//------------------------------// // Chapter Two: Visceral Pursuit // Story: Strokes of Fate // by Silbern //------------------------------// Link “Sweet Celestia!” Dusk Breaker fumed as he stood outside of a particular cottage. “No, Fluttershy.” “Not even a small cup of tea?” The butter coloured mare offered. It had been her fifth or sixth time as soon as she heard the Stallion was to be spending time with her. “I think I still have some biscuits from...” Dusk could do the only thing he could think of to shush the pony. His hoof made firm contact with the polite mare as she went wide eyed. If it was one thing he learned today, it was that the Elements of Harmony can be wacky and that's excluding the pink one! “Between apple bucking with Applejack, decorating cupcakes with Pinkie, looking at way too many designs with Rarity and studying with Twilight; I'm tired. The only saving grace I've had today was the Rainbow coloured one...” “Rainbow Dash” Fluttershy corrected although slightly muffled by a hoof. “Yes, well at least all she did was show me one of her favourite napping spots, which she soon used.” Dusk let a deep breath invade his lungs before calmly placing his hoof back on to the ground and allowing Fluttershy to speak clearly. “So I'm asking nicely, Fluttershy. Can we do something relaxing instead of shoving biscuits, tea and other assorted beverages down my throat?” Fluttershy smiled easily at that although she had to admit the contact with his hoof made her brain slightly frizzled. With out knowing it, she realized how strong she had come on to Dusk, with only the hopes of making a great first impression. “I'm so sorry, Dusk. I guess I over did it a tiny bit.” “Yeah, only a bit there.” “Oh, dear.” Fluttershy frowned before fidgeting in place. She wasn't running out of ideas but she indeed pulled off the opposite of her intentions. “I usually go for a walk around the outer edge of the forest. It can be relaxing.” Fluttershy offered as she pointed to a well worn path that wormed behind her earthen house. “Now that, Fluttershy, sounds like a fantastic idea.” Dusk replied with a calming tone. A soft smile also graced his lips as he began to walk at a slow, relaxing pace. The Mare smiled back and as she noticed his gaze fall from her, a breath of relief left her lips. “Are you coming, Fluttershy?” “Oh! Sorry, sorry!” “Ah don't know Twilight. When Dusk was at the farm, he just simply did what I asked him and left.” Applejack tapped her chin in thought. “He hardly talked to either Big Macintosh or mahself. Maybe forcing him around is a little over board?” “I mostly certainly do agree, dear Applejack.” Rarity raised her hoof. “Although I enjoyed his help, he is to be on a vacation. Maybe we should let him explore on his own?” Twilight bit her lip in thought as she slowly stepped in small circles. The familiar smell of books and wood was around her as she stopped to examine her library. So far, the entire day had become one giant flop. Not only did Dusk's behaviour not change at all, he even refused to talk to Twilight all together. “He only has so much time here though! What if we don't succeed my intended relaxation goal?” The Mares all groaned at Twilight. “Mother had informed me that he has been doubting himself lately. I just thought if he would find some enjoyment and self-satisfaction with work around here...” Twilight groaned as she face planted herself onto the nearest empty desk. “Well, from everything that you told us, with the lack of job and all, maybe he needs some space?” Rainbow offered as she flew in circles above them. Rarity and Applejack twitched when they heard the flying Mare above them give her two bits on the matter. “Dash, when in Equestria do you ever offer such great advice like that?” AJ asked as she still tried to believe what she heard from the usual brash flier. “Meh.” Rainbow responded with a wave off her hoof. “I have my days.” “Girls, we still have the issue with this supposed resentment of his siblings.” Rarity said as she brought up another matter Twilight groaned at. “Does he actually have this sort of jealousy?” Rarity asked the lavender Unicorn who brought her face back up from the desk. “I'm not sure. I've never seen him jealous before.” Twilight offered what she remembered from her past. “The last time I saw him was at Shining's wedding fiasco.” The girls cringed slightly as they remembered the event. Applejack tapped her mouth for a moment in thought before raising said hoof. “I don't remember seeing him at the wedding, Twilight.” “He was there for the initial reception but I don't really remember seeing him much at the dance. Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing him much at all after the vows were given.” Twilight explained as she brought up her memories of looking back at the crowd. She remembered seeing her parents beaming with pride but Dusk seemed fuzzy. “Of course he's jealous at seeing what Shining and yourself had accomplished. He's the oldest sibling, the 'Care Taker/Protector' if you will. He must feel left behind in the dust.” Rainbow offered again as she continued her lazy laps. “Seriously, Rainbow? What the buck!” Applejack stared in disbelief. Twilight was about to speak up until a few knocks came from the library door. The Mares inside went silent as they stared at the door. They glimpsed at the clock only to find that they had showed Dusk to Fluttershy's cabin half hour ago. Did the Element of Kindness strike out that quickly in her mission? “Hey Twilight!” A familiar southern accent came from the other side as Twilight jumped up to open the door. Standing on the other side was Fiddlesticks, a violin case strapped onto her back. “Well howdy Twi. Ah hope Ah'm not interrupting?” she greeted with a smile and a tip of her hat in Twilight's direction. “Oh, not at all Fiddlesticks. Please come in.” Twilight offered as she stepped to one side so the musical country mare could come in. Fiddlesticks nodded at Twilight before coming to an abrupt stop at seeing the company she was having. “Oh, Ah'm sorry all. I didn't know ya had company Twilight, Ah'll come by at 'nother time.” Fiddle's immediately did an about turn and made for the door before Twilight stepped into her path. “It's no trouble, Fiddlesticks. You wanted to sign out a book, correct?” Twilight enquired as she brought up her management book. Fiddlesticks tapped her hoof nervously as she bit her lip. Her eyes gazing over the current company as a slight blush meet her cheeks. “Ah actually wanted to ask if Dusk Breaker was 'round?” The name of Twilight's brother instantly drew every ponies attention as the library grew unusually quiet considering the company it withheld. Twilight was silent for a moment before arching an eyebrow in curiosity “He's out at the moment, spending some time with Fluttershy I believe. Is there a message you wanted to leave with me?” Twilight asked. Fiddlesticks ears flattened when she heard where and who Dusk was currently with. “No, Ah'll just be on mah way. Have a good one, Twilight.” the violinist tipped her hat again before turning and departing out of the library doorway. She kept her head lowered as she made her way towards Ponyville shop market. Twilight watched with questioning look before turning back to her friends in the library. Applejack seemed confused at the exchange of words while Rarity smiled devilishly. “Well that was odd. Where were we?” she asked before taking a seat beside the fashionista. “Poor Fiddlesticks.” Rarity breathed as she tipped the tea cup gracefully to her lips. Twilight gave the white Unicorn a most confused face which only made Rarity roll her eyes. “Do you not see it? She even made the first move, bold girl.” “I'm sorry Rarity, but I'm afraid you have me at a lost here.” “I believe the violinist you just had a conversation with, may have a crush on your older brother.” Another round of knocks stopped Twilight from even replying to the bold accusation. A crush on Dusk Breaker? Twilight wanted to roll her eyes but as she used her magic to open the door again she found a very odd sight before her. She watched a wheezing Fluttershy breathing hard as she leaned against the door frame. “Are you ok, Fluttershy?” “Dusk Breaker.” the soft spoken Mare spoke between breaths. “Disappeared. Everfree Forest.” The Drone watched the form of the pony wiggle in the dirt. The injection seemed to have worked so far or otherwise the four legged creature would have clearly died. Seizures and shrunk pupils are the norm for such a biological take over as the Drone knew, but this was a new species. With that unknown variable added into the mix, it was uncertain if the injection was to even work. The only true sign wouldn't show until a few hours. Normally it wouldn't be such a pressing issue but with the lack of protection and intelligence of the surroundings, it will be taxing. The Drone already began working constructing some sort of camouflage over the subject in it's care. Fallen branches, twigs, leafs or brush all began to pile around the unconscious pony. It wasn't long until the Drone gave a final look over his constructed hut. Not structurally stable but would fill the need. Now all it had to do was wait. A few hours had easily passed and although the subject showed no change physically, a pheromone trail of alarm easily began to fill the Drones senses. A very interesting trait indeed. Even though the pony was unconscious, it excreted a pheromone that would make any Zerg strain specimen come immediately to defend. “Dusk Breaker!” The drone froze in place, barely a foot away from the resting pony. The Zerg creature was sure that no one had seen his quick abduction. The Drone began to weigh his chances in combat but knew that if the enemy was more then one he would probably lose. He could fling acid spittle but his gland could only produce so much. “Dusk Breaker, where are you?” Two different voices. The drone now knew that the odds were starting to stack against it. To make things even more dire