I woke up in a hospital bed on my stomach. I groaned and twisted around feeling my back muscles tense then relax with each twist. I smiled slightly to myself and said “Gotta love magic.” I stretched and sat up then glanced at my arms, which were bandaged, then my torso where there were more bandages. I stretched more and popped my back then popped my neck and shoulders. It felt good to release all that tension so I grinned and started to stand up only to fall flat on my face. I just laughed good naturedly at my blunder then slowly climbed back into bed and said “Guess I’m not back to full strength.”

I laid on my back, since it wasn’t bothering me, and waited for the doctor to come in and tell me how bad off I was. After about ten minutes, I finally heard hoofsteps approaching my room. I sat up in bed as a unicorn with a periwinkle blue mane and tail, a stethoscope cutie mark, and a lab coat approached. I smiled politely and said “What’s up Doc? How bad am I and how long will it take for me to stay here before I can leave?”

They smiled and said “Hello I’m Doctor Thunderhoof. You gave us quite a scare.” I raised an eyebrow and he explained “You nearly pierced the veins in your arms, your back was torn open from shoulder to hip, and you had severe magic exhaustion. I’m amazed you’re awake already.” I smirked and pumped my fist at exceeding expectations on when I’d wake up, and the doctor continued “We were able to patch up your back mostly; there may be some scarring because we weren’t used to working on humans, and your arms should be fine by the morning. It’s currently nine o’ clock at night. You were brought in at one, so you were asleep eight hours.”

I nodded and said “Thanks Doctor. You wouldn’t happen to have any cigarettes, would you?” He shook his head and bid me adieu then walked off to check on the guards who were in the infirmary from the battle. I sighed and closed my eyes laying back and trying to relax. After about ten minutes I heard footsteps passing by my bed again. I opened one eye and sat up to see the doc walking by. I nodded at him and closed my eyes again then laid back and stretched out.

I yawned and started to doze as I laid there. Yawning again I found myself starting to slip into the dreamscape. I forced my mind out of the dreamscape into a regular dream, deciding I didn’t want to deal with the problems the dreamscape could cause. Sadly I should have chosen the dreamscape rather than the hell waiting within my mind. The dream began like so I found myself in a place I hadn’t visited in years. I was in a barren wasteland with a simple farm house standing tall. I was between the farmhouse and a barren field. I walked out into the field slowly. After a few steps I tripped over something. I landed on my face and slowly glanced at my feet where I saw a skull sticking up out of the ground.

I stared at it and mumbled “Ah poor Horatio I knew him well.” I knew I should be more freaked but this was something so old for me that I was used to it. I knew I wouldn’t be scared till I awoke screaming in terror as the dream ended. I picked up the skull and saw it had a macabre appearance. I studied it and said “Who were you in life?”

I sat up and tossed the skull at a barren tree on the edge of the property causing it to explode into dust. From behind me I heard “Ah so you’re finally back.” I turned slowly to see a demonic version of myself standing there. He had black hair with red tips, red eyes with black veins going throughout, wore a cloak that was red as freshly spilled blood, a shirt that was as white as bleached bone, and pants as black as burnt flesh. He smiled at me and said “Long time no see.” His teeth were all filed to points and the tips were coated in blood where they met.

I sighed and said “Not you again. I thought the terror of seeing myself as a monster fell away with therapy.” He chuckled as I climbed to my feet and picked up a body from the ground beside him. It was the body of my buddy Aaron. He had a horrible look of anguish on his face, his hair was matted with blood, and there was a knife sticking out of his back. I cringed slightly and said “I never thought even in my worst moments I’d kill him.”

The demonic version of me laughed his cloak flapping in the breeze and said “I had to get creative since you were blocking me out. I knew you no longer were affected by the traitor’s death, you never cared about Cody as he always said he wanted to die in battle, but little Aaron, well he was always someone you saw living in peace. So what do you plan to do now? Do you plan to let me show you what you could be, or are you going to shout about this being a dream?”

I shivered as the wind blew through my shirt which was tattered and torn up, my jeans covered in patches, and my own cloak brown with holes inside it. I sighed softly and said “All claiming this to be a dream would do is take us to a new setting where you hunt for me. All fighting you would do is lead to me being exhausted when I wake up. However I refuse to let you take over.”

