“We…” Jason muttered, his sentence cut off as he suddenly found himself in a large dark room made of stone. He groaned softly as Manus sat him down on the cold stone floor before stepping away from Jason. “Where… are...we?” Jason asked, struggling to hold the sentence together with only one functional lung. He was thankful that the pain was gone, either to shock or something that Manus had done.

“We are in an ancient place of healing, your injury is beyond normal means of healing due to the weapon that was used to create it.” Manus explained as Jason looked down at his chest to see purple light fainting glowing from the wound. “I have stabilized you but it isn’t a permanent solution.” He explained as the dark room was suddenly illuminated thanks to several torches that sat in each corner of the room.

The room was about 20 feet wide, 10 feet long and 15 feet tall with a barred door on the northern wall, the southern wall sat 20 feet from it and was decorated with iconography regarding Alicorns and Draconequus. A pair of 6 foot long by 4 foot wide sarcophagi sat in the middle of the room with at least 3 feet from the walls and 2 feet from each other. From what Jason could see, under the iconography on the southern wall sat a foot wide altar that stretched to 6 feet wide across the floor, giving at least 2 feet of room from the eastern and western walls. It sat 3 feet high and had an assortment of gold and silver trinkets, vases, urns and vessels that were decorated with waves and fire.

“There is a catch however, to fully heal you, you will need to stay in one of these sarcophagi for an extended period of time.” Manus explained as he waved his hand, causing the lid of one to raise to the ceiling.

“No… I can't… stay in there for…” Jason started only to cough and groan as the faint dulled pain. He found talking difficult but he refused to be taken out of the fight just yet. He locked his eyes with Manus, who gave him a nod, as if reading his mind.

“I have a solution that may be to your liking. I can create a body for your soul to inhabit but you will not be as powerful as your current body.” Manus explained, gaining a nod from Jason. “You will need the help of your sibling, and yes I know that they don’t have the experience but I will make sure they are brought up to speed and trained accordingly while you secure resources to help in the fight.” Manus explained, stepping over to Jason and kneeling before him.

“Resources?” Jason asked curiously.

“Yes, there are several people that will be able to assist you in the final fight and could possibly undo some of the damage that Darius is causing at this point in time… the only issue is finding them, but I do have an idea of where to start.” Manus said as he carefully lifted Jason.

“Care… to elaborate?” Jason asked the man.

“Well, your first target will be your grandmother, seeing as both she and the mother of Celestia and Luna have discovered a way to permanently cure Corruption from Overlords.” Manus explained as he carried Jason to the open sarcophagus.

“Once you are in your new body, I shall teleport you to a town near where your grandmother is secured, it will be up to you to find her.” Manus explained as he placed the man in the sarcophagus.

“Right, sounds like a walk in the park.” Jason replied, still struggling to speak.

“The longer you take, the stronger your siblings will be so do not worry about taking too long.” Manus explained as he checked over Jason once more. “Also what two colours do you like?.”

“Ah… let's go maybe a royal blue and jade green.” Jason replied, gaining a nod from Manus as he stepped back from the sarcophagus. Once back, he flicked his wrist, causing the lid to move back over, sealing Jason inside. Jason was engulfed in darkness for a few seconds before a vibrant flash of violet light filled the void for a second.

Once the light had vanished, Jason discovered that he was now naked in the darkness. Strangely enough the stone beneath him seemed to be of equal temperature to his body. He turned his head to the left and moved his arm to touch the walls, discovering that it was the same. “Curious.” He muttered before returning his gaze to the roof of the healing chamber.

Sitting in the void for a few moments let Jason’s mind linger on his fight with Darius and everything that he threatened to do. His train of thoughts were broken however as the man suddenly felt liquid touching his back.

“The fuck?” He muttered as attempted to turn his head but found that his body was unresponsive. He continued to try and move when his vision was quickly obscured by glowing blue liquid which filled his nostrils causing him to panic. Filling his lungs with fluid didn’t help as the man continued to struggle against his body. He silently cursed himself for trusting Manus as he felt his vision begin to blur and fade. Shortly after his vision was gone, he felt a searing pain all over his body as if it was dissolving.

As the pain continued, Jason hissed and grit his teeth as he felt his body finally return under his control. Without a second thought, the man thrusted his hand up with all the might he could muster only to find no resistance. The attack held enough force to pull Jason into a sitting position.

