> Dusk Shine, Total Ladies' Colt > by Barrobroadcaster > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > What a Great Guydea > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "This place is a sausage fest, you know that right?" The question made Dusk Shine drop his quill. "What?" he asked, eyes wide. "This place, Ponyburg? It's a sausage fest. You know that, right?" Rainbow Blitz asked again. "I... never really thought about it," Dusk admitted. He couldn't help but think about what Rainbow said as he picked up the quill and started writing at his desk again. The rainbow-maned pegasus sighed heavily as he flew casually through Dusk's study. "Dude, that's the problem," Rainbow said, dashing over and turning his friend to face him. "You know how many girls there are in this town?" Dusk chuckled uncomfortably as he considered what his friend said. "I'm pretty sure that half the ponies in Ponyburg are mares." "Really?" Blitz asked, unconvinced. "How many do we know?" Dusk's mind went blank. "Umm, well..." Blitz smiled a sly, challenging grin at his friend. This was one of the reasons Dusk needed Blitz; he spent so much time in his books that details, both big and little sometimes passed him by. Dusk thought about it for a moment. "Mrs. Cake," he began to list. "-is married," Blitz added, sounding coy. He practically knew what his friend's responses were going to be. "There's the mailmare," Dusk said. "You mean the one who's face you keep slamming the door in?" Dusk put a hoof behind his neck. "I... sometimes I just get excited when I get something in the mail. When it doesn't come through Barbara anyway." "Uh huh," Blitz remarked. "Keep going." "Um, well there's Big Red," he tried again. "Oh, I was wondering when you'd get to Applebuck's sister. Well, at least you didn't mention Gleaming Shield. So, you like the strong-silent type eh?" "I, I didn't mean-" Dusk was getting legitimately uncomfortable with this line of questioning but his scholarly side and need to please his friends wouldn't let him shy away from it. "She's like, the biggest mare in Ponyburg," Blitz said, spreading his hooves out for emphasis. "And how often does she leave Sweet Apple Orchards?" "I wasn't, I didn't-" Blitz got up in Dusk's face. "What are you two going to talk about? Do you buck apple trees? Do you know how to make cider, work on a farm? How many times is she going to say 'eeyup'?" Dusk didn't have an answer to any one of those questions. He shrugged and shook his head, hoping now he wasn't sweating. Another smile spread over Blitz's face. "What is Applebuck going to say when he finds out you're interested in his big sister?" "Oh please," Dusk pleaded. "Rainbow, I didn't mean it that way, you can't-" "Well, that's where your mind jumped right to. I bet it won't be long before it's Hearts and Hooves day again and she's calling you schmoopey-bear," Rainbow laughed. "Rainbow, no, I'm not into any mare that way," Dusk stated flatly. "Oh, so you swing that way," his friend didn't let up. "That makes sense." "That's not what I meant either!" Dusk said, getting frustrated now. "I've just never really considered... dating," he swallowed hard, using the d-word. "I've been so busy with studying, my spells and learning more about friendship-" "That's what I'm talking about, dude. A different kind of friendship. You need 'special' friends. Yes," Rainbow's voice turned to a whisper. "your own special somepony." Dusk's eyes went wide again. Before coming to Ponyburg, he'd never considered trying to make any real friends. After coming to Ponyburg, he had been dedicated to his mission to learn more about the magic of friendship. He and his friends had gone on adventures together, forged unbreakable bonds and together they shared a destiny as the Prosperity Components. Apart from his hidden stash of romance novels, he hadn't thought at all about interactions with the opposite sex. It literally just never came up. "Mares, dude. I'm talking about mares," Blitz said. "We need to get you and me some action." Dusk swallowed again. "Ha.. how?" he asked. His need to please his friend, to gain approval from somepony he resepected combined with his priority to keep an open mind and try new things finally breaking through his discomfort. But now he was legitimately sweating. "First, we'll go see the guys. Hit up Elusive and Bubble for some tips on making you more... appealing. Then, we'll check in with Butterscotch and Applebuck. Maybe they can teach you a little bit about 'animal magnetism'." Blitz said with a grin and a laugh. "How long is this going to take," Dusk said, trying to get out of it. "Don't you have the sky to clear or something?" Blitz looked out the window and noticed a single gray cloud, randomly thundering and raining as it hung. It was completely out of place in the otherwise clear sky over Ponyburg. "Eh, it'll be fine," he