He or I should say I, laughed and said “You sure have grown up, pup. I see you have accepted some of who you are, but not all. After all I’m still here and I’m part of you. You have to admit to yourself that you have a murderous rage within yourself. You showed it today, that’s why I was able to break out of your subconscious. You killed the forsaken without a second thought, all because their master threatened your precious bitches.”

I snarled and said “Don’t you dare call them that. They are not bitches. They are beautiful, intelligent, and wonderful mares who love me for me.”

The dark version of me laughed again and said “So they aren’t beautiful intelligent talented charming horses everyone sees? I mean come on Bitches could be an acronym in this case. Oh wait they call themselves ponies, don’t they? I wonder what they would do if they knew that originally you saw them as nothing more than a children’s cartoon. I wonder what they would do if you told them you’re not even sure this is real. For all you know this is your afterlife, or you’re in a coma, or this is all a dream and you’ll wake up tomorrow. You don’t know which terrifies you more than anything any of these ponies or their friends could do to you. If you’re in a coma then you may never wake up. What do you plan to do to find out if this is real or not besides die?”

I spat to the side as I studied the darker version of myself and said “Nothing. I’m just going to live my life. I’ll fight when I have to, do whatever it takes to keep my family safe, and even find a way to fix my psyche so that you either disappear or return to being a piece of the whole. Either way I won’t have these stupid nightmares plaguing me for the rest of eternity!”

He laughed and said “Well, let’s show you what happens when you lose control then so that you can wake up.” Suddenly Luna, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Celestia, Pinkie Pie, Oak, Star, Scootaloo, and even Spike appeared. He smirked and I growled rushing forward. I winced as his blade pierced my chest as I stood before Spike.

Spike smiled up at me and said “I knew you wouldn’t let me get hurt. What about mom and the others though?”

I gave him a thumbs up and said “I’ll protect all of them. It’s a promise, and males always keep their promises.” He smiled then faded away as my mind accepted that I protected him. I grabbed the blade and pulled it out of my chest. The demon smiled and said “You’ve grown stronger.”

Chuckling I replied “I’ve finally got a reason to fight that isn’t just proving myself or fighting for fun. I finally grew up.” He nodded and formed a spear then thrust it forward I jumped in the way feeling it pierce my stomach and saw Scoots, Star, and Oak vanish in a burst of light as they smiled at me. That left the mares. I coughed and said “I promised I’d protect them. I don’t break my promises. At least I don’t break them anymore.”

He smirked as he released the spear and said “I always fought to make you stronger, whether it be in mind or in body. I only had your best interests in mind. You fight to protect your family, I fight to protect you. Eventually you’ll see that. For now however, I guess I’ll just let you go. You protected them from me, so now you just have to protect them from the world. Eventually you’ll get bogged down, but you can call on me at any time. The angel still needs to speak with you, but that will come in time. You are more than you believe Jake. I hope you realize just how important you are to the world before it destroys you. I hope you awaken to a bright new future.”

I smiled and said “Thanks. You know you aren’t so bad. I hope one day I can reconcile the real you with the you my mind has made in the past. I guess I won’t be yelling when I wake up this time. See ya around, Jay.” He chuckled as I started to fade away back to the real world.

I woke up feeling refreshed. Glancing at the clock I saw it was about twelve in the afternoon. I yawned and glanced around as I heard someone knock on the door to my room. I called out “It’s open.” The door opened and a nurse walked in. She was an earth pony mare with a pink coat, a light butter yellow mane and tail, and a pair of bandages for a cutie mark. I smiled at her and said “Hello Nurse, something I can help you with?”

She smiled back and said “I’m just here to check on your bandages Mr. Wolf.” I nodded and sat up lowering the blankets so she could come over and untie the bandages around my stomach, chest, back, and arms. After the bandages were off my arms I saw the scars from the punctures caused by the damn beasts. I sighed and glanced down as the bandages around my chest and stomach were removed. I rolled over so the nurse could check on my back and she said “Your back looks pretty good. I think about two more weeks of being wrapped up and you’ll be ready for anything the world throws at you.”

