//------------------------------// // Canterlot Day Trip // Story: A Ray of Dusk // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve," Spike counted. "Huh." Twilight looked at them at the desk he'd piled them next to after Dusk had finished making a brief catalogue of their contents. "That's not that many." Spike expression was incredulous. "Are you kidding? How are you supposed to read twelve books in one weekend?" "And this is some fairly heavy content," added Dusk while he reviewed the list. "Advanced transfiguration, high level alteration, rune summoning, in-depth historical studies. Not exactly light reading." "Princess Celestia obviously thinks I can or she would never have assigned them to me," reasoned Twilight. "I'm not planning on letting her down." "Well, I hope you're not planning on sleeping then, either," replied Spike, eyeing the pile of books. "Actually, guys, why don't you two take the day off?" she suggested. "Really?" Spike asked. "Why not? These books are gonna keep me busy for a while," she said. "Hmm... I do have a long list of things I've been dying to do!" He hurried upstairs, pulled a long roll of parchment from his bed and ran downstairs. "See you later!" "Wasting no time at all," commented Dusk. "Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself?" "I'll be fine. Really Dusk, there's nothing for me to do but go through these in detail and that's not exactly going to be riveting to watch," she said. "You might as well take some time to enjoy yourself today. Go on, it's fine." "If you insist." He gave her a quick kiss. "But make sure you eat enough and you take some time for small breaks." "Yes, mom," she giggled. "Have a good day, sweetie." "You too, dear," he replied and descended the stairs. When he got outside, he found that Spike had already gone. Since Dusk knew for a fact that there were only three items on his 'long list', he had probably wandered off to find some other way of occupying his time. He stood for a moment, thinking how best to do the same. He considered going home, but he didn't really feel like it today. He wanted to do something or go somewhere. Most of the girls and Ray would be busy with their own jobs, so that ruled them out. There was nothing of particular note going on in Ponyville at the minute which was a nice change. While casting his eyes around for something to do, they lingered on the distant Canterlot. It had been a while since he visited his former home and he was on friendly terms with the rulers of Equestria, as well as some members of the Canterlot elite. Not many ponies could say that. That settled it then. He got himself a ticket and boarded the train that arrived five minutes later, settling down to think of what he might do when he got there. He thought of seeing his parents, but they would both be busy at work at this time too. Perhaps Mirror Shine and Prim Proper would be around, though he couldn't recall if they were in their last years at Celestia's school or not and he wasn't really sure if he wanted to be there if their respective coltfriends would be. Maybe it would be best to adopt a policy of wandering around and seeing what would happen. Half an hour later, he arrived in the royal city. The chill of the mountain range set in as soon as he stepped off and he began to wish he'd brought his scarf. Autumn was setting in and soon, Hearth's Warming would be on the horizon. A warm feeling rose in his chest at thought of spending that time of the year with his friends again, especially after so much had happened. He walked the streets, relatively ignoring the upturned noses of the Canterlot Elite. It still made him shudder a little when he remembered that a few months ago, this city was at war. Something he never thought he would ever participate in, let alone be leading. The fact they'd made it out in one piece for the most part… Dusk was abruptly brought out of his thoughts when somepony collided with him. He was almost knocked to the ground from the impact. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" a reedy, aggressive voice snapped. "My apologies, miss," said Dusk politely. "I'll be on my way." "You'd better… hey, wait a sec." Dusk halted just as he turned his back. "Do I know you from somewhere?" Dusk turned to look at his speaker and was most surprised to discover that it was a griffin. The feathers around her head were white, while her lion fur was muddy brown. A few longer feathers grew from her forehead as a kind of fringe. Her wings and the fur on her tail were a darker shade of the same colour. A mean pair of yellow eyes regarded him suspiciously from behind a small, but sharp beak. Dusk had no recollection of ever meeting her. The only griffin he'd encountered was Gustave Le Grand and he didn't really like the way this one was looking at him. "No miss, I can't see how you would," he replied. "I'm afraid we've never met." "Why do you say miss?" she demanded. "Do I look single to you or something?" "Not at all," he said calmly. "I was only trying to be polite." She snorted and continued to study him. "I swear I… yeah. Yeah, I know now. You're one of those Element ponies. You were part of that Changeling attack a few months back." "You would be right on both counts there, miss," said Dusk. "Oh yeah? What if I'd been wrong?" she challenged. "Nothing at all," he said simply. "Whatever," she dismissed. "So, fought the changelings, huh? Don't see how. You look like a small breeze'll push you over." "While I did participate in the battle, I'm not usually inclined towards violence." She snorted again. "Yeah, you don't need to tell me that. I wouldn't be surprised if you had sticks instead of bones." Dusk was starting to get annoyed. He really didn't like this griffin's attitude while he was being completely pleasant. He usually wouldn't say something like this, but he was trying to have a nice relaxing day out and she was going out of her way to spoil it. "My anatomy is no different from any other pony's," he said with an edge now. "Forgive me for saying so, but you're coming off as rather confrontational, miss." "So?" Her glare intensified and she took a few steps closer. "You gotta problem with that, pony?" "Somewhat," he said evenly. "I simply don't like it when I'm minding my own business and being aggressively approached by somepony, or griffin rather, that I've never even had a conversation with. Such a thing can leave a poor first impression." He wondered for a moment if he'd gone too far. She held him in her gaze for a drawn out moment. Dusk thought she might try and peck at him. But then a smirk grew on her face. A form of respect came with the glimmer of contempt in her eyes. "Guess I spoke too soon," she said. "You're gutsier than I thought. Don't see that in many ponies." Dusk blinked a couple of times. Was she sizing him up? Testing him? He didn't know a whole lot about griffins, but they were a very proud, warrior-based society. Maybe that was the case. