Rising Hope: Birth Of The Transcendents

Chapters

It Must Be You, And Only You
The Light and Darkness In One's Heart
The Crystal Fair
Copy Of A Copy
Alone Time
Formal and Informal training
Retrieval
Connections
The One I've Sought After
The Hospitality Of Chronomid
Task 1: The Duty Of Wranglers
Task 2: Gambits, Sacrifices: Endgames
Task 3: Securing Closed Doors.
Task 4: Emerging From Shadows
Imagine Breaker
Limitations of one's perspective and Valor

It Must Be You, And Only You

''Twilight, calm down, it's not that big of a problem.'' Spike's voice echoed the human's ears. Regaining his vision from the book slamming into his face, he looked to see Twilight running around the library with a frantic look on her face. Books were strewn about, papers shredded as quill and ink bottles in her levitation field found their way to the unicorn's overloaded saddlebag.

''Flash cards, flash cards!'' Twilight had an epiphany. ''I'll need flashcards!'' Rushing back and forth between checking dates, getting scrolls, and just procrastinating put a damper on everyone's well-being.

''Come on Twi, so what you've been called to take some test, but knowing how you-'' Rainbow held a hoof to her face. ''take things too seriously is bumming us all out.''

''Just a test?'' Twilight crept to Rainbow, a look of insane confusion as she spoke low. ''Just a test?!'' She snorted. ''This is not just a test!'' Twilight grew agitated.

''Same thing you said when you had that friendship letter issue. Something about your life depending on it, the last time I saw somebody who needed to suck was when Bon Jovi played in that vampire movie. '' the human's imaginary friend, now psychical brother in arms admitted from his place on the stairs.

''Who is Bon Jovi?'' Fluttershy and his marefriend, Lavender asked.

''Oh, just some second rate douchebag or something like that.''

''Mommy, are you okay?'' Amethyst Sparkle nudged her mother's leg.

''I'm fine sweetie, it's just I have a test to take your aunt Celestia and Luna has for me and it's kinda getting to me.''

''Twi, I assure you that no matter what they throw at you, you'll come out on top. Besides them, you may just be the 3rd most powerful mare I can possibly know besides-'' Jamir embraced his lover in a hug. - ''who else can you think of to be more qualified to take it?''

''I guess me.'' she sighed. ''but what if I fail? What about-

''You won't.'' he assured.

''B-But-

''You won't.''

It always brought a comforting feeling to Twilight's heart to hear Jamir's words of assurance whenever she felt doubtful. No matter when the tables turned on them, he always remained positive in some way that so happened to grow on Twilight to have more faith in herself. With Discord trying to divide and conquer, Yevon resorting to intimidation, the friendship letter situation and most recent: the wedding. Not once did he ever give in and admit defeat. His determination was just one of the many reasons that she loved him.

''Thanks, you always know what to say. Alright, we should get going, best not keep the princesses waiting.''

Meanwhile in Canterlot:

The halls of the Canterlot medical wing rarely was filled with a few pained shouts and pleas for aid, however that record as of a a month ago was broken. Ever since the invasion of Canterlot and the changeling queen's trial, changelings have been showing up to the medical wing injured, paranoid, and most of all: dying from loss of love. Just last week, one came in complaining of strange visions along with the ever so swelling in his chest before he figuratively and literally had the life sucked out of him as he slumped to the ground.

Looking to the multitude of her subjects suffering at the loss of love made Chrysalis consider her options. Besides the human whom she set out to destroy sparing her life along with lightening her sentence to just below community service had the queen elated, but another issue arose. One that forced her to swallow all self-pride and consider this one choice of Celestia and Luna.

''We, along with the high council may have agreed to remove the death penalty from the table, but have set another condition as reparation. Your plea for assistance has been accepted as we will aid your subjects in survival. However, the proper payment must be met accordingly. After conversing with Shining Armour, Princess Cadence, The High Council, Valiant Barrier, Twilight Sparkle and our mate, the decision was unanimous that you would be responsible for the following if you wish our aid. 1: as we prefer non-violence over all, we require your complete and total alliance. It was decided that you would do better with us than against us. The changelings will be integrated into Equestrian society. 2: you must complete your community service. And 3: you must take on the same task as young Twilight has: to learn the importance of friendship. Your task will begin when everypony else is present. If you wish to truly start anew then you will do what must be done...''

''What suggestive words.'' Chrysalis muttered. ''However small, a chance to redeem myself is one that I cannot waste.'' Turning around, her limited choices put her in a place where complaints will not be tolerated. Her next objective was to meet up with the princesses for further instructions.

Halls Of Canterlot:

Jamir, along with Twilight, Spike, Valiant, Iron and Frank progressed through the castle with a sense of worry, seeing as Twilight made it that way with her shaking and inconsistent babbling about linear equations put Jamir in his paces for the coming assembly. Everyone wished to come, even Amethyst wanted to see her favorite aunts, but Celestia and Luna chose who to come. Before hand, he met with the princesses to discuss the test. Yes, to a degree he at least knows the basics of this, though that is not to say this was not a surprise to him. Coming to a door with a image of a small crystal embedded in the center, this was the place.

''So why do you think we're needed here? Not like we can do much of anything with four of the most powerful magic users I know against one little queen.'' Frank saw no real point in coming, then again he is correct.

''True, but on that note why wouldn't they? I'm sure they have a reason for doing so.'' Spike reasoned.

''At any rate, this is of some importance.'' Jamir pushed the doors open to see Celestia at the edge of the room, gazing to a crystal standing inside of a glass case while Luna greeted her mate in a kiss.

''Princess.'' Valiant and Iron bowed.

''Luna.'' Frank nodded.

''Princess, I've come prepared with my materials and am ready to- Luna held a hoof in the air, silencing her.

''This test is not like most you have taken Twilight Sparkle...this is one that cannot be solved with quill and parchment. Sister?''

Coming over and joining her sister in delving into a kiss with the human, a face of of care and comfort was replaced by seriousness.

''Please, tell me something all of you: what do you know of the Crystal Empire?''

''Uh, what?'' Spike asked, confused.

''Beats me.'' Iron shrugged.

''Same.'' Valiant agreed.

''A Crystal Empire...right?'' Frank was hesitant.

''Oh, that's...um, It's somewhere in my notes.'' Twilight scrambled with her parcel.

''I wouldn't expect any of you to know.'' Celestia cast a extra long look to Jamir's direction. ''There are few that still know of its existence, and yet my knowledge of it is limited.'' her horn came to life, bringing the crystal to the center and striking it, bringing forth a holographic map of a place that looked to be a haven of sorts.

''But what I do know is that a great magic lies within. 1000 years ago, King Sombra, a unicorn king whose heart is as black as night enslaved the Empire.'' the images showed a vision of ponies, shackled and chained up as they were forced to work in cruel conditions, all monitored by a black unicorn, clad in armour with a devious smile.

''Though he was defeated and turned to shadow, banished to outer reaches of the arctic north, he was not able to be cast away without first placing a curse upon the empire: one that made it disappear.''

''Uh, suspense much?'' Frank whispered to the side.

''If the Empire is filled with happiness and love, those things are reflected across Equestria. However.'' Celestia's eyes darkened, almost turning akin to a demon's as it struck the crystal once again, a dark presence overtaking the room as literal darkness spread around them only to have crystals of darkness jut from the floor as everyone immediately got distressed. However, before the full effect of wigging out could be put through, Celestia's magic prevented that.

''As Luna said, this is a different kind of test, one that I am certain that you will pass, Twilight.''

''Me? Y-You want me to protect an entire empire? B-But I couldn't possibly do that on my own.''

''You won't have to: that's why we're here, right?'' Jamir asked a rhetorical question.

''Aye, your Ponyville friends will be assisting in this matter, so you have no need for concern.''

''Where do I start?''

''By meeting up with Shining Armour and Princess Cadence in the Crystal Empire.'' Celestia returned the crystal.

''My brother's there?''

''Yes.'' Luna smiled. ''but there is one more guest we have arriving that will also be assisting you in this matter.''

''Who could that-

''Chrysalis?! What the fuck is she doing here?'' Franks readied his gauntlets.

''At ease, Frank: you know as well as I that Chrysalis has apologized for her actions, which we all know how that came to light and is currently serving her punishment. Besides, do you not see the inhibitor ring on her horn?'' Jamir set his friend to rest.

''Yea, sorry about that: just a little jumpy.''

''I know how...vexing it must be to be facing the one who did away with you some time ago, but I can assure you that Chrysalis is genuinely trying to make amends for her actions, seeing as the fate of her entire race may be in jeopardy should she not. We urge you to put aside your previous hatred as she could be a valuable ally.'' Luna urged.

''Ally? As in in our inner circle of friends and everything?'' Valiant cringed.

''However unlikely that scenario is as of now, every sentient being deserves an opportunity for redemption. We learned that the hard way.'' Celestia admitted.

''However, what good can she do with that ring on her horn?'' Jamir gestured to the queen. ''At most, she could-

''Excuse me, if I may interrupt. I have something to say.'' Chrysalis showed hesitance in her voice, which the sisters picked up on.

''Go ahead.'' Celestia approved.

''I know you must be seething with rage and I offer my deepest apologies, I only wish to make up for my actions, for a second chance.'' Chrysalis bowed her head.

Those words shook Jamir to his very core, filling his mind with rather painful flashbacks of his time in prison, the Dragon Outlands and even when his mind was nearly consumed to the darkness. All of this had to be a gyp, but how could he be for certain? How would he be able to process another series of doubts and conflicts. Since when did-

''Love.'' Luna's voice echoed in the human's mind. ''We can feel your distress, what is the matter? Do you not trust her words, they are the truth, we can verify for you.''

''I agree as well: you feel...defensive, we are right here besides you.''Celestia cooed. Damn, why did they always have to pry like that? Jamir's emotions are strewn about as is, but they make a valid point.

''It's just...a tad unnerving to see one of my greatest enemies beg for forgiveness. I mean, how would you react?''

''We have experienced a few times where a surrender or plea for help from those who wished harm upon others, time and time again.'' Luna huffed. ''...but even we have no clear answer to that question, love.''

Great, back to square one. At any rate, it seems like Chrysalis poses no real threat with that ring on her horn. Not to say this whole thing has everyone mildly contemplating Celestia and Luna's decisions. Still, would you want to be in their position making all these decisions?

''Chrysalis.'' the human spoke after a short interval. ''If you truly wish to make peace for your previous crimes then look me in the eyes and tell me that you meant every word.'' Jamir moved over the queen who raised her head to maintain eye contact with the human's red and gold trimmed eyes.

''I meant every word.'' Chrysalis firmly stated. ''I have already sworn the allegiance of my subjects and myself to you and-

''Wait, me?'' the human interrupted.

''Yes.'' Chrysalis continued. ''to pay back Princess Celestia and Luna's kindness of allowing my subjects to survive and take residence here, I have also been tasked with learning about the magic of friendship and make friends, like Twilight.''

''Really?'' Spike wondered.

''Yes, and to emphasize my point even more, I am joining you in your expedition to the Crystal empire to assist any way possible. And I am to remain by your side at all times as insurance.''

''How do we know she's not able to contact her hive and plot aerial attacks or use guerrilla tactics?'' Iron brought up a valid point.

''Please, everyone: we urge you give her a chance, Chrysalis has a lot to lose from this, but also much to gain if done right. This discussion must be put aside for another time: the train leaving for the arctic does not wait so slovenly.'' Celestia reminded. Heading outside, the princesses had one more piece of advice to give.

''And Twilight?'' Luna called.

''Yes?''

''In the end, it must be you and you alone who assists Shining Armour and Cadence in restoring the Crystal empire. While you have the support of your friends, the test is solely based on your performance. I have every confidence that you will succeed in this endeavor and then I will know you are prepared to move on to the next level of your studies.'' Celestia said, a small smile on her face.

''But what if I fail?''

''You won't.'' Celestia assured.

''But what if I-

''You won't.'' Jamir hopped in. ''Have a little faith, ok?''

''Right.'' Twilight said as the group left out. Waiting for them to be out of earshot, the sisters heard a voice echo penetrate their minds.

''Are you certain about this?''

''Yes, love.'' Luna nodded. ''but do not lose sight of the fact that this is so much her test as it is yours.''

Arctic North:

The chilling harshness of the vast sheet of the arctic snow spanned for miles. The light of the bright sky long was covered by the growing darkness of night as the cold winds pierced the skies in a flurry of swipes, dives, and curves, filling the air with screeches and whines. For hours, no creature disturbed the maelstrom of the cold: birds soon turned back, ceasing to fly as their silhouettes did not grace the eye of the snowstorm. The train's wheels soon contacted the frozen ice, shattering the once still fragments. A light shone in the front of the train, paving the way for even more to come.As the brakes screeched to a halt, the train slightly jerked to the uneven plane. The door opening, every bit of the cold slapped Jamir's face, forcing him to curse under his breath as frost immediately covered his eyebrows.

''Shit, this is why I hate the c-cold.'' he stated, wrapping his scarf further around his neck. No matter what he did, nothing persuaded him away from the thought back in Canterlot.

''This is as much Twilight's test as it is yours...when the times comes do not doubt yourself.''

Putting that on the backburner, everyone certainly bundled up before stepping onto the platform, the cold picking up by the minute. In the middle of the raging blizzard, a voice shouted from ahead, a figure approached.

''Twily!'' Shining Armour took off his protective mask. ''It's so good to see all of you again, how's my niece been doing?''

''She's been good.'' Twilight hugged her brother. Walking over to Jamir, he looked actually pleased to see the human.

''Jamir, I trust you've doing good.'' Shining embraced his brother in law into a hug.

''Besides this fucking cold and the fact you no longer want to wring my guts out, I have been right as rain.'' Jamir scratched his head. Normally they would be at each other's throats, but with a little talking, relating, and a few training exercises with him, Shining Armour displaced his 'hate' for Jamir and grew to have the kind of relationship he has with Frank: a brother in arms type of working, though they do have their fair share of arguments.

''I trust Princess Celestia has debriefed you on the situation before we got here sir?'' Valiant asked.

''Yes, we've been informed about the situation: all of it, but that can wait until we get to the empire...there are things we do not want to run into after dark.'' his face turned grim.

''W-What kind of things?' Fluttershy panicked.

''Yetis?'' Frank answered.

''Let's just say the empire isn't the only thing that has returned.''

The Light and Darkness In One's Heart

The wintry plain for a time, provided an atmosphere that accented the voidness of life. Trudging in the stacked snow, varying hoof and footprints formed by the minute, the swirling increase of the blizzard halting everyone's advance. No matter where Jamir looked, snow was everywhere: in his eyes, hands, hair, all around. He could, to a degree make out the shape of Chrysalis to his left and Fluttershy to his right. Ahead, Shining Armour was breaking down the status of the empire.

''We think that something's trying to get into the empire, but we can't be for sure. With Cadence supplying a barrier to shield the empire, i've been out here scouting the arctic for any signs of trouble.''

''What kind of trouble could be out here?'' Rainbow shivered. ''it seems like this 'Sombra' character wouldn't have the guts to try and return with us here- Ommph!'' she took flight, only for her wings to stiffen and drop like a dead weight into the snow.

''Perhaps.'' Frank helped her up. ''but I don't suppose you mean that barrier?'' he pointed to a gleam into the distance, portraying what looked to be the empire. Based on the size, it doesn't appear that the princess of love can maintain her spell for long.

''We should make haste: the cold's getting worse by the minute.'' Jamir blow heat into his hands. ''form a line, they're no telling what could happen out here.''

Going by that, Shining Armour led the group, followed by Twilight, then Applejack, Rarity, Spike on Fluttershy's back, Pinkie, Valiant, Iron and Jamir at the very back with Frank flanking him and Chrysalis in front of him. Keeping a quick pace, the light's intensity grew as the winter storm only worse.

''We don't know the rest of the details, but we do know that-

A massive roar thrummed amongst the blowing winds, turning attention to the massive bog of darkness.

''What is that?!'' Applejack snorted.

''That's...King Sombra! Quick, get inside!'' Shining charged forward, sending a blast of magic to provide some cover. Thinking on his feet, Jamir spun on his heels and focused.

''Darkscale!'' he shouted, Spike and Valiant stopping on a dime. Running towards Jamir, the young drake hopped on top of the charging unicorn who propelled him forward while launching cover fire. Breathing fire into his claws as he flew through the air, he swiped at the darkness, which proved to be somewhat effective. Using his magic to guide him in the air, the two worked in tandem.

''What are you doing? We have to go!'' Twilight pulled on Jamir's sleeve.

''No, you guys get inside, we'll handle this: the same goes for you, Chrysalis.''

''But, I am to stay by your side!'' she argued. ''I-

''Just do it!'' he yelled. ''Valiant, bring Spike back and retreat! Shock-vortex!'' he commanded.

''Roger that!'' Frank turned around, loading his gauntlets with a green cartridge with a lighting bolt. Charging, Jamir leaped to the sky and brought out his wings, enveloping his hands with magic as he drew a circle of powder around the void.

''Rah!'' Shining yelled, his horn struck with the darkness, his horn showing black crystals at the base.

Landing near his friend, Frank slammed his fists to the tundra, a glow emanating as sparks formed at the seams as a field of electricity spawned, trapping the spectre.

''Get Shining and fall back!'' his hands clapped together, producing a concussive wave that knocked Sombra back a few paces.

A low growl left his throat, following that, Jamir made a dash for the light as he zigzagged to avoid the onslaught of magical attacks.

''Come on, hurry up! Hurry up!'' Frank shouted from the heavy winds. Passing by, the view of the empire was breathtaking, drawing a gasp as he looked upon with amazement.

''Whoa.'' the entirety of the empire cast a longing silence over the human as his friends did the same.

''Whoa, so sparkly!'' Pinkie gushed.

''Jamir, Jamir! Are you okay?'' Fluttershy asked, going over his body for any injuries.

''I second that, are you unharmed?'' Chrysalis grew a tad concerned.

''Y-Yea.'' he said, still filled with wonder.

''Shining Armour!'' Twilight gasped. ''your horn!''

''I'm okay.'' he attempted to cast magic, only to have it sputter out with a fizzle.

''Mind telling what the fuck that was?'' Frank brushed off a layer of ice from his hair.

''Sombra.'' Shining replied. ''it seems he is actually coming back. We need to head to the palace now.'' he set off to the large structure in the distance.

''So it's really been that bad here?'' Rainbow looked around as they traversed down the pathway.

''Yep, not really a lot of information is given to us, so wild guess are the best we can muster at this point. But I sure am glad the princess sent you all here to help out.''

''So how has Princess Cadence been holding up with maintaining the spell?'' Iron asked with a wondering face.

''Not good, guys, not good: we need to find a way to help the crystal ponies as well as bring love and light back to the empire.''

''Crystal ponies?'' Rarity halted, stars filling her eyes. ''there are crystal ponies?!'' she looked positively ecstatic. ''Oh, *cough* please, continue.''

''True enough: we have heard next to nothing from the citizens: they're too afraid to cooperate with us.'' he gestured to the number of ponies passing by. Anything about them was of nothing related to crystal. Flat and dull coats, lifeless mane and tails, and a look of bewilderment on their faces as they looked at Jamir and Frank with slight fear as they shied away.

''Hey, why're they shying away? We're here to help!'' Frank complained with a slack jaw.

''These ponies have been imprisoned for a thousand years, they would be surprised at the only two humans in Equestria. So no doubt a few strange looks are to be present.'' Jamir figured.

Walking inside the throne room, Princess Cadence sat with a very weak air about. Her coat began to lose its color, her head hung low and bags pilfered her face as a sight visible line of her ribs shown.

''Cadence!'' Twilight called.

Looking up, a slew of energy filled her day as she galloped over to her.

''Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! clap your hooves and do a little shake!'' the two chuckled up a storm.

''Twilight, we need to go and get together one of these days when Equestria's fate doesn't hang in the balance.'' Cadence sounded miserable, and in spite of that: her magic failed for a brief moment, causing the shield to flicker, letting views of the cold arctic fill everyone's eyes.

''Are you okay?''

''I'm afraid not. Cadence has been using her magic spread love and life in the empire, that seems to be what is protecting it, but she can't last much longer. Look at her: she's barely slept, practically eaten nothing and with me patrolling for any signs of trouble, not a lot has been accomplished.'' Shining fought off a mirgane.

''I'm fine.'' Cadence lied through her teeth.

''No, you're not. I hate to thrust all this upon you so sudden but do you think you could talk to some of the ponies here: try and figure out how they survived after Sombra's defeat. A map, book, something we can go on with this.''

''Well, at least let me try to help you Cadence: here.'' Jamir touched his thumbs to the base of her horn while his pinkies lay on her temple.

''And what are you doing now, darling?'' Rarity looked on with curiosity.

''Shh, I need focus.'' he whispered. ''just a little bit more... he grew silent for the longest time, then *snap!* a burst of pure blue light flowed onto Cadence, a low humming emanating from the princess of love for an entire minute before the magic faded, sweat blanketing his face as the intensity of her magic thickened and the barrier strengthened.

''Wow!'' Cadence perked up. ''I feel like a million bits, thank you Jamir, but what did you do?''

''I didn't do much of anything: just stimulated your thalamus to get you perked up, I just tricked your body into thinking its just slept 10 hours which is probably why you feel like you just chugged a barrel of coffee. The effects are only temporary, you have little under about 2 hours before your brain realizes the change and forces you into sleep along with sleep paralysis to protect yourself. There's a simple pressure point underneath at the lower spine that'll get you out of it, but be careful.''

''How did you learn that?'' Pinkie asked. ''I want to do it too!''

''Sorry, Pinks, that took a little... out of me to do just that: it was hard trying to find the right nerves... not to agitate or else I could have triggered some involuntary...nightmares.'' he panted a tad.

''When did you learn such a skill?'' Chrysalis asked.

''From Flashing: turns out she has a few tricks that someone even you like could learn from.''

''Wait, so does that mean you could-

''Yes: but I won't doing that anytime soon.'' even being physically separated from his imaginary friend, he could to a degree know what he's thinking.

''Hmm.'' Twilight contemplated. ''A book...wait, I got it!'' she struck proverbial gold. ''this must be part of my test! I have to find out the information of how to restore the empire and then give that to you! It seems so simple now!''

''Where do we start first?'' the question from the changeling queen.

''Ask ponies what they know, good a place as any. Come on, we should get going: with this many in our group, we should have no problem with finding out what we need to.'' Applejack led the advance.

''Wait up, before you go: be careful you guys: this whole situation just reeks of bad omens.'' Shining warned.

''Don't worry: it's not like I'll let anything happen to my family while yours truly is here. Just make you're keeping a close eye on Cadence, without this protection bubble we may not stand much of a chance.''

Walking outside, the plan of action was to talk to the citizens and gather any information that can help in any way possible.

An hour has passed and no luck has passed with the residents. With various methods and tactics implemented, a few vague answers was given out, only one providing headway.

''I...can't remember much before King Sombra came to power and I don't want to...but maybe the library should have what you're looking for.'' a crystal pony finally spoke after a multitude of fails. Proceeding to the directions given, enough disappointments were hashed out and while some favored using force as an outlet, the point got across at the very least.

''So did anypony find anything else useful to mention?'' Twilight questioned while they regrouped.

''Does it help that I found out the location of a great spa?'' Frank offered which received strange looks from everyone.

''What?'' he argued. ''they even have a hot steam room.'' he said with a pout.

''Anyways.'' Twilight put that to the side. ''it turns out this library should have everything we need. Ha, now that I think about it, this test isn't that...oh my.'' she marvelled at the contents of the massive size. To put in perspective, the first few shelves easily out dwarfs Twilight's collection. ''I-this...there cannot be any words.''

''Oh great, she's in wonderlust mode: hey, but at least she's one of your significant others.'' Frank patted Jamir on the shoulder.

''Can I help you?'' a librarian crystal pony asked with a curious face.

''Hello, ma'am. We were hoping you could tell us how the empire might have defended itself from any outside threats. Do you have any reference materials?'' Twilight recomposed herself.

''Oh, yes we do have that...I think. Then again, do I even work here?'' she walked off.

''We appreciate the lackluster participation miss, not that it helped any.'' Frank groaned.

Using her magic, Twilight began to look through three books at once, everyone else doing their part to help. However, it proved to be a labyrinth of issues as more time was consumed.

''Damn, what do we do now?'' Jamir thought. ''how difficult can it be to find one little book?'' walking at a slow pace, he checked on Twilight's progress as she currently rotated 6 different books around her. The look of mild anger told him of her progress. Turning around from her and leaning on a railing, he sighed and picked a book at random: what the hell could he do, it's not like fate will always be there give a gentle nudge.

''Hey, what the?'' he questioned, the book barely moving. Gripping it with both hands, it slid out like hot glue until it popped free and he went flying back.

''Ooo!'' Twilight gasped, slightly moaning at the provocative form of her lover's face underneath her supple flank.

''Jamir, this is n-not the right place for that! Maybe the t-timing is just right, though. No, Twilight focus! Y-You can~dooo~this l-later.'' she got up and helped him up.

''I am so sorry about that: I didn't mean to! It was the book and I-

''Shh.'' Twilight put a hoof to his lips. ''It's okay, it was an accident. But...I will have to pay you back for that.'' she reached a forehoof to a particular spot on Jamir's body and briefly squeezed with immense pressure.

''N-Noted.'' a blush started to form. ''Wait a minute.'' he looked over to the book he pulled out to the right of Twilight. ''Look.''

''Hey, wait...this is exactly what we need! Guys, come here we've found it!'' Hearing quick footsteps, everyone came over, a expectant look on their faces.

''What did you find?'' Applejack wondered.

''The answer to our problems. Let's head back to the palace.''

The Crystal Fair

''So what do you think?'' Twilight asked for an opinion. To put it simply, everything looked to be in order. After discovering the book, it told of the Crystal Empire's history which provided exactly what needed to put the citizens back in high spirits. The crystal fair is one of the empire's premiere historical events that brought out love and life to the land, certainly this is just the remedy for the situation that Twilight called for. It took some doing, but everyone played their part and brought out the crystal fair. Wiping a bit of sweat from his brow, Jamir agreed: this is perfect.

''Hard to believe we did this in only 35 minutes.'' he complimented. ''now all we need to do is rope in the ponies.''

''Well, let's get to it!'' Applejack cheered. Heading to their respective stations, the fair kicked off with a bang, citizens aplenty having the light restored into them. Rainbow and Fluttershy took over jousting, Rarity and Spike handled making miscellaneous items like necklaces, hats, etc, Pinkie Pie handled being a clown to entertain the masses, Applejack controlled the food. Frank was in charge of the petting zoo. Valiant and Iron each aided the jousters. While Twilight, Jamir and Chrysalis overlooked the entire fair from the palace center.

''So anything else in that book that caught your attention?'' Jamir finished playing a game of tag with some foals.

''Just need to check one last thing before we can call this a success.''

''And prey tell, what is this?'' Chrysalis poked a crudely made base with a heart on top.

''The book mentioned a crystal heart centerpiece. So I used my magic to cut one out of a block of crystal stone. We should have no problems.'' Twilight assured.

''Alright, then. Looks like this little issue nipped itself in the bud. Come on, after all that manual labor, i'm getting a little peckish.''

Shifting gears over to the integrity of the fair, most of the ponies brightened up after giving the fair a try.

''I feel like it's all starting to come back to me...before King Sombra.'' a dull pony commented.

''Mmmph.'' another munched on some corn. ''I think so too.'' Suddenly, a glow emanated from them as they suddenly had a burst of happiness.

''Looks like everything's going smoothly.'' Rainbow took a break from her winning streak.

''Yep, this turned out to be one heck of a festival.'' Applejack agreed.

