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                        Dark Skies                         
                -by LightningChaserRaikage-                
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                       The Wakening                        
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The Wakening
“Where the hell is every pony? I just wanna know the story of what happened right before I became so alone.”
-TheLivingTombStone
My eyes open to a grey sky and the smell of soot and charcoal. My body was sore and I could barely move my legs. I struggled to get up on my hooves, each movement making it increasingly difficult to stand the pain. I try to look at my surroundings, and all I can see is homes destroyed and bodies of my fellow ponies. It seems that my whole city has been wiped out by some mysterious force. I knew magic could do something like this, but not to this scale; not to a full city. I feel something warm over my right eye, so I place my hoof over it; trying to swipe it away. What I find is my hoof is now covered in a red liquid that had a light copper smell to it. I concluded that I was hit, but I did not panic; I was just a scratch…I hope. I try to fly to one of the skyscrapers that are still standing, but I felt a sharp sting behind my shoulder. I look to my wings and find that one is bent at an unnatural angle, stained red with blood, bits of bone sticking out of the flesh and fur, and some feathers were missing to it as well. Guess I better start walking, don’t know how long it will take before the blood loss catches up to me. I trotted down the main street of what was left of Mane Diego, a fairly large city south of Las Angels the movie capital of Equestria; and with each passing step, I grew more depressed. My thoughts drifted off in memory of the world I used to live in.
“Hey dude, wake up!! It’s time!!!”  
I open one eye to see an impatient pony, standing with a fitful expression. The unicorn had a dark green coat of fur, silver hair and tail with streaks of blond mixed in and a pair of glasses that sat on his snout, sides gripping his head under his ears and finally a collared maroon vest he was wearing.
“Ugh…what you want Silver Shore? Can’t you see I’m trying to sleep?” I respond, turning the covers over my head. Suddenly the sheets were ripped off of me, “Yes, I know. That’s why I am trying to wake you. The 26th annual music fest is today and if we don’t leave now, we won’t make it.”  
I leap out of bed, “The festival is TODAY?!?! Why didn’t you say that in the first place?! Let’s go!" I ruffle my feathers and canter down the stairs, Silver following suit. We grab a quick breakfast with Ms. Pastry at the Wheat & Tea café before we take the taxi carriage to downtown.
“Hey Lightning Chaser...”
“Silver, we’ve been best bros since filly school; I told you to call me Chase.”
“Right, sorry, I keep forgetting that. Anyway, I was going to ask why you’re taking the taxi when you could fly all the way to the fest.”
“I was built for speed, not endurance. I can only fly for so long. Besides, I could ask why you can’t teleport us to the festival instead.”
“Touché.” Silver replied with a light chuckle.
I must have walked for hours, once I snapped to reality, I found myself in the middle of the festival stage; at least what has become of it. The stadium at Horseshoe Park had most of its cement columns standing, but few of the seats that spread horizontally were seen. The field itself was riddled with rubble, random pieces of hay fries, daisy shake cups and some carrot chili chips. On top of that, the corpses of the music singers, bands and adoring fans lay in chunks like a detonated minefield. Grass stained with blood and other fluids, patches of fur painted the concrete and I even saw a few ponies sticking out of some of them…well, half of them that is. The smell was almost unbearable; I haven’t encountered a sent this strong other than my Uncle Cloud’s Rose-Tulip casserole.  
*Crack* I step on something brittle and look to find a pair of indigo glasses. I know those glasses; I’ve seen them every day since I could remember. I knelt down to pick it up, staring blankly into one of the cracked lenses. As I sat there, losing all sense of surroundings and my vision became watery, so much that I didn’t notice the rain.
“Hey Chase, we’re almost there!” Silver chirped with great enthusiasm.  
The taxi came to stop in front of the West Saddle Mall near the center of the city. We paid the driver and were off to screw around until the festival officially started.
“I’ll go find spots for us to sit when the music starts.” Silver said to me, it was hard to argue with a pony this happy on a day like this.
“Sure, I’ll go get some souvenirs from the shops and snack packages for the event. If you want or need anything, send me a letter.”
“Got it. See ya!” Silver stated and galloped through the mall, blending into the crowd.  
About an hour passed and I was carrying enough food for us to last at least a week, too bad it will gone in a minute. I look around for any sign of the festival, but I resorted to flying up and following the music. I made out the stadium by the fact of the thousands of ponies surrounding the outside, eager to get in and party.  
*Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…POW!!!!* The fireworks started the official opening ceremony of the Music Fest. I sat on top of the stadium, figured it would be the best seat I could find. I was eventually able to find Silver amidst the crowd and carry him to the same spot. It was a blast; bands such as Seven Horse Army, Shoestone Tails and even none other than the famous DJ, Vinyl Scratch were there. All seemed right in the world, and then the closing light show came around, the brilliant and vibrant colors danced around us, the fireworks boomed and the night could not be any sweeter…or so I thought. Near the grand finale, a bright white light appeared over the horizon with a loud *BOOM* following a few seconds later. The stadium went nuts, saying that this year was the best festival up to date. But I also noticed a large cloud of dust, dirt and smoke rolling towards us. Silver was quick enough to conjure a magic shield to protect us, but the full force of the shockwave knocked me off the roof. I tried to fly back against the roaring winds; a chunk of cement flew out of nowhere and nailed me over the right side of my forehead, and then everything when black.
I don’t know what was worse; the event that engulfed the city or the fact that I lost my best friend that I’ve known since I was a filly. I just sat there, crying; the rain hiding my tears and the crack of thunder every so often. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t move, I could do nothing but cry until there was nothing left to cry about. I felt something on my shoulder, I look to see what it was but it was too dark from the black clouds to make out. A bolt of lightning struck and the brief moment of light revealed a light blue pony, almost sky blue, and a multitude of color on her head.
“Hey! I found another survivor!” Over here!” The figure hollered to a phantom, and I felt lightheaded. The blood loss must’ve finally taken effect. *THUD!*
“Oh no…Hurry up! He’s passed out!” The voices faded as I was engulfed in pure darkness.  
Silver…I just wish I could see you once more. I’m…sorry.

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                      The Blind Colt                       
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The Blind Colt
I wake up, but I find that my eyes are only met with darkness. I put my hoof to my eye but I was stopped by a cloth like material. I followed the cloth and it wrapped around my head. I tried to pull it off, “Ah ah ah…I would not remove that cloth bind, for you are currently blind.” A voice spoke out with an odd accent.
“Where…where am I?” I asked.
“In my hut. You were blown by winds of rage, yet you’re lucky that wasn’t your book’s last page.”
“What...What does that mean?” I inquired.
“Excuse her; she can only speak in rhymes, which can be very hard to understand.” Another voice spoke with a gruff, slightly ragged tone. I felt something on my shoulder and another under my foreleg.
“Here, I’ll help you get up. You can walk right?” The gruff voice asked.
“Y-yea…I think so.” I stuttered, almost losing balance. “So, am I permanently blind?” I asked with dismay.
“According to my colleague, no; the effects are only temporary. But it will take some time.”  
I was led to somewhere cold, damp and…unnatural. But the things I heard told the story…. I heard the light chipping of broken wood, shifting pieces of a hard rock like substance and above all…silence. There was no sound of others, not even any animals could be heard; it gave me an uneasy feeling and a chill traversed my spine.
“I feel like the world is dead…” I stated, unsure if anypony was listening. “I imagine burnt buildings, ash dancing with the breeze over a charred and scorched earth; barely a sliver of life left to survive in this wasteland. ‘Course I’m blind, it’s probably worse than I imagine.”
“Amazing…” The voice said with a hint of awe, “Even in your condition, you can describe the scene right in front of you.”
“You mean…I was right?”
“Yup, right on the dot.” The voice said, “Oh, how rude of me; I don’t believe I caught your name. I am Dr. Hoofstin, and who might you be?”
“My…name?”
“Yes, who are you?” the voice asked again.
“Doc…Bad news. We’ve got another wave coming according to my reviews.” The accented voice spoke.
“Shit…We have to go; we can continue the formalities later.” Hoofstin stated, but it was too late. The “wave” that the called it, hit seconds before I was thrown into the air. I screamed out in panic, voice lost in the torrent swirls of air and dust; then...nothing. I felt something under me, tapping a hoof on it to feel what it was: solid… inanimate, I stood up; legs almost caving in from lack of ground reference.
“How…how did you do that?” Hoofstin quivered.
“What happened?” I questioned.
“Well one moment we were thrashing with debris and the next you…you did something to stop it. Just who are you?” Hoofstin's voice shook, trying to gain composure.
“My name is… my name… is Silver; Silver Shore.”
