E.q.Gee Rule Sixty-three

Dusk was pleased that Teneberia hadn't asked any questions as they walked into the school library.  She just relaxed herself into a rocking chair and closed her eyes.

Trickster was jumpy on the other hand, shriving at the thoughts of Sundown patrolling every corner of the town at night.  Dusk managed to convince the great-and-powerful-ex-henchman-show-wizard to sleep on another book bed made (reluctantly) by Barbra.

Dusk wanted consult with Faye on what Sundown had said to her, but  jock was already lying down on their book-bed, eyes shut tight and her arms warped around her body, trying to compensate for the loss of her jacket.  Dusk rested on the side next to her, pulling the tarp over themselves and attempting to get some sleep.

Just one more day...and nothing else will matter... Dusk thought, until he remembered about Sundown in his new form. Maybe I should ask Prince Solaris for some help in the morning...Its too dangerous to go out through the portal at night.

Dusk struggled to sleep, calling out every single happy memory of his equestrian friends to comfort him. However, Sundown's terrifying appearance would keep haunting him until he was so exhausted that he did fall asleep.

When morning came, Dusk awoke and found that Faye, Teneberia, and Tristan had left the library. A note was left hanging out of his pocket, reading Trickster and Teneberia have gone to classes - I'm going out for a walk. -  Faye <3

Walking up to the door, Dusk was meet with a sharp shout from Mr.Charles/Cheerish.

"DUSK! What are you doing here after school? I didn't see you come into the library all day!" Mr. Charles gasped, seeming very surprised..

"Sorry sir," Dusk stated, rubbing his eyes.  Had he really slept that long?

"Did you actually sleep here?!" Charles stated, eyeing Dusk.

"Uh, yeah...I mean, this morning I came in early to study and I slept in..." Dusk lied

"A pity you missed your classes. Still, I bid you good day and I also bid you good luck for tonight." Mr.Charles cheered.

Dusk stepped out of the library, nearly bumping into a lofty three-layered cake Bobby and a jock were carrying.  Before Dusk could ask what it was about, he saw leadership kids rolling pieces of a build-able photo booth into the Cafeteria, followed by Richie and his Dance team, wearing Pony ears and pony tails.

"What the hay is this?!" Dusk wondered.

"The fruits of out Labor!" Bobby called out.

The gym, the decorations, and food were all restored and ready for Fall Formal when Dusk arrived in the gym. He could see several students, including his gang, continuing to work on the party.  He also caught sight of Faye talking with Solaris.

"Honestly, I had my doubts, but now I see that Fall Formal is ready for tonight!" Solaris boomed.

"So is it still tonight?" Faye asked.

"Absolutely, my dear! Thanks to you and - Dusk!" Solaris noticed beckoning the egghead to come over. "I am absolutely proud of what you and your party has done.  Though I cannot vote, I would vote for you if I could."

Dusk felt so flattered that he blushed as red as a tomato. Faye giggle at such a sight.

"Well, he has mine!" cried out Ivy who stood next to a mural that Dusk help her paint last night.

"And mine!" Trickster cheered, placing several brownies on the table.

"Count me in too!" Shouted a footballer, on ladder, carrying streamers.

Soon the entire gym erupted into applause chanting Dusk's name and praising him over and over again. Now its no different here or in Equestria - I'm popular either way and I've done alot to earn it...

A dog barking loudly at the entrance forced Dusk to turn his attention from all the supporters in the room.  It was Barbra, looking more tense than ever.

"Whose dog is this!?" Thundered Solaris to every student in the room.

"Uh, mine sir!" Dusk said "I'll take care of it..."

"Before you go, what music do you like?!" called out the blue-hair DJ.

"Any is fine me - I don't listen much to music!" Dusk replied making his way over to Barbra.  Suddenly female fashioner made her way over to Dusk.

"Hello, there...wanna dance tonight?" she asked fluttering her lashes.

"Uh...um...sorry...but...I've already arranged that..." Dusk shrugged, causing the girl to frown "But I'm sure someone else can go out and dance with you..."

"Dusk, Dusk!" Cried out a sophomore with red curly hair, big glasses, and braces "Can I get your autograph on my journal!?"

"In a minute!" Dusk said, seeing more of the student population start rushing towards him. "I need to attend to my pet drag - I mean dog!"

Finally separated from the energetic crowd, Dusk knelt down and asked Barbra what was wrong.

"Sundown's outside...and it doesn't look good."

Dusk wasted no time in picking up Barbra as the two scurried away.  Faye wondered what was the concern, until she felt a tug on her shoulder.  It is was Tristan, poorly hiding flowers behind his back.

"Hey....uh, Faye...I...I just wanted to say that it's a sunny day and...uh..."

