Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Yep, that's right. I'm back with another chapter ... technically. Long story short, this is a scene that I cut from chapter 8 because I was too tired and wanted to get it done. So here it is and the first appearance of THE DAZZLINGS! These girls will be prominent after the Friendship Games with Cadance as the principal. A part of me wants to post some scenes early as a teaser or preview of what's to come but another part of me doesn't want to deprive you guys of reading the whole chapter itself. Then again, these scenes are in beta so they can easily be retcon/edited once I've actually got that part of the story within months or years depending on the situation. Plus they can function as filler during long hiatuses especially this story as it's my least popular one. My Randy Cunningham story has one chapter but it has similar stats.
Speaking of which, I should probably start the 2nd chapter. Hopefully, I can get to 5k at least. Also I need to work on QTQ or at least a small preview or Omake and the rest of the lemons and ah shit my WH40k story but that'll be a later problem.
Now the reviews
Mr. Haziq: I have no idea since I haven't flushed out the world's lore to that degree but I won't be surprised.
VongolaJoe: I always felt like Twilight Sparkle and Princess Luna should've had more interactions in the show. This is my chance to fill that gap. She can mentor him about living after becoming a more ruthless version of himself. Moon Dancer will take a dive in some way
DaleJr.88: Oh they're one of the most popular antagonists in the series and the most popular for the EG universe. They receive tons of fan art even now. The Dazzlings got more lore with the Pillars of Harmony and made a return when Sunset Shimmer experienced a groundhog day.
One of the concepts I had for Fleur De Lis is that she becomes a type of bodyguard for Dusk Shine as she reaches her capabilities, becoming one of the top ten students at Crystal Prep. Lemon Zest does seem like someone who'll be into threesomes.
Twilight Sparkle/Dusk Shine having autism is a fandom belief. Okay, I'll put those names in my notes but I'll use the others as alternate names. Their crush on Dusk Shine, him releasing his emotions and the scorn of society will make them better people or not. Those fanfics are lost to time. Cinch's fall will be gradual, starting with her being replaced by Cadance and the backlash from forcing Dusk Shine to use Aether. You'll realize how bad you've been once your victim has you dead to rights.
Adagio Dazzle being Sunset's ex occurred after the 1st movie, during the AAM and sometime before the Battle of the Bands. Each Siren will have their moments with Dusk Shine, especially during Camp Everfree with a focus on Adagio Dazzle. Shining Armor is a police officer and that's his brother but may have to take a backseat because of how familiar he is with the case. Yes, I'll make a few exceptions regarding Dusk Shine's romance.
I divided the Elements into groups/roles:
Leader: Dusk Shine
Powerhouse: Starlight Glimmer & Adagio Dazzle
Guardians: Indigo Zap, Sour Sweet & Aria Blaze
Support: Lemon Zest, Sonata Dusk, Sugarcoat and Sunnyflare
For Dusk Shine's speech, I used Erwin's 'My Soldiers rage' from Attack on Titan and Grimaldus's speech from Helsreach. Both served to demonstrate Dusk Shine's leadership skills and as a way for him to vent. Plus, CHS had a prep rally so CPA should have one too. Schola Perfecta means Perfect student or scholar. You're the best of the best. Cinch was going to betray him regardless. Remember the letter she sent him earlier.
Dusk Shine's all in to win the Friendship games. He's hoping that Cinch might honor the deal but internally knows that she won't. Yeah just listen to Cinch's parts in 'Release the magic'. If that doesn't show how selfish this woman is, I don't know what will. The Shadow 5 expect Sour Sweet didn't care about him before so it's logical as to why he's put off by their sudden care. However, it's revealed that Cinch purposefully isolated Twilight Sparkle because according to Cinch, all the good ones slip away before she could've gotten a hold of them.
Lemon Zest won't be that bold. Probably at a dance or party but in public. Dusk Shine desperately needed a warm welcome. Flash Sentry & Sunset Shimmer were a couple but broke up after the first movie. Plus when you incorporate the AAM and how he treated Sunset during the 2nd movie, Dusk Shine has few issues with Flash.
