My Little Pony: The Wingless Knight

Chapters

Prologue: Seven Years[Un-Edited]
Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic: Part 2[Un-Edited]
Chapter 3: Story of the Lost[Un-Edited]
Chapter 4: The Ticket Master[Un-Edited]
Chapter 5: Applebuck Season[Un-Edited]
Chapter 6: Griffon the Brush-off[Un-Edited]
Chapter 7: Boast Busters
Chapter 8: Dragonshy
Chapter 9: Look Before You Sleep
Chapter 10: Bridle Gossip
Chapter 11: Swarm of the Century
Chapter 12: Winter Wrap Up
Chapter 13: Call of the Cutie
Chapter 1: Friendship is Magic: Part 1[Un-Edited]

Prologue: Seven Years[Un-Edited]

I woke up from bed early in the morning with my alarm going off. I turned it off and headed to the bathroom. Looking at the mirror, I examine the scars on my body and thought back to the day I lost my memory and wings. There are scars on my left cheek, left rear leg, the right side of my neck, left side of my stomach, right side of my forehead, my right shoulder, a bite mark on my right front leg, and the two largest on my back where my wings used to be.

Seven years ago; I first opened my eyes to see nothing but a ceiling. Getting up, I notice that I’m in a bed with a bunch of bandages over my body. I then felt pain all over my body from the wounds, especially my back and head. I tried to remember where I got these wounds, but couldn’t remember.

The door opened up and a mare came in. Her coat was white and mane light grey. She had on a hat with a plus mark and a heart in the center. “Oh, your awake. How are you feeling?” She asks.

I looked at her and said. “My wounds hurt, but I think I’m ok. Who are you and what is this place?” She responded, “I’m Nurse Redheart, and this is the Ponyville Hospital. You were brought here after the incident.” My eyes widened in surprise at this. I try to remember what happened, but nothing came up. “What happened.” I asked. She had a worried look on her face. “I’m afraid that you were attacked by a pack of timberwolves at Sweet Apple Acres. According the the ponies that brought you here, you were chased by timberwolves outside the Everfree Forest, but fought off most of them until the last one got you in it’s jaws. Honestly, it’s a miracle your still alive.” She explained. I could’t believe what I was hearing, I was attacked by dangerous creature. I looked down while putting my hooves on my head.

Nurse Redheart walks over to my side and place her hoof on my shoulder. “I’m sorry this happened to you dear, but you did save one of the ponies lives on the farm.” She said, trying to encourage me. It made me feel a little better, knowing I help somepony else.

“I should let you rest, but do you think you could tell me your name?” She asked with a concerned look. I was about to answer, until I realized something. I took a couple moments to think, but nothing came up.

“I... I can’t remember.”

I later realized I was a different pony when i looked in a mirror, I had a dark brown mane with grey coat, my eyes were light silver. Nurse Redheart said I was a thestral pony. Thestrals are bat ponies that are nocturnal and their senses are much stronger. It’s the reason I have prescription sunglasses for my eyes for the sunlight. The only reason I’m awake during the day is because I adjusted my wake up time. What’s strange was that I had no problem adjusting my sleep schedule, the doctors believe I’ve been practice this before I lost my memory. As for how I lost my memories and wings. After I was release from the hospital a week later, the Apple family came by to thank me for what I’ve done, and told me what happened. Apparently, the pony I saved was Applejack, who had and orange coat and blond man wearing a stetson hat, was extremely close of being timberwolf food. They told me I pushed her away at the last second, and the timberwolf chomped on my wings. It slammed my head through one of their trees, causing my skull to crack and wings ripped off at the same time. Most of the Apple family were there for a yearly reunion, and dealt with the last timberwolf while one of the mares ran to the hospital.

I was glad nopony beside me was hurt, and Granny Smith, Applejacks’s grandmother, asked me why I was chased by timberwolfs in the first place. After telling them I lost my memory, The Apple family offered me to stay with them until I find a place to live. I agreed to their offer. When we arrived, the Applejack gave me a tour around the farm. The last place Applejack took me to was their barn. What I didn’t expect at the time, was that is was a surprise party for me. This was where I met my Applejack’s friends; Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. Pinkie had a light pink coat and dark pink mane. She was the one who set up the party the moment her pinkie sense went off, which I had no idea what that was. Rarity was a unicorn. She had a white coat and dark violet mane. Rarity gave me my hoodie she fixed up for me from the timberwolves. Fluttershy and Rainbow dash were Pegasi. Fluttershy had a light yellow coat and light pink mane. She kinda kept her distance from me at first. I assumed it was because I was different than the rest of the ponies. It turned out she was like that that with everypony at first. Rainbow Dash had a cyan coat with a rainbow color mane. She said it was cool that protected her friend, though felt terrible that I lost my wings. At the end of the party, everypony was trying to think of a name for me until I get my memories back. They came up with Dark, Silver, Scar, and Shade. I looked at my cutie mark, it was a dark brown shield with a crescent moon on it, so I picked Shade until I remember my original name.

A year went by since I started living in ponyville. I spent most of my time at the library when I’m not working on the farm. I was looking for any information that’s familiar to me. Eventually, Mayor Mare offered me a job as a part time librarian, since the old librarian moved to a place called Manehatten. She even offered me the bedroom on the top floor. I accepted her offer and moved to the library. Whenever the Apples require an extra hoof with the farm, I would normally go over there and help.

After three years, I strolled by the Karate dojo in town and saw a few ponies spar. Something about seeing them fight felt familiar to me so I started practicing there. What I didn’t expect was that I was more skill at fighting than most of the senior ponies there. Within a month, Black Belt, the teacher there, asked me to be a part time assistant instructor.

For the next few years to this day, I enjoyed my time here in Ponyville, even though there were ups and downs. I became stronger in my fighting skills and learning about Equestria. I even taught the girls some moves to defend themselves once in a while, beside Fluttershy. Unfortunately, nothing I read about in the library jogged my memory, neither has my fighting practice, even though it was second nature to me. After discussing with the doctors about it, they said that they can’t begin to guess when my memory will return. Not only that, since Thestrals kept themselves hidden since the Nightmare Night incident, there was no way for me to find anypony I might have known.

I just sigh and clean myself up for the day. After I finished, I put my sunglasses and jacket on. Since my ears are different, it kinda freak new ponies in town, hence why I usually keep my hoodie over my head. Walking down stairs for breakfast, I heard the door knocking. Opening the door, I see a mail pony with a letter in his mouth. “Letter for Shade.” He said. I felt confused a bit. The only ponies I know live here in Ponyville. “Um...I’m Shade, but who sent the letter?” I asked. The mail pony gives me the letter. “It’s from Princess Celestia.” He said and left. I just stood in place processing what I just heard. I didn't understand, why would the Princess send me a letter? I went back inside to open the letter. I opened the envelope and read the letter.

“Dear Shade,

I’m Princess Celestia. Years ago, I intended for my personal student, Twilight Sparkle, to live in the Ponyville Library, but it was never to be. Tomorrow, I will be sending Twilight to Ponyville in a pegasus chariot to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. I would like to ask you to guide her to where the preparations are, and to allow her to temporary stay in the Ponyville Library. Please send your reply with the teleportation rune on the by placing a letter on the rune.

