"now wait a minute!" Etheran cried, taking back the note. "I wanted to be specific! you can't just say "limit their powers" and expect the right results!"
Nightshade walked in, cursing under her breath, and took a seat next to Holly. Holly looked at her friend, concerned. "What is wrong? You were in high spirits when you left your father's home today." Nightshade fumed. "What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong! I finally had a real challenge, and somepony stole it from me! I'm a fighter, not a teacher! My skills are being wasted at the dojo!" She sighed. "I just... I wanted to prove to myself that I can still fight like I used to. And I was winning, dammit!"
Nightshade sighed. "That's not it. I just miss the Guard. I miss the action! Making a real difference!"
".....you know, the guard's never seemed that crucial to me. guess that's just because I'm an ultra-powerful alicorn. my perception is probably a little out of wack."
"You probably shouldn't have said that," Holly commented. Nightshade jumped up so fast that her barstool flew across the room. "Not crucial? NOT CRUCIAL?! The Night Guards protect Equestria from things that would give your nightmares nightmares! They hunt down the most despicable criminals imaginable, and fight against magic and monsters too twisted to speak of! While the Elements are busy playing with rainbows, we put our lives on the line with hoof and blade! Without the Guard, Equestria would become a living hell!"
"That's good. I'm heading back to the bar now, okay?" Maya walked over and hopped back over the counter. She faced the patrons, smile returning. "Alright, everypony, let's try to be peaceful for two minutes, alright?"
Etheran frowned thoughtfully. "fair enough. I don't have nightmares about the kind of things you fight, though. mine usually involve the fabric of reality undinding as the balance fell apart and everything generally went to hell with no hope of repair. maybe I should try joining the guard. my sisters would probably help me get started....."
Skydust stood up and walked over to Saber, looking up at her. "You, my friend, look like you need to be healed."
Etheran glanced at her. "I know something of healing. I would like to exercise that power a little more"
Saber held her hoof upto stop him. "No offense, but id rather not. I prefer to feel the pain if you catch my drift.." she said, clearing her throat, matter of factly.
"Suit yourself. But you're bleeding all over the bar. At least get a paper towel." Skydust started back to his seat.
"I could go for some eggs and toast. I can help with the cooking if you want?" Saber answered, putting away her towels.
"Go ahead, dude. Back here." Maya disappeared into the kitchen. Skydust popped in a cloud of dust and reformed behind the counter, ready to take orders.
"Breakfast stuff. Toast, eggs, fruits, meat for gryphons, bagels, muffins, pancakes, all that fun stuff." Maya started up the oven and placed a skillet on the burner.