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said, managing a smile. "Good, 'cause I don't give out many. Savour it." She held out a claw. "Name's Gilda." "Dusk Noir," he replied, shaking it. "Pleased to meet you, Gilda." "Boy, no mistaking you grew up here," said Gilda. "Stared down by a griffin and you'd probably still ask if I want a cup of tea and a biscuit." "I was raised to have proper manners. Though on that subject, I wouldn't mind some refreshment. I know a good café not far from here, if you'd like to join me?" he offered. "Sure, why not? Got nothing better to do," she shrugged. "You're probably gonna be better company than most of these dweebs." "Thank you." He leaned in to murmur. "Just between us, I don't much care for the attitudes of the elite either." "Ha!" she barked. "Yeah, I think we're gonna be fine, Dusk." "Pleased you think so, Gilda." The short journey was mostly in silence until they arrived at the café and got a table outside. Dusk wasn't really sure why he'd offered Gilda to come along. Perhaps he was just willing to put aside that her behaviour was down to his earlier hunch of her seeing what he was like. It was too early to make an accurate assessment of her and he was willing to give her that chance. Additionally, it was rare he got to talk to a member of another race, especially a griffin. The opportunity as it was intrigued him. The name Gilda also struck a familiar chord in his memory, but he couldn't for the life of him say exactly why. "So, Gilda," he began after they'd placed their orders, "what brings you to Canterlot? It's rare one sees a griffin in Equestria." "Nothing much, just passing through," she answered. "Trust me, I'm not staying here longer than I have to." "And on your way to where, may I ask?" "Just a little place, not far from here. There's something I gotta do." She cocked an eyebrow. "What's it to you?" "I'm just curious, that's all. Trying to make conversation," he replied patiently. "Doesn't matter," she dismissed. "None of your business." "Very well then," he conceded. "I understand if you want to keep it private." "I'll bet. How come you're here then? You live here or what? Not that I really care, but so long as we're asking questions," she added. "I did, but I call a different place home now," he replied. "I'm just visiting for the day. Normally I'd be at work, but I have the day off so I'm spending it here." "Seriously?" she asked sceptically. "I can think of a ton of better things I'd do on my day off than be in this dump." "And yet you're here regardless," he pointed out. "Guess so," she shrugged. "Funny how things work out like that, huh?" "Indeed." They paused for their drinks and food. A few cakes and a shake for Gilda and some tea with biscuits for Dusk. "You can't deny they have good service though." "Yeah. Too bad there's no meat," she said. "I'd kill for a leg of something right now." "I hope you don't mean that too literally." "Depends." Her eyes flashed. "Are you as skinny as I think you are?" "I really advise against that." She smirked. "Yeah, you got some guts. I respect that." "Much appreciated." He sipped his tea. "So, you mentioned how you knew me from the changeling invasion? I don't recall any griffins participating in the battle." "Nah, but word gets around about stuff like that. Biggest was about one of the ponies who led the charge who had your description and that wore a dorky hat like yours," she said. "I see." He decided not to dignify that particular remark. "And where did you hear this news?" "You ask a lot of questions," she noted. "I'm an inquisitive sort of pony." "No kidding," she smirked. "Changelings, mostly, a few of them I know. The Swarm Invasion caused a major stir among the other hives and colonies." "Oh, of course," he realised. "As I understand it, griffins and changelings are on much better terms than ponies are." "Pretty much. I work as a courier and markets are pretty big places for gossip," she explained. "You hear some interesting stuff if you keep your ear to the ground." "May I ask what else?" "Well, I can tell you that the invasion wasn't popular with the other changelings," she said. "Best I understand it, they knew that their relations with ponies were already on thin ice and they didn't want something like that making it worse. But the Swarm was pretty desperate and I guess that idiot Chrysalis wanted more power or something." "I'm sure that decision worked out splendidly for them," remarked Dusk bitterly. "Hey, cut 'em some slack," she said sharply. "They were really running low on food. Loads of changelings from the Swarm at the markets were trying anything they could to get some extra food and supplies, but they just weren't cutting it. I'm not saying a full scale invasion was the right thing to do but what else could they do? Better than sitting around and waiting to die. Though from what I heard recently, you're not wrong." "How do you mean?" "I mean they're not much better off than before. They're getting more food now and help getting back on their hooves, from us griffins, a few other changeling hives and colonies and some pony aid too, I hear," she said. "But their leadership is in shambles. They got this one guy trying to run anything, but there's no queen. Chrysalis is dead and her daughter's gone missing, so there's no succession at the moment." "Wait, Chrysalis had a daughter?" Dusk inquired abruptly. He'd never heard of the Queen of the Swarm having a daughter before now. He'd never really thought about it before. Somehow, Chrysalis just… didn't exactly seem like the motherly type. "Yup. Don't really blame you for not knowing. Apparently, there weren't even many griffins that knew a whole lot about her. Seems like a weird thing to keep hush-hush, if you ask me." "I see...and her daughter went missing?" he asked. "How?" "Not sure. They don't really say much about that. Besides, what does it matter?" she said dismissively. "You ponies won, they lost, so let's forget it and move on. The changelings have got a bad enough rep from this and that sucks 'cause most of the ones I know are pretty cool." Dusk sighed. "Forgive me if I find it difficult to share that sentiment." "Yeesh, what's your problem?" she asked. "You got something against changelings or something?" "When they lead a mass invasion of your home that results in the destruction of homes and the death of several ponies, it doesn't really illicit many positive feelings," murmured Dusk. "Hey, weren't you listening before?" she snapped. "I said none of the other changelings wanted what happened! I get you don't like what happened, heck I know I wouldn't but cut 'em some slack! You can't say they're all bad 'cause of what happened!" Dusk didn't say anything because she was right. He remembered hearing a similar story from that changeling who came to him. The one who had helped turn the tide of battle, even it resulted in a loss for his people. Part of him didn't want to feel towards the changelings the way he did. But like he said, after all that they'd done and to him personally, it was difficult not to. Gilda didn't miss the conflicted expression his face though. "Yeah, that's what I thought," she sneered. "You can be ticked at them all you want, but I'll bet someday you'll have to face facts and realise things aren't as black and white as you thought. Just like m-" She suddenly stopped