> Essence of the Night Stalker
>  by Merc Scar
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 - Bargain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Micheal was looking over the contents of a pantry with a key-chain light, hoping to find a midnight snack. Nothing too big as he was soon going to be running a fair distance.

This will do nicely, he thought as he snatched up a chocolate muffin. Now I wonder if there's anything good to drink.

Looking deeper on the base shelf he spotted a familiar brown bottle, pulling it out his suspicions confirmed.

Old Bradley's spiced rum, wouldn't have thought that old bastard like this stuff, ah well my gain, Micheal thought.

Micheal closed the pantry doors and began making his way to the back door of the house with his prizes, until he noticed a small glimmer in the darkness of the house. Raising his light he saw a small figurine of what he guessed would have been a gryphon, the body was made from what he guess was obsidian, with garnet eyes, a silver choker and tail tipped with a blade.

Odd, never seen that before, and I break in here at least once a month, Micheal thought.

Putting the rum and muffin down he walked over to the figurine,the eyes seemed to glow as if with life, he felt some compulsion to touch the figure. Micheal could have sworn he saw the tail twitch as his hand neared the forehead.

Cold pain lanced up his arm when he made contact, recoiling back he grabbed his now numb hand. Micheal looked back to the figure when he heard a noise like glass scrapping glass, only to find it had changed from it's original sitting position to one suggesting it was about to pounce.

The shock of seeing the figure having changed caused Micheal to trip over himself, falling over only to slam his left elbow into a low coffee table, groaning from the new pain he looked back at the figure, to his horror was missing.

Around him he could hear the same cracking noise, it was like shattered glass crunching underfoot. Wildly he began looking around, trying to find the object of his new found fear, until he finally cause sight of it.

Micheal's light rested on the figure, barely a meter away from him, frozen in what he assumed was running.

For a long while he just stared at the figure, until his eyes could no longer take the burning sensation and blinked, in that split second the figure had risen up and if leaping at him.

Letting out a not too manly scream Micheal spun around and made a bee-line for the door, throwing whatever was in arms reach behind him to stop whatever that thing was.

When Micheal reached the door he furiously tried to open it, to no avail. The next thing he knew was a sudden weight slamming into his back, causing him to slam face first into the hard wood and collapse to the ground.

Rolling himself over his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim moon light that was streaming in through gaps in the blinds. He watched half consciously as the figure animatedly prowled over to his slumped body, eyes glowing like hot coals.

Micheal was struggling to maintain consciousness, to still escape, yet it was for naught and deep down he knew it. The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was the figure leaping at him.

_____

Micheal groaned, his whole body ached to the bone like he had been sleeping on cold stone. His eyes flickered open to be greeted with a view of a star lit sky through a broken roof.

Micheal pushed himself into a sitting position, rolled his shoulders and looked around; he found himself indeed sitting on a stone floor, the room itself was acceptably lit from the starlight, various pieces of broken furniture lay about the room too such as a dresser and what he could only assume was once a bed.

As he was looking around a familiar cracking sound resounded from outside a pair of doors that looked to be barely hanging on their hinges. Panicking Micheal grabbed a rotten hunk of wood brandishing it like a club.

The crack and clatter outside stopped for a moment, wondering what was going on he took one step towards the doors. The moment his foot left the ground a loud eerie creak filled the air as the doors slowly moved towards him until they crashed onto the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust and sending Micheal into a coughing fit.

When the dust cleared he was met with a sight he dreaded, the same figurine that had attacked him in the house he had been robbing.

What in the holy sweet fucking Jesus is going on, Micheal thought as he raised his improvised club towards the figure.

The figure regarded him for a moment cocking its head to the side as if contemplating something. After a few tense moments it turned around and strode away flicking its tail.

Micheal released his breath. “Thank god that things gone.”

Taking another look around the room, hoping to find an alternative exit rather wanting to avoid going near the very animate figurine. After a few minutes he established that the only way out would be through the main door.

Micheal jumped back into the room when he saw the figurine out in the hallway and braced himself in case it came back towards him, after a moment of silence he peeked back out into the hallway to find it sitting at the end patently, tail twitching every so often.

Looking the other way Micheal saw only a dead end, sighing he knew he would have to take his chances getting past the figurine.

Slowly Micheal advanced towards the figurine, step by painfully slow step, club raised and ready to fight.The figurine on the other hand just sat there waiting, uncaring to his approach until he was only a few meters away.

The figurine slowly rose and began to slowly walk away, maintaining the same distance perfectly between Micheal. Following the figurine Micheal peered into several rooms he passed by, all looking similar to the one he had woken up in, further down he saw the figurine was leading him to a stairwell.

Ok what the fuck, I get attacked by this thing and wake up in some sort of castle or dungeon? This makes no sense, I must be dreaming or something, gotten myself drunk probably, Micheal contemplated.

The figurine began to climb the stairs as he reached them, the wood they were made from appeared worn by time and barely stable. Gingerly Micheal placed his foot onto the first step, testing its strength, then the next.

The stairs gave out creaks of complaint as he climbed them, but otherwise to his surprise managed to hold. Around and around he spiraled up in whatever decrepit place he was in.

Once at the top the figurine strode off and turned into another set of hallways, guessing that it was leading him out, or at least somewhere important Micheal decided to follow it; however he was still wary of it.

As he slowly made his way down the hall after the figurine, Micheal began hearing a dull tune, slow and mournful. The closer he came to the end of the hall he saw a large engraved door, dull gold forming a sun and rays on one half and tainted silver forming a moon and stars on the other.

The tune became louder as he approached, tempo rising. The figurine entered through the partly open doors and Micheal followed, pushing the doors open releasing a loud ear splitting creak causing him to flinch.

The music continued to play and Micheal looked around the room. It appeared to at one point have been a grand hall, with two levels of seats looking onto a stage; half of the upper level had collapsed down into piles of rubble and most of the seats being wooden were rotten and broken with age. Tattered banners depicting either a sun or moon hung from a broken roof, holes revealing the night sky.

Down on stage Micheal saw the source of the music, a cloaked being was sitting in-front of a massive organ, one whose pipes covered  the entire wall of the stage and rose far up. As he approached the being stopped its activity and rose to face him, it wore a tarnished bronze breastplate over a black robe, baleful red eyes glowed from the hood. A pair of satchels, dagger and several vials hung from various straps that wove around the armored plates; in one hand the being held a twin-bladed glaive; a part ran down the center where sat a softly glowing sickly green crystal.

“Ahh, so you're the little thief I was told of,” The figure spoke slowly. “Tell me, would you be interested in making deal?”

“First off, who are you?” Micheal demanded. “Secondly, where the hell am I?”

“Hmm, a feisty one, I'm sure you'd make a fine specimen with the right coaxing,” the being hummed.

“If you really must know, my name is Azmuun'thul. I make contracts with suitable creatures like yourself, have you develop powers, learn new skills; master the physical or mental, magical or mundane, become great,” the being spoke hypnotically. “As for where we are, currently we are just residing in a pocket realm, a bridging of our two minds.

“Okay, so pretty much I'm dreaming right now, that some strange dude is trying to sell super powers, I think I've dreamed weirder stuff,” Micheal said.

“Oh I assure you this is quite real,” the Azmuun'thul replied.

“Alright, prove it then,” Micheal challenged.

Azmuun suddenly pulled his staff back, green energy crackled up the blades; thrusting forward the staff loosed a bolt of crackling green fire straight at Micheal. Panicking he immediately dropped to the ground.

The sound of a small explosion behind him let Micheal know he was alright...or at least mostly, a warm feeling on his head as well as the smell of singed hair hit his nose. Looking up a small green mist trail was dissipating over head, behind him a small fire flickered on a destroyed piece of furniture.

“You almost took my bloody head off!” Micheal shouted back at Azmuun'thul, who shrugged back at him.

“I take that is real enough for you?” Azmuun'thul asked.

Micheal looked back to the torched wood then back. “Real enough. But what's the catch though, I'm sure you wouldn't have me out doing something stupid like picking flowers after that little speech of yours?”

“You've more sense than some of the others I've encountered of your species,” Azmuun'thul chuckled. “No, you're going to have a more interesting task, you will become a hunter straight from the nightmares of the weak.”

“First though I must offer you this contract,” Azmuun'thul said, pulling a scroll from his satchel and offering it to Micheal.

Micheal took the scroll and unrolled it.

Contract of service

I here by declare a subject to Azmuun'thul for a fixed period of time or until the task assigned is complete.

I am offered freedom to act as I see fit in order to complete any tasks given, I may be given free time between or during tasks to experiment with powers given to me.

However, should I fail tasks often and / or repeatedly, I grant Azmuun'thul the right to control me to succeed where I fail, until such a time where he believes I am once again capable to operate unguided – with limitations on freedom to act if required.

Should failure occur too often, or if the experiment / mission reach such a point to no longer be viable to continue for a worthy outcome, my service may be terminated.

Signed

Mira Shadowfeather
Kro'Gor
Kazzra
Thromgar Ironbeard
Lupin Stoneclaw
Angela Smith
Alzagor
Harrom Brightpaw
Moggthar
Alexei Sharov
Obsidian

Micheal read the parchment several times over. When he had heard the word contract, he'd expected something long and full of demands that would be near unachievable, this however was short and simple; follow the instructions given, don't fail and you'll be good.

“What's the catch? This seems too easy,” Micheal asked, looking up from the scroll.

Azmuun'thul pulled his hood away revealing his face, and not one of a human but a rat, smiling with cruel glee.

“What's written may be simple, but once you get out there, things get much more complicated,” Azmuun'thul replied. “The names that are crossed out failed for one reason or another.”

“And what do you want me to do exactly? Give me some detail here,” Micheal asked.

“As I've said, I want to give you the powers of one of the greatest hunters I've come across so far,” Azmuun'thul explained, stopping he pulled a vial containing a faintly glowing orange liquid from his second satchel. “This vials contains the pure essence of this creature, it will transform you into one of them. The unique trait about them is they all can absorb the specific powers of the races they were made to hunt, they also have this affinity with the shadows and night.”

“Well what's going to happen to all...well all this,” Micheal said gesturing up and down himself.

“Don't worry, you'll be able to revert to your normal form in time, however that will come later,” Azmuun'thul replied. “Should things play out smoothly, firstly you will be a hunter; developing and enhancing your powers and skills. Followed by infiltration, then lastly assassination. If you successfully complete this to the end, I will allow you to keep what you gain.”

Micheal was silent for a few minutes. The offer did intrigue him, and the potential for this unique power, he'd be mad to give this opportunity a miss. He did however have some reservations about the part where he'd have to be killing, sure he'd accepted that death was a natural part of life, but he'd avoided causing unnecessary death or harm during his burglaries.

Azmuun'thul's eyes narrowed and smile faded as time wore on.

Micheal released a deep sigh and looked up.

“Alright, screw it. I'll sign,” Micheal said.

Azmuun'thul smile returned large and toothy.

“Excellent, I knew I had a good feeling about you,” He said.

Opening a satchel again he pulled out a small black ink well and set it down on one of the only remaining tables in the room, he then drew his dagger and ran it along his palm pouring blood into the ink well.

Azmuun'thul gestured for Micheal to come to him.

Slowly Micheal walked over, placing the scroll on the table.

“Your hand please,” Azmuun'thul asked.

Slowly Micheal presented his left hand, Azmuun'thul grabbed his wrist holding him steady and quickly drew the blade over his palm.

Micheal instantly balled his fist, the searing pain across his hand as the cold steel left a long gash across his hand, blood trickling through dropping to the ground. Azmuun'thul simply sheathed his dagger and began collecting the blood that was oozing from Micheal's hand to the floor.

After a few seconds he withdrew the ink well placing it by the scroll. Now instead he grabbed Micheal's cut hand with his own, slowly a faint glow began to shine through followed by a warm sensation flowing up his arm. When Azmuun'thul retracted his hand, Micheal saw that both their wounds were gone.

“Uh, not to be that guy, but we don't have a pen or anything,” Micheal stated when he looked back at the table.

Azmuun'thul hummed in response. Reaching behind his neck he made a plucking gesture, bringing his hand back around he was now holding a quill and dipped it into the ink well.

“Last chance to back out, you know, just in case,” Azmuun'thul said innocently.

Micheal looked the scroll over one more time, then signed his name below the last signature. The mixed blood began to glow brightly after a few seconds, when it faded his name was now charred on, like the rest.

Azmuun'thul put a cap on the ink well and put it back in his satchel, then presented Micheal with the vial he originally showed him.

“Time to drink up,” he stated.

Micheal took the vial and removed the plug, tipping his head back he poured the tar-like concoction down his throat.

“I should probably come clean on this, but we're already in the world I was sending you too, I simply told you that this was a bridged realm to garner your co-operation,” Azmuun'thul said as Micheal swallowed.

“Well I don't see how it makes much of a difference now anyways,” Micheal replied.

Moments went by yet nothing changed, Micheal felt the same as he did before.

“I think your little potion there didn't wo-” Micheal was cut off by an intense stomach pain.

Soon an icy pain spread over his body, the feeling of bones snapping and reshaping themselves, fingers became talons, hair fell out soon replaced by rapidly growing feathers. Micheal's clothing tore apart with his changing body.

Next he felt a sharp pain in his neck and instantly felt drowsy. Pulling at the offending thing he saw it was a quill same as Azmuun'thul's, soon his vision began to blur.

“Just to ease the change,” Azmuun'thul's voice came through mumbled and distorted. “When you wake up, your first mission is to simply hunt and develop while avoiding being captured and imprisoned.”

Unable to focus any longer, Micheal passed out.
> Chapter 2 - Awakening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slowly feeling returned to Micheal, and it wasn't a pleasant kind either. His head was throbbing like the deep base of a drum, his body ached like he'd been dipped in arctic waters.

“Ughh, what the hell did I hit my head on,” Micheal groaned, rubbing his hands on his aching temples.

Except, those didn't feel like hands, the skin felt rough, the fingers longer and tipped by sharp points

Vision focusing once more, Micheal looked at his hand, or rather paw. Both paws were missing a finger from his normal hand, covered in smooth leathery obsidian skin to the elbow and in place of normal nails were long black talons.

Looking up the rest of his arms and down his body, he was indeed something else, covered head to tail in charcoal feathers.

“Wait...tail,” Micheal mumbled, his eyes followed a long tail as it swished and twitched in agitation, the silver blade capping it sparking as it struck the stone floor.

Micheal released a scream, none too manly either. Then he finally noticed the obsidian blob that was constantly in his sight, patting the spot he realised it was hard and bone like, shaped much like a beak, again he screamed.

Jumping up, he tried to stand on two legs, but promptly lost balance and fell to the side winding him.

“Okay, deep breaths, calm down, calm down,” Micheal muttered to himself, trying to steady his racing heart.

I can't believe this is actually happening, this has to be some dream...I must have fallen over something and knocked myself out something terrible...yeah I'll wake up, Micheal thought to himself, sitting back down.

…

“Well this isn't working...perhaps I have to do something before I wake up,” Micheal muttered.

Sighing he rose and and made for the door he'd been led through before, and promptly fell over again.

Micheal growled at the pain and released a furious shout. “HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO DO ANYTHING!”

A loud clang was coming behind his prone form, his tail thrashing around slamming onto the stone, sending sparks into the air.

“And how am I going to control you,” Micheal growled at his tail, watching it strike around wildly, yet at the same time it was oddly calming.

Soon he felt calmer, his frustrations easing as he began testing his body. Micheal imagined as if crawling around on all fours, and so far it was working seeing how he'd made it to the doors without another tumble. His tail on the other hand was different, he thought of it like an arm, except one that was as long as he was stretched out and had far more freedom of movement.

Micheal brought his tail around and gripped the end inspecting the blade attached. The silvery blade wasn't scratched or blemished,  the blade's edge was still keen and undamaged, strange he thought considering how hard it had been hit against the stone floor. More interestingly, the blade appeared to be attached to the tail, melded naturally in.

“Honest to god I dream of the weirdest shit sometimes,” Micheal sighed.

Micheal began to open the doors, as he did his ears perked up as he heard voices in the hallway outside.

“I'm telling you, I heard someone screaming down here somewhere,” a feminine voice said with concern.

“And I'm telling you that no pony would be crazy enough to come this far into the Everfree, least of all this place,” a male voice grunted. “the captain's going to have us on sanitary duty if he knew we'd detoured from our duty,”

“Relax Dusk, if you're right, then we'll be the only ponies here for miles around, so there'll be nothing to worry about,” the feminine voice replied.

“I worry for you sometimes,” Dusk sighed.

“Aww, big ol' Dusk showing feelings,” the female cooed.

“Shut it Azura, I'm not afraid of ponies lurking around here, I'm afraid of the beasts that do,” Dusk growled.

“Well even most of the creatures avoid this place, so we'll be fine,” Azura said, mirth still evident in her voice.

Dusk sighed.

The voices were drawing closer every second, Micheal quickly looked around for a place to hide, but the only cover was some broken benches and tables.

Quickly he stumbled more so than ran to hide behind a pile of debris in a shadowy corner of the room and pushed himself as low as he could, he grabbed his tail to stop the blade from causing noise from its paranoid twitching.

Micheal heard the door creak open with protest, peering ever so slightly from his cover he saw two small horses clad in dark purple armor with varying shades of darker purples and blues, an icy blue eye sat at the center of the chest plate, the helmets had a fin running down them, shaped much like a bats wing.

“Wait...are those actual bat wings on their sides?” Micheal muttered.

“What was that!?” Dusk said in alarm, quickly looking around.

Micheal ducked back into cover. As he did a spike of pain ran up his side as he struck a broken table leg, he tried to contain himself but a muffled squawk escaped him.

“Over there,” Azura spoke silently.

Micheal heard the approaching steps of metal on stone, he pushed himself as deep into the shadows as he could.

An armored head came into view and looked down at him, eyes widened.

“Horse apples,” Dusk cursed.

Micheal released an ear piercing screech as he leapt at the bat-horse, both were sent tumbling out into the center of the room. Micheal began to furiously attack the pinned horse beneath him with his claws; suddenly over come with a bloodlust, yet the armor shielded it from most of his strikes; sending sparks into the air.

As sudden his attack was he was sent barreling off from a harsh buck to the side that left him winded. Looking up he saw both horses now facing him in defensive positions, Dusk sporting a series of scars on his armor and cuts on his face.

Every fiber of his being was screaming for him to kill these two horses here and now; to consume them and hunt more of their kind. The more rational part of his mind however told him that charging straight into them would be suicidal, instead he began to slowly stalk around them; both groups never breaking eye contact.

“What in Luna's moon is that thing,” Azura demanded quietly.

“Not a clue,” Dusk replied. “I've spent many days reading about the various monsters that inhabit the Everfree and I've never read about one like this.”

“Should we try and capture it then?” Azura asked.

“I'm more concerned about finishing what we came here to do,” Dusk said. “lets back out, after all this might be it's home.”

Azura nodded.

By the time their exchange finished Micheal had worked his way over to a low broken window, taking a quick glance outside he saw that there was an overhang large enough that he could walk on; however much was broken off and he'd only be able to get into the hallway from which the bat-horses had entered.

Micheal noticed some small pieces of debris near him, as the ponies began to slowly back away he coiled his tail around a small chunk of rubble. He watched and saw that the one called Azura was backing herself straight into a pile of rubble, which collapsed from her disturbance causing her to skid off onto the floor.