''I know, we got everything! Food, games, crafts and the crystal heart!'' Rainbow hopped with joy.

''Crystal heart?'' a stallion whispered. ''do they really have it?''

''Yep, we sure do! And more.''

''Ah, thank goodness: I thought King Sombra had hid the heart forever. But now thanks to you, it can spread love and life.''

''Yea, now the heart can- wait, what?'' Rainbow went silent. ''what about the heart you said it could do, I must not have heard it.'' she fumbled with her ear.

''The whole purpose of the crystal fair is lift the spirit of the crystal ponies so the light that resides within them can fuel the heart and act as a conduit to protect the empire! And I do work at the library! Oh, funnel cake.'' the librarian trotted off.

''I think we may have-

''A huge problem!'' Rainbow interrupted, taking to the skies and zooming away.

''Hey, there little friends and what are you up to?'' Jamir played around with a few baby rabbits. One in particular reminded him of Angel bunny as when he bent down to play with this one in particular, it licked his nose and hopped away.

''I think it likes you.'' Frank smiled. Relaxing, the fair is moving along at a good pace. Ponies are happy, things are smooth running, and everything feels right. For once, it seems like-

''Frank, Jamir!!'' Rainbow zoomed in front of him. ''We have a major problem! No time to explain, just follow me!'' she blasted off.

Nodding to each other, Jamir conjured magic to his and Frank's body as he jumped high in the sky, manipulating the air currents to move them forward at a rapid pace. In few seconds, they caught with Rainbow as she just landed at the palace center, putting the empire's flag over the crystal heart.

''Wha?'' Twilight asked, confused.

''What's going on here?'' Jamir wondered.

''A biiiiig problem!'' Rainbow answered.

''I didn't know the heart was actually real! The book never said anything about it.'' Twilight searched the book's contents, only to find a missing page in the back.

''Damn, I thought we had this down-pact. Now here's another problem.'' Frank slammed the railing.

''It's okay guys, you did your best.'' Shining Armour comforted. ''It's not all that bad.''

''Then h-how d-do you explain that?'' Frank pointed to the distance to see the shield getting weak, eventually dying out and revealing the arctic.

''Uh-oh, Princess your horn!'' Rainbow noticed Cadence's horn sputtering out, her entire body going limp.

''Sweetie.''

Viewing the distance, a slew of shadow blanketed all sides of the empire as Sombra's head formed at the apex, a scowl adorning his face.

''Sombra.'' Shining growled. ''I have to find the crystal heart.'' he prepared to take off.

''Oh, no you don't you stay here and help out Cadence.'' Jamir hunched the princess over his shoulder and thrusted two fingers at a certain spot on her back, a gasp coming almost immediately. ''we'll take care of the heart.''

Feeling invigorated to a degree, Cadence fired what little magic she possessed into repelling Sombra for the time being.

''Come on, let's go: that means you too, Chrysalis.'' Jamir pointed to the changeling as they ran down the stairs.

''So what's the plan?'' Rainbow asked.

''I've been trying to figure out how I can pass Celestia's test, maybe retrieving the heart is just it, but there is something you guys can do for me.''

''Name it.'' Rainbow said.

''Keep the fair and spirits of the crystal ponies going strong.''

''Eh? With that black abyss of darkness out in the arctic?'' Frank pointed out. ''Why?''

''Because the light within the crystal ponies is needed to power the heart. If they find out that King Sombra's trying to invade the empire again, their spirits are going to be anything but where it's needed to be. It won't matter whether I find the heart or not, they won't be able to make it work. You guys have to keep them happy here at the fair.''

''On it!'' Frank and Rainbow sped off. ''Just don't get killed!''

''You two should go with them, I have to do this on my own.''

''Sorry, not happening: I'm coming with you: I didn't tell you back in Canterlot because I know you would object, but Tia and Lulu told me that this was as much your test as it is mine. Even I have no clue what that means, but based on our surroundings, we have little time. Now I'm coming, not only to protect you, but also because I have an obligation.'' he firmly stated.

''And I am coming because there is not a lot that I am able to do here with everypony else. So allow me to come as well.'' Chrysalis pleaded.

''Fine.'' Twilight sighed. ''but I have to be the one who brings the heart.''

''Got it.''

Rainbow and Frank dashed through the fair with determination. If Twilight needed them to keep things going for a little longer than that much could be done. With Rainbow heading over to the arts and crafts stand, Frank went over to the jousting area.

''Guys.'' he called to Valiant and Iron.

''Yea?''

''Turns out we gotta keep this going a little while longer, something about the crystal heart being real so we need to haul ass on this until Twilight and Jamir can find it.''

''Well, let's get cracking: more reason to toss Iron like a salad.'' he mocked.

''That was one time and I got you back but since you're longing for a rematch...'' Iron figured.

''You're on.'' Valiant threw a helmet to Iron. ''best 7 out of 15.''

''Great, now they're at it again.'' Frank groaned.

Now with Rainbow, she slightly had more luck with delivering the news to Rarity and Spike.

''Eh?'' Rarity froze which drew the attention of a few ponies. ''Oh, I just found out...that they have face-painting for the little ones!'' she hugged Spike briefly.

''Huh?'' Spike listened as Rarity whispered into his ear.

''Yea, yea, oh we can do that. Yea, that sou- wait, they're doing what?''

Zoom! Spike ran off.

''He...really likes face paint.''

''Where could the crystal heart be? We've searched everywhere.'' Chrysalis grew a tad tired of going around in circles.

''I don't really know to look next but we have to be-

''Twilight!'' Spike halted their advance. ''I'm...coming with you.''

''Sorry, little buddy: not this time. Even we have no idea where to go and I would feel comfortable with you here helping out.'' Jamir bent to the drake's eye level and spoke softly.

''Come on!'' he whined. ''you know i'll just whine until you take me! Besides you said it yourself-

''You want to learn how to swim, jump in the water.''he remembered. ''fine, but you know the drill-

''Yea, yea: I got it. Now are we going or what?'' he stomped his foot. Sighing, Jamir took hold of his long, red-golden hair in one hand while the other reached into his black jeans and pulled out a scrunchie. Tieing his hair as to not be swaying all around, he closed his eyes and snapped his fingers, a slim forest green colored metal frame attaching itself over his long sleeved grey shirt with a snug fit. However the design looked to have support towards the back where two metal bars lay next to each other on a horizontal track as a buckled strap hung on either side. Two heavy duty grapple clips rested at the top, bottom and side of the connecting points of the frame whereas the front portrayed a symbol of a dragon's fire spreading out in a wave.

''Hop on.'' Jamir plainly said.

''And what is that?'' Twilight poked a hoof at the contraption.

''A portable carrier me and Iron designed. It has a few helpful features: it provides a set of eyes in the back, a mini launcher, a small shield and in some cases: some mountain climbing gear.''

''So where do you think we should start?'' Spike asked as he turned his back to Jamir who bent down. The track retracting, Spike set his feet into the grooves as he strapped himself in.

''Hmm.'' Twilight pondered, looking to the palace for a time. Wait...the palace, that's it! ''Come on, I think I know where to go!''

''The palace? why go back there?'' Jamir wondered.

''Think about it for a second: none of the crystal ponies would ever think to come to palace, they were too afraid to. It stands to reason that the heart should be here.''

''Nice thinking, Twi!'' Spike praised. ''but I hope you're right.''

''For all our sakes, so am I.''

''So how much longer do we think we can keep this up?'' Rainbow harshly whispered to Applejack. ''I know i'm awesome, but there's only so much ol' Rainbow's willing to show off.''

''Hopefully not fer long.'' Applejack worried. ''Twilight and Jamir better hurry up with the heart. Ponies here are starting to get a little frisky.'' she viewed the few ponies desperately trying to sneak a look at the heart.

''I don't know, but this is starting to get to be just a little too much. Those guys better hurry up.''

''No, no, no, no!'' Twilight panicked. ''Not here, not here, not here!''

Turning into the throne room, the situation outside was anything but satisfactory.

''Maybe we're not looking at this the right way.'' Jamir figured. Looking at the throne, he figured the possibility of just taking a wild guess.

''Look the right way...look the right way.'' Twilight thought. ''Ha!That's it!''

''If the empire is filled with love and light, those things are reflected across Equestria...if hatred and fear take hold...''

Trotting over to the throne, Twilight concentrated her magic until her horn and eye turned a dark, almost nightmarish as she struck the center crystal and the floor revealed a hidden stairwell.

''Uh, was that supposed to happen?'' Jamir inquired.

''Yes.'' Twilight confidently stated. ''a little trick I learned from Celestia.''

Viewing down, a circular staircase spiraled down for miles into the darkness.

''Uh, guys we may want to hurry up: it's not looking so hot outside.'' Spike advised.

''I can't see much of anything, but we gotta get in gear,'' Jamir grabbed Twilight in his arms. ''let's be off, Chrysalis, you have your wings, so keep up.'' he jumped down, the wind pushing past his face as he soared through the shadows.

''What are you doing? We can't see anything!'' Twilight yelped, her horn providing a purplish tint.

''I second that, I signed up to be your apprentice, not to go splat like an egg!'' Spike whined from behind.

''Relax, I can see just fine.'' Jamir assured, his eyes slightly glowing. Around his central field of vision, jagged rocks and crumbling stairs did little to aid him as he knew where he was going. Spreading out his legs, a thin cylindrical corkscrew of green magic formed underneath his feet as he slid down the rest of the way, Chrysalis doing the same. Coming down to the end, an aged door lay in front of them. Setting Twilight down, Jamir walked over to the door, only to have it move away from him.

''What the hell?'' he cursed under his breath. Going over, the door did the exact same thing.

''Hey, hold still!'' a red telekinetic field halted the door for a few seconds before jumping forward to smack the human in the face.

''Why is this door acting so difficult? Sombra must placed some dark magic security measures as precaution, but how are we gonna...wait, dark magic, that's it.'' Twilight realized.

Playing back the recent memory of Twilight using said magic, a great chill overtook his body as a portion of the light residing within him attempted to force the foreign entity away.

''Come on.'' he thought. ''just a little bit.'' he struggled to control the small bits of green lightning seeping off his body.

''Jamir, be careful.'' Twilight's voice showed concern. Staving a reply off, bits of green and purple hues filled the human's eyesight as a pulling force pried at the back of his neck. Letting a primal growl escape his throat, a intake of air was sucked out of his lungs as the magic struck the door. Slowly prying it open, a bright light blanketed the room.

Unknown Location:

''I think you may be needing a larger concentration...no- tha-would be the correct... well, according to...he may not last much longer.'' a voice bounced in and out of Jamir's hearing. Groaning, his body felt...like air. He felt as if he could run forever and not be in slightest bit winded. But, what is this feeling below? Thin, rough and long. Opening his eyes, a dim light shone above his head. Looking over as best as he could, two people were speaking in hushed voices. One, a man clad in a black pair of slacks, shoes, and a night grey turtleneck on with short blonde hair, blue eyes and glasses talked to a woman in a pair of blue jeans, high top red shoes, gold and black hair and a dark grey spotted dress as her eye brown eyes stared on in intrigue. Looking down, Jamir tried to release himself from the leather straps that held him down to the operating table, but that only drew the attention of the two.

''Oh, is he awake?'' the man's voice had complete surprise with it. ''those sleeping pills should have knocked him out for the next 3 hours.''

''Sleeping pills? You drugged me?'' Jamir questioned. ''untie me this instant!''

''We can't do that, i'm afraid.'' the man spoke in an patronizing manner.

''And why is that?'' Jamir narrowed his eyes.

''Because.'' the woman spoke up. ''you're very sick.''

''N-No, t-that can't be!'' he thought ''Is that really?'' Feeling his head being turned up to the ceiling, he stared back at something he thought to be impossible, unthinkable, inconceivable: he stared...back at his own reflection. This cannot be possible, how can-

''M-Mommy?'' Jamir barely whispered. ''where are we?''

''...a-mir! Can you...ea-us? He-...on!'' a voice ringed in his mind.

''In a mental institute. You were mumbling something about a 'crystal empire' and 'King Sombra', but it's okay. You're gonna get the help you need.'' she nuzzled her son's short hair.

''No.'' he simply uttered. ''no, no, no, noooooooo!'' he broke down. A mighty throbbing pain swept through his mind, the feeling of no longer hearing the thoughts of Celestia and Luna no longer rung in his mind, his magic no longer blanketed his body with the protective aura he's come to be accustomed to. None of this made any sense to the human as his mind began to spawn a thought that seemed so plausible at the moment. What if-

Smack!

''Jamir, can you hear me?'' a voice sounded from nearby.

''Ugh.'' his voice sounded full of confusion and pain. ''T-Twilight? Is that you?'' adjusting, his eyes gazing at the worried unicorn's face.

''It's me, are you okay? You took one look at that door and we couldn't get a reaction from you. What happened?''

''I...saw something unreal. I woke up in a asylum or something. They told me that none of this was real, that I was all living a dream.'' tears began to form. ''I...thought that it was all f-fake.''

''So this door reveals your deepest fears, interesting.'' Chrysalis added.

''More like creepy.'' Spike shivered.

''It's okay.'' Twilight comforted Jamir. ''I assure you we're right here with you, you're not hallucinating and i'm not gonna fail my test!'' Twilight charged her horn and struck the crystal with a normal wavelength of magic, causing the door to behave differently and open. revealing a fleet of white, clean stairs. Sticking her head through, Twilight looked up, her jaw dropping at the sheer level of stairs they would have to traverse.

''Ugh, great. More stairs, well let's get a move on, I suppose.'' the human gathered his wits about him and slowly trudged up the staircase.

Copy Of A Copy

Location: Ponyville: Lavender's Diner, Dine Town:

As Celestia's sun bore past Ponyville with a slow ascent, the chirps of the birds along with the lively atmosphere of the town was soothing. Now with the Crystal Empire free of King Sombra's harsh rule and light restored across the land, all was calm for the time being. With the pair's quick thinking, Spike and Chrysalis delivered the heart to Princess Cadence when Twilight couldn't, not when she was trapped in the throes of Sombra's magic. The human stayed behind in trying to rescue the mare, only for her to make the ultimate decision much to Jamir's disagreement. The choice to leave, of course put a feeling even more powerful than the sharpest weapon on his mind.

Ever since, 2 weeks has passed with growing news from everyone that put a lot of things in play. First and foremost, most things around Ponyville changed for the better of all. Spike has been exuding signs of growth in a dragon, as noticed and explained by Kanaranx. His spines grew more sharp, claws a tad longer voice slightly more gruff as he could have been mistaken for a full grown stallion at times, body scales more tough and his fire more potent. Though this is only the beginning for him as the elder dragon explained.

''In a few more days, Spike'll have some minor cramps, mood swings, pretty much what occurred last time only a huge part of being a dragon will befall him; gaining his wings. When the time comes, you might want to have him a few hundred feet away from anypony else, so i'll take him to complete the process. Trust me, this is something none of of you want to see. A lot goes into this, with that said,'' Kanaranx looked to Spike. *''You remember Zoe?'' Spike nodded in confusion. ''She's gonna be involved in this, *a lot.''****

While that did sound a tad disturbing, Jamir understood where Kanaranx came from. Back in the Dragon Outlands, he and Twilight brushed up on proper dragon physiology in case of emergencies, such as this one. Around a certain age, dragons painfully and suddenly grow their wings as they prepare to move onto the next level of maturity and Spike's is fast approaching. At first, they were shocked to find out most adolescents gain their wings at the tender age of 17...Spike's age as of his birthday a few months ago. If Jamir learned any piece of information, it would be that his long assumed notions of the drake's age being less than what would be expected urged another perspective on matter.

Sitting down in their reserved booths, the human took controlled bites of his rib-eye steak, sided with a side of french fries, sauteed onion rings and cool cider. Normal circumstances dictated that Jamir would always take caution and show respect and eat meat inside to not show offense to the locals, but this was a justifiable exception to the rule; one of Applejack's cattle more or less had to be put down due to a incident concerning a rouge Timberwolf straying too far out with a foot infection following which led to the human putting the poor thing out of its misery. Plus, since Twilight gave meat a try, (and liked it.) he figured nothing worse could come about, yet he was wary of jinxes.

''So how do you think he's doing?'' Flashing Deck grew bored, running a hoof over the top of her cider mug. Another thing that happened during this dull period was the remainder of Jamir's team being 'free.' With breaking out of prison, he encountered and helped free Renoir, the mystic Zebra shaman, Battering Ram, the brute Earth pony, Flashing Deck, the trickster Unicorn, and Zareran: the Griffon leader of the group, they all had to pay for their crimes of betraying their respective lands with community service and a few days in the Canterlot penitentiary, they went free and could once again walk amongst as citizens again. However, the rest are currently enduring making up for lost time with training with Valiant and Iron will have them occupied.

''Miserable, these rites of passage he's doing sounds like one of the things some humans do to prove worth and that's also painful.'' Jamir dryly commented from their booth, his head laid to the side.

''And what is that?'' Chrysalis mimicked the human. Ever since word of her personal involvement of the restoration of the Crystal Empire, the changeling began to be treated and saw not as a monster among the townsfolk, instead slowly welcomed as part of society, not to say a select few still hold hate for whatever reason. As time passed on, she felt more confident in herself to turn around the general opinion with help from Jamir. A strenuous, lasting journey is ahead of the queen, but she is prepared for what is to come.

''Well, that would be-

''Circumcision?'' Frank chimed in for him.

''Ehh, close,'' Jamir waved his hand.

''The Algonquin Indians of Quebec?'' Frank tried again, a hopeful look on his face.

''Vanuatu Land Divers.''

''Oh...that's even worse.'' Frank grimaced. ''I may not be hungry anymore.'' he pushed the slice of lemon pie away.

''Last call for crepes!'' Lavender's voice yelled over to the right.

''Sold!'' the human's friend hopped over the counter and into the back, prompting a scream from a couple of the employees.

''That sounds fun,'' Flashing said, asking for another round.

''Trust me, it's not.'' the human twirled his long hair. ''It's more like-

''Ugh! Why can't I get this spell to work?'' Twilight called from the open-end side of the diner.

''Are you alright mommy?'' Lavender asked, slightly pouting. And who could forget about their daughter? The little bundle of joy has not only matured mentally but also in a physical sense. WIth Jamir's essence of magic at the time, the growth rate of their child was accelerated about 35% faster than the average foal. Already within a few months of being born, Amethyst grew to the current size of the CMC. ''Maybe you need to not focus so much on changing the apple right away, maybe get the basic shape out, then give it a go.'' That's another thing about her Jamir was proud of; her sense of analyzing things as she possessed slight more intelligence over the average foal and her human like nature as she adopted a few kid-friendly phrases from the only two humans there. Truly, she seems to take after both her parents.

''Yes, sweetie, it's just this spell is a toughie, but thank you for your input,'' she smooched her daughter on the forehead. ''but I feel lucky this time.'' Twilight smirked.

''About what?'' Jamir walked out, plate of food in hand as he tilted his head.

''Daddy!'' Amethyst hopped into her father's waiting arm as she rubbed noses together. ''what's that, meat?'' she grew giddy.

''Yes, and I know exactly what you're going to ask and the answer is no.''

''Why not, you and mommy eat it pretty much every other day!'' she folded her hooves together in unfairness.

''That's because I need to be big and strong to protect you, mommy, and the rest of our family.''

''Will there be a time where I *can** try it?''*

''Eh, Twilight, wanna back me up on this?'' the human urged.

''I agree with both of you: why don't you just let her try it once, she's bound to still be curious regardless, plus if she's really certain about this, then i'm willing to let her try, but honey you do know what doing that constitutes, right?'' Twilight wanted to assure as she took the plate out of the human's hand and took a bite.

''I do,'' she stated with a firm confidence. ''but daddy told how he got this, so it's okay with me.''

''Okay, how about if you can try and perform the transformation spell, than you can-

''Fun!'' a high-pitched voice shouted, tackling the unicorn to the dirt with a thud, forming a massive trail of dirt.

''Auntie Pinkie!'' Amethyst bounced up and down in Jamir's arms in joy.

''Nngh, Pinki~e, why'd y-you do that? You could have s-seriously hurt me,'' Twilight struggled to escape her friend's tight hold. ''what's the matter?''

''Oh, nothing!'' Pinkie waved a hoof in the air. ''just giving out hugs cause they're fantastic, especially when I throw one around a friend! Whatcha doing?''

''Just trying to do a certain transformation spell, what about you?''

''Don't you remember: i'm here for this little cutie!'' Pinkie drew Amethyst into a tickling fit.

''What for again?'' Jamir admitted, rubbing his head in forget. ''some party or something?''

''Can't tell you that, would ruin the surprise!'' Pinkie winked an eye and whispered to Amethyst.

Amethyst's smile brightened even more. ''Really?'' she looked to Pinkie for assurance.

A simple nod told all that was needed.

''Daddy, daddy! I need you to come with me!'' the human's daughter tugged at his hand.

''And just where are we going?'' Jamir inquired.

''Somewhere fun, but you just have to follow me! Mommy, can you come too?''

''Pinkie Pie, what did you tell her, never thought I would say this, but I do not trust the look in yours or Amethyst's eyes,'' Twilight held a suspicious stare.

''Come on, come on, come on,'' Ametyst nudged her father's legs. ''let's go!''

Twilight chuckled at her daughter's lively spirit.

''Alright, where to?''

''This way!'' Amethyst trotted off towards the general direction of Fluttershy's cottage.

''Wait up for me!'' Pinkie bounced after.

''Don't run too fast, honey!'' Twilight galloped with the pair.

''Gee, boss; looks like you got your work cut out for you, eh?'' Flashing walked outside with Chrysalis.

''It would appear so, but''- the human paused to look at the direction in which the trio sped off. ''you never regret a choice like the one I made. Well, you guys can just stay here and relax seeing as wherever she's taking us, Pinkie can't have too much of a crazy idea.''

...

''You're lying, aren't you?'' Chrysalis raised a brow.

''Was it that easy to deduce?'' Jamir secretly hoped they wouldn't catch on. Even though he passed his test, 100% of his faith was needed to be put into all the girls to him to grow. He would never openly admit in such a manner, but he does hold this lingering doubt for a valid reason, one he chose to talk about, at least not when there are more things to worry for.

Breaking out in a run, shoes met dirt as a dust trail formed, the human attempting to cover more ground by launching off the balls of his feet.

***

The small, but quaite village of Sandgen was better known for one purpose: the true way of discerning dragons from the weaklings. Every few decades or so, a group of young ones are chosen to see if they are worthy to make the next step in life. However, for the coming years, less and less participants have shown lack of sacrifice and honor that goes into the process. By day, it highly resembles a mixture between a valley infused with bits of a living culture as the clouds slowly swept over the land, showing the detailed architecture put into this massive temple.

Ever since they departed, Spike once again felt a tinge of confusion, pain, and most of all: hope. Hope that whatever the hell awaits him will be quick and to the point, however, after what Kanaranx informed him of, this would and will be anything but. For whatever reason, Radiance also tagged along saying this would be a special occasion and marvel to watch.

''So what's the deal?'' Spike called over the growing winds. ''Some kind of ritual?''

''Eh, more or less,'' Kanaranx shrugged his shoulders best he could with the human's transport pack. ''but way more pain and rules.''

Wait, rules?

''You may want to imagine what happened with Jamir in the outlands and multiply that times 5. The ancients do not dally when it comes to matters such as this, so you would do best to prepare yourself for pure hell,'' Raidene chipped in a sorrowful frown.

''And just what does that mean?''

The two dragons snickered before responding.

''Just whatever you do,'' Kanaranx's smile turned serious. ''show proper respect.''

Touching down, an old looking column building was in front of them, sounds of faint music coming from within. Walking with a sense of knowing, the older dragons adopted a look of blankness as each step the young drake took felt it could be his last.

''Ho!'' a mighty voice roared with power, unsettling a few loose pebbles to the ground. A chorus of similar kiais rang out, Spike feeling it in a literal sense of a stab to the heart as he began to lose his composure.

Spike immediately clutched his arms, a wave of shivers running throughout his body as he began to curl up from that sudden shout, but how?

''W-What's hap-pening to me?''

''Relax, you're fine.'' Kanaranx deadpanned, not bothering to crack a remark.

''Easy there, just your first time being here, so naturally you're confused. That was a pure wave of Exceed or more known as the living flame inside a dragon's flame, a key and essential part that all our kind possess with many capabilities,''Radiance balled his claw into a tight fist to the point where it began to glow a bright sky blue before a gem that looked to be forged from the very sky itself phase from his body.

''This is a P.U.R.E. beacon, Spike. To put it to where I can level with you, what I am holding is the modern day equivalent of a heart and brain. You already know we have two hearts, but this is so much more than you can imagine, keep that in mind as we go in.''

Nudging the dragon ahead, a wind chime tinkled past the steady winds as the trio descended past a row of 20 dragons all clad in unique robes, the black base accented by the varying rippling waves of pure fire surrounding the central chest, arms and legs. They appeared to be going through the motions of Tai Chi forms with tesson fans, executing the moves with flawless precision, all leading to keeping a talisman in the air.

''Excellent,'' a voice called from the front. ''you all seem to grasp the importance of teamwork as you predecessors so carelessly thought so little of.'' a verdant dragon with a beard specked with hints of white praised with semi-content look of satisfaction. Sniffing the air, a bewildered look alerting him to a foreign disturbance.

''Who dares to invade the spectral sanctum when our daily...ah, two of my more prided students,'' a smile showed past the obvious old age, ''and who, prey tell is this with you?''

''Master Dai, apologies for not informing you face to face, but we needed to make certain that-

''No explanation is required, young Kanaranx, for I knew of your intentions. It appears we have a youngling at the peak of his maturity who is ready to his wings, but must first prove worthy. Step forward, young one.''

Stifling a sneeze, all eyes focused on Spike and what he would do, but why here, why now? All he wanted was to quell these stupid pains before he's tempted to drive a knife into his scales.

''That would not be wise as even at your delicate age sharps metals will do next to nothing,'' Master Dai explained. ''but a more pressing matter is needed. Proceed down these stairs to the chamber to begin. However, contemplate this for me: how did we rule so long ago, how have we moved along as a species?''

*Strange, wonder what he meant by that. Spike tossed that statement to the back of his mind. Going past the disciplines with the proper respect, a staircase led down a bright lit tunnel with rows of charred torches, talismans, and a large circular well flowing with pristine water rippled to a standstill, Radiance and Kanaranx taking a wooden ladle and essentially cleansing themselves, vapor trails billowing off of them like smoke.*

''What is-

''No time to explain, just do as we do and be quick about it Spike,'' Kanaranx clapped his claws twice, a deafening ping causing his ears to curl up almost instantly.

''Yep,'' Kanaranx groaned, eyes watering. ''still good.''

''And I as well,'' Radiance noted, producing sparks as he grinded his teeth together. With each passing moment, Spike felt even more and more confused. Why the cleansing, why the dark cave and why...does it smell like topaz dust? Hold on, wait a minute.

''Spike, wait!'' Kanaranx called after the drake who sped down the jagged stairs, a light with growing intensity blinding him.

''Whoa.'' Spike draw a gasp. ''t-this is...

Across his central field of vision lay a magma plain, the seas of of raging fire splashing against the cooled obsidian shores. Bits of ash and soot trickled down onto Spike's body rather quickly, a wave of heat swirling throughout. Before a word could be uttered, a massive wave of lava jutted up, a low roar pierced the very air itself, causing a ringing vibration to set the drake on his backside.

''What the?

Crack!

A sudden deformity in his left arm left him breathless to think before the same happened to his tail, bending in such a direction that the small ridges and bumps on each of his scales produced a quick second of friction, long enough to cause an explosion that slammed Spike's into the wall.

