him.

Confused even more SandStream looks at the alicorn mare, “Um I think I am good not telling you that kind of information.”

Luna shakes her head saying, “If you don’t tell me anything it’s going to be worse when I force myself in.”

“Wh-What is that suppose to mean?” SandStream says nervously as he fidgets in his chair. He pushes the chair with his hind hooves trying to get away from the alicorn. Luna stands up and walks up to him putting a hoof to his forehead. Luna then leans her head in and looks into SandStream’s eyes. SandStream’s heart races and his breath becomes scarce. What is she doing! I can’t die yet! SandStream thinks as sweat trails down his face.

Luna closes her eyes and takes a deep breath as her horn starts to glow purple. He hoof is then enclosed with dark purple magic, sparkling and humming, as she begins to rub SandStream’s forehead in a circle. His forehead begins to glow a light purple as Luna says the following words, “I call upon the stars and moons to give me the strength to guide this lost soul. Allow my soul to wander throughout his being as do his own! Memory Magic, Soul Merge!” Luna suddenly lifts her head with her eyes solid purple before pushing her hoof onto the light purple circle on SandStream’s forehead. When her hoof connects SandStream screams in pain. He tenses his body and struggles as his body burns as if on fire. Tears run down his face but the suddenly a bright light brightens the room that makes his head slump over with his eyes closed. He lays silent as Luna hovers over his body with her hoof against his forehead.

Twilight, which is hiding against Celestia, peaks out to look into the room as Shining Armor trots out putting another barrier up on the door. “What just happened? They were talking then all of sudden he was screaming in agony!” Twilight says as she slowly walks out from behind Celestia.
Celestia looks down at Twilight wrapping a wing around her, “Sorry Twilight I should have warned you about that. That was Luna’s Memory Magic. It lets her go into the minds of other ponies and see their memories of their past. It’s like a forceful way of how she helps ponies in their dreams.
“It also would have been easier for him if he told her about himself. The more she knows about the pony the less painful it would have been for her to enter their mind.” Chimes in Shining Armor who takes a seat next to Twilight. Shining Armor looks at the levitating princess then at her captive before saying, “I wonder what she is seeing in his mind.”

Luna hovers in the darkness of SandStream’s mind. She turns her head looking for anything to salvage but with a couple blinks the space begins to twinkle with stars. She smiles at the sight of stars before looking down to see a path made of the night sky under her hooves. She softly lowers down onto the path folding her wings against her body before beginning to walk down the path. She walks in silence throughout the starry skies, looking around for any sort of life. She suddenly comes upon a door that forms from the darkness. Chains rattle down its red frame that seems to be glowing in a orange tint. The light coats the insignia of the Uni-corn Triade in the middle of the door as Luna gets up to it. She stops and examines the door looking for cracks or door knob of some kind. She reaches her hoof out slowly and places it on the door and begins to push. The door begins to shake as if opening but instead the chains stretch out from the sides suddenly and glow a dark red color. They reach for Luna, who jumps back quickly as they hit the starry floor. With a loud thud they connect to the floor and spark leaving a burnt patch to the stars below it, before retracting to their original positions along the door.

Luna looks bewildered catching her breath, “What is with this door? I have never seen anything like it.” Luna says. Hoof steps can be heard behind Luna, who turns her head over her shoulder to see SandStream. His hoof steps echo throughout with a steady rhythm as he lifts up his head to look at Luna. The rest of his silhouette comes into Luna’s view before stopping feet in front of her.

“You can never get past that door you know. Anypony that joins the Triade can never have their mind broken into. Well without dieing that is.” Says SandStream as he trots past Luna and up to the door. He then sits down in front of it facing the lunar princess.

Luna watches him before replying, “Why is that? Or can you not tell me that either.”

“You already know the answer to that Princess.” SandStream replies.

Luna stares at the stallion before trotting closer with a slow pace. SandStream stands up suddenly onto his hooves, “Luna I can’t let you near this door.”

“I need to find out everything you know. If you force my hoof I can damage your mind permanently SandStream. Even if you are my enemy I wouldn’t want to do that to anypony. So get out of my way”

“Are you deaf? I just told you that if this door is opened i die. Either way you shake it nightmare this is where you stop.” says Sandstream. Luna stops to look at him again giving off a low snort at the insult. Sandstream stared at the lunar princess for a moment longer before laying down again crossing his fore hooves, “what now princess? You going to remain in my mind forever or you just admiring the view of emptiness?”

Luna scraps her right fore hoof across the black floor. She shakes her starry mane resting it across her right shoulder as she flicks her head getting it out of her face saying, "I may not be able to get information about the Triade, but that doesn't prevent me to look at everything before that.” Luna waves her right fore hoof in front of her. As she lays it down images begin to appear around the starry space. Images of Sandstream as a foal running throughout a city holding a small saddle bag with a fishing net inside. His light green mane blows in the wind revealing his horn before turning into a bright red tent. He pants looking up to see a tall adult horse, with a brown coat and black mane smiling down at him. Luna rose a eyebrow to this and looks at SandStream saying, "Fascinating you were raised in SaddleArabia. Judging by this memory here you were out trying to get insects for this horse's healing remedies. Am i wrong?"

SandStream only looked at Luna before looking up at the memory giving off a smile, " You're right. I was born and raised in SaddleArabia. Lived there for more then twenty years of my life." He says before turning back to her as the image fades away into white smoke allowing another to fill its place. "That was a long time ago though so there's no point in looking at any of these." Says SandStream as he looks up and freezes for a moment letting his shoulders relax.

