Shining armor personally came the check on us when morning came. Due to my lifestyle as a wolf, I had woken up some time before and had resorted to studying my bracers. The result was more aggravation because of my lack of knowledge of magic. Blake's knowledge being useless as well because this item was created by Equis magic, not human magic. The only thing I learned from Blake's memories was that if I wanted to better understand this weapon I will need to talk to Princess Twilight of Ponyville.

"Interesting armor, is that what you used to defeat that yeti? Is there a blade hidden in it somewhere?" Shining asked as he approached.

"Maybe. Probably something like that. I don't really know, I received this at the Outpost before traveling through the Rift. Apparently I should talk to Princess Twilight if I want to figure this thing out." I explained.

"Ah yes, Twily would be the best in that area. Also, how do you know she'd be able to help you?" Shining continued.

"Twily?" I asked before a few memories flooded my mind as if to answer my question, that would take getting used to, "Ah yes, you're her brother. Before you ask, Blake's memories. That is also the answer to your other question. Anything else?" I said, hoping to have answered everything.

"Hmm, no I think that explains things. By the way we will be moving in half an hour, we have about a three day march to return to the Empire. Best to not waste any more time."

"Of course. Is there anything I should do?"

"Come with me, the medics will care for your friend. I wanted to discuss some things with you, including your plan of when you get to Canterlot."

I look down at Snowdrop, she was still sleeping calmly, though I wanted to take precautions. "Willow, stay near Snowdrop. I'll be back later."

She raises her head and gives a soft bark that I knew meant 'yes'. I nodded and turned back to Shining and gestured for him to lead on.

We had been walking for hours, Shining and I talking about what to do when we reach the Empire.

"It'd be best if you would wait a day when we get there, before continuing on. To insure your friend's health if nothing else. I'm sure that Cadence will want to meet you and will have plenty of questions herself." Shining states.

"I would prefer moving on as soon as possible, though what you suggest makes sense. It would be foolish of me to not make sure Snowdrop would be safe to continue before doing so. Though what would your wife have to question me about?" I reply, confusion in my voice.

"It would probably be hard to tell from memories alone, especially considering you don't seem have access to all of them, but we were fairly close to Blake. He was a good friend and we've known him sense he was a child, it's honestly makes me very sad to hear he is gone. Though he was a Guardian, and I knew this could happen, Cadence will be much more upset."

I frown, my heart hurting a bit. I wished Snowdrop was around so I could ask her why, "I wish I knew what to say. I was forced to flee my pack with my sister when I was a pup. I know not what state the pack is currently in, but at this point I could consider them as though they were dead." I say, the ack of my heart just growing worse.

Shining gave me a look of pity before looking ahead, "I'm sorry to hear that. It couldn't have been easy."

"Reflecting back on it, I should be long dead. I survived as an omega for years before this happened, and the chances I would are more that unlikely." I chuckle darkly.

The look now is more of curiosity, with a bit of unease, "Thankfully you did, or there would be much more trouble than you probably realize." Shining told me as he looked ahead.

"How so?" I ask with a tilt of my head.

"I don't know the details, but Twily once mentioned it would be very bad if a Guardian passed from this world without being able to pass on the power. Blake actually became a Guardian in a way not dissimilar to how you did, though he was a human to begin with." Shining explained.

I try to search for the memory, but after a few moments nothing comes. Maybe Blake only transferred what he thought I needed, that would explain things.

Shining continued before I could reply, "I had mentioned about your plans of when you get to Canterlot. What would those be? Do you know?"

I think for a moment before saying, "My goal currently is to meet with Celestia and Luna. I hope that they would be able to give me some better understanding of what I should do with this power that has been thrust upon me. Plans beyond that depend on what they say."

Shining seemed to tense when I mentioned Luna, I almost didn't notice, "That makes sense. It would seems to be the only logical path to take, given what I know of all this. Though I feel this will likely be asked, do you wish to remain as a Guardian?"

I hadn't given it much thought. I didn't have a place to return to, with all I know now if I became a wolf again I wouldn't know how to act. Being a Guardian seemed like my best option at this point, given my lack of other ones. I told Shining as much, to which he nodded.

"Yes, that is a good point. This is such a unpredictable turn of events, there isn't a course of action we can follow from the past." Shining said while looking ahead, before turning to me and continuing, "Though I expect you should realize the importance and responsibilities you will be taking on if you remain a Guardian."

I nodded, "I expect to learn specifics as I go, but in a general sense, yes I understand."

Shining seemed satisfied with my answer as he just nodded and looked back ahead.

"Why were you out at the edge of the barrier, Shining?" I asked him.

He glanced over to me, "Hmm? Guess that memory isn't there." He said more to himself, "We were waiting on Blake. We were told to wait a week at the closest point to the Rift after Blake entered the Tundra. We were on our last day of waiting when you showed up. Unfortunately the result we were afraid of happened either way..."

"Finding out Blake was dead." I finished for him, he gave a slight nod. "Well I'm glad you were out there, or things might have ended up much worse for Snowdrop."

"I'm glad we were able to help in some fashion." Shining replied.

We discussed some more minor aspect of my journey, I told him about Snowdrop though kept the part about the wendigos' to myself. He was surprised to hear about her but said he knew of her. Apparently from stories told to his daughter by Luna. He told me to keep her identity a secret for the moment, at least until after meeting with Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. When I asked why he just told me that information could be dangerous when possessed by the wrong person, and left it at that. After, he left to talk to other parts of the caravan, while I returned to the medics to watch over Snowdrop.

Three Days Later

The next few days passed without incident. Snowdrop woke up after the first day. She assured me that she would be fine, though I still made sure to remain nearby nonetheless. She had sustained a concussion and her arm had broken in multiple places. Today she was cleared to walk with us before we reached the Empire central. The whole time she remained close to my side, admittedly making it a bit difficult to walk, though I didn't complain. I enjoyed the closeness.

Willow had grown more fond of Snowdrop, nuzzling her leg occasionally as we journeyed. I'm glad she realized that she was part of our pack. Snowdrop even spoke to her and seemed to be able to understand her. I few times she'd whisper to Willow causing my sister to laugh. It makes me miss my better hearing admittedly, especially when Snowdrop wouldn't tell me what she told Willow.

Willow's ear twitched and I hear hoofsteps in the snow soon after. I look behind us to see Shining Armor approaching.

"We will be arriving soon. I'll need you both to come with me so we can talk to Cadence, then we can have a doctor fix your arm Ms. Snowdrop. After that I'll arrange for a train to transport you to Canterlot the day after tomorrow." Shining explained.

