//------------------------------// // Chapter Fourteen: Building Blocks // Story: Strokes of Fate // by Silbern //------------------------------// Link Twilight lunged through a hallway window that connected to another office. The pain of the shards of glass cutting her sides barely noticeable as she turned to see the monstrosity had tried to reach her through the window. Looking around in terrified haste she only noticed a single syringe lying on a nearby table. Taking it in her magical grasp she hurled it with utmost speed. The makeshift projectile pierced the creature in the eye as it howled in pain. Thick, white fluid begun to froth out of the wound but the creature otherwise seemed unfazed by such attack. Her situation suddenly grew in desperation as she didn't really know much in the way off offensive magic. It had been an hour already of her using every trick in the book but she couldn't even pull off a teleportation spell with the last ring still on her horn. Twilight gave herself a moment to breath as the creature seemed to be stuck on the jagged pieces of glass. “Twilight!” A cry came from the barred window. Twilight turned as her eyes brightened immediately at recognizing the polished helm of a Royal Guard. “Help me, please!” Twilight begged as she jumped up to the window using the counter and wall for support. “I can't keep keep him back for much longer!” He turned back to scream orders down below as multiple ponies were already trying to break the door down. A unicorn even launched a flare high into the air to see it explode in a brilliant Lavender. The guard turned to see Twilight for only a moment before she was pulled forcefully from her propped position. Twilight landed with a painful smack upon the tiled floor. She curled in pain as everything seemed to scream with pain inside. It was only to worsen as a deformed hoof was placed on her throat, tentacles easily swam forth to wrap around her neck and squeezed. Twilight gagged and flailed as the sudden deprivation of air dawned on her. A blackness on her vision crept around the sides until a very large explosion rocked the occupants within the room. Twilight, freed from the suffocating grasp, coughed in a small fit before turning to see a larger figure in the dust and debris cloud. At first thought, Twilight was overcome with joy that Celestia had finally found her. She witnessed the figures wings stretch out wide but something wasn't right. The wings lacked any form of feathers or muscle tissue. All that stretched out were two skeletal limbs but it didn't take long as with one beat of the wings blasted all dust and debris. “Dusk Breaker?” Twilight breathed as she witnessed the figure calmly walk towards the monstrosity that was now befallen with fear. “You are a failure that I cannot allow,” the imposing Dusk Breaker spoke in a commanding tone before he lowered his enlarged horn. A single, dark crackling ball of energy formed as it's energy lashed out against objects in the room with mad fury. The ball didn't grow larger then an average basketball before it was launched at the creature. Howls of pain could be heard easily from outside the room as the ball of energy started to disassemble the creature atom by atom. Twilight could hardly believe such terrible magic existed in any creature but seeing the Zerg previously was making it easier to accept. The image before her however was nevertheless bleak to handle. Dusk Breaker watched with unflinching attention and condemnation; a Judge watching the accused before his court. His cold eyes never left as the creature flailed in wild abandon as the hovering ball of energy simple continued it's rather precise and calculable assignment. Less then a minute later nothing was left of the creature. Tooth nor bone to mark any sort of combat taking place. The ball of dark energy returned to Dusk's horn as it slowly shrunk in size before disappearing much like its prey. Dusk let out a breath of relief as he turned to his younger sister. “I'm sorry, Twilight. Lets get you home,” Dusk leaned forward and offered a hoof to get Twilight up. “Don't touch me, Dusk,” Twilight disregarded the offered hoof as she got to her own fours unassisted. She gazed at her older brother as she fully understood his transformation. He had grown taller yet again to almost if not equal Celestia now. He wore what seemed to be overlapping armour plates but they ended by going back into his body. His hair had a sheen to it that would make Rarity jealous as it waved easily in the wind. It didn't seem exactly like Celestia and Luna's mane but it did seem to wave slightly