Luna looks up at the image to see a female horse with a light milky tan coat and a curly brown mane. She looks at SandStream with her bright green eyes and gives a soft smile leaning into his shoulder spreading out her body to the opposite side of him. Sandstream looks down where a blanket rests underneath them before leaning in to kiss the horse on the snout rubbing his muzzle and cheek to hers. Luna watches the image fade away before looking at SandStream who lowered his head to look at his hooves. "From what i can see you were very happy where you were. What i don't know is why would you ever leave to join the Triade."

SandStream looked up again shaking his head before locking eyes with Luna with a blank expression, "That is none of your damn business. Now get out of my head" he demanded shifting his forehooves crossing them.

Luna stands up saying, "We can help you if you would just co-operate. We can get what King may have over you SandStream."

SandStream stands up as well letting droplets of tears splatter onto the starry floor before looking up and shouts, "Get out of my head!!"

Luna was taken aback by the reaction and turns away from him trotting the other way, " This will continue until we get what we need. With or without your help SandStream." She says before trotting away into a bright purple light leaving SandStream in the darkness.

"She has been doing that for a while. Should we be worried?” said Twilight Sparkle. She watches Luna hovering in front of Sandstream glowing in her purple aura. Her eyes glow bright white while her left forehoof pressed to Sandstream’s forehead.

Celestia puts a hoof around Twilight, “It’s okay Twilight, Luna knows what she’s doing. I bet she will come back anytime no-” Celestia says only to be interrupted by a flash of bright vibrate purple light. Luna touches the ground softly with her eyes returning to normal. She puts her hoof back onto the crystal floor before looking around the room. She sees Kodama in another chair stareing at her giving off a smirk. Luna rolls her eyes at him before trotting out to Celestia and Twilight who stand to their hooves.

"So sister what did you find? Any information on the Triade or their operations?" Says Celestia. Twilight trots up next to her with curious eyes.

Luna shakes her head, "The sigil prevents me from even accessing any memories about the Triade, but i did found out that he was raised in SaddleArabia. He may also have not joined the Triade willingly."

Celestia curious asks, "What makes you say that?"

"I saw a memory of him with what seemed to be a wife or marefriend. They were very happy and when i asked about it he just shouted at me to get out of his head." Luna says looking over her shoulder at the unconscious SandStream.

"At least we got something. I mean its better then nothing right?" Chimes in Twilight who looks up at her mentor who nods in agreement.

"We will have to try again tomorrow morning. Its getting late and we will need to rest after all this." Says Celestia who turns and trots down the hallway with Twilight and Luna. She nods to two Royal Pegasi Guardsmen, who run down to the door and stand at guard with spears in wing.

Luna looks around and asks, " What happened to Shining Armor and Flash Sentry sister?"

"Oh they had to investigate a fight at the highschool. It seems a student uses magic to harm another student." Says Celestia.

Luna nods and continues to trot down the hallway with Twilight and Celestia to their rooms for the night.

Crickets chirp softly thought the stary night. A light breeze blows making the trees shake and houses creek. Two Royal guards stand guard outside Twilight's castle front enterence. Their swords in their sheaves, resting on their sides. A snapping branch makes the guards turn to attention reaching for their swords with a fore hoof while one says, "Who's there!" A slim figure appears from the shadows with a soft grin, but before revealing fully a bright green flash of magic sparks around the figure and the two guards. The guard that spoke shakes his head and takes out his sword only to drop it immanently and stand at attention before saying, " Forgive me Princess Luna! I didn't know it was you."

Luna chuckles and walks past the guard casually replying, "Oh its fine. I should have said something. Anyway keep up the good work." Luna walks by the two guards and heads toward the stairway to the second floor. Once she reaches the top she stops and looks over her shoulder then around her surroundings. She then turns to her left and trots down the hallway towards an dead end. Two Royal Pegasi Guards stand guard of a door where both Kodama and SandStream are imprisoned. They nod their heads as Luna approaches and move away from the door allowing her to enter.

Luna walks in then turns to the guards, "Give us some space please." she tells the guards before turning around to face Kodama and SandStream. The guards look at each other before backing away from the door towards the other end of the wall. The moon peaks through the windows coating the room and hallway with the soothing moonlight.

Kodama looks up at Luna and chuckles, "Took you long enough! Thought i was going to rot in this shit hole." says Kodama.

Luna steps in front of him and bends down toward him and sharply says, "Shut up you filthy dog! How dare you speak to me that way."

"I see you havn't lost your sense of humor sir." SandStream chimes in weakly slowly moving his head up. His eyes are dim with little emotion before straightening up in his chair as much as he could.

Luna walks up to him and gives off a large smirk before leaning down into his face, "SandStream its good to see you again. You look like hell! Did the lunar bitch run you through? Or are you just running out of steam?" She says before turning her head seeing the two guards who were at the door looking at her.

"What did you mean by that Luna?" One guard says before beginning to trot up to her gripping his spear.