"Yes?" Faye asked, remembering she sometimes introduced herself as 'I'm Fay that rhymes with Sunny day'.

"Would you go out to Fall Formal with me?" asked Tristan, who leaned down on one knee and presented the flowers, with a shiny smile and puppy eyes.

Faye however shook her head. "I'm sorry...I was thinking of going out with Dusk..."

At First Tristan seemed hurt. And then he stood up and left "Oh there is no need Fair Faye...The great and powerful does not need anyone ....who is..already taken! There are other fish in the sea! Why, I still need to ask Teneberia! And Lannie, Star Song, and Minty!"

Dusk did find Sundown outside, in front the portal. Only he was back to being a human, dressed in a formal suit for Fall Formal. His henchwomen, Sugar and Spice were dressed in their regular attire and sat on either side of the portal. Sundown's eyes followed Dusk as Dusk stepped out the doors and walked towards the very portal he stepped out of four days ago.

Sundown whispered "You are a different pony from when you first stepped out, aren't you Dusk?"

Dusk took moment to think about it "After all that's happened...I never thought going back to school would be so...enlightening and active. Its the kind of experience that no one goes through often, not even...back home...."

"Fell free to say Equestria and Everypony, Prince.  Your dog is free to talk also." Sundown said.

"All I've got is bunch of names to call you after what we've see you do to the school and us..." Barbra hissed.

Sundown ignored Barbra and turned to Dusk "After our episode last night that was fortunately away from the police's attention, I had time to think of a deal that can work for both of our goals."

"And why should I listen to you?" Dusk wondered.

"Just hit the portal and you will see."

So Dusk did strike the portal - but instead of his hand passing through it and becoming a hoof, it came into contact with hard stone causing a low electrical hum to be heard.

"That hum means that the portal to Equestria has been locked - thus you have no way home." Sundown stated, pulling the carnelian key from his neck. "I just happened to have made it so. The reason why this key can grant you access through the portal even when it is closed is because it prematurely unlocks it.  Last night, I had a chance to practice more with it...and I found out how to unlock it."

Dusk gazed at Sundown in shock and then glared at him. "This is all for the crown isn't it?"

"Originally it was all for the crown, the power, and the key.  But I have a better idea now;  Since you and your mutt must tired of human lifestyle by now, I expect you'd want to go home now.  Present the crown to me after you have won and you can go home with your dog.

"Dragon!" Hissed Barbra "And how do we know that you'll live up to your end of the deal?"

"Because this isn't a warning. This is a proposal.  You can either take it or leave it."

Before Dusk could say 'leave it'. Sundown bought up something. "You are a prince of Equestria, Dusk. Your people, your princes, and your friends need your to help defend them.  By not taking my offer, you are choosing to leave them behind, all just to make sure they are safe.  But they will forever wonder what has happened to you beyond that portal, Dusk, not knowing that you are safe. And what of your family? And how will Solaris respond this? There is nothing else you could do about it.  Even if you took the Key from me, you wouldn't be able to make any use of it.  It takes a while to learn how it works."

Dusk shook his head. "I will never let you have that crown. Equestria will move on and continue to live without the element, whether I take your deal or not."

"True, Dusk....unless I choose otherwise." Sundown hissed, tapping his key "I have to go now...you know, to enjoy my Friday afternoon..."

"Think Sundown is up to something?" Barbra asked, as she and Dusk walked over to the boutique that Eliot worked at.

"I don't know...but I'm not feeling comfortable handing him the crown or staying here for...well...a long time...thinking about it just doesn't seem to help me...Well as Blitz would say - we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...." Dusk stated, strolling into the boutique.

"Ello, Chap! Fall Formal is in an hour!" Eliot greeted, handing two trousers to Ben before having him go into the male dressing room.

"So I hear...." Dusk said, taking a seat as Barbra began to inspect some pieces of fabric on the floor.

"You look pretty glum. What's wrong?." Eliot observed taking seat next to Dusk.

Thinking carefully about what he was going to say Dusk said "If you had to choose between two things what would you choose?"

"I don't know, Dusk." Shrugged Eliot "Is there a catalog where these things are found? Can you describe them for me?"

"No, this isn't a choice between two items...this is a choice between two...two paths in life, I guess.  And they both work against me, yet have different benefits.  One of those choices benefits me.  The other benefits alot of people I care about. But either way, everyone including me, suffers alot the drawback."

Eliot glanced at Dusk seeming lost in thought. "I wish I had an answer...I'm sorry I cannot make that choice."

"I can." said Richie who just entered the boutique holding up a rainbow-themed suit. "I'd choose to benefit myself.  That's not saying that I'm selfish, but you can only do so much for your pals, Dusk."

"Kiss my butt!" Hollered Austin, who stormed in with another suit, brown in color "Dusk, If ah had to make that choice, I'd choose to help other people - That ain't selfish at all!"