in almost nonexistent wind. “It is your fault all of this is happening in the first place, Dusk,” “Twilight!” a voice both Dusk and Twilight knew very well, broke their conversation. They turned to see their very own Mother race towards them and in one leap she embraced Twilight. “I was so worried about you, Twilight!” She croaked in relief as she continued to squeeze her only daughter tightly. Dusk took two steps back as he witnessed another couple of Ponies enter the room in a flurry. Twilight was soon joined by her father, Nightlight, and Shining Armour as they embraced with relief. A sudden jab of pain came over him as he gazed down at the happy family. He took him a moment to realize that it was supposed to be his family. Dusk took a moment to bring a fore hoof closer to his face where he examined the large bone like carapace stretching across the limb. Dusk, are ya ok? Where are ya? Fiddlesticks voice came through the Synapse connection. Dusk remained quiet as he listened to his family pestering over Twilight's condition. Celestia quietly waited at the door way as she gazed at Dusk's disturbed position. Dusk only gave her a nod in respect before turning to leave the chamber through the same hole he created in the wall. He gave his family one last look before stretching his wings once more for flight. “Dusk, wait!” Twilight's call made the Skeletal wings shudder before he turned his head. “Dusk?” Velvet Sparkle and Nightlight repeated with confusion as they turned to the large Pony before them. Velvet stood for a moment before taking a few cautious steps forward. “Dusk, is that truly you?” Dusk gazed down at his mother but remained for a moment in deep thought before shaking his head. “It's him, Mom!” Twilight said as she trotted up to her side. “It's ok, Dusk, I forgive you,” Twilight said as she gave Dusk a large smile. Dusk simply shook his head once more. “I'm the Hive Mind,” he responded with a deep voice before pumping his wings once as he levitated out of the building and quickly out of sight. “It was him, wasn't it?” Nightlight asked as a family they watched the figure grow smaller in the distance. “It is a long story but it seems I can no longer hide it from you, for your safety,” Celestia announced as every Pony turned to face her in surprise. “There ya are!” Fiddlesticks shouted in glee as she galloped to Dusk as he landed in the Royal Garden. “Ya scared me to death when ya practically flew through the dang Castle!” Her voice meant to scold the pony but she wasn't prepared for nuzzling that Dusk gave the side of her face. She was shocked for a moment as she simply leaned in against him. She was quiet for his sake but as he drew away she quickly grabbed onto his muzzle the best she could to pull him into a kiss. It didn't last long as she gave the Stallion a small smack on the head. “Don't scare me so much next time,” “Agreed,” Dusk simply admitted before letting a small chuckle escape his lips. “I hope you are ready to leave soon. I have need to leave this place in all haste; the Swarm calls,” Dusk admitted to her as he began his walk to his quarters where he could mentally feel the Drone simply hovering in the corner. “Leave?” Fiddlesticks repeated as she easily kept up with Dusk's pace. “What, to the Forsaken Forest? Already?” she asked with a bit of shock to her voice but the answer she received was in a simple nod of Dusk's head. “When are we headin' out?” Dusk simply gazed forward as his magic pull the two heavy wooden doors open, much to the guards displeasure. “We leave today. I will carry any luggage you want to bring with you but we must depart from this place,” “Isn't that a lil' on the quick side?” Fiddlesticks began to argue but the blank look she observed on his face only meant he was trying to hide from something. The Mare could only sigh before trying to walk along side him only to find his new height and rather intimidating natural carapace was something of a bother. She couldn't exactly lean into his side unless he decided to lay on the ground himself. “Your too dang tall,” Fiddlesticks muttered under her breath which caused Dusk to stop with ears flicking up. “I'm too tall?” he asked in all curiosity as he begun to look his new form over like a Mare before the Gala. It wasn't long before curious Guards stopped their patrol to watch Dusk rotate to give himself a complete look over. “Ok, ok. It's just that Ah finally get a Stallion in my life and he's an alien watcha-ma-callit,” Fiddlesticks admitted. “A Xeno organism,” Dusk interjected. “Well, three fourths Xeno,” “Gesundheit,” Fiddlesticks responded