One of the ideas I had with this story was a retelling of EG where Dusk Shine transferred to CHS after the Games. Then I swapped to this because my original was too similar to QTQ as I'm following the canon and I wanted to expand on the Shadow 5. Like the Shadow 5 has almost nothing besides a few short stories.
Rarity always had a thing for the upper class. She said these gems are quite glamorous while he replied that the diamonds are well suited for that region. Oh Dusk Shine has a red dot on Apple Bloom's forehead.
Night Blaze will operate as a multi-phase boss. I'm trying to figure out some of the phases and how they'll progress. Sour Sweet, Cadance, and Sunny Flare will lead CPA's faction to stop Dusk Shine/Night Blaze from destroying himself with CHS.
For Night Blaze's appearance, I want to use the Bird of Hermes speech from Hellsing Ultimate OVA but with my own little twist. 'I am the Hound of Hades, tightening my chains to keep myself tame,' Or something regarding Grogar and his bell or dragons/demons and Tartarus
Okay you have a total of 26 social links. The most common representation of Major Arcana has 22 but Person 5 has two additional ones as they're from a different deck. Tarots are generalized meanings, so several can fit multiple characters. Plus, the meanings are a quick search. Furthermore, some of these characters don't have a detailed backstory so you can flex your creative muscles for a headcanon in their respective Arcana
The Fool is the main character, symbolized by a new beginning free from influences but can also be recklessness and the main cast is betrayed by someone. The Magician is the first friend that the MC made, serving as their 2nd in command. They're fueled by action, initiative, and self-confidence but can be immature and stuck in their fantasies and has a tragic love life.
Priestess are soft-spoken, often shy, and modest females growing up in a demanding family. Empresses are women of authority, stoic but loving like a queen. This is Luna. The Emperor is often a male leader or strong ally struggling to control their environment and their appearance as they deal with personal matters. Hierophants are often older than the MC and are logical and wise but regretful of their past. Several characters can fit such as Twilight, Sunset, and the Shadow 5. Lovers is typically the cheerful and popular girl so Pinkie Pie can work. Chariot are for the incredibly driven characters with a personal goal in mind. Strength is this context refers to emotional strength. Justice are stoic individuals who're mature for their age with parental issues as the MC helps them make peace themselves. Diamond Tiara can fit this Arcana because of her mother. The Hermits love to hide from the public eye, preferring the background. WALLFLOWER BLUSH!
Fortune are prodigies who lost sight of what they want because of pressure from individuals close to them and needs to rediscover why they love it. Sci-Twi and the Shadow 5. Hanged man are self-sacrificial characters or people stuck between two different extremes in their life. Death means cycles or a deep change within themselves. Temperance struggles between balancing their life and their hobbies because of the absence of someone important. Devil are individuals who aren't good people but they're dedicated/motivated to a benevolent cause. Maybe the Dazzlings? Tower are arrogant people who isolate themselves because of how they treat others, so the MC has to prove themselves. Star = hopefulnesses & Joy.
Moon typically projects their fears and faults to others as they struggle to accept themselves while attempting to be perfect. The Sun find themselves in terrible situations but their optimism allows them to accomplish their goals.
You can go for the minor Arcana for simplicity's sake or for minor characters. The Suit of Coins is the accumulation of wealth, health, luck, physical prosperity, and misfortune, ill health or poverty. The Suit of Cups is for emotional issues or love situations. The Suit of Swords is for nobility and military matters, along with power, authority, strength, responsibility, suffering, and violence. The Suit of Wands is also related to emotions like passion, desire, ambition, pride, anger and violence.
Alright, flashback time. The event occurred several months to almost a year ago. I don't know the timeline but let's say it was a considerable amount of time before the Friendship Games. Dusk Shine recalled clearly. He and his family went to the local mall for a casual shopping day. They divided themselves into groups and met back near the food court when they were done. His parents went upstairs to get deals on winter and spring clothing. Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart searched for school supplies. Dusk Shine went alone, heading to several stores for books and small-scale merchandise like stickers and accessories. His stomach growled.
