“This is odd I wonder how I should act.” asked a young stallion to no pony in particular. The rising sun hitting his tan coat and crimson mane, “Should I be dramatic about it?” He continued to pace outside a house with anxiety clear on his face. “Maybe I should be nonchalant about it ‘hey I'm back did you miss me?’ Of course they missed me I was gone for more than two years, or is that too arrogant of me to assume?”
Suddenly the door of the house he was pacing in front of cracked open, and from inside an older stallion’s voice could be heard.
“Dear I’ll be back in a short while I'm just going to get some mil-” Cutting himself off when spotting the stallion standing outside his door, his brow made the slightest crease.
Noticing his cover’s had been blown the anxious stallion greeted the older stallion. “H-hi dad how have you and mom been?” With some strain in the pony’s voice he struggled to get the greeting out.
His father didn’t return the greeting; he just continued to remain silent.
“What was that dear? I didn’t hear you.” An unseen motherly voice emitted from deep within the house.
“Dear you should get out here, you won’t believe it even if I told you,” spoke the father.
His dad stood by the doorway content to just stare at his son with little readable emotion oh his face, the silence just continued to go on endlessly, unnerving the son.
“Think Dusk, you can fix this, just get him to laugh or something then from there will be smooth sailing.” Mentally agreeing with his plan he opened his mouth to tell a classic griffon joke he had picked up on his journey, but was distracted by another pony at the doorway.
“M-mom.” Was all Dusk could say before his mother raced to embrace him, her son.
“Dusk! You’re home, you’re home.” Tears glistening in eyes as she nuzzled her son.
Dusk’s mother was ecstatic seeing her baby boy once again; after all he was gone for nearly three years.
“Yes mom I'm home. I am so happy to see you to.” Dusk’s nervous face melted in his mother’s embrace, so glad he was coming home to a partially warm welcome.
“Nightshade!” yelled the mare, “you come down here this instant, and welcome your son back home,” commanded his wife.
Slowly walking down the steps to where the other two were Nightshade looked to his son. “Hey there Dusk, welcome back.” The poker face Nightshade had worn disappeared, revealing an uncharacteristic smile on his face. “What took you so long to come back?” joked Nightshade.
“You know the occasional intrigue, war, invasions, and a good beer,” Quipped back Dusk.
Dusk received a deep glare from his mom about that last one. “Dusk night, what is this about drinking? You’re still underage.”
“Dear, let up on the poor colt he just came back from a very long journey, and must be very tired, we should be getting him inside so he can regale us of his odyssey,” said Nightshade easing the mothers temper.
“Yes you are right dear. Come, come, Dusk let’s get you warm and comfy. I’ll get tea and muffins ready in a moment.” A light squee escaped the mother’s throat as she trotted in, followed by the father son pair.
“So did you find any good mares?” asked Nightshade.
“Maybe…” replied Dusk with a little mischievousness in voice.
“That’s my son.” Nightshade playfully ruffled Dusk’s mane as the two shared a laugh, three years in the making.
--
“Here’s the tea and muffins I promised,” cheered Evening star as she set down a tray of warm muffins and hot earl grey tea.
The family of three happily sat around a small table, within reach of the hot treats.
“So Dusk what brings you home,” asked his father, who received a deathly glare from his wife. “Not that we aren’t happy you are back,” Nightshade hastily added to quell the rage in his wife’s look. “It’s just we didn’t expect you for another half year from the last letter we got two months ago.”
“Well actually that was the plan, but something happened, something grandma said would happen,” said Dusk sipping his tea.
“You’re talking about nightmare moon, right?” asked Evening star.
“Yeah, I didn’t believe the legend at first but then the sun didn’t rise for a half day. I can’t believe grandma was right so I decided to come back a bit early,” replied Dusk.
“I didn’t believe her either son, but now we have the night princess raising the stars and moon at night it’s unbelievable,” said Nightshade.
“The funny thing was I thought for a second I was the only one who could stop nightmare moon, but that didn’t last long. When the sun came up I was still on the border of the griffon kingdoms, I made my way to the dragon lands and there I learned of her defeat at the hooves of the elements of harmony,” said Dusk.
“So I shouldn’t take this early visit as a sign you want to take over the apothecary now?” asked Nightshade
“Sorry dad, no I want to become a guards pony for the princess of the night,” replied Dusk.
“I guess that works.” Nightshade simply shrugged. “At least your back home now that’s all that matters now,” said his father.
“Speaking of the apothecary, how are the plants and other stuff I sent you doing?” asked Dusk.
“Ah, it took us by surprise when your first letter arrived with so many plants,” said his mother, “but we were able to expand the green house and cellar to accommodate them, and if we didn’t have room or the proper tools to care for them I brought them to the university, we have an entire section of new plants thanks to your constant supply of flora, I guess now though that ends I was kind of hoping to see what kind of plants you would send us.” Evening star looked a bit despondent even though her son was back that meant no more new plants to take care of, she felt a bit conflicted.
“Oh that reminds me mom here, these are some of the plants I got while I was in the dragon lands.” Dusk reached into his bag pulling several crystal balls from his bag, all of them contained a plant of some sort that was in stasis.
Evening star looked at all of the new plants with eager eyes.
“This is called a fire flower.” Dusk pointed to the biggest of the orbs, inside was the head of a blazing red flower that was the size of a sunflower. “The flowers petals are made of actual fire, it’s amazing and I found it at the mouth of an active volcano this one-” Dusk was cut off by his mother.
“Well now dear, you don’t have to tell us about these flowers now we can talk about them later.” Evening star had stopped her son’s explanation just to avoid spoilers, she wanted to find and discover the plants secrets herself but she wouldn’t dare say that to her son so she made up another reason. “I want to hear what you learned on your journey, those letters you sent barely could tell us a fifth of what happened to you in the southern continent.” evening star never broke eye contact with the plants but she intently waited on her son to speak of his journey.
Dusk simply smiled at his mother recalling the many events that happened in the few years he was gone.
“Where should I start?” asked Dusk.
“How about the beginning son?” replied his father.
“Okay, but this might take a while,” warned Dusk.
“We got time to spare,” replied his parents.
Dusk told his tale, he spoke of meeting a vast variety of races some friendlier than others, vast landscapes of differing conditions, and of adventures you would find on the back of a daring doo book. He spoke for hours and his parents were just enraptured by the fanciful tales but soon time had worked against him, he had stopped at around his second year of his expedition with still many other tales to tell but his parents. They had severely underestimated how much time it would take to tell them everything.
“As much as I’d like to spend the rest of the day listening to your stories Dusk, I and your mother have to meet with somepony soon, and then I got some work at the apothecary and your mom has to get to the university to give a lecture,” said Nightshade.
“That’s fine dad, I should be on my way to the castle and sign up for the guard anyway. We can catch tonight,” reasoned Dusk.
“Oh I just had the most wonderful idea we can have a welcome back party, I’ll invite some of my colleges, and the neighbors and your dad can invite those old coots at the plaza they’ll love to see you again,” said Evening star.
“That sound great mom,” replied Dusk.
“Yeah I’ll get everypony to show up at seven, so make sure you show up on time dear,” said Evening star.
“Sure mom I can’t wait to taste the grubs you’ll cook tonight,” replied Dusk.
“Oh it’s almost one o’clock dear.” Nightshade pointed to a clock on the wall as it clicked. “We should hurry or we will be late, if you want Dusk you can follow us to the appointment,” offered his father.
“No I'm fine dad, I kind of want to see how much Canterlot has changed since I’ve been gone” replied Dusk.
“Sure thing dear, we will see you later Dusk,” the happy couple went off on their way.
As the family parted Dusk couldn’t help but smile. “Where to now?” he thought, “doughnut Joe sounds good.”
--
“Thanks Joe, you don’t know how hard it is to find a half decent doughnut shop outside of equestria,” said Dusk.
“Stop with the flattery kid, it’s good to see you again though you’re the only one who buys my super crunch zingers,” said Joe.
“I don’t know why no pony else doesn’t, it’s an awesome doughnut *crunch* well see yah later Joe,” said Dusk as he munched on the unique doughnut creation.
“I wonder where I should head next. Maybe the market, I should really get some bits together then I’ll head for the arcade then the library and if I'm Lucky I’ll bump in to her…” Dusk froze up, his mind filling with thoughts of a chance meeting with the pony of his dreams, but to any passersby he had the face of a freak mass murderer.
“Hey you; freak with the doughnut, freeze!” Dusk was ripped from his blissful stupor by a gruff voice; he turned to face the rude unknown pony.
“I said freeze punk, don’t make me Taser you.” said the gruff voice.
“Okay what is this about?” Completely ignoring the threat that was hurled at him, he turned to face two pegasi he knew, a mare who was struggling to keep up the gruff voice charade, and a stallion who looked like he wished she would just stop the embarrassing act.
“Hey punk I said to freeze now I get to taze you,” said the mare.
Instead of actually tazing Dusk the mare just barreled into him catching him in a spine crushing hug.
“You’re crushing my lungs Lucky,” wheezed out Dusk.
The mare either didn’t hear or care she just squeezed Dusk tighter.
“Come on Lucky his eyes will pop out at this rate,” said the other pegasus.
Finally conceding Lucky released Dusk.
“Thanks Hotshot,” said Dusk as he took in much needed air.
“No problem,” replied Hotshot who acted faster than Dusk could react, squeezing Dusk in a bear hug that put Lucky’s hug to shame. “It so good to see you again Dusk,” said Hotshot.
“Yeah I wish I could say the same though,” said Dusk as the last bit of air was crushed out of his lungs.
A small giggle escaped Lucky’s lips as she saw the display of love between the two full grown stallions. “Come on Hotshot you’re going to break a rib,” chortled Lucky.
Letting go Dusk finally could breathe again, his friends let him suck in much needed air for a few seconds before he did anything, a smile crept across his face.
“You ponies sure know how to make a colt feel welcomed,” joked Dusk.
With a sly grin on her face Lucky laughed at the quip. “Well we were just hanging out and we saw you with your trademark psychopath grin, and I thought hey lets screw with Dusk,” said Lucky.
“What do you mean by ‘trademark psycho grin’?” asked Dusk.
“Oh you know what I'm talking about, whenever you think about her your face contorts into a dopey eyed psycho,” replied Lucky.
“I do not,” quickly replied Dusk while sporting a disapproving look.
“Yes you do here I’ll prove it; think about twilight sparkle and you on a date,” said Lucky.
Slightly confused Dusk wasn’t sure what that had to do with his face but his mind went to the idea of him and twilight on a date. Suddenly there was a bright flash which brought Dusk out of his induced day dream.
“See irrefutable proof.” Lucky was holding a small camera which spat out a developing picture, on it Dusk saw his face take a rather dark sinister smile that some would call crazy, it was rather damning evidence if he ever saw any.
“Since when did you have a camera?” asked Dusk hoping to change the subject.
“Oh I’ve had this thing for a while. Hey don’t change the subject,” said Lucky realizing Dusk’s attempt to avoid the subject.
“Well okay it was nice seeing you ponies again, bye.” Dusk waved bye as he walked away, he would rather retreat then face reality. He only got two steps before he was stopped.
“Fine! I’ll drop it; just don’t go,” said Lucky she didn’t want to see her friend leave just yet.
With a victorious grin Dusk did an imaginary hoof pump, and turned around showing a 100 megawatt smile. “So how have you ponies been are you here on a date or something?” Asked Dusk expecting some heated words for the implications, Dusk was however confused when he only got nervous stares and awkward stammering as replies.
“You two are on a date,” Said Dusk rather taken aback by the realization but quickly recovered. “That’s awesome you two.” with a wide smile Dusk was truly happy for the two. “I’ve always thought you two had great chemistry and seeing you two happily together is really cool. So how long have you been dating three four months?” asked Dusk.
“No it’s been going on for almost two years,” replied Hotshot.
Dusk’s reply was a mute shock plastered over his face. “Nearly two years?” Dusk shouted the words more than asking them. “Don’t you think that it’s been long past the point of marriage?”
“Not you too Dusk,” said Lucky wearing a hurt look,” we just want to take this relationship slow.”
“Slow?” replied Dusk trying to understand, “this from the two pegasi who could put the entire flight team to shame, the same pegasi who tried to break into a certain authors apartment to steal the manuscript so you could read it ‘now’, or the same pair who wanted to see the wonderbolts so badly we had to sneak into their locker room, with mostly my help mind you just only to get a glimpse before they kicked us out. I didn’t even think ‘slow’ was in your vocabulary.” Dusk was nearly out of breath at the end of his tangent huffing in air as his face went blue.