''Ugh.'' trying to get back up, a consistent humming tore past his entire being, every part slowly impacting on itself to the point where tiny voices filled his thoughts.

''Get a grip, man.'' Spike's subconscious scolded. *''we don't have time for this,''*

Splash!

''You idiot, why would you do that? I told you to follow me, not run off! Now you've gone and done it,'' Kanaranx panicked.

''Done what?'' Spike hissed in pain. ''it was only-

''Blood.'' a voice laced with curiosity spoke. ''new blood...'' footstep after monstrous footstep shook the very ground itself. revealing a majestic titan in the sense of his size. The many scales protruding from the body made it seem like a walking tank. Blood red eyes pierced through the entire plain as rows of sharp, pointed teeth dripped saliva. Expanding his great wings, his maw expanded to show fire slowly forming molten liquid.

''Hmm.'' the titan sounded amused, spewing a bit of molten liquid to the floor. ''I should have known you two would come here at one point or another...but who- '' he brought his head to Spike's level, his nose easily blowing off the mountain of growing soot. -''is this?''

Fear.

Pure, unmistakable fear stuck to Spike's face. Working to wipe the sweat from his face, he stood his proverbial ground in telling the titan.

''Spike.''

''And who is your mentor?''

''Jamir Johnson, otherwise known as: The Human,''

A faint, but noticeable gasp left the dragon's mouth as he hummed.

''So you look up to the one who spared my little brother? He truly must be powerful to smite one of the 3,''

''3 what?'' Spike asked.

''The mightiest dragons in all history of our entire species.''

Alone Time

Location, Ponyville: 2 weeks later:

''Whew.'' Twilight collapsed on the bed. ''that was too much for one day,''

''Agreed.'' Jamir flopped down besides her. ''I almost thought I went crazy for a moment.''

In all fairness, that statement alone drove a wedge in both their heads. After following Amethyst's and Pinkie's judgement led them to the Mirror Pond, a place of old lore that Pinkie unknowingly brought about a virus to Ponyville, completely metaphorical of course. However, the whole ordeal left not a lot with open choices.

''How in the wide,wide world of Equestria did all this happen?'' Twilight murmured from her place on the human's chest, the smell of her strawberry shampoo reaching his nostrils. ''But, I have to ask: how did you know which was the real Pinkie?''

''As fate would have it,'' Jamir rubbed small circles on Twilight's smooth back. ''I just so recalled a certain thing only the real Pinkie would know: the nickname she gave me,''

All seemed well at the start of this, with small things than further moving to hysterics in the blink of an eye. Surely if anyone get a kick out of this, it would be Amethyst, speaking of which is now over at Sweet Apple Acres with the CMC, the same routine of striving for their cutie marks, ruling out anything related to heights.

Even though the real Pinkie rescued and copies returned, efforts to clean up the initial 'mayhem' has been fruitful. Now as the human and unicorn relaxed in the bed, a status report came via telepathy.

''Boss,'' Flashing Deck spawned into his thoughts. ''the cleanup is nearly done, anything else you need done?''

''Not really, tell the rest of our team to meet me back at base in a few hours, we have some time until Spike's trial is over, so we need to prep to pick him up so I can see the ritual,'' That was another thing as well. Spike's ritual is nearly in completion, during the entire 2 and a half weeks that passed, he sent letters informing him of all he learned about his species in such a short time, though the most surprising to the human was the P.U.R.E beacons, the concept of Exceeds, the first dragons ever recorded: The Exceed Gods and their descendants: the old, spiritual race of the true dragons: The Ryuu and how he managed to take on and spare the 3rd most powerful dragon in recorded history.

Not so much as a few hours ago, Jamir received a letter informing him of the last step needed before he can officially have the honor of being crowned a proper member of his race not only in front of his fellow peers, but also the one who got him to this point, so he could not have been happier.

''Anything else?''

''Put me through to Chrysalis: I want to see how she's doing with leading this whole operation,''

''I would say she's coming along very nice: but are you sure about giving her this much leeway this early on?'' Flashing grew concerned. ''Me and they guys have been working for you for almost a year and not once has any of us been given a choice to doubt your judgement, but i'm just a little worried,''

A valid question: even though Chrysalis turning her image around did a little at a time at repairing her pride, yet another obstacle is put in front.

''Yes.'' the human assured. ''no ill will has been placed upon her, so there should be no reason for her to retaliate,''

''Roger that.'' Flashing resigned. ''Redirecting magical telepathic emission wave in 3...2...1...now.''

A small click echoed before a miniscule hum grew to the intensity of a whistle in a second, a new voice filling the brainwaves.

''Hello?''

''Chrysalis, it's me.''

''Yes, my lord?'' the changeling's voice carried a sense of longing. That was another recurring issue: Chrysalis. As so elegantly stated during a period of time where the two could be alone, she explained how the Changelings as a whole species is dying, and not in the form of love loss. On average, a changeling can have a lifespan up to 7 years(more or less 105 in human years from this certain situation.) due to their enhanced metabolism and hormones. Already at age 2, that equal 30 human years. The point of this being the total population dropped horrendously from 1,500,000 strong to a mere 5,000 in a matter of months by an cause not even completely understood by the queen.

At that point, the changeling were officially placed on the 'endangered species' list. Thanks to her mother's efforts in the past that kept a age-old secret of gaining a few years back now proved impotent. Facts had to be realized, the truth uncovered and aid needed: Chrysalis was failing as a queen. She let her subjects down, lost faith in herself and most of all: was slowly becoming the same as the others. She needed love to survive as well and not a lot was given back, which brings up the central point of the human's discomfort. During the period of Shining Armour and Princess Cadence's wedding, Jamir was shown not only the queen's entire life played from start to present day like a video tape, but also her emotions, available to him like a book.

It revealed many things: her innermost fears, desires, doubts. But she took the metaphorical punches as they came and besides...it's not as if she can do anything to put her in a better setting. However as to the case of her questionable speech pattern would have to be later explained, but from the human's deduction,(something he already could tell a mile away.) Chrysalis was calling him proper names out of respect, fear, and most of all: an instinctual need to do so.

''How goes the recovery efforts?''

''Nears completion, I also was informed about young Spike's well-being, are we to make haste?''

''That would be appreciated,'' the human found relief of knowing that the disaster neared its end. ''after you finish up there, you can head to Canterlot to check on your subjects, but before you do...''

''Yes?''

''If you see Frank, tell him this acronym: H.S.W.T.B.D.S. **you know the rest.* Trust me he'll understand,''*

''Very well, and what of you?''

''I will be otherwise engaged, nothing too big, so you can rest easy,''

''Very well,'' the message cut short after that, leaving a pause on Jamir's end. Sighing, the steady rhythm of his and Twilight's breathing were the only things outweighing the chirps of the birds outside.

''So that's been taken care of,'' Jamir sounded off in a bored fashion. ''any ideas on what to do?''

''Nothing really comes to mind: Spike's in Sandgen Village, Princess Celestia and Luna are handling a private talk with some delegates, the girls are busy finishing last minute clean-ups, Amethyst is with the crusaders and that's about it. It's just us...all alone,'' Twilight made a pouty face to Jamir. His eyes widening, that soon turned into a devilish grin.

''Yes.'' his hands slowly reached down to Twilight's back, rubbing small circles as a tease. ''what are we to do?'' he whispered so close to the mare that he could feel her quickened breathing.

''Let's find out,'' Twilight ensnared the human in a kiss, cutting off any room to further discuss the topic. Using her forehooves to prevent him from moving away, the embrace was furthered by the introduction of their tongues swirling around one another for control of the other. Figuratively slashing and striking brought moans of pleasure from the pair.

''Mmmmph!'' Twilight moaned, her flanks being massaged ever so lovingly. Leaning into the kiss more, the human's enthusiastic nature was not unnoticed by Twilight. An audible POOF! and the garments obstructing her advance were removed.

Breaking away from the tongue wrestling, a heavy blush spread across Twilight's face as a lavender hoof glided down Jamir's chest.

''You know something,'' she admired the human's body with hunger, her hips slowly grinding back and forth. ''I never got to pay you back in kind for what happened in the Crystal Empire, remember?''

While she brought up a valid point, Jamir had a hard time discerning which she was talking about.

''Was it me being underneath your flank or me not abiding by your wishes to leave when Sombra attacked?''

''Both,'' she breathed out, dragging her long tongue across the human' face. ''so, you can start by pleasuring me first.''

''Of course, your wish is my command.'' Jamir growled, flipping Twilight over to her back as he towered over, his pride standing at full attention. Bringing a hand down to her lower half, a sticky substance covered his hand.

''You got aroused just from kissing? You dirty mare.''

''O-Oh yeah, what about you? How can you explain that throbbing erection of yours?'' Twilight quipped.

Not choosing to respond, the human smirked before diving his into her folds. Using his thumbs to pry open her vaginal lips, the fleshy insides bore a light pink, the muscles twitching wildly as more fluid slipped out. Breathing a sharp exhale, Twilight's back arched before slumping back down, a small pea-sized nub popping out from the top.

''You were saying?'' Jamir eyed the mare, a cheshire grin present.

''I-I-just-

''Shh.'' he held a finger to his lips. ''Let me take care of you. Just sit back and relax in the pleasure, hon.'' Without another word, a immediate gasp of pleasure came from Twilight, relishing the feeling of the human probing her with his fingers.

''Come on, you know I don't like teasing!'' Twilight bucked her hips forward, seeking more stimulation. ''I told you t-t-that- Ommp! A~a-ahhhh~,'' Twilight whined, the squishing of fingers inside her drove the mare crazy.

Choosing to be daring, Jamir added four fingers to the mix while his thumb furiously rubbed past Twilight's clitoris as the other gripped her horn and mouth engulfed hers in a kiss.

The effect was instant.

''Mmmph!'' Twilight jutted upward, every fiber of her being restraining her from going primal and losing all sense of self. Instead, she could only sit there and bask in the intense stimulation. Panting like a dog in heat, the feeling of her horn being stroked sent electric shocks all about, lighting her eyes up and sweat glands on overdrive.

''Darn it!'' Twilight scrambled her thoughts. ''If h-he keeps this up, t-hhen i'm gonna~!''

''Ahh!'' Twilight howled in ecstasy, riding her orgasasm as a wave of her fluids coated the bed and human's hand. Taking a moment to come down from her high, the mare slumped to the covers, parts of her mane obstructing her sight.

''T-that w-was a-a-amazing~'' Twilight spasmed occasionally.

''I do try my best,''

''Now it's my turn,'' a playful smile crept across Twilight's face. Getting up and over to the foot of the bed, a field of magic dragged the human's legs to the base, resulting in him sitting down, his erection standing at full attention, the veins and head pulsing wildly.

''And what do you intend to do?'' Jamir raised a brow.

''Your favorite.'' Twilight slowly ran a hoof up and down the shaft. ''give you a blowjob with a lot of tongue,'' she opened her mouth, letting it loll out of her mouth, strands of saliva present.

''T-That's not true,'' Jamir looked away, a blush adorning his face.

A teasing chuckle deterred the human as he was put in place.

''You really want to test that theory? Fine by me.'' was all she said before sighing.

''What do you m-m-ean?~'' the feeling of her unusually long tongue going against the tip brought a rather questionable squeal from his mouth.

The human goes to try and stop Twilight, but her magic restrains his hands and feet as he's left powerless to move.

''O-Okay, y-you've proved your point,'' Jamir groaned. ''but don't you think this is a little too much?''

Twilight locked eyes with Jamir's and smirked.

''Nope.'' she suddenly coiled around the shaft, the thousands of tiny bumps known as taste buds amplifying the pleasure. Steadying him with her forehooves, she swirled her mouth around before letting a pool of spit cover the entirety of his member. Starting from the sack up, she dragged upwards. Painfully slow. Sounds of sucking, bobbing and grunting drove the human overboard as beads of sweat coated his forehead.

''T-Twi, i'm gonna!''

At hearing those words, Twilight quickly dove underneath, targeting his weakest spot.

''Ngnngh! N-nooo, ugh!'' the rhythmic sensation of her magic jerking the human's shaft, swirling his tip and massaging his sack while her tongue prodded his asshole.

Relishing in the feeling of her lover releasing his essence into her throat brought a hum of contentment to her mind. Being careful to not spill a drop, she greedily swallowed what was given. Eagerly bobbing her head back and forth, she could feel every tiny muscle constrict and retract.

''Oh man, t-that was amazing,'' Jamir panted. ''I always forget how...you take a lot of things seriously.''

''Mm-hmm.'' Twilight agreed, her mouth full. Moving up to open her mouth that resembled thick whipped cream before closing her mouth and swallowing once again.

''And you should know this by now,'' Twilight snuggled into the human's chest.

''We're not done yet, are we?''

''Not by a long shot, so stop talking and come embrace me,'' Twilight sat on her back, revealing her moist flower, dripping with anticipation.

''As you wish.'' the human forced his way inside with minimal resistance, the gripping of Twilight's insides throwing Jamir for a loop to the point where he can feel suction.

''D-Damn, Twi,'' he grabbed her flanks. ''w-what did you-

''Do?'' she interrupted. ''j-just a little spell, that's all. When I said I would p-pay you back, I m-meant it.'' without another word, Twilight leaned forward, clutching her rear muscles, effectively drawing more of the human's inside her.

''Gaaah!''

''It's pointless to resist: I have you right where I want you, besides we both know you want and I need this.'' Twilight exited until the tip and pushed back, something akin to a little girl's scream before another wave of ejaculation flowed throughout her caverns. Shaking with pleasure, her excitement flowed down her legs as the human collapsed over her, shivering.

Finding a bit more strength within, her horn came to light like a candle, forcing the human out on the bed.

''Ha...ha....ha...now that was amazing,'' Jamir begin to catch his breath.

''W-who s-said it was over? We have plenty of time before we set out to get Spike, and I intend to wring you dry.'' a look of rage lust took over the mare's face.

''Oh, come on we-Mmmph!'' any further protests were cut off with Twilight dragging him to the covers for another kiss.

Location: Sandgen Library of contemplation:

''Come now, young Spike, you have but 1 hour to brush up your skills of all you have learned these past 2 weeks in order to prove your worthiness of gaining your wings,'' Master Dai pointed out as the pair came in front of a ancient statue of a 6-winged titan peering over a smaller pair of 12 others with four-wings, expect two bowing to the beast, a white and black circle, each dotted with a splotch of the opposing color in the titan's chest.

''Wait a minute, over there to the right, isn't that Shirai, the dragon I met in the cavern and?-

''Yes, The Opposer, the one whom you informed me that was spared by your mentor. And to the left of him is the guardian of Sandgen, Shirai,''

''So they really are Exceed Gods,'' Spike whispered.

''Of course, but there is a more pressing matter here, young student: your test. Over the small period of time I have been blessed to spend with you, your actions have shown me more in 10 years time of how true dragons are than I could ever hope to know on my own. You have had a great upbringing with this 'Twilight Sparkle' as your guardian and even more since the Human, Jamir came along and took you under his tutelage. I hold no doubt in my heart that you will prevail in the final course. May the Great One, Firezen-Kei Suchi Mikagura, the one Exalted God shine her glorious light upon you to your path to victory.''

Present Day:

That talk was a week ago, however. Now as Spike looked at the village from a high point from uptop a cliff, he felt a another lingering feeling of doubt. What if his training would fail him, how would he show his face should he fail? Or worse: would he even survive? How-

''Hey,'' a soothing voice called. ''you okay?'' Looking over, Zoe sat besides the drake, a worried look present.

''Yea,'' Spike shrugged, still not used to the gruffness of his new voice. ''last minute jitters.''

''Look, I know you're nervous, so am I: but it's not all that bad,'' Zoe comforted.

''Oh yeah, how?'' he wanted to hear this.

''Well...you have me here with you, don't you?''

''I-I do?''

''Of course,'' she slugged Spike in the shoulder, eliciting, a groan of annoyance. ''we have to stick together no matter what, right?''

''You won't abandon me? Like, for real?''

A quick kiss on the lips supposedly told the drake all he needed to know.

''Do you remember when we made these together?'' Zoe lifted a golden chain from her neck, a flame-shaped crux with half of a rainbow gem missing. Holding the same to his neck, the other piece looked to fit with hers to a t.

''Those who find a special connection should do their best to preserve that by combing their flames together, initiating a permanent bond,'' he recalled.

''That's right,'' Zoe's gaze shifted to the sunset in the distance. ''we should get going, it's almost time.''

''Right.''

Formal and Informal training

Ryuu

Showdown

It...was time. Time for yet another of the select few to earn their stripes. Some trained decades to be allowed for this opportunity. Others spoke lies, killed, and worse of all: fell victim to the glorious light of justice. The very few stand at the precipice of glory.

''Hey, we're up,''

All bets are off when the chosen fill the role.

''I-Is it our turn? Already? What about-Noooooooo!''

This is the ultimate and most difficult choice one is to make while for this line of work.

''Mikagura, help me!''

At most every...centennial or so, 100 worthy dragons come to participate in this sacred and time-honored challenge. For some, this is death. For others, life. For those in between only seek what their pride allows them.

''This will not be your average day in the pits, battling over amethyst or peridot! No! No, what you now face is tantamount to your will being scripted. Ash will fall, scales break at the mere thought, but most of all: those who survive will laugh and spit upon your corpse as Mikagura accepts our offering by defiling and eating your bodies while the faintest speck of your life remains!''

''YEAH!''

''Are you ready to experience pain unlike you've even known?''

''YEAH!''

''Do you want to be immortalized in fame?''

''YEAH!''

''I can't hear you!''

''YEAH!''

''Then...let's stir up some murder,''

Sandgen Village, The Circle: 15:30 P.M.

Spike's Pov.

The booming announcement came from Shirai, traces of his metallic breath clinging to my nose as he adjusted to changing to his Exceed form: Scrap Fire Dragon.

Even the smallest of movements prompted multiple pieces of folded metal slowly shift and turn to conform finishing the last few parts of his face. The entire sight of hearing gears whiz and pistons compress, Kanaranx walked over, laying a claw on my slumped shoulder.

''We gotta move, you know. A second past the start time and you can consider all you've worked for to be for nothing,''

''Damn,'' I muttered under my breath. ''Why I do I feel-

''Scared?''

''No!'' I leaped up from the warm rock I sat underneath. ''I-I-I...Yea.'' my thoughts ran short. ''Weren't you?''

Smiling, he urged me forward to the rustic cliff that formed over the majestic, yet deadly looking pool of I assumed to be either poison or acid. Swirling vortexes of the mysterious fluid evaporated into the air, creating a thick haze that restricted even a dragon's heightened sense of sight provided a dim hue of blue as others were torn between being thrown or jumped into the unknown.

''You will never fully understand the pain I went through unless you do it yourself. That being said, you have some company on the other side,'' Kanaranx ruffled his wings before the world did a 360 and the sudden feeling of weightlessness took my senses over. Rapidly seeing his frame become smaller and smaller told me all.

''Kanaranx, you bastard!''

''Try not to curl up: trust me it won't help!''

Exhaling a swift breath of air, I lost control of all primary motor functions as my mind registered what he did. Doing my best to look underneath, the void was closing in fast: at this rate, I should hit in the next few seconds.

Ten...

Nine...

Eight...

Seven...

Six...

Five...

''Raaaaaahhhhh! Let's get this started!'' a deep voice rumbled from above. Hearing a mixture of train brakes screeching and The Royal Canterlot Voice forced my ears to twist. Looking past the black splotches filling my vision, as well the many screams of those below, the massive form of metal, scrap material, and wait...that's Shirai!

''W-Wait!'' I tried to shout out, but my throat suddenly convulsed.

Seeing inside of the speeding titan's mouth, an assortment of blades, flesh, scales and still blinking e-eyes looked back at me. Opening his maw, a stream of white fire sped in my path.

''Crap!''

Using my arms to shield the blast, the intensity gave me instant whiplash, like using a sledgehammer to kill a fly. The fire stuck to my scales, which I expected to burn me but, it was common knowledge that dragon scales repel 95.8% of all fire, so I had no real reason to panic.

''See you on the other side!'' a voice shouted past the wind. Looking over to my right, I saw it was Kanaranx and Zoe, smiling.

''Aren't you scared?'' I managed to get my aching throat to cooperate.

''Meh.'' they shrugged their shoulders.

Before I could offer a rebuttal, my eyes began to feel heavy, so very heavy. Reaching a throbbing claw to the sky as to call upon a divine force to aid me, Shirai's fiery pupils cast a insane look before every part of me cracked like a acorn and the world went dark.

***

I awoke to a slew of feelings. Intense headaches unlike nothing before, my heart pounding like a thousand diamonds being shattered, a sense of wicked vertigo, and to top it all off: I feel cold and sticky. Doing my best to not let tears leave my eyes, I slowly regained my vision to see the ground on the ceiling. Or is it ceiling on the ground? Hmmph, I can't tell what's what anymore.

''Oh, hey: he's up,'' a small voice called. Past that was a fit of uncontrollable snickering through the other's voice.

''Let's fucking do this: about to be so damn priceless,''

''W-Who's there?'' I nearly fainted from the blood rush.

''Mommy dearest, who else would it be? Just kidding, it's your friendly neighborhood dragon: Kanaranx!''

''Hah...hah...explains the laughing, b-but why~?''

''We should let you 'feel' for yourself, but promise me you won't freak...okay?'' Zoe sounded neutral, I wonder. Taking my claws and putting it to my head, my breath instantly hitched.

No, no that can't be right, could it?

Reaching over to my kneecaps, the same result. My back, feet, even my privates: gone. I...I'm naked!

''How did this happen?'' my question finally came through the searing pain. ''And why aren't you like this?''

''The portal, it basically skinned and rolled you like a rotisserie,'' Kanaranx admitted. ''Plus, I already did this, so i'm exempt from that grossness.''

Taking a better look at my surroundings, I found we were engulfed in a massive void of sorts, a body of water surrounding us as we sat on a rock, sparkles of glistening astral dust touched onto the still sea with the still statues ahead.

Looking up, it was revealed that Shirai held me up by a chain. Before I could provide my two bits, he let me flop onto the cold rock before looking the other way.

Giving myself a once over, my body resembled that of a naked mole rat, only more oily and constant throbbing pain. Casting aside the sightseeing, Master Dai stood some distance away, in a pure white robe and gripped a golden staff, adorned with two snake heads encased in obsidian and various jewels in one claw whilst the other traced magic symbols in the air before setting it down.

''Hmm, so only a few survived...well, it appears this batch was weak as well,'' he said with a unsatisfactorily tone. ''However, for those who did make it through, you have just passed through what I refer to as The Wringer. This, as some of you may know is a holy place, and no earthbound impurities are allowed in: which is why your scales and unmentionables are gone. A blank slate has potential to be the very things of legend while imperfect stones are useless, worn out and unsightly,'' he looked mildly disgusted. ''The fact that you're barely standing here means that Mikagura has decided to register those who she deems worthy enough! to become part of the sacred and prestigious race of special dragons with exceptionable abilities: The Ryuu. There are 3 steps in earning what you want most: the first of which you have already done: being here. Now the rest falls onto you,'' Master Dai struck the water like a stone, a lone pinging echoing for the longest time, then something happened.

A low rumbling displaced the water, so much that the structure behind it looked as tall as a mountain before shaping into a white shimmering anvil.

''That is what will subsequently make or break you if you wish to return to the physical world, failure to do so results in immediate sacrifice.''

Letting his words sink in, I somehow got even more of a problem in speaking with all this. But, so far all that i've trained for can't go to waste, it just can't.

''...So, now that all who survived are here, let us get started with the second step. Any volunteers?''

''Oh, Master!"' Kanaranx gleefully shouted. ''I know who: Garble!''

Wait, who?

Looking to my left, a dragon with the same look as me, only more slender and lanky with red eyes. But man, did he barely pass the threshold.

Staggering to get up, the gems of Master Dai's staff began to glow before the snake heads lunged at him, wrapping around his arms and forcing him to a sitting position.

''Let us see the fruits of your labor then,'' the snake heads wormed around his back and forced the flesh on his shoulder blades wide open, revealing parts of his cracked spinal cord, and even a bit of his scorched hearts. Reaching inside, Master Dai forcefully pulled back past the cartilage to show the still attached and beating lungs covered in blood.

''Hmm, it appears we still have a-

''Aaaaaahhhh! Please make it stop!''

''A weed in our midst...nevertheless, we will proceed with the ritual anyways,'' he stood up, effortlessly yanking out the lungs and commanding the snakes to carry Garble in the air over to the anvil. Gripping his staff with renowned vigor, electric pulses began to spark wildly before showering the skies.

Bringing the staff overhead, Dai said nothing else as the only sounds filling the air was Garble's pained screams that gave me a migraine just watching a wasted cause be tortured. With every swing of the staff brought more pain as he took an apparent pleasure in cooking his entire body as blood, tears, and even Ugh! fecal matter leaked out. Each slam of the staff produced a whistling sound that picked up as pieces of his skin formed at the seams, as if he's rebuilding the scales over again.

''This is...

''Painful, sad, boring, a pain in the ass and completely needed for you to be considered a Ryuu and leave here? Yep, right on my nose,'' Kanaranx dryly commented, being so bored that he walked on his hands the entire he said that. ''By the way, your friend there-

''He's not my friend.'' I interrupted, momentarily putting aside his suffering to remember what he did back in Ponyville.

''Anyways! he's going to become what like to call in the spiritual sense: a Fallen. And before you ask, that is the literal manifestation of negative emotions somehow stored away inside to not face their demons later on, or how I call it: someone who clings to petty squabbles and ignore Master Dai's training,''

''Wait.'' Zoe looked confused. ''Why is-

''I wasn't done talking yet! Shit!'' Kanaranx kicked a rock in anger. ''You can't cut off your elders like that or I ought to-

''Ought to what, Kanaranx?'' Shirai's fangs sparked to life.

''Ought to make sure I get you that you medium-rare venison you are so fond of,'' the dragon chuckled before backing away. Seeing this happen in his mind, Shirai looped his tail around Kanaranx's and held him in the air.

''Come now, Rai. We both know that I would whup your ass in a race. And said race would involve roasting you.''

The look into the god's eyes told me a long and surprising short story. Unfurling his wings, Shirai took flight, dragging a unfazed Kanaranx with him.

''Time for a roast session, give us about an hour or two, kay?''

That statement alone gave me a pretty clear idea of how long that would take. Looking back over to what was happening with Garble, and believe you me it was not good. At this, he has to be on the verge of death or already there seeing the lack of trying anymore. He...didn't look so hot, now i'm starting to reconsider doing this. W-What if I don't-

''Hey.'' Zoe's voice echoed past the crashing waves. ''You okay?''

Going back on something Jamir said to me when we were in the Griffon Kingdom's jail, it gave me a perspective on the matter.

''I'm scared every single time I fight because I can't know my opponent's next move, so I resort to taunting when it calls for it. Scared of using magic because I know not if it will implode me at a moment's notice. A bunch of other things are the same, but the one thing I will never be afraid to do is do what I have to protect the ones I care about and that goes for you too. Never hesitate when that moment comes.''

''Of course,'' I said with complete confidence. ''As long as I have that promise in my head and you by my side, I can go through anything.''

''Oh, Spike,'' Zoe embraced me in a hug. ''Let's face this together, okay?'' Taking her hand in a death grip, I smiled back.

''Say the word.''

Before that could happen, a brilliant gold light shone from above, blanketing the void with a brilliant light as the void turned a pale brown, a enormous figure descending from the thicket of clouds. Growling with a sense of majestic pride, the size paled in comparison to Shirai.

In that one moment, I took a glance and found myself bowing my head at the sheer size of her aura. She feels even stronger than Jamir and Twilight in terms of raw magic. Before I did so however, Master Dai was the only other one able to face the...I can't even describe it.

