> Dusk Shine's Nightmare
>  by Xujints the Water Horse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Nightmare begins...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you are seeing this, dear reader, then I am long since dead.

I lived in a world quite possibly much like your own. Peaceful, calm and so ill prepared... Should you think of proceeding any further, please take this missive to your lords and/or ladies in power, for should this go unheeded, your world will surely fall. Just as the civilizations before us, we failed to see the signs, and it doomed us all.

But before I can tell you how to stop such a foe, I must first tell you how I became aware of it in the first place, lest you be led astray and waste precious time.

My name is Dusk Shine, and it all started one fateful night, days before my first encounter with the Nightmare.

At the time, my land was known as Equestria, a nation filled many with diverse races and magic abundant. It's name and culture may seem funny to some, considering it was mostly populated by humans, but other places probably were not home to magical talking ponies at one point, but when your rulers have lived for millenias at a time, you tend to believe in the strange stuff they have seen. But I digress...

There were three sub-races of human living there, each with their own unique powers and abilities, all of which are based on culture far preceding our own, a culture that had only just enough time to pass on its knowledge to us before it vanished overnight...

The first are of 'Earth', rugged and strong. They are the most grounded of the three, with a  deep connection to nature, giving them great strength and tenacity to boot.

The second race couldn't be any further from them, the 'Pegasi', with their ability to sprout wings and take flight at a moment's notice. They can walk on and manipulate clouds with a simple touch and wield the weather in their hands.

The third race, of which I come from, are the 'Unicorns', who are born with a gem embedded in their foreheads, whose size and shape resemble that of the fabled horned- Horses...

Unlike the other races, we can manipulated the magic around and within us to perform many magical feats, such as teleportation, enchantments, shields, and energy blasts, all with a few hand gestures, a few magic words, or so much as a thought.

Naturally, our races disputed over which one was better, and harsh words eventually lead to all out war, a war that spanned for many years, spreading a great and terrible darkness and hatred across the land. Such pain and misery awoke a great and terrible threat, one that threatened to blanket the world in eternal rest. With no other option, the races banded together and beat back their new foe, forging a new treaty that lead to a time of peace and prosperity, but such evils in the world do not completely fade, they merely take on different forms. A Nightmare to behold, that great and abominable force came back again and again, each time wearing a new face, and even as a I write this, I fear it is drawing near...




It was a dark day in the Everfree Forest, more so than usual. The Tree of Harmony glowing weakly behind a lone human as her wings faded away, the girl's blue hair hanging loosely over her face as she knelt over, barely hiding the bright glow of the lavender gem on her forehead. The young Alicorn, a rare sight to behold that had the power of all three races, clutched her gut as she nearly collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. She gave a sigh of relief as she looked around, "I think... I lost it..."

Turning her attention to the Tree, she gasped as the glow began to dim, almost flickering out, "No! Hang on girls, I won't let it end like this..."

Just as she reached out to touch it, a sickening laugh rang out, breaking her train of thought. Spinning around, she eyed it's source, her face turning from a look of concern to a dark scowl, "Twilight Sparkle... Still clinging to hope where there is none..."

A dark Mage chuckled softly as its ebony wings faded behind them, their midnight black ethereal hair pulling away to reveal a familiar face. A pale rose haired girl was in its grasp, struggling against the grip on her neck, whose gaze was quickly drawn to the Alicorn by the tree. She choked weakly, almost inaudibly, "T-twilight... Don't give up..."

The Mage smiled wickedly as their grip on the girl's neck tightened, "What's the matter Twilight? Too scared to say anything to your friend?"

The young Alicorn scowled as she sprouted wings as she took off in a sprint, quickly taking to the air at high speed, "Let her go Nightmare!"

It sighed as it tossed the girl at the rushing Alicorn, who was barely able to stop herself in time to catch her friend, "As you wish... She always was the kindest, but now she too will embrace sleep eternal, as will you and your other friends... It is inevitable."

Twilight looked down at her friend, concerned as she closed her eyes, going limp in her arms, "Flutters..."

"I grow tired of this..."

A bright light engulfed them as all as a small cry was heard, the voice of a child...

"Dusk! Come on, it's time to wake up. The Princess wants to see you."

A young man's eyes creaked open with a groan, his lavender gem glimmering slightly as he shook the sleep from his eyes. Sitting up, the blanket that covered him fell down exposing his chest, he gazed out the window at the rising sun and said, "Another dream about her... Twilight Sparkle..."

Some time later~

A young man with messy sapphire blue hair stopped at the door that lead into the library that served as his dwelling, a sour expression on his face. He looked down the the Cutie Mark on his left hand a moment, pondering his dream for the hundredth time today. His fist clenched as he took a breath. He stepped inside and shouted, “Spike! I’m home, did you find that book yet?”

A loud crash was heard from above. It seems he had just woke up his sleeping companion. He should have been working on the book shelves, not taking a nap. The Human rolled his eyes as he heard the youngling shout, "Coming Dusk!"

Shortly after he was addressed, a young looking humanoid stepped into the lower levels of the library. He was scaly, purple and spiney. At first glance, he looked a bit like a young lizardman, but as fate would have it, he isn’t… He’s a dragon. The dragon known as Spike rubbed the sleep out of his eyes with one purple scaly claw as the other removed a stray book off his gnoggin. His expression was no better than Dusk's, "You could have killed me ya know?"

The human sighed softly, dismissing what he was going to retort with and said, "Sorry Spike, but this is urgent. Besides, i'm sure my dragon brother is tougher than a few little books."

He held out a hand and levitated a book into his grasp, "We need to find a book of Predictions and Prophecies, remember?"

The dragon, who stood at about half of Dusk's height, frowned. He was going to provide a witty comment, but he knew that it would just go over his 'brother's' head. Dusk was like that, a bookworm that'd miss his own death if he was engorged in a good enough book, "Fine..."

The two quickly set to work, looking for the book. It didn't take them long as they knew where most of the books in the library were anyway, "Is this the one you are thinking of?"

Dusk looked over the smaller brother's shoulder, stepping back to avoid Spike's swinging tail as he stated in confirmation, "Why yes, thank you."

Spike held out the book to him, which was gratefully accepted. Despite how much of a pain Dusk could be sometimes, Spike found little else more satisfying than actually being useful. Finding books wasn't exactly the best thing he's ever done, but when you are in a library for most of your days, you get used to going through all the rows, making sure each one is in it's proper place, and only occasionally sneaking a Manga or two to read.

Spike went off on his merry way, pulling another book off the shelf and started to rearrange them when he heard Dusk open the book, but before he could get to far, he became curious. Turning back to his brother, he asked, "So Dusk, you came back pretty early, what happened with Celestia?"

He knew he'd get some kind of answer, as sometimes if you can get Dusk to ramble when he's busy reading, he spills the beans even more then what was in the can in the first place. Dusk sighed dejectedly, "The guards didn't even let me get near her, what with the Summer Sun Celebration coming so soon. All that walking around gave me plenty of time to think about recent events... These dreams I've been having, they just can't be a coincidence."

Spike laughed, "The one about that girl? Come on Dusk, you and I both know you have quite the imagination, especially when you discovered their kind in the first place."

Dusk paused at his comment, "What? No No No... It's more then that, this one... This morning... It was so real, and so clear. For the very first time, I really got a good look at her, and I could hear what was going on too!"

He looked at the Cutie Mark on the back of his left hand again and frowned, "She... She was powerful, smart, confident. She was brave in the face of death. It was inspiring. But, they left me with many questions. Who was she fighting, just who is this Nightmare, and why does she have the same mark as me?"

While it was certainly possible for humans to have similar Cutie Marks, for two to have the same ones is just absurd, unheard of! What is a Cutie Mark? Some say it is a human's talent, some even going as far as saying it is their identity. It was a right of passage for most, a discovery that all must find for themselves, and the thought that there would be someone out there with the exact same mark is a frightening prospect. Identity theft to the max…

"Perhaps you've been reading too much Manga..."

Dusk chuckled nervously, "What? I don't read that sort of- Hold that thought."

He skimmed through the pages, muttering to himself, "Elements of Harmony... See Lady in the Moon."

He closed the book and frowned, ‘Lady in the moon? This is bad...'

Now it was Spike's turn to chuckle nervously, Dusk seemed too serious, "Isn't that a bedtime story for little kids? I think you've been reading the Equestrian Inquirer too much."

Dusk pitched him a glare, "For one, I told you that paper is for hacks!"

He went and set the book down on the table and rubbed his temples, lightly brushing the gem on his forehead, "Two, my research is based on factual events... That just so happen to have occurred a thousand years ago."

"Three, this could very well affect the fate of Equestria."

Spike's slight look of worry faded as a memory came to mind, "Didn't you say the same thing about Ponies just last week?"

The Human sighed, the dragonling had him there…

"Like I said, Fate of Equestria!"

He sighed, 'And besides, miss Heartstrings talked me into that. We both know how she is...'

Spike held a piece of parchment and quill aloft as he asked, "Anyway, are we going to send a letter to Celestia or not? You said it's important..."

Dusk immediately brightened up, why didn't he think of that sooner? He smiled as he turned to him and said, "That's a great idea Spike! Thinking ahead, just what I have come to expect from my number one assistant."

"Dear Princess Celestia,
It has come to my attention that Nightmare Moon's escape will happen on the longest day on the thousandth year of her imprisonment, and that day is the tomorrow during the Summer Sun Celebration! Considering the common knowledge of Nightmare Moon's cannibalistic tendencies, it is imperative we act now.
Your faithful student,
Dusk Shine."

He smiled as Spike was nearing the end of the letter, "When you're done, that needs to go straight to the Princess."

"Can... a... bull.... Is...tic..."

