> The Dark Of The Night
>  by Nobodyslament
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Late Night Walk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I stuck my night's first meal into the fire, letting the soft flames lick the skinned rabbit with heat as I stuck it in place. With a happy smile I leaned back, finally feeling used to my strange life for the first time in months. I had been stuck in these woods since some weird portal opened under me, and while I may enjoy camping this had been a bit more excessive than I was planning. With a small motion, I rotated the rabbit, trying to cook it evenly as I kept my ears open around me. I felt content as I watched the fire flicker and bark in front of me, with most of the creatures of the forest having a wonderful fear of fire I was relatively safe. Of course, I'd still never sleep at night again. The first time waking up beside wolves made out of freaking wood taught me that. I began bobbing my head as the urge to sing began to rush through me. Without much preamble, I broke out into song. I didn't worry about the danger, if only because the fire would stop anything the snares didn't.


***


Roseluck crept as silently as possible through the thick undergrowth of Everfree. She knew what the ponies in town thought of her, and she could hardly call them wrong. She was frightened by nearly anything, and she was jumpier than a rabbit on a trampoline. But she had good cause. With the massive amount of money one could make selling the flowers of Everfree, she was able to do basically whatever she wanted, her hours and income all her own choice. Of course, the trade-off was nearly dying of fright every time she had an order to fill. She stooped low and began digging in the dirt around a small patch of Poison Joke. She nearly jumped as a haunting tone began to slide through the forest. She could hear the voice pulling at her fetlocks, telling her to investigate.

She wanted to resist the urge, knowing that strange music in the Everfree was almost certainly a bad sign, but found her hooves abandoning their work before she could stop them. SHe felt fear grasp her heart as she went straight through the bushes, unsure whether the reasons for her movent were magical or curiosity given some morbid new form. She watched the area the song came from, finding the soft glow of a fire illuminating an area through another bush. As Roseluck's muzzle peeked through the only bush separating her from the unknown she managed to get her body back under her own control. And with a single glance, she was frozen with fear.


***


I finished the song with a bow, not even realizing I had risen to dance to my own tune. With a smile, I looked over the clearing and stopped at a bush within my soft firelight. I stared for a moment at the creature peeking out from the waist-high foliage. "Well, now isn't that odd?" I twisted my head back and forth, trying to figure out what to do with this equine head encroaching on my territory. I decided the age-old rule of fuck it was in full effect, moving back to my fire. "If you're here to eat me make it quick, I'm trying to relax tonight."

I heard an eep sound from behind me, followed by a rush of noises that told me whatever the creature was had decided to flee. At least until the twang of tense rope sounded from the same area. I sighed and looked forlornly at my now roasted rabbit. I picked it up and began leaving my little camp.


***


Roseluck hyperventilated as she was hanging in the air by her hoof. She had no way to cut herself free, and her bags which might have held hope had fallen as she was catapulted in the sky. She couldn't scream, she was to deep in the forest for a pony to hear her and it would only summon something after her blood if she did so. She realized quickly her only actual hope of escape was drastic. She raised her dull teeth to her hanging hoof and readied herself to bite down as hard as she could.


***


I stared at the small pony hanging from my snare. From her breathing, I guessed the force hadn't killed her, and the vines I had used for rope were holding firm. I nodded at my own craftsmanship as I watched the pony have a silent freak out. I watched as she looked between the vine to her hoof before clinching her eyes shut, and raising her mouth to her own limb. I quickly decided not to watch that. "Hey, if you can understand me please stop. I doubt watching you gnaw your own body apart to escape a snare would give me the most pleasant dreams."

The uncaring tone seemed to crack through her head, as she swung around frantically. I raised an eyebrow as she stared at me with fear-filled eyes. I snorted. "Seriously though, if you can speak then do it. You're wasting both of our times if I have to keep trying to figure out if you're smart enough to talk back or a dumb forest creature."

The pony let out a quiet squeak of noise before nodding. "I-I can talk miss forest creature. P-p-please DON'T EAT ME!!"

I flinched at the scream. "Quiet down, Jesus! Gimme a second to get you down, then you can come with me back to my fire and we're going to have a little talk." I moved over to the small knot holding her in place and marshaled my thought. I hadn't met a creature that could talk yet, but the fact it was a tiny pony confirmed a few of the things I had already assumed. I wasn't anywhere near home. So I needed to get info, and she was the one who would give it. I tucked my rabbit kebab under an arm, untying the knot with sure fingers. Without much ado I let it go, forcing her to the ground much quicker than she would have liked. As she rubbed her stomach from the impact I investigated her. She was still scared of me. The furtive glances and occasional twitches away from my much taller form told me that much.

I thought back to every con I ever pulled, and let a predatory smile form on my face. I could use this. I could use this oh so much. "Come along little one, we have oh so much to talk about. Like why you stumbled upon my little camp, and why I should let you leave here alive." I turned around, taking the first gambit of my newest game. I began walking away without looking behind me. "Oh, and please don't run." I paused, hoping she would take it as a menacing pause instead of my mild scramble for a lie. I paused at the memory of the wooden wolves and let out a small laugh. Magic was here, and I was going to fake it like the best of them. "The night always takes its due, and you are now indebted to it."

I could tell my gambit worked as hooves hurried to keep up behind me as I pulled my rabbit free. Taking a bite as I walked, I moved to sit back at the fire. Turning my head to her, I pointed with my kebab. "So little one, who are you to intrude upon my home, especially during my time?"

The pony flinched back, though I was surprised that it was more from the rabbit than my veiled threat. "I-I'm Roseluck, and I was looking for some plants to sell." I took that information greedily. If she sold it then there was civilization somewhere nearby, which was better than what my dark mind had been dreaming. I took another bite of rabbit and realized the first thing I wanted from a town was some salt. Roseluck looked at me. "U-uhm, do you have a name?"

I smiled, showing teeth that made Roseluck flinch back yet again. This was my preferred environment, about to spin so many lies that the truth is not only hidden, but it's presence was utterly unnecessary. "Everything has a name Rose-y. I have been called many things, Blackwatch, Sithis, The Weary's Rest, Noctis, Eventide, Malam. All of these and more, but you may call me by my simplest name. I am the Night." I let a short half bow come from my seated position. "Always a pleasure to meet something new, though whether to eat or chat I have yet to decide."

Roseluck stiffened, but after a moment relaxed. She smiled wide. "If you're the night you can't hurt me! Princess Luna would stop you!" I paused. So there was a princess and one who probably controlled the night. I quickly shifted my expression the best I could without more information, going for mild disdain. Roseluck noticed my tighter expression. "Yeah, because she rules the night. So she wouldn't let you."

I stayed silent, using every ounce of self-control not to curse. There was a princess of the night. One who might very well be the actual goddess of night. I could collapse my lie now, cutting losses and trying to salvage my information digging with a new angle. But a small aspect of my past fought through. I was a con-artist. I took hopeless situations and turned them into fortunes, not the other way around. I spun my kebab in hand. "Tell me little pony. Is Princess Luna here?" I put as much disdain as I could behind the princess's name, and was rewarded with a shake of Roseluck's head. "That is because nothing controls the night. She may marshall it, she may even be able to master its various powers. But I am the night. No strings to hold me back, nor rules to make my life any harder. None may call me their subject or their servant. Remember that, before I decide a more physical lesson is in order."

Roseluck crawled back, placing the fire between us. "O-of course miss."

I nodded, resting beside the fire. "But enough of the dull matters of order and prompt. Tell me, why journey into such a dangerous place for your wares? Surely you could grow whatever you needed."

Roseluck shook her head. "No, the Everfree's the only place most of these plants grow."

She wasn't being very forthcoming, causing a frown to cross my features. "How strange, yet understandable. Well then, I suppose that is the best I can ask for." I speared the stick of my kebab into the ground. "Well, then Roseluck. I believe we can reach a deal. I will escort you back to your town, and in exchange, if our paths cross again you will speak to me. I care not what subject you wish to converse upon, but this dreary immortality bores me." I paused. Details were the heart of deception. Saying you did something hard was easily dismissed, but add enough seemingly pointless details and it sold  much more easily than rote repetition. "Heaven knows I can't speak to my absolute dolt of a brother." I threw my arms to my side as if dismissing an offensive thought. "Bah! All about order and the," I made air quotes with my fingers. "Bright side of life. After so long seeing mortal missteps he still thinks your all so thrice-lit nice."

I grabbed a stick of the fire that was thick enough to use as a makeshift torch for a few hours. After raising it above my head I looked at Roseluck, who seemed to be staring at me with wonder. "Well? I have no clue where your little township is, and I assume you wish to make it home before day breaks and I must retire."

Roseluck bolted up. "YES! I'll take your deal!" With that, she began to briskly move from my fire as I kicked some dirt on it. Guess I was starting the night early.
> An Unwanted Guest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Sparkle kept her notebook ready as she walked through the Everfree with Roseluck. As much as she wanted to believe everything the mare said, the tall tale she had returned with last week was difficult to swallow. "Are you sure about what happened? I mean, there's no mention in any text I've read of an embodiment of the night besides Princess Luna. Even if they made mention of several strange things they could have been lying."

Roseluck nodded, stopping to pick up a few plants beside her. "Yes princess, and watch your voice. We're out of Ponyville, so nopony will hear us even if we scream. But that doesn't mean the forest isn't listening."

Twilight paused, looking between the darkened trees. "R-right. I guess it's just confusing. Neither Celestia nor Luna have ever mentioned anything like the creature you described, and if she threatened you she could be dangerous."

Roseluck snorted. "Just like a unicorn. Princess, Tell me you've at least read about spirits, please?"

Twilight stumbled, trying to tease out what Roseluck meant. "Yes, old pony legends to describe phenomena that they couldn't explain with magic theory or science."

Roseluck rolled her eyes, placing the plants in her bag. "Now you're just like the Canterlot ponies that forget their roots. Spirits might be strange and rare, but a lot of us farming ponies still believe in them. I think she's the spirit of the night, and she might be listening in."

Twilight froze, looking over her shoulder. "What makes you say that?"

Roseluck looked up at the branches above her, noticing the flickering orange light dancing from somewhere ahead of her. "Just a feeling right now, but if she's anything like last night I have a feeling we'll hear her soon."


