//------------------------------// // ...That Shines In The Dark // Story: Light in the Dusk // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// "Twah'light's... down there?" Applejack asked. "That's where the spell's leading us," confirmed Dusk. "Oh my... it's so dark... and scary..." trembled Fluttershy. "Don't worry Fluttershy, just remember my song!" hummed Pinkie happily. "Pinkie's right. Scary shmary, let's get in there and find her," Rainbow declared confidently. "Absolutely. Our friend is down there and we're not going to let some silly shadows in the dark stop us from reaching her," Rarity declared. They were standing at the mouth of a cave, staring down at the puppet, which was lighting the way up ahead. Compared to most cave tunnels, this one was rather small, only about ten feet from floor to ceiling. There were two forks in the passage ahead, a possible indicator that this cave was going to be more like a maze than anything else. The puppet would guide them to Twilight. Dusk had a sense of forboding, staring down into the depths. He still had his strong suspicions about what they might find, and was scared to venture further. But... Twilight was counting on him, and the girls were with him. He would be fine... wouldn't he? "Dusk? Dusk, you okay?" Applejack was looking concerned. "I'm fine, thanks... sort of..." He could hear the shaking in his own voice. "Dusk... you've already done so much. You can stay out here, and we can go searching for Twilight." Fluttershy seemed to understand his fear. But she was brave enough to go down there, what was stopping him. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm going with you... I've not been the best of friends, as you've all pointed out...I want to try and make it up to you here, especially to Twilight." "Dusk, all we want is an explanation from you," Rainbow reminded him. "We don't completely hate your guts or anything like that, but you don't have to put yourself in danger..." "No, I couldn't... live with myself if I just left you and did nothing to save her... or at least try. Cowards die many times before their deaths, while the valiant never taste of death but once," he quoted smartly, feeling a little braver. "Shakesmare? Quite well-read, aren't you?" Rarity noted. "Only with mostly... useless stuff..." he said. "Besides, I'm the only one who can do this spell... right, enough hanging around, let's go..." With that, he lead the way into the depths of the unknown, the light of his magic guiding the way. They moved more slowly than they did outside, with good reason. From what Dusk could tell, this cave was very old. Any stress to the walls could cause it to collapse and trap them. So, they kept up a gentle, almost jogging pace, the puppet always waiting for them first. Along the way, Dusk also fashioned arrows into the dirt, leading them back to the cave entrance. None of them spoke at all, meaning the only sounds were their echoing hoofsteps. It was like they all knew that something else was down here, not just their friend and were listening for it, trying to find any sign of something lurking in the dark. There was no question that something had lead them here, with malevolent intentions in mind. They weren't taking any chances. As such, Dusk felt even more out of place. Not only were they good friends with each other and users of the Elements, but they had a lot more experience than him. They'd faced off against more threats together than he had in his whole life. If something was down here, he didn't think he was going to be much use to them in a fight. He'd just get in the way... "Ya really do want ta prove yerself, don't ya?" Applejack had joined him walking. "Of course... you've all done your best to make me welcome... and I've just pushed you away. I want to, at least, repay you for that." "Well, ah'd say yeh've done that. Not many ponies woulda had the guts ta come in here, or even get close. Ah must say Dusk, ah don't quite understand you. Yer a real mystery." "Maybe... I can change that," he murmured, giving a small smile. "I hope..." "Ah'm sure yeh'll yer best. Ah'll let ya concentrate." She drew away a little, leaving Dusk grateful for the talk. While they walked, he noticed the cave was getting higher, slightly, but it was increasing in size. The different turns and twists were starting to lessen too, though Dusk still left markers to find their way back out. They must be getting close... It was when the tunnel had only one way to go, a turning to the right up ahead, that Dusk's puppet of Twilight faded away. It was dark, except for the mild glow that was emitting from the cavern ahead. This had to be it. He looked around at them all. They were all determined, even Fluttershy to an extent. They weren't turning back... and neither would he. They reached the entrance, looked inside and saw- "Twilight!" they all exclaimed at the sight of her. She was at the end of a long cavern, which was shrouded in darkness, except for the faint glow she was generating. Her eyes were closed, her head lolled, but she was still breathing. "I'll get her outta