In that moment Dusk broke eye contact with Micheal; seeing his opportunity he quickly spun around and whipped his tail at Dusk. Micheal heard the satisfying sound of a crunch and yelp as he sprung out the window, quickly he began to prowl along the overhang and jumped through another window.

Looking down the ruined hall he saw a closed door, behind he heard very angry yelling.

Micheal charged for the door, bursting through and slamming behind he pressed up to the door panting. The bloodlust had passed somewhat and he was regaining more control over himself, also now dealing with the fatigue from his burst of adrenaline from his assault.

The fuck are those things anyway, some unholy union of a bat and horse, Micheal though to himself.

A clattering noise outside caught his attention, pressing his head up to the door he tried to listen in...and instantly regretted it as he was thrown back onto the ground by a mighty slam.

Dazed Micheal looked up groggily to see a furious Dusk, a dent in his helmet just above his left eye, blood trickling down forcing it closed.

“You're not going anywhere beast,” Dusk growled before leaping at Micheal.

Micheal barely had time to react as he was sent tumbling over engaging in a brawl with the armor clad stallion. The strikes from Dusk's armored horse shoes felt like blows from a hammer, while Micheal's own claws left only scratches on the horse's armor.

Inbetween blows Micheal realised that Dusk's underbelly was exposed, quickly he jabbed his tail into the unarmored sections of his assailants back legs. Dusk released a howl of pain as his back legs gave out under him; as the horse slumped down Micheal bit around Dusk's neck a couple of times, the warm blood only fueling Micheal's returning bloodlust.

Micheal took the opportunity and quickly pulled away; preparing to drive his bladed tail through the eye of the downed horse and begin his feast. Just as he thrust his tail forward he heard a defiant cry and was tackled straight into a stone column.

Micheal's world was spinning, he tried to stand up and face his assailant but only managed to stumble around a bit before falling face first into the ground.

The last thing he could recall seeing as darkness began to fill his vision was of Azura desperately trying to stop the bleeding from Dusk's multiple wounds.

Finally he realised that this was no dream, not his imagination playing tricks with him and not some crazy drug induced hallucination, but honest reality.

What have I gotten myself into
> Chapter 3 - Detention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A slow dripping sound roused Micheal from his unconscious state; the drops sounded like claps of thunder against his ears as he became more aware. Every part of him ached as if he'd been dragged over the roughest mountain, then beaten. A headache pounded at his skull like a heavy drum.

Micheal felt a crunching sensation under him as he shuffled about.

Micheal eyes cracked open to a sparse brick cell, rusting iron bars split the room in half; his side had a small cot filled with musty hay and a rotting blanket over top, a pair of dishes lay near the bars, one with murky water while the other had a chunk of stale bread on it. The other half of the cell had old rickety table with a small candle flickering away while a lantern hung from the roof.

Micheal groaned as he tried to rise up to get to the water, yet his body felt heavier; and that was taking into consideration his fatigue.

Looking to his side he saw a long bony limb with feathers coating the upper portion while the lower was bare and leathery extend away from him. Perplexed Micheal looked to his other side and again the same limp extension.

“Strange these look like bat wings, but where'd they come from,” Micheal mumbled his thought aloud, unable to think from his headache. “Wait what he hell, these are attached to me!” Micheal exclaimed, fatigue forgotten he shot up, wildly looked at his new appendages.

His sudden burst of activity cause him to give a mighty heave with his wings sending him straight into the roof, causing him to nearly knock himself out and extinguish the candle on the table.

He began to see splotches of color in his vision as his head rolled side to side.

Micheal was barely aware of the door slamming open and more horse creatures charging into the room. Some had horns, others had feathery wings and some had none, but all wore the same attire, golden plated armor.

Micheal could make out one shouting something, but was unable to understand exactly what it was saying.

_____

Micheal had been laying around in the cell for sometime after the guards had burst in. When he had finally regained his senses, he'd drunk the water – though it did little to relieve his thirst – and returned to his cot. The guard on the other hand scrutinised his every movement, if it was too sudden they'd all brandish their weapons as if he were going to break out.

Now that he was wide awake and his aches and pains had turned  to dull throbs, he began to experiment with his new appendages; he started out extending out fully then tucking them in to his sides, then raising and lowering them.

What was it that ratman said...fuck I forgot his name...something about being able to absorb the powers of creatures that this thing I am was meant to hunt, Micheal asked himself. Am I supposed to be hunting these sentient unicorn, pegasus, horse things?

By the eternal night you're pathetic, another voice, feminine and scathing resounded in his head. I thought you might actually be useful when I first observed you, but now I see I've doomed myself by choosing you.

“What the fuck!” Micheal exclaimed, jumping half out of his cot, and causing the guards to who had relaxed somewhat to instantly return to defensive positions.

Be calm you fool, those ponies are already jumpy enough as it is, the voice resounded again.

Who the hell are you? Micheal asked.

You would recognise me as the statue the escorted you to our benefactor, the voice replied.

So I've you to blame of me being in this mess, but that's only half a story, Micheal replied.

A growl echoed in Micheal's mind before the voice replied. You signed the contract, same as any of us.

So who are you on that then, Micheal demanded.

My name is Obsidian, the rat came to be before I was “purified” as the ponies put it, and tore my soul away where he gave me the choice to either serve in this scheme of his, or be returned to be executed again, Obsidian answered.

That's...that's a tough call, Micheal thought.

And now I'm stuck here, helpless to watch a fool drive me back to another execution anyway, Obsidian ranted. At least back then I'd have had a chance in killing some of those light worshiping sacks of meat.

What uh...what's this about execution now anyway, Micheal asked hesitantly.

Get comfortable whelp because it's a story. In an age since past, we Night Stalkers were created by our queen, Nightmare Moon. Our purpose was to either subdue the population of these lands either by terror or eliminating resistance.

Her sister, Princess Celestia, fought back against our queen in a war that lasted a decade; until she banished our queen to the moon for a thousand years. Afterwards Celestia spent the following years hunting us down, when one of us were captured we would be brought to some secret temple that the sun worshiping fanatics had built.

We were held captive until the longest day of summer, where we would then be shackled underneath three large magnifying glasses to be “purified” of our darkness as they put it. Since we were beings born of shadows, the solar beam completely destroyed us, burning both body and soul, Obsidian explain.

That's something, but how am I going to get out of here, I can't exactly bend these bars and beat these guards down, Micheal thought.

While you had your little episode with your wings, one of the guards went of to fetch Celestia. By this point your best bet would be to beg for mercy and claim that your some hatchling, afraid and confused, Obsidian suggested. Her weakness always did lay in her kindness to those less fortunate.

Even now I can feel Celestia coming closer. But here's one more thing to be aware of, seeing as how new you are, the closer to Celestia you are, the more her innate solar magic will hurt you, Obsidian added.

You mean she's like a walking sun? Micheal asked.

Exactly.

Micheal waited, anxious at the coming encounter. He shifted restlessly in the cot, nervously looking at the guards watching him. Then the door opened and he felt it.

While being in the cell it made been cool and musty, now he had to shield his eyes as if the sun itself had decided to come through the door. Micheal screwed his eyes shut and turned away, raising one of his wings to protect himself, yet it still felt as if he was pinned under a mid day sun.

“Please wait outside,” a voice spoke gently.

“But your majesty-”

“Everything will be fine,” the voice interrupted the guard, grumbling as he left, Micheal heard the the door close and silence reign.

The slow burning became worse indicating that who he'd guessed was Celestia had moved right up to the bars, Micheal jumped out of the cot and pressed himself into the cell corner, trying to get as much distance between himself and the source of his pain.

“How did you evade me for so long?” Celestia asked.

Micheal felt like he was drying up, his throat becoming parched. “What are you talking about,” he answered hoarsely.

“You are one of Nightmare Moon's creations are you not,” Celestia said.

“I don't know who that is...I don't know where I even am,” Micheal replied.

“LIAR!” Celestia shouted.

Micheal jumped up and slammed into the bars. “I'M NOT LYING! WHAT WOULD I GAIN BY LYING, I'M LOCKED IN HERE BURNING TO DEATH ALL BECAUSE I WOKE UP IN SOME RUINS!” he shouted back, instantly regretting it when it felt like his whole front was getting scorched. Screwing his eyes shut Micheal threw himself back into a corner.

The scorching sensation persisted a while longer, then began to fade along with the clopping sound of metal on stone. Micheal heard the reinforced door to the outside close shut and mummered conversation outside, then silence reigned again.

Well now...maybe there's hope yet...maybe, Obsidian's said.

_____

Micheal had sat in his cot since talking with Celestia. He spent most of his time practicing his control over his wings and tail; now able to co-ordinate his wings and had a fine enough control over his tail to slice the stale hunk of bread into several even pieces.

Twice guards came with more dirty water and foul food. Micheal asked on the second time where it was coming from, his reply was that the scraps from the royal kitchens were still too good for him.

Now he hung upside down from the large wooden support on the ceiling, talons dug in hard while he tucked his fore legs in and wrapped his wings around him.

Why does this feel so... Micheal began.

Normal, Obsidian finished.

Exactly. Like while I was still human I could put myself upside down for amusement sake, sure I'd feel unbalanced and what not. But this feels natural, like I could just walk around like this, Micheal though.

Well that's good, it'll make shadow melding much easier, Obsidian said.

Shadow what now? Micheal asked.

I never detailed how we were made now did I, Obsidian said. When our queen created us, she fused willing spirits of the shadow realm with a shard of her powers. When our bodies were made we retained some of our original powers and developed some new ones.

One of the innate powers we all had was what is called shadow melding, where we could become apart of the shadows around us, move freely and nearly undetectable to those around us. Some of us could even cross back to the shadow realm, which could offer refuge or a place to truly torment any who you dragged over with you.

Sounds, very interesting, Micheal replied. Maybe I'll try it when I get out of here.

If...If, Obsidian sighed.

Micheal closed his eyes and began to sway side to side while humming a low tune to himself.

He kept humming for some time, but his eyes snapped open when he heard someone humming his tune outside his cell, only a few octaves higher; and familiar.

Micheal saw the door slowly open, quickly he closed his eyes to slits to make it seem he wasn't paying attention. Coming through the door was one of the bat ponies like he had seen back at the ruins, armor making it indistinguishable like the rest.

Carefully it slide a tray of its back onto the table just near his cell, on it was another bowl of water and...a fish?

The guard slid the bowl and fish through a small slit at the base of the bars as usual, all the while humming in time with Micheal, albeit quieter.

Maybe I can have some fun with this one, Micheal thought mischievously.

Suddenly he stopped humming and dropped down from his perch, twisting his body he landed on the floor perfectly; the only sound being of his claws clacking on the stone.

The guard looked up and let out a startled squeak, jumping back with wings flared out, eyes wide in alarm.

Micheal laughed loud and hearty at the reaction from the guard, loosing balance and falling to his side in the process, much to the guards annoyance.

“What's so funny?” she demanded.

Micheal sat up and looked at the bat pony still chuckling. “Why you of course,” he replied.

“And here I thought I'd deliver you something a bit more edible than what you've been getting from the other guard,” she said indicating to the fish.

“You could have said something you know,” Micheal suggested.

“You seemed to be enjoying yourself, so I thought I,d dropped these off and return to my post,” she replied.

"How considerate, I appreciate this, much nicer than those other guards,” Micheal thanked.

“Who are you anyway, you seem familiar,” Micheal asked.

“I should, I was there at the castle of the two princesses. My name is Azura Windsong,” Azura replied. “And you are?”

Shit...uh, cover name, some help would be nice, Micheal thought desperately.

Think of it yourself you lazy featherbrain, Obsidian said scathingly.

Fuck it, plan B.

“I don't have a name, at least not yet,” Micheal replied.

Azura looked confused. “You mean you don't remember it?” she asked.

Micheal shook his head. “No, I only woke up...whenever it was in those ruins; with a terrible hunger, and that's my life as I know it,” Micheal mumbled.

Azura took off her helmet and placed it on the table, then sat infront of his cell.

“So that's why you attacked us in such a way, you woke up not knowing where you were and starving,” Azura confirmed, Micheal nodded his head in turn.

“I didn't hurt anyone...did I,” Micheal asked innocently.

“You gave the sergeant some pretty bad wounds, but he'll recover in a month or so,” Azura replied.

Micheal just starred down at the fish on the platter.

“I've seen this happen to gryphons before as well, and other predators. Sometimes instincts take over and we can't control who we are,” Azura said, noticing how down he looked.

“I guess,” Micheal said.

“Look, I'll be right outside, if you need something, just give me a shout,” Azura said, donning her helmet again.

“There's only you guarding me?” Micheal asked.

“Well I'm posted just at your door, there's some more gaurds in the halls outside,” she replied.

When Azura left Micheal inspected the nourishment she had brought him. The water was crystal clear and icy, the fish was silvery and only marred by the line that ran down the belly, indicating it had been gutted.

Micheal snapped the fish up in his mouth, using his beak to cut it into pieces that he swallowed whole, washing it down with the icy water. Already he was beginning to feel better.

Jumping up to the support again he began to hum and sway again...as he did he heard Azura begin to hum outside as well. Slowly he began to doze off.

_____

Micheal awoke abruptly when the door to his cell was slammed open. The sudden bang jolted him enough that he lost his grip and fell to the floor in a crumpled, groaning heap.

“Open the cell and restrain it,” a voice commanded.

Micheal barely noticed his cell open and guards apply shackles to his legs, wings and tail, then drag him out into the hall.

“Alright monster listen up,” the voice said to him. “when you are told to do something you do it understood?”

“I...yezz sir,” Micheal mumbled.

His vision clearing Micheal saw it was a bat pony wearing silver plated armor addressing him.

“Good enough, lets go,” the guard said.

A pair of pegasus guards fell in beside Micheal ushering him along, a pair of unicorns brought up the rear, while a pair of bat ponies marched with the silver clad guard; Micheal identified one as actually being Azura.

"Uhh...where are we going?" Micheal asked.

"Quiet prisoner," the guard to his left said.

I've a bad feeling about this, Micheal thought.

Dear maker I'm going to die again, and I can't do anything, Obsidian wailed.
> Chapter 4 - Sentence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dull clattering of chains and armor filled the halls accompanied by the sharp clack of claw and hoof as Micheal was forced marched through various halls; from the bleak stone dungeon through to marble passages then soon to grand halls.
Tapestries depicting various emblems dotted the passageways. Yet Micheal noticed two that stuck out in particular, one bronze with a sun radiating in perfect gold bars, the other a charcoal blue with a brilliant silver moon and stars.

Soon Micheal grew bored of the repeating architecture and furnishings and focused more on walking forward, the chains and shackles beginning to  weigh more and more on him every step. His breathing was labored as he entered a large circular room, a balcony with a larger version of the sun banner hung from its base.

The guards lead Micheal to the center of the room, which was of a particularly bleached white marble. The guards loosened his bondings but soon locked them to several gold shackles that circle his pad. When their job was complete each moved to stand in front of a pillar which supported the room.

For a while nothing happened so Micheal slumped to the ground the best he could to relieve himself. After composing himself he looked around until he saw Azura, who wore a saddened experession.

Uhh, what exactly is happening, Micheal pondered.

Absoulution, Obsidian whimpered.

Wait what, Micheal asked.

Soon it will all be over...again, her voice continuing to wail in his head.

Alarmed Micheal began to search for a way to break his bonds and escape. He looked at the condition of the chain links, some looked fragile enough to break, yet there were no windows in the room to escape through and the main door was guarded by the two unicorns, escape was almost entirely out of reach.

The same burning sensation began to return and a cough interrupted his search, looking up he saw  the alabaster princess staring down at him with neutral expression. Instantly he averted his gaze and rose a wing to shield himself from her burning aura.

"Stalker," Celestia called. "You are here to receive judgement."

Gingerly Micheal lowered his wing slightly, allowing him to gaze up at brilliant pony.

"I have discussed with my sister your...particular circumstance," Celestia continued. "we have decided to allow you to live in our realm."

All around the room, both the guards and Micheal alike snapped their attention to the princess.

Impossible... Obsidian mumbled

"There are conditions to go with your allowed freedom," another voice spoke.

The voice soon revealed itself as another pony that bore some resemblance to Celestia; horn, wings and ethereal mane, yet this one was smaller with a dark blue coat and wore silver regalia. The mane glittered like the night sky, occasionally concealing part of her piercing gaze as she stared down at him.

"Indeed," Celestia nodded. "Where ever you go you shall be accompanied by at least one guard, any attempt to bring harm to our little ponies will not be tolerated. Understood?"

"Understood," Micheal affirmed.

"Excellent. As for now guards please escort our new guest to the lunar wing, we need to see to accommodation for him," the dark pony commanded, motioning a hoof.

At the order the guards released Micheal's restraints and formed a group around him once more, the two unicorns at the rear giving him a not so friendly nudge with their horns.

"Move," one grunted.

_______

Micheal hung from a support beam slowly waving side to side, something he'd been doing for the past hour...at least.

The room he was in had to be somewhere high up in the structure, given how many flights of stairs he took. The room itself was extravagant, tapestries depicting the night, moon and stars lined with silver hung around the room, silken curtains of deep rich purple lined the windows.

A fireplace was carved into the wall, made from obsidian and carved in such a way that one could mistake it as a portal to a fire plane; inside coals glowed gently from the fire that crackled some time ago.

A small rounded table sat just off from the fireplace, four plush pillows around it. On the table sat a few candles burnt near to the base, dully lighting the few pieces of fruit in a basket.

Micheal yawned again, bored of surveying the room for the up tenth time; his gaze wandered instead to the grand bed below him.
The pillows were filled with goose down, the blankets were made thickly of silk and thee mattress felt like there was a cloud inside it, in all the finest bed he had ever seen.

What do you think they're going to do with us, Micheal pondered, releasing his grip and dropping down onto the bed.

Honestly, I have no clue Obsidian responded. Celestia had us then and there, she could have been rid of us. From what I've seen of her while she was hunting us a few centuries back, she would never have given up an opportunity like that...so why?

Silence reigned again apart from the occasional pop and crackle from the fireplace.

An abrupt slam brought Micheal out of his pondering. Looking up he saw the pony that had been standing beside Princess Celestia earlier stride into the room, two guards in tow.

"Stalker," she addressed. "You will be permitted some time to go feast on a proper meal and explore the castle grounds. We have decided that in the interest of our little ponies that you will remain here, until we believe thou shall not harm our subjects."

Micheal nodded his head slowly.

"These two will be your escorts," she continued. "Trying to escape would be most futile, so try to not attempt it."

"I will keep that in mind uhh..." Micheal trailed off.

"Princess Luna," she finished.

"Princess Luna," he echoed.

Seeming satisfied, the princess turned around and strode out the door, leaving the two guards behind. Looking at them he recognised that once again Azura was one of his charges. The other a white unicorn, clad in gold armor.

"Come," Azura said. "There's much to see around Canterlot at night, and you must be getting hungry again.

"I can't believe your so calm with this thing," the guard muttered.

Azura quickly shushed her counterpart, and gave Micheal a small smile.

The hell? Micheal wondered.

Obviously they want to keep you as happy as possible, in an attempt to pacify you from attacking ponies Obsidian supplied.

Sadly for them, that can't happen Micheal replied.

