Dusk’s old habits were uncontrollable. Thus, Barb found him in the library, a pile of books stacked in a semicircle on the desk, while he scribbled the best notes that could be collected from the six sources, attempting with some success to handle all at once. Barb knew that look, she knew it all too well. "I think I passed out for two or three hours. And look at him, madly rushing through so many books at once. Probably hasn’t eaten again." She gave a sleepy grunt and turned, marching back into the kitchen. "Food first, then figure out what today’s obsession is."

Forced to light candles to see properly in the predawn, Barb moved quickly to begin breakfast. It was a shock to her when Dusk's arms wrapped around her shoulders and hugged her tightly close. Stammering a little in embarrassment she leaned into his arms. "Why’re you being so affectionate, Dusk? Has something bad happened?"

Giving a sigh and standing back up, Dusk released the darling little dragoness and shook his head. "It's just the reading Princess Celestia gave me. The topic of dragons is normally a happy one, but these books don't do a good job of reassuring me." Taking stiff steps, Dusk returned to the library, calling back to the little dragoness. "After breakfast, I need to go round up the others. Princess Celestia's orders are specific, and I'll need everypony’s help if we are to manage this right." Dusk's words confused Barb, and worried her even more. It had just been a letter, she had been tired and hadn't bothered to read it. What could the princess have possibly said? Not knowing made Barb tense and her scales tightened up.

Tossing the french toast and daisy sandwich onto a plate and pouring a thin layer of syrup on top, Barb followed Dusk into the library, pushing fork and knife into his hands and glaring at him over crossed arms until he started eating. Only then did she leave him be, heading alone up to the shower, her handy scale brush tucked under an arm. "This is bad. Dusk hasn't been this worked up since... Nightmare Moon."

A steaming hot shower taken to the limit that the hot water boiler could manage and a good scrubbing with her scale brush had removed the worst of the dried scales on her lower back. Wearing her fluffy bathrobe, Barb started down the staircase before a sudden, familiar pressure formed in the back of her throat. "Another letter??! This is going from bad to worse."

The dragoness cleared her throat after projecting the summoning flame. Barb noticed there were two seals on this letter. One was Princess Cadence's, which was surprising enough, but the second seal was the Wonderbolts’ emblem. Barb didn't wait this time, a sharp claw was slipped under the wax and broke it open, unfolding the paper and reading, while she hopped down the slightly too tall steps and rushed back into the library.

"By order of her royal majesty, Princess Celestia, The Wonderbolts' second wing will be escorting Squire Bronze Feather to Ponyville, to deliver the Elements of Harmony to their respective bearers. Squire Bronze Feather is also charged with escorting the bearers and assisting them as best she can, until the Wonderbolts can return and offer their assistance."

Now Barb understood why Dusk was on edge. Something so dangerous, they needed the elements? AND they couldn't leave the Wonderbolts to keep watch over Dusk? Ignoring the chill that ran down her spine, Barb looked up from the letter and realized that Dusk’s chair sat empty, the stallion already gone. "Oh, Dusk. Please be careful." Turning around again she rushed to his empty seat and hopped up, now determined to fight her way through her own blurry vision and the mess of books on his desk. She needed to find that first letter, now!

Even this early in the predawn twilight, Dusk was glad to be greeted by Big Mac as he approached the open gate leading in to Sweet Apple Acres. As stiff as he felt, the walk to the farm had been chilly, and went a long way to easing some of the ache out of his legs. Dusk returned Big Mac’s wave and stopped to lean up against the frame of the gateway, his weight wasn’t enough to counter the pressure of Mac’s own towering body put to the wood, but as the older stallion pushed a tiny, thick walled ceramic mug into Dusk’s hand, his voice sounded as worn as Dusk’s body. “Y’ur up this early, and got that look in your eyes. This is Apple Scrubble. Sip it, and when yer done coughing, we can talk.”

Dusk was no big drinker, but when Big Mac warned that a drink was strong, Dusk knew to take him seriously. Cupping up the small mug in both hands, he took a careful sip of the surprisingly thick, apple-scented mush. Even with all the care he had taken, Dusk felt a burning sensation down his throat that flooded his lungs. Whatever Mac's scrubble was, Dusk’s veins burst aflame... but his head had never felt clearer. Bent over and coughing violently, Dusk shook his head, climbing back up the frame of the gate with both hands to help him stand back up, leaning into it and forcing his eyes to focus on Mac again. With lips that still felt slightly numb, Dusk questioned “Scrubbbleh?”

