//------------------------------// // Chapter Ten: Going Out for a Walk // Story: Strokes of Fate // by Silbern //------------------------------// Link The small shop held many little trinkets that every pony may come to enjoy at one point or another. It was the shop keeper's thought at least as he nudge one of the pottery vase's back into place amongst the many shelves. For Canterlot standards it was rather lowly but that suited it's clientele as a bell rang out signalling another customer had made his or her way inside. “Welcome to Morty's!” the beaming Owner welcomed with a rather cheery voice. He watched as the Pony walked casually up to the register where the Owner could actually get a good look at the customer. Something that brought his smile down slightly as the lamp from the desk began to light up his features. “What can I do for you, sir?” This Pony didn't wait as his horn begun to glow a dark purple aura as the Store Owner felt a tingle run up his left fore hoof. A sudden jolt forward was all the poor pony could feel as he lost all control of his leg. What really made him scream in horror however was one of the knives from a display case nearby hovering over his now exposed limb. The light from the lamp glinted off the polished steel as the razor sharp edge made him start to sweat. “You wouldn't-,” The Pony smirked before magically accelerating the Knife to the point that it pierced straight through the fore leg and several inches into the counter top. The scream echoed out of the store as several heads turned towards the unexpected establishment. The clerk simply shouted and with all his effort tried to dislodge the knife. The blood started to pool before leaking over the edge by small droplets. “Mr. Fang is going to kill you!” the Owner shouted in between loud breaths. “Do you remember me, Mr. Morty?” the Pony asked with a chilling calmness. “You're that Pony who begged for a loan a month ago!” Morty answered with a loud groan as his head began to get light. “It's not my fault you wanted the loan! Please let me go, Dusk Breaker!” The bleeding Pony begged as tears welled in his reddened eyes. “Is that Dragon Fire Powder?” Dusk deflected Morty's question with one of his own. “Oh, Celestia!” Morty broke down again. “Please no!” His efforts doubled as he pulled at his fore leg once more, easily tearing skin and muscle alike. “A dangerous substance to have around the shop, don't you think?” Dusk lifted his hoof to push the enclosed vase over with ease. The bright red powder spilled out but with little to no reaction. “Especially mixed with liquids,” Morty screamed at the top of his lungs as Dusk ran his hoof across the puddle of blood, easily catching much of the life force in his fur coat. His leg slowly made it's way towards the mound of volatile powder before stopping as the Earth Pony watched with horror. “Where do all of Fang's goons hang out?” Dusk enquired with his hoof still only inches away from dripping the possible ignition agent. Morty hesitated with his lip opening and closing but no words coming forth. Dusk moved his hoof closer to the powder. “No!” Morty cried out with sobs as his weakened body slumped against the counter. “Please!” he begun to beg once more. “I have a little Filly to look after!” Dusk's tilted his head slightly as his intensive gaze narrowed upon Morty. “Unless you want to be looking after her from six feet under, I'd advise speaking up,” Dusk's voice, now filled with venom, easily wormed within Morty's head making him nod eagerly. “They hang out at two places. One of the Warehouses by the Train Station and the other is a Night Club downtown,” Morty spilled everything he knew as he felt another excruciating pain in his fore leg. He watched as the Knife was pulled from the counter which released him from his painful imprisonment. “Thank, Celestia!” “Celestia?” Dusk chuckled at the very common phrase. “Did she save you?” Morty gazed back up to his attacker with sudden horror until a voice echoed from the back of the shop. “Daddy?” “I advise you stop any sort of deals with Mr. Fang,” Dusk nodded towards Morty who still had his leg clutched with his spare hoof. “You're going to kill him, aren’t you?” Morty posed the question with his weak voice. “If he's lucky,” Dusk grinned while levitating some sunglasses over his face before he leaves. “Dusk!” Fiddlesticks called out with Twilight close to her side. Both ponies had spent the better part of an hour searching the Streets of Canterlot but it was becoming a fruitless search. Even with an escort of four royal guards it was challenging to just navigate the busy streets. “Dusk Breaker?” “Where could he possibly disappear to?” Twilight groaned in frustration and worry as her eyes gazed over the multiple faces. “We checked the Market, Mall, Music Shop, Concert Hall and the Park!” Fiddlesticks rested her hoof on Twilight's shoulder as they stood for a moment on the side walk. The silence was broken by a large siren that alerted ponies of an incoming Ambulance cart. The large crowd of ponies separated so the cart could make its way through. Twilight frowned as she followed the cart with ease until it disappeared around the corner. “Ya