Up to *Steed* on Sundown Shimmer

Flare had felt the raising temperature around her as she braced for Solaris’s ‘defense’.  She heard the crackle of fire and the smell of cloth on fire. She was in the midst of a firestorm.

Yet she was unburned.

Opening her eyes slowly, she realized that a pair of two lavender wings covering her and she was in a magenta force field.

“S-sorry…” Dusk stated, pulling his wings back and dropping the magical force field.  “…I…I couldn’t leave you to…you know, burn in an inferno.”

“I can fend for myself sir.” Replied Flare, then adding “Thank you anyway.”

“No thanks from us!” Blitz caught, his body blacked and singed from snout to tail, along with Elusive and Berry.

“Gaaaah! My coat! My Mane!” Elusive shirked, trying to put out the smoking ends of his tail, with his bag legs

“What about it? You always wanted to look hot.” Bubble Berry giggled.

“Very funny” grumbled Elusive

“Thank y – chou!” Berry sneezed sending the soot off of him and onto Elusive.

“Whatever is going on?” Solaris demanded, hoofing off his burned bed.

“Well to start, you gave us quite scare, sir.” Elusive noted.

Solaris surveyed the damage he had caused around the room, including a hole in the wall.

“I see…” Solaris replied, then using his magic to promptly restore several items back into their former state, unburned and organized.  He even fixed up Elusive’s mane.

“Many thanks,” Elusive chimed.

“Now, why would seven little ponies and dragon wake me up at night? Nightterror Nebula is upon all of you, I suppose?” joked Solaris.

“He would unless he got some sleep!” shouted Artemis from the room above.

Dusk Shine walked up to Solaris “Sir…I have unfortunate news.”

“You wet the bed?”

“What?! No-no-no it’s just that….my crown…is…stolen.”

“Stolen?! By who?!” thundered Solaris, who magically materialized a mace and shield him to levitate.   The ponies and Barbra cowered back from Solaris in fear and awe.  Yet Solaris had the right display such authority and power; stealing an element of harmony was apparently a huge matter for two reasons; one of them being that without all six elements, Equestria was vulnerable to all sorts of danger.  The second was that a single element alone held so much power and was consider, in the hands of non-bearer, a very lethal weapon.

“Sundown Shimmer, your highness. He has retreated through the mirror. He has also stolen another magical artifact.” Flare answered.

“Anything else?” Solaris questioned Flare Warden, vaporizing his shield and sword.

“No sir – though regarding the artifact that Sundown stole….I think it’s the-”

“We will discuss this in private.” Solaris responded, and then he turned to Dusk and his friends. “Leave us.”

Doing as they were told, Dusk and his friends trotted down to the mirror room.  Blitz was impatient but he kept it to himself as he flew in circles. Applebuck was curious about the portal, tapping its watery surface from time to time.  Elusive and Butterscotch spoke about other matters to get their minds off the problem, like crystal pony fashion trends. Berry was in a corner, just smiling blankly and giving wink every three seconds or so.

Moment later Solaris arrived, with Tempo and Artemis by his sides.

Barbra presented the fake crown Sundown had replaced with Dusk’s.  It was hallow, plastic, and had an obviously-painted star in the center.

“So who was that pony that took Dusk’s crown?” Barbra asked as Solaris examined the crown.

“Sundown Shimmer was my personal student before I took on Dusk.” Solaris began “Sundown held an amazing potential unlike any unicorn in his era, except for Dusk. However he was always looking out for his own interests. He never deserved the power he wanted, and became cold and unfriendly. He turned away from my guidance to peruse his own path. In the process of doing so, he has stolen your crown and the Carnelian Key though the magic mirror, in an attempt to rob our best advantages over him.”

“The Carnelian Key?” Dusk wondered

“A key…” Artemis began, projecting a hologram of some gem with tiny glyphs on it, attached to a wire. “That allows a non-magical user to access high level unicorn magic.  Most of its properties were still unknown, but when it is coupled with the power of your element we predict the results would be disastrous.”