there!" Rainbow was about to head off inside. "Wait! Something's not right... look closely..." Dusk pointed with his hoof. Something was coiled around Twilight's head. Some kind of dark tendrils, gripping onto her skull, emanating their own red glow. Like she was connected to something else... "What is it? What's happening to her?" Rarity asked fearfully. "I've got a bad feeling about this," declared Pinkie. Even she looked scared. Dusk was about to respond, when another voice spoke. This voice had no warmth, compassion or pity. It was a low, hissing sound, that sent shivers up his spine... and confirmed his fears. "What issss thisssss...?" Something stirred behind Twilight, dark coils shifting. It leaned it's head forward, making Dusk's stomach contract. The closest thing he could compare this to was a snake. But even then, snakes had more endearing qualities than this monster. A long pointed face on a massive head, large bone-white fangs than glinted in the dark, small fierce red eyes, scales so black that they absorbed all light... just as those ancient books in the Canterlot library had described them... but the actual image was even more terrifying. The area around it, Dusk now noticed, was littered with the bones of dead animals. Mice, owls, snakes, cockatrices, manticores, he could even see part of a dragon, teenaged from the size. All who had the misfortune of falling for its tricks. It hissed in displeasure at the sight of the girls, as it further wrapped its coils around Twilight. "What are you all doing here? How did you esssscape the traps I sssssset for you?" It shook its head. "I sssssssuppose it doesssss not matter now... now, I don't have to go to the trouble of finding you all to... devour you..." "By Celestia... what is this creature?" Rarity was gazing in a kind of frightened awe. "I dunno, but I like the whole 'sssssss' thing it has. Makessss talking so much more fun!" Pinkie imitated oddly. "Oh believe me," Dusk whispered, "this thing barely comprehends the meaning... well, unless you consider that it finds its own evil deeds 'fun'..." "Dusk, what is it? What's it doin' ta Twah'light?" Normally, Dusk wasn't best at speaking, or standing up for himself. He was always pausing, stuttering, due to his lack of self-confidence. But, when it came to something he truly despised, he found himself always saying the right words to express just what he thought about it. "It's feeding off her essence, everything that makes her Twilight Sparkle. Her memories, hopes, dreams, powers... until there's nothing left." Dusk said this all very bitterly, then addressed the creature. "I suppose you have to. Extinction must be very demanding on energy reserves." "Who are you, colt?" It raised itself a little higher. "You know of my kind?" "My name is Dusk Noir," he told it, feeling a little braver and more angry with every passing minute. "I know that you're not meant to even exist, Paraserpent!" "Long has it been ssssssince my brethren's name hassssss been spoken," it hissed. "Sssssoon, it will be ssssssaid in fear once more!" "Paraserpent?" Rainbow approached him. "What excatly is this thing?" "Centuries ago, when Equestria was under the rule of the entity Discord," Dusk began to explain, "he had the Paraserpents as his minions. They thrived on the suffering and misery he created with his chaos. They were creatures of deception, he used them to instill further fear among the ponies, to keep them from standing up to him. When Celestia and Luna led the Order Uprising, the Paraserpents weren't prepared for the power they unleashed. They were all wiped out by the Princesses, so Discord would be vulnerable. Or so it seemed..." "I sssssurvived," the vile monster told them. "Ssssso long have I waited, for the chance to strike back against those princesses. I have waited here, regaining my strength by luring creatures down here, waiting for the right moment... it came, after I ate him..." It gestured to the dead dragon. "I learned that the Elements of Harmony had moved on... into different poniessssss." "Ya said this thing absorbs power, right?" He nodded in confirmation. "So... what, it used the power from that dragon ta find out about Twah'light's letters ta Celestia?" "I think so. It intercepted them, learning about his new enemies. Then, let me guess... you made a fake one and sent it, telling Twilight to bring all of her friends here, then separated them. After that, you would drain them all, making the Elements useless against you and also taking their power..." "Correct," it answered smugly. "Without your precious friendship, nopony would be able to ssssstand against me. I will thrive, return my kind to glory. Then, we shall free our masssssster, chaossssss will reign once more!" "Ha ha!" Pinkie was pointing at it triumphantly. "You've told us your whole plan now, so now we can get help and stop you. Silly villains, why do they always do that?" "You will not becausssse... you will not leave thissssss place alive." It's red glow grew brighter. "Now you are all here... I can devour you all!" "Oh yeah? Well, bring it on!" Rainbow sped off into the