The Rending. A great event in Equestrian history. It's very arrival rocked the foundation of Equestria. Many cities were destroyed, new creatures were spawned, and most importantly, it brought the arrival of the chaos mist. A strange substance that has choked most of the world. Nopony knows what it is, or where it came from, but most live in fear of it. Some study it as a curiosity, while others have just learned to live with it. One isolated village lives far from it, protected by a magic generator. There the inhabitants go about their daily lives. It's here a young unicorn named Tempest lives. Little does Tempest know that his simple life is about to take a turn.

Mareia village. A humble little burg nestled in the Hoofcliff Hills. It was quant, serene, and more than a little boring. Least to the more excitable residents, especially one certain pegasus. But it provided the residents with everything they needed to survive. Food, water, and protection. But even with their simple lives, there were still some challenges. Life was full of challenges, and nopony knew this more than Tempest. His current task was a challenge right now.

A metallic clang rang out as the hammer pounded against the metal. Methodically, and with rhythm. To Tempest, it was music to his ears. The beat of the hammer, the clang of the metal. Just musical. Soon the tempering died down, coming to a complete stop. The hammer levitated to the table leaving its prize before him. Laying before Tempest, was a sword. It was a thin looking blade, curved slightly at the tip but just below it were a set of gears, intertwined with the metal. The handle was a bounded leather, wrapped perfectly and comfortably. Though he wouldn't be holding it in his mouth, he wanted to prepare for every possibility. For all he knew, he could run into some poison joke and wind up with a wobbly horn.

“Perfect.” Tempest marveled at his creation. Levitating it, the gears went to work folding in the blade and making it compact. The sword then snugly fit into a sheath fastened around his front left leg.

“That's a fine piece of craftsponyship you've done there Tempest.” Said the blacksmith.

“Yeah I worked on it all week.” Tempest said wiping sweat from his brow. It had indeed been a tiring work, but worth it in the end. “Hey I'm going to take off now okay? I have some business to attend to.”

The Blacksmith nodded in approval. “Fine by me, you've done more than enough work for today.”

Without anything holding him back, Tempest trotted out the door and into the sun. Right away, he could feel a vast difference from the outdoors than the indoors. The heat of the furnace no longer warmed him, and instead the breath of nature cooled him. He took in a fresh intake of air and exhaled. “Gotta love that day time air.” He said to himself.

Tempest Noctis was a young unicorn, about eighteen years of age. Legally an adult, but still a child by certain reckonings. His coat was an indigo color, blueish black mane and tail. His cutie mark depicted storm clouds against the night sky, perfectly befitting his namesake. His eyes shone with silver light, very unusual type of eyes for a pony, but it certainly matched the stars at night. He had an assortment of strappings and fastenings around his legs, one side for money, while the other for his new toy. Lastly, around his neck was a small circular pendent. It was silver color, depicting a crescent moon upon it.

“All right, I'm prepared enough, but I think I may need some help on this.” Tempest talked to himself.

There was a reason he needed a sword for today, and it would certainly come in handy. But still, he had one more task to undertake. So he trotted into the village. As he walked, he noted the surroundings. Mareia houses were simple, some two stories while others a more simplistic one story. The village tried to keep things as easily accessible, nothing as high tech as found in the rapture of the larger cities; Paradise City being a prime example. Green grass lay astride dug pathways, and crops and fields were plowed. A well for water, and the Pegasi kept the clouds around in case of needed rain.

“Firefly?” Tempest called, head held high and letting out his voice for all to hear. He continued to walk still shouted out, “Firefly? Are you there?”

He heard no response from the clouds to whom which he spoke, but he knew that's where she was.

“Firefly?”

Just as he trotted a particularly large cloud, he heard the telltale sound of snoring.

“Firefly!” Tempest shouted, “I know you're up there!”

A snore was his only response. Typical, sleeping as usual. Probably after a bout of showing off her flying skills, or just shirking her duties. Typical, typical Firefly. He knew that simply shouting wouldn't be enough to get her up, he had to do something a bit more influential.

Taking his horn, he sent a jolt of a thunder spell (just a small one) up towards the cloud. He had positioned it correctly and sure enough, the jolt jostled something.

