The rhythm of Dusk's pulse exploded in his ears like the endless impact of a hammer upon an anvil. So much had gone wrong so quickly, and now as the world shattered before him, the stallion could only marvel at the glass shards as they slipped from his fingertips. The horror was real; Nightmare Moon had returned.

Desperation drove him to clutch once more at the shards, violently pulling things back together, and forcing his way once more into the now. The tattered remains of his shirt hardly covered his bare chest, and he stood alone in the middle of Ponyville's shattered Town Hall. All around him lay the broken forms of Princess Celestia's honour guard, while a weight on his chest reminded him of what had happened mere moments before. Almost lifeless, the form of his brother Shining Armor lay collapsed against him.

As realization dawned, the heat of rage boiled up once more, sending a fresh surge of strength to his aching limbs. With care, he shifted to crawl out from under his brother’s broken body, his voice screaming forth a challenge at the nightmare before him.

Nightmare Moon stood over the crumpled remains of a dozen guards, their helpless bodies now reduced to simple playthings for the psychotic alicorn's amusement. The blast that hit her square in the back was powerful, enough to cause this Goddess of Darkness to stumble, caught unaware as she was. She turned, levelling upon the revived student of her crushed sister a heartless glare. Her voice boomed in the empty hall, the impact of her words alone staggering the wounded boy who had dared to again stand before her. "THOU DARE STAND AGAINST THY ONE TRUE QUEEN? HOW MANY TIMES WILT I BREAK THEE LIKE SCATTER’D TOYS BENEATH MINE FEET?"

He reeled from the volume of her powerful voice as if it were a tangible attack. With effort, he only just managed to draw a breath, the sheer force of her voice enough to knock the wind out of him. The black force of her magic shot through the air, piercing the shield he had half formed and only narrowly passing over his shoulder to obliterate the wall at his back. The black haze began to form once more before his eyes, when a sudden burst of wind slammed into the dark alicorn from behind, throwing her through a nearby wall and out into the town itself.

Blinking to try and force the black haze of exhaustion away, Dusk only now realized strong hands had taken him up and were carrying him away from the battlefield that had once been a celebration of the summer’s official start. In the distance, yet somehow right beside his ear, Dusk could make out concerned voices all speaking over one another.

"You got him? She will be back any second, Mac. You gotta hurry."

"I ain't never seen nobody take a hit from Dash from behind and get up so fast."

"Eeyup."

"What of the others?"

"Ah got Shining. Dunno if anyone else made it."

"The poor guards... what ever has she done to Princess Celestia? What can we do against a goddess like her?"

They were all voices he vaguely recalled, but the glass shards of reality had slipped again from his fingers, and soon, the darkness violently forced its way in and began to take his mind away. The sweet freedom of a peaceful death suddenly no longer panicked the stallion.

The blackest depths of an unknowable darkness swept over Dusk's mind and soon, the pain that tore at his lungs with every gasp for breath was suddenly gone. Now, he floated free of it all in the unfathomable darkness. Unlike the outside, this place was peaceful, and somehow so much better than fighting anymore. In the silence, Dusk began to understand at last that he was dying, and those voices he had heard before... they must be his new-found friends. Strangely, even in this silent place, that somehow managed to tug at him a little despite the nothingness in which this tiny fraction of his mind still floated. Even in the void, where he had accepted death, there was something that called out to him...

"Help!"

“What was that sudden flash, that voice that called me? Somehow it is new and yet familiar, and its sorrow tears at my peaceful quiet and the calm of this realm of death. It is like something I have always heard in the back of my mind, but until today I have never been able to understand it, not when it was drowned in the din of everyday life.”

"Help!" The voice called out again, throwing apart his peaceful void and tossing him into the violent chaos... and all from the sound of that hopelessly sorrowful voice. Its agonized tones pulled at his emotions, when even his heart had stopped beating.

“Even here, in the endless darkness, it tugs at my mind as if it might pull me back to life, to force me awake again with mournful tones alone. But why, I know it not... yet it tears open my soul to ignore the desperation in that voice. I wonder, could it be Princess Celestia? Is she somehow calling to me from wherever Nightmare Moon has her trapped?“

"HELP!"

“No... it is not the Princess... but who? Why? And how have they found me here, ruining the formerly-peaceful embrace of death’s endless sleep?”

"HELP ME, DUSK!"

At last Dusk realized who that voice was. That realization was all it took, driving him to fight once more; he knew he must not die this day. Somehow, somewhere, that voice was calling to him, and he was awake.

The horror had started hours ago and a world away in Dusk's mind. He had been in the bathroom, still quietly enjoying his day for the first time with Nurse Redheart. The easygoing mare had done his nerves a world of good, when suddenly, a light knock echoed upon the bathroom’s locked door.

Barb had come alone to the bathroom door, and knocked with a soft touch, her tender voice still worried as she spoke just loudly enough for him to make out. "Dusk, it's almost time for the celebration to start. Do you feel up to joining us for Princess Celestia's arrival?"

Just for a moment, he glanced sidelong at Redheart and the words almost didn't rise in his throat. But even as he thought it, she was once more tying that bun together again in her hair. A sigh died upon his lips before it could form itself and he spoke at last. "Of course, Barb. It is on her checklist of duties for the celebration, and besides, it will be nice to see her again on a happier note rather than like last time after the exam."

Outside the bathroom once more, Dusk at last realized how early it already was. Only one or two of the guests remained behind to help Pinkie Pie clean up, as all the others had moved on to the city hall already. Smiling warmly at Barb, he started to tenderly rub her head spikes’ green curve, his voice soft. "Sorry for worrying you Barb, I am alright now... just had to blow off some steam." A snort, clearly from Pinkie, got him laughing too, helping to lighten the mood.

Redheart's hand took his own, slipping a card into his palm. "My address, should you have need to talk again. I get most night shifts at the clinic as well." Her voice was light, warm and tender. Dusk fondly cherished that, and the too-long time she held his hand before leaving him behind. Turning to Pinkie, he realized quite quickly that she was blushing as well.

Redheart spoke up again, addressing Pinkie. "Let's get to the ceremony Pinkie, I'm sure the others have saved you a seat. This can wait for another hour or two."

As Dusk stepped towards the pink-haired party planner, however, she shied away just for a moment before her bright nature reasserted itself. "And you Dusk, you've got the best seat in the house. We made sure it was saved by Big Mac, himself." Pinkie suddenly wrapped her arms around his forearm and resting a cheek on his shoulder, and Dusk took it as her method of communicating an apology. With Barb’s hand gripping his free hand, the three turned and left, they be the last to arrive at the hall... save for Her.

The world around him was suddenly a blinding glare of painful white light, and his heart's strong beat once more flooded into his ears, no longer the overwhelming roar it had been before, instead now a steady, level pulse. Rendered blind by the oppressive brightness, Dusk heard a gasp of breath nearby, too close. And then, the rush of voices returned again to wash over him, and the pressure of the sound prevented him from moving at first; it was a harsh struggle to even draw each breath. The world about him now was a horror, filled with only pain.

"You did it Princess! He.. he is breathing again!"

"But..."

"How is he? Was your magic able to..." That was... Pinkie? But she was cut off by a voice from his youth.

"I didn't have the chance... he just... started breathing again all by himself." A pause then, and that voice whispered from very close to his ear, tone tender. "Dusk? Dusk can you hear me?"