I nodded and asked “Hey nurse I have any visitors while I was out?”

She smiled and said “Yes, you were visited by both the princesses, and a pair of unicorn mares. Honestly the princesses said they were going to alert your friends to your condition. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

I nodded and asked “Where are my clothes?” She smiled and walked into the bathroom then came back with my clothes which looked a little worse for wear. I took them and got out of bed. She realized I was about to get dressed and left. I got dressed and climbed back into bed then stretched and popped my spine sighing in relief. I stretched and said “So Luna and Celestia came to visit, and I’m guessing the two unicorns were Solaria and Artemis. I’m amazed neither wanted to be a pegasus.” I popped my shoulder then started running my hands over my upper body.

Midway through the third pass from my chest to my neck I heard someone ask “Having fun?” I slowly turned to the voice to see Moonlight, who was really Artemis, and Solaria studying me. I slowly lowered my hands looking unconcerned on the outside but swearing up a storm on the inside. They smirked and Solaria said “You know we’re trying to figure out how to reveal that there are two other alicorns, namely us.” I smirked and shrugged. They sighed and Moonlight said “Tia thinks it would be best to make a big grandiose announcement.”

I chuckled and said “Tia likes to make big grandiose gestures to stun the nobility. If she introduces you two this way then it makes them take a second to change their plans allowing her to counter it. If she reveals you were nightmare moon and Sol Invicta respectively it changes everything. Anyway when can I leave this place?”

They smirked and said “As soon as the doctor says it’s ok.” I snorted at that and laid my head back then stretched and Artemis climbed into bed with me while Solaria sat next to me in a chair. I raised an eyebrow at Arty and she smirked then nuzzled my cheek. I stroked her mane and she sighed in bliss then said “I love the fact you have fingers. Those things feel so good in my mane.” I chuckled and Solaria said “You realize that if you don’t get out of his bed Tia and Lulu are going to get on to you when they get here.”

I chuckled and said “Why don’t you climb in from the other side? We’ll look all nice and cozy and they’ll get jealous.” She smiled liking that idea and climbed in on my right as Artemis laid her head on my chest from my left. I played with both their manes and closed my eyes zoning out. Eventually Artemis coughed and I asked “Yes?”

She said “What are your plans for once you’ve healed?”

I replied “I plan on traveling. I think I’m going to get a royal commission to be an ambassador and go from land to land talking with Equestria’s allies and preparing for their enemies. I’ll come back after doing a little recon and then I think I’ll settle down for a while in Ponyville. Why do you want to travel with me?”

She shook her head sighing and Solaria explained “We’re going to be stuck here doing paperwork with Tia and Lulu. If we don’t they’ll feel like we’re abandoning them. You know they’re going to complain when you don’t plan on staying in Canterlot.” I snorted and Solaria said “Don’t snort at me. I’m just being honest. Speaking of honest, how are you and honesty doing with each other?”

I shrugged and said “I see each of the element bearers as my precious people. If anything were to happen to them I’d be worried. Honestly if anything happened to anyone I cared about I’d be forced to take action. I’m not the type to let my loved ones be hurt. Speaking of my loved ones, the road is no place for foals.”

They nodded in agreement and asked “Who are you going to have watch them while you’re away?”

I smirked evilly and said “Why you four of course. It’ll be good practice for when we have our own biological foals. After all they’re old enough to take care of themselves mostly. They just need to be watched.”

They gaped at me slack jawed and I smirked then kissed them both on the nose saying “You know you’re going to catch flies like that.” They glared at me and huffed then snuggled into my sides. I wrapped my arms around them as the door opened and two bundles of joy jumped onto the bed and wrapped their hooves around my neck. I stroked their manes and said “Hey little ones. Have momma Tia, momma Lulu, momma moony, and momma sunny been taking care of you while I was out?”

Luna and Tia, who were behind the foals, looked at me and mouthed ‘Momma?!?’ I smirked and mouthed back ‘yes momma.’ I stretched and Star said “Momma Luna taught me a little magic.”

I grinned and said “She did, did she? That’s great baby. I was hoping you’d get along with them. What about you little man, did you learn anything from your mommas?”