“Be calm, you came to faster than expected.” He heard Manus say in a reassuring tone of voice within his mind.

“I-t burns… I can't see.” Jason hissed in a voice that was not his own.

“I know, the process is currently not finished as your Nervous system is currently in the process of being created, non vital organs will be one of the last things to be created.” Manus explained as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed Jason. “I am rendering you unconscious for the time being so I can finish without you coming to any more stress.” Manus added.

“No, let me stay awake.” Jason asked as he felt the pain slowly dull as his body continued to form.

“Are you sure?” Manus asked him.

“Yes, it will remind me of what Darius did.” Jason replied before he fell into silence. “So Darius can manipulate memories?” Jason asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, he is quite proficient in manipulating memories and minds in general.” Manus explained.

“Fantastic.” Jason added sarcastically as he took a deep breath. “Hey Manus, why am I even fighting?” Jason asked as his world was filled with light as the pain vanished, revealing his royal blue fur. “Interesting, looks weird when it’s actually on me” he muttered as he flexed his fingers, the joints popping and becoming easier to move.

“You honestly don't have a reason, you can wait until your body reforms and I can take you anywhere in the universe or further.” Manus explained as Jason nodded and continued to test out his new body.

“Can you take me home?” Jason asked, still getting used to the way his voice sounded to which he was greeted with a sigh. “What?”

“It’s a lot more complicated than that, unless the worlds are linked by a strong magical binding such as the cataclysm, then travel between both worlds becomes next to impossible.” Manus explained.

“Wait then how the fuck did i get teleported here? And how the hell are you expecting to bring my siblings here.” Jason hissed as he rubbed his temples.

“Unfortunately, the spell which binds you to this world is a one way spell that pulls those that are the most genetically and magically compatible with the target and will continue to pull people in until Darius is slain with a 8 year wait between.” Manus explained as Jason looked at him with a sceptical look. “You are the first since the spell initiated but the spell will repeat… indefinitely until Darius is dead, all I can do is speed it up enough to bring your siblings here all at once.” He added while giving gestures with his hands.

“And you can’t like… see where this magic is reaching too and thus returning me to where it snatched me from?” Jason asked,turning to face Manus.

“Well, the creator of the spell designed it so that would not be a possibility so Darius would not be able to invade the world in which you were born.”

“And who made this stupid fucking spell?” Jason asked, his voice slowly rising in aggravation and volume.

“A Starswirl the Bearded, Princess Celestia’s Former Magical Advisor… the only way for the spell to be altered at its core is through his direct intervention, all I can do to it is slow its timer, accelerate its timer and destroy the spell.” Manus further explained.

“But He’s dead… like really really long dead, cause he lived back before Luna was banished.” Jason said as he turned to face forward again, growling softly and producing a snort.

“Most likely.”

“So what, just bring them here to be prepared to be soldiers against an impossibly powerful enemy or have you destroy the spell and have me never see them again?” Jason asked Manus.

“Pretty much Jason.” The Void Walker replied.

“Brilliant” Jason said as he rubbed his eyes. After a few moments of silence, Jason tested his legs before attempting to stand. He staggered a few times but quickly managed to gain his footing in his new body.

“So you are an Earth Pony, i hope you don’t mind but you are unable to use magic” Manus explained as he ground his palms against each other for a few second, creating metallic ash to fall from his hands before he pulled them apart, forming a mirror a few feet away from Jason

Jason looked at the royal blue Stallion in the reflection with a long uncut emerald mane and tail, the body seemed relatively toned but not as muscular as most Earth Pony stallions he has seen before. He looked at his muzzle in the reflection and gave it a couple tentative squeezes, confirming that yes he was a horse. He opened his mouth and examined his teeth and the lack of canines which let him understand his now vegetarian diet.

“Wonderful” he muttered as he looked down at his naked body, focusing on his equestrian anatomy and then at Manus.

“What?” Manus asked.

“I… how the fucked do i… aaaa this is gonna take some practise.” Jason said with a nervous chuckle as he ran his fingers over his new equipment and sheath, giving a shudder of discomfort. “Okay i hate this already and i am regretting it.” Jason grumbled as he gave his sack a gentle shake. “I hate this very much, look at the size of these!... How am I meant to be comfortable in clothes?... god how do the boys deal… oh god if a stallion this size is packing this then what is Mac… I feel sorry for his boyfriend.” Jason said, his mind racing through thoughts.

