Ponymon Mystery Dungeon: Rainbow Rescue Team

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Final Chapter

Chapter 1

“N-no! What are you doing?! Get away from me!!”

“…n!! Run, it’s going to get you!!”

I turned from the looming ominous silhouette and sprinted for my life, its heavy pounding footsteps shaking the ground below me. My breathing was heavy and my palms were sweaty; my heart felt like it was going to explode in my chest.

It was raining and it was dark. What would have been an easy escape was now made difficult by the thick passage of the mud sticking to my feet. So it was no surprise that I tripped and fell face-first into the wetted dirt.

“No!” The voice in the distance cried, and I could tell it was making an attempt to save me, but all too late. A firm grip wrapped around my waist and pulled me into the air. As I hung there: wet, cold, broken, and defenseless, I caught one glance at a massive red eye as it peered deep into my very soul.

All the fear, panic, and exhaustion built up sent my body into a limp state and I dangled at the mercy of the beast. My eyesight almost immediately went black. Wherever I woke up, I prayed it was anywhere but there.
Darkness. Nothing but darkness… No… A voice…calling to me…

* * * * *

“…ey. Wake up. Please wake up.”

I felt a nudge against my side that pulled me out of my unconscious state. As my eyes slowly flickered open I noticed I was in a forest against the cool morning’s grass. The melodic chirping of birds could be heard from above the treetops as well as various other creatures that occupied the area.

When I had finally gotten my wits about me, I looked at the invader of my slumber and…screamed; which in turn caused her to jump away and scream in unison. After we had both finished and were panting because of our doubled heart rates, she looked at me with a look of confusion and a hint of anger.

“What’d you do that for?!”

“You’re talking!!” I exclaimed, despite my shortness of breath.

“Yeah? So are you!” she shot back.

Touché. But there was still one huge difference.

“But you’re a pony!”

It was true. I guess I could’ve said horse, but she was much too small to be a horse, although she was the most bizarre colored pony I’d ever seen in my life. Her coat was an olive green, with a brown tail and mane with streaks of electric-blue, and she had (quite adorable, I might add) sky blue eyes. On her flank rested a picture of a couple of buttons that looked vaguely familiar. But the thing that really grabbed my attention was her wings. She had…wings. Deciding it would be rude to keep staring, I looked back to her face. She raised an eyebrow. I’m not sure if it were from amusement or whether she was being condescending.

“…So are you.”
At first, I didn’t believe her. Then I tried standing up only to have my legs give out from underneath me and land on my arms. You would’ve thought that would strain my back, but it was surprisingly comfortable. As I took a step towards her, I noticed that my fingers and toes felt like they were glued together. Glancing down, I saw that the green pegasus’s claims were correct.

I had hooves. I turned my head around reluctantly to see my dark grey mane and tail, as well as a picture on my flank. I was now a pony. I curiously poked the picture with my hoof, which was a grey sword, which seemed to shimmer in the light with the faintest glow.

“What’s…this?” I asked cautiously, not really sure if I wanted to know the answer. Again, she gave me that look.

“You don’t know what a cutie mark is? Have you lived under a rock your whole life?”

I felt insulted, but I shook my head. She sighed and I could’ve sworn I detected annoyance.

“A cutie mark appears on a pony’s flank when they figure out what they’re good at in life.”

I nodded in semi-understanding.

“Um…who are you?” I asked. She glanced at me curiously, as if I’d just asked a question that seemed irrelevant.

“The name’s Eight Bit. And before you ask, my special talent is creating entertainment using machines.” She flicked her tail nonchalantly before turning her attention back to me. “And you are?”

My head started to hurt. I placed a han…no, I’m sorry, I placed a hoof on my forehead. I dug deep into my data banks, searching for an answer to her simple question. But none came. How could I not know my own name? As a matter of fact, I couldn’t remember anything.
“Well, see, that’s the thing…I don’t remember my name or how I got here. All I remember is that I was a human before I woke up.”

“Aw, you poor thing…” I couldn’t tell if her sympathy was mocking or genuine. She had one heck of a poker face. “A human? What’s that?” 8-Bit looked at me, and for the first time since she woke me up seemed genuinely interested.

“It’s…hard to explain…But I remember that I was one once and now I’ve been changed…” I sighed and sat back down.

From what I’d gathered, I knew that whatever was going on here wasn’t right. I shouldn’t be there…and yet, there I was. Not to mention my mind had been wiped and my form had been changed. My aggravation grew as I failed to piece together what happened. The green pegasus appeared deep in thought for a while before looking at me again.

“Are you good with a sword?”

I looked at her curiously.

“Yes, why?” I don’t why I said it; I didn’t even really know if it was true. But it felt right, so who was I to say no to my instinct?

“Then I’ll call you Silver Blade! You need some kind of name until we figure out what your real name is!”

I smiled at her.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” I paused again. “Where are we?”

“The Everfree Forest.” It was very brief, but I managed to catch her shuddering.

“What’s so bad about it?”

“Well it…it kind of…I should go.” She glanced around nervously.

“Wait, I still don’t-“
But I hardly had time to finish before a cry of distress was heard in the distance, causing both of our ears to perk up.

“HELP ME!”

The voice was young, and female, I was judging. 8-Bit and I gave one quick glance at each other before taking off in a fierce gallop to the sound of the voice. Silently, we decided the path would take too slow and we ended up dodging branches and vines that were hurled our way, as well as hurtling over some logs and rocks.

My hoof got caught on one of the logs and I stumbled forward, but right as I was about to smash against the ground, green hooves caught me and wings were used to slow me down so I would have a safe impact. I let out one deep breath and looked at my rescuer, almost in admiration as she hovered above me. Almost.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. Now c’mon! That little filly needs our help!”

I nodded and we both resumed our steady gallop. This time, I made sure to mind my footing. Or…hoofing in this case. The wording was going to take a while to get used to. I was a few more minutes before we reached a clearing in the thicket, which showed us the cause of the cries for help.

In front of us, a tiny little dull-pink pony with blonde hair and no cutie mark on her flank. I noticed a horn protruding from her forehead and it only increased my shock. Unicorns lived in this place as well? She was being circled by canines that looked like they grew off of a tree. They were bigger than your average wolf, and therefore twice as intimidating.

“Timber wolves…!” 8-Bit said as she sucked in her breath. “W-we should go, it was a bad idea to come here…” I shot her a glance.
“And just leave her there?!” I said incredulously. I looked back to the timber wolves, so they were called. “No way!” Despite the fact I was terrified, I put on a brave face and galloped over to the things. The little filly saw me coming and cried out a warning.

“No mister! You have to run! They’ll hurt you!”

But I ignored her warning and continued my course to them, determined to remove the younger pony from their malicious reach.

“Silver, what are you-?! Ugh, I can’t believe I’m doing this…” my reluctant companion sighed as she galloped alongside me.

“Oh, so you decided to join the party, eh Late Bit?” I grinned at her, glad she was with me, but also teasing her for even considering backing down.

“Don’t call me that.” She said as grimly as she could, but she wasn’t doing too well to repress her smile. I then nodded and turned to the timber wolves and my smile faded. We came to a stop only a few meters away.

“Hey, you scraps of firewood! Leave that filly alone!” I tried to sound as intimidating as possible, but I don’t know how intimidating a little pony can be.

“Yeah!” 8-Bit called, backing me up. Part of me wished she would’ve had something cool to say too, but then another part of me was satisfied that I beat her to the cool lines. But as the timber wolves attentions were drawn mainly to me, I started to regret it. Then I really regretted it when I saw just how outnumbered we were. There were three of the beasts and two of us.

Then an idea hit me. I looked at the position of the wolves and the position of the filly and…yeah it might work! I leaned over to whisper my plan into 8-Bit’s ear. After I was done, she looked at me with some brief concern.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?”

I shrugged.

“I’ll be fine! You ready?” She nodded. “Good.”

I picked up a stick nearby with my mouth and held it firmly in between my jaws. I then turned to face the looming silhouettes of the timber wolves as they approached me. My legs began to quiver slightly, but I held my ground. When I decided they were close enough, my back legs sprung me off of the ground and using the momentum I whacked a timber wolf across the face.

It paused, slightly phased, and then turned back to me, its growl fiercer than ever. As it raised its claw to me, I danced out of the way and just in time too. The claw missed, scraping the ground where I was standing, but a different timber wolf used one of its massive arms to slam right into my stomach, knocking the wind out of me and sending me flying into a nearby tree.

My head hurt, and I could barely breathe as they advanced on me. My vision started to go dark as if I was wearing a pair of goggles and I felt lightheaded. And then I felt warmth wrap around my sides and pull me into the air, just out of the wolves’ reach. Deciding I was finally safe, I gave in to the looming darkness and blacked out.

* * * * *

“…e going to be okay?”

“He’s going to be fine… Don’t worry.”

I awoke to the voices of 8-Bit who was apparently comforting the filly.

…The filly!

I shot up from my laying down position and saw they were watching me intently.

“Mister, you’re awake!” The tiny unicorn exclaimed, clearly relieved. I looked at her almost immediately.

“Are you alright?”

“She’s fine. What about you?” 8-Bit asked, raising an eyebrow, “You took quite the beating there. You were quite a good distraction.” She smiled and I wasn’t sure if this was a compliment or an insult. I decided to take it as compliment.

“Well the distraction would’ve been worthless if you hadn’t flown over to her and carried her away while I kept the timber wolves busy.” I smiled right back at her. It was a team effort, that much couldn’t be denied.

The unicorn poked her head in between us, beaming from ear to ear.

“I’m Dinky Doo! Wow, you two were really cool! Thank you so much!” She kept grinning at us and I couldn’t help but get a little flustered. The admiration was…a bit exaggerated.

“I’m Silver Blade. I think…”

“And I’m Eight Bit. Do you live in Ponyville, Dinky?”

“Uh-huh! My mommy works as a mailmare!” She said proudly.

“Well then, let’s get you home.” My pegasus companion picked Dinky up, placed her gently onto her back and began to walk. Looking back, I realize she could’ve just flown out of the forest but decided to walk to stay with me. I admit I took comfort in that.

“Have you ever been to Ponyville, Silver? Or remember going there?” 8-Bit asked over her shoulder. I shook my head. “Well maybe we can figure something out when we get there.” I nodded.

The walk out of the forest was pretty uneventful, except for me noticing this world was unnaturally bright. When the trees finally stopped, a small field stretched out across the clearing. Just ahead of the plain was a small village where the buildings made mostly with yellow architecture. I stood for a bit to take in the sight, and then followed after 8-Bit in a steady trot.

“Pretty neat place, eh Silver?”

I nodded as we pulled up to the edge of town. We saw a grey mare, similar to 8-Bit in size (she also had wings) with a blonde mane and tail, yellow eyes that were crossed, and bubbles as her…cutie mark. At this point, Dinky jumped off 8-Bit’s back and ran to the grey pegasus.

“Mommy!”

Dinky’s mom ran to her and nuzzled her affectionately.

“Where were you, muffin? You worried mommy sick!”

I kind of giggled at Dinky’s nickname but didn’t interrupt.

“I…kind of went into the Everfree Forest to explore but I got attacked by timber wolves…I just don’t know what went wrong…” Dinky looked at the ground in shame.

“The Everfree Forest?!” her mother exclaimed, “I told you it was dangerous to go in there!”

“I’m sorry mom! Please don’t be mad at me!” Dinky looked up at her parent apologetically. Her mother bent down and nuzzled her again.

“I’m not mad at you… I’m just glad you’re safe.”

I guess Dinky used that as a way to change the topic of the conversation.

“Yeah! Because of these really cool ponies! They just came out of nowhere and rescued me!”

The grey mare trotted over to us with a warm smile on her face.

“Thanks for saving Dinky! My name’s Ditzy Doo, although if you’d like you can call me Derpy.”

“It was nothing,” I said as I waved a hoof. It was a flat out lie, but I didn’t want the cross-eyed pegasus to feel like she owed us.

“Are you a rescue team?” Derpy asked us. And of course, my amnesia prevented me from knowing the answer to that question. Thankfully, 8-Bit covered for me.

“Yeah, of course we are!”

“That’s really cold!” Derpy exclaimed.

