//------------------------------// // Parental Guidance // Story: Dusk Dawns // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// Working on a farm meant that Applejack always had plenty to do. Just this morning, she was with her family in the barn cleaning up any remaining mess from the Barn Dance last night, had her breakfast, fed the pigs, did a little bit of applebucking with Ray and her sister, made sure her sister had done Big Mac's chores correctly from her and her friends punishment from yesterday and was now taking her apple cart towards Ponyville for selling of their stock for the day. Most ponies would probably end up asking her how it was she didn't collapse from exhaustion from having to do so much, but having done this every day of her life, she was used to it. Sure, it could be exhausting and taxing at times, but in the end it was always worth it for her family. Apple Bloom, Big Mac, Granny Smith, her friends… She shook her head and smiled at the thought of them. Now, if there ever was a group that left her exhausted and taxed at times, it was them. Running and fighting evil monsters, brushing with death and saving Equestria every other week and that would practically be a normal day. And she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. There was nothing she wouldn't do for them, the wake of recent events only serving to cement those views further. She still stood by her proposal if Dusk ran off again, which she didn't think was likely, but always served to be prepared. Setting up her applecart in her usual spot in the town square, she began to cast her eyes around for potential customers, but that wasn't all she searched for. Being in Ponyville for such a long time, knowing how things looked when they were in order meant that she knew when ponies looked to be in need of help or new ponies in need of some kind of welcome. Being the mare she was, she would be inclined to provide either and in a certain case, they might need both. One such example caught her eye, in the form of a couple standing in the middle of the square and looking around in evident confusion. The mare had azure fur and a darker shade in her long, well-combed mane and tail and was casting her gaze around with more evident distress than her companion. His fur was charcoal, his mane and tail were brown, neatly kept and well-cut, exuding a certain air of self-confidence. It was clear what it was to her. She didn't recognise either of them, so they must be new in town and looking for something. Not sure if she was driven by her willingness to help others or some strange sense of familiarity from them, Applejack approached them with her best smile. "Howdy folks!" she greeted. "Anythin' troublin' ya today?" "Ah, no, thank you miss," replied the stallion, in a polite voice but with a slight curt tone to it. "My wife and I are just fine, merely getting our bearings." "Always a good thing ta get, if nothin' else," she said, keeping friendly. "It's jus' y'all look like yer in need of a lil' direction and ah'd be willin' ta provide, if yer new in town." "We are but, as I said, we're fine," he repeated. "Now, I'm sure you wouldn't want us to be taking up anymore of your valuable time, so if you'll excuse us…" "Abacus, dear," murmured the mare, in a quiet voice, "maybe it would be best if we asked this young mare for directions." "Chord, we don't need directions, darling," he muttered in return. "I'll find where we need to go, don't worry." "I'm not worried and I have confidence in your abilities," she said quickly, "but wouldn't be quicker if we asked where to go rather than just guessing?" "We're not guessing, dear, we have common sense," he said, his voice becoming strained a little. "We can find our way there." "Abacus, please," persisted the mare, apparently called Chord, "we want to find him quickly, don't we? I mean, it's just a suggestion, but she has offered." The stallion, Abacus, seemed to consider, his eyes flitting from his wife to Applejack, who waited for his decision. He didn't seem to like the idea of asking for her help, for some reason. Just proud of himself, like stallions tended to be. Not that she was going to judge him when she barely knew him. She was just a good judge of character. Finally, he conceded and sighed. "If you insist, Chord. Ask her, if you must." Chord grimaced a little, but there was an amount of understanding in the look she gave her husband before approaching Applejack. "Could you tell us where we might find the library, please?" she asked delicately. "A-course!" She pointed with her hoof down the street. "Jus' follow that there road, take a left an' look fer the tree in the clearin'. Ya can't miss it." "Thank you very much, miss," she said sincerely. "It's very kind that you'd take the time to help us." Applejack bowed her head humbly. "We aim ta make folks feel welcome here. Glad that ah could help." "We appreciate it." Her husband was looking away rather pointedly. "Well, we'd best get going. Thank you again for your help." "No problem, y'all take care now!" she wished. Abacus nodded stiffly, while Chord smiled genuinely at her before following her companion. Applejack remained standing there for a few moments, watching until they were out of sight. Even while she spoke to them, that strange sense of familiarity from them had only grown. The way looked and the way they spoke, the way they carried themselves, they were obviously from Canterlot. Had she seen them there before and that was why? No, it couldn't be that. It reminded her of something, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. What was it…? Still wondering what it could be, she returned to her applecart, was met with a few customers and swiftly let it pass from her mind. If she saw them again, she'd ask them about it but for now, she had other pressing concerns. Even so, she was a little curious why they came all the way here to go to the town library… Dusk whistled a merry tune while he strode down the road, the warm rays of the sun gracing his skin and a gentle breeze blowing through his fur. There was a small gathering of clouds for what looked like a bout of rain later, being prepared by the minute forms of Pegasus ponies, but he wasn't so concerned. He did work indoors after all. In the wake of yesterday, he couldn't help but feel like nothing would get him down today. The memories that Doom had left in his mind still lurked like creatures in the Everfree Forest, but last night he'd been shown that not only did his friends show they were willing to help him through it, but that they didn't care. Doom had just been a monster and now he was gone. If they were willing to forgive it, why shouldn't he? This was made easier by both the actions of Twilight and Luna last night. The former had performed a spell she'd found that gave him the strength to remember that the things Doom did were out of his control and were just nightmares now. The latter had started to teach him in further power over his dreams, keeping his sleep a lot more peaceful than it had been. There was still some work to do, but it was a start. Even so, he was awake now and nothing Doom had done was going to be bothering him today. Well, nothing much at least. He would keep himself occupied by getting back into his usual routine at the library and have a good day with Twilight and Spike, which