Dusk in PonyVille

by TigerDusk

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Romance, Adventure
Length: 28382

Tiger Dusk, a pony who has been away from PonyVille for the longest time has finally come back to start life a new and finds that a few of his old friends are still there. Amongst them being the filly of his dreams, Apple Jack.

Romance, and action.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2011-07-16 23:31:30 UTC

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 1

Chap 1

Tiger Dusk stood at the entrance of Ponyville and took a deep breath. He was a pony with a charcole black mane, and orange body. His eyes looked around glowing an almost mysterious green. The sun was going down, but he was happy that he had finally arrived. "I haven't been here for almost 15 years... I wonder if my friends live here still?" he said outloud to himself. Nothing had changed... not that much anyways. There was the Sugar Cube Corner and the Library. He smiled as he started to walk towards the pastery shop. He had fond memories of this place. As he was about to open the door to the shop, another pony opened the door knocking him to the ground.

"Oof," he closed his eyes in a slight pain as he rubbed his nose.

"Omygosh sorry! Hereletmehelpyouupnewpony!" a pink pony with seemingly 'balloony hair if you will' offered a hoof."It's ok...umm Pinkie Pie? Tiger looked at her for a moment. "YUP! that's my name!" she smiled and then looked at him with a confused look, "how do you know my name strange I don't remember telling my name to a Tiger colored pony like you?" "It's been a while but I guess you don't remember," Tiger laughed, "the name is Tiger Dusk". "Tiger ... Dusk.." Pinkie Pie thought for a second and her eyes grew wide, she seemed to float in mid air for a second as she let out one of those big gasps. "TIGER!" she hugged him tightly. He laughed. "We GOTTA HAVE A PARTY!" Pinkie Pie bounced in the same spot. Tiger smiled, "maybe a bit later... but definatly! I remember your parties being the best!" "Okie doki lokie!~" Pinkie Pie said in a sing song voice. "So what brought you here Tiger?" Pinkie Pie asked as she motioned for him to enter the shop. "Actually, I'm on vacation for the first time in forever," Tiger said almost quietly as he looked down at the floor.

"Ooooo!" Pinkie Pie smiled,"the last time I saw you, we were like only little ponies! and and yeah! APPLE JACK will so be happy to hear that you are back!" "She's still around?" Tiger's eyes grew wide as he felt his heart rate jump slightly.

"Hee hee, of course silly, Apple Jack would never leave the farm!" Pinkie Pie

jumped in a circle around Tiger who's face had turned a slight brighter orange, "that's really good to know..." "Ummm excuse me... Pinkie Pie? Ma sis is asking if those cupcakes are ready?"

came a small filly's voice from behind Tiger. "Oh hey Applebloom!" Pinkie Pie quickly grabbed

a small basket filled with cupcakes filled to the brim in her mouth and handed it over to the

small filly. She was a yellow cream color and had a big bow in her red mane. "Applebloom!

you won't guess who this guy is!" Pinkie Pie had a large grin on her face as she pointed to

Tiger. Applebloom put down the basket and trotted over to get a closer look. "Huh..." she

examined him closley. "Oh common Pinkie... she was really little back then," Tiger

looked away. "But! she was always hanging off your tail! And she called you brother

just like Big Macintosh!" Pinkie thought of it for a second and giggled, "aww it was the

cutest thing!" "...." AppleBloom stopped and took a good look at his face. "...hmm... looks

familiar," AppleBloom frowned as she thought. Tiger turned around to face Pinkie and as he

did that his tail swished for a moment. AppleBloom's eyes lightened up as she quickly

grabbed it and laughed, "BIG BROTHER TIGER CAME BACK!!!" Tiger's eyes widened as

he felt the filly hanging off his tail, and turned his head to see her clinging to it tightly.

"SEEEEE?" Pinkie Pie grinned, "we didn't totally forget about you!" Tiger looked at

AppleBloom again and smiled, "been a while hasn't it AppleBloom? and you grew

up to be a big pony huh?" "That's right!" AppleBloom smiled as she let go, "told ya

Imma big pony! Omygosh Big Sis and Big Brother are so going to wanna hear about

this!" Pinkie Pie tilted her head upside down and in a sing song voice once again said

"PARTY!~" "Pinkie Pie, I just gotta see how everyone is doing before we have a party"

Tiger insisted. "Where did you go big bro? after you helped with that one apple sale..

you left and we never saw you again... sis was so sad, I was pretty sad too!"

AppleBloom's eyes were wiggling with tears. "Hey now... big ponies don't cry" Tiger

knelt down and gently brushed away the tears, "tell ya what, I'll tell you all about it

when I come to meet your sis and bro, how's that sound?" "Okay!" AppleBloom grabbed

Tiger's hoof and picked up the cupcake basket. "I'm coming too!" Pinkie Pie grinned. She bounced alongside the two. "One thing's for sure" Tiger sighed, "it's good to be

back."

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 2

Chap 2

Inside the library a purple unicorn pony was running around franticly. "Spike!

Spike? Have you seen my spell book on how to 'untrol..'" she stopped as she saw

the baby dragon hold up the spell book she was looking for. "Thanks Spike! I'm sure

this will help Celestia GREATLY" (frowns at all you people who think Celestia is a troll)

"Twilight, it's getting kinda late, are you gonna stay up again?" Spike asked. "Not as

late as last night but I might have to stay up to get this spell working," she flipped open

the book. "AHAHA and you know what? it was ALL about the oatmeal... I thought it was

crazy at first but it TOTALLY makes sense now!" Pinkie Pie's voice could be heard

outside from Twilight's window. Twilight climbed up to the window and opened it. "Hey

Pinkie Pie... what are you doing out so late? And... who is that pony?" Twilight looked

at the group and she noticed AppleBloom and the new pony. "This is a really really

super super old old friend of mine!" PinkiePie jumped up to the window and was face to

face with Twilight Sparkle now. "Hey... I think I know you?" Tiger looked up at Twilight,

"you were with Princess Celestia as her selected student right?" Twilight blinked a few

seconds and asked, "how did you know?" "I used to live in Canterlot too... while I was

training to be a gaurd" Tiger brushed the back of his mane with his left hoof. “Well

welcome to PonyVille… I am sure it’s quite the change of scenary from Canterlot,

but you have got to excuse me… I have to get back to this spell, have a good evening,”

Twilight nodded her head as she closed the window. “Twilight do you know that guy?”

Spike asked. “I know I’ve seen him somewhere before,” Twilight Sparkle thought out loud.

---outside---

“Ah wonder what’s got her in such a hurry?” Apple Bloom asked Pinkie Pie, “oh you know

Twilight! She’s always hitting those books… I still think she should read them” she stood there a moment pondering and quickly changed the subject, “Tiger you went to Canterlot?” “Yeah… I’ve been around equestria…” he paused at the uncomfortable subject, he thought about it for a moment and shook his head, “I’ll tell you about it later though, we should really get going though your sis is probably really worried about you not being home yet” Tiger turned his head to Apple Bloom who’s eyes grew wide. “YOU’RE RIGHT!” she took off in a hurry. “We’d better hurry too,” Tiger motioned for Pinkie Pie to follow.

---Sweet Apple Acres---

“Apple Bloom, where in tarnation have you been? Ah send you to get a few cupcakes and ya disappear for more then an hour?” a orange pony with a cowboy hat and blond hair was scolding Apple Bloom. “Aw.. don’t be so hard on her Apple Jack,” Tiger came down the road towards the farm, “besides we were with her”. Pinkie Pie jumped along, “guess who? Guess who?” Apple Jack looked suspiciously at Tiger. “Yer new here… aren’t ya?” “Mmmm… nope” Tiger shook his head. “…” Apple Jack stared. “Sigh…” Tiger shrugged at Pinkie Pie. “Funny… you used to always talk about the pony who got you that hat a long time ago..” Pinkie Pie helped with a cheerful smile. “Mah hat?” Apple Jack paused as she grabbed it with a hoof and held it, “…it was given to me by a precious friend a very long time ago, he spent all his hard earned bits to get me this hat and disappeared after that” Apple Jack looked up at Tiger Dusk who looked away with a small smile. “It’s kinda nice to see you kept it in such a nice shape Apple Jack” he said quietly. “Mah stars…” Apple Jack walked over and softly nuzzled him, “yer back”. “…” Tiger turned a very bright orange, “uh umm yeah!” he smiled nervously. “That’s what I was tryin to tell you SIS!” Apple Bloom cried out. “Ya still should’ve been back sooner! Ah was worried about you!” Apple Jack turned around back to her little sister, “ah well.. the important thing is that your home and sound safe, thanks Pinkie and Tiger” Apple Jack smiled. “No problem!” Pinkie Pie bounced up and down. “You stayin anywhere Tiger?” Apple Jack asked Tiger who paused to think and realized that he hadn’t thought about that. “Uh… actually” Tiger looked down at his hooves for his stupidity. “Say no more, you can stay here,” she ran around behind Tiger and started pushing him towards the farm. “Are you sure..?” “Ah won’t take NO for an answer” Apple Jack gave him another gentle push as she turned around to Pinkie Pie. “Thanks again fer the cupcakes sugarcube” Apple Jack smiled. “Hope you like them! TIGER remember we gotta have that party!!!” Pinkie Pie waved as she turned around and skipped for home. “See ya Pinkie!” Apple Bloom waved as she followed her sister and Tiger into the farm. “Big Macintosh you ain’t gonna belive who I found outside!” Apple Jack exclaimed as she opened the door to the house behind the large red barn. “Naw… it couldn’t be?” the big red pony lifted a eye brow and walked towards Tiger. “Eeeeeeyup?” Tiger grinned. “Commere little bro!” he laughed as he gave Tiger a noogie. “Hee hee” Tiger laughed. “Ya got some might big explainin to do mister,” Apple Jack looked at Tiger with a small frown. “I guess I do.. don’t I?” he looked at the family. “Oh… before I begin where’s Granny Smith?” he looked around. “She’s upstairs sleepin, you can say ‘hi’ tomorrow” Big Mac nodded. “Ok.. so here’s my story…” Tiger took a deep breath.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 3

Chap 3

“It all started on the day we had that crazy apple sale, remember? No one was buying them so Apple Jack and I went into town and advertised…with not much luck, that’s when we figured out that we’d have to do something different with the apples rather then just selling them as is. It’s always about the options! Anyways we decided to ask Granny Smith on how to make apple treats,” he paused and smiled fondly at the memory, Apple Jack added, “it was mah birthday that day too!” “Yup, and I had the most marvelous plan up my sleeve, earlier that day when we had gone into town that day I saw AJ here eyeing a pretty cool looking Cowboy hat, and I knew then and there it would be the best present for her, so we both worked hard that day, and after we got our shares of bits I hoofed it back into town, and bought it” “Ah couldn’t belive it… he used every single last bit he earned to get me that hat… it was so expensive” Apple Jack blushed. “Well.. it was a birthday present… but at the same time it was a apology present as well.. you see earlier that day my parents had told me that I would be enrolled in Canterlot to become a guard… personally I hated the idea, I never liked standing still in one place or fighting. I was so sad. I was leaving ALL of my best friends behind,” Tiger sighed remembering just how depressed he was about that day, “when we first moved to PonyVille you and Pinkie Pie were the only ones that played with me and then I met Big Mac and cute little AppleBloom was born. Those days are irreplaceable.” “So that’s why you were in such a hurry that day, why in the hay didn’t you tell me?” Apple Jack almost glared at Tiger, who looked away, “I..didn’t want to say good bye” he said quietly. “Ya KNOW I worried a LOT about you!” angry tears filled Apple Jack’s eyes, “Ah ran up to PonyVille the next day only to find a completely empty house where you and yer family were stayin!!” Apple Jack exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, for everything” he backed away. “Sis let him tell his story,” Big Mac had taken a seat in a comfort chair. “It better be good or else I’m gonna buck you so hard you ain’t gonna know what hit you” Apple Jack looked away. “I went to Canterlot, and I started training as a guard. Surprisingly I wasn’t too bad with the sword, but I still hated fighting. Years passed, not a day went by when I didn’t think of you AJ,” Tiger murmered the last bit out and was barely out of hearing range which made the 3 other ponies look at him, “I didn’t hear that last part Tiger,” Apple Jack looked at him with curiosity. “Nothing” Tiger shook his head and continued, “I got promoted to Knights. Princess Celestia has guards who stand watch and protect her and Canterlot… but Knights are the ponies who are sent all around Equestria to protect other ponies and nations. “Ah didn’t know there was another group like that!” AppleBloom’s eyes went wide. “Trust me…it isn’t that glamorous” Tiger muttered, “I was first assigned to a place called Hoofington, that place apparently had been under the attack of a certain darkness…” Tiger winced at the thought of the place. “Darkness?” Apple Jack looked at him. “Yes, according to the Princess it was the same darkness that had attached to her dear sister Princess Luna, that darkness wasn’t just limited to ‘Nightmare moon’ you know, it was a much greater force before… before the elements of Harmony were created. Princess Celestia used those elements and shattered the Darkness, but that same Darkness managed to survive and take a hold of many areas of Equestria… along with Princess Luna. That is why Princess Celestia formed the Knights of Equestria to protect where she could not reach, 1000 years along with a 100 generation of Knights. She desperately wanted to protect everyone from the Darkness but those areas are always shrouded … you all should know, the Evergreen forest is one of them” Tiger mentioned the name sending shivers down Apple Bloom’s back, she remembered that one incident with the Cockatrice, and how Fluttershy’s bravery had saved the day. “So what do ya’ll do there in these ‘shrouded areas’ then?” Apple Jack asked. “We go inside… to the very core, and we stamp out the darkness mirror… once that happens light is let in and the Darkness dissipates” Tiger explained. “That doesn’t sound too hard” Big Macintosh said. “Stamping the mirror isn’t that hard… it’s just what the Darkness does” Tiger closed his eyes, “it tests your very resolve, it stretches your mind to the limits and leaves a cold fear inside of you… that’s why only a select few ponies are ever made into Knights, I didn’t like it one bit, but I was one of the only ones who could do it along with the other Knights… dear Sol Lune my friend … how I miss you” Tiger seemed to stare off into the distance. “Tiger ye aren’t gonna get anywhere if you keep on mumbling like that!” Apple Jack had gotten a little annoyed at Tiger’s dazed states. “I’m sorry” he shook his head, “anyways Hoofington was a actual town that had been taken… there were no ponies there anymore, houses were crumbling and it was colder then winter inside…”

---Skies above PonyVille---

“Well that takes care of tomorrow’s forecast!” a light blue Peguses pony with rainbow hair stretched. “Though… the skies are looking pretty different tonight,” she tilted her head and shrugged as she flew off into the clouds.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 4

Chap 4

---Back on the farm---

“So did ya stamp the Darkness Mirror out?” Apple Jack asked as she walked over to Tiger and sat down beside him. “Yes…but at the cost of a friend that was with me,” Tiger gritted his teeth trying to hold back his tears. “Sol Lune was one of my best friends within the Knights, his skill with the lance was unparalled, they say he was the pony who could jump as high as the sun, and strike the heart of darkness like the moon,” Tiger brushed a few tears away. “By golly, what happened?” Apple Jack’s anger had died down and was feeling sympathetic with him now. “It was just the two of us… if we had, had more ponies with us it wouldn’t have ended the way it did…the whole town might have been empty of ponies… but shadows of the Darkness kept on attacking us from every direction. It’s as if they were tearing away from the very fabric of the shadow and forming physically in front of us. We fought and fought. We fought for what seemed like hours. Our muscles ached. We had so many cuts and scratches, and I felt as if I were about to pass out. We managed to finally reach the center, the very core of Hoofington. I could tell… it was the darkest there. Usually only one pony is allowed into the core to destroy the mirror. It’s all the space it has. We were back to back. I was facing the mirror’s direction, and he was fighting off the shadows. ‘Get your flank in there, and stamp that mirror out!’ was what he yelled at me before he smirked and bucked me into the core. The moment I entered, I felt as if an icy griffon’s claw had clenched itself around my heart. It was very difficult to breath, but I saw the mirror gleaming in front of me. As I looked into it I saw a reflection of something horrible, something I won’t share … not now anyways,” Tiger shuddered, “I stamped it with my hooves, I stamped it with all my might, and as it shattered the whole world seemed to leak out with color. The shadows were blown away and light seemed to rain in. I could see the grass, and flowers. Everything was warm once again. I turned around to congratulate Sol Lune…” Tiger’s head hung low now, “he was on the ground, and he wasn’t moving” “Oh… hun..” Apple Jack held Tiger close. Apple Bloom had run over and was hugging him too. “That day, I ran away, I never wanted that to happen again… I wanted to run away to the far ends of Equestria, were no one would find me..” “But runnin ain’t gonna solve anything” Big Macintosh shook his head. “I know,” Tiger nodded his head. “That’s why I came here, I came here to destroy the Darkness Mirror in the Evergreen forest,” he said. “Actually… Ah don’t think ya have to worry too much about the Evergreen forest anymore,” Apple Jack gave a warm smile, “while you were gone, me and my group of friends, took care of Nightmare Moon inside of the Evergreen forest” she said proudly. Tiger stood there his eyes bulged for a moment, “ho.. how?” he stuttered. “There was a pony that came down from Canterlot, her name is Twilight Sparkle, and she’s really into studyin… and apparently Nightmare Moon was comin back after being trapped on the moon for 1000 years and all that. At first I thought she was hoppin mad, but Nightmare Moon really did appear and she had captured Princess Celestia, and was threatenin every single pony with eternal night. Twilight really seemed to know what was goin on, so I followed her along with mah other friends, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. The forest itself was pretty darn dangerous… traps, monsters and obsticles that we probably wouldn’t have been able to overcome if our friends weren’t there. It wasn’t until later when Twi was being attacked by Nightmare Moon that we discovered that we were the spirits of the elements of Harmony,” Apple Jack looked at a completely stunned Tiger. “You are… one of the spirits of Harmony?” Tiger’s mouth was wide open now. “Eeeyup,” Big Macintosh conformed it. “Ah’m the Element of Honesty, Rainbow Dash is Loyalty, Fluttershy is Kindness, Rarity is Generosity, Pinkie Pie is Laughter and Twilight is Magic, we destroyed the Darkness that surrounded Nightmare Moon… come to think of it, when Ah saw that armor of hers that she was wearin it looked pretty shiny and dark… kinda like a mirror almost you could say,” Apple Jack finished with a thoughtful look. “I can’t believe that two of my first friends were elements of harmony!” Tiger exclaimed, still in kind of a shocked state. “It took real friendship to create the magic that destroyed that darkness, and to top it off… we saved the Princess and her sister” “Well.. I guess I’m not needed here then,” Tiger laughed, almost sadly. “Whatcha going on about now?” Apple Jack frowned. “Well I came back to destroy the darkness inside of Evergreen forest, but you all took care of it yourselves,” “so? That doesn’t meen you ain’t needed here!” Apple Jack’s voice rose again. “Ya can stay as long as ya like,” Big Macintosh smiled. “Please don’t leave again…big brother Tiger” Apple Bloom’s eyes wiggled again with tears. “Can work with us again,” Apple Jack turned her head away, in a huffy sort of away, “ya know… buckin the apples like we used to do?” “You’d let me do that?” Tiger turned to Apple Jack, who was blushing now. “Hey.. Ah don’t go back on my word ya know? Yer gonna work hard though…” “Yeah I know” “And it ain’t like that Knight fancy shmancy stuff” “Doesn’t matter to me,” “Alright then let’s all mosey on to bed,” Apple Jack turned around and started for the stairs that lead upstairs, she had a small smile on her face, “Tiger, you can use the upstairs room of the barn tonight, while we get the guest room set up fer ya. I’ll bring out some warm blankets and pillows in just a bit,” she said as she climbed the stairs. “…Thanks Apple Jack,” Tiger smiled. “I only like hard and honest workin ponies,” she called back. “Common, I’ll show ya the room, Apple Bloom, you’d better get to bed, you silly filly don’cha got school tomorrow?” Big Macintosh asked. “Oh yeah…” Apple Bloom sighed, “well anyways! It’s good that yer stayin here Tiger! Goodnight!” she waved as she climbed up the stairs too. “Follow me bro,” Big Macintosh said as he opened the door and the two walked outside. “You know… Ah haven’t see her swing her moods so much in a long time… I reckon she’s just really happy to see you again,” Big Macintosh gave a small chortle. “She seemed kinda angry at me..” Tiger Dusk laughed a little nervously. “Eh she’s just a little ticked that you didn’t come back sooner,” Big Macintosh smiled as he opened the door to the barn, “you’ll find the room just up these stairs,” “thanks big bro,” “it’s good to have ya back Tiger Dusk, oh and sis should be out soon, have a good night bro,” Big Macintosh waved and left. “Night,” Tiger called out, and headed up the stairs. It was one of those spacious rooms, with bales of hay lined up nicely against the wall. He walked over to a small desk and saw a lamp. He turned it on. He took a deep breath and let it out. It smelled so nostalgic. He saw the bed sitting next to the window. “Ya like it up here Tiger?” Apple Jack’s voice made him jump. “Uh yeah,” Tiger smiled, “I was just remembering how we used to play up here” “I’m glad yer back Tiger,” Apple Jack walked past him and lay down the blanket that was draped over her back, she then went about setting up his bed. “Remember, yer gonna work hard!” she reminded him over her shoulder. “Don’t worry… I know how to work hard” Tiger answered. “Good..wouldn’t have my stallion any other way” she whispered to herself. “Huh?” Tiger asked. “Nuthin!” Apple Jack answered quickly as she finished the bed, “there ya go, Tiger all ready for ya” Apple Jack turned around and walked towards him. “Umm Apple Jack?” Tiger blushed, “hmm?” “thanks again” “you got a lot of time to make up for ya know that right?” “I’m not going anywhere for a long while” “Good, seeya in the mornin then!” Apple Jack walked by, and as she did she swished her tail against his.