Luna sighs before turning toward the guard saying in a soft and mellow tone, "I wish you didn't here that." She begins to walk toward the guards who draws their spears but before they can strike Luna was between them. Her wings softly drop down in front of their snouts before folding down to her sides. She looks at one guard to the other saying with a large smile across her face, "You're way to slow. Such a disappointment. I thought you guards were suppose to be the best around to protect the "innocent" ponies in the world. Oh well." After she finishes talking she quickly reaches back under her wings, drawing two long daggers. Before the guards could take a breath the blades were stabbed into the side of their necks. The guards gasped before quickly falling to the floor as the blades were removed with the same quick motion before looking back at the two stallions. Luna's body becomes surrounded in mist before transforming into a black coated stallion with white going down his chest. His swirling horn sparks red as his orange eyes wonder towards his kills. He trots over to Kodama and SandStream flicking his black and white hair before slashing the ropes and magic suppression crystal cuffs before putting his blood covered hooves onto them."Its time to go you two. Its getting alittle to crowed for me."

SandStream stands up before bowing his head towards the stallion trying to look away from the dead bodies, "Yes General Ichigin" SandStream says before the three stallions disappear in a bright red flash.

Ch 9-

Chapter 9

The morning sun creeps over the horizon, in a orange and red tint. Birds chirp and flutter as the wind blows rustling the trees of the EverFree forest. A bright flash of red from a teleport spell appears in a clearing on the outer edge of the EverFree forest. Ichigin, Kodama and SandStream appear from the flash bewildered. Ichign has a forhoof on each of their shoulders before putting them down to his sides, then to all fours.

SandStream shakes his head and looks around to get his bearings. The clearing has very little grass and is pretty bare, but the birds sing their songs in peace. He stands up onto his hooves letting the wind blow on his mane. He softly smiles at the soothing breeze before dropping it as he looks up towards his general. "Thank you general. It would have taken us some time to get out.." Before SandStream could finish Ichigin grabs him by the throat.

SandStream gags and gasps to breath as Ichigin looks sternly into his eyes. A vein in his head appears as he says in anger and annoyance, "Of all the things SandStream! I expected that insolent Gorilla Unit grunt to get captured but not one of my own! Do you have any idea how bad that makes me look!" Ichigin says before squeezing harder and raises SandStream up off the ground making SandStream groan and gag. His legs kick at the air from the lack of oxygen. His lungs feeling as though on fire, begging for air. Ichigin draws a dagger from his left side scaberd and puts it to SandStream's stomach angled towards his heart. The blade is seven inches in length and has a curved blade like an ocean wave. The hilt is silver and sparkles in the sun with an carving of pegasus wings on it.

"I should kill you right here and make a example out of you!" Ichigin growls as he presses the dagger's tip into SandStreams skin drawing blood. It runs down the blade and drips off the handle. Ichigin smirks looking up at SandStreams face, anger and fear within his eyes. Ichigin drops him onto the floor letting Sandstream gasp for air. Ichigin swipes his blade to get rid of the blood before trotting into the clearing. He then stops a cupile feet away and lowers his head. His horn begins to glow red as shimmering magic begins to flow. It sneaks across the ground, like a snake, before floating up to form a door frame. A blinding red light erupts from the middle of the door formation then dissipates showing a grey door with a wooden rooting frame.
Ichigin raises his head and opens the door looking back at SandStream and Kodama, "I think it will be more fun to watch you to get whats coming by King's hoof. Hell of a lot more painful then what i could do." Ichigin chuckles before trotting through the door. SandStream and Kodama look at each other before trotting through the open door.

The air turns stale and the grass under hoof turns into cobblestone as SandStream trots through the door. He rubs his eyes from the light of the door and hazily looks around. Walls of cobblestone layered with cages and lit torches surround him. Inside the cages are ponies of all traits in tattered clothing. Below them are unicorns by the hundreds, gathered in groups of ten or more, sitting by fires. Each having either a mug full of cider with the occasional slave pony trotting up to them. Other groups sit and cheer around tables over two ponies hoof wrestling each other or throw daggers at a dart board.

SandStreams spits in spite at the sight before trotting past the vulgar unicorns to a winding stair well that splits into two different routes layered with torches. The torches glimmer with brilent red and orange flames. The frame made of silver with a wooden handle. Kodama joins a group of ponies at one of the tables while Ichigin nudges SandStream up the right side stair well. Their hoof steps echoed through out as the sound of cheering and ruckus begins to fade. The torches snap and pop as they continue for what seems like hours before reaching the top where a large door with gold trim comes into view. Two guards with large pole arm axes stand on either side of the door. The guards wear black armor that covers their chest, flanks and shoulders. Silver groves coat the armors edges formng symbols of unicorn horns. They notice the two stallions approaching and nod their heads in greeting before opening the door letting SandStream and Ichigin to enter. SandStream looks around the open room as the doors behind him creeked closed. Spiral pillars stand against the lining walls holding the lifting glass ceiling. The moon sparkles through with beams of moonlight. Long red carpet streches toward a throne that has seven steps up. At the top a throne made from limestone with a unicorn carved on the back. The moonlight brightens the image of King sitting in the throne. His hoof rests on his chin as he leans against the left hoofrest letting his hindlegs lean against the other side. SandStream and Ichigin trot to the bottom of the thrones steps and bow their heads.

SandStream takes a gulp before King sighs and sits up straight," Tsk Tsk SandStream. How do you screw up such a easy assignment? All you had to do was escort Gridmire back to me and deliver the intel, but instead you get captured." King says as he looks down at the brown stallion. "Now what to do with you? Oh i know! Violet dear give me some ideas." King demands.