Still trapped in a world of only blinding light and pain, Dusk's insides felt as if they had been ripped up, like he had been run over in the night. Parting cracked lips, he managed to make the agonizing effort to greet his foalsitter in their traditional manner. With a helpless voice hardly above a whisper he spoke out. "Sun... su... sunshine... sunshine... la... la... lady... lady..." A coughing fit came over him and his voice failed him once more, only to feel the sudden assault of cool water on his lips. Someone was giving him a drink.

But here, Princess Cadance, her heart shredded with sorrow and joy at the same time, finished for him, quietly laughing at the silly song for kids she had taught him so long ages ago. "Labybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.” Cadance's voice was haunted, the sound of half-sobs stuck within her throat as her fingers stroked through his hair. The sound of the door closing behind someone who had just left made it clear he must be alone with Cadance. Her voice weak, she spoke with tender care even as the water returned to his lips again. “Oh Dusk, you had us so worried. I only just arrived a few minutes ago. It took everything I could manage just to drive Nightmare Moon off... And then... then Shining Armor told me you were gone... what's happening, Dusk? Why is Nightmare Moon back, and where is Princess Celestia?"

Dusk swallowed roughly at the water, his voice at last returning to him. He felt her sorrow for a moment, but they had more important matters at hand. His right arm felt useless at his side, so he tried to lift the left and gripped her by the back of the head, pulling her close so she might hear his whispered words. "Princess Luna... is alive."

City Hall in Ponyville was as illustrious as Dusk remembered. Rarity's hard work had clearly paid off as the gathered crowds were all engaged in admiration of the decorations. Clusters of ponies stood at the back of the room, speaking in groups while the front two-thirds of the room had packed rows of chairs in tight to the front balcony to allow as many as possible to watch the Princess raise the sun when the celebration began.

As his gaze began to shift over the crowd, Pinkie was directing him through it, and they were quickly joined by Applejack and two younger fillies. Realizing that he knew one girl, Dusk attempted to call out to her, offering both girls a friendly smile. "Apple Bloom, good morning. Who is your little friend?"

Instantly, the two girls turned to stare at one another, the soft-spoken new girl whispering to Apple Bloom, even while shifting to half-hide behind AJ. Strangely, the grey mulberry and rose hair reminded Dusk of someone else who was absent, prompting him to ask gently, "And where is Rarity? I had figured she would want to be front and center for this big event."

This got a response from the girls. First, Bloom stepped up to Dusk, her low but country-bred voice clear and confident. "Hiya Dusk! This here’s Sweetie Belle, she's Rarity's lil' sister." She turned to her shy friend and tried to pull the hiding unicorn filly out from behind her older sister. "Come on, Sweetie! Dusk's super nice and a really powerful unicorn!”

Sweetie had been reluctant to step forward and take the full attention that awaited her, at least until the towering stallion asked about Rarity. Now, she very slowly took a few small strides to stand before him, eyes wide while she pointed up towards the balcony that overlooked the main hall facing the east. Her voice was a quiet whisper, squeaking with excitement. “She is front and center, Mister Dusk. Up on the balcony, she gets to pull the cord to reveal Princess Celestia herself, when the sun rises!” Bringing her hands up before her face, the little filly gave a soft giggle, though still a little sheepish before Dusk. “My big sister's so lucky!”

At last, Dusk understood the situation and turned to grin at Applejack, crouching low and offering to her his hand, his voice low and easy. “Well then, it is a pleasure to meet you, little Sweetie Belle. Shall we find our seats?” he asked, standing up once more. He grinned at the cowgirl as she stepped in close to his side, her hands crossing over her chest as the two followed the girls when they bolted across the room to find chairs in the front row that had been reserved for Dusk and a few guests in his company.

AJ's head turned to gesture towards a curtain where soft birdsong whispered free loud enough for one to hear. The cowgirl softly spoke up, “‘Shy's back there. She required it or she wouldn’t be able to get the birds calm enough to perform publicly.” A knowing glance at him made it clear he should know it was for Fluttershy, and not for the birds’ sake. Then a second casual point of her hand directed him to Pinkie, who was helping Big Mac direct others to the chairs. “Unless I'm mistaken, it’s only five minutes until the Princess arrives. Do you think we should save the Royal Guards a few extra seats?”

Now Dusk shifted his weight and lifted his head to look around, but then shook his head. Things were going so well, he felt a little comfortable being casual with the farmpony. “No. Shining Armor is leading them here today, and he will not sit. And if he will not, neither will they. But it is kind of you to be so thoughtful.”

A blush began to spread across AJ's cheeks and she shifted a little to draw away from him slightly, rubbing her open palms across her arms in a few steady strokes of embarrassment as they arrived at the chairs just below the balcony. Dusk was happy to take up a chair offered to him by Apple Bloom, fluffing the girl’s hair and grinning warmly. With the weight off his feet, he grinned up at AJ and over to Sweetie before the sound of the room falling silent rushed over them all.

Pinkie and Mac had finished their work and stood now at the front of the room, both making motions to silence those who were waiting for the show to start. Behind her drape, the rap of a baton against wood called Fluttershy's birds to full attention, their song sounding out and echoing forth across the crowded hall.

In a single motion, the twin doors on the opposite side of the hall were cast open. Marching in flawless formation, the Royal Guard crossed the hall with quiet but firm purpose. Clearly, Dusk’s brother had been drilling this formation a great deal. Each guard, be it mare or stallion, moved in a surging wave that flooded into the hall. Their order was a grand display, organized in a repeating pattern of each tribe, earth, pegasus, and unicorn, and at the same time, matching that motif were mare, stallion, mare, stallion. Front and center, Shining Armor strode with great dignity and pride, the noble officer stepping forward to stand below the balcony.

One hand lifted, and the music stopped, allowing Armor's voice to echo forth across the room. “People of Ponyville. It is with great pride and honor to introduce to you, Her Highness, Princess Celestia!” With a sweeping shift he cast his gaze up to the balcony, where Rarity reached out and pulled at the cord that held the drapes closed.

And standing in behind them was not the expected sun goddess, who had for a thousand years ruled over her people and protected them from the dangers that filled the world. Instead, a towering black alicorn greeted them, wearing thin black plate mail, crafted with arcane designs carved into every inch of the surface. Her glare was as cold as ice, and she had an ethereal flood of rich purple hair, the depths of the stars visible in that mane. Her voice lifted to echo forth throughout the room with command. “HELLO AGAIN, MINE FOALS. AT LONG LAST THY ONE TRUE QUEEN HAS RETURNED. BOW DOWN BEFORE ME, FOR I AM-”

Another voice called out from below, before she could finish her demand of her newly found subjects. Dusk realized he was standing, already pushing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle behind AJ, his eyes wide with horror. “Nightmare Moon!”

It had taken what felt like hours, yet at last, Dusk managed to sit up. How long had it been since Princess Cadance had left the room? It must have been only a few minutes, but in the dark world of pain that was Dusk's mind, it felt like days just drawing up the strength to continue on.

The clinic was so crowded Dusk had been put in the bedroom inside Ponyville's library, and the effort it took to make his way back down the staircase nearly sent him back again into that waiting void of the darkness. It was only through raw willpower alone that Dusk found his way into the library’s main hall.

