• Published 24th Jan 2013
  • 2,381 Views, 298 Comments

Strokes of Fate - Silbern



(Starcraft Crossover) Dusk Breaker harnesses the raw power and knowledge of the Zerg Swarm. His legend is not of how much can he destroy but of how he tries to keep the balance of the planet Equis.

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Chapter Seven: Double Edge

It was the time of the day where Dusk was able to finally relax. Yes, the 'Date Jitters' were still working it's way through his body but it was a welcome change from dealing with both the Swarm and Celestia's science weirdos. So he was thankful to finally be able to sit across from Fiddlesticks in a rather peaceful restaurant.

“Can ya believe this place?” Fiddlesticks asked in disbelief as her eyes scanned her surroundings. Small 'Ohs' or 'Awes' came from her until a small chuckle brought her attention back to the Unicorn across from her. “An' what's so funny?”

Dusk simply placed a hoof over his mouth in an attempt to hide the rest of his amusement. He could tell instantly that Fiddlesticks is not used to anything high classed. Not that Dusk Breaker would call this place high class by any leagues but it was nicely kept and a very welcoming mood that was easily felt. Back in Canterlot you could hardly go a block downtown without meeting a line of ponies waiting for a table to multiple establishments. Luckily for them, Ponyville is not exactly a hive of activity and with little trouble they were shown to their seats. “I just have a feeling that you eat at that pub one too many times,” Dusk joked with a easy smile. Oh yeah, I need this.

Fiddlesticks waved a dismissive hoof before slightly chuckling. “Have ya had their fish 'nd chips? Out of this world!” Fiddlesticks licked her lips as she suddenly realized how much Dusk may have hit the nail on the head. “Fine then, Mr. Fancypants. What do ya think Ah should order then?” she asked with raised eyebrow of curiosity.

Dusk hummed at the question as he brought the menu up with his dark blue magical aura. A quick scan made him cringe as his eyes easily fell upon the price tags. How about water? He thought as the bits in his pouch suddenly seemed much less in quantity then he remembered. Thanking Celestia that the menu blocked his face from the mare he simply glazed over the entrees. “The Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp looks good or possibly the pan grilled Fillet. I know a perfect wine to go with the pasta,” Dusk offered his suggestion as he lowered his menu to find a flustered Fiddlesticks looking back him. “Something wrong?”

Fiddlesticks didn't want to admit it but she suddenly felt very small. Her previous dates never brought her to such a fancy place yet Dusk seemed almost at home here. She didn't want to dread on it but the 'Out of mah League' thoughts started to bubble up. “It's nothin'!” Fiddlesticks quickly answered but perhaps a tad too loud as she noticed a few glares from other customers.

“It's funny. I usually never get a chance to come to a place this fancy,” Dusk admitted as he gave himself a moment to look around in the hopes that he could change the subject.

“Y'all gotta be lyin' to me,” Fiddlesticks deadpanned gaze pierced through his mirage. “Ah know ya Canterlot types go t' these places all the time. Ah heard a few stories from mah cousin Applejack when she travels with her friends,” the violinist accused with hooves crossed over her chest.

Dusk let out a sigh as he tried to assess the situation. “It's true that it's quite popular in Canterlot but it's only for those ponies who have the bits,” Dusk admitted as his smile faltered. “I was a simple grocery clerk back in Canterlot, Fiddlesticks. Not something to be particularly proud of but it paid the bills,” he explained until the friendly Waitress who had shown them their table returned ready to take their orders.

“Good evening. Can I start you with something to drink?” she asked politely first to Fiddlesticks.

“A bottle of wine, please,” Fiddlesticks asked with awkward urgency as the table went quiet. Both Dusk and the Waitress stared at her for a moment as the Violinist shrank slightly. “Ah'm Ah missing somthin'?” she said with a slight blush of embarrassment creeping up.

Dusk chuckled again as he closed his menu and placed it on the edge of the table. “We will have a bottle of Shadow Sun, Circa 990, please,” Dusk ordered with his eyes focused squarely on Fiddlesticks who obviously started feeling out of place.