“Yes slow,” curtly replied Lucky, “we get it Dusk, us taking something slow is unimaginable but here we are, taking it slow.” Lucky nuzzled Hotshot unexpectedly but he returned the affection.
Hotshot shot a very serious look to Dusk to drop the issue now; Dusk finally got the message. “Fine okay, I'm just saying you two look wonderful together and I think this is the last thing you should take slow but it’s up to yow two” said Dusk.
“Yes it is, now I think we need some drinks,” said Lucky.
Walking the trio of good friends still felt the tension as they walked over to an outdoor café and order a few drinks to cool off.
“So what do you two do for a job now?” asked Dusk as he sipped some hot tea.
“Oh the both of us are captains in the guard,” replied Hotshot.
“Yup we both made captain a year ago, we used to work together but now we both have separate assignments,” said Lucky.
“Today happened to be a day off for the both of us so we decided to have a date,” said Hotshot.
“Being a guard can be a pain, like last month some diamond dogs tried to steal from the castle,” said Lucky.
“They tried to steal a jewel encrusted dragon egg worth upwards of two million bits,” said Hotshot.
“They broke in during the night while I was trading shifts with this bloke,” said Lucky.
“They had tripped the alarm and a regiment of guards bored down on all them,” said Hotshot.
“There were like five of them each in some sort of spy get up,” said Lucky.
“They had the egg in their paws but I managed to take it back,” said Hotshot.
“Yeah and guess what he does with it, he throws it at me” said Lucky.
“Well you caught it didn’t you,” said Hotshot.
“I barely caught the fragile thing, if I had dropped the thing; even if we worked the rest of our lives we would never be able to pay it off,” said Lucky.
“Then that left me to take care of the thieves, they didn’t last long though,” said Hotshot.
“Yeah, this brute hogged all the fun that night, brought down all five dogs while I and the other guards just watched the show,” laughed Lucky.
“Well I haven’t been able to flex these muscles outside of the bedroom,” said Hotshot as he brought his hoof up to flex it.
“Pshh I do most of the work while you just lie there,” snickered Lucky
Dusk sensing the conversation was heading in a rather uncomfortable area tried to change the subject.
“So,” interrupted Dusk so as to steer the conversation in a better direction, “I wasn’t the only pony to have adventures over these two years.”
“Yup being a guards pony is slow sometimes but then it’ll get hot and messy real fast,” said Lucky
“Yeah but there’s no other pony who I would rather get into a hot mess like that,” said Hotshot. That was when Hotshot decided to get a little affectionate with Lucky, giving her a deep kiss she didn’t mind in fact she returned the favor two fold, this wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t disturbing a particular third wheel of a pony. the loving couple only stopped when Dusk audibly cleared his throat.
“I-I can see you two are really close now huh,” said Dusk trying to banish the redness in his face.
The couple slightly embarrassed that they had gotten so intimate in public and in front of an old friend as well.
“Ah” Dusk was struggling to find another subject till a thought crossed his mind, “you two are guards at the castle right, so have you seen Princess Woona?” asked Dusk.
“Princess who?” asked Hotshot.
“I think he means Princess Luna,” clarified Lucky.
“Oh Princess Luna,” said Hotshot as realization dawned on his face.
“Her name’s not Woona?” asked Dusk.
“No,” replied Lucky, “why would you think so?” she asked.
“Well my grandma always told me” started Dusk but decided against it, “never mind so have you seen her?” he asked.
“Actually we both saw her at the welcoming ceremony here in Canterlot, but Lucky has seen her better than I have,” said Hotshot.
“Yeah I did see her, it was a late patrol and the sun was setting and then that was when I saw she was on a balcony. At first I noticed how much smaller she is compared to Celestia but still twice my size and her mane was still normal looking like ours but then she used her magic and her mane just came to life while all around me the moon and stars came out it was beautiful,” wistfully said Lucky.
“It sounds awesome,” said Dusk.
“It was, but enough about us what have you been doing in the south?” asked Lucky.
“Oh not much to mention,” replied Dusk.
“That’s not what I heard from your mom, she said that you did some crazy things down there like climbing the tallest mountain in the world and documenting plants and sending them here, so don’t be modest I heard you even fought in a war, what was that like? It must have been crazy what did your mom call them chang-” Lucky was cut off as Dusk banged his hoof on the table.
Dusk’s bright mood sank, he didn’t want to think about that war, nor talk to his friends about it he wanted to forget it, all of it. That was part of the reason why he came back, right? To stop hurting others and to protect?
Hotshot and Lucky were shocked, Dusk never got angry but this was the best word to describe him. This was not the happy go lucky friend they grew up with this was an dark angry pony; even his trademark psycho grin had a goofy quality to it which you could laugh at, however his expression now inspired fear and pain.
Dusk quickly regretted his reaction; he pulled his hoof back slowly and tried his best to smile. “Sorry I didn’t mean- I should go” said Dusk as he struggled to keep himself together.
“What, why?” asked his two best-friends.
“I am obviously a third wheel in the group,” said Dusk trying to avoid eye contact, “you two said that this was a date before I showed up, you two should enjoy each other’s company we can catch up later, in fact later this evening my parents are hosting a welcome back party for me, we can hang out then. I should really get going you know, see you two later then,” Dusk wanted to leave badly, to forget the outburst so he left quickly shooting off a quick wave at the two as he left.
“Bye,” replied the couple concerned for their dear friend but they didn’t know what they could do.
Walking away Dusk thought to himself “now what?’
“I should go to the market I'm really low on bits maybe some of the merchants will like my stuff” thought Dusk as he made his way to the market.
The Canterlot market was very different than what you would expect of an upscale place like the capitol, it was located in lower Canterlot, a massive collection of couple thousand stalls with colorful verandas on each of the stalls, all who had merchants hawking their wares to anyone with the bits. If one were to fly over it they would see what looked like a massive patchwork quilt and be hard pressed to find an opening in the canopy to land.
“This place is as lively as ever,” thought Dusk.
Here you could find anything from common food to the most exotic fruits and this wasn’t limited to legal wares either, if you knew where to look you could even find items that the law frowned upon like stuff owned by the princess herself but that’s a story for another day.
“I wonder if I can get some stir fried beetle” thought Dusk he had frequented the market several times growing up, and his experienced was always different and new.
Wandering the stalls Dusk expertly navigates the crowds, calling it the living labyrinth growing up he and his friends played and explored these same stalls that acted as solid walls and every week it would change a dead end would later lead to deeper into the market, and more than once did the trio get lost in their massive playground.
“I don’t recognize any of these merchants here,” thought Dusk, “hi excuse me do you know where I can find-” Dusk was interrupted before he could complete his question by a shout.
“Thief! Thief!” screamed a pony.
Turing his head Dusk could see a pony screaming at the top of his lungs struggling to get through the thick crowd all the while pointing at a floating bag.
“Sigh I guess the beetles can wait.” carefully pushing his way through the crowd Dusk was catching up with the thief making his way through the crowd Dusk spotted two unicorn guards in their signature gold armor who were just standing there not reacting to the audible pleas of the robbed pony.
“Hey aren’t you supposed to catch thieves?” asked Dusk pointing at the floating bag.
With a dull look in their eyes one of them said, “We are on break not our problem.”
“Break?” Shaking his head Dusk decided not to waste another breath on the lazy guards and continued after the thief.
The crowd began to thin to the point where Dusk could see the thief levitating the bag, it was a small unicorn colt probably ten years old, running as fast as his little hooves could take him. He while slower than Dusk had the advantage of a smaller stature and was able slip through tighter spaces, while Dusk struggled to not crash into anypony.
Slowing down to catch his breath the colt thinking he had lost any pursuers in the crowd paled when he spotted a very determined looking Dusk barreling towards him, any thought of rest was lost as the colt bolted even faster than before through the market.
Chasing after him Dusk was making little progress. “It’s dark enough right now I can do a simple spell,” thought Dusk.
Slowly the running image of Dusk began to shift into a dark mist which took some ponies by surprise the mist was fast, moving through the crowd without any resistance and was nearly on the colt till the colt turned into a corner, following after him the mist reconstituted itself as Dusk, the alley was a dead end with a few crates but no colt or stolen bag.
“Hey kid I know your hiding here just hoof over the bag and we’re good” called out Dusk into the alley.
No response “you think I'm going to fall for that? think again,” thought the small colt.
“Come on as long as you just return it you won’t have to go to jail” Dusk continued to call out to the colt hoping to convince him to surrender the stolen goods.
Dusk scanned all the crates sending dark tendrils of mist into all corners of the alley like a dark fog till he sensed the small colt hiding in one of the crates, slowly making his way towards the crate he idly kicked it, this caused the colt to yelp.
“I know you’re in there kid, come out and just hoof over whatever you took and I’ll be on my way,” said Dusk.
The lid of the crate lifted just a bit to show the horn and face of the colt.
“You promise I won’t go to jail if I hoof it over,” asked the colt.
“I promise,” replied Dusk.
Slowly the colt got out of the crate levitating the bag of stolen goods.
“Okay here’s the bag,” said the colt levitating the bag towards Dusk, but just before it was within his grasp a bright flash blinded Dusk. Even though he was blind Dusk was used to darkness hearing the shuffling of hooves trying to get past him Dusk shot out his hoof to close line the running colt, feeling contact Dusk knew he had sent the tricky colt to the ground pinning him where he was.
“Let me go!” shouted the colt.
“Not until you fork over the bag,” simply stated Dusk.
“No!” replied the colt.
“Why not?” asked Dusk as he struggled to keep the colt pinned.
Just then a stallion appeared coming out from the corner. “Good you caught the little cretin now where’s my stuff” said the pony.
Looking around the stallion’s expression brightened up spotting his bag. Ripping the bag out of the colt’s magic grip he inspected the contents. Good it’s all here now for you, you little snot” sneered the pony.
“Hey you got your stuff back you don’t need to punish the kid or anything” said Dusk hoping that the pony would just let the colt scott free.
“No way, this little punk is going away for a long time, ain’t that right?” rhetorically asked the pony, he stamped his leg near the colts face kicking up dust sending the colt into a coughing fit. With a sinister grin the stallion looked down on the colt “and if you’re lucky your parents might even visit you.”
Just then the little colts breathing became very erratic his pupils becoming pinpricks tears running down his face while his heartbeat was a going a mile minute. “Hey kid you okay?” Asked Dusk.
Dusk was seriously worried about the colt, getting off him he noticed something was gravely wrong with. “Hey calm down, its fine just breath like this; inhale, exhale.” showing the colt how he was taking deep breaths.
“Why are you so concerned about this street urchin?” asked the pony as he tightly held his bag.
Ignoring the stallion Dusk made a quick examination of the colt.
“Hey kid calm down your little heart isn’t designed to pump that fast,” said Dusk with a hint of worry in his voice.
The colt didn’t seem to be paying attention to Dusk, his heavy breathing turning into haggard breaths punctuated by coughs. “I don’t like this,” muttered Dusk.
“Just leave him he’s probably faking and if not, no pony would miss him if you leave him to-” the pony stopped as Dusk just shot him an angry glare.
That was the last straw for Dusk he was going to give the pony a piece of his mind but that was when it happened the small pule he felt just stopped. Several things ran through Dusk’s mind: anxiety, fear, anger, worry, sadness, but the strongest thought he had was determination.
“Come on you bag o’ wonders don’t fail me now,” said Dusk as he quickly dug into his saddle bag pulling out an odd crystal attached to two differing colored wires.
“Hey you know what this is?” asked Dusk to the other pony, “This here is a mini defibrillator I made from some scrap wire and a shock crystal,” said Dusk as he slowly attached the wires to the chest of the colt.
“Don’t worry you’ll be up in no time kiddo,” said Dusk as he shouted, “clear!” Sending a small jolt into the colt, Dusk went to check on the his pulse to find a small but steady regular beat, breathing a sigh of relief Dusk just plopped himself down on the ground by the colt. “That’s good just rest for now kid,” Dusk watched as the chest of the unconscious colt rose and fell softly. Unhooking the defibrillator Dusk put it away in his bag.