I raised an eyebrow and looked at 8-Bit. She could only shrug.

“Cool, mommy,” Dinky said, failing to suppress a smile.

“That’s what I meant! What’s your name?” This time, 8-Bit looked at me helplessly. But a name popped into my head and I decided to roll with it.

“We’re team Free Souls!”

“Team Free Souls…” Derpy repeated, trying the name out. “I won’t ever forget you, Team Free Souls! Again, thanks!” And then she picked up Dinky and started to fly away. Dinky waved a tiny little hoof, which I couldn’t help but notice was incredibly cute.

“Bye bye guys!”

After a few more moments they were out of sight, disappearing behind a cloud. 8-Bit and I sat in silence for some time before I turned to her and asked the inevitable.

“What’s a rescue team?”

She looked at me and took a deep breath.

“Well, when a pony is in a dangerous situation, they can send out a distress signal which lets the rescue teams find them and help them. Rescue teams are exactly what they sound like, two or more ponies work together to rescue other ponies in danger. They’re usually pretty rare but there’s been a big increase in monsters lately and so rescue teams are back in business. And…I guess I’m your partner from now on.”

“And I wouldn’t have chosen anypony else,” I said with a smile, (deciding “anybody” wouldn’t have been the appropriate terminology) “You’ve been very helpful lately and I’m glad to be working with you Eight Bit.”

Her wings ruffled, then shot outwards, obviously pleased with my comment. She crossed one hoof over the other and grinned. “Is that so?” She looked at the now setting sun. “Well Silver, you’ll need a place to sleep soon. I’ve got a house just on the edge of Ponyville. Wanna crash there?”

I nodded. “Sure, that sounds good.”

She spread her wings and took to the sky, and I ran after her on foot. Her house was only a few minutes away. It was smaller than most of the Ponyville houses, but still livable. She landed swiftly and pushed open the door with one hoof, leading me inside.

On the inside, the house didn’t have much about it. It had a kitchen, a living room, and a bed (with the exception of a few closets and cabinets of course). Immediately, she trotted over to one of the closets and swung the door open, letting a bed fall out in front of her. Using her mouth, she then pulled the bed out and set it parallel to hers.

“There! My extra bed for guests is now yours!”

I nodded in gratitude. Her hoof flicked on a light switch to brighten up to dimming room and glanced at me.

“You hungry?”

“Not reall-“

But I was interrupted by my growling stomach, which made her laugh. She reached into her cabinet and pulled out two delicious-looking red apples and tossed one to me, which I surprisingly caught with my hooves!

“Gotta learn to use those things sometime or other!” She winked and took a bite out of her apple. I ate mine quietly and for a while there wasn’t any talking between us. She tried breaking the silence. “You’re awfully quiet over there.” I looked up from my dinner.

“It’s just… A lot has happened today that I need to wrap my mind around.”

She nodded and looked at the window in thought.

“Mm…”

After we had finished eating we crawled into our beds (which were more comfy than I expected, mostly because I was expecting hay) and she turned out the lights. I sat staring up at the ceiling for a while, reviewing the events of the day. Some time later, I heard her voice against the darkness.

“Hey Silver?” she prompted.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get your memory back and discover what happened to your human form.” And then she rolled over and fell asleep. I couldn’t help smiling to myself; I wasn’t going to have to go through this ordeal alone.

I had a friend.

Chapter 2

I could feel the warmth of sunlight on my face. When I grudgingly opened my eyes, I forgot where I was. Cautiously, I sat up and looked around. Then it all came flooding back to me. Being turned into a pony, battling the timber wolves and meeting 8-Bit…Speaking of which, where was she? I jumped off of my bed and landed on my hooves, as if I’d done it every other day of my life, and looked around a second time.

“Hey Eight Bit, you here?” I called out.

No response.

I shrugged and walked towards the door. Maybe she was outside. I pushed it open with one hoof, like how my friend had demonstrated the day before. Oddly, it could be pushed both ways. Perhaps that’s because it might’ve been hard to pull with hoof, I thought to myself. I stepped into the blinding morning light and let the door close behind me.

“Good morning mister Blade!” a cheerful voice called from in front of me. I almost didn’t recognize its owner, then my eyes adjusted and I recognized a familiar grey coat and blonde mane.

“Good morning Derpy!” I called back, returning the same warmth. I cantered over to her. “What’s up?”

“I’m Ponyville’s mailmare and I have a letter for you and miss Eight Bit!” A proud grin stretched across her face.

“Oh? From who?” I asked, my curiosity spiking. I had only been in this new place for less than a day and already I was getting mail? I was a little more than confused.

“From me, of course!” Derpy grinned as she ruffled through her saddlebag and pulled out a letter. She handed it to me, and one eye drifted slightly upward as she did. “Go on, read it!” I took the letter from her and opened it.

Dear Team Free Souls,

Thank s so much for saving Dinky yesterday! I don’t know what I would’ve done if anything happened to her. Sorry I left yesterday without giving you anything to show my thanks. It’s not much, but enclosed are two blueberry muffins to make up for it!
Love,
Ditzy Doo

I looked at the letter, front and back, then at my grey pegasus friend with a puzzled look on my face.

“Um…there aren’t any muffins…”

“Oh! Silly me,” Derpy giggled as she reached back into her bag. When her hoof came out, there were two muffins resting on it. She extended them to me and I took them.

“You know, you really didn’t have to get us anything. Really; we’re just glad Dinky’s safe too,” I tried, but didn’t sound very convincing. She waved a hoof.

“It’s nothing! Just don’t be surprised if other ponies you rescue send you stuff. Anyway, I have to go now. The mail won’t deliver itself! Enjoy your muffin! DITZY AWAY!” The grey pegasus spread her wings and took the sky, leaving me standing with the two muffins. It wasn’t much longer after that I heard the clopping of hooves against the road.

“Yo Silver! I see you’re awake.” 8-Bit’s voice called. I turned and when I saw her I attempted to suppress a laugh, but failed.

“What are you carrying?”

“What, these?” She indicated the weird leather contraption hanging over her saddlebag. “This is for you.” She pulled off the…thing that wasn’t a saddlebag and placed it at my feet. I poked it with my hooves.

“Uh…what is it?” I asked as I raised an eyebrow at her. She shrugged.

“Well you told me you were good with a sword and you proved with that stick yesterday that you were so that’s something you can hold your sword in.”

“But I don’t have a sword.”

“Not yet, but I’m sure we can get you one.”

I shrugged and threw it on.

“It’s a little tight…” I complained. 8-Bit shrugged.

“We’ll have Rarity fix it for you later.” I nodded, and then pointed at the saddlebags.

“What’s in those?”

“Just some supplies and items that might be useful in future missions.” She dug in and pulled out two bronze badges with an emerald in the center. She gave me a badge. “Hold on to that. After we make a rescue, it can teleport us out of the place we ventured to.”

“Teleport us?” I asked quizzically, “How can it do that?”

“Badges are enchanted with unicorn magic.”

Ok, sure, I thought. Why not?

“Actually, there’s a unicorn nearby who knows a lot of stuff. Maybe she knows something about your becoming a pony?” I nodded.

“Alright then, let’s go!”

“Sure, we’ll leave now if you’d like. But first…what’s that in your hoofs?” I glanced down at the two muffins and smiled. I gave one to 8-Bit.

“Gifts from Derpy. It’s her way of saying thanks, I guess.”

“Oh!” Her ears perked up. “That was nice of her; she didn’t have to do that.” She peeled the paper off and stuffed the whole thing in her mouth. I followed example, except I took several bites. It was really good! I could hear 8-Bit’s noises of contentment (which sounded a lot like “om nom nom”) next to me and found they matched my own. She belched loudly when finished. Very unladylike.

“That was good.” I commented. She nodded.

“Let’s go see that unicorn now.” She galloped off and I followed behind.

* * * * *

“Yo Twilight! You in here?” 8-Bit shouted as she threw the door to the tree house open.

Now, when I say “tree house”, I don’t mean one of those cute little forts in a tree. No, this house was carved into the tree. It was literally a tree house. I stared curiously, but then remembered why we came and looked at my partner.

“You know this pony?” 8-Bit shook her head.

“Not personally, but everypony knows Twilight Sparkle. She and her friends have saved Ponyville more times than anypony can count.” Just as 8-Bit finished her sentence, a purple unicorn’s head popped up from behind a corner.

“Somepony called me?”

My pegasus friend flew over to Twilight Sparkle and landed gracefully.

“Hey Twilight, do you have any books on humans? My buddy here Silver says he was a human once but is now a pony. He also can’t remember anything except for the things that happened yesterday and today,” my friend explained. Twilight Sparkle rubbed her muzzle thoughtfully and eyed me up and down, as if I were a strange specimen.

“Amnesia, huh? I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a ‘Human’ before but I’ll definitely look into your problem. I’m sorry if I can’t help you right now…You see, the Elements of Harmony have gone missing and my friends and I are looking all over for them and-“

“The Elements of Harmony? What are those?” I asked. 8-Bit looked like she was about to say something but the purple unicorn gave me the explanation first.

“Oh right, your amnesia. Sorry. The Elements of Harmony are powerful states of being that manifest in all ponies of Equestria-“

“Equestria?” I interrupted again.

“The land you’re standing in now. Anyway, the Elements of Harmony mostly keep peace, or restore something corrupted to its original state. Now are you starting to see why it’s a problem they’ve gone missing?” I nodded and she sighed. “I’m really sorry I can’t help you now, but I promise I’ll look into this case when I have time.”

“That’s fine Twilight.” I said reassuringly, “I can wait.” She nodded.

“Oh, I almost forgot! Where should I visit if I get any information on this matter?”

“You can find us at the house of Eight Bit and Silver Blade.” My partner said warmly, indicating to us respectively. Twilight Sparkle nodded again.

“Alright Silver, I’ll contact you right away if I discover anything.”

“Thanks Twilight!” I called as 8-Bit and I galloped out of the tree house.

* * * * *

“Oh, you simply must sit still!” The white, fashionista unicorn scolded me.

“Why can’t you just adjust it without it on me?” I whined. My discomfort levels were through the roof. Rarity rolled her eyes.

“Do you want this done right, dear?”

I looked away and grumbled something about how stupid everything was. Over in the corner, 8-Bit was snickering at me, soaking in my misery. I gave her one of those I’ll kill you later looks and moved my left forehoof to let my adjuster make her adjustments.

“OW!” I cried when she pulled the leather strap too tight.

“See what happens when you don’t listen to what I say?” Rarity chastised, shaking her head. I restrained a growl. I could not wait to get out of there. With one final swish, Rarity stepped back to admire her work. “There! All done!” I stood up and shifted around in my harness. It felt…comfortable, to say the least. I nodded.

“Thanks. How much do we owe you?” I asked. Rarity waved a hoof.

“Oh tah, it didn’t cost me any materials! You darlings don’t owe me anything,” she nearly sang. Wow, I thought, this pony was generous. 8-Bit nodded her gratitude and we walked out. I looked at her.

“What’s next?” I inquired. She rubbed her muzzle thoughtfully.

“Hm. Well, we need to get you that sword we were talking about earlier, but where could we get one…?” We both sat in silence for a while. A voice interrupted our thoughts from behind us.

“Excuse me dears, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation…And I think I might be able to help.” We both spun around and stared. How could a pony who specialized in dress making help us find a sword? But we listened with open minds. “There’s an underground mine half a day’s trot from here, and on more than one occasion there I’ve seen a certain ore of metal that is indestructible. If you brought it here, I’d be more than happy to reshape it for you.”

“Wow! Really? Thanks!” My pegasus friend and I grinned at each other, then took off galloping.

“Wait!” Rarity called after us. We stopped and turned around. “You should be warned that the mine is home to many diamond dogs. Do be careful.” We nodded and returned to our course out of Ponyville. I looked over at 8-Bit.

“What’s a diamond dog?” I asked her.

“I dunno. Hopefully, we won’t have to find out,” she said with a nervous laugh.

* * * * *

My legs got tired after a couple hours of our steady canter to the underground mines. My partner and I didn’t do much talking as we traveled; it was more efficient that way. After much time had passed and the sun hung directly over our heads, I suddenly stopped and sat down. 8-Bit stopped and looked back at me.