***


I looked at my first meal of the night. My snares had been empty, leaving me with the various recognizable fruits I had snagged from some of the local flora. I smiled as I remembered the silent trek back to town last week. Meeting another thinking creature had given me a boost to my mood that I thought I'd never feel again. I began sorting out which fruits would be for eating now, and which I would save for later. It took very little time, deciding the wild carrots and apples would be a fine feast. I tossed the non-meal related fruit into my trusty canvas bag, leaving the others to rest on the floor while I cleaned the apple on my jacket sleeve. I tapped my foot with a beat in my head before feeling of music seemed to take over as I started to dance. "In the dark of the night I was twisting and turning" 

I began to dance with the music in my head and the song on my lips. The forest itself seemed to bend at my song, with the nighttime creatures providing the instruments as I began a morbid recreation of Rasputin's triumphant song. I felt a sixth sense pull me towards a small outcropping of my clearing, and I rose a hand to it, singing about my minions. To my surprise, the mare from last week appeared, her small mouth in an O-shape as I turned my back to her. It was important to keep up the facade, and the night stops for no one. 

I heard a second set of steps, but I refused to bow to simple curiosity. I raised my hands, shouting of victory and revenge as the fire flared up. I smiled as I plopped back down onto the floor, taking another bite of my apple. "Well Roseluck, did you enjoy your little concert?"

She trotted up. "Of course lady Night, though I think you scared the princess."

I paused, refusing to turn around. I'll admit, the forest rolling with my own flight of fancy might add some weight to my claim. But if the actual princess of the night had decided to crash my little soiree I might be in trouble. I shook my head, getting into character with an amused chuckle that I didn't think sounded too forced. "Of course she did, sit her down by the fire. I care not for how she fares, but if she were to collapse in the darkness it might attract trouble and I do not wish to deal with it."

Roseluck began moving slowly behind me as I stoked the fire that kept me from freezing in the cool fall air. I was spending the brief moment of quiet provided to come up with a plan. If everything went to pot, I did have four solid shots of insurance tucked away under my jacket. But that was a last resort measure, and one I didn't feel comfortable bringing out. I decided to feign indifference to her was the best starting plan, with the hope that I could dig for information while acting as minorly annoying as possible.

I stared at a light purple unicorn was slowly ushered to the other side of the fire. I took note of the feathery wings gracing her side, before shrugging it off. I had seen a freaking manticore yesterday. This world was now officially too weird for me to hope to figure out. I opted to focus on the known element instead. "It seems our paths cross again young Roseluck. I will say, I enjoyed our little walk last week," I nodded at her as I moved a carrot closer, wiping it off on my sleeve. "And now you seem less flighty. Have you decided I won't eat you?"

Roseluck nodded. "Yes lady, I sought out a friend much more versed in the way of spirits, and I apologize for any offense I may have caused with our first meeting." She let out a short bow, and waited for me to respond.

I took in this news as quickly as I could. She thought I was a spirit, and acted like the old tales my grandmother would spin about the fae courts. I let out a laugh, seeming to spark a twitch from whatever princess Roseluck brought with her. If she expected King Oberon, I would surprise her as the Puck in this little tale I was weaving. "Rise little pony, the night cares not for the pageantry and pomp of the courts of others. The only way to truly offend me would be to claim the night a time for only sleep and boredom. I would respectfully disagree..." I let her stare in curiosity before I flashed her my teeth with a nearly feral grin. "Before showing them it can be oh so much more. The fear of a lost rabbit as the owl closes in is as much part of the night as the bed's such creatures reside in. And I am not so far removed from my native home to not show them such a basic thing before they passed."

Roseluck paled a small amount while the princess's wings fluttered in place. I turned to look at her. "And you, it is very rude to sit in one's camp without word or introduction. Either speak or leave, I have no qualms with either."

The princess straightened up, raising a hoof to her chest. "Er, right. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. I came to seek an audience with you." 

After she spoke a few notebooks and quills flew from her pack. I looked at the glow that seemed to surround them, before seeing the exact same glow around her horn. Magic, and obvious magic at that. I could play it safe and try to stay on her good side, keep her strange voodoo as far away from as possible. But this was a con, and the higher the stakes meant I could get even higher rewards. I scoffed, deciding to hedge my bets that she was a bookworm that studied religously. With the small book opening in front of her eyes I didn't believe it was a bad guess. "Oh bah, begone! I know exactly your type." I jumped up, pacing back and forth. "You spend nights studying and writing, trading the time for adventure and fear for a time to study and learn of things you haven't done. I don't care for scholars and saints, bring me, my people!" I smiled and turned to Roseluck. "Bring me the adventurous, the cut-throats." I spread my arms wide, and shouted to the heavens. "Bring me your sinners and your reckless. Those are the people of the night!" I leaned down in front of the princess, closing her book with my hands. "But the scholar's like you can go hunt down my brother. I do not waste time researching what might be, I go and find what is!"

Twilight stared at me and stomped her hoof in adorable outrage. "But ponies need to research things before they go on adventures! Even criminals need to know the basics of the guards, research is important!"

I leaned around the fire, stage-whispering in Roseluck's ear. "I think the fair princess missed the point." I walked away as Roseluck's face slowly drained of color. "Princess, dear." I wrapped an arm around her, making sure she got a solid glance at my pointed canines. "I am the night. Does a cat plan its hunts? Or perhaps a poor beggar plans to steal some bread from the trash with the detail of a bank heist?" I slightly pushed her to the side as I clenched my fists to my chest. "NO! The night is the time for passion! It cares not if you are just or criminal! I don't give it a second thought if a wolf chases down a deer, but taking the time to plan and worry, that is for the day." I grabbed a fruit I found last a few nights ago, with a strange red pattern. This was a bad idea, but it further the persona I had made. 

With an underhand toss, it landed in the fire and within seconds the fruit split. Tendrils of flame crashed out of my fire, sending lances of heat in all directions as I let out a cackle. "Princess, I AM THE NIGHT! I do not plan or worry, I take what is mine, I do what I will, and I shall look death in the eye and spit if he ever dares tread my path." I spun in a slow circle. "That is how the night works, and if you find it appalling then you may return to your books." I gestured to Roseluck. "Meanwhile I will stay in the company of my own people."

Roseluck looked between me and Twilight as if she had made a fatal error, which I decided to appease with the first action I could think of. I patted her on the head, before ruffling her hair. I snapped my free hand as I remembered something. "Oh yes, speaking of my people I have a small gift for you young Roseluck." She stared as I reached into my pack, and her face regained some color as I brought out my bounty of various plants I had scavenged in my nightly travels. "I have no clue what any of these are, but perhaps some might be useful."

Roseluck smiled, a bashful little thing with a short nod following it. "Of course Lady, should I have brought my own gift?" She appeared to worry for a moment. "I-I can bring one next time if that's the case. I was warned I should bring an offering, but I didn't have a clue what would appease-" 

I closed my hand around her muzzle. "Calm yourself Rosey, I did not mention a gift before, did I?" I gave her a slight smile as I took a bite of my carrot. "It was simple enough to collect some plants I rarely saw to see if they would help you." I paused, tapping my carrot against my chin. "Though if you are offering, I wouldn't mind some salt and pepper next time. I know we aren't sure when our meetings will occur, but even one as wild and free as myself occasionally wishes for some spice in their food."

Roseluck smiled, and I didn't have to fake the smile as I rubbed her head. "You're far to nice to this old fool little pony." I looked at the princess, who seemed to be judging me and Roseluck both severely for our little chat. "And what is the scholar still doing here? Has she grown a backbone tonight, or is she simply frozen with fear?" I crouched low, stalking towards her. It was here where my gambit buckled under its own weight. Twilight jumped back at my approach, sending a lance of purple energy arcing through the air straight at my chest. It impacted with the force of an NFL lineman, sending me flying back. 

I arced through the air like an expertly thrown ball, before my back impacted a tree, sending me rolling across the ground. I heard shouted voices for a moment but ignored them as I tried to focus through the veneer of pain clouding my vision. This wasn't an endgame moment. I've taken plenty of hits on a con, and this wasn't even the worst one. I rolled myself into a sitting position and forced put a pained chuckle. "Oh dear, I was so wrong about you," I stumbled up, cupping my ribs as I limped up to the princess, who was now staring at me in horror. "You aren't just some soft and boring scholar. You have a spine, and one that lashes out whenever fear grips that delicate little heart." I sat back down in front of the fire, and bit the inside of my lip hard enough to start bleeding. A faux-cough racked my body and sent a small splatter of red to the dirt. I needed to get something from that hit, no fae would allow herself to be struck without some form of payment. "So little princess, before this spirals out of control, what are we fighting over? Is it my personality? Am I so monstrous I must be put down?"

Roseluck seemed to be moving between us, but I was staring down the princess, my left hand holding injured ribs as I kept my free hand in front of me. No need to look scary when walking up to her while hurt would do so much more for my fright-factor. Twilight seemed to barely notice me, instead staring at the blood staining the forest floor. "I didn't mean to-"

I cut her off with a soft voice. "Meaning means nothing princess. I could mean to make a time of peace and joy, but if it ends in death then death is all I shall be remembered for. In the same way whatever meaning you wanted when you started a fight with the night is useless compared to what happened."

She looked to me, and her eyes hardened. "You aren't the night." I rose an eyebrow but didn't flinch at the accusation. I much preferred the subtle option, and let out a half-grin. Twilight faltered a moment but continued on. "If you were the night, that wouldn't have hurt you. It only makes sense since the night can't exactly be hurt."

I let out a cackle, ignoring the blood that mixed with my spittle. "The night can't be hurt? Princess, the night dies more often than any creature on this planet. Every dawn I watch my lovely home writhe and die with the suns first light, and then I watch it born again with the fall of that cursed ball. Why should I be any different?" I pawed at the ground, finding another morsel of food and taking a blind bite. "I can die easier than any mortal, and if you want to than you can test it," I swallowed, letting that statement stand for a moment as Twilight began to fidget. I could nearly taste her uncertainty, which was exactly what I wanted. "But if you do, I'll remember your pretty little face. And maybe on your deathbed, you'll see me as I taunt over your grave. Maybe in the darkness of the grave, your soul will be forever locked, forever surrounded by the artificial night I cloak you in during your final moment. Or maybe I'll laugh about it and leave, never to return to the lands which hold no respect for spirits." I tapped my chin with the carrot. "I wonder how many guardian spirits would follow me, through wolf and wood I doubt your pretty little town would last long if the whole forest charged through the streets."

I shrugged and leaned back. "Of course, I don't do the whole subject thing like my little brother, so it's not like I'd tell them to do anything." I smiled up at the night sky. "So speak up young fool, I need to know if I'm getting in a fight or laughing at hasty actions made by a scared little child."

I didn't bother looking down as I heard a rushed set of whispers from Roseluck to Twilight. There was a shuffle of hooves on dirt as the two made small movements, and Twilight's voice sounded over the crackling fire. "I'm sorry, you frightened me and I acted on reflex. In recompense, I offer a safe place to rest from your wounds and safety from the forest until you're healed." 