talking and clamped her beak shut. She quickly grabbed a cake and stuffed into her mouth and looked away. But Dusk didn't miss the end of that. "What do you mean by that?" he asked. "Nothing, nothing," she said quickly. "Forget it." "Just like you? That's what you were about to say, wasn't it?" he persisted. "What makes you say that?" "None of your business!" she snapped. "Keep your muzzle out of it!" "Look, Gilda," he tried, "I know it's none of my business but whatever it is, maybe I can help. I'd be-" "I don't need your help! I don't need you or any lame pony's help!" she roared. A few ponies were starting to look and she rounded on them. "What the heck are you looking at?!" "Gilda, please, calm down. There's no need for-" "Don't you tell me what to do, dweeb!" she snarled. "You dumb ponies, you're all the same! You act like you wanna be my friend, but you don't care! So why don't you just get your dumb face out of mine and go away?!" Dusk liked to think himself a patient individual. But right now, he had reached the end of his tether. "I see then. Very well." He stood up to go. "H-Hey! Where do you think you're going?!" "Away, like you said," he replied. "You clearly don't want me here, so there's little point in my staying. You have your business, I have mine. Perhaps it's best if we go about them and not waste anymore of each other's time." "Hey! Don't turn your back on me!" He ignored her and kept on walking. He heard rustling wings behind him. "Hey! Hey! I said, don't-" "I heard what you said." He turned to face her again. "Gilda, I have tried to be understanding. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I thought there was maybe more to you than just being confrontational but I can see I was wrong. I'm not ashamed to say you're one of the most rude, aggressive and insulting individuals I've ever had the misfortune to meet. Not only that, you're hypocritical. You tell me not to judge all based on the actions of some, yet you seem to have it in for all ponies and not just me. I don't know what bad experiences you may have had with other ponies, but maybe you should try taking your own advice or you'll end up with very few friends. Quite frankly, I'm amazed you have any to begin with. Good day." Leaving a stunned Gilda and a few shocked onlookers where she was, he turned and walked away down the nearest street, still fuming away. He didn't often like to make a scene, but she had really pushed him too far. There was a time he wouldn't have even thought about saying the things he had there and just kept out of it. How things change. Well, he wasn't going to suffer it anymore. He was going to enjoy his day off. Perhaps a trip to the Canterlot Sculpture Gardens would calm him down. A shadow passed overhead. He barely had time to look before something landed in front of him. He felt his temper rise again when he saw that it was Gilda. "Gilda, I'm not prone towards violence as I said," he said in dangerous tone. "But I warn you, if your intent is to fight me, I won't hesitate to defe-" "I'm sorry!" she blurted out. "I… I…" He frowned. "I beg your pardon?" "I said I… I'm sorry," she sighed. "I'm sorry if I was a little… you know, in your face before. That's just how I am. I've been trying to get better but… yeah…" "I… see." He wasn't really sure what to make of this. It looked like she was really struggling with it. "Apology accepted." "Thanks. And uh… um… I need your help," she said uneasily. That surprised him even more. "But before you said-" "I know what I said, okay?!" she snapped. "Look, this isn't easy for me, okay? Just… just hear me out, okay?" Dusk was tempted to just say no. With the way she'd been treating him, he had no obligation to her at all. But she really looked like she had few other options here and a small part of him thought there still might be more to her. Or maybe he was just soft. "Okay. How can I help?" he asked. She glanced left to right, then pulled him into a secluded alcove away from the main streets. It took her about a minute before she spoke again. "Right. So uh, you're an Element, right?" "As I've said, yes," he answered. "Does that mean you live in Ponyville?" He nodded. "Do you… are you friends with… with a Pegasus called… Rainbow Dash?" "Good friends. Wait…" Now he knew why she was familiar. "Rainbow told us once how she knew a griffin named Gilda." "Yeah, that's me. Guess she told you about what happened, huh?" "I'm a little vague on some of the details, but I remember the general gist of it," he said. "You're going to Ponyville, aren't you? That's why you're here I don't think it's for payback." "Nah." She let out a drawn-out sigh. "I was… a jerk. A complete and utter jerk. I didn't realise it at first. I thought she'd just come crawling back after a while. I mean, how could she ditch me for… them? Wasn't until a while ago that it hit me: my friend, one of the best I've ever had was gone… and she wasn't coming back. No matter how much I… I tried to blame her, it all kept coming back to me. It was all my fault…" "And now you want to apologise?" he realised. "Yeah. I want to but doing it…" She growled in frustration. "How can I just show up after all that went down? She won't want my apology, she'll just want me gone! I've been here for three stinking days trying to figure something out, but I just can't! It's… it's hard for someone like… like me to apologise. But… I want my friend back." "I understand," he said sincerely. "I'm afraid there's no easy way to go about this, Gilda. You're just going to have to put aside your pride and your fears and apologise." "I know, I know!" she moaned. "But what's the guarantee she'll accept it? That she'll even want to be friends anymore?!" "There isn't. You just have to take that chance or you'll never know. Look, I understand. I really do." Gilda looked at him curiously. "I've done things. Things that have… hurt my friends. In more ways than one. But even after all that, they still forgave me. I was amazed, but they did." "Jeez," she murmured. "What the heck did you do?" "I'd rather not discuss it," he said. "My point is that if you and Rainbow were good friends once, you still have the chance to be that way again. If you show you're willing to try for it or nothing will change." "I guess. Oh man, I can't believe it," she groaned. "Why am I even telling you any of this?" "Because you needed help. It's not shameful to ask for help, Gilda," he said. "Yeah." She took a deep breath. "Okay. Guess I'll try to sort it out one more time. If I don't, I'll have to head back home. Been away from work for too long. I was able to catch a break, but they'll have my beak if I'm not back." "We all have our commitments. I wish you the best of luck, Gilda and I hope it works out for you," he said. "That makes two of us. See you around." She started to go but stopped. "Oh, one more thing. You tell anypony we had this discussion and I will hunt you down. Got it?" "What discussion?" asked Dusk. "I came to Canterlot and had a pleasant day by myself. At what point would I have had a discussion with anypony?" "Good. I meant what I said, you know," she added. "You've got guts. A lot more than most