was always a guarantee. Twilight Sparkle… his thoughts had been on nothing else. She loved him, she actually loved him! If he had been in disbelief when they'd first started their relationship, he was convinced that this too was some kind of dream. Only it wasn't. She loved him, despite what he'd done and how he'd acted. Something he'd been foolish enough to ignore. Well, not anymore. "Morning bro!" greeted Spike, when he entered. "You look better than you have been and I think anything would be better than what you have been." "My thoughts exactly, Spike," he returned, depositing his saddlebag on the hook and hoof bumping him. "What can I say? I know it sounds cliché, but I'm in love and nothing can get me down." "You're right, that does sound cliché, but I guess I can let it pass this once," he shrugged. "Just good to see you smiling again, bro." Dusk returned the smile of his fellow library assistant and they hoofbumped. Shortly after, his attention was diverted by the mare who was occupying every possible space in his head. "Dusk, there's- WHOA!" She was cut off by Dusk catching her in his aura and kissing her lips briefly before letting her go. "Wow, since when did you get so feisty?" "Miss Sparkle, why ask questions that you already know the answer to?" he responded brightly. "It always does good to double-check for facts, that just makes it more satisfying when you find out you're right." She smirked and pulled him in for a kiss too. "And it looks like I'm right too." "As always," he said. "Anyway, I believe you were about to say something before I rudely interrupted?" "A rude interruption, but not entirely unwelcome," she countered. "Anyway, I was going to say that there's two ponies just through there who've come looking for you." "Your parents?" he assumed. "I expected this might happen soon enough, but I'm willing to tell them whatever I need to say for upsetting you that night." "Oh, don't worry, I've already made it clear to them considering that," she assured. "They say they know you though and I do have an idea…" "Well, I'll go and see for myself." He gestured for her to take the lead and followed her through to the next wing. "Here he is," she said to whoever they were. "Just got in a few minutes after you did, like I said he would." "I do like to be punctual," he said from behind her and stepping past. "Is there anything I… can…?" He trailed off when they saw who they were and stopped in his tracks, suddenly not feeling as good has he had been. Two ponies whom he hadn't seen for such a long time and he didn't think he'd be seeing anytime soon. Yet, here they were, staring at him from across the room like they were just as surprised to see him as he was. "Am I right then?" whispered Twilight. "Are these… your parents?" Dusk didn't respond verbally, barely even looked at her. He nodded once and that was it. "Right…" She shuffled on her hooves for a few moments. "I'll… give you a few moments." Dusk would have tried to stop her, to tell her that he needed her to help him face this, but he was so shocked that the thought didn't even occur to him until she'd left the room. He was facing this task alone. The silence that hung in the air was unbearable, but he was a complete loss as to what to say. What exactly could he say? "Oh, hey mom and dad. Guess what? I'm a student of royalty, I'm dating a student of royalty, I'm part of the most powerful magic in Equestria and I've been battling with hydras, giant snakes, the lord of all chaos and strife and an evil dark side who would probably snap your necks like twigs if he were here. So, how have you been?" Yes, that would certainly go down well. But they were bound to know, maybe that was why they were here. But then, why hadn't they come sooner? Actually, he knew the answer to that question already. Finally, it was his father who broke the silence, keeping him in a cold, impassive look. "Hello, son." He gulped and forced out a response. "Hello… father. Um… how have you been?" "Quite well, yes," he said in a clipped voice. "And yourself?" "Um… couldn't… couldn't be better," he stammered. "Well, speak louder then, boy," he snapped. "I know this is a library, but you don't have to be quite so quiet." Normally, he would have flinched at such a comment, something he would have expected from those rare moments when his father actually acknowledged his existence. In truth, he did a little, but he also had his mind working on a retort, something the old Dusk would never have done. But a lot had changed since then, as his Abacus Noir was about to find out. Before he could though, the gentle voice of his mother reached his ears and had the effect of water extinguishing a fire. "Oh, Dusk, look at you." Pride welled up in her eyes, a smile that would stop a raging dragon on her face. "You look so grown-up, it's… it's hard to believe." "Thanks… mother," he replied sincerely. Regardless of what he might think of his father, his mother Chord at least always made him feel better about it. "You're looking well yourself…" "Still as polite and sweet as I remember," she said fondly. "Come here, let me have a good look at you… oh, you look so handsome. You always did, but my, it's really grown on you now. My little boy, all grown up." "Mom, please… but thank you anyway," he mumbled. "Accepting compliments now?" Was that a hint of approval in his father's voice? "It seems a lot has changed since we last saw you." "I like to think so," he replied, not as nervous as before. "I'm sorry it's been so long I… I've just been busy." "Oh, we know all about that," said his mother proudly. "Our son, an Element of Harmony, saving Equestria and keeping us all safe. Just like when you were younger, pretending to be Daring Do in the backyard." "I um… I hadn't thought of it like that," he mumbled, heat rising to his cheeks. "But… what are you both doing here?" "I thought we had just made this point," his father said impatiently. "Since such a large amount of time had elapsed since our last meeting, your mother and I thought it high-time that we pay you a visit here." "This really is a lovely place," added his mother. "Such nice ponies, so peaceful. You must be very happy here." "I am, yes." He must have let a harsh note creep in, for his mother recoiled a little and his father raised an eyebrow. She was immediately contrite. "Dusk, we're so sorry that we haven't kept in better touch. You might be grown up but… we're still as busy as ever. But, with all that's happened, recently in particular… we just wanted to see you. We've missed you." Dusk would have said that it wasn't as easy as that, that all the things that hadn't happened to him without them even being here couldn't just be forgotten with an apology. But seeing the look in his mother's eyes, the irrefutable truth that all she wanted was to see her son, the words were lost and what came out instead was: "I've missed you too." Like they were the trigger words, his mother choked in her throat and threw her hooves around him. He returned the embrace, realising how long it had been since he'd has a hug from his mother. He'd forgotten how gentle her embrace was, how much better and secure it made him feel when he was younger to just have her wrapped around him protectively. Nothing could hurt him while he was with her. As timid as she was, she wouldn't let anything to that. He didn't