“Fantastic choice, Sir. I'll be out shortly with the bottle,” She nodded her once before departing quietly to leave a chuckling Dusk to look at his flustered date.

“Stupid Fancypants,” Fiddlesticks mumbled.


Applejack let out a long yawn as she watched the sun dip behind the mountains to the West. The day was long but something that spelt a good day's work in her mind. She quickly made her final rounds around the property to make sure all the pens were closed and gates locked. Saying her 'Good Nights' she finally retreated back into the house where a family dinner was being served.

“We will strike when they fall asleep,” Barkins ordered as he watched the Earth pony close the door behind her. He retreated further behind the tree line as multiple eyes watched his movement. The Alpha Diamond Dog was intimidating but not in the physical form. You could see it in his eyes on how he had to scratch, bite and out think his way to the top of the pack. He still wore a tooth of the last Alpha to lead their pack around his neck. “Gnarrl's team will take the chicken coop while I will lead the rest to the stinking cows,” Barkins pointed out as every Dog observed the hasty map made out of twigs on the ground.

“Don't take anything that will slow you down. If you get captured then you're on your own. My group will herd the cows toward the clearing while the rest of you make your way back to the den, understood?” Barkins asked as he got quiet ruffs of acknowledgement. He nodded solemnly before turning to look back at the barn as the day's light was hastily losing it's potency.


Dusk couldn't help but laugh to himself as the two had just left the restaurant with full stomachs and a empty pouch. He didn't complain but it was a nagging thought that the wine soon pushed back into the recesses of his mind. His focus solely on the Mare walking beside him who was giggling at the comment she made about the Waitress' flank, more the size of it. The effect of the wine was doing wonders as the two walked slowly amongst the sparse crowd of ponies mingling amongst the streets of Ponyville.

Fiddlesticks took a moment to watch Luna's stars and moon. As she closed the distance between herself and Dusk, it was something that had set a fire inside that had what seemed to be long ago merely a flicker of hope. Quietly, she leaned into him and thanked Luna that her hat was enough to block any sight to her obvious blush thanks to her cream coloured coat.

“I believe I promised you a song under Luna's moon, did I not?” Dusk spoke softly and as a reply he was instantly rushed across downtown. He apologized to several ponies who had to dart either left or right to avoid the determined Mare and her living luggage. “I'm not in a rush, Fiddlesticks!” Dusk pleaded until they came to a sudden stop outside of her music shop. It took him a moment as he stumbled a few feet before Dusk noticed Fiddlesticks propping the door open and trotting to the back of her shop.

We are tracking them now, Hive Mind.

Dusk smiled wickedly as the darkness of the night easily hide most of his features. He was glad that the Mare was distracted with gathering her violin as he made his way to the piano bench. The time of reckoning is at hoof.


The Diamond Dogs descended on the farm property with hungered haste. In the matter of seconds the coop was practically overturned and it's living stock abducted. A few of the birds managed to let out a shrill but nothing that seemed out of place that was still early in the night. The cows on the other hand tried to speak until they were set upon. Fear started to take hold as the peaceful cattle ran for all their worth as hungered prey began to nip.

All of this seemed to go completely unnoticed much to Barkins great pleasure. That was until he heard the sharp cries of distress heard from the shrinking house behind them. “Faster!”

Gnarrl couldn't help but grin with how well their delicious heist has been going so far. His group had completely snatched up the chicken's and placed them inside large burlap sacks. He easily jumped the fence that signalled the end of the farm's property as the small forest line ahead was their objective.

“Grutt! Scout ahead for any signs of trouble!” Gnarrl ordered as the dog barked and raced ahead. Even with their keen senses it didn't take long for Gnarrl to lose sight of his scout but he paid it little mind. What he was more worried about was the farm ponies catching on to them or it would've been that if a sudden stench didn't just invade his nostrils.

“Grutt?” Gnarrl called out to his scout as they approached the forest line. Not a single reply was given which immediately started to pop red flags in his mind.