Yours, Princess Celestia.”

I was surprised the Princess would ask me to assist her student, especially a pony she doesn’t know. Something was strange though. The moment I read Twilight Sparkle’s name, it felt very familiar to me. The same happen’s whenever I hear about Princess Celestia, but I assume it was because she’s famous. Nether the less, I put the paper down and reached for a paper and quill.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I’m honored you would ask me to be your student’s guide and yes, she could stay in the main bedroom of the library. Though I am confused why you ask me to do it, I will help her to the best to my ability.

Your Subject, Shade.”

After I finished writing the letter, I place it over the rune the Princess provided. The letter caught fire, turning to smoke and left through the window. I looked back at the letter and notice the rune disappeared. ‘I guess it worked’ I thought.

The rest of the day, I cleaned the entire library. If Princess Celestia’s personal student is going to stay here, I figured I’d make her comfortable. With everything cleaned, I went to Sweet Apple Acres to tell the Apple family I won’t be joining them for their family reunion. When I told them about the letter from Princess Celestia, they were just as surprised as I was. With everything done, I went back to the Library and slept in the guest bedroom. ‘Why does Twilight’s name feel so familiar to me.’ I thought. I decide to wait until tomorrow to worry about it and went to sleep.

I opened my eyes to a ruined castle. It was night and I could see rubble from the collapsed ceiling. ‘Where am I?’ I thought. Suddenly, I hear laughing from all directions. I tried to find the source, but no success. The laughter increased from above, I looked up and couldn’t believe my eyes. I was see a descending alicorn, just like Celestia, but this one was different. She had a dark blue coat with a translucent purple mane. She landed in front of me as a backed away a little. Suddenly, my back hit something behind me. I turned around, and saw other ponies, but these were different. I noticed there eyes and ears were just like mine, and they bat wings. All of them were only staring at the alicorn. The alicorn looked at me smiling and said. “My little ponies, soon I will return, and the night will last forever!”

Chapter 2: Friendship is Magic: Part 2[Un-Edited]

Nightmare Moon was laughing at her victory as lighting surrounded the room.

“Seize her! Only she knows were the Princess is!” Mayor Mare said pointing her hoof at Nightmare Moon. The Royal Guard Pegasi took to the air and charged at Nightmare Moon. They had white coats with blue manes wearing golden armor. Nightmare Moon noticed the guards coming at her.

“Stand back you fools!” She said as her eyes glowed white. Suddenly, lighting from the purple smoke shot at the guards, knocking them out of the sky. The smoke covered Nightmare Moon, she becoming smoke as well, and left the building through the front entrance. The Guard were too injured to go after her. Luckily, Royal Guards armor are enchanted, so that mostly protected them from the attack.

I saw Rainbow Dash was trying to give chase to her, and Applejack finally lost her grip. “Rainbow, wait!” I yelled and I ran after her to make sure she didn’t get herself hurt. “Come back here!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the smoke of Nightmare Moon as she left Town Hall.

When I exited the building, I noticed Rainbow Dash stopped in midair. I figured she probably lost track of Nightmare Moon, thankfully. I heard hoofs galloping behind me. I turned around, and saw Twilight running past me with Spike on her back.

Rainbow Dash noticed her as well and flew after her. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy came out of the building with worried expressions. “Shade, where’s Rainbow Dash?” Asked Applejack. “She’s heading toward the Library, come on.” I told them.

We galloped to the library as fast as we could to the Library. Reaching and opening the door, we saw confronting Twilight face to face, literally. “And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you know about Nightmare Moon? Are you a spy?” Rainbow Dash said flying in front of Twilight.

Applejack moved behind Rainbow Dash and pulled her back by grabbing Rainbow’s tail with her teeth. “Whoa.” Rainbow Dash responded. “Shimmer down sally, she ain't no spy, but she and Shade do know what’s going on; don’t you two.” Applejack said looking at Twilight then me as the rest of us entered the library.

“I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don’t know where they are, where to find them, I don’t even know what they do.” Twilight explained.

When she mentioned the Elements of Harmony, I was about to tell Twilight where I heard about them, before Pinkie spoke up. “The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.” Pinkie said, reading the title of the book I was going to tell Twilight about. Twilight ran over to Pinkie and knock her aside. “How did you find that?” Asked Twilight looking at the book.

“It was under E.” Pinkie answered while bouncing around. “Oh.” Twilight said, accepting her Pinkie’s answer. She levitated the book from the shelf and opened it. “There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said the last know location of the five Elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is know, The Everfree Forest.” Twilight said. We walked outside toward the Everfree Forest.

When made our way to the edge of the Everfree, we stopped at the sight of it. Seeing it, I remembered fragments of my memory. It was when I was being chased by the timberwolves. They were wolf like creatures made out of dead wood. I started to hyperventilate and my hoofs were shook rapidly.

I felt a hoof over my neck and looked to my left. I saw Rainbow Dash with a concerned look on her face. “Dude, you ok.” She asked. I just nodded to her.

“Wee, lets go.” Pinkie said in joy, completely ignoring the dangers of the Everfree.

“Not so fast.” Said Twilight, causing Pinkie to stop. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but I’d really rather do this on my own.” Twilight said. I looked at her as if she was crazy.

“No can do sugercube. We sure ain't lettin’ any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We’re sticking to you like caramel on a candy apple.” Applejack as she and the rest of our friends head into the Everfree Forest. Twilight looked unease at Applejack calling her a friend. “Aseptically if there’s candy apples in there.” Pinkie said. Twilight and I just looked at her weirdly. “What? those things are good.” She said as she caught up with the others.

I looked over to Twilight. “Twilight, I don’t know why you want to do things by yourself, but nopony can do everything on their own. And also, you should probably call me Shade, at least until we find those Elements.” I told Twilight her and walked up ahead. Right now we needed to focus on finding the Elements of Harmony. As much as I want to look for answers, we have more important things to worry about. I heard Twilight sigh and began walking.

As we walk through the forest, I kept my ears open for anything moving in the woods. I was worried about encountering the timberwolves, but even more so for everypony else’s safety. I steeled my nerves so I won’t freak out if I see any.

“So, non of you have been in here before?” Twilight asked us. “Heavens no. Just look at it, it’s dreadful.” Rarity answered. “I haven’t been in since before my incident.” I told her.

“And it ain't natural. Folks say it doesn’t work the same way as Equestria.” Applejack explained. I started hearing hearing something underneath us, but couldn’t make it out. “What does that mean?” Asked Twilight in worried.

“Nopony knows.” Said Rainbow Dash in a spooky voice. “You know why?” She asked and she slowly walks up to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie. “Rainbow, quit it.” Applejack said disapprovingly. “Cause anypony who ever come in, has never come out!” She yelled jumping and spoking them. “Didn’t I come out?” I commented.

Suddenly, the ground gave way underneath us and we fell down screaming. I looked up and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying down to get Pinkie Pie and Rarity. Sliding down the cliff, I noticed a stick pointing out of the ground. I grabbed it with my mouth and hooked my back hooves with Applejack’s.

Twilight was still sliding down and manage to barely hold onto the edge of the cliff. “Hold on. I’m coming Applejack let go of my hooves and slowly slip down to Twilight. I let go as well and slid down behind Applejack and hooked my hoof with Applejack’s back leg. Applejack got Twilight, but neither of us can get a good footing to pull her up. “Applejack, Shade; what do I do?” Twilight said, holding on for her life.

