Yesterday is History...

With daylight shining through the ruins, showing that no one else was there, I moved to gather the cloth. Picking it up, a few items fell out of it clattering to the floor. Among the items were a sword, a canteen, a compass, some paper, and a pair of gauntlets. Looking back to the cloth, I discovered it was actually a hooded long coat. It was dark grey and had a second layer running across the shoulders and midway down the back. Possibly for weather protection. It was lightweight when I pulled it on. I left the hood down for now as I had no reason to hide myself here. Next, I turned to the sword. It appeared to be a simple long sword with no distinguishing marks on it. I pulled it up to see it had landed on top of it's sheath. Sliding the sword into place, I attached the sheath to my waist against my left hip. I picked up the canteen and found it full. Thankful for this, I slid it into the coat for protection along with the compass. Picking up and looking through the papers, I saw there were three in total. The first was a letter designated for Watchful Eye, so I set that one aside. The other two were maps, one presumably a map of the local area, and the other was assumed to be a map of the world. Setting these down and storing the note away, I picked up the gauntlets. They were unsurprisingly heavy, but fit as if they had been made specifically for my hands. Once they were on and secured, I looked back to the map of the local land to see two markers. One was placed over "Ponyville", and the other was placed off to the side in the middle of an area called "The Everfree Forest". These were meant to mark my location and destination. Pulling out the compass, I placed it on the map where the indicated marks were near the top left. However, I was confused as to why the needle pointed off in a seemingly unknown direction.

That's not good. I'm not gonna be able to tell what direction I'm going without reading this.

Thinking as hard as I could, I attempted to see if I had any forgotten memories of reading maps or using compasses properly. I felt the pulse, but was shown something I didn't understand. I was talking to somebody, and they were telling me how the sun rose in the east and set in the west. The moon would rise just north of east, or northeast, and set south of west, or southwest. They told me to remember that north is up, east is right, south is down, and west is left. I came out of the memory confused as to why that memory had been triggered. Remembering it was daylight, I walked out of the ruins with gear ready and map in hand. Looking towards the sun, it looked to be low in the sky. Glancing back at the map, I saw that the markers had "Ponyville" to the left of my location, or "W" as told by the markers.

That must mean it's to the west. But how do I know if the sun is rising or setting? The girls from before came from there, so maybe that would be it. I should wait till the sun moves to be sure though.

Nodding to myself I walked back to the ruins to rest, eating an apple and taking a small swig from the canteen. Gathering a few apples for the journey, I noticed the tapestry. I didn't want to leave it behind, so I started folding it up until it was compacted enough to carry and slid it into a free pocket. Walking back outside, I saw the sun had risen slightly over the ruins confirming that it was in the east. Walking towards the bridge, I was about to cross when I stopped myself.

If I'm heavier than those girls, then this thing will snap before I take to steps. But it could hold six of them right? It should be able to hold me.

Rather be safe than sorry, I stuck a foot out and applied pressure. The wood and rope bent under me bet held firm. Placing another foot out, I saw the bridge was still holding together. I walked, one foot in front of the other, till I was finally on the other side. Not wanting to waste time and glad to be free from my home/prison, I continued on. It was calm for the most part, a few bugs and birds here and there but nothing to worry about. Walking along, I began to hear the sound of gentle splashing. Coming up to the sound, I found a slow running river. The water looked calm and serene, undisturbed by any animals that may be around. Walking up, I bent down and topped off my canteen before taking a step into the water. The second I did, the area in front of me blasted out with water, startling me into backing up and placing a hand on my sword. Once the water washed over me, I looked to see a giant purple scaled serpent with orange slicked back hair and a mismatched mustache. His mustache was orange and slick on the left like his hair, but on the right it was purple and curly.

Purple and curly? Didn't the alabaster of hair just like it? Wait, she was missing a tail!

"Why hello there young fellow, to what do I owe this pleasure?" The serpent asked me.

