Child of the Dark

Chapters

The Hall of Glass
The Catalyst
A Brighter Day
Captain Nightwing Part: 1
Captain Nightwing Part: 2
And the Dust Settles
Ash to Ash
Epilogue: His Heart Beats
Fourteen Years Later
The Return of the King

The Hall of Glass

Dusty looked in the full mirror on the door to the bathroom. Admiring the gold array of sandals and the light chest piece brandishing the symbol of his mothers rule, a bright purple star made of amethyst with five other symbols around it; a butterfly, a lightning bolt, a purple gem, pink balloons and lastly a sparkling apple. Dusty forgot what they all mean, but he figured he wouldn't space out the next time his mother explained it.

He stepped out of the large bathroom, closing the door behind him with a swift kick and picked up his JoyBoy. Jumping on the bed and ignoring the fact that if anypony deiced to visit him, they would be greeted by an...interesting combination of smells and sights. Comics stuffed under the bed haphazardly and floor a mine field of trash with a pair of pajamas hanging of the bed post. Work desk still supporting a week old pizza slice, but the books above it were spared the same treatment; untouched but clean at least. The tiny screen flicked on the game came to life and just like that, he was wrapped in its fantasy world.

"This time you'll fall to my blade, Ganon..."

Each passing level was time flying by faster than his cyan aunt on a clear day. All he needed to do was focus on the game and try and not think about the amazing party just moments away now...all the gifts that awaited, cake he intended to demolish and aunt Pinkie always was fun...he paused the game and frowned; setting it down and hopping up. The colt paced back and forth, glancing at the window every few seconds to see if other ponies were coming...

After what felt like an eternity...thought it was only five minuets..a carriage pulled up. The tall and confidante Scootaloo hopped out with a clumsy but ecstatic Sweetie Belle. Dusty hung his head out over the balcony and waved, yelling much louder than needed...

"HAY! IM UP HERE!"

Scootaloo looked up quickly, poor Sweetie Bell jumped at the surprise and hid behind her friend.

"Oh hay, kid! Come meet us downstairs,we got something for ya!"

Dusty gasped, throwing himself off the stone ledge and opening the door with a burst of blunt magic. Skipping steps as he ran down and landing in the foyer, gold sandals clanking against the marble. Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell were waiting just as the door behind them closed and sure enough, a long box wrapped in rainbow colored paper was waiting behind Scoot.

"Now...I'm not suppose to give you this before the party....but I can't stand the wait any longer."

She stepped aside letting Dusty get full access to the mysterious gift...he lunged at it only to get yanked back by his ear from a force of purple magic.

"Ow ow ow ow ow ow!" he cried helplessly.

Twilight gracefully took the gift up and let him go when he was back by the stairs, rubbing his ear and pouting. Sweetie Belle glanced around as if not involved in breaking party procedure. Twilight happily stepped back to have both of them in her view.

"I see not much has changed for the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" She said, air permeating the kind of disappointment that had unnerving cheer...

Scootaloo scoffed and lifted her head in pride, lifting her wing, turning to the side to show off the large wing on her flank and Sweetie Belle showed the red and gold embroidered heart on her backside.

"Come on, Twilight, We've had these for a while now." Scootaloo said with a laugh

The story behind them is a entertaining one, Twilight was sure she would hear another recounting of when Scootaloo's wings suddenly had a growth spurt, breaking record wingspan and nearly breaking Rainbow Dash's wing power record. Though the feet didn't come without training, and Sweetie Belle was there all the way to the end. Earning her cutie mark when she realized she could find a talent in helping others; truly pushing ponies along to reach their goals and even find comfort should they fail. Kindness became the little sister to generosity, and Sweetie Belle moved in with Scootaloo after the wing power competition. Twilight couldn't help but notice the smaller details between the two...

"I'm so glad you both could make it." Twilight said after a short laugh, putting the two at ease once again.

"We're just happy to be here for Dusty Armor's big day." Sweetie Belle cut in, trying to work her way out of being in any kind of trouble with Twilight still.

"The party is in the grand hall, just take that hallway left of the stairs and you should see it." She pointed for emphasis and Sweetie Belle quickly pushed Scoot along, the orange mare protesting to such a quick exit but walking along to not cause even more trouble. Twilight laughed and looked down at Dusty.

"More should be coming soon, and don't even think about opening a present before the cake."

He sighed, lowering his head.

"Yes, ma'am..."

The door opened again, the guard holding it for the newest arrivals and just like that Dusty was wide eyed and almost bouncing with excitement. Soarin and Spitfire walked in, both their eyes widening when seeing the Princess and her son waiting at the door.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle. Always an honor." Spitfire said, giving a small bow in respect. If only her wingmate was as courteous.

"Twilight, its been forever! Wheres the grub?"

Spitfire elbowed the stallion, he looked surprised but quickly changed to apologetic. Digging through his saddle bag and taking out a box wrapped in the same pattern used on Wonderbolt uniforms; Twilight took the gift and held it in the air behind her next to the one from the two crusaders.

"Thank you so much for coming, just down the hall there and make yourselves at home."

The two nodded and said their thanks with their departure,Twilight called for a guard and had him stand at the door for any more new arrivals. Dusty followed behind his mother quickly when she carried the gifts to the great hall, only to get held back by a magic barrier just before he could get close enough to see inside the room.

"Hay, no fair!" He said in a tantrum.

"Not until everything is ready, it's going to be a surprise party anyway."

The colt stomped on the ground and ran back to the foyer, no doubt to pester the guard for information...and to intercept any gifts perhaps. Twilight just laughed, knowing she gave the guard express orders that her son is to not lay a hoof on anything. The great hall was ready, the disorganized mess of color was now a extravagant party that would no doubt hold a place in the top ten of parties thrown by Pinkie. Twilight walked in and noticed Soarin already arguing with Applejack over pie, Rainbow Dash dropping everything to rush her idol with questions, luckily, they were the only things out of place. Streamers of every color hung from the chandelier and it seems the band was all set, drums, electric guitars....Twilight could never guess just where her son's taste in music came from.

"Alright...I think I'll wait for a few more guests and then let him in." Twilight said with

Dusty paced around the guard, stopping behind him when a thought occurred to him. Guests filed in steadily and each bearing a gift..all of which intercepted by the guard and given to the already exhausted privet to shuttle to the great hall. Aunt Cadence was fun to talk to, though Uncle Shining saw though his ruse and quickly shot him down, taking the gift himself to the great hall while he painfully had to work his way out of the conversation with his wife. Eventually, she let him go and joined the rest of the group in the great hall. Yet...it only just occurred to him to try asking the guard for the presents...

"Hay, whats your name?" Dusty piped curiously.

"Sentinel Fury." He said quickly...voice gruff and bitter, hoping that the prince ends this conversation out of fear.

"Sounds way to cool to be real..."

No such luck....

The guard stood silent, Dusty glaring up at him but getting shoved out of the way when the door opened. Sentinel blowing past him and taking to door from the guard outside, giving directions to the guests he didn't care to know. More and more walked in and Dusty stayed focused on him and behind the door so as not to get grabbed by anypony walking in until the stallion sighed heavily.

"Sentinel Heart."

Dusty smirked, laughing until the last guest passed the staircase. Shutting the door and turning quickly enough to force Dusty to jump back. Sentinel returning to the center of the foyer and staring at the door.

"I am one of the few corpsman stationed at Castle Twilight. If an attack befalls this castle you pray...that I see you in time to save your life. Do not disrespect me."

Dusty backed up a little and raised a brow...

"Whoa whoa, calm down, i'm not disrespecting you...I just like analyzing names. Sentinel, you take you job seriously. Not much of a fun lover like some in the royal guard, right?"

Sentinel growled under his breath...

"Heart, you said you're an HM?"

The guard actually gave away a little surprise when Dusty knew his title aside from Royal Guard like most called him.

"Oh yea, I know the terms,best friends with Vanguard before he got pulled back to Canterlot. Heart...You would do anything to save a solider, huh?"

"...No sign of a talent for years so I joined the guard, during boot camp the Drill Sergeant tossed a grenade into the platoon and everyone ran...I jumped on it. He said I was the dumbest private he ever meet, and that he would serve next to me in the trenches in a heartbeat....I went from being a Fleet Marine Force corpsman...and now i'm collecting presents for a prince. I guess it's how you look at it...."

Dusty smiled a little, proud of getting the tough guy to open up. Looking over his shoulder and noticing a flash of purple, eyes widening, he looked back up to Sentinel and grabbed his arm..dragging him down the foyer and into the hallway. Sure enough he passed though barrier, but the protests from the guard fell on deaf ears, nothing but joy radiating from the colt.

"You need to loosen up, so if anypony asks, tell them you were personally demanded at the celebration by the Prince of Ponyville."

Sentinel laughed on the inside at the statement, the title of prince of a small town not much on its own, but he figured arguing was pointless. As soon as he entered the room, cheers rang in the hall for the prince...and Sentinel searched out the most desolate corner. Dusty would find him again sure enough, but he figured he could hide for as long as possible.

Dusty ran to the center of the room, noting familiar faces like Applebloom, Lyra Heartstrings, Featherweight with his camera, the Princess of the Night standing with her sister and so many others he couldn't even begin to register. Twilight pushed through the crowd and smiled down at him...her little prince...her dusty light in the darkness.

"Today is your day...enjoy every bit of it...and always remember how much I love you..."

Pinkie crashed though the crowed and was about to interrupt Twilight before Rainbow Dash flew down and crashed on Pinkie Pie and taking the moment.

"Come on Twilight, lets get this party started!"

Applejack chiming in from the stage by a black maned singer and grinning guitarist.

"You can smother the poor colt later, y'all wanted to go all out, right?"

The music started to pick up and everypony started enjoying the lively beats and fiery chords. Twilight giving up on her own moment and patting Dusty on the head, just glad he chose to wear the gold for the special occasion.

Sentinel sat at a table in the corner, picking at a cupcake he snagged before Applejack was swarmed with hungry guests. Watching everypony have a blast and noticing Dusty glance over at the table stacked with gifts every so often...

Sentinel tapped his hoof to the beat of the music and eventually got himself a piece of the cake, taking off his helmet and setting it down on the table with a heavy thud. Pure black mane spiked with a high and tight cut, giving him even more of a military look than the helmet did. Of course a few mares and stallions eventually took notice and wandered over, sitting with him and striking up conversations, they even got him laughing and he didn't even notice when Dusty started opening presents.

_ _

Once Applebloom finished setting out the last of the food with her sister, she joined Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, rushing to Dusty with gift in hoof. Dusty eagerly opened the long box while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked over his shoulder. The package was torn apart by the eager colt, the box thrown into the pile with the rest of the empty boxes, holding up a old looking cape with a shield and silhouetted pony on the end.

"What is it..?"

Scootaloo chimed in, feeling nothing but pride for the old stitching, the red fabric and gold inside bringing back so many childhood memories, it took all her restraint to avoid taking up the spotlight by telling an old and no doubt slightly embarrassing story of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"When we were fillies, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and I wore capes like this all the time, running off on adventures just like you to find out our special talent. We even had a clubhouse and everything! Now we're passing the torch to you."

The cape was picked up by Applebloom, wrapping it around his neck and fixing it so it flowed back over his back, the shield fit over his flank like a temporary cutie mark. Dusty smiled and straightened up feeling like a king with the gold formal chest plate and cape.

Twilight had the box from Celestia ready for last, but when she saw him so proud with the cape. Memories turning the armor silver and resemblances haunting her vision...The gift vanished in the air, sent away to her study for tomorrow she resolved, the crown was in need of a private explanation anyway she rationalized.

_ _

The rest of the party went off without a hitch, all in all...as the last pony left the castle to the late night and a long trip home...it was a day in party history. Dusty was in his room, door wide open with Sentinel Heart. Sentinel sharing more stories of service, a few more bloody than Twilight would approve, but when the Princess listened in, he was on a story from his time during the Canterlot invasion. How he worked on no sleep for three days while sorting out the wounded, telling how he was the reason there were no deaths that day; and why he was promoted so fast to becoming the Medical Leading Chief Petty Officer at Castle Ponyville.

Twilight knocked on the door lightly, Sentinel looked over and jumped up, regaining his bearing and standing at attention.

"My apologies ma'am, I was only telling the prince what it was like in the Medical Corps."

"Its quiet alright, in fact...I think it might be a good idea he learns a thing or two about healing."

Dusty rolled his eyes, thinking this was going to turn into another study session later. The guard stood at ease, smiling softly and grabbing his helmet off the desk and putting it back on.

"Go on home, Heart. Tell the rest of the guard tomorrow starts a three day liberty; Dusty shouldn't have all the fun this week. We can take care of ourselves"

Sentinel bowed respectfully and exited, knowing just how happy the soldiers are going to be and already planning his own bit of fun for the first time...

Twilight walked in slowly, yawning and nearly tripping on one of his new video games already scattered on the floor. Dusty smiled sheepishly as Twilight lifted the cape off his neck, the chest plate glowing in the same purple magic and lifting over his head; floating into the closet before she took the cape and draped it on his bed like a sheet.

"I'm glad you had fun today. Thanks for not getting mad about the girly crusader cape..."

Dusty looked shocked, picking the cape up and wrapping himself in it, eyes wide and grin brighter than when Applebloom first put it on him.

"What?! This is the opposite of girly, mom. This is like...the coolest thing ever!" He said so eloquently.

