Chapter 1
Darkness Arrives
The day began like any other. Ponies got up went to the same job they’d been doing their entire lives. Ponies trotted back and forth across the crowded road at the bridge near nown. Nopony spoke when the hooded figure strode upon it. Like death himself, the stallion walked slowly, not acknowledging the confused and anxious faces trained on him.
He continued to stride towards the town despite the whispers of concerned ponies. Finally, the stallion known as Big Mac’’ trotted and blocked the hooded figure.
“Look, ah don’t like the look of ya, so why don’t ya waltz back down that path and leave us be?” the red stallion asked. The cowled stallion slowly looked up at the crimson face towering above him. The stallion’s brilliant mind already calculated thirty ways to end Big Mac’s life, but he deemed it unnecessary, a waste of energy. In a split second, Big Mac’ on the ground, gasping for the breath just ripped from his lungs. The figure looked down at Big Mac’s writhing body.
“Cross me again, and your breath will not be the only thing I steal from you.” He whispered. Big Mac’ coughed.
“You got it mister.” He croaked. Nopony dared come to Big Mac’s rescue, or even to move. The figure resumed his walk towards Ponyville.
By the time the hooded stallion reached the town square, the Princess of Friendship had already been alerted to the attack on one of her friends. She rushed down to the square, where the stallion was patiently waiting. She charged a spell, ready for anything he might do.
“Who are you? Why have you come here? Why did you attack Big Mac’” She blurted out.
“My name is Dark Tides, I’ve come to live here, and Big Mac’ was in my way,”, he glanced over to Twilight, good enough for you?” Twilight lowered her spell.
“For know.” She said.
“Then you will give me the living quarters I desire?” Tides asked.
“Not quite. I need to inform Princess Celestia of your arrival. If you’re half as dangerous as I think you are, she will need to know who you are.” Tides’ head snapped to meet her gaze.
“You will do no such thing.” He said. Suddenly, Twilight felt very calm about their new arrival, all concern for their left her mind.
“You’re right, she doesn’t need to know what will not affect her.” She droned, “You can live in the house at the end of the street, third house on the left.”
“I thank you.” Tides said. He trotted towards his new home, “That spell will not hold for long, sooner or later her suspicions will reignite, but she won’t be contacting Celestia.” He muttered. The voice in his head woke from its’ corner of his mind, We will be set up by then, that will make it harder for her to remove us, do some favors for the locals and they’ll be less inclined to vacate you. Tides always had that little voice in his head, he didn’t know what it was or how he got it, but he always liked it, it was someone, something, to talk to. He never told anyone about it, never saw the reason to. He trotted up the steps of his house. The home seemed well kept and was not in any disrepair. The furniture looked expensive and the style looked professional. Looks like your spell worked a little better than I thought, the voice spoke. Tides silently agreed, this home was certainly luxurious. He didn’t need a big and expensive house, but it didn’t hurt either. He removed his hood and cloak, letting his dark purple coat shine. He was not an unattractive pony, he had had his fair share of romance over the years, His mane was short and he had a 5 o'clock shadow from his restless days on the road. He hadn’t slept in days. He went to the bedroom and fell into a deep slumber.
On the other side of town, another pony was just waking up. The beautiful unicorn mare Rarity was just awoken by the noise of a crowd gathered outside.
“Good heavens, what could be so important that they need to gather this early.?!” She snapped. She threw back the covers of her bed and trotted over to her second-floor window. She saw a large crowd around the bridge on the edge of Ponyville.
“This practically begs my attention. It seems my morning will be restless until this matter is put to rest.” She didn’t dress up like she usually would for a crowd, if they woke her, they’d have to deal with her the way they woke her up. She left her boutique and rushed over the ever-growing crowd.
“Excuse me, pardon me!” She said as she made her way to the front of the crowd. The center of the crowd was circled around Big Mac’, passed out on the side of the road.
“Good lord, what happened?” She asked nopony in particular.
“Some new pony didn’t like him getting in his face.” A voice responded from the crowd.
“Well, who could do something so barbaric to such a peaceful stallion?” She asked.
“He went inside that nice house down the road.” Another voice responded. Rarity looked to where he was pointing. The Manor? Well that can’t be right. Twilight wouldn’t just let any old pony live there, she wouldn’t even let Fancy stay there, she thought. She walked down towards the Manor where the new pony was staying. The door wasn’t locked and she entered very quietly. She had no idea who this pony was, she had to be careful.
The Manor looked empty upon inspection, she couldn’t find anypony. Suddenly, she heard a crack behind her. She whipped around and saw a hooded pony glaring at her.
“Who is my first visitor?” The pony asked. Rarity caught her breath. The loud noise gave her quite the startle.
“Ahem, my name is Rarity, and yours’?” Rarity asked.
“Dark Tides, but a mare as ladylike as you may call me Tides.” Rarity giggled, He’s certainly a friendly stallion. Even after the beating he have Big Mac’.
“Pleased to meet you, er… Tides.” She responded. Tides sensed her discomfort.
“I apologize for my entrance, I had to be sure you weren’t a burglar. Of course now that I look at you, I see my suspicions were foolish.” He reassured her.