“And as for you, you cold hearted-” Dusk wanted to rip him a new one, only to stop and pause seeing his face was filled with worry and regret directed towards the unconscious colt lying on the ground. Dusk heaved a sigh letting go of any lingering anger. “Don’t worry he’ll be fine, he just needs to see a good doctor, some bed rest, and not a cold lonely jail cell.”
The merchant silently nodded. “Don’t worry I'm not going to say anything, it’s just this bag contains my whole life and that’s no understatement, I was angry at him but now I can’t help but worry I guess I'm just weird,” said the merchant.
“I can understand that, but mind me asking what’s so important inside the bag?” asked Dusk.
“Sure you got it back for me; I might as well show you.” Opening the bag just enough to see inside the bag, Dusk spotted well over two dozen gems of all varying sizes and color, Dusk released a low whistle he could see the colt had a small fortune in his hooves.
“I was supposed to meet a buyer here in the market but they never showed. I was about to leave before well I got robbed” said the merchant.
“Shouldn’t you do these kinds of things in a far less crowded areas like a café or a restaurant?” asked Dusk.
“Yeah I know” replied the merchant “but I was just so eager, they just offered me so many bits despite how badly the gem market was doing, but I was about to decline because of how shady it was but they just offered more bits, that should have warned me that this was too good to be true, they never showed up and I nearly get robbed but thank Celestia you were there to get my gems back, I even passed these two guards but they did absolutely nothing when I said I was robbed, I swear this like the third time I’ve heard robberies happen because of lazy guards this past month,” the merchant huffed.
“I'm glad you are so lively, you said you were selling those gems right, how much?” asked Dusk.
“Sorry but no offense or anything” said the merchant as he looked at Dusk sizing him up, “but these are some of the higher grade gem variants, way out of your price range.”
“I asked how much,” said Dusk.
“10,000 bits” said the merchant expecting Dusk to either complain or back off.
“Hmm okay.” Dusk mulled this number over he didn’t have bits but he certainly had stuff worth bits. Reaching into his bag Dusk pulled out a large purple gem. “I hope this is enough to cover for the whole bag.”
“Cover?” asked the merchant in disbelief. “That- this is enough to buy three of my bags, do you know what you’re holding? This- this gem is called the alicorn’s eye and is the only gem Princess Celestia herself sees fit to use.” The merchant was practically salivating looking at the gem.
“Three times?” asked Dusk surprised at the projected value, “This thing is hard pressed to go for 15 hundred, see the minor defects here and here that lowers the price significantly,” Dusk pointed to a small chip and scuff letting the merchant get a closer look.
“Yeah I see it now, but that is still more than enough for this bag” said the merchant.
“So is it a sale?” asked Dusk.
“You bet it is,” replied the merchant.
“Just promise me,” just as Dusk was about to complete the transaction he paused. “You won’t tell the guards about what this colt did he really needs to rest.”
“So you’re just trying to buy my silence huh?” asked the merchant.
“To be blunt yes,” replied Dusk.
“Sure I got other things to worry about anyway. After I turn this baby around, a few debts to clear and drinks to buy,” said the merchant as the trade was made.
“Good, now not to be rude but I think he would rather not wake up to the stallion who threatened to turn him in,” said Dusk as he pointed at the colt on the ground.
“Okay I got it buddy I’ll be on my way,” said the merchant. Leaving the merchant was nearly out of sight but turned around. “Hey I forgot to ask your name” asked the merchant.
“Ah my name is Dusk Night,” replied Dusk, “and you?”
“Oh just call me the Procurer, I find things lost items, gems, rare artifacts all legit mind you, and I charge a finder’s fee. If it exists I can get it for a price, here’s my card if you ever need anything, just look for my shop in upper Canterlot.” Procurer passed a card to Dusk with his shops name Canterlot Finds, and its location.
“Thanks, now off with you.” Dusk made a shooing move with his hoof.
“Fine ciao,” huffed procurer as he left for real.
Dusk sighed and turned to the motionless; but thankfully breathing body of the colt. “Now what to do with you, I don’t even know your name,” said Dusk.
--
“Ugh, what happened?” thought the colt, he really wanted to groan but he knew better than that. “Okay Everglow let’s run back what you remember,” he mentally asked himself as he tried to recall the past events to deduce his current state.
“I had taken the jewels from the mark as asked and then bolted, but what happened next? I think I was chased by some unicorn, did I lose him? Nope that’s right he trapped me, I had to hide in the crate, then he found me he had blathered on about letting me go if I hoofed over the jewels like I'm that stupid I blinded him then blank… no.”
“Hey kid I know you’re awake, your eyes are moving way too erratically for an unconscious pony,” Dusk said lazily.
Bolting upright into an aggressive stance Everglow was ready, except his body didn’t want to listen. As soon as he was on all fours he fell to his knees. “Stupid body, get up.” thought Everglow.
“Hey take it easy you just came back from the dead there,” said Dusk.
Shooting Dusk a confused; but still hostile look the colt struggled to reign in his body.
“Here drink this; it’ll make you feel better.” Dusk dropped an open bottle with a purple liquid that sloshed around inside.
Everglow smelled the contents “sweet,” muttered Everglow but he shot a glare at Dusk “why should I drink this? There might be something inside,” said Everglow.
“Drink it or not it doesn’t change the fact you would be dead if not for my help” said Dusk flatly.
“What do you mean?” asked Everglow.
“You went in to cardiac arrest, so I used a defibrillator on you to jump start your heart. I suspect you have a sever arrhythmia of the heart and I suggest you go to a doctor to get it looked after” said Dusk.
This didn’t clear anything up for Everglow, only causing his confused look to deepen pleading with Dusk to give him an answer a colt could understand.
“I guess you wouldn’t understand medical jargon; maybe I should explain better but promise me you won’t panic okay,” asked Dusk.
Everglow realizing he wasn’t going anywhere fast just nodded resting his weary body, still eyeing Dusk and the drink.
“Okay well simply put your heart stopped, so I had to restart it with a jolt,” said Dusk.
Everglow’s face just darkened that wasn’t what he expected to hear.
“Okay I answered your question now are you going to drink it or not?” Dusk pointed at the drink resting in front of Everglow. “It’ll make you feel better if you drink it I swear.”
Everglow just looked at the bottle if Dusk was telling the truth he had just died and been brought back to life, he felt like that was the case so what more could the drink do, so Everglow just decided to drink the bottles contents in one big swig, it tasted as sweet as it smelt and he felt oddly better.
“Good,” said Dusk as he watched Everglow finish off the bottle. “Now I'm going to need you to answer some questions they may seem odd but just bear with me,” said Dusk.
“What are the questions for?” asked Everglow.
“It’s to see if there was any lasting brain damage.” Answered Dusk.
“Brain damage?” Everglow asked as concern and curiosity overcame him.
“Yes, brain damage” answered Dusk as he pulled a clip board from his bag, “since your heart stopped pumping for a moment there is a minute chance of damage so I'm going to ask you a couple of cognitive questions, to gauge if you suffered any damage okay?” said Dusk.
“Yeah that’s fine,” answered Everglow.
“So first question, what is your name?” asked Dusk.
“My name’s Everglow,” replied Everglow.
“Good, now what’s your guardian’s name?” asked Dusk.
“My mom’s name is Elegant glow,” replied Everglow.
“Good what does she do for a living, do you know?” asked Dusk.
“She’s a merchant, she sells the best glow crystals here in this market,” proudly replied Everglow.
“Okay for now I’ll assume those were all correct, now let us see how good you are in mental math,” said Dusk.
A low groan escaped the poor colt’s lips, Dusk just smiled at the display.
--
“Okay after my preliminary check you appear perfectly healthy now time to get you to see a real doctor” said Dusk.
“Wait, you mean you’re not a doctor?” asked Everglow in disbelief.
“Nope” proudly proclaimed Dusk, “but I did study to be one, and I’ve seen my dad do it plenty of times to pretend to know what I'm doing.” with a silly grin Dusk playfully played with the mane of Everglow.
Everglow just gawked at the stallion shocked that he let an amateur diagnose him Everglow was starting to think he maybe shouldn’t have drunk that medicine anymore.
“I'm joking about that last part, don’t worry I know what I'm doing but I would feel better if I got you to a professional.” said Dusk.
“You know my name so what’s yours doc?” asked Everglow.
“Funny my name is Dusk night, but just call me Dusk,” said Dusk. “I'm glad you’re able to take this event in stride most ponies would be panicking right now,” said Dusk.
“Yes but not most ponies have had to deal with creatures that could eat you on a daily basis” said Everglow.
“Really, and what are these creatures?” asked Dusk.
“Griffons most ponies avoid them but they’re not that scary, and dragons most ponies run from those but they don’t scare me,” said Everglow puffing out his chest. “My mom trades with all different kinds of races so I got used to seeing razor sharp things most ponies would faint at,” said Everglow.
“Everglow it’s been bugging me, but why did you steal those gems?” asked Dusk.
“I stole them because I was asked to,” said Everglow.
“You were asked to steal?” asked Dusk.
“Yeah they would pay me if I did, I’ve done it a few times already I would steal from the mark and stash the merchandise for them to pick up. Some of my other friends told me about them, they told me even if somehow they got caught they always got released, but I haven’t been caught yet, till now,” said Everglow.
“Did you ever see these ponies?” asked Dusk.
“No but I did hear them one time, there were two of them, I heard them arguing about the split but I just hid, why is it important?” asked Everglow.
“No not really but promise me something you won’t steal again, okay?” Dusk pressed his two front hooves together in a pleading a manner hoping to coax an agreement from Everglow.
“Sure” replied Everglow, “I won’t steal anymore, but Dusk you caught me right, what happened to the jewels?” asked Everglow.
“I gave them back to the pony” replied Dusk.
“You what, why would you give them back?” Everglow was in utter disbelief not that it was new around this pony.
“Because it’s the right thing to do,” replied Dusk.
“You could have easily pocketed them,” said Everglow.
“I said it was the right thing to do, and as for you no more stealing you’re lucky I don’t hoof you over to the guards to lock you up,” said Dusk.
“First you hoof over the gems then you even let me go boy are you a colt scout,” said Everglow.
“You bet, I have over forty badges to show,” Said Dusk as he mocked a salute.
Everglow just groaned at Dusk for his stupidly proud grin for such an obvious insult. “Sure whatever come on let’s go see a real doctor then,” said Everglow.
“Nuh-uh, we need to see your mom first, you said she was a merchant here so let’s stop by her stall she needs to know what happened to you,” said Dusk.
“What? No, not my mom I’d rather go to jail than tell her what happened.” Quickly Everglow tried to run off but was picked up and hefted onto Dusk’s back.
“You aren’t walking while I'm around not till you’ve been checked out you hear me,” said Dusk to the desperate colt. Everglow struggled helplessly against Dusk “Would you rather she find out the truth while you were in a jail cell?” asked Dusk.
Everglow stopped his struggling and resigned himself to his fate. “Fine I’ll tell you where the shop is.” Everglow lazily pointed in the direction of his mother’s shop, Dusk smiled and followed the colt’s instructions to the shop.
As the two ponies bounded away another pair of ponies entered the alley.
“Are the gems not really there?” asked one of the ponies let’s call him Bob.
“Nope it’s not” said the other pony as he dug in the crate that Everglow was in before “what do we do?” he asked let’s call him Kim.
“No way that pony just hoofed them over, he must have them on him, we just need to take them both in for questioning,” said Bob.
“What if they resist?” asked Kim.
“If they do we just arrest them, I mean who argues with a guards pony” said bob I don’t like bob.
“Get your glow crystals here! Made from the highest grade crystals this side of equestria.” bellowed a unicorn mare. “designed to last the longest without any loss in power-” the mare cut herself off when she spotted her son Everglow on the back of a stranger, “huh, glowie what are you doing and why are you on that stallion’s back?” asked his mother.
“Hey mom, this is Dusk Night,” lifelessly remarked Everglow “Dusk this is my mom Elegant Glow,” with little life behind his words Everglow just halfheartedly introduced Dusk to his mom.
“Hello Mrs. Glow,” Dusk was enraptured. The mare before him looked like a supermodel straight from a fashion magazine.
“Oh it’s just Ms. Elegant Glow, but you can call me Elegant, that’s what everypony else calls me,” said Elegant in an elegant lady-like voice.
Elegant was for a lack of a better word glowing, but this was most likely due to her glow crystals. Dusk was struggling not to stare rudely at her figure, unsure where to look he settled on her eyes. Wrong choice, the look she gave was rather seductive, and he felt like putty in her hooves.