before she continued their walk inside the large Castle hallways that eventually lead them to the guest quarters. Their small journey was comfortably quiet as they enjoyed each others presence through the hall. It didn't take long to gather most of Fiddlesticks possessions as they placed the small suitcase on Dusk's back. He fluttered slightly with his new wings but otherwise gave an approving nod. As they were making their way out of the guest quarters Fiddlesticks paused. “Ah almost forgot, Dusk. Ah offered the Doctor, Pain Killer, a place in our new country to study the Zerg up close,” she guilty admitted although the only instant response she received was Dusk's approving nod. “So I've heard,” Dusk mentioned while they walked towards the aforementioned Doctor's room. “Just because I was in metamorphosis, does not mean that I am deaf. To that respect, I feel like I owe you an apology and deep thanks,” Dusk offered as they rounded a corner to face a Guard that went stone still at the sight of the large half Alicorn, half Zerg creature. Simply walking past, Dusk explained “You put Celestia at greater ease then I fear I ever will. I have made stupid mistakes and I will continue to do so but time within the cocoon has gave me time to think and study. If I am to rule then I need to learn how to govern,” Dusk explained without flinching or otherwise showing much of any emotion. “In short, Fiddlesticks, I want to govern both Zerg and Ponies alike,” Fiddlesticks was open mouthed in surprise. It didn't dawn on her how much Dusk had actually changed both inside and out. She could feel the enlarged psychic power illuminating from his form but she started to notice that Dusk was even carrying himself like Royalty. She swore that Dusk even had Celestia's graceful walk down to an art form. The narrow slits that now easily described his pupils were mysterious and would have easily put any on nerve. Dusk didn't really acknowledge her bewilderment as they rounded another corner. “If I am to attract Ponies and other beings willing to live under my Flag, I have to offer something in return. Ponies in Equestria like it here because there is no war or strife. Crime rate is incredibly low and famine is practically non-existent,” Dusk explained more as Fiddlesticks nodded her head to every note, trying hard to keep up mentally. “I need to offer the same. Protection, freedom, stability and prosperity. With the Zerg, I feel I can achieve all that and more,” Fiddlesticks was quiet for a moment as she actually nibbled on her lip in thought. All of this seemed like dedication and expansive which brought up something that she had to address. “What about us?” She asked as the two stopped outside of Pain Killer's room, her hoof dragging against the ground as if she feared the answer. Her response was surprisingly light hearted coming from an intimidating figure. It was a light chuckle. Fiddlesticks raised her head only to see the visage of Dusk's dead serious expression break into a rather wide grin. “I wouldn't want any another Mare in this Universe to be by my side but you,” Dusk said with a light tone as he began to turn towards the Doctor's door. A sudden hold on the sides of his muzzle dragged his focus back on to Fiddlesticks who gave him a rather long kiss. A kiss that was well enjoyed on both accounts until a cough caught their attention. “We are on our way, yes?” Pain Killer said as he gave the tongue tied couple on his door step an inquisitive eye although his grin betrayed much. He watched with a chuckle as the two disconnected but due to the height difference, poor Fiddlesticks stumbled slightly only to get a dark purple Aura to keep her from falling. “My instruments are packed and ready to be transported. Where shall I send it too?” Dusk lowered his eyelids with disbelieve at the Doctor's belief in travel. “I hate to inform you, Mr. Killer, but we are travelling by hoof,” Dusk spoke with authority easily exercising his new vocal flexibility. “Surely you are joking,” Pain asked as his he turned his head in confusion. “I am not,” Dusk answered with head raised high. “And don't call me Shirley,” The Doctor was confused but as his things were levitated over his head and out of his rather comforting room, it was becoming clear that Dusk was in no way jesting. Dusk, with his trusty Marefriend by his side and a muttering Doctor following behind, made one last stop to collect the rather eager Drone. The party now officially made their first hoof mark in history as they bade Smokey a farewell at the gates of the Castle. It was here that Pain pulled the rather