"Thank you Shining. We appreciate it." I answer for us.

Shining nods, "No problem. I'll actually need to hang back for a bit. Just keep going to the palace and tell them you're there to see Cadence. I should catch up before too long." He told us before walking off to give orders to his troops. Snowdrop looks up at me as we continue.

"Do you think Luna will remember me?" Her voice shaking a little.

"I don't know. Though isn't better to hope than to worry?" I try to assure her.

"I suppose so. It's just been so long, I wonder about how she'll react. Celestia as well." She looked away when she mentioned the Solar Princess.

"Is there anything I should know? About you and them that is." I ask.

"I blamed Celestia for Luna's corruption. When Nightmare Moon was banished is when I was so distraught that I summoned a blizzard out of grief. I was going to punish Celestia and Equestria for abandoning Luna. However I saw what I was doing to my friends in the town I was in, the suffering I was causing. I ended up fleeing to the Black Forest to protect others from my grief. Zy found me in my wandering, and I was forced to seal myself in the spire you found me in." Snowdrop explained to me, tears falling the more she continued. "I still hate her for what she did. That why I said I wanted vengeance when we first met."

"Shhh, it will be ok." I calm her. "I'm sure Princess Cadence can tell us anything we want to know. You don't need to be angry anymore."

With a sniff she nodded and we continued walking.

It took about an hour before we finally arrived in the Empire. It was impressive to say the least. Everything was made of crystal, from the simplest home to the palace that rose like a monolith into the sky. The palace itself looked to me almost like it was made of ice. Even the residents looked translucent, as though they too were simply golems of crystal, but something told me that wasn't quite right. The sights were beautiful, it made me sad that Snowdrop could not enjoy this with me. Though she still seemed to be looking around in wonder, I wondered at what.

Thankfully she answered my question before I could ask, "These ponies, they're different." I looked around at the residents around us, wondering exactly what she meant. "Their souls, they are full of so much love it's like not all of it is their own."

At this an images flashed across my mind; a crystal heart, with these crystal ponies bowing to it. I don't know exactly why that memory was meant to tell me, but I could understand this heart was important and probably related to what Snowdrop said, considering her words were the trigger for the image.

"There appears to be some sort of crystal heart that might be related to that." I told her.

Snowdrop stopped dead when I said that, "... did you say crystal heart?"

Her reaction made me worried, "Yes~. Why? Is there something wrong?"

"I-it can't be. This is the actual Crystal Empire." She spoke with more awe in her voice, before panic took over, "Sombra! What happened to the Tyrant King!?" Snowdrop asked me while gasping my shirt desperately.

Before I could tell her I didn't know, another voice answered her, "Mom and Uncle Spike destroyed him when they restored the Heart to its proper place."

I turned to see that mare that answered Snowdrop. She was an Alicorn, a very light pink coat that got slightly darker towards her extremities with a mane of purple with a few cyan streaks. Her eyes were also a striking cyan, which gave off a calm aura. She looked young, just out of her teens by my guess. From the few images that flashed across my mind Blake knew her well.

"Welcome to the Crystal Empire, I am Princess Flurry Heart." She said while looking at Snowdrop, before looking at me, "It's good to see you again Blake, you look different."

"I'm afraid I'm not the person you knew." My response causes her to pause, "My name is Von. Blake died passing on his power."

She appears shocked before she quickly covered her mouth and her eyes became glassy with tears, "Oh no. Blake..." She turned away for a few moments before she was able to compose herself. "*Sniff* Von, was it? Tell me please, did he suffer?"

"Incredibly. His every breath was labored, I found him in a crater a couple meters deep, and-OUCH!" I yell in pain as Snowdrop elbowed me in the ribs.

She grabbed me by the ear and whispered to me harshly, "Ok, I know you're a wolf and all but here is a lesson you should learn very quickly. When it comes to talking about the deceased to the living, tell them what they want to hear."

I whispered back to her, "I thought lying was bad?"

"It's will hurt them less to believe those they cared about didn't die in agony." Snowdrop told me before releasing me.

I turned back to Flurry Heart, "I'm sorry, what I meant to say was that his death was peaceful. Like falling asleep."

... She didn't believe me for a second. However all she did was start to softly laugh, "Hehe, thank you. For the sentiment if nothing else. Who is this lovely-oh! You're hurt! Please, let me help." Flurry said as she rushed over to Snowdrop.

Gingerly, Flurry lifted up Snowdrop's arm as her horn began to glow. Her magic quickly covered the whole limb and Snowdrop began to smile as she looked in the direction of her arm.

"That feels so nice. It's like my body is being filled with love." Snowdrop commented.

Flurry just smiled back, "Because it is in a way. My talent is being able to heal others with my love, and I love everyone!"

I just look on in interest, "Amazing, that is a very useful skill."

Flurry finished her spell and undid the splint that had been on. She appeared slightly short of breath, "Yes it is. Though, the worse the wound the more energy it takes. Love is just one emotion that can influence magic, and so it can also be drained though the use of magic." She explained.

Snowdrop flexed her arm, "I feel great! Like better than new. Thank you very much Princess." Snowdrop curtsied.

"It was no problem. I enjoy helping others, Miss?" Flurry queued.

"Snowdrop. Pleasure to meet you." She replied as she reached out to find my arm again since I had stepped away while Flurry healed her.

"Oh, like the mare from Aunt Luna's stories! It's a beautiful name." Flurry beamed.

Snowdrop and I looked at each other before back at Flurry. Snowdrop asked, "L-luna talks about me?"

Flurry was apparently oblivious, "Not you obviously. A mare she used to know long ago before she was banished. Who made winter into the beautiful season it is today. You're obviously not much older than me." She laughed.

I replied without thinking, "Well, being trapped in ice for over a millennia probably has something to do with that."

Snowdrop looked at me like I was a moron, and Flurry... Well, she looked like her brain had stopped working.

"Uh~... YOU'RE THE REAL SNOWDROP!!!" Flurry shouted, finally having restarted her brain. "Omygosh,omygosh,omygosh! I can't believe I'm meeting the mare who made my favorite season, my favorite season!" She said before rushing over and shaking Snowdrop's hand endlessly as she kept on, "You're amazing. Even prettier than Aunt Luna could have ever described, which is a feat I'll tell you. Oh there is so much I want to know about you. Where've you been, did he say trapped in ice, what ever made you want to design snowflakes?..."

The questions poured from the Princess' muzzle in an unending stream. Snowdrop never got to answer one before we were rescued.

"Flurry Heart, leave the poor mare alone."

