//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: In the Flesh // Story: Rise of the Element Gang, Book 3: Heroes United // by Power of Six //------------------------------// Chapter 3: In the Flesh I cautiously pushed open the wooden doors and ventured into the stone halls of the ancient castle, tensed and ready to act. Though we had made it out of the depths of the forest, any number of creatures could have claimed residence here during the thousand years it had been abandoned. “Yeesh! This place could use a clean-up.” Leon said as he looked around. “It’s more of a mess than the Black Bulls’ hideout.” “Well, nopony’s used this place since Nightmare Moon.” I said. I then looked to Dog and saw he was shaking like a leaf. “Hey, Dog, are you okay?” “Nope.” Dog said with a terrified look and the same feeling in his voice. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve heard stories about this place.” “We all know about Nightmare Moon, Dog.” I said. “It’s not that.” Dog said. “I also heard that, when Nightmare Moon was trapped in the moon, not all of her magic went with her. They say that, at night, it lurks around this place as…the Pony of Shadows.” “Seriously? That old legend?” I said with a snicker. “You can’t be serious. There’s no such thing as a Pony of Shadows. It’s nonsense. There has been no evidence of one even existing.” “Yeah, and we’ve never ran into anything like that.” Shield said, backing me up. “Exactly. Now come on. Let find what we came for.” We all then kept moving, looking for whatever Luna wanted us to find. Though when it came to the different halls, I had to say “We’ll need to split up. I’m not sure we’ll find what we’re looking for in the same place as the Elements we found. We’ll need to check everywhere to make sure. Shield, you’re with me. Leon, you take the hallway on the left. And Dog, take the right one. Use your communicators if you find anything.” We all then took to our designated halls and began our search. Shield’s view After splitting up, me and Dusk tried to stay together as we went through the halls. I thought nothing was gonna get us split up, until… “Shield…” A voice said, one I knew anywhere. “Shield…” “Dash?” I said as I stopped tried to find out where Dash was. “Shield, what are you doing?” I asked him as he saw me looking around. “Didn’t you hear that?” he asked. “Hear what?” “Rainbow Dash. I heard her. She was calling my name.” “I didn’t hear her voice. You’re probably just hearing things due to being worried about Dash. Come on, we need to keep moving.” Dusk had turned the corner and was out of sight. I was gonna catch up with him, but stopped when I heard Dash’s voice again. “Shield…” She said. “Rainbow Dash, is it really you?” I asked. “Yes, it’s me.” She told me. “I know what you’re looking for. I think I found it.” “Where are you?” “Just follow my voice.” There, I then decided to go look for her and followed her voice, going the opposite way Dusk was going. Dusk’s view After walking around, I soon came across a large room. The signs of aging certainly showed, but I could still see signs of the castle's former glory, could still picture the days it was complete. The pillars that lined either side of the room had mostly crumbled away, only leaving half of them behind, decorated with ivy and moss. Good thing Rarity was here to see all of this. She would be horrified by the sight. The walls had collapsed in places, exposing the castle to the elements outside and the ceiling had completely vanished, so you could see the sky above you, which was now covered with grey clouds. At the center of the room was a large pedestal, upon which there were five separate platforms surrounding a large stone orb at its core. “The pedestal! We found it! Shield, we…” I said, but when I turned around, I saw that Shield was gone. “Shield? Shield?” I didn’t have time to look for him. I had to find the one thing that can help stop Discord. Dog’s view “For land’s sake.” I said to myself, still worried about being in this castle. “I know Dusk said there’s nothin’ to be afraid of, but this place is all gosh darn creepy. Would really like to know what the hay I was lookin’ for. Feels like lookin’ for a needle in a haystack.” “Dog?” Looking over from hearing her voice, I saw AJ as her shadow appeared on the wall. “AJ, is that you?” I was surprised to find her here. “What ya doin’ here?” “Thank Discord.” She told me, not very happy. “Me and the others were gonna stop him, next thin’ I knew, I end up here.” “Well, I’m glad y’all are alright.” I said with a smile. “Hey, by any chance, did ya see anythin’ weird or somethin’ like that?” “I think I know what ya talkin’ about. Follow me!” I then watched as she ran off. “Lead the way, AJ!” I then began to follow her, her shadow being the only thing telling me where to go. Leon’s view “Oh, geez!” I said as I still searching around, looking for whatever Luna wants us to find for the last ten minutes. “Couldn’t that Princess have been more specific as to what we’re looking for? A picture or something.” It was then that I felt a chill up my spine. Ever since I split up from the guys, I have been getting a creepy feeling from this place, like I was being watched. It wasn’t long until I heard screaming, one I knew too well. “Flutters?” Thinking Fluttershy was in trouble, I then started running towards it, up to where I found it in a room. I looked around, trying to see where Flutters was at as she had to be hiding. “Flutters? Fluttershy, where are you?” “I’m right here.” I heard her say and turned to my right to see nothing. While I tried to figure out what was going on, I yelped as I heard the door slam behind me. “Hey!” I said as I went to the door and tried to open it, only to find it locked or something. “Who closed this door?” “Sorry. Can’t let you leave just yet.” Flutters said as I then watched as the room turned into a tomb filled with spider webs and bones. “Okay. Now I know you’re not Fluttershy.” “He, he, he. Took you long enough.” The voice said and was starting to change. “Okay, buddy. Stop hiding and face me!” I said as I looked around. I then watched