“Apology accepted. I understand ponies barging into your home can’t be commonplace where you live.” She responded.
“I don’t know, is it?”
“What? You’re living here?”
“Is that a problem?”
“Well, you can’t be on the Apples’ good side after the stunt you pulled at the bridge.”
“Oh? Anypony I should be scared of?”
“Well, after knocking Big Mac’ unconscious, there’s not many more stronger ponies in Equestria. I’m impressed.”
“It was not my goal, but thank you.”
Rarity was shocked by how accepting she was of Tides, if it were anypony else, she would have been furious at them. But there was something … charming about Tides that she dare not let go of.
“So why have you come to Ponyville?” She asked, not wanting to lose Tides’ interest.
“I got tired of the big city, decided to move out here. I guess I made the right decision.” Rarity could’ve swore the blushed. Tides was definitely as ladies man.
“Well, I’ve got to get back to my boutique, perhaps you’ll visit sometime?” She asked.
“Certainly.” Tides responded. And with that Rarity was out the door. Tides looked around his empty house, already saddened by its’ emptiness. Well, it’s not completely empty, the voice said.
“I guess.” Tides responded. Wow, ten seconds ago you were Prince Charming and now you’re just a lonely puppy? Pathetic.
“Oh shut up.” Tides snapped. Make me.
Author's Note
So, after the lack of success of my last fic, I decided to make a new one. I think, I hope, that this fic is going to to better.
Chapter 2
Psychological Profile by Dr. Freepony
Life for Dark Tides was always the same. An endless cycle of misery and broken friendships. At least, this is what we think. No matter everypony’s best efforts, nopony has made a successful profile on him. He is just too unpredictable.
What we do know, from what he’s told us, whether or not this is true remains to be seen, is that he was born in Las Pegasus. At a young age, Tides’ family moved to Manehattan. His family, a Mrs. Star Tides and Mr. Rip Tides, were very rich and lived in the upper quarter of the city. Their life was just fine until Tides’ 15th birthday. Dark and Rip were fishing on the ocean just east of the city. Star had just finished dinner and was calling them in, when she noticed that their boat was getting farther and farther out. She continued calling, but the boat only got farther out into the ocean. After calling the city guard, fearing for their lives, the boat was pulled onto the shore. They searched the boat, only a few things were missing, a raft and some rations. Rip was nowhere to be found and Dark remained silent. His demeanor was reported as “lacking emotion, his eyes seemed empty and glass-like.” Rip was never seen again.
Presumed dead, Rip’s only will left all of the family money in the hooves of Dark Tides. With Tides the leader of the family, their fortune only grew. They acquired businesses from all corners of Celestia’s empire. Everything seemed to be going as good as it could get. Until it all went horribly wrong.
Like his father, Dark suddenly disappeared one day. All of the money his dynasty had accumulated was gone with him. Authorities searched far and wide, fearing that someone was after the Tides family business, but Tides nor any corporate villains were ever found. What they did find made them wish they were never searching in the first place. A body. Mutilated, broken, torn to pieces, it had no face, it was ripped off. It was never identified, but it was clear who it was. Dark Tides was dead, ripped apart by an unknown assailant.
Tides closed the folder. He had read over the report more times than he dared, or cared, count.
It’s fine, they’ll never find us. Who knows. They’re probably not even looking still, said the Voice.
“Oh buck no, Star would never let me die ‘while I still had work to do’.” Tides replied.
Ugh, is she even still in Manehattan, or did you lose her?!
“Don’t doubt my abilities, they are just as good as yours’, after all, I am a product of your attributes.”
Ok. Whatever, I wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for what you did to your - wait someone’s coming.
“Alright, shut up then.” Tides snapped.
Tides looked through the peephole on the door to the Manor. It was Rarity, back for her third visit this week.
Somepony is rather taken with you, said the Voice.
“Oh shut up.” Tides replied. He opened the door and let Rarity in. She seemed confused.
“Darling, is there somepony else here?” She asked, her tone was curious yet friendly, “I heard you talking.”
“No, there’s nopony here just me in a lonely old Manor.” Tides replied.
“Well, like I said, we could rectify that if you’d only listen to me and pay me a visit at my boutique.”
“And I’ve been busy, Miss Rarity.” Tides said with a sassy tone.
“Well, Mr. Tides, all you do is sit in the lonely Manor. I’m beginning to think I’m wasting my time…”
“Oh, fine, fine, fine, fine, I’ll go to your silly boutique.” With a flair of success, Rarity sauntered out of the Manor, with Tides close behind.
Twilight suddenly awoke in her treehouse. She had no recollection of getting there or leaving the town square at all. Last she remembered she was hearing about that new stallion Tides. What she didn’t know was why everyone was so riled up about him. He was just a new pony. Ponyville got lots of them every year. What was so different about Tides? I have to figure out who he is if he’s going to stay in my- I mean, our town. She walked to the window in her bedroom. She saw Tides and Rarity trotting towards her boutique. He’s already gotten to some of the townsponies it seems. I can’t let that happen. If he gets a hoofhold in this city it’ll be impossible to get him out. Twilight sprinted out of her treehouse. She charged towards Tides and Rarity.
