//------------------------------// // Chapter 22: Celebrations and Revelations // Story: Rise of the Element Gang, Book 3: Heroes United // by Power of Six //------------------------------// Chapter 22: Celebrations and Revelations “Whoo-whee! Some party, huh, Strongheart?” Applejack remarked to me. “Indeed it is.” I agreed. “Pinkie Pie certainly knows how to host a celebration, to say the least.” “That ain’t the half of it!” Dog said before he and Applejack ducked a stream of confetti that shot over their heads. “I think she put her all into this one.” “Well, it is quite an event we are celebrating, especially with Equestria’s greatest heroes.” I noted. Though I wasn’t quite used to the atmosphere of it all, I was having a good time at least. Dog took a swig from the cup of punch he had and looked across the room. “Ya know, I knew there was more to that stallion than met the eye, but even I wasn’t expectin’ that.” “Me neither.” AJ said as we looked to Dusk, who was standing close to Twilight while he was getting a drink with Spike. “Dusk, an Element of Harmony and it’s a new one! He sure is full of surprises, isn’t he?” “Ee-yup!” Dog said as Twilight then glared at some hopeful-looking mares gazing in Dusk’s direction, the trio bolting away before Dusk turned back around and Twilight returned to her bright smile. The two of them were staying rather close together, almost brushing each other’s sides. I even saw their cheeks go red, but neither of them seemed to mind. I had noticed that his eyesight didn’t seem to have improved by much. When Dusk tried to get a drink, his claw had lingered for a few moments over the drinks before selecting one, like he had to carefully consider where his claw would be going before in case it knocked over something. When he turned around to face Twilight, she had to stop him from tripping over another pony’s hoof he didn’t see. He had returned her gesture with a blush and diverted eyes, no doubt stuttering our some kind of thanks. “I had a feeling about him too.” I watched as we entered an avid discussion. “But I must admit, the seventh Element… did such a thing even exist before today?” “Far as Twilight and Dusk knows, there didn’t seem much to go on, but I wouldn’t really know. That’s more their area than mine.” Dog said. “Same here. I’m still tryin’ to wrap my head around the whole thing myself.” Applejack added, shaking her head. “I don’t think that you’re the only one.” I said, still watching Dusk. I could tell that Dusk was still just as surprised about his hidden destiny as much as we all were. It was in how much more restless Dusk seemed, how much his eyes still held surprise and attempts at comprehension, like someone had just explained something complex to him far too quickly. Still, he seemed perfectly at peace with Twilight and they were getting along fine. Until Spike popped up in between them, slapped them both on the backs, and chuckled, both of them smiling along but looking rather disappointed. I almost shook my head when neither of them said anything more on what was so obvious, so I returned my attention to the two cowponies, once again feeling comfort from the presence of a good friend. Strongheart was fitting in well enough. At first, I’d found it a little strange and unnerving being here, for the level of activity wasn’t really what I was used to. While my tribe did hold celebrations for certain events and we were invited to square dances by the townsfolk, this was on quite another level entirely. All of the noise, yelling and shouting and whooping was getting to me early on and I was tempted to try and leave, possibly find somewhere quieter. Still, my friends from Ponyville had helped me relax into it and members of my tribe and Appleloosa were here too, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. After the spell of chaos had lifted from our town, it didn’t take long for the citizens to figure out who their saviors were and the elementals and the Wielders were soon swamped by admirers and well-wishers. Dusk didn’t even have time to conceal his tail and they decided to share our secret with the townsfolk. Dusk wasn’t the only one attracting mares to him, his fellow stallions had practically gotten all kinds of fans around them. Shield liked the attention as always, Dog tried his best to take all the thanks, and Leon looked to a group of mares willing to date him and turned them down. Speaking of which, looking over to where Leon was as he and Fluttershy were talking, I looked to see that there were some mares glaring at her, no doubt jealous of her getting the attention of the water elemental. While the mayor did thank the six for saving Ponyville, some of the credit was shared. Myself and everypony who helped us back there were also included, receiving praise and thanks from both ponies and members of my tribe for my bravery, once we were pointed out. That too had been overwhelming, but I accepted it silently and humbly, thanking the spirits of my ancestors for guiding me to this point and aiding in our victory. Like everypony else, I was very thankful that the chaos spirit Discord had been stopped once again by friendship’s magic. Though I did know and uphold the belief that my people were a proud and noble race, even I couldn’t help but giggle a little at the bemused expressions of some of my tribe’s bulls when they were released from the influence that controlled them, only to discover that they were dressed in pink tutus and white vests. To say that they were embarrassed would have