“Are we there yet?”
A silent Zerg Alicorn didn't motion or responded in any verbal response.
“What about now?”
Dusk only let out a long, drawn out sigh of exasperation. It has been two weeks of long travel by hoof with nothing to entertain the party of three besides their own conversations. The first couple of nights were rather peaceful especially when Fiddlesticks played her violin, to great effect, to calm her companions. Dusk, to his credit, was also quite tame when answering the torrent of question that often bombarded him by their curious Doctor friend.
Pain Killer had the most entertainment as every fibre of Zerg information caused the Stallion to squeal with delight. The acid that the Baneling spews out upon suicide? He almost drooled at the chance of study. The secret to the speed upon which the Zergling not only runs but strikes? Dusk was almost certain that Fiddlesticks would have to beat Pain away from her Coltfriend.
Speaking of Fiddlesticks, it is reasonable to say that she had the most calm head. She carried herself like many who travelled much like the Ponies of old. Before Trains, flying Chariots and magical transportation, Earth Ponies were masters of the Road. Fiddlesticks carried herself like her forefathers as she kept up to Dusk's pace long after Pain Killer had passed out in exhaustion. It was those moments she enjoyed the most as it gave Dusk and herself time alone. With Pain Killer passed out upon Dusk's back, she leaped at it with excitement until they decided a spot to rest for the night.
All of there whereabouts and idle chat was relayed to Celestia as Fiddlesticks would often have enlightening chats. Dusk would listen in even if he wasn't interested in the idle banter. Celestia seemed to open up more and more to Fiddlesticks like a fellow coworker would over a pint after work. Luna on the other hand would often talk the night away with Dusk about anything from their favourite food to their opinion on seasons. Dusk didn't mind it but he could tell Luna was more then thankful for someone to talk to while every pony was asleep.
All of this lead to the border of Equestria. Trottingham city was the last steps they would take upon Equestrian soil and concrete. Together they stepped over the last small hill only to witness the Port city for what she truly was. Smoke rose from the factories and large cranes could be seen building ever higher skyscrapers. Dusk took a moment to let the sight sink in as it was the first time he has truly seen such tall buildings with his own eyes. The Canterlot castle was large but nothing compared to these large corporate buildings.
“By my Bandana!” Fiddlesticks exclaimed with awe. Her eyes slowly rose with every floor that the large constructs consisted of. “Ah 'ad no idea they built 'em that high!”
Pain let out a little chuckle at her amusement. “I've come here now and again when there was medical conventions. It is truly a sight to behold especially at night,” the Doctor explained as took a large breath in as if savouring a old, familiar smell. “Lights that brighten up the night sky as they beautiful reflect on the Lake's surface. Quite a sight if there ever was one,”
Fiddlesticks snapped her head towards the more quiet individual of their travel. Dusk was simply watching over the city like a silent guardian. His eyes sharp and quick as if focusing on every single living being that the population withheld. He didn't smile nor did he frown. “Can we stay to see the sights, Hun?” Fiddlesticks asked as she applied her best Doe eyes to gaze up at her carapace covered love.
Dusk was quiet for a moment as his gaze lowered to the Mare beside him. “We are almost home, Fiddlesticks. I do not wish to halt our progress for silly lights in an industrialized city. Perhaps another time,” Dusk reasoned although by the looks he was now receiving, it almost seemed that he had just proposed the most evil plan.
“Stop it,” Dusk commanded.
Fiddlesticks continued with her soft doe eyes staring deep within Dusk's soul.
“I refuse to halt my plans for some simple wondering amongst ponies who would gasp and utterly dislike my appearance,” Dusk let out with a growl to finish.
The Mare continued her assault.
“No,”
Stare.
“Stop and desist,”
Stare.
“There is no possible way you will get me to enter that City simply to go sight seeing!”
“This is so much fun!”
Dusk could only groan in protest as he fidgeted in his seat aboard the Trolley. He was siting by himself due to his size easily taking most of the seat to himself. His horn was practically scraping against the roof of the car which brought on new respect for Celestia. The Sun Goddess must have had trouble in her time with such height difference to her subjects. It was not exactly the best spot but Fiddlesticks seemed to be having fun enough for both of them.
Her eyes darted from building to building, shop to shop. She was soaking in every sight and sound much like an excited Filly which was good considering the trouble she had to get the large Zerg Hive Mind to even enter the City. If it weren't for Pain Killer slyly adding in the note that a Ferry transports ponies across the lake daily then she would more then likely be walking around the mass of water.
