BUCK-BUCK-BUCK-BUCK-BUCK! BUCKY-BUCKY-BUCKY-YOU!

I cannot believe this happened! How in the nine rings of Tartarus (yeah, that's a thing here) did I warn myself about the risk of being around Silver Line, and then I fall asleep with her in the same cabin, again?! I should file a report against her! But how do I report: Green-tongued, changeling assault? What in the flying buck (STOP IT ALREADY!) is one of those doing here? Especially HER! She is not supposed to be here until the marriage. Moreover, WHY IS SHE TARGETING ME?!

Stop it. Calm down and write what happened, ok. WE were on our way back to Canterlot AFTER we got what I needed for the school paper. I foolishly fell asleep in the cabin while Silver was conscious. I'm not sure how much time passed, but I know she didn't do anything to me (I ran five checks in my body, no spells or marks anywhere). That is until I woke up, 'Silver Line' had me laying pinned on the seat as she stared into my eyes. I got ready to scream as loud as I could. But I was stopped by a single motion from Silver's hand as she pressed her index finger against my lips.

"Sh-shhh-shhh," She ushered while a malicious smile formed on her face revealing a set of white glistening fangs. "I promised I would take you to the farms. I didn't say anything about getting you back," She whispered with a voice I had heard a few times before. "You owe me a lot. But since you're still too young, I'll give us both, a preview. That will be my payback," She said before munching gently on my ear.

The tingling sensation ran through my entire body as I bit my lip and felt my blood rush to my cheeks. I saw my reflection in her eyes once she touched her nose with mine. My eyes were the size of peas, and there was a faint glow starting to form around my horn. I could see the sweat rolling down my face as she chuckled. Her mane was long, but it felt longer at that time. Hanging from her head like a set of curtains, it tried to hide our faces. Her horn emitted a faint green glow as she sunk her teeth into her lip that somehow had lipstick on out of nowhere.

Those were only some of the changes as she slowly approached my neck, and then began to kiss and nibble at it without any restraint. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't pleasant either. I felt a mixture of excitement, guilt, and regret take over me as she moved her lips up to my neck and closer to my lips. The panic that had taken over me made me close my eyes before she touched my neck. Therefore, when I managed to open them again, that was when I saw her.

A pair of glowing, green cat eyes on a dark-skinned mare that fed on the love of ponies. I only know of one changeling that has pupils, Queen Chrysalis. I wanted to fight, if I fought her there, even if it meant me losing. However, before I could try to fight, she opened her maw. A green tongue rolled out of her mouth as she chuckled at whatever expression I had at the time. Stretching that thing as far as she could, Chrysalis ran her tongue from my chest up to my neck, and then my cheek.

"Open wide," She muttered before using her tongue to open up my mouth and press her lips against mine. I swear, I thought that she would shove her tongue down my throat, but. She, she wrapped her tongue around mine, and then pulled it into her mouth.

She moaned and groaned as she played with my lips, lightly bit my tongue, held my head to lock it in place, the sloppy sounds of her making out are stuck in my head, and then she dropped her weight on me. Her body was heavy, soft, and cold. It felt like a cold blanket spread over me as she had her way. Suddenly, she broke away the kiss and sat on my abdomen before making her finger trace her lips gently while staring at me with half-open eyes. She made me feel entranced with her and disgusted at myself. Her form distorted back into Silver Line effortlessly. But given her expression, I don't think she noticed she had partially dropped her disguise.

"Hold back," She muttered while her left hand touched my face and gingerly made its way to my torso. "It's still too early. The taste is right. But the body isn't. A few more years. Hold back for a little while longer. It will pay off," She repeated those words like a mantra while breathing heavily. I could see the steam coming out of her mouth as I gasped for air and coughed a bit. "M-maybe, let him see," She said with a trembling voice as she reached for her shirt and slowly began to lift it.

Thankfully, multiple ponies started making noise in the hall. She got up before walking funnily towards the door.