Mac took the cup back, taking a small sip of his own, wincing, if only just slightly, though Dusk wondered if it was only so he wouldn’t feel so bad. Sitting the cup back down to rest on the frame of the gate, Mac gave a shrug. “If you collect the little bits of apple that collects at the top of the brewing vats, put it all together and keep the fermentin’ process going, you get Scrubble. It’s a little thick, has no shelf life, and burns like Celestia’s sun at the height of summer, but it also clears the head and the lungs in a small dose, and in a large, encourages a deep and restful sleep.” Grinning to himself, Mac shrugged. “But I’d not encourage that, as the headache from a hangover of this stuff would probably make life a lot more than simply unpleasant. Now what’s up, Dusk?”

Still feeling the burning heat in his lungs and the spreading warmth that had only just reached his fingertips and toes, Dusk let Mac know the truth. "It's Princess Celestia. She is already dealing with two marauding dragons to the far east of Fillydelphia, now a third has snuck into the mountains north of Ponyville. If it sets up a hoard there, that brings both Ponyville, and worse, Canterlot into its likely territory and hunting grounds."

Big Mac was the calm type, but even with only a few months experience around Ponyville, Dusk had learned the signs that showed the stallion’s real reaction to a situation. The faint tightening of Mac’s jaw, and that one wrinkle below his eye, both were sure signs the stallion was worried. "So? What does the Princess want you to do?"

"She has requested that the Elements of Harmony deal with the dragon by any means necessary." Dusk already hated himself for having to deliver this message. He was already preparing himself for what he'd have to say if-

"She’s my sister, Dusk. She ain't the only one I have, but she's still my family. You better be damn sure it's worth the risk before sticking your neck out. Now get going. She'll need no encouragement." Dusk had chosen to speak with Mac first because of all they had lost in the past. He had expected the stronger stallion to be far more defensive of his sister, instead the earth stallion had been so… so reasonable! Shaking his head, Dusk stepped past the older stallion, and walked in silence to the farm house. That was when Mac’s voice whispered out again. “Please take care of her, ‘Bloom couldn’t handle it.”

Like a nail of guilt driven into his heart, Dusk gave a tiny nod and continued up the walk, watching the farmhouse for any movement. Applejack was visible through the kitchen window, already working on breakfast for her family. “But Mac was right. AJ has family who depends on her. Sure, Pinkie talked about her family ‘back home’, Dash has a father, Rarity has her parents and… sister. And Fluttershy must have parents somewhere, not to mention her patients, even the ones who don’t really need her help anymore. But AJ lost her parents as a foal, and had raised her little sister since she was old enough to care for her. Forgive me Apple Bloom, I promise I’ll do everything I can to bring your sister back, no matter what.””

Just as Dusk stepped onto the porch and tried to pull open the porch door, Apple Bloom burst through it, running in the other direction, two pieces of toast in her mouth and her school bag thrown over a shoulder. This early in the morning, and in such a rush, made Dusk question the girl’s motivations, but that answer came all too quickly as Applejack hollered after her little sister’s retreating back. “Twist ain't gonna go to school without you, Apple Bloom! ‘Sides! The sun is hardly even up!” But of course, the incorrigible filly wasn’t about to be stopped by such facts, and ran headlong into town still eating her breakfast as she ran.

Stepping aside so the filly could bolt past him, Dusk took the last few steps up onto the deck. Applejack had seen him coming and slipped an arm around his hips, drawing him in close and resting her jaw against his cheek while drawing in a small whiff of his scent. A frown crossed her lips and she pulled back, lifting his head and began to inspect him. “Sugarcube? You need a shower and probably some sleep. What’s got y’all up so early?”

Dusk let her inspect his red eyes before pulling back and drawing her hands into his own. “AJ, we have trouble. Princess Celestia sent me a black letter, a royal order. It’s- it’s a Dragon.”

Applejack’s grip on his own hands tightened up as soon as he mentioned the black letter, and she was grimacing before he even finished. Worry was clear in her eyes, even before she could vocalize it. “No wonder, Dusk. And if you’re here, that means...” She cut herself off, and swallowed a lump in her throat before she continued. “She asked for us, didn’t she? Dusk, you can’t! Rarity-”

This time, Dusk cut her off by softly squeezing her hands and speaking up to stop her from finishing. “Applejack, no. If she wants to tell me her secret, it’s her choice. But until then, let her keep it. I would rather she make that choice.”

For too long, Applejack was torn between her loyalty to her lovers and her own morals. In the end, she released a sigh, nodding. “Alright, Dusk. I’m in. With your brains, I’m sure we can put together a good plan and send this dragon back home.”