don' think Dusk's involved in that?” Fiddlesticks asked although she feared her doubt in the question. “It wasn't heading in the Hospital's direction. After it!” Twilight shouted as she used her magic to shove ponies to either side. Dusk observed the rather innocent building with some amusement. He only needed to ask some of the workers to get the gist that no Pony enters that building. The very idea that Celestia has yet to crack down on these crooks seemed bizarre to Dusk until it hits him. She has to follow the law system she implanted into Equestrian society. It has never felt so good to be so bad! His approach was tactless but then again Dusk feared little at this point. Swing a few ponies out of windows and do a little searching, seemed like an easy enough job to him. Testing the knob on the door he found that it swung open easily much to his delight as a malicious grin spread across his face. A grin that was quickly wiped away as pain echoed through his body as he stepped into the darkened interior. Ow... Looking to either side of him he noticed long blades pierced his belly. “We got 'em, Boss!” The light brown earth pony shouted with glee from Dusk's right. Dusk staggered for a moment as the amount of pain actually clocked within him. It didn't feel sever or for that matter, life threatening. Dusk composed himself as he noticed the other Pony reaching in with a hook that caught Dusk in the jaw. True Earth Pony power was behind that blow as Dusk felt something loosen. Ok, that's enough guys... “Gut him!” the order echoed out through the large warehouse as multiple other Ponies came forward before feeling another sudden joust of pain echoing from his body as Dusk gazed down to see a wooden shaft coming out of his chest. Ok, now this is ticking me off. The infested Pony retaliated as he side stepped to avoid another arrow which brought him to the pony that punched him in the jaw. Dusk reeled back one of his own fore hoofs before striking the pony so hard in the throat that the obvious sound of bone breaking echoed out. The collapsed victim twitched as his last movements of life were of his wheezing attempts of breathing. Everything started to become a blur as Dusk levitated the blade out of his side and slashed. The wound caused the brown pony to clutch his throat until the blade came back up in a swift motion to pierce under his muzzle. The poor pony could only roll his eyes back up into his skull before collapsing. Dusk then shifted his gaze towards the few enemies that still resided inside the warehouse. Their charge only made Dusk blink but as his eye lids opened again only to be replaced with narrow slits in a sea of flame. His horn gave off a large aura as the ground shook in response to his magical beckoning. The attackers halted for a moment only to see the two large metal cargo crates come closing in. Slight panic settled in the group until they made a dash towards safety. Dusk growled with delight as the ponies hit the force field. They were stuck. Their screams echoed out from the warehouse as the two cargo containers moved ever closer. Some of the hopeless ponies cradled themselves while others begged and pleaded for their lives. The crates were pressing the Ponies together now as they squealed in plain, unaltered terror. “Dusk!” The voice caught Dusk Breaker off guard as he blinked to allow his normal eyes to return. Turning he found Fiddlesticks and Twilight surrounded by guards along with a strange looking pony he didn't recognized. Dusk groaned as he halted the utter crushing of his enemies just short of pulverizing them between the two crates. He groaned as he heard cheers from the ponies, yet again praises to Celestia rose. “Dusk Breaker!” Fiddlesticks shouted as she left the contingent of guards who all had their weapons raised. It was easy to see that this Mare was far from pleased as Dusk couldn't help but gulp loudly. “Ya ask me teh never leave ya but here ya are galloping around Canterlot while leaving me back at the castle!” Dusk shifted his gaze for a moment as he scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. How in Equestria am I supposed to be imitating like this? “I knew you wouldn't want to be involved in this sort of...” Dusk fought for the word to use until Twilight spoke up as she begun to walk towards the couple. “Massacre?” “A little over the top, Twilles,” Dusk dead panned to her suggestion. “Let them ponies go this instant or ya can kiss this flank good bye!” Fiddlesticks ordered as she tried to raise herself to Dusk's height. Although she fell short a few good inches she didn't back down as Dusk simply groaned. “I'm waiting,” Dusk let his aura dissipate as he gave in to his marefriend's demands. The formerly trapped ponies sprinted past the three as they pleaded to be taken to the Canterlot Dungeons. The guards at first were shocked but considering the victims previous predicament, it seemed much safer to rot away in jail depending on their warrants. Dusk however simply jutted out his lip in disappointment and shifted his gaze away from Fiddlesticks until he felt something pull him down. Fiddlesticks thought it only fair to give him some sort of 'Thank You' for doing