Gasping for breath and resting his face against the cold wood of a table, he tried to organize his thoughts. Only now was he quiet enough to realize he wasn't alone. Seven mares from his last two days slept clustered around the room. Big Mac had joined them, sleeping upon the floor, his massive body a roadblock propped against the door.

Dusk took a moment to assess himself, getting a feel for some feeble measure of his returned magic. His legs no longer struggled to support his weight under each weak step, and he felt confident enough to continue walking, even without something to lean against. The soft glow of his horn lit as a faint light spell was summoned forth, let him pick his way across the room. The effort of sustaining even this weak spell made his breath feel ragged, preventing him from drawing another proper breath.

A book suddenly slammed closed before him, and from the darkness of a deep armchair the figure of an eighth mare pushed forward. Veiled in the darkness as she was, Dusk strained to see who it was. A flash of ethereal purple-blue hair drifted before his eyes, and one hand lifted to press a finger to her lips. A whispered hush drifted across the room, causing him to gasp and stand up again. He was still in the middle of the room where he had stopped to rest his head upon the cool surface of the table’s wood. He had passed out again, his weakness overwhelming him where he sat.

A hand gently slipped under his arms and a candle was lit. Suddenly, Dusk was no longer alone. The faces of five mares surrounded him, guiding him in silence to the same armchair he had just dreamt about. Setting him down, AJ and Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and nodded to one another.

At last, someone spoke. It startled Dusk that it was himself. "I must find a book... the only one that might have some kind of aid for this night. ‘The Elements of Harmony’... it might be our only hope."

Shockingly, it was Fluttershy who spoke up against this plan first and loudest, drowning out even Rainbow Dash's flippant decry, "A book? Seriously? How is a book going to have any effect on Nightmare Moon!"

The normally-quiet pegasus was now directly in Dusk's face, her small hands cupping his jaw, a determined glare levelled at his half-focused eyes. "Do you know what you're saying Dusk? How do you think you can defeat an alicorn goddess like her when you can't keep your eyes focused? It's hardly been five hours since you came back from the dead, and you are already off trying to get killed again!" A harsh groan escaped her lips and she turned, pointing out the sleeping figure of Barb upon a pillow at Big Mac's side. "It took hours for us to comfort her after you... you died Dusk..." There was a brief pause as her hands rested on his cheeks and her forehead rested against his own, as she drew a shuddering breath, trying to gather herself once more.

From across the room, Pinkie called out with bold delight, hopping up and dancing back across the room to place it upon the desk at his side. "Found it!” When all turned to stare at the overly enthusiastic mare she simply grinned warmly and offered a shrug. “It was under ‘E’!"

Dispirited by Fluttershy's words, their truth stung Dusk deeply. Here he was so weak, yet all around him stood five mares strong and confident, some offering to help him, others trying to save him from his devotion to duty. A smile crossed his lips as he pointed to the book, his voice soft. "If I remember the parts I skipped over before, we shouldn't have to fight her. We just need to find the weapon Princess Celestia used to win before; the Elements of Harmony. With them, maybe we have a chance. Please someone, read to me? Fluttershy's right, I have no strength for it."

A quiet murmur rippled through the group, yet Rarity stepped forward, a lamp in one hand, placing it beside the book. Her eyes were hollow, haunted by the day of horror. But she reached out and with a dainty hand flipped open the book, her voice strong for the small crowd. "Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria..."

Nightmare Moon’s lithe figure swiftly shifted upon her high balcony, an evil grin splitting her lips while a monstrous gaze locked upon the unicorn stallion beneath her. Dusk's words had her full attention, and her voice rippled forth with bold delight. "SOMEPONY REMEMBERS? THEN BOW BEFORE THY PRINCESS AND SHOW THY LOYALTY TO THE ONE TRUE QUEEN OF EQUESTRIA!" The powerful and intimidating aura of the haughty alicorn might have made others bend the knee, the terror of her presence and spiteful aura a crushing weight to almost any who attempted to meet her gaze. With Princess Celestia's disappearance, the disaster of the day was a crushing weight to any soul who witnessed the devastation.

The gathered crowd was frozen, torn by the horror, the despair. Shining Armor spoke then, shattering the eerie silence. “Nightmare Moon, as head of Princess Celestia's Honour Guard, I give you this chance, this one and only chance. Return the Princess and be gone from our realm in peace. Fail this, and you will feel the full weight of the people of Equestria crash down against you.” The gathered soldiers, men and women, stepped into tight formation. Unicorns gathered their will, their horns piling up with power concentrated at a point. The pegasi flexed their wings, shifting their weight, preparing to cast into the fray. The earth ponies drew weapons, many bringing up shields and already using them to push the gathered crowds back out of the room.

Nightmare Moon's eyes slit, tightening down across the tall diamond-shaped pupil with great rage at this defiance. Her weight shifted forward and she stomped one foot on the ground before her. The burst of force caused the balconies railing to shatter, exploding out across the room. The already-worried crowd was showered with violently hurled spears of wood splinters, and while none died, first blood had been drawn from the innocent masses. “YE FOALS! THOU CANNOT HOPE TO STAND BEFORE MINE MIGHT!”

A scream rang out across the panicked room as Rarity fell from the balcony from the force of the blast, her body thrown into the air and falling toward the crowd. In that same instant, two spheres of powerful magic wrapped around the falling mare, quickly merging together as the brothers Armor and Dusk realized they had both cast at the same time to save her. It was Armor who spoke however, his voice a call to war. “Loyal Guards of Princess Celestia! This Nightmare must never have her night again!” His protective aura around the mare dropped, leaving Dusk to catch her in his arms as she left the buffering grip of his magic.

Blasts from spells shot forth from over a dozen horns. Archers launched arrows from six points around the room in a single, even volley were matched by six other earth guards’ thrown javelins... yet the response to this violent offensive threat was the harsh laughter of a dark goddess, who cast one hand before her as if lazily swatting at flies. A burst of power rippled forth from that easy motion, and shattered the combined offence of more than a dozen loyal guardians without any effort.

Even as warriors reloaded and guards shifted the mob to escape the room's violence, Nightmare Moon moved to quickly strike back. Her horn glowed with the same odd ethereal black-purple aura that swelled forth, powering the blast of her magic across the gathered crowds. It was matched in turn with targeted bolts of dark power that burst forth and cracked upon the ground before those nearest, throwing them into the air. Over a dozen guards hit the walls about the room, sending them sprawling and spiralling in the violence of this sudden war.

Dusk managed to at last step forward to join the fight, now that Rarity had left with AJ and the young fillies. Drawing forth his strength, he waited for Nightmare to direct her blast before he shot his blow in return. Just like two days ago, he channelled it all into a single tight arrow-point of force, attempting to pierce her guard fast, before she might cast it aside like the others, his reasoning being that this might allow him to find a weak point before she could react.

As the ribbon of light shot forth and blasted up into Nightmare Moon’s chest, the breath was sucked from his lungs, even as she cried out when the impact smashed into her. For just a moment, hope flickered in Dusk's mind. It died just as fast, for as the blast of force dissipated, Nightmare Moon stepped forth once more, her armor blemished, yet far from hurt, and she dropped her gaze to Dusk and fell upon him with the full force of her magic.

