Starting Life Anew

Chapters

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 5
Part 7
Epilogue: Meeting the Desendants
Epilouge: Becoming a 'Tech God' in PonyLand (Clop)
Part 4
Part 6
Epilogue: Now this is Heaven...

Part 1

“Burn in hell!” I scream right before everything goes black. Those damn wackjob scientists and their weird teleportation thing. I may as well be fucking dead since I think the teleporter thing exploded. But… instead of… I don’t know... experiencing what someone would in whatever form of afterlife there is, if there’s any, I feel like I’m falling. Could this be part of whatever happens after death? It could be for all I know.

At this point I realized that my eyes are closed, so I open them. And gaze at the sight of a large forest below me. It manages to stretch beyond the horizon.

*Shit gotta fly!* I extend my wings and stop my descent just as I was about land in some tree. Boy that would’ve be awful if I…

Shaking my head I look for an open space in the treeline to land. It didn’t take long to find an open hole big enough for me to land. As soon as I do I’m almost hit by some pink beam of light, instead it hit a tree, causing a small explosion. I toss aside the many questions that started pilling in my mind and turn to the source of the beam. And what I saw before me left me quite in a stupor.

Right there, less than five feet away from me, are two little horse looking things. One a bright wite with like pink hair, the other, noticeably smaller one, a navy blue with light blue hair, both having a pair of wings on their backs and a horn on their heads. The white one standing in front of the blue one. The former having a determined, yet fearful look on its face and it’s horn giving some light yellow glow, the latter hiding behind the white one in fear.

“L-leave us alone!” The white yelled in a squeaky feminine voice. “I will not let you hurt me or my sister!” The fact that it, or she judging from the voice, talked shocked me even more. It took me a few seconds before I jumbled together a response.

“I-I don’t mean any harm! I don’t even know where I am. Or whatever you two are… What are you anyway?” I put my hands up in a non-threatening way. The white one gets a suspicious look.

“We are alicorns. And how am I supposed to know if you want to hurt us or not?” The white ones asked in a tone that would suggest she’s no older than eight or something like that. “And… What are you?”

*Fair enough.* I thought. “I’m a human. I have no idea what an ‘alicorn’ is. And I have no way to prove I mean no harm. But think of this, if I had ill will against you two. Wouldn’t I have done something already?” The white one ponders this and I sit down, legs crossed to seem less intimidating.

“Hmm… I see your point... Alright, I trust you.” *Alright!* “But I still have my eye on you.” *... Better than nothing.* Just then the blue one stepped out from behind the white one. This whole time it’s staring at me with curiosity more than anything. It still looked pretty scared, but it seemed to be calming down. Then it started walking towards me, a look of pure awe and wonder mixed in with a bit a curiosity.

“Luna! No!” The white held one of its… legs(?) out. “Do not-” Wait, did she just-

“Hold on, sister.” ‘Luna’ said. “I sense no ill intention in this… hooman.” The white one put its leg down. Giving a worrying glance at ‘Luna’ before shooting me a death glare.

“If you hurt a single hair on my sister’s head I will not hesitate to blast you to oblivion.”

“Understood.” I responded. Since I really had no other but to comply I made no sudden moves as Luna put for front legs on my lap, getting a closer look at me. I couldn’t help but mentally ‘d’aaaaww’ at how cute she looked. Yes, I just called an alien horse cute, bite me.

“Never have I seen a… being such as you.” Luna said with childlike wonder. “What are those?” She pointed one of her legs at my hands.

“It’s a hand. Humans use these to grab, lift, pull, push, and carry things.” I slowly lifted up my left hand so she can take a closer look at it. “Oh, my name’s Ember by the way.” At the mention of names Luna’s eyes lit up.

“My name’s Luna! But you already know that. That’s my big sister Celestia!” She points a leg at the white small horse thing. My confusion grows at the mention of Luna’s sister’s name. Luna makes a little sense to me, but Celestia? Well, for all I know I could be on some foreign planet or something.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. But, can I ask you something?” I look to Celestia. She hesitates but eventually nods. “Where… am I?” Luna takes my hand in her… grip.

“You’re in the land of Equestria. On Equis. Why do you ask?”

“Well, that explains everything.” At her perplexed look I elaborate. “You see, according to what you just said, I come from a different planet.”

“... What?” She deadpans.

“Let me explain. It’s ‘cause I come from a country call the United States of America on a planet called Earth. More specifically New Mexico. Does that sound like some place from wherever this place is?”

“No… I have to admit, those are, interesting names.”

“So are ‘Equestria’ and ‘Equis’.” Celestia smiled wryly.

“Touche’.” I smile back. Just as I do so she flinches, but recovers quickly.

“What?”

“N-nothing… It is just… your teeth.” She sheepishly mutters.

“What..?” I look down at Luna, she’s still admiring my hand. I look back to Celestia, at the mention of teeth I take a look at hers…

Oh… OH… OH!

“Oh...” Awkward silence quickly fills the space between us. “Um… if it helps. I also eat some plants. I don’t just eat… yeah.” So they’re herbivores… good to know.

“Really?” I nod sincerely. “Well, that does help...”

“Ooooooh…” I instantly look down, and Luna was rubbing my hand against her face. And it looks like she’s in pure bliss. Celestia and I look back each other at the same time. Celestia looking at me with confusion and slight suspicion.

“Your guess as good as mine.” I said.

“Oh sister, you must come and feel this! It feels so divine!” (Oh god all the ways that could be taken the wrong way...) Luna rests my hand on her head, being careful not to stab me with her horn. “Um… could you.. what is the word… Oh! Scratch! Could you scratch me there… Please?” She looked up to me with a smile and the beginnings of a blush on her cheeks. Through my peripheral I saw Celestia blushing too.

“Um… Sure?” I agree uncertainly. I begin scratching where she placed my hand and she almost literally fell to the ground, had I not stopped to catch her. She immediately gets back up and pouts at me.

“Why did you stop?”

“You would’ve fell to the ground if I didn’t.”

“Oh. Ok!” She said in a cheery tone. She then scampers over to her sister. A bright smile curving her features.

*Ahem* I clear my throat. “With that out of the way, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you two doing in the middle of this forest?” I look around us, and now I just notice that these trees, if they can even be called trees. Are remarkably different from trees I’ve seen from home. I shrugged it off as being on a different planet and turn back to Celestia and Luna. Speaking of different planets.. is the air here the same as the air back home..?

“Well… We don’t know really, our parents told us to leave the castle and go away as far as we could.”

“Oh… Wait, castle?” Celestia nodded. “You two live in a castle? As in, you’re princesses?” They both nod. Whale then… “Ok.” I really had no way to react to that, I mean. I’m talking to two young royal horses, what more is there to that? That pretty much told me how things work around here. If anything here is even close to human ideology. “And you said your parents told you to leave as far away you can?”

“Yes.”

“Why? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“I don’t mind. Our parents; King Andromeda and Queen Milky Way. Told us a great war is taking place against the Draconiqui.”

“‘Draconiqui’?”

“Oh, um. They are a race of chaotic beings. Each one looking like they are made up of several different animal body parts.”

“Oh, ok. Continue.” *That sounds awfully familiar…* Celestia’s face scrunches up.

“That… that is it. Our parents just told us to leave and find a safe place far, far away.”

“Oh…” *So assuming they’re parents didn’t want them to go back to whatever kingdom they came from, this must be be one hell of a war.* “Alright, where are you two going then?”

“We… really don’t know. We’ve been walking around the Evergreen Forest for about three days now.”

“What? How?”

“Um… We can protect ourselves just fine.” Celestia said.

“Yeah, no kidding.” I turn back to the scorched tree. To which Celestia winces at.

“Sorry...”

“Hey, it’s ok. What was that anyway?”

“It… It was just a stun spell.”

“‘Stun spell’? Like magic?” She nodded. “No way...”

“What? Isn’t there any magic where you come from?”

“No… My people don’t have any magic.” The little horses before me gasp.

“How!? Nothing can live without magic! How do your ponies, I mean, your kind, live without magic?”

“Technology. My people have developed advanced technology to help us with our everyday lives. Machines that can be specified to do whatever we need them to.”

“Wooooah.” They both say.

“Anyway, you mind if tag along with you? I really have no idea what to do with myself since I probably have no way to get back home.” The little horses, or ponies I should say, look at each other, silently deliberating

“Ok. As long as you can help us in any way.” Celestia asks.

“I can do that.” I stand back up and pop a few joints in my back. “Don’t worry, it’s normal for humans.” I say without looking at them. I could practically feel their disgusted faces when I did that. After that, they start walking deeper into the forest. “Hold on you two.” They turn to me. “Can’t you two fly?”

“No, we can’t. At least, not yet.” Celestia answered.

“Oh… Would you like to?” I ask while flaring my wings. “I can carry you two easily.”

“You would!?” Both sisters ask eagerly.

“Of course. After all, I only do this sort of thing with friends.” They pause at the mention of friends. Oh shit, I better not have hit a sore spot…

“Y-you think, w-we are friends?” Luna asked, I nod. Luna, along with Celestia, both start pouting as if they’re going to cry. Shit, shit, shit-

And then they both run up to my and hug my legs. Oh… OH. So they never… Oh.

“Thank you.” Celestia said. “We… never really had any friends before, besides Discord.”

“‘Discord’? Who’s that?” I carefully pull them off my legs, sit back down legs crossed, and set them on my lap.

“He is a friend of ours, a draconequus, we met him a few days before we left the city.” She sniffles and rubs her eye with the end part or her legs, Luna does the same. “Which reminds me, he told us he would try to find us once we got to the forest.” She looks around. “It can’t take him this long to find us...” In the corner of my eye I see Luna look at something behind me.

“Discord?” She whispered, Her sister heard her and turned in the same direction. Then they both light up with overwhelming joy.

“Discord!” They both cheer before jumping off my lap and running to their other friend. I turn my head just in time to see what Discord looks like. And celestia wasn’t lying when she said that draconequi look like someone got some animal parts and stitched them together. The one in front of me reminds of chimeras from Greek mythology. Except he has one head, a goat's head. He has mismatched wings, one looking like a bat’s, the other completely avian. And besides his arms and legs looking like they belong to other animals, his body is thin, looks like it has some scaly texture starting from where head meets shoulders. Luna and Celestia are both hugging him while he just stares at me curiously.

“So you’re Discord?” I asked and he nods.

“Yes, that would be my name. But tell me, who, and what, are you.” His voice… it’s oddly familiar.

“Name’s Ember. And I’m a human.”

“Never heard of them.” He nonchalantly said.

“Well that makes sense since I'm probably the only human on this planet.” He freezes.

“You too?” He asked.

“What?”

“You’re the only one of your kind too?”

“I suppose, but that would mean… The war.” I mutter the last part. “You mean..?” He nods. “... Well, at least you’re not the only one on that boat right?”

“I suppose.” He smirked. I smirk back.

“You know what? I think we’re gonna get along juuuuust fine.”

It’s already been a few days since Discord lead us a settlement of more of horse people. He told me they’re ponies but horse people sound better to me. But the ones in this village are not like Celestia or Luna. Neither of them have both wings and a horn. Some don’t even have one nor the other. Celestia explained that since She and Luna are alicorns they get to have both wings and a horn. Which means these ‘regular ponies’ as she called them are under the rule of her parents. So yeah, being an alicorn basically means you eventually get to rule this Equestria place. And if what Discord told me, Celestia and Luna are the only two left in the land of the living. Apparently he saw the aftermath of the very short-lived war. Bodies, both of his kind and alicorns litter the empty streets of the city that once used to house thousands of Alicorns. Must’ve been scaring to say the least for a young mind. I wonder if we should tell the little ones...

Anyway. After a lot of questioning from my end I found out a ton of interesting things. Like for instance, I should be able to use magic like they should, since apparently magic runs through every living being on this planet one way or another. Another is that there is no way I can go back home, something I quickly became indifferent too, I’ve got nothing to go back anyway so might as well spend the rest of my life here.

One other thing is that the sun and moon don’t move on there own. I only asked this because I saw the sun rise shakily to the sky. At first I thought I lost it, but a bit of explanation got me to believe her parents moved the sun and moon. I would list off all the other things I learned but that would take way too long, let’s just say I learned a lot of things about magic, alicorns, and draconoqui.

“You think this is it Celestia?” I asked as the four of hid behind a large bush.

“Yes. I can feel it.” Me and Discord look to each other, both of us mentally asking ‘What?’. “We need to stay here for today.”

“Um… I can see why you want to that. But I think it’s a bad idea.” The little ponies look up to me questioningly. “If the ponies here see two young alicorns, a human, and a draconequus. What would they think?”

“Oh...” I would’ve started to take thing under my control, but Discord snapping his clawed hand interrupted me.

“I got it! I could turn us all into regular ponies!” He said brilliantly. The girls were easily on board, but I had some trepidation to say the least.

“... How?” Was all I could ask.

“Simple!” He exclaimed. “I can just turn us into ponies, with my magic.” He snaps his fingers and my vision briefly turns pink before it goes away as pink clouds. The first thing I notice is that my nose is way more noticeable that it used to be. And there’s brown hair hanging from somewhere… Wait. “And voila! We just act like one big happy family passing through.”

“Alright, I see no flaws in your plan.” He smirks. “But,” The smirk disappears. “won’t the ponies there find it odd that a pony would be stumbling through the place like a drunk?” *God there has to be a better way to phrase that.* The ponified draconequus puts his new hoof to his chin.

“... I do see your point. But that can be easily remedied.” He claps his front hooves and… something in my head changes. I don’t know what he did. But something feels different… I can’t… Oh.

“Did you just..?” The guy nods. I pick up my front leg and wave it around like it was my human arm. “Alright, let’s go then.” I get up from the sitting position I found myself in and head off with the girls in front and Discord by my side. “Oh, and Discord?” I whisper to him and looks to me. “As soon as we’re done with this, you’re turning me back into a human.”

“Hmhm. Or what?” He asked playfully.

“Or else.” I shoot him a death glare in the form of a slight glance to his direction. The shudder I heard told me he got the point.

“Even as a pony you frighten me.”

“I have my moments. Just like last time.” Yeah, the first he managed to piss me off was when he turned my wings into giant hands. After I had my panic attack I nearly ripped Discord’s head off. And I also found out I could turn into the Human Torch if I’m angry enough. “I told you, there is a strict rule about wings where I come from.”

“I’ll keep that in mind next time I decide to prank you again.”

“You better.” I playfully state. I look to him and see Discord smirking right back at me. I also took the time to look him over. As an earth-pony he has a white coat, a dark brown mane and tail that would look better on a death metal drummer, with a set of yellow eyes. Looking to the little fillies in front of us, they pretty much look the same. Except Celestia only has a horn and Luna has her wings.

Taking a look at myself, I have a light brown mane and tail, semi-dark butterscotch fur, and hopefully yellow eyes. God if my eyes are brown I would be officially thee most generic looking one of this group.

And you bet your fucking ass Discord headed my warning about my wings, I’m a pegasus.

Anyway, we make our into the little village and the four of us start looking for some place to eat.

“Over there!” Luna points to a medieval-looking restaurant. There’s a fork and a spoon crossed like two swords hanging right on top of the door.

“You got the… what are they called again?”

“They’re called ‘bits’. And yes I do have the ones we found.”

“Good. ‘Cause I’m getting hungry.”

We managed to find a place to stay for the night. Turns out the restaurant was part motel. With what bits we had left we rented out one room. It was ‘standard’, meaning it had one bed, one bathroom, a couch and two chairs. Discord and the girls are taking the bed while I take the couch.

“Ember?” I turn from the window I was staring out of, Discord called me. “Aren’t you going to ‘hit the hay’ as they say it?” I look to his side and see the little fillies already fast asleep.

“I will. Eventually, I just don’t feel sleepy yet.” I turn back to the window.

“Alright, well, goodnight Ember.”

“Goodnight Discord.” A soft ‘pomf’ sound and slight snoring told me he clocked out as soon as head met pillow. *Good.* I thought. *At least they’ll get a night’s rest for once.* Sleeping on dirt and grass isn’t as comfortable as it sounds. *But… damn.* A long sigh escapes my lips. *What happened? I get kidnapped, strapped to some chair, nearly die from whatever was happening with that machine back on Earth. Then I get sent here? To some planet that has magic, ponies, and draconequi? I can’t even begin to think if I lost my mind and all of this is in my head. Or I’m actually on a different planet on the other side of the universe. Hell, who can’t say I’m even in the same universe I was born in!* I shake my head. My ponified head. *Then there’s that.* I look at my reflection on the mirror. *You’re never gonna get back home. As if you had anything to go back to anyway. You were living in a dingy apartment, had a minimum wage job that would get you nowhere. You had absolutely no friends to go to. Sure you had some acquaintances, but they don’t matter, neither do they care!* I huff out a breath. *No, no. On Earth you would just be some guy working a shitty job living in some shitty apartment with a life leading nowhere but downhill.* I turn back to my friends, a small smile adorning my features. *And now, you’re traveling across said pony planet with two alicorns and a fucking chimera as friends. With nothing else to do but go along with the ride.*

“And yet, I find myself smiling.” I whisper to myself. I turn around, head to the couch, and get some much needed rest on the soft, fluffy thing. Which is much better than grass and dirt.

Part 2

An unspecified amount of time later…

“You sure about this Teacup?” I ask Celestia.

“Yes, I am.” She playfully stuck her nose up. I ask Luna the same thing and she answers the same way.

“Ok, I just… I don’t know… There’s no way they’re going to accept Discord and me.”

“Oh pish posh Ember! Just stay as a pony then!”

“Discord, you know how I feel about that.” He slumped a bit.

“I… I still don’t know. I mean, Celestia and Luna revealing themselves? I...”

“Oh quit being a scaredy-pony!”

“It’s not that!” I elevate my voice. Making the girls shrink and Discord flinch. “Sorry. It’s just… I’m afraid of losing you. Alright? I’m afraid of lose the three of you. I’ve been without friends, family, anyone for so long. And I don’t want to lose you guys...” The room filled with awkward silence, well, maybe awkward for them. I was too busy sulking to notice or care.