The next few days were boring and frankly I wanted to get rid of these bandages. Doc says that I won't be able to see properly if I remove them now. I hear the sound of running water, sometimes being muted along with the sound of a brush scrubbing; must be doing the dishes. My other senses became heightened with the lack of sight, but I still had one thing that was plaguing my mind. What had happened on that day...He sounded awed, fearful if nothing else.
"Hey, Doc?" I ask.
"Yes?"
"Can you tell me exactly what happened? On that day I mean..."  
The water stopped and a heavy sigh drew forth from the silence.
"Where do I even begin." Hoofstin answered. "Well...I guess I could start with the moments before the wave hit."
He cleared his voice and I felt a slight pressure in the mattress, right next to me.
"My colleague/assistant stated that she found a reading of the "wave" that hit us, but I never expected it to move so quickly."  
My ear twitched, prepared to listen intently to the story.
"Speaking of..." I interrupted, "where is she anyway? I have heard her at all today."
"Oh right, she went off on other business somewhere in the northwest. She never tells me specifically where though. Anyway... A few days prior to your arrival, we were stationed here to research the weather patterns and ecological stability of this area. Our findings would aid in giving pegusi more efficient methods to change and manage weather. But when the event took place...we made a few discoveries."
"Discoveries? Like what?"
"Well for starters, when the heavy overhang that we have right now rolled in, I found that they could not be manipulated by magic, and reports from the higher ups stated that a pegasus can't even touch them, just passes right through them."  
Interesting...and scary all the same.
"Right, but that didn't answer my question." I said.  
Hoofstin let out another sigh, "Well...the wave my assistant was taking about, we both have different theories as to why they persist. I believe that these shockwave are residual explosions that followed the massive one created by the event, on top of that I think that they are artificial."
"Artificial? You mean other ponies are setting them off?"
"Precisely. But my colleague thinks differently. She is under the impression that the waves are caused by a mixture of shifting earth and volcanic activities. Some great enough that new geo-formations are created in mere minutes."
Amazing. Both theories are sound, but until we find out what happened during the initial explosion, the answer won't be known.
"So...whose do you think is more correct?" Hoofstin asked.  
I thought about it for a while, both seem very true. (Give or take his assistant's theory since I think she is a total nutcase)
"I'm not sure which is true, we would have to see what happened at the explosion to find out." I stated.
"Alright. I believe you can take the bandages off today." Hoofstin said. I felt the cloth around my eyes begin to lift until I couldn't feel it anymore. My eyelids flutter, trying to open. When they finally did, I was met with a bright light that then faded away, but my vision failed to focus. All I saw were blurs and shapes, not enough to make out detail.
"Well, I still cant see. I happen to be near-sighted." I state. Suddenly, my vision went from blurry to crystal clear; everything was easy to see. I placed a hoof near my temple and felt a plastic like object on it, well this will do.
"Better?" Hoofstin inquired. I turned to see a light brown unicorn with short bifocals in his snout, black mane and tail with streaks of grey and wearing a white lab coat.
"Uh...yes. Thank you very much." I reply.
"Good. Because we need to get going, so pack that bag over there with essentials. We leave in ten." He commanded.
"Wait! Where? Why?!" I plead, but he was too busy packing another saddle bag to listen. No use in trying to ask, so I pack the bag, strap it on and head out the door, trotting behind Hoofstin. I hope he knows what he is doing.

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                    Collage Day Antics                     
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Collage Day Antics
It had been a long day, one of the most grueling days I’ve experience. On top of the fact that I was blind for a couple of days, I was also interrogated about my capabilities ever since the whole “wave” event. Dr. Hoofstin wasn’t too bad; at least he respected my answers as the truth. As for his colleague, what was her name again? I think it started with a Z…anyway, she seems a few cards short of a deck; the rhyming really throws me off. I keep on asking where we are, but they tell me that it doesn’t matter; they never explained why though. The crazy pony…Zacora, that’s it…she told me before she left on whatever assignment she was given that she has only seen one other unicorn preform the magical feats that I have displayed. She says her name is Twilight Sprinkle or something like that. I have a hard time holding some memory due to the headache that nailed me after the wave. Despite leaving so abruptly, I held few questions as to where Hoofstin was taking me.
"Hey, Doc? Where are we going?" I ask, anticipating an answer.
"To see an old friend of mine." He responds with out even looking back.
The distance to this “friend” of his was longer than what I packed for. It was easily four, maybe five days tops before we made it to the city of Shoecago. Though some of the buildings were missing a few walls and the streets still had rubble that had to be moved, the city looked relatively lively. Most of the ponies were rebuilding what had been lost. We stopped at a small house wedged in between to skyscrapers…well; one and half of the other…Hoofstin climbed the short steps and knocked on the door with the brunt of his hoof. The door opened and there stood a rather skinny pony, but taller than I could conceive.  
“Hey Pearl, how’s it going?” Hoofstin greeted with an excited smile.  
“Hoofstin? Dude, it’s been too long! Good to see you!” The tall mare responded with great enthusiasm as the two gave each other a hoof bump. Funny…I thought ponies as young as me and Chase only did that. Chase…now that I think about it, I haven’t really thought of him yet…I just hope he’s ok. I know he can’t be dead; he was never easy to kill considering the accidents he survived, most of which due to being reckless.
~~~~~
“Hey Silver! Check this out!” Chase hollered from the air. I look up from my reading on magic and practical applications for an essay I had to turn in to Mrs. Goldtail.
“This better be good Chase, you know I have to study!” I called back.
“Trust me…It is going to blow your mind!” And he climbed towards the sun, almost disappearing from the light in my eyes. *Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…* I heard a loud whistling sound, I put on my sunglasses in order to see better and I saw Chase with a slightly transparent cone around him. As he flew faster, the whistling got louder, I almost had to cover my ears. He pulled up in order to not impale himself to the ground, and then he stopped dead in the air; the cone around him stretched and contracted back, throwing him backwards. He tumbled through the air and crashed not just in but THROUGH the collage third floor wall, I teleported to the massive hole and ended up in the chemistry lab; the holes continued for six more walls before he finally stopped halfway into the seventh. I galloped to him to check if he was fine.
“Hey, buddy! Are you ok?” I questioned, unsure if he went too far this time.
“Heh, nothing serious.” He responded, a trail of blood ran down his face and started to puddle under him. For a Pegasus who eats two kilos of hay fries, he was surprisingly durable.
“First things first, we got to get you out of that wall and into the infirmary.” I protested. I used some magic to help pull him out of the wall, the dent almost looking like a snow angel, but in concrete.
“I’m fine, Silver. Really, I can still walk.” Chase retorted.
“Well what about that gash in your head?”
“It’s just a scratch.” He quickly responded.
“And the broken back leg you have of your left?”  
He looked at his left rear, the leg was contorted at an unnatural angle. He lifted it up and set it down on the floor, putting some weight on it. He winced for a second and then took the weight off it. He looked at me with a cocky smile.
“…It’s a flesh wound.” He claimed. I looked at him with dismay, raising a brow to his logic of injuries.
“Come on, you’re going to the nurse. You get no say in this.” I stated, magically grabbing his tail and dragging him on the ground.
“Sure thing, MOM. I can fly there you know.”
“Then what’s stopping you from flying in the other direction.”
“Damn it…” He cursed under his breath, I couldn’t help but chuckle a little bit.
~~~~~
“Hey…hey, Silver!” A voice shouted though the thought. I flinched and blinked quickly, just becoming aware of my surroundings. “Hey…you ok? You spaced out for a second.” Hoofstin asked with a slight look of worry on his face.
“Uh, yea…yea, I’m fine. I just…remembered something.” I responded, tilting my head down…I didn’t feel like talking about it.
“Really? What was it?” He asked, becoming more intrigued.
“It doesn’t matter…anyway is there a bed or a couch? I am fatigued after that trek you put me through.” I said, a yawn escaping from my mouth. The tall pony gestured up the stairs to the second floor,
“There is a guest bed upstairs…you can rest your hooves there till you feel refreshed.”  
I thanked her for her hospitality and head up the steps. The exhaustion caught up quickly as I neared the bed and just flopped on it, I didn’t bother with the sheets because I slipped into dreamland almost instantaneously. Chase…where are you?

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                    Exam Day Surprises                     
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Exam Day Surprises
*Beep-beep-beep beep-beep-beep, beep-beep-beep-Click!* I hit the alarm clock, not even bothering to lift my head from the pillow…just five more minutes….
“Hey man, wake up!” A familiar voice shouted.
“Uhhhggghhh…leave me alone.” I let out a yawn, “I’m trying to sleep.”
“WAKE UP YOU BASTARD, YOU GOT SHIT TO DO!!!” The voice screamed, next thing I know I am thrown into the air for a split second and land face first into the Quills & Roses poster before peeling off and landing on my back on the carpet.
“…Ow…” I grumble, still half-sleep. I pop open one eye to see a blue colored pegasus standing over me, face with a light smirk. His mane was tinted with a lighter blue, and mixed with indigo/purple streaks.
