The Wise

Operation Raven
File: 1
Time Dedicated: 21y 5m 3d
Name: Shine Embers
Age: 25
City: Neighbraska
Info: This pony suspects too much. He never lets us follow him, and he sticks to himself. Recent efforts to find out more are only giving him more suspicion. If things don’t change, we’ll need to try a different method. Maybe it’s time we told him the truth. Boss says that he’s definitely one of them, and… I think I agree with him. I think I’ll send out our ace.

Suspicion Level: 9

(Twenty Years Earlier )
Journal Entry (Not every chapter is shown)

Day 1: My new teacher said to keep a journal on the new yeer. She says weel get to keep it so Im going to write about every thing I lern. Today I lerned that my skool has a lot of new ponies in it. I hope they like me.

Day 5: I maid a lot of frends today. They said they liked my hare, and then we talcked. I think Im going to like this skool. The teecher said that we dont have to right in the journal anymore. But I think ill keep going.

Day 23: Im lerning a lot, like how to spell new words. My teacher says that Im lerning faster than my frends. I hope they aren’t mad at that.

Day 116: Sometimes I feel like everybody in skool is my friend. Today, I made a mistake and nopony laughed. But when somepony else makes a mistake, they laugh at them. Is that a good thing? Sometimes I heer them talking about me in the halls…

Day 378: I started noticing a few days ago that ponies are staring at me. Everywhere I look, I see somepony staring. Why are they staring? What did I ever do? Maybe I should find out.

Day 568: My friends don’t believe me. I’ve been telling them that ponies are staring, but they don’t understand. Maybe the teacher was right... I’m a little different than my friends. But I still want to find out why they stare, sometimes it’s the same ponies, but a lot of other times I find a new face.

Day 630: My parents told me a story today. I don’t know why, but it’s kind of creepy. They say that it happened a long time ago. Something about that story doesn’t feel right… But I don’t know why.

Day 875: I’ve been at this school a long time now. I’ve been given a lot of awards, and the teacher says I’m gifted in my vocabulary . She’s asked to see my journal, but I lied and told her that I didn’t write in it anymore. She believed me, but now I’m starting to question her.

Day 965: I saw it. There was something in the playground. It hid behind the building before I got a good look, but it was watching me. I feel like I can’t trust anypony. If I want to find out whatever is happening, I need to pretend I don’t notice. At least my hair can help me with that, I grew it out so it could cover my eye.

Day 1000: The thousandth day, I’ve still noticed more than I can explain. If this continues, I might tell my parents. They don’t see anything wrong, and I don’t want to seem weird to them. So I’ll stay quiet until they ask. But I got my cutie mark today, and it’s a camp fire. I have no idea what that means, but maybe I will someday.

Day 1267: After three years, I’m still going in my journal. It’s actually getting easier to do this. I find so many new things each day, that I’m glad I have somepony to tell. If anypony reads this, they’d think I was crazy, but it goes both ways. I’m always thinking about how things can be different, is it bad I don’t focus on the actual details?

Day 1657: I’ve left my school. My teacher isn’t there every day anymore. My ‘friends’ are still here though. I’ve stopped telling them what I think. I’m starting to think this is all one big plot against me. If I pretend I don’t notice anything, maybe it’ll all end faster. I still see something following me, but I found a way to be safe. I found ways to check if he tries to do anything more than watch.

Day 1987: He’s moved closer. I checked my strip of paper stuck in the door, and it was gone. I asked my parents if they were in my room, and they said they were out all day. I asked a few close friends and they said they saw my parents outside of my house. This confirms my fears. It’s a good thing I keep this journal in a safe place. It’s pretty ingenious actually.

Day 2000: To think, a few years ago I thought this would turn out to be nothing. Going back on my earliest entries, I find that I’ve advanced so much. It’s all thanks to the figure watching me. I still haven’t managed to see him up close, and I’ve settled with keeping my distance. I know the stories of when colts and fillies disappear, and I’ve done too much to go now.

Day 2657: More change. I’ve started to skip grade levels. My friends still hang out with me, but I can see the resent. They know how much I have to do to stay ahead, and they can’t deal with the fact I’ll get out of school early. My teachers continue to cheer me on, but I think they’re in on it too. If I want to stay safe, I need to continue my precautions. Maybe I should add some more…

Day 3000: Days seem to drag out now. I’ve continued the same routine for so long. I go to school, take a long route home, and then back track to take the shorter route. It’s all to ensure the figure following me doesn’t ever get too close. Sometimes I think it means no harm, but I can’t take any chances.

Day 3875: I’ve been getting looks in school now. Some of the mares are starting to take interest in me. I don’t know if I should show some back. I’ve gotten into levels of intelligence far past my friends, and even my newer classmates. I’ve been informed that my schooling ends in a year, and I’ll be allowed to do what I want. Maybe then these looks will end.

Day 4214: I tried having a relationship, but she didn’t understand. I tried to explain the basics of what I was doing, but she wouldn’t accept it. I think I drove her to insanity , because she doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. She’s seeing councilors after every school day . All her friends give me looks, and I think it’s over between us. Maybe I’ll try again in the future… but I think it’s too early.

Day 5000: A milestone, in more ways than one. My parents are letting me hang out with my friends after they’re finished with school. We still talk about the same things, and that’s actually something I’m enjoying. Change isn’t something I enjoy, but it’s better than what I’ve been thinking about.

Day 5865: No matter what happens, I still see this figure everywhere I go. He’s there when I leave the house, and when I help my parents outside. I’ll need to get away soon, I don’t want to deal with this problem anymore. Maybe if I move out…

Day 6000: I’ve moved out today. I had to carefully move my journal, but I managed. I think it worked, because I don’t see him around. I picked a place close to the forest so that I have somewhere to hide if I ever need to. I’ve been warned about the forest, but I think it’s safer than the other option. Maybe I should have informed my parents about this, but they would probably react like the others. My friends still don’t know, and I want it to stay like that.

Day 6342: It’s no use, he’s still following me. I think I need even more precautions. I leave the house every day and do things like normal. I’m starting to suspect he doesn’t realize I know he’s following. He’s making mistakes, and I managed to see his outline once. He looked like a pony with something covering his legs and head. It must help him hide, because that’s all I could tell from the outline.

Day 6556: I’ve yet to find what my cutie mark means. I thought you’d find out when you got it, but I don’t know. Sometimes I think I got the wrong one because I see no reason why it is my special talent. Maybe there is something I’m not seeing, so I’ll try to ignore that fact. Right now, I just let each day go slowly by as I wait for this nightmare to end. I still have no idea what he wants, and that’s the scariest part about this.