“Say,” Discord perked up a bit. “tell you what. I promise that with whatever happens. The four of us will always be together and I’ll turn you back into a human when it’s all over. Or anytime you want.” He gave me a confident smile.

“... Can I, trust you to do that for us?” He was taken aback with my question. But instead of looking indignant, he smiled, and he took on a somber tone when he spoke.

“Ember, Celestia, and Luna. You three are the first to show me true friendship. It didn’t matter to you what I am, or what I look like. You still want to be friends because of who I am as a living being. I wouldn’t trade that for the world.” The girls looked they were gonna cry. Hell, I might as well be on the same boat as them. Considering how much I know about the guy, which isn’t much, mind you, I never expected him to say that.

“Aww, come hear ya big lug!” I go over and hug Discord, soon Teacup and Moonypie join in. “And yes, that was a compliment.” Then I felt him return the man-hug.

“Hey, you know? We’re like one big, happy family.” Discord remarked.

“Heh. Yeah...”

“You ready Teacup? Moony?” The fillies turns to me.

“As ready as we will ever be.” I nodded and turned to Discord from behind the bush we were sitting in. We skipped the village we stayed at and traveled to another one, carrying all the supplies we could on our backs. The fillies turned back around to watch as the unicorns of this other village gathered at it’s edge. All their horns blazing as they began raising the sun.

*I wonder if every unicorn in every village has to do that every night and morning…* I saw the girls tearing up at their sorrow. But before any of could react, Celestia ran out.

“Celestia! No!” No. I’m not prepared for this. What if they suppurate me and the girls? What I never get to see them again? No! No… no….

“Tia!” Luna ran after her sister. I would’ve done the same but Discord held me back.

“We must wait Ember. Let them introduce us. Maybe it can work out for the best.” … At least I still have discord in all of this.

“Ok...” I sit back down and watch as the white filly uses her magic to raise the sun. I already had an idea she would be that strong. I realized a while ago that magic pretty much runs this planet, and apparently the solar system.

“Don’t worry Ember. I’ll make sure everything turns out for the better. No matter what it takes...” I know I’m older than him by a few years, but to hear him reassure me, it’s comforting.

“I know.” I looked to him. He turned to me. And we both smiled, and not just any smile. No, it was a smile that, to anyone watching, might be two guys about to kiss. But to us, they radiated family love. The four us have built a bond with each other so strong I doubt the end of the world could break.

Discord and I turned back to the scene developing. The ponies just noticed the two, and are now walking up to them. Moony cowers behind Tia. Being the strong filly she is, Tia started talking to who looked to be the leader of the village. A grey scale unicorn. They converse for a bit and the stallion turns to the crowd, shouts something, and they all cheer in excitement. The stallion then turns back to the two fillies and talks to them a little. Then Tai turns to our direction and waves a hoof to us, telling us to come out. Discord and I look at each other uncertainly before we resigned ourselves and walk out, still as ponies, just to be safe.

“Are these the two stallions who have taken care of you two?” The stallion asked Tia. So that’s what they were talking about.

“Yes, Ember,” she points her right forehoof to me. “and Discord,” she points the same hoof to Discord. “are our caretakers. We would be grateful if they would stay with us.” The grayscale stallion gives us both a once over before nodding.

“Fair enough. Come, we shall head to Canterlot.” He turned away and started walking with the four of us in tow.

*Teacup you clever girl…* I look over to Discord and he has a warm smile curving the corners of his lips. “Looks like it'll be easy sailing from here Discord.” His eyes turn to me.

“Indeed.”

“Monster!”

“Demon!”

“Kill them!” The mob of ponies shout out at Discord and me.

“I just had to change back.” Discord muttered as we ran.

“No kidding.” I darkly reply. Dodging a pitchfork some pony threw. “I told you to be sure when changing-!”

“I know!” He roared. “Just keep running!” I nod and keep up my pace with his. My talons ripping the dirt ground as I ran.

*This is the last thing I wanted to happen…* The mobs chased us to some dank, dark forest. And for a while, we kept running, even though I stopped hearing the shouts of the ponies chasing us. But eventually both of us grew exhausted and slowed to a stop.

“Whew… That was… something...” I huff out. “Where… are we?”

“The Evergreen Forest.” Discord replied. I nod and we sit on the grassy ground to catch our breath.

“So… what do we do now? The ponies know what we are, and our disguises… we can’t go back… and see the girls. Who knows what they’re thinking.” I droop sadly.

“Don’t worry Ember.” Discord said hopefully. “We can wait it out. We just have to wait for us to fade from the pony’s minds and we can make a return!” He threw his mismatched arms in the air happily.

“But… how much time do we have to wait? I’d hate to leave the girls for long...”

“At least a few decades, maybe five just to be safe.”

“Oh...” I droop even more, if that’s possible in my current state.

“What?”

“I don’t think I have that kind of time, Discord.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I’m close to forty.”

“And?”

“And at this rate the most I have are a good fifty to sixty years left in me.” I mutter. “If I want to see them again, we’ll have to go back as soon as possible.” Discord dropped his demeanor, goat ears wilting and all.

“Oh, I see. I didn’t know...” I wave it off with a smile.

“Don’t worry about it you, nor the girls never asked.” A thought occurred to me. “At least I have you with me in all of this.” I grin. “I don’t know where I would even begin to do this all on my own.”

“Even with all this time we’ve spent in the woods?” He smirked.

“That’s different, we depended on each other.” I smirk back at him. “But, then again. I can probably find a way to… extend my lifespan?”

“Oh? How so?” He quirked up a brow.

“No idea, yet. But it does have some things to do with your magic, if possible. Or...” I snap my fingers in a ‘eureka!’ moment. “You remember what I told you about my people and our technology?” He nodded. “And about the little robots in my body?” Once again, he nodded.

“Yes, where are you going with this?”

“Well, do you know any… growth spells?” He looked up in thought and nodded.

“Yes, but why..?” I grinned widely and he understood what I meant.

“Oh, you plan to make more of those things?” Kind of.

“Not exactly. You see, back then, I used to work for people that specialized in making those robots.”

“Oh?” His head tilted in confusion. “Oh.” His face went straight. “Oh!” He started smiling wildly. “Ember you clever bastard!”

“Thank you.” I said in mock smugness. “Now, where to start? I don’t suppose you know any, uh… summoning spells? I’m still not too familiar with magic...”

“This is never going to work!” I pound my fists onto the table, scattering bits of metal and scrap everywhere. Discord poked his head in through the doorway.

“Nothing new I assume?” He asked nonchalantly.

“No! After so many god damned tries! Nothing! Fucking nothing!” I scream to the heavens in my chair.

“Oh lighten up chap!” Discord get closer to me and patted my back, being mindful of my wings. “At least we have a roof over our heads now. Not that it’s the best house in the world.” He trailed off looking around.

“Well maybe if you helped built it more...” I very nearly snap back.

“Oh whatever!” He exclaimed. “At least I supply us with food!”

“Yeah, can’t argue with that.” I chuckle. “Say… how long has it been now?”

“Oh about a year, give or take a few months.”

“Wow. A full year away from the girls.” My mood darkened.

“Hey! Cheer up! At least they know we’re still around with that… thing you gave them a couple of months ago.” He pauses. “Tell me, how did you go about doing that again?”

“Firstly.” I turn around in my chair. “It’s called a mechanical iris. A crude one that since I made it our of wood. And secondly,” The Draco leans in like a child waiting to hear their favorite story. “It was a dark and stormy night, the gardens devoid of life as per usual. Perfect for something, or someone, to sneak in. And so, the only human to ever set foot in those gardens, clutching a very important item in his hands. He was determined to let his little girls know he was still here with them. Even though the ponies of the land shunned him and their draconequus friend.”

“The human, tired from hiding from the royal guards whose sole purpose were to protect and serve their newly founded princesses, spotted the elder princesses bedroom balcony. It was only through his sheer strength and agility that he was able to climb up the wall onto what he considered a small balcony. The human looked through the windowed doors and spied the filly. Peacefully sleeping away the stormy night with her sister. It brought a smile to his features to see them happy despite his predicament.”

“With enough care to carry a delicate piece of glass artwork. He opened to door and walked in, gently closing the door behind him just as a flash of lightning filled the room for the briefest of seconds. The accompanying ear piercing crack of thunder woke the two fillies from their slumber with a shriek. The human paused, not knowing what to do, then the fillies saw him in the dim candle light.”

“Ember?” The elder sister asked in shock.

“Is that you?” The younger asked.

“Yes. It’s me.” The human answered. The fillies, overfilled with joy, jumped from their bed, ran over to the towering human, and leapt into his arms, crying tears of joy. “I missed you two.”

“We missed you too.” The elder sister said.

“We never thought we would see you ever again!” The younger added. Holding the human tighter. Just then, voices could be heard from outside the room.

“If only this moment could last forever.” The human admitted sadly. The fillies looked up to him, a new, different kind of tears threatening to begin flowing. “But I did come here to give you both something to remember me and Discord by.” The human held up a strange carving.

“What is that?” The young one asked.

“This, my dear Moony. Is called a mechanical iris where I come from. To most, it is nothing but an alternative method to artificial sight. But to you,” he handed the wooden carving to the two princesses. “I want you two to have this, something to know that no matter what. I will always be around. I will always come, or at least try, to come visit you, no matter what it takes.” Voices started from the main doors, growing louder as the ponies outside got closer. “Got to bed. I need to go now.” With sad smiles, the fillies nodded and did what the human told them, just as two royal guards entered the room, the balcony door shut as the human made his quick escape.

“Even though you lack skill in storytelling, you are definitely not the worst I have heard.” Discord commented.

“Well, I can always never-”

“No!” The Draco yelled. “I-i mean, no. I don’t mind you telling me stories. They’re… interesting.” I chuckled.

“You’re fun to mess with, Discord.”

“Likewise.” He snarkily, but playfully, replied.

A chair warps into an abomination of wood and pies.

“Discord! Wait! You can’t do this!” He turned to me with that manic grin threatening to split his head.

“Oh my dear Ember! Why don’t you join me? We can rule this world together!” He waved his arms about. More of his chaotic influence affecting the land around us. The house we spent the better part of a month building twisted, warped, and changed color wildly.

“This is not the right way Discord! Why can’t you see that?”

“Because.” He appeared to my right. “I am the God of Chaos!” He cackled and sped off towards Canterlot, leaving a trail of chaos behind him. The City at the foot of a titanic mountain off in the distance.

“Discord!” I shouted after him. I open my wings and give chase. It took a bit of effort but I managed to catch to him. “Discord! Stop this now!” He turned to me and scowled.

“If you are not going to help then so be it!” He waved his paw at me and I was sent like a rocket flying away. Before I could hit the ground I right myself.

“Discord!” I angrily yell. I could feel my anger consuming me, wisps of flame dancing around me. “Urgh, no.” I tried to calm down and the wisps vanished. “I can’t do that, not to Discord.” I look to Canterlot. The royal city at the foot of a tall mountain. “But maybe I can help them stop him.” With a furious beat of my wings I make my towards the glistening city.

Disguising myself as a pony, Discord had long ago taught me transformation magic, I briskly walk through Canterlot City. Heading straight to the castle. I had to ask a few ponies where I could get to the princesses. But I did get here before Discord. Hopefully I have enough time.

“Hault!” The guards standing by the front gates leading to the castle stop me. “State your business!”

“I come with a dire warning! I must warn the princesses!”

“What could you possibly be going on about?” The stallion let of the gate skeptically asked.

“A wicked creature of chaos is making his way here! He plans to usurp the princesses and take the throne as his own!” I was dancing in place. I need to let the girls know of Discord.

“What is the creature you speak of?” The stallion to the right asked curiously.

“A draconequus!” I shout. “Please let me through! I need to warn the princesses!” The guards went wide eyed and let me through.

“Which way is it coming from?”

“The south!” Hastily respond as I run toward the castle.

“You heard the Stallion! To the south!” A large commotion makes itself known from behind as I kept running. The guards open the front doors, allowing me to run right past while they join the rest. The hall before me is barren, tables and pews to my left and right. The red carpet I’m running on lead straight to two thrones. Each one themed for the girls. Nightly for Moony, sunny for Teacup. They both spot me and the flinch a little.

“Teacup, Moony. It’s Discord! He’s gone mad!” Since there weren’t any other ponies around I called them by the nicknames I gave them.

“Ember? What do you mean?” Moony asked.

“There’s no time to explain! He’s on his way here! He wants to take over Equestria!” They both gasp. “You have to stop him. I tried, but as you can see...”

“Do not worry Ember.” Teacup said. “We shall stop him.” Her and Moony got up from their thrones. “Now go! We can’t risk you being here. I fear a battle ensuing.” Teacup said gravely.

“... Alright...” I couldn’t put up an argument. I looked up to them, my, they have grown so much… Teacup’s a full head and neck taller than me as a pony!

“Do not fret. We will do the best we can to end this peacefully before it begins. Now go.” She said with a reassuring smile. I managed a strained smile.

“Alright. Good luck you two.” Moony turned to me.

“Thank you.” With that, they walked past me and head out the front doors. Leaving me with my thoughts…

A loud crashing noise made me jump, nearly changing back to my human form. I turn to see who dropped or whatever fell. It was a pony dressed in a maids outfit. She was still holding her hoof up as if she was still holding the plate currently on the floor.

“Nopony speaks to the Princesses like that...” She whispered. “Who are you?” Her brow furrowed. Balancing anger with curiosity.

“Let’s just say I am an old friend, someone who used to take care of the princesses before they became princesses.” She looked at me weirdly before realization hit her.

“You do not mean...” I sigh and change back to my human form.

“Yes, I am the creature you speak of.” I continued before she say anything. “But we have to go! A terrible threat is going to befall this kingdom!” She nodded and ran off. I changed back into a pony and ran out the front doors. And the place seemed deserted, no ponies in the streets panicking like I expected.

*Slam!* Blinds to several windows and doors closed. Ah they’ve all gone inside, good. I started walking around, looking for any ponies still about.

Hushed sobbing comes from the street to my left. I immediately run to the crying and spot a earth filly sitting in the middle of the street. Her light pink fur grimy and her bright yellow hair dirty and unkempt. I rush to the filly and tap her on her withers. She jumps and turned to me.

“Hey there. It’s ok.” I say in a placating tone. “What are you doing out here? It’s not safe for little fillies.” She sniffled and looked up to me sadly.

“I… I lost my mommy and daddy.” Her voice shook from sobbing. “I don’t know where they are!” She wailed. I sat on my haunches and gently picked her up.

“Shh...” I whispered sweet nothings to her. It helped little as her sobbing reduced to sniffs. “It’s ok. I’ll help you get home. Do you know where you live?” She nodded weakly.

“I live with mommy and daddy on an apple farm.”

“Do you know where it is?” She shook her head no. More tears flowing from her eyes down her cheeks.

“Don’t worry I’ll get you home. Hold on.” To have a better hold on the little filly I changed to my human form. Once done she looked up to me with a look I can’t quite place.

“What are you? How did you do that?” I went to pick her up but she flinched away, eyeing my hands wearily.

“I am a human, and magic.” I answer her questions. “Now please, let me take you home.” She bowed her head, scared out of her wits. But eventually, after seeing my concerned look, let me take her in my arms. “Alright, let's go.” I beat my wings and take to the air, taking care to hold onto the filly tight enough to not let her fall from my grip, but gentle enough for her to be comfortable. She clung to my arms tightly, clutching with all her might while burying her face into my chest, she’s terrified of heights...

I look around for a bit and spot a large patch of organized trees.

“Is that it?” I got her to look and she nodded. “Alright.” I dive at a gentle pace towards the house and land right in front.

“Here we are, are you sure this is it?” I set the filly down, she staggered a bit but recovered quickly by shaking her head.

“Yes, this is my home. Thank you… uhm...”

“Ember. My name is Ember.”

“Oh, well it was nice meeting you, Ember. And my name is Pinova.” She glanced to the farmhouse-looking building. “My grandparents should be inside.” I nodded and looked off into the distance. Right towards the Evergreen...

“... I think I will stick around for a bit.”

“What?” She turned to me puzzled.

“I have nothing else to do besides wait, and hope.” I stare off into the distance. “And make sure you, and your grandparents, stay safe. I have no doubt of the princesses, but...”

“I understand. Come with me then! I can introduce you to my grandparents!” Pinova said with a wide smile.

“Alright, but would they not react too well to seeing a me for the first time? I do look rather… imposing to you.” Pinova mulled my question over for a second. Putting one of her hooves under her chin in thought.

“Well, maybe if I tell them about you first!” She joyfully exclaimed.

“Very well.” I agree. She beams a smile and runs inside. I spend a few minutes waiting anxiously outside. Not about meeting the filly’s grandparents. But how Teacup and Moony are doing with Discord. He was so dead-set on ruling Equestria. No doubt he wants to turn this land into a chaotic landscape.

“Ember! You can come in now!” Pinova calls from the front door. She waves me over and I walk with her, having to nearly crawl through the door frame to get inside, and having to slouch due to low ceilings. The interior was… quaint, not that it doesn’t make sense for a farm house. I just happen to like rustic architecture.

“This is nice.” I offhandedly comment. Through my peripheral I saw Pinova grin brightly.

“This way.” She lead through the house, going through the kitchen and walking into a living room. There I spy two elderly ponies. A stallion with a faded red coat and blondish hair, next to him, a mare with an orange coat and soft green hair, and she’s wearing a cowboy hat. They were facing away from us so they didn’t notice me yet.

“Ember. I would like you to meet Red Delicious,” she points to the red stallion just as he starts to slowly turn his head. “and Honeycrisp.” Both ponies turn to me and they gawk at me, as much as an elderly pony could.

“Well, that is something you do not see everyday.” The stallion, Red Delicious, said amused. His voice was gruff and told of his old age.