was that the voices were approaching them. The Drone didn't dare move a single muscle. “Twilight.” The unconscious pony breathed out heavily. The Drone started to panic. Never in any infested human or other species did subjects have so much control. Speech of any varying degree is usually impossible in such state but this creature managed to pull it off. A nearby twig snapped as the Drone pivoted to see a nearby bush begin to shake. “Ah heard somethin' this way girls! We're coming sugar cube!” Two options immediately showed itself. The Drone could stay his ground with the hopes that the intruders would pass by. The shelter was by no means the epitome of disguise but it could shade them from the incoming ponies. The other option was to simply run away. Leave the subject behind to fend for himself and with high hopes that the culture is one of caring towards others of it's species. If they found the subject to be to different they may kill it or sacrifice it to some unknown god. The choice was made. “Twilight!” The lavender burst from one of the many bushes as she scanned around for the calling voice. Her search didn't take long however to see the limp form of her older brother held in Applejack's fore hooves. The Librarian dashed to his side and began to check for vitals, just like she was taught. His pulse was strong but very ecstatic. “We have to get him to the hospital!” The group of mares began to dash out of the forest with haste. Little did they know about the pheromone trail that followed their path. Something to easily track by a certain Zerg specimen. Fiddlesticks broke one of her rules. She hyped herself when meeting Dusk Breaker and when he played that song she couldn't help but to play along. She never said it out loud but if Twilight never showed up, that night could have ended differently. No! You're not that kind of Mare, Fiddlesticks! She scoffed as she pushed a pencil around on the counter. Not a single customer had entered the shop and since her hopeful lunch 'Date' was six feet under, she was considering closing shop early. This wasn't the first time she made the mistake of expecting too much, too soon. Some Stallions ran for their life while some just stringed her along. All in all? A mess. It didn't help that most of Ponyville's residents were taken for. Just when Fiddlesticks figured the Celestia herself dropped Dusk Breaker before her, the stupid, butter coloured animal talker stole him. Fiddlestick scoffed at the very idea of Fluttershy stealing anything but it stung all the same. The violinist decided enough was enough as she stood and moved towards the door, flipping the 'Open' sign to 'Close'. “Guess it's time for a pint.” She said aloud as the store door closed behind her. That would have been her plan until she was cut off a white Unicorn who ran past her. “Hey, watch it!” Fiddlesticks shouted as she dusted her bandana off. “I'm sorry, Fiddlesticks!” The white Unicorn said as she stopped momentarily. “I'm in a hurry for the hospital!” Fiddlesticks clued in as she recognized the Mare from the famous fashion boutique in town. “It's fine Rarity. Is something wrong?” “Twilight's brother Dusk Breaker is in the hospital.” Fiddlestick paused in silence for a moment as she went wide eyed. She was dumb struck in thought until she quickly moved to Rarity's side. “Is he all right?” Her worry was evident to even the most dense pony. Fiddlestick's eyes pleaded for an answer as she waited for Rarity's answer. Rarity was far from dense, especially when pony relationships were concerned. The mare before her cared for Dusk, something that made a little light in her head click. Match Maker Rarity Go! “Do you want to see for yourself, Darling? I'm sure he would love your support.” Rarity asked as she pointed a hoof towards the hospital's direction. The violinist just nodded solemnly before starting to pick up her pace towards the hospital. Twilight stood by Dusk Breaker's bed as she watched him go through the motions of breathing calmly. It was a reassuring fact after the scare that Fluttershy had informed of. So far, the doctors think he will make a full recovery from whatever is plaguing but to be absolutely sure, they already have a blood sample going through. Twilight slowly rubbed her hoof over the Stallion's side as she waited for any sign of life. What if it's a coma? Twi could only shake her head slightly as if to ward away any thoughts leading to such a prognosis. The door opened much to the lavender Mare's relief only to see Rarity and, surprisingly, Fiddlesticks. Twilight opened her mouth but was cut off by Rare's before she even had a chance to speak. “I bumped into her on the way back here. She said she wanted to show her support and good wishes.” The Element of Generosity explained before walking up to give Twilight a warm hug. “Where are the others?” “I sent them home. Can't have them all bunched up in this room, can we?” Twilight gave a half hearted chuckle before looking back to Dusk. Fiddlesticks had taken a