“Let go.” Applejack told Twilight. I looked at her in shock. “Are you crazy!” Twilight yelled. “No I ain't, I promise you’ll be safe.” Applejack told her. That’s not true.” Twilight said in disbelief. “Now listen here. What I’m saying to you is the honest truth. Let go and you’ll be safe.” Applejack said to here. I didn’t know what Applejack was doing, but I trusted her. “Twilight, I know Applejack. If she say’s you’ll be safe, she means it.” I told her.

Twilight looked at us and let go screaming as she fell down. I slid down to Applejack’s side and saw Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy catch Twilight. I sighed in relief and followed Applejack down by the cliff sides. ‘Applejack’s honesty always assure everypony around her,’ I thought.

When we reached the bottom, I thought heard a strange sound from nearby. It was there for a moment, but I lost it. I then slightly heard a beast yelling from the distance. I ignored it for now and went up to Twilight when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy let her down.

“Are you ok?” I asked. She smiled and nodded. “I am. come on, we need to find the Elements.” She said before walking off.

We continued on with Everypony “And once Pinkie and Rarity were safe, whoosh. Me and Fluttershy looped a looped around and ram. Caught you right in the nick of time. Rainbow Dash said while boasting.

“Yes Rainbow I was there, and I’m very grateful, but we gotta huh.” Twilight stopped as a beast appeared before us. “A manticore!” Twilight said as the beast roared in anger. It was a lion like creature with bat wings and a scorpion tail. “We’ve got to get past him.” Twilight said with determination.

The manticore took a swipe at Rarity. She ducked and back hoof the manticore. I am so glad I taught the girls some martial arts before. “Take that you ruffian.” Rarity said in triumph. The manticore just roared at Rarity, causing her hair style to become puffy like Pinkie’s. “My hair.” Rarity said in distraught, before remembering the manticore in front of her and running away. I mentally hoof face myself Rarity’s priorities.

I ran up to fight as well. “Wait.” Said Fluttershy. I stopped and turned toward Fluttershy. “What?” I asked. As I said this, Applejack decided to rodeo the manticore.

“We shouldn’t hurt that poor animal.” She said. I looked at her questionably, but remembered how good Fluttershy is with animals. I nodded and looked back to see Applejack was thrown off the manticore’s back. “All your’s partner.” She said to Rainbow Dash in the air. “I’m on it.” Rainbow Dash said saluting her. “Rainbow, hold it.” I told her, but was completely ignored as she past by me.

Rainbow circled around the manticore, and created a rainbow tornado around it. The manticore raised his tail, and I realized what it was going to do. Before I could warn Rainbow Dash, the manticore swatted her in the air. “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight and I yelled. I dove over and caught Rainbow Dash with my back before she hit the ground.

Rainbow Dash got off me and I did as well. “Huh, thanks.” Rainbow Dash said to me. “No problem.” I replied to her and turned around. I saw the manticore was about to charge, as well as the other girls. The girls charged at the beast first. Fluttershy and I quickly ran in front of them.

“WAIT!” Fluttershy and I yelled stopping both all of them stopped. I nodded to Fluttershy, and she walked over to the manticore. The beast raised hiss paw, getting ready to strike Fluttershy. I got ready just in “Shush, it’s ok.” Fluttershy said to the manticore gently and nuzzled it’s left paw. The manticore looked at it’s paw and showed it to Fluttershy. There was a huge thorn in it. “Poor poor little baby.” She said to it. “Little?” I heard Rainbow Dash said. “Now this might hurt for just a second.” Fluttershy said as she pulled the thorn out of the manticore’s paw.

The manticore yelled in pain and grabbed her. “Fluttershy!” We yelled, I was about to help her, but I realized what the Manticore was doing. He was licking Fluttershy in gratitude. “Aww your just a big old kitty aren’t you. Yes you are, yes you are.” Fluttershy said to it. We relaxed and walked pass the purring manticore.

Twilight and I stopped and waited for Fluttershy. “How did you know about the thorn?” Twilight asked Fluttershy, whose mane was pulled back from the licking. “I didn’t. Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness.” She told her. Twilight smiled and looked at me. “Did you know that would happen?” She asked. “I had a hunch she could calm it, considering she lives with a bear.” I told her. She looked surprise and we continued on. ‘Fluttershy’s kindness always brought out the the best in creatures,’ I thought.

Before we caught up with everypony else, I heard that strange sound again. I looked behind me and noticed the thorn from the manticore was gone.

We continued on and the forest becoming more dense. “Huh, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck.” Said Rarity complaining. The forest became so dense, that we lost the light of the moon. “Well I didn’t mean that literally.” She said. It became significantly darker around us. I could still see fine thanks to me being a thestral.

“That ancient ruin could be right in front of us and we wouldn’t even know it.” Said Twilight. I was about to tell them to stick close to me, but I heard the strange noise again. I quickly looked around to find the source of it but lost it. I then heard a squishing sound. “Oh wait. I think I stepped in something.” Said Applejack. I looked at Applejack’s hooves. “Don’t worry, it’s mud.” I told her.

Fluttershy then screamed in horror. “It’s just mud.” Applejack told her. We turned around and saw what Fluttershy was screaming at. The trunk of the tree had a disturbingly horrifying face. Applejack and I backed up from it. We noticed all the trees around us were like that.

All the girls screamed at them while I was holding my guard up. We then heard Pinkie laughing. We looked over to Pinkie who was making silly faces at it. “Pinkie, what are you doing. Run!” Twilight told her. Next thing we know, Pinkie started singing.

We were all laughing as what ever made the horrifying faces disappeared. I don’t know why they disappeared, but I don’t care. ‘Pinkie’s laughter always brought a smile to everypony’s faces,’ I thought.

We continued onward laughing until we hit a river. There was rapids going out of control in the river. “How are we going to cross this?” Asked Pinkie to nopony in particular. We could probably have Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy carry us one at a time, but we then heard wailing.

We looked through a bush to see a sea serpent in grief. “What a world, what a world.” He said flailing the water. I noticed his flailing is what was causing the rapids. At least this creature seems civilized.

“Excuse me sir, why are you crying.” Twilight asked. “Well I don’t know. I was just siting here, minding my own business. When this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just wisp past me, and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off.” He said pointing at his damaged mustache. Purple smoke, could that have been Nightmare Moon?’ I thought remembering how she turned herself into purple smoke at Towns Hall. “And now, I look simple horrid.” He said as he cried more, splashing water all over us.

“Oh give me a break.” Said Rainbow Dash. “That’s what all the fuss is about.” Applejack followed up. “Well, considering I got glue in my mane one time, I could understand.” I said. Some of the girls snickered while, Twilight looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“Exactly. How can you be so insensitive? Oh would you look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales.” Rarity said admiring his scales. “Sniff. I know.” He said. “and your expertly craft mane.” She said. “Oh I know, I know.” He responded again. “Your fabulous manicure.” She continued. “It’s so true.” He said. “All ruin without your beautiful mustache.” She finished. “It’s true, I’m hideous.” He said dramatically. “I simply cannot let crime against fabulosity go uncorrected.” Rarity said before she yanked one of the serpent’s scaled out with her mouth.

