//------------------------------// // Chapter Three: Starting Fresh // Story: Strokes of Fate // by Silbern //------------------------------// Link Dr. Pain Killer let out a long sigh as he finally got a chance to sit in his small office. His empty mug that had held his fifth cup of coffee drained shortly before. His shift was almost done until his latest patient was carried into the hospital. He remembered first seeing the unconscious stallion and instantly thought of possibly exhaustion or perhaps a more fatal hit on the head. Closer inspection proved quite the opposite, no bruises, lacerations nor blood shot eyes. If it wasn't for Twilight's description on where they found him he would have passed the case on to the nurses to simply look over it. “Doctor?” a voice caught the stallion unicorn from his deep stupor. He gazed up to see the white Mare poke her head in after a couple of knocks. “Excuse me Doctor. The blood work is in for Mr. Dusk Breaker.” Nurse Redheart explained as she placed the report she carried in her mouth. “Thank you, Redheart.” Pain acknowledged with a weak smile before reaching over on his desk. With magic he flipped open the portfolio and began to read. His eyes suddenly narrowed as he read the report once. His head rise and he began to look out with a lost expression. “There has to be a mistake her, Nurse Redheart. Check it again.” The Doctor ordered before tossing the file back on to his desk. “We did, Pain.” Redheart answered with out making any motion for the file. Her face easily contorting into worry about the results. “We checked and then triple checked. Hay, we even checked the equipment to make sure there was no cross contamination.” “This report is impossible. Cells in the pony body or any organic life cannot produce these kind of results.” The Doctor reasoned with the nurse as his magic enveloped the report once more to bring it close enough to read. “Multiple strands of DNA? Bio-synthesizing new cells? You even included in the report that the cells are attacking other cells only to absorb it, therefore making it stronger?” The doctor asked as if the very idea of it seemed beyond believe considering he had just sent the patient home not even an hour ago. “Absurd.” Pain decided before rubbing a hoof against his temple in wild hopes that it would sooth the oncoming headache. A shrill scream broke both of the Hospital employees gaze as they turned their head towards the slightly open door of the office. It didn't take long for both Nurse and Doctor to quickly make their way out of the office and into the hallway. It was there that they spotted one pony waving for them near the testing wing of the Hospital. Following, they both listened to the nurses explanation although the poor Mare was breathing like mad. “I was examining the patient's blood through the microscope and found that the cells were beginning to die naturally, as suspected.” The Nurse paused before swinging open the door to the testing ward. “I gave the sample a simple protein introduce and left it for a few minutes.” The Nurse continued her explanation before reaching her final door. “This was waiting for me.” Doctor Pain Killer eyes went wide at the sight. The small slide that was still in the microscope had grown. The sample was now clinging onto the microscope with small tendrils, just like a tree's roots grasping onto rocks. The dark purple tendrils pulsed for a moment before going black and as if suddenly exposed to deadly toxin, fallen. Each tendril fell from it's grip on the microscope and limply hanging off the edge. “Did it die?” Nurse Redheart ask as she took a step closer until a hoof stopped her. The Doctor remained quiet as he grasped onto the chair that was near the microscope. Slowly he lifted it until it contacted with the organic growth. After a couple of nudges with the chair legs the Doctor let out a breath. “It seems that it's de...” The three employees watched in horror as the colour returned to the tendrils, something that easily hallmarked their attack upon the chair leg. Each tendril grasped onto the chair and as Pain pulled the chair away so did the microscope. The magnifying tool crashed upon the ground as the Nurses backed up until they found the wall of the hallway outside. “Sweet Celestia!” Nurse Redheart cried in sudden shock. “Was it playing dead?” The Doctor had seen enough to enact safety contamination protocols. His horn began to light up as his eyes screwed tightly in focus. The Mares watch as large pouts of fire projected in a focused stream. It's target was the blood sample turned specimen. The flames lasted for a few moments more before the automatic fire suppressant systems caught on, dousing the room in water. “Call every Nurse and Doctor to report at once.” Pain Killer ordered as the pink Mare instantly ran to the front desk. His gaze then fell upon the now wet Nurse Redheart. “Find Twilight and send for the Princesses aid. Tell her that the situation has been upgraded to a Protocol five contamination. After that, I need you to locate Dusk Breaker and bring him back to the Hospital to be put under quarantine. Hurry Redheart!” The