“You alright Silver?”

“I’m really hungry…”

She kind of just stared at me for a while with an amused smile before erupting into laughter. Her giggling pulled her to the floor and every time she tried to get up, would just fall over again. I glared at her angrily.

“What’s so funny?!” I demanded to know. She sat up and wiped a tear from her eye with a huge grin on her face.

“Oh pony, where would you be now if I hadn’t come prepared? You’d be all shriveled up and blown away in the wind!” She started laughing again. I felt my face grow hot and could tell I was blushing. I drew circles in the dirt with my hoof.

“Just shut up and gimmie my food…”

She reached into her bag and hoofed me an apple. Then the weirdest thing happened. I’m not sure whether it was from coming out of laughter or if it was something else, but 8-Bit gave me the most dazzling smile I thought a pony could muster. It didn’t look like she was trying, it just sort of…happened. I felt myself blushing again, but this time for a different reason. I shook my head and took the apple hastily. I ate quietly as the green pegasus next to me ate hers. She wiped her mouth with her hoof and looked at me.

“Ready to go, Silver?” she asked. I nodded. “Cool.”

I looked around to take in the surroundings. As far as I could see, there wasn’t any grass or trees, just dirt and rocks. We looked around and finally found a hole of which to make our entrance. She looked at me, as if to say I am not going down there but I shrugged and cannonball’d down.

The tunnel whizzed past me in a blaze and it occurred to me that I might hit the ground too hard. So I spread my legs and desperately tried to slow the process of my decent. After some sliding and a terrible burning in my hooves, I came to a stop at the bottom. Cautiously, I let go and allowed myself to land on the floor beneath me.

“Look out bellow!” A voice shouted above me. I only had time to look up before 8-Bit’s body crashed into me, shoving me to the floor. My eyes went cross-eyed for a moment. She shook her head and looked at me, giggling a little. “Oops. Sorry ‘bout that. Thanks for breaking my fall though!”

“Don’t…mention it…” I managed to say as her weight squeezed the breath out of me. She jumped off and looked around.

“Wow! Look at all the jewels!” She grinned. “We could make a fortune off of these!” I looked to where her attention was drawn. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, and all sorts of other precious rocks lined the walls. It was an impressive sight. She picked a few off of the ground and started stuffing them into her saddlebag.

“Come on Eight Bit. Focus.” I reminded her. I gazed around the cavern, looking for what we came for. Dripping water could be heard farther down the cave. It was eerily quiet and I suddenly got the feeling we shouldn’t be there. My eyes continued to scan the area until a faint twinkle caught my eye. Upon further investigation, I found it was a dull metal, possibly silver when polished. I grinned excitedly.

“Eight Bit, check this out! I found it!”

No answer.

“Eight Bit?”

I turned around just as a cold paw closed around my neck and hoisted me into the air. I yelped in surprise, and then lost my voice when I saw the face that I was now prisoner too. The creature was canine, but more humanoid than the timber wolves. It gazed at me with horrifying cat-like eyes, and I also noticed it had fangs.

“Well, what has we has here? Earth pony in the mines? You know mines dangerous for pony,” it hissed at me, with breath smelling like dead fish. I squirmed uncomfortably. I was really starting to dislike canines as of late. I did the only thing I could.

“Eight Bit, help!”

I felt the grip around my neck grow tighter and I started choking.

“Pony will be quiet! Pony thinks pony can come to mines and take jewels? Pony is wrong!” it growled.
From the corner of my vision, I could see other “diamond dogs”, as Rarity called them, closing in on me. Even if I were to escape the firm grasp of my captor, there would be no way to get past so many diamond dogs. I was done for…

“Hey idiots! I’m taking your gems and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!” my partner’s voice called from across the cave. Her saddlebags were bulging with the precious stones and I almost thought she had a death wish.

“What are you doing?! Run!” I yelled at her. But it was too late. The diamond dogs’ attention was turned to 8-Bit. The ones that had circled around me before now dashed over to her. She grinned mischievously and pulled a ruby out of her saddlebag, throwing it at the diamond dog that held me. It hit him in the eye and he shrieked, dropping me onto the cold stone floor where I lay, coughing.

“Sky pony will regret coming here!” the diamond dog that got hit with the ruby roared at her. He charged to take a swipe, but I was faster. I leaped up and headbutted him in the back, causing him to topple over his own paws and sprawl over the floor. 8-Bit was still hurling the gems at the diamond dogs. Some were sent directly at them as an offensive weapon while others were sent into the distance so that the beasts would run after them.
Did I mention the diamond dog I hit with my head was wearing the indestructible metal as armor? My head was pounding and oxygen flow still hadn’t returned yet. I felt the familiar feel of 8-Bit’s hoofs wrap around me, lifting me up. This time, however, I was more conscious to notice she was in great pain as she did so. I was about to protest that I’d walk, but I was too tired to argue so I let my body go limp as the curses from the diamond dogs grew ever so distant.

* * * * *

I awoke on a bed in Carousel Boutique with 8-bit and Rarity hovering over me. Why had these expeditions lately left me blacking out? I couldn’t say I approved of the pattern but there was nothing I could do about it now. My partner bit her lip with a worried look on her face.

“You alright, Silver?” she asked cautiously. I nodded.

“Yeah, I’m fine…” I croaked. “What about you?” She smiled.

“I’m fine. I’m just…glad you’re okay,” she said softly. I closed my eyes and sighed regretfully.

“We didn’t get the metal…”

“Actually dears…I just finished shaping your blade.” Rarity stated.

My eyes shot open and I half-sat up.

“What?! How?!” I exclaimed. 8-Bit grinned proudly.

“Well, while you were searching I found some of the metal in the wall with the other jewels. I dug it out and kept it in my saddlebags. Shortly after we left the mines, I used the badges to teleport us back to Ponyville. You’ve been conked out for a while though; you started to freak me out.”

I could sense the worry in her voice and I felt a little guilty for being so careless in the mines. Rarity trotted over to a stand and used her magic to levitate my harness over to me. I got up slowly and slipped it on. I smiled at Rarity.

“Thanks again.”

“Anytime dear.”

8-Bit and I left Carousel Boutique and I noticed it was nighttime. I really had been out a long time. Next to me, my friend sighed and chuckled to herself.

“Man, and there were so many gems down there we could’ve used…”

“Oh, that’s right!” I extended the sapphire in my hoof to her. “For you!” She stopped and stared at me with her mouth hanging open.

“Silver…I…you…You were being attacked and the one thing you were thinking about was holding onto that to give it to me…?”

“Yep.” I nodded. “That’s about right.”

She stood there staring at me for a little while longer before throwing her forehooves around my neck in a tight embrace. Her body was shaking terribly.

“You…stupid idiot…”

We stood there for a while under the night sky for a while longer before starting to head home. We ate our dinner, climbed into our beds, and shut up the lights. After a while, I glanced over at her and she was holding the sapphire close as she slept.

Chapter 3

That night, I had a dream. It wasn’t one of those dreams where bizarre scenarios are thrown at you and you kind of have to just take it all in. Rather, it was one of those dreams where it feels like a lost loved one is trying to communicate with you. Unfortunately, the dream was hazy and couldn’t be clearly seen or remembered. I willed every inch of my mind to focus and noticed the silhouette of…something. But I felt like this “something” was important.

“Who are you?”

The figure mumbled something in a soft and sweet voice but I couldn’t quite make it out.

“Why was I transformed into a pony?!” I cried out in confusion.

The dream started to fade. I fought it as much as I could but I felt myself being dragged into consciousness. My eyes shot open. I was aggravated I couldn’t have gotten any answers from the dream, but it was nearly morning so I saw no point in attempting sleep again. 8-Bit was still cuddling the sapphire close to her breast and I smiled a little upon noticing this.

I climbed out of my bed and stretched, sending instant relief through my legs. I shook my head to wipe the haze of sleep from my head and trotted to the door. I glanced over at 8-Bit again to make sure she was still sleeping and quietly pushed the door open. I didn’t want to wake her; she’d had a pretty tiresome couple of days.

I sat in front of our house and closed my eyes. I say “our”, because I stopped seeing 8-Bit as my host and guide, and more so of a really close friend. Funny… I’d only known her for two days and I already trusted her with my life. I guess getting put into dangerous situations every day will do that to you.

I reviewed my foggy dream. Someone…No, why did I say someone? It had to be something; it couldn’t be someone…could it? I shook my head and sighed. What had happened to me? I’d asked myself that question when I first woke up and the past few days didn’t really give me much time to dwell on it…but I still felt like I was missing something important.

I felt warmth stretch across my face and opened my eyes to see the golden light shine through the trees and just above the horizon. The sunrise was…breathtaking. Streaks of red and orange dawn painted the sky and clouds only served to reflect its beauty. And as the sun grew higher, I felt a slight sadness. I glanced back at the moon as it sank below the horizon and whispered, “Farewell for a few hours, your night was just as gorgeous as the day.” It might’ve been my imagination, but I could’ve sworn I saw the moon shine brighter after I said that. It was only a flicker, so I wasn’t sure if my mind was playing tricks on me or not.

I heard the clopping of hooves behind me, but they were muffled as if their owner were trying to be quiet. I stayed where I was and let 8-Bit approach me. She stopped right next to me and sat down, staring at the sun.

“It’s pretty, isn’t it?” she asked with a yawn. I could tell she was tired, but seemed set on staying awake. I simply nodded. I noticed how she kept glancing at me and when I’d go to look at her she’d look away. I was curious as to why, but didn’t feel it was important enough to ask her. Finally, she looked at me with a different light in her eyes. “You up for some breakfast?” I nodded.

“Yeah, defiantly! What do you have besides apples?” I said with a laugh. I wasn’t trying to be rude, and I liked the apples, but you can’t really blame me for wanting variety. She rubbed her muzzle and stared thoughtfully at the heavens, and then chuckled.

“Not much, I’m afraid. It’s not really breakfast, but I guess we could head to Sugarcube Corner to get something,” she finally decided. I rattled off a few sugary foods that could be considered breakfast foods inside my head.

“Do they have donuts and cinnamon rolls?”

“Well…yeah.”

“Then let’s go!”

My partner nodded and headed for the direction of town in a canter and I followed behind her with the same pace. The town had very few ponies moving about, probably because it was still early in the morning. I wondered if Sugarcube Corner was even open at this time of day, but 8-Bit seemed to know what she was doing so I didn’t question her.
We trotted up to a building that looked like a massive gingerbread house with all sorts of other various toppings on it as decorations. My green friend raised a hoof to knock, but the door swung open before she had the chance. I admit, I fell back and landed right on my rump in surprise. Standing there was a pink pony with a mane that looked a lot like cotton candy, just a shade darker than her coat. She had a massive grin on her face.
“Hi! Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! You’re our first guests today! You’re probably here for breakfast aren’t you? Well let’s get you something to eat!” She leaped over us and pushed us inside. 8-Bit raised an eyebrow.
“Pinkie Pie, don’t you ever sleep?”
“Oh silly, the average pony only needs eight hours of sleep! That means sixteen hours to PARTY!” she said, doing a little bounce as she said so. At least she was living each day to its fullest. “Oh, I almost forgot! What do you guys wanna eat?” 8-Bit looked at me, as if expecting me to answer. So I did.
“We’ll have two chocolate donuts and two cinnamon rolls please.”
“COMING RIGHT UP!” Pinkie Pie zipped around the room with incredible speed, gathering the food and stopped in front of us, holding it out on a plate.
“That was…fast,” I said, dumfounded. My partner laughed.
“Well, welcome to Ponyville, Silver.” As she saw Pinkie Pie’s widening grin, she realized her mistake and quickly tried to undo the damage. “I mean, because you’ve never met these ponies before and…” At this point, realizing she was just making things worse, she gave up.
“You’ve never been to Ponyville before?! Of course you haven’t, I’ve never seen you here before! I was so focused on getting you your food that I totally didn’t notice the NEW PONY IN TOWN!” I swallowed the chunk of my chocolate donut I’d been chewing and glanced nervously at 8-Bit.
“What’s…what’s so special about a new pony?”