eccentric Mare aside. “Does Dusk know how far the Forest is? I mean, Trottingham is the closest city and even that is a good day of travel by Train,” Pain said as he shifted his vision back and forth from Fiddlesticks to Dusk who was chatting quietly with Smokey the Changeling. Fiddlesticks only scoffed at the Doctor with mild amusement. “Ah think he just needs some time to mull it over in his head. Look at it from his point of view,” Fiddlesticks explained as she shifted her gaze back to Dusk as well. “He now has the weight of a soon to be great Empire on his back, couple that with trying to keep the Zerg in check and you have much to think about,” Pain let out a long sigh but in the end only gave in and nodded his head in understanding. “Let us be off,” Dusk said as he began a walk past the gates leaving the two guards rather befuddled with the sight before them. The swath of ponies of all calls of Society gave the departing group a wide berth. Murmurs and gossip easily erupting all the very curious on goers as they examined what appeared to be a very demonic looking Alicorn. The whole ordeal didn't even cause Dusk to flinch or look around in panic as he kept his blank expression. Fiddlesticks and Pain however were much, much more aware at every single pair of eyes that were affixed upon them. Both of them gave an audible gulp until a very surprising thing occurred before them. Dusk had stopped due to one lone Colt directly in his path. Fiddlesticks was suddenly worried although she knew Dusk better then to harm random ponies, especially small foals. Pain was watching with an air of cautious curiosity but was quiet all the same. The crowd however were much more animated as many were suddenly aware of the Colt who was wide eyed at the Alicorn looking down on him from above. The poor child of a dark green coat and a messy grey mane gazed up with obvious mix of fear and amazement. “Bolt!” a Mare's cry came over the crowd as an equally green in colour Mare broke through the wall of Ponies only to watch in horror as her Colt was lifted into the air by a magical Aura. “Dusk!” Fiddlesticks exclaimed in a rather poor attempt of whispering. Dusk ignored all of the intrusions as he concentrated upon a scent that appalled him. Some thing with in this Colt was wrong to a exponentially fatal factor. Dusk poured more magic as his eyes glowed a bright orange as he gazed over the Colt once more with interest. The Mother and crowd watched with a dreadful air of quiet until Dusk's eyes returned to the normal serpent like slit eyes. The Colt, seeming rather pleased of the feeling of free floating, was levitated towards the Mother who didn't waste a second to grasp onto her child in a protective hold. “He has an incredibly small cancer build up attached to his liver,” Dusk spoke easily over any Pony as they all gazed up to him with confusion. Several moments passed as the Mother also gave the Zerg being an expression of disbelief. “That's impossible,” she spoke with gathering courage. “Neither my nor his Father's side of the family of cases of Cancer,” “Heed my words, Miss Acorn” Dusk spoke without raising his voice. “Take the Colt to a Doctor or in a year or two's time, he shall feel the consequences of your poor decision,” The Earth Mare, shocked at the speaking of her name, simply stared at Dusk as he passed by her with an apologetic Fiddlesticks in tow. “How in Equestria could you tell that the Colt had any form of Cancer?” Pain asked after they passed the large gate that signalled their last steps on Canterlot stone. “Doctor,” Dusk spoke without slowing down or showing much interest in the conversation. “If Ponies ever evolve to a certain point without being wiped of the face of this planet, I would be the prime example to which you should aspire. I'm almost biologically pristine except for my reproductive organs which I choose to keep just the way they are,” Fiddlesticks and Pain both remained quite although the Mare had a slight blush adorning her face. “But that doesn't answer my question, Dusk,” Pain spoke up again as he tried to get back onto subject. The taller Stallion gave out a frustrated groan but otherwise answered. “The Zerg are masters at Biological efficiencies and deficiencies. The key, amongst several, is spotting and adjusting even the very blueprint of DNA. Spotting the Colt's Cancer was akin to finding a bright red pin in a tuber ware container. Foal's play,” “You can just look at a Pony and tell what is wrong, or right, within their very own body?” Pain asked with disbelief. “I have to be up close to the Individual but yes, I can,” Dusk