Twilight smiled and ruffled his silver mane with a hoof, the colt yawning finally. Twilight took it as a sign to make an exit, fixing a few things compulsively before standing in the doorway, Dusty Armor already passed out on the bed with the cape over the bed covers. Cutting the lights and admiring the moonlight shining in through the balcony window before shutting the door.

Making her way to her own room on the west wing, the last thing she saw was a guard dashing out the front door. Twilight closed her eyes and sent out a spell that locked the doors and put up barriers around the castle. The door to her room swung open and the purple silk bed covers embraced her. Wings not even bothering to stay neat against her while the covers lifted in a purple swirl and fell over his face, a calming breath escaping her....

"You did good today, Twilight...ya did really...good." She mumbled into the pillow before sleep takes her.

_ _

Dusty's eyes snapped open, grinning as he jumped up and tied the cape around his neck. The door creaked open slowly, Dusty slipped out and stuck to the wall as he was sneaking into the west wing. Twilight told him that the west wing was off limits but that didn't stop him from trying; Of course the guards did stop him every time. Now though, the guards were out in town having their own party. Creeping as carefully as possible he found a large doorway; the door creaking open but when he shut it behind him, Dusty took a look around...

The moonlight poured though the stain glass windows, giving enough light to the room to help him easily see. Each window was a picture. One that caught his attention was a image of a draconequus, if he had to guess, Dusty figured it was Discord before when everyone said he was evil...

Dusty Armor continued, noting Nightmare Moon, his uncle Shining Armor and even Spike. Though...the one with his dragon brother Spike had a figure he didn't recognize from his studies...the window next to it was obviously related but much darker. A pony looking entity was taking up most of the window, nothing but malice in his eyes and shadows dominating the picture...

A door creaking open caused him to jump, thinking he was caught.

"Sorry sorry sorry sorry!" He cried in reflex.

"Twilight? Is that you?"

The wall behind the throne opened up, the tall dragon sticking his head out and looking around. When he saw Dusty cowering on the ground he was filled with panic.

"Dusk! What are you doing here?!"

"Spike?"

The dragon realized what was happening and shut the secret door quickly. A heavy click and the door was locked tight.

"Nope, no dragon here!" He said, draconic voice rumbling though the wall clear as day.

Dusty growled and charged behind the throne and started banging on the door.

"Open up!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

Dusty stood back a little, focusing hard on the door as his horn lit up. A grey swirl wrapping the door handle on the inside and the door swinging open. Dusty jumping in before Spike could realize what happened.

"O-oh, hay you're getting better at magic!" Spike managed, pretending nothing out of the ordinary is happening.

"Whats back here?"

Not waiting for his brother to answer, instead he starts to rummage through papers scattered on a few desks, the room tucked away well but the room was brightly lit by lanterns on the wall.

"What is all this?"

Spike scratch the back of his head, avoiding his glare.

"Spiiiike." he whined.

"Twilight told me to never let you back here, I cant tell you."

Dusty put on his best face yet, eyes wide and ears hanging low, the subtle sniffle and shine on his eyes. Spike backed up, closing his eyes and turned around to face the wall

"No, you're not getting me with the face."

Another quiet sniffle...

"Nope. You cant make me."

"P-please, Spike....?"

Spike opened on eye, peaking around and feeling eight different kinds of guilt when he saw the single tear running down Dusty's face; the latest great battle of will power was over...and the dragon lost.

"Oh fine already, just stop doing that!"

Dusty grinned from ear to ear, the puppy dog face gone in an instant and he started looking through more papers.

"This is Twilight's personal study. Anything she wanted to work on without prying eyes she keeps here. Eyes like yours."

Dusty scoffed, picking up a file that caught his attention. The tab read in black ink, the handwriting of his mother. D. Armor.
The colt opened it eagerly to sift though his mothers secrets. The file was full of papers that he couldn't make heads or tails of, some papers said stuff like Something of Birth or a weird paper full of numbers and names. He kept flipping until he noticed a paper that was different...the title over his mothers name said Medical Evaluation and there was a huge written paragraph at the bottom, he recognized his name but the cursive was impossible to read effectively, rolling the paper up and putting it behind his ear, mane covering over it easily. Dusty looked up and noticed a small blue bow sticking out of a closed drawer...

"I knew I was forgetting something!"

Rushing to the missing gift and snatching it out, Spike grabbed the gift and held it too high for Dusty to reach. When Twilight brought him a slice of cake for missing the party she stashed the gift with a teleportaion spell just a few moments later. Spike was curious but he didn't dare open it. Now he had leverage...

"Heres the deal, I give this to you and you go back to bed. We both forget this ever happened and you get a new present."

"Deal deal deal! Hand it over!"

Spike opened the door and the colt ran out with the box in his mouth by the bow. The dragon crashed on the ground in relief and even laughed a little; realizing just how hard Twilight can sleep...

_ _

Dusty shut the door to his room and flicked on his desk lamp, reading the tag and gasping when it said From Celestia. It had a note stuck to it but he set the tag aside for later, ripping open the box and looking into it...

"Wait...what is it?"

A gleaming silver crown rested in festive packaging, when he picked it up, the light reflected off of it in his eyes. The blindness only a split second but he was sure he saw something else...

"Where do I know this thing from....?"

The crown gleamed, Dusty thought so hard about it his head stared to hurt. Groaning in frustration he tossed the crown back in the box and stuffing it under the pile of comics under his bed. Resigning to ask Sentinel about it when he comes back. Until then sleep took the colt effortlessly. If only the night could end in peaceful dreams for Dusty Armor...

The crown glowed in the box, a soft wind shaking the glass door to his balcony. Dusty tossed and turned through the night, clinging to the sheets in blind fear. Eventually he knocked over the stack of books and the crown fell free of the box; emitting a soft glow and dark mist from the jewel in the center...

Dusk...

Author's Note

So due to issues with my internet I want to get this up asap since its finished, I did some editing but I don't think I was thorough enough so until I stop getting charged 15 dollers a GB for internet.... Also I didn't expect to go in that direction with Sweetie Belle and Scoots(Aka almost best pony) but I like it! *throws coffee mug on the ground* Now I hope you enjoyed the next chapter!

To anyone curious: The reason Sentinel is called HM is because its what the Navy calls Corpsman or Hospital men, now why use a Navy term for a obviously different type of military? Because the way I worked it out is there are two branches in Equestria, Royal/Celestias guard and Luna's Night Guard. So I mix Navy and Marines with Royal guard and Air Force and Army belong to Night Guard due to their more technical yet professional nature. Also hooyah Navy! and a hooyah for Chief Heart getting dragged into standing watch

The Catalyst

Dusty woke up slowly; his bed sheets sticking to him from sweat and his eyes heavy with dark rings under them. Groaning as he rolled off the bed and landed on the floor with a thud, his body still numb but the light from the window sure burned his eyes. Dusty wandered into the bathroom and managed to get his head under the water of the sink, the cool flow sinking deep in his dark, thick fur and washing away the stiffness of his bedhead.

"What happened last night..."

"Dusty?"

The colt turned around, so tired he nearly hit the wall walking out of the bathroom.

"Yea, Dad?"

His eyes shot open...Head lifting up and looking around the room faster than he though possible. Dusty picked up the cape off the bed slowly and tied it around his neck, constantly looking around for the source of the voice; wondering why he called it Dad...

A much softer voice came from his door, a soft knocking following it.

"Dusty Armor? I need to talk to you."

The door opened and Twilight lingered in the doorway hesitantly. Spike didn't need to tell her what happened this morning, she knew as soon as she checked for the gift from Princess Celestia.

"I know you were sneaking around the west wing last night. I'm not mad...its just your nature to be curious. Though there was something missing when I went to get it this morning."

Dusty was far to exhausted to think straight, but his instincts told him punishment was coming for breaking the rules...

Twilight looked around and caught the gleam of silver under his comic books, the crown was lifted in the air and dropped between them..Twilight sat down and Dusty rubbed his head, the crown agitating his headache further.

"This crown once belonged to a very powerful king. Long ago he wore this as he ruled the Crystal Empire and committed countless crimes against Princess Celestia and his own subjects."

Dusty leaned in curiously, ignoring the pain.

"He was so powerful that it took every bit of strength between Princess Celestia, Luna and myself to finally end his reign...Long ago there was a time we though he was no more, things were normal. Until the Empire returned-"

"You told me the story before, Mom, whats this king got to do with me?"

Twilight thought that there was no real way of saying it easily...

"I never told you about the treacherous King of the Crystal Empire, King Sombra."

Dusk....

The colt looked down at the crown, head tilted and a little afraid of the inanimate object.

"King Sombra was a monster. Though after being defeated, he had returned...seeking to reform himself. Though the way he approached me about it was...He gave me a long lost book and even had dinner with his worst enemy to show his faith. Sombra and I were practically marefriend and coltfriend, even aunt Cadence saw the spark between us...all of it just a thick web of lies that I feel into willingly. After time he did begin to change; he was sweet...gentle...we even began to think of...possibilities like you."

'It felt so real...' Twilight thought

The colt thought about it and his face went stark red, wanting to beat his head into a wall in embarrassment; Twilight just laughed quietly, seeming very strained.

"But his plan was still the ultimate goal, even if I could turn him to good, his anger would always drag him back to darkness."

"So...Flash Sentry was just made up?"

Twilight nodded, the colt looking at the jagged crown...not a single idea of what to think. Dusty remembered the window in the throne room and he put a name to that malicious face made of darkness and eyes red like blood.

"And my dad was an evil king..."

Twilight walked behind Dusty Armor, wrapping him in soft purple wings and holding him tightly...tears running down her face.

"When your father passed...I mourned for days...weeks and months. Then something miraculous happened..."

"What?"

She kissed him on the head, Twilight couldn't help but feel better now that he knew the truth.

"You came along. You filled this castle with laughter and excitement for the both of us...You saved me, little Dusty Armor saved the great and powerful Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Dusty turned around, burying his head in purple fur and sniffling. Twilight felt his body shaking and she lifted the crown away and set it on the desk.

"B-but....if he was evil...t-that means I could be evil too!"

Twilight did what she could to project her comforting presence, wings wrapping around him completely and arms holding her colt tightly, Twilight felt her fur dampen with tears.

"That will never happen...not as long as I'm around."

They stayed like this for a while, Twilight didn't need to guess that the crown had an effect on him. The bloodshot eyes, the smell of sweat from forgotten night terrors...This was more than he could handle and Twilight wasn't as sure as her teacher that the silver had been cleansed.

"If...If its okay, I wanna go to the woods..."

Twilight nodded, letting him have some time alone to think, hoping that if he needed her he would come back and talk rather than keep it bottled up. The colt took off the cape and draped it over his bed and giving one last glance at the crown before turning the corner for the stairs. Twilight sighed and lowered her head; thinking about what state Dusky might come back in, she just hoped he would come back. Walking slowly to the crown and examining it carefully....

"...Why did you have to leave us like this...Why couldn't you stop..."

She lifted the silver memory in the air and took it back to the study. Locking it in a secure cabinet, the door closing and leaving no trace of its existence. A knock on the door echoed through the empty halls, Twilight's eyes widened; running for the foyer.

Dusty walked slowly though the forest, kicking a rock occasionally while he listened to the songs of the birds. The forest seemed different to him, like there were more shadowy nooks and crooked trees hovering over him. As he walked deeper the light became more scarce until he entered a open area, light pouring in and the sound of a stream flowing gave it a more peaceful feeling. Dusty sat down, letting out a deep breath to calm his thoughts. From the small conversation he gathered about his father, he seemed to be everything his mother taught him not to be. Yet she defended him; he heard it in her voice that Sombra still was in her heart some way after all this time.

"Kind...gentle?"

The wind picked up a little, a bird flying overhead and singing though the clearing

"And Flash Sentry...a lie..?"

Being around Guardsmen so much he came to admire the job, risking your life for others on a constant basis but still having a personal life full of fun and friends. Now his father was and is a twisted King of torment...Dusty wondered what his father hoped to achieve if the lie went so deep...

"Sombra..."

A gust of wind caught his attention and when he looked over at the stream he saw his mother...

"Wha...?"

A figure joined her, his mane pure black and eyes bright red. No armor or crown, just a black scarf. The stallion looked kind but intimidating. Dusty watched them talk but he couldn't hear, eventually she started crying. Just seeing this alone put Dusty off but he couldn't help but feel as if something was..out of place.

"I can take you away from here..."

Dusty looked around and spotted another vision of his mother...this time she was sitting with the dark maned pony. She nuzzled against him while he simply smiled a little disconcertingly.

"Has it not been clear that I wanted to take you in to protect you from those who would harm you?"

Dusty looked to yet another glimpse of the past. Both of them were laying on the ground pointing at the sky. More and more visions kept popping up, every time his mother seemed so happy, the figure just as happy yet...something about him made Dusty get up and start to panic.

"I don't care what you have done. I still love you, Twilight."

"I don't understand! Make it stop!"

Darkness lingered around his legs, eyes a slight green color under the purple and the visions ended...save one. The figure was on the ground with his mother crying over him...

"I think I love you too, Sombra, Please...don't let me go..." Twilight said...her voice echoed through the trees. Dusty stomped on the ground, the last vision fading as the Dark King walked though it; dominated the clearing. Clearly staring right at Dusty.

Dusty backed up, eyes turning more green by the second and his fear turning to anger slowly. The ground around the ghost died, walking forward and over the stream like it wasn't there. Dusty backed up more and bumped into a tree, he turned around and tried to find a way out but the darkness covered every gap and escape between the thick woods; when he turned around Sombra was only an arms length away...

"Please go away...."