"It would be a pleasure your majesty!" Violet said in a high pitched voice almost at a squeal. Violet trots up to King with a spring in her step. The velvet mare whipped her purple mane to the left past her swirled horn. She looked down at SandStream with bright green eyes with a smirk across her face. "How about we chain him up and try some of our new "interrogation" techniques.I have been itching to use my new Smoke Whip."Violet says chuckling.

King smirks getting up off his chair and trotting down to SandStream. Leaning down Sandstreams face King looks into the stallion's eyes. His stare penetrates Sandstreams soul making him shudder like a icey wind blew over him.

"Keep acting this way and you won't be the only one being punished boy." King says maliciously before trotting back to his throne swishing his tail. "Get this trash out of my sight! Deal with him as you wish my dear" King commands giving a smirk to Violet, who lays her ears back and squeals before grabbing SandStream by the horn and dragging him to an adjacent room. SandStream lies still letting the mare drag him across the floor before looking up at King giving a menacing glare full of hate as the door shuts behind him.

King waits it to be silent before looking down at Ichigin, who remains bowing his head. King puts a hoof to his head before saying, " Ichigin you are to soft. May I remind you that I don't accept failure of any kind. Do you need to be reminded of what happens to failures!?" King exclaims as his horn lights up with a red aura.

Ichigin begins to shake as the air becomes heavy around him. The floor begins to crack underhoof of Ichigin before he is forced to lower his body down towards it. His body and muscles fight against the force but begin to fail as the weight becomes to much but before he is flattened to the floor the weight suddenly lifts allowing him to straighten himself once again. He shakes and pants with sweat dripping down his face before shakenly saying " Please forgive me your majesty! I promise you it won't happen again. I will make sure of it."

"Let's hope you do! Now get your troops ready. it's about time we make our move. " King says before giving off a chilling smile. " it's show time."

-----------------

Fang slowly opens his eyes to the soft beeping of hospital machines. He sits up taking his good hoof to rub his eyes before stretching out his hind legs and shoulders. He slowly climbs out of the hospital bed and squints in pain. Fang trots over to the window looking out but has to squint his eyes from the bright morning sun. He unlaches the window locks opening the window. He takes a deep breath as the warm breeze blows through his mane and coat. He smiles as he leans against the windows railing, watching the ponies down below go about their daily lives. He turns his head towards the castle in the distance and squints his eyes. His ears perk up as he sees
royal guards running toward the castle enterence with gernies. What is going on at the castle?
He wonders in curiousity. He watches for some time before the royal guards come out with, what looks like two bodies covered by white sheets. The sheets seem to be stained red towards the top with the silouetes of a pony underneath. Fang takes a step back bewildered before turning his head towards the bed. There was a murder? Looked like those two were killed by having their necks or throats slit. He thinks as he scraps his good forehoof across the floor, biting his lower lip. They're already making their move? Damn it! Why so soon? I need to find out more before Ponyville is over run with them.

"I see your awake? Are you feeling any better today Fang?" Nurse Redheart says as she enters the room. Fang shoots his head up and smiles at the white mare.

"Good morning nurse and yes i feel a lot better. I do have a little pain in my shoulder but its not anything to bad." Says Fang as he trots over to the mare. Fang notices the clipboard in her left forehoof and trots over to her with a slight limp. "Are those my charts?"

"Oh yes they are and they say that you are a very healthy young stallion, however, its a bit to early to be trotting around. Espeically with your ribs and forehoof hurt as it is. So please climb back into bed and relax." Nurse Redheart says as she places the clip board in the wooden holder on the front of the bed.

"I feel fine now nurse. I swear! Besides sitting in one place all day isn't my favorite thing to do you know. Plus i really need to get back to class and chorus practice." Fang insists as he trots back up to the nurse as she trots towards the door.

She turns her head and looks him over before giving a soft sigh and opens the door, "Fine, i will speak with the doctor and see what i can do about releasing you early. I can't promise anything though so stay in bed until i get back okay?" She says in a direct tone before smiling again and trotting out of the room.

Fang sighs but shrugs it off as he climbs back into the bed. He lays on his back, being carful of not to lay in a awkward position so not to irritate his wounds. He looks up at the ceiling with the blanket pulled to his neck. He looks over the ceiling tiles counting the amount of dots before turning his head back to the window. The vision of the covered ponies flashed back into his head making him squeeze the blanket with his forehooves.

"I can't beleave you are still laying in bed like some old stallion!" Chimes Scootaloo making Fang jump slightly in surprise. The orange mare giggles at him as she trots in, pulling up a chair up from the left side of the bed and sits down.

" You scared the crap out of me Scootaloo! I mean you could have knocked you crazy mare." He says in a joking tone before turning over to look at her. He smiles and holds out his hoof to her for a hoof bump.

Instead Scootaloo puts a Math text book to his hoof, "Yea but where is the fun in that? Besides we have a math test coming up and you promised to help me out with these equations." she says.

Fang looks at her with a confused look then chuckles sitting up, "I almost forgot about that. Math is such a pain to begin with. Oh don't get me wrong i really like you came to see me but why aren't you class today?"

Scootaloo looks at him then gives him a stern look flattening her ears, "I'm not in class because you're stupid ass promised me that you would help and i plan for you to make sure you do. Besides.." She pauses rubbing her hoof against the book nervously before continuing, "I figured you would want some company."