I heard some angry whispers from over there, but I decided that the offer could easily be spun for something I actually wanted. "Safety from the forest? Gosh, you can truly be dull. The forest is my home, and the danger of it's life are as much a part of me as a warriors reflex appears to be part of you." I pointed at Roseluck. "Look at what I actually asked for from a friend, I need not safety or healing. I need practical tools for life. Bandages, salt, even another knife." I waved a hand, gesturing them away from the fire."Get out, both of you. My nightly duties will have to be postponed because a child got scared, so I would like to spread the word before I find a place to rest. Roseluck, you are more than welcome back." I leveled my eyes at the princess. "But if I hear mention of you, little child, you will have earned the ire of the night. No light shall shelter you from my wrath, and your final thoughts will be of the suffocating darkness that surrounds you." I stood slowly, limping to check on some of my more distant traps. But even though the pain, I couldn't stop chuckling. I could read them like a book, and they were too sweet to let hurting an innocent creature lie without some form of recompense. The threat that came with it was just icing on the proverbial cake. I looked around. "Huh, it sure got quiet around here, where'd the bugs and birds go off to?"


***


As soon as lady night exited the clearing Roseluck turned to Twilight with fire in her eyes. "WHAT THE BUCK PRINCESS! ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US KILLED!?!"

Twilight shook her head. "No, but she was threatening us, or me at least. I didn't mean to hurt her..."

Roseluck rolled her eyes. "Yeah, attacking something was stupid, but I meant the part after that, saying she wasn't the night. Were you paying attention to the forest when she hit that tree?" Twilight shook her head, and Roseluck slapped a hoof to her head. "The whole forest seemed to surge like the shadows tried to reach towards the freaking campfire. That and the whole forest went silent." Roseluck spent a moment looking around the forest. "And it still is."

Twilight shuddered as she looked around. "Right, and I made her mad." She began looking at every corner of the forest she could, trying to tease out whatever monster or plant would come and take them away in the silence of the night. "I think I need to ask Princess Luna some questions and work on an apology gift. Mind if I teleport us out?"

Roseluck shook her head. "No, that's a good idea. I don't like the idea of walking through a dark forest after pissing off the spirit of the night." With a flash of light, both ponies disappeared, but neither noticed the shadows shift in their final moments in the forest. A face formed from the darkness surrounding the campsite, coalescing into a shrouded figure of darkness. It let out a quick giggle and drew a small sigil in the dirt before fading into nothing. Within a few minutes sound began to filter back into the forest. By the time the lone human returned to her camp, everything seemed back to normal.
> Interrogation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I whistled as I carved up my newest meal. I will admit to not knowing the precise nutritional value of mythological creatures, but when a manticore trips on one of your snares and dies in the fall, well I didn't question good fortune. Plus the fur looked warm, and I still didn't have an actual blanket. I sliced off a portion of meat, skewering it with a pointed stick and tossing it in the fire. I briefly wished for some aluminum foil. While there are several people blessed with never having created a hobo dinner, I knew them like the back of my hand. With that one ingredient, my dining plans would go from scavenger to an actual meal in five seconds flat. I focused instead on trying to skin an alien creature without the slightest idea of how skinning works.

After a few minutes, I had perhaps the most disturbing pile of flesh to ever grace the earth laying on the ground with a skinless manticore in front of me. I stared at the horror movie reject before a voice nearly caused me to jump from my skin. "You seem awfully calm after defiling a corpse."

I restrained my first response, which was to scream like the young lady I am and sprint into the woods like an absolute madman. I did not manage to withhold my second reaction. I turned around with a start, hand already on my insurance policy before I fully realized it. "BY THE GREAT FUCKING GATSBY, WARN A LADY WILL YA!" 

I turned and found another pony, only this one was new. She was tall, almost as tall as me. While I may be about average size for a twenty-year-old, these ponies had gone up to my waist, but this one went up to my neck, barely having to glance up to meet my eyes. Her dark coat was luxuriously maintained, but what was really stunning was her mane. The night sky itself seemed to be trapped in her hair, meaning it could only be one pony. Princess Luna, the actual lady of the night.

I am not so cocky as to state that I responded with a calm and cool demeanor. I actually silently began freaking out, trying to come to terms with the fact what looked very much like a god standing in front of me. Luckily she seemed to be gauging my reaction, and a lifetime of scamming others for my own gain made my poker face reach inhuman levels. I took the initiative. "What do you want Luna, last I checked I don't answer to you."

I ignored the small amount of sweat beading on my brow and looked to my slice of meat. I stuck out my tongue at it's blacked skin. "Shit, burnt my dinner." I cut another slice of meat off the haunch of the manticore, only to find Luna standing between me and the fire. I let out a breath of air but simply walked around her, grabbing the stake of wood and tossing the wasted meat into the forest. "So what do you want Luna, I doubt my existence is such an antithesis of your title that you had to hunt me down to question me."

She scoffed. "I am the princess of the night, whenever a being claims to be my domain itself I must investigate. Especially when it frightens one of my friends."

I didn't bother responding quickly, focusing on my food instead. "I can't exactly apologize for that. You should know better than anyone what darkness lies in the heart of the night, and I don't think I'll care if anything has too thin skin to handle the cold hard truth." I speared my meal, holding it by hand and keeping an eye on it.

Conversation faded as the sounds of the forest, the eyes of a princess digging into my back with quiet anger. I didn't let it bother me, letting it wash over me like she was a crowds naysayer for a show. After some time she moved beside me, and I flipped over the meat. I broke the silence. "Sullen silence is hardly befitting a princess Luna. Should I find a new campsite so you can be annoyed where I can't see the royal grump? Or shall you recover enough to speak?"

The princess scoffed. "I don't need to recover. I am simply gauging the one who claimed to be my night."

I shrugged. Part of a dangerous con was playing the odds, and this was that by definition. Now to throw some doubt on the fire. "Really, your night?" I stood, keeping an eye on my food. "How many predators have slain their prey? How many ponies have died in their sleep." I gestured all around me. "You may control part of the night. You may even be able to use it to your advantage better than I, but the night does not bow to your whims. The night is wild and free." I grabbed my food from the fire, cooked to a rare level. I took a bite. "And the night doesn't care."

Luna balked at me, seeming to fluff outwards as shadows flared around her. I fought to keep my flinch at a minimal level. She looked down at me, her eyes alight with malice. "YOU SAY THE NIGHT DOESN'T CARE!"

I wanted to run. Oh how desperate I was to run. But that would be a death sentence. So I directly disobeyed my instincts, taking a step forward. "OF COURSE IT DOESN'T! THE NIGHT IS A TIME OF BEAUTY AND DEATH! THERE IS NO ROOM FOR WORRY OR CARE!" I turned my back to her, taking a few steps back and gaining some distance on her. Despite taking that one step forward I was still terrified. But, I couldn't stop the smile that spread as I heard her wings lower. I took another bite of meat. "The night, dear little princess, is powerless. It cannot kill, it cannot hunt. It inspires others to do so, just as you are inspired by it to rule your people in your own little way." I rolled my head, causing shadows to flit and flutter across the ground. "So return there, and worry not about my little home. Do this, and enjoy your life."

I began moving to the treeline, letting my vision fall into darkness. "Then one night, maybe you'll realize that you do not rule the night, you simply guard your ponies against it. I will continue to own myself, and one day," I waved a hand behind me. "One day you might realize that saying one creature controls the night or day is as foolish as it is wrong." I chuckled as she let me walk off. I couldn't wait to see how this played out.


***


Luna watched the creature walk away, shadows piling onto it over and over again before it became invisible to even her eyes. She looked to the ground where the creature had turned, the ground blackened and dead under where its feet had lain during its shouts. Luna touched her hoof to it, feeling the familiar magic of the night pulsing through the dead grass. She withdrew it quickly, raising a single eyebrow. "Mayhaps it speaks the truth. But if it is true then many questions must now be raised." Luna turned, only to pause at a mark on the ground. It was unknown to her, a circling sigil that seemed to wrap around itself multiple times. 

She flashed her horn once, committing the image to memory. After a moment she turned, only to freeze. "Impossible." She turned to face it again, but her horn didn't flash. Instead, she simply watched it for a moment. "How curious. I will ask my sister about it." With that she turned away, shadows rising from the ground and sinking below it. Taking her with them.
> Settled Grudge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The light of dawn was coming soon, and I began my morning preparations. I had found out early this forest was strange, with most of the predators being far more active when the sun was hanging high in the sky. In my first act of defense, I flipped my schedule, and I prepared my daylight dwelling. A hammock of vines and leaves that I hauled up foot by foot, a small pulley made of an abandoned branch letting the hammock swing smoothly in the air as I tied off the vine to a rock I had planted earlier. I smiled softly, watching the hammock sway in the slight breeze. A song began to brew in my chest and I began tapping my foot. "Sleep, my little Kovu. Let your dreams take wing. One day when you're big and strong, you will be a king"


***


Roseluck approached the normal campsite of the spirit of the night. The forest was quiet in the pre-dawn light. The smaller predators of the night beginning to bed down as the dangers of the day lay silent in their dens. She jumped as several creatures began sounding off, providing a beat to an as of yet unknown song. She heard the opening line as she approached the clearing, and stared in awe. The night was once again singing. She could hear the anger fire in the words, as the spirit rose up the tree like a snake. She swung out, resting on a branch with a single foot as her arm hung on the tree. "The sound of Simba's dying gasp, his daughter squealing my grasp. THAT'S MY LULLABY!"

Roseluck sat in the darkness as the spirit spun around the tree, disappearing from view. Roseluck may have been a scaredy-pony, but her fear was beaten back by the sense of wonder the song was bringing. It was no heartsong, with instruments coming from the magic in the air itself. This was something different. The wind in the leaves played something close to a guitar, while strange stomps from the woods provided drums. She would swear that the wind itself was providing backup vocals, as dark voices sang sweetly in her ear of bloody and brutal vengeance. She let the song finish, rooted to her spot by the sheer force of charisma playing out in front of her.


***


I spun into my hammock as the song ended, resting my head against the softer portion of vine I had made as a makeshift pillow. I wasn't actually tired yet, but life finds a way. And in my brief experience, that way led to death if you hung out on the forest floor during the light of day. So I was stuck up here barring any strange circumstances. A cough from below me heralded those strange circumstances. 

I leaned over my hammock, looking to the floor before seeing the only familiar face I was actually happy to lay eyes on. Roseluck was sitting on the outskirts of my camp, the smoldering fire lighting her entranced face. I rolled out of my hammock, dropping the distance before landing in a crouch. "Well, you are much later than normal young one. Have you come for some herbs? Or perhaps simply to enjoy my wonderful voice?" 