ponies I've met. The only pony I've ever met who's gutsier is Dash." "I like to think I'm capable of assertion, but I'm not completely suicidal," he remarked. "Fair winds on your travels, Gilda." "Dweeb," she teased. "Yeah, smell you later, Dusk." She stalked off down the road, forcing a pair of ponies to make way for her. Dusk actually found himself admiring her in a way, that she didn't care much for how others saw her. Even if it was taken to an extreme. He went the opposite way, going up towards the castle. It had been a while since he'd visited the Royal Sculpture Gardens, though again, it would feel different to any of his previous visits back when he'd been a regular attendant. There were definite signs of the coming cold when he arrived. The leaves were starting to turn brown on the trees and there was a lack of animal sounds coming from the foliage. The gardeners would be coming to clear the leaves once they started falling off the trees and the animals who hadn't already would be going into hibernation. But no sooner had he entered the gardens and started walking around, he ended up bumping into somepony else. Thankfully, not physically this time. "Taking in the sights, Dusk?" He whipped his head at the familiar serene voice and saw her approach. "Princess Celestia." He bowed to her. "Good to see you." "And you too, my little pony. No need for that," she added in reference to his bow. "I must admit, I'm surprised to see you here." "Twilight gave me and Spike the day off, Princess," he explained. "I thought I might spend it here. And your business here, if you don't mind my asking?" "Not at all," she assured. "I was merely taking a little stroll to get some fresh air. I do so love the fall, it's my favourite time of year." "I recall, yes," he nodded. "I don't suppose you'd mind the company then?" "I'd be delighted." She gracefully walked at his side. "So, I take it Twilight has received the books I sent her to read?" "She has," he confirmed. "I have to say even by her standards, the level of study for what's in those books is rather hefty." "Yes, but I know she is capable of managing it," she said. "Recent events have made it a necessity to further her studies in the areas I've given her." "I see. Well, she was confident she could handle them too and she knows you have faith in her abilities as well. As do I," he added. "I'm pleased to hear it. How fares your studies with my sister then, Dusk?" she asked. "Not much reading on that front, I hear." "Well, Luna has always been a more hooves-on, practical teacher. But my lessons with her are fine," he said. "I've gotten more adept at dream walking and controlling my own dreams. However, I'm still needing a bit of practice. I tried walking without Luna and lost myself for a bit in the flow. I think I ended up in Mayor Mare's dreams." "Oh dear me," smirked Celestia. "And what was she dreaming about?" Dusk felt his face heat up. "Um… trust me, it's best you don't know." Celestia laughed. "Well, I wish you the best of luck at mastering the dream world." "Thank you." Rather inadvertently, he laughed too. "It's funny, really." "What is?" "This," he answered. "If somepony had come to me and said I would be strolling through the royal gardens with the Princess of the Sun, discussing the education I'm receiving from her sister, I would have thought about commenting on how ridiculous the notion is but most likely have kept it to myself." "Not a terrible notion, I take it?" she asked. "No, just completely impossible from my perspective. Or it would have been, if not for you." He smiled up at her. "All thanks to you, Celestia." She returned it. "I just set you off down the path. It's down to you that you've arrived at where you are today." "Even so…" He paused for a moment. "How did you know? I mean, why me?" She only smiled mysteriously. "I've lived for a thousand years and plenty more, Dusk. I know potential when I see it." Dusk decided to let that answer slide. Princess Celestia had her secrets. Even if he lived as long as her, he was certain he'd never learn them all. They lapsed into a comfortable silence when they entered the sculpture part of the gardens. Out of all of the statues, he was drawn immediately to one in particular. It was almost like he had to be reassured that he was where they left him and he was. Perpetually frozen in a state of utter horror and would hopefully stay that way. Dusk glared up at Discord's sculpture. Once, he would have been curious about what it would be like to meet the Lord of Chaos and what a world of chaos would look like out of some vague historical and academic interest. Now he had, he could firmly say that he wanted nothing more than for him to be petrified for the rest of time. He deserved it. He tilted his head, gazing up at his stone face. What was it like for him? Could he feel what it was like to be frozen in stone? Was he aware of what was going on around him? Did he know Dusk was there? A faint shiver up his spine occurred at the thought. "One of the testaments to your triumphs." She looked up at Discord's statue. "I really wouldn't be happy about that pose, if I were him. At least the last one had some air of dignity to it." "Hm," nodded Dusk. "What was he doing when you first used the Elements on him anyway? It looked like he was about to burst into song." "It did, rather," she tittered. "Actually, he was laughing. He didn't believe that the power of the Elements would be enough to defeat him. He found the determination with which my sister and I used them to be quite hilarious." "I can imagine that would be something he would find amusing," agreed Dusk. He saw the pensive expression on her face. "What was he like? Before his reign, I mean. Was he always an enemy?" "Not always," she murmured. "Once, I called him my friend. He was older than me at the time, but we grew up together, learning to properly harness the power we were born with. Luna was never very fond of him, but he and I… we were close." "Really?" Dusk was amazed at this. "Yes. He was funny. He made me laugh. He knew how to have fun. Not unlike Pinkie Pie, really," she said. "Oh." Despite how he felt about Discord, he couldn't deny that connection. "What changed?" "He did." She sighed. "With the exception of a few, Discord was never really accepted. He was always trying to make others laugh with his antics, but they never seemed to find them funny. They never really tried to look past his appearance or perhaps they were scared of the power he possessed. In the end, it became more about making them scared than making them laugh…" "You make him sound like Ray, almost," noted Dusk. "It was actually Discord who helped devise the spell to contain the Beast in a living host," said Celestia. "Such a powerful piece of magic was more than what our unicorns could create and it needed his unique skills. Another reason he felt himself entitled to rule." "Hmm." Dusk fell silent and so did she. This was something else he almost wished he could forget. Before he learned about Ray's secret, he'd always seen Celestia as a benevolent and kind rule, who always did what was right and who had nothing but care and affection for