Clouds Swallow The Moon

Chapters

Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV (Mature)
Chapter V
Chapter VI (Explicit)
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII (Mature)
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI (Mature)
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII (Explicit)
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV (Mature)
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII (Explicit)

Chapter I

I. Welcome To The Family

“It's not about the destination. It's about the journey to the destination.”

The Moon beamed down on the world, its glory presenting itself in rays of bountiful moonlight. Rays of light rained down on the various cities of Equestria, the Moon showing its elegance to those who lay their eyes on it. Many of ponies often lay dormant to gaze at the bright star in the pitch black sky, appreciating the work their princess does to make the night as beautiful as the day.

While ponies did their most important tasks in the daylight, the night was when they could bask in the cool and mysterious light of the Moon. It was when they could forget the labor of the day and rest their weary eyes under Princess Luna’s watchful eye. They knew they earned their sleep and the princess acknowledged it with relaxing dreams and rejuvenating sleep.

When they wake back up to slave away under the warmth of the Sun, they thank her younger sister for the happy and worry-free dreams that remained uninterrupted so they could rest and carry on with their lives, in their mind, they knew that the princess is always keeping a vigil eye on them.

But lately, ponies look to the Moon and feel abandoned and alone, almost as if Princess Luna turned a blind eye to her subjects. They've been plagued by nightmares beyond imagination, and the Moon feels soulless. It's like the young princess vanished and left her subjects behind…

The halls of Canterlot Castle were dark and silent, the only sound being produced was the clip-clop of many guards patrolling the darkness. Shadows were cast over the halls as the Moon lifted into the night sky, a strange yellow glow encompassing it.

Everyone awake felt weary and fearful, for the shadows the Moon made did not feel like the Lunar Princess’ protective and watchful shadows. Needless to say, everypony that laid an eye on the Moon was overcome with dread.

Something was not right, and the guards that were stationed refused to glance up to the massive star orbiting above them. They already lost a few guards to the dreadful feeling, and they had to be dismissed to their quarters. After that incident, it was made clear to not stare at the Moon for too long.

It doesn't help that nopony saw the younger princess retire to her room. Neither has she reported in for Night Court. Princess Celestia is becoming worried and doesn't have an inkling of where her dear sister could possibly be.

The Solar Princess’ horn deactivated and she gazed up at her sister's brilliant Moon. She felt remorseful for raising the Moon, something she hasn't done since Luna returned from her banishment four years ago. But, since she hasn't seen her sister in days, she was left no choice.

She knew her dear sister will soon return, at least that's what she kept telling herself, but with each passing day the hope in her heart dwindles. It won't be long until the Princess had to take measures that she dared not to in a millenia. But, as the saying goes, drastic times call for drastic measures.

The last time she called upon the organization was when her sister was banished to the Moon. Of course, the original members have long past passed away, but even then, the new members were ones that she could trust. She always inducted new members into the service in case of a dilemma, and if this isn't one, then she doesn't know what is.

Chancing a glimpse at the Moon, she frowned and closed the curtains. Approaching her closet, she opened it and entered, the dark covering her as she crouched down. Opening the latches, she lifted the chest lid up and scowled at the contents. Sighing, her horn lit up with a yellow aura and she levitated the contents over to her bed.

Shutting the chest and re-locking it, exiting the closet and closing the twin doors behind her. Sprawled out on the bed was a firm, but comfortable black cloak. There was a zipper on the chest that led downwards, towards the belly. On the bottom of the hood were two zippers that allowed her to cover her muzzle. Her eyes found the ground for a moment before she slipped her hooves through the long sleeves. After the sleeves clenched her hooves, she put the rest of the cloak on and lifted the hood above her head, zipping it up tightly.

Turning to the bed, she levitated the holster onto her side and strapped it around her midsection and wings, checking to assure it was secured on her body. Picking up the rifle, she opened the chamber and saw there was a single shot inside. Clicking it shut, she slid it into the holster and closed it tight. Finally, she placed her hooves into the knee-high black leather boots and tied the knots, the cloak’s sleeves tucked into the boots.

Walking over to her bedside, she reached under the bed and her hoof brushed against a metal pole. Gripping it with her right hoof, she tugged on it hard and stepped back as the bed began to shift and raise up into the air, dangling above her bed frame. The floor descended into a set of stairs lit up by blue torches and twisting into a spiral staircase. As she stepped down the stairs, the bed returned to its original spot.

As Princess Celestia passed by unlit torches, they flickered to life and burned brightly, lighting the staircase with a small, blue hue. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, there was a narrow hallway aligned with several pathways that led into the passage. On the walls were dozens of swords and shields, the weapons of past foes that dared invoke the wrath of the organization. Many swords had stained blood, others had cracks and broken tips, some even had scorch marks littered on the blade.

Paying no mind to the trophies, she trotted down the hallway into a large throne room, her eyes adjusting to the brightness of the room. There was multiple thrones all centered into a circle, with some low to the ground while others were higher up. Her hoofsteps echoed in the chamber as she spread her wings and jumped up to the main throne, settling down on it. On the hoof-rests were two small buttons. Celestia placed both her hooves on the buttons and closed her eyes, her magical aura swirling around her horn as she concentrated. Furrowing her brows and gritting her teeth, the magic ejected from her horn and down to the center of the room, a small Sun appearing.

Hopping back down onto the floor, she stepped up to the projected Sun and rested a hoof on the top of it. It expanded and revealed an image of Canterlot Castle, with several small blue dots scattered around inside. Activating her horn, she dragged a small line from the center to the various dots, the lines blinking every few seconds. Waiting a minute, she noticed three dots moving towards where her location was. She pressed her hoof on the projection and it faltered before disappearing. Climbing back to her seat, she waited patiently for the members of the secret organization that protected Equestria for many years.

Moonlight XIII.

* * * * * *

Our lips locked together, both of our breaths intercepting each other. My tongue wrestled hers for control, it occasionally flicking across her broad teeth. She shivered as she moaned in my mouth, her hooves exploring my body, finding my wings. Digging her hooves underneath my wings, I blushed as a pang of pleasure shot through my body.

Spreading my wings, she took the opportunity and pulled away from my mouth, a thin strand of saliva connecting our muzzles. She lowered herself on top of me, the rope breaking apart and dropping onto my coat. Flicking her thick tongue across my feathers, my face became hot as she grinned up at me, dragging her tongue across the underside of my wings, my body seizing up as pleasure shot through my mid section.

She lowered her head down the right side of my body to work on my wings and I grabbed the tip of her ear with my lips, nibbling on it gently. She blushed as she let out a little moan. I smiled at her with her ear in between my lips, my tongue swirling around the top of it. Calmly biting the tip with my teeth, I tugged on it slowly. She stopped and smirked, lifting her head to rest it on my chest. She planted her lips on mine for a brief moment before she kissed down the length of my body.

Just before she reached the prize between my haunches, a loud beeping noise rung out from my pendant on the dresser. A few seconds later, the same sound emanated from hers as well. Groaning, she got up off of me and walked over to the pendant, wrapping it around her neck. Sitting up, I waited for my… Well, let's just say I’m waiting for something to retreat back into the trenches.

“Sorry, cowboy. Maybe next time.” She punctuated it with a warm kiss on my lips before she winked and snuck out of the room. Hearing myself groan for the second time that night, I stood up onto my hooves and walked slowly over to my closet. I already knew what that sound was, I just wish I didn't hear it. It's almost as if I’m cockblocked all the time, this one being one of the worst. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Of course, we’ll probably be on a mission, so most likely not. Ugh.

Grabbing the signature cloak, I wiggled my way inside of it and spread my wings so they stuck out of the designated spot. Shoving my hooves inside of the black leather boots, I tied the knots tightly and made sure they were snug against the cloak’s sleeves. Pulling out the holster, I latched it onto my left side, strapping it around my chest and wings. Double checking to make sure that it was secured tightly, I pulled out my pistol.

Rifles were assigned to unicorns because they had the magical ability to actually hold it, shoot, and not drop it due to the horrendous recoil. But, for pegasi and earth ponies, they had to craft the rifles a little differently so they could still use it efficiently and safely. So, while unicorns are better for rifles, the other races can still use them; I’ve seen plenty of ponies try to use it and fail, though. I’m pretty sure that I’m the only one who prefers the pistol, but it just works for me, I learned that when I was in training.

I held the wooden grip in my hoof, the trigger on the top of the gun. See, what you do is, you hold the gun normally but you pull the trigger back on the top and it’ll shoot. Of course, it only holds two shots while the rifles can hold four, but you can honestly reload them in about three seconds if you know how; it took me awhile for me to reload that quick, however. I fumbled around with it in training, that's for damn sure. I kind of handicapped myself using the pistol, though. Whenever I need to shoot, I have to stand up on my hind legs to fire, and balance myself enough to make a precision shot.

I've heard of pegasi taking advantage of their wings and using that to pull the trigger, but the damage they sustained from a single mishap swore me off of ever attempting it. I saw a pegasus in training attempt to do it that way, I think her name was Starsky, and she messed her wings up for awhile; she couldn't use it for months! Unicorns are the lucky ones when it comes to both guns, as they can aim, shoot, and run all without a hitch. Although, guns are exclusive to our organization and are unheard of and do not exist to the general public. I’m surprised we have kept it a secret for this long.

I know much of the roots of Moonlight XIII, my great-grandfather was Captain. He led the organization to hold the line against the Changelings, before the time of Queen Chrysalis. Instead, the Queen was Nefastus. She was ruthless, stopping at nothing to conquer Equestria and put us all into slavery. Supposedly, it was her idea to infiltrate Shining Armor’s wedding and Chrysalis advised against it, instead wanting peace. Well, we know how that turned out… If I only tried harder to convince her...

My family has a deep connection with Moonlight XIII, my ancestors being one of the first leaders to command. He fought in the Lunar Rebellion himself, even dueling with a General! Sadly, he died in that war, leaving his son by himself; he, however, grew up just fine, I've been told. I know that when I have a foal myself, he, or her, will be destined to protect Equestria under the moonlight, just as my great grandfather and ancestors have before me. It may not be the ideal life I have in mind for my child, but… I know they'll be able to defend themselves.

Members of this service are the deadliest soldiers to ever walk this planet. We’re trained in dealing with things that are an anomaly, matters that are borderline supernatural. Eclipse, Moth, and I were once tasked to defend the Element Bearers against King Sombra, and needless to say, we did our job; if you can call getting our asses handed to us on a pristine silver platter ‘doing our job’. Of course, Spike retrieved the Crystal Heart, not to diminish his role in it. And Twilight Sparkle insisted to tag along with us.

Shaking my head, I got back to the task at hoof. Pulling the hood over my head, I zipped it up and approached my bed. Crouching down, I pulled the lever underneath and the bed lifted up and out of the way, the ground shifting and lowering until it transformed into a spiral staircase, blue torches revealing the path. I descended down and the bed returned to its original spot, surely appearing as if nothing ever happened.

Already knowing the way, I trotted down the hallway and into the main chamber, my eyes adjusting to the original bright aura the room is giving off. Inside, mostly everypony was on their seats, a few of them being empty. Paying no mind to their stares, I spread my wings and took flight to my throne, landing safely. Tucking my wings back in, I sat down on my haunches and waited patiently for the last remaining members. Of course, it doesn't help when I have Cheesecake sitting next to me.

“Psst! Hey! Dusk!” She whispered loudly, leaning over so I could hear better. I looked forward and remained silent, ignoring her to the best of my ability. I don't hate any of my fellow comrades, neither do I intend to harm them anytime soon, but Cheesecake is a special exception. To put it into retrospect, she’s another Pinkie Pie; except she is capable of shooting you from miles away with a rifle. That is a very huge difference, if I say so myself. “Hey! Do you know why we’re here? Huh? Do ya’?” She said sporadically.

“No, Cheesecake. I do not. Now, please, shut. Up.” I muttered through gritted teeth, refusing to even glance at her. Although, it was difficult, when her horn is as long as it is. Her horn was longer than a normal Unicorn’s horn, but it was just short a few inches of being as long as Princess Celestia’s horn. That's why Cheesecake is a good shot, but not to say she's incapable of doing it, but she isn't that well trained at close quarters combat.

I hate to admit it, but she has a point. What are we doing here? Surely, with the Elements of Harmony being so close by and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna always keeping an eye on things, there's no way something could have happened. Not to mention that we doubled our security and patrols because of the Changeling attack, so there's no way that they could slip past us. Fluttershy reformed Discord as well. So really, what happened?

I shot a glance over to Eclipse, who somehow must have noticed me looking. She waved halfheartedly at me, and I waved back. Turning her attention to Princess Celestia, I noticed that everypony else arrived. Rolling my head to crack my neck, I gave the princess my full attention; I just hope that whatever is going on isn't too bad.

“Well, everypony has arrived, so we may begin. But, we have a new member among us. Her name is Violet. She has requested that I refrain from revealing her true identity. If you want to know her fully, I suggest you ask her yourself. She will be joining Alpha Squad.” Princess Celestia announced, lifting a hoof to point near me. Cheesecake, Moth, and I were in Alpha Squad. I guess we'll be getting a new member today. Let's just hope she knows what she's doing.

“You all may be wondering why you've been summoned… It’s with a heavy heart that I inform you all of my sister's disappearance. She has been missing for several days, and so far, there has yet to be a clue to be found pertaining to her location. I, however, know of one small piece that may help in deciphering her location. She is not on Equiis. Still, I suggest that you search the land for before taking more… Extreme measures.” She announced before turning to look at me for some reason. What's that supposed to mean? Do I take too many extreme measures or something?

This is a lot of information to take in at once, honestly. A few days have past and she decides to tell us now that the co-ruler of Equestria is missing and hasn't been found, nor has she returned? I wish she told us earlier, maybe we could have stopped it or something… But, what's so important that she had to pick up and leave without informing anypony of it? And that's even if she left of her own accord, she could have been foalnapped for all we know! Celestia, I wish I stayed a normal Royal Guard sometimes.

“Hard Slinger, Imperial March, and Rokë. Prepare to depart. And be careful, my little ponies.” Princess Celestia ordered, saluting to the three ponies that take up Charlie Squad, who saluted in response. Rokë is a changeling, believe it or not, but he enlisted months before the changelings attacked Canterlot. And he fought against them himself. Sure, he still feels conflicted about the incident, but it's the prospect of it. A changeling that is so loyal to Equestria that he decided to fight against his own kind, even though he didn't want to. Good thing we have him on our side; I would hate for his skills in manipulation to be against us.

March is the second member of Charlie Squad, and she is a very hardened mare, one that isn't that from Equestria. She hails from Griffinstone, surprisingly enough, and she grew up fighting in the streets for food. And funnily enough, that's her specialty. She is damned good at close-quarters-combat, and nopony is even close to dethroning her. Princess Luna once challenged her to a wrestling match, and she was lost to March. Princess. Luna. The pony that is known for her prowess in war. Needless to say, Luna is still a little pissed at losing the match, but she appreciates her skill.

Slinger is the final member of Charlie Squad, and he is the leader of it. He is, without a doubt, the single best shot out of all of us, even Cheesecake; who is a pretty amazing shot, if I say so myself. He, unlike March, hails from Stalliongrad, but unlike the stereotype, is very quiet and keeps to himself mostly. I remember he or March or Cheesecake, somepony did, told me that Slinger was being followed by a sniper called the Viper, a crossbow shooting sniper that was from Zebrica. He knew about her and decided it was entertaining, so he kept her alive. Eventually, he grew tired of it and shot her from a mile away right through the scope of her binoculars.

The three ponies, or should I say two ponies and one changeling, hopped down from their pedestals and approached the illuminating sun in the middle of the room, extending their hooves out to touch the glowing projection. Soon enough, white tendrils of the Sun itself protruded out of the ground and snaked around them until it wrapped around the three of them, sections of their bodies flickering until it disappeared. The last thing we see of them is their hoods nodding to each other before they vanished, leaving only Alpha and Bravo Squad in the chamber.

“Solar Eclipse, Midnight Blossom, Starsky Steps, and Forgetful Not. Prepare to depart. And be careful, my little ponies.” Princess Celestia repeated herself, a reassuring smile forming on her muzzle. I turned to look at Forgetful, unable to see his expression under his hood. Forgetful is a stallion that has a very odd profession; he’s capable of torturing ponies to gain information exceptionally well. He’s often sent to the dungeons a lot to interrogate prisoners and find out why they did what they did. And despite the name he has, he has an excellent memory. I found that out myself when he brought up an old conversation we had, word for word.

Starsky is the second member of Bravo Squad and is what I would like to call an excellent scout. She is crucial when our two squads are sent on a search-and-rescue, and she has amazing eyesight and perception. She helped me find Eclipse when I wanted to talk to her for the first time, and I can't even begin to thank her. She's Eclipse’s best friend and talks to her everyday. After she pointed out Eclipse's location for me, I only ever talked to her a few more times, despite Eclipse's wishes for me to talk to her more. What's with marefriends and pushing stallions to talk to ponies?

Midnight is the third member of Bravo Squad and is a vesper, which is the scientific term for ‘bat-pony’, which makes her an excellent choice for stealth missions. However, there's a slight problem with her… She's batshit-insane, pun definitely intended. She has no shame whatsoever and I found myself being molested and groped by her a few more times than I’m comfortable with, despite my anger towards her for her not to rub my balls and cock with her leathery wings. I don't hate her, per say, but I don't really like her that much either. She's really neutral, honestly. But I’ll definitely hate her if she molests me one more time… That's happened enough as it is.

And finally Eclipse, the fourth and final member of Bravo Squad, who also is the leader. Her tactical profession and skill is pyromancy, despite her being a pegasus. I guess everypony has a magical core, and Eclipse and I are examples of that. While she is my marefriend, has been for a few years now, I love her, honestly. Of course, she doesn't know that, but I would love to confess to her eventually… And if she says she loves me back, maybe I should start thinking about proposing to her. I can tell she's the one for me… Hopefully, she thinks the same way.

The four of them leaped off of their respective thrones, walking over the center where the means of their departure awaits. I watched silently as they all formed a circle, all of them reaching out with their hooves to grasp the image of the bright Sun. Once again, the white tendrils slithered out of the ground and snaked around the four of them, wrapping around their hooves until they disappeared, then moving onto their bodies and finally their heads. The last thing I saw of the beautiful white pegasus with her flowing black mane and gorgeous cyan eyes is her head turning towards me and nodding before it vanished.

“Dusk Storms, Moon Cheesecake, Night Moth, and Violet Halo. Prepare to depart. And be careful, my little ponies.” The four of us saluted at her before jumping off of our seats and approaching the middle of the chamber tentatively, my hooves shuffling towards it at a slow pace. I arrive and we form a circle, the four of us nodding to each other. With a little hesitation, and some unknown fear, I extend my right hoof and hold it there until everypony else follows my lead, brushing across the surface of the Sun. Soon enough, I noticed out of the corner of my eye the tentacles reaching out and dragging across my hooves and eventually reaching my body. I shut my eyes tightly as I felt some disorientation and sickness.

I’ll never grow used to teleportation.

* * * * * *

I chanced lifting my eyelids and under the darkness of my hood constricting my vision somewhat, I narrowed my eyes and saw that I was extremely close to the other three members of my squad. Seemingly reading my mind, the four of us coughed awkwardly and shuffled away from each other silently, turning to look at our new surroundings that we arrived inside of. Of course, it was difficult because of the way our hoods strain our vision and that it's dark out because it's night-time, but I digress.

I twisted my body around as I glanced around, my eyes scanning the small clearing that we happened to land in. All around us are trees so tall that they touch the sky, their leaves reminding me that it's the middle of the Fall season. It won't be soon until the annual Running of the Leaves event, which I've never seen. Supposedly, Twilight Sparkle has been winning the past few events, surprisingly enough. I never took her for an athlete, although it could just be dumb luck.

I turned back around and saw Violet walking away from us and going to the opposite side of the clearing we’re in, Cheesecake following her, despite the Rookie’s protests. She tried to ignite a conversation with the new member, but Violet seemed to backpedal away and make up excuses. I chuckled as the Rookie finally surrenders and accepts her fate, sighing as the peculiar unicorn began talking her ears off. Somethings never change, I guess. That's almost exactly like how Cheesecake introduced herself to me, but I suppose I was a little more lenient.

Deciding to let the Rookie suffer for a few more minutes, I turned to Moth and approached her as she plopped down on the ground against a particularly thick tree, a cigar in her mouth. I shot a glance to her antennas sticking out of her hood through the slits that are designed for them. They swayed slightly in the cool, night breeze and looked fuzzy. I kind of wanted to touch them, but thought that would be incredibly stupid considering the pony's infamous temper and cynicism. Removing my focus from her extra appendages, I sat down next to her on the crisp, bright green grass and turned to her as she lit her cigar with a wooden match, inhaling a bout of smoke before letting it escape from her mouth.

“Y’know, those are hazardous to your health. Glad to see you are still attempting to kill yourself.” I joked, pointing to the lit cigar in her mouth with my hoof. I always loved messing with Moth, she is the only one I can share my dark humor and cynical remarks with because most ponies find my kind of humor repulsive. Oh well, I’m not changing to fit your criteria, you're just going to have to deal with it. But, sadly enough, most ponies don't understand that sentiment. Moth is cool, though. Mostly, anyways.

She scoffed loudly, smoke seeping out of the corners of her lips as they curved upwards into a small, playful smirk. “You are hazardous to my health, Dusky Boy. As well as anypony who decides to talk to you. You're aneurysm inducing. A fate so cruel, don't you agree?” She finished as she pulled the cigar out of her mouth, studying it in her hoof as she shifted her hoof around to look at the cigar in a new angle. She chuckled slightly before bringing it to her muzzle and wrapping her lips around it, puffing on it quietly.

“You must not be so fond of fate yourself considering you're ugly as shit,” I replied, not missing a beat. I stretched my hoof out and swiftly snatched the cigar out of her mouth, placing it in my own. “Such a shame. Honestly. If you weren't such an unlikeable bastard, I would pity you.” I finished, inhaling some smoke out of the slowly degrading cigar. I parted my lips slightly and blew the smoke out of my mouth, watching it weave through the air at an agonizingly slow pace. I chuckled darkly at her, crossing my hooves.

“Give me that!” She declared before she stole it right out of my muzzle, snorting as she returned it to her mouth and took another hit. “I actually thought you weren't stupid enough to steal shit from me. Thought being the key word here.” Moth jabbed at me with one of her antennas comically. I suppressed an urge to laugh out loud at the sight and covered my mouth with my hoof, my shoulders shaking violently as I silently guffawed. She must have noticed my shoulders convulsing, though. “What's so funny?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing. I just realized how pathetic you really are.” I said in between short laughs, my chest heaving and my sides aching from laughing so hard. Moth replied by punching me in the shoulder with hoof, scoffing at me as she turned away from me and ignored me. I managed to calm myself down some, but I still found myself giggling at it from time to time. I sighed, a small smile gracing my lips as I crossed my hooves, happy that I managed to win our little fake argument this time.

“You know, I would think you would treat me a little better considering you tried to rut me the first time you met me, no?” Moth finally broke the silence, turning to face me. Despite knowing that she highly exaggerated what actually happened between us, I found my cheeks heating up as I blushed like a small colt. Damnit, and I thought I had her this time. This always happens somehow. She finds someway to win by embarrassing me, even if she lies or uses hyperbole. “Oh come on, Dusky Boy, why don't you let me see your precious face?” She teased, yanking my hood down with her hoof sneakily.

My long, smooth cobalt blue mane fell out of the hood and cascaded down the back of my neck and covered a majority of my face as I fumed silently over the fact that she found out I’m blushing. “Yeeeaah, those right there are some high quality blushes. Looks like I win again, Dusky Boy.” She adopted a teasing smirk and flicked my ear with her hoof, chuckling slightly as she neared the halfway mark of her thick cigar. I reprimanded myself mentally for allowing myself to fall for some weak bait.

“Yeah, yeah, you weirdo felon.” I muttered, waving a hoof at her lazily, sighing as I slumped downwards, crossing my hooves and pouting. I turned to and locked my eyes on her cigar, watching as the cherry of it neared the little band wrapped around the girth of it. “Let me get a cigar, Moth.” I requested timidly, sitting up and fixing my posture. Instead of answering me directly, she just reached into her cloak and retrieved a single cigar and a pack of paper matches. She held them out for me to grab, never bothering to look my way.

“Don’t hurt yourself, you big foal.” She lazily declared, her head remaining forward and never straying to look at me. I glared at her before snatching the cigar and matches out of her hoof, mumbling a whitty insult that she's likely to never hear. “I would appreciate it to never call me ‘boner-biting-uncle-fucker’ again, thanks.” I rolled my eyes at her request and ignored her for the moment as I gingerly placed the long and thick cigar in my mouth, wrapping my lips around it as I fumbled with the matches until I finally light one, setting fire to the cigar.

“Bite me, bitch.” I mutter playfully as I sucked on the cigar, my muzzle filling up with smoke as I inhale out of the filter, the cherry at the end forming and disintegrating the tobacco and wrapping around it. I watched as smoke left the cherry and drifted through the air, leaving behind an unfamiliar scent as I opened my mouth at the corners, allowing the gathered smoke to escape from my maw and join the already floating smoke in the night time breeze. I turned to look at Moth, a thought forming in my mind. “Who do you Violet really is?” I asked, motioning to the pony who is being tortured by Cheesecake.

“Honestly? I don't know. There isn't much to go on.” She replied, taking one more puff of her cigar before glancing at it, studying it like she did before. She proceeded to throw it over her head, and it landed in a small puddle, distinguishing itself immediately with a small hissing sound. I watched as she her antennas suddenly retracted from the small slits and bent forwards underneath of her hood, gripping the front of it with them. They both lurched forward before they quickly pushed backwards, letting go of the hood as it folded back behind her head. Huh. So, I guess that's how a moth-pony pulls hoods down. What useless information.

Now, Moth is a very different and unique kind of pony, a subrace from usual Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn ponies. Much like Vespers, the Moth-ponies live far away from most towns. If I remember correctly, Vespers reside in caves in the Badlands, and Moth-ponies live in the many forests of Sleepy Hollow, much to disdain of everypony living there. Moth actually broke away from her family and moved to Canterlot, causing a lot of ruckus and just basically being an overall nuisance to everypony. She was offered a position as a member of Moonlight XIII because of her swift and fearless nature.

I turned to take in her features, only really seeing her appearance a few times and not really able to take in the details of the way she looks. Her mane was an egg white color and was short and shaggy, her bangs ending directly above her eyes and the rest of her mane stopping an inch below her ears; her ears had tufts at the tip, much like the vespers, and were generally more thicker with fur than normal pony’s ears. Now, the color of her fur was a dark grey and much like her hair, it was shaggy and unkempt. Around her shoulders is a kind of like a fuzzy scarf, except it's a part of her fur, and it's colored exactly like her mane.

Similar to her ears, her chest has a large tuft that runs straight across from the base of her hooves until right below her chin and gullet. My eyes darted to her eyes, which were half-lidded and tired-looking. Unlike normal ponies’ eyes, Moth-ponies’ eyes were just one large pupil and were always colored the same color their mane and tail is. Also, her eyes appear glossy and glazed over, like the way somepony’s eyes look when they pass away. I looked from her eyes to her wings, which were similar to changelings’ wings save for the fact that they don't look horrible. Moth’s wings look exquisite and beautiful, as much as I hate to say it. I turned away suddenly when Moth catches me looking at her.

“Aw, is the little Dusky-Wusky checking out the Moth like he’s never seen one before?” She ogled at me like a foal, making kissing motions at me as I rolled my eyes and took another drag of the cigar, the cherry reaching about one quarter in of the cigar. Wew lad.

“Fuck off.” I replied lazily, turning my attention to the Rookie and our friendly neighborhood lunatic. Violet seemed defeated as she held her head on her left hoof, her loud sigh filling the air. Cheesecake, Celestia bless her, continues to spout out every word that happens to come to mind. I smirked at the sight, smoke seeping from the cracks of my mouth, and filling the air with its unique, putrid stench. Violet must have seen us staring at her and Cheesecake, because she perked up and looked to us, expectantly. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Moth wave her over as she slumped back down, hed carefree attitude once taking over.

The Rookie took notice and stood up quickly, trotting over to meet us eagerly. Cheesecake didn't seem to notice at first that Violet left her, and continued to speak as if someone is still in front of her. I rolled my eyes at the peculiar unicorn’s antics as I inhaled more smoke, killing myself the agonizingly slow. I let the smoke stay dormant in my muzzle before parting my lips, the whole of it drifting into the air and dissipating at a snail’s pace. Violet arrived in front of us, and sat down, rubbing her hoof with her other hoof. Ugh, I hate awkward silences, so I broke it by introducing Moth and I.

“I’m Dusk and this weirdo is Moth.” I announced, managing to sneak an insult into our introduction. Instead of trying to argue with me, she just rolled her weird eyes and pulled out another cigar from her inside of her black cloak. She lit it with one of wooden matches, which begs the question as to why she gave me paper matches. Oh wait, it's to mess with me. I don't know how I forgot about that small, simple fact. Honestly, sometimes I don't know what to do with myself. I motioned to Cheesecake, who seemingly finally realized that she was abandoned. “And that mare over there who has been torturing you for the past few minutes is Cheesecake. She might get on your nerves now, but you'll grow used to her.” I finished, flashing a warm and welcoming smile.

“I’m… V-Violet. Nice to m-meet you.” She shyly greeted us, scuffing her hoof on the grass as I looked to Moth, who just shrugged her shoulders as she smoked more of her newly lit cigar. Speaking of mine, the cherry was quickly reaching the filter, so I took one last puff before chucking it over my shoulder, wondering if it landed in the puddle that Moth’s did. A couple seconds later I was rewarded with a small hiss sounding out from behind us. I guess that answers that. Violet turns to look at Cheesecake, deciding to reply what I said earlier.

“No… I’m used to it honestly, she reminds me of my… Friend.” She stutters out, causing me to raise my eyebrow. Moth seems to pick up on it as well, turning to look at me with a curious expression. I choose to just shrug my shoulders slowly before turning back to Violet, who seems to be fidgeting a lot. What the Tartarus is her problem? Cheesecake finally decides to join us, standing up and approaching us in a cheery manner, plopping down on the grass in front of us. Violet glances at her sudden arrival before staring at the ground again. Okay, no, I will not accept this kind of behavior in my team. Hiding things aren't going to get you in anywhere, because we’ll find out anyway.

“What's wrong with you? Spit it out.” Moth suddenly piped up, stealing the words right out of my mouth. Well, I wasn't going to be so forward about it, but she technically did what I was going to do. I guess that's one thing I like about Moth that nopony else does. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, and tell you something. Or insult you. That reminds me of how she rejected me when I asked her out the day I met her. Most mares would just politely decline, but not Moth. Nope. She told me to ‘fuck off before I castrate you in front of your whore of a mother’. After that, I really don't know how we became friends.

I guess that's what gets me, though. Before I even began talking to Eclipse, I never took hold of the fact that I only ever dated one mare; said mare ruined my life and broke my mind, scarring me for life, but I digress. Even if I knew of Moth’s dark past and the things she's done, I was desperate to have somepony to be by my side and comfort me, console me, and basically be there to build me back up. At the time, my mind and psyche was very fragile, and my emotions were uncontrollable. I guess I could say I became a little bi-polar. And so, I searched for what seemed like ages for that something to pick up the pieces and build me back up to health. Turns out that was Eclipse, after Moth so graciously turned me down… If you can call threatening to rip my balls off ‘turning me down’, anyway.

The Rookie fidgeted even more, rubbing her hoof as she gazed at the ground in silence before she spoke up. “I-I haven't been entirely truthful. T-This…” She trailed off before speaking back up, with more emotion and with a louder voice.

“This is bothering me, I don't like lying.” Violet muttered, her horn lighting up a purple aura and enveloping around her hood. She lifted it down to reveal herself. She had a magenta colored mane with pink strips that flowed downwards, but never curled. Her coat was a light purple, and she had dark purple pupils. My jaw dropped to the ground, as well as Cheesecake and Moth’s, at the sight bestowed before us.

“Twilight Sparkle?!”

Chapter II

II. Alpha

“Twilight Sparkle?!”

We all yelled, surprised at the mare's reveal of her identity. All of our jaws were wide open as we flopped our mouths open like fishes, trying to form words. This line of work doesn't really seem like Twilight’s thing, considering every once in awhile you have to kill something. It isn't an if, it's a when. Everybody in Moonlight XIII has killed something at least once on a mission, and while we swear to never harm anypony, we still kill things that are sentient. I once had to assassinate a Gryphon, but I… No, let's not think about it, that's a story another time.

In one way, this made some sense and I should have been tipped off that it was her from the beginning, but I guess it didn't pass through my mind. I guess I was too focused on the fact that Princess Luna is missing, and I didn't pay much attention to her at first. But, now that I think about it, maybe it was a little easy to figure out. Of course, she could have been your regular mare, but all the signs were there, right in front of us. I’m sure somepony in that room figured it out, but I was not in the right mindset.

She was offered a throne right next to Princess Celestia, one that nopony has been offered before and is usually where Princess Luna sits. Not mention the fact that she asked for her identity to not be revealed, something that nopony has done before in the whole history of Moonlight XIII. And, well, Twilight's middle name is Violet too, so there's that small little tidbit. Oh, and who else to replace Shining Armor’s position than his own little sister? We were fooled, fair and square.

“I’m sorry for keeping this from you all, but I didn't want the extra attention on top of joining the organization. My brother already didn't want me to join, and all of my friends said it was dangerous.” Twilight finally broke the silence, tapping her hoof on the ground shyly. I guess that makes sense, but the word was going to get out anyway. Moonlight XIII doesn't seem to be much of a secret in Equestria anymore, it seems like the only people that don't know of our existence is our enemies. And honestly, that's all that really matters.

We had no choice in the matter when it came to keeping it a secret. It was either sit back in the shadows and watch the Changelings overtake Canterlot and murder everypony in their sight, or jump in and ward them off long enough for Shining Armor and Princess Cadence to defeat Queen Chrysalis. But, sometimes I regret joining the battle. We lost a lot of good ponies, one of them being Sithiis, a Gryphon and a close friend to me… There's still times when I think about if I could have saved her.

After that, Moonlight XIII was shown to the public as an organization that dealt with supernatural anomalies. While not exactly wrong, we deal with other things, one of them being assassinations. Changeling officers, Gryphon ambassadors, Minotaur captains, point is that if you name it, we've most likely had to kill it. While most of Moonlight XIII is used to killing at this point, I still find myself freaking over it. I don't let it hinder my ability to complete the mission, but I find myself staying up at night, the events playing over and over in mind like a broken record.

I know eventually I will stumble across a situation where I’ll have no choice but to kill a pony, and I've accepted it. It's not a matter of if, but when. The day that I end another pony's life is the day I’ll break, my mind is a little too fragile enough as of now. While I don't want to get into it, years of abuse and one traumatic event have etched themselves into the corners of my mind and refuse to leave. It’s going to take a very long time for me to get it over it, and if I have to endure one more horrific act, I’m going to snap more than I ever have before; it won't be pretty, to say the least.

Twilight won't fare that well, either. She's used to using the Elements of Harmony to dispel villains that don't harm anypony or kill. They want to achieve goals that hoal them, which usually involve them using magic and not really hurting anypony. Discord only messed the world up, Nightmare Moon just wanted eternal night, Tirek just stole everypony’s magic but didn't harm them, King Sombra enslaved ponies but didn't kill them. Queen Chrysalis, well, I could tell she didn't want to harm anypony, so she seduced them and harvested their love. She only attacked Canterlot because she would invoke the wrath of her superior, the supreme overlord of the Hive, Queen Nafastus.

Point is, Twilight and her friends have never had to deal with enemies that want to end your life, and when she does eventually get dragged into a situation like that, she will become a killer. Her friends may never have to lay a hoof on anything, but once this mission is over and if she had to kill, she will change. After all, it’s not as if she is the Element of Kindness, she won't just lie down and take it. She will strike back. She just won't be able to deal with the repercussions that comes with ending another pony’s or thing’s life. She’ll break, sadly.

We all had to deal with it. Ending another sentient creature’s life, I mean. None of us have killed a pony, and we all hope it never comes to that. Cheesecake is still broken up over killing a Gryphon, she lost some of her happiness. She used to be perkier more than Pinkie Pie, hard to believe it I know, but she was. Since then, I sometimes notice she stares blankly at nothing and even occasionally see her tear up some. She was an innocent pony that shouldn't have subjected herself to joining, but there isn't much one could do when everything's said and done. She will just have to live with it, even if it tears her up inside.

