//------------------------------// // Cut Content // Story: Crystal Prison // by HeirofHades //------------------------------// Alright, flashback time. The event occurred several months to almost a year ago. I don't know the timeline but let's say it was a considerable amount of time before the Friendship Games. Dusk Shine recalled clearly. He and his family went to the local mall for a casual shopping day. They divided themselves into groups and met back near the food court when they were done. His parents went upstairs to get deals on winter and spring clothing. Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart searched for school supplies. Dusk Shine went alone, heading to several stores for books and small-scale merchandise like stickers and accessories. His stomach growled. "I have time to eat," Dusk Shine told himself with a swift glance at his watch. He strolled around, searching for a quick meal. He entered a Mexican-themed food establishment. It's a Taco bell. I should probably change the name to something else. Give me a second. Burrito Gong. Let's go with that. The top student waited in line, calculating what his order should be. A quick message was delivered to his family, alerting them to his whereabouts. It wasn't a busy day, but it still wasn't empty. Night Blaze scanned the area, bored out of his mind. "The hell?" His cyan eyes settled on a trio of girls wearing hoodies. Something about them was … familiar. One turned with widened eyes, gesturing to the other girls as they whispered to each other. Dusk Shine glanced over his shoulder as he paid for his meal in cash. They were talking about him. Years at Crystal prep honed his senses to gossip and hushed words from envious bystanders. "Relax, egghead. They aren't talking shit about you. They're quite fond of you," Night Blaze mentioned with an eager smirk. "They're pretty cute from what I can see," Dusk Shine wasn't interested as he waited for his order, scrolling through his phone with a hand in his hoodie pocket. He's the Top student at one of the prestigious students in Equestria and one of the society's elite members. That automatically breeds a menagerie of emotions and motivations. A stable motley crew of yes-men would suffice for someone of his esteemed status. His success can hyper-inflate their meager ones. Everyone wants to be your friend when you're calling the shots. However, Dusk Shine wasn't as fortunate to have such an entourage. Crystal Prep is home to the upper echelons of society. His fellow students were his equals in terms of social class and status. They didn't need him to climb the social ladder; they were already at the top. However, people … talk. Everyone wants the latest gossip, whether it's scandals, bragging, or whatever the month's flavor is. Knowledge is power. People wanted to know who Dusk Shine was. His classmates' parents' were impressed by him but likely compared them to him and debated why can't their children be him or something similar. That probably influenced their inferiority-superiority complex and hatred towards him. It didn't matter to him. Their parents aren't his problem. "Order 45," A worker called out his order. Dusk Shine checked his receipt. Yep, that's him. He received his meal and found a seat. An extra-large cheesy steak quesadilla, a three-layer burrito with a side order of nachos, and a medium cherry fizzy beverage. Also, extra packets of Mouth-burning hot sauce. Dusk Shine spent several minutes enjoying his meals while the two girls went to the bathroom. The last one stood up, heading to the counter, leaving her phone behind on the table. "Excuse me; you forgot this," Dusk Shine arose, holding her phone with his drink in his hand. "Thank you," She smiled. His amethyst eyes widened at the oddly soothing voice. "Wait," Dusk Shine muttered, focusing on her features. Soft artic bluish white skin and two-toned blue-striped ponytail. Raspberry eyes convey a mask of innocence. "Sonata Dusk?!" The scholarly male predicted the girl's identity. Her smile widened, removing her hood to reveal herself. "Hey, Dusk Shine," Sonata Dusk grinned at his adorable shocked expression. Taco crumbs littered the corners of her mouth. He sighed. Just his fucking luck. He encountered one of the Dazzlings on his free day. At least it's Sonata Dusk, the presumed youngest of the sisters. She's the ditzy friendly one. However, that makes her the one most evil, in his opinion. Sonata hides behind her innocent and cute demeanor to avoid blame for her sisters' actions. "Are the others with you?" Dusk Shine muttered, focusing on the bathroom. If one of them is here, the others aren't far behind. They operate as a unit. Sonata's expression hardened, shaking her head. She paused to nod. Then shrugged her shoulders, resuming a diagonal nod. "Oh great," He grumbled