I turned to see Shining Armor walking up, out of his armor and in what I would guess is his normal regalia. He had an amused look on his face as Flurry had taken a step back and had a bashful look on her face as she stared at her hooves.

"Sorry dad." Flurry mumbled, still not looking up at us.

Shining rolled his eyes before he turned to us, "I was wondering why you didn't arrive, now I can see it was beyond your control. Though we should really get to the castle so we can talk to Cadence and get Ms. Snowdrop's..." Shining paused as he looked at Snowdrop's healed arm. He turned to Flurry with a stern look, "Flurry, what have I told you about using your talent on severe injuries?"

Flurry flinched slightly at her father's words, "That it is dangerous because I can't tell the extent of the damage and could end up hurting myself and making the situation worse." She said, as if rehearsed many times.

"If you know that so well, then why do you keep doing such a foalish thing?" Shining crossed his arms as he spoke.

Flurry looked up at her father angrily and stomped her hoof, "Because I don't like seeing others in pain. If I have the power to help then why shouldn't I?" She challenged.

Shining opened his mouth to reply but I beat him to it, "He's not saying to not help, Flurry." My interjection catching both of their attention, "What you should do is bring them to proper medical care and have the doctors tell you how you can help. That way you can still help without endangering yourself."

Flurry went back to looking ashamed, "I-I didn't think of that. It just makes me sad to see others in pain. It makes me want to help."

Shining stepped over to his daughter and gave her a hug, "And it makes me happy that you feel that way. I'm just trying to teach you a better way to go about it. Though it looks like my teaching can be outdone by a couple sentences from a Guardian that doesn't even have kids." He laughed.

Ending the hug he turned back to us, "Come on. I'm sure Cadence is wondering why I'm not back with you yet."

We nodded and returned to traveling to the palace. As we walked Shining asked his daughter, "Flurry, where are your guards?"

Flurry Heart stiffened as she walked, slowing just slightly, "Uhh, they got lost?"

As we walked Shining lectured his daughter about how dangerous it was to go around without her guard detail. Eventually we reached the palace and Flurry Heart escaped at her first opportunity. Shining just watched as she rushed down the hall before turning a corner and disappearing to parts unknown.

"I swear that filly is going to be the reason my mane goes grey." Shining huffed before turning to us. "Come with me, Cadence is in her study."

We followed as requested and after a few minutes we arrive outside a simple crystal door, not overly different from any other we had passed so far. Shining knocked a few times then waited. After a moment a light blue glow covered the door before it opened. With that Shining entered with us just behind him.

Sitting on a large couch at the other end of the room sat Cadence with a cup of tea in her hand and a document in the other. A large stack of other documents was on the table along with a seal stamp, her cup's coaster, and a much smaller stack of what was probably completed documents.

I saw a few flashes of memory at seeing her, giving a feeling I knew her better than I did. She was taller than I thought, being almost 6' tall. Her coat was still vibrant for her age, her status as an Alicorn apparent when compared to her husband's slightly dulled coat. Her mane was currently styled into a braid, the three colors blending seamlessly, as it lay over her shoulder to keep it out of her face as she looked down at the document in her hand.

As we approached she looked up, her violet eyes bright though tired as she looked first at Shining Armor and then to us. She set down her tea and the document in hand before rising and walking around the table to greet us. She and Shining shared a chaste kiss before he stepped aside and gestured to us.

"Cadence this here is Von, the new human Guardian, and the mare is Ms. Snowdrop. The wolf at their side is Von's sister, Willow." He introduced us.

"Yes, as you mentioned in your letter. It is good to finally meet you all, I just wish it was under better circumstances." Cadence said as she stepped forward and offered her hand.

Snowdrop and I shook her hand before we were lead to a couch to the left of the one Cadence was on when we first arrived. Cadence and Shining sat on the other one with Cadence magicing a few more cups into existence along with a teapot. She poured more cups of tea and passing them to us.

Once she had given us the cups she spoke in a somber tone, "Shining made me aware of what you told him about what Blake did. I can understand why he was forced to do such a thing, though it makes me wish he hadn't been so adamant about going alone." She spoke to me before looking at Snowdrop, "Ms. Snowdrop it is a pleasure to finally meet the mare that made winter into the joyous season it is today. I know some of the stories though I feel compelled to ask, is the rumors of your diadem true?"

Snowdrop looked away, not replying for a moment, finally she gained the courage to answer, "I assume you are asking about the wendigo that is said to be imprisoned within the gemstone. The answer is yes, I know not the ramification of removing him from the Tundra will be. Though I believe that so long as he remains in his prison, everything should remain as it has."

Cadence seemed concerned about the uncertainty of the response, though she replied, "I am aware many of Starswirl's spells still contain elements that can't be understood by our current understanding of magic. That being said, I know their reputation and trust that they would not endanger others." She told us before taking a sip from her tea, "Ok, with that taken care of we can move onto the main issue. How to explain you to the world." Cadence stated while looking at me.

I cocked my head to the side and asked, "Me? Explain what about me exactly?"

"Your appearance as a new Guardian is truthfully troublesome. I would say to just continue as Blake had, but that unfortunately is not an option. Their are enough that know why Blake went to the Tundra and with your appearance in his place it will cause some controversy. If anyone would learn of your origin as not being human, it could call into question of if you are qualified to represent the human race as a Guardian. Your qualification will likely still be put into question by the circumstances. Seeing that no one knows you well enough to comment on your character beyond Ms. Snowdrop here. And with her being gone for over a millennia even she will be viewed with some disbelief." Cadence explained.

Shining continued with, "Now that is not to say there aren't options. Cadence and myself can vouch for you given time to judge you. It's one of the reasons I requested you stay in the empire for a day, so we could get the opportunity to evaluate your character. I also wish to evaluate your fighting skill and abilities. I know you took down that yeti single-handed, which while impressive is not something far above what one of our own elite guards are capable of. It is very likely you will have to demonstrate yourself when you are in Canterlot to either the nobility or other Guardians, possibly both."

"What would happen if I did not meet these expectations?" I asked more seriously.

Shining's look turned hard as he leaned forward, "You would be stripped of your Guardian status. What that would exactly do to you, considering your outstanding circumstances, is anyone's guess."

I thought about what he said before answering, "What if you two judge me to be unfit to be a Guardian? Or if my abilities are not capable?"