“Yeeeooowww!” Something leapt up from the cloud, flapping to the air.

“Well that certainly got you up.” Tempest chuckled.

“Huh what?” Said the voice before peering from above the cloud. “Tempest? What's the big idea!?”

Tempest shrugged. “Hey I had to get you up sometime. Otherwise you would have slept the entire day away.”

Firefly zipped down, landing upon the ground. “Well you didn't have to shock me.” She said shaking her sore rump.

The pony in question was named Firefly, a pegasus pony around the same age as Tempest. Her coat was a shade of pink, with a blue mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a twin pair of blue lightning bolts, emphasizing her speed. Her front hooves held a pair of bladed points, hoof guards they were called. And like Tempest she held knapsacks around her legs, ending in a leather vest around her chest. Now she seemed like an average mare, but she wasn't any old mare. She was Tempest's best friend. They had been so ever since they were small foals.

“Sorry.” Tempest apologized. “I just really needed your help with something.”

That got Firefly's attention. “Help with what?”

“Oh just grabbing a little present for Glory Shine's birthday.” Tempest explained.

Firefly's face contorted in a confused dismay. “Glory Shine?”

“You know? The mayor daughter? It's her birthday tomorrow.” Tempest explained.

“I know that. And I know who she is, but I'm just wondering why your wasting time giving a present to that spoiled brat.” Firefly spoke with a slight disgust in her tone.

“Oh come on Firefly, she's not a brat, she's actually pretty nice once you get to know her.” Tempest said in defense of the mare.

“Yeah but her father spoils her rotten. I still remember that tantrum she threw because her father didn't get her a chocobo for her sixth birthday?” Firefly remarked.

“She was just a kid then, I mean she's really matured a lot.” Tempest spoke up in further defense.

“Why are you so quick to defend her? I mean you don't like her right?”

Tempest looked aside, trying his best to hide his face.

“Oh my gosh, you do don't you?”

“Well...”

“Tempest, Tempest, Tempest. You can do so much better than her. I mean there's tons of girls in the village.” Firefly explained, hoping to deter her friend's intentions.

A dreamy sigh escaped Tempest. “Yeah but she's got that cute laugh, and the way she smiles and-”

“Stop!” Firefly said putting a hoof to Tempest's mouth. “I don't want to hear anymore. Just what do you plan on getting her that she doesn't already have?”

“Well It's not that she hasn't gotten anything. I mean I'm sure she has what I plan on getting her, it's just this is real special.” Tempest explained.

“And that is?” Firefly pressed.

“Actually...well...” Tempest could feel the pressure his friend was providing, but he couldn't hide it anymore. “I was thinking of going into the Dismer Caves and finding a gem. You know? To make a necklace?”

“The Dismer Caves?” Firefly spread out her wings in shock. “But you know that place has monsters and all sorts of nasty critters waiting.”

The Dismer Caves were located on the outskirts of the village. It was a breeding ground for various monsters. Only the bravest ponies ventured inside, for they said treasure awaited.

“That's why I need your help. I mean between the two of us, we can handle the monsters inside.” Tempest attempted to reason.

“No way! I aint risking my neck for Glory Shine of all ponies.” Firefly firmly stated.

“Come on Firefly I really want to do this. I really want to impress Glory Shine. I could use an extra hoof.” He looked pleadingly into her eyes. “Come on...as a friend?”

Firefly stared hard into Tempest's gaze. “Ugh...those eyes...can't...resist...oh right fine! Darn you and your puppy dog look.”

“So you'll do it?” Tempest asked.

Firefly shrugged. “Eh I probably was going to say yes regardless. Besides, after you made me these awesome hoof guards, I owe you.” Firefly referred to the metal edgings upon both of her front hooves. “I mean I gotta break these babies in. And what better way than to test it on monster hides?”

Tempest smiled his gratitude. “Thanks Firefly. I mean it.”

“Eh what are besties for? I mean I can see why you asked for my help. I'm pretty much the fastest most talented flyer in Equestria, I've got moves, I got style, and pizazz.” Firefly boasted as usual. “But what about you? I mean your magic is great and all, but I doubt you can swing constant spells at them. No offense.”