“Why steal the key if he’s already a unicorn? ” Dusk asked.

Artemis walked over to mirror “This is no ordinary mirror. It opens to another world every thirty moons.  But for that being that holds Carnelian key, he or she can access the portal when it is either closed or opened.”

“So…what is beyond that mirror?” Dusk asked.

“That’s classified. And we do not recommend pursuit that would endanger you to that world. We have planned to send an expert to retrieve your crown.” Artemis clarified as levitated Bubble Berry’s hoof away from the mirror.

“That’s no fair. It’s his crown so it’s his duty!” Blitz retorted

“You must see, Blitz, that Dusk Shine’s safety is the last thing we wish to endanger. The land does not want to see a Prince lost as soon as he was made.” Artemis argued.

“It would take a full day to explain to you six about the world beyond the portal. And time is of the essence – on the fourth night of that world, the portal will close and you would be lost to us for thirty moons.” Solaris added

“I…have to politely disagree with you, uncles.” Prince Tempo bought up. “Sending our expert in could cause trouble; Sundown will be looking out specifically for *that* pony. Dusk should have a chance to prove himself.”

Solaris thought about Tempo’s words, and then said “He already has proven himself countless times; the defeat of Nightterror Nebula, he imprisoned Eris the spirit of Chaos –  I would not recommend for Dusk to pursue, but I believe that due to Dusk sharing rank with us, it should be his choice alone on whatever he goes or not.”

“He must – when Equestria is a risk, Dusk never backed down from anything.” Applebuck shot back.

“And if he thinks he can’t do it alone, then we’re going with him!” Grinned Berry

“All six of us.” Added Elusive

“Yeah! Just like always.” Blitz grinned

“Oh-rah…” Butterscotch chimed softly

Solaris sighed “I’m afraid sending all of you into that world would be chaotic. If we lost one of you, then the quest to retrieve Dusk crown will be wasted.”

“Then I’m going alone.” Dusk declared.

“Are you sure?” Squeaked Butterscotch

“Very...if that's okay with you, Prince Solaris.” Dusk added, though he glanced nervous at Solaris, who gazed back at him with calmed expression.

“Dusk; as Prince, you do not answer to us as royals above you.  As a royal yourself, you will act independently on behalf of what you see as the best for Equestria.” Solaris said.

“We don’t recommend it but if you wish to pursue Sundown into the alien world, then you may do so.” Artemis added “It’s important that you are safe and secure as well.”

“Them why do I have a difficult time believing you, as you sent us on various missions that we considered dangerous?” Elusive playfully scoffed.

“We didn’t’ send you on dangerous missions – you volunteered.” Solaris clarified.

“I didn’t sign up this!” Screamed Barbra, whose claws dug into Dusk’s neck as he his pals and Gleaming Shield were chased by the mist form of Queen Teneberia across the freezing north.

“We whose dumb idea was it to go out and help the crystal ponies?” Dusk wondered aloud.

“Yours!” everypony shouted, except for Butterscotch

“Well….we all agreed on doing it.” Butterscotch mumbled.

“And whose idea was it to not tell Solaris!?” Applebuck asked.

“Or to not bring our elements?!”  Berry wondered, looking at Dusk

“Don’t blame me – You agreed that we should leave on the first train, which we only had five minutes to get ready for!” Dusk argued. “And my sister is here with us.”

“That doesn't mean we aren’t gonna be eaten by the shadow queen.  Now cut the chatter!” Gleaming Shield ordered

“At least I packed a spare change of winter wear for all us.” Grumbled Elusive, proudly levitating a suitcase by his side.

“What do we need clothes for?!” Blitz screamed.

“I said move!” Gleaming repeated

Then Prince Tempo levitated a saddle bag filled with a few rations and a sleeping bag onto Dusk’s back

“You can do it Prince Dusk Shine – the fate of Equestria and world beyond the mirror rest on your shoulders.” Prince Tempo cheered to his brother-in-law

Dusk took a deep breath as his friends cheered for him, too.  He hoofed up to the portal seeing his own reflection. Then with a final look of determination, he galloped through it.