"So should one person suffer for many? Is that fair?" Richie questioned.

"It ain't fair nor equal but alot of people are happy." Austin countered.

"Yeah, minus the one person that isn't-"

"Guys!" Shouted Dusk, breaking up the argument between the jock and cowboy. "Thank you for your opinions....but I'll be fine. It was just a question."

"Right partner. My apologies." Austin said.

Bursting of the women's locker room was Faye, dressed in a glittering black dress, shoes, and red lighting-bolt-shaped earrings and bracelet.  Eliot praised the look as simple yet eye-catching.  Dusk's eye sparkled in approval.

"To answer your question I'd find a way to make my own choice and have everyone be happy, even if it meant choosing one of two bad choices to start." Faye said, patting Dusk on the shoulder.

"Nice look Faye - I take it Dusk has already proposed..." Richie grinned.

"Proposed what?" Dusk wondered.

Faye smiled and asked "Would you go out to Fall Formal with me?"

Dusk was about to say yes, but the thought of wanting to go back home came to him again.  And he once wanted to keep himself from forming a relationship with Faye to make it easier for both of them.  But now he was faced with withe choice of staying here and or leaving.

"Yes...I'll be with you." Dusk settled gazing at Faye's eyes, seeing she applied a beautiful blue gradient of eye shadow above them.  I can't go home. But I will make sure Sundown never gets a hold of that crown.

"What?" Faye asked, coaxing Dusk from his thoughts.

"I-I-I mean yes!" Dusk stammered, only to rush up and hug Faye, much to to the surprise of everyone in the room, including Dusk himself. Faye's face blushed in embarrassment.

When Dusk let go, she laughed. "You still are fit for a prince Dusk.  You always were."

Dusk blushed and thanked her, only to be shoved by Eliot into a changing room as Ben walked out in aqua colored suit with a butterfly bow-tie.

"My bad Dusk, but I just realized that Fall Formal is actually fifteen minutes from now. I forgot to change the time on the clocks. You know, Daylight savings..." Eliot said, shoving Dusk behind the door and handing him three suits, all of them different shades of purple.

"Try on these suits, quickly. I've ordered a limo to arrive shortly." Eliot advised before closing the door. As soon as he did, He heard Dusk scream.

"What in the name of...? Bobby!?" Eliot shirked, opening the dressing room door and seeing Bobby in the men's dressing room, wearing only his underwear and a button-up shirt.  Dusk shivered in the corner, surprised at Bobby's sudden appearance.

"Hey Eliot!" Bobby chimed "I was trying to sneak in to get some pants and a tie."

"You could always ask." Groaned Eliot.

"And where the fun in that?" Bobby asked.

Dusk was thankful he didn't need to walk back to school as the sun started to set.  but he  wondered how Eliot was able to afford a limo for all seven of them and Barbra.

"... I didn't really need to pay anything." Eliot said "Its just that my pap is good friends with the manger in change of these limos..."

"I though yer pap was country pony - not much different from me." Austin bought up.

"That doesn't mean he can't make friends with city boys." Eliot reminded sternly.

Blitz gave chuckle, bringing smile to Austin's face. "Nope...but between both of them, I guess some things are hard to get over ." said the cowboy

"What was it that separated you two friends in the first place?" Dusk asked.

Everyone in the limo looked at each other.  Finally Ben spoke up.

"It was a Canterlot high soccer game during our sophomore year.  This was the final game between Canterlot and Hollow Shades." Ben began "All six of  us didn't know each other but we all wanted to contribute something. We all just happened to bump into each other on our way to the leadership room.  As we worked together, our friendship grew. We lost the game though."

Bobby continue "...After that we were still pals, but we drifted apart with different classes, different interests...."

"...And broken promises and a lack of respect." Richie finished, adding "Among all six of us....and speaking of that, I'm sorry I couldn't take time off from my practice to help you with your family business reopening."

"I'm sorry ah started to spread lies about you bein' untrustworthy and selfish.  Though only a few believed me anyway." Austin bought up.

"Sounds like we can put the past behind us and have a great time." Faye said as she scratched Barbra's ears.

"Yeah..." Dusk agreed as the high school came into view.

Describing the party would have been too much for Dusk.  With all the victories over villains he had conquered from Nightmare Nebula to the Crystal Pony Queen, parties were pretty common for him even before his coronation. The party at the school felt very different to him compared to his previous parties, where ponies just mingled and chatted, with some dancing and others eating food, with all activities done in some organized fashion.  This party was filled with Faye and the rocker playing on stage, a lot of teenagers dancing in the center of the gym, and colorful lights flashing everywhere.