''Mikagura, we humbly request that you take pity on who has managed to make it this far by allowing him passage to the other side,''

Sniffing the still smoking muscle of what remained of Garble, the very embodiment of our entire existence prodding his midsection the most pristine, shining teeth i've ever seen and tossed him into the air, putting very little effort into carving his body in half expert precision, his lower half sent flying towards us.

''I think i'm gonna be-ugh! sick,'' Zoe buried her head in my chest.

''You and me both,'' I kept a slew of...questionable words to myself. Casting a look to what was left, blood stained the crystalline rock. Slivers of his long, as well small intestine lay strewn out haphazardly, the pungent smell of half-digested deer straining my nostrils. Unprofitable bite marks went clean down the stomach, pieces of his stool and urine forcing me to move over. A lot. Finding this moment to be as good as any, I carefully clasped Zoe's ears as I spoke.

''And you called me a rookie? Well, now we know who had more mettle.''

Shaking that off, I carried my partner forward to go next on this, paying no mind to the rapid hissing and subsequent splatter of his remains across this place.

''...You...have potential, young one.''

''Huh?'' I stopped in my tracks to address the voice above called. Looking to the sky, the only thing visible was the golden clouds as well a silhouette, as of who I can only guess.

''Spike?''

''...No time remains, you have before the stroke of midnight to complete the ritual, or else you will be here for all eternity, left to wither with the undying flames. I will call upon you once again, but only when you gained a new insight...''

''Spike!'' Zoe called from ahead, laying down on the golden anvil. ''Hurry!''

Ever since I trained with Jamir, and even with Master Dai, my speed increased a whole boatload. I could cover the distance it would take to get to Canterlot city limits from The Library(1 hour, 10 minutes.) in about 33 minutes, so squashing what looked to be half a mile took 20 seconds.

Paying attention to the giant forge from this perspective told me of the intricate design. Scales, magical circles, and even inscribed names plagued the base. Hopping on, the surface would normally felt like iron, but instead was the complete opposite.

A soft feeling overtook my body. The material could be compared to silk or satin. I wonder if-

''Ahem.'' a swift voice pierced the air. ''I hope you are prepared for this, I would hope you hold no earth-bound desires or grudges as you may just end up like him.''

''No, Master.'' Zoe shook her head. ''We are ready.''

''Very well. Take your individual flame cruxes and intertwine them. Once I begin, you cannot unlock your grip from your partner, understood?''

We both nodded the second our palms came into contact with our respective crux.

''I would speak a word of wisdom to you, young student. Your attitude has been nothing less than superb. Whether or not you choose to stay and study the ancient scripts is your choice, just know you will be welcomed among your fellow Ryuu, should you survive.''

Comforting.

Feeling Zoe's hand shake in my grip, I turned to comfort.

''Look at me.'' I firmly commanded. ''Am I scared?''

''No?''

''Trust in yourself, as well your partner.''

''Okay...I trust you.''

The last thing I remember before the intense straining of all my muscles was the look on Zoe's face, her warm smile relaxing me.

WHAM!

Retrieval

Sandgen Airspace, 15:20 P.M.

Jamir's Pov.

A vibrant air was about us as we made our way to the village. Spike's letter informed me of how every day: the training was rigorous, the ideals real, and most of all: the immense history behind the entire ritual. Landing Twi's balloon down with care, the entrance to the village emanated the very definition of holiness.

''Whoa, this place is really shiny!'' Amethyst giggled. ''Spike's been staying here?''

''Yes, honey: he's had training to get better and stronger,'' Twilight hopped out. ''I know for a fact he'll be elated to see us after so long.''

Agreeing with her on the matter, the whole point of this was to get Spike's emotional state in check so he wouldn't prove a threat to others, as well acquire his wings, a defining mark of a true dragon's worth. A few things I noticed (completely interested in.) from this was the concept of Exceeds, P.U.R.E beacons, and more importantly: the Ryuu. Passing over the golden tori gate, the flawless stone path seemed to glimmer with the correct positioning of the sun. Wind chimes were strewn about, tinkling and clinking a symphony of sound. Disciples trained with fluidity, dancing to the sounds of the temple's bell ringing. Heading over to the purification trough and cleansing ourselves of the outside filth, the main hall called to us.

''Intriguing,'' Chrysalis admired the grace of the students. ''it certainly seems young Spike is involved with a colorful band of warriors.''

''Makes sense,'' Frank agreed. ''they've obviously been isolated to strengthen their resolve, basic tactics.''

Sliding the door open, the main hall bore a tatami floor, various religious items about: incense, mortar and pedestals, banners, and a golden statue of a dragon with six wings made of light peering over 12 other dragons of different color with 4 wings that bowed to the titan. Taking off my shoes and setting them on the genkan, we put on the provided slippers and walked in. In the front of the statue sat a dragons, dressed in garbs that would make him to be the Master of this shrine. Black and forest green were the dominant colors of his robes. A long, grey beard grew down to the middle of his chest, specks of uncombed strands present. The horns on his head arched upward, like a Ram's, shining with a dim glow. His green scaled body portrayed a old, but wise take on the world. Pure white hair flowed down his back, only adding to the question of how old I thought him to be. Slowly opening his eyes, he spoke.

''Ah...so the wayward master has come to retrieve his student...tell me something,'' he stood up, picking up a metal staff adorned with two snake heads, expertly twirling it out of boredom. ''why is it I sense a slight doubt in your heart, young one?''

Knowing that he was talking to me, I chocked on my words.

''Master Dai, I-

''Rooooaaaaaarrrrrr!'' a massive earthquake began to shake the place. Turning around, a shadow plagued the temple, the shape looking anything but friendly.

''Twilight, Amethyst, stay here,'' I commanded. ''Frank, Chrysalis: with me.''

''Uh, son: I would urge you to-

Ignoring the dragon's words, the light from the sun was blocked out: limiting my sight. Heading outside, a flight of stairs looked to lead where the majority of the shadow lay. Running down with concern, Frank and Chrysalis flanking me, we came to a large clearing with a water basin. Seeing the figure swoop overhead, it landed with a slam, displacing water everywhere. Snarling at us, fangs shown and wings flapping crazily, our assailant stared at us with obvious killing intent.

Opening my left palm, Excalibolg came into existence, the vicious 2 inch spikes strewn about bringing a smile to my face. Holding it with one hand, the other formed into a fist, my magic covering it.

''Well let's rumble.'' I crouched low to the ground, preparing for whatever may come.

''Oh, no you don't,'' Frank thrust his hands forward, Shock-Charge (gun gauntlets) coming to life, covering both his forearms with a green/red base, but with a slight design change gave him the option to slice n' dice with a bladed knuckle portion.

''What is our plan of action should we undertake sir?'' Chrysalis brought a verdant light to her horn, seemingly ready to charge at a moment's notice.

''I'll draw his attention, Frank you cover me while Chrysalis: you prepare a stun spell.''

''Roger!''

Pushing off with a powerful charge, the dragon roared in response. Swinging my bludgeon in a horizontal arc, steel met something else in the middle.

''What the-Whoa!'' a gust of air pushed me back, almost knocking off my feet. Looking to see the intruder, Master Dai stood in front of the dragon, his staff pulsing with an invisible mist. Staring back at me, that attack looked to barely faze him.

''Hey, you got a problem: that dragon's looking to hurt somebody!'' Frank growled.

''Calm yourself, child.'' Master Dai replied. ''no harm is present.''

''Your thoughts, my lord?'' Chrysalis held a steady stance.

''...Stand down.'' I decided, withdrawing my weapons. ''If he holds confidence that no threat is here, then we should listen. Apologies, Master Dai,'' I bowed respectfully, Frank and Chrysalis doing the same.

''No worry for that: you merely did what years of your honed instincts told you, but if you had heeded my words, you would know that you almost struck down your student,''

Wait, that's Spike?

Staring into the eyes, they held a familiar air about them. But I needed to know if this is true. Walking over, I cast a curious look to the beast.

''Spike...if that is really you, then tell me: who am I?''

A snort of what seemed to be curiosity came from its mouth before it spoke.

''You're my teacher,'' the voice took on the deepest baritone, a slight rumble reverberating past my eardrums. ''who else would it be?

''Gee, I don't know: what do you think genius? A random dragon looking to kill-THE FUCK YOU THINK WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO?! PLAY 20 QUESTIONS WITH CHARLIE BROWN?'' Frank complained.

''Hey! Don't take that tone of voice with me! I'm still getting used to this!''

''I do not give a damn!'' he persisted. ''why in Christ's name did you soar around a like a freakin' predator missile: I thought we were fucked by the size of that shadow you made, and let's not forget the snarling...like you wanted to fight!''

''I was clearing my throat, you jerk: dragons can do that, ya know!''

''Like I care! And who da hell you think you think you talkin' to? Better back the hell up outta my face before you catch a case!''

''OF?!''

''My fist in your face!''

''Try it, guido: I dare you! I will burn you so much that Celestia will be sneezing soot!''

''Try it!''

''Ladies first!''

POOF!

''Quieeeeeeetttttttt!'' Twilight teleported, her shouting putting a end to that argument.

''Well,'' Master Dai slightly scratched his ears, me and Chrysalis doing the same. ''I can certainly say you two have a powerful chemistry.''

''You have no idea,'' I whispered in his ear. What seemed to surprise him was seeing the pair laugh and shake off what happened like nothing.

Looking over, Twi widened her eyes, Amethyst running over to me after seeing Spike.

''Hey, hey, it's okay: that's big brother Spike.''

''Big brother?'' she asked incredulously.

''Yea.Just a little size increase is all.''

''Is it reversible?'' Twi prodded him with a hoof.

''Completely: just one of the many benefits of becoming a Ryuu that comes is size manipulation,'' Master Dai commented.

A bright green light engulfed Spike's body, his shape sizing down to his more lanky form back when he was in the early stages of his growth spurt. Observing his stature, his wings shimmered in the sunlight, going over all colors of the rainbow, the most prominent being green, as well his entire body. Flexing his wings a few times, shrouds of magical essence gently trickled with the wind. Smiling at us, the slew of emotions of his face in that one moment alone told a thousand words.

''So Spike, how have you been?'' Twilight brought him into a hug. ''I can't imagine all you had to go through to get to this point,''

''A whole lot, Twi: the training, while rough has helped. The history behind my race has went even farther to tell me my place in this world...I know that I was in a different place at the time, but I appreciate everything you've done for me Master Dai, and you guys too: you never gave up on trying to help and for that i'm eternally grateful,''

Pondering his words, the situation was not all that dire: we just aided a friend in need, but I can see where he comes from with this. His mind, body, and very life: were kinda screwed at one point, that I will not sugarcoat that in the slightest. A more important question on my, and possibly Spike's mind is: where's Zoe?

''Hey, what's going on here?'' a voice laced with curiosity spoke from behind. ''wait, what are you guys doing here?''

Looking to my left, a small dragon with a shimmering white set of scales, accompanied by a pair of light blue eyes, a long furred tail, light horns, a pair of tassels surrounding the cheeks with a small smile brought a confused look to my face.

''And you are?''

''It's me: Zoe!'' the dragoness went over to Spike whom she nuzzled with.

''Wait, but why are you still in your chibi form then? And why the color change?'' Frank asked.

''Size manipulation, remember?'' I refreshed his memory.

''And.'' Master Dai chipped in. ''when those who fully pledges themselves to the ritual and conditions, they are essentially reborn in the sense of the exterior which is why young Spike here will often be changing colors. However, the females scale colors will merely fade in or out to another depending on the color of the life in their hearts,''

''Well, I would love to stay and chat, but we have used up enough of your time as is Master Dai, so I would humbly ask that we be excused from your presence as to better get back into the groove of how things once were.'' I bowed respectfully.

''Of course,'' Master Dai nodded in understanding. ''but I would have you know that you and your family are welcome here, at any time and reason...I sense great things to come into all of your lives, but as well the same amount of hardships that are needed to be overcome. And whenever they may come to you, know that the time will shine upon you all to come together like never before, but.'' he paused, casting a lone look into mine and Twilight's eyes. ''you two will be the ones leading the charge in that and must not lose faith in those around you as they will to you...until next time, I bid you good luck on your travels,'' he turned away, walking deeper into the water before his form contorted with the liquid, his shape fading.

''Well, now what?'' Chrysalis wondered.

lifting my daughter up and putting her in my arms, I only looked ahead, wondering what that actually mean.

''We go home. I'm sure you're itching to be back home Spike, and don't worry Zoe: we have plenty of room for you too,''

The pair looked at one another before speaking.

''Actually, we won't be coming with you guys...me and Zoe had some time to think about it and we want to go and explore Equestria to better give us a chance to expand our options.''

''Spike, are you sure you want to do that? You'd be away from us,'' Twilight reasoned. ''d-do we not matter to you anymore?''

''Of course not,'' Spike patted Twilight on the head. ''you guys mean the entire world to me, I just wish for a change of pace. Everything I have ever went through, I felt it could be more than what I expected it to be. I won't be gone forever, but i'm more than certain some time will do us some good,''

''Big Brother?'' Amethyst went over to Spike, poking him in the leg. ''when will you come back?''

Huffing, the dragon ran a claw over his chin in thought.

''I can't really give you an exact date, little sis, but I can assure you is i'll always be near...right here.'' he poked a claw to her heart.

''I'm gonna miss you.'' Amethyst came into a hug.

''We all will.'' I chipped in. ''it's kinda surreal to see you leaving us, especially since we just came to pick you up, but whatever makes you happy, we'll all support it,'' I smiled.

''Well, Spike: I guess this is it, until next time..,just promise me you two will be careful wherever you go,'' Twilight gave the pair her blessing.

''Thanks, guys: I appreciate it. Zoe, shall we?''

''Yea, let's.''

Grasping her form and putting her on her back, the same bright light from before filled our vision before a huge weight was lifted off the ground, a distant roar of approval sounding from the high skies. His wings shimmering in the sunlight, refracting the spectrum of the rainbow, a slight small creeping across his face, a cerulean portal opening up, Spike closed in.

Fwooosh!

A longing silence echoed above us, for the longest time, contemplating what happened in that short period of time left a longing hurt in our hearts.

''Well,'' Frank said, in the calmest voice possible. ''that happened.''

Connections

Canterlot Airspace, approaching city limits, 16:52 P.M.

2 weeks.

2 weeks since Spike departed for Sandgen Village.

2 weeks since he set out to find his true calling in the world.

2 weeks, and all his loved ones were able to see the drake again, only for him to be whisked away so quickly. And at the end...it appeared to last a millennium.

As Jamir peered out from Twilight's balloon, he felt a twinge of sadness build up, coming out in the form of a huff, one that his daughter picked up on. Climbing on top of his head, the shift in weight alerted him.

''Yes?'' he breathed out, his current thoughts causing him to involuntary channel a portion of his magic, a medium plume of red smoke exiting his mouth.

''Why- *cough!* are you sad?'' Amethyst stared into her father's glazed over eyes, cracking a frown. ''Big Brother said he would come back, so why aren't you smiling? Are you hungry?''

That brought a small chuckle to his mind. He couldn't resist that playful, inquisitive nature the filly always seemed to possess. Taking hold of her tiny frame, Jamir pecked his daughter on the nose, eliciting a giggle. Carefully embracing her in a hug, he slowly petted her fiery mane two-tone mane, savoring the peace and quiet of the skies, the background noise of birds chirping adding to the flow.

''It's nothing like that sweetie,'' the human cooed, whispering sweet melodies in her ear. ''Spike will come back, he's made a promise: that's not so much the main issue bugging me...what is is how much Spike has grown up in such a short time. I have never had the pleasure of training and knowing a more lively, determined, and loyal companion such as him. And through all this, I never really told him how proud I was in the strides he's taken to be more him than fake. But to really answer your question: i'm nowhere near sad, daddy's just taking his time thinking.''

''Okay, daddy: i'm glad you're okay,'' she nuzzled with her dad.

''Hey.'' Frank called. ''you two playing nice over there?''

''Yea, just a little talking is all. So, how do you think the girls'll handle this?''

''They will be upset,'' Twilight admitted. ''but if we tell them what Spike told us, then they will understand no doubt. That being said, how should we go about telling them?''

Finding that to be a bigger concern, a hum of curiosity overtook his mind as he rapped his fingers on his arms. However, before he could do that, he failed to notice a shining object speeding towards the group from the sky.

''Watch out!'' Chrysalis conjured a barrier that shielded the foreign object, a golden arrow penetrating the shield, a white paper resting near the tip.

''What is this?'' Twilight retrieved the slip of paper and read it, her eyes instantly widening, she levitated it over to Jamir.

''...You may want to read this.'' Looking it over, he read it aloud.

If you are reading this, then my Aerial archer has done her job. This is for the eyes and concern for the 'Human' of whose exploits reached my ears. A few of your most notable excursions such as overthrowing and exterminating the Diamond Dog King, only to take over and reform his followers. Facing Discord and setting him back to stone. Reforming and having the Changeling Queen at your beck and call. And even more recently aiding in the restoration of the legendary Crystal Empire have all reached my ears, Your firm resolve, protecting nature and explosive fighting style makes you the best fit to be the one who can protect my subjects. You see, we have been in a long standing feud with our neighbors. The Vamponies have recently been the subject of falsely accusing us and even threatening declarations of war from a long standing disagreement centuries ago. I posses something you wish, no. Rather, need if you are function in this foreign world and if you wish for no bad blood to be shed between Equestria and our lands, than you would do well to take this chance, or more...appropriate measures can be taken to persuade you. And I would urge you to really think on this...future Mr.New Lunar Republic co-ruler. -Titania**

Finally managing to formulate a response to the letter, the human spoke albeit with slight confusion.

''I don't know who this is, but Celestia and Luna needs to hear about this because if it sounds like what I think it is, then...''

''Then what?'' Frank asked, a worried frown on his face. ''what could happen?''

''A full scale war could come to Equestria and it could be all thanks to me not making a decision. Come on we need to tell Celestia and Luna, they should know what to do.''

''Let us be off then,'' Chrysalis brought a verdant light to her horn, manipulating the rope to tie around the sky port, securing the balloon to the base of Canterlot's cliffs. Eyeing the castle in the distance, Jamir walked a with clear purpose in mind: to either find out who is the sender is and assist them, or plunge his world into the one thing he despised the most: war, and he can only imagine how much turmoil will befall him.

''I only hope that I won't have to regret this,''

***

Meanwhile, in a distant sector of Equestria:

A sea of rain flocked over the enclosed space, making the once dry land slick and calm nature slightly depressing. The winds blowing every which way, strewing leaves about. In the midst of the thunder and lighting crackling, a small fountain pouring out a different colored liquid, a figure sitting at the base, a tombstone laying a few feet ahead.

''...hmm...it appears that we may have our way after all...

Canterlot Throne Room:

The mood of everyone in the room was deadly sound. Everything in the letter currently brought a thought to everyone's mind. The sender, Titania sounded like a influential being, who under better circumstances knew of his exploits. But the main issue forcing the silence is the declaration of war/means of persuasion to get Jamir to aid regardless of his volition. Jamir, along with Twilight, the girls, Chrysalis, Frank, the princesses, his team, Amethyst, Shining Armour and Princess Cadence sat in silence as Luna finished reading the last part of the letter.

''How dare this Titania demand help without consulting us first?! And how does know of your achievement, and on top of that: threatening our mate to defend her subjects? And who exactly does this this 'queen' consider herself to be?''

''Calm yourself, Luna. I feel the same as you, but we must think about this rationally: the citizens of Equestria come first.'' Celestia reasoned. ''though, I too agree: who would do something such as this? What a coward.'' venom traced every word of the solar princess's words.

''I would agree with you,'' Jamir held the note between his fingers, lightly tapping the paper. ''but this cannot be something to overlook. If this Titania knows about Yevon, Discord, Chrysalis, and even more recent: the Crystal Empire, then she must have a way to be keeping tabs on all of us,''

''And there is the fact she even knew about yours and Luna's plans to construct the New Lunar Republic to help house the Changelings and that was between just the two of you.'' Frank pointed out. ''so what do we do?''

''Perhaps we should check the archives for any records of this 'Titania' and maybe we can find out what she wants.'' Shining Armour offered.

''Actually, I have taken the liberty of researching our foreign sender and have come up with a small report,'' Twilight proudly stated.

''You always seem to be one step ahead of everything, don't you?'' Chrysalis and Jamir's expert trickster, Flashing Deck asked at the same time.

Smirking, Twilight cleared her throat before speaking.

''Titania, or more commonly known as Queen Stormis Jade Titania the 3rd, the current ruler of the Threstal race, a sub-species of Equine that are naturally dormant in nature, often referred to as specters of the night. The main difference between this race and normal Equines is their ability to be perfectly intangible at will, coupled with the dormant magic that resides within, from which they can channel into powerful weapons of the mind ranging from swords and bows to cannons and magical tanks. Up until 2 years ago, the relationship between the other races have recently crumbled. With their neighbors, the Vamponies, also another sub-species with Wereponies being of the same distinction have sparked, accusations have been thrown around, prompting a small feud that has slowly began to bleed into Equestria. The queen's nature has been known to resemble that of a innocent filly, but not really a lot is given on that subject. One thing that everypony has ever known about her is her amount of influence...if this is who I think, then we may be in a jam.''

''....'' Jamir looked on, his eyes not blinking the entire time.

''Well,'' Frank began. ''this is a whole lot of bullshit. What can this 'Queen' do that we aren't ready for?''

''This isn't a joke, Frank. We could have a real problem on our hooves. We need to see what this pony could want,'' Cadence stopped the human's rant.

''I agree with him!'' Rainbow flapped her wings, taking flight. ''If this Queen wants our help, she should ask us face to face, not threaten war and definitely not try to persuade our Coltfriend to do otherwise. If she sounds so mighty, then she can put her hooves up and force us to help!''

''Ah'm afraid I agree with the princess on this one R.D. We don't have no idea of what this mare can do.'' Applejack stated.

''Oh please, Applejack: do you not see this is nothing more than a bluff?'' Rarity flared her mane. A proud, strong mare would face her problems head on, or at the very least assemble a audience to discuss aid. With all that's happened, we cannot afford to instantly defend those whom we do not know.''

''B-But, h-how can any of us know what to do? It stated in her letter that she knows of some of our recent exploits, and even further back when Jamir first came to Equestria, so we should at least consider what she does know and see what it is she wants.''

''Listen to the lot of you. I for one, agree with Cadence. When I first arrived in Ponyville, you all welcomed me with open hooves, treated me a a friend, and so much more. But when I turned against you and did all those hurtful things, the only one who even remotely gave me a chance after all was my liege. He initially held a deep hatred to kill me, but soon disbanded when he was presented the truth. If I held better knowledge, I would connect this to how I was treated.''

''Apologies, Princess.'' Valiant and Iron bowed. ''but we have to agree with the rookie on this one. With all that's happened these past months, almost a year: we can't afford to play the mercy card this late in the game.''

''All the same here,'' Zareran, Jamir's Griffon ambassador and loyal teammate responded. ''We get where you're coming from Chrysalis, Jamir gave us a chance to be more than petty crooks and since working for him, me, Flashing, Renoir, and Battering have learned so much. So it would seem to be the best option to wonder who this is.''

''I will stand by my wife's opinion on this matter guys: we should see what all the commotion is about.'' Shining stood by his wife.

''Everypony, I urge you to reconsider,'' Celestia interrupted. ''It would seem that-

''Please, sister: do you not see the cold, hard evidence? This mare obviously wants a war, so we should oblige our guests!'' Luna let loose a war cry.

''Stop all the yelling!'' Amethyst whined. ''can't we get along?!''

''Um, guys?'' Twilight asked. Pretty soon, the entire throne room was filled with shouting, slang being thrown around, threats being made, and all hell breaking loose, but-

''SILENCE! ALL OF YOU ARE ACTING LIKE LITTLE IMMATURE FUCKING KIDS! I'LL ONLY SAY THIS ONCE!!!...SHUT UP!!!!'' the entire castle rumbled and shook, a few windows cracking from the immense pressure, a wave of magic spiking rapidly that resulted in a field of Jamir's aura manipulating the air, turning as hot as fire, yet cold as ice at the same time. When everyone could regain their eyesight, they looked to see the human standing with his head down, the floor beneath slowly forming cracks and liquefying the smooth marble floor. Clutching his hand into the tightest fist ever, the color in Jamir's eyes shifted past all colors of the rainbow. Managing to speak after his outburst, every word held a literal vibration that pushed everything around him back.

''If this 'Titania' really wants my aid, then she will get just that from me...but in my way. If this is a genuine plea for help, then I will oblige her...however on the flip-side: if these are lies, I swear I will personally make her regret the fact she was ever born...so where can I find this so called queen?

''T-To the far South.'' Twilight stammered. ''but what are you planning?''

''A diplomatic meeting.'' Jamir's aura flared down. ''time to suit up.''

The One I've Sought After

The clattering and shouting of the troops converging brought a greater feeling of authority within me. Walking down the narrow pathway, my overlook called my name as I leaned over the railing, seeing my troops move about with fluidity urged me to do what I did even more. Channeling some magic to my throat, my voice reverberated across every inch of the caverns.

''Attention, troops!'' everything came to a standstill. ''I seem to possess a problem that may affect you all. Not so much as an hour ago, a letter was 'delivered' to me proclaiming aid from the ruler of another land: a Queen Titania of the Threstals has requested your master's aid...and do you know how she went about it? Either do this task of my own volition or I may be persuaded otherwise or war may be imminent,'' a chorus of murmurs and groans rang throughout. ''So naturally, the course of action we would undertake is to react accordingly by preparing for any circumstances so I am ordering a mandatory increase in patrols, weapons training and especially the new implementation of a 'human' touch of things. First Lieutenant Graffias, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, Shining Armour, Valiant Barrier, Iron Hammer, and my daughter, Amethyst Sparkle will be assisting in the process. In my absence, you are to report, tend to, do anything they command and install your trust in your temporary superiors: Princess Luna, Twilight Sparkle, Gizmo, Lieutenant Graffias and Shining Armour. '' During this point, the morale of my troops began to drop.

''Am I clear?''

''Yes, sir!'' the Diamond Dog's voice came as one sound.

''Yes, sir? YES SIR?!''

''Yes, my master!''

Hmmm...this is not enough: not for me. I need to push their expectations a little bit higher as I can have a piece of mind. Picking Amethyst up in my arms and displaying her beauty for all to see gave me a little boost in pride as I spoke with even more volume.

''But this is for those who I am certain will step out of line at one point in time, so listen up,'' I covered her ears as to not sully her mind. ''If any harm, of any kind comes to my daughter whilst I am away...I will personally see to it that you are castrated, sodomized and eaten alive before your very eyes, am I clear?!''

''Master, we understand!''

Excellent.

''Very well, this should be a walk in the park for you all. Dismissed and remember that I will have a sharp eye on you all, so do not disappoint me,''

After setting my daughter down, I turned around with a new found invigoration as I briefed my team on the situation to be. Based on 'Titania's' letter, it seems she values showing up promptly over all, and as we know next to nothing about her or what her influence is, then it would be smart to play her little game for a little bit until I have assurance we can act without backlash. Sitting at the rustic command table, a map of all of Equus lay in front of me, places i've never heard of in this distinction: Prance, Reighsia, Germane, Saddle Arabia, Yak-Yakistan, Jaypan, Devil's Creek and so many others place stuck out like a sore thumb, but one had my eyes focused: the home of the Threstals, Chronomid.