“Wow..” Tiger Dusk breathed out as he watched her close the barn door.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 5

Chap 5

The sounds of birds chirping, told him he had to get up. It had been like that for when he was a little colt. Tiger sat up, and found a puppy curled up on the foot of his bed. “Hmm? Oh!” Tiger smiled at the familiar face. “You are Wiona?” he looked at the puppy who stirred a little and got up. “Woof” she panted. “Time to get to work huh?” Tiger asked as he got out of bed and quickly ran down the steps. The cold morning air greeted him as he opened the barn door. “Just like old times…” he started for the shed where the apple buckets were always kept. He then grabbed a saddle with 2 hooks on each side and placed a bucket on each hook. “The apples are callin,” he gave the Apple Jack accent a try, and grinned at Wiona who ran around with happy yips and barks. Tiger ran over to an apple tree and gave it a well aimed buck, as this happened the tree shook hard and the apples started to fall. “Hmm… I guess all that training did come in handy after all” he smiled, as he got all the apples into the buckets. “Though… I think I am gonna need more then just buckets now… hehe..”

---Later---

“Hmm Ah wonder if Tiger’s awake yet” Apple Jack rubbed her eyes as she tied her hair up into the usual pony tail. She grabbed her cowboy hat as she left the room and left the house. She came up to the barn and called out “hay, sleepy head wake up!” “Who’s the sleepy head now?” Tiger’s voice came from across the yard near the fences. “Huh?” Apple Jack’s eyes grew wide as she saw the large wagon filled with apples along with multiple buckets filled to the brim littered around him. “Hehe… I kinda forgot where they go after I pick em though…” Tiger gave a sheepish smile. “How in wide world of equestria did you get so many?” Apple Jack asked. “I just bucked the trees like I usually do…?” Tiger answered. Apple Jack then looked over at the area behind Tiger and saw that the apple trees were all empty. “You got them all.. down?” she asked in a small voice. “Yup” Tiger nodded. “Just how far did you go?” Apple Jack started walking over to him. “Mmm.. I did about a quarter of Apple Acres?” “What in the hay? How early did you wake up?” “Just 2 hrs ago..” “And you did all of that?” “Uh huh,” Tiger tilted his head a little confused at Apple Jack’s reaction. “No pony around here can buck that hard to get apples clean off a tree in one go..” Apple Jack stared at Tiger Dusk’s flank. It was the first time she had noticed his cutie mark, a small black paw. “Well here, grab that empty bucket over there and I’ll show ya,” Tiger motioned for her to follow him. Wiona came out from the mass of trees with an apple in her mouth. “Hmm I see ya found one that went astray” Tiger laughed, “good girl~” Wiona dropped the apple by Tiger’s front hooves and panted. “You sure have a way with dogs huh?” Apple Jack came over to Wiona and nuzzled the puppy. “She’s really cute, and really smart,” Tiger nodded. “Well anyways show me this so called amazing method of knocking them apples down from the tree with a single buck,” Apple Jack turned her head to Tiger who walked over to another apple tree that was filled with ripe apples. “All I do is…” Tiger turned around so that his hind legs were facing the tree.  The tree shook and the apples started raining. “….” Apple Jack stood there dumbfounded. “Umm maybe it’s cause I ran with the Ferrari brothers,” Tiger laughed a little. “The Ferrari brothers?” Apple Jack looked at Tiger with a lifted eye brow. “Yeah, when I was in Stallioni, I was really pushed around by a lot of the bigger ponies over there… I was determined to out run them all someday, so I practiced every morning building up the muscles in my legs” Tiger smiled, “and eventually I was able to out run a lot of them.. cept the Ferrari brothers hehe… I guess you could say they are the equivalent of the umm what were they called in Cloudsdale again? Oh umm the Wonder Bolts! Yeah the Ferrari brothers are the fastest on land! They always wear these cool red and yellow uniforms, and they are pure black ponies. We’d race and race, but I could never keep up with them, but we did become good friends,” Tiger explained. “Jus how far did you travel across Equestria?” Apple Jack asked a little amazed, Stallioni was on the farthest parts of Equestria. “Hmm.. not sure,” Tiger tilted his head, “like I said last night, I wanted to run away as far as I could…” “sorry, Ah won’t dig into it too much Tiger” Apple Jack apologized. “Nah.. just give it some time, I’ll tell you some time,” Tiger blushed a little at how close that she was standing so close to him. “Well.. Ah guess since you took care of ALL the apple buckin chores for the both of us this mornin we could go about with the other jobs earlier after breakfast then,” Apple Jack said. “Yeah, sounds like a plan,” Tiger said as he started to pick up the fallen apples and put them into the bucket that Apple Jack had brought. “Hay, let me do that you silly colt,” Apple Jack pushed him playfully. “What the?” Tiger let out a laugh as he fell over. “Ya did most of the work, common, Ah’ll show ya where the apples go,” Apple Jack picked up a few of the buckets and motioned for Tiger to follow.

---Twilight’s Library---

“Oh yeah! I remember him now Spike!” Twilight looked at the sleepy baby dragon who had just woken up. “He was one of those Knight’s of Equestria! He met the quota for the Elements of Harmony. I remember the Princess telling me about the Knights once. All the Knights were chosen for the strengths in friendship, it was the only way to “fight” the Darkness. I didn’t believe the Elements of Harmony existed at the time so I shook it off as another tale. I thought they were just Knights who went out to help protect other ponies around the world…” Twilight said trying to remember more. “He had a friend, but after they went on their first assignment I don’t think either of them came back to Canterlot with the other Knights..” Twilight slowed down. “He never came back? Why?” Spike asked. “I’m not sure…” Twilight yawned a little, she hadn’t realized it till now, but she had stayed up the entire night again.

---Sweet Apple Acres---

“Ah hope Ah can get my cutie mark today!” Apple Bloom said excitedly as she put on her backpack saddle. “How many times have Ah gotta tell you Apple Bloom? It’ll come when it comes,” Apple Jack smiled at her little sister. “But … but we’ll find it! Just you wait! The Cutie mark Crusaders will never surrender to defeat!” Apple Bloom pumped a hoof into the air. “The Cutie mark Crusaders huh?” Tiger grinned thoughtfully. “Yup! Me and a few other ponies who don’t have our cutie marks made a group, and we are gonna find our cutie marks together,” Apple Bloom smiled. “It’s an awesome name I’ll give ya that,” Tiger pumped his hoof in the air too, “I’m sure you can find your cutie mark if ya think of the stuff that you really enjoy doing”. “Aww.. that’s what sis says too…” Apple Bloom frowned. “Hmm, tell you what, after school how about I tell you how I got my cutie mark?” Tiger looked back to his cutie mark. “YAH! That would be so terrific!” Apple Bloom skipped around Tiger who laughed. “We’d better mosey on then Apple Bloom” Apple Jack opened the door, “ya gonna be alright with the chores till I come back Tig?” “Tig?” Tiger laughed again, but blushed a little at the same time, was it a pet name? “Err Tiger,” Apple Jack blushed, “I’ll be ok,” Tiger brushed the back of his mane. “Kay, Ah’ll see ya later then, got a lot of apples to sell this morning Ah reckon,” Apple Jack laughed.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 6

Chap 6

Tiger first fed the pigs, then he went over to the fields to look over the plants that had just started to sprout. “Whew..” he wiped a bit of sweat his forehead, “what was next now?” he asked himself, “oh yeah the hay!” “Hey!!!” came a voice from the sky. “Hmm?” Tiger looked up to see a light blue peguses  filly, who had rainbow colored hair, flying over him. “Haven’t seen you around here? Are you one of Apple Jack’s cousins?” she asked as she flew down. “Ummm I’m not a cousin,” he laughed a little before saying, “I’m an old friend of hers” “Ooooo mystery colt, what’s your name?” “The name is Tiger Dusk? And may I ask yours?” “Rainbow Dash, and no need for the formalities,” she did a simple back flip and grinned, “hmm you look fast, wanna race?” “Ah.. I gotta finish some chores first,” Tiger looked back at the barn where the hay was waiting for him. “Aww, well it’s ok, you wouldn’t stand a chance against the best young flyer anyways,” Rainbow Dash laughed as she started to fly away. Tiger felt his competitive side starting to swell. “Alright let’s have it out here!” Tiger looked up at her with a smirk, “you can fly cause your gonna NEED ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GET!” “Hay ya, that’s what I’m talking about, get ready to have your tail whupped by a future Wonder Bolt!” Rainbow Dash flexed her wings. Tiger pointed in the direction of the mountains, “wanna race there and back?” “Sounds like a plan to me!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Alright…ready… steady… “ he started, “GOOOOOOO!!!” Rainbow Dash took off first leaving a trail of prism colors from her hair. “Heh, should have seen that coming,” Tiger shrugged as he took off as well, letting the leaves fly in the wind his speed created. “Common! I thought you were gonna be faster..?” Rainbow Dash looked behind her to find that Tiger was jumping through the trees. “Heh, I was thinking the same thing!” he grinned as he leaped past her. “Hay what the? Can ponies even do that?” her mouth opened wide for a second. She started to flap her wings faster and darted ahead of him again. “Not bad,” Tiger watched as she flew ahead, “but you’ll find…” he said as he jumped up high into the air, “that I’m pretty good too!” he finished as he landed and bent the top of a tree back, which in turn launched him forward. “Hey, that’s not fair!” Rainbow Dash called after him as she saw his blur fly by. “Didn’t say nothing about rules~” he’s voice zoomed by with him. “Grrrr” Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth as she flew up high. “That’s it.. time for the ..Sonic Rainboom,” Rainbow Dash flew higher and higher. “Hmm.. she’s up to something..” Tiger looked over his shoulder as he landed on the ground and started galloping faster. “Here we… GOOO!!!!” Rainbow Dash aimed herself towards the ground as she folded her wings. As she did this a bright light seemed to bend in front of her. “C .. come ONNNNN!” she felt the force of the friction hit her hard. “…” Tiger’s eyes opened wide as he saw a large rainbow halo rush over head of him. “SEEEEYAAAAAATTTT THE FIIIIINNNISHHHHLIIINNNEEE!!!!!” Rainbow’s voice echoed as she flew around the mountain leaving the trade mark rainbow behind her. “…I’m NOT gonna lose!” Tiger seemed to almost growl. His eyes flashed a bright green. “Let’s do this!” he forced his body forward. He circled around the mountain too. As he rushed in between the trees he left behind shadow images of himself. His heart was pounding so hard it felt as if it were in his throat. “Come… ON!” Tiger felt the friction of the air hit his skin as well. “I won’t let them down!” he thought about the Ferrari Brothers. His hooves started to glow a bright yellow as he too broke the sound barrier. Everything was a blur in front of him, it was one of the most amazing feelings he had ever experienced though… then a thought hit him, “what if I jump?” without thinking his legs did just that. The orange flash appeared behind Rainbow Dash who was almost at the finish. “What the hay?” she looked back. “YAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Tiger couldn’t control his direction as he crashed into Rainbow Dash and the both of them tumbled down to earth. “Ooo…” Tiger groaned. “Oww… earth ponies don’t fly,” Rainbow Dash rubbed her head as she tried to get up. “Yeah… I kinda figured that out” Tiger stood up, and lent a hoof to Rainbow Dash and helped her up. “I guess you win..” Tiger sighed. “You were fast though, I’ll give you that, but yeah I won~” she dusted herself off. “Heh.. you are the fastest pony I’ve seen since the Ferrari brothers” Tiger said. “The Ferrari brothers? Who are they? Are they as fast as the Wonder Bolts?” Rainbow asked suddenly interested. “Well.. they are kinda the ones who taught me how to be fast on my hooves,” Tiger grinned. “By the way… how did you do that back there?” Rainbow Dash asked suddenly. “Huh?” Tiger looked behind him and saw that beside the rainbow that Rainbow Dash had left behind, the sky seemed to have been covered in the color of ‘dusk’. “I don’t know actually..” Tiger paused and wondered, “all I remember is, me wanting to beat you and pushing my legs to move as fast as I could… then I wondered what would happen if I gave a jump a try… and well we all know that wasn’t the brightest idea,” Tiger laughed. Rainbow Dash laughed too. “Hey Tiger, you’re pretty cool, we should race again sometime,” Rainbow started to flap her wings again. “Sure,” Tiger smiled. “Oh, and another question,” she looked down at him. “Hmm?” Tiger asked looking up. “Well, I was wondering what you thought about Apple Jack?” “What the? That’s kinda out of the blue..” Tiger blushed suddenly. “Ahah!” Rainbow Dash giggled as she flew circles around him, “you like her don’tcha?” “Umm” Tiger stuttered, he was frozen now. “Yeah I can tell,” Rainbow Dash laughed again. “Well.. I.. “ he stuttered trying to think of something to say, which made Rainbow Dash laugh harder as she flew to the ground and collapsed in a heap laughing. “Hey… it’s not that THAT funny,” Tiger looked away totally embarrassed now. “No no.. it’s just, whew, your expression, it was too funny,” Rainbow Dash wiped away a few tears, her sides were aching. “You can’t tell her!” Tiger looked at Rainbow who stood up and gave him a smirk “and why not? She’s like one of my best friends and what if she likes you too?”. Tiger was starting to panic now. “You could be something more,” Rainbow Dash’s expression turned suddenly serious. “Huh?” Tiger’s panic didn’t know what to do with itself anymore and he decided to just listen. “Listen, Dusk, tell you what, I’m gonna help you out since you’re so fast and all,” Rainbow Dash walked over to him. “What do you mean… help?” Tiger asked nervously. “I’m gonna look at how the two of you act, from the clouds, and I’ll let you know if she likes you or not!” she said with a grin. “…” Tiger looked away for a second, his mind thinking about the possibilities. “Err…” Tiger started. “You can’t say no…she is my friend and I’m doing this for her too you know,” Rainbow Dash cut him off, “and well I think you’d go well with her, since you look like you work hard, and your fun and kinda cute I guess”. This made Tiger blush again, and he shook his head. “I don’t know if it’s such a good idea Rainbow…” “Your wishy washy though, minus points for that,” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Listen, I’m going back to work…I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t tell her.. please?” Tiger asked with pleading eyes. “Mmm…” Rainbow Dash flew up again. “Nah.. I’ll stick with my plan, later!” she flew away. “WAIT…!” Tiger sighed, she was already gone. “Gah.. the hay” he ran towards the barn and started on his chores again. “Apple Jack…” he said to himself as he tied the hay into bundles. “She’s gotten real pretty now..that I think about it..” her face popped up in his mind over and over making him shake his head. “Gotta get the work done!” he forced himself to push the thoughts out. “What if she likes you too?” Rainbow’s voice echoed in his head. He sighed in defeat as he tied down the last bundle of hay and decided to sit down. He walked over to the steps that lead up to his room and sat down. “What if she does really like me?” Tiger asked himself, “would it change everything? And what if she doesn’t like me that way?” the thoughts circled around him. “I’d be too embarrassed to be around her anymore… if that were the case. I’d have to leave,” he realized suddenly. “Yeah.. I’m not gonna tell her anything…” Tiger’s ears drooped a little. “It’s for the best, she’s my best friend and I don’t want to lose that…” Tiger’s ears drooped even lower. “Though… I wish, I could tell her my feelings I guess…”

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 7

Chap 7

---PonyVille---

“That is quite the load of apples you have there today Apple Jack!” Twilight exclaimed as she met her friend. “Yup, a old friend is stayin for a bit at the farm and he’s workin, just like old times,” Apple Jack smiled. “Would it happen to be that umm Tiger Dusk guy?” Twilight asked. “Yeah… how did ya know?” Apple Jack asked. “Oh I saw him walking through PonyVille last night with Pinkie Pie and Apple Bloom,” Twilight answered and realized suddenly, “wait he’s an old friend?” “Uhuh” Apple Jack nodded. “What’s the story Apple Jack?” Twilight asked. “Well…” the two fillies exchanged their stories. “So it’s true that he’s a Knight then..” Twilight thought. “Yup… he told us the whole story.. or most of it, I reckon,” Apple Jack answered. “But… aww that’s so sweet!” Twilight giggled. “Huh?” Apple Jack asked. “He bought the hat for you when you both were little ponies,” Twilight had a small grin on her face, “he must like you,” “err.. you think so Twi?” Apple Jack asked with a small blush across her face. “The REAL question here is DO you like HIM?” Twilight Sparkle pointed at Apple Jack. “Wha.. err hmm.. “ Apple Jack stuttered, “that’s kinda a weird question to ask out of the blue sugar cube…” “Why is it so weird AJ?” Twilight looked at her friend who was a slight pinkish shade of orange now with a lifted eyebrow. “Well err,” Apple Jack couldn’t lie. “Ok ok, but keep it hush hush alright?” Apple Jack looked around and whispered. “Yeah.. Ah do like him, and Ah wanna tell him, but he always seems so distant.. when Ah try to get close to him, or even this morning.. Ah tried something and well Ah don’t know if it worked or not..” Apple Jack rubbed her left leg with her right hoof embarrassed. “Hmm how about I check how the two of you behave while you hang out together? Then I’ll do some research in my books and I’ll come up with the answer! It’s the perfect plan~” Twilight clapped her hooves together. “Ah… don’t know sugar cube.. that sounds like some might trouble there…” “No trouble at all Apple Jack! It’d be fun even!” Twilight answered. “Ah .. Ah don’t know,” Apple Jack said with uncertainty in her voice. “Apple Jack I haven’t seen you act this way before… you really must like him,” Twilight wiggled her eye brows. “Aw cut it out Twi..” Apple Jack tried to hide a smile. “Anyways… 2 apples please,” Twilight smiled as she pointed to 2 shiny red ones. “On the house fer ya Twi… jus don’t let anyone know about ya know..” Apple Jack blushed again. “Pinkie Pie swear” Twilight did the motions and managed to close her eye this time for the cupcake in the eye.

