Rise of the Element Gang, Book 2: Friendship Adventures

by Power of Six

Chapter 12: A Dog and Pony Show

A knock on the door of the library distracted me from the work I was doing, spilling ink all over the parchment I was writing on, a key for the library for book locations. Clearing it away with a spell, I controlled the feelings of annoyance that I had, as I opened the door. They vanished completely when I saw who it was.

“Rarity! Great to see you!”

“Hello, Dusk. Isn’t it a fine day?” She seemed positively abuzz with excitement, barely able to contain it. “May I come in?”

“Certainly.” I invited, stepping aside to let her pass. “You seem happy about something. Are frills back in fashion this year?”

“Even better!” She gave a squeak of delight, but conformed herself. “I’ve just been tasked by Sapphire Shores, and I mean the Sapphire Shores, to make outfits for her concerts!”

“Great! Good for you.” I said. “So what are you here for? I take it this isn’t just a social call.”

“Indeed. I need some assistance gathering gemstones for her outfits and I was wondering if Spike would like to help me?”

“I’m sure he’d be happy to. We’re just about to break for lunch anyway, so he should be free.” I rounded to the stairs and called: “Spike, somepony here to see you!”

“Go away! I’m napping.” came the sleepy reply.

“It’s Rarity!” I felt a wind rush by me and Spike was there in the blink of an eye. That was quick…

“Dusk, what’s going on?” Twilight had also come downstairs as Rarity explained what was going on to Spike, who had eyes for nopony else.

Once we were both done explaining the situation to one another, Twilight said that, of course, it was okay with her, just as long as they were careful. Rarity was very grateful to them both and promised that they would be.

“It’s just a shame you can’t come with us to lunch.” Twilight said to her.

“I’m sorry, Twilight. I know we made plans to eat together today, but this is simply too important. Sapphire wants these dresses made as soon as possible and I need an ample supply of gems to get started.”

“It’s okay, I’m sure the others will understand.” She waved them off from the door. “Be careful out there!”

“We will. Have fun, you two.” she called, passing me a quick knowing wink before setting off with the baby dragon in tow.

I felt my cheeks become a little hotter. A quick glance showed me that Twilight’s cheeks were also a little pink. Did she pick up Rarity’s meaning from the wish and the wink? Or was it just hot today?

Since asking Rarity for her advice, I had taken it to heart and continued to just be myself around Twilight as she’d told me to. I had sort of mumbled out a compliment at one point on how…lovely she looked one time, but I didn’t think she’d heard me. I still needed to pluck up more courage before trying that again. I still asked myself that question sometimes, when I was lost in my thoughts…

Could something actually happen between us?

“Dusk? Dusk, are you listening?” Twilight’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Deep thinking again?”

“Yeah…sorry.”

“It’s fine. It just makes you, you. Well, Dusk, as I was saying, are you ready to go to lunch with me?” she asked me.

“Let’s see… trilby? Check. Good-luck charm? Check… I’m ready.”

“Good to see you keep things in order.” she remarked. “Off to lunch together then… I mean…” she stammered suddenly, “not together, just…with each other. Not like that, I mean… To meet the others because… Well, it’s not like this a…a date or anything, I’m not saying it is… I…”

“Twilight, it’s fine. I know what you meant.” I raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, um… yes, I’m fine. Let’s go.” Not saying anything else, she walked off with me wondering what all that had just been about…and what it meant.

While we walking around the quarry, I was actually pretty glad that Dusk woke me up. If he wasn’t there, I would’ve missed out on a day with Rarity. Sure, she just needs to help find some jewels, but I was happy to lend a claw. And, when it comes to jewels, I’m down for it. The reason she wanted me to help was… well, as everypony knows Rarity doesn’t like getting all dirty, she would use her magic to find jewels and have me dig them up. As we looked for some jewels, Rarity told me why she needed those jewels and I couldn’t believe it that Sapphire Shores came to her store and asked for one of her designs.

“Oh, my gosh! Sapphire Shores! The pony of pop!” I said to her as I couldn’t believe what I heard, pulling the wagon for the jewels. “She is awesome! I mean, she’s gorgeous and talented and…” I then realized what I just said and knew Rarity might’ve been hurt by it, especially when she glared at me. “Heh… and not even half the pony you are. I mean, you’re ten times more gorgeous and talented and…”

“Spike, a lady is never jealous.” She said to me, brushing it off.

“Eh, of course not.” I said to her. “But were you totally flipping out or what?”

“Ladies do not ‘flip out’, Spike.” She told me with smile. “However, I was quite in awe.” Her magic then went off as she looked around to find some jewels. “Oh, I need to find more jewels than ever before to decorate her costumes.” She then stopped and pointed her horn to the ground. Oh, a-ha!”

“Did you find some?” I asked her.

“Yes, Spike!” She then pointed in front of her. “Right there!” With that, I then got to work and dug up the jewels.

“Oooooh!” I said, looking at the amazing stash of jewels that looked good enough to eat. “You look so delicious…”

“Spike!” Rarity said before I ate the jewels. “I promised I’d give you gems to snack on, but we need to collect more first or I’ll never be able to make these outfits for Sapphire.”

“Oh.” I sighed as I put the jewels in the wagon. “I will miss you, my sweets.”

“Come along, Spike.” I watched as Rarity walked past me, going off to find more jewels. “We have many jewels to find.”

“At your service, milady.” I told her as I followed her, pulling the wagon with me.

After a while, we managed to find a lot of jewels, enough to fill the wagon with a pile of them. But, to be honest, I was having a hard time trying not to eat the jewels. But I knew I had to resist because these were important to Rarity.