what she asked of him. The kiss was short but she could taste the hunger on him. A sneaking suspicion ran through her mind that this Stallion was not after a simple hay sandwich. Pulling away she gave him a tight hug that he responded with one leg before a loud interruption. “Ahem,” Twilight cleared her throat loudly as two annoyed pairs of eyes gazed at her from their loving embrace. “Yeah, hate to break you two love bugs but now is not the best time,” Twilight tried to insist. “But I still wanted to kiss some flank,” Dusk grinned before feeling Fiddlesticks give him a playful slap. “Ew,” Twilight shook her head to free herself from the mental images. “The Grand Summons is tomorrow and you already broke out of jail to go on a killing spree,” “For the record, I only killed two,” Dusk interrupted before receiving another slap. “Yes, well I'm just glad it's dark in here. I don't need more bad images from your on goings, Dusky,” Twilight shuddered at the mental recalling of the Diamond Dogs. “We need to return to the Castle before Celestia condemns you to death or something,” “Celestia can kiss my flank,” Dusk mused with a grin while receiving a third slap in his rib cage. All of the guards were now wearing a menacing scowl as their grip on their halberds increased. A roar of laughter broke out as Dusk's eyes shifted and then narrowed upon the lone Pony who stood near the door way. Dusk used his superior vision to notice the cloak and axe that hung loosely on his belt. He reeked of the forests but nothing Dusk remembered from Everfree. “Who is he?” Dusk asked quietly so as to not be over heard. “We found him watching you from the doorway when the tracking dogs lead us to you. Do you know of him?” Twilight answer's as her gaze turns to the foreigner. They watched as the Stallion make's a step towards the three before a guard lowers his weapon to reject his advances. “Lower your weapon, Boy,” the gruff and weathered voice rang with an accent that Dusk couldn't quite place a hoof on. The guard did no such thing as he remembered his Divine orders passed down from Princess Celestia herself. No harm comes to Twilight Sparkle. “I won't be asking again, Boy,” the foreign warns as his hoof went for the axe on his belt. “Who are you, Sir?” Twilight speaks loud enough to catch his attention. “I'm Earl Hallbjorn, Son of Erlend, pride from Germaneigh,” Twilight and Fiddlesticks waited with the contingent of guards along with the quiet Hallbjorn. The two Mares gave him plenty of space especially when they discovered that the cloak the Pony was wearing used to be a Frost Wolf. The Wolf's maw hung over the scarred Pony's face like a simple hood. It gave Twilight the shivers but she simply had to say a simple phrase before the guards would strike the Stallion down efficiently. The only reason this Hallbjorn was still around was because he found Dusk's skill in battle thrilling to watch. Figures. Colts and violence. The sound was disrupted as the door slammed to the second story building. Dusk walked from the dark confines with a grin adorned on his face although his sunglasses covered his new eyes. He had however picked something else from his old apartment. Around his neck was a single long chord of piano wire and a single key. Twilight eyes opened wide as she noticed the cursive signature that belonged to her grand father. The piano was passed down in the family until it came to Dusk Breaker. “I may not have had enough strength to protect Grandfather's piano but I do now,” Dusk began to walk away not willing any Pony to slow him down. Twilight, Fiddlesticks and Hallbjorn simply kept up their pace. “There is one final spot before we return to the Castle,” Dusk spoke as he turned on the side walk. “We need to return to the Castle now, Dusk!” Twilight tried to reason with the leading Pony but it was starting to feel like she was arguing with a brick wall. Fiddlesticks was going to help but her curiosity about where Dusk was heading caught her tongue. “Where are you thinking of going anyway?” Twilight asked if only to keep Dusk talking. “A place called Bottom Bass,” “A Night Club!” Twilight shouted as she begun to grind her teeth with renewed vigour. “Of all the places you want to go to,” “They're is an old friend of mine there. Haven't seen him in a while,” Dusk explained easily as he turned again to stat down a busier street. The group had little to no trouble however as Ponies stepped to either side at the sight of Royal Guards. Hallbjorn simply chuckled at the situation before spitting on the ground. “You argue like a wedded Farmer,” Dusk shrugged his shoulders in response. “She's my Sister. Not much I can do about it,” Twilight was about to say something until she noticed Dusk stop suddenly. His eyes solely focusing on a building that had a large sign with wavy letters spelling out 'Bottom Bass'. “Are you sure he's there? It doesn't even look to be open considering how early it is,” “I'm certain,” Dusk spoke without moving towards the building. He simply stood there for a moment as if examining the structure top to bottom. “I'll be right back,” Dusk didn't even get a hoof step away before feeling something clutch him. Fiddlesticks