//------------------------------// // 3 - The Task // Story: The First Twilight // by darkforce95 //------------------------------// Star Dusk jumped forward quickly landing a heavy fisted blow on the closest creature sending it flying into it's compatriots. He then whipped around to his left side striking another one with a heel to it's face with an audible crack. Twilight cringed at the two blows and the same blows seemed to put the husks in a state of confusion. "Is that all you have? I expected more of a challenge!" Almost as if in answer, all the former people rushed in overwhelming him, including the ones he had struck with unbelievable force. "Okay, can we go in now?" asked Twilight of her teacher. But no sooner than she asked that question that the earth shook and two sections of the earth pulled themselves from the ground and pushed the attackers back. In the middle, Star Dusk slowly rose. "He can control the earth? You mean that part is not myth?!!" said a surprised Twilight. "What part?" asked Rarity. "He could control the physical elements of the world. Earth, Water, Fire, and Air." As if on cue, he moved close to the pond in the clearing and stuck his hand in the water momentarily. He brought it up and the water followed almost like he was pulling on the it. The emboldened guard wound up and tossed the water connected to his hand and as it flew across the air it froze into icicles impaling every one of the gloomy figures. The forms cried an unearthly cry that sent shivers down everyone present, save for Star and Princess Celestia, and they all turned to dust. Even Luna stared, wide eyed, as one of the stories she must have heard as a child took place right in front of her. The others on the other hand were flabbergasted at the scene, how quickly the attackers were all subdued. "Woah, that was awesome..." said Rainbow quietly. "It's not over." said Celestia seriously. The dust coalesced together and created only one of the beings however this one seemed to be more grotesque with more veins pulsing throughout its body and Twilight could sense strong magic coursing through it. The hero, still by the water, stood ready as the beast charged in toward him. Everyone expected more of the same but instead the monster charged in and tackled him into the shallow pond. The battle was fierce, and Twilight would probably would have taken note of every little detail if not for the water being thrown around by the lunar guardian. He obviously aware that freezing the water while drenched was not the best idea. All of a sudden the the water dropped and Star could be seen breaking the creatures arm at the elbow. He had grappled the arm, shifted his body inward, and, with his free hand, struck upward causing hyper extension of the joint and then fracture. He must have been faster than Twilight thought because the beast stood dumbfounded. She could see as the pain shot it's way up and finally hit its brain and it let out a howl. What seemed like an eternity was a mere second as in the next moment Star rotated to face it planting an elbow right in the rib cage causing an audible crack. That's a broken rib, no, two. thought Twilight as Star brought that same arm back and pushed it out of the pond and back on dry land. Now the pause in the action let everyone take notice that he was injured, though not majorly, it was enough to draw blood that was dripping from his forehead. His demeanor seemed to have shifted. Where before he was brash and confident now he seemed focused and serious. "He looks... angry..." commented Fluttershy behind Twilight. "No, he's not angry. He's just done playing around." answered Celestia. The husk charged forward with it's good arm up poised to strike. Star sidestepped the blow and grappled the arm and brought it back behind the creature. It tried to spin around but Star grabbed the broken arm and stuck his right foot on its spine. The creature went to its knees as the hero pulled back on the arms until there was an audible pop. Star immediately released and jumped backwards putting distance between them. Now even Star Dusk was shocked to see it slowly stand, clearly dislocated arms hanging limply at its side. It quickly spun around and charged again, this time biting down on the guard's left forearm blood spraying from the wound. He quickly crouched down, beast still attached and pulled a spire of earth straight up through the throat and out the skull of the attacker. It finally fell limp and turned to dust that floated away on the wind. Star cradled his wounded arm running out of the labyrinth with everyone following him as he made his way to the nearest lit torch, a ways away from the battle scene, inside of the castle. He passed his good hand through the flame and pulled it over his wound, cringing as the injury was cauterized. "He must be running on instinct with that field dressing." commented Luna. "Not so Princess," corrected Star Dusk. "The husks have a venom that can infect the blood