//------------------------------// // 24 - Regrowth // Story: From Dusk to Night // by KuroiTsubasaTenshi //------------------------------// As Mint Creme and I parted ways, I turned my mind to the next task. It was only then that it dawned on me that I didn’t have one. After figuring out the Light family, my next major concerns all involved Ponyville. Beyond my previous speculation, there wasn’t really much I could do. My hooves grew restless and, before I knew it, I was already headed toward the beach. I wasn’t sure what I wanted—just something to ward off the homesickness and keep me from brooding. Another, more leisurely, stroll along the beach was a possibility. Or perhaps Merriweather could hold my scarf while I took a short dip. I’d just reached the end of the path when I spotted what looked like Terra standing at one of the shoreline bars. Squinting, I briefly wondered if I was staring at some other green unicorn, but there was no denying the red squeaky hammer on her hindquarters. I felt bad for leaving Merriweather behind again. However, the last thing I needed was for Terra to get even more skittish. Whatever she was doing, it must have been very important for her to brave ‘the fancy’. Not only that, but whatever was in her glass wasn’t whiskey. A magazine was spread out in front of her; judging by the plethora of plant photos, it was some kind of gardening publication. “Hi, Terra,” I said as I approached. She stiffened before her head snapped to face me, her magic not-so-subtly shuffling the magazine shut. “Oh, uh… hi, Dusky! What are you doing here?” “I was about to ask you the same question, since, you know, the whole ‘fancy’ thing.” Trotting up beside her, I stole a look at the magazine cover—and was treated to a photo of a couple muscly stallions in provocative poses. Foxymare, it read, complete with promises of secret facts about ‘hunky guys’, as they put it. My gaze must have lingered a bit too long, as Terra’s eyes also drifted down to the cover. I gave her a sideways glance, which she quickly met. I raised an eyebrow. “Just beach things, because not doing those on a beach would be a waste, right?” She let out a nervous laugh before taking a long sip from her pina colada. The scent was quite strong and I had to double-take, as I didn’t catch a single whiff of alcohol. “I didn’t know that gardening was a beach activity.” “Gardening?” She asked, running a hoof over one of the stallions. “I’m just looking at some hot bods.” “Terra, there’s a beach right behind you.” “Just because it’s a beach, doesn’t mean there’s going to be hot guys there!” I stole a glance behind me and instantly caught sight of a red-and-white beach ball, high above the crowd. Predictably, it guided my gaze to the muzzle of a sleek, toned stallion and his similarly built buddies, as they butted the ball around. “Okay, that’s technically true, but rather unlikely—and patently false in this situation. Unless you’re not into the athletic type?” She slumped. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I’ve never done more than a potted flower or two, and this whole thing is so much bigger, and needs to be perfect.” “For Aster?” Terra’s eyes went wide. “Come on, Terra. We talked about this.” I sighed. “Even if you were drunk. Besides, you hang out enough that half of Ponyville must think you’re her sister or something.” She laughed again and this time she didn’t even sound nervous. “You’re right. I… I don’t know what it is about her. I’ve never had anypony look up to me like that and it really makes me want to do a good job.” I nodded. “And that’s what you’re planning when you get back?” “Yeah. Whenever we get back.” She stared at the magazine. “Sorry about this whole mess.” “No.” Terra shook her head. “This is just one interruption. The rest has been like… finding myself again.” Leaning over, I wrapped her in a tight hug. “Hey. I’m here for you, just like you’ve been for me. Once we get back, we’ll figure something out and you’ll both be gardening before you know it.” “I’d appreciate it. But while we wait…” She grinned. “... why don’t you tell me about your date.” Mirroring her smile, I cocked my head. “I was wondering when you were going to ask.” Before I could say anything further, out of the corner of my eye, I caught Mahogany and Merriweather making their way over. Mahogany was in the lead, which, given his uneven trot, probably wasn’t the best idea. “Sorry, I tried to stop this ruffian, but he said it was important~.” Merriweather grinned. “Psh, like the Princess of Booze would stop her subjects from boozin’.” Mahogany waved his hoof and promptly ordered from the bar. I raised an eyebrow. “What does that make you? The Booze