Doctor paused for a moment to watch the Nurse run towards the nearest exit. So much for going home... The Ponyville Library was quiet, as it should be, but Twilight couldn't help but feel slightly disturbed by it. She wished Spike would already return home from his Royal visit in Canterlot. Even his ramblings about Rarity would be more appreciative then what Twilight was witnessing. Her eyes watched Dusk as the Stallion sat by the window with his head tilted towards the sky. For hours he sat in that exact position with the only hint of life being a fidget of his leg or a flapping of his ear. He was like that ever since they returned early in the morning from the hospital. “Hey Dusk, would you like some soup for lunch?” Twilight asked as she placed a bookmark in her current novel before closing it. Her expectations were meet as her question went unanswered by the quiet fellow. Moving up to his side she spoke a tad softer “Dusk? Hello?” Her question went without a response. Her worry escalating, she poked his sides only to see the Stallion jump as if suddenly startled. Twilight had no clue how much was actually going on in his brain at the moment. The Stallion had been entrenched by his studies that the notion of even begging anything else for the day was an absurd ideal. So much vast knowledge, it was addicting and there was something inside that propelled his want for Zerg information. Was this how Twilight feels when it came to books? Dusk was thinking before he felt the hoof brushing his side, something that instantly brought him out of his stupor. “I'm sorry, Twilley. I was just thinking about stuff.” Dusk Breaker found himself apologizing before rubbing his eyes. Twilight had to admit that she had also jumped slightly when she witnessed his response. Her relief however came in when she heard his response. It was a tone she honestly thought for a moment yesterday that she would never hear again. Soft, caring and in uncertain times, supportive. “It's ok, Dusk. I was just wondering if you wanted some soup for lunch?” Twilight gladly asked again. Dusk stood on all four hooves before turning to his younger sister. “I'd enjoy that, Twilight. Do you need some help?” His question struck Twilight as odd. Sure she had changed many ponies lives with the power of friendship but none so suddenly as this. “Actually, I need a couple of things from town. Do you mind picking some up?” Dusk smiled at the task and simply levitated saddlebags over to him. “Do you have a list like always?” He asked with a grin knowing his sister all too well. Twilight stared for a moment in shock. At the beginning she was wondering where the great oldest brother she used to know was, now she was wondering what happened to the more depressed version. “Hey, Dusk.” Twilight asked a tad quieter as she levitated the made list into one of the saddle bags that Dusk already tightened around him. “Are you feeling ok?” Dusk was internally startled although he didn't let his smile falter. Does Twilight know about the Zerg somehow? He questioned in his mind. “I feel great, Twilley. Is there something wrong?” he asked before heading towards the door in a slow walk. “You seem much,” Twilight fought for what word to use. “Happier then you did back in Canterlot.” She sat still in the same position as she watched her brother open the door. A small smile grazed her lips as she witnessed Dusk turn to her in door way. Dusk only chuckled out loud. “Maybe I just needed to get away from the bustle of Canterlot. I like it here in Ponyville.” He threw out an explanation which Twilight beamed at. “I'll be back in a bit or so, Twilight!” Dusk shut the Library door behind him and as he made his way towards the town square he was quiet except for his mind. Continue. Of course, Hive Mind. My individual brood was a scouting party for this unknown sector when the connection to the previous Hive Mind also known as 'Kerrigan' was violently severed. Was she killed? You essentially never die once you join with the swarm, Hive Mind. Your DNA is stored in our genetic bank and along with each individual Zerg strand. Your current blood holds traces of Kerrigan's DNA. Comforting. Dusk shivered at the thought. How much longer till the hatchery is complete? Fifteen minutes by your time zone, Hive Mind. What are your orders after metamorphosis? The Stallion stood amongst the small crowd of ponies, all of which were purchasing from the multiple carts. One cart caught his attention more then most as he made his way over to greet the farm pony. “Evening Miss Applejack!” Hive Mind, your orders. Dusk ignored the mental prodding with growing ease. “Well Ah'll be!” The earth pony responded with a smile. “How do you feel, Dusk? You look different.” she asked with slight concern as walked around the side of her apple cart to come face to face. “Fantastic. To be honest, I haven't felt this great in a long time.” Dusk admitted as his eyes looked over the cart easily noticing which apples were the most ripe. “It's empowering.” “Hay seeds, it shows. Have you also grown taller there, Sugar Cube?” Applejack asked as she began to look Dusk Breaker over top to