Dusk was thankful he wasn't noticed. Since he wasn't good at dancing at all as pony, he made extra care not to mess up as human.  All he could do was just mimic his five other friends as they danced around him, with Bobby and Richie being the best dancers.  Barbra also happened to enjoy dancing to the music as well.

"Any idea where Sundown is?" Dusk wondered.

"Who cares?" said Richie "I'd bet you forty bucks he's too embarrassed to even poke his head out of his house."

"Yeah...I guess..." Dusk said, uneasy.

A few moments later the rockers ended their song and the blue-haired DJ arrived on stage, with other people bringing in her turn table onto the stage and hooking it up to the speakers.

Once offstage, Faye dashed over to Dusk, holding his hands. "C'mon Dusk! Let's dance to my favorite!" Faye cheered loudly.

Dusk went along with what Faye said - he wasn't ready to say no or yes to dancing with a girl, but he complied nonetheless. And surely enough, Faye didn't mind his awkward dancing only that they were having a good time as the music boomed from the speakers.

"....I'm not a fan of puppeteers but I've a nagging fear

Someone else is pulling at the strings..."

"...Something terrible will be going down through the entire town

Wreaking anarchy and all he brings..."

Sundown chanted to the music of the same song, as he marched towards the school, with Sugar and Spice behind him, wings starting to protrude from all three of their backs and their eyes glowing in the dark.

Together they hissed to the music as their transformation continued to mutate them.

We can't sit idly, no, Dusk Shine must fall

We curse this name, for he's one behind it all...

Discord, I'm howlin' at the moon!

And sleepin' in the middle of a summer afternoon

Discord, whatever did we do

To make you take our world awaaaay?

Dusk found himself weary of so much dancing - he almost tripped were it not for Faye's hands helping him in place.  And as the music continued Dusk felt every beat pulse through his body.  Maybe its not such a bad thing to stay here for a long time.. he thought

Dusk Shine, you are our prey alone,

And your crown is a stepping stone for taking Solaris's the throne!

Dusk Shine, we won't take it anymore

So prepare to be blown away!

The further the trio went into the school, the more their horrid transformation continued. Clothing was reduced to rags and their talons began to scrape the floor. Each of their faces had a shrunken noses and goblin ears with their hair set ablaze like fire.

"Is...this...temporary?" Spice worried, even shocked at the change in her voice.

"Yes...until that crown is mine..." Sundown responded, focused on approaching the the gym from the main entrance.

I'm fine with changing status quo, but not in letting go... Sundown continued to sing

...Now the world is being torn apart

A terrible catastrophe played by your symphony,

What a terrifying work of art!

I can't sit idly, no, I can't move at all

I curse the name, the one behind it all...

Discord, I'm howlin' at the moon

And sleepin' in the middle of a summer afternoon

Discord, whatever did we do

To make you take our world away?

Discord, are we your prey alone,

Or are we just a stepping stone for taking back the throne?

Discord, we won't take it anymore

So take your tyranny away!

Every bone in Dusk's body ached and his ears were ringing so much, he couldn't hear Barbra or Faye laughing at how wearing he looked. But he was happy it was all over now as the DJ bought her equipment offstage and Principals Solaris and Artemis marched onto the top of the stage with the crown - Dusk's very crown within a glass box cradled by Artemis.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Solaris boomed into his microphone (A little too loud for those with sensitive ears.) "Before I'd like to announce the Fall Formal Prince, I would like to thank all of you all for making this Fall Formal possible...And that the Prince of Fall Formal is none other than.... Dusk Shine!"

Though everyone, including Dusk, Faye, Barbra and the gang were cheerful, they all knew it was obviously going to be Dusk, now that they supposed Sundown was out of the picture.  But were it not for all their hard work, they also knew that Solaris would have been calling out Sundown's name instead.

Wasting no time, Dusk walked up to the stage, appalled and patted on the back. Bobby even managed to shower streamers onto Dusk, before he made into to Solaris.

"Congratulations young man." Principal Solaris said "Please, stand straight, Mr. Shine. Because you are new here, I will say the Canterlot High school code and you will recite it before me."

Dusk obeyed, as Artemis took out the Crown and lent it to Solaris, who hovered it above Dusk's head. Repeating after Solaris, Dusk said.

"When danger makes you wanna hide, I'll be loyal to your side,

Given once or twice, Kindness is never in short supply

For honesty no one can deny, you'll be friends in my eye,

with a generous heart that is a rarity to come by

And we'll all make fun and laughter, until we die!

Friendship is full magic and the love to share is your's and mine.

together and forever in harmony."

Dusk welcomed the cool metal of his crown on his head.  He never felt more at home in his entire life. But his nostalgic happiness was interrupted by Solaris, who lent Dusk three late-homework passes.

"And now Dusk, who is your Fall Formal Princess?" Solaris said, gesturing to crowd below the stage.  All of the girls being screaming and squealing, raising their hands and requesting Dusk to call on them.