“Well…” She sighed. “It’s just that Pinkie Pie throws rather…excessive welcoming parties and…yours is up.” When we glanced back to the pink pony, we noticed that the entire room was covered in streamers and balloons. Our mouths hung agape as she cart wheeled in front of us nonchalantly.

“I’d throw your party now but if I threw your party now nopony would be able to show up and if nopony was able to show up you’d feel lonely and if you felt lonely you wouldn’t feel very welcome and if you didn’t feel very welcome it wouldn’t be a good welcoming party!” she exclaimed. I nodded.

“That would be…tragic. How about I come back later when other ponies are awake?” I suggested. She grinned and jumped into the air.

“Okie dokie lokie!” She then dashed off. 8-Bit and I stared at each other.

“That was some pretty quick thinking there,” she said with a wry smile. I shrugged. We both gulped down the rest of our breakfast and headed to the door and closed the door quietly behind us, as to not alert Pinkie Pie of our departure and started to head home. By now, the sun was higher in the sky and more ponies were awake. We passed by two fillies talking in a low voice.

“I don’t know Apple Bloom; I’m really starting to get worried about Scootaloo… What if she’s in serious trouble?” the white unicorn asked.

“Ah’m worried ‘bout Scoot too Sweetie Belle, but even if we did go after ‘er, how could we bring ‘er back?” the yellow pony countered.

My partner and I shared a brief look and nodded. We trotted over to where the fillies were talking.

“Excuse me,” I started, “but I couldn’t help but overhear you two. Your friend is in trouble? The reason I ask is because we’re a rescue team and I was wondering if we could help.” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, and then Apple Bloom decided to jump at the chance.

“Ahr friend Scootaloo went missing yesterday an’ we ‘aven’t seen ‘er since. She was bein’ teased by Diamond Tiara ‘bout not bein’ able t’ fly, so she headed to Ghastly Gorge all by ‘erself and…”

“Alright, relax. We’ll go rescue Scootaloo.” I said, trying to calm Apple Bloom down. “Won’t we?” I looked at 8-Bit, but her face was more pale than usual. She nodded slowly.

“Yeah, we’ll do it,” she croaked. She turned around and started to slowly trot away. I followed after her.

“Be careful!” Sweetie Belle called after us. When we were out of earshot from the fillies I glanced at my companion.

“You seemed uneasy when Ghastly Gorge was mentioned.”

“It’s just…” My friend bit her lip. “Ghastly Gorge is like…the bane of all pegasi. Only the most skilled can get through. If you can’t fly at all it’s twice as dangerous.”

“So what are we standing around for? We have to get moving!”

I took off in a gallop, but as I did I noticed 8-Bit staring sadly at her wings.
*****

For the most part, my friend led the way. After all, even if I was a crazy pony who bumped his head, there was still my memory loss I had to deal with. 8-Bit didn’t say anything the entire way there so I just followed. It gave me a lot of time to think, that’s for sure. I wasn’t really paying any attention to the route we took, so it came as a bit of a surprise when my partner stopped abruptly and pointed to Ghastly Gorge.

For the looks of it, it was a huge canyon that lived up to its name. The length from the bottom from where we were standing made me a little dizzy, but I shook my head and steadied myself. 8-Bit’s legs were shaking and she looked like she was ready to throw up. She quickly grabbed my hoof in hers, though I’m not sure whether for comfort or support. Nonetheless, I nodded reassuringly at her. She nodded back and we began our descent down the steep rocks.

At the bottom, we looked around. There were holes in the walls of the gorge but no signs that a pegasus had ever been there. I cupped my hooves to my mouth and called for her.

“Scootaloo? Scoot-Scootaloo?
The call bounced off the canyon walls and then faded away. For a moment, there was nothing else but the howling of the wind.
“I’m here!” a raspy voice echoed from across the canyon. I started to trot to it, but my partner held her hoof out in front of me.
“Wait…”
I waited. Nothing happened. I gave an annoyed sigh and rolled my eyes.
“Eight Bit, you’re just being paranoid. It’s fi-“
I stopped in mid-sentence as the ground began to rumble softly. It started off gentle, and then gradually grew in magnitude until it felt like the whole earth was shaking under my hooves. 8-Bit and I lost our balance and crashed into the ground. We crouched until the shaking stopped and both sat up. My friend rubbed her head and looked at me nervously.
“The quarray eels are awake. We need to get moving quickly before they show up.”
But her sentence was lost to my ears. For behind her, a large, red, serpent-like creature was slithering out of one of the crevices in the wall. It was far bigger than the timberwolves and diamond dogs put together. My legs suddenly went numb and when I tried to warn 8-Bit, my throat was dry. She looked at me with a confused look on her face.
“You don’t look so good. What’s wrong?”
Then it opened its mouth, revealing the rows of razor sharp teeth that could turn us both into a tasty snack. Rivaling the speed of lightning, it lunged at my friend. I’m not sure why I did next, but I did.
“Eight Bit, get out off the way!!” I cried as I charged her. I extended my forehooves and shoved my partner a couple of meters. As I looked up, I only had enough time to see the mouth of the fearsome creature close in on me and…
When I opened my eyes, I realized I was holding its mouth open. My forehooves were lodged in the roof of the creatures mouth and my hindhooves its lower mouth. I trembled as the force of the massive jaw tried to overpower my legs. The quarray eel's mouth felt warm and slippery, and I feared I would lose my footing. Also, this thing had really bad breath. I heard 8-Bit’s cries of horror in the background, but I didn’t pay any attention to them. I focused all of my mental and physical strength into keeping the teeth off of me.
Then, I lost my footing. The jaws slammed shut and I was wrapped in darkness. However, it wasn’t the darkness of unconsciousness. No, there was no way I was going to let myself end there without any of my questions unanswered. I quickly reached for my sword in its harness and drew it as I began sliding to the quarray eel’s throat. I only had one chance so I had to time myself perfectly…The throat got closer…and closer…
When I was right about to fall, I forced my jaw forward and felt the blade poking into the quarray eel’s tough skin. I felt a rumbling underneath me and as I fell down its throat, but a force of liquid pushed me upwards and spilled me onto the floor of the canyon. I looked wearily over at 8-Bit who was surrounded by the beasts. The one that had vomited me up roared and the other quarray eels looked at it before beginning to retreat back into their holes. 8-Bit galloped over to me.
“Silver Blade!! Oh Celestia, are you alright?!” Her forehead creased with concern. “Ugh, you smell! When we get back, you need to bathe.”
Despite almost becoming a quarray eel’s lunch, I laughed. I stood up and shook myself, which for the most part got all of the saliva and…other things I didn’t want to think about off. I looked back at 8-Bit, who seemed to remember our mission and nodded.
“Scootaloo,” we both said.
We walked for a while longer until we found an orange pegasus filly sitting on a rock. I guessed it was Scootaloo and walked over to her. She looked up at us with a sad look in her eyes and looked away.
“Hey, Scootaloo.”
“Hey…”
I sat down next to her and 8-Bit sat down on her other side. Getting her home was good; making sure she never tried something this dangerous again was better. We knew why she was here, so we didn’t bother asking. She wanted to prove herself.
“Of all places to try and fly, why here?” my partner asked. Scootaloo sighed.
“Rainbow Dash comes her pretty often. I…wanted to be like her. It’s not fair! All of the other pegasi my age have gone to flight school except me. Why can’t I fly?” Scootaloo said miserably. We sat silently for a while before my partner spoke up again.
“Y’know…I can’t fly either.” Scootaloo and I both stared with shocked expressions at 8-Bit. She saw them and laughed. She continued, “It’s true! When I was younger than you are now, Scootaloo, there was a…there was an accident. I lost one of feathers and haven’t been able to fly since. It’ll never grow back, so I’m stuck here permanently.”
“But…” I interrupted, “You carried me those couple of times.” She nodded.
“Oh, I can fly short distances but I’ve never had the balance to fly to Cloudsdale or do any stunts. The best I can do is hover and glide. I once had a dream to join the Wonderbolts before the accident. After it…well…” Scootaloo nodded in silent understanding. “The point is, I know what it feels like to be grounded and even though I’m confident your wings will be large enough to fly one day, if it’s impossible for you to do one thing, do another.” Scootaloo seemed a little comforted, but not completely. She stared at the ground.
“It isn’t just that…I also don’t have my cutie mark and thought…I dunno, I guess I thought I could get it for being brave. It’s awful not knowing who you are.” I actually laughed at this.
“Yeah, I know how you feel,” I said as I stared at the sky.
“Huh?” The orange pegasus looked at me, more than confused.
“I woke up a few days ago with no memory. I have absolutely no idea who I am, but I don’t let this hold me back. I don’t try to remember who I was, I find myself in what I do now.”
“Finding yourself in what you do now…” Scootaloo repeated. She nodded and smiled at both of us. “Thanks. I think I’m ready to go home now.”
8-Bit nodded and pulled the badge out of her saddlebag. Scootaloo held onto her as I used my own. A ray of light shone down on us and we were lifted into the sky; our destination: home.
*****

“Welcome welcome welcome to Ponyville today!” Pinkie Pie sang as she finished her musical greeting. 8-Bit and I both applauded. “And don’t think I didn’t hear about your rescue of Dinky Doo and Scootaloo! There’re some cupcakes on the counter for you on the HOUSE!” She grinned then pranced off into the crowd of ponies gathered for my welcome party. 8-Bit glanced at me and shrugged.

“Guess I’ll get ‘em.” She leaped down from our table and stopped by me. “You’re wrong, you know.”

“Wrong? How so?” I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Because,” she continued, “I know who you are.”

“Oh, do you now?” I said with the slightest trace of a smile.

“Yeah, I do,” she said confidently, “You said you had no idea who you were but I know very well who you are. The way you were willing to sacrifice yourself for Dinky, the way you held onto that sapphire to give to me despite the fact you could’ve…” she trailed off. “And now today, pushing me out of the way when that quarray eel when it could’ve eaten you and telling Scootaloo exactly what she needed to hear…You’re one of the bravest ponies I’ve ever met in my entire life. I’m proud to call you my partner…and friend.”

I was expecting her to leave it at that and to leave to get the cupcakes, but before she did she leaned over to me and nuzzled me…despite my smell.

Chapter 4

8-Bit and I had been awake for a few hours doing our own things around the house. She was fiddling with some sort or technical object that was beyond me and I was polishing my sword. We were resting before heading out into town to find some work because one rescue mission usually took all day and I enjoyed her company, albeit silent.

A hoof beat against the door to our home. We glanced up at each other curiously. Our rescue team, Free Souls, was barely three days old, so we weren’t amongst the same ranking of some of the higher teams. It was peculiar that we’d receive any personal missions. I shrugged and cantered over to the door. When I swung it open I was a little more than surprised to find Twilight Sparkle standing there.

“Good morning Silver Blade. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” I raised my eyebrow at her. When 8-Bit and I weren’t going on missions together, we were eating and sleeping. What could this unicorn possibly be interrupting? Then, as I thought of the possibilities, my face flushed.

I shook my head at Twilight Sparkle. “No, nothing at all. Would you like to come in?” 8-bit’s head popped up right next to me.

“Who’re ya talking to?”

I glanced over at her and raised an eyebrow. She was holding a gray box in her hooves and she was covered in wires from making the… thing. Oddly however, I felt like I’d seen it somewhere before… I pointed to it with my hoof.

“What’s that?”

“Oh, this? I call it the P.E.S.!” She grinned proudly at her work.

“Pez? Is that like a fez?”

“No!” she cried incredulously, “P-E-S. P.E.S. It stands for Pony Entertainment System.” As she said the words, my head rang a little bit. I knew I’d seen that box somewhere before, but where? I shrugged.

“Anyway, we have a guest. Come on in Miss Sparkle,” I said with a welcoming smile. She returned it, but waved a hoof dismissively.

“Just ‘Twilight’ will do.” I nodded and led her into the tiny house and sat down on the floor. 8-Bit and Twilight Sparkle followed example. The purple unicorn unlatched her saddlebags and spilled the books inside them onto the floor. She shoved one my way that read “Pre-Equestria.”I looked at her quizzically and she nodded encouragingly. “There was only one recorded time in pony history in which a human has ever been taken to this world. When she arrived, the pony race was almost enslaved to darkness. Her name is lost to time because it was so long ago…”

“What else do you know about her?” I asked eagerly, feeling like I was finally getting somewhere. Twilight shook her head sadly. She began her next few lines tentatively.