said, ignoring the cloud. Technically, stray clouds were his responsibility but he felt it was far more important to get both himself and his friend some tail right now. He didn't think about it but that cloud would likely cause trouble down the road and come back to bite him but right now he the thought didn't cross his mind. Even if it had, it probably wouldn't have changed his decision. "I'll even give you some personal tips straight from yours truly," Rainbow said, smoothing out his mane. "There's not a filly in Stratosveil who can resist moves like mine." "Yeah, I'll bet," Dusk said, remarking sarcastically on his friends brazen attitude. "You're sure there's not a book I can read on this? Maybe something by Short-tailed Spiraling Space?" Blitz shook his head. "Books are part of the problem, Dusky. Now, let's get going. Come on," he said pushing his friend out of the door. Blitz literally moved his friend down the staircase of his library treehouse home, through the foyer and out of the door. Barbara, Dusk's baby-dragon assistant was reshelving books as the two moved through. "Barb? Could you- wait, hold on a second, stop!" Dusk Shine said, using his magic to loose Rainbow Blitz's grasp on him. "Just wait outside for a second." Rainbow rolled his eyes and flew out the door. Dusk quickly turned to Barbara. "Whatcha need Dusk?" Barb asked. "You guys going somewhere?" " Yeah and something tells me I won't be back 'till late. Take care of Owlouisa while I'm gone and-" Blitz banged on the side of the door, impatient. "Let's go! We ain't gotta all day!" "and try to maybe, find a book on...*gulp*... dating." "Sure thing, Dusk," Barbara replied. Dusk walked over to the door. Blitz opened it and practically pulled the purple unicorn outside. "You think we can stop by the library first?" "We're not gonna stop until we get you some flank my friend. Let's go see Elusive first," Rainbow said back. Almost whimpering, Dusk Shine followed his friend away from the sanctuary of his home. Despite the fact he'd traveled the Ponyburg road many times before, it felt like he was entering a different world entirely. The world of long nights, plot-chasing colts, loud music and the thing that frightened him most of all at the moment: girls. > Looking the Part > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Blitz was athletic, energetic, confident, brave, all-around dashing. He was one of the best friends Dusk had and was the most loyal and dependable pony Dusk knew. Dusk Shine had to remind himself of those things as he walked down the street with Rainbow singing: "We gonna get you laid! We gonna get you laid!" as he flew behind him, darting back and fourth in foalish glee. The entire ordeal was humiliating enough to Dusk Shine, now his friend was advertising it to the world. "Please," he whisper-begged his friend, "for the love of Solaris, let's... let's forget about all this, okay?" Blitz shook his head. "We got a lota work ahead of us. What would you ever do without me?" he asked, hovering over him. Dusk turned to the ground. "Probably make Barbs the new Rainbow Blitz," he muttered under his breath. "What was that?" Blitz asked. "Hey!" Dusk changed topics. "Let's... let's go to the library instead! There could be single mares there!" Dusk Shine now put on a show of enthusiasm in the vain attempt to redirect his friend's attention to other activities. "The library? Lame. Nice try, though." "I'll get you the latest copy of Go Gallant!" Blitz grabbed his friend by the cheeks, holding his mournful, tear-eyed face in his hooves. "Time. For. Flank," he replied to Dusk. He then grabbed Dusk Shine by the tail and proceeded to drag him down the road. "Noooooooooooooo!!!" Dusk yelled as his hooves were dragged through the dirt. Elusive was a colt with an eye for detail. He examined every stitch on every outfit and although he knew when to stop, he was something of a perfectionist. The fashion designer took pride in everything he did, every seam and piece of cloth that graced his hooves he strove to make a masterpiece. And he enjoyed a challenge. Speaking of, a challenge was about to literally knock on his door. "Hmm, somepony at the door, Quartz?" Elusive noticed his cat looking out the window. The cat mewed in response and the door was punctuated with a string of three knocks. He got up from his sewing table and walked to the entrance. "Rainbow Blitz!" Elusive said, opening the door for his friend. "How fantastic it is to see you, good sir! Whatever can I do for you?" "Lusi, it's good to see you, too. Listen," Rainbow Blitz pulled up Dusk Shine by the tail, holding the frightened-looking colt in midair. "We need to do something with this." Elusive turned his head to meet Dusk Shine's eyes. "Hi, Elusive," the purple colt greeted him, sounding equally frightened and discomforted. Dusk Shine knew Elusive. He knew Elusive was a colt of