stream if bitten. The earlier thou cauterize the wound the better percentage you have." "So they're like zombies?" asked Rainbow. "While they may seem like the walking dead, thou does not turn to one of them. Thou would seem under a control from afar and walk toward whoever that puppet master may be." Twilight shivered at the story. To be under someone's mental control and not even have an inkling to who it might be? Only Shining Armor came close to knowing how that feels. "I think it might be time to have a debriefing." said Celestia. "Let's head back to the labyrinth." "Why to the labyrinth your majesty?" he asked. Twilight blinked in surprise. Of course she was in the dark, these three had been friends since so long ago. But even Star Dusk was confused as to all the secrecy. "To avoid prying ears. Although there might not be as many as there used to." "Twilight Sparkle, I would ask that you and your friends remain here." said Luna. "Why?" "Don't worry Twilight," reassured Celestia, "Once we have all the information, and I see that it won't pose any harm to know beyond the three of us, I am sure that Star Dusk will share with you what he shared with us." "As promised." finished the soldier. It had been two hours since the three entered the labyrinth and even Twilight was getting worried. Rainbow Dash had been hovering back and forth since they left. Applejack had taken residence by the windowsill, watching for their return. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity kept themselves occupied but would turn to Applejack every so often when she had made any slight noise. Star Dusk had proven himself easily to four of the others, but Twilight was curious. "Rainbow," The rainbow haired girl finally landed for the first time and turned to Twilight. "What'cha need?" she asked burying all the worry that had been across her face. "What are you so worried about? You're pacing like crazy." "I'm not worried!" she quickly denied, however everyone looked at her with eyes that showed disbelief. "Okay fine, I'm worried about leaving him alone with the Princesses. Who knows what he could do them." "Rainbow, lemme get this straight," said Applejack leaving her post. "This guy, which none of us know anything about ah'll grant ya, turns out to be a legendary hero, even going so far as to prove some of the legends true right in front of your face while protecting the Princesses, and you still don't trust him?" "Don't forget that so far he's been the most perfect gentleman as well." added Rarity. "He's given us every reason to trust him. Even the Princesses trust him." "And if you're really worried" continued Twilight, "you really shouldn't be, the Princesses have been taking care of themselves for years, the personal guards are just there for formality." Rainbow had been backed into a logical corner. Twilight knew she hated not being able to fight against logic. But before Rainbow Dash could admit or further fall into delusions with more denials, one of the guards entered in. "Twilight Sparkle and company?" "Yes?" "The princesses state their gratitude in the return of their dear friend and would ask that you return to Ponyville." "WHAT?" the five said in unison. The guard must have been warned of their possible reaction since he merely continued. "Princess Celestia has sent ahead instructions on your next task, Twilight Sparkle. She would like you all to return post haste in order to prepare for the coming task." The guard quickly bowed and left them. "She can't be serious..." said Rainbow. "After all that work, she just wants us to go home?" Rarity agreed. "Well, if there's something important at home..." said Twilight forlornly. "We better get back." Everyone begrudgingly agreed and filed out of the castle. The train ride back was uncomfortably silent. Where as the train to Canterlot had talking and laughing amongst the friends and good conversation later in the evening from Star Dusk, that ride was deathly quiet. Although it was already getting late, the group decided to head to Twilight's library as Spike probably had the letter from the Princess already in hand. As they entered, Spike excitedly greeted them at the door. "Welcome back guys!" he began. "Oh you wouldn't believe all the preparations I had to go through. It'll be awesome, I mean hanging out with you girls is fine and all, but having someone else-" "Spike," Twilight interrupted, "We've had a long, confusing, and disappointing week. Can we just get to the letter that the Princess sent ahead?" "That's what I'm talking about!" countered the small boy opening up the familiar looking scroll. To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle and her friends, I know it seems abrupt to be sending you home without too much notice. "Well, duh!" commented Rainbow. "Shush!" chided Twilight. However, you may wish to prepare Ponyville for the arrival of a special guest, Star Dusk. "He's coming here! Whatever for?" asked Rarity. "Oh my..." gasped Fluttershy. Spike