Sombra didn't move, just smiling down confidently at his young colt. The fear and confusion sent Dusty into rage; he felt a surge of power worked up from the stress flow though his body and in an instant a black ball surrounded by bright electricity formed on his horn.

"Go away!"

The dark magic was loosed into Sombra's chest, the visage exploded into black smoke and vanished into the ground like a heavy mist settling in the grass. The energy crashed into a tree far past where Sombra stood, sending splinters flying and the tree torn at the base as if struck by a wild animal of massive proportions. The tree crashed to the ground and a flock of birds were sent airborne to avoid the crash. Dusty was panting from the effort, glad to just to be alone once again.

"Thank you..."

A bright flash blinded him for a moment and he felt something change. Rubbing his head and searching for the source of the weird feeling...diamond crystals surrounding a black star with a fiery light outlining it as if about to nova shining brand new on his flank.

"I....what? Wait...What?!"

Dusty was torn between excitement of finally getting his cutie mark and the fact that Sombra was the one who brought it out in him. Dusty's eyes returned to normal after a few moments, looking back up at the tree; a steady stream of smoke coming from the jagged stump left behind.

"That was kinda cool..."

The colt laughed and focused his energy again, adding a bit of that same strength from before and his eyes started emitting a purple mist when another burst of dark magic destroyed another tree.

"HA! This is amazing!"

For him magic was difficult but this was...natural. The fallen trees were testament to its power as well. Dusty lit up, his talent finally discovered and it might be something that nopony has ever done before. Kicking brush aside and sprinting through the forest running home, a big grin plastered on his face.

"I gotta show mom this!"

Author's Note

So this was a quick chapter, tomorrow is another week of work so updates will of course be slowed so I wanted to get one last bit out.

And thus begins the dark decent...as a hint of the next arch, Sentinel Heart is going to be a much bigger player soon enough, cant wait to bring him back.

A little update: Im planning on getting an official editor instead of getting messages about it but im planning on acting on this plan for the next chapter since this was such a small one, so signing off!

A Brighter Day

Sentinel Heart ran faster than he ever did running for a Physical Assessment, passing the colorful buildings of ponyville and running far into the clearing by the woods. Castle Twilight was shrouded in a magical energy field but part of it was shattered by the east tower; he panted hard and stopped just short of the barrier, not able to see clearly inside the field but he knew what his gut told him...

"Senior Chief!"

Sentinel turned to see just under a platoon rushing to meet him, a Pegasus and two unicorns among them yet only a few managed to grab their armor and even then none of them had a full uniform, some missing helmets and most missing sandals. It took a little restraint not to start cursing about breaking regulations. Sentinel spotted the Pegasus in armor, the chevrons pointing up and crossed rifles over two rockers just next to the star at the center of his chest plate made him smile.

"Gunny, glad to see you."

The old Pegasus huffed and glared, the marine even had a short halberd under his wing. The other guards lacked weapons but there was only a squads worth of combat oriented personnel stationed at the castle, the commanding officer thought it would be better to keep the defending to leadership while all the guards relied on basic training to fending off attackers. A long time ago Sentinel even though about crossing over to the Marine side of the Royal Guard after the changelings attacked; Shining Armor intercepted his paperwork and talked with him. A lot of yes sirs and no sirs later Shining convinced him to stay a medic, that still doesn't mean he didn't like working with Marines better...

"Whats the situation?"

"Dark magic fired from the east tower it seems, cant tell the exact location but I have a plan already. I need you to fly up and into the field while we stay down here and work on punching another hole to get in."

The gunnery sergeant looked up at the shattered hole in the barrier and snorted impatiently.

"You sure its dark magic? You and I both know what that means and if its true we have to alert the chain."

"I know, and i'll take full responsibility but right now we need to get in there and you're our only flyer."

The Pegasus nodded, taking off from the ground at speeds faster than Sentinel thought the pony could pull off and in seconds he saw his friend fly into a window. Looking back to the rest of the platoon and picking out ranks from those with armor.

"Who's the next highest?"

"I am, Senior. LS1 Keystone."

Sentinel had to force himself not to sigh, the only first-class was a supply support...

"Alright LS1, I need you to go back town and get three other magic users, we cant bust this with brute force and they might need rank to convince them."

"Aye aye."

After the guard was out of sight he turned back to the unicorns, ordering them to start blasting at the shield while the others try and break it around the blast site, anything to try and get past the purple barrier. Sentinel began to worry about gunny in the castle..

Gunnery Sergeant Victorious Assault, life long history of service to the crown and some called him Sun Burnt; a derogatory term for soldiers a bit too obsessed with the job, and the fact that he had an illegal pin up of a rather important white alicorn in his gear locker didn't help his argument...

All his thoughts focused on his duty and he felt his blood pump with excitement, ready for any kind of attack. A loud bash from outside made him nearly stab a bust of Starswirl the bearded but tilted away just shy; huffing at the sound of his friends outside breaking down the barrier. Victorious walked down hallways until he heard crying, gritting his teeth and rushing towards the princes room, just in time to see the princess and her son soaked to the bone, spotted with broken glass and shaking from the cold rain just moments ago.

"Princess!"

Twilight looked up, eyes red from tears and mane a tangled mess, Victorious had to restrain himself from asking just what had happened to her rudely...

"Princess, are you okay?"

The wings fell off of Dusty, the marine looked worried when he saw blood dripping from the princes head; looking back over his shoulder quickly in case the intruder was still around.

"I'm fine, we're both fine."

Victorious watched the alicorns horn light up and he heard the rest of the guard burst into the foyer,spreading out to find an intruder now that the barrier was down. Even if the two wanted to keep what ever happened he needed to know what caused the dark magic..

"Ma'am, we saw Dark Magic tear though your barrier, what happened?"

The marine bit his tongue again; knowing full well what happened. Victorious resisted the urge to glare at the prince, every since day one at Castle Twilight he knew the kid was something dark. Sure enough rumor spread about his connection to King Sombra and now, here was proof.

"It was a mishap, I was working in the library when a surge of magic hit me. What you was was just an attack of greater strength than you're familiar with, not dark magic."

'Horsefethers! You know it was your son that did that, the dark magic in him will only lead to your downfall, allow me to take him to Celestia.' ...Is what the marine wanted to say....Deep down he was cursing up a storm but his face showed none of it; instead he nodded and walked away, stopping the next few guards trying to get in and rounding everypony up to the Combat Operations Room in the west wing. Already thinking up his argument against the prince to present to Sentinel Heart...

_ _

One hour earlier

A knock on the foyer door caught Twilight by surprise, the barrier only allowed herself and Dusty to pass so who couldn't entered yet stopped to knock?

Twilight walked down the stairs and opened the door slowly, peaking around as she opened and spotting a dark blue flowing mane, shimmering like a night full of bright stars and sighing in relief. The door swung open and Princess Luna walked in somberly...

"Princess Luna, I wasn't expecting you today."

"Nor was I expecting to visit today."

Twilight was put off by the dark tone; shutting the door and following closely as Luna walked toward the library.

"What do you mean?"

"....Your son is in danger. You must understand that I have not yet alerted my sister to this for I fear what wrath she might have."

Twilight's heart sank; confusion growing faster than the princess of the night could answer...

"How do you know he's in danger?"

"I saw his dreams last night, I was rushing to his aid hoping they were just nightmares I could dispel but this...this was far more powerful than I could fathom."

They entered the library and Luna shut the door behind Twilight, wanting to make sure the conversation was private. Twilight was looking around the library for a moment, she had to admire her ever growing collection every time she walked in; three stories of shelves upon shelves of books, something to rival the library at the Crystal Empire...

"No doubt you have given the prince his crown?"

Twilight nodded, they both walked in the library slowly, their hooves echoing in the massive hall.

"Then I have troubling news...King Sombra was in his dreams."

"That's impossible, he doesn't even know who Sombra is."

Luna stopped, facing Twilight more serious than she has ever seen the princess; she looked like her sister in a way...

"Something has sparked a memory, or perhaps a ghost or echo, what ever it is...It was tormenting Dusk in his sleep. I will spare you the details, for fear for your well being..."

Twilight sat down, wanting to brace herself on a bookshelf but none close enough to stop her fall. It was all her fault that the crown was allowed to stay; Twilight was berating herself for letting the cursed silver stay in her home. Twilight wished she had some shred of knowledge to comfort her but all that was there was a hoof on the shoulder by the cold princess of the night.

"I know this is hard to accept, but I have good news. The echo was quickly fading, from what I could see, it used all its strength in a failed attempt to reform itself. Tearing at Dusk's mind in blind hope; your son was stronger than I expected, he fought it off until nothing remained."

Twilight looked up, a weight off her shoulders but the fear not quelled. Luna gave a soft smile and helped Twilight up; walking back to the door to the library slowly. Twilight hesitated but followed behind.

"So that's it? What ever it was is gone?"

"I'm not sure, but for now I think he is safe. You should be proud, Princess Twilight."

"I am...but that doesn't mean i'm not scared..."

Luna opened the door, stepping out and thinking of how to best comfort her friend. They stepped into the foyer and stopped, Luna hugged her friend gently, Twilight sighed quietly and took a moment before stepping back.

"Just try and relax, perhaps you should take some time to teach him a few lessons on magic. Take both your busy minds off the subject while I keep my eye out for any more nightmares."

"Thank you...that sounds like an excellent idea..."

_ _

Sentinel Heart stood outside the library, listening in on Twilight's lectures on healing spells and medicine. Felling a little pride when his first attempt to fix the cut on his head was slow going yet what would've taken weeks and possibly stitches from a normal doctor was now just a small scar covered up by silver hair.

"He's good..."

Sentinel took a calming breath, stepping away from the door and into another guard. Almost turning around and jamming a hoof in Victorious Assaults jaw...

"Jeez gunny...sneaking is not a good idea, not now."

"I need to talk to you."

Sentinel remembered hearing those words a lot when he was just a third class, none of those conversations ended well...

"The prince was the one who used dark magic."

Sentinel kept a good poker face, the gunny had his full uniform on now and with the bulk under the armor to back years of training he would intimidate any young solider without needing to say a word. Thats why it was strange when he noticed the dark rings under his eyes and feathers jetting out of place.

"That is a serious accusation, wheres your proof?"

"You know the Princess is covering for him, her explanation was see though!"

"Lower your voice, marine."

The stallion stomped the ground in frustration, glaring at Sentinel with contempt.

"You've heard the rumors as well, the C.O. is hiding it from us but if we had proof to take him, he would open up the file and if the prince follows the same pattern we could lose a lot of guards and perhaps lose the Princess."

Sentinel looked at the ground, thinking hard; he knew that the Commanding Officer was indeed hiding something but that's what the Night guard did, they hid things for a living. Now though he was right on another point; if this goes farther and the gunny was right...He might have to end this writing a lot of 'To The Family Of' letters. Sentinel only wrote six in his lifetime and he swore never to write another.

"I'll talk with Dusty, if I feel like I have solid proof against him, we can contact the C.O. and see where he can take us, deal?"

"...Deal."

Victorious walked away, not bothering to wait until dismissed but Sentinel didn't care, instead he was focused on doing his own research...

_ _

Dusty turned a few books pages, three lay open in front of him and more stack on the desk for later. Twilight had finished her lecture and left Dusty to study on his own and the distraction was perfect. The throbbing headache caused by the glass was gone and he was lost in a world of information, thinking back to how he might impress Sentinel later if he got the chance. The stack of books dwindled one by one and the light in the library slowly lost luster as the candles remained the only light source. Guards wandered in and out every so often to check on him but they never were Sentinel Heart. Dusty yawned and closed the last book, his head jammed full to bursting and body heavy with exhaustion.

"Alright, I so need sleep..."

Dusty dragged himself to his room, noticing most of the guards had returned by now. The door to his room swung open and shut slowly behind him; Sentinel Heart was cleaning up the last of the glass off his balcony and a tarp covered the door. Sentinel looked up at Dusty and stood straight, something about him made Dusty wary...

"Hello...Dusk...I need to talk to you if it's not too much to ask."

Dusty lifted his head curiously, one ear tiled to the side and a little worried about what the guard wanted to talk about.

"Sure..."

"Dusk, I want to ask something very personal. After today's mess I'm sure there's nothing more you want to do but sleep it off but..."

Sentinel hesitated, the look on the colts face somehow inspired guilt.

"I wanted to ask about the...rumors going around about what happened."

"What rumors?"

"...A few guards seem to think that Dark Magic broke the barrier."

The colt tensed, his mother lied for him but he still didn't know if others might have a normal reaction or if Twilight was just special about his talent...

"I...I can trust you with a secret, right?"

Sentinel Heart nodded

"I got my cutie mark today..." Dusty said, giving off a little pride. "And it's in that thing ponies keep calling dark magic."

Sentinel couldn't see under the crusader cape, no doubt a cover for the evidence. Sentinel smiled slightly, no matter what it was it was always a momentous day when you found your calling in life; he was so happy that he got his mark in boot camp that the Drill Sergeant had him running laps for days until they could wipe the smile off his face.

"That's...outstanding, I really hope you become a great prince of your own castle someday with that kind of talent."

Sentinel saw the joy light up the once tired colt, he gave a bow and walked into the doorway.

"Thanks, I'll keep that locked tight and if you ever need help, just call out."

Dusty laughed quietly, watching the door shut and blowing out the candle on his desk once he heard the click of the door. throwing himself in bed and yawning again. Thinking about all he learned and everything he wants to learn about dark magic; no longer caring about whatever stigma was attached to it. Comforting sleep taking him in moments....

