The blue mare managed to escape from being held back and bolted out the same door as the smoke, flying over the new, strange being on the floor.

Zero tried to come to his senses, the plastoid armor he wore did very little to protect him from the fall or the pain it caused, making him grit his teeth.

“What was that?” He wondered, pondering at that glowy stuff the mare used to not only defend herself from blaster bolts, but also throw him around like a rag-doll.

Groaning, he tried to get up.

“Bad idea!” he thought as more pain shot through his back, causing him to immediately lay back down with a grunt. Whatever injury he sustained, it hurt. There was no way he was any good to anyone like this. He began to slowly reach for one of the two pain-relief injectors located in his utility belt when a shadow loomed over his head.

“What are you?!”

Zero looked up to see a pink, female pony with sky blue eyes and a darker pink, curly mane looking down at him. To his surprise she didn’t seem scared, more confused and curious.

The clone ignored her for the time being, grabbing his pain reliever and injecting it into his neck. The mild procedure stung a lot, almost more than his actuall injury, but after a few moments the pain subsided and his back began to numb. The reliever only kills pain and discomfort. It doesn’t actually heal anything, meaning Zero was now on a ticking clock to get his back fixed.

“But not before I stop this eternal night.” he told himself.

“A-are y-you o-k-k-k-kay?” said a familiar, scared voice.

Zero sat up and looked to his right to see a terrified Fluttershy creeping her way down from the ledge she was leading her performance on.

“I’m fine.” Zero responded, both somewhat hazily and cold. Almost like a flick of a switch, Zero’s demeanor leaned far into his stern and tactical side in order to prepare for combat against the newfound threat. His change in tone seemed like it startled the mare, though that didn’t look like that was a very hard thing to do right now anyway.

He began to gingerly get up before the orange mare that was earlier restraining the blue pegasus spoke up.

“You know this- er- person?” she asked Fluttershy, looking bewildered as she made her way over to the clone. She had an accent that Zero hadn’t heard before.

“Well- um- I uh…” the yellow mare stammered.

“No,” Zero cut in, “but we’ve met.” he answered, making sure no one suspected Fluttershy of her relations with him, for her sake.

He was now sitting on one knee and had decided to stay that way, trying to make himself seem smaller as to not frighten the surrounding ponies any more than they already were. Now that the pain was all but gone his mind raced to find a solution to the predicament they were all in.

“I have no idea where that thing went, and I don’t know anything about her, or what she can do. Someone has to know something… The purple pony!”

Zero scanned around the crowd for the lavender mare that had confronted Nightmare Moon. Every one of the ponies looked terrified, not just because of the evil fiend that had apparently kidnapped their princess, but also of the frightening new creature in their midst.

“You,” Zero began as his gaze came to the unicorn. She appeared like she was formulating some sort of plan. She looked like she wanted to leave, but her curiosity and fear of the soldier kept her in her place. “You know about Nightmare Moon.”

Some ponies dared not look away from the clone whilst others tore their gaze towards the unicorn, awaiting an answer.

“I do…” the mare responded as she pulled herself together, “and that means I’m the only one that can stop her!”

With a final perplexed look at Zero, the mare took off, galloping out the door.

“Miss, wait!” Zero shouted. He grabbed and holstered his blaster before clambering to his feet and racing after her. The sound of gasps filled the room as ponies hid from the charging biped as he exited the building.

“Now where did she…” Zero wondered as he looked for where the unicorn went. Something purple flashed in the corner of his eye, running down a street leading away from the town hall. “There!”

Zero tore his way down the road, this mare was his only hope to finding, and stopping, Nightmare Moon. He started to gain on her, his superior conditioning outperforming her four legs, she was heading toward what looked like a structure built into a tree.

Before Zero could catch up to her, he was slammed in the back by something, which didn’t do his spine any favors, sending him tumbling to the ground.

“And just what do you think you were doing!?” sounded a raspy female voice from behind him, “Why were you chasing Twilight?! Were you gonna kidnap her like the princess!?” she said as she placed one of her hooves on Zero’s backplate.

“No!” Zero retorted. “Now get off, I just need a word with her, that’s all!” he said as he wrestled the mare’s hoof off and began to get up only to be shoved back to ground.

“Riiiiight, and I’ll just believe that, since you put it so nicely!” the mare sarcastically remarked before planting her hoof down on Zero harder than before.

The clone held back a ticked-off growl, he didn’t have time for this. He was about to wrestle the pony off himself again but stopped when he heard footsteps, er, hoofsteps approaching.

“Rainbow Dash, please get off of him, he doesn’t mean any harm.” said a fragile mare. It was Fluttershy, followed by that one pink pony, the orange mare wearing the Stetson hat, and some other white equine he didn’t know. Fluttershy seemed sincere, but sounded like she doubted her own words a smidge.