as bones began to move around and created a creature I knew anywhere, though it was different. It looked like it, but it was now made of bones, having all of its tendrils, and dark green eyes. “The Paraserpent?” “Not exactly.” The skeleton said. “I am Doom Cobra and I will swallow you whole and spit you out as a lifeless husk!” Then the skeleton went on the attack. Dog’s view After a while, I followed AJ into a room and looked around for her. “Okay, AJ. Show me what ya found.” Just when I said it, the door slammed behind me. Now I was starting to get worried. “AJ?” “Oh, I found something, alright.” AJ said as I saw something coming out of the shadows, her voice changing to sounding a scruffy stallion as the room got all dark. “I found… you.” Just then, fires started everywhere and showed me what was hiding. Even covered in fire, it all glowing red, and having some new white eyes, I knew it was that darn Paraserpent that trapped AJ before. “You again!” I was not really happy to see this varmint again. “Settle down. I’m not who you think I am.” It said to me. “My name is Blaze Mamba and I’m about to turn up the heat on you, ice boy!” it then began attacking me, shooting fire from its tendrils. Shield’s view After searching around, I found Dash’s voice coming from a room. I headed right in and looked for Dash. “Dash, I’m here!” I looked around, but didn’t find Dash anywhere. “Dash?” Just then, the door slammed behind me. I tried to get it open, but it wouldn’t budge. “Hey, what’s going on here?” “What’s the matter, Shield?” Dash said, her voice changing in a deep stallion’s. “Feeling scared?” Though it had a new look with turning all purple, adding red spikes, and getting blue eyes, I knew the Paraserpent when I saw him. “What the heck? What did you do with Dash?” “Nothing. She’s fine… for now. Don’t worry. You can now play with me, Grim Viper!” the overgrown snake then came right at me. Dusk’s view Approaching the pedestal, I gently placed my claw upon it, knowing that this was the place where the Elements of Harmony had once rested. From there, I remembered Twilight had told me how: at first, the Elements were in the form of stone orbs with different shapes carved on them. It was only after Nightmare Moon had shattered these forms and that Twilight discovered the truth that they had taken on their true forms, the ones they had today. Not for the first time, I wished I could have been there… Even though I was meant to be here for an important mission, I still took the time to take in my surroundings, my fascination for history taking over. I was actually here, in one of the most ancient and least explored historical locations in Equestria's time. If only I could take the time to have a better exploration of the structure, who knows what I could find? Perhaps later, I thought, continue to search for whatever Luna had sent me here for. “This really is… incredible.” I said to myself as I turned my back on the pedestal. “You think so? I find it to be rather drab and dull myself. I can see why the Princesses left the place. Canterlot is so much flashier.” I froze at the sound of that voice. Even before I turned around to see who was speaking, I already knew who it was. Only one being in Equestria could have a voice so enticing and yet so repulsive at the same time. I stood stock-still as I beheld Equestria’s ancient foe, a figure I’d seen encased in stone so many times. In the flesh however, he was truly chilling, even his eye pupils were uneven as they shined with malice. Swallowing my fear, I then tried to glare at him, getting into fighting stance as I revealed my tail “Discord.” I coldly said to him “The one and only.” He gave a bow, vanished, and reappeared in front of me, making me jump. “So you must be Dusk Noir, the new Fire Dragon.” He grinned and grabbed my claw, shaking it frantically. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I’ve really been quite looking forward to it. I must say you're certainly…smaller than I expected.” I examined my claw when Discord let go, afraid that he'd done something. “You…you wanted to meet me?” “Of course, since your ‘friends’,” he said with sarcastic air quotes, “were too inconsiderate to bring you along with them, so I had to come to you. Rather annoying, but I’d say it was worth it. Ooh! I heard about what you did at Magical Talent of Equestria, including moil in the starring role. I’m quite flattered. Such talent, such pizazz! Could I have your autograph?” He offered a notepad that was made of wood and a pencil made of paper. I stared at it for a bit and then finally collected myself. Recalling what I knew about Discord and knowing he was trying to manipulate me in some way, I did my best to glare defiantly at him, holding his wicked gaze. “What do you want, Discord?” I demanded firmly, though he could still hear a quiver in my voice. Discord gave an affected look of offense. “Oh, that’s just rude! I thought that was self-explanatory, my little friend. I expected you to be a little more polite.” Be brave, Dusk. I told myself. Don’t give in to him. “You don’t deserve respect, Discord. Besides, you want an autograph from somepony who beat one of your loyal servants?” “Who? Oh, right. The Paraserpent.” He shrugged nonchalantly. “They’re small fry, easily replaced. In fact, thank you for reminding me to create more of them once I win. Besides,” he retorted, “we both know that it wasn’t you who struck the final blow, now was it?” I knew this was true, but didn’t deign to respond directly. I wasn't going to give Discord the satisfaction. “Still, I must ask why you’ve come to find me.” “Why? I have simply come to offer my sympathies to you for your current situation. You must be so disappointed, so devastated.” This confused me. Had something happened? “What are you talking about?” He grinned even wider, but there was no warmth in his smile. “I’m talking about how you’ve been left behind. Abandoned by your so-called friends. Deep down, I think you knew this was coming, but it still must be a painful blow.” “What? No, they haven’t abandoned me.” I said confidently. “I chose to stay behind