“What the hell Chase?! What did you do that for?!” I protested, hopefully he can come up with a “reasonable” excuse this time.
“Have you forgotten what today is?” He questioned, raising a brow.
“What day is it today?”
“Thursday.” He stated bluntly. Shit, I totally forgot…my exam!!!! I rushed through the daily routine; I was almost going to be late. Of all the days in my college career, I have never been late and I am not going to start today! I rushed out of our dorm room faster than my hoofs could lift me. Chase hollered something to my, like it was important but I couldn’t worry about that now I had to get to class! Once I got there I took my seat and slumped back, wheezing considering how out of breath I was; felt like I was going to burst a vessel.
“Ok, class…” Mr. Trotsburrow began. “This exam will be the most important out of your entire year so you do not want to screw this up! If you finish the test early you will put the forms on my front desk and are welcome to leave. And BEGIN!”  
I looked at the sheet in front of me, seems like simple magic spells and algorithms for spell matrixes and conjuring, easy as pie. I lean over to grab my quill case from my saddle bag, but my magic grabs onto nothing. “Huh?” I look into my pack, and then I start to panic; I forgot my quills! I was really beginning to freak out, the most important exam in my life and I forgot the most simplest of equipment! I sat there staring at my exam sheet and I almost started to cry. *Whoosh!!!* A strong breeze passes through and almost sends my sheet flying. I look to determine the source of the gale and all I discover is an open window.
“Whoa, there must a draft here.” Mr. Trotsburrow stated, “Now did this window get open? Anyway, back to your tests.” He commanded, closing the window. I looked at my sheet again, feeling mortified at my hasty mistake. Look up, almost praying to Celestia that I can find a way to overcome this. Then I notice something out of place, a feather fell right in front of my face. What made it more unusual was that it was a BLUE feather! I followed the feather and to my surprise it landed next to a quill case…no, MY quill case! Had my prayers been answered!? I open the zipper to pull out a quill and a small, folded paper slide out with it. My eyes darted to Trotsburrow, but he was reading a book to notice me. I opened the paper and the note read:
Dear Silver Shore,
Maybe this will teach you not to run out on me before I finish talking. Next time keep the case someplace where you can remember to take it. My advice: keep it in your bag at all times.
Your Best Friend,  
L.C.
That cheeky bastard…  
Well it looks like I owe you another one, Buddy. I take a quill, dip it in some ink and begin.
At least two hours have passed before I finally finished the exam. I feel a new confidence growing as I head for the class door. When I open it- “BOO!!!”
“GAAAHHHHH!!!!!” I screamed, head almost ramming through the ceiling.
“So how’d it go?” Chase asked in a slight sing-song fashion.
“Sweet Celestia, you startled the living crap out of me! What the hell?!”
“That didn’t answer my question.” He replied with a sly grin. I sighed heavily, trying to reduce the urge to use my telekinesis to throw him six ways to Sunday.
“I think it went fine…” I finally stated, trying to regain the confidence I felt before.
“Excellent, then do I have a surprise for you!!” Chase said, taking flight and dragging me by my carrying my forearms.
“Dude, slow down!!! You know I hate surprises!!!” I try to yell to him.
“This is non-negotiable! Trust me you’ll love it!!”  
Like I haven’t heard that before, last time he gave a rocket propelled scooter; let’s just say that the walls need a good repainting. And the time before that he brought me fishing in the deep-canter lake and I ended up swimming for my life from piranhas. He still claims that he had no idea, but I find it hard to believe. And yet the best one of all was a few years ago, where he strapped my bed to a chariot and ran it down Thunder Road that nearly destroyed the local library AND the ice cream parlor. Last time I trust him with fireworks. So whatever it was he had in store for me this time, I’m going to assume the worst case scenario. We stopped outside our dorm room and he pleaded for me to open the door, I swear to Luna if I get pied in the face…  
I open the door and sitting in the middle of the room was a table with a cake on it that read: “Congratulations!” on the top. I looked at him with inquiry, surely there was more to this. Chase gave me a confused look and cocked his head.
“Well?” he asked. I was utterly suspicious of whatever ulterior motive he had. I walked towards the cake, half-expecting something to burst out of it; but the cake was motionless.
“Huh, well it seems legit this time.” I stated, looking at him with disbelief.
“I must say this is actually nice of you Chase.” I magically grab the knife and start to cut the cake for my first slice. *BANG!!!!*  
“HOLY HELL!!!” I screech, jumping far back into my desk from the balloon popping under the cake frosting. Chase was rolling on the floor laughing his wings off. “YOU SON OF BITCH!!” I screamed, face red with anger that I might burst into flames.  
“Hahahaha…relax man, I’ve had my laugh; here this is the real cake, I swear it.” He says, gasping every two or so words. He passed a slice of the cake to me, along with a fork and napkin. After a while of cooling down from the sudden “betrayal” I also began to chuckle. He outdid himself this time, very clever of him, but still an asshole. I guess that is part of the reason why I am friends with him, sure he may be a dick sometimes but at least he is good natured and loyal. And…in a twisted sort of way, I can see him as being a good leader; he always looks out for others, and tries to solve problems with the least amount of injury, not to himself but to others. That selfless attitude is definitely one of his “perks.”
“Hey…Chase.”
“Yup?” He answered, mouth half stuffed with cake.
“Thanks…for what you did back there. With my quills.” I said, trying not to smile too much.
“Well, what are friends for right? We always stick together.” He confidently states, I was positive he meant it. He swallowed his cake and held out a hoof.
“Heh, right.” I reply and proceed with the “code of brotherhood” hoofbump.
~~~~~
I wake up, still in the bed I flopped in. I lift my head and notice a dark stain in the sheets, must have been crying while I was sleeping. I miss those times where we were carefree. Joyous fun that we experienced, just screwing around…it all seemed like a distant memory. Those times were over, and right now…I needed to find Chase.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     Lighting Strikes                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Lighting Strikes
The air in the hallway began to feel…cleaner. I didn’t notice myself deeply inhaling through my nose, taking in the fresh air, to which my nostrils were beginning to whistle.  
Twilight chuckled at the sound, but continued to lead me toward down the hall. Most of the building was practically dirt, give or take a few candles that gave the only light. We turned the corner, only to be met by a large metal door. The door seemed to have plenty of rust forming around the edges and only one wheel in the center of it. Twilight used her magic to turn the wheel, she seemed to struggle with it (the door could have been unused for Celestia knows how long) but she was able to finally turn it and door unhinged with a loud creak. She opened the door slowly, light creeping in through the crack and getting wider. I had to shield my eyes with a wing while the bright light engulfed my entire being. My eyes adjusted to the outside, and what I found was not all sugar & sprinkles. I saw a barren field, maybe even what used to be a valley; but it was just a desert now. The ground was dry and cracked like aged stone, soil brittle and free flowing in the lightest of breezes. Lifeless, and somewhat cold, the clouds only resided in patches so only thin rays of sunlight shown through. My god it was horrible, it was harder to imagine what this land looked like before the event. A gush of wind blew passed me and Rainbow Dash hovered in front of Twilight before landing.
“Damn it! I don’t know what this is, but I can’t move these clouds; I just pass through them!” She whined.  
Twilight put a hoof to her chin and her eye drifted off to space.
“Hm~, clouds that can’t be manipulated by a pegasus…strange…”  
There was a rumble in the distance, and I look to see darker clouds rolling in with flashes of light emanating from within the clouds.
“We have to move, I am not sure that this bunker can survive this one.” Twilight stated, voice quivering with fear.
“Our stuff is still at the campsite, I’ll go get it.” Rainbow Dash said and zoomed off south, a rainbow trailing just behind her. I was about to take flight to help as well, but I was pulled on the tail by a pink aura. I looked behind me, Twilight shaking her head. “No, you’re still injured. Dash can handle this.”  
I sighed, stomping a hoof on the ground; I don’t like to sit by and do nothing, but Twilight does have a point.
"What did she mean by campsite?" I inquired. It seemed to me that the bunker that I woke up in would have been a more reasonable base. Twilight looked at me with a slightly worried look.
"We...Dash and I..." She started, but she seemed to have a difficult time putting the words together.
"Dash and I were having a camp-out with the rest of our friends. But when the explosion erupted, we got separated. I was able to find Rainbow caught in the limbs of a tree a few kilometers west from here. Since then, both of us tried to search for the rest of them, and always turn up nothing." Twilight hung her head low and I noticed a few droplets fall to the dirt, darkening the spot instantly. I walk up to Twilight and place a hoof under her chin, gently pulling it up to look at her face. I was able to see her face clearly this time, her eyes blood shot from crying and probably working late night shifts in their search efforts.