"I need to visit the toilet. Lock the door, and don't open until I come back," She said with a funny voice. I didn't respond, she walked out and I locked the door.

She came back after half an hour had passed. During that time, I had opened up my bag and kept rubbing my mouth with a handkerchief father had given me on my last birthday. Her posture was better and there was a strange smell around her. I ignored her and continued to rub my lips, which was when she sprayed something over me. It smelled like a perfume of sorts.

"That should keep you from any troubles," She said while taking her seat and tidying up her mane. "I would advise that you take a bath once you get home. And regarding that preview, you'll get the full course once you're eighteen. Consider it a birthday gift," She added with a blink followed by a smooch on my cheek, which seemed to get a groan from someone on the outside of the cabin.

I swear, I will make you regret revealing yourself. I promised mentally while pushing myself towards the furthest corner of the cabin.

The remainder of the travel went without a hitch. I took better care of my body and raised a barrier every single time I went to sleep (note to self: sustaining spells while asleep causes migraine), therefore, I was safe, I think. I hope.

I swear, on everything that I hold dear that I will murder the bitch that did this to me. As soon as I find that fucker (hey, it's back), I will ensure they have a good long lecture.

So, I'll try to explain the blur that occurred through a total of seventy-two hours to get a presentation ready for a talent show that held my tutelage with Princess Celestia hostage.

I arrived at the station with Silver Line (Bitch number one, the one I'm looking for is Bitch number two) and was greeted by none other than my teacher, Princess Celestia.

"Where have you been?" She asked as soon as I stepped out of the wagon, surrounded by ponies, in the middle of the station's platforms. You can guess how much I wanted to disappear at that moment.

"I, I went to the rock farms. I needed information for a school paper," I replied while rubbing my right arm.

"And you didn't notify me, because?" Celestia inquired with a stern look as soon as Silver Line began to pat my head. "Who is this?"

"I-In order," I stuttered while gulping. "I thought you were notified since I asked permission to make the field research," I said while handing her the paper I made during the trip back. "Secondly, this. This is."

"Silver Line. I own a book store and Dusky's parents asked me to be his guardian for this trip while they were out in business," She explained while resting her hands on my shoulder, I shuddered at the contact. Celestia must have noticed because she changed from a stern look to a scowl. "He was my teddy bear during our travel," That last part made Celestia crush my paper before Silver walked away without much reverence.

Please beat the crap out of her. Please, beat the ever-living crap out of her. I chanted in my mind as Silver looked over her shoulder to wink at me again. I swear that Celestia's mane turned into a flame for less than a second. I would pay to see her in an actual fight with the queen. And I bet that in this instance, the queen would end up in the dungeons. In chains, stripped of her usual belongings, NO! BAD! STOP! BAD BRAIN!

"Dusk," That was the first time she ever called me by my first name, I am so screwed. "I think it would be best for you to avoid that mare from now on. Based on your reaction alone, I can tell she makes you uncomfortable. Maintaining relationships like that isn't healthy, nor is it good for your image," She scolded with concern.

Did she probe my mind?!!! I thought while shuddering at her warning.

"I understand," I replied with my head hung low. "I didn't have anyone else to turn to. And I needed to get the paper done," I added with an apologetic tone.

"If need be, I can assign a guard to escort you in case another project like this arrives," She said with a more caring tone while petting my head. "You are a brilliant young colt, you are also very blessed, and you are very handsome, therefore, you need to be mindful of those that approach you," She added while kneeling and making me look at her.

Don't try to kiss. Don't try to kiss. Don't try to kiss. Why must you tempt me so?!!!!!! I repeated while feeling my cheeks flush.

"I forgot what I came here to talk about. I shall contact you once I recall the theme I wished to converse," She said while getting up, and then cleaning up her dress. "Let us go, your living quarters have been modified to better suit your needs," She added while leading the way.