“I agree. You are a remarkable creature.” Honeycrisp’s voice was old as well, but hers seemed more delicate, as if speaking above normal volume would shatter her vocal cords. They both got up from the couch they were sitting in. “Sorry, but could you tell me what you are? My memory is not as reliable as it used to be.” I smile.

“Of course, I am a human. And it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I offer my hand, they look it at before Red puts his hoof in it. Me and him shaking my to hoof. Honeycrisp did the same.

“It sure is a pleasure to meet you as well, Ember.” Red said, his tone becoming more casual.

“Yes. It is not every day we get to meet a human.” I chuckle.

“Yes. That is true.” Honeycrisp tittered.

Part 3

“Yes, that is true.” I said.

“Come take a seat. I assume you’re going to stay for a while.” Red said, offering a lone chair.

“Thank you, and you assumed correctly. I just want to make sure you three stay safe.” There was a pregnant silence as the ponies, minus Pinova, looked confused. “A great danger has come to Equestria, a draconequus hell bent on taking over and plundering this land into chaos. The princesses are addressing the issue as we speak. And at times like this I like to help out as much as I can.” I end with a friendly smile. The elder ponies return the smile.

“Well, that is very thoughtful of you.” Honeycrisp said. “Though, we do not usually take help from outsiders. But, given the circumstances, we will allow you to help wherever you can.” She turned to red. “Right, honey?” I had to suppress a snort as Red nodded.

“We have already harvested all the apples in the orchard. So we do not need assistance at the moment.”

“Fair enough.” I reply. “I will just get out of your hair for a bit. I need to go look into something. Pinova?” The little filly turned to me from her seat next to her grandparents. “When will your parents arrive?”

“... I do not know. Canterlot was in the middle of a panic when we arrived. I think they might be looking for me...” Her form wilted a little.

“I think I can help with that.” I smirk. “What do your parents look like?”

“Uhm… Daddy has a green coat, a dark yellow mane, and light green eyes.” She paused for some time. “Mommy has a light red coat, a light yellow mane, and orange eyes.”

“Thank you, and their names?”

“Bramley and Ambrosia Apple.” I nod with confirmation.

“Alright. I will go back to Canterlot and look for them, I will be back when I find them.” I got up, walked out the house, changed into my pony form, and flew towards the Canterlot.

When I got close enough I started looking for Pinova's parents. At first it didn't help that all the ponies were hiding in the building, since I thought her parents would do the same. But to my surprise they were out and about. Look desperately for the filly I helped get home. Once I spotted them I dove and landed in front of them.

“Excuse me,” They stop in there tracks and look at me hopefully. “Are you two Bramley and Ambrosia?” They nodded frantically.

“Have you seen our daughter?” Ambrosia asked.

“Please tell you have, and i she is safe.” Bramley added.

“Do not worry Pinova is safe.” They got a little uncomfortable at my use of their daughter’s name. “I took her back to her farm when I found in the middle of a street. Sweet little filly.”

“You brought our daughter to our farm?” I nodded. “How are we to believe you?”

“I can take you both back to your if you would like.” I offered slash answered, keeping my smile from before.

“How would you go about doing that? You clearly do not have a carriage with you.” Bramley scoffed. I just kept my placating smile and teleported the three of us to their farm. The ponies that accompanied me were stumbling bit a simple healing spell made them right as rein.

“W-what just happened?” Bramley stuttered.

“It was just a simple teleportation spell.”

“Teleportation spell!?” They both asked aghast.

“But how?” Ambrosia asked. “Spells are never seen out of unicorns. And only the princesses are capable of such power, nopony has that kind of power!”

“Well, I’m not a pony.” I answer nonchalant. They tilt their heads and Pinova bursts out the door of the house, running to her parents.

“Mommy! Daddy!” She wailed. She lept to her mother and embraced her, soon the three ponies were holding each other loving, while I just sat back and waited. Their embrace lasted a few good minutes before they broke apart. Pinova turned to me and walked up to me.

“Thank you, Ember.”

“You are welcome Pinova. It was the least I could for showing me some fine hospitality.” I said gratefully. “Despite my looks.” I added with a chuckle and Pinova beamed.

“Wait, your looks? What do you mean?” Bramley asked. “You said you are not a pony. What are you then?”

“I am a human.” I answer without missing a beat. Still keeping my smile as I turned back into my human form. Bramley and Ambrosia froze as I gazed at them Pinova still beaming the cute little smile of hers. “I know I am not appealing to ponies. But I don’t think that matters right now.” Right then and there I felt a massive surge of magic around us. I turn to look at the source and gawk myself, there was an absolutely huge rainbow was spearing the sky, the clouds nearby being disrupted to form circles around the pillar. It seemed to shimmer as… something happened, though I have a few guesses as to what happened. Then as soon as the beam appeared it dissipated. Literally blinking out of existence.

“What… was that?” Bramley asked.

“That was the princess's last option.” I sigh. “The elements of harmony if I remember correctly.”

“You mean they used..?”

“Yes. They did. Fucking damnit.” I curse under my breath. “They used them to stop him...”

“Hey, what is that?” Pinova points her hoof to something in the sky. Follow her hoof and spot something that made me paled.

There, off the distance, in the same direction the beam of rainbow was from, was a bolt of chaotic magic. It looked like a traveling tear in the fabric of space. And it was heading right for us.

I instantly bring up shields around the ponies, even going as far as to do the same for the elders in the house. If it was heading for me or not, I was not going to let anything happen to them.

As I expected, the bolt of chaos magic hit me square in the chest. I knew there was nothing I could do against it, any barrier I would’ve put up would just be shattered. I was nowhere near the magical prowess as Discord, or even the girls, I couldn’t do anything. My vision went white for a second, then it was replaced by a brief tour of a kaleidoscope of the rainbow. The significant thing being there was a lot more purple and white than anything, it was Discord’s magic. He cast some spell to do something to me.

The pseudo acid trip quickly ended and my vision returned to normal. I was staring up to the sky, and I was on my back. With a groan I got up to a sitting position.

“Ember?” I heard Pinova call to me. I twisted around and saw her in her parents protective embrace. Said parents holding their daughter worriedly.

“Pinova! Are you three alright?” I rush over to them, discarding the barrier, and check them for any injuries.

“We are fine Ember.” Bramley replied. “What I am wondering is, are you alright? You took quite a blow from… whatever that was.” He looked me in the eyes and his eyes widened.

“I am fine. At least, it feels like nothing is out of place.” I notice his expression. “What? Is there something on my face.”

“No… It is your eyes, they are different.”

“Different how?”

“They just… I do not know how to describe it.”

“Well do you have a mirror I can borrow?” He nodded and walked inside with Ambrosia, Pinova and me in tow. The three of us got settled in the living room while Bramley went somewhere to get a mirror.

“So, you mind telling us what happened out there? I’m quite confused as to why we were surrounded by a shield of sorts.” Honeycrisp asked.

“Well, there was this massive rainbow spearing the sky off in the distance. Then I was struck by a bolt of chaotic magic soon after the rainbow disappeared. And now apparently my eyes look different.” I summed up.

“Oh well then. Are we all safe then?”

“For the draconequus? Yes, you all are… But i am going to have to get back to the princesses.”

“Whatever for?” Ambrosia asked.

“That bolt of chaos magic came from that draconequus. Whatever he did to me is nothing good.” I lie.

”I did not know you were capable of lying Ember!” A sarcastic voice said.

“What?”

“What?” Pinova asked. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, I must be hearing things then.”

“Or maybe it could be someone talking inside your head!” I froze.

*Discord?* I mentally asked.

“Of course it is Ember. Though you may not see me around for… the rest of eternity is it?”

*Wait, what do you mean Discord?*

“Well did you see that dreadful pillar of, ugh, rainbow not far from wherever you are?”

*Yes.*

“Well, that was Tia and Lulu using the elements against me. Which is completely unfair by the by.”

*But… why? Why were you so hell-bent taking over Equestria?* I heard him sigh ruefully.

“To be honest with you. I had no idea what I was doing, or why I even thought of that. I guess I was just tired of waiting.”

*I can understand that part Discord. But why spread chaos?* He scoffed.

“Hello, Spirit of Chaos. Remember?”

*Shut up Discord. At least you’re back to your old self again right?*

“I suppose, though I do hope I don’t… break out anytime soon…”

*Why not?*

“I don’t trust myself all that well yet. I mean, I did sort of lose my mind. And that, ugh, Harmony blast, may have knocked the crazy out of me.” He yawned. “Oh my, I am getting very sleepy. I fear this may be the last time we will speak.”

*Well can you at least tell me why you cast whatever spell on me?* He let out another yawn.

“It was a curse. But a good one in this case… It is an immortality curse. Though I don’t know why the ponies call it a curse… Goodbye Ember...”

*Discord?* No response. *Discord!? DISCORD!!!*

“Here we are!” I heard Bramley say as he walked into the living, a little mirror held by the handle in his mouth. He offered me the mirror and I gratefully took it. Showing myself my face. And my eyes were different. My irises are now looking like the mechanical iris I carved out for Teacup and Moony a few decades ago.

And now that I take a good look. My facial features are now… sharper. I look like a younger version of myself.

*Discord you wonderful bastard.* I was expecting a response, but none came. “Well, my eyes have been changed by whatever magic that was.” I hand the mirror back to Bramley. “I must go. Thank you all for the your hospitality.” I say with a sincere nod and head out.

“Wait!” Pinova called out, causing me to stop and turn around right before I walk out the front door. “Uhm… can you come visit? Every once in awhile?” At that I chuckle, then look to her parents, silently asking for their permission. This is their home after all, and they nod.

“I don’t see why not. I’ll come visit whenever I can.” Her bright smile seemed to be infectious since I couldn't wipe the smile on my face on the way back to Canterlot. No doubt the girls are there already…

“So you had to imprison Discord?” I asked Teacup.

“Unfortunately So Ember.” She answered. “We did all we could to reason with him. But he was far too gone.” My ears fold back and my entire form wilted.

“I guess he got tired of waiting.” I said. There was absolutely no way I was going to tell them he spoke to me before he fell asleep. “But… why would he lay a curse on me? Especially one of immortality?” The two of them pondered this.

“We suspect it may be in the hopes of seeing thou again, should he ever break free. But, we fear Discord is imprisoned for the rest of eternity.” Moony answered.

“Oh...” I let that sink in. “Well, let us look at the bright side of all of this; I get to stay with you two for as long as the three of us live. I do not think I need to say anything else.” The girls nodded in agreement.

“It appears so. And here we were thinking we would one day never see you again.” Teacup said, her expression showing gratitude. “And, we can thank Discord for that.”

“Indeed.” Moony agreed. A wide smile gracing her features.

“Well, to move onto more relevant matters. What of me? No doubt your subjects will wonder about me.” My right wing involuntarily twitched.

“We think it would be best if thou would make haste and depart.” Moony said. “We fear our little ponies will become too… invasive.” At that I nod approvingly.

“Alright then. I’ll try and visit as much as I can. Bye, for now.” I bow playfully and walk outside the castle.

“Please do. I gets rather boring.” The three of us laugh at Teacup’s joke. Once I make it outside I’m stopped.

“You there! Hault!” I freeze and spin around to face the guard that stopped me. He very stoically walked up to me, his stone gaze boring into my placating smile. “Are you the pony who warned us of the draconequus?” I nod.

“That would be me, yes.” I answer.

“The Royal Guards thanks you.” Woah what?

“Excuse me?” That came out of the left field.

“Without your warning, Princess Celestia knows what could have. And for that, we thank you. You will be remembered as the pony who helped us avoid a future of chaos and disharmony.” Oh, he’s thanking me on behalf of the entire Royal Guard, this may be useful to me in the future.

“I accept your thanks.” I reply coolly. “It is an honor to be remembered as such.” Not really. I just did something any good friend to Teacup and Moonypie would do. Well, maybe someone more than a friend… and Discord, oh, god… I have nowhere to go…

“And to show our thanks, we present to you this.” The stallion in gold armor stepped to the side and two more unicorn guards walked up to me, presenting me with a medal of sorts on top of a very lush-looking velvet pillow in their magic, but this medal… It has a mechanical iris pendant… “The Medal of Honor. Only bestowed to those who show bravery, courage, and determination to protect our great kingdom.” The medal floats to me and the white, blue, pink and green striped cords wrap around my neck. The clasps clicking in the back, securing the medal in place. “Congratulations...”

“Ember.” The guard raised a brow, but never asked.

“Congratulations, Ember.” He bowed and so did the other guards.

“Thank you.” I dumbly state. The guards all nod and walk off. Just then I noticed the ponies around me staring and bowing. *Was all that really necessary? I just warned them.* I shake my head. *Whatever, at least I’ll be ‘remembered’. Yeah, what a croc of shit that is.* I snort, turn back around, and went on my merry way to whatever is left of left of mine and Discord’s home. Hopefully there is something I can salvage…

*Oh god no, please don’t be too late, please don’t be too late…*

“BOOM!” An ear shattering, earth shaking explosion lit up the night sky over the Evergreen Forest. The Castle in said forest only a few minutes away. It nearly took my out of the sky with its shockwave, but I pushed on. I can’t be too late, I am not going to let them keep hurting themselves.

“I will not have any of that!” I roared to noone, I can already feel my wings burning. I still pushed on, I needed to get to my girls.

I got to the nearly destroyed castle just as a harmonic blast emanated from within its halls. A demonic-looking Moony, stary hair and tail, flying backwards, and she’s fading away.

“NO!” I rush to her but it’s already too late. We made eye contact for the briefest moments. Recognition flashed in Moony’s slitted eyes.

“Ember...” She breathed. We both reached out for eachother, but she simply phased through me.

“Nonononononono NO!” I desperately tried to grab at her in vain as she faded away. I single tear fell off her face before she completely disappeared. I fell to the ground, which was nothing but a few feet, like ten feet. I didn’t feel it. I couldn’t feel anything. I just lost Moony…

“Ember?” I heard Teacup call out. “Ember!?” A gasp. “Ember!” I heard her land next to me. I didn’t bother to look, and she picked me up in her magic. Bringing me to her in a hug. In my peripheral I saw her hair changed. In place of her flat pink hair, a never ending cascading pseudo rainbow of pink, purple, blue and green. “Oh Ember! I’m glad you're alright.”

“Yeah, me too.” I halfheartedly comment. “Same can;t be said for Moony...” I look up and spy the moon. Moony’s moon, dark spots make out a girl I know all too well. “What happened anyway? You didn’t say much in the letter...”

“She grew jealous of me getting more attention from our subjects than her. That jealousy manifested and turned her into the mare you just saw. That was not Luna, that was somepony else.” She started stroking my back. I managed to hold back bitter tears.

“Will… will she ever return?” I looked to her, and she nodded.

“Yes, she will. And hopefully she’ll come back as my dear sister.”

“We can only hope.” I think for a bit. “I think I’ll just… go.” I pried myself from Teacup’s grip.

“Wait. What do you mean?” She looked to me questioningly.

“I just… I need to go. I need… I… I’ll be back when Luna comes back.”

“Ember?” I turn around and walk off. “Ember?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back. Teacup. I just… yeah.” I teleport before she could convince me otherwise.

*It’s been far too long.* I small smile graced my face as me and Arian walked through the newer Canterlot. A few high-class ponies threw dirty looks at us. But I could care less. I was on my way to see Teacup and Moony for the first time in a thousand years. *Though, I didn’t think it would take so long. But that may be because I heard about it too late...*

“Ember? Why are these ponies staring at us rather disdainfully?” Arian asked. I looked over to her under my coat. Her black scales glistening in the light, her light blue eyes showing curiosity.

“That’s just because they don’t like dragons very much. Or something, I honestly don’t know. Or it could be this coat, it’s not exactly the most extravagant-looking piece of clothing.”

“Yeah, but, still. I thought you said they were more… open.” She scratched the line of rounded purple fins running down her spine.

“That’s outdated information. This is the first time I’ve been to this city.” Her head tilted to the side and at me at the same time.

“Huh? But I thought you said you’ve been here before.”

“Well, that’s true for the old Canterlot. The one I talked about still sits at the foot of this mountain.”

“Oh! Ok… yeah, that makes sense.” I chuckle, shaking my head at her… antics is it? No, there’s better word for it… Bah, I’ll think of it later. Now though… Hehe…

The pony and drake calmly and casually strode through what the pony would call ‘New Canterlot’. As its older sister rests right below, ponies still populated the older Canterlot. But to the pony, it still confused him that Princess Celestia would order such a thing to be done. Protection maybe? Nah, he thought, the princess is well more than capable of protecting the city herself.

Ever since the pair got off the ‘Friendship Express’ the ponies of New Canterlot were… shocked, to say the least, witness a black dragon and a pony covered head to hove in a long, mud brown coat. The garb dragging behind said pony quite a distance. It was far too long for a pony of any normal size to wear and not look ridiculous. And this pony couldn’t care less. He’d need the coats length to fully encompass his full figure when he changed looks.

The pony and dragon walted right up to the front gates of Canterlot Castle. Their intent: the princesses. And would’ve gotten there sooner if the guards at the front gate didn’t stop them.

“Hault! Who goes there? State your business!” One of them demanded.

“I, am Ember. And this is my friend, Arian. Say hi, Arian.” The dragon waved with a fang filled smile.

“Hello!”

“And we are here just to visit the princesses. I’m an old friend of theirs.”

“I’m afraid we can’t let you. Day court is in session, you must have an appointment with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in order to speak with them.” He stood, resolute as the pony chuckled to himself. The smile curving his light brown muzzle never leaving. As his muzzle was the only thing the guards could see. They glanced each other, confused as to why this pony just started laughing.

“Oh, I think you can make an exception this one time.” The pony reached up to the hood of his coat, and pulled it back. Revealing a normal pony by all standards.

The one exception being his eyes.

The tan pony’s eyes were a brilliant yellow, not that that was the major difference, no. The major difference that separated this pony from any other pony were the his yellow irises. On any other pony, the irise would just be a solid ring, no imperfections. But this pony, his eyes were, for lack of better words, fucked up for a pony. Instead of a solid ring, his irises consisted of curved spikes pointing inwards. Making his eyes look robotic.