''So, it seems like this Threstal Queen has a lot of land to herself,'' Rainbow pointed a hoof to the representation on the map, the shape of the foregin country resembling a antique pocketwatch. ''Shouldn't she, oh I don't know be just fine with all that space she has to move around with! I mean, I wouldn't really turn down someone in need, but the way she's going about it ruffles my feathers the wrong way.''

''Ah agree with ya on this one Dash,'' Applejack pondered as she tapped the worn out parchment. ''But the one thing we're all seeming to miss is what exactly happened to make the Vamponies hold such a bitter grudge in the first place,''

''Not even I can give you a accurate answer, Aj: i'm doing the best I can with finding more information out and that should be a cinch for somepony like me,'' Twilight called from her place next to me, her face nose deep in a reference guide, her eyes darting between pages. ''But whatever it was had to held a force to it if she's going this far for aid.''

Silently brainstorming on that idea, my mind is drawing a blank here. I literally have no idea on what could have sparked a feud between the two factions, nor do I wish to be put in the middle of it, just obtain the answers from this Titania as well how and why she knows as much as she does. Viewing over everyone's faces in the room, I had to ask this, though I will get varied answers.

''So,'' I sighed. ''Who's coming with?''

''Well, even though I know you can handle yourself with pretty much anything thrown at you, i'm still coming to make sure you don't screw up,'' Rainbow smirked.

''Same 'ere,'' Applejack joined the bandwagon. ''Sugarcube, something is not right about this and ah don't like it one bit: it would better for me to come along.''

''We'll go too boss,'' Zareran stepped forward. ''We do perform our absolute best at your side and would like the chance to accompany you, so why not?''

''Hold on, now Jamir.'' Shining Armour caught my attention. ''do you even have a plan? For this whole excursion, I mean.''

Yes and no. Do I have a plan? No. Will I come up with one? Yes. See, making progress.

''Of course I do, you don't have to worry: you're not the one that's going,'' I gave him a playful nudge.

''Well, if that's everyone, then we can-

''Wait!'' two voices cut through the air. ''we're coming with you!''

''What?/Huh?'' me and Shining asked wide-eyed. ''You can't be serious./That's absurd!''

''Come on, this would be the perfect opportunity to prove that I was right about just falsely assuming out of thin air. And besides, you yourself said you were setting up a diplomatic meeting so you would need the Princess of Love in your corner,'' Cadence offered me her aid.

''But honey, are you sure about doing this? What about the Crystal Empire? Who'll watch over it?''

''I guess you will just have to multi-task, dear. I'm going, and besides: I can handle myself...i'm not a little filly,''

''And what about you?'' I turned to Chrysalis to hear her side.

''While I would normally have the responsibility of tending to my subjects, Princess Celestia and Luna have agreed to 'sit in' for my absence. My liege, I also side with Cadence on this endeavor as well: I would be of great assistance to you...and I do not wish to potentially lose someone so close to me,'' she mumbled the last part.

''Huh? What did you say?''

''I w-will not a-allow harm to come t-to you whilst by your side, m-my lord!'' the changeling stammered.

Looking over my roster, it doesn't really seem as if I could change their minds on this, but then again-

''Daddy?'' Amethyst rubbed against my leg. ''Do you really have to go?'' her eyes began to water. Quickly scooping her up, I wiped away the discomfort and rubbed small circles on her back.

''Hey, hey.'' I cooed. ''none of that crying, you hear me? I hate this as much as you do, believe me: I would rather sit here and relax but Daddy has a very important meeting with a seemingly important pony and while I would love to take you with me,'' I cast back the look of Twilight's eyes boring a hole in the side of my head. ''but I would never be able live with myself or call myself sane if I ever put you in harm's way, you understand why sweetheart?''

My daughter had hesitation on her face, masking the stream of tears from seeing her father leave. Again. ''I-I do, Daddy, but I j-just want to know you're okay,''

I may be able to correct that.

''You know what, then?'' I bopped her nose. ''I can do you one better,'' I brought a red and golden hue of magic to my left hand, touching Amethyst's horn with a finger, bringing a spark of her red and purple aura to her horn as both our streams intertwined before the opposite went into our respective casting conduits.

''What was that?''

''A little communication spell: sweetie. Now whenever you want to talk, all you need do is just think about the sound of my voice and I will always be there to answer and comfort you...no matter the time or place.'' I poked her in the chest. ''Okay?''

''Okay, Daddy, but you better pick up!''

''I wouldn't have it any other way,'' I flashed a warm smile. ''Well, team it would be smart to be quick about this, so we should-

''Hold it right there,'' Frank stopped my advance. ''A little birdie told me this may be different even though we all can agree on that, but this may just give you the edge required to rip somepony a new one,'' he smiled, tossing me a tiny leather bag. Opening it up, my eyes met...different colored dice adorned with varying symbols and point values, but these were different...they held magic within. Holding up a green 3 sided die with a transparent snapping Venus Flytrap pulsed with a green mist that upon contacting my nostrils calmed me in that instant.

''What are these and why do make me feel so...

''Calm?'' Flashing spoke for me, the unicorn flashing a mischievous smile. ''That is my latest trick: I call them Fusion-Dice: the perfect blend of magic and intelligence put together.''

''What do they do?'' Kanaranx picked up a die, eyeing with curiosity, the jet black dragon rummaging through the bag.

''That's the simple part,'' Frank snatched the bag back. ''There are 3 types of fusion dice: Adpatium, Blaston and Cosmix: or just ABC. A-Fusion-Dice are probably the best kind you can pull out in a pinch. Depending on your emotion and thoughts you can make changes to the environment around you but only works within the point value.''

''Point value?'' Fluttershy asked. ''What does that mean?''

''Glad you asked Shy.'' Flashing hopped back in. ''Each dice has a numerical vale from 0-12, stating its PMI, or potential magic Index. Think of it like levels where each one unlocks a certain trait you can have for that die. Now for every increase in level will cost you a bit of magic each time. Now onto the 3 types: as the name implies, Adaptium, a substance that changes all around it are dice can alter the things around and within you, but like Frank said: it depends on emotions and thoughts. For example, say you were losing a fight when it came to strength, you can technically use the dice to change the ground of your opponent's feet, strengthen your body, or change the amount of gravity pressing down,''

''And.'' Frank picked out a white pair of dice, a image of a shield being struck repeatedly. ''Blaston Dice, a collection of magic particles that react in a unconventional way do not differ all that much. These are the fallback move you'd want to play when you're overwhelmed. Emotion also plays the same part when you're scared. You take that fear and turn into strength and you could gather a almost limitless amount of energy to construct the ultimate defense.''

''But then there is the last type of Fusion-Dice and most possibly my favorite: Cosmix, a branch of yet exceptional signatures behind them make this the absolute last defense you could ever have,'' Flashing fished out a red die with a image of a pair of flaming horns on it. ''Summoning, substitution, illusion magic and so much more lies with these mysterious dice. While I don't have all the proper research, I would advise the careful use of these should you use them. But, since we did this under your permission boss, I figured you could do better with testing out the dice as they do have a considerable trace of your magic in them which makes utilizing them almost second nature,'' she levitated the pouch over to me.

''Do I really want to do this?'' I pondered the choice. ''Well, having her take samples of my blood can't be for nothing, so what the hell?''

''I'll keep that in mind,'' I hoped as I strapped the bag to my belt. ''I suppose we should get a move on, eh?'' I gave Twilight a smooch on the forehead, the other girls nodding in agreement as we readied to leave.

''Love,'' Celestia's voice rang in my thoughts. ''Are you certain you should be doing this? Luna is ever so eager to accompany you at the drop of a hat, thought I feel as if fate will have a hoof in causing discomfort.''

Great, more kindle for the fire.

''You and Lulu saw the letter, Tia. I have no choice but to go lest I risk putting you guys in danger over nothing. And so long as fate is concerned? It can get knocked up for all I care,''

***

Meanwhile in a distant sector of Equus lay a mighty fortress overlooking a thriving, but dark town. Rain swarmed the streets as thunder assaulted the calm skies, revealing subtle images of the building gazing past the horizon for miles. Gargoyles carved of steel decorated the tops of the four key pillars supporting the structure, an array of lighting striking the monuments at almost timed intervals to accent the vividness of supposed life. Inside the keep, past the iron drawbridge came a ornate door leading into a regal hallway, spanning crystalline white inside, mosaic depictions of past rulers and coronations littered the windows. In the center the shape of two beings shrouded in shadow peered into a a crystal ball as the small whispers of the wind and beating of hearts thrummed throughout.

''So...what does it reveal, Castris!?'' a voice with the highest tone, akin to matching a opera singer's final notes in her aria shouted causing a slight rumble of the surrounding area.

''Look and see, my lady,'' a voice laced with confusion, regret and somberness replied, waving a hoof over the current vision of a dragon embarking for a skyward portal with a smaller partner upon his back shifted to a more recent one, portraying a bipedal creature with long flowing hair in a underground cavern with a army of Diamond Dogs flanking his overlook as he conversed with ponies, Griffion, Zebra, and Dragon alike.

''You and Lulu saw the letter, Tia. I have no choice but to go lest I risk putting you guys in danger over nothing. And so long as fate is concerned? It can get knocked up for all I care,''

''What does that word mean, Castris? Knocked up?''

''...I believe he's telling you to fornicate yourself, my lady, and based on his tone: I would say he really means it.''

''Eh...?''

''As I said-

''He said what?!'' the row of windows instantly shattered under the immense pressure of the voice. ''he done bucked his chances of having a choice to help now! I *will** force to him to help even if I have to rape him to get the point across!*''

The Hospitality Of Chronomid

Skies above Aister, Chronomid: 16:00 hours.

Soothing. That was the word to describe the initial feeling of the area. Faint specks of aura interwove with one another, almost causing a makeshift beacon of guiding light. Pale, yet majestic trees were strewn about proudly, providing the land with serenity. Chirps, roars, as well varying flora and fauna stood out to Jamir's eyes and ears. Cobblestone paths, some leading to a few quiet homesteads littered the forest from the small window he was able to see. Yet, the most defined trait of the forest would have to be the dim cerulean skies filled with miniature constellations. All the stories about the Emerald Forest were certainly no jest.

Peering over the guard rail on the human's new way of transport: a sky ship dubbed the S.S. Optiquest sailed through the skies with ease. The massive 12,000 bit Galleon came equipped with the latest cutting edge technology of Equestrian labor. Gray, the primary color coated the ship. The almost mountain sized behemoth bore top of the line cannons: Two in the front, just above the guard railings, as in the back. Six sat on the left and right as the sail's flag waved proudly with the image of a rolled up piece of parchment resting near the hilt of a gilded broadsword. Below that rested a pair of spyglasses in a x shaped pattern, both exuding peace and fear.

Cherrywood floors decorated the deck, showing a sense of pride. Below, rested the lower level outfitted for all the necessities for a crew. Small wind chimes hung from the sides towards the planks. Truthfully, Jamir had trouble understanding how he was able to get a ship of this magnitude.

"Hard to think that all it took to get this was do a small favor for Fancy Pants..." The human pondered the unicorn's response to his completion of the mentioned task.

"Jamir, my boy: Consider this a gesture of good friendship, but I must ask that you need not worry yourself prying about the details..."

However he went about it, he nonetheless was grateful for Fancy's aid. Resting his arms over the railing, the thought of what to expect whilst in this unknown place began to fill his mind.

"This is nice, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash sighed alongside Jamir, paying thanks to the view before as she laid a hoof on his hand. "But, you of all ponies should know that this is technically enemy territory-" she paused to look into his eyes. "Right?"

How could I forget, hard to do that when it's been repeatedly drilled into my head ever since we departed.

Returning the gesture in kind, Jamir took hold of Rainbow's hoof and gently squeezed it.

"Yes, but we all need to not only look, but act peacefully in the Threstals home, remember what happened at the wedding?" the human brought up the painful, but true memory of what occurred on that day.

Rainbow let out a involuntary whinney at the human's words, but nonetheless agreed with the statement as she traced small circles on the deck with a hoof as her ears drooped. Letting a low chuckle escape her lips only accented the tinge of pink on her cheeks. Huh, who knew a floor could look so interesting?

"W-we, didn't have any idea about that," Rainbow stuttered. "But y-you should understand that-"

The speedsters rant was cut short by Jamir petting her head in tandem with a warm embracing hug. Feeling her erratic breathing calm down, a laugh came out of his mouth.

"I'm only joking Dashie," a brief silence sounded over past the calm blowing winds. "But you see my point, so that makes me happy. In case any of you were wondering," the human spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "I never held any ill feelings about how you acted: me and Twi didn't really a lot to go on with all that happened."

"No need fer that, sug." Applejack replied. " Should have put more faith what you thought was happening around us. But, I think we can all be held a little at fault focusing on the wedding than to see the bride acting more slippery than a rattlesnake in a vat of grease...no offense, Chrysalis," she blushed.

"None taken, fair Applejack," the changeling understood what she attempted to get at. "I have learned my lesson...and will not allow myself to succumb to the accusations from others from that period in time,"

"Same here, boss." Flashing Deck admitted, her lime green mane swaying in the wind. "Even some of my best exploits never went 100% the way I expected, but I learned from my mistakes, but from that I can get where you're coming from."

Sighing a breath of relief from hearing that, Jamir relished in the temporary peace all around. A full minute passed by crossing the forest before a even better sight came from the horizon. A long path of marble sidewalks spread out vertically from the Emerald Forest, leading to the outskirts of the city to the raised circular landing marked in bold letters: Welcome!

The size easily matched that of 2 Football stadiums, complete with boarding steps and counterweight elevators. 6 floors encased the basic structure as figures, Equine in stature moved about. With Jamir's aid, Cadence managed to land the ship with relative ease.

"Well," Cadence started as the group made their way onto the platform. "That was the easy part, now comes the rest."

"So where we heading, boss?" Renoir, the human's mystic Zebra shaman gazed at the peaceful scenery.

Oh, for Pete's sake!

That was the feather to break the camels back. Quickly forming a response, Jamir looked ahead to see two figures approach his group, only visually different from the average Equestrian. The first and most noticeable feature he noticed had to be the color: almost transparent in the sense that their very being looked to resemble a ghost. A mistily sky blue was the prominent color blending in with slivers of aura wisps floating around the body. The one nearest to Jamir bore a mane in a mixture of Rainbows' at the top and Chrysalis's at the bottom, a faint crimson complete with patches of yellow with a windswept tail of matching color.

Now that looks weird even up close, but I don't think judging will move us along any faster. Jamir thought. Then he noticed the armour: Gray, but simple and conservative, protecting the more vulnerable parts. Green eyes stared back to his own trailing his gaze to her flank, or most specific her cutie mark of a strange pair markings the human had no trouble understanding.

''Nice,'' he thought.

As for the other one, she seemed to be a dead ringer for the other one, only the fact that the Cutie mark and eye color was different. Looking to both of then, brown and green pupils stared back at him with hesitation.

"...Um, hello?" Jamir spoke with uncertainty.

A high pitched squeal pierced the air before a slight weight forced the human to the floor with a wicked sense of vertigo. Managing to put two and two together, he easily deduced one of the three tackled him...or was it two?

"See sis, I told you he would talk to me first!" the voice from the mare on the left sounded like a overly cocky child, trying to be like a adult so hard from the forced tone of professionalism.

"Sister, that is not fair!" the other voice chided, this one holding a tone like silk and playfulness. "I was certain he would converse with me before you."

Okay, This was getting a little to be a little much to handle, even for Jamir. Exhaling a well deserved sigh, he sought to get said situation on lockdown as he said: 'hella quick.'

"Excusing my blunt nature," Jamir prepped for the possible screw up. "But-"

"What the buck do you think you're doing?! Get off of him like that!" Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Chrysalis yelled at the same time. If one were to view their position, anypony knowing the human would have said something similar. One of the Threstals, a Pegasus lay her head dangerously close to the human's, their lips practically touching while the other, a Earth Pony somehow hooked her hooves around Jamir's legs as her head lay right on the human's crotch, the feeling of her hot breath causing a positive reaction in the lower region. Indeed, it seems that he's found a bold pair of perverts.

"Oh, sorry about that, it's just we're the first ones to get a chance to meet the human! I mean, wouldn't you ask about all his awesome adventures?" the one still resting near his lips asked. "I especially loved when you fought The Opposer. How did you do that thing when you went all: Hiiyaaah! and bring out that sweet lance! Or when you took on Yevon and sliced him and half, oh but that was before your two tone change. And even the fight with Chrysalis and then you went into her memories, which Rina loved: Plot twist, much? I see why you spared her and-"

"Ha!"

Sknt!

"I would stop asking those types of questions, dear filly." Jamir growled, the tip of his katana pressed against her throat as Chrysalis pointed her horn against the other one's heart with rage.

"Oh, um you see-"

"Silence, you maggots!" the changeling barked, her voice causing a slight vibration of the surrounding area. "If another word comes of out your mouth that is not explaining why you know that sensitive information, then I will be forced to carve a permanent remember in both of your skulls,"

"Guys, what happened to acting friendly and not looking like a major threat?" Rainbow tried to stop the duo from acting.

"S-sister, I'm scared." The Earth Pony whimpered from her place underneath the sharp horn. "What did we-"

"Either speak now, or regret it 5 seconds too late," Chrysalis took charge, lighting her horn with magic.

"O-okay, okay. We know this because we, like most of everyone else were showed this by Queen Titiania...which by the way was not good telling her to get laid, she kinda blasted all the windows in a 15 mile radius from shouting about how unfair it was of you to not consider her offer, but...you being here told me a different story!" the Pegasus smiled.

"Really?" Applejack asked, unconvinced.

"My sister speaks the truth," the Earth Pony countered her words. "The Queen rarely raises her voice at things not going her way, so Mr. Human here certainly pushed her buttons the wrong way."

"In any case," Jamir pressed his blade a nudge further. "You still have not told us your names, so spill it before I'm tempted to let Chrysalis have a crack at both of you."

"I'm H-Hina. Kagami Hina, a Pegasus and that's my sister Kagami Rina, an Earth Pony." Hina looked at Jamir with fear.

"...I knew it!" Jamir yelled in half rage and happiness.

"Boss," Zareran gave him a nudge, to which he looked to his teammate with a cherry look. "Everything hunky dory?"

"No need for concern, guys. I just figured," he looked at the sisters. "that there names were Hina and Rina, that's all."

"Wait, how did you know that?" Hina asked defiantly. "Are you a spy?"

Sigh.

"No," Jamir sheathed his weapon and pointed to their rears. "Those markings are your names in (what he hoped was correct.) Jayponese, right?"

"Splendid, Mr.Human." Rina nodded thoughtfully, blushing. "You, besides our parents, The Queen, and the ponies from where our descendants know how to read our characters...now the question is can you translate it?"

Now that would take some time with translations. Jamir's been in Equestria so long, he's saw no reason to use his knowledge of other languages from Earth, besides preserving another piece of sensitive human culture. Well, maybe if thinks hard enough, he may be able to put together something.

"Based on what I know, the first part of the name, Kagami means mirror. Then, there is Hina, which means...um sun vegetable and your name, Rina means...uh...sorry. That's all I can recall."

"Mmmm," Rina pouted in frustration. "You got two out of three correct, but I was hoping you held the answer to my name."

"At least he tried," Cadence forced a chuckle. "But, if you don't mind me asking, exactly who...are you?"

"Just sisters and citizens to the Queen and if I may add, your biggest fans!" Rina gushed, temporarily paying no mind to the changelings' horn at her heart. "By the way, can we get your autograph?!"

Uh...

A deep chuckle forced everyone to look at Jamir picking Hina up and petting her head with a child's grin.

"Now that you finally explained yourselves, I feel we are in the wrong, so the least I could do is give you what you asked for. Chrysalis, stand down, if you will." the human commanded.

The second those words left his mouth, a sound akin to rusty nails on a chalkboard filled the air before a swift exhale of air followed.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN STAND DOWN, YOU IMPOTENT, UNEDUCATED CHIMPANZEE?! THIS BRAT IS FREELY TALKING ABOUT MY MEMORIES SO LAZILY AS IF SHE WERE THERE!" the air around the group suddenly pressurized and vibrated, causing everyone except Jamir to buckle down to the ground in pain. Instead, the wind blow his long hair every which way, his eyes boring a hole into the changeling who had yet to realize her colossal mistake.

"YOU WISH TO TEST MY RESOLVE, You BELLIGERENT WORM?!" Chrysalis pushed her nose up against Jamir's, the feeling of her cold breath causing a small arc in his eyebrows. On the outside, his face remained calm, lower down his right hand clenched with repressed speed. A full minute passed by after her outburst before it all hit her like a speeding train. With a shaky voice, she spoke.

"M-my liege, please forgive my i-inappropriate behavior, I mean no disrespect by losing my temper," her blazing horn and voice powered down, relinquishing its hold on everyone else.

"I was in the w-wrong," pure fear traced every ounce of her voice, just as, if not the same when the pair fought in that strange city. Bowing so much so to the point where her entire body and nose touched the cool metal, and right under either side of his feet brought more fear to her mind as she waited silently for her punishment.

What she did not expect was Jamir to crouch down and lift her head up and smile another cheerful smile. ...Why? Here she is, apologizing for acting out of turn, awaiting punishment and her master...is calm and collected like no such incident transpired.

"Rise, Chrysalis." Jamir calmly requested.

Nodding her head like a drum, she slowly rised, but failed to meet his gaze. What would befall her? Perhaps his smile is facade is a mask for a darker purpose. Would he beat her, restrain, drown her? Or worse-

"M-Master, what are you doing?" she nearly flinched when a warm hand caressed her left cheek.

"I know you didn't mean to," he drew her into a quick hug. "I should have been more aware of how sensitive a topic that is to talk about, also to hear others who have no idea talk about it...you probably held that in for way longer than you wanted, and that's okay."

"Master..." Chrysalis smiled, leaning further in the hug. "I do not deserve you or your kindness."

"Ahem!" Hina and Rina both uttered. "That was awesome! Well worth it," Hina bounced around in joy, her sister doing the same. "So are you ready to meet the queen?" Rina asked.

"Actually yes, the sooner we do that and sort this problem out, the better." Applejack admitted, pushing her way ahead to the stairs.

"Well, not yet, you're going to, but you have to follow us to the first task."

"Wait, task?" Jamir repeated.

"You heard my sister right," Rina said, walking down the steps. "One of five set by the Queen so you may prove yourselves worthy even to set foot near her estate."

Task 1: The Duty Of Wranglers

HitchCaw's Ranch. 17:00 hours.

''So,'' Rainbow Dash questioned, uncertain of herself. ''In order to meet the Queen and see what she wants...we have to squash 5 tasks set before us?''

''Correct.'' Hina confirmed, her wings slightly ruffling as she stopped to look to the speedster.

''And the first one involves...this?'' she swept a hoof in front of her as to show off the sight before her.

''Also correct,'' Rina replied professionally. ''These were specifically chosen by the Queen herself as best suited to prove your willingness ton continue along the path before you, why do you-''

''But.'' Cadence interrupted. ''This seems to be a little underwhelming to what we expected.''

''Well, what did you expect?'' the twins spoke at the same time.

''Honestly, I almost had the inkling feeling I would have to fight some crazy deformed creature or something,'' Jamir deadpanned, leaning against the wooden fence, rubbing his thumbs.

Hina and Rina looked at one another in confusion, almost as if a foal asked them what was the formula for inter-dimensional travel and the answer was apparently so simple, a frog could write a paper on it.

''I think we speak for everyone in Chronomid when we say: you can hold your own, no problem: so why would fighting help push your chances further? If there's one thing Queen Titania values over all would be intelligence and practical skills over brute power.'' Rina replied in a patronizing tone.

''But really?'' Applejack sighed, facehoofing. ''Why this?''

''You have a issue with wrangling small animals? Aren't you, like the best at the best at that? This should a breeze for you.'' Hina asked.

''It's just that...oh forget it, let's get this over with,''

In front of the group sat a spacious ranch, complete with a reinforced wooden fence to the entrance. Beyond that hung a sign that read: HitchCaw's Ranch, Home Of The Spectral Trailers. A red farmhouse immediately took the bulk of one's vision, adorned with mud and scuffs along the edges to the ground, no doubt from animals prancing about. A bell hung from the top a beam on top of the open attic. Farther over, a orchard of regular apple trees stood proudly to the right, and pale blue astral trees to the left with a different variety of different kinds of produce strewn about with bits of magic lingering around. Stables, coops, and a track lay behind the barn waiting.

''But what's the point in wrangling?'' Flashing Deck asked.

''A most valid question: but the answer is so simple: a major aspect of character that the Queen likes is patience. You see, when we bore witness to how Jamir's incarceration went, he didn't have a lot of options open to him, namely having the patience to out-wait his mistakes of rushing a plan that led to his time in solitary. She wants a confirmation that you all, more so Jamir can hold patience when faced with danger.'' Hina opened the gate, leading the inside.

''Danger?'' Chrysalis's voice took on a apprehensive tone, her horn lighting up. ''Of what ilk?''

''You will see soon enough, just a word of advice,'' Rina tossed everyone a rag. ''It would be in your interests to do this in increments of two.''

''For what?'' Renoir sat on her haunches, curious.

''Oh, HitchCaw!''

Coming out from inside the barn, a unicorn with a light brown coat trotted up the group. Deep blue eyes stared back at the group with a warm embrace. Her mane and tail were done in the fashion of a pony who has seem so time of the high life, but displayed more of a rugged sense of exploration. A cutie mark of a grape bundle with the stalk attached was proudly displayed.

''Yes?''

''Our guests have arrived,'' Hina embraced the mare in a hug while Rina hoof-bumped her.

''Ah, most wonderful: I thought they would never show up,'' the mare chuckled. ''From what Rina and Hina told me, this must be the Princess of Love,'' she gestured to Cadence. ''Then, Applejack Apple and Rainbow Dash, the Element bearers of Honesty and Loyalty.''

''Greetings.''

''Howdy.''

''What's up?''

''Then, you must Queen Chrysalis of the Changelings, nice to make your acquaintance.'' she shook hooves with the changeling.

''The feeling is the same.''

''After that, we have Zareran, the Griffon leader of this little group, Flashing Deck, the Unicorn Trickster, Battering Ram, The Muscle, and Renior, The Shaman.''

''Hey.'' Zareran greeted with a clawshake.

''Hi,'' Flashing smiled.

''Nice to see you,''

''Namaste, friend.''

''And that leaves the main reason for your visit here, the human. If I may, can I call you Jamir?''

''Of course,'' Jamir bowed. ''It's nice to meet you, Hitchcaw.''

''Please, Hitchcaw is just a name that was made up for me since I mostly run the ranch on my own. My actual name is Berry Bunch.''

''Well, Berry, if you would be so nice to explain the rules of our little exercise here, the quicker Jamir and his friends can meet the Queen,'' Rina refreshed everyone's memories.

''Right. Now, as you've been no doubt told over and over again, you will be going through 5 tasks that list the importance of Patience, Strategy, Loyalty, Cunning and finally Compassion. For your first task, you will need to have patience in wrangling very simple game: Chickens. Or more specially a hybrid brand of Pyro-Chickens. You are faced with 10 rouge chickens that need to put back into their special restrainer coops over there,'' Berry pointed to a massive sized coop built with a majority of black, shiny rocks around the more parts that looked be more susceptible to escape. '' Bringing a dirt brown hue of magic to her horn, a spark of magic floated in the sky forming a thin slab of magic with the numbers: 10:00.

''You have exactly 10 minutes to wrangle the chickens into the coop. Each pair will get 2 chickens to themselves, with the exception one of one you having 2 chickens to handle by yourself. So pair up, and good luck.''

''Hold it!'' Rainbow boomed. ''What do you mean Pyro-Chickens?''