---Sweet Apple Acres---

“Hmm.. well I guess I’m done all the chores for now.. so maybe I should go and check out PonyVille” Tiger thought out loud. “Or am I just going to go see Apple Jack?” he mumbled. He shook his head again, “gotta get my head on straight, I promised myself to keep quiet about it”. Tiger Dusk walked out of the barn and headed for the gate.

---PonyVille---

Tiger looked around the town, trying to see if he could recognize any of the buildings. “Oh..yeah that’s right! I promised Pinkie Pie a party…” he reminded himself. “Hmm,” he tried to remember where Sugar Cube Corner was. “You look a little lost there dear,” came a polite filly’s voice from behind him. “Ah.. sorry miss, it’s just I haven’t been around here in a very long time,” Tiger bowed his head a little. “Aren’t you the polite colt,” said the pretty white unicorn pony. She had well brushed and curled long violet hair and had one of those ‘proper’ feeling type of feelings around her, the kind that Tiger remembered that a lot of ponies had back in Canterlot. “The name is Tiger Dusk, miss..?” Tiger put his manners to work. “I am Rarity,” she did a curtsy even though she didn’t have a dress on. “You don’t seem to be from around here Tiger, what has brought you to our humble PonyVille?” Rarity asked. “To tell you the truth Miss Rarity.. I am not quite sure anymore,” Tiger chortled a little. “You look like you just came from Sweet Apple Acres, judging from the direction your standing. Are you a friend or relative to Apple Jack?” Rarity asked. “A old friend, I guess,” Tiger’s voice trailed off, and he shook his head, “pardon me Miss Rarity, I was being rude there for a moment.” “Not at all! Though you do seem to be thinking quite a bit if you’ve got your head in the clouds like that,” Rarity giggled a little. “Actually I have a question if I may?” Tiger asked. “Please ask away,” Rarity smiled. “Are by any chance the lady.. who weaves the fine scarf that I always find in Canterlot? The one with the nice looking ‘R’ on the tip of it?” Tiger asked. “Why yes,” Rarity smiled proudly that her work had been recognized. “I just wanted to thank you Miss Rarity, because without that scarf I probably would have frozen myself when I went venturing into the far parts of Equestria,” Tiger bowed again. “No no.. there’s no need for that Tiger Dusk,” Rarity flushed in the face a little. “If you’d allow me to ask one more question,” “it’s no problem at all,” “where might I find Sugar Cube Corner?” Tiger asked. “Oh, I was just heading there actually, a friend of mine, Pinkie Pie told me she was planning a party and needed some ribbons to decorate,” Rarity motioned for Tiger to follow. “What a coincidence,” Tiger smiled as he followed, “I was going to go meet with Pinkie Pie as well”. “Oh do you know Pinkie Pie?” Rarity asked, suddenly interested that this new pony knew 2 of her close friends. “Yes, and just this morning I met a… oh yes Rainbow Dash, she was quite lively, very swift if I do say so myself,” Tiger laughed remembering the halo of rainbow that he had saw as Rainbow Dash flew at mach speed. “Why yes! Rainbow Dash is a friend of mine as well!” Rarity exclaimed. “I think all the ponies in this town are really nice,” Tiger brushed the back of his mane again as they walked together, “though there is one particular pony.. “ he stopped again. “Tiger you seem to be infatuated,” Rarity smiled slyly at him, “who’s the lucky mare?” “Lucky?” Tiger blushed a little, could he tell Rarity about his problem? “It might be improper to tell a secret though Miss Rarity..” Tiger turned his head away. “It’s also improper for a gentle colt such as yourself to refuse a question asked by a lady,” Rarity shot back with a smug look. “…Nothing gets by you does it, Miss Rarity?” Tiger gave up. “Almost nothing, I like details,” Rarity tossed her mane. Tiger started to tell Rarity about how he was thinking about Apple Jack, and how they were child hood friends. He then told her about his dilemma and how he just could not tell Apple Jack for the fear that he might mess up their friendship. “Why, Tiger Dusk I did not know you were the shy type!” Rarity let a small giggle slip. “I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t let anyone know,” Tiger was starting to regret this now. “Now Tiger, I think it’s very important that you let Apple Jack know about your feelings at least! Otherwise you’ll find yourself feeling very awkward whenever you are around her, and that itself could lead to hurting your friendship with her!” Rarity explained. “..That is true,” Tiger thought about the bit of wisdom he had just been given. “Besides, I think it’s rather marvelous that Apple Jack has such a gentle colt as a secret admirer,” Rarity teased Tiger. “Miss Rarity, you really do know how to make a colt’s head spin,” Tiger laughed. “It’s a gift darling…. IDEA!!” her eyes brightened up. “Yes?” Tiger looked at her curiously. “Why not give her a gift along with your confession?” Rarity asked. “Wait.. I didn’t say I was going to confess to her now did I?” Tiger thought for a second. “We are here,” Rarity smiled.

Dusk in PonyVille chapter 8

Chap 8

“Rarity wait..” Tiger was interrupted by Pinkie Pie who pounce hugged him. “YAY! It’s party time!~” she giggled. “Wait Pinkie Pie was the party for Tiger Dusk here?” Rarity asked a little surprised. “Yeah silly, I told you, you remember?” Pinkie Pie jumped on the spot, practically floating. “All I remember, Pinkie Pie, is that you told me that you were setting a party up for an old friend who had come to visit!” Rarity said in a huffy manner. “He IS an old friend,” Pinkie Pie grinned as she nodded. “Well, then… I suppose we should wait till we finish decorating and sending out the invitations!” Rarity suggested. “Aww… “ Pinkie Pie looked disappointed. “I’m sure it won’t be long now Pinkie” Tiger smiled, almost sighing in relief that the subject matter had changed, “YEAH! We should invite all of our friends!” Pinkie Pie smiled excitedly. “INCLUDING Apple Jack?” Rarity patted Tiger on the shoulder who had suddenly frozen up. “Yeah! Of course we gotta invite Apple Jack!” Pinkie Pie agreed. “…” Tiger slumped in defeat. “Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Fluttershy too!” Pinkie Pie ran across the shop and grabbed some invitation cards. “Great! While you do that Pinkie Pie, Tiger and I shall head on over and check on our friends,” Rarity pulled Tiger who with pleading eyes followed.

---PonyVille---

“Miss Rarity..” Tiger was interrupted again as they stopped in front of Apple Jack’s apple stand which was bustling with business. “Thank ya kindly,” she smiled at a few customers who had bought the last few apples. “Whew, that takes care of sales fer today!” Apple Jack said as she started to pack up and noticed Rarity and Tiger standing there. “Oh hey Rarity… TIGER? Watcha doin all the way up here? What about the chores?” Apple Jack lifted an eyebrow in suspicion. “I.. I finished them Apple Jack” Tiger answered. “Oh whew good… Ah thought you were slackin off like that lazy filly Rainbow..” “HAY who’s the lazy filly here?” Rainbow Dash yelled from a single cloud from the sky. She flew down and glared at Apple Jack. “Ah’m only tellin what Ah see,” Apple Jack returned with a smug look. “Grr…” Rainbow Dash was face to face with Apple Jack now. “Fillies…” Tiger stood in between them and pushed them apart. “Common.. your both friends right? You shouldn’t be fighting like that!” Tiger shook his head, his eyes were rather narrow. “Sorry Rainbow Dash,” Apple Jack saw the look from Tiger and backed down. “Yeah… wow Tiger, I haven’t seen you with that kind of expression..” Rainbow Dash backed off as well. “Friendship is very important.. without it you’ll be alone,” Tiger turned around and started walking back towards Apple Acres. “Tiger wait!” Apple Jack called out. “I’ll see you back at the farm Apple Jack,” he replied. “Ah wonder what got him all flared up like that?” Apple Jack asked herself. “He seemed pretty passionate about ‘friendship’” Rarity broke the silence. “But he didn’t have to get all angry about it…” Rainbow Dash muttered. “By the way..how do ya know Tiger, Rainbow?” Apple Jack asked. “Oh well we raced each other this morning, he was really fast… I haven’t seen a pony move that fast on land before,” Rainbow Dash remembered the race. “Ah see..” Apple Jack stopped for a moment, “hay.. you innerupted his work for a silly race?” “hahaha, he has some cute secrets too!” Rainbow Dash flew up into the air. “Come back down here Rainbow!” Apple Jack shook her hoof at Rainbow Dash as she watched her take off into the distance. “Indeed, he does have a cute secret,” Rarity giggled. “Wah? What’s all these secrets popping outta no where now?” Apple Jack turned to Rarity with a frown. “Come no Apple Jack! It’s nothing to be frowning about! I’m sure you’ll find out one way or another,” Rarity smiled as she tossed her hair and started walking, “now if you’ll excuse me… I need to go see Fluttershy about a party”. “What in the hay could Tiger’s secret be?” Apple Jack wondered as she packed up her shop cart. “We’ll maybe Ah’ll ask him when Ah get back,” she told herself as she started to pull the cart down the winding road back down to the farm. “And then after we can go an pick up Apple Bloom,” Apple Jack nodded at the plan.

---Sweet Apple Acres---

“I shouldn’t have gotten so heated about that..” Tiger muttered to himself as he took a seat again on the steps, “but… friends are precious, and you never know when they’ll leave you” he looked at his hooves and realized tears were falling to them. “Stupid..” he gritted his teeth, “I should have had his back, I should have waited. Instead … instead” Tiger felt his throat tighten up, he hadn’t thought about that incident in a while, not ever since that day, he had tried to bury his past and leave it behind and now it was leaking out. “Tiger?” Apple Jack’s voice came from the door way softly. “A.. Apple Jack?” Tiger wiped his eyes, “uh.. sorry about earlier,” “nah…friends really are precious, it’s jus sometimes Rainbow and Ah don’t always see eye to eye ya know? Were you jus cryin?” Apple Jack walked over quickly to Tiger who shook his head. “Ya can’t lie to me, Tiger” Apple Jack sat down next to him. “It’s … just I was there Apple Jack.. and I could have waited till all the Shadows were gone…” Tiger shivered a little. Apple Jack took her hat off and leaned her head against his shoulder. “Ah.. don’t know what to say Tiger.. but Ah do know.. Ah’m here for ya..” Apple Jack said with sincerity in her voice. “Thanks Apple Jack,” Tiger’s voice came out softly. “Ya faced it all alone after.. it must have been tough huh..?” Apple Jack asked. “Yeah… but one thing kept me going I think,” Tiger looked up at the ceiling. “What’s that hun?” Apple Jack asked. Tiger then realized what he had unintentionally boxed himself into. “Uh…” he turned a bright bright orange. “Common Tig.. don’t be like that,” Apple Jack turned to look him in the eyes, “ya’ve been always gettin like this ever since you came back… and your keepin, yer distance…” Apple Jack turned away, her ears drooping a little, “it’s like.. we ain’t close friends anymore or anything…” “No no.. Apple Jack that’s not the reason,” Tiger almost let it slip. “Then tell me already… Tiger, tell me what’s goin on?” “Well the truth is.. I..” Tiger was about to tell her his greatest secret when the barn door burst open. “SOMETHING BIG’S GOING DOWN IN PONYVILLE!” Rainbow Dash was panting as if she flew there in a hurry, “oh… I didn’t mean to interrupt anything… but… now wouldn’t be the time! HURRY!” Rainbow Dash flew out. “…” Tiger got up. “Ah wonder what’s up..?” Apple Jack stood up beside him. “Let’s go,” Tiger had a bad feeling about the urgency in Rainbow’s voice.

Dusk in PonyVille chapter 9

Chap 9

---PonyVille---

“What’s going on?” Tiger looked up as he ran into PonyVille which had a large shadow hanging over it. The sky was darker than usual. “Oh no…” Tiger whispered. “Tiger?” Apple Jack looked at him. “Find Apple Bloom.. HURRY! And try to get as MANY ponies away from here!” Tiger exclaimed. “What the?  Hay wait TIGER!” Apple Jack called out to Tiger who was running towards the center of town. “You took my friend… but you won’t take my home…” Tiger growled into the sky. “Now now… is that anyway to greet a friend?” came a familiar voice. “No..” Tiger looked confused. “No? come on Dusk, I’m hurt,” a dark blue Unicorn pony with a cutie mark of a eclipse along with pitch black armor that seemed to have stars sprinkled through it decended from the clouds. He took off his helmet reviling his face and light blue mane. “Sol.. Lune,” Tiger looked up in shock. “Surprised? Why?” Sol Lune asked as he landed in front of Tiger. “… But I thought you..” Tiger fell back. “I did, but I guess you could say the Darkness saved me?” Sol Lune said in a cool silky voice as he held a hoof up and gently waved it about. As this happened a dark oily type of substance seemed to float about above it. “…” Tiger looked at it. “Amazing isn’t it?” Sol Lune mused at the substance, “I missed you Tiger Dusk.. and the Darkness wishes for you to join us.. you see the thing is, we need all the ponies on Equestria that are strongly in tune with the night or Darkness,” Sol Lune smiled back down at Tiger. “Tiger DON’T LISTEN TO HIM!” Twilight yelled from a few meters away, “it’s the same evil that possessed Luna!” “Twilight Sparkle, you’re needed too,” Sol Lune turned to the purple pony. “I’ll beat your darkness just like I did for Nightmare Moon!” Twilight yelled. “Oh please… Elements of Harmony?” Sol Lune laughed. Tiger’s world was moving in slow motion. “Do you know why your Princesses aren’t here right now?” Sol Lune turned around and held his hooves up in the air. “Cause my MASTER has trapped them, there will be nothing but the Darkness now! NO DAY… NO NIGHT, NO SUN, NO MOON!” Sol Lune laughed. “You’re crazy!” Twilight yelled. “Twilight we’re here!” Rainbow Dash landed beside her friend. “We’ll show this no pony not to mess with the elements of harmony!” Rainbow focused. “He is rather rude isn’t he?” Rarity stood beside Twilight and closed her eyes focusing as well. “I’m so sorry I’m late..” a yellow pegasai who Tiger guessed was Fluttershy said in a quiet voice. “He’s gonna ruin Tiger’s party! I won’t let that happen!” Pinkie Pie stood beside her friends as well. “Tiger… we’re gonna have to stop yer friend…” Apple Jack looked at Tiger who looked back with a blank stare. “You… can’t stop him… no WAIT!” Tiger yelled as the group of fillies started to glow. “All it takes… is a spark!” Twilight yelled. Necklaces of the fillies’ cutie marks appeared around each of their necks. A rainbow lightning bolt, a butterfly, a diamond, an apple, and a balloon. Twilight had her crown once more. “The elements of HARMONY!” Twilight’s voice shook with power. A tornado rainbow seemed to spin around them, and shot up in the air and landed in front of Sol Lune who stood there with a smug look on his face. “Really..” he cracked his neck a little, “I thought it would have more of a bite then that” he laughed as he stomped the ground causing the earth to shake violently. As this happened the 6 fillies fell to the ground groggy. “Such a shame…” Sol Lune tisked, “but now I have it, and your only means of defense is gone,” he smiled as he held up the dark oily substance again. This time it was shining brightly with what appeared to be a rainbow trapped inside. “What.. what have you done?” Twilight asked as fatigue closed in on her. “NO!” Tiger got up. “No? what are you talking about Dusk?” Sol Lune looked at Tiger who had gotten up. “Let that magic go Sol Lune! It’s friendship.. if you take that away..” “so you won’t join us?” Sol Lune cut Tiger’s words short. “I won’t!” Tiger glared at him. “…Is it cause of these fillies?” Sol Lune looked at the group that were still on the ground. “…” Tiger looked at Apple Jack who was trying desperately to stand up. “Ah…I see” Sol Lune smirked as more oily substance began to form in front of him. It grew longer and longer, until Sol Lune bit down on it. It was his lance. “I’ll start with the cow girl,” Sol Lune laughed as he started charging at Apple Jack. “YOU WON’T!” at that moment Tiger’s voice echoed, and everything seemed to move slowly for him. A bright light engulfed his head and body, and a gold armor replaced the light. A regal red cape flew from his back. In front of him, it shone brightly a broad sword which was glowing the colors, of the elements of harmony.  the two weapons met and sparks flew. “WHY TIGER? YOU ARE MY FRIEND ARE YOU NOT?” Sol Lune pressured his lance against Tiger’s sword which was shaking violently. “BECAUSE…” Tiger looked back at Apple Jack who’s face was in awe. “BECAUSE I LOVE HER” he yelled as he pushed Sol Lune back, and swung his sword in front of himself and took a defensive stance. “Love?” Sol Lune almost seemed surprised for a moment, and then started to laugh, which turned into an intimidating cackle. “You are a foal Tiger Dusk,” Sol Lune sighed as he grabbed his helmet and slipped it on over his head, he then picked up his lance once more. “Sol Lune… I know you are in there somewhere… FIGHT IT!” Tiger started to move towards him, still holding his glimmering sword up. “This isn’t some sort of fairy tale Dusk,” Sol Lune’s eyes started to glow a sinister dark blue, “I have ABSOLUTE alliance to my MASTER!” Sol Lune jumped into the sky, with his lance pointed up. “SOL LUNE!!!!” Tiger roared as he leaped up too. Sol Lune turned his body in mid air so he was facing Tiger Dusk now with the tip of his lance. The two met. There was another blinding flash. “So that’s what a Knight looks like..” Twilight gasped. “We need to help him!” Pinkie Pie’s legs shook as she collapsed on to the ground again. “We can’t…” Rarity shook, “we barely can stand!” “Common don’t give up!” Rainbow Dash was trying to get up with Fluttershy, but it was no use. “Tiger…” Apple Jack watched as Tiger Dusk dodged an incoming barrage of thrusts from the lance. “MIGHT CONTROLS EVERYTHING!” Sol Lune held the lance high. As he did this the lance started to glow a dark purple. “And without it… you can’t PROTECT ANYONE!” the lance was thrusted against Tiger’s sword which sent him flying into a building. “Guh hah!” Tiger Dusk gasped as the air left his lungs. “Let alone… yourself” Sol Lune started to walk towards Tiger Dusk. “Git UP TIGER!” Apple Jack yelled, “GIT UPP!” “You’ve got a really annoying voice you know that?” Sol Lune switched walking directions, “watch me Dusk… watch me as I end your so called LOVE” Sol Lune pointed the lance at Apple Jack now. “NO!” Tiger’s eyes started to glow green. He left the hole in the building and slashed his sword with all his might down on Sol Lune’s lance. The lance shattered. Sol Lune’s eyes grew wide, he did not even see Tiger’s hind legs hit him straight in the chest. He flew back and tumbled across the ground. “Apple Jack… are you alright?” Tiger looked over his shoulder. “…” Apple Jack was silent. “Say something dear!” Rarity was blushing at the sight. “Ah… Ah’m ok,” Apple Jack stuttered. “Hang tight… “ Tiger turned his head back to Sol Lune who was getting up. “Very well, TIGER DUSK, I shall take my leave for now… but know this… you are no friend of mine anymore!” Sol Lune seemed to coil up in the Darkness as it shivered into the sky and darted in the eastern direction. “WAIT COME BACK!” Tiger yelled, but he felt the strain on his body takeing over, as he fell to his knees. “Uh..” Tiger gasped as his armor disappeared as did the sword. The last thing he could hear was Apple Jack’s voice calling out to him, as his consciousness seemed to slip.