They are just like the mechanical iris pendant he is currently wearing under that coat.

And to say the guards were stupefied would be an understatement. Their slacked jaws threatened to touch the ground, their eyes almost shooting out there skulls, and their legs nearly giving out from pure shock. The spears they were holding instantly retracted to the side.

“I-impossible.” One guard stuttered.

“Thank you.” The pony casually said as he and his friend walked right along inside the castle. As soon as they crossed the threshold of the giant wooden double doors they were met with a labyrinth of halls. Luckily a maid was just walking by.

“Excuse me.” The pony said, the maid turned to them. If she was surprised to see a dragon her height she didn’t show it. “I hope you don’t mind, but could you direct us to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? I was told there was day court today.” The maid locked eyes with the pony, and she went wide eyed upon noticing his eyes.

“But of course.” The maid coolly responded. With the turn of the head, the flick of a tail, and the smallest of side glances. The maid led the pair to the courtroom of Canterlot Castle. The pony inwardly laughed at every guard that went slack jawed at his presence.

*I guess the guard wasn’t lying, they do remember me.* The pony, Ember, thought to himself. *I just hope the same can be said for Teacup and Moonypie. Eh, who am I kidding, of course they’ll remember me.* A stupid grin plastered itself on Ember’s face as he remembered all the good times he had with the princesses, his eyes glazing over.

*Ahem* He nearly bumped into the maid. “We are here, just beyond those doors.” The mare indicated to relatively normal looking doors. They were pony sized.

“Thank you.” The maid walked off to continue… whatever it is she was doing. While Ember and Arian walked through the doors, not literally, mind you.

There was a long line of Canterlot nobles leading to a throne of sorts, this one being significantly smaller than what Ember was expecting. Besides the fact he was also expecting it to look like a courtroom. Not just two thrones towards the back of the room. The Canterlite in front of me turn around in mild curiosity. Wondering who just came in. She flinched when she saw Arian, but her jaw actually fell to the floor when she laid eyes on me. Or rather, on my eyes. Am I that much of a big deal here? All I did was warn them all those years ago… Huh. Must be that much of a big deal to them.

Part 5

“I missed you too. You big lug.” I hug him back. We stayed in that man-hug for a good five minutes before Discord uncoiled himself off of me. “So this is what you’ve been doing?” I look at all the animals scurrying around.

“Yes, though it has gotten a little boring.” He said. “Still, it beats being trapped in stone for millennia.” I snort.

“Yeah, I can imagine.” I roll my eyes playfully. “Anyway, wanna come? The girls are showing me around this place.” Discord looked up in thought, then smiled and nodded.

“I would absolutely love too!” He said. “Plus, we have a lot of catching up to do.” I smile.

“That, we do Discord. That we do.” We head out of Fluttershy’s house, introduce Discord to Arian, and head back to the tree house slash library.

We made it back to the library without incident, which was a little strange considering the four of us were walking with Discord. Maybe he was changed a lot, like Teacup said.

Anyway, we walk inside and join the group and they warmly greeted us.

“Did I miss anything important?” I asked.

“Nothing important.” Teacup answered. “Just some… mare things.” Despite her and Moony keeping smiles. The others weren’t, instead they looked rather… worried? Unsure? Bah, Teacup said it was girl stuff, so as a man I can’t ask about it. At all.

“Alright, should we get back to your tour or..?” I leave the question hanging.

“Of course!” Both my little princesses said. I grin at their excitement and turn to leave with them and Discord, but before any of that could happen I noticed a small purple scaled, green spined dragon. And he, I could tell it was a male, was looking right me. Or more at Arian than me. He’s probably just under thirteen by the looks of it. Shaking hand to hoof with Applejack came to mind.

*That explains the handshake…* “Who’s this little guy?” I point to the baby dragon. He sucks in some air and his eyes shrink.

“H-hey there! I-i’m Spike!” He shakily waved a claw at us. Me and Arian waved back. We walk up to him, and his spines kinda wilt.

“Hey Spike. Nice to meet ya.” I said. “And this is quite a surprise. I’ve never seen a dragon amongst ponies like this.”

“Really?” Teacup asked.

“Yes.” I answer. “In all my one-thousand, two hundred and ten years of life. This is the first time I have seen, and met, a baby dragon hanging out with ponies.” I turn to the little drake. “At least, baby by pony standards.” Spike brightens up.

“Finally! Somepony understands!” He holds up a claw, and I give him a hive five. Then I smile smugly at the ponies, knowing that they don’t know much about dragon biology. Those fuckers can live for ages. But still, once a dragon reaches… I think thirteen or fourteen. They go through some test to become an adult.

But that can fuck off to these ponies. All this guy needs is to puff out some smoke and they’ll think he’s all grown up. At least Arian has proven her adult… ness. And now she’s not the metaphorical elephant in the room. Bonus or her.

“Really? I thought these ponies would understand at least a little about dragon culture if you’re here.” I look at the six relatively ‘normal’ ponies. At their unmeeting glances I facepalmed. “Oh for… Teacup, really?” She blushed. “I know you want your people to be safe, but really? You can move the fucking sun!”

“Language!” Discord scolded playfully.

“Whatever Discord.” I chuckle. “Let’s get this show on the road.” The girls nod and join me, Arian, and Discord. “And I do apologize for making this visit short. But I have things to see.” I left the house with a simple wave. Not waiting for any response.

Holy shit there was so much to see! Out of all the towns and cities we went too, my favorite has to be Las Pegasus. Which is basically the pony version of Las Vegas. A lot of gambling at the girl’s expense was had that day.

And Trottingham… It had a rich culture. Looks a lot like Great Britain. In fact everything from that country was copied and pasted in the metropolis as a city. Except for, you know, the whole ‘America’ thing. Discord knows what I’m talking about, apparently.

Oh, and speaking of the goat-snake… He told me he went to my world when he was in his stone prison. Well, that explains all the Star Treck references. And he has also told me he was the guy who played Q… I refuse to accept that piece of information. There is, and neither will be, any possible way in the known universe he went to my world as fucking John Delancey. He had to have gone to some other dimension or something. He being John in my world makes no sense what so ever.

And something else I noticed the other day? The guy’s been acting pretty weird. Like he’s expecting something to happen. I thought that was just Discord being… himself. He’s always been acting in strange ways that not even I can comprehend. And I’ve known him since his teens.

Anyway. After spending… I don’t how long we spent traveling. We all went back to Canterlot Castle. I later found out the girls had a room especially made for me right next to their rooms, I just wonder how I missed Teacup’s room…

Bah, enough of my rambling…

“So you had this done while we were traveling?” I look at the room Moony, Teacup, Discord, Arian and I were in. Everything was sized for a human, me. The bed, the windows, the doors, the tables, the bookcases, even the room itself looked like it was made for me. “I… don‘t know what to say… thank you.” And knowing this was done behind my back. It kinda left me lost for words. I thought I would get any generic room the castle has. Which, evidently enough, were made for ponies. So imagine what I felt when I was standing in a room that was especially made for me. There was even a bed for Arain! How thoughtful!

“No need to thank us.” Moony wrapped her forelegs around me. “We merely wish to have you around. That is all. We’ve missed you.” Aww, not the feels again… And Teacup -even Discord!- came together for an embrace. Just like when like we hugged each other all those years ago…

“Stop being so cute, all of you! You’re gonna make my cry.” I said, all sappy and shit. They laughed at me a little.

“Do you think it really matters right now? We’re back together, like we should be, as a family.” Discord said.

“I know right? Just like the first time we hugged like this. Remember?”

“How could we not?” The three of them said at the same time. Causing me to laugh.

“But seriously though. Thank you, the three of you, even Arain.” Said dragoness stood up in attention. “If it weren’t for you four, especially Arain for the last couple years. I’d probably lost my mind ages ago.” Just then Discord perked up, the four of us still hugging.

“Oh! I just remembered. How have you managed to stay sane all this time?”

“Occupying myself with endless tasks.” I respond without missing a beat.

“Pardon?” They let go and gave me curious gazes.

“A long time ago, I found out a man can literally go mad with boredom. So my solution to avoid madness? Finding, or creating, things to do. So as you can tell, I’ve done a lot of things.”

“That brings up another question; what have you done all this time?” Teacup asked, I smiled.

“Why don’t I show you?” I snap my fingers and the world blurred.

“W-what was that?” Moony shakily said.

“I just transported us to my home.” I stated.

“What?” the girls and Discord all perked up. And looked around. Jesus this place is a mess. Probably should’ve cleaned up the place before we left.

“Why is your home so… Littered? This is your home, correct?” Moony picked up a random box, examining it closely.

“Yes, and Moony. Please put that down, it’s dangerous.” She pouted and put the thing back on the floor. I snap my fingers and an organization spell washes washes over my one-room home. The dishes file into cabinets, books alphabetize themselves into their proper order. And the little trinkets and gadgets fill the rest of the shelving I have in here.

“Impressive.” Teacup praised.

“Meh. I preferred having everything everywhere.” Discord goat-snake shrugged his mismatched shoulders.

“Whatever.” I smile and wave a hand dismissively. “Anyway, this is, or will be, my home.”

“Fascinating!” Moony was looking at all the gadgets. “What are all these devices?”

“I... honestly don’t know...” The three of them gaped at me, and Arian remains unmoved. “I mean, I know what some of these things do. But other… eh...”

“What do you mean?” Discord asked. “Surely you should know about all this stuff.”

“Well… I kinda... just… made them.”

“What?” They drone.

“I mean that I did make them, but not how you would expect.” At their confused looks I elaborate. “A long time ago. I discovered I can use Chaos magic.” Then Discord’s eyes bugged out.

“Oh bugger! You should’ve just said that!” The girls nod with him.

“Yeah, but I never really the chance too, until now.”

“Alright then.” Discord said. “Care to take us on a tour?”

“Uh… this is pretty much it...”

“Really?” Teacup asked, I nod. “Then where are we?”

“Inside a mountain.” They deadpan at me. “Yep, got some Diamond dogs to dig this place out for me after I helped them out with some dragon problems.” Then something comes to the forefront of my mind. “Speaking of bitches! I do have more to show you!” I walk over to a door that was previously hidden with an illusion spell and open it. “Follow me, please.” The girls and Discord oblige while Arian follows like she always has. The passage beyond the door with adequate light with little lightbulbs powered by magic.

Eventually the passage leads to a large cave opening. From the outside it look like someone, built a house in the rock without windows. The only evidence of there being any dwelling the door. I take a moment to look out at the vast forest below us.

“Ember? This is a nice view and all, but weren’t you showing us something?” Teacup interjected.

“Right. This way!” I lead them down the mountain on an old path. Said path lead to a massive pair of grey, unmarked doors. Except for a little rectangle towards the middle I walk over to it and knock a few times, the little rectangle opens like a sliding door and two green eye stare back at me.

“Password?” An old, gruff voice asked.

“Iron, it’s Ember. I’m just showing a few of my friends around.” The pair of eyes widen for a split second.

“Hold on.” The latch shuts and the ground rumbles as the doors open inwardly. Revealing all the bustling beings inside: Diamonds Dogs carrying or pulling carts of gems, changelings buzzing around, ponies working shops here and there, a few gryphons here and there, minotaurs hauling loads of building material, even a few monkey-looking people. Those are new, and the irony is not lost on me. Ancestors.

“Ember, what is this?” Teacup whispered to me.

“I may or may have started a city a few years ago. Those money-looking people are new though.”

“Excuse me?” Teacup said. “You found your own city? In a mountain?” I nod. “Why?” I shrug.

“I kept me busy for a while, then the place started running itself. I pretty come here every once in a while to check up on the place.”

“Ember!” An old, grey feathered gryphon walks towards us.

“Iron Claw! How are ya? Kids doin’ fine?” The old bird stands up on his hind legs and we share a welcoming hug.

“Kids are just fine, my friend. Swift Feather just gave me grand kids the other day.”

“Congratulations!” How old is Swift? I remember she was a little tike when I last saw her…

“Thank you lad.” The old gryphon casts his gaze towards my newly restored family. Who are looking at me quite oddly. “Those friends of yours?” He pointed a talon at them. I nod.

“Yep, well, more like family at this point.” I clear my throat. “Iron Claw. I’d like you to meet: Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Discord, the Spirit of Chaos. And you already know Arian.” The old bird casts a critical eye over the three new arrivals before nodding.

“I see. They’re those Princesses I keept hearing about?”

“I guess so.” I really haven’t been around this city to hear about a lot of things. I really should…

“Well, great to meet ya!” He walks up to the three of them and holds out a talon. Teacup, Moony, and Discord all shake with him in that order.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Iron Claw.” Teacup said.

“Charmed.” Moony happily replied.

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Discord, kind of, parroted Moony.

“Well, I gotta go check up on my grandchicks. So I’ll see ya around friend.”

“See ya.” I wave as he takes off to his house. Man, he already has grand kids!

“Ember. I would like to tour this city. But I have to ask, what are changelings doing here?” Teacup asked.

“Oh, yeah. Lemme uh… just follow me.” I keep my smile and lead them into the city, towards the back, where things were still well-lit with those magic light bulbs, just not as eye-catching as the front. Houses, mainly built out of carved rock, were neatly organized. As any neighborhood should be. But towards the waaaaaay Back there was a cave. And the closer we got, the more green everything tinged the houses stopped a block or two ago and now we’re just walking on a well-carved pathway.

“Ember? Where are you taking us?” Teacup, kind of, nervously asked. She was more curious than anything. Only Discord and Moony were showing trepidation.

“I’m just taking you to someone you should know. She can explain why there are changelings buzzing around.” She looked at me, very confused, but right then and there she connected the dots.

“You don’t mean...” I nod.

“Yup, found her and some of her children nearly dead out in the badlands. And don’t worry, you’ll get the full story.” With the rest of the group behind us they didn’t hear our conversation. Eh, they’ll find out soon enough.

Finally we make it to a pair of large double doors. By now everything is illuminated with a sickly green glow coming from hardened globs of green slime.

“Whelp, this is it!” I push the doors open with my magic and watch as they, minus Arain, gape at the sight before them; it was a huge cavern, literally buzzing with activity. Changelings were everywhere. Some stopped for a split second to look at us before buzzing off to do… whatever it is they do around here. And they noticed some had yellow instead of green eyes.

“She’s towards the back.” I tell them. “Follow me.” I turn and walk on with my friends in tow. All too soon I see the queen of these changelings before they do. And she sees me as well, a pleased smile graces her lips.

And then she noticed Teacup.

“Princess Celestia!?” The Queen of this hive stood up from her throne. “What are you doing here!?”

“Silence, Chrysalis.” I order. Her attention is drawn back to me and she sits back down. An afraid expression on her face. “You will not speak to my friends in such a manner.”

“Yes, master.” I can feel the guy’s surprised faces behind me.

“Now, since you already know them, I’m not going to introduce anyone. But while we’re here. How are our children doing?” At the the bug-queen perks up.

“My children are thriving thanks to you.”

“That’s good to hear.” I turn to the group.

“Now, I know what you’re asking. But let me explain.”

“I found her and some of her loyal subjects when I was traveling around the badlands. Our first confrontation wasn’t… pleasant. What with her considerably weak attempts to capture me,” Tia glares at Chrysalis for a moment. “but, I decided to hear her out once I found she was doing it out of desperation.” I imagined the wince Chrysi had on her face that instant. “Same applies to that attack on Canterlot. SHe was just trying to feed her children.

“So, being the nice guy I usually am. I decided to help her out. And we made a deal: She would provide me with services her children are capable off. And I would keep her and her children fed. And that was when I also decided her hive would act as the cities first line of defense, and as a janitorial service. They’re good at cleaning things up.” I mutter the last part to them.

“Hm!” But I keep forgetting they have quite sensitive ears.

“Yes, that’s good and all.” Tia said. Oh god, she’s using compound words. What did I do? “But that still doesn’t explain why you allow her to be here. She has tried to take over my great nation.”

“Weren’t you listening to me?” I asked, but she kept her glare towards the bug-queen, Moony and Discord were doing the same thing. “Listen, the three of you.” I drop my smile and use a tone I haven’t used in centuries on them. I basically got mad and went all stern on them. It worked.

“Chrysalis attacked your city because she was desperate. In her food deprived mind she didn’t think she could reason with you. And she needed to feed her children. Think of it like a mare stealing baby formula to feed her child. She was had no other option but to steal to keep her kid alive. That was the exact same thing with Chrysalis, just on a bigger scale. Do you understand?” Tia nodded nervously. “Good, how about you two?” I turn to Discord and Moony and they nod silently too. “Good!” I replace my dark attitude with a lighter one. I never like being mad at them, even if it’s well-founded. But they did have to see Chrysalis's side of things. At least I more or less resolved it with keeping the bug here.

“Now with that out of the way, let’s go.” I turn back to Chrysi. “Oh and do take care of the place while I’m gone.” She nodded with a mix of fear, apprehension, and joy. Just how I want her, can’t have her taking over the city I spent years creating.

Once we left the city Tia asked my another question, since Discord and Moony were trailing behind, still shaken by what happened earlier.

“Ember. I almost forgot to ask why you called some of her changelings your children.” I slowly turned to her while we kept walking, and smile wider.

“Changelings are awesome in bed.” When she shuddered, blushed, and flared her wings, I busted up laughing.

Part 7

“Oh, uh… Ok.” Wow, ain't that a bit of bad news… “Well, uh. That brings up a few questions.”

“We know. Don’t worry about it. We will take care of everything.” Lauren said casually.

“Even the incest thing with my future kids?” I asked. That particular thought had most of my concern. “And will I even turn back to a human?”

“I like she said Ember. We’ll take care of it.” Craig assured.

“Alright. Oh! One more thing!” They both groan and roll their eyes. “What’s with the hair? Celly and Moony’s are all wavy n’ stuff.”

“Oh that’s just an insignia of royalty, but before it was a sign of high magical prowess. Once alicorns become more prevalent that will revert to the latter meaning.”