Moth is different, though. She joined Moonlight XIII to redeem herself for all the crimes she committed. She was a convicted felon, and she acted as much. She played every crime in the book, arson, theft, assault, battery, you name it, she's done it. Of course, when she joined, I didn't have any knowledge of such things and thought I could rut. Needless to say, she threatened to castrate me and I was afraid to even look her way after that. Well, I didn't have much choice when she was assigned to Alpha Squad. I kind of had to talk with her, and I’m glad I did, I found a good friend in her.

Eclipse was, well, love at first sight to me. She's beautiful, funny, kind, generous, she's one whole package of amazingness. When she joined, I have never felt that way towards a mare in my life. Funny thing is, she didn't pay me much attention until one year after she joined when I found her drinking her flank off at a bar. After that, we kind of did a friends-with-benefit thing. I don't know if she shares her love for me, but I’m still going to confess it to her one of these days. I just have to find the time, when the time is right and everything is perfect.

And me? Well, I was the first to join Alpha Squad, the second member after Captain Shining Armor. Then Moth, who was already in Moonlight XIII long before me or Cheesecake joined. Cheesecake joined last and that was Alpha Squad as a whole. I was the last to join Moonlight XIII out of all three of us, I was assigned to Delta Squad at first. Which, was where I met Sithiis, a beautiful Gryphon, who… Not now. She and I shared Delta Squad with two others, one being Eclipse, and Daring. No, not Daring Do, if that's what you are thinking; even if it would be cool to have her working with us.

Daring was a very ambitious stallion, and had not an ounce of shame. He’d say whatever came to his mouth, and most of the time he was thinking about sex. So, we had to endure his stories of how he rutted several mares, stallions, changelings, whatever. Turns out he was daring in the bedroom as well, because he wasn't afraid to have sex with anything. As to what role he had in Moonlight XIII; he was an explosives expert. He was so crazy he would laugh as he blew up things, the stallion was out of his mind! It doesn't mean I don't miss him, though. We lost him in the battle for Canterlot when the changelings attacked.

Eclipse is, well, she's still alive, obviously. She and I are the last remaining members of the original Delta Squad, and we both bare the scars of its downfall. She is very good at persuading ponies, which is actually not her main profession. Although, she sure uses me a lot and I fall for it. It's funny because I know she does, yet I allow myself to let her do it anyway. Maybe it's because I love her, but it could also be that I can't resist her. She's got such mesmerizing eyes and when I gaze into them for too long, I feel myself succumbing to her charm. It's hard to explain, really.

Sithiis, well, she used to be my marefriend. Er, gryphonfriend? I don't know. Regardless, I loved her and even was preparing to propose to her after a while of dating her. Three years, to be precise. She was perfect, and I’m still heartbroken after her death, at the hooves of… Hmm. I don't remember much of what happened after she fell, but Eclipse told me that I preceded to go on a killing spree, mowing down every changeling in my sight. She said it took Princess Luna to subdue me. I still find myself thinking about her, thinking about if I could have done something differently to save her. Sad thing is, I can't turn back time.

I've spent most of my life, which is twenty-six years for your information, thinking about things I could have done. And since I did that, I missed a lot of important events of my life that I’ll never get the chance to redo. Like missing my father’s funeral, or my friend Vinyl’s wedding. It's a bad habit that I find myself falling into every once in awhile, and old habits die hard, I guess. Eclipse helps me with that problem, but I can't help but feel that I've wasted my life thinking about my life. Anyway, I’m rambling on and on, so I’m going to stop.

“It's okay, Twilight, we understand.” I consoled her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. She looked up to me and smiled, and I returned the smile. I get it, I really do. Sometimes you just want some space, and if I've been in a spot of my life like that. It's actually not that long ago, now that I think about it. Hmm. Seems just like yesterday.

“I don't. What was the point of hiding your identity if you were going to tell us anyway?” Moth voiced her opinion, staring at the purple mare. Moth really is something else, sometimes. A little too much, honestly. But, she does have a point, so I can't really say anything. Well, I can tease her, that always helps.

“Don't mind her, she's a little slow.” I teased with my lips curved upwards, tapping Moth on her shaggy white mane. It really is fun to mess with her, because eventually her muzzle will scrunch up and she’ll start doing these cute moth noises.

“Hey! That’s not fair, I’m not the one that was the last to figure out that Cheesecake was a unicorn.” I shut up instantly. I hate to admit it, but it took me almost a full year to figure out that Cheesecake was a unicorn. I really thought she was just an earth pony, most likely because I didn't see her use any magic until the changelings attacked. Now that I think about, a lot of things revolve around that fight. Odd.

“It’s okay Dusky, Moth is just mad that she can't get a stallion.” Cheesecake softly said, the most innocent smile I've ever seen graced upon her lips. Moth was laughing so hard that when Cheesecake said that, she immediately began to choke. I swear, her blush could scorch you if you were to lay a hoof on her cheeks. Cake’s child-like smile combined with Moth’s face really made me lose it, I had to hold my sides I was laughing so hard. Oh Celestia, that's the funniest thing I've ever seen. I wish I had a camera on me, that would be framed and hung up on my wall.

“A-Alright, heh, alright. I think we spent too much time here. Why don't we actually do our job.” I calmed down from outburst and made my way to my hooves, pulling my hood over my head, concealing my mane and face. Honestly, the cloak could be more armored, but then again, there's no real use. What we fight most of the time can just break through armor, so why not sacrifice defense for agility? They can't hit us if we’re being agile. Funny thing is, when Moonlight XIII was created, the armor was just regular guard armor but painted black. It slowed them down and eventually decided to switch to cloaks. It’s been the organization’s signature uniform ever since.

“How do you propose we start? Princess Celestia didn't give us any leads. Princess Luna could be anywhere!” Moth exclaimed, waving her hooves sporadically to drive her point her home. She was right. Where are we going to start, considering that she wasn't as kind to give us any clues or leads or anything. We are going to be out here for months, if we don't find anything indicating the location of the princess. Watch; I bet you she's on the damn Moon.

“Easy: Split up. I’ll go with Dusk, and you can go with Cheesecake.” Twilight piped up, taking her place by her side. Moth proceeded to groan as she stood up and used her antennas to pull her hood down. Unstrapping her rifle, she slung it over her shoulder and held it with her left hoof as she looked over to Cheesecake, who was staring at a butterfly, her eyes darting all over the place as they followed the majestic creature’s flight around her body.

“How come I have to go with Cheese?” She complained, pointing a hoof at the unicorn, who was oblivious to Moth’s disdain towards her. You gotta’ hand it to the mare; she really didn't care about anything or anypony. I sometimes wish I could be like her, innocent, well, somewhat innocent. And full of life. She doesn't let her work bring her down, and that's admirable. She may be annoying at times, but I wouldn't have anypony else replace her.

“Dusk and I make a good team.” Twilight left it at that as she began to walk the opposite way from Moth and Cake. Shooting a glance towards Moth, I followed after Twilight deeper into the woods. The unicorn wasn't wrong; we do make a good team. I found that out at the Crystal Empire, when we fought against King Sombra. Believe it or not, when it comes to fighting, we are both very well coordinated and connected with each other. It's funny, considering I never even saw her before that event, except for the Changeling attack. I guess we'll see if we really do make a good team or if it was just luck.

Catching up to Twilight, she had her hood cast over her head and her rifle suspended in the air next to her as she walked. That reminded me that I should have my weapon ready. Slipping my pistol out of its holster, I held it in my right hoof as I walked, one of my hooves not being used for walking not really hindering me in any way. I’m used to walking like this, not to mention being used to walking on my hind legs. If I wanted to, I could walk around all day being almost as tall as Princess Celestia. Wouldn't that be funny.

“Where do you think we are?” I asked in a whisper, scanning my surroundings for any signs of hostiles. Twilight and I couldn't really walk right next to each other due to a vast amount of thick trees. My hooves crunched on the ground, multicolored leaves crackling under the weight of my hooves. Moonlight peered through the various cracks of the openings in between trees, no matter how small the rays of light were. There was only the sound of our hoofsteps and heavy breathing. It really seemed like we were alone; I don't even have that feeling of having somepony watching over me when the Moon is out.

That brought me to the thought; where is Princess Luna actually at? It doesn't feel as if she just left, like taking a walk or something of that manner, it feels as though she actually left. The Moon fills me with dread whenever I gaze upon it instead of making me feel protected and secure. My dreams have been getting progressively more violent and vivid, to the point I can barely sleep. For Celestia’s sake, she even had to raise the Moon! Something she hasn't dared do since her sister returned from her banishment. She has only been gone for a few days, but I can already tell that something bigger is going on and we’re right in the middle of it.

In situations like this, when somepony goes missing, Princess Celestia usually just assigns the regular royal guard to investigate and bring the pony back home. But, no, she sent us out here; with no leads, might I add. That means that this is big, and could possibly borderline the supernatural. Honestly, what would we do if she really is on the Moon? And what if she doesn't want to come back down? We will be searching for a very long time, and what if we never find her? Princess Celestia will have to rule over Equestria by herself, something none of us want.

“Telling by the way the trees are, we're most likely in the Whitetail Woods. We keep heading South, we will eventually hit the line to the Badlands.” Twilight said as she turned to the left to avoid a tree, me doing the same thing. Badlands actually isn't that bad of a place to start. Might as well see if our enemies have her, but I highly doubt Princess Luna would just let herself be captured by them. Still… we would have to cover it eventually.

“Which way are Cheesecake and Moth going, then?” I inquired as I stepped onto a fallen tree trunk and hopped down onto the ground again, continuing my walk.

“If they headed the opposite direction of us? Towards the Crystal Empire, and before that, Vanhoover. Trust me, we're all going to be walking for a while.” Twilight and I made it to another clearing. The Moon’s glow lit up the area and for the first time this night, I glanced up to the Moon. And I immediately regretted it. Yup, still makes you depressed. Celestia, this sucks. I’d rather deal with another King Sombra than a missing princess.

“Yeah. I just wish we had something pertaining to where she is. Princess Celestia sent us in blind and she knows it.” I muttered, scratching the back of my neck through my hood, the gun in my hoof slapping against the back of my head. Twilight scanned around with her rifle before continuing on, stepping right back into the bushes. After looking around, I followed her deeper into the forest, the grass almost up to my knees.

“That's why we should see if the Changelings or even the dragons have her. If not, we will just return here and regroup with Moth and Cheesecake.” She explained, her rifle swinging around in the air, checking for any potential threats. I mimicked her and looked around with my pistol, happy that there's no enemies around. Twilight… Is right. Nothing is a bad idea in this situation, even if we're technically doing the bad idea in any normal circumstance.

“I wonder where Bravo and Charlie got sent to… What if one of them was already in the Badlands?” I would like to see Eclipse and know she's alright, but I have a very small chance of seeing her until this mission is over. We are all basically traveling the whole of Equestria, and most likely won't even lay eyes on one another ‘till we find the princess… No matter how long it takes.

“Then we get reinforcements. As much as I hate to say it, we can't attack the Changelings… We're going to have to try and talk to them.” She uttered the last part, but I heard it well enough. And while I agree with her, what's stopping them from attacking us? They have a whole Hive, there's no way even us can take out that many of them. So, we kind of are depending on running into Bravo Squad or Charlie Squad. Rokë would be extremely useful in that situation, even if he’s exiled. I hate to say it, but we are going to talk to the damn Changelings.

Just then I heard a rustling sound, coming from our right. I motioned to Twilight to take cover behind one of the trees and she nodded, slamming her back against one of the thick trees. Assured that she's in cover, I began walking slowly towards the source of the noise, my pistol held tightly in my grip. Glancing back to Twilight for a split second, she had her head peering around the tree with her rifle ready to fire. I thought I told her to take cover… Whatever, it's not as if I don't appreciate the support. For all I know, I can die in a minute.

The noise sounded out once again as I was nearing the source. Using my wings, I cocked the pistol and ripped the bush open, glancing inside. Wait, what? Inside the bush was Midnight Blossom, but she was badly injured, but thank Celestia she's alive. I waved my hoof to Twilight to get her flank over here, turning back to the Vesper on the ground. Holstering my pistol, I attempted moving her, but then she slapped my hoof away.

“What, you trying to cop a feel, Dusk?” She whispered, a goofy smile on her muzzle, showing off her sharp fangs. Twilight arrived and put her gun to the side, her horn activating and lighting up around the areas that she was injured. Her wings were torn to Tartarus and back, and it looks like she has a broken hind leg. Twilight got to work healing her and I sat there with her, holding her in my hooves.

“What are you doing here? Where's the rest of Bravo Squad?” I asked the vesper, who was clenching her hooves on mine due to Twilight healing her wings and hoof. She looked up to me and pointed to the right, where Twilight and I were heading.

“We got attacked. By what, we don't know. It was something fierce though. Just like vesper sex. Regardless, I got hurt and they hid me in this bush until they could ward the beast away from me. They should be back any minute now. Also, I was counting, you fucked up my counting, Dusk!” Midnight moaned in pain when Twilight snapped her bones back into place, but then she grinned at being able to move it. “Aren't you Violet? Well, howdy, I’m Midnight Blossom.” She held out a hoof to Twilight, although only the rest of Alpha Squad know that.

“Nice to meet you, now don't get up yet. You're gonna need one of us to help you walk… Not it!” Twilight almost yelled the last part, and I groaned loudly. Great. As to why I don't like being too close to Midnight, is because she is very grabby. She will not hesitate to molest you and blame it on nearby tree branch, might I add that may or may not be higher than you. Trust me, it's happened before. And I don't like it. Not one bit. It brings up bad memories. Twilight helped Midnight to her hooves and she guided her to me, where she instead just jumped on my back and laid down. Fine. Sure. Lovely.

“Y’know, Dusk, you have a very comfortable back. If you ever decided to get funky with a stallion, their hooves would be mighty cozy.” She muttered, making me glare at Twilight under my hood. Wait, speaking of hood, where the hell is Midnight’s cloak? Was it torn up when she was attacked and left behind? I hate to say it, but she was abandoned. One of the first rules when it comes to Moonlight XIII is never leave a fellow member behind! And they did anyway. Sad part is, Eclipse is a part of Bravo Squad. I just hope she wasn't the one to decide to leave Midnight. I don't know if I could love a mare who leaves others behind.

“Contact! Contact! Open fire!”

Chapter III

III. There Will Be Another Time

“Contact! Contact! Open fire!”

Twilight halted her movement at once, same with me as I glanced to her. She turned her head to look at me as more gunshots rang out, a bloodcurdling scream echoing in my ears. I trotted to her and took position beside her, trying to get a glimpse of what's going on. That voice sounds like Eclipse… I carefully picked up Midnight and placed her on the ground next to Twilight gently, yanking my pistol out of its holster, ready to investigate what the Tartarus is going on.

“Tw- Violet stay here and watch over Midnight.” I ordered, to which she hesitantly nodded and heeded my words, moving closer to Midnight and grasping her rifle in her magic and keeping it close to her body. More gunshots rang out and I broke into a gallop towards the source of the gunshots, swerving and dodging through the openings in between the trees, my hooves cracking the fallen leaves as I breathed heavily, my pistol in my right hoof. It was difficult to run with the pistol in my hoof, but I focused and ran as fast as I could.

“Starsky!” That was Eclipse again, her voice sounding strained. I changed course and began galloping left, three gunshots ringing out at the same time. Just what are they fighting that gives them trouble? We’re the best damn soldiers this country has to offer and not to mention the most skilled and trained, so whatever they're battling must be a formidable foe to give them some kind resistance. “Cover Starsky, Forgetful!” Eclipse shouted once again, her voice becoming more clear the closer I come to their location. I slid to a halt as I reached them, taking in what I saw.

Standing seven feet tall was a scorpion, its body reminiscent of an Ursa Minor. It had two large pincers dripping with saliva blood, whose blood I’m not sure. It had eight long, sharp legs and was jumping around all over the place, dodging most of their gunshots. The stinger was lodged inside of Starsky, her chest bleeding profusely. And finally, its head had several eyes, all focusing on Starsky’s maimed body. They were fighting a damn Scorpios, and they were losing to it, horribly.

With no more time to waste, I hopped into the battle, firing a single shot to the stinger, it whiffing past it at swift acceleration. All of its eyes turned to me, and its stinger ripped itself out of Starsky’s body, forcing her gasp loudly at the sudden dislodge. Eclipse glanced to me before turning to Starsky, dragging her away from the creature’s sight. Forgetful darted his eyes between me and Eclipse before reloading his rifle and firing a shot off at the beast, joining me in fighting it off.

“Nice of you to join us, Dusk!” He yelled at me, rolling to right as one of the Scorpios’ legs slammed down, barely missing Forgetful’s left hind leg. I quickly reloaded and jumped up in the air, my wings propelling myself higher into the air, landing on top of its back. I pressed the pistol’s barrel against the bases of one of its leg, letting a shot go as it blew off, landing on the ground with meaty impact. I leaped off of its back as soon as its stinger crashed down on its back, resulting in it stabbing itself in the back.

“The pleasure's all mine!” I replied as I reloaded, fumbling around as I ran a circle around the beast, confusing it as it kept trying to stay focused solely on me. Forgetful grunted as he reloaded his rifle, his horn lighting up as he jumped up onto the Scorpios back, following the same tactic I used and fired a shot into one of its legs, dismembering it. The Scorpios screeched in pain as it lost another appendage, its balance faltering a little until it recovered and continued to assault us.

We didn't say anything much after that, as we were too busy trying to kill the damn thing and not try to die ourselves. I reloaded one more time before repeating my plan once more, except instead of shooting one of its legs, I decided to shoot one of its eyes, the impact actually rendering two of them useless from the shockwave. We kept doing this until it had two eyes left and four legs left, it barely able to retain some of its sight and balance. The problem is… We’re both out of bullets, and the thing is still alive and kicking.

“Move, you stallion!” I heard Twilight shout at me, from behind me. Forgetful glanced at me before we began beelining it for the trees, the Scorpios not able to follow us inside. The next thing I know is a very loud gunshot, it sounded as if it was amplified, and the Scorpios’ head exploded into a thousand pieces, blood and bits of brain matter splattering against the bark of trees. Wow. That was awesome! I shot a glance at Forgetful before I walked out to meet Twilight, who had Midnight laying on her back, her eyes half-lidded and a small smile on her face.

“How’d you do that, it was sweet.” I complimented her, patting her on the back of her neck. If she didn't have her hood over her head, I could swear she's blushing. I holstered my pistol and yanked down my hood, my long mane cascading over my face, forcing me to brush it out of the way. Forgetful did the same, his short orange mane a big contrast to his black coat and purple eyes. His horn poked through his mane atop his head and it lit up a purple aura as he slid his rifle into his holster. Twilight went to pull her hood down before she stopped, letting her hoof drop to the ground as she put her rifle away.

“Magic.” Twilight simply said, causing a small smile to form on my face. Forgetful walked up to Twilight and took Midnight off her back, placing her on his. If I remember correctly, Forgetful likes Midnight. And Midnight being herself, is completely oblivious to it. Poor stallion, but as the saying goes; Don't stick your dick in crazy. Before we could speak anymore, a loud scream half sob sounded out, sounding like Eclipse. I turned around and booked it straight to her, stopping by her at the sight.

Eclipse was on her haunches, her two front hooves holding Starsky, who was staring weakly up at her, her eyes glassy. Her belly was ripped open and blood oozed from it, and you could even see her… Ugh. My shoulders slumped at the sight bestowed before me, Forgetful and Twilight following behind me, not saying anything at what was in front of us. I slowly walked over to Eclipse before I wrapped my hooves around her back in a tight hug. She buried her face into my chest and sobbed loudly, her hooves still holding Starsky.

“W-W-Why? W-Why s-she have to g-g-go!” Eclipse screamed into my chest, tears flowing from her eyes as she cried at the sight of friend. Starsky was Eclipse’s best friend, they been friends since they were fillies and joined Moonlight XIII together. Outside of doing missions, I always saw them together, they did everything together. I can't deny in saying that I’m heartbroken over her death. I really am. It's one thing to die at the hooves of an enemy… But, it's another when you die in the hooves of family.

“Shh. It's okay. Shh. Everything will be fine.” I whispered to her, rocking her back and forth in my hooves. Forgetful motioned for Twilight to leave into the opening, walking out himself, with Midnight shedding tears as she cried silently on his back. Twilight glanced to me before exiting the treeline and into the opening, leaving Eclipse and I alone. She continued to sob into my chest for a while, her wailing eventually turning into heavy breathing. I looked up and saw the Moon lower under the Horizon and the Sun rising high up into the sky, a ray of sunlight shining down on the two of us… Celestia might have felt Starsky leave us.

“T-Thank you, Dusk. For being here.” Eclipse whispered up to me, her white coat gleaming in the morning sun and her black mane waving gently in the wind. She leaned up and gave me a gentle kiss on my lips before she retreated back into my chest. I glanced down to Starsky, her cloak torn and tattered, her hood ripped to shreds. Her rifle lay by her side, and I narrowed my eyes to read the words engraved on them. I grimaced at the sight of the words and averted my eyes to not see them again, the words bringing me sorrow.

Live happily and life will reward you with the most cherished of gifts:

Eternal Rest.

* * * * * *

Eclipse and I sat there together for a while, just enjoying each other’s company as we dealt with the pain of losing a friend. There were no words to say, so silence reigned in the clearing as the Sun was now higher up in the sky, grey clouds casting over the woods, rain eventually pouring down, rain drops pattering effortlessly against our cloaks, but our manes were getting soaked. I pulled Eclipse’s hood over head and did the same before it got any worse, which it did. The white mare glanced up to before sitting up, gently removing her hooves from Starsky, me following suit.

“We can't leave her like this.” She quietly said, and I nodded in response. I glanced to Starsky’s body, trying to avoid looking at her midsection. She looks so peaceful, almost as if she was fine with dying. If her choice of words on her rifle were any significance, then I guess she didn't mind leaving this world. Some Ponies accept that one day you'll pass on, and she was one of them. I still haven't quite accepted it yet, most likely because I’m afraid of what comes afterwards instead of death itself.

To me, when you die, you will see, hear, smell, taste, and feel nothing. You won't even be aware of it either, because your consciousness died off with your vessel, your body. You will be left to rot in pitch black for the rest of eternity, your memories of all the good times and of your family and friends fading away, vanishing completely. You won't be able to react or talk or even think, your mind, along with your identity and life you, as a pony, are gone, forever. Just… Nothing. Nothing at all.

I think of it this way. When you are on your deathbed, you are allowed one final look at your life, some would explain this as ‘my life flashed before my eyes’. You experience the times you were the happiest, whether it be when you found your first best friend or the love of your life, or even if you found solace in doing what you enjoy doing. Then you see the bad moments, the ones where you wish you could purge from your mind permanently. It could be when you hurt somepony or lost somepony or worse. Regardless, you get the chance to live your life again for a brief moment.

Then, when your eyelids begin to drop, it all stops and your mind ceases to work. Once you close your eyes for the final time, you're gone. It's as if you went to sleep, except you never wake up. You are locked in an endless slumber, not even able to dream or cower in fear before a nightmare. For some, it's a paradise, for they are finally able to rest and not deal with life’s most cruel moments. For others, such as me, I find it to be terrifying. I even lay awake at night at thought of me, as a pony, ceasing to exist and not able to see what's happening. For me to be erased from existence like that… Well, that's why I try not to die. I don't think I’ll like the results, honestly.

Of course, some choose to indulge themselves in the fantasy that when you die, there's a land of peace and tranquility, where you lay your sights upon your most cherished family members and friends. Some call it Paradise. Others… Heaven. And this line of thought brings them to believe that the evil ponies get sent to Tartarus, where they're tortured for all eternity. Now… What or who determines who is sinister or not? This means that they live their lives seeing life as black and white. Two defining sides. One good, the other being bad. But, that's not true. I've seen it myself; life is grey. There will come a time where the two interconnect and you won't be able tell which from which. Trust me… I've been there.

I joined Eclipse in gathering flowers after catching onto what she was doing. We remained quiet as we plucked flowers and roses, only occasionally sending each other a quick glance before returning to our task. Princess Celestia must know Starsky has passed away, otherwise it wouldn't explain the ray of sunlight beaming down on the resting Starsky. I wouldn't put it past her, though, she watches over every single pony in Equestria, even if she never saw them before. She's a benevolent leader, and it shows quite a lot. I just wish I had her strength… To carry on like that, I mean.

After a significant amount of time, we both brought our bundle of flowers to Starsky’s resting place, the Sun filling us with warmth as we gave our friend a proper send off. Placing the flowers carefully, we both formed a circle of flowers around her body, making sure to make it look decent. The flowers were all facing the same direction, and all overlapping together like a row of dominoes, but not enough for the flower itself to be covered. I snatched yellow and purple flowers while Eclipse took red and magenta colored flowers, and we made a pattern of the colors, starting with purple, then magenta, then red, then finally yellow. It looked pretty good, if I say so myself.

Finally, Eclipse propped up Starsky’s hooves on top of her own chest, and laying her hind legs out so they're touching each other. The white mare’s eyes watered as she closed her friend’s eyes with her hooves, tears cascading down her cheeks. She sniffled loudly before she picked up a bundle of flowers and dropped them gently onto Starsky’s stomach, covering up her grisly wound. Eclipse glanced to Starsky’s rifle before she picked it up and slid it inside of her holster, it fitting in with her own rifle. I never opened my mouth, just content with being there for Eclipse in her time of need.

“Y-You wanna’ say any words, D-Dusk?” She sniffled loudly under her hood, staring at me silently. I let out a big sigh, glancing down to Starsky as I made my way to my hooves, keeping my eyes on her lovely mane. I never did tell her she had a nice mane, but I guess Eclipse would… I’m not going to finish that thought, it's too soon.

“I… It’s… Star was a wonderful mare. She was pretty and funny, and generous, and thought of others ‘till the end,” I don't think I should have said that last part. “She was our teammate and she didn't deserve this… We will all miss you, Starsky, but you finally got you wanted; Eternal rest… I just wish I got to you sooner.” The last part was a tiny whisper, nopony could hear it even if they wanted to. Eclipse nodded and turned to look behind me. I twisted my head to take a look, noticing Twilight, Forgetful, and surprisingly enough, Midnight Blossom standing up, although she was using all of them as a crutch to walk.

I honestly blame her death on myself. I know it's stupid to think that way, Eclipse once told me it is a dumb way of thinking, but I can't help myself. If I just found them sooner, instead of waiting around and talking, I could have prevented her from dying and Midnight from being injured. But, once again, I found myself deep in my thoughts, a habit I find myself in too much for my liking. Eclipse said it's not good to dwell too much on things you can't control, even Moth mentioned it to me once, but it's different when you know you could have saved somepony if you just did something differently. An innocent mare was brutally killed because I decided to think… Luna, forgive me.

“Damn right.” Forgetful exclaimed, walking up to us with Midnight in between him and Twilight. Oh, I bet Forgetful is loving how close he is to Midnight. Too bad she doesn't pick up on your affection towards her, tough luck, buddy. Twilight glanced to me and I returned it before I turned back to Eclipse who was staring at Starsky. I hate to force her to leave her friend when she's grieving, but we do have a mission to accomplish. One that resulted in Star’s death… And maybe even more if we're not careful. We'll just have to extra cautious and watch each other's back.

I slowly approached Eclipse, whose whole posture screamed that she was about to snap. The slouching but shaking shoulders, the heavy breathing, and the tightness in her boots indicating that she's clenching her hooves. Sighing, I wrapped a hoof around her back and gently tugged on her, motioning for her to let go. “I’m sorry Eclipse, but we still have mission to do.” I muttered to her.

“Where were you?! If you got here earlier, maybe she wouldn't have died! She's gone because you decided to take your sweet ass time!” She shouted at me as she shoved me away. She yanked her hood down angrily to reveal her flaring nostrils as she breathed in and out heavily, her eyes staring daggers into me. Sighing, I pulled my hood down and gazed into her beautiful cyan eyes with pity. Twilight, Forgetful, and Midnight all stared at the two of us silently, not saying anything to avoid Eclipse’s wrath. Unfortunately, as her closest friend and technical coltfriend, I had to endure it and bring her back to reality, even if her words stung true.

“Eclipse, listen only to the sound of my voice… There was nothing I could have done, it was already too late. I’m sorry, but we need to move on… You need to let go.” I stated, holding my ground as she darted her eyes around my face in search of something, but she just yelled and dropped to ground, defeated, now openly sobbing. Even if she hurt me with her words, I still love her, even if she doesn't know it. So, I comforted her, letting her cry into my chest as she let out all of her sadness and frustration in the form of tears. And I let her. I may have not been anypony by my side when I was at certain moment in my life, but I won't allow her to be subjected to that pain.

The Sun rose higher into the sky as we sat there, Eclipse once again unable to bear with the pain of losing her best friend… Sadly, I've been there, I just didn't have anypony with me. Midnight, Twilight, and Forgetful all began walking past us, seemingly warning to continue on with the mission, and I agreed. I leaned down and planted a kiss atop Eclipse’s nose, prompting her to look up at me with tear ridden eyes. “There will be another time.” I simply said to her, and she finally understood, kissing me on the cheek as she stood up. I walked alongside her as we followed behind the other three, both of us pulling our hoods back over our heads. What I said to Eclipse is what I used to say to myself when I began thinking about all that I've done wrong.

There will be another time.

* * * * * *

By now, the Sun was at its peak in the middle of the sky. You have to crane your head backwards even glance at it, and I didn't feel like attempting it, so I merely acknowledged it was there and continued on, the heat not really bothering me. It’s Fall, and it's my favorite season, so of course I’m going to enjoy it. Most ponies say Summer or Winter, but I like Fall. Perhaps it's the nice blend between warm and cold, an even cool temperature. Or the changing of the leaves’ colors. That, and it's the best season to eat pumpkin pie!

Eclipse walked lazily by my side, not saying much. I draped a wing over her back and kept her close to me, enjoying her company, even if the circumstances could be better. I also wish I could confess my love to her, but I’m pretty sure I would be the stupidest stallion in the whole of Equestria to tell her at a time like this. It will just have to wait, but not too much longer. I've been meaning to for awhile now, and I don't know if I'll ever get the chance again. It all depends on the time, situation, and the type of mood she's in. So, I’m going to have to manage and keep track of all of those factors and choose the perfect time.

Of course, I don't even know if she will reciprocate my feelings. I mean, we've been dating for awhile now, and it first started as a ‘friends-with-benefits’ kind of thing, but I want something more. I want a family… And foals… I can't imagine myself with anypony else other than her… She's just perfect, and I won't see her as anything else. She's just so damn beautiful, she's hilarious, she's kind, and she's not afraid to get dirty… Which also applies to the bedroom. Glancing over to Eclipse, I nuzzled her a bit before I kept on walking.

“What was that for… You getting soft on me, cowboy?” She teased me quietly, making me chuckle a bit. We didn't say anything else after that, I didn't want to start bothering her right after Starsky passed… It seems wrong. Up ahead, Twilight and Forgetful helped Midnight, who kept embarrassing both of them and making herself laugh. I shook my head and remained in the pace that Eclipse was walking. I don't mind walking slow if it's for her. Gee, now that I think about it, maybe Eclipse is right. I am getting soft.

“Ugh, stop it, Eclipse! Dusk! Help!” Twilight yelled out to me, the three of them stopping and turning to me, Midnight with a huge grin on her face. Forgetful pulled his hood down with a shaking a hoof, revealing a deep red blush forming on his black coat. Twilight didn't move her hood. She must not be ready to reveal herself yet, which is fine by me. Although, I don't know why she didn't choose to show herself so early to us when she barely knew us. But, we are her team, so I guess she didn't want trust issues between the four of us. Makes sense. To me, at least.

“What? Can't handle our Midnight, Rookie?” Eclipse giggled, Twilight exasperated at Midnight’s lack of shame. I didn't even hear her talking and I already know what Midnight was talking about; the infamous cucumber story. It's a horror all of the initiates had to endure when they first joined. Even I had to listen to it, and it's horrifying how much detail she puts into the story. That's the worst part. Forgetful has been in Bravo Squad before Midnight and he was scarred by her tale. I don't want to get into it now, because it's another story for another time, but it's bad. Really bad.

“Ugh, I feel dirty just from hearing that story.” Twilight muttered, stepping away from Midnight, who started to tilt from the sudden lack of balance on her right side. Forgetful quickly picked up and her placed her on his back, where all of her hooves dangled off his back. I chuckled at their antics, and sat down on my haunches, Eclipse placing her head in my chest. I wrapped a hoof around her neck and held her as Twilight kept muttering about ‘Shower’ and ‘Cucumbers shouldn't be used for that’. Oh, to be a Rookie. Fun times. Fun times indeed.

“So, where should we start looking for Princess Luna?” I broke the awkward silence, hoping someone would propose an idea as to where we can start. Twilight’s plan to start with the Badlands wasn't that bad, but Midnight is injured and Forgetful and I are tired from our fight with the Scorpios. So, that rules that out. But, something clicked in my mind, something that somehow made sense and defied logic at the same time. Princess Celestia said something when she first summoned us, and ordered us to conduct an investigation.

“You all may be wondering why you've been summoned… It's with a heavy heart that I inform you all of my sister’s disappearance. She has been missing for several days, and so far, there has yet to be a clue to be found pertaining to her location. I, however, know of one of one small piece that may help in deciphering her location. She is not on Equiis. Still, I suggest that you search the land before taking more… Extreme measures.”

This just got a lot more complicated, didn't it?

Chapter IV (Mature)

Author's Note

This chapter and the next are borderline mind-fuckery. After that, though, everything will be normal for awhile. This is also my first time writing clop, so any critism would be nice.

Chapter IV (Mature)

IV. Sanctuary

This just got a lot more complicated, didn't it?

My face fell into my hooves, and I sighed quietly. I massaged my face with my hooves, rubbing it as I thought. What seemed like a normal investigation has turned into something more, something actually supernatural, of course I didn't pay much attention to what she said at first and with what's already happened, it slipped my mind. I assume everypony has already known and actually listened to the princess, unlike me. Celestia forbid we have a relatively easy mission. Then I realize we're all cursed in that regard.

Okay, so Princess Luna isn't on Equiis, meaning that no matter where we travel, we'll never find her anyway. So, that leaves some possibilities. She could be on the Moon, which means there's no possible way to get to her, unless we use the Elements of Harmony to banish ourselves to the Moon. That's a one way ticket though, meaning it's a last resort. Not to mention that we would have to gather the rest of the Element bearers and reveal Twilight’s identity. So yeah. It really is a last resort, if worse comes to worse.

She could also be in the dream realm, as stupid as it sounds. I really think this is the most likely location, as the Moon seems like somewhere she wouldn't really want to visit after being isolated there for a millenia. Seeing as none of us has been to sleep yet, we couldn't exactly test this theory. And even if she is there, how in Tartarus are we going to bring her back to reality? Click our hooves together and say ‘There's no place like home’ three times? This is ridiculous.

Wait a minute. Why would Princess Celestia say that Luna isn't anywhere on Equiis if she doesn't know where she is? That would imply that Celestia knows something pertaining to Luna’s location, and anything helps. We may have to return to the castle and question Princess Celestia… Then again, if everypony already knows that Luna isn't on Equiis, then why are we going to the Badlands? That could mean that something is in the Badlands that might point us to where Luna is.

Alright. So, I guess we will go to the Badlands for now, search around and if we don't find anything worthwhile, we will report back to Princess Celestia and question her for anything might help. So far, this entire case is gigantic clusterfuck in regards to leads, clues, and whereabouts. Not to mention Twilight and I split up with the rest of the Alpha Squad, and Bravo Squad has a wounded pony and a dead one. As for Charlie Squad, they are unaccounted for as of now. Maybe we’ll run into them heading to the Badlands.

If we move now, we can go through Las Pegasus and over Ghastly Gorge, and eventually to Appaloosa. From there, we travel through the Macintosh Hills and we will finally reach the Badlands. Of course, we need to be extra cautious around Ghastly Gorge. A violent and cannibalistic tribe known as the Fallen preside there and trust me, you do not want to get caught by them. I, for one, don't want to be eaten alive. It seems like a really horrible way to die in my eyes. We'll just have to be quick about crossing it, and we'll all make it out alive.