Oak nodded and said “Yeah poppa. Mama Tia taught me how to feel the earth and grow plants. She even showed me how to make a seed blossom with life, but we missed you. Don’t go away like that again, please?”

I winced slightly and said “Sorry little man but as soon as your daddy is feeling better he’s got to go traveling. I’ll be back between trips and will teach you everything I can. I promise that I won’t stay out longer than a month at a time and that after my last trip we’ll finally move back to my home town where we’ll be going back and forth between there and here at the palace every other week until I can get my affairs in order, ok?”

Oak nodded and star asked “What does affairs mean poppa?”

I kissed her nose and said “Affairs means things that someone has. An example of affairs is a job, a house, or even school.” She nodded getting the idea and I stretched then said “So how about we slip out of this nasty hospital and go upstairs to Momma Tia’s room.” The kids cheered and my mares all sighed realizing there was no way I was staying in the hospital another minute.

Luna picked the foals up in her magic and set them on her back then said “Then come along my love.” I got up and kissed her as Solaria and Artemis followed me out. Tia tried to stop me but the four of us just looked at her like she was nuts. She sighed and followed along signing me out of the hospital then Luna led us to Celestia’s room where all seven of us climbed into Tia’s bed.

Tia laid her head on my stomach and Luna laid her head on my chest. Meanwhile Arty and Solaria took the time to change back to their true forms and laid their heads on my shoulders. I smiled and said “Love you girls. I love all four of you.” The foals curled up on Luna’s back and I said “You are my family, all six of you.” The foals cheered and then fell asleep as Luna cast a spell on them.

I smiled and said “I plan on spending my next few weeks here with you six, then taking a short trip to ponyville to tell the girls that I’m going on a trip. After that I want diplomatic status as I plan on visiting Equestria’s neighbors. I’ll even do some scouting in the tribes that are the enemies of Equestria as they won’t know where I belong. Until then let’s spend our time together and make the best of it.”
The girls nodded in acceptance and the seven of us drifted off.

*************************************Two Weeks Pass*************************************************

It has been about two weeks since that night in Tia’s room. I was all healed up but before they’d let me go Tia wanted me to train with Gleaming Shield. I agreed if for no other reason than fighting with the guard captain would get me used to dealing with shield mages. I stretched as I stood facing down Gleaming in the middle of the courtyard. She’d warmed up to me a little bit thanks to the princesses and her best friend who happened to be Cadance or Cady as she asked me to call her. I’d spent my weekends hanging out with Cadance and my week days with my mares. The more time spent with Cadance the more I felt one of the soul threads I’d always been able to sense connecting the two of us.

This is probably the first you’re hearing about the soul threads. I guess you could call them connections. In my case I’ve always been able to sense them, and they grow stronger the more care people put into them. Honestly they’re kind of important at least to me. Anyway as I said I stood facing down Gleaming and she formed a shield saying “You won’t be able to land a hit on me.” I smirked taking that as a challenge and formed a magic blade. She smirked and said “That won’t break my shield.” I grinned thinking she was pretty cocky then I saw her smile and realized she was being playful. It wasn’t normal for her, but that’s not to say that she didn’t know how to be playful, just that this was the first time I’d seen her act as such.

I stretched and said “One swing.” She raised a nonexistent eyebrow and I said “One swing and I’ll shatter your bubble.” She snorted and motioned with a hoof for me to bring it on. I smirked and rushed at her swinging my sword with all my might and pouring power into it. The first hit shattered the shield but left me breathless allowing Gleaming to turn around and buck me into a wall. I winced as I got up forming a spear of magic and threw it at her. She stepped out of the way only for me to teleport behind her and grab the spear out of the air then hit her with the butt of it. She winced and glared at me charging up a spell. I smirked and said “Bring it on mare. I know you’re not done you’re to strong for that.”

She smiled darkly at my praise and blasted me back into the same wall which caused it to crack and made my spine let out a loud popping sound. I fell to all fours as the spell ended and coughed softly. My back was killing me, my stomach hurt, and honestly I was enjoying every second of this. I guess I’m somewhat of a masochist who knew. I rushed at Gleaming dodging between magic blasts and slammed my fist into her muzzle stunning her. I quickly grabbed her horn and kicked her legs out from under her then sat on her and forced her head down. She struggled saying “No good cheater!”