admitted. “For instance, you are missing a tooth on your lower jaw, back right,” Dusk started to demonstrate as he watched Pain stand still at attention with shock. Looking to his other side at Fiddlesticks “Fiddlesticks, you are two months and five days away from your next heat cycle,” Dusk spoke until he started to laugh at his companions. One was unblinking in shock while the other was beet red in embarrassment. “Come along, slow pokes. We have a long ways to go yet,” Celestia rested in her office after a rather long discussion that made Velvet Sparkle breakdown in the end with tears. Twilight didn't fare much better but the young Mare held it together for her Mom's sake. To make matters worse, when they all returned to the Castle looking for Dusk, he had vanished. Celestia had a good guess to Dusk's destination but to be safe she sent patrols to follow his progress anyway. Between running a Country and trying to keep her Student's family in some form of balance, it was taking a toll on the Princess. A knock on the door brought the dozing Princess back into full consciousness startling quickly. Letting out an exhausted sigh she straitened her form before beckoning the intruder inside. A lone guard entered an immediately bowed low in respect. “My apologies for the interruption, Princess, but you have a visitor from the, uh,” The guard began strong but scrunched up his face slightly. “From the Zerg Empire?” Celestia's eyes widened before she simply thanked the guard and allowed the visitor the right to enter her office. To her dismay, it was the smoke coloured Pony from the hatching earlier who walked in with a slight smile. To her surprise, the creature gave a low bow which Celestia nodded in thanks. “My apologies for intruding in on you at this hour, esteemed Princess Celestia,” Smokey spoke with a rather comforting voice and tone. The only thing that seemed out of place at any length was the smoke tendrils that rose from the edges of his mouth. Celestia waved her hoof at the Pony impersonation as the whole act before her simply made her smile in good humour. “What can I do for the Zerg this evening?” Celestia asked with a soft smile. Smokey rested on his haunches as he returned the Princess' smile. “Thank you for the audience, Princess. My task however is to deliver a Message from the Hive Mind,” Smokey spoke as he watched Celestia's interest peak. “Would you like me to play it for you?” the Zerg ambassador asked. “Play it for me?” Celestia asked as she observed no device on the Pony nor any scroll. Smoke however took this as his cue to relay the message. He gazed at the Princess for a moment before his eyes begun to almost gain a milky glaze over them. “Dear Princess Celestia,” Smokey spoke but not with his voice. Celestia listened with much surprise and attention as Dusk's voice came forth from Smokey's mouth with ease. “As you are very much aware, I have departed from the Castle with haste. We are making are way to the Forest by hoof and I could not wait for another delay, family or not. I apologize if you had to explain everything to my family but I cannot delay in my plans,” Dusk's voice came through clearly but she still heard some pain within. “Smokey, as Fiddlesticks seemed to name him, is to be my appointed Ambassador. If you need anything from me then simply talk to him and he can contact me,” Celestia waited for a moment as silence filled the room. Thinking the message was over she was about to raise a hoof to get Smokey's attention until another voice joined the message. “Howdy, Princess!” Unmistakably Fiddlesticks. “I wanted to let you know that we are doing well and if you want to talk to me just let Smokey know. This whole Mind Speak thing is still new to me but Dusk seems more then willing to help me. I hope you have a great day, bye!” Celestia couldn't help it any longer. Her sides ached as her laughter filled the office in cheerful spouts. It may not be magical letters like Twilight is more then used too but it filled Celestia with glee to have a way to communicate. It was obvious that she had concerns with the Zerg but trust in both Dusk and Fiddlesticks was more then enough to tide the fear over. Smokey, knowing that his message was well received, he closed his mouth and the milky layer over his eyes receded. “Have a pleasant evening, Princess Celestia of Equestria,” he spoke before bowing once more and left the Mare to her own thoughts. Celestia simply let a smile spread across her face. Dusk laid still as a softly snoring Fiddlesticks was curled up against his chest with a smile adorned on her face. Across from