her subjects. But knowing what she'd done to Ray and probably hundreds, if not thousands of others like him to keep such a destructive power hidden away… Celestia seemed to be much the same mind. Once again, her apparently youthful face gave way to the truth of the millennia she had lived through. It was especially obvious, he remembered, if you ever looked into her eyes. They showed the age her face didn't. "I've always wished there was another way," she said quietly. "But I've always managed to convince myself that I did what had to be done. For the good of everypony. I still do. But it becomes harder when I am face to face with the consequences of my decision." "He has had to live a difficult life as a result, princess," he said. "I often wonder what it must be like for him," she went on. "For him living his life with that… thing locked away in his head. And for the others…" That last part was so quiet Dusk barely heard it. So quiet he wasn't even sure that he did. "I still stand by that there was no other way," she went on. "But regardless of that… words cannot begin to express how sorry I am for putting him through all of that." Again, Dusk said nothing. He was beginning to get the impression like she'd forgotten she was even there until she looked at him properly with those ancient eyes. "There are times I feel every decision I've made has hurt somepony. Ray. Discord. Brave Heart. My own sister. I've made mistakes, I won't deny. Both small and monumental. But I have always done the best that I can for Equestria, for all my little ponies. Dusk I… am I a good ruler?" Dusk was silent again, but only because of how stunned he was at the question. Celestia, a being who had lived for a well over a millennia, who had borne witness to countless historical events, who held sway over the body of the sun was asking him for reassurance? Yet again, another possibility he never would have conceived. He thought for a while before giving a very careful answer. "I think… you've always done the best you can, princess," he said. "Sometimes that might not have always been the most morally acceptable thing, you might say. But you've made decisions nopony could have ever done, that come with the responsibilities you possess. I know I certainly couldn't and have no right to judge you otherwise." "I pray you'll never have to." Her sombre look was replaced with a serene smile. "Thank you, Dusk. I'm sorry for asking so abruptly." He bowed his head. "It's okay, princess. What are friends for?" "Very true. Speaking of friends, I think my sister would be most pleased if you paid her a little visit. She's asleep in her room at the moment, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind your company," she suggested. "I'd be happy to see her." Out of habit, he bowed to her again. "Good seeing you, Celestia." "You too, Dusk. Have a pleasant day," she wished him. Dusk entered the palace. The guards let him through quickly after they recognised him and he thanked them politely, mentally recalling the way to Luna's private quarters. Knockout was one of the thestrals on guard and he let him in. It was odd, seeing him without Dreadwing… The curtains were drawn in her room when he entered. They were purple and decorated with glittering stars. A pair of planted pots filled with unique plants called moon lilies stood at either side of the door, glowing faintly in the dimly lit room. A large plush cushion was set in front of a fireplace and a couple of bookshelves were dotted around the room, with a big carpet in the middle. Luna's bed was opposite the fireplace on the other end of the room. It was a luxurious affair, king-sized and round. The curtains were drawn across it and he could make out the slumbering form of Princess Luna within. He didn't venture any closer out of decency's sake, but he was slightly tempted. He had never seen her asleep before, he noted. A squeaking sound got his attention. He found its source in the form of a possum curiously approaching him from a basket by Luna's bed. He approached Dusk and sniffed his hoof. He didn't need to ask or wonder about who this was. Luna had mentioned him on a few occasions, but he'd never actually seen him. "You must be Tiberius. Hello there." He let the possum crawl up his leg. "I'm Dusk. Maybe Luna's told you about me." Tiberius continued to sniff him before coming to a decision. He chittered pleasantly and nuzzled Dusk's cheek in a friendly way. "Pleased to meet you too," he returned. "I should introduce you to Ophelia sometime. I think you'd like her." He chittered again and scurried back down Dusk's leg, nestling back into his basket. Time to follow his example. Dusk went and nestled on the big cushion by the fire. He made himself comfortable and in the warm, safe environment of his teacher's room was soon fast asleep. He had cleared his mind as best he could when he entered the dreamscape, just like how Luna had taught him. His mind wasn't completely clear though, as there was somepony waiting for him when he arrived. "Oh hello, Dusk." Twilight lay on his bed at home wearing eyeliner, a rose in her mouth and a pair of square framed glasses on her face. "Would you like to join me for a… study session?" Dusk felt his face grow to a boil. It was very, very tempting to give in to this but he didn't have time to indulge in his fantasies right now. "Um, s-s-sorry, Twilight," he stammered. "N-N-Next time perhaps." "Hmph. Tease." She still had that alluring smirk and fluttered her lashes. "Sure I can't persuade you?" He shut his eyes and hurriedly emptied his thoughts. When he opened them again, she was gone and the paths of the dreamscape were open to him. At this time of day, there were very few of them compared to night time and he knew exactly which one to travel down. His stomach rushed at the sensation of journeying down the road like he was in freefall. It would have been easy to let the flow of the dream carry him, but he remembered his training. Like a canoe rower battling a rapid, he managed to stay with the current but didn't let it sweep him away. As such, his landing in Luna's dreamscape was gentle and controlled, apart from a slight stumble. Dusk stood in the moonlit meadow he had become accustomed to in their dream lessons. She did too, clearly lost in thought. She didn't even notice his arrival. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in," he called to her. "Hmm?" She whirled around and her face lit up like her night sky. "Dusk! What a most pleasant surprise!" "I'm pleased that's the reaction I got." The two of them hugged. "Do you mind if I join you?" "Need you even ask?" They sat down in the grass. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" "A day off," he replied. "Twilight has a lot of reading to do, so I decided to spend the day in Canterlot and I thought I'd come and see you." "Your presence is very welcome, my student. But wait…" She frowned. "You said you were in Canterlot? If so, where are you sleeping?" "In your room. Your guards let me in, so I made myself comfortable and joined you." "But…" She blushed. "Where exactly are you making yourself comfortable?" "Just on your cushion by the fire." He gave her a teasing smile. "Rather quick to presume, Luna." "And why should I not be?" she huffed. "Any stallion would give their left legs to enter into my bed." "That's probably why you don't have that many then." "Oh hush, you." "Why? You're the one who brought this up." "Moving on, swiftly," she said pointedly. "I'm pleased to see that you've taken so well to dreamscaping recently. There's still a few more things we need for you to master, but your training here is almost complete for you to have the basics manageable on your own." "Thank you, Luna. And who are you dreamscaping here?" "That implies that I am succeeding." She glared darkly at the dream paths in the sky. "I'm having considerable difficulty finding him." "You mean… Fallen?" he dared to ask. "Indeed," she growled. "Whilst we have others in the waking world searching for him, I have been trying to locate him here. But every time I think I've located him, an impregnable wall throws me off course and I lose sight again." "He's evading you?" "Yes, something that takes very considerable skill and mental discipline," she said begrudgingly. "I am most vexed by this." "I imagine so," he agreed. "What about in the waking world then?" "About as much luck," she reported. "We have sent out as many guards as we can spare and have sent envoys to foreign lands to be on the watch for him or any of his cohorts, but there hasn't been so much as a whisper. Even when they claim to have found some sort of lead on him, the trail quickly goes cold." "Can we make any kind of assumptions about what he might be planning?" "Nothing concrete. We can only gather that he seems to be attempting to make strikes at Equestria whenever he can. His actions in acting alongside the changelings and his resurrecting the Crystal Empire have proven that much. But we cannot ascertain exactly as to why, for with neither of these incursions was he directly present at them. Motivating behind the scenes perhaps, but never stepping into the fray himself." "A phantom menace," remarked Dusk. "An apt term, yes," she agreed. "I would hazard a guess that my sister has a more clear idea than I do, but you know how forthcoming she can be." "I suppose ruling by herself for a thousand years has taught her to be secretive with sensitive information," reasoned Dusk. "Even if it can be a little infuriating." "At least you aren't putting up with it on a regular basis," said Luna. "I will much more at ease when he is returned to the pits of Tartarus where he belongs." "The stories I've read about him seem to show he would be quite a formidable opponent," recalled Dusk. "Stories are nothing compared to seeing it," she said. "He was one of the few of Equestria's non-unicorn warriors who had mastered the use of a sword using hoof and mouth. He is a skilled warrior, but he had a keen mind too. He would never enter a battle he thought he couldn't win, not before gathering what strength he could and learning all there was to know about his enemy. If a cause seemed lost, he would always be wise enough to retreat but return again and overcome it. And that was when he was just a Pegasus, before that devil Discord twisted his mind. Now, he appears to have become an alicorn through some unnatural means. Make no mistake, my student, he will be a formidable opponent when he finally steps out of the shadows." "Then we'll just have to be as ready as we can to meet him when he does," he said hopefully. "Together, we'll stand against him. We always have before." "I hope you are right, Dusk," she said earnestly. "Until then, I vow to do whatever it takes to make certain that you're ready." "I have no doubts about that, Luna," he said sincerely. "You've never let me down before." "And I do not intend to, the same with the rest of our friends," she promised. "I would rather be sealed away in the moon again than see any of you pay for any fault on my part. Especially you, Dusk." Dusk was stunned at this. "I… mean that much to you?" "Why would you not?" She smiled warmly at him. "I was amazed enough when my sister forgave me for what I had done as Nightmare Moon. I never expected the rest of Equestria to, nor have a friend such as you, much less a devoted student. I'm very proud at how far you've come, Dusk. That I was there with you, guiding and helping you along. And I'm proud to call you one of my closest and dearest friends. I thank you for that." He stared at her, feeling his eyes begin to tear up a little. He had no idea what to say in response to any of that, other than simply: "You're… you're welcome, Luna." He hugged her again. "A-And the same to you too." "That means a great deal," she said. A smirk returned to her face. "But remember, you wouldn't be where you are without me." "I don't think it's fair to give you all the credit. Your sister and our friends share it too, not to mention that it was also thanks to my own skill and magical talent," he added. She raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you grow an ego, my student?" "Since getting smacked on the head with a lead pipe made it a necessity, my teacher," he returned. "Also, being an Element of Harmony, a hero of Equestria and student to a princess would give anypony a bit of an ego, wouldn't you say?" "Indeed." She looked him over. "It's hard to believe that you're the same pony who met me stammering and fumbling on the balcony of the Star Tower." "Just as it is to believe you're the same princess who was the practical embodiment of the phrase 'stiff as a board'." "I was sealed away for a thousand years!" "Do you still think keeping cool has anything to do with room temperature?" "Hmph! At least I didn't need to be struck with a blunt instrument in order to cease being self-deprecating." "Touché," he chuckled. Silence fell for a moment. "Luna, may I ask you something?" "You may, but I can choose not to answer," she teased. "You can search for ponies in their dreams. Then…" He paused to consider this carefully. "Have you… have you ever thought of… trying to find Sombra?" Her face fell at his question. An expression of forlorn longing formed. "I have. More than once," she admitted. "Why don't you then?" he asked. "If you can find where precisely he is, you could find him yourself?" "I could. The temptation to do so is very, very strong," she confessed. "But I won't. For once, I was in the same position he was: unsure of myself, who I was or my place in this world after what I had done. He needs time to come to terms with it and he needs to do that alone for now. If he intends to seek me out or anypony else, I shall find him. But when I do find him and we meet again, I… I want it to be knowing that he has found some measure of peace and it will be all the more joyous when we reunite." "I understand. That's rather sweet," he said. "You really are a romantic, aren't you Luna?" "I never denied being one," she countered. "Now then, I think we've been talking long enough. Since you're here and since this technically not teaching hours, I think that warrants us to have some fun." "What did you have in mind?" A glint appeared in her eye. "I have been told of a game that colts and fillies play with each