Day 6968: I feel it’s getting closer. I see it more than once now. He’s taking no precautions and I feel like he’s waiting for me to make a move. Maybe there could be more than one. I see them in different places, and usually they’re still there the next day. I might make the first move just to end this madness. Maybe if I confront him , I can end this. I still haven’t figured out what he wants, but maybe… what he wants is to just watch me.

Day 7280: I don’t think I’ll have to confront him . He’s getting closer. I saw his face, and he walked through the market twice already. If I’m not careful, he could get even closer. I need to watch myself. If things come down to it, I’m ready to defend myself. Nopony else knows it, but in a fight, I have a secret up my sleeve. You never know… But I need to be ready for anything… and everything…

(Present Day)

The screech of a nearby crow awakened the sleeping pony. He was awake in an instant. He didn’t feel groggy or sleepy. Looking outside of the window that was always locked, he saw the sun was barely rising. Slipping out of bed, he made his way downstairs. Eating a small breakfast, he left quickly. Leaving a slip of clear paper in the crack of the door , he locked it. After he made sure nopony was watching, he walked down the empty street.

Shine had no need to brush his hair. It was naturally split into three separate clumps of hair. The part that covered his eye was black. The strands that ended at the sides of his face were white. His eyes looked like the middle ground of his hair. His coat was normally yellow, but he hasn’t tended to it in days. His hair was also starting to fray, with split ends showing up.

Shine noticed a movement to his left. He didn’t turn his head or stop walking, and instead followed the movement with his eyes. When he didn’t see any more movement, his eye twitched. He continued to walk, keeping his eyes out for anything else. Not a single pony was walking down the streets, and the quiet was unnerving. He tensed himself as he passed an alleyway. It took him half a second to look down and ensure nothing was wrong.

Shine took a turn into the town square and without hesitation took an immediate 180 degree turn. He walked back to the alley and turned into it. He followed the alley, looking behind himself every five seconds exactly. Nothing was wrong, so he continued. When he reached the exit, he went through and took a left. He walked a few steps before doing another 180 degree turn.

Shine looked back down the alley he just went through. He noticed a figure that stopped when he passed. He pretended not to notice, and the figure receded into the shadows. Shine continued walking forward until he reached the front of a light blue house. He walked the block once before stopping at the front again. He quickly walked up the steps and looked behind him once more.

Shine didn’t notice anything, so he knocked once then twice. He listened to the hoof steps coming down the steps and the yawn that came from the other side. He determined that his father was the only one in the house who could make that deep yawn, and he probably woke them from their slumber. He counted the seconds until his father opened the door.

“…Shine, what are you doing at a time like this?” His father asked.

“You said visit anytime, remember?” Shine said.

“Uhh… you’re always so technical, aren’t you? You must get that from your mother,” His father said.

“Where is mom anyways?” Shine asked.

“She’s upstairs, sleeping. I would be doing the same thing, but you showed up,” His father said.

“Okay, I was just seeing if you two were fine, I’ll be going now,” Shine said.

“No, no. Stay a while, I haven’t seen you in a few days,” His father said.

“Dad, if you’re worried, you can come by anytime,” Shine said.

“I would, but you’re house isn’t exactly guest friendly. Your mother is always telling you to get rid of those locks. How many did you say there are?” His father asked.

“Sixteen steel bolt locks, five pin and tumbler locks and ten triple combination locks. Also, there’s a special lock I made myself if you want to see it,” Shine said, proud.

“Celestia sakes, son. You need to stop living on the edge. The next time I go to your house, I want less locks. Do you think you can do that?” His father asked.

“I can,” Shine said.

“Good… wait, let me rephrase that. Will you get rid of most of those locks?” His father asked.

“But Dad…” Shine tried to explain.

“I’m listening…” His father said. Shine didn’t have anything to explain.

“Okay… how about if I replace them with iron slide locks?” Shine said.

“No, less locks, don’t come back until you’ve done that,” His father said.

Shine saw the door slam on his face, not loud enough to wake their mother, but loud enough for him to know when he’s not wanted. Shine looked down to the door handle. He opened it and peered inside. His dad turned around at the noise.

“This is why you need locks,” Shine said, letting the door close as he turned away. Shine turned away from his family’s house and back at the empty streets. He focused his eyes back at the details. He started walking back to his house. Making sure that nothing was behind him, he walked back through the alley. He stopped halfway and turned around. There was a silhouette at the end of the alley. Shine waited for it to hide as it always did. Instead, it took a step forward.

Shine turned back and continued to walk. He left the alley and walked directly to his house. When he turned back, he found the figure looking at him from the alley. Shine made it to his house quickly. He entered and locked the door behind him. Immediately, he walked back upstairs and into his room. He shut the door and walked over to his desk.

Shine heard a knock on the door downstairs. There was only one person that could be, and he didn’t want to find out what he wanted. Instead, he used his magic to slide the bottom part of his desk out. Then he pulled out the big box inside. He dialed the three digit combination and opened the box. Pulling out a key, he pushed aside the box that held the key. The bigger box had a lower compartment that he revealed. Inside, was thin and long box.

Shine put the key in the lock and opened it. Inside, was his journal and the ink he always used. He levitated them out and locked everything else back where he found it. Leaving it just like he left it, he walked away from the desk. Shine took out another journal he kept under his bed that was just a scribbling of barely legible words. He put them both into his saddlebags, and put the saddlebags on. Looking out the window, he saw the sun was above the horizon.

Other ponies would be awake now, probably just getting up. The figure should have left him alone, but he could hear the banging on the door downstairs. It was time for him to hide for a little bit. If he could make the figure think he left town, would it possibly go and look for him? Shine was going to take that chance. He already planned out his route a long time ago.

Opening the double window, he made no noise. Shine jumped onto the windowsill and looked down. Directly beneath him was a flowerbed. Inside of the flowerbed was a small mattress where he would direct his landing. Shine tied a length of string to both of the windows. He jumped. While in the air, he felt the length of string he was holding snap. He landed without a problem as the mattress was designed for.

Shine looked up to view his work. The windows had used the string to guide themselves back into a shut position. When they closed, the string had broken and fallen to the ground. Shine picked up the string as he made a quick dash for the forest. He had made no sound as the grass beneath him was still covered in morning dew. He reached the tree line and turned back. He was on the lookout for any movement. Behind him, the normal darkness of the forest would keep him hidden.