I snorted and said “All is fair in a fight. All that matters is winning or losing because you don’t want to die in a combat situation.” She sighed and I asked “Do you yield?” She nodded and I released her horn then helped her back to her hooves before walking over to the watching guard. They watched me and I said “You’re commander fought with honor. If she were against a race that prided itself upon its honor she would have won. Know that honor is never a bad thing, but sometimes it must be released. I don’t fight with honor because I’ve never felt a need to. If I ever am asked to be in an honorable duel then I will fight with honor. A fight isn’t a duel, though a duel is a fight. That is all.”

I turned and started for Tia and Luna who were watching me then saw that Arty and Solaria had the kids on their backs. The kids waved at me and I smiled at them. Gleaming walked up and bowed to Luna and Tia. I smirked at her then said “Hello lovely princesses and my children, how are you on this fine day?” The kids giggled and Luna smiled while Arty smirked. Tia sighed and muttered about flippant humans and Solaria grinned. I raised an eyebrow and said “How am I flippant Tia?”

She stared at said “How do you know that’s what I said?” My wolf ears stuck up above my hat and she said “Oh right canine hearing. Well you’re always flippant. You just tend to not be too bad toward Luna and I most of the time. So how are you? Are you ready for your journey?”

I nodded and said “I’m good, and yes I’m ready. I’ll just miss my kids.” The foals smiled happy to hear I’d miss them then I kissed the tops of their heads and said “But I’m doing this for them. Equestria needs allies. I have a feeling Equestria’s enemies are gaining strength. However that isn’t fact. My feelings have been wrong however I don’t think this is the case. That said I’d better be off to finish preparing for my journey.

The foals whined softly and said “Do you really have to go papa?” I nodded and hugged my foals who said “We’ll miss you papa, stay safe.” I smiled and nuzzled them both then Oak said “I’ll keep the girls safe like you told me to papa. I know you don’t want to come back to trouble.” I smiled and Star said “I’ll keep everyone happy papa. Just like you taught me a smile goes a long way. I know our mommas will be as sad to see you go as we are but I’ll keep them cheered up until we get your first letter and you come home.”

I smiled and said “My precious little ones. I’m so proud of you. I don’t expect anything from you, but if you truly want to help then just stay safe and keep out of your mommas’ ways.” They nodded and I walked off toward my room hearing my mares talk amongst themselves. I waved at them over my shoulder saying “I’ll drop by the throne room for one last goodbye then I’m heading out Tia, Lulu, Arty, Sola.”

I walked to my room greeting everyone in my path and grabbed my bag then finished packing it with the necessities and threw it on my back. I winced as it hit a sore spot and thought “Damn that spar before leaving wasn’t my best idea. Ah well at least I got a little of Gleaming’s anger out.” I popped my back and sighed as it felt a little better before walking to the throne room where Tia and Lulu were waiting for me. I kissed them both then hugged Artemis and Solaria who showed up out of a side door and said “Look out for each other. I’ll be back and then I won’t have to take this trip for a long time hopefully.”

I dug in my bag and pulled out a pack of gum then popped a piece in my mouth and started for the door. When I reached it Tia called out “Don’t do anything Rash. I know you have high opinions of certain species but don’t hold your opinions of their feral cousins against the races of Equus. If you die we’ll never forgive you.” I chuckled and gave her a thumbs up then jogged to the local airship docks.

I walked up to the dock master and asked “Any ships leaving Equestria’s borders?” He looked me up and down then nodded. I grinned and asked “Any headed to the Canis Islands?” He nodded again and I asked “How much for passage?”

He said “To the lupine continent fifty bits a night which covers your meals and passage, or you can work. To the Vulpes lands twenty bits a night because it’s closer same thing. The coyote and jackal islands are ten bits a night, and finally if you are going to the domestican lands it’s fifty bits both ways. It’s twenty five bits one way. That’s because it only takes two days to get there.”