Indeed, she said. Now come, we have precious time, and I feel your hunger.

With that Micheal hopped off the bed and began to follow the ponies out.

I wonder what's for dinner Both thought in unison.
> Chapter 5 - Release
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I will admit, those ponies know how to cook a fine meal, Obsidian commented as Micheal and his escorts entered the royal gardens. I'm sure if they can cook so fine, perhaps they will taste even better.

You're really not right you know, Micheal stated shaking his head.

You'll learn soon enough what I mean, and in time you'll enjoy it as much as I do, Obsidian replied.

"Something wrong?" Azura asked from his side.

"Just internalising," Micheal responded.

"Planning something?" The unicorn guard beside him accused.

"Depends on what your definition of a plan is," Micheal hummed.

The unicorn growled back at him, horn glowing slightly.

"Hey hey hey, let's all just take a step back and take a breath okay," Azura interjected, shouldering her way between the two. "Astral could I talk with you for a moment".

Astral tried to protest as Azura more dragged than lead him to a small bench near a fountain, soon the two looked to be in heated debate. It wasn't anything new, Micheal had been letting off comments most of the night which irritated the unicorn, only to be reigned in by Azura.

Now he began to wander around to find a nice shaded spot to watch the two argue. He liked Azura she'd been nothing but kind and patient with him, but the opportunity to have some fun could never be passed up. Astral Flare, like all the other ponies he'd come across either eyed him with suspicion and revulsion or outright avoided him, so he had no qualms with annoying the unicorn.

Soon the pair broke off, Astral turned and stormed out of the gardens while Azura turned to come back.

"I'm sorry for his behavior, he's a bit...paranoid," Azura said.

"Paranoid? That seems like it would be the opposite of what you want around me," Micheal replied. "Like, imagine if I sneezed all of a sudden, I don't really know how to control these wings yet, I might send myself straight up and it could be taken as an attempt at escape."

Azura shrugged at him. "Neither of us chose this assignment. And escape would be impossible, the princesses would have at least placed wards to alert  them if you tried to leave."

"At least? Well that's a comforting minimum," Micheal sneered. "I guess the next step would be some field that'd electrocute me if I went near it."

"Possibly, yes," Azura replied. "Now come this does ill, you've still yet to see the full extent of the gardens."

Micheal sighed and rose and followed her stride as she lead him deeper into the gardens.

_____


Some weeks later


_____


Micheal hung from his bed, wrapped in his wings like a cocoon. Watching the fire slowly burn out as he sway side to side.

We've been here weeks now, Obsidian declared angrily. You've  done nothing but talk to that therestal this whole time, we're no closer to our goals since coming here.

Well I can't really do anything now can I, you heard what Azura said, the moment I try to escape I'll get caught for sure, Micheal shot back.

Yes yes, and I expect that those damned alicorns would have accounted for our powers, Obsidian sighed. I'm just so bored, I miss the thrill of the hunt. I just want something, anything to happen.

Micheal hated to admit it, though while life the past couple of weeks were among the better he'd experienced; he too was growing bored, like some piece was missing.

Micheal stayed in this state until several quick knocks snapped him to attention. The door to his room creaked open, revealing princess Luna.

"Stalker,” she adressed him formally. “My sister and I have decided that if you are willing, you may leave the city and travel to a nearby town.”

“What's the catch?” Micheal asked.

“All rules that you've been subject here will continue, we have however agreed that if you feel so compelled to hunt, you may do so on some of the local wildlife,” Luna stated. “The resident guard will inform you further.”

“While that sounds enticing...I've no idea what your talking about,” Micheal replied.

“Do not try and fool us,” Luna shot. “It is obvious to everypony that you have been growing restless.”

Micheal only gave a small smile.

“Which is why we will have an observer with direct contact to both my sister and I,” Luna stated. “Along with other insurances, you will find it rather detrimental to do anything out of line.”

“Recieved crystal clear, princess,” Micheal said.

Luna snorted and turned and left through the door. “You depart tomorrow,” she called back.

Well now, events are turning in our favour, Obsidian purred.

Not yet they haven't, we're not free from them, Micheal replied.

Not yet...but soon, Obsidian droned. Soon the hunt will commence.

Micheal hummed. The thought of chasing his prey becoming more a reality stirred something within him, he shivered from his new found excitement, a small part at the back of his mind told him he was wrong.

Soon, they both said in unison, and his thought was crushed.

_____


Micheal now sat on a train with a group of guards surrounding him. He had been led to the train station under a veil provided by several unicorn guards.

The carrige he had entered was similar to his room he had been in residence for the past few weeks, cool colors of silver, blue and purples dominated the features. The guards on the other hand looked out of place with their golden armor.

If Micheal had to guess, he'd have been travelling for most of the night, the only sound the steady clattering of the wheels on track.

Micheal looked between the guards. “So, uh...anyone know where we're going?”

The guards expressions never changed, like they had never heard him.

“Somewhere nice?” He asked again.

“Quite,” one of the guards spoke.

Well at least their not all mute dull bastards, Micheal thought.

No, but most of them, Obsidian sneered.

Gradually Micheal felt the momentum of the train shift, slowly he began to lean forwards.

We must be here at last, Obsidian stated. Be on guard, I shouldn't have to remind you by now to not do anything that will antagonise the ponies against us.

That coming from you, really, Micheal deadpanned. She who would see all of these ponies be her prey.

Shut up, I only get to watch the hunt, not enjoy it, I can say what I please, Obsidian replied.

Yeah? Well don't forget who's driving this thing, I can DO what I please, Micheal shot back.

We shall see, Obsidian hummed.

A sudden jerk and loud screech from outside let Micheal know that the train was just about at its destination.

“Up,” commanded the same guard as before.

Complying Micheal rose to where two guards fell in beside him, three more formed at both the front and rear.

“I have to ask,” Micheal began. “Is all the security for me, or the locals?”

For a while none of the guards answered until the doors opened. “Fifty-fifty, there is a rather excitable mare in this town.”

The guards then escorted Micheal out onto a nearly empty platform, not many ponies having travelled from Canterlot and even fewer departing.

“Come this way,” the guard directed.

_____


Micheal grumbled to himself as he sat in a cell, twitching tail cause the blade to clang on the ground.

“Would you cut that infernal racket out!” A guard shouted from down in the corridor.

Micheal stopped for a few minutes, he could hear the guard sigh from where he was. Then he started up again, the guard gave a scream of frustration.

Serves them right for putting me in here, Micheal thought.

He was unsure of how much time had past since he had been taken to the garrison, it was kind of hard to tell time when all you had was a small cell and bed to look at.

“The sun will be setting soon, so you'll be leaving then,” the guard shouted again. “Please just for the love of Celestia, BE QUIET!”

Micheal stopped again, his intrest now piqued.

“How long away is that,” Micheal called out.

“Probably only an hour or so from now,” another guard called out. “Now will you please be quiet.”

“Yes,” Micheal answered.

“Celestia be praised, peace,” the guard sighed.

Once every few minutes Micheal again tapped his tail on the ground, which soon had the guards yelling with frustration.

_____


Azura trotted along, the last rays of the suns warmth giving way to the coming night. She was coming up to a small fortified garrison.

The garrison consisted of a small stone tower, surrounded by a low stone wall with wooden parpets. Banners bearing the emblems of the sun and moon hung from either side of the main gate.

The gates opened as she approached, creaking on dry hindges. On the other side the local gaurds captain stood there to greet her, he appeared old with age, yet his eyes remained sharp as a youth.

“Leuitenant Windsong, reporting,” she said throwing a salute.

“Captain Stormshield,” he replied, returning the salute. “I am to believe that you will be taking the beast from us for observation purposes.”

“That is correct, I have the release documents here,” Azura replied, pulling a silver lined midnight blue folder from her saddle bags.

“Very well, come,” the captain said, indicating to the tower.” Come collect your stalker, I'll start signing these.”

Azura fell in beside the captain, a couple of guards formed up behind them.

“So has he really been causing trouble?” Azura inquired.

“The damned thing has been doing nothing but make the most irritating noise since it got here,” the old pony grumbled.

“What?” She asked.

“Tap it's tail,” Stormshield deadpanned.

“Tap his tail?” Azura echoed.

“If you were here for the whole thing, you too would be loosing your mind,” Stormshield sighed. “Please, take him away before anyone of us need to go get medical treatment for head truama.”

Azura had to suppress a chuckle, gaurds trained to defend equestria we're been beaten by a tapping noise.

“Take the righthoof door down to the cells, I don't fancy going in there with that damned thing,” Stormshield said, indicating to a reinforced door which had two guards standing either side of it.

Azura opened the door and went down the stairwell, the masonary looked worn, in some places there were damp patches. As she decended she could gradually hear a noise like somepony slapping a sword on stone.

“I swear to Tartarus that if you do that again,” a lone guard began, looking more furious than a manticore. “I”LL TEAR YOUR TAIL OFF AND BEAT YOU TO DEATH WITH IT!”

Silence reigned once more besides the sound of Azura's hoofsteps.

“Is there a problem here,” Azura asked, keeping her composure.

The guard snapped to her. “That bloody monster won't keep quiet, its been whacking it's tail on the stone for hours now,” he said with distress. “We're going mad down here.”

Clang

“Worry not, I'm here to release him from your custody,” Azura said.

Clang

“Thank you...” the guard trailed

Clang

“I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!” The guard screamed, charging out of the dungeon.

Azura walked down the cell rows to where the noise was coming from. There she saw the Night Stalker laying on the cell bed, tail snaking off the bed and onto the ground, twitching every so often.

“You can stop it now,” Azura said.

There was no response except for the twitching tail.

“I'm here to release you, so get up,” Azura tried again.

Still the Stalker gave no response.

Azura a bit annoyed now opened the cell and walked up to him, she then nudged his shoulder with a hoof. The stalker gave a few snorts and quickly shot up looking around wildly.

“Wha-whats going on,” the stalker stuttered.

Azura gave a short giggle. “Come on, it's time for you to leave here.”

“Wait...Azura, what are you doing here?” He asked.

“Somepony decided that I should be your observer while your here,” She answered. “And I see you've been doing a wonderful job already irritating the local gaurds.”

“I got bored of that ages ago, I've been asleep for the past few hours,” the Stalker defended.

“Mhmm, now come” Azura said leaving the cell. “I need to go get you set up in some accommidation, and there's also a pony that wants to meet you.”

“Argh and I just got comfortable,” the Stalker grumbled.

“I could leave you here,” Azura suggested with mirth.

The Stalker looked at her for a second. “I'm...fine, thank you.”

“So have you been able to think of a name yet, or are we all cursed to just call you 'the stalker',” Azura asked as they left the garrison.

“Yes. You can call me, Corvus,” the stalker said.

“Corvus, I like it,” Azura replied.

Together the two walked through the darkening streets, lamps came alight with the changing of the day to night.

“So where exactly are we?” Corvus asked.

“We're in a town called Ponyville,” she responded. “You had to be taken to the garrison because the train that took you had been delayed due to mechanical reasons...also paperwork.”

“And where are we going?” he asked again.

“To see the town's librarian, she will be housing you for your stay,” Azura answered. “She'll also be helping you intergrate with pony society. She's also princess Celestia's student.”

“I see,” Corvus hummed.

_____


Micheal looked up at the large tree infront of Azura and himself. The tree had several windows and a door spread about it, they almost appeared to have been formed like natural growth.

Well that's interesting, Micheal thought.

“Well here we are, Ponyville's Library,” Azura announced. “Home to Twilight Sparkle, Town librarian and student to princess Celestia. At least that's what the file said.”

“And why exactly am I staying here of all places?” Micheal asked.

“Because she practically begged to take you in when she heard about you,” Azura answered. “She and her friends have a history of reforming some of Equestria's greatest villains into citizens.”

Micheal looked at her with an unamused look.

“Not that I'm saying your bad or anything,” she quickly added. “It's just with the help of Twilight and her friends you'll be able to intergrate with pony society much better.”

“Mhmm, right,” Micheal deadpanned.

The pair went upto the tree house library, a sign reading 'Golden Oak Library' sat outside the main door. Auzra gave a few swift knocks on the door, her armored hoof amplifying the sound.

“Coming,” a vocie sung from the other side.

The door was enveloped in a purple glow, opening it revealed a purple unicorn, her mane streaks of various shades of purple. Micheal managed a glance at her side, a star surrounded by several others on her flanks, her so called 'cutie mark'.

“Good evening. Welcome to Golden Oak Library,” the unicorn said. “If you want to hire out a book you'll have to come back tomorrow I'm afraid.”

“Good evening Miss Sparkle,” Azura said formally. “I am Lieutenant Windsong of Princess Luna's Night Guard, I've been tasked with overseeing the integration of the Night Stalker into pony society.”

“OH,” Twilight exclaimed. “I wasn't expecting you to have come so early, please come in.”

Together the pair entered the library. Micheal gazed around the interior, bookshelves were carved into the sides of the trunk itself, a small sitting area was situated in the center of the room. To the side Micheal could see a doorway leading to what appeared to be a kitchen. Micheal could see a staircase lead to an upper level which appeared to be the living quarters.

“Would you like something to drink Lieutenant?” Twilight asked.

“I will have to decline this time miss Sparkle,” Azura responded. “I'm needed back at the garrison tonight, I was just escorting Corvus here.”

Twilight then turned her attention to him.

“So your name is Corvus,” She said. “Pleasure to meet you.”

Be careful, I can feel this unicorn as been exposed to some powerful energy, Obsidian cautioned. Triffling with this one now may prove difficult to overcome.

“Twilight Sparkle, student to princess Celestia and bearer of the Element of Magic,” Twilight continued.

“As has been stated, I am Corvus. Recently awakend demoic creation of a dark entity,” Micheal said.

Twilight gave an akward chuckle. “Yeah..Well I'll be housing you while stay here in Ponyville and learning to intergrate with ponykind,” she said. “Don't worry it'll be easy, and I'm sure my friends will help too.”

“Well I'll be on my way,” Azura called, leaving the library. “Paperwork and what not, try not to annouy or scare anyone tonight will you Corvus.

“I'll try to restrain the urge,” Micheal said sarcastically.

Azura rolled her eyes and shut the door behind her. Micheal turned to face Twilight, only to find she was gone.

“Twilight?” Micheal called. “Where'd you go?”

“Up here,” she called back. “Sorry I was just grabbing a quill. Now do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

“I...guess not,” Micheal answered, somewhat surprised by the mare.

“Excellent,” she said, a tome flying over to her flipping open. “Could you tell me about your origin?”

Oh stars...She's one of those types, Obsidian cursed.

What? Micheal asked.

Find a seat, were going to be here all night, Obsidian moaned.
> Chapter 6 - Path to Darkness Part I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Food...Water...Freedom,” Micheal gasped as he crawled out of the library into the night.

“Oh shush, I've only been asking you questions for five hours now,” Twilight defended.

This one is asking to be killed, Obsidian said. Oblige her, now.

“I've got this dietary requirement if you hadn't noticed,” Micheal growled, ignoring his other half. “If I don't meet it I'll turn into a ravenous beast and start taking it out on the closest living thing, then I'll be beyond square one.”

Twilight's ears folded back. “Eheh...Right, forgot about that,” Twilight said nervously. “Sorry, I better let you go for the night so you can do...what you need to do.”

“I was told of a forest of which I could hunt in,” Micheal asked. “Directions?”

“Follow the road out of town to the east,” Twilight answered, pointing a hoof towards some low hills. “But...it leads to the Everfree, it's dangerous there.”

“Well then, I'll fit right in,” Micheal said marching out the door.

“Good luck with your...hunting,” Twilight called after him.

Micheal followed the road out of town and over some small hills, passing a large gate with a sign reading 'Sweet Apple Acres' written on it. From where he was walking along Micheal could see at least a few hundred apple trees in the twilight of the moon, red orbs glistened all over the trees ripe for the picking.

Perhaps later, on my way back, Micheal thought.

Aren't you sick of all this fruit and vegetable by now? Obsidian demanded.

Just because I need to eat meat, particularly fresh and live from what you tell me, and also because it's my job, doesn't mean I should omit them. Fruit and vegetables are key to living healthy, Micheal explained.

Shut it, I don't want to hear that sort of nonsense, Obsidian fired immediately.

Micheal openly laughed at her.

Amidst his jubilation he hardly noticed the transition of his surroundings from open meadow to closed forest until he ran right into a tree.

Now Obsidian was openly laughing at him. You've got perfect night vision, and you still run dead on into a tree, I'm impressed.

Shut it, I don't want to hear your shit. Micheal countered, rubbing his beak.

Looking around the forest he found a track leading deeper into the forest, bushes and strange trees flanking the sides. Following the path Micheal tried to peer deeper into the forest for something to strike at.

To his delight he soon found tracks left by some canine creature, and judging by the amount there were more. Micheal swiped his tongue around his beak stomach rumbling, the thought of live prey squirming in his talons awakening some primal excitement in him.

He followed the tracks as swiftly as he could, halting when he heard voices coming from ahead, glancing from behind a tree he saw his quarry.

A group of bipedal canines garbed in jackets or plate armor wielding spears sat around a campfire all laughing.

“These ponies are too easy to catch,” one of the dogs hollered.” Catch small one and big ones come and fall into trap.”

Another round of laughter erupted from them. Micheal looked around and saw a caged wagon sitting on the far edge of the campfires light, full of ponies. Mares and Stallions, young and old, all sat in the cage with the same look of despair on their face.

Here's an excellent opportunity to try shadowmelding, Obsidian quipped in. Feel yourself blend in and move up near them and strike, scare them into the shadows and tear them down.

Micheal had to admit it was a good idea, he could fulfill his need to hunt, free some ponies and garner some trust with the locals. He did as he was told and focused on becoming a shadow, gradually a feeling like being submerged in water began to wash over him.

Excellent, Obsidian purred. Now try and move around.

Micheal tried to move forward but felt himself dip down like he was sinking, he immediately tried to push himself up which caused him to surge up high into the lower branches of the surrounding trees. Looking down at himself all he could see was a vague smokey shadow-form of himself, he focus on one of his talons in particular, in place of his claw was a shadowy apparition; still barely visible yet it was more viscous looking than his corporal form.

That's interesting, Micheal thought.

It should be natural that your more dangerous in this form, Obsidian explained. However since you are still what we consider a hatchling, these powers will strain you more over time.

Micheal again tried to move around, but this time imagining that he was swimming using his tail to propel himself. The motion was easy and Micheal soon was moving around freely, stalking the camp.

Micheal floated around behind the majority of the group, counting five of the dog creatures around the camp. Three sat around the fire talking while two patrolled around the edges of the camp. As Micheal moved in he brushed the bushes which caused them to rustle gently.

"What was noise?" One asked, perking up and looking back towards Micheal.

"Go find out," a smaller one barked.

The lumbering oaf got up and began approaching, spear angled down ready to jab. Micheal waited patiently as the dog approached, waiting right until it was in front of him.

"There's nothing he-," the dog was cut off as Micheal drove his claws in its chest.

With a mighty heave he of his wing he launched the dog deeper into the forest screaming, slamming it into a tree. The dog stumbled to its feet dazed.

Micheal felt a energy pulse through his form, causing him to shiver and cackle in pleasure.

Yesss, Obsidian droned. feast upon them.