“Oh, cool. Alright, let’s get this show on the road then!” Lauren and Craig nod happily and light their horns. My vision briefly tinted red with a grey gradient and a bright flash indicated some type of teleportation. And I’m now standing in the middle of New Canterlot Castle. I immediately look down and cheer when I saw my body was transparent.

*Yes! Now I wonder how one possesses inanimate objects…*

Today should’ve been a celebratory day. Tirek was defeated and locked away. The Tree of Harmony returned to its former glory. Even the newest princess got her very own castle. Everything was back to normal.

Except for the rulers of Equestria, one draconequus, and one dragoness.

For these three. It was a day to mourn. It will be a day they will remember somberly. Because today was when it was confirmed Ember had passed away. In the clutches of Tirek to no one’s surprise. Once the three heard of this both diarchs locked themselves in the their own rooms. And nopony has heard or seen anything of them yet. As for Discord, nopony has even seen him leave, yet he disappeared from the castle. The same could be said for little Arain, but everypony found out she locked herself in what is supposed the human’s quarters.

It was understandable for some, namely the Royal Guard, that their rulers secluded themselves for the day. For only some knew parts of history between them and the ancient human. So the castle staff carried on with their lives. But all activity paused to give a moment of silence for their fallen human. Paying respects to the human that gave his life to aid the Elements of Harmony in defeating Tirek. The Royal Guard, under their princesses instructions the day prior, held a funeral for the fallen soul. For only they really knew how much of a hero this angel was to Equestria (Loosely using the term ‘agnel’). So he was treated as such. With Captain Shining armor leading the funeral it proceeded and finished perfectly. For those at attendance it was a perfect display of honor and respect for the fallen. Even to the Elements of Harmony and Discord appeared, every single being dressed in black clothing. WIth only a certain unicorn still remained fashionable despite the atmosphere of the event.

And it was also a major surprise when the Princesses burst out from the castle wearing elated smiles with a stallion adorning both wings and horn following close behind. His own smile adorning his features, while keeping his eyes heavily squinted.

“Alright, ponies can’t hear me, well, only foals can. I can’t posses objects but I can manipulate them to a degree. And I can phase through solid stuff and posses ponies. I wonder how I do the last one...” I’ve been brooding and screwing with the castle staff; Moving a curtain or two, making them shiver when I phase through them, and slightly adjusting articles of clothing and armor just to name a few gags I pulled for the past day. Though, I haven’t seen any sign of my little princesses or Discord around. Well, at least I can trust Discord now, if Lauren and Craig say I should then I will.

“It’s just the weirdest thing!” I heard a maid's voice through the halls.

“What is, Dusty?” Another, male, voice asked. I quickly made way over the source and happen upon to a guard and a maid with copper fur and light grey hair.

“Today I was just minding my own business when I was cleaning Prince Blueblood’s private table after he spilled his tea. I put the tray carrying the teacups on another table to thoroughly clean the table. And when I went to put them back on the table after I cleaned it, all the cups were strewn about the room!” She threw her forelegs into the air exasperatedly. “And if that’s not the worst part, the Pince blamed me for placing the cups in random places when I would never do such a thing! Especially to any of his belongings!” The maid ended her little rant.

“Woah, that is weird.” The guard agreed. “I’ve been hearing things happen like that all day too.”

“Really?” Asked Dusty. The guard nodded.

“Ponies have been saying things like random items moving on their own, some pieces of clothing suddenly becoming tight, why even a few minutes ago it felt as if somepony was adjust my helmet.” I snickered.

“... Really?” The maid repeated.

“Yes, and ponies have been spreading rumors that it’s the ghost of that human haunting the castle.” Oh, how correct they are.

“... That does make a little bit of sense when you think about it.” The mare said. “I mean, really think about it: One of our saviors… perished, just yesterday. My goodness, I’m making myself sad just talking about it.” The mare’s ears dropped and folded back. The guard, showing a little more compassion than a guard should, put a comforting hoof on Dusty’s withers.

“Hey, come on. If it weren’t for Ember the Heroic, I’m willing to bet my wings you or me would not be standing here.” ‘Ember the Heroic? Huh… I like that title. Whelp, time to live up to my temporary knew new name, as a ghost.

I get close to the two ponies and make the area cold. The two ponies shudder.

“Brr. Did it just get cold in here?” The guard asked.

“Y-yes it just did.” Dusty said through clattering teeth. “You don’t think this means..?”

“It very well could.” I stop the cold front and let them adjust. Then phase through them, causing them to shiver more.

“OooOOoh~ That was unpleasant.” Dusty commented. I chuckled and they shivered a little more.

“Ok. Ember’s spirit is definitely haunting the castle.” The guard shuddered.

“But… Why? Don’t get me wrong, I honestly think this is better than not having Ember the Heroic as an honored ghost in the castle.” She said that last part with obvious forced ass-kissing or whatever the hell the right word is. She was just trying to appease a ghost that wasn’t pissed off in the first place.

*Awwww it would’ve been so perfect if I could posses the guard!* I mentally gripe.

Sometimes things are just so unfair.

I mean, come on! I finally figure out how to posses ponies and the day has already come to an end. But… at least I still had fun while it lasted. And tomorrow I'm getting a new body! Well later today since I can’t sleep. Positives! *gasp* I think it’s even happening now! *POP*! Holy fuck! That was… anticlimactic… Well! I still have tan fur and brown hair, though the hair’s a little longer than before. Cool.

Eh… Whatever. I’m just happy to be among the living anyway. And where did I get teleported too anyway?

Oh. Celly’s room. Nice! Let’s how she likes this little surprise! Oooh~ A little weird getting used to the new legs. Not that it’s completely alien. But having longer legs than what I’m used to took a little getting used to. And now that I pounded on her door with unadulterated glee she should be out here any second.

“Ugh… I’m coming.” I heard her groggily mutter from the other side. “Can’t this wait?”

“I’m afraid it can’t. Princess.” I think she recognized my voice. If the sound of metal hitting marble from in there was any indication. Next thing I know the doors swing outward like a motherfucker. Revealing Celly with a serious case of bed hair with milde cowlick on the sides.

“W-wait. Who are you? Why do you sound familiar?” She squinted her eyes at me. At least, until her lingering eyes meet mine. At that point they bulged out their sockets and her jaw meet the floor, making a falling anvil hitting the floor sound.

“It has been a while, hasn’t it, Celly?” I asked sarcastically. I went over to hug her, but before I could even twitch she tackled me to the ground. Wrapping her forelegs in such a way that my bones were barely holding up against the pressure brought on by my hug.

“How in the depths of Tartarus are you here!? My subjects confirmed you passed!” She cried into my shoulder. All I could do was offered a few comforting wheezes and drape a foreleg over her barrel. I’ll eventually get to breath again. Right now there is a sad Celly and I need to fix that.

*Hhhhhhh…* Maybe I could do that better if I could breath…

Oh jesus fucking christ I can breath again. Sweet, sweet oxygen!

“I’m sorry!” Celly gave me a concerned look.

“It’s fine Celly.” I puff. “I was more concerned about you anyway.” I added. Celly nodded and once buried her face into my chest.

“... How?” She asked without looking up.

“Huh?” She picked her head up. Her eyes were bloodshot and tear streak ran down her cheeks. There were even bags under her eyes.

“How are you here? And why did you change yourself into an alicorn?” She elaborated.

“Ah, well. Let’s just say a couple repaid the favor for taking care of you and Moony all those years ago. And me being an alicorn is no joke. I legitimately got tuned into an alicorn.”

“Oh?” It took a second for Celly’s slightly sleep deprived brain to process what I said. “Oh! Mother and Father did this?” I smirk.

“I don’t know. But it was two other alicorns. And one was a stallion so I guess you’re right.” I then smiled.

“I can’t believe it! You actually met mother and father!” Cheered while hugging me dangerously tight again. “We have to tell Luna!” She got up, lit her horn up, and fixed up her appearance. Putting on her regalia once she was in pristine condition.

With Celly ready to go we set off to Moony’s room. ANd it just so happen that she was about to head off to wherever she goes to raise and lower the moon when we got there. At first I decided to mess with her a bit by keeping my eyes very nearly closed. Basically I was doing my best impression of Brock from Pokemon. But to see the look of pure depression coming made me open my eyes and hug her. I was also glad it didn’t take long for the night princess to understand what was going and put me in another death hug. And pretty much the same exact thing happened between me and Celly. Moony was especially thrilled that I finally met their parents. I wonder, were they planning something like that? Meh…

So anyway. After I explained to Moony what happened. I went to go get Arain while they went to go wait by the doors leading to the area where my funeral is being held.

The door to my room opened with style since I used my magic. I’m gonna have to get used to that since I now lack hands… But at least only for who knows how long until I essentially restart an entire race… Holy cow that just sink in. Woah…

“Arain?” Pushing moments of clarity aside, I call my little drake and she bolts up from her little bed. God she’s so adorable like that!

“Who are-!” She began to yell, but her voice hitched in her throat when our eyes met. “... Ember?” She whispered.

“Yep. Like my new look?” I turned to the side and stuck a pose I’ve seen many stallions use to get a mare. Which is really just pushing my legs out while raising my front right and back left while also raising my head like that of a New Canterlot noble.

“Yeah. You’re Ember alright.” She deadpanned. But there was a smile hidden in that stoic gaze. I drop the act and pick her up, putting her on my back.

“I was already missing you and the others, you know. And that was only a day and a half.” I said. Arain put her arms around my neck. A nice, warm little embrace.

“I know. I was already missing you too. You big idiot.” I felt her smile.

“Yeah, but I’m a lovable idiot. Just li-”

“Just like I keep telling you. I know.” We shared a good laugh, been a while since we did.

Without any further banter we catch up with the princesses and they open the doors hiding us from everybody else. Hey! I can start saying ‘everypony’! Coooool!

“Wow, already reintroducing yourself to everyone? A little quick don’t you think?” Asked the lizard on my back.

“Hey, I don’t like seeing others sad. Especially when it’s about me, and since I can do something about it I’m gonna do it as soon as possible.” I turned to the girls. “Let’s do this.” They nodded and opened the double doors with a little too much enthusiasm. And walked out to the funeral with smiles. Yeah, better stick right behind them as Brock.

*Alright, let’s do this.* I smirked a little and strutted behind the girls.

The Princesses of the sun and moon cantered up the ponies gathered around the human-sized casket. The area immediately felt brighter and the ponies visibly perked up. More or less concerned as to why their Princesses seem to be happy about the burial of the human that gave his life helping to defend Equestria.

How dare the princess wear smiles!? Some of the ponies thought. Here we are, mourning for this angel and they just barge in and- All trains of thought came to an ass-grinding halt as the male alicorn was noticed by everyone. More specifically, his eyes. Since it seemed he had them closed until now.

How did he follow the princesses out here with his eyes closed?

Who is that handsome stallion?

Why does he posses the same eyes as Ember the Heroric?

I wonder if he likes Chimicherrychangas!? Every pony had mixed emotions about this new development. Who was this stallion? Where did he come from?

But then, only for some of the royal gaurd, and some ponies, realization hit them like a falling anvil; It was the eyes, the stallion's eyes were that of the human that… passed not too long ago. Could it be that this stallion was Ember the Heroic? Inconceivable! Ponies saw him wither away like a dying plant! Unless… unless this could be a trick of some kind? Possibly some divine intervention!

Those were only some of the pony’s thoughts. Others thought the stallion was a changeling in disguise while others thought he was a demon. But everypony decided to give the benefit of the doubt. Besides, who would distrust the princesses?

“Hello Everypony!” The stallion said. “It is I! Ember! Back as an alicorn!” The stallion announced when he took a stance in front of the princesses. Some ponies caught a look at his flank. A heart holding a shield and sword with invisible arms; the cutie mark Ember had ever since he began protecting the only known alicorns for the last twelve hundred years. “And yes, it’s really me!” Of course, with this stallion, that is going to change soon.

So, as I expected. I needed to introduce myself and declare I was myself and not some demon, or a changeling.

And how I proved myself to these ponies? Retelling events of the day before yesterday. While leaving out the ghost and meeting parents in some afterlife part obviously. And with Celly and Moony backing me up it didn’t take much to convince them. I basically glossed over those parts by saying I was in some long-ass tunnel. And when I got to the light I woke up in this new body.

And good GOD they believed me. Even without their princesses some of them should have doubts. But, whatever, probably Craig and Lauren at work then.

But anyway! After that little scene everypony pretty much broke into partying with Pinkie starting it all. We all unanimously decided to move inside since there was a casket and gloomy setting outside; now is the time for celebration.

“And then Ghostly was like ‘You should become one of us! It’ll be so much fun!’ But then I said I couldn’t join them because I had… other things to do.” I was in the middle of telling the story of my first encounter with ghosts.

“Did they not like that?” Twilight interjected.

“Well, you’ll find out if you’d stop interrupting.” She has this tendency to speak up in the middle of my stories, not that I hate it. But it does get annoying after the tenth time.

“E-ehh, sorry, please continue.” She blushed and shrunk a little.

“It’s alright. So, they didn’t like that,” I shoot a smirk at Twilight, who just smiled nervously while her friends playfully glared at her. “And they tried to turn me into one of them. I honestly don’t know how they would’ve done that, but I got out the mansion before they could do that. But the really weird thing was that the mansion faded away as if it wasn’t meant to be there. Leaving behind the old as dirt rock wall that surrounded the place.”

“Wait a minute, ‘old as dirt’? Was’ that supposed tah mean.” Asked a confused Applejack.

“Well, when you think about it, what’s the oldest thing on this planet?” She, along with the others minus Moony, Celly, and Discord, looked up in thought.

“The earth that makes up Equus?” Twilight ventured.

“Correct!” I applaud. “The oldest thing on this planet is the planet itself! The very first elements that came to create this planet, as far as I know, is a lot of metals and rock.” The girls all ‘Oooooooh’ at this fantastic revelation. It might as well be, they’re not as developed as humans.

Oh, oh my god.

Oh MY GOD.

OH MY FUCKING GOD.

“Ember? Art thou ok?” Moony waved a hoof in front of my face.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. I just remembered I need to talk to you two later.” I smile at hers and Celly’s confused looks. “Don’t about it, everythin’s fine!” I say in a thick Boston accent.

“If you say so...” Celly said. Her and Moony maintaining weird looks at me. I saw that ponies were leaving the party, so I decided now would be the perfect time.

“Well, since the party’s dying down how about we go somewhere private?” I ask with probably too much cheerfulness.

But then again, with me, there can’t be too much of many things!

“Alright Ember. We shall go to my room.” Celly said. The three of us teleport to her room and she casts a soundproofing spell around the room.

“Alright Ember, what would you like to talk about?” Celly queried next to a curious Moony.

“Well, I didn’t become an alicorn for nothing. You parents wanted me to essentially bring back the alicorn race. And yes, that implies I’m an actual Alicorn like you two.” When I told them this both of their jaws dropped to the floor. One set of cheeks reddening, the other set tinting purple. “That, and a few other things.” I summon an item the resembles a thin, black box, the logo of a cartoon android on the back of it. “This, is a phone.”

Epilogue: Meeting the Desendants

Author's Note

Slight warning: The epilogue chapters will be in a random order. It is up to you to decided what order they come in! Unless I really am not that good at leaving ambiguous endings...

Epilogue: Meeting the Desendants

“Hey Applejack!” I appear right behind the mare in the middle of her bucking an apple tree.

“Gah!” She was aiming for the tree. But she instead hit air and fell on her belly with a breathless ‘oof’.

“Damn, didn’t think I’d scare you that badly.” I chuckle.

“Wha- Ember!? The hay you givin’ me heart attack for!?” She glared up at me from under that hat of hers.

“Easy there cowgirl.” I snicker. “I just came by to say hello.” Then I smile knowingly. “And also answer a few questions you undoubtedly got for me.” I helped the mare up and she dusted herself off.

“Well, why would I got questions for you?” I keep my smile. And, while it did take longer than I expected, she remembered I was a brief part of the Apple Family history. More of an old legend than anything. “Oh yeah. Well come on then. Ah’m pretty sure the rest of the family got stuff to ask ya too.”

“Wouldn’t doubt that.” I nod and the apple mare lead me to an old farm-looking house. Good god is this the same one from all those years ago? Sure as hell looks like it. That’s really impressive if it is.

“Come on in partner!” Applejack called from within the home. Seems I was off in cloud nine again.

“Coming.” I ducked low under the door frame and enter the abode. It looks exactly like I last saw it over a thousand years ago. Except more furniture dotted the place. Atop some of the furniture some old brown-tinted pictures of, I’m assuming past generations, sat proudly displaying ponies in old timey clothing.

“Big Mac! Apple Bloom! Granny! Somepony’s here visitin’!” Applejack called out. A minute later a large red stallion with a half-cut apple cutie mark and a yellow filly with no cutie mark and a cute red bow in her hair came from upstairs. Both gawking at me. For reasons I possibly know.

But they, along with Applejack, just stood there. As if waiting for someone else.

I was about to ask what they’re all waiting for when very slow clopping came from the kitchen. Soon an old, old mare stepped out from the kitchen. She had bright green fur and a white mane and tail. Both done up in a bun.

*So that’s Granny Smith. Fitting.* I mentally comment.

“Who’s visiting Applejack?” The old mare asked. Before looking at me. Her squinted eyes pop out the sockets a little. “Well, ain't that fancy.” Granny’s eye returned to their rightful place and she smiled. “A pleasure to finally meet ‘cha.” I gently take her hoof in my hand. And give one hell of a hoof shake. “Ah knew my mama wasn’t lyin’ ‘bout ya.”

“A pleasure to meet the descendants of an old friend.” I reply. The other two ponies, Big Mac and Applebloom I assume. Stopped their gawking and tilted their heads to the side.

“Wait, so you're the big tall thing that Granny always talks about Mister?” The little filly asked.

“Well, that depends, did she describe me as a tall diamond dog?”

“Kinda...”