Fang smiled at the orange mare reaching out with his good hoof and placing it on Scootaloo's. "Thank you Scootaloo." He says softly before picking up the text book and flipping the pages to the first problem. "Alright lets get these problems knocked out!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight's castle, surrounded by royal guardsmen alike, was in confusion and chaos. Shining Armor ran up to the front door only to see two of his guards covered by white sheets stained in blood. He scrapped his hooves against the ground in anger as the two guards were picked up and placed onto gernes, before being pushed onto a white and red medical carage cart. Twilight came trotting down the stairs of, her ears down and wings against her flanks.

Shining Armor rushed over and hugged her, " Twilight I'm so glad you are okay! What happened?" he says with relief. Twilight hugged him back but sighed and motioned him to follow her. They both trotted in silence up the main flight of stairs toward the room where they held their captives. Shining Armor couldn't help but see her demeanor. Her shoulders were slumped and her wings were ruffled with feathers out of place. Before Shining Armor could say anything they turned the corner to see the murder scene.

The area was guarded by several guards while ponies in black and white uniforms were inspecting the area. The floor was stained and blackened by blood. The only reminder of the crystal were the two forms of the dead stallions, who were outlined in the two blood puddles.

Shining Armor could only stare in surprise at the gory scene. Twilight Sparkle nudged her brother with her shoulder saying in a soft tone, "the shift change found the two of them. Said that both the guards had been stabbed through the side of their necks." She stopped and looked at Shining Armor. "Judging by what they said, it's possible they died from drowning on their own blood. I will have to wait and see what the coroner says, but by how deep the wounds are that is the guess."

Shining Armor lowered his gaze but looked back up into his sister's eyes. He turned his head toward the scene where a unicorn pony was taking pictures with a camera. " Do you think it was the two we had brought in?" Said Shining Armor.

"I don' think so. We had both of them tied down to chairs and had magic suppresser rings on their horns. Unless they were expert escape artists, I think some pony else came and go them out." Says Twilight.

" I will have the guards on high alert but Twili you need to get the ponies who live here to leave. The hotel is practically done now and without knowing who it was you and them may not be safe." Says Shining Armor.

Twilight nods her head in understanding before turning her head to see a white coated earth pony guard running up to them. He stops and salutes Shining Armor before saying, " Sir I was told to inform you that Solarflare has just arrived."

"Solarflare? Why is the manehatten division chief doing here in ponyville?" Says Shining Armor in confusion.

" I'm not sure sir. Maybe it's something to do with his son? Actually now that think about it his son was in a school fight recently. Was rough enough to put him in the hospital." Says the guard while standing at attention.
Shining Armor nods and sighs rubbing his head, " I really don't need that stallion's drama right now. Alright what hospital is his son staying at?"

"The Red Harp sir!" Says the guard.

Shining Armor rubs his head with his right forehoof before trotting past the guard, " Alright I will handle it. Twilight you gonna be okay?" He says looking back at his sister with worried eyes. Twilight only nods and goes down the opposite hallway toward the rooms.

Shining Armor watched his sister for what felt like forever but turned his head and continued down the halll. The guard was quick on his heels trotting in pace with him.

They walked in silence throughout the crystal castle. Snaps of photos and clopping of hooves echo throughout as they come to the main doorway. Shining Armor stops when noticing a group of ponies out side. Their clothing had the insignia for multiple news out lets. One mare was trying to get a guard to speak while another unicorn stallion was levitating a boom microphone above their heads and filming with a camera.

Shining Armor sighed frustrated and walked up to the guard and reporter who turned her head when seeing him. She ran up to him and asked, " Shining Armor can you tell us what happened in the castle? Are the citizens of Ponyville in any kind of danger?"

Shining Armor looked at the reporter but just retorted, " right now all I know is that two good stallions of the royal guard were killed. They had families and friends that loved them very much. Right now the Royal guard will have guards in the streets and patrols at night. There is no reason to panic we will find who did this." Shining Armor pushes by them saying, " that's all I have to say."

If I remember right the Red Harp is on the west side of the village. Shining Armor ran through his mind as he began to trot towards that direction.
~~~~~~~

"So when you take two over the square root of twelve you get this." Says Fang as he writes down his answer onto a peice of note book paper.

Scootaloo rubs her head with her pencil confused and finally just sighs and flips her head down on the side of the hospital bed, "I'm never going to get this!" She groans.

Fang chuckles nudging Scootaloo with his fore hoof, " it just takes practice. You will get it eventually."

"I don't know. You and Applebloom can do this like its second nature. Personally I rather go scootering. Oh and another thing, when am I ever going to use this stuff? I mean really." Scootaloo whines. Fang smiles at her laying back in the bed. His blue mane spreading out as it presses against the pillow.

He turns his head to look at the orange mare," well you might use it to set up some of your ramps for your stunts? You would have to know angles and how fast you would have to go" Fang suggested only to get Scootaloo to shake her head with a soft smile. He smiles back then stretches out before sitting back up.

A flash of golden armor catches his eye through the room window. Fang squints his eyes to see through the shimmering glass and makes out the shape of three royal guardsmen. Their armor was differently shaped with sleek metal wrapped around their shoulders and haunches with a glintering silver trim. The marks on the armor seemed like a police badge more then any military ensignia. The third guard trots by slowly looking around at his surroundings taking it all in. His mane a bright yellow with a red streak going down the center while his coat was darker red. His armor looked similar to the other guards but gold with raised shoulder armor as if spiked.

He must be the commander, Fang thought as they trotted out of view to the further rooms.

Scootaloo tilted her head and watched the guards then looked back at Fang, “ you are always weird around royal guardsmen. Whats up with that? It’s not like they took your puppy or anything”

Fang lays back against the pillow and turns to face Scootaloo, laying on his side. His eyes drift down to the floor as his hoof grips to the blanket, “ I-it’s a long story but I just don’t believe in their methods of dealing with problems.” Fang says nervously. Scootaloo tilts her head then taps his head with her math book making him raise his gaze to meet her’s. “It’s alright Scootaloo. My parents and I had traveled for so long that I have seen how the Royal Guard works. Some times it’s just hard to accept.”

“Well they must have their reasons. Maybe sometimes they just have to do things differently especially if somepony is in trouble.” Says Scootaloo.

Fang shrugs sitting up to the commotion outside the room. Hooves trotting down the hall with a nurse speaking rather loudly. Fang climbs out of bed and walks to the door pushing it open, “ what in the world is going on?” Says Fang as he looks down the hallway. He notices the guards from earlier further down the hall as the three guards push past a nurse into a room. Fang squints his eyes and notices the high ranked guard walk into the room while the other two stand outside on either side of the door.
~~~~~~