other called the Floor is Lava. Let us see if we can't take that in its most literal sense." Dusk smiled. "Luna. You had my curiosity. But now, you have my attention." When Dusk awoke, the orange glow of a sunset was hazily glowing through Luna's curtains. How time flies when you're having fun in the endless expanse and possibility of the dreamscape. This would put a spanner in the works of his going to sleep tonight. Perhaps just more sleep would be called for. Today had been very relaxing and fun though. Regardless, Luna would be getting up in about an hour to take on her duties, so he made himself scarce. He slipped out of doors and proceeded back down the stairs, a path which took him past the doors to the throne room. He was about to walk on by when he noticed something that made him pause. Where there were normally a pair of stoic guards on duty either side of the door, they were conspicuously absent. In fact, this whole part of the palace seemed unnaturally silent. No servants, no officials, nothing. Noticing the silence brought something else to his attention. Voices from the throne room and one of them was Celestia's. Dusk's first thought was to leave. Whatever she was discussing was no doubt important and none of his business. Yet his talk with Luna about Fallen stirred some thoughts in his mind. Luna was taking very clear steps to try and find the renegade alicorn and prepare Dusk for him. Celestia, he suspected, was doing the same by providing Twilight with those books, but what else was she doing? Had she heard something or know something she was keeping from them? Again, Dusk wanted to say that she would have the best of reasons for doing so. But the last time that had happened hadn't ended well and… he had to know. Quietly, very quietly, he approached the door. He glanced around again, reached out into the surrounding shadows to make sure nopony was coming and pressed his ear to the crack in the door. The other voice, a stallion's, was speaking. "…only very vague reports, highness," he reported. His tone seemed casual, but there was the unmistakable sense of importance in the way he spoke. "There were some eyewitnesses in Hay Town from Nightmare Night that said they saw a stallion dressed as a knight whose armour description matches his, but there was no sign of him when we arrived." "I see," murmured Celestia. "Keep on the lookout. It's imperative that we find him as soon as possible." "Of course, highness," the other affirmed. "However, there is something I wanted to say… I, and others of the same mind, have felt some concern over the changes regarding our… primary objective." "Really?" Celestia sounded almost sarcastic, as well as chastising. "I would think that your group would be well-used to being away from your 'primary objective', seeing as how you made a point of it quite a bit in recent years." "You and I both know the reason for that, Celestia," the stallion said, momentarily shocking Dusk with his addressing of the Princess by name. "Personally I don't agree with it, but it was his wish. We owed him that much. That isn't the issue at hoof, however. Without us to watch over them, the others-" "I've made my decision regarding this matter. You've been left enough uniforms with your primary task that you can cope with it," she said firmly. "This is the best course of action available to us, so don't question my judgement on this. I know what I'm doing." "But Celestia, I-" He fell silent suddenly. "As you wish, your highness." "Good. Now leave and quickly. I don't know for how much longer ponies will begin to get curious." Dusk carefully edged away from the door. That was a clear enough indication he'd been here long enough. Silently, he hurried as fast as he could from the throne room doors, fast-walking out of the palace entrance without looking too suspicious. At least he hoped he did. While he waited for the train and travelled back to Ponyville, the nature of the conversation played over and over again in his mind. Who was that stallion? He seemed to hold some sort of significant place with Celestia, speaking with such forwardness in her presence and addressing her by name. Was he a noble or a minister of her court? But then why were they being so secretive in their discussion? What primary task? Was this an already established group or some kind of new measure to track down Fallen? That had to have been who they were discussing, but who was 'them'? Why did 'they' need watching over? If this group wasn't meant to track down Fallen, what did they do? Dusk didn't have any solid answers by the time the train arrived back in Ponyville. Just the shared view of Luna and himself that Celestia and her secrets could be incredibly frustrating at times. He would deliberate more on it later and decided to drop by the library for a bit. "Hello, everypony. I'm back." He came upstairs to find Spike hugging Twilight. "What did I miss?" "Interesting to be working with you once again, commander," remarked the pitiful excuse of life known as Test Tube absently. "I'm pleased to see your previous excursion hasn't left you in more… critical condition." "That you were responsible for," Sting hissed. "Many variables were responsible for the failure of your forces," dismissed Tube nonchalantly. "The incompetence of your monarch, the strength of the ponies' counter strategy, your personal vendetta against ponies clouding your judgement. Perhaps it was unwise to entrust Edge with our complete confidence, but I was the first to voice my concerns about him." "Yet thou were also the first to recruit him and overestimate his commitment to the performance," said Fallen. "Yet again, Tube, I note your apparent lack of foresight regarding our cast members." Tube froze. "M-Master, please. I-It was a-an error in judgement on my p-part. I o-o-only wish-" "Silence," Fallen hissed. "I am weary enough from mine travels without having to listen to thy prattle." To Sting's satisfaction, Tube pursed his lips together and held his tongue. Though while he continued to work, Sting could hear him muttering under his breath out of his master's line of sight and range of hearing. "Now, where is she?" he demanded of Fallen. "Where is Samore?" "We have given her special accommodation," replied Fallen. "She will have a very prominent role in our final encore in due time. We have made sure she is comfortable." "Then show me." "Of course. Perhaps our other old compatriot will show you the way?" At Fallen's prompting, heavy hoofsteps got Sting's attention coming from a nearby door. It was a strange rhythm. One was loud, but the following was as loud as booming thunder and a whirring like some strange machinery. He glanced about, but neither pony seemed very fazed. When the door opened and the owner of the strange hoofsteps was in view, Sting was momentarily stunned. In his time as a commander of the Swarm's army, he had seen many things that would turn anypony's stomach. None quite so much as this. "What… by the Spirits… what is that?" he gasped. "Come now, Commander." Tube reared his weedy head again. "Surely Mr Edge hasn't changed that drastically?" "That's Edge?!" He hardly dared to believe