“Then that’s me.” I jab a thumb at myself.

*gasp* “But how!? That was a long time ago Mister!” I laugh a little.

“At first it was some curse that kept me alive. It was more of a gift from another old friend.”

“Would that happen to be Discord? Sounds like somethin’ he’d do.” Applejack pondered.

“Yes, it was actually. How’d you guess that?” I stared at the apple mare. Honestly really surprised she guessed that. She just shrugged.

“Lucky guess, Ah guess.” She smiled at her own little literary joke. I had to snort because I didn’t want to burst out laughing. That kind of joke rarely deserves more than a light ‘ha’.

“Lucky guess indeed.” I turn back to the filly with a smile. “But, as I was saying, the cursed kind of, died off when I did.” The ponies chose that moment to look down somberly. Though, there was a little respect for me in those faces. “Bah, don’t worry about it. But, now I think I’m basically living off magic or something.”

“What?” They all asked. Oh yeah, farm ponies. Hehe, funny.

“I mean. I think magic is keeping me alive. At this point all the years should’ve caught to me like they did when Tirek stole my magic.” The Apples nodded in understanding. “But, I’ll figure that out later. I came by today to see how the Apple Family has done over the past couple hundred years.” The ponies took the hint and began taking me around the orchard. They showed me all that they had. And to be honest, it was quite a lot. More than I expected anyway. And the best part?

They showed me how they make their famous Hard Apple Cider.

I would tell you, but I do have loyalty towards my friends. I prefer to keep it that way. But I can say it does involve a few simple machines. Nothing like those Flim Flam Brothers. As I was avidly told from the Apples.

Anyway, the Apples were showing me their recent addition to their orchard when I heard heavy flapping from above.

“Fuck me...” I mutter just as I cast a shield over the five of us. There was a firm thump and a gryphon slid down it in an awkward position. “Give me a minute.” Without waiting for a response I leave the shield. And take to the air. Waiting for the others. “Keep your eyes closed every pony.”

And just as the one who tried to pounce me get and take off. Five more gryphons joined their comrade.

*Assistance.* I call out to the hive while I face off with the gryphons.

“So what is it this time?” I asked.

“You will come with us this time, beast.” One of them growled.

“Oh, still about that huh? Y’know just because-” The one to very left choose that moment to try and pounce me.

I Inwardly laugh, they never learn.

I easily sidestep the pouncing gryphon and land a bone crushing punch to his abdomen. I felt a few things snap under the feathers before the gryphons is sent flying back to his comrades from the hit.

“Alright. No talking then.” Buzzing fills my ears. “Ah, perfect timing.” I glance behind and see five changelings with a yellow tint behind me. *Keep the ponies safe, don’t let any gryphon near them.*

*Yes master.* They respond. With the ponies not a problem I’m finally able to ‘play’ with these fuckers. I crack my and fingers, then motion with a hand to bring it on.

And brought it the fuck on they did.

All six gryphons came at me together. Two of them planning to claw my eyes out. The rest pulled out swords and daggers. Oh~ How much fun this is gonna be.

With a mighty flap of my wings I take to air just as the gryphons close in on me. Them crashing into each other, and consequently impaling each other, made me snicker. Before I noticed there were five on the ground.

Fuck.

I whip around just in time to see the sixth skewer me with his long sword. A triumphant smirk on his smug little beak. Which turned to horror when he saw I wasn’t going down.

“Thought you could take me down that easily?” I laugh despite the pain flaring up in my chest. “You thought wrong.” I shove the gryphon away, the sword staying lodged in my chest cavity since he lost his grip on in. And I took it into my own hand.

The gryphon only stayed stunned for a second. He pulled out another long sword, which is kinda small for me now that I look at it. Anyway, he belted a war cry, or screech depending at how you hear it, and lunged through the air. His berserker mode already activated.

I smiled and put a little sharpness enchantment on the sword. With an absolute fuckton of magic powering the spell. And waited. Waited for the right moment. Waited for him to get juuuust close enough to be within arms length.

Like a bug to a light. The gryphon practically charged at me in a blind fury. I just smirked and stayed still. Then I brought up the sword in a simple upward slash.

Ting! I sidestepped once again and the assaulting gryphon grinded himself to a halt a few yards away. He then looked himself over, looked at his sword. And grinned at me when he found nothing wrong with him, yet.

I raised both my brows and waited patiently. And my smirk turned into a smug grin when the top half of his sword fell to the ground. Then fell to the ground laughing when the bottom half of his body decided it had enough of being in the air, and made its home on the earth. All while a loud ‘splat’ sound.

When I managed to get up and not bring myself down laughing. I return my attention to the other gryphons. Three are dead, at the hand of their comrades weapons, and two that seemed to be recovering from the crash. I shake my head disappointedly.

*They never learn.* Two teleports and dead gryphons later the changelings I called are cleaning up the scene with great efficiency. I nod to them and they haul off the new fresh meat and turn to the ponies-

Big Mac kept his eyes open… Fuck…

The large red stallion had his eyes bulging out and directed right at me. I sigh and look down dejectedly.

“Big Mac...” I snap my fingers and noise cancellation bubble form around the others heads. “Before you do anything, let me explain.

Those gryphons that just tried to attack me come from an old family that I may have… destroyed royaly.” The stallion blanched. “But it was their fault, don't get me wrong.” I continued. “They started the whole thing when they tried to take me in as their pet.” His eyes raised in surprise.

“Whoa, really?” He said. He actually said something.

… I thought he was one of those strong, silent types. Well, maybe not entirely silent then.

“Yes, and it seems they got their version of the royal guard on my ass. Or at least some mercenary group.”

“But… why? And how do ya do it so… easily?” He ventured.

“Why is not important. But how? Well, let’s just say I’ve been alive for a long time for a reason. And it might be because I did represent a couple of the elements long ago.” At that his eye went wide again.

“... Really?”

“Oh hell yeah! Before I represented the elements of Loyalty and Kindness I was a prissy little bitch! But, back then Kindness did have another name...”

“... Uh. What was it?”

“Mercy.” I smile. A shiver went down Big Mac’s spine.

“Ah… ah see...”

“But don’t worry about it Mac. ‘Been awhile since I had that much fun.” Then I got really close to his face. “Oh, and one thing. Keep what happened here between you and me. I don’t need anybody worrying about little ol’ me. Alright? Take it as another family secret.” At the idea of keeping a secret that no one else would know, Big Mac nodded eagerly. “Good. Now let’s keep going.” A snap of the fingers later and they’re off showing me the rest of the orchard.

“Ember? What was all that about?” But, of course, right after Applejack asked the very question I didn’t want to answer.

“Nothing, thought I saw somethin’.” But that doesn’t mean I can’t lie to the new Bearer of the Element of Honesty. It was easy enough Lying to Celly about a lot of things back then… Ah, memories… Back then Honesty was Justice, Loyalty stayed the same, Laughter was Merriment. Generosity was almost the same as Mercy. But It was mixed with a little kindness.

And Magic… Aaah~ Magic was Power. And Celly, Moony and me were, and still are, next to Discord, the three most powerful beings on the planet.

Ane the gryphons think they can just take me out like foals play. There was a reason their golden idol went ‘missing’ all those centuries ago.

They’re the luckiest race on the planet since I’m so merciful.

Epilouge: Becoming a 'Tech God' in PonyLand (Clop)

Author's Note

Warning!

This epilogue chapter contains a small bit of clop (If you're not ok with it, you may leave). Understatement of the century
Also! My first try at writing clop! So yeah, comments are appreciated!

Epilouge: Becoming a 'Tech God' in PonyLand (Clop)

The girls just stared blankly at the cell phone in my hoof. Apparently not knowing what to say. I sigh and wait for them to ask the question I’m specifically waiting for.

As one would imagine, it was a good while before they did.

“Alright, we will bite. What is that thing?” Moony pointed at the device.

“I’m glad you asked!” I say like an old timey salesman. I then turn the phone on and wait for it to go to the main menu. My little girl’s eyes widen as soon as the screen blinked to life.

“Is… is that...”

“Yup!” I answered Celly’s half-asked question. “A genuine piece of human technology!” I let them take the phone in their magical grip. “I’m pretty sure your scientists can reverse engineer it or something like that.”

“But… How? Why? Why now?” A confused Moony asked.

“To answer your first question; Remember when I told you I kinda lost my mind at some point?” She and Celly nodded. “That was kinda due to Discord’s chaos magic running around my body. Don’t worry,” I continued at their pensive faces. “I’m fine now. But at the same time I went ape shit using the chaos magic within me. And that little device is a result of that little event. Along with a few other things.”

“How so?” Both Celly and Moony were very entransed as to know what other things I ended up… I think creating? I don’t know what I really did with chaos magic to make this stuff appear. Maybe I took them from some Earth or something. I should go ask Discord later.

“Oh, not much else. Just some weapons, a computer, a few other phones, things like that.”

“Weapons?” Celly narrowed her eyes at me.

“Compewter?” Moony tried to pronounce the word right.

“Celly, I’ve had those things in my possession for hundreds of years. And sure I may have used them a couple times. But, come on. If I really wanted to do what you’re thinking I did. I would’ve done so a long time ago. Besides, I haven't shown you the wonders of human tech yet.” I frown a little. “And I don’t think I can show you without internet...”

“Interwha..?” I shake my head.

“Nevermind, I’ll show you in that dream thing. You can do that again Moony?” She nodded. “Perfect! Now, where can we go to have this bad boy integrated into pony society?”

“Well, like you have said. We can always send it to the labs so we can at least understand the inner workings of this device.” Moony said without taking her eyes off the phone.

“Cool! I might as well throw in the computer with that as well.”

“That reminds me, you never told us what a… computer, is. You only told us what it can do.” Celly looked at me pointedly.

“And you want me to explain something like that?” She nodded. “Oh, hmm… I don't think I can...” Celly raised a brow at me. “Oh, come on. You expect me to remember something like that in over a thousand years?”

“Kind of. Yes.” Celly looked down and scuffed a golden-clad hoof across the floor, I rolled my eyes.

“Your scientists can figure that out later. Now though...” I conjure a pair of magic hands and cup both girl’s flanks. “How about we have some fun?” I smile wryly while my princesses blush at the magical contact, remembering what I told them of their parent’s ‘surprise’, for them anyway.

“Hm-M. Yes.” Celly squeaked.

“Awesome! Let’s go, where do you want to do it?”

“My room. My bed is big enough for the three of us.” Celly blushed.

“Perfect!” I grab both of them and practically drag them to Celly’s room. The guards we passed all casting confused glances at us. It must’ve been one hell-of-a sight; The first stallion alicorn to be seen, ever, dragging the princesses of the sun and moon behind him, heading to some unknown destination. Oh~ If only they knew I was about have a little romp in the hay with their princesses. I wonder how they’ll react when they’re pregnant?

“Aren’t we a little too excited?” Moony asked. I look back without stopping.

“Well, considering it’s been a couple decades since my last fuck. I think not.” I smile innocently while her and Celly continue to blush. Wow, is this their first time or something?

Nah, it can’t be! Maybe? Oooooh, fuck… I gotta take it slow with them…

Ugh, fuck me. Literally and metaphorically.

“... You two never had sex before?” I asked once we got to Celly’s room.

“.. Yes, we have. It has only been a few… hundred years since we partook in the act.” Celly’s blush gained more ground over her face and even the tips of her ears. I just smile gleefully.

“Great! Better than me dealing with a virgin Celly and Moony!” Luckily for them, there weren’t any guard near Celly’s room.

Gee willikers, I wonder why no o- pony dares to be near the Princess of the Sun’s room. It couldn’t be due to her being an absolute monster when she wakes up every morning.

God, I feel bad for the servant that has to deal with that.

“... Was that an insult?” Moony asked. Oh yeah, Still dragging a flustered Moon and Sun Princess into the latter’s room for sexy times.

“No, it would have if you two were virgins. It’d be more weird for you if you spent all those years before your banishment not fucking ponies.”

“Ember! You know how I feel about your vulgar language!” Celly chastised. I just deadpan at her.

“Celly, we’re about to hump each other like rabbits. I can talk however the fuck I want.” I straight-faced.

“Yes, I know… But...” I groan.

*Urgh… This has gone on for far too long… I need sexy times!* With a predatory smile I gently shove both of them onto the bed. Causing them to squeak in surprise. They look up at me and see me standing above them. No doubt noticing the hungry look in my eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle. Just relax.” I say in a sultry tone. My magic helping in bringing my voice right into their ears. And they visually relax. Their hind legs, which were previously clamped shut, opened up. Partly revealing their marehoods. Just seeing the pink swells when belly meeting lips is enough to make me drool a little.

I smirk, lay on my belly between them, and flare my wings. Confusing the girls.

“Ember? W-what are you-” Celly went to ask, but I put the tips of my primary feathers in between hers and Moony’s lower lips. Making both of them gasp. I had half a mind to cast a sound proof spell around the room, lock the doors, and close the curtains. Can’t have the guard worrying about their princess can I?

“Ooooh~ Ember… Ah!” I shut Celly up fully by inserting another feather and wriggle them around. I do the same to Moony, and she gasps before moaning.

“No more talking… Just lay back and relax...” I cast a spell that simulates me feather fucking the girls. I then carefully stand up and remove myself from the bed. All the while the girls moan like diamond dogs in heat. Leaving my little soldier achingly stiff. I look down at the little-

Holy shit, I’ve got a fifth leg.

*Soon, just one more spell…* I almost whisper to the huge horse cock attached to me. I bring my head back up and see the girls panting and moaning, both of their eyes closed. Their faces cutely scrunched up and flushed. Their marehoods slightly spread open. Every once in awhile a little ‘shlick’ would emanate for their loins.

I realized I was staring and refocused on the task at hand… hoof. With one last spell cast on myself I cut the magic keeping the girls busy.

“E-eeh? Why did thou stop?” Moony asked. I just smirked and waited for them to sit up. “Ember?” Her and Celly pick their heads up and look at me. “Ember!?”

“Yes?” I answered. My voice coming from two sources. “Like what you see?”

“How!? What!?” They both cried out.

“How are doing this!?” Celly shouted.

“What sort of magic is this?!” Moony continued.

“It’s just a duplication spell… With my own, flare to it.”

“What?”

“These two bodies share the same mind.There’s two of, but there isn’t. You understand?”

“Not entirely... But I don't care.” Celly got to all fours, so did Moony. “Rut us!”

“Yes! Please! Rut us! Make us your mares!” Yelled moony. Both her and Celly turning around and presenting their posteriors to me. I grinned widely. Ooooh~ Now they’re hot and bothered.

*Now that’s more like it!* I briskly get up onto the big bed, mount the girls, and, very, very slowly eased myself into their warm, moist marhoods. At the same time I easily enter both meaty tunnels of love. The whole time both of their panting got faster.

It’s when I managed to bottom out that their panting comes to a fever pace. And suddenly. Moony cums, hard.

“Ah~ Ah~ Ah~ AH! Aaaaaaah...” I feel her cooch clamp down on righty almost painfully. Liquid love dripping past her lips and down are legs. Huh, so she’s a squirter.

That’s fucking hot.

But too bad she came so early, unless she can go for another round.

“Yes! Please! More!” Oh hell yeah. Finally somepony that can keep up with me. And Celly hasn’t climaxed either!

“If you say so!” I cheer right before I start positioning into the girls. Feeling double the mind numbing pleasure that comes with having two meat rods in two princesses.

Oh~ god nothing can’t even begin to compare.

And the moaning, gasps, and sighs only spur me on.

The girls started getting a little proactive with meeting my thrusts with their own. Made things easier for me, but it just made the pleasure skyrocket to the stratosphere.

“Ah! Aaaaah~” Aaaaand Celly just came. Were they really that pent up? It really must be that, or I just have that much libido. And I’m leaning towards the latter.

So, that was pretty much it; Me, myself, Moony, and Celly rutting with wild abandon. I came a couple times, they squirted a couple times. Though, the really kinky shit was when Celly turned into a dominatrix and shoved her hair in my mouth, it was pink at the time for some reason. Like back when she was a filly. And strands didn’t get caught in my teeth, it was sexy as hell, but weird. Not that I’m complaining.

And Moony, oh my fucking god she was a closet nymphomaniac. Me, her and Celly have done things with our dicks and cunts I haven’t done in years! I especially loved it when she shrunk me down and shoved me into every hole in hers and Celly body. I didn’t think her favorite kink would be vore…

But speaking of fetishes. Celly really liked being the dominatrix. Not that I have a problem with that. It’s just really old for me.

Sure, she brought a few new things to the table when came to having sex. But, it just didn’t feel as good as should have. The whole ‘domination’ thing kinda puts me off, of all things.

Don’t get me wrong, I still had one hell of a day with them. Just the whole leather straps and ball gags are not my thing.

But, moving on. I’ll get back to the story… Fucking Discord…

“Ooooooh~ Yes! Squirm more!” I obliged my princess and wiggle around more vigorously in the confines of her pussy. “Yes! Right there~” For the… however many times she climaxed, her meaty walls clamped down all around me. Nearly crushing me to mush. I take the opportunity and crawl deeper into her depths. Making her moan even more.

Meanwhile, Celly’s busy shoving the other shrunken me up her plothole. I wonder if I take a reverse full tore.

Oh~ Yes I can~!

“Ah! Ember! What are you doing!?” She yells, as if expecting me to respond. How could I through a few inches of skin and muscle? All she gets is me crawling more and more deeper into her depths. “Ember! What are you… Oh. Oh! Mmmmm...” Hah! She likes it! I wonder if she’ll like it when I come out her mouth?

So already passing the large intestines… The smalls one’s gonna be a bitch…

Ah whatever, I’m still trapped in Luna’s depths. Maybe I can make it her womb if I’m quick enough.

“Hah~ Hah~ Haooooh~!” Yes! Perfect timing!

Shloorp!

Yes!

“Oh, gods! Ember! What have you done?!” Ah ah ah~ I’m done yet! Resize spell, GO!

