Chapter 8: The darkness.

Heart continued to visit the library in Canterlot and learn various spells that no other library had. He found very interesting spells but his focus was his Lantern program. The program had grown to forty active members and a couple hundred supporters who donated regularly to it. They had many grown ponies who were previously homeless become active members. The younger ponies led the adults by example and kindness. With all the members planning and holding events became time consuming. Heart couldn't put that much time into the program so he now let some of the more committed members organize events. He let Sun Petal, Lightning Hoof, and Lead Road take his place when he couldn't personally take care of preparations.

Lightning Hoof had made developed into a loyal and dedicated member of the program. At first he had resisted Heart's help but from Petal's example he now trusted Heart completely. The day was coming to an end and the Lanterns had just wrapped up learning and practicing skills which they did three times a week. The mare in charge of the orphanage waited for Heart outside of the Lantern head quarters.

Heart stepped outside and was immediately confronted by the mare. "Heart's Vision I need to speak with you."

Heart stopped to talk with the mare. He greeted her with a smile. "What about?"

"The children. I am worried about them. They spend less and less time at the orphanage."

Heart was aware of this. "Yes that is true but I don't see the problem with that. What is the harm in them coming here everyday and having fun while bettering themselves?"

"I love that they are happy but if they don't come to the orphanage then they might miss their chance to be adopted."

Heart thought about it. Most of the kids are in their early teens and Heart knew they had little chance for adoption. "I don't think they should wait around hoping that life will change. I am teaching them to take life into their own hooves. I am giving them the skills to be the greater ponies of the world."

"They need family. They would be happier if they had it. Tell them to come back."

Heart's blood began to boil. He thought of his family. He thought about how his family had abandoned him or tortured him. He would not let this mare hold them back. "NO! I will not lie to them. They won't get adopted at this age. They need to learn how to live. I plan to teach them. Who are you to stand in the way of their lives? I won't let you ruin their chances at happiness."

"It is not your call to make. I am going to talk to them and bring them back."

Lightning Hoof walked out from the building. "I don't think so. I won't go back to waiting. Heart has given us more than any pony ever has. I won't let you deprive me of this." Lightning got in the mare's face. He was bigger than her and looked down on her. "You can walk away or I can pay your hospital bill. Your choice."

The mare held fear in her eyes. She back up then turned and walked away. Lightning faced Heart. "Thank you, for everything."

Heart was proud that the young stallion was committed. "I have only shown you what you are capable of. Thank yourself. You made the decision to change not me."

The next day Heart brought Scootaloo the Lantern HQ. The place now had multiple building now. It had a the main building where they housed meetings and small events. A dorm where the ponies slept. A cafeteria where members ate and talked. Lead Road's house was now where Heart, Petal, Road, and Lightning met to discuss plans for the Lanterns.

Heart explained how they had built most of the building and fixed up the original. Scootaloo thought it was pretty cool. Heart brought her to meet the orphans who now slept in the dorm. They where in the main building enjoying each others company. "Lanterns say hi to my partner, Scootaloo."

The lanterns greeted Scootaloo. She greeted them back.

Heart explained how they had no parents and stayed here. It saddened Scootaloo to know that these fillies and colts didn't have parents to look after them. "I am sorry that you all don't have homes."

Petal giggled. "Don't feel sorry. We do have a home. Heart has given us a home. We are a family. That is what this is, a family. I am for once in my life not alone. I know Heart will always care for me." She flexed her leg. "Did you know he healed my leg?"

Scootaloo had not been told about this. "Oh really? Did you fall and break it somehow?"

Petal shook her head. "No he didn't mend the bones. He completely remade my leg. It was cut off in an accident."

Scootaloo looked at Heart. He always managed to amaze her. "When did this happen?"

Heart shrugged. "A few months ago. I didn't bother telling you because I didn't think anything of it."

Scootaloo smacked him in the back of the head. "You are such a numb skull. Tell me about these things." Scootaloo then kissed his cheek. "But a fantastic numb skull who I love."

Lightning Hoof laugh at the back of the group. "I see who wears the pants in this relationship."

Heart rubbed the back of his head with his hoof. "Ha ha. Very funny Lightning. Shouldn't you be doing something? Aren't you suppose to be calculating our budget today?"

Lightning rolled is eyes. "Yeah, yeah I know. I will get right on that after I finish holding my sides."

Heart knew that the young stallion was just having fun. "Well I wanted to tell all of you that if you need anything that you can come to Scootaloo. You already know that you can come to me for anything." Heart turned to Scootaloo. "Hey Scoot I have to go do some things in town. Do you want to stay here or will I meet you back at the castle?"

Before Scootaloo could answer the kids began to beg her to stay. "Calm down. I will stay for a while." Scootaloo turned to Heart. "I will meet you at home Heart. I need to pick some stuff up from the store or I would just wait for you here."

Heart left Scootaloo. Scootaloo stayed for as long as she could before leaving. She wanted to buy some supplies so that she could go pranking with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. The sun was setting and the store was closing soon. Scootaloo was right around the corner from the store. She was passing an alley as she heard a voice.