Hey, the kid was trying…

Swiftly, Spike finished writing that down and rolled up the letter, "On it!"

With a huff and a puff of green flames, the letter and the smoke from the burning parchment left the building. It was an odd way to send letters, but thankfully dragon fire often has strange properties depending on their intent, and Spike... He could deliver stuff with his.

"There, it's on its way, but don't count on getting a reply. Princess Celestia is busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Celebration."

Dusk stated proudly, "I'm not worried. The Princess trusts me completely, in all my time as her student, she's never doubted me."

Spike interrupted, "But-"

His response was quickly cut off by the sudden need to belch, and so he did. Dusk chuckled as Spike took the letter that had formed from the smoke his belch left behind, "You see, I told you she would take immediate action."

Spike took a moment to calm himself before opening it. Dusk was a little antsy now... Okay, very antsy. He was bouncing around slightly in place, saying, "Well, what does it say? Scramble the troops? Evacuate Canterlot?"

The sudden idea of a ton of guards kicking a vile monster into a pit came to mind as he said, "Call my brother and have him lead is unto a final battle of good versus ev-"

"It says to get a life..."

Dusk paled... Get... A... Life…

"WHAT!"

Later~

The blue and voilet haired human sat back in his royal carriage, lead by two Pegasi Guards in glistening golden armor cross legged as he contemplated his wise Mentor’s letter as his Draconic brother chattered away next to him.

‘My dear student, 

Get a life. You are a grown man and therefore are too old to be reading those old fairy tales. There is more to life than staying up late studying… And looking up porongraphy on Ponichan.’

He grumbled to himself, ‘She saw my browser history!’

‘You need a better social life, and to get just that, I have scheduled both you and Spike to oversee this year's Summer Sun celebration hosted in ponyville.’

Spike concluded the letter for what seemed like the hundredth time, “You're concerned Teacher, Princess Celestia.”

He snickered, much to Dusk’s chagrin, “P.s, there is an ulterior motive at work here. I want you to try to make some friends.”

As if that wasn’t clear enough… The human sighed as he thought to himself, ‘Some teacher, she just wants to get rid of me…”

“Big brother? Dusk?”

Looking out over the shifting landscape below them, he stated, “I strive to do my best everyday, and yet… Everyone still sees me as some sort of conspiracy freak with an imagination the size of Celestia’s… Hair. Even her!”

Spike quipped, “Perhaps it has something to do with that time you thought Slenderpony was hiding in your closet.”

Disk stammered, flabbergasted, “I- I was only eight at the time, I’m seventeen now. I’m a lot smarter than I was all those years ago. I just wish everyone would start treating me like an adult and take me more seriously. It sucks knowing something important, and no one takes the time to listen.”

After a moment's pause, he added, “Especially in regards to the Princess…”

Spike leaned over the side of the carriage and looked past the beating wings of their escorts, “Hey! We’re almost there.”

And indeed, they were. He gave his bigger brother a grin and said, “Hey, look at the bright side, the Princess does trust you enough to give you a library to stay in while we are here. And, seeing as it’s our job to oversee things, people will need to listen and help out.”

Dusk blinked in surprise, mulling over the dragon’s words before his expression brightened, “You’re right!”

He gave his little brother a grin to match as he ruffled the kid’s head spines, “Thanks Spike, you’re the best bud.”

Spike chuckled to himself as the young dragon rubbed the back of his neck, “Yeah, i’ve heard that line before.”

Dusk chuckled softly to himself, “This is just a minor thing, so why worry?”

He clenched his fist as he spoke, “We’ll blow through this in a flash and then I can get back to warning Celestia about Nightmare Moon’s reawakening.”

He stood up tall and proud as he gave a dramatic pose, getting a soft chuckle from Spike as his drab grey trainee’s robes billowed in the breeze, “Then I’ll finally get the recognition as I deserve!”

His dramatic moment was lost when the carriage landed on the ground, knocking them both off balance and back into their seats. Dusk chuckled nervously as he got back to his feet, “Yeah…”

Spike chimed in as he and Dusk got out of the carriage and dismissed the guards, “But Dusk, what are you gonna do about your other task? The Princess said you should try to make friends.”

Dusk rubbed his temples, as if annoyed by Spike’s question, “She also said we were in charge of the Preparations… Friends can wait, after all, Equestria is at stake here.”

As they walked through the busy streets of Ponyville, they saw many humans of various races rushing hither and thither. Spike said in an almost excited tone, “Everyone looks like they are working hard on the festival. Maybe we should join in on the fun?”

Dusk shook his head, simply walking off, “Sorry Spike, but we don’t have time to waste on fun.”

“Come on bro!”

“No.”

“Come on Dusk!”

“No way Spike!”

Spike continued his plead only once more before stating, “Fine.. How about we at least introduce ourselves to someone? We could use a guide.”

He shrugged, ‘We probably would need to do that anyway.’

Spike waved at a young looking girl as she surveyed the scene of people setting up a few signs and flags. She made a camera with her hands and panned out, making an exaggerated zooming sound with her mouth.

She wore a vibrant pink shirt with light blue suspenders holding up her baggy shorts. Dusk felt the dark pink was a bit much. She couldn’t be any pinker if she tried, specially considering her hair. It was long and flowing, bubbly even, giving her a bright and spontaneous look.

Spike trotted over to the odd girl and gave her a light tap, prompting the girl to focus her ‘camera’ on him, “Hello there, I’m Spike, and this is my brother Dusk Shine.”

He pointed over to dusk, who gave a nervous chuckle, caught slightly off guard by his brother’s sudden actions, “Uhh…. Hi?”

He almost jumped as the girl gasped long in surprise, the girl leaping into the air and defying gravity as she did so. Before the odd sight could sink in however, she disappeared, leaving an oddly human shaped smoke cloud behind in her place.

They deadpanned, “Well, I think she’s certainly peculiar…”

Dusk retorted, “Many psychologists would have a different opinion.”

He shrugged, turning to Spike and said, “Anyway, what’s the first thing we are supposed to do?”

Spike pulled out a scroll from his purple shorts that he used to cover himself when out in public and opened it, “Well, first off, we are going to a place known as Sweet Apple Acres. The family there is providing all the food.”

Dusk blinked in surprised, “All the food?”

Spike nodded, “Seems so… Come on, I think I see a sign!”

The Human nodded as spike lead him down the street, “That’s about as country as something can get… Let’s hope this doesn’t end with one of us in a shotgun wedding…”

Meanwhile, the girl from before watched them as they left, poking her head out from an alleyway, “How… Could it have been wrong?”

It took a little searching for the sign that Spike had mentioned, and a food detour, twice, but the duo eventually made it to Sweet Apple Acres.The dragon pointed out as they approached the quant farm, “Just remember, the one we are looking for is named Applejack.”

Dusk looked up at the image of a large apple that was on the sigh overlooking the gated entrance to the farm, “Applejack huh?”

As they headed inside, a loud noise assaulted their ears, “Yee haw!”

They turned their head to see a blonde haired girl in a stetson rush down a tree. Leaping into the air, the girl coiled up momentarily for a swift, powerful kick to the tree, knocking many of the tree’s apples into buckets at the tree’s base. With a huff, the girl wiped her brow and looked up at the two after she grabbed one of the buckets, having just noticed them. Dusk was a little stunned by her show of strength. She must have been of Earth then. The duo walked over to her and quickly introduced themselves, feeling that it’d be rude for them to simply show up unannounced and not do so, “Hello there, my name is Dusk Shine and-”

“Howdy there partner! The name’s Applejack, proud member of the Apple Family. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, here we enjoy meetin’ new folks and making new friends It’s a pleasure to meet ya.”

She extended a hand to him with a wink, offering a handshake, which he mistook for flirting. With a slight shrug her took her hand and kissed it, ‘Might as well…’

Surprised by Dusk’s behavior, her grip on the bucket’s handle tightened, “I am here by order of Prin-”

Dusk was stifled by the feeling of something heavy crashing into his head, Applejack had just bashed him on the head with the bucket full of Apple she was holding. Spike rushed to his fallen brother’s side, his face torn between the expression of humor and horror, “Big bro!”

Spike looked up at the young woman and said, “Don’t you think you overdid it?”

She shook her head, “Not at all bud, had to do something to teach ‘im ah’m not the flirtin’ type.”

Spike grinned nervously as Dusk groaned softly, “The only thing I think he’ll learn is what Elysium is like in the afterlife…”

The Girl turned away as she adjusted her hat, “Sorry bout that, truly ah am, but ah don’ have much time for romance and the like… Ah’m busy waitin’ for some folks from Canterlot.”

Spike stifled a laugh as he stated, “That’d be us.”

The girl paled, as she looked back at them, “eh?”

He continued, “We’re the ones from canterlot. We were sent to check on the Preparations for the Celebration, and the guy whose head was just crushed was chosen by Celestia herself to supervise everything.”

As if the girl had just seen a ghost she rushed over to Dusk and helped him up. Brushing him off, she said, “Sorry ‘bout that sugarcube, ah didn’ know… Just glad no one got really ugly..”

Dusk held his head up as he staggered, trying to stay standing, “I have a skull fissure, and that’s not ugly?”

The girl took his hand and shook it violently, nearly making him fall over again. If Spike wasn’t holding him up, he very well could have, “Ah don’ think we’ve been properly introduced, mah name is Applejack. Dusk Shine was it?”

He nodded slowly, “Yeah… You’re in charge of the food right?”

Applejack smiled widely, “Indeed. Yer lucky you came here first purdy boy, yer just in time for the Apple Family Reunion brunch.”

She finally let go of his arm and headed toward a triangle on a post over by the front gate and signalled everyone within ear shot, “Soup’s on everyone!”

