Mending Light

by Kiromancer

33 - Just Rewards

The more distance we gained from Fillydelphia, the more confident we became. Before long, our pace quickened as we took the wagon to the air once again. Despite her fatigue, even Dusky insisted on taking her turn in helping pull the wagon.

At last we approached Ponyville, and Dusky directed us towards the Lusty Seapony. The bar seemed an odd choice of destination. I'd have thought she'd want to go home as quickly as possible, but perhaps there was still more going on than I knew.

Our little group arrived rather late, and as we all loaded out of the wagon, Mahogany wheeled it towards the back of the bar.

Dusky hugged everyone, as if the second her hooves touched the ground of home, she couldn't hold herself back any more. She was nearly in tears, hugging each of us in turn, giving us all her thanks and her apologies. It was everything, and more, to prove to me that we’d all done the right thing.

“Thank you again.” She stepped back to look over each of us. “I owe you all so much.”

Blaze grinned wide. “Hey, we all know you’d have done the same for us. And don’t you deny it. I know firsthoof.”

I smiled. I knew it too. As the others spoke in agreement with Blaze, I stepped forward to wrap Dusky in another hug. At last pulling back, I looked at her with a tired smile. “Um, so now what?”

"It’s been a long…" Her smile waned a little as she scrunched her nose to consider, which caused my own grin to widen. "However long we were out. Everyone should get some rest. You deserve it."

“Wait, what about my awesome tale of awesomeness~?” Merri called out, trying to sound disappointed.

Dusky shook her head and grinned. “I’m sure we’ll all be happy to hear it when we’re a bit fresher.”

“Oh, okay. Well, everyone hurry up and sleep! Drinks on me tomorrow night~!” Merri cheered as she pointed her forehooves towards the bar, then marched ahead. Starshadow shook her head as she followed after.

As the others departed, I couldn't help but feel myself lingering on the past. It hadn't been that long since we'd found Dusky here, badly hurt and near-dead, and now, barely a month later, we were here after pulling her from the jaws of the abyss. Had her life always been like this? Full of fighting and running and terror?

How much blood had been spilled for her? By her? How much pain and guilt was she carrying on her conscience?

You could protect her. You could ensure nothing like that ever happens to her again.

I frowned. I can't make her that promise. I can only stand alongside her, for as long as she is willing to let me.

With my help, you could do so much more.

An image of White Riot flashed in my mind again. How much blood would be on my hooves? I... I don't know if I want your help.

You do not wish to protect her, no matter what?

Of cour— I paused as another thought struck me. I... No. I don't know if I do.

Bellerophon laughed. You do not sound so certain. You know what I can do. I can guarantee her safety. Hers, your friends, your family. I can ensure she never need live in fear or have to fight or spill blood ever again. All you need is to re—

"Night!" Dad's voice cut through Bellerophon's, and the specter fell silent in my mind. "Night, you alright?"

I let out a breath and turned to face him. Dad stood with Mint and Blaze at the end of the alley, the concern on his face obvious.

"I'm... fine. I'm fine." The others appeared to have left or gone into the bar. My leg moved to rub against the sword bracer. I needed to talk with Merri and Star. Dusky as well, of course.

Mint smiled sadly as she came forward and gave me a hug. "We're heading back to Canterlot, Nighty. Are you going to be alright?"

I hugged her back, squeezing my sister tight. "I... I don't know, Mint. I think I'll be alright, but... I don't know."

Dad came forward as well, setting a hoof against my shoulder. "You're strong, Night. I don't mean your fighting, though, I can appreciate the hard work you've done to keep yourself in shape. I know it's hard, but don't let Riot's sins weigh you down. You're better than that."

Tears welled in my eyes as I hugged Mint. "I w-won't. Or... I'll try. I don't think I could ever forget that, wh-what I did."

"It's not supposed to be easy." Mint's grip tightened. "If you ever need to talk, you know I'm there for you. If not me, then I'm sure Dusky would be willing to talk too."

I nodded vacantly. Since the moment Dusky had been taken, before that even, they'd been supporting me. "Dad? Mint? I, um..."