I followed without much thought. On our way back, I realized that the ENTIRE town followed us on our way into the castle. It was almost like a parade. The ruckus caused by our stalkers caused ponies to poke their heads out from the buildings that, in my eyes, looked like they were arching over us forming a tunnel. And in that tunnel, my guiding light was Celestia. No one around us got any closer than a ten feet radius, it was almost as if there was a dome shield around us. One could compare it to a march through the enemy territory as they fired volleys of arrows at us.

When we reached the gates, I bowed to Celestia before running towards the library. The path through the gardens felt safe, the white walls surrounding the castle made me feel safe. I had never taken note of how secure I felt inside these walls. It was almost as if nothing could touch me as long as I remained there. A sanctuary with a lovely stream filled with colorful koi and some lotus flowers that were in bloom. The other gift was the lovely forest filled with birds and critters, the peace and serenity evoked by that place made me think of enchanted forests as I dashed through the place. I think some birds swooped in and followed closely as I ran through the area.

After clearing the forest, the library came into view. My lovely home away from home, the place was originally a tad run down due to disuse, however, after I moved in, the place got better little by little. I started by repairing the cracked windows, then I moved on to clearing out the dust and checking the books present and absent. The next step was getting back the missing books from the residents that had borrowed them, and then I sent a note to the princess regarding the missing books that had to be replaced. It took me half a year, but the library was back in shape, and visitors started coming back.

After entering the building I saw some of the renovations Celestia had mentioned. There was a deck for me to sleep in, and an entire section had been modified to serve as a bedroom. There was even an extra bed for Barb. And it looked like the ones responsible for the changes had also moved my things from the old bedroom to this new place. The hourglass at the center was fancy, not to mention useful. It was a twenty-four-hour hourglass, meaning I could keep track of time without using the sundial outside of the building or the big clock-tower from the school. There was also a telescope, it was pretty advanced when compared to the things you usually see in children's rooms.

Originally, I turned the old storage room into my bedroom by putting on a bedroll in it. It felt like camping out, but this situation didn't last long. Princess Celestia had the room filled in as soon as I mentioned I had restored the library (good thing too, apparently I'm allergic to dust, I sneeze and let magic blasts out of my horn when I do so). But I don't think this is what's important right now.

What's important is the fact that, once I reached the library, I received the second wave of news that destroyed my day for the following seventy-two hours. As I said, I entered the library seeking refuge and solace in my books. However, I heard the sound of laughter and giggling coming from my old room.

This is crossing a line! Come on! This is my home for Celestia's sake! I thought while stomping towards the door. I had my fill of jackasses for the day at that point. Therefore, I had to stand my ground at least once. Grabbing the handle, I took a deep breath before bursting the door open.

"Ok! Who let you in and what are you doing in my house, Lyra? M-Moon Dancer? And, Vinyl Scratch? Did I get that last one right?" I asked while tilting my head. Then I realized that my voice had turned soft again, thus I shook my head before continuing. "Nevermind! Why are you three here??"

"We are preparing for the talent show in three days," Moon Dancer said while looking over some papers. "We were trying to decide what we should do. But we needed your input since you are the one appointed as the head of the group. And the one with the most risks here," She added while looking over some papers.

"I'm sorry," I replied while having my eye twitch at the part of the risk. "Would you kindly explain to me had do you mean by risks?"

"The Princess didn't tell you?" Lyra asked before I nodded negatively. "Your tutelage is being disputed by a student appointed by Naighsay. He claims that you're not suited to be a student of the princess. Celestia said otherwise and made a bet. If you get a better place than that student, you keep your position. You lose, and Celestia has to give up on tutoring you."

Taking a deep breath, I clapped my hands together and pointed them at the group. "T-that doesn't sound too difficult. I-I just need to place higher than her!"

"She is currently in the first place," Vinyl added. I swear I heard my soul being crushed at that moment. "The solo presentations finished yesterday. The group acts start in three days."