“Do you need some time?” Manus asked with an amused smirk.

“Mate, look at this shit, I was confused as to why Zecora made my dick so big before but now i… i fucking understand, no mare would have felt me before… jeez.” Jason said, looking between the mirror then back at Manus before rubbing his face with his other hand. “No I don't wanna imagine, I need to focus.” Jason said, taking a deep breath.

“Done playing with yourself?” Manus asked with a chuckle.

“For now… what now?” Jason asked as he crossed his arms as Manus rubbed his eyes slightly frustrated.

“Look, you’re gonna need a new name, one that will let you blend in with Pony’s and avoid detection. It will also be put on some documents to help you out.” Manus explained.

“Oh shit a name…aah fuck.. I don't know.” Jason said as he rubbed his chin, thinking of what could work.

“Take your time Jason, I have many things to prepare.” Manus said before vanishing.

“Wonderful… so i'm just meant to stand here, butt ass naked?” He asked out into the empty room. After a few seconds Jason sighed and sat down on the edge of the stone sarcophagus and looked at the mirror. “Is this really the first real choice I've been given since rocking up here?” he asked as his eyes scanned his reflection and the trail of his blood leading to the stone casket.

“Either continue fighting and put my family at risk while also displacing them with the reward of having them in my life again… if we all survive or i destroy any and all chance of seeing them again and just leave this world to it’s messed fate, knowing that i am really the only one able to save it… then there is the stuff with the herd…” he spoke to the empty room before stopping and contemplating.

“On one hand… if I stay and fight, there is a strong chance that once Darius is dead that it's revealed that their love for me is not real and everything was fake and forced by Darius. Then there is the small chance that everything was real and I would be abandoning a group of loving women… but then what if they were never controlled but they were just using me for sex and simply because it kept me active in fighting against the Overlords.” He continued before chuckling to himself.

“Man i would be so mad if it was the third option” He said, giving a less enthusiastic chuckle as his heart felt like it was breaking at the thought. “But i mean, that's if it's not the first option of it all being a ruse to hurt me from the start by Darius…” Jason added as it left like his heart was squeezing in his chest as tears began to form. “That would be fantastic. '' He uttered as tears began rolling down his cheeks while he hollowly chuckled.

Jason sat there in the dimly lit tomb, the fur of his cheeks and around his eyes damp with tears as he looked down at the stone tiles, sniffling softly. “I mean, i got to fuck a couple Alicorns.” He said, chuckling while trying to distract himself. “Yea but now everything i have ever done is being ruined by Darius

“So what are we gonna do Jase… get my family killed or just ditch everything.” he asked himself as he turned his gaze back to the mirror, focusing on his tear stained face before wiping his face. “No, I refuse to get them involved in this situation.” He growled softly as he stood up straight. “I am to kill that bastard, Find Starswirl and resurrect him to counter his own spell…” He started as he slowly flexed his hand and clenched it, causing his fresh knuckles to crack and pop. “Then I'll make sure that no one can force anyone else here against their will.” He hissed venomously before he took a deep breath. “One step at a time Jase… No, I need something new now.” He muttered as he looked at the mirror. “Crap, I should have been thinking about that instead of crying… I honestly have no idea without being edgy.” He said with a chuckle while rubbing his muzzle.

Jason returned to his sitting position and casually tried out names before shaking his head at each one for the next 30 minutes before finding one that he liked. “Astral Wright, it’s something and it sounds weird but I am a builder and I am from another world so it makes sense to me.” He muttered with a smile only to be alarmed as a warm sensation filled his check and hips. He rubbed his chest and felt warmth radiating from the area while noticing in his reflection an image form over his heart. The image was that of several a hand saw and a hammer laying on top of each other while surrounded by stars and purple clouds.

“I guess that’s my Cutie mark… the Crusaders would be so mad” He said with a chuckle as he checked his hips to see the mark was on his butt. “Weird how it formed after I picked a name but then again I'm guessing Manus had set that up that way.” He said as he rubbed the mark on his chest.

For the next 30 minutes, Jason repeatedly spoke his new name over and over, letting the name become familiar to himself before Manus rematerialised. The being looked at the mark upon the Stallions chest and gave a nod of approval. “So what name did you go for?”

“Astral Wright,” Jason replied, gaining a nod from Manus.

“I mean it works, so have you come to a decision?” He asked Jason.