“I’m afraid that’s all I know. But if another human has arrived… It must mean pony race is about to take a drastic change once more. Your being here cannot be good. I figure, the only way for harmony to come back to Equestria is…well…I’m sorry Silver, but you have to leave.”

“Cool! Where am I going?” I asked cheerfully. Twilight stared at the floor.

“Anywhere outside of Equestria...” she said quietly.

“What?!” my partner exclaimed.

I sat in silence quietly. Suddenly, I felt guilty and unclean, like I was a guest who overstayed my visit, or like I didn’t belong. My ears drooped. I didn’t want to mess up this perfect world…Twilight was right. The only option was my banishment. I was about to agree with her when 8-Bit jumped in front of me, glaring angrily at Twilight.

“No! Silver doesn’t have to go anywhere! He’s done nothing wrong! If anything, he’s been making things better around here! And now you want to banish him?! Nuh-uh! I won’t allow it!” she shouted.

“Eight Bit…” I started, but the unicorn interrupted me.

“I’m sorry; I don’t want it to be like this either. But Princess Celestia issued the search of the Elements of Harmony to me and I can’t let her or Equestria down. Please try to understand…” Twilight Sparkle’s ears drooped and I could tell it really hurt her to have to do this. But I understood.

“Well the Elements of Harmony, Equestria, and Princess Celestia herself can all kiss my flank!” 8-Bit seethed. Twilight Sparkle was clearly taken aback by this comment. I placed a hoof on my partner’s shoulder shoulder and she turned to me with a face that showed hurt mixed with anger.

“It’s okay… I’ll go.”

She began shaking her head furiously as I picked my harness off of the floor and slung it over my neck. “This is all that belongs to me. I’ll…leave now.” Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement.

“Yes, that’d probably be best.” I looked at her and she gave me a weak smile. I held nothing against her; she was just trying to do what was right for everyone. And apparently, my absence was right for everyone. “I’ll give you twenty four hours to clear out of Equestria. Is that enough time?” I nodded.

“Well then…guess I’ll go…” And I turned around and galloped out of the door, faster than the unicorn and the pegasus could react to, but that was because I didn’t want them to see the tears streaming down my face.

* * * * *

At the edge of town, my face was dry enough to greet other ponies who had decided to give me a farewell party. I know that Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom were all there (they called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders), Derpy and her filly were there, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle were also there. Pinkie Pie’s hair was straight and she sadly handed me a cake, which I accepted gratefully. I’d never tell anypony, but I stuffed my face with it when nopony was looking. What can I say? I eat when I’m stressed. The sweetness and moistness of the cake helped alleviate some of my sadness, but not much. Shortly after she gave me the cake the pink earth pony wrapped her forelegs around my neck.

“Good bye Silver! I’m gonna miss you so much!” she wailed. I patted her back reassuringly.

“Don’t worry; I’ll come back one day.” But as I caught Twilight Sparkle’s eye, I knew that what I’d said was a lie. Looking back on it, I’m glad she didn’t make me Pinkie Promise. Dinky trotted over to me and I desperately wanted to turn away, but knew I couldn’t.

“You’re going away, aren’t you Mister Blade…?” she asked sadly. I nodded. “Well no matter where you go, remember that you’ll always be my favorite hero!”

I chewed on my lip and stared at the heavens. It was all I could do to keep myself from crying. I had gone from paradise with tons of ponies that cared about me to being forced to live in isolation, in the wilderness. As every eye fell upon me, I knew it was time. I glanced one last time at everypony gathered and felt a deep hurt as I realized 8-Bit hadn’t decided to come and see me off. I was truly alone again.

“Well…I guess this is goodbye…” I croaked, and galloped off for fear that I’d burst into tears if I stayed there any longer.

What was my crime? What had I done wrong? I didn’t even know who I was, but I knew I wasn’t evil. So why was I suddenly an outcast? I didn’t know much about the culture of the ponies but I knew enough to conclude that their society ran on love, the very same love which I was now destined to never receive. I felt a physical pain near my heart as I continued to ponder it. I didn’t even know where I was going, but I seemed to wind up in the Everfree Forest. Funny how my adventure had started there and now it was going to end there too.

I slowed down to a canter and sighed to myself. What was I supposed to do? I hadn’t the slightest clue. Then, I heard a voice from behind me. It startled me, because I didn’t think anypony had chosen to follow me. But as I recognized the voice, pure surprise shot through every inch of my brain.

“What, you thought you could just jet without me?” 8-Bit called.

I turned around and stared at my companion. I wasn’t happy, and I wasn’t sad either. I was downright confused. As I looked at her, I noticed her brown saddlebags were slung against her back and she had a broad smile on her face. I asked the obvious.

“Eight Bit? What are you doing here?” I questioned. She rolled her eyes.

“I’m gonna come with you. Duh,” she said in a very matter-of-fact type of voice. I stared at my hooves as I shuffled them awkwardly. I felt like a foal who had just asked why the sky was blue.

“But…Why?”

She threw her saddlebags down and sighed in exasperation. “Dude, you’re like, my best friend. There’s no way in Equestria I’m gonna leave you hanging. They wanna send you through life threatening perils? Fine, but I’m going with you.” I opened my mouth to protest but she interrupted me. “The only way you’re makin’ me go back is by force so forget trying to change my mind.” She smiled again.

Secretly, I was hoping she’d fight my attempt to make her stay in Ponyville, but I was still trying to overcome my initial shock. Not only did I trust her with my life, she trusted me with hers. I felt a strong urge to hug her, but fought it. Instead I gave her the most warming smile I could, which she promptly returned.

“I’m glad to have you with me, Eight Bit.”

She cantered up next to me and we began trotting through dark paths of the forest as the trees loomed over us. All of my previous despair had been forgotten just by having my friend by my side. Now there was nothing we couldn’t overcome. I had only been in the Everfree Forest one other time before, but knew its dangers'. However, something seemed different than last time. I couldn’t quite place my hoof on it, but it was just enough to be noticeable. I voiced my thoughts to 8-Bit.

“You know… I hadn’t thought of it like that until you brought it up. But now that you mention it…” she trailed off. The air was cold around us, which was odd for it being the end of spring. We stood in silence for a while as a deep premonition sank in. Piercing the quiet air was an exclamation of distress, but it wasn’t like Dinky’s. No, instead it was a male, probably my age. 8-Bit and I dashed to the general direction of the voice as was the norm for us. We may be banished, but we were still a rescue team.

When we finally broke into a clearing, the first thing I noticed was that the full moon was high in the sky, whereas the sun had been in the same position only moments before. The second was a scrawny sky-blue unicorn with a hot-pink mane and tail. Also, his hooves were encased in stone. This colt was also wearing a blue robe with stars and moons scattered all over it and bells clinging onto the ends of his robe. He had a matching hat, which was pointy and had bells attached to the rim. It was worth noting that he had some slight stubble on his muzzle. But as to what caused his hooves to be encased in stone? I quickly found the source.

It had the head of a chicken and the body of a serpent, with glowing red eyes. For a moment, 8-Bit and I were too petrified to do anything, but snapped out of it quickly when its captor called out to us.

“Do not just stand there, save me!!” he cried as his horn started to glow, but flickered and went back to normal. He gasped in exasperation, and 8-Bit and I quickly galloped over. He shook his head rapidly, stopping us in mid-gallop. “That vile beast is a Cockatrice! If it looks at into your eyes, you will turn to stone!”

8-Bit glanced over nervously at me, and I returned her look. How were we supposed to defeat a monster that we couldn’t even look at? Then I got an idea. I spun towards my companion.

“Eight Bit, can you distract it?”

She looked at me distastefully and I could tell she didn’t like the idea, but nodded. I drew my sword from its sheath and turned around, glancing at the creature from its polished surface. I backed slowly towards the Cockatrice; hoping 8-Bit had been successful in creating a suitable distraction. My jaw closed tight around the hilt in concentration and focus as I drew nearer to it. I thought about getting a little closer, but then I remembered a famous quote from my human life out of the blue.

Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.

I stopped where I was and in one quick blur of motion, swung at the chicken-serpent. It screeched, which sounded like the fusion of a hiss and a squawk, and spun around towards me. I had shaved away a few of its feathers and its soft hide was now exposed. The way the hatred seemed to burn into my body when I saw its eyes, I guessed those were its favorite feathers.

I quickly glanced to see how the other ponies behind me were doing and I was shocked to see them both in stone. The unicorn was frozen where he was and…8-Bit lay on the ground in cold, dark, stone. My despair turned to fury and I stared right into the Cockatrice’s eyes. I could already feel my legs were completely gone and a shiver slid up my back. I swung furiously at the Cockatrice but the process continued. Soon, I couldn’t move my neck, I couldn’t hear, or see. My sword dropped out of my mouth and clattered to the ground. The world was fading and I was slipping into unconsciousness. With only my mouth left and a flicker of intelligence, I mustered every inch of command I could into my voice.

“Change them back!!” The process halted. I desperately tried to find more words to convince the monster to let us go. “I don’t care what you do to me, but change my friends back!” I knew I was literally seconds away from my end, but I refused to give up hope. If I was going down, I didn’t want it to be for nothing. “Please…”

The stone that had covered almost all of my mouth was now starting to retreat. It felt like a curtain had been lifted over my eyes and I gradually started to lose the stiffness in my body. When I had gained full control over myself, I stepped towards the Cockatrice.

“Get lost.”

It squawked at me and ran off, probably in intimidation. I took a large sigh of relief and fell on my haunches. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst. Apparently I would be enduring life-endangering circumstances every day of my amnesiac, pony life. I picked my sword up off the ground and re-sheathed it. I felt a hoof on my shoulder and turned around expecting to see 8-Bit, but I was surprised to see the blue unicorn smiling at me.

“That was impressive. You single-hoofedly defeated the Cockatrice using words alone. My name is Star Swirl. May I ask what yours is?”

“Well…I don’t…” I stammered. It wasn’t really a topic I was fond of; trying to remember what my life was like before any of this happened.

“He can’t remember anything about his past,” 8-Bit covered for me, “He suffers from amnesia, but because of his skill with the sword I call him Silver Blade.” When she saw she had his attention she introduced herself. “I’m Eight Bit.” Star Swirl raised an eyebrow.

“Are you an accountant?”

“What?! No! I’m talkin’ about technology!” she scoffed incredulously. Star Swirl blinked in confusion.

“Technology? What is that, pray tell?”

I glanced at 8-Bit as she gave me a confused stare. This was getting weird. By weird, I mean weirder than the recent events had already been. Star Swirl dusted off his robe and straightened his hat.

“I do beg your pardon, but I fear I must be going now. I have to find the Elements of Harmony,” he told us. I took the opportunity he presented.

“We’re also looking for the elements. Do you think you could use a hoof?” Star Swirl gave us that confused look again.

“Why would I need any of your hooves?” he questioned, and next to me I heard 8-Bit’s hoof smack against her forehead.

“It’s a figure of speech,” she sighed. “He means do you need any help? You almost got owned by that thing back there.” Star Swirl nodded.

“Yes, I was almost in its possession. I fear my magic alone is not enough to keep the monsters at bay… Having a swordspony of your caliber as well as having a pegasus could greatly assist me. Very well, you shall come. We must hurry though; ever since Princess Luna was lost to the darkness of Nightmare Moon, eternal night has been plaguing the land and monsters have taken this opportunity to spring forth. Princess Celestia needs the Elements of Harmony to restore our dear Princess Luna back to her original state of being. Let us be off!” Star Swirl concluded as he began to gallop away. I went with him, but 8-Bit called out to us.

“Wait, so you’re saying that Nightmare Moon has risen and now Celestia needs the elements?” Star Swirl nodded energetically.

“That is correct. What seems to be the problem?” he asked with confusion, but 8-Bit was shaking her head.

“But that was a thousand years ago!”

Chapter 5

I stared at 8-Bit in shock. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“A thousand years?” I exclaimed, “Are you sure?”