“Why is this all looking like star wars?” Berry asked as the others glanced at him in confusion.

“I’ll return to my quarters. In the meantime, I will have guards set around the portal until Dusk returns.” Solaris declared, walking out of the room with his fellow princes.

The five of the mane six trotted out of the mirror room.

“I’m telling you this looks like Star Wars! Sundown was seduced by evil and turned against his mentor. And Dusk is our hero with a great potential and he is Equestria’s last and only hope.” Berry repeated.

“What was the first hope?” sarcastically wondered Applebuck

“That I would do my job.”

The five ponies behind them spun around and saw Flare Warden, out of armor. She seemed rather serious and not in the mood for fun.

“Not in uniform I see.  Break time?” Blitz quizzed playfully.

“No.” She replied. "I'm reporting to my next post..."

“Whatcha gonna be doing there?” Berry sang.

“Something.” answered Flare before she trotted away from them.

“That guard sure looks different that the others.” Applebuck noted, as soon as Flare was out of earshot.

“Who knows? Maybe she’s in a Special Horses unit.” Elusive replied.

“Un…guys…where’s Barbra?” Butterscotch asked.

Going through the mirror had been and intense and confusing ride with colors splashing around Dusk.

Upon impacting hard ground, Dusk fell into unconsciousness. Moments later he woke up, to feeling something lick his cheek. Opening his eyes he could see it was purple and green dog with familiar reptilian eyes….

“Hey…Dusk…” The dog greeted.

“Barbra? What are you doing- are you dog?!” Dusk exclaimed.

“Well…yeah…but…what are you, You’re all…uh…pinkish-white?”

Dusk raised his arms – now seeing bare white-pink arms where lander hooves should have been.  He glanced at his body, which was neatly clothed in a button up shirt, trousers, and black shoes.  He appeared to have longer legs that included feet.

“Whoa…Whoa…” Dusk shuddered glancing at his ‘fingers’ and his ‘hands’. He was familiar with this body type as similar to that of a Minotaur and monkeys, though he was bewildered at why he was in that form right now.

Dusk started to pant uncontrollably and was about to scream until Barbra cupped her paws over his tiny mouth.

“Hey, chill out your majesty. You're alive at least.” The dog urged, taking her paws off of Dusk.

Dusk then took a breath and said “Okay Barbra…but….where in the wide world of Equestria are we?”

“I…don’t think we are in Equestria anymore Dusk…” Barbra said looking around.

They appeared to be on the front laws facing a giant two-story, brick building in front of them.  Behind them were a horse statue and a paved gravel road with endless houses beyond it.

Dusk spun around and felt the base of horse statue’s surface. It was just as tall as him and he could see his own reflection.  Placing his new forelimb though it, he could see it transform back into hoof.

“Hmm…at least we know this is the portal.” Dusk sated, pulling his hand away.

“And that building looks like some sort of…a public hall or palace I’m guessing.” Barbra observed.

“Why do you say that?” Dusk wondered

“No battlements, no guards, no walls…And it’s in the middle of a town. Its definitely not a castle.” Barbra said glancing around.

Dusk eyed more of the building, seeing a horse painted above the entrance, several horse busts around the school and a horse statue behind him.

“Are we like, what, gods to this world?” Dusk wondered.

“Maybe...that would nice…”

“Nice?! That would be…just…creepy…Like what if they bowed before us and made statues and art of everypony in Equestria? We’d think they were delusional!” Dusk exclaimed

“That’s not much different from being a poster-pony, a bearer of an element, or a prince.  Speaking of that, let’s get that crown …” Barbra said hopping on top of Dusk.

Dusk tried to gallop away from the statue, but when one of his arms bumped against his knees, his jaw  a neck fell on to the hard cement surface.

“Off - Owww….”Groaned Dusk, still on the floor. When he looked up he could see two girls – judging by their long hair and makeup- hovering above him, wondering what he was doing.

“Oh look Sarah – It’s a guy that forgot to tie shoes.” Said one of them.

