//------------------------------// // Episode 2 [Part 1] – Ties of Friendship // Story: Heart of the Cards // by AspirantWriter //------------------------------// It been a week since Dusk arrived in Equestria due to Celestia’s spell. While the ponies accepted him despite his origins, he found himself daunted from what he had to deal with for since is arrival. First, he struggled to adapt to his new physiology as a pony, especially when it comes to food. It wasn’t easy for him to change his diet to full vegetarian and eating things that humans would never eat. However, the change must also change his taste buds because when took a bite of a daisy sandwich, it was surprisingly delicious. Secondly, Twilight kept on bombarding him questions such as the physiology of humans and if there is magic back on Earth. He must admit he was amused of how surprise Twilight was when he explained that there no magic where he came from and humans had to use science, technology and their own hands to overcome difficulties. At the same time, Dusk learned much from the unicorn about Equestria. As disturbing as it is to believe that Celestia has the power to move the sun and moon, he was in no position to argue. Finally, he had to deal with the full attention of the populace in Canterlot, especially those who became interested in Duel Monsters. Some ponies ask questions while tried to get a photo with him. There even ponies who kept their cards, tried to assemble their own decks and challenging him to a friendly duel. The problem is that there was no equivalent to a duel disk in Equestria and no pony knew how Grey Wing could manifest his own duel disk. Luckily for Dusk, he had a pair of old game mats which were used back on Earth prior to the development of the duel disk. Currently, Dusk was dueling with a pony who was struggling despite explaining the rules and going easy on her. She been mostly staying defensive, but it doesn’t help when dealing Dusk’s tactics. She was his fifth opponent today and he was pleased that she had a balanced deck. Much to his disappointment, his four pervious opponents had only Monsters in their decks. The two were sitting at a table as a crowd look on as Dusk as usual display keen knowledge of the game and won the duel. “Oh… This game is much harder than I thought.” His opponent was disappointed of her defeat. “Duel Monsters isn’t easy at first, but everyone can get the hang of it with enough practice.” Dusk said. “But it is hard for me to keep track with all these rules.” She then pulled out a booklet from her bag. Dusk learned a few day ago that Celestia manage to get the Duel Monster rulebook he given her copied, which was spread to the public. As of now, the booklets have yet to spread out beyond Canterlot. As he expected, many ponies were confused by the many rules and type of cards used in Duel Monsters. Even with his help, they had trouble trying to keep track with the rules. “It wasn’t easy at first for me either, but I have managed in the end. I am sure that after reading the booklet many times, you would understand the heart.” Dusk replied to the pony as he got up. “I am sorry everypony, but I have other matters to attend.” The crowd groan in disappoint that Dusk had to leave as he packed everything up and place them into his backpack. He then left the scene as he made his way back to the library, where he is to meet Twilight like he promised yesterday. When Dusk finally reached the tower, he remembered the duel with Grey Wing. “I wonder how he is holding up?” He muttered as he climbed the stairs. Many were surprised that when Grey Wing woke up, he initially didn’t remember anything. However, it must have caught up with him and he broke down crying, begging for forgiveness many times. After getting him to calm down, the princess asked if he remembered what card he picked up previously. Disturbingly, it was Number 24: Dragulas the Vampiric Dragon, the card that even Dusk doesn’t have a clue about. Celestia was quick to surmise that the wraith that appeared after Grey Wing’s defeat was the one possessing the card and at the same time, possessed the pegasus. She forgave Grey Wing’s past actions, but guilt still remained in his heart and he ultimately resigned from the royal guard. After reaching the door at the top, Dusk knocked on the door. After a few moments, it opened and revealed with was Spike. Dusk struck a friendship with the baby dragon a few days ago. Spike at first wasn’t sure what to think about the former human once he explained about his origins, but was ultimately grateful for saving Twilight from Grey