“Gnarrl, look at that!”


Dusk let loose a toothy smile as his mind was invaded with precious images. A pleasure that was halted when he felt a warmth sit beside him on the piano bench. It took him a second to realize his position as he felt Fiddlesticks lean against him as she limply held the Violin against her.

“This 'as got to be the best date Ah've 'ad in a long time,” Fiddlesticks admitted quietly as she felt Dusk lean in and placed his head beside hers. “Ah wanted to thank ya for tonight, Dusk,” Fiddlesticks said as she turned slightly to get a better look at the Stallion sitting beside her.

Dusk let a small chuckle escape his lips as he never gazed away from her lavender eyes. “This has got to be thee best date I've ever been on, Fiddlesticks. I should be thanking you,” Dusk Breaker thanked her before leaning forward to place his lips upon hers. It was a intimacy that seemed to be equally wanted on both sides as Fiddlesticks leaned into the kiss as well.

Fiddlesticks eyes shot open for a moment as she soon found herself exploring his mouth with her own tongue. A fact that made her discover the rather large canine teeth jutting out from the rest. An odd thing for a pony to have but it didn't halt her advances. It seemed like forever until they separated for a breather, an act that made each pony stare at each other with longing. “That's yer thank ya for the date. Now ya still owe me one song there,” she said with a wink before giving him one last peck on the lips. “Follow mah lead!”

Dusk licked his lips for a moment, cherishing the taste and the renewed thirst for lust. His ears shot up however when he recognized the song and instantly his horn began to develop it's magic all across the keys.

Then it began.


Gnarrl watched for a moment until several lurking figures exited from the darkness of the tree line. Luna's moonlight easily glimpsed off of talons, teeth and claws as the Diamond Dogs stared in shock. What startled Gnarrl the most was half of Grutt that was being dragged until deposited on the ground, a clawed creature standing on it just like a hunter claiming his prize.

“Gnarrl, what do we do?”

Gnarrl was quiet for a moment as his vision was locked on the lifeless eyes of Grutt looking back at him. His orders never came however as the creatures from the dark charged upon the hunters. Talons lashed against the dogs that didn't take initial reaction as howls of pain and terror echoed through the night. Gnarrl watched as the dog standing beside him easily lost a limb to the sudden onslaught. The blood splatter sprayed onto his fur as his mind begged him to drop everything and flee. A reaction he took too instantly as he dropped the sack of chickens and ran to the dens.

Pleas for help went unanswered as the last dog tried to cry out before the Swarm began their bloody work.

Gnarrl didn't focus on anything as his legs burned at the sudden extreme use. His body pumping with adrenaline as the rocky territory ahead filled him with hope. He was going to make it! His heart swelled with joy as he remembered his small little part of the den which he called home. He'd trade all the world to be there once more.

A trade that would never happen.

Gnarrl fell onto his face as he came to a painful halt. His mind swirled with senses as he tried to blink away the sudden blur in his vision. Clearing it however brought the images of several of the horrifying creatures that now sported a new coat of deep red that literally dripped onto the dirt. Any reaction to flee was completely locked away as he was gripped at the leg by one of the creatures. His screaming howl pierced the night as he was pulled away into the dark.


Dusk finished with a pleased smile placed firmly on his face. Never had he felt so in tuned then that exact moment. He sat there as the last of the song played out in his lingering pleasure of revenge. He now knew who his attackers are and even captured one of their kind. What remained of the day was becoming very, very relieving as he let out a long sigh.

Fiddlesticks accompanied him as she leaned against his side in bliss. Tonight has been something she desperately needed to balance out the rather lacklustre schedule she had kept for the past year. Between the shop and drinking mostly by herself at the pub she was becoming exceedingly lonely. She never intended to become distant from other ponies but after more then a few failed attempts at a relationship she could really cherish, it just seemed pointless. It was then that she deemed Dusk Breaker more of a Guardian Angel then anything, making sure she never fell too far.

“I would love to play another song with you but I fear that I have a rather urgent business to attend too,” Dusk said as he gave Fiddlesticks a kiss on her cheek before trying to rise from the bench.