---A few days had passed---

“Sol Lune!” Tiger gasped as he sat up. He was in a bed. “Hang on there sugar Tig, lay back down right this instant!” Apple Jack’s hoof gently pushed him back down. “Apple Jack, where did he go? I have to stop him!” Tiger tried to move again but to no avail. “Yer gonna rest until your good an ready,” Apple Jack had tears of relief flowing down her cheeks. “You’d better listen to her, she’s been by your side for 3 whole days,” Big Macintosh said as he came into the room. “So this is the youngin that was on our farm all these years ago.. and to think? An actual Knight!” it was Granny Smith, an old mare who had a pale green color, her mane was grey and her age was showing yet she looked very wise. “To think… one of my grandchildren with a Knight,” Granny Smith smiled, “it’s so romantic!” “Grandma!” Apple Jack blushed. “I.. I can’t stay here in bed!” Tiger struggled again. “Listen here you,” Granny Smith walked over to Tiger and stared at him. “Mah granddaughter here has been taking care of you and your wounds for 3 straight days, have a little respect!” “I.. I’m sorry,” Tiger stuttered. “That’s better! Come along now Macintosh, we gotta let the love ponies have some private time,” she started for the door. Tiger realized it at that moment that he was in Apple Jack’s bed. “Take it easy little bro,” Big Macintosh waved as he closed the door behind him. Tiger looked around and saw Apple Jack looking at him. “Are you ok hun?” Apple Jack asked. “…Yeah,” Tiger’s face got hot, “Apple Jack um well.. I guess you know my secret now huh?” “Why did ya keep it a secret Tig?” “I thought, well you wouldn’t feel the same way!” Tiger looked away. “Ah do..” Apple Jack blushed. “I thought you wouldn’t like me and well.. what?” Tiger’s eyes grew wide. “Ah do love you too Tig..” Apple Jack leaned in closer to him, “ever since Ah was a little filly… and you came down to the farm to do the work.. and when ya got up and left… it broke mah heart, I thought about ya every day Tiger..” she nuzzled him. “Apple Jack..” Tiger closed his eyes and nuzzled her back. “I thought about you every day too.. not a day went by when I didn’t think of you..” tears were slowly rolling down his cheeks. His arms reached around her and pulled her close to his chest. She held him close as well. “Ah’ll say this Tig…” Apple Jack smiled, “you looked might handsome with that fancy armor” Tiger chortled a little before he felt Apple Jack’s lips touch his.

Dusk in PonyVille chapter 10

Chap 10

“Whew” Rainbow Dash whistled from the door.  “What the hay?” Apple Jack pulled away from Tiger quickly with a large red blush spreading across her cheeks. “Aww don’t be shy AJ,” Twilight laughed as she appeared behind Rainbow Dash. “Yeah! It just isn’t like you!” Pinkie Pie added in as she hopped into the room. “Apple Jack, I am jealous!” Rarity pouted, “you have a KNIGHT!” “Um.. hi.. I’m Fluttershy” the yellow pegasai was hiding behind Rainbow Dash. “Um nice to meet you,” Tiger smiled, he too had a blush that was spreading across his face. “Tiger.. what are we gonna do?” Twilight asked with a serious look now. “The Princesses were captured,” Tiger looked outside the window. The sky had a monotone color about it. “We need to rescue them… and destroy the Darkness once and for all,” Tiger tried to move but was pinned down by Apple Jack again, “what were we just talkin about earlier Tig?” Apple Jack frowned at him. “But Apple Jack… this is serious,” Tiger looked at her. “Yeah.. it is but what happens when you git yer self banged up and aren’t able to move huh?” Apple Jack asked. “…” Tiger sighed. “Umm excuse me..” Fluttershy moved in closer, “what’s up Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “I was umm just thinking maybe we could ask Zecora.. for some medication you know.. for Tiger?” Fluttershy said in a quiet voice. “Now that’s an idea!” Pinkie Pie cheered at the thought of another friend. “That is actually a very good idea!” Twilight nodded. “What are we waiting here for then?” Rainbow Dash asked, “maybe while I am there I can see about some skin rejuvenation potion” Rarity smiled. “Wait!” Apple Jack exclaimed. “We can’t just leave him here alone…” Apple Jack lifted an eye brow at Tiger, “knowin this boy, he’ll up and leave on his own!” she was eyeing a rope. “Wh.. wha do you mean Apple Jack?” Tiger laughed nervously. “Fluttershy you stay here with him then!” Apple Jack looked at her friend who’s eyes widened and curled a little. “Wh.. why me Apple Jack?” Fluttershy asked timidly. “Cause, Tiger won’t be able to force his way out or convince ya,” Apple Jack smirked at Tiger who scowled back. “We’ll be back soon, just talk! I mean we should all be friends,” Apple Jack looked back and Tiger. As soon as they left, Tiger tried to get out of the bed. “Wait!” Fluttershy stood in front of the door. “Fluttershy.. there’s something dangerous that’s about to happen to Equestria… I can stop it!” Tiger looked at her with pleading eyes. “I know what you can do..” her voice was small, “but I can’t let Apple Jack’s colt friend get hurt” she looked up at him. “Woof woof” Wiona ran underneath Fluttershy and nuzzled Tiger’s right front leg. “I guess, I’m not going anywhere huh?” Tiger laughed a little. “She’s worried about you too,” Fluttershy walked over to the puppy and nuzzled her. “Do you like animals Fluttershy?” Tiger asked as he got back into bed, he realized at that moment that his body was very stiff and he let out a small groan as he felt a sharp pain shoot through it. “Tiger! Are you ok?” Fluttershy rushed to the side of the bed. “Y.. yeah, I guess I really shouldn’t move…”Tiger winced a little. “Yes.. just relax” Fluttershy smiled, “and I do like animals, small and big.” “You must be kind, and very brave to handle all types of animals,” Tiger said. “It’s what I love to do,” Fluttershy’s voice came out tiny. “Aww don’t be shy about it,” Tiger smiled, “you should be proud!” he nodded, “I’ve never been able to be around animals that much…my parents didn’t like having pets, and I was always training in Canterlot…” Tiger felt Wiona lick his cheek and laughed. “Though there was this one time when I was still little, I saw a real tiger,” Tiger lay his head back thought about it, “it was amazing, I didn’t get close to it or anything. I just watched it. It’s fur was like fire when it moved, it was so powerful and the way it jumped made it look like it was flying, and it’s proud roar lighted my soul on fire,” Tiger smiled, “I wanted to become as strong as the tiger to protect my friends…and after I thought about that I ended up with my cutie mark.” “So that’s how you got it big brother!” Apple Bloom was standing at the door way with a small soup bowl. “Hey Apple Bloom!” Tiger waved, “I’m sorry for worrying ya” “Big sis was really worried too..” little filly walked over and put the soup bowl down on top of the desk with a lamp on it. “Really worried,” Apple Bloom let a small grin spread across her face. “Hee hee” Fluttershy giggled. “Oh come on! Not you two too!” Tiger blushed. “But anyways, got any tips on how to get the cutie mark?” Apple Bloom smiled. “The secret to the cutie mark is that, it only appears when you find what you want to really do, what you love to do,” Tiger tried to explain. “Aww… but the teacher tells us that all the time,” Apple Bloom sighed. “Hehe, it’ll come, I’m sure” Tiger smiled. “Yes, you can’t rush those things Apple Bloom,” Fluttershy agreed. “I know I’ll find it!” Apple Bloom raised a hoof in the air. “Hmm I wonder how Apple Jack is doing..” Tiger looked out the window again. “Common Tiger.. it’s sis, you know her” Apple Bloom reassured Tiger. “Yes, I am certain that they will be back as soon as possible,” Fluttershy got up and gently petted Wiona who panted happily. “It’s just… all this sitting around is pretty frusterating,” Tiger sighed as he turned his head on the pillow. It smelled like Apple Jack, he breathed it in relaxed.

---Zecora’s hut---

“You need a potion for this colt, then I shall make it quick… like a lightning bolt!” Zecora swung herself around and move across the room, gathering ingrediants. “Thank you very much Zecora” Twilight was glad Zecora could help. “There anythin we can do to help ya Zecora?” Apple Jack asked. “Yes, please wait, because I need concentration, it will decide this potion’s fate,” Zecora opened a book and started pouring various different colored liquids into her cauldron along with herbs. “Come on, then, let’s let the lady focus,” Rarity motioned for everyone to leave. “Twilight.. do you think we’ll be able to save Celestia and Luna?” Spike asked, Twilight had taken Spike along with them worried about leaving him alone.“We have to Spike,” Twilight looked up at the sky which was peaking in through the trees. “Yeah we totally have to.. how is anyone going to be happy with the sky like that?” Pinkie Pie chipped in. “All the pegusai landed in PonyVille too! We can’t fly in whatever that sky is!” Rainbow Dash complained, “there is no wind! And all the clouds are starting to disappear!” “So Twi.. do you know anything else about the Knights?” Apple Jack asked Twilight. “All I know is that they all carry the elements of harmony inside them, a fraction of each element at least,” Twilight thought about the sword that had appeared in front of Tiger Dusk. “That armor he was wearing was so fashionable!” Rarity cooed. “And the way he jumped! Woosh!!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she bounced around. “Ah admit… Ah was kinda impressed too..” Apple Jack blushed. “Ahhh you should have seen the look on your face darling,” Rarity gave a really smug look to Apple Jack. “Especially when he yelled ‘it’ out,” Twilight joined Rarity, “it’s too bad… I didn’t get a chance to do my spy work~” “Hay you were gonna spy on them too?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Spy?” Apple Jack looked at Twilight then Rainbow Dash. “Hey we were just going to do it to see if you two really did like each other… but from the looks of it we were both wrong” Rainbow Dash laughed, “BECAUSE I LOVE HER!” Twilight tried to imitate Tiger’s voice and rolled on the ground laughing. “…” Apple Jack scowled at the two for a second and smiled, “thanks you two”. “Huh?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Fer lookin out fer me,” Apple Jack answered. “Aww it’s no problem AJ, we’re all friends right?” Twilight hugged Apple Jack. “Well once we get the Princesses saved we’ll ALL have to have a HUGE PARTY!” Pinkie Pie let some streamers fly up in the air. “Yeah… actually that’s a very good idea, to celebrate both of them,” Twilight smiled at a blushing Apple Jack. “I agree,” Rarity walked over to Apple Jack and seemed to be examining her. “What are you doing Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously. “Oh I am thinking of an outfit for Apple Jack,” Rarity answered. “Wha.. nah that’s not… “ Apple Jack was hushed by Rarity, “Apple Jack! You’re colt friend is a K.N.I.G.H.T even for just one night!” Rarity eyes flashed, “you must… YOU MUSSSSSST!” “Aww.. shucks,” Apple Jack sighed. “The potion is ready! Just remember while he drinks to keep his lips steady!” Zecora held up a potion bottle which was glowing a bright blue. “Thank you so much Zecora!” Twilight walked over to Zecora “Be swift like the wind child, save Equestria before our days are filed..” Zecora handed the bottle to Twilight. “Let’s go Twilight! I really want to see what a Knight looks like” Spike imagined himself in an armor holding Rarity in his arms, “hee hee” his eyes went dazey. “I’m sure you’d look handsome as well Spike… when you grow up a little,” Rarity said as she walked by. “Let’s go every pony!” Apple Jack started galloping. She hadn’t felt like this before, but being away from Tiger made her jumpy, and worried even. Something seemed to be tugging at her. She just wanted to be beside him.

---Apple Jack’s room---

“So you don’t like to fly much?” Tiger looked at Fluttershy, in almost disbelief. “No.. I know it sounds silly, but I am really scared of heights..” Fluttershy blushed and curled inwards. “That’s not really a problem,” Tiger answered, “but.. I am a little jealous” he laughed, “I wish I could, fly sometimes… the feeling of freedom and just to be able to go anywhere in the air with the wind blowing in your mane” he closed his eyes imagining it. “But you can fly,” Fluttershy said in a tiny voice. “Huh?” Tiger looked at her. “Yes.. I saw you when you fought against .. that Sol Lune, you flew in the air,” Fluttershy answered. “No.. that’s a jump,” Tiger sighed, remembering Sol Lune’s face. “Oh.. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to remind you of that,” Fluttershy apologized. “No, no need for the apology,” Tiger shook his head, “I’ll stop him.. cause I am his friend,” Tiger said as his ears perked, he heard the clopping of hooves. “They’re back,” Tiger smiled as Wiona started to bark leaving the room.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 11