''I believe that she is referring to the fire-breathing descendants of Cockatrices,'' Chryalis muttered her displeasure by groaning.

''Wait, so could we die? Cause I am not too fond of being roasted by a bird.'' Battering slowly backed away.

''Well, yes and no. Could you die? No, not from a direct hit. Would you want to? No. Is it possible? Yes, very much so. But you guys should be fine!'' Berry cheered for the group, even though it did nothing to encourage nor deter them.

''Well, let's get to it.'' Jamir cracked his knuckles. ''I mean, how hard could it be?''

8 minutes later:

''Okay!'' Jamir yelled breathlessly. ''I take it back, this is like fighting Spider-Man and The Human Torch!'' he dodged another stream of fire headed for him, only to violently singe a portion of the fence behind him.

''Who's Spider-Man and Human Torch?'' Cadence asked from her place on a hay bale, everyone else doing the same from completing their task.

''Oh, you know! Just a-WHOA! boy who got spider- HEY WATCH IT! powers from a radioactive spider bite! And a literal flamethrower!'' Jamir slide across the ground, rolling with his momentum and steadying himself on the balls of his feet.

''Ya might want to hurry up, ya got 1 minute and 30 seconds left,'' Applejack lazily commented, her hat being over her mouth slightly muffling her words.

''Well aware of that!'' he thought. Pushing off with a powerful charge, he charged an orb of magic, punching a beam that barely grazed the chickens, but forced them further to the right only for them to let a barrage of flames loose, forcing the human to raise his shield just in time to feel the heat behind the attack, making him sweat even more.

1:20.

''Come on, boss: just end this already!'' Flashing complained.

''You try dealing with two of these fuckers when they can copy the same magic you cast on them,'' Jamir snapped back, surprising the unicorn as she sheepishly chuckled. ''I'm trying not to hurt them, but looks like I may not have a choice at this point!'' he growled, throwing another blast, only for his attack to meet one of the same caliber, each canceling the other out.

0:59.

''How come everyone else's chickens were easy?'' he breathed out.

''Sorry, Jamir: the Queen wanted to make things... not so convenient for you. Just gotta go with the flow,'' Berry commented, munching on some popcorn.

0:46.

''Well, I say fuck not so convenient, this is making me a little pissed off.'' he delivered a side kick, propelling another magic blast, forcing the chickens back a few more paces, but only to have to set up another defense as they ran after him, swarming him with fire.

0:30.

''Come on, figure something out. Almost out of time!'' Rainbow yelled.

Jamir had to think of something. No matter what he did, these chickens did not let up. Had it be up to him, he would have just levitated them over, but Berry said that using magic to restrain animals would count as abuse and that did not fly on her ranch, so he had to improvise by forcing them back with close shots.

''Master!~'' Chryalis broke the human's train of thought. ''Use your dice!''

''Oh yeah!'' Jamir remembered. ''I need to be reminded to slap myself after this!'' Grinding to a halt, Jamir reached behind his belt and uncovered the small pouch full of dice. Fishing out a pair of green dice with images of Venus flytraps, he smirked: Adaptium Dice.

0:18.

Holding one between his index and middle finger was the other was held in his ring and pinky, he focused his aim and hurled the dice at their intended targets. The effect was instant. A low thrum sounded, roots and flytrap mouths sprouting in the blink of an eye, capturing the two chickens in their grasp.

0:12.

Jamir then noticed a visible change in the environment. Gray overtook all of the color spectrum excluding the massive carnivorous plants, which were a bright green, and the Pyro-Chickens, pale white and the chicken's coop a bright red. Connecting the dots, the next course of action came sudden.

0:05.

''Return!'' his voice vibrated across the plains, the plants replying almost immediately as they forcefully put the crazed chickens back inside the coop with a bit of difficultly from having portions of the body charred. Letting his outstretched hand fall back to his side, he felt a ping of relief wash over him in bulk.

''Well, that was not so hard,'' sarcasm laced every word of his statement.

''Hoo-whee!'' Berry was impressed with the human's actions. ''What a colorful way to do things, and you only had 2 seconds to spare.''

''Huh?'' the human looked to the timer. Tried and true, it read: 0:02. Cutting it close certainly seemed to be a growing trend that followed him almost everywhere. Going over and taking a seat on the hay bale, he waited to see the next portion of what he would have to do.

''You all performed a lot better than I thought you would. Marks across the board, props to you especially Jamir for pulling that little dice trick: by the way, how'd you do that?'' Berry inquired, asking to borrow said pouch as she rummaged through it.

''That would be thanks to Flashing: she developed the concept of the dice after I provided her with the necessary materials,''

''Wow, isn't that something,'' Berry complimented. ''Anyhoo: I would say you all passed this little challenge with flying colors,''

''So what next?'' Rainbow asked, stretching her wings.

''You would go with Hina and Rina to the next task, so ya'll should get going,''

''That's it? We can just go?'' Cadence asked.

''Yep, come on, guys: onto the next task: Strategy!'' Hina exclaimed. ''I hope at least one of knows how to play Chess!'' was all Rina said before her and Hina went running ahead and stopping the group. Stomping their hooves to the ground, the sound echoed, their shapes and the resulting area around the group distorted and deformed.

''Wait, why?'' Jamir asked as the group left the ranch, prepping to go into the city, slowly but surely, small specks of trees and cobblestone paths changed, only disappearing for it to change into something else, something else much more...depressing. What looked to be broken dreams, shattered hopes and excluded thoughts.

''What is this place? Where are we?'' Jamir demanded, bringing forth his sword. ''Explain!''

''We just brought you to the 2nd task: an abandoned city that the Queen was able to salvage from peering into your mind,'' Hina calmly stated.

''How?'' came the question from Chrysalis.

''Only way to find that out would be to meet us at the center of the city; if you can make it, that is,'' Rina chuckled. Spreading her wings and taking flight, Hina zoomed to the underbrush of the city, soon fading into the distance.

'''Wait!'' Rainbow tried to rush after, only for her and everyone else to be pushed back from Rina leaping in the air, horizontally kicking against a mid-air barrier that sent a powerful shockwave, blasting back even the most minuscule of things as her body soared like a bullet after her sister.

''Well, damn,'' Jamir cursed, brushing himself off. ''Let's go! And everyone keep up!''

Task 2: Gambits, Sacrifices: Endgames

Zweihander.

The cold, desolate streets thrummed with the kind of quiet one could accustom with insanity: unyielding, uncaring, unthinkable. That was the feeling that flooded Jamir's senses into falling to a very small sense of comfort. Heavy thickets of ash and dirt sprinkled the sky, eventually meeting the ground in a dull approach. Clouds that appeared to be weaved from the very darkness itself hung over the broken and mayhem ensued area, faint strike of thunder booming occasionally, further adding to the factor of depression. Glass, metal, and other minuscule items were strewn about on the pavement, showing upcoming hurdles for the human's party. Coming across what looked to be a construction site, metal beams, catwalks, and abandoned dreams latched onto Jamir's mind as a leech going for the spark of their precious life source.

''Oh, where are we?'' Cadence's voice quivered at the feeling of negativity pressing down on her skull in the fashion of a lead barbell. ''Where did those ponies go?~''

''Beats me,'' Flashing Deck rummaged about the wreckage, kicking small rocks with her hoof. ''I stopped keeping track after they kept pulling that illusion trick on us an hour ago, so excuse my lackluster of really caring at this point,'' a groan escaped her lips as a small rock hit her on the head, knocking off the small black fedora she had grown accustomed to wearing some time ago.

''We should remain vigilant, it would do best to be in high spirits,'' Chrysalis took a seat on a decent looking bench that managed to hold her weight, even thought the changeling weighed less than the average pony so she had nothing to really worry about. ''However, those...tricksters have managed to give us the slip multiple times and it is beginning to unnerve me, and my liege.'' she paid attention to how her master stood overlooking the rubble in the sense of reminiscence. The strangely warm wind blew through with a gentle touch, slowly blowing his hair as his hand gripped the hilt of his sword worriedly.

''There's-'' Jamir turned around to look at his group. ''-something down there and it does not have an appealing aura, from what I can tell,'' his voice carried a hushed monotone.

''Like what?'' Applejack moved alongside him to peer into the small crook revealing a flight of stairs leading further down to the unknown. ''And why the hay are ya sounding like you've been here before?''

''Because...in a way...I have,''

''EHHHHHHHHH!'' everyone asked, surprised.

''Then where are we then?'' Rainbow Dash flew in front of Jamir, hovering in front of him with a panicked look. ''Tell us!''

Fighting back the urge to bite his tongue, the human's pent up anger was expressed through a deep sigh and a head shake.

''I only said that because...this is a place...I often have went to during my time on Earth whenever I Astral Projected,'' the human admitted as a trickle of frown swept across his face. The human's mindset at the time resembled that of a Elite Sniper's: calculating, precise, and patient. The main issue plaguing him was the striking resemblance to the place he loved and yet at the same time hated to be as compared to the harsh realities of his home back on Earth. After a few minutes of absorbing the initial shock of where he stood, Jamir resolved himself and pushed forward.

''Come on, I am certain-'' he begun a slow descent from the base of the street. ''-that Hina and Rina passed through this factory.''

Mounds of scrap metal and concrete looked to block the majority of the way as the group came to the entrance. With Chrysalis and Flashing using their magic to move the massive boulders, the way was revealed to view a flight of crumbled stairs leading down to a semi-collapsed hallway.

''Flashing and Cadence: with me. Everyone else, hold back,'' the human 'carefully' (more or less leaped down the passage, causing a miniature crater to form under his feet.) went to the bottom of the staircase, releasing a swift growl out of habit.

''Geez, boss,'' Flashing joked. ''A little much, don't you think?'' she brought a illumination of white light to her horn, enveloping the dark hall with sight.

''I call it precaution.'' Jamir gazed onward, his eyes meeting a large circular area, an arena of sorts before him on the lower level.

''But why would they be here?'' Cadence asked flatly, blowing a few strands of her frazzled mane from her eyes. Perhaps she could go for a different style, then again winter is a few months away, the hassle was not worth the reward plus Shining Armour himself said he likes and would even embrace this new wild look of hers, though wild was not the correct term to use in that context.

''Something about their personality just tells me that while not as a coward might do, they prefer to adapt the situation to them, which is why this could be the first place they would logically go.'' he stated this as if fact. ''The chance of a fight is low, but we can never be to careful,'' another bout of distant thunder sounded, the trio slightly tensing once again. Walking deeper forward, the human's suggestion was proven correct as the Pegasus and Earth Pony stood in the center, talking to a figure of...curious intent. A giant White Tiger sat across from the pair on a raised slab of ground, a peculiar looking table of sorts between them.

''What is that?'' Cadence asked, her voice showing genuine curiosity. ''And why are they just sitting there?''

The air around the trio suddenly grew thin, and cold. An educated guess led Jamir to see the tiger slowly breathing in and out, the beast's breath somehow having an affect in the air. Somewhat of a dull headache throbbed within Jamir's head from the lack of oxygen. Thier existence seemed to not be revealed to the group as of late, so the trio quietly, albeit with a few groans, made their way back up, to see the concerned eyes of everyone else.

''They're down there, alright,'' a small huff of air left Flashing's muzzle. ''But now what do we do?'' her ears flattened as she pondered the matter. A bout of thoughts went through everyone's mind as this would be the 5th time they would attempt to try and catch the pair to find out their next task, with no success.

''...I may have a idea, my liege.'' Chrysalis raised a hoof, calling attention to herself.

''Go ahead.''

''I would suggest we execute a Gambit of sorts, with the hope of drawing the sister's attention while the rest of us cuts off their escape routes. Or perhaps we may use a Head Duo.''

Chess moves, huh? I see the practical side behind it, but actually doing it might be a issue.

''Well, who would you reckon do what?'' Applejack asked.

''Sir?'' Chrysalis turned to her master, seeking approval. ''What says you?''

''This is your plan, Chrysalis, we'll follow your lead.'' he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled.

''Very well. Rainbow Dash, Flashing would you take on the task of insuring Hina cannot use her wings?''

''You got it.''

''No problem.''

''Applejack, Battering Ram: you two would be the best option to restrain Rina with your natural strength,''

''Can do,''

''A chance to fight? Sweet.''

''Cadence, Renoir and Zareran will remain over looking the area in the event the plan fails.''

''And where does that leave us?'' Jamir pegged for his position besides the changeling.

''Master, I would think it be best if you were in charge of removing that beast away from the sisters so I can go in and interrogate the pair.''

''Alright, then: let's get ready.''

Meanwhile, with the sisters:

''And then he ran all around trying to catch the chickens, but ended up going back and forth between not trying to get burnt!'' Hina guffawed, almost causing her mug of cider in her hoof to spill.

''Most interesting,'' the gigantic tiger responded in a humorous tone. ''But you happened to mention something related to dice?''

''Yes.'' Hina replied. ''It appears that his Unicorn trickster has constructed magical dice with adaptive properties, which is how he managed to capture the Pyro-chickens with some difficulty. However, it was a interesting sight to see, nonetheless.''

''So~'' the tiger yawned. ''How has he been faring in this little realm of yours?''

''Meh.'' Hina shrugged. ''We thought he would have snapped at this point from us just randomly teleporting away from his group, but it seems he is using a bit of that patience from HitchCaw to the test.''

''So, when you describe him as charming, gentle and a serious individual, how would you say he is on a more personal level?''

''Just how we described him to be, but since the fact he is already in a joint relationship with 8 mares is something that most mares that, with reluctance stray away from him, though some are not so easy going to give up.'' Rina responded with glumness.

''Hmm, I am certain I would be able to coerce him into playing our little game, and I may even find someone whom I finally go all out with.'' the tiger purred in happiness.

''Sure, Taika, keep telling yourself that.'' Rina laughed. ''You will always be lonely, nopony would be brave or stupid enough to try and mate with you, let alone talk to you, you are lucky we like you, otherwise those 3 years would have been pure--'' she started a strong rant, only to stop short. ''Uh...what was that word again, sis?''

Hina's ears perked at the call for name, or the request of information about the human's world. Fishing a leather-bound book with golden corner covers from her bag with the words: Jamir Fan-Club, Terms, Facts and Stats. Opening the book to page chapter 2, page 30, paragraph 2 talked about slang, and more specifically how that are used to invoke or reinforce points, refer to places or locations, or even to refer to places of bad omen. Eyes widening, a toothy grin surfaced as she spoke.

''That would be Hell, sister.''

''Anyway you wish to spin the yarn however you please, but I am confident that the human has room in his--"

''Harem.''

''For me,'' Taika proudly stated.

Now that would be a true miracle to see in itself. If there was one thing that could about Taika, the Wise Tiger most could tell would be her downfall woudl be her inability to fully express her emotions for fear of rejection, being so pretentious when the spotlight is among her would make her seem like a shining beacon to dim flames and for what? The lowly commoners could never hope to attain the level of knowledge and beauty she has, never in a million years! Her presence empowers others. The ground she canters upon is blessed, and at the end of the day!...why does she feel so...worthless? Only a few who managed to not only cringe away and take to pleasuring a slab of meat as to her, only 2 released just to get it over, let alone enjoy the not even real sex! Really, how she managed to be 105 and still a virgin eluded her. Perhaps, it was fated to--

Donnnn!

''What the?''

''Ahhhh!'' Hina yelled, her wings being restricted by a blue field of magic. Next to her, Rainbow Dash hovering in front of her with a scowl.

''What is--''

''Release me!'' Rina tried to buck off her intruders, Applejack and Battering Ram holding her front and back hooves with rope.

''When did they?--''

A pair of figures leaped from the upper level, landing with explosiveness, Chrysalis standing in front of the twins as the human landed on the table with a flourish, however, his face displayed determination as their eyes met for a brief second.

And the entire world around Taika was cancelled out.

Oh!~ He really does have that long, luscious hair! How I wish to-

BLAM! The tiger was forcefully and literally smacked from her seat and forced into a crouching position with her claws somehow retracted faster than she could comprehend. However, at the same time, something...strange occurred.

''Ohhh~ The pain feels so gooood!~

''Now.'' said the changeling with a somewhat tired voice. ''We have grown tired of this drivel and we demand you tell us the next task before I say buck it and murder you!''

''At ease, Chryalis: I-I get you're mad, but you must take into account that, if you kill us: you will never escape from here.'' Hina said a straight tone.

''And how do you know that?!''

''Try and see.''

That threat forced Chrysalis to back up and reconsider the Pegasus's options as she rethought her plan to do away with the pair.

''Just tell what we wish to know,''

''Fine, if you must know: this is the next task on the list: Strategy. As you have somehow managed to catch us off guard tells me you have a grasp of what is to come,'' Hina smirked. ''One of you will be playing a simple game of Chess against a master tactician.''

...

''You mean to tell me--'' Rainbow Dash's eyebrow twitched, signalling she was close to her tipping point. ''We chased you around, busting our flanks to catch you, only for you to just f-freaking tell us...all we had to...was play a BUCKING GAME OF CHESS?! WHY BOTHER COMING TO THIS D-DAMN PLACE?''

''It helps set the mood.'' Rina deadpanned. ''But, if you must know: Queen Titania does not want any unwanted damage done to Aister, and she did say we have executive authority over every single task and can fail you if you do not meet the basic requirements.''

''And another question.'' Rainbow shook with anger even more, her mouth cracking a wickedly cheery smile.

''Yes?''

''Why is there a White Tiger moaning as if it's having good time by strangled by our coltfriend?''

''Oh, that's just Taika,'' Hina said with a wave of a hoof. ''And little known fact, not sure if it will help you, but she is like the ultimate masochist.''

''Wait, huh?'' Jamir asked from his crouched position, both his legs and arms wormed around Taika's neck to the point where a blood vessel may burst.

''Oh yeah, whatever it is you're doing, it won't work. Pain is a like drug to her, which is why she's not attacking you.'' Hina explained.

''O-kay?'' Jamir dismounted the beast, only to find that it actually enjoyed his ministrations as she purred in contentment, a little too much contentment.

''Awww, why'd you stop?~ It was feeling so good too!''

A Few Minutes Later:

Throughout all the mayhem of trekking through this crazed dream city, running back and forth finding the twins, only to discover them having a drink with a huge masochistic White Tiger certainly was bumped up to # 3 on his list of BS. Anyways, the next thing on the list was to get on with the game of Chess. The rules of the game have not changed, only the small condition that set between the two: Jamir, if he wins, the only thing he wanted from this was Taika provide some type of insight on the task since he has been branded: Wise since he did not have anything else he really wanted from her. And Taika's demand was a manageable one, if the notion of having a belly rub every single time they meet outweighed the condition if that the human manages to impress her, then she would follow him in his journey. The stage had been set. A massive obsidian table laden with a mug of cider on either side sat in between the two as a magnificent glass set was displayed in all its glory. On the left side, clear was Jamir's side of the board: White. And Ironically, frosted belonged to Taika: Black.

''Well, now that we have a leveling playing field, I shall give you the honor of going first,'' Taika stated, laying on her side.

''Are you ready?''

''As I ever will be.'' Jamir held in his chin in thought. ''And I will be sure to use this lead to my advantage.''

Hmmm....you may say that now, but I possess a trick that all males have no choice but to bow and submit themselves to me!...I only hope it works on him.

''Oh, by the way,'' Taika stood on her hind legs. ''I have my-POOF!-own tricks to tip the scales in my favor~''

''What the?''

''Hey!''

''Come, on really?''

''Why?!''

''You lust-driven harpy! What pleasure do you derive from doing this?'' Chrysalis bellowed, her voice causing a rumble in the caverns.

Rule 1 of combat: never leave the enemy with the spoils~ Oh, how fun this will be!

''Ha!'' Taika cheered in her mind. She had dropped heads once again, it is true: none can resist the slim, but firm body that can be resembled to that of a Goddess. Her delicate, but inviting lips. Her cushion like tail that envelops her prey with soft, slow movements, her supple, yet tight rear that mesmerizes onlookers to drool. Not to forget her sizable assets that she absolutely loved showing off...but her face portrayed youth and promise, yet has seen its share of the naughty. Yes, it truly seems that no matter who she is faced with cannot help but-

''He.'' Jamir laughed. ''Hahahahahahaha!''

''Master, what is so funny?''

''Just the fact that she thinks that seducing me with her attractive body will work! Oh, God, where's Frank to crack a joke when you need him?''

Little did the human know, a groan of being left out echoed from the farthest reaches of Ponyville, though it never reached his ears.

''W-What!? How can you say that? My charms have seduced many lowly commoners to beg for a night with me!''

''Really, now?'' Jamir questioned. ''I bet you have those petty low-lives begging.''

''I do!'' she crossed her arms in defiance.

''Mercy to get the buck of out Dodge,'' Battering joked.

''Silence! I will make you regret making a fool of me!'' she moved her Kingside pawn forward two spaces.

''It's...not your turn.'' Cadence simply said. Blushing as her tail swished back and forth angrily, the mistake was corrected.

''I knew that!'' she fumed.

Zugwang

''Well, then let's start: it's your move,'' Taika said, leaning forward on the table, purposely showing off her assets in a attempt to throw the human off his game.

''Fine, don't say you put me in the position to succeed. Pawn E2 to E4. Your move.''

''Very well, then I shall move PawnA7 to A6.''

''Strange move.'' Jamir thought.

''BishopF1 to C4.''

''Pawn D7 to D6.''

Why would she do that? Is she trying to knock me off my game? No...that can't be it, can it. Whatever, I don't have time for this.

''I'll try a bold move and do this: Queen to H5.''

''Hmm, clever move: I see what you're doing there, but I see right through it: Bishop to H3.''

''Capture.'' Jamir simply said, taking the piece with his pawn.

''What?! I mean, you've fallen for my trap! Pawn to G5!''

''This has to be a joke, right?'' Chryalis whispered from the sidelines.

''Whaddya mean?'' Rainbow asked back.

''Master is fine where he is currently, though I would opt for a sacrifice to push for a more immediate threat...but the tiger is playing sloppily. I wonder how she will worm her way out of this.''

''Of what?'' Cadence wondered.

''...Watch.''

''I see that move and respond with Knight F3.'' Jamir remained indifferent.

''Knight H6,'' Taika pouted.

''RookG1.'' Jamir leaned on his right hand.

''PawnE5.''

''PawnD3.''

''RookG5.''

''PawnC3.''

''PawnA4.''

''Huh?''

''PawnA4,'' Jamir repeated. ''Do you have a problem with that?''

''N-No! Continue.'' Taika waved her hand. ''QueenG4, then!''

''And that is the mistake to end this game.'' Chrysalis groaned.

''Wait, what?'' Taika turned her head over to face the Queen. ''How do you know that?''

''Focus: Taika. Chrysalis is right. PawnG4 captures Queen.''

''Huh?!''

''Your turn.'' he simply said.

''Fine, then: PawnB5.''

''Capute PawnB6.''

''Fine, then I play KingE7,'' Taika wore a scowl.

''RookG4.''

''PawnF6,''

''RookG6.''

''KnightG8.''

''And I capture the Knight.'' Jamir smiled.

''PawnD5.''

''Capture on B5!'' Taika laughed in victory.

''Sorry, captured your A8Rook.''

''Darn! PawnB4, then!''

''And that's another captured Knight on B8: try and make this interesting, sweetness.'' Jamir teased, running a finger past Taika's jawline.

Ahhhh~! I mean-no! Focus.

''PawnF5.''

''And with that, PawnF5 capture.''

''Stop doing that!''

''Doing what? I have no idea what you're talking about~'' Jamir cheerfully whispered.

''Ughhhhh! KingD6!''

Threatening my Bishop, eh? Please.

''PawnF8 capture.''

''Stooooppppp! PawnE4!''

''Capture.''

''KingC7.''

''QueenH7.'' A sigh of disappointment left Jamir's throat.

''KingB6!''

''RookB8.''

''KingA7!''

And that was were the tiger made her final mistake.

''Sorry about this, but then again, not really: I will say this, you have basic grasp of theory, but sometimes going with a classic opening can pave the way for a good defense.'' Jamir stated. ''BishopC4.''

Wait, huh?

''What's the matter, I thought the wise tiger would make me pay , but I guess not.''

''THAT'S IT! PAWN B3!''

''Capture.''

''KingB7!''

''BishopA6.''

''KingD7.''

''BishopG5.''

''PawnC4!''

''Capture.''

''Checkmate, Rookg\G7. Nice game.'' Jamir said, moving the final piece into place.

...How? No, nonononononononnononononnononono! How can this be?! Never in the entirety of her life has Taika been disgraced like this. She tried her absolute best to crush the human at a game she was certain he had never played, and yet she has met her match. Every move was executed as if he saw her entire plan like a sheet of paper. That scared her. If this one game could tell that much, than what else is the human capable of doing? And to top if off, he...barely looked to be trying!

''You, YOU!...have bested me,'' Taika bowed her head in shame. ''I have to admit, every move you made was flawless and carefully orchestrated...you even seem to exceed me at one of the few things I like. As promised, I will help with the next task, but I must do so with a condition.'' Taika firmly stated.

''And that is?''

''Allow me to accompany you. I do best seeing a situation than just advice on one.''

''Fine, I suppose that is fair, just as long as it gets along further.'' Jamir agreed.

''Well, then: that's another mark in the books,'' Hina literally took out another book, a black cover book with the word: Notes: on it and penciled something in. ''Two down, three to go!''

Task 3: Securing Closed Doors.

A Look Into The Past

When one refers to the concept of being loyal to a cause, a loved one, or even the very way they are certain to die: this much can, and most of the time is: a farce.

Cold.

It appears to some as hope.

Lost.

But, in truth: nothing is absolute for all who dwell in the small fragment of the world in which we live.

Fun?

...No, this is something much more than any one entity could comprehend of their own volition.

One should not take the charity of another so lightly...it has the capacity to be one's downfall and will be that if motives are not clear.

Rise

''THIS IS AWESOME!'' Hina and Rina roared at the of their lungs, savoring the euphoria joy of adrenaline bringing the most wicked of smiles along with it. The whipping of the air through their manes, the almost complete feeling of weightlessness, and the ever so fulfilling sense of the unknown made the smallest of thrill pale in comparison.

''WHY?!~'' Cadence nearly hurled up her lunch, her body being forceful jerked in varying directions with the speed of a train.

''IT'S FUN, OF COURSE!''

Those words failed to comfort the Princess Of Love into calming down. If any, she only panicked even more.

''SOMEPONY, PLEASE!~'' Applejack cried her teeth clamping a fierce some grip on her hat in a attempt to numb the lighting quick sensations around her. ''STOP THIS CRAZY THING!''

''I-I S-SECOND THAT!'' Flashing and Renoir both yelled.

''This is a heap of bullshit!'' Jamir thought, covering his mouth with a free hand as the other searched for a stopper of sorts: something...anything to make the nightmare stop! The human certainly shares the same amount of kick as the twins, but more so widespread into protecting his loved ones, yet this is a bit much, even for him.

The source of everyone's discomfort was, at least someone like Spike or Frank would consider this simple. Following the defeat of Ms. Taika Panthera in a game of Chess by Jamir, the 2nd task: Strategy was completed and now the 3rd one: Loyalty was to be underway. However, the mode of transportation to the next one in the newly dubbed: Spectral Void was to take a mega slide to it. And the biggest issue was the matter of how there is literally no support system between the slide and the ground! And to make matters even worse, this was more or less forced upon the group in a millisecond. However, the one thing that ran past everyone's mind was the apparent need for fanfare!

''I just hope this will be over soon!'' a growing headache formed which he staved off with a small numbing spell. ''I don't think I could-

THAWCK!

''HELLLLLLP!a portion of the slide broke off.

''Applejack!'' Jamir shouted, preparing to jump over to catch the falling mare.