Dusk simply kept his eyes on Fiddlesticks like a watch dog looking over it's Master. He didn't fear any attacker approaching them but to let his guard down would only bring trouble. It was also quite amusing to see their end of the Trolley completely empty besides them while the other side held quiet passengers who kept giving Dusk eery gazes over newspapers and such.
“So much fun indeed,” Dusk repeated after Fiddlesticks with much less enthusiasm.
“Stop being a stick in the mud, Hun” Fiddlesticks responded without turning to face him.
Dusk didn't even need to see her eyes to know that she probably rolled them at his comment.
“To be honest, Dusk,” Pain interrupted as he lowered the Newspaper he was holding to lock his gaze with the creature across from him. “This could be a very profiting moment for you. You stated that you wanted to work on your physical and national image. Trottingham is a valuable trading city due to it's port which would be crucial in any negotiation,”
Dusk let out a low hum as he narrowed his eyes onto the Unicorn. “So you're saying I should study the city for my own purpose?”
“In a way, yes,” Pain replied with a smile. “Now don't completely trust me in this, Dusk, considering I am Doctor and not an Economist but it could prove invaluable. This lake leads into the Basilisk River which is connected to Prance and Germaneigh,”
Another hum escaped Dusk as his eyes lowered to the metal floor of the Trolley indicating deep thought. “You raise a good point, Doctor. If the Ferry is making trips to the other side of the lake then that must mean another City on the other side. Equestria doesn't own anything beyond the Lake however so that Port would be Neutral territory,”
“Exactly,” Pain nodded. “If you want to succeed in trade then you will need reliable trade routes and resources. From what I have learned about the Zerg, you will need nothing from any ones else but if you're serious about supporting other beings in your Empire, you'll need basic necessities. What does your Empire have to offer the rest of the surrounding countries for trade?”
Dusk stewed in his seat for a moment in deep thought. He ignored the scratch mark he left upon the ceiling of the Trolley, caused by his horn, as he tried to recall what exactly his allotted territory had. Celestia hardly informed him of any potential minerals although the forest had lumber, naturally. The whole ideal of figuring out an economy and currency for a new Empire started to pile upon his shoulders.
A small bell disturbs their conversation as an excited Fiddlesticks jumps to the door with a slight squeal of excitement. “Yee haw! Here Ah come Trottingham!”she declared before charging out of the Trolley doors leaving her two travelling companions staring after her in befuddlement.
“But, I, wha?” Dusk mutters for a moment only to see the doors start to close. Quickly he grasped both metal doors with his magic aura and slid it open once more although the machine whined in protest as it desperately tried to close. “We're leaving it would seem, Doctor,” Dusk motioned as he stood with a levitated Pain Killer that simply continued reading his newspaper.
To say that Dusk's arrival into the throng of ponies of Trottingham's busy street was well received is to be pure folly. Dusk could only surmise that the expressions he was being shown to be a hallmark of his new public reactions. Suffice to say, his stoic face was starting to become on the same tier of professionalism akin to poker champions.
Fiddlesticks happily trotted through the crowd as she 'owed' and 'awed' at all the items in the display window. She even giggled when they passed a lingerie shop that showed the latest in “Sock Hip fashion”. The whole experience of finally entering society again after a long trip by hoof was taxing. She didn't want to say it out loud but it was nice to be separated from the two Stallions that were constantly near by.
Dusk followed behind like a shark, the crowd avoiding much like a school of fish. His eyes subtly examined every being that decided to pass Fiddlesticks. Luckily the crowd just acknowledged her as just another tourist going wide eye at all the shops. When they approached the large Alicorn with odd hardened carapace armour, they didn't know what to do. It was casual. It was normal. 'Look at the monster!' 'Disgusting!'. Dusk could hear them all. He didn't bother to dwell much in their thoughts but it was easy to get the general consensus of the city folk.
'Awesome!'
Dusk paused as his hoof steps suddenly stopped. The crowd grew quiet and still as they noticed the offending creature gaze over the crowd. A collective gasp escaped when a young Mare was the one to step out a step to look up at the Alicorn. “Who are you?” the Dark green coated Unicorn enquired with a slight smile.
Dusk could only stare down at her from his natural height advantage. His mind was stuck as if the engine driving his thought process suddenly ran out of fuel. He was a grocery store clerk from Canterlot where no one knew him. His sister is Celestia's prized student and his brother married to Princess Cadence, but him? Dusk stood there with his eyes burning eyes staring down on the Unicorn until a voice broke out from his side.
“He is his Majesty, the Emperor of the Zerg Empire!” Pain Killer announced loudly as he did a low bow as if facing Celestia himself.