I smirked as I rose looking to the dying fire.  Roseluck looked between me and the fire, before bowing. As soon as her head lowered a flash of memory seemed to spark inside her, and she rose with haste. "I apologize Lady Night, I forgot your disdain for court." She smoothed out her coat with a hoof for a moment, trying to fidget her nervous energy away. "I came to hopefully settle the debt Princess Twilight accrued in our last meeting."

I raised an eyebrow. "So you come in her place. A commoner here to hopefully pardon the sins of royalty?" I smiled wide, sitting beside the fire. "You are either brave or foolish to the highest degree. I respect that."

Roseluck flinched. "Well, er... It was my idea." I raised an eyebrow, sitting sprawled out and relaxed in my tattered clothes. Perhaps I could negotiate a trade for some fresh garments. Roseluck didn't appear to notice. "I thought that perhaps it might stop tensions running high if before she saw you again all debts were paid and forgiven. And you said I was welcome so..."

I let out a soft laugh. "Indeed you are little mortal. I would even hazard to say you are a friend. Or the closest thing I've had since I was formed in this accursed world of light and magic." I leaned back, looking to the sky. "So speak Roseluck the pony. tell this old girl what boon the princess has granted to me in exchange for her rudeness?"

Roseluck reached into her bag, pulling out a small pouch before walking up to me. I snatched it from her mouth and looked it over. As I opened it Roseluck began speaking. "She remembered what you said about useful tools, so she asked her brother for some advice on useful tools." I reached into the pack and pulled out a small knife. Its silver edge shone in the half-light, and the matte-black grip fit well in my hands. I made a few experimental movements. Roseluck watched as she spoke. "She thought a knife as you suggested would be best. She enchanted it herself, the edge will take centuries to dull."

I smiled as I reached into the bag and pulled out a small holster, hooking the tool to my side. "Then she is wiser than I thought. All past sins are forgiven." A silence fell for a moment as I began scrambling for a suitably mystic sounding saying. "As the dawn erases night, this knife has cleared her slate. She is now welcome in my camp with no fear of attack." I stood up, moving to my pack where it hung from a vine. I undid the knot, lowering it down to my level. "And don't think I forgot you Rosey. I have some gifts for you as well."

As I finished lowering the bag, Roseluck trotted up to my side. She quirked her head as I caught the swinging pack, and pulled out a small collection of leaves I'd hooked together. Inside was another collection of plants and like that, I had found that looked suitably rare. As well as some blue leafed thing that every creature I saw avoided. I had picked it up with several leaves and refused to touch it as I withdrew it. I tossed the pouch to her. "I am unsure of all these plants, but I would suggest not touching any of them with your bare hooves."

Roseluck nodded, putting the pouch in her side pocket as she withdrew a second bag from her satchels. "And this is my gift to you, to thank you for your kindness." 

I made sure to be much more polite in taking her gift, opening it with calm hands. I saw the holy items she had gifted me and laughed. A salt and pepper shaker sitting in the bag filled to the brim. "You are far too kind to this old trickster, and I thank you for it." I gave a bow with a smile. "Now come, dawn approaches, and I wish to at least hear some of your tales before dawn robs me of my energy." We both sat and conversed, and as the sun began to rise in earnest Roseluck left. Leaving me in my hammock with my newest tool. I flipped the knife back and forth in my hand and paused as I held it by the blade. When my fingers crossed the silvery metal, it began to stain. Running my palm across the smooth metal it darkened until the blade was black as pit from pole to pole. I heard a soft chuckle in the woods. "Well, that's ominous."
> Black Orbs And Sun Spots
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another week, another mystery to chew on. I ran my hand over my new blade over and over again. When my hand went down the blade, the black miasma covered the blade. As I wiped it upwards, it returned, making the blade fade into darkness. I stared as my hand danced over the blade. "So am I magic now?" I looked across my campfire, the flames dancing to the tune of nature. "Or have I always been magic, and this place is letting me use it?" I wiped the blade so it would retain its silver glow, and held out a single finger. With careful movements, I began playing with my newfound ability. The darkness that once coated the whole blade forming a small line as my finger began tracing the blade. I swooped my finger across the blade. I slowly coated the whole blade in darkness, leaving a clear area in a sigil I remembered from the past. Three lines, one straight, two curved. Two circles on the top and bottom. I nodded at the marks. "Neberius, Lord of cunning." I spun the knife when I said it, beginning the process on the other side as well. "I may have barred the gates of heaven with my silver tongue, but I like to think I've earned some help in my corner on the other side."

I smiled at the thought. The demon lord of cunning, welcoming in a con-woman who had pretended to be all things in her life. I began thinking aloud, letting my greatest hits sound through the forest. "A tailor, a banker, a prostitute, a rich woman, a beggar, a prostitute again, and a one-eyed gypsy. I've done it all, and if that doesn't get me in some good graces, I don't know what will." I threw the knife in the sky, letting the sigil catch the light as I caught it. "Or maybe I'm just being an edgy idiot, either way, I wanna learn more."

I moved around the fire with a smile on my face as I played with the knife. I had gotten used to the weight now, and knowing I could apparently make things darker was kinda cool. Maybe I could learn to do it around my camp, learn some more parlor tricks for guests. I watched the fire for a moment before grabbing one of my little fire fruits. Tossing it in the fire, I watched as it exploded outwards. Heat poured over my face, whipping my black hair into my face. As my hair lowered to cover my eyes a voice sounded behind me. "Well well, that was an excellent little trick. Is that how you scared Princess Twilight?"

I smiled wide in manic glee. Whoever this was, went and chose the wrong time if they were hoping to catch me off guard. I was magic, and a demons mark now stained my blade. I reached into my bag, pulling out a small pouch of jerked meat. I added some salt and took a bite. I turned on my heel, speaking before I even saw my target. "Ah, so the game is afoot yet again." I turned and saw the solid white pony with horns and wings. I didn't slow down, the wings of bullshit letting me fly. "But who are you in my story I wonder?"

I began pacing, looking over the pony as she wore a small smile. I tapped my chin. "Are you my Mycroft, here to hinder slightly and help greatly, or are you my Moriarty?" I held my hands like scales. Bouncing them up and down. "The scale of fate is bouncing up and down, and do you know what that means my little guest?"

The pony looked at me with one eye, her other hidden by her mane. "I'm afraid I haven't the foggiest."

I leaned back, letting gravity force me down as I sat. "It means another guest walked in without introducing herself!" I spread my arms over my head. "What state is the world in I wonder? Where thinking creatures don't bother to introduce themselves before speaking. It's sacrilege I say, and rude to top it off!"

A giggle came from the general direction of the pony, and soft hoof-falls moved towards me. "Then I apologize. I am Princess Sol Celestia. Ruler of this land and sovereign of the sun."

I was to hyped up to care. Magic powers tend to do that. I grabbed some old lies, restructuring them and bringing important ones to the front of my mind. "Oh poo, a boring sunspot right in the middle of my beautiful abyss." I waved my hand at her. "Begone Moriarty, and if you run into my brother tell him I said to fuck off. Heaven knows that ball of gas needs to be deflated a little bit."

There was a pause before more giggles filled the air. "Luna warned me that you were a tad bit confrontational, though I will admit to not believing you would be so small for a creature that claims such great power."

I smirked. "Great power? What great power does the night hold in your world princess?" I decided that testing my theory now over later would be good, walking to a nearby tree. "Is it the power to do something great and mystifying like teleport?" I laughed as I rested my arm on the tree, leaning against it. "Because I wish to know how being dark grants the power to teleport." I snapped a finger. "Maybe it grants the power of flight? Surely with all the birds and bats of the night that is what it does."

I shook my head. "No princess, the night holds no great and terrible power that affects the living." I made sure to add that line in specifically to cast some doubt. If the night can't affect the living, then the dead was still wide open. My old threats still stand. I shook my head. "No sunspot, do you know the only power of the night?"

Celestia looked at me, a curious glint in her single eye. "You've got me curious enough to ask. What power does the night have?"

I ran my hand down the tree, and couldn't restrain the sinister laugh that bubbled up as it faded into the black abyss. "The secret little light is that the night is always there. Waiting and lurking." I walked back towards Celestia. "That's the only power of the night." I smiled wide. "It reminds me of something I heard a lifetime ago. Tell me Sunspot, what is the fastest thing you know of?"

Celestia paused a moment, raising a hoof to her chin. "I would imagine it would be light itself. Despite the great distance between the sun and Equess, it still lights the world instantly as I pull it over the horizon."

I showed my teeth, taking the three facts I was just given and rejoicing as she stepped into my verbal pitfall. I spun around, pointing my finger behind me towards her. "And that is why I shall call you Sunspot. So focused on your little patch of the world you forget of the flames around you even as you stand apart. The light is fast." I waved my hand in the air. "Perhaps the second fastest thing in the universe. But there is one thing faster." I moved to my fire, before trying another new step in my powers. I began moving my hands as if to warm them at the flames, before moving them down. Darkness followed them, causing a large shadow to fall. "Look, princess, look at the light as it stops. As soon as it stops the darkness reclaims it, and it will race and beat against the light. No matter how fast light is, darkness will always beat it there." I clicked my tongue. "It will beat the light in its race and be there waiting. That is the night."

I coated my hands over our entire side of the fire, shrouding us in darkness. "And that is all that the night can do sunspot. It lets the creatures that hate the light have a chance. Creatures like me."

A flash from in front of me blinded me, and with a swipe of my hand, I blocked the light. I heard Celestia's voice from behind my shield. "But the light can always beat the darkness, is this not also true?"

I smiled. Veiled threats hid behind pretty words. This was my battleground, and I loved it even as she pushed me into the check. But check wasn't mate, and this game was still on. I removed the black shield, smiling wide. "Of course it can, but the light requires a source. Power fonts and fountains that give it life." I made a small circle of darkness in front of me. "Meanwhile, darkness and night requires only itself. Others may join, and bask in it's embrace. But when they leave it is not lesser, and when all the power around it dies..." I watched as her horn faded, before flicking the ball. A sense of glee overcame me as the ball moved, dropping over the campfire and leaving both me and the princess in pitch black night. "Only then, does night truly fall. And all my friends begin to rise."

The wind began to whistle, making the leaves seem to mutter and whistle in dark speech. The darkness barely seemed to inhibit my sight, whether a side-effect of playing with magic or not I couldn't guess. But it meant when I saw the faint glow of Celestia's horn as she began to force light into the world once again, it was nearly blinding. I blinked hard as the light enveloped my clearing again, the small sphere around the campfire remaining dark. Celestia looked at it with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I believe that answers all my immediate questions. Though I did have one request if you would humor me?"