''Ha!'' a deep voice shouted from behind, past the rushing winds that muffled the sound of something mildly exploding. Craning his head over so slightly made him slack-jawed as he did sigh in relief. Taika pushed off with accuracy, easily reaching Aj's position in a few seconds, grabbing hold of her.

''What the hay?'' Aj looked confused.

''...Fly.'' was all Taika whispered as her feet contacted a black triangular magical platform with trimming along the edges with a marking of a trio of green claw marks. In a instant, the pair was rocketed back over, the force of slamming back into the slide forced a sizable shift in direction, causing the speed of the death-ride to be even faster.

''YOU GUYS OKAY?!'' Jamir managed to find his voice after the shock, only to lock his eyes with a cerulean portal sparking erratically before a bright light engulfed his view.

''I want to be strong...''

''You certain about your choice to do this?''

A current of terrifying energy swirled in the air.

''I want to be fastest in the world!''

''It'll take a lot more than just words to make that happen. Take my guidance, and you can be faster than light itself.''

''I wish for the power to overcome my demons...''

''Not even immortals can come to terms with the natural darkness in their hearts...yet you may try.''

''I need...I need...''

''What is that you need, lost one?''

''...The truth.''

The pitter patter of water in a broken motion dulled out the sounds of clashing and screaming faded in and out of his consciousness, threatening to rip his mind apart. Vivid, almost lucid scenes flashed back and forth with intensity. Yet, a displacing ominous feel bore down the human's mind.

''I'm not asking you as your king, I'm asking you because you're the only ones who can help do something. You guys wanted a chance to make up for your wrong doings, then here's your chance: fight besides me.''

''Master, we all have done things in the past that Yevon made us do out of fear, but ever since you came along we've been given a steady and firm push in the right direction. We all want to atone for all the bad things that we did, so if fighting besides you can help change that, then you have our full allegiance.''

''Alright, get these warriors prepared for battle in 5 minutes!''

''Sir, yes sir!''

Visions of slaughter of Dragons, Cockatrices, Manticores, and Timberwolves struck at every nerve, unrelenting and careless: The very notion warping what little of a reality the human could fathom. A rejection of sorts fought back against the perpetual darkness, forcing the bad omens away. But, with a clash, a disturbance changed perspective:

''No, what Is pathetic Is your preconceived notion that you've won: but the lord of chaos always has a trick of 3 up his sleeve.'' a voice belittled and seemed to slash at the already open, infected wound. The recipient of said message eluded the human at the moment, his mind foggy from a dark cloud overhead, scrambling all thoughts.

''W-Where~?'' he croaked, his voice on the border of cracking, his throat feeling to be raked by rusty nails. Amidst the confusion and pain, a beacon of light provided temporary relief.

''It's those fears who make you who you are, cause even I have them.'' he listened for a voice, familiar but foreign.

''R-Really?"

''Yea, I'm afraid of a lot of things and I would admit them openly, but the one thing that takes precedence over all is you girls. I'd do anything, even lay down my life if it meant you girls would be safe so of course I would never leave over something so silly.''

Fear...now he understood a little bit, only a little. A huge portion of...he didn't know to call have more parts to it, that much he knew. As it increased, so did the growing insanity.

''Then that's all that matters: we can handle that as the issues fly to us but this'll take one hell of a explaining to do back home.''

''You know that you will have a lot to atone for, right? Just because I have forgiven you does not mean the girls and everyone else you wronged will be so willing to do the same. At the very least, the death penalty can be off the table with a little convincing.''

''Thank you.''

''W-Who?'' the strain of speaking was in a category of its own. This feeling, whatever it was felt like the epitome of having Death's hand on the back of your neck: pressuring, fearful and chilling even the toughest of hearts to frost. His breath hitched, every breath swindled from his lungs like a thief stealing from the poor. The feeling of his soul struggling to vacate his body rippled across his skin in a flash of fire.

The sound...it hurts.

''Wake up, child.'' a majestic and caring voice requested. Yet it was out of mild shock, an unmistakable gasp following afterwards. ''Oh, my, you're hurt...who did this to you?''

''U...U-u-uh...''

A faint hum of magic activating probed at his mind as if searching for an answer. A flicker of light grew, illuminating the dark void with light. Slowly, a figure's shape rose.

''Oh, now I see. My child, you need to wake up from this place of hatred. You still are not ready for the next step...there still is something else tethering you to this world and you must solve the issue in front of you.'' golden light began to filter the darkness, showing the figure's shape to be a colossal dragon, more majestic than even the Elites.The sheer size alone could speak of the raw, burning power within. Golden scales that shone brighter the sun itself effortlessly provided a haven. The beauty and confidence exuded just by existing told a thousand words. Words any sane-minded person would instantly understand.

This dragon was The Matriarch and was not be defied.

''M-Mikagura~?...''

''Hush...let this comfort your ailment.'' she displaced a small sphere of light travelling to the human. ''You will no doubt feel pain awakening from this nightmare but I must impart some knowledge upon you that only you must hear...not even your Alicorn lover's bond can bypass my magic, so listen carefully.''

When those the most resembling to your kind walk upon four legs, will come to you and beg. At the point where there is a tremendous cost, they will come bear when hope is lost. At the period beggars cast their plea, the fate of their life will fall to thee. In the end, you must look past their plight and never, not even once lose sight.

''When we meet again, you must have attained a new power, you must keep repelling the darkness to hold out for the light. You will be tempted with promise of things beyond your current capabilities..and it will be hard, yet I believe you are capable of holding out until the time of. Until then...''

Feeling woke him up. More so, the flaring of every single nerve alerted him that he, unlike most times he was knocked out let him know he was very much so awake. Secondly, the blaring of voices in his ears also told him. Yet he still was unable to truly discern real from dreams. It was uncanny how real it felt. The tugging vibrations pushed him to his limit.

''Master!'' a familiar voice called.

...

''AAAGGGHH!'' Jamir woke with a cold sweat, the intensity of his heart beating at the speed of sound, His bones thrummed in tandem with the high-pitched whining noise in his ears. His skin rippled and grew hot, burning almost. The shudders of his body told of his immersion still into the high-filled adrenaline rush that caused his stomach to keel over on itself, a emptiness present. He grew scared. More so then witnessing the trickery and betrayal of Azure Light. The emotions with the fight with Sombra paled in comparison to this. Even having his mind defiled and broken by Chrysalis seemed to be a literal walk in the park.

The pain was unbearable.

''Master!'' Chrysalis called, nudging the human with her cheek, trying to coax him out the soulless thousand-yard stare he had.

''O-o-oh.~ A-A-a-ah-hh.~''

"Calm down!''

Smack!

Silence held steady for a few seconds before Jamir came to a realization. He was just slapped. By who?

''...Who...was that?'' a plume of hot air exited his mouth, quickly thickening as it rose in the air of the damp cavern. ''Because I want to-''

''Uh, that was me, Master.'' a voice replied, only it wasn't Chrysalis. ''We didn't know what else to do.''

Looking over to the source of the voice, it was Taika standing next to him, fidgeting back and forth with her hands in front of her quivering face. This was bad, not only was the sounds of the human's nightmare giving everyone a jump-scare, the thought of how he would react from what he endured scared and thrilled her. He was certain to be agitated.

Wait, ...Master?

''-to thank you.'' Jamir brushed the tears and spit off his pale face, in a attempt to look slightly better. ''I was going through straight Hell, so thank you, Taika.''

''You're welcome.'' she smiled back to which he did the same.

''Also, one other thing.''

''Yes?''

''Didn't you just call me Master?''

''That I did.'' Taika simply replied. ''Is there something wrong?''

''Actually, no. But why? I didn't do anything to be your Master.'' the statement before hand confused him.

''That's is where you're wrong: I did say when you bested me in the Chess game that I would follow you where you go.''

''But I thought that just meant-''

''Also, I have been alone for hundreds of years without the company and care of something of your caliber. I am mighty in my own right, but I know I can be of use to your mission. Hina and Rina have told me of your adventures: where you came from, how you got here, and the sacrifices you made to protect the ones you care about. After hearing it...I wish to join you on your quest for glory and peace. There is no real place for me anywhere, not since my people were exiled from this realm, and I am the only one of my kind here. I am alone. Me and Queen Chrysalis have discussed this before you had your night terrors and she approves. So I ask you, please take me under your guidance,'' she displayed her determination by bowing before him and grasping his hand, placing a small kiss on his left hand, the kiss mark left behind contorting into the symbol depicted on the magical circle she used to rescue Applejack appearing on his skin and on hers.

''Chrysalis?'' Jamir questioned. ''What says you?''

A simple nod told him.

''I would be glad to be your mentor. Rise, Taika.''

''Yes...Master.'' Taika grew giddy at the thought of having someone to follow. Her life's worth has increased, no matter what anyone told her!

''So, where...are we? And where are the others?''

''That would be a bit tougher to explain: We too also woke up like this.'' Chrysalis helped his master up to his feet, placing her head behind one arm as her forehoof held the other up. ''I attempted to contact Cadence, but the twins told that everypony else is safe but has completed the same task as you. The task was to face our demons that haunt our consciousness.''

''What about me?''

''You have already passed, Rina confirmed it by means of her own.''

''And now what?''

''We will be sent back any second now where everyone else is currently monitoring us.''

''Wait!'' Jamir yelled. ''That's not-''

POOF!

''Now that was something, now was it?!'' Hina cheered as the human, Changeling, and Tiger landed on the ground. But the ground felt soft and lush, grass perhaps?

''Yea, sure: getting my mind fucked yet again was fun, buuuuut now I...wait. Hey, we're back in Aister!'' he observed his surroundings: being at the exact same place as they were post being sent in to the Spectral Void; right by HitchCaw's ranch.

''How observant, Jamir.'' Rina deadpanned. ''The last two Tasks take place here: so be at ease. P.S. you look like...Ugh. Hina?''

''That would be shit.''

''And everybody else?'' he ignored that comment. Yet, why was the pair smiling?

''Jamir!" a pressure of two weights knocked him out of Chrysalis's grasp and to the ground. Now would be the time to groan and ask why but considering what just transpired was the gnat on the wall he chose not to acknowledge.

Task 4: Emerging From Shadows

A Different Way Of Knowing

It was soothing.

Jamir sighed a breath of relief as he sipped the cup of Black tea in his hand. It held a sweet, but tangy aftertaste that paired with the small Salmon fillet the twins were so considerate to cook for everyone to eat. Going through what he did took a monumental toll on his body.

He found it a tad frighting he has had yet to snap under the false delusions.

Or maybe he has Luna to thank for that. Speaking of which, he should probably check on everyone back home. A dull red tinge of magic surrounded his hands and spawned into the air at face level.

''Uh, master,'' Taika muffled through her half-eaten fish. ''What type of magic is that?'' she pointed a finger.

''...Projection magic.'' he took of a sip of his drink. ''I learned to do this from Luna a few times after she had...turned- I mean, had...'things' happen to her in the past,'' he cringed at almost revealing Nightmare Moon to the Tiger. It was something that was on a need to know basis and right now, nobody didn't.

''Aww, you didn't tell us you could do that!'' Hina complained. ''That's another entry into the books!'' she uncovered her fan club book and began to write in it.

''Don't you guys realize-'' Rainbow Dash flew over the twin's heads, lightly poking them with both her forehooves. ''-that having a book dedicated to the trials, tribulations, and otherwise awesome, 'but not as awesome as me' things he's done is kinda insulting and weird to his marefriends and him?''

''Not if we don't think it to be that way; who's to say you can't not ever have a fascination with your favorite hero?'' Rina countered. ''Besides, do you not already do that with The Wonderbolts, Spitfire and Ms. Daring Do?'' her question caused the Pegasus to chuckle and look away.

''Well, no,'' she argued. ''That's different.'' she held firm past the deadpan looks. ''...Oh, okay fine! S-Stupid Threstals.'' she pouted.

''...Anyways, if you must know,'' Jamir broke the awkward silence. ''That is on a need to know basis and that was, what? 4 months ago? It's November, so I wouldn't have even known you to tell you.'' he flicked a small rock at both their foreheads, eliciting a small yelp of pain and a mark that would sure to show.

With that under the bridge, Jamir did one final check of the connection to insure it could reach Ponyville with no lag. Yes, there was apparantly lag in Projection Magic. Common sense told War Mages back during Starswirl The Bearded's time: 'The less magic inputted to the connection, the less stable interactions are between recipients.' It almost made him want to drive a metal spike through the next Unicorn's head who says that it depends on the distance you are apart from the receiving pony!

Back to the nature of his checking up on things back home.

The dull red projection looked to be the size of a window, emitting a dull hum before a image of Twilight showed, with a book in her magic off to the side, looking ecstatic.

''Jamir!'' she smiled, casting the book aside.

''Hey, Twi; I just wanted to check on you and the girls. Has anything changed so far?''

''No, but am I glad to see you! Things have just been slow around here and Amethyst has been curious as ever, mostly being at the library or in Canterlot with the Princesses. The girls have been off doing their own things, me, Shining Armour, Frank and Gizmo have been keeping the Diamond Dogs in check and...that's about it.'' she waited to hear his response. Then she remembered something. ''Oh! Right. Frank asked if you had supposedly included him in a joke?''

''Uh...'' Jamir trailed off, trying to find a way around the question. ''That's nice and all, but we just called to check on you.'' he redirected the projection to show Applejack and Rainbow.

''Hey, sugarcube./Sup, Twi?''

''Hey guys, are things going okay over there? Have you met the Queen yet?''

''Not quite, sug,'' Applejack admitted. ''We got all these things to do before we can actually do that, but its going swell at the moment.''

''Like what?''

''I would tell you, Twi; but we're kinda on a tight schedule, but the jist of everything is that we're doing fine so far and we should be home soon.'' he observed the twins pantomiming something to looked to translate: 'need to move on.'

''Okay, I guess i'll talk to you guys later, but I expect to hear the full story when you get back.''

''Wouldn't dream of anything different.'' Jamir chuckled. ''But you might want to sit down for some parts...it might shock you. Love you, Twi. Give Amethyst a kiss for me.''

''I love you too.'' the connection ended. Then he looked to the twins. ''So...what's next on the list?''

Jamir said nothing. He stood with his arms folded across his chest. Rows of large marble columns spanned down the hall in front of him. The smell of incense was heavy in the air, almost if someone had committed murder and masked the smell of blood. The evening sun shone through the windows, providing warmth. The place was almost dead silent, sans the tranquil dripping of the circular fountain that had a multitude of coins thrown in for supposed good luck.

The sound of hoovesteps alerted him to turn around to see Hina and Rina walking to the table where everyone else sat. A huge ivory-leather bound book, the size of a small chest with an emblem of Chronomid's symbol on it.

''This is the fourth task, Loyalty...and probably one with the most importance. Here we have the history of us Threstals, how we came to be, our principles and probably the most important: the reason for the feud between the Vamponies.'' Rina looked sorrowful.

''Wait-'' Chrysalis interrupted. ''This has to do with Loyalty how?'' she asked to which the twins bowed their heads.

''...Read from the beginning and you'll see why...but Jamir,'' Hina looked to the human, genuine concern and sadness along her sister. Tears almost began fall from their eyes...this was important.

''Yes?''

''Promise us...that not matter what you read in this book, no matter what may catch your eye...'' Hina began.

''We implore, beg you if we must...please will you still aid us? We have none other to come to in our this time of need.'' Rina finished.

''That...I...will at least hear your side of the story should things not be favorable for us,'' he gestured to his group.

''All that we ask of you.'' Rina sighed a breath of relief as she opened the book up to the first chapter. ''Just hold a open mind.''

History Of The Threstals.

Chapter 1: The Foundation...

....Life...a concept's viability long debated since the very beginning. Variations of worth have long been cast aside for the more greedy and selfish conquests of uncaring, loathsome tyrants, extremists as well blind souls influenced with false promises. Lineage of the Threstal race can be traced back preceding the events of petty occurrences such as The Tranzian Demon Period or the corruption of Maria The Black.

One day, in a more remote part what is now known as Chronomid, a mysterious force, more easily controllable and extensive to primitive magic struck down from the heavens, concentrating in a particular place. At the time, it was believed that the very will of emotions played a factor in creating what some thought to be a monstrosity, to others a beacon of hope and for the small few...an excuse. Fire, lighting and the very guiding constellations fused together to create one being.

From that brief period of time birthed a single filly, fabricated from the elements themselves.

However, her appearance was completely alien to the common Equine in almost every way. Her coat, transparent and seemingly intangible at will. Heightened senses, higher than average: almost supernatural.

At first she was alone, by herself. With none to aid her, vulnerable to everything in the forsaken world.

With no sense of consciousness, she did the only thing she was able to...she wept.

For an entire week, without fail, she wept.

Throughout the entire time, savage and mindless animals tried to make a meal of the filly, only for them to be scared away from getting in too close proximity. The animals feared her, and soon learned and taught their fellow brethren to avoid the crying filly.

The crying persisted for two more days, her very whines piercing the skies and literally moving the clouds. It would have lasted for days on end if not for a young, grey unicorn stallion, with sky blue eyes and a dull windswept mane and tail shrouded in a grey cloak came upon the filly, cockish, but collected discovered the child and tilted his head at how she had yet to be malnourished, eaten, or if she would ever stop crying.

But instead of shying away, he pushed forward, scooping her in his hooves and silencing her cries in almost an instant. Her dull green eyes stared back at his own eyes in curiosity. She giggled, and slobbered on his snout. He looked at her with the concern of a father. The child's body language showed she needed a push in the right direction from scratch.

The filly exuded a inquisitive nature. A small maiden in disguise...maiden...maiden...that was a name that he found befitting.

''I shall name you Maiden,'' the stallion's voice was tired, yet full of life. ''Do you like that?'' he asked.

The filly bubbled and giggled at the name, seemingly accepting it.

''Wait,'' Rainbow interrupted. ''So this filly was just made out of the stars themselves?''

''Supposedly, there have been no other records of a secondary way of being birthed.'' Hina said. ''Now focus back on the book, this is where things take a turn,''

Chapter 2: The Consequences Of An Action Not Intentional.

Years passed by and the filly now known by the name Maiden has grown a great deal. As a child, she and her newly appointed father, Life led a isolated life, away from the humdrum and bustle of the world around them, slow going but always seeming to be full of little surprises. The father knew his child could not not grow up without the companionship of friends, lest she become a social outcast. In the rare instances where Maiden interacted with other commonly yielded the same result: being shunned by others just for the way that she looked. To Life, that was to be expected as the will of others carry a evolutionary trait to be 'afraid' of the unknown when the only cure is to know more about it.

''Papa?'' Maiden asked. ''Why do the other ponies look at me funny?''

''I...the ponies are just very curious, but don't know how to approach things which they foolishly believe them to be scared of...but I do know this,'' Life picked his daughter up and pecked her forehead. ''You are extraordinary...and never let none other tell you different.''

Chapter 3: Born With No Life.

Summer came around as Maiden reached the age of a young adult mare and her life changed drastically. The first, of many things occurring were a event, dubbed The Tranzian Demon Period. Maiden, one day at her home when a small group of extremists came in the middle of night, captured and put her in jail, sick and tired of her indifference. When asked why, she was met with the answer:

''You are not like us...so you will not be among us.''

Those words alone forced Maiden to keep asking for her father, to which her captors told her that her father would never be able to locate her.

Maiden was confused beyond measure. Her father told her that the ponies whom were curious about her did not want to take the first step to learn more of her, yet this was different. Throughout the grape vine, she heard of her to be sentenced to either rot in a dungeon for the rest of her life, be sacrificed to a wild Manticore or even to be hung.

''This is not right!'' Maiden bellowed, hoping to coax her captors into seeing her truth.

''Quiet, Alien!'' her Pegasus Warden warned. ''There is nothing that you can do that will change the minds of others!''

Her fate appeared to be sealed, the will of many overpowering that of few.

''So wait.'' Jamir stopped reading for a second. ''You mean to tell me that these ponies would just openly kill somebody for being that different?''

''...Yes.'' Hina sorrowfully admitted. ''We, as Threstals are gifted with above average skills that others could not accept. Intelligence, strength, even magical prowess are but a few things that most found nearly impossible, we found easy as breathing the very air itself. That is but one of few reasons we have been at a feud, an almost war with the Vamponies. The heavens gifted Maiden with incredible skill, but never was taught to abuse them in retaliation to the bitterness of others...''

''I never knew thinks of that nature could occur,'' Taika's ears folded against her head.

''Read this next chapter, and you find the answers you seek,'' was all Rina said before going silent.

Chapter 4: Finding The Strength.

Three months have passed with Maiden's being in jail and a plan was set in motion that would form the foundation of what is now the home of all Threstals. In the growing months, many things have been whispered in her ears. Some irrelevant, others of some importance, but there was one that almost forced her to forsake her principles.

A young foal was to be executed in front of the townspeople, by a Manticore. The colt's life was to be ended for the simple fact that he was born with a birth defect that most found to be irrelevant. A young mind had yet to corrupted of anything, but in the eyes of vile and uncaring vagrants thought different.

News of that reached Maiden's ears.

It infuriated her.

But instead of following the example of those who wished harm upon her, Maiden went along with her plan; to make every living being see the light. In the few months of her imprisonment, her only guard, a Unicorn was an acquaintance of hers that agreed with the mare. The few months together yielded the same result: originally cold and harsh, was merely a very weak shell that was broken. His name...was Chrono.

''What does that mean?'' Maiden asked, curiously.

''It means time,'' Chrono replied.

The plan, long thought over was set in motion. On the eve of the day Maiden first came into the world seemed to be the best time to strike. Chrono broke her out of prison and the pair ran.

Fire and rioting broke out at finding out there was a traitor in the midst, willing to aid the Alien. Not looking back, they ran, dodging flaming arrows, glass and the occasional magic blast. Not even explosives right on their tails deterred them to do any different.

But before that, Maiden took to locating her father, Life and took him along with her, hoping to escape.

And that they did.

In the entirety of her time spent for being wrongfully imprisoned, the only one she could confide in besides Life was Chrono...always there to comfort the mare in the more dark of times whenever her thinking was impaired.

The days were bright back then, almost shined like gold among a black cloud. The wounds, both physical and emotionally would take time to heal. But she was confident that with the aid of the two stallions with her, there was nothing that could ever bring down the peace between them.

''But I still don't get why.'' Jamir argued. ''How did the feud between The Threstals and Vamponies happen?''

''Last chapter of the book, Jamir.'' Hina and Rina said at the same time. ''There you will find your answer, and at that time...we ask that you look past all what you may see that changes your mind...'' the pair slowly walked over to a pillar and sat down. ''You may not like what you see, but...go and read. It will become clear to you.''

Chapter 5: Resolution.

With Maiden, Chrono and Life on the run from those wishing harm upon the trio, something soon had to change, lest this become a tedious cycle that none could escape from. It was decided, that since a simple soul was the start of this, that maybe a simple soul could a key that halts the wheels of motion long enough for the mare to get her point across. You see, Maiden and Chrono...were in love.

And Maiden was pregnant.

As it was debated against by Chrono, it was welcomed by Maiden to show the known world of her determination to not be subjugated under the hooves of simpletons.

Their plan was to bring a child into the world.

''How do we know this will not just agitate Them further?'' Chrono huffed, casting a look to the empty horizon.

''We do not,'' Maiden simply replied. ''But what I do know is that we have a chance before us to make something that may a better chance to so just the opposite that the three of us ever could on our own.'' she smiled, laying a comforting hoof on his shoulder. ''I think it's time to leave the doubt behind, take my hoof and let us shine.'' she said with absolute confidence. ''Father has already see things from my perspective and you should too.''

''...And you do agree to this, Life?'' Chrono asked.

''I am but an old stallion, boy.'' he said back. ''The only thing I have ever agreed to is to and for the betterment of Maiden...if doing this can do that, then I have no choice but to agree. But-'' he stopped, casting a look behind, and listening, hearing distant yelling and spells going off. ''You have come this far, planted the seed needed, now the important part of guarding it comes...there is now way to back out now, son. I implore you to carry the wisdom I have imparted upon both of you to the child when it comes, as I will not be able to.'' his horn charged, bringing a white hue of magic to it, the winds picking up violently before the clouds above darkened and rain began to pour by the bucketfulls, strands of thunder and lighting in the background.

''F-Father, you are not doing why I am thinking, are you?'' Maiden gasped. ''No, you cannot leave us, me! There must be another way!'' she stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

''There is none other.'' his voice was as gruff and full of life as when they first met. ''I have a personal score with Them for keeping my Maiden away from me for so long. And now they will pay!"' he bellowed, a bolt of lighting striking the ground, uprooting plants and scorching the earth where few of their assailants once stood, being violently charred to a crisp.

''No!'' Maiden called past the roaring thunder. ''Please!'' she pulled and tugged at his tattered cloak. Instead of backing down, she was met with a peck to the forehead and being encased in his magic.

''I love you, Maiden, do not forget that. Chrono, take care of her...please.''

''Of course.''

''And If I may? I believe I have a name for the child if you will allow me...Mid. I believe his or her name should be Mid.'' was all he said before everything went to kingdom come. Legions of ponies with spears, torches, and catapults were decimated by the lighting. The ground split at the seams.

''Father, no!'' Maiden cried, reaching out, only to be teleported away alongside Chrono.

''Okay, that was kinda sad and all, but I still don't see how this affects Master,'' Taika remained confused.

''I agree, will this cause my liege even more heartache?'' Chrysalis flared her horn with magic, growling.

''Well...'' Hina started. ''The truth is-''

''Cut the crap!'' Rainbow yelled. ''Either tell us the real truth or we will go back home right now and Queen Whatever her name is can feud with The Vamponies herself!'' she stomped her hoof.

...

''I guess we couldn't keep it hidden any longer,'' Rina dryly chuckled as if hearing a dark joke.

Jamir squinted. ''Keep what hidden?''

''That-'' she rubbed her neck with a sigh. ''-...well, first: I know you all know Discord.'' she droned on, receiving a nod from everyone, even Taika. ''But, did Celestia and Luna tell you how he came to be?''

''Wait, what are you saying?'' Applejack trotted forward. ''It sounds like you know something we don't. Care to share?''

Closing the book, Hina explained herself. ''Well, in the final chapter, it talked about how Maiden witnessed her father being killed right in front of her, and in doing so...she snapped and the dormant power from the stars fueled her rage and she slaughtered everyone in sight...Except one pony. A crazed Unicorn who lead the forefront against Maiden. His name was Chaos. In striking him down, his followers backed down at the sheer awe of her prowess.''

''But,'' Rainbow asked. ''How did-''

''She was getting to that. Please continue, sister.'' Rina urged.

''She went back to the village where it all happened. The force behind her power could be felt for miles, and when the ponies laid eyes upon her, they all knew it was her. The ponies were stock still for a moment, intent on hearing what words she would utter. It was at that time, she found her voice and proclaimed to them the injustice done to her, what she envisioned to fix it and also revealed her child's being and name, Mid. The ponies were intent on listening to what she wanted to say if not for Chaos faking his death. She was, of course surprised and struck him down with raw emotion that her dormant power collided with Chaos's and changed him into something...artificial,'' Hina chuckled, preparing for the next set of words that would change events for the human.

It was so long ago, but the wound was still fresh.

''The result of her using her magic erratically and conscious for the first time reached a zenith incomprehensible to the strongest magic back then. The result of that magic created a horror unlike any not seen before. A prime example of what occurred on that day...what you know now as Discord...''

Silence hung in the air.

Chrysalis was the first to speak, though it came forced. ''S-So Discord, the Spirit Of Disharmony was just created, out of the blue, on the whim based on the principle of alienation?'' a eyebrow raised.