with a sip as two figures approached them, lowering their hoods to face him. "You weren't supposed to get caught, dummy," Aria Blaze snarled, crossing her arms as Sonata stuck her tongue out. The fierce girl rolled her mulberry eyes before focusing on the sophisticatedly handsome male "Dusk Shine," Damn, he looks good. "Aria Blaze," Dusk Shine acknowledged, his lukewarm tangy drink stained his tongue red. She's the unofficial second in command and the muscle of the group. Aria often argued with Adagio over various decisions preferring a more brash and direct approach. "Adagio Dazzle," Finally, the leader of the Dazzlings and technically Sunset's ex. He didn't know the full details of their relationship, but the two were involved in some capacity. "Miss me, Dusk Shine babe?" Adagio Dazzle smirked, resting a hand on her well-formed waist. Shame that Sunset Shimmer wasn't here. A pitiful look on that rocker's features would make an excellent framed photo. "No," Dusk Shine frowned at her flirtatious nature. Why did she call him babe? He won't deny that Adagio Dazzle was gorgeous. A melodious voice, inspiring confidence, a jaw-dropping figure with hips to match, and knew how to work them. Her swaying hips were alarmingly hypnotic. Her golden orange was thick and soft to the touch. Her silky pale apple green skin … WHAT THE FUCK?! Did I read that shit correctly? Pale apple GREEN?! How the fuck is she green? I can understand if Adagio was a type of yellow, but green?! "Oh, so mean," Adagio Dazzle teased. "Did a little personal shopping today?" She pointed to his bag. He wasn't that social, except for the right people. Crystal Prep didn't offer many opportunities either, thanks to his prime status from what she heard. "Yes, and you were following me, weren't you," Dusk Shine replied, finishing his drink. Now, where's the trash? "How did you know that?" Each girl glared at the other. Who didn't follow instructions? "I got a bit of a sixth sense after the battle of the bands," Dusk Shine revealed, pushing his glasses. Strange, that's when Night Blaze fully manifested Adagio sashayed towards. His studious eyes followed each sway of her hips. She caught it, elating her chipper mood. He leaned slightly away from the lead siren as she got closer. "We left that much of an impression on you?" Adagio cooed, her fingers grazing his chest before their bodies jolted from the contact. His eyes flashed cyan with purple highlights, while hers glowed a deep red. Both encountered a raging monsoon of power, flooding their minds with their deepest desires. Dusk Shine ruled with an adoring crowd beneath him, dressed in exquisite silver regalia. Achieving a position of authority wasn't out of his grasp. Yet he wasn't interested in it. Did Dusk Shine crave the support and admiration denied by him? Adagio manifested a similar vision with a darker twist. She and her sisters ruled the lands, devoutly worshipped as ruthless goddesses with their foes in rough chains. Sunset Shimmer was Adagio's favorite, along with Dusk Shine, who was in a fitted fine, pressed suit and tie and free to move. Corruptly delicious. Who wouldn't want to snag Dusk Shine? The amethyst academic checks all the marks. Frighteningly intelligent, at least academically, with several promising career paths, descended from a wealthy family, easy on the eyes, enrolled in an elite school, and had a spine with a respectable temperament. A bit of a goody two shoes, but it'll be enjoyable when he does break the rules. She rolled her eyes at Sunset's prior relationship with Flash Sentry. Why him? Simply because he's the popular guy in school? I don't hate Flash Sentry, but he's so basic, in my opinion. The standard nice guy who's the main heroine's love interest. How many times we've seen this relationship? Nothing wrong with it. But the 90s and early 2000s called, and they want their Hallmark/Disney high school coming-of-age plot back. At least Flash Sentry gets some points for an awesome name and deeper characterization, thanks to his rocker/jock design and actions throughout the movies and specials. One of the prime reasons why Adagio is interested in Dusk Shine is his resistance to her charms. They had a few interactions, but he brushed her off each time. Usually, a woman would be gravelly insulted by it. Yet, it emboldens her, finding his intimate barriers an exciting task to dismantle. The only other person was likely Sunset Shimmer, with a few cracks thanks to their relationship. Now Adagio Dazzle wanted to shatter it. It'll be even sweeter if she's Dusk Shine's first in more ways than she assumed. Hm? What's this? Another reality invaded their mind. It's them …working together? What?! Dusk Shine and Adagio Dazzle had confident smirks while battling an unseen foe. Both were relaxed and resolute in the other's