I smiled. "One may always make a request of the night Sunspot, though I may not always listen."

Celestia nodded. "I wouldn't dream of it. I simply heard from Twilight that you have a surprisingly nice singing voice. May I hear a song?"

I smiled wide as my stomach growled. An idea formed in my head as I pulled my knife from it's sheath, tapping it against my belt buckle. "You don't look like, you belong here..." I began creeping and crawling, letting the disturbing vibe of the song come to life in my movements.

Celestia watched with her visible eye wide as I let my inner thespian come forth. The trees became my stage. I let the world fade into nothingness, the only real thing in the world was me and my song. As the song went on and on I climbed up the trees, feeling like an extra in a horror movie is I clung to the wood like a demented gecko. As the song dialed down to the end I began to crawl down, landing on all fours. I crawled across the gorund, staring Celstia in the eyes "Are you hungry for another one?"

She took a half-step back as I began to rise, dusting off my clothes. "Well princess, did you enjoy my song?"

She paused, looking over the trees and the clearing with her eye. "It was.. enlightening. I thank you for your time Lady Night. If you find yourself tiring of the forest, you may always request a place to rest in Canterlot." 

She stared as if waiting for my response. I didn't have time to be taken aback by the offer, instead instantly treating it as a test. Possibilities whizzed past in my mind, each outcome to this con for both choices flying in my head. At the end I reached consensus with myself. If I took her offer, I would be betraying the very ideals of freedom I spouted to Twilight and Luna earlier. The night doesn't care. I rolled with my thought, letting my mouth think up the rest for me. "A boring room in a boring city? No thank you." I raised my hand to cup my chin in thought for a moment, before snapping my fingers. "However if you truly wish to show some aid, some clothing would be nice." I raised my jacket to show the pitiful state of my shirt and jeans. "I appear to have worn this set through, and while wandering in the nude would certainly be possible, I would prefer to have some actual garments."

Celestia let out a half-smile, letting me know I misstepped somehow. I bit my tongue, no time to go back now. She nodded once. "If that is all you wish then I will endeavor to meet your request. Have a wonderful night."

As she turned I waved, letting a cocky grin rest on my face in what I hoped was a confident expression. "And a boring day to you princess." When she flew off I waited a moment. Then another just to make sure she was gone. As soon as I was certain she could no longer hear me I jumped in place. "I CAN DO MAGIC!!!" I began giggling and dancing around my clearing, summoning darkness all around me. I swore I heard a whisper, but ignored it. Magic was here, and it was cool as ice!"













"But what did it cost? And what did you gain?"
> A Wilting Rose
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awoke to a whispering voice. This was not my ideal awakening position, and I reacted in a way befitting my wide social graces and years of skilled cons. "WHO THE FUCK!?" The voice instantly ceased as I scrambled in my hammock, spilling myself from the fur pelts and dropping to the floor with a thump. I looked around with squinted eyes, trying to find the source of the voices. I found the clearing I had chosen to be clear of everything, with the exception of a patch of dead grass near my feet. I kicked at it for a moment before shrugging. "Damn nightmares, this forest is getting to me I guess." I stood easily, looking to the sky for a rough estimate of time. The sun had already begun to set, with the soft orange and pink of the sky warning me that night was fast approaching. I nodded my head and began untying the rope hanging my bag down. With the soft snap of tightening rope my bag descended, thumping onto the ground with a small cloud of dust rising to mark its impact.

I shuffled over to it and opened it with a flick of my wrist. I was flushed with food and drink, my waterskins at capacity and my food pouches overflowing with various safe to eat goodies. Really the only thing I could claim was work today was if I went out hunting, and I wasn't feeling like that. Which meant the only thing I had to do was check my snares and call it a night. I grumbled as I walked off. "Time like water, everywhere. Yet not a thing to do."

I moved my awakening body through some stretches. My clothes were now barely better than rags, with the exception of my leather jacket, which was still in remarkably good condition. My jeans, however, were another story. They had been torn and scratched so much over the last couple of months that I had been forced to cut them short. Thorny brambles were now public enemy number one. Booty shorts aside I was glad that my jacket had managed to survive in good shape, and I happily snuggled under it as sunset ended, and I managed to stay warm until darkness fell. I blinked my eyes a few times, before grinning. My eyes adjusted quickly, and within a few minutes, I could see clearly. I wasn't sure if my newfound night vision was an enhancement of my powers or simply my body slowly adjusting to my new lifestyle, but it was something I greatly enjoyed.

I took the time to enjoy my newly darkened abode for a moment until an unfamiliar sound echoed through the woods. A scream, shrill and terrified echoed from the trees. I paused at the sound. I was well-educated in the classical university of Friday the thirteenth, with an accompanying major from its sister institution of Nightmare on Elm Street. So I knew rule one was to carefully note the direction and then head the other way. Which I would have done, if not for one little thing. "DAMNIT, THAT"S ROSELUCK!" I tore off towards the sound, not bothering to grab a light source as I ran through the woods.


***


The scream was continuous and only stopped a few times, before resuming louder and more broken. Some small part of my mind thought it almost sounded like a creature mimicking a voice to try and get my attention, but I dismissed it. I had exactly one creature remotely close to a friend in this world, and if there was a hint she was in danger I wasn't going to stop because of simple fear. Plus the breaks and sobs that punctuated it sounded far to emotive for a simple beast. I jumped a low log as I approached the center of the din, and stared at what I saw.

A manticore, this time not trussed up by my ingenious snares, was pawing into a toppled tree. I could tell the tree was the source of the screams, but fighting a giant beast was not really in my skillset for a one-on-one deathmatch. I clicked my teeth together with a grimace as my mind raced. There was no con I could pull here, no clever words or silver tongue that could pull the wool over the beast's eyes. With that thought, I smiled. My powers had worked on a campfire, who says that wouldn't work on hell's own little pet over there. I looked to a nearby tree and scrambled up it quickly. The screams covered the sound nicely, allowing me the scant few seconds I needed to form a little ball of shadows. I didn't pause as I noticed it seemed slightly more translucent, instead choosing to stand tall on a branch. With the devil's own grin, I let out a whistle. "Hey ugly, would you like to dance with a more willing partner?"

As the manticore's head turned to me I shoved the orb towards it. As it made its graceful arc toward the monster I drew my knife, letting the shaded steel poke from my closed fist. My smile widened as the orb gently went over the beast's face, and held true. I was hardly an expert fighter, one could say besides a few barroom brawls and one unfortunate encounter with a cop I was inexperienced. But against a blinded and confused beast? I liked my odds. And then the stinger darted towards me.

I let my body do the thinking, jumping forward over the small clearing and over the creatures back. A wild, primal part of my mind took command, positioning the knife like a lance as I dove down. It went into the beasts back like a lance, sliding between smooth fur and skin as easily as it would through butter. The beast let out a scream of pain and rage as it began flailing, tail lashing out in every direction. I caught a flash of red as it's paw soared over my head, prompting me to lay supine. I heard a faint snap as it's bat-like wings unwound, and I gulped. With a powerful beat, I was suddenly higher than the branch I had rested on only moments ago. My monkey brain caught up to the current events, and the instincts of my Irish blood kicked in. With a snarl I wrenched the knife free, stabbing down again farther along the beast's body. The wind began whipping as the creature tried to reach me with paws ill-suited to the task. I felt a something sharp poke at me, but it was gone before it could exert any force. I pulled myself up the creature's mane and forced the knife free again.

There was a roar that dripped with rage and hunger, but my knife-arm was already snaking down. With a thrust, I shoved the blade as deep as I could. The beast may have been magical and may have been powerful, but there were some laws of nature that could not be ignored by even the most powerful of threats. Like the need to breathe. My knife skated through the neck of the beast, eliciting something that started as a roar and quickly faded into a sad whimper. As its lifeblood sank to the earth, so to did we. It put forth the energy to land softly, curling into a ball.

I looked down at it as it made pained mewls and softly pawed at the ground. The screams had faded as our fight began, and I knelt beside the proud creature, trying to pet its mane as it slowly died. "Calm creature, this too shall pass." It turned its head to me, eyes betraying emotions I had known in similar power only once. Pain, fear, and acceptance, mixing together in a cocktail stirred by death himself. I slowly stroked the mane, my hand tracing down through its fur. Gentle pets like you would give to an injured dog. "Rest your eyes, creature of my home. Let yourself sleep once more. Sleep my child, perchance to dream. Like all things, your time has finally ended, and my night shall watch as your spirit finds its home."

The beasts head fell limply to the ground as it closed its eyes, and I stood slowly. I sheathed my knife, before looking to my hands. They were stained red with blood, and it pooled and dripped with an alien speed. Almost like oil mixed with peanut butter. I watched for a moment before a pained groan sounded from behind me, prompting me to remember why I had been forced to put the beastie down in the first place. I scrambled to the hollow tree, peeking inside. Roseluck was there, a gash on her leg bleeding slightly as she peered from her hiding spot. I smiled at her. "Hello there friend, do you perhaps require assistance?"

She nodded once, and I reached out with my hand. Her hoof met it easily, and I pulled her out easily. I took note of her injuries, and though they were hardly debilitating until I could get her treated I doubted walking on it would be comfortable. I took the easier option, hoisting her over my shoulders. "Did you perchance bring medical supplies with you?"

There was an affirmative grunt, which I nodded at as I returned to my campsite. "Good, then I shall let you down at my camp and start a fire. Once we have proper light I shall treat your wounds to the best of my ability before guiding you to safety myself." I smiled as I began walking as smoothly as possible. "Who knows, I may feel generous and give you a large satchel of herbs for your trouble tonight."

Roseluck was silent as I walked back to camp, and let out only a pained grunt as I sat her down. I moved to my thankfully still full bag before trying to start a conversation. "Is the pain bad enough to silence you? If you require a safe place for the day I could host you during my resting hours?"

I heard a shuffle of movement from behind me before Roseluck spoke up, but was more focused as I produced my small flint and steel from my bag. Roseluck cleared her throat a few times. "No lady, just... your eyes."

I began assembling some light wood, making the start of my campfire like a teepee. "My eyes? What is so odd about them? I believe I would have noticed if I lost one in the dark."