Baron?” “The Princess of Booze?” Terra was right up beside Mahogany, staring him down, before he could answer me. “That’s my title!” “Nuh, uh. You can’t just call yourself ‘princess’ and be one. ‘Sides, she’s the one who buys all booze. How you gonna keep up with that?” A spark lit up Terra’s eyes and she pulled back like she’d been given a static shock. She lifted her head as a familiar grin, one I hadn’t seen in ages, spread across her face. “Yes, yes. I see it now. She is the Princess of Booze, but you aren’t the Baron. You’re her prince.” “What?!” Mahogany and Merriweather shouted in unison. I didn’t know what was weirder: being an outside observer to Terra’s matchmaking or the fact that Merriweather’s first instinct wasn’t to flirt. I placed a hoof around Terra’s neck and smirked. “Feeling better?” She gave me a sidelong glance. “Much.” “Go easy on them. They’re not used to it.” “Oh, once they realize I’m right, they’ll know it’s all worth it.” “Assuming you’re right.” “Hey, I got it right with you, didn’t I?” Terra grinned as she leaned up against me. “You got lucky, that’s all. Heck, we’ve only had one date.” “Being right is being right.” She stuck out her tongue. “So what about the three dozen other people you tried to set me up with?” She waved a hoof. “Not important.” Mahogany reached over and prodded Terra. She jumped with a yelp, just about bowling me over in the process. He narrowed his eyes. “Hey, we’re still here, y’know.” “Welcome to my world.” I couldn’t help but giggle. “Well, I wouldn’t mind giving it a try~.” Merriweather’s gaze slowly, pointedly slid down Mahogany’s chest. “Nope. Nope. Nope. Nothing ‘gainst ya, Merri. But I don’t do dates or love.” He took a long sip from his drink. Without missing a beat, Merriweather shrugged. “Suit yourself. Offer’s on the table if you change your mind~.” “Speaking of your first date...” Terra grinned. “Yashure yer okay with it?” Mahogany finished. “Hey! That’s not what I was going to ask.” He gave her a severe look—a drunken one that lacked focus, but a severe one, nonetheless. “This ‘smore important.” Terra’s only response was to make a pouty face. “Yes.” I raised an eyebrow. “If I wasn’t, we wouldn’t be dating.” “Just makin’ sure you didn’t think you hadta.” Mahogany glanced at Terra. I sighed. “Okay, look. We talked it out and agreed to give it a chance. Not because of the whims of any one person.” Terra fluttered her eyes. “But what about—” “No.” --- I eventually left the Booze Regency. It was still too early in the day for alcohol; too early for me, at least. I wandered aimlessly, stealing glances at the rolling blue whenever the crowd thinned out. In the end, I didn’t make it too far. My split attention wasn’t really conducive to enjoying the beach. However, I was nearly back at the hotel when my eyes fell on a small, raised patio, which held a cluster of rectangular picnic tables. While they were more utilitarian than the furniture inside the hotel proper, they certainly weren’t shy about their big, blue-and-white umbrellas. Several of the platform’s siblings dotted the hillside where the other paths neared the hotel. I hadn’t paid them much mind before, but the longer I thought, the more I realized this was just what I needed. From there, I had a much better view of the crowd, even if it placed the ocean further away. At least I could see more of the sky. Merriweather plopped down beside me. “So, this the kind of place you usually go?” “Not really. Resorts tend to be outside my budget. But even when it comes to less-extravagant beaches, I normally need something more than nice scenery.” “What? You’re telling me you couldn’t watch this scenery all day~?” Her eyes fell on a passing stallion’s rear. “Nope.” I gave her as deadpan a look as I could before sticking out my tongue. “Maybe an hour or two. I’m not insatiable, unlike you and Terra.” She laughed, long and heartily. “I’m not insatiable. Just… mostly insatiable~.” “Anyway, I guess you could call me more of a ‘buried treasure’ mare—unique landmarks and objects and the like. Places that are too similar tend to wear thin.” “Then don’t ever go traveling with Sis’. It’s all monsters and role models with her. You’d be bored out of your skull.” I smirked. “Somehow, I doubt it’s the boredom that would put me off.” By now, the sun was just kissing the horizon, creating a soothing purple where orange met blue. I wondered where the day had gone, but not being out and about until the afternoon really should have left that as no surprise. Regardless, I figured I could at least enjoy the sunset. “Hmmm.” Merriweather stood. “Those drinks are catching up with me. You gonna be okay while I hit the fillies’ room?” I