even try to receive one from his father. He wasn't really the hugging kind. Or the caring kind. He preferred to leave those duties to his wife. "I've missed you," she repeated softly, pulling back. "Goodness, a lot really has changed with you. Oh my, I like your hat. Doesn't it look dashing on him, dear?" His father gave a cursory glance. "It's fitting." "Oh, never mind him," she dismissed, something she rarely did. "Glasses too, I see and a lovely necklace and… goodness, your cutie mark!" He looked back at his changed mark, having completely forgotten. It had been so long since it changed that he'd gotten used to it. His parent's marks, a series of numbers for his father and a treble cleft note and violin for his mother, had remained the same of course, but they'd been used to seeing the rolled-out scroll there. He had a thought at this when he glanced at his father. Since he had originally forbade this, it was time to show him just how much things had changed. "You noticed?" he asked lightly. "This is my new special talent, no… my true one." He held up his hoof and, using his magic, made a sparkling rose grow there, starting with the seed and gradually blossoming into a ruby red beauty, which he promptly changed to the colour of his fur. He presented it to his mother, who gazed in wonder and gasped when he made it grow into a bunch into her hooves, all of them different colours, then burst into sparkling butterflies, which danced around her head. Beaming at the wonder his mother expressed at seeing it, he saw his father purse his lips but say nothing in response. If he approved or disapproved, he kept it hidden until Dusk had finished, adding a small bow. "Very… impressive, I'm sure," he muttered. "Oh, Dusk that was absolutely beautiful!" expressed his mother, beaming at him. "That really is a wonderful talent to have." "You fill the air with the beauty of music, I do it with the shimmer of colour," he mused. "Colours of the wind, you might say." "My little artist, a painter and a poet, in a manner of speaking," she said. "Maybe we could do something together somehow, if you'd like." He didn't even need to think about it. "That sounds like a great idea." "Yes, yes, but let's not go overboard with this," deadpanned his father. "I don't know, it's more than you ever allowed me to go with it," replied Dusk, feeling that bitterness growing again. His mother widened her eyes in fear while his father's expression hardened. "And what, may I ask, do you mean by that?" Dusk stood his ground, but kept his tone civil. "I mean my mother isn't the only one who thinks that my magic is something to be proud of. Am I right, Miss Sparkle?" He said this part louder, assuming that she might be listening at the door. A second later, she came through with her best smile. "You called?" "I did," he affirmed. "I'm just saying you can join us now. I think we're fine." "You're sure it's okay?" she asked. "I can give you a little longer, if you prefer." "Thank you, but we'd be happy if you were to join us," his mother assured her. "Are you one of Dusk's friends or… are you the Twilight Sparkle he's written to us about?" "I am, Mrs Noir," she said shyly, joining Dusk by his side. "So, these are your parents, Dusk?" "Indeed they are." He turned his hoof to each in turn. "This is my father, Abacaus and my mother Chord. Mom, dad, as you already have guessed, this is my marefriend, Twilight Sparkle." She walked up and shook their hooves. "It's a pleasure to meet you both." "The feeling is mutual, Twilight." She seemed quite amazed at seeing her. "Oh my, Dusk you didn't tell us how beautiful she was." He smiled as his marefriend blushed. "I think I did specify that, since it is one of her most prominent qualities, though not by any means her only one." "I'm sure it isn't, I'm pleasantly surprised myself," put in his father. "It's good to meet you in person, Twilight. Student to Princess Celestia, am I correct?" "That's right, sir," she said politely. "Impressive," he nodded with obvious approval. "No doubt that must be quite taxing for you at times." "It can be, but I'm always eager to learn whatever she teaches me. Still, your son is nothing to sniff at," she said, with an appraising look in his direction. "You must know about how he's a student to Princess Luna." "We had heard, yes," replied his father, still with a slight edge in his voice. "Still, you must have a great degree of intelligence for what is required of you by the princess." Twilight seemed just as taken aback how he'd changed the subject back to her. "I have been told that I'm pretty smart, yes, but it's just because I'm a pony with a healthy interest in science." "Very well. What's twenty-seven times thirty two?" he asked abruptly. She only thought for a few seconds before answering. "Eight hundred and sixty-four." "Is that right?" his mother asked, Abacus nodding in response. "That's very impressive." "Well, you know, it's a gift," she shrugged. "But it's not just intelligence that the princesses look for in their students. They also need to have magical aptitude, which both I and your son possess." "Oh, he's just been showing us a sample of it," said his mother proudly. "Beautiful, simply beautiful. Do you share similar magic?" "To an extent, yes, but we're both training in different branches of magical study," she explained. "If we do have to use our magic for purposes other than study, we're taught to do so only when necessary." "So I hear," noted his father, again in that same clipped voice. This was one of those times where Dusk found it difficult to figure out his dad. Did he approve of Twilight's abilities or was there some hint of disapproval in there too? It seemed like it was a little of both, but why would that be? Realising this, his mother changed the subject. "So, how long have you two been seeing each other?" "Around about six months," Dusk told her, standing closer beside her. "We started dating back in autumn after being friends for a year and… well, here we are." "Six months?" She appeared notably impressed. "That's quite a length of time." Dusk chuckled a little. "Her parents thought very much the same when we told them we'd been dating three months." "You've already met her parents?" asked his father. "The two of you must be quite committed to each other." "We are," answered Dusk boldly. "I've never felt as strongly about anypony the way I feel about her. She's always been there for me, she's my best friend and I wouldn't give her up for anything in the world." "I see…" Abacus studied him intently for a few moments before turning to Twilight. "Can you say the same then, Twilight?" She thought for a moment before answering. "I'll be honest with you both. I've never had romantic feelings for anypony before. When I started to, I was… scared of what they might mean. I may not have experienced it myself, but I know about things like break-ups and heartbreak between couples and I wasn't sure about it at first." "That's understandable, dear," Chord said gently. "It must have been quite daunting for you." "It was, yes. But now, Mrs Noir… I'm sorry about how forward I'm being with this but…" She rested her head on his shoulder. "I love Dusk. More than I think I even know. He's the most wonderful, caring and kind-hearted stallion that I've ever met. It took me long enough to realise it, but now that I have… I'm