8-Bit nodded vigorously. “Of course I’m sure! The prophecy about Nightmare Moon returning after a thousand years after Celestia used the elements to banish her to the moon? Oh, I’m positive. Plus, it was daytime just a few minutes ago and now it’s nighttime. Dude, we’ve been thrown right into the middle of that legend a thousand years ago. We’ve gone back in time!

“But…how?” I asked as I rubbed my aching head with a hoof. 8-Bit rolled her eyes.

“How in the hoof am I supposed to know?” she said, as I heard irritation creep into her voice. Understandable; we were in stressful circumstances. We both sighed in confusion. Star Swirl looked over us curiously.

“You two are from the future? Fascinating! I have never heard of such an event occurring before!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. He then shook his head. “Nevertheless, we’re wasting time. I shall help you be restored to your original time afterwards. Let us be off!” With that, he galloped off again.

I broke out into a huge grin when a thought occurred to me and I looked at 8-Bit, now that Star Swirl was out of earshot. “If we’re a thousand years in the past, that means we’re no longer banished! We can go back to Ponyville!” 8-Bit looked at me sadly, but forced a smile.

“It’s great that we’re not banished anymore and all that, but maybe I should tell you that Ponyville didn’t exist a thousand years ago.” She looked away and trotted after Star Swirl.

My heart sank. Not only did we not belong as was beginning to be the norm for us, but we were now trapped in the middle of nowhere a thousand years in the past, forced to change pony history. Then, a thought occurred to me. If we could help Star Swirl find the Elements of Harmony for Princess Celestia, then we might not be fugitives anymore in the future once we got back! I decided to keep this thought to myself though because 8-Bit had already caught up to Star Swirl. He glanced at 8-Bit’s saddlebags and my sword.

“I take it you both are part of a rescue team?” he inquired. 8-Bit nodded, but I voiced my thoughts of confusion.

“They had rescue teams back then?”

“You mean ‘now’?” he said with a chuckle. I flushed with embarrassment and nodded. “Silver Blade, rescue teams have been around for centuries, and from what I am hearing, never appeared to go away. If you two do not mind, I would much appreciate joining your team.”

We both looked at each other nodded with huge grins. Having a unicorn with us would help significantly in our quest. I extended my hoof to him, which he grasped firmly.

“Welcome to team Free Souls, Star Swirl!”

He smiled. “I am honored, although I apologize if I am not much use to you… I was never a good spell caster and I fear I never will be…” He sighed miserably. I put a hoof on his shoulder.

“Hey, it’s cool colt-“

“In what way is the situation cold…?” he interrupted. He gave me a blank, confused stare. I rolled my eyes. Of course, slang wasn’t invented until later.
“It’s alright colt, all of us have certain disabilities, so we all balance each other out,” I rephrased. He nodded in understanding. We began a steady canter to converse our energy for when we may need it again. After a while, I heard some rustling from the bushes nearby. I dismissed it as a small animal or maybe the wind and kept trotting.
Out of nowhere, a black pegasus with a blue mane leapt out of the rustling bushes and slammed into 8-Bit, sending her reeling a little bit. She directed an angry growl at him.

“Hey jerk! Watch where you’re going!”

He smirked, but didn’t stop galloping. “Sorry, my bad,” he called back in a raspy voice that was obviously vacant of remorse.

“Stupid pickpocket… Lemme see if he really took anything.” 8-Bit flipped open her saddlebag and rummaged through it. She let out a short gasp.

“Something wrong?” I asked her. She turned to me with a panic-stricken face.

“He took my sapphire!!” she cried in despair.

For a moment, I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I remembered the sapphire I had given her. I raised an eyebrow.

“You brought it with you?”

“I knew we may not be able to go home again and it’s one of my most precious items. So yes, I took it. Sue me,” she grumbled miserably.

Star Swirl trotted over to us. “Why do you not just search for another?” he suggested.

“I don’t want another sapphire, I want that sapphire! The one that my best friend risked his life to get me!” she shouted, and took off in the direction the thief had taken.

“Eight Bit!!” I called after her, but my warning fell on deaf ears. Star Swirl and I looked at each other briefly and galloped after her. We dodged branches and tree roots as we weaved in and out of the trees, following our fellow team member. I knew Star Swirl had a greater mission at hand, but at least he had the decency to not leave another team member hanging.
When we arrived at the clearing, we found ourselves standing in front of bridge with a thick fog shielding the depths from our vision. I looked around for 8-Bit in vain. Where could she have gone?

“Silver Blade, look yonder!” he exclaimed as he pointed his hoof across the bridge.
I looked up and my gaze fell upon a small fortress buried in the trees. It looked newly made, and I wondered what its purpose was for. I dashed across the bridge with my blue unicorn friend following closely behind me. I rammed into the wooden door with my head, breaking the door open. What I saw made me hesitate however.
In the very far end of the room, there was a…it couldn’t have been a pony because this thing was the size of a horse. She had a black coat and was a pegasus, but not just that. She was also a unicorn. How could she be a unicorn and a pegasus?! She had green eyes that were slit, like a cat’s, as well as a mane that looked like it were flowing with the night itself. Despite her intimidating appearance, I was fueled again when I saw 8-Bit pinned to a wall with the magic of the unicorn-pegasus. Next to her stood the pegasus that stole 8-Bit’s sapphire.

“Lemme down you stupid mules!!” 8-Bit shouted, but she went unnoticed by her captors.

“I have lured the unicorn here, as you asked,” he said in that same raspy voice.

“Very well Shadowbolt, you are dismissed,” she said, and Shadowbolt dissipated into a cloud of purple smoke.

“What is she?!” I asked Star Swirl. I didn’t ask him out of panic or fear, but because I wanted to know what I was up against so I could take her down all the faster. 8-Bit was in danger; that was the only thing my mind registered.

“She’s an alicorn. That was Princess Luna, but her heart gave way to the darkness and as of now she is Nightmare Moon,” he said sadly.

“Well whatever she is, I’m gonna take her down.” I growled and stamped a hoof. Nightmare Moon laughed at me.

“What do you, a small pathetic earth pony, think you can do against me, the Queen of the Night?” She laughed again. Star Swirl stepped forward, mimicking my action just a few moments prior.

“Where are the Elements of Harmony?!” he called out.

“Forget the feather Elements of Harmony! Get me outta here first!” 8-Bit growled and squirmed against the wall. Again, she went ignored.

The black alicorn laughed again, and when she spoke again, her voice was cold with resentment.“Do you really wish to know? Very well, I shall give you hint. They are in the belly of the beast.”

Star Swirl gave me a confused, yet nervous glance then looked back at Nightmare Moon. “Of which beast are you referring to?” he asked cautiously.

“Oh…simply the Ursa Major!!”she shouted and Star Swirl took a few steps back.

“W-what?!” he stammered in surprise. “No! You can’t have!!” he cried.

“You doubt the power of the night? Your lack of faith will cost you your lives!!” Nightmare Moon’s horn glowed with a deep purple aura and the area grew significantly colder. The air seemed to shift and move until there was a tornado swirling in the middle of the room the same color as the black alicorn’s magic. When it faded, a lighter purple beast began to materialize where the magic tornado had been.

It was slightly transparent and had the body of the bear with the head of a rat. Its red eyes seemed to have an unearthly glow about them and it roared, baring its rows of razor sharp teeth. It reared on its hind legs and crashed through the roof, leaving a gaping hole where the roof had been. The Ursa Major now stood fifty feet tall, towering over both Star Swirl and I. I looked at him with a sense of urgency.

“Star Swirl, you have to defeat that thing with your magic!”

He stared at me in disbelief. “Have you seen the size of that beast?! Are you trying to have me killed?!” he cried.

I guess he had a point, but somehow I knew there had to be more to this pony than he let on. Maybe he didn’t know it, but I knew he was capable of greater things. I lowered my voice, keeping it steady and locked eyes with him.

“Star Swirl, if you don’t defeat the Ursa Major and recover the Elements of Harmony, Equestria will be covered in darkness forever. It’s all up to you; the future of Equestria is in your hooves.”

He gasped in exasperation and stared at the Ursa Major helplessly. “There’s no possible way I can defeat a monster that large! I barely got away from the Cockatrice!”

Using the same even voice, I told him, “You may not be able to defeat it, but you won’t know that until you try. It may sound cliché, but believe in yourself, Star Swirl. The most important thing is to try.”

He took a shaky breath and closed his eyes. “Very well. I… I will try.” He took a firm stance and his horn started to glow. Faintly at first, it gradually increased in intensity. The monster roared again and took a swipe at Star Swirl. When the unicorn opened his eyes again, they were glowing white. Purple magic extended from his horn and coated him with a barrier, deflecting the blow. The Ursa screamed in fury.

“Now, it is time to put you back where you belong,” he said firmly and the Ursa Major began levitating in the air, surrounded by Star Swirl’s magic.

“No!!” screamed Nightmare Moon, infuriated that her control was being usurped.
She shot more magic out of her horn, trying to pull her puppet back down. I noticed she was forming another spell, which was aimed at Star Swirl. I wanted to warn him, but Nightmare Moon was quicker than my vocal chords and several lasers slammed into his shield, weakening his defenses significantly. He was terribly outmatched and I knew he couldn’t last much longer. I quickly ran behind the black alicorn, drew my sword and waited, trying to time myself just right.
Suddenly, I jumped from behind Nightmare Moon and slammed the hilt of my sword into her horn. She shouted in surprise and her magic was temporarily dispelled, which wasn’t surprising. She was already spreading it too far by holding 8-Bit captive. When I hit her horn, 8-Bit fell to the ground and I ran to her side.

“You alright?” I asked her.

She looked up at me and me and smiled. She reached into her bag, pulled out her sapphire and showed it to me, her smile growing even bigger. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I nodded and turned back around the help Star Swirl in any way that I could. I felt a hoof on my shoulder and turned around. “Silver Blade…” she started. I didn’t know why, but her face seemed to be a darker shade, lit by a red light underneath her coat.

“Yeah?” I prompted.

“I…” she began, but was cut off from Star Swirl’s cries from across the room.

“Silver Blade!!” he called, “I can’t get the elements out of its stomach!!”

I looked at 8-Bit and she nodded, seeming to have to same idea. I looked over at Star Swirl, knowing he couldn’t hear me but saying the words anyway, “I’m on it.”

I dashed around the wildly flailing Ursa while avoiding its limbs that were destroying everything they came in contact with until I was facing its front. 8-Bit stopped alongside me and looked at me with one her mischievous grins.

“Ya ready?” she asked. I nodded and she wrapped her hooves around my stomach, pulling me up. She began spinning in circles, building momentum as she did. Faster, and faster, and faster she spun. Then she turned at a forty-five degree angle upwards and I was sent flying to where the Ursa Major hovered.
As I flew, I drew my sword again. I held it firmly in my mouth, knowing the impact wasn’t going to be a soft one. With the point out, I collided with the Ursa Major’s belly, my sword going halfway through its impenetrateable skin. I don’t think I seriously hurt it, but I think the toothpick being poked in its stomach definitely ticked it off. It roared, but in mid-roar burped up five rocks, which fell at Star Swirl’s feet.

“You’re in the clear!!” I shouted at him against the swirling wind.

He nodded and the Ursa Major began to rise. For a moment, it looked like the stars themselves had descended into the room we were in and they tiny bright lights began wrapping around the Ursa in blinding speed until it vanished. The white glow faded from his eyes and his breathing was heavy. Nightmare Moon snorted and tossed her head indifferently.

“So you have the Elements of Harmony. I commend you for this small victory, but you still cannot use the elements!” she exclaimed.

“But I can,” a voice said from behind us. All three of us turned to see a white alicorn with a flowing mane that radiated bright colors like pink, green, and blue. Her eyes were purple, and she had a bright light that seemed to radiate from herself. The rocks lifted from the ground and floated around her as her tiara seemed to glow. Bright light shot from her horn, temporarily blinding everyone in the room. The only way we had knowledge of what was taking place was listening to Nightmare Moon’s screams of defeat. When it cleared, we saw the light residue from where the beam had shot skyward.
The moon seemed to have crescents that it didn’t have before in the shape of Nightmare Moon. Soon, the moon went down and the sun rose, bringing morning light into the ruins of the fortress which illuminated the carnage from our battle. We turned to the alicorn.