Flare sits up in his bed looking around his bland white room. A television on the right side wall playing what seems to be a talk show. Flare really didn't care what it played he was more focused on other things. How he ended up here in the first place and why he did what he did in the first place. He grips a hold of his blanket tightly in frustration as Fang flashes into his mind. That damn bastard! His attention is caught by a nurse protesting outside of his door. He leans forward towards he door to get a look over hearing the conversation, "You can't go in there! Sir didn't you hear me?"

Before he could hear anymore the door opens and a stallion trots in with guards armor on. Golden trimmed silver armor with spikes on the shoulders that forms a police badge at the crest of his chest. The stallions coat is dark red with black hair with a orange stripe going through the middle while his spiraling horn splits his mane on his brow. His orange eyes lay on Flare patient and calm as he trots to the foot of the hospital bed pulling up a chair with the red glow of his horn.

The stallion sits down and sighs, "Well you got the shit beaten out of you havn't you son?" says the stallion. Flare just snorts and leans back against his pillows. "No matter what I teach you or do for you, you always end up disappointing me. I trained you to fight and use your magic to its full potential and you go around and use it just to get your ass handed to you by some earth pony? You must be some kind of weakling son, but don't worry I will be cleaning up your mess" The stallion stands up as the door opens as a cream colored pegasus pony walks into the room. Her mane is in a white and purple swirl draping over her shoulders. Her eyes were a sharp purple as she scowls at the stallion guard in annoyance.

"SolareFlare you know you aren't suppose to be here! Flare has been through enough already he doesn't need his ass of a father making everything worse." she snaps at SolarFlare.

He trots up to her and chuckles, " I'm the boys father and no pony will keep my boy from me." SolarFlare leans his head down so he is muzzle to muzzle with the mare "Not even you. Now I'm going to fix this mess our son has made and you are going to stay out my way." He leans his up and trots out of the room. Before walking out he turns to Flare, "I am going to be here for some time Flare. Feel free to get some more lessons, by the look of it you need them more then ever." He shuts the door and waves to the two other guards trotting back down the hallway.

The mare watches him go then lowers her ears as she walks up to Flares bed side. She pulls up another chair sitting down on the left side of the bed setting a small white saddle bag down in her lap. Flare looks over to her and lowers his ears letting his eyes soften as they meet hers. "How are you feeling honey?" She says in a soft voice. Flare relaxes his muscles and the tension in his shoulders. His mothers voice always soothed him even in the most troubling times. The day his mother left his father and all he did was cry his mother was hold him in her hooves. She would talk to him and tell him everything was okay. Back then it was hard on the both of us but we had each other and that's all I needed at least that's what I always thought.

She tilted her head looking at him, but she would giggle some and reach into her saddlebag and pull out a note book and pen. She set it down in Flares lap, "Sorry I suppose it would help if I give you that wouldn't it."

Even through his bandages Flare couldn't help but smile as he levitated the pen with his magic writing out his response. He turns the note pad towards his mother as it reads I'm doing good considering.