not letting him go, no matter what." Even Dusk was surprised at how sincere and convicted her words were. He would have just been satisfied by that she loved him, even if it was just a little, but after all they'd been through… maybe it was only natural what they felt for each other. He couldn't help but be reminded of when he'd said much the same to her parents by way of a test. His mother had certainly been moved by her words, smiling fondly at the two of them. His father's eyes widened in evident surprise, though he still looked a little unconvinced. Why was he so difficult to please? Why couldn't he be like Twilight's dad? Twilight seemed to notice this and glanced at him unsurely, to which he responded with a short shrug. "Anyway, if we're going to talk, we might as well have it sitting down," she suggested. "I'll show you the way to the kitchen. Spike!" "I wasn't listening at the door!" he replied quickly, before awkwardly poking his head in. "I mean uh… yes Twilight?" "Could you make us some tea please, for our guests?" "That sounds lovely, thank you Twilight." She looked over at Spike, smiling radiantly. "It's good to meet you too, Spike." "Thanks ma'am, good to meet you too," he replied brightly, walking with them to the kitchen. "I guess Dusk mentioned me in his letters home too?" "He did, though I was wondering how exactly one transfers from student at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns to library assistant," his father remarked pointedly. "Uh huh…" Spike too gave Dusk a puzzled look to which he gave the same response. "So um, how do you guys like your tea?" Once they were seated and their refreshments were served, they passed the time with further conversation. Most of it was centred around Twilight, who was happy to tell them as much about herself as they wanted. She told them a little about her early life, what her parents did, her studies under the princess and how she met their shared group of friends as well as Dusk, whom his parents expressed an interest in meeting. His mother, Dusk was convinced, was fully swayed over with Twilight and enjoyed talking to her. Then again, his mother had always found it easy to like people. His father, who socialised rarely, was still set in stone for the most part, only showing occasional approval in a slight smile or raising of the eyebrows. He still kept a bit of an edgy tone with her, but Dusk put that down as him being a hard stallion to please. He'd had full experience with that after all. When it came down the subject of how Dusk hadn't really seen all that much of them, it was his father who answered when Chord fell into an awkward silence. "We just preferred to let Dusk get on with his life without our interfering," he told her. "I always feel that it's better to find your own way without over-relying on assistance from others." "I suppose independence is a good thing to strive for." The result was another exchange of looks with Dusk, though he didn't maintain much eye contact. That was part of the reason why he hadn't really had much contact with his parents, though it wasn't the only one. Right now though, he didn't feel like bringing that up. Though she was usually inquisitive, Twilight kept silent and didn't broach the subject further. When this part was over, Twilight suggested having Dusk show his parents other examples of his magic that he'd been learning under Luna. Feeling a sudden eagerness to show his father how much he'd advanced in this field, he agreed, leading them to the hill outside and showing them the offensive and defensive spells he'd learned, as well as the small amount of conjuration and alteration he'd already learned. "Well done, dear, well done!" praised his mother, when Dusk jumped down from a colour cloud, bounced off shock absorbers and landed in front of her. "Your magic, why it's… remarkable!" "Thanks, mom," he said with a bow. "I'm learning some new spells currently, but I haven't come far enough in them yet." "I see…" Her eyes looked nervously. "But, I have to say…" It was his father who supplied what she was thinking. "I do notice that a majority of these spells would seem more practical in combat and, as I recall, you have a particular distaste for violence." "I do," answered Dusk, surprised his father even knew that. "But Luna recognises that, when Equestria is at stake, I need to know how to properly defend myself. Defence, never for attack and only when absolutely necessary." He was held in his father's scrutinizing gaze for a while. "Let us hope then it is rarely ever necessary then." "We don't like the idea of you being in danger," added his mother with concern. "I know you have to but… I hate the idea of you being hurt." I believe that coming from you, mother, he thought, noting his father's cold eyes still on him. Like to see the day he'd ever be worried about me… "Your son can handle himself in a fight, don't worry," assured Twilight. "And if he can't, I promise that I won't let anything happen to him." "Again, I hope you can," said his father doubtfully. "So, since you are both educated by princesses, I take it that you are also adept in magic, Twilight." "It is my special talent, yes," she affirmed. "I've been training mine a lot longer than Dusk, but I'm sure his will be just as powerful one day." Dusk shuffled on his hooves a little. "Thanks Twi, I don't think my magic could ever hope to match yours. You'll always be more talented than me at it." He heard a small snort from his father at his modest acknowledgement, but ignored it. Even if it did make his irritation to him rise again. "Just when I thought you were getting better at accepting compliments." She placed a hoof on his shoulder and smiled gently. "Have faith, remember?" "I suppose…" He noted his mother's touched smile at Twilight's words, with good reason of course. "Hey, Twilight!" Spike came running up the hill from the library. "Twelve o' clock, remember?" "Oh my gosh, yes!" she exclaimed. "We're going to be late for lunch with the others!" "Calm down, Miss Sparkle," he soothed. "It's only a short walk across town, we'll make it in good time if we go now." "Right, right, of course… sorry…" She took a few breaths to calm down and turned to them. "Sorry about this, I meant to bring it up. If you'd like to meet our friends though, you're welcome to come along." "I was feeling hungry, I suppose," remarked his father. "And we do intend to have Dusk introduce us to the rest of your friends at some point." "We'd love to join you for lunch, Twilight," said his mother, more politely. "Thank you for having us along." "It's my pleasure. Follow me." Dusk complied with this without question, hoping his friends would make a good impression on them as Twilight had. On his mother, at least. He'd heard the tone in his father's voice and knew that it was out of commonplace pleasantry that he wanted to meet their friends. He'd seen what he thought of Twilight and if he tried any of that on the others… he wouldn't stand for it. They lead them off through town, arriving at the café they arranged to have lunch at. The others were all quite surprised at the sudden appearance of his parents, but didn't say anything other than friendly welcomes to them while they were introduced, Applejack especially, for she had already met them. "Ya know, ah thought there was somethin' familiar about y'all