Unlucky for Twilight, Tides heard her coming. He heard her hoofbeats about 50 yards away. His mind did an automatic surroundings check. He was unarmed, possible improvised weapons could be… a fencepost, weeds as a garrote, rocks, his mind swam with plans, he could jump the fence to his right and make a run for it, or throw Twilight over it and run for the safety of the city. No she knew the city too well to be confused by it. Why don’t we just fight her, how much of a fight could she put up? Said the Voice.It wasn’t a bad idea. However killing the local hero would not put them on good terms with the locals. Perhaps a negotiation would sort this out, there had to be something she wanted. Or is the Princess too good to be bribed with common trinkets. We will need to sort this out with words and not hooves, it seems, how unfortunate. Said the Voice. All in about half of a second, Tides already had his plan of attack, or the lack thereof. Twilight will take awhile to get here, perhaps we could play the hero with Miss Rarity?
“Wait,” Tides paused for a moment, “Somepony’s coming.” He lifted Rarity over the nearby fence and “braced himself” for any attackers. When Twilight came into view, he loosened a bit.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH RARITY?!” Yelled Twilight, still at a distance.
“Chatting, is that illegal in this dwelling?” Tides replied, keen to retain his dignity in keeping his voice at a polite volume.
“TAKING OVER THE TOWN IS ILLEGAL!”
“Twilight, what are you going on about?” Rarity interjected.
“DON’T YOU SEE WHAT HE’S TRYING TO DO?” Twilight yelled back.
“No, and why don’t you get closer so you don’t have to yell!” Rarity replied. Twilight reluctantly edged closer, never ripping her gaze from Tides. She stopped next to Rarity’s ear.
“Rarity, Tides is going to do something… something bad, I can feel it.” She whispered.
“Well I apologize, but ‘I can feel it’ is not enough, he’s done nothing that indicates malicious intent.” Rarity whispered back. Twilight backed off. A fight here would be most unfortunate, she thought. She trotted past Tides, bumping into his shoulder as she did, whether or not it was purposeful was unclear. Tides simply bade her a sideways gaze and a cold stare.
The rest of the walk to Rarity’s boutique was silent, Twilight’s outburst killing all desire for conversation. Rarity was the one, however, to break the silence.
“You’re lucky.” She said.
“You can say that again.” Tides mumbled.
“No, about Twilight, I said that you’ve done nothing of malicious intent, that’s not true, what you did to Big Mac’ was certainly malicious.” She replied.
“Is defending yourself considered hostile these days?”
“No, but nearly killing somepony over it is.”
“I’ll apologize if necessary, but I won’t justify my action, I needed to instil fear to prevent further confrontation.”
“No need to apologize to me, I think your actions were justified, however Big Mac’ may not take it as well as I.”
“But we know he won’t be confronting me about it.” Tides said with a wry smile. Rarity simply cocked her eyebrow with a sideways look towards Tides. You’re really hitting it off! Said the Voice.
They finally reached the boutique. They went inside and were confronted with an unholy mess.
“Cozy” was the only word that Tides could articulate.
“Oh shut up, I would've cleaned up if I thought you’d actually come over.” Rarity replied.
“No it’s fine, I don’t mind a mess. I wasn’t lying when I said ‘cozy’.” Tides plopped down on the nearest couch. Rarity simply looked at him with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Tides looked around nervously and lightly tapped the couch cushions next to him.
“It’d be a start.” He said. She also plopped down at the couch, silently marveled at the unprofessionality she was showing, almost unconsciously. He summoned a drink, “So why did you call me to this,” he looked around the room, “humble abode.”
“Well… at first it was to know you better, but over time it evolved, into almost an obsession.” she replied. Holy shitholyshitholyshitholyshitholyshit, said the Voice. Tides ever-so-slightly cocked his head to the side, a silent sign for the Voice to shut the buck up. Fine whatever, your welcome for the help, it said, and crept back into its’ corner of Tides’ vast mind.
“Is that right?” Tides said slowly and sultry-like.
“Truly…” She responded in kind.
Tides and Rarity talked for hours. The subjects were random and sometimes embarrassing. It was late by the time their conversation was over.
“I should get going.” Tides said.
“Oh no, it’s dark and you’d get lost, stay here, where it’s safe and ‘cozy’.” Rarity replied.
“Very well, as you wish.” It didn’t take long for Tides to settle in and fall asleep.
Tides awoke in the middle of the night. Rarity was resting on his chest. He deemed it inappropriate to be found in this state in the morning, both for him and her. He put on his hood and trotted out the door of the boutique, stealing one last glance at the sleeping beauty on the sofa. Oh c'mon, you know you want to! The Voice said.
“You’re damn straight I want to.” Tides said, and walked out the door.
He didn’t get far before he got tackled. It was Twilight. She pinned him to the ground.
“I don’t know what you’re up to Tides, but I’m going to find out.” She said.
“You can never imagine what I’m going to do,” Tides grabbed her neck, causing her to tense up, “and by the time you do, it will be far too late.” With a quick thrust, Twilight was propelled into the nearby ditch and Tides disappeared into the night.