''Not only that.'' Rina bit the inside of her mouth. ''But Maiden felt that the world at the time needed to change besides just her bringing a child into the world. It appears that all the bad things she experienced coupled on Chaos's natural psychotic nature must have...fused together to make that messed up abomination...I know that you personally have a grudge with Discord and not to speak out of turn, I also know about Yasu and what that did to you. While that was a long time ago and nopony could have prevented that day from occurring, we thought you should at least know.''

''Wait, I think we all get what happened except one thing-'' Rainbow Dash pondered. ''-what made Chaos so special, and why you would think you wouldn't want him or us to trust you after hearing that?''

The twins both scoffed. Then Rina spoke again. ''Chaos...was a major advocate in that particular period who rose up on the wrong side on the tracks. When he spoke, ponies listened. He rose to power among the weaklings and made himself known. He formed a legacy that still managed to last and hold strong for over-'' she looked at the book. ''-5500 years. The reason he was so special besides his power was that he himself was a Vampony, and the first known leader of the race and Nobility.''

''Jamir, for what it's worth: we are sorry that you had to go through with you did with Discord. We may not have known him for as long as you have, or at all: me and Rina can tell that you held that boy with the love of a older brother and losing him at Discord's tricks sure made you bite the arrow for that matter, but now knowing that: after knowing that a portion of the pain you felt was unintentional...will you still aid Queen Titiana in trying to quell tensions with The Vamponies?''

''But what can boss-man do?'' Battering asked. ''Be a speaker?''

''Exactly, we hate to ask this of him, but maybe if he can tell them of how he met Discord, possibly he can coax them into nipping the feud in the bud.'' the twins looked to the human for his input. He frowned and swallowed the spit in his throat.

''I...am not so sure...that I can do that.'' tears began to slowly from at his eyes, falling to the floor. ''I...-'' then he remembered something, rather somepony whom he could question about this.

''Take me to the Queen now.'' his voice hardened. Seeing the look of confusion on the twin's face, he strengthened his statement by summoning Excalibolg in one hand and The Vindicator in the other, transforming it into its gun form, using his magic to cock the hammer. ''Or regret it.''

Imagine Breaker

Progress:

Everybody says that with great power comes great responsibility. Others talk about not allowing rage to consume you. Heck, even one saying that do onto to others as they would you or some drivel like that. Me, i've experienced all those lessons and learned some form of desired lesson. But what do you do when learning said lesson is not the case? Instead, were forced to see false realities, have whispers of lies in your ear and even at one point have a horn impale you through the stomach? Any particular action you'd undertake such as crying, panicking, worrying, or just losing control? Me, on the other hand: I just shrug it off.

That sounds so crazy when I think it aloud, but tis the truth. What do you gain by reacting to certain situations besides matters getting worse. A multitude of varying problems have been slinged to my direction, be it from luck or fate: I did my best to face each one with determination.

In any event, all of these complications had to be leading somewhere and it did. My life in Equestria so far has been the result of just a few of those outcomes.

Coming to Equestria, more specifically Ponyville on a whim did little to comfort me as I was thrust into a world I longed though to be myth and legend from the hellhole I called home. The residents were initially welcoming, granted I knew of a few that wished me gone or even dead in some cases. A lot happened during my time: made friends, enemies and even those who love and care for me. Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity all helped in easing my transition here with Applejack giving me a job, Rarity making me clothes to rid the rags behind my back, Pinkie cheering me up with a party, Fluttershy giving me comforting words, Rainbow offering to race me for the hell of it, but Twilight sacrificed time, energy and sleep to provide a means back home for me to only find out that either takes enough magic the size of Jupiter or a really lucky ass chance to go back to Detroit...not that I would. We became friends relatively quick, that same friendship soon blossomed into something even greater. I had next to no idea of what lay ahead of me on this path.

Just like the time I fought and killed Yevon, king of the Diamond Dogs and mistakenly became the next king in line from their ancient tradition. All that was the result of gem hunt gone slightly wrong. He held my friends captive, pulled deceptive tricks, and even tried to make sexual advance. So my response to that was me slicing his body in half. Following that, more recent events transpired such as me and my team's incarceration in the Griffon Kingdom which was not a pleasant experience.

Other things to occur such as making peace treaties with neighboring countries to Equestria, the most recent with The Dragons. In the midst of all this, one culprit was to blame for all my plight. I have spent a good portion of my resources into finding Azure Light so I could pay her back in kind for messing with my friends, come to find out a horrible truth. Well, first off we have go back to the recent wedding Twilight's brother, Shining Armour and the princess of love, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza or just Cadence were planned to have. All went fine when we got to Canterlot, minding the gigantic barrier and legions of Royal Guards everywhere made us all feel secure, when in hindsight the traitor was amongst us posing as the bride.

I still have that scene lodged deep in my mind as well the aftermath.

''Why?!'' she bellowed. ''After all I have done to you, why are you doing this? You could have ended my life and nopony would have cared. This is baffling! W-Why are you so easy-going about this? For buck's sake I tried to kill you!'' she thumped a weak hoof to his chest. ''J-Just do it already.'' Chrysalis burst into tears. For some time, all was quiet with the human as he sat there, watching the queen bawl her eyes out not only in pain, but confusion and hopelessness.

''Because you didn't mean to actually do it. You were urged, more or less forced into this position. You had no choice but to this for your mother, but that's the cause for all this: you did this out of wanting to please and bring back her back after all those years of being alone. Only hurt people hurt people, or ponies in this case. While I would not have been so naive to fall into the trap you did, I would never kill if I did not have to, that being said for the times I did: I have always considered and hoped for another option. Chrysalis i'm sparing you because...I understand now. I'm not slicing your neck because you need to live your life the way you wish to live it. Real living is living for others.''

Yep, the changeling queen, Chrysalis is actually Azure Light who posed as Cadence at the wedding. Crazy, I know but I had to. I mean, wouldn't you forgive somebody if knew exactly why they did what they did, only to genuinely apologize and sympathize with them, would you just stay mad or hold that grudge? That is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die, does not sit well with me. With that trouble behind me, another issue awakened, one that has had time in the making: parenthood. Recalling the period around when Discord broke out of his stone prison to try and take over Equestria again, I engaged in showing and proclaiming my love to the ones I care for, I kinda hit a snag with Twilight. Through a unfinished spell done long ago done by Starswirl The Bearded allowed Twilight to become human as we banged each other's brains out, she got pregnant.

At first, I was shocked to find out that I could be a father...it never occurred to me that I could be a parent. With all this, i've often wondered about the growing future and how it changes exponentially every second. But enough about me. As I cradled my daughter, Amethyst Sparkle in my loving arms on my spot from the balcony of The Golden Oaks library, a few choice pieces of information revealed itself to me from observation. By some way of hyper-growth element or whatever, our baby's growing at a slightly faster rate than normal ponies. Already she can speak in somewhat choppy, but understandable sentences. Looking to her small, blazing red mane streaked by a white and grey vertical stripe followed Twilight's design as I relished the wind blowing past my hair.

Oh, I almost forgot! I never told you what my name is, how rude of me. I am-

''Jamir, Jamir!'' my apprentice, Spike called for me as he tumbled up the stairs of the balcony. ''We have a problem with Twilight, you gotta help!''

''Mommy?'' Amethyst looked puzzled. ''Daddy, is mommy okay?''

Ruffling my daughter's hair, I got up, a smile coming to my face.

''How bad could it be? I mean, the last time she freaked out, we nearly had to- Oof!'' A hard cover book hit my face when the door to the balcony was opened. Falling back on the hardwood floor, my thoughts went to the book that struck me across the face. I didn't know Act Of Dawn could pack such a punch.

''Is he going to be okay?'' Spike kicked my stomach.

''Of course he is!'' Amethyst held a confident smirk as she pumped her forehooves together. ''That dumb ol' book won't get my daddy down!''

Limitations of one's perspective and Valor

A cool breeze swayed in the air, adding to the sounds of labored breathing as the staircase appeared to have kept going and going. The pure, white stone steps curved upward for miles with no apparent end in sight. Letting out a sigh, it dawned on the human that another of Sombra's tricks are in play. Then again, all of what occurred for the duration of the journey could all be led back to him.

''Why does this feel like we're going in circles?'' Spike's mind began to doze off from the quiet. ''I'm starting to think maybe the crystal heart doesn't even...ahh...exist.'' he let a yawn loose.

Ever since they arrived, Twilight put forth her best hoof in accomplishing Celestia's test, however based on current evidence, she may just be agreeing with the drake. No, I can't give up! The crystal heart has to be real! Celestia's test. Focus, focus. That however was a tad difficult to maintain. The staircase kept spiraling up, so far in fact, Twilight felt the urge to chuck a rock to see how far it could go down. It would seem to take quite a while. I wonder how the others are handling the fair. It would sure seem to be much favorable than going around an endless loop.

Even the changeling queen to a degree felt she was being duped. All this seemed so familiar, but how could she place it? A longing thought plagued her mind, it thrummed in the back of her head, drawing a hiss of pain as she halted her advance.

''Chrysalis, are you okay?'' Spike noticed her miniature struggle. When it came to her and Spike, their relationship was about as curious as the drake's was with Owlicious: sub-par, if anything.

''Y-Yes, I am fine, but this all feels like a memory.'' she gazed upon the entire room.

''What, you mean you've been here before? Then do you know if this is a trick or not?'' Jamir's curiosity peaked. Giving a semi decent nod, a repressed memory flowed back into her mind.

A calm, quiet presence lingered as the winds outside grew to a point where the sky constructed its own symphony of sound as the ocean waves beneath clashed and tore at the base of the mountains cliff. The clanking of hooves encased in metal against the pristine marble floor echoed throughout the halls of the small chapel. The initial feel of the room bore no immediate change of the current events.

''Now.'' a soothing voice sounded. ''the key is control. You need to be able to multitask between channeling the flow your magic as well have the proper technique to maintain your hold. Pay attention of how I am able to alter my speed and tilt without losing my stability because I initially set the predestination coordinates before doing the spell and thus my body follows the allotted pathway. Once again, this certain spell is normally reserved for the Master to Grandmaster rank. Come now, who is brave enough to spar with me?''

''I am!'' a girlish voice stepped up. ''come on, sis! Let's do this! Echo Chamberrrr!''

''Right!'' another voice of more or less the same frequency compiled. ''and i'll use my true power!''

''I know of a spell that can aid in this situation, you yourself bore witness to it in the Dragon Outlands.'' the changeling brought up a rather useful point.

''Oh, yeah.'' Jamir recalled the memory all too well. ''wasn't that gravitational magic?''

''Yes, it was.''Chrysalis sounded surprised. ''but that spell will be a challenge to do without my magic.'' she gestured to her horn.

''Alright.'' the human slinked a hand around the back of the thick, layered ring and pressed a small black button, releasing the clamps as it fell into the human's hands, a surge of the queen's magic pushing Jamir back some. Ugh, that was one of the quirks about magical dampening rings that got to him; no matter the amount, the subconscious of the recipient would always involuntary produce a low resounding feedback: aka the 'wave.'

Bringing a verdant light to her horn, a small portion branched off and phased into the floor, a slight tingling following as the stairs beneath now turned out to be the ceiling now.

''Whoa, I think i'm gonna...ugh. Barf.'' Spike groaned, a small belch producing a scroll.

''I never knew you had such an extensive index of spells, Chrysalis; good thing I thought to study this.'' Twilight stated.

''Can we discuss magical prowess later? I'm sensing Cadence's aura and it's getting fainter by the second.'' he brushed a chill off his mind. ''I figure we have a few minutes at the very least...before Sombra comes back.'' he produced a worried frown.

''Very well.'' a slew of green illuminating arrows shifted forward on the floor. ''let us be off.'' the changeling zoomed ahead, Twilight and the human doing the same seconds after.

''Who here wants a flugelhorn?'' Rainbow asked for the 3rd time. Now when Twilight said to keep the spirits of the ponies happy which was pretty much barely managing to keep their attention away from the fake heart made Rainbow believe her friend was blowing smoke out of her flank. But then again, how far can friendships go without a lot of trust?

''I wanna a flugelhorn!'' Pinkie Pie whined, her eyes beginning to fill with tears of neglect. ''come on Dash, I didn't play that bad.'' she reasoned.

''Maybe just-

''Pinkie.'' Rainbow put a hoof to her lips, the calmest smile possible on her face.

''Yes?'' she muffled through.

''Please, for the sake of everything sane: I am going to zap you with lighting if you don't give the horn a rest. We have a job to do but I'm not really confident we can do it for much longer.'' Rainbow slumped her head on the concessions counter.

''No problem, we can stall...for maybe about 10 minutes,'' Frank said from his cross-legged position, his light blue eyes solely focused on staring down a rabbit. ''then again, I said that 15 minutes ago, sooo we're kinda between borderline screwed and just resting at running off fumes, but at this point what can we do besides keep the fact of-

A loud smack! was heard nearby as well a high-pitched scream.

''The crystal heart!'' a mare yelled. ''it's...it's...it's fake!''

''Ahhh!'' the distressed voices of the citizens rang throughout as various stands began to fall down and the crystal ponies began to lose their minds.

''Oh, now what do we do? They're starting to- Whoa! - riot!'' Rainbow avoided a close encounter with the fake heart.

''Well, I now know what I want to do.'' Franks gathered his thoughts, but chose not to voice it as it involved a really big tarp and a few hundred firecrackers but he could play pranks later, its time to get serious.

''Umm, two options,'' Pinkie offered. ''tactical retreat to the palace or-'' she pulled a random covering from nowhere, a shape underneath it. ''we could use this.'' her party cannon was revealed to be the culprit. ''to convince the ponies otherwise.''

''Or choice 3; you two head to the palace while I get the rest of our friends.'' Rainbow sped off, leaving the pair to fend for themselves.

''Thoughts, Frank?'' Pinkie wanted to establish a mood.

''Besides the mild jump scare, i'm feeling a lot of salt.'' his arms folded.

''Okie dokie! Wait, so does that mean?-

''Nope, as much as I would love to do just do that, we should get moving.''

''So, how long is this- Oof!- going on.'' the human grumbled after face planting. Standing up, he rubbed his nose as a gasp was heard, Chrysalis coming up after.

''The crystal heart!'' Twilight held her breath. ''it's real.'' her hooves shook with anticipation. Looking towards the center platform from the stairs, on a small pedestal sat the heart, faintly glowing a brilliant blue.

''That's the heart,'' Spike marvelled as he dismounted from Jamir's back. ''one step closer to passing the test, right?''

''Y-Yea.'' her slight amazement was easy to read from the slight quiver in her lips.

''Well then, please go on young Twilight: the situation outside appears to be getting worse.'' Chrysalis caught a slight glimpse of the perpetual chaos outside taking effect.

''You might want to hurry up with that sweetie, it's not looking so hot out there.'' the human rested a hand on Twilight's mane. ''go on, you have to do this, remember?''

''Right,'' she trotted forward. ''I can't believe that- huh?'' she looked to the floor pulsing around her.

''Nooooo!'' a voice roared in the distance.

''Ahh!'' Twilight shrieked, a wall of dark crystals separating the heart from her.

''Twilight!'' Spike yelled, running towards her.

''I'm okay, just stay back.'' she tried to teleport, only for Sombra's dark magic to force her back in.

''Hold on, i'll get you out.'' Jamir stuck his hand out, a flow of red magic swirling through his fingers as he concentrated his blast on the weakest looking part of the structure.

Shink! the shot ricocheted outside.

''Okay, not doing that again.''

''Come on, Twilight you gotta get out of there: you're supposed to be the one who brings the heart to Princess Cadence.'' Spike bite his claws in worry.

''How could I have been so foolish? The heart was right there and I acted reckless. Now what?''

''Perhaps we can try teleporting you out again.'' Chrysalis suggested.

''No, that would take up too much time and magic, there's gotta be another way.'' Twilight sounded desperate.

''Like what? Sombra's already breached the empire and the heart's right here, but you have to be the one who brings to Cadence. So what are our options?'' the human asked.

''Go.''

''What? No, i'm not leaving you Twilight, we can figure something-

''Goooo! We don't have anymore time left!'' Twilight sniffled. ''you guys bring the heart to the fair, just...go!''

''I'm not leaving you here! Spike, get the heart. Chrysalis, you take Spike and get to safety.''

''And just what are you going to do?'' Chrysalis asked.

''Something, anything to help! I'm...not leaving.''

''B-but,'' Chrysalis started to advance on the human, sensing his discomfort. ''We should-

''Of all the times to do this, you don't want to disobey what I told you.'' the human growled. ''Both of you. Now go!''

''Y-Yes sir.'' the duo said, Spike picking the heart up and getting on top the changeling.

''But-

''Just,'' tears filled his eyes. ''leave.''

Without another word, Chrysalis hopped outside, taking flight away from this place of despair.

''Why?'' the question came over the sounds of shouting outside.

''B-Because, I'm not losing you. There's a way out of here and I intend to get you out.'' Jamir reasoned, laying a hand on the cold rock.

''I told you to go! There's nothing we can do, so just go: you'll be more help to everyone else and-

''Then what? You want me to leave you here? Not happening because I would be a coward to just up and leave you: my friend, my family, my mate. You, along with everypony is a big part of my life and I do not plan on losing any of you. We have a child together, how do you think i'll be able to explain that her mother's just up and gone? No way. How could I face Tia and Lulu knowing that I just left you here without trying? Twilight Sparkle, I told you that I would do anything for you, but that does not apply to now.''

''Just go.'' she pried. ''There's not a lot to- Zap!- do. King Sombra- Zap!- is already in the empire- Zap!- so- Zap!- will you Zap!- STOP?!'' the ceasefire of magic brought a silence to the room.

''But I have to...do something!''

''And you can.'' her tears stopped for a moment. ''just go.''

After so long, the human stood in that one spot with so many conflicting emotions that the crystals threatening to impale a hole in his neck were snapped in half.

''Oh my goodness! Your hands!'' Twilight cried. Paying no mind to the red liquid dripping to the floor, the human shed so many tears that the floor was soaked. Moving closer past the sudden jutting of crystals that was broken faster then could be constructed, Jamir reached a hand through a small crevice, Twilight's hoof met his hand in a embrace.

''I love you.'' he whispered with so much pain in his voice.

''I love you too, Jamir. I love you too. Trust me, everything will be okay.'' she closed her eyes. Before he could say anything, a voice echoed outside.

''Heeeelp!''

''Mine!'' a deep voice called after.

''...Sombra.'' Jamir uttered so faintly.

''Jamir?''

''Sombra!'' he shouted, a flash of pure purple magic flowing through his entire body, every vein pulsing against to the verge of breaking before the image of his element flashed wildly.

''Jamir, calm down!'' Twilight tried to call over the rushing winds, pieces of debris flying about.

''I'm gonna mutilate that jackass!'' he thought.

Turning around, his eyes focused on two different illuminations outside. One being of pure light while the other being the opposite. Letting all hate take the helm, the vortex of magic wrapping around him, a slew of lights took up vision as his features changed dramatically. The color of his hair shifted, white taking over the base while purple took over the inside. Instead of his usual blood red pupils, one turned purple and the other green. The once majestic green-white wings suddenly bubbled and morphed into bone wings, pieces of feathers and a few loose flaps of skin skewed about. A fusion of Celestia's and Luna's tail spawned from his lower region, each one gaining serrations around the sides. Gritting his teeth, massive dog chains littered with dried blood wrapped around his arms, legs and chest as a gold plated choker formed around his throat.

Holding his palm out, a weapon that looked to be out of the bellows of hell rested in his hands.

One flap of his wings and he was already within range: seeing Chrysalis support Cadence with Spike on her back looked to be a tad vexing with delivering the crystal heart while avoiding the unicorn king's assault. During this, everything got tense.

Youtube Video

''Bastard.'' he hissed. Pushing past the air, a shout of vengeance trailed behind the downward slash that moved at such speeds that a produced a small explosion, forcing the unicorn's feet to cave in under his platform.

''Who are you?'' Sombra pushed against his opposer. Moving at a speed unknown to him, the dampening ring was clamped onto Sombra's forehead as a chained up fist followed suit, slamming the unicorn into a nearby house with a deafening crack.

''The object of your death as well what happens if you mess with likes of me.'' a huge crater formed after the human landed. ''especially my family.'' a plume of smoke left his mouth, blanketing the massive row of serrated teeth that contorted into a sickly grin. Pressing a switch, his blade broke into a 5 foot long chained weapon of torture, a link running in between the various slots of sharp metal glistened in the reflection of Sombra's widened eyes.

''Prepare to- Gnnh! - shit.'' Jamir cursed, clutching his forehead in pain. Casting that to the side, he focused his aim on Sombra. He needed to get this right, there needed to be reparation for his actions.

''T-Twilight. I hope you know exactly what you're doing.'' Swinging his whip around with belayed speed, the resulting force caused a ongoing reaction as the tip lodged itself deep within one of the unicorn's forehooves, piercing the armour with ease.

''Why, you insolent- Mmmph!'' Sombra was cut off by the human using his magic to close the former's mouth.

''Silence, you gnat...and get over here!'' he yanked the handle, pulling forth the downed unicorn to him with a thud.

''I should kill you here and now, but if I did that then you would never know the pain you put me through...Twilight and the crystal ponies especially,'' Jamir's face began to lose his steel composure, his lips beginning to quiver following the wetness running down his cheeks. ''y-you should be left to rot with your nightmare for your actions,'' a spark of fire spiraled in the air, the heat being so intense that waves of smoke billowed around the pair, covering the sight of what was to happen next.

''Mmmph, mmmph...'' Sombra looked to faint any second.

''Oh, no: I want you awake for this.'' the human thrusted his knee to the unicorn's chest, catching his attention. With the fire flowing so intensely that Jamir's sweat and tears quickly evaporated, he stared down Sombra with incomprehensible hate as he showed one thing.

Curling said hand into a fist, the last thing that was registered between the two was one thing, no matter how faint: fear.

''May some divine force show not a shred of mercy to you as I will do the same,'' a switch flipping inside of his mind. ''prepare to pay.''

Sknt!

''MMph!'' a pained groan came from Sombra. Holding a sword once again, he flapped his wings and blasted off to the sky, his feet landing back on the palace balcony. Using his hand to create a ring of flames to keep the unicorn at bay. Though by a slim margin, the human could sense, even from this great a distance was complete fear. However, the one thing he failed to take note of was the Crystal Heart powering up slowly seeping into the cracks of the entire of the city, restoring love and light to certain parts as every became a bright blue glow around his peripheral. Holding a unreadable staring contest with the king, he took of the restraint, allowing for Sombra to speak.

''Any last words?'' Jamir shouted. ''you miserable bug?''

''You will never defeat me, you sulfuric dollymote, I am King Sombra!''

''Fitting words...for a fool,'' the human chuckled into a symphony of maniacal laughter. ''but now, you die!'' Jamir leaned into a swan dive, with fist cocked back for a straight punch. Sombra tried to scoot away only to be laid in one spot from the flames growing closer to the point where his basic body structure fit like a glove. During this, the growing light enveloped the pair as a influx of magical energy condensed into a violent explosion.

''Rahhh!''

Donnnnnnn!

''Hah..hah...hah...take that bastard,'' the human fell to one knee, observing the spot where the unicorn once lay, a massive crater easily the width of a few houses as the depth looked to be a few feet deep. Finally getting the chance to hear what was around him, a slew of joyous shouts rang out as the many bits of shadow were decimated and the empire restored. But, then he realized something. All of this was because of Twilight and her quick thinking that led to her being trapped.

''Wait...Twilight, Twilight!'' Jamir remembered. Unfurling his wings, he soared upwards at supersonic speeds, paying the twinge of pain in his heart and spontaneous g-force no mind. Landing with a passion, the human expected to be here for a while in trying to free his lover, but found that what she said was true because there she was: standing free, her entire body looking to be made of crystal, completely unharmed with a small smile.

''T-Twil-light,'' Jamir gasped. ''is it really you?''

''Yea,'' she nodded. ''I told you everything would be okay, didn't I?''

Reverting back to his pre-rage mode, the human looked stricken with happiness. Walking over, the pair broke into a run.

''Are you okay?'' he still was baffled, running a hand through her mane.

''I told you everything would be just fine,'' Twilight hummed in joy. ''except for the test.'' she said, her ears drooping.

Picking the mare up in his arms, the human's thoughts drifted back to that thought in particular and how every word of it was true. Would Celestia send her back to Canterlot? Revoke her studies, take Spike away or worse? And...what of his test? Surely he failed it.

''Twilight, listen to me,'' Jamir soothed. ''whatever happens with both our tests, I want you to know that we'll be fine. I put my trust in you and now you can put your trust in me.''

Casting a newfound smile as they glided down to the balcony, Twilight saw the logic in his reasoning; it's not like death would befall the unicorn for failing this test, but then what if?

''Guys, you're okay!'' Shining Armour called with joy.

''Yea, we're just- Ommph! H-Hey, Flutters c-can you s-stop choking me?'' Jamir barely registered the yellow blur rushing him into a hug.

''Nice to see you made it out, is it me or is everyone digging our new look?'' Frank admired the traces of flowing crystals swaying in his hair.

Time Skip, Canterlot, Celestia's bedchambers:

''And that's pretty much the jist of what happened, princess.'' Twilight explained with a sad face. For the past 20 minutes, Celestia and Luna listened with a keen ear, a certain intervals gasping and others gaining less than chipper smiles. Even though he told Twilight that everything would be okay, she still cried for a good portion of the explanation, almost going into hysterics when she realized her mistake of rushing in without thinking. Letting the princesses absorb the information, a chuckle alerted the pair.

''P-Princess?'' Twilight asked, wiping her nose of snot.

''Oh, Twilight; you always have a knack for exaggeration,'' Celestia waved a hoof dismissively. ''I knew you would do the right thing in the face of danger.''

''You did?'' Twilight and Jamir asked, both raising their eyebrows.

''Yes. From what you told me, even though you tried to find a way from the tower and Jamir using his magic to try and force a way, you sent Spike and Chrysalis to give the heart to Princess Cadence. While you knew of no immediate way to leave, you put the well-being of the empire and it's citizens above your own and that alone shows me that I have a student who comprehends self-sacrifice rather than to look out for their own desires.''

''S-So does that mean?

A nod told her all that was required.

''I passed? I-I passed!'' she cheered, hopping up and down like Pinkie Pie on any other day.

''See?'' Jamir asked, a smirk present. ''I told you there was nothing to worry about.''

''Let us not forget this is as much her victory as it is yours, love.'' Luna interjected, looking to the human's direction.

''How me? What did I do to pass my test?'' Taking that as an invite, Luna continued.

''We have observed at periods of time be it showing on your face or in your heart; you lack faith. We witnessed this to a degree with the fight with young Yasu. We know how troublesome it is to have to harm a friend, a lack of faith in yourself was if you truly believed yourself to do the deed. With your incarceration, you held false bravado that you would escape, but you managed. Also with the skirmish with Chrysalis; you exuded fear at times, even with the deepest reaches of your mind being violated, all of this link into one common ideal. As with the fight with Sombra, something changed within you. That was your emotions overlooking what your body and mind has been led to think. When Twilight assured you with her own words, what did you feel?''

''I felt complete guarantee with her words, I never doubted what she said, but it was a reflex to feel that way. I've always been encouraging Twilight to believe in herself because I was afraid that I never fully believed I had the capacity to do that.''

''And that is the moral; faith. Your test was to see how well you could put your faith into others as they do onto you so that you can learn in time to grow even more,'' Princess Luna rubbed a hoof on the human's leg. ''you passed as well.''

Scratching his chin in thought, the human more or less took that as the greatest news. Cradling Twilight in his arms, Celestia resting her head on his left thigh while Luna took his right, the only thing he wanted to do was just relax.