refinement, a stallion of style, grace and integrity above all else. The most generous pony Dusk knew, Dusk saw a way out for a moment. Elusive would advocate caution and respect for mares, he would never support an impromptu quest for random tail! He could derail this whole thing right now! "Hello, Dusk. Whatever is Blitz talking about?" Elusive asked. Dusk brought his hooves to the ground to stand on all fours. "Well, Rainbow Blitz was talking about how we don't know any girls around here and we needed to go and do something about that. Crazy, am I right?" he said, trying to gather some sympathy for his cause. Rainbow Blitz's expression didn't change but he folded his hooves as he hovered. "Hmm," Elusive said, thinking. He'd never go for this. There's no way Elusive, the stallion who defined what it meant to be a gentlecolt would ever- "He does have a point." "What?!" Dusk asked, shocked his classy friend would agree. "He's right. We all could stand getting in touch with the... feminine side." "Exactly!" Blitz agreed. "And do to do that, we could use some new threads." Elusive raised an eyebrow. "Guys' night out planned, I presume?" "Oh yeah. Gonna strike every spot until we hit plot!" Rainbow declared, slapping Dusk on the backside as he did so. The purple colt's eyes went wide and he felt his stomach jump into his throat. Elusive's eyes just narrowed. "Splendid," he said slyly as a mischievous grin spread over his face. "It just so happens, I've just finished some new styles that I think might be alluring to the opposite gender. A-this way, gentlecolts." The white stallion led them inside. Dusk tried one last time to get Rainbow to reconsider. "Blitz, do we really-" Rainbow sighed heavily, interrupting his friend. "Look Dusk, you don't have to come if you don't want to. But come on bro, you're young, you got the world ahead a ya and you're spending too much time in doors." Dusk had to admit his friend was right. Slowly, his discomfort at the situation was turning into regret that he hadn't attempted to find... female companionship sooner. And here was an opportunity right here. His friend was trying to help him. How could he turn him down? "You can go back home if you want to. I'll get Bubble Berry and the others and we'll start a party. But I'M going out tonight. Look between my legs and you'll find the bluest part of me," Rainbow said as he followed Elusive. "Wait," Dusk Shine raised a hoof to stop him. "I'll go too. You're right... this will be good for... me." Rainbow turned, raising an eyebrow. "You're not gonna just mope around all night? Cuz no mare likes that." "No, I'm... looking forward to it. It's... It's going to be fun. We're going to be together and it will be fun," Dusk said, sounding like he was trying to convince himself. "We're going to get tail, dude," Rainbow added/corrected him. "That's, that's right." "I wanna hear you say it," a smile spread over Rainbow's face. "We're gonna get... tail," Dusk said, reluctantly but finally the words came. Blitz frowned. "We'll work on that later." "Gentlecolts, showtime," Elusive called to them. Dusk followed Blitz further into Elusive's boutique and into the studio. Dusk noticed several designs in various stages of completion strewn about through the work area. Sheets of fabric, rolls of materials in different forms and colors were stuffed into storage bins around the sewing table. Part artist, part architect, Dusk knew Elusive put everything into his designs and personalized each to meet his customers' style and needs. Elusive had crafted clothes for Dusk before but not for something like this. Dusk wondered what the designer had in store for him this time. The white colt led the two into a smaller room at the back of the studio, like an auxiliary closet. Elusive flipped a switch and the lights turned on. "I was saving these designs for a rainy day... or in this case, a dry spell." Blitz and Dusk examined the various outfits hanging from racks that lined the walls. Dusk noticed a little dust in the room. Blitz moved closer, examining a dark blue body suit of some sort that apparently had a pair of goggles to go with them. "Where'd you get this?" he asked Elusive, holding up the hooves of the outfit. "Oh, that," Elusive walked over. "That's something I was just experimenting with at one time. I might go back to it at some point but-" "I like it!" Blitz proclaimed. Dusk chuckled. "Is it Everfright Evening again already? Or are you planning on picking up mares posing as captain of the Wonderbeams?" Blitz frowned. It did look like a Wonderbeam costume, worn only by Equestrion's premier flying team. While it was Blitz's dream to join the Beams, Dusk was right; it would look a little awkward trying to talk to girls wearing a costume. "You uh, you might be right. Let's keep looking," Blitz said. The three continued searching for the right outfit through the