"Hey, listen." I say, wiping a tear drop with my wing, "It's going to be ok." My god that sounded cliché.
"Thanks." Twilight said, beginning to calm down. When she looked at me again, she gave a light smile.
"Chase?"
"Uh-huh?"
"What's your story? I mean, why are you out here?"  
I was almost taken aback by her question, but I knew exactly what I needed to do.
"I also lost a friend of mine... and I know that I have to find him."
"What's his name?" Twilight asked, tilting her head a little sideways.
"Silver Shore."
"And what is he like?"  
I took a long minute to think about it. It's was a while since I reflected about my life so far, even longer still about how I describe my best friend.
"Silver is...of all things, intelligent...he is kind...and...he always looks out for me." I began to tear up at the thought of him. It was only now that realized how much I missed him, how much I cared for him. For so long I have bottled most of my emotions, but now I can't hold on any longer and I began to cry profusely.
"I guess it's true what they say." I gasp between sobs, "You really don't know what you have until it is lost. I...I just need a minute."  
Twilight nodded her head and went inside the bunker, leaving me to greave.  
A few minutes have passed and it was pouring. Thunder kept rumbling with the occasional lightning strike. I stood outside, scanning the horizon to find Rainbow Dash. After my short breakdown, I felt calmer when the droplets impacted on my face. Twilight comes back out with an umbrella, but I refused to let her cover me from the rain. It was like therapy to me. My ear twitches at the drops of rain until I faintly hear something and I tense up, preparing to run.
“Heeeeelp…” A voice whimpered.
“Hey, Twilight…did you hear that?” I asked. Twilight simply cocked her head and gave me a befuddled look.
“Hear what? All I can hear is the thunder and the rain!” Twilight hollered over the wind.
“Help me, somepony…anypony!” I heard the voice again but it was getting fainter.
“Somepony’s in trouble!” I yell and take to the air, speeding towards the voice.  
Twilight tries to yell something to me but I was too focused on the voice to hear her.
The raging winds kept getting stronger, but I didn’t let that deter me from my goal. Somepony cried for help, and I’m not going to sit around and do nothing.
“Grrh!” I grit my teeth. Although my wing is able to move, flying with it sends a sharp pain in my shoulder. No…I will not give in to the pain, I have to keep going. Eventually I find the source of the crying, a pony had their leg caught under a fallen tree. I try to focus more onto the pony but the rain made my vision very burry and I only caught a glimpse of rainbow hair. Crap, Rainbow Dash must have been on her way back when the storm hit. *CRACK!!!!!* A lightning bolt strikes a couple yards away from me. *CRACK…CRACK!!!!!* The storm had gotten worse in a heartbeat. One of the bolts struck the fallen tree and it burst into flames. The inferno illuminated the surrounding area and I saw Rainbow struggling even harder. Another bolt struck and things began to move in slow-motion. For a split second, I saw Dash’s face…even the rain; I saw the tears flowing out of her eyes as the bolt was shooting down right at her.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    The Smallest Light                     
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Smallest Light
“You won’t amount to anything!” My father yells at me, giving me a face of severe disappointment. I felt my father's cold stare chill my very soul. It was horrible, to be looked down upon by the only colt I admired. I heard my mother arguing with my father later that night. I merely covered my head and ears, fruitlessly trying to drown out the anger. I just wished that it would all go away.
I didn’t have time to think…
“You are a loser, Night Light~” The school bully mocked. It wasn't like he teased me before, but this time it really hurt. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying not to cry from the pain.
"Heh heh, what's wrong? Don't have your mommy to save you?~" the bully continued. I can't take it anymore!!
"Shut up..." I grimly demanded, slowly lifting my head up, giving the bully a deathly, hateful stare. It was hard enough being a second year in filly school with the work I have to do, I don't need anymore of this crap.
"Oooohhhh. I'm so~ scared. What are you going to do about it?" The jerk teased, scuffing my mane with his hoof. That was when I snapped. I lunged at him and began the onslaught.
I just reacted…
The filly teacher gave me a nasty sneer.
“You should have stayed in the dirt hole where you came from.” I sat frozen for a few seconds, heart skipping a beat or two. I lean my head down and tears began to roll down the sides of my face. It was very harsh, the hypocritical idea that a teacher can help me. Now I had no hope for school, I no longer felt safe anywhere. The bell rang and everyone left, hurriedly ready to begin the weekend, but I just sat at my desk, crying. All I wondered was...why? Why does everyone hate me? Why can't I even get help from those I look up to. It seemed like my existence was nothing but sorrow and pain. Now I just wished that I would disappear.
The lightning bolt was falling towards Rainbow Dash, and in that split second… time seemed to…slow down. All these thoughts ran through my head: being called a failure, always feeling alone and unacknowledged. No…not this time…
“Noooooooo!!!!!!!!” I scream and flew straight for Rainbow Dash. I don’t care what happens. *BZZT!*   
I cannot fail. *ZZZZT-BZZT!*   
I won’t let her die like this!!! *CCCCCRRRRRAAAAACCCCKKKKK*   
I saw a flash of white as I flew, I felt a sudden rush of warmth and the next thing I know I was cradling Dash in my arms. Her face was stunned, she had the expression of awe through her tear stained eyes; she smiled and closed her eyes, either passing out or quickly falling sleep I couldn’t tell. I almost didn’t notice that the tree she was caught under was split completely apart and that I was moving exceedingly faster than I last remember. One second I’m flying towards Rainbow Dash and the next, I have her in my arms. I realized in a matter of seconds, I found myself hovering in front of Twilight. Her face was equally shocked and intrigued at the same time. I don’t know what it is, but that wasn’t important.
“Dash got her leg caught, she needs medical attention.” I told Twilight. She blinked a couple of times then violently shook her head.
“R-right. Sorry about that…here, bring her in.”  
I carry Dash into the bunker while Twilight closes the heavy metal door.
A few days have passed along with the storm. Dash sustained minor injuries but she will be fine, at least that’s what Twilight tells me. I volunteered to keep an eye on Dash while she recovers. I ask Twilight why she hesitated back when I had Dash in my arms, but she won’t tell me because she can’t explain it to herself. I sit on a chair next to Dashes bed, the same bed I was in when she was looking over me. How ironic. I leaned back in the chair and my thoughts began to drift.
I sat on the roof of my house, crying my eyes out. I was so unwanted, all my color faded to a dull grey. I was up for so long that night fell. I had stopped crying, and was now staring into the darkness, riddled with small shimmering dots.
"What are you doing up here?" A soothing voice asked. I turned around to see my mother standing behind me. Her brown hair flowed in the nightly breeze and her eyes shown their emerald color even in the darkness like they were lit candles. I slowly looked back at the horizon, I didn't feel like taking. Something wrapped around me, warm, comforting, I wanted to bask in it forever. My mother looked down at me, wing cradling me like I was still her newborn filly.
"Chase, you can talk to me about anything." She lightly poked me in the chest where my hear was. "Anything."
We both sat in the night as I told her about what happened over the few days in school. Her face did not change, but I could sense she was just as hurt as I was.
"Mama?" I asked.
"Yes, little one?"
"Why do people hate me? Do I not belong?"  
My mother pauses to think of an answer.
"No sweetie, you're not hated. You're more...misunderstood."
"Everything I do, only brings sadness...and darkness." I state, sounding grim.
"Even the smallest of lights can shine in the dark." She says. I look up at her with wondering eyes.
"Just believe that things can get better...they always will. You will find your light. And when you do...hold on to it, and you will never be sad again" I looked back out to the night, tears began to well up.
"Now, let's go inside. Dinner is almost ready."
"Yes, Mother." I reply, felting a little lifted.
“Ugh…” Dash finally begins to stir and trying to life her head.
“Hey, take it easy…easy.” I say, holding a hoof under her head.
“Where am I?” She asked.
“We’re in the bunker, do you remember what happened?”
“Well I remember getting our stuff and then a storm rode in…I got caught under tree…lightning struck and there was a fire…” She stopped mid-thought and then looked at me eyes widened to the size of watermelons. “And then you came...a white flash, a loud thunder clap and then I look up to see your face…but…”
“But?” I said, raising a brow, now I was really curious.   
Her eyes darted to up, trying to collect her thoughts.
“You seemed…different. Your mane was…well, white…and glowing even.”  
I was a little surprised by the words said, but I didn’t change expression or tone.
“I think I’m ok now.” Rainbow Dash said, getting out of the bed but her legs collapsed under her.
“Hey-careful!” I say, diving to catch her, but I reacted too early and I miss. Instead she tripped over me and we both tumbled down in a mass of hooves and feathers. My head whiplashed into the wall and the pain made me reflex which ended up with me head-butting Dash.