By now, the Sun is nearing the horizon and the Moon is peeking over it, the sky turning into a dark mix between orange and purple. We have been camping here for a while now, and just resting up for the journey ahead of us. It won't be easy, and I hope we can all make it out of this mission alive. This mission doesn't exactly scream safe, if you know what I mean. Starsky just further proves that this is dangerous. Hopefully Cheesecake and Moth are doing alright traveling up to the Frozen North. Apparently Moths are good when it comes cold, but Cheesecake is a normal pony, albeit having a longer than normal horn. And an eccentric personality.

Twilight is sitting on her haunches, her rifle and all of its ammunition spread out before her. Her horn lit up with a purple aura and four bullets glided over into the rifle’s chamber, locking into place once she clicked it shut and pulled the bolt back, cocking the rifle. Once she did that, she began counting her bullets, a total of sixteen shots left, and dropped them into a small sack, tying it tightly, but only enough to where they won't fall out and she can easily grab more bullets. She then placed her rifle back into her holster and laid down, tucking her hooves underneath of herself.

Forgetful was brandishing his knife on a thick piece of wood, sharpening the stick to look like a spear. Splinters broke off once he dragged the blade across the top of the stick, the tip forming into a sharp end. The sound of wood shaving filled the air as he continued sharpening the stick, it eventually turning into a fierce, but primal weapon. I hope he doesn't actually plan on using the damn thing, why do you think we all use firearms. Although he could be bored. Once the top was sharp, he began on the other side, starting anew.

Midnight was cuddled up against Forgetful, her body neat and tucked in together, her head resting against Forgetful’s side. A small smile was adorned on her muzzle as she breathed in and out of her nose, her ears occasionally flickering at the sound of the wood shaving that Forgetful is doing. It seems like she's healed up some, but enough to walk on her own yet. She'll probably be able walk and fly normally once we get to Appaloosa or if we're lucky, by we arrive at Ghastly Gorge. Regardless if she heals up or not, I’m not leaving her behind.

Eclipse and I are lying together on the crisp, cool grass, both of us staring up at the sky. The stars were scattered across the blackness of space, and the Moon seemed to glow a radiant light, almost as if Luna was still here. It seems like Princess Celestia really put a lot of work into the night, I guess she wants to show Luna that she cares for her and her night. I can't imagine what Celestia is going through. At least when Luna was banished to the Moon, all she had to do was gaze up at the Moon and know where she was.

“Hey, Dusk, come with me real quick.” Eclipse whispered to me, making me turn to her. She had a smirk on her muzzle and her eyes were half-lidded. I chuckled and sat up, Eclipse following me deeper into the woods, far enough away from the other three. All the way we were giggling and chasing each other, like two foals on the playground. It seems a little soon after what just happened… But we both could use the relief. I know I sure can, same with Eclipse.

Eventually, Eclipse dragged me to the ground with her hoof and I fell on top of her, panting as we laid there, gazing into each other’s eyes. I could just stare into those two cyan orbs for the rest of eternity, they're mesmerizing. I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers, her soft lips feeling like silk. We both closed our eyes as we cherished this moment, our lips connected as we put both of passion into the kiss. Her tongue prodded at my closed lips and parted them, letting her tongue enter my muzzle, her mint smelling breath filling my mouth with warmth.

Our tongues wrestled each other for dominance, wrapping around and poking the other's for victory. Saliva coated my teeth and tongue as we swapped, some dribbling down my chin. Eclipse let out a moan as my tongue dragged across the top of her teeth, leaving a coat of saliva. I wrapped a hoof around the back of her neck and pulled her in closer to me, my tongue winning the battle as it pressed down against hers. She flicked her tongue across my molars, sending a shiver down my spine. I involuntarily moaned at the weird, but satisfying feeling as we enjoyed each other's company.

I felt my stallionhood stirring in my sheath, poking through and rubbing against my cloak. A moan escaped through my mouth, muffled by Eclipse’s soft tongue. More saliva cascaded down my chin, running down my cloak. Eclipse wrapped her hooves around my neck, messing with my mane as we made out. Her tongue darted around in my muzzle, licking the root of my mouth and top of my bottom row of teeth, covering it all in her warm saliva. My own tongue prodded at her lips and tickled her tongue, feeling every bump on her tongue.

Finally, our lips parted and was connected by a thin strand of saliva, both of us panting heavily at our session. She blushed as I stared down at her, a seductive expression forming on my face. We both knew what we wanted, so we began yanking our boots off and ripping our cloaks off of each other’s bodies. I shivered once the night's cool breeze brushed against my body and stallionhood, sending a shiver down the length of my spine. We threw our cloaks to the side as I sat up against a tree, Eclipse between my legs and staring at the prize between them.

My stallionhood was at full mast, throbbing hard and standing tall. It was so hard it practically hurt, and I groaned at it finally being exposed to the air. A small dribble of pre-cum trickled down the length of my shaft, cascading down and integrating into a small puddle in my fur. Eclipse placed her hooves on my hind legs and a put a small mischievous smirk on her face, telling me she's going to tease the Tartarus out of me. I gazed into her eyes as she leaned in towards my cock, blowing on it slightly. It throbbed as the air blew against the skin, and I moaned softly at the contact.

Spreading her wings fully, she bent her right wing and brought it to my shaft, individual feathers wrapping around the length and rubbing it, pre-cum leaking and coating her white, beautiful feathers. She smiled as the pre-cum accumulated on her feathers and coated my cock in it, wetting it as she brought her wing up and down at a slow pace, teasing me. I groaned and threw my head back as she jerked me off, the texture of her feathers driving me insane in pleasure. By now, my own wings were fully erect and sprawled out by my sides.

Taking her other wing, she cupping my swollen balls with her feathers and massaging them. She tugged on them gently, my sack stretching in all of the right places to add to the pleasure. More pre-cum shot out of my cock, lubricating it more as Eclipse continued to run her feathers across my shaft and knead my balls. I quickly felt myself nearing the edge, but she pulled her right wing away from length, several strands of pre-cum clinging to her wings. Her other wing left my ballsack and I sat there, a frown on my face as she edged me. But, that changed quickly.

Lowering her head, she planted warm kisses at the base of my shaft, and began pressing her lips up the length of my cock, her soft lips connecting with my stallionhood nearly making me buck upwards, but I restrained myself. Taking her hoof, she pulled my rod downwards and continued planting kisses down the front of my shaft, pre-cum latching onto neck as she gazed up at me, ending her tirade of kissing. Letting go of my stallionhood with her hoof, it slapped against my belly and I let out at a moan at the meaty wack.

She stuck her tongue out and dragged it up my rod, leaving a line of saliva, it mixing with the residue of the pre-cum already there. Reaching the top of my length, she swirled her tongue around the tip, lapping up all of the pre-cum leaking out and swallowing it with a greedy gulp. Seeing my distress, she deemed I've been teased enough and wrapped her lips around the tip of my shaft, her tongue prodding at the underside of my stallionhood. I moaned softly as more of my rod was devoured by her maw, my cock rubbing against the inside of her mouth. This is amazing.

Getting acquainted with the size of my shaft, she slowly began bobbing her head up and down, her tongue quickly darting around in her mouth, dragging against my rod. Placing a hoof on the back of her head, I began pushing lightly on her head, urging her to go faster. She hummed on my cock, the vibration resonating in my staff and nearly sent me over the edge. Her hoof began kneading my swollen ballsack, massaging and tugging on my balls as she bounced her head on my stallionhood, a familiar pressure building up inside my crotch.

I held her head down atop my staff with both of my hooves, slightly pulling on her mane as I let loose inside of her muzzle. Thick ropes of creamy, hot cum shot down her throat, firing load after load into her mouth. I screamed in ecstasy as I rode out my orgasm, bucking roughly into her mouth, semen continuing to eject from my shaft, filling her mouth with my cum. Her muzzle began to overflow and cum began to drop into a puddle on my crotch, surrounding my stallionhood. Eclipse looked at me as she greedily swallowed all of my cum, seeing the bulge in her throat travel downwards into her stomach. I panted as she lifted her head off of my rod.

My stallionhood still stood tall and proud, seemingly unaffected by my previous orgasm. Eclipse, taking an advantage of this, stood up and positioned herself over my staff, her juices cascading down the length of her hind legs and dripping onto my shaft. I nodded to her and she began lowering herself onto me, her lips spreading and giving way to my cock, enveloping around it. Eclipse let out a cute little moan as she continued lowering herself, until eventually she hit the hilt.

I felt her marehood squeezing my shaft tightly, her soft walls encompassing my rod as she moaned softly, placing her hooves on my chest as she lifted herself until only the tip was inside. Without a warning, she dropped down on top of me hard. We both cried out in ecstasy, my cock quickly becoming wet with her juices. I grabbed her plump flank and squeezed it as she blushed, a small smile forming on my face. I began rubbing her rump with my hooves, her squishy cheeks giving unto my hooves.

She bounced up and down on my shaft, moaning loudly as my cock filled her fully. Her walls clenched around my shaft, milking me dry. She adopted a steady pattern as she bobbed up and down on top of me, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. I held onto her cutie marks, which were solar eclipses, and swirled around them, my hooves digging into her plush body. After a while of this position, I decided to switch it up. Eclipse got up and she lowered her head and lifted her flank, presenting her marehood to me.

I lowered my head down gaze at her winking vagina, juices overflowing out of her canal, cascading down her belly and hind legs. I leaned forward and prodded her tailhole with my tongue, swirling around the entrance and finally shoving my tongue inside, Eclipse letting out a small gasp at my sudden intrusion. I darted my tongue in and out of her tailhole rapidly, coating it with my saliva. Eclipse let out small little gasps and moans every few seconds, making me chuckle. She really is cute.

Satisfied with my teasing, I stood up and placed my hooves by her side, standing over her. My stallionhood pressed against her tailhole, making Eclipse grit her teeth hard. Resisting my shaft, I gently pressed into it until a loud pop, the tip of my rod entering her tailhole. Eclipse gasped loudly and covered her mouth with her hoof, closing her eyes tightly. I continued to press inside of her until my groin rubbed against her plush flank. I waited a moment for Eclipse to get used to my cock before I began humping.

Her walls clenched tightly around my shaft, squeezing it as I began speeding up, my wet rod lubricating her hole enough for me to enter without it being painful. I grunted as my balls began to slap against Eclipse’s marehood, it winking swiftly as it yearned for the attention I'm giving her tailhole. The white mare began moaning as my rod entered her tailhole rapidly, in and out, in a fast paced pattern. Soon enough, I felt another orgasm building up and the way Eclipse was panting and pressing herself against me seemed like she was, too.

I kicked into overdrive, rutting her senseless as my motions became a blur. My balls slapped against her vagina like a ragdoll, swinging in the air wildly. My shaft throbbed as I groaned loudly, pleasure seizing my body as I have my second orgasm. Thick ropes of cum exploded out of my staff into her tailhole, coating her inner walls with my creamy, warm semen. Eclipse gasped loudly as her marehood gushed juices, splashing against my balls and trickling down her hind legs. I panted as I got off of her and fell to the ground, Eclipse rolling over and cuddling with me.

As my eyelids began to lower and I felt myself beginning to drift off to sleep, I heard three words ring out in the night air, just as darkness envelops my eyes and I succumb to sleep.

“I love you.”

* * * * * *

I jolted upwards, my eyelids lifting and my wings fully erect. I panted as I glanced down to Eclipse, who was sleeping by my side, her hood concealing her face. I’m also wearing my cloak, except I have my hood down. I looked around, noticing that the Sun is beginning to peer over the horizon, it's light illuminating the forest. I saw Twilight, Forgetful, and Midnight all sleeping near each other, and are the same distance away from us that we were last night. Wait, what? Does that mean last night was a dream? I lowered my head to look for stains on my cloak, and sure enough, there wasn't any.

How could last night be a dream? It seemed so real, and I felt everything! Twisting my head, I glanced to the spot where we went last night, and it looks untouched. Huh. So, it was a dream. That sucks. But, it was so detailed and vivid. This is confusing the Tartarus out of me. I think it would be best of I just moved on and forgot it ever happened. Sighing, I stood up on my hooves, making sure not to wake up Eclipse. She looks so cute, I can't resist. I lowered my head and planted a kiss on her forehead before I glanced around, looking for a river. I’m thirsty.

I passed by Twilight and the others as I searched for a water source, my mouth dry. I could use something to eat, but that can come later; I would rather be starving than be dehydrated. The sounds of early morning filled my ears as I walked, birds chirping and the sound of the wind blowing softly. Multicolored leaves fell to the ground me slowly, gliding to the ground on a wind current. I also did like the atmosphere of the early morning, perhaps because it's the most beautiful time of the day… I need to make sure Princess Luna never hears me saying that.

A faint sound rang in my ears that made me swivel my ears, turning towards the source of the sound. And it awfully sounds like a current of water rushing. Without another moment of hesitation, I broke into a gallop towards the river, my mouth burning with desire for some cool water to wash down my throat. Leaves cracked under my hooves as I ran, and the wind brushed against my face, my mane blowing in the air as I ran as fast as I could. Please Celestia, I need some water!

I skid to a halt as a grin forms on my muzzle from the sight laid out before me. A medium-sized river was rushing clear water past me, ending in a small waterfall at the end and continuing on for awhile, for what seems like miles. Crouching down, I cupped my hooves together and gathered a small puddle of water in the crevice of my hooves, lifting up to my greedy maw. I gulped it all down, the cold water refreshing me and healing my parched throat. Sweet Celestia, this is great.

I kept drinking more and more water until I was satisfied, my mouth and throat not feeling completely and utterly dry as the desert. As I was about to get up and go try and retrieve some food, I shot a glance towards my reflection, noticing my cobalt blue mane cascading over my face, my snow white coat with tufts of fur rising up, and my similar colored to my mane eyes gazing up at me from my reflection. I grimaced at the sight of the large scar that's spread across the length of my muzzle, something that I got from my battle with Queen Chrysalis. It wasn't an easy battle.

Getting up, my stomach rumbled and reminded me that I was hungry. Chuckling lightly to myself, I began scrounging for food, as I didn't really feel like eating grass when there's a chance I can happen across some berries or fruits. Ponies only eat grass when there's no other options available to them and that's not true for me, as we're in a forest, which means I’m bound to find a bushel of berries or some fruits. I just have to do a little digging, which is something I’m used to.

I began searching high and low for something to eat, while my stomach continued to shake and tremble at the fact I haven't ate anything in days. By now, the Sun is a little bit higher in the sky, but it's still early in the morning. I would say it's about seven o'clock in the o'clock, which is around the time I usually wake up to slave away under the light of the Sun. I wonder what the Princess is doing now that we are already out here… Probably doing the same thing she usually does; Day Court. Heh, I remember her and Princess Luna went to war. A prank war. Unfortunately, Eclipse and I were dragged into the middle of it. Good times.

Contrary to popular belief, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna do have a semblance of humor in them. They are regular ponies, after all. It just seems like the public don't seem to get that, and try to do whatever they can to please them. I've seen that little frown Princess Celestia puts on when ponies begin bowing to her in public, she obviously isn't a big fan of it. Even if she is a princess and a co-ruler of Equestria, she's a pony just like us. After this is all over and done with, maybe I can get Moonlight XIII to treat her out to bar, get a few drinks. It would be hard to convince her to, but perhaps she will jump at the chance to let loose.

Princess Luna isn't much different, honestly. She does like being respected and revered as a ruler of Equestria, don't get that wrong, but just like her older sister, she likes to pull the crown down and relax. I guess that little prank war is an example of them letting loose and showing themselves for once. It was nice to see them happy and carefree, unburdened by being princesses. And let me tell you, don't ever get between Princess Celestia and her cake, she might banish you to the Sun if you mess with her cake. Princess Luna likes cereal, too, oddly enough. Everypony has their quirks, I suppose.

I stopped when I saw a bushel of berries, blueberries to be precise, at the top of a small hill. There was even a small ray of sunlight beaming down on it like in the books. Licking my lips, I climbed the hill carefully to not fall, and found myself face-to-face with the bush of scrumptious looking berries that are about to fall victim to my demanding stomach. Once again for the second time that morning, I greedily snatched a hoofful of berries and devoured them, enjoying their crisp texture and fruity flavor, smacking my lips after eating them. Wiping my mouth with a hoof, I realized everypony else must be hungry, so I began grabbing them and stuffing them into a small bag I carry around.

Glancing into the bag that's now filled to the brim with blueberries, I took one last glimpse at the now empty bush before I started my trek back to the would be camp, my hunger and thirst now quenched. Hopefully, everypony else is awake by now, because I’m not one for waiting around for everypony else to wake up. Of course, Eclipse is a heavy sleeper, while I can wake up to anything. I never said we had everything in common. Unlike her, I don't like getting drunk. Sure, I enjoy a few drinks, but enough for me to pass out. That's a trait she can keep to herself.

I approached the camp and noticed that everypony is awake, with the exception of Eclipse, who is still sleeping. Rolling my eyes at her stubbornness, Twilight waved to me, and Forgetful and Midnight gave me a lazy greeting, obviously still waking up. I sat down in front of them, and pulled out the bag of blueberries, throwing it to Twilight, who caught it with her magic. I didn't say anything as she opened the bag and after seeing its contents, did the same thing I did and munched a hoofful of berries. Smirking, I got up as she passed the bag to Forgetful and the vesper, walking over to Eclipse.

“Wake up, I got food, you stubborn mare.” I exclaimed, poking her with my hoof. She didn't budge at all, so I had to take drastic measures. I leaned down and began nibbling on her ear, swirling my tongue around the tip of it, making sure to make it wet as possible. It seemed to work because her eyelids opened and she blushed when she saw what I was doing before shoving me away. I chuckled as she got up, her blush fading as I kissed her on the lips.

“Did you really have to wake up like that? Jeez, it's impossible to wake up normally around you.” She muttered as she rubbed away all the saliva on her ear, glaring at me playfully.

“You know you love me.” I teased, walking over to everypony else, Eclipse following behind me. I plopped down on my flank, Eclipse sitting down next to me, pulling her hood down. I think I forgot to mention, but our cloaks have slots opened for our ears, wings if you have them, horns if you have one, and our tails.

“Are those blueberries? Gimme!” Eclipse demanded, snatching the bag out of Forgetful’s hooved, dumping the rest of the bag into her muzzle. Once she did, I snickered at the juice surrounding her lips.

“You have juice on your lips. Let me help you.” I said, pressing my lips against hers before she can protest. She blushed as I gathered all of the juice with my tongue, smiling as I left her lips.

“You two gonna’ rut or what?” Midnight interrupted before Forgetful thumped the back of her head with a hoof, making her go ‘oof’. I smirked as she shut up. Eclipse wiped her lips and leaned on me, her head laying on my chest. I placed a hoof on her mane and rubbed it slowly.

“What lovely conversations you ponies have…” Twilight muttered as she shook her head, her horn activating a purple color. A magical aura enveloped her hood and she pulled it down, revealing her identity to everypony, except me. Her purple mane with the pink and magenta stripes fell out of her hood, her dark purple eyes twinkling in the sunlight. Everypony gasped loudly, I just shrugged my shoulders already knowing the nature of her identity.

“Twilight Sparkle?!”

Chapter V

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Chapter VI (Explicit)

VI. The White Tail

I jolted upwards, my eyelids opening spontaneously and sunlight blinded me for a moment as I adjusted to the brightness. Rubbing my eyes with one of my hooves, I chanced lifting my eyelids and found myself staring down at my reflection for the umpteenth time, except this time I had bags under my eyes and I looked groggy. The Sun’s brilliance bounced off of the water's surface, illuminating underneath and showing me all of the fish and plants that were living under the water. A fish swam upstream, battling the current and traveling downwards, leaving me behind.

The Sun reached its zenith, its warmth beaming down on Equestria and its citizens, but for some reason I felt like Princess Celestia was watching me more than anypony. Perhaps it's because of the dream we shared, but maybe it's just her be extra caring today, and I appreciate it. The events of my dream played in mind over and over again like a broken record, from Princess Celestia telling us to assassinate Supreme Overlord Nefastus, to my father's funeral, to her reminded me of my pendant. My eyes widened as I focused on that thought.

Still laying on the ground where I first fell asleep, I yanked my pendant out from under my cloak, fumbling with it in my hooves until I held it tightly within my grasp, staring at like a child would at a new toy. How could I be so stupid to forget we had these? I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I like to deceive myself into believing I have some intelligence and a healthy memory. I’m just thankful that Princess Celestia was so helpful to remind me, otherwise I would continue to worry about my other two teammates and friends… I don't know what I would do if I lost one of them.

As I held the pendant in my hooves, I took in its details. It has a golden finish, with a crescent moon engraved into the gold several times in a pattern all around the round shape. Connected to the pendant is two hatches that hold the necklace piece that allows you to wear it without it falling off. In the middle of the pendant was a solar eclipse with two unicorn horns intersecting, as well as a pair of wings behind the set of horns. All of this was slightly protruding, so you can press on it and call anypony as long as you say their full name before pressing the button. It's technology that hasn't been integrated into normal Equestrian life.

Moonlight XIII has access to all of the latest technology that our scientists can come up with at the time. Our firearms is a testament to that, as well as our pendants. Before the rifles and pistols was the crossbow, which did it job well, but the reload time was atrocious and most of the things that we hunted needed something more powerful to pierce their skin. So, came along the rifle, which is called the Musket Mark II. The original only held two shots and didn't have very good range. Sure, it could take the head off of a Gryphon from a good distance, but it needed more. So, they upgraded it and added the capacity to hold up to four bullets, as well as increasing the range and stopping power of it as well.

Then there is the pistol, which is the Flintlock Mark I. Of course, everypony upgraded to the rifle after it was distributed, but I never liked the idea of lugging around that big old thing. My pistol does its job well enough, and I’m content with it. It won't have the range of rifle, nor the power, but the recoil is better and the accuracy is almost on par with the Musket. I have heard that they are working on one that can hold up to six bullets, and is basically an overall better version of the original. They are also making an explosive monster called the Blunderbuss. I’m pretty sure that Daring would have liked it, because it sounds pretty enticing even to me. And I don't like explosives that much. Only in time, I guess.

Sighing, I slam my hoof on the button, saying Mother' name closely to it. The unicorn horns light up a cyan color, the pair of pegasi wings twist around and spin, and the lunar crescent moon fills up with this dark blue matter that makes a humming sound. I go to stand up and step away from the riverside, when one of my hooves slip and it fumbles around in my hoof before dropping into the river current, drifting down the stream. No, that's my only way of communicating with Moth and Cheesecake! I focus on the pendant and keep it in my line of sight as I begin galloping along the riverbank, trying to catch up to it and grab it. The crisp grass flattens underneath my hooves as I run frantically towards it, my eyes widened and my mind racing. My cloak flaps wildly as I slide down the riverbank as the river makes a sudden drop.

Catching myself from falling into the river at the hill, I regain my senses and start running again, my boots crushing fallen leaves as I try to retrieve my dropped pendant. Skidding to a halt at the wide turn in the river, I pick up my speed again as the pendant continues floating down the river, sometimes going under the surface until it eventually floats back up. I start panting as I spread my wings and leap to the other side of the river, using my wings to propel me across. I land softly and once again begin running as fast as I possibly can, the wind whipping my face and body as I go into overdrive, slowly but surely catching up to the pendant.

The Sun shines brightly on my face as I leave the treeline, now in a massive clearing that houses no other forest. It was a large meadow that had a large field filled with different kinds of flowers, all of them snapping under my hooves as I run up to the pendant, which got snagged on a low hanging tree branch. I quickly crouch down and extend my hoof as far as I can, my hoof grazing the soft metal touch of it as I struggle to grab it. I grunt as I lean forward, careful not to fall in myself, my hooves sinking into to the mud as I desperately attempt to grasp the pendant. The water brushes against it as the river continues to stream forwards, almost pulling it back into to the river. I throw my hoof and wrap it around the pendant, backing up when I’m sure I have it secure in my grip.

I glance to the bright orange orb in the sky as it shines down on me and the meadow I’m in. I breath heavily as I plop down on my haunches, clutching the pendant in my right hoof. Thank Celestia they are waterproof, otherwise I wouldn't have chased it all the way down here. I sigh in relief as I rest, occasionally shooting a glance to the pendant in my hooves. I look to my left and see Canterlot on the side of the tall mountain in the distance, as well as a small glimpse of the outskirts of Ponyville. I wonder how the princess is doing up there, worrying about her sister, and to an extent, us as well. We already lost one of us. I’m going to make sure we don't lose anypony else as long as I’m alive.

What happened to Starsky was a tragedy and was the first pony we've lost since the battle for Canterlot. Eclipse is still heartbroken over her, she was her best friend, and I’m sure that Forgetful and Midnight are as well. I didn't know her that well, but the few times I did talk to her, she was kind and generous. I can see why Eclipse found such a good friend in her, and if I wasn't such a bitter asshole back then, I probably could as well… I was going through a hard time back then, and sadly enough, I pushed away everypony that wanted to help me, even Eclipse. If I could, I wouldn't do that, I regret it to this day. I just wanted to deal with it on my own, but instead I decided to shoulder all of the pain and go alone.

Shaking my head to rid of the thoughts lingering in my mind, I went to slam my hoof on the pendant when I noticed a weird white mist surrounding it. I waved my hoof through the mist to dissipate it, but it just weaved around my hoof and continued to flow from the pendant. The more I stared at the pendant, the more I felt sick, like someone was twisting my guts around in my stomach. A ringing sound screeched in my ear and refused to leave, forcing me to clamp my hooves over my ears as I gritted my teeth. My vision flickered as I glanced to the treeline, my vision turning from black to white to grey to blue to red, the world around me fading in and out. And that's when I saw it, staring at me from a distance.

At the edge of the treeline was a tall white tail deer, its coat being a dark black instead of the normal brown, and white spots littered around on its body. Its eyes were large and emotionless, and they were a faint white that had white mist flowing from the both of them. It had two large, curved sharp horns protruding out of its head and ending in an ethereal mist, much like the mist flowing from its eyes. It gazed at me and the pain in my head went from bearable to pure agony, but I couldn't stray my eyes away from it. Soon, I felt myself stand up against my will and begin walking to it at a brisk pace, despite me mentally berating myself to control my body and stop. The closer I got to it, the more the world flickered and faded, the sky turning to a dull black and the vivid colors of the river, the meadow, and the trees turning to a bright white.

When I got a good distance close to it, which was about three feet away from it, it lifted its hoof and went to its side, rubbing it with its hoof. But, much to my horror, I found myself mimicking its moves and doing the exact same motions, my hoof brushing against my holster. It pressed into to its side and then slowly retracted into it was extended outwards. I slipped my pistol out of its holster and brought it to the front of me, its sleek design being burned into my mind. The deer lifted its hoof to the side of its head and pressed it against its head, and against my will, I lifted the pistol to my head and pressed the barrel to the side of my own head. My hoof shaked as I tried to defy the creature and save my life, but no, I cocked the pistol with my wing after the deer made the motion.

Time seemed to slow down as I stood there, on the outskirts of the White Tail Woods, my hooves firmly planted in the soft, bright green grass as the wind blew softly against my face, my mane whipping in the breeze. The colors of the trees flickered from brown and green to white and black, my vision faltering. I screamed mentally as my hoof convulsed with the pistol in my grip, my fetlock pressing down slowly on the trigger. The deer’s mouth curved upwards into a sadistic grin, as its prey was about to die by its hooves. Gritting my teeth, I placed all of my strength into my hoof as I willed myself to remove the gun away from my head, determined to defy the supernatural deer.

With a contorted shout escaping my mouth, I shoved the pistol away from my head as it fired, however the pistol was so close to my head that my left ear was filled with loud ringing, the sound never faltering and never fading. I pointed the pistol at the deer and fired, however the bullet whiffed past it and struck the tree behind it. I blinked and the demonic deer was replaced by a normal one, it running away from the sound of the gunshot. The world flickered back to normal, the sky going from black to the cobalt blue it was before, and the Sun went from a big gaping hole of darkness back to the massive ball of warmth. The grass faded from white to green, and the trees returned to normal as well. But, the hearing in my left ear never returned, giving me a sign I was permanently deaf in my left ear.

I rubbed my ear vigorously with my hoof, desperate for sound to fade back in and I could hear once again. However, after rubbing, slapping, and doing anything else I could to my ear, the sound never came back. I dropped to the ground in defeat, the sound of birds chirping musically in the air reverberating in my right ear, my only good ear. I holstered my pistol and stared up at the sky, my heart beating in my chest in a steady rhythm. I sat there until I noticed the Sun beginning to lean towards the opposite side of the horizon, the sky soon turning from blue to purple and orange. Soon enough, it was night and the sound of birds singing beautifully was replaced by the dull sound of crickets chirping. I glanced to the pendant, noticing that the white mist has vanished from it.

What that was, was obviously the White Tail Deer, a supernatural being that preys upon the lonely and desperate. I guess because I branched off from my team and I was struggling to retrieve my pendant that it decided to strike… It uses its power of mind control and power to force its victims to kill themselves instead of doing it itself… Usually, ponies don't survive; How I did is a mystery and miracle at the same time. What I don't get is… It's just a legend. A folk tale. A myth. So, the best explanation is that it really is real and I just encountered it and survived… But, I know what I have to do now, and I don't like it one bit… The White Tail Deer is a supernatural, and as a member of Moonlight XIII, it is my duty to hunt and exterminate any beings that intend to inflict harm on any and all ponies… Which means I have to find it somehow and kill it, someway.

I miss being a normal Royal Guard…

* * * * * *

The Moon has now reached its zenith, hanging over the world in the dark blue sky, bathing the world in moonlight. I took a glance at the white orb in the sky, and it still filled me with that same dread it has for the past week since Princess Luna disappeared. I walked slowly through the forest, my pistol in my hoof and my pendant wrapped around my neck. My hood was back over my head and I blinked, seeing a faint white light ahead. I cocked the pistol in anticipation as I approached the white light, dreading the worst. The light illuminated the small clearing I entered as I stepped towards it, leaves cracking underneath my hooves.

I've been searching for the White Tail Deer for hours now, and so far, it hasn't made its move yet. However, I think this white light may be it, even if I don't want it to be. I hate to admit it, but being by myself and seperated from my team whilst in the dark in the middle of the forest filled me with a primal fear that I can't explain. I had to stop myself several times from contacting Twilight and ordering her and everyone else to come find me, but I realized that the White Tail wouldn't show itself. And I didn't want that. So, against my better judgement, I remained alone and continued to trek through the darkness of the night in search of a powerful being that is capable of controlling me and forcing me to kill myself. Celestia, that doesn't help at all.

As I approached the white light at an agonizingly slow pace, my heart began racing as faint whispers echoed filled my only good ear, their words incomprehensible, no matter how much I tried to understand them. I reached a hoof out to touch the white light, and when it did, it vanished without a trace, leaving me alone in the clearing by myself. I scanned around as silence filled my right ear. I felt as though my heart was in my throat as I turned around, my heart beating at a rapid pace. I darted my eyes around sporadically until they landed on a peculiar sight which frightened me for some unknown reason. Lying on the ground was a pendant, like mine, and it was glowing softly, white noise emanating from it. It lit up almost like when you contact someone, except the dark blue essence was crimson red.

“Dusk… Please… Save us… Save me…” A voice that resembled Eclipse’s echoed from the pendant, the words ringing in my ear. I slid my pistol into my holster as I hesitantly picked up the pendant off of the ground and held it in my hoof, waiting for the usual hologram image to appear. “Oh Celestia… It hurts… So muuuucchhhh… Duuuuussskk… Pleeeeaaassee! Make it stoooopppp!” Fear gripped me in a tightly as her words filled the air, my eyes widening. Suddenly, the hologram finally appeared, but it was flickering and faded several times, almost as if it isn't stable. The image that was bestowed before me made me gasp and cower in fear, it wanted me to just curl up in a ball and sleep away the fear, dread, and terror that's controlling me.

Eclipse was lying on the ground limply, her right hoof gripping the pendant. Her other hoof was torn off and was on the ground next to her, the bone protruding out. Blood oozed from the stump where her hoof once was, forming in a puddle beneath her. Her eyes were barely open and blood leaked out of her eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears as she weakly crawled forward, the lower half of her body ripped off, her guts dragging behind her as she tried to crawl away from the gruesome scene. On the ground near her dismembered legs and bottom half was her wings, which were lacking several primary feathers and secondary feathers. Instead of her usual pristine white coat, it was wholly covered in blood and burn marks. She coughed and looked to me through the pendant.

Behind her was Twilight, who was missing her head and all of her hooves, leaving a dismembered corpse. Next to the purple unicorn was Midnight, and she was missing both of her eyes, as well as her ears and teeth. There was a large, open hole in her stomach and her organs were lying on the ground next to her carcass. And finally, Forgetful was impaled to a tree by a large piece of wood, his neck slashed open and gushing blood violently. He gasped and sputtered until he fell limp, his hooves dropping to his side and his head dropping his well, breaking off from his neck with a sickening cracking sound. I looked back to Eclipse in horror who was gazing right into my eyes with pure fear written in her expression. She gripped the pendant before coughing weakly.

“I-I… D-D-Dusk… Rrraaaaaaaaaaggghhh!” A bloodcurdling scream filled my ear which made me drop the pendant in shock, watching helplessly as Eclipse was dragged off by an unknown force. Soon enough, the image dissipated and the gruesome scene was over, however the screeching did not stop; and it wasn't coming from the pendant anymore… It was emanating all around you at a deafening level. I clamped my ear shut as hard as I could as I blinked, feeling liquid cascade down my face, dripping onto the ground without a sound. I soon felt liquid leaking from nose, mouth, and ears as well, soaking my face and dampening my fur. I lifted a hoof to my nose and wiped it, immediately realizing that it's blood.

“Make it stop!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, the loud screaming never fading or ceasing, just a never ending loop of madness. I pounded my hoof against my right ear in anger and frustration, just wanting so desperately for the screeching to stop. But, it never did. I found myself curling into the fetal position, clutching my chest and squeezing my eyes shut, a fear so strong filling my body as whispers, along with the screaming, reverberating in my ear. Please, make it stop! Make it stop! Make… It… Stop… Make… It… Stop… Please… Celestia, make it stop! I hastily grabbed ahold of my pistol and slid it out of its holster, hesitantly pressing it against my head. With a shaking wing, I cocked the pistol as the screaming and whispers echoed in my ear, soon finding their way inside of my head.

I lifted my eyelids slowly, my vision obscured by four black hooves standing in front of me, menacingly. Oh Celestia, it's here to finish me off. Accepting my fate, I shakily looked upwards, directly into the eyes of the White Tail Deer, its white pupils gazing into my own. As soon as I laid my eyes on it, it all stopped, silence encompassing me and the clearing. I darted my eyes around, removing my hoof from my ear as I glanced to the pistol pressed against my head. I saw the supernatural being raise its hoof and I flinched, shutting my eyes and preparing for the worst. However, I was not struck. Instead, it knocked the pistol away from my head, it clattering to the ground a foot away from me. Confused, I looked up to the White Tail Deer, but what happened next surprised me.

Its black coat slowly changed from its dark color to a light brown, the white spots on its body disappearing from its fur. The horns on its head shifted and churned, transforming into a set of white antlers. Its menacing and fear-inducing eyes turned to bright and cheery blue pupils when it blinked, the white mist that flowed from them vanishing. And its mouth curved up into a smile, not a sadistic grin, but a genuine, heartwarming smile. It brought its hoof to my chin and lifted my head, bringing my head closer to its. It helped me to my hooves and gazed at me silently, a small smile on its muzzle. I smiled back as I swiftly pressed the barrel of the flintlock to its head and pulled the trigger, blood and brain matter splattering on the ground. Its limp body dropped to the ground, its eyes turning lifeless.

I dropped to my knees as I stared at the dead body of the White Tail Deer, a supernatural that was proven to be real, meaning it has had several victims before, maybe. The pistol landed in the grass with a thud as I sighed, silence engulfing my ear canal as I sat there in peace, relieved that I finally killed it. It won't be hurting anypony else anymore, thanks to me. But, I became alarmed when the body soon began decomposing, the skin melting away to reveal muscle. The muscles quickly dissolved to nothing, leaving nothing but the empty carcass of the White Tail Deer. I felt a sudden shift in the current of the air, as if there isn't a certain pressure anymore. I wiped the blood away from my face as best I could as I laid there, staring at the skeleton quietly.