Shine counted to one hundred, and nothing changed. He decided that the figure didn’t notice him run out. Shine gave a small chuckle of triumph before turning into the dark forest. He was met with green eyes. Shine almost cried out, but held back. He took a step away from the pitch black forest, but kept his eyes on the green eyes.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The voice asked from the darkness.

“Who are you?” Shine asked.

“Answer my question first,” The voice said.

“I’m going into the forest…” Shine said.

“Why?” The voice asked.

“I answered your question, answer mine,” Shine said.

“Fair enough, I’m Echo , nice to finally meet you,” The voice said.

“Well, Echo, I thought I’d see what I could find in this forest, nothing too important,” Shine said.

“Really? It didn’t look like that from my perspective,” Echo said.

“What did it look like to you,” Shine asked.

“It looked like you were running from somepony, or something,” Echo said.

“I could have been, you never know…” Shine said.

“Oh, I know, believe me. But that’s not why I’m here. In fact, I don’t give a shit what you planned to do in this forest,” Echo said.

“Then why are you here… in this forest?” Shine asked.

“Because I live near here… and I was told you did as well,” Echo said.

“Where? Detrot? That’s still a long walk,” Shine said.

“In the forest… but that’s not important,” Echo said.

“Then what is important?” Shine asked.

“So many questions… you’ll have many more when our business is done here. But let me tell you, what is important is what you know, and what you don’t know. I know a lot myself, but it’s my job to find out what you know,” Echo said.

“What?” Shine asked.

“Let me explain further,” Echo said. “You were born different from most ponies. You were born with magic. That magic is more powerful and easier to use than you realize. It’s magic that you can’t tap into until you’ve mastered it. It’s my job to teach you why you have it. Unfortunately, Boss has decided that you aren’t the one we’ve been looking for,” Echo said.

“Wait, magic? I’m a unicorn, of course I have magic,” Shine said.

“Just let me finish… Boss said that we’ve been spying on the wrong ponies, and that we should stop, so I came today to tell you that you’re no longer under surveillance,” Echo said.

“You’re the one that’s been following me?” Shine asked.

“Yes and no… I’m not the only one, it took a lot of effort to find out what we know about you. I wrote out the report, but I needed help. That’s a compliment, and that’s also the reason why I’m entrusting these to you,” Echo said, pulling something out from the shadows. Echo pulled out a large packet of papers. He placed them on the floor, leaving the name for Shine to see.
Operation Raven

“What’s this?” Shine asked, moving his hoof to look closer.

Echo pulled the file back into the shadows, his green eyes squinting.

“It’s all of the notes we have on you and others like you. It’s taken years to collect this, and it’s confidential,” Echo said.

“But I thought you were entrusting them to me?” Shine asked.

“On one condition…” Echo said, sounding serious and his eyes were cold. “I understand that you’ve been keeping a journal on what you know. I want that, then you can have these,” Echo said.

“Why would you want that?” Shine asked, curious.

“All traces of this surveillance need to disappear ; I’ll give this to you, and then take the journal. Only then will I be rid of this operation,” Echo said.

“Why would I agree to this?” Shine asked.

“I can get you something more, something you’ve always wanted,” Echo said.

“What could I possibly want?” Shine asked.

“A life without worry. A life where you can have real friends and people you can trust , isn’t that something you want?” Echo asked.

“I don’t know…” Shine said, starting to seriously consider what he said.

“It all starts with these,” Echo said, throwing something at Shine. Shine managed to catch it in his mouth before spitting it out.

“It tastes like blood…” Shine said. “What is it?”

“A cloak of the Seven Warriors, I’m sure you’ve heard of them…” Echo said.

Shine suddenly remembered the story his parents told him, it was fuzzy, but he remembered some of the details. Most importantly, he remembered what they were famous for, and how they disappeared. He looked back at the cloak, the gold lining and the hood attached to it. He slowly put on the cloak, and looked back at Echo.

“So, does this mean you’ll commit?” Echo asked.

“One condition; the mask,” Shine said, remembering how they were distinguished by their masks.

“Of course, the Boss told me to give this back to him, but I’m thinking that the Organization can do without it. Just a word of warning, don’t expect for the Organization to leave you alone while you have this ,” Echo said, throwing the mask from the shadows to Shine. He caught it and inspected the front. In the darkness, he made out some of the key features.

The mask had two eyeholes, but they were distorted. The outer end of the eyeholes curved downward. There were lines on the masks above the snout and on the edges of the mask. The lines were also under and above the eyeholes. He smiled, it looked better than he thought it would.

“Now… let’s exchange some Intel…” Echo said.

Shine pulled out the book from his bags. He held it up for Echo to see. Echo in turn, threw the files to Shine who caught them in his aura and threw the book into the darkness, hearing a thwack as it hit something.

“Fuck- What, did you think I was a unicorn? That fucking hurt,” Echo said, closing his eyes for a second.

“Sorry…” Shine said, giving an awkward smile.

“Just get out of here, I’ll need some time to look this over,” Echo said.

“But what do I do with these?” Shine asked, more interested in the mask than the Intel.

“I’d go ask Twilight , she’s a few towns over in Ponyville. Word is, she’s good with fixing problems . Just go through these woods, it’s faster than the train. Word of warning, don’t act like… this, when you get there. Ponies already think you’re weird here, but if you really want a life without worry, you need to stop being so paranoid ,” Echo said.

“How will going to Ponyville help me?” Shine asked.

“You’ll find out… but there’s something you need to do when you get there. On the second day, you’ll have Spike tell Twilight about meeting a new pony. That’s when you should go to the town square. It all begins there,” Echo said.

“What?” Shine asked, confused once again.

“Trust me, I trusted you after all,” Echo said.

“Right… I guess I’ll take your advice, Echo…” Shine said, looking behind the green eyes.

“I can promise you a new life, but it’s up to you how you make it,” Echo said.

Echo’s eyes suddenly went black and Shine heard the quiet. He waited for something else, but Echo was gone. Shine looked down at the mask, and at the words inscribed on the inside forehead.
The Wise

Shine put the mask on and picked up the files. He put them in his bags next to the real journal and ran further into the forest. He knew where Ponyville was, past Canterlot and continue s through the Everfree Forest. He ran through the forest unaware of the darkness watching him. They stayed away from the cloak , and only watched.

(Many Hours later)

Echo took a step out of the forest and into the clearing. He checked to make sure he wasn’t followed before bringing a ruby out of his bags. He stacked some twigs and sticks into an unlit campfire. He placed the ruby on top of the pile and concentrated on it. He released some magic to break the gem and it erupted into flames.