Chap 11

“We got it!” Apple Jack rushed into the room first and ran to hug Tiger. “Welcome back” Tiger nuzzled Apple Jack, “I missed ya” “Ah see you were a good boy, good job Fluttershy” Apple Jack turned to Fluttershy who blushed, “he was really nice and we talked a lot” “Sis where’s the medication?” Apple Bloom asked, “Ah… oh Twilight has it!” Apple Jack blushed as she remembered rushing ahead of everyone. “Whew Apple Jack you didn’t have to leave us back there,” Twilight was panting as she entered the room after. She sat down and took off her saddle pouch that had the potion in it. “Would you like to do it Apple Jack?” Twilight winked at her friend who jumped at little. “M.. m me?” she stuttered. “Come on!” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “I think I can just drink it..” Tiger blushed a little. “N..no you don’t have to trouble yerself or nuthin..” Apple Jack grabbed the potion bottle and walked over to the side of the bed. She popped the cork stopper on it. “Ah..well just drink it all down Tig..” Apple Jack leaned closer and gently pressed the lip of the bottle against his lip and tilted it a little. Tiger started to sip it. The strange liquid rushed through his insides, and it felt surprisingly fresh. He drank more and more of it. The aches and pains started to dissolve from the inside out. “Ah..” he closed his eyes, the bottle was empty now. “How are ya feelin hun?” Apple Jack looked at him. “Hmm..” Tiger looked from left to right for a moment, and flipped out of bed. “Hehe!” he grinned, “how’s that for ya!” he laughed. “Boys” Apple Jack shook her head as she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Aww… they’re so cute!” Pinkie Pie giggled as she entered the room along with Rarity. “Indeed, they are very sweet together,” she smiled. “Thank you everyone,” Tiger looked at the ponies. “Should we get a moving then?” Rainbow Dash asked. “No…” Tiger answered, stopping Rainbow Dash in her tracks. “You girls have got to rest,” Tiger answered. “But!” Rainbow Dash started. “What’s the point if we go to where ever we are going and we are all tired?” Tiger asked. “He’s kinda gotta point there Rainbow,” Twilight agreed. “So he’s the Knight?” Spike asked as he entered the room too a little disappointed. “Why do you sound so disappointed Spike?” Twilight asked. “It’s just I thought he’d have armor and a sword or something,” Spike shrugged. “Tiger can you..” Twilight looked up at Tiger who smiled and closed his eyes. A bright light filled the room. He was standing in his full armor with his sword standing next to him. “Something like this Spike?” Tiger asked with a small grin. “Woah!” Spike ran over and looked the armor over. “That’s SO cool!” Apple Bloom joined Spike. Tiger blushed a little. After the armor had disappeared once again, Tiger started to discuss a plan. “I have a few thoughts on where they might be hiding, and we’ll need a few things to take on the Darkness,” Tiger started, “we’ll need a map of Canterlot, and we’ll need a spell book…” “A spell book?” Twilight asked, “what kind of spell book?” “One that has a spell that can cast the light of your heart and surround you with it,” Tiger said, “I know it’s a simple spell… but I can’t remember which book it was, I’m not much of a magician you see..” Tiger looked up at his forehead. “Oh that one!” Twilight smiled clapping her hooves together, “common Spike let’s find it!” “coming Twilight!!!” he followed her as they both ran out the door. “Anythin else Tig?” Apple Jack asked. “We’ll need to be prepared, basic survival equiptment like water cantines and ropes..” he started to list, “the Darkness likes to really test your endurance… are you really sure you girls to still come along?” Tiger looked at them. “It’s all our problems, and we can’t let you go alone Tig” Apple Jack answered as all the ponies nodded. “Alright… we’ll leave tomorrow then,” Tiger announced. “All right, we’ll go gather some survival supplies and get a little rest then,” Rarity started for the door. “Take care of Apple Jack, sir Tiger,” Rarity added. “I will Miss Rarity” “Come along now Pinkie Pie” Rarity grabbed Pinkie Pie who was dragged out. “But… but..” Pinkie Pie reached out. “Later you two, I’ll go check on how the pegasai are doing, wanna come along Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy “oh my.. yes that would be a good idea!” Fluttershy started to follow, “it was very nice meeting you Tiger, let’s do it again sometime,” she smiled. “I’ll go and see what grandma is up to,” Apple Bloom caught on to what was happening with a small grin. “Well..the room sure got empty quick huh?” Tiger brushed the back of his mane. “It sure did…” Apple Jack leaned in close and kissed him. He returned the kiss as they both sat down on the bed. “Where were we?” Tiger smiled. “Heheh,” Apple Jack nuzzled him and held him close. “Tiger…we’re gonna be together right?” Apple Jack asked as she pressed her head against his chest. “Always,” Tiger said softly gently stroking her back. “Promise me,” Apple Jack looked up at him, as she did her hat fell off. “I promise,” Tiger looked back at her. “Good,” she said as she leaned into his chest again, “cause it feels so nice..being like this and Ah don’t want you to go and disappear or anthin like that,” she said quietly. “…” Tiger looked at Apple Jack fondly, and gently kissed the top of her head, “we’ll make it through Apple Jack, together, and I won’t disappear I can’t,” Tiger said quietly, “cause I love you too much”. “Tig..” Apple Jack looked up at him again. “There’s a place I wanna show you when we bring the sun and moon back,” Tiger said, “I discovered it while I was bucking the apples, and the view could be amazing, if you were there with me” Tiger blushed a little. “It has to have me to be amazin huh?” Apple Jack looked up and nuzzled him pushing him down. “With you everything is amazing Apple Jack,” he kissed her again. She lay beside him. It was so warm, the feeling between the two. “You’ll make a filly’s head spin with those kinda words Tig,” Apple Jack giggled. “Only for you, Apple Jack,” Tiger grinned.

---The Darkness---

“My master, your plans are coming to fruition,” Sol Lune knelt down in front of a looming black cloaked pony. A hoof gentley rose signaling Sol Lune to stand up. “We have captured all of the ponies that are in tune to the night and dark… all except the ones they call Twilight Sparkle… and Tiger Dusk,” Sol Lune gritted his teeth, swearing vengeance. “…” the cloaked pony was suddenly surrounded by the dark oily substance. It spun rapidly around it, and suddenly stopped. It slithered down to its hooves. A long object was starting to form in front of Sol Lune. “…” a new lance that was pitch black was held for Sol Lune. “Master… you didn’t have to..” Sol Lune bowed. “…..” the shadow almost seemed to smile. “I am truly greatful,” Sol Lune gently took the lance from his master’s hooves. “It shall be named… Eclipse, for that is what it shall do, create an eclipse for any hope that those foals think that they have!” Sol Lune held the lance up into the air. He bowed once again and left the room. “I think I shall go and check on our … guests,” he said as he trotted down to the dungeon. “Sol Lune! You don’t have to obey the Darkness!” a dark blue mare with wings and a horn yelled at him from a cell, her cutie mark was the night sky with a crecent moon. “Princess Luna, you should have kept the Darkness close to your heart!” Sol Lune turned to her, “it matters not anyways, you will join the ranks as Nightmare Moon once more, once the Master gives the signal” Sol Lune smiled. “You will do no such thing to my sister!” a white mare with a mane that looked like an aurora stood up from another cell across from Luna. Her cutie mark had the sun. “Save that energy Princess Celestia, though I doubt you have any… since the sun has been blotted out from Equestria, Sol Lune leaned in closer to the cell. “Sol Lune, how could you do this? You were a Knight of Equestria… do you not hold friendship in your heart anymore?” Celestia asked. “…” Sol Lune’s eyes turned sharp, “friendship… is a bunch of garbage”. He turned around and was about to leave when he added, “Tiger Dusk, another one of your pitiful Knights will be joining… if he does not… I will slay him myself,” with that he left. “Tiger Dusk?” Luna’s eyes went wide. “Oh, yes I do remember him,” Celestia recalled. “Celli… I was the one who created the ponies that were more in tune with night… Tiger Dusk, do you remember sis?” Luna asked. “…Of course,” Celestia’s eyes opened as she realized something she had forgotten a long time ago.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 12

Chap 12

---Apple Jack’s room the next morning---

“Mmm..” Tiger groaned softly. His arms were still around Apple Jack who was sleeping. He smiled and moved in closer. “Mornin hun,” Apple Jack opened her eyes and yawned a little. “Sorry pretty lady, I didn’t mean to wake you up,” Tiger nuzzled her. “Naw.. it’s ok,” she nuzzled him back, “got a lot of work to do today huh?” “Yup,” Tiger hugged her close one more time before getting up. “A lot of work..” he got out of bed and stretched. “You worried?” Apple Jack asked him. “A little… but I got you with me,” Tiger looked back at her. “Like Ah told you Tig.. Ah’m here for ya,” Apple Jack said as she walked over to him. (Gotta be strong) Tiger thought to himself, “well, since you’re here,” Tiger grinned, “I feel like I can do anything!” “haha settle down there lover boy,” she laughed as she grabbed her hat and put it on. “Let’s go!” Tiger started for the door.

---PonyVille---

“Tiger! Apple Jack! Over here!” Twilight held up a red colored book as she ran towards the two. “This is the spell!” Twilight turned through the pages and showed Tiger. “Hmm…yes, this is it!” Tiger nodded, “this will help greatly when we enter the darkness…” “And here is the map!” Spike held up a map of Canterlot. “Alright, this is perfect,” Tiger looked through the map. “The thing is … I think they are most likely in the lowest part of Canterlot,” Tiger said, “namely cause Canterlot itself is usually located closer to the sun. So I am guessing that they will be underground somewhere,” Tiger pointed to the caves underneath Canterlot castle. “And this here spell’s gonna protect us from the Darkness?” Apple Jack asked. “Since you girls lost a lot of the element’s power from our last fight with Sol Lune…I have an idea on how to protect you with my elements,” Tiger tried to explain. “Is that even possible?” Twilight asked. “Yeah… you just have to focus on your element and I’ll do the rest,” Tiger nodded, “would it be possible to gather everyone here?” “Sure.. Spike?” “I’m on it Twilight!” Spike saluted and ran off.

---Soon---

“Alright, everyone here?” Tiger asked. They all nodded. “Ok, we are gonna test run this spell,” Tiger looked at them, “Twilight if you could..” Tiger asked Twilight who’s horn started to glow. “Now… I need you all to focus on your element, focus on it hard,” Tiger instructed. Everyone’s eyes closed. There was a bright flash from Twilight’s horn and everyone but Tiger was surrounded by a clear glowing sphere of light. Tiger then closed his eyes and started to glow the familiar gold color. He was in full armor now. “Ok.. focus….” Tiger murmered. There was a bright flash from him that shone on the spheres. “Honesty,” Apple Jack exclaimed as her sphere turned a bright orange. “Laughter!” Pinkie Pie giggled as her sphere turned a bright pink. “Loyalty hay ya!” Rainbow Dash grinned with confidence as her sphere turned a light blue. “Kindness..”Fluttershy turned her head shyly as her sphere turned a bright yellow. “Generosity,” Rarity smiled proudly as her sphere turned a creamy white. “Magic!” Twilight’s sphere turned purple. “There!” Tiger breathed out. The girls looked at the newly formed spheres. “What are they?” Pinkie Pie asked as she touched her sphere, “it’s so warm and it makes me feel happy!” she bounced up and down exicited. Apple Jack touched hers and giggled. “These are my feelings towards you, my friends,” Tiger smiled. “Ahhh that explains that,” Apple Jack turned to look at him with a wink that made Tiger blush. “Oh my…with this I feel brave,” Fluttershy said as she touched her sphere. “How exquisite!~” Rarity smiled, “the value of friendship!” “We so totally have to race again after this Tiger!” Rainbow Dash turned to him. “You bet Rainbow,” Tiger grinned. “Tiger? How do you hold the elements of friendship?” Twilight asked. “I honestly have no idea Twilight… but one thing’s for sure… I’m glad to have friends like you all,” Tiger looked around at all of the ponies,” and friends to me.. are a real treasure, that’s why I won’t let anything happen to any of you” he finished and his armor disappeared along with the magical glow from all the fillies. “Tig, don’t try to do it all by yerself!” Apple Jack frowned at him, “you’ll git hurt jus like last time if you do”. “Yes, a gentle colt knows when to ask for help too you know,” Rarity added. “It took our elements of harmony… so we need to help you get them back!” Twilight nodded. “We are so totally gonna kick flank!” Rainbow Dash did a backwards somersault in mid air and then posed.

“He really is like you AJ,” Twilight laughed. “Hay…” Apple Jack blushed. “Ohhh yeah I remember!” Pinkie Pie thought of it, then she shivered, “BAKED BADS, guh…!” “Huh?” Tiger looked at Apple Jack. “What they are tryin to get at is that, you gotta ask for help when you really need it Tig,” Apple Jack summeraized. “Alright… we’ll do this all together then,” Tiger said, “let’s go to Canterlot, does everyone have their equipment?” they all nodded. “Let’s go”.

---Dungeon in the Darkness---

“He was the one that … I accidently dropped in your sun tears sister,” Luna reminded Celestia. “Yes, I do recall that happening to a pony,” Celestia answered. “A pony made from the night who was dipped in morning,” Luna smiled, “I remember how happy I was with the colors that flew from that. The color of dusk, but sister.. wouldn’t that mean?”Luna’s eyes went wide. “He is over a thousand years old,” Celestia finished, “I kept him safe and released him on Equestria when I thought the time was right. He was one of the only ponies I knew of at the time that could fight off the Darkness without falling into its clutches,” Celestia explained, “I am guessing that’s why the Darkness wants him so much, since he has the affinity for both day and night… they would be able to stretch across patches of land that the light only touches”. “He always had an amazing way with friendship as well,” Celestia remembered Tiger Dusk training in the academy. “If he is that in tuned with friendship… it will be chaos if the Darkness touches him though,” Luna said, “it’ll turn to pure hatred, and chaos. He’ll become a pony that will destroy everything dear sister… we must get out of here!” “But how Luna? Our cells hold us tight and restrain our powers. The sun and moon can’t rise or set while we are in here. All I can think of is the Elements of Harmony, and my dear student…Twilight Sparkle, I do hope she is alright,” Celestia felt worried tears fall from her eyes. To her Twilight was a like a daughter of her own. There was a cloud of ink black smoke that appeared in between the two sisters’ cells. “…” it was the hooded pony. “Please don’t do this to our Equestria!” Celestia protested. “…” the hooded pony tilted its head. “What can you accomplish by making everything disappear?” Celestia’s eyes went wide with shock. Luna was silent. Her sister seemed to understand the silence from the hooded pony. “Who are you?” Celestia narrowed her eyes at the Darkness. “…” the hooded pony simply turned on the spot and disappeared, and reappeared in Celestia’s cell. Two gleaming red eyes were glowing in front of Celestia. “I.. it can’t be,” Celestia moved backwards, pressing herself against the wall. “Sister!” Luna yelled, slamming into her cell door. “…” the hooded pony lingered for a moment and slipped out of the cell in another cloud of smoke. The smoke spiraled towards the exit of the dungeon, and seeped through the door with ease. “Sister…it’s him,” Celestia seemed to be out of breath. “Who?” Luna asked. “The pony who was exiled for touching the darkest of dark Ailcorn magic,” Celestia whispered. “…”Luna’s mouth opened. She felt her heart beat rise.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 13

Chap 13

Tiger looked around as they stepped hoof in the Canterlot region. “…This is bad,” Tiger muttered. In front of the group was a large dome of darkness that covered every inch of Canterlot. “We need to get in there!” Twilight started running towards the dark dome. Tiger held his arm out and stopped her. “Before we even think about approaching it…” Tiger pointed at the spell book. “This darkness isn’t the comforting type that you see before you go to bed everypony…” Tiger gritted his teeth remembering the cold feeling. “Alright..” Twilight said as she closed her eyes. Her horn started to glow. Tiger doned his armor and added his elements of harmony to each of the girls’ spheres. “Be careful everypony, we don’t know what’s in there,” Apple Jack warned. “…Somehow I have a feeling I know,” Tiger gripped his sword. They walked through the wall of Darkness and were greeted with a sudden chill. “What.. what happened here?” Twilight’s mouth opened in shock. All the structures were pale ivory in color. The atmosphere seemed to have an inky feel to it. “It’s been touched by the Darkness,” Tiger looked around as he drew his sword. “Tiger, what’s wrong?” Rarity asked. “..Something’s around here,” Tiger looked around. “Just point it out and I’ll get rid of it in 10 seconds flat!” Rainbow Dash reared up and punched out her hooves in an intimidating fashion. “It’s so dark in here… how can you see anything Tiger?” Fluttershy was looking around as well. “FLUTTERSHY BEHIND YOU!” Tiger’s eyes flashed has he leaped over the yellow pony and slashed at a shadowy figure which was bareing it’s fangs. It instantly dissipated into cinders as Tiger’s sword slashed through it. “What in tarnation was that thing?” Apple Jack asked as she helped Fluttershy up, who had taken a slight fall due to the fright. “It’s a shadow … as long as we are in the Darkness, they will keep on coming…” Tiger’s senses were on high alert. “May I suggest that we get moving then?” Rarity pointed to a large amount of shadowy figures that where approaching them. “Let’s go!” Tiger motioned for them to run. He couldn’t leave them to fight if he were to keep them protected with the elements. He had to find the darkness mirror and stamp it out. “Twilight, the map!” Tiger called out as he slashed a shadow that appeared to the side of Rarity, he then flipped over the group to the other side. He then dragged the sword upwards as he slashed another shadow causeing sparks to fly. “If we are where I think we are…” Twilight was trying to focus, “it must be this way!” Apple Jack pointed down a narrow street. “Let’s go!” Pinkie Pie looked worriedly at Tiger who was standing in front of her, he had taken down a scary shadow that had wanted to eat her. Her sphere had dimmed in color, “Pinkie Pie.. don’t be scared, remember what Grammy Pie used say?” Tiger looked back at her with a smile, “yeah! Pinkie Pie giggled a little. “Keep moving. I’ll protect you! Just remember to focus on your elements!” Tiger yelled. The ponies ran through the street until they saw a large shadow crawl across the ground and manifested in front of them. A large claw formed on one of its arms and threatened to swing it at Apple Jack. “HAH!” Tiger jumped up and removed its claw with a quick swipe of the sword, then bound back and forth using his sword on the rest of the creature. He finished his attack with a somersault over the shadow causing it to fall over with a dozen burning slash marks before dissipating into the cinders. “Everypony ok?” Tiger looked back. “Y..yeah” Apple Jack looked back at him with a small smile. “Ohh.. I wish I could use a sword!” Rainbow Dash said, frusteration in her voice. “Tiger, you have such grace when you swing your sword” Rarity commented, “did you take dancing as well?” “Umm…” Tiger brushed the back of his mane. “Ya really did?” Apple Jack’s eyes grew wide as she started to laugh. “..Yeah,” Tiger blushed, “I learned how to sing too… but it doesn’t help during a fight, that’s for sure. Honestly I don’t like fighting,” Tiger said, “it really isn’t my style”. “Hmm according to the map, the cave should be around here somewhere,” Twilight looked at what was in front of them. It was a very steep hill which was pure white. Tiger shivered a little, he felt the atmosphere starting to get to him. “I can sense it behind that hill,” Tiger took an attack pose. “Tiger, what are you doing?” Twilight asked as she watched him swing his sword at the hill. There was a bright flash and the hill itself disappeared. “What in the hay?” Apple Jack’s eyes grew wide. “If, I am not mistaken, this hill is known as the hill of mist?” Tiger looked back as they all checked the map. “It looked so real!” Pinkie Pie looked at the map and then back at where the hill used to be then back at the map. “We need to find the Darkness Mirror, it’ll get rid of the Darkness that is shrouding Canterlot,” Tiger motioned for them to follow him. “That is where you are WRONG!” Sol Lune laughed as he dropped from the sky and stuck his lance into the ground in front of Tiger. “Wha..?” Tiger’s eyes grew wide as he felt the ground give way from underneath. He and the others fell through the ground. Tiger felt the Darkness slowly creeping up on him. The spell had been broken. “No!” Tiger cried out as he reached out his hoof, “Apple Jack!!!”