Fiddlesticks felt the twang of pain strike her from within as she clung on one of Dusk's fore legs. Pulling him down she gave the Stallion another long, passionate kiss before detaching and looking at him with yearning. “What are ya up t' tomorrow?” Fiddlesticks asked in hope of a free schedule for her to invade.

Dusk smiled at her to banish any fear of doubt. “I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I will make time for you. Do you have something in mind?” Dusk asked as he stood beside the piano.

Fiddlesticks paused for a moment in thought. Mentally, she smacked herself for not thinking ahead enough. The final idea however scared her more then she wanted it too. “How 'bout Ah make dinner for the two of us?” she offered with hesitance knowing full well she was putting her cooking skills on display quite early in their relationship.

“Dinner made by you?” Dusk asked as he gave her a kiss on the cheek before heading for the door. “I wouldn't miss it for the world. What time do you want me to come by?”

“Seven sound good?”

“Sounds good, Hun,” Dusk said before leaving the shop with a large smile.

Hun? Fiddlestick sat there dumbfounded before a overwhelming feeling of joy spread through out her. It was quickly dashed as she realized that she had to cook for another pony. “Aw crap,”


Dusk avoided the Library with ease as his easy pace began for the forest. Upon coming into the opening he was greeted by a couple of his Zerglings which he pat their heads with a hoof before closing in on their lone captive. The Diamond Dog had passed out before he had even reached the Hatchery but it made it much more simple to keep him captive.

What do we do with him?

Absorb him into the Zerg, Hive Mind. His species specific DNA can only benefit our cause.

You mean infest him, right?

Correct, Hive Mind. You can infest him by simple blood transfusion until we can gather Zerg specific DNA strains for Infestors.

Dusk stood above the dog with pause until he ordered one of his Zerglings to come to his side. In a second a Zergling was at his side with eyes on his Hive Mind. Dusk stuck one of his legs out as he ordered the quick swipe of the Zerglings claws to open a cut which a stream of blood dripped from. Acting with haste, Dusk let a few drops of his land on the wounded creature below him as he could already feel his wound leg clot and heal. A process that he was amazed at.

How long will the infestation take?

Five to six hours, Hive Mind. It takes longer due to this species being new to our DNA databank.

It's fine. Report to me when both my Hydralisk and Diamond Dog are ready for my orders. We have a long day tomorrow and we also have to contend with more of those scientist.

Understood, Hive Mind.

Dusk gathered all of his underlings together as he rested a hoof on one nearby Drone who seemed to hum at the contact. A soft smile crept along the pony's face as his fatherly gaze sized up each of the remaining five Drones. “I know you guys don't feel loss or despair but I promise to get revenge for your fallen Brother. These Dogs will pay with blood,” Dusk promised as the Zerg creatures each gave a small screech with the announcement.

They are all connected, Hive Mind.

What do you mean?

When you feel pain, so do they, to an extent. When you feel bloodlust or a sense of danger, they will react. They are born with some of your DNA within them.

They're my sons. Dusk smiled before patting the Drone once more.

Dusk let out a long sigh as he called his two personal Zergling bodyguards to his sides before departing for the Library and a warm bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day and he knew Princess Celestia would have many answers.


Twilight and her friends stood shocked at the scene before them. They had followed several of the tracks along with the large contingent of the Royal guards. One of the leads lead them to multiple chickens wandering in random directions which Fluttershy quickly begun gathering together with her gentle nature. It was where the trail ended that caused every pony to stop to view what they suspected was left of the thieves.

“What could have done something so violent?” Twilight thought out loud as most of her friends had long turned their gaze away to something much more easy on their stomachs. She fought for an answer but soon found her self somewhat stumped. Her first suggestion was Timber Wolves but even then she would have expected more of the dogs to escape.

“This is Dusk's doing, Twilight,” Celestia said with a grim expression as her gaze examined the area. “I suspect that these poor Diamond Dogs were the ones to kill your Brother's disciple. This was an act of vengeful hatred in all it's power, Twilight,” Celestia tried to explain but only found her student shaking her head.