Dusk was glad for her support, and her silence on the issue that still hung over their relationship. He guided her to the porch swing, motioned for her to sit down, and sat next to her, leaning against her taller figure. “Thank you, Applejack. But, now I have to ask for a favor. I will go talk to Rarity next, but if you could speak to Pinkie and Dash for me? Then we all can go to Fluttershy together.”

Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, and pulling his head into her chest, AJ hushed him and held him close. “Of course, Dusk. It’s fine, I’ll get the girls and meet you outside Fluttershy’s cottage. Just take a few minutes and catch your breath, okay?” She got no answer, as the stallion had drifted off in her arms already. With fingers fondly stroking his dark blue locks, she hummed quietly to herself to pass the time. “Let him rest an hour, maybe two. He’s been up all night preparing already, even before asking for help. Probably would have gone alone, if he figured out a solution that didn’t require our help.”

Dusk hadn’t realized he was so tired until he awoke to Applejack’s light kiss on his lips. The pressure was pleasant, yet as he straightened up, he was now sure it was at least an hour after dawn, maybe two. Panic flooded him, and if it wasn’t for her strong grip, Dusk might have bolted away, his schedule thrown out the window. Able only to pull away from the kiss and twisting around in slight shock and panic, looking into her eyes. “I- Wha? How long?”

Applejack smiled, pressing a still steaming apple fritter into his hands and pushing it up towards his mouth. “It’s later than it was, but that don’t matter, sugarcube. You needed the sleep, or you’d end up running into half the trees in my orchard on your way back to town. Now eat up, Granny Smith reheated some leftovers for ya.” When his eyes asked the question why, since his mouth couldn’t with the dense, heavily-spiced-with-cinnamon-and-brown-sugar breakfast nearly forced between his lips, she answered. “I let you sleep ‘cause Dash probably still won’t be up yet, but at least now she’ll have gotten about as much sleep as you have.”

With his question answered, and with a logic he couldn’t argue, Dusk returned to his meal, finishing it in silence and enjoying the way she continued to brush at his hair. When he cleaned the last of the crumbs from his lips, Dusk turned his gaze up to look at her, and offered a shrug. “Alright, you win that argument. Besides, that was probably the best fritter I’ve ever had.”

Pushing him to stand up, Applejack did as well, her fingers straightening his clothing and brushing his lips for any crumbs. Nodding with satisfaction, she gave him a playful slap on the ass. “Now go speak with Rarity. I’ll get Pinkie and something hot, with plenty of caffeine for Dash.”

Halfway through a yawn, Dusk jumped at the slap, and shook his head at her, giving her the evil eye. “You let me sleep, then abuse me after feeding me a good meal? Sometimes, I think you just tease me to see what I’ll put up with.” When she winked playfully at him, he shook his head, linking arms with her and leading off towards town. At the very least, they could walk together.

Dusk knocked on Rarity’s kitchen door, rather than using his key. Today wasn’t a day for letting himself in, it was a far more serious day. As the lock turned and the door swung in, Rarity peeked out, and then perked up, swinging the door open and stepping forward, to sweep him up into a strong hug. “Dusk! But why are you over so early this morning? And why didn’t you come in?”

Dusk held Rarity for a minute in silence, letting her talk and enjoying her warmth, and the nice way her softer figure framed against his own body. But it couldn’t last, and he pulled back, shaking his head. “It’s bad news, Rarity. The Princess sent me a black letter, roy-”

But Rarity cut him off, her eyes wide with fear and pain. “Dusk, no. You can’t leave us. Not now, not so soon. We need you here, you’ve made all of our lives so much better.”

Here at least, Dusk was glad to be able to reassure her, if only a little. “No, no, Rarity. It isn’t like that. She sent orders for us all. The Elements of Harmony as a whole have been charged with driving off a dragon that is moving into the mountain range near us and Canterlot. But I-”

Here, Rarity caught up with Dusk and pulled out of his arms, crossing her own and glaring up at him. “And you wanted to leave me behind? But I take it you are going to take AJ and the others?”

Dusk winced at how quickly she responded to his words and cut through his buildup to the end of the conversation. Dusk shook his head, pushing on and catching up with her headlong rush. “I spent the night researching solutions, Rarity. You’re only required for one solution, the last resort, The Elements themselves. So why put you at risk when I’ve got nearly a handful of other solutions that don’t put you at risk. After all, Sweetie Be-”

Rarity again cut him off, stepping in close to him and glaring up into his eyes. “Dusk, I love you, and it’s sweet that you want to protect me. But if Princess Celestia asked for us all to go, we should all go. Besides, I’ve been practising Shining Armor’s shield spell. I can help protect somepony else now, not just myself. Besides, everypony has someone they want to protect. I want to protect you and AJ. Don’t try to cut me out Dusk, I’ll come. Because keeping you alive will keep Sweetie Belle safe. My parents safe. Ponyville and Canterlot safe.”