The dog looked around in fear as is began to regain its senses, Micheal pounced and slashed his claws across its face leaving deep gashes. The dog howled in pain, Micheal felt another wave roll over him; again and again he slashed away until the dog went silent.

As the dog released its final breath Micheal began tearing hunks of flesh from the body, indulging his hunger.

Soon however he felt an emptiness forming in him.

We need more, Obsidian cooed. And there's much more to be had tonight.

Micheal rose from the half-eaten carcass and turned back towards the clearing, lethargically he made his way back.

Go, get them, Obsidian hissed. The night is young still, and there is much fun to be had with them.


_____


Micheal felt light headed, drunk almost; stumbling his way back out of the forest he had hunted in. The night must have been good though oddly his memory was muddled, he could remember the thrill of hunting, but couldn't remember exactly what it was except that it smelt like wet dog.

Hurry now, the sun should be rising soon Obsidian urged. You don't want to be out when that cursed disk comes up.

Micheal tried to shake his head clear as he was crossing a small bridge but ended falling straight off the side into the stream below it, looking down he saw thick red streaks flowing off him. Alarmed he looked himself over for injuries but could find none.

What the hell, Micheal thought. Where'd all this come from?

Why our hunt off course, Obsidian answered. Truly it was a beautiful hunt, one that I must say you executed perfectly.

I...uh...thank you...I guess, Micheal bumbled.

Now go, we waste precious moonlight. Obsidian restated.

Rising up he bounded out of the stream and made his way back to the tree-library he was supposed to be staying at. All the lights were out as he approached but Micheal could swear he could see movement inside.

Cautiously Micheal turned the doors handle, gently he opened the door and slowly peered inside.

The moment his beak was mere inches in the door, all the lights burst on, loud party horns blared and confetti shot out from small toy cannons. A large banner unfurled itself from the center of the room reading.


Welcome to Ponyville


Spooky night gryphon monster thing Corvus


"SURPRISE!" A roomful of ponies cheered.

Micheal was still reeling from the sudden sense overload as a pink pony pulled him in and slapped him in a chair and put a party hat on his head, a horn in his mouth and placed a slice of cake in front of him.

"Hi I'm Pinkie Pie, Ponyville's local baker and party planner extraordinaire," Pinkie fired excitedly. "This is your welcome to Ponyville welcoming party, do you like parties oh what am I sayingofcourseyoulikepartieseveryonelikespartiesalsoI'mgoingallowmetobe-,"

Micheal slammed a paw over the ponies mouth clamping it shut.

"Please...slow down," Micheal said slowly, head pounding still from the overload.

"Mhpfmhpf," Pinkie muffled.

Micheal released his grip and slumped back, Pinkie gave him a concerned look.

"What?" Micheal asked cocking an eyebrow.

"Is that bl-blood?" Pinkie stuttered pointing a hoof at him.

Micheal gave her a curious look, then looked to where she was pointing to; Micheal unfurled on of his wings, they both held the underside of the feathers and leathery skin to be thoroughly covered and slowly dripping blood.

"Oh...would you look at that,"Micheal said casually.

Pinkie screamed. All the ponies looked over at the commotion and saw Micheal's outstretched and bloody wings, they all went wide-eyed and began panicking as well.

Soon the library was trashed and abandoned except for a very dazed Twilight sprawled on the floor, a few papers fluttered down onto her. Micheal looked around surprised at how fast the room emptied, slowly he withdrew his wings.

Truly the ponies know how to flee with speed, Obsidian said. I would say it is one of the greatest assets that they have, when they can that is.

"Twilight what's going on down he-," a small reptile spoke while coming down the stairs, upon spotting Micheal it sprinted back up the stairs. "Sweet Celestia don't hurt me!"

Both Obsidian and Micheal broke into mirthful laugh, but for different reasons. Micheal for how he found the situation comical, Obsidian because of how she enjoyed watching those she deemed as prey to flee in terror.

"Miss Sparkle? Is everything alright?" The sound of Azura's voice called in from outside.

"Uh...But princess I want both books," Twilight said unintelligibly.

"Miss Sparkle?" Azura called again coming in through the door. "By the stars!"

Upon entering her eyes went wide at the devastation, looking around she surveyed the damage; most was just of books and paper scattered around the floor, though a couple of seats and tables were overturned or broken. Then Azura's eyes settled onto Micheal.

"Corvus what did you do?!" Azura exclaimed.

"What, don't look at me," Micheal began." I just got back from my hunt, It's not my fault that these ponies are afraid of me and that I haven't had a chance to wash this off yet."

Azura shook her head. "We defiantly need to figure out a way that will let you hunt without scaring the ponies."

"Can I please go wash now?" Micheal asked politely.

Azura closed her eyes and sighed, waving a hoof dismissively.

Micheal trotted off up the stair case.

Surely the bathroom is up here somewhere, he thought.

_____


"Miss Sparkle? Are you alright?" Azura asked the dazed librarian.

"Did everypony panic again?" Twilight mumbled.

"It appears so," Azura said looking around the library which looked like a whirlwind had pasted through. "Despite it, I must admit I'm surprised at how fast everypony vacated the library."

"They've had a lot of practice," Twilight responded.

Azura had heard of the stories and read the newspapers which let here know that the small town was anything but a quaint little town.

"So what set everypony off?" Azura asked.

"I'm not sure," Twilight said, looking around her library. "Wait, what's this."

A black and red feather covered in a lavender veil floated into view, the red coloration was obviously blood...it was still dripping. 

"Obviously he got a bit excited during his hunt," Azura said, twilight blanched. "I wonder what it was that he went after?"

Twilight's face contorted into one of concentration. "hmm, there appears to be more than one type of blood here. He fought several things so I can't tell exactly what."

"You could gauge that from the blood?" Azura asked tilting her head.

"Well sure I could if it was only from one creature," Twilight answered. "But..."

"But what?" Azura asked.

"Come with me, I want to check something," Twilight said heading to the door.

"Hey! Hold up," Azura called chasing Twilight out the door.
> Chapter 7 - Path to Darkness Part II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Ahhh, much better,” Micheal sighed as he walked out of the bathroom having spent a good hour at least bathing.

Now we shall rest, Obsidian said. You'll soon start feeling the fatiuge from your hunt soon, you maintained that shadowform for longer than I expected, but it will catch up with you.

But I feel perfectly fine, Micheal responded. Hell I feel like I could run a marathon at the moment.

To prove his point he somersaulted up and grabbed the roof with his rear claws, striking his tail in for added support.

See, perfe-, Micheal was cut off as a great headache struck him, his whole body began to feel like lead. Thankfully his claws and tail were dug in hard enough he maintained his grip.

Why do you never listen... Obsidian sighed.

Micheal groaned at the throbs beating away like a drum, his vision faded in and out as his eyes fluttered trying to keep them open.

“Uh...you okay dude?” A voice asked.

Micheal looked over to a bed at the head of the room, in front of it was a small basket. Inside was the same purple reptile from before, its head poking out from under a blanket.

"Why am I not surprised everything here is capable of speech..." Micheal muttered. "Yes little lizard I will be fine in time."

"Hey I'm a dragon, not a lizard," the small purple dragon cried.

"Of course..." Micheal sighed, head still throbbing.

"Do you want like a glass of water or something?" The dragon asked.

"I'll be fine..." Micheal grumbled, all he wanted to do was rest his aching head.

"Anyway, I'm Spike, Twilight's assistant," Spike said coming out of his basket. "What's your name?"

"uhh...It's Corvus...Can I please get some rest now?" Micheal asked.

"Oh sorry, sure dude," Spike apologised.

"Do me a favor and close up any curtains that haven't been yet in case I wake up and it's still day will you?" Micheal asked.

"Alright," Spike answered uncertainly.

Micheal wrapped his wings around himself, hoping if he could at least fall asleep, he'd wake up feeling better.

He stayed like this for several minutes until a loud crash emanated somewhere downstairs disturbing him and reigniting his headache to new levels.

"Hey Twilight you here," a raspy voice called out. "HEY TWILIGHT!"

"SHUT UP YOU BLITHERING IDIOT!" Micheal squawked. "SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!" 

Perhaps not the best idea to annoy ponies while you're like this, Obsidian pointed out

"WHAT"D YOU SAY PUNK!" The voice shouted back.

Micheal growled and parted his wings and forced his eyes open, just into time to see a rainbow colored mass heading straight for him.

Fuck

Stars, they both thought together.

The rainbow colored mass smashed Micheal right off his perch and into the wall where he was released, dropping to the ground like a rag-doll. Micheal struggled to haul himself up, again the assailant pounced him pinning him down.

"Just who do you think you are?!" The assailant demanded. "And where's Twilight?!"

Micheal could barely move his legs let alone answer, all he could do was let out a groan before going limp from his exhaustion.

"You had better not hurt Twilight you bird freak!" The pony yelled.

"Whoa, hold up Rainbow Dash," Spike called coming up to the bedroom. "Twilight isn't here, she went out with that bat pony for some reason."

"Yeah so who's this buster then?" Rainbow said.

"He's been sent down by princess Celestia," Spike answered. "I think Twilight said his name is Corvus or something like that."

"You got lucky Cor-vus," Rainbow sassed unpinning him.

Would you kindly kill this wretch, Obsidian demanded

Later, Micheal replied. Sleeeeep

Micheal was barely aware of Rainbow dash and spike both looking at him as he faded into unconscious.

_____


"So can you tell me again why we're out here Miss Sparkle?" Azura asked.

"I may not be able to determine the kind of creature the blood came from because it's so mixed," Twilight explained. "But I can use a simple tracking spell to find where it came from.

They had been following the bloody feather Twilight had found on the library floor for a few hours now, the tip pointing like a compass.

"Are we sure we want to find whatever it was he was hunting though," Azura said uncertainly. "The Everfree is full of predators and monsters, perhaps you should have let gather and escort first."

"We'll be fine, we're not actually that deep in the forest," Twilight assured. "It only feels like we are because we've been forced to take so many detours. The spell points to the point of origination, but won't show the best route to it."

"If you say so..." Azura said, still not completely  sure of the purple unicorn. Because she had been forced to chase the unicorn she hadn't the chance to get her hoof claws.

A warm copper smell mixed with the earthy scent of the forest soon filled the air. As they approached the smell slowly turned more and more rancid.

"I think we're here," Twilight said as the pair pushed their way into a clearing, the feather erupted violently into violet flames.

"Was that supposed to happen?" Azura asked.

"Yes, an unfortunate side effect of that particular tracking spell is that the object that is being used will be consumed once it has come to within a few hoof lengths of its point of origin," Twilight explained.

Like the rest of the Everfree much of the clearing was cloaked in shadows from the canopy with only a little amount of lighting provided by luminescent mushrooms, a few embers burned in the coals of an old fire near the middle of the clearing.

Thanks to Azura's natural night vision she could see somewhat better than what Twilight could, around the clearing she could make out numerous shapes all splayed out on the ground, and the ruins of a cage near the far edge of the clearing.

"Ugh, I can't make anything out," Twilight sighed. "Hold on, shield your eyes for a moment."

"For wha-" Azura began, but was cut off from a blinding flash of light.

Azura stood there rubbing her eyes as she heard Twilight gasp, as soon as her vision cleared she saw what had shocked Twilight. The shapes around the clearing were the badly mutilated bodies of what would once have been recognised has diamond dogs. Both their eyes scanned the horror that had befallen the place, until the rested on the torn remains of the cage.

Several bodies lay in and on the cage, some had limbs torn off, others were ripped apart and one had been been disemboweled and draped around the broken bars.

"Corvus...did this..." Twilight stuttered.

"I can't...believe it," Azura said equally shocked.

As they were taking in the sight in front of them they suddenly heard a faint sobbing. Immediately they raced over to the cage where the sobbing got louder, underneath all the cadavers.

Twilight's horned glowed as she removed the bodies to reveal a young unicorn filly, shaking and covered in blood.

"Sweet Celestia," Twilight stammered. "Is she alright?"

Azura bent down and began examining the young unicorn, she found no external wounds but was obviously traumatised.

"She's not wounded," Azura said, looking over at Twilight. "But after what she's been through she'll need time to recover. Put her on my back and lets get out of here."

Twilight levitated the petrified filly onto her shoulders where she used her wings to help hold her in place. Taking one last look at the clearing they turned and left.

"We need to contact the princesses," Azura said.

_____


Micheal's eye's snapped open, he was greeted with a dimly lit room, a chandelier with candles burnt near to the nub hanging on it. Looking around he saw that he was laying on an extravagant bed, incredibly soft silk blankets covered him. The room itself was fairly dull, a heavy set desk covered in parchments was next to the bed, several shelves with scrolls, tomes and vials were scattered around the room.

Where the hell am I? Micheal thought.

Looking at himself he saw that he was still as he was, yet something didn't feel right. Getting up he moved about the room trying to find anything that would hint who the room belonged too.

The muffled sound of metal scrapping and banging on wood made Micheal jump and turn around to look at the one feature he'd overlooked, the door. The door opened to reveal a familiar cloaked form, wearing the same plate and wielding the same staff as before.

"You," Micheal growled.

"Yes me," Azmuun'thul hissed. "It's about time you started doing some work, I was wondering if I was going to be forced to...intervene."

"Yeah well I haven't had a chance to do anything yet," Micheal said.

"Yes but you're free now," Azmuun'thul said, pacing into the room. " And I must say, that was an impressive display last night, five diamond dogs and nine ponies...my my, how viscous you are Micheal...or rather, should I say Corvus."

"Wait what?" Micheal asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Do you not remember?" Azmuun'thul asked. "Hmm, that's interesting...I'll need to look into that."

"What? What's going on?" Micheal asked again, starting to get nervous.

"Nothing much. I just need to run a few tests, so be a good stalker and come here," Azmuun'thul said, gesturing for Micheal to come closer. "I need to take a couple of samples."

Grudgingly Micheal went to the ratman. In a few swift motions Azmuun'thul had slashed Micheal's shoulder, gathered blood and plucked several feathers.

Micheal could barely recoil from the actions. 

"Hey what the fuck!" Micheal yelled, grabbing his wound

"Don't cry, you're still technically asleep," Azmuun'thul said dismissively. "Check again."

Micheal removed his paw and saw the wound was gone. "Yeah well, it's the principle of the matter," Micheal said." I'm sure you could have done that better."

"Maybe, but we'll never know," Azmuun'thul said turning towards the door. "Now come in here, I want to show you where I'll be sending you next.

Micheal followed his twisted benefactor into the adjacent room. This one was bigger, but mostly had banners depicting runes and hide rugs hanging on the walls, a large stone table dominated the central floor.

"The next place I will send you will require you to disguise your current form," Azmuun'thul stated. "So as promised, I will give your fragile human form back for the time being, with some equipment of course."

The rat then gestured to the table, the surface shimmered for a moment before a mix of colors began to rise, it took Micheal a moment to realise that it was actually a map, showing every detail of the land he was in.

"I want you to infiltrate the kingdom of the far north, the land is surrounded by a wintry wasteland," Azmuun'thul continued. "But the capital itself provides protection from the surrounding land by magical means. What I want is for you to infiltrate the main city, find the source of this magic and destroy it."

"Okay, but how am I supposed to get there?" Micheal asked. "I can really just waltz in there."

"Well I'll give you two options," Azmuun'thul said. "One you can just walk there and find a means to survive, or option two you eliminate one or more of your soon to-be enemies, and I give you a reward."

"Reward?" Micheal asked.

"Of course, if you complete extra tasks that I offer you, I will give you a reward," Azmuun'thul answered. "It'd be no fun to just have you do this and that, why not stir the pot as it were. The reward I will offer is this."

Azmuun'thul pulled a silver choker out of a satchel, a small clear gem was encrusted onto the front with several runic patterns etched along the sides.

"This artifact will enhance your current powers and even allow you to cross over to the shadow realm, a place that will be native to you empowering you even more," Azmuun'thul explained. "If that's not incentive enough for you, the levels of shadow based energies contained within this artifact will help protect you from both the sun and Celestia. No longer will you be forced to cower to them again."

Micheal looked the choker over, aside from looking nice to look at he was skeptical.

Azmuun'thul could see he was still uncertain. "How's about I throw one favorable request as well when I do offers like these, so along with the normal reward, if you perform even better I'll grant you one favor which you can cash in for what you want...within reason of course."

Now his interest peaked. Well if what he wants eliminated will soon become my enemy, I don't see why not.

"Alright, you've got a deal," Micheal said.

"Excellent. Now what I want you to do is eliminate any of the six ponies you find in that town your in who radiate a particularly strong form of magic," Azmuun'thul explained. "The more you eliminate the better for you in the long run."

"Now kindly Corvus, WAKE UP!"

_____


Micheal snapped to attention pushing himself upright, looking around before wilting from the grogginess that overcame him.

"Woah, easy dude," Spike said. "Twilight isn't back yet and it's night time, so...you know I thought you would want to get up."

Looking at a nearby window he confirmed that it was indeed night outside.

"Thank you...Spike," Micheal said. "I'll be on my way then."

With that he rose up, joints popping from resting on the floor and made his way downstairs. Making his way to the main entrance he saw that Rainbow Dash was still here on a large pillow reading a book.

"Your still here?" Micheal asked absently as he walked past her.

"Making sure your not up to anything," She shot back, jumping into the air and following him. "I don't trust you for a second, your up to something I can tell it."

"Good for you," Micheal mocked. "Now kindly fuck off, I want to go find something to eat."

"HEY! Just who do you think you are?" Rainbow demanded. "I can do what I want.

"Do you really want to watch me hunt?" Micheal asked flatly, Rainbow just looked at him. "Are all you ponies so oblivious...Look at me, I'm obviously carnivorous, I...eat...meat."

"I get that. One of my friends is a gryphon," Rainbow said waving a hoof. "But the amount of blood you were trying to hide last night is a dead give away you're up to something, and I'm going to find out."

"Observe away then," Micheal sighed. "Just don't blame me if you get nightmares or something."

I should mention, this on bears a similar magical signature to the pink one, be wary of her, Obsidian growled.

With that Micheal left the library, cyan shadow in tow.

As he pasted the shadowy apple orchard he started getting an idea. Letting out a screech he charge over the fence straight into the shadows underneath the trees.

"Hey! Get back here buster!" Rainbow yelled after him.

Leaping behind some trees he quickly he allowed himself to be consumed by the shadows, becoming one with them. He watched as a flash of Rainbow passed him.

He loosed another screech and she zoomed back to him.

"Come on out, I know your here!" Rainbow shouted in no particular direction.

"Are you sure you want to follow me around?" Micheal asked as he circled around the pegasus. "It's dangerous out in the forest, filled with predators and monsters."

"Nothing I haven't faced before," Rainbow called boisterously. "You don't scare me, now show yourself."

Micheal circled around her several times. "Do you really want me to come out...are you really sure...because I can smell the fear coming off you, you know?"

"Hurry up and get out here bird brain!" Rainbow shouted looking around wildly.

Micheal glided up to her, rising up over her with poised claws.

"Gotcha," he whispered in her ear, quickly flicking his claws on her wings.

Rainbow screamed in fright and bolted away, Micheal was reverted back to his normal form unable to maintain his control from his laughter.

Why didn't you just kill her? Obsidian demanded.

Because I didn't feel like it Micheal replied.

Idiot. The more magical affected creatures you consume the greater your power will be! Obsidian ranted. If you were to consume the magic of those ponies, your power would increase at exponential rate.