There was a pained giggle from behind me as I began sending showers of hopeful sparks into the kindling. After a few tries, the wood caught and flashed me with blinding light as the fire roared beneath me. I reached into a pocket as I blinked away the light. A small sliver of my fire fruit between my fingers, I tossed it into the fire, letting it power the flames and allowing me to put some logs on immediately. Roseluck spoke as I turned. "It's... they... they glowed in the dark." I quirked my head as I approached, and her words became rushed. "When I saw you on the manticore, your eyes were glowing in soft blue, and when you talked to it the woods went quiet as if they were straining to listen."

I wanted to think over the statement, but now wasn't the time to sort out mysteries of the universe. I had a hurt friend in front of me who had an unopened medical kit on her person. I pulled her hoof slightly to examine the wound. "Indeed, I apologize for that. A side-effect of night-vision, and if the spirit of these woods deigns to listen as I speak to his dying ward I am in no position to argue. I am in his home after all, as much as he is in mine." I looked over the gash in her hoof. Soft flesh was split and bloodied but seemed to be in a mostly healthy state. There was a happy lack of obvious infection or dirt, and it could easily be cleaned. I gestured towards her pack. "Which pocket holds your medicinal supplies?"

She looked between me and the bag before nodding. "Uh, the small pocket on the front has a small healing potion. I'm not sure what it will do for something this big but..."

I sighed, lowering my head. I should have expected this really. If I wasn't here the poor girl would probably be dead. No need to carry a huge kit if anything bigger than a small wound was a death sentence. "That won't due, give me a moment." I moved to my pack, taking a moment as my hand rested over my own medkit. Nothing here was replaceable. Every item was a completely unique thing as far as I knew. I shook off the thoughts as I grasped the handle. I wasn't a good person, but I wasn't some evil, greedy bastard. I moved back to Roseluck and began opening the kit. "I fear none of this will be as instant as a magic potion, but it should keep your wound in good condition until we get you back to your own home." I pulled out a bottle of good old iodine. Technically whatever fancy mixture of it and alcohol that was used to disinfect wounds, as my passing knowledge of chemicals thought that raw iodine was bad. Either way, I took a small wet towelette and looked at Roseluck. "Sad to say this isn't painless, so brace yourself."


***


I hoisted a properly bandaged Roseluck onto my shoulders again, grunting under the weight but keeping her steady as I began walking. "So, I know I guided you to town last time, but I believe I'll need better directions to deliver you to your home."

Roselck began to stammer beside my ear. "M-my home? W-why would you go there?"

I climbed over a low root, unfortunately jostling the injured leg which caused Roseluck to let out a grunt of pain. I tapped her neck twice as I continued walking. "Sorry about that. And the reasoning is simple. You're messed up, and tossing you on the town outskirts would not be the proper way to treat a friend." I lowered myself under a low branch as a path revealed itself before me. I began following it with much more even steps. "Besides, you need a safe place to rest, and even the outskirts of these woods should be respected. If one assumed the night was safe because dawn was quickly rising I would be offended."

I smiled as I threw in another seemingly helpful tidbit that furthered my own lies. Roseluck was quiet for a moment before nodding her head. "Well, there's someplace a bit better for that if your willing to take me somewhere else."

I looked over the path, debating my options. It might be more trouble than it was worth to take her somewhere far and away from my little home in the forest, but if it really could help her than I should place that as a higher priority. "How far out is it? I admit to being mostly ignorant of the surrounding area, so you would have to guide me fairly often through the streets of your little town."

Roseluck seemed to perk up a bit at that. "Well, that's the best part! I know a mare who's great at treating injuries, and she lives near the forest, so it would even be closer than my house or the hospital."

I raised my eyebrows at that as I continued on the path, pausing at a tribal looking fetish strapped to a tree. It seemed to hold my attention for a moment, the strange etchings and marks of paint swirling in place and moving about in impossible waves. The most striking part was how... angular they were. Not the sheer number of points, but a subtle wrongness about them. Like some form of shift had occurred while drawing them, and somehow the semi-familiar geometry now reached some number of degrees much higher than the proven 360.

I only realized how zoned out I was when a hoof prodded my face, bringing me back to the land of the living. "Uhm, lady? Are you ok?"

I broke eye contact with the fetish, looking back to the path as I began to walk. "Yes, I'm sorry. It appears using so much power has somewhat disoriented me." Bald-faced lies, I was more than likely going to have a breakdown later about the stupidity of that fight later, but a wounded friend does wonders for putting off mental issues. "Keep me focused if I fade like that again." She made an affirmative grunt as our conversation faded, her having taken my lie as a reason to try and let me focus. But my mind kept going back to the fetish, and how it had so entranced me. I felt a chill on my spine as I thought of it. If it could do that to me, it might be time to start asking some pointed questions. Specifically about witches and if any live here.


***


I nearly reached a full stop as I caught sight of the little cottage. It looked like an antique from the time of fairy-tales, a hobbit-hole or fairy home given physical form. I watched it for a moment as several of the tamer nighttime animals moved around it, seemingly playing or wandering like house pets. I jostled my shoulder slightly, prodding Rosey in the chest. "Hey, this the place?"

A heard a muted yawn, which might have answered why the conversation actually died off. I smiled as tired lip smacks came from behind me before an embarrassed gasp sounded off. "I'm so sorry my lady, I just-"

I jabbed her chest again. "Calm you, you have been hurt, and rest is good for you. But I do need to know if this is the home of the mare you mentioned earlier."

She nodded enough to unbalance me, but I managed to stay on two feet by walking forward. We reached the door before she spoke again. "Put me down, she's a bit flighty about new ponies."

I smiled as I acquiesced, placing her gently on the porch. "Of course, and the fact the new pony isn't a pony might not help either."

Roseluck tossed her mane, looking over me. "You know what I mean lady." She rose her hoof to the wooden door and knocked a few times. I looked around, noting that each of the creatures was watching us with interest as I waited. I decided I didn't like that. I waved my hand, blocking us from their vision with a sheet of darkness. Roseluck opened her mouth at the privacy screen I had implemented before a solid thunk garnered our attention.  I turned to the door as saw a sliver of pink hair before the door shuttered, leaving it slightly ajar. I looked between it and Roseluck before she sighed. "I was going to say that you may scare her with that." She turned to the door, clearing her throat loudly before addressing it. "Fluttershy? Dear, I'm afraid I need some help."

I stared at the door as it murmured back, and a growl began bubbling in my throat. My friend was sitting here bleeding while the pony she trusted to heal her was hiding behind a door. There were many ways I could be patient. A con that needed weeks of setup was fine, waiting for a prime blackmail opportunity was great. Waiting while someone was actively bleeding in front of me, however, was stupid. I shoved my foot between the doorframe and the door, jimmying it open with a snarl. "We have no time for fear pony! She is injured and has stated you know medicine. Heal her!"

The cottage went silent, both ponies frozen as I stared into the well-lit room. A yellow pegasus sat in front of me, her pink hair covering a lone eye as she stared at me in fear. I didn't let her breath before moving back, moving Roseluck into the house. "She has been attacked by a manticore. While I treated her to the best of my ability she requires more aid then I can provide, you have the skill. Heal. Her." I wasn't exactly sure if this was the right way to handle this, but I wasn't going to let anything I liked suffer because someone was scared to do the right thing. If I made myself scarier in those efforts, then all the better. I had a reputation after all.

The pegasus looked to Roseluck and froze as her eyes fell to the bandages on her rear hoof. She moved forward, seeming to forget my presence as she inspected the red-stained wrapping. "Oh dear, that's not good. Was it the stinger Roseluck, or the paw?"

Roseluck shook her head, apparently trying to get over my outburst as well as being moved. "Just it's claws. Lady night managed to get me away before anything more serious happened."

Fluttershy nodded as her wings enveloped the wound, slowly unwrapping it. "That's good. The poison in their barb is very potent and could cause complications. I can get my room ready for a guest and let you stay the night. I'll alert the hospital in the morning and we'll get you ready to run your shop tomorrow."

I awkwardly stood there as Fluttershy finished unwrapping the bandage. "Oh my, that isn't a very pretty scratch." She looked around before her eyes fell to me. She shrank a little bit, but her voice stayed mostly strong. "Uhm, miss? Could you go to that door over there and get my big red medical kit?"

I nodded with an easy smile. "With all haste." I turned to the door she pointed at and nearly ran to it, pulling it open with as much speed as I could muster. A large red box sat on the wall which I grabbed and hauled back to Fluttershy. It was heavy and seemed to clink and clack as I walked through the house, delivering her the box. I tapped my fingers on my thigh as I watched Fluttershy work. "Er, I used some chemicals to disinfect the cut. They shouldn't cause any complications, but be careful." Fluttershy gave an affirmative grunt as she pulled out a roll of bandages. I tapped my palm. "And I couldn't give any field stitches since I didn't think I could do it right, so she might need that."

There was a hum of agreement before Roseluck clicked her teeth. "Lady Night, I thank you for being worried about me, but Fluttershy knows how to treat injuries well enough. Telling her every little thing is likely to slow her down."

I nodded a few times, resuming my idle taps against my thigh. "Right, right. Er, I've never had a friend get hurt or anything... Um, I'm just gonna..." I stomped my foot. "I know!" I slung my bag from my back, grabbing a few of the small bags Roseluck had gifted me. Both filled to the brim as I placed them on the table."Er, those are some of the herbs I normally see you gather, so they should be fairly safe. I know it's a bit more than normal, but you may want to stay out of the woods for a bit, so it seems best to get it all out of the way now."

Roseluck nodded. "That's sweet of you, really." A silence fell as Fluttershy began rebandaging the wounds, making much nicer and tighter bindings than my rudimentary skills could ever hope to match. I stared as Fluttershy nodded to Roseluck before smiling. "Okay, I'll get the bedroom ready and we'll get you straight to bed. I'll head to the hospital tomorrow morning and make sure they know you're coming. It should be healed enough to walk on tomorrow." I raised an eyebrow at that, but the magic medical pony would probably know more than I did. Then Fluttershy turned to me, and her confidence collapsed on itself. "A-and, thank you. U-uhm, getting h-hurt like this in Everfree is normally r-really bad."

I allowed my stress to slowly fade. I raised a hand to my chest and bowed, keeping my head low as I spoke. "I thank you for your help, Ms. Fluttershy. While I have no coin to offer recompense if you ever find yourself in need then seek me out. The night itself is indebted to you." 

Fluttershy nodded a few times as Roseluck looked to me. She gave a smile as the frightened pony ran off, leaving us alone in the first true building I had found since my arrival. We looked between each other for a moment before Roseluck opened her mouth. "Thank you, lady, truly. I doubt I would have gotten away without your help."

I paused, before nodding once. I had earned some friends on the other side, so netting them some fame would be good right? Besides, she deserved to call me something other than lady. "Call me Neberius, or maybe just Nebby. I care not, but 'tis the title a friend may call me."