air, charging across the room at full force. Dusk saw it grin, it's red glow get brighter. "Rainbow, no!" But it was too late. The pegasus barely reached it, when a red bolt of energy hit her. As soon as it did, she began to fly around in circles at rapid speed, constant loop-the-loops. He could hear her wailing, unable to stop herself, as the Paraserpent laughed cruelly. "What in the... what's it done?" Applejack asked urgently. "It's draining Twilight's essence, her magic included. That means it can use all her power against us." No sooner had he said this, the monster's magic glowed again. "Take cover!" They all dived behind nearby clusters of stone, as they were bombarded by bolts of magic. Nopony else was hit, but it did have them effectively pinned. "Whaddya we do now?" yelled Applejack over the noise. "If it's using Twilight's power, all we have to do is get close enough to knock her out of its grip, then it can't use her anymore." Rarity shrieked as a spell whizzed over her head. "It's just getting to it..." "Well, we can't play hide-and-seek with it, it knows where we are," Pinkie pointed out. "It's grip is slippery though," informed Dusk. "We should be easily able to tug Twilight out, but again that means getting close. We've lost the advantage of surprise, but there is a lot of room to maneuver in here, so..." "... we'll have ta rush it, it can't take us all down at once. If we spread ourselves out, it'll have ta go for us one at a time," Applejack strategised. "Ah can make a run first, ah'm fastest here." "B-b-b-but what if it h-hits us?" Fluttershy asked fearfully. "It won't be anything fatal, it'll want to keep us alive so it can feed," pointed out Dusk. "But it will be something to stop us moving, so avoid those blasts as best you can." "Agreed, we all run on three. One... two... three!" Applejack led the charge, as they leaped out of cover and spread around the room, dodging magic. The Paraserpent did seem at a loss as to who to aim at first, its shots unfocused and random. Applejack took this chance and galloped as fast as she could. She ducked, dodged and dived, like she was in a rodeo. But now, it was focusing on just her. She almost made it- ZAP! She was hit, falling to the ground, dragging her back legs, like they suddenly had weights attached to them. She tried to pull herself on the ground, but she just didn't have the strength to do it. Dusk felt some despair, as she collapsed, exhausted. One down... Rarity was the next to run the gauntlet. Unlike Applejack, who ran a straight route, she weaved around, feinted and dodged, keeping it guessing. She faked moves in one direction, then changed course so the attack missed. It looked more like she was dancing, as she still carried herself with grace and style. In the end though, her opponent learned from its mistakes and tried one of its own. As she did another one of her feint moves and the attack missed, the next bolt intercepted her at where she was moving to. As soon as it hit her, her styled mane and tail came alive, wrapping themselves around her legs and forcing her to the floor. "Betrayed by own mane, the irony of it all!" she despaired dramatically, trying to break lose. Pinkie was the next to be targeted, but the Paraserpent was having a great deal of trouble hitting her. She, like Rarity, was moving around the cave to confuse it, not picking a straight path. But while Rarity's movements were possible to predict, Pinkie's were downright random. A move to the left would suddenly be ended by a leap into the sky or she would start moving backwards, bouncing on her hooves. As such, the Paraserpent was making frustrated hisses as she jumped around like a cricket on a pogo-stick. She actually managed to reach Twilight and attempted to wrest her from the Paraserpent's grip. But it must have been tighter than Dusk thought, as she was having trouble pulling her out... which left her vulnerable to an attack. She was blasted back as a bolt finally hit her. At its contact, she was lifted off her hooves and floated into the sky like a balloon. She tried scampering on thin air, but couldn't move forward, as she hit the ceiling, helpless. Now, it was only Dusk and Fluttershy. Viewing the timid pegasus as the weakest, the Paraserpent focused its attacks on her now, which really minimized her chances of success. Every time she tried to move forward, she leaped back as a blast just missed her. She was being back up further and further away, until she hid behind a rock again. "Oh no... oh my... help!" "That'sssss right, cower and hide!" Its cruel laughter ringing in his ears, Dusk tried desperately to think of a new plan. They couldn't move forward one at a time, their enemy would just focus its attacks when they tried. It might have worked if they all rushed at once, but there were too few now. It's eyes would be on him soon, he would be- Wait... that was it, the eyes! They were small, tiny, probably due to centuries of darkness. That meant its eyesight would be terrible. Perhaps this might work, at least for a bit. It would depend if he could coordinate this many of them... He