been an understatement. The Guardian and the Sky Monarchs had returned to Canterlot to return the Elements of Harmony and the statue of Discord to their rightful places and to organize an official ceremony to commend our efforts. The Night Bringer made particular mention of how brave I had been during what I had been through, praise I accepted with silent awe and surprise. In my eyes, I had only done what was necessary, but it was quite bolstering regardless. Sometimes a little pride was good to take. Unlike Dusk, I noticed, where he seemed to be extremely embarrassed at all of the attention he was getting as both the great fire elemental and the unknown seventh Element. Seeing him stutter and stumble out his responses had made me giggle a little more too. In lieu of the defeat of Discord, Pinkie had immediately suggested, despite the celebratory dinner that would be held after the ceremony tomorrow, that they have a party to celebrate. Within minutes, she’d set everything up and now the whole town, including my own tribe and the Appleloosans, were joining in on the party. Dog and Applejack had just come over to engage in conversation, while I had been glancing around unsure as to where to go or what to do. Though my gaze had been looking for one pale yellow stallion in particular, who I’d been awaiting the arrival of since the Appleloosans. Applejack gave me a sympathetic look. “Ya lookin’ mighty lonely there. Fittin’ in okay here?” “Better than I was.” she admitted. “Thank you for making me and my people feel welcome in your town.” “Hey, if you’re not feelin’ welcome in Ponyville, we ain’t doin’ our job right.” Dog said and we shared a laugh at this. “ʹSides, the buffalo have put up with us ponies buttin' in on their land, only figures we should do our best to return the favor.” “Those pies you make already settle that nicely enough.” I still felt my mouth begin water whenever I thought of the food that had ended our conflict. “How’ve things been there since we left then?” Applejack asked. “Oh, they’ve been great!” I assured. “The compromise we made is holding out nicely and, even then, me and Braeburn act as ambassadors for both sides.” “You and Braeburn, huh?” Applejack smiled in a knowing sort of way. Dog did too, but I didn’t really notice either of their looks. “That must be nice for ya.” “It is, yes.” I nodded, not catching the sly tone in Applejack's voice. “He and I get along very well and I think the peace we have is all that much better because of it.” “I would think so.” She had a casual sip of her punch. “Ya say ya get on well with my cousin then…” “Oh, yes, we do.” I was so happy to talk about him, I was still ignorant of Applejack and Dog’s looks. "He’s athletic, fair, pleasant, friendly, caring, strong, and handsome. He’s just wonderful.” “Uh-huh. Sounds to me like you two seem a lil’ more than just good friends.” “Well, that’s because we…” With a start, I remembered who she was talking to and soon my cheeks were as hot as the desert sun at the highest point. “Um… by which I mean we… I mean, he and I are… well, we’re…” I didn’t really know what to say. I had just said all of that to a member of Braeburn’s family without even stopping to think of how she might view our relationship. She didn’t look angry about it, but she could be just as easily covering up her anger behind that smile. Fortunately, I was spared her embarrassment. “Well, I must say, it’s mighty nice of ya that you’d say all of those things about me.” I whirled around and felt my smile grow at the sight of him sweeping off his hat in a bow. My mouth fell open and I shifted my eyes from my boyfriend to his cousin. “He’s been standing there all of this time, hasn't he?” I asked. “Ee-yup!” Dog answered. “He told me about you two and I kinda told AJ. We set this whole thing up.” “And you pretended not to know?” “Don’t look at me.” Applejack dismissed. “Braeburn’s idea, not mine. Anyway, enough about that. How long you two been goin' steady then?” I couldn’t help but blush as Braeburn put his leg around me. “Not very long. We’d only just begun really when Discord broke free. We were already such good friends and we thought it only made sense to… take things to the next level, despite our differences.” “Yeah, took some discussions with the Chief and the Sherriff though when they both first found out.” Braeburn informed. “But, once all that was sorted out, they didn’t see anythin’ wrong with it and they just let us go on ahead.” Even with Dog’s reassuring smile, I wasn’t really sure how Applejack would react. Even if we buffalo and the settlers had our treaty, there were some small tensions between us, mostly coming from cultural or sometimes physical differences. When we’d first admitted it to our leaders that our feelings for each other went beyond friendship, they had at first reacted harshly and forbade it. We, however, weren’t willing to let it go that easily. It had been tough, but it had been worth it. Applejack, however, only smiled and nodded fondly, immediately making me feel relaxed enough to melt into his embrace. “Well, I think it’s just grand. I’m happy for ya both.” she said honestly, as there was no other way for her to say it. “I don’t know what everypony else has been sayin’, but I think the two of you look great together.” Braeburn practically beamed. “Well, shucks, cuz. Thanks for that. The both of us really appreciate that.” “Yes, this means a lot to us both that you would say that, Applejack.” I raised my neck respectfully to her. “I know the two of you