because of you.” “Which is exactly why they have abandoned you, among other things.” he added sinisterly. “They knew you were useless all the time and they’ve left you at the first opportunity, just waiting for the chance to leave you in the lurch. Again, very cruel after you tried so hard to fit in, all in vain.” “No, no! That’s not true.” I knew Discord was trying to trick me, but…why did his words sound so true and my sound a little hollow? “Oh, really? Here's what they were saying the instant that they left you.” Discord summoned a shimmering cloud of color, rather like the ones that I made. In it formed the images of the girls galloping away to Canterlot. For a moment, they stopped and let out sighs of relief. “Whew, finally we got away from that geek.” Rainbow spoke up in an annoyed tone. “Honestly, I never thought we'd be able to ditch him.” “I hear ya.” Applejack added. “You’d have thought he’d have gotten the message earlier that we don’t want him around, but that boy is just so wrapped up in it. Kinda sad, livin’ in a dream like that.” “Ugh, I know right?” Pinkie fumed. “Even I don’t like him and I like everypony. The way I have to call him ‘psychic’ all the time, it just drives me nuts!” “He is certainly quite irritating, to say the least.” Rarity added, flicking her mane with disdain. “Worst of all, he’s completely useless at this time. I know he is my cousin, but I simply do not understand why we’ve put up with him.” “Twilight,” Fluttershy asked, “do you think, when we get to Canterlot, we can ask Princess Celestia to make him go away? I don’t like to pretend anymore.” “I think we can.” she nodded. “Believe me, I’ve tried to put up with him, but I’ve had it up to here. Frankly, I’m surprised I managed this long.” “Then it’s settled.” Rarity put in. “After today, no more Dusk. Agreed?” “Agreed.” they all chorused. “Now come on, let’s go and get this over with.” Following Twilight, they all galloped away and faded, but I was still staring in utter disbelief about what he had seen. Each of the girls’ words had felt like hammer blows to my heart. They struck me at my very core, realizing all of my worst fears when I first started being friends with them. It seems I was right all along…I was useless, stupid, pointless… Even worse, they found me to be annoying for even trying to fit in in the first place…how could I have been so stupid as to make myself believe I was actually making a difference…? No. another side to this was saying. This is Discord trying to trick you. This is what he does, you know that. You have to fight him. These visions aren’t real, no matter how painful they may be. Just don't listen to him, don't trust him, he knows what can hurt you and he'll use it against you. “You’re lying, that’s not true.” My voice sounded weak, powerless, that I was the one lying to myself. “They wouldn’t say that about me… I know it… not them, not Twilight…” Discord actually burst out laughing. “Oh, that's priceless! You actually think that she’s any different, do you? Do you think she’s special? Believe me, Dusk, I haven’t shown you the worst part yet.” He once again conjured up a color cloud, Twilight’s face forming inside it. She looked angry, distressed even. I didn’t want to look, didn't want to listen, but something kept me watching, which meant I couldn't tear my eyes away. “I can’t feel about somepony…like that. Friendship is one thing, but romance? That’s just silly! Absolute nonsense!” Somehow, this was even more destroying than the last vision. Me. She was talking about me and her romantic feelings. This was even worse, watching her dismiss it so angrily, so fiercely. I could actually feel my heart shatter as she continued on, still resolutely determined to deny it. “It’s just silly. I mean, devoting all of your time trying to dote somepony, woo them, when they may not even feel the same way? That just doesn’t make any sense, it’s foolish!” “No!” I actually screamed now, waving it away. “No, no! It’s not true, it can’t be!” “It seems that what they say is right.” Discord commented casually. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you mad. It hurts, doesn't it, Dusk? To know what they really think, what she really thinks?” “But I know how you work, Discord!” I tried desperately to clutch at what little chances I had. “This is what you do, show ponies their deepest desires and fears and use them against them. This isn’t real, it’s a trick!” “But you know yourself what Twilight thinks of romance, Dusk.” he countered, grinning with amusement. “Some of it may be tricks, some may not be. The question is how you can tell what is real…” He reached up to his face and pulled it away like a mask. “…and what is false?” “I… I…” I simply couldn’t answer. It was as if watching my worst, deepest fears had struck me dumb. I just hurt so much, felt so much pain, worse than any physical wound. Let it end, I thought desperately, just let it end. That voice telling me to resist had been silenced, Discord’s truth reigning over. He was right…he had been all along. Perhaps he had always known, but didn’t want to see it… “Oh, but it’s even worse what's to come.” Discord’s words were bitterly enticing and entrancing, as I watched him hover around, tears in my eyes. “I’ve shown you the past, the present…let's see what the future has in store, shall we?” Once again, I watched as the color cloud formed the scene. It depicted myself, standing before the library, silently begging the girls, who were all going off their separate ways and failing miserably. Soon, I was left alone, staring desperately after where they had all gone. I collapsed my head in my hooves and wept, wept to be so alone, alone after the lie that I had actually had friends and the cruel truth that had now come to light. “They're gone.” my future-self wept. “They’re all gone… They left me… They promised they wouldn’t leave me…” After a few seconds, Future Dusk stopped sobbing and just stared at the ground. His body was now shaking, not from weeping, but with rage. When he next spoke, his voice no longer sounded gentle and timid, but deeper and angrier. “If my curse is