Dusk surrendered the argument to her and dropped his own, slipping his hands around her shoulders and pulling her in close. “Alright, alright, Rarity. I give in. Your point is valid. I just wanted to protect you somehow. Some way.”

Rarity held him in return, and let her stiff back relax as she curled her head into his neck and nuzzled in close. “And that is sweet of you. Even if it was foalish. Besides, Princess Celestia probably ordered us all to go with you, didn’t she? Contriving an excuse to ignore her orders can get you in trouble.”

Dusk could see Dash sitting watch upon a tree halfway up the walk to Fluttershy’s place. A thick ceramic cup clutched in both hands and her eyes nearly slitted shut, Dusk began to wonder if she was even awake at all, as she never moved as he approached. On the ground beneath her, Applejack and Pinkie Pie talked, the taller mare leaning against the tree while Pinkie stood talking with excitement to the short hare, Angel.

As Dusk and Rarity approached with linked arms, AJ stiffened up, a hard question in her eyes for a moment. But as they approached, Dash called out from up in the tree, still not moving from her spot up high. “A full wing of pegasi incoming, boss, about a half hour out. All of them but one is wearing the Wonderbolts’ armor. I think I can identify Fleetfoot and Fire Streak leading them, that must make this the whole second wing! That’s so awesome!”

Time. Time was an issue now. Dusk stepped up beside Applejack and called up to Dash, first. “We had better talk to Fluttershy, in case they come here, Dash. They’ll probably panic the poor mare if she isn’t prepared for their arrival.”

Everypony agreed with this, and together they turned, walking towards the small bridge that crossed the creek to Fluttershy’s cottage. Dash fell out of the tree, still cupping her hot coffee in both hands. Not bothering to stand up, she winged her way over to AJ’s shoulder, and landed on the much more powerful mare’s shoulders, straddling her neck. A harsh yawn split her lips and she hugged herself against AJ’s head. “It’s so damn early ! They must have left Cloudsdale last night.”

Dusk shook his head, and drew alongside Applejack. “No, Dash. They are coming from Canterlot, not Cloudsdale. Cloudsdale is over far more to the east, to help protect Fillydelphia from the other dragons. What they are doing here… Backup maybe?”

That made everypony go silent, save for the noise of Pinkie’s odd skipping walk. At last, breaking the silence, AJ gave Dusk a nudge. “Do we approach her with the full truth of it? Or do we ease her in?”

Dusk stepped ahead of the others to cross the small bridge over Fluttershy’s creek. “Rarity and I will try to handle it. Angel, does she have a busy day?”

At last acknowledged, the short bunny walked up to Dusk’s side, a dark glare given to the tall stallion. “She had a surgery this morning, so no, she canceled the rest of her day. She gets very weepy after a surgery.”

Dusk nodded, and took up Rarity’s elbow again. “Makes sense. She is so attached to her patients. I can’t imagine how she manages to handle the surgical knife…”

Angel continued to glare at him, shaking his head. “Without a sniffle. But afterwards, she gets emotional and isn’t to be disturbed.”

Rarity let two fingers reach out and massage the bunny’s ear, her voice very calm and sure. “Sometimes, if it goes badly, she comes to me, Angel. Trust me, we will be gentle.” Recrossing her arms over her chest, Rarity turned back to face Fluttershy’s door and lightly knocked on the wood.

From inside, Dusk could hear a soft sniffle, and snort, the sound of Fluttershy blowing her nose, and preparing for whoever was outside. From inside, her very soft voice called out. “...a second.”

Rarity spoke up now, calling through the door in a soft, but strong tone. “Dear, you don’t need to clean yourself up. We need to talk. And it’s important.” When silence was the only answer she got, Rarity lowered her tone, slightly more stern and forceful. “Fluttershy. Come open the door, pet.”

Dusk could swear he heard a squeak and whimper on the other side of the door. But then the lock turned and the door slipped open a crack, and no more. Fluttershy’s face was hardly visible through the crack, and her cheeks were red from tears. “I… um… yes?”

Rarity shook her head and reached out, lightly stroking fingers across the curve of Fluttershy's just barely visible jaw. “Dear, there is trouble, and we need your help. Please come outside.”