“Princess Celestia!” Star Swirl immediately bowed his head, and I could feel 8-Bit tense up next to me. Star Swirl looked up at the princess. “What did you do?”

Celestia looked up at the moon sadly and sighed. “The Elements of Harmony are truly unpredictable… It appears Nightmare Moon is to be banished for a thousand years. I will miss Luna greatly during those times…”

“Why one thousand years?” Star Swirl inquired. Celestia shook he head.

“That is what the elements chose. Until then, I can only wait to see if this was a wise choice.” She smiled at us. “You all have done very well. Star Swirl, I would be glad to have you as my personal student in Canterlot.” Upon hearing this, he beamed with pride. Celestia turned her gaze to 8-Bit and I. “I cannot say I have ever seen either of you around before… What are your names?”

“I’m Silver Blade.”

“8-Bit.”

Celestia nodded her approval. “Very well Silver Blade and 8-Bit, I shall not forget your names. If you have any need, do not hesitate to ask me. You deserve that much.”
After she said that, an idea hit me.

“Princess, I have a request for a thousand years from now.” She raised an eyebrow. “Could you perhaps un-banish 8-Bit and I?” She nodded slowly.

“I believe I can manage that. Is that the time you wish to head to?” she asked. My partner and I both nodded. “Then it is settled. The future, or your present time, awaits you.”
As Princess Celestia’s horn glowed, a soft warm light wrapped around us. Then I realized we’d be leaving Star Swirl behind and sadness came over me at having to leave my newly acquired partner…and friend. He wouldn’t be alone though; he’d have a new mentor. Still, a large guilt fell upon my shoulders. I waved to him with my hoof.

"Yo Star Swirl! You’ll still be a part of Team Free Souls, right?”
He grinned at us as he became less visible. “Always! If you ever need me, I’ll be there!”
The light grew brighter and when we next opened our eyes, we were standing just outside the Everfree Forest in our regular time. Birds chirped, the sun shone, and warmth returned. We knew quite well we had returned to our time. There was also the presence of Ponyville in the distance to take into account for, which contained the very ponies that had me banished. I looked at 8-Bit nervously and she gave me a reassuring smile.

“C’mon dude, let’s go talk to Twilight about that favor Celestia owes you.”
I nodded, and we began walking back towards Ponyville, completely unaware that our exhilarating encounter with Star Swirl was only the first chapter in a picture far bigger than either of us could imagine.

Final Chapter

It had been three weeks since 8-Bit and I had helped Starswirl the Bearded defeat Nightmare Moon and recover the Elements of Harmony for Princess Celestia. Upon arriving at Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle had greeted us by saying “Sorry” repeatedly. She informed us that she had gotten a letter from the princess claiming that we were heroes and deserved to be treated as such. Everypony welcomed us back gladly.

We agreed to join Twilight for tea at her library and tell her our tale. She was particularly impressed with us meeting and recruiting Starswirl. We were a little confused at first, but the lavender unicorn told us about Starswirl’s legacy he left behind. His defeat of the Ursa Major (despite my teammate and I having some part in helping him) didn’t go unnoticed and he went on to be one of the greatest pony wizards of all time. In his old age, he apparently donned the name “Starswirl the Bearded”. 8-Bit kind of giggled at that, but a look from Twilight told her she was dead serious.

The lives of Team Free Souls seemed to go back to normal. Our missions were still as dangerous as ever, that being the norm for a gold ranking rescue team. One mission required 8-Bit and I to head to Froggy Bottom Bog and rescue a rabbit named Angel for one of Twilight’s friends. Sounds simple, right? Oh horseapples no! We ended of fighting a hydra which, in the end decided to flee from because of all of the heads preventing us from engaging in any further combat. But that was the general gist of things for my companion and me. Sure, I still couldn’t remember anything, but I was mostly enjoying my life as a pony. I believe I had adjusted very well.

All of that changed when I heard of hoof beating on our door one day.

I assumed it was another request, seeing as how Free Souls had increasingly grown in popularity. I was surprised to see Twilight Sparkle again, but also a little nervous. The last time she came over to our base of operations, (A.K.A.: 8-Bit’s house) I had been banished for no reason whatsoever. Okay, maybe she had a good reason but it was still incorrect. She must have noticed the nervous look on my face because she quickly smiled and waved a hoof.

“Relax Silver Blade; I’m not going to cause you any trouble. In fact, I have good news!”

My ears perked at this. “Oh?”

“I just received a letter from the princess; she says she would like to speak with you as soon as possible, as well as all of my friends!” she exclaimed. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but we should head for Canterlot soon.”

I chuckled. “Well, I guess the princess missed me after a thousand years.” I looked over my shoulder at my green friend who was tinkering with the P.E.S. “Ya get all of that Eight Bit?”

Her response was to look at me with a huge grin. “Eeyup!”

I looked back to Twilight. “We’re ready to go when you are.”

* * * * *

Once we all boarded the train, we had plenty of time to relax. Surprisingly, I knew most of Twilight Sparkle’s friends. Rarity had fashioned (no pun intended) my sword, Pinkie Pie was always throwing parties at the heroics of Team Free Souls, and the butter colored pegasi with the pink mane whose pet bunny I’d rescued was named Fluttershy. There were only two ponies in the cabin that I didn’t know. The orange earth pony with the blonde mane, freckles, a cowpony hat and even a southern accent to boot, was named Applejack. The reason I hadn’t ever seen her was because of all of her time on the farm. The other pony…the cyan pegasus with the rainbow mane, Rainbow Dash was having problems on her home, which apparently was what this was about.

“C’mon Fluttershy, you’re a pegasus! You should care about cloudsdale!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she threw her hooves up in exasperation.

“Um…well, I do…it’s just that…um…the animals need lots of attention and I can’t leave them unattended…’

Rainbow Dash glared at her friend, causing her to “eep!” and look away nervously. Eventually, the more assertive of the two sighed.

“I know…it’s just that, this is home and I don’t want anything bad to happen to it. The griffins just waltzed in like they owned the place and claimed it was theirs! They’re pushing it higher up, making it harder for the younger pegasi to reach. It might not look like I care, but you have no idea how much that’s been killing Scootaloo.”

I felt a pang of sadness. I did know. If that was what is was about, I was ready to go to Cloudsdale and kick some serious flank. Of course, Equestria’s best would come with us. Or would we be going with Equestria’s best? A quick analysis showed me that in less than four weeks, 8-Bit and I had become quite the heroes. Perhaps we truly were joining the ranks of greatness.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes scanned the room, obviously she was bored, and landed on me. She smiled and trotted over, brushing her mane back as she did so. She came to a stop and gave me large grin and saw her eyes close halfway.

“Hellooooo handsome!” she whistled. “What’s your name?”

I was taken aback by such a bold movement. “S-Silver Blade.” I stammered.

“Well Silver Blade, did you know you’re looking at the pony incarnation of awesomeness?” Her grin grew a smaller, turning into wry smile.

Was…was she hitting on me?

Suddenly I flash of green that made both me and the rainbow maned pegasus jump landed right in Rainbow Dash’s breast. It was 8-Bit giving the cyan pegasus an angry jab.

“Back off. He’s mine,” she growled fiercely. RD seemed to get the idea and stepped away cautiously. I, however, was confused. I was hers? I was her what?

After that small confrontation, and after 8-Bit had cooled down a bit, we both spent some time getting to Twilight Sparkle and the rest of her friends. I believe they recounted about fifty of their adventures a few of them even involving monsters I had fought. I was delighted to hear that Nightmare Moon was restored to Princess Luna, but was saddened to know that Starswirl never got to know of her fate.

A few hours had passed, but the train finally pulled into a stop. All eight of us got off and walked through the regal city of Canterlot. I can safely say that city was mostly filled with rich ponies and aristocrats, but the buildings looked clean and elegant. We approached Canterlot Castle and were let in by the royal guards. I entertained the thought of becoming a royal guard after my job as a rescue team member ended. It would have been the perfect way to use my expertise with a sword.

There was no waiting. The eight of us were let in to see the princess right away. Sure enough, there was the white, regal alicorn sitting on her rightful throne, smiling warmly at us. As her eyes landed on me, she nodded subtly. Somehow I knew my questions were about to be answered.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable my little ponies. We have a lot to talk about,” the princess invited. We did. “First, I’d like to start off by talking about Silver Blade’s…condition.”

Gulp. This couldn’t end well.

“Silver Blade, I wished you had told me you were a human sooner. You are tied to the disappearance of the Elements of Harmony, but they have been right in front of you all this time.” This caused some murmurs among us. I had no idea what she meant but I figured I was about to find out. “Let me tell you all a story that dates back to long before I was alive.

“At the dawn of ponykind, darkness incarnate threatened to enslave the majority of the ponies, which as you know would drastically change Equestria as we know it. Just when all seemed lost, a pony stood up to the darkness and defeated it. However, she claimed she wasn’t a pony, but that she was human.

“The human had come from her world, so after she saved ponykind and established harmony she had to go back. However, she left part of her soul behind that split into six different elements. We know these as the Elements of Harmony. That is how the Elements would choose their bearers.

“Silver Blade, you are the reincarnation of that human. That is why the Elements disappeared: They were reassembling into you.”

Everypony in the room gasped at that except me. I had stumbled and was completely breathless. What? Why? How? Confusion pulled a cloth over my mind and made my thinking foggy.

“It would explain why you can’t remember anything, why the Elements have gone, and why you traveled through time to protect your soul from being destroyed. You are the Elements of Harmony. This leads us to our next point…

“As you may or may not know, the brief disappearance of said Elements weakened Equestria. It wasn’t your fault, but it still happened. The spirit of disharmony, Discord, took full advantage of the weakening and broke free from his imprisonment in stone. He is the opposite of you Silver Blade, and only you can seal him away once more. He’s bent the griffins to his will and taken Cloudsdale, making it his chaos capital of the world. I need you to go there and stop him once and for all. Since the Elements of Harmony restore what was corrupted, you should be able to seal Discord away once more.”

“Whoawhoawhoawhoawhoa, hold the phone a second!” 8-Bit chimed in, waving her hooves in frenzy. “For starters, he’s an earth pony and can’t walk in the clouds. Two, could get seriously hurt! And three, why the in the hoof should we feel we need to help you out?!”

“Eight Bit…” Celestia said soothingly, “He has to do this. My student can cast a spell on him that should let him walk on the clouds. And…you’re welcome to go with him. You are part of the same rescue team after all.”

“But I…” 8-bit started to say, but her voice shrank away, making her resemble Fluttershy. I thought if my friend could use a motivational boost, now would be the time.

“It’s okay. We’ve taken down every other challenge before, how much more difficult can this one be?” I encouraged.

“Well…ok…” she finally relented.

I turned to Princess Celestia, ready for what could be my final mission.

“Alright, let’s go.”

* * * * *

“This canon here should fire you both to Second Cloudsdale. The clouds are soft, so you’ll have a safe landing.” Celestia was explaining. “As for getting back, my student has a device that will teleport you both back, but it only works once. 8-Bit can use her expertise in technology to activate it.”

Twilight Sparkle then trotted up to my companion and proudly strapped some sort of device to her left forehoof. She had already cast the spell on me, so I crawled into the barrel of the canon, shortly followed by 8-Bit. It was quite cramped; what with her legs jabbing into my stomach. I tried to reposition myself, but ended up in an even more uncomfortable position. I was lying on my back with my back legs facing out of the canon.

“You’re flank is right in my face!” 8-Bit complained.

“You probably like it there, don’t you?” I kid.

She didn’t respond to that, but quickly turned her head in an attempt to keep her blushing from my sight.

I heard a sizzle and then from the outside, Twilight’s voice begin to count down.

“Five!”

Oh boy, we were actually doing this.

“Four!”

Oh, just hurry up already!

“Three!”

Wait, what if it hurt? What if it really hurt?

“Two!”

I’m starting to have second thoughts about this!

“ONE!”