"Ow, what did you do that for?” He asked.

Rarity raised the scale like a sword. I couldn’t guess was Rarity was going to do with that. “Rarity what are you…” Twilight didn’t finish as Rarity did the unexpected. The serpent dramatically collapsed as Rarity cut off her tail. She tossed the scale aside and used her magic to attach her severed tail to the serpent’s severed mustache.

“Oh oh oh My mustache” How wonderful!” He said in joy. “You look smashing.” Rarity complemented. “Oh Rarity, your beautiful tail.” Said Twilight in concern. “Oh it’s fine my dear, short tails are in this season. Besides, it’ll grow back.” She told us. 'Her generosity never ceases to amaze me,' I thought.

“So would the mustache.” Whispered Rainbow Dash to Twilight. I just rolled my eyes at her comment I looked at the river, and it was calm now. “We can cross now, let’s go.” Said Twilight noticing as well and crossing it. The river was a lot more shallow than I thought. Suddenly, She was lifted up by the serpents tail. “Please allow me.” Said the sea serpent as made a bridge for us.

We crossed over and I turned around. “Thanks…um.” I tried to thank him, but didn’t know his Name. “Steven Magnet, and your quite welcome.” He said as he went back into the water. I turned back and caught up with the others.

We continued on until Twilight stopped spoke up. “There it is. The ruin that holds the elements of harmony. We made it!” She said looking at the ruins over a foggy cliff. It was a ruined castle that looked like a battle accused a long time ago. Twilight galloped to the ruined castle. “Twilight, wait for us.” Said Applejack as we ran up to catch up with her.

“We’re almost there.” Twilight said before almost falling down a cliffside of a downed rope bridge. Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed Twilight’s tail with her mouth and pulled her back. What with you and falling off cliffs today.” Rainbow said amusingly.

I went by Twilight’s side and helped her up. We looked over the edge of the cliff and couldn’t see the bottom because of the fog. “Now what?” Asked Pinkie. “Duh.” Rainbow replied flapping her wings. “Oh yeah.” Pinkie said as Rainbow Dash flew over and dragged the end of the broken rope bridge to the other side. I see she was about to finish tying when she and I heard something. “Rainbow.” Somepony said. “Whose there?” Asked Rainbow Dash looking around.

I looked around to see where the voice came from. “Something wrong shade?” Asked Applejack. “I think heard a voice on the other side of the gorge.” I told them. I noticed the fog spreading around Rainbow Dash and we lost sight of her. I could still hear what going on the other side. “Rainbow. Rainbow.” The voice said again. “I ain't scared of you. Show yourself” Rainbow Dash demanded, sounding like she was getting ready to fight.

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the best flyer in Equestria.” The voice said. “Who.” Rainbow asked. “Why, you of course.” The voice answered. “Really!? I mean, oh yeah, me. Hey uh, you wouldn’t mind telling the Wonderbolts that would ya. Because I’ve been trying to get into that group for like ever.” She said excitedly.

“No Rainbow Dash. We want you to join us. The Shadowbolts.” The voice said before I heard hooves galloping. I try to see who Rainbow was talking to, but the fog was too dense. “We’re the greatest aerial team in the Everfree Forest, and soon we will be the greatest in all Equestria. But first, we need a captain.” She said. I didn’t like the sound of that.

“The most magnificent.” The voice said. “Yep.” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Swiftest.” The voice continued. “Yes.” Rainbow Dash agreed again. “Bravest flyer in all the land.” She said. “Yes, it’s all true.” Rainbow Dash said. “We need…” I couldn’t hear what the voice said on that last part since her voice died down, but I had a pretty good guess.

“Woohoo. Sign me up, just let me tie this bridge will quick and then we have a deal.” Rainbow Dash said as she was about to finish tying the rope of the bridge. “No! it’s them or us.” The voice said stopping Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow, What’s taking so long?” Twilight asked yelling. The fog lifted up somewhat and I could see who Rainbow Dash was talking to. There were three pegasi wearing black and blue outfits with yellow goggles over their eyes and a skull image over their cutie mark. “Those pegasi are trying to recruit Rainbow Dash.” I told them. Oh no, Rainbow!” Twilight yelled to her.

The middle pony, who I assume was the leader, looked at us and her eye’s glowed yellow. The fog completely cut off our sight from her. “Don’t listen to them.” Twilight yelled again warning her. I on the other hoof wasn’t worried. Rainbow was a lot of things, but she’s no traitor. I focused on listening to their conversation again.

“Well?” The shadow bolt asked. “You.” Rainbow Dash said. I thought I heard her wrong. “Thank you; for the offer I mean, but I’m afraid I’ll have to say no.” Rainbow said as the bridge leveled out and heard her fly back to us.

When she came out of the fog, we all congratulated her on coming back to us. “You had me a little worried there Dash when you just said you.” I told her. “What; you heard that!” She said in surprise. “Sensitive hearing, remember.” I told her while smirking. “Well yeah, I never leave my friends hanging.” Rainbow Dash said to Twilight as she flew on ahead. ‘For as long as I’ve known her, she was always loyal to her friends.’ I thought.

I looked around and I couldn’t see the Shadowbolts anywhere. I suspected Nightmare Moon had something to do with it. I decided to keep up my guard at all times for now. When we crossed the bridge, We headed straight into the ruined castle.

There inside, we say a pedestal holding five stone orbs, which I assumed were the Elements. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew up and grabbed each of them one at a time. “Careful, careful.” Twilight said as Rainbow Dash set down the first element. “One; two; three; four; there’s only five.” Pinkie said counting the orbs coming down. “Where’s the sixth?” Asked Rainbow Dash.

“The book said, when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth element to be revealed.” Twilight explained laying down. “What the hay is that supposed to mean?” Asked Applejack. “I’m not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back, I don’t know what will happen.” She told us, lighting up her horn and closing her eyes.

“Come on now y’all. She needs to concentrate.” Applejack said as she left through the front gate. Everypony else followed her out, but me. With what we encountered before, I thought it best to hanged back a bit to make sure Twilight was alright.

Just then, I heard that strange sound again. I turned around and spotted a purple smoke swirling around the Elements of Harmony. “Twilight, look out!” I warned her. She opened her eyes too late. “Ah!” She yelled, as the Elements were caught in a twister of purple smoke. “Twilight!” I heard the girls behind me yell.

I quickly ran over to Twilight to protect her. “The Elements!” She said before jumping into the tornado. I jumped into it as well at the last second.

Twilight and I coughed after we fell to the ground. I opened my eyes and noticed both of us were in a different part of the ruin. In front of us was Nightmare Moon, holding the Elements of Harmony in her translucent mane. Lightning came out of nowhere as she laughs in victory.

I looked at Twilight and saw determination in her eyes. I leaned over to her. “I’ll distract Nightmare Moon, while you get the Elements.” I whispered to her. She nodded and turned her gaze at Nightmare Moon. We pawed the ground as we prepared to charge. “Your kidding. Your kidding, right?” Nightmare Moon asked amused, seeing that we were about to attack her.