There was a long moment of silence as Fluttershy leaned into Rarity’s hand and cooed softly for a while. The words from the older mare had been heard, but Dusk and Rarity could tell that she wasn’t going to run, not just yet, so they gave her the time. At last, the sound of the door chain being unlatched was followed by the door being opened properly. Stepping out and holding her right elbow with her left hand, Fluttershy looked around for a moment, before stepping in against Rarity and wrapping her arms around Rarity’s hips before closing her eyes again. “I… I’m sorry. I had a bad surgery this morning. Can’t this wait for another day? Please?”

Rarity wrapped the taller mare in a hug, but was already talking gently, her lips whispering into Fluttershy’s ear. At last, Fluttershy began to nod, and looked up, her huge, sad and pained eyes watched Dusk, before she spoke, holding a hand out to him. “I should have known something was going to go wrong today. But as painful as it was for the little dear, the surgery was a success. What- what’s wrong, Dusk?”

Dusk stepped in now, taking up Fluttershy’s offered hand and squeezing it for a moment, before speaking. “Princess Celestia has sent us an order, Fluttershy. A dragon is attempting to set up a nest in the mountains between us and Canterlot.”

Fluttershy went white, and her grip on Dusk’s hand, and the other on Rarity’s hips, went limp. Her voice was far stronger now, her shock as clear as day. “A dragon??!”

Dusk had expected this, and squeezed again at Fluttershy’s hand, trying to spur some life back into the frightened mare. “Yes. A younger one, likely only six or seven hundred years old. I have already made plans to drive it off safely. But your help is needed for this, your talent with animals is priceless here. Fluttershy, can I count on you?”

Still frozen in panic and perhaps, shock as well, Fluttershy shook her head, her lower lip quivering. “But, I- A dragon? Even a young one? Are you sure?”

Rarity squeezed Fluttershy in a hug before cupping her chin. “Yes dear. But you’re strong, and we will all be there to keep you safe. See? So don’t worry, no dragon will touch you. I promise.”

Fluttershy looked back and forth from one to the other, her lip quivering and her eyes wide with terror. But as each watched her, she realized she was going to have to answer. Slowly returning the squeeze of pressure Dusk’s hand was putting on her own, she stood up again, and gave a tiny nod. “Y- yes. I’ll come. If I can help protect other ponies, I have to. Even if it is a dragon.”

The fear evident in her voice went over Dusk’s head. He smiled, and leaned in to lightly kiss her on the cheek. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You don’t know how much easier you’ve made this on us all. I think together, we should be able to talk it down without having to resort to the more aggressive methods. I’d rather send it away by reminding it of our peace treaties, rather than having to smoke it out.”

Blinded by her fear, Fluttershy simply nodded to the stallion, a pale blush creeping over her cheeks as she realized he had kissed her. As Rarity continued to soothe her, they turned and began to walk back towards town. From her place straddling Applejack’s shoulders, Dash suddenly spoke up. “Guess you were right, Dusk. The ‘Bolts are landing at city hall. And they got something with them. A big gilded chest of some kind.”

It was Dusk’s turn to worry now. A gilded chest, Celestia had told him about it. A shrine for the Elements of Harmony. No wonder the Wonderbolts had been sent to make this delivery. Forcing himself to press on, he gave a smile. “I think that is our last resort being delivered. I can only pray to Celestia we never have to use it.”

As Dusk’s group approached city hall, it was Dash’s description of the distant figures that made up the majority of the conversation. When Dusk tired of her ongoing breakdown of Fire Streak’s flight statistics, he reached up and lightly gripped her ankle, his voice low. “Who is the non-bolt, Dash? You’ve talked about everypony except for her.” In the distance, he could only see that she wore armor of the Royal Guard. Beyond that, it was hard to make out much more.

“- and Blaze and Spitfire are his herd sisters, but from different mares! Can you-” She let her voice trail off and listened to Dusk’s question before she gave a sigh. “Oh, her? I couldn’t say. Not a trainee. About the right age, but she’s wearing some variant of royal guard armor, light and thinner for a pegasus. She has bronze-hued feathers, with copper tips, and hair of the same color. Oh! That’s weird, she has Shining Armor’s cutie mark as a pip or some kind of medal on her mail.”

Dusk snapped his fingers, smirking. “That has to be Bronze Feather, Shining’s squire. Didn’t you meet her when they were here last week?” When he got a blank stare and a shake of the head in return, Dusk sighed. “Oh, right, right. It’s almost time for The Running of the Leaves. She is probably here with the Elements, since Shining Armor is probably guarding Canterlot, and Princess Celestia and Luna are likely together in Cloudsdale.”