“Oh thank Celestia, Dusk!” I whipped around and saw Eclipse, as well as Twilight, Forgetful and Midnight trotting towards me. I don't know what came over me, but I felt my eyes watering and I broke down, sobbing loudly at the sight of that white pegasus I love so much. Eclipse’s expression shifted from relief to concern when she saw me break down, suddenly picking up her speed and bolting into me. She wrapped her hooves around me and I followed suit, shoving my face into her chest as I wailed loudly. I don't know if it's from the stress, or what just transpired, but I couldn't hold it in anymore. I don't usually do this, something completely and utterly fucked up has to occur for me to break down like this. My mind raced as I muttered four words, my heart and mind sure enough that this isn't a dream. I know this isn't a dream, what just happened was too horrific and vivid to be a dream. This was real.

“I love you, Eclipse.” I whispered to her, loud enough for her to hear my confession. She gasped slightly at my words before gripping me harder, leaning down and making me the happiest stallion alive by saying five words.

“I love you, too, Dusk.”

Author's Note

There! Now, the chapter is redone!

Chapter VII

VII. Ponyville

“I love you, too, Dusk.”

My heart fluttered in my chest as an extreme feeling of happiness overcame me, and despite the situation I just barely survived through, a smile found its way onto my muzzle. I squeezed Eclipse with all of my will, tears of fear turning to tears of joy. All of these years together and I finally confessed my love to her… And she said it back to me! I can't even begin to express how giddy I’m feeling inside, my heart exploded. Twice! I looked up and noticed the Moon beaming down on the both of us, showcasing my mare in all of the right ways. The way her black mane glistened in the light, cascading down her face and neck. The way her eyes shined brightly under that big rock, twinkling at me. Her pristine white coat clung to the features of her face, presenting her beauty in no other way.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” I whispered to her with a grin, causing the pegasus to blush at me before leaning down and planted her lips on mine, her silky smooth lips feeling like Heaven itself was kissing me. I put my own force into it, wrapping my hoof around the back of her neck and savored the way her mane felt on my fur. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the emotions running through my mind, her gorgeous cyan eyes gazing into my own, and the lavender smell of her coat. If I could, I would stop time itself just so this moment could never end. But, like all good things, ut ended when she removed her lips and beamed down at me with a smile so sweet.

“You have. Several times, Dusk. And do you remember how many times I've told you how handsome and sexy you are?” She purred at me, causing blood to rush to my cheeks. This time, I initiated the kiss by locking lips with her, closing my eyes as I put passion into our kiss. I felt her tongue prodding at my lips and I allowed passage, meeting her tongue with my own. Eclipse let out a cute moan as I battled for dominance with my tongue, flicking it across the broadside of hers. I panted as we parted lips, a thin strand of saliva connecting our mouths. I smirked and swiftly bopped her nose with my hoof, giggling at the way her muzzle scrunched up and her wings fluttered. Celestia, I love this mare. No one could ever replace her.

“You're a jerk, you know that?” She inquired as she stared down at me with a playful look, smacking me lightly with her wing on the shoulder. I rolled my eyes and planted a small kiss on her cheek, loving the way blood flowed to her cheeks just from that sudden contact.

“And did you know that you're cute?” I inquired, challenging her with my own playful expression. She just rolled her eyes and chuckled, patting me on the head teasingly. I swatted her hoof away as we laughed quietly, cherishing each other's company as if it's the last time we'll ever see each other. Suddenly, her expression changed from teasing and playful to one a caring mother would have adorned on their face.

“But, seriously Dusk, are you okay? It seems like something more happened for you to run off like that.” She admonished, stroking my face with her hoof. I don't know what to tell her, honestly. It doesn't seem like she would believe me if I said I was hunted by a being that I once knew and considered a myth. It was all too real for it to be just a legend, though… And what do I tell her about my left ear, now that's it completely deaf?

“I’m fine.” I lied, mustering enough willpower to curve my lips upwards into a reassuring smile. I’m lying, I’m not fine. I feel like I’m being watched and I still have some of the primal fear lingering around in my mind, whispering to me. Not to mention that I lost my hearing, and witnessed myself almost try to kill myself several times in one day. What I experienced won't disappear and fade away from my mind, the White Tail struck fear into me and made me feel more helpless than I ever felt in my entire life. But, for the sake of not worrying her, I’m going to just deal with the trauma myself.

“Are you sure?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, gazing into the very essence of my soul. I pushed past her scrutinizing gaze and pecked her on the lips, answering her with just that one action.

“I’m sure.” I stated, once again feeling guilt in the deep pit of my stomach as I lied to her. I don't like lying, I never did and I never will, but lying to Eclipse just makes me feel worse. Tenfold now that we both confessed our love for each other… I just need to deal with it myself, I’m strong enough to… I’ll have to be. For my sake, and hers.

“Alright, enough of this lovey-dovey soap opera, let's get to Ponyville already so I can get something to fill my stomach. And I mean food, not cum.” I groaned at Midnight’s rant, but the sentiment about food I can agree with. I slowly but surely made my way to my hooves, shaking slightly before regaining my balance and walking steadily. I shot a glance at the Moon hovering in the night sky before shaking my head and pulling my hood back over my head, zipping it shut with my expanded wings. Eclipse got up as well and yanked the hood over her head too, but deciding not to zip it up. Midnight, Twilight, and Forgetful approached us finally, all of their cloaks zipped up fully, save Midnight who has been lacking her cloak since we first found her a few days ago near the rest of Bravo Squad.

For some reason, this sense of pride and want overcame, forcing me to glance over to the skeleton of the once great White Tail Deer. I broke off from the four ponies and walked over to the carcass, crouching down to look at it. Even now, when it's good as dead, I feel fear lingering in my system. Shaking my head to rid of the feeling, I gripped the skull of the supernatural creature tightly and twisted it, the spine snapping and disconnecting from the skull. I stumbled back and landed on my flank, but the skull was in my grasp. I brushed a hoof across the bony features and the solid antlers before I blinked, a thought passing through my mind; this is the White Tail Deer’s skull, therefore I… Should take it as a trophy.

I grabbed the jaw of the skull and tugged it downwards with all of my strength, the sounds of dry bones cracking echoing in my only good ear as I grunted. I was rewarded with the jaw snapping off and teeth breaking off, falling to the ground. I discarded the jaw by chucking it towards the rest of the bones, and focused on the top half of the skull. I messed with the teeth until they were jagged and curved so it wouldn't fall off. Lifting the skull, I placed it atop my hood and latched it to by shoving the teeth inside the fabric and clutch the material so it wouldn't fall off. Double checking to make sure it wouldn't slide off, I stood up and kicked the pile of bones before returning to the rest of my team, my new trophy bestowed atop my head.

“-en we can loop back and finally make it to Ghastly Gorge. If we don't dilly dally in Ponyville, we should arrive at Ghastly Gorge in about two days after we are fed and rested,” Forgetful said, stopping to look at me with a dumbfounded expression on his face. “You alright buddy?” I ignored him and sat down next to Eclipse, who nudged me a little. I nudged her back playfully, a smile appearing on my muzzle. Forgetful rolled his eyes before continuing. “If we leave and hustle now, we can make it there by dawn… Everyone ready?” We all nodded and stood up, preparing ourselves to trot and gallop to Ponyville. I didn't want to stay in these woods anymore after what happened. I don't think I’ll ever set hoof in here ever again, honestly.

“Okay, then let's move!”

We all began galloping at once, our hooves beating on the ground with a mighty thud as we weaved through the trees and over fallen trees, leaves crackling under our boots as we ran through the forest in the black of night, moonlight beaming down in rays of light, illuminating the forest in a white color as we traveled. I glanced to my left and saw Eclipse running beside me, and Twilight next to her. To my right was Forgetful, then Midnight, who was still having a hard time galloping, but she seems to doing fine. I narrowed my eyes and went into overdrive, harnessing my inner strength and endurance, tapping into my stamina, and felt the wind whipping against me as I picked up my speed, surpassing my own limit. I grinned as we ran off into to the night, one location in mind.

Ponyville.

* * * * * *

I skidded to a halt, my hooves sliding on the green, crisp grass as I slowed down. I breathed heavily as I turned my head, spotting Eclipse and Twilight catching up to me, Forgetful and finally Midnight arriving last. We all rested as we panted and sweated, all of us exhausted from having to run two straight miles and never stopping. I plopped down onto my flank as I pulled down my hood, the skull of the White Tail Deer attached to it. I flipped my mane and let the morning breeze flow through it, cooling me down. I lifted a hoof and wiped the sweat off of my face, desperately attempting to cool down in some way or another. I just wish we had some canteens filled with water.

I shot a glance to the Sun that was beginning to peek over the horizon, its bountiful rays of sunlight filling me with warmth and making me feel protected. The sky shifted from a dark purple to a dull yellow, and the rooster did his thing with the crowing or something. Darting my eyes from the rising Sun to Canterlot Castle, which was hanging off of the side of the tall mountain that cast a shadow over the small town of Ponyville. My thoughts drifted from the smell of the cool morning air to what Princess Celestia is doing. I’m sure that she's raising the Sun and lowering the Moon, that's obvious, but how about what's going on in her head?

She has to be worried over her sister, who has been missing without a trace for over a week, and has yet to be found; or has returned home herself. It must kill her inside that she has to watch over the Sun and the Moon, plus Equestria itself, by herself again, like before the banishment of Princess Luna. I wonder if she is worrying about us… I hope she is. We lost one pony already, Starsky may you rest in peace, and I nearly was forced to commit suicide two times in a single day… Make it stop… I shuddered and shook my head violently to rid myself of the thoughts that plague my mind… Make it stop… I smacked myself upside the head, which gave me a temporary headache. But, it seemed to have worked.

I finally laid my eyes on the small town of Ponyville, noticing all of the rustic looking houses and the big town hall on the middle. I also caught a small glimpse of the library, which was a carved out tree. If I remember correctly, Twilight lives there with Spike. I wonder how the little dragon is doing. I’ve only ever been to Ponyville once and that was when I was off duty, visiting a long time friend. Of course, we got into an argument and I left town, but I regret treating him like that. If he still lives here… I might pay him a visit, to apologize and bury the hatchet. What I did to him was wrong and I shouldn't have indulged in her like that, but hopefully we can make amends and move on. At least for my sake, anyways.

“I know of a place we can rest.” Twilight stepped forward, lifting a hoof to point towards the library. That one morning was a dream, which means don't know about her yet. Well, I hope you know what you're doing, Twilight. I also pray you're ready for a big explanation after the initial shock that ensures afterwards.

“Isn't that where Twilight Sparkle lives, the Element of Magic?” Eclipse inquires, turning to Twilight, who sighed at her response. Her horn activated and enveloped her hood in a purple aura, lowering the hood until Twilight’s dark purple mane fell out of the hood and she revealed herself.

“About that… I am Twilight.” She replied, looking at Eclipse. The white pegasus blinked at her before she shook her head, Forgetful and Midnight having a more extreme reaction; their jaws dropping to the ground respectively. Eclipse yanked her hood down and had an expression of disbelief written on her face as she turned to me.

“Did you know about this?” Eclipse asked, motioning to Twilight with her wing. Thankfully, she didn't look angry or disappointed or anything, she just had a curious glint in her eyes. There's no point in lying about it. Also, déjà vu.

“She revealed herself to Moth, Cheesecake, and I when we first arrived in the forest.” I explained, informing Eclipse of how I knew of her identity. To be quite honest, her Violet act was horrible. At least it was to me. I was stilm surprised when she announced it, though.

“Where is Moth and Cheesecake anyway? I noticed that we don't have enough cynicism and weirdness.” Midnight joked, nudging Forgetful playfully. He wasn't amused. “You fuckers are no fun.” She pouted, fluttering her leathery wings cutely.

“We split up with them. They headed towards the Frozen North, most likely the Crystal Empire.” Twilight explained, taking the words right out of my mouth and mind. Well, at least I don't have to say anything. Oh wait, that reminds me, I still have to contact them… I also have to tell everyone of our new objective; but that can wait until we're rested.

“Alright, enough dilly-dallying. Twilight, lead the way.” Forgetful announced, motioning for Twilight to lead us to the tree-house-library-thingy. I don't know. Thank Celestia I have a simple and normal room in the Castle, I don't think I would enjoy living in a house that could set fire very easily. Or maybe she has some kind of fire-resistance spell cast on it, I don't know, I’m not a unicorn.

Twilight lead us very quietly to her house, the five of us sneaking around and sticking to the very few shadows that remain. The last thing we need is a bunch of ponies sticking their noses in our business and interrupting our mission. Thank Celestia’s glorious round plot that there is very few ponies around and about at this hour, otherwise this would be much harder. Eventually, we reach our destination and Twilight unlocks the door quickly, ushering all of us inside swiftly. Once we were all inside, the purple mare's horn lit up and she shut and locked the door, as well as closing the blinds on all of the windows. Next she turned to us and pointed at the four of us quickly.

“I suggest you all take your cloaks off and hide your weapons in the basement… I’m sure my friends will find out I’m back sometime today.” She ordered, and we all complied. I untied my boots and slipped them off, placing all of them together. I then unzipped my cloak and stripped it off, careful not to let the skull fall off. I placed the holster that is holding my pistol atop my cloak and set it next to my boots. I suddenly felt like I weighed a few pounds smaller and that I feel much cooler. I shot a glance and saw that they have taken everything else off as well. Twilight, who also undressed herself, hummed in approval and encompassed all of our equipment, save Midnight who has none, in her magical aura and opened the door to her basement, placing it all on the shelves neatly before shutting the door and locking it tightly. “I’m to go and see if Spike is here.”

“Spike?” Midnight and Forgetful inquired, turning to look at me and Eclipse. We both glanced to each other and shrugged our shoulders, we already know who Spike is.

“It's her assistant. He helped us with King Sombra and was vital for communication in the battle for Canterlot.” I explained, shooting a glance up the spiral staircase where Twilight went up. Sighing, I plopped down on the couch in the middle of the room, groaning in relief as I sank into the plush cushions. Eclipse sat down next to me and put her head on my chest, sighing in content. I twirled my hoof around in her mane, gently playing with it as Midnight and Forgetful sat down on the opposite couch in front of us. Now, that all of our cloaks off, I finally looked Eclipse's cutie mark. It was ball of blue flames in front of a solar eclipse, similar to mine. It's odd that we share that similarity, but I think it just means we're closer. I glanced to Forgetful’s flank, gazing at his cutie mark; a swinging light bulb above a wooden chair. Hah, I’m sure his parents loved when that appeared. ‘Sweetie, did you waterboard somepony’?

“Oh hey, Dusk and Eclipse. Uh, hello two ponies I don't know.” Spike pronounced his presence when he greeted us. I turned and saw him walking down the stairs along with Twilight, who I finally noticed that had bags under her eyes. Actually, now that I look, we all look tired and exhausted. I guess we've been pushing ourselves too hard for the past few days. “I’ll make some tea.” He said as he glanced to Twilight, who nodded and yawned cutely. She shuffled to a spare chair and laid down on it. The five of us sat there in silence as we rested, our bodies tired from constantly moving. Suddenly, my stomach rumbled loudly. I blushed when everyone turned to me. “I’ll make some pancakes, too!” Spike called out from the kitchen. Thank Celestia for this dragon!

We all waited patiently as Spike cooked and brewed in the kitchen, and soon found myself falling asleep. My eyelids drooped and lowered involuntarily, but I shook myself awake. I noticed everyone else was in a similar predicament. I distracted myself by focusing on playing with Eclipse's mane, who by the way, lost her battle and is now breathing softly, sound asleep. I gazed down at her, a small smile forming on my face. She always looked so cute when she's sleeping, especially when her wings flutter and ruffle. I love her… Maybe I should think about proposing to her. I know we just confessed our love, but we've been together for several years… I can tell she's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, for better or worse.

Finding a nice mare to settle down and start a family with was always a dream of mine. It was one I've had since I was just a teenager, when I finally realized that I don't want to spend the rest of my life by myself, watching ponies just carry on with their lives and find love themselves. The first sign was when I saw a old couple sitting on a bench in Canterlot, feeding each other scraps of food they found. I found myself giving them some of my allowance money for them to go get something to eat. I was only fourteen, but it stuck with me for awhile. The way they clung to each other even though they were barely eating. One of them could have easily just saved that extra portion for themselves and eaten more, but they decided to divide amongst themselves instead. It made me realize I wanted something like that in my life…

Soon enough, Spike came in with two big trays on his claws, balancing them perfectly. He sat them down on the coffee table in front of us and beamed at us. Everyone perked up at the sight of the teacups filled with warm tea, and the five plates that had a pile of steaming, scrumptious looking pancakes on each one. I shook Eclipse awake with my wing and grabbed two plates for me and her. She sat up and grabbed it with her hooves, flashing me a smile of gratitude. I smiled back and focused on my own pancakes. There was three thick pancakes piled atop each other, melted butter at the top and a bunch of syrup cascading down the sides of the pancakes. Grabbing the fork with my hoof, I began to dig in.

I moaned in delight as the spongy food dissolved in my muzzle, coating my tastebuds in soft, sweet heaven. I chewed vigorously and with more greed as I gulped down the delicious pancakes, forking another piece into my muzzle to be greedily devoured. The room was filled with the sounds of forks clattering against plates and ponies chewing and swallowing. Not before long, my plate was empty and covered with syrup. I licked up the remaining residue and pouted when there was nothing else left on the plate. You know the say; nothing good ever lasts forever. Eclipse sighed as she patted her tummy, and Twilight finished right after, closing her eyes in relief. Midnight didn't use her fork, just eating it off of the plate with her muzzle, while Forgetful looked at her in awe. I groaned when she said ‘This is how I eat mare's pies’, which caused Twilight to cover Spike’s ears with her magic.

Setting my empty plate onto to the coffee table, licked clean by yours truly, I gripped a tea cup and gulped it down, not really savoring the taste. But, it did taste like peppermint, which oddly enough, is my least favorite flavor of tea. Oh well, I’m not going to complain about free food and drinks, I’m not that much of an asshole. But, the pancakes were the best pancakes I ever had… Actually, no, my mother’s pancakes are the best I've ever had. But, I can't ever tell her that Spike’s come close to hers, she’ll kill me and bury my body in the backyard. Eclipse savored her tea, considering it's her favorite flavor, and sipped daintily. Twilight did the same, as well. Midnight, surprisingly enough, drank like an actual sophisticated pony would… Then, I found out she was mocking said sophisticated pony, and gulped it down without a second thought. Forgetful didn't drink his’ yet, he just sat there and rested.

“You guys stink. Why don't you all go take a shower. It's down the hallway to the left.” Spike suggested, giving us directions. I glanced to Eclipse, who shrugged her shoulders and followed me as we walked up the stairs, listening to Spike’s directions and going to the left down the hallway. I allowed Eclipse in and shut the door behind us, securing it by locking it up tight. Before I could move, Eclipse jumped me and began furiously kissing me, her lips pressed against mine as she moaned in my mouth. I fumbled around until we fell in the shower, her landing on top of me. Grinning, she flicked her tail and turned the shower on, warm water cascading down on the both of us, steam slowly filling the room. She looked back to me with half-lidded eyes, licking her lips as she descended down on me.

So much for an actual shower.

Chapter VIII (Mature)

Author's Note

Sorry for the shorter chapter length, but I think the ending was perfect and didn't really wanted to ruin it by dragging it on just for the word count. I apologize if it's not to anyone's liking.

Chapter VIII (Mature)

VIII. Passion

So much for an actual shower.

Eclipse leaned forward towards me, her hooves by my side in the shower as she towered over me. She planted her lips on mine, pressing into me as she began rubbing my hips with her wings. Her feathers gently massaged under mine, eliciting a moan from me because of the sudden contact. I spread my wings out fully, my feathers being drenched from the hot water streaming down on us. As she dug under my wings with her own, she removed her lips from mine and began planting kisses down the length of my body, starting from lips to my neck to my chest to my belly and finally arriving at my crotch. Meanwhile, I bit my lip from her digging underneath my wings, massaging the joint.

“Don't you, I don't know, think is a little sudden?” I asked timidly to her, my words barely able to be heard over the roaring of the shower head spitting out water. Eclipse glanced up at me before placing her hooves on my thighs, tracing them back and forth as she adopted a sinister look.

“Come on, cowboy, you and I both know we need this,” She placated, licking her lips as she dragged her hooves from my thighs to my hips, leaving a line of spread fur. I gazed into her eyes before sighing; I guess she is right, we both could use this. Especially after the past few days. “Besides… I’m in heat~” Well. Thanks for telling me I need to pull out, Eclipse. How kind of you. She smirked before returning her hooves to my thighs as she lowered her head, sticking her tongue out and dragging it across my wet sheath. I gasped at the sensation, feeling my stallionhood poking through my sheath. The white pegasus took advantage of this and rubbed it with her hoof until it was standing tall and proud, throbbing heartily.

It was jet black with a long vein running up the length of it, throbbing under the skin. It's around twelve inches and a half an inch, the tip bigger than an usual stallion’s penis. Clear pre-cum leaked out of the tip and trickled down the length of my member, leaving behind a stream of my sex. I grunted as it pulsated, spurting more pre-cum as Eclipse removed her wings from my own and dragged the tips of her primary feathers down my hips until they reached my thighs. Taking her hooves, she allowed the hot shower wet my member before she slowly began stroking it with both of her hooves. I bit my lips as she rubbed my length up and down with the soft undersides of her hooves, massaging it.

The pre-cum clung to her hooves and helped her jerk you off, using it as a lubricate. Thin strands of pre-cum attached to her hooves as she dragged them agonizingly slow across the length of my member, it beating in protest as more pre-cum dribbled out. She flashed a smirk as she removed her hooves from my cock, instead working on my swollen balls, kneading and massaging them with her hooves as I desperately wanted something surrounding my cock. Eclipse, seemingly hearing my plea, sprawled her wings out fully and stretched them before they enveloped around my cock, the softness of her feathers causing me to gasp.

I watched in silence as her primary feathers swirled around the tip of my shaft, pre-cum coating them as my cock throbbed heartily. Her secondary feathers were massaging the medial ring, sending jolts up the length of my rod. I propped myself up with my hooves as I stared at Eclipse working on my member. I felt her hooves leave my balls and I noticed her rubbing her soaking wet marehood vigorously with her hoof, her swollen clitoris winking at me as she moaned softly at her own doing, her juices trickling down her hind legs and staining her fur before it's quickly washed away from the warm water cascading down on us. I looked to her before an idea came to mind.

“Here, stand up, get on top of me and turn around.” I ordered to her sternly, with a reassuring tone, as she stood up and did as she was told. She stood over me with her plot directly in my face and her face-to-face with my cock. I caught a whiff of her scent and scrunched up my nose at the smell. Celestia, she has it bad. I felt a surge of arousal overtake my body, overwriting my senses. Not wasting anymore time, I gripped her flanks with my hooves and massaged her cutie marks, dragging my fetlocks across the rim of the solar eclipse in her cutie mark. She shivered at the contact and breathed heavily on my member, which made it throb in protest. Leaning forward, I digged into her marehood.

I opened my mouth and dragged my tongue across her outer lips, feeling the softness of her entrance with my tongue. Lapping up her stray juices with my tongue, I gulped them down as I moved upwards, massaging her tailhole with my tongue. Her vagina winked at me and I ignored it for the time being, deciding to tease her. The tip of my tongue prodded against the thickness of her tailhole and parted it partially as my tongue was squeezed tightly by her hole. Pushing farther in with my tongue, Eclipse let out a gasp as I explored her tailhole with my tongue, coating her tight walls with my saliva. My hooves moved from her cutie marks to her soft, plush flanks; I gave them slap which caused her to moan.

I felt her lips around the tip of my penis, her warm, soft tongue swirling around the tip and licking up all of the pre-cum that happens to spurt out. I gasped as she went farther down on my cock, her maw engulfing my length with each passing second. The warm confines of her mouth coating my member in her saliva. Eventually, my shaft pressed against the back of her throat, and I felt a familiar pressure building up inside of my belly and crotch. However, before I could orgasm, Eclipse pulled off my cock with a pop. She stood up and turned around, her gorgeous cyan eyes gazing into mine. She bit her lip as she lowered herself onto me.

“Cum inside, please Dusk.” I ignored her as she slowly lowered herself on top of me, her walls constricting around my shaft and coating it in her juices. She gasped when it it reached the end, and I gasped as well. I held onto her with my hoof as I started pumping into her with my stallionhood, my speed picking up. My balls and hips slapped against her plot as I slammed into her repeatedly, her moans echoing in the shower. I panted as I rammed into her, feeling my orgasm quickly approaching, as well as Eclipse’s. She stood up and towered over me, bouncing up and down on my cock.

“Eclipse, I can't pull out with you doing that! Get off!” I panicked, the pressure building up in my crotch and will soon be arriving. She, however, ignored me and continued to ride my shaft against my will, moans escaping from her mouth as she her legs convulsed, her juices coating my stallionhood as she rode out her orgasm. She didn't stop and I began freaking out. “Eclipse! Get off, please! Eclipse… I-I…” Despite my resistance, I gritted my teeth as thick ropes of hot, gooey semen pumped directly into Eclipse’s marehood. Eclipse moaned at this, but I slumped. Fuck. It's Estrus and I just came into her. We can't have a child now.

“Thanks, Dusk~” She purred, rubbing my chest with her hooves as she got off of me, cum drizzling out of her marehood. I grabbed the shampoo and conditioner angrily, standing up.

“Whatever.”

* * * * * *

“Dusk, please! I’m sorry!” I ignored her as I walked down the hallway at a brisk pace, anger bubbling up inside of me. After our little session, I cleaned myself and helped Eclipse silently, and dried ourselves off with a towel. After that, I stormed out and here we are. I’m pissed because she had me cum inside, despite knowing she's in heat and there is a chance of her getting pregnant, even though we are on a mission that is seriously dangerous! To say I’m pissed is an understatement, I’m completely livid. The hallway echoed with my hoofsteps as I stormed down the hall, eventually reaching the spiral staircase and seeing everypony staring at me.

“Finally! Maybe next time you could fuck faster, Dusk.” Midnight exclaimed, preparing to stand up. I’m not in the mood for your shit, you fucking vesper.

“Fuck off, Midnight.” I reply tersely, much to the shock of everyone else in the room. I turned and saw Eclipse behind me, which spurred me on and I trotted down the stairs, walking past everyone without a second glance. I opened the front door and exited the tree, slamming the door shut behind me. The sound reverberated and the doorframe shook due to the power behind my slam. I breathed heavily through my nostrils as I paced back and forth, my heart racing in my chest.

By now, the Sun was much higher in the cobalt blue sky, and there wasn't a cloud to be found in the sky. I gazed upon its beauty as I calmed down some, my heart slowing down. And much to my disliking, ponies were now up and about, some of them casting glances towards me. I rubbed the bridge of my nose with my hoof, sighing loudly. I sat there in silence for what seemed hours, just alone with my thoughts and my muddled emotions. I don't know what to feel. Anger, because Eclipse went against my will and is now prone to become pregnant? Pride, because I could become a father? Satisfaction, because I relieved some stress? Sadness, because of the chance that Eclipse and possibly her baby could die horribly during this mission?

I’m going to honest here. This is the worst thing that could have happened, and the worst time. Of course, there is a chance that she won't even become pregnant, but considering that she's in heat, that's unlikely. There is the risk of her dying during the mission, I hate to say that but there is a chance that any of us can die. And if she dies, the baby if she has one, will be lost with her as well. Eclipse, despite knowing this, did it anyway… Unless she doesn't even understand how dangerous this mission is. And if she doesn't… Oh Celestia, why can't anything be easy for me?

In the past few days, I've seen a mare lose her life to a beast of the stars, found myself in a minor dream loop, visited my father's funeral in a dream, been told that I have to assassinate a creature that's capable of killing Princess Luna, almost killed myself two times, lost my hearing in my left ear, been hunted by a supernatural being that I once thought was legend, was scarred for life, witnessed a gruesome scene of my team being killed, and to top off the shit flavored cake, my marefriend is possibly pregnant! Hah! Isn't this all peachy, isn't this all just the most dandiest and fun I've ever had?! Hahahaha! This is great! Fantastic! Terrirfic… Make it stop… Hah!

I started roaring in laughter, my eyes tearing up as I laughed the hardest I ever had in my entire life. I dropped to the ground as I slapped it with my hoof, spit flying from my mouth as I guffawed on the ground. Ponies stared at me weirdly, but I ignored them as I giggled and chuckled and laughed and scoffed. Eventually, it died down and I found myself crying silently on the ground, tears streaming down my cheeks… Make it stop… For some reason, everyone thought it was good to leave the crying stallion alone and I appreciate it. Celestia, I’m pathetic… I laid there until I saw pegasi moving clouds over the town until it covered the sky completely.

Then it began raining.

I glanced down to my pendant, my eyes scanning the golden finish on it, as well as the symbols engraved on it. Sighing, I unlatched it from around my neck and stared at it as I held it in my hooves. Soon enough, my mane was completely soaked and coat began getting wet as well. I ignored the cold feeling encompassing my body as I pushed down on the pendant, muttering a faint “Moth” to the pendant. I waited and waited until finally, my eyes widened as an image of her appears and she speaks to me.

“Dusk?” She calls out to me, pulling her hood down with her antennas and gazing at me with curiosity and believe it not, relief. I forced my lips to curve upwards, but I’m sure she can tell it's fake. She's good at things like that.

“Yeah… I’m here… Are you and Cheesecake okay?” I inquired, rain pouring down on me and somewhat muffling my voice. I know I can catch a cold from standing out here, but I'm too busy with the fact that Moth is still alive. Thank Celestia.

“I hate to say it, but… Damn, I’m glad to talk to you, Dusk… Yeah, we’re both fine, we. Are… In Vanhoover… Also, why are you sitting in the rain, Dusk?” What do I say? I’m pissed off at my marefriend because she forced me cum inside of her? Yeah, I’m sure she would leave to hear that.

“I’ll be fine,” I answered tersely, changing the subject. Speaking of that, we have a new objective. “Change of plans, I spoke with Celestia; our new objective is to travel to the badlands and-” Kill an all-powerful bug. “-assassinate Supreme Overlord Nefastus.” I finished hesitantly.

“Excuse me? Who the fuck does she think we are? We aren't like her, she does understand that… Right?” Moth says while looking at Cheesecake, who shrugged her shoulders at her. Glad to see that crazy mare still has her charm. “Alright listen, we are going to loop back and meet up with you at… Where are you?” She said while her and Cheesecake begin to trot at a brisk pace.

“Ponyville. Twilight and I met up with Bravo Squad, except for Starsky.” I answer, looking at the ground solemnly.

“What happened to Starsky?” She asked me, looking at me through the hologram. My expression was answer enough and she shook her head in response. “Damn… Listen Dusk, just… Be careful and don't get killed, you hear me?” She ordered me, Cheesecake nodding to her sentiment. I nodded and flashed a reassuring smile.

“I will… You two be careful, as well… I’d hate to lose you.” I said quietly to them. Moth adopted a genuine smile before the image flickered and died out, indicating that she ended the call. I sighed, wrapping the pendant around my neck once more before looking up at the clouds, clear rain soaking me completely and causing me to shiver. Shaking my long mane, I saw five ponies approaching from down the rain, all of them galloping towards the tree. The closer they got, the more noticeable they became. The five Element of Harmony bearers; Applejack, the Element of Honesty, Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness, Rarity, the Element of Generosity, Pinkie Pie, the Element of Harmony, and finally Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty. They all passed right by me and into the library, leaving the door open. I sighed and followed them inside, kicking the door shut behind me.

“Twilight!” The five mares collectively yell, surrounding the poor, purple, pony. She yelps as they all squeeze her in a gigantic hug, giggling. Rolling my eyes, I sit down on my haunches by the front door, water dropping from body forming into a small puddle. Eclipse looked in my direction and I glanced back, gazing into her cyan eyes. Might as well get it over with… I waved my hoof at her for to come over here, and she stood up immediately, approaching me slowly. I motioned for to sit down next to me and she did so without saying anything, staring forward at Twilight being smothered in five mares. Eclipse turned to me for a moment before looking back to the middle of the room.

“Dusk… Look, I’m sor-”

“It's fine. Really.” I interrupted, not looking at her. I breathed through my nose as I sighed, shivering slightly from the wetness of my coat and mane. “You just need to take a pregnancy test in a little while. Just to make sure.” I finished.

“No! It's not fine… I… I forced you to.” She declared, slamming her hoof on the ground, turning to look at me with a sad expression. “I should have listened to you… But I was just, just so…” She trailed off. I stared at her before speaking up.

“Just control yourself next time. That's all… How are you feeling right now?” I asked, leaning forward so we can talk without the risk of anypony hearing our conversation. Last thing we need is for everypony to know that there's a chance that Eclipse is pregnant.

“Satisfied… B-But it won't be long before the itch comes back…” She announced, rubbing her belly. I wrapped a hoof around her neck and pulled her close, taking a whiff of her scent. Lavender; her signature smell.

“Then I’ll help you with it when it comes back… You know I love you, right?” I assured her, playing with her mane as we watched Twilight explain herself to the five mares crowded around her, listening intently. “Even if you do become… Pregnant, we’ll deal with it when it happens. Alright?” I whispered, placing my fetlock on her stomach. She looked up to me with a warm smile.

“I love you, too… Just don't leave me, cowboy… After, Starsky…” Her eyes began to water, and I lifted a hoof to wipe her eyes before kissing her on the cheek, causing her to look at me with teary eyes.

“I promise I won't ever leave you, you silly mare. You're the only pony in the world for me.” I promised her, a grin forming on her muzzle. She stood up and planted her lips on mine, her beautiful eyes gazing into mine as we shared our passion.

I won't ever leave you, Eclipse.

I promise.

Chapter IX

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Chapter X

X. Essence Of The Heart

The rain continued to pour down on the small town of Ponyville for hours to come, soaking the ground and preventing the residents to do much with their day. Most ponies stayed inside with their families and friends, waiting until the ceaseless discharge finally stopped. Eventually, the onslaught of rain ceased and the dark clouds that hung above the village dissipated and dispersed, allowing the Sun to beam over the town; and bathe it in bountiful light. Ponies began leaving their homes and were happy to find that the Sun has reached its zenith, shining down on the world and watching its denizens.

I stared listlessly out at the small town of Ponyville, my face exempt of any emotion, although the closest feeling to what I am feeling is helplessness and uselessness. I feel as though my life, as I knew it, is a lie and just a shell of what it could have been. I lived a majority of my life thinking I was impressing my parents and that they were proud of me, but the words of my brother rang in my mind, reminding me of the feeble lie that I used to make myself feel loved and wanted. His words could be interpreted as him just being facetious and furious, but even in the worst of situations, he would never lie nor would he exaggerate. He is an honest stallion.

I clung to Princess Celestia as a role model because she was the closest thing to being perfect. She is beautiful, intelligent, benevolent, generous, and is not afraid of doing something she doesn't want to for the sake of fixing a problem. The older I got, the more I realized that no pony is perfect, and I was testament to that. Tartarus, I still am a testament to that. But, right now, I don't feel imperfect; I feel like a failure. My father is gone, I haven't spoken to my mother in years, and my brother hates me enough to try to kill me. Sure, I have a wonderful marefriend who I wouldn't dare leave, and several good friends, but what's the point in all of that when I, myself, isn't happy?

I never claimed to have an easy life, because it's the farthest from the truth. I've been abused, neglected, raped, beaten, insulted, and nearly killed in the short time I've been alive. For the most part, I had the strength to carry on and deal with the repercussions those actions have brought, but now… That faux strength is crumbling and falling down around me, and I now that I realize that my life isn't one that I entirely wanted, I find myself in a predicament; I’m tired, I need sleep, and I need some alcohol in my belly. I've never been one to get drunk for the sake of getting drunk, but I think the situation calls for it. I need some time to think and mull over my thoughts.

I've never been one to indulge in harmful substances, neither have I really condoned it, but I guess I would be a hypocrite to judge other ponies for their relationship with drugs; I used to drink all the time, and I haven't been drunk in years, but I do find myself smoking the odd cigarette every so often. Moth’s cigar was the first tobacco product I had in months, and I suppose I didn't really miss it all that much. But, I do enjoy the lightheaded feeling I get when I smoke a cigarette or cigar. Funnily enough, Moth is the one to blame for me even smoking in the first place, but I wouldn't dare place the blame on her. It was my own stupid decision to start, she was just the tipping point.