cleared his throat for the attention of the girls then continued. We are sending him to live with you, Twilight, so that he may also learn the magic of friendship. Being away for so long, he suffers the same loneliness as Luna did when she first arrived, although he may not show it. Twilight recalled both the face he made on the train and the other in front of the statue. She knew he felt distanced, and Princess Luna had made great strides in acclimating to the new atmosphere so he must have felt as though no one understood what he was going though. I hope that he may learn from such great wealth of knowledge you all possess on friendship. This is a personal request from me and I hope you take it on as seriously as any other request I've made. "Alright girls," Twilight began, "The Princess asked for a personal favor. Let get things ready so we can get working!" "We should totally throw a welcome party!!" said Pinkie Pie "YEAH!" everyone else agreed. One month later, All the girls went to the train station to greet Star Dusk when he arrived. "Why the heck did he delay coming here so much? I thought these were the Princess' orders?" said Rainbow, clearly miffed at the delay. "The Princess said he wanted to prepare before living among all the modern folk. What's so hard to understand?" asked Applejack. "I think it very admirable that he's taking this so seriously." added Rarity. "Hey look! Here comes the train!" called Pinkie Pie pointing into the distance. Sure enough, there was a train riding in. Twilight took stock of her friends' feelings with Star's time in Ponyville beginning. Rainbow still seemed a bit sore at the delay. Pinkie was just excited, his party was already set back at Twilight's place so no need for worry. Fluttershy seemed more confident that a month ago. That could be due to the correspondence that he had been sending to all six of them. Rarity seemed expectant while Applejack's smile kept her ambiguous on how happy she was. The train stopped in front of the station and all the doors opened up and a sea of people flowed out, much more than the girls had anticipated. "Keep your eyes open girls!" called out Twilight and everyone complied. "Squeak Why is the train so full?" said Fluttershy struggling to keep in place with the others. "They must be transferring from this train to another coming by later." Twilight theorized. As the rush slowed to a trickle, Twilight felt a hand on her shoulder. "It's nice to see a friendly face, Twilight Sparkle." said a familiar voice. She spun around to face the person and then stared surprised at what she saw. It was defiantly Star Dusk, but he looked so different with civilian clothing. Not only that, but his sunset-colored hair was not wild and loose any more. It had grown a little longer and he had pulled it back into a ponytail. "Heeey! Did you get taller?" asked Pinkie Pie popping in from no where getting the other's attention at the same time. It was true, where he used to be about the same size as Applejack, the tallest of the group, now he towered about a half a head over her. "Yes Pinkie Pie, it seems I was due for a growth spurt after one thousand five hundred years. How have you all been?" "And you got rid of that oldy speak" commented Applejack. "One of a lot of things I studied before coming here, Applejack. I did want you girls defending me because I talk funny." "I love what you've done to your hair, darling!" Rarity put in. "Well, this was more of a necessity, Rarity. My hair seems to be growing back really fast now." "You've healed up well..." Fluttershy quietly. "Well Fluttershy, Manehatten has wonderful doctors and healing salves. Beautiful city that Manehatten." "Wait, you went all the way to Manehatten?! I thought you were studying to not be awkward!" accused Rainbow Dash. "I did study Rainbow Dash. I holed myself up in the Canterlot library for about two weeks. Then took a trip spending at least a day in a bunch of other locations." He began counting the stops on his fingers. "Manehattan, Baltemare, Fillydelphia, Los Pegasus, Hoofington, Trottingham, Appleloosa, Braeburn says hi by the way, and Dodge Junction. Of course I took a tour around Caterlot while I was there." "Why the heck did you do that?" she countered. "Field study, you can only learn so much from books when you've been gone as long as I have. There were so many changes, sights, people..." "A real cross-country trip, huh?" Applejack stated. "Close enough." Rarity took notice that Twilight was still dumbfounded and slack jawed and nudged her back to her senses. "Aren't you going to say something Twilight?" "Oh- Uh... Welcome to Ponyville?" That was the absolute worst thing you could have said. Stupid, stupid stupid.... "Thanks, I'm glad to be here." he answered ignoring the question taking it as a statement. "Oh, hey! We have a party all set up to welcome you to Ponyville!" said Pinkie Pie. "I've been planning it all week!" "Oh, you didn't have to do that Pinkie Pie." he said