“Ahh well it’s about your son,” sputtered Dusk.
“Glowie? What did my dear son do?” She asked while batting her eyelashes, her son just rolled his eyes at the display. Elegant was laying it on thick, she expected Dusk to simply drop the usual complaint like all the other ponies: he bumped into me, bad mouthed me, kicked me, or some other stupid stallion thing.
“I don’t know how to say this but your son nearly died today,” stated Dusk.
“What! What do you mean he nearly died?” Her act of seduction dropped to reveal a panicked mother. She looked at her son with deep concern, then she shot a very heated look at Dusk.
“You. Did you hurt my glowie?” Dusk was shocked, gone was her cheerful demeanor, she now glared at him like a dragon that just saw Dusk plucking an egg from her nest. He couldn’t say anything back to counter the oppressive look.
“Relax mom, Dusk is the one who saved me,” Everglow’s words eased his mom’s anger allowing Dusk to compose himself.
“What happened?” asked Elegant.
“His heart stopped so I had to restart his heart with a jolt, I looked him over and he is mentally sound but unless he sees a doctor that’s all I can say.” Dusk was on auto pilot just spewing data as his system rebooted from the glare of death he received from Elegant.
“Oh glowie you look terrible, thank Celestia you’re fine. Come now, thank this fine stallion before we get you to a hospital,” said Elegant.
“Sure, thanks Dusk see you around,” said Everglow.
“Everglow, Dusk very well saved your life show him more respect,” scolded Elegant.
“No its fine Elegant, just get him to a hospital,” said Dusk.
“Okay come on glowie, we need to get going,” said Elegant as she levitated Everglow from Dusk’s back to her own.
“What about the shop? Shouldn’t you close it or something?” asked Everglow.
“Oh, silly me.” With a burst of magic Elegant Glow locked up her stall easily. “Now let’s go,” said Elegant.
“Sorry ma’am but we can’t let you do that, we need to take your son into custody,” said two guards as they blocked their path.
“Huh, why? My son needs to see a doctor,” said Elegant.
“Because we believe him to be a suspect in a string of robberies,” answered the guards.
“Robbery? My son would never rob anypony,” said Elegant.
“Actually mom…” weakly moaned Everglow.
“Huh Everglow you didn’t? Did you?” Elegant’s emotions were churning; first her glowie nearly dies, now this.
“Keep calm Elegant,” said Dusk, “the last thing Everglow needs is a tense situation.” Dusk turned to look at the two guards. “If I remember correctly you two were the guards on break who didn’t lift a hoof to help. Don’t tell me you’re sore that I did your jobs for you? Is that it?” accused Dusk, who was growing irritated of the guards.
“You to unicorn, you’re a suspect as well,” said the guard.
“Hey Dusk,” shouted Everglow.
“Not now kid,” said Dusk.
“It’s important,” insisted Everglow.
“Okay, what is it?” asked Dusk.
“I think those two are the ones I heard, they are the ones that hired me to steal from everypony,” declared Everglow, the guard’s expression darkened glaring at Everglow.
“What are you talking about?” asked Dusk but then he remembered.
‘This is the third time something like this has happened,’
‘I was asked to steal’
‘I would take from the mark’
It clicked for Dusk. “Oh I get it. You bastards are the problem,” said Dusk with a tone of hostility.
“Excuse me? It’s very serious to insult a guard,” said the larger of the two.
“You two are the ones who set this up. You lure unsuspecting ponies with a sale, then you would have a pony like Everglow do your dirty work and steal it from them, all the while you just stand there while telling the victim you’re on ‘break’,” summed up Dusk, “I bet you aren’t even real guards.”
“Insults aside falsely accusing us is p-punishable by law.” Despite the threating words his voice faltered.
“Good thing it’s not a false accusation. Isn’t that right Everglow?” Everglow just nodded his head.
“Why you, that’s it you’re all under arrest for-for obstruction of justice and falsely accusing an officer of the law.” Stuttered the guard pony stomping his hoof on the ground for emphasis.
“What can a fake guard do?” mockingly asked Dusk.
“Can a fake guard do this?” The guard levitated a whistle to his lips and blew. Immediately a large group of guards appeared before the two guards.
“You just had to ask,” Dusk muttered to himself. He looked at the growing group of guards.
“Lt Grey Area, Lt Half Clip, what are your orders?” Asked one of the guards.
“Arrest those three ponies, and bring them into questioning,” said Lt Area.
“Yes sir.” All the guards saluted and without batting an eye they turned to face Dusk. “You are under arrest do not resist it will only make it worse.” The guards approached the three ponies as they produced hoof cuffs.
“Not going to happen.” quickly pulling round pellets from his bag. Dusk threw them down creating a large dark cloud obscuring everypony’s sight. “Come on we need you both somewhere safe, then I can deal with these guards,” said Dusk.
“What’s going on?” rather confused and turned around Elegant was lost in the very quick turn of events. Learning of her sons near death experience followed by theft and possible involvement in a corrupt guard force her day was turned upside down, not only that she was being saved by a complete stranger.
“Everglow, you know this place like the back of your hoof right? Tell me the fastest way out of the market and towards middle Canterlot,” said Dusk.
Everglow directed Dusk through the maze of stalls. They made good headway through deserted portions and losing the pursuing guards in thick crowds, and should a pesky guard that was unlucky enough to cross their path try and stop them, Dusk would pull out a trick or two from his bag to incapacitate them.
Escaping the maze the trio caught their breath, though it was mostly Elegant because she was carrying Everglow.
“That was fun cheered,” Everglow.
“Why are we running?” asked Elegant, “this is the guard, they will catch us eventually,” Elegant was severely distraught.
“Let me worry about that Elegant, first we need to find a pony who willing to treat a fugitive,” quipped Dusk to ease the atmosphere. It didn’t work.
“What’s happening to the world that a colt that’s done nothing wrong is wanted by the whole guard of equestria?” asked Elegant.
“Mom, stop being so melodramatic, plus I did actually rob ponies,” said Everglow.
Elegant gave Everglow a harsh glare. “Yes you did, didn’t you? We will need to have a long talk about the things you’ve done while I was not watching,” said Elegant.
“Hey mom, remember what Dusk said? I don’t need tense situations,” said Everglow expertly dodging punishment.
Elegant was very conflicted she wanted to punish her colt but also to make sure to not stress him as well.
“Elegant are you okay? If you want I can carry him for you. I'm rather strong for a unicorn you know.” Dusk didn’t want to sound like he was trying to impress her or anything, but that’s how it sounded.
“Thanks for the offer dear, but I am as well,” replied Elegant.
After their brief respite of running out of the market, the three looked behind them to see a large group of heavily armored guards struggling to move through the thick crowd in the market to catch them.
Dusk quickly looked around to see what he could do, but his gaze stopped to look at a familiar pony. “No way am I this lucky,” he said in disbelief. “Elegant, follow me I think I have a solution,” Elegant was curious and followed Dusk till they stopped in front of another pony. “Dad you don’t know how thankful I am to see you,” said Dusk.
“Hey Dusk what’s going on? Why are you so out of breath? and who is this beautiful mare with you?” asked Nightshade.
“No time to explain, can you take these two to the moons bloom? I need you to examine Everglow there and see to it that he is as healthy as can be, and if any guards give you trouble just buck them in the face, I promise I will have a good explanation for why later,” said Dusk.
“You didn’t waste much time getting into trouble, did you?” Joked his father.
“Another time dad, just do this for me,” pleaded his son.
“Very well, just make sure you make it to the welcoming party. I don’t know how well your mom will take; having to change the venue from our house to a jail cell,” said Nightshade.
“Don’t worry dad, I wouldn’t miss mom’s cooking for the world. Now go I’ll buy you as much time as I can,” said Dusk as he turned to face the group of guards.
“Okay you heard my son, follow me,” Nightshade called out to Elegant to follow him to his apothecary in the Dusk plaza.
“Will Dusk be okay?” Asked Everglow.
“Oh he will be just fine; my son once said he wrestled with a minotaur before, so a group of guards should be simple.” Nightshade tried his best to assure the small colt but let a pinch of unease in his voice.
“Not to sound ungrateful but we were just chased by a large number of solar guards aren’t you worried we might be bad ponies?” asked Elegant.
“Well the thought did cross my mind but Dusk says you need my help, and I trust my son not to make stupid decisions, and you don’t look all too dangerous. A brother and sister being chased by the solar guard sounds more like a bad misunderstanding if anything,” said Nightshade.
“Actually I'm his mother,” corrected Elegant.
“Even more of a reason to trust my son I say,” shouted Nightshade.
Elegant was keeping up with the night earth pony and felt unsure of what to do. She was being helped by complete strangers who shouldn’t give a second thought about her or her son yet here she was running alongside a stranger who she met seconds ago willing to shelter them and also help her son.
“Thank you just doesn’t sound enough to express what I feel, or even come close to repaying for this kindness,” said Elegant.
“Then how about a kiss on the cheek for an old fool, just don’t tell my wife,” laughed back Nightshade.
--
“Good everypony’s attention is on me if I can just keep them here my dad should have enough of a lead to get them to the apothecary without incident,” muttered Dusk.
The two apparent lieutenants were now leading a full regiment of guards ready to bore down on Dusk.
“Wow all of this for silly little me,” taunted Dusk, he was cut off as a lone Pegasus tried to zoom past him to pursue the fleeing mother and son.
“No you don’t!” Shouted Dusk as he threw a bolo at the flying pegasus. As the two weighted ends; connected by a flaxen cord, zipped around the pegasus the cord bound his wings to his sides. This sent the in-flight pony into a hurtling crash incapacitating him.
“who’s next?” boldly proclaimed Dusk, “if you want to get to them you’re going have to go through me first.”
“That’s fine by me,” declared Lt Half Clip.
“Half Clip, you take care of this pony while I’ll pursue the brat,” said Lt Area.
“You better not let him escape, or else the captain will wring our necks,” said Lt Clip.
Lt Area nodded as he gathered magic in his horn and casted a teleportation spell.
Lt Clip paused looking at where Area was, and then he turned to face Dusk. “Guards arrest that unicorn now!” Hollered Clip.
Several of the guards began to encircle Dusk, but this was fine with him. “Taking you all out one by one would take too long,” smugly stated Dusk.
One of the earth ponies ran up to Dusk to take him out with a well-placed punch but received a toss into another pony for his effort.
Next to act was a pegasus that swooped in to clock him in the head; he didn’t expect to be ripped from the sky by Dusk’s hooves. Once on the ground the guard was helplessly knocked out by a powerful blow to the chin.
The guards felt overwhelmed by the display and faltered. “What are you fools waiting for? There are ten of you and one of him, do the math,” shouted Clip.
With a smug looks on their faces the guards regained their confidence. This time instead of attacking one by one they came at him from all sides at the same time, but before any pony could even touch Dusk they were all blinded by a smoke bomb.
Dusk went to work counting off as he dealt with each guard.
“One.” as he bucked the one that decided to charge right behind him.
“Two, three, four.” for each thud he heard as he threw bolos at the flying pegasi.
“Five,” the pony that was brave enough to run in front of him got a punch in the face.
“Six, seven,” took themselves out in the confusion.
“Eight and nine,” were hacking up a storm as they breathed in the smoke, this gave away their position to Dusk who swiftly dealt with them by throwing a potion at their hooves that shattered, and as the liquid splashed onto the ground and on the ponies it began to crystalize encasing the two in a crystal shell unable to move or break out.
“Ten,” was last and got a special hug around her neck till she fell to the ground unconscious.
When the smoke settled Dusk was standing over number ten’s unconscious body, while the crumpled bodies of the guards littered the ground. Many around him were lying unconscious some though were tied up, and others were trapped in crystal unable to move.
“That ended faster than I thought,” smugly said Dusk as he sat on ten.
“Iron Jaw,” whispered the lieutenant to a pony behind him, “break him.”
“Yes sir,” replied a bulky earth pony in thick plated armor, unlike the other guards Iron Jaw had a full plate helmet that was shaped to look like a large metal pony head with two eye slits.
As he made his way to Dusk he didn’t talk, he just looked at Dusk and gave off a disappointed sigh. Hearing this Dusk was irked, and decided to make his move first against the brawn brained dolt by charging him straight on.
Moving unnaturally fast for a unicorn, Dusk built up enough speed to barrel through several market stalls but when his tackle connected with Iron Jaw it wasn’t like he tackled an iron, wall he did tackle an iron wall. Iron Jaw didn’t budge from his spot and simply looked down at Dusk who had damaged himself more than Iron Jaw and was reeling from the shock of a bad decision.