My mind drifted to the conversation I partook in with Moth, and the rude way I ended it. The more rational section of my labyrinth of a brain refused to end the talk, but the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach combined with the vile emotions I’m still feeling won over and I ended it abruptly, most likely pissing off Moth and upsetting Cheesecake. And I hate to say admit it, but besides Eclipse, those two mares are the closest thing I have to resembling a family; a dysfunctional, insane family full of misfits and miscreants, but a family nonetheless. And right now, what I need right now is a family, even if two members of this supposed makeshift family are miles away.

A slight glimmer resonated from the pendant, the Sun shimmering off of its golden finish, highlighting its intricate details and engravings. Shooting a glance to the pendant in the frog of my hoof, I allowed a sigh to escape my muzzle as I mulled over my options. Of course, it shouldn't be very hard to come to a decision considering I only really have two choices, but I should still take the time to really think over what is available and decide what I could use the most right now, disregarding my personal feelings for the moment. Sometimes, a mind is divided between what you want and what you need, and that's one of those times, unfortunately.

One; I could go search for Eclipse, wherever she went, and invite her to go grab a drink at a local bar. Of course, she wouldn't able to have many, considering, you know, possible foal. But, even if I didn't have to worry about that, she gets extremely horny and aggressive when she is drunk, and since she already is going through Estrus, I would probably die along my sperm we would be so used and exhausted… I think I’m straying away from the topic at hoof… Afterwards, once I deem if she is sober enough, I promised I would relieve her so she doesn't do stupid and later lives to regret it… Wait. That makes me think… Would she really do that to relieve an itch?

Against my better judgement, and an overall sentiment of not wanting to think about it, my wandered and was brought to a line of thought that I really did not care for; Would Eclipse cheat on me to relieve an itch since I couldn't help her myself? I mean, when I saw her last, which was nearly three hours ago, she was extremely fidgety and had it bad. It was a test of pure will and strength not to rut her right there due to the scent she was permeating, and I’m glad I didn't act on it… Regardless, I promised her I would help her immediately after Rarity got done with the skull attachment, and all she had to do was wait an hour or two; even if it has been longer than what I originally perceived.

Wait… She immediately went and walked over to talk to Forgetful, completely ignoring Midnight, who had it just as bad as Eclipse, if not, moreso. And the way they kept looking at me as if they were trying to gauge if I was glancing at them or not… And then they left, not saying a word to me or anypony else, and so far, they haven't returned. Unless… No, no. Eclipse wouldn't do that to me, would she? I mean, I like to think I make a good coltfriend and help her out as much as I can, but… If she was really willing to do that, does that mean I’m not satisfactory? Well, I know I am in bed, but what about in general? I do my best to be kind to her and treat her nice, and not keep secrets from her, but… Would she be willing to do the same thing to me?

I shut my eyes tightly as I exhaled through my nostrils heavily, the cool, soothing Fall breeze entering my body via my nose. Celestia’s pride and joy beamed down on me from the top of the world, and I basked in its warm glow as an unexplainable emotion wormed its way into my mind, slithering through the sections of my head and erasing all traces of my previous feelings, leaving me with one familiar, but rare emotion that I've only felt a few times before… Rage. I feel furious, I can see red and feel steam rising through my body like a hissing pot of tea that's far past its boiling. I was pissed off, and for what reason, I couldn't tell. Tears of anguish clawed out of my eyes as I choked back a sob, the unexplainable rage evaporating to be replaced by overwhelming stress and agony.

Clutching the golden pendant in my hoof tightly and pressing it to my chest, I broke down for the third time that day and sobbed openly, not caring if other ponies saw me crying in public. Tears cascaded down my face, matting my fur as I covered my mouth with a fetlock. I cried for what I've been through the past few days, for my father and mother, for my brother who despises me now, and for Eclipse. In only a short time span, I've nearly died due to the White Tail, gone deaf in my left ear, thought I saw my team die before my eyes, and seen and heard horrors nopony should have to. And I wailed for a simple fact that plagues me; it can only go downhill from here, the worst is yet to come.

We have yet to find Princess Luna, and bring her home to a worried Princess Celestia, and everytime I look to that bright, white orb in the sky at night, that feeling of dread only seems to increase and progress; it only be a matter of time until somepony gazes at it for too long and commits suicide over the feeling. And not to mention, we still have to travel to the Badlands and assassinate the Supreme Overlord of the changelings, Nefastus… Our lives are on the line in this mission, not to say they weren't on other missions, but this is easily the worst mission we've ever been assigned. And it's only been a few days at the most, and we lost one of our own.

“Dusk, what's wrong?” Twilight’s voice echoed in my ear as the door to the library swung open, slighting banging against the wall. I turned hesitantly towards the source of her voice and watched as she approached me quickly, sliding on her hooves as she reached me. I never usually do this, and it's a rare occasion when I actually do, but I wrapped my hooves around her neck and shoved my face into her chest as I wept loudly, my sobs muffled by the fur of her coat. Twilight brought me closer as she pulled me into her chest and embraced me, rocking me back and forth as she whispered sweet nothings into my only functional ear. I basked in the warmth that her coat shared and felt her fur brushing against mine as I sobbed.

I don't know how long we were there for, but Twilight held me as I let out my frustration for the third time that day into her chest, and assured me of everything being alright and fine. Eventually, when there was no more tears to cry and my throat croaked at an attempt to produce more sobs, I let go of the unicorn and rubbed my face with my hooves as Twilight let go of me, patting me on the back with her hoof. My wings fluttered at the contact and I offered a grateful smile as I stood up to my full height, letting my long mane mask my bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks. The purple mare got back up on her hooves as well and not opening her mouth to say anything, ushered me inside of the library without a word from either of us.

Our hooves clip-clopped on the wooden floor and echoed throughout the tree as we entered the house, protected from the onslaught of rain that seems to not want to end. I sniffled as Twilight flashed me a smile before glancing up at the three ponies walking down the stairs, all of them sporting a big grin; The unicorn seemed to frown for a split-second before turning to me with a warm expression on her face. “If you need to talk, Dusk, let me know. I’m your friend and you seem like you could use it.” I nodded halfheartedly as my response, and that seemed to be good enough for the mare. She opened her mouth to say something before her lips connected back together and she walked away to meet with Fluttershy and Rarity.

“Hey, Dusk,” Eclipse cheerily exclaimed, trotting up to me and hugging me tightly before leaning back and pecking me on the lips lightly. “Oh no, is everything alright?” She asked me as she assessed my face, spotting my wet cheeks and red eyes. I blinked at her as I noticed she wasn't fidgeting around anymore, neither was she dancing on her hoof. Sighing shakily, I hesitantly smelled the air and around her when she wasn't paying attention, and my heart jumped in my chest when she wasn't permeating that familiar stench. I darted my eyes to Midnight, who appeared much better like Eclipse, and then finally to Forgetful, whose lips were curved upwards into a large, satisfied grin.

No. No. No. I-It can't be! I subconsciously backed away from Eclipse as I backpedaled towards the three Element bearers, fear and fury gripping my mind as I left the pegasus, who seemed to notice my erratic behavior and started walking towards me. But, with every step she took forwards, was one I took backwards, until eventually my flank pressed up against a couch. I twisted my head and glanced at Twilight pleadingly. “T-Twilight, can I borrow some bits, p-please?!” I requested frantically as my thoughts became muddled at the implication of Eclipse's actions, and I just wanted to get out of this library as soon as possible, far away from these ponies for the time being until I can control myself and my emotions.

“Uh, sure…?” Twilight says before her horn activated, a purple aura surrounding it and in a flash, a small bag full with bits appeared before me. The contents of the bag clattered around inside and hit each other with several clinks before I snatched it out of the air with my hoof and I stuck it under my right wing, lodging it in between my barrel and wing, securing it before I shot an appreciative glance at her as I trotted away from her and Eclipse, the former looking confused and the latter calling out to me with a pleading glint in her eyes. Without any further hesitation, I pivoted around and nearly slipped as I galloped out of the library, the rain greeting me as I ran into the town at a fast pace, my chest heaving as I swiveled around.

Taking a moment to catch my breath, I scanned my surroundings whilst the rain continued to soak my coat. I never said it before, but Ponyville really was a small, beautiful village that held a lot of warm and helpful ponies. The rustic feel of the town really helped it with its image, and if I were here during better circumstances, I would even begin to appreciate the town. But, alas, my thoughts are muddled and my heart is racing in my chest as I twisted around many times, one thing on my mind; a bar. I need some alcoholic in my belly to calm me down and allow me to think rationally about my situation and how to approach it and find a solution.

I glanced around as several ponies ran past me, not wanting to be in the rain for too long, and I couldn't blame them. I started trotting at a brisk pace, my eyes searching for a building that allows me to drown my stomach in booze. The clear rain matted my fur and mane, filling my body with a cold and cool sensation that sent a shiver down my spine. Ignoring it for the time being, I pushed forwards and trudged through the less than desirable weather, my belly yearning for the warmth that only cider can bring me. Blinking, I rubbed my eyes as a sign glimmered in the distance, the words slowly coming to me. ‘Berry's Bar’ it read and despite myself, a ghost of a smile graced my lips as I began galloping towards it, my hooves furiously striking the ground as the building came to fruition in front of me.

Not wanting to be in the rain for any longer, I pushed open the double doors and stepped inside, a blast of warm air brushing against my coat as I panted, a glint of desire and want forming in my eyes. Shaking myself off to rid of the accumulated rain on my fur, being careful not to shower other patrons in water, I took in the details of the small, but packed bar that seemed to have more care put into it than the most expensive bar in Canterlot. At the far end of the establishment, directly in the center of the building, was the counter itself and behind it was a wine-colored mare with three berries plastered on her flank as a cutie mark. Behind her, was multiple shelves holding bottles of different beverages; wine, beer, whiskey, rum, cider, liquor, you name it, it's there on one of those shelves.

Scattered around the room was booths filled with ponies and housed a square red table with comfortable looking seats. There was also round, wooden tables with wooden chairs surrounding them. Shaking my head, my hooves clip-clopped on the carved wooden floors and sent an echo throughout the bar as I approached the bar, the bartender perking up at the sight of me. I slightly nodded my head at her as I climbed onto one of the stools that circled around the cylindrical counter that swerved around the mare. Planting my plot on the comfortable, but sturdy stool, I retrieved the small, brown bag filled with bits from under my wing, dropping it onto the counter with a loud thud that made me subconsciously flinch.

“What can I get for you, handsome?” The bartender asked with a elegant, accented voice that brought a smile to my face. Most of the bartenders in Canterlot were snooty and sounded like they smoked five packs of cigarettes an hour. But, this mare’s voice was musical, like I could listen to it all day. The ends of my lips pointed upwards into a warm smile as I lifted a hoof to point at a bottle of hard cider on the shelf. She glanced back to what I was pointing at before going under the counter and fishing out a bottle of the cider, as well as a shot glass. “That’ll be three bits, sir.” I dug through the bag and easily pulled it out, sliding it towards her where she caught it with her hoof. “Any particular way you want it?”

“No.” I immediately replied, grimacing as she began filling up the shot glass with the hard cider. Once she was done, she slid it over and I caught it with my hoof, staring into the glass with sadness. Celestia, here I am in a bar, drowning my sorrows, hoping to find an answer at the bottom of this glass. Rolling my eyes at my own thoughts, I lifted the shot glass up and gulped it down without a second thought, my tongue enjoying the spicy, apple-flavored alcohol as it slid down my throat with a burning, but pleasant passion. Soon after, my belly basked in the warmth that the cider offered. I blinked, motioning for her to refill it as I gave her another three bits, repeating what I did with renewed desire.

I sighed as I mulled over my thoughts, my mind exempt of any emotions as I started thinking about what happened and what's going to happen. It was plain as day, set out in front of me right in the open, and unlike not knowing Twilight’s identity, or not finding out about Cheesecake being a unicorn, I figured it out immediately. Eclipse, not having the strength nor the willpower to wait for me, went to Forgetful for her itch. And he relieved her and Midnight of their heat for the time being, and elected to act like nothing happened, at least, that's what I think, anyway. I kind of implied it happened and darted out of the library before anypony could say anything.

Taking another swig of the cider, and beginning to feel its effects start to take their toll, I dropped my head into my hooves as I let a sigh slip past my lips, hanging in the air like a paper bag drifting through the wind. I don't know what to do… I confessed my love to her, as well as her, and just like that, my trust and my feelings were discarded, all in the span of a day… Fuck me. It makes me think, though; I had sex with Roseluck, who betrayed my brother's trust, and now the same thing happened to me, except without the fight and the yelling. Funny. I guess it's true when they say Karma's a bitch. Too bad that I didn't think about that, and should have taken Eclipse into consideration concerning her estrus cycle.

Celestia, everything has gone to Tartarus, and I can't help but feel it's my fault. First it was Starsky and the Scorpios attack. If I only arrived earlier, then maybe I could have saved her and she would still be alive, by Eclipse's side. Then it was the White Tail, who nearly killed me and potentially scarred me for life… Make it stop… And, now here we are, my trust broken all because I decided stitching a fucking stupid skull to a hood was more important than helping my marefriend with her heat. Celestia fucking damnit, I’m just the worst, aren't I? It seems like I can't do anything right. All I do is hurt ponies and have myself hurt worst than them in some kind of ironic way… I wonder how everypony would have reacted if I just allowed the White Tail to kill me…

I waved my hoof at Berry Punch, I learned, and she filled my cup once again before informing me of my drunkenness. “Last one, sir.” I nodded shakily at her before burning my throat again, swaying back and forth on the stool as I hummed a song I've heard somewhere before, but I can't put a hoof on it. My wings fluttered in rhythm with the song as I slid the shot glass back at her, grabbing the back of bits and hastily hopping off of the stool, stumbling a bit as I hobbled towards the double doors, my head bobbing to the beat in my mind as I hummed around the bag in my mouth. I focused on walking as I stepped into the rain, shivering involuntarily at the cold sensation. One, two, three, four.

“Hmm, la, la, hmm, hic.” I slurred as a smirk formed on my face as I walked slowly towards the library, my hooves shaking and my wings spread out, the tips of my feathers dragging across the dirt road. “La, la, laaaaa, hmm, hic.” I sang drunkenly as I approached the tree home, in all of its glory. Twisting my head to the right, or left, whatever, I faintly made out the time with my blurry vision, the clock tower towering over the town. Four o’clock, it seems like. “Three hic three hours to go to hic party… Hic.” I murmured to nopony in particular as I shuffled to the entrance of the library. “Laaaaaa, laaaaaa, la, hmm, hic, hmm, hmm.”

I pushed the door open to the library, all of the ongoing conversations ceasing to exist as soon as I walked in my drunken glory, swaying back and forth as I hummed sloppily. “Oh Celestia, he’s drunk…” I heard a voice mutter just loud enough for me to hear, the voice sounding like they belong to Eclipse. Fuck the lot of you, I thought to myself as I walked past them and into the kitchen, pushing past a confused Spike who was munching on some sapphires. Hmm, what to eat… I threw open the refrigerator and scanned the contents. Lettuce, carrots, apples, oranges, wait… Apples will do. I snatched an apple off of the shelf in the fridge and with a shaking hoof, brought it to my lips, taking a sloppy bite out of it, after I spit out the bag of bits in my mouth.

“Holy shit hic, this is the best hic apple I ever had, hic!” I mumbled to myself as I enjoyed the red fruit, the juices from inside of it dribbling down my chin as I chewed it loudly, the crunching sound of me biting into it reverberating inside of my ear as I plopped down on my flank, my other hoof tapping on the white and black checkered floor. I closed my eyes in content, a ghost of a smile decorating my lips as my wings stretched out and brushed against everything they could, enjoying the vibrations in my mouth as I ate the delectable fruit. My ears swiveled around towards the sound of hooves steadily approaching me, and I raised my eyelids to see Eclipse staring at me with a concerned glint in her eyes.

“Dusk… Why are you drunk?” She asked tersely, her lips descending into a small frown that adorned her maw. I glared at her as I continued to eat the apple, swallowing the mush of chewed-up fruit in my muzzle before deciding to respond.

“Be -hic- cause, you went and hic fucked Forgetful!” I exclaimed to her, motioning to her and the stallion in the room wildly with my hooves. Eclipse flinched at my words as her ears pressed against her head, her eyes beginning to tear up. I continued. “You hic really, really, hic, hurt me.” I proclaimed as I jabbed a hoof at her. She sighed and closed her eyes before she wrapped her hooves around me, pulling on me as she began dragging me away. I remained silent as we went up the stairs and down the hallway, entering the bathroom. She quickly closed the door and locked it before turning back to me.

“I-I-I… I-It’s… Y-You…” Her eyes stung as she blinked, hot tears streaming down her beautiful, angel white cheeks as she sighed shakily, pulling me into a swift embrace before leaning back, gazing into my eyes with those gorgeous cyan eyes of hers. “L-Let's take a shower first… T-Then we’ll talk, o-okay?” I nodded dumbly as words came to mind, in the far corner of my mind, but since I’m drunk, they elected to force their way through my mouth, slurred by my drunkenness.

“You hic know, I’ll always hic love you. I hic made a promise, hic.” Eclipse flinched and whimpered to herself at my statement as she turned the shower on, steam quickly filling the room. She nudged me towards the shower and I obliged, stumbling into the stream of water that soaked my body. Eclipse joined me as she grabbed the shampoo and conditioner, squirting a hoofful into her hoof as she began lathering my body in the cool substance. I closed my eyes and sighed shakily, under the warm water, as Eclipse cleaned my body for me.

“... I love you, too.”

Author's Note

Nevermind, I managed to squeeze out another chapter before the inevitable party chapter. Hopefully, it should be next chapter.

Chapter XI (Mature)

XI. Trust

Eclipse was now soaked completely due to the ongoing water streaming from the shower, her pristine white coat matted and dampened, her soft and elegant fur clinging to the curves of her body, showing off both the tight and soft aspects of her form. A few secondary feathers ruffled and separated themselves from her long, luxurious wings, gliding towards the tiled floor of the shower space. The pegasus shook her head majestically, the silky smooth strands of her black mane flying through the air, droplets of water being discarded from her hair. Oh, and her eyes, my favorite part of her. The way they shimmer in any light, and illuminate in any darkness, the color of her eyes promising hope and both despair; it reflected her personality.

I kept my lips sealed and together, not allowing a word to pass through them, as I sat there lazily on my plot in the middle of the shower space, the warm, steaming water cascading directly on me, like a single ray of light. I lowered my eyelids until darkness encompassed my vision as the sound of the shower spitting out an endless river of liquid echoed in my only functional ear, lingering inside as I sighed in content, a warm smile gracing my lips as I basked in the welcoming stream of water. Letting my thoughts drift throughout my mind like they're stuck in a long current, I allowed my emotions to take a back seat as I enjoyed the position I’m currently in, electing to worry about my problems after this paradise is over and done.

I hummed drunkenly to myself subconsciously, the vibrations in my muzzle sending pleasant vibes through my head, my hooves clip-clopping on the floor in steady rhythm with the humming, swinging my head back and forth slightly in tune to the sloppy humming reverberating in the shower space. Hiccups interrupted my musical, barely, humming and sent air through my nostrils, my muzzle never opening up unless it was to let a sigh out into the air. The accumulated steam exiting out of the shower head alongside the steady stream of water sent a warm sensation through my body, sweat beginning form on my fur in small beads, but whatever sweat that slid down my body was quickly washed away from the endless supply of liquid.

I lifted my eyelids slowly and lazily, blinking away the tears that desperately wanted to claw their way out of my eyes and slide down my cheeks. I was met with the sight of Eclipse squirting a small amount of shampoo into the frog of her hoof, the substance appearing as a dull white that glistened in the light of the medium-sized lamp on the other side of the bathroom. It looked milky and smooth, almost like a cloud filled with a large mass of collected water. The pegasus lifted her hoof as she brought it up to my long, cobalt blue mane that has been hanging over my eyes ever since it was first hit with the stream of water. She started rubbing my mane with her hoof, the shampoo clinging to my hair as it cleaned it of any dirtiness and grime that must have been there since my earlier shower.

My ears flicked as her hoof ran across them, coating them in a thin layer of white shampoo that smells of coconut, leaving behind a soapy residue. Her hooves brushed through the thickness of my mane, covering individual strands of hair with the substance, the shampoo trickling down my face and avoiding my eyes as if they're the plague. The majority of my mane stuck to my head with a vice grip whilst Eclipse patted it down with shampoo, the white, sticky liquid coating my bright, cobalt blue mane. The feeling of a long line of shampoo cascading down the length of my back sent a quick shiver down my spine, forcing me to shiver involuntarily. The white pegasus, deeming that my mane was clean and free of any dirtiness, swept it back with a motion from her hoof, allowing the shower to wash it all away.

The shampoo that was stuck to my mane quickly evaporated and the residue that was left ran down the strands of hair that hung over my eyes, accumulated at the tip and dripped furiously. Eclipse wiped the shampoo off of the top of my head with her hooves, sending it flying to the floor where it landed with a silent splat. My mane, now shining and glistening with renewed cleanliness, now hung limply to the back of my neck and to my face, covering the entirety of my vision with long strands of blue hair. Lifting a shaking hoof from its position on my belly, I swept it to the sides of my head, allowing me to see once again. Eclipse was now spurting more shampoo into her hoof, until it was dribbling down the sides of it. She closed it with a loud snap and placed it to the side, turning to me with a pleading glint in her eyes.

“Flip onto your stomach and spread your hooves and wings… Please.” It was a simple request, so with the coordination of a baby bird learning how to fly, I drunkenly stood up onto my hooves, nearly slipping on the slippery, wet floor. Once I was assured that I had perfect balance, I turned around until I was facing the wall, away from Eclipse, and settled down onto my belly, spreading my wings until they were at full mast, the tips of my feathers brushing across the damp walls surrounding the both of us. I sprawled out my hooves and sighed heavily, swishing my tail back and forth sloppily, allowing the stream of water to wet it. Seemingly satisfied with the position my body is in, Eclipse rubbed her hooves together to spread out the shampoo before she began rubbing her hooves on my back, around the bases of my wings.

Closing my eyes and letting my eyelids to drop, a sigh of content escaped from the back of my throat at the heavenly feel of Eclipse's warm, soft hooves. She kneaded and rubbed my back with her fetlocks, careful not to touch the erogenous zone underneath the mass of my wings. But, her hooves accidently brushed across the spot and against my will, a slurred moan forced its way out of my muzzle, causing my cheeks to tinge a shade of red that could match the darkest of blood. “Sorry…” Eclipse apologized as she moved her hooves away from my wings, a small part of me wanting to feel that pleasurable shock resonate throughout my body and wings again. Finding the will to talk after a few minutes of silence, I twisted my head back to look at the beautiful pegasus cleaning my body.

“Mmm, it's hic okay…” I mumbled loud enough for her to hear over the roaring of the shower, coaxing and assuring her. Her cyan eyes found the floor interesting for a minute and a half before she shakily sighed, moving on with her scrubbing. Eclipse rubbed my coat ferociously with her hooves, tugging slightly on my fur to scrub the deeper parts of my coat. Turning my head back to where it was before, facing the wall, I basked in the sensations her movement was creating, feeling a slight twitch in my stallionhood as she kneaded my cutie marks, before moving onto my plot. The frogs of her hooves pressed into my flanks, scrubbing my curves and ends with her majestic motions. The mare moved inwards with her movements, brushing against my puckered tailhole, causing me to let out a less than desirable high-pitched gasp.

“F-Flip over, please.” She timidly requested, barely audible over the screeching of the shower head producing steam and water. I nodded dumbly before I shakily flipped over to lay on my back, slipping on the puddle of water and shampoo that accumulated underneath of me. I steadied myself as I let out another hiccup, my cheeks heating up when I did so. After an effort that was strenuous for someone was drunk, I now am on my back with my belly exposed and my legs spread, accidently flashing my stallionhood, which was twitching and peeking out of my sheath. Eclipse’s cheeks turned to a shade of red at the sight before she shook her head and placed her hooves on my chest, scrubbing the tuft of fur that was protruding outwards, the hair being pushed back and forth as she rubbed up and down, and left and right across my chest.

Picking herself up, she leaned forward as she stood over me with her hooves by my sides. Water dripped onto me from her damp coat as she scrubbed the spot between my chest and belly, flicking her hooves back and forth in swift motions. I stared down at her form on top of me, laying on my belly as she cleaned my stomach now, stands of fur pointing upwards, suspended in the air due to the stickiness of the shampoo, that's now trickling down the length of my barrel. Blood rushed to my cheeks when I noticed how close our muzzles are too each other, I can see our breaths floating towards to one another, her breath smelling like peppermint whilst mine reeked of hard cider. Eclipse began breathing shakily and heavily at the realization, her cheeks turning a tinge red.

“I-I’m sorry, D-Dusk…” Eclipse murmured to me as she leaned forward, her muzzle growing closer to mine with each passing second, feeling like an eternity as her lips rushed to meet mine. Our lips connected and I appreciated her silky smooth lips as they pressed up against my own, her lips tasting of peppermint tea. I laid there as we kissed softly, sweeping the locks of hair that cascaded over her beautiful, cyan eyes that twinkled in the light. Her hooves explored by belly and sides with the shampoo leaving behind soapy, sticky residue that clung to my pristine white coat. Suddenly, her head pulled back and our lips detached, a thin minuscule strand of saliva clinging to our lips as she gazed into my eyes, and I hers. “W-What I did could never be forgiven, b-but… Let me h-help you…”

I let out a gasp when one of her hooves trailed down to my nethers, tracing a circle around my stallionhood, occasionally brushing across my sheath that housed my shaft. Seemingly able to feel the sensitive touches by the white mare, my stallionhood began to emerge from its sheath, instantly assaulted by the pouring water coming from the shower head. Eclipse led her hoof along the length of my rod as it sprouted from its source, coaxing it until it was throbbing and laying limply against my soapy, sticky, and wet stomach. I stifled a moan at the sensation of her hoof stroking my hard length, bringing it to full mast. Biting my lip tightly, I looked up to Eclipse who had her mane completely obscuring her eyes, her nostrils flaring as she worked on my staff.

“E-Eclipse, hic, w-what are you hic doing?” I questioned as she continued to caress my shaft, running her hoof up and down in a steady rhythm. Eclipse remained silent, electing to respond through her actions. She raised my stallionhood until it stood upright, twitching under her plot that was hovering above it like a predator would to its prey. The pegasus standing on top of me mustered up the courage to point my shaft towards her marehood, which was beginning to leak juices onto the tip of my penis. I bit my lip once again as my thick, jet black cock towered in the air, the steam covering it and moistening it with water. The mare must have seemed to sense my hesitance before she spoke up.

“W-What I did was unacceptable, but… Hopefully you can find the will to f-forgive me eventually.” She whispered to me closely, her words hanging in the air as my drunk mind raced to find the right words to say, before the more rational part of my mind seemed to find the perfect words, at least to my intoxicated self.

“This is a, hic, start.” I replied with an even tone and slurred words, my hot breath brushing up against Eclipse's muzzle. She sighed hastily before she gripped my stallionhood with her hoof, eliciting a surprised gasp to crawl its way out of my throat, and angled it to enter her tight passage. In my current state, I had no patience nor restraint, so I bucked upwards into her winking marehood, a sudden gasp escaping from in between Eclipse's lips and a content grunt from myself. Her walls clenched around my shaft, squeezing it for all its worth with her soft, fleshy vagina. Eclipse constricted my cock with all of her strength, coating it in her slick, oozy juices that wrapped around my rod with a vice grip, her passage winking and teasing my medial ring with renewed vigor.

Eclipse shifted around on top of me, finding a position that will better serve her and I. Sinking her hooves into the fur on the back of my neck, she wrapped her hooves around me and pulled her head closer to mine as she panted with desire and lust in each breath. I placed my hooves on her back, exploring it with my fetlocks until I eventually brushed across the erogenous zone underneath her wings. She let a moan escape her maw as I rubbed the spot with the tips of my hooves, kneading the zone with a swift sweep back and forth. My own wings are spread out across the smooth tiled floor, my wings pressed up against the corners of the small shower space painfully as they throbbed with each pulse. Ignoring my erect wings for the time being, I focused on the sensations reverberating throughout my groin.

The pegasus bobbed up and down on top of my cock, her slick pussy constricting around my rod, milking it all for what it's worth. She bounced her plot back and forth, swinging her hips as she hilted, eliciting several moans from herself. I bit my lip as the all familiar pressure began building up in my belly, warning me of my impending orgasm. I gripped Eclipse with my hooves as I pumped into her sloppily, her legs convulsing as she stifled a scream with her hoof, her juices coating my stallionhood with extra lubricant. Not able to hold it anymore, I quickly and drunkenly pulled my shaft out of her ravaged marehood, thick ropes of gooey, hot cum spurting onto her plot, landing on her puckered tailhole, her black tail, all of it dribbling down her rump as the water washed it away. I enjoyed my afterglow, my eyelids drooping until sleep embraced me, whisking me away into the Dream Realm.

* * * * * *

“Dusk? Wake up.”

I jolted upwards as I woke up, my eyelids lifting up at a fast speed. Picking my hooves up from the table we’re sat at, I rubbed my eyes vigorously until I could see clearly, dropping them back on the table with a loud thud. I turned to look at Eclipse, who was right across from me on the other side of the small, round wooden table we are seated at, both of us sitting on two exquisitely designed chairs. Glancing down, I took notice of the small cup of steaming hot tea that smelled of peppermint, and was colored a light brown. I’m still partially intoxicated, but not enough to hinder my mind or voice, so Eclipse decided it was time we talked about what happened. Twilight allowed us to use the basement where all of our equipment is. I shot a glance towards my pistol before turning back to Eclipse.

Surrounding us was a spiral staircase that led up to the main floor, and the stairs were carved out of wood. On the same wall that the stairs are on is yet another bookshelf, except unlike its counterpart upstairs, it has a less amount of literature adorned on the shelves. Behind us is several machines that would take me years to even begin to understand, I never really was one for science so to speak, and next to that is the shelf that houses all of our equipment, including my now fixed cloak that lays with my pistol and holster at the moment. After taking in my unfamiliar surroundings, I turned back to Eclipse with a furious glint in my eyes, and she must notice it too, because she seems to flinching slightly at every movements I make. I’d never hit her, but she must think so.

After what we did in the shower, we cleaned ourselves up again and left the bathroom, which took us nearly an hour to do since we fell asleep inside of the shower space. We went downstairs, thankfully Forgetful wasn't there because I would have most likely kicked his ass, and asked Twilight if there is a private room we can use to talk. She offered the basement, and so we came down here, but I was still a little tipsy, so we waited an hour so I can at least talk without slurring every word or hiccuping every few seconds. I’m still feeling a little tipsy, but like I said, not enough to warrant me having incomprehensible words come out of my mouth, or hinder my line of thoughts. And so, we’re finally able to talk like two responsible adults.

“Talk.” I growled at her harshly, venom dripping off of every letter of the short word, and I fixated her with a glare. She flinched at my venomous tone before sighing shakily, placing her hooves on the table set out in front of us. I crossed my own as I waited for her to explain herself; and at right now, she better start speaking quick before I snap.

“O-Okay… After you, uh, promised me that you would, um… R-Relieve me, I went and uh, talked to Forgetful and Midnight, since you were going to be a while,” She stopped to take a big breath, her hooves convulsing slightly on the table. “Midnight, uh, is in heat, too, and I told her and F-Forgetful that I-I was going through it, too… F-Forgetful, he-he has this way of convincing you to go along with him, and so he m-m-manipulated me into h-having… Sex with him, along with M-Midnight…” By now, tears were cascading down her cheeks and she was sniffling loudly. I didn't move to coax her, motioning for her to continue.

“S-So, we went upstairs, and we proceeded to-to… T-To,”

“Say it.” I spit.

“W-We had… S-Sex… A-And afterwards, Forgetful convinced me and Midnight to-to,” Eclipse was now openly sobbing and I felt my teeth grinding against each other painfully as rage began to slowly seep into my mind, overwhelming my sense of control. “T-T-To work on him… D-Don’t you see? H-He controlled us!” I raised a very firm hoof and sighed loudly, my other hoof gripping the table tightly, the edges digging into it. Celesta forgive me, but so help me Luna am I pissed.

“Save it…. Here's what's going to happen; You are to stay away from Forgetful for however long he may live. You are going to leave me alone for the next week to cope with this, and if I feel it, we will try again. But, for now, you have broken my trust and betrayed me in one of the worst ways. All in one fucking day!” My voice raised with each word I spit, my hoof eventually slamming onto the table with a very loud thud. “I said I love you, Eclipse, and you discarded those three words all because you couldn't wait a few hours! You know damn well that you could have waited, you're stronger than this, and I promised you that I would help you! So tell me, why. Did. You. Fuck. Him!” I punctuated each word with a slam of my hoof on the table.

“I-I-I’m sorry! P-Please, D-Dusk, it won’t happen again!” She pleaded with me, her eyes stinging with warm tears.

“Oh, really? What happens when you get this itch, again, huh? You basically showed me that you have no restraint and you have no faith in me! I fucking said I would help you, but noooo! You go fuck some asshole just because you don't have any patience! Do you realize how much you fucked up, in the first day, no less? If this is a sign, then I should just end this right now... “ I trailed off, turning away from the white pegasus in front of me. My words cut deep into her and she started bawling loudly, throwing her head into her hooves as I seethed in anger, my heart racing in my chest as I snorted heavily through my nostrils. In this state, I don't care if I’m hurting her, so I continued. “One day. One. Day, Eclipse. I am already feeling like shit, but you just went and added to it! I swear to Celestia…”

Just then, a morbid thought passed through my mind, like a lost foal swimming down an endless river, hoping to find shore. It gripped my emotions in a vice grip, squeezing out any feeling that wasn't fear or fury… W-When a mare is in heat, she is willing to accept any kind of contribution, is a word for it, and when a stallion finally does contribute, it's marked inside of her as a foal, is the best way I can describe it. But, if perhaps, another stallion were… Cum inside, then their sperm would overthrow and override the previous stallion’s sperm. So, when that thought passed through my mind, I found a choice question leaving my lips, hanging in the air like drifting smoke from a lit cigar.

“Did he… Cum inside?” I asked timidly, despite the horrendous mood I’m currently in, and mix of a fearful and angry tone came out of my mouth.

“Y-Y-Yes…”

*Snap*

Against my better judgement and the more rational and comprehensible part of my mind, I felt myself standing up extremely fast from my seat, knocking it over with the force I put behind the simple action of getting up from my seat. Stumbling a bit, I walked at a brisk pace to the staircase and my hooves clip-clopped loudly as I practically stomped my way up the stairs, the many harsh steps I took echoing throughout the entirety of the library like a mighty thunderstorm. I reached the top of the steps and kicked the door open, the back of it striking the bookshelf to the right, causing a significant amount of books to rain down onto to the floor. Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy stared at me in shock and confusion as I scanned the room for one pony in particular.

My nostrils flared widely as a hot bout of air streamed through it in a fierce snort, my tail swishing back and forth in pure, raw rage as I searched for that black fucking stallion that forced my marefriend to fuck him! Midnight took notice of me from her position on the couch, her hooves resting on the arm rests in a lazy manner. For the first time, I saw her eyes widen in shock and, believe it or not, fear. I ignored as I ears flickered at the sound of impending hoof steps emanating from the stairs that lead up to Twilight's bedroom, as well as the bathroom. I turned towards the direction that the source of the sound was coming from, and much to my own shock, a sadistic, evil grin graced my muzzle as he neared the bottom of the staircase.

Suddenly, I sensed a familiar and a very unwanted sensation flow through my body like an electric jolt, sending rejuvenating energy through every inch of my body. My eyes darted to my cutie mark for a brief second, focusing on the lightning bolt that stands in front of the solar eclipse. I raised a hoof and sighed shakily at the well-known electric shocks surrounding my entire body, causing my mane and fur to stand on end at the sensitive touch of the jolts of raw lightning reverberating from my body. The feathers of my wings straightened, and my wings unfurled, spreading out until they were at full mast. Forgetful finally noticed my presence, his eyes widening in shock and he cowered as I approached him slowly, the sounds of my hooves striking the floor amplified by the lightning, making it sound as if thunder is striking right inside of the tree-house.

