Our Darkest Days

by Bluecatcinema

Amour

The train arrived in the city of Carris, Prance in the early hours of the morning. The trio disembarked alongside Gasket Gearhead.

"Well, it was... a thrill to meet you all." Gasket smiled. "Good luck to you on your mission."

"Thank you, Mr Gearhead." Echo smiled. "And the same to you."

"See ya, egghead." Sterling smiled.

"Until we meet again." Sunset added.

"Safe travels!" Gasket waved as they parted ways.

"So, what now?" Sunset asked.

"We must return to Equestria." Echo declared. "These five pages must be secured."

"What's the rush?" Sterling asked. "That masked clown's finally out of our manes. I say we take a day or two to just chill and relax."

"Relax?" Echo frowned.

"Sterling's got a point, Echo." Sunset declared. "We got the pages, and the masked pony is no more. We deserve to celebrate. And besides, when's the next time any of us are going to be in Carris? We should enjoy it!"

"Well put." Sterling smiled. "Come on, Alchemy. Loosen up. You've earned it."

"I don't know..." Echo sighed.

"Please, Echo?" Sunset pleaded.

The look on Sunset's face was too much for Echo to resist.

"Well... I suppose staying for a day or two couldn't hurt." He gave in.

"Great!" Sunset smiled. "Thanks, Echo."

"No problem." Echo blushed lightly.

"That's the ticket." Sterling grinned. "Now, what say we put the last of our funds to good use, and book into one of those swanky hotels?"

"That sounds wonderful." Sunset grinned.

The trio made their way to a suitably fancy hotel and checked in; Echo and Sterling shared one room, while Sunset got another. As they were settling in, Sterling walked over to Echo.

"Hey, Alchemy." Sterling said quietly.

"Cross." Echo smiled, as he hid the cylinder containing the recovered pages under the bedside cabinet.

"So... it's been quite the crazy journey we've taken." Sterling declared.

"Indeed it has." Echo nodded.

"Still, we'll be heading home soon." Sterling shrugged.

"I expect you'll be informing Prince Armor of our arrival, yes?" Echo asked.

"Sure wou- wait, you know about that?" Sterling gulped.

"Of course." Echo smirked. "I'm no fool, Sterling. I know full well you've been in contact with the Prince for some time now. Since Bitaly, by my guess."

"Whoa, you are smart." Sterling nodded, impressed. "Still, I think you should know-"

"That the Prince wants you to bring me back to the Crystal Empire?" Echo interrupted. "He no doubt seeks to imprison me for my actions."

"Right again." Sterling sighed. "Look, Echo. I wasn't going to but-"

"No, it's fine. I don't blame you." Echo said firmly. "You have a duty to perform. And I knew what consequences would await me the night I left the Empire. I accepted them, and I am willing to face them."

"…You're one brave stallion, Alchemy." Sterling nodded, impressed.

"Thank you." Echo smiled.

"Now, I've got something to lay on you." Sterling declared. "That is, if you can spare a minute?"

"Of course, my friend." Echo nodded. "What is the matter?"

"You and Sunset is the matter." Sterling grinned.

"Pardon?" Echo frowned.

"You should take the opportunity to ask her out." Sterling smiled.

"A-ask her out?" Echo stuttered.

"Yeah, why not?" Sterling nodded. "You are in one of the most romantic cities in the world, you know. It's your best chance."

"B-but..." Echo struggled to retort. "I thought you were interested in 'courting' Sunset."

"For a while, yeah." Sterling admitted. "But since then, I've realized that it's you she's really got her eye on."

"It is?" Echo gasped.

"Yep." Sterling nodded. "Which is why I'm giving you my blessing to court her."

"That's very... magnanimous of you." Echo admitted. "But as much as I would like to court Sunset... I can't."

"Why not?" Sterling asked.

"Because... because the mission isn't yet over." Echo declared. "And we have no time for romantic entanglements. And she's my assistant. That just..that just wouldn't work…"

That wasn't the whole truth; Echo had never been a very sociable pony. In fact, he had never even had a marefriend before. The idea of actually asking Sunset out downright terrified him.

"Come on, pal." Sterling urged. "She really likes you. You gotta seize the day, make it one to remember before you're locked up back at the Empire. Take a chance and ask Sunset out. If you don't, you might end up regretting it."