“OW…SON OF A-!” I began but I opened my eyes and I saw deep pools of a purplish color. It took me a second to realize that I was a mere inch away from Rainbow’s face. I froze, every muscle in my body tensed up, and I almost forgot how to breathe. We were so close I could feel her breath on my nose.
“Sorry.” We both say the same time. Rainbow’s cheeks began to shine a little of pink and red. Her eyes delved into mine, like she was trying to read my thoughts. She slowly leaned I towards me- *WHAM!!!* The door swung open.
“Hey Chase, I got those towels that you needed. Oh…sorry I didn’t know, I was interrupting something.”  
Dash and I look at Twilight and then at each other.
“Twi…I can explain…” I begin.   
*WHACK*
“OW!” I yelp as Dash punched me in the face and gave a deathly stare that made me shut up. Ugh, now I’ll never hear the end of this.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                   An Unscheduled Visit                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
An Unscheduled Visit
Hoofstin had procured a balloon for us to travel with, mostly due to his friend Pearl Highkick pulling some strings. I was too scared to ask why he got the name though. Hoofstin didn’t tell me where we were going next but I brushed it off and went along with it. The trip lasted at least a week and our supplies were running a little low, I was beginning to question whether Hoofstin had the right intentions when he looked over the basket.
“All right, were here!” Hoofstin exclaimed. I peak over the basket to see a mountain, tall and dull; I was beginning to think he was nuts. Then I did a double take, hanging off the side of the mountain was a castle…not even that, it was a whole town!
“Hey, Doc…where exactly are we?” I questioned.  
Hoofstin looked at me with a grin.
“We are in the most prestigious magical city in the world, and it happens to be the capital of Equestria. Silver…Welcome to Canterlot."  
Canterlot? As in the kingdom of unicorns? The birthplace of peace since olden pony times?! That Canterlot?!?! I began to fill with excitement. I’ve always wanted to go to Canterlot! And my parents said I could never get into it.
I was awestruck by the architecture, the shops and the restaurants that I almost got separated from the Doc. I just came back from my ogling the city when I saw tall golden gates and in the royal courtyard inside.
“Halt!” One the guards proclaimed.
“The Princess demands an audience with scheduled appointments only.”  
I began to shake in my hooves. The guards were covered in a golden armor, white like snow fur and a stern, unyielding face that sent chills up my spine. The Doc looked at him, unmoving and not backing down in stare off that I could almost see sparks flying between them. He the leans towards the guards ear and whispers something to him, the guards face changes dramatically from stern to shock. He looked at me with a sense of disbelief.
“R-right…My sincerest apologies. The Princess will see you right away.” And then the guard galloped into the castle. I looked at Hoofstin as he guided me into the walls of the palace, trying to understand what he said to change the guards mind.
“Uh…Doc?”  
He looked down at me, but not stopping to talk.
“Yes? What is it?”
“What did you say to that guard?” I inquired. The doc just chuckled and continued walking, not answering my question. Jeez, I hate it when no one answers my questions.
I was led into a very large, circular room. The walls were lined with open air windows that could overview the massive landscape below. Man, it must have been beautiful to see the world from this room, but now everything is either burnt, rubble or disintegrated.
“Ok, you stay here and wait, sit on the bench if you want to, I’m going to go into that room over there for a small chat."  
He pointed a hoof of a long hallway lined with mosaic, colored glass windows leading to a door at the other end of the hall. Hoofstin trotted off and left me in the lobby as I grew accustomed to call it. An hour or two passed when he finally emerged from the doors. He motioned for me to come in, as I walked towards the doors; I got a better look at the colored windows. Each one depicted a scene, probably from history. One window had six ponies, two of each type firing a beam at one blue alicorn in a ball of shattering glass. Another depicted the same six ponies surrounding a weird greyish-white creature with various animal parts. And finally, there was a purple dragon, small with no wings or claws, but it was holding a blue heart that was surrounded by what I assumed to be an aura of some sort. There were other windows, but I didn’t have time to analyze them all. As I walked into the room, the doors shut behind me with a loud *CLANG!* and my heart skipped a beat by the startling noise.
“Hello, you must be Silver Shore, I’ve heard much about you.” A voice said. The voice was soothing, serene and even made me feel safe. I turn around and sitting on a throne was a rather tall alicorn. She had gold jewelry on her that made her look in a word…regal, her mane and tail had a three way color of a light green, pink and light blue that almost blinded me and it was sparkling. On top of that, it waved constantly like it was being affected by the wind, yet I could feel no draft in the room.
“Who are you? And…how do you know my name?” I asked.  
The alicorn smiled, stood up and began walking towards me; I refused my impulse to run away, but I was in a slight stance ready to do so. She stopped in front of me, or rather above me due to her height and looked down with a content smile. Her facial features were pretty angular and she had eyes of the deepest purple I ever saw, her mane almost made it impossible to see her whole face as it covered half of it.
“I am Princess Celestia, ruler of this kingdom and guardian of its inhabitants. And you…Silver Shore…have been brought to my attention about the power you possess.”  
I was gob smacked…not only was I in Canterlot, I was requested to have a private audience with the freakin Princess!!
“Power…I possess?” I stuttered, being shocked at the sudden twist of events.
“Yes,” Celestia stated, “and I want to train you to master your gift.”
“T-teach?! You…want to teach…me?!” I stumbled.
“Well, not me exactly…you will be taught by my sister, Princess Luna.”
“What was that sis? You said you needed me?” A voice came out of nowhere. I was startled to no end from this voice, even worse than Chase’s balloon cake. Another alicorn landed right next to Celestia. This one looked radically different; she had a very dark coat, like a mix between a navy blue and indigo. Her mane was a dark purple with a blue center and waving in the same fashion that Celestia had her mane. Her face was visible, but I felt almost…threatened…and scared. Her expression seemed more…stern, like she hadn’t experienced happiness for millennia.
“Oh good, you’re here. This will be your new apprentice.” Celestia stated. Luna scanned up and down of me, which made me feel a little ill at ease. She raised a brow and I instinctively turned my head, but I looked back and gave her a nervous smile.
“I would be honored to be taught by you, Princess.” I said, bowing to give a little flare.  
Luna looked at her sister and then back to me.
“Very well, I will teach you what I know. Meet me in the observation tower at dusk; we will begin your training there.”
“Y-yes, right…will do, uh, your Highness.”  
Luna held up a hoof.  
“Please, call me Luna. Just Luna.”  
I look at her with slight disbelief as she smiled at me, and then flew away; it was like I saw a whole other pony.
Dusk rolls around and I stand on the observation deck, feeling slightly nervous of what is to come.
“So…are you ready to begin?” A voice spoke in the darkness.
“Y-yes.” I stuttered.
“You don’t seem sure of yourself.”
“It’s just…I don’t know why I’m here, in Canterlot, the palace and being trained by you. Things just seem to move too fast.”  
Luna clops up next to me.
“You seem worried. Is there somepony you care about? Somepony you miss?”  
I look out into the still night, full moon overhead and stare off into space, “Yea…my best friend…”  
Luna raises an eyebrow seeming intrigued of my statement, “And what of this friend of yours?”
“I just want to see him again…but I’m not sure if I will.” I look down, tears slowly forming in my eyes. I felt something soft drape over me and I look to see it was Luna’s wing. She looked at me as she said,
“Don’t think like that. You have somepony who is precious to you, a friend you care more than any other pony in Equestria. It is clear that the bond you share is stronger than another unicorn I know of. So I will train you, and if you keep that hope that you will find your friend, then you will be able control a power that could help protect the one you care for the most.”  
I look up, moved by her words and bury my head in her chest; tears flowing around my cheeks.
“Luna…Thank you.” I say as I cry. She just wraps her wings around me, comforting me with her feathers. I will gain that power, and when I do…I will come find you, Chase.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     A Fate's Meeting                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
A Fate's Meeting
Well the days have been hectic; Rainbow is still mad at me for that incident no doubt, and Twilight is constantly dodging my questions about the day of the storm. I was sitting outside, in the brown grass, looking out into the horizon. The sun had shown itself for the first time in who knows how long. Twilight came out and sat next to me, we didn’t speak for a couple minutes; just enjoying the brief sunlight.
“Hey uh…Chase?” Twilight begins to ask.
“Yes?”
“That friend you’re looking for…Silver Shore? Why do you want to find him?”  
I gave a look like she asked a stupid question, fact being it was more rhetorical.
“We’ve known each other since we were fillies. Silver and I could be considered the best of best friends.”  
Twilight made a light chuckle, not sure why but I hope it wasn’t insulting.
“So…” She continued. “How did you meet?”  