seat across from Twilight on the other side of the bed as she looked over Dusk's peaceful face. Despite the particular situation he was in, it would almost seem like you could just crawl in beside him and pass out in comfortable bliss. Fiddlesticks couldn't help but feel ashamed at such a thought when the Stallion was in such a dire state. “Will he be ok, Twilight?” Fiddles asked out of concern as she put a hoof out to touch Dusk's, something Twilight and Rarity took a note of. “The Doctor said that he should be fine and that at the moment Dusk is just exhausted. Some bed rest and he should be back on his hooves.” Twilight explained until her curiosity really caught the better of her. “I'm sorry if this seems rude but I must ask. What are your intentions with my Brother?” Twilight gave the Mare a dead paned look. Fiddlesticks was caught off guard as she mumbled under her breath. Anything in the room at the moment was more appealing to look at then the Mare across from her. However, with no easy way out of the conversation she simply gave in. “Ah was going to ask him out today until I heard he was with Fluttershy.” Rarity squinted her eyes as she soon as she heard it. Fiddlesticks thought Dusk was going out with her friend, Fluttershy. Oh the very thought of it made Rarity want to laugh. “Fluttershy and Dusk are not dating, Fiddlesticks.” Fiddlesticks ears perked up at the news as she scooted closer in her seat towards Dusk. With a puffed out chest and a new smile on her face she spoke with confidence. “Twilight, I would like to date Dusk Breaker.” “What is your current IQ?” Twilight asked. “Um, Ah 'ave no clue.” Fiddlesticks answered as suddenly her resolve felt tested. “Life achievements?” “I own a music store.” Fiddlesticks replied as she feared the other questions. “Current goals in life?” “Play in the Canterlot Orchestra just once.” Fiddlesticks was soon finding the inquisitive eyes of Twilight Sparkle now becoming more intimidating. “Relationship experience?” Fiddlesticks gulped loudly and could feel a bead of sweat roll down the side of her face. She wanted to lie so bad with this question but knew if Twilight was really serious, and she seemed like it, she'd call in Applejack to become a living lie detector. So Fiddlesticks did the only thing she could, she mumbled. “I'm sorry, what was that?” “Fifteen Stallions...” “Say again.” Fiddlesticks groaned . “Fifteen Stallions” Twilight and Rarity both gasped. Although it wasn't really looked down upon, it was rare for this area considering the population count. Twilight was about to say something else until a hoof patted her's. Rarity gave her a look pleading look. “Twilight dear, please let up on the poor Mare. Didn't you hear those two playing the last night? Maybe they can be a cute musical duo? Oh! I already have the cutest outfit for your first date, Dear!” Rarity immediately began to ramble about outfit designs as Fiddlesticks was trying to take it all in. “Fine. You can date him, Miss Fiddlesticks.” Twilight gave in but she was sure as Tartarus that she wouldn't turn any blind eyes. “But at least give him some time to adapt to Ponyville.” Fiddlesticks just smiled before eagerly nodding her head. To be honest, it made her feel easier to have Dusk's sister know her attentions. That awkward part was behind her and the more daunting one was still lying asleep before her. Dusk was walking confidently down the main street of Canterlot. A smug look plastered on his face as he examined the burnt out buildings and the smelling of decay. A guard's tower that was attached to the wall crumpled and fell in a heap where a howling of pain was heard. The unicorn only gave a chuckle as a group of twenty Zerglings ran past him with haste, their objective, the castle. His eyes looked up to see the once mighty stone construct now a light with dancing flames. A swelling of pride made the Unicorn laugh at the Princesses misfortune. No longer was he to be looked down upon. In his mind he begun to witness events that Ponies thought would never come. In the Gryyphon Empire, the natives were being hunted by both air and land as they fought with valour. For all their talk about being militarily superior, they do squeak quite loudly when you step on their wings. The Dragon Empire, although fearsome, was at fault. They thought their mountain fortresses almost invincible until numerous Nydus worms broke through and deposited the explosive Banelings that sealed them in their own coffins. Without the air to give them mobility they were swarmed like ants on an unsuspecting intruder. The last great Empire was that of the Dragoons. They hide in their rivers, swamps and ocean sides. The poor creatures never even knew that the very water they hold so dear was slowly being corrupted. The overlords hovered above the bodies of water as the poisonous waste deposited from their confines. The serpents were massacred when they came to the surface for any chance of a relief. Dusk finally made it past the small piles of rubble