“You’ve been very patient today, Spike.” Rarity said as she pat my head. “And, for that, you get the finest reward.” She then used her magic to a large blue jewel from the pile and gave it to me. “This is from me to you.” I was gonna eat it, but held it in my claws as I thought about it. Rarity actually gave this to me. Seeing her being so generous, I saw that I couldn’t eat it. It was a gift from her. “Is something wrong, Spike?”

“No.” I said to her with a smile. “It’s perfect.” Just when I said that, her horn started glowing as her magic found some more jewels.

“Oooh! bring the cart, Spike.” She said as she walked off. “There are more over here.”

“For me.” I said, still in awe I got a gift from Rarity. “From Rarity.” After that, I then got the cart and followed her to help dig up some more jewels.

From a tree nearby, unknown to Spike, someone was watching him as he pulled in the wagon full of gems after using a paw to pull some leaves out of the way.

“Yesss!” Said the unknown observer, speaking with a raspy voice and sounding pleased. “Gemsss! Gemsss!”

“Where?” said a rough voice.

“Preciousss gemsss!” the observer said, watching Spike. “He is the gem hunter. With him, we can have all those gems and more. Let’s get the dragon!” the observer and his associate were about to leave when Rarity called out.

“Spike, where are you?”

“Wait, who is that?” the observer said as he and his associate watched Spike go over to Rarity.

“You know it’s terrible to keep a lady waiting.” Rarity said as her horn started glowing with her sky blue magic.

“Coming!” Spike said to her, coming in with the wagon as Rarity found more gems.

“I think we’re really going to strike gold this time, so to speak.” Rarity said with a laugh as Spike started digging.

“Jackpot!” Spike exclaimed as he held up the large pile of gems in his claws.

“Oh, it’s not the dragon we want.” The observer said in realization. “It’s the pony!”

“The pony…” the observer and his associate said as they slinked creepily away from the bush.

“Well, Spike,” Rarity said to me as I put the stash of jewels we found into the wagon. “I think that’s all we can do for today. And these will certainly get me well on my way with Sapphire's outfits. Why don't we start heading—oh!” Almost instantly, Rarity’s horn started glowing, brighter than before this time. “What’s this? Another jewel.” She then started walking over to a tree closeby. “Oh. Oh, strange. It’s in the trees.” She looked into the tree and was given a surprise by what she found. “Ooooh!” It wasn’t just a jewel, but a large, creepy dog wearing the jewel on its collar. “Ew!” Rarity backed away as the dog looked down at us. “Uh, uh… Good day, gentle, uh…fellow. Uh… I am Rarity and this is my friend Spike.” I waved as I gave a nervous laugh. “And you are?”

“A Diamond Dog!” the guy said as he jumped out of the tree.

“Oh, really? Oh, well, that explains your fine taste in jewelry.” Rarity said, sounding a little worried as we back away from the dog as he started walking over to us. “I mean, I-I-I know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and now I know that they’re… a dog’s best friend too. Ha-ha-ha! So, um—ah-hem!—you’re out hunting for gems as well?”

“Yes.” He said to us. “We hunt.”

“Uh… we?” Rarity asked.

“We hunt for gems.” He said to us. “But you are a better hunter. So now we hunt…for you!”

Just like that, two more dogs just as creepy as him popped up out of nowhere and tried to grab her. After she ducked from a grab, I went over and used my tail to smack one of them in the tail, making him run away before I chased off his buddy.

“Run, Rarity! Run!” I told her before I got pushed into a hole.

While Rarity ran away, I managed to grab one of the guys by the leg and trip him, making him fall on his buddy.

“Spike, come on!” Rarity said to me with worry. “Hurry!” She then screamed out. “Aaaah! Spike!”

“Got him, Rarity!” I said as I held the big guy by the legs. “I got him!”

“Ha-ha! Nope!” He laughed as he pulled me out of the hole and tossed me into the tree.

“Sorry, scaly one!” his pal said before they both ran off.

“Wait! Rarity?” I then looked and saw them heading down a hole with Rarity!

“Unhand me this instant, you ruffians!” She said as she was taken down the hole. “Stop! Put me down, you thugs! You brutes!”

“Rarity!” I gasped after I got myself out of the tree, hearing her scream.

“Spike! Ah, dirt!” She said as she tried to climb out of the hole before those guys pulled her down. “Aaaaah! Spiiiike!”

“Who, what, where?” I said as I made it to the hole, only to be too late to save her as those guys were gone.

“Save me!” She yelled out, her voice echoing through the tunnel.

“Nooooooooooo!” I screamed out, worried about what might happen to her. After all that, I decided to head back to Ponyville and get some help.

“Mmmmm! That was a yummy lunch!” Pinkie remarked as we left the restaurant. “I love hay, apple, and cupcake pizza!”

“Pinkie, how can you have cupcakes on a pizza?” Rainbow asked, disgusted.

“ʹCause cupcakes are great with anything!” she replied. “We should do it again sometime!”

“Yeah, maybe you could have cookies with your pizza next time.” Rainbow sarcastically said.

“Hey, that's not a bad idea. Good thinking, Dashie!”

“What? Bu-bu-but I… I mean you…” Rainbow said, flabbergasted. “Ugh! Never mind!”

I burst out laughing with the others at the utter bewilderment on Rainbow’s face from Pinkie’s agreement on that decision. Coming out for lunch had been worth it, just for that. How had I ever got through a day without these girls as much as the guys before?