---Inside the Darkness---

It was cold. Apple Jack looked around, and found that she had been separated from the others. “Where the hay am Ah?” she asked herself as she dusted herself off and put her hat back on. “Tiger! Twi? Rainbow!! Rarity!! Pinkie Pie!!! Fluttershy!!!” she called out. Her voice didn’t seem to travel in the endless Darkness that was in front of her. “…” worry started to close in on her. “Wh.. where is everypony?” she noticed that it was abnormally cold here, where ever she was. She started to move and felt her hooves touch something smooth underneath. “…” she looked down and saw a reflection of herself looking back at her. Something was out of the ordinary though. The Apple Jack that was looking back at her had a nasty sneer spread across her face. “Hay there… pardner,” her reflection said in almost a cold voice. “…” Apple Jack started to move backwards nervously as she tripped over her hind legs. “Wass the matter? Too good to look at yerself in the mirror?” the Apple Jack in the mirror seemed to ripple for a moment and slowly rise up through the mirror’s surface. “How… are you doin that? And what are you?” Apple Jack looked up at her. “Ah am the opposite, ya could say,” she tipped her hat as she walked towards Apple Jack. “Ah am the Element of Untruth, trust me sugar, it ain’t no simple lie that Ah’m gonna tell you,” she grinned, “Ah’m gonna show you all the lies and secrets that you hope that you’d never see yerself”.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 14

Chap 14

Tiger felt as he had been dropping for a long time. He slowly opened his eyes and saw Sol Lune standing right in front of him. “Awake Dusk? Good,” he grinned as he held up the Dark Oily substance that held the Elements of Harmony. “Give them back,” Tiger tried to move, but realized his whole body was being restrained. “Hmm… no” Sol Lune let the Darkness return to his body, “you shouldn’t be worrying about this… when your ‘beloved’ and so called friends are not in the best of positions right now” he pointed to the 6 uncontious ponies laying around him. “What did you do to them?!” Tiger’s eyes narrowed in a sudden fury. “Hm hm hm hm,” Sol Lune grinned, “let’s just say… they are facing their inner demons right now,” Sol Lune looked down at Apple Jack who appeared to be in a cold sweat. “DON’T YOU TOUCH HER!” Tiger struggled. “My my… that powerful of a feeling hmm?” Sol Lune let his new lance form, and held it up under Tiger’s chin, “I’ll give you one more chance Dusk, and I’m being nice here… normally I’m not that forgiving. We need you the in Darkness, unless you want to see these poor defenseless fillies taken instead? I mean I could save time, take you and Twilight with me to the Master right now, but what’s the fun in that hmm? So… what’s your answer Dusk?” Sol Lune looked up at Tiger again.

---Inside the Darkness---

“Remember when Tiger disappeared?” the Untruth asked Apple Jack, “we sat there wonderin why the hay he ran away, and without so much as a word to us”. “He was in a rush, he explained it,” Apple Jack. “He said he didn’t want to say goodbye, such a sweet guy huh?” the Untruth stroked the words fondly, “Ah love him just as much as you do, Ah am you, you know? But as Ah recall another thought passed our minds” her smile curled a little at Apple Jack. “What do ya mean?” Apple Jack was trying to stand up, but found her legs were not responding to her. “What if he thought we were not friends hmm? Remember that? I do recall we were kind of a bully to him,” the Untruth looked straight into Apple Jack’s eyes. “No! Ah was just playn with him and he knows that!” Apple Jack yelled out. “Well if yer so sure, why are ya panicin like that?” the Untruth smiled softly. “It’s not true!” Apple Jack yelled. “Remember? When he started workin at the farm? Ya teased him about the way he couldn’t buck a single apple off the trees, and told him he was lazy, and Ah do recall it pretty well, aren’t we the guilty party here?” the Untruth asked her words were starting to make Apple Jack cry. “Cryin now?” the Untruth lifted a eyebrow, “guilty as charged huh?” “But… Ah was jus foolin, Ah really liked him…” she stuttered, “Ah.. Ah didn’t mean to hurt him or nuthin” Apple Jack looked down at the floor. “Ya told ourselves that every night before ya went to sleep for a month,” the Untruth laughed, “a pathetic attempt at askin for forgiveness?” “…” Apple Jack couldn’t find her words, had she really hurt Tiger Dusk as much as her reflection was telling her?

---Elsewhere inside the Darkness---

“Oww… that was quite the doozy,” Pinky Pie groaned as she looked around, “where am I?” she asked. “Oh it’s you,” came a depressed voice from underneath Pinkie Pie as she realized she was standing on top of a large mirror. “Wha…?” Pinkie Pie’s mouth opened wide as she saw the reflection of her slide up in front of her. “Who are you?” Pinkie Pie tilted her head. “I’m you silly!” the reflection imitated Pinkie’s cheerful voice, but retained her gloomy disposition. This version of Pinkie Pie had her hair down, it was not bubbly, and her face was frowning. “You’re me?” Pinkie Pie backed away slowly. “Are you afraid? Pinkamena?” she sighed, “I am the Element of Depression” “Why are you so sad?” Pinkie Pie asked nervously. “You should know Pinkie, we are the same,” the Depression crept in closer towards Pinkie Pie. “…” Pinkie Pie stumbled backwards and was now looking up at the Depression who was looming over her. “Parties are a great way to make friends… yes,” the Depression looked down at Pinkie, but then added, “but what if they are just attending cause they take pity on you?” “Pity?” Pinkie Pie asked softly, her hair had gone down. “Yes, your friends might be pretending that they like you, and don’t try to refuse that… we both know you have thought about that! Remember how you reacted to a simple surprise birthday party?” the Depression almost looked as if she were about to cry. “But… but they did that surprise party for me!” Pinkie Pie remembered. “It still doesn’t change the fact… that we doubted our ‘friends’ after that somewhere at the back of your mind, you thought about how they might have reacted to our untrust…”

---Still elsewhere inside the Darkness---

“Help…someone!” Fluttershy called out. “No one’s gonna come and help a weak pony like you!” Fluttershy’s eyes opened wide as she jumped up into the air. “You’re always so quiet and you even end up being rude when someone asks for your name!” her voice seemed to angrily yell back at her. “But.. “ Fluttershy was scared, where was this voice coming from? “I’m down here, you sad excuse for a Pegasus pony!” an angry looking version of Fluttershy stood there as she crawled up to the surface in front of Fluttershy. “I am the Element of Rudeness,” she tossed her hair and glared at Fluttershy. “But.. I don’t mean to be rude, I want to be kind,” Fluttershy had tears in her eyes already. “Sure sure sure, that’s what you spout all the time right?” the Rudeness laughed mockingly, “and lemme guess, you act all shy cause you don’t like other ponies paying attention to you right?” “…” Fluttershy was quiet. “I think you actually like the attention,” the Rudeness got closer with an intimidating look on her face. Fluttershy curled up into a ball and hiccupped a small cry. “Remember when Rarity sprung us that job?” “Bu..but I didn’t like it one bit,” Fluttershy’s voice came out small. “See? Not only are you rude, you’re ungreatful!” the Rudeness yelled at Fluttershy. “Rarity wanted that job more than anything else and what do you do? You UPSTAGE her and later REFUSE the job!” the Rudeness turned around and huffed, “I can’t even look at you!” “But…Rarity understood,” Fluttershy said quietly, “and it was a big misunderstanding that could have easily been avoided if we just told each other the truth at the beginning”. “Oh don’t get all holier than thou on ME!” the Rudeness turned back around.

---Still elsewhere inside the Darkness---

“This place is so dreary..” Rarity sniffed, “I must find my way out of here!” “Always thinking about yourself hmm?” Rarity heard a familiar voice. “Who’s there! It’s very impolite to sneak up on a lady!” Rarity looked around. “I am the Element of Greed,” the Greed rose slowly from the ground that Rarity realized was a mirror. “But enough about me Rarity, let’s talk about you!” the Greed walked over to Rarity and smiled. “Greed?” Rarity looked appalled, “I am not greedy!” “Oh please Rarity, you can fool the other ponies, but you can’t fool yourself,” the Greed said smugly as she examined her hoof for any imperfections. “What are you talking about?” Rarity looked insecure. “Remember when we wanted every single Pegasai in Cloudsdale to look at our … beautiful wings?” the Greed grinned as Rarity’s mouth slowly opened in surprise. “Now now Rarity, heh heh, it isn’t very lady like to gawk like that,” the Greed laughed curtly. “But…I apologized to Rainbow after that!” Rarity protested, “I understood that what I did was wrong, I should have been supporting her rather than showing off my… beautiful wings,” she thought about the wings again. “See? Even now you think about those wings and how much admirers you had,” the Greed giggled. “But…” Rarity started. “You went further as to have a tinge of jealousy am I wrong?” the Greed was relishing this conversation. Rarity collapsed, unable to bare the words that rang true… but something just felt wrong about all of this.

---Still elsewhere inside the Darkness---

“Hahhhhh!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she tried to fly as fast as she could to get out of the Darkness. “Where is every pony!” she called out. “Why do you care?” came a reply that sounded remarkably like her own voice. Out from underneath Rainbow Dash, a ripple in the mirror she was flying over appeared. From the ripple another Rainbow Dash flew out, and stopped in front of her. “Girlfriend, we need to talk… about number one” she grinned. “Huh?” Rainbow Dash slowly flew back to the ground. She was stunned that another pony that looked exactly like her had appeared. “Can’t get enough of me? Hay yeah, neither can I” the Rainbow Dash doppelganger flew down to meet face to face with Rainbow. “They call me the Element of Vanity,” she pointed to herself and a proud smile. “Ok… but how does that get me out?” Rainbow Dash asked the Vanity. “Why are you in such a hurry to get outta here anyways? You’re with number one! Yourself!” the Vanity grinned. “But I need to go and rescue my friends! They might be in trouble!” Rainbow Dash started to flap her wings to fly forward, but was stopped by the Vanity. “Are you really worried about them? Or do you just wanna show off your stuff like you always do?” the Vanity smirked. “What the hay? I’m no show off!” Rainbow Dash frowned at the Vanity. “Oh? Ever so loyal right? What about that time when we wanted those tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?” the Vanity shrugged, and remember how we treated Apple Jack during the fall of the leaves? I mean, I like to win sure, but even I think we cheated just a bit, but hay I got no problem with that, gotta keep the appearance up for Cloudsdale’s number one best young flyer right?” “But…” Rainbow Dash stopped. “I mean we could be modest…but hay we’d end up like Fluttershy right?” “Hay don’t go and insult Fluttershy like that!” Rainbow Dash glared at the Vanity. “I’m just voicing your thoughts ya silly filly,” the Vanity laughed.

---Outside---

“So what’s the answer Dusk?” Sol Lune asked again. “…”Tiger struggled a little, he watched as tears started to run down Apple Jack’s cheeks. “Either way my Master wins you know,” Sol Lune smirked. (What am I going to do?) Tiger winced at his options. He watched as his friends twitched in what seemed to be pain. Twilight wasn’t in any better condition. She was rolling from side to side as she let out a small groan.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 15

Chap 15

“Why are you doing this Sol Lune?” Tiger gritted his teeth, “is it revenge? Is it cause I let you die?” “what do you mean Dusk?” Sol Lune looked surprised. “When we went to Hoofington, I went into the Darkness Mirror, but when I came back out you were already dead, I was too late,” Tiger struggled in his binds. “…I never thought of you as coming out too late my dear friend,” Sol Lune looked at him, “why would I want revenge on you? We were the best of friends you and I!”. It might have been the room that Tiger was in but it felt exactly the same as that day he had entered the Darkness Mirror for the first time. He cried out as he felt the familiar feeling claw at his heart.

---Somewhere in the Darkness---

“Dear Twilight Sparkle, please do not try to struggle so much!” this time it was not a copy, but something far more sinister. “Stop!” Twilight cried out, her hooves had sunk into the mirror as if they had trekked in mud. “Twilight Sparkle, do you realize you are a Pony with a very strong affinity for the night?” the Darkness seemed to slither around Twilight. “Why does that matter at all?” Twilight struggled to get her hooves out. “You will be one of the strongest allies as we take over Equestria, we the Darklings,” it gripped her leg and started to drag her further down into the mirror. “No… HELP!!!” Twilight cried out.

---Outside---

“…” Tiger looked at his friends, and then at Apple Jack, “ALRIGHT!” he yelled. “What?” Sol Lune looked at him. “Ok…I’ll give up, but on ONE condition,” Tiger had tears in his eyes, “you let them all go, every pony”. “You do realize we’ll just end up catching them again,” Sol Lune shrugged. “…I know,” Tiger closed his eyes. “Well if that’s what you wish old friend,” Sol Lune clapped his hooves and the binds released on Tiger. Sol Lune then with a swift movement pushed his right front hoof against Tiger’s chest. “Uh…” Tiger gasped as a bright light filled the room. It swirled around the room in the colors of a prism. The light flew down to the uncontious fillies. “Come along now Dusk, you are back where you belong,” Sol Lune smiled as he helped up a limp Tiger Dusk onto his back. Tiger’s eyes were blank, and a slight dark tinge had covered his whole body.

---Somewhere in the Darkness---

“You let her go now!” cried a voice. Twilight’s ears twitched. There was a bright flash, and there stood a mirage of Tiger. “What?” the Darkling hissed as he tried to attack the image. “Twilight…you have to belive in yourself if you want to get the elements back, Twilight you must belive in your own magical ability,” Tiger’s voice echoed, “I am leaveing you with my element of Friendship,” Tiger tossed a purple, sword down in front of Twilight. “…I can no longer fight, please tell Apple Jack, I am sorry,” he said softly as he disappeared. “WHAT? TIGER NO!” Twilight yelled. “Hehe.. now where were we?” the Darkling turned its attention back to Twilight. “You won’t win!” Twilight’s horn started to glow. The glow seemed to surround the purple sword, as it was lifted from the ground. She then slashed with all her might at the Darkling. “What?!” it gasped as the familiar cinders flew up in front of it. “I am the element of MAGIC,” Twilight’s eyes glowed as the whole room started to shatter.

---Elsewhere in the Darkness---

“Rainbow, I think we’re gonna have to take a rain cheque on that race,” Tiger’s mirage had appeared in between Rainbow Dash and the Vanity. “Just who the hay do you think you are?” the Vanity growled. “Rainbow Dash, you might like to show your stuff… but I also know you are the most loyal pony I know!” Tiger looked at Rainbow Dash who blushed. “Don’t listen to this fake,” Tiger tilted his head over his shoulder, “if you’re good at something you don’t have to show it off, it’ll show itself instead”. Tiger’s mirage started to shimmer as his head bowed, he seemed to be tired. “Tiger?” Rainbow Dash tried to help him from falling over, but felt nothing. “I leave you my element of Friendship,” he replied in a soft voice as a light blue shield dropped in front of Rainbow Dash. “Good he’s gone! Now we can get back to talking about how awesome we are!” the Vanity smirked. Rainbow Dash looked at the shield and saw her reflection, her true reflection, “I never keep my friends hanging, you know that if you are really me!” Rainbow Dash glared at the Vanity as she strapped the shield to her right front leg and flapped up into the air. She then started to glide down at an amazing speed. She became a rainbow streak as she crashed through the Vanity as well as the mirror. The room shattered. “Tough luck, I am the Element of Loyalty ya know”.

---Still elsewhere in the Darkness---

“Miss Rarity,” Tiger’s mirage looked up at Rarity who was crying. “Ti..Tiger?” Rarity tried to retain her composure. “Who has made you cry fair Rarity?” Tiger’s mirage looked behind him to find the Greed sneering back at him. “Rarity, I know you are a generous pony!” Tiger’s voice echoed, “you offered to help someone you didn’t know, and even listened to his troubles and offered advice as well,” Tiger seemed to be struggling to keep his contiousness. “Tiger? What is the matter?” Rarity gasped as she felt her hoof pass through his image. “I am such a foal..” Tiger closed his eyes, “I shouldn’t have run away, I could have met more friends like you, and I could have told Apple Jack my feelings sooner, but now..” tears slipped his eyes, “Rarity… I leave you my element of Friendship,” his voice shook. As his image disappeared a pure white bow and arrow dropped to the ground. They shimmered like gem stones. “I wonder how much those would sell for?” the Greed laughed mockingly. “YOU WILL NOT! I REPEAT NOT LAUGH AT THIS GENEROUS GIFT!” Rarity’s eyes flashed angrily as she lifted the bow and arrow with her magic. A dark shadow seemed to appear from the Greed and lunged towards Rarity. Rarity took aim with the arrow and launched it from the bow. A bright light shone from the arrow as it hit its mark and flew further then a shooting star into the Darkness, shattering the room. “That will show you, you ruffian! I am the element of Generosity”

---Still elsewhere in the Darkness---

“Fluttershy!” Tiger’s mirage stood in front of a quivering Fluttershy, “you are a really kind pony, I said it before but be proud of who you are, and don’t be afraid to show a little pride in yourself” he said as he turned around and frowned at the Rudeness. “Ponies who are kind, are always taken advantage of,” Tiger started, “but that’s where you have to draw the line Fluttershy. Being pushed around just isn’t cool,” Tiger’s image shivered as he stumbled a little. “Oh Tiger! Are you ok?” Fluttershy ran to his side to find that he wasn’t really there. “Fluttershy, keep that kindness in your heart… always,” Tiger smiled as he said, “I leave my element of Friendship”. He disappeared as bright yellow feather fan fell to the ground. “T..tiger” Fluttershy’s eyes filled with tears as he held her hooves up to wipe them away. “Still crying? You pathetic pony!” the Rudeness laughed. “I am kind! I love all my friends! AND YOU WON’T SAY OTHERWISE!” Fluttershy’s voice echoed and made the Rudeness’s eyes open wide in shock. Fluttershy grabbed the fan in her mouth and waved it with all her might. A strong wind filled with images of butterflies flew through the wind and blew the Rudeness away, which also seemed to shatter the room. “Everyone needs a bit of the element of kindness in their hearts… even you”

---Still elsewhere in the Darkness---

“Hey! YOU LEAVE PINKIE PIE ALONE!” Tiger’s mirage seemed to growl at the Depression. “Tiger?” Pinkie Pie looked up at him. “Pinkie Pie, remember when we were small? You’d always have those awesome parties. I had just moved into PonyVille and I didn’t know anyone, and you were there introducing me to everyone,” Tiger laughed, “we had the greatest party that night and we all laughed at the awesome jokes and pranks you pulled”. “Tiger..” Pinkie Pie’s eyes filled with happy tears. “You aren’t alone Pinkie Pie,” Tiger heaved a little and huffed as he almost seemed to fall over. “TIGER!” Pinkie Pie cried out as she ran to him. “You have some awesome friends, don’t ever doubt that Pinkie Pie, come on.. you gotta laugh, it just isn’t like you to be sad like this,” Tiger smiled, “I leave you my element of Friendship” he said as his mirage disappeared leaving behind a pink sling shot with a glowing cupcake in it. “Oooh, pretty!” Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves together, than got serious as her hair inflated into the normal bubblyness. “How do you know what he said was true?” the Depression asked. “Cause he is my friend too!” Pinkie Pie grabbed the sling shot. “Have one… on me!” Pinkie Pie fired the cupcake at the Depression’s face. The cupcake splattered all over the Depression’s face, crumbs flying into the air. “Hee.. hehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!” Pinkie Pie rolled on the ground laughing at the expression on the Depression’s face. The room seemed to shatter as the Depression faded. “Come again and party with me! We’ll have a lot of fun since I carry the element of LAUGHTER!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

---In the Darkness---

“Apple Jack!” Tiger’s mirage ran to his love’s side. “Ti..tiger? Oh … please don’t hate me,” Apple Jack tried to hold him, but her arms passed through. “Apple Jack? Why do you think I hate you?” Tiger’s eyes were looking drowsy. “Because Ah bullied ya so much when we were little ponies,” Apple Jack started to cry. “No way… my love… I knew you were just kidding around those times and to tell you the truth I didn’t mind it at all.. since it was the cutest pony doing that to me,” Tiger looked straight into Apple Jack’s eyes, “I don’t know who told you these lies, but they aren’t the truth that’s for sure!” Tiger turned around and glared at the Untruth, “you may look like my love… but you lack what makes her so special! She’s an honest pony! She works hard, and I love her,” Tiger yelled with all he could muster from his very soul. “Tig…” Apple Jack’s lips quivered. “Apple Jack, don’t you dare listen to her, I hate liers,” he growled. “I’ll give you my element of friendship Apple Jack”. He did not disappear this time, Instead a glowing light appeared in his hooves as an orange whip formed in them. It flew over to Apple Jack and she took it. “You know I love you right Apple Jack?” Tiger looked at her. “Ah do, and Ah love you too Tig! Ah know that’s the honest truth!” Apple Jack swung the whip around in the air and cracked it on the Untruth causeing her to scream as she disappeared. A warm light surrounded Tiger and Apple Jack. “What happened to you Tiger?” Apple Jack tried to touch him again. “…” he nuzzled her as his image faded a little. “Keep the element close to your heart Apple Jack, and never forget I love you,” his eyes started to close as the image faded away. “Tiger?” Apple Jack’s eyes grew wide in shock, “TIGER!!”