"What is a pretty thing like you doing out late?"

Scootaloo turned to face the voice. It came from the alley. It was dark and she couldn't see very well but she saw a pony standing a few feet from her. It had to be a mare from the voice. "What?"

The mare stepped forward. She was a unicorn. She had a dark coat with a bright pink mane. Her pupils were dilated and she was twitchy. Her horn was lit up but Scootaloo couldn't see anything floating nearby. "It is dangerous out here. You could get hurt."

Scootaloo was creeped out from the mare. "Back off. I don't want any trouble."

The mare cackled. "Then hoof over all your bits and you won't have any."

"Hell no!"

"I warned you." The mare revealed the blade she had hid behind her. She charged Scootaloo. Scootaloo hit the mare but the blade sunk into the pegasus' side.

"AHH!" Scootaloo fell over. She felt the mare snatch her coin purse then heard her run away. Scootaloo looked around. She didn't see any pony around. "Help! Some pony help me! I'm hurt! Help!" Scootaloo looked at her side. The blade was left there. Blood tricked out of the wound. Scootaloo used her wings to pick herself up and began to limp to the store.

Heart waited in their room at Twilight's castle. He checked the time. It was dark out now and he wondered where Scootaloo was. A letter teleported in front of Heart. "Heart's Vision come to the Ponyville hospital now. Scootaloo has been hurt." The letter wasn't from any pony he knew. Heart teleported to the hospital. When he arrived he performed a detection spell and found Scootaloo. He didn't ask any pony he ran to the room she was in. The pony behind the counter yelled at him to stop but he didn't listen.

He burst into Scootaloo's room. A doctor stood over her. She was unconscious. The doctor turned to Heart. "Who are you? It isn't visiting hours. You need to leave." The doctor tried to block Heart's path.

Heart didn't care about anything but Scootaloo. "MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!" The doctor didn't act fast enough. Heart used his magic to fling the pony across the room. Heart heard a grunt as the doctor made contact with the wall. Heart looked Scootaloo over. He could see the damage and healed her immediately. He then tapped her so she would wake up.

Scootaloo's eyes fluttered open. "Hey sweetie. Where am I?"

Heart let out his breath he had been holding. "You are in the hospital. I have healed you. What happened?"

She tried to remember. It came back to her. "Oh yeah. I was stabbed by some crazy bitch while on the way to the store. She had a dark coat and a REALLY bright pink mane." Scootaloo looked at her bandaged side. "I can remove these right?" Heart nodded. The pegasus removed it and looked where she had been stabbed. There was no mark but it felt weird to Scootaloo. "I got a good hit in before she got me so she is going to have a bruise for a while and I don't even have a mark. Ha!"

Heart was glad she was fine. He turned to check on the doctor who had stood up and was now walking over to Heart. "I'm sorry doc but I know healing magic and I needed to see my Scoot. She everything to me."

The doctor looked a little dazed. "Yeah I got that now. Next time I won't stand in your way. Hey wait. You are that colt. The one who had that pipe through your gut. I could never forget the pattern on your coat."

Heart nodded. "Yes I was here once for that. It wasn't pleasant. That was a difficult time in my life." Heart looked to Scootaloo. "It was all worth it because of you."

Heart and Scootaloo left the hospital after signing some papers. There was a bill but Twilight would take care of it. The next day Heart called a meeting for the Lanterns. All active members convened in the main building.

Heart stood above all of them on a podium. "I have news every pony. My love Scootaloo was attacked yesterday. She is fine now but the pony responsibly is on the loose. She was described as having a dark coat and a bright pink mane. Scootaloo was attacked near the gag shop in town. If you see a pony that looks similar please inform me. That is all. Thank you." Heart stepped down and was met by Lightning and Petal.

Lightning spoke. "We will take care of this Heart. This pony has hurt one of us and that means she has her all of us. She will be brought to justice."

Heart nodded and thanked them for the support.

The next day Scootaloo left the castle to go get those gag gifts. She didn't care if some crazy pony had attacked her. She was going to have fun with her friends. When she went outside Lightning Hoof was waiting. "What are you doing here…?"

"Lightning Hoof. My name is Lightning Hoof and I am here to protect you."

"What?"

"You were hurt and I have no plans on letting that happen again so from now on you will have a guard. If not me than I will have another Lantern here for you."

"Did Heart set you up to this?"

"No ma'am. I am here on my own free will. Now go about your day as usual I will not get in your way."

"O…K." Scootaloo went along her way. She heard Lightning walking behind her. She was really uncomfortable. She made it to the store and bought her supplies. Lightning stayed out of the way. But didn't let Scootaloo out of his sight. Scootaloo was about to tell him to buzz off but before she could she bumped into a stallion walking down the side walk.

"Watch where you are going."

Scootaloo looked at the stallion. "Sorry I wasn't paying attention."