This time, Dusk did fall over as the ground beneath the duo shook violently, “What is that!?”

Before he knew what hit him, he felt a bunch of hand grab him off the ground and carried him over to a table, which he found Spike similarly seated nearby. Applejack stood by them, proudly presenting everyone that had gathered, “Meet the Apple Family!”

One by one, people came up to the table and somehow managed to stack a ton of dishes full of apple related products and treats in front of them, “Apple Cobbler, Caramel Apples, Apple Cupcakes, Apple Cakes, Apple Pie, Apple Strudel, Apple Flan-”

He muttered to Spike, “We have to eat all this?”

Spike responded with a whisper of his own, “I got no problem with it.”

“Apple Butter, Applesauce, Pippin Tart, Winesap, Mr. Fuji, Northern Spy-”

After about thirty or so more names and treats, they finally stopped coming…

Nevermind, “And last, but not least, Big Macintosh, Applebloom and finally Granny Smith.”

Applejack shouted, “Wake up Granny Smith, We’ve got guests. They are here for the party.”

She even commented as Dusk had a mouth full of food, “I’d even say yer already part of the family.”
Dusk nearly choked on his food at this. Swallowing he said, “Actually, I don’t think I’m all that hungry. Besides I have a lot to do, preparing for the Apocalypse and all that.”

The large quantity of Awws was deafening. As he stood up, he noticed the eyes of a little girl, about the same size as Spike gazing up at him, “Aren’tcha stayin’ fer Brunch?”

He frowned, “I’m sorry but…”

His expression faltered more as she began to pout, “I have to… Get Ready… Nightmare Moon is…”

The Elderly woman known as Granny Smith stepped up to them, smiling, “This handsome young man has some very important things to do Apple Bloom…”

Her gaze shifted from the little girl to Dusk, “But a Canterlot Gentleman would never disappoint a little girl, right?”

Dusk Shine shuffled nervously, “I… Uh…”

He sighed, defeated, “I’ll stay for Brunch…”

The ground shook once more as he was quickly crowded as the guys shouted, ‘Yee Haw!’

“Do you know the Princess?”

“How old are you?”

“May I touch your Cutiemark?”

Applejack chuckled softly as Applebloom walked over to him, “Big sis!”

Applejack looked down at her as she continued, “Your boyfriend is really cool.”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“....”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“...”

“Yeah, it was nice for ya to bring him along.”

Applejack shouted, “He ain’t mah boyfriend!”

Granny Smith smiled at the responce her comment got, “He sure is a cute one.”

“Granny!”

Much food later~

Spike helped the wobbly Dusk Shine back into town after a long time spent of eating. Dusk groaned loudly as the two stopped so he could catch his breath, “So what’s… The next… Thing?”

Spike pulled out the list once more as Dusk hobbled over to a barrel, “Let’s see... Looks like the weather.”

Dusk stated bluntly, “Goodie… I think I’m gonna puke…”

Spike quipped, trailing off, “I’m honestly impressed you were able to eat so much.”

“The food was delicious! I hope we can stop by again some time and see if they have more… As a Dragon, I can eat a lot more then someone like you.”

Spike’s parade was halted by the sound of his brother retching into a nearby barrel, “Uhh… Bro?”

It didn’t take long for Dusk to empty his stomach's contents and the two continued on their way, albeit Spike was a bit grossed out, “Anyway… The girl who is in charge is named Rainbow Dash.”

Dusk looked up at the sky and snorted, “Well, it seems someone is slacking off.”

“How are we expected to watch the sunrise with all these clouds in the sk-”

It was this time that Dusk was cut off as a large blue streak collided with him, taking him to the ground before Spike could even comment on the situation. When he turned around, he spotted a girl pinning Dusk’s head to the ground with her rear as he flailed futily to get up. The girl was sporting a light blue tank top, barely covering her bandaged chest and the wings on her back, giving her a very slim figure, right down to her tight grey shorts. She flipped her prismatic hair out of her eyes as she pulled up her goggles, “Ugh... My head.”

Dusk tried to shout, ‘Get off me,’ but it was muffled by the girl’s rump. She gasped as she got off him anyway, but not to let him up exactly. Instead, she was kicking him, “What in Celestia’s name were you doing down there!?”

She huffed as she turned away from her handiwork, an injured Dusk Shine as he lay on the ground, covering his face and possibly broken nose, “What are ya, one of those pervs in my fan club? Just stay down…”

The unicorn coughed as he sat up, “I’m afraid you are… Mistaken… We’re from canterlot and-”

The strange girl pulled a 180 as she noted, “Canterlot?”

She picked him up by his lapel, showing a surprising amount of strength for a pegasus, “Yo egghead, you said you’re from Canterlot right?”

“Egghead?”

She gave him a straight face and dropped him, as if ignoring what he just said and continued with her train of thought, plowing through his, “You ever see them? Have you ever met Spitfire?” 

His response caught her off guard, making her frown, “The Captain of the Wonderbolts, who else?”

“The Wonderbolts?”

She facepalmed for a moment before stating, “You live in Canterlot, and have never even heard of them… By Celestia, what kind of Egghead are you?”

With a clenched fist and great fervor, she struck a dramatic pose, “Come on, they are THE Wonderbolts, the most talented acrobats in all of Equestria!”

With a chuckle, she stated matter of factly, “They are going to be performing tomorrow during the Celebration, and I’m going to be there to show them all of my best moves. They’ll be so impressed, they will have no choice but to allow the GREAT Rainbow Dash to join them.”

Dusk questioned, “So… You’re Rainbow Dash?”

She posed nce again, “The one and only! Captain of the Weather teams and fastest flier in Equestria.”

Dusk deadpanned, much to Spike’s dismay, “And a slacker…”

Rainbow blinked in surprise, taking in his words for a moment before asking, “What did you say, punk?”

Dusk smirked, “Well, the sky is a mess, and here you are, stunt flying all day.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled as she looked up at the skies above the town and said, “Oh, is that all? I can clear this in ten seconds flat all my myself.”

“Prove it.”

That was all the challenge she needed. Pulling her goggles over her eyes once more, she concentrated, summoning her impressive wingspan before taking to the sky. Rushing hither and thither, she busted clouds as if they were never there in the first place.

“She’s good…”

“Come on, she’s amazing!”

True to her word, the sky was indeed clear, “What did I say? Ten. Seconds. Flat.”

She flew upside down and past them, showing off. Unbeknownst to Dusk, she had deposited a small cloud above him, “And as a bonus…”

With a snap of her fingers, the cloud started to rain on Dusk Shine a few moments before dispersing. This sudden ‘storm’ made Spike back away slowly, “That should help you get rid of the shame and humiliation.”

Dusk frowned as he examined his now wet exterior, “Buck me…”

“And as an apology for kicking you in the face a bit ago, how about I blow dry your hair… TORNADO STYLE!”

And with that, she was off, spiraling around a startled Dusk Shine in a tight, quick circle, erupting a small tornado around him. Just as fast as she had started, she ended, leaving Dusk dazed and confused. Spike and Rainbow exchanged glances before bursting into laughter, “What?”

“Your hair!”

That was all Spike was able to blurt out in his fit, leaving Dusk to examine his reflection in a pool of water. His hair had poofed out, giving him a hairstyle similar to that of of a certain warrior of comedy.

Spike laughed, “You look like circus clown.”

No, not that warrior.

“More like Neighpoleon dynamite!”

That one!

Dusk sighed as he looked away. It took a little time, but the two eventually stopped laughing. Rainbow smiled as she stood up, approaching him, “Ya know what Egghead, you’re pretty funny.”

Dusk Shine sighed, rolling his eyes, “It’s Dusk Shine. My name is Dusk Shine.”

She smiled with a wink as she adjusted her goggles with her left hand, revealing her Cutie Mark, “Well ‘Mister Dusk Shine’, you don’t seem like that bad of a guy. If we were to hang out, I bet some of my coolness might even rub off on you.”

Dusk glared daggers at her, “Never…”

She chuckled softly as she took to the sky once more, “Anyway, catch you later little dragon dude… and the eggheaded Dusk Shine.”

Spike smiled, “She seems pretty cool.”

“More like annoying.”

Dusk stomped off, perturbed, “Come on… We don’t have time for any more distractions. Let’s just hope we don’t run into any more crazy girls.”

Their next stop lead them to the Town Hall. Looking around, Spike commented, “Decorations… Beautiful.”

Dusk nodded in agreement, “Yeah, the decorations look like they are coming along nicely. At this rate, we’ll be at the library in no time.”

Spike reached up to turn Dusk’s head, “No, not the decor, her!”

Dusk saw her, the fair complexioned girl with wavy indigo hair and a small star under her right left. By the white gem on her forehead, he could tell she was a Unicorn, and the gems on her left hand suggested that she has an eye for fashion and beauty. That made sense why she’d be here decorating, but why was-

“Spike? Are you crushing?”

Spike smiled with glee, “She’s the most beautiful girl I have ever seen! Come on dusk, you just have to be my wingman here. I’ll do the dishes for a year, i’ll even throw in making my bed for the rest of my life.”

Dusk scoffed, “You already do those…”

Spike then went too far, “Then I won’t tell your mom where you keep your ‘Special Magazines’.”

Dusk rubbed his temples, “Then it was your fault that mom wouldn’t even look me in the eye for a whole week and dad giving me the birds and the bees talk, wasn’t it?”

Spike smiled, emboldened, “Do it, or I’ll tell everyone about how you still sleep with that stupid doll.”

Dusk snapped, “Leave Miss Smartypants out of this!”

Spike gave him the puppy-dog eyes, “Come on big bro, i’m desperate.”

“I can see that…”

He sighed as he walked off, “Fine, i’ll try to help, just chill your hormones why don’t ya, you’re pants can’t handle it.”