_ _

Victorious Assault ducked around a corner when Sentinel walked out, he no longer trusted the stallion to do his job let alone spy for him. Sure enough his thoughts were confirmed when he followed Sentinel and watched him climb into a rack and nod off rather than trying to find him and help protect the Princess. It was luck and a bit of sneaking that he just so happened to hear what the prince said...

"You might have failed, Heart...I'll just have to pick up your slack."

Author's Note

Oh what fun are rumors when someone tries to keep it secret? A good marine follows his gut...But other than that another chapter down and even the earlier chapters updated, most have new content so check it out if you like.

Captain Nightwing Part: 1

Victorious Assault took the narrow and empty hallways, passing staterooms and luxurious guestrooms to find one of his few friends at Castle Twilight. Rounding a corner to the left and spotting grey fur under gold armor, rushing forward and clasping the fellow marine on the back. Dragging him down the hall to avoid eavesdroppers.

"Thank Celestia I can still trust you. I need your help."

Guardian Light rolled his eyes, the marine was tall by normal standards; not much for him under the armor but his magic was extraordinarily powerful for a guardsman. Victorious looked over his shoulder and spoke in a hushed tone.

"I need your help to get the C.O. down here."

"And why would I do that, better question. Why would you do that?"

Guardian was used to the gunnys strange way of thinking, to him everything that didnt earn his trust was suspect to mutiny. Not that it was this extreme twenty-four seven, nor was it making him this jumpy. The two turned a sharp corner left and stopped at a moonlit window.

"Are you questioning your superior, Staff Sergeant?

Guardian bit his tongue....

"Not at all, I just need more information before I put in the paperwork to the yeoman."

"Protection of the crown. That's all you need to know."

That got the Staff Sergeant's attention, if there was a threat on the princess or the prince it was mandatory that the commanding officer know so he can order the best course of action.

"Gunny, if you're serious I need more or else Charlie Oscar comes down on my flank."

Victorious grabbed the guards chest plate and yanked him close enough to see the bloodshot in his eyes, glaring up at Guardian Light with impatience and annoyance. Guardian had to restrain himself from swinging a left hook...

"Listen to me, I have proof of a Kilo Sigma. Captain needs to be here now!"

Guardian had to pause to let that sink in...

"Kilo Sigma....that's impossible and you know it."

"Then why do we have the protocol signed by Princess Celestia?!"

"Kilo Sigma is dead, we performed the autopsy and burned the body till there was nothing left but ash and dust."

Victorious threw the guard back, Guardian stumbling to stay upright and surprised at the stallions strength. Taking a breath to resolve himself and stall for a better argument.

"Look, why not tell the security officer? Why skip the chain?"

"Because HMCS is covering it up, he's made a personal relationship that has compromised his integrity. If anything like this pops up on normal channels he'll stop it."

Guardian Light glared down at the marine, having another moment where he wished he was an officer so he could light a fire under Victorious's flank...thats when an idea hit him...

"Alright, you know what? Fine, I'll sign the papers and send it up to the X.O. and she can take it from there."

Victorious grinned, nodding in approval, his plan set in motion easier than he thought. The fire in the Staff Sergeants eyes made him think it would take a bit of forceful convincing to get the guard to cooperate.

"Good, once this is done I'll be sure to recommend you for Gunny next advancement cycle."

Guardian laughed on the inside...

"Roger that..."

Not bothering to wait, Guardian Light turned around and resumed his patrol. Smiling happily to himself as his own plot unfolds...

"Oh i'll make gunny alright, a new position should open up when you get a size twelve hoof up your flank for bumping chain for a ridiculous suspicion. Maybe they'll take a rocker or both rockers and a chevron or two off your uniform if they don't kick you out..."

Guardian Light was a little proud of himself, he would sign the papers as Victorious Assault and chew out the lowest yeoman until they put the paperwork in. No trace would lead back to him other than a subjected Staff Sergeant abused by another guard just because he had rank over him.

"This is going to be a hellfire for the record books from Captain..."

_ _

Two days later

Captain Nightwing, average height for the night guard and high scores on his physical and work evaluations. Clean service record save a spot of hazing he was involved in when he was just an ensign. The commander in charge of his Mast was kind enough to give him a second chance and Nightwing vowed not to waste it. Stepping out of the stateroom with his dark armor on, bat wings hugging against his body and slightly graying mane hanging to the side, he swept it back and chided himself for forgetting about getting a haircut.

"That's a rookie mistake, capt." he said to himself.

He walked out into the quarterdeck of the office, going through the daily motions of telling everypony to stand at ease when he walked in and out of spaces until he sat down at his desk, closing the door and turning on the coffee maker, sighing when the machine sputters for a moment before turning back off, smoke rising from the back.

"Today is just going to be that kinda day..."

A knock at his door forced him to turn around, seeing the tell tale bright red mane of his personal yeoman. Nightwing smiled slightly and sat down at the desk.

"Enter."

The door opened, the tall mare clad in gold armor walked in with a bit of a worried look. Of course that didn't stop him from giving her a sly grin, he loved teasing her about their relationship; every so often she would argue with him about the ethics of a officer dating an enlisted, especially the commanding officer but he always dismissed the arguments. The smooth grin made her redden slightly, she whispered to him...

"I'm gonna smack that grin off your face so hard your head will still be spinning when they slam us with fraternization..."

Nightwing laughed, he loved her fiery nature; poking the bear was just a game for him of how far can he go without actually getting knocked out. Of course she couldn't help but smile after the blatant threat and that just encouraged him.

"You know its funny...and relax, eight more months and we're golden."

"Oh you say that now...eight more months you might be a dirty old stallion once that unifom comes off."

"Come on, you know im not that old."

"You're just lucky I like mature stallions..."

He had to hold in his laugh, there was only so much a door could keep from traveling to the ears outside...

"Now who's teasing?"

She rolled her eyes, holding up a file for him, he took it and opened it up on the desk, frowning when it was stamped 'urgent' and had Top Secret on the cover sheet.

"...Princess Twilight in danger....Kilo..wait.."

He flipped through more papers, heart sinking as he read...

"YN1, tell Master Chief that I'm stepping out today, i'm leaving Commander Shield in charge until I return."

The mare looked more worried, grabbing the file and following him out the door and into the elevator just as it closed. Nightwing wasn't in the mood for jokes or flirting anymore...

"I know what you're going to say, not you or anypony else can follow me, the file said that there was corruption spreading in the castle and if I brought a force it might backfire."

YN1 looked more worried by the second, looking down at the ground and pushing for the floor just above the ground floor to avoid suspicion. Nightwing flipped the small switch above the buttons and the elevator stopped and the lights cut off.

"It's bad...if what that file said is true then Kilo Sigma is back. I want you to stay here no matter what happens. We have eight months before the wedding can finally happen...I don't plan on losing you before then, Radiance."

"It's just Radiant Quill..."

They stood there, both of them silent and Nightwing a bit afraid for the first time in a long time. Radiant flicked the switch again and soon enough she stepped out onto the second floor, looking back just as the door closed...

"Come back soon, sir..."

He nodded, the door shutting with a bang and a soft whirl sent him to the ground floor, walking out as soon as the door opened and he grabbed his helmet off the stand waiting by the exit. Not even bothering to look over at the watchstander before hitting the door and walking into sunlight and on his way to Castle Twilight...

_ _

"Alright Dusk, now just try to keep in mind your heartrate, keep calm, now look at my arm; envision the charts and find the vein..."

Sentinel Heart was sitting in front of Dusty, the colt was holding a small needle in the air shrouded in grey magic; a drop of sweat rolled off his forehead.

"Alright, now just drop it slowly since its your first time and let it got just under an inch then push the plunger,"

The needle dropped in Sentinel's arm painfully slow, he winced when it went slightly past the normal injection length. The clear fluid emptied from the needle and Sentinel saw a little blood drip past the needle. It was close but Dusty needed practice. Dusty removed the needle and let Sentinel wipe the blood off, letting his fur cover over it again.

"And that was your first immunization. Something that is very minor but it teaches attention to detail; you give somepony the wrong injection and what ever the reaction is now comes down to you. Everyday lives could be placed in your hooves in the smallest way. You did good, Dusk."

Dusty smiled, the needle floating down to the table in the med room; bright lights and sterile white tables lined the small sickbay. Only three tables for patients were needed but the room was filled with more than enough to take care of the Castle, only another corpsman sat at the front desk watching the two. Sentinel stood up and shook his arm out to get the feeling back, Dusty watched the red spot on his arm grow..

"You okay then?"

Sentinel nodded, Dusty followed closely as he guided the conversation down the hall.

"So, whats the procedure for laceration?"

"Deep or shallow?"

Sentinel resisted smiling...

"Deep, patient has a laceration on the side of the neck and it just missed the juggler, bleeding is profuse and wont clot."

"Examine for risk of infection while preparing antibiotics depending on what caused injury, apply pain medication to calm patient and reduce chance for shock...If..if its on the neck but missed the juggler then it's already above the heart so no need to elevate...Put pressure on the wound with a dressing and focus on repairing as much as you can without risking the patients life!"

Sentinel Heart walked into the west wing, nodding as Dusty spoke; his understanding was on point but he was missing a few more steps, though the difference between them was Dusty could use magic to heal while Sentinel was limited. The guard brought Dusty to the throne room, Dusty looked at the glass again and was more solid this time when he looked at the stain glass depiction of King Sombra.

"Good, the Princess taught you well."

"And you taught me a lot!"

"Now I just wanted to bring you here to talk to you for just a second, after that I need to get back to paperwork."

Dusty took his attention back to Sentinel, the tall stallion avoiding eye contact strangely...

"Now, I think that you should take the rest of the day studying your talent; But I want you to know that if you think something comes up and you feel overwhelmed...don't hesitate to tell me or your mother."

Dusty nodded, the door behind the throne opening up and Spike was holding a pile of books; Dusty lit up with excitement when the books were dropped in front of him.

"Twilight thought i'd be a good idea you do this like an adult, she wants you to earn this step by step so you can master it." Spike said, wiping his brow and leaning on the stack of thick books. Dusty was slack jawed at the idea of the task...

"But..But if mom wants me to do this on my own how can I learn the cool stuff not in books?!"

Sentinel sighed, thinking back to an old quote: Teach a child a new language and the first thing they learn is the curse words...this idea was still true if Dusty wanted to start with the flashy and dangerous spells...

"It sounds like you just want to take the easy way, but all this is up to you; nopony is forcing you to read the books so you want to run out there and blow up the castle..."

Dusty smiled brightly,about to agree until he stopped and let the suggestion sink in...

"Good point..."

Sentinel nodded approvingly and started heading for the door, Dusty trying to think of where to even start. Spike pulled the top book off and tossed it next to the pile, working down so all would be easily visible and accessible; leaving HMCS to return to his duty, the rest of the day would be fatigued sniffles thanks to the flu shot but thankfully the worst the sickbay ever had to deal with was a migraine or physical training injuries like pulled muscles or sprained joints. With no PT until next monday he didnt think he would even get anything more than a papercut until then. Walking the corridors and working his way to the sickbay until he felt his chest tighten, stopping the guard in his tracks.

You think you can redeem yourself through him...?

Sentinel shut his eyes to the pain throbbing in his head, purple smoke emitted from his eyes...

I can see into your heart...he is not your son.

The guard shook his head in defiance, wanting to shout at the voice but his throat felt a vice grip stopping any hope of calling for help.

He's better off alone...he doesn't need you to raise his hopes just to fail like you've done in the past...

The voice kept echoing 'Failure' in his head; he tasted acid in his mouth from his suffering stomach. The pain was getting to the point where he felt like a blackout was closing in; he managed to open one eye, bloodshot and purely toxic green..he managed to see the comforting sight of the foyer in the distance, the colors calling on his memories and soon the voice faded; leaving his eyes to return to normal and any sign of damage vanishing like it never existed...

Sentinel rubbed his head, wondering just why Celestia saw fit to bestow him a migraine like the power of the sun burning his head from the inside. For some reason he thought back...far back...

"He's so much like him..."

Walking down the hallways he was lost in memories...failing to notice the Night Guard passing though the foyer when he crossed back into the east wing...

Sentinel thought ll the way back to the sickbay and when he sat down again on the desk in the back, taking out a bottle of aspirins and popping two back. All that he could think of was how close he was getting to the prince...

"I'll take a few days off from lessons...I don't need him to get attached or something stupid..."

Because I'd just disappoint him..

Author's Note

Alright! Did this in a two part because the whole thing would be six thousand or so words.....plus i'm sick of holding onto this and want to upload for everyone!

Sidebar: I really...REALLY didn't expect to go in that direction with Nightwing, re-reading it, I think it humanizes him which is something I didn't expect doing for such a small character...what do you guys think?

Captain Nightwing Part: 2

Nightwing walked the halls to find the one responsible for signing the paperwork that ruined his day...and hopefully that's all it will do is what the captain kept thinking, hoping that by some small chance it was just a prank and he was ready to blast somepony for a good hour before he would even begin to think about not dismissing who ever it was from service.

"Captain, sir!"

Nightwing stopped and looked behind him, a grey stallion rushing to meet him. Victorious made sure his uniform was perfect and he even brushed up a little on the commanding officer to make sure he was ready to present his argument. The marine stopped a few feet away and stood at attention.

"Sir, I'm glad to see you made it here so quickly."

"Parade rest."

Victorious tensed up..relaxing only a little to make sure he didn't lock his knees and end up passing out. The captain pulled the file from the tight messenger bag on his side and dropped it between the two.