No more time to think. I felt a fiery heat on my back explode as wind ripped through my mane. Wait, when did I leave the canon? I tore through the sky as Second Cloudsdale became closer and closer. From what I saw at my distance, it was a huge floating city in the sky…made out of pink cotton candy and raining chocolate milk? I wanted a closer look, but suddenly I remembered an old phrase “Be careful what you wish for,” because a moment later I did get a close look at it, via a head lodged in cotton candy.

It took me a couple of tries, but I finally got my head out of the ground (?) and looked around. Pillars of cloud, floors and buildings made out of cloud… It was amazing! I was pulled out of my trance by the sticky feeling of cotton candy on my face. I got some of it off with my hooves, but there was just some that wouldn’t come off, no matter how hard I tried.

I looked over at my green pegasus friend who had softened her landing with a flap of her wings. The lucky pony passed through the chocolate rain and came out clean! Still, I found it unfair that I get messy.

“Hey, can I have a little help here?” I asked as I pointed to the cotton candy still stuck to my face.

“Sure!” 8-Bit responded and trotted over, giving the part of my face that held the cotton candy a lick. She continued walking like nothing happened. I, on the other hoof, suddenly flushed for reasons I wasn’t aware of. I shook the feeling off and followed my friend.

“You know…I didn’t see it before, but now I can’t help but thinking back to how much resemblance to the Elements of Harmony you bear. You’ve never told a lie since I’ve met you; you’ve never abandoned our clients, missions, and…me. You’re nice, which is hard to come by in colts these days, you’re always putting others before yourself, and you take everything with good humor.” She chuckled.

I thought on what she said and kept walking, suddenly noticing that she wasn’t next to me. I turned around to see her fixing me with a sad stare. Curiously, I trotted back over to her.

“Silver Blade…there’s one more thing you should know…” she started a little hesitantly. I nodded for her to go on. “The accident…wasn’t an accident. A griffin was bullying me constantly and when I finally decided to stand up to her, she slashed out at me in anger. Maybe it was an accident that she sore one of my feathers out, but she still wanted to hurt me…

“You remember me telling you how I wanted to join the Wonderbolts? Well, I didn’t think the lost feather would matter that much. I tried one of the flying courses and fell. It took a while to recover from that injury… After I finally did recover, I was convinced I would never fly again and discovered my love for technology and making ponies happy…

“But I didn’t know who I was trying to make happy. The people who had hurt or ignored me? I lost inspiration quickly. One day, I decided I didn’t want to try anymore. I walked into the Everfree Forrest and hoped a monster would find me and eat me. That’s what I was doing there when I met you, Silver Blade.

“At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of you, but you’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had. You’ve been the only friend I’ve ever had… You’re the reason I started working on the P.E.S. again. I was making it for you… You’ve…you’ve given me a reason to try again.”

8-Bit’s sad look turned into a soft smile as she wrapped her forlegs around me in a tight hug. I returned her hug. When I was lost without a clue of who I was or what to do, 8-Bit (figuratively) took me under her wing and was a friend I could always depend on. She was the only pony who stayed with me when I got banished…she was my only friend as well. We let go and continued walking. There was a task at hand.

In ten seconds flat, a griffin swooped down and landed in front of us with her talons pointed in our direction. I had never seen a griffin before, but this one looked like a lion fused with a bird.

“Stop right there, losers!” she yelled at us. “You punks think I’m just gonna let you pass?” She growled and swiped at 8-Bit, who suddenly locked up in fear. I jumped over and tackled her out of harm’s way. “You’re probably here to help that jerk who’s turned this place upside down by controlling the griffins, aren’t you?!” she squawked.

“Hold on! Stop attacking!” I shouted as I dodged just as her talons swooped over the area where I once stood. “We’re here to stop Discord, not help him! Where in Equestria did you get that idea?!”

Her talons stopped, inches from my face.

“Wait, so…you dweebs aren’t helping that loser?” she inquired.

Geez, what was with all of the name calling?

“No! Unless he...Oh pony, he’s trying to pit ponies and griffins against each other to create more chaos!” I said as the realization dawned on me. Suddenly the griffin looked abashed.

“Oh…Well…In that case, I’m gonna find him and make that dork pay for tricking me! Nobody tricks Gilda and gets away with it! Where is he?!” Gilda growled.

I already thought 8-Bit was kind of rough around the edges, but compared to Gilda; 8-Bit was a saint.

“Looking for me?” a booming, yet silky voice (how does that even work?) from above our heads called. As I looked up, I was surprised to see that he was actually coming from the floor! He stood 6 feet taller than we did, with an assortment of un-matching body parts. His red eyes scanned the three of us as if we were the specimen of his latest sadistic experiment.

“Discord.” I stared at him. He was the spirit of disharmony: The opposite of me. He was going to hurt not just everypony in Equestria, but the other races too. I had to stop him. I leapt through the air at him, unsheathing my sword as I did so. “Time to put you back where you belong!”

Discord snapped his fingers and my sword become flimsy and unusable, bouncing right off of him. I jumped back and the sword naturally went back to its regular shape. Did…I restore my own sword? His eyes narrowed upon seeing this, suddenly becoming dangerously serious.

“So you’re the incarnation of the Elements of Harmony…If I destroy you, chaos will last forever,” he mused as he took a step closer to me.

“I won’t let you hurt my Silver!” 8-Bit shouted as she bravely glided to where Discord stood. He snapped his fingers again and a wall appeared out of the clouds and my partner flew right into it. I cringed for her; it looked painful. Discord kept stepping forward, getting closer to me. Gilda flew over to 8-Bit and used her talons to slash through the wall that had been created. Suddenly, I was very glad I wasn’t hit by them.

“Get back up you weakling!” she shouted at my friend and flew at Discord, talons raised. I didn’t think any walls would be stopping her anytime soon, but that isn’t what the spirit of disharmony had in mind. Instead, a fireball was sent out of his claw at Gilda, giving her barely enough time to dodge it. She flapped her wings faster, but in the opposite direction of Discord. “Oh forget this! I am so out of here! You losers are on your own!” And just like that, she was gone. I tried to run to 8-Bit, but found myself frozen in place with my destruction getting closer and closer to me.

“I wish Starswirl were here…he would never abandon us…” I mumbled to myself, Discord now standing directly over me.

A flash of white flared behind him and he turned around, giving me room to see. It was as if there was someone listening to my prayers!

“Starswirl!”

He seemed…older. His beard was a faded grey, he was still scrawny but now his skin sagged, and he had massive bags under his eyes. Part of me wondered how much time he had spent perfecting the time travel spell.
“Silver Blade! Wait for a moment, I need to cast this spell to let me stand on these pink sticky clouds of the future and…there! Now, this spell only lasts for sixty seconds but I think that will be enough to inform each other of the things that have happened since our last meeting. Where is Eight Bit?”
“Good! Let me go first. This guy is attacking Eight Bit and me and we need your help to defeat him.”
Starswirl took one look at Discord and said, “Oh.”
His horn glow and a magic energy field enveloped Discord, but he refused to budge. Instead, he teleported over to 8-Bit and scooped her up.
“Hmm…I wonder how that green coat will look under a shade of grey?” he pondered with a chuckle.

Thankfully, Starswirl’s reaction was fast enough to teleport in front of Discord, grab 8-Bit, and teleport back to me. At that point, she regained consciousness and wobbled to her feet. She looked at Starswirl and almost fainted again, but I helped steady her.

“How do we defeat an enemy who does not follow the laws of physics?!” Starswirl wondered out loud in his frustration.

Discord looked slightly taken aback, but laughed. “There is no defeating chaos!” He launched several fireballs at all of us, and I noticed too late that we were on the edge of a cloud.

“Silver Blade, Eight Bit! My time travel spell is all used up! I’m sorry!” Starswirl cried as he disappeared in a flash of white, moments before the burning tore at 8-Bit and my coat and launched us both off of the cloud.

Realizing we were falling to our demise, any hope of survival rested on one final variable:

8-Bit.

“Eight Bit!” I cried, “You have to fly!”

“What?!” she screamed as she looked at me incredulously, “Are you crazy?! I can’t!”

“You have to!” I pleaded, as the ground got ever closer, “Or we’re both done for!”

She paused, but suddenly I saw a look of determination set in her eyes. She looked at me and nodded. “Okay! I’ll try!”

I glanced at her wings as they trembled and unfolded. Being that she was a few feet above me, 8-Bit nosedived to get to me. I felt a wave of panic surge through me as the ground got dangerously close. She wrapped her forehooves around my waist and held tightly, flapping her wings furiously as she tried to slow our descents. We were slowed a little bit, but we were still falling quickly. From the the expression on my partner’s face, I could tell she was being strained from the effort.

The ground came quickly and…I blacked out.

When I woke up, it was dark and thundering, but it wasn’t raining. My body was sore all over, but nothing was broken. 8-Bit had done it! She had saved both of us! I looked around for her. I let a sigh of relief as I saw her nearby, simply unconscious and not hurt. My attention was drawn to Discord, who was standing only a few feet away from the both of us. Another crack of thunder rang.

“Discord.”

“Harmony.”

Yet more thunder ran through the sky.

How was I supposed to defeat an opponent who had control over reality? It was then I figured out what I was supposed to do by thinking back to Celestia’s words.

…However, she left part of her soul behind that split into six different elements. We know these as the Elements of Harmony. That is how the Elements would choose their bearers.
Since the Elements of Harmony restore what was corrupted, you should be able to seal Discord away once more.
I knew what I had to do.
From behind me, I heard 8-Bit groaning as she woke up. I looked back at her sadly. I had to do this but…I feared what it would do to her.

“I’m so sorry Eight Bit…”

“Huh? Silver Blade? What are you…?”

I turned to face Discord as my sword illuminated with every color in the rainbow, all swirling around the blade in a double helix. I drew it from its leather sheath and pointed it at the god of chaos. It was pretty hard to talk with my mouth full, but I managed to get my line out.

“This! Ends! HERE!”

I charged him and the rainbow licked around my body like flames, covering me in the hues of the spectrum. I leapt through the air and slashed at the mid section of disharmony and landed gracefully.

“Wait did you…NO!” Discord shouted as his body began to stiffen, the solid rock replacing his form. He squirmed and struggled, but his efforts were in vain. Soon, Discord was nothing more than a statue as he hit the floor with a load thump. I hobbled over to 8-Bit as my joints started to stiffen.

“Wow! You did it Silver Blade! You actually did it!” the green pegasus cheered. I smiled sadly at her, knowing her life was about to be flipped upside down. “C’mon let’s celebrate!” She pasused, then stared at my hooves encased in stone. “Silver…what’s wrong with your legs…?”

I sighed. Now was the time to tell her. “Eight Bit…The Elements of Harmony have defeated Discord in the past, but only as a temporary fix. Since I am Harmony, I had to make this fix permanent. I had to tie part of my soul to him. The physical and magical properties of the Elements of harmony will remain intact but…Well, if he’s in stone…something has to give.”

Now I could see tears start to well in my friend’s eyes as well as some in my own.

“Wh-what are you saying?” she stammered. “You can’t be stone! I need you! Silver Blade, don’t do this!” she pleaded as the first tears fell from her cheeks.

Thunder cracked again and rain started to fall.

“This is the only way to keep Discord sealed away permanently. Eight Bit, I just wanted you to know that you were the best friend a pony, or human,” I added with a half-hearted chuckle, “could ever have. I’m proud to have been on your rescue team…”

“No…no, no! Please Silver, please don’t go…!” By now 8-Bit had her forelegs wrapped around me and was sobbing uncontrollably. The stone crept along my flanks and I lost all feeling in my hindquarters. I wished I could’ve hugged her back, but my forelegs were already numb. The steady downpour didn’t help brighten the mood of the occasion either.

“What the hoof am I gonna do without you…?” My friend asked me between sobs.

“I don’t know…I’m so sorry Eight Bit!” By now, I was crying as much as she was. I thought back to all of the times we spent together, and how now it was all going to end. This was goodbye.

“Silver Blade, I…” She paused, chocking on her own sobs, then looked at me with those adorable, terrified eyes, “I…I love you!”

The stone was up to my neck, but my body still flushed with emotion.

“I love you too Eight Bit!”

And as the stone encased me fully, and as I heard 8-Bit scream the name she had given me in a final act of despair, I blacked out one final time.