Echo added larger sticks and logs until it was a decent size. He pulled out the journal that he obtained and opened it up. Turning to the first page, he tried to decipher what was being written. He managed to read Journal from the chicken scratch on the first page before he gave up.

“Nobody has this bad of handwriting …” Echo groaned into the flames. He pulled out an ink and paper instead and started to write.
Dear Boss,
I have completed the mission. He has no idea we are still watching . He has done just as you predicted, and now I believe he will continue to follow the plan. I was wrong to question you at some points, and I’m sorry. I have the journal, and I tried to decipher it, but I’ll be bringing it back for some help.
Shine has the files, and the mask and cloak are in his possession, it’s only a matter of time before

Echo heard the crack of a twig. He turned towards the forest. The silhouette of something was watching him. He slowly got up and stood in a defensive stance.

“The journal,” The raspy voice demanded.

“Why?” Echo asked.

“You know why,” The raspy voice said taking a step closer.

“And that’s why I can’t give it to you,” Echo said.

“Then I’ll take it,” The voice said.

“Or…” Echo said, grabbing the journal. He held it above the flames, letting a spark touch the corner of it. “You can beg,” Echo said.

“You need that as much as we do,” The voice said.

“No, that’s where you’re wrong. We can do without,” Echo said, letting the book drop into the flames. The voice jumped out of the trees and tackled Echo to the ground. Echo tried to block off the blows to his face, to no avail.

“You’ll regret this,” the raspy voice said to the bloody faced Echo.

“Burn in Tartarus,” Came a voice next to Echo. The Raspy voice turned fast enough to see a hoof collide with his face. He fell back, into the center of the flames. His body was quickly devoured by the flames. But not fast enough for him to let out a n ear splitting cry.

Echo picked himself up to look at the pony next to him. His wicked grin belonging to no pony else. It was Psych, and he was on the verge of laughing.

“Damn man, glad you came along,” Echo said.

“Just passing by, but you’ve really gotten old, couldn’t even take one of them out?” Psych said.

“Surprised me, that’s all,” Echo said.

“Well my job’s done, what about you?” Psych asked.

“Almost, he’s headed towards Ponyville now,” Echo said.

“A little early, huh?”

“Better he has time to take things under control,”

“You know, I think you would have had a better job with Luz. It was a hell of a ride,” Psych said.

“Shine had his moments… and he’s about to have some more,” Echo said.

“Let’s just get out of here before more of them come; you go t the book?” Psych asked.

“Had to burn it, spur of the moment,” Echo said.

“Boss is going to be pissed, I should probably be the one to tell him,”

“I can take it, he’ll go easy on me anyways,” Echo said.

A sound louder than thunder entered the air. It caused both Echo and Psych to cover their ears. When it stopped, Echo was up and alert. He took a 360 degree scan of the area, his face turned hard.

“The Fuck was that?” Psych asked.

“As a Pony Veteran would call it, and ambush…” Echo said, looking to the dark shadows coming from the forest.

“It’ll take a lot more than a few to take me down,” Psych said.

“There’s a lot more than a few… look up,” Echo said.

Psych looked up to the pitch dark sky. Then he realized that there was no moon in sight. The darkness came from the sheer amount of moving black forms. Psych gulped as the forms descended upon them. Echo dug his hooves into the ground and sighed.

“This is going to be a long night ,” Echo said.

“How fucking big is this forest ?” Shine asked himself, walking around another tree. “Maybe I should make up camp or something…”

“Who ventures into these woods of dismay? Wanderers, or passing merchants best stay away,” A voice said behind him.

“What the-,” Shine turned around quickly, not having heard the voice approach.

“You do not seem a native to this land, are you in search for something grand?” The voice asked, stepping out of the shadows, where Shine could see her.

“Sort of, do you know where Ponyville is?” Shine asked, cautiously taking a step back after seeing her earrings and other piercings. He kept an eye on the shadows around them, and listened for anything else he might have missed.

“Ah, Ponyville is a place I hold dear, for its inhabitants no longer hold fear. If your mask is a symbol of true Pride, you should understand that the town will judge by what’s inside ,” She said.

“Okay… but where do I go?” Shine asked again.

“A mile ahead, you should reach your destination. If you act with haste, the predators will still be in their reservations,” She said.

“Okay, thanks I guess. But shouldn’t you be hiding from the predators?” Shine asked.

“When the dark will cloud your sight, you must take cover in the night. But if you can fool their senses, the night can open new defenses,” She said.

“Sure…” Shine said, not understanding fully .

She backed up into the darkness, and suddenly she was gone. Shine didn’t hear any hoof steps or rustling of leaves. It was like she was never there. He tensed up, if she could move quietly, he had to be prepared for something else.

“So, that’s what she meant,” Shine said to himself. Shine continued walking, the darkness of the forest receding slowly in front of him. He could barely see five feet in front of him, and the trees would pop out of nowhere.

After he’d walked for another few minutes, he noticed a change. The darkness was getting farther, and he could see yards ahead now. He walked around another tree before the light streaked through the trees. He picked up his pace as he exited the trees. He found himself on the outskirts of the town. The buildings were silhouetted in the moon’s glow.

Shine looked back at the forest, and then the town. He cautiously made his way to one of the buildings. The lights were off, he had trouble figuring out where the door was. Shine moved on and looked at the next house. He was met with the same result. Finally, he came upon a building that had a light inside. He looked inside, and found a pony facing the other way at a book.

Shine walked around the building and found the door, the light was streaking from the crack underneath. He took a look behind him, but there was only a quiet street. He knocked once then twice, and waited. He listened as hard as he could for any sign of acknowledgment. It wasn’t hard when there wasn’t anything else making noise.

“Who could that be?” He heard somepony grumble inside. He counted to five before the door opened. A purple unicorn greeted him, her eyes had small bags under them. The horn on her head glowed suddenly. Shine was about to say something, but the door slammed in his face.

“Who are you?” Came a call from the other side.

“Uh…Shine?” Shine replied, wondering why she shut it like that.

The door slowly opened a crack, and Shine saw her eye look through that crack. “You are a pony, aren’t you?” She asked.

“Yeah, what would make you think I… oh, I forgot about the mask,” Shine said, reaching up to take off the mask.

“That’s a mask?” She asked, opening the door slightly wider.

“Yes,” Shine answered. He pulled off the mask and let his hair fall down over his eyes again. He gave a look over his shoulder before showing her his face.