“Dusk wouldn't so brutally murder over a dozen creatures like this, Princess. It just doesn't seem right to me,” Twilight said in her oldest Brother's defense. The two watched as crows descended onto the remains as the moonlight covered the area in all it's splendour. “What are you going to do, Princess?” Twilight asked as she could see that her teacher was far from convinced that Dusk was innocent.

“If Dusk Breaker is found guilty for murdering these beings then he will suffer the consequences. I know you love your brothers and will defend them at any given moment, Twilight, but this is a serious breach of life,” Celestia tried to reason with her pupil. “What if he follows this violent path?” Celestia asked but before Twilight could answer they found themselves in the company of one stricken farm pony.

“If Dusk is the cause of this,” Applejack paused in thought to describe this scene. “Ah feel the need teh thank 'im, Princess. If it weren't for 'im then 'alf those chickens could 'ave been swallowed whole by now,” Applejack explained herself as she gripped her stetson hat to her chest.

“I know you must feel the need to thank him for saving your stock, dear Applejack, but this is a serious matter,” Celestia replied as both Twilight and Applejack nodded their head solemnly. “We will talk about this later for we still have your cows to track down. Captain, station some ponies to guard over these remains. This site is officially under investigation so do not let anypony enter no matter what,” Celestia ordered the sharply dressed officer who responded with a crisp salute. “Let's find us your missing cattle while my sister still blesses this area with her bright moonlight,”

Celestia paused for a moment as she watched Twilight begin to follow Applejack back to the barn. The look of misery easily displayed on the young student's face only made the teacher's heart sink in a dark pool. It was times like this when Celestia wanted to just throw the crown into the nearest Ocean. She often thought of the act as being unshackled from guilt, pain, misery, loneliness, and death. What scared Celestia the most was that no matter how much she wanted to give in, she never could. I'm so sorry, Twilight Sparkle.


Dusk let out a long sigh as he witnessed the tall tree which signalled a warm bed waiting just for him. With a huff he began to trot to the door with a slight smile of satisfaction and a yawn that would creep up now and again. All of his current good mood however was dashed when three ponies stepped out of the shadows of the tree. The street was unnervingly quiet as Dusk Breaker watched the obvious intruders with a careful gaze.

“Mr. Fang is not impressed, Mr. Breaker,” the lead pony spoke before a small flicker of flame lite a cigarette.

Dusk paused as he recognized the voice from the night before getting on the train for Ponyville. My piano. Dusk thought as the old pain struck deep in his chest. My Grandfather's piano.

“You did a very stupid thing, Mr. Breaker. Leaving Canterlot before paying your due seems like a very suspicious move,” The lead pony explained with calm and precision. “Mr. Fang couldn't help but feel like you are trying to flee from him. You wouldn't be doing something like that, would you?”

Dusk grit his teeth as the Zerglings beside him followed in manor. He however kept his mouth quiet along with his thoughts. It grew exponentially harder to halt any attack that he was already planning.

“You have less then three days to be back in Canterlot with Mr. Fang's money,” The lead pony began to walk away before throwing his spent cigarette away. “Oh, and Mr. Dusk Breaker, in case you were thinking of doing anything irrational remember that we do love the scent of your mother's perfume.”

Dusk took a step forward as magic began to build up in his horn. Blood was to be spilled as Dusk aimed multiple of his razor swarm projectiles. He paused for a moment as he noticed the lead pony waving a hoof at him.

“Touch me and your Mother is as good as ours.”

Dusk watched in pain as the Ponies just walked away with little to no trouble. For once since becoming one with the Swarm, he felt useless. He watched until the ponies disappeared into the night before turning to head into the quiet Library. His warm bed that he was desperately wanting was now much more colder then he remembered. Images of Fiddlesticks flashed in his mind as he reached out a hoof in the hopes that he could pull the Mare closer for support. Dusk's hoof only grip the bed sheet and nothing more. I'm sorry, everypony.