nodded. “Just don’t forget the meeting spot.” “Of course. Seeya in a few~.” With a wave, she was off. Even keeping an eye on the slowly dissipating crowd, I couldn’t help but notice the sun playing over them. There was just something about their orange-tinted coats shining like beacons, juxtaposed next to deep purple shadows, that felt elegant and pleasing. A speck just over the horizon caught my eye. With the way it bobbed, it was no doubt someone flying. It was steadily approaching and I didn’t need long to realize that the shape was Night. The sun and shadows may have thrown his coat colour and silhouette off, but the cowlick sure made for easy guessing. He landed somewhere closer to the beach—I supposed he hadn’t seen me. I debated going to the edge of the balcony to wave him over, but he started up the path that would take him right up the backside of the patio. I heard him reach the top of the platform, but he didn’t say anything. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him hesitating. Finally, he cleared his throat. “H-hey, Dusky, um... mind some company?” Glancing back, I smiled. “Oh, hi, Night. Not at all. Come have a seat.” While he did sit down, he left a space just a bit wider than two ponies between us. He squirmed, perhaps considering that the distance wasn’t enough. Giving him an odd look, I asked, “Something wrong?” His head turned slowly, eyes more on the space between us than me. “I… um, n-no. I… s-sorry. Just, well…” Night slumped a bit, a long sigh escaping his lips. “I’m not very good at this.” “It's okay, you'll get it figured out.” I tapped right beside me. “In the meantime, come sit beside me. I won’t bite.” As he inched toward me, his eyes met mine, and he smiled. “I just… I keep thinking I’ll do something wrong.” “You probably will.” I wondered if he realized he wasn’t the only one with that fear and I couldn’t help but giggle. Learning over, I nudged him under the chin. “And so will I. The important thing is that we learn from the mistakes when we do.” Night exhaled shifting all the while. “That… actually makes me feel a lot better. I mean… I’m far from perfect.” “No one is perfect.” I shivered a little, but pushed the dark thoughts aside. “And I’ve certainly learned there’s such a thing as trying too hard.” “Trying too hard…” His gaze drifted out over the ocean. “I’ve been doing that for a long time… I… I’m sorry. I want to try my best, Dusky. But… I’ll try not to, um… try too hard.” A somber smile touched my lips. “Believe me, it’s easier said than done. But I’m happy you’re willing to try.” Night’s eyes grew distant again. “You… you do a lot of traveling, right?” “Every summer, give or take.” He was suddenly thinking hard, his next question sounding like more of a stray thought. “And you always come back to Ponyville?” “To put it simply, after a while, I start feeling a little homesick. And Ponyville is my home.” In fact, even though we hadn’t been gone that long, the barest tinge of that feeling pulled at my heart. I chalked it up to this journey being both disorienting and unplanned. “Home?” Another thought escaped his lips. “I spent a lot of time growing up there. As much as I like seeing the big cities and all the wonders of the world, some peace and relaxation is often just as nice.” “B-but... what if it's not so peaceful anymore?” Night looked guilty, like it was somehow his fault that the Cartel was chasing me. “I mean, w-what if it's not safe for you there?” I sighed. “I've considered that, but I'm not ready to give up on Ponyville just yet.” “I... I'll stand with you, Dusky. At home, or... or away.” He took a deep breath. "There's so much I've missed. So much to see in this world." “You've still got plenty of time.” I let myself drift up against him, just enough for me to feel the warmth of his coat. “Plus, I can be your tour guide.” “Y-you would?” His surprise was odd. I didn’t know what else he expected. I let out a giggle. “What, you think I'd just leave you to wander a far-off city on your own?” His cheeks went red. “I um... I guess not. But... still, I can't think of a better way to see Equestria, than by your side.” He pressed his body against mine, in an obvious, but not entirely successful, attempt to match my lean. “I'm happy to hear that.” I pondered where to start. There were many places I’d always wanted to show off, but many were likely too far for his first journey. “Oh, um…” another voice began. I had to think about it for a moment, but I quickly recognized it as Mint Creme’s. “Oh, um... excuse me, you two, um... I mean, h-hi, Night.” Night stiffened, but didn’t turn. Giving him another nudge under the chin, I glanced behind me. “Hi, Mint Creme.” “M-Mint?” Night’s