are family and I wasn’t sure how… well, this would be seen in your eyes.” “We’re friends, Strongheart. Why would ya think somethin’ like that?” She tipped her hat to us. “Well, I’m glad to have helped ya both and I hope ya’ll both be happy.” “Of that, I have no doubts.” She nuzzled Braeburn's cheek, which he returned with a kiss to hers. “At least somepony here knows what they want.” I saw her eyes flick in Dusk’s direction and frown a little until Dog spoke up. “Well, I’m gonna get goin’.” Dog said to us. “Gonna see if Shield’s up for a little hoof-wrestle. Wanna come, AJ?” “Sure. ʹSides, I want to get some more punch anyway.” She said as she regained her smile. She then winked as she walked off with Dog. “Have a good evenin’, you two.” “See? I told ya she’d be fine with us.” Braeburn remarked when we were alone. “Applejack’s gonna be just fine with us. I said it and—wouldn’t ya know it?—I was right! After all, she is family.” “Yes, yes. You’ve made your point.” I nuzzled him again. “I shouldn’t have doubted you, Brae, or your family.” “Shoot, ain’t nothin’, darlin’.” he assured me in his light-hearted voice. “Though I’m surprised Dog spilled the beans, especially when I told him not to tell Applejack.” “Well, it’s not surprising to me. A Warrior of the Winter Wind such as him is known to be honest to all.” “Still is to me. Considerin’ what he’s been hidin’ from Applejack.” “What do you mean?” He then motioned for me to come closer before he whispered in my ear. “Don’t tell anyone, but Dog actually has a thin’ for my cousin.” “What?” I was surprised by this. “Sure does. Found out while they were in Appleloosa. Boy does try, but it’s obvious when you see it.” “Oh, I see.” I then understood that Dog had made an excuse for him and Applejack to leave and allow us some time alone. “Though I don’t think your cousin seems to notice.” “Well, that’s just Applejack. Even when it’s right in front of her, she’d always be the last one to find out.” “I can see that.” I then gave a slight giggle. “So, as I was wonderin’ on over here, lookin’ for the prettiest buffalo my eyes ever did behold, I happened to catch her sayin’ certain things about me.” “Oh, did you now?” I asked teasingly. “Mighty kind of you, my sweetheart Strongheart.” “Well, my brave Brae, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear.” She gazed at him enticingly. “You sayin’ that you didn’t mean what you said then? Were you lyin’ to my cousin?” “I’m saying that maybe I wasn’t entirely truthful.” I traced my hoof around his face, keeping my smile. “Perhaps I really think that you are all of those things and even more." He placed a hoof over mine, my cheeks flaring even more from the contact. “And how might we prove that what you’re sayin’ is true?” “Well, there is one way.” Both of us thinking the same thing, our lips met in a kiss, which we held for several minutes before breaking apart. “I love you, Braeburn.” “And I love you, Little Strongheart.” Giggling, I rubbed my nose against his as he glanced over across the room. “I’d say that we ain’t the only couple at this shindig.” When I looked to where he pointed, I nodded approvingly when she saw that Twilight and Dusk were by themselves again, Spike not too far off at one of the part games. They had just finished speaking and were inches apart from each other, both of them red in the face and smiling shyly, but warmly to each other. They were clearly nervous about something—Twilight shifting on her hooves and Dusk shifting on his claws—and it seemed only inevitable what would happen, especially considering how the Warrior of Flame’s tail was wagging. They just had to close the distance… it was so simple yet, as I knew, so hard as well… would they do it? In the end, however, they both broke eye contact and stared off elsewhere in a mortified way, clearing their throats and stammering. I couldn’t help but sigh as Twilight was called away by Spike and, reluctantly, left her fellow unicorn, regret immediately clouding her face when her back was on Dusk. It was so obvious how they felt for each other, I’d even seen it myself when they were at Appleloosa. Why couldn’t they? “Guess I spoke too soon.” Braeburn seemed to echo my disappointment. “Both Dog and Applejack said themselves that it’s so obvious what those two feel for each other, it might as well be blowin’ an entire brass section right in front if their faces.” “Sometimes the things we miss are the most obvious.” I mused. “I guess.” Braeburn shrugged. “Shame really. That Dusk is a nice fella and that Twilight’s a sweet lil’ mare. I bet they’d look great together.” “On this, you and I are agreed.” I looked back at him, lost in his eyes once more. “Oh, well. We both know how that feels. I’m sure the truth will out soon enough.” “Hope so.” He looked back over at Dusk and his face fell. “Oh, he don’t look too happy, does he?” When I checked, she could see what he meant. Dusk’s head was bowed in disappointment, his tail lying on the floor as his my stature weighed down with sadness. It would be easy to pass it off as just berating himself for not saying anything to Twilight, but I could see there was more to it than that. I had seen it before when I’d looked into his eyes: a lingering guilt from some unknown crime, a heavy conscience weighing on his mind as great as a mountain. And there was something else too, a darkness that I couldn’t quite make out, the remnants of a shadow in the depths of his mind. I didn’t know what it was exactly, but when I had seen it—just for a second—it had made