Roseluck smiled. "Well then Nebby, thank you. I'll see you later?"

I smiled back. "But of course, until next we meet." I turned out of the cottage, and let out a breath that seemed to ease my tensed muscles. I turned to the woods and began walking, I felt the need to work tonight, and the first step was moving my camp. I think being closer to the edge might be safer.
> A Change Of Clothes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I swung in my hammock, letting the last couple of hours pass simply in my new camp. I could probably try and be productive for the last few hours of darkness, but I wasn't feeling it. I wanted to rest, Roseluck was feeling good enough to walk the outskirts of the forest now, and I had left a few fae gifts out and about for her, my camp was well-stocked, and I had all the time in the world. My abilities had also made my little camp much more secure. After the fight with the manticore, I had been busy. The translucency of my orb wasn't a one-time deal. It was see-through, at least for me. Judging from the disturbed reaction of the few things I had tested it on, it was still just as black and dark for everything else. Which meant my camp had several hidey-holes now. My hammock lay suspended in darkness, with other key items like my bag, and a few strategic areas equally coated. At night it was unnoticeable, and in the daytime, it was just a cloud of darkness.

I looked below my hammock, at the small river flowing beneath me. It was peacefully flowing under me, providing easy water and the soft sound of flowing water to keep my calm and happy. The soft bubbling nature of the sound put me in a lyrical tint. I began humming a soft simple tune before my voice broke out. "Between the here, between the now,"

I began singing the tune I remembered from a lifetime ago, letting the time pass slowly as my hammock swayed in the breeze. I enjoyed the peace, and as the song ended in Gaelic which I still regret never learning my peace was ruined. A new voice piping up from the woods. "Form up everyone, she's this way!"

I sighed as I kicked the tree in front of my hammock, letting it swing lazily as I peeked over the edge. I watched as a retinue of shiny ponies walked in, their skin gleaming like shined gems, with armor matching their light blue bodies. They were advancing slowly under me, lances drawn and pointed around them like a pony porcupine. A lance pointing in every direction, making them nigh-unassailable. I smiled as the went below me. They weren't pointing any up. Not that I was planning to jump down any time soon. I began forming darkness under me, making a large square. As they reached a stop I nudged it down, watching nightfall from my perch on high.

The blanket of night descended before neatly falling over each guard. Their armor and spears blackened and dulled by the darkness. They began shuffling, and one by one they grew more and more agitated. Finally one spoke up. "Princep! I can't see!"

I smiled as each one began to realize their current predicament, their spear flailing as they looked in every direction. I watched with an amused smirk as they began to jitter and jer, before finally throwing them a line. "You know, it is considered to be very ill-formed to wave weapons about in someone else's home. Why a living creature might take the highest exception to such a thing." I tapped my hands on my legs, letting them stew on that as they began to calm. "Luckily for you, I am nothing if not a good hostess. If you apologize I will return your sight." I began crawling to the tree over my hammock, ready to jump down. "Either that or you die in darkness, I don't care a whit either way."

A softer voice sighed from behind them, making me pause on my branch before descending. Looking into the woods, I could see another pair of ponies watching. One was in full golden armor, ornamented to the point of gaudiness. He held a sword in a magical grip, looking around with raised eyebrows. Despite the unease their current situation should have inspired, he was calmly watching. Maybe he was slightly off-put, but he wasn't showing it. The one that truly captured my attention was the female beside him, mostly due to one little fact. She was another fucking royal. She had both wings and a horn, an alicorn as Roseluck had taught me. Which meant she was inherently royal. And I had just fucked with her guards. Luckily it seemed she was the one who sighed, as she walked up and raised her head. "I told you all these guards wouldn't help with anything Shiny. It's mostly safe here anyway."

She walked up to the area directly under me, looking over the area. "Lady Night, I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. I have come to speak to you as my fellow princesses have done." She looked over her guards for a moment. "I'm sorry if my guards offended you, we came with a gift if that would help with some goodwill."

I paused, once again at a crossroads. I could always play up the act, demanding more for their perceived slight, but that might damage my own standing. Especially considering how light Princess Twilight got off. Normally pressing for more would be the obvious choice, but I was stuck here for the whole ride, and being perceived as kinder than need it can give someone a veritable ton of bonuses that being a dick would close the door to. I decided to be nice, and hope it would end with a larger profit later. I jumped from the branch, breaking through my shield of black like so much water, landing on the ground with a smile. "But of course princess. And lo and behold you even introduced yourself. One kind turn deserves another I say, and so I shall."

I gave her a bow, flashing a grin with teeth as I did. "I am Lady Neberius, spirit of the night, patron saint of tricksters, and sister of the sun." I rose and began walking to her guards. "And your apology is easily accepted, allow me to fix what I have done." I pushed aside a spear easily, the guards beginning to stand down as I made my way to them. With a wave of my hand, the darkness was removed from the first pony. I looked him in the eyes. crouching down. "Leave my camp, for waving your weapons about I banish you from my home." I moved to the next one and paused. "If you wish you may wait until I finish fixing your friends first. But when all is healed I don't want to see a single pony from this group in my clearing."

He didn't respond, but the armored unicorn who looked closest to normal walked up. "Make a perimeter, keep the guard out of her clearing. I want this clearing safe." He nodded at me. "We'll be safe with her."

My persona wouldn't let that stand. I laughed, wiping the darkness from another guard. "Safe? With me? Little pony, that is the very definition of foolishness. I am the night, and the night is never safe." I moved to the next guard. "If you mean you are safe from me, then you are probably correct. But the sun is still sleeping, and the moon is still in the sky. Safety can only be found behind sturdy walls and all alone right now, and there is neither to be found in the dark confines of these woods."

The guards seemed unnerved as I removed their shadowy shackles at this, but each still left. Leaving me alone in a clearing with a princess and what I assumed was her head guard. I looked over them for a moment before Cadenza cleared her throat. "Ms. Neberius, would you mind if we got some light?"

I looked around, realizing that I didn't have a campfire. With my newfound dark vision, I only took the time to light a fire when I was cooking, and since I had already had my dinner I had put out the fire. I nodded, before remembering they probably could just barely see me. "Of course, forgive me my breach in manners. I had already begun retiring for the morning, and a fire is hardly safe to leave on its own while I sleep."

The male's horn lit up, and I closed my eyes as the light invaded my bastion of black, making me temporarily blind. I blinked away the light, letting my eyes adjust. I heard a deeper voice speak, mentally pairing it with the guard I hadn't kicked out. "Sorry about that, guess I should introduce myself too. I'm Prince Shining Armor, head of the Crystal Guard."

I let my eyes finish adjusting before nodding to him. "Of course, I'm sure you'll forgive me skipping a second introduction." I sat down in the dirt, sprawling my legs in a less than dignified way. "Sorry to say all the official court-like stuff is more my brother's thing. I am much less proper as long as all parties remain polite." I smiled, letting my canines rest on my lips to give them some emphasis. "I much prefer the simpler side of life. The hunt, the chase, and the finish are all much more fun than talking."

While Shining Armor flinched Cadenza simply nodded, looking at me in some strange expression. I couldn't really understand it, but I didn't like it. She began pursing her lips as if planning out our conversation in advance. After a moment she spoke. "I can understand that. I find myself missing my own simple farm life. Running a palace can be such a bore." She trotted up to me, a wide smile on her face. "But we all do things we don't like sometimes I guess."

I nodded. "Even the free find themselves chained to the mundane. Never do the great escape boredom, and always do the bored find adventure they never wanted." I think that was from Tolkien, though I probably butchered it. But I could butcher a separate line that fit too. "Take me for example. Long ago, longer now than it seems, in a place you might have seen in your dreams, I slept. And deep in my sleep, I dreamed a dream." I waved my hands about, sending darkness out in tendrils. "And then the dream came for me, and what you see is what I became. A life I never wanted and powers I barely understood." I smiled as I vaguely described my actual past before fully laying down, looking to the forest roof. "But knowing that I doubt I'd change it. Living life on the edge is the best way to live, by my own hand or none."

Cadenza sat beside me. "I can easily respect that, but I came here for something besides simply greeting you. My aunt wanted to send you a small gift. She decided after what you did for Roseluck you deserved something special, and she doubted she could get you to Canterlot for a reward so..." My eyes widened as her horn began to glow, and a large bag appeared in front of me. A zipper began unzipping, and my face split in a wide smile. Cadenza noticed this and smiled in turn. "I assume these clothes are to your liking Lady Neberius?"

I held up the first shirt, solid black and made of sturdy material. I nodded st her, my grin never fading. "Please, princess. My friends call me Nebby."
> Dangerous Meetings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awoke from my moonlit nap to a voice. Not a familiar noise of Roseluck calling for me, nor the high-pitched call of the ponies that wander the woods I try to scare off. No this was the whispers that had been plaguing me for the past few weeks. They were different today, instead of barely being able to make out the whispers, they were resounding in my ear. As if a voice was right beside me. Warnings sounded in my ears, warnings of blood and fire. I jolted up, my hammock swaying as I began rapidly checking out my entire area. As I slowly calmed my hammering heart the whispers subsided, and with the silence, I heard something else. A chant, weaving through the woods as a light in the distance began heading towards me. I was still coated in darkness, that had quickly become a standard nightly practice to keep myself safe. However, a smart creature with a light would probably notice the standing cloud of solid black just hanging in the sky. And if something chants I can be pretty sure it thinks. 

With this in mind, I began slinking out from my bed, the clear vision offered by me leaving revealing night had just fallen. The forest lit in the light purples and blues of twilight. When I first got here I embraced the beauty every evening, waking up early just to enjoy the soft colors. Today I was thankful for the dark colors for a totally different reason. The glow of the torch heading towards my camp was easy to spot even through the leaves as it moved.

With a few more subtle shifts I ascended to the leafy cover of the treetops. The whispers faded almost completely, leaving me with a grimace. "Oh, you cheeky bastards. Leaving me alone when I could use a mildly foreboding voice giving me advice."

"You can hear us, Lady?" I scrambled on my branch, sending a few twigs to an unfortunate fate and causing the torch to pause. 

I stared at the light as it began making a steady path towards me. "Shit, yes I can hear you strange demonic voice. Got any advice, or are you a useless hallucination?"