Spike gasped as Dusk approached the girl, “Good Afternoon Miss.”

“My name is Dusk Shine, and i’d like to introduce you to my good friend Sp-”

“MOTHER OF CELESTIA!”

The girl somehow paled upon laying eyes on him, “What in the world is that thing?”

Dusk frowned, “His name is Spike.”

Spike chimed in, “Hey!”

She shook her head, “No, I mean your hair.”

Dusk and Spike shared a glance, “Hair?”

Dusk looked back at her and shrugged, “I was just going to fix it back home.”

The girl stomped a foot, startling them both, “Heavens no!”

“Well, we were just about to leave…”

The girl stepped off the stage and started to shove him towards the door, “I simply cannot allow someone to walk around looking like that, my principles would never allow it!”

She shot him a death glare, “And I won’t take no for an answer.”

He gulped, “Yes ma’am!”

Within moments, she had dragged him over to a place known a the Carousel Boutique and sat down in a chair, “Now relax Darling… This won’t take long.”

Shortly thereafter, Dusk protested, his hair full of suds and a silk cape covering his body, “Uhhh… Miss Rarity, I don’t want to be a bother.”

She waved away what he was going to say as Spike helped her decide on a hairspray, “Nonsense Darling, it’s the least I can do. But really, I simply must know the name of the ruffian that caused this tragedy.”

Dusk sighed, “It was a multi colored pegasus…”

“Rainbow Dash!”

Dusk raised an eyebrow at her, “Friend of yours?”

Rarity chuckled as she resumed her work with Dusk’s hair, “I would hardly call her a friend. I don’t have much of a reason to be friends with such an unrefined girl such as her.”

With a flourish, she exclaimed, “There, all done.”

She positioned the chair towards the mirror so that Dusk could see her handy-work. He was certainly surprised, “Rarity, you have a talent…”

She didn’t catch the disdain in his voice as she stated, “It suits you magnificently. It’s almost as if you’ve been born with it.”

The hair in question was straight, on a cross and arrow even… He looked like a girl… The only thing that kept him from exploding was how uncanny it looked to Twilight’s. Instead, he calmly stated, “I know I may look a little girly, but you do know i’m a guy, right?”

She frowned, “Oh!”

She chuckled softly and said, “Of course I know that, I just thought that the style would suit you. You wanted to try something new didn’t you?”

He shook his head, hilariously enough it made his hair almost like new, as it was before he had never had it messed with in the first place, “No? My deepest apologies…”

She perked up at a certain thought, “Oh, pardon me, but I don’t recall hearing your name.”

He shrugged softly and said, “Call me Dusk Shine.”

Spike chimed in, “And I’m Spike!”

Rarity’s eyes widened as she jumped into his face, “Dusk Shine? THE Dusk Shine? The personal protege of Princess Celestia?”

Dusk gulped, “Uh… Yes?”

“It’s an honor to meet you… Oh!~<3 It’s almost as if you’re a prince.”

If Dusk wasn’t nervous before, he is now. Spike snorted, “Well, i’m his brother, so wouldn’t that make me a prince?”

Rarity looked down at the dragon and asked, “A thousand pardons, but who are you?”

Spike face faulted, “I’m… Spike… I was helping you for like… Two hours.”

He was all but ignored as Rarity turned her attention back to Dusk, “Look at you Dusk, a prince in those tattered robes. Tell me, do you have something to wear for the Summer Sun Celebration.”

He shook his head, finally taking a look at the grey robes that he had been wearing today. They were torn in a few places, no doubt due to Rainbow’s stunt. He couldn’t possibly go in these like he had planned, “I… Guess not.”

Rarity smiled, “Allow me to rectify that, free of charge.”

That was certainly generous of her… Dusk simply watched as she went off to gather  what he assumed would be stuff to repair his robes, but to his surprise, she wasn’t planning on that. She came back and took his measurements and said in a sultry tone, “This will only take a bit… I do have talent for fashion after all.”

She sighed softly, “Anyway Dusk, you wouldn’t happen to have a girlfriend, would you?”

He gulped, “Actually…”

‘Besides the Princess and my babysitter, the only girl I really talked to was miss Heartstrings…’

Rarity scoffed as she began to weave fabrics together on a mannequin with her magic, “Really? A handsome young man like yourself should know about a thousand girls in Canterlot.”

“You know mister Shine, I’ve always believed in Destiny and what it has prepared for me. Oh, ever since I was a little girl, I always knew that I would meet my sweet prince one day. Then he and I would be bound together by the red string of Destiny. Our love would even outshine Celestia’s sun!”

Dusk and Spike sweatdropped, ‘Would you like some cheese with that ham?’

Rarity sighed as she finished his new Purple robes and boots. Handing them to him, she stated, “And one day, we’d have our happy ending… Together for all eternity...”

Dusk quickly changed into his new outfit. He muttered to himself, “Not bad… It fits perfectly.”

As he exited the changing room Rarity asked, “Mr Shine, do you believe in Destiny?”

Oh no! Time to go. Dusk grabbed Spike and rushed out the door before Rarity could see them, “Darling?”

After some running, Dusk sighed, “Looks like she’s not following us.”

“The last thing I need is some crazy fan girl chasing me in a wedding dress.”

Spike frowned, “Hey big bro…”

He growled, “You ruined my first impression you jerk!”

The lavender haired human shot him a look, “That crazy girl could have kidnapped us, and you’re focused on you your first impression?”

He scoffed as he continued, “I don’t have time to help you with that psycho. Besides, I don’t see what the big deal is about having a girlfriend…”

He rolled his eyes at the thought, “Love has the potential to make anyone stupid and oblivious…”

Spike smiled, “Well, I guess a guy as smart as you would never fall for that sort of thing, right?”

Dusk paused, startling Spike, “Big bro?”

“Now, follow me, please.”

As if on cue, he was assaulted by many thoughts, ‘Such a nice figure… Such a beautiful melody comes from her gorgeous, delicate mouth… Her silk-like pink hair and velvety yellow feathers fill my eyes with grace… Such Kindness… Such a beautiful smile…’

Spike folded his arms and smirked, “Uh… Big bro? You still there? You started staring about five minutes ago…”

After a moment's pause, he added, “And you’re drooling!”

Dusk snapped out of his trance and shouted at the dragon, “That’s not true!”

Spike sighed, “It is, just look! You even startled this poor girl to the point that she started to cry.”

And indeed, she was… Oh how much it pained him to see her weep. He had to say something, anything… He was in such a rush to console her, that it came out a bit odd, “I-I’mnotapervertorstalker.What's Your Name.I'm Dusk Shine”

She muttered, “Uh… I’m Fluttershy…”

He chuckled warmly, “I’m sorry, what was that?”

The yellow clad pegasus backed away slightly, hiding her face behind her hair, “I’m Fluttershy…”

Dusk tried again, “I didn’t quite catch that.”

By now, she shied away, “I’m Fluttershy”

Spike sighed, “She said her name is Fluttershy. She’s the last one on the list!”

When Fluttershy caught sight of Spike, she bowled over Dusk and gasped, “A Baby dragon!”

She rushed over to Spike and pulled him into a big hug, “Oh! You are just so cute! I’ve never seen a dragon in person before… Especially one like this.”

Dusk rubbed his head as he slowly got up, surveying the scene as Fluttershy let him down, “And what is this little angel’s name?”

Spike smiled as he stated proudly, “Hi! My name is Spike.”

Fluttershy gave the dragon a boop on the nose and said, “Hi there Spike, i’m Fluttershy. Oh, you must have quite the story to tell, living amongst ponies instead of your own kind.”

Spike gave Dusk a sly grin as he stated, “Well, well, well, it looks like somebody is interested in little ol’ me…”

Dusk sighed as Fluttershy asked, “Can you tell me about yourself?”

“What would you like to know?”

She beamed, “Everything!”

It was then that he knew exactly how Spike felt just a little bit ago with Rarity. What made it worse was that Spike was enjoying every minute of it. The look that Spike gave him meant one thing… He was never going to be able to speak with Fluttershy.

“Well… It all started when I was a purple and green egg.”

What happened next was the worst three hours of Dusk Shine’s life… So far anyway. Spike left out no detail about himself and all of Dusk’s Personal stuff. From braces, to Smartypants, he told it all... Dusk was fuming by the time they had reached the library, “And that is everything up till today? Anything else?”

Before Fluttershy could respond, Dusk stated, his words laced with a potent venom, “Sorry Fluttershy, but it is time for Spike’s nap.”

Spike frowned, “What? But I’m not tired?”

Time to get a little sneaky… Dusk’s gem glowed dully as he swiped his finger gently in Spike’s direction, causing the walking dragon to trip over an invisible stone, “Oww…”

Dusk feigned innocence as he gasped, “Aww… It looks like you are so tired, you can’t even keep your wittle balwance.”

Fluttershy was oblivious to his underhanded tactics and gave him a concerned look, “Oh, you poor thing! Even children need their beauty sleep… Okay Mister Dusk Shine, i’ll leave,  just promise you’ll feed Spiky her leafy greens, how else will she get big and strong?”

Dusk gave Spike an evil grin as he rubbed his snout, “Did you just call me a girl?”

Dusk picked up Spike with his magic and carried him in his arms, “Don’t worry, she’ll be well taken care of… And by the way, I’m 17. I'm a little too young to be called Mister just yet. Just call me Dusk.”

While this was true for right now, his birthday was coming up soon. Only a few months away, but he wasn't going to get into technicalities regarding age with someone he just met.

She giggled in response, “Okay Dusk…”

She turned away, revealing her Pegasi tattoo on the opening of her buttercup yellow shirt to him as she sprouted her wing in preparation to take off, but before she did, she glanced back at him and giggled, “You know, it’s pretty funny… We’re the same age.”