Wing. In time, they became friends; his first since coming to Equestria. Dusk thought that Twilight would be his first friend, but he found that she was also a difficult pony to befriend with since she always focuses on her studies and reading books. “Ah Dusk. Come in.” Spike said as he gestured Dusk in. “Spike. Is Twilight here?” Dusk asked as he entered. It was soon he heard something like the fumbling of books on the second story of the library. “Yes, but she is busy with…” “Spike!” Dusk heard Twilight yell out as the baby dragon quickly went back up. Dusk followed and saw that Twilight was levitating many books and were checking each title. “Uh Twilight?” “Good that you are here Dusk. Could you help me find an old book called Predictions and Prophecies?” She turned to him briefly before returning back to her books. “What?” Dusk spoke in confusion before he heard Spike saying he found it. He looked up and saw the baby dragon on the top of the ladder at one of the sleeves with a book in his claws. Twilight used her magic to pull the book to her, which caused Spike to lose his balance. Luckily Dusk managed to maneuver himself to catch him on his back as he fell. “Twilight…” Dusk muttered in disappointment as the unicorn in question walked towards her desk to read the book. Despite Spike telling him previously that Twilight was like this and he was tougher than he looked, Dusk didn’t like this sort of behavior. However, he couldn’t get the message to Twilight despite his efforts. As Dusk helped Spike pick up the books on the floor, he heard Twilight mutter words such as “Elements of Harmony” and “Mare of the Moon”. The latter was spoken by Spike as just an old myth. ‘What are they talking about?’ Dusk thought as he was keeping the ladder stable for Spike as he was putting the books back on the shelves. “Take a note please, to the Princess.” Twilight said to Spike just as he got down from the ladder, which he quickly obliged. The baby dragon was writing on a sheet of paper with a quill as Twilight was speaking out her message. ‘Is she serious?’ Dusk thought in confusion as apparently, the message was meant to warn Celestia of this so-called Nightmare Moon; only spoken in myths. Spike was unsure as he continue to write, but Twilight insist that it is a matter of great importance. He wasn’t sure that the ruler of a nation need to know something this absurd. However, a part of him kept on telling him that where he was now, things may not be what they seem. It was proven right when the note was done and rolled up into a scroll, Spike breathed green fire and burned it. Yet, there were sparkles as the scroll vanish into nothing. “Did you just burn that…” “Oh, I forgot to tell you that Spike that send messages to the Princess with his flames.” “I don’t know what to say…” Dusk said in disbelief. He seems to learn something more absurd every day that passes. “Twilight… Are you sure Celestia need to learn something like this?” “Of course, Dusk!” Twilight quickly replied. “The Summer Sun Celebration is at hoof and it would be when Nightmare Moon returns to bring Eternal Night!” “You are sure Celestia will take the matter seriously?” “The Princess trust me completely. She mentored me for many years and never doubted me once.” “Well…” Dusk tried to speak, but was interrupted by Spike belching out green flame and a scroll came out in the process. “You see Dusk? I knew she would want to take immediate action.” Twilight said as Dusk his mind going blank again upon seeing Spike could receive messages as well. After clearing his throat, Spike spoke out the message. “My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely.” Twilight was pleased that Celestia was taking her message seriously. “...but you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Spike continue to read out Celestia’s message. Dusk only shook his head at Twilight as she gasped in shock. “Hold yourself together now…” Dusk muttered as he, Twilight and Spike were in a golden chariot being moved by a pair of pegasus royal guard. The thing is that they were high in the sky as they were being moved to their destination. Dusk been on planes before, but this was a whole new experience. As he was keeping his nausea in check, Spike was reading out the rest of Celestia’s message spoken out by Spike. The first part focuses on Twilight. “My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends!” “Twilight isn’t enthusiastic though…” Dusk look at Twilight, who had her front hooves over the edge of the chariot and had a displeased look on her face. Twilight was to stay in the town’s library