There was a pause as the torch started to become visible, being held in a soft yellow glow as it reached my camp. The whispers seemed to have a single voice speaking for them, and it cheerfully began its own little rant. "Why, we're very useful Lady. We can see throughout the forest, we have ancient wisdom, I believe one of us can even-"

I clicked my tongue to silence the whispers and I looked over the pony coming into my clearing. He was absolutely stacked with sun imagery. I almost wanted to go for a more forceful approach, if the stallion wasn't strapped like the last living turkey on Thanksgiving. A sword, a flail, a dagger, and a buckler fastened to his armor and hooves like a medieval shock trooper. I looked down at him with a raised eyebrow as he stared at my little home of darkness. I whispered lightly, letting the gentle sounds of the forest cover my voice. "Okay demons, is he cool, or should I be worried?"

There was a rustle of wind that carried a sense of urgency before the voice spoke again. "Lady, he is a paladin of the scorching light. He is here to slay the spirit of the night in hopes that it will consolidate Celestia's power. Their group is considered insane by most ponies."

I looked around me, trying to source the voice around me. "And you know all this how?"

There was a pause, the voices taking time to think, or maybe just feeding answers to the spokesvoice. Eventually, they settled on a choice as the paladin began looking over my firepit. "We all listen. Ponies speak freely when cloaked in the dark,  and we like the dark."

I nodded. "Alright, I'm just gonna take everything you just said on faith." I left out because it didn't really affect anything in the end. Leaving him alone was dangerous, I needed to get him out of here. Preferably peacefully so I wouldn't have a crazy cult on me until I finally croak. "Okay then, you've heard me sing, right?"

There were a few happy titterings from my ear for a moment, before a small portion of brach in the corner of my eye seemed to flicker. A small pony with insectile wings and glowing green eyes melted out, jumping in place. "Oh yes, my lady! We try to listen every time you sing! It's been so long since your beautiful tones have haunted our homes!"

I took that info and filed it away. Apparently, ponies weren't the only ones falling for my little ruse. I smiled at the insect-pony, knowing my smile favored a more predatory look. "Then try to sing along with the rest of your invisible posse. I want an entrance that pony will remember for centuries." I stood up tall on the tea branch, straightening the new shirt I had donned. Unfortunately, it was bereft of the normal logos or designs I favored, the ponies giving me some solid black shirts as their friendly gift. I began humming, the forest instantly adding a natural accompaniment. Magic was awesome. "A company, always on the run."

The paladin began looking over the woods, his flail floating into the air beside him. I paid it no mind, already living the lie I had been telling for a fair few months. So when I got to the right part I knew exactly what to do.  "That's why they call me..." I leaped from the branch as several creatures roared into the sky. I rolled on impact, spreading my arms wide. "BAD COMPANY!" The woods exploded into music. Making the paladin jump in place, shocked and unmoving. 

I continued my show regardless of his attention. I was the night, and the petty attention of mortals was unimportant. What was important was that I was enjoying my performance. My powers and song forcing the petty fools that were underneath my divine glory to focus on the most beautiful thing in the world. Me.

I strode like soldiers that I had seen and robbed, my feet hitting the ground with an absolute assurance that I would not fall, and my body tensed and ready for a fight. I didn't add much ceremony to the song, letting it lie as the minor threat it was. Though I did relish it when whatever imps that had apparently fallen under my lie began providing backup vocals to make me sound like an army was at my back.

The song ended without many extra flourishes. I simply let the final words fall out of my mouth while looking at the pony. There was a soft wind as we stared each other down, his eyes showing a glint of fear as I looked him over. His flail still held ready as his own hooves trembled. Whether he was rooted to his spot by bravery or cowardice I didn't know, nor did I care. "Well, little mortal?" I crouched low, tapping the flail head and watching it swing. "What cause do you have to invade my little home with enough mortal instruments of war to frighten your average guard?"

I didn't expect it when the flail jumped forward, smashing into my leg with an audible crack as bone broke under the strain. I let out a pained cry as I collapsed onto the dirt floor, my leg sending out pulses of pain as I fell to the ground. I gritted my teeth, trying to block out the pain without success. The pony began ranting about something or another, but I couldn't focus. Pain blotted out logic and thought as my hands held my thigh in a futile attempt to control myself. His voice was grating against my mind, scratching and clawing at my will.

enough

enough!

Enough!

Enough!!

"ENOUGH!!!"

My hands shot forward at my animalistic yell. His voice stopped, silence reigning in the small clearing I called home. My leg was still exploding in pain, but I forced myself to look up. My life was in danger, and succumbing to pain would be a death sentence. I looked over my camp and saw his weapons laying on the ground. A red stain marking where he stood only moments ago, his flail caught in a tendril of darkness. From it's raised position, a single drop of blood dripped from its ridges. The threat was gone, and I was as safe as it got. WIthout death hanging over me, my facade crumpled. On the forest floor, with only the stars above me, I began to cry.


"Nebby? Is that you?"
> Recuperation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know when I passed out, but the pain eventually faded into the soft darkness of unconsciousness. I write about some deep earth-shattering revelation I received while out cold. Some dream or vision that gave me answers when my own crude investigations of my entry area gave nothing. But that wasn't the case. All that slid into my mind while I fitfully slept was darkness, standing by my side like an old friend. I awoke several times, though I could only tell bits and pieces. Moving treetops muttered voices and a dark room. The puzzle of consciousness never reaffirmed itself in my mind, leaving a broken trail of thoughts to limp through my blinking mind.

I awoke suddenly, with the waking world crashing into my vision in a sudden wave of colors and sounds. I flailed about, arms swinging wildly as I sat up. I looked around quickly, noting where I was through squinting eyes.  A sterile room with little decoration, a small collection of medicine and supplies in a cabinet rested in the corner, and a small table right beside me were the only pieces of equipment I could see. I shook my head, already worrying about what all this could mean. I was obviously in a hospital of some sort, which was bad. It either meant I've been in a coma and the entire ponyland debacle was a dream or... or I had been taken to a pony hospital. I began patting down my body, looking for any proof of either theory and froze. I was naked. This changed things.

My priorities rapidly shifted, forcing me to my feet. As suddenly as my left leg hit the ground I collapsed. Fire seemed to sprout from my leg, and I hissed in pain as my leg crumpled underneath my weight. I looked down at it and found the proof I was looking for. My leg was a bandaged mess, with red and white dancing over the bandages making me look like a macabre mummy. I didn't want to see that. I reached down, blocking the pain as I used my minor powers to coat my leg in darkness. The pain instantly dulled. Not to a level where I truly believed I was healed, but enough to give me the sudden idea to try standing again. I thought of all the reasons that was a horrible idea. Listing them off in order as I shuffled upwards. I kept most of my weight off my injured leg and found that standing was indeed possible.

With my mystery solved and the ability to stand fully regained, I looked over my room. There was a single door, a wardrobe looking thing, and a small table. On the table were several cards, which I reached to easily. I smiled as a short message from Roseluck was written in the first, hoping I'd get better and swearing that the guard was looking for whatever pony attacked me. I placed the note back on the table and ignored the others. I was not meant to stay in a hospital, especially not while naked. I opened the counter thing and found various medical instruments. I wanted none of that, so I moved to the two small doors underneath, moving my legs at an odd angle to keep my hurt leg straight. I was rewarded in my efforts by my backpack resting in the corner. "Jackpot." I pulled the bag free, opening it and finding my clothes neatly folded and clean.

Changing outfits is a simple ordeal, one made much more difficult with my injuries. I had to forego full pants, wearing shorts if only to minimize the amount of fabric that had to rub against my injured leg. I paused as I wrestled my boot on, voices getting my attention from outside my door. "I'm telling you, ma'am, she won't be awake yet! Spirit or no, the type of traumatic injury that happened to her leg will keep her under for another day at least!"

I smiled as Roselucks voice wafted in. "And I'm telling you that even if she is asleep I will visit my friend. I checked your policy book like you told me yesterday, and you have no authority to keep me from that room without a written missive from the highest authority in town. And Princess Twilight didn't lock Neberius up, so let me in!"

I giggled, and I will call anyone a liar that said it was cute and girly. Obviously, they underestimated me, and as such, I should prove my alertness. I cleared my throat softly, letting various songs run through my head. I let out my breath in a slow exhale, started tapping my foot, and began to sang. "I know of sin by the things mama prayed..."

I closed my eyes, letting the Hellfire of old Christian fire long ago extinguished flow through me. Do right or burn, a very classical way to deal with behavior issues. I heard a click from beside me, but I focused instead on tying my boots. It was a simple moment and one that distracted me from the still burning pain in my leg. As I finished the song I stomped my uninjured leg, ignoring the whispering voices seeming to surround me. I stood as tall as I could in my slightly tilted glory with a predatory grin. In front of me, Roseluck was smiling. The unimportant pony in a medical coat was looking at me in amazement, but I couldn't care less. "Well Hello Roseluck, I assume you're to blame for my less than satisfactory living conditions today?"

She giggled, and I had to resist the urge to run up and hug her. Once they subsided she nodded. "Of course, with the state, I found you in I could hardly leave you to your little hovel in the woods."

I rolled my eyes, donning my mask as fully as I could. "My home is no hovel. It is more extravagant than you can imagine, with lights made of stars and music made by the night itself." I winked at her. "Plus, I rarely have to hire cleaners for it."

The doctor cut her off before she could continue. "Look, Ms. Night, you need rest! I cannot allow you to traipse about when the damage to your leg is still so extensive. I mean look... at... it." His hoof was outstretched to the darkness coated limb.

I cocked my head to the side. "Cannot allow? No." I made my way to my bag, throwing it over my shoulder. "You cannot stop me, little pony. I have already been gone from my home for far too long, and wish to return."

The doctor's horn glowed, and with a wave of my hand, the appendage was coated in darkness, the glow gone. He stared at me, and I stared back. The silence stretched for a moment before I waved my hand again, allowing the horn to see the light once more. "You cannot hold me, pony. I am returning home, and you cannot stop me. I will find a way to repay your kindness at a later date."

I began exiting the hospital, trying to walk with as small a limp as possible. Roseluck followed, chattering of nothing as we walked. It was a simple gesture as we walked in what I discovered was the evening light, but it meant a lot as I was an outsider. I couldn't help the simple joy it brought me to get some measure of acceptance in this strange land. It felt... peaceful.


***


In the camp of Neberius, twigs snapped as an ethereal shadow entered the camp. The shadows were writhing and snapping until they coalesced into a snake-like shape. "So, the creature who stole my name has been residing here?" The hammock began swaying under an unnatural wind. "How quaint. I shall almost regret burning it to the ground." The silence of evening swallowed the camp before the shadow scoffed. "She was entertaining at first, but it has gone too far. To few ponies believe in the true spirit of the night now..." A spark came from the woods, hitting a stack of dead wood. The camp suddenly fell silent, only fire residing within.