I look up at the sky, staring off into the void, remembering that one day…
Filly school just got out and most of the others were on their way home. I followed behind my friends in the school, yet something felt…wrong. I walked slowly feeling alone…even a little depressed. What I considered to be my friends trotted ahead of me, having conversations about subjects that I couldn’t participate in and that only made my feelings of outcast even deeper. I began to walk slower, trying to see if my “friends” would notice that I was out of place, they never did of course. It wasn’t the first time they did this to me, but I thought they understood how I felt about these situations. I guess they won’t learn, or they don’t care. I felt like the ones I cared about distanced themselves from me and nothing I’ve said before could make them see that I was being eaten away by doubt and abandonment. Each passing day, my walking go slowed tremendously, almost to the point where you can’t even consider it even walking. Another Tuesday passes by and my somber walk was running though paces again, but my head was down and my mane covered my eyes. It wasn’t like they saw my face anyway, but today was especially worse; as I walked, my mind drifted to thought and my vision became blurry. I ignored these signs but I couldn’t ignore the empty pit feeling in my chest, a void that felt like great darkness had itself in there…and sadness. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice the rain, the drops running down my face, mixing with the tears flowing from my eyes. I tripped on a small stone and fell into a puddle, as I lifted myself out of the water; I got a good look at my reflection. My entire being had lost color and my fur became a steel blue-almost grey shade…fitting. My mane also suffered from my sadness as it too became grey and black. The only thing that l kept its vibrant color were my eyes, but what good will my eyes have to be when all I’ve ever seen was grey and bleak. I walked to the local park and sat on a bench, just soaked in rainwater. I didn’t care that I was pouring out, I just sat there to dwell in my own sadness. My head began to swing with thoughts, almost none of them positive, but then I caught something unusual. The rain suddenly stopped, I held out a hoof but the rain was no longer falling on it; yet I could see the drops still landed in the sidewalk. I looked up and I saw a transparent layer of green…something, but it was blocking the rain. I heard the clopping of hooves and I looked to the side, there was a unicorn, about my age that sat next to me, also soaked from the rain. He turned his head toward me and smiled.
“Hi, what’s wrong?”  
I turned away, not sure how to answer, “N-nothing…” I lied through my teeth.
“Then why are you in the rain?” The unicorn asked. My eyes began to water as I remember why I was out here.
“My friends abandoned me, I was left all alone.” I stated, making a little sniffle every few seconds.
“Oh…” The unicorn said, expressing a genuine tone of sympathy. “Well… I could be your friend.” He continued.  
I looked up at him, a little more than surprised to his proposal. He took of his glasses and brought out a handkerchief surrounded with the same green aura that held off the rain. As he replaces his glasses on his head, the ends slipped a little and he looked a little lop-sided. I chuckled a little.
“Sure. Why not? My name is Lightning Chaser, but you can call me Chase.”
“Nice to meet you Chase, I’m Silver Shore.”
“And a pleasure to meet you too, Silver.” I reply, holding out a hoof; to which he gladly bumped it with his own. Silver then had a little spasm is his arm and he pulled away quickly. I sat there laughing and I held out my hoof, a small joy buzzer wrapped around it. He gave me a mean looking face at me, but then began to laugh with me. We both sat there, laughing in the rain, two ponies that would become the greatest of friends.
My eyes watered at the memory of how I met Silver. I wipe away my tears with a wing and looked over to Twilight. She was crying profusely, hiccing every so often.
“That was…so sad.” She said as she leaped towards me and gave me a crushing hug.
“Uh, Twilight…*COUGH!*…I can breathe! *CHOKE!* I need air!”  
*Sniff.* I heard another noise from the side. I turn to see Rainbow Dash, tears welling in her eyes as well. I hadn’t noticed her, since she was a pegasus like me, she tends to have silent hoofsteps. She turned away, trying to hide her face within her mane. She trotted up until she sat next to me, trying to keep her composure. She couldn’t hold it for much longer and she leaned her head into my shoulder, balling and sniffling. I just sat there, wings wrapped around Twilight and Dash; trying to calm the two mares were the term went beyond “crying.” The story touched them is some way that I can’t imagine, the bonds with their friends must have been strong; and I know what it was like of love a friend…to miss them when they aren’t here. I carry the two into the bunker and tuck them into bed, their crying had eventually made them fall asleep but there were some residual tear stains on their fur; and mine. They both slept in the same bed, figured it would make it easier on me because they are heavier than they look, and I took a nearby chair; propped up leaning against the wall, and drifted off to sleep as well. As I fell into slumber, dreaming about Silver and I enjoy our carefree life, one last tear drop rolled down my face and left a dark spot the floor.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Songs of a Horrid Dream                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Songs of a Horrid Dream
My training was difficult. Luna was deceptively cunning and had me studying five old magic books in just three days! I will admit, there were times that I wanted to give up; but I remembered the oath that I made to myself. With each passing test and trial, each more formidable than the last, I struggled but I persevered. After a month of studying and trails, Luna gave me a week off for some R&R. I didn’t use most of that time eating out on ice cream, (though it wasn’t a bad idea), but I continued to study; trying to learn the most practical and powerful I could find. I was in the observation deck with an apple I bought at the market; trying out a spell that could permanently transform an object into another, similar spells exist but those only last for a certain amount of time. Making the effect permanent would take a lot of magical energy, to my knowledge only the princesses can perform such a feat.
“What are you doing, my apprentice?” Luna asked, walking in the room with a small black box.
“Trying out this spell I found.” I reply, returning to my concentration.
“My…this spell…this is rank A magic. Very powerful…” She looked at me with both concern and intrigue.
“Shouldn’t you be relaxing, you’ve been training non-stop for weeks now; that kind of strain could hospitalize you.”  
I held my breath, squeezing my eyes shut, trying to picture in my mind to change the apple into a block of marble. It felt like I was trying to blow my intestines out my ass, but when I opened my eyes, the apple still stood where I left it. A bead of sweat rolled down my face, my glasses began to fog up and I was sucking in air like a vacuum.
“You really should rest…if you overexert yourself, then you will disrupt the flow of magical energy flowing in your body.” Luna spoke, looking more worried than before.
“No…I can do this…I just…have to…” *THUD!* I pass out on the cold stone balcony.
I open my eyes to a dark room, white light shining through the window and a brisk draft flowing through. Luna must have put me here in a bed when I passed out.
Ask not the sun~ why she sets~
https://img.youtube.com/vi/SLMvyX5yqXI/mqdefault.jpg
That singing…and the music? Where is it coming from?
Why she shrouds her light~ away~
I got up and out of the bed and followed the singing.
Or why she hides her glowing gaze~  
When night turns crimson gold to grey~
I walked down the hall, up to the observation tower, and I slowly creaked open the door. What I saw stunned me. I saw Luna…she was the source of the singing…
For silent falls the guilty sun~  
As day to dark does turn~
Her voice was mesmerizing, I was put in a trance and I slowly walked up to the open archway, a few feet away from her. I stood there listening to the angelic music.
One simple truth she dare not speak:  
Her light can only blind and burn~
No mercy for the guilty~  
Bring down their lying sun~  
Blood so silver black by night~  
Upon their faces pale white~
Man…I never heard anything like that. It was…elegant, graceful much less beautiful. Luna looks back at me, almost looking startled. She quickly turned her head, but there was a split second moment where I could have sworn I saw her blushing.
“Oh, sorry I didn’t mean to scare you.” I said sheepishly.
“No, no…it’s alright.” Luna replied.
“Your singing, it was…beautiful.”
“Why...thank you. My mother sung that to me when I was a filly, it was a sweet lullaby that put me to sleep. Big sis thinks that she has the better voice, but I will give her the benefit of doubt.” Luna look back again, this time giving me a charming smile.  
“Well…I think I go back to sleep, try to ready myself for the last few days I have to relax.”  
“Yes…and may the night bring you pleasant dreams.” Luna stated.
“Man, this is outrageous!” Chase yells at the waiter, “I ask for one daisy sandwich and you expect me to believe that this is the reasonable price for one?!”  
“Chase, calm down. I’ll help pay for the sandwich if you don’t have enough money.”  
“No dude, I can pay for it.” He replies. “It’s just the SOMEPONY doesn’t seem to understand fairness with finances.” Chase slams down the bits need to pay and storms out of the restaurant. I apologize to the waiter and canter behind Chase.  
“That was bullshit! Last time I go to get an overpriced sandwich that I could have easily made at home!”  
I walk up next to him, “Relax man, it didn’t cost that much.”  
“Oh whatever…” He cursed under his breath.  
I look to him with some concern but I bat an ear and continue walking.  
“So what is next on the to-do list for today?” I ask.  
“I’m not sure, but I think we could-glarb bleth osht mutsh.”  
“I’m sorry what?” I look to Chase and I froze in shock. Chase was suddenly covered in various cuts that were spewing out blood, patches in his fur made holes large enough to see his entrails. On top of that, he had one and one half of a wing and his whole lower jaw was missing; tongue flopping around like a wet noodle.  