In that instant, Dusk dragged together his power, attempting to throw up a shield as he had learned from Shining. As the bubble wrapped about him to absorb the blow, it was insufficient by orders of magnitude. The assault forced him to fall back step after step, even as the few remaining guards let loose their second assault, joined by Armor himself. Her blast waned, dropping off for just a second. It was in that second that his shield fell. Dropping to his knees and falling slowly back, Dusk knew he was out of this fight, likely permanently after today. As Nightmare Moon once again threw the guards about the room like rag dolls, he knew he was going to join them soon.

In a flash, a lost memory came to the fore. It had only been a few months ago when the Princess herself taught him something secret, something forbidden. It involved drawing from somewhere deep inside, where the Princess had shown him that his life-force burned. Here, Dusk forced himself to gather the strength... to be able to pull forth the magic that kept any pony alive, that made his heart beat and his brain work. Dusk drew every ounce of this power he could focus and shaped together into a bolt to shoot forth once again. An incredibly focused blast, this one wasn’t just a single blow to strike down the alicorn in a single strike like before. Instead, it struck harder, faster, and sharper, and was going to be sustained until his life-force might flicker out.

This boundless blow slipped through her guard, and the powerful magic managed to strike home. Of the guards, only two still stood, both powerful earth pony titans in the heaviest of armor. Their training allowed them to spot an opening, and each drew back, twisting to level their spears. With a swift charging stride, the long weapons were hurled violently up to join in with Dusk's relentless assault. A roar of grinding metal echoed forth across the room as under this combined blow to Nightmare Moon's armor ended with a sudden snap, her mail shattering, and the black breastplate cracked from collar to belly.

Dusk at last let go of the well he had drawn upon; let it go free and let his body fall forward, barely catching himself on one hand to rest upon the ground. Coughing hard, blood welled up in his throat, and small droplets burst forth, hitting the floor with his spittle, a stark reminder of the reality of where his power had come from. Hands were on his shoulders, lifting him, and Dusk realized Armor had regained his feet, the proud stallion's breastplate no longer matching his name. He offered a grin down to his younger brother and for a moment his lips formed to speak, only to be cut off by a burst of noise-absorbing thunder that rippled through all in the room.

Reforming on the ground before them, Nightmare Moon returned from the nothingness of a shadow in which she had been hiding after that powerful assault. Evil laughter burst forth as she once more became a physical force upon the world, and drew forth her strength to once again blast at the mortal brothers. In the instant before the blow landed, Dusk could feel Shining's Shield form in a ripple of power, one that was instantaneous, and yet at the same time, it was far too slow, too late to save anyone.

And then, darkness as the evil goddess’ blast hit.

Dusk's weight shifted, a gasp of pain escaping his lips as the cotton bandages were wrapped around bruised ribs, Fluttershy still fretting one might even be cracked. Nurse Redheart was still too busy to come, thus it was left up to Fluttershy to handle Dusk's broken body while Rarity read out loud for the rest of them. Quiet as the room might be, all could hear every pained sound that escaped his lips, thus, the stallion did everything he could to keep quiet.

The full assessment of the damage had taken over two hours. Of course, the bandaging of his ribs had been the major effort so far, but his right lung had collapsed, his left arm was broken, one cheek-bone was shattered, last of all, he taken a concussion, and the resulting trauma was why his memories had been flowing in random fragments all out of order and broken shards. Fluttershy's regenerative tonic helped with that, but it took time, and Dusk had made her add anything she had on hand that might help dull the roaring pain in his left arm.

As he shifted to stand up, AJ rushed to support his weight on one side while Dash took the other. The strain was unbearable and yet at the same time, was worlds easier than it had been a few short hours before. He expelled a harsh breath and he swallowed sharply to pull away from the supporting mares to take a slow step forward. His legs were weak, shivering with each transfer of pressure, but he could handle the slow and steady pace now. “So we have it. The book says the Elements were last kept in the Castle of Two Sisters, deep inside the Everfree Forest, a place none visit any longer due to the unpredictable magic and magical species that now run wild.” He drew another breath slowly as his weight shifted to rest on his arms upon the table before him, hissing against the pain while resting his forehead on the cool wood of the table once more.

Rarity cleared her throat and shifted her weight before speaking before the others. “It's what the book claims darling, but it’s been a thousand years since anypony has seen the five Elements. Is it even possible they remain? So much could be lost in the ages that have passed.” A slight pout was offered at the sight of the stallion's weak body and struggling efforts to move. In an instant, she was at his side, and tenderly drew a finger over the back of his head while her other hand moved to begin massaging across his temple. “Dusk. We can go without you. It's too much for your body. Your dedication is staggering but you'd never make it, even with our aid.”

Standing up tall and looking over the other mares collecting around him, Dusk quickly realized that despite any argument he might have been ready to make, it was never going to be enough to fend off the girls’ rational debate, so he skipped over rational argument on the matter. His voice level and warm, he locked his gaze upon AJ. “Tell me, Applejack. Do you think that anything you can say will stop me from going, knowing my dedication to Princess Celestia?” A shift of weight to turn his gaze to Dash next, his voice was sure and firm. “You were fighting her with the guards, Rainbow Dash. You saw me tap the forbidden magic. You understand I will sacrifice everything to stop Nightmare Moon, do you not?”

The first two girls were already stammering at his words even as he turned with an easy stride to place a hand upon Fluttershy's cheek. “It is not just for the Princess I go; it is for everyone here, from Apple Bloom to Shining Armor. Who might die in the next attack from Nightmare Moon? The greatest of Princess Celestia's Honour Guard were shattered by the first attack, and few lived through that horror. I am not in this for honour, for pride. I am doing this because I am the only one who can, and that is just the truth.”

His shift turned to look at Rarity and Pinkie Pie. “I can offer you no rational argument, but if my sacrifice saves Ponyville... saves Equestria... it is the least I can do. This argument is over.” He locked a solid glare on one mare after another casting his gaze across them, his breath hissing free in slow effort to keep calm, to stay stable. At last tapping his foot on the floor, he accepted their silence as an answer. “If that is settled... we leave, now.”

And now at last, the girls found a reason to speak up against him. “But Dusk... shouldn't you at least put on a shirt and maybe some kind of pants that are in one... er... piece?”

The wild forest known as the Everfree had proven to be just as daunting as the others had warned. Dusk could hardly walk without the assistance of Applejack's strong arm under his, the effort of the first mile had torn at his lungs and left him on the edge of collapse, but the girls had long come to understand there was no way he was going to be made to turn back, no matter how many times they insisted. Twice, AJ had attempted to simply carry him back, but he had showed his strength, forcing her strong grasp away and beginning the laborious effort of walking all on his own. Now she had given in, knowing there was no point in fighting him anymore.

As the age-old maps directed, they followed a basic path, one that might once have been some grand highway, but now was simply a near-invisible series of landmarks that had to be picked out. Eventually, their directions broke down to simply going with the forest’s flow, but a fog rose, soaking into every surface and blotting out any source of light save Rarity's magic torch. Limited to but a few feet around them, it forced Rainbow Dash to give up on her attempts to scout the path. The hours crawled by in the world of deep fog, making their progress ever slower in the thick woods.

Clustered close, Dusk's head rested upon AJ's shoulder, offering a slight blush and a smile as she glanced down at him once more, even as the careful group wandered further into the depths of the woods. Pinkie shifted back a little and turned to speak over her shoulder, voice warmly calling back over her shoulder with her usual excited delight. “I think the fog is thinning out ahead! I can see a river too!” walking backwards, the energetic woman grinned wide...