bottom. It felt odd to her to look upon this Stallion and notice such a shift in attitude and how he carried himself around. While working on the farm and interacting with others he usually slumped around or mumbled here and there. Not a happy pony. Have I grown in any form? Yes, Hive Mind. You've grown taller by a total of four inches. Your muscle mass has doubled in density and another reservoir has opened that is connected to your horn. A full list is compiled and awaiting you, Hive Mind. Throw it in my 'In' box please. Dusk thought before getting back to his conversation with Applejack. “Yeah, I think I may have since coming here.” Dusk replied along with a small smile. The small trip turned out to be very much like his talk with Applejack. He'd enquired about an item on the list and then strike up a friendly conversation with the stall owner. Little by little Dusk soon felt this small town start to grow on him as each pony gave him a wave and a greeting. Canterlot in comparison was a dump when it came to an actual 'Nice' society. A refreshing quality if Dusk ever thought so. With everything on his list finally checked off, he made his way back home until he caught a certain sound in the air. Metamorphosis complete, Hive Mind. There is one larvae available to spawn on your command. Dusk followed his ears until he found the familiar music store with one door open. The Zerg pony stood at the entrance quietly as the music filled his conscious. The subtle string instrument was played by a true expert. Instantly, Dusk's mind filled with images of Fiddlestick looking at him the first time they meet. Probably the weirdest first impressions he's ever committed. I need your orders, Hive Mind. Dusk let out a low sigh at the mental interruption. What do you suggest? We need resources, Hive Mind. I suggest a Drone. Define 'Resources'. Dusk asked as he continued to balance listening to the soothing music and the droning in his mind. Considering the history of the Zerg that he has been caught up on till now, he feared the answer. Anything can be consumed, Hive Mind. Although some consumables, organic, inorganic or artificial, have low Bio-energy to consume like metal or dirt others have an extremely high rate like minerals. I have found some of these traces in most of the living things I have encountered on this planet. You mean Ponies like myself? Yes. I suggest we consume this 'Ponyville' as quickly as possible, Hive Mind. The sub-species with the horns on their heads, much like yourself, have the highest concentration. Dusk was shocked at the very idea of it. Sudden flashes of the dream he suffered in the Hospital burned inside his head. Was that a prophesy? Dusk thought to himself. All of this could be gone and apparently he was at the control of the cause. No. Nothing is to harm ponies or other living organics unless I specifically order them too. There must be another way to gather resources without killing innocents. What about trees or agriculture? Understood, Hive Mind. Dusk let out a breath at the response. It was reassuring. Shall I morph a Drone from our single Larvae? Yes. As soon as Dusk ordered it however he felt something extend in his mind. It felt much like talking to the Hatchery but on a different wavelength. It didn't take long until he felt the growing form with in a egg. He now felt the direct link connecting him to the growing form with in the egg itself. It was incredible. As soon as the egg has hatched begin gathering resources without harming ponies or wildlife. Dusk caught the brief acknowledgement just as the song ended. Taking his chances Dusk entered the shop to see the Violinist placing her instrument back on it's cradle with gentle ease. It seemed like she had yet to notice him so why not take a chance at a hopeful pleasant surprise. Dusk crept along the hardwood floor until he was only a few feet away. Fiddlesticks let a small sigh leave her lips as she mentally recalled what had happened in the few days lately. She was set on asking Dusk if he wanted to grab a bite or maybe catch a drink but then soon found her self over analyzing. Would I come off as a Drunk? Will the restaurant seem too country for a Canterlot pony? To add to the worry was his Sister. She may have agreed to it but she seemed less then thrilled by the idea. Fiddlesticks simply gave her head a shake before speaking out loud. “I'll ask him today. No more hiding in the shop.” “Ask him what?” “Ah'll say: Howdy Dusk, Ah was wonderin' if ya wanted to grab lunch or maybe a drink at the Pub?” “Oh that sounds fantastic. Afterwards we can play a few songs under Princess Luna's moon and maybe a walk by the pond?” Fiddlesticks froze in sudden terror. Her head slowly turned to see the one pony she was desperately hoping that wasn't there. She let a trembling stutter leave her lips as she watched Dusk Breaker give a slow chuckle at her embarrassment. The Violinist easily soaked in the sight of the much changed Unicorn. If his sudden appearance didn't shock her already then his added height or new muscle definition sure did. She knew that her cheeks were a sudden dash of rose red as she quickly whipped her head away from him. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! “How about I pick you up at seven?” She blinked a few times in surprise. “Wait, are you saying yes?” Fiddlesticks asked as her head turned to spot the smiling Stallion. He simply nodded his head before making his way to the exit. The few moments that he wasn't looking was filled with inner cheering and then a small dance routine. It was all interrupted when Dusk turned back to wave. “See you at seven! No need to dress up in anything fancy.” Dusk called from the entrance and for a moment he swore he'd witness a victory dance. Shaking his head before leaving he waited until he was out of viewing range of any pony. For it was time to do his own victory dance. Hive Mind? Dusk sighed as his happy moment was ruined almost on cue. What is it? The Drone has hatched and is beginning harvest as we speak. I have already drained all the water from the lake... Dusk stopped as his eyes widened. You did what? I told you not to harm wildlife! Do you consider H2O to be wildlife, Hive Mind? Dusk could only groan. Do I really have to micro manage everything? Fish and other wildlife depend on that resource! Put the water back! Impossible, Hive Mind. Once the resource is consumed it may never return to it's original form by Zerg intentions. We have however another Larvae to spawn another Drone. Dusk didn't know if such a thing as the Zerg conscious could feel guilt. From it's past transactions with other species, he guessed not. Fine, spawn another Drone. Where do we go from here? We need protection and an attacking force. I suggest morphing a Spawning Pool. We also need much more resources so Drones and Overlords will be helpful. Can we harvest something other then trees? Ore or perhaps crystals? Of course, Hive Mind. We will need to send out scouts to search for such resources which will take time. I also advise only doing such actions at night as Drones will be exposed during the day. Creating an escorting force should also be considered, Hive Mind. Zerglings? Correct, Hive Mind. Fast, low silhouette and fantastic detection by smell. To spawn such a creature however, we need a DNA pool with it's specific code. Shall I place one in close proximity to the hatchery? When the Drones have cleared enough space then yes. Keep in mind, the more trees we cut down will increase the likelihood of discovery. Notify me with each update. “Dusk!” a voice shouted out as the Unicorn halted. It wasn't a mystery to whom the voice belonged too but it was a surprise still. Twilight was breathing hard as she finally caught up to her brother. A white mare that had a nurses cap on was following close behind her. “Dusk, you have to return the hospital quickly!” The Stallion snorted at the notion before patting his sisters head. “What ever you say there doctor. I told you ponies that I'm doing absolutely fine. Tartarus, I've never felt better!” Dusk pointed out but apparently the two mares were not amused in the slightest. With a roll of his eyes and a exasperated sigh he asked them why he was to return. “You possibly have a infection in your blood system. We need to get you back to the hospital quickly!” Her reason was quick and under normal circumstances, dire. She watched in disbelief however when Dusk Breaker simply waved a hoof dismissively. “This is serious, Dusk!” I highly recommend that you resist, Hive Mind. No shit. “Let me rephrase this, Twilight.” Dusk responded but unlike his more light tone, this one bared a growl. “I am not going to the hospital.” His eyes narrowed as Twilight began to slam her hoof down in frustration. “Do we really need to do this the hard way?” Twilight finally mused as her horn began to glow with her familiar purple aura. “I'll carry you to the hospital if I need too.” Her magic immediately begun to cover the stallion but something was off. A sharp blast of offensive magic immediately fought back her magic. The student stood still in momentary shock at how easily Dusk had shrugged her magic off. “Oh, I'm sorry. Were you using magic?” Dusk asked mockingly as he turned towards the Library and began a trot. Another wave of the purple magic tried to envelope him but as easily as he did before, it was dispelled. Years of being the weakest magic user in the family has finally turned tables. Oh yes, things will be different. It was the sight of the Library that also brought a familiar sight of a purple and green humming dragon. “Spike!” Twilight called as she ran past her brother and to the newest arrival. “Spike, I need to send a letter now!” Dusk laughed at the mare as he used magic to open the door. “Call whoever you want, Twilight. I'm not going to the hospital!” With that final word the door closed behind him with a loud audible slam. “Was that Dusk Breaker?” Spike asked as the sudden overwhelming pressure mounted. “Spike, prepare to copy!” Twilight ordered as she watched her assistant complain and grumble before pulling a pen and parchment from his satchel. “Dear Princess Celestia...” Princess Celestia? Inside the Library Dusk stopped in his track, his eyes going wide. He wasn't expecting that.