I finally arrived at the bottom of the spiral staircase, Forgetful shrinking under my towering form. Without further hesitation, I wrapped my hoof around the stallion’s throat and rammed him against the wall with my increased strength, a piercing glare forming in my eyes as I held him against the wall, his eyes darting around in a frantic manner. His horn began to light up in a magical aura, but I quickly thrusted my hoof upwards into a powerful punch, directly into the center point of his horn. He screamed in agony as a small, but noticeable crack spawned, blood oozing out of the fractured appendage. The other side of my mind, the more restrained and collected section, screamed at me in protest to stop. But, the vengeful side won me over and I rammed him into the wall once again.

“How could you?! How dare you?! Who the fuck do you think you are?! Huh?!” I shouted in his face as I delivered another blow to his muzzle, blood beginning to leak from his nose onto his already stained face, an endless stream of blood gushing out of his cracked horn. He whimpered as a reply before I punched him again in the throat, causing him to start coughing uncontrollably, his hooves clawing at my own in a desperate struggle to breath. My ears flickered as I heard a whistling sound echo in my ear before I was suddenly tackled to the ground roughly, Forgetful dropping to the ground in a hacking bout. Midnight immediately flocked to him and began nursing him, not bothering to look my way. I felt two hooves constrict around my throat, holding me tightly. I caught a whiff of lavender, Eclipse’s signature scent, and I gave up my resistance.

“I didn't want this to happen… I’m so sorry, Dusk.” The mare restraining me whispered into my ear, her voice shaky and unstable. The lightning jolts of energy coursing through my body ceased, and I fell limp into her embrace. I watched helplessly as Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Midnight began aiding Forgetful, who appeared as if he is on the verge of unconsciousness. Like a lamp switching on to illuminate a darkened room, the rage dissipated in my mind to be replaced by a less-powerful version; bitterness. I scoffed before I threw Eclipse's hooves off of me, her audible gasp as if I slapped her echoed in my ear as I begrudgingly stood up and strutted past the four ponies helping Forgetful, none of them paying me any attention save Midnight, who shot me a wrathful glare. I ignored it as I exited the library, once again met with the endless stream of rain attacking the town.

I lifted my head to gaze at the overcast hovering above the small town of Ponyville, thousands of droplets of rain assaulting the village, soaking the ponies who dared be caught in its wrath, like myself. But, suddenly, the rain ceased and for the first time today, the town laid untouched by the spoils of weather. I watched as pegasi parted the clouds away from each other until a ray of sunlight shot through the thick mass of clouds and beamed directly on me, bathing me in bountiful sunlight. Soon enough, all of the dark clouds that hung above Ponyville were now gone, to be replaced by a bright, cobalt blue sky and a sun approaching the horizon. As I stared at the descending orb of light slowly crawl towards its resting place, one thought plagued my mind.

I still have a party to attend…

And a brother to meet...

Chapter XII

XII. Cloud Chariot

A sensation of vertigo rushed through my body like a tidal wave crashing onto shore, and I jolted awake with a gasp, clutching my chest with a hoof tightly. A blaring light blinded me as my eyelids propelled upwards, forcing me to let them plummet until my eyes were once again shut. Scorching heat tickled my fur as I waited patiently for the pain to end before I chanced opening my eyes, and when I did, I blinked a few times to rid of the lingering dizziness and disorientation. My body felt as though I've been asleep for a millennia, and the sickening sound of cracking joints rang in my ears as I stretched the stiffness out of my hooves and neck.

Raising a hoof to eye-level, I took notice of the weird discoloration of my fur. What was once a pristine, snow-white color was now a sickly and dark grey, spots of black scattered on my fur like ink blots on a blank canvas. I shifted my hoof around in different positions to study it in a myriad of angles, but as soon it was there, the color reverted back to my original shade. What is going on, I thought to myself as I shook my head and tapped a hoof on it to see if I’m dreaming, but to no prevail. Even if I was in the Dream Realm, physically hurting myself isn't going to help anything. Even if some ponies want me hurt.

I lowered my eyes and took sight of where I was, making me question my sanity and sense of self. Below my body is a field of clouds, white as snow and soft as a, well, cloud. Glancing upwards, I took notice of the cobalt blue sky and the lack of either the Sun and the Moon, but instead in the distance was a golden chariot. It had no pegasi driving it, and yet there was a single pony sitting inside… Her ethereal mane blew softly in the wind, colors of the rainbow glistening in the sky. She gazed at me with her violet eyes, a worried but warm glint in them, almost as if they were beckoning me forward without a word. Against my better judgment, my hooves started moving towards her.

The clouds beneath my hooves folded beneath my weight, but did not give, allowing me safe passage to the princess and her cloud chariot. Feathers ruffled on my wings as I traipsed slowly towards her, falling gently onto to the white fluffiness and lying there, waiting patiently for the white mass to fade; and the feather will glide to the ground, for a pony to catch and keep. I ignored the overwhelming sense of rampant emotions flooding my mind, wanting me to scream, cry, or laugh, and just approached the first royal sister. Princess Celestia, in all of her glory and brilliance.

“It is good to see you, Dusk Storms, but I wish it were under better circumstances.” A slight frown adorned her face before it was quickly replaced by a beaming smile. “Please, join me on the chariot. We have much to discuss before you are allowed to awaken.” I wordlessly clambered my way onto to the well-sized chariot and sat down next to the white mare, my body sinking into the light red colored seat, the plush material forcing me to let out a sigh of content. Celestia giggled slightly at my display before she focused intently, her face contorting into one of concentration. In front of the chariot, two faceless stallions hitched to the chariot and began galloping forward, the clouds under the chariot soon dissipating. Eventually, all the clouds were gone to reveal the town of Ponyville, in its rustic and simplistic fashion.

“Let me guess… I’m dreaming, aren't I?” I asked timidly, gazing up at the magnificent alicorn that gleamed in the non-existent Sun. She didn't respond as we descended towards the library where I, along with my company, have been residing for the past day. What happened between Eclipse and Forgetful passed through my mind, and the world flickered to a deep red shade before returning to normal. “What happened… That didn't happen… Did it?” My voice started out normally until it progressed into a worrisome whisper, my hooves tapping on the seat idly as we soon landed on the ground, the two stallions fading away, leaving just the two of us. Celestia hopped out of the chariot, and I followed her, giving permission to the vehicle to vanish, leaving golden flakes to drift in the wind like dust.

The princess seemed to think for a moment before answering me. “Yes, you are. In reality, you have and Eclipse have been resting since your shower. What you experienced could only be explained as an anomaly.” She stopped to glance inside the library, watching the scene between Forgetful and I unfold before she continued. “You have immense power affiliated with the Dream Realm, as well as the Moon, but not without side effects. It is a small price to pay, but what is happening to you has not ever plagued my sister or your anonymous accomplice.” Her hooves clip-clopped on the ground as she arrived at the front door, it flying off its hinges and she entered. I stood by her side as we watched myself apprehend Forgetful and beat him mercilessly, a sadistic grin etched on my clone’s mug.

“However, the scene which we are being shown has brought some questions to mind,” Celestia’s eyes danced to Eclipse, who was now tackling myself and restraining me. “This entire dream was based off of the prospect of betrayal and pain… It is a situation that reminds me of my sister when she yearned for our subject's attention. You do not want to go down that road, for both of our sakes, as well as for those who care about you.” Eclipse’s eyes began to tear up as she cradled my clone in her hooves, whispering in his ears as Midnight and the others flocked to the beaten Forgetful. “So, my dear Dusk, do you trust Eclipse? Do you love her? And do you have disdain, or a hatred, for Forgetful? If we are to end this dream, you must overcome this barrier.”

Her words rang in my mind as I watched the clone, myself, separate from Eclipse and storm out of the library, slamming the door shut after him. The white pegasus began sobbing before Twilight came over to comfort her as Midnight, Rarity, and Fluttershy carried the injured stallion over to one of the couches, gently placing him down on his back as they nursed his horn that was cracked. Celestia hummed softly as she looked at me, her wings outplayed and hanging in the air with her suspended mane and tail. I shot her a glance before I frowned, the tips of my mouth pointing downwards as I pondered her questions.

Do I trust Eclipse? It was a simple question that should have an equally simple answer, yet I found myself in a state of disbelief and confusion. Do I… Trust… Eclipse? Solar Eclipse, the mare who has been by my side for the past four years and has helped me through my darkest time? The one who I found comfort in, and the one who was there when I needed her most? But… Can I trust her? What if she is just faking it and wearing a mask just to gain my trust before she breaks me and tears down years of progress and y-y-years of, finding the confidence to stand up and continue on? What if she is just going to betray me in the end?

Just. Like. Hall and her tribe.

A shudder was involuntarily sent down the length of my spine, and despite my resistance, a tear rolled down my cheek. No! No! She is not like t-that… Bitch! S-She has no stallions to s-strap me d-down… More tears cascaded down my matted cheeks as painful memories resurfaced from the bottomless pit that is my mind, and after all of these years, I remember. I remember the trust, the confidence, the love I placed into her, and her tribe… Only for her to betray me and leave me to rot, within an endless labyrinth of pain, suffering, and trauma… Fuck Celestia, why did you have to make me think about all of this? I-I didn't want to… Make it stop… Please.

“It is okay, Dusk. She will not hurt you anymore. You are safe. You are calm. Imagine yourself… In White Tail Woods. Trees so tall that they touch the sky.” I blinked and saw Hall in front of us for a millisecond before the void around us faded away to be replaced by the White Tail Woods. More specifically, by the riverside. The sound of the rushing water, the birds chirping, and the morning breeze echoed throughout my ear as I let out a shaky breath, catching a glimpse of my bloodshot eyes and ragged face on the water's reflection, showcasing my state of dismay. Blinking away another tear, I looked up to Celestia.

“I-I… I don't know if I trust Eclipse… I just… Can't. I don't even if I can trust you.” I let out a bitter chuckle, but it turned into a pathetic whimper as more memories flooded my decaying mind, reminding me of times past. “It's… Hard. But… Maybe, one day…” I trailed off as Celestia hummed in approval, her face betraying any emotion. She always had an excellent poker face; I suppose it's from years of experience. I turned to the river and dipped my hoof inside, letting the cool water to wet it and rush around it. I stared down at my reflection, a grimace forming on my face. I look like shit, but I guess no one would say anything. I can be anything I want here, yet… I wouldn't change anything about me. Call it stubbornness, or whatever, but… At least I have my own identity.

“You must understand that you are in the present, the future to yesterday. What has been done is done. You just need to find the inner strength to stop clinging to the past… And follow the future, into a better tomorrow. For you… And those around you.” The alicorn joined me and her reflection appeared on the water's surface, her violet eyes gazing into my own reflection. I remained silent as the world around us fell and returned, the long, clear river transforming into a small, muddy puddle. Celestia patted me on the back with her silky soft wing and I lifted my head, my sight greeted by the image of a chapel. Except the atmosphere didn't reek of mourning and grief, but instead one of happiness and rejoice… Even if it is the same place where my father's funeral was.

“Where are we? We here to check up on dear old daddy?” I joked hastily, a sad smile on my white maw. Celestia glared at me before she motioned towards the chapel, indicating for me to follow her. “Sorry…” I murmured as I traipsed behind her, my hooves once again grazing the concrete streets of Canterlot. There was no rain this time, instead there was a brilliantly empty blue sky with a beaming Sun inside of it, and the sound of silence as we approached the chapel, the doors wide open. I glanced inside and immediately felt dread bubbling up inside of me. “You have a real talent at making me feel bad, you know that?” The princess ignored me as she stepped inside, and I wordlessly followed her, because I don't really have a choice, now do I?

“... Will you, Vinyl Scratch, take this stallion to be your lawfully wedded husband, whenever you can? To be there when he is in a state of dismay, and to assist him if he were to ever decay? To love and cherish him, and be the mare that has not ever been?” Much to my surprise, and Celestia for a brief moment, we found Zecora to be doing the, uh… Wedding pony. Whatever they are called. I glanced to the stallion and discovered the ghost of a smile on my face at the sight of him; Thunderlane. I have only talked with him a few times, but he really seems like a good stallion, and I’m glad to see that good old Scratchy’ pinned him down. But, why do I have this insatiable guilt inside of me, if I’m happy for them? I couldn't make it, but I’m sure that they know that I’m happy for them, right?

“Heck yeah, I do!” Vinyl so graciously put, eliciting a quiet chuckle from the crowd.

I met Vinyl Scratch, funnily enough, after the tragedy that was the Royal Wedding. Shining and Princess Cadence decided to try the wedding again, and that time it went off without a hitch… With Moonlight XIII’s help, of course. There was still a few dozen changelings hiding around in Canterlot, and we exterminated them with ease, allowing them to have their wedding in peace. Vinyl was the DJ and I snuck in with Moth because we were technically supposed to return to our normal posts after we dealt with the stragglers. But what can I say? Moth and I enjoy a few drinks every once in awhile, and I while I hate parties, it was actually pretty fun.

I saw Vinyl and decided to talk to her, and we hit it off. She actually has a lot in common with me, and it showed. At the time, Eclipse and I were still friends-with-benefits, so I tried to get a little intimate with dear old Vinyl. Perhaps it was the drinks, or the overwhelming confidence from the drinks, but I was really horny, and from what Moth once told me afterwards, so was she. Regardless, she said no, but was in her words ‘Gratefully humbled that someone wants to ravage the scratchy pussy’. Once again, her words, not mine. Funnily enough, she offered it later down the line, but I said no because that was when I began to develop feelings for Eclipse.

“Will you, Thunderlane, take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife, and care for her for the rest of her life? To be there for her in her times of need, and to never succumb to greed? To be by her side through thick and thin, and call her your kin?” Zecora recited, still managing to rhyme. Vinyl once told me about Zecora, about how she is an excellent accomplice for songs she made because of her ability to rhyme no matter what. I didn't believe her, until I finally heard a song with Zecora singing live right next to the unicorn on stage in a night club Cheesecake and I regularly went to. I was surprised to see Vinyl there, that wasn't her usual gig, mostly because it was in Canterlot. Heh, she still jests about my ‘refined and snooty accent’. Be it as it may, I love Canterlot… And there's nothing wrong with my accent.

“I do.” He replied with a wide grin, his eyes grinning into Vinyl’s… Well, her purple shades anyway. They may have been able to put a dress on her, but I suppose you can't separate a mare from her glasses. Her stubbornness is something we share… Maybe that's why it took years for me to confess to Eclipse.

“I now pronounce you stallion and wife, you may now kiss the bride, just be swift as a knife.” She just had to fit the rhyme in, didn't she? I ignored it as I observed Vinyl and Thunderlane share a passionate kiss on the altar, and I began clapping beside Celestia who watched me with an amused look. Soon enough, their lips parted and they started trotting down the aisle, giggling all the way to the carriage that stood outside. Before I could move out of the way, the married couple passed right through me like I didn't exist, reminding me I’m still dreaming. Sighing, I turned to look at Vinyl who just threw a bouquet flowers into a crowd of mares. One mare who had a grey coat and an even darker grey mane, adorned with a pink bowtie, purple eyes, and a certain musical note cutie mark pushed her way through and caught the flowers with her hoof.

“What's the point in showing me all of this? It's not as if I can just go back in time and fix the fucking problems!” I snapped at Celestia, who didn't respond to my vulgar outburst. She watched silently as the carriage rode off into to the distance, not to be seen anymore. Once the married couple were gone, she hummed once again before the void around whisked us away to Canterlot Castle, and I found ourselves in Eclipse's quarters. In the middle of the room was a medium-sized bed that wasn't the poster foal for luxury, but not the most uncomfortable thing in existence. Covering it was a red blanket and two fluffy, white pillows that pressed up against the headboard. It reminded me that I’m most likely sleeping on the floor or on the couch in Twilight’s library.

Next to the bed was a wooden table, polished until it was smooth as silk, and adorned with a red table cloth with a vase full of a myriad of flowers, and next to it is a book, but I couldn't make out the title from my position. There was a dresser that held a large mirror and several medals for bravery, purple heart, and even a medal of honor. Almost everyone in Moonlight XIII has a medal of honor, including myself. Right across from the dresser was a desk with a notepad open, and a cup of black ink with a quill resting inside. Unable to steel myself, I glanced at the paper to see what she wrote. Celestia forgive me, but I never said I’m not a nosy pony.

“Today I was conflicted. An endless struggle to betray my better judgment and just confess, yet I chose not to. Still, we are being beckoned to the chamber and for all I know, it's another mission where I am shipped away for a month, with the risk of me dying! I love him, and yet, words elude me. I do not know if he reciprocates my feelings, we have been friends for several years, but I suppose that it's still a possibility. If we are going on a mission, and when it is done and over with, I’ll confess to him. After all, there is no time like the present! Ugh, why is love so complicated. Anyway, this entry will most likely be thrown away, but perhaps it can help me decide if I can confess to him or not. I don't know. Celestia help me, I want to confess! Forgetful Not, why can't you just say something?”

My mouth lowered down as it began to tremble after reading the journal entry out loud, and I sighed as I flipped the page backwards, finding another entry. Preparing for the worst, I spoke once more. “Today I was shown something. Something that opened my eyes and realize that I am a horrible pony. One that makes my fruitless love even worse. Dusk, while he is mostly a sarcastic twat, has revealed his heart for the world to see… He was assigned to take care of a certain mare that affected him negatively in the past. Hall Dance, more specifically. She has beaten, abused, and raped him, yet when he was told to handle her execution, he… Called it off. Told the princesses to give her a year of jail time and release her into the wild, away from civilization. While that punishment isn't exactly the safest, he still gave her a chance… I think I am beginning to see something in him.”

I quietly flipped forward, passing her entry about her love for Forgetful and much to my surprise, I found another entry. When I let Hall go, that was three months after the royal wedding, meaning these are all years before now. “It's been a few years since I’ve written in this dusty old thing, huh? Many things have changed, big things. For one, Forgetful has shown his real side, and he is a manipulative, lying asshole. Bastard wanted to rut and was using his charm to seduce me. I would have if it weren't for Starsky bursting in and saving me. Celestia bless her soul, I don't know what I would have done if she didn't come and save me. We left and I found myself in front of Dusk’s door. Over the years, I began to feel a certain way about him. He was bitter, sure, so was Moth, but underneath all of that, lies a good stallion with a golden heart. So, I talked to him and we found ourselves… Well, I’m not going to write that down in case of somepony reading this, but I didn't tell him about what happened between Forgetful and I. Besides, what does that matter if I’m beginning to love Dusk?”

I turned to the actual final page, and I let out a shaky breath, as I finally mustered up the courage to read the entry. “A few months this time! Maybe I can finally work my way up to writing in this daily again. I can only hope. These past few months have been great so far, honestly. I’ve grown attached to Dusk more than I did at the beginning, and now we are always together! I've been giving him signs, I still can't confess my love again, but the stubborn stallion is too dense! You know, I might go pay him a visit now, and see if I can work up the courage to finally say ‘I love you, you bastard’!” I finished reading and closed the book, rubbing the bridge of my nose with my fetlock as I sat down on my haunches. Celestia, this brings up more questions than I’m used to… Can I trust Eclipse, even though she never told me about what happened between her and Forgetful?

“What's… W-What's the point of all of this, Celestia. To show me things that were better off unknown? To make me suffer by reminding me I am a fucking failure?!” I screamed at her, stomping my hoof on the desk, causing the cup of ink to spill over and release a torrent of black liquid to dribble all over the wooden desk. “Yes, I know. I didn't go to my father's funeral! I didn't go to Vinyl’s wedding! And I sure as hell didn't know that Forgetful tried to rape Eclipse! So, tell me, what's the fucking point to this madness?! Please, try to make up an excuse and coax me, but it won’t fucking work! Stop reminding me that I am a fucking failure! Don't you think I already fucking know that!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, my throat becoming hoarse. The room, as well as my vision, flashed red and grey frantically in response to my emotions.

“You are not a bad pony, Dusk! You have made mistakes, everyone does, and you don't understand how to deal with them. Hall manipulated you, and you now you have difficulty placing trust in others. You could not attend your father's funeral and your friend’s wedding, and you think that you are apathetic and are a failure. And now, that you now of Eclipse's past love, you think that you are inadequate. Don't you see? Everytime you encounter a problem, you do not know how to approach it. You overreact or throw yourself into a pit of self-pity. It is a very unhealthy habit and one such as yourself, need to break.” Celestia firmly stated, staring intently at me, her piercing gaze forcing me to calm down. She is right. How… What do I do?

“You cling to the past and reminisce on mistakes that can not be fixed in the present. No, you can not go back in time to fix your problems, but you can make an effort to learn from those mistakes and live life in the present, to see tomorrow. Can you do that, Dusk? Forget the past, and move on? You can run from the past all you want… But, don't you want to chase the future? Have a life with Eclipse, have a foal, and be surrounded by friends? Life is unpredictable, so are mistakes, but you can strive to learn from those mistakes and better yourself for a better tomorrow. Don't you want that?” Her hoof lifted my chin up and she gazed into my eyes with a sincere glint, and a warm smile on her pristine muzzle. I sighed as the room crumbled away and we found ourselves on top of a cloud chariot, the world beneath of us as we soared through the sky, out of sight, but not out of mind.

“I-I’ll try, princess… I’ll try.” I mumbled, causing the white alicorn to chuckle softly before she wrapped a hoof around my mid section and pulled me close into her embrace. I relished in the sensation of her soft, warm fur caressing my body and her poweful wings curled tightly around me, her smooth feathers feeling like the softest silk. We stayed like that as I felt the clouds dissipated and the white void around us trembled and fell, signifying my inevitable awakening. Even as we fell into nothingness, we held each other tight as my vision began to blur and my senses became numb. We both are waiting for something, anything, to come back into our lives and make us full again. To allow us to die and not feel regret.

She is waiting for a sister.

I’m awaiting my happiness.

Author's Note

I actually managed to fit in another chapter before the end of the act. I'm pretty sure that next chapter is the one.

Chapter XIII (Explicit)

XIII. Silence, You’ve Lost Me

(End Of Act I)

“Dusk! Wake up!”

Jolting upwards from my slumber, my eyelids propelled upwards and I breathed heavily, clutching my chest with a hoof. I turned towards the source of the voice, and I found Eclipse with her hooves on my shoulder shaking me awake. She stopped when she saw me sit up and the mare rubbed her eyes with a fetlock, yawning loudly. Taking the time to adjust to being abruptly awoken, I mimicked her and brushed the cobwebs out of my eyes, allowing myself to see my surroundings. Underneath of my body was a soft, brown couch and draped over my body was a small, grey blanket that warmed me. I guess I was right, then. Fell asleep on the couch.

“It's almost time for the party, Dusk.” Eclipse mentioned before she yawned once again, stretching her hooves and wings as she stood up from the couch. Blinking away the lingering sleepiness, I threw the blanket off of me and placed my hooves on the floor, being rewarded with a loud clip-clop for my four limbs. Spreading my wings, I folded them and sighed as an audible cracking noise resounded. After stretching, I realized that my mouth is extremely dry and I have a splitting headache. Pressing a hoof into my temple, I rubbed it as I groaned. Eclipse walked away into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water, handing it to me. Graciously accepting the gift, I swallowed the crisp, refreshing water and basked in the feeling as it glided down my throat.

Twisting my head around to scan my surroundings, I noticed that no one else was present and that Eclipse and I were the only ponies in the room. Returning my gaze to Eclipse, I swallowed the remaining water before speaking. “Where is everypony else?” I inquired as she folded the blanket I chucked off of myself, patiently weaving it into a neat square. She placed it atop the arm rest on the couch and jerked her head towards the door. “Better yet, what time is it?” Searching for any sign of a clock, I was rewarded with nothing. I guess the concept of time is insignificant in the eyes of Twilight. That or she has a hatred for keeping time.

“They already went to meet up with Pinkie for the party. As for the time…?” She did the same thing I did and when she found nothing, she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “Well, it must be close if they already left… Do you still wanna’ go…? You don't have to, I can stay here with you-” I cut her off by waving my hoof at her as I approached the open window, appreciating the small breeze that managed to find its way inside. It brushed through coat and mane, cooling me down from the heat I accumulated from wearing that blanket for hours on end. The Sun was nearing the horizon, the sky turning from a bright blue to a dark orange.

“Nah… It's fine. Like you said, I should see if my brother is there.” I started slowly as I angled my head around to see out the window better, catching glimpses of a myriad of ponies heading towards the source of faint music that began to play. To be honest, I’m dreading the party. I’m dreading the fact that there's a possibility that my brother, whom I betrayed, can be there and I have to talk to him. Bury the hatchet, so to speak. “Besides, I don't want to ruin your night. Don't mind my buzz-killing self.” I tittered as I turned away from the window and came face-to-face with Eclipse, who was wearing a small smile on her pretty-muzzle.

“Mmm, you're not a buzz-kill. You're just stubborn.” She replied as she pressed her lips against mine. Her lips felt like silk and if I were in a better mood, I would have enjoyed it. Tonight… I wasn't feeling it, and the pegasus must’ve picked up on that fact. She removed her lips from my own and looked into my eyes with her two gorgeous cyan orbs. “What's wrong? Did I do something wrong?” I sighed as she backed away from me, allowing me to rub my face with my hoof. What am I even going to say to her? Oh, I had a dream where you cheated on me with Forgetful, I talked with Celestia in my dreams, annnndddd I read your super-secret journal! Better start off slow, I suppose. There's no possible way I can fuck this up, right?

“Y-You… You would tell me if something… Bad, happened to you, right?” I muttered to her, watching as her eyes widened for a split-second before she regained her composure. She must think I know, otherwise she wouldn't have that kind of reaction. Celestia, this is so fucking hard! Why can't I just go back to being an innocent little colt, full of life and happiness? Things were so much easier back then.

“Y-Yeeeaah… Why?” She inquired as I faced the staircase, inhaling a large gust of air as I mulled over my thoughts. What do I say now? I got her started, and now unfortunately, I have to finish it. Or I can just be the kind of pony that goes, Oh nothing, just wondering. Well, too bad I’m not that kind of pony. I am a stubborn pony and proud.

“Then why didn't you tell me about your love for Forgetful? Or that he tried to rape you?” I turned back to her with furrowed eyebrows and a determined glint in my eyes. Her ears immediately smacked against her head as she suddenly found the floor interesting. Congratulations, Dusk. You've been promoted from a B-plus idiot to an A-plus idiot! May the odds forever be in your favor! Oh shut it, being quiet and not saying a word isn't going to solve a damn thing.

Eclipse sighed loudly as she looked up at me finally, her ears returning to their original position. Oh, and she looks pissed. “What does it matter if I love you now? It's in the past, Dusk!” She screamed as she stomped away from me, seething in the middle of the room as I remained silent, allowing her to continue. “See, that's the thing with you! You just have to go digging into matters of the past, when it doesn't even matter anymore! We're living in the present! Can you get that through your. Thick. Fucking. Skull?!” She punctuated each word with a tap on her head, turning towards me with her head cocked to the side. I stared at her as she began breathing heavily through her nostrils.

“What is wrong with you?! You… Are just incapable of leaving things alone! So what? It never happened again, and it’s not going to! Fuck Forgetful, he’s a manipulative ass! And you, are a stubborn, nostalgic, bitter asshole!” Her wings were now at full mast, spit flying from her maw as she shouted at me from across the room. A ray of sunlight beamed through the open window behind me, bathing me in its warm glow as silence now encompassed the room. It was so silent you could hear a pin drop, and mustering up the willpower, I broke the silence.

“Is that how you feel… Truly? You know what you can do? You can fuck right off, you bloody prick! How do I know if you didn't fuck Forgetful while I was asleep, huh?! Or how ‘bout you wanting foals during a fucking mission! Are you stupid?! Calling me stubborn, hmph… You got some real fucking nerve.” I responded by lashing out at her, jabbing a hoof in her direction. Eclipse raised her eyebrows as she scoffed, stepping towards me.

“Excuse me? Who the fuck do you think you are?! Maybe I wanted to think ahead, you think of that, idiot?! This mission will be done by the time I have this foal, if I’m even pregnant… Knowing you, your sperm is probably as fucked up as you are.” She chuckled bitterly, standing a few feet away from me. Closing my eyes tightly, I let a breath of air escape from my mouth as I flared my nostrils, desperately attempting to keep my growing temper at bay. There's something about this mare, that just… Pisses me off.

“Fuck you. I am dealing with a lot right now,” And you will be if you continue this conversation. “And you freaking the fuck out over nothing is not fucking helping! So why don't you fuck right off and leave me the fuck alone, you dirty. Skanky. Cunt.” So much for not losing your temper. Since when did I begin talking to myself in my mind? Nevermind that, just focus on the crazy bitch in front of you.

Eclipse extended her wing and slapped me across the face with it as hard as she could, and I stumbled back as a large gash formed across the length of my forehead. Large streams of blood began to cascade down my face as Eclipse gasped, stepping towards me with her hoof outstretched. I held a hoof up as I reached up and wiped away the blood, but to no prevail, it just kept flowing. Lowering my hoof, I stared at the matted, red fur on my fetlock as blood started to drip from my face onto the floor, gathering into a small puddle. Eclipse flew upstairs quickly, leaving me alone to try and clean myself up for some party I don't even want to attend.

Celestia… How can so much happen in one day? So much shit, so much has transpired, in the span of a single day. The changeling invasion took place in a day, make that two, but I just… Things used to be so simple. Wake up, brush teeth, eat breakfast, go to work, go home, eat dinner, brush teeth, and go to sleep. It was monotonous, but it was simple and organized, a-and so just… Ugh, maybe Celestia and Eclipse are right. I strive to live life by my past, and I can't live for the now, for tomorrow. Is this is how I am going to live the rest of my life? Endlessly fretting about the past, living by it, trying to make the present and future like the past as much as I can? Sweet Luna, things… No, I’m living in the present, the past is gone, over with. Done.

Sitting down on my haunches, I pressed my hoof on the gash and hissed through my gritted teeth at the sharp pain spreading through my head, but ignored it as the blood flow continued. The dark crimson liquid trickled down my face’ covering my cheeks in blood and wetting my fur with the warm fluid. The sound wings beating echoed in the library and Eclipse flew down the flight of stairs, a small white box in her hooves as she landed in front of me. Before I could say anything, she placed the box down and held up a hoof. “Shut up and stay still.” I complied with her request willingly as she clicked the box open and started digging through the various items lying inside.

She pulled out a white rag, which appeared more like a napkin or tissue, and gripped it tightly as she removed my hoof from the gash. She dabbed the wound with the clean cloth and I tapped my hoof on the ground, the pain surging through the entirety of my head. Wiping away the collected blood to the best of her ability, she threw the dirty rag away and quickly pulled out disinfectant and another cloth, dousing one side of it with the liquid. “This will sting a little.” Yeah sure, that's what ponies say before they inflict excruciating pain on you. Preparing myself for the agonizing stinging sensation, I bit my tongue painfully to distract myself as she brought it up to my forehead, swiftly pressed into the length of it. I hissed as I shut my eyes tightly, drawing blood from my tongue as I bit deeper into it.

Satisfied with her work, Eclipse placed the bottle aside and chucked the rag to join its counterpart. “Look… I… Ugh, I’m sorry. It was wrong of me and I shouldn't have hit you,” Rummaging through the contents of the first-aid-kit, she grabbed a large-sized gauze pad and unwrapped it, placing it on the injury. “Hold that… I just freaked out, and I guess I just… Lost control. It was wrong of me, and I just… I love you, you know that, right?” Looking around, she found a big cloth, and she rolled it up until it was shaped like a roll. Wrapping it around my head, it held the gauze pad in place and she tied it tightly at the back of my neck. The make-shift bandana thing-y held my hair up slightly, but I was happy that the wound was cleaned up. “Lemme’ get a wet cloth and I clean up the blood on your face, alright?” My mouth remained silent, and she sighed before she flew off to the kitchen, in search of another rag.

Soon enough, the mare returned with a wet cloth, water dripping onto the floor from the soaked material. Sitting down in front of me, she swiped my face with it and I felt a shiver go down my spine at the cold contact. Pulling the rag away from me, I saw the blood on the rag and she looked at it too before she sighed, throwing it to the side. It landed with a damp thud and silence engulfed the room for a few minutes. Words came to mind, but my muzzle remained shut. Eclipse apparently had the willpower to talk, though. “The party is surely about to start… Why don't we get going?” She gazed up at me hopefully, and instead of answering her, I stood up to my full height, easily towering over her. Staring her down for a few seconds, I traipsed over to the front door and swung it open, allowing the cool breeze to coax my body.

Not waiting for Eclipse to catch up, I started walking slowly, my mind blank and my emotions ceased. Calm. Neutral. Silent. The silent treatment has never worked and you know it. It leaves more problems than it solves. Just talk to her you stupid fucking idiot. Oh, and also, here's a tip. Maybe you shouldn't go digging through ponies’ journals! It was a dream. Point still stands. Dream or not, you still invaded her privacy and dug up the past. How would you like it if someone continually mentioned Hall and her tribe to you? Fine, you have a point… Just fuck off. I don't need to start arguing to myself in my mind, it's crowded enough as it is. I’m not crazy, I’m just a little stressed out. Denial. You are unstable, and you are going to snap. For real. Not like the dream with Forgetful. Just keep it together and get through the day.

Think of it this way. There is a possibility of Eclipse being pregnant. Now, it usually takes eight to seven weeks to find it, give or take. Plus, aren't you waiting for Cheesecake and your little marefriend Moth? Moth isn't my marefriend. I have no romantic feelings for her. She's just my best friend. And Celestia doesn't raise the fucking Sun. Whatever, you changed the topic. Anyways, you need to wait for them and to find out if Eclipse is pregnant, so… Why don't you just settle down in Ponyville for a little while? We are on a mission and Luna is missing! What, are we just supposed to leave her by herself and just sit around and do nothing? Celestia is counting on us. Luna can fucking handle herself. Besides, you heard Celestia. Luna left of her own accord and she will return whenever she's free. This mission is fucking pointless anyway, so what's the point in doing anything?

Princess Celestia stated that we are to travel to the Badlands and assassinate Supreme Overlord Nefastus until she has more intel on Princess Luna’s location. Oh, so it's a suicide mission then? Listen here, you and everypony in Moonlight XIII are going to get yourselves killed if you even try to kill her. She is much stronger than almost everyone, even Luna. You dealt with Discord. You dealt with Chrysalis. You dealt with Sombra. But, you cannot deal with Nefastus. She is very… Wrong. Has powers that would make you question things. She would not hesitate to change how you view things and she would not hesitate to kill you when she has control over you. So like the White Tail then? Yeah, sure. Except you what you will see and hear will be much, much worse.

“Dusk? You alright?” I jumped when Eclipse rocked my shoulder, and I turned to look at her. She was behind me and I noticed that we were in front of Sugarcube Corner. The muffled sound of music and chatter resounded from the gingerbread-looking building, and the white pegasus stepped in front of me. “Seriously, are you alright? You been standing here staring ahead for five minutes, muttering to yourself.” A worried glint was in her cyan orbs and I nodded hesitantly, patting her on the shoulder as I slowly extended a hoof to take a step forward, feeling the street underneath me transform into a wooden step. Sighing, I shot a glance at my marefriend before I pushed open the doors, entering the bakery and ongoing party.

“Dusk! You made it! Here; have a creamy, complementary, confectionary! Enjoy!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she shoved a cupcake into my hoof, hopping off to talk to a group of ponies. Looking at the cupcake, I threw it in the nearby trashcan before I walked around, searching for a chair so I can think. Pushing my way through the crowd of ponies, I finally found salvation in the form of a stool that's in the corner and out of the way. Sighing in relief, I plopped down on it and scanned the mass of ponies, two questions in my mind; Where is my brother, and what do I do when I find him? Such a shame that your usual apology won't work. ‘Oh, I am truly sorry for fucking your fiancé behind your back while you're at work. That was my bad!’. Fuck off, you're not helping.

Maybe you should have thought about what would happen before you decided to stick your dick in your brother's wife-to-be. What, did you think he wouldn't find out? Did you think you would fuck her and get off scot-free, no problems to be found? Okay, I get it! I made a fucking mistake, everypony does! At least I’m making a fucking effort to fix the damn problem instead of letting it rot. Yeah, see, this problem has been boiling under the Sun for a while now and now you think it's time to scrape it off the curb when it's damn near dust? You can't just run from your problems, leave your own brother to scavenge from his crumbling life, and then just choose to stop by and say sorry! It's now how it fucking works! Fine. I get it. But, you are nothing but thoughts in the corner of my mind. So you can fuck right off.