Twilight had remained silent during most of our walk over there, but she must have come to some kind of resolution on her own, for she was soon back to talking to me and the others. I was still pondering her odd behavior before and what might have caused it. I would consider it more lately because, for now, I just wanted to enjoy the time with my friends. Once the laughing subsided, I spoke up.

“It’s just too bad Rarity and Spike couldn’t join us.”

“It is.” Twilight agreed. “But this is a pretty important client that she has. I mean, it is Sapphire Shores.”

“Yep! This oughta be a big burst in business for her.” Applejack pointed out.

“How long did they say they would be gathering gems for Shore’s costume?” Leon asked. “I hear it can be dangerous up in that rocky forest.”

“Oh, my. I hope they don’t get in any trouble.” Fluttershy fretted.

“Don’t worry.” I comforted, “I’m sure they can look after themselves. Just depends how long they’re up there.”

“Eh, she said it would take a good few hours.” Rainbow answered. “Should be good for Spike, alone all that time with Rarity.”

"Yeah, I still don’t get how that works." I pondered aloud.

"Whaddya mean, sugarcube?"

"Well… it’s just… how can…”

“AGGGH!” We all turned to see Spike running towards us, looking frantic. “Rarity! Woods! Jewels! Dogs! Hole! Taken! Save her!”

We all exchanged confused glances with each other, as Spike began to hyperventilate. I, knowing what to do, rushed forward to calm him down. Something had happened that had triggered this panic attack, something to do with Rarity.

“Spike, calm down, breath. I need a paper bag! Anypony got a paper bag?”

“Sure!” Pinkie walked over to a bush and pulled one out. “I have these stashed all over town, in case of paper bag emergencies.”

Not having time to dwell on this random statement, I took the bag and handed it to Spike, who started to breathe into it and waved frantically in the direction of rocky forest, where he had just come from. If Rarity was in trouble, we needed to hurry. I levitated him onto my back swiftly and turned to the others.

“Come on! Let’s head to the quarry!” I said to them. “I think Rarity might be in trouble.”

“Really? What gave that away?” Shield asked, sarcastically.

“I think it was Spike's panicked way that he mentioned Rarity, Shield.” Pinkie said to him. “You gotta pay attention more.”

"UGH! Pinkie, I was being…” Shield said in frustration. “Ugh! Never mind! Let’s just get up there.”

“Exactly.” Twilight said as she came up. “Spike, once you can breathe again, fill us in on the way.” I let Twilight take the lead as we all set off towards the forest.

I couldn’t help but feel worried for Rarity. The Diamond Quarry wasn’t as bad as Everfree, but there were still meant to be dangers lurking up there. Ones just as unique to the area as the creatures of Everfree were. I just hoped that it wouldn’t be anything too bad.

All the while, Spike was breathing into the paper bag on my back, sweating, and his eyes wide. Luckily, the baby dragon wasn’t all that heavy, so I could still easily gallop ahead of the others. I checked to see if he was okay to breathe and, fortunately, he calmed down enough to give us the full story.

“Okay, Spike. What happened?” I asked him as we kept on going.

“Rarity and I were in the woods looking for jewels when these creepy guys showed up.” He told me.

“Creepy guys?”

“They called themselves the Diamond Dogs.”

“Diamond Dogs?” Shield said with surprise. “Great.”

“You know them, Shield?” I asked my earth elemental friend.

“All too well.” He said as he explained. “Those mutts were a problem back at Diggington. They’re obsessed with jewels and will do anything to get some.”

“That explains why they took Rarity.” I said, understanding why these Diamond Dogs did all this. “They must want Rarity for her ability to find gems.” I then looked to the dragon on my back. “Spike, where did they go?”

“After they grabbed Rarity, they disappeared down a hole in the ground.” He told us.

“Well, that sounds mighty easy.” Applejack said, sounding optimistic. "Just take us ta that their hole and we'll save Rarity."

“Easier said than done.” Shield spoke up. “If the dogs took her down of their tunnels, we would need to find where they’re holding Rarity before we can think of rescuing her."

By the way he said that, I was sure they were bad news. I just hoped we’d be able to save Rarity in time before they might do anything. We neared the edge of the quarry and screeched to a halt and gasped.

“Oh, boy!” I said as we looked upon dozens of holes littering the landscape, making it impossible to tell which hole was the right one to venture down to find Rarity.

Like regular dogs, these guys seemed to be rather good at digging and it showed. The dogs must have known we were coming and created all of these holes to confuse us.

“Holy moly! That’s a lotta holeys!” Pinkie noted.

“Yeah, these guys love to dig.” Shield said with a grim look on his face. “Kind of part of being a dog.”

“The Diamond Dogs must’ve known we were coming and made these holes so we can’t follow them.” I told everypony, estimating the reason for all these holes.

“Dusk, can you use your puppets to see which one she went down?” Twilight asked.

“Hold on.” I then conjured Rarity’s form in the air and set it out to find my cousin. It cantered from hole to hole, apparently (much like us) unable to decide which one to go down. Eventually, it stopped in mid-air, collapsed, and faded. “Dang it! There’s too many possible points of entry. I can’t pin it down, even with my magic.”

“It was a good try.” Twilight bolstered. “Looks like we’re doing this the old-fashioned way. Come on, everypony!”

We each took a hole, peering down into the murky darkness. I could barely see a few feet before me as it was so dark. Something catching my eye, I leaned in closer, certain that I saw something glinting in the dark. Looking carefully, I saw… a pair of eyes? Then suddenly…

WHOOSH!

I was forced backwards as a jet of earth sprayed me in the face, covering my face in a mud mask. After shaking off the dirt, I looked around to see other holes getting the same treatment, being filled up to prevent access.