my spine tingle and feel uneasy. And, very rarely, did I feel uneasy. “Reckon we should go talk to him?” I didn’t answer Braeburn at once, but merely watched as Dusk—unnoticed by anypony else—placed his empty glass hard on the table, turned about and left the party, only lingering in the doorway a moment to gaze one last time at Twilight. A second later, he was gone as easily as a shadow vanished in the light. “I think this is something he needs to deal with himself. Besides,” I added somberly, “I don’t think we’re the ones he needs to talk to.” “You reckon so?” He looked at the door when I nodded. “Too bad. I feel kinda bad for him. Can’t be easy to deal with, a thing like that.” “No, I imagine not.” Only to me did I know that I was referring to more than Dusk’s failed attempts at romance. “Oh, well, let’s not get ourselves all upset.” His face brightened up in the boyish way it did. “Hey, let’s go play Pin the Tail on the Pony! I’ll show ya how to play!” “That sounds like a good idea. Hold on, I’ll join you in a moment.” He nodded, kissed my cheek, and set off for the closest game. I smiled as he left and looked towards the door again. The thought of Dusk in my mind, I stomped my hoof on the ground, grinded it for a few seconds, lifted it up to my mouth, and blew the dust I had gathered in the direction of the door. An act performed by my people to ward off evil influences. Somehow though, I knew I wouldn’t have had to explain that to Dusk. “Be strong, Dusk. Let the light prevail.” With that, I turned to rejoin Braeburn and let him show me how to play this new game. Dusk’s view As soon as I left the bustle and noise of the party, I felt something akin to relaxation. Being out here, in the cool night air with the stars shining down on me and the moon hung in the sky, I felt at peace with myself. The silence was tranquil, not oppressive, soothing my mind and relieving all of the pressures that I had been feeling. I felt like I could just stand here and I would be forever at peace, free from pain. Perhaps Twilight could join me and the two of us would have our perfect moment in time, even more so than when we’d danced at the Gala… Then the memories returned again, the screams and the cries, the destruction, the chaos, and the laughter… his laughter. No, I would never be at peace and I didn’t want Twilight nor anypony else to see me like this, not after all we’d been through. Part of me wanted to go back inside, find her and my friends, and hold them close, never letting go and letting them tell me it would be all right. Of course, that would be the right thing to do. But I couldn’t, not anymore… not after what I’d done and not after what I’d now discovered I was. Even if Twilight had forgiven me, still hasn’t really stopped all the guilt I felt for it. I’d need to be stronger now, to take care of my own problems. “I’m an Element now.” I whispered to myself. “Much like being a Fire Dragon, I need to be more resilient than I was, I need to show I deserve this responsibility…” I sighed and kept walking. Even to me, that just sounded like a lie. I’d just have to get used to it. So, that was why I had now left the celebrations and had started to make my way back home. I didn’t want to see anypony else anymore, not tonight. I didn’t want to read, or to think, or to speak, or do anything. I was just tired… so tired… more than I’d ever felt in my life. I needed to rest… I’d earned that much anyway. So, with a heavy heart, I made my way back through the darkened streets of Ponyville as best I could with my now terrible eyes. Though I knew just as well the power the Elements of Harmony had, it was still a little unnerving to actually see the effect that it had on our once chaotically driven home. Before, the level of change was unbelievable, with floating homes and candy floss clouds as far as the eye could see, not to mention the streets that were swarming with Paraserpents, thriving and feeding off the suffering their master had caused. With everypony discorded and unable or unwilling to rise up and stop Discord, it seemed like Ponyville would stay this way forever, along with all of Equestria once the chaos spread further. Though I shouldn’t be surprised since the power of the Element Gang was combined with the Elements, especially considering the relations between the Elements and the elemental powers. Now though, thanks to the wondrous magic of the Elements, everything was back to as it was, like Discord had never returned. The candy clouds had gone, houses were fixed firmly back on the ground, and everything that even related to chaos had gone. With the obvious exception of Pinkie, but her being gone would hardly be a good thing. Even my home, which had been destroyed by Diablo Nightfall, was back to normal. I had been there previously to find that everything was repaired, the interior, exterior, fence, plants, the whole thing was back, like it had been built brand new once again. The Elements… what a concept. I thought to myself, hiding in the shadows from a few ponies that passed down the streets. I didn’t want to be seen by anypony else tonight, especially with my newfound popularity now that the Element Gang secret was revealed in Ponyville… I stood up to set off again and tripped over a rock I didn’t see. Once again the mixed feelings I had for discovering that I was in fact the unknown and long-lost seventh Element of Harmony swamped my mind while I picked myself up and dusted off the dirt as best I could. Primarily, I was utterly shocked that such