//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Purifiers // Story: Guardian // by Xrevias //------------------------------// One week had flown by quickly. Golden Dusk continued to rest at home, and Scarlet Gem visited him frequently. The two spent a lot of time together. Most of the time, they’d just hang around Dusk’s house doing whatever they could think of. Movies, board games, and on occasion they’d go out for walks around Canterlot. The Lunar park specifically was where the two often went. Dusk often wondered what drove Scarlet to visit him so frequently. Was she simply worried for her friend and teammate? Or was it something more? She did tease him once about taking her on a date but he paid no heed to it.  He reclined on his couch and sighed. He was probably overthinking it, they’d been friends for almost a decade after all. Golden Dusk sipped on his tea as the TV played the animatic of Power Ponies. Honestly, he thought that the story had gotten duller as the series progressed, but the animation and graphics never ceased to amaze him. It was around afternoon, the same time frame when Scarlet usually visits. She’s taking longer than usual and that worried him a bit. That was when three knocks resounded from the door. His mood lightened as he got up to answer it. He walked by the arched opening to the miniature hallway of his house to the door. Dusk opened the door to find a blue coated and white maned unicorn standing outside. She readjusted her black glasses which had white accents as she smiled at him. “Hey, Goldie,” Mythic Moon greeted him. “Can I come in?” She asked. Golden Dusk smiled. “Of course! I needed the company.” He stepped aside so she could walk inside. Mythic took a few steps in and immediately noticed that the house was in surprisingly good condition. She whistled. “It’s been one week and you’ve got it back to normal already?” Dusk nodded. “I had some help.” She hummed as she sat down on the couch and Dusk followed suit. He floated a kettle and poured some tea into a cup and levitated it in front of his aunt. She took it in her magic and took a sip. That was when she noticed what was playing on the TV screen. “Aren’t you a little too old to be watching Power Ponies?” she snickered. Dusk shrugged. “You did say I’d always be your colt-slash-filly. I don’t see why you should care,” he shot back. Mythic laughed and drew him in for a one legged hug. “That is true,” she said. He smiled and leaned on her slightly as he took a sip of his tea. “Is there a reason for your visit?” He asked her. “Aside from wanting to see how you’re doing? Yes, yes there is.”  She set her cup down on the coffee table and stood up. She stood by the side of the room where space was available. Mythic’s horn then glowed as white flashed in front of her. Dusk squinted his eyes slightly but then they widened as they saw what she teleported in. It was his armor. He immediately got up and stood right beside Mythic like a foal getting a new toy.  “Excited aren’t you?” she laughed and adjusted her glasses. “I present to you… the Hunter Mark IV!” She made a show of bowing. Dusk scrutinized his new and improved armor. If somepony were to place this outside, it’d be hard to tell whether a pony was in it or not. The black armor had yellow lines that decorated it and gave it color. The joints were barely exposed, and the helmet had a tinted visor that made it extremely hard to see through the suit. The armor plates were layered on the back and chest, adding extra protection. “It’s beautiful,” Dusk said with a single tear running down his cheek. “That’s not all!” She smirked and walked beside it. Her horn then lit up, then the part of the helmet that covered the muzzle pulled back and the tinted visor pulled up into the helmet. This basically gave a clear view of the wearer. “Woah!” Dusk shouted as he looked over the helmet. Mythic giggled. “I’ll show you the spell to do it. I did the same thing with the others’ armors. One different spell each, it’s like a key.” She then proceeded to give Dusk the spell details. “Can I try it on?” Dusk asked with a sparkle in his eyes. She nodded and showed him how to separate and put on each of the armor’s pieces. The forelegs legs detached first, then the helmet and then the chest piece. The lower half stayed mostly the same, though it splits open slightly to make it easier to equip.  