“They’re filling the holes!” Shield exclaimed as the holes were getting filled.

“Quick! We need to get down these holes before the dogs finish filling them!” I told everybody as we all rushed to get down the holes.

Pumping my legs and arms as fast as I could, I galloped to the nearest one and tried to dive down it. I made it down it, but was shot back out by another jet of dirt from the underground. I hurried to another, but received the same treatment. They were being filled too quickly, we wouldn’t make it!

All around me, I could see the girls and guys all trying and failing to get into the holes. Fluttershy was too timid to take a risk unlike Leon, Pinkie tried bouncing down one but was ejected, Applejack and Dog attempted to force against the dirt jets, but were beaten out. Shield tried to dig through the dirt jet, but was instantly smacked out of it. Even Rainbow tried zooming down one, but stopped at the last minute.

“It’s too late.” I said, dejectedly. “They’re all filled up.”

“Huh. Heavens to Betsy!” Applejack remarked. “Now I’m used to pickin’ maself up and dustin’ maself off, but Rarity won’t even touch mud ‘less it’s imported.”

“Poor Rarity…” Twilight said in despair as we all gazed upwards, no doubt the others picturing what horrible fate Rarity was suffering right now like I was, my cousin being held prisoner by those vile canines and surrounded by dirt. I felt ashamed that I had given up so quickly. That wasn’t me. That was the old Dusk, not the new me.

“Well, I say we don’t give.” I proposed, raising my voice a little. “No time for considering what might be, we need to move.”

“Dusk is right.” Dog agreed. “We gotta save her!”

“But they blocked up all the holes.” Leon reminded.

“Don’t mean we can’t dig 'em out. Come on!” Inspired by this, I leaped on top of a dirt mound and set to work.

As was known to all, I wasn’t much in the way of anything physical. I was relatively skinny and weedy by my own judgment, even a little undersized compared to most stallions, but I still had the strength to dig. We’d be through in no time, we just had to keep at it.

Suddenly, something grabbed my tail, lifted me up, and threw me off the mound, smacking into the floor. I looked to see a Diamond Dog (which was this quite ugly canine wearing a vest jacket and a spiked collar with a diamond hanging on it like a charm), grinning and waving at me mockingly. I tried to jump at it, but it vanished back into the ground, causing me to smack into the mound. I ran for another mound, but a furry leg tripped me up and made me fall.

We were doing all we could to dig in the holes, but the dogs just kept getting in our way, distracting us, tripping us, grabbing tails, tricking us at every turn. They were toying with us, like playground bullies. Soon, we were all exhausted from the spectacle, panting on the ground.

“They’re not… letting her go without a… fight.” I panted, forcing myself to stand.

“Well, they just found good jewel hunter.” Shield said, getting himself up. “A unicorn that can use magic to find gems? That’s practically a gold mine to them.”

“Oh, those scary monsters popping up everywhere…” Fluttershy said. “Oh, poor Rarity must be terrified.”

“Yeah, these guys are the worst.” Shield added.

“Exactly. That’s why we need to find her and fast.” I said, snapping us out of our reverie. "We’re not going to let a bunch of furry mongrels beat us.”

“It’s good that you keep your determination, Dusk, but we’re still getting beaten by them.” Twilight pointed out. “What are we gonna do?”

“We need a new strategy.” I answered. “Brute force isn’t working. The dogs are cunning and devious. We need to beat them at their own game.”

“I’m not sure that’s gonna be possible, bud.” Shield said, sounding hopeless. “Those dogs only want jewels and Rarity is a pony who can get them a ton of them.”

“I got it!” Spike declared before he looked to Shield. “Shield, you said they’ll do anything for jewels, right?”

“Yeah.” Shield told him. “They go after any kind of gem they can find.”

“Then let’s use that!” He said as he pulled out a large blue gem. “I’ll save you, my sweet!”

As he hurried towards an uncovered hole, the girls and guys all exchanged confused looks. I too was a little bewildered by this…but my sharp mind quickly went to work and I soon realized Spike’s plan, giving a sound of recognition and moving quietly to the dragon.

“Of course. Great idea, Spike!” I congratulated him for coming up with such a brilliant idea. “If we bait them with a gem, we’ll be able to follow them where they got Rarity!” Then I realized that he had a gem with him. “Wait, where did you get that gem?”

“Rarity gave it to me for helping her out.” Spike told me.

“Well, let’s use it to rescue her.” With that, I got my old fishing pole (which I kept on me for a case such as this) and gave to Spike. The little dragon then tied the gem onto the end lure and sent it down into the hole. When the others asked about the gem, I told them what Spike told me.

“Spike, it is very noble of you…” Twilight said before Spike abruptly shushed her, causing her to speak more quietly, “to sacrifice the gem Rarity gave you.”

“Oh, Lady Rarity. My damsel in distress, I shall save you.” He said as he gazed off into the distance, no doubt indulging himself in a romantic fantasy. However, he became a little too immersed and made kissing gestures towards me.

“Whoa, there, Spike! I’m not that kind of stallion.” I said, snapping him out of it. Spike barely had time to look abashed when a fierce tug came on the line.

“Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!” Spike was being dragged towards the hole. “I got a bite! I got a bite!” He was on the edge of the hole about to be dragged down.

“Hold on there, lil’ fella!” Applejack said, grabbing onto his tail and trying to pull him back. But she ended up being dragged down too.

“AJ!” Dog then tried the same, but was met with the same result.

“Dog!” Twilight hurried forward, adding her own strength, but that still wasn’t enough.