"I'm to assume that you are Gunnery Sergeant Victorious Assault?"

"Yes sir, I-"

"Do you mind telling me why on Celestia's green earth why you're calling wolf?"

Victorious did his best to keep a blank expression, any sign of contempt, anger, or even joy might off set his chance of the night guard to believe him.

"Sir, Over Forty-Eight hours ago a surge of dark magic was witnessed by the civilians of Ponyville and a handful of guards. When we responded we found the princess in distress and prince with minor injuries. I couldn't get a perfect look at the prince due to the rain and princess dismissing me before I got the chance but i'm certain there was evidence of the dark magic coming from him. I have also heard without a doubt, the prince admitting to using said dark magic, Senior Chief Heart will attest to the validity."

Nightwing glared down at Victorious, trying to get a read on him for any lies but his stance did not falter nor his voice crack. No sign of falsehood was visible...

"Go get HMCS and meet me in the throne hall, I want to get the princess to hear this story; you better not lie, for you sake.."

Victorious returned to attention for a moment before turning around and rushing to find Sentinel, this time he would tell the truth and the traitor would see judgment while Dusty is taken for safe observation; to ensure the princesses safety...

_ _

Dusty was reading though the third book on dark magic when he heard noise outside the door, in the short time he managed to find out more history on this magic...the fact that it had such a bloody history put his mind at ease, his mothers reaction was a little more acceptable if it was only in a small way. The door opened and he heard his mothers voice.

"Dusty, can you step out for a moment."

He was too deep in a paragraph to respond, mumbling out the information to make it sink in faster; hoping that he could get in one last page...

"Dusty?"

"Yea, I'll go in a sec. just got to finish this page..."

Dusty heard a second set of hoofsteps echo in the hall, the voice much deeper but not fear inspiring enough for him to notice.

"What is he studying?"

Twilight was an excellent lair, the problem was she couldn't lie when the truth was in plain view...

"Dusty, go to your room, i'll come get you when the meeting is over."

"...That book is very old."

Dusty finished the page and flipped it, marking it with the string tab on the spine and shutting it, turning around and nearly jumping when he saw the dark figure of the commanding officer staring over his shoulder...

"Yea..its uh...old..."

The books were wrapped in a purple magic and warped in a blink, Nightwing walked past Dusty and looked up at the glass windows, admiring the art.

"You should listen to your mother."

Dusty nodded and left the room in a blink; leaving behind nothing but a dust trail hanging in the air. Nightwing watched the door shut with a echoing bang, leaving the princess to stare at the officer with the best poker face he had ever seen...

"Your majesty, I have been told you might be in danger?"

"Am I? I have not received letters of threats or actions to suggest such a thing."

He could almost hear the suppressed emotions wanting to burst out; Twilight was good at keeping secrets but she was too close to this one...her fear bubbling to the surface. Twilight couldn't stand the silence anymore, she walked past Nightwing looking at the ground.

"What have you heard, captain?"

"Princess, you know there was dark magic used and if you refuse to admit the truth then i'll have no choice but to enact protocol and remove you from the throne until you are seen by a medical adviser and Princess Celestia."

Twilight turned around, knowing she was backed into a corner, there was one card she had left but didn't want to play it...it seems she has no choice. Twilight glared down at the guard and put on her best stone face, letting only offended rage break though the facade...

"Protocol? There is a protocol for a captain usurping my rule? Captain, allow me to remind you that I permit the royal guard in my castle on my teaches recommendation. Should I reconsider my choice due to your lack of foresight and allowing a obvious breach of the chain of command, leading to a gross misinformation and being dim enough to believe that dark magic is a possibility in my home?!

"Your Majes-"

"Unless you have solid proof against me, commander..."

Nightwing broke a sweat...

"I suggest you turn around and find who ever sent you on this timberwolf hunt."

On cue Victorious Assault threw open the door with Sentinel Heart following behind; Twilight knew her leverage shook but the power was still in her hoof...for now...

"Princess Twilight Sparkle! I have the proof you seek."

The door is shutting...need to act fast!

"Did you miss that part of the structured procedures? Nopony is allowed in the throne room unless authorized on watch or under my escort. Turn around and leave, this is between myself and the captain."

The grey marine stopped in his tracks, kicking himself for forgetting such a simple thing, now she had something to use against him no matter how thin...

"Princess, I believe if he has evidence then he should-"

"There is no evidence because there is no crime, now my patience is wearing thin so unless you all want demotions and transfers to the middle of the arctic then I suggest you leave!"

Nightwing stomped the ground, glaring over at the princess and making the two behind him wince; bat wings flared and stare boring though Twilight's wavering resolve. Victorious looked back and scowled, yanking Sentinel back to his side to make sure the traitor couldn't get away.

"I am second in command, the rules state that I am allowed to admit select guardsman to the throne room if I believe them to be trusted. I admit one Gunnery Sergeant Victorious Assault and Senior Chief Sentinel Heart."

Twilight was able to keep it up for a few more moments; hoping that she could stare down the three like Fluttershy...a blind hope but all the same...it failed...Twilight walked back to the group and sighed, nodding to the two new guards to present their evidence. Victorious shoved Sentinel forward; the shame mixed with a thousand apologies made her feel more sorry for him than she did herself...

"I...As of fifteen-twenty Tuesday, dark magic was witnessed by myself and the citizens of ponyville...I later had a conversation with the prince and he confessed that it was his doing..."

Victorious nodded and walked off, Twilight realized just what he was doing...

"No no wait!"

Nightwing held the princess back when she tried to stop him, Sentinel had no choice but to continue...

"Per Article eighty one this means that the prince is afflicted with the voice of darkness or...the influence of King Sombra."

"No he's just a colt still! Please Captain!"

"And he will be placed in the custody of Princess Celestia for further study and your safety...I'm sorry..I'm so so sorry, Twilight..."

Twilight knew what that meant; she would never see her son again for years and this isolation might make things worse before they get better...she trusted Celestia to the end of equestria, but this was her son...nopony was going to take him away from her. Nightwing yelled in shock when he was blasted back by a powerful force of magic, hitting the wall and falling to the ground unconscious. The door shut again and Dusty was standing there at the entryway doing his best to hold to door with grey magic, bangs and shouts coming from the other side but he never heard a single one; the smoldering officer and cracked wall was enough to leave him speechless...

"I...I don't..."

Twilight heard the choked words, turning to look with her heart plummeting...

"Dusty, we need to leave. I need to get you somewhere safe while I take care of this."

"You killed him..."

She wont save you...

Sentinel ran to brace the door, Dusty was only holding it on instinct now; still processing everything that's happening...

She blames you...

"Dusty, there isn't time to argue, I need you to come with me!"

"Go kid!" Sentinel added strained from the army trying to break down the door...

"...you killed him..."

She'll kill you!

Dusty's eyes turned pure green, tears streaming down and sealing the door behind black crystals jetting from the ground in a sharp explosion. The sudden appearance sent sentinel flying back, a deep cut on his neck...

"Why is everypony trying to hurt me?!"

Twilight backed up slowly...jaw hanging slack and no words strong enough to describe her depression; she failed her son...she failed her teacher and she failed her love...even if he would've used Dusty, she failed the part of him only she knew...

"Dusty..."

"No more talking, no more words or books or pain. Just make it all go away!"

A bright black ball formed on his horn, gritting his teeth in the effort as the power grew rapidly, air around him kicking up dust. Dusty looked over and saw Sentinel bleeding on the floor, so much pain in such a short time...it was all he could handle; so it was simple...Dusty cut himself off from the world...the pain felt numb and depression was just a moment that was almost over...the door and crystals shattered, sending splinters of crystal flying. Dusty let go of the dark magic, the black ball flew straight at Twilight and she simply stood there...not bothering to put up any defense, letting the world go white and the ringing in her ears to be the last thing that fades in her life....

Dusty turned around and lowered his head, sending a wave of lightning through the ground and stopping every guard in their tracks, holding the spell a lot longer than he needed and only feeling satisfied when only a handful of guards were twitching on the ground from the electricity while the rest were motionless...

Panting alone, the throne and where his mother once stood was a crater still covered in smoke. Sentinel was still bleeding out, doing his best to stand up but Dusty was too occupied with thinking of a way out, a way to escape this life so he could live alone..never looking back.

"Dusty Armor; Please listen to me..."

Dusty turned around in a blink ready to attack but he hesitated when he realized who it was...

Princess Luna stood with no armor, no royal attire and no crown...just her. Dusty felt a pang of guilt but it was snuffed out before it had time to take root, tears stained his face but he felt no emotion behind the pain...

"You must stop, this is not you doing this, you need not fear judgment."

"You don't know...anything..."

Dusty backed up, eyes still washed green and purple mist pouring from them.

"This is all your fault. Yours and Celestias."

Dusty backed up until his leg bumped into Sentinel, the guard was almost unconscious and at deaths door. Dusty glanced back and glared down at who he thought was his friend...

"Just let me be."

He faded like a dense cloud of grey mist, hanging the air before crashing through the window of King Sombra. Luna knew what it was like to feel alone in the world, the pain was powerful but she heard it in his voice; the same distance she had when she first started calling herself Nightmare Moon in secret...

The guard that was in the room was gone, blood stain on the ground left behind. Celestia walked out of the crater with Twilight in tow, wrapped in a soft yellow orb. burns and scrapes covering her body but otherwise alive. The situation had gone so far out of control so fast that the princesses were silent for a moment, more guards rushing in to assist the injured in the hallway.

"He is right, this was my fault..."

Luna looked up at her sister, doing her best to comfort her after such a hard revelation..

"No, you did what you thought was right, for his sake...Sombra is responsible for this."

"...I just don't know how." Celestia confessed, lowering her head and setting Twilight down gently, bright magic staying over her burns to heal slowly.

Luna looked up at the broken window, wondering just where the prince might go or why he took that guard with him...So many questions and not enough answers. A dark laugh echoed though the halls of the castle; confirming both the princesses thoughts. Somehow someway...King Sombra had returned once again...

Black mist gathered from the ground and soon enough Sombra stood behind the two, no armor and eyes still free of the green color...

"Surprised, Princess?"

Celestia turned around sharply, Luna couldn't bring herself to look at the king...

"I see your other is still feeling discontent...The moon will rise again, Princess Luna?"

Luna glanced back, memories of Nightmare Moon rising to the surface again, losing herself in thought...

"Do not bring my sister into this, you have done enough damage letting this grudge consume you."

"I know...I've had a long time and a lot of fun pursuing my own ends...but this time I'm just feeling tired. Tired of losing and working so hard just to fall. Frankly I'm glad your guards didn't hurt my son..."

Sombra laughed again, grinning confidently at the sun goddess; Celestia felt a strange peace from his words, truth in his concern but the blackness of his heart wouldn't let him show it directly. Sombra walked away from the two, dismissing them with a uncaring smirk, a few spare guards clad in gold rushing in and getting between him and the princesses.

"Oh don't worry, I can't do anything to harm you besides talk. I feel like Discord trapped in stone...powerless..."

Celestia glared at Sombra, the reminder meant to goad a reaction but she remained silent, not taking the bait; resisting smiling when he scoffed at her lack of retort.

"Still, talking is fun when stuck in stone, or steel for a good few years.You were good, Celestia, but I will always be better..."

"I can't wait to end you again..." Luna said quietly...

Sombra raised a brow and glanced back, shivering when he heard the coldness in the princesses voice...

"You will fall so hard that the ground will quake when I bury you under your own sins."

Sombra turned around and grinned, stalking like a predator...

"Princess...tisk tisk, you should watch that temper-"

Luna turned around, eyes bright with growing power and voice booming in the hall, shaking the glass and causing Sombra to retreat a few steps in base fear.

"You are nothing but a ghost clinging to your hope of revenge! We have beaten you around every turn and this will not be any different, leave you cur!"

A blast of shadows and magic tore the visage apart, leaving scattered dust to settle on the ground. The room felt heavy and Celestia didn't want to give her sister a lecture on anger anytime soon due to the circumstances. Still, the power of shadows was something the princess of the night did her best to refrain from using...

"No matter what, we can still fix this once we help Twilight recover; just one step at a time..." Celestia said,Twilight's burns were almost fully healed. Soon she would wake up to a nightmare...

_ _

Sentinel woke up slowly, head pounding and body too heavy to move, his vision was fuzzy but he saw a short dark coated colt staring down at him, bright green obscuring any features to help the near dead guard. Cursing Victorious for causing this mess and drowning in guilt for the forced confession. Pain shot though his body and made him roll to the side, trying to kick his assailant in blind defense, pain making him scream out until blank unconsciousness taking him once again...

"I'm sorry."

Author's Note

Had really conflicting feels about how I wanted to do this, I had a weird idea and I think im going to keep it under wraps until I develop this a little more but if it turns out to be a good idea...its going to be epic...other than that this is the official halfway point!

And the Dust Settles

Dusty woke up slowly, the ice on his coat making his body numb. Hard floor practically made of ice and sediment, the colt coughed some of the dust out of his throat and tried to get a fix on just where he was...the only marking he could see in the thick dark was a boulder smashed into the ground and a beam of light pouring over it from the hole it left in the ceiling. Dusty managed to stand up after some struggling with his heavy limbs, shaking the ice off his thick metallic coat while his eyes adjusted a little better; the sound of ragged coughing brought back a piece of a memory...Sentinel sailing through the air with blood spilling on the velvet rug...

"Sentinel!"