“How would you know?!” responded the pony Zero could now see was that blue pegasus.

“Um, w-we’ve met.” Fluttershy replied.

“You mean you know this thing?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“She doesn’t know me.” Zero grunted as he shoved Rainbow Dash’s hoof off his back and made his way to his feet, “no one here does.”

“Then just who are you,” the orange equine asked as she stepped in front of the group, “and whered’ya come from?”

“That’s not important,” Zero began. There was no way they would believe his ‘alien’ story and right now time was of the essence, “now what is important however, is stopping that mare from keeping the sun from rising. Now that pony,” he said as he pointed to the library door, “knew who Nightmare Moon was as well as her goal. If anyone knows how to stop that thing, it’s her.” he finished.

Before anyone else could say anything, he walked towards the entrance to the building. Opening the door revealed what looked like an archive, except for where there would be holo-books there where, well, books books, some of which were being tossed to the ground by the pony who was apparently Twilight.

“Elements, elements, elements! Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon with out the elements of harmony!” she said, her voice increasing with worry and concern.

“And just what are the elements of harmony?” demanded Rainbow Dash as she shoved her way passed Zero, “and how did you know about Nightmare Moon?” she question as she thrust her muzzle against Twilight’s, “Are you a spy?” she wiped around to face Zero, “Is that why you where chasing her? Are you working together?!”

The orange mare pulled Rainbow Dash away from Zero by her tail, making her give out a little yelp.

“Simmer down there Sally,” she reasoned, “she ain’t no spy, and if that feller was working with Nightmare Moon then don’t you think she wouldn’t’ve treated him like fishing bait?”

Rainbow Dash let out a small grunt, seemingly agreeing with what she heard as the mare continued, “But Twilight sure knows what’s going on and it’s quite the coincidence that you showed up tonight of all nights.” she said as she faced Zero. She was looking at him like he was, well, an alien.

“It is isn’t it?” Zero admitted, he had to tell them something to get their attention off him and onto the matter at hand.

“My name’s Zero, y’know, like the number, and I’m from someplace… far far away, nowhere you would know.” He stopped for a moment, he didn’t want to lie, but he couldn’t let them know where he was from just yet, “I was- er- traveling, but I got hurt, I was going to keep going on my way but Fluttershy here,” he said as he motioned towards her, “showed me great kindness by patching me up and letting me rest in her cabin for a while.”

The unknown white mare leaned in towards Fluttershy and muttered something that Zero could just barely hear. “Did you really let that, stranger in your house?” she questioned with a fine accent that Zero had heard many times on Coruscant.

“Well he was exhausted and he looked so hurt…” Fluttershy muttered.

“Honestly darling I thought you of all people would know better!” the pale equine huffed.

“Anyway,” Zero continued after the interruption, “since I’m new here Fluttershy offered to show me around the celebration, after all, it was a good chance to learn about a new culture, and you all saw what happened after that.” he finished.

“Is this true Fluttershy?” The orange mare asked.

Everyone turned to look at the equine who shrunk back from the attention. For a split second she glanced at Zero who gave her a nod, hopefully signaling to her to go along with what he said as revealing he was an alien wasn’t a good move right now.

“Um, yes. Yes that’s true.” she answered, looking a bit relieved that she didn’t have to lie to her friends, only keep a secret.

“Alright, then,” the orange pony started, “but then why are ya carrying around that there weapon for?” she said as she motioned towards his blaster.

“Oh, this? I use it for protection, you see I’m a soldier where I come from, which is, y’ know, why I’m wearing all this armor.” Zero stated as he motioned his hand from his chest down to his hip.

“A soldier huh?” the mare responded, “and what’re you doin’ so far from yer home?”

“That doesn’t matter,” Zero replied, “all that matters right now is stopping Nightmare Moon, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

“Well ah certainly believe you got a bone to pick with her alright,” the mare began again, “but that doesn’t mean you don’t intend to do something else afterwards.”

“I promise I have no ill will towards you all.” Zero stated.

“The mare edged closer, trying to peer past Zero visor. “What’re you doing?” he asked.

“Tryin tuh get a read on ya. It’s not exactly easy with that thing on your noggin.”

Zero held up a finger before he started to take off his helmet, revealing the sincerity on his face.

“I give you my word, my one and only goal is to make sure the sun rises again. I know it’s a lot to ask you to trust me, I wouldn’t want too either, but we don’t have much time.”

The equine kept eye contact with Zero, her face revealing nothing about whether or not she believed him. “And why is it you care to help?” she questioned.

“Well a permanent night doesn’t exactly sound pleasant to me, besides, I can’t just stand bye and watch you all rot in the darkness.” Zero replied, “I just want to make sure everyone stays safe, it’s my job.”