a thing even existed once I’d figured it out, even more so to the fact that it was me. Me, little Dusk Noir. Guess Dragonis was right saying I was a special Fire Dragon. On one hoof, I was rather grateful that now, as far as being an Element went, I was no longer the odd one out in the group, apart from still being one of the only few stallions. Now in future, if we ever needed the Elements again, I could be there with them and actually be useful, rather than just the fifth wheel. And it won’t be just me helping out. Thanks to Unity, now all the members of the Element Gang can help bring out the full power of the Elements, another example of how strong and wondrous the magic of friendship really is. On the other hoof though… it just seemed like some kind of cruel joke. I’d heard all the ponies at the party say how brave I was, how wonderful it was that I was Unity and I just felt rather embarrassed with all of this praise and attention. This comes as an example of how my true self is so much different compared to my hero persona. As El Dragon, I would show confidence at all the praise and attention which would hide insecurities I had as Dusk Noir. But this isn’t what had me feel so bad about myself. I also heard them talking, with more than an undertone of fear, about a stallion with fur as dark as night that had been helping Discord and torturing them, tormenting and terrorizing them with his horrible magic, laughing while he did it and screeching like a predator in rage and that just made me feel worse. I’d break eye contact, lose track of what I was saying, and try my best to block out what I could hear in my own memories… it made me so uncomfortable that it just made me want to close my eyes and wish they were all gone. It must have shown in my face because then they’d say, including my friends, that they understood what I’d been through and I had to restrain myself to stop a decisive laugh come out. True, everypony had their bad memories and experiences of what they'd suffered under Discord’s tyranny, things that they'd done that they regretted or things done to them they’d rather forget as soon as possible. But how could any of them even begin to comprehend what I was going through, what I had been through and what I now had to live with? I just said a quiet thanks and kept back a scowl when they turned away from me. What did they know? What did any of them know? But at least they were trying, so that was something, especially Twilight. Despite my guilt from the pain I’d caused her and the others, I still felt a flutter in my chest when she drew close to me now, those warm feelings whenever she gazed at me that just made me feel like all was well in the world… with her. Then, there was my cutie mark. I was still getting used to the fact that the little scroll of knowledge was now gone and replaced with the circle of color surround the shining star. That mark had been as much a part of me as my legs and fur, so of course it felt very strange. Yet, in another way, it also felt rather enriching for it showed what my true special talent was and the previous one had just been a kind of mask to disguise what my true talent was. Though I missed the scroll, I rather preferred this new one. How would my family react when they saw that, especially considering how surprised Hearth Forest was when she saw it. Though she didn’t show, I knew she was glad that my flank displayed the mark of my true talent. Speaking of, I still couldn’t help but chuckle a bit from remembering the joke she gave, that I should have kept the crown the stones I found had become as, in her words, I had “looked more like a member of royalty”. Even though I was surprised by it, I still preferred my trebly over a crown. Just felt… right. Unlocking the door to my home and stepping inside, I knew that many would be concerned about what troubled me. Still, it was my problem, not anypony else’s. And I would deal with it in my own way. I had dealt with the nightmares from my first encounter with the Paraserpent and I had always managed with similar things on my own before, I would do so again this time. Trying to feel at peace with myself, I let a light guide me to my bed, not even bothering to turn on the lights in my home. What was the point? I could barely see a thing anyway. I knew Ophelia would be out hunting and I left a window open for her to return later. I removed my hat and placed it on my bedpost and reached to remove Twilight’s necklace only to remember that it was no longer there. Only realizing now how I missed its once comforting weight around my neck, the love I always felt when I remembered what it meant to me and to the pony that gave it to me, I crawled into my bed and pulled up the covers around my body. At least she, my little owl, was still with me, so that was something. My eyelids sliding shut and clouding my already blurry eyes, my last thought before I drifted into the land of dreams was if my eyes really would get better or if, like my mind, they would be forever scarred, never to heal… No one’s view Unknown to Dusk, as he drifted off to sleep, a bizarre form appeared on the floor, a shadow slinking into the room to where the top of its head reached Dusk’s bedside. The head itself bared a ghostly plume. Dusk’s view Everything was perfect when I fell to sleep and awoke to the dawn of a new day in my home. The sun was shining high up the sky, the rays beaming down on the rivers and making the surface sparkle like diamonds. Ponyville was picture perfect, beams of