Dusty ran to the sounds of the injured guard, stopping dead in his tracks when the thick frame of the king of shadows came into view. Once Dusty's eyes fully adjusted to the dark he saw Sentinel laying on the ground, a blood splatter nearly four feet above where he lay against the wall.

"Get away from him!" Dusty shouted in vain...

Sombra shot his son a glare that put ice in the colts veins; making his already heavy limbs just that much harder to move.

"What did you do?!"

Sombra glared back down at the guardpony...contempt rising but a pain in his chest from the long trip with two ponies in tow and his own personal bout of gloating took its toll on the king. Now though his focus was on one last task, the last of his power regained would be put to good use...

"Dad...what did you do?!"

The pain in his chest grew...dark magic began to form at the deep gash in the guards neck, lightning singeing the guard white coat but soon the flesh began to rapidly repair itself. The world began to swim and it became almost impossible to keep going...but he still did. After grueling moments pushing what little power he had left into the guard...the wound closed and became a black scar covered by white fur.

All the broken king felt was the cold ground when his head slammed into the shards of rock, body emitting the last of his physical form in black mist and eyes devoid of emotion. This was it...there was no more aces he had left; no way of escaping death and with no plan to run though his head, he got to think of the more dire realizations...

I....I have a son.

Dusty ran past the king and did what he could to help Sentinel, ignoring the fact that his only father was fading into nothingness. Strangely though, he was not angry for Dusty leaving him...

He did nothing to deserve being..used like the rest of them.

Nothing mattered to him..it was only about revenge for a crime long forgotten in time, he wondered if Celestia even had the decency to remember her crime; though at this point it didn't matter. The only thing he knew in life was vengeance; born out of hate. It was only when he almost pulled off his greatest plan...ruining a new alicorn; destroying the hopes of an old one, and even starting a new legacy of darkness.

So why do I feel so empty...?

The king of Shadows saw ash rise off his hooves as the pain in his chest became unbearable; thoughts of the afterlife crossed his mind over and over. One thing kept dragging him back to feel that pain, there was no mercy of letting the darkness in his eyes take the pain from him; the guard even managed to get up and drag his son away from his fathers burning echo, entertaining the idea that Dusk might have some feeling left reserved for his soulless father. No mater what though, Dusty has seen what the power of dark magic truly does...even if he may be repressing the gruesome details, he now understood why Sombra was hated. Why his father was kept secret...and why Twilight was ashamed to fall under his spell.

"What...is wrong...with me?"

It looked like Dusty said something in return, but the pain made his ears ring out any semblance of comprehensible sound. Reassuring words lost to guilt or spiteful insults meaningless in the final moments...Sombra felt the pain on the verge of finally taking him when he finally understood...

I have a son...and threw away my only chance at...

"I...don't want to die."

With that...Sombra finally got to feel the fires and blaze of Tartarus after such a long and dim run. Leaving his traumatized son and a near dead guard in the middle of a broken keep in a frozen tundra...

Author's Note

I came to the realization that I had changed the key thing that made Kiss of the Dark different, Sombra was human. You felt bad for him and even cheered when the final battle came around but ultimately; he was bound for failure. I want to bring it back to the sad part of the story rather than keep it going on action because there needs to be a time where you step back and realize what's happened. Dusty's step-d- Sentinel!..sorry had a hicup there...Sentinel was slated to live no matter what but extending that much power on a ghost...maybe he would have lived had he not gloated after the fight.

maybe

But a filler is a filler, the next chapter will extend and hopefully we can see resolution very soon! So does anyone think this was better than where I was going before? Did I won....?

Ash to Ash

"Sentinel.....is he..?"

Sombra's body flickered out into a dark mist that broke apart into the air. Disappearing like it never even existed...Sentinel Heart rubbed his neck absently and felt the rough scar under blood stained fur. After all the heartache, suffering and pain...it was finally over... The King of Shadows and Crystal was undoubtedly dead. Sentinel even felt a small smile cross his face. In a way it felt like a victory in a long war, he almost started to cheer in triumph we it not for a quiet sniffle braking the cold silence...

"Please tell me he's gone..." Dusty said, biting back the want to just fall on the ground and wish the world to go away...

Sentinel sat down again and rubbed the scar on his neck absently, wondering just how neither of them were cold when the snowy winds howled against the shell of a fortress. It took Sentinel a moment to understand but when he felt the scar...he understood what Sombra said in his final moments.

"Dusk, do you remember what happened now?"

Dusty nodded; it took time but his memory was coming back and forcing him to see the result of his actions, the blurry image of himself with unfamiliar eyes and that burst of power fueled by his anger and confusion that Sombra nudged and pushed until...

"How did we get here...?" Dusty asked himself.

Sentinel looked up at the colt; not sure what even happened after his injury...

Perhaps the princess was looking for them, maybe the guard was still trying to gather what might be left of the throne room. Dusty gave into his emotions and let his weak legs rest; laying on the cold ground and keeping his stare on the spot where the last of his father burnt away into dust and ash..tears welling up to blur his vision.

I want my mom...

"We need to find warmth..." Sentinel said just to break the focus off of Sombra.

Dusty nodded slowly but didn't budge, after such a exhausting trip the only thing he wanted was to feel the blanket and pillows of his bed back home. To go home and pretend that this was all a bad dream would be a welcome mercy...

Sentinel found enough books during his search for an exit in a run down library to burn for warmth, with a little help from Dusty's small bit of magic left in his system. No windows were low enough to climb out and the entryway was sealed by fallen debris. Both of them were laying down across from each other close to the fire. The pages turned to embers and floated in the air lazily, neither of them could know how much time had passed but seemed that the temperature was dropping fast. Sentinel sighed quietly and put his head down on his hooves, eyes heavy and body shivering. The guard fell in and out of sleep until the fifth time he woke up; Dusty was sleeping against Sentinel for warmth...

"You...you're just like him, arnt you..?" Sentinel said to himself...

The guard tensed up when Dusty woke up as well, they both were running on light sleep; hoping that maybe rescue was outside.

"..Like who?"

Sentinel lifted his head slowly and wanted to rub the scar again but for the sake of not disturbing Dusty more, he didn't move more than to lift his head and check the still sealed and broken entryway. It took a little internal debating but Sentinel sighed and decided somepony might as well know before he dies..

"I had a son...Steel Courage. Hard headed and short tempered. If you were his friend though he was the kindest soul you can imagine..."

Dusty looked less sleep logged and noticed Sentinel throw a few more books onto the fire from the pile at his side with a quick fling from his mouth. The fire flickered stronger and the warmth just made him want to go back to sleep, the look on Dusty's face meant he wanted more details.

"He died...long time ago..."

Dusty's eyes went wide...

"Cancer...It was hard, being a corpsman, I knew every stage and pain that he went though but couldn't do a thing to save him."

Sentinel lay his head back down and started thinking about trying to find a new way out of the fortress; anyway that would spare Dusty more suffering like Steeley...

"I just can't watch another kid..."

Dusty put his head against Sentinel for what little comfort he could offer; it almost made the guard laugh that this young colt was reassuring the old stallion to keep his mind out of the melancholy pit of the past. Sentinel closed his eyes and waited for the fatigue to take him again, head lowering to the ground again and slow breathing another sign of his and Dusty's impending doom...

"- Their in here!"

Sentinel lost track of time again but he heard the rock being chipped at outside; rescue had come and the fire was out for who knows how long. Dusty no longer shivered against the cold but instead he felt stiff against the guard.

"...Help.." Sentinel said weakly.

"Out of the way!" A concerned female voice shouted, purple shine wrapping the rocks and ice and in a blinding flash they disappeared. Letting in the light and warmth of the sun but obscuring any vision that Sentinel might have left. The rescue was too late...Sentinel felt his head become heavy and his heart no longer had the strength to beat...

I want my son....

"No, no, no, no no no!" She echoed between heart shattered sobs...

Author's Note

And I want an ending! And i got what I wanted. It was a great ride and I cant thank Soothing Stone enough for letting me get the chance to do this. It was rough at the end there but I did my best and I thank everyone who liked it enough to drop a comment or fav or even watch! I do have a epilogue set up but for all intensive purposes...this is the end!

I would die to hear all around reactions, plus I want to know if it was up to par with expectations; i'd hate to think I fell short but if I don't know then I cant improve.

Epilogue: His Heart Beats

A slow drone of a heart monitor keeps the still room from falling silent, the slow but steady beep matches pace with the sound of different machines and magics keeping him alive if by a thread. There was a lot that this pony went though in such a short time...so much pain, so much confusion brought on by the one pony he thought he could trust with no proof of good intentions. The one pony that he thought would be there for him unconditionally, perhaps even be the teacher that his mother could not be. A cloud outside moved to let in more sunlight, warming his body a little more in the cold room with only a light sheet to help, the pace on the monitor quickened in response but slowed back down to normal in seconds.

"You know this is not your fault." A soft female voice said quietly.

"Tis been a week and already he is improving..." another joined.

He hears them but couldn't place a name to the voices,even though he felt he should know them...and for some reason when he tried to move his body, nothing happened. Moments passed painfully slow but he felt as if days were passing until he heard more voices.

"Your Majesty?"

"She is...unavailable, what do ya need?" A familiar male voice answered.

This time both talking were male, the second voice sounded close but this time he could put a name to the voice.

Spike...?

"I wish to inform the princess that the other patient recovered just woke up, he wants to speak with her and wont talk to us."

A heavy sigh responded and a new set of hooves left the room, leaving Spike alone in the white room once the door closed again.

A few more moments passed and soon he heard more voices, this time clear as day.

"How long has he been like this?" Sentinel asked softly.

"Two weeks now, I still have no idea what kind of power the princess used but..i'll be damned if she didn't save both of your lives."

He tried to remember what happened but for the life of him he couldn't even remember his name, so why could he place others voices and names...

He tried to move again and managed to shift his arm slightly...

"Oh my Celestia...g-get her in here,he's waking up!"

Something heavy grabbed his arm and soon he was moving his legs, eyes fluttering open and vision blurry to the point of blindness, though to his relief it was adjusting quickly. A purple form threw open the door and stood in the doorway in shock...

"Twilight, he's okay!" Sentinel shouted joyously.

That was the name he was looking for! He was in full control of his body once again and his vision cleared to leave his attention centered on the soft and loving features of the purple alicorn he would always call...

"Mom..." Dusty said weakly but with a smile stuck on his face.

"Dusty!" Twilight said, running to the bed and completely ignoring the wires he was attached to and picked him up off the bed in a tight hug...one of the warmest and most welcome the colt could remember. Dusty buried his head in Twilight's soft purple coat as a few tears started flowing.

Nothing mattered anymore, the hardship was over and after some time; they could try and get back to living normal lives...at least as normal as a royal life can get. Sentinel even had to struggle to keep his eyes from watering when the two were separated by the doctor to run his tests. Twilight whispered something to Dusty and signaled for Sentinel to step outside with her.

Odd it may be, Sentinel stepped outside the room with her and nearly got blindsided by a group of interns following a ranting doctor into another ward. Phones blazed constantly and although it was hard not to notice the alicorn sitting in the middle of the hallway, thankfully nopony invaded their privacy.

"Sentinel Heart...I don't know how I can thank you for everything you've done for us."

The guard in him felt his pride beaming at those words, thoughts of making it up to a higher rank and maybe even leading a more important division at castle Twilight was superseded by the one thought of will he be reassigned away from Dusty...?

"I...Thank you your majesty, but I was only doing my best to keep you both safe." He said cautiously.

"I know, which is why I still need your service. The recent events have made me re-think the way I handle my position-"

"I don't think I can help you be a princess..respectfully." Sentinel said with a chuckle.

Twilight just smiled and looked back at the window, seeing Dusty talk with the doctor; Sentinel understood what she meant now..

"He seems to like you a lot, which is why I will need you to watch over him where I cannot. My willing obliviousness and fear caused this to happen...So I want you to be there to make sure this never happens again."

Sentinel wanted to argue and protect the princesses feelings but she quickly raised a hoof to cut him off.

"No, I am right about this. I could've stopped this from happening but I didn't understand just how far it had gotten until it was too late."

Sentinel lowered his head and rubbed the scar again...thinking hard about what happened and trying to think of a way it could have been stopped. Sombra was far to quiet to be noticed...he stuck to the shadows knowing that if he was caught the plan would fail. Yet in truth, everypony knew he was there...waiting...but none of them acted out of fear for Dusty. Suddenly he was jarred from his thoughts by a soft hoof bringing his own down off the scar and when he looked down to see the lavender face staring up at him he felt his own white face turn a slight red.

"I know it would be hard...but I know you only concern about his safety just as I do."

Sentinel felt a few onlookers linger at the sight but he pushed those thoughts down and nodded.

"I'll do everything in my power to protect him."

Twilight smiled and looked far more relaxed before she added.

"And mentor him..."

Sentinel raised a brow but the door opened up, taking Twilight's attention to her son once again. The guard followed but another nurse called his name from behind him.

"Sir..?"

Sentinel turned around slowly..

"Yes?"

"Sir...the test results are back, it seems that there is...something left in your system."

Sentinel started to get worried but did his best to keep it from his face.

"Something that we can only assume is..dark magic. You said that he healed your wound?"

Sentinel nodded, putting the pieces together as she spoke.

"We did our best but it seems that the residue of such a powerful and...strange...magic; cannot be removed from you. In fact...I believe that it is what helped you recover far much faster than what the doctor expected."

The door for Dusty's room opened again and the doctor called for Sentinel.

"Um,...thank you...I think." Sentinel put that for a conversation for later and stepped back into the room, Dusty was on the bed again but looking near full heath. The sight took his mind from the problems waiting so he could enjoy the moment...