“Don't worry. I got this.” Tempest said levitating his sword out of his sheath and unfolding it in it's full form.”

Firefly eyed it with awe. “Woah! Is that what you've been working on all week?”

“Yeah. Just finished it today. I call it the “Gear Blade”.” He swung it quickly, his magic maneuvering it in the air before folding it. “It's fast, easy to use, and adjustable.” He finished putting the sword in its sheath again.

Firefly smirked, “Gotta say. I'm impressed, you know your way around the hammer.”

“Yeah took a lot of work to get this done.” Tempest remembered the long hours he had put in to get this ready, particularly for this day.

“Well come on! We gotta test this baby out. Come on I'll spar with ya!” Firefly dared.

Tempest wasn't entirely sure about this. “Look I don't have much experience with this tool and I don't want to hurt you.”

“Come on! I can take it!” Firefly reassured.

Tempest considered things for a moment, looking at his daring friend and his own weapon, he came to a decision. “All right fine.” He withdrew his gear blade. “I got ya.”

Firefly smirked. “That's more like it! Now let's go!”

“Maybe you should give me some pointers? I mean you are more experienced with fighting after all.”

Firefly let out a chuckle. Yeah you're probably right. Let's take things slow.” Firefly relaxed her position a bit, but still looked ready to fight. “Okay, now you want to hold the blade in a bold position, show your enemy that you mean business.”

Tempest did just that. He positioned the gear blade close to him, but kept it ready.

“Good. Now I want you to come at me and swing.” Firefly lectured.

“Yeah but-”

“Don't be afraid just come at me.”

Though nervous as he was, Tempest did as he was told, her lunged forward, swiping the blade at just the right moment. Then in an instant, Firefly raised up her left hoof and the lade pinged off the hoof guard.

“See told ya! Now again!”

Tempest repeated his movements, and as before, Firefly raised up her hoof, (her left one), and the blade pinged off of it.

“Alright! Now you're getting it!” Firefly cheered.

Tempest moved again, swinging his blade while Firefly dodged. Immediately the pegasus took to the air. “All right! Ready or not, here I come!”

With her last statement, she dove down towards Tempest, hoof guards outstretched. Panic etched Tempest's face as Firefly dove, but he help his blade up, and watched for the pivotal moment. He had to time this just right, any sparse movement could spell disaster. Firefly neared, and Tempest held the blade ready, and then sure enough, he struck. The blade pinged yet again, no, more like a clang. The clang rang out throughout the village. As it clanged, Firefly flipped and thrust her back hooves into Tempest's face.

“Hey!” He cried as he fell upon the ground. Getting up and dusting himself off, he shot and indignant look to the mare. “What's the big idea?”

Firefly tossed her mane back. “Hey just breaking you in.” Firefly descended, planting herself upon the ground. “Personally I give you a B for effort, but I don't think this will net you any real experience. This is just a tutorial battle. Once we hit the Dismer Caves, that's where the real experience begins.”

Tempest nodded. “Well I guess you're right. Let's get going.”

“Alright. But we should probably stock up on potions and antidotes first. Don't worry I'm buying.” Firefly assured.

And so the two friends were off to the item store, to pick up some curatives in order to keep their health going. Luckily Firefly had enough gil for what they needed. Firefly always had Tempest's back, ever since they were little foals. They did everything together, though each had gone their different paths. Tempest became a blacksmith's apprentice, while Firefly was stationed in the weather patrol. Though to be honest, Tempest was far more devoted to his duty than Firefly was to hers. They had so much in common, even tracing back to their beginnings in the village.

The pair had stopped at the item store, and picked up some potions and antidotes, storing them away in their knapsacks. Fully prepared, the pair headed towards the Dismer caves. As they walked, they noted the surroundings of the village. Several foals were playing tag, while others were tending their fields and plants. Some were pulling carts, while others were at the tavern. But to the right, near the distant edge of the village, they saw an earth pony fidgeting with something. The object in question looked like as metallic rectangle, laden with belts and gears, humming a rattling tune.

“Working on the mist shield again?” Tempest questioned.