during her time in Ponyville and surprisingly, he was to be her roommate alongside Spike. “Uh Spike, is there a reason why I am coming to this Ponyville as well?” “Let see…” Spike said as he started to read out the rest of the message. “Dear Dusk, I feel it is time for you to see the rest of Equestria. There is much for you to learn by leaving Canterlot and see what lies beyond its walls. Since I am sending Twilight to Ponyville, I thought you would be a welcome addition. As a precaution, I want you to bring your cards and duel disk in case something there occurs and your expertise is needed. I also hope like Twilight, you could make some friends as well.” “I see…” Dusk muttered as he patted his backpack on his back. He watched Spike try to ease Twilight, but she still insists that she is right about Nightmare Moon. Dusk sighed at her saying that the fate of Equestria doesn’t involve her making friends. “I hope nothing bad happens in Ponyville.” Despite being sent to a new town, Dusk welcomed being free from the attention back in Canterlot. For once, he wanted to be just be treated ordinarily again. It was then the Dusk, Twilight and Spike caught sight of Ponyville, which was like a medieval town to Dusk’s eyes. Many ponies on the ground caught sight of them as the chariot finally landed. After thanking the royal guards, they took to the sky once again. Dusk swore they made noise similar to the horses back on Earth for a few moments before they left. “Maybe she could give us a tour of Ponyville?” Dusk pointed to an earth pink pony walking towards them. Her puffy mane was a different shade of pink and her flank had a trio of balloons with strings. Dusk recalled what Twilight told him about the markings on ponies’ flanks, known as cutie marks. Apparently, ponies are not born with them and only reveal themselves when they learn a characteristic about themselves which makes them unique. Dusk knew from his own cutie mark that his unique characteristic was his knowledge and talent for Duel Monsters. “You should talk to her Twilight. Maybe she has something interesting to say.” Spike said to Twilight, who seemed to reluctantly agreed. Upon saying hello however, the pink pony gasped as she jumped into the air and dashes out of sight. “Well, that was interesting all right.” Twilight said as she walked away while Spike and Dusk could only sigh. “Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres.” Spike said as he walked alongside Dusk and Twilight; looking through a checklist. They arrived at their destination. Dusk never seen a farm before and looked upon both farmland and apple trees in awe. “Yeehaw!” The three turned towards the origin of the noise and saw it was an orange earth pony with a blond mane. She was wearing a cowboy hat and her cutie mark was a trio of red apples. She was running towards an apple tree and kicked it with her back hooves. Much to Dusk’s surprise, the apples on the tree dropped down and onto the baskets below. Twilight only sighed as she approached the pony and introduced herself. However, the pony was much more enthusiastic than Twilight with her introduction. “Well, howdy, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!” She said as she grabbed Twilight’s hoof and shook it rapidly. “Please go easy on her. It is her first time here.” Dusk said to get Applejack’s attention as she finally let go of Twilight’s hoof. Her hoof was still shaking though, but Spike helped her out. “And who you might be?” “My name is Dusk.” It was then Applejack closely examined him as Dusk was startled by her action. “I heard rumors from Canterlot about somepony who said to be from another world with the same name as you. One who could use the strange cards which appeared here and stopped a dangerous troublemaker.” Dusk felt a bit nervous as Applejack continue to examine him until she stopped. “You looked ordinary though, but I feel…” She was then interrupted by Twilight. “Excuse me. I’m here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration and I hear that you are in charge of the food.” Applejack quickly turned her attention to Twilight. “Oh yes! Would you like to sample some of them?” “As long it doesn’t take too long…” Twilight said. Applejack smiled as she ran off and ringed an old triangle. “Soup’s on everypony!” After that, the three heard a stampede approach them and turned to see a horde of ponies running towards them. Taken to a table, they watched as Applejack introduce her entire family as they were given a large pile of apple-related food. Dusk couldn’t help but drool at the sight of apple fritters, apple pies