"You...you really believe she has feelings for me?" Echo asked.

"I know it, bud." Sterling smiled. "Trust me, she'll say 'yes'. All you need to do is be brave enough to ask."

Echo thought it over for a moment. His feeling for Sunset overwhelmed his doubts.

"Alright, I'll do it." Echo smiled. "I will ask Sunset to join me on a tour of Carris."

"Atta boy." Sterling smiled.

Echo exited his room, and headed for Sunset's. He paused outside the door, hesitating for a moment, then knocked.

"Hey, Echo." Sunset smiled as she opened the door. The smile faded slightly when she saw the serious look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Echo declared. "I, er... wanted to ask you something. Something... important."

"You can ask me anything, Echo." Sunset declared. "What is it?"

"Well, since you seem so pleased to be here..." Echo hesitated again, before pressing on. "I was wondering if you would like to join me in a walk around the city. Just the two of us, I mean..."

"Wait just a minute." Sunset said, and air of surprise in her voice. "Echo Alchemy, are you asking me out on a date?"

"...I know, it's ridiculous." Echo sighed, turning to leave. "I shouldn't have asked..."

"Wait." Sunset placed a hoof on his shoulder, stopping him. "I'd love to go with you."

"You would?" Echo turned back, smiling.

"Of course." Sunset smiled. "I can think of worse ways to spend an afternoon than touring Carris with you."

"I... thank you, Sunset." Echo beamed. "You won't regret it."

"I know I won't." Sunset smiled.

The two exited the hotel. Sterling watched them leave.

"Have fun, you two." He grinned. "As for me, I've got business of my own to attend to..."

Sterling exited the hotel shortly after, departing for parts unknown.

Meanwhile, Echo and Sunset's first stop was at a small café. They bought a croissant and a cup of coffee each, and starting talking.

"So, exactly how long have you had... feelings for me, Echo?" Sunset asked.

"It's hard to say." Echo admitted. "It was such a gradual thing. But I think I first noticed it after the incident in Manehattan. Something about the way you carried yourself against those hoodlums resonated with me."

"Since way back then?" Sunset frowned. "Why didn't you mention anything until now?"

"To be honest, I was... unsure of how to express my feelings." Echo confessed. "I've never had much luck with mares. Even as a child, I was a solitary figure. Ponies gave me a wide berth, and I did the same."

"I can sorta relate to that." Sunset nodded. "Though I actually chose solitude. All I ever cared about back then was my studies. And it only got worse when I became Celestia's student. I would shun other ponies, thinking they were beneath me. The only thing that mattered to me was my magic."

"It sounds like you were quite... driven back then." Echo noted.

"More like hungry for power." Sunset frowned distastefully. "Things really came to a head when I discovered an enchanted mirror. When I looked into it, I saw myself as an Alicorn, and I wanted to make that vision a reality. But Celestia refused to allow me to study the mirror. Ultimately, I took matters into my own hooves, and passed through the mirror, into another world."

"Another world?" Echo gasped.

"Yes." Sunset nodded. "A world full of two-legged, mostly hairless creatures."

"Sweet Faust, that sounds revolting." Echo grimaced. "Yet, strangely fascinating..."

"Try being one of them." Sunset chuckled. "That's what happened when I entered that world."

"So what did you do next?" Echo asked.

"I set about putting myself in a position of power." Sunset declared. "I put myself at the top of the local food chain. Whatever I said, went, and anypony who challenged paid the price. But it still wasn't enough for me. I sneaked back to Equestria and stole Princess Twilight's crown, intending to use the Element of Magic to give me the power I believed I deserved."

Echo nodded, in awe of the story.

"Twilight followed me, and I harnessed the Element's power." Sunset continued. "But I didn't anticipate what happened next. The Element's power overwhelmed me, magnifying all my worst traits, and transforming me into a demonic creature. I planned to hypnotize the denizens of the mirror world, and use them to invade Equestria."

"My word..." Echo gasped.

"But I underestimated Twilight's connection to her Element." Sunset reflected. "She was able to tap into its power and revert me back to normal, at the same time ridding me of my dark impulses. After that, I was overcome with guilt for what I'd done. And yet, Twilight still extended the hoof of friendship to me. She and the friends she had made in the mirror world stood by me, helped me to redeem myself. Thanks to them, I had learned the true power of friendship."