The equine looked so deep into Zero’s eyes he was almost positive she could see his soul. He was starting to feel uneasy before she stopped and flashed him a smile.

“Well it seems like you mean it.” she stated, looking somewhat satisfied with his answer. “The name’s Applejack,” she said as she extended a hoof. Zero guessed she wanted to shake his hand, he regretted going along with it though as the second he grabbed her hoof she shook his hand so violently he felt like he was standing during a hyperspace jump.

“M’glad to have ya! It looks like we’all need all the help we can get to stop that no-good mare anyway.”

“We?!” Zero and Twilight said simultaneously. They both turned their heads to face one another.

“Look I appreciate the offer,” Twilight began, “but I’d really rather do this myself.”

“No way!” Rainbow Dash blurted. “We would never let a friend of ours face her alone!”

“Or at all,” Zero intervened, “none of you are.”

Rainbow Dash wiped around to face him. “Are you crazy?! D’you think we’re just going to let you go, without anyone to keep you in check.”

“Are any of you trained soldiers?” Zero retorted, “How about guards, or law enforcers?”

“No but-“

“Then it’s settled.” Zero stated, “If those guards back at the celebration couldn’t stop her, then a bunch of civilians certainly can’t.”

Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to argue but Twilight Sparkle spoke first. “But you can’t stop Nightmare Moon either, no one can without the elements of harmony.

“The what now?” Applejack asked.

“The elements of harmony,” Twilight answered, “I was trying to learn more about them but I can’t find the book about them anywhere!”

“Found it!” chirped the pink pony.

“Wha- how!?” Twilight demanded.

“It was under ‘E’!” she said in a sing-songy tone.

With a groan Twilight’s horn started to glow the same way as Nightmare Moon’s did, as a pink aura engulfed the book levitating it over to herself. The sight of magic made Zero instinctively reach toward his blaster, but he stopped himself before he grabbed it.

Twilight flipped through the book, only stopping once she reached a certain page. “There are six elements of harmony,” she began, “ but only five are known, kindness, honesty, laughter, generosity, and loyalty. The sixth, is a complete mystery. It is said that the last known location of the five elements, was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. The castle can be found in what is now, th-the everfree forest!”

The other ponies gasped in shock when Twilight finished.

“Oh, great.” Zero thought to himself, “now I gotta go back there.”

“I- um, I did hear you right?” The white mare asked, “you said it was in the e-everfree forest?”

Twilight said nothing, only giving a slight, shaky nod.

The white mare let out the most dramatic sigh Zero had ever heard before placing her forehoof on her head and falling towards the ground. Zero reached down with his left arm and caught her before she hit the floor, he then lifted her back to her hooves all while not taking his eyes of the book.

“So does this book keep any map of how to find this castle?” He asked.

“Well yes, but-“

“Well then I’ll be needing it.” he said as he extended his hand, signaling to her to give him the parchment.

“You not dumb enough to go in there alone are you?” Rainbow Dash asked as she flew up to his eye level. “No one who’s gone in there has ever been seen again!” While her tone sounded serious, there was a hint of tease in it, like she was trying to scare him.

“Actually, I’ve been in there, and I’m fine.” Zero stated.

“No way! You’re lying!” she snapped a she edged a little closer to him.

Zero shrugged, “It doesn’t really matter if I am. If someone doesn’t stop Nightmare Moon and fast, we’re all bantha fodder.”

Everyone eyed him weirdly, clearly confused by his figure-of-speech. “Dead,” he explained, “we’re all dead.”

As Zero was saying this, Twilight had managed to sneak past everyone, stuffing her book in a saddle bag. She was about to head out the door but opening it caused it to creak.

Everyone turned to look at her. “Hey, where are you going?” Applejack asked.

“Listen, Twilight began, “I appreciate the offers, from all of you, but I think it would be best if I went alone.”

“Didn’t we just go over this?” Zero thought to himself. He was about to relay this to the purple mare but Applejack spoke first.

“We are not letting you go into that forest alone surgarcube.”

Sugarcube?

“Besides, yah can’t face Nighmare Moon alone.”

“Which is why I’ll go instead.” Zero interrupted as he made his way towards the door.

“Hold, on,” the mare continued, “while we all appreciate your help,” she began as she stared at Rainbow Dash, signaling her to keep quite, “we’re not just gonna let you go handle somethin’ this important without us being there to keep an eye on ya.”

Zero wanted to object but he more than understood there skepticism. “Alright, but only the people who are qualified to-“

“We’re all goin’” Applejack firmly stated, “and that’s final.”