“Yes I have, please delay the spell. If i die then destroy the spell but if i succeed then i’ll find where Starswirl is buried and resurrect him in order to reverse his spell so i can go home… and I will also make sure that the knowledge of how to create this spell is removed from existence along with him.” Jason said as he rose from his seat.

“Is that really your plan… how do you believe you will manage to do so?” Manus questioned, crossing his arms while sighing softly.

“Simple, in a lot of media and some myths there have been weapons and magic that have caused the complete destruction of a soul and have slain even immortals permanently and or removed the ability of resurrection. Seeing that i have been able to reach into the Infinite Universes and pull items that seem like fiction before like a said super speed mouse, i reckon i can get my hands on the information to create such a weapon to kill Darius and Starswirl permanently.” Jason explained as Manus’ Eyebrow raised.

“That is a ridiculously overly difficult idea that you are trying to force to be simple, is that really what you want to do?” Manus asked as he gripped the bridge of his nose, visibly growing frustrated which made Jason shrink slightly.

“For the time being it is but knowing how life goes this plan could change. Fuck i could enjoy living as Astral and want to stay as this… settle down with a random mare, have some foals… this is after i cut Darius open from his dick to his nose of course.” Jason explained, trying to better explain himself.

“Naturally.” Manus replied with a shrug.

“So what now?” Jason asked.

“Now we get all the details set up… and we get you some clothes.” Manus explained as he produced a folder.

“Yay paperwork.” Astral Wright said with disdain.

“Is there anything that you would like right now?” Manus asked as handed Astral the folder

“I would like my phone that got destroyed months ago… I miss human music so much to be honest.” Astral explained, gaining a nod from Manus, who took the paperwork from Manus.

“That’s Easy enough, I'll see if I can upgrade it for you, you just fill out that paperwork and i’ll make sure it is added to the appropriate places, just fill out the paperwork appropriately.” Manus explained before vanishing.

“Great.” Astral said as he looked at the paperwork and started filling it out before stopping at a part about optional family. “Huh… I guess probably Astral would have parents and half a dozen.” He muttered with a chuckle as he wrote it down, causing the words he wrote to grow yellow. “What the hell?” He questioned quietly as he rubbed the glowing letters but found nothing off about them save for the glow.

“ I guess it is just like a highlighter so Manus can find it quickly.” He guessed as he continued down. “Family Origin… ah fuck it Canterlot. Amount of family members… aah how about 78, let's go with a stupid number. Relationship with Family… Bad save for like 4 of them. This is kinda amusing.” He said with a chuckle as he filled out the paperwork, the words he wrote glowing brightly.

“ Wealth of family… fuck it they are rich.” He added with a chuckle as he got to the last line. “How old am i?... ah fuck lets go 23.” He said finish the document when suddenly all the glowing text began rapidly flashing before turning bright green. “Wait what the…” Astral started as the paperwork began vibrating and glowing before bursting into light and a searing pain filled the Stallion’s mind, making him crumple to the stone floor in agony. He laid on the ground, curled up from the pain for several moments before it passed

“What… the actual fuck was that?” Astral growled as he rubbed his temples to try and soothe his newly formed headache.

“And like that your phone is… why are you on the ground?” Manus asked confusedly as he looked down at the Stallion.

“You forgot to warn me about sudden headaches with your paperwork.” Astral Growled.

“That’s only if you went ridiculous with it” Manus growled as he shook his head. “It is a way to implant the memories of who you are into a family that matches your specifications, the more people, the more memories it would have to push into your head, thankfully they will only be recalled when the moment is needed but apart from that…” Manus explained as said paperwork appeared in his hands and he inspected it. “Why? Why the fuck did you pick such stupid numbers?”

“Hey, you didn’t tell me what would happen.” Astral attempted to retort.

“This was a test for you, to see if you would be smart but as usual you don’t even stop to think about what this magical paperwork would do… did you not get concerned when the text started to glow?” Manus asked as Astral went to speak only for Manus to hold up his hand.”Don’t… You go headfirst into everything without thinking and hope for the best… I'm honestly surprised that there is a family that matches your stupid request. You are just… you being brought here was a mistake by the magic set in place.” Manus explained, his low growl in his voice. “You may be the closest genetically but it seems you didn’t inherit any of the skill or grace from your grandparents.”

“Where the fuck is this coming from?” Astral growled, taking a step forward.