I nodded and said “How far away is the lupine continent?”

He smirked and said “Only three days so one fifty bits. However because of the trouble on the way we’re looking for warriors who can fight who will get free board. Sadly you’re neither a unicorn nor a pegasus so you’re useless for sky fighting.” I snorted and formed a bow of magic then he said “Well ain’t that something. I guess you are useful. Would you be willing to work rather than pay?” I nodded and he said “Great, ship leaves in twenty minutes. We just finished packing up the goods we’re just waiting on fighters and passengers. If we can clean up the pathway we may be able to decrease the cost of passage.”

I smiled and said “I’ll be happy to help.” He nodded and I walked to the ship where he introduced me to the captain. I bowed politely and said “Jake Wolf at your service Captain. I have been training with the guard and am an expert marksman. I’ll be happy to clear the sky of pesky bandits.” He nodded and motioned for me to board. I climbed aboard making a new bow of magic and forming a quiver of energy arrows then chanted under my breath making the arrows into physical objects that wouldn’t shatter the moment I stopped pumping magic into them.

I finished my gum and spat it over the side as the rest of the crew boarded and the captain approached me. He studied me and said “What’s with the fancy bow, I thought only unicorns could use them?” I smirked and shook my head showing my hands. He studied them then said “Ah so you’re the creature the princesses are keeping in the castle. I’m Dusty Skies. I captain this vessel and my orders are like those of the princess on land. If you have a problem with that, then get off now because I won’t tolerate people ignoring my orders.” I nodded and saluted him then he said “You’ve been given passage as a fighter. We need fighters for multiple reasons. Most importantly we have to worry about sky raiders, pegasi and griffons who live along the trade routes and think they can make a quick buck by raiding ships.”
I nodded and said “I got it. My job I’m guessing is to shoot down the damn raiders and protect the ship.” The captain nodded looking pleased with my assessment and I continued “No worries Captain so long as I’m on your ship I won’t let a raider board, nor will I let them attack the ship.”

He nodded and said ‘See that you don’t.” I nodded and put an arrow to the string of my bow, then locked it in place and held it there watching as the ship took off and started on the first leg of my journey. I spat out my gum and popped a new piece into my mouth as we began travelling. After about ten minutes I made my bow vanish and put the arrow back into the quiver then sat down and watched over the side as the towns of Equestria started passing by below.

I stared down at the world as it passed by, knowing it would take about three hours to get to the coast, and from there almost three days to reach the closest edge of the Lupine Continent. I yawned knowing we’d face no problems in Equestria but as soon as we passed to the sea we’d have to worry about the first of the bandit tribes. I spat out the gum I was chewing over the side and started doing exercises to relax my body.

After about two hours I got some of the crew who were off duty into a conversation which lasted us until the sea came into site. I snorted and said “Horseshoe bay and beyond the Manelantic sea. I stretched and formed my bow again watching the right side our vessel as the other guards manned the port, forward, and aft sides. I studied the clouds nearby looking for any sign of pegasi or griffons who didn’t belong. Our own pegasi were keeping the front of the ship clear.

After an hour of nothing the guards shifted. I stayed on guard, knowing that a shift change would be the perfect time to attack, but nothing happened. I sighed relieved and stretched then popped my neck and fired an arrow down into the sea causing an explosion of water. As the water cleared I saw three pegasi flying in from a short distance away with a pair of what looked like guns mounted on their backs. I stared and instantly shouted “SKY RAIDERS!!!” The raiders heard my shout and let out curses I barely picked up. I released an arrow taking one in the wing and it caused him to drop. His companions ignored him and continued onward. I growled softly in disgust and shot a second who quickly moved out of the way of my arrow.

I snarled in displeasure and released two more arrows in rapid succession. The raiders flew around them getting closer and started firing upon the ship, as their companions attacked from below and the other side. I growled softly in displeasure and released more and more arrows. In all honesty I was forming arrows as soon as I was firing them. Eventually I filled up the sky and the raiders had to scatter and regroup. I smirked and shot one in the throat causing him to drop like a stone. The airship started to rise higher and I heard the unicorns shouting about boarders. I turned to face them and switched my bow into a sword then rushed at the nearest boarder.