“Well, I’m sorry about that. I was just reading this book about… nevermind it’s not important. What can I help you with?” She asked. Shine felt weird holding his mask, and put it back on his face.

“Somepony said I could find Twilight Sparkle in this town. Any idea where I can find her?” Shine asked.

“Well you came to the right place, I’m Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight said.

“That was easy; so can I come in? I have some questions I want some answers to,” Shine said.

“I guess so, I was trying to get my mind off something before I went to sleep, come on in,” Twilight said, opening it wide for him to enter. Shine felt his eyes burn for a second as the sudden brightness entered his vision. He slowly entered, always keeping Twilight in his line of sight. He stayed next to a wall, and examined the bookcases from a distance.

“So, this is a library?” Shine asked.

“Yes, I live upstairs, so you’ll find me here a lot,” Twilight said.

“What are you doing up, then? Isn’t it like midnight?” Shine asked.

“I could ask the same of you, it’s almost four in the morning,” Twilight said.

“Echo never told me how long it takes to get here through the forest,” Shine said.

“Echo?” Twilight asked.

“He’s… he’s an acquaintance. He’s the one that told me you can answer some of the questions I had,” Shine said.

“I’ve never met him, but it sounds like he knows a lot about me,” Twilight said.

“Only that you solve a lot of problems ,” Shine said.

“Does that mean you have a problem? I’m sure I have a book that can help as well,” Twilight said.

“I think it’s the other way around. Echo gave me these, and I haven’t even looked inside them yet,” Shine said, showing her the folder containing many files. He set the folder on the ground for her to see. She looked at the title of the folder like she remembered something.

“Know what Operation Raven is?” Shine asked.

“No, but the name… I think I’ve seen that name somewhere else. When I was younger I lived at the Canterlot Castle, and I think I remember seeing that name in the old archives,” Twilight said. “I’ll have to ask the Princess about it tomorrow. Spike is already asleep, so that can’t be helped,”

“Then what should I do with this until then?” Shine asked.

“We could always look through them; see what we find,”

“Woah, we? Since when did you get so involved in this?” Shine asked.

“About thirty seconds ago, when you showed me the folder,” Twilight said.

“I don’t know…” Shine said.

“Just let me help, it’s what I do best,” Twilight said.

“Echo never told me you were so modest,”

“Neither did I,” Twilight said.

“Okay then, let’s get started,” Shine said.

Shine opened up the folder and split the contents. Twenty five files for each of them. Shine sat with the wall behind him, in the corner of the room. He looked out the window and made sure there was nopony in sight before getting seated. He opened up the first file, a giant Zero on the front of it.
Operation Raven
File: 0
Operation Raven is highly classified. Viewing these files will put you at risk whether you realize it or not. It is a study of old age warfare, and a continuation of surveillance of the threats to Equestria. Most notably, Operation Raven was started as a way to track the Seven Warriors of Legend, who were said to reappear in the future. If this information is to ever get into hostile possession, they could use this to destroy the country. The Operation is to be carried out in secret by the Organization. (For confidentiality, they will not be named.)

Shine looked up to Twilight, who was concentrating really hard on the file. He levitated the page over to her. She read it quickly before stopping to think about something.

“This is giving me more questions than answers…” Twilight said.

“Why, did you figure something out?” Shine asked.

“Equestria is not in danger, so why would they need to have surveillance? And the Seven Warriors of Legend? I’ve never heard of them before,” Twilight said.

“I remember it… sort of. From when I was a foal. My parents used to tell me that story every night. I completely forgot about that, they said it was just a story,” Shine said.

“How did it go?” Twilight asked, curious.

“It was a long time ago… during the Griffin Crisis. The Griffins were at war with the ponies over land disputes, and hired mercenaries to infiltrate the heart of Equestria. The mercenaries were changelings, who had claimed neutrality in the war. By the time we realized that they were no longer neutral, it was too late,” Shine began.

“What happened?”” Twilight asked.

“Well seven ponies from different cities banded together and led a group into the changeling base. What they didn’t know was that the changelings had convinced a dragon to help their cause. So, they group they led was slaughtered. But miraculously, the seven survived. They fought for three days, and on the last day, their leader fell,” Shine said.

“That doesn’t sound like a good ending…” Twilight said.

“The seven of them held the changelings off until reinforcements from Canterlot arrived. They didn’t make it, but there weren’t enough changelings to fight off the reinforcements, so they fled. A city was built on that spot, to honor them… That’s all I remember,” Shine said.

“This is all news to me, I’ve never heard of the changelings in the Griffin Crisis,” Twilight said.

“I think they surrendered after the failure, and that was that,” Shine said.

“Just another question for the Princess tomorrow,” Twilight said.

“Wow, you know the Princess that well?” Shine asked.

“Yes, she’s my mentor,” Twilight said.

“So, what are you doing in Ponyville?” Shine asked.

“I’m learning about the magic of friendship. Since I came here, I’ve learned so much,”

“Huh, friendship? I never found it to be so special,”

“What? But friendship is what drives you to keep going . Friends are always there for you, and that’s what makes it special,”

“Maybe for you, but my friends probably don’t give two shits about me leaving town. They might find it inconvenient, but they’ll get over it,” Shine said.

“How could you say that? Aren’t your friends important to you?” Twilight asked.

“Sort of, but it’s not like we have much in common. They’ve been my friends all my life, but lately I’ve been thinking… are they really my friends?”

“True friends wouldn’t ask that question,” Twilight said.

“Then maybe I should find some of those. Cause I’ve asked myself that a lot lately,” Shine said.

“Alright then, if you really think so. I’m sure you can make some friends in this town,” Twilight said.

“Didn’t mean to bitch about it, but that’s just how I feel. Maybe some new friends can do me some good,” Shine said.

“Well it’s getting late, if you want to keep looking, go ahead. Just make sure you turn off the lights before you leave,” Twilight said.

“Oh… I don’t even have anywhere to stay tonight… maybe I should have figured that out earlier,” Shine said.

“We do have a guest bed, it’s the room on your right when you go up the stairs . You’re welcome to use it,” Twilight said, getting up.

“Okay, I’ll do that, thanks,” Shine said.

Twilight went up the stairs, and Shine looked back at the files. He turned open the file with the one on it, and read the contents. (It’s the same file as the beginning of the chapter) Shine lowered the document and his mind hit a wall. Even though he tried to avoid surveillance, they still knew a lot about him. Was Echo the ace they were talking about? Didn’t Echo say something about trust?