Twilight and I charged at her and Nightmare Moon did the same. Twilight’s horn lit up and disappeared before she collided into Nightmare Moon. She was surprised by Twilight’s disappearance. I read about the spell Twilight used and decided to use it to my advantage. While Nightmare Moon was distracted, I jumped back hoof kick her in the face. I ended up behind her, and got ready to continue my attack.

Angered by this Nightmare turned her attention on me. During my training, I learned the best way for me to fight a unicorn was to not give them time to focus on their magic. I quickly stood on my back hooves into my bipedal fighting stance and leaped at her before she could react. Since she was bigger than me, I jumped up and upper cut her with my left hoof. To follow up, I spun around and back hooked kick her in the cheek.

I was about punch her again, but my body stopped moving as I my hoof was an inch away from Nightmare Moon’s muzzle. My body was enveloped by a purple dark aura. Nightmare Moon’s horn was glowing, meaning caught my using her magic. “You will Pay for attacking your Queen!” Nightmare Moon yelled in anger with bruises on her face.

Nightmare Moon looked like she was going to me pay, but her eye’s widened when she looked past me. I used most of my strength to turn my head. Twilight was charging her horn in front of the Elements. “NO!” Nightmare Moon yelled, she threw me against a stone pillar. She threw me so Nightmare Moon turned herself into purple smoke and rushed over in front of Twilight. I tried to stand up, but Nightmare Moon threw me hard.

Twilight was zapped away from the Elements when Nightmare Moon appeared in front of her. The Elements were glowing with electricity coming off them. “No! No!” said Nightmare Moon, looking at the glowing Elements. For a moment, it looked like the Elements were going to defeat Nightmare Moon, but the light around them vanished. “But, where’s the sixth element!” Said Twilight in surprise.

Nightmare Moon laughed in her victory and slammed her hooves to the ground, causing the Elements to shatter to pieces. I didn’t known to think, the Elements where the one thing that can stop Nightmare Moon. I looked towards Twilight and she’s just as shock as I am. “You little fools. Thinking you can defeat me. Now you will see your Princess or your sun. The night will last forever.” She said and laughed in victory. “But maybe I should make an example of you two for the trouble you gave me.” She said.

I slowly stood up and faced Nightmare Moon. “Your won’t harm my friend.” I told her. She only laughed at me.” Oh really, and just what are going to do?” Nightmare Moon said as her horn was charging and was aimed at Twilight. I realized what she was going to do. Nightmare Moon’s horn fired a purple beam that was heading directly at Twilight. Twilight’s horn lit up to cast a spell, but I didn’t think she would finish in time. Before the beam made contact with Twilight, I jumped in front of Twilight and took the hit. I could feel extreme burning on my left shoulder and was pushed back against her.

We skid across the floor to the middle of the room. I felt my sunglasses in my right pocket broke when I hit the ground. I winced from the pain on my left shoulder. I looked over to where I got hit. My shoulder was severely burned and a part of my jacket was scorched off. Twilight looked at my wound and gasped. “Crest, why did you do that?” She whispered in grief.

“Isn’t it obvious, because my friends are the most important to me.” I told her. When I tried to get up, I could barely stand on my left leg. “Without their bond, I would never have come this far, and that include you Twilight.” I said as I slowly stood straight.

“Shade? Twilight?” "Don’t worry Shade and Twilight; we’re here.” We’re coming, Shade, Twilight!” We heard our friends calling out our names from the stair case at the end of the room. I noticed Twilight had a spark in her ears for a moment. “You think you destroyed the Elements of Harmony just like that.” She said turning to Nightmare Moon. “Well, your wrong, because the spirits of the Elements here!” She said as the rest of our friends entered the room.

The shards of the Elements around Nightmare Moon started to move and hover in the air around her glowing. “What?” Nightmare gasped.

“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!” Twilight said as a few of the shards floated around Applejack.

“Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness.” Some shards floated around Fluttershy, she shied away at first, but accepted them.

“Pinkie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter!” Pinkie bounced as a few of the shards floated around her.

"Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity!” A few of the Shards floated around Rarity.

“And Rainbow Dash, who would not abandon her friends for her own hearts desire, represents the spirit of Loyalty! The remaining shards floated around Rainbow Dash.

“The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!” Twilight said.

“You still don’t have the sixth Element,” Nightmare Moon reminded us. “The spark didn’t work.” She finished.

“Oh, but it did,” Twilight said smiling. “ different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you; and when Shade protected me and reminded me what’s most important; the spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all… are my friends!” She claimed. When she finished, a bright flash appeared over us, showing the sixth Element. It kinda looked the shape of Twilight’s six pointed star cutie mark.

“You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the… the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element: the Element of Magic!” Twilight declared.

For some reason, even though the lights were bright, my eyes weren’t hurt like they should during the day. The shards of the Elements around the girls came together, forming necklaces. Except for Twilight, whose Element formed a tiara on her head. The Elements brought them together and a twirling Rainbow came out of them. The Rainbow shot out and washed over Nightmare Moon.

“No! NOOOOO!” Nightmare Moon cried out as the rainbow enveloped her into a tornado. The light grew brighter until it covered the entire room and I had to finally cover my eyes with my hoodie.

When the light died down down, I saw my friends laying down on the floor. “Are you girls alright?” I asked in concern. “Oh, my head,” Rainbow Dash whined, rubbing her head. “I think we’re ok Shade.” Applejack responded to my question.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity exclaimed. I see her flaunting her regrown long tail. It was probably because of the Elements of Harmony. I then realize the sting on my wound faded away. I looked to where Nightmare Moon hit me with her beam, and my wound was completely healed. I guess that light from the Element had something to do with it as well. Too bad it didn’t repair my hoodie.

“Why Rarity, it’s so lovely,” Fluttershy said looking at Rarity. “I know! I’ll never part with it again!” Rarity said waving it around and cradled it like a baby.

“No, your necklace.” Fluttershy clarified. “It looks just like your cutie mark!” She said. Rarity looked at her necklace and then at Fluttershy’s. “So does yours!” Rarity said noticing Fluttershy’s necklace.

“Look at mine! Look at mine!” Pinkie chimed, bouncing around the room. “Oh, yeah!" Rainbow Dash ginned, liking her necklace with a red lightning bolt on it. I can’t help but feel left out, with everypony receiving an Element but me.

“Gee, Twilight. I thought you were just spouting a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship.” Applejack admitted.

“Indeed you do,” Somepony said from the window. We looked towards the window and the sun rising up. I quickly put my hoodie back on my head to block the sunlight. In a flash, a tall white alicorn with a bright rainbow flowing mane appeared before us, it was Princess Celestia. Beside Twilight, we all kneeled in her presence.

“Princess Celestia!” Twilight gasped. She walked up to her teacher and the Princess gave her an affectionate nuzzle.

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student! I knew you could do it!” The Princess told Twilight.

“But… you told me it was all an old pony tale.” Said Twilight.

“I told you that you need to make some friends,” Princess Celestia corrected her. “Nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moo’s return, and knew it was you who had the magic to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you had let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well.” Princess Celestia said as she walked over to a alicorn laying on the ground where Nightmare Moon once stood. Her coat was blue with a light blue mane, and she was a lot smaller compared to how she looked earlier.

“Princess Luna!” Said Princess Celestia.