She gave him one final wave before taking off, “Take care, and see you soon.”

He sighed happily as he watched her fly off into the distance, “There she goes…”

Spike growled as he struggled out of Dusk’s arms and back to the ground, “Really Dusk?”

Dusk snorted and turned towards the library door, “What?”

He paid Spike’s rage no heed as he opened the door and headed into the pitch black interior, “Anyway, we’re here and in one piece. We got everything done on the list. Now we can get ready for Nightmare Mo-!”

He was startled when bumped into a large object, said object was large, heavy, and surprisingly soft. There was a soft girlish giggle before Dusk illuminated the area with his magic.

“SURPRISE!”

It was that girl from earlier, the one with all the pink. He jumped back in shock, “Wh-who are you, and what are you doing in my house?”

She struck a kawaii pose, stating, “My name is Pinkie Pie, but you can just call me Pinkie!”

He said, straightening himself slightly, “Well that answers that question, but you never said why you were in my house…”

She smiled widely as she pointed into the dark corners of the room, “Well, seeing as you are new in town, I just had to throw you a... “

The rest of the room lit up, revealing a large group of people, party supplies, and food lines up everywhere, “Welcome to Ponyville-”

“Party!”

She giggled happily as she took him by the arm and lead him over to the snack area, blathering on about something… He was lost, and this was his own house, “I was just walking down the street, going about my day, wondering why all the celebrating was going on and admiring the decorations when I thought, either i’m in some kind of loop of this day or something, because I swear I’ve seen it before. It’s almost like some sort of story when all of a sudden you showed up being all super cute and all that. So I figured, if you are some super cute boy and you decide to talk to me out of the blue, it must be some kind of shipping story, and who doesn’t like a good ship? Did I mention that I found you cute? If that’s the case, and I was the first person you talked to, I must be one of the female leads, even more exciting than that, I must be the one to have you in the end.”

He had zoned out quite a bit ago as he took a random bottle off the table and started to drink it. Had his mouth not started to tingle, he might have actually asked what she meant by have him in the end… That was all too creepy.

“Oh yeah, and Dusky?”

He stopped, “Yes?”

“You are drinking hot sauce.”

That was when the tingling sensation hit him all at once. His mouth was burning!

“WATER! WATER!”

Spike went over to the bottle that Dusk had dropped when he had rushed off to find something to tame the flames. He took a sniff of it before saying, “Not bad…”

“Yummy ^.^”

She giggled once more before saying, “One scene later!”

Spike looked up at her inquisitively, saying, “What?”

She winked at him before walking off, leaving Spike to ponder what the buck she just said.

Sadly, scene transitions were not her job, but this place did seem as good as any to see what Dusk was up to. Having found water, he sat alone in what was his room, staring up at the moon and stars, pondering the legend of the Lady in the Moon.

He put a hand on the window as the thought to himself, ‘There just has to be something i’m missing…”

‘I’m supposed to be here on behalf of the Princess, but ever since I’ve arrived, i’ve been hurt, shamed, kidnapped, and nearly poisoned.... Well… Sort of… But. I still can't help but wonder… What was she thinking? I’ve been her apprentice for as long as I can remember, and yet I still can’t imagine what she has planned for me.’

He sighed as Spike entered the room, “Hey Dusk, guess what, they put this awesome diving board on the-”

He was caught off guard when Pinkie stormed into the room, “Out of the way Spike, Love interest coming through!”

Dusk sighed, “Can’t I think about my assignment in peace… Buck my life…”

Pinkie smiled as she was about to pull him into another hug, “Come on Dusk, live a li-”

“NO!”

He shouted, nearly knocking her over with his voice alone, “I don’t want a hug.”

Spike frowned, now it was his turn to be concerned, “Dusk… There is still plenty of time before the ceremony, why don’t we just head back down to the party.”

Dusk shook his head, “I can’t Spike. There is still so much left to think about… Honestly, this is all just a giant waste of time.”

“A Giant… Waste… Of time?”

The room went silent as Pinkie clenched her fists, popping audibly. In the time Dusk could blink, he was hoisted to his feet by Pinkie, who he had assumed was by the door just a second ago. That bubbly personality she had a bit ago… It was as flat as a soda in the hot summer sun, “How can you say it’s a waste to time? Don’t you know how much fun they can be? How much they can mean to people that don’t have time? Imagine everyone down there partying, if they were to all die tomorrow, do you think they’d want to go out sad and alone? BUCK NO THEY DON’T. Some people live life to the fullest because they know that they are one disaster away from Tartarus and Elysium… Is there something wrong with having fun. What have you done, huh? From what i’ve gathered, you don’t look like you’ve had any at all!”

Dusk scowled, “Fun! How can I have fun? Do you honestly think I came here because I wanted to? I came here to find out about the return of Nightmare Moon and stop it! Ya know that disaster you just talked about, it’s somebody's job to keep it from happening if it can be helped, and by Faust I will help. I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR FUN! I have more important things to do right now, so Pinkie… Can you please just leave me al-”

The girl grabbed Dusk Shine and pulled him into a big hug, and when I say big… I mean it. He was almost suffocated by her large strawberry scented bosom. He was surprised he didn’t notice it before, but then again, the most he could remember about her before all of this was her freak out at the sight of him… And he was ignoring her at the party to notice so… Yeah…

“Ya know what silly, you just don’t have any friends to help you yet...  Who knows, it could be fun. So… Why don’t we start over. That way, we can be friends!”

He struggled to break free from her strawberry scented grip, panting, “Friends? Why… What was that!”

She giggled happily, her bubbly personality had returned in full force, “A Hug silly, my grandma once told me they can get rid of any kind of anger. Now that you’re happy, we can go play together.”

Dusk was dumbfounded by her logic, but he had no room to argue, not when she was dragging him out of the house to see the attractions… Sadly, their ‘fun’ was short lived as the bell in town hall rang, signaling everyone to go there for the Summer Sun Celebration that was about to begin, “Aww… Oh well, looks like we have to do this another time Dusky ~<3”

He had no idea where that heart came from, but he didn’t have time to question it, they had places to be, and fates to face. He was out of time…

When they arrive, they saw many familiar faces, like Applejack and her little Sister, Applebloom. Dusk rubbed his head as he remembered their meeting… They next saw Rarity. He shivered, another nightmare…

“Ten bits says that Rarity and I hookup tonight.”

Keep dreaming… Rainbow Dash was chilling up on a balcony, looking bored. Pinkie was bouncing up and down beside him, spouting off a lot of words that he tried to tune out, ‘Stay calm Dusk… Even in the face of Death, I must not blink, my resolve must be like steel, my attention- oh look Fluttershy is conducting her birds… Aww… I wish I was one of those birds.’

That was when Mayor took the stage, escorted by a gaggle of Royal Guards. He had hoped that Celestia would at least have his brother be present as back up, but it looked like he would have to face this alone… With Spike… And Pinkie… Somehow…

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you this day, to introduce our guest… The ruler and protector of our fine homeland… Introducing, Princess Celestia!”

She gave the signal for the curtains to be opened as an applause. To everyone’s surprise, it was found to be empty, save for a large black spell circle that had formed in their place.

“Greeting subjects… Looking for somepony?”

Out of the circle came a black glob of some icky tar substance, which quickly took the form of a tall woman. Her bright silver armor and fancy clothes accentuated her features. The most odd features were the large black, almost bat like wings she had sprouting from her back, and the inky black hair that floated in a non existent breeze. Upon looking closer, he also noticed what appeared to be a black gem on her forehead… There was no doubt about it, she was an Alicorn, and she looked terrifying. Her complexion appeared dark, even in the light, though Dusk knew better, at most, she was actually a darker olive, though her wild hair and an air of dark magics made her appear different to the untrained eye.

She grinned widely as Pinkie gasped, “You’re not the Princess!”

“Oh my precious subjects… Rejoice! For your true ruler has returned.”

A mixed bag of emotions were thrown around the room… Some panicked, others were scared witless, some were brave, others were frozen in their spot. Dusk growled softly to himself as he clenched his fist, his eyes flickering brightly for a moment before going dim. Something about her made his blood boil.

The Mayor frowned as she shouted, “What have you done with our Princess?”

The dark Woman shot her an icy glare, “Does my crown no longer count in Equestria after so long? Am I not worthy of thine… Devotion?”

The Mayor stammered, “S-seize her!”

At the Mayor’s command, the guards sprouted wings and took fight to take on the mystery woman. They didn’t stand a chance… With the snap of her fingers, they were all knocked out of the sky with bolts of lightning out of the ether. She chuckled softly to herself as a few ponies rushed to the fallen guards. They were alive, for now, “Do you really want to know what we have done with thy fair princess?”

“She surrendered to me without hesitation.”

She folded her arms and smiled, “She was lucky, like those guards… We were merciful. She has become nothing more than a bauble, a trinket to be worn… Her power is now mine to command.”

As if to prove a point, she held out a bright sun pendant around her neck. Inside, Dusk could feel a powerful and familiar presence… Celestia was indeed in there! The woman stepped forward, eyeing the fallen guards, “Mayhaps I was not merciful enough… They could make good sustenance. Tis been a thousand years since I had a good meal… They could become a part of me. Surely they could use a higher purpose then guarding doors.”

Did she plan on eating them or something… Drain their magic? He didn’t know, but he knew he had to stop her. As she approached them, he dark hair seemed to snake towards towards them, licking at their armored feet. Dusk was about to step in, but a blue blur halted him. It stomped down on the ‘snakes’ at incredible speed. It was Rainbow Dash who stepped into the fray, her angry gaze not wavering from the Woman, “Listen lady, I don’t know where you came from, but around here, we don’t eat other humans.”

