Previously
http://pastebin.com/80TpKPxj

>That creature is still approaching.
>It better not be here for the artifact in the tome.
>The tall thing stops in front of you.
“Halt. State your business.”
>Before you can spring into action, a polite male voice invades your ears.
>”I would simply like to see what's in here.”
>Your chest deflates in relief.
>Thank goodness.
>As if somep0ny else would know what lies in this place.
>And as if they would be dumb enough to stage a heist.
>You sigh.
>What in Luna's name are you thinking?
>You hate to admit it but...
>The kleptomania is really out of hand by now.
>Shoplifting and pickpocketing is your game, not a whole convoluted plan to steal the most sacred artifact to batponies.
>It's a miracle you're even part of the royal guard...
>”Well, we can't let you in.”
>Ah yes. You're part of the royal guard.
>”Why ever not? I wanna see what's inside.”
>Your black-maned partner goes to raise her petite voice.
>“Well-”
>Naturally, you interrupt.
“This place has something inside that the general public cannot see. This includes you. Now scram!”
>”O-okay, ma'am.”
>He turns and goes off on his merry way.
>”You know, I really think you should stop being so vicious to citizens.”
“Jasmine, that WASN'T a citizen. He wasn't even a pony, for Pete's sake!”
>She frowns at you.
>”It's not like he was planning anything!”
>Jasmine isn't a bright one.
“For all you know, he could've killed either of us right there and then. Don't trust the unknown.”
>”I-I just think you should treat all creatures with equal respect.”
>She always stutters when she's getting frustrated.
>Kinda funny, really.
“Respect is earned.”
>With that, the uncomfortable lack of chitchat returns.
>Something seemed off about that two-legged entity.

>A thought sparks in your head.
>That creature is still in your line of sight...
“I'm going to follow him.”
>”What? Are you crazy?! You'll be kicked out of the royal guard for sure!”
>She knows nothing.
“For all we know, he could be a threat to the safety of Hollow Shades. I need to make sure that nothing happens.”
>”But- I...! You know what, I give up!”
>She sits affixed to her post, grumbling something about regulations.
>Silly mare.
>You begin your pursuit.
>Following the mostly-hairless being, you dart in between ponies.
>Gotta keep in the crowd, but...
>Precision is somewhat of a requirement in stealth.
>Something that you lack.
>Your face falls flat upon the ground as you trip over the hoof of some stallion.
>His wings extend out for some reason.
>”O-oh s-sorry ma'am! I'll help y-you up!”
>From your position on the ground you feel a faint throb.
>Oh.
>That's what that wing thing is.
“Get outta here, you sicko.”
>He gets off of your coat.
>”Uh, okay sir! Argh! I mean ma'am!”
>He runs away as fast as he can.
>Damn freak.
>Now time to find that-
>Oh no...
>Where's he gone?!
>You swear you saw him head around the corner before that you tripped over that stallion.
>Wings extended, you begin to fly atop the hubbub.
>Above the buildings now.
>Scanning the ground below with your echolocation, you find an anomaly in the crowd.
>Time to try blend in.
>You swoop down to where you won't be seen by the peculiar being.
>Tracing something as tall as two ponies seems easy enough...
>But today, it is as though every batpony in Equestria had come to Hollow Shades.
>You hop along, trying to keep track of him.
>...Where's he going?
>Is that...
>Ample Dusk's house?

>After you slip and slide in between ponies, you finally come to the front door.
>...Is this a wise idea?
>Probably not, but when has that ever stopped you?
>You're Quiet Dawn after all, and you're a master of thievery.
>And thievery ain't a wise idea.
>You knock on the door.
>From inside, you hear panicked voices.
>What's going on in there?
>A tired, worn-out voice shouts.
>”J-just a minute!”
>What's taking these folks?
“Are you-”
>Before you can finish, the door springs open.
>A half-dead batpony meets your gaze, then he stumbles backwards.
>”O-oh, what are you here for, officer?”
>Oh, for goodness sake.
>You forgot to prepare some excuse.
>Gotta [spoiler]think[/spoiler] fast.
“Uh, checks. The guard heard reports there's a fugitive being harboured in Hollow Shades.”
>As you say that, you see the big creature.
>He's... quite a sight.
>Him and Ample Dusk look at each other in worry.
>...Something's going on here.
“May I come in?”
>”Uh. Uh. Sure.”
>You trot in slowly, making sure your authority is placed.
>Looking around you inspect the place with a nonchalant expression, in hopes that you'll intimidate the old pony into telling you what's going on here.
>Point to the tall thing.
“Well, my fugitive is here. But I feel there's something going on here that I'm unaware of.”
>The pair begin to sweat.
>You slide along the floor to the tall one.
“Care to tell me anything, sir...?”
>”A-anon. It's Anon.”
“Ah. Anon. Well, is there anything you want to tell me?”
>He looks to you, then back at Ample.
>”Should we just come clean?”
>”Whatever... She already knows there's something going on.”
>With that, a pony you'd never thought you'd see again pops out from underneath the couch.