"I bet he's a Sophomore, Pam." Said the other.

When Dusk gave one of his sheepish grins, the two girls spun around and didn’t even bother to help.

“Maybe you try walking like one of them.” Barbra suggested, getting off of Dusk.

Dusk raised himself to his full height.  However, he found it very troubling to walk on two legs with a new torso.  Struggling to keep his balance, he managed to wobble to the railing to the entrance.

“Geez….think of what would happen if my friends came here. It would be too much to control.”  Dusk exclaimed climbing up the railing. “It’s fact…it already is….”

“Well at least you don’t have wings anymore.” Barbra replied.

“Hey – I liked my wings…mostly.” Dusk replied. They were only good for show and Dusk had enjoyed studying them.

“Can’t wait until I grow up and get mine.” Barbra replied walking over to the door. "When I get back to being a dragon that is."

When Dusk to the door he took a deep breath and then strode right into it.

“Did…the portal also rewired your brain?” Barbra asked.

Dusk grumbled and tried to focus on the door. When nothing happened he gasped “Why isn’t my magic working?”

“First off, you don’t even have a horn.” Barbra stated. Dusk’s hands when up to head, finding nothing there.

“And second, you need to pull the handle to open the door.”  Barbra pointed out.

“Oh…” Dusk said. He griped the handle with his mouth and opened the door tad bit, allowing Barbra to go in. She then held the door for Dusk allowing him to move inside.

Dusk thanked Barbra before taking in the alien interior of the building.  There were lockers lined up against walls, long hallways, and a trophy case in the corner that reminded Dusk of….

“A high school. That’s where the portal leads us to?” He said. Though he never attended one himself, he remembered going to one for his sister graduation.

“Looks like it’s back to school for us.” Barbra smirked.

***RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING****

Just then a flash flood of people donning various clothing were walking out of their classrooms and through the halls. Barbra leaped into Dusk’s arms as he tried to swim though the sea of these people, whose skin colors ranged from different types of pinks and browns. Then he got shoved away by a muscular student donning a jersey.

As a result of the powerful push, Dusk fell beneath the heads of the roaring river of people and tried to crawl his way out. Barbara tailed behind him, feeling a foot pin her tail briefly.

When Dusk was finally out he kept crawling until he bumped into a pair boots, causing a person to trip over him.

“Ow!” Shouted the person who tripped.

Dusk bit his lip as he turned around, not wanting to face the person but knowing he would anyway. The person had her skin in a creamy yellow with her blue hair ending in spikes.  Her hair seemed to be in two shades of blue. As she stood up, Dusk could see that she was wearing jeans and a jacket.  She spun around showing the astonished look on her face.

“Geez, What is your probl-”

On the floor, Dusk stuttered at the gaze from the girl’s blue eyes.  Then the girl’s expression changed from confusion to surprise.

“Uh….you need a hand?” The girl asked, lending out a hand. Dusk took it and stood up to the same height as the girl.

“T-thanks…I’m…sorry” Dusk stammered, shyly.

Just then the girl eyed Dusk curiously “I see you got your chin cut up badly.  It’s not bleeding though.”

“Yeah…I fell…earlier today…on the cement...outside...” Dusk replied, still sheepish.

The girl reached into her jacket and pulled up a tub of cream. She began to apply it under Dusk’s chin, despite Dusk’s pink face turning into a rosy red color.

“Good thing I always carry a tube of ointment with me.” The girl replied handing the rest of the tub to Dusk “You may need it; from what I saw outside that must have been a painful fall..”

“It sure was – wait, I didn't see you outside” Dusk said.  Other than the two girls, he didn't think anyone else else saw him fall.

“Nope - But I saw you. See yah around.” The girl responded and walked into the crowd. Dusk frowned as she did, knowing he didn't get to thank her.

Moments, Barbra raced towards Dusk.

“Yup…definitely back to school.” She stated.

“Let’s start looking for Sundown.” Dusk stated, walking carefully and slowly through the halls.