Firefly took a gander over and noticed the earth pony was having quite the problem with it. “Yeah they're always tinkering with it.”

“Think it will hold out?” Tempest pressed the question on the side of caution.

Ever since he had arrived at the village, he had always wondered how the village remained isolated from the chaos mist. The generator was the answer. In some areas, the mist solidified and corrupted, but generators such as this kept it at bay.

“Yeah but what if it gives out?” Tempest feared. It was a fear that was always on his mind.

“Don't worry, that thing's been going strong since we were kids.” Firefly reassured.

Still, as he walked, Tempest couldn't help but stare at it. Though the sky was clear, he knew beyond the village lay the chaos mist. Frankly it unnerved him. It's inky dark grasp. He had experienced it once, long ago.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” A young foal's voice spoke out through the mist.

He trotted through slowly, eyes fearfully looking about for any sign of life. All he saw was misty black. With tears in his eyes, he collapsed. “Mommy...where are you?” He sobbed gently.

The image passed and Tempest was back to realty. He shook his head, fully banishing away the image. “It's going to be fine.” He told himself.

The pair continued to walk outside the village, going along a path until they at last came to a cave. It was far enough from the village, but near enough that the mist generator still protected it.

“Well here we are.” Firefly announced.

The Dismer Caves. The entrance just lay there open like a wound. They could just feel the sense of foreboding that spilled out.

“I guess we better go in. You ready?” Tempest asked.

Firefly smirked. “Always.”

And so the unicorn and the pegasus ventured inside. Right away, Tempest cast a spell, lighting up his horn to illuminate the dark.

“Man it sure is dank in here.” Firefly noted.

“Yeah I'll say. I can see why a lot of ponies don't come here.” Tempest added.

Only a handful of the village ponies were fighters, but the monsters bred like crazy in here. That or maybe the cave held faint traces of the chaos mist. It was said that monsters prospered in the mist.

“Keep up your guard.” Tempest warned.

Firefly confidently held her head up. “Eh don't worry, we can handle anything this place throws at us.”

They continued to walk until they entered into a large chamber; large and spacious. The moment they stepped inside, Tempest felt something was amiss.

“You get the feeling were being watched?” Tempest asked, the hairs on his mane standing up.

Firefly looked around, but found nothing. “Nah. I think we're fine.”

“No I'm serious, I think we're not alone.”

Tempest looked up and his face turned pale. “Um Firefly?”

Firefly followed her friend's lead until she too was taken aback by what she had seen. There hanging upon the ceiling was a series of webs, and from it were a horde of giant spiders. They crawled and skittered about, but came to a stop as their many eyes centered upon the two ponies.

“Move!” Tempest cried.

From their webs, the spiders dropped down. Their fangs raised as they noticed the fresh pony meat before them.

“I don't think they mean to let us go.” Tempest said withdrawing his sword.

Firefly flashed a daring grin and prepped her front hooves. “Aw yeah! Fight time!”

The spiders had the same sentiments and lunged towards them. That gave Tempest and Firefly all the signal they needed. Tempest was the first to strike. He slashed at one spider, cleaving into it. It fell upon it's side and it didn't get up. Firefly took to the air and began doing several maneuvers as she dove and slashed at the spiders. She continued on having a far easier time than Tempest. Tempest's problem lay in the fact that he was on the ground and thus more open to attack. But he continued to slash and fend off the eight legged monstrosities. Yet as they fought, the more warned the spiders became. One in particular didn’t lunge, for it had seen its brethren fall before the unicorn. Instead, it reared it's front up and opening its maw. From it spread a green glop. It flew through the air and landed upon Tempest's rear.

“Ah!” Tempest cried as he faltered in his steps.

The spider took advantage of the situation and lunged at Tempest. But that predictable motion was its downfall, for Firefly was quick to act. She dove in and slashed at the spider, felling it instantly.

“You alright!?” Firefly asked with concern.

Tempest's rear lowered a bit before he regained his footing. “Yeah...no...I think I'm poisoned.”

“Hang on I got an antidote right here.” Firefly said reaching into her knapsack.