abilities. Are they friends in this vision? Or more? "What the…?" Both muttered at the bizarre sensation as they separated. Adagio knew what the was, as did her sisters, with a quick predatory sniff of the air. There's no denying it; her eyes widened with a sly smirk as they focused on him. He has it. A faint yet potent lingering presence stirs within the Top student. But does he know about it? "I better go," Dusk Shine stammered, anxious about what he had experienced, taking a few steps back. Their predatory smiles and haunting eyes forced goosebumps on his arms and neck. Night Blaze's silence didn't help with this situation either. "There's no harm staying for a few more minutes," Adagio Dazzle cooed, slowly closing the gap between them. Not good, not good. "Yeah, your family would be okay if you're spending time with three cute girls," Aria Blaze continued, going to his side. Really not good! "Plus, you're not dating anyone, so Sunset Shimmer shouldn't be mad," Sonata Dusk concluded with a teasing grin. Sunset dated other people in the past, so it should be fair that he should too. "You're forgetting something," Dusk Shine remarked, pointing to the counter. "Your order," They turned to the order screen. "Did you seriously order again?" They glared at the youngest member. "Not this time," Sonata raised her hands in defense. They turned to find Dusk Shine escaping. "We're going to chase him, aren't we?" Aria grinned, predicting their next course of action. They all shared a beam. "Oh, definitely," Adagio agreed, nodding before giving chase to their target. "Where's Dusk Shine?" One of his family members called. He said that he went to get lunch. Was the line too long? "Oh, there he is," Shining Armor mentioned, only for Dusk Shine to blitz past them. "Or are you running towards or away?" He remarked. It's not like him to sprint like a maniac. "AWAY! Hurry up," Dusk Shine announced, jetting across the mall. His eyes bounced around, searching for his pursuers. "Oh…"Their eyes widened in panic once the claim registered in their brains. He's running away from something?! His family gathered their purchases and raced behind him. "What did you do?" Cadance accused, glaring at her brother-in-law. Flurry Heart rested on her father's shoulder, enjoying the sudden ride. "Me? I'm the victim here!" Dusk Shine retorted, his frantic eyes scanning for the Dazzlings. Crap, two of them are on the second floor. That means one of them is either behind or ahead of them. Shining Armor peaked behind him; a stunning girl was chasing them. Oh, her hair was a massive curly crown. Mhm. She wasn't enraged but appeared amused at the chase. "Take your bike; we'll catch the bus," The police officer commanded. Dusk Shine nodded, accelerating to the exit while his family covered his escape amidst the crowd. The Dazzlings struggled to fight their target through the horde. They made their way to the chilly outside, searching for Dusk Shine throughout the parking lot. It's small as it's located near several bus stops but still has a healthy number of vehicles. A motorcycle's roar signaled Dusk Shine's departure. He drove by them, holding a brief stare through his helmet before revving his engine back on the street. "He has a motorcycle?" Aria Blaze remarked with starry eyes. So cool. She didn't expect a bookworm like him to use that method of transportation—probably a scooter or a manual bike. Adagio Dazzle took a deep inhale before releasing a satisfied exhale. "Come on, girls, we need to prepare for our comeback," The lead singer grinned as her crimson gem blazed with power. Her sisters smiled as well as their gems hummed. Night Blaze shot the girls a calculating gaze as their figures grew smaller as the distance increased. Better keep an eye on them for when they return. Fun Fact/Trivia: Ancient Equestria consisted of multiple city-states predominantly of one tribe but they relied on each for security. Gaians aka Earth Ponies held the majority of the fertile land and had the skills and strength to work the fields. Atmosites aka Pegasi had the best military and had a special connection with the weather, warning the other city-states with their swift calvary. Finally, the Starborn aka the Unicorns had the most wealth The prevalent city-states for each main tribe pre-unification were Manehatten for the Gaians, Cloudsdale for the Atmosites and Canterlot for the Starborns. Ponyville was found post-unification by the Gaians as the first true multi-tribe settlement generations later Yes, I know it's cut content from a previous chapter but a chapter is a chapter before the big event. Consider this a little breather Thanks for reading the story. Follow and Favorite to keep updated. Leave a review for any questions, concerns, or theories or to show your support. Thanks again and have a good day.