Shine moved aside the folders and then continued to move them. He couldn’t find the second file. When he was sure he searched all Fifty of the files, he piled up all of the files. Trust, that’s what Echo said he gave him. Shine was missing a file, and Echo would definitely know by now that the journal Shine gave him was a fake. There was no trust. So, why was he in a stranger’s house about to sleep completely vulnerable?

Shine pulled out his Journal and wrote his latest entry.
Day 7301: Recently I’ve learned that things may not be what they seem. I left my home, and I’m with a stranger. I don’t know who to trust in this new town , but I won’t take my chances. I’ll continue to stay alert, and find out the meaning of this. I don’t know what Echo wants with this journal, but he’s not going to get it. Something about him just doesn't seem right.

Shine placed the folder with the files inside his bags. He also put the journal in his bag. He put the bags back on and turned off the lights. Opening the door slowly, he stepped outside. He closed the door without making too much noise and walked slowly to the tree line. He lay down behind one of the trees and looked at the sky. Quickly, he fell asleep. His mind was blank, he had no dreams and his mind was still in alert when he heard the scream in the distance. It was faint, but he heard it.

Shine opened his eyes. He stood up from his position in the grass and looked around. Everything was still quiet, but the sun was slowly rising in the distance. He made his way back to where the library was. He stopped a few feet away and stared.

“Is this a tree?” Shine asked himself. He just realized that the library was inside the tree with windows and a door. He should have paid more attention the night before.

Shine walked up to the door and opened it. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him. It gave a small click that made him look out the window. The streets were still clear, and he relaxed. Shine pulled the folder out of his bag and laid the files back on the floor. He ordered them by the number on each one. Shine opened up the third file and read the contents.
Operation Raven
File: 3
Time Dedicated: (No Longer Relevant)
Name: Lost (Last Name No Longer Relevant)
Age: 40
City: (No Longer Relevant)
Info: Our oldest target. Has become our greatest ally. This file is to be No Longer Relevant due to organization protocol.

Shine set the file aside. His mind was thinking about those three words that were repeated. No Longer Relevant. Why did this file have that and not the other two? Did that mean that some of this info was actually important? He heard a creak and looked up from the files. He looked up to the top of the stairs where Twilight was looking down on him.

“Did you sleep at all?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah…” Shine answered.

“I checked the guest room and it doesn’t look like you ever went in,”

“I never said that I went to sleep in the guest room,” Shine said.

“Then did you sleep down here?”

“No,”

“Then where did you sleep?”

“Outside,”

“You could have just said so… wait, outside?” Twilight asked. “Why didn’t you use the guest room?”

“I thought it was just an option,” Shine said, looking back down to the fourth file he pulled up to him.

“I… uh… what?” Twilight asked.

“So, I have some theories on this,” Shine said.

“Okay… care to tell me?”

“Well, first off, the files are different than what I thought,” Shine said.

“The files I read were about individual ponies, isn’t that what you read about?”

“It’s what I didn’t read about. These files are missing important information. Other than my own file, I don’t understand what these are about,” Shine said.

“Your file? There’s a file about you?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I’m special, deal with it,” Shine said. Twilight gave him a blank stare at which he didn’t know what to say, Shine sighed. “Would you like to see it?” Shine asked. Twilight nodded.

Shine levitated the file over to her. He looked back down to his own files. He opened up the fourth one and started to read. Twilight however, kept a confused face as she gave him back the file and took file 27. They read in silence until Shine heard the creak of the stairs. Shine raised his eyes to the purple and green figure descending the stairs. Shine rose up and backed up to the wall. He kept his eyes on the figure as it reached the bottom.

“Great you’re up, Spike. I’d like you to meet-,”

“Gah!” Spike said, looking up at Shine.

“What is that?” Shine asked Twilight.

“This is Spike, he’s my assistant. He’s also a dragon,” Twilight said.

“What are you?” Spike asked Shine directly.

Shine lifted the mask off his face. He kept his eyes cold and emotionless on Spike. Something about him put Shine on edge, and it wasn’t that fact that he was a dragon. Or was it? Shine just knew that there was something he didn’t like about him.

“Oh, is that a mask? Geez, I thought you were gonna kill me or something ,” Spike said.

“Feeling’s mutual,” Shine said.

“But, we’re good now, right ?” Spike asked.

“…” Shine walked back to his files and lowered his gaze from Spike. “My name’s Shine, and you’re Spike, right?” Shine asked.

“Yeah, I help Twilight around the library and with some other things,” Spike said.

“He’s also a good cook, which reminds me. Why don’t you make us some breakfast?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, the usual?” Spike asked.

“Yes please,” Twilight said.

“What about you?” Spike asked Shine.

“I’m not hungry,” Shine said, not looking up from the file.

“Are you sure? Spike makes the best haycakes,” Twilight said.

“I thought he was a dragon, doesn’t he eat jewels?” Shine asked, still not looking away from the files.

“Only for snacks, I don’t mind eating pony food,” Spike said.

“That could be bad for your digestive tracts,” Shine said.

“How so?” Spike asked.

“Without a steady supply of gems, your fire will lose its magical power, and your scales won’t be as protective,” Shine said.

“You know a lot about dragons,” Twilight said.

“Always need to be prepared, one of my rules to live by,” Shine said.

“You must know a lot then,” Spike said.

“You could say that,” Shine said, moving to the next file.

“What else do you know?” Spike asked.

“That curiosity killed my cat,” Shine said.

“You had a cat?” Twilight asked.

“No, but if I did, he’d have been dead a long time ago,” Shine said moving the file aside. “I need some fresh air, excuse me,” Shine said, standing up and walking to the door. He left without another word, and Spike was still trying to figure out what cat died when the door slammed.

“What’s wrong with me? He was just trying to be nice, and I treated him like… like a dragon ,” Shine said. “I should probably go back now. They’re probably worried that I’ve been gone over an hour now,” Shine said. And I left the files inside… “shit.”

Shine stood up from his spot in the trees and walked back to the tree. He hovered by the back window where he saw Spike and Twilight sitting at the table. Their food was gone, but they were in conversation of something. He also noticed through the front window that the files were untouched where he left them. Shine opened the door and stepped in.

“But then why would the cat jump in?” Spike asked.

“Because he’s curious,” Twilight said.

“But that’s just dumb,” Spike said.

“I give up…” Twilight said when Shine walked into the kitchen.

“Hey Shine, could you explain why the cat jumped in?” Spike asked.

“Yes,” Shine said.

“Then why did he jump in?”