and even apple cake. Twilight however wanted to leave, but changed her mind when the Apple family groan in disappointment. “Food's all taken care of. Next is weather.” Spike said as the three move to the center of the town after leaving Sweet Apple Acres. “Slow down Spike.” Dusk called out, moving slowly due to his stomach being full of food. Twilight was the same as she groaned. They both recovered in time though as they look upon the cloud-filled sky. Dusk took off his backpack to stretch his back. “Hmm, there's supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the clouds.” Spike said. “Well, she's not doing a very good job, is she?” Twilight mused as Dusk notice something fast coming towards her. “Look out!” Dusk yelled as he pushed Twilight away, resulting him getting struck by the projectile. In a few moments, he was lying face first in a puddle of mud and felt something heavy on his back. Dusk lifted his head and wiped the mud of his mouth. “Can you please get off of me?” He groaned. It was then he felt the weight leave his back as he looked upon a blue pegasus with a rainbow-coloured mane, partially covered in mud. Her cutie mark was cloud with a rainbow-coloured lighting bolt descending down. “Uh, 'scuse me?” She said sheepishly as he made a laugh. “Lemme help you.” Much to Dusk’s shock, she flew off and brought back a raincloud. She then went on top of the cloud and jumped on it multiple times. He was drenched in rainwater, but all the mud on him was washed away. He would complain, but his mind was once again blank. Once again, he seen something impossible. “Oops, I guess I overdid it.” The pegasus laughed as she looked down. “Um, uh, how about this?” ‘Oh no.’ Dusk thought as she begun to fly around him at high speeds. “My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry!” Dusk was all dry know, but felt dizzy from the experience. He watched the pegasus and then Spike laugh at him. Dusk touched his mane and realized that the Rain-Blow Dry caused it to poof out. Twilight only giggled before turning to the pegasus. “Let me guess. You're Rainbow Dash.” “The one and only. Why, you heard of me?” The pegasus replied. “Eh… Too obvious with her mane.” Dusk muttered. “I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear.” Twilight said as she made a sigh. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather.” “Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy.” Dash lazily said as he relaxes on a cloud; Dusk trying to keep his shock in check this time around. He listened as Dash spoke of practicing to impress the Wonderbolts, which Twilight said was the best pegasus flyers in Equestria. Twilight insist that the group wouldn’t allow her to join them due to her laziness, but Dash claimed that she could clear the skies in ten seconds. Dusk, Twilight and Spike watched as the pegasus flew toward each cloud at high speed. They felt like ten seconds did indeed pass. “What'd I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat.” Dash said before she turned her attention to Dusk. “Oh yeah. What is your name?” “The names Dusk.” Dash then looked at him with questioning eyes. “Oh, I heard crazy rumors from Canterlot of a pony being actually an alien from another world and had knowledge of the cards that appeared a few weeks ago.” She said before she made a light laugh. “A strange coincidence that you have the same name as an alien.” Dusk only could make an awkward laugh. Dash then said she would like to hang out with him and Twilight before she flew away. While Spike spoke of how amazing Dash was, Twilight made a sigh before thanking Dusk for pushing her out of Dash’s way moments prior. Dusk laughed a bit as he scratched the back of his head as he put on his backpack again. Soon he, Twilight and Spike made they were to their next stop. “Decorations. Beautiful...” Spike said as they entered the town hall, looking through the checklist. Dusk was looking over his shoulder, scanning the checklist as well. “We are looking for somepony named Rarity.” Dusk said as he looked through the interior of the city hall. He can agree that the decorations are beautiful and whoever did this really put much effort for the celebration. Twilight however thinks that everything here is in order and should be quick. “Not the décor, her!” However, Spike wasn’t referring to the decorations and instead the white unicorn with the purple mane. Her cutie mark was a trio of diamond gems. She was looking though a set of ribbons and trying to decide which one would be best. Dusk could tell that Spike was smitten by the unicorn, seeing that the baby