Shining seemed hesitant to reply, see this Cadence replied instead, "We would detain you and send for the other Princesses and Guardians to strip you of your status as a Guardian. That is in terms of your character. About your abilities it would be up to you. We are in no way going to expel you from the empire should you need time to strengthen yourself. Though news of you will most likely be found out sooner the longer you spend here. Which is not the ideal scenario for you." She explained while refilling all of our cups. "If you in a way 'control the story' by meeting my Aunts before news of you reaches them, it will allow you to make a impression on them in person. Blake was very close to them and them finding out from you would be better in my opinion, than from news outlets. Thankfully Ms.Snowdrop's presence does not complicate things further seeing as knowledge of her is limited to the Far North."

I nodded, "That makes sense. So time is against us by what you just explained."

"Precisely. A day or so shouldn't effect things. Though the longer you wait, the more risk you run." She answered. "That being said, after meeting you I myself feel you are a good person Von. Shining in his days traveling with you said you were very kind and helpful to Ms. Snowdrop. In terms of character you have already proven yourself to us, which just leave testing your ability."

Shining spoke up as if on queue, "On that front I will meet with you in the guards' training ground in one hour so you may prepare yourself as you see fit." He lit his horn for a moment before focusing back on us, "I've just sent for a maid to show you two to your guest rooms while you are here."

Snowdrop blushed a bit as she said, "A-actually, could it be one room? My diadem might allow me to 'see' others in a way, though in a unfamiliar room I'd be more comfortable if I could share it with Von."

I saw Cadence smirk slightly as she took another sip from her cup, Shining didn't seem to know how to respond at first. After a moment he just nodded and lit his horn again, likely to let the maid know the change in instructions.

A minute or so later a polite knock was heard on the study's door before a mare poked her head in.

"Your Majesties, I'm here to show Mr. Von and Ms. Snowdrop to their room." She announced in a soft voice.

We stood and Cadence rose to escort us out. "Thank you Crystal Clear. I'm sure I will see you two when dinner time rolls around. Also Ms. Snowdrop I would say you should probably expect my daughter to show up to talk to you later, probably while my husband is in the training grounds with Von."

"Oh that won't be a problem, she seems like such a nice filly." Snowdrop replied with a smile.

With that we followed the maid to our room, while I started to think about what I would need to do in the training grounds later.

Cadence & Shining - Third Person POV

"Do you really think it's wise to not inform Celestia and Luna?" Shining asked as Cadence returned to the couch and picked up her tea and the document she had been inspecting.

"Normally, no." Cadence replied as she put the document down, stamped it, and put it in her completed pile. "Though there really isn't anything normal about this situation is there?"

"That maybe true. Though I'm worried about how they will react when they find out about Blake." Shining said as he picked up a document himself, to help his wife with the tiring workload she found herself dealing with daily.

Cadence glanced at him before returning to reading, "No, you're worried about what Luna will do when she finds out. Which is exactly the reason I'm not going to be the first to tell her."

"Care to explain your reasoning?" Shining prompted.

"It's simple in a way. Hearing it from Von will do more in his favor than should she hear it from anyone else. It's also why I'm not going to tell them about Snowdrop. I'm hoping her being there will prevent a disaster from occurring. It's not like I'm not telling because I don't want them to know, but rather because I'm not the pony they deserve to hear it from." Cadence explained.

"You know Blake's expect to be there in less than a week, or else they'll know something is wrong." Shining commented.

Cadence turned, "Of course I know, which is why I told them they only had a day or two at most. I'm not going to lie to my Aunts, but if they ask where he is and he's on a train there then I'll just let them know he was delayed on his return."

"Making sure to not specify who 'he' is." Shining said more to himself than Cadence.

Cadence let out a sigh, putting down her cup and document so she could turn to face Shining, "Shining I'm hurting too. I cried for at least an hour when I read that Blake was gone from your letter. I was lucky to keep the knowledge from Flurry as long as I did. I'm sure hearing it from Von was better than should I have told her a couple days ago. We lost a friend Shining, but we have a new one that is basically a child in terms of experience, with powers possibly on scale of an alicorn. He needs all the help we can give in the short time we have."

Shining bowed his head as he replied, "I know that. I could feel his ambient magic when I first met him. If he knows it or not, Von is definitely strong enough to be a Guardian. Though I have doubts he knows how to use any of that power. I wish we had someone who could teach him about that magic."

"There's only around a dozen beings in existence that would be able to, and unfortunately we can't get help from any of them before he needs to reach Canterlot." Cadence said, knowing full well Shining knew it too.

Shining let out a chuckle, "That Blake, causing us troubles even from beyond the grave. Can't say that sounds out of character."

Cadence giggled as well, "I suppose not." She said before giving Shining a kiss on the cheek. "Now go on. I'm sure you need to prepare for that sparing match. You aren't a young colt anymore."

"Still young enough where it counts." Shining teased, which elicited an eye roll from his wife.

"You're right, that maturity still needs work." Cadence smirked.

Shining puffed up in embarrassment, before deciding now would be the best time to retreat. He rarely won such battles, and even when he did win Cadence found a way so it flipped to her favor.

One reason he stopped playing board games against her.

Though as he left the study he thought about what she had said. Yeah, Von's gonna need all the help he can get.

Von - First Person POV

The maid was quiet as she lead us to our room, occasionally I'd catch her glancing back at us, or Snowdrop specifically. I wondered why she was so interested in her, though I supposed it could have been mild curiosity. Those here appeared to know Blake or know what he had been here for. So with my appearance, along with bringing Snowdrop, it would probably cause some to notice.

The room we arrived at was spacious, easily ten times larger than where we stayed in back in Crown Town. Snowdrop had me walk her to spots around the room to help her get familiar with the space, after which she let go and moved around the room like it was natural. Willow just moved over to the bed, jumped up onto it then proceeded to curl up and nap.

"Was that all it takes to learn a room? Seems like you could have had a room to yourself if that's the case." I commented as Snowdrop walked to the bed and sat down.

"Do you not want to share a room with me?" Snowdrop asked innocently.

"I'm a wolf we're pack animals, so no I don't mind. I'm just curious as to why you want to share a room." I reply.

Snowdrop just looked at me with her large, glassy, pale blue eyes adorably, "Can't a mare prefer to want to stay around a friend, than by herself?"

I gave a shrug, to which Snowdrop smiled, it was easy to forget that the mare was technically blind with how she acted. I walked over to the bed and sat next to her, reaching over and giving Willow a few scratches behind her ear as I did. I chuckled at the pleased grown I got in return.

"How are you going to prepare for Shining Armor's test?" Snowdrop asked.

I had been trying to think of ways to get ready for the spar, but as of yet I still didn't know. "Not sure, it's not as though I have a lot of experience to draw on." I told her.

"Von, how old are you?"