She smiles softly, "Well with everything that happened in the past couple days that's good." she says. The two ponies sit in silence for a moment before she speaks again, a little more concerned, "Flare I know it's been hard ever since your father left but please know you can talk to me." She lays a hoof on Flare's . Flare lays his ears back and looks to the side away from his mother's gaze. She rubs his hoof whipping her face with her free hoof before standing up and walking toward the door opening it. "I'm going to be out for a bit Flare but I will be back later today to check on you. I love you son." She says softly before walking out into the hallway. Flare watched her go before laying back looking at the ceiling gripping the blanket in frustration. If the humiliation wasn't enough now his dead beat father is getting involved and now to make it worse his mother is worrying about him. Flare manages a muffled chuckle before turning over to watch the television.
~~~~~~~~~~~

The sliding doors of the hospital squeak open as Shining Armor walks through. Doctor and nurse ponies a plenty walked around the main hall greeting patients or helping those to their rooms. Two ponies stationed behind the main desk were typing information into their computers as Shining Armor walks up to them

"Hello, have you seen any other Royal Guards pass through here recently?" Asks Shining Armor as he looks down the hallways to his left and right.

The receptionist nods and points a hoof down the left hallway saying, "Yea I saw three of them walk down this hallway earlier. Said that one of their sons were involved in that school fight that happened yesterday."

Shining Armor nodded his thanks as he began trotting down the hall. The hallway was pretty clear of ponies but the rooms were filled with noises from coughing to the occasional sneeze or moan. He couldn't help but notice a open room to where a filly laid in bed with his parents on either side of the bed. The filly was smiling in joy when his father handed a unicorn doll to him. His face red from what looks like a fever but a huge smile escaping his lips. Shining Armor smiled at the sight before turning his head to notice the gold glint of armor. It was SolarFlare walking into a room leaving his two guards outside standing by the door. As he trots up to the two guards they turn their heads noticing him and stand in his path.

Shining Armor stops in front of them not hindering, "Get out of my way! I have business to do in that room!"

The guards shake their heads, "Sorry buddy but your not going any further then this."

"Do you know who you are talking to? You are speaking to a Captain you grunts! Now get out of my way or so help me Celestia I will have both your asses court martialed so fast your head will spin!" Shining Armor snaps in annoyance. The guards jump in surprise but imminently move out of the way saluting. "That is what I thought! Now both of you are dismissed! Go to Twilight Sparkle's castle and stay there till further orders! Do you under stand me?"

"Yes sir! We understand sir!" The guards say in unison before running down the hall way towards the exit of the hospital.

Shining Armor pushes the room door open and is shocked by what he sees. Solarflare using his magic to hold down Fang on his stomach putting magic cuffs on him, " Your under arrest for assault and attempted murder!"

"What are you talking about! Flare was the one who started the fight all I did was defend myself!" Yelled who Fang who struggled beneath SolarFlare's magical grip.

"Exactly you can't do this to him!" Scootaloo exclaims.

SolarFlare snorts in annoyance and keeping Fang under his magic walks over to Scootaloo, "What is with mares and getting in my way? I'm just doing my job now just shut your damn mouth!" SolarFlare snaps at Scootaloo.

"SolarFlare that is enough!" Shining Armor exclaims pushing between him and Scootaloo getting nose to nose with the red unicorn. " You will stand down you hear me! Stand down now!"

SolarFlare tenses his shoulders and legs before replying holding back his rage, " This doesn't concern you Shining Armor."

"Like hell it doesn't involved me SolarFlare! You can not just go around arresting ponies that you don't like! You are out of line and will stand down or you will be the one that faces jail time." Says Shining Armor sternly. The two guard ponies keep eye contact for a moment before SolarFlare releases his magic letting Fang stand up.

Fang sits up coughing holding one hoof around his chest as Scootaloo runs over to him helping to his hooves. Fang looks up at her then back to the guards backing up to the bed.

Shining Armor sternly continues, "Now you will report to Twilight's castle and stay there until I come to you. I swear to Celestia if you are not there when I arrive I will tear your rank away myself and make you wash floors for the rest of your life do I make myself clear SolarFlare?" Shining Armor waits for a response but when no answer comes he shouts, "Do I make myself clear solider!"

Solarflare breaths heavy but responds, "Yes sir." He backs up and salutes before looking back at Fang and Scootaloo. He walks out the door slamming it shut shaking the frame before his hooves are heard trotting away. Shining Armor watches him go before taking a breath to calm himself down before trotting up to Fang, "You two okay? He didn't hurt either of you did he?" Shining Armor says before having his horn glow blue around the magic cuffs snapping the lock letting them fall to the floor with a loud thud.

Fang rubs his forelegs to relieve the tension from the cuffs before saying, "No we're fine, but I don't really understand what just happened. I mean he just stormed into the room and forced me to the ground. Said that I was going to pay for what I did."

Shining Armor sighs, "I'm glad that you two are okay and I do apologize for SolarFlare. He can be forceful over what his version of justice can be." he says.

"Either way he shouldn't have done that to Fang!" snaps Scootaloo. Her wings fluffed out in annoyance as she trots over to Fang's side.

"I agree Scootaloo and trust me he will be punished for his actions, I will make sure of that." Shining Armor says as he trots over to the door opening it. He turns his head to look at Fang and Scootaloo. The two ponies look at him but then towards each other. Scootaloo's wings fold back down to her sides as her feathers begin to set back in place as the tension begins to fade. Shining Armor walks out of the room and shuts the door letting it click before trotting down the main hallway to the exit. That stallion seems to be everywhere I go lately. First when I got to the castle to the day with the cloaked Unicorn Triade pony and now with this fight at school. Shining Armor thought as he walked through the automated doors of the hospital in the direction of the castle. Well anyway I need to focus on what happened at the castle as well what to do with SolarFlare. After that I will see what I can do about a investigation about the history of the ponies that have been staying in the castle. Starting with that stallion. He gives off a interesting aura. Shining Armor thinks before lifting his head up to see the crystal castle building in the distance.
~~~~~~~

Drips of water echo throughout the stone room of Sandstream's holding cell. The dark moist room wreaks of blood and sweat as Sandstream hangs by his fore hooves. Two rusty chains hold him in place slightly swinging him in the middle of the room. Many whip gashes layer his chest and back while blood drips down his legs and off his hooves into a small puddle of blood. Sandstream lifts his head and coughs spitting some blood from his mouth trying to ignore the bruises to his face before the wood door opens to blinding light. Sandstream squints his eyes from the bright light letting them adjust to see the silhouette of a unicorn pony. The silhouette trots up to him putting a hoof to his cheek. His gaze finally becomes adjusted to the sudden light to recognize Violet in front of him. The unicorn mare looks up at him moving his face to the left then the right before letting it go taking a large inhale of her pipe. The pipes purple with black roses engraved on the sides with golden trimming around the edges. Waiting a moment to take in the smoke's effect she exhales blowing it into Sandstream's face making him gag on the smoke coughing. The smoke fills the room making it smell like tobacco over masking the blood and mold.