“Twilight!” I grabbed her tail, digging my hooves and claws in as much I could. The dog, however, was very strong and began pulling me in too. I heard Rainbow and Shield shout my name, grab hold of my tail, followed by Fluttershy and Leon, and lastly Pinkie, as we were all dragged down into the dark.

Holding onto each other’s tails for dear life, we let ourselves be dragged along on our rumps. I felt the air rushing by me, could see the vast expanses of tunnels and caverns around us. We soared over a gorge, making my stomach rush up to my throat from the force. We reached a hole in the tunnel and dropped down, letting go of the tail of the pony in front and falling towards the earth. I ended up landing on top of Twilight, eliciting a groan from her.

“Oh, my gosh!” I jumped off and helped her up. “I’m so sorry, Twi! I-I…I didn’t mean to land on you.”

“I’m fine, don’t worry." she assured as she stood up, her cheeks flushed. “Thank you…for trying to save me.”

“Oh, hey…” I rubbed the back of my head. “You’d have done the same for me.”

“I know, but…all the same. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

We stood there for a moment, just gazing at each other, all else just being blanked out of existence. I felt that rushing feeling again, even though I was no longer falling. Did Twilight feel it too? I couldn’t tell… She seemed to be torn between two things, but I couldn’t tell what. It was like…she wanted to return my gaze, but couldn’t. Why was she…

“Ha, ha! It worked! We’re in!” Spike’s voice snapped us out of it and we began to look at anything, other than each other. “Now we can finally save Rarity!”

“Yeah, but, um…” Shield said as he walked over. “Now we just need to figure out where to go.”

The diamond dogs had certainly been busy. But, unlike up above, there weren’t as many possible points of entry to choose from. We could only go down, deeper into the ground.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Spike screamed.

“Seriously?” Leon said as we looked to all the various tunnels and shafts leading who knows where. “They could’ve taken Rarity down any one of these!”

“Which way do we go?” Dog asked.

“Calm down, everypony.” I said to them. “You’re forgetting who you’re with.” With a wink, I conjured a Rarity puppet. This time, it cantered down a tunnel, waiting for us. “Now we’ll know where they’re holding Rarity.”

“Great work, Dusk!” Spike said as he hopped onto my back. “Come on! We’re coming, Rarity! We’ll save you! Just hold on!”

Together, we galloped off down the tunnel, following the white and purple light that shone from the Rarity puppet as it led us through the humid, dank tunnels. I led the way, Spike bobbing up and down on my back.

All the while, I wondered about Rarity. The Diamond Dogs could be a cruel, ruthless bunch once they had a way of digging up the gems that they so craved. I didn’t know what exactly they would be doing to Rarity, but I knew it couldn’t be anything good. This knowledge put an extra boost in my sprint like it did when I was tracking them in Everfree, saving them from the Paraserpent’s coils. Fortunately, the dogs were nothing like that vile beast.

With Rarity, she quickly found herself being cornered by the Diamond Dogs, fearing for what they would do to her.

“Oh, please, Diamond Dogs!” She pleaded to the trio in front of her. “Please let me go!”

“No!” The short one said.

“You’re our precious little pony!” The large one added.

“Forever! Mwahahahaha!” the supposed leader of them laughed.

“But whatever do you want from me?”

“Gemsss!” the leader told her.

“Yes! The gems.” The short one added. “The jewels.”

“Find them!” the large one added. “Find them all!”

“Oh, is that all?” Rarity said, surprised by this before she kindly used her magic to find some buried gems. “There. A lovely pocket of jewels are right there.” Using a stick, she marked the spot with an X. “Now, if you'd be so kind as to show me the exit?” Before she could say anymore, she was met with an armored Diamond Dog holding a spear in front of her.

“Good!” The leader said with a laugh. “Now, dig them up, pony!”

“What?” She asked with shock. “But you said you wanted me to find the gems.”

“Yes! Find and then dig.” The short one told her.

“Dig?” She raised a brow at them.

“Yes. Dig.” The large one confirmed.

“Ohh…” Rarity groaned in discomfort before she starting digging with little effort.

“What are you doing?” the large one said to her in frustration. “We said dig!”

“Forgive me,” she said to them, “but, prior to you so rudely dragging me into your dirt pit, I had a pony-pedi and I am not about to chip a hoof because you dislike my style of digging.” She then kept digging with little effort, getting on the leading Diamond Dog’s nerves.

“Oh, for goodness… Fine! Just stop. Stop!” He said before looking to three armored Diamond Dogs in a shaft above them. “Dig, dogs! Dig! And fast.” With that, the three dogs then went on to dig up the jewels.

“She won't dig, she pulls.” The large dog said as he and his short associate held up a cart and a rusty horse harness.

“I beg your pardon,” Rarity said as she backed away from the two approaching dogs, “but what pray tell are you doing?

“Others will dig. You will haul the wagon.” The large dog told her as they cornered the fashionista.

“Prrrecious pony-pedi will be preserved.” The short one said as they placed the harness on and got to chaining her to the cart.

“Well, somebody certainly needs proper nail care.” Rarity said to them, commenting on the dogs' sharp claws. “When was the last time you two had a manicure? You’re scratching up my coat with those jagged things!”

“Please be quiet!” the leading dog said, getting annoyed by Rarity’s complaints.

“Ugh! Good heavens!” Rarity groaned in disgust. “What is that smell?”

“Smeeeeeell?” the leader said, insulted by the comment.

“Ah, mystery solved.” Rarity said after she had whiff of the dog’s ghastly breath. “It’s your breath.” The dog took a whiff of his own breath to find it completely awful.