“He's royalty!” the Mare shrieked before dropping low herself.
Dusk couldn't believe it. This was unthinkable. Pony after pony suddenly dropped low as if he was Celestia or Luna. A wave of ponies suddenly dropping to pay him respect worthy of actually true royalty. Standing there amongst the large crowd suddenly made him feel very self conscious. Coughing once to clear his throat, he spoke with the most authoritative voice he could muster. “You may stand,”
They all stood as directed why sent a thrill up Dusk's spine.
“What brings you to Trottingham, your Highness?” the Mare asks with a smile.
We have no time for this interruption, Hive Mind.
I'm studying my neighbours. Silence yourself. Dusk responded to the mental disturbance.
“I've come interested in this city. I wish to learn more about Trottingham,” Dusk half lied as his voice stuttered for an answer. He did want to learn more about the valuable port city but it wasn't his true intention of being here.
“Really?” the Mare asked with sudden excitement. “Would you like me to show you around our city?” she offered which hit Dusk a little surprising.
Dusk gazed over to Fiddlesticks who was ogling over a dark blue dress. He knew she wanted to be alone. Having the ability to dig into the very thought process of Ponies has its advantages and disadvantages. Surely some time to herself will only do her good. “Please do, Miss?” Dusk ask as he redirected his attention down to the excited Mare before her.
“My name is Emerald Spring! Please follow me, your Highness!” the Mare spoke with a happy note in her tone and a joyful bounce in her steps.
Fiddlesticks couldn't believe it! An original Viocci Violin with all of its original parts and signature! There were only five known to exist left which made them very valuable. The price tag was also what made the country musician go wide eyed.
“Twenty six thousand bits!” Fiddlestaicks called out in a gasp of surprise. She knew it was going to be expensive but that was completely out of the ball park of her guess at ten thousand. “Hey, Dusk, do you think. . .?” Fiddlesticks asked before looking to her side to find no evidence of the large goof.
“Dusk?” she called lightly again as her head searched left and right with no luck. A sudden worry settled within her as she rushed to the last corner she remembered seeing him only to get the same result. Nothing. The sun was lowering and the crowd thinning out as many were home with family.
Dusk? Babe?
Fiddlesticks waited for a moment in worry as she shuffled her hooves.
Are you ok, Hun? Dusk mental thought entered her mind.
“Oh thank Celestia!” Fiddlesticks muttered with relief before raising her head again with a smile moments before a dark hood was placed upon her head. Her muffled scream was all that escaped as a figure quickly gave her a knock over the head. Another pony quickly collected the crumpled Mare and threw her into a carriage that halted suddenly.
Fiddlesticks sat motionless as the two ponies jumped in after her. The carriage immediately gained speed to get away from the kidnap scene.
Pulling off their masks they smirk before placing an odd metal collar around Fiddlesticks neck. The only Unicorn lite his horn after securing the collar to get an image to display on the carriage wall.
“We have her secured, sir,” he spoke out in confidence as the darkened figure within the image remained covered in shadows.
“Good. You have the Psi-Blocker on her, correct?” the distorted voice sounded out from the image.
“Yes, Sir,” The light tan Unicorn confirmed as he raised the unconscious Mare. “Are you sure this will cancel any Psionic trace of her, sir?”
“Time will tell,” The shadowy figure almost cackled out as the two ponies in the cart could only swallow in nervous tension. “You better pray to Celestia that Dusk Breaker does not find either of you or your lives will be ended in painful misery,”
The two ponies could only nod before looking down at Fiddlesticks.
“I will be giving more orders in the near future. Have a pleasant night, Gentlemen,” the image cut out shortly afterwards as the carriage remained silent.
The Unicorn gave out a slight sigh before running a hoof through his short, brown mane. “I hope Mr. Fang knows what he's doing,”
Dusk was ultimately bored. The Mare knew plenty of the city and it's heritage but it soon showed that he didn't care for most of what she was spewing out. It seemed the city had major influence with fisheries and a strong University but otherwise boring. Pain Killer was correct about the trading port as he did the most talking with Emerald.
It was a joyous occasion when he heard the familiar voice in his head. His joy was slightly haltered when he detected slight worry in her tone.
Are you ok, Hun? Dusk called back to her.
Silence. Dusk waited for only a moment before he felt it. His wings shot out fully extended as he grit his teeth. The street patrons gasped in sudden terror as they witnessed the Bone Wings fully extend and the snarl the Emperor now held. The large fangs extended out as Dusk's eyes went a blaze what they could only tell was anger.
