As night fell, and everypony slept, Black Lightning landed at the door to the house where Strong Hooves was staying.
"If I retrieve the elements of Harmony" He thought "I will win Discord's eternal trust! I'll be rewarded with riches!"
He slowly, and very carefully, opened the door so that it made as little noise as possible. He walked inside carefully.
"Hmm" he thought to himself "Now where is Strong Hooves sleeping? I mean, it's night. He ought to be asleep."
He continued walking.
"Maybe this door? Hmm... Let's see."
He conjured up one shadow figure.
"Go, and find out where Strong Hooves is sleeping. There's virtually no light in this house right now, it should be easy for you to blend in to the darkness. But do not try to retrieve the elements, or get spotted in any way. I'm saving the main fight for myself."
He fed the shadow figure instructions.