"Sentinel...we did it." Dusty said proudly.

"Didn't I tell you we'd get out?" Sentinel said when he stopped next to Twilight.

"Pff..I don't think I remember that, you just kinda gave up like a flank-head."

Sentinel shrugged it of playfully and scoffed

"It'll come back to you."

Dusty smiled happily, soon they would be back home and although it would take time..things were going to be normal once again....

Two years later.....

"Twilight, just breath, you're gonna be fine!" Spike shouted, ducking under the doorways in the hospital as he ran with the stretcher.

Dusty was still trying to clean himself up, doing his best to use a wet rag and get the red coloring out of his mane while the last ear piercing was being removed by grey magic and stuffed in the giant yellow bag around his neck.

"You just had to do this now, huh?!" He shouted while dogging a potted plant, of course he was trying to make a joke but if she wasn't in so much pain; Dusty would be blasted against the wall.

A doctor finally joined the circus and flashed a light in her eyes much to her annoyance.

"Y-your majesty! I'm sorry i'm late,how do you feel?"

Twilight grabbed the doctor by his collar and snarled "Will you stop talking and do your job before I send you to the moon!"

The doctor paled and nearly crashed when she threw him back, Luna would've laughed at his face when he rejoined the group and when they finally got the room Dusty and Spike was forced out. Though it was just in time to see gold and white crash though the doors and rush into the room Twilight was just sent into. Muffled shouting of the doctors halted by a ear shattering

"YOU'RE LATE!"

From Princess Twilight Sparkle....

Spike wanted to laugh but Dusty's guffaw sent them both into hysteria, Twilight talked about how calm she would be the second time around but it just made Dusty want to get the camera out now and get some hallmark moments of his dad getting a verbal beating.

_ _

Many hours later the shouting had stopped and a few nurses stepped out to fetch a few things, nodding to Dusty and Spike that it was okay to go in. Both of them jumped up and burst though the door.

Closed eyes..sleeping in her mothers arms was a tiny yellow foal, wings tucked against her body and horn ever prominent....

Twilight looked up, mane a complete mess and looking exhausted beyond words.Sentinel sat up from the chair the nurses got for him, poor ex-guard passed out about an hour in. While he expected another beating when he woke up, he was just as shocked at Dusty and Spike were..

"Lotus Crystal..." Twilight said quietly..

"I think I want to name her Lotus Crystal..."

Author's Note

Hooray for a happy ending! ...What? You thought I could end it on THAT sad a note? Noooo thats too much even for me.

Good news for those who liked Dusty! I love his character, so I want to have one more adventure with him, just a lighthearted story for an older Dusty, his little sis and step dad. Course that's gonna take time between my other projects.

But!!!!! If you like love stories, go check out Moonlight http://www.fimfiction.net/story/137305/moonlight Luna, Nightmare Moon and a colorful little night owl. Or if you looking for a laugh, I kinda broke myself and started a Naked Gun cross http://www.fimfiction.net/story/134876/the-naked-gun-425-the-trottening (shameless_self_advertising.meem)

Fourteen Years Later

The warm morning sun shone brightly though the woods, birds singing happily and grass still wet with dew, the tall trees stood closely knit and the canopy only let rays of light spot the forest floor. A colt dashed though the dense woods, kicking off trees to turn sharply and sliding under branches. The colt's legs burned and his breathing was rapid, pushing himself harder and harder with a big grin on his face.

Dusk ran in the woods, laughing to himself and digging his hooves in the ground. Picking up the pace until everything was a green blur, his purple eyes squinting against the wind; blowing past a group of hovering birds like a shadow. Light beams from the tree tops helping guide his sprint until he found an open area, leaping over the stream and landing on the other side flawlessly. Dusk's smoky black fur wet with sweat and silver mane matted over his face. Dusk panted and shook his head to send his long mane back over his head, horn parting it down the middle. The peace of the meadow was calming, it was his reward for such a hard run; more and more he found that running put him in a state of pure peace...body and mind focusing on just putting one hoof down and getting the next one out. Now though, the race was over...wind blowing into his mane and causing a ripple though the grass of the clearing.

"HA! Once again, Dusk Armor wins the championship!"

Walking as he monologues...much like his show stopping aunt.

"His daring moves nearly costed him his life today with that close brush with the dragons.."

A few birds might still have argue that he was the danger to them...

"But they were no match for his cunning and his pure speed, this truly is a day in hisTORY?!"

His fun cut short by a stray root; the colt tripping and face planting on the ground, thankfully soft from the morning dew.

"Duuuuusty?"

A mare called out from a distance, her call echoing in the maze of trees. The colt rubbed his head and got back up, looking at the source of the call.

"Ugh...My names not Dusty, Mom!" he said with the irritation of a smart mouthed teen.

"It is, and if you don't come back home this instant, the only thing you'll be called is dead!"

Dusty yelped, speeding off without another thought and not bothering to jump over the stream, his hooves getting a good coating of mud and a refreshing splash of water on his blank flank. Getting a smack the face by a stray branch was the least of his worries with his mother still waiting...but after some more running he comes out in the bright sunlight covered in mud, leaves hanging in his mane with water soaking his thick coat.

"S-sorry..I'm...back..." Panting between words, the purple alicorn standing and eyes widening at the mess her colt was in.

"Oh my Celestia...I'm guessing you had fun on your adventure?" She said with a soft laugh.

They started walking back to Ponyville together, Dusty was a bit more busy picking leaves out of his mane than paying attention to Twilight lecture him on not throwing himself into dangerous situations. Odd that she considered a run though the woods "dangerous". Twilight herself had gotten taller in the years, her mane longer but not yet quiet flowing like her teachers or her sister; she looked down at the young colt...eyes beaming with the curiosity and excitement from moments ago still, she was glad he had so many memories in his looks alone. The silver mane reminded Twilight of her mother's white coat, and the bright purple eyes shone with life she remembered when she was just a filly...of course it took time to adjust to his more obvious feature. The dull black coat that took her back to the King of Shadows and to a darker moment in her life; but when she heard his voice, saw her child play and learn magic just like her, she knew that a faded memory was nothing to a mothers love.

All the way back he recounted his adventure, the sneak attack that tried to stop him, and dragons that dared stand in his path...more and more she laughed at the colt's imagination, catching view of her castle and interrupting him.

"Alright alright, it sounds like you had a blast. Now when we get in you need to shower and get dressed, Princess Celestia and Luna are coming down to have dinner tonight." She said with a slight stern tone to make sure Dusty would listen...but also to try and make Dusty think on what she said..

Dusty looked up at her skeptically, it was never his mothers style to suddenly announce something; more often she would make about three lists weeks prior, pester the guards and make his life miserable. The guards clad in gold ended their conversation when Twilight came in view, quickly returning to attention and saluting. In her time raising Dusty Armor and managing the chaos of being a princess, she became accustomed to the benefits that came with being royalty, getting a little jitter of pride when others treated her more like a princess than she thought necessary. Nodding to the guards in gold, telling them to relax while they dropped back to attention, the large door swinging open for her.

Dusty was the first to run in, the confusion changing to pure excitement when he realized what the 'dinner' was; heading straight for his room to get ready. Twilight let out another soft laugh when Dusty completely failed to notice the tell tale trail of Pinkie Pie's mess. Twilight heard her friends in the great hall all talking boisterously, streamers and colorful confetti littered the massive room. Balloons tied to tables, and some bounced against the ceiling.

"Pinkie, is everything almost ready?" Twilight said, just containing her own excitement...

"You can't rush art, Twilight! This is a careful process involving many procedures...One crossed streamer, one pinch of sugar, one twitch! And-"

The pink pony blasted back a few feet when her party cannon exploded streamers and random party favors across the hall. Fevered giggling coming from her, while the rest of her friends tried to organize plates and other fun looking things...not just blast at random.

"Okay, so let's do a quick check. Rarity, you took care of the invitations?"

"All of them signed and dated beautifully and every one of them returned, yes!" Rarity bounced happily, decorating the tables with her hoof made cloth, the design perfect for the event and still just like her normal work, beautiful.

"Good, Applejack, hows the food coming?"

She threw a crate off her back as Big Mac brought in another. Each box no doubt filled with treats and delights fresh from the farm.

"Its commin'!" She huffed in anger, the heavy crate causing her to work up a sweat. It didn't help that a wheel had to break on the cart today, of all days! causing much more delay.

"Don't worry, we still have plenty of time so don't tire yourself out before the fun." Twilight said with a chipper tone and warm smile.

Applejack smirked in return and trotted back to her cart outside.

"Fluttershy, how are the decorations?"

Fluttershy lowered down as her wings beat slowly. A few birds lowered down as well, with two sets of floral decorations, Fluttershy
thought and picked the brightly orange and red flower arrangement.

"I hope I'm doing good...I don't want to ruin the party..."

Twilight smiled and picked up another arrangement in glass with her magic, setting it down on a table.

"I think they look lovely, I'm sure they'll add even more to life of the party."

Fluttershy smiled happily, flying off to help her animals set the tables with Rarity, leaving just one-

"Awww yea! This party is going to be the greatest one yet, I've been working on a new move for Dusk, it's going to blow his mind!"

The ever so humble Rainbow Dash flew around the room, helping where needed. Lifting more boxes of food and setting them out on tables while nearly dodging another blast of the party cannon. Twilight beamed proudly, the room nearly ready and the party still a few hours away. Checking the last item off her list and leaving the room to her friends. Walking through the wide halls slowly, taking the moment in...her son was fourteen years old today, and he nearly forgot from just a run through the woods. The stage set and all she had to do was distract Dusty until it was noon...without letting him risk a sprained hoof with another run. Climbing a few floors and walking deeper into the castle she called out.

"Dusty?"

A muffled shout answered her back, a patrolling guard glancing back until he noticed Twilight look back a little embarrassed, turning forward quickly and continuing back down the stairs as to not linger inappropriately.

"Holy crap, Mom! Give me longer than ten minuets to shower!"

She sighed, standing outside his room. The door was always unlocked but she didn't go in. Tilting her head and listening....the water running but no sounds of anypony occupying it..

"If you're sitting in there playing video games-"

The sound of something being thrown on the ground with a quick burst of running and sure enough, she started to actually hear cleaning. Smiling to herself and walking back down the stairs. Still beaming proudly and thinking of just how fun this day was going to be.

"I see you're still doing very well, my faithful student."

Twilight's eyes widened, running down the stairs and gasping when Princess Celestia was standing in to foyer with a small white colored package, bright blue bow on top and everything.

"Princess Celestia! I wasn't expecting anypony until at least ten!"

The pure white alicorn smiled brightly, lifting the box in the air and offering it out.

"I wanted to be early, this is a big day for him after all." The sun goddess said with a small smile.

Twilight wrapped it in a purple swirl; bringing it close to examine it...

"And...I wish to speak with you in private."

The guards caught the hint and cleared the room, Twilight looked up curiously, unable to read Celestia even after all this time with her.

"I know it has been quite some time since we last got to speak without business taking the conversation away; and this can't wait any longer. I have to take a few moments...About Sombra."

Twilight felt her heart skip a beat...putting the package down and focusing entirely on the Princess, wondering just what she could want to talk about if it involved him.

"This year Dusty Armor is fourteen; he will earn his cutie mark soon and find out sooner or later who his father is-"

Twilight felt the bitter rage that once was cold sadness...no matter what everypony told her, she believed that for one fleeting moment...she truly loved the King of Shadows; and she felt deep down he loved her back. Though after time she realized that he still would never change, using her emotions against her friends was the fact she relied on when she had rouge thoughts of longing during deep and empty nights...

"No, he wont know the monster who...I don't want him to feel like an outsider for the rest of his life."

This wasn't a debate, Twilight was dead set on keeping Sombra a secret. Though it was more for her sake than for Dusty's. Celestia could see that in the shaking in her student's arm and glare in her eyes.

"Twilight; I only want to offer advice and a choice. After many years of study and cleansing. I wish for Dusty Armor to have the crown."

Twilight nearly kicked the box away and disintegrated it on the spot but restrained herself. Taking a calming breath and glaring down at the gift in cold contempt...Celestia in truth, wished to solve a problem before it even became an issue. After failing to be there for her most faithful student, she couldn't help but see the worst possible outcome for Dusty being kept in the dark...so this was her subtle way of helping.

"I never brought you Nightmare Moons armor...or Discords horn..." Twilight didn't need to look up to see the hurt in Celestia's eyes; the remark cut deep, but it was the last thing she wanted for her only son...the only thing she could take from that horrible time and turn it into a ray of sunshine...and destroy his whole world...

"I know this is hard, that is why I wanted to tell you before. So you would have the choice to do it yourself, or let him find out later..."

Twilight looked back up, remembering that all her mentor wants is to help her and her son; she gave a comforting smile and picked the gift up, letting it hover in the air behind her. Thinking about what Celestia meant when she said 'cleansing'.

"Are you sure its safe then? The second it even falls on the ground funny, I obliterate it."

Celestia smiled, laughing shortly and nodding. Looking up behind Twilight and smiling even brighter...

"Dusty Armor...You've grown so much since I last saw you."

Twilight turned around to catch Dusty rolling his eyes..grumbling. Thankfully he had indeed finished cleaning up, silver mane hanging over part of his face while the rest hung on his neck, thick coat fluffed a little from the shower. Twilight recalled a statement earlier about only getting a ten minuet shower.

"I know you prefer Dusk; but this is a day to take pride in who you are, not sulk over something as important and meaningful as your name."