Mint slowly released me from her hooves. "Night?"

"If I were... th-that is..." I looked between my father and my sister. I'd walked away from them so long ago, and now they'd come back into my life through chance and through tragedy. They had been there when I needed them most, even when I'd thought they'd never care. "I think... I think it's time for me to come home."

Dad bowed his head, but the smile on his face couldn't be contained. "That is your decision, of course, Night. You will always be welcome back home. I think your mother will be very happy to hear that."

Mint laughed. "And we didn't even have to send Sun to find ya."

"Send Sun?" I tilted my head.

"Mint, shush." Dad feigned a cough, then gave me an odd look. "Night, I suppose I should apologize. Since you came up to Canterlot with Dusky, I'd been hoping you'd be willing to reach out to us again, for more personal reasons. I realize that there's been misunderstandings in the past, but I thought perhaps, you were ready. I might have told Spring where she could find you, and of course, I assigned Mint to follow you down to Myrtail for several reasons. I suppose I was hoping to show you that we all missed you."

My tears did not stop. I nodded weakly. "I... I know. And... I missed all of you too. I didn't even know it, but I missed you. I... I've made peace with the past, and I think I've found who I am now."

Who I am had turned out to be the pony I had always been. Not a royal guard, or a great hero, or anything else which I'd tried to pretend to be. I was Night Light, and I was a weather pony. I was a pony who found solace beneath the light of the moon, peace in the fall of a fresh winter's snow, and beauty all throughout the world I'd seen, with so much more to see. I loved with all my heart, and while I hated the fighting, I would not bear to let my friends face the darkness alone.

You hear that? I couldn't keep the smile off my face. Yes, I fight to protect those I love. But not your way. Not to keep them from the pain, but to bear the burden with them. If I let you do as you wish, I fail them in every way possible.

"I'm glad to hear that, Night." Dad approached me and gave me a firm hug of his own. "I never had any doubts that you would. My greatest wish has always been for you to find your own path to happiness."

I hugged back, and as Dad pulled away, I felt lighter than I had in a long time. I glanced past Dad and saw the other member of our party: Dusky's friend, Blaze.

She stood at the corner of the building, glancing out away from the alley, likely doing her best not to intrude on our conversation.

I nodded to Dad and to Mint and walked over towards her. "Blaze?"

She shifted awkwardly as she leaned away from the building. "Hmmm? Oh, uh, sorry. I was just waiting."

"Oh, heh. No problem. I guess the family stuff is, um... well, awkward. Sorry about that."

She waved a hoof. "Nah, don't worry about it. Kinda reminds me of my dad too."

Slowly, but deliberately, I gave her a hug. "I... I need to thank you, Blaze. For everything."

To my surprise, there wasn't much hesitation before she hugged back. "You too, Night Flurry. I mean, hey, ponies like us have to be there to watch out for ponies like Dusky, am I right?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "I suppose so, Blaze. I suppose so."

"We'd best get back." Dad looked out towards the waning sun. "There's going to be a good deal of questions about where we've been, and a lot of fallout to deal with in Fillydelphia."

"I'll... I'll see you soon, um, sir. Dad. And Sis." I lifted my hoof in salute and smiled.

"Indeed, Night. Son." He saluted back, and Mint and Blaze followed suit. "See you soon."

Mint grinned. "Love you, Nighty!"

The three started their trip towards the Ponyville train station, leaving me alone outside the Lusty Seapony.

Perhaps a moment too late I called after. "L-love you too, Mint. Dad."

Alone in Ponyville's night, I took a deep breath. The darkness had always been comforting to me, the calm and quiet of that lonely vigil through Luna's gift. I turned towards the bar and pushed open the door.

---

Inside, the familiar warm light of the bar fireplace bathed me. I moved towards where Merri and Starshadow sat, our usual table, which itself seemed like such a strange concept. It could be any other day, like we'd not just come home from a trip to Tartarus.

Merri waved me over "Oy! Night! We almost thought you'd gone home."

I glanced at the table. No extra glasses, and even Merri only had one in front of her. My ears dipped. "Just you two? Did Dusky and Mahogany go home already?"