to be alone… then this whole land, this entire realm… will suffer with me!” He raised his head and opened his eyes. They were no longer hazel brown, but amethyst purple, becoming dragon eyes. He flung his trilby angrily to the floor as a wave of black fire washed over him, turning into his elemental form, only his body now the deepest black, a black unicorn horn curved upward with a large plume at the tip, a bone-white mane that was wild and untamed, and a spikeless tail. His expression was one of utter fury, mixed with deep pain and loss, truly terrifying to behold. “None have ever accepted me.” He said in that anger-filled voice. “Now none ever will. They thought Discord was bad? Wait until I get started.” Then, with an animal-like screech of rage, this hideous malformation of myself shone with dark power, creatures from the darkest crevices emerging to serve him in his rage, to share in his anger. A black hole of rage and pain, doom to all who stood before him… “NO!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, tearing away my gaze and collapsing to the floor. “No! No, no, no, no… no…” Now I really did begin to cry, to weep for my loss, for what was to come that I had no hope of stopping… “Aw, Dusk. The truth hurts, doesn’t it?” I felt Discord’s claw on my back, patting consolingly. “You see, things were better as they were, weren’t they? When the only one to disappoint was yourself. Who knows? If you go back now, it may not be too late.” I looked into his red eyes, the draconequus holding me in a hypnotic gaze. “Time to wake up from the dream, Dusk. You are alone and always will be. You may not be anything to anypony, but it’s better that way, don't you think?” “Yes… No!” I desperately wrenched my gaze away, fighting back my tears. “No… No, it… it isn’t real! It isn’t… no.” “Oh, stop fighting, little Dusk.” I felt something wrench away my hat and place a cold claw touch the top of my head, making me look into the eyes of Discord. “Just give in, like you know you want to.” In that instant, I could feel it: Discord’s Chaos Magic flowing through my body, trying to alter me. I could even feel it as my fur, mane, and tail were slowly beginning to lose color, becoming gray. “Now, tell me, Dusk? Am I right about you?” After hearing those words, I was about to give in and tell him he was. Tell him that I would accept my fate as there was no way to escape it. But then… I heard a voice. Is that it? It said, the voice turning out to be my own. Are you really going to give in? Looking up, I found Discord was gone and I was in some kind of black void. Where was I? How did I get here? All sort of questions were coursing through my head for I had no idea what was happening. Now that isn’t really you, is it? The voice said to me, but I wasn’t sure whether to listen or not. What’s wrong? Are you really going to listen to what a deceiver like him haves to say about you? Here, in this very moment, you would forsake the very friends who you care about so much? Just then, flying into my view from the side, I saw… a butterfly. It was unlike any butterfly I’ve ever seen before. It was glowing in pure white and was leaving a trail of what appeared to be rainbow stardust behind it. Do you really consider knowing them and they you a mistake? Right there, I then had flashes of memories, ones about the time I spent with the girls and even the guys. I remembered how happy I was, how much fun I had with them. Through both the good and the bad, I never felt sad or even shed a tear of that kind. Do you truly consider accepting friendship as making the wrong choice? From there, I began remembering everything I’ve experienced with my friends, from my days as leader of the Element Squad to what had become part of my life in Ponyville. Moments like helping Rainbow and Shield with practice, spending time at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack and Dog, taking tea with Rarity, picking out a pet with Fluttershy and Leon, baking with Pinkie… even dancing with Twilight. All those moments I have experienced… not once did I ever think of them as lies and I wasn’t going to think like that now. “No… I don’t.” I said, answering the questions while closing my eyes. “I do not regret for accepting friendship into my heart. Not one bit.” Very good. Then take heed in your resolve and show this deceiver you are not so easily persuade. the voice told me as the butterfly then flew over to my horn, turning into light that was absorbed into my body, and allow the spark of rebellion to ignite! As it continued, I could feel myself becoming stronger, Discord words now feeling meaningless to me for I now saw them to be false. Thou who would accept blasphemy for the sake of thine own justice. Within thine own heart, both pure and good, unleash thine righteous rage. Reveal the strength of thine will to seek the truth on thine own, though thou be chained down… by Hades itself! “Well, Dusk?” Discord said, making me open my eyes. “What’s your answer?” Though he was feeling pretty proud for he thought he broke me, but he lost that smug when he gasped from seeing my eyes. They were not devoid of hope or even normal, but really now those of a Fire Dragon that burned brightly with rage, as I glared right at him. “No… you’re wrong.” I responded, making sure he knew how much he ticked me off. “I know the girls. They would never say anything like that about me. You say I’m living some kind of dream? Looks more like to me you’re the one living the dream. So how about I wake you up instead?” “What… what?!” Discord stuttered as I gripped my claws into fists. “What are you talking about?” “What I’m saying is,” I then raised my right arm, reeling it back while opening my claw, heating up the palm while preparing to thrust it forward, “that you should take all this crud you’ve been giving me and SHUT UP!” With that, I then shoved my claw directly into Discord’s face, the burning sensation of my Thermal Touch causing Discord to scream in pain and lose his grip on me. Canceling it out and landing on my claws and hooves, I looked right at Discord as he held his face in pain, using