I was stunned to say the least. Not only had he just spoken to me but he had done so like a companion. Seeing he had what looked to be the girls tail on his face, I thought he would have been hostile.

"Uh..." Clearing my throat I started again. "Um, sorry to bother you sir. I was just on my way to Ponyville."

His eyes lit up at that, "Ponyville! I just so happen to have recently met some nice mares from there. I would be more than happy to help you get there. Steven Magnet at your service!" He stated with a bow.

"That's great! Thank you Steven, my name..." I started.

"Is something wrong my boy?" He questioned.

But I wasn't listening to him. I was desperately racking my brain for an answer but was coming up short.

No use just standing here, tell him something.

With a sigh, I responded, "I'm sorry, but it appears I can't remember my name."

Steven gasped in shock, "Oh that's just awful! No matter, if your headed to Ponyville I'm sure there's someone there that can help you."

I smiled at this and thanked him. He offered me a hand to climb upon and with that we were off.

"Now you must know, I can only take you so far. I would like nothing better than to see you there safely the whole way, but I'm afraid I cannot stray to far from home." He warned me.

"That's alright, I'm more than thankful for what you can do. I'm afraid I can only repay you in apples though." I told him.

"Oh nonsense," Steven chided me, "you don't need to repay me. I couldn't ask for more than what that generous mare has given back to me."

"Was it the purple half of your mustache? I think I may have see the mare earlier, she was an alabaster with the same hair type but a missing tail." I said.

"You met miss Rarity?" He started, "Oh she was so kind to give up her tail so that my mustache could live on! I'm glad to see it caught your attention."

So she had given it to him. At least that's what he's claiming. Honestly, it makes you look like a clown.

"It suits you Steven." I lied.

"Why thank you. Here we are!" As he said this, I looked to see we were in a clearing not far from a small town.

"That's Ponyville, correct?" I asked.

He nodded, "That's it. Now I told you that we evaded most of the dangers of this forest, but know that there are still dangers ahead, like timberwolves and cockatrices."

"Timberwolves? Never heard of them." I stated.

"Oh there a nasty bunch, but easy to deal with in small numbers. Simply disconnect their heads from their shoulders and there magic will go out. Or you could try scaring them away, fire usually does the trick." Steven explained to me.

"Well good luck to you. I hope you find what you're looking for, and your memories!" Steven made his way back to the river as I turned to where the town had been located. From my guess, it'd take about 15-30 minutes to get there. I should have asked him about the cockatrices just in case, but it was too late for that now. Looking up, I saw the sun had already passed midpoint and was beginning to lower, resting right above my destination. Moving on, I was hoping to avoid any kind of run in with these so called timberwolves.

But it seemed luck was not on my side. I had walked 15 steps, not even leaving the clearing, when I heard growling coming from behind me. Glancing back, I saw three sets of eyes looking at me from the shadow of the forest before stepping into the light. Once they were in view, I saw that the timberwolves were as the name describes. They had the exact proportions, look, and sound of wolves, but were completely made of wood, sticks, and bark. Their eye sockets were empty, save for a green glow to represent the eyes. One of them snarled at me, prompting me to draw my weapon. We stared at each other for a moment, till the one who snarled lunged. I went to raise my blade to block the attack, but instead by body moved to the side and swung the blade down, cleaving the head clean off.

How did I..? no, don't question it just go with it.

With one down I turned to the others and took stance. They moved to either side of me, lunging forward at the same time. I waited for my body to respond, but it never did. I felt two pairs of teeth sink into me, one into my left thigh, and another into my right forearm. I howled in pain as my body sunk to the ground, a pulse from my head causing me to black out. From the blackness, I saw I was the center of some sort of ritual. I was be explain to that the ritual would make me resistant to magic. This would be a blessing and a curse.