"They are talking in the back." Starshadow sat without a drink or her usual book. "I believe Dusky wished to speak with you as well."

"Well... good. I, uh, probably need to speak with her too." I looked down at my leg and began to twist off the bracer. "And… I kind of need to talk to you." I hadn't taken it off since we'd departed for Fillydelphia, and it felt heavier off my leg than it had sitting on it.

No need to tell them now. After what you have all been through, it would be best not worry them.

I grit my teeth. "I think... um, I have a problem."

"Hmm? Is the hoofblade not working?" Starshadow raised an eyebrow and leaned forward in her chair. "Or, ah, something else?"

Merri’s ears perked up and she turned towards the back, waving a hoof. "Oy, Mahogany!"

He walked up to the table sullenly, "You all take care. I gotta go... home, I guess." He looked down sadly, as if he were considering adding more.

I pursed my lips. "Hey, Mahogany? Thanks. Thanks again for coming. I know it was hard but… I know what it meant to Dusky… and to me."

He turned away and sighed. "A-any time. I may not be a shining knight like you, Flurry, but... I'll do my part to help."

Shining Knight. I frowned. "Mahogany... take care. See you soon?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm like an unlucky bit. You just can't get rid of me." He grinned, but the humor seemed strained.

Merri watched him go, then turned back to me. "He really needs to get laid."

"M-Merri!" My cheeks burned. "N-not appropriate!"

Starshadow sighed. "Sister, you are truly impossible."

"What? He does." She lowered her head. "Maybe that Blaze mare. She looked pretty fit, right? And she’s Dusky’s friend, so points for her there. I mean, I’d offer, but—"

"Please, Merriweather, give it a rest." Star rolled her eyes.

"Hmph. You two are such spoil sports." She pouted a moment, then looked up as the door to the back room opened again. "Dusky!"

She waved as she approached the table. Her eyes drifted to the bracer, then back to me. "How are you holding up?"

I smiled—hard not to when she was looking at me. "Me? I... good. Good."

"Alright, good." She looked back to the bracer. "Did I miss anything while I was back there?"

Starshadow frowned. "I do believe Night Flurry was just going to talk about a problem he is having. Dusky, is the back room still open?"

She pursed her lips. "Yeah, should be."

"Then I think we had best move this there." Starshadow rose from the table and nodded to Merri, then to me.

I nodded, but my eyes strayed back to Dusky. "Do... you mind?"

She smiled and nuzzled gently, lifting my chin. "Of course not."

We rose from the table, Merri slamming back her drink before we all moved back into one of the bar's privacy rooms. These rooms had heard so much ill news, it almost felt ominous as they others took seats. I closed the door behind me and turned towards them.

"I, uh... there's an issue."

Starshadow nodded as I set the bracer upon the table once again. "This is related to the psychometric response you experienced once before? Have you encountered another vision?"

Yes. Tell them yes. They will not understand. It would be best if they believed that, rather than learn the truth.

I'm not going to lie to my friends. I grit my teeth. "No, not exactly. It's more like, you said this bracer once belonged to Bellerophon, right? Well, he, um... still owns it."

Star narrowed her eyes. "Elaborate."

"Well, he, um, is kind of... in there. I didn't realize it at first, it was like overhearing a whisper, but then, when Dusky was taken..." I shrank in my seat.

Dusky was frowning, her eyes locked on me. "Night?"

"I had a dream... he offered to help me. He would show me. He would help me fight, he would help me to... t-to save you." My ears fell. "I couldn't bear it. I agreed."

Dusky's expression darkened. "And what was the cost?"

"No... no cost. Except... he's... he's in my head." I looked down at the floor. "He's in my head, because I thought... I thought I needed him to make me stronger."

None of this would be necessary if you had just listened to me.

"Sh-shut up, I told you, I'm not going to lie to my friends. I'm not..." I glanced up at the others, all staring at me, and sighed. "I didn't want this, Star."

She nodded. "Trust me, if we had even the slightest suspicion, we would not have given the artifact to you."