"Hmm, with this body? Maybe, twenty." I said.

"No, your literal age." Snowdrop specified.

"Five? I don't really know, it's not like I kept track."

"Then you've got five years of survive experience, living alone, in one of the harshest places on Equis. You have more experience than you know. Focus back to things you had to do, and think about how you would do them now." Snowdrop advised.

I blinked in surprise at her detailed suggestion, "You surprise me with how you always seem to know what to say help me."

Snowdrop just smiled, "Well I have a lot of practice. Luna often needed advice, and I was commonly the one she'd seek out for a different point of view. So I learned quickly how to use what I know to approach a problem in a different way."

"Still, that will be helpful. If only I could properly control these bracers, then I'd feel more confident in my abilities." I replied while looking over the gauntlets.

"How did you get them to work before? Emotion? Mental command? Luck?" Snowdrop asked, the last one with a smirk.

I gave a defeated chuckle, "Probably the third. Maybe a bit of all three. The times I've gotten them to change I never really thought about how it felt when it happened. Mostly distracted by the change happening in the first place."

"Well have to been trying to get them to work since?" She asked incredulously.

"...Uhhh..."

"You haven't!?" Snowdrop yelled at me before bursting into a fit of laughter.

I felt heat rise to my face, "I've been sidetracked. I was looking after you on our way here and kinda forgot about trying to figure out how to use them."

After Snowdrop recovered from her laughing fit she sat back up and said, "Well we have a little time, try working with them now. Start with trying to change them into that full gauntlet mode."

I did as she asked and focused out on the gauntlets, holding them out in front of me as I told them in my mind 'Shift'. I tried to force them to change for a couple minutes getting angrier when absolutely nothing happened. I let out a growl before I shook out my arms, turning to Snowdrop I asked.

"Anymore sage advice?"

Snowdrop was leaning forward, as though closely studying me, "Hmm, maybe it not a matter of willing it to happen. Just having the right approach." She commented, more to herself than me, "You're special, and that is reflected in your weapons. Even how they were created was not standard. So instead of approaching this as a normal person, why not act on instinct, like a wolf."

"Ok... what is the even supposed to mean?" I looked at her with a brow raised.

She put her hand on her cheek and leaned her head to the side, it honestly made her look very cute as she thought.

"How about... Think of it as though you were still a wolf. Imagine you are flexing your claws. Does that help?"

I looked down at my arms before closing my eyes and just focusing on thinking about how I used to feel. I thought about the prey I had hunted back near my cave, how it felt to dig my claws into them. Flexing my claws to tear into them as much as I could before sinking my teeth into their nourishing flesh. I felt a chill around my hands, I wanted to open my eyes, but it didn't feel complete.

I heard Snowdrop say energetically, "Keep going! I can see your magic building!"

My mind turned to the ghouls I had fought, how I wished I could have torn into them. Rid this world of their foul existence. I felt a growl escape me as my eyes snapped open with the growing anger. The flexed my claws hard, and heard the sound of shifting metal.

Broken from my thoughts, but keeping focus on my current feeling, I looked at the transformed bracers. The were indeed in their full gauntlet mode, though this was still different from before. Some of the scales had grown and flared out towards the back, while the ones covering my fingers were sharpened, reminding me as though I had actual claws again.

After a minute or so, I released the tension and as expected the scales shifted back into themselves until the bracers had return to their passive state. I waited for a moment before I tried to recreate the feeling. This time it felt more nature, and I saw the scales extend back to covering my hand and more of my forearms as they returned to the claw gauntlet mode.

After repeating the action a couple more times, to make sure I could consistently replicate it, Snowdrop spoke up.

"It is a strange thing to watch with this sight of mine. Over spending time with you I started seeing your human aura, like a shadow standing over your original soul. Whenever you activate your bracers your human part lights up, or more accurately your arms. At the same time your paws dim from your wolf part. Almost as though the two are fusing together. Fascinating really."

"I'll take your word for it. I can't really imagine how I must look to you. Even when you describe how you see things it doesn't really make sense to me." I reply.

"That's ok. I'm more just talking out loud than anything. Do you feel more comfortable with your bracers?" She asked with what seemed like legitimate interest.

"Yeah, though bringing those blades out might take more time to figure out than I have. I should probably make my way down to the training grounds. I'm sure you and Willow can look out for each other." I said.

"Of course, go on. I'll be here when you get back and you can tell me how it went." Snowdrop flashed me a smile.

I felt a heat rise to my face again as I just nodded before leaving. I'd need to ask someone other than Snowdrop why that keeps happening.

Snowdrop POV

Von walked out to find the training grounds, I watched his soul until the distance grew too great for the magic of the gem to reach. I sighed in exhaustion, I ran a hand through my mane until I winced when I hit a tangle. I checked my tail and found a similar problem of knots.

"Willow? Is there a brush on the dresser by the back wall?" I asked Von's sister.

I saw her head perk up, look around before stopping where I knew the dresser was. After a moment she turned to me and barked. I assumed that meant 'yes'.

"Would you to bring it to me, please?"

I giggled when I heard her groan before uncurling herself before hopping down from the bed and padding over the the dresser. I could see the motion of her grabbing something in her maw before padding over to me. I reached down and gently felt around until I touched the brush.

As I was about to start I said to Willow as she jumped back onto the bed, "Would you like me to brush you after I'm done with my mane and tail?"

Her ears perked up at my offer. She paused for a moment before deciding to move closer to me and curl up while she waited for me to finish. I smiled that she seemed to have gotten used to me, though that is probably because of Von more so than me. Hopefully she does like me.

I hummed a old tune as I worked the brush through my mane, followed by my tail. Slowly working out the knots that had accumulated over our journey thus far, it actually surprised me that it wasn't worse considering what we've dealt with.

I gently put a hand on Willow in a silent request to roll onto her side, with a small groan she complied and I started to brush her. I giggled again when she started giving pleased groans as I slowly brushed her fur. I was so focused on my task I almost missed hearing a knock on the door.

"Come in." I said without turning around, I didn't sense any ill intentions. "Flurry Heart? Your mother said you might stop by."

A small laugh was what I heard first, I turned around to find I was wrong. "A generation off, though she will probably stop by soon." Princess Cadence said as she walked further in and closed the door behind her.

"Princess, is there something I can help you with?" I said as I turned to face her, receiving an annoyed growl from Willow from stopping.

She actually moved around and flopped down with her head in my lap in a request to continue. Cadence and I both giggled as I returned to brushing while I was now facing the Princess.