as the party started to leave the station. "Don't worry none. She does this for everyone new in Ponyville." informed Applejack. "Well then, let me drop off my things at Twilight Sparkle's place and we can get going." "The party IS there! So all we have to do is head there and get started!!" After the party was well over, Star Dusk slouched in the windowsill staring out into the night. "Sorry for the party, it's kinda like Pinkie's way of saying hello." Twilight said climbing the steps to the window. "If this is the way that she says hello, I'm pretty sure everyone would feel welcome." He said smiling. "Then why is it that you seem so tired?" "I'm not all that tired. Just wanted to take more stock of the town before tomorrow." "What's so important about tomorrow?" "Nothing in particular, just have a schedule to keep and I don't wanna get lost in town while getting the things I want done." he said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a piece of parchment. Twilight looked over his shoulder at the contents and saw a fairly detailed checklist, most of it remained undone. "Was all that supposed-" "-To be done today, yes. I'm not tired Twilight Sparkle, just a little frustrated at-" "The fact it feels like nothing was really done today?" Both of them blinked realizing they just finished each other's sentences. "Would you like help making up another list for tomorrow?" Twilight offered. "There are a couple things on this list that can still be done now." he replied getting up. He must have ignored the sync like it was just coincidence... Wait, why am I disappointed? "But I won't refuse your help on those things. First, well third after arrive at station and arrive at Twilight Sparkle's house, I have to unpack in my room. Where will I be staying?" he continued while picking up his luggage. Twilight snapped out of her unknown disappointment to answer: "Oh, well... the only private location I have is down in the basement, b-but I cleaned it up for you!" "It'll be fine Twilight Sparkle, just lead the way." They went down to where Twilight's lab used to reside. She had cleaned it up one month prior in preparation for his arrival. Luckily, she didn't need any of the equipment between then and now. She and Spike had gone and bought some extra furniture to set up the room. It had all the essentials: a bed, a dresser, and a nightstand with a lamp. "It's great to see I won't have to go upstairs for reading material." he said with all seriousness looking at the bookshelves that covered the walls. "Well," Twilight said laughing "It IS a library after all. If you need any books let me know!" Star Dusk set his luggage on the bed and arched his back stretching. "Well, if I unpack and put everything away then all I would have..." he paused. "... missed... would be to find out the layout of the town." He seemed to not take the incomplete task list well. Right then, Twilight was struck with an idea. "Wait! I think I have a current map of Ponyville somewhere! Give me a second." She ran upstairs turning her work area and the library upside down looking for it. She eventually found it. "Twilight, you got a letter." Said Spike coming down the steps from their bedroom. "What could it be?" she asked opening up the letter. My dearest and most faithful student Twilight Sparkle, I would like to add another task to that request regarding Star Dusk. I need you to make sure he lives a normal life. He's led a life of a soldier since birth. I think he has earned more than a little respite from that job. I told him not to worry about his duties, but as you will discover, he can be a bit stubborn when it comes to that. That doesn't sound like him, he's been very accepting of everything thus far. Maybe this is based on history, he probably adjusted already when doing his studies. She thought before continuing reading. It would make us happy if we could see him live out the rest of his life like a normal person with no duties to the crown whatsoever. So please try and make him see the value of such a life. "Oh this'll be easy." she said before heading downstairs. "I hope so..." commented Spike. "Cause the clean up here is gonna be hard" Once she got downstairs she saw he had already organized everything on bed and was putting things in the dresser. "I found it, I knew it was somewhere up there." "I thank thee- I mean, thank you Twilight Sparkle." "Still getting used to the colloquialism of the present?" "Somewhat. I got most of it down, just slip back and forth when I have time to think to myself." "Well, here you go!" she handed the map over. "This is great, I was hoping I could find a decent place for my morning training exercises." Twilight blinked. "Hahaha.... your what now?" He pulled out a piece of parchment and began writing aloud. "First thing, do morning exercises. I have to keep myself prepared should the Princesses need anything after all. It really is a great thing that you found this map!" "Yeah.... right..... great" she replied.