Well then put it this way, if I did things your way I'd be going around killing everything, I'd be caught out in no time and captured or killed, Micheal said. I need to make my moves carefully, this area is obviously inhabited, killing her here would leave obvious traces.

You just don't want to make any moves because your regretting becoming apart of this, Obsidian accused . It's obvious, not killing that pegasus, your friendship with that therestal.

Bullshit, I'll fulfill my part of the deal, Micheal protested. I'm just having some fun first.

Then prove your serious, hunt down the next pony you come across, Obsidian challenged. Lest our benefactor start to intervene...I hate being a puppet more than I already am.

Very well then, Micheal sighed.

With that Micheal stalked off into the cold night, clouds rolling in thunder rumbling ominously overhead as if the world itself were mourning the night to come.
> Chapter 8 - Path to Darkness Part III
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azura charged along the track in the forest with Twilight hot on her hooves, lighting the way with a spell.The filly had been secured to her back by some vines made into improvised ropes. 

The sun was giving way to the night as the moon began to creep above the horizon and they neared the edge of the forest. Large thunderheads roiled overhead from the Everfree.

"Corvus will probably be getting up soon," Azura called. "We need to get in contact with the princesses as soon as we can."

"I'll get Spike to send a letter as soon as we get back to the library," Twilight called back.

Azura dropped back slightly so she could talk to Twilight without being overheard in case unwanted ears we're nearby.

"No, I need you to make your way to the garrison and get the Elements of Harmony," Azura said. "They should be able to hold him off until the princesses arrive."

"Wait the Elements are here?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, they were brought down just before Corvus arrived," Azura answered. "Princess Luna suspected that Corvus might turn feral if he was granted freedom and insisted that the Elements come as well."

"So why release him at all then?" Twilight asked. "If you didn't trust him, why give him the chance to do this."

"Because it was at my recommendation," Azura sighed sadly. "I was one of his guards and perhaps the only one who he could even begin to call a friend at Canterlot. After he was spared I watched him most of the time, whether it be escorting him or standing guard outside his door."

"He was rather closed off to many ponies, but I managed to see a different side of him," Azura continued. "When the princesses heard my report on him they grew uncertain of him and decided to grant him a chance to prove he could live in harmony with us."

"You really think Corvus is different from the rest?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, I think he's different," Azura began. "What I witnessed of him in Canterlot would suggest he doesn't have the desire to kill willingly...but now he just butchered a group of diamond dogs and ponies. Something must have triggered him."

The pair were now trotting over the small bridge marking the entrance to the small town.

"Shouldn't we try and subdue him then?" Twilight asked. "If what you say is true then something may have just triggered him."

"No, my orders were very clear," Azura said. "Should Corvus take hostile actions, the royal sisters alerted and the elements gathered to eliminate his threat."

"Well lets hope he's still at the library then," Twilight said, making her break off towards the local garrison.

_____


We've been wandering this orchard for hours now, Obsidian growled.

Don't be a drama queen, Micheal said. We've been here for only half an hour at least.

And you're just messing around again, Obsidian accused.

Why are you so cranky? Micheal asked.

Because...I HATE BEING STUCK HERE NOT BEING ABLE TO DO ANYTHING! Obsidian screeched.

Micheal gripped his head from the ache her voice caused.

God damn, Micheal muttered. You're not doing nothing you know. You've been teaching and guiding me...despite your constant want for me to kill something.

I mean I never get to do anything myself, Obsidian said sadly. I'm trapped in this body forced to watch everything through your eyes, do you have any idea how that feels. Seeing...doing...but not actually controlling.

Micheal was silent for a while.

So is that why you insist on me killing everything I come across? Micheal asked. Because that's what you'd do?

Silence reigned for a while as Micheal stalked underneath the apple trees, trying to find something to make his prey.

I guess...I do it because yes it's what I would do, Obsidian said slowly. I was born by Nightmare Moons powers, everything I've done was because it was her will...I've always only been to happy to serve her...It's who I am.

So why not change now? Micheal asked. You might not have your own body, but you're no longer under her influence.

Because she will always be my queen, I would never betray her, Obsidian declared. Not even that rats enslaving contract will change that.

Very loyal of you...It might not be of the best of reasons...but I think I can indulge a few things for you, Micheal eventually said. Though we will not be going overboard, understood?

Again silence reigned over the soul binded pair.

Thank you, that will...be appreciated, Obsidian said.

Micheal soon emerged from the orchard and beheld the forests edge, in the distance he saw a faint light coming from a lone house.

_____


"So tell me again  Twi, what's going on?" An orange mare asked.

"A creature that was created by Nightmare Moon is on the loose," Twilight said. "We need to get the Elements of Harmony together in order to have a chance of defeating him."

"Alright, I get that, but how did it get loose in the first place?" The mare asked again.

" The princesses thought it might be redeemed because of it's uncharacteristic behavior for what it is," Twilight answered. " So after they monitored it for a few weeks they sent him down to us to test and integrate him into pony society."

"Yeah well, he's going around causing trouble now," Rainbow Dash said. "He tried to grab me in Applejack's orchard, but I fought him off."

"Sure sugarcube," the orange mare said rolling her eyes.

"That thing just couldn't handle all this awesome Applejack," Rainbow Dash boasted.

"And that's why you came screaming to the farm house?" Applejack  said smugly.

"NO! It was...to wake you guys up and warn you, yeah," Rainbow said trying to hide her embarrassment. 

"Come on, we need to get to Fluttershy's," Twilight said impatiently.

The group then began to increase their pace. Thunder booming ominously with the occasional flash of lightning in the distance, then the first drops of rain began to fall.

_____


Micheal was stalking his way up to the house, the closer he got the more prominent features became noticeable. The house was covered in foliage while being surrounded by numerous warrens and bird houses.

Peering in through the window to the lit room he saw several bird cages and tiny stair cases scattered about the main room, a small basket with pillows in is sat near a stone fire place that also served as a kitchenette.

In front of the kitchenette stood a yellow pegasus mare with a pink mane and tail. She stirred the contents of a pot while several birds flittered about bringing here various ingredients.

Hear me out now, this is what you'll do, Obsidian said. Kill and eat her, then lay the remains out and burn the house down, that way you will be less of a suspect.

And if I get found out, Micheal asked.

Not likely, look at where we are, Obsidian said. We're in the middle of nowhere, nothing will go wrong.

Micheal had to give her credit, he couldn't really think of anything that could go wrong, he was far enough out from the town that he could kill this pony, and escape before any were the wiser.

He then noticed a small white rabbit furiously tapping on the pegasus leg pointing at him. Micheal quickly ducked down and began to prowl around the house, looking for a viable entrance.

After circling the house checking all the windows he couldn't find any that were unlocked, or that could be quietly breached. Taking a seat in a bush near the house he decided to bide his time, hoping that the inhabitant would soon go to sleep, much to Obsidian's dislike.


After most of the lights in the house went out, aside from the flickering from where the fire in the kitchenette would be.

Taking the now open opportunity Micheal dashed silently to the house, upon arriving he noticed that a window was now left slightly ajar.

Excellent, they said in unison.

Quietly Micheal opened the window further and slipped in through the gap. There was still the sweet smell of fresh cooking wafting through the air as he advanced deeper into the house, floor boards creaking under his claws.

After searching for a while he final came to the bedroom, his prey laying in bed gentle snores followed each rise of her chest. Micheal began to feel giddy once again, a tingling working its way up his claws at the impending moment.

How cute, it's almost be a crime to harm something so innocent, Micheal thought.

Almost, Obsidian hissed. Now take the prey quickly, we don't have all night and I'm starting to sense something unusual coming from both this one and somewhere else.

Micheal advanced on the bed when he felt something soft hit him in his left shoulder, perplexed he looked down to see the same small rabbit looking at him angrily stomping a foot.

Micheal raised an eye brow and brought his head down, beak almost touching the rabbit.

You know, from where I come from, rabbit's feet are considered lucky, Micheal hissed. And I find myself missing a few. Care you assist me?

The rabbit gave him a scornful look before poking him in the eye, Micheal released a high pitch screech placing his paws over his eye.

"You wretch," Micheal growled, grabbing the little terror by the head and throwing it clean through a window.

The commotion caused the yellow pegasus to awaken and scream, Micheal turned and screeched at the mare and pounced at her. The mare jumped up into the air and tried to fly away as he landed on the bed tearing a pillow to pieces.

The Mare looked out the window, tears forming in her eyes.

"Wh-why, Angel," she whispered tearfully, then turned her attention on him expression changing to one of anger. "You should be ashamed of yourself, attacking a defenseless bunny like that and ruining somepony's home, just who do you think you are."

Micheal stood there petrified in place as the mare advanced on him delivering her rant, unable to break his eye contact with the pegasus.

What the fuck is going on, Micheal though desperately.

The mare was right in front of him now. "I've half a mind to find your mother and tell her what you've done here, now you go back to where it is you come from and think about what you've done," she said sternly.

Micheal tried as hard as he could to raise a claw against the pegasus, but was unable. Gradually his limbs began to involuntarily move themselves towards the broken window.

"FLUTTERSHY," Twilight's voice called from outside.

The pegasus Fluttershy jumped in surprise and looked away, and Micheal suddenly regained control of his body. Taking the opportunity he dove towards his would-be prey and slammed the flat of his tail-blade into her head, causing her to collapse to the ground whimpering.

Several ponies burst into the room as Micheal raked his claws down Fluttershy's side drawing blood and ripping out feathers, causing her to scream in pain.

"Leave Fluttershy alone you monster!" Rainbow Dash yelled, diving into him at break-neck speeds, sending him spiraling into a small set of drawers. "You're gonna get it now buster!"

Micheal began pulling himself up when he felt several bolts of magical energy sear his body, quickly he raised a leathery wing to protect himself but then the strength went up and simply pierced the membrane.

Lowering down he intended to pounce off and slash the ponies in a bid to escape, as he leapt off in the direction of the magical bolts a pair of orange hooves entered his vision, and slammed straight into the side of his face with enough force he went out the broken window he had thrown the rabbit.

Micheal landed hard and began rolling down a small slope, when he finally stopped he felt numb and dazed.

Where...the hell... Micheal thought.

Painful waves racked his body as he clamored to his feet, blood oozing out of his mouth and wounds. He looked back up at the house only in time enough to see a very angry Rainbow Dash bearing down on him, he barely had enough time to raise up to intercept her.

Rainbow Dash slammed straight into his chest causing him to cough out globs of blood onto the enraged mare, the pair tumbled and fought for supremacy, taking turns at furiously beating the other.

Finally Micheal pinned her, claws digging into her chest.

"I...will...devour...you...all," Micheal panted heavily over the pegasus.

The mare looked completely defeated, she was covered in blood from her own wounds and his, yet she still had a defiant look on her face.

"Monsters like you...never win," Rainbow growled.

"I...am no meager monster," Micheal chuckled softly. "I am born of nightmares and darkness....I am a demon."

Micheal snaked his tail around, priming it to impale the pony beneath him.

"Any last words?" Micheal asked.

The mare looked at him balefully for a moment, before becoming incredibly smug.

"Yeah...Good morning," She said pompously.

"What's tha-" Micheal began, before feeling a warm sensation begin to overcome him.

No, not now, Obsidian despaired. We were so close.

Micheal turned his head slightly, and beheld a sight that terrified him beyond reason.

A soft glow on the horizon greeted him, marking the rising sun. But what truly terrified him were the dark specks in the distance rapidly approaching, he could see figures covered in brilliant golds and deep purples. Two prominent figures stood out amongst the swarm, a pristine white one and a dark blue one.

We're about fucked six ways from Sunday, Micheal cursed.

"Any last words?" Rainbow Dash taunted.

Micheal looked down at her with absolute hatred. "Yeah...die," he said as he tore his claws from her and pounced away, slashing his tail onto her in the process.

Micheal began a headlong dash towards the forest, Twilight and the other ponies emerged from the small cabin.

"He's trying to escape," Twilight called.

"Don't worry Twilight, I've got this," Pinkie said, donning a green helmet with several stars lined across the top and pulling out a large blue cannon.

Micheal stopped in his tracks, unable to comprehend where the hell she managed to get the cannon, and throw it around like a paperweight.

MOVE YOU IDIOT, Obsidian screeched loud enough to break him from his stupor.

Bolts of energy rained down upon him as he ducked and dived to avoid the purple volley. He had just made it to the edge of the forest when he heard a loud boom echo from somewhere behind him, looking back he saw a large multi-colored ball heading straight for him, his wings drooping in despair.

Micheal screamed as the ball slammed into him exploding into a giant cloud of confetti, the blast sending him flying straight into the dark forest behind him.

_____


WAKE UP DAMN IT! Obsidian's voice resounded in Micheal's head.

His eyes fluttered open, looking around groggily trying to take in his surroundings. He was in a dimly lit room, a few shelves stocked with books or vials filled with unknown concoctions surrounded him.

Stiffly he sat up to trying to get a bearing, he threw off the scrappy sheets that covered him, revealing bandages that were wrapped around parts of his body.

What the hell happened?  Micheal thought.

You were hit by that ball of...something and went barreling into the forest somewhere, Obsidian answered. The last thing I remember seeing was a particularly large tree.

Hopping off the rickety bed Micheal began to explore around the room and look out the small windows, he could see it was still night out, which was odd.

Unless I've been unconscious for a particularly long time, shouldn't it be day now? Micheal asked.

Perhaps a ploy by the princesses to lure us out, Obsidian replied. But that wouldn't explain why we're bandaged like this, try and find our host.

Micheal walked across the room floorboards creaking underfoot. Leaving the room he entered a hallway, which was equally drab as the bedroom he was just in; the lighting was minimal and only a few vines with glowing buds hung from small pots on the walls.

Making his way down the hall Micheal could hear a pair of voices speaking, one of a male and the other of a female.

"When do you suppose he'll wake up?" The male asked.

"I'm not sure, even though he crashed in the well, it looked like he had gone through something before," the female voice replied.

"I wonder if he's an outcast, I've never seen a gryphon like him before," the male said.

"Perhaps he's a traveler," the female said. "I wonder where he's been."

"If he came down like he did with the wounds he had, I'd say not anywhere good," the male said. "And i'd assume he wouldn't be to talkative about it either."

"Brother your no fun you know that," the female grumbled.

"Your want to join the Night Guard and not following through is cause enough to taunt you sister dear," the male.

"I'll get in one day," the female declared loudly.

"Sure, when you can get off your flank and apply," the male laughed.

"That's it, come here," the female shouted.

Micheal listened to the sound of laughter and crashing as he neared a doorway, peering through he saw the commotion.

Two near identical therestals were tumbling around trying to pin the other one until the female managed to put the males wings in a very awkward position.

"ARGH! OKAY OKAY RAVEN LET GO!" The male called helplessly.

"Who's the best fighter around here," Raven said calmly.

"YOUARE YOUARE YOUARE!" The male called again.

"That's right Gale, me," Raven said smugly.

Raven then looked up and noticed Micheal looking over them.

"Oh...your up," She said with some embarrassment.

"Yes," Micheal said. "Mind telling me where I am and what happened to me?"

"You landed...rather crashed into the town of Long Shadows," Raven said. "My brother and I pulled you out of the well you wrecked upon landing, we've been tending to you for the past two days."

TWO DAYS! Micheal internally yelled.

How have our enemies not found us yet...No never mind that, how close are they to finding us is what I want to know, Obsidian said. We must leave immediately, find a way to escape this area.

"Well thank you then for your hospitality, but I am desperately needed elsewhere," Micheal said trying to make his way to a door.

"That leads to the kitchen," Gale said. "And why the rush, surely you could stay for a while, maybe have something to eat."

"Uh, no sorry I must decline," Micheal said quickly, reminded that he hadn't eaten in a couple of days. "Important business far north...yeah, if I've been out of it for two days then I'll be far behind schedule now."

"Alright then, go back out in the hallway and take the door directly in front of you," Raven said dismissively.

Micheal quickly trotted out the door and made his way out barely hearing the conversation of the pair.

"You're just letting him go like that?" Gale asked.

"Pssh, no," Raven said.
> Chapter 9 - Change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bloody hell, Micheal fumed. Why didn't I ask where north was.

Because you're an idiot, Obsidian replied.

Shut up, or I'll go find a pony to hug, Micheal growled.

You...wouldn't dare, Obsidian gagged.

Micheal could imagine the look of complete revulsion on her face now.

Try me, he challenged.

Shut up and get us out of here, Obsidian hissed. Our enemies could be anywhere. In fact, call the rat. Use your boon and have him send us away.

Don't you think we should use it for something...more valuable? Micheal asked.

You're lost in a supposedly dangerous forest that should be crawling with our enemies, Obsidian deadpanned. Even if you make it out, I'm sure a they will have patrols roaming the edges.

Micheal thought for a moment, and he had to agree it was a pretty compelling argument.

"Fine, I can't deny you on this one," Micheal sighed. "Azmuun'thul hear me, I require your assistance and wish to cash in my boon."

For a moment the only sounds Micheal could hear was the rustling of the leaves and the birds singing in the trees above.

"Already?" Azmuun's voice sounded from nowhere in particular. "I'd have thought you wanted to wait a bit. But no matter, there are no take backs."

Micheal looked around, trying to identify the source of Azmuun'thul's voice, but couldn't see him anywhere. All of a sudden the ground beneath him gave way, the world around him changed from a forest to one of a dull stone walls.

Micheal landed heavily grunting from the impact, looking up he could see he was now in a large room, runed banners and hide rugs were lined around the walls. several chandeliers hung around covered in old wax with new candles adding to the stalactites growing underneath. Dominating the room was a large circular stone table with engraved with several rings of glowing runes.

Here again, they both sighed

"Quickly, before it closes!" A familiar voice shouted from above.

Looking up Micheal saw Gale and Raven diving towards the portal he fell into, straight towards him.

"Oh fuck," Micheal cursed

Not even having the time to get out of the way he was quickly crushed underneath the two bat ponies. Growling he whipped his tail around hellbent on skewering the siblings.

"Wait a moment," Azmuun's voice called calmly.

Looking up he saw the rat overlooking the tangled pile of limbs with a bemused expression. "Strange, they shouldn't have seen that happen."

Leaning in Azmuun'thul grabbed Gale's head and studied the pony, then doing the same to Raven.

"Obsidian, I require your...expertise...on this matter," Azmuun'thul said, raising his staff crackling with energy. Bringing the prongs low he touched Micheal and the feint shadowy mist that usually encased him flowed up to the blades.

Ripping the gathered mist he slashed the staff overhead spinning around and slamming the ground, causing the mist to erupt into a large cloud. Slowly the cloud condensed until a shadowy figure like Micheal remained.

"I'm free," The voice of obsidian echoed from the shadow.

"Not yet. Look at these two," Azmuun'thul said, indicating to the two ponies who had righted themselves and were now helping Micheal up. "Do they seem odd to you?"

Perplexed Obsidian approached Raven who stiffened at her approach, examining the pony she found nothing out of the ordinary, that was until she checked the eyes.

"That can't be possible," Obsidian whispered.

Quickly she shifted he gaze to Gale and stared at his eyes. Observing the same thing, both had a faintly glowing orange halo around their iris, the tell-tale sign that they had succumbed to the Obsidian plague.

But I'm the only one who should be able to cause this, she brooded. It can't be possible...that's not my body.