"I have time to eat," Dusk Shine told himself with a swift glance at his watch. He strolled around, searching for a quick meal. He entered a Mexican-themed food establishment. It's a Taco bell. I should probably change the name to something else. Give me a second. Burrito Gong. Let's go with that. The top student waited in line, calculating what his order should be. A quick message was delivered to his family, alerting them to his whereabouts. It wasn't a busy day, but it still wasn't empty.
Night Blaze scanned the area, bored out of his mind. "The hell?" His cyan eyes settled on a trio of girls wearing hoodies. Something about them was … familiar. One turned with widened eyes, gesturing to the other girls as they whispered to each other. Dusk Shine glanced over his shoulder as he paid for his meal in cash. They were talking about him. Years at Crystal prep honed his senses to gossip and hushed words from envious bystanders.
"Relax, egghead. They aren't talking shit about you. They're quite fond of you," Night Blaze mentioned with an eager smirk. "They're pretty cute from what I can see," Dusk Shine wasn't interested as he waited for his order, scrolling through his phone with a hand in his hoodie pocket. He's the Top student at one of the prestigious students in Equestria and one of the society's elite members. That automatically breeds a menagerie of emotions and motivations. A stable motley crew of yes-men would suffice for someone of his esteemed status. His success can hyper-inflate their meager ones. Everyone wants to be your friend when you're calling the shots.
However, Dusk Shine wasn't as fortunate to have such an entourage. Crystal Prep is home to the upper echelons of society. His fellow students were his equals in terms of social class and status. They didn't need him to climb the social ladder; they were already at the top. However, people … talk. Everyone wants the latest gossip, whether it's scandals, bragging, or whatever the month's flavor is. Knowledge is power. People wanted to know who Dusk Shine was. His classmates' parents' were impressed by him but likely compared them to him and debated why can't their children be him or something similar. That probably influenced their inferiority-superiority complex and hatred towards him. It didn't matter to him. Their parents aren't his problem.
"Order 45," A worker called out his order. Dusk Shine checked his receipt. Yep, that's him. He received his meal and found a seat. An extra-large cheesy steak quesadilla, a three-layer burrito with a side order of nachos, and a medium cherry fizzy beverage. Also, extra packets of Mouth-burning hot sauce. Dusk Shine spent several minutes enjoying his meals while the two girls went to the bathroom. The last one stood up, heading to the counter, leaving her phone behind on the table.
"Excuse me; you forgot this," Dusk Shine arose, holding her phone with his drink in his hand.
"Thank you," She smiled. His amethyst eyes widened at the oddly soothing voice.
"Wait," Dusk Shine muttered, focusing on her features. Soft artic bluish white skin and two-toned blue-striped ponytail. Raspberry eyes convey a mask of innocence. "Sonata Dusk?!" The scholarly male predicted the girl's identity.
Her smile widened, removing her hood to reveal herself. "Hey, Dusk Shine," Sonata Dusk grinned at his adorable shocked expression. Taco crumbs littered the corners of her mouth. He sighed. Just his fucking luck. He encountered one of the Dazzlings on his free day. At least it's Sonata Dusk, the presumed youngest of the sisters. She's the ditzy friendly one. However, that makes her the one most evil, in his opinion. Sonata hides behind her innocent and cute demeanor to avoid blame for her sisters' actions.
"Are the others with you?" Dusk Shine muttered, focusing on the bathroom. If one of them is here, the others aren't far behind. They operate as a unit. Sonata's expression hardened, shaking her head. She paused to nod. Then shrugged her shoulders, resuming a diagonal nod. "Oh great," He grumbled with a sip as two figures approached them, lowering their hoods to face him.
"You weren't supposed to get caught, dummy," Aria Blaze snarled, crossing her arms as Sonata stuck her tongue out. The fierce girl rolled her mulberry eyes before focusing on the sophisticatedly handsome male "Dusk Shine," Damn, he looks good.
"Aria Blaze," Dusk Shine acknowledged, his lukewarm tangy drink stained his tongue red. She's the unofficial second in command and the muscle of the group. Aria often argued with Adagio over various decisions preferring a more brash and direct approach. "Adagio Dazzle," Finally, the leader of the Dazzlings and technically Sunset's ex. He didn't know the full details of their relationship, but the two were involved in some capacity.