She laughed, “Oh… Such a childish statement. You obviously do not understand who you are talking to, but I will make do… I am a Queen that listens to her subjects. Tell me young one, what can your Queen do for you?”

Rainbow chuckled as she took an offensive stance, “Well your 'highness'…”

She took a blinding lunge towards her, Dusk barely was able to keep up, “Why don’t you just turn around, bend over, and stick your own head right back up your ass where you came from.”

The woman chuckled softly as she merely sidestepped Rainbow’s attack, “Oh, how vulgar. Child, do you think you can hurt me?”

Rainbow stopped and punched again and again, and again, but the Woman continued to dodge her, until…

-Smack-

Rainbow’s fists were both caught by one hand in speed that no one could even see. She gasped, “H-how?”

The Woman laughed, “You call those punches? Let me show you the punch of a goddess…”

Fluttershy gasped, “Rainbow, no!”


Fist of the Enders

Twilight Vanguard


The next thing she knew was the feeling of getting bucked in the gut mid flight… She flew backwards and would have nearly collided with the wall had she not been caught by the heroic looking Dusk Shine, who had short range teleported into her path to stop her. Dusk landed on the ground safely and handed her off to Fluttershy, “Keep an eye on her…”

Dusk Shine stepped forward, his fists clenched and ready for action as he approached the mysterious Woman.

“Impressive. You managed to use a level twenty shield spell  in a fraction of a second… You must be a powerful mage to save that girl, otherwise, she’d be all over the walls right now. You have my respect…”

Dusk frowned, “Don’t patronize me. I know who you are.”

He pointed at her accusingly, “You are the Lady in the Moon, Nightmare Moon!”

Nightmare Moon chuckled softly, “Ah, so we have not been forgotten… Then you know why we are here?”

There was clamor behind them as Rainbow started to rouse… She was tough. There was much debate going on on whether or not this was true, whether this was really happening to them, or if this was all some nasty prank.

She smiled widely once more, “Relax my subjects, and rejoice, for the sun has fallen and the Night shall last forever. Bear witness the the dawn of a new age, the age of the Dark.”

Before Dusk Shine could react, he was coiled up in Nightmare Moon’s hair. He struggled and squirmed in her grip as she pulled him close, “You are a noble Unicorn… Would you kindly grant us the honor of hearing your name.”

Dusk Shine put on a brave face… He had to. He looked her in the eye and stated proudly, “My name is Dusk Shine, Princess Celestia most trusted Student. I swear… You will not get away with this Nightmare!”

She smiled, “So you are Princess Celestia’s prized pupil… Well Dusk… As you know, in the end… Anything that belongs to Celestia…”

She leaned in closer, her gaze unflinching nearly breaking his resolve, “Will be mine…”

She stopped mere centimeters away from his lips. Instead, she rose up and placed a kiss on his gem, eliciting a loud gasp from everyone, none more so than rarity… Such is a gesture that is reserved for… Intimate moments between Unicorn Lovers.

She chuckled as she let him go. She then started to fade out into the darkness, “If you survive this Dusk Shine, know that even you, her prized pupil, will belong to me!”

He stood there momentarily, long after she had gone. Then suddenly, he fell backward, hitting the ground with a loud thud… His heart just stopped and he was pitching a tent.
> Like a bad dream pt1.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My first encounter with the Nightmare left me unconscious and near death, where I had another dream, much like those that came before it, and like those dreams, I had learned much. I still had much to learn however.

The sun glared brightly overhead. Long may it shine this glorious morning, or what one would assume was a good morning. It was the day of the Summer Sun Celebration and the event was in full swing. Nothing got the blood pumping faster than an intense show of skill between two fencers dressed in a traditional white garb, head and faces obscured by wire mesh helms. The two battled in the center of town, drawing a large crowd.

They stood at an almost even height, one male and one female. Their stances seemed normal, that much the confused Dusk could tell at first glance, but as he inspected closer, both at them and the crowd, something seemed off. He wasn’t sure if it was the nervous shifting of the crowd or the small shower of sparks the Fencer’s sabers made when they clashed. 

For a time, he simply stood there and watched them. Hoping to find meaning in this dream, as it certainly wasn’t like his usual dreams of study and reflection. No, this was another vision, he was sure of it! But… Where was Twilight in all of this? She was in almost every one that he has had ever since they started about a year ago, so where could she be now? He didn’t have to wait for much longer as he noted the subtle glow of  raspberry and rose shone through the mesh of the Fencer’s helms.

Dusk raised a brow in curiosity, Twilight was competing? The thought that she’d partake in such activities when she was royalty was a little baffling. That is, unless it was a demonstration, a way of building morale. It would be rational for a show to be put on when spirits are down. It was a guess, but it was all he could really think of. Though… Who would be crazy enough to step into the ring with an Ali-

-Clang-

And that was it. His new thoughts made him miss the end of the match. Twilight has apparently knocked away his opponent’s sword and held hers to his throat for a brief moment before lowering it.  The surprises didn’t end however, as a few cheers rang out from the crowd, Twilight’s opponent removed his helmet, revealing a familiar face. It was that of his brother, Shining Armor, the blue hair and the dopey grin on his face only confirmed Dusk’s suspicions. He extended a hand towards Twilight, stating, “Thanks for the good fight Twily. A little exhibition was a great idea to kick of the festivities.”

And the surprises kept coming when Twilight remained silent, waving a hand dismissively before walking away, possibly heading for a changing tent.

‘What happened to her?’ He pondered.

Curious, he followed her to the tent, but didn’t step inside. He wasn’t THAT curious… Or maybe he was, as he soon found himself peeking inside the tent as she sat in an unoccupied chair, resting her saber beside her. Sighing, she removed her helmet, revealing her long blue hair, the pink and violet strands getting lost as it hung low over her features. She looked, forlorn, pale even. The sight gave Dusk enough worry to rush to her side and as once again, ‘What happened?’

His words fell on deaf ears however, as she didn’t even notice him. He facepalmed, of course she wouldn’t… How silly of him to even consider the idea she would. He was about to comment further, when a solemn voice called out, “Twilight?”

He recognized the voice, kneeling towards the door to the tent instinctively as a tall woman stepped inside. Her gold trimmed linen clothes shimmered brightly, even in the lower lighting, her prismatic hair flowing gently behind her, albeit a bit lazier then he remembered. That was when he looked up to see the tired face of his ruler Princess Celestia. Just what had she been up to? She looked just as bad, if not worse than Twilight.

She walked up to Twilight and placed a hand on her shoulder, he smile slowly fading as she spoke, “Twilight. I heard the news.. I am dreadfully sorry about what happened. I only heard about it just after I finished raising the sun for the day.”

Twilight barely seemed to acknowledge her, so she continued, “I’ve set aside some time to help out so you can visit them if you’d like.”

Twilight shook her head, continuing to look down at the floor, not even willing to look at her former mentor, “ The Nightmare, he got away?”

There was that name again. The Nightmare. When did this story take place? Dusk had to know.

Celestia sighed softly, opting to sit on the floor beside Twilight, prompting the young Alicorn to gasp, “Princess! You’ll ruin your dress.”

The Solar Princess grinned, finally getting a proper response out of her,  “Compared to the wellbeing of my former pupil and of Ponyville, a few stains is nothing. I understand that you wish to seek him out and avenge your comrades, but I can do nothing to help you if you don’t tell me what happened.”

Twilight sighed, looking back at the ground, “I had a moment of weakness… The Elements… They were all charged up and ready to use, and I hesitated. Just one look at him and… I couldn’t do it, I didn’t know what they’d do to him, and now everyone I care about is hurt because I couldn’t fight him.”

The Princess pulled Twilight into a hug, surprising the smaller Alicorn, “It’s okay Twilight, they are being helped and should make a full recovery soon.  As for your hesitation, it is perfectly understandable.”

“...”

Celestia continued, “After all, using the Elements do bring unforeseen consequences. One must have an unwavering resolve when using them, lest tragedy str-”

Dusk blinked as Celestia’s voice seemed to grow more distant, he had to will himself closer just to hear her Twilight’s response, “That was what happened with-  _  - wasn’t it?”

Celestia nodded, “Indeed… And you using them on Nightmare Moon was an entirely different sit-  _  - You didn’t know her like I did, so you had no reason to hold an- _ -”

Getting further. It was getting too difficult to make out words now, the world around him began to fade to white...


Dusk Shine’s eyes creaked open, the familiar bright lighting of his new Home flooded his eyes. His head hurt, terribly, his vision blurred. What happened to him? As he turned his head, a pale blue blob filled his vision, but for a brief moment, it appeared to have a patch of cream color here and there.. As he blinked to try to filter his perception, a magenta flash blinded him momentarily. One he regained his sight, he reached out towards the figure, his hand brushed against something purple and vibrant that seems to have replaced the figure, but as fast as the figure had appeared, it vanished leaving Dusk alone with his thoughts.

“Hey, guys! He’s awake!”

A voice… It was Spike’s, that much he could be sure. The pitter-patter of scaled feet filled his ears as he tried his best to sit up, “Sp-spike? We need… A book…”

“A book? You wake up after having your life nearly stolen from you and you want a book!?”

His alarm and disbelief was understandable, but the serious expression on his face clued Spike in that he was more than serious, “I had another vision, at least, I think it was another one… Twilight. She mentioned something known as the Elements of Harmony.”

Spike rubbed his chin with a scaly claw a moment, trying to remember where he heard the name before, “Elements… Didn’t you mention that in one of your readings the other day?”