I slammed into the boarder causing him to stumble. I plunged my blade into his breast and caused him to gasp in pain. I stared into his eyes as the light left them and said softly “You chose your fate.” He fell to the deck dead and I turned to catch the pike of an enraged griffon. I pulled the pike from her grip and plunged it into her throat pushing her over the side then called out “Does anyone need help?”

I got negatives in reply and sighed then let my blade vanish. I swore I was going to have to get a blade made of a physical material before it was all said and done. I couldn’t keep summoning magic weapons then dispersing the magic over and over. It was starting to weigh on me. I sat down on the deck breathing a bit heavily and stretched then popped my spine and said “How many did we lose?”

One of the ship’s overseers looked at me and said “Three guards, one pegasus two unicorns. The crew was saved thanks to their efforts so we’re going to give them a proper burial. As for the dead raiders, we’re going to just toss them over the side.” I nodded and got up then walked down to my cabin to grab a proper dress shirt for the ceremony for the fallen. I walked onto the deck as the ships on board priest appeared and started a eulogy for the fallen. I sent a prayer for their souls to the afterlife and watched as each body was lowered over the side. We were out over the sea so the bodies made soft splashes as they landed into the water and sunk.

I formed my bow again and started releasing arrows into the air that exploded in time with each splash. After the third splash I banished my bow and walked back downstairs to rest in my cabin. I sighed and mumbled “Stupid sky pirates. Three soldiers won’t be returning home because of them. I hope they made it into Elysium or whatever passes for Elysium in this world.” I popped a piece of gum in my mouth as I plopped down on my bed wondering what the afterlife held for me, if it held anything. I closed my eyes as I swallowed my gum and put myself into a meditative trance then slipped into the dream realm. When I entered I was greeted by millions of little lights.

I smiled and said aloud “The lights of the dreamers. I guess it’s later than I thought. I wonder if any of my girls are asleep.” I didn’t know how I could access the realm of dreams but I figured I could always ask Luna and Artemis about it. I yawned softly; feeling tired even though my body was resting, and looked for Twilight’s dreams. I found her after what felt like an eternity and entered it after checking to make sure she wasn’t having anything to personal. I found myself in a lecture hall with Twilight going on about magical theory.

I sat down and waited for the lecture to end then approached Twi and said “Hey beautiful.”

She giggled and said “Hey Jake. What are you doing here; I thought you said you weren’t a fan of modern magic. You act like how we cast magic is too convoluted.”

I smiled and said “I just came to see my favorite purple unicorn.” She smiled and hugged me then stepped away and glanced around. I followed her eyes not seeing anything and said “Whatcha looking for Twi?”

She said “I’m looking for the professors from the university I thought they might want to question me on my dissertation.”

I chuckled and said “Ah, well I don’t know why they aren’t here, but if they don’t show up I have something to tell you.” She nodded slowly and stretched then nuzzled my stomach before looking away blushing. I chuckled and waited a little longer then said “Twi this is a dream.”

She stared at me confused and asked “What do you mean it’s a dream?”

I raised an eyebrow and said “Just that. I wouldn’t hesitate to go to your dissertations and what not for one thing. I know how hard you work on your magic studies. Also if this wasn’t a dream you’d probably be a lot more surprised to see me since last you heard I was in Canterlot.”
She realized I was right and said “Darn it. I was hoping that this was real. I should have known. Anyway if you’re in my dreams does that mean Princess Luna is helping you dream walk?”

I shook my head and said “No I’m dream walking on my own. I just thought I’d let you know I’m spending time in the canine islands, starting with the lupine continent. After that I’ll probably return to Canterlot for a month or so then it’ll be back to ponyville, unless something comes up that requires me to return sooner.” She gave me the puppy dog eyes and I said “I promise Twi I’ll be back ASAP. However I’ll be bringing two foals with me when I come to Ponyville. I adopted them, their names are Oak and Star.”

She giggled as she let the puppy dog eyes passed away and said “They sound adorable. Can you make images of them appear so I know what to look for when you come in?” I nodded and images of my two foals appeared then trotted up to Twilight and started asking her questions. She giggled and said “They’re adorable. So what’s going on that you have to head to the canine isles?”