“Ember! What the hell are you doing!?” Yes! Grow! Make my mare look pregnant! Crawl towards Celly’s stomach!

The girls started yelling. I don’t know whether at me or in ecstasy. Probably ecstasy. Now let’s stop growing. I rather not have Moony explode. Oh! And let's squirm around while in here too!

Alight! Made to Celly’s belly! Now, where’s the little hole to the esophagus?

Wait. I want to see what I look like going up her throat. A little shimmy shimmy.

“MmmmmMMmm...” And now we slip out. But let’s shrink a little.

“Hey Moony, having fun?” I asked once I pop my head out her pussy lips.

“E.. Ember. What… what are you doing… in… me?” T’sss, oooh. She’s sounding a bit tired.

“Making sure you and Celly have a good time, what else?” I rhetorically answer.

“That is… fine and all… but we must ask… more...”

Oh holy cow… YES!

“With pleasure!”

“Hold it!” Celly shouted. “What are you doing in my stomach!?” I looked over to her and saw that there was a little bump on the bottom of her barrel. I snicker at the little thing that’s me.

“You’ll see.” I wink right before using my magic to create a dong about my size, when I’m at my normal size, and shove it right into Celly’s love hole. I then turn back to Moony, specifically her avocado-sized clit. I lunge for it and put it in my mouth. Making the Princess of the night scream. I roll my over to Celly and watch as I crawl my way up her throat. The little lump that represents me moving from her belly to the very top of her chest. Which is surprisingly softer and squishier than I expected.

“Ember! Don’t you do it!” Celly yelled at me. So she’s caught on? Well then.

Too bad I’m preoccupied sucking on Moony’s clit and making my way up her throat to respond.

Celly started making these hacking noises. As if she’s trying to help me get out sooner when I’m halfway up her throat. But I saw, and felt, her gulp. And I slide down a little.

*Oh! So you want to make it game?* I grin inwardly. *Let's see who comes out on top!* I fucking giggle and watch silently as I put more effort into crawling upwards. Celly was doing her best trying to get me back to her belly. Ha! She might as well be trying to get the sun and moon to be in the sky at the same time.

I no time I make it to the back of her mouth. Mmm… Smells like cake.

“Don’t stop Ember! Please! More!” Oh yeah, I still am sucking the fuck out of Moony’s clit. Hmm… she tastes like blueberry, mixed with grape. Not bad…

“Ack!” Celly opens her mouth, revealing a victorious little me standing on her tongue. I quickly jump before she gets any funny ideas. And just in time too, she slammed her maw shut.

“Too slow!” I shout. I unfurl my wings and glide right to the white mare’s winking pussy.

“Where have you gone?” Celly looked around for me. I answer her by shoving the front half of my body into her. “Eep!” Oh my god! She squeaked! That’s so fucking cute!

“E-em- Ah! Oh! Don’t stop!” I heard her shout. I obliged my princess once more and readjust myself so that my head was poking out Celly’s lips. I then put her apple-sized clit in my mouth. As soon as I did that a torrent of juices splashed over me, and her passage glomped me. Hard. Some much so that I came right on the spot. Shooting my load into them for the upteenth time. And judging from their faces they felt it too.

I slip out from both girl’s love tunnels pretty spent. Wiggling around inside two vaginas for hours can be pretty tiring.

“Oh, Ember… That was… That was...” Moony started, but never finished.

“Heavenly.” Instead, Celly said what all three of us were thinking. I manage to get both of standing on the gigantic bed.

“Agreed.” was all I said. I then turn so I’m facing myself. I walk over to myself and a smirk appears on my face.

“I’m totally fucking myself right now.” I jump off the bed, bring myself back to normal size, turn myself around, mount myself, and go right for the ass.

“Huh?” Moony looked up, then blanched. “Ew!” She dropped her head back down and covered herself in blankets.

“I was in both you uterus's and stomachs at the same time, shut up.” Both of me say right before I go back to fucking myself.

Part 4

“I… Uh… Who… What?” She spluttered. Arian and me just stood there, Arain keeping her stoic expression while I kept my smile. I like smiling.

“Hello.” I waved. “Do you know how long it’ll be before any of us get to Tea- the Princess?” I nearly slipped Teacup’s nickname.

“Uh...” Her elegant voice wavered. “It… it shouldn't be too much longer.” She glanced at the line in front of us. “Another seven minutes at the most.”

“Alright!” I nodded and the mare shakily turned back around. Soon other Canterlites took notice of my cloaked form and Arian. And pretty soon some of them were gawking at us, while other just gave wary glances every once in awhile. While the line was moving at a steady pace a white, blond stallion cut in front of me. He either didn’t notice me or didn’t give a flying rat's ass. But no matter, karma’s a bitch. And that is a well-known fact in this world.

And it was also pretty soon that we made it to the front of the line. Well, there were still two ponies in front of us, but we were getting close anyway. I wonder how Teacup hasn't noticed me yet? She must either be that focused or that bored.

“Next.” Yup, she’s that bored. Now there is just one pony in front of me and Arain… Wait, how the fuck has she not noticed Arian? Wow, she’s really out of it to not notice a dragon the height of a pony. “Ah, Prince Blueblood. What do you request of me this time.” Oh, this might be interesting.

“Aunty.” Aunty!? “I would just like a little more allowance every week. I need the extra bits so I can maintain my fabulous physic.” The blond stallion in flicked a part of mane to the side.

*AUNTY!?*

“No, Blueblood. I have told you time and time again, you don’t need any more bits. Request denied.” Teacup droned.

“But-!”

“No ‘but’s Blueblood. Next.” The stallion huffed in annoyance and stomped off. I stepped into Teacup’s line of sight, and just like I expected, her face brightened like the star she controlled. A wild grin creasing her face, and I think she nearly jumped up to pounce me or something. She certainly moved to do so had she not caught herself.

“Day Court’s adjourned!” She yelled. Me and Arian look behind us, seeing no ponies around, we turned to each other, and I shrugged. We turned back to Teacup and she practically glomps on me. Putting me in an embrace that, to any normal pony, would threaten to break their ribs. Luckily, I’m no normal pony.

“I missed you too, Teacup.” I wheeze, it was still pretty difficult to breath though.

“Ember you finally came back! Oh, I’m so happy!” She kept hugging me while I tried to breath properly. Not that it mattered. I was elated too. “You have no idea how happy I am...” I hugged her back.

“Oh, I don’t know. I may have some ideas…” She giggled at that. Same old Teacup. “So you’ve been handling this place pretty well huh?” Her vice grip on me eased up a little. Allowing me to look up at her.

“Yes, I have. And Luna has been taking up on her old duties as well.” Oh yes! Moony!

“How is Moony? I’d like to see her.”

“She’s been well. But I know she’ll be even better when she sees you.” We let go of eachother, I change to my human form, and Teacup leads me to Moony’s room. But before any of that could happened Teacup noticed Arian. “Oh. I’m sorry. Are you Ember’s friend?”

“Yes. More or less, I am.” She simply answered.

“Oh, well. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Teacup held out a hoof for Arian to shake. Arian looked to me warily. I nodded and she took the outstretched hoof and shook it. I think Arian’s blank tone and attitude took Teacup by surprise, but she didn’t seem to bothered by her presence over all. “If you two will follow me please.” We nodded and followed teacup.

“How do you not get lost in this place. I know you’ve been here for… a while. But still...” I heard Teacup laugh a little.

“You know your way after a while.” She replied. Earning an amused snort from me and an eyeroll from Arian.

My little princess, Arian and me made it to Moony’s room unmolested. The doors to her room looked cool, and just like her style too; Navy blue doors, white little spirals here and there, and crescent moons serving as door handles.

“Do be quiet, she’s asleep.” I nodded and she opened the doors with her magic.

Moony’s room was… simple, to say the least. Right in the center was her bed, styled a thin crescent moon, and a dim lantern hanging off the tip of its top corner, and there was a curtain hanging off the top part too. And she was sleeping the day away in it. To the left is an average-sized desk with a bookshelf on each side of it, and to the right was a midnight styled door that led to what I assume is her personal bathroom. And there are these cool tall lamps that look like dead trees, they look pretty cool.

I return my attention back to the little -little by human standards- pony princess slash my little princess and quietly walk over to kneel next to her bed. God it looks comfy in there, if she had a smile oh fuck that’d make the scene all the more adorable. Even her hair has changed too, huh… cute.

*Precious.* I thought before a mischievous smile broke out. With villainous delight I reach and poke her right on the tip of her nose. Which wrinkled as she rolled to the other side.

“Mmmmff...” She murmured unintelligible words that ended with her sniffing. It didn’t wake her up, so I moved to the other side and poked again. This time putting a tiny bit more force into the poke. This time she scowled and scrunched her muzzle. “MMmmmmM.” She huffed and rolled to the other side. I glance back at Teacup and Arian and Teacup’s close to cracking up. That poke didn’t wake Moony up so I tried a third time, poking her nose a little harder.

“Mmmmhmm… Five more minutes Tia...” She mumbled, oooh, that’s a new nickname, I like it. I stifled a snort and poked again. “Mmm leave us alone, Tia. We had a long night yesterday...” Ok, now she’s awake. Time for surprises!

“Wakey wakey sleepy head.” A sound akin to glass shattering came from nowhere as Moony’s eyes opened. I can see veins on her eyes. She gave me a once over and nearly jumped out of her bed in fright.

“Gah!” *Thunk!* She instead hit her head against the top part of her bed. Apparently hard enough to cause stars to fill her vision for a second. Indicated by the little moons with tiny versions of herself riding them around her head. Even her ever-flowing hair seemed to ‘glitch out’ as it spasmed like a corrupted video playing. But it only lasted for a brief second. “Ow...” She started rubbing the sore spot. And I was trying my best not to laugh out loud. Once she noticed me she froze. For like, a second.

“Ember?” She breathed, as if not believing my being right in front of her.

“Hey Moony.” I opened up my arms just in time to grab her and pull up in a bear hug. Then she started openly crying into my shoulder. Aw… she missed me that much. Now I’m crying damnit!

“We… never… thought… we would… see thou again!” She hiccuped. I just sat there and stroked her hair. That’s a weird feeling, it feels like my hands are going through hair. But said hair looks like a solid… mass of star stuff. Weird…

“It’s ok Moony. I’m here now. And that’s what matters.” Moony and me just continued to sit there as we held each other. ‘Tia’ eventually came to join in on our hug. I notice one missing and look back at the door. Arian is just standing there, eyes shiny from the tears she’s holding back. Aw…

“So, how thou been this past milania?” Moony asked as she pulled away. “And, less importantly. How have thou been alive all these years.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

“I’ve been well. Can't say I wasn’t depressed a couple times. But other than that, I’ve been fine. As for how I’ve managed to stick around. Discord.” Moony did a double take.

“P-pardon?” She stuttered.

“Discord put a curse on me that makes me immortal.”

“O-oh.” She paused, taken aback. “Well. We guess we owe him thanks.” She smiled. So it seemed to have forgotten that he did this to me all those years ago...

“Speaking of which, has he… you know?”

“Oh! He has!” Teacup exclaimed. “Though, I still don’t trust him too well. But he has shown he has no ill will so far. I have faith in him.” That got me to a chipper mood.

“Really!? Can I go see him then!?”

“Of course you can!” Both of them said.

“Come, we shall all go.” Teacup said and they lead me and Arian to a train station.

“Since when did you get a train station?” I asked.

“Not long ago, maybe about fifty years?” Teacup said unsurely. While she was getting tickets there were guards surrounding the four of us. Which gave me and Moony some time to catch up. And catch up we did. She said she gained the ability to visit ponies in their dreams. And because of that she took it upon herself to become the defender of dreams. Keeping ponies happy in the dream world.

“That’s amazing Moony!” I praised and she blushed. “How do you do that?”

“Well, we were just sleeping one day, and we found ourselves in the dreams of another pony. From then on we learned to control and manipulate the dreams of others. It is quite exciting.”

“I can only imagine!” She chuckled.

“We could possibly bring thou along if thou would like to?” She queried.

“I would love too Moony.” Just then Teacup returned, no tickets to be seen.

“I have completely forgotten I have a personal carriage.” I promptly burst out laughing and Moony suffers only a little gigglefest while Arain playfully facepalms. Blushing, Teacup instructed two of her guards to go fetch the carriage. They came back sooner than I expected, that may be due to my laughing the entire time. Teacup tried telling me to stop but her red face only made me laugh harder. Even her guards smirked a little. But for the sake of moving along I managed to calm myself down and get in the carriage. It was more comfortable to sit as a pony so I stuck with it.

“So what’s this town like?” I ask and the carriage lurches forward. Arian quickly directed her attention to Moony.

“It is very quaint.” Moony cooly answered. “The ponies residing there are a very friendly bunch.”

“Cool.” I look out the window and watch the trees speed on by below. I never question how two pegasi are able to pull a gilded carriage with ponies and a dragon inside it. Magic.

“So, Teacup...” I said after a while, she turned to look at me. “‘Aunty’?” She flinched hard when I asked that. “What have I missed? While I had ideas that you or Moony would do something like that, I never thought you’d go through with it.” She started heavily blushing again, score!

“Ah… I… Well… I got… bored?” She shakily answered with a strained, toothy smile. I just shrugged and accepted it. I mean, she’s a grown mare, she can do what she wants. And I can’t give her shit anyway. Oh, yes… all those bitches. And yes, I mean diamond dogs, some of them. Ha! Try getting that image out your head!

The carriage eventually started descending and came to a stop. The side door opened on its own and we all got out. Me and Arian being the last as I changed to human form. It seems we landed right beside another train station, but this one was smaller.

“Well, here we are!” Tia dramatically waved her foreleg towards the small town. I took my time gazing at it. Right ahead is what looks a carousel-looking building, and it was tall too. And either side looked to be filled with shops. And besides all ponies freezing and gawking at me, it looks to be alive with activity. And I guess this town has the market separated from residential. The residential district must be more towards the other side of this place…

And there was a purple castle off in the distance…. Wat?

“Well, it does look a little quaint, more homey in my opinion.” I turned the my little princesses. “Well? Aren’t you going to show me around?”

“Of course!” Teacup said with a nod. I looked to Moony and Arain. Moony was absolutely beaming at me, and Arian’s as stoic as ever. “Even though there isn’t much to show, I think...” I heard her say under her breath. I just chuckled all the same. It really didn’t matter, I was with them once again.

The girls took me and Arian on a short tour around the town. And while Teacup was right that there wasn’t much to look at in the sense of the town itself. I found myself intrigued into the ponies and sceney. The ponies, for the most part, were still a little shaky around me, but I think that since their princesses were pretty much guiding me around they quickly relaxed. There was even this little kid that slowly walked up to me. His name was Pipsqueak. And he was so fucking adorable. I don’t know what it is with these ponies. But it’s like staring at puppy beagles.

Anyway, Pipsqueak, or Pip as Moony told me, was just a little curious about me. And he quickly scampered off once he was satisfied with my answers to his questions. And that’s when the ponies really let up, some of the more adult ones started asking questions, even this one green mare that almost tackled me. But this really light yellow mare held her back by the tail. Looked like it hurt.

“Princess!” An urgent-sounding pony rushed up to Teacup. I turned to look at the pony and-

*Another alicorn?* My brain did a backflip and all thought processes grinded to a halt. *Where did she come from? Her hair’s not flowing like Moony’s or Teacups’s. Could she be artificial? Maybe.. she’s a lot shorter for an alicorn if that’s the case.*

“Yes, Twilight?” Teacup responded. So that’s her name. Cool.

“I received your letter and came to the train station as soon as possible. But I didn’t find you or Princess Luna there. So I looked for you and-” Teacup raised a hoof. How has the pony not noticed me or Arian yet!? What is it with these ponies!?

“Twilight. Please, calm down. I sent you the letter inform you of our arrival. Not to turn Ponyville upside down.” So that’s what this place is called. Nice.

“Oh, right.” Twilight blushed. “Eheh. Sorry.” She giggled, red-faced.

“Uh… Tia? You never told me there were more alicorns. She an actual one?” The purple fur and haried alicorn finally noticed me and Arian. And, her reaction was… definitely not what I expected. What I mean is she blasted me with a bolt of raw magic. Of course, it didn’t do anything to me. I’ve learned long ago I can absorb magic blasts, or any spell directed at me for that matter, well before they can do any damage. And even then only ponies as powerful as Teacup or Moony can and easily incapacitate me. For apparently an alicorn like Twilight it would take a lot to take me out. “And that was unexpected.” Twilight went on the defensive. Opting to jump between me, Arian, and Teacup, crouching and wings unfurling.

“S-stay back!” She shouted and her horn started charging up again. My response to that? Laughing at her face. “What!? What are you laughing at!?” She demanded.

“Nuh… nothing. Twilight. Whew, oh man. Tia? You mind explaining who I am? I need to catch me breath… Whoo.” While I got my breathing to a normal pace Teacup briefly explained who and what I am to this Twilight. Soon five more ponies joined. One had light blue fur with a really familiar rainbow hair, her cutie mark was a cloud with a bolt of rainbow; pegasus. Another had bright pink fur and dark pink hair, her cutie mark was three balloons; earth pony. The third pony had really light yellow fur and long light pink hair, three butterflies made up her cutie mark; pegasus. The fourth has orange fur and blond hair, and she’s wearing a cowboy hat; earth pony. Her Cutie mark was of three red apples, well I’ll be damned… Heh, she knows what I’m thinking. I wonder what generation she is? Anyway, the last pony has pristine white fur and dark, almost royal, hair, her cutie mark consisted of three rhombus-shaped diamonds; unicorn.

And they were all just staring at me and Arian, but mostly me. And the pink one was beaming at me for some reason. Actually, that smile reminds me of a pony I kinda knew a while ago…

“Oh… Oh. OH! Ohmygosh! You’re! You’re… you’re...” Twilight eyes rolled up and she fell over... What just happened?

“Um… Tia? What happened?”

“She apparently already knew who you are.”

“Then why did she blast me magic? And why did she just faint?”