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 16

Chap 16

Apple Jack’s eyes opened. “Uhn…” she groaned as she saw all her friends standing in front of her, looking at her worriedly. “Wakey wakey Apple Jack!” Pinkie Pie smiled as she helped her up. “Wh..where’s Tiger?” she looked around and saw her friend’s eyes turn downcast. “…So it wasn’t a dream huh?” Apple Jack looked down at the ground and found the glowing orange whip along with her hat. “He… he,” Twilight started but couldn’t find the words, instead she looked at her purple sword and replied, “we’ll get him back AJ”. “That cosharn foal..” Apple Jack closed her eyes angrily, “why’d he go and do that! He promised!” “Apple Jack… he wanted to help us,” Fluttershy said in a small voice. “Now we so gotta help him!” Rainbow Dash held her right hoof up, the one which had the shield. “Yer right…after that Ah’m gonna tan his flank,” Apple Jack declared as she grabbed her hat and straightened it up on her head. She grabbed the whip and rolled it up and put it in her saddle pack. “Which way do ya think they went?” Apple Jack asked. “Well the stairs would be a good start would it not?” Rarity asked. “Oh… right,” Apple Jack smiled sheepishly. The six traveled up the stairs and found themselves in the courtyard of Canterlot castle. At this point Pinkie Pie had realized, “hey! That meany meany dark stuff isn’t around here anymore!” “My gosh, you are right Pinkie Pie!” Rarity looked around only to find the pale sky and the ivory color. “Then … the place we were in!” Twilight exclaimed. “Mus have been that Darkness Mirror Tig was talkin about,” Apple Jack muttered. “I totally rocked it!” Rainbow Dash grinned proudly. “Umm..we all did,” Fluttershy added modestly. “Hmm, where do you think we should check first?” Twilight asked. “Do ya think the dungeons?” Apple Jack asked. “I don’t see dungeons on the map though” Twilight examined the map closer. “Ah, I think she’s talking about that place?” Fluttershy pointed at large building that was next to the castle. “But! That was never there before!” Twilight exclaimed. “Must have been the Darkness,” Rainbow Dash answered. “Well let’s git a move on then!” Apple Jack started galloping for the building.

---The Darkness’s throne---

“Here he is Master, Tiger Dusk as you requested!” Sol Lune knelt down and rolled Tiger over onto the floor. Tiger’s eyes were still blank, and it was as if his body had become slightly darker then it was before. “…” the hooded pony seemed very pleased as it hovered across the ground and spun around Tiger Dusk. “Is he really that important?” Sol Lune asked carefully. “Yes…” a quiet, yet cold voice seemed to hiss from under the hood. Sol Lune looked at Tiger, (it’s for the best.. my friend) he thought. Ever since Tiger had reviled what he thought what he had been guilty of, Sol Lune’s head had been filled with a lot of thoughts. (He is my friend…right? And we were Knights of Equestria… fighting off this very Darkness that I wear) Sol Lune looked away. “…” Sol Lune gritted his teeth as he turned to leave. “Where are you going Sol Lune?” the hooded pony’s voice was quiet but it traveled to Sol Lune as if he were next to him. “…To check on the progress of those in tuned with night,” he muttered. “Don’t be too long now. Your friend will be joining you soon,” it seemed to laugh as a hoof from the cloak it wore touched Tiger’s chest. As this happened the dark oily substance seemed to permeate Tiger. Tiger’s body shook violently for a moment, as the orange color from his body seemed to travel to his cutie mark, at the same time the black from his cutie mark traveled outwards coloring him pitch black. Sol Lune shuddered a little without realizing as he left. As he walked down the corridor his horn began to glow. “Hmm..? Intruders in the dungeons…” he murmured to himself, “I am guessing it’s those ponies that Tiger had so much confidence in, and his lover,” Sol Lune stepped his pace up a little. “They will not go far,” Sol Lune said as his body was shrouded in a blue light. He had teleported.

---Dungeons---

“Everypony ok?” Apple Jack exclaimed as she saw several ponies that were locked in cages. “Hey! It’s Apple Jack!” some of the ponies exclaimed. “And look its Twilight you gotta help us please!” “Rainbow Dash came to save us!” “Fluttershy, it’s so great that you came!” “Pinkie Pie!! Let’s have a party after we get the hay out of here!” “Miss Rarity.. it must be a dream come true!” ponies from the cells celebrated. They were all freed with in a flash. “Get going everypony… there are no more shadows outside, so don’t worry!” Twilight pointed to the exit. “Thank you so much!” they cried out as the galloped off. “So you’re all here to ruin the plans hmm?” Sol Lune asked as he appeared in the room. He swung out his new lance and pointed it at the fillies. “Where the hay is Tiger?” Apple Jack glared at Sol Lune who stood there almost indifferent. “He’s joined the Darkness…” Sol Lune looked away. “Why are ya doin this?!” Apple Jack yelled, “wasn’t he your best friend?” “What do you know?” Sol Lune glared at Apple Jack. “Ah’ve loved him since Ah met him when we were little ponies so Ah know plenty!” Apple Jack swung her whip out, as the other ponies took out their gifts from Tiger. “What?” Sol Lune’s eyes grew wide in shock. “Those are the weapons of the founders of the Knights! WHERE DID YOU GET THOSE?” he pointed his lance at all of them. “They were gifts from Tiger…” Twilight held her purple sword up. “He saved us from your dumb Mirror!” Rainbow Dash held her shield up as well. “He left us his friendship, and we are going to get him back,” Rarity held an arrow up. “We’ll show you meany pants what we got!” Pinkie Pie spun her slingshot and joined it up in the air. “I know you have some kindness inside you too Sol Lune… otherwise Tiger wouldn’t have been your friend..” Fluttershy held the fan up. “Hahaha,” Sol Lune laughed mockingly, “what a group, well if you think you can get by me, just TRY IT!” he said as he jumped for the ceiling. He spun upside down and placed his hooves against the surface of the ceiling and pushed himself downwards. “Scatter everypony!” Twilight yelled as she dodged the ferocious lunge from the lance. “Hang on sugar cube!” Apple Jack cracked her whip towards Sol Lune who was thrusting his lance rapidly towards Twilight. The whip cracked against his lance making him stumble for a moment. He glared at Apple Jack at turned towards her. “Very well, you will be first!” Sol Lune yelled as he lunged at Apple Jack who was backing away. The lance was thrust once again. Apple Jack didn’t have much time, but with a quick reaction she managed to tie the whip around the lance’s tip which had stopped right in front of her face. “Grr!” Sol Lune growled as he tried to pull the lance away.  a glowing cupcake hit the side of his head as he was trying this. “Urgh!” he cried out as the frosting covered his eyes. “YAH!” Pinkie Pie cheered. “My turn!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flew up and swooped down with the shield in front of herself as she crashed into Sol Lune and sent him flying outside the open door of the dungeon. “Am I… being defeated?” Sol Lune gritted his teeth as he stood up. “Sol Lune, you are a Knight of Equestria, why do you fight for the Darkness?” Twilight asked pointing the purple sword at him. “That is none of your business Twilight Sparkle!” Sol Lune roared as he swiped his lance at the sword. Sparks flew as the two weapons met. “This lance will be your doom, you silly ponies!” Sol Lune said as he pushed Twilight back. “Twilight!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she swung herself around and waved the fan at her incoming friend. A gentle wind filled with glowing butterflies flew underneath Twilight and buffered her fall. From behind Fluttershy an arrow flew over top of her and landed in front of Sol Lune with a bright flash. “Gah!” he closed his eyes. “Take that you disrespectable Knight!” Rarity huffed. “Yeeeehaw!” Apple Jack reared onto her hind legs and started to charge towards Sol Lune. She whipped the lance from his mouth and landed behind as she whipped the back of his armor. “…” Sol Lune gasped as he felt his armor of Darkness start to crack. “Quit liein to yourself,” Apple Jack said as the armor fell apart.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 17

Chap 17

Sol Lune looked down at the ground in shock, his mind felt cleared. “…” Apple Jack turned and looked at him. “I don’t have the right to ask for forgiveness so instead,” Sol Lune tossed them a metal ring with keys. “The princesses are locked up in the northern tower,” Sol Lune motioned with his head for them to get going. “What are ya gonna do?” Apple Jack asked as she tossed the keys to Twilight. “…I’m gonna go help Dusk,” Sol Lune got up and shone a bright light silver as his real armor covered his body. A light blue cape flew in the wind as he stood there holding a glowing prism lance. “Ah’m commin with ya then,” Apple Jack answered. “But Apple Jack!” Rainbow Dash protested. “Don’t worry sugar cube, if this pony turns face Ah can handle him,” Apple Jack held up her whip. “Alright, we’ll meet up later in the court yard!” Twilight nodded. “We have the same goal… I shall not go back on my word!” Sol Lune motioned for Apple Jack to follow him. Twilight and her group headed in the other direction. “Where in the hay are we goin Sol Lune?” Apple Jack asked. “To the throne room Apple Jack,” Sol Lune looked back at her, “I’ll save him!” “We’ll save him ya mean,” Apple Jack ran beside him. “So you are that filly he was talking about while we were training all those years ago,” Sol Lune looked at Apple Jack. “He talked about me?” Apple Jack blushed. “Only every day,” Sol Lune laughed, “he told me he’d go back to PonyVille one day and tell you his true feelings which I guess did happen”. “Ah shucks..” Apple Jack was blushing furiously now, “all the more reason to rescue him”. “He has a good taste in mares I must say,” Sol Lune said as they ran through the entrance to the throne room. “Dearest Sol Lune…” a cold voice crept into the two’s ears. It was quite dark in the room and neither of them could see anything. “It’s over Lunar Flare!” Sol Lune yelled out. “You’d betray us?” came a hiss. “I do a lot of things!” Sol Lune dashed in the direction of the voice with his lance out in front of him. Sol Lune felt his lance hit something, something rather hard. “Guh?” Sol Lune grunted as he jumped back. “What is it Sol Lune?” Apple Jack asked still trying to make out anything in the darkness. “My lance usually hits the mark,” Sol Lune replied. “Shall I show you what you did hit you foal?” the darkness started to clear in the room. There stood Lunar Flare, and next to him was an armored pitch black pony, with a rather large, dark and glowing purple knight sword out in front of him. “What in tarnation?” Apple Jack gasped, “what did y’all do to him?”. “He’s resumed the form he was meant for,” Lunar Flare chortled as the black armored pony stepped forward reviling his face. It was Tiger Dusk. Tiger’s eyes were cloudy. He had no expression either. His armor looked as if they were made from the darkest dragon scales. “Resumed the form he was meant for? What the hay is that supposed ta mean?” Apple Jack yelled out angrily at Lunar Flare. “So you must be the one that Tiger cherishes,” Lunar Flare curled a smile under his hood, “listen here you foalish filly, Tiger Dusk was a mistake to begin with! Luna created him, but accidently dropped him into something called Sun Tears. He was a pony destined for the purest of pure nights. He will destroy everything in his path… with pure hatred, because I have taken what makes him so strong and turned it in the other direction,” Lunar Flare laughed at his amazing plan. “Tiger won’t do that!” Apple Jack looked at Tiger Dusk who stood there like a statue, “he’s the nicest pony Ah know!” “Apple Jack, wait!” Sol Lune tried to stop Apple Jack from swinging her whip at Lunar Flare. There was a loud crack as the whip hit. “You’ll find that it isn’t quite that easy,” Lunar Flare smirked. The whip had wrapped itself around Tiger’s right hoof. “Tiger git outta the way!” Apple Jack yelled as she tried pulling the whip back. “WATCH OUT!” Sol Lune’s eyes grew wide as he jumped in front of Apple Jack and received a buck to the side of his helmet. “Guhah!” Sol Lune’s head reared back as he flew back. “SOL LUNE!” Apple Jack cried out as she ran to his side. “He’s fast,” Sol Lune got up and pointed his lance at Tiger. “What?” Apple Jack’s eyes grew wide. “Stay back miss Apple Jack, this is a duel between Knights!” Sol Lune’s eyes flashed a familiar green. Tiger stared blankly at Sol Lune. “My lance will pierce your darkness Tiger!” Sol Lune cried out as he charged at him. “Be gone,” Tiger’s voice was cold as ice as he sank into the shadows and appeared above Sol Lune with his sword poised downwards. “What?” Sol Lune gasped as he had barely a second to dodge the blade. “He can manipulate the shadows to his own will?” Sol Lune looked at Tiger who resumed a fighting position. “Very well, we’ll see how you handle this!” Sol Lune jumped as high as he could. “…”Tiger looked up yet again without any expression. “Haaaaaaa!” Sol Lune roared as he flew down towards Tiger with his lance pointed out in front of himself. A bright light seemed to envelop Sol Lune as he flew faster and faster. His lance met Tiger’s purple sword. Light seemed to splash around the room, then instantly dimmed as Tiger swung his sword giving Sol Lune only but a moment to block the slash. “This is bad,” Sol Lune muttered.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 18

Chap 18

Twilight opened the door at the top of the stairs, and saw the two princesses looking back at them. “Princess!” Twilight cried out as she ran over to Princess Celestia and nuzzled her. “My prized student!” “How did you defeat Sol Lune?” Luna asked shocked. “The darkness left him after we used Tiger’s Elements of friendship,” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down as Twilight unlocked the cells. “What about your own?” Celestia asked surprised. “…The Darkness has them,” Twilight winced. “But we’ll get em back for sure you can count on it!” Rainbow Dash pitched in. “I can feel the presence of a great hatred sister..” Luna cut into the conversation. “So it has happened…” Celestia bit her lower lip. “Umm.. if you don’t mind me asking, what has?” Fluttershy asked. “We’ll explain on the way!” Celestia started for the door, “hurry! We must get the Sun and the Moon in their respectable positions!” “I am right behind you sister!” Luna followed behind. “I wonder how Tiger and Apple Jack are fairing?” Rarity asked as she followed Twilight. “They should be alright…I hope”.