dragon was checking his own appearance. “Good afternoon…” Twilight tried to talk to her, but the unicorn was still focused on finding the best ribbon; saying she was in the "zone". When she was finally done, she turned towards her, but gasped loudly in shock. However, it wasn’t at Twilight, but at Dusk. “Oh my stars! What happened to your mane?!” “Nothing to be concerned about. My name is Dusk and this is Twilight Sparkle. We are here to check out the decorations. You must be Rarity.” “That’s me. But what do you mean your mane is nothing to be concerned about?! It is a big concern to me!” “Wait! There is no need to push!” Dusk spoke out as the unicorn pushed him while Twilight and Spike had to follow. It was then they were taken to her boutique named Carousel Boutique. While Dusk had his mane fixed up, Rarity ended up dressing him in a variety of outfits. “Would you mind to tell me where you and Twilight came from?” Rarity asked. Dusk tried to answer, but Twilight beat him to it first. “We been sent from Canterlot to…” She then interrupted by Rarity, who squealed in delight. “Canterlot!” She then begun to speak of how great the city was and how she dreamed of living there. Dusk rolled his eyes before Rarity turned her attention to him. “And you share the same name as that noble stallion I heard rumors about, claiming to be from a land outside of Equestria and bravely stood alone against a villain that terrorized Canterlot. Oh, I wish to meet him in face to face…” Dusk could only gaze away as he felt sweat running down his neck. ‘I didn’t know my name spread out like this.’ As Rarity went to get something, Dusk carefully took off the outfit that Rarity put on him and move towards Twilight. “I think we should leave.” “Yes. That would best.” The two move out of the boutique quickly, yet Spike stayed for a few moments before joining them. “Wasn't she wonderful?” Spike happily muttered out as he sat on Twilight’s back. Rarity still have her effect on him. “Stay focus Spike.” Dusk reminded the baby dragon. “There is one more on the list, right?” “Ah yes. It’s music.” It was then the three heard the chipping of birds. They investigated and saw a choir of birds singing on a small tree. It appears that a yellow pegasus with pink hair and her cutie mark was a trio of pink butterflies. Twilight quickly introduced herself to the pegasus, but she was startled alongside with the bird; all of flying away in the process. She apologize for scaring her and the birds before introducing herself. Dusk could tell she was the shy type and when Twilight ask for the pegasus’s name, she spoke so quietly that none of them could pick it up. Twilight ask again, but the pegasus ended up answering much quieter then before. When the birds returned back to the tree, Twilight decided it was time to leave. As Twilight turned back to Dusk and Spike, the pegasus then gasped when looked at the baby dragon. “A baby dragon!” She dashed at Spike, but Twilight was in her path. “Again…” Dusk muttered as he pushed Twilight to the side as he ended taking a hit for once again. The pegasus struck with him and once more hit the ground. “Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!” The pegasus gushed as she looked at Spike’s face. As Spike took it all in, Dusk groaned as he struggled to get up on his hooves again. He took a quick look into his backpack and sigh in relief that nothing inside was damaged. Spike was levitated by Twilight and was placed on her back; the unicorn being eager to get going. However, the pegasus introduced herself to Spike as Fluttershy and wanted to ask him about his life. On the way towards the town’s library, Spike was telling Fluttershy his life story. It was then Dusk finally introduced himself to the pegasus. “I am Dusk. A newcomer here.” “Dusk… I heard rumors that there was a pony of the same name in Canterlot who claimed to be not from Equestria and could summon scary monsters with cards…” Fluttershy said nervously. “Huh…” Dusk could only mutter as she felt that everypony in Ponyville must know about him. Luckily for him, none of them knew his appearance so he could avoid unwanted attention. However, Dusk could see that Twilight was getting annoyed from the chatter. When they reached the library, Dusk saw it was a large oak tree which looked like it was converted into a building. Twilight however was quick to excuse herself by staying Spike need his sleep. Fluttershy insisted that she should help bring the baby dragon to bed, but the unicorn rebuffed her and closed the door much to Dusk’s displeasure. It was almost pitch-black inside the