Finally waking up properly, Rainbow Dash suddenly leapt off of Applejack’s shoulders, cartwheeling backwards before taking to proper flight. Pulling off the heavy hooded sweater she had been wearing to block out the morning chill, she revealed that she was wearing her usual jogging outfit underneath. Limbering up by stretching in midair, Dash gave Dusk a light nudge. "So, you said you knew a few of the Wonderbolts. Introduce me to somepony."

Dusk wasn't shocked at Dash’s swift shift from dozing to full throttle, but as she brought him into the matter, it dawned on him why she was so excited. The Second Wing of the Wonderbolts might not be as famous, yet she was already watching them with nothing but childish glee in her eyes. Lifting his voice to make sure she heard the serious tone in his words, Dusk tried to forewarn the mare. "I've met a few in this wing, Dash. But they are clearly here on some very important matters. Try to keep it together."

Breaking through her eager delight, Dash felt Dusk’s words hit her like a lead weight. With a sigh and a groan, she lowered back to ground level, and began to pout. "Fine, fine. But only if you promise to introduce me to Fleetfoot at the very least!"

The look she was giving him almost reminded Dusk of a willful foal. Rolling his eyes, he sighed before answering her. "I'll likely introduce you to all of them. But Dash, please remember they are here on her majesty's business."

As a group, they approached the waiting crowd. The sudden arrival of the Wonderbolts had caused quite a lot of excitement in town, and yet Dusk’s arrival had the chatting ponies parting to open a broad path. With Rarity on his left and Fluttershy on her left, gripping her hand for support, and Rainbow Dash attempting to subtly strut her stuff on the far left, then Applejack on his right with Pinkie bounding along beside her, they didn't really make the same kind of impressive impact as the more uniformly dressed Wonderbolts, all standing at attention.

As he stepped towards Bronze Feather where she stood at attention between Fleetfoot and Fire Streak, the line of Wonderbolts all chorused together a single "Sir!", before they launched into the air as one. Spreading out, the ambient magic in their flight suits trailed blue and yellow streaks in their wake. Dusk realised by the way they constantly moved that they were acting as lookouts. Rotating between one of sixteen compass points and the three who relaxed upon the roof of city hall while always trailing that aura in their wake made it appear like a dance or show for those watching.

Left with only the two leaders and his brother’s squire, Dusk could feel Dash go from wonder to glee as she pointed out different small tricks individual 'Bolts carried out while switching from watch duty to resting. Ignoring her and pressing on, Dusk gave a salute to the senior ‘Bolts before speaking up. "Forgive me for not preparing a better reception. With news of the dragon approaching, I've been gathering the other Elements and making plans. What brings you to our town during a crisis like this?"

Fleetfoot and Fire Streak shared a look before shrugging. Fleetfoot then stepped forward and stood at attention. "We sent a letter via Princess Cadence, but you haven't received it?" Dusk shook his head, prompting her to continue. "The Princess charged us with delivering the Elements of Harmony safely to you, before we go and join the first wing in driving off these invading dragons."

Fire Streak stepped in next, gesturing to the heavy gold chest. "The situation to the east is going poorly. Both dragons have refused to acknowledge our peace treaties with their elders. And those same treaties prevent Princess Celestia or Luna from directly interfering until somepony is in harm’s way."

Dusk groaned, recalling a long week where he had read over an old transcript of the ancient treaties. "It's the clause that goes something like: We, the eldest, agree to refrain from any interference in disputes between the children of our people, save to protect their lives."

Seven blank faces stared back at Dusk's quotation, until Bronze Feather forced her way between the two older pegasi, and saluted Dusk. "Yes, ambassador. You're quoting the same passage Princess Cadence, Silken Flight and Lord Shining Armor were debating the last two days. By the phrasing, it also suggests Cadence might also fall under the law..." She shut up as it became clear that everypony had fallen silent and stared at her due to how she had addressed Dusk.

Rarity recovered first, stepping in and asking what was on everypony's mind. "Ambassador? Dusk?"

Bronze was trying to keep from growing flustered under the questioning eyes of eight ponies. She removed a thick sheaf of scrolls from an iron sleeve. "Temporary, yes." When that wasn't enough, she put on a brave face and pressed forward. "Dragons like titles. Even younger dragons. So to help you, Princess Celestia has named you as temporary ambassador to the dragon’s land, as magistrate of Ponyville, oh, and as a judge as well. She also states in one of these letters that your first doctorate thesis on adapting talents has been accepted by three professors at Starswirl University, making you a Doctor of Magical theory as well."

Dusk couldn’t dismiss this anymore, it was clearly all too much and behind his tired eyes only one thought managed to stand out. The last one. "That wasn’t my doctorate! It was just some paper I wrote last winter break to pass the time!"