planted her rump on the ground as her hoof securely held onto his rear leg. Fiddlesticks face was of stern determination as her eyes narrowed. “Ah don' think so, Partner,” Dusk rolled his eyes before taking another step only to find Fiddlesticks stead fast in her decision. “Seriously, I'm just going to have a simply chat with him,” Silence and dead panned looks is their replies. “If I take Hallbjorn with me, will you persist?” Same reply. A groan of frustration was the only thing to escape Dusk lips before motioning towards the building. “Fine, try to keep out of the way,” Dusk warned before making his way towards the front door. Giving the simple metal a simple look over he rapped his hoof against the metal three times. No answer. Another round of knocks. “Look's like he's not there. Better go back to the castle then for Dinner,” Twilight spoke with a relief before a loud explosion caused her to yelp. Fiddlesticks and Twilight turned with shock to the large gaping hole in the wall where the door used to be. “By Odin's Wrath!” Hallbjorn shouted with surprise as he examined the new entrance. “I would have gone with a battering ram but this will do!” He laughed before stalking in after Dusk, a large grin on his face. “Really, Dusk?” Fiddlesticks groaned before turning around to follow Dusk in. “Ya 'ave less subtlety then a pie to the face,” “Lady Twilight,” A sergeant of the Guard spoke up after gathering himself from the explosion. “This is breaking and entering. An act we cannot allow on Equestrian soil,” Twilight sighed before waving a hoof towards her older Brother. “As much as I agree, I prefer you guys alive instead of a broken mess on the streets. I'll make sure he keeps damage to a minimum. Send word to Celestia for immediate aid,” Twilight ordered before she followed the three in wondering if she was ever going to have a peaceful day. Her first few steps were cautious after she cleared the small rubble. The dust still hung in the air slightly as the light from the new grand window light up the slim hall that lead to large double doors. Dusk stood at the doors but had yet to open them. “What's wrong, Sugar?” Fiddlesticks enquired as she leaned slightly against Dusk. The darkened hall had suddenly made her unsettled. “You can't smell it?” Dusk questioned as he first turned his gaze to his marefriend only to get a confused look back. “I smell fear,” Hallbjorn replied as his hoof went for his axe. “If I knew you Equestrian Ponies did raids like this, I'd have requested a meeting much sooner,” Dusk let out a slow chuckle at the very thought. “I'll invite you next time, Hallbjorn Son of Erlend,” The doors before them opened before the Warrior from Germaneigh could respond in any formality. The darkened establishment was spacious with the obvious bar standing off to the left and the dance floor to the right. Simple layout for a good night. “You cause a lot of trouble for me Dusk,” the familiar voice echoed out as Dusk tried to spot the speaker. “First you rough up some of my contacts then raid my Warehouse? Mr. Fang is not happy about this matter,” The odour of smoke begun to filter in through Dusk's nostrils as he followed it to a single booth moments before a light illuminates it. The Pony sat with a knife against Velvet Sparkle, Dusk's Mother. “I told you not to fuck with me, Mr. Breaker,” “Mom!” Twilight cried loudly and tried to run towards her until Dusk raised a hoof to stop her. I'd advise caution, Hive Mind. No shit! If you truly plan on using this pony for a changeling host then there will need to be some, and I use that term loosely, pieces left, Hive Mind. I'm starting to regret this choice. If I have to use this bastard for my own purposes I'd have to keep myself from strangling his clone. No one threatens my Family! “It seems that you have pushed both myself and Mr. Fang into a awkward position. You just had to force me to use extreme measures didn't you?” The cigarette bounced with every word the sly pony says. His calm posture and nonchalant tone easily dug under Dusk's skin. “The amount you owe has taken a price hike, Buddy. You owe exactly one hundred thousand bits and extra,” Dusk's glared daggers “Extra?” “I'll make a trade for your mother,” The thug grinned as he levitated his cigarette over the ash tray to flick of some ashes. “I'll take your brilliant Sister or that beautiful country Mare of yours,” he offers before taking a long draw on his cigarette. Dusk wanted to tear the flesh of this Pony while he was still flaying from the pain. The sheer amount of hatred made his horn glow but no spell to really concentrate on. There was no way to win against this kind of a deal. The sudden crushing realization hit Dusk as he started to feel feeble. I caused this with my own actions. “Take me,” Twilight offered with an air of authority. Dusk turned suddenly as he witnessed Twilight taking a step closer to the booth. “No, Twilight! This won't solve anything!” “Please, Twilight,” Fiddlesticks urged along side Dusk. “I'm valuable to the Princesses, they'll just ransom me back for a hefty price,” she reasoned but with an air of calm that only unsettled Dusk more. Twilight took another few steps closer before