uncertainty was tangible. Mint Creme’s forehoof was raised, but the look on her face told me she wasn’t sure about approaching. The fact that Night still hadn’t turned around likely wasn’t helping. She spoke in a low voice, “I, um... yeah. Hi, err... how you doing?” “What... wh-what do you want, Mint?” I could practically see the words cleaving through the air in front of Mint Creme, even though I was certain Night didn’t mean it that way. Regardless, she took a step back and swallowed. “Aw, horse feathers, Night... I... I don't want anything. I just thought I’d say hi to my favourite brother. I... I'll go.” “I... I'm your only brother.” Night’s eyes glistened, no matter how many times he blinked. He looked up at me, the barest of smiles on his lip. “D-Dusky... I'm sorry... can you excuse me for a moment?” Smiling as reassuringly as I could, I nodded. “Take your time.” Mint Creme was already halfway to the door. She shook her head. “I... I shouldn't have interrupted you two... I... th-this was a bad idea, I'm sorry.” “M-Mint. Mint, wait.” Night was on his hooves in an instant, although he took much longer crossing the patio. She worked her mouth, though nothing came out. Night was much the same. Their long stares stretched on and on. I started to wonder if they needed more space, but there were no stairs behind me. Anything I could do would either be noisy or pass right by them—and I was afraid that if I ruined the moment, there wouldn't be any further chance of reconciliation. I didn’t dare move. Finally, Night rushed forward and embraced his sister. Mint Creme’s voice was barely audible as she choked out her words. "W-we've missed you, you know." “I... I guess I missed all of you as well.” Night’s joy seemed to overflow, laughter joining his tears. It wasn’t long before Mint Creme followed. “You guess?” “I... I've been thinking about you a lot, lately.” Mint Creme reached up, her hoof lingering for a few seconds before ruffling Night’s mane. “Y-yeah, me too.” He smiled wide, eyes distant for a couple seconds.  “I'm... I'm so sorry, Mint. I never meant to break my promise.” “No, Night, I'm sorry. I never wanted to lose my brother, not for any promise.” Night turned back to me, his body visibly shaking. “D-Dusky, this is Mint. My sister.” “We've met.” I smiled. “Oh, umm... right.” There was a mix of realization and confusion in his voice. “You've met?” Mint Creme gave him a sheepish look. “There was an incident, and well, she thought that maybe I was a spy.” “A... spy? Mint? What?” Standing stock still, Night stared. “Well, I wasn't!” Her ears drooped. “I mean, I guess I was. You know, for Dad.” “Oh, right.” Night sighed. “Sorry about that, Dusky.” I smirked. “We figured it out.” “Dad said I was the only one he could trust with this. I didn't want to upset you, Night, so I tried to stay hidden. I... I didn't know if you'd want to see me or not.” Night slumped until he sat on the ground. “Mint, I... I really did miss you.” Without hesitation, Mint Creme wrapped him in a hug. “You're still welcome at home, Night. Mom misses you. Me, Spring, Sun and Diamond, we all miss you.” “Mom…” Bewilderment filled his eyes as he looked up at her. “D-Diamond... doesn't she hate me?” Mint Creme’s laugh was more sad than amused. “Do you really think that?” “W-well, yeah. After everything she did? She must hate me.” “Sun and I have talked about it, and Diamond really beats herself up over it. She blames herself, though in fairness, we all took some of the blame.” She sighed, loosening her hold just enough to look Night in the eyes. “Night, just... promise me. Promise me you'll come home, at least once. Let Diamond say her piece, and let Mom know you're alright.” “I... y-yeah. I promise, Mint. I promise.” Night spoke rather quietly, as though fighting back tears again. “I'll hold you to this one, Night.” “Th-then I'd best live up to it.” Mint Creme’s gaze drifted up to the sky and mine followed. The sun was gone now, leaving only a soft purple. After a moment, her eyes returned to us. “It's later than I thought. Night? Dusky? I'll see you two around, right?” Night nodded. “Y-yeah, of course. Of course, Mint.” I stepped up beside him. “It’s not like we’re going anywhere anytime soon.” “Oh, uh, right. Right. Sorry! I'll catch up with you, then. You two... enjoy the rest of your night.” And with that, she scurried into the hotel. Night’s eyes flitted over to me as he sighed. “We missed another sunset... sorry.” I giggled. Once things had gotten rolling, it’d been far from my priority. “That's okay, we'll have more chances, I'm sure.” “Yeah.” His voice was much lighter, matching the grin that was spreading across his face. “So we shall.”