"Dang, Night, I just... dang. I had no idea." Merri seemed unusually crestfallen, staring at the bracer. Her eyes raised up over the table at me. "Wait, he's in there now? Can he hear us? Hello, Belly! What do we have to do to make ya stop bugging our friend?"

Star tilted her head. "Sister, I am not so sure that is a wise course of action."

I have no desire to speak to... Them. Bellerophon's tone was oddly bitter.

"He, uh, says no."

Merri rose up, moving closer to put her hooves against my head. "Aww, come on, Belly!" She shook my head. "Oooooiiii! Wake up!"

"Merriweather! Stop!" I barely heard Dusky’s voice as my hoof raised of its own accord, pushing Merri away.

“Do not touch me.” I heard my voice, but it wasn't me talking—somehow, it has him.

I snapped back into the moment and pulled my hoof back. “I… Merri… I’m sorry.”

“Err, not your fault, Night.” Merri backed away, glancing to her sister. “Not your fault.”

Dusky called out to me, but her voice was on edge. “Night?”

“Dusky… I’m here.” There was a moment I hadn't been, and that was terrifying. I looked at her eyes, and saw her examining me carefully, worry upon her face.

Starshadow was studying the bracer, but one eye stayed on me. “That is worrisome. It is certainly going to require more research. I only worry that away from Ostfriesen we will not have access to the proper documents.”

“Sis’?” Merri came back to her sister. “If this is because of me, then maybe it should be me who goes back?”

“Out of the question, Merriweather. You were banished.”

“Yeah, but—”

“You were banished! You know what will happen if you go back.”

Dusky cleared her throat. “Either way, we need to figure this out, and bickering isn't going to solve anything.” She looked back into my eyes, watching closely. “And frankly, none of us are going to do any good without a full night’s rest.”

The table was silent. I fidgeted. I hated to worry her.

With a sigh, Starshadow sat back. “Dusky is right. Without all the information we can gather, it would be unwise to act. The consequences could be permanent.” She eyed her sister plainly.

Merri sighed as she broke away from her sister’s gaze. “Alright, fine. We’ll all get some rest, and figure out what we do about Belly later.”

Starshadow gave the slightest smile and turned to me. “In the meantime, will you be alright, Night?”

So long as you never do that to my friends again. You hear me? Just… just me alone.

Bellerophon practically hissed. You are making a mistake. So be it.

I forced a smile. “I… yeah. I think so, Star. I… I can manage.”

Dusky came closer, her posture seemed deflated, more exhausted than she’d been the entire trip back. She nuzzled next to me, her eyes closed, but lines across her face betrayed hints of tears. "No more experimenting with artifacts we don't know anything about, okay?"

I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it, despite having just experienced its consequences. I lowered my head to nuzzle back. "I can honestly say, that's not a promise I thought I'd ever have to make, but, um... yeah. No more of that."

"It's not something I ever thought I'd say either." Dusky giggled, making me feel a little better. Worrying her was the last thing I wanted. She slowly pulled her head away and smiled. "In any event… Night Light, there’s something I want to give you."

I tilted my head. "Give me...? Dusky, you don't have to give me anything."

Her smile grew wider. "Oh, I think I do." She once again leaned in, but rather then lowering her head to the side for another nuzzle, she came in close, and planted her lips against mine.

It drowned out everything else. Fear, worry, and doubt all faded to nothing. After a second, I let myself get lost in that moment, tenderly returning the kiss.

I can't say how long it took, a second, a minute, a day. My eyes closed, and I simply savored her touch, her taste, her warmth. At last, she broke the contact and slowly pulled back.

She smiled, in a way I'd never seen before. "We were a little short on time when I really wanted to give that to you. I hope you don't mind."

It took me a moment to respond as the feelings washed over me. "M-mind?" My voice squeaked out. "I... n-no! Not at all, Dusky. ...N-not at all."

She laughed and then threw her hooves around me and hugged me tight.

I unfolded my wings to wrap around her, and squeezed gently. "I'm so glad you're safe. Dusky... I... I love you, so much."

Holding me in the hug, she nestled her head against my neck. "I love you too, Night Light."

I held her there for as long as I could, until she yawned loudly. With one last squeeze, she released me from the hug. "I suppose I should get some sleep."