“Because he was curious,”

“I don’t get it,”

“Curiosity kills cats, life lesson. Learn that and you’ll go places,” Shine said walking out of the kitchen.

“So what about dogs? Winona’s been spreading some bad rumors about me,” Spike said.

(Hours later)

Shine closed the file. That was number nineteen. It was one of the only ones that didn’t have No Longer Relevant markings. The way they were written, he had a feeling that they were recent. So far, files 0, 1, 4, 6, 12, and now 19 still had information on them. He had six more files, and Twilight was still shifting through her 25 documents. 0 was different than the others, so he dismissed it. There were Five documents that weren’t edited, and 14 documents that had contents No Longer Relevant. There was something he was missing in all of this.

“Hey… have you asked the Princess about this yet?” Shine asked.

“Oh, not yet. Spike, take a letter,” Twilight said.

Spike came out of nowhere with a quill and paper. Twilight told him her message, which Spike wrote down. He rolled it up and shot out his magic flames onto it. The message travelled through the air as magic smoke. Shine managed to picture how the message would have looked like.
Dear Princess Celestia,

Recently we have acquired information regarding a long lost legend. If you have any information on the Seven Warriors of Legend, can you please clear up some of our problems? Thank you.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle
(What the message actually said,)
Dear Princes Celestia,

There is a problem with 7 wariors from a legend. Can you help us solve the problem? Also, I found out that gems are good for a dragons diet, and Spike will need some to grow up big and strong. Can you send Spike some gems? Thanks.

Your Faithfull Student,

Twilight Sparkle,

and her number 1 assistant, Spike.

(In Canterlot)

“Oh, a letter. I wonder what Twilight’s been up to,” Celestia said, opening it. She read the contents before throwing it in the fire. While it was burning, she realized Luna entered the room.

“Sister, what is the meaning of this?” Luna asked.

“Oh, it’s just Spike’s handwriting. I couldn’t read it …” Celestia said, giving a forced chuckle. Luna nodded slowly.

“Oh, I see. I felt the same way when he sent me a Congratulations card and misspelled my name,” Luna said exiting the room.

Celestia teleported to the archives room. She shifted through the shelves until she found the right one. She pulled a dusty book from behind the folders and scrolls and opened it. The first page told her what she wanted to know.
The Seven Warriors of Legend: Biography of those involved.

Celestia pulled out a folder that was also on the same shelf. She looked at the title of it.
Operation Raven

Celestia teleported back to her personal study and looked into the fire. She threw the folder inside. When she was about to throw the book, she hesitated. With a sigh, she threw the book into the fire. As she suspected, the cover on the book didn’t burn. The pages within, however, went up in flames. She pulled the cover out with a fireplace poker. After it was out of the fire, it wasn’t on fire, it wasn’t even hot. She teleported it back into the archives room. Celestia started to write her letter to Twilight.

(Late at night)

“You used what?” Twilight asked.

“I was trying to stay safe. You never know when something unexpected happens. So, I got a lot of them. My dad didn’t think I was normal for using them, and apparently you’re just like him,” Shine said.

“Well those are hard to find around here. Nopony really needs them. The chances that something’s going to happen is pretty low. Especially in Ponyville, this isn’t the biggest city,” Twilight said.

“I guess so, but I’d feel better with them. I think it’s better than the alternative,” Shine said.

“I guess so, but I think you need to stop being so paranoid,” Twilight said.

“Now you sound like Echo,” Shine said.

“Well I doubt he used locks on his doors,” Twilight said.

“I don’t, he gave me that feeling like he was just as paranoid as me,” Shine said.

“Well, it’s time for bed, so use your lock if you want. If you need me, I’ll be in my ‘normal ’ room,” Twilight said.

“And I’ll be in my safe and secure room,” Shine said.

Twilight went up the stairs, and Shine followed a few minutes later. He picked up the files and put them in his bag. He went to his guest room and shut the door behind him. He tied a string to the door knob and attached it to a bell he had Twilight buy for him. He hung the bell next to his bed and secured it. Then he noticed the window above his bed.

“I forgot about the window…” Shine said to himself. He looked around the room and the random junk he saw inside. He had an idea.

Shine grabbed the saddlebags in the corner of the room and a book on the shelves. He also grabbed the boots that were hiding under the bed. He pulled on the saddlebag edges until a loose string came out. He pulled on that with his teeth until he got a length of fabric he could use. He took the fabric and tied it to the part of the window that opened outward. He tied the other end to the boots. He set the book on a nearby shelf, making sure that it were leaning far enough off the edge to fall. He set the boots on the book where it was on the ledge and tested it.

Like Shine expected, when the window opened outward, the boots were pulled off the book enough to take off the pressure. The book used the lack of pressure to fall onto the floor, where it created a loud thump. What he didn’t expect, was to hear a cry of pain from next door. He set his device back up and walked out of his room, hearing the ringing of the bell.

Shine opened the neighbor door and poked his head in. He saw Twilight holding her eye near a telescope. He was about to pull his head out, until she noticed him.

“Did you hear that?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I think it came from outside. Probably a rabbit or something,” Shine said.

“Oh… even though that doesn’t make any sense, I’m going to let this go by,” Twilight said.

“Okay, if you need me, I’ll be next door,” Shine said, shutting the door behind him. He went back into his room, careful not to set off the bell too much. He shut the door and got into bed. He listened for a few seconds to see if there was anything he could remember that he normally did. Then he remembered the Journal.

Day 7302: I’ve started to discover some new things. Something about the Seven Warriors of Legend involves me. I think Echo knew, and I’m wondering why I haven’t seen him yet. Didn’t he realize the journal I gave him was fake? And why do I feel like I shouldn’t be so on alert. I’m always on alert… but it’s something about this town and lets me talk openly about myself to complete strangers. Twilight knows a lot about me now. She had a lot of questions, and I don’t know why I answered honestly.

Shine opened his eyes. He saw the rays of sunlight enter the room and got out of bed quickly. He gave the string on the bell some slack so he could open the door without noise. He grabbed his bags and went downstairs. He laid the files back on the ground and stared at them. He’s already read all of them, and after Twilight finished, they switched files. Now, he didn’t know how to piece this together. Suddenly something came back to him.

You’ll find out… but there’s something you need to do when you get there. On the second day, you’ll have Spike tell Twilight about meeting a new pony. That’s when you should go to the town square. It all begins there,” Echo said.

It’s the second day, so shouldn’t he be expecting something? Shine thought about that until he heard something. Shine looked up to see Spike coming down the stairs.