"Miss me, Dusk Shine babe?" Adagio Dazzle smirked, resting a hand on her well-formed waist. Shame that Sunset Shimmer wasn't here. A pitiful look on that rocker's features would make an excellent framed photo.
"No," Dusk Shine frowned at her flirtatious nature. Why did she call him babe? He won't deny that Adagio Dazzle was gorgeous. A melodious voice, inspiring confidence, a jaw-dropping figure with hips to match, and knew how to work them. Her swaying hips were alarmingly hypnotic. Her golden orange was thick and soft to the touch. Her silky pale apple green skin … WHAT THE FUCK?! Did I read that shit correctly? Pale apple GREEN?! How the fuck is she green? I can understand if Adagio was a type of yellow, but green?!
"Oh, so mean," Adagio Dazzle teased. "Did a little personal shopping today?" She pointed to his bag. He wasn't that social, except for the right people. Crystal Prep didn't offer many opportunities either, thanks to his prime status from what she heard.
"Yes, and you were following me, weren't you," Dusk Shine replied, finishing his drink. Now, where's the trash?
"How did you know that?" Each girl glared at the other. Who didn't follow instructions?
"I got a bit of a sixth sense after the battle of the bands," Dusk Shine revealed, pushing his glasses. Strange, that's when Night Blaze fully manifested
Adagio sashayed towards. His studious eyes followed each sway of her hips. She caught it, elating her chipper mood. He leaned slightly away from the lead siren as she got closer. "We left that much of an impression on you?" Adagio cooed, her fingers grazing his chest before their bodies jolted from the contact. His eyes flashed cyan with purple highlights, while hers glowed a deep red. Both encountered a raging monsoon of power, flooding their minds with their deepest desires. Dusk Shine ruled with an adoring crowd beneath him, dressed in exquisite silver regalia. Achieving a position of authority wasn't out of his grasp. Yet he wasn't interested in it. Did Dusk Shine crave the support and admiration denied by him?
Adagio manifested a similar vision with a darker twist. She and her sisters ruled the lands, devoutly worshipped as ruthless goddesses with their foes in rough chains. Sunset Shimmer was Adagio's favorite, along with Dusk Shine, who was in a fitted fine, pressed suit and tie and free to move. Corruptly delicious. Who wouldn't want to snag Dusk Shine? The amethyst academic checks all the marks. Frighteningly intelligent, at least academically, with several promising career paths, descended from a wealthy family, easy on the eyes, enrolled in an elite school, and had a spine with a respectable temperament. A bit of a goody two shoes, but it'll be enjoyable when he does break the rules. She rolled her eyes at Sunset's prior relationship with Flash Sentry. Why him? Simply because he's the popular guy in school? I don't hate Flash Sentry, but he's so basic, in my opinion. The standard nice guy who's the main heroine's love interest. How many times we've seen this relationship? Nothing wrong with it. But the 90s and early 2000s called, and they want their Hallmark/Disney high school coming-of-age plot back. At least Flash Sentry gets some points for an awesome name and deeper characterization, thanks to his rocker/jock design and actions throughout the movies and specials.
One of the prime reasons why Adagio is interested in Dusk Shine is his resistance to her charms. They had a few interactions, but he brushed her off each time. Usually, a woman would be gravelly insulted by it. Yet, it emboldens her, finding his intimate barriers an exciting task to dismantle. The only other person was likely Sunset Shimmer, with a few cracks thanks to their relationship. Now Adagio Dazzle wanted to shatter it. It'll be even sweeter if she's Dusk Shine's first in more ways than she assumed.
Hm? What's this? Another reality invaded their mind. It's them …working together? What?! Dusk Shine and Adagio Dazzle had confident smirks while battling an unseen foe. Both were relaxed and resolute in the other's abilities. Are they friends in this vision? Or more?
"What the…?" Both muttered at the bizarre sensation as they separated. Adagio knew what the was, as did her sisters, with a quick predatory sniff of the air. There's no denying it; her eyes widened with a sly smirk as they focused on him. He has it. A faint yet potent lingering presence stirs within the Top student. But does he know about it?