You will regret this. It's going to bite you in the ass. I ignored the gnawing thoughts as I twisted my head around in a myriad of angles to see if I can spot my brother, but all I got in return was a few winks from a stallion and a couple mares. Groaning, I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. Celestia please, I’m making an effort. I just need him to meet me halfway. Hah! Sitting on your ass is considered making an effort these days? Kill me now. Shut up. No one asked for your fucking brilliant input, cocksucker… Exactly. That's what I thought. Flying through the crowd was a familiar pegasus, and in her hooves were two wooden mugs. I recognized her signature rainbow mane and her cyan coat, and she grinned as she landed in front of me.

Handing me one of the mugs, she chuckled as she glanced at the bloody gauze pad on my forehead. “Here, heh. You look like you can use some.” Grabbing the mug, I slipped my hoof through the handle and I got a sudden sense of déjà vu. You got drunk in your dream after finding out Eclipse cheated on you. You fell asleep after the first shower, after you ate Spike’s pancakes. It didn't happen, calm down. Wow, you are actually useful for once. Now, fuck off mate. Lifting the mug to my lips, I allowed the drink to slip down into my throat, and it glided down with a burning sensation. Ah, cider. Never really was a fan, but I guess anything will do. Try not to get too drunk, huh? Yeah, yeah. Fuck off.

“What are you doing over here, anyway? The party's over there,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she waved her hoof over at the dancing crowd of ponies. I glanced at the small stage and my eyes widened at the sight. Vinyl and Thunderlane were behind a table as they played songs, headphones on both of their heads. Pinkie Pie stole the DJ’s shades and were wearing them as she danced in front of the mixing table on the stage. “Don't tell me you're a wallflower, big guy… Hey!” I didn't answer as I placed the mug down and started trotting through the horde of ponies at a brisk pace, trying to make it to my friend. Ooh boy, more problems. You couldn't just waved at her and that's it? You gotta’ go make a scene and all, some bullshit speech and everything. You, sir, bring drama everywhere you go; power to ya’.

Before I could make it to the stage, a white hoof extended and stopped me, causing me to look at the source of the obstacle. “There you are Dusk! I've been looking for you. Listen, I saw your brother leaving, you better catch up to him!” I nodded and Eclipse walked off, leaving me a few feet away from the stage where Vinyl stands. I gazed up at her, watching her as she bobbed her head to the music with her exuberant spirit. Turning my head, I glanced at the swinging doors, and then back to the white unicorn on stage. Vinyl will be here when you get back. Weren't you making an effort? Fucking… Damnit, fine! Shooting one more glance at the married couple, I pivoted around and pushed my way through the crowd, rushing to the doors. Finally leaving the dancing horde of ponies, I cursed to myself as I burst outside, the cold night air sending a shiver down my spine.

The directions to his house floated to the surface in my mind, and I automatically began trotting to his house, words and things to say already racing through my brain. The Sun was now completely down, and was replaced by the glowing Moon, illuminating the small village with a beaming light. Stars littered the black expanse of space and I even saw a shooting star fly by in the sky. Shaking my head, I remembered my task and I made a swift left, turning to walk down the lane Dawn’s house is on. I caught a glimpse of his orange tail and I galloped towards the source of it, my hooves beating furiously into the dirt road, leaving behind my hoof-marks. Skidding to a halt in front of my brother's house, I caught up to him right as he was about to close the door.

“... D-Dusk? Is that you?” He inquired slowly, cracking the door open a tidbit more to better see me. I approached his door at an agonizingly slow pace, the clip-clop sound of my hooves echoing on his stone walkway. He glanced at the rag tied around my head, and the blood-stained gauze pad pressed against my forehead, and he chuckled. “Sweeeeet Luna, you look like shit! Uh, come in! Take a seat, and I’ll, uh, grab some tea.” Accepting his offer hesitantly, I walked past him and he locked the door behind me, traipsing off into the kitchen. Twisting my head around, I took in my surroundings, coming to the realization that the decorations or scenery has changed much. Dawn always had a hard time with change, and I guess moving furniture and paintings is much too change for him. Nothing wrong with sticking with what you're used to. Perhaps that's why you are still in Moonlight XIIi, damaging yourself and killing?

Sighing, I took a seat on a beige couch that felt quite comfortable, and in front of it was a pretty decent coffee table that was reasonably polished, but obviously has seen some years. Directly straight across from the couch and coffee table was a sage green leather chair. Dawn entered the living room with a tray on his back, two steaming cups of tea balancing on it. Arriving at the table, he placed it down and then sat down on the leather chair, relaxing into it as he smiled at me. Nervously smiling back, I went to grab a teacup and then Dawn chuckled, waving his hoof at me. “Nah, that one is mine. Put some herbal leaves in there that are bitter to the tongue, but refresh the soul… Other one is normal tea with cream and sugar.” Nodding, I picked up the other one and held it in my hooves.

“So, how has, uh, things been, Dawn?” Taking the initiative, I broke the awkward silence and took a sip from the cup of tea, relishing in the delicious taste. However, it had a horrible aftertaste and didn't go down that well. The grey pegasus smiled at me as he retrieved his own teacup, daintily taking a sip before answering my question.

“Oh, things have been fine. Normal. Monotonous, if you will. Bills are payed, there's food in the fridge, and if I want a book to read, I just go down to the library. Having a library just down the road has its perks!” He laughed as I took another sip. I grinned nervously as he chuckled, wiping his mouth with a nearby napkin. His orange orbs had a unreadable glint in them, and I couldn't make out what he was feeling. It frightened me a bit.

You need to know what happened after the little ‘incident’. Fine… Fuck me. “So, uh… Where's,” Shooting a glance to the hallway leading to his bedroom, I sighed hastily. “Where's Roseluck?” I finally said, a nervous smile decorating my sweating face. The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Dawn’s face contorted into a variety of different emotions, but ultimately decided on the oh-so familiar and widely used feeling known as anger.

Except, he went beyond anger. He was furious.

Throwing his teacup at the wall, it smashed against a painting harshly. Shards of glass clattered to the floor and brown tea spilled all over the beautiful painting of an elegant sky, full of stars and comets. Standing up, he leaned over the coffee table and placed his hooves on it, towering over me menacingly. “Where's Roseluck. Where's…? Roseluck. I don't know, Dusk, she left me after what happened that night! I never saw her again after that, gone! Just gone! And you know why?” I shook my head slowly, but deep down, I knew why. It was me. I ruined their relationship, in just a single night. Hmm, I just got déjà vu… I wonder where from?

Slipping his hoof under his wing, he threw out his hoof and in his grip was a flintlock. More specifically, my pistol. I can tell by the tally-marks on the side. Cocking it, he aimed it at me as he kicked the coffee table, splinters of wood covering the floor. “You're the reason, Dusk! It was all you. The love of my life, gone… Just. Like. That,” He punctuated each word with a tap of the pistol on my head. My eyes are widened and I was breathing heavily through my nostrils, my chest heaving up and down as I panicked internally. The table just had to go, it was getting old. Surely, you could agree with that… Right? “Y’know, after what happened, after that night… I began drinking. Naaaasty addiction. Still do. Spent as much time and bits as I could down at Berry’s… Sweet mare, that one. But, I bet you know everything about sweet mares, wouldn't you?”

“So, tell me. Who do you have in your slimy grasp now, Dusk? Did that bitch Roseluck come crawling to you, or perhaps you're just lonely… As you should be,” I remained silent until Dawn pressed the barrel against my forehead harshly, and I felt it dig deeply into the gash, drawing fresh blood. “Answer me! It's a simple fucking question! Yes! Or! No!” I shook my head and he scoffed before he threw his head back in laughter. Like the flip of a coin, he was in my face again. “Bullshit! I know you, I've known you all my life! So tell me the truth before I blow your fucking brains out all across this fucking couch!” He shouted in my face as my mind raced. Tell him. He has a fucking gun to your head, tell the damn stallion. Just focus on him and then think on an action plan. Remember; he is your brother, not just another target. Killing him is a last resort, even if he is fine with killing you.

As blood started to trickle down my face, staining my once pristine snow-white fur a dark crimson, I nodded slowly. “Solar Eclipse… I've known her four years.” I answered quietly, breathing shakily as my heart pounded in my chest like a beating drum. Dawn's lips curved into a sadistic grin as he chuckled, raising his eyebrows as he removed the pistol from my head, leaning back as he nodded his head up and down in a steady pattern, slowly; like a snail racing. Wait for it… Wait for an opening to tackle him, and then retrieve the pistol, and subdue him. If that doesn't work, knock him unconscious and tie him up with whatever you can find. It's the best you got right now, but regardless, this entire situation is a complete shit-show. Yeah. I know. I wish this was a dream… Sorry boss, this is real.

“I've been waiting a veeerrry long time for this. Waiting. Planning. Plotting. Waiting for the peeerrrffffeect time to fucking kill you,” He yelled at me as he turned away from me, twisting his head to gaze into my eyes. Orange to blue. “You ruined my life, Dusk. I found love, and I was ready to start my life… But I guess I am taking sibling rivalry to a whole new level, huh?” He chuckled as he looked down at the pistol, turning back to face me. Directly in front of me was a barrel, and Dawn’s hoof was on the trigger. “‘Bye, brother. I can't exactly say it's been that great. Honestly, it's been complete shit… Maybe you’ll be allowed to see Dad, who knows? Heh, like you deserve see him again.” Now! Fuck!

Lunging forward, I extended my hooves as I propelled myself off of the couch and wrapped my hoof around Dawn’s midsection, successfully dodging underneath of the pistol’s shot. The grey pegasus grunted as we landed on the leather chair, tipping it over and sending us tumbling to the floor. Dawn grunted as he fell to the floor and the pistol clattered to the floor, along with myself. I smacked the pistol away with my hind leg as Dawn stood up, his hoof plummeting into my stomach. I ignored the overwhelming sickness welling up in my abdomen as I swung my hind leg into his side, knocking him off of me. Hopping onto my hooves, I rushed the stallion and extended my right hoof, punching him in the muzzle. He desperately tried to lay a hit on me, but I weaved around him and delivered consecutive strikes on him.

Dawn screamed as he grabbed me by the shoulders, ramming me into the wall and then throwing me to the ground. I landed harshly, and it knocked the air out of my lungs. Blood gushed from the gash on my forehead now, soaking the gauze pad and tied rag, and my face was completely covered in the crimson shade. Strands of hair were damp with a combination of blood and sweat, and I breathed heavily. Before I could stand up, Dawn was on me and he constricted his hooves around my throat, squeezing with all of his strength. Breathing soon became difficult and despite all of my training and inner strength, I couldn't bring myself to hurt him. He is my baby brother. I can't see him hurt.

Darkness seeped into the corners of my vision and I wheezed as I struggled to get air into my lungs. The rising in my chest slowed down and the beating of my heart is skidding to a halt. I gazed into the orange eyes of my brother and saw nothing but hate, raw hate. No matter how hard I searched or no matter how long I gazed into those two orange orbs, I couldn't find any semblance to the happy and lively colt I grew up with. All I saw was a crestfallen stallion driven by the loss of his wife and his hatred for his brother. I threw my hooves out at my sides and the tip of my fetlock brushed up against the pistol. He’s gone. That's not Dawn Shine, anymore. You need to do it. You need to kill him. To live. To be there for Eclipse and complete the mission, find the princess. There's no other way.

Bullshit! There has to be another way, another way to save myself and not do this! Can't you understand?! H-He’s my baby brother, my only brother! My father is already gone, and he’s one of the few family members I have left! That would just leave me and my mother, and my mother would never forgive me! No, I-I-I can't do this! Please! There has to be another way. There isn't. He’s gone over the edge, and there is no saving him. He already tried to kill you that night all those years ago, he just didn't have the advantage or the tools. He does now and he is going to kill. I’m sorry. Truly. But there is no other way. You have to do it… Grab the pistol. Grab the pistol and do it. It's a painless death and you will live… Your brother is lost. Do it.

Make… It… Stop.

Fumbling to slip my hoof into the pistol’s handle, I gasped and shuddered as blackness creeped towards the center of my vision, reminding me of my impending doom. Tears ran freely down my blood-stained cheeks, stinging my eyes and I wanted to sob so bad. Shakily placing my pistol in the handle, it wrapped around my fetlock and the tip of it brushed against the trigger. Using up the remainder of my strength, I spread my right wing to cock the pistol, pulling it back until it clicked loudly. Sensing my oxygen running out in a manner of seconds, I brought my pistol up to my brother's head and pulled the trigger, the gunshot echoing in my ear as the choking ceased and I could breathe again. Breathing heavily to remove myself from the edge of death, an endless stream of tears cascading down my face as Dawn’s body fell limp atop me.

I crawled out from underneath of his body and my hooves shaked horribly, causing me to fling the flintlock out of my grasp. My chest bounced up and down as I started sobbing uncontrollably, no sound coming from my throat. Wrapping my hooves around his midsection, I pulled Dawn’s corpse close to my chest and clutched him tight as I rocked myself back and forth, tears dripping onto his lifeless, bloody face. His eyes, that once held so much life and innocence, stared directly at me, not a single glint in neither of his orange orbs. Blood leaked from the bullet hole onto my hind leg as I sat there silently, not able to scream or sob, or talk or whisper. With my dead brother in my hooves, I laid there for what seemed like hours.

Suddenly, the door busted open and flew inwards, off of its hinges and clattered to the floor, splinters and shards of wood joining it on the disheveled floor. The sound didn't register and I ignored it as my hearing became a dull white noise, no sound being heard. All I could taste was the regret of my actions and the desire to join my brother in the grave I've dug for him. A faint smell of lavender traveled up my nostrils and I recognized it; Eclipse. Hooves touched upon my sinner body and tried desperately to awake me from this nightmare; but to no prevail. I lie awake, fully aware of what is occurring, but unable to act or call out to assist me in my path to enlightenment and salvation. I am a murderer, a liar, and I yearn for the past, because that is where I belong.

“Silence. You’ve lost me.”

End Of Act I: Descent

Author's Note

And with that, Act I is over.

I hope you enjoyed, but know this.

It's far from over, not yet.

Chapter XIV

XIV. Reunion

Perspective: Moth

* * * * * *

One Week Later...

“Fuckin’ finally. I could use a rest.” I muttered to no one in particular, stepping onto the dirt road that leads to the small village known as Ponyville. Lowering my rifle, I slid it into the holster and stretched my right hoof, groaning at the added stress on my muscles. Running back and forth like a circus monkey will do that to a pony, and I feel like complete shit. Raising my head, I gazed at the beaming Moon in the night sky, scoffing at the dreadful feeling bubbling up inside of me. As if a fucking feeling can bring me down. Bending my antennas, they pivoted to my side and heightened my hearing, allowing me to pick up the faintest sounds that my surroundings can produce.

Turning to look at my partner, I chuckled at the unicorn as she caught up to me. “Tired as shit, huh? Come on,” I jerked my head towards the direction of the town. “We only got a little distance left. Then we can become our little fucked-up family again.” I said with a big grin, facing the rustic town once more. Cheesecake nodded slowly as she walked up to my side and stayed with my pace as we walked down the dirt road in the black of night. Bits and pieces of rock and gravel crunched underneath of my boots as I traipsed towards the village, fully intent with reuniting with Dusky Boy and the Rookie. Supposedly, they teamed up with Bravo Squad, but that begs the question of where the fuck Charlie Squad is; knowing those three fuckers, they're probably gang-raping a bunch of deer or something.

“How do you think Dusk is doing? Or Twilight? Ooh, do you think they threw a party and got drunk and-and maybe made out a little?” I stopped to look at the peculiar pony with a blank look on my face, although she probably didn't catch my emotionless expression because of my hood. Yeah, fuck this shitty cloak. Itches like shit. Retracting my antennas from their designated holes, they bent forward and gripped the front of the hood, pulling back until it was completely off. Brushing my white mane down, I then resumed my blank look directed at the unicorn. She blushed and kept walking, a sheepish glint in her blue orbs. “H-Heh, maybe that was a little too much…” I rolled my eyes as I started walking again, side-by-side with Cheesecake.

“Aw, you forgot that he has Eclipse to get his dick wet. Besides, the Rookie is too damn shy to actually have fun. I’ll tell you what, she probably gets off to the damn smell of newly printed books. Eh? Eh?” I nudged her side with my hoof, my lips curving upwards into a mischievous smirk. When the mare didn't show any emotion, I scowled at her. “Oh fuck you, that was funny.” I groaned as I stepped over a large rock in the middle of the dirt road. I glanced back at angrily as I scoffed. “Oh yeah, sure. Let's put a big-ass rock in the middle of the fucking road, that will really rustle some jimmies! Fucking amateurs.” I murmured, fluttering my wings rapidly. Celestia, I just want to take a nice shower, maybe rub one out, get a cider, and relax. Fuck this mission already. If it were up to me, Luna can save her damn self.

“Dusk… He didn't seem right the last time we talked to him, did he?” Cheesecake mentioned, turning her head to gaze at me. I hummed in response, pondering what she said in my mind. She is right, the last time we spoke to him, Dusky Boy didn't seem very golly and the fucker hung up on us. He also hasn't called for a week, so perhaps the unicorn is right for once. Oh well, we’ll just have to find out when we get there, won't we? Besides, it's been a week. Whatever he was going through is most likely over and he’ll be back to normal. Then we can leave the town and travel to some place in the middle of nowhere in search for Luna’s scrumptiously round ass. She's probably on some fucking island, bathing in the Sun while drinking daintily out of a damn coconut.

“He’s probably fine, Cheesecake. Stubborn bastard has been demolishing Eclipse’s pussy for the past week, I bet ya’. Remind me to punch him in the fucking throat for making us travel to Vanhoover for absolutely nothing.” Chuckling, I stepped over another damn rock and spit on it as I jumped over, wondering what smarty cocksucker thought it would be funny to make me burn more calories than I already do. I swear to Celestia, I bet it's Discord, the bloody prick. We were assigned to deal with them, because we solve every fucking problem for the two sweet ‘wittle princesses, and the fuck turned me into an actual fucking moth! Poor Cheesecake became of food and we had to stop Slinger from eating her because of his sweet tooth. Total shit-show.

“Do you want me to write that down on your bucket list or annoy Dusk list?” Cheesecake replied, a spiteful smirk on her rounded muzzle. I pushed her as she forced me to laugh, the stupid laugh making me more than it should have. Clutching my side with a hoof, I sighed as I calmed down and returned to my normal bitter self. Soon enough, we saw a lane of houses coming up and I had the desire to begin galloping towards the nearest shower, but I restrained myself. For some dumb reason, we are still a secret organization. Bull-and-shit we are secret anymore! Everyone and their creepy-pedophile uncle has seen us and heard our loud fucking guns. There's absolutely nothing secret about us anymore, especially not after the fucking tragic shit-show that was the battle for Canterlot. Might as well just hang a sign up that leads to The Chamber. I’m surprised we haven't had action-figures made of us yet. Sick fucks would probably cum on the damn things, maybe that's why.

I trotted up to the side of a small house, and using my wings, I propelled myself upwards into the air. Extending my hooves, I grabbed ahold of the roof and hoisted myself up onto it, quickly swiveling around and crouching down. Reaching a hoof down, Cheesecake galloped up and jumped up, wrapping her boot around mine. Using all of my strength, I pulled her up to the roof and she silently said thanks. I nodded and slowly resumed walking down the length of the roof until we hit the edge on the other side. I motioned to the unicorn and she smiled, her long horn lighting up a blue aura. Blocks of magic appeared in the air and formed a bridge, connecting this house to the one next to it. Grinning, I passed her and saluted. “Thanks, fucker.” I whispered as I danced across the bridge, landing on the other house.

Cheesecake crossed her own creation and joined me on the other house. Glancing down to the ground, I caught a glimpse of a taped-up and boarded house that piqued my interest. Raising a hoof, I motioned to the house in question and looked to my partner. “You see this shit? What the fuck is going on?” I inquired quietly. Fuck it, we need to check this out. Who knows, maybe Dusky Boy had something to do with it. Informing her to follow me, I spread my wings and landed on the ground in front of the house, gazing up at it. Cheesecake appeared next to me via teleportation and she poked at the police tape. “Wait. See that? That's dry blood.” I pointed out to the mare, staring at the stained walkway and blood trail that lead from the front door to the dirt road we’re on right now. What, did somepony just decide to go kill someone?

My comrade pulled her hood down, revealing her white coat and yellow, frizzy mane that curled around her ears. She rummaged in her cloak until she found her golden pendant, and she looked to me with a raised eyebrow. “Want me to call Dusk? See if he knows anything? Maybe he snapped finally.” She asked me and I shook my head, shooting one final look at the fucked-up house. Jerking my head towards the direction of the library, at least that's where I think it is. Who fucking knows, I never been to this damn town. And I definitely don't want to be here now considering a house is boarded up and there's a fucking blood trail. Am I going to start finding clues and figure out this grand mystery to find out who killed Murder McKillingSpree? Fuck me.

“No, we’ll find out once we meet up with Dusky and the Rookie. Come on, this shit creeps the fuck out of me.” Cheesecake nodded and started galloping towards the library. I took one last look at the house before I shook my head, breaking into a gallop to the library. I don't know why, but that whole entire scene gives me the fucking chills. I never liked not being in control or not knowing what's going on, so I need to find out what happened before I lose my damn mind over this. I mean, what if it is a murder? Well, if it is, Dusky and his gang of fucktards probably fixed the damn problem, but I can't help but feel apprehensive and nervous. Dark days are ahead, I can already tell, and I won't be able to do a single fucking thing. Fuck my life.

Fuck it so hard.

* * * * * *

I panted as I finally caught up to Cheesecake, slugging her in the shoulder. “Shoulda’ stayed with me, prick.” Chuckling, I noticed that all of the lights are still on, illuminating the inside of the large tree-house known as the Golden Oaks Library. Involuntarily raising my eyebrows, I glanced at the unicorn as I walked to the front door. “Must be one shitty slumber party if they're still awake at this hour,” The tips of my lips pointed upwards into a big grin as I winked at the mare. “What do ya’ say we crash this party, huh?” Cheesecake smiled and cracking my neck, enjoying the sensation and relieving the stiffness in it, I cracked the door open, barely poking my head inside to see inside of the building.

“Holy shit, Dusky Boy, you have let yourself go.” I whispered to myself as I studied his fucked up appearance. He was sitting on the couch along with Eclipse, who was cuddled up next to him as they talked to each other. Across from them was the Rookie, Violet, Twilight, who the fuck cares her damn name is. Point is, she's sitting on the opposite couch with Midnight Blossom, fuck yes, and then there is Forgetful; fuck no. Scanning inside to the best of my ability, I noticed that Starsky is missing. Where the fuck is that lovable bitch? Meh, she must be taking a shit or something. “Hey, Cake. Let's not announce our presence yet. I’m feeling a little nosy right ‘bout now. Stay here.”

Cracking the door open a little more so I could slip through, I slithered through the thin opening and quietly shut the door behind me, making sure it didn't slam close. That would have pissed me off. I snuck up to the corner of the little entrance way and placed my back to it, controlling my breathing as I began to listen on their conversation. “... We need to move out soon, whether or not you are better yet. We still have a mission to do, and I will see to it that it's completed! Dusk, you need to suck it up and get over it, and we can't wait for Moth and Cheesecake to arrive. They’ll just have to do more walking.” Forgetful’s voice resounded and I scoffed. You know, I don't think I’m feeling nosy anymore. I feel horny and cocky, yeah, but maybe I’m feeling a little pissed off, too.

“Fuck off, you bloody prick! Ever since that night, you have been acting like an uppity cocksucker and I will not tolerate it anymore.” Dusky exclaimed, his voice rising in volume until he was practically. Whew, something must have happened. Dusk is one of the most laid-back ponies I've ever known, and for him to lash out like that… Celestia’s ejaculating horn, what the fuck has happened since we split up? Did the shit-show circus come to town and completely and utterly fuck everyone's life up so bad that they are arguing with each other? Yeesh, maybe I should just fuck off and go back to Canterlot, because I really don't feel like dealing with this soap-opera bullshit. But, since I’m already here, I might as well fix the damn problem.

Sighing, I tip-toed over to the door and cracked it open, catching Cheesecake’s attention. “Come on. We have problems to fucking fix since everyone is acting like a fucking foal.” She rolled her eyes and nodded, following me inside the library. Once the unicorn was inside, I made sure to slam the door shut as hard as I could, and then the two of us stomped into the living room, causing all chatter to cease and for silence to encompass. Dusky and Twilight went to get up, but I held a hoof up, halting their progress. “Listen up fuckers; I heard what was being said. And lemme’ grace you with one of my ingenious questions that will truly shed some light on this situation… What the absolute fuck is wrong with all of you? We are an organization, as in a team. Do you know what a fucking team is? It's where you work together, you twinkle-hooved-cum-dumpsters!”

Chuckling to myself, I approached the group of foals and placed my two front hooves on the coffee table, leaning forward and glancing at all of them as I continued. “We have been walking for over a week and a half. We are tired, we are dirty, we are hungry, we are thirsty, and we are so fucking horny! We do not need all of your petty fucking arguing and your drama, knock it the fuck out, it's ridiculous. You know who argues? Foals and old married couples. Are any of you either of those,” I inquired as I watched them all shake their heads. Smiling, I turned to Dusky Boy and Eclipse to the left. “Good to see you, Dusky Boy, but you look like shit and we need to have a talk. Oh, and good to see you too, Eclipse. You don't look like shit and we don't need to have a talk.”

Twisting my head, I focused on the other three ponies. Starting with Twilight. “I hope you have been watching over Dusky, Rookie. I’d hate to hurt an Element of Harmony.” I sternly said, smirking at her as she gulped nervously. Darting my eyes to Midnight, I grinned. “How come you aren't in fucking prison for almost molesting everypony in the castle?” Midnight lowered her head and I dropped the smile as I turned to Forgetful, who had a look of just… Ugh, he acts like a royal. “I haven't forgot about you, asshole. Try to rape anyone yet? I’m sure you'll be going through withdrawal considering you haven't forced your twig dick inside a mare for a while.” Doing a mock salute to him, I turned away and got off of the coffee table.

“Now that the fighting is over, I would like to be told what has happened since Cheesecake and I were gone. Anyone volunteer to enlighten me,” I swiveled my head around slowly, gazing into the eyes of each pony there. Let's see; Dusky, you look like you’ll cry if try to even speak, so no thank you. Eclipse… Nah. Midnight, you would make too many sex jokes and I don't need to be reminded that I haven't had sex in many, many weeks, so answer's no. You can go fuck yourself, Forgetful. The Rookie, who happens to be Twilight Sparkle, a pony known for being informative and organized. Ding, Ding, Ding, we have a winner! Pointing at the lavender-colored mare, she glanced at me. “Lay it on me, Rookie. You are doing a gracious honor and you should feel proud. So please, tell me what the fuck has happened.”

Twilight shot an apologetic glance to Dusk before she began speaking. “When we split off from you and Cheesecake, we found Midnight in a bush, injured and alone. Further down the line, we found Eclipse, Forgetful, and Starsky fighting against a Scorpios,” Lifting an eyebrow, the Rookie continued onwards. “I stayed behind with Midnight and Dusk moved on to assist them with the creature. They killed it, but, uh… Not without a loss… We lost Starsky to a fatal hit to the abdomen and she passed away.” Nodding my head slowly, I sighed shakily as I glanced at Dusky and Eclipse before I turned back to the unicorn. “We decorated her very nicely, and we moved on. The next morning, Dusk encountered a mystical being… The White Tail. A creature that preys on the desperate and the alone.

“He told us a few days ago about it. It altered your vision, controlled your mind and could force you to, uh… Commit suicide. Dusk managed to fend it off the first time, but he lost his hearing in his left ear as a result. He hunted the White Tail until nighttime until he discovered a white light. After approaching the light, however, it disappeared and was replaced by a pendant. It was all an illusion, of course, but nonetheless, it affected Dusk greatly and has left him with a numerous amount of side-effects. Incomprehensible whispering, migraines, night terrors, and impulsive emotions, things like that. However, when he picked up the pendant, he heard and seen us… Mutilated and tortured. An endless, blood-curdling scream echoed around Dusk and he wanted to, uh… Kill himself, it was so bad. The White Tail stopped him, but Dusk killed it and now, it's gone.”

Twilight chuckled nervously as she faked a grin, her eyes beginning to water. “We had a party! A big old, grand party and we had fun! There was drinks, food, and everypony was partying! H-Heh, oh Celestia…” The Rookie dropped her head into her hooves as she began to sob openly. Midnight rubbed her back with a hoof and pulled her close, rocking her back and forth. What the fuck is going? Starsky is dead, killer deers, and parties that drive a pony to tears? Gritting my teeth, I flared my nostrils as I breathed heavily through them, growing frustrated. Pivoting my head, I pointed at Dusk and Eclipse, raising my eyebrows expectantly, my eyes saying ‘Talk, before I smack you into next Tuesday’. Dusky Boy sighed before he gazed directly into my eyes, his face betraying no emotions.

“I killed my brother. He poisoned me and tried to shoot me with my own pistol. So, I killed him…” Tears now streamed down his cheeks and he silently pleaded with his eyes, extended his hooves to grasp me as he choked back a sob. “H-He was gone, M-Moth… I-I-I killed my baby brother… He’s g-g-gone!” Eclipse wrapped her hooves around him and pulled him into an embrace, his sobs muffled by her chest. I looked to Cheesecake for some kind of guidance or any help, but she just shook her head and I sighed, rubbing my face with my fetlocks. Forgetful crossed his hooves and sucked his teeth, causing me to shoot him a fiery glare that made him stop acting like a fucking asshole.

“Sweet Luna, fuck me… Why didn't you tell me? You know you can fucking talk to me!” I exclaimed, waving a hoof at the broken stallion. Eclipse pursed her lips and mouthed ‘He’s going through a lot. We all are’. Glancing around the room, I looked at the white pegasus before burying my head in my hooves. “Yeah, I can see that… What a fucking shit-show.” I muttered to no one in particular as Cheesecake tapped me on the shoulder, causing me to look at her. “Oh yeah, I forgot, I was too busy learning that everyone has gone insane. Twilight, where's the bathroom?” I asked apathetically, making my way to my hooves and joining the white unicorn by the side. The Rookie peeked through her hooves and pointed up the stairs. Instead of saying anything, her horn was surrounded by a purple magical aura and within a second, we were teleported.

Blinking away the disorientation, I rubbed my eyes and grumbled to myself. “Or you know, you coulda’ just have told us, but whatever.” I whispered as Cheesecake shut the door, locking it and securing it tightly. With that little assurance, I plopped down onto the tiled floor and started untying my boots, taking my sweet-ass time to do so. I checked on my partner and she already had two boots off, a blue aura encompassed around her remaining boots. Scoffing, I concentrated on my own. “You know, this isn't a race. You don't get a prize for taking your equipment off first.” I tittered, causing the peculiar pony to chuckle at me as she removed another black boot, placing it to the side with the others. And I only have one off! Slow down, bitch.

She grinned at me as she adopted a sinister expression, pulling her final boot off and adding it to the collection. “I know. I just wanted to help you with yours.” Suddenly, I fell onto my back as magic wrapped around one of my hooves, the knots becoming undone and falling limp to the side. Sliding the untied shoe off, she threw it to the side as she began on another, doing the same as last time. Eventually, all of my boots were off and my hooves weren't constricted by those tight-ass things. Before I could stand up to unzip my cloak, Cheesecake pounced me and kept me on the ground. “No, not yet. Let me help you, after all… We could both use it~” She purred with half-lidded eyes as she lowered her muzzle, dragging her tongue across the cloak until her teeth found the zipper. Biting down on it, she pulled it down with her mouth and cool air brushed across my thick coat.

“Well, I’m not going to say no, you know that much… But, I’m really aching for a good dicking.” I muttered seductively, placing my hoof on her chest. She removed her maw from the zipper and she gazed into my eyes with her own two orbs, and she bit her lip as my hoof traced a circle around her torso. “You don't have a spell or anything that gives you a cock, do you?” I inquired as I slipped slowly out of the black cloak, glad to be rid of that fucking horrid heat creator for the time being. Lowering her head, the unicorn pressed her lips against mine and she moaned into my muzzle as her tongue prodded at my closed maw. Allowing passage, I poked and brushed across the slimy texture of her thick tongue, viciously swapping saliva. Pulling away, our lips were connected by a thin strand of saliva and she broke it as her horn activated, being surrounded by a blue glow.

“I don't know, I might~” She muttered as the showerhead creaked, releasing a torrent of steam and water to stream onto the floor. The unicorn stripped her cloak off, as well as mine, and discarded them as she slid the glass pane to the side. Both of us slipped inside and we moaned at the warm water cascaded down our bodies, causing our fur to dampen and cling to our every curve. Thank fucking Celestia, I needed this. We both needed this, and considering the state my arousal is in, there's another thing we need. Activating her horn once more, she gasped as she looked at me with half-lidded eyes. “Ready?”

“Ready! Let the dicking begin!

Author's Note

Act II starts off with a vengeance!

Next chapter is completely optional.

Chapter XV (Mature)

Author's Note

This chapter is optional!

You've been warned!

Chapter XV (Mature)

XV. One Bitter, One Sweet

Perspective: Moth

(Optional Clop Chapter)

* * * * * *

“Ready! Let the dicking begin!”

Grinning, Cheesecake shuddered as she leaned backwards, allowing the warm water to stream onto her nether regions. Lighting her long horn, a blue aura encompassed her marehood and the hole shriveled and closed up. In its place, a sheath appeared and a jet black cock began to grow from where her vagina used to be. Gasping at the water making contact with it, she lowered a hoof and started tenderly stroking it, the water slicking it. I spread my legs and using my hoof, I brushed the tip of my hoof with my marehood, strands of juices clinging to my fur as I traced a circle around my thighs with my hooves, intentionally teasing myself. I am so fucking horny, but sex isn't a race. Sometimes it is, but it's to be savored, like a nice, thick cigar.

I focused on the sight of the unicorn's new throbbing rod, pre-cum beginning to pool at the tip and gliding down her length, leaving behind a trail of creamy saltiness. Taking my other hoof, I pressed against my bloated teats, rubbing the erect nipples and I sighed at the feeling, relishing in the welcomed sensation. Cheesecake continued jerking herself off, cupping her swollen balls and kneaded them gently as her hoof pumped up and down her staff. Licking my lips at the sight bestowed before me, I decided to stop teasing myself and pushed my fetlock to my moist lips, and I winked at myself. Winking with my eye cheekily, I created a circular pattern and my folds spread as I violated myself in a good and consensual way.

Smirking as I masturbated in front of the unicorn, I nodded my head to her cock. “So, what's it like having a fuck-stick?” I inquired as I suddenly moaned, forcing my hoof to brush across my clitoris and more juices squirted onto my wet hoof, causing the fur to become sticky. Damnit, that's gonna’ take fucking forever to get out! Oh well, a small price to pay to get my brains fucked out, so I’ll gladly look like a semen-covered crystal pony if I can get a dick inside of me. The peculiar pony chuckled as her new equipment spurted a glob of pre-cum onto her hoof, blending in well with her coat. I always said her coat looked more cum than snow, but I only earned a slap to the head for that comment.

Laughing, her horn glowed once more and I felt my head lurch forward towards her new appendage, the musky scent of her stallionhood driving me over the edge. “I’ll tell you after you suck my dick.” Doing a half-assed salute, I stuck my tongue out of my mouth and dragged it across the underside of her rod, enjoying the salty taste and let it sit on my tastebuds. I raised my muzzle and flicked my tongue against the tip, lapping up the pooling pre-cum with my thick, slimey tongue. Greedily gulping down the gooey sauce, I savored the delectable flavor and chuckled, prodding at her staff with my hoof as a goofy grin formed on my face. She returned my smile and she chortled. “W-What?”