"What's going on?" Micheal asked.

"It would appear these two are bound to you," Azmuun drawled.

"How do you know about this?" Obsidian demanded.

"Lots of study...the archives deep under Canterlot are quite descriptive about the war of the sun and moon," Azmuun replied with a large grin. "One particular entry tells of one of the Night Stalker spreading a curious blood plague. That she created Nightmare Moon's army to fight an open war against Celestia."

"That was me," Obsidian growled. "But he is not me...it shouldn't be possible that he possesses this power."

"Quite the opposite actually," Azmuun'thul said casually. "The potion I created contained your essence, you two have shared the same body for weeks now. To exhibit some of the powers you had wouldn't be out of the question."

"Can we like back up a few steps and someone explain to me everything," Micheal called.

Azmuun'thul walked over to the stone table and opened a large tome on it.

"It's simple really, you've inherited one of Obsidian's natural powers," Azmuun'thul said, reading the tome. "Your blood bears the incredible ability to transform other creatures into hybrids of yourself. Ah here we are, an excerpt from Celestia's journal..."

"The continued cases of monsters resembling both pony and Night Stalker has been alarming and research has lead me to believe these abominations come about after being exposed to the blood of one particular monster of Nightmare Moon's brood. The mutation of the infected individual does not occur for some time after exposure - either ingesting or contamination through open wounds - and in most causes when the transformation begins it is rapid and extremely painful to the victim, in the rare case transformations can occur slowly over time and be less traumatic, or instead occur in violent stages. 

Early in the infection the pony may not realise what will happen to them and will continue to act normally if the method used was subtle, in fact the only method that I and the inquisitors have found to identify the infected is the halo glow around the iris. By the time such infected ponies are found it is too late to save them.

The end result is always the same, a creature that bears some resemblance of the pony they once were and of the demon that caused their damnation, all bear absolute loyalty to their maker."

"There's a little bit more there, but that's just emotional drivel from her," Azmuun'thul finished.

Micheal sat there trying to process what he had heard. "So...Why are they acting like statues?" Micheal asked.

"We're not acting like statues," Raven replied indignantly, then went completely still.

"This is a pocket dimension that we're in, they shouldn't even be here," Azmuun explained. "By this they go into a sort of stasis until you give them notice...It would be from your blood being in them."

"And now?" Obsidian asked.

"I send you on your way as you want, and I suppose you can keep these two," Azmuun answered. "I'm sure this pair will come in handy...As for you Obsidian, I think you can stay as you are and be his shadow."

Azmuun'thul's staff lit up as he pointed it at Obsidian, green energy flowing over her body; he then pointed his staff at Micheal and a small bolt shot out and struck him in the chest. An odd tingling washed over him as obsidian's form began to dissolve and meld with his own shadow.

"There, you have limited freedom to materialise yourself, but not so much that you can run off," Azmuun stated with a grin. "Play nice you two."

With a wave of his staff another portal opened behind Micheal, despite digging his claws into the ground he felt himself being sucked towards the shimmering gate.

"Unfortunately I can not send you far, there is...another, who would see our work undone," Azmuun said venomously. " I will however give you  a few interesting things upon your arrival in the north...as well as your old body. And before I forget, I owe you this."

Azmuun pulled the choker Micheal had seen last time and threw it at him hitting him in the face. The impact caused him to loose his grip and go flying into the portal along with the two therestals.

_____

Azura surveyed the damage of the town as she stalked forward her hoof blades clattering on the cobblestones. After Corvus had been blasted into the Everfree a massive search had been started following the trail of damage left in his path, Azura was currently leading a small squad of guard straight to where his crash site should have been.

The trail had led them to a small village in the Everfree and if Azura was correct it was the village of Long Shadows, one of the few places in Equestria inhabited exclusively by therestals; yet right now it looked as if a pack of manticore had torn the place apart.

"Every pony keep an eye out, Corvus could be anywhere around here," Azura commanded.

She was still coming to terms with the Stalkers sudden change, apart from his acts to irritate ponies for his amusement, he never showed any real intent to cause harm on this scale.

"Lieutenant over here! We found a survivor," a unicorn guard called, from a nearby house

Azura rushed over to the guard as more congregated around. The therestal lay on his side blood oozing from wounds clawed along his body; barely conscious muttering.

"They...they're...monsters," he muttered painfully."Please...don't...let...me...become...like...them.".

"Just hold on, we'll get you to help," Azura said, looking at a pair of therestal guards. "Quickly get him out of here, he needs urgent medical treatment."

Just as the pair were about to grab the injured pony dark tendrils began to snake out from his wounds which caused him to writhe in agony, claws began emerging from his hooves while at the same time his muzzle began to extend out skin splitting to form a bloody sharp beak.

"FOR THE LOVE OF THE NIGHT PLEASE END THIS!" The abomination screamed between spasms, a long tendril engulfing his tail with a familiar styled tip forming.

Azura raised one of hoof blades as the wretched beast bellow her look up, eyes glazing over and glowing like warm coals. She struck straight into the barrel of its chest then gave a twist; the mutating therestal twitched a few more times.

"Thank...you. He breathed shutting his eyes before going silent.

"Lieutenant...What in Luna's great night just happened?" One guard asked.

"I'm not sure, but it must be linked to Corvus," Azura answered. "He said more had become monsters...We need to leave immediately and report this back to the princesses at once. Everypony pullout."

"Ma'am what if there are more survivors?" Another asked.

"Then they're likely to be in a state like this one was," Azura said coldy. "This town should have at least a hundred residence...if they're all becoming like this...thing...then we'll be hard pressed to fight them by numbers alone."

The rest seemed to understand the situation and began to make their way back the way they had come, sticking close together looking for any sign of danger. Azura march in the middle of the group, troubled by this finding.

Corvus what have you done, Azura brooded.

_____

> Chapter 10 - From bad to boned
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world tilted itself again on Micheal as he flew through the portal, causing his stomach to lurch. Landing harshly on a groaning furry surface the air was knocked out of him, the collar striking his head a moment later.

Looking up he saw Azmuun'thul smirking down at him as the tear in space began sealing up. Just before the portal finished closing a small paper parcel fell through landing just beside him and the pair of therestals.

“You wouldn't mind...getting off of us now would you?” Raven mumbled.

Grunting he heaved himself off and moved over to the parcel.

The hell is this? He wondered.

“That..felt wired.” Gale groaned. “What's that?”

Micheal unwrapped the parcel revealing a pair of tickets and a map.

“Train tickets to the Crystal Empire...and a map of the city?” Raven wondered aloud, inspecting the parcels contents.

“They must be for you,” Micheal said.

“From who?” Raven asked.

“And why?” Gale asked

“It would probably be better...and save many headaches...if you don't ask,” Micheal replied.

“Alright,” both said in unison, their eyes dilating with a flash of orange.

Micheal gave them a close look. The halo around their eyes had grown, becoming more noticeable.

“What about you though? We came to join you...on wherever it was you were going,” Raven asked, snapping from her stupor.

Choose your words carefully, they're not ours fully yet, Obsidian advised. They could still break away from us if you go against the grain too much.

“Don't worry, we will be travelling together...I just can't be seen by the public right now...they're a little jumpy around me, being a strange carnivorous creature and all.” Micheal half-lied. “Just make your way to the train station and I'll meet up with you there. Then we can enjoy a nice ride and get to know each other a little better, yes?

Both nodded their heads then looked around for an exit.

“Uh, where are we?” Gale asked.

“Looks rather nice,” Raven hummed.

Realising this himself, Micheal looked around at his surroundings; noticing the familiar sculptured bushes, the exotic flowers and mystical statues.

“Fuck.” Micheal muttered under his breath. “We've landed in the Royal Gardens of Canterlot. We should get out of here quickly...We should go our own ways for now."

The pair nodded. Gale picked the parcel up as the pair made their way through the gardens.

Micheal turned and trod to the fallen collar which now had a few specks of red on it. Cocking an eyebrow he rubbed a paw over his head, which came back with a few streaks of red.

“Of course,” he muttered to himself.

Just take my collar already and lets go, Obsidian demanded. I don't want to stay around here any longer than we need too.

Wait, what'd you mean your collar? Micheal asked.

A pair of orange glowing slits opened in Micheals shadow

Have you really paid so little attention, Obsidian deadpanned. The rat took my remains and created some potion which made you one of us, then he gives you an enchanted collar specifically for a creature like us. I'll let you piece the rest together.

Oh...right...forgot you weren't always like this, Micheal said sheepishly.

Obsidian merely rolled her eyes.

Micheal went to pick up the collar, but as his paw touched the cool metallic surface, a bolt ran up his foreleg and into his head.

Collapsing on the ground he clutched his head as he was assaulted with images of a tall dark mare, clad in azure armor and with a mane flowing of the night.

Stalker! The voice bellowed. Your queen is trapped! Seek me out and release me!

All of a sudden Micheal was released from his visions and instead he saw the gardens on an angle, with Obsidian's shadow hovering over him.

“What just happened?” Micheal groaned.

“It appears Nightmare Moon still lives, and she still has enough strength to contact us through the collar,” Obsidian answered.

“She can do that?” Micheal asked.

“Well how else do you think she would communicate with us?” Obsidian said. “Writing letters and sending them out on some bird?”

“Okay okay...” Micheal grunted, moving himself into sitting position. “I should really stop being surprised by these things.”

“You should, it would do us all a world of good,” Obsidian snarked.

“Why are you so cranky all of a sudden,” Micheal asked.

Obsidian looked away and sighed. “I know it's not your fault, but the amount of desecration's the rat has performed is getting to me. First my remains, now the collar that my queen gave me herself. Throwing it around like some common trinket.”

“Well...if it's any consolation, it is technically back in your possession; and I'll be sure to take care of it,” Micheal assured.

They were quiet for a moment until Obsidian looked back at him.

“Thank you,” she murmured. “Now enough wasting time, if Nightmare Moon was able to contact us, perhaps she is somewhere in this castle. We should have a quick look around.”

“What about the train?” Micheal asked. “Surely we should get there before it leaves.”

“We can afford a small detour,” Obsidian asserted.

Micheal conceded with a sigh and brought the collar over his head. The cool metal band sat snugly around his neck. The gem buried in it began to softly glow orange, growing stronger and dimming as if it were breathing.

A cool yet refreshing chill worked its way from his head to tail causing him to shiver. Micheal stretched himself like a cat, suddenly feeling full of energy.

Turning he looked back at the castle he began moving towards it at a lazy trot, which soon became a hasty dash. Closing his eyes he allowed himself to relax and quickly the weightless feeling of shadowmelding washed over him.

Micheal glided up to an open balcony which overlooked the gardens and made his way inside, his form returning to normal from the candle light coming from the corridor in front of him.

He noticed off to one side sat a pair of cushions and a low table, on which sat a pair of cups; one was adorned with silver and a moon, the other gold and a sun. Steam was freshly rising from both cups.

Either those are common and the staff have just wandered off, Micheal thought. Or we're about to walk into something very bad.

Keep going, Obsidian pressed.  I at least want to find the whereabouts of my queen.

Sighing to himself he crept his way into the hallway and quickly reached an intersection. Peering around the corner he looked up and down the new set of halls, oddly not a soul could be seen.

Having wandered through the castles interior during his stay he felt confident enough to take the left passage.

This should take us to the Royal Quarters, Micheal thought. If there's anywhere anything of value would be kept, it would be there.

After turning down a few different halls he finally came across another being. Standing stoically outside a pair of doors stood several guards clad in gold plate.

Think you could distract them? Micheal asked.

That will be easy, Obsidian said.

Rising from his shadow like an oily mass her form quickly mirrored his own. Flaring her wings she made a dash down the hall past the guards faster than they could react.

The guards quickly pulled themselves together and gave chase, skidding around a corner she charge off again allowing her shadow body to dissipate out from their sight.

There, that should occupy them for a bit, Obsidian hummed.

Micheal made his move towards the doors they were guarding, slowly he opened one and peered in. The room was dark bar one small candle next to a couple of beds.

He closed the door silently behind once he entered, his sight quickly adjusted and reveal to him more details of the sterile smelling room.

There were more beds lay uniformly along the walls of the room, small curtains were place up near the beds with nightstands on either side. A pair of cabinets sat next to the door he had just entered, the far wall had several large windows placed in it.

This is the hospital wing, Obsidian deadpanned. Are you sure you know your way.

Alright so I may have made a wrong turn, this place is like a maze, Micheal defended. Besides I'm now more interested in why those guards were posted outside this room.

Indeed, have a look around, Obsidian said.

Micheal stalked over to the beds with the candle between them to see their occupants. Immediately he recoiled.

In the first bed sat the yellow pegasus he had tried to hunt a few nights ago; in the second lay the blue pegasus that had interrupted and pestered him. Both were covered in various sized bandages.

Kill them now, Obsidian hissed.

No, if we do that, we'll never make it out of here, Micheal countered. Think about it, if those first guards are already running around trying to find you, they'll surely check on these two, and if they find them dead I'm sure this place will go full lockdown.

Obsidian sighed in frustration. Will the opportunity never present itself to be rid of these cursed ponies.

Micheal stayed there silently for a while, watching the slow rise and fall of their chests as they slept peacefully.

I've got an idea, Obsidian chirped. Poison them with your blood.

Understanding what she was getting at Micheal shifted himself between the two bed. First he shifted Fluttershy's head gently up and opened her mouth, then he snaked his tail around and cut his paw.

For a few moments he let his scarlet blood trickle into the sleeping pegasus' mouth. Micheal then repeated the procedure to Rainbow Dash.

Satisfied he had them ingest enough of his corrupting blood he began to make his way to the door until he began hearing voices on the other side.

"And while the castle is being searched I want patrols to fan out and search the city," Celestia said. "We can not afford to let him escape again."

Recoiling from the door Micheal looked around the room for somewhere to hide. Groaning at his lack of options he dived under the nearest bed, hoping that the overhanging sheets would keep him safe.

Micheal heard the door open followed by hoof steps clacking on a floor; shortly after he saw Celestia walk past the front of the bed, followed by several guards. Micheal pushed himself as far back as he could, his breath catching as one set of legs stopped at the end of his bed.

Micheal listened as Celestia muttered softly to the sleeping ponies, then she spoke a littler louder. "Come, we need to find this demon before it's too late."

The ponies turned and left, a dull clunk announcing their departure.

Micheal released a shaky breath. I'm sorry Obsidian, but we have to get out of here now.

No, wait, Obsidian said quickly. We need to find her. I can sense her, and you should be able to now with my collar. Try and feel for that same energy you felt when she spoke to you.

Micheal sighed in exasperation and did as he was asked. Closing his eyes and clearing his mind he tried to focus on that same cold energy that had racked his body when Nightmare Moon spoke to him.

Immediately his eyes shot open as he felt weak yet steady waves of the same energy coming from higher up.

What the hell is this, Micheal demanded.

Like I've said, the collars share a connection with Nightmare Moon, Obsidian said. The only reason I can feel magical signatures, Nightmare Moon's in particular, is because I've done it for so long.

Sighing again Micheal got out from his hiding spot and began moving towards the door.

"And where do you think your going buster," A voice croaked dryly behind him.

Micheal turned his head to see Rainbow Dash pushing herself out of her bed, her movements sluggish and jerky.

"I'm not letting you go anywhere," she growled.

Taking a few steps forward she soon collapsed from exhaustion and tried to push herself up again.

Micheal turned fully to face her. Seeing the pony that had just a few days ago try and engage him, now be reduced to this broken pathetic state made something throb in the back of Micheal's mind.

Cautiously he took a few steps towards the angry pegasus until he stood in front of her. 

She stood defiantly to him, her eyes burning with anger, yet unable to hide the pain she felt.

Micheal then knew what he was feeling for her, Pity.

Gently he laid a paw on her shoulder. "Go back to bed, I'd rather not have to hurt you or anyone else more than I already have," he said sullenly.

"You're a monster and a liar," Rainbow accused. "The moment you escape you'll start attacking ponies again."

Micheal flinched and looked away, his head drooping. 

"A monster I may be, but I wasn't born one. I was made into one," Micheal mumbled. "I know I've done some horrible things in my time here, and I may never atone for them, but if I can at least mitigate my footprint I will."

"Then why do any of this," Rainbow demanded. "Why not just turn yourself over."

"Because if I do, then your princess will kill me," Micheal said. "And despite everything I will fight for my survival."

The two stood silently staring at one another for what felt like an eternity.

"I still can't let you leave," Rainbow resolved.

"I know," Micheal said. "And I'm sorry for this."

Swiftly he spun on the spot whipping his tail around, slamming the flat edge of the tail-blade into her head and knocking her unconscious. Micheal quickly recovered and caught her before she hit the ground.

A muffled yelp caught Micheal's attention, looking at the other bed he saw the yellow pegasus looking him with wide fearful eyes.

Gently Micheal place rainbow back in her bed, pulling the sheets up to neck.

"I owe you an apology too," Micheal said while tucking in Rainbow Dash. "I'm sorry for nearly killing you and harming your pet. I know you most likely despise me and rightly so, but I just wanted you to know."

With that Micheal made his way to the door again.

"Where will you go," Fluttershy squeaked from behind him.

Micheal turned his head and looked at her. 

"Somewhere far away," he replied.

He then left through the door.

_____________

What in the great star filled sky was that! Obsidian demanded.

Stow it. I don't want to hear it, Micheal growled.

Every time I think I'm starting to understand you, you pull something like this, Obsidian huffed.

Micheal continued his climb along the castle walls; having decided instead it would be safer and quicker to shadowmeld along them.

The cold radiance he was following was growing stronger as he he glided up the spire at the edge of the castle.

As Micheal reached the balcony of the spire he looked back and around Canterlot. He saw patrols of pegasi flying around, some pulling chariots with unicorns.

Well great, we're going to have a fun time trying to get out of here now, Micheal said sarcastically.

Shaking his head he moved slowing inside the spire. The interior he noticed was richly decorated in cool colors and silver linings, small statues of moons sat on some cabinets, while a large mosaic of the constellations and moon covered one wall.

I can guess where we are, both said in unison. Princess Luna's quarters.

Both groaned. Why am I not surprised.

Quickly, grab my queen's prison and lets go, Obsidian commanded.

Micheal followed the pulsing - which was overwhelmingly powerful now - to the mosaic.

He placed a paw on the moon and gave it a soft push, and with a light click the moon depressed into the wall. sliding away it revealed the same armor that was laying in the ruins where he first woke up.

Her armor? Obsidian hummed.

"So, here you are," Celestia said coldly behind Micheal.

Painfully slow he turned around to face the princess of the sun.

Terrified at the sight of her emotionless gaze Micheal backpedaled into the wall, claws scrapping on the smooth stone.

"I let you go once," Celestia spat. "And in return you attack and murder my subjects."

"WAITWAITWAIT!" Micheal panicked, waving his paws.

Celestia's eyes narrowed as she lowered her head, horn glowing.

I have an idea, Obsidian said quickly. I will charge her, you just get out.

At that moment the door to the room creaked open.

"Ah sister there you are," Luna said. "We have an unusual gue- what are you do- YOU!"

Luna's attention fixated on him as she followed her sisters gaze. Immediately her wings flared and her horn lit up ready to strike.

"Your hi-highness' I know I've done s-some distgusting things re-recently," Micheal stuttered. "A-and I want to a-atone for th-them."