Dusk slid his two hind legs into the lower piece first. They fitted perfectly! Next, he pulled the chest piece on top of him and it clicked into place with the lower half. The two front leg sleeves had to be worn through a straight foreleg to avoid complications with the joints. Next, the helmet went on and, though the visor was tinted, he could still see clearly. “How is it?” Mythic asked anxiously. He took a few steps around the room and felt his movement to be completely the same as it was when he wasn’t wearing the armor. It was easy to breathe too. “It’s great!” he said as he used the key spell to open the helmet. “Thank goodness.” Mythic sighed in relief. “I thought it might be a little too tight… you must’ve lost weight.” “Maybe,” Dusk nodded. “Oh and one new feature,” she started, “try to pour magic into it.” He was about to ask but did it anyway. He let his magic flow outside of his body and the yellow lines on the armor started to glow gold.  “Remind you of anything?” She smirked. The armor… it was doing something similar to Golden Dusk’s ability! It was absorbing magic directed at it! “But if I try to use my spells-” “It’ll only absorb magic that’s aimed at it,” Mythic cut him off. “Try casting anything.” He nodded and a bright, gold, and glowing orb appeared in front of him. “Wow…” He whispered. “Oh, and best let the magic it absorbed right now fade naturally… we don’t want any accidents.” She shivered. “Accidents?” Dusk titled his head and the orb disappeared. “It’ll release the absorbed magic into the next physical attack,” she said. “Or… actually… try taking the magic from the armor into your own!” He nodded, and slowly, the glow from the lines in his armor disappeared. The magic flowed towards the helmet’s horn cover. “Hah! It worked!” she exclaimed happily. “Now, imagine doing that when it’s absorbed one of my spells.” Dusk stared in awe at the implications.  “Now, remember, it’s got a limited capacity. If the spell uses too much magic then it’ll damage the armor instead. So will physical attacks,” she warned him. He nodded and unequipped the armor slowly. After that, he put them back together to make it look like a statue. Mythic smiled at his gleeful expression as she flashed the armor away. “I suppose you like it?” she asked. “Like? Like?!” He unintentionally let his form slip as he now stared at her with slitted eyes and a toothy grin. “I love it!” he exclaimed as he tackled her in a hug. “Thanks, Auntie!” He nuzzled her chest and she giggled and patted his head. He was such a foal sometimes. Mythic then glared at him with glowing eyes. “Now, you know what’ll happen if you break the Moonie Rules… right?” Dusk gulped audibly. “Repairable damage is excusable, completely destroyed is not!” he said quickly. She smiled. “Good.”  The two now sat down on the couch and enjoyed the tea Dusk had. Then, five knocks sounded from the door. The aunt and nephew pair looked through the arched opening and they saw a scarlet-colored necklace before Scarlet Gem’s head poked through. She walked in the house, slightly surprised that Dusk had his fangs out. She had an eco-bag balanced on her back too. “Oh, Moonie!” Scarlet exclaimed with a smile when she saw Dusk’s aunt. Mythic smiled. “Hello, Scarlet, what’s that you got there?” she asked. Scarlet looked at her bag. “Some food I made for Dusk.” Mythic Moon smirked while Dusk got up and gave Scarlet a hug. “I got a little worried since you were late,” he whispered. Scarlet grinned. “Oh, did Goldie miss me that much?” She poked him with a hoof. Dusk blushed lightly but nodded. “I may like being alone sometimes… but I can’t stand the idea right now,” he admitted. The two mares in the house cooed. Dusk coughed as the blood retreated from his face. “Anyway, what did hold you up?” “Well,” she started, “I spaced out making the first batch so I