17 - The Darkness

With Dash sleeping silently in my arms, I returned to the group, fearing for Rarity. Well, y'know what they say...hell hath no fury like a mare scorned... The crowd began to cheer until I held a hoof to my mouth, motioning for them to be silent. Light applause still continued, calming as the ocean waves, as I laid the jealous lover to rest. Dash...Rarity...damn, I just wish there was someone else who'd make them both go aw – Before I could finish, I was mentally slapped across the face by a warning hoof.

You can't leave her, she likes you! And if you don't go to Dashie, then who've you got?

I just wish someone would be grateful, Starlow, instead of just begging and getting nowhere... Anyway, isn't the Parasprite meant to be the focus here?

Yeah...but...their feelings should come first, don't you think?

Putting two mares before the whole of Equestria...and beyond? I don't think so. We'd better move.

But aren't we lacking enough musical talent?

Nah, of course not! Anyway, what happened to the rest of the bronies dropping in to help? Wasn't something about that mentioned?

I'm not sure... I could feel Starlow's fear. I don't even know if they're out there...

I'm beginning to doubt that, too. Maybe the princesses could give us hints?

Yeah, go and try that. The crowd had returned to their tents, beginning to sleep. Even Princess Celestia had retired to her large tent. Luna, however, still remained, to watch over her precious night.

"Princess Luna?" I called, feeling doubtful of the future.

"Game Changer...I sense darkness near us." Luna looked serious, as ever.

"What do you mean, Princess?"

"I feel discord and jealousy in the air..." I nodded to her. "However, I also sense great power. Not within your loved one, or even the one you consider turning your affections to."

"Yeah?..."

"Not within your fellow heroes, either. Their power is far away, perhaps in the direction of our quest..."

"No way...you're telling me that Discord's captured them?"

"It is a possibility. But before your mind strays to those out of your circle of influence, please think on this. Consider your true feelings for the two mares right now. Are you certain that what you feel is true? I must ensure we are in no danger tonight, and with that I must leave. I wish you luck." I nodded confidently, thinking of what Luna had just said. Rubbing my eyes, I realised I was tired. I stumbled into Rarity's tent doubtfully as my wind whirred with thoughts. Doesn't she look a little...desperate? Yeah, she loves me, but...perhaps I don't want everything she's got to offer me? And isn't Dash just burning with jealousy too? That's not a nice trait if it's directed at another single stallion...Which way do I go?

A pretty blue pegasus watched on, her honey-yellow mane clouding her view.