The Drone was even agitated as it's maw snapped several times.
“Dusk!” Pain called out in alarm. “Whats wrong, Dusk?”
Dusk tried his best to gather where she was. He only grew angry as he felt her pain until the unthinkable happened. He couldn't feel her. Her very presence in the Swarm was lost. It was now like searching through an ocean for a single coin.
“Dusk!”
The Zerg Alicorn shook his head a moment as he gazed down to see a worried Pain Killer. “Fiddlesticks has been ponyknapped,” Dusk spoke with utter vile hatred before turning on the spot and flapping his wings once to gain altitude. It wasn't long before he had gathered speed through the streets as several Pegasi shrieked in panic and desperately avoided any chance of collision.
Fiddlesticks! Where are you?
I cannot detect any sort of traces of the Queen, Hive Mind.
Keep searching! I will turn this city inside out until she is found!
Celestia was relaxing with a hot cup of tea as she let the days worth of court and proceedings wash away. She was just levitating the cup to her lips before a loud knock echoed from her door. Celestia could only sigh out with frustration before allowing the intruder entry into her personal quarters. Immediately she was curious as the guard came in with sour look about him.
“Your Highness,” He bowed low before speaking. “There is troubling news from Trottingham,”
Celestia groaned out loud before looking back down to her guard. “What has Dusk done now?”
“It's not Dusk, your Highness,” he replied. “Queen Fiddlesticks has been ponyknapped,”
The room grew quiet for a moment until Celestia spurred into action. “Call for Ambassador Smokey. Call the 52nd Army reserve into readiness and await my orders,” She ordered out as the guard quickly nodded his head and ran from the doorway. Celestia quickly placed her own crown atop her head before departing the room with an escort of guards. She quickly pushed open the large, metal double doors to her situation room as the frantic motion of ponies flying around filled her view. “What do we know?” Celestia called out as she gazed over a map of all of Trottingham. A large red coin with a purple flag appeared on one intersection.
“Fifteen minutes ago, a citizen witnessed two masked ponies assault Fiddlesticks and then throw her into a Carriage. We have every available guard doing patrols and searches in both the crime scene and in roving patterns until further ordered,” one pony reported with a salute before flying off once again to collect other reports.
“Where is Dusk Breaker?” Celestia calls as she notices the purple flagged coin moving down main street.
“We have designated him as Target Indigo, Princess. He is currently airborne and en route to Fiddlesticks last known location,”
“I want eyes on him at all times. If he gets violent then give him space!” Celestia ordered as she studied every ponies frantic pacing around as information was passed around quickly as possible.
“You called for me, Princess?” Smokey spoke as he came to sat beside Celestia.
“I need to speak with Emperor Dusk Breaker now!”
Hive mind?
Dusk was furious. I knew I shouldn't have left her alone! I'm going to kill whoever took her away!
I have an emergency call for you, Hive Mind.
Dusk's head whipped from side to side frantically searching for any sign of Fiddlesticks. First Twilight now Fiddlesticks? Agh! I will make them beg for death!
Dusk! Celestia's tone suddenly filled Dusk's head as he paused in the air.
Celestia! Tell me you know where Fiddlesticks is! Dusk asked with slight hope.
I'm sorry, Dusk. I am sending out all possible resources to find her. Celestia spoke through Smokey.
Celestia waited patiently in the situation room as every pony was quiet. They were all listening in on the conversation with apt attention.
What filled the room was skin crawling.
From Smokey's maw came a low growl much akin to a predator moments away from his meal.
I will tear this city apart to find her. Block by block, Pony by Pony.
A Pegasus Mare that was listening in to the conversation much like many others quietly left the room as she made her way down the hallways. She came up to a guard before whispering in to his ear. Said guard then left his post as the process repeated all the way out of the castle. A light blue mare then ran up to an old Mansion on one of the older sections of Canterlot City.
A knock rang out in the large office as a lone figure sat there sipping on his whiskey. His eyes were glued on the image before him as he continued watching Dusk Breaker stomp his hoofs down on the block which caused cement and city concrete to shatter. The Mare whispered something quickly into his ear before disappearing once more to leave the Stallion by himself.
“Good boy, Dusk,” he chuckled out as his gaze wavered from the image to a photo on his desk. It was a Royal Guard Stallion standing proud with what seemed to be both his Mother and Father. The shadowed Stallion lost his smirk as his eyes watered slightly as they passed over the folded Equstrian flag and breast plate that laid in a nearby display case. “I'll make you pay, Dusk. I'll make you suffer for killing my son,”