remembered five random ponies he'd seen, weaving them from his magic, come on, this had to work... "What? What isssss thisss? Where did you all come from?" He looked around, to see himself joined by puppets of normal pony size. It had fooled the Paraserpent! "No matter... more food for me!" Dusk galloped as fast as his legs would allow, making straight for Twilight, ordering mentally for his puppets to do the same. It was difficult, he'd never had to coordinate this many before and under so much pressure... but he had to... he could do this... He ducked under shot, but no more were sent his way. The forms all weaved and dodged under the attacks, two had already been destroyed by blasts. Just a little closer, almost made it... a third was gone, the Paraserpent turning its head back to him. Had it seen through his trick? No, don't think about that Dusk, almost there... he was going to make it. Two blasts missed him, he leaped with all his might, hooves reaching forward... and he pushed Twilight out of its coils, landing with a hard smack on the floor. Pinkie must have loosened them up. He heard it screech in frustration and rage. Twilight was still knocked out, barely stirring but still alive. A purple essence was flowing back into her, her essence. Paraserpents couldn't be disturbed while feeding, or else they wouldn't get the full meal. She would be okay... thank Celestia... he'd done it! Dusk then began to push her away, as far from the Paraserpent as possible. Others joined his effort, the girls spells having worn off now Twilight had been freed of the Paraserpent's influence. "You did Dusk, you did it!" Rarity exclaimed, her mane and tail now a mess. "Yes... I can't believe I-" "Dusk, look out!" Dusk had barely turned around when something grabbed his leg and began dragging back in the opposite direction. He tried to pull himself away, but he could already feel it draining his strength. No... he had to... to get away. His vision was blurring... strength fading... come on! Had to... had to... But he couldn't... he wasn't strong enough... "Yes Dusk, yes," a voice in his head spoke. The Paraserpent... tapping into his mind. "Give yourself to me, let your strength become mine." No... he couldn't give in... could he? Maybe he could... maybe it wouldn't hurt... maybe it would be better... "Of course it will be. Your life has meant nothing. You know this, I know this. Stop fighting, become my food." Yes... stop fighting... what have you accomplished in your life Dusk? What have you done? But... Twilight... her friends... "Why would they care? They don't care about you, they never have. Celestia played you for a fool, making you think they did. They're not your friends, they won't even miss you. Do not worry, for when I take your energy, I shall destroy her in your name. She will pay for what she has done to both of us." Yes... yes, make her pay. She'd hurt him, they all had... let him take your strength, give in to him... he opened his eyes, expecting to see them running and leaving him... alone... to die... But they weren't. He couldn't hear them, but he could see them. Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were with Twilight, watching in horror. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were trying to get at the Paraserpent, but it was pushing them away with its coils... they were trying to save him... they were worried about him... if they didn't care, why were they trying to save him? Because they're your friends, another voice said in his head. His own. You may not see yourself as special, but they do. They want to save you, because they genuinely care. That's something no princess can tell them to do. What does that tell you? "What? No, what is this? Do not listen-!" You know they care, Dusk Noir. They have done all along. Don't push them away again, give them a chance. You might find you'll actually like the friendship they want to offer. You Pinkie promised. Do it for them... for Twilight. "Yes..." It took so much effort to force himself back to reality. "For... Twilight... all of... them..." "What? No! You will be my food!" It wrapped tighter around him, trying to regain control. But Dusk was stronger, stronger than he ever believed. With a great bout of effort, he turned his head to look right into its eyes, tapping into his power. "Not... with me... you're... NOT!" He yelled this last bit, as he unleashed his magic. The bigger they were, the brighter they got and made this white orb he envisioned as big as he could. Dusk shut his eyes to shield them from the flare. He felt it loosen its coils, releasing him from its grip. He scrambled to his feet, cutting off the magic, his ears assaulted with the horrible sounds of the monster, screeching in pain. Hooves were grabbing him, pulling him away. He opened his eyes to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash, tugging him away from the gigantic serpent, as it writhed in pain. They pulled him to his hooves, his strength returning. He turned to them both, expressing his gratitude with a smile. "Ya could give us a lil' warnin' next time ya do