“Enough!” the dog snapped in frustration. “Search, pony!”

“Well, since you insist.” Rarity said as she pulled the cart and marked the spots where the jewels were buried. “But I must say the working conditions in here are simply dreadful. Musty and damp. It’s going to wreak havoc on my mane. And this air is stifling, suffocating. And, when I try to take a deep breath, the stench of all you dogs makes me nauseated.” Two dogs, after digging up some jewels, then had half of a stone pillar break apart on top of them. “You look and smell like you haven't bathed in weeks. Have you never heard of soap? You could all do with a good round of soap and water.” The dogs took a whiff of themselves to find that Rarity was telling the truth. “Oh, water! Oh, water! I’m terribly thirsty. Could I please have some water?”

“Good gracious!” the short dog exclaimed, unable to take Rarity’s complaints. “I can't take this anymore! Be quiet, pony!”

“And that’s another thing.” Rarity said, continuing her complaints. “I would appreciate if you stopped calling me ‘pony’. I am a lady and I wish to be addressed as such. So you may call me ‘Miss’ or ‘Rarity’ or ‘Miss Rarity’.”

“Enough! Your whining!” the leading dog said in agony. “It-it hurts!”

“Whining? I am not whining, I am complaining.” Rarity said to him. Do you want to hear whining? Thiiis is whiiining! Oooh! This harness is too tight! It’s going to chafe! Can’t you loosen it? Oooh, it hurts and it’s sooo ruuusty!” the large one then went into the cart in hopes the gem pile would block out Rarity’s whining. “Why didn’t you clean it first? It’s gonna leave a staaain! And the wagon’s getting heeeavy! Why do I have to pull it?”

“Aaah! Make it stop!” the short one said as he and his taller associate covered their ears.

“Stop whining!” the leading dog pleaded.

“But I thought you wanted whiiining!” Rarity whined.

“Gah! We’ll do anything, pony!” the leading dog said, making Rarity glare at him. “Oh, uh… we’ll do anything, Miss Rarity.”

“Anything?” Rarity said with a proud smile after the dog gave a nervous laugh.

A while later, the Diamond Dogs began doing everything she said. While she helped them find jewels, the dogs did all the digging and pulled the carts for them. She even made the caves more to her liking. If one were to enter and see that was happening, it would appear as if the Diamond Dogs were treating Rarity like a queen.

“Oh, this water is hardly sparkling.” Rarity said with a sigh after taking a sip of water from a stone cup the dogs had. “But I suppose it will have to do.”

After a while of pulling carts, showing much difficulty and strain, the leading Diamond Dog and his associates stopped as the leader realized what was happening.

“Wait!” he said, shocked that he and the other dogs were doing what Rarity said. “Why are we doing this?”

“To stop the awful noises from the pony’s mouth, remember?” the short one said before he tried to mimic Rarity’s whining, the leader stopping him.

“Yes, yes, I know.” The leader said before he spoke out in anguish. “This is ridiculous! Letting a pony order us around. What are we? Mice or dogs?”

“Mi… Dogs?” his two associates said to him, unsure how to answer.

“Dogs do not pull! Ponies pull!” he said to them. “Let her make the awful noises!”

“What are you doing?” Rarity said as she saw the leading putting a harness chained to a cart full of gems. He then purposely knocked her water to the floor. “Hey, you spilled my drink!” He then tightened the harness on her, causing the pony to whine. “Oh! Not so tiiight!”

“Ha! Make the noises all you want, but move while you make them.” he said, not caring one bit for her whining before smacking her behind. “Hyah, mule!”

“Did you just call me a… mule?” Rarity questioned in shock.

“Ehh…” the leader nervously said, worried about what he had done.

“Mules are ugly.” Rarity’s eyes soon began to fill with tears. “Are you saying that I too am ugly?” Just like that, Rarity broke down crying.

“What are these noises?” the short one said, him and the large dog coming over.

“He called me ugly!” Rarity told him as she continued to cry.

“No! Mule!” the leader said, trying to stop her from crying. “I said ‘mule’!”

“An old, ugly mule! And it’s true! Just look at me. I used to be beautiful, but, but nooow…”

“No, no!” the large one said, attempting to make her feel better. “You’re still beautiful, po—uh, Miss Rarity.”

“You’re just saying that!”

“No, you’re still pretty and… and…” the short one said, trying to come up with a compliment.

“Oh, uh, uh… nice! Yeah!” The leader said.

“I don’t believe you! You never liked me!” She angrily said to the trio before she began to wail.

“Oh, I’ve had just about enough of this!” the leader groaned out, feeling close to losing his sanity from hearing Rarity’s crying and seeing it as worse than her whining.

“The light’s getting brighter!” I said as we continued following my light puppet, which was getting brighter as we kept on traveling through the tunnels. “We’re getting close!” Soon after I said that, we heard sobbing and Spike recognized the voice.

“That’s Rarity! Come on!” Spike said as we emerged into a clearing in the caverns. Ahead of us was a rusty metal gate from where the crying was originating.

“She must be in there! Let’s go!” the always brave Rainbow declared.

Before I could, however, I felt something else land on my back, felt cold chains being fastened around me. I looked to see more Diamond Dogs, a bunch of brutes heavily armored, drop down and land on the backs of the girls and the guys. Two others converged on me, wrapping me in the chains and trying to drag me away, as I tried to struggle free. I wasn’t the only one as Shield and our fellow stallions were being dragged away too.

“More workhorses.” grunted the one from Fluttershy’s back. “Take the stallions first, they stronger than mare.”