And then suddenly, the world threw them off their feet. The ground collapsed before them, trees washing away in the sudden landslide. Nothing but blackness was visible before them. Ground rolling under his feet, he and AJ uncontrollably began to slide down the incline towards the suddenly too-close cliff edge.

Thrown around by the quake and the land's shift under her, AJ's strength was suddenly put to the test as she caught herself on a deep-rooted tree stump, her muscles straining and her breath cast from her lungs. Suddenly, she was aware of just what it was Dusk had been put through in the last day’s battle. Gasping for air as the landslide died off, the powerful cowgirl drew herself up to stand once more, about to start dusting off her right side of the deep gravel scratches when at last she realized she was alone. A gasp and sudden twist around to face towards the cliff edge, she saw Dusk flat upon his belly, hanging half over the edge and grasping at the crumbling cliff edge, his one good arm clawing at the dirt for a grip.

Swift, strong legs kicked out, and with three long, powerful steps, she found herself at a cliff-edge that led to infinity below. Bracing her weight and lunging, she threw her weight over that cliff to capture one of Dusk's wrists as he fell from the ledge, the impact of hitting the ledge forcing all her breath from her lungs for a second time as many minutes. Luckily, she had him, and strained with effort as she threw a second hand over to wrap under his arms, doing everything in her strength to pull him back from the brink. “I got you sugarcube. Hold on and leave this all up to me. I swear I won't let you fall.”

Dusk's gaze lifted, his one good arm shifting to wrap around the more powerful woman's shoulders as he cried out in a pained panic, even while the pressure of her grip across his shoulder blade made the limp arm ache. “You... have me?” He almost laughed at the insanity of it all.

Her belly scraped forward inch by painful inch as she tried to catch her legs on something, anything to prevent this continued slide over the cliff’s edge. In the distance below them she spotted Dash and Fluttershy shifting about and leaving Pinkie Pie by the river bank below, turning about and shooting back up into the air once more, towards them, but they were going to be too late. If they both fell, Fluttershy was never going to be able to handle catching one of them, and as fast as Dash was, she might never manage that much weight so fast. A plan formed at last, and she looked down deep into Dusk's eyes. “Dusk... let go.”

Dusk's eyes, bloodshot red with stress and pain suddenly bolted wide open even as she spoke, his voice still panicked, still lost to the depths beneath him. “Are you crazy?”

AJ shifted onto her rump and braced herself, digging the heels of her cowboy boots into the soft earth to save them both from tumbling over the edge. Her gaze returned to Dusk's and she put everything she had into her next words. “You asked us to bring you here Dusk, so we did because your words rang true, now you have to trust me. Trust me Dusk, and let go.”

Dusk's eyes were wide, and they gazed deep into hers before at last he shut his eyes tight and released her grip. With his weight instantly lost to the void of darkness blow, Applejack swiftly crab-crawled backwards from the edge, catching her breath as she found a comfortable place to curl up against safe ground. From below, Dusk's scream rang out as he fell... and was suddenly cut off.

That look in AJ's eyes... that was what the real trick of it all. She said the words ‘trust me’, and in the depths of her eyes, he simply couldn't argue, no matter how the insanity of her plan shocked him. Releasing her and falling into the open space while his legs kicked in desperation. A spell for falling... he had used Shining's shield spell to help save Rarity from the balcony fall, but that was only twenty, thirty feet. Not like this, and he was so weak right now, how could he hold the bubble even for...

Then hands had him, and his weight was lifted once more into the air. Rainbow Dash was on his right side, Fluttershy quickly joining her on his left. Both working to pump their wings and sustain their flight with the newly added weight. Applejack certainly had a plan. Now, she was jumping from one cliff edge to another as she rapidly made her way down the side of the drop to catch up with the others.

As the ground arrived under his feet, Dash's voice at last began to make sense in his ears over the worried chaos that had been distracting him until now. “Fluttershy, can't you hold a little more of his weight, you are putting way too much strain on his ribs!”

The weaker flier was darkly blushing, doing her best to support Dusk's weight as she attempted to soften their landing, her voice soft and tired. “Sorry... I'm not use to carrying anything more than a few baby bunnies...” she replied, turning away, a little ashamed by her weakness, her shoulders drooping in shame at being nearly no help.

Dusk leaned heavily against the supportive arms of Rainbow Dash, his breath coming in swift gasps, even as the darkness began to form before his eyes. In a moment of blind panic, he thought that he might be falling back towards the darkness from before. But when he felt Dash's hand upon his forehead, the strong touch brought him focus and let his eyes refocus on the things before him again. Nodding in thanks to the strong grip that held him, even while her fingers raked through his hair, his voice’s softness surprised him a little. “Thanks Dash... is vertigo common after such a sudden drop?” When she laughed and nodded he at last began to relax, resting for a moment as AJ stopped to brush off her knees and smooth down her clothing, panting with exhaustion at such a fast scaling to join them. “And relax Fluttershy. You did fantastic... you saved Pinkie while AJ took care of me, and you were able to catch up with Dash to help save me too.”

The shy girl began to turn and look up to him as he grinned warmly down at her. His strength to keep standing, even if he did need another to help, made her heart swell in a way she couldn't really identify. Shifting to stand up again, she began gently nodding even as she said in a soft and tiny voice, “I promise I'll try harder.”

If the others heard her, they didn't answer as Fluttershy shifted to stand a little taller and walked back over to join the others, her hands pulled behind her back to squeeze one with the other. AJ and Rainbow debated back and forth over who should carry Dusk, and in the end, Dash won. “You let me handle it for five minutes, AJ! You act like he’s an egg I'm gonna drop. I wont drop him and he isn't that fragile.” She wrapped an arm under Dusk's while her wing spread to help balance, wrapping protectively across his ribs, to offer some extra support. “And until he says otherwise or can walk on his own, I've got it!”

Glaring back at Dash, AJ joined Fluttershy and Rarity following behind Pinkie, who was singing in the lead of the group, calling back to the others with an excited voice, “I've found a nice big clearing, and even a road! I'm sure this way leads towards the castle! Come on guys!”

Following Pinkie's path through the woods, they finally came across the wide clearing that turned out to have a brick path. Inspecting it for a few minutes while everyone caught their breath, Dusk started going on about the type of stone and how old they were. His delight at the discovery helped to brighten the mood of the group. “You really made a great find Pinkie... are you some kind of a rock-hound in your free time?”

Pinkie's happy laugh echoed forth and she lightly poked Dusk in the nose, a mile-wide grin dancing on her lips. “My family owns a rock farm, silly. You're the part-time rock-hound! When all of this is done, you should come visit them sometime. We have all sorts of rocks that's bound to make your head go ‘wowie zowie’!” Turning away and stepping into the bush at the far edge of the path, Pinkie smacked face-first into the towering figure of a sleeping manticore.

Suddenly, all was panic and chaos around Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie and Applejack all drew together while pushing Dusk off to Rarity as they formed a barrier of bodies and tried to drive off the giant beast. Fluttershy’s eyes were wide, darting back and forth as she followed the fight before her. Her legs felt like jelly, and she couldn't look away from the fight. Her heart filled with panic as friends were suddenly thrown back by the beast’s mighty swipe of a paw... and then she saw it. She called out low and weak, “Wait!”