"I wished to speak with you about some more without Von or my husband around." I frowned at her words, to which she quickly defended, "Nothing bad I assure you. I actually hoped to give some advice for when you reach Canterlot."

"And why shouldn't Von hear this too?" I asked with some skepticism. I didn't distrust the Princess but her words were sending up warnings in my mind.

"Because it's only things you can do, and it relies on him not being aware. Also I don't believe he'd understand properly what I'm about to tell you." Cadence explained as she moved over to the bed and sat next to me.

She continued, "I can't go into details as it is not my place, and just would complicate things more than necessary, but emotions will be high when you two reach Canterlot. Von could be put into a dangerous situation as a result. What I want to ask of you is to please do what you can to defuse whatever situation arises. I also wanted to give you specifically a warning." She paused, as though in thought of how to phrase her words.

"What kind of warning?" I prompted when she stayed silent.

"Have an open mind. I'm not sure of your experiences so far since your return, though they don't appear to be wholly negative, but things have changed greatly since when you were around. It isn't easily seen here in the empire, as my citizens are still in the past in a way. You've might have noticed, but there are almost no humans here in the empire. I believe their numbers, as part of my citizens, are only a couple dozen at best. That is not true back in Equestria.

"Little over twenty years a magical event happened that made portals between Equis and the human's home dimension. No one knows what caused them or how to replicated them. After a couple years a war was started by some radicals trying to force humans back across the portals. It ended when the portals naturally collapsed. Though as it is obvious, some humans remained. Almost all were full citizens of Equis, and those that weren't were automatically granted citizenship as compensation for the fact that they cannot return to their home.

"The population of humans at the time was only a little over a thousand, the majority being in cross-species relationships. Now though in the twenty years the portals have been closed, their population is almost four times larger. Some small towns have even been made that have a majority of the population being human.

"A fact that might surprise you about them however, due to your only encounter of humans that I know of is Von, but originally humans did not possess magic. Even their home dimension actually stripped beings of any magic they had. Though through means I can't properly explain, humans have been shown to be gaining the ability of magic. Like how their home stripped it away, staying on Equis appears to cause them to slowly absorb ambient magic. It is this fact that causes their magic to be different from our own in that it doesn't work by harmony, but rather manipulating the raw magic that exist naturally in the world around us."

I found this to be a good point to ask, "So that is why Von is unable to do spells like you or I could do?"

"Precisely. The gem in your diadem grants you the ability to focus harmony magic like my horn, however humans have no such focus. My sister-in-law, Princess Twilight, would be able to explain more, however that is about all I know on the subject of human magic. Which is mostly just what I can recall of what she had told me years ago. There are also other details of the first humans with magic that I cannot tell you. It does concern Von, and would explain some of how events have happened as they have. Though the explanation is beyond my full understanding, and as such I don't wish to tell you something that could be wrong. Just know that Von is special for a human, even beyond the origin of how he became one, and that is the reason I give this explanation in the first place. I suspect it will complicate things for you all for a while to come." Cadence finishes explaining.

One question remained in my mind as I went over the detail in my mind, "So is Von originally from Equis at all?"

Cadence seemed surprised at my question, taking a moment she answered with, "No, I don't believe so. When the portals appeared, some were large and stable, while others were small and appeared and disappeared before they could be catalogued. It is likely Von's pack originally wandered through one of these undocumented portals and it closed before they realized where they were. Though it leads me to another topic. Have you noticed how intelligent Von's sister is?"

I looked down at the wolf in my lap and back to Cadence, "Not much different from other animals I have ever encountered. Though definitely above average I'd say."

"Accurate, and that is why it is unusual. If they truly are from humanity's home dimension, then they are more intelligent than when they first came here. I remember meeting a pet dog from across the portal, and bless its heart the little thing was dumb as a rock compared to their Equisi counterparts. Wild animals were said to be in a way, worse than this. When they were described to me, the only comparison I could think of was the monsters of the Everfree. Feral beasts that survived off of instinct more than intellect. Though over time, animals that were trapped here when the Collapse occurred have shown to be growing more intelligent. At this time gains have slowed because they are close to their Equisi counterparts, possibly they have already leveled out. It's a little soon to tell from what I've been told." Cadence told me.

"Thank you for all the information Princess, though I don't see how this exactly relates to your original request." I tell her.

"Information is valuable, the more you know about how Von likely came to be in his current state, the better you can plan on how to help him. As I'm sure you can tell he has a lot of potential, but he is inexperienced. With what will be required of him, sooner rather than later, this is dangerous. Though let me ask this, do you care about Von?" Cadence's voice turned more serious.

I answered without hesitation, "Of course I do, I owe him more than I can say. He's already saved me many times in the short time we've been together."

I think Cadence was smiling, "Like I thought. It's because of that fact, that I trust you to help him. Every winter since Aunt Luna's return she'd find a reason to recount the time she first met you. She actually argued with Aunt Celestia a couple years ago about the need to use one of your snowflakes to start winter, considering it was the last one, and the first you ever made for them. She put on a brave face at the time, but I heard she cried for hours that night when she was alone. She missed you dearly, especially when she found out about how you supposedly ended your life after she had been banished to the moon. Took her months to truly come to terms with that news." Cadence's tone had groan somber when she talked about Luna.

I felt a tear escape as I listened, but I smiled when I replied, "Well I guess she's in for a surprise when I reach Canterlot. Since you haven't told them about Von or I."

"Yes, and I won't be." Cadence replied, "As I mentioned before, Von's control of the story will be key in avoiding headaches down the road. If I told her about you or what happened to Blake she'd rush here to the Empire without hesitation, which would not end well for anyone involved."

"From what you've told me that seems sensible." I told her, "Is there anything else Princess?"

"Please, after our talk, just Cadence is fine. And no, I believe that is everything I can tell you that could be useful in the coming days. I'll let you rest." Cadence said as she rose from the bed and started to walk towards the door. When she got to it she paused and turned to say, "A maid will come to get you for dinner, Von will likely be heading there after he spars with my husband. "

I thanked her, and with a nod she left. Leaving me with a content wolf on my lap and a lot to think about.

*Snorrrrrr*

... make that a very content wolf.

Von POV

I ended up having to ask for directions but eventually found myself in the training grounds of the castle's guards. Shining Armor was already there when I arrived, warming up with a sword in hand. As I approached he finally noticed me and called out.

"Von, no trouble finding the way here I hope." He said will lowering the sword, but never letting the tip touch the ground.

"Needed some help, though it wasn't bad. How will this go?" I ask him.

"Well the sparring is about as straightforward as it gets. Though I also need to ask, do you know any magic?" He spoke as he waved me over to a sparring ring.