Violet smiles up at him, "How was your little nap Sandstream? I bet after the beating I gave you it wasn't to great but I wont lie i held back just alittle. Only to make this last a while of course. Didn't want to spoil you on the first day. No, no that would have be very bad." She says soft and menacing. She trots around Sandstream taking another hit of her pipe filling her lungs with smoke holding it in for a moment before blowing it out throughout the room making it more like a light fog. Sandstream's eyes starting to sting and watered from the smug she created before abruptly falling to the ground hitting his muzzle on the wet and bloody floor. The chains rattle as they collapsed to the floor letting his forehooves relax from the tension. "However, King wishes to speak with you so sadly our fun is over. Try to screw up again will you? Your the first stallion that hasn't broke on the first night of fun." Violet says before giggling. She trots out of the room leaving the panting stallion on the floor covered in his own blood.

Sandstream pants from the sudden release of tension, his forehooves screaming in pain from the rush of blood. The feel of needles seem to turn into fire making Sandstream wince, grinding his teeth. After some time his fore limbs begin to subdue the pain making them sore but not unbearable. He then tries to stand while his muscles scream to stop but he couldn't leave King waiting or else he might as well hang himself back up and let Violet torture him some more. Besides he as his own duty to do and he wont let her down. Come on! Get up! You can't quit now you just can't! SandStream encouraged himself conjuring the strength to stand and shakily walk out the door. He squints his eyes making out muiltple doors throughout the hallway. Many of them rusty and chipping with droplets of water running down the edges with the occasional groan from inside. Sandstream limps past door after the other before coming to a stair well lit by torches that leads to the main floor where most of the Triade ponies sit in groups. Most watch the slave mares dancing or serving their needs but others fight or drink the day away. Sandstream looks away from the scene and walks toward another set of stairs leading to King's throne room but stops when a pair of hooves trots up to him. He turns his head to see a green stallion looking down at him chuckling. The stallions mane and coat look as though he hasn't groomed in days and smelled strictly of booze.

" Well well if it isn't Sandstream. The pony that got caught with his ass in his hoof." The stallion mocks chuckling as he steps in Sandstream's path. " You know if it were me you would be put down like a dog. Screw the torture if you are just going to fail again and again. I mean whats the point if all you are going to is get caught." Sandstream blinks not fazed by his insults but notices that two other stallions have gotton behind him. he tenses his wore shoulders.

Sandstream looks back up at the stallion before him saying, "Get out of my way. King needs to speak with me."

"Pfft like hell, why would King waste his time with a disgrace like you? If you ask me he should start giving me some jobs." He chuckles then leans down into Sandstream's face, "Maybe I should ask if i can guard your little horse friend."
Sandstream's heart suddenly spikes in anger making it pulse faster, "Oh i would take real good care of her. I always wanted to see how good they are to their stallions." He chuckles before sitting up laughing.

Sandstream stays staring at the stallion as his ears begin to ring in rage. The magic building up in his body begins to ignite his horn only wanting one thing, to crush the stallion before him. The stallion keeps laughing but takes a breath and begins coughing. "What the hell?" He says as he notices the air around him is filled with grains of sand. Looking down at Sandstream makes him catch his breath as sand crawls from the floor underneath Sandstream's hooves. The brick floor starts disappearing as its broken down into sand incasing Sandstream's legs. The stallion starts to back up slowly shaking in fear, "W-whoa calm down man i was only joking i swear." He shakenly says but his plea falls on deaf ears.

Sandstream, now with sand covering his entire foreleg stands up and swings his right fore hoof saying, "Sand magic: Spear!" The sand forms around his leg turning into a large spear head. The size of his leg but wider with bits of sand falling from its tip. Yellow magic runs throughout the frame making it shine as he walks toward the stallion, who continues to shake. Sandstream looks at the stallion with anger in his eyes making them sharp before lunging forward with lightning speed, shoving the spear into the stallions chest yelling, "Now die!"

The stallion shouts in pain from the attack holding onto Sandstream's hoof as blood begins to sink into the sand. The stallion gasps spitting up blood before taking his last breath and collapsing to the floor. The sand easily detaches from Sandstream's arm landing with a thud with the lifeless body. He turns around looking back at the other two stallions with blood over his face. The hate still in his eyes makes the other two stallions run for their lives towards the crowds of other stallions, who now are looking at him. He stares into the crowd of killer ponies before getting on all fours again and trotting up the stairs. He walks silently up the stairs letting the anger escape his system I swear that when this is all over i will kill every one of these bastards. That i swear!

Author's Notes:

Alrighty thats it for this chapter. I hope you are enjoying the story and any feed back would be most welcomed ^_^ see you in the next one.

~Mysticbrony