both his claw and paw. “Nice try, Discord! You may have gotten my ancestor, but I’m not gonna let your Chaos Magic send me to the same fate!” I then jumped at and punched Discord right in the torso, sending the draconequus straight to the wall. I landed to his side as he fell flat to the ground. “Just so you know, I consider myself lucky to have friends like the ones I have now. It’s because of them I know all you try to say to me is false. My loyalty to them makes sure I’ll never fall for your tricks. They are strengthen my hope that there will always be a better tomorrow. And the love I have for them of which they had given the same love back in return is what assures me that I will never become the monster you’re trying to create. You think I’m just a little angel who’s wings you can just clip? That might be what I look like on the surface and only seeing that was your mistake. Somebody who thinks of himself as a god? Well, pal, you’re in trouble now. Because you just ticked off a devil!” Watching him pick himself up, I was then shocked to find—instead of being surprised—Discord was actually… laughing? I was even more shocked to find there wasn’t a burnt mark on his face and turned to me. It was like my Thermal Touch didn’t even happen. “Whoa-ho-ho! Well done, Dusk! Bravo!” Discord said as he clapped in applause. “You certainly live up to your reputation. What a performance!” He then looked down at me. “Come now, dear boy! You honestly didn’t think it would be so easy to attack me, did you? I’ve dealt with your kind before. Though I’m a little confused her.” He then began to ponder, facing away from me while he had his paw on his chin. “As I recall, I don’t recall ever using my magic on any Fire Dragon like I had done with so many other ponies.” I watched as a sudden realization hit him, turning to me with a smug. “Unless… you’re talking about somepony else.” It was there I then gave him a glare. “Oh, of course! I should have realized it before. You’re related to that little unicorn I met ages ago. Fore Sight, am I correct?” “Yeah, I’m his descendant.” I told the Lord of Chaos. “And I know what you did to him.” “Well, don’t take it personally.” He told me. “I had to make sure that he didn’t do anything too… reckless. He sure was troublesome, especially with all that talk he had about you.” From what he said, I was now confused. “Me? What are you talking about?” “Uh-uh-uh! No spoilers!” Discord wiggled a finger at me. “Though I will give you a little reward. Let’s see how your honest friend in Canterlot is doing.” With a snap of his claws, a large mirror appeared right beside me. “Go on, take a peek.” Though hesitant, I looked at the mirror and watched as an image from within it. Before long, I was watching as Applejack running along a path with walls of hedges. Seeing her hitting turns and either passing or taking different paths, I soon realized where she was. “The palace labyrinth?” I was ultimately confused. “What in Equestria is Applejack doing in the labyrinth?” After reaching one point, she backtracked herself and changed course to find three stray apples lying on the ground. In that instant, the apples started rolling away. “What in tarnation?” Applejack said as she then followed where the apples were going, eventually coming to a grove full of apple trees. “Where am I?” Soon, the apples on the trees began to fall, one hitting her on the head while the others fell on the ground. Soon the apples rolled over to her and began circling her, form three piles of separate colors (the first red, the second being a lighter shade, and the third baring green). With suspicious laughter, the apples began rising and falling, forming faces with every rise and two leaves forming pupils. “Who are y’all?” “The keepers of the grove of truth.” The red apple pile started. “You may ask us…” “…one question…” the light red apple pile continued. “…past, future, or present.” The green apple pile finished. Looking towards Discord, I saw him holding a microphone and saying the same thing those apple piles were saying to Applejack. It didn’t take me long to realize that those apples were actually an illusion created by Discord as I looked back. “But be warned…” “…that the truth…” “…may not always be pleasant.” “Alright then.” Applejack said, believing what those apples were saying was true. “I don’t trust this place worth a hill of beans, but I’ve got a really bad feelin’ about this fella Discord. What’s gonna come of this mission we’re on?” “For the answers you seek…” the apples then led her over to a nearby pond. “…go ahead, take a peek.” “Applejack, no!” I pleaded, knowing this was a trap. “Don’t look into that pool!” It was already too late as Applejack looked into the pond, now shown a vision of all of us together and looking like we had an argument. “I hope I never see you again!” the Rainbow Dash in the pond said. “Me too!” the pond Fluttershy put in. “Yeah, who needs you guys?” pond Leon added. “This whole thing was a mistake!” said the pond Shield. “I don’t need no snob, or cowards, or an airhead, or even some country bumpkins tying me down! From here on out, whatever I do, I go out alone!” “Fine!” the pond Pinkie told him, followed by the pond Rarity. “Fine!” “It’s settled then.” Pond Twilight said. “Indeed. From now on, the Element Gang is disbanded and we are no longer friends!” the pond me said before everypony who spoke left, leaving only Pond Applejack with her Dog. She tried to reach out to him, silently begging him not to leave, but he gave her a glare before he then turned and ran off too, the Pond Applejack now alone and without friends. “No! Our friendship… over?!” Applejack said in disbelief as the vision came to an end. “It can’t be true! It just can’t be the truth!” It was then the apples began speaking to her again. “When all the truth does…” “is make your heart ache,” right there, I then watched as the eyes on the green apple pile gained that same hypnotic stare as the one Discord gave me, “sometimes a lie is easier to take.” “Applejack, no! Don’t listen to them!” I said as both the grove and the apples disappeared, watching