"Faye! I choose Faye!' Dusk announced, seeing majority of the girls in the room groan in disappointment as Faye made her way upstage.

"D-Don't feel bad - you all look wonderful!" Dusk stammered, only to be dragged by the collar by Faye.

"They'll get over it Dusk. After all, we only have one night together." chuckled Faye, beginning to pose as a Camera woman arrived onstage was adjusting the settings on her camera.  Other students began to take pictures of Faye and Dusk with their cellphones

"We do?" Dusk blushed, confused.

"Yeah...remember you're leaving tonight?" Faye bought up.

"Oh...uh...actually I'm not leaving..."

"What? Why?" Faye said.  Dusk thought she had never looked more astonished in their time together.

"Well, Sundown...he..." Dusk began, unsure how to say that he had to trade the crown's security for a way back home thanks to Sundown.

"That jerk locked the portal didn't he?" Faye grumbled. "Ponyfeathers..."

"Wait...you know about the portal?" Dusk's eyes winded.

Before Faye could answer an explosion knocked them off their feet and several students screamed in response.  When Dusk stood up, Sundown marched past a burning entrance with Sugar and Spice on either side of him.  All three shared the same-demonic form Dusk has encounter Sundown in yesterday night only slight more terrifying.

"What in a blazing pit is that?!" Artemis shouted, standing up.  Solaris seemed too shocked to answer, and everyone else below seemed too frightened to move.

"I am through with dealing with you Dusk Shine!" roared the demonic Sundown "I've given you a chance to prance back home many times, all just for the crown! Now my little pony - how do choose to die...NOW? or in a few seconds?"

"We'd rather die making sure you never got the crown!" Faye shouted.

In response, Sundown blasted a river of flame from his mouth, aimed at the stage.  Helium balloons popped and the steamers and stage curtains were set a blaze.  Solaris shoved Artemis off-stage and into the shocked crown.  Faye braced for the flames to impact her, but Dusk grabbed her and they leaped offstage before they were consumed by the blinding inferno presented on stage.

"You owe me..." Dusk coughed from the smoke in the air.

"More that one.." Faye added.

Everyone in the rooms began to scream and break down, as Sundown stomped through them, intent on getting Dusk Shine's crown. Any students who tried to escape through the main entrance or windows were magically paralyzed by Sugar and Spice, one of them remarking it was like shooting fish in barrel.

Dusk and Faye trembled as Sundown approached them.  His demonic form was twice its size from last ngiht, and much more imposing. He extended his claws and lashed out Dusk.

Dusk wasn't so lucky and felt some of his hair get sliced off and a talon briefly dig across the side of his head, forcing his crown to fly off.  Sundown raised his other claw to finish off Dusk, only to have his eye struck by a glass bottle. Roaring, Sundown turned around and found Barbra on top of crates of Fizzy Apple Cider, barking.

"Barb, RUN!" Dusk shouted.  But Sundown was much faster and swifter, bringing his fist down on Barbra's tail as she tried to make a run for it.

"I always loved to eat hog dogs!" Sundown laughed wickedly, reading to breath fire onto Barbra.  It was then Eliot, with a fire hydrant in his hands, slid between Sundown's legs and sprayed foam into Sundown's face.

"Stay away from her you brute!" Eliot replied.  The foam blinded Sundown's eyes and also went into his mouth, distracting and frustrating Sundown long enough for Eliot to grab Barbra and sprint towards the gym exit while Sugar and Spice were making sure no students escaped through the windows.

After picking up the crown, Dusk and Faye followed, successfully escaping the burning gym and smoking atmosphere.  Dusk hadn't seen his other friends, nor the principal's in the chaos and he wouldn't have felt more sorry for the poor students still trapped in the room.

"We can't go back for them, Dusk. We need to get out of here!" Faye shouted.

"Okay..." Dusk said, feeling that it was odd how Faye appeared to be knowing exactly what do....or...did she really know what to do?

Once they made it outside, Dusk and Faye found Austin, Richie, a mentally-shocked Ben trembling, Bobby, and Eliot comforting Barbra by the giant statue of a horse. They all looked exhausted and scared.

Austin rushed up to Dusk and grabbed him by arms. "WHAT IN TARNATION IS GOING ON?!"

Dusk stammered as the rest of his friends gather around him "I...I..."

"There's is no time to explain!" Faye shouted, walking to the portal "Now, We all need to escape through -"  Once she set hand on the portal surface, she realized it was locked.

"Sundown prematurely locked the portal with the key...because he said he wanted my crown." Dusk bought up "I...I have failed you..."

"Portal?" Richie asked, touching the portal surface.

"Key?" Bobby wondered "Pound key? Car key? Key Individual?"