“Iron Jaw, deal with him,” demanded Lt Clip. Complying Iron Jaw picked up Dusk by his mane and sent him crashing into the ground with the force of a iron locomotive.
Face downin the ground, choking on his teeth was the last thing Dusk wanted, but that’s exactly what happened. And the last thing the guards were expecting for Dusk was to get back up, though he was bloodied bruised and coughing up a few teeth, Dusk still wore a confident look despite the one sided beat down he received that didn’t even last a full five seconds.
“If you think that was enough to deal with me y-your wrong.” shaky on his hooves Dusk tried to right himself failing miserably ending up on his knees before successfully standing straight up in front of the stallion that had just handed him his plot.
Iron Jaw grew to respect Dusk as he watched him struggle to stand upright. Not many ponies, let alone a fragile unicorn could get up after his trade mark seismic crush, but now he had to do more than break Dusk’s teeth in. Preparing to buck him to the moon, Iron Jaw turned but paused mid motion. The unicorn pointed somewhere to the left and Iron was curious at what the unicorn was pointing at, when Iron turned to look he saw nothing then he felt something hit his helmet, his mind went blank after that.
“Gahh!” shouted Dusk, “I think I broke my ankle,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Ha! Are you an idiot or something? The only thing you could come up with was to buck the face of a pony named Iron Jaw?” Jeered Lt Clip, “It didn’t even faze him, give it up you’ve lost.”
“Geez, I thought that it might have worked a little,” remarked Dusk, “tartarus I’ve even knocked out a dragon with that buck, albeit he was a small one, but still. I must be losing my touch,” said Dusk hopping on his three good hooves.
Dusk struggled to push pass the pain he was feeling he knew he had bought his dad enough time to get the Glow family to safety but his stubborn pride would not let him live this failure to knock down this pony. “I mean that buck should have at least scuffed the metal,” he said.
“Come on Iron, finish this idiot I have to track down a thief with Lt Area,” said Lt Clip.
All that followed was silence, the stallion just stood there deaf to the order.
“Come on Iron, hurry up,” walking up to Iron, Clip nudged him lightly but he just crumpled into a pile lying unconscious. A little taken aback it took a while for Dusk to register what just happened, what followed was a hearty cheer and a light prance on his three good hooves.
“Whohoo!” shouted Dusk “I knew I wasn’t losing my touch.”
“Somepony get this unicorn in cuffs now!” Shouted Lt Clip as he backed away a safe distance. “Or we’ll lose the trail of the other suspects,” he was not happy, a frown forming on his face.
“Even if I get caught I bought them enough time to get away,” said Dusk as he fought off some other ponies.
“Are you stupid? We are the Canterlot guard there is no where they can hide that we can’t find them” said Lt Clip.
“That’s what you think,” said Dusk as he tossed another potion at a unicorn who was readying a spell, the liquid crystalized encasing the pony and nullified the unicorn’s spell and also prevented him from summoning anymore magic.
“Fine yeah whatever, posture all you want there is nothing you can do now,” confidently replied Lt Clip.
Dusk despite his effort was now surrounded by more than a dozen guards, and in his current condition at best could only delay the inevitable. Any other pony would have just accepted defeat but not Dusk. He might be delaying the inevitable but he was not about to go down without a fight.
“Let me see how many more I can take down,” thought Dusk.
--
“Okay the fugitives are a mare a colt and a stallion if you see anypony matching this description stop them” shouted Lt Grey Area, who had teleported around Dusk and rallied as many guards he could to stop Elegant and Everglow.
“So much for buying us time Dusk, they already sent word to all the other guards to look for us we’ll be caught before we can even make it to the dusk plaza.” Nightshade could only sigh. “I really wanted to avoid them but I guess I have no choice, Ms. Glow I hope you don’t mind the sewers.”
Adopting a very unhappy look she understood what that statement meant, but it was that or get caught, which now the more she thought about sounded like a better option than sewers.
--
After a very unsavory jaunt through the sewers they found themselves above ground. Elegant was gulping down fresh air after holding her own breath for so long in that horrible place. She could still smell it on her coat, though it was muted on the surface.
She swore she was going to give Everglow and herself the longest bath in the history of equestria, which was when she noticed it. Elegant could have sworn that it was at least a little after three when they went underground, but now it felt like the day was coming to an end. Sure she felt like she was in the sewers for far too long, but five six hours was pushing it. Everglow also noticed as well and asked his mom if it was really this late.
Noticing that his guests were wondering what was going on Nightshade threw on a small smile as he explained. “Welcome to the Dusk plaza much like its name implies this place is in a perpetual dusk like state during the day. This place should be safe from any guards,” said Nightshade.
“Why’s that?” Asked Everglow.
“Well because not very many day ponies can find this place and those who do avoid the plaza like the plague,” said Nightshade.
“Whoa mister, your coat and mane are different colors now and your eyes…” said Everglow as he looked at Nightshade. He had thought it was just the darkness but yellow doesn’t turn dark blue in the dimmest light.
Elegant frowned at her son. “Don’t just blurt it out like that glowie. Don’t be so rude to- um what is your name kind sir?” Asked Elegant embarrassed she forgot to ask.
“Oh my name is Nightshade,” replied Nightshade.
“My name is Elegant Glow and this is my son Everglow,” said Elegant.
“It is very nice to meet you Ms. Elegant Glow,” courteously said Nightshade.
“But mister can you tell me why you look so different now?” Asked Everglow who got another disapproving glare from his mom.
“Everglow what did I just say?” scolded his mom.
“It’s fine Elegant, I would love to explain it to Everglow and I'm sure you’re curious as well,” said Nightshade.
Looking a bit uncomfortable Elegant coughed lightly. “I would love to hear your explanation Nightshade,” politely said Elegant.
“I am a Sarsosian, have either of you ever heard of a Sarsosian?” Asked Nightshade.
Elegant flinched slightly, but Everglow chirped back a “No.”
“What’s a Sarsosian?” Innocently asked Everglow.
“Well a Sarsosian is a night pony, we may look the same as any other pony but that’s about it, even our bone structure is different from your own, somepony once described it as being as different as cats and dogs. But the reason I look so different is because when exposed to heavy concentrations of night magic like at night time or here in the plaza, we night ponies revert to our night form. Meaning we grow fangs, our irises change shape, and our coat and mane change color, just to name a few of the transformations. Some sarsosians are able to resist the transformation with practice, but I like my night form so I don’t bother,” said Nightshade.
“Why do you change though?” asked the curious colt.
“I think your mom may know why,” replied Nightshade with a slight predatory look in his eyes.
“Oh no I don’t,” meekly replied Elegant, “I’ve only ever heard absurd rumors I didn’t even think Sarsosians were real.”
“Oh we are very real,” said Nightshade shifted from his previous chipper side to a more sinister demeanor.
“The rumors are always fun to hear, some of my favorites are that sarsosians are actually vamponies, and that’s why we have sharp teeth, to suck your blood.” Nightshade brought his fangs into full view with an abnormal smile.
“Or they think us were-cats and our eyes a result.” Opening his eyes wide to show the slits unnatural for a pony.
“Some even think we are lycans for our fondness of the moon and that’s why our coats change at night,” Nightshade lumbered up a defunct water fountain and made a howling motion.
The mother and son enraptured by the display looked on.
Nightshade quickly leaped out of sight. “And ghost’s for our ability to pop up without so much a sound.” Somewhat scared the mother and son searched for the source of the voice, but it came from all sides, they were unable to find the source.
“Boo,” softly whispered Nightshade into Elegant’s ear causing her to jump.
Unlike his mother though Everglow was awed by the display, looking at Nightshade with wonder and amazement. “is it true?” asked the colt in wonderment.
Nightshade leaned in close to peer into Everglow’s eyes with a sinister smile. Flashing his fangs he opened his mouth to answer. “Nope.” Nightshade quickly brought his head up with a happy smile, reverting to his chipper self without a hint of his previous persona.
“Ah,” disappointedly moaned Everglow.
Elegant huffed, not exactly pleased with Nightshade’s odd display.
“Please forgive an old pony Miss Glow, we night ponies have a penchant for misdirection, or like my mother used to say; ‘the lot of us are just mischievous little deviants’,” Nightshade held back a small laugh.
“It is quite alright Nightshade, it was somewhat enjoyable if a little unexpected, and please drop the ‘Missus’ it’s just Elegant,” she said as she tried her best to calm her heart beat.
“Are you sure none of those rumors are true?” suspiciously asked Everglow hoping that the stallion would change his answer. “Cause it would be so cool if you were.”
“Yes I'm sure Everglow,” answered Nightshade.
“Then why do you have sharp teeth if it’s not to suck blood?” asked the colt.
“It’s to catch bugs,” swiftly replied Nightshade.
“Then what about your eyes?” the colt didn’t want to give up.
“My eyes are for seeing in the dark.” Nightshade closed his eyes and opened them to reveal one that looked normal and another that looked like a cat’s eye. “It takes a lot of practice but now I can switch them at will, I could even do it in the day but that would just hurt my eyes with all that sunlight.”
“Then, then, what about sarsosians liking the moon?” unconfidently asked the colt.
“That’s because before Princess Luna was born, night unicorns were the ones who raised the moon and the stars so it makes sense we would like the moon, right?” reasoned Nightshade.
Everglow was at the end of his rope but still trudged on. “Then you are all ghosts, how else could you sneak up on us like that without a sound?”
“Nope you see,” Nightshade despite being in front of them and moving his lips, sounded as if he was behind them, “night ponies are very good at manipulating sound and casting our voices, and my steps are just muffled so in truth my steps make no noise.”
Everglow was disappointed that not one of the ‘rumors’ were true. “It would have been so cool though,” pouted Everglow.
Now Everglow even if sarsosians are none of those creatures does that make us any less ‘cool’?” asked Nightshade.
“No I guess not,” Everglow sounding more upbeat, “yeah, you ponies can see in the dark and can sneak up on anypony, which is cool and is better than any monster since you’re real.”
“Now when I said none of those rumors were true, I didn’t mean those monsters were fake,” implying said Nightshade who got a disapproving glare from Elegant, but he returned a very dead serious look that shifted back into a smile.
“You don’t mean they are real, do you?” asked both the mother and son, though one asked in excitement and the other in alarm.
Nightshade paused for a moment holding back his answer. “How should I know?” he playfully replied.
Both mother and son just rolled their eyes at the antics of the old stallion.
Everglow despite being disappointed went into deep thought. “If your Dusk’s dad that makes him a night pony too right? That’s cool,” cheered the small colt.
Nightshade smiled at Everglow who was grinning wide. “So you think my son is cool?” asked Nightshade.
“Yeah!” replied Everglow, jumping off his mother’s back. “Even though he is a bit of a colt scout he’s super tough! You should have seen him when all the guards were chasing us,” Everglow got on his hind legs and punched the air with his fore hooves, “he didn’t even need to waste a breath, they were beat in no time.”
“Now I am happy you are so spry Everglow, but I’d like to examine and preform some tests on you to see what my son was worried about, so if you could follow me,” said Nightshade.
Leading the family Nightshade brought them in front of what could be described even on a good day- if they had those kinds of things here, as a rundown abandoned shack. The windows were boarded up and the door looked ready to fall off its hinges, overgrowth was everywhere getting into everything, the only thing that even gave hints of this building being an actual business was an open sign and the business name which was the Moons bloom, it was the only thing that was being remotely maintained.
For all intents and purposes the place was scary and very shady looking. Elegant had a nagging feeling that if she went inside she would never be seen again, but before she could say anything Nightshade opened the door and let Everglow trot in, this startled her and she went after her colt but any thoughts she had about it being a trap vanished. The inside was surprisingly normal despite its exterior, the apothecary was rather well lit and had shelves of medicine and any other stuff for curing what ails. the walls were filled with plants; common and exotic and in the back was a counter full of tools used to make medicine: a mortar, test tubes, beakers, and an assortment of colored liquids. Nightshade led Everglow to the back of the apothecary into a small back room behind the main counter.
“Now Everglow my son tells me he wants me to examine you to make sure your healthy, mind telling me what’s wrong so I know where to start?” asked Nightshade.