Dusk and Rarity had fallen back a ways, before nodding to one another and whispering something quickly back and forth to one another. Together, their magic swelled in their horns and shot forth to blast into the beast’s side, throwing it back into the bushes. A sudden roar and a single mighty leap brought the giant monster back to the clearing, rushing swiftly towards them again. “Everyone, wait!” Fluttershy tried to call out as best she could, over the panic and the action before her.

Suddenly, her legs moved on their their own, causing her to charge forward between her friends and the enraged beast, screaming out as loud as she could manage as she physically put herself between the battle. Shock from the noise and the sudden strength displayed by the normally-reserved mare caused all the others to draw up suddenly short, even while the beast still charged in upon stunned ladies.

Fluttershy shifted to turn, and facing down the approaching beast, she grappled with his paw and pulled the thorn she had noticed stuck in it only a moment before, offering her deep and soulful gaze up to the towering beast with a warm and light voice. “Now then kitty, can't you please forgive us for the confusion? I know your paw hurts real bad, but if you give me a second, I'll make it feel all better.”

The giant Manticore wrapped its powerful form around her, the huge bundle of fur and muscle shifting to assault her with long, deep, and soft strokes of its tongue, she herself began to blush deeply, shivering at the bold kitty’s attentions.

Dusk was floored. Little, timid Fluttershy had pushed them all back and stared down the towering beast, then with the simple use of kind words and a thorn removed from its paw, she had done the impossible; calming the great beast. Staggered by the effort of the fight, Dusk attempted to shift, leaning his weight over upon the nearest of the mares, only to find Rarity’s arms about his hips, and her smile gazing warmly up to his eyes. “But...”

A finger went to his lips and she lightly hushed his words. “Darling, look at them. Fluttershy is busy with the manticore, and Dash and AJ are almost as badly beaten up as you are. Even Pinkie is drooping from this recent fight. Let me carry your weight. I can handle it for a while.” A lie, Dusk knew, yet somehow she was managing it, despite the fact he towered a full six inches over her.

He softly nodded, making the extra effort to support his weight to avoid crushing the sweet-natured mare’s lavender mane. Taking a slow breath, he turned to lift his gaze and looked over the others. “I know everyone is exhausted... but once you have caught your breath we need to continue on. There is no telling what other wild animals are here that are not so forgiving as this manticore that haunt these woods.” He was expecting an argument or angry words, instead all that he got were soft nods and agreeable mutters. Everyone that had came with him was still just as dedicated to the mission as he was, and their support reminded him of Rarity's strong grip. “Then, let us continue... Thank you Rarity... Applejack... Pinkie... Fluttershy... Rainbow Dash. You five friends have already made this impossible trip a reality.”

Nods were offered in return. Sweet, kind words of reassurance were offered, and the tiny mare that held his hand squeezed his wrist. Once they were ready to move on, Dusk came to a realization. Rarity was putting up with his crushing weight upon her shoulders, and instead of trying to wiggle out from under his weight she was pulling him to put more of it upon her, as she softly brushed her nails against the back of his head. Every time he tried to stop her or pull his weight back a little she simply offered a smile up at him, squeezed the back of his neck, reminding him of the depths of her altruism, and refusing to let him suffer any more than she herself could take on.

Dusk's realization whispered in the back of his mind. She was willing to suffer as much as she had to, just to make up for being a weak link in the group. Dusk's blush was deep as he at last relented and placed a single soft kiss to her forehead. “Thank you, you silly filly.”

The fog had returned, deepening around them once more as they entered the thick forest, but this time at least, they had the road under their feet to help guide them. Rarity continued her staggering effort to carry Dusk, even though AJ and Dash felt refreshed, and stood strong, offering to take him from her. She had shot them down, her voice sure and calm, “You each had your turns, now it’s mine to get in close with Dusk. Besides, this way if something else attacks you can fend it off instead of being worried about dropping him on his face.”

As the dark shadows grew thicker, and the fog grew heavier about them, the close group stepped into a thicker canopy that formed overhead, preventing any bright light from piercing the woods. Rarity drew on her magic to light up a torch, and gave it to AJ who carried it high overhead. But as they started on again, a face formed in the woods before them, giant and bestial with gaping jaw and demonic eyes.

Unmoving and unblinking, the dark monster started them down... right up until Dash spoke up. “There... is another, to the right.” Pointing and gasping softly, the group started to move to the left in hopes of shifting away from the gathered hunting demons, only for a third to appear to their right... and then a fourth, a fifth... Soon, they were surrounded, more than a dozen bestial unmoving and unblinking faces each panting for breath and lit by a baleful fire that glowed inside their open mouths, it's blue-grey flames dancing wildly.

Dusk was starting to draw on his magic again, knowing they wouldn't be able to fight so many bestial demons without his assistance. Rarity was doing the same, though she continued to attempt to help Dusk, her hand slipping around his hips to help keep him upright. Then came the sound of... laughter? Pinkie was bowled over before the closest of the beasts, bawling with delight.

All those gathered turned their gaze back and forth from one another in shock at the situation before them. They gasped, even as the face before them suddenly faded as realization sunk in that it was simply a gnarled tree trunk, once the fog’s dim light had faded. “Wh... What?”

Pinkie Pie darted from one demonic face to another, still laughing, while offering an assortment of odd reactions to the monstrous faces that lay before them. She made funny faces in return, sticking out her tongue and acting like a monster herself even as she said, “Bleh. Ooo!”

Dusk gasped quietly in shock as even more of the demon faces winked out, clearing from the woods and revealing still more gnarled trees. He turned to call out harshly to the jester attempting to drive away the demons and their shadows. “Pinkie, what are you doing? Run!”

But again the silly filly’s response was so very different from what the gathered friends could have expected, as in a singsong voice she called out. “Oh Dusk, girls, don't you see?” She paused for a breath, then true singing suddenly broke out:

“When I was a little filly and the sun was going down...”

Dusk's shoulders fell and he nearly collapsed against Rarity's surprisingly secure grip. “Tell me she's not...”

“The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown,” continued the boldly singing filly. She continued dancing and darting about from one beastial face to another, laughing out before the faces even as a kick here and a wave of a hand there drove away still more of the ghost lights. Quickly, it became clear something more was happening here. Not one of demonic faces had been real, and still none of them had moved.

Still supporting Dusk, Rarity's exasperated tone confirmed his fears. “She is.”

“I'd hide under my pillow,”

“From what I thought I saw,”

“But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way,”

“To deal with fears at all!”

Dash had to turn to look around, her eyes wide, suddenly realizing what Pinkie had already started, her voice questioning the joyful mare. “Then what is?”

“She said, Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall,”

“Learn to face your fears,”

“You'll see that they can't hurt you,”

“Just laugh to make them disappear!”

“Ha! Ha! Ha!”

Who could question the results of this, as suddenly with this silly song and swift laughter, Pinkie had removed over half the demons’ presence. The dramatic effectiveness of this display of joy before the dark spirits around them drew an audible gasp from the gathered friends.

“So, giggle at the ghostly,”

“Guffaw at the grossly,”

“Crack up at the creepy,”

“Whoop it up with the weepy,”

“Chortle at the kooky,”

“Snortle at the spooky!”

“And tell that big, dumb, scary face to take a hike and leave you alone, and if he thinks he can scare you, then he's got another thing coming, and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... hahahaha... heh...”

“Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!”

As Pinkie carried on, the others couldn't resist the joyful display of the delighted fuzzball of pink energy. All were laughing warmly and feeling somehow as though bit of this day’s stress had dropped from their hearts. Again, that flash of realization whispered at the back of Dusk’s mind and tickled something he had read so recently. What it was though? It agitated him that he was missing something so simple, something his mind clearly had already figured out and simply not yet made him aware of it.

As the path continued and the fog cleared up, Dash had taken over leading the group, able to now see the others from the air after taking flight. The mare scouted high overhead, whipping back and forth in the air above them, hunting. And then, she spotted their objective: a castle ruin on the other side of a short gully. There was even a bridge across the gap, though it couldn't be too sturdy, considering its age. Shooting back to the ground before the group, she couldn't help but offer a proud grin. “I found it! It's only a few hundred feet ahead across a old wood bridge.”

The murmur of joy from the others was clear, and Pinkie Pie cried out with delight. “Way to go Dashie! You've done it.” Grinning with delight, she posed proudly and accepted the congratulations from all those around, before turning to guide them on. Only as they arrived at the bridge did they realize the real problem before them. The bridge looked to be a hundred years old and had been allowed drop, as it hung over on the far side, as if someone had untied it.

“Nutbunnies... well it looked like the bridge isn't an option now, is it?” Pinkie was crestfallen as she spoke, but was nearly be bowled over by Dash's slight nudge to the ribs.

“What? Come on, this is no challenge, I'll just fly the bridge back over again. There was no way such a short flight could be a problem in the thinning fog."

“Oh duh!” The bubblegum mare snorted in a joyful declaration, gently landing a bonk on her head.

Going by the look on his face, Dusk was less than reassured, his voice matching it, weak and tired. “Just be careful, and know we are here, just a short flight away if anything happens.”

Flying into the darkness alone, Dash landed on the far side of the gully and started inspecting the remains of the plank bridge, finding it in good shape and with lots of strong rope still on hand. A voice spoke out from behind, surprising her. Like liquid silk, the low cooing voice tickled at her consciousness, while hands slipped around her ribs and drew her into a hug. “My most interesting of subjects... you don't want to do that. For someone of your talents, I have a thousand better things you could be doing than helping them.” It was a voice Dash had heard only once before: at the battle of Ponyville Town Hall. As she turned her gaze up over her shoulder to look into those snake-like eyes, the diamond shaped slits gazed longingly back into her own.

Breath caught in her throat, Dash realized that the goddess was pressing against her back and trying to seduce her. The attention and kindness of a hand drawing across her belly... those whispered words... She tried to swallow deeply while her gaze lifted and her voice weakly asked, “But... what would you need me for? I'm just another pegasus.”

Towering and powerful, those hands slipped in opposite directions over Dash's bare belly, the lower one slipping across her hip and drawing a line across her inner thigh, causing the athletic filly to gasp sharply. The other cupped her chest, squeezing a breast while the demon goddess’ tongue whispered across the trapped mare's earlobe. “But you are special. A talent unmatched by any other. You were the only one at the battle who could have fought me in Ponyville without others’ support. You even cut me when you struck my back. I enjoy skill and talent, moreover, I want to reward it. Become the star of my Royal Guard. Captain Rainbow Dash, first leader of the Shadowbolts; the greatest of flyers in all of Equestria! You are the best of everything in this world and you deserve the rewards that come to the very most talented.”

Dash was overwhelmed by this, blushing dark and panting rapidly at the sexual attentions with which she was being lavished. Her gaze weakly returned to look across the gully, to the glow of the weak light that floated across the depths even as the voices of her friends called out for her, their words indistinct yet their tugging at her heartstrings compelling. “I want to...”

The Nightmare's teasing touch grew stronger as the filly's heart thundered in her chest, releasing when she turned about to gaze into the goddess’ eyes. Nightmare Moon's powerful voice, demanding and lustful, was nearly impossible to resist. “Then join me, and you will become my shining banner. Above all others and at the head of my personal guard.... Join me, Rainbow Dash...”

Dusk's voice made it across the gap, calling out, worried. “Rainbow Dash, just come back! We can find a safer way around! It's not worth the risk!”

Dash's attention broke and she forcefully pushed away the goddess, her voice strong and sure now. “Thank you for your offer, but they are my friends. And if you can't make them just as good an offer, I can’t accept.” A burst of speed joined her kick off, grabbing the wooden planks and pouring all her speed into the escape before the alicorn’s struck her down... a blow that did not come.

Dusk's eyes went wide as he realized that Dash was fleeing back to them as swiftly as possible. Instantly, he knew something was wrong and he cast out his magic, burning up the fog in the air between them, revealing Nightmare Moon's presence on the far side of the gully. Strangely however, the towering goddess simply spit upon the ground and vanished. “Rainbow Dash, are... how did you ever escape her?”

The prideful mare, with the bridge in tow, landed and securely lashed the heavy rope to the posts before her friends, her voice fast, leaving Dusk to wonder if the odd sound was panic in her words. “She tried to ... to bribe me. Called me the captain of her guard and the head of her army, but only if I refused to aid you all. I might talk a big game about wanting to be part of the Wonderbolts... but I couldn't betray my friends.” She was blushing darkly as she spoke, and AJ joined her at the ropes and helped to pull the cords tight and tie them down.

Pinkie was the one to speak out next, her voice joyful. “And now thanks to Rainbow Dash, we are here at last!”

Dusk was worried though, still casting his gaze around, wary of what might come out of the shadows next. “But... she bowled over more than twenty guards... why wouldn't she have followed after you?”

Dash could only shrug, standing up when AJ was sure the ropes were strong enough to handle their crossing. “Maybe she’s weaker under the bright light you cast? Who knows, right? But does it matter? She’s gone and we’re here. Let's hurry before she gets back.”

The others offered serious nods of agreement, moving cautiously across the bridge, spreading themselves wide apart to not strain the wood and ropes. Dusk was on guard now, even as Rarity's soft grip supported him over the bridge. But nothing else happened as they continued on to the castle, now visible to all in the woods ahead.

The towering ruins of what had once been Princess Celestia and Luna's home over a thousand years ago echoed with the passage of footsteps for the first time in nearly a millennium. Some parts had collapsed due to age, while others had been overgrown by the forest. Despite all this, the noble marble structure was a still a sight to behold. Tight in formation, the six stayed wary even as they made their way up the staircase and into the main hall. Dusk's breathing was calmer than it had been since the start of their trip. Maybe the raw magic that filled the halls was what made him feel better, made it easier to stand tall and free without the need of Rarity's aid.

Towering picture windows on all sides and marble pillars still decorated the castle despite the weathering and the ages that had passed without any upkeep. In the centre of the hall, a five-armed stone sculpture had been placed on a pedestal. On each arm, a stone ball rested, each with a different emblem carved into the stone. Dusk let out a hopeless sigh as AJ and Rainbow Dash rushed forward to collect the orbs, bringing them to him and placing them in a circle at his feet. “But... where is the sixth?” he asked, his voice worried.