as my peach friend lose her color and was now gray. “It’s not real!” Hearing Discord laughing, I then directed a glare right at him, now realizing his true plan. “This was your game the whole time! You knew I wouldn’t fall for your tricks and you knew I could be able to help the girls not fall for them! All that chaos you created, that wasn’t to lure me and the others out! You were just trying to make me and the guys stay back here while you went after the girls! You tricked us into splitting up so everything went accordingly to your plan!” “That’s right.” Discord said to me. “All I have done kept you four busy and set my master plan in motion. One pony down, five more to go. Soon, neither the Elements of Harmony or even your Element Gang will be able to stop me!” “You won’t get away with this, Discord!” I told him in defiance. “You might make them forget who they are, but I’ll remind them of who they truly are. Somehow. And, together, we’ll take you down!” “Oh, Dusk,” Discord looked at me with a smug, “while that is pretty noble of you, it is pointless to make a promise you can’t keep. If I were you, I would worry more about yourself than your friends.” Before I could respond, something pounced from behind and wrapped around my entire body, leaving only my head free to move. Feeling a familiar tendril grip my head, I looked to see that find a Paraserpent that caught me. When I saw it had a singed tendril, I realized that it was the same Paraserpent I fought. “You?” I was shocked to find it here. “Misssssed me?” it said before it then pulled my head a bit and then dove and bit my neck, causing me to scream in pain from its fangs breaking the skin. After a moment, the snake then let me go, slithering away over to Discord as I fell and laid on the floor. “Good work.” Discord said to it before leaned over to me as I struggled to get up. “Now doesn’t that feel better?” “What was that?” I said, knowing something was wrong as I was feeling weak. “What did you do to me?” “Well, you couldn’t listen to reason, so I had to take a different approach.” He told me, still keeping that smug of his. “You see, Dusk, I can’t have you spoiling the surprises I have in store for you and your friends. So I decided to have my own friend here give you a little something that will make you… see things my way. Found it while I was still on my throne. I think you might know what it is.” I was then shocked as I realized what the Paraserpent put into me. “Black Blood!” “Correct!” He told me. “You see, when I created my Paraserpents, I filled their fangs with some of this wonderful stuff. Any creature they bite will instantly have Black Blood coursing through their veins. Just, like, you.” “Be happy.” the Paraserpent said to me, giving me a malicious grin. “You’re the firsssst pony I’ve ever introduced to Black Blood in over a century.” “What?” I was shocked by this. Did that snake say it infected others with Black Blood? “You mean… there were other… victims?” “Not victimsssss, victim.” It clarified before it explained. “You ssssee, after my masssster was imprissssoned, I tried to claim vengeance. It wasn’t much but I managed to infect one of thossssse responssssible for the extermination of my race.” I then gasped as I realized who he was talking about and it explained everything. The victim he described was actually one of great power, one who’s own turning had led her to be imprisoned much like Discord, and who’s return was prophesized to bring nothing but plunge Equestria in eternal night: the younger sister of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I was actually shocked by this. The reason why Luna refused to lower the moon, revolted against Celestia, and became the tyrant known as Nightmare Moon… was because she was infected with Black Blood! “It was you?” I said to the Paraserpent in disbelief. “You turned Luna into Nightmare Moon?” “That’ssss right.” it said to me. “It was only a drop of Black Blood that I gave. With her being an alicorn it took longer. But, since you took it directly from my fangs, you will suffer the same fate as she did much sooner.” I then groaned and screamed in pain as I felt the Black Blood taking root within me. “It’s been fun, but now we better get going.” Discord said to me. “I have some appointments to keep. Farewell, little Dusk. See you… well, whenever.” “No…” Vanishing in a flash of light, Discord and his Paraserpent vanished, leaving me alone to grovel in pain from being infected with Black Blood. Twilight’s view “Dusk, no!” I cried out in worry, looking down at the book in which I could see Dusk, who had now faded away from the pages, the look of pain upon his features, whatever Discord had done no doubt hurting him. I don’t know what Discord had done, but seeing his pained expressions, hearing his helpless screams made me feel tortured enough. This was what I wanted to avoid, I didn’t want him to get hurt. Dusk wasn’t part of it, he didn’t deserve it. Now, he had been reduced to this state, weakened and suffering. I shouldn’t have left him behind. Dusk should have been here with us…with me. “Now isn’t that quite the twist, isn’t it?” I heard Discord say, sounding amused. “Though I always do love a good plot twist. Thank you, Black Blood.” My regret for leaving Dusk, my sadness at seeing him like this, was now replaced with anger at the Spirit of Chaos. I turned to face him, looking right into his eyes, wishing I could curse him into a million pieces. “Why did you do that? He did nothing to you!" “Hey, I’m the one who’s been trapped in stone for a thousand years.” He gave me his wicked grin. “Can you blame me for having a little fun?” “Yes, I can! That’s not fun, that’s cruel beyond belief! And you did that to him!” She pointed up at him. “I don’t care how long it takes now. I’m gonna find the Elements of Harmony, I’m gonna find my friends, and then we’re gonna stop you. For good!” “Big words, Twilight Sparkle, but let’s see if you’ll stand by them afterwards.” He didn’t elaborate further on these words but simply smiled even wider. “Well, time to be off. The game is still going and there are still other