“Wow, you’re up early. Even Twilight doesn’t get up this early,” Spike said.

“Hey Spike, I was wondering. Were you about to go into town?” Shine asked.

“Yeah, how did you know? I was going to see if Rarity would need any help today ,” Spike said.

“Okay, but if you see anything out of the ordinary, can you tell me when you get back?” Shine asked.

“Um, sure. What would you consider out of the ordinary?” Spike asked.

“One of these,” Shine said. He pointed to his mask, that he just remembered he still had on.

“I guess so, it’d be hard to miss one of those,” Spike said.

Spike left and Shine looked back down to the files. Suddenly he had a realization. If Spike comes and tells him he saw a pony with a mask, would that mean that there were more than two? There were six files, after all.

(Ten Minutes later)
Shine heard a knock on the door, and his ears perked up. Twilight heard too.

“Come in, this is a public library after all, you don’t need to knock,” Twilight said.

The door opened and an orange coated mare stepped in. She didn’t notice Shine, who was watching her. “Sorry Twilight, but this is your home after all. Got to be courteous, as Rarity would put it,” She said.

“That’s okay Applejack, what is it that you needed?” Twilight asked.

“Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you. See, yesterday I found this weird pony getting attacked by a Timberwolf in my apple orchards. After I fixed up some of his injuries, he woke up. Said he didn’t know much, and he acted like he was mighty confused. So, I was wondering if you could figure out what’s wrong with him,” Applejack said.

“That sounds pretty odd, what do you think Shine?” Twilight asked.

“Sounds like Amnesia to me,” Shine said. Applejack just noticed the other pony in the room and turned to acknowledge him.

“Oh, didn’t see you there. Say, do you know that pony? He was wearing the exact same getup you are,” Applejack said.

“W-what?” Shine asked.

“He said his name’s Dust, probably one of the only things he knows,” Applejack said.

“No, never heard that name before,” Shine said.

“I’ll tell the Princess about this, something weird’s been going on recently. Can you come back later AJ, when she’s had time to reply? So far, Spike is over at Rarity’s and he should be back soon,” Twilight asked.

“Alright then, I’ll be back later,” Applejack said, leaving and closing the door behind her.

Shine grabbed one of the files and scanned it fast. He grabbed another and repeated the same process. Twilight watched as he went through every file.

“What are you looking for?” Twilight asked.

“Something on this mysterious pony. I feel like one of these files has to have something on him,” Shine said.

“That would be interesting, but I think the Princess should be able to shed some light on this,” Twilight said.

“Maybe…” Shine said, looking down at the files.

(One hour later)

Shine was tapping the floor with his pencil. He was writing on a piece of paper that Twilight gave him. He heard the sound of the door opening. He threw the paper into the fire and turned towards the door. Spike was there, and he was looking a little different.

“Hey Spike, any news?” Shine asked. Twilight was upstairs, but she could be down any second. He wanted to see if he could figure something out on his own.

“Yeah, I saw one of them. It was different than yours though. And that’s not all... I heard that there’s another pony with one of those masks at Applejack’s farm,” Spike said.

“That’s good news, so why do you look… different?” Shine asked.

“One of the ponies… her name was Star. She was… pretty. Under the mask, that is,” Spike said, looking down from Shine.

“You… like her?” Shine asked, finding this amusing.

“But, what if Rarity finds out? I can’t be in love with two ponies, can I?” Spike asked.

“It’s probably just a crush, you’ll get over it. And if you don’t, then you’ll know it’s true love,” Shine said.

“Thanks,” Spike said.

“Oh, Spike, you’re here,” Twilight said from the top of the stairs.

“Yeah, I just got back. You guys want to eat some dinner? I can make something really fast,” Spike said.

“Actually, I’m going into town. Something’s about to happen and I don’t want to miss it,” Shine said.

“Then I’ll go with you, the Princess still hasn’t responded, has she Spike?” Twilight asked.

"Nope, no letters yet," Spike said.

Shine was walking down the street. Twilight was walking next to him. Shine refused to go into town without the mask. If something was going to happen, he’d do it his own way. Shine noticed the upcoming town square. He took a good glance around and noticed everything in a few seconds. The Five other ponies with masks and the five that accompanied them.

“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.

“Seven Warriors of Legend, right? Well then why are there only six of us?” Shine asked himself. He looked up to the cloud that had floated above them. A pony was looking down on them from above.

“He’s not a Pegasus, how is he on a cloud?” Twilight asked herself.

“He’s not wearing a mask… who is he?” Shine asked.

“What a pathetic group of ponies. I think I’ll play with you all for a little bit.” Shine heard him say. He felt energy build up around him.

“But I think you need to learn that this isn’t a game,” The pony on the cloud said.

Shine could now see the energy building up around him. It was small little forms that whirled around him. The forms started to grow in size. Shine watched as they became water droplets and continued to grow.

“How is he using magic?” Twilight asked before the water grew large enough to engulf them. The water entered his nostrils and his ears. Shine tried to hold his breath, but it was useless.

Shine eventually stopped resisting and saved his energy. When he felt he was about to pass out, the water stopped. He landed on his stomach gasping for air. He looked up and the cloud above them all was gone. He did notice however, that everywhere around him was covered in water. He looked to the others in the town square.

Everyone in the town square was unconscious. All except two. Shine and the pony across from him weren’t unconscious. But the pony sitting across from him was staring into the sky. A look of terror was on her face. She was holding her head and mumbling something. Shine picked himself up and walked over. He got into range to hear what she was saying.

“My name is Luz… My name is Luz… My name is Luz…” Shine stopped. He remembered that name from the files. Number 30.

“Luz?” Shine asked.

Suddenly, she was out of her trance. She looked up to him, and blinked. Then, her eyes rolled to the side and she passed out. Shine stood above her and the yellow coated mare next to her. The mare with the yellow coat and pink mane was shaking, but she was definitely out cold. Shine threw up water and had to steady himself. He was glad he didn’t eat anything, because only water came out. Shine bent down and lifted Luz up. He started to carry her over to the library, the safest place he knew in the town . He tried not to throw up again, because he would need his energy if he was going to move them all.

Author's Note

Longer Chapter, Longer break. This story is just getting started. Leave some feedback, pl0x. Hopefully a new cover image will appear soon from a faithful reader. If not, then I’ll probably draw something up really fast. (I'm not saying it'll be a drawing though.)
Next Time: The Files, Get a Filing Cabinet; It’s safer .(If you use locks)