The alicorn woke up and gasped at Celestia’s presence in fear. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” She said. Princess Celestia knelt to the blue one’s level. “It is time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

“Sister?” Everypony burst in response. Somehow, looking at those two felt familiar.

Will you accept my friendship?” Princess Celestia asked standing up. We leaned in closer to here her response, but Pinkie Pie leaned in too closely and fell over forward.

Princess Luna went up to Princess Celestia. “I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister.” Princess Luna said and Princess Celestia gave her a tender hug.

“I missed you too.” Princess Celestia said in tears. I heard a loud blowing behind me. It was Pinkie Pie bawling her eyes with a tissue, which I had no idea where she got, at the reunion. Her river of rears suddenly stopped and she perked up. “Hey, you know what this calls for? A PARTY!” Pinkie said. She then bolted to the door.

“Wait Pinkie!” Twilight yelled, stopping Pinkie in mid air, literally. “There’s one thing we need to do first” Twilight said looking at me. I figured it was time to get answers. We walked up to the Princesses. “Princess Celestia, this is Shade, he supported all of us.” Twilight explained. “Shade it is so good to finally meet you, but do you think you could show your face?” Princess Celestia asked. I wasn’t used to being in the presence of royalty, so I just nodded.

I lifted my hood off my head and looked at her. The sunlight was bright, so I had to squint my eyes a little. Princess Celestia looked at me in shock. Guess she wasn’t expecting that I was a thestral.

“Crest Shield.” Celestia whispered. Princess Luna looked at her in surprise for some reason. “Um… you know who I am?” I asked in surprise. She slowly walked over in front of me. What happened next was unexpected. Princess Celestia gave me an embracing hug.

“How could I not know my son’s name.” She said to me. I froze in shock at what she told me. That’s also when I remembered a fragment of my memory. I couldn’t believe I was related to one of the best ponies in Equestria.

“WHAT?!” Most of the girls yelled in shock, beside Twilight. Princess Celestia let go and looked at me with a concerned look. “Crest Shield, I thought I lost you forever? Why didn’t you let me know you were alive?” Princess Celestia asked in tears.

I almost didn’t respond, I was still processing that I was Celestia’s son. “I’m sorry, but seven years ago, I was attacked by timberwolves. I ended up losing my memories and wings as well.” I explained to her, moving my mane to show her the scar on my head.

Celestia just knelt down to my height and cry. “I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.” Princess Celestia cried. I felt horrible seeing the Princess cry, so gave her a hug. “I don’t know what happened before the incident, but I didn’t loss all of memories.” I told her and let go. “When I saw you and Princess Luna reunited. It help me remember another part of my past.” I said. “It was when I couldn’t sleep one night and heard you crying in your room. You crying because of how much you missed your sister.” I said to Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia looked joyous and hug me again. “Only you could know that, Crest Shield.” She said in a soft voice. I could hear the girls crying behind. Princess Luna walked up to me and Celestia. “Sister, are sure this is Crest Shield and that it is their child.” She asked. “Yes, Luna, this is our best friends son.” Said Celestia.

I didn’t understand what they were talking about and looked at them weirdly. “I’m sorry, what do you mean? I asked. They looked at each other with concerned looks and back at me. “It’s a long story, I think it’s best if we tell you later. Could you girls please keep this to yourselves for now.” Princess Celestia asked my friends. They all nodded and we made our way back to Ponyville. Thankfully, Princess Celestia used her magic to repair my sunglasses so I could see better.

On the way back, Pinkie went ahead of us to prepare the party. Luckily, the Princesses activated runes along the path to keep out dangerous creatures. These runes however would only last a day. We ran into Steven Magnet, and Princess Luna apologized for cutting off a part of his mustache. Rarity and I helped convince him forgive Luna, for which he accepted her apology.

When we reached Ponyville, Pinkie already set everything. Everypony was celebrating with the Princesses return. The Royal Guard Ponies pulled a chariot which carried Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They stopped in front of a crowed of ponies and the Princess walked off. We all bowed in respect to them. I had my hoodie over my head incase there are any ponies outside of Ponyville. A pair of filly pegasi flyer up to Princess Luna and placed a garland of her neck. Princess had joy written all over her face that she was accepted by ponies.

I looked over Twilight to see her looking down for some reason. Princess Celestia noticed this to and walked over to us. “Why so glum my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest if complete, and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” Princess Celestia Asked.

“That’s just it. Just when I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them.” Twilight explained. I had to admit, it hurts to say goodbye to her.

“Spike, take a not please.” Asked Celestia. Spike pulled out a scroll and and quill out of nowhere and was prepared to write down what Princess Celestia was going to say. I wonder if he’s using the same trick Pinkie uses. “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the Unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her home in Ponyville.” Celestia decreed. My friends and I hugged Twilight in excitement.

“Oh, thank you, Princess Celestia! I’ll study harder than ever before!” Said Twilight in excitement. Everypony cheered at the news. I guess I’ll let Twilight have the main bedroom.

Pinkie looked away from the festival. “Isn’t this exciting? Are you excited cause I’m excited I’ve never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went” Pinkie caught her breath and continued. “But I mean really…” She didn’t finished when I interrupted her. “Pinkie, who are you talking to?” I asked. “The readers silly.” Pinkie responded. I just looked at her questionably before I just shook my head. “I’m not even gonna ask.” I told her.

Everypony enjoyed the festival for the entire day. At sunset, the festival was coming to a close and Everypony returned to there homes. I was happy it all worked out in the end, but I still couldn’t wait for answers. When I was taking a set of balloons down, I heard somepony coming behind me. I turned around to see Princess Celestia walking up.

“Crest Shield, we need to discuss what happened before.” She said. I nodded and finish cleaning up cleaning a part of the festival. I was finally going to get the answers I've been looking for.

Author's Note

Sorry it took me this log to post. I've been book with college and I've been feeling depressed with some of the result of my assignments. I'll post the next chapter when I can.

Next Time: Chapter 3: A Story of The Lost

Chapter 3: Story of the Lost[Un-Edited]

Princess Celestia and I walked to the library, where she would tell me what happened before. The sun has just set over the horizon. During the walk, I couldn’t help but noticed Celestia looking uneasy. My best guess it had something to do with what she said before. About how she was blaming herself. What I couldn’t figure out was why. I didn’t think she was responsible for what happened, right?

When we reached the library, the door was being guarded by two Royal Guard ponies, one of whom opened the door. I noticed the girls and Princess Luna were already waiting for us. They were sitting on chairs around a circular table. I figured Twilight prepared it for us. Celestia and I took two empty seats. I took the seat between Twilight and Rainbow Dash, while Princess Celestia sat next to her sister and Rarity.

“I suppose most of you are wondering why you never knew I had a son. As well as why my sister knows him.” Said Celestia. Most of us nodded, excluding Twilight and Princess Luna. Celestia took a moment to close her eyes. “Before I tell you, I must tell you all about the Eclipse Knights.” Said Princess Celestia.

“The Eclipse Knights?” I asked. None of the books I’ve read has ever mentioned that name. I looked around, and noticed the girls were equally confused. Celestia noticed this, and began to explain.