"GAH!" roared Faye, hammering the portal surface. "Everyone shut up and let me think!"

"You better think fast...cause here comes THAT DEMON!" Bobby panicked, pointing at the school entrance.

Crashing through the glass door and crawling towards them until he was a few meters away from them, the demonic Sundown Shimmer towered above the seven humans and their dog.

"DUSK SHINE!" Sundown thundered to the humans below him.  "Before you and your pitiful band are terminated, let it be known that it will be KING SUNDOWN that shall start his conquest of this world, following with the invasion of EQUESTRIA and any place I have yet to conquer - every known world shall be mine! And the foundations of my army starts with the innocent lives of this high school!"

Sundown gestured to the glass door, where several occupants of the gym were led by Sugar and Spice, moaning and groaning. Their eyes colored in a sick glowing green, similar to when Dusk had seen Solaris possessed.

"Now Dusk....any last questions from you or your band of losers?!" Sundown asked, leaning his red-skinned face into Dusk's.

Dusk breathed, starting to sweat from heat emitting from Sundown's body "So....if you had that much power with the key, why bother with stealing my crown?!"

"The crown is vital tool to for my hunger for power - before I was exiled from Solaris's teaching, I sneaked into a wing of his library restricted to only Solaris's most trusted subjects.  There I learned of this portal, and the Carnelian Key, and most importantly the power of the element of magic. It can make me more powerful than all of the unicorns in Equestria - I could raze entire civilizations to rubble, feed off of an infinite source of magic, and relive those memories again and again.  The possibilities are just endless!"

"Oh yeah? I doubt you'll be happy while it lasts." Faye boldly stated waking up to Sundown.

"And why is that, my dear?" Sundown hissed, a spark flicking off his tongue.

"If want you are saying about the Element of Harmony is true, You're dealing with than you can handle if Dusk is one with the Element of Harmony!" Faye pointed out "He'll stop you and your plans, Sundown."

"Oh Really? He cannot stop this!" Sundown snarled, his claws griping Faye' by her face.  Before Dusk could react, Sundown flew

above the entrance and slammed Faye into the brick wall.  Sundown's claw moved down to her neck and began to squeeze.

"No! Don't do this, Sundown!" Dusk cried out.

"Why shouldn't I Dusk? I gave her so many chances and now I want to silence her for good!" Sundown thundered "Now I will have her die in front of your eyes...while you and your friends shall ripped to pieces!"

Dusk looked to Faye and then to the massive population of posed students with Sugar and Spice proceeding slowing towards the statue.

"Dusk save us!" Ben wailed hugging Dusk, tightly.

"I...I don't know...I don't know..." Dusk whispered to himself. "..but...I supposed you should all know the truth...before...we all die..."

"What truth?" Austin asked, while Richie, Bobby, and Eliot looked away from the approaching students, Sundown, and Faye in peril.

"I...am a prince from another world.  The crown that you see on top of me was stolen by Sundown Shimmer." Dusk continued "This crown is my responsibility so I cam here.  Rather than steal the crown back, I had to embrace the new lifestyle here...make new friends...and participate in the competition. And during my time here...I...I...have never felt more like I could be the prince that I thought I never could be..."

After Dusk spoke, every started at him with surprised in their eyes.  Though they weren't completely taken a back, for it did make scene why Sundown was a magical demon and after the crown.

"Oh and I'm a dragon back that world..." Barbra added, startling everyone even more.

"OH MY GOD IT CAN TALK!?" Eliot screamed.

Bobby came close to Dusk "Well...this sure is a surprise. Bigger that any I have pulled off.  But it's kinda cool to know I'm with prince from another world as a die from possessed students and a demon...."

"Thanks...I guess..." Dusk shrugged as Bobby hugged him and Ben.

"You know...if world is gonna end today, Its a nice though to know I was with someone very special till the end." Austin said joining the hug.

"I guess I always was...okay with this..." Eliot said, seeing the the possessed students beginning to surround the statue and close in on the six students. "...as long as your dog is okay..." He picked up Barbra and began to scratch her ears, lovingly.

"Count me and Bobby in too.  When the end the near...the best thing you can do is smile. Weather you win or lose..." Richie said, with him and Bobby joining the hug.

Dusk looked out.  The chorus of the possessed students continued, who were a feet away from them with Sugar and Spice watching all this from the entrance of the school.  Sundown hovered intimidatingly in front of them, still choking Faye.  Faye and Dusk's eyes met briefly before Dusk heard Ben say "You are the best friend I have ever had."

"I could say the same thing.  For all of you." Dusk stated. He closed eyes as a possessed student reached slowly out for his face....

Then the moaning stopped.  Sundown noticed this and glanced at Dusk's group, hugging and tearing up.  But he also saw Dusk's crown glow in a magenta color.