“I never knew you used to be a stallion, Cheesecake. Friends don't hide shit like that from each other.” Before she could answer, I devoured the tip of her penis with my muzzle, engulfing the entirety of it as it flared in pressure, stretching my jaw slightly. Gasping at the sensation, the unicorn placed both of her hooves on the back of my head as I lowered my maw lower and lower, taking more of her thick, hot stallionhood into my mouth. Eventually, my chin rested on her swollen balls and her cock poked at the back of my throat, which is something I’m used to. Considering I used to take advantage of horny stallions to steal their shit, sucking their dick was the easiest way to do so. Like taking candy from a foal easy.

Pulling back from her hilt until only the tip remained inside, I began slowly bobbing my head up and down on her rod, my saliva coating her throbbing erection and making it perfectly wet. The dick-mare moaned loudly as I bounced my head in her lap, giving her one hell of a blowjob, and I’m giving myself a pretty mean rubbing in my nether region. Shoving the tip of my hoof deeper into my passage, my moan vibrated around the cock inside of my mouth, and that added to Cheesecake’s pleasure. A certain question came to mind and I pulled off of her penis to look up at the mare with a raised eyebrow, quickly pointing to the slick stallionhood. “How long does this last?” I inquired as I continued rubbing my vagina, and it winked furiously as I felt myself nearing my orgasm.

Panting, the peculiar pony managed to spit out an answer. “F-For an hour… And it doesn't go limp.” I whistled at the impressive spell, and nodding, I dropped my head once more onto her cock, picking up right from where I left off. As I pistoned my head up and down on her penis, giving her a pretty-good dick sucking if I say so myself, I sensed my orgasm approaching and I prepared myself. My moans were muffled by the massive rod lodged in my maw as mare juices squirted onto my hoof, strands connecting to it. It seized my body and my thighs shaked as my loins burned with the heat intensity of a thousand suns. Soon enough, Cheesecake grabbed locks of my mane as she bucked deeper into my muzzle, thick ropes of creamy semen being spurted into the back of my throat, and I swallowed it all like a good little filly.

Pulling off of her semen-flavored cock, I smirked at her exhausted expression and I gave her balls a light slap, jolting her awake as she coaxed them. “My vagina is still wet as fuck and I need something lodged in there. So, let's get to it, motherfucker.” I ordered playfully, but I was being entirely truthful. Nodding apathetically, Cheesecake slid out from under me, walking until she was behind me. I raised my ass in the air and wiggled it seductively as I rested my head on the tiled floor. Smelling the floor, I noticed it reeked of cum and shame. Great, I’m probably sitting in Dusk’s semen or someone else's shitty seed. Might as well kill myself, I’ll never be able to not think about that little fact.

Mounting me in a clumsy fashion, the unicorn leaned down until her face was next to mine. “Ready?” I nodded exuberantly and without further hesitation, the tip of her large cock prodded at my soaking wet entrance, and I shuddered at the touch. Pushing more, my lips parted and allowed her rod to enter me, causing me to feel full and warm; a sensation I've come to love. Constricting her stallionhood with my moist walls, I felt her stop and retract her cock until only the tip remained inside. Then suddenly, she thrusted her hips and hilted inside of me, forcing a moan out of me. Chuckling, Cheesecake pulled out once more and repeated the same action, eliciting another moan to escape from my ravaged mouth.

She did this a few more times to tease me until she adopted a steady pattern, gyrating her hips as she rammed against me. Her swollen balls smacked my bloated teats with each thrust, and I was in pure ecstasy as she fucked the absolute shit out of me. Panting, I felt another orgasm building up, and with that in mind, I met the mare half way by bucking towards her. The unicorn moaned and her stallionhood flared as her temporary appendage shot load after load deep into my passage, coating my walls with her spunk. That was all I needed and I found myself slumping from the sudden force of my orgasm rocked my body, causing my legs to convulse as a mass amount of juices coated her staff. She pulled out and our combined fluids cascaded down my legs, leaking onto the floor.

Dropping to the floor, I sighed in content as Cheesecake laid down next to me, the stream of water washing away our shame. I turned to the mare and looked down at my used pussy. “... You’re not gonna’ get me pregnant, are you? ‘Cause I’m in heat.” I asked, waving a hoof at the cum dribbling out of my marehood.

“Nah. Remember; I’m just a mare with a dick.” She mentioned, brushing her damp mane out of her blue eyes. I nodded and gazed up at the ceiling, relishing the feeling of my afterglow.

“Right. Besides, you'd make an ugly stallion anyway, dick-mare.”

Chapter XVI

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter XVII

XVII. Birthdays Are Overrated

Perspective: Moth

* * * * * *

Five Years Ago…

A cacophony of clip-clops echoed throughout the grandiose halls of Canterlot Castle, breaking the monotonous silence that seemed to encompass the palace. Sunlight beamed through the tall and intricately decorated windows that showcased the royal garden that housed a myriad of different creatures, all of them dear to the two princesses. Several eyes focused on the maid and her accomplice that traipsed through the large, narrow artery silently, avoiding the gaze of the statue-like guards that were on duty. The maid never appreciated the way they stared at her, not once.

I remained quiet and kept my mouth tightly shut, keeping my eyes straight as I followed the maid through the palace. My antennas swiveled around at every sound that was produced, but I paid it no mind, I would go insane trying to figure out where everything was coming from. The maid hummed as we turned a corner, walking into a long hallway that only housed more doors, but they were more like double doors. We approached the end of the hall, and the maid motioned to the double doors in front of me. I’d have to be the stupidest fucking thing on this shitstain of a planet to not know what's through these doors, but I still felt apprehensive. It seems like she's the only one who has that effect on me.

Deep down inside of me, I knew what would happen, the inevitable, the future; whatever you want to call it. Part of me just wanted to forget this notion of honor and respect that was coursing through my guilt-riddled mind, but my vision was still obstructed by the golden doors that laid in front of me, acting as my gateway to my own personal Tartarus. I so desperately wished I listened, stayed that extra hour to make sure she was safe. Check to see if she was tucked in bed, she had enough food in her belly, that she wasn't afraid to close her eyes to go to sleep. It's such a fickle thing, to wish and hope. Maybe hope is the only thing I have left, but even then, I still suffocate from the overwhelming stench of hindsight.

There's not a lot I can do now, I suppose, but it still doesn't stop me from thinking about her. She was my only company, the only sturdy ship that rode through the dark and endless sea of despair and guilt I swam through for years. A single, bleak light, and yet it remains, keeping me from breaking down. It's close to dying, but my own stubbornness keeps it lit, keeps the embers from plummeting too far into the darkness. Even after all that I did to her, she still insisted to stay by my side, through thick and thin. Lost her parents, family, friends, everything she has even known, because I was too greedy. Too lustful for money and to satiate my desire and inner demons. Cliché, sure, but it's the best I can explain it.

So, I stood in front of that tall entrance and sniffled, wiping away the gathering tears. No, crying won't help. It never has. “Fuck me, I’m so… Sorry.” I whispered to no one in particular, but the recipient of that apology was clear in my own head. She may not be able to hear me now, but I swear to Celestia, she will hear my voice one more time before she goes. Goodbyes never were my favorite, neither were greetings, but I guess I never was too social to begin with. Maybe I have her to thank for me actually convincing me to open my mouth. Seventeen years of silence isn't exactly healthy, but even then, every other word I say is a very vulgar term. Bittersweet, was my situation. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

“Are you ready to go in, Miss End?” The maid inquired softly, her expressible eyes glaring at me in worry. I didn't answer her at first, I was too busy preparing for what lied behind those doors. Death? Rotting away in a cell until the day I die? Who knows, but life is unpredictable, and no one ever said it's fair. Although, life is too fair in some ways. Karma, crossroads, yin-yang, they all represent the same thing; the undying need to punish the evil, and to reward the good. Morality isn't something I ever thought about, otherwise I wouldn't have found myself in this situation. I don't necessarily care, either. Life isn't black and white, despite what most ponies would say. Taking a glance at the color of my coat, I finished my thought.

“Sometimes there's grey…” The maid’s ears flickered at my small mutter, but made no comment. Exhaling slowly, I nodded at the mare, gazing into her magenta eyes through my exceedingly long mane. “I’m ready.” Steeling myself for the worst, even if the more rational part of myself convinced me I was overreacting, I placed a lone hoof onto the opposite door, feeling the cold material brush across my fur. Silence engulfed me and all that was heard was the steady rhythm of my heart beating, thumping loudly and reverberating inside of my ears. For all I know, this could be the last moment of freedom I would ever have… I think I had enough freedom for one lifetime, though.

Pushing the door open so I could barely make it through the small crack, I slipped inside and the door slammed shut behind me with a resounding bang, courtesy of a guard to my right, who wore that neutral expression that hid their true emotions. I don't know how they did it, but I don't think it's healthy to repress their feelings like that… Kettle, meet Pot, you are both black. Sighing to myself, I stepped onto the lush red carpet that lead to the large throne in the middle of the room. Two more guards stood guard at the base of the throne, watching over the white Alicorn that finally took notice of the approaching mare that was me. She didn't look happy, but neither did she appear spiteful.

It seemed like an eternity as she strode towards me, and I could feel her stare into the very essence of my soul. “Wicked End, I am glad you've made the correct decision to surrender,” she said, her tone of voice kind. I was expecting a more harsh approach. “You are sentenced to be my servant until the day you die. There's that, or if you prefer life in prison...” The Princess waved her hoof at a pair of shackles a guard was holding in his hooves to the side. Shaking my head, I chanced a look up at the benevolent leader, my thoughts muddled and incoherent.

“No, princess. I’ll work for you.” I managed to say, keeping my sights set on the princess instead of the shackles that seemed to call my name. I don't want to go to prison, there might be too many ponies in there that know me, and too many ponies that would be awfully glad to kill me in my sleep. I’m not exactly the most trustful pony around, and I had my share of betraying ponies for my own benefit. Time to make a change, even if it's for the wrong reasons.

Celestia smiled gracefully before motioning to the two guards behind me. “Good, thank you. Gunnery Sergeant Dusk, please escort Miss End to her room and then return back to your post,” she ordered to the stallion guard that stood by the doors. I turned towards him, and he saluted to the princess before opening the doors, traipsing through them. Without a word to anyone, I followed him outside and the doors closed, slamming shut at my back. To my misfortune, the nice maid that lead me here was gone, and was now replaced by this butt-fucker. I have a dislike for the Royal Guard, they caused me too many problems in the past to count. Sucks that I have to see the assholes everyday, now.

Well, here I am. Still very much alive, and technically free. I mean, I have to kiss Celestia’s round plot until I keel over and drop dead, but at least I’m not going to rot away in a cell for the rest of my life, worrying if I’m going to get stabbed to death whenever I go to sleep. Although, maybe a guard will grow some balls and attempt to kill me while I’m here, but that's unlikely. So, I’m left with one option; stay here and work for the oh-so great Princess Celestia forever, but I suppose things could be worse. Now that I think about, I actually came out all of this in a better situation than I was before. I am just going to have to keep my inner kleptomaniac from stealing too much. No biggie, honestly.

“Wicked End, huh? That a nickname or something, buggy?” Gunnery Sergeant Dusk asked, swiveling his head to look back at me. I rolled my eyes at him, opting to ignore him. Last thing I need to do is kill someone right as I turn everything around, and I doubt the princess would enjoy finding a corpse in the garden. It might help the flowers and plants, but it won't help me. But, he brings up a point… My name sucks, it always has. Unfortunately, my parents were a little too obsessed with Nightmare Moon and the end of the world.

Pursing my lips, I thought for a moment before catching up to him as we turned a corner into a much larger hallway. “Call me… Moth, that or I break your kneecaps.” I suggested, internally groaning at the fact that I’m actually talking to this poor, deluded fool. Moth, huh? Nothing more creative? Meh, sue me. I’ve never been one for creativity, especially when it comes to making up names for the sake of throwing the guards off of my trail. I’m good at disguises, though, I’ll pat myself on the back for that one if I could reach that far.

The guard chuckled as we passed more guards that were standing at attention, and I was the brunt of their scrutinizing looks. “I have hard kneecaps, and I have access to a weapon. Might want to change that attitude fast, prick.” Scoffing, I kept my vision concentrated on the walk ahead of us. I don't know how anyone can stand this castle, it's just one gigantic maze of bullshit. If I ever get hungry, I’ll probably starve to death before I find a kitchen or something. Whatever, like the alleyways of Canterlot are any better. I may not know where I’m going, but at least I’m not stumbling into a swarm of rats or a pile of rotten trash that reeks of death… Speaking of that, I may smell like that, actually.

“Fuck off, statue-stallion,” I murmured as we entered what I assumed to be where I’ll be staying. It was, what a surprise, another hallway, but there was dozens of hallways with multiple doors. I passed a few, and some had tags on the doors, like ‘Dusk Storms’, ‘Solar Eclipse’, and ‘Sithiis’. Great, guess I’ll be living in the same area as we these bloody pricks. We slowed to a halt in front of an unmarked door and Dusk waved his hoof at the door. Rolling my eyes once again, I pushed the door open and was met with a room that appeared more luxurious than anything I ever resided in. Surprise, surprise, the convicted felon gets a glorified hotel room, plot twist right there. Fuck me, why does this feel so wrong somehow?

“Listen, me and some other guards are going to a bar later, would you want to go…?” He asked, standing outside of the door and looking in. I turned towards him and scoffed, slamming the door shut in his face. “I’ll take that as no, then.” His voice was muffled by the closed door, and so was the receding clip-clops of his hooves. Yeah, like I want to spend time with a bunch of pillow-biters that nearly killed me, no thanks. Sighing, I took in the sight bestowed before me and I whistled appreciatively. Giant bed, check; giant dresser, check; giant desk, check; and whoa… Gigantic bathroom, check. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. Serving tea and other shit is fine by me as long as I keep this room.

Then I realized I was here for a reason. “Alright, let's see where this fucking maid uniform or whatever is…” Grumbling to myself, I started searching high and low for something that I must wear. I mean, I’m a servant now, apparently, and usually means you have to wear some kind of frilly outfit or something, right? Oh well, I looked everywhere, there is none. “Might as well see what there is in the desk and,” Glancing around, my eyes landed on a closet door. “Closet.” Rummaging through the desk, I found paper, a bowl of ink, and a quill. Useless, unless I ever feel in the mood to draw dicks. “Closet it is, then.” I walked over to the closet and threw it open, and I was greeted by the sight of a large chest.

On top of the box was a note, and I picked it up, reading its contents aloud. “Inside this chest, you will find everything necessary to begin your servitude. Details on your first mission will come in time, right after your training. For now, become familiar with your new environment and make some friends! Signed, Princess Celestia,” My eyes lowered at the sight of some more words. “P.S. Welcome to Moonlight XIII, Wicked End.” Crumpling up the paper, I chucked it behind me somewhere and unlatched the lid of the chest, opening it. “Huh. I can't tell if you're stupid or incomprehensibly smart, princess.” Using my hooves, I gripped part of the cowl and brought the cloak out of the box, studying it fully before continuing.

“What in the absolute fuck is this supposed to be?” I exclaimed as I struggled to lift the foreign object out of the box, my hooves brushing across its wooden surface. It appeared to be a wooden cylinder with some kind of lever on both the top of it and the bottom. Placing that to the side, I grabbed the last remaining thing inside and it was a golden pendant with many engravings and intricate designs on it. This went from ‘Serving tea in a frilly and understandably sexy outfit’ to ‘Looking like a badass’. When I went to place my new belongings back in the chest, I caught a whiff of my scent and I smell like utter garbage. Yeah, secret bullshit later, shower now. I can deal with all this later.

After searching for a minute, I found the bathroom and swung the door open, and took in the nice scenery. Better than bathing in a cold river, that's for damn sure. Switching the shower on, I stepped inside and relished the feeling of the warm water cascading down my body. Grabbing a nearby bottle of shampoo, I went to work on getting rid of my awful pungent odor. Chancing another smell, I was satisfied when I no longer reeked of shit. I cleaned myself up to the best of my ability and shut it off, snatching a towel off of a rack next to the shower space. I draped it over my body and exited the bathroom, a sudden thought resurfacing in my mind.

“Fuck… It's my birthday.”

* * *

Present Time…

“Here, here!”

The sounds emanating from a single table in the sparsely populated bar died down, fading from the air, leaving a comfortable silence that held only celebration; no fear, no regret, nothing. The occupants of the table allowed the ghosts of smiles to grace their lips, their well-used mouths curving upwards into grins at the sight of a certain white stallion. I placed my mug down gently, and it clacked against the wooden texture, the liquid contents settling into a calm pond of mind-numbing awesomeness. Accepting the silence, I swallowed and raised a hoof to point at Dusk, who was now a little tipsy; a happy, content blush flooded his cheeks and he had a cute, goofy grin on his muzzle.

“We gather here today, graciously may I add, to the celebrate the birthday of one Dusk Storms, a clusterfuck of a stallion,” That earned a half-hearted kick from the colt in question and relatable laughs from everyone gathered around. “I don't know what lies ahead in the coming minutes… Hours… Days… Weeks… But, hopefully, we can all look back upon this day and smile. For once, all of us pricks are here, together, sharing this joyous occasion.”

“So, with that, let's drink!”

Chapter XVIII (Explicit)

XVIII. The Animals

Perspective: Moth

Into the Wilderness we trekked,
Ever so swift we crept,
Blood was spilt and swords were drawn,
And The First Nightmare was spawned

* * * * * *

Sometimes I ponder if all of us are going to make it out of this. Alive, or even with our sanity intact. It's a silly thought that makes me question myself and the ponies I’m around, and it says a lot about myself personally. None of us are perfect, and none of us are normal; perhaps that's why Celestia picked us to be a part of Moonlight XIII, because we don't fit. We aren't equipped nor do we have the right mindsets to survive or even live in society. Instead we’re cast to the shadows, forced to fight and kill so we can protect the very ponies we’re not allowed to live amongst.

Starsky was the exception, however; along with Cheesecake, and to a certain degree, Dusky. She was admittedly the most normal and well-equipped out of all of us, with several degrees in many majors and a wealthy background. Of course, she was chosen by the princesses for her stellar tracking abilities and met her demise to the Scorpios. Despite knowing what she could face, she still wanted to work with us outcasts and made a point to talk to us, even Forgetful, the sleazy bastard. Eclipse is still heartbroken about her death and Dusky blames himself for not arriving sooner to save her.

Cheesecake, even after killing many beasts, sentient or not, still retains her innocence and strives to keep her lips curled upwards in that signature smile of hers. Even then, I can see it in her eyes that despite her outward appearance, her innocence is slowly being chipped off. It's a thing that I wish, or really anyone wishes, could do; just ignore all of the problems poking at you and smile. I sometimes wonder if she is a relative of Pinkie Pie, but it’s been proven false by the mare herself. Regardless, she was a mare I envied and still do, even after all of this time has passed.

Dusky, is a difficult pony to read and I can sense myself slowly growing insane trying to figure him out. One thing is obvious to me, and same for anyone else; he’s not well, and he is broken. I don't think he’s fully grasped that he killed his own brother, not yet, the numbness hasn't subsided just yet. Add that to what Hall and the White Tail did, and you have a pony who's been pushed past the breaking point and can't stop. I pride myself on being a good friend to him, but if I was truly such a good friend, I wouldn't allow him to slowly fade into the black. I've learned that the only pony can help him is himself, but he hasn't made any effort to help himself out of the pit he’s been dropped in.

And me? Well, my life is shit. It always has been and always will be. I've accepted it and hope to make others’ lives better with my presence. But, if I was presented with the option to go back in time and take the opportunities that were right in front of me… I would take them within a heartbeat. Unfortunately, time travel doesn't exist, so I just have to make the best out of what I have. And so far, what I have is a shit job, no sex life at the moment, and the massive risk of having my life taken by me. And honestly, I think I’m fine with it all, considering. A nice fuck and bottle of whiskey would be nice, but sadly enough, those aren't available right about now.

I just pray to whatever divine God there is that maybe one day I can get those two things.

Two Days Later…

I exhaled shakily, my breath being marked by the cold wind and made visible by the freezing temperature. It bellowed through the night air, dissipating an agonizingly slow pace. Air coursed through my lungs and the cycle repeated itself; more breathing, more chill. Pulling part of my cloak over my muzzle, I relished in my own hot breath smashing against my complexion and slightly warming it up. Groaning at the sensation of my antennas shivering from the air, I cursed to myself silently as I continued onwards through the forest, albeit being in a pissier mood than usual. Winter is beginning and I hate this season; I can't wait for Winter Wrap Up, or more commonly known to myself as the holiday where I don't contribute to society at all. I do in other ways, violent ways, sadly.

Turning my head, I met the gaze of the Rookie and she nodded her head at me before facing in front of her again. Dusky and Cheesecake followed behind her, but Celestia knows I couldn't miss the stallion’s damn deer head decoration. I really need to cut that off or something when he takes it off sometime, it's like a gigantic bulls-eye that says ‘shoot me!’. Shaking my head gently, I creeped behind them and spared the fading view of Ponyville one more glance. Goodbye, Last Sign of Civilization for Miles. Personally, I think we all stayed there for way too long. There is a princess missing and sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves isn't going to help Luna be found; looking at you, Rubber Dusky.

The Moon hovered in the pitch black, empty sky and shone down on the forest, presenting itself in small rays of moonlight. The only sound being produced was our small hoofsteps and the occasional sigh of annoyance at basically everything; the latter are usually by me. Our rifles and one pistol were either held tightly in our hooves or floating in the air, captured by a field of magical particles, but they both had something in common; no matter how we hold our weapons, they're all ready to fire and kill the nearest dickhead that decides to mess with us. Well, our resident dickhead Forgetful is not allowed to be shot, unfortunately.

“Don't you think it's a little too quiet? I mean, we should’ve have heard a cricket or something by now!” The Rookie exclaimed suddenly, catching the attention of Dusky. He looked to her silently, choosing not to answer her. Instead, he raised a hoof for us to be quiet and we complied, awaiting for his next order. Of course, that order never came. No. Dusky pushed the Rookie to the ground and brought his pistol to bear, firing a shot at a fleeting figure standing next to a tree. The stranger raised a hoof and we watched in shock as the bullet slowed to a halt, eventually clanking against the frog of the cloaked being’s hoof softly, before dropping to the ground and being swallowed by a hill of fallen leaves.

“Who are you? State your business?!” Dusky screamed at the stranger, the rest of us raising our weapons and pointing at the pony. Hell, I don't even know if it is a pony! Bullets have been proven too fast to be caught by magic, and I didn't see a flair of a horn activating. Dusky raised his voice once again. “State your business or we will be forced to fire! I’m giving you until the count of three.” Still no answer. The cloaked figure stepped forward and we cocked our rifles. A metal mask with intricate designs and architecture covered its face under the white cloak, and two orange eyes appeared in the two open slots on the mask. With agility I've never seen before, it unsheathed a long, multi-bladed sword with etchings of an unfamiliar language on the blade.

“Fuck it… Fire!” We all emptied our weapons into the beast and it swung its sword, deflecting all of the bullets into nearby trees, splinters showering down on us. With our guns now void of ammunition, we struggled to reload as it stomped towards us, lifting its sword high above its head. Time seemed to slow to a halt as it slashed Dusky, causing the stallion to fall to the ground as he nursed a large, profusely bleeding gash on his hoof. Damn it, how the fuck do we fight this thing?! I slid four more bullets into the rifle and loaded it, firing a barrage of bullets at the bastard. They smashed against the mask of it and dropped to the ground, but it was now heading towards me; that just seemed to piss it off more.

Concluding that bullets are completely and utterly fucking useless, I decided to use my rifle as a melee weapon, clutching it tightly within my hooves. The cloaked being swung its sword at me and my rifle clashed against it, a loud sound of metal meeting wood reverberating throughout the air. I grunted as I poked at the beast with the barrel of my weapon and it parried my thrust, knocking the rifle away from it. Loud alarms went off in my head as I hopped back from its menacing sword and landed on my hooves, stumbling a tiny bit. Cursing to myself, but mostly the creature in front of me, I ducked down as it slashed once again, striking nothing but air. I stayed down as I witnessed the Rookie and Cheesecake load their weapons and fire at the stranger, but to no prevail.

Using their distraction to my advantage, I flipped over to my back and crawled underneath of the pony, using my hind legs to send it flying through the air. Before it landed, I tapped my forehead at the two unicorns and they nodded, fields of magic quickly encompassing the attacker and suspending it in the air. It struggled to break from the bonds, but twisted its head to glance at the Rookie and Cheesecake and ceased moving, choosing to watch me as I walked over to Dusky. He looked up at me, lifting his other hoof to show me the massive, deep gash on his hoof. If I didn't know any better, I’d say if this thing got one more hit on that hoof, it could have severed it completely. “Hang in, buddy.” I whispered to him and he nodded, pressing his opposite hoof to stem the blood flow.

Approaching the captured beast, my eyes rested on the sword on the ground near where he’s floating. “Don't mind if I do.” I said to the stranger, snatching it from a pile of leaves and dirt. A small growl emanated from its mask and I grinned underneath of my hood, raising the blade to its throat. “Now, you're going to tell us who and what you are, as well why you're attacking us.” It shook its head and I was about to protest when I noticed the dozens of multi-colored eyes starting to appear in the darkness surrounding us. Blue, red, yellow, purple, orange, green, pink, they're everywhere. Whipping my head back to the now chuckling creature, I pressed the blade against its neck harder, and it hissed in pain, the small gash that formed on its neck glowing orange from the small contact.

“Do you so easily forget?” It spoke, immediately telling us that it's a she. The Rookie and Cheesecake’s head motions became more frantic as even more white cloaks started walking towards us, easily surrounding us. “We are primitive. Ancient. Divine. We are you. We are ponies when we're stripped of anything remotely equine and alive.” They're getting closer. I also noticed hundreds of embers snaking their way up Dusky’s body, causing him to shout in agony. “We are Animals.” She laughed heartily as I backed up from her, before plunging the blade deep into her gut. The ghost of a smile formed on my muzzle as she let loose a shriek, orange embers whisking and swirling around her body. A bright light blinded the three of us and I looked away as her body suddenly exploded. Turning back to where she used to be, there was nothing left but a pile of ashes.

The embers covering Dusky dissipated and he breathed heavily, holding his pistol close to his chest as he weakly held it up to point at me. Getting the message, I jumped out of the way and he fired, knocking back one of the Animals. The Rookie and Cheesecake loaded their rifles and the three of us quickly formed a circle, back to back. The Animals let loose a loud howl that resounded through the air before charging at us in waves, their eyes glowing and illuminating the dark forest. I gulped nervously as we quickly surrounded, dozens of them galloping at full speed towards us. Grunting, I swung my sword vertically and it lodged itself into the head of one of them, once again blinding us momentarily and another pile of ashes at my hooves. Retrieving the blade, I passed it to Cheesecake and she continued hacking away.

The Rookie used the stock of her rifle and knocked the sword of one of the Animals’ hooves, grabbing it out of the air with her magic and penetrated the mask of one of them, killing it immediately. That's four down… Dozens to go… Where's Eclipse and Midnight when you need them? I whipped my blade around and slashed it across another’s throat, and it exploded, ashes falling at my hooves. I spared Dusky a glance and he reloaded his pistol once again, firing at a pair of Animals approaching him. They stumbled back, but continued stomping to his location… There's no way we can stay here, we're all going to fucking die. Taking the time to quickly kill a few more, I patted Cheesecake and Rookie’s back, motioning to Dusky.

Their horns glowed and the stallion was levitated into the air, and the two Animals chasing him were killed. Bucking one of them back, I pointed a hoof at an opening that was void of any of them. “Move, move, move! We need to leave!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, and we all complied to my orders. Without a second thought, we all turned tail and began sprinting as fast as we possibly could, dozens of Animals right on those tails we so desperately want to preserve. “Eclipse! Midnight! Forgetful! We have a problem!” My voice rose through the air and I couldn't mask my growing panic, but we still kept running. More hoofbeats went noticed by my senses and I turned my head to see the three ponies I was so grateful for at that moment.

“We know!” They all replied in unison, more Animals following the three of them. “Regroup at the old Castle of the Two Sisters!” I nodded and we split, dividing the Animals’ numbers by half. Half going for us, half going for them. Since I didn't have the luxury of having a horn, all I could do was run; but Cheesecake and Rookie chopped down any of them that got in our way. By now, my legs were beginning to grow weak and my chest was heaving up and down, struggling to inhale more air. Ignoring my tired body, I pushed on and increased my speed, kicking into overdrive. I would be damned if I was going to meet my end to a bunch of lunatics in white cloaks and admittedly cool looking masks.

After running and gunning for quite some time, my eyes eventually rested on the old, crumbling ruins that used to house our oh-so great and benevolent. I wonder if Luna is in there… I highly doubt it, it'd be too easy. Ridding myself of any unnecessary thoughts, such as sex and alcohol, I focused on not getting killed and getting inside the castle as soon as possible. The Animals are still hot on our trail, and I don't want to know what happens if they happen to get their hooves on me. The sound was plagued by the sound of dozens, maybe even hundreds, of hoofbeats, all of us running for something; safety, or in the Animals’ minds, to kill us all and rid the world of Moonlight XIII. Maybe I’m just over analyzing it.

“Hurry up!” Eclipse shouted, with Midnight and Forgetful by her sides behind the massive, wooden doors leading inside of the castle. The three of us, and a wounded Dusky, galloped towards the entrance, the cloaked murderers right behind us. I swear I could feel them breathing down my neck, tickling my coat somehow; I shaked the feeling away. Panting heavily, I ran into the castle with Twilight and a levitating Dusky behind her. But, Cheesecake was a few seconds behind, and it was too fucking late. It was so fast, I didn't have time to react

An Animal hopped down from a crumbling pillar onto Cheesecake, its sword plunging deep into her midsection, penetrating her cloak and back. A bloodcurdling shriek emanated from her blood filled mouth, her hooves reaching towards us. All of us opened fire on the creature, but they just deflected off of it and plummeted to the ground, littering the stone floor around the two of them. Before I could run out there and attempt to save her, hordes upon hordes of them rushed the doors, forcing us to close them in front of Cheesecake’s dying eyes. The last thing I saw of her was the Animal dragging her away through the crowd of killers, the sword still lodged inside of her, a trail of blood snaking across the floor.

My eyes rested on the shut doors, unable to comprehend what just happened. Tears threatened to burst from my eyes, to streak down my cheeks in sorrow of my friend. Clutching the stolen sword to my chest, I sighed mournfully, stepping back from the banging and thrashing of the doors, their hinges beginning to loosen; they already rusty from age. Twilight yanked her hood down and she wept silently, placing Dusky down against a fallen pillar. The aforementioned stallion stared at the floor, his body slacking in disgust; even his pistol clattered to the floor across from him. Eclipse and Midnight shook their heads, and Forgetful glanced up at the open roof, his eyes darting back and forth.

Our eyes were beckoned to the hole in the ceiling, light beaming down from the Moon and bathing us in cold rays that stuffed us with regret and loss. Hundreds of eyes of all colors all surrounded the far hunk of rock, and stared into our very essence, seemingly sensing our emotions and mindset; they knew we couldn't win and we knew as well. We stood still as they began crawling down the walls, their swords glistening in the illumination, all was silent save for their hoofbeats and the click-clacking of us reloading our rifles. I turned to Dusky and he even managed to stand up, his pistol tightly within his wounded hoof’s grasp; it's a little extra pain, what does it matter?

“So vigilantly you stand against the inevitable, the way you stand and face the adversity… You are all admirable, I will admit,” One stepped forward and her eyes glowed cyan, her sword suspended in mid-air by a cloud of embers. “I can tell this will be a bloody battle, indeed.” None of us replied, instead Dusky raised his pistol and pulled the trigger, the bullet knocking the pony’s head back due to the impact. “Even then, you have no manners. You,” She spoke with an authoritative tone, pointing the sword at the white stallion who shot her. “I will enjoy devouring your flesh from atop this monument of self-loathing and self-hatred you have all chose to seek shelter inside of. That… Was your worst mistake.”

Deciding enough was enough, she arched her back and faced the Moon, a guttural howl coursing through her neck, echoed by the dozens of Animals in the chamber… Then they charged. A hailstorm of bullets soared through the air and struck the ones on the ceiling, causing them to fall onto the ground near us. The few of us who had retrieved a sword quickly lifted the sword into the air and plunged them deep into their chest, the same explosion blinding us temporarily. We formed a circle and worked on surviving as long as possible, bullets and swords flying as we fought in the night.

Visions and memories of Cheesecake plagued my mind, and there was little to do to rid of them; I couldn't prevent the tears escaping from my tired eyes and streaming down my cheeks like an endless river. Damnit… Why? Unfortunately, this was too much of a distraction for me and an Animal sliced across the top of my head, effectively whisking away the top half of one of my antennas. Gritting my teeth, I ignored the excruciating pain to the best of my ability and slashed forward, killing the Animal that cost me a vital body part; I can only see out of my right eye, now. Our antennas enhance our vision, and so when one of them is dismembered or destroyed… It affects the eye it was attached to.

“We’re so fucked!” Dusky shouted in panic, backing up closer to us as he fired his last shot, causing one of them to stumble backwards. He used this to his advantage and swiped the sword out of its hoof, and lodged it in its head, our eyes blinded for a short moment once again due to it dying. This process repeated over and over again, an endless cycle, swords clashing swords and bullets soaring through the air. When I was about to swing my sword, all of the Animals froze in place, still as statues. Glancing around curiously, I threw a little caution to the wind and poked the one in front of me with a hoof, and it shook it a little before settling back into place.

Millions of glowing, golden embers exited their bodies and swirled through the air, dancing among the wind like the softest breeze. All of the Animals dropped to the ground, seemingly dead. Following the trail of embers with my eyes, the multiple roads ended in a circular motion as it spun, gradually picking up speed by the second. It traveled higher into the air, stopping where the Moon was visible through the skylight. We were alarmed when an orange light beamed to the embers from the Moon, and integrated into the embers. Backing up slightly, we raised our weapons when the embers exploded outwards, showering us with them.

Descending from the hole in the ceiling was a single Animal, but it seemed different somehow. The wings were longer and had embers covering the entirety of them, whisking it downwards towards us. Getting into a battle-stance, I gasped when it lifted a single hoof and our weapons were slapped out of our grasps, clattering to the ground harshly. Snapping my eyes to the Animal, it landed gently and stepped forward. All of us remained still against our better judgement yelling at us to run or back up. It approached us and lowered its hood, revealing its surprisingly exposed face. She had midnight blue eyes with a crimson red mane and a dark blue coat.

“I am not here to hurt you. It seems my brothers and sisters have done enough of that,” She said solemnly, scanning the room with a somber glint in her eyes. Returning her gaze to us, a serious expression formed on her face. “If we have returned, then it must be for the worst… Tell me; Is your Princess missing?” The Animal inquired, her eyes directed towards us. None of us spoke up, except for Dusky.

“... Yes.”

“Ah, then that explains it. Then that must mean The First Nightmare has begun.” That doesn't sound good. At all. Nightmare? First? I just want to find Princess Luna so we can go home, what in the absolute fuck is going on?

“The First Nightmare? What is that, a stallion not being able to get it up for a mare?” Midnight suddenly piped up, causing me to roll my eyes with an increased desire to facehoof.

“No, The First Nightmare are the Animals,” She began, waving her hoof slowly to cover all of the Animals around us. “It is the first of five. If all five Nightmares were to spawn, then your Princess would be lost and Tantibus would be able to cross into this world.” Tantabus? “Moonlight, you must not allow the Animals to wake up the other Nightmares.”

“What are the other Nightmares?” Eclipse asked, her muzzle transforming into a grimace.

“The Second Nightmare are the Fallen; a tribe of cannibals that used to terrorize villages before your princesses banished them.” The tall Animal informed us.

“Wait, the Fallen? But, they're alive and well in Ghastly Gorge!” Dusky said in disbelief, stepping forward in confusion.

“Those are copycats, fakes. They wish to awaken the original Fallen clan,” She said suddenly. Looking to me, she continued. “The Third Nightmare are the Windigos; a group of ancient spirits that feast on negative emotions; because of them, Equestria was created, technically… The Fourth Nightmare is Sidewinder; a snake as old as time itself. The Fifth Nightmare I do not know… Many brave souls were able to prevent it from spawning.”

“Wait, who are you and why are you helping us?” Forgetful asked calmly, his eyes narrowing slightly at the Animal.

Her lips curved upwards into a small smile. “There are many who wish to destroy you, Moonlight, even those you do not suspect. As for my name,”

“You may call me Fiction.”