light brightening the already wonderful and homely houses, making it look more like something out of a storybook. The animals were playing in the fields, the birds were chirping the trees, their sweet melodies gracing and playing on my ears, a beautiful and enriching sound. Brightly colored flowers were sprouting from their stalks, bees buzzing in and out of them, adding their own beauty to this already utopian image. I emerged from my home and took in a deep breath of the early morning air, just glad that everything was back the way it was meant to be. It was just another perfect day in Ponyville and one that made me glad to be residing here. As always, I’d be on time to perform my normal duties in the library. Another day would be spent trading quips with Spike and shy smiles with Twilight, sorting out books, taking notes for her, and relaxing with a book at lunchtime with my fellow librarians, perhaps sharing another awkward yet pleasing moment when my claw and Twilight’s hoof accidentally touched each other or our sides brushed against one another for a moment. Then I’d always wonder if it really was an accident. When I looked down, I saw that Twilight’s necklace was still around my neck and my cutie mark was still a scroll. So, that whole Discord incident had just been some dream. I wasn't really the seventh Element of Harmony after all. Though disappointed at first, I then regained my good feeling when I thought about it. How could I be? Besides being El Dragon, I was nothing special, just Dusk Noir. And I was just fine with things like that. Sure, I wouldn’t much use if the Elements were needed, but I didn't want a responsibility like that, the attention and pressure that would come with such a duty. I would just be there in the background, still helping but never really seen. It was better that way. I didn’t really have some terrible darker side in my mind, Luna had told me so. It was just some little fear that I had and nothing more. Why on earth would I think of something like that anyway? “Oh, well, back to business.” I said to myself brightly, perhaps a little too brightly, as I used my metalbending to disguise my tail. “Keep calm and carry on, as they say.” Again, it sounded a little strange how happy I was while I continued on. When I got into town, it was just as welcoming and warm as I knew it to be. Just the way I prefer it, I thought happily, walking off into town and whistling on the way to work. Just when I wondered if Applejack had baked another apple pie down at the farm or if Pinkie would want me to sample some new cupcake recipe with the others, my eyes caught sight of some other ponies also leaving their homes to go about their daily routines. They also looked just as happy and thankful for this wonderful day as I was. A few caught sight of me, smiled in a friendly way, and raised their hooves to wave and wish me a good morning. I beamed back and was about to return the greeting, when I stopped and faltered. Something was wrong here and it took a little bit of thinking with my usually sharp mind before I noticed it. Their smiles looked too wide, too happy, to a point where they looked false. Their faces were stretched and warped from how big their smiles were growing, like a distorted image in one of those funhouse mirrors. Except while those could be funny, this was a little eerie and disturbing and it made me feel uncomfortable looking at them. They seemed to notice, but their smiles didn’t falter. “Something wrong there?” Even their voices sounded more like actors rehearsing lines for a show rather than actual ponies talking. I was about to say what was bothering me, but maybe I was just thinking about too hard, seeing strange things when there were none. “No, everything’s fine.” I answered back. “Have a great day.” “You too! After all, it is a beautiful day. Wouldn’t want to waste it!” There was that uncomfortable feeling again and I couldn't help but quicken his pace to the library. Perhaps I’d stop noticing after a while and I still felt a little drowsy and needed to wake myself up a bit. But the feeling didn’t go away and nopony else in the town looked any more normal than the two I’d met before. They all had those too-wide smiles, those strangely distorted faces as I quick-walked through town to the library. What made it worse was that they all stopped to look at me while I walked by and their smiles were even more disturbing when they grew wider at the sight of me. I stopped returning them after a while and ended up sprinting for the library. I hurried inside, slamming the door behind me and breathing heavily. I gripped the necklace around my neck and tried my best to calm down. What was going on today? Was there some kind of creature or magic affecting Ponyville, making everypony act like this? Or maybe it was something affecting me, altering my perceptions. Was it Discord, manipulating my thoughts and warping my view of my home to confuse me? Some new form of torture the lord of chaos had devised against me… Wait, how did that make any sense? I only knew about Discord from the many history books that I’d read and I knew for a fact that I was frozen in stone in the Royal Canterlot Gardens right this minute. I’d never actually met the Lord of Chaos, so where in Equestria had I got an idea like that from? Something strange was going on here and I had to figure out what. Perhaps Twilight would know what was going on… “Oh, there you are, Dusk.” I whipped my head up to see the mare I held so dear, smiling that same smile