I thought about how to answer, "I can feel something occasionally, like something moving through me when there is nothing. Though beyond controlling that I can shift these bracers into gauntlets, no I don't have any control over it currently."

Shining let out a sigh, "I was afraid of that. It is unfortunate, human magic is powerful though limited. At least the times I've ever seen it." He told me, "I wish there was someone in the Empire that could help teach you how to tap into it, however currently there is not. When you get to Canterlot and talk with the Princesses, you should ask them privately about the first human Guardian. He'd be of great help if you get the chance to meet him."

"I will remember that, thank you." I reply.

"You're welcome. Now lets not delay any longer, I have a test to administer." Shining said with a chuckle.

As we got into stances at opposite sides of the ring his horn lit up and both my bracers and his sword glowed for a moment. He finished the spell but a faint glow remained.

"A dull edge spell, to protect ourselves. Bruising will be the worst that will occur when either of us lands a blow. Are you ready?"

I focused on my bracers and activated them, I gave Shining a nod to let him know we could start.

It happened quickly, the stallion rushed at me with unexpected speed, slashing horizontally as he closed in. I raised my arms to block, though just before the blade would have connected a light pink barrier appeared between the sword and my left block. The sword was purposely propelled the opposite direction as Shining spun around to deliver a crushing slash.

When the sword was propelled the other direction I rolled to the left, the sword barely passing over me as I dodged. I was back on my feet as the slash was followed up by a thrust. I brushed this to the side as I stepped in to the left to swipe at Shining's face. However my hand was blocked by another pink barrier. Shining threw up his elbow to try and catch me in the jaw but I leaned back before I distanced myself from him.

Shields like that will make it impossible to land a blow. I either need to find a way to break them, get around them, or wear down the one making them. None of which is exactly easy. I reasoned as I dodged more blows and encountered more barriers in the openings I would strike at.

"Is that the best you've got? I've had recruits fair better than you are right now." Shining taunted as he kept up his assault.

Though he didn't stop there, "Come on! Blake did better than you even before he was a Guardian, if this is what his successor is capable of then you truly aren't worthy to be a Guardian."

His words angered me. What did he know!? I've fought with ghouls, battled a Wendigo in a golem of onyx, and killed a yeti! I would show him.

I stopped after I gained some distance, I was near the edge of the ring. Shining slashed horizontally again and this time I grabbed the blade. With the momentum of the blow I pulled the sword past me as I moved with the strike, pulling Shining off balance in the process. I was going to throw him out of the ring until just when he was going to be thrown out a barrier appeared that Shining slammed into that prevented a ring out.

"Not bad, but not good enough." Shining replied as he made another barrier and pushed me away from him. Effectively resetting all advantages to zero.

"That body of yours must have Blake's muscle memory because your moves remind me of how he liked to fight. Close and personal. Though he was a lot better, and I'd have been beaten a half dozen times by this point if you were him." Shining kept taunting. "You know maybe you were lying to us, found a way to actually steal or trick Blake into giving you his magic. Maybe that mare with you is actually a spy, and not the real Snowdrop. After all she died over a thousand years ago, which means I would have no qualms about just throwing you both in a dungeon and letting you waste away. Would you like that Von? Want me to put you down, like the mutt you are?" Shining spat.

Third person POV

I hate having to say things like that. Shining thought as he taunted Von, testing his patience as far as he could.

Von wasn't even looking at him anymore, his head was hung as he shook with anger at Shining's words.

I went too far. Shining reasoned. But I need to see what happens when he breaks.

Shining raised his sword to go on the offensive again, even though truthfully he was starting to tire, he needed to end this. As he was about to charge, Shining froze when Von raised his eyes to glare at him. Shining gripped his arm with his free hand to reduce the involuntary shaking that started the moment he looked into those eyes.

Von's right eye was glowing now, at the edge leaked a blue mist. Likely excess magic that was focused in the area, Shining thought. Though exactly what this meant was unclear.

Shining soon found out the answer as Von launched himself at Shining in a fit of rage. Shining barely had enough time to dodge to the side before he tried to block with a barrier. When Von struck it however, cracks splintered the shield, causing Shining to cringe at the magical backlash that resulted.

No barriers, that's not good for me. Shining though to himself as he blocked with his sword, constantly trying to distance himself from the barrage of attacks he was receiving. I'm not sure what will happen if he actually lands a blow, even with the dull edge spell still active. Shining realized as his hands started to feel numb from the reverberations of his blade from blocking.

I have to end this. Shining decided.

Pushing the magic through his horn he used one of his rarely used tactics, teleportation. In a flash, Shining disappeared for a moment before reappearing behind Von.

What is not commonly realized with teleportation is that while near instantaneous, there was a definite emphasis on near. Shining reappeared expecting Von to be staggering from his target disappearing, however what he saw was Von's body twisting as he had jumped and turned rapidly. Shining had no time to react as his head was met with a flying spin kick that had such force that it threw Shining out of the ring and crashing to a training weapons rack that was nearby.

Von POV

The haze around my eyes lifted as I panted. My body had acted on instinct when Shining had popped out of existence. I barely realized what I had done, though when I had I focused on the groaning Prince that was trying to pick himself up out of the dirt. I released my gauntlet mode and walked over to him and gave him a helping hand which he accepted gladly.

"Are you ok? I don't think I was thinking clearly." I said as I held him up, waiting for him to steady himself.

Shining let out another groan as he rubbed the side of his face, which had already started to swell slightly. "I'll live. I went to far with the taunts. Though I'll admit it was purposeful. I needed to know how you'd react."

"Was anything decided with that match?" I asked him.

"Yes and no. As shown in the end, you can be formidable to fight, your instincts more so in a sense. However you were not acting purposefully, but were rather more akin to a berserker. You will put yourself and others in more danger fighting that way than you would if you could call upon your physical and magical abilities on demand. In terms of could you be a guardian, the answer is yes. Though are you ready to act as one? I must say no." Shining told me before he groaned again.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I asked again.

Shining pulled a necklace out from under his uniform, on it was a simple silver pendant with some etchings I had no clue the purpose of. "This pendant was a gift from Blake, the runes craved into it are a protection charm. It mitigates any blunt damage I sustain. It's what kept me from not getting a broken jaw or skull fracture from that kick you gave me, along with letting me keep up during the match as a whole. The recoil you were sending through my sword still was making my hands numb, even with the charm." He explained.

"That sounds as though you were not ok." I point out.