---Throne Room---

“Ugh..” Sol Lune collapsed to the ground. “Tig stop this!” Apple Jack cried out with tears in her eyes. “…” Tiger stood before Sol Lune with his front hooves raised ready to stomp him into oblivion. “He cannot hear you,” Lunar Flare laughed yet again. “Then Ah’ll MAKE HIM!” Apple Jack rushed towards Tiger. Tiger disappeared with the shadows and appeared behind Apple Jack. He was about to bring the sword down on her when somewhere deep at the back of his mind told him to stop. He closed his eyes tightly and shook his head, only to open his eyes to Apple Jack’s eyes. “Ah know yer in there Tig..” she leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck into a close hug. “…” Tiger seemed to wince, the warmth was pushing back the darkness. “You will not mess up my plans!” Lunar Flare roared as he spun the dark substance around his hooves and launched them at Apple Jack, hitting her in the back over and over. “Ah… Ah can take it!” Apple Jack winced in pain. Tiger shook his head as if pleading for Apple Jack to move. “As long as Ah’m with ya Tig.. Ah feel like I can do anything,” she smiled weakly as she felt her legs give way. “NO!” Sol Lune yelled. “…” Tiger watched as Apple Jack fell to the floor. “A…A…Apple Jack..” Tiger’s voice came out raspy. “Wake up you FOAL!” Sol Lune yelled, “you’re love is fighting with all her might and you are just STANDING THERE!” Tiger Dusk turned his head to Sol Lune as tears fell from his eyes. His face had an expression. “VERY WELL YOU USELESS PONIES!” Lunar Flare screamed as he flew across the floor and rammed his hoof into Tiger’s chest. “AHHHHHHHHHH!” Tiger felt as if a claw was reaching and tearing something from inside. “I’LL DO IT MYSELF!” Lunar Flare seemed to be drawing all the darkness from Tiger. Sol Lune struggled to stand, but could not, his fight with Tiger had proven to be too much for him. “Now, it is MINE!” Lunar Flare laughed as wings flew from his back. He flapped them powerfully and left the room with a thunderous crash through the ceiling. “Tiger!” Sol Lune called out as he tried to drag himself over to his friend who was sitting next to Apple Jack in almost a catatonic state. “…Apple Jack” Tiger whispered. His orange color had returned to his body, but his mane had turned pure white along with his cutie mark. Sol Lune had made it over. He checked Apple Jack’s pulse and looked up at Tiger, “She’s alive!” “!” Tiger stared at Sol Lune. Tiger leaned closer to Apple Jack. “…I’m so sorry,” he whispered and kissed her. “Yer always appologizin Tig,” Apple Jack let out a soft laugh. “Apple Jack!” Tiger held her close. Tears falling freely from his eyes down his cheeks as he felt Apple Jack’s arms wrap around him as well. “What are we going to do?” Sol Lune asked after the two had their reunion. “He’s taken…whatever it was he wanted from me,” Tiger realized he felt as if something was missing. “We gotta stop him!” Apple Jack tried to stand up but started to fall again, this time Tiger was there to catch her. “I don’t think any of us are in any position to move,” Tiger said quietly. “That is why I am here Tiger Dusk,” a soft moon beam seemed to shine in from the hole that Lunar Flare and left in the ceiling. “You are… Princess Luna!” Tiger had turned his attention towards the door way. “Yes my night child,” Luna walked forward. “How are the others?” Apple Jack asked. “They are with my sister right now. She is trying to bring the sun in, but as it is only the moon seems to be able to shine in at the moment,” Luna looked worriedly at the sky. “Ugh, if I could only get up!” Sol Lune gritted his teeth. “I’m so pathetic,” Tiger closed his eyes tightly. “And why do you say that child?” Luna asked as she got closer. They noticed for the first time that she was in her full Ailcorn size. She was almost as tall as Celestia. “I am a mistake, somehow I knew something was strange about me, ever since I was little,” Tiger started, “and I tried to make the best of it…but even in the end I went and messed it all up, and in the process the one I love got hurt”, Tiger looked sadly at Apple Jack, who frowned back at him. “Are ya done feelin sorry for yourself?” Apple Jack huffed. “Huh?” Tiger looked back. “So what if ya messed up? We all make mistakes, it’s what ya take from em that makes ya that makes ya so much more,” Apple Jack lifted an eyebrow, “and ya weren’t that strange as a little colt, ya were jus a little clumsy and a little lazy” she giggled. “Hey…” Tiger started. “Such a beautiful flower has bloomed even in the midst of night,” Luna smiled. “Huh?” Apple Jack asked. “Friendship is one thing my little pony… but love is something much deeper. It is as beautiful as a blossoming flower,” Luna explained and then asked, “what are your wishes?” Tiger looked at Apple Jack, then at Sol Lune. The looks they gave him was the answer he had in mind as well. “I wish to protect Equestria, so that I may be able to watch sun sets with my love Apple Jack, and to be able to catch up with my best friend Sol Lune” Tiger answered. “Very well,” Luna smiled as she opened her wings which were a dark ink blue. They were filled with stars as far as the eye could see. It was as if she carried the night sky inside of her wings. A gentle moon light started to sparkle from her wings towards the group. It was so gentle and warm. They felt their bruises and scratches starting to go away. “…Thank you princess,” Tiger said with gratitude in his voice. “Tiger, just remember one thing,” Luna looked at him in the eye with warning. “Don’t let him confuse you with hatred, you have the element of love in your heart,” Luna smiled. “Love,” Tiger repeated. “It’s what I gave you,” Luna smiled, “and Apple Jack, please… look after him? He still has a lot to learn from the looks of it,” “Sure thing Princess,” Apple Jack tipped her hat. “You have my gratitude Princess,” Sol Lune bowed. “I shall take my leave then… I must help my sister,” Luna retracted her wings and left the group. “Were do you think he went?” Sol Lune asked. Tiger’s eyes went wide for a second. “Tig?” Apple Jack looked at him. “I can think of one place…” Tiger Dusk motioned for them to follow him, “PonyVille”.

Dusk in PonyVille Chapter 19

Chap 19

“Why PonyVille?” Apple Jack asked as they exited the throne room and entered the great hall that she and Sol Lune had rushed through earlier. “It’s a precious place to me, and if I know anything he’s trying to make me hate him… he’s going to try and destroy it” Tiger said as he picked up his paceing. “So he can make you into that dark pony again,” Sol Lune muttered. “Yeah… that’s what I was thinking, because if he did anything like that I would never be able to forgive him!” Tiger said as he opened the door at the end of the hall and into the courtyard. There at the center Princess Celestia and Luna were surrounded by the others. “Apple Jack, you’re ok!” Rarity rushed over and gave her friend a hug. “Aww shucks Rarity, ya didn’t have to worry over nuthin,” Apple Jack smiled. “Is that Tiger?” Fluttershy asked a little surprised at the white mane that Tiger was sporting now. “Yeah… it’s a long story,” Apple Jack sighed. “What’s happenin here?” Apple Jack asked quietly realizing that the princesses were deep in concentration. “They are trying to call the sun back,” Twilight answered as she hugged Apple Jack too “we have to help them. We were just waiting for you AJ”. “Tig…” Apple Jack looked at Tiger who nodded, he understood how important it was. “Sol Lune, let’s get a move on!” Tiger’s gold armor appeared once again. “Tiger, please take our friendship with you!” Twilight looked at the others as they held the weapons that Tiger had given them up in the air. Bright lights shone from all of them as they started to fly around Tiger. A familiar broad sword that was glowing like a prism shone in front of him. “Come back in one piece, ok?” Apple Jack nuzzled and kissed Tiger. “You have my word,” Tiger said as he held Apple Jack tightly once more before letting go to grab the sword. “We are going to party after this!” Pinkie Pie yelled out. “Of course!” Tiger held the sword up. “And don’t worry Rainbow, we’ll have that race… this time I’ll be 20% faster,” Tiger grinned, “let’s go Sol Lune!” Sol Lune nodded as his silver armor appeared along with his prism lance. The two ran as fast as their hooves to carry them. “Just like old times eh Dusk?” Sol Lune asked. “Yeah, just like old times, let’s kick some flank!” Tiger’s cape flew in the wind next to Sol Lune’s.

---PonyVille---

“This is where I shall start!” Lunar Flare exclaimed as he landed at the center of the deserted PonyVille. “Like hay you will!” Sol Lune yelled as he and Tiger had just entered the town. “This is the end for your Darkness Lunar Flare!” Tiger pointed his glowing sword at Lunar Flare. “So it’s a fight you want?” Lunar Flare laughed, “what a pathetic attempt… sending but only two Knights, Equestria must be desperate!” he mocked as he tossed off his cloak reviling a pony orange pony with black swirls around his body. “But if it’s really a fight you want… I shall oblige!” his eyes shone a bright red as a large scythe formed in front of him as his wings flapped out. “Let’s go Sol Lune!” Tiger started to charge his sword at the ready. “Ok!” Sol Lune yelled as he jumped into the sky. The two became streaking lights as they aimed their attacks at Lunar Flare. There was a bright flash, which was quickly dissipated by darkness which seemed to slice through the light. “Please… try harder,” Lunar Flare laughed as he spun his scythe around and positioned himself again. “What was that?” Sol Lune asked as he got back onto his hooves. “It was as cold as when we enter the towns that were afflicted with the Darkness,” Tiger muttered as he got back onto his hooves as well. “We’ll use formation Altair and Vega,” Sol Lune said. “Yeah that’s a good idea,” Tiger nodded. The two of them ran to either side of Lunar Flare and pointed their weapons at him. Tiger started the attack as he charged in with his sword pointed out. “Pathetic!” Lunar Flare roared as he swiped his scythe at Tiger who jumped. “What?” Lunar Flare gasped as he saw Tiger do a somersault with his sword. As this was happening Sol Lune had also charged in. His lance thrusts had caught Lunar Flare off guard. “Grr!” Lunar Flare seemed to growl as the sword sliced into his back. He felt several of the thrusts from the lance come in contact with his body as he started to fall. “Hah!” Tiger roared as he landed and bounced from the position dragging the sword across the ground slashing up then down at Lunar Flare. Then he spun around and added a horizontal slash. Sol Lune followed up with a jump over Tiger Dusk. He then pointed his lance towards Lunar Flare. He then flew down, striking his lance against his target, then flew up into the air. “ALTAIR!” Tiger roared. “VEGA!” Sol Lune yelled as Lunar Flare fell to the ground. “Did we do it?” Sol Lune asked as he landed next to Tiger Dusk. “…” Tiger glared at the rising Lunar Flare and held his sword up again, “no”. “Foalish tricks won’t work so easily against me,” he laughed as he swung his scythe sending what appeared to be a black wind towards Tiger and Sol Lune. The two braced themselves as the wind hit. It was as cold as ice as the two flew back. “We have to free the elements of harmony,” Tiger said quietly. “Do you think that’ll help the Princesses?” Sol Lune asked. “Yes,” Tiger answered, “if we can get the elements of harmony back and send them back over to Apple Jack and the others… I’m sure we can have the sun rise again, and the night will be clear”.

---Canterlot---

“Focus …” Celestia’s face was covered in perspiration as her horn glowed brightly. “Yes sister,” Luna looked equally perplexed. “This is would be much easier if we still had our elements,” Twilight looked worriedly at her mentor. “Twi, we can’t give up, we gotta keep the faith,” Apple Jack said. “But it’s still true, we don’t have our elements,” Rainbow Dash sighed. “What if Tiger helped us find our elements before?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Huh?” her friends looked at her if she was crazy. “I mean, didn’t he come to help us when we were inside the nasty mirror?” Pinkie Pie asked. “And, he reminded us about our elements of harmony,” Fluttershy was starting to get it now. “Let’s give it a try then,” Rarity suggested. The ponies all formed a circle around Princess Celestia and Luna.

---PonyVille---

“This is getting us no where!” Sol Lune said as he dodged a swipe from the scythe. “Just keep it up!” Tiger ducked under the blade as spun around towards him. “It is FUTILE!” Lunar Flare jumped into the air in a tornado of darkness. Suddenly six colors flashed from his chest as he cried out in what appeared to be pain. “Hm..” Tiger smiled, “they did it” “Huh?” Sol Lune looked up at Lunar Flare then back at Tiger. “They? They who? And what did they do?” Sol Lune asked. “The spirits of the elements of harmony,” Tiger replied. “Huh.. you made some pretty interesting friends while I was gone,” Sol Lune said. “We’re all friends Sol Lune,” Tiger said as he positioned himself ready to attack the stunned Lunar Flare. “Yeah, we are” Sol Lune did the same. The two jumped towards Lunar Flare, both their eyes glowing green. “NO! STOP!!!” Lunar Flare screamed as the two attacked with their glowing weapons. The six lights seemed to burst from Lunar Flare as Tiger and Sol Lune landed back onto the ground. “Now… it’s up to them,” Tiger looked up at the sky.

Dusk in PonyVille Final Chapter

Chap 20

---Canterlot---

“They freed the elements!” Luna gasped as the lights from the elements of harmony flew towards the 6 fillies. “Tig.. ya did it!” Apple Jack smiled as she felt her element return to her. “Let’s do this!” Twilight looked at her friends as the elements sunk back into their owners. Their golden necklaces appeared once again. Twilight had the crown as her eyes shone. “That’s it my student…” Celestia watched as a torrent of rainbow energy gently surrounded her. “I shall do the rest!” Celestia’s eyes were glowing now as well. The light around her horn instantly intensified. With that Celestia jumped into the air and spread her wings out. A light so bright, that no pony could look at with their eyes seemed to flash from Celestia. With that, the monotone color of the sky seemed to shatter as far as the eye could see. As this happened, the warm rays of sunlight started to shine back down on Equestria. Color flooded through the whole world like a wave.

---PonyVille---

“Hahah!” Sol Lune laughed in joy as he saw the sky turn blue. “The nightmare is finally over,” Tiger Dusk sighed, but gasped suddenly as Lunar Flare was in front of him. “You.. think it’s over do you Tiger Dusk?” he’s eyes flashed fiercely. “It is Lunar Flare!” Celestia’s voice echoed as she appeared with Luna and the others. “You were too foalish with the Book of Darkness,” Celestia’s eyes narrowed at Lunar Flare. “I was smart enough to embrace its magic!” Lunar Flare glared at Celestia. “You let it consume your heart!” Luna joined her sister. “It is the ultimate magic! It was mine for the TAKEING!” Lunar Flare laughed as he thrust a hoof into Tiger once more. “Ugh!” Tiger’s eyes opened wide. “TIGER!” Apple Jack cried out. She was about to run for him but was stopped by a wing from Celestia. “I shall deal with this,” Celestia’s wings started to shine once more. “Wha.. what are you doing?!” Lunar Flare hissed. “Doing what I should have done when we first fought,” Celestia’s light intensified. “AHHHHHHHHHH!!” Lunar Flare screamed as the shadows from his body started to vaporize. He let Tiger Dusk go. “Return that gentle night to Tiger Dusk!” Celestia stomped her hooves as Lunar Flare collapsed pathetically to the ground. “N..no!” Lunar Flare shook. His body had shrunk and grown wrinkly and slowly disappearing, he was indeed more than a thousand years of age. “Light… cannot exist without shadow,” Lunar Flare coughed weakly. “You are right,” Celestia walked closer with her light, “but the shadow that a gentle light produces is a gentle darkness, not the malicious type that you have aimed for”. “Ah…” Lunar Flare groaned as he felt his energy leave his tired ancient body. As his body disappeared a soft light was left behind. It floated in the spot for a moment, and if one would take a closer look at it, its color was the same as dusk. “Ah’ve been meaning to ask Princess,” Apple Jack looked causiously at the light, “what exactly did Lunar Flare take from Tiger?” “He took half of Tiger’s spirit, what really makes him complete,” Celestia’s horn started to glow as she lifted the light. “His favorite time of day as he used to say,” Celestia smiled at Tiger Dusk who watched as the light surrounded him. “Ah…” Tiger breathed out as his mane and cutie mark had reverted back to their original black. “How are you feeling buddy?” Sol Lune asked. “Like a new pony!” Tiger got up and posed. “YEAH!” he cheered, “WE TOTALLY ROCKED!” “Hahahaha” Apple Jack laughed. “See?” Celestia winked, “without that, he just wouldn’t be himself”. “Ah think Ah git it,” Apple Jack giggled as she walked over to Tiger. “Hey there pretty filly,” Tiger nuzzled his love. “Ah missed ya… and Ah was so worried,” Apple Jack nuzzled back. “You did a fine job,” Tiger smiled. “Hay… when your colt friend is a Knight ya gotta live up to it,” Apple Jack winked, “Ah can’t be the princess in distress!” “Though it would be intresting to see you in a dress,” Tiger teased. “SEE?” Rarity found the opportunity to break into the conversation. “I.. I was only joking!” Tiger waved his hooves out in front of himself. He knew how much Apple Jack didn’t like ‘formal attire’. “Ah guess… just for one night,” Apple Jack smiled. “Huh?” Tiger’s eyes grew wide. “And we can TOTALLY have it at the PARTY!” Pinkie Pie bounced around them. “Sounds like a plan Dusk,” Sol Lune grinned, “you sly pony… you got all the fillies wrapped around your hooves”. “Hay no…” Tiger blushed, “Apple Jack here is the only filly for me” “Aww… that’s so cute!” Twilight giggled. “Hay Sol Lune, are you as fast as Tiger?” Rainbow Dash asked him. “Heh, I could beat him in my sleep!” Sol Lune grinned. “Really?” Tiger looked at him with a lifted eye brow. “Yeah,” Sol Lune smirked. “Fine… after the party, you, me and Rainbow!” Tiger smirked back. “YEAH!!! THIS IS GONNA BE… SO …. AWESOME!” Rainbow Dash’s voice squeaked with excitement. “Umm I’ll cheer,” Fluttershy smiled. “Alright then! It is settled!” Rarity declared. “Of course the Princesses are invited as well!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Pinkie Pie! Mind your manners!” Rarity gasped. “It’s quite alright Rarity,” Princess Celestia smiled. “A party would be most delightful,” Luna nodded.

---The next day---

Ponies had come back to PonyVille and had started a celebration. Streamers and balloons flew everywhere. Pinkie Pie, Apple Jack and Tiger had worked hard earlier in the morning to bake one of the biggest cakes that PonyVille had ever seen. Apple Jack had gone home a little after that and had put on a really classy dress that Rarity had made especially for her. Tiger had put on his tuxedo and was waiting by the gates of PonyVille, it was just past afternoon. “Sorry Ah’m late sugar Tig,” Apple Jack walked up to him, “it’s just darn hard to walk in this thing,” Apple Jack explained. “My gosh,” Tiger breathed as he looked at her, she had a fine white dress and her hair was down rather than the usual pony tail, “you look amazing in a dress too Apple Jack”. “Hay remember it’s jus for tonight!” Apple Jack winked at him. The two of them entered the party and started to enjoy. They met up with Rainbow Dash who was performing her new tricks in front of a lot of the town’s ponies. Then they paid their respects to Princess Celestia who was with Luna and Twilight chatting about the magic of Friendship. Fluttershy was conducting her bird choir which sounded very pretty. Tiger bowed to Apple Jack as she awkwardly curtsied back as the two started to dance. Rarity was showing off her latest and greatest dress to many of the fillies which had crowded around her, gasped as she watched the two “it’s so ROMANTIC!” Rarity’s voice squealed as she watched the two. “You dance very well” Tiger said as he held Apple Jack close to him as the music number had come to a end, “ah… well it’s cause you took the lead there Tig,” Apple Jack blushed. Tiger and Apple Jack had finally met up with Pinkie Pie. She could not contain her excitement as she bounced around the two talking about fireworks later that night. Then Tiger and Apple Jack had found Sol Lune who was relaxing in front of sugar cube corner and started to chat and laugh with him, till the sun had started to go down. “Hey Dusk, don’t you have to show your filly friend something?” Sol Lune asked as he nudged Tiger. “What? .. oh yeah!” Tiger realized and thanked Sol Lune. “Hey no problem, I’ll just tell them you are spending some private time together,” Sol Lune smiled as he watched Tiger walk up to Apple Jack. “Hey Apple Jack,” Tiger brushed the back of his mane, “can you come with me for a bit?” “Sure thing Tig, what’s up?” Apple Jack started walking with him towards the exit of the town and down to Sweet Apple Acres. “It’s just something I wanted to show you,” Tiger smiled as they climbed up a hill with a lone apple tree sitting on the top. “Yeah?” Apple Jack smiled back at him. Tiger sat down and leaned his back against the tree and motioned for Apple Jack to sit beside him. “Check it out,” Tiger nodded towards the sun set. “Yer right… it is pretty amazing Tig,” Apple Jack said as she leaned her head against Tiger’s shoulder. “Cause you’re here with me Apple Jack,” Tiger softly kissed the top of Apple Jack’s head. “It’s cause you’re here with me Tiger Dusk,” Apple Jack leaned up and kissed him, “who ever thought that dusk in PonyVille could be so amazing?” Apple Jack snuggled close to him. “I’m just glad to be home,” Tiger smiled, “where I belong… with you Apple Jack”.

~Fin~