"What?!" Gasped Sundown. Sugar and Spice shrugged, unsure of what was happening.

A chuckled from Faye caught Sundown's attention.  "Oh Sundown....when will you learn that the magic of friendship exists everywhere...Oh don't tell me....You'll learn it right now!"

Faye tore off the Carnelian key from a shocked sundown and poked him in the eye with it. Sundown had lost his grip on Faye, who landed on safely on ground and  shoved aside the frozen students who were as still as mannequins.  She made her way over to Dusk's gang, who were just opening their eyes and gasping at what was going on.

"Dusk! Your element!" Faye cried, "...use your element! I'll get the portal opened!"

In addition to being clueless as to how Faye was going to open the portal, Dusk wasn't sure how to 'use' his element.  In fact it seemed to be operating by itself, as he was suddenly levitated into the night sky with his six other friends.

"This cannot be happening!" Snarled Sundown How is it that you are defeating me?! I planned everything perfectly! I had the key!

The six boys faced sundown and began to recite the CHS code. And with each word the crown grew brighter and brighter.

"When danger makes us wanna hide, we'll be loyal to friends at our sides," Richie began...

Butterscotch followed "Given once or twice, Kindness is never in short supply"

"For honesty no one can deny, we'll be always friends in my eyes," Austin chanted.

"Each with a generous heart that is a rarity to come by." Eliot declared

And we'll all make fun and laughter, until we diiiiiiiie!" Bobby screeched, much to other boy's annoyance

And then Dusk finished by saying "Friendship is full magic and the love to share is your's and mine.  Together and forever in harmony."

Dusk's eyes glowed white and a rainbow beam erupted from his crown and impaled through Sundown and and hit the school. Simultaneously, harnessing the element was exhausting Dusk to point where he couldn't stay conscious.  The last things that Dusk heard before passing out, falling, and feeling concrete hit the side of his head were Sundown's cries of pain.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

"Yah think he's dead, Faye?"

"I just checked his pulse, Austin. He's not dead. Just unconscious.  Using the Element of Harmony must have knocked him out."

"Element of Harmony?"

"Yes, Richie...I know its not true to its name. But you could say it's used to bring harmony...to...you know, chaos."

"Whatever it did....it sure removed alot of chaos...hey look he's waking up!"

"About time." Faye said.

And sure enough, Dusk's eyes cracked open, seeing Faye, Austin, and Richie under a quiet star-sprinkle sky.  He tried to stand up but Faye held him down against the base of the horse statue.

"Easy, Dusk.  You were pretty exhausted back there.  We'd thought for fifteen minutes you'd never wake up." Faye said.

"...What happened?" Dusk groaned.

Richie began "Well the quick version is that all seven of us were knocked out by the crown of yours. Last thing I saw was a beam-"

"- a rainbow beam-" added Bobby.

"...yeah, that beam hitting Sundown.  When we woke up, the school was all repaired, all of CHS was found back in the gym dancing, and you were still knocked out.  It also seems as if all CHS doesn't remember a thing; I asked them about being possessed, the rampaging-Sundown-demon, and all that jazz, but they didn't even seem to have the faintest idea about what I was talking about. They don't even remember you or Sundown."

"Where's...where's Sundown?" Dusk asked, looking around.  He could see Ben and Elliot playing with Barbra, Bobby stuffing cupcakes into his mouth (As his way of celebrating), but no sign of Sundown.

That is of course, until Sundown was thrown from behind bush and landed at Dusk's feet, his mouth tapped, this clothing reduced to rags, and his limbs tied up.  Walking out from bush was Teneberia, who all shoved Sugar and Spice forward, constrained and tied-up in a fashion similar to Sundown.

"Sundown was knocked out pretty good. So me and Tristan had some time to tie him up." Teneberia explained. "I caught his two gals sneaking off, but they didn't too far..."

"How come you guys weren't possessed?" Dusk asked.

"Me and Tristan came late - by the time we arrived in the on the street, we saw the demonic Sundown hovering above the school. Then there was this huge explosion, and all we saw were Sundown, you, your pals, and Sugar and Spice on the ground." Teneberia explained. "Right now Tristan is enjoying himself at Fall Formal."

Dusk crept towards Sundown, who for the first time looked sorrowful for what he did.  He avoided eye contact with Dusk, but Faye forced Sundown to speak as she ripped the tape from his mouth.

"Oh, Solaris...was I really...that evil?  Did I hurt...all those people?" Sundown wept. "I...oh, gosh..."

"You did.  But now you won't hurt anymore people in this world. You're going home." Dusk then turned to Faye. "Did you get that portal open with the key?"