players I have yet to see. I suppose I’ll see you when it’s time for my ‘big end’, Twilight Sparkle.” he said with sarcastic air quotes. “So long!” He vanished once again, taking his strange library with him and leaving me in the clearing of the maze. In front of me, a section of the maze fell away, leading back into its twisting labyrinth. Time to get back in the game. I thought, still with seething anger for what Discord had done. I still had the question as to why Discord had targeted Dusk. I remembered him telling her that Discord enjoyed tormenting and toying with other ponies during his rule, so I supposed that was the purpose behind it. Simply because I wasn't here and I was close to her and her friends, that was why Discord had targeted Dusk. If he’d done it to try and dishearten me, to make me feel like giving up. That was where he had failed. I was now even more resolved to end his games. Remembering the look of pain that Dusk had on his face when Discord was tormenting him and had that Paraserpent bite him, I let this drive me as I galloped through the twists and turns of the maze. Even more than ever, I was determined to stop Discord for all time, to find my friends and the Elements and to make him pay for what he’d done to Dusk. As long as we were together, nothing would stop us. “I’ll show you, Discord.” I growled under my breath. “We’re gonna stop you and that’s a promise.” As I galloped deeper into the maze, the minutes passing by, I suddenly heard a voice nearby, one with a familiar Southern accent. Applejack! Pushing myself further, I glanced to the side as a bit of the hedge opened up. I backed up and saw the Stetson-topped pony standing in the clearing. “Applejack! Thank goodness! I thought I heard voices over here. Who were you talking to?” I asked as I approached her, only now realizing that her fur, her whole body, was duller in color than before. “I was talkin’ to… uh… nopony! Nopony whatsoever!” she insisted, her eyes shifting from left to right. Her demeanor was more tense, less relaxed than normal. So was I, but this was…different. “What?” I asked unsurely. “Nothin’.” That shifty look came back as she walked past her. “Come on, uh… we best be goin’.” Twilight watched as she left, a horrible thought occurring. “Did Applejack just…?” I then remembered what Discord showed Dusk and realized what was going on. “Oh, no! Discord really did corrupt her. Applejack would never lie. If Discord did this to her, then…” I then mentally slapped myself to my senses. “Come on, Twilight! You might not have been able to save Applejack, but you can still save everypony else!” Confident that I would save my friends before Discord got to them, I followed Applejack out. Though I was too late, I was glad that I had found one of my friends, even though she was different. Hopefully, I can save the others before Discord finds them. I was also worried by what I just heard. What that Paraserpent did to Dusk, was it really how Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon? Does that mean that Dusk would…? Pushing those thoughts aside, I returned to the task at hoof and was now hoping that, whatever was happening to Dusk, he would be alright. Dusk’s view Once the pain had subsided, I raised my head and got myself back on my claws and hooves, now feeling like I had the worst headache. “Oh, man!” I groaned in pain, rubbing my head with a single claw. “I feel like I just overindulged myself with Pinkie’s punch, but worse.” Remembering what just happened, I then moved my claw to my neck, hoping what I experienced was an illusion. That hope sunk like a rock in a lake when if felt the bite mark on my neck. “Oh, no. I was hoping that was just a trick.” There was no mistaking it now: I, Dusk Noir, had been infected with Black Blood. The very same of which turned a few of my predecessors into vile monsters and even create Nightmare Moon. Now I saw what Luna had meant when she said I wouldn’t meet the same fate. She must have figured out that she was infected with Black Blood. Seems that her hopes for me for not suffering the same fate had been for nothing. Now, thanks to this infection, I would become something like Nightmare Moon, possibly something even worse. If I didn’t find a way to undo this, then I was afraid the story of my life would come to a close. What was I gonna do now? I couldn’t help the girls like this. I could turn at any moment. I was supposed to protect Equestria from evil like Discord, to be the symbol of peace and justice. But now… I wasn’t going to be able to full that part. I failed Equestria, I failed my ancestors. Worst of all… I failed my friends. Clutching at the necklace around my neck, I was now beginning to feel the sadness Discord tried to instill in me and was about ready to give up. That is, until… suddenly, I felt something touch my shoulder. Looking over to it, I saw this black, three-digit claw. Looking beyond it, I was met by a single blue eye. Caught by surprise, I jumped as I backed away, the creature taking its claw off me as I got a full view of it. I was even more surprised when I saw what it was. Here, floating before me, was a black, hourglass-shaped creature who’s lower body resembled an old, ripped cloak. Its arms were skinny and had long, black tatters from its shoulders. Its small head bared white, fog-like, ghostly plume that covered the right side of its face, the plume resembling hair. Around its head, it haves a red, spiky growth surrounding its neck, the growth resembling the crimson fangs of a beast. What I was seeing was a Darkrai. Better known as the Dark Type Pitch-Black Pokémon, Darkrai lurks in the shadows and is said to have the ability to make people experience nightmares. I had no idea that it was even here. Did it occupy this castle? “A Darkrai?” I said to myself as I wondered as to why the Pokémon had revealed itself before I saw it lift one arm, revealing it had my hat. “My hat!” Using my magic, I then took it back and placed it back on my head. Seeing as to how it wasn’t attacking when I did that, I realized that it was just giving me my hat back. “Thank you.” With a nod, I