The eyes of Tempest followed her, but enough to gaze about the room. They had felled a large amount of spiders. So much experience gained in such a short time. But as Firefly was searching, Tempest eyed something behind her. Immediately, a surge of energy hit him, “Firefly move!”

Firefly looked up, “Huh?” The pegasus craned her neck around and gave a panicked yelp as a spider reared itself up. She dove to the left leaving the creature open to attack.

Using his magic, he threw the blade into the spider, right between the eyes. It died instantly. Tempest withdrew the blade, floating it above his head.

“Woo. That was a close one.” Firefly breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“No problem.” Tempest nodded. Suddenly he felt weak. “Ugh. You got that antidote handy?”

“Oh right yeah!” Firefly said reminded of what she had been doing.

Reaching into her knapsack, she pulled out a small bottle. She rolled it over to Tempest who smashed it with one of his right hoof. The glass left no mark, shattering into particles while the insides did their work. He felt the antidote wash his systems clean, flushing out the intoxicants.

“Ah. Now that's better.” Tempest sighed. “Thanks Firefly.”

“No problem. We should press on.” Firefly urged.

Taking one last look about the room, Tempest concurred. “Yeah. I don't see any gems in here.”

So the pair set out and entered the far entryway. It lead to another winding path.

“Man. How far does this place stretch on?” Firefly complained.

“Getting tired?” Tempest asked.

“I'm just wondering what we'll find. I mean so far this cave seems pretty empty save for the monsters.” Firefly explained. “I just want something to happen.”

“That spider attack wasn't enough for you?” Tempest said in disbelief.

“You know what I mean.” Said Firefly.

As they winded across the chamber, they came to a sudden stop as something emerged from the wall. It was small and more like a living glob of red muck. But it had a gaping mouth and two glowing yellow orbs for eyes.

“Ah wait! I know this. It's a...a gelatin!” Firefly announced.

“Flan.” Tempest corrected.

The flan jiggled in its place, staring right at the duo.

“Well come on. Attack it!” Firefly urged.

“What? But it's not doing anything.” Tempest noticed.

“Yeah but this is a perfect place to test out your magic! I mean I heard these things are weak to elemental magic.”

That was true, and Tempest did want to try something out. Taking his sword, he held it aloft but he didn't stop there. He cast a glow with his horn, calling upon his magic. But instead of just summoning it to him, he channeled it, sending through a conduit: his sword.

The blade was cast aglow in a frosty mist. Judging from it's red color, this thing was weak to blizzard magic. Taking his weapon, Tempest thrust it forward, the slash strengthened by the magic. The flan let out a squishy cry as it was hit.

“Woah Tempest! What did you just do!?” Firefly excitedly cheered.

“I dunno. Just something I wanted to try.” Tempest answered.

The flan shuddered furiously, but it did not attack the group, instead it slithered down the cave.

“It's getting away! After it!” Firefly cried, flying in after it.

Tempest followed, weapon still raised. They both followed the flan further in until they at last came to a stop. It was another open chamber, just like the one before.

“Look there it is!” Firefly pointed.

Standing in the center was the red flan. But it wasn't alone. Standing on opposite sides were three other flans, a white one, a blue one, and a yellow one. The four flans slithered to one another squishing their bodies against one another. The three forms mushed together, jiggling and rippling until they at last took shape. Standing before the pair was a larger flan, red in color. Though it couldn't be evident in its face, the two ponies could tell it was angry.

“Get ready to fight.” Tempest warned.

The jumbo flan jiggled and raised up the part which acted as it's head. A bright flame lit up between the two ponies.

“I'll say.” Firefly concurred.

Charging up another blizzard sword, Tempest swung it forward, blade sinking into the gelatinous flesh. The flan shuddered in pain, but it sent another fire spell to contend against the magically charged sword.

“Whoa!” Tempest exclaimed.

Firefly stood by, watching it all. “Hang on bud, I'll try something.”

The pegasus took to the air, spreading her wings out and her hoof guards forward. Closing her eyes for a moment, she opening them and dove forward. She zipped by, her hoof guards cutting into the flesh. The flan roared in pain as Firefly finished.

“Okay Tempest! Try your magic now!” Firefly instructed.