Dusk nodded slowly, his senses finally returning to him, “I did… I think. She said they were used to defeat Nightmare Mo-”

His sentence was cut off when he felt a sudden pressure on his gut. It was the fuming pegasus, Rainbow Dash, nearly threatening to plow him into the ground with the force of her crashing into him. Her scowl told Spike she meant business, so she backed away slowly, “I’m just going to… Leave you two alone!”

He took off running as two’s eyes met. Paleing, Dusk asked, “Can you get off me, please?”

Rainbow Dash huffed, crossing her arms over her nearly flat chest, “Nope…”

Pointing a finger at him sharply, she shouted, “Alright egghead! I have a few questions, and you better have the answers I’m looking for… What are the Elements of Harmony, and what do they have to do with Nightmare Moon? How do you know so much about her anyway.”

Huffing, she stated bluntly, “It can’t be a coincidence that you show up the same day she does. What are you, some kind of Spy?”

Dusk couldn’t help but gulp. This was going to be a long night, wasn’t it?

To his relief, Applejack cut in, gently moving the pegasus off of him, “Simmer down sally. Ah reckon he’ll explain soon enough.”

Dusk Shine sighed with relief as he stood up, watching the others filing in behind her. Fluttershy spoke up timidly, as if finding it hard to spit out what she had to say, “He did save you Dash…”

It appeared that Rainbow Dash heard her, crossing her arms as she turned away, huffing, “I don’t remember that happening at all!”

Dusk was caught off guard once again as the Unicorn rushed up to him, smothering him in her warm, suffocating embrace, “Well, he did, so don’t you dare lay a hand on him!”

He flailed wildly, trying to shake her off as she continued, “He was a victim just as much as you were. His purity was disturbed by that horrid monster. I dare not think what would have happened had Fluttershy not stepped in...”

She was certainly glad that an ill fate hadn’t befallen her beloved, but her heart burned with a  fury that Dusk had been bewitched by Nightmare Moon in the first place, forcing Fluttershy to perform CPR on a dying and visibly flustered Dusk Shine. The fact that  she was the only one qualified to save him was the only thing staving off her anger towards her friend, instead aiming it at the dark Alicorn.

Dusk Shine managed to slip away, stepping over to Applejack, who merely adjusted her hat to acknowledge his presence, “Is… She always like this?”

She shrugged, “Ah hardly know her…”

He cleared her throat as he felt all eyes on him, “Anyway… I read all about Nightmare Moon, or at least, all that I could get my hands on in the Canterlot Libraries. It started with a simple prediction, and then grew into a worry that was being confirmed more with each passing day.”

The Unicorn stepped forward, scanning a few books on the book shelf behind the group as he mused, “I read about these mysterious objects known as the Elements of Harmony, powerful artifacts rumored to have stopped Nightmare Moon last time. I do not know what they are, where to find them, or what they even do, but-”

“The Elements of Harmony, A Reference Guide.”

Dusk Shine nearly face-faulted, dropping a book to the floor, “Wh-what! Where did you find that?”

Never before had he spun on his heels this quickly, rushing over to the sound of the excitable young woman known as Pinkie Pie. She merely grinned up at him, holding up the book for him to see, “It was under ‘E’.”

Accepting the book, he started flipping through a few pages, “This is… This is it!”

He grinned widely as he stopped, planting a finger firmly on a piece of text, “According to this, there are six Elements of Harmony in total, however, only five of them seem to have a reference by name…”

The others listened intently as he started naming them off, “Kindness, Generosity, Honesty, Laughter, and Loyalty…”

He continued to flipped through the book a moment before stating, “The last one… It’s a mystery!”

Sighing, he finished, “The last known location of the Elements of Harmony was the Castle of the Royal Sisters. And that Castle is located in what is now known as…”

Everyone paled at his words, shocked, “The Everfree Forest!”

He chuckled softly, closing the book, “Looks like this won’t be easy. Nothing ever is, isn’t it?”

Dusk was nearly taken to the floor as Pinkie jumped on him, shaking the shorter human as she shouted, “Are you loco in the coco?!”

Dusk shine was bewildered by her statement, “Huh?”

His fellow Unicorn grinned nervously as she walked up to him, “I have to agree with Pinkie here, the Everfree Forest is a place filled with strange monsters and dark creatures. It is simply too dangerous.”

Having gathered their courage, Applejack and Rainbow Dash grinned, “Ah believe we have quite the challenge ahead of us.”

“And I’ll never back down from a fight. Count me in!”

The others began to voice their approvals as well.

The sapphire haired human frowned, about to respond when the  some strange black creature swirled around him, snatching the book from his hands and out a window. It was heading for the Everfree. There was stunned silence in the room for a few moments, broken only as Applejack muttered in confusion, “Where the hey did that thing come from?”

Dusk growled softly as he headed for the door, “More importantly, what was that?”

Looking back to them he asked, “Can one of you alert the guard, something tells me that thing wasn’t alone.”

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie nodded in affirmation as he  pulled a decorative rapier off the wall before rushing out the door, chasing after the fleeing figure in the night, determined to find out what it was despite not having any weapons to defend himself, or a plan. Even the smartest of eggheads can forget about something as necessary as a plan.

At the edge of the Everfree, the inky black monster paused, turning to face him. It’s erratic movements gave Dusk shine pause. It twisted and contorted in unnatural positions before lunging at him. The Unicorn raised his blade, likewise lunging forward, thrusting his blade through the beast in defense. It didn’t stop! Instead, it engulfed his sword and arm. His eyes clenching shut as the creature continued forward, mentally preparing himself for an attack that never came. Instead, he felt a comforting feeling as a whisper tickled his ear, “You are tired… Sleep...”

His eyes shot open, looking down at his form, only to be surprised as the strange black mass began to envelop him. The creature had stuck itself to his arms and refused to let go, despite his protests, “H-hey, get off me!”

It continued to creep up him, it was on his neck now. He squirmed and struggled, falling onto his back, wondering just how smart it was to run ahead alone. He tried to concentrate on a spell that would save him but nothing came to mind, nothing he could use that he could use without his hands anyway. His mind was slipping, his eyes sagging as he suddenly became tired.

It was crawling on his face now, threatening to engulf his vision as the soft glimmer from his horn began to fade away, disappearing into the darkness. He was about to give up, cease his struggling and let sleep overcome him, but a voice in the darkness called out to him, urging him to rise.

“Don’t give up!”

He didn’t recognize the voice, at least not at first. Soon more voices cried out.

“Yo Egghead, you really going to lay there and let that thing win?”

“Dusk!”

“Get off of him ya freak show, he’s not a chew toy.”

That was when he saw a light. It wasn’t a bright one, but it was something nonetheless. He reached out for it, struggling once again with a renewed vigor, and to his surprise, he was free! The strange shadow creature screeching as it retreated from his downed form. The Unicorn was relieved as his senses began to return to him, his new friends helping him to his feet, “Thanks…”

Looking back, he saw Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash there behind him, looking like they were ready for a fight. He certainly wasn’t going to stop them. Looking back at the creature, he had noticed something different about it, it appeared more solid and punchable. Even more apparent was the sword sticking out of the creature's chest.

It was a broadsword, about 101. 6 centimeters long. It appeared to be made of a silver, which would be quite odd for a normal blade, but something about the way it shimmered softly as the beast tried desperately to pull it out told him it was far from normal. Within a few brief moments, before the others could even get close, the creature faded away, dispersing into nothing as the sword clattered to the ground.

As the Unicorn reached down to pick up the blade, Rarity noted the gleaming red gem embedded in the blade’s fuller, “That gem...It doesn’t look like any ruby I’ve ever seen before.”

It burned Dusk slightly as he held the blade in his grip, examining it. He would have dropped it, if the pain hadn’t dampened, in fact, it soon became pleasant, familiar even. This blade, he felt like he saw it somewhere… That was right, he saw it one of his dreams. It belonged to Celestia.

Before he could ponder the blade’s sudden appearance, out of the darkness that was the Everfree Forest appeared more of those strange creatures. Applejack shouted, bringing him back to reality, “Heads up Dusk, looks like that thing had some friends.”

He nodded in agreement, taking up the blade in a defensive stance. If they were looking for a fight, they’d get one. Rarity supplied her best defensive magic to keep Applejack safe as she used her great strength to beat back the dark creatures. Meanwhile, Dusk Shine was on the offensive with Rainbow Dash, the pegasus taking to the air and swiftly damaging their foes as they appeared, softening them up for Dusk to land lethal blows with his blade up close, and at long range with his magic.

It would seem that no matter how many creatures they slay, the darkness continued to harass them, bringing forth scores of them at a time. Soon they would be overwhelmed, and Dusk Shine knew it. A fire burned in his chest as he turned towards the advancing creatures and the forest that they called home. He called out to his companions, “Cover me, I have just the spell for this!”

Nodding in understanding, Rainbow dash, Rarity, and Applejack rushed to his side and kept the monsters away as the Unicorn began chanting an incantation. Powerful magics radiated from his gem as he drew a spell circle, one much larger than the one he had used to defend Rainbow dash earlier. It took a minute of concentration and many shadow creatures downed before he was ready to cast his spell, “Ancient light, arise, Velvet Wall!”

And now he showed exactly how he became known as Celestia’s prized pupil, a wall of bright light erected itself, blocking off the entrance to the Everfree and cutting it off from Ponyville, for now. Shortly thereafter, it faded away, casting a subtle velvet colored light on the nearby buildings. As the first guards appeared on the scene, they were shocked as their protection seemed to disappear, but they too soon noticed that the creatures were left banging up against the invisible barrier keeping them in.

With the fighting over, Dusk used his magic to warp the sword away, storing it for future use. Grinning tiredly, he fell to his rump, chuckling as he stated, “My family crafts the best shield spells in Equestria. Get through that one, and you’ll have to deal with my mother…”

Rarity gasped softly, pulling him back to his feet and dusting him off, “Dusk! I know such a spell must have tired you out, but please try to sit on a bench or something. You’ll ruin your new clothes.”