the small fire pit, Pain Killer was on his side letting a small line of drool escape his mouth signalling his deep sleep. It was the kind of quiet that Dusk finally managed to fully appreciate a moment to think to himself. He gazed overhead as the amount of stars that shone brightly this night seemed oddly comforting. You are a hard pony to find, Dusk Breaker. Dusk paused for a moment as the seductive voice filled through his ears. At first he thought it was the Swarm playing some sort of prank but immediately dismissed such ideal. Turning his head left and right he tried to seek out the sound until a form almost seemed to materialize from the edge of the copse of nearby trees. “Princess Luna. What brings you here?” Dusk spoke softly but otherwise didn't shift his body as Fiddlesticks nuzzled a soft patch of fur that wasn't covered by the carapace. “I come bearing warning for the future, Dusk. The Forest you travel to is a dangerous place to roam for any soul. It makes the Everfree look like Foals play in comparison,” Luna tried to explain but only found a blank expression and a sudden throbbing headache. “It holds a monster that I used to harbour for many a year. I hope you fare much greater than I,” “Nightmare Moon dwells in a great tomb deep within the forest,” Dusk suddenly spoke which even caused the Princess to gap at him. “You should keep such secrets more tightly secured like your Sister. Your thoughts are like a Maelstrom of guilt and apathy. I suggest you speak to a Therapist before you destroy your mental integrity once more,” Luna was speechless for a moment before her eyes narrowed towards Dusk. “How long have you been able to commit Telepathy?” Dusk just narrowed the slits of his eyes as he watched Luna flinch in sudden pain. “Your guilt is like a cancer of the mind. This mass graveyard hides many secrets of your sins. Perhaps when I come across the site, you should accompany me?” Luna winced again before the pain left once more as if it was never there to begin with. Dusk's words however left a nagging pull on her conscious. “You are an odd Pony, Dusk Breaker,” Luna's words came out. “So I've been told,” Dusk spoke with a smile that broke his facade of emotionless detachment. “I truly hope the best for you, Dusk Breaker. I've been told that you will live for quite a long time. It is heartening to have another that is constant like my Sister and I,” Luna returned the smile with a soft version of her own. “I look forward to the next time we can meet under less stressful means,” Dusk nodded to her as he held true to a soft smile. “Ah!” Luna spoke of sudden realization. A blue aura enveloped a simple scroll that was tucked under wing as she levitated the object towards Dusk magical purple grasp. Unrolling the very scroll let two golden tickets fall gracefully to the grass below. The light of the dying fire easily reflecting off the two golden tickets. Dusk gave the scroll however a much more interested gaze. “Dear Dusk Breaker, I, Twilight Sparkle, would like to formally invite you to the Grand Galloping Gala in a month's time of this exact date. The Royalty of Equestria and the esteemed guest, Princess Cadence and Prince Armour, will be pleased to have the Emperor of the Zerg Empire not only attend but extend greetings of a peaceful acquittance. P.S. I'm sorry for yelling at you after you rescued me. I'm not angry with you, Dusk, just upset with your attitude at having so much power within your own hooves. Mom and Dad say that they love you and are proud of you. I hope you visit as soon as you can! The girls and I wish you all the best of luck! Love, Twilight and Gang. P.S.S. Hello, Darling! Make sure you send me Fiddlesticks measurements so I can create an absolute marvellous dress fit for an Empress. Kisses, Rarity.” Dusk gave the letter an affectionate gaze over once more before raising his head to see Luna retreating back to the forest once more. “One more thing, Luna,” The Princess paused for a moment to gaze back with curiosity. “Warrant Officer Night Shade has a major crush on you. He's planning on confessing to you on the next full moon. He also thought your mane was quite attractive; the way he described it,” Dusk spoke about his prior mental meddling. Luna stood frozen in surprise. “He also said some rather flattering mentions of the way you shake your fla--,” Dusk was about to speak again until he noticed the Nocturnal Princess disappear in a magical flash. Dusk also noticed the livid amount of blush adorning her features. “Poor Night Shade,” Dusk spoke before lowering his head to rest lightly on Fiddlesticks side.