“What the fuck!? Dude!! What happened to you?!?!” I screech out. Chase then looked at me with at first a confused look and then his eyes began to tear up…all before disintegrating right in front of my eyes.  
“CHASE!!!!!” I scream, legs collapsing and digging my hooves in his ashes; I began to cry profusely.  
*GROAR!!* I loud roar sounded from behind me. I turned my head, vision blurry, but all I saw was a large black cloud of smoke, sparks crackling from within along with the sound of clicking gears and gyros. I tried to scream, but my throat couldn’t produce a peep. My instincts kicked in and I started running. I ran as fast as I could, not looking back; but the smoke kept getting closer and closer. Soon it was close enough that I could feel it wrapping around my tail. I tripped and smacked hard on the floor; I tried to get up, but my hoof got caught on a twisted vine. I look up one last time at the smoke, reeling itself back like a cobra… then it lunged for me, shaping itself into a demented creature and swallowed me whole.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Betrayal                          
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Betrayal
“GAAAHHH!!!!” I scream, waking up to a short ceiling and slamming my head on the floor.
“Silver! Silver! Calm down!!” A voice yelled over but I kept on screaming. *SMACK!* I feel a sharp soreness on my cheek. I finally open my eyes to see a blue pony, mane frazzled and bags under his eyes.
“Ch-Chase?” I weakly ask.
“What the fuck dude?!” He questioned, obviously pissed off that I woke him up.
“Oh my Celestia-Chase!!” I yell, hugging him tightly.
“What are you babbling about this time?” he retorted.
“But you were-the bright light- the ruins-and Luna- and…” I stop mid-sentence, Chase was looking at me with a skeptical eye.
“Was it all…a dream?”
“Ugh…damn it Silver, I keep having wake up to your chronic nightmares. I swear its giving me migraines.” Chase complained. At that moment he looked forward and his eyeballs shot out like cannon balls, which stuck themselves into the wall.
“Uh…Chase? Are you…ok?” I began to ask, shaking at the recent horror. Chase did not make a sound, but his sockets then began to make to waterfalls of blood, bones and body parts. I began to feel nauseous, unable to handle what I was witnessing. *BOOM!!!* The room exploded outward and I saw I giant mushroom cloud on the horizon. I take one last look at chase as he was ripped to shreds, blood splattering on me, staining my fur and covering my glasses in a crimson haze. I wipe of the blood and replace my glasses, only to now find myself in a barren wasteland, practically flat and unforgiving. I tried walking in one direction, but no matter which way I went, I felt like I wasn't moving at all. Night fell almost instantly and I was shrouded in darkness. I was beginning to panic, frantically putting my hoofs on my head to make sure they where there considering I couldn't even see my own snout. Out of the corner of my eye I see a small light, quite a ways away but incredibly visible. I sprinted towards it, hoping that it was a way out of this hellhole. Eventually I reached it, glowing an orange tint as it slowly floated down. When the light was within hoof's reach I touched it; bad idea. The explosion erupted again, this time in my face, and threw me a far long ways; the shockwave was strong enough put me in a coma when I landed...hard. When I stirred, I was in a dark void, nothing could be seen, I couldn't even tell if I was standing on anything or if I was floating in air. But this place seemed different...it was cold, like chilling my core cold…and I felt a pit form in my chest.
“Silver~…Silver~…” A voice spoke out from the darkness.
“W-who’s there? Show yourself?!” I holler.  
I then felt something cold touch my face and disappear just as quickly, something flowed from under my eye and to my chin. I touch a hoof and inspect the fluid…blood. I look back up to see a blue pegasus with his back towards me, he turned his head to look me in the eye; a red edged blade held in his mouth.
“C-C-Chase?!” I stutter, unsure of what was happening.
“Hello…Silver. Long time so see…heh heh heh.” He chuckled. Chase lunged at me, blade in mouth, aiming for my neck. I was able to dodge this time, but just barely as he grazed my back leg.
“Chase! Why are you doing this?! I thought we were friends?!” I scream out, hoping to get an explanation.  
I felt a small breeze next to my ear, “Why you ask?” Chase whispered. I turn around, but nothing was there.
“Because…I have always hated you.” Chase whispered again.
“Hated me? Why? When?!”  
Chase broke from the darkness, confronting me face to face.
“You…success was always in your favor. You got everything you wanted; anything you did was regarded as genius, amazing…even worthy of recognition by the most well-known ponies in Equestria. And what about me, huh? I was always in your shadow, always far behind you in life. All I was met with was scorn, mockery and prejudice.”  
I look at Chase with sorrowful eyes. How could I not have known this? Had I found out…I probably could have stopped it. Next thing I know, I stopped breathing. I try to speak, scream even, but no words would form; and I see the bottom of my own hooves. A pool of blood formed under my head, blocking out one eye, I look up in confusion to see Chase with that blade again; blood dripping from the tip. He leaned down to look me in the eye.
"With you out of the way, I will finally get the recognition I deserve. Maybe now I will be successful!  
He then turned my head on its back and steadied the blade over my left eye.
“Now…you will be no more.” He states, and thrust the blade downward.
*THUMP!* I open my eyes, staring at a ceiling. I slowly turn my head and see a panel of moonlight on the floor. I let out a deep sigh…it was just a dream.
“Is something wrong?” A voice questions. I look up to see Luna in the doorway, a night-blind resting on her forehead.
“Yeah…yeah, just had a bad dream that’s all.” I said, I had no confidence in what I was saying.
“You saw your friend…didn’t you?” Luna asked.
“……Yes.”
“And you saw him kill you.”
“Yea-wait, how did you know that?” I ask, raising a brow.
“I’m not only the bringer of night, but I also monitor dreams.”  
Note to self, be careful about what you dream. Luna then comes over and sits on the bed.
"Are you troubled by this dream?" She asked.
"No...I'm fine."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not particularly."  
I get back into bed, pull the covers back up to my chin and turn away.
“I’m fine. Really I am.” I plead.
“If you say so.” Luna states and she clopped back to her own room. This is going to be a long night, but I can’t believe that Chase would go and do something like that…would he?

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         Crusades                          
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Crusades
“C’mon guys, we don’t have all day to dilly-dally!” Twilight shouted to Dash and I as we soar overhead. Needless to say she was skeptical of my potential speed and itching for a race. I glide down to Twilight after I saw her swing a hoof to grab my attention.
"We can't just screw around, we all have to get moving; quickly."
“Where are we planning to go, exactly?” I ask, intrigued by Twilight’s proposal.
“Just hear me out, ok?” Twilight begs, “I got a message that Canterlot survived the event and that we might find some answers there.”  
I look at her with a raised brow. Well, we need to search for what happened from that day, and I don’t think anything I say or do will change her mind.
“Hey Chase.”
"Yea?"
“How is your head? That must have hurt.” She stated, adding a tip of worry.
“I think it’s fine, but could you remind me why I have the bandages again?” I inquire.
“Well as soon as I said we were leaving, you rushed out in the middle of a wind storm. I held you back with my magic but a chuck of rock the size of an orange struck you in the head. You woke back up two days after, but you had no memory of the hit…or your past for that matter.”  
My past huh? It’s all hazy, blurred and…it seems like I can only remember everything from when I “woke back up.”
“Hey! Are you going to race me or what?!” Dash yells from the sky. The sun shining seemed nice and no clouds there either.
“Alright…YOU’RE ON!!” I scream as I take off again. “First on to that mountain and back wins.”  
Rainbow gives me a smug grin and nods her head. We set up on the ground in front of Twilight, preparing for the quick sprint. The wind had blown for a few seconds before stopping, that was when we both took off with such speed that the force knocked Twilight on her back. Dash and I were head to head, neck to neck; until a cone formed around her and got thinner and thinner until-*BOOM!!* She thrust ahead of me with a visible rainbow trailing from behind her. As beautiful as it was, I wasn’t willing to lose so easily. *CRAKLE-CRACKLE-KIIIIRRSH-BOOOOOM!!!!* I found myself speeding greatly, catching up to Rainbow Dash. I flew right beside her, we made eye contact as her mouth slowly gaped open before I rushed further ahead and landed in front of Twilight.
“5 seconds?!” She looked at a stopwatch and then to me with obvious awe. “Nopony should be able to move that fast! It isn’t physically possible!!!”
“What are you babbling on about Twi?” I ask. She didn’t say anything, but she picked up a rock and transformed it into a small mirror. She held it up to me and I saw myself…but it wasn’t the me I remember. I saw a pony with deep red eyes and glowing white hair that almost buzzed with energy. And then the image faded, now a blue pony with grey eyes and blue/indigo hair took its place. I didn’t know what to make of it, but it almost scared Twilight to death just looking at it.
“That…WEEZ…was…GASP…no…fair!” Dash spoke, very out of breath when she finally caught up.
"Sorry about that." I sheepishly state. "I'm not sure what just happened."