when as saw ya," she said to them. "Glad ta see ya found the library an' glad ah was able ta help ya along." "We're much obliged to you, Applejack," his mother said kindly, while his father looked away pointedly. "And it's a pleasure seeing you again." "Ah had a feelin' we might meet again. How ah met you was like how ah met yer son when he firs' came ta Ponyville." She turned to him with a smile. "Ya got yer momma's eyes an' voice an' yer daddy's looks an' mane. Ah really shoulda figured it out sooner." "Well, we can't all be psychic, Applejack," he quipped, with a look towards Pinkie. "I must say that I, for one, am positively delighted to meet you both," put in Rarity. "I've always wanted to meet personally the ponies who raised such a fine, upstanding gentlecolt." "How gracious of you to say so, Rarity," noted his father politely. "We hoped to pass on Canterlot standards and values to him. It's good to see he's kept them." "Oh, there's absolutely no doubt of that," she reassured. "He's always polite, reserved when needed and pleasant to talk to. A fine example of the kind of thing I admire in Canterlot." "Yeah, just too bad there's a bunch of other things you admire as well, snob," teased Ray with his signature grin. "Well, better to have manners and refinement than be a ruffian like you," she countered. "Apologies to you both, Ray isn't the kind who appreciates the finer things." "Not like we do," said Pinkie, right before sucking up her cakes like a vacuum cleaner and swallowing them in one go. "What? I'm appreciating the fineness of these cupcakes." "Yes, he's not the only one…" muttered the debutante, Dusk hoping they wouldn't take it the wrong way. "Right…" His father stared down at Pinkie for a moment before turning to Ray. "So, you are Ray Strike? The traveller, am I correct?" "That's me. Well, more like a former traveller now," corrected Ray. "This place is certainly a lot better than any other I've been to." Dusk's mother looked at him sympathetically. "It must have been hard for you, leaving your home like that." "Are you kidding?" he laughed decisively. "It was the easiest thing I've done in my life. Anywhere was better than that place." "Oh… I see…" She seemed a little taken aback, as were some of the others, that Ray was so open in his dislike for his home to complete strangers. His father was a little more intrigued. "So, you were driven under your own steam to leave your home?" "Pretty much," he shrugged. "I'm the kind of guy who craves excitement, which is partly why I left Idahoof. It wasn't like anypony would miss me either, so I left on my own and I found a hay of a lot more excitement on the road than I ever did at home." "That's a severe understatement." Rainbow gave him an admiring grin. "Like that time you told me about with the frozen lake and the manticore?" "Don't forget the cliff I fell off to get there," he added. "Yeah, just one of the many close calls that I've had." "Not close enough to bump you off though, right?" she said with a nudge. "Teleported right out and smacked him across the face before running for it. Awesome!" "You know it!" he chorused with a high hoof. "Yep, that was pretty much my life for a long time. Until I came here, of course. Now, I've been made to feel kinda guilty for hitting that manticore." "I didn't mean to do that," spoke up Fluttershy quickly. "I know you had to do it but… just so long as the poor thing wasn't hurt too badly." "Trust me, that guy wasn't gonna be put down by what I put out." He grimaced a little at the memory. "I should know, he let me know about it before I managed to get away…" If his father showed any sign of shock at this apparent danger that he put himself in, it was hidden by some kind of admiration that he was having towards him. Feeling both frustrated and puzzled, Dusk tried to figure out why Ray had earned more approval from his father in the few minutes he'd known him than he had his whole life. Following that, things past pleasantly enough, though Dusk's irritation to Abacus didn't end there when he showed a similar reaction for Rainbow and her aspirations to become a Wonderbolts. His mother connected with Fluttershy, not only from similar personalities, but also interests in music, especially her singing birds. "I'd love to hear them sometime," she was saying. "You must have some real talent to make them be able to do that." "Thank you, Chord," she mumbled. "I'm sure you're good with your violin too." "Yeah, it's a mighty fine instrument," agreed Applejack. "Ah got some experience playin' it maself." "Me too, but I much prefer the mouth organ!" Pinkie pulled one out and blew into it, only it sounded more like a set of bagpipes when she played it. "Yeah, not as great as a violin or birds, but I like it." Nopony chose to comment on this. Typical Pinkie protocol that his parents seemed to pick up on. At first, Dusk thought things would continue to progress as such. They might think they were a little odd, but as long as they liked them, he wasn't going to complain. It was when he and Twilight were talking about their royal teachers to Rarity as part of their being in a relationship that his father chose to comment on something. "I mean, I knew they were going to get together long before, but after Luna took Dusk as her student…" She sighed contently. "It was like they were meant to be." "And you say this, knowing the past reputation that the Princess of the Night has?" asked Abacus bluntly. Rarity blinked in surprise. "Well, of course. But that's all past now, I don't see how it should play into this." "Luna's reformed now," added Dusk. "She's not Nightmare Moon anymore." "So she claims." "And it's a claim we all believe." "Perhaps, but it could be a case that she still feels that she can establish the night over the day. Using the techniques she's teaching him, she might be attempting to use him as a pawn in another possible takeover of the throne," he suggested. Fluttershy spoke up nervously. "Well, I know she… seems like she's scary, but she's actually really nice and fun when you…" "I didn't ask you for your opinion," he snapped, silencing her with a whimper. Ray moved across defensively to her. "Hey, lay off her. She's telling you what she thought." "And how can you suggest that about a ruler of Equestria, your son's teacher?!" Twilight demanded, clearly not concerned when it came to either her coltfriend or royalty. "I'm stating my view on the matter, Twilight," he replied curtly. "I would ask you to keep a civil tone." "I'm sorry, Mr Noir," she said, in an attempt at a respectful voice, "but you can't have any basis for a view like that. Luna has had multiple chances to attempt to usurp her elder sister and she hasn't. Why would she not?" "She's my friend and she's just as sorry for what happened as Celestia is," put in Dusk. "She has no desire to try it again." "On that subject, that's another thing that I want to raise my concern for," he said, abruptly changing the subject and turning his steely gaze on Dusk. "All of these events that have occurred, that you and your friends seem to be centred around." "Quite unavoidable, I'm afraid, being the Elements of Harmony," he replied, just as firmly as he did. "Yet you willingly entered these situations knowing this, possibly others that I don't even know about?" he pressed on. "I thought I had raised you to be more sensible than this, Dusk." He could feel what was coming, but he didn't want to do this in front of his friends. It was time to settle this. Not taking his eyes off his father, Dusk gestured with his head for Abacus to follow him. He raised an eyebrow but did so, getting up from the table and ignoring the others. He heard his mother say something to the others while they left. Once they were outside, he rounded on his father. "What exactly are you trying to pin on my friends here?" "I thought that was obvious," he said curtly. "I don't know which I find more foolish: how much danger they're putting you in or how much you're willing to let them do it." "You should know about making accusations before acknowledging the facts," retorted Dusk. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm alive and well despite all of that and Equestria is safe as a result. It's dangerous, but it's necessary." "Your role in it perhaps might not be as significant as you'd like to believe. If they are willing to put themselves in harm's way, then let them and don't be equally as stupid in following them." Even by what he knew from his father, Dusk was shocked. "How dare you that about my friends?!" "Because I feel I must, since you are ignorant enough to ignore the obvious signs they display," he answered. "What signs would they be, exactly?" "Are you truly ignorant?" he asked rhetorically. "That Rainbow Dash is a reckless daredevil, Ray Strike seems to have no regard for safety and that Pinkie Pie appears to be of questionable sanity. As for Twilight Sparkle, she-" "No!" commanded Dusk sharply. "You stop right there, if you know what's good for you!" He knew he'd crossed a line now, when he saw his father's eyes widen and his nostrils flare. "Are you trying to threaten me?" he growled. "Are you threatening your father?" "If you're going to insult my friends and my marefriend, then yes." He stepped forward, not flinching for a moment. "What gives you the right to say any of that?" "The same one that demands a little respect from you," he replied, just as adamant. "I am your father, in case that's slipped your mind." "It's clearly slipped yours, because you've never acted like it!" "Don't you take that insolent tone with me, boy!" he snapped. "I am your father and I expect to be treated as such." "Then lower your expectations." He let his voice lower to a dangerous level. "I've faced creatures from the darkest depths of Equestria, stood up the lord of chaos himself and I've seen what happens when Twilight gets angry. You don't scare me anymore." He thought he saw a flicker of fear from the look in his eyes at the mention of that. "There's no need for this. Son, I'm simply-" "You think that just because you call me that it's going to mellow me out? You don't even know what comes to my mind whenever deign to remember that little fact, dear father," he sneered. "Control yourself! This is most unlike you, Dusk!" "A lot's changed since we last spoke, which I'm hard pressed to remember, unless you count making me hide the one thing about myself I could have been proud of!" he yelled. "How would you even know what's unlike me? I think you barely even know my favourite colour, let alone my personality!" "Dusk, I'm just trying to say," he attempted to placate, but Dusk was having none of it. "Oh, stop acting like your concerned because I know what it really is!" He jammed a hoof onto his chest. "You're just jealous because they could do what you failed to do!" "I… bed your pardon?" he spluttered. "When was the last time you ever gave me any words of encouragement? When did you ever try to make me feel better when I was upset? When were you ever there for me?!" He was right up in his face now. "You were never there for me and those times you were, you made me feel like the most worthless, useless pony existence. Mom might have been busy too, but at least she tried! You did nothing!" He was completely taken aback by his outburst. "Son… Dusk, I…" "No, I don't want to hear it!" he cut off. "You had your chance and it's too late to make up for it now! I don't even need you anymore! I think I might have been better off if I wasn't your son!" If he had been shocked by how much his usually quiet, reserved son had been telling him all of this, this last exclamation rendered completely speechless. He might have tried to say something, perhaps some kind of attempt at redemption or bid at forgiveness, but Dusk was in no mood to hear any of it. He turned his back on the pony who assumed he could still call himself his father and directed himself towards home, feeling good that he'd gotten all of that… but why did he also some degree of sadness? Twilight had sensed a tension developing between Dusk and Abacus. She didn't think his mother was so bad, but from the way he'd talked about them she knew his discomfort came from somewhere and now she could see clearly who from. She'd tried to call him back when he'd left, but Chord had said to just let them go. This was apparently something that had been a long time coming. "Not meaning to sound rude, Mrs Noir but… what the hay is his problem?" Ray asked once Dusk and his father were gone. She looked nervously in the direction they'd gone. "It's something that they need to resolve. I'm sorry if he offended any of you…" "We accept your apology, Chord, but I fear that it was not only us that he offended," reminded Rarity. "Why would he make accusations like that against Princess Luna?" she asked. "What would even give him the idea?" "He's just concerned for Dusk, that's all," she murmured. "It's not every day that your child becomes a prodigy to royalty." "That doesn't let him off for insulting not only a princess, but us too!" put in Rainbow. "Where the hay did all that come from? We never did anything bad to Dusk!" "I think you'd be better asking him that," she said quietly. "I'm not in much of a place to give my view…" Pinkie raised an eyebrow. "A mare not having a say in her husband's affairs because she's married? That's just silly. Whoever heard of that happening?" "Actually, Pinkie, in the early days of history-" "Nopony at all, Twilight," she cut off. "Nopony at all." "No, no, it's not like that… I just prefer not to get involved in this kind of thing…" Her eyes moved away. "I never did…" "Now ah don't mean ta sound like ah know best about yer business, but what kinda mom doesn't get involved with her husband an' son?" asked Applejack. "One who's too cowardly to even stand up for what she thinks is right for her son…" She closed her eyes and hung her head in shame. Twilight didn't exactly approve of what was going on here, but is obvious that Chord felt some sort of regret for what was happening between Dusk and Abacus. She wanted to help her coltfriend, as she was sure the others wanted to as well, but to do that she needed to know more about what exactly was happening. Luckily, learning the facts was precisely the sort of thing that Twilight excelled at. "Chord," she started gently, "it's obvious that you want to help in some way with what's going on between those two. We do as well." She opened her eyes slowly. "But… you don't have to. It's… something in our family…" "Dusk is like our family too," said Fluttershy. "I consider him to be like the brother I never had. We want to help him." "He always looked so sad whenever he mentioned you