"THEN DIE!" Celestia shouted, releasing a golden bolt straight at him.

Micheal barely ducked in time as the magic shot into the wall behind him. He leaped away as further bolts flew at him, both golden and cyan.

Whatever you had planned, now would be a REALLY good time to do it! Micheal shouted.

As he ran for the balcony he saw Obsidian's eyes open up in his shadow. Leaping out she flew straight for Celestia, catching her off guard she managed to rake her claws across her alabaster body.

In response to this Celestia's horn grew ever brighter. Micheal looked back to see a great golden nova blast out from her slamming him over the edge of the balcony, he clung on with one of his paws.

Looking down he saw how far a drop he was facing should he loose his grip.

"Fuck fuck fuck FUCK," Micheal cursed.

Let go! Obsidian shouted.

And fall to my death! Micheal retorted.

You've got wings feather brain Obsidian growled. And you can shadowmeld.

Remembering this Micheal promptly released his death grip and allowed gravity to take him. Opening his wings the breeze quickly caught him and sent him flying straight into the castle.

He threw his paws up in an attempt to shield himself as he smashed through a stained glass window. Tumbling he came to a halt slamming into a wall.

Groaning he rose up, covered in fresh cuts and bruises he looked back up at the spire. A golden flash was all his warning as another bolt blasted into the castle wall.

Taking the hint Micheal backed off and tried to figure out where he was now.

Looking back he saw it wasn't a wall he had hit, but a marble column, more lined down the room. A velvet carpet ran the length of the room to a pedestal and throne with a small fountain built to the side, all made from richly ornate gold with etches ran along the surface like sun rays.

The  gold architecture ran high up and spread out with a large sun at its zenith, while a curved band of clouds and starry sky wove around the throne.

"Well fuck," Micheal deadpanned. "I'm boned."

You mean, we're, Obsidian huffed. I'm still here too you know.

"A bit vulgar," a feminine voice spoke gently.

Micheal spun round, greet with a sight that cause him to freeze.

Before him was a creature stood ready, similar to him in every aspect except for a few details. The feathers themselves were a golden brown, while the eyes were an icy blue.

"But you are correct," the same voice said in its soothing tone. "This ends here."

The owner of the voice strode gracefully out from behind one of the pillars, revealing herself.

A rat, dressed in a robe of browns adorned with charms and pelts, a gnarled wooden staff with a crystal headpiece in hand. A small leather pouch hung from her side.

Her most distinguishing feature was a rack of horns which adorned her head, a total of eight. a pair of small ones sprouted on her head pointing back, four large ones from the back in a similar manner, while a pair had grown out to the side slightly before spinning around and back up again.

The rat raised her clawed hand at him.

"Kal'shir," She hissed.

Then Micheal's doppelganger charged him.
> Chapter 11 - Evasive action
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Micheal rolled to the side as his doppelganger flew past him with outstretched claws. Both had tried to rake theirs along the others sides but only succeeded in grabbing a pawful of feathers.

As his doppelganger was turning around Micheal took his opportunity and leaped at it. 

Just as he was about to make contact the doppelganger jumped up, then slammed down onto his back driving him into the floor.

Micheal struggled furiously as the doppelganger raked its claws along him, his tail swinging ferociously.

A loud crack and a squawk from above was the signal that he had his something. Taking the opportunity he jolted himself up, knocking his doppelganger off.

We must escape, Obsidian growled. Those princesses will be here any minute, and we're already having trouble with this.

Micheal grunted in agreement as he dodge the doppelganger again.

As he dodge attack after attack Micheal began positioning himself towards a window, the doppelganger passing him one more time, now standing in front of a window.

Micheal gave a loud screech and charge with all his might and leapt straight towards the doppelganger, who rolled away to the side just as he hoped. Raising his forelegs and ducking his head he speared out the window.

He allowed himself to free fall for a couple of seconds to gain momentum and distance before spreading his wings.

Okay I agree that perhaps we should have gone to the train now, Obsidian said apprehensively. We need to get out of here before the princesses or that Guardian catch us.

So what exactly was that thing, Micheal asked.

Just focus on getting us out of here safely, Obsidian demanded. I'll tell you about it when we're not in danger of being killed.

Micheal huffed as he flew in the shadows of the castle, guiding himself to the train yards. He was able to avoid the pegasi patrols thanks to his dark sleek form, acting as a natural camouflage.

Soon he was gliding over the train yard, he could see all around the station the lights glowed from the semi-circle structure. Several trains sat quietly in the yard proper but one sat inside the station itself.

From what Micheal could see there were few ponies milling around the only one train that sat idling at he platforms, steam gently pouring from an exhaust.

That must be our ride, Micheal said, gliding down near the platforms.

Quick as he could, Micheal landed in the darkness of the yard, then skittered over the rails towards the train.Slipping between the platform and the train he shuffled down the length until he reached the caboose.

Peaking up over the platform Micheal made sure the coast was clear before entering the caboose. Slamming the door behind him he let out a sigh of relief, he was going to escape.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" A voice demanded behind him.

Turning around he was greeted by a pony wearing overalls and flimsy cap.

A low grumble of Micheal's stomach reminded him he hadn't eaten in quite some time. He could feel his primal urges rising and found them hard to resist.

"Just a weary...hungry...traveler," Micheal said, advancing lowly.

The pony gulped and took a few steps back.

"I'm sure w-we could get you something," the pony stammered.

"I'm sure we will," Micheal hissed.

____________

Celestia marched towards the throne room, her sister and a squad of her elite guard in toe.

"We must capture the demon and prepare the light chamber to dispose of him," Celestia said darkly. "We cannot afford him to escape again."

"Surely he won't stray too far, sister, " Luna said. "He went straight for Nightmares armor, she must be controlling him. So he could try and reach it again."

"That's why we need to destroy the armor," Celestia responded.

"I'm not sure that would be wise, sister," Luna cautioned. "Nightmare's armor is the only thing anchoring her, if we try to destroy it, it could release her instead."

Celestia stopped are the large ornate doors of the throne room and sighed.

"Very well, sister," Celestia said. "But we need to hide the pieces somewhere secure so she won't be released."

"Agreed," Luna nodded.

A commotion on the other side of the door caused Celestia's ears to perk up. She could barely understand what was being said, so she slid her ear up against the door.

"BUT HE'S GETTING AWAY!" A female voice shouted from inside the throne room.

"Patience," another female voice spoke soothingly. "We need the co-operation of the ponies if we are to succeed."

"While that monster is out there," the first rebuked. "You've already told me what he's going to do. I could take him if you just let me go after him."

"Hmm, perhaps he hit you a little harder than I thought," the second mumbled. "He dodged most of your attempted attacks and even when you pinned him, he managed to get you off."

Having heard enough Celestia barge her way through the doors, curious to see who was arguing in her throne room.

Instantly she threw herself into a defensive position, horn charged and ready to strike.

But as quick as she had adopted this position she almost immediately slumped at what she saw.

Before her stood what seemed a replica of the Night Stalker, but it was different. This one's feathers were bronze in color, the wings were fully feathered instead of Corvus's half-feathered half-bat wings. The eyes too were different, instead of the signature orange iris they were an icy blue.

"A Solar Guardian?...How?" Celestia mumbled.

"That would be my doing your highness," a large bipedal rat said, revealing itself.

Celestia recoiled at the sight, not only did it bear obvious demonic taint in the form of the array of horns on its head, she could feel the dark energy seeping from it.

"Silence your tongue demon," Luna commanded, jumping to Celestia's side.

The guard swiftly took up ranks in front of the two hierarchs, all ready to attack at the drop of a pin.

"Your highnesses please, I'm not here as your enemy," the rat spoke calmly. "I know my rather unique features are reason for pause, but I seek to capture or kill the same one that just escaped us now."

"And why would you help us?" Celestia asked.

"It is my charge to see the downfall of the renegade's master," the rat replied solemnly. "If they aren't stopped, they will unleash such terrible wanton destruction everywhere."

Celestia studied the rat and mulled over her words. Centuries of diplomatic maneuverings had given her a terrific sense of what someone was saying was true or not.

"I'm not to sure sister," Luna whispered. "They could be in league with Corvus."

"And what's to say this isn't all a facade?" Celestia asked.

"Because, to show you I mean you no ill will, I submit my Guardian to you," the rat said with a flourish.

Celestia gazed over at the Guardian who was shuffling her paws nervously.

"Very well, we will accept you aid," Celestia sighed. "Though we should have a more formal introduction, so would you join my sister and I for our evening supper? It would be nice to know exactly what we're up against."

"Of course your highness," the rat replied.

__________

Katrina sat at a small table, a steaming cup of tea in front of her. The rat matriarch and pony princesses likewise sat silently with their own cups of tea.

"Allow me to reintroduce my sister and I," the white alicorn said after sipping her tea. "I am princess Celestia, and this is my sister, princess Luna."

"I am Selendris'thal, matriarch of Clan Naz'ak," Selendris said. "And this is my protegee, Katrina."

"Hello," Katrina said, bowing her head at the two princesses.

Both princesses nodded to her in return. 

"So," Princess Luna began. " You mentioned that the Stalker Corvus is a renegade and serves a master. Yet I assume you are not referring to Nightmare Moon?"

"I'm afraid not," Selendris said mournfully. "He is a wayward soul that has been convinced to perform a task of subjugating this world to his master, and he will not stop until either he is dead or has succeeded."

"Surely he no more stronger than the typical Night Stalker was?" Luna asked. "Not to say they were weak by any means."

"Right now he will only be a mimic of one, but in time he will become so much stronger," Selendris replied.

"And how do you propose we stop him?" Celestia asked.

"I managed to retrieve a sample of the Stalker from his massacre in the forest south of here," Selendris said. "With this I was able to infuse a spell into one of his feathers with will allow the holder to detect his direction."

Katrina watched as Selendris pulled a large black feather from one of her pouches. The feather itself was wreathed in a faint cyan glow.

"With this and the resources at your disposal I believe we can catch him before it's too late," Selendris said.

"Where is he now?" Luna asked, leaning over to take a closer look at the enchanted feather.

"Not here," Selendris sighed.

"What?" Both princesses said in unison.

"He's somewhere far away," Selendris clarified. "The feeling is very faint, but it's coming from somewhere that way."

Selendris pointed towards the horizon while placing the feather on the table. Katrina squinted at the moon lit landscape and noticed a set of silvery lines of rails leading off to the distance.

"Where do those tracks lead to your highness?" Katrina asked, looking back to Celestia.

"To the Crystal Empire," Celestia replied. "Why do yo-, no you don't think."

"The guard had reported that they had cleared a train that was heading that way," Luna said. "But it will be making a few stops between here and the Empire."

"So he could be anywhere between here and this Empire, "Katrina said.

"We should warn Cadence immediately," Luna said. "And send guards to all the towns between here and the Empire."

"Well you seem to have the grounds for a plan to beat the Stalker," Selendris said, taking one last sip of tea. "So I had best go, I have perhaps spent a little too much time here."

Selendris grabbed her staff which had been resting beside her, she then looked to Katrina.

Selendris took the feather again and placed it into Katrina's chest. She felt a sharp prick after a moment.

"Ow! That hurt," Katrina complained.

"I wove a couple of additional spells into that feather," Selendris explained. "It will attach itself to you and mimic your own feathers."

Katrina looked back at her chest to see that black feather changing color, it was as if bronze dye was seeping down the feather. The cyan glow also dissipated.

After a moment Katrina felt a nagging sensation, like something was wanting to pull her towards the direction that Selendris had previously pointed to.

"I will return periodically to visit Katrina," Selendris said.

With that the matriarch rose up, the crystal atop her staff shone as she faded away.

"It is getting late," Luna sighed. "I will go prepare the guard and convene the Night Court. It would be wise for you to get some rest sister."

"You're right Luna," Celestia yawned. "If you would like to come with me Katrina, I will show you where you may rest."

Katrina bowed her head and rose to follow the alabaster alicorn.

They walked in silence, meandering through the ornate corridors.

"So, where do you come from?" Celestia asked. "If you don't mind my asking."

Katrina jumped at her sudden question.

"Don't be shocked," Celestia chuckled. "I know you're not from here. From the moment I saw you I could tell you weren't a converted Stalker, none have existed for centuries."

"Sorry your highness," Katrina said quickly.

"Please, just call me Celestia," she said gently.

"It's just...I don't remember much of home," Katrina mumbled. "One of the last things I recalled was travelling home. I was asleep on a plane when suddenly the pilot told everyone to fasten their belts and put their trays up."

Celestia stopped and turned to face Katrina with a concerned look on her face.

"I was sitting near a window and was able to see black smoke pouring out of one of the engines," Katrina continued, tears forming around her eyes. "After that it was like everything just slowed down, fire engulfed the engine then it exploded."

Katrina broke down sobbing. Celestia draped a wing over her.

"I can't... believe...I died," Katrina cried. "Everyone I knew...left behind."

"Shhh, it's alright now," Celestia soothed. "Fate has been kind to give you another chance. And perhaps one day you'll be able to return home."

Katrina stopped crying and looked into the alicorn's amethyst eyes.

"Really?" Katrina asked shakily.

"Indeed, there are ways," Celestia confirmed.

Katrina sighed and wiped her tears away, then rose back up.

"Once this situation is handled I will dedicate time to finding a way home for you," Celestia encouraged. "In the meantime, you will always be welcome here."

"Thank you princess, it means a lot," Katrina murmured.

"Now let's get you settled in," Celestia said more cheerfully, guiding her with a wing.

__________

Micheal sat on the floor of the caboose gnawing on a bone. Having long since eaten the crew member.

Thankfully the carpet was made from a red pattern so cleaning the gore wasn't as bad as he'd initially thought, it had helped that in his panic Micheal was able to get a clean kill by slitting the throat.

Are you quite finished? Obsidian grumbled. You've been chewing on that for at least an hour now.

Really? I guess time flies when your having fun, Micheal replied contentedly. Besides, that was a pretty good feed... a bit chewy, but full of flavor.

"I don't get the luxury to indulge remember," Obsidian sighed, raising from his shadow to make her point.

"Oh yeah," Micheal hummed, tossing the bone out a window.

"You know, sometimes I think you do that to irritate me," Obsidian purred dangerously, gliding a paw along the side of his neck. "You wouldn't deliberately irritate me would you?"

"NO! No no," Micheal cried, jumping back. "I just forget is all. Cause you apart of me I just assume you feel what I feel."

Obsidian hummed, eyes narrowing and prowling forward.

"Heeyy, maybe we should try and find Gale and Raven yeah?" Micheal said carefully "Perhaps you could slither about and find them?"

Micheal was now backed up against the door of the caboose, Obsidian inches away from him.

"Fine," she hummed.

Micheal sighed with relief, then felt a light thud against his beak as obsidian spun about slapping him with her tail and strode away; melting into a shadowy pool that disappeared under the opposite door leading towards the carriages.

"The fuck was that?" Micheal muttered to himself.

"Seems like someone likes you," Azmuun'thul chuckled in his ear.

Micheal jumped from the rat's voice and spun to face the cloaked figure.

"Don't fucking sneak up on me like that!" Micheal exclaimed.

"Aww, what's that matter? Scared? Glad to see me," Azmuun said with an innocent, toothy grin.

"Not when you do it like that," Micheal grumbled. "What are you here for anyway?"

"Just taking a break from an experiment," Azmuun said, studying the blades atop his staff. "I thought I should drop by and give you a few gifts seeing how you've finally managed to find yourself northbound."

Azmuun'thul pulled a large syringe from his satchel and twirled it around gently.

"I thought you might appreciate some improvements to some already existing features," Azmuun snickered, grin growing unsettling larger.

"Ahh, I think I'm good...yeah, yeah I'm good," Micheal sputtered, backing away from the approaching rat.

"Oh come now, this won't hurt," Azmuun said.

Raising his staff, a sickly green glow engulfed the twin blades which snaked out towards Micheal coiling around his limbs, trapping him in place.

Micheal struggled in his shackles at the rat crept closer, still twirling the syringe in hand. He yelped as the needle was buried into his shoulder and a strange, an unnatural feeling began coursing through his veins.

But as quickly as his had come the sensation vanished, leaving Micheal feeling no worse for the wear.

"See, not so bad was it?" Azmuun tutted. "You need to lighten up a bit."

"Lighten up!" Micheal exclaimed. "You're the one who keeps jabbing me with needles, making me drink weird shit and plucking my feathers! To top it off you want me to assassinate the most powerful being in the whole damn world, I could barely hold up against a doppelganger."

"Ah yes...My sisters own pet," Azmuun hummed. "That would be expected, after all she would want to have something that would be your opposite. But that little injection should help even the numbers...in time."

"The hell's that supposed to mean?" Micheal grumbled.

"I'll let you figure it out," Azmuun smiled. "Now because having you enter the capital of the Crystal Empire as you are would be a woefully bad move it's time I gave you back your human body...for now."

Micheal perked up at the statement, looking intently at his benefactor.

Azmuun'thul retreated a few paces and pulled a small jar of blue powder from his satchel, to which he began making a circle with runes running around the inner boarder, followed by several smaller rings following the same pattern linked to the main ring.

"Step inside if you would," Azmuun instructed.

Micheal did as he was told, no sooner than he took his place in the center did the rings ignite engulfing Micheal in a cloud of smoke.

The burning gas seared his throat and stung his eyes as he was enveloped, causing him to cough intensely and uncontrollably. A feverish wave rolled over his body.

How long Micheal writhed on the floor, he couldn't tell. Time had no meaning to him as the fever turned to a fire inside him, threatening to engulf his being.

Gradually the fever gave way and Micheal regained his senses, he could hear voices calling to him, but unable to make out their meaning. Cracking his eyes open, his vision was a blur; a pair of dark splotches hung over him.

He tried to pull himself up but stumbled, but was immediately caught by the pair that were beside him, their voices becoming more clear as his mind cleared.

"Easy, easy," Gale said gently.

"What happened to you?" Raven murmured.

"I walked into that spot," Micheal groaned, indicating to the scorch mark on the ground. "Then I was covered in a cloud of smoke."

The siblings were quick to shift Micheal away from the runic scorch on the floor.

"You should take it easy," Gale said, laying him down on the crews bunk. "Is there anything we can do for you?"

"A drink...would be nice," Micheal replied hoarsely.

Raven zipped away and returned a moment later with a pewter pitcher and mug.

He sat up stiffly as she poured him a mug of red liquid and carefully gave it him. As he took a sip he noticed an unmistakable coppery flavor tainted what was a rather sweet plum juice.

Suprised by the tainting flavour he coughed and sputtered abrutly causing the siblings to jump.

"Are you alright?" Raven asked urgently.

"Just...a little parched is all," Micheal half-lied. "I should be fine to drink on my own for now."

"Okay," Raven said hesitantly. "Just call if you need us."

The pair moved over to what would be the dinning area of the caboose and engaged in a silent conversation, stealing the occasional glace at him.

As he lay there sipping on the tainted drink, he noted the distinct lack of hands, feet or other human features.

God damn, why am I still like this, Micheal fummed. And what the hell is up with this juice.

I managed to catch our benefactor before he left, Obsidian said. He told me that the concoction in the pitcher is mainly meant for these two, but is perfectly safe to drink...or so he led me to believe.

What is it for exactly? Micheal asked, sipping another mouthful of the strange fluid.