He snorted, “Thanks for your concern…”

Taking a moment to catch his breath, he asked a stunned guard, “Think you can keep the wall up until aid arrives from Canterlot?”

The guard nodded, still speechless as he watched the shadowy creatures attack the invisible wall. These were supposed to be the guards in Ponyville? Well, at least they did show up. It would appear that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy managed to get their aid, and for that Dusk shine was grateful.

He looked back at the ground where the first creature had fallen. In all the commotion, he had forgotten that it was even holding his book. Had it been there this whole time and he just now noticed it? He picked it up, smiling softly as he noticed that there wasn’t a single scratch on it. Good.

They all jumped in surprise as the shield rattled as some of the creatures bounced off it, all except Pinkie, who seemed as cheerful as ever. She walked up to Dusk, tailed by Fluttershy, “Now that that half baked moment of action is over, what are we going to do now?”

They stared at her in silence for a moment as the Unicorn pondered. Just what were they going to do? What was he going to do? He knew it was dangerous to go alone, but it was also more dangerous for the inexperienced to go fight what would be considered by some to be a god. His hands were tied in all cases. He had to make a choice.

Clearing his throat, Dusk Shine said aloud, “I guess it can’t be helped… You.”

He pointed at the guards in their midst, “Stand watch until aid comes. I will need to inspect the shield and make sure nothing else gets through.”

Turning towards the girls, he stated, “I suppose you will need to prepare if you plan on helping me find the Elements. Go home, check on your families and make sure they are safe, then meet back here in an hour.”

Their responses were a mix of excitement and apprehension as they each rushed home to check up on their respective families. Smiling softly, he thought to himself, ‘That should get them out my hair for a while… Now to find those-’

“Umm… Dusk Shine?”

He frowned again, looking over at the timid Fluttershy who had yet to leave. She looked fairly scared, even more than normal, “Yes?”

She pressed her pointer fingers together, shyly, averting her gaze, “I- Um… My Cottage is on the edge of the forest. Do you think it’ll be safe?”

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her, “Of course! I made sure to take the time to cast the wall especially wide.”

She shied away from his touch a little frightened, though the small smile on her face was a sign that she was a little happy about the news at the very least, “That’s good… I wouldn’t want any of my animal friends to get hurt.”

Animals? Right, she was helping those birds learn some song for the celebration, for some odd reason. He wasn’t entirely sure what that was all about, but it was more than obvious she cared about them. Sighing softly, he asked, “Would you mind if I escort you home?”

She nodded slowly, walking in the direction of her home. As they went, Dusk Shine made sure not to get too close as to make her uncomfortable, but close enough that she felt safe from the monsters that stalked them on the other side of the barrier. About half way there, he stated, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For saving my life back there, when Nightmare Moon…... Hexed me.”

She grinned nervously, remember that event, “Oh, it’s no big deal. I enjoy helping others… I’m just a little… Shy.”

He chuckled, nodding, “I can tell. Are you a nurse or something? From what it sounded like, you were the first responder when it came to the injured. That is pretty amazing.”

She tried looking away, rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment, a soft blush appearing on her face. The gnashing of teeth as they bounced off of the barrier forced her gaze back to him, “S-sort of… I’m actually a Veterinarian. I tried regular medical school, but I dropped out… Too nervous around other people.”

“Nervous? That’s a little surprising…”

She shrugged softly, letting her pink hair roll over her shoulder as she nodded, “I got my cutiemark in taking care of animals, so that’s fine enough for me.”

He sighed, butterflies… That made sense. As they walked up to the front door, he asked, “Can I ask you something Fluttershy?”

She paused at her door, turning around to face him, “Ok…”

He gave her the most serious expression he felt she could probably handle and continued, “Are you sure you want to come with us? You don’t seem like the type for this sort of mission. We may not come back from this.”

She frowned, giving him a stern look that he didn’t expect to ever cross her face, “And what is the alternative? Stay here and let my new friends go off on a suicide mission? I could never forgive myself if one of you got hurt out there. No. I want to be there for you- for them!”

He was a bit surprised by her response. So fervent, so resolute. He didn’t expect this from her at all. Chuckling softly, he drew a spell circle in the air. With a wave of his hand, a shield materialized on his arm. In a swift motion, he removed it and held it out to the soft spoken pegasi, “Minor conjuration… If you want to come with us, I want you to use this. It belonged to my brother. It is sure to protect you when you need it.”

It pained him to part with his brother’s first shield, but he knew she'd find better use of it then he would. As she took it, she examined the shield mark emblazoned on the front, curious she looked up to ask him what it meant, but he was gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

“Dusk?”

And now a new pain assaulted him. He just left Fluttershy alone. He left her so he could enter the Everfree alone… He wouldn’t endanger these people he had just met today, as friendly as they were or not. This was his problem. He saw the signs, he was there when Nightmare Moon appeared, and she singled HIM out. This wasn’t their problem. Besides, should something happened to him, Ponyville will need all the hands they can get to survive.

With one flick of his wrist, he banished the shadowy creatures in his path as he went into the Forest. He wasn’t going to let them get in his way. He wasn’t going to let anyone get in his way.

He soon came upon a cliff overlooking a large part of the forest, it gave him a good view of the forest below and the moon still glaring down on the world from above, “I should be here now… The Everfree Forest, here I come.”

He looked over the edge of the cliff, pondering just how he should get down when a sudden whisper sent chills down his spine. It was subtle, barely audible over the sudden cracks heard underfoot, “Fall…”

He tried jumping back as the ground was falling out beneath him, but it was too late, he started sliding down to his doom! He clawed at the earth, trying in vain to regain his footing. As he neared the edge, he hung on, barely clinging to life. His lower body was dangling over, threatening his vary existence, ‘Dang, how could I get this careless… Think Dusk, think lest this place be your grave!’

His grip was failing him as his fingers slowly gave out. If only he had enough strength to hold himself still he could cast a spell and save himself. The edge! It had overtook him in the end, he shouted as he started to fall once more, “Nooo!”

“Gotcha!”

To his surprise, he had stopped falling. He felt a tight pressure on his wrist, no doubt caused by what saved him.

“Well, well… Looks like the cavalry arrived just in time…”

He paled, he recognized that accent, and she didn’t sound too happy, “Applejack?”

She gave him a sly smile as she held him by the hand, similarly holding herself up on the cliff, however, she appeared to have a far easier time of doing so, “Ya’ll are lucky ah’m good at tracking lost farm animals.”

He scowled, “So i’m a pig now?”

She chuckled softly as she strained to pull him up, “Ah’m thinkin somethin’ smaller... Maybe a chicken.”

Dusk would be lying if he said that didn’t make him angry, but he had no room to complain, “C-can you just help me up, please?”

She frowned, struggling again once more, “That’s easier said than done.”

With a grunt, she said, “I doubt this ledge will hold much longer… And if I keep trying to help like this, we’re both gonna end up at the bottom of this here cliff.”

For some reason he didn’t like where this was going. She continued that line of thought, “Staying here isn’t good either…”

He frowned, gritting his teeth, “So? There has to be something we can do.”

She sighed, “Ah’m afraid I only see one way out of this, for both of us. I have to let you go.”

He paled, he knew she had to be going that way. It was the only logical solution after all. He was just holding her down now, “Dang it… How could I have let it come to this… So soon.”

He was about to look down, down to the place that would soon had a large red splatter on it, but a sharp cry from Applejack kept his eyes glued to hers, “Hey, listen to me Dusk…”

“You’re going to be just fine. We’re both gonna be just fine. But… It all comes down to one question.”

He gulped, “What is that?”

Her gaze was resolute, “Do you trust me?”

He blinked in disbelief, what sort of question was that, “What!”

She was unflappable, “All day you’ve been avoiding us, distrustful of us. You left Fluttershy all alone to take on this problem all by yourself, and look what that has gotten you. I want you to stop. I want you to put your faith in someone else's hands for once.”

He frowned as her grip on his wrist began to falter, the ground beneath her starting to creak, “Is that it? You want me to trust you when you are suggesting letting me fall to my death?”

“Did you forget I caught you? My life is at risk here too. It was the moment ah agreed to follow you out here.”

He paused. She was right, as strange as that was.

“Listen, what I’m going to tell you is the absolute truth. We wanted to help you because you were the only one that seemed to know what was going on. We wanted to help you, we trusted you, and now it is time for you to trust us to be there when you need us.”

He panicked as he heard the ground start to give way beneath her, sliding the both of them further to over the brink, “But I left Fluttershy alone, I left all of you behind and went ahead alone.”

“And that is fine. No friendship is without their troubles, and ours is no different, as new as ours is… We’re out of time, Dusk, what will you do?”

He closed his eyes, clenching them tightly as they slid forward yet another inch, “I… I trust you!”

She chuckled softly, “Good to hear Sugarcube… Now don’t struggle.”

“Huh?”

That was when he felt the grip on his wrist loosened, letting him slip through. There was a moment of clarity as he fell, a certain peace that washed over him. He fell and fell, and fell some more. He fell so much he wondered just how high up he really was. That was when he opened his eyes. To his surprise, he was in the arms of an angel, flitting gently to the ground below. Actually, it was just Fluttershy, who had quite the blush on her face, “Umm… Hi… You okay?”

He smiled, sighing in relief, “I am now… Thank you! But what about-”

Dusk looked back at the cliff just in time to see it crumble, finally giving way and dropping the earth human off the edge, “Whoa doggy!”

He gasped, shouting dramatically as he closed his eyes, not able to look at the frightening scene before them, “Applejack!”