Dusty looked up, eyes full of wonder for the sun goddess. Celestia climbed the stairs quickly and gracefully thanks to her size, sitting next to Dusty and putting a warm wing around him, he smiled and looked up at her waiting..

"Your name isn't just who you are, it's who you become and who you were, it is everything that means you. When you were born, your mother..." She nodded up at Twilight, the purple alicorn smiling but wondering just what detail she would use to impart wisdom...hoping it wasn't something she might regret..

"When your mother held you for the first time...the stress she put herself through with the lists and planning for you, the crib,the books, the preparation...I was worried for her for a time; but the little you from so long ago, all you did was open your eyes and she broke down crying..."

Twilight felt a piece of herself actually die of embarrassment....Dusty even laughed a little. Though in the back of her mind, she knew the memory was more of a bitter-sweet one...her worry focused entirely on just what could she expect from a child born of him...

"Her brother heard the crying and ran into the room-"

"You mean Shining Armor?" Dusty said quickly.

"That's right, he was the only thing that stood between you and mental trauma of seeing an alicorn have a stress induced
breakdown, in truth this was not her first ..."

Dusty snickered and looked down at his mother with this new information. That gleam in his eyes when he felt like the balance of power was tipping his way.

"So when she got herself back under control, she named you partly after her brother...and your father. Poor Shining Armor spent an hour and a half holding you and comforting you so your mothers fit wouldn't spread to you. Thus you were aptly named, Dusty Armor; for your strength just like your uncle and willpower greater than your father."

Twilight interjected, glad to see the new knowledge sinking in, and even a little new pride showing on his face. Even if it was at her expense..

"And you have my courage, every day you run out into the world not caring what danger there might be; only wanting to learn whats out there."

Dusty broke free of the wing, shaking a white feather off his head and heading back up to his room. Stopping just before he turned for the east wing of the castle and his room, turning around to give Celestia wide eyes and slight but hesitant smile.

"Thanks...I guess Dusty Armor isn't such a lame name....but if you could still call me Dusk...?"

You little...my son just used The Look on one of the oldest and wisest alicorns in Equestria...I don't know if I should laugh or be upset...

Smiling warmly, Celestia laughed quietly and nodded, Twilight sighing when even her teacher would egg him on now. Dusty grinned excitedly, trotting in place at the top of the side stairs before bolting off to his room.

And he made it work!? ....In fairness..I pulled of The Look once or twice on Celestia when I was a filly.

Dusty yelled back in pure excitement, the kind that Pinkie Pie would undoubtedly hear and get all the more giddy for the party...

"I'm going to get dressed! This is going to be the best birthday ever!"

Author's Note

As soon as I started I just couldn't stop, I cant wait to get off work tomorrow to keep it going but as of now I have to get up in six hours...so im cutting it here. I want to thank Soothing Stone for letting me take a shot at continuing what I think is my favorite take on a impressive ship; FedEx couldn't ship this good!(That hurt my soul but it was worth it) The story comes from Soothing Stone's Kiss of the Dark http://www.fimfiction.net/story/95062/kiss-of-the-dark full of TwiliXSombra but story and detail that surprised me. I just read the post he made pertaining to this and if you want to talk about directions this goes feel free to message me and I hope you enjoy it!

12 SEP 2013 Edit: I think it might be a better idea to not work until midnight after a long day at the shipyard. So while I kick myself looking for simple errors you could take a look at my first story Harmony At War! (compleatly selfless promoting) granted I still need to look over some chapters from that one as well.

15 SEP 2013 Edit: Thanks for editing Soothing Stone, hope you like the rest.

The Return of the King

Twilight was sorting through books in her library, the sunlight reflected off the marble floor and a pleasant hint of lavender floated through the massive library. More books stacked on a table as she gathered a collection of studies and manuals for healing spells, hoping that a lesson might take Dusty's mind off the crown. The door in the foyer opened fast, the bang echoing into the library when it bounced off the wall and soon enough she heard the last thing she ever expected.

"Mom, I got my cutie mark!"

Twilight was so stunned that the books she was transporting to the table simply crashed to the ground. Breaking out in a run and throwing open the door with a burst of magic.

"That's incredible news! Where are you?"

The colt poked his head around the corner, smiling brightly before breaking out in a sprint, plowing right into Twilight and sending them back into the library. Twilight saw stars momentarily, realizing Dusty was standing over her looking just as happy as he was yesterday.

"Well get off me so I can see?" she said laughing.

Dusty took a moment to realize what his mother was saying and he jumped off; watching her get up in barely contained excitement. Twilight stood ready for the proudest moment of motherhood. Twilight was left speechless...

"See! Some kinda crystal something, I think its a diamond, and a star like yours but way cooler!"

"I..."

"And watch this!"

Dusty turned to face a window on the second floor of the library and braced himself. Power coursing through him and gathering at his horn, the all too familiar black orb of lightning and darkness growing rapidly until Dusty let it go. It sailed through the air and the wind snuffed out any lights save the sunlight through the windows; making the room feel very heavy to Twilight once she heard it shatter through her barrier like it was nothing, exploding in the air after.

"See, wasn't that awesome?!" He huffed, still tired from the long run and the exertion of dark magic...

"No..."

Dusty was so ecstatic about his talent; thinking that there would be books where he could learn more kinds of this special magic. Twilights answer was so shocking it took a moment to sink in...

"W-what?"

"No. I never want to see you do that again, do you understand me?"

Dustys eyes returned to white. The shock still leaving him drawing a blank, he was so happy but now...

"M-mom..."

"Dusty Armor, you will never use dark magic ever again, do you understand me?!" Her yell echoed through the empty castle...so much fear for her son falling to his fathers path sent her over the edge. Dustys struggled sobs and tears didn't phase her, staring him down until the colt was forced to run. Sounds of his crying echoed until he slammed the door to his room, leaving Twilight alone and understanding what she just did...

",,,Oh my Celestia...What have I done..."

Dusty slammed the door, the walls shaking with the force and all his sorrow turning to blind anger. Tears streamed down his face purple mist emitting even though his eyes were shut tight. Now he understood; all this time with no sign of potential and now he was dead wrong about his talent being life changing...Twilight hated him for being a failure...

"Why can't I just be normal!?"

Dusty felt the self loathing reach critical and he charged at the balcony yelling; throwing his body into the glass door and shattering it. Glass rained down, cutting and scraping Dusty but not seriously harming; he looked up at the sky, cloudy turning dark and the air heavy. Dusty walked clear of the glass on the ground, staring up at the sky; he sat down and wiped the shards from his mane, jumping when a drop lands on his head."

"I guess the movies are right...rain always comes-"

"At our darkest hour...Though I would say it comes to wash us clean of the past."

Dusty didn't look back, not even glancing in shame or glaring in hatred. Sombra sat next to Dusty; looking out in the distance. Thinking about how he should proceed...

"Why are you here...mom said she defeated you...."

"I know as much as you do, Dusk."

"What's that mean?"

"I am not him."

Dusty did turn that time, sitting behind him was a tall and built stallion. Mane pure as black night and coat a metallic grey, eyes free of the toxic green color he remembered in the throne hall. Rain started falling at a slow pace.

"I am part of you." Sombra said

"...You are not..."

"I am the last piece of your father that remained in your mother."

"Stop talking...."

Sombra gave no sign of emotion, eyes empty and body not even shaking as the rain fell harder, yet he did stop. Dusty forced himself not to shiver in fear or from the cold rain.

"....Alright, so how do I know you're telling the truth?"

"You don't, but you know it's fact. When you learned of King Sombra's existence I was revived; taking every little thing you knew about him and putting the pieces back together."

"Then why are you so calm...Mom told me you were a monster."

"I'm not real...just a memory left behind; what could I gain?"

The colt looked away, staring back into the sky as rain soaked his thick fur. Sombra was using a little restraint not to smile...

"...I have to say, your quick mastery of Dark Magic is impressive to say the least."

Dusty didn't respond; thinking back to how angry his mother was and just the thought of him knowing more and even pretending to care. I almost made Dusty want to believe somepony would still love him...

"Dusk Armor...why dont you call me Dusty if you are my dad?"

"It's how you introduce yourself, you prefer it so I thought it would be less upsetting if I used Dusk...If you don't want me to-"

"No...Its alright."

Just one more step...

"If you're just a memory...theres no harm in calling you Dad...is there?"

Perfect...

"If you wish."

Sombra did smile this time; ready to wipe it away if his colt turned around. They stood in silence while Sombra admired his work, a lie within truth. The best tactic he employed against his enemies and now the one he used in tricking his son into gaining his trust. Deep down he did feel a pang of guilt but the guilt was washed away when he watched Dusty turn around and nudge his way under Sombras arm. Twilight rejected his gift and sent him running to the first person that loved him more than his mother; a moment the king wouldn't stop exploiting anytime soon...

The cold seeped into Dusty, shivering under his fathers arm but warmed by the wintered stallion. Sombra was much softer and kinder than Dusty expected; though he wasn't sure what he could expect from somepony he never had the chance to meet...until now.

"Why did she yell...?"

"Because your mother is afraid. She is afraid of what you might become if your talent is allowed to grow."

Dusty blinked in confusion, looking up at Sombra

"What does that mean?"

"Twilight fears you might walk the same path as King Sombra once did."

_ _

Twilight paced back and forth in worry, mane a crooked mess and Spike pointed out that she was getting 'That look' again.Twilight didn't care, she only focused on trying to find a way to fix the mess she made losing her temper with Dusty.

"What have I done....Spike, you know this means he'll hate me forever, he'll start simple by breaking rules but it could lead to running away, getting into fights, arguing and he might just cut all ties with us..."

Spike tried to calm her as much as he could, blocking her pacing path and making her take a moment to think.

"Twilight, you're blowing this way out of proportion again; just go up and talk to him before he starts acting like you with this pacing and talking to himself."

Twilight sighed heavily; angry with herself more than anything that she let this happen. Losing her temper like that was against everything she taught her colt...And now Dusty felt like a stranger in his own home...

"Alright..you're right, I'll go talk with him."

Spike nodded and walked with her all the way to outside his room; Twilight almost got cold hooves but Spike rolled his eyes and pushed her through the door, shutting it behind her and with no way out she nearly panicked, until she saw her son sitting in the rain through a broken glass door...

Twilight didn't bother trying to start the conversation; she just walked to Dusty's side and sat down, careful not to cut herself on glass.

"...Here to yell again? Tell me i'm a failure or just call me a freak?"

Twilight was shocked but she realized Spike was right about the timing; Dusty spun this farther out of control just as she did moments ago...

"Dusty...I would never do any of those things-"

"Then why did you yell when I showed you my talent?! I'm so late in getting my mark that I gave up and when I finally get one, you say it's not good enough, you looked at me like I was worthless!"

Twilight was speechless...the rain couldn't hide the fact that her eyes were watering up, because it was true. The dark magic sent her into a frenzy of horrible memories and she took it out on her only son. The rain made her skin numb but no cold could keep her from feeling this guilt and pain...

"...I'm just a screw up..."

Twilight couldn't stop herself; she grabbed Dusty and wrapped her wings around him, tears streaming faster than the rain could wash them away...

"I'm so sorry.....I'm so so sorry for what I said!"

Dusty's eyes widened, body stiff from the cold rain but tilted his head to look up he saw the agony on his mother face before she buried her tears in his head..wrapping him so tightly he didn't even feel the rain anymore.

"Please....I had no right to yell like that...Please forgive me..."

"...Mom..."

Thunder echoed in the sky, Sombra watched from the room. A scowl on his face as he work is undone...

I was so close....

"Mom, its alright...Just stop crying..." Dusty said worried...

Twilight lifted her head up, shivering uncontrollably, eyes watery and face soaked with more tears than rain.

"I can help you...I know how you can learn more about your talent; because i'm proud of you, and i'll never stop being proud..."

She kissed him on the forehead, Dusty felt his own eyes water, the rain slowing down around them. Dusty smiled up at Twilight, they no longer needed to speak, Dusty felt accepted again and even a little eager deep down to learn more like Twilight said. Sombra felt something that even he...the king of shadows thought he would never feel...regret...under the anger at Twilight for making his work for nothing, or the grudge against Celestia that filled his heart, he felt alone. When he was king he remembered many sleepless nights when all he had to do was pick a fetching mare out of his empire. None of them had a child because he would not allow it, taking precautions to keep such a thing from happening but this...he went through the motions, played his part and when it came to fruition; he fell in love... and now his only son was another instrument to his revenge. Sombra glared at the two and disappeared into nothing slowly...

This time I will not fail...no matter the cost...

_ _

Sentinel Heart was in the middle of a drink when he felt the bar shake, glasses on the racks clinging and a few others looked up as dust from the ceiling fell; another guard looked over to Sentinel and they nodded to each other, rushing out the door to catch whatever might have caused the strange occurrence.

Sailing high in the air was a black ball surrounded by unstable lightning. The ball exploded just seconds after Sentinel got a look at it, sending clouds scattering and black storm clouds taking its place. The energy made the weather unstable and what was once a sunny day was going to quickly turn into a flood of thunder and lightning.

"Senior...you think-?"

"I know...It came from the castle. Round up a platoon of sober guards, tell them HMCS doesn't give a buck about what they planned on doing, Liberty just got cut short."

"Their not going to be happy."

"I don't care, I'm going on ahead, grab a few soldiers and meet me there asap."

"Roger that, Senior."

The stallion took off on his search, Sentinel started running to the castle, praying he would be there in time to kick the teeth in of who ever fired a blast of powerful dark magic like that...