“Since the moment I have started watching you, you never think before you act, you just jump head first into fights and expect to come out on top. The only reason you were crippled was because you ignored my advice to try and use what little extra power you had to fight the man that conquered this realm. You lost that fight and I don't even know why I am helping you when you can’t even manage to help yourself.” Manus hissed as he opened the folder and wrote in it. “You are not the hero this world needs, you are actually a failure.” Manus added without looking up.

“I… I'm sorry.” Astral apologised.

“Don’t be sorry, be better, you always manage to avoid the repercussions of your actions due to being hospitalised but even if your herd wasn’t brainwashed I doubt they would have put up with you for much longer with your bullshit.” Manus berated as he closed the folder, causing it to vanish into the ether.

“W-what did you do?”

“Give you some more consequences for your actions, resolve them appropriately while I train your family to do the job you failed at, maybe they are better suited to save this world than you are.” Manus hissed.

“Wait no i can…” Astral Started before Manus grabbed him by the throat.”

“I don’t trust you anymore, your plan is stupid and rushed, you have no idea what your actions will do so you can experience what life is like dealing with the consequences of your actions. The people that you have forced yourself into their lives, the lives you have now changed are your responsibility and you have to live with them. I will give you the opportunity to have a life away from this chaos that you so desperately want.” Manus said as his eyes began glowing brightly. “However after all that you have achieved and all those lives you have saved, this is your chance to rest and have a break from it all.”

“Wait.” Astral pleaded as he tried to pry Manus’ fingers from his neck.

“I will see you again in time to see how you like this new life or if you want to return to your old body, this is the last time we shall speak until then so don’t fuck this up.” Manus said as Astral’s vision blurred before it faded all together along with his consciousness.

[Several days later on a train heading to the fringes of Equestria]

The soft rattling of metal wheels against rails was the first thing that came to Astral’s ears as he started to come too. He gave a soft groan as he rubbed his eyes, the burn of a distant migraine lingered at the edges of his mind as he gingerly opened his eyes. He was greeted with the blurry sight of trees rushing past at high speed and streaks of water flowing horizontally across the cold glass that his shoulder was leaning against. He was confused as to where he was as he blinked, his mind focusing on his surroundings as his senses took in his surroundings. He could smell a mix of perfumes, colognes and the smell of coffee permeating around him, the sound of multiple people speaking behind him made him look around.

He saw that he was on a relatively full train carriage, several parties of individuals filled different booths around him, consisting of mares and stallions alike, ranging from all three types of ponies Astral returned to looking at his booth to see a closed bottle of water beside him and a candy bar, a bag sat across from him as well. It took him several moments before his mind cleared up and he was reminded of what had transpired before he passed out.

“Damn it, nice going.” He quietly growled at himself as he facepalmed before he looked down to see that he was wearing black cargo pants, boots, a yellow wonderbolts t-shirt and a cherry red hoodie. “Well at least I'm clothed.” he muttered as he checked his pockets. He found a wallet, a phone, a couple hundred bits worth of funds, headphones and a pair of wedding rings. “I mean it could be worse, now where the fuck am i?” He asked as he put all the items back into his pockets, choosing to inspect them later.

“Mr Wright, we will be arriving at Colt Cove shortly.” A feminine voice stated, causing Astral to jump slightly and turn to face a well dressed Unicorn mare, dressed in what Astral would presume the ticket inspector to be dressed like. The navy blue attire seemed to match decently to her mustard yellow coat while her violet mane was tied back in a bun as glasses sat upon her muzzle. “Sorry to spook you, but you did inform me to let you know when we were close.” She explained, gaining a soft nod from the mare.

“I guess I did, didn’t i.” he said with a hollow chuckle as she simply smiled and moved on. “
Colt Cove… right punny names.” He said, grabbing the bottle of water and sipping from it. He leant back in his seat and took a deep breath. “I’m a failure.” He sighed as he twisted his bottle shut

Author's Note

Hey All

Long time no see, i actually wasn't expecting to be back but i came across the half finished chapter and thought i should return to work on this story.

My direction and mindscape is significantly different from where i was when i left this off so i hope that where this story goes from now on is something that you all will enjoy.

i'll be working on these chapters when i can so im sorry about how slow they come out but i will be trying to produce at minimum 4k words per chapter from now on.

Thank you for your patience and see you all in the next chapter