“You see, long ago, shortly after Starswirl the Bearded mysteriously disappeared, various creatures threatened the ponies Equestria. In order to protect the ponies, Luna and I created a new order of knights, The Eclipse Knights. These knights were made up of unicorns, pegasi, thestrals and earth ponies.” Explained Celestia, whom paused before continuing. “Together, they hunted and captured these creatures and imprisoned them in a new prison called Tartarus.”

“Most of these ponies were transferred from our royal guards, while others outside the military were recruited for their special talents in dealing with these monsters. One of these ponies, was a roaming earth pony. He traveled around Equestria and protected villages from criminals and monsters alike. His name was Fighting Spirit.”
“Fighting Spirit came from the far west, where a group of earth ponies, practiced a martial art style called Jigen Haō-Ryū Kempō, or in the ponish word, Dimensional Overlord’s Style Martial Arts.”

“Fighting Spirit was recruited after assisting one of our knights from a monster attack in a village. The Knight he saved was a thestral mare named Silver Dusk. Silver Dusk was a skilled arial combatant who requested us to allow Fighting Spirit to join the knight’s ranks. To which we agreed.”

“While Spirit had his martial arts, Silver Dusk possessed something special, an medallion she found when she and her friends were exploring old unknown ruins. The medallion created a silver armor that protected her from magical attacks and abilities. Together, they defeated and capture the most dangerous of creatures.”

“After the Eclipse Knights captured all of the creatures that were attacking our ponies, a cult was formed by an unknown pony. This cult was called The Cult of Malice. This cult was responsible for kidnapping children and stealing the magic inside of them.”

“When Silver Dusk tracked down their hideout; we, along with the knights, raided their hideout and freed all the kidnapped children. During the attack, we found the leader who founded this cult. A earth pony who called himself Obsidian Dread, but he had with him an artifact called the Alicorn Amulet. The amulet gave Obsidian Dread an artificial horn to cast spells. It took the power of my sister and I, as well as Fighting Spirit’s martial arts and Silver Dusk’s armor to defeat Obsidian Dread.”

“His defeat resulted in the children getting their magic back, as well as freeing the the cult members, who were being mind controlled; but Obsidian Dread escaped, vowing vengeance against us, and taking with him the Alicorn Amulet.”

“After peace returned to Equestria, we uncovered the artifacts Obsidian Dread has gathered, and hid them away. In order for these artifacts to remain a secret, we had to disbanded the Eclipse Knights. We went through great lengths to gather up any evidence that was linked to the Eclipse Knights and the artifacts. Some of the members of the Eclipse Knights returned to the Royal Guard, while others went on their own path. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk married one another, and had a son. They have asked us to be his godparents. It was a time of celebration, but it did not last.”

“Six years later, Obsidian Dread returned. He infiltrated Camelot at night and attacked Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk. During the fight, Obsidian Dread cast a spell on their son, sealing him in black crystals.”

“Obsidian Dread escaped, but not before telling them if they wanted their son free, they would have to come find him in the Hollow Shade. Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk went to us directly to see if we could free him. We attempted every spell we new and couldn’t even scratch the crystal covering their son. We knew going after Obsidian Dread was a trap, but we couldn’t just leave their son in that condition."

“We gathered a platoon of Royal Guards, and marched on the Hollow Shades. Once there, we found a ruined temple near the town, where all the residents abandoned it sometime ago. Obsidian Dread came out of hiding and cast a spell that created shadowy versions of ourselves.”

“Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk defeated their shadows, then went after Obsidian Dread, while we and the Royal Guard dealt with the shadows. The fight lasted for half an hour, before the temple exploded and all the shadows disappeared.”

“When the temple exploded, there was no sign of Fighting Spirit and Night Strike, as well as Obsidian Dread. We spent weeks looking for them, but to no avail. We had to accept that Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk were gone forever. They were given a proper funeral for all of their deeds. Their son was placed in our castle until we found a way to free him.”

“Your probably wondering why I told you all about the Fighting Spirit and Silver Dusk.” Princess Celestia asked us. All of us nodded, waiting for her answer.

“That’s because the son that was trapped in crystal, was you Crest Shield.” She told us looking at me. “What!” I responded, almost not believing what she told me.

“Yes; when you were sealed, the crystals froze you in time, preventing you from aging and the need for nutrients.” Celestia explained.

I just slouched back against the chair. I’ve been in a crystal since I was a baby. I felt Twilight and Rainbow touch my shoulders. I lifted my head up and nodded to let them know I was alright. “How did I get out then?” I asked Celestia.

“After your parents and Obsidian Dread disappeared, the magic that was powering the crystals were weakening, but at an extremely slow rate. It took almost a thousand years for it to be weak enough to free you. Shortly when Twilight was enrolled to my school, the guards watching over you reported a large crack formed on the crystal.”

“With the crystal weakened, I used my magic to break the crystal and finally freed you. It took some time for you to adjust what to your new life, especially what how long you’ve been trapped. I wanted to introduce you to Equestria, but many of the Royals still despised thestrals. If they found out about you Crest, I feared they would have attempted something horrible.”

“So, I decided to keep you in secret, with only the guards, Twilight, her family, and a few others knowing about you. It worked for a time, some of the guards decided trained you how to fight in case somepony ever found out about you. A year later though, the Unthinkable happened.”

Celestia looked at Twilight next to me; she nodded and turned to me.

“On your birthday years ago, we decided to take you on a zeppelin cruise to see the Northern Stars. We gave you a hoodie and sunglasses to hide your thestral parts. Celestia also ordered a pair of guards to go undercover with you as escorts. On the way there though, we were ambushed by pirates. Their captain was a bipedal shark named Sharptooth.”

“They came at us by force; their ship fired hooks to prevent us from escaping. The guards protecting us tried to fight them, but Sharptooth’s crew defeated them and tied us all up in ropes.”

“I tried to use my magic, but they brought with them some sort of rock that absorbs any and all magic around it. One of the guards forced you into a barrel during the fight to hide, so you were the only one who wasn’t caught.”

“Sharptooth was going to sell us off, but because I was the Princess’s protege, he was going to keep me as a trophy. We were terrified, I can’t remember the last time I felt so helpless. They took us to their ship and locked us in cages.”

“At night, you came out of the barrel and snuck onto their ship. Luckily, the pirates onboard were asleep so sneaking in was easy. You got us out with a key you stole from a pirate. Before we left back to our ship, you mention you overheard the pirate brought explosive powder with them. The guards opposed this, but you convinced them you had a better chance igniting it silently the them.”

“While we got back on the ship, you went back to ignite the explosive powered. With the Royal guards help, we managed to take down the pirates that were controlling our ship.”

“When we got the last of the hooks off, you came out running with Sharptooth right behind you. You tried to fly over to us, but Sharptooth grabbed your back hoof and threw you across the deck. The other pirates woke up from this and one of them held you to the ground.”

“He was demanding we return to our cages willingly or they would harm you. Before we could answer, the bottom of their ship exploded, causing it to plummet into the Everfree Forest. You got out the the pirate’s grip when the ship exploded and tried to fly to us, but one of your wings got caught in the ropes hold their ship and air ballon together.”

“You ended up getting dragged down with the ship, and we lost sight of you. There was no place to land the ship to look for you. We headed back to Canterlot and told Princess Celestia what happened. We didn’t want to leave, but we needed help looking for you. She ordered the Royal Guard to look for you at the crash site.”