“Sure,” chirped Everglow, “Dusk said I had a panic attack, and went into cardiac arrest causing my to heart stopped, so he restarted my heart with a jolt,” said Everglow quoting Dusk word for word, “he said that since I was technically dead he was worried that I might have brain damaged so he did what he called cognitive test and said I passed.”
“Is that how my son described it to you Everglow?” asked Nightshade, a little shocked at what the colt said and a bit guilty that he tried to scare a colt who has a heart problem.
“Yeah,” said Everglow as he wore a smile and didn’t show any sign of unease as he rattled off what Dusk had said.
Nightshade was a very upset at his son. “Good… okay at least you’re taking this in stride Everglow, I'm going to need to talk to my son about his bedside manner later though,” said Nightshade.
Elegant on the other hoof was not okay. Hearing her son repeat what had happened shook her to her core. She was breathing heavily and looked about ready to pass out but she collected herself and calmly breathed in and out reminding herself that Everglow was safe and alive, in fact a doctor was looking after him. “Right?”
“Now Everglow, I'm going to have to make sure my son didn’t miss anything so I'm going to need you to cooperate with me,” said Nightshade.
Nightshade did several tests like blood pressure, temperature, and one he liked to call a pulmonary slap. All the while Elegant watched with bated breath, shadowing every move Nightshade made. He humored her for a while till he couldn’t take it anymore and asked if she would take a seat. Agreeing she sat down but continued to stare knives into him at every move he made till he was done.
“Please Miss Glow, you can relax as far as I can tell Everglow is as healthy as any colt his age,” confidently said Nightshade.
“Then why did his heart stop?” asked Elegant.
Nightshade paused in deep thought, “I believe it was an arrhythmia that caused it, a condition called V-fib. In short his heart pumped far too quickly and in confusion simply stopped. But in all honesty Miss Glow I don’t know why it did stop,” said Nightshade.
“What do you mean you don’t know ‘why’? I thought you were a doctor?” accusingly asked Elegant looking panicked.
“What I mean is that I can’t find what caused your son’s condition. From my images I don’t see any dead or damaged tissue in his heart, nor clots to block his arteries, and his heartbeat is strong and regular, if I were to hazard a guess it was a just a cocktail of bad circumstance,” flatly said Nightshade.
“You mean it was just by chance, and that it could happen again?” Immediately she went wide eyed hugging Everglow like he was about to be snatched from her.
“Mom, you’re hugging me too tight,” whined Everglow.
“Sorry dear,” said Elegant as she loosened her hug but didn’t let go.
“Don’t worry Miss Glow; I doubt very much it will happen again. Like I said; I really believe it was just a stack of very bad variables that are very unlikely to repeat again,” said Nightshade as reassuringly as possible.
“But you said there is a chance it could happen, right?” Asked Elegant in a worried voice.
“Yes it can, so in that case I would like to prescribe some medicines that will reinforce his heart and further reduce the chances of another event,” said Nightshade.
“Yes that sounds good, and what else should he do to prevent it?” asked Elegant.
“My best advice is for Everglow is to act like a kid,” cheerfully responded Nightshade, “the more active he is the more resilient his heart will become, but for now I suggest about a day’s rest and only light walking for his heart to recover. Everglow will survive this Elegant not only that he will be stronger, believe me.” Nightshade’s tone was serious and reassuring.
A happy sigh of relief escaped Elegant’s lips feeling like a load had been lifted from her shoulders, she smiled down on her colt kissing his forehead lightly.
“Stop mom, that’s embarrassing,” Everglow reacted by pulling his head away from his affectionate mother.
“But on another note Miss Glow,” started Nightshade causing her heart to drop and think; ‘what else?’ “You have been under stress for quite some time, I would also like to give you a check-up,” said Nightshade with a bit of worry.
Releasing a small sigh she was glad that it wasn’t about her son, so she just waved him off. “Oh I'm quite fine doctor, as long as Everglow is safe that’s good enough for my health,” said Elegant trying to dissuade Nightshade.
“Your son is healthy and is due for a quick recovery, but I feel that whatever happened to him might be hereditary and could very well also happen to you,” Everglow felt his chest tighten with worry as Nightshade spoke.
“Mom, you could die?” anxiously asked her colt with tears in his eyes.
“No dear, I won’t, don’t worry,” said Elegant nuzzling her panicked son.
“Miss Glow, this may sound like a low blow, but a child should never worry for their parent. The exam won’t take long and should tell me easily if you are healthy or not.” Nightshade’s words grew more forceful pushing down on the young mother.
“Very well then if you insist,” said Elegant yielding to Nightshade.
Nightshade smiled at her and turned to Everglow. “Everglow this won’t take long, and I can assure you, I will make sure your mom is as healthy as can be, so you can relax and have a look around the shop. Just be careful many things in the shop are delicate,” said Nightshade.
“Okay,” said Everglow clearing his eyes, he beamed back at Nightshade happy to know his mom was going to be okay.
“I would like to-” Everglow tuned out the adults and decided to investigate the shop.
Happily humming a tune Everglow lost himself in the apothecary looking at all the colorful plants that lined the wall of the shop, there was a vibrant blue fern, purple grass, and a red flower head, but they were all preserved and despite all their color they still lacked a vital quality that made them plants. Life.
Everglow sighed, “it’s crazy I almost died today,” he thought. “I wonder if I'm like these plants.”
Just then a bright light hit him in the face, looking he saw a door up a pair of stairs that had sunlight peeking through. Everglow decided to go up the stairs and past the door. What met him was pure green; he was completely enraptured by all the beautiful living plants that surrounded him on all sides. He had seen some of these plants before in the books at his school, which by the way look so much cooler in real life, and a bunch of really cool odd ones he had never seen before.
Meanwhile downstairs Nightshade had completed his checkup of Elegant. “Okay Elegant, I found nothing wrong but a few signs of stress all I can do is ask you take it easy with your son when you can. Do you also have a physician or doctor you see regularly?” asked Nightshade.
“No not really, me and my son haven’t seen a doctor in a long time since we are on the road so much,” replied Elegant.
I can understand that Miss glow, but I suggest you find one for both you and your son’s sake,” flatly replied Nightshade. “Till then I’ll force myself on you, now is next week this same time a nice time for you and your sons next appointment?” kindly and forcibly asked Nightshade.
“Sure,” hesitantly replied Elegant.
“Good, now here is your son’s heart medicine,” said Nightshade passing a canister of white pills, “he should take these once a night with water and a meal.”
“Okay,” Elegant nodded her head.
“And this is for you.” Nightshade picked up a bottle of purple liquid passing it over to Elegant. “This should help with your tiredness and ease some stress.”
“What’s inside?” she asked.
“I found that it is better that my patients not know, but it is good for you, try a sip,” said Nightshade.
Elegant shrugged “I’ve been through the sewers and I have eaten griffon cuisine, how bad could it be?” she asked herself before sipping the contents. Her eyes lit up after the sip, it tasted great and she felt more energized from just a little sip, she decided to down the rest of bottle. “This is good,” said Elegant.
“Good, I'm glad you like it,” said Nightshade, “it took a while to find a good balance of tastes from all the ingredients- especially to hide the bug taste,” Nightshade muttered that last part. For some reason day ponies got squeamish when they found out they drank liquefied bug.
“I should have Everglow taste some. Everglow where are you?” asked the mother now looking through the store, but she soon realized he wasn’t in the shop anymore causing a moment of panic to seize her. “Everglow!” yelled the panicked mother.
“I'm up here mom, you got to check this out,” shouted Everglow from up in the greenhouse.
Relived her son was still okay she was now more than willing to punish her son for causing her heart to skip a beat.
“Oh he’s upstairs? I hope none of the plants eat him,” Nightshade sounded more serious then he liked as he said the joke.
“You’re joking right?” asked Elegant apprehensive of the possible answers.
“Um, hypothetically what if I say no?” asked Nightshade taking the joke to another level to tease the young mother.
Elegant’s face went horror struck as she jumped on all fours and raced up the stairs to make sure Everglow was okay.
“Um, I was joking,” said Nightshade, but it was too late Elegant was bounding up the stairs. “I’m a horrible doctor,” he joked to himself as he followed after her.
“Everglow where are you!” yelled Elegant.
“I’m right here mom, why are you yelling?” asked Everglow.
Relief washed over Elegant seeing Everglow was fine. She picked him up into a hug him. “Don’t ever leave my sight again, you hear me Everglow?” said Elegant.
“Come on mom, calm down I'm fine,” said Everglow, “but look at this place.” Everglow pointed all around them at all the vibrant plants; Elegant began to take in the sight of all the plants in the green house. She had never seen so much life crammed into such a small space.
“It really is beautiful up here,” said Nightshade as he entered the greenhouse, “I and my wife try our best to take care of them all, but it’s mostly thanks to Dusk. While he was away he just kept shipping back plants and organisms, half the plants here are from the places he visited. I even had to expand the greenhouse a couple times and it still wasn’t enough.”
“Really so it was your son that got most of these plants, is he some sort of traveling doctor like you?” asked Elegant.
“Oh no, he’s no doctor. But he does know a thing or two about medicine and healing,” said Nightshade.
“If he’s not a doctor than what does he do?” asked Elegant.
“Well he was a traveler of sorts, exploring the world and all its wonder, but now he wants to join the guard,” said Nightshade.
“But he just defied the guard by helping me and my son,” said Elegant.
“Well that’s my son Elegant, he does what he thinks is right. On the best of days he is nothing more than a prankster, but on his worst he will bear the weight of the world as he tries to protect those around him,” said Nightshade with a hint of exasperation in his voice.
“He sounds strong,” said Elegant.
“No he’s not, he’s a weak bull headed idiot that runs head long into trouble, who would cry at the drop of a hat.” Nightshade was beginning to steam as he ranted about his son. He reigned himself in before continuing. “Dusk would give everything he has to protect those he cares for, whether they are lifelong friends or a passing stranger. But if he ever failed he would break, and I am afraid he already has.” Nightshade voice was beginning to crack towards the end as a small tear ran down the side of his face.
“I'm sorry Elegant I like to think it is a parent’s right to worry for their child whether they are ten or twenty,” laughed Nightshade as he cleaned the tear. “Ever since he left he wrote us letters about grand childish adventures. We were happy he left even, but then one letter woke us from that dream, it was about the hard ships he truly faced it spoke of nightmares, death, and hate so much hate. Since then I and my wife have always worried not for his life we knew he would come back alive, no we were worried that he would come back as a different and cold pony.”
Elegant smiled, “Nightshade I think you’re right about one thing a parent should worry for their child incessantly,” said Elegant while lovingly nuzzling her son, “but I think you are wrong about him Nightshade. I think he is stronger than you think and you should trust that he is the same Dusk who left so long ago. He just wants to come home and rest.”
--
Meanwhile
“Hey Lucky,” said Hotshot.
“Yeah Hotshot,” replied Lucky.
“You remember what Dusk was talking about? how we were taking this relationship too slow, well I was-” Before Hotshot could even say anything else he was interrupted by a guard who had run headlong into him. “Watch where you are going guard,” groaned Hotshot, “where’s the fire?”
“Sorry,” said the guard; she straightened up when she saw who she ran recklessly into. “I'm sorry Captain Hotshot I'm just reporting to an urgent 560 by the east entrance of Canterlot market, several guards were already taken down by a tan unicorn with a red man and black shield cutie mark, they need back up A.S.A.P.” Dashing away before either one could ask for more info the two looked at each other incredulously.
“No way, this is Dusk were talking about, sure he’s been in a few brawls but there’s no way could he take down a guard let alone multiple,” said Hotshot in disbelief.
“That pony is always in the thick of it,” remarked Lucky.
Hotshot thought for a while on what to do whether to broach the topic of his relationship or help Dusk. “The guard said east Canterlot market entrance right?” asked Hotshot as he looked at his mare-friend who returned a knowing look.
--
Dusk was stuck between a rock and a hard place, they had managed to pin him to the ground and many of the other guards he had knocked out were recovering, especially that big stallion he broke his hoof on.
“Come on pony give up,” said Lt Clip.
“No,” replied Dusk.
“Somepony get a muzzle on him I'm sick of hearing his voice, also a magic nullifier he might be faking not having any magic,” said Lt Clip.
“Is that really nec-” being cut off as a muzzle was magically pulled over his face reducing Dusk to basic grunts, and a ring was put on his horn to seal any magic he might use.
“Sorry can’t hear you, what was that?” mockingly asked Lt Clip, he cupped his ear with his hoof to drive the point home.