Zero noticed that Twilight Sparkle let her shoulders sag at the mare’s words, Zero felt like doing the same. To be fair though, they were already putting a ton of faith in him to let him help in the first place.

“Ok then,” he replied, “but I’m the only one here with experience in this sort of situation, which means you need to able to trust, and follow, what I say.”

“Who put you charge?” Rainbow Dash questioned sarcasticly.

“No one, it’s just that-“

“Listen up!” Applejack boomed, “Twilight will lead the way, and Zero will handle the technical things under our watch, alright?”

The room’s silence spoke of everyone’s agreement. “Ok then,” she continued, lets get ‘er done.”

She motioned for Twilight to head out the door. Everyone followed her as she begrudgingly exited the building. Zero had to admit, he was impressed with how Applejack had taken charge of the situation. If he was to suggest anything to the group, he thought it would be wise to bring it up with her first.

Zero put his helmet back on as the team made their way to one of the roads leading out of town, a quick glance up showed that the once purpleish sky that had shown with so many stars now looked black and barren.

Once Zero looked back down, he met face to face with the pink pony who was bouncing up and down backwards, able to look Zero in the eye and keep in front of him at the same time. She breathed in large, loud inhale which set Zero on edge before being yanked away by Applejack.

“How ‘bout we let ‘em settle in a bit before your little interrogation Pinkie Pie.” she told the pink, bouncy-ball impressionist.

“ButIwannaknowwherehecomesfromWhoishewhathishishomelikeWhat’shecalledImeanI’veseennewpeoplecomeandgofromPonyvillebutI’veneverseensomeponywhowalkedsouprightAlsoIwannaknowifhe…”

Zero slowly and careful backed away from the mare, refusing to take his eyes off her for a second. As he fell back he failed to notice the yellow pegasus dropping with him.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy’s soft voice asked Zero, “ever since what happened at the celebration, you seem more… assertive.”

Zero guessed his more direct side must have seemed distressing to the small mare. “I’m ok.” He assured her, easing up on his demeanor. “It’s just in situations like these, it’s more important to be expeditious than polite.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Fluttershy mummered.

Now he felt a little bad, Zero let out a sigh. “I’m sorry if I was rude, I guess I’m just used to dealing with professionals in times like these.”

“Oh, I understand.” she replied. Looking down at her hooves.

Zero hadn’t meant to put her down, “Er- that’s why I’m so glad to have you around.” he stated.

Fluttershy turned to face him, “what do you mean?”

“Well I mean you fixed me up all nice like, it’ll be good to have someone around with a little medical expertise.” Zero decided not to mention that he was trained to perform any medical task outside of surgery, besides, he didn’t know pony biology anyway. “Plus,” he continued, “it’s seems to be impossible to feel down around you, at least it is for me, it’s always good to have someone to keep morale high.”

The mare looked at her hooves again, this time because she didn’t know what to do with Zero’s praises. “Um, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Zero said, glad to de-stress for a moment before their mission began.

Speaking of which, they had arrived at the entrance to the forest. Its dark green foliage almost appeared black in the cold night.

As he began to enter, images flashed before Zero’s eyes. He saw Trinket, struggling to free himself from his parachute before he was torn from it by some unknown beast. Zero felt his heart weigh down as he envisioned Trinket giving a terrified, painful yell as he was pulled into the darkness, gone forever.

Zero blinked the thought away, but the harrowing idea still lingered in his head as he looked over the group. “What if one of them gets caught in there?” he thought. “Would the others even be able to cope?” His head tuned towards Fluttershy. “What if…”

“Listen,” he said to her aloud, “if you want to stay where it’s safe I’d more than under-“

“I-I-I’ll b-be f-fine.” she spoke, not daring to look away from the forest. It was unlike her to interrupt him, or anyone for that matter. Zero guessed she was trying to get her point across, though it was hard to tell from her trembling voice.

“Alright then,” he said begrudgingly. He didn’t like this one bit, but he admired the mare’s courage. He fell into step beside her, then hunched over and whispered to her, “See? Like I told you earlier, brave.”

Fluttershy looked over her shoulder to give Zero a shy smile before turning her attention back to the growth, keeping alert for any signs of danger.

“Welp,” Zero thought to himself, “I’m about to travel through a forest of death with a rag-tag group of civilians in order to find magical mumbo-jumbo so we can bring down a being who is apparently strong enough to control celestial objects…”

“…”

“This ought to be fun….”

Author's Note

Sorry it took me an eternity and a half to put this out. I haven’t had any time to write recently.

If this chapter doesn’t have to same quality as the rest that’s because I wrote it in the quickest amount of time, and did all the editing at 2 A.M. I didn’t rush it per-say, but I also didn’t want to have to delay it yet again.

Thanks for reading, I’ll see you in the next chapter!