it. "What… what happened to him?" "Suffice it to say, the condition he was left in after our shared experience was certainly… critical." Sting was disgusted at the tone of pleasure that had crept into the pony's voice. "An improvement, don't you think?" "He will show thee to the princess," informed Fallen. "Thou will find that considerably more than his appearance has changed since thou last met him. Edge, show him Samore." The twisted visage of the thing that may have once been a pony nodded stiffly. It cranked its head in Sting's direction, waiting for him to follow. Sting stared at Fallen, impassive behind his helmet, then at Tube, simpering and lurking to the side. Reluctantly, he followed Edge out, wondering what he had gotten himself into. Tube was still feeling immense satisfaction from seeing Sting's reaction at the result of his unrestricted genius. If there was one benefit to working alongside his master, it was the opportunity to explore the realms of his work that other lesser ponies would have branded as unethical. So many possibilities now open… Even if his master's disparaging remarks came with it. Not that such remarks weren't something he wasn't used to. The benefits outweighed the negatives, as long as he remained on Fallen's good side. "Well, master, we have certainly done well in gathering more members. If I may, I find it very commendable, your success for getting Sting to cooperate," he praised. "Yes," murmured the alicorn. "But our work is far from complete." "M-Master?" This announcement surprised him. "You… intend to recruit more?" "I do. With the grand performance to come, a larger cast will be required." He turned sharply. "Snick! Slash!" Tube flinched when the eerily silent twins were suddenly at his side. They slipped past him and bowed their heads to Fallen in unison. "I will be collaborating with them and the networks they are associated with to track down the individuals I have in mind," he explained. "I see…" He cleared his throat a couple of times. "F-Forgive me for asking, m-master but… are we certain these networks are… reliable?" "I have confidence in their abilities. Come, my good philosopher of nature, we will have to learn to work with and trust our newfound allies if we are to make a successful debut." Before Tube could ask anything else, his master left with a flicker of his robe. The twins gazed at Tube and he had a feeling he'd somehow offended them. But they left too, almost gliding across the floor with barely a sound. Sting watched his escort warily while it led him down the cold, cavern passages. It was no different really to how the living space back in the Swarm had been, but this wasn't the Swarm Hive. This was unfamiliar, hostile and strange. As such, the former commander remained on his guard. For all he knew, this could be a trap. Edge, or the thing they called Edge, barely acknowledged him. He just continued to stare straight ahead, with no expression on what was left his face. His limbs moved in a jerky, robotic fashion, no fluidity or natural movement. No more of his cocky, loud mouthed remarks. At least one saving grace, at any rate. He stopped outside a closed door, unremarkable but for a shining rune on its surface. He snapped his head once to Sting, turned and stood sentry next to the door. Carefully, Sting placed his hoof on the door, which glowed with a magical aura and waited for a reaction. Nothing. This must be it then. Or the final stage before the trap closed completely. Cautiously, he pushed the door open. The rune faded away and he stepped inside. The door closed again and he snapped to a battle stance, ready for whatever may come. But again, there was nothing. The room was simple, plain. It had a desk, a stool in front of it and a single bed that didn't look to comfortable. And on that bed there lay a figure. There was no mistaking the chitin body of a changeling, the scent of a female one at that and a rich mane of green with a few purple streaks through it. "Yes, what is it?" she spoke. He remembered that voice; he'd heard it on many occasions prior to this. A young voice, unmistakably hers, with the flaying undertone ever present in his kind. "Another 'checkup' is it? I'm fine, and I'll stay fine. There you have it." "P-Princess?" he dared to ask. "Princess Samore?" "Hmm?" The changeling royal glanced up from the book she seemed to be reading. Despite the darkness of the room, Sting could see her eyes looking back at him. Orange, amber-colored eyes that Sting could have sworn glittered whenever he saw them. He also noticed that despite the relative darkness (and sparsity) of the room, she seemed to be… perfectly comfortable. Such was the emotion he was picking up from her. That was to be expected. After all, she had much the same style of quarters at the Hive, if not counting the fact that she at least had a lamp at home. But more than that, he noticed her looking at him curiously. "You're not that doctor pony… you look like a changeling. Who are you?" Out of a habit of military discipline, he snapped attention. He could at least maintain his military dignity. "Former Commander Sting of the Swarm Hive, your highness," he announced himself crisply. "I served under your mother faithfully for many years." "... Sting. I remember you, yes. One of my mother's most… loyal cronies." Her voice had a cold, sharp tone to it. "What are you doing here?" Sting paused for a moment. She didn't seem particularly surprised that he was in fact still alive, for one, nor did she seem particularly glad to see him. He shook it off. No doubt she was simply maintaining her own royal composure in this matter. Very much like her mother, in that regard. "I was told you were here, highness," he replied. "I came here to see if those claims were true. Speaking personally, I am relieved that you are, highness." "I… see." She continued looking at him oddly, but said nothing. The visage of Edge prompted his next question. "Are they treating you well, highness?" "Not much differently from how I was treated at the Hive. Interpret that however you will." He didn't miss the icy tone in her voice. This wasn't really going well and he felt at a loss of what to say. "Is there anything else, former commander Sting?" "Ahem. No, highness," he answered. "I'm just comforted knowing you're safe and well after…" He trailed off at the memory of the deal her mother had agreed to in order to secure Fallen's support. The very reason she was here to begin with and another source of resentment he held for the accursed pony. They should have killed them all the moment they'd stepped into the hive. When the princess said nothing in reply, he saluted sharply and knocked on the door. It opened and stepped out, still watching Edge warily. But before the door closed, he heard her voice take on a more gentle tone. "Sting...in the future, I wouldn't mind seeing you visit again." He was a little surprised at this change from her previous demeanour. But perhaps, he thought, he was making her more comfortable with his presence. It was just the social barrier between them that made that awkward and she needed time to adjust. "I'd be happy to, highness."