guys," added Pinkie. "We just wanna help put a smile back on his face instead. Nopony should be sad about their parents." She blinked slowly, registering what they were saying and allowed herself a smile. "I knew you were good ponies but… now I can really see it. Thank you, everypony." "We do our best," said Twilight. "Let's go back to the beginning. What exactly is going on between Dusk and his father?" She was silent for a moment to pick a starting point. "Well… from almost the first outset, Dusk and Abacus were… distant with each other. Abacus more so really. I he did what was necessary when he was still a baby, but… not much more. I did try to make him spend more time with Dusk but… he never seemed to find time for him." "Surely he must have found some time for him?" tried Rarity. "What sort of parent doesn't want to spend time with their child?" "One who didn't seem to think it necessary," she answered. "He even said to me one time that it would be better if I let our son deal with his own problems, focus more on my music. I already did and I still made time for him but… after that… I didn't want to argue with him…" "Ya mean ya jus' left him? Both-a ya?" Applejack said in disbelief. "Not entirely. We still made him meals, kept him fed and educated but everything else…" She lowered her head again. "We let him find his own way. I tried to convince myself, tell myself it was for the best if it was what Abacus wanted but then…" Her voice broke a little. "I should have said something, I know I should have…" "Well, now we know where Dusk gets his fighting spirit from," Rainbow remarked sarcastically. "Gee, no wonder he thought he was worthless." "I didn't know what would happen, I didn't see it-" "Y'all should have though!" snapped Applejack. "Jus' leavin' him like that, barely offerin' any support or encouragement? How could y'all be surprised at how it all turned out?" "I didn't… it was for the best…" she muttered, the occasional sob breaking through. Twilight could see it now. Chord was a gentle, timid soul with a seemingly cold and stubborn stallion like Abacus. Rather like Fluttershy, if he set something down, she wouldn't argue against it because that was how she was. Another thing he'd obviously picked up from her. "Oh yeah, leaving your kid all alone like that? Sure, that was totally the right thing to do," sneered Rainbow Dash. "Could I ask you to stop taking that tone with my wife?" came the angry voice of Abacus returning. "Oh, you sir have got some nerve!" seethed Rarity. "After all we've been told, you still think you have any right to tell us what to do?" "Where's Dusk?" Twilight asked sharply. "He's gone home, I should think." There was a detectable note of pain in his voice that he tried to conceal. "We had a brief argument, that's all." "What did you do?" asked Chord urgently. "Did you resolve things with him?" "Not in that sense. He… he's made his decision…" He cast his eyes around, away from them. "At least he's setting on his own path now…" "And what good does that do him?" Chord's voice had now raised an octave, trying immensely hard to draw on courage. "Do you… do you feel satisfied, now that our son has become what you've always wanted?" Abacus recoiled a little, obviously never hearing his wife speak like this to him before. "Chord, you know we did what we thought was right." "Know, we did what you thought was right," she retorted. "And I agreed with you… I'm not sure which of us is worse because of that." She glared at him, then rose from the table. This surprised him too. "Chord, where are you going?" "To find our son, Abacus," she replied coldly. "Perhaps… you should too." Before her husband could say another word, she left the café, leaving Abacus looking like he'd suddenly lost everything. He sank into his chair and rested his forehead on his hoof, trying to comprehend what had just happened. "Okay, she's had her part, now it's your turn," growled Rainbow. "Talk." "What does it matter to you?" he shot bitterly. "It matters because my coltfriend has run off and you're responsible for it," countered Twilight. "Tell us what's happened." "As if it will make any difference," he muttered. "It will." She let a threatening tone creep in. "Abacus, I've been very reasonable with you up until now, but if you don't tell me what has happened between you and your son and try your best to fix it, I'll be angry. And trust me, you won't like me when I'm angry." "You really wouldn't," whispered Pinkie from next to him. "I'd say something before she goes all Rapidash on you." He looked at her incredulously. "What on earth are you talking about?" "We just want to help, Mr Noir," pleaded Fluttershy. "We don't mean to insult you or anything. We just want to help our friend… and you too." Abacus turned his gaze to her. "Yes… I suppose you do. Like my Chord, always trying to help both sides if she could… I can see why my son likes you." "What did ya mean when ya said Dusk made his own decision?" asked Applejack. "Ya said ya had a fight?" Abacus, with some pauses and concealed emotion, explained what had occurred in his and Dusk's argument with each other. There was some regret in there but, strangely enough, a small sense of pride as well. "Your son has disowned you and you just let him go?" Rarity definitely expressed what they were all thinking. "Don't you even care?" "Of course I do!" he insisted. "It's just… he finally learned what I always wanted him to." "That his dad sucks?" Rainbow spat. "Wow, what an achievement." He barely seemed to hear her. "It was just… my father, he taught me something a long time ago. You wouldn't understand…" "Try us," prompted Twilight. "We'll do the best we can." "I suppose you will…" He stared off into the middle distance. "That the only pony you can truly rely on is yourself. Others can try to show you the way, but you are the only one who can make your own path. Following that was how I got where I am today… and what I hoped would happen for Dusk." "But what does that mean?" asked Twilight. "What did you want for him?" "You see, you can't understand…" "Independence." They all looked to Ray, who had remained silent up to now. "That was what you wanted him to learn, like your father had you learn. You didn't want him to go through life relying on help that might not come, so you wanted him to learn to look after himself. Self-reliance and independence, simply put." "He does that a lot," said Rainbow in response to Abacus's bewildered look. "That's not all either," went on Ray. "I'm guessing you're not the kind of guy who knows how to express himself all that well. Probably comes from years of relying on yourself, hence the rather cold disposition. You wanted Dusk to learn independence, but weren't too sure on how to go about it, so you left him alone in the hope that he would learn for himself. Either that or you hate your son." "But… how… how could you know that…?" he whispered. "Like I said, lucky guess," he shrugged. "But what I'm trying to say here is that independence is all well and good, but you still need other ponies in your life to help you get through it. You got married, didn't you?" "Chord…" She'd never heard this much emotion from him. "She was… one of the only exceptions. The only one who… truly understood me." "Of course she is," he said with a small smile. "You need other ponies. Dusk learned that, so