“They searched for days and the only ones they found were the pirates, who were turned to stone. The Princess suspected that they ran into a cockatrice, a creature that turns any living creature into stone by looking at them in the eye.”

“They spent a week searching, but couldn’t find any signs of you. We had to call of the search because of the dangerous creatures that dwell in the Everfree Forest.”

“We assumed you were gone forever, and had a private funeral for you. Those onboard the ship who didn’t know you created a memorial in the gardens, about a unknown thestral child that saved them. Since then, many negative thoughts on the thestrals diminished thanks to you. When you were gone, I only focused on my studies so I can keep the promise we made, because of it, I’ve forgotten what it was like to have friends.” Twilight told us.

As Twilight was telling us the past, I started to remember some of what happened right before I lost my memory. It was when I was in the Everfree Forest. “I remember now.” I muttered.

Everypony looked at me in surprise. I lifted my head up and explained. “I remember waking up from the crash. One of my wings was sprained because of the rope that trapped it.”

“Unfortunately, one of the pirates found me and alerted the others. They start chased me outside the crash site. After an hour of running through thick bush, I saw a cockatrice. I remember what Twilight once told me about cockatrices, so I made a plan. Since the cockatrice didn’t notice me, I went back and lured the pirates back to it. While the cockatrice was turning them to stone, I ran away but ended up getting lost.”

“I spent almost a week trying to find a way out of the forest, but I had to avoid the wildlife. The day I found the Apple family’s orchard, a pack timberwolves found me. I managed to find a way out of the forest and ended up in the Apple family’s orchard, but the timberwolves were still chasing me.

“I was too weak from hardly finding any edible food in forest, so I tried to run from them. When I got close to the farm, I saw Applejack playing with her relatives. With the Timberwolves right behind me, I stopped in my tracks and faced them.”

“I used what ever strength I could muster and fought them while Applejack and her cousin’s hid. The timberwolves scarred much of my body, but I was able to defeat them. Right when I thought it was over, one last timberwolf was sneaking up behind Applejack.”

“I ran up to her and knocked her out of the way, but the timberwolf crunched it’s teeth in my wings, and well Applejack know the rest." I finished, while looking at Applejack.

Applejack turned her attention to the Princess. “That darn timberwolf took off Shade’s, um, I mean Crest’s wing and slammed his head through one of our trees. The grown up’s got there in time before the timberwolf finished Crest off. We quickly brought Crest to the hospital. He was so hurt, we weren’t sure if he was going to make it.

Princess Celestia shed a tear when Applejack and I told her what happened. “It’s my fault. It’s all my fault.” She said in tears. It hurt me and the girls to see Princess Celestia like this.

“If I had come with you the day of your birthday, if I had looked harder, this never would have happened.” She said crying her eyes out.

I got from my seat and walked over to Princess Celestia’s side. Celestia looked at me and I gave her a big huge. “Mom, don’t blame yourself. You had no idea what was going to happen.” I said while holding her.

“You…called me mom.” Princess Celestia said in surprise. I let go and looked at her. “Well, for what I can remember, you raised me like I was your own. So I thought of you like my second mom.” I told her.

Princess Celestia smiled brightly and hugged me, and I returned the hug. As I opened my eyes a little, I noticed Princess Luna looking down. Remembering what Celestia told me about them being my godparents, I let Princess Celestia go and gave Princess Luna a hug. “Welcome home.” I told her.

Princess Luna shed a tear in joy and returned the hug. “Thank you.” She whispered. Princess Celestia walked over and hugged both of us.

“Aww.” I heard the girls, beside Rainbow Dash. We let each other go. “So, what happens now?” I asked them. The Princess exchanged looks.

“Well, we were hoping you could return to Canterlot and live with us, but it’s your decision.” Princess Celestia told me. They wanted me to go to Canterlot. I looked at my friends, I noticed they looked worried and Pinkie’s mane was a little straight. If I go with them, I may never see my friends again. There was also the small matter of my part time jobs in Ponyville.

After giving it some though, I gave the Princess my answer. “I’m sorry mom, but like Twilight, I can’t leave my friends. Also, maybe it’s best if nopony knows that I’m your son Mom. At least not for the time being. Just until I can get the rest of my memories. I doubt anypony would be willing to believe that I’m your son.” I told them. From what I heard of Canterlot, a lot of the nobles are not so understanding.

The Princesses looked a bit sad but nodded. “I understand Crest, I do hope you’ll visit us whenever you can. Though would it be alright if Twilight and Spike stays with you?” Princess Celestia asked.

“Of course, I’ll give them the main bedroom.” I told them.

“What! Crest, we can’t take your room!” Twilight said in surprise. I shrugged at her response.

“Don’t worry Twilight, you’d make more use of it than I would, though I’ll need to get a new bed for Spike.” I told Twilight. The dragon in question spoke up

“Not to worry Crest, I sleep in a nice basket.” Spike answered. I only looked at him questionably. Celestia looked outside and nudged her sister. Princess Luna nodded and they went outside. They gestured us to follow and that’s what we did.

Once we left the building, the Princesses horns started to glow. While Princess Celestia’s magic was yellow, Princess Luna’s horn glowed blue. Together, the sun lowered below the horizon and the moon took it’s place in the sky. It was the first time the Royal sisters changed the time of day for a thousand years. Everypony was amazed at what they witnessed. The sisters’ magic died down when the job was finished.

“Well everypony, my sister and I must return to Canterlot. We hope to see you all again soon.” Princess Celestia said. Before they left, Princess Celestia horn glowed an a basket appeared in front of her. Guess that’s Spikes bed, so to speak. With that, they got on their chariot and the Pegasi Guard carried them to the sky toward Canterlot.

I was about the tell the girls goodnight before I got tackled by Pinkie Pie. “I am sooo glad your staying Cresty!” Pinkie said while squeezing the air out of me. Guess Cresty is my new nickname for Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Rainbow Dash managed to get her to let go. “I couldn’t imagine leaving you all behind.”

“But are ya sure it’s alright for ya stay here?” Applejack asked in concern. “I’m sure, I can’t imagine a life without my friends.” I told them.

To say the girls were excited was and understatement. Pinkie said she was going to throw me a party, but we convinced her to hold it tomorrow. We all wished each other goodnight and made our way to our homes.

I offered Spike to carry his basket on my back, for which he took. When we made it back inside the library, I placed Spike’s basket across from Twilight’s new bed.

“Goodnight Twilight, Spike.” I told them. “Goodnight Crest.” Said Twilight and Spike.

I left and entered my room. It’s been a long day, first I’m helping the girls defeat Nightmare Moon, then I finally found out my past. If felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder.

Though, when the girls each got their Element of Harmony, I was the one that was left out. Was I just not good enough.

I shook my head at these thoughts. Even if I don’t represent an element, I still have my friends, the ones who I will always protect. I got in my bed and shut my eyes, wondering what awaits me in the future.

Author's Note

So there you have it, Crest Shield's past. The idea of the martial art Fighting Spirit came from Gundam Build Fighters Try. I'll let you all guess the idea of the armor Silver Dusk used. I'll be working of a rewrite version of "Protector of Harmony". I'll eventually come to work on this story when I'm done with the other one.

Chapter 4: The Ticket Master[Un-Edited]