various styles. Rainbow had the distinct feeling that Elusive had been designing clothes like these for years and had simply been storing them in this back room. Blitz wasn't a fashion expert but he was pretty sure bell bottoms hadn't been worn by anypony in Ponyburg in at least a few decades. Dusk examined a dark blue outfit with yellow stars covering the surface. "This looks nice," he remarked, brushing some of the dust off it. "You're not going out wearing pajamas," Blitz said, looking at his purple friend's choice. Dusk looked back to the outfit. "But these aren't pajamas. The fabric's clearly made of-" Blitz facehooved. "Lusi, please, help this colt." "Not to worry good sirs," the white stallion said striding by. "We'll find something to accommodate both of you that will leave the ladies stunned." "Stunned in a GOOD way," Blitz clarified. "Not at our lack of fashion sense." The two ponies pulled through piece after piece of clothing as they searched for the perfect outfit. Dusk turned to the star-spangled design he'd chosen. Maybe he could use another pair of pajamas while they were here. > Everypony but You > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- And thus, the montage began. Elusive would pick out random pieces of clothing and assorted accessories, Dusk would try them on and Blitz would make the final decision. Outfits and articles were put into two piles: 'maybe' and 'should not see light of day'. Before long, the three ponies were exhausted trying to find something to suit the purple stallion. Dusk walked out of the dressing room again. Blitz wasn't sure which time this was, he had lost count and was beginning to lose interest. But after dragging his best friend's sorry flank out of his own house, down the street and across town, he felt he now had an obligation to get this colt some tail. And it went without saying, himself too. "An orange jumpsuit? What, are you a convict now?" Dusk looked down. "It's a track suit," he argued. What was wrong with it? Orange perfectly complemented purple and it felt... relatively comfortable. "And this is not the track. Take it off," Blitz ordered. "Awwghff," Dusk uttered an exasperated moan, removing the orange suit. "Well, what are you going to wear?" Rainbow grinned. "Lusi, show him." Elusive brought out a lavish and familiar looking tuxedo. "I have to admit, I am pleased with this one," he said, levitating it up by the shoulders to see. Dusk recognized it immediately. "The tux you wore to my sister's wedding? Seriously?" "Why not? Got me a couple brides' maids at Glimmering Shield's wedding," Blitz remarked honestly. The purple colt's jaw hit the floor. "You had sex at my sister's wedding?!!" The rainbow pony shrugged. "Your sis has some fine-looking friends. Dat royal guard flank, bro. Got me standing at attention," he gave a mock salute. Dusk didn't know if he was enraged or just plain shocked. "Those are Lord Solaris's Royal Guards! And you slept with them! Are you insane?!" "I like a mare in uniform. Besides, it happened a long time ago." "Rainbow's right, dear boy," Elusive agreed. "It's been quite a while since the ceremony. And besides that, why else would we come to that wedding?" "Uh, maybe because Lord Solaris invited ALL of us?" Dusk pointed out. "Ohh, but of course!" Elusive awkwardly replied. "But what I mean is, who's to say we can't all enjoy ourselves and do a little... indulging on such a special occasion?" Dusk felt like smashing his face on the floor. "And who were you with on my sister's wedding? One of the bride's maids or-" Elusive interrupted. "A gentlecolt does not divulge such matters." "It was the mane stylist," Rainbow Blitz casually revealed. Elusive's eyes went wide. "How on Equestria did you-" "What? I saw you chatting her up. Doesn't take a genius to figure out you two were talking about more than just mane styles." Elusive bashfully lowered his head a tad. "I can't believe this," Dusk Shine said. "Am I the ONLY pony that didn't get laid at my sister's wedding?!" his ear twitched. "I'm pretty sure Lord Solaris is single," Rainbow Blitz thought out loud. "But that was one crazy wedding." "So, now I know the REAL reason you guys didn't believe me when I first said my sister's fiancé was evil. You all were too busy thinking with your-" "Calm down, Dusk this story's still rated Everyone," Blitz commented as Dusk was speaking. "-testosterone" "Oooh, nice save." "-to listen to me! And because of that, my sister nearly married King Cocoon instead of Prince Amir Amore and Gallopolis was almost conquered by changlings!" The purple pony snorted angrily as he stood. Rainbow flew over to Dusk to try to calm his friend down. "Dusk, it was a wedding. You were the only pony that seemed to be overlooking that. That's another reason why I-" he tried to put a hoof around Dusk's shoulders but the purple colt dodged. "Don't touch me, not