did I. You've got to try and reach out to your son, Abacus. It might be hard for you, but if you don't try, you'll regret it." "I already do," he murmured. "But after what happened, how can I? How do I know there's even still a chance?" "There's always a chance. For you at least." A small shadow of grief passed over before leaving again. "Anyway, it's your choice. Either leave Dusk as he is and be happy with what little you have achieved or try and earn a whole lot more. What's it gonna be?" Dusk sat on his sofa at home, trying to decipher what exactly it was that he felt and how he should think about what had just happened between him and Abacus. On the one hoof, he had said everything that he'd never had the courage to tell him when he was younger and having gotten on fine without him for a year, was glad that he had done what he had chosen to do. Yet still… seeing both of his parents after so long had stirred up many emotions. Lingering pain, comfort and kindness from his mother, stirring anger from Abacus, but also hope. Some wild, tiny hope that perhaps they had come here looking for him to try and fix all that happened, to try and be a part of his life again. There had to be some sort of chance. But now it was gone. He wasn't sure it even existed. It was probably his mother who suggested coming, Abacus only coming along because he had to. Of course there was no chance of fixing things with him. There never was. The way he had acted from arriving here had shown that much. What was past was past. It was done now… nothing else left to do. "That looks comfortable. May I join you?" She'd been so quiet and he'd been so engrossed in his thoughts, he didn't even hear his mother come in. "If you like," he muttered. "How did you know where I was?" "I remembered from the description you gave in your letters." She slid down next to him, the warmth of her fur radiating off onto him. "I asked around a little too. You have a lovely home, sweetie." "Thank you… I like it too." There was a fluttering of wings and a small white form joined them. "My pet…" "Ophelia, yes?" The owl hooted gently while she stroked her. "She's gorgeous, Dusk. What a sweet thing." "I thought so too…" Silence lapsed between them for a few moments. "You know… about what happened then?" She nodded mutely. "I didn't expect this to go well but… I had hoped for a little more." "I didn't," he said bluntly. "He never cared about me, never even tried to show if he even did." "I know but that's how he is." "I'm sorry but… you weren't that much better either." He didn't want to say this, but he felt he had to. "You started seeing me less too." "Yes…" Her voice was laden with guilt, so much in that one word. "Mom, I… I don't… I didn't mean…" He stopped to collect himself. "There were times you were there for me, more than he was, but why couldn't it have been all the time?" She didn't reply for a good few minutes. When she looked at him, he could see the tears shimmering in her eyes. "Dusk, can you ever forgive me?" She looked truly contrite on the subject. "I tried my best for you, I really did. But your father he… he was always so adamant in his views that I didn't want to argue with him. I hate fighting with him…" "I know, mom and I understand why you feel that way but…" He hung his head. "Why doesn't he love me?" "Honey, that's not true. Your father does love you." "No, he doesn't. He was never there for me, never proud of anything that I did, no matter what it was. Even now that I've done so much, he's still exactly as he was all those years ago." "And he was proud of you then too." He looked at her in disbelief of this statement. "You should have seen him when the school accepted you, when you found your friends, when you were standing with the princesses themselves, being commended for what you did. I don't think I've ever seen tears well-up quite so much in his eyes like that before." "He… he really was?" he whispered. "He was indeed." She turned her head away for a bit. "He knows though, that he hasn't been the best father. He wants to try and make it up to you, to fix that, but it's just as hard for him as it is for you." "I'm sorry to sound cynical, mother, but… how can you be sure of that?" "Because it was he who suggested we come and see you today. He wanted to see you, face-to-face after all of this time. He's been worried about you and so have I. He just… has his way of showing it and I have mine. His just isn't… the best." "Is… do you mean that?" She only smiled warmly in response. "How… how can I be sure of that?" Her eyes looked past him now to the door. "Why don't you ask him yourself?" Dusk looked in the direction of her gaze. There he was, standing in the doorframe, showing some subtle signs of discomfort but remaining mostly composed and cold. Nothing had changed. He looked at his mother, who only smiled in return, some hope still lingering. He knew what it meant and was very tempted just to tell Abacus to get out, but he couldn't quite bring himself to. If she wanted him to try, if Abacus had sought him out to give him that chance from the start, he might as well try. Dusk rose from the sofa and stood facing him. "Abacus." "Dusk," he returned. "I see the directions that… Twilight gave me weren't flawed." "Obviously. You're here to find me?" "Evidently." "For what purpose?" "To… to…" He seemed to be having trouble finding the right words. "To… to do right by you, for once." Dusk blinked in confusion. "What exactly does that mean?" He held him in his gaze for a long while, letting out a long sigh. "In all of my years, in how I raised you, I thought I was teaching you to be self-reliant, to manage without me. I can see now that… I was wrong." Dusk felt shock rise inside him. Abacus had never admitted to being wrong about anything. But there was more. "I've been a… a poor father. I realise that now. I suppose so, I… wasn't really taught very well. I assumed that what I did was the right course, without fully seeing the path I was walking down. I know that it doesn't do much good now but… I thought it right that you should hear this." "Hear what?" "That… that even though I question some of the things you've done, I want you to know that… I'm proud of you, Dusk." That wasn't a lie… he really was. "I've never been more proud of you. You've done so much, achieved more than I ever could. You've proven that you didn't need me to do it but… I'd like to see what more you have to achieve with you. As your father." Then, he did something truly extraordinary, almost unbelievable. Slowly, very slowly, like his limbs were resisting him, he opened up his forelegs and spread them wide, looking Dusk straight in the eye. His intention was unmistakable. Dusk glanced at his mother, could see her beaming proudly, but his eyes were fixed on Abacus. He'd never seen himself reflected in his cold, brown gaze… until now. Now, some of that coldness had melted away and he saw something that he'd never seen before underneath. That was enough for him to start forward and let Abacus receive him, wrapping his forelegs around him in return. He was hugging him. Abacus… no, his father was actually giving him a hug. Perhaps it wasn't enough to heal all these years of neglect and isolation, barely seeing him, to heal of that in one simple gesture. But it was a start of something new. That was always a good place to start.