as the rest of the town. “Are you okay? You look a little shaken.” “No, I’m not okay, Twi.” I replied. “Something really weird is going on and I don’t what might be causing it.” “What do you mean? There’s nothing going on, it’s just another perfect day.” She cocked her head to one side, still smiling. “Are you feeling well?” “I… I don’t know…” My mind was clouded and I wasn't sure what to think. “You… you’re the same as the others too.” “Dusk, what are you talking about? It’s me, Twilight Sparkle, your best friend. What do you mean ‘them’?” “I… I… I don’t know, it’s just…” I glanced around the library, for I could have sworn it had flickered like a reel on a film projector. “It’s just… something doesn’t feel right.” “You’re probably just tired. Do you need a lie-down?” She took a few steps closer and I was surprised to find myself backing away. “Dusk, you don’t need to be scared of me.” “I’m… not so sure. This just doesn’t feel real…” I glared at her. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend?” “What? What’s that supposed to mean?” That smile became even creepier, making my skin crawl. “I really think you need a lie-down.” “No… no, I don’t!” I was yelling now, scrabbling to get away. I hit the wall and heard something crack. “Keep away from me!” “But, Dusk…” Now her voice became deeper than it should be and it made me freeze when I recognized it. “I insist!” In that instant, the cracking grew louder and he looked up to see the walls of the library splintering all around me, a white light shining through them that was as blinding as the sun’s glare. With a sound like shattering glass, the pieces of the illusion fell around me, revealing what truly lay underneath. The sky was a deep red now, crimson clouds trailing across it like splashes of blood. Everything was dead, the flowers withered and decayed, homes were now smoking ruins, and skeletons of ponies littered the ground. Within the stump of the once-proud tree, where Twilight had been there stood a stallion resembling my elemental form with skin as dark as his heart, a wild mane as white as bones, the raging fire around three eyes of his cutie mark emblazoned on his flank, and the spikeless reptilian tail behind him. The way his muscles rippled, it actually looked like an inferno. That hideous abomination of a smile was on his face, with rage and anger being the only things that burned in his violet, slit eyes, which were locked on me like a beast. “You…” I breathed, fear paralyzing me. “No…” “Hello, brother.” Blackhole growled. “Did you miss me?” “No… no, this can’t be.” I said desperately. "I defeated you, you're gone!" “Gone?” He made that choked, strangled sound that I knew to be his laughter. “I am a part of you, that piece of your mind you try to ignore. But, though you try, I’m still here and I will never leave.” “Get back!” Nightfall had taken a few more steps forward, a faint glow in his horn. “What are you doing here? What do you want?” “But, Dusk, don’t you see?" He gestured around at the destroyed husk that was once Ponyville. “This is what I wanted: to destroy the world that you knew would never accept you and you could never be a part of.” He paused, letting his words and the silence sink in. “See? Isn’t this so much better?” “No…” I gazed around at all of the destruction, the dead, quite unable to take it all in. “You… you monster!” “Talking to yourself in the first sign of madness, take it from me.” he retorted. “Besides, whose failure is the greater here? Mine… or yours?" “What? How can this possibly be my failure?!” I demanded. “Isn’t it obvious? Look.” he said, pointing to my neck. I looked to see that the string of stones was gone before looking to my head and saw my hat had been replaced by the silver and gold, jewel-encrusted form of my Element, Unity. Glancing back, I could see that my scroll mark was gone and the mark for my color talent was there instead. Not only that, but my Fire Dragon tail was out. At first, I wondered why things had changed now and I looked so different. Now, I remembered and it made me recoil in fear and shame. “Now you know.” Nightfall growled. “It was your task to stop me, to hold me at bay, and prevent my work from being complete. After all, you are the seventh Element.” “No… no…” “But as you can see, you failed, as you surely knew that you would.” The ground seemed to shake as he stepped closer. “Perhaps somepony made a mistake picking you for such a responsibility, since you obviously couldn’t handle it.” “No… No! I never asked for this!” “That doesn’t matter. What does matter is what’s happened as a result.” A skull crumbled to dust as he stamped on it. “You failed and now they’re all dead, because of you.” I felt the wall, cold and harsh, against my back and scrabbled desperately against it. “Stay away from me! No, get back!” “All of these dead, all of them are on your hooves and claws.” He stopped and picked up two skulls. “Why, I do believe these two were your friends, Fluttershy and Leon. They aren’t looking so well, are they?” From there, his claw expanded before he then crushed the skulls. “Leon… Little Sister… no!” “And look, here’s Applejack and Dog. Honesty didn’t help them, did it? Nor did loyalty save Rainbow Dash and Shield. Not so tough now, are they?” He then crushed four more skulls. “Stop it! Just…STOP!” He crushed another skull and cackled. “Oops! I think that was Pinkie. Or perhaps Rarity. I have no idea.” “No! NO!” “And look…” He picked up the skull of a unicorn and shoved it into my face. “Here’s your dear