that used to be the castle gates. Small pockets of guards fought but nothing they had could fight the swarm. The Hydralisks simply preyed onto them until they were too weak to fight. The screaming was short lived as the Hydralisks then begun to stalk a new target. These pitiful ponies had held out against his siege for a month. He gave them not one, but three chances to give in. What did they do? They stayed put while Dusk razed settlements and cities each day they stayed inside. The sea of Zerglings separated as the Unicorn Pony calmly walked up to the large throne doors. The once golden marvel was now scarred from fire and acid spikes. A simple thought and Dusk had an Ultralisk charging towards the door. Zerglings ran out of the way so as not to get crushed underneath the behemoth. Dusk remained where he was as the large creature ran over him and collided with the golden doors. The weight and the momentum proved too much as they easily caved in. The Princesses gazed at the numerous intruders but instead of swarming in, they stood still. It was only Dusk Breaker to walk in. “I'm home...” Dusk woke with a slight startle as his lungs worked over time to suck in oxygen. His chest heaved with each breath and the sweat easily coated the bed as he tried to focus on things around him. The environment was such vastly different from where he remembered. Wasn't I in the forest? Dusk thought as he slowly began to grasp onto his reasoning. He didn't feel like it was a hangover. Maybe he slipped and bonked his head off a rock. He didn't feel any pain except for a slight sound echoing in his head as if trying to grasp his attention. Morph a Hatchery, Hive Mind. Dusk bent his head down into his hooves. Images suddenly flooded his conscious as a detailed look of a towering organism played out. It must be as Large as the Canterlot castle! Dusk was soon finding himself looking over everything about this Hatchery. It felt like he was looking at biological blueprints. What this building was capable of doing and other functions. There was a sudden feeling of urgency or maybe fear. He was unsure but something told him that he needed this Hatchery. “Dusk?” Maybe I can place it in the Everfree forest? Dusk thought as he felt another presence invade his mind. We need concealment, Hive Mind. Dusk nodded his head at the idea. If he was going to get such a structure to even survive being spotted he needed cover. Rumor has it that no pony ever enters the Forest because of dangerous beings and wildlife. Dusk smiled with content until a new problem arises. How do I build a Hatchery? “Dusk are you ok?” Through me, Hive Mind. Dusk's pupils suddenly dilated as he felt himself suddenly looking at Ponyvile from a top of a grassy hill. The slight breeze playing with the nearby trees. His vision however was not his own. He was much lower to the ground as if lying down but soon his vision shifted towards the forest. It was almost like watching a movie through someone else eyes. He watched as the sudden darkness of the forest clouded his vision but only for a few moments as rays of moonlight managed to shine his path. “Nurse! Come quickly!” Hive Mind, I suggest a smaller Hatchery to avoid aerial discovery. There is a clearing ahead where a fallen Overlord lays dead. Shall I begin Metamorphosis? Dusk was silent for a moment as he thought. What was he doing? It was a question that suddenly surfaced to his forethought. He was going along with this bizarre voice in his head like some sort of game. Am I dreaming? No, Hive Mind. You're conscious and readily available to give instructions. Shall I begin Metamorphosis? Dusk was silent for only a moment. I have questions. Be wary of the time, Hive Mind. I can deliver any information to you in regards to the Zerg via mental link like we are doing now. Dusk wanted to smile but something told him that he was not controlling his body at the moment. The one feeling he however knew was of determination. He wasn't sure why but he needed this Hatchery. Begin Metamorphosis. When you have a moment, send small amounts of information concerning this Zerg. As you wish, Hive Mind. The Hatchery shall be complete in this planet's next high sun, I will send a neural notification. Disconnecting visual establishment. Dusk let a sudden breath fill his lungs as the hospital room returned. He could feel his hooves and feel the oxygen enter his lungs. The only thing different however was three mares over him. Twilight Sparkle, her worried face easily evident as it always was. A new mare that was wearing a nurses cap, cute. The final one was also the most surprising. It was the entrancing violinist at the musical shop, Fiddlesticks! Dusk could hardly believe it but then again, he never believed much this past twelve hours. One thing he noticed however was a familiar smell that reminded him of the polished wood of the fantastic piano in her shop. How in Equestria could I smell that off her? Now all he had to do was study on this Zerg. Yeah, more studying...