Tempest charged up another blizzard sword and as he swung, the flan seemed to be more effected.

“What did you do?” Tempest wondered.

“I broke it's defense against magic.” Firefly explained.

“Break? But how?” Tempest began to wonder aloud.

“Don't worry about the how. Just concentrate on killing this thing!” Firefly urged.

Tempest nodded and readied his blade again. Yet as the jumbo flan shuddered. It spontaneously changed colors, become white.

“Hey! It changed colors! What does that mean?” Firefly wondered. Suddenly she was hit by a blizzard spell, knocking her out of the air.

“I guess we got our answer. So I guess the same attack won't work.” He knew what it was weak against based on it's magic and color, so it charged up a new spell. “Fire!” Tempest cried, charging up a fire sword.” It sliced against the body weakening it some more.

“All right that's the way to do it Temp!” Firefly cheered as she attempted to shake the frost from her wings. Once she had gotten a fraction of it off, she flew again using another technique. “Okay, this time I weakened it's magic! It shouldn’t hit as hard now.” She was suddenly cut off by a thunder spell as the flan changed colors again, this time to yellow.

“Alright thunder, I think a little water might do it.” Tempest charged up some more sword magic, this time a water sword. The water blade caused the flan to convulse, jiggling in pain.

Suddenly, it changed color again, this time to blue. Blue meant water, and Tempest knew what didn't mix well with water. “Thunder!” Tempest charged up a thunder blade and sure enough it was affective. The flan let out a wet roar, jiggling and shuddering with pain. With a garbled gasp, it began to sink, slowly dissolving into a puddle, before disappearing completely.

“We did it!” Firefly cheered. Firefly suddenly whistled a tune as she struck a victory pose.

Tempest gazed at the scene oddly. “Ugh are you okay?”

Firefly suddenly realized what she was doing and blushed as she dropped her pose. “What? I'm just celebrating.”

Tempest chuckled a bit at his friend's display, but his eyes suddenly fell upon what lay where the flan was. It was a small gem, dark purple in color, with black specks.

“Look! A gem!” Tempest pointed.

“Wait? It was in the flan the entire time?” Firefly wondered.

“Well it came from the wall, so I guess the gem was in the wall before.” Tempest reasoned.

That made sense, and they had accomplished what they had set out to do.

“Kind of convenient don't you think?” Firefly said.

Tempest shrugged and levitated the gem in front of him. “Hey, we got what we came for. Right?”

“Yeah I guess.” Firefly responded.

Tempest gazed at the gem, taking care to examine it closely. He marveled as he stared at it, truly a fine piece of earth. Then a sudden jolt struck his head. “Ugh. What?” Tempest wondered.

“You okay?” Firefly asked in concern.

Tempest banished away the pain and levitated the gem into his pack. “Yeah...just a migraine. Anyway, let's go.”

With their business done, the pair walked off, back whence they came, but as they stopped, Tempest noticed something in the back. Another opening leading down. Though part of his wondered what lay beyond, he knew such a thing would best be saved for later.

And so, the two ponies left the cave, experienced and stronger.

Author's Note

Okay. Got this done fast. Now we are entering the main meat of the story. We got a tutorial battle, and a boss fight. Now as for Firefly, I gave her Auron's breaks to add some variety to the fighter class. I mean in the original Final Fantasy, Fighters were simply powerhouses who attacked. Least I think so. Never played the original Final Fantasy. But I wanted to give Firefly a useful skill other than attacking. Besides, this helps the boss fight, weakening it's magic and magic defense so it wouldn't hit as hard, and for Tempest's magic to do some more damage. Tempest is a black mage, but I wanted to give him some variety from the typical mold, so instead he uses magic sword similar to what Steiner and Vivi did in FF 9.

Well, I feel a little proud of it, and in case you were wondering, Firefly was whistling the Final Fantasy victory theme. Still, if anyone wants to comment on what they like or what I need to improve up, feel free to say so. I think the fact that I feel proud of this fic should help me take the criticism. Mommy Dash I felt insecure about, so the criticism hurt more then.

I hope people enjoy this chapter, and hang tight for the next chapter.