"Remarkable." Echo noted. "And... you chose to stay in the mirror world?"

"I felt I had to atone for what I did there." Sunset admitted. "I stayed there for over twenty years. For a time, I was a pariah, shunned by the others."

"I know that feeling." Echo said sadly.

"But with help from my new friends, I turned things around." Sunset smiled. "My former victims eventually forgave me. Eventually, I realized that the time had come to return home. I went back through the mirror, and made a long-overdue apology to Celestia. Not long after that, she set me up with the job as your research assistant."

"An incredible tale, Sunset." Echo declared. "I imagine this is what you were talking about when you said you knew what it was like to fall prey to the 'darkness within?"

"It is." Sunset nodded. "But enough about me. What about you? What was the young Echo Alchemy like?"

Echo took a deep breath, and sighed.

"That is a sorry tale, to be sure." He declared. "As far back as I can remember, I was but a humble orphan. I grew up in an orphanage, just outside Trottingham."

"You don't know anything about your parents?" Sunset asked.

"None at all." Echo declared. "I was told that I had been recovered from the aftermath of an explosion at what must have been my family's home." He sighed again. "Even back then, I was an outcast, not just because of my Thestral heritage, but also my intelligence. I was bullied and taunted constantly, called all sorts of demeaning names, like 'bat-freak' or 'spawn of Nightmare Moon'."

"I can't imagine how you managed to cope." Sunset said, compassion in her voice.

"It wasn't easy, but I survived." Echo said sullenly. "But there was a light at the end of the tunnel; Not long after turning ten, I was adopted by an old Unicorn professor by the name of Nocturne. He was both wise enough and kindhearted enough to look beyond my form, to the soul beneath. He didn't see a 'freak', he saw a colt in need of a loving home, and he provided it. He became my parent and my teacher, helping me grow into the Thestral I am today. Aside from that heroic dark magic-wielding Thestral I mentioned to you some time ago, Nocturne was the main reason I took up the field of dark magic research. Nocturne also studied it, you see. Oh, he was ostracized by his peers for it, but he didn't let that stop him. He told me once that the pursuit of knowledge was well worth the taunts of your peers. That stuck with me for all these years."

"He sounds like a wonderful and enlightened pony." Sunset smiled.

"He was." Echo said sadly. "Alas, he passed away some years ago, just before all my... unpleasantness."

"That's a shame." Sunset sighed. "I'd have liked to meet him. To think there was another pony out there who also believed that dark magic can be used for good, and not simply corrupt its users."

"You know, I've long posited that it is not dark magic that corrupts ponies, but the ponies themselves." Echo declared. "All the page guardians suffered from neuroses and demons in their heads long before they came into contact with the pages. The pages' magic only played off that."

"That's a very good point." Sunset agreed. "And even regular magic can be corruptive. The Element of Magic turned me into a raging she-demon when I harnessed its powers."

"Exactly." Echo nodded. "Whether the magic is standard or 'dark' does not matter. It's the pony using it that counts."

"Wow, we really do have a lot in common." Sunset smiled. "We both carry the weight of a bad past..."

"True." Echo agreed. "I never believed in fate before, but perhaps we were brought together for a reason."

"I'd like to think that myself." Sunset placed her hoof on Echo's.

After the café, Echo and Sunset went to a local park. They laid on the grass together, Sunset leaning against Echo. It was a warm day, with a light breeze. Echo felt as he should say or do something to express his admiration of Sunset, but he struggled to do so. Suddenly, something landed in front of him: a rose. Looking around to see where it came from, he saw nothing. Shrugging it off, he gave the rose to Sunset.

"Here." He smiled.

"Oh, Echo..." Sunset sniffed the flower. "Who knew you had it in you?"

"I'm surprised myself." Echo chuckled.

After the park, they continued their tour of Carris. As they passed by the town square, they encountered a dance party, several pony shaking their hips.

"Ooh, I can't remember the last time I danced." Sunset smiled. "What do you say, Echo? Want to give it a try?"

"I don't know..." Echo mumbled. "I'm not much of a dancer..."

"It's easy." Sunset smiled. "Just follow my lead!"