All Dusk could do was roll his eyes and sigh at Lt Clip’s comment. They put two pairs of cuffs on him, one each for his fore and rear hooves. The situation looked rather bleak but to Dusk’s surprise he saw Hotshot and Lucky fly overhead landing near the carnage.
Lucky let out a soft laugh as she landed. “Sweet Celestia Dusk, you look like crap, what happened?” Lucky tried not to laugh too hard at Dusk, but well she did.
Before Dusk could even muffle a reply he was cut off by Lt Clip. “You two know this pathetic pony?”
“Yes this pathetic pony is a good friend of ours,” said Hotshot asserting himself, “and we would like to know what he did to warrant such treatment? Aside from putting down the hurt on your guards.” Hotshot was impressed despite the fact Dusk looked battered and beat, he still looked better than the other guards. Hotshot recognized many of the hurt guards and he knew they were not shining examples of the solar guard, so he didn’t feel too bad seeing them ragged.
“I'm glad you find this so funny this pony wounded twenty three-” the Lieutenant was cut off as he heard hoof meet face and the soft whimper of pain coming from Dusk, despite having a fractured ankle being cuffed muzzled and pinned on his side, Dusk managed to buck a guard who had just tried to remove his bag.
“Make that twenty four ponies, this friend of yours has defied us at every turn using every chance to resist arrest, and has aided a criminal in escape who still has managed to evade a city wide search, so we will be bringing him in to interrogate him about the criminal’s whereabouts,” said Lt Clip.
Meanwhile more than half a dozen guards were busy pinning down Dusk so as to take off his bag, Dusk had used it multiple times to take out other guards and to them it was a very dangerous weapon that needed to be dealt with, some of them kicked him while he was helpless.
“Hey you jerks, what do you think you’re doing!” shouted Hotshot.
His complaint was ignored. The guards had lost all pity for Dusk, he was giving them Tartarus and they were more than happy to treat him a bit more harshly.
“Sorry but unless you two want to join him I suggest you both leave now,” threatened Lt Clip.
Before Hotshot could launch a verbal assault Lucky pulled him aside. “Hotshot, this is bad that pony is Lieutenant Half Clip,” muttered Lucky.
“He’s just a Lieutenant then Lucky, we may be out of uniform but we can still order him to let Dusk into our custody,” Whispered Hotshot.
“No you don’t understand his captain is Bent Arrow, he would just find a way to squirm out of it,” said Lucky.
“Gah! No wonder I don’t like him, but why should that stop us from helping Dusk?” asked Hotshot.
“Well there were some bad rumors floating around about Bent Arrow and his unit, so Captain Armor asked me to look into Captain Arrow, but my team got nowhere fast. We were always stopped before we got anything solid by Lt Clip, fortunately he doesn’t recognize me in my day colors,” whispered Lucky, “but knowing Dusk, he poked his nose into something and is neck deep in it. If he brings Dusk to the castle now we can get Captain Armor to help, and maybe even find out what the good Captain Arrow and his little cronies are up to.”
“So you want to leverage Captain Armor’s seniority to help Dusk?” Asked Hotshot.
Lucky nodded.
“But I don’t like leaving Dusk like that” said Hotshot as he pointed to Dusk who was without his bag, he was trying to wiggle out of the pin. “He just looks so helpless,” muttered Hotshot.
“You heard how many guards Clip said he wounded, he’ll be fine now come on we need to get to Captain Armor now or we will lose this chance,” Said Lucky to calm her colt-friend.
“Okay,” replied Hotshot.
Dusk now had his four hooves cuffed together and was being loaded on a chariot to get flown to the castle, he was still making a huge mess as he lunged for his bag, apparently his bag was important, they didn’t even notice he managed to grab something from inside the bag as they ripped it from him.
“Hey Dusk calm down, we’ll get you out in no time just be a little patient,” said Lucky.
Calming down a bit he nodded his head to show he knew he could count on his best friends to get him out of this mess.
“Come on Hotshot we’ve got to go. See you later Dusk,” said Lucky.
The two pegasi were fast, Dusk thought he was still looking at them only to realize they were just afterimages, the pair were nearly already at the castle by the time he realized this.
“Ha!” laughed Lt Clip, “what can your friends do? Come on let’s get this bozo to the castle I got some nasty questions to ask him,” sneered Lt Clip.
But Dusk knew better than that, his friends had his back and were doing their best.
--
Dusk’s escort to his cell slowly grew over time, from the initial group that arrived with him on the landing pad. During the flight he picked the locks of his cuffs with the item he got from his last lunge at his bag, when they landed he managed to break several noses before they got the cuffs back on, they still didn’t know how he did it though.
While under heavy escort Dusk walked as slowly as possible and if any pony tried to force him to move faster, or even got close to him he broke something of theirs. This generally slowed their progress until they got a strait jacket and a dolly, but this meant un-cuffing him to put the jacket on and was that a bad idea. After some time twenty guards finally got him in the jacket and strapped to the dolly.
They started to roll him towards his future cell but fortunately for Dusk they didn’t know how to properly put a pony in a strait jacket. They didn’t tighten it enough; this gave him some room to get loose. Suffice to say when everypony that was mocking him saw him get free they panicked, and Dusk effectively used the heavy metal buckles attached to the ends of the restraints as bludgeoning weapons. Most would deny they pissed themselves in the ensuing chaos but the castle cleaning staff would say otherwise.
I don’t even know how he unstrapped himself from the dolly, but he did.
When they got to Dusk’s holding cell the guards were more than happy to roughly toss him in his cell.
--
“Sweet Celestia where is he?” asked Lucky “he should be in a holding cell. They should have put him in a holding cell before they integrated him or worse, no this is my fault I should have forced Lt Clip to hoof over Dusk,” Lucky felt guilty over leaving her friend to fend for himself.
“Don’t worry Captain Star, we’ll find this friend of yours,” said a calm voice.
“Sorry Captain Armor, we-I just left him there and if they hurt him even the moon isn’t far enough away to keep me from shredding them to bits,” said Lucky bitterly.
“He must be a good friend of yours then?” asked Shining.
“Yes sir,” answered Hotshot, “you could say he’s the reason we both joined the solar guard.”
“Hey you ponies looking for the new low life the guards just dropped off?” asked the warden, “he’s over there, it kind of spooked me when he was carted in here by 20 some guards all Cannibal Lecter style, not only that I think he managed to get in a few licks in on his escorts they all looked like they just went through tartarus all bloodied up like that and all.”
Lucky was the first to see Dusk, surprisingly he looked worse than he did last time; he was lying on the ground in a full on straight jacket covered in large amounts of blood.
“What happened? Why is he covered in blood? If he’s wounded he needs medical help first,” huffed Lucky, she looked about ready to rip off the solid steel door of Dusk’s cell.
“He ain’t going anywhere,” said Lt Area, while Lt Clip flanked him, “most of that blood was from the guards he managed to hurt when he first escaped.”
“Wait, he escaped?” asked Hotshot.
“Not just once, he broke out several other times and gave-” Dusk had tuned him out, he didn’t have time to waste for somepony to reiterate what happened, and needed to figure out his next move.
Fortunately the cell was sufficiently dark enough for his magic to work but it was still weak since the sun was up, but beggars can’t be choosers. First thing on his mental check list was the magic inhibitor, it was simple enough, burn out the frequency oscillator and then a simple brute force hack and not even three seconds later the magic inhibitor ring is inert.
Dusk wanted to rest a bit and used his magic to heal himself so he started to listen to the five ponies by his cell door, this time it was pony he had never heard before he, but sounded like he was on his side and was powerful.
“Well Lt Area, I'm sorry but this suspect is now under my custody, you can tell that to your captain and if he has any reservations he can bring them to my attention,” said the unknown voice.
Dusk was happy he might have a chance to legally get out of his cell but he wasn’t taking any chances, he could feel his broken ankle had mended and the cuts in his mouth were closed, re-growing his teeth would have to wait. He was feeling better now that most of the pain was gone, all that was left now was his straight jacket and muzzle, Dusk tried to phase through them like a shadow but was met with a mild jolt that broke his concentration.
‘Great another enchantment,’ thought Dusk, this one took about 10 seconds to deal with but tampering with the enchantment dealt quite a shock to his system.
“Okay now to phase out,” said Dusk to no pony in particular.
Dusk’s body began to grow dark and gained a little transparency, soon his body turned to a black mist that swirled in the cell and reconstituted itself by the limp strait jacket and muzzle.
Now that he was out of the muzzle and strait jacket Dusk opened his mouth wide, stretching it to get used to its new found freedom. Next he had to pop his shoulder back into place since he had to pop it out of place when he got out of the jacket, he had popped into place, just not in the right place, and his shoulder was just giving him lip about it.
It hurt quite a bit going through the process but it was nothing new for Dusk, in fact he was kind of having a good time. Sure he got his face caved in and his ankle threated to come off after a few too many bucks, but he managed to bust up a few ponies despite the odds. He could probably share a laugh and a drink with them later in a bar after this mess is cleaned up, but now that was beside the point the five ponies that were arguing over custody of him were beginning to yell.
“You are talking to the captain of the guard Lt Area, any pain your captain gives you can be directed to me, so hoof over the suspect now and stop giving me technicalities,” yelled the unknown pony, aggravation lacing his voice.
“Sorry sir, no can do, he is far too dangerous to let me just hoof him over. If you caught him though you could do whatever you want with him sir, but it was me and my unit who got their hooves dirty,” replied Lt Area. Dusk really wanted to buck that pony in the face with his newly healed hoof, so why not.
That was when every pony heard an audible click and the creaking of an opening door.
“So let me get this straight, all they have to do is catch me and I'm in their custody then?” asked Dusk as he walked out of his former cell.
All five ponies were dumbfounded, but Hotshot nodded.
“Oh okay *cough* hey look I'm escaping,” said Dusk as his voice took on a hollow quality.
The first one to react was Lt Area who received a buck to the face courtesy of Dusk knocking out Area. “Oh that felt good,” said Dusk. “Well come on you ponies get with the program that jerk has the right idea.”
The other four were not quite sure what was going on but Hotshot got a pair of cuffs from nearby and decided to cuff Dusk.
“Um, you are under arrest for assault and attempted escape,” said Hotshot.
“Oh no, what ever shall I do?” mocked back Dusk.
“You-you bastard!” yelled Lt Clip. “You gave me and twenty other guards Tartarus just trying to get near you, do you expect me to believe this farce of an arrest?” asked Lt Clip.
“Yes,” Dusk deadpanned.
Half Clip wanted to say something but decided against it, he simply picked up his fellow lieutenant and left, probably to tell his captain how he screwed up.
Dusk just wore a satisfied look and turned to his friends and the unknown pony who look rather pleased with the results.
“So are you just going to throw me in the cell again? Or are you going to ask me what’s happened?” asked Dusk. He proceeded to tell them the scheme the guards were doing in order to rob ponies blind.
“So if I'm getting this straight, they anonymously approach merchants to buy goods and have the merchant meet at the market, then after a while they send in a pickpocket like the colt you talked about who steals from the mark and after the pickpocket stashes it they pick it up, and all the while the guards posted there are on ‘break’?” asked the unknown pony.
“Yes” answered Dusk.
“I suspected as much,” said the pony. “As far as I can tell all those guards are involved in this and many other illegal activities, this is only be the tip it could go far deeper. I have had my suspicions of Captain Bent Arrow and several other captains, but this is the first piece of real evidence to back it up. Captain Star, I'm going to need you to send a message to Captain Wake and Pole Arm: ‘operation clean house is a go,’” said the pony with a deep look of thought.
“Yes right away Captain Shining Armor,” said Lucky as she saluted, she tossed her camera over to Hotshot for safe keeping, then spun in place and marched out of the room.
“This could cripple the guard if we discover anymore are involved, but this is for the better,” said Shining.
At that moment it clicked with Dusk.
“Wait, you are Shining Armor, captain of the guard,” said Dusk dumb struck he didn’t figure it out earlier.
“Yes I am. I guess we haven’t had much time for introductions; I'm Captain Shining Armor pleasure to make your acquaintance,” said Shining.
“Call me Dusk but that doesn’t matter right now, can I get a photo of you and me?” asked Dusk beaming up at Shining.
Before shining could act he was pulled beside dusk as he egged Hotshot to take a picture of them. “Hurry up Hotshot!”
A flash and a giggle later the photo developed showing Dusk with a mile wide smile and a blinded and confused Shining Armor.