the thug motioned her to stop. “Twilight, get back here!” Dusk tried to order again. “I'm trying to fix your mess, Dusk!” Twilight shouted back as a single tear streaked down her cheek. “You think just because you have power that they're no consequences?” We should have carpet bombed this pitiful City, Hive Mind. Not the time! A simple ring levitated over Twilight's horn before sliding on with ease. “A magic nullification ring?” “Smart Filly,” The Thug simply nodded before drawing his blade back and stepping closer to Twilight. “Expect a calling from us, Dusk Breaker. Remember, the more you try to screw with us, the more we will screw with you or your sister shall we say,” Dusk lunged with all his might only to collide with the booth. The table broke into several pieces as Dusk came to a stop. It dawned on him right there and then that the Bastard also left with his Mother. Blood begun to boil from a temperature that the sun would have difficulty matching. “Dusk?” Fiddlesticks called out only to get a grunt in response. She turned her head to Hallbjorn “Gives us a moment alone, please?” The Germaneigh Pony solemnly nodded his head before placing his axe back onto his belt. “I'll wait outside when your ready, Dusk Breaker of Equestria,” “Want to talk, Dusk?” Fiddlesticks sat down when she noticed the warrior leave through the double doors. She watched as the large Stallion simply laid where he was with only a large sigh to show any sign of life. The Violinist simply waited a few moments before Dusk rose from his spot where a shard of wood had pierced through his fore shoulder blade. She was about to ask if he was okay but the whole Zerg discussion from the train earlier informed her that it would feel like a simple sting to Dusk, nothing more. Fiddlesticks watched as another portion of the table fell of his back before he made his way to sit in front of her quietly. Never once did his eyes meet hers. “I failed them, Fiddles,” his deep voice spoke but it sounded hollow and lifeless. “Ya did what ya thought was right, Hun,” Fiddlesticks replied soothingly as she scooted closer until their fore hooves touched. “We all make mistakes,” her words rang out truth but she feared that he wasn't even listening. Guilt and fear could block any pony's mind. “I tried to do my Swarm right while keeping my friends and family safe. I failed at both,” Dusk continued to stew while his vision was firmly planted at the floor. Fiddlesticks let out a long hum before examining his slouched form. Can't have a Zerg ruler looking like this now can we? She grimaced as her hoofs grasped onto the shard of wood before pulling. The effect was immediate as only one spurt of blood escaped Dusk's body before the clotting started. She watched with amazement as the skin begun to weave itself back together before her eyes. The fur didn't grow back but it still was a sight to behold. “You need to go back to Ponyville before I drag you along in this mess more then I already have,” Dusk bidded which brought Fiddles out of her medical fascination. “Ah don't think so,” Fiddlesticks chuckles at the very image of Dusk right now. Ever since she meet this Stallion it had been rocky of a relationship at best. Before her was supposed to be an extremely dangerous being but all she spotted was a guy down on his luck. “We all get dragged through the mud now and again. What makes us strong is picking ourselves up afterwards,” Dusk felt a hoof under his muzzle as his vision slowly rose to meet her royal blue eyes. They held him with her soften gaze as Dusk gave out a low breath of relief. “You're stubborn,” Dusk mutters while breaking loose a small smile. “It runs in the Apple family,” Fiddlesticks replies before reaching a hoof around Dusk's neck to give him a tight embrace before falling back on her haunches. “We need to see the Princess immediately and tell her what has gone down,” Dusk rose back on to all four hooves as he regained some measurement of mental reassurance. His initial mission seemed to be completely scrubbed until a certain smell ran along his nose once more. His eyes widened at the possibility before turning to the destroyed table. “What in the hay are you doing, Dusk?” Fiddlesticks asked as she tipped her hat back slightly whie observing the stallion search the area feverishly. “Found you!” Dusk whooped victoriously as his hoof brought the remains of the cigarette butt. “Uh, Hun?” Fiddlesticks asked a moment before sticking her tongue out in disgust. “Tell me ya'll just didn't eat that,” Dusk gave a rough cough as he used his hoof to beat against his chest a few times. In one motion he tipped his head back and dropped the cigarette butt down his mouth. Nothing could describe the awful feeling as it felt like grains of sand running down his throat. The taste was horrid as if trying to eat burnt garbage. Please tell me that there is enough DNA for this to work. Give me a few moments, Hive Mind. Your body is digesting and configuring out the very strands of atoms within the substances. “Well let's go meet-,” Dusk began but was suddenly cut off as a large beaming light knocked Dusk to the other side of the room. “You have angered the wrath of the Sun!”