Awakening, I found myself still lying in the clearing. Looking to my sides, I saw both timberwolves were now motionless with the light from their eye sockets gone. I went to pull myself up, only to hiss in pain at my arm and leg. The attacks that were made had done damage, and I wouldn't be able to patch them without help. If that was going to happen, I had to get to Ponyville and fast. Fighting through the pain, I managed to stand and pick up my sword. I was only able to make it to the edge of the clearing before I clasped again. Just from looking at my leg, I could tell I was loosing to much blood. Pulling my sword, I began to cut strips of my shirt and fasten it around the wound. I made sure to do this for my arm as well. Doing all that I could, I sheathed the sword once more and stood. The added pressure to my wounds made it bearable to stand, though I was having to hobble along now. My 30 minute walk had just turned into an hour. Pushing along, I decided to put my mind else wear to pass the time.

Who were those girls I saw earlier? And why were they wearing those trinkets? Is it possible those were the elements and the girls were chosen? And what of the blue one, who claimed to be The Mare? Who is this Watchful Eye she sent me to meet?

And why can't I remember anything?! Why does my body chose to react some of the time and then not? Was it because I went to make a choice and it corrected? THIS IS INFURIATING! Is it too much to ask for answers?

No. That's what the girl, The Mare, promised me. Answers. And if I keep seeing the old woman, I should be able to recall everything before long. But that ritual, what was that about. Was that something I had agreed to?

Seeing I was approaching another clearing, I snapped back to reality. This clearing actually turned out to be the town, Ponyville, I was suppose to find. Looking at the sky showed that dusk was starting soon, indicating nightfall would be along shortly. Looking back at the town, I saw I was near a giant tree, but was dumbfounded when I saw a balcony and windows on it. Peering at the window, I could just make out shelves of books.

Books? Maybe they have information. If that's the case I should ask them where Watchful Eye is. It would save me the trouble of wondering aimlessly, and I'll be less likely to be caught.

Pulling my hood up, it rested just overhanging my head. This would help obscure my face, and with that, I made my way around the tree till I found a door. Walking up to it I knocked and waited. At first it seemed nothing or no one was home, but soon enough I heard the door swing open to reveal a familiar face.

"I'm sorry but the Ponyville Library is-" Twilight froze, stopping whatever she was going to say.

I knew she wasn't looking at my face from where her eyes were pointed, so I cleared my throat to get her attention. Her eyes snapped up, causing me to bow my head slightly.

Steadying my voice I said, "Excuse me, but I'm looking for someone. Do you know where Watchful Eye is?"

For a moment she said nothing, just staring. Her eyes wondered back to my body before looking at me again.

"What happened to you?" She asked, almost afraid of her own question.

I realized she was referring to my wounds. Looking down I saw the blood had begun to soak through the fabric. "Nothing serious, I just got caught out in the Everfree Forest a little unprepared."

This seemed to grab her attention, "The Everfree? What in the world would drive you to go there?"

Shit, this could be bad. Think of something. Anything!.. The distress message at the ruins!

"I was... I was looking for a friend. He went missing about a week ago. Last one who saw him says he went in there." I lied through my teeth, hoping she'd believe me.

"Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. I might know where he is, but I would suggest letting the guards look for him. I already sent a few to search the area." She responded with a soft smile.

Breathing a sigh of relief that she'd believed me, I continued. "That's wonderful, but do you think you could help me find Watchful Eye? I have business with him."

"Hm? Oh yes of course!" With that she rushed back inside. I wait for a few moments before she appeared at the door again. "Watchful Eye is located in the Lunar district. Just head to main hall from here, that tall building, and take a left down the street. He'll be on your right not to far down that way!"

Looking were she had pointed, I saw the town hall as well as the district street she had referred to. Running her instructions through my head a few times, I looked back to her.

"Thank you. I'm sorry for the late arrival and wish you a good night." With that done, I turned to my objective and began hobbling once more.

"Um sir? I don't mean to be a bother but you should really go to the hospital. You're in no condition to be walking around." She began walking after me, taking my arm in her hands once she reached me. "I can lead you there, it'd be no trouble."