Taking Echo by the hoof, Sunset dragged him onto the dance floor.

"Do as I do." Sunset instructed, performing some simple moves.

Echo repeated the moves, but in a jerky, haphazard style.

"...I'm terrible, aren't I?" He sighed.

"I've seen worse." Sunset noted, Twilight's own dance steps springing to mind. "Try to be a little less precise and more fluid in your movements, like me."

Echo complied, showing some improvement.

"That's it." Sunset nodded. "Let your body do the thinking!"

To Echo's amazement, dancing proved to not be as difficult as he thought. He and Sunset danced up a storm, to the enjoyment of the crowd. After a while, they grew tired, and sat down on a bench together.

"Perfect!" A voice suddenly called. "Don't move!"

They turned to see an artist Earth Pony nearby, readying his easel.

"I must capture this moment!" He declared. "You are such a lovely couple!"

"Oh, um, thanks." Sunset blushed.

"I've never been a model before." Echo remarked. "Another first for me..."

The two sat as still as they could until the painting was finished.

"Voila!" The artist remarked, as he showed them the finished project. "Magnifique, no?"

"It's a lovely painting." Sunset agreed.

"You have quite a talent, sir." Echo nodded.

"You flatter me." The artist said modestly. "With such excellent models, how could I do any less then perfection?"

The next stop on their tour was the Eyeful Tower, Carris's most famous landmark. To their relief, there was no line for the elevator.

"What a view." Sunset smiled, as she gazed over the city.

"Indeed." Echo smiled, glancing at Sunset.

"Smooth." Sunset grinned, nudging him playfully. "Then again, I guess seeing things from this high up is old hat for you, right?"

"It can be." Echo admitted. "But at last I don't have to put in the effort of flying to see this." He glanced at Sunset again. "Or this."

"Strike two, mister." Sunset chided him. "You really oughta be more creative."

"I'll have to work on that." Echo smiled.

As dusk fell, Echo and Sunset sat on a bench in another park, watching the stars come out.

"Ah, such a wondrous sight." Echo sighed. "Sometimes it pays to sit back and enjoy the little things in life."

"So true." Sunset agreed, leaning against him. "Still, we probably should be heading back soon."

"Yes." Echo put his hoof around her. "Soon..."

A while later, they returned to the hotel. Echo walked Sunset to her room.

"Thank you for accepting my offer, Sunset." Echo smiled. "This has been the most wonderful day of my life."

"It doesn't have to end just yet." Sunset smiled mischievously.

"How do you mean?" Echo asked.

"Well, Sterling isn't back yet, which means your bedroom's open." Sunset purred. "It'll be just the two of us."

It took Echo a moment to comprehend.

"Oh!" He gasped. "You... you mean..."

"Yep." Sunset nodded.

"Well... I..." Echo fidgeted.

"It'd be the perfect way to end this day." Sunset urged.

"I... I suppose..." Echo admitted. "But, like dancing, I've never really done it before..."

"And like dancing, it's about letting your body do the thinking." Sunset smiled.

"Well... okay then." Echo smiled.

"Great." Sunset smiled. "Just give me a second to clean up."

As Sunset briefly returned to her own room, Echo entered his. As he too prepared, he reflected on what was about to happen. He had never been 'intimate' with a mare before. He had never been close to one before now. There were times on his bad days that he would fantasize about it, but to actually come close to do it, it excited him... but it also frightened him.

He still remembered that dream he had after his bout with Eros, where he transformed and killed her just before having relations. Mating did increase stress levels, after all, and if it got too much, that nightmare could become a reality.

Sunset entered the room, her mane and coat perfectly groomed.

"Hey." She smiled.

"Hello." Echo said nervously.

The two sat together on the bed.

"So... how should we start things off?" Echo asked awkwardly.

"Easy." Sunset grinned, planting a kiss on Echo. "Like this."

"Okay, here we go..." Echo smiled, returning the kiss.

They started bombarding each other with kisses, each one becoming more and more passionate. As Echo leaned Sunset back on the bed, he stroked her mane. She returned the favor, and they both started caressing each other. Echo had never felt so excited before. As their fondling grew more sensual, he started to feel the change coming on. His eyes starting growing wispy.

"No..." He groaned. "Not now..."

