//------------------------------// // Prologue - One Prince // Story: Dusk Shine's Fatal Flaw // by KeeMoo //------------------------------// Think.... Okay, think.... Just give it some time... ...and truly commit. Start off small.... Start of with your name. My name.... My name is Dusk Shine. It feels the most right, so that's what I've chosen. Start from the beginning. Which beginning? Either. Just start somewhere. I left home when I was little. I roughed it for a few weeks until going to Canterlot. I found a library on the lower levels, old and abandoned, but grand and welcoming for somepony like me. I made it my home and took pride in where I lived. Somepony saw my efforts to restore the library to what it once was and they decided to visit the collection. One turned into two, then three, then four, then suddenly I was a librarian. It wasn't something I asked for, but I was never troubled by it. I honestly enjoyed the process of organizing and maintaining the books alongside the rest of the building and it served as an excellent excuse to purchase more for the collection and practice my magic skills. One day, a pony asked to speak with somepony else. I wasn't thinking at the time and just gave them my honest answer. Turns out, it's unusual for a colt to both live in and run any sort of business by their lonesome. Word spread and letters had been written to the higher ups of Canterlot. I knew my time there was limited. Logically, I should've left the building behind, but the library had become my home. I didn't have the heart to abandon another one so soon. It's a decision I've thanked myself for making time and time, again. I wouldn't have met her otherwise. That day, I returned to the library with my most recent find for the collection. My heart stopped when I saw the door ajar. I had placed protection wards for this very reason, yet still my home had been broken into. I readied myself for what was to come. "Finely crafted. I see now why my guard had such difficulty validating any claims." As Princess Celestia casually lounged on a couch, my mind shut itself down. "If not for my very eyes, I'd assume you couldn't possibly be a colt or filly. Those spells should be far beyond somepony your age." That day was definitely a hectic one for me. It took some time and some convincing, but I was able to stay in my new home. The only caveat was that I'd have to take some time off being a librarian to attend lessons: lessons with the Princess of the Sun herself. I was the first pony in several centuries to be taught by Celestia directly. I still don't know why she thought I was worthy. Those defense runes were formidable but simple spells that were built more on sheer force rather than technique. I've pondered it during several sleepless nights, but never settled on an answer. Maybe her 3000 years of life gave her a sense of who had true potential with the right push, maybe she just thought I was a cute kid. Regardless, her decision gave me the best days of my life. I was self taught when it came to magic and confident in my abilities, but I utterly flourished with Celestia's resources and guidance. I found my Specialty (the one type of magic I could master above all else), Shield Magic, to be such a useful and beautiful tool. I learned of the world I had been sheltered from and got to see many sights I never would've had the chance to otherwise. I felt what it was like to have somepony in your corner, supporting and loving you no matter what. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was tasked with making sure the seclusive student of her aunt got out of the library and actually talked with somepony every now and then. From what I remember, Cadance held a grudge against me for a while. Not that she ever showed it past a tired sign or eye roll. I couldn't hold that against her. I can understand not taking to the colt you were forced into foalsitting despite him being barely any younger. However, she became my best friend, and I'd like to think she still thought of me in kind. She'd visit me even on my study or practice days to just hang out and be around. Soon, we were spending just about everyday together. (Allegedly, there were rumors going around that we were an item, but I've never been good with keeping track of that sort of thing. Gossips will see two friends hanging out and assume all sorts of things). Apparently, I was one of the only ponies who would talk to Cadance like she was an equine pony and not some untouchable mare to be put on a pedestal. Not that I ever noticed that myself. I can be quite dense at times. That's an understatement. Bold coming from you. Like Me? You say that like we're We. We? No, it's I. Is it not? Should it not? Why would iteverb- Calm yourself. Calm myself.... I am calm. I am focused. I am Dusk Shine. Now continue. The last few years have so much to think about, yet it happened all too quickly. I hatched a dragon egg. Now I have a little brother whom I love. His name is Spike. I mastered the final tier of Shield Magic. It was equal parts liberating and frightening to be free to forge my own path when it came to learning other magics. I was sent to live in Ponyville for a few months. Celestia said that a change of scenery would push my studies further as I adapted to a new way of life. Cadance was upset, but I promised to write often until my return. Spike's dragonfire was awesome like that. I met five ponies who became very dear to me. I can barely remember having a sibling before Spike, but the feeling I have when I'm around them all reminds me of just that. I'd do anything for them even.... What did I do? I made a sacrifice. Why? I was told time and time again about the Magic of Friendship... ...and the importance of following my heart. The Elements were not enough, But I knew of one spell that was. It meant giving myself up, which is why I exist here now. When Mayor Mare learned that Ponyville was hosting the Summer Sun Celebration, she also asked me to help with the set up. Celestia later told me it was a test from her to make sure I was actually getting out and forming connections and not just wallowing alone in the library. I'd like to say I passed that test with flying colors, the girls made the celebration an excellent affair, even if Nightmare Moon ruined things. Well, not really ruined. In hindsight, it was still a great day. The girls and I travelled through the Everfree Forest and awoken the Elements of Harmony. We'd use the Elements that day to purge the Nightmare and reveal Celestia's long lost sister, Luna. She's great, legitimately one of the most interesting and beautiful ponies I've had the pleasure to have a conversation with. The next morning, Cadance arrived in Ponyville. She had wanted to attend the Celebration, but couldn't make it in time. I had a blast showing her around town and introducing her to the ponies I've met. At the end of the day, we stood on top of a hill outside of town watching Celestia's Sunset. Cadance eventually asked when I'd be returning to Canterlot. I saw the hope in her eyes diminish when I told her that I wanted to stay in Ponyville until further notice. I was so happy with the town and the ponies I met that I failed to see how my words hurt my first friend. I still kick myself over that. How could I miss something so vital? I don't think I ever apologized. Wait.... No, I didn't. I know I didn't because I can think. I can think and recall my past without burden. Had enough time gone by? I started this exercise two weeks ago, about a week into my partial isolation. Is a month really enough time to iron out such a huge change? Should I write another letter? "Spike?" My voice was weak. The Sun had just risen, but drapes kept out the light. When no response came, I tried to move. Immediate regret. One more try and I was on the floor. Immense regret. "Spike?" My already hush voice grew silent after a few repeated calls. Time felt like it flowed in fast forward. It seemed to be that way ever since I returned from the Crystal Empire. Time was so fickle when I put thought to it. It felt like mere minutes when Spike came to my room holding a tray, yet I knew he held dinner in his hands when I should have just woken up. The poor drake nearly dropped his hard work on the ground when he saw his big brother's state. I felt awful relying on him so much for simple things like returning to my bed. "Spike." It took several tries and some water before the baby dragon could hear my voice in spite of his enhanced hearing. "Yes... Dusk?" I hated how he hesitated to use my name. "Paper and some quill." "Need me to take a note?" "No, I think I'm ready." I could feel my horn well with power atop my head. I let out a small chuckle. Spike did not. I'm so sorry Spike. I'll make this up to you. I'll make it up to you all.