"I sure did," nodded Faye "But After I was knocked out, I lost it. I looked all around the portal and I didn't find it. That means we only have until the portal closes...which is half an hour until midnight I estimate." Faye stated

Upon hearing about the portal from Faye, Dusk and Barbra eyed Faye suspiciously. "Faye? Are you..."

Faye stood up and saluted Dusk, smiling as she spoke "Greeting Prince Dusk Shine. Lieutenant Flare 'Faye' Warden is at your service."

Everyone else's eyes winded. Dusk then realized "So you were Prince Solaris's 'expert' who was already looking for my crown...."

"Well...I was a little late in getting here first." Faye/Flare admitted. "I was lucky enough to go through the portal just as soon as you entered into the school.  I sneaked through the school's back doors and then we bumped into each other in hallway..."

"If you are 'an expert' of this world...are you saying you were here before?" Barbra gasped.

"Yup" Faye confirmed and said "In fact it was I who told Sundown about that restricted library wing where he found out about the portal and the key.  On the day, Sundown ran away from Solaris I ran away with him, because I was deeply in love with him.  We stole the carnelian Key as to avoid being pursued by Solaris's forces into this world.  We took refuge in human world, welcoming our new life. We forgot we were ponies and we forgot about Equestria. We even forgot about the mirror for a long time.”

“What made you go back to Equestria?” Dusk asked

Faye looked down at her shoes and then at Sundown tied up at Dusk's feet. “I…saw how Sundown was becoming more of bully to those around him, being tyrannical and ruthless.  The only exception was me, but because I was associated with him, the students also feared me.  I tried to explain Sundown that his cruel behavior to was affecting me, but he ignored me. He was even practicing magic with the Carnelian key, and I knew he was going to use it for anything but a good cause. It was then, I took my chances and escaped back to Equestria…”

Flare Warden parked her car and walked to the statute in front of the school. She left a goodbye note on the dashboard and took a shoulder bag with her.

It was midnight and there only a few lights were on in there parking lot, so she didn't need to worry about being detected as she approached the portal.

What she was worried about was Sundown. She had tried so hard to change his ways, but she knew that Sundown was still the same cold-hearted student from Prince Solaris’s School.  She never though that ever in her life she would become fugitive from Solaris, yet Sundown made it happen.  She knew Sundown was going down a path she never wanted to journey with him.

Taking out the glowing Carnelian Key and holding it in her hand she started to walk towards to portal.

“This is for the better of this world.” Flare told herself.  Leaving the key with Sundown would allow him to be powerless.  Without it, all he could do was just be high school bully.

“....I handed myself over to Solaris and as well as the key. Solaris was furious that Sundown was still ‘hiding’ but he saw the noble deed I did by returning the key for him.  Thus, I was reinstated back into the royal guard.”  Faye finished "So there you guys have it."

"I'll say..." Teneberia grumbled "What all this about 'another' Solaris and ponies? What are you in that world? horses?"

"Ponies." Dusk said.

"Winged ponies." Faye added.

"I'm a dragon!" Barbra barked. "Wait till we get back! Then you all will see!"

"Aw...you don't want to a cute pup, darling?" Eliot cooed, causing Barbra to blush.  Everyone laughed at that.

"You know..." Ben said to Dusk "I really would like to visit this world of your sometime..."'

"I hate to disappoint you Ben...with the portal closing in few minutes...you won't get to see much unless you want be to stuck in a strange world for thirty moons." Dusk replied.  "If only we had that key..."

Ben walked over to Dusk, helped him up and gave him a hug "You go on ahead, Dusk...we'll look for that key. And once we do we'll come for a visit."

Everyone else joined Dusk in the hug with the exception of Barbra, Faye, Teneberia, Sugar, Spice, and Sundown.  Sugar and Spice were untied by Teneberia and Faye.

"I hope you've learned your lesson." Teneberia hissed.  The two ex-henchwomen nodded.

"Good - now go enjoy yourselves and start over at the party." Faye said, seeing the two girls eagerly run off into the school.

Faye then knelt before Sundown blushing his hair.  Sundown refuse to make eye contact with Faye.

"You scarred up my neck pretty severely but I'll live..." Faye assured, rumbling where the scars were on her neck. "...I know you're sorry after what that element did to you...it turned you into some poor, powerless boy all tied up and at the feet of his victims...wishing he could undo thirty moons of terror..."

Tears began to streak down Sundown's face. Faye wiped them away with her finger.

"...and he will...not in a prison but back in a school..." Faye said, picking up Sundown and carrying him in her arms."...With a great alicorn teacher.  Maybe two."

After that, the prince of Fall Formal and Equestria, his lieutenant, his pet, and his captive crossed though the portal and vanished into the base of the statue, leaving five boys and Teneberia to walk back to the party.

Teneberia decided she would party with them tonight, and begin searching for the Carnelian Key tomorrow.