The Forgotten Prodigy

As I walked towards the trio of fillies I took in each of their appearances and realized who exactly I was about to bring into my fold. It was the little sisters of two of the Element's with the third being merely a very close fan mare. If I remembered correctly they were named Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. I had also been informed at their innate talent in causing absolute mayhem without even trying which would help me well in the future.

The fillies saw me approach and stopped playing to look at me. Their stares held no hate or fear but more along the lines of curiosity.

"Hello there girls how are you today," I asked as politely as possible.

"Uh...hi Mr.Dusk," spoke Applebloom with the others mumbling their own greetings.

"Now girls why aren't you talking to me, did I do something wrong?"

"Our sisters said to stay away from you," answered Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah Rainbow Dash said you were bad news and to stay as far away from you as possible," finished Scootaloo.

"Well you apparently can't follow directions very well since you are standing right in front of my house. Now tell me what were you doing outside of my home a moment ago?"

"We were tryin to help Scoots fly to try and help her git her cutie mark in flyin but it's beginin to look hopeless," said Applebloom sadly.

"I just don't understand why I can't fly! Every other Pegasus my age can at least hover with ease and I can barely manage even that! Its not fair," cried Scootaloo.

As the other two tried to comfort their slightly crying friend I couldn't help but feel sorry for the young filly. She reminded me of myself in a way I couldn't quite understand. Still this would not dissuade me from what I was about to do. She might actually thank me for it later on.

"If I may can I see your wings for a second I need to see something."

Scootaloo reluctantly spread out her small wings. As soon as she did I used my magic to scan her wings down to the very blood vessel's. That's where I saw it. It was hard to spot even with my enhanced magic trying to make it as clear as possible but it was there. She had a rare genetic disorder that is usually hereditary and she was unfortunate enough to be in the generation to catch it. It wouldn't completely stop her from flying but she would never be able to fly as fast or as smoothly as a regular Pegasus.

I Informed Scootaloo of my findings and her and her friends were shocked at what I had told them. Not surprising.

"B-b-but then how come the doctor's never told me about this? I've been there numerous times and they never told me anything about this!"

"They probably never saw it. I barely even saw it only because my magic is stronger than most. I'm sorry kid but that's just how it is."

The little filly was nearly in tears but trying to hold them back. She was a strong one and I could respect that. Her friends tried to comfort her even though there wasn't much they could do to help. Honestly I was envious of these little fillies. They had a friendship I had only ever dreamed of having and it saddened me.

'Hey kiddo its alright. If you ever feel lonely I'll always be here for ya.'

'Thanks dad I needed that. Let's get back to the task at hand.'

Turning my attention to the group of fillies I waited until they had calmed down some to make my move. If this went well I would have three new spies at my beck and call and they wouldn't even know it.

"You okay Scootaloo?"

"Yeah Mr.Dusk."

"Please just call me Dusk."

"Well Dusk though it may suck that I'll never get to fly like Rainbow Dash I want to say thanks for telling me."

"Now who said you couldn't fly like Rainbow Dash?"

Now I had her full attention as well as the other two as I was given curious stares with a hint of confusion.

"But ya'll just said that there disease wouldn't let her," said Applebloom.

"Yes I did, but I never said nothing could be done about it. Like say...remove it."

"Can you really get rid of this thing in my wings," asked Scootaloo with her eyes showing the smallest traces of hope.

"Yes I can. Once I am done you with be able to fly like an average Pegasus or if you want I can make you even faster. If your friends want as well I can enhance them as well. For Applebloom I can make you just as strong or even stronger than your big brother. As for Sweetie Belle I can make your magic prowess sky rocket. What do you say."

Scootaloo was ready to jump at the opportunity but Applebloom held her back looking more than a little suspicious. Which I wasn't expecting. Well it wouldn't be the first time somepony surprised me.

"Now if'n we accept this what do ya'll want in return?"

"Now why would I need anything in return?"

"Ma sis always tol' me that 'nothing comes without a price.' So what do ya want in return?"

Well wasn't she the smart little filly. Her family may seem like a bunch of undereducated hicks but that apparently wasn't the case. I'm really starting to like these three.

"Well when you put it that way then my price is simply that you don't tell your sisters or other family members where you got your abilities. So do we have a deal?"

Instead of agreeing right away the trio formed a group huddle with occasional glances sent to me. I raised a brow at this little scene which I found quite amusing. Truly they would be far better company than Chrysalis. I had no delusions that she would try to betray me the first chance she got and try to take Equestria for herself. Thankfully I had a plan for if and when such an event occurred.

After a few more minutes of this 'meeting' they turned to face me with their decision.

"Well girls what do ya say?"

"We accept Dusk," said Sweetie Belle happily with the other two looking quite eager as well.

"Alright girls if you say so. Now get ready for you may feel a slight pinch when I do this."

I gave the girls a minute to brace themselves before I flared my magic with its shadowy aura quickly enveloping the CMC. They winced a little when my magic surrounded them but otherwise showed now outward signs of discomfort. It was a little difficult to take away Scootaloo's illness while at the same time enhancing the CMC's abilities but I managed.

It took nearly a whole hour for me to complete the process but in the end it was worth it and now I had three unknowing subordinates.

"Wow I feel amazing," shouted Sweetie Belle as her horn crackled with barely contained magical power.

"Yeah no kiddin, I feel like I can crush a mountain," chorused Applebloom as she slammed a hood into the ground creating a small crater which surprised even me. The Apple's really are some tough ponies.

"Forget crushing mountains! I can actually fly now and I don't have to nearly pass out to do it," exclaimed Scootaloo happily as she was now actually flying with apparent ease. Given some time I could almost guarantee she would surpass her idol.

"Well though I am glad to help girls I think you should run along home now. I myself have a few things to take care of so if you would excuse me."

Before I could leave though I was hugged by all three fillies with them all saying 'thank you' over and over again. They then flew and/or ran off towards their next destination leaving me to stand there in shock. It had been so long since I had received such a sign of affection that it was completely alien to me.

Shaking that off I made my way back to my home. Upon entering I found Chrysalis laying on the sofa reading some fashion magazine. Looking towards the basement door I notice it slightly ajar and some various sounds of grunting that I recognized as the sound changeling drones make.

"I see you gave your new toy to your children. May I ask why?"

"She had no real skill and was a complete bore so I figured she would be better serving my children," replied the changeling Queen not even bothering to look up from her magazine.

Usually I would just ignore her and go on about my business but right now I was in a good mood and feeling merciful and even slight pity for the poor mare surely being abused down below.

"Alright but make sure they don't completely brake her. I want her alive and able to function properly."

Now Chrysalis lowered her reading material to gaze at me with a raised brow no doubt curious at why I had a sudden care for my prisoner.

"Now Dusk what brought on this sudden act of mercy? This is very unlike you."

"I don't need to answer to you Chrysalis just make sure my orders are followed or both you and your brood will suffer."

Waving her hoof in a 'whatever' motion she returned to her magazine. I already knew she sent my command to her children through their hive link that all of their kind shared.

With that done I go to check my mail and find exactly what I was expecting. Another letter from the Solar skank herself had found its way to my home only this time it held inside a golden ticket and a note 'inviting' me to this years Gala. Well if Celestia wanted me to come so badly who am I to deny her. She had no idea what new hell she was about to unleash upon herself.

"Chrysalis I hope you got a fancy ass dress cause we are gonna crash a party."

"About damn time! I was getting bored reading this magazine over and over again!"

Oh yes Celestia I can assure you that this is one Gala you will NEVER forget.