The stallion was rude to her. "I am tired of dumb mares with their head in the clouds. How about you just stay at your home and read magazines like a good girl."

Scootaloo wasn't going to take this from the stallion. "Why don't you stop being a sexiest asshole?"

"What did you say bitch?" The stallion pushed Scootaloo back. She fell into a sitting position.

Before Scootaloo could react Lightning popped out of nowhere and planted his hoof into the stallion's face. "You better back off buddy."

The stallion staggered back. "Who are you?"

"Don't mind who I am. Just turn and walk away."

"I am not going to take this shit from some punk." The stallion tried to hit Lightning.

Lightning blocked it and delivered another solid punch to the stallion's face. The stallion fell to the ground. Lightning kicked him once while he was down so that he got the message. "I will let you up now but if you do anything beside go the other direction I will make sure that what ever piece of shit place you go to won't recognize you."

The stallion understood and shook his head while he stood up. He listened this time and went on his way. Scootaloo watched the whole thing. She was glad that Lightning was here now. "Thank you Lightning."

Lightning turned with a smile. "Don't worry about it. You are family and I look after my family."

The Lanterns became regular guards for Scootaloo. When she went out she always had a pony guarding her. Twilight didn't have guards for her castle. Heart talked to the Lanterns and the ones capable were hired to guard the castle. Twilight received guards as well. She wasn't into it at first but they grew on her. It came to a point where Heart's family and his possessions were under constant protection from the Lanterns.

One day Petal called a meeting of the Lanterns. Heart arrived at the HQ last. He was told a wrong time to arrive. Petal did this on purpose for she had a present for him. Heart walked in. He felt bad because he thought he was late. He was always early so he felt bad about not being punctual. He made his way to the front of the crowd with Petal and Lightning.

Petal and Lightning went to the back room and brought back a pony tied up, blindfolded and gagged. Petal spoke. "Lanterns and Heart may I present you with our enemy. This is the mare who hurt Scootaloo, our family." Petal removed the blindfold and gag.

The mare yelled. "What the fuck is this! Let me go you crazy bastards!"

Heart looked her in the eyes. "Did you stab a orange pegasus mare a few days ago?"

The mare struggled. "I didn't do shit!"

Heart looked at her core. It was sporadic. Heart couldn't judge her on that. She was tied up. Any pony would freak out in this situation. "I can't trust you BUT I can trust your memory." Heart touched his horn to her head. He forced his way into her mind and began to search her memories. He saw what kind of mare she was. She was an addict. To get bits she mugged unsuspecting ponies. When she couldn't find any weak ones she would whore herself out to whichever stallion would pay. He found the memory he wanted. She was high but she was the one who hurt Scootaloo. Heart backed out of her mind.

"What the hell did you just do?!"

Heart faced his Lanterns. "This is the pony who hurt Scootaloo. She is scum. She is a blight on the world. She is the evil that damages and ruins the lives of the good ponies. She is unworthy. It is our duty to help every pony. That is our mission as Lanterns to save the good ponies of the world. But as long as this ponies is around she will plague us. This is why this pony must die."

"What?! Let me go you psychos!"

The Lanterns looked unsure. Petal spoke up. "It must be done. If we let her live she will only hurt more ponies. She might hurt our family again."

Lightning pulled something out from under his wing. "Heart. Here is the blade that hurt Scootaloo. Let her punishment copy her crime."

Heart levitated the blade away from Lightning. He looked at it. This was the blade that hurt his love. The blade that brought him pain and worry. He looked to the mare. Her eyes contained no more fight. She was paralyzed by fear. "You will pay for you crime in blood." Heart moved the blade close to her throat. In a quick movement he slide it across.

The pony bled. Blood rained from her throat. She gurgled trying to speak. Heart watched as she was drained of life. He did not feel regret. He was glad that the mare was gone from this world. She lay on the floor as Heart smiled.

Heart looked to his followers. "This world is full of beauty and wonder but is held back by ponies like this. This world needs heroes to free the good ponies from the evil. You all have experience the loss that evil brings. It may have come to you as a pony or an event that brought great change to your life. At some point we all need a pony to show us the way. We need a light to guide us back to our true selves. WE will be the light! WE will bring the light to the world! WE shall do it by purging the darkness that dwells around us! Are you with me?!"

Petal cheered her leader as did Lightning. A few ponies in the group began to cheer. More joined in. slowly the entire group chanted. "Purge the darkness! Purge the darkness! Purge the darkness!"

A/N: Even if you trust someone they can get carried away. Just because someone is a good person doesn't mean that they will always do the right thing. Sometimes people do bad things because they think it is the right thing. Sometimes one must stop looking at the whole and put what they are doing out of context. It can sometimes help put some perspective on the situation. Sometimes others need to step up and say something and stop going along with they crowd. Everyone has decisions. We can't just put it down as "I was just doing as I was told." Because when it comes down to it if you were told to do horrible things and you did them than you are not only as bad as the person who ordered you. You are even worse because you followed blindly. Everyone have a pleasant day.