library, but it didn’t stop Dusk and Spike from voicing their opinion for Twilight’s action. “Don’t have to be that rude.” Dusk said. “Indeed.” Spike agreed. “Sorry, you two. But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time!” Twilight exclaimed. “I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time.” Dusk was luckily it was dark in the library so she didn’t notice him roll his eyes. “Now, where's the light?” As Twilight spoke those words, the interior quickly brightened up and revealed a large group of ponies with them. “Surprise!” The ponies yelled out as confetti and balloons appeared. Dusk and Spike were indeed surprise while Twilight could only groan. “Surprise!” A pony once again yelled out which the three turned to see it was the same pink pony they met the moment they entered Ponyville. “Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie!” The pony introduced herself as he begun to jump around as she begun to chatter rapidly. “She is sure energetic… and a motormouth.” Dusk muttered as Pinkie continues talking to Twilight much to her annoyance. When approached the table that had both drinks and cupcakes, he examined the bottles and notice one that shouldn’t be here; the red bottle. “This is a poor prank…” He muttered as Twilight approached the table with Pinkie in tow, still running her mouth. Twilight was about to grab the red bottle, but Dusk quickly took it. Before Twilight could complain, he showed what it was. “Hot sauce?” She said in surprise. “This is the third time I had to save you from harm…” Dusk sighed. Pinkie however grabbed the hot sauce and poured it on one of the cupcakes. Before Dusk could say anything, the pink pony took that very cupcake and ate with little difficulty. “What? Its good.” Pinkie said as he saw the stallion look at her in shock. “Uh Pinkie. Hot sauce and sweets don’t mix in my eyes.” Dusk manage get the words into his mouth. “Where is she going?” Pinkie pointed to his direction and Dusk saw that Twilight was going upstairs. Seeing how the unicorn wasn't in no mood after today, Dusk made an excuse. “Don’t worry about Twilight. She has a long day and now too tired to party at the moment. My name is Dusk by the way.” Pinkie then look at him in great interest. “From what I heard, there is a Dusk in Canterlot could summon illusions with cards and entertained many ponies! It was said he was from another world, so I should prepare a party for him if he comes here! Funny for the two of you to share the same name.” ‘It’s official… I am a celebrity…’ Dusk thought. ‘If a place like Ponyville heard about me, then so did everypony in Equestria…’ He is not sure if he could handle having the attention of an entire nation. But for now, it was time to enjoy the party and mingle with the locals. It was also an opportunity to also chat with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy; all participating in the party as well. However, Dusk went upstairs to see if there was a room available for him to use and relief himself of his backpack. Luckily, he found a small room for his personal use and left it there before he returned back to the party. The party continued to the night and Spike tried to invite Twilight to join in the fun. However, the unicorn as usual refused. “Are you okay Twilight?” Dusk said as he opened the door to her room and saw unicorn lying on the bed. “No. I thought I'd have time to learn about the Elements of Harmony, but this friendship-making nonsense kept me from it.” Twilight replied in an annoyed tone as she looked at the moon. Dusk joined her and always felt it strange that the markings on the moon was eerily shaped as a unicorn’s head. “You must still think Nightmare Moon is a mere myth.” Twilight asked. “I… don’t know.” Dusk replied, much to her surprise. “I always had this strange sense that something bad may happen… and it been nagging me ever since you spoke about Nightmare Moon.” “Well… I really hope that Princess is that it is just an old pony’s tale.” It was then the door opened up and revealed Spike wearing what appears to be lampshade on his head. “So you were here Dusk. C’mon you two, its time to see the sunrise!” Everypony has ready left the library and making their way to the town hall. However, Dusk felt his gut telling him something, so he told Twilight and Spike to take a head start while he get his backpack from his room. ‘As much I wanted to remain anonymous, I can’t be selfish when lives at stake.” Dusk thought as he took one last check on its contents before he got outside and begun to walk towards the town hall for the Summer Sun Celebration.