until you've been... tested," Dusk's ears twitched again. Paranoid pony mode activated. Pressure rising! Rainbow backed away, insulted. "Hey, wha'ts that supposed to mean?" "Gentlecolts," Elusive intervened before an unnecessary fight broke out, "Let's take it down a notch, shall we? Perhaps we're going about this all wrong." "I think there's a lot wrong with this whole situation," Dusk remarked. "What I'm saying is, perhaps you should consider... something less restricting for the evening's activities." "I think I'd rather just go out without clothes." Elusive nodded. "I was going to recommend just that." Rainbow Blitz shook his head. "You are hopless sometimes Dusk." Dusk took offense to that. "Hopeless? What the buck do you mean by that?" "Language, Dusk Shine!" Elusive cautioned. Blitz scoffed. "I mean you're hopeless Dusk Shine. Here I am trying to do a good deed for a friend and how am I being repaid? You're fighting me every step of the way!" "Why shouldn't I be fighting you? You're talking about going out and picking up a girl for a one-night stand! That's like, the most superficial thing I can think of! And normally, I wouldn't even be thinking it if it wasn't for you!" "Hey, at least I have a life outside my bucking house!" Elusive tried once again to break it up. "Gentlecolts, please this isn't helping any-" "A life outside? How's that working out for you Mr. Wonderbeam? Cuz it sounds like you haven't gotten any since MY SISTER'S WEDDING!!" Dusk shouted. Blitz's eyes narrowed. "Watch yourself, buddy or you'll be writing another letter to Lord Solaris." "Oh yeah," Dusk said sarcastically. "I know just how it'll go. 'Dear Lord Solaris, today I learned that my friend Rainbow Blitz slept with some of your Royal Guards and you might want to get them checked out. Signed, your fervent apprentice Dusk Shine'." "Okay, that's it. I'm done," Rainbow Blitz said. "Thanks for trying Elusive. Sorry if Dusk Shine's acting like a plothole." The Rainbow Pegasus took his leave, exiting the room. "Blitz, now I-" Dusk Shine wasn't done. "So what, you're leaving now? After all that?" he demanded, running out of the closet after him. "Why not? You clearly just want to sit on your flank all day and read. I don't need you to have a good time." "Well, I don't need you either! Barbs made a better Rainbow Blitz anyway!" "Oh yeah?" Blitz yelled back as he departed. "Well, I bet Kate would've made a better Dusk Shine!" "Oh... please don't bring up Kate." Elusive had done his best to forget about 'Kate', the enormous boulder he was convinced was a chunk of diamond while under the influence of Disarray. "I'll show you! I don't need your help to have a good time!" Dusk yelled at Rainbow, now carrying the argument into the foyer. Rainbow Blitz opened the door. "Have fun at home ladies' colt!" he said, rushing out and leaving the door hanging open. "Hrrrrrgggggh!" Dusk shine growled. He slammed the door behind him and walked back inside. "Dusk Shine..." Elusive said, trying to be comforting. "I'm sorry, Elusive. Someponies just only want one thing, I guess." "It sounded to me like he just wanted to help you," the white stallion commented. "Yeah, well he sure had a weird way of trying to help." Elusive put a hoof on Dusk Shine's back. "Well, you do sort of have trouble getting out of your comfort zone my friend." Dusk looked to the ground and thought for a moment. They were right, they were both right. Dusk only ever went out when the five of his closest friends were involved. Apart from that, he occasionally went to the library, Sugar Cube Square but that was about it. In fact... he barely knew anypony else in Ponyburg. Well, tonight was a night to change that. "You're right Elusive. I think I could use some activity this evening." "Well, if you're going to stop by the library would you mind returning something for me?" "No..." Dusk had that one coming. "I mean, can I borrow that dark blue suit with the yellow trim?" Elusive looked confused. "You're going to get dressed up to go to the library?" Dusk facehooved. "I'm not going to the library!" "I wasn't aware it closed early." The purple pony grabbed the white colt by the face. "I'm going out to get... social interaction. With mares. At a bar... or nightclub or something. This evening. Understand?" "You're actually going through with it?" Elusive asked. "Well, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors my friend. Now if you happen to stop by the library-" Dusk growled again. "I'll just put it in the coat pocket," Elusive said, walking back to the dressing room. > Experience > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dusk Shine now walked down the streets of Ponyville alone. Elusive assured Dusk the suit would be ready for tonight and he could come by and pick it up later. Part of him wanted to just go back home and finish up with his work for the day. He had