I pulled against her, "I'm sorry, but my business with Watchful Eye cannot wait. I will head there after I've finished with him."

Twilight seemed to hesitate, weighing the options of letting me go or nor. She let go of my arm but stood firm. "Alright, if your business is that important than you can go. But I'm going with you to ensure nothing happens."

I don't want to make this girl suspicious. I'll let her come with me then ditch her at Watchful's. I'll say he and I know each other.

"If you insist." Was all I said.

Twilight and I began walking down to town hall. Along the way, she tried to ask me about myself.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, where did you get those injuries?"

"I ran into a nasty group of timberwolves. They managed to get me before I could get away." I told her.

Twilight gasped, looking ready to drag me to the hospital at this point. "Twilight, I'm going to see Watchful Eye, then I'll worry about my wounds." I insisted.

This seemed to satisfy her, till we realized the mistake I had made.

"How do you know my name?" She asked, clearly irritated.

Oh shit

"You said it when you opened the door." I stated as though it was fact.

"I did? Huh, must have." She said, seeming to have believed me.

Holy shit that was close.

"Well I gave you my name, why don't you give me yours?" It was such an innocent question.

DAMN IT! Uhhh I'm wearing something Grey and a Sword?

"Grey Sword."

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-

"Nice name!" She simply said.

...Why is this so easy?

Along our little walk I decided to have a look around. The buildings themselves were nothing special, thrown together with bricks and straw. The ponies walking around weren't much to look at either, a few pegasi, couple of unicorns, and the rest were "regular". What got my attention were the looks. Most of them were ignoring me, but the ones who did see me had looks of shock and pain. I heard a few whispers of "How are they still walking around?" "What did that to them?" "Shouldn't they be in the hospital?" Choosing to ignore them for now, I followed Twilight down the Luna district. It wasn't much different from the rest of the town, except that some of the house had darker color schemes here. Twilight came to a stop and turned to one of the buildings.

"This is it, Watchful Eye residence." Twilight said gesturing towards the building.

"Thank you Twilight. You can head home, this is to be private." I responded, walking towards the door as I did.

"What? Go home, what about getting you to the hospital?" Twilight demanded.

Turning to her I said, "Watchful and I have know each other for years. Once we have finished, he'll be sure to get me there."

Once again, Twilight hesitated before nodding and walking off. Making sure she wasn't going to change her mind and come back, I turned to the door and knocked. After a moment, it opened up to reveal a small pony of which I hadn't seen yet.

"Hello?" The pony (a girl) asked before looking up at me.

She was like any other pony, namely pegasi, though she had distinguishing features. Her wings, which were wrapped around her, were webbed like a bats. Her eyes were amber with slits instead of pupils. She had fangs which hung over her bottom lip. She immediately reminded me of The Mare.

She began to shrink back into the door, probably caused by my silence and staring. Shaking myself out of it, causing a little bit of dizziness to myself, I knelt down to her level before asking, "Is Watchful Eye here?"

The girl stepped back inside before yelling out to somewhere in the house. "Daddy!"

Seeing that I had a moment, I straightened myself up and pulled out the note. Just as I did, the door flew open to reveal another pony just like the one before, only larger. He looked like he was about to say something before stopping, his eyes on me. His snout seemed to twitch a little and his eyes found their way to my injuries before resting on me again.

"You're injured." He stated lamely.

"Obviously. Watchful Eye?" I asked, not bothering to hide my irritation.

"Yes. Who are you?" He was hesitant to respond, as if he didn't want the answer.

I merely presented the note to him, letting him take it from my hand. As he began to read, his eyes began to widen, his slits growing large. His mouth fell open, and I began to feel the world around me spin. Looking up at me, he stood there in shock before opening the door for me. ushering me in.

"Get inside, Quickly!" He commanded.

"Of course." With that, I promptly fell face first onto his floor unconscious.