"I utterly despise every fiber of the creature known as Naighsay. And I will destroy him on a molecular level. Correction, I will erase him on an atomic level," I said while my left eye twitched at speeds I dare not mention. "Group act. Singing. Lyra, you handle the instruments. Vinyl, you handle the lighting and effects. Moon Dancer, you will sing and dance with me. I will use my mother's studio and make ourselves a tuxedo and a dress. Lyra, I'll have the music sheets prepared for you in a couple of minutes."

From that point on, I entered a state of pure stress and adrenaline. Rushing upstairs, I used the new study to quickly transcribe my pick for the music. I also had the lyrics written down with the correct tempo while also differentiating the singers. If that son of a bitch thinks he can mess up the world and take me away from Celestia, he's got another thing coming!

After handing the sheets and the lyrics to their respective owners, I began a series of blink spells to get home faster. I kicked the door open before rushing to my mother's studio.

"I need to make this work. GAME ON!" I screamed before firing up my magic. Several utensils began to fly as my mind became muddled by the sheer amount of spells I started to use non-stop. I can recall several pieces of fabric flying around along with scissors, thread, needles, and I think a sewing machine. I swear someone walked up to me and started talking, but before I knew it, I was back at the library with a dress and a tuxedo laying on my face.

That was how I started the second day. This is when the drill Sargeant came out. I ran to Moon Dancer's house as soon as I ate (by that I mean taking an apple and eating half of it, I was running on spells and water at that point). I think I shoved her mother out of the way before giving Moon Dancer the dress. Then, once she stored it I grabbed her wrist and ran back to the library. The poor thing nearly collapsed with all the exercise. But I didn't have time for pity or a calm demeanor.

Therefore, I proceeded to burn the choreography into Moon Dancer's mind. At the time, I didn't realize how close that dance forced us to be. That was three-quarters of the day done. Moon Dancer has a good memory. And like me, she seemed VERY motivated to dance perfectly. Next was Lyra, I didn't have to do much. In that regard, she was as talented with the instruments as Octavia. But with the bonus of being a walking band due to her magic.

That left Vinyl. I was partially aware of her relationship with Octavia, but them being sisters went over my head like an airplane. SO, the good news is that, once I explained the nature of the song and when she had to do the effects she showed me while I rehearsed my parts. It was a spectacle. The only variable that concerned me at that point, was me.

STEPPED WRONG! Fix the angle! Watch the tempo! Fix the posture! Too fast! Wrong spell! Misstep! Too slow! You dropped your partner! DO IT BETTER! Don't you want to keep your tutor! You're not even trying! Maybe Naighsay was right. You're not good enough! Keep it up we only have a day to do this right! Come on, you pathetic worm! Do it again! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN! AGAIN!

This went on for several hours. Needless to say, I was terrified of this mess.

My memories are clearer after I woke up on the day of the group acts. I woke up on the floor of the library smelling like I hadn't bathed in three days (which was the case). The talent show would be held at night. That meant I had to get myself ready and prepare to blow an entire audience away in thirteen hours. I shouldn't state the obvious, but I was running on fumes and my body was overworked.

Sore muscles, rigid joints, tired eyes, lead limbs, and so forth. I was a mess. After cleaning up and finally eating a normal meal, I realized I had no condition to dance. So, what did I do? I decided to use a spell, that I learned on my own to help me be in a more fit condition. However, this spell has a few drawbacks and its effects wear out fast. Once cast, the Renewal spell causes the target to feel refreshed for a total of four hours. Fatigue and other aliments disappear for the duration of the spell, allowing for peak performance in any event.

Although this may sound like cheating, it isn't. By peak performance, it means the target will perform at the best of their CURRENT capabilities. It does not enhance their performance. It is the same as you performing if you had a normal rest and had prepared for it. I was prepared, however, I lacked the rest. Moreover, some drawbacks make this spell unusable in any event. The moment the spell ends, the target's fatigue hits them like a freight train. The stress from before is multiplied and added on top of the original stress causing the target to collapse. Almost all competitions in Equestria take at least forty minutes up to an hour at the very least. Meaning that I had to cast it at the right time to keep myself from collapsing during the event. Not to mention this spell wasn't exactly easy to perform, meaning that if you mess up, you might lose your event as the spell's drawbacks hit you like a train when you fail.