“Hey, that’s entirely sexist!” I told the dogs that were trying to take me and the guys away.

“Hey, you jerks!” Rainbow yelled. “Let them go!”

“Dusk, no!” My eyes locked with Twilight’s as she watched me being dragged off.

“Ho, doggies.” Applejack said dangerously. “If ya can take this bull ba the horns, ya better be ready fer a ride.” Then, like a bull at a rodeo, she proceeded to try and buck off her rider. “Come on, ponies! Kick ‘em up, kick ‘em out! Buck ‘em up, buck ‘em down!” Soon enough, the girls followed her lead.

I knew I had to do the same, even it means exposing myself for who I truly am. The Paraserpent was hard enough, but now, with this overgrown mutt on me and crushing Spike, it was now personal. This guy was gonna get what was coming to him! The others thought of the same and were trying to knock them off.

Calming myself, my mind began to work away, formulating a battle plan. The world seemed to slow around me, as I looked over the scene.

Okay, so three dogs. Two holding the chains, one on my back. They were in a hurry, the chains were still rather loose, and I could struggle free if necessary. With some effort, I would be able to use my tail to get rid of the one on my back. The other two would need to be distracted. They lived under-ground, so they didn’t like bright light all that much. A light flare! Then, just chase them away.

“Move, pony!” ordered the one on my back, who was crushing Spike.

“Very well, as you wish.” With that, I then spoke out. Spike, guys, shield your eyes!” I then shone a bright white ball in the cavern.

Hearing them whimper and yelp, I looked and watched as they staggered back and covered their eyes, causing them to loosen their grips on the chains and on my back. Seeing my chance, I then used my tail to grab the one on my back and tossed him away, sending him flying into the wall and wriggled out of my bonds. Running on adrenaline now, I returned my attention to my remaining opponents, who had now recovered.

The world slowed again as I looked them over. Big, armored, and tough. Those were their strengths. Weaknesses? They were heavy, most weight concentrated near the top. Armor was weak below the waist, adding more weight to their upper bodies. With enough force, they could be tripped over.

One of them charged at me, throwing all of my considerable weight forward and raising my arms to strike. I dived to the left, dodging the blow and hearing a crash as he hit the wall. I turned, seeing the back of his knee as a weak point. I gave it a hard kick, causing the dog to buckle. I then ran up its back, kicked off his helmet, grabbed a rock, and slammed it down on it, making him dazed.

The other dog charged too, my own arm raised to hit him. I grabbed my chains up and wrapped them like a bandoleer and threw them at his legs, tying them up and making him trip. I jumped off, bringing my fist down on his companion’s head, and watched the two of them fall to the ground in a heap.

I couldn’t believe it. I’d done it! I’d come out on top. The one I’d bucked off was watching the whole thing, looking rather tentative. Dogs: strong in packs, weak alone. Feeling more confident, I knew it was time to use scare tactics.

“Look, we don’t want to fight you,” I said to him, “but if you do attack us or our friends, I won't hesitate to defend. Now scram!”

With a yelp, the Diamond Dog grabbed his friends and ran off with the others, whom the girls and guys had bucked off now, as Shield blasted rocks at them, ensuring they kept running.

“Yeehaw!” Dog cried in triumph. “Git along, lil’ doggies!”

“Sorry, but you left me little choice!” I called after them. Then I turned to see that the girls were all staring at me. “What?”

“What ya mean ‘what’?” Applejack said admirably. “Ya took on both of them dogs and beat ‘em down faster than a cowpony on a bull at a rodeo!”

“Hey, I’m a member of the Element Gang.” I said. “Trained to fight. Some of it was strategy. In my experience in fighting, I learned how to read my opponents and figure out both their strengths and weaknesses.”

“Really? Then…that’s incredible!” Twilight praised. “You just beat them using your wits?”

“Um… I guess.” I said, unsure what to say. “Is that good?”

“Dusk, that was amazing!” She smiled at me, clearly impressed.

“Yeah, you know how to kick butt.” Shield said.

“Well, it was more than just throwing punches.” I mumbled again. “It was a matter of quick thinking and analysis of my enemies.”

“Well, it sure as hay worked.” Dog noted.

“Yeah, you look way too weedy to even throw a punch.” Everypony glared at Rainbow. “What? I’m just saying…”

“No, she’s right. I’m not exactly physically intimidating.” I said truthfully. “Though I used some of my super-strength in it.”

“I meant it in a good way.” Rainbow rectified. “They thought they could take you and you sent them off, tails between their legs. That’s pretty cool.”

“I suppose… perhaps.” I cleared my throat. “Now, I believe we have a lady in distress to save.”

A loud clanking from behind the door reminded us of our purpose. I heard the breaking of a rock and looked to see Spike, holding a sharp stone like a lance from my back. I sighed as I predicted what was coming. This would be a little humiliating but…he would want his chance to be the hero and I wouldn't deny him that. He could at least go along with it. Might be fun…

“I’m coming for you, my lady.” I cried like a knight of old. “Hi-ho, Dusk! Away!”

“Aye, Sir Spike! We ride!” I whinnied, putting my arms in the air and charging forward, my head bowed low. The door, weak from rust corrosion, shattered on contact as I ran at it with all my strength.

“Lady Rarity, I’m here to save you!” Spike declared though we were surprised to hear three Diamond Dogs running over to us and calling for help.

“Save us!”

“Please, save us!”

“Make it stop! Please!”