had to do it again cuz they got burnt.” “Ah, well, at least you can cook,” Dusk sighed. “Hey, Goldie,” Mythic called out from the living room, “I’ve tried some of your food, they aren’t bad.” “Yeah,” Scarlet nodded. “I just see you holding back with seasonings. Be more generous!” She patted him on the back. He nodded and smiled. “What did you make anyway?” She smirked as she pulled out a small box from the bag. Dusk sniffed the air, thestrals have enhanced senses compared to normal ponies. Almost immediately, he had snatched the box from Scarlet’s hooves. She yelped but laughed right after, it seemed like he liked it! “Fruit tarts,” Scarlet smirked and looked at the other mare in the house. “You can have some too, Moonie. Not even Celestia knows how much food you’re getting being holed up in your room and lab all the time,” she snickered. Mythic Moon got up and huffed. “I’ll have you know, I still eat properly but-” She caught a glimpse of a fruit tart Dusk basically devoured.  “I take that back, I’m not missing this opportunity!” She teleported next to her nephew and took a tart, to which his response was to hiss at her. Scarlet had made about a dozen tarts the size of a hoof, with two of each flavor. Apple, mango, coconut, and whatever she could find! Mythic picked up an apple tart and held it with two hooves. It seemed to be glazed slightly and the top crust reflected light. Some apple juice was pouring over the crust and dripped onto her hooves. She looked to Dusk who had devoured three already. Best to eat while there’s more to take! She took one bite and she went wide eyed before her face melted. They were absolutely delicious! Mythic swallowed and said, “Your employers are extremely lucky to have you.” Scarlet’s mood dropped slightly. She forgot that she hadn’t told any of her teammates other than Dusk.  Said thestral-unicorn hybrid broke out of his eating streak and took notice of her mood. He looked at her and wordlessly asked her if he could tell his aunt. She nodded. “Um, Auntie,” he started, “she was… let go.” Moon immediately stopped eating before she looked at Scarlet who bobbed her head to confirm it.  “Why?!” she shouted. “New manager,” she said flatly with a slight glare. “Unicorn, probably a noble,” she added. Mythic Moon scowled. “Those ponies give us a bad name.” Scarlet sighed. “Don’t worry, it’s mostly nobles that’re affected.” She took a bite of a tart. “Unless you have a noble title, you won’t be bad-mouthed by the Purifiers.” Moon tilted her head. “Purifiers?” The two other ponies with her facehooved. She needed to go out more… Dusk responded, “New group, most likely terrorists, that hate nobles.”  “What?!” She shouted. “You should really go out more,” Scarlet deadpanned. “Nopony told me!” “Because the last time we did that we were sent all the way to the Crystal Empire,” Dusk deadpanned. “I said sorry!” She pouted. “I picked you guys up anyway!” “Yeah, it was so sudden that my shift broke,” Dusk added. “Then, Crystal ponies were asking why I looked like a vampony.” “Like things like that don’t happen when you’re in your ‘normal’ form,” Moon snarked. Scarlet smirked. “You know… last week when we were at Joe’s- mfph?!” Dusk covered her mouth with a hoof. “No idea what she’s talking about!” he feigned a smile. Mythic raised a brow. Scarlet pulled his hoof off. “Some random stallion hit on him!” she blurted out. Dusk stared at her with his mouth agape. She didn’t just… His aunt started to howl with laughter. “Great,” Dusk deadpanned, “now not one day will go by without her reminding me of this for the next month.” Scarlet patted him on the back, a sympathetic look on her face.  “This is your fault y’know?” He glared at her. She just shrugged as the sympathy shifted to amusement. Dusk sighed and Mythic finally calmed down. “Oh, my niece is so big now!” she chuckled. “When will you bring home a colt friend?” “Never.” “Aw, why’s that?” “Maybe because I don’t swing that way?” he asked snarkily.  “So you want a marefriend?” She smirked. “Sure, why not?” he shrugged. Mythic and Scarlet stared at him for a moment. “My, my... does my Goldie have his eyes on a mare?” his aunt teased. “Right now? No, I guess.” Scarlet and his aunt hummed. “Ah, well, cross that line when you want,” Mythic nodded.  “Mhm,” Scarlet agreed. The three enjoyed the baked goodies that Scarlet had made for a while. The tea Dusk had made for a great accompaniment! Then, their host started to feel uneasy. He hadn’t left the house in two days. “Do you guys wanna go to the park?” he asked the two who looked at him with tarts in their mouths. “I could use the fresh air,” he explained. “Sure,” Scarlet said. “Moonie?” “Okay,” she replied.  “Great! You could use the fresh air anyway,” Dusk smirked. “What’s that? You don’t want your armor? Okay.” “No! I’m sorry!” He repeatedly poked her with a hoof as he hid his fangs again. Scarlet laughed and got up to leave. She was followed suit by the aunt and nephew. The trio walked through the streets and the sun was getting lower and lower. There was still ample amount of light to warrant a walk in the park, but they’d better head home soon or they’ll have to walk around at night. Something they’d rather not do with word of the Purifiers being around.  Mythic Moon let Golden Dusk take the lead and she walked beside Scarlet Gem a few paces behind her nephew. “So, you’ve been visiting my nephew for the last few days?” she asked nonchalantly. Scarlet sputtered. “What makes you think that?” “Well, he did mention that you were ‘late.’” She felt heat rise up to her cheeks. “Yes… I’ve been visiting him for about a week now…” she admitted, Mythic hummed. “I suppose it’s normal to care for your teammate and friend when they are recovering,” she said before smirking. “Something tells me that there’s more to it than that though.” “W-what makes you say that?” she stuttered. “The fact that you’re blushing almost as much as I coup myself up in my room,” she deadpanned and gestured to Scarlet’s face. “I… damnit,” she cursed. Good thing Golden Dusk didn’t mind the two walking behind him. Mythic laughed. “Not to mention the way you reacted earlier.” “I…” Scarlet didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry.” “What for?” She asked, bemused. “You probably don’t want-” “I didn’t say that,” she interjected. “In fact, I’m kind of happy about it.” “What?”  Mythic sighed. “Look, you two have known each other for almost a decade. Not to mention, you seem to enjoy each other’s company,” she explained. “If you want to, I’m not stopping you. I trust that you’re able to take care of Goldie,” she smiled. Scarlet fell silent for a moment before saying, “Thank you.” “Don’t thank me yet, you’ve still got to catch him,” she chuckled. Scarlet groaned. “Stupid stallion won’t even respond to my teasing,” she complained. “Oh trust me,” Mythic began with a smirk, “he may act like he doesn’t care, but I bet he’s thinking about it in reality.” She glanced at her nephew. “Really?” “Mhm.” She leaned in closer to her. “If you succeed, you’ll see a side of him you’re really going to love.” “Huh?” Scarlet looked confused. “I’m not telling~” Mythic sang. She pouted but paid no mind. She then bumped into Golden Dusk who looked like he was in a daze. “Ah! Goldie, what’s wrong?” Scarlet asked. Mythic was standing beside him, staring at something. Golden Dusk pointed to an alleyway. She let her gaze follow to where his hoof was pointing and she stared as well. On a wall, a symbol of fire was drawn onto it. In the fire, different names of ponies that were members of the major noble houses were scribbled. There were small envelopes attached to the wall as well. On the top of the fire, it read ‘Purifiers.’ Scarlet walked closer, pulled off an envelope, and opened it. Dusk and his aunt stood beside her as they skimmed it. “It’s… about Blueblood’s family,” Dusk whispered.  “They treat their maids and butlers like trash,” Scarlet scowled. “This one was written by one of them.” “We need to tell Celestia…” Mythic said. “They aren’t taking action yet. It might just be some-” Dusk was cut off when he saw his aunt point at something. At the bottom of the fire, there was a drawing of a pile of wood that fueled it. Written onto it was, ‘We begin on the next full moon. Then, we shall be rid of this plague. If you so desire to aid us, we shall will be at the place where the land's beauty relies on the moon.’ “Oh no…” Scarlet quietly said. “When’s the next full moon?!” Dusk almost shouted. “We’re going to the castle.” Mythic’s horn flared as the three disappeared in a white flash. ~~~ In the throne room, a dark blue alicorn sat atop her throne. She had a slow time at the night court that evening… just like every single one. She sighed as she put down a small pile of papers onto a table to her side. She then stood up when a white flash appeared on the other side of the room. Her horn lit up in case it was an intruder. Golden Dusk, Scarlet Gem, and Mythic Moon tumbled onto the floor and were an entanglement of limbs. “Hey, Princess Luna,” Dusk groaned as he got up from the pile. Luna chuckled as the glow on her horn faded. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Guardians?” The three then looked around the room in a panic. “Relax, ‘tis only us here,” she reassured them and glanced at another thestral in the room who nodded.  Scarlet got up. “Uh, is your sister still awake?” she asked. Luna pouted. “Very well, t’would seem we are unneeded. We shall send for her immediately.” “Wait! No! We need both of you!” she cried. “I jest, Scarlet Gem,” she grinned. “Nightingale, kindly send for my sister at once,” she said to her batpony aide. “Yes, princess.” The thestral melted into the shadows and out of sight. Dusk whistled. “Teach me sometime?” He gave the best pleading eyes he could to the princess of the night. “Unfortunately, only purebloods can learn such a skill,” she said. “Besides, I believe you have much more effective tactics than that.” He sighed and nodded.  Surprisingly, Mythic Moon was the last to recover. “We’re at the castle, right?” she asked in a slur. “Princess, may we present to you, the Warlock.” Scarlet and Dusk bowed and Luna giggled. “Oh, shut up you two.” Mythic groaned. “Teleporting after not sleeping in…” she trailed off thoughtfully. “I’m not even surprised that she doesn’t know,” Dusk deadpanned. “Me neither,” Scarlet nodded. Gold flashed as Princess Celestia teleported to the throne beside her sister’s. “Good evening, sister, Specialists,” she greeted them. “Good evening, Tia,” the four ponies said in unison. “So, you three needed us?” Luna asked. The three ponies stood in one line formally. “Yes, princesses,” Dusk confirmed. “We’ve reason to believe that the Purifiers are making their move.” Scarlet glanced at Mythic. The two princesses listened with blank faces. The unicorn nodded. “This evening, we came across their graffiti. It said, and I quote, ‘We begin on the next full moon. Then, we shall be rid of this plague. If you so desire to aid us, we shall will be at the place where the land's beauty relies on the moon.’” The two rulers’ eyes widened. Dusk stepped forward and asked, “When’s the next full moon, princess?” “T’would be about… two months from now.” “Can’t you make it a longer time?”  Luna shook her head. “The moon is its own magic entity. I merely draw power from it and can move it, as can my sister.” She nodded at Celestia. “The different phases are out of my control. I only learned of their pattern and can estimate when each one will occur,” she explained. Scarlet sighed. “How about the other statement? Where is the place where 'the land's beauty relies on the moon.'” The five ponies looked up and hummed thoughtfully. “The lunar park?” Mythic suggested. “Its got plants that bloom at night, nocturnal animals, and the small lake is really clear.” “Ah, the Lunar Park at its finest,” Luna nodded.  “I can’t think of any other place that could match the description,” Dusk admitted. “Me too.” Scarlet sighed. “Very well, we shall have our guards scout the area,” Luna said. “I do not think that’s favorable, sister.” Celestia shook her head. “If they find out that we have got a lead, for sure, they will change locations.” “How about Scarlet and I check it out?” Dusk offered. “We already go outside every now and then, I doubt it’ll be suspicious.” Scarlet blushed lightly and looked away while the two princesses raised their brows and his aunt smirked. Dusk titled his head. “That is acceptable.” Celestia nodded. “Agreed,” Luna said. “As long as you two stay safe and look out for each other, okay?” Mythic Moon hugged the two younger ponies. “Yes, Moonie.” “Yes, Aunt Moonie.” She gave them another squeeze before letting them go. Celestia and Luna had gotten up from their throne and stood in front of the two specialists with Mythic to their side. “Specialist Golden Dusk and Scarlet Gem, you are to go undercover and scout the lunar park for more information about the Purifiers.” Celestia stated. “Do you accept?” Luna asked. “Specialist Golden Dusk, ‘Hunter,’ accepts.” “Specialist Scarlet Gem, ‘Valkyrie,’ accepts.” The two princesses nodded and smiled. “Remember to stay safe,” Tia said. “Have each other’s backs,” Luna added. The specialists nodded, and Dusk laughed. “It’s only been a week and I’ve already got a mission, huh?” he mused. “You could’ve said ‘I refuse’ but you didn’t” Scarlet bumped him with a shoulder. Dusk shrugged. “I’m a Specialist, what can you do about it?” She giggled. “True, true.” “Oh, Scarlet,” Mythic began, “does your Scarlet Flux need any tuning?” She looked at her necklace. Scarlet shook her head. “It’s alright, I got it covered.” Mythic pouted. “Fine, okay.” Celestia and Luna laughed.  “Relax, Warlock, instead of tuning, why not create?” Luna suggested. She immediately beamed. “Brilliant!” She shouted before disappearing in a flash. “Great, now she’ll be in there for another week,” Dusk deadpanned. “She didn’t even say bye…” Mythic then flashed back and gave the four ponies a big hug.  “Stay safe, bye!” Then she was gone once again. Dusk sat still, dumbfounded. “Eh, I’ll take it,” he shrugged. Tia hugged Dusk and Scarlet. “I’ll say it again, do stay safe,” she said softly. “I second my sister.” Luna hugged them as well. The two ponies looked at each other and shrugged. “We’ll be safe, don’t worry.” Dusk replied. “The only danger we’ll face is Dusk getting a coltfriend,” Scarlet added slyly. The Royal Sisters looked at each other, bemused. It was true that Golden Dusk resembled a mare… “You’re not gonna live that down are you?” Dusk asked blankly. She hummed in thought. “Give it a couple of months,” she smiled. Dusk groaned as the two sisters laughed and let go of the pair. “Very well, it is getting late, the two of you should head home.” Luna said. “Would you like a quick teleport?” Celestia offered. Dusk looked at Scarlet. “My house or yours?” “Yours,” Scarlet replied. “I can fly home quickly anyway.” “Okay, you heard her Tia.” He looked back to the solar princess with a thankful nod. Celestia’s horn glowed. “Have a good evening you two.” “You too, Tia, Luna,” the two echoed before they disappeared. The Royal Sisters remained silent for a moment. Nightingale stood quietly beside Luna's throne, taking note of the Guardian's report. The night princess proceeded to nudge her sister with a hoof. “Shall we place a bet on which one of them will initiate the relationship?” Luna asked. “We are not even sure whether it will happen or not.” Tia raised a brow. “You have seen Scarlet Gem’s actions earlier.” She hummed in thought. “Very well, fifty bits on Scarlet.” ~~~ Dusk and Scarlet reappeared at the front door of his house. The cool evening air blew across their faces. The moon started to rise and the sun had already set. Fewer ponies roamed the streets that were illuminated by street lamps. “Well, this day has been interesting.” Dusk turned to face Scarlet. “Yep,” Scarlet agreed. “I should go, I still need to make food for myself. You’ll live on those tarts right?”  “Yeah, don’t worry. Thanks for coming over everyday by the way,” he smiled. “It’s been fun.” She blushed lightly. “Can’t leave you alone now can I? It’s what friends do.” Dusk nodded. “Well, I shouldn’t hold you up. See you tomorrow?” “See you tomorrow,” Scarlet smiled and took off, leaving Dusk alone at his house. He walked back into his home and closed the door. The next day should be interesting...