He didn't say, Obsidian replied. Only stating that it could tip the scales in our favor the longer this affair becomes drawn out.

And my lack of being human? Micheal inquired, still pissed at going through that for apparently nothing.

He told me in case you asked, the transformation requires a catalyst of power, Obsidian explain.  But not to worry, he has things handled.

The ominousness of that is unnerving to the extreme, Micheal sighed exasperatedly.

Indeed, Obsidian replied, equally frustrated. But perhaps we should take some precautions, seeing as now we face a Solar Guardian, her master, the Princesses of Equestria and all their underling guards.

You mentioned that name before back in the throne room, Micheal began inquisitively. What exactly was it.

Obsidian's sigh was deep and saddening. I've already told you that we were spirits of the shadow world that pledged ourselves to Nightmare Moon, the Solar Guardians are our direct opposite. You almost witnessed first paw purification at the hooves of Celestia.

Most that I know of that were captured died of a result. Obsidian growled. But some didn't, they...changed...into abominations.

How so? Micheal asked carefully.

The focusing of Celestia's solar power torched them, body and soul, Obsidian growled, turning to a whimper. From their ashes rose a figment of their former selves. They became bound to Celesria as we are to Nightmare Moon...after which the war of the sun and moon began.

So...these Guardians, when you say direct opposite, Micheal asked tentatively. They will have powers over the light and such?

...Yes... Obsidian quavered.

Hey...you alright? Micheal asked concerned, nothing he'd seen so far had shaken his bloodthirsty companion so.

I just thought...I'd nevee see another again... Obsidian whispered, her voice now full of fear and sorrow.

What happened? Micheal pushed gently.

I don't want to talk about it... Obsidian whimpered. I don't...I don't...I don...

Obsidian trailed off, whimpering in the back of his mind. He watched as his shadow shivered and rippled in time with her.

Uhh...if you ever do want to...you know talk about it, I'm right here, Micheal said.

His only response was more whimpering.

"You alright?" Gale called. "You looked a little zoned out."

"What...oh no, no, I'm fine,"Micheal said hurriedly. "Just thinking was all."

Gale shrugged and returned to talking with his sister.

Micheal looked over the pitcher sitting by the bed for a moment, watching the fluids within ripple in time with the train, wondering what could possibly happen if the siblings consumed it.

Micheal sighed.

"Would either of you like a drink of this?" he called to the siblings, pointing a claw at the pitcher. "I'm sure I won't drink all of this, and it'd be a shame for it to go to waste."

"If you're sure," Raven said uncertainly.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt," Gale said. "I mean we haven't actually had anything since we left Canterlot."

The pair grabbed their own mugs and each poured a drink, utter their thanks before returning to their seats.

Micheal sat there for a while longer thinking on what to do. His body still ached from the ordeal he had just been through, and considering his destination was somewhere in the far north, he decided it would be best to get some rest.

He lay down closing his eyes, but his efforts to enter the land of dreams was made difficult by Obsidian's now now low keening. In an effort to disteact her from her misery he hummed low and gentle to himself, like he had while he was imprisoned below Canterlot.


Soon Obsidian had drawn quiet, and then ever so slowly and softly, she shakily joined him.

Soon after he quickly plunged into the twisting realm of the sleeping.
> Chapter 12 - City of Shining Stone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Micheal yawned as he lazily gazed at the snowy landscape the pass him by as the sun gradually crept towards the horizon. The train had continued travelling all throughout the night and day, only stopping twice.

"How much further do you think we have to go now?" Gale asked.

"Well if that map in the cabinet was anything to go by, I'd say pretty we'll be there soon." Raven replied, a smug smile on her face placing her cards down. "Royal flush, I win."

"HOW DO YOU KEEP GETTING ALL THESE GOOD CARDS!" Gale exclaimed, throwing his own onto the table.

"Perhaps someone doesn't like you," She giggled, looking at Obsidian who sat between their table.

Micheal watched as her shadowy wing once more swept over the table consuming all the cards, only to place her paw on the table and withdraw it showing a freshly shuffled deck.

"No, I'm quite fair" She assured, her eyes squinting. "But I must say, I'm enjoying his.....tantrum."

"SO YOU ARE STACKING THEM!" Gale accused, thrusting a hoof at the grinning shadow.

"Well of course," Obsidian replied. "If I wasn't, the table would still have the last round on it."

"Not what I meant, damn shadowy...." Gale grumbled.

Micheal shook his head and smiled at the siblings as they continued their banter, reminding him of he and his own sister used to argue over small things. Sighing he readjusted himself on the bed and gazed back out the window.

They're changing again, Obsidian whispered in his mind.

Looking back again he watched as both shuddered and convulsed again for the third time today. Both the siblings fore-hooves began to lengthen and split, gradually forming digits and claws.

Gale dropped to the floor grasping at his wings as they grew larger, sprouting feather on and along the top half. Raven on the other hand clawed at her tail tearing clumps of hair away, revealing a full length tail with a coat of short hair.

Raven screeched as the tip of the tail burst, a bone blade similar to metallic on Micheal's other form would have. Gale grunted as his wings cracked into place at their final size, again close to Micheal's own.

Both looked dazed for a moment before continuing their game, seemingly oblivious to what had just transpired.

"You look thirsty," Obsidian cooed to Gale, refilling his cup with the juice pitcher. "Perhaps another drink will help you."

"Oh alright," Gale mumbled. "...Thanks."

Micheal looked to the pitcher as Obsidian placed it back down, the rat Azmuun'Thul had enchanted the pitcher that much was obvious. Micheal had felt revived and full of energy by mid-day, the siblings and be transforming at an increased rate yet seemed unaware or uncaring of the changes. On top of all that the pitcher would refill once it was nearly empty.

"You can change your clothes you know," a familiar voice grunted. "Because that hoodie looks atrocious...and won't do much against a spear."

"JESUS FUCK!" Micheal exclaimed, tumbling off the bed in surprise.

Everyone looked to the window adjacent to the bed, which was now in fact a portal where Azmuun'thul was leaning through.

"Oh that never gets old," he chortled.

"Hi Mr. Rat boss," Raven chirped, waving from her seat."

"Hello to you too," He greeted back. "I see they're coming along nicely."

"What'd ya want now," Micheal grumbled, rubbing his shoulder.

"Well you see," Azmuun'trull hummed, leaning back rummaging for something. "I just remembered that as a human, you've really got nothing going for you in this world. No magic, can't fly and you sure as hell won't win a fist fight."

"Gee, thanks," Micheal sighed. "Anything other flaws you want to point out"

"Well I can guess you've not done much fighting in your life," Azmuun'thul started.

"Fucking here we go," Micheal groaned, flicking his hands towards the rat.

The others snickered behind him at their conversation.

"So I decided to get you weapon more suited to your current situation," Azmuun continued, ignoring Micheal's complaint. "Here we are."

Micheal had barely any warning as the mystery weapon was thrown out the portal. Reaching his hands out he tried to catch it, which caused it to pivot and hit the ground with a dull clunk.

"Careful with that, that rifle is over a hundred years old," Azmuun growled, returning to the window-portal.

Now having a chance to look the weapon over it was indeed a rifle, albeit a somewhat unconventional looking one. For starters there was a crank handle on the side, secondly the rifle had a long telescopic sight running most the length of the weapon.

"With that you should now stand a reasonable chance against most things you come across," Azmuun flourishing a hand to the weapon.

"What's with this crank?" Micheal asked, confused at the strange component. "I've never seen something like this before."

"Ah yes," Azmuun smiled, reaching a hand to the crank. "To use this rifle you need to rotate this back counter-clockwise a full turn, then forward clockwise a full turn."

"Oookay, but what about ammo?" Micheal asked, looking up. "Surely you don't expect me to just hit the ponies with this."

"Gracious no, I'd expect you to shoot them first," Azmuun responded, throwing him a small, worn leather satchel. "Take a look."

Doing as he was told he released the two buckles and opened the flap, revealing several dozen brass casings, with several variety of different coloured bullets.

"Why the different colours?" He asked, pulling a blue tipped one out; the bullet actually looked crystalline.

"Aha, that's where the good stuff comes in," Azmuun said with surprising cheer. "Those blue tipped ones are actually magic repelling."

"Like, it would go through a unicorn's magic shield?" Raven asked.

"Correct, but that's not all," Azmuun explained. "If it gets embedded into someone the crystal will actively dampen a magic user for a while."

"And these?" Gale asked, picking out one with a dimly lit red tip.

"Those, are highly explosive," Azmuun smirked. "A personal favourite really, they will explode equivalent to a stick of what I believe you call dynamite."

Everyone except for Azmuun'thul went stiff, starring at the shining red crystal.

"Don't worry, they won't explode," he assured, reaching out with his staff to smack gales paw.

Micheal watched as the volatile crystal bullet dropped, as fast as he could he lunged out for it.

TING KA-Liiiiinnnnggg

Micheal felt his heart skip, sweat pouring off of him; the bullet had landed right next to his hand and rolled towards his face.

"See nothing to worry about," Azmuun chuckled, retracting his staff. Also, I should mention the rifle can hold up to three rounds, including the one chambered."

Micheal sat up slowly starring at the bullet, heart still pumping loudly. The others slowly recovered from their own panic as well.

"Now those last ones, the ones that look clear," Azmuun continued on as if nothing had happened. "They're actually hollow, you can put anything you want in them, the crystal will act like a shell until impact."

"Like...what?" Obsidian asked shakily, being the only one still not starring at what could have been their doom.

"I'll let you figure that one out," Azmuun'thul hummed, pulling away from the closing portal. "Get creative."

SKREEEEEEEE

Everyone snapped out of their stupor as the train jostled to a grinding halt. Looking out the windows they realised that they were now outside a train station, and in the distance rose the shining spires of crystal empire.

"Well," Micheal began. "Here we are, lets get started."


__________


"Listen to me, the princesses need to hear this report," Azura pleaded again. "It pertains to the Night Stalker Corvus."

"And I told you, lieutenant, whatever this report is, it can wait," Captain Silver Facade replied Snidely. "The princess is in a very important meeting."

Azura groaned in frustration to herself, Captain Silver Facade was known to be one of the most arrogant, elitists in all of Canterlot. Among the guard he looked down upon any who weren't of noble birth, be nothing more than mere fodder; he had an especial disdain for the common-born who made any officer rank, like her.

"You can return to your duties now lieutenant," Silver sniffed.

Azura bit her tongue and glared at the pompous bastard. She gave a quick salute, then spun around and stormed away.

"Stupid bats wasting the time of their betters." She heard Silver mutter as she got further away.

Azura stormed away, angry and frustrated. Unable to alert the princesses to an impending threat that was coming from the Everfree forest, all because of some stuck up snob didn't like the fact she wasn't born of some hoity toity noble.

She glared and snorted at the castle servants as she prowled the hallways, trying to find anything to vent her frustration to. Until she rounded a corner and collided with somepony carrying a stack of books,hooves and hardcovers collapsing into a pile.

"Watch were you're going, damn servant," Azura growled.

"I beg thou pardon," a familiar, authoritative voice demanded. "How dare thou refer to us as a servant."

Azura bolted up out of the book pile, to see Princess Luna rising up, horn aglow.

"Dear moon! Princess I'm so sorry," Azura pleaded, bowing. "I-I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Clearly," Luna deadpanned.

The Princess of the Night looked her up and down, her posture slowly relaxing. While Azura continue her cowering bow to her princess.

"Lieutenant Windsong, please rise," Luna sighed. "I can see you are under quite some stress. Please tell me what's wrong."

Azura stood up, her checks red with embarrassment, she rubbed one of her legs and avoided the gaze of her princess as she recounted what happened out in the town of Long Shadows. How the town had succumbed to some diseases inflicted by Corvus and how it transformed the inhabitants into blood thirsty monsters like him.

Azura then told Luna of how she had tried to see Celestia, but was unable too because of Captain Silver Facade.

"Ah yes him," Luna grumbled, "I've heard about him. He seems to be more of a detriment, than good for the Royal guard from what gossip I hear."

"You've, ah... heard the gossip, princess?" Azura asked hesitantly.

"Indeed, I get the privilege to see that in some of the guards dreams," Luna chuckled. "Despite your stoic front, some of you are quite the imaginative bunch."

Azura ducked her head in embarrassment.

"But I hear it more when they don't think I'm listening," Luna smirked. "I'm honestly surprised he hasn't heard of some of those things by now."

"If he's considered so bad then, have you tried to remove him?" Azura asked, feeling more confidant.

"I have, however his family holds enough power among the nobility that it's nearly impossible to do so," she sighed. "But his family do serve a purpose."

"What do you mean your Highness?" Azura wondered.

"The noble house of Facade have long been one of the largest supporters of the royal guard," Luna answered regally though grew darker. "In ages past they supplied nearly all the needs to the guard, be it food, armor, weapons, and even at one they conscripted their vassals."

"Wh-why was that," Azura quavered.

Luna released a sullen sigh and gave her a sad look. "Because of me."

After a moment of awkward silence, Luna straightened herself back into a regal stance.

"Enough talk about the good captain," Luna said, her small snark making Azura smile. "Your report is something my sister should hear. Come we shall make haste."

"What do yo-" Azura was cut off as luna's horn glowed brightly, a strong sensation yanking her off her hooves.


__________

Micheal had been wandering around the back streets of the city for a couple of hours now with his companions, marveling at the crystalline buildings all around them. And that no matter where they went, the great crystal tower which they had assume was in the center of the city, was visible wherever they went.

Micheal sat down between some crates in the alleyway they were currently travelling down. The day had been hot and clear, the sun beating down upon them.

So far they had been lucky to avoid the gaze of most of the city's inhabitants as the ducked and weaved through the various back streets and alleys, thankfully Micheal still was able to control the shadows enough to at least obscure himself; at least until a pony look directly at him with a searching gaze for a moment.

Gale and Raven had also seemed to inherit some of his powers now with their new bodies, they too were able to manipulate the shadowy smoke that gently wafted from them. Though Micheal was still unnerved by the siblings reaction to their changes, not only did they like their new bodies, they seemed eager to serve him.

Micheal sighed and shook his head placing his new and now disguised rifle against the alley wall; he had managed to will the shadows to make the rifle appear more like an old, large staff. He then turned opening his satchel and pulling out the juice pitcher and a couple of small cups he had taken from the train.

"Alright who wants a drink," Micheal asked around, pouring a cup. "This heat is ridiculous."

"Me, me," Raven chirped, bounding over to him.

"Yeah, sure," Gale huffed, looking a bit pale "Feel like I'm going to pass out."

Micheal passed the first one to gale, who drank deeply. Then poured a second for Raven, who likewise made the tainted juice disappear; Micheal had to refill their cups several times before they were satisfied enough that he could have his own.

Ahh, alright," Micheal gasped, having sculled a third cup. "Clearly the weather, in particular the sun, isn't doing us any favours, neither is wandering around this crystal labyrinth of a city."

He placed the pitcher and cups back in the satchel and stood up. "What I say is we find a nice place to hunker down in for a few hours, preferably abandoned, then go and poach something to eat. I feel like this is going to be a long game.

Well there looks to be an inn down the road Obsidian relayed. At least I think it is, I can't read the sign from here, but the setup looks right.

"Excellent," Micheal said, causing the siblings to perk up at him. "Obsidian may have just found us a place to duck into, but we're going to need to steal some money first."

"Oh, don't worry," Raven assured, unfurling a wing showing a small brown pouch. "We found a small bag of bits back on the train."

"Yeah and I've snagged a few trinkets along the way," Gale smirked, showing a couple of silver pocket watches and gem encrusted rings."

"You two are bloody fantastic you know that," Micheal beamed, ruffling their heads as he took their loot. "Alright lets go get out from under this sun till it gets dark."

He snatched up the rifle and willed the shadows to envelop himself, the trio setting off down the road. Hugging the sides of the buildings as they hurried along, closing towards their destination.

Dropping their veils the trio piled inside, Micheal having to duck through the short doorway. They were greeted with a surprisingly rustic looking tavern, in contrast to the city outside Micheal would have believed he was back in Ponyville or some other small town.

"Yes? How can I help you?" An elderly stallion asked from behind the counter, looking up from his book. "What in all crystals are you lot?"

"We're...uhh-" Raven began.

"Travelers," Gale finished quickly. "Far away, over the seas and all that."

The old stallion looked them over for a moment before shrugging.

"Alright young'uns," The stallion said. "I'm not a guard, so as long you ain't looking to cause trouble, your story's your own. Now what can I getcha?"

"Can we get three rooms please?" Micheal asked, dropping the bag of bits onto the counter. "And something to eat as well, mr...."

"Course, and name's Silver whistle," he replied, pulling out three big iron keys. "Any preference on what you'd like to eat, I cater to quite a few different folk."

"Anythings fine, we're not all that picky," Micheal said, taking the keys up as Silver tipped the back over and counted out the payment.

"Alright, I'll bring you a meal in a few minutes," Silver said, handing over the remaining gold bits back in the pouch. "Dinner won't be for a few hours yet. In the mean time feel free to get settled in."

The old stallion pointed a hoof towards the back of the tavern, past the dinning  and communal area.

"That's fine, and thanks" Micheal smiled, gathering the two hybrids behind him, and leading them up a staircase near the back of the inn.

"First door on the left, and the two on the right," Silver called out to them.

The trio made their way in to their respective rooms. Micheal gazed over his room, a small cot sat over to the left with a table and cushion of on the right wall, a single round window sat in the middle of the wall opposite the door, over looking the street below.

Micheal placed his rifle on the cot and tore away some of his clothing, the pieces and disguise fading into the shadowy mist. He had mainly settled on a outfit consisting of a hooded cloak adorned with feathers, a sleeveless leather jerkin with silver buttons and a white collared shirt. He settled on basic trousers for his leggings and a pair of buckled boots.

He sat there watching the strange crystalline ponies wandering the street, idly changing little aspects of his clothing. Micheal sighed as he watched the strange ponies talk, laugh, browse wares at some stands, all of them sharing something in common that made him pause.

"I don't know if I can do this," Micheal said sorrowfully. "Not to so many innocents."

He could feel Obsidian's presence rise from the shadows.

"What's changed," She asked irritably. "How many have you slain up to now. What difference does it make for a few more."

"Because, I feel human again," Micheal confided, earning him a scornful look. "Okay I am human again... But like something was missing before, when I was one of you, I killed and maimed with no real with no issue. But now-"

"You forget that everything we do determines whether or not we will be captured and killed," Obsidian interrupted. "We hunt and kill out of necessity, it is how we have survived."

"Surely you know what I'm talking about," Micheal pleaded. "We're linked, you know what's going on inside my head. Just like how I can feel how disgusted you are at me right now, but your feeling it too now aren't you?"

Obsidian glared at him for a few tense moments, before slumping. "Why in the great moon are you feeling such sadness over those we've slain. They mean nothing to us"

"Well..."Micheal began to theorize. "Before all of this, I'd try and avoid fighting and injury wherever I could. But when I was turned into one of you, it's like, there was this cloud in my mind."

Obsidian gazed at him, then looked away out the window to the distant buildings.

"No," She growled, shaking her head violently. "I don't want to think about it. Lets just do what we must and be done already."

"Alright, alright," Micheal conceded, moving over to the cot. "Lets just wait till night, then start scouting for...whatever, this city's magic source is."