So, as the time for the event approached, I dragged myself to the school's theater. I used the walls as support while navigating past the ponies around me. Plenty of them chuckled and stared at me while I tried my best to reach backstage. Luckily, along the way, I met with Moon Dancer, who helped me reach the area with ease. After that, we waited in the backstage area along with the other participants.

"Are sure you can do this?" Moon Dancer asked while I almost passed out due to exhaustion.

"It's not a matter of can or can't. It's a matter of having to do it. I have the right spell for it," I replied grumpily while trying to keep myself up. However, Moon Dancer picked my head and placed it on her lap while patting my head gently. I felt a bit of my stress melt as she stroke my fur. "What are you doing?"

"We are the last team out of seven. You have at least two hours to try and rest," She said with a calm voice while my eyelids got heavier. "I'll wake you up when the last one comes up," She added as I finally passed out.

I'm not sure how long I passed out, but as promised, Moon Dancer woke me up by gently nudging me and poking my head. Opening my eyes, I saw her eyes focused on me as she smiled softly.

"Feeling better?" She asked as I got up, I felt strangely recharged. I knew about the effects of short effective rests, but this was ridiculous.

"I do. It's time," I said while preparing to cast the spell.

"There is no need to. That spell will just stress you up again. Trust me. Do some stretches, it will work better for you," She replied with a somewhat stern tone.

She has a point. The spell will force me to exhaust myself once it runs out. But, will it be enough. I pondered while holding my chin.

"Just trust me," She said while taking my hand. Since the optimal time to do the spell was out by that point, I had no choice but to follow her advice.

"Very well," I replied quietly before starting to stretch my arms, legs, and other joints for the performance. My stiffness started to diminish as I followed Moon Dancer's instructions. By the time we finished those exercises, I felt warmed up and my joints were very loose. And thus, we were called forth for the last show. "Ready?"

"As much as I can be," Moon Dancer said with a soft smile.

"Thank you," I replied while walking towards the stage.

There were a thousand eyes focused on us. The spotlights illuminated us as if we were in a shooting gallery. I will not lie. I was scared. I felt a sudden urge to run away and disappear. However, I was well aware that I couldn't turn my back now. I had to rush forward and win back what was mine. Not only for myself but, for the sake of everyone in that place, for everyone in this world. If I lost my tutelage, I wouldn't be there to save everyone in the future. I would not have the princess's support or a means to fight back against the ones that will try to take over Equus.

Therefore, I tried to find something to focus on. My saving grace was a pair of eyes in the audience. A pair of eyes looked anxiously at me. In the audience, I saw Princess Celestia. Her posture was tense, her eyes worried, and I could see that she was tearing down on a piece of paper. She was anxious too. It made me feel bad to see her like that. So, at that moment, I decided to focus on reassuring her and her alone. Taking a deep breath, I put on a smile painted in gold.

"Welcome everyone, I hope you enjoy our presentation," I said out loud while offering my hand to Moon Dancer. She took it, and thus, I gave the signal for Lyra and Vinyl Scratch. Thus the music started.

Pulling Moon Dancer in as soon as the first cord stroke, I focused solely on the choreography. We danced, and danced, and sang, and moved across the stage like there was no tomorrow. Spinning and stepping around, we performed the number as programmed. The dress and tuxedo looked plain since I had little to no skill at sowing. But they served their purpose for the initial part of the song.

All of the eyes were focused on us. Moon Dancer smiled brightly as she sang with her gaze fixed on me. I put on a facade as I shifted my focus on my partner. Watching her hooves and body, I kept my rhythm while fighting the urge to speed up and run away from the audience. But, whenever those thoughts tried to take me over, I would stare into Moon Dancer's eyes. Her gaze wasn't that one of someone who thought of me as a friend. No, the words that left her mouth from the song were honest. She was in tune with the song in such a manner she was impersonating the violinist from the show. I could see her dancing and perform on the stage.