"Echo?" Sunset frowned, pulling away from him. "What's wrong?"

"It's happening again..." Echo groaned, shaking his head vigorously. "Too much... excitement."

"Easy, easy." Sunset placed her hooves on Echo's face. "Just relax."

"I... I really don't want to..." Echo quivered, "I don't want to... hurt you..."

"You can never hurt me, Echo." Sunset gave a small smile, as she gently licked him on the nose. "I trust you, Echo... I love you."

Sunset's gentle touches and words seem to had a calming effect, as Echo felt his breathing slow down and the wisps dissipated...

"That's it." Sunset whispered. "Let it all go..."

"I am..." Echo declared, the change receding. "I really am..."

"Better?" Sunset smiled.

"Better." Echo nodded.

"Good." Sunset smiled, "Now, what say we get back down to business?"

"With pleasure." Echo grinned.

They embraced one another, indulging in more kissing, with generous side orders of nuzzling and cuddling. Soon, Echo found himself atop Sunset, staring down into her green eyes, blushes plastered on both their faces.

"Wow." Sunset smiled. "For somepony who's never done this before, you seem to know what you're doing."

"I'm a fast learner." Echo said modestly. "And for the record, I love you too."

"Prove it." Sunset teased.

"Gladly." Echo grinned.

They came together for their heaviest kiss yet.

Meanwhile, Sterling was walking down the hallway, humming to himself... only to stop at the front of his room to find a 'Do Not Disturb' sign.

"Well, how do ya like that?" He huffed. "Help a guy out with his love life and he locks you out."

Sterling's anger dissipated, as he made a small sigh.

"Atta boy, Echo." He chuckled. "Give her one from me..."

The next morning, Echo awoke. He let out a big yawn, and took a moment to stretch... before realizing that he was not alone in the bed. He glanced over to see Sunset, cuddling against him.

'It really happened, didn't it?' He thought to himself. 'What a wonderful night...'

Echo gingerly slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake Sunset. He gave her a small kiss on the forehead, as he snuck out of the room. As he entered the hall, he almost tripped over Sterling.

"Wha-what?" Sterling jerked awake. "...Ah, there you are. Had a fun night, did you?"

"...You could say that." Echo blushed.

"You sly old Diamond Dog!" Sterling smirked. "Way to go! I told ya Sunset would be up for it!"

"Indeed you did." Echo nodded. "Thank you for the words of encouragement, my friend."

"Anytime, pal." Sterling grinned "...I take it she's still in there?"

"I'm afraid so." Echo nodded. "I'm afraid your stay out here will be lasting a little longer."

"Oh, joy..." Sterling groaned. "Still, I guess it's a small price to pay for knowing my pals have finally gotten together. Congrats, bud."

"Indeed." Echo nodded. "Now, if you'll excuse, I think I'll go for a walk. Let Sunset know I'll be back soon."

"Sure thing." Sterling smiled. "Have a good one."

Echo exited the hotel and took a small excursion. Everything seemed brighter, more incredible than it had been yesterday. He felt like he was walking on air, without even using his wings. Soon, he stopped aside a river.

'Such an incredible experience.' He thought, as he stood by the railing bordering the river's edge. 'A suitable "last day" activity.' He let out a sigh. 'Before I am imprisoned for the rest of my life...'

He slouched against the railing... before coming to a realization.

'Wait, it doesn't have to be this way.' Echo lit up. 'Who says I have to go back to the Empire? Sunset and I could run away together, live a new life, just the two of us... I'm sure she'd agree, though I'd better ask her first. It will be perfect…'

"Hello, Echo."

Recognition flashed across Echo's face. He turned around instantly, only to met with the face of the masked pony, quite alive and well, albeit with a jagged crack across his mask.

"You..." Echo gaped, as he stepped back. "You can't be... the train... you're..."

The masked pony threw his hooves forward, and in an instant, everything went black...

Comments

[danick]

I THINK I ALREADY KNOW HO IS THE MASKESD PONY

[00RaiserGundam]

5791695 Then you are better at this than me, because I don't have a clue.

[HolyCross9]

You know, there are two things I'm joyous about in reading this chapter: that Sterling and Echo have come to know each other as good friends and that Echo and Sunset have become a loving couple.