"I better go," Dusk Shine stammered, anxious about what he had experienced, taking a few steps back. Their predatory smiles and haunting eyes forced goosebumps on his arms and neck. Night Blaze's silence didn't help with this situation either.
"There's no harm staying for a few more minutes," Adagio Dazzle cooed, slowly closing the gap between them. Not good, not good.
"Yeah, your family would be okay if you're spending time with three cute girls," Aria Blaze continued, going to his side. Really not good!
"Plus, you're not dating anyone, so Sunset Shimmer shouldn't be mad," Sonata Dusk concluded with a teasing grin. Sunset dated other people in the past, so it should be fair that he should too.
"You're forgetting something," Dusk Shine remarked, pointing to the counter. "Your order," They turned to the order screen.
"Did you seriously order again?" They glared at the youngest member.
"Not this time," Sonata raised her hands in defense. They turned to find Dusk Shine escaping.
"We're going to chase him, aren't we?" Aria grinned, predicting their next course of action. They all shared a beam.
"Oh, definitely," Adagio agreed, nodding before giving chase to their target.
"Where's Dusk Shine?" One of his family members called. He said that he went to get lunch. Was the line too long?
"Oh, there he is," Shining Armor mentioned, only for Dusk Shine to blitz past them. "Or are you running towards or away?" He remarked. It's not like him to sprint like a maniac.
"AWAY! Hurry up," Dusk Shine announced, jetting across the mall. His eyes bounced around, searching for his pursuers.
"Oh…"Their eyes widened in panic once the claim registered in their brains. He's running away from something?! His family gathered their purchases and raced behind him.
"What did you do?" Cadance accused, glaring at her brother-in-law. Flurry Heart rested on her father's shoulder, enjoying the sudden ride.
"Me? I'm the victim here!" Dusk Shine retorted, his frantic eyes scanning for the Dazzlings. Crap, two of them are on the second floor. That means one of them is either behind or ahead of them. Shining Armor peaked behind him; a stunning girl was chasing them. Oh, her hair was a massive curly crown. Mhm. She wasn't enraged but appeared amused at the chase.
"Take your bike; we'll catch the bus," The police officer commanded. Dusk Shine nodded, accelerating to the exit while his family covered his escape amidst the crowd. The Dazzlings struggled to fight their target through the horde. They made their way to the chilly outside, searching for Dusk Shine throughout the parking lot. It's small as it's located near several bus stops but still has a healthy number of vehicles. A motorcycle's roar signaled Dusk Shine's departure. He drove by them, holding a brief stare before revving his engine back on the street.
"He has a motorcycle?" Aria Blaze remarked with starry eyes. So cool. She didn't expect a bookworm like him to use that method of transportation—probably a scooter or a manual bike.
Adagio Dazzle took a deep inhale before releasing a satisfied exhale. "Come on, girls, we need to prepare for our comeback," The lead singer grinned as her crimson gem blazed with power. Her sisters smiled as well as their gems hummed. Night Blaze shot the girls a calculating gaze as their figures grew smaller as the distance increased. Better keep an eye on them for when they return.
Fun Fact/Trivia:
Ancient Equestria consisted of multiple city-states predominantly of one tribe but they relied on each for security. Gaians aka Earth Ponies held the majority of the fertile land and had the skills and strength to work the fields. Atmosites aka Pegasi had the best military and had a special connection with the weather, warning the other city-states with their swift calvary. Finally, the Starborn aka the Unicorns had the most wealth
The prevalent city-states for each main tribe pre-unification were Manehatten for the Gaians, Cloudsdale for the Atmosites and Canterlot for the Starborns. Ponyville was found post-unification by the Gaians as the first true multi-tribe settlement generations later
YEAH BABY! BACK-TO-BACK CHAPTERS IN LESS THAN A WEEK! Yes, I know it's cut content from a previous chapter but a chapter is a chapter before the big event. Consider this a little breather
Thanks for reading the story. Follow and Favorite to keep updated. Leave a review for any questions, concerns, or theories or to show your support. Thanks again and have a good day.