Applejack’s level-headed approach saved the situation. Putting one hand on Dusk’s shoulder and taking the sheaf of papers with the other, her voice taking on the tone she used when giving orders at the farm, if a little softer. "The chest, Dusk."

Finding some ground in AJ's powerful touch and strong voice, Dusk let her push attention forward. He could sort all the other questions out later, when he had time to read through that heavy pile Applejack was already handing off to Pinkie. Dusk stepped forward and the pegasi parted for him, opening the path to the golden chest.

A knot of magic in the lock called to his hazy mind, driving away the distractions of the outside world, until it was just him and the spell keeping the chest locked. In his mind’s eye, he let his fingers caress the fine lines of the magic spell, impressed with the artistry put into so disposable a spell. He almost felt guilty as he reached for the knot, to smash such beauty made him a monster, didn’t it?

“But then, why smash it?” Dusk didn’t realize he had asked himself that question, until he really started looking at the spell knot. “I could open it, if I pulled at this loop, and pushed it back through that twist…” He was already working even as he processed the concept of the magical knot. It really was more of a lock than the simpler knots he had studied, but the idea of making it more complex like this made more sense. It was a permanent lock that you could reuse over and over again, and if somepony else broke it, you’d know right away.

The soft click of the golden chest unlocking its physical lock, not just the magic one, echoed across the quiet gathering. With eyes alight with glee, Dusk pushed back the wood and gold lid, and gazed inside, at the fantastic collection of jewelry he knew too well. The Elements of Harmony lay on red velvet pillows, lightly tied down by nearly-clear white wires to prevent them from being hurt when the chest was delivered. Inside lay the six golden relics, and with fingers tracing the line of one of the chokers, Dusk realized, as his fingers drifted over the face of the ruby stone, he could hear the low echo of Dash’s voice somewhere in the back of his mind. “Why’s everypony so quiet? How come Dusk is fiddling with the chest for so long? Ugh! I’m so bored! I bet if I challenged Fleetfoot to a race, I could lap her twice!”

As soon as he pulled his fingers back, the voice fell off again. Slipping his fingers to untwine the wires, Dusk pulled Dash’s Element free of the velvet pillow, turning around and taking a step towards the youngest member of their group. Avoiding contact with that stone again, Dusk unclasped the gold choker and reached forward to slide it around the mare’s throat. With his head full of that black haze, Dusk pushed it aside again, looking deep into Rainbow Dash’s eyes as he closed the clasp and spoke softly, the only words that felt proper right now. “Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Wing Captain Fleetfoot, and 2nd Lieutenant Fire Streak of the Wonderbolts’ Second Wing.”

Dash shot up, suddenly standing at attention and saluting the two Wonderbolts with a stiff arm. In return, they both shifted into a salute as well. It was Fleetfoot who broke the silence that hung between the three of them, as she called out. “It is our honor to meet you, Element Rainbow Dash. Considering you exist outside the ranks of the military system, could you break your salute first? Just feels wrong, to consider myself above somepony as important as you.”

As the three broke off and started to chat, Dusk took each of the other chokers in turn, delivering them one at a time to the other mares in something of a ceremony. The darkness of exhaustion continued to try and knock its way in, but the older voice, the voice of duty, helped him push it away yet again. As he finished the line, he turned, nodding to the gathered mares, only now realizing that Mayor Mare had been standing nearby. Her voice was strong as she spoke over the gathered, but hushed crowd. “Ponyville is grateful to have so many heroes living within her boundaries. Thank you all, Elements of Harmony. Anything you need for this mission will be provided, and with Celestia’s blessing, may you be successful.”

Somehow, they had returned to Dusk’s treehouse. There was still so much to be done, so much to be prepared before they could set out, and now time was wasting. Somepony had delivered him a cup of hot coffee when he had yawned, and now it was doing its work, the hateful black liquid had warmed his insides and cleared his mind. The Wonderbolts were gone now, and yet even as they entered the library, he could just barely hear as Bronze Feather addressed Rainbow Dash in the background. “So then together, we take turns in flying patrol laps, the three of us cycling 'round in turns, right?”

Dash was nodding in agreement with everything Bronze said, until that last point, where she shook her head. “Three? Oh! No, no. Just me and you. Fluttershy’s no good at patrol flights, trust me, we’re better off if it’s just the two of us.”

With the coffee pushing back the darkness, Dusk guided the others to the mess on his desk in the library, but came up short. Barb was sitting in his chair, and drawing on the detailed map he had picked out of the countryside leading up to the mountains where the dragon had been sighted. “Barb?!”