several plans he needed planned and after that he had some study schedule studying scheduled. Still though, he wanted to prove he could meet a girl on his own. Although he disagreed with his methods, Dusk had to agree that Biltz had given him good advice. He walked down the road to Bubble Berry's house, maybe he could impart some wisdom about attracting attention from the opposite sex. If there was one thing Bubble was good at, it was standing out even amongst a crowd. Dusk decided he'd go see Bubble, Butterscotch and Applebuck to get all the preparation he could. The ground began to feel hot under his hooves. In fact, the air began to feel hot as well. Dusk was almost sweating now. He looked down at the road and noticed his shadow looked strange, smaller. It was still morning, he should've been casting a longer shadow based on his position. He looked up over his head to see somepony had positioned a sunlamp directly over him. Using his magic, he pushed the lamp's head away from him. "What's the matter Dusk Shine? Girls love a guy with a tan," a voice spoke to him. He looked around. Dusk was completely alone on the street. The voice was familiar, too familiar. That plus the random sunlamp appearing out nowhere and following him could mean only one thing. "Disarray," Dusk said in a stern tone. "What do you want? I thought you were in Gallopolis with Lord Solaris." The sunlamp behind him shook suddenly. Dusk turned around to face the object as it turned into the shape of a female draconequus Dusk Shine and his friends knew all too well. "What? I'm not allowed to get out and stretch my legs once in a while?" Disarray asked, twisting her limbs in an elastic fashion around her entire body before letting loose and spinning like a top. The draconequus called Disarray was supposedly a 'reformed' entity of chaos, she and Dusk Shine's friends had fought with long ago. Recently though, she had pledged that she would use her chaotic powers for good. But Dusk Shine was reasonably skeptical. "What are you doing here Disarray?" Dusk asked, wary of former fiend's intentions. "Oh, I was just in town to drop my son Pop Fly off to school. Couldn't help but overhear your little argument with Rainbow Blitz." Dusk Shine turned away and started walking again. "It's nothing." The former fiend laughed. "Nothing? Now Dusk, I think I know a little dissent when I detect it, being a being of pure chaos and whatnot." Dusk looked over his shoulder at the creature. "So you can tell whenever somepony's arguing now? Is that supposed to be canon or something?" Disarray shrugged. "How should I know? But I do know a little thing or two about chaos and let me tell you, a little leads to more." "There wasn't anything I could do. Blitz was being impossible, all these rules and he was being annoying," Dusk explained. "Hmm," Disarray put a claw to her chin. "He does have a little more experience than you. Well, a lot more." Dusk's gaze lowered as he walked. "Experience is something that will... just come with time. I'll experience it... eventually." A sly grin spread over Disarray's face as she hovered in front of the colt. "You don't have any experience do you?" Dusk shine frowned at her. "Can't you go bother Butterscotch or somepony else?" "Ahahaha!" Disarray laughed. "No time for the ladies eh Shiny? Poor little virgin Dusk Shine. Always studying, never had time for a marefriend. You've never even been kissed have you?" The purple colt's face began to show a hint of bright red. "You know... that's something I can fix right now," Disarray hinted. She snapped her talon and a ruby-red lipstick appeared and applied itself to the fiend's lips as she puckered comically. Dusk stopped in his tracks. "Uh... no. Just... no." "What's the matter? Not interested in older broads? I may be over a thousand but I've still got it where it counts, honey!" Dusk started backing up in sheer terror. "Stay away from me. Don't make me get the Prosperity Components and set you back to stone again!" The villainous vixen grinned. "I'm sure Rainbow Blitz would love to help out, especially after the two of you said you didn't need each other. I'm sure Barbs would love to reprise her role as the new Rainbow Blitz again." "Did you have something to do with this?" Dusk asked, horrified. "With how everypony's been acting?" Would the Components still work with them fighting like this? This all seemed way too convenient. What was Disarray up to? Is it possible she was responsible for what was happening? Disarray took a step forward. "Dusky, you talk way too much. Now come over here and give Miss Dis a big wet kiss." Dusk turned around and bolted in the opposite direction, scared out of his wits. Instead of heading for Bubble Berry's in town or Butterscotch's cottage near the Everyway Woods, he kept running to the outskirts of town, following the road that led to Sweet Apple Orchards.