that," Applejack remarked. "You gonna be okay?" "I'll be fine... thank you." He approached Twilight's unconscious form, placing her on his back. She was lighter than he expected. "I think... it's time to leave. Don't say anything, let me carry her. I'm fine..." "Alright, if you can handle it," Rainbow affirmed. A resounding crack was heard and chunks of the ceiling began to fall. The Paraserpent, who's writhing was making it collide with the walls, was causing the whole cave to begin collapsing around them. Now they had another reason to move quickly. "Come on everypony, let's move! Follow the arrows Dusk made, come on!" Applejack led the group, as they began to sprint out of the cavern, debris falling all around them. Dusk was hindered more than the others, due to the unconscious mare on his back, but he kept going. This was his way of saying thank you to her, for putting up with him and trying to be his friend... for still wanting to be his friend. The cave was collapsing with increased frequency. They had a few near misses, a chunk almost crushing them or impeding their progress, but they all sprinted, jumped, flew and ducked under the stone that threatened them. Straight ahead, right, right again, then left... they might make it. "Mmm... wha.. where... am I...?" Twilight was beginning to stir on his back. If she could move under her own steam, they could be out a lot more quickly. "Twilight, we're in the Everfree Forest," he called out. "Don't worry, we're going to be-" A crack above him cut him off. He whipped his head up, to see a large piece of stone falling towards him. There wasn't time to move... but he could save her. He bucked her off his back, sending her forward. He tried to run- "AGH!" A sharp pain travelled up his leg, the one the stone landed on. He felt the bones shatter. Such mind-numbing pain... he couldn't move, it hurt so much... he could see the others rushing back, helping Twilight... what were they doing? "You shall not escape me!" That screeching was getting louder. The Paraserpent... it was coming for them... "Dusk!" Twilight had regained her senses. She levitated the stone from his leg and tried to move him. "Come on, we have to move..." "Just... go," he grimaced. "If that thing catches you all... Equestria is doomed. Go, run! I'm not important... not compared to you..." "You're important to us Dusk... to me." Seeing Twilight look like that made his heart wrench. He felt his hooves leave the floor, as he was lifted up into the air. "We've got him," Rainbow yelled. "Keep going!" Suspended between Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, Dusk was carried through the cave. The sounds of rage were getting louder, but they were almost out... they were so close... it hurt...the pain... He could see the entrance, the mouth of the cave. It was getting closer... so was the Paraserpent, screaming its displeasure at being denied its meal. It wasn't going to give up... neither were they. Had to... stay... awake... He felt cool air, saw the night sky. They'd made it out! Dusk heard as the entrance collapsed, turned to see the avalanche of boulders and stones blocking the way. They were safe... it was trapped. "Yes! Yes, we made it! We are awesome!" Rainbow set Dusk down, before doing a few loops in the air in celebration. "No time to celebrate, Dusk is hurt!" Twilight was by his side in an instant. Soon, the others were too. "I think his leg might be broken, we need to get him to a hospital!" "Me and Fluttershy will carry him again, we can get him there quickly." The next thing she said was at him. "Looks like I was right... you are awesome." "I was just... doing the right thing... the only right thing I've done... since I got here, I guess..." He could still feel the pain, like fire in his leg. "You're going to be okay Dusk, we'll get you out of here" Twilight whispered. "I promise." "Really?" Dusk looked up at her, giving a weak smile. "Do you... Pinkie promise?" "Dusk, you-" CRASH! The debris blocking the cave exploded outwards, as the long, dark form of their resilient foe slithered out. They all recoiled in terror, as it drew itself to its full height, bearing down upon them. "NO! I have waited too long! I will not be denied thisssss!" It raised its head, exposed long fangs. This was it- "I think you shall be." A voice that boomed with authority and power met their ears, as Princess Celestia descended from above. The Paraserpent reviled, hissing in hatred. "Celesssssstia." It spoke as if her name tasted bitter. "How fitting... now, you shall die too." "Surrender, Paraserpent," she commanded. "Give yourself up and you shall be shown mercy." "I will never sssssssurrender to you!" It screeched. "DIIIIIE!" It swung its tail to strike her, but it missed, sailing over as she ducked, striking a different target. Dusk was lifted off his feet, flying through the air and smacking his head against a tree. His vision blurring, he could make out the girls rushing towards him, Celestia and the Paraserpent meeting in battle. He hoped she would win... the last thing he heard was Twilight calling his name. Then... darkness.