The tiny dragoness twisted to look up, blushing a little and pointing to a pile of letters she had received since Dusk had left. “Princess Cadence has been sending reports from the Wonderbolts' cadets, they have been scouting out the path you picked out, they even sent a warning about Diamond Dogs on the west side of the valley. I- I figured I’d update the map for you, Dusk.”

There it was, that keen innocence of mind that pulled at his attention to the dear dragoness. Stepping up to her side and wrapping her in his arms, he hugged her close. “You have done very well, my Number One Assistant.” He half snickered as he let his nails stroke the scales of her back, releasing a quiet sigh. As he turned to look over the map, the black letter from Celestia caught his eye, poking out from under the stack of other pages. “Barb?” He asked with quiet care.

The dragoness lifted an arm, and wiped her snout across her wrist, as if blowing her nose before looking up at Dusk. “You’re going to do something really, really, really dangerous, right, Dusk? Well, I spent most of the morning mad and sad. I… I might have broken a few plates. Then the first report from the cadets came in, and it talked about a landslide. I-I‘m still mad at you, Dusk, and scared too. Why must Princess Celestia always send you to fix these problems? Why can’t she do something herself?” For a moment, the dragoness looked ready to burst into tears, but she gathered herself back together, and looked up to Dusk again. “But, I want you safe. So I’ll be scared later. For now, I wanted to keep you safe.”

The little dragoness refused to meet his eyes, and Dusk gave an exhausted sigh before releasing his hug. “You are right, Barb. After I return, I’ll try to make it up to you.” The dragoness gave a little snort followed by a sniffle, and jumped out of his chair, heading into the kitchen. Dusk glanced over the hundreds of little notes that had been scribbled over the map in the dragoness’ keen scribbling, proud of her small but smart notes. Dusk pushed that aside and looked up again to the gathered mares. “Sorry, let’s keep this brief, it has been a long day.”

Dusk gestured to the pile of books that had stacked up on the desk while the mares found different places to sit or lean, Applejack slipped behind him, her fingers directing him into the chair while she worked her thumbs into his shoulderblades. “My research led me to a few solutions that might drive the dragon from our lands. The first is the cause of Bronze’s new sheaf of paperwork, that pile of new titles might just be enough to convince the dragon to flee. Then comes Fluttershy. Her skill with animals works with Barb, so she might be able to convince him to take the peaceful way out.”

The whimper and cry from Fluttershy was soothed out by Rarity’s calming grip on her shoulder, and soft whisper into her ear. Dusk paused for a moment to let her calm, and he gave a soft nod. “Third is the traditional method of the Wonderbolts. It’s a herbal brew that smokes up thick and gets into the dragon’s lungs, it will drive it mad, but send it running. It’s cruel, but sometimes, it is the only way to get a dragon to leave. Fourth is Dash’s speed and Applejack’s strength. Dash challenges the dragon to a race, or finds a way to goad it into chasing her, then Applejack collapses the cave mouth while it’s away, leaving it no choice but to move on. And last…”

As one, all six lifted a hand to stroke fingers across their respective Element, each lost in thought for a moment. Dusk looked up again and smiled. “Gather the supplies we talked about on our walk, then get a good night’s rest. We leave in the morning at first light.”

It was… midnight? Maybe two in the morning at best?... Dusk couldn’t remember anymore. He only knew that he was awake, and he wasn’t going back to sleep. He had promised his lovers before they left, that he would sleep. And he had, if only for a few hours. Now, as he rose again from his bed, he felt the stiff thickness of his worn out muscles. Crossing to the small writing desk in his bedroom, Dusk let his fingers drift over the quill, and he found something he could focus upon. Lyra was still such a mystery, but Bronze Feather wasn’t.

As Dusk thought about each mare in turn, the exhaustion was driven back, and for a while, his mind was free of the chaotic stress that haunted him. The worry and fears for his friends, and the mares he loved, couldn’t be dismissed so quickly, but he might drive those thoughts away, if he kept himself busy. He would spend the night researching, and writing, and by morning he had one letter for Princess Luna… and another for himself, he still had too many questions left about the spy. That work in progress was slipped into his current study journal, to be brought along on this trip. In the end, he returned to his bed, collapsing into the blankets and curling up, to sleep again for another hour or two, awakening only at Barb’s voice. “Dusk, are you awake? The others are here.”

Author's Notes:

Not an epic swing chapter, but I hope it helps show the growing relationships of the mane six, and adds more details to the Wonderbolts in the process.

Please note that because I posted this at the same time as the linked profiles, they might not show up proper if you loaded the chapter right after I uploaded it. A quick reload or a trip to my blog should fix it though.