Shining gave a weak chuckle, "Yeah, I guess so. I'm not as young as I used to be, I have to rely on my magic more than I used to. Just don't tell Cadence why half my face probably resembles a marshmallow during dinner and we will be fine. I'll tell her you got a lucky punch in, that should satisfy any curiosity from others."

"Should you really lie? Isn't that wrong?" I tried to understand.

"It's more of a half truth. A lesson for you, withholding information on a subject is not wrong if it can prevent unnecessary worry over things that are beyond a person's control. If I did tell them, they'd understand that it wasn't your fault, but they'd still worry that I'm getting to old to continue actively participating in the guard. I don't want that, so the half truth is better for this situation. Just don't turn everything you tell people into half truths because you believe people shouldn't or can't help, it's not a good way to live." Shining said as he rested on the ground.

I nodded as I also sat down, letting my body rest from the fatigue of the fight. Shining had a maid bring him an ice pack for his face in an attempt to reduce the swelling. After a bit he got up and started to fix up the weapons rack he had crashed into from the ending to our fight. As he was picking up weapons he paused before looking at me and asking.

"Do you know how to fight with a weapon?"

"I've never tried." I admitted.

Shining was holding a rope with a soft weight on the end, a training version of a flail. He looked between me and the weapon in his hands a few times before deciding on something.

He checked it over a couple more time before he tossed me the rope.

"See what you can do with that in the ring. Imagine you're fighting against multiple opponents." Shining ordered.

I did as requested and stepped back over to the sparring ring. Situating myself in the middle I unwound the rope and swung the weight around to test its feel. After a few swings I let it lash out, with a flick of my wrist it snapped back where I let it fly pass me about two feet before I grabbed the rope and swung it around. I practiced swinging it around myself in a circle, manipulating the path by grabbing the rope in flight, and other things I could think of. More than a few times I nearly clipped myself but my reflexes kept me from hitting myself.

Shining watched as I tried more moves, a calculating expression on his face as he observed. After a few more minutes passed before he finally called out.

"Ok enough. I've seen what I needed to."

I caught the weight and rewound the rope, walking back over to Shining I handed him the weapon. He put it back on the repaired weapon rack before saying to me.

"I don't know exactly what you can remember from Blake's life, but he was skilled in multiple weapons. You seem to have received at least some of his skills. His personal weapon was what he called a snake sword, called it Ivy." Shining chuckled to himself, "I think I remember he said it was a character from an old game from humanity's home world. He had a habit of doing silly things like that."

"Memories get triggered when I encounter people or places that Blake had connections with. Some are just images, others include information, like how when you mentioned your sister I got some memories that related to times Blake saw you two interact. It's strange I'll admit, memories that I know are not my own but from the perspective as though I was." I explained.

Shining nodded as he started to walk back to the palace, motioning for me to follow.

As we started walking he said, "I have an idea of how strange it must be to have his memories. Almost like he reincarnated himself through you, though there appears to be no influence of his old personality."

I laughed, "After all the times I have been mistaken for him, I can see what you mean. I imagine when I meet Celestia and Luna in person they will make the same mistake."

Shining laughed along with me, "You're probably not wrong. With how much you look like him, you could be his twin."

"So I've been told."

"Let us go to dinner, the others are probably expecting us soon." Shining replied, leading the way.

Shining had still been lectured when Cadence and Flurry Heart saw his swollen face. Flurry had healed it, though that hadn't lessened the length of the lecture to any degree.

Snowdrop and I just sat on the other side of the table from Flurry and Shining as Cadence was at the head of the table, eating away at the meals we had received while they continued on. Shining to his credit just stared at his plate and ate his meal, not seemingly bothered by the nagging on both sides of him. The only indication he might be listening was the subtle nodding he did occasionally.

After a while, Cadence and Flurry gave up on their lecture. Flurry turned to us and asked Snowdrop.

"So how long have you two been in love?" She asked with a smile. Her mother rolled her eyes, not interfering.

Snowdrop and I looked at each other in confusion before I turn back and stated, "We aren't mates. What would make you think that?"

Flurry just giggled, "Don't pretend, I can tell you two have feelings for each other."

I didn't understand what she meant, what feeling could she be referring to? Thankfully Snowdrop answered for me.

"Flurry Heart, I'm afraid you're confusing feelings of caring for ones of love. I sure Von agrees that we care and would protect each other, but that don't have to mean we love each other. We barely have known each other a little over a week. It would be foalish to call what we feel for each other love."

"But you-"

"Flurry, enough." Cadence spoke up, not even looking up from her meal. "I've told you before there is more than one type of love. Just because you assume something doesn't make it so. Anything that develops must be decided by only the individuals involved. So just leave well enough alone."

Flurry looked defeated as she mumbled, "Yes, mom. Sorry."

Cadence smiled kindly at her daughter, "It's something you need to realize my little heart, just because I am the Princess of Love and you are the Princess of Hearts, doesn't give us the privilege to reveal what people wish to keep to themselves. Helping someone lay bare their soul is our duty, but they need to wish for it." She explained to her.

Flurry looked back to Snowdrop and I to say, "I apologize you two. I shouldn't have said anything. It wasn't my place."

"Learn from it, that's all you can do." Snowdrop told her. Not apparently bothered by her original statement.

Dinner passed without any further incident. Small talk was made, mostly between Flurry and Snowdrop, with the former asking questions about how things were a thousand years ago for the latter. Afterwords Shining spoke up about plans for the next couple days.

"Tomorrow I'll continue working with Von to prepare him how I can. Tomorrow evening you two can decide what you wish to do, though after today I believe it should be safe for you to leave for Canterlot the day after next." He told us.

Snowdrop spoke up for us, "Thank you, for all you've done for us. I hope we can repay it properly."

Cadence waved her off, "No need for that. If we didn't help what kind of friends would we be?" She asked.

"Bad one." I stated.

Shining laughed as Cadence looked annoyed.

"That was rhetorical." She said.

I smiled, "I know."

Cadence just groaned, "So many things are different, but the humor remained."

We all ended up laughing at that, even Cadence after a few moments. I liked them, I was glad they were the ones helping us. Blake had a good sense for friends, and I was thankful for that.

Author's Note

So the drought ends...

Hey everyone longtime no see (On this story anyway). I would have gotten this out sooner but found it was more difficult to pick back up than I anticipated. I felt you all deserved a nice long chapter because of the long wait, which just made it longer, and I'm sorry for that.

I hope the contents of the chapter made it worth it. I'm glad I finally get to continue with this story. The next chapter hopefully shouldn't take overly long to complete, less than a month is my goal. Though with that, I've said what I needed to.

Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.