And thus came the line that would change everything in that presentation. I kept this from Moon Dancer, Lyra, and Vinyl.

"Only for you, I gather the stars. Because with you is where they belong!" We sang in unison as I fired my horn and used a transmutation spell. Gathering the energy in my hand, I threw a smokescreen of blue fog and sparkles. And once the violin and piano duet gained focus in the melody, I took Moon Dancer's hand and we started a waltz as I dispersed the smokescreen.

Our outfits for the show had been completely transformed. The once beige dress was now a deep blue that reflected the light from the spotlights creating an effect as if she was wearing a sky full of stars. My plain black tuxedo looked like a sunset. She was the beautiful night that was filled with stars that guided us forward, a constant beauty that existed every night. Meanwhile, I was the sunset that existed for a few moments, and could only be seen a few times. Inconsistent, yet, there to shine for a few moments.

We reached the finale of the song and using one last spell, I made myself disappear into a cloud of light orbs as I said the final words.

"I promise you that when I find that I'm missing you I'll play," I said as my body began to disappear. Moon Dancer opened her mouth and in unison, we finished as I disappeared due to the illusion. "Our symphony."

Silence. We waited for a couple of moments as I tried to remain calm. With a sudden burst of magic, I destroyed the illusion as if breaking a mirror and both of us made a reverence to the public.

Please, please, please! I begged mentally while breathing heavily and staring at the ground.

Then, there was a clap, and another, and another, and it suddenly evolved into a big ovation. All ponies in the audience celebrated our show. Screaming, whistling, and clapping. I felt a rush of adrenaline as both of us stood up to watch the audience. We had done it. The three of us managed to pull a presentation out of our asses while earning applause from the public. My mind was lost in a haze of tension, adrenaline, and fatigue as the finalization came along.

The other participants were called in and all of us stood there. Four groups were called for the best spots amongst the best of the group acts. We weren't called. I felt my heart shrink and hurt as I watched them earn the medals. And then, there was the roll call for participants that were qualified for the top spot in the talent show.

"We call for group performers contestants, Dusk Shine, Vinyl Scratch, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moon Dancer," Neighsay said as we stepped forth. My legs were shaking and my head was spinning. However, I stood my ground as we waited for our competitor. "We call for the solo performer contestant, Sunset Shimmer," He said as a mare slightly older than us walked on stage.

SUNSET?! SHE IS THE BITCH NUMBER TWO?! I screamed internally. She supposedly knew more than Twilight at some point. SHIIIIIIIT!

"Judges, cast your votes. Those that believe that the solo act should be named victorious, raise your hand," Neighsay said as he raised his hand with a malicious smile.

The bastard! He is the one that pushed the bet! I concluded as random ponies in the audience raised their hands. There were a total of 13 votes for Sunset, the judges were scattered across the audience.

"Those that believe the group performers should be named victorious, raise your hand," He ordered as I closed my eyes hard and lowered my head. There was a moment of silence. All I could hear was my heartbeat in my chest. "Fourteen votes, for the group performance. Dusk Shine and his group are victorious."

Opening my eyes in disbelief, I fell to my knees while staring at the crowd. Everyone in the group jumped me and hugged me while laughing and celebrating. My arms hung limply by the side of my torso. My vision blurred from the tears swelling up in my eyes as I let out a scream of joy. All of the tension came washing down as I collapsed in front of the audience. All the fear, rage, anxiety, and determination rushed my heart like a tsunami.

And thus, before I knew it, Moon Dancer had taken my head and kissed my cheek. And then Vinyl, and finally, Lyra. As soon as that dawned on me, I felt the rush of adrenaline peak once more. And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I ran away from the auditorium while taking the trophy and screaming like a manic.

Needless to say, I Fucked up badly in April.

And now I want to bury my face on the ground and never again see the sunlight.

Author's Note

OH, MY, GOD. This took way longer than it should.

Thank you for reading. I am very sorry that I took this long to finish this one.