After everything we'd been through since she'd been taken, I couldn't just leave it at that, not until I was sure she was safe somewhere. I didn't want to let her go, now or ever again. I smiled at her, and held her hoof. "Dusky... do... can I... w-walk or fly you home, maybe?"

She smirked at me, "As romantic as that would be, I think I'm going to room here tonight."

With a frown, I nodded. "Oh. Um, okay. Then... I'll see you tomorrow?"

She nodded and kissed me gently on the cheek. "Okay. Good night, Night Light."

I nodded as she trotted out of the back room, and back out into the bar. I watched her go, and breathed out quietly as I turned back to the table to retrieve the bracer and head home.

"Ya know," My nose bumped into Merri. She leaned her head down and winked. "I don't think she'd mind some company tonight~."

The shock of her presence was offset by the slow realization of what she'd proposed. "Y-you... you think?"

Behind her, Starshadow cleared her throat. "She has had a very difficult time the past few days."

"And sheesh! How long was that kiss. Thirty seconds? A minute?" Merri laughed. "Go on, Night."

Star smiled. "At least offer to walk her upstairs?"

"I... I could do that. I... yeah. Yeah." I rushed out the door and scanned the bar. Dusky stood at the bar, and was just taking a room key from the bartender.

"Dusky!" My knees felt like rubber, like I'd barely spoken to her all over again. "I, uh... y-you know... if you want, I... I can just, um, here. I can... be here for you... tonight."

She laughed, that wonderful, beautiful laugh. "I wouldn't mind having somepony to snuggle with."

"I... yes. Gladly."

She glanced over her shoulder at the stairs, then nodded towards me. "Then, shall we?"

"Y-yes. It would be my absolute pleasure."

Together, we moved through the bar and up to the rooms. Dusky slipped the key into the door and opened it up, revealing the same vaguely familiar-looking room, with its muted lights and single bed.

Dusky moved over to the dresser and slipped off her scarf, then set about untying her mane.

I stared a moment, then closed the door behind me, making sure it was locked. Maybe this was all a dream. I'd wake up in this very room, the night after her abduction. Or perhaps I'd wake up in my house, in my cloud bed and everything up til now had been a dream, No Dusky, no bar, nothing.

She tilted her head at me and smiled. "You alright?"

My face was red. "Y-yeah. Um, sorry."

She smiled, then stepped over towards the bed, pushing the covers back. "Nothing to be sorry about."

With a sigh, I shrugged off my flight satchels and set them onto the dresser, then turned back towards the bed. Dusky had snuggled under the covers, her head resting on her forehooves. "You're just... you're just so beautiful."

Her grin widened. "Aw, thanks, Night. You're looking pretty handsome yourself."

The blush grew, but I couldn't help but smile. I pulled back the sheets on the opposite side and moved carefully, trying my best not to disturb her position. I wanted to be sure she would be comfortable, and would have plenty of room. "I just... what did I do to end up with somepony like you?"

The bed shifted as Dusky shuffled closer. "By just being your own, sweet self."

I stared up at the ceiling and breathed out carefully. "I think... I can manage to keep doing that."

Dusky slipped in close, settling her head against my chest. She mumbled softly as she made herself comfortable against me. "Good." The long, stressful journey had taken a toll on everypony, and somehow Dusky had persevered for so long, against so much. Now, in a cozy bed, safe, settled against me, her exhaustion seemed to catch up with her.

I gently nuzzled against her mane, drawing in her scent. I listened to her breathing, feeling her heart beat, and slowly let sleep take me too.

Comments

[Yami Vizzini]

Man, that pub sees more comings and goings....

It's a relief to finally have the matter of Bellerophon out in the open, even though he remains a problem.

[Kiromancer]

7060385
The bar is a bit of a Home Base, a safe house, and a familiar sight for everyone, the bar has definitely seen a lot of stories...

And Bellerophon certainly isn't finished, but with his friends help, Night can fight him, even if that kind of fighting is very different then they're used to.

[Meta Four]

This chapter is rated M for explicit scenes of hardcore snuggling.