then watched as it turned and began to leave. After going a few feet away, it stopped and turned back to me, using one arm to give a beckoning motion. “You want me to follow you?” that provoked a nod from it. Though I was a little curious and feeling nervous as to what this Darkrai was doing, seeing the condition I was in, I thought I could at least try and see what it wanted from me. “Okay.” Cautiously, I began to follow it as it then led me out of the Castle and back into the forest. As to where this Pokémon was taking me, I had no idea. After a while, we made it to a clearing and I was met by another surprise. In front of me, I gazed upon this dark-blue, dinosaur-like creature standing on all fours at the height of about seventeen feet. It had a long neck and appeared to be cover in silver body armor, such as its chest plate which bared a large diamond in its center. It also had something resembling a fin on its back and a crest on its head which also had two horns on top of it and two fang-like horns around its mouth. With three spines on the back of its neck, it also had three claws on each foot, all looking just as metallic as the chest plate. Seeing the faint cracks that exist across its body, I was in awe at what I was seeing, all while keeping my distance in respect. “Dialga,” I said in disbelief that I was in the presence of the very Temporal Pokémon itself, “the Legendary of Time!” Dusk Noir, Dialga said to me, using telepathy to speak to me. The voice it used sounded feminine, I have awaited your arrival. Please, come forward. Though I was confused and thought it was kidding, I walked over to it until I was standing in front of it, Dialga lowering its head so we were face to face. Dusk Noir, it is great pleasure that we finally meet. “It’s an honor to meet you too, great Dialga.” I said, doing my best to show my respects to it. “Though I’m… kind of confused.” You’re wondering why I am here instead of my own realm, correct? Dialga said, causing me to nod before it lift its head back up. Then allow me to elaborate. I am here for I have an important task for you. Which is why I asked of this Darkrai to bring you here. “A task?” Yes. One of which the fate of Equestria hangs in the balance. “Well, I-I’m not sure I can be able to help you. I’m kind of already doing one already as an order for Princess Luna.” Yes, I know, but fret not. The task I have for you is the same as to why she sent you here. Now I was really confused. “What do you mean?” Dusk, the search Princess Luna has sent you on is the very path that has led you to me and my task will help you find what you seek. “You mean… you can help me find what she sent me here for?” Yes. But, in order to fulfill the task I have for you, you will need to leave this place. “What? But Luna told me that what I’m supposed to find was here. Are you saying it’s someplace else?” Where are you going is someplace your friends cannot follow as this task can only be done by you and you alone. “Alone? I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Why ever not? “Well…” I then placed a claw over the Paraserpent’s bite mark on my neck was before Dialga spoke again. Ah, I see. The curse that Discord had inflicted on you. Fear not, Dusk. I am certain you can accomplish the task even with the madness building up within you. “Well… I guess I can try my best.” It was then I began to ask it an important question. “If you don’t mind me asking, seeing as you know everything that has and will happen, do you know how I can be able to rid myself of the Black Blood? I already see where it’s heading if I don’t do something about it and I don’t want my friends to get hurt because of it.” For that answer, young Dusk, I’m afraid you must discover on your own. I sighed, a bit depressed that I couldn’t get myself cured faster. If you are ready, I will send you where you need to be. I gave it some thought as I looked back at the castle. I knew it would both be dangerous and wrong to leave the guys behind, but if I had to do this alone to ensure safety for them and all of Equestria, I had to do it. After mentally saying goodbye to them and promising I’ll return, I then turned back to Dialga and said “Okay, Dialga. I’m ready.” Good. Then I will send you at once. Once the task is complete, I shall bring you back. Just remember to follow the light. From there, Dialga’s eyes began to glow blue as well as the rest of it and the diamond on its chest. It was then that I was surprised again from seeing myself glowing in that same light. Only the light that surrounded me was beating and pulsing as if it was alive, patterns of blue moving like an ocean. Looking back to Dialga, the Legendary then began to roar, the fin on its back expanding. All of a sudden, I felt my body jerk, like I’d just been yanked by a length of rope, being pulled somewhere. I screamed, but couldn't hear my own voice. I tried to resist, but there was nothing to hold on to, it was too strong. In that moment, I was lifted off my feet, being dragged away by whatever strange force had taken me. Now covered head to hoof and claw in light, I watched as I was taken out of my place to wherever Dialga was sending me. No one’s view On the outside in the ancient ruin, the light surrounding Dusk faded away, the unicorn nowhere to be found as Dialga stopped roaring, its eyes and back fin returning to normal. “The deed is done.” Dialga said to itself before looking to one of the windows and saw a dark shape leap and took off, only being seen by the very Legendary itself. “All has been set into motion. Dusk is now on the right path.” It then turned to look down at Darkrai. “The job is done. Now return to your master.” With that, Darkrai then took off into the night, flying to where its master was waiting. After it was out of sight, Dialga then looked up at the sky, towards the moon as its body began to glow again, this time it slowly starts to fade away. “Good luck, Dusk. We are all counting on you.” With those final words, Dialga instantly vanished, leaving the forest still with only the sounds of the creatures, the Pokémon’s task had been completed.