The three that came over were of three different colors, wearing different colored vests with pockets full of jewels, and three different sizes: the small one was beige and wore a gray jacket, the medium-sized one gray with a red vest, and the large one being a silver-gray with the same gray jacket. The small and large dog had yellow eyes while the dog at the size between theirs had green eyes. I had to bet these three were the ones in charge of the others by how they were dressed, the one with the red vest being the leader.

“You guys?” Shield said with surprise as the three dogs stopped in front of us.

“You know them?” I asked him with curiosity.

“Yeah. Before I let for Canterlot, I ran them and their pack out of my town.” Shield said before he began introducing, motioning to the dog in the red vest first and ending with the small one. “Guys, meet Rover, Fido, and Spot, the three dumbest Diamond Dogs I’ve ever met.”

“Please, help us!” Rover pleaded to us. “Get her away from us!”

“Um…pardon?” I asked unsurely.

“So picky!” Spot told us.

“And critical!” Fido added.

“She won’t stop talking!”

“And crying!”

“We, uh…give her back, yes.” Rover said as the others and I looked behind and relief spread through me.

Behind the three came, quite unharmed, unblemished, and wheeling a cart full of gems behind her, my dear cousin Rarity. She wore quite a satisfied, triumphant smile on her features, walking as if she’d just left a garden party.

“Rarity! You’re safe!” Spike exclaimed as he jumped off my back and hugged her.

“Why, yes. Hello, everypony.” she said to us. “You are just in time to assist me.”

“Assist ya with what?” Applejack asked.

“With those.” She gestured with her head, indicating five carts stacked with gemstones, glittering in the light from the torches.

“You’re letting us leave with all these…jewels?” Spike’s mouth was watering at the sight of them.

“Yes! Take them! And her with them!” Rover begged.

“Please!” Spot added.

“Wow.” Shield said as we were all amazed by this. “Kind of feel sorry for you guys now.”

“I’m guessing Rarity gave you all a hard time, huh?” I said to the dogs.

“It was horrible!” Rover told me. “How does anyone take all of that?”

“Well, that’s kind of what you get for trying to force somepony to find jewels for ya.” Shield told them.

“If you guys were looking for someone to find jewels for ya,” I said to them, “why didn’t you just ask for help? All of this could have been avoided if you did.”

“Us? Asking for help?” Rover said to me, disliking the suggestion I gave. “Diamond Dogs don’t ask for help! We never ask for help!”

“Uh-huh. And how’s that worked for ya?”

Rover went silent as he no doubt thought back on how their ways of finding jewels resulted in. He even winced from thinking about it.

“Okay, maybe things aren’t easy.” Rover said to me. “But what is the point of asking for help anyway?”

“Well, asking for help is not really a bad thing.” I told him. “All of us do need help from time to time. But we can’t expect anybody to just have them do something they don’t want to. Asking for help allows one to find those who are willing to lend a hoof, or paw in your case. And, by having that, you can get what you want without any complications, something you ended up getting when you kidnapped Rarity over here.”

“Oh, don’t remind me.” Rover shivered in fear from remembering the experience he had from having Rarity around.

“If you want, we’d be happy to help you look for some jewels.”

“Really? You would be willing to help us?” Rover and his fellow dogs were surprised by this.

“Sure. Just remember to ask next time, okay?”

“Dusk, are you sure you want to deal with these guys?” Shield asked me with shock.

“I’m sure they don’t mean any harm.” I said to him at the same volume. “Just trust me.” I then spoke to Rover and a normal volume. “So, guys, how about it?”

The three of them thought for a while, Fido and Spot giving Rover a looking that told him that it didn’t sound like a bad idea.

“Fine. We’ll… ask next time.” Rover said to me, not willing to admit to accepting the idea. “Just make sure that pony doesn’t come here again!”

“Deal.” I said to him before we all went to take our leave, taking the jewels with us. Though the group and I were still amazed by what Rarity had accomplished.

Leon, Dog, Shield, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack each along took a cart. Twilight was going to take one, but I insisted on moving it for her, despite her protestations. After that, we left and found our way out of the tunnels, back into the open air as the sun was beginning to set in the west.

“I can’t believe you got all these gems!” Pinkie squealed.

“Heh. I can’t believe you tricked all those dogs.” Rainbow said, impressed by all of it.

“Just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I cannot handle myself in a sticky situation.” Rarity told us smartly. “I had them wrapped around my hoof the entire time.”

“That’s my cousin for ya.” I said.

“I can’t wait to write to Princess Celestia to tell her what you taught me today.” Twilight said, who was walking beside me.

“Me? What did I teach you?”

“Just because somepony is ladylike doesn't make her weak.” she explains. “In fact, by using her wits a seemingly defenseless pony can be the one who outsmarts and outshines them all.” She then glanced at me while she finsihed off about the lesson she learned. “And, as Dusk has proven, it can be the same for somepony using his wits.”

“I, um…wouldn’t say that.” I said, blushing again.

“Come on. Dusk, you were great back there and you know it.” She herself had a slight blush now. “It was…quite brave of you.”

“Really?” I considered this, then smiled. “I, um…I suppose it was, wasn’t it?”

“Mmm! ‘Outshines’ is right.” Spike said while sitting in Rarity’s cart, snacking on gems. “Now you have enough gems to cover Sapphire Shores’ costumes.”

“Not if you eat them all, Spike.” she said, levitating it just as he tried to take another bite.

As everypony laughed at the spectacle, I thought that maybe they were right. Just give me a few minutes to think and I would be able to handle myself in a fight…perhaps. Maybe it was just luck…or quick wits.

I shrugged mentally, chuckling to myself. Ever since meeting the girls, I’d done many things I’d never have believed I could do. What next? Performing on stage? No, that would never happen…would it?