"Oh I'll tell you what happened. You cheated!" Rainbow accused.
"You're one to talk Dash. Remember the Running of the Leaves with Applejack?" Twilight interjected.  
Dash opened her mouth like she was going to retort, but turned her head if frustration without another word. I wasn't going to pry on whatever problems they had in their past. Dash was a couple of yards ahead of me and Twi, I decided to walk because I was almost exhausted by the race. My body was built for speed, not endurance. I look over to Twilight, who had a serious, almost grim expression.
"Twilight?" I sheepishly ask.
"Hm? Oh sorry, what is it?"
"Are you ok? You seem grave."  
Twilight gave me a smile, but I saw through it. Saw the darkness behind her eyes and the cloud of doubt above her head.
"Yes. I'm fine Chase. I was just thinking... what do we do when we find out what happened that day? The world has changed, and there won't be anyway to get things back to the way they once were." It was obvious that she was troubled by the thought. Though there was nothing I could do to put her mind at ease. Yet at the same time, I was thinking the same thing. What was going to what when we know the truth? Would we be able to handle it?
Its been weeks since the three of us left on our crusade. Our rations were almost completely used up, and I could almost swear that Twilight was getting crazy, almost paranoid. Not sure of what though. The fatigue was beginning to get to me, the sun was hot this time around and the land was turning into a desert the longer we walked. I lift my head up, trying to look to were I was going and I ended up tripping. My face thudded on the broken and crack soil and I felt like I wanted to just give up, but there was something in me that told me to go on. Something deep in the back of my mind that said I couldn't quit, not yet. Not until I do something... but I can't remember what it is. I lug myself up a steep hill, Twilight and Dash in tow because they passed out at the base. I peek over the top, on the verge of blacking out myself and I see a castle on the side of a distant mountain.
"That must be the place." I said to myself, "I'm...*weez* almost there."  
I couldn't wait any longer, I had to move quickly or all of us could be lost to the terrain. I took off the bandage around my head and wrapped it around Twilight and Dash. After that, I struggled to put them on my back, using my wings to support and balance the weight of two ponies before hike slowly to the castle.
"Halt! Who walks before the gate?!" A guard hollers from a fairly tall post next to the drawbridge.
"Please, let enter! We have travelled A great deal to get here! We are tired, And these two are in need of medical attention!" I scream back.
"State your name and business!" The guard barked.
"I am Lightning Chaser! I am with Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow dash; and we need help!"
"Did you say Twilight Sparkle?!" the guard questions, sounding surprised.
"Yes!"
"Open the gates! Hurry!"  
At that moment I heard gears turning and the drawbridge began to lower. My legs couldn't take much more of the strain I put on myself and they collapsed on themselves.
"So...tired." I weakly whisper, before my vision was clouded with darkness.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                The Pot of Gold at the End                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The Pot of Gold at the End
My eyes flutter, trying to gain a clearer view. My head was pounding like I was kicked by an ox and I was a little nauseous. Once I could see I sat up, rubbing one eye with a forehoof, the feeling of a soft material over my forehead brushed with my hoof. A sharp sting came over my shoulder, worse than that jacker wasp incident that I had in middle school. I look over to see my wing wrapped in a white cloth with a spot of red concentrating closer to my back. I turn my head back to look forward, the blank room I was in was very dim, only lit by part of a light outside the open doorway and the candle that was on the stand next to the bed that I was on. Out of the corner of my eye I notice something move, darting my head to the object I was met with a sight that could accurately be described as…I don’t even know where to start. The pony was light blue, tail and mane held an assortment of colors and wings that seemed light yet strong.
“Hey…what’s up?” The Pegasus greeted.  
I was taken aback by the mare’s straightforwardness, “Uh-um-ah…well, not much…what about you?”
“Well aside from the general shit that happened over the last few weeks…I’d say that we are where the term “screwed” doesn’t even begin to cover it.” The mare replied with a sneer.
“Oh, that bad huh?”  
The mare fluttered her wings and darted toward me until she stopped mere inches from my face. Even in the low lighting of the candle, I could make out a few features from her face. Despite her cocky attitude and “modest” tone of voice, her face held soft features and big purple like eyes that showed much expression. As she hovered in front of me, minutes seemed to pass slowly as she stared into my eyes; trying to read my thoughts in the still air.
“Dash? What are you doing?” a voice broke the silence. The Pegasus quickly landed and brought her wings tight to her body.
“What? Uh-nothing, why do you ask?” The mare stuttered, her breathing seemed erratic and she was shaking nervously.
“Oh I’m sorry, was I interrupting something?” The voice spoke out again. The mysterious voice sounded calm, and yet…sophisticated, intelligent needless to say; pretty sure Silver would love a mare like that.
“What!? W-why would you say something like that?!” The mare was beginning to stumble over her words, I even noticed her fidgeting with her wing and lightly hoofing on the ground with anxiety; my best guess would dictate that she is probably blushing right now.
“I’m just kidding Dash.” The voice giggled. That clever girl…. “Anyway, I wanted to check up on how our guest is doing. But I guess you already have that covered right~?”
“Shut up Twi! Nothing happened, I was just…” The mare spoke, but stopped mid-sentence; probably to find and excuse.
“She was just seeing if the wounds I have were opening again.” I spoke up.
“Uh-Yea! That’s it, that was what I was doing.” The mare spoke again. “Anyway, you have more important things to discuss with him so…I’ll leave you to it.” She took flight again at passed through the doorway. Another pony came to the light of the candle, a unicorn this time, with purple fur. Her mane was so dark that in this lighting almost looked black, with a one pink line running from one end of her bangs to the end of her mane.
“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She greeted with such formality.
“And hello to you too, Twilight. I’m Lightning Chaser, but everypony just calls me Chase.” I respond, trying to give the same measure of reserve, but failing miserably.   
Twilight giggled a little bit, “Right, so how is your wing? I saw the damage and all I could do was reset the bone, but you should be able to move it freely now.” Her horn glowed a pinkish hue and the bandages that were around my wing unraveled themselves and levitated off onto a nearby table. I stretched my wing and flapped it a few times, it felt sore but it will pass.
“Thanks for your help; I think I’ll be fine for now.” I claimed, unsure if what I said was true.
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Twilight responds. She looks at me with some concern, probably not believing what I just said.
"Anyway, do you remember what happened?" Twilight asked. I struggle to remember, but most of the events appears in blurs.
"Well...there was the...the concert....fireworks and...thousands upon thousands of joyous faces in the crowd."
"Really?" Twilight awed, "You must have had a lot of fun. I wish I could have been to a concert."
"Well why couldn't you?" I inquire.  
Twilight let out a small sigh, "It was my studies with Princess Celestia, I have to learn about the magic of friendship."
"Friendship huh? I could tell you stories about my friend." I scoff, I always believed that Silver and I were among of the best of best friends.  
Twilight shook her head abruptly, "Please continue with your recollection."
"What? Oh right. There was the initial explosion that threw me off...and then those faces...those torn apart, broken ponies. All I could see was bodies."  
Twilight seemed fascinated by my point of view. "You mentioned something about a friend you have. Can you tell me about him?"  
I was surprised that see would ask, but I saw in her eyes that she was hold me to an answer.
"Well...heh. Where do I even begin?" I paused for a moment to ponder my thoughts. "I guess I could start that we were friends since fillyhood. He was always the smart one between us...compared to him, I pretty reckless." I stifle a light chuckle. "But I know that he has a good head on his shoulders, he will go far in life. Farther than I ever will."
"No! Don't say that!" Twilight whined. "You shouldn't put yourself down below your friend, I'm sure you have perks that make you unique. But you have to press on, only you can push yourself forward."
"Thanks Twilight, I needed that." I say with a light smile. "By the way…who was that Pegasus? She seems a little on edge…” I inquired.
“Oh, you mean Rainbow Dash. She was the one who found you in that stadium.”
“Well, does she always that cocky attitude?”  
Twilight chuckled, “No, not always. Only when she feels competitive or…” She stopped, only to let out a sly smile.
“Or what?” I questioned, genuinely becoming curious.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Here, follow me. After weeks of being underground, you must be longing for fresh air.” She motioned with her hoof to follow her. I soon began to question what had happened after I passed out… wait…what did she mean by weeks?!
Author's Note
I have two thing I have to discuss. Firstly: If the stories seem to come within a few days of each other, it is because I started writing this story weeks before I published it. So some of the chapters have already been mapped out (give or take an few extensions to meet requirements.) So I am going to say this: New chapters will be published when I can, so don't expect a deadline for each following chapter. The second thing is more of a favor, if anyone can draw or find someone who can draw, I would like a cover made for this story. If this is accomplished, send the image with the artist's penname and credit will be given where credit is due. Thanks and enjoy the next chapter.