sweet Twilight Sparkle. Oh, you must feel the worst about her, mustn’t you?” “No… no! Not her too!” I shut my eyes and looked away. “Stop, please, stop!” “Look at her! Tell her how useless you were, how pathetic your ‘faith’ was!” I felt the cold bone against my face. “She had faith in you, even though she thought otherwise and now look at her!” “No! Please, no more!” “I said LOOK AT HER! LOOK AT HER!” I heard the sound of breaking bone again. “You failed, Dusk! You failed them all! I want you to see that! See it!” “NO!” “They’re all dead, all rotting and decaying, and it’s all because of you! You let them down! YOU!” “NOOOOOO!” “Dusk…” “No, please! Just stop! I know, I know! But please, just don’t… don’t show me anymore.” “Dusk, open your eyes. Thou art safe now.” Wait… that voice didn’t belong to my darker side. It was softer, kinder, and definitely wasn’t a stallion’s… I dared to peak through my eyes, still remembering the sight of all of those skulls and bones littering the ground, and was equally shocked to see that the environment had changed. I was no longer in Ponyville, but the Star Tower in Canterlot, overlooking a starlit sky and a tranquil Equestria. There, at the balcony, was the princess who brought that night, smiling kindly and filling me with so much relief, I felt like I would cry. “Luna?” My words caught in my throat. “But I thought I was… that he… how could he…?” “I know, I know." Compassion shone from her like the moon she raised. "I saw it too. It was…beyond description. But it's gone now, just a nightmare." “A…a nightmare? Then this is…?" I reached out and touched the floor with his hoof and it shimmered slightly, like a surface of water disturbed by a leaf. "This is…a dream?" “Yes, just a dream, no matter how real it might seem," she agreed. "As thou may know, as Princess of the Night, it is my duty to…" I nodded and picked up from where she spoke. "To watch over the dreams of your subjects. I remember reading that…thank you." “Well, I couldn't just leave thee to thy fears, not after when thou hast already been through so much." She shook her head softly. "Thou doesn't deserve that." “Even so, thank you…" There was silence between the two of us, enough for me to recall some other details that I thought I had forgotten. Who was it that had first taken that interest in me? Who was it that had sent me to the Everfree Forest on some mysterious mission? Who was it that seemed to be hiding something from me? I met her gaze steadily and she must have known what I would say, for she diverted it for a moment. “You knew, didn't you? What I am?" She was still silent for a moment, perhaps considering whether or not to tell me. Finally, she breathed, “Yes, I did.” “But… how? How could you have known?” “Well, I wasn’t exactly sure myself. Dragonis had told me about thee and thy gift, which only led me to have suspicions. In fact, just after our return to Canterlot, he even revealed to me that he knew something about thee.” “Really?” “Yes. Long ago, Dragonis had once sought out your ancestor Fore Sight for guidance, hoping he had regained his sanity enough to give him hope for the future. From their meeting, he was given a prophecy, one of which only until now he thought to be nothing but madness.” “A prophecy?” “Yes, one of which described a pony such as you.” From there, she then spoke out the prophecy she had gotten from Dragonis: From the brightest day, With great might, Comes a hero born, To set things right. When darkness falls, And bring the blackest night, The hero rises, And takes up the fight. The dreaded plague, Chaos and blight, Evil shadows all, Shall fear his might. For the night full of darkest dread, He brings hope that burns bright. With a strong heart full, His soul shall ignite. Never losing his heart, To greed, fear, or hate, Becoming the hero to all, That is his fate. When all seems lost, Filled with chaos and fright, Harmony’s new dawn shall come, With the Hero of Light! “The Hero of Light…” I was in awe from hearing that and thought about how it made sense. “It would seem to fit me, considering…” “How thee managed to defeat an army of Discord’s minions with thy own magic?” She finished me. “Even I have to admit that it was quite impressive. But that only came to prove even more that you truly were the seventh Element of Harmony.” “Okay, I get that the Dragonis knew who I would be because of the prophecy, but how did you know I was the seventh Element?” “I knew for this prophecy was not the only thing that had led to thee.” “What do you mean?” Her ocean-blue eyes met his hazel brown, still shining with the same compassion and care that Celestia’s did, but that most seemed to always forget about. That was something else that we shared, that we always seemed to be overlooked and forgotten about. But while I never thought of myself as important, it was even crueler for Luna. When she worked so hard to bring the night and her sister always received the love and admiration… that just wasn’t fair. No wonder she became so bitter and lost to the Black Blood. In the end, she sighed and stood up. “Normally, I would say thou would not believe me if I said. But, after all that’s happened, thou deserves to know the truth.” “What truth?” “Come with me, young Dusk.” She gestured for me to stand by her side. “It’s time I showed you something important.” I hesitated for a moment, but joined her regardless. “Showed me what?” The air shimmered around us again and I let myself be guided away by the Princess. “Thy inheritance… and the truth.”