“This is so cool!” Dusk was looking at the photo with fervor, and then an idea sparked. “Can I get your autograph?” asked Dusk.
“Sure-” caught off guard by such a random antics Shining recovered and was more than happy to oblige. “I’d love to give you one,” he said glowing. Captain Armor brought out a quill and grabbed the photo and proceeded to leave his signature on it.
“I can’t believe I'm getting the signature of the Shining Armor. You are the youngest captain to become the captain of the guard five years ago, not only that you practically rewrote what we knew about mass shielding spells,” gushed Dusk.
“Ah ha-ha stop it your embarrassing me,” said Shining as he finished autographing the photo, “here’s my autograph, make sure to frame it.” Shining was grinning ear to ear he rarely ever got praised anymore, especially since he was always outshined by his genius sister.
“Sweet! I can’t believe I got Twilight Sparkle’s brothers autograph,” said Dusk he was in his own little world gushing over the signed photo.
“My sister’s what now?” Shining’s bubble once again was burst by his genius sister.
It was at this point Hotshot decided to intervene.
“Sorry sir he’s somewhat obsessed with your little sister, don’t take it the wrong way sir he’s harmless,” said Hotshot but then he remembered that Dusk took down several well trained guards by himself and that was far from harmless.
“Great another element’s of harmony brony,” said Shining with a bit of venom on his tongue, “they are just a bunch of weird pasty stallions who clop to my sister and her friends.”
“We are not all-” turning a little red Hotshot coughed to get back on subject. “Actually sir he’s not a brony, I don’t even think he knows that your sister is an element of harmony yet. He’s been out of the country for a few years and for all he knows it was princess Celestia who used the elements of harmony again,” explained Hotshot.
“Really? Then why is he such an avid fan of my sis?” asked Shining, choosing to ignore his fellow captain’s outburst.
“Well it started when we were just foals; we saw a picture of your sister when she was being accepted by Celestia. Long story short over time he developed a small- okay a really large crush on your sister,” said Hotshot hoping the captain would think favorably of Dusk.
“So he just likes her because she is Celestia's personal student?” Asked Shining in a less spiteful voice.
“More than that sir, he passionately follows your sister’s scientific and magic work,” said Hotshot.
“That pony? Really?” asked Shining pointing to Dusk as he jumped for joy still gripping the photo like it was the world. “Most ponies can’t even understand the preface let alone the whole paper.”
“You’d be surprised sir before he left for the south he had university offers from all across equestria begging him to attend, but he turned them all down to go on his small excursion,” said Hotshot with a bit of pride in his friend.
“Huh, I didn’t think there were many ponies her age who could keep up with her work. Even I can’t follow most of it, and the ponies that can think she’s Celestia's eccentric little pet,” said Shining with disdain. “They like to think she is some sort of mad mare because her ideas tend to fly in the face of some common accepted ones,” huffed Shining.
“Hah,” loudly laughed Hotshot, “uh sorry sir, it’s just that outburst kind of reminds me of one of Dusk’s in high school,” apologized Hotshot.
“Really, how so?” he asked.
“Well one of the general magic teachers had gone out of her way to bash one of your sister’s papers in her class. Dusk was in that class, so naturally he gets in front of class and goes on a tirade of how she’s wrong about the paper. This goes on for a while, I barely understood the argument myself, but Dusk was able to hold his own till some security ponies came in and took him away. It was fun to watch,” said Hotshot.
Shining laughed, growing to like Dusk a bit, though he wasn’t going to let him anywhere near his sister, he liked the idea that somepony was defending her name, if a tad excessive in nature. “You said he doesn’t know my sister is an element of harmony right? Let’s rectify that,” said Shining.
“Yes let’s,” said Hotshot as a wicked smile crept across his face, “hey Dusk, quit your jumping we got something to tell you,” called out Hotshot.
Dusk coughed as he turned slight red from embarrassment, ceasing his jumping. “Yes? What is it?” asked Dusk.
“You know Princess Luna was helped by the elements of harmony correct?” asked Shining.
“Yes, I heard while I was wandering in the dragon lands,” replied Dusk.
“Wait, dragon lands? Ponies don’t just wander the dragon lands. Never mind I’ll ask later, but did you know that my sister was one of elements of harmony that helped defeat nightmare moon?” asked Shining expecting him to go crazy, but his reaction was just a face frozen between utter glee and shock. The two ponies tried to snap him out of it, but nothing worked.
“Huh that’s rather disappointing, I would have thought he would be jumping off the walls or something,” said Shining.
Hotshot having Lucky’s camera decided to take a picture of Dusk’s face of pure disbelief, “Lucky is going to love this photo.” When the flash went off Dusk’s body managed to catch up with his brain and all of his thoughts just poured out of his mouth.
“Element. Twilight. So, awesome!” Spouted Dusk as he reeled back into reality, “tell me what element she is now!” Dusk had grabbed Shining by his armor with strength surprising Shining who couldn’t escape his grip. “No wait let me guess, I bet she was kindness, no loyalty, wait honesty, or, or, or generosity, maybe laughter? No maybe she was all six, which would be so cool. Tell me, was she all six elements?” Dusk’s face was uncomfortably close to Shining’s.
“No that’s absurd you said she was one of the elements meaning she was only a part. Oh forget it, tell me what element she is now! Tell me, tell me now!” Dusk was crazed, and with a single breath he had managed to get everything into words but now he was huffing in air to fuel his still addled mind, and was reduced to shaking shining by the neck in a fit.
“Now this is more of what I was expecting,” laughed Shining.
Dusk’s expression took a drastic change becoming more dark and menacing and glared angrily at Shining. “Stop wasting my time, and tell me,” sounding as threating as possible Dusk brought his face inches from shinning’s who returned a glare back at the pony, but after a few moments of more glaring Dusk just broke down crying. Weeping before Shining he got on his hooves and groveled.
“Please tell me, the suspense is killing me I just want to know. I’ll give you anything you want, I’ll even name my first born after you, just please tell me,” cried Dusk with tears in his overly dramatic face. Dusk was on the floor pleading with Shining who for his part was trying to inch away from the crazed pony, but Dusk just closed the gap by crawling on the floor refusing to let go of his hoof.
“Fine I’ll tell you just stop groveling,” desperately said Shining.
Dusk responded swiftly by picking himself up off the ground, cleaning his eyes, even the redness disappeared. Shining was surprised, he had never seen such a quick recovery to the point that Dusk looked like he never even uttered a word. He took a few moments to examine Dusk but that were a few too many for him, Dusk was tapping his hoof impatiently while his eyes started to tear up again, but Shining stopped him before he could start up again.
“She is the element of magic,” blurted out Shining surprised at how anti-climactic it was.
At first Dusk was just confused. “Magic?” then it clicked, he was surprised the thought never crossed his mind in the beginning.
“The sixth unknown element is magic?” Asked Dusk more as a confirmation with himself than with Shining. Dusk just blew up again this time in adulation.
“Magic!” shouted Dusk, “she’s the element of magic, do you know what this means?” asked Dusk pushing his head against Shining’s to look into his eyes.
“Do you know what personal space means?” joked Shining.
Ignoring the comment Dusk just continued on his tangent. “That means that she is the most magical unicorn in all of equestria maybe even in history! this is huge!” Dusk was trying to calmly think things through, but then he thought; ‘screw that twilight is the element of magic’ just bucking the calm rational portion of his mind to the moon.
Dusk was bug-eyed and breathing erratically as his mind was trying to process the information but then thump, Dusk was passed out on the floor.
“Did that just happen?” asked Shining as he hovered over the unconscious pony.
“Yup that’s Dusk for you, a quiet unassuming unicorn that can at the drop of a hat, freak out over the silliest of things. He grows on you,” proudly said Hotshot of his unconscious friend.
“I hope that if he ever does meet my sister that he won’t freak out like this. The last thing my sister needs is a pony passing out in front of her,” Shining cringed at the thought.
“You don’t need to worry about that sir he’s met your sister a few times already and he acted normal, to a degree,” said Hotshot.
“Really? He already met her, and didn’t freak out?” asked Shining.
“Yes the first time was when she won the jr. spell master golden star. Dusk had wanted to win the medal since it was named after his idol but he was knocked out in the prelims, but we stayed and watched twilight dominate the competition. I think that was when interest turned into a full blown crush, he managed to say hi and hold a short conversation before she was mobbed by all the other ponies,” said Hotshot.
“Was that the only time?” asked Shining.
“No there were other times; like at the hearths warming eve pageant when your sister played princess Platinum, or when she gave a two hour long speech at our school that was supposed to be only twenty minutes, or during the summer sun celebration, but that was because we snuck in backstage,” said Hotshot.
“Did he ever get to talk to her during any of those times?” asked Shining.
“Kind of, he did almost spaz out a few times but he behaved himself though I doubt she would remember talking to Dusk, but that was before the time he met her at the Canterlot library.”
“What happened?” asked Shining.
“He was ecstatic meeting her and getting to know her a bit. After a while he introduced us to her but things really escalated, words were said and tempers flared, I don’t want to bad mouth your sister but she was not a very nice filly,” pensively said Hotshot.
“No I understand, my sister when she was a filly she was very…” Shining paused struggling to find the word.
“Bossy?” asked Hotshot.
“No, tyrannical,” abruptly responded Shining with a look of stallion twice his age.
An unsettling silence came over the two ponies
“Well…” Hotshot broke the long silence, “after that he avoided contact with her and only followed her exploits from afar.”
“Yeah I can see that, so what should we do now?” asked Shining pointing at the still unconscious pony.
“I'm going to get a bucket of ice water,” replied Hotshot.
“That’s brutal,” said Shining.
“Yes, yes it is,” a dark sinister grin spread across his face.
--
Splash. “Wakey-wakey Dusk,” singed-songed Hotshot as Dusk shot straight up from the cold shower.
“Grah! What in Celestia’s mane was that for Hotshot?” Dusk was drenched in cold water and was beginning to shiver till Hotshot tossed him a towel to dry off.
“How about for the numerous times you and Lucky did that to me,” Deadpanned Hotshot.
Dusk after drying himself thoroughly, looked up from and felt better when he saw his discarded saddle bag. The guards had tried to take all the items within it, only to find it empty so they just left it lying on the warden’s desk. Eagerly putting it back on, he always felt a bit more secure with it on.
“Ah, Captain Armor,” said Dusk, “about the colt that was involved with the-”
Before Dusk could even finish Shining interrupted him. “Colt? What colt? I thought it was a random pony you couldn’t identify?” hollowly asked Shining.
Catching on Dusk followed suit in a similar tone. “Yes Captain Armor, you’re right I couldn’t identify him.”
“Also Dusk the punishment for assaulting guards is very high, but since they all retired early you are off the hook, you’re lucky it all happened so coincidentally and didn’t involve you or a young colt.”
Dusk was glad that Shining was willing to let him and Everglow go and wanted to let them know now. “Hey Hotshot can you pop by my dad’s shop and tell him that I'm fine and tell his patients that they should go home,” said Dusk.
“Sure can, see yah Dusk,” Hotshot loosely saluted Shining before leaving the room.
Alone with Shining, Dusk hesitantly approached the captain. “Um, Captain Armor.”
“Oh, just call me Shinning,” said Shining.
“Yes Captain Shining, may I make a request?” asked Dusk.
“Sure, you’ve earned it,” replied Shining resisting the urge to correct him further.
“I would like to join Luna’s guard,” said Dusk.
“Hmm that is an odd request but not beyond my power, I can see you are a very capable pony with a strong sense of justice I would be happy to help you,” said Shining smiling at Dusk.
“Really?” excitedly asked Dusk, but then coughed to contain himself despite his earlier display. “Thank you so much.”
“But first, I'm going to need to interview you. Find me in my office in the south wing of the castle in an hour it will be the office with double-doors, that should give me enough time to get the ball rolling to deal with Bent Arrow and those involved,” said Shining.
“Okay I’ll be there,” said Dusk.
Smiling the two went their ways.
“Oh yeah before I forget,” muttered Dusk to himself. He reached into his bag pulling out a pearl white potion. Uncorking it he took a swig and swished it in his mouth till he felt all he teeth had completely reconstructed themselves in his mouth, spitting out the liquid it proceeded to evaporate into the air. “That’s better now what should I do before going to Shining’s office? Maybe they have a library here.” Corking the potion Dusk popped it back into his bag and walked down the hall.