The others could only offer shrugs, as a search of the room had not produced another of the orbs. In the distance a dark laugh echoed, sending a chill up his spine. Dusk summoned up his willpower and turned, his voice strong, sure and low. “It does not matter. We know the sixth Element is magic. Let me try to focus. Maybe... maybe I can manage something. Everyone go back outside, keep an eye out for any signs of Nightmare Moon. And if she does show, do not try to fight her. Run. Please. I do not want this to become a killing field.”

The girls were uncomfortable with his orders, and each in turn tried to find something to use an an excuse to stay. It was Applejack who at last relented first. She strode to his side, and put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s magic talk. And you are right, we can do better as lookouts than distracting you. But won't you at least let Rarity try and help you?”

Dusk swallowed sharply while attempting to shake his head, but lifted his hand to squeeze her wrist, shaking his head lightly. “My magic's weak enough at this point, I don’t think I could keep it safe for her help. Go on AJ, you can trust me.”

This time, the mares’ dissent was weaker, more willing now to accept his words. Dash was next, pulling up to Dusk she took a quiet step in close and oddly enough, swiftly wrapping him in a tight hug, her face on his shoulder for a moment as she drew a deep breath before speaking out softly, “You're a good guy, Dusk. Get out as soon as you activate the elements or call for me. I'll be here in a split second, and I'll drag you out by the ankles if I have to.” With that she swiftly turned, rushing from the room and blushing madly.

Still confused by this, Pinkie came next to slide in from behind him, hugging him tight as well, though hers was far briefer and she stepped away to grin warmly up at him. “Remember to giggle at the ghostly, Dusk!” She said and winked once before scampering off.

Now Dusk was really blushing quite hard. Had they grown to be such close friends after a day of horror? It certainly made sense. He could think back on all the many things that had happened over the last few hours, and for each girl, he could easily see how they had been tested, and grown closer. He was ready now when Fluttershy stopped before him, her head down and bangs blocking her face. One hand was offered out to him with a small pouch that smelled of herbs. With a voice soft and gentle, she said, “These will remove your fatigue for a while, but you won't be able to tell when you've used up all your endurance. I didn't want to let you have them but... it's just safer...” She paused, swallowing hard. “Right Dusk?”

He grinned warmly and offered small nod, gently squeezing the tips of her fingers as he took the bag. “I understand Fluttershy. I'll try not to use them unless the situation is dire.” He flashed her his warm smile before tapping her on the tip of the nose. “Go on. They’re waiting.” The mare blushed and turned to rush from the room. Quietly, Dusk opened the bag and stuffed a few of the mulched leaves between his gums and cheek, letting his saliva soak them and swallowing the juices. He turned slowly, spitting the mushy remainder out a nearby window. With Fluttershy gone, that left Dusk alone with...

Rarity was suddenly in his arms, her lips on his and the feel of her hands upon his back, brushing him with tender care. One slowly began to slide up and into his hair even as her deep kiss persisted, and a wetness began to form upon his chest. When she let go, he realized that she was crying and her breath was hot and ragged. A gentle hand was placed on her cheek while its brother cupped her chin, lifting it up to gaze deeply into her eyes. “I feel it too, Rarity. Don't worry, we will talk again. Life has been far too crazy these last two days, but when things are calm once more we clearly need to talk.”

The mare swallowed once, then slowly nodded against his hands and leaned up high, placing a soft kiss to his lower lip before drawing away, turning to walk down the stairs. At the last second, she paused to gaze back, and softly said, “I can't wait to introduce you to Sweetie Belle... my little-” and then her voice went silent as deep horror spread over her eyes. Dusk could see in the reflection a spreading black aura.

“Run! Get the others, fast!” He shouted as he turned. The dark mare glared with manic glee at the single helpless stallion who stood before her. Dusk attempted to reach out, and began to pour his magic into the stones at his feet, the magenta aura of his magic enveloping the five orbs. Under his power, they started to shiver and float up, encircling his body. The sounds of Rarity's voice and the swift stride of the woman rushing down the stairs reassured him that she was heading to safety, and now he had to figure out a way to use the stone's power.

The powerful goddess formed from the shadows and stepped forward, her intense gaze upon the brilliant aura of orbs and magic that circled around Dusk's shoulders. For just a moment, she shied away from him, and Dusk poured the rest of his strength into the orbs in hopes of getting the power to move on to the next step... and then it failed. The stones crashed to the ground at his feet with a whump. He was out of breath and his eyes blurred with the strain to keep from falling back into that unending sleep.

The powerful goddess only gave a heartless laugh as his strength gave out, and stepping forward she wrapped the five orbs in the black shadow of her power, pulling them back to her so she might linger for a moment inspecting each stone sphere. Her voice was harsh and evil, the promise of violence dripping from each word. “THOU FOAL! THOU COULDST NOT E’EN FIND ALL SIX OF THE ELEMENTS. THOU SHALT NOT HATH A SECOND CHANCE” With a snicker, she turned to walk away, a shadow spilling over her body as she moved off.

But Dusk was not going to give up after so much had happened today. He forced his way to his feet and ran after the dark alicorn goddess. In a single violent leap, he hurled his body into the air, arms reaching for her shoulders as he hoped to grab her before she escaped with the stones. What he grabbed was nothing. She had already gone back into her world of shadows.

The five came rushing swiftly back up the staircase, panting for breath as they rounded the corner. Dusk was just visible against a deep pool of black shadows, the mares all watching helplessly as he slowly disappeared into them. After a moment, the shadows faded like smoke, revealing that nothing had been left behind. Dusk, Nightmare Moon, and the Elements were gone, and panic swept the group. It was Dash who spoke up first. “She must have run to a safe place, somewhere she could deal with the Elements and Dusk without interference. We have to find them. Fast!”

In the shadows of a world in which Dusk could no longer sense time nor even hear his heart beat, his eyes opened. The... ground? Floor? A shadowy shapeless mass lay under his fingers and against his face, yet it didn't feel like anything he had ever touched before. Moreover, he didn't feel tired anymore. This was not the silent nothing of death, but an unnatural, unnamable something else. His gaze shifted over the shadowy realm around him as he called out, “Girls?” His gaze roamed over the empty expanse and a slow stride directed him towards... the north? The east? He couldn't tell. “AJ? Rarity? Dash? Pinkie?” He paused, laughing a little to himself. “I know Fluttershy wouldn't be here.”

Nothing answered back, but something came to him; a voice, a whisper he remembered once more from what felt like ages ago. “Duuusssk...” It was so distant, yet he could feel it. And then, he knew. This realm of shadow, this world of darkness was a cage.

Newly-found strength flooded his body, and his eyes scanned the distance of the endless fog, until he realized that there was some shape to the world, and miles away he could sense it. It wasn't a light, and it wasn't a building, but still he knew what - or more specifically, who - it was. He turned to the void, his voice calling out with everything his lungs could manage to handle. “I'm here, Princess Luna! I'm here... and it's time for Nightmare Moon to be afraid!”

Author's Notes:

And another chapter comes to its end. It's a little darker then the others, and has the first more serious step towards some clop. I hope the cliff hanger doesn't anger anyone too much. For those who are interested, yes I was inspired by the PMV - The Stars Will Aid Her Escape Please feel free to leave any feedback and thanks for keeping up with my rambling writing!

November 28th, 2014 - Wrabbit edition uploaded! Hope you all enjoy!

Version 2.0 posted April 29th, 2016. Focused on removing improper use of 'own' and 'would', as well as major formatting changes that have happened across the series.