I sighed and said “We have enemies that we have to prepare for. I am going to get us allies. Also I needed to go somewhere I could get meat.” She raised an eyebrow and I said “I can handle plants Twilight, but I was mostly carnivorous in the past. I can’t just completely give up on meat, but if I find out it’s from sentient beings I’ll only eat if I have no other choice.”

She slowly nodded and said “Alright Jake I trust you. So how long can I expect you to be in my dreams for?” I shrugged and she asked “Can we cuddle?” I made a bed appear and wrapped my arms around her pulling her to my chest and cuddled the crap out of her. She smiled and snuggled into me saying “You know I really care about you.”

I smiled and said softly “I know and I love you Twi.” She gasped and I continued “I’ve cared about you since we first met but I’ve known about you a lot longer. I’ve loved you a long time. I can honestly say I see you and Spike as family. I trust Spike to keep you in check just as I trust you to keep him safe. I left Oak and Star in the care of the royal sisters, so I know they’re safe. I just worry about all of you. However I get the feeling there are a lot of mares I will come to love who will love me. You, Lulu, Tia, Arty, Sola, and other are all too important to me for me to let out of my sight very long. This trip hopefully won’t take too long but I can’t say for sure. So far we’ve already run into some trouble.”

She gave me the most deadpan stare I’ve ever received as she said “I can’t let you go anywhere without getting into trouble, can I?” I winced and muttered under my breath. She looked at me and said “What was that?” I just smiled innocently. She stared giving me an even more deadpan look and said “Jacob Wolf, what did you say?”

I smiled innocently and said “At least I didn’t fight too much with your big sister.” She hoofed me in the chest and grumbled. I chuckled and said “I only broke her shield. I think I earned her respect.” She raised an eyebrow and motioned for me to go on. I sighed and explained then said “By the way my full name is Jacob David Wolf, but my author name is Jacob Shadow Wolf or Jake Shadow Wolf.” She nodded slowly getting a devious smirk that looked adorable on her face. I kissed her and said “You pull off sexy evil.” She smirked and nuzzled me under my chin then mumbled something. I asked “What was that?”

She smiled and said “You’re lucky you’re cute. If only you were a true stallion.” I chuckled and slowly got up the stood in front of her and let my inner stallion loose. I felt my body start to shift and change feeling my joints and bones popping. After a few minutes I fell to all fours and hair covered my body. It turned black as it reached a full luscious coat, my hair turned into a fiery mane, I grew a fiery tail to match my mane and I felt something growing out my forehead and shoulders. I looked back and blinked. Twilight looked up then gasped and said “You’re an alicorn.”

I snorted and said “Yes. I’m also a hell stallion or a stallion who controls the flames of Tartarus. I didn’t expect to be an alicorn, a unicorn sure, hell even a pegasus, not a full blown alicorn. Wonder why this change happened.” She shrugged and walked around me studying me.
I looked at her over my shoulder as my tail flagged and she said “Don’t you have a stallion hood in your human form?” I nodded and she said “It looks the same in this form. So, what do you plan to do Mr. Hell Stallion?” I just whinnied and nibbled her mane making her laugh. I shifted back to my human form and plopped back on the bed where Twilight curled up with me and said “If you could take that form you’d make a lot of mares happy, though your stallion hood should please any mare.” I nodded and stretched out. She kissed me and said “I think I love you too.”

I grinned and said “Thanks love.” She smiled and I said “So, what happened with you and the girls lately?” She started telling me about things that had been going on in ponyville. I chuckled at the antics of our friends. I felt Twilight waking up so I kissed her one last time and said “Talk to you in your dreams another night beautiful. You’re waking up so I gotta go. I should probably check on the crew I’m with anyway. Love you, talk to you later.” She nodded as she started to fade and mouthed “Love you” back to me. I smiled and woke up a few minutes later grinning.

Author's Note

Part 2 of chapter 10 complete and we see Jake on his way to Equestria's allies. We also finally see him tell Twilight he loves her. Now I'm off to work on Twilight's forgotten friend. Hope you enjoyed and I'll see you when I see you.