“I’ll explain that later.” She turned to the five ponies. “Elements of Harmony.” What? “I would like you to meet, my good friend. Ember the human.” The ponies reacted like one would normally expect: Slightly confused at first, but then recognition. Especially the orange one, aaand her cutie mark’s apple related. Oh wow there’s going to be some explaining to do. Well, I can just chalk it up to Discord’s curse, which is the truth.

*WHAT!?*

*Gasp!* “You’re the human from old stories!?” The pink one asked.

“Depends, what stories are we talking about?” I managed to shove some very particular thoughts to the side.

“The ones where-” She was interrupted when Teacup used her magic to close the pink one’s mouth.

“That is enough. Pinkie Pie.” Oh, that’s her name. Huh… Cool.

Pinkie Pie nodded, her mouth still being held closed. I shoot Teacup a questioning glance.

“I will explain later.” She calmly stated with a gentle smile. “In the meantime. Could you help me carry Twilight back to her home?” I shrugged.

“Sure.” Before Teacup can do anything I pick up Twilight and drape her over my shoulder. Everyone gives me a weird look. “What?”

“Nothing.” Moony answered. “Let us proceed to Twilight Sparkle’s home.” That’s her full name? Cool. All of us nodded and the girls led me to a literal tree house. Like, the tree itself has been hollowed out, and from the sign in front of it, it’s a library, and it has multiple stories. A tree house slash library. If the pony on my shoulder lives here it’s no wonder that she has at least read about me… I wonder what ponies have written about me over the years. Even Arian was kinda wide eyed!

And another thing, the place inside is bigger than what the tree would allow, took me a second to remember there are a few spells that can do that. Dimensional Displacement they called it? Nah, that sounds like a spell one would use to travel through dimensions. Could they even have a spell like that? Maybe… And there’s a fire place... Why? And how?

“Can you place Twilight on the sofa please?” Teacup asked, I obliged. “Gently.” The ponies took their own part of the sofas to sit on.

“Damnit.” I chuckled, instead of flopping the unconscious pony on the sofa. I gently placed her on it. I made her look like a sleeping puppy. She’s probably gonna freak again when she wakes up. Her types usually do that a being that was thought to be legend turns out to be real, speaking of which…

“So, ‘stories’?” I ask nonchalant as I use a little bit of chaos magic to make a chair my size to sit on. Teacup cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention.

“As you can tell Ember, my little ponies may or may not have created tales about you.”

“You’re kidding...” She pouted and I laughed. “Hehe. But seriously, stories like what?”

“Oh, nothing much. Slaying dragons, helping me banish Nightmare Moon,” Moony flinched, poor girl. C’mere! There there. “helping us defeat Discord the first time.”

“The first time?” I ask while stroking Moony’s hair in hopes to calm her down. The five ponies cast confused gazes at my cloaked form petting Moony like a dog.

“Well… he may have escaped once...” She winced.

“Really? How?” I was genuinely curious as to how Discord escaped. Wasn’t he turned to stone? How would he escape?

“Ever since we imprisoned him, we had him moved to the royal guardens, and there he stood for centuries. Until a few foals on a field trip cause enough chaos for him to break out.” Oh… That, kinda makes sense. I guess?

“Oh… And you managed to catch him again?” At that she smiled.

“It was actually these six mares that caught him and put him back in his stone prison.”

“... And he managed to escape again?” I stated more than asked.

“Actually no. I decided that he should be reformed.” Teacup replied. “And he has shown improvement.” She added and Moony cooed.

“Oooooooh. That explains a lot.” I then remember why we came to this town in the first place. “Where is he anyway?” There was a long pause and the yellow one raised her hoof. Oh god she’s so shy! How cute!

“Yes? Uh… What’s your name?”

“I-it’s, uh... F-fluttershy.” She whispered. It was almost inaudible, by my sensitive ears heard it just fine.

“Fluttershy, nice name.” I remark. “So you know where Discord is?” Fluttershy nodded. “Can you take me to him?”

“O-of course. Do you know him? From the sound of it...” She trailed off.

“I’m an old, old friend of his.” I emphasize the word ‘old’.

“Oh, well, ok. Um… if you want to go see him, can you follow me, please? If you don’t mind.”

“Of course I don’t mind, shall we go?” I turn to the rest. “You all can come if you want.” I offer, but they murmur in the negative.

“Ah’ll come, if ya don’t mind.” Except for the orange one. The orange earth pony got up from her place and joined. Arian just silently got up and joined.

“Alright then. Shall we?” I ask Fluttershy and she meekly nods. We then head out the tree house.

“This way, please.” She turns off to the right, we follow.

“Names Applejack partner!” The orange one, Applejack holds out a hoof and I reach down to shake it. Applejack briefly flinches when I grab her hoof, I pretended to not notice. She does the same to Arian and the pony doesn’t flinch at all. Why not?

“Nice to meet ya Applejack. I assume you already knew who I was when you first saw me?” She nodded eagerly.

“Granny’s told me n’ Mac a lot o’ stories ‘bout ya. But ah never thought those stories be’d real!”

“Well. I have been gone for a thousand ears… So… Yeah… Speaking of stories though. What stories are you all talking about? Or are what Teacup said all of it?”

“‘Teacup’?”

“That’s my nickname for Celestia.”

“Ok… Well, it's true, whenever ponies would talk ‘bout ol’ legends there was never a time where you weren’t mentioned. Ah’ve heard stories that ya slayed dragons, diamond dogs, gryphons, minotaurs, even windigos!”

“Windigos? But those things have been extinct for over a thousand years! I’ve never even met one.” Applejack just shrugged in their pony way, which was lowering their front letting their withers protrude a bit. “But the one about killing a dragon is true though. That’s where Arian comes from.”

“Really?” She turns to the black dragon and she nods. She turned her head back to me. “Do ya mind if ya tell me that story?” I glance at Arian, she nods. And out the corner of my eye I see Fluttershy tense up in her walking.

“Sure. But there’s not much plot to it.” I said.

“Ah don’t mind.” Applejack grinned.

“Alright then. It started when I was walking around a few volcanos...”

I decided that I would get to know this world better, since I had nothing else to do with my immortality. And the volcanoes were very interesting, I hated it. There were dragons everywhere. And not the is nice kind either. Well, there were some… gentle ones, those were all females. Males usually either wanted to make me their next meal or roast me, not the kind of roast on MTV.

But this time there was something different. Two dragons were fighting, one I recognized instantly, she was one of the more nicer dragons, I was proud to call her a friend. Pink scales, magenta spines, and amber slitted eyes. Ceraph if I remember her name correctly, and she was fighting this red dragon. It took me a second to realize that there sat a black egg in the nest behind her. And Ceraph looked like she wasn’t winning.

With speed comparable to a lightning strike I rush to her aid. Using my magic to create a large club to clonk on red’s head. It worked, kinda, sent him backpedaling. He let out a feral roar and bathed me in scorching fire. Imagine what I felt when I didn’t put up a barrier? But I was going warrior mode, bordering berserker so it more or less felt like a warm bath. Despite my burning flesh stating other wise. Looking back… that was a dumb thing to do.

As soon as the flames ended I used my magic to create my favorite sword. And then used it to slash at the dragon. And while I was too fast for him to track, my sword did jack shit against his scales. If anything it seemed to piss him off even more, which made it more difficult to dodge his stomps, slashes, and chomps.

“Look out!” I heard Ceraph shout. I stupidly turned around to see what she meant by that. Realizing I fucked up, I tried to dash to whatever direction was deemed good enough to dodge whatever red was gonna do. But all I managed was a single step before reds jaws clamped around me.

*Fuck me.* I thought. I tried moving to wrench his maw open but nothing. I could feel my talons against his teeth, so that’s a plus. I felt gravity shift and I began sliding down the fuckers throat.

I didn’t like the idea of becoming this guy’s next meal so I thought quickly, and a very dark idea came to mind.

I created my sword again and cut into the tender flesh. I kept at it until I cut through his windpipe. And got charged again as my reward.

Red thrashed around and eventually bit the dust, allowing me to crawl out his mouth when he stopped moving. With him gone I went over to Ceraph. She didn't look good. There was a deep, long gash going down her chest and belly, one of her eyes were cut open, some of her spines were snapped in half and some were missing all together. I saw that she was still breathing so I thought I could do something to save her. I tried using my magic, but nothing happened. There wasn’t anything I could do.

“Ember...” She wheezed. I rushed to her head and looked into her one good eye.

“Yes Ceraph? What is it?” She coughed up some blood.

“I am not going to make it...” She coughed some more. “Please, take my egg.”

“What?” I was taken aback. Dragons never gave their eggs away.

“Please, *cough* take it, take it far away from here. I’m not going to make it much longer, please… save my child...” She eye started fluttering closed.

“Ceraph?” She let out her final breath. “Ceraph?” I held onto a part of her head, no response. “God damnit...” I let go and turn to the egg. It’d be shameful to leave her egg here. And I didn’t want an innocent soul to be wasted, so I took the egg back home…

“And after I discovered she needed certain things as an egg it didn’t take long for her to hatch.” I finish. We made it so some overgrown house teeming with wildlife by the time my story ended. Discord isn’t out here, maybe he’s inside the house? Applejack and Fluttershy were reeling. I kinda warned them. “So, where’s Discord?”

“H-he’s i-inside...” Fluttershy stuttered. Oh god damnit.

“Hey, I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you about that stuff. I didn’t mean put a damper on your mood or anything...” I reach down and scratch the pegasus behind one of her ears.

“A-ah know ya don’t mean anything by that. But… tah hear it like that…”

“What do you mean?”

“Ah mean like… somepony would tell it like you slayed the dragon and rescued a princess or somethin’. And leave out all the messy stuff, apparently.”

“Ooooooh. I see.” I shrug to myself and look back to the house. “Arian, stay with these two. I’m going inside.”

“You got it.” She nodded curtly. I wish she wasn’t like that…

Pushing those thoughts to the side, I walk inside the little house and close the door behind me.

“Oh! I didn’t expect you to be back so soon Fluttershy!” There he was, sitting on a sofa facing away from me, tending to some small animals. “From what Rainbow Dash told me,” Rainbow Dash? Must be the blue pegasus. “whatever happened must have been really important.” A nasty smirk curved my lips as I got a devious thought.

“Well, it certainly was important.” The draco jumped from the sofa and spun around, freezing with a fixated gaze at my cloaked form. “Hi.” I wave.

“E-ember?” He nearly choked out.

“Yeah, it’s me. Finally huh?” He nodded slowly and we stand there for who knows how long. “Well? Are you just gonna stand there or-” He teleports over to me and pins me to the floor in a full nelson hug. Wrapping his snake-like body around me like an anaconda seizing its prey. I then felt a pair of mismatched arms wrap around my neck as Discord's face comes into view. Tears streaking down his goat face. “Missed me that much huh?”

“You haven’t the foggiest idea.”

Part 6

After a quick explanation to Moony and Discord when they asked what I was laughing about. Discord laughed his ass off and Moony went into another one of those cute giggle fits, I know, I was expecting Discord’s ass to literally fall off too.

Anyway, we left the city and I gathered my things and teleport all of us back to Canterlot Castle. Then I set about sorting all my possessions around my new home.

“Listen, Tia.” I move to stare at her. “You don’t have to worry about Chrysalis. She’s no more a threat than a talking potato.” Discord snickered, yep he got that reference joke. “She’s technically out of equestrian territory. Just outside Detrot, I think. Or was it New Mexicolt?” I shake my head. “Never mind that. Just know that she won’t be a problem. I can even make it so that you can talk to her about certain things if you want.”

“I… no. Ember. That won’t be necessary. I am perfectly fine with where she is. Just… inform me if she ever harms one of my little ponies.”

“Got it. Though, with me living here now, I’ll have to start making visits to that city. Speaking of which… Can you recognize as an official city? And possibly create some trade routs?” Tia looked up in thought.

“I could… But, with Queen Chrysalis there… I… I don’t know.” I snort.

“Don’t worry about that, my little princess.” I playfully shot back. “Is it about how your ponies might react if they see changelings buzzing around?” She nodded and I waved my hand dismissively. “I’ll take care of that. You just worry about making that city official.” Just as the last of my belongings settle I remembered something. “Oh! And it’s gonna be named The Province of Winny.” Through the corner of my eyes I saw Discord give me a disapproving look. “Fine, Hellion City.”

“‘Hellion’?” The sisters asked.

“It’s a human word for a troublemaker, much in sense like Discord; the good kind of troublemaker.”

“There is a good kind of troublemaker?” Tia almost sincerely asked, almost. It certainly got me and Moony laughing. Arian even chuckled a bit.

“Celly, that’s the first time I hear a joke from you in a thousand years.” Discord smiled. “Very well executed.”

“Yeah, gotta agree with him there.” I added and she blushed a little. *And Celly’s not a bad nickname either.*

“Ahem, yes, well.” Celly cleared her throat. “I have to return to day court.”

“Alright then, see ya Celly!” Wait… weren’t me and Arian the last ones there?

“Fare thee well sister.”

“And I have to go back to Fluttershy, poor dear must be simply over run with her animal friends.” Discord disappears in a pink cloud. I turn to Arian to ask her what she feels like doing, and find her in her bed already fast asleep. I then turn to Moony. “So how about that offer of taking me along with your night… thing.” Moony puts on a gleeful grin.

“Of course! Let us make haste!”

“So this is the dream world?” I ask Moony and she nods. “And it’s an exact replica of the real world?” She nodded again. “Huh… So do ponies just end up here when they go to sleep or..?”

“It is not that simple Ember. Thou see, when our ponies sleep, their souls, their very essence, travels to this plane of semi-existence to let the body rest. And while here, memories become a powerful force. They can create blissful dreamscapes, and terrible nightmares.”

“... But, what about those kinds of dreams where nothing makes sense? Or if you’re in some place you’ve never seen?”

“Those types of dreams occur here too, Ember.”

“But… Wha..?”

“Allow us to explain; What thou speak of are what happens when a pony’s memories become,abnormally powerful. Be it a nightmare or otherwise. A sort of ‘bubble’, as We like to call it, conjures itself around the soul. From then on it plays out to the pony like any other Dream… this is extremely difficult to explain to a non-dreamwalker...” She mumbled the last part.

“Don’t worry Moony. I think I get it.” I look around once again. “This may be dumb of me to ask, but what made this place? If you know what I mean.”

“We do, Ember. It is astral magic that allows this realm to exist. We know not how this realm was created, nor who or what created it. We have only come as far as manipulating it.” She added.

“Oh… Wait, astral magicl?” Moony nodded again.

“Yes, magic permeates throughout the entirety of thee… Universe, as thou call it.” I was about to ask another question but she beat me to it.

“Despite what thee might think, magic exists in varying forms. For some can call it divine intervention, a direct link to an ancient power, or what thy kind call it, ‘Science’.”

“Oooooh… That vaguely made sense.” Moony made a face. “In a very broad sort of way.”

“Oh. Perfect then.” She smiled. “What would thou like to do while here, Ember?” I think for a bit and shrug.

“Don’t know. I thought there’d be more to this place.” But then a literal light bulb lit up over my head. “But I do have an idea. Can I create one of those bubble things you talked about?”

“We honestly do not know, but tis possible. Just concentrate on what thou wants to create and it should manifest.”

“Oh! Alright, let’s give it a try then...” I close my eyes and envision my old world as I remember it. And jugging from the gasp I heard after a while, I did it right. I reopen my eyes and gaze on in nostalgic glee. We’re in the middle of Time Square, New York.

“Is… is this...” I look over to Moony and has thee most adorable awed face I’ve seen.

“Yup, my old home. I wonder how it’s doing now...”

“... Never have we seen so many… beings in one place.”

“That’s just because this city had over four million people living in it, I think… When I still lived on that planet anyway.” Moony gawks at me.

“Truly thou art deceiving us!” She said disbelievingly.

“Why would I need to lie to my little Princess?” I asked.

“But, if this be true, how many of thou kind reside in thou world?”

“Before I came here… I’d say about eight billion. If remember correctly.” The look on Moony’s face was priceless. Too bad Tia wasn’t here to share the merriment. Wait…

“Moony?” She shook herself from her stupor and regarded me with a curious expression. “Can you get Tia here? She should be asleep shouldn't she?” At that Moony’s face lit up like a star.

“Why yes! You wish to share what thous hast shown us with Sister?” I nod. “How wonderful! We shall bring her at once!” With at Moony blinked out of existence. Only to return a few moments later with Tia and a large cake. It was floating in her aura and she had her mouth opened wide, facing the cake.

It took me half a second to realize what her dream may have been about.

“BWAAAAHHAAAHHAAHJAAHHAAAAA!” I let out my classic wheezing laugh that makes me sound like a stereotypical old man. Stereotypical. I’m anything but that stereotype.

*eep* The cutest little squeak I’ve heard came from a very embarrassed Celly. Her mouth closed, her muzzled scrunched up, and her cheeks tinted a nice bright shade of red. If it weren’t for her tall stature I would’ve laughed harder. That face was only cuter when she was a foal.

Not that she wasn’t still my adorable little princess, mind you… Heh, I might as well be their second father...

I heard Moony titter a little bit when I managed to calm myself down a little.

“Hooo… Hohohwahahaha!” The last bits of laughter leave my lips. “Whew, that was funny. I didn’t think you’d become that much of a fan of cakes, Celly.” I wipe a tear from my eye.

“I… Yes...”

“And let me guess; Moony just pulled from some field covered in cakes or something?” Her blush intensified, I laughed some more. But then she decided to pout. “Aww, c’mon Celly. I’m just messin’ with ya.” I walk over to her and put an arm around her withers.

“I know. It’s just… It has been so long, since anypony has joked like that around me, or joked at me at all for that matter.” I sense where this is going and pull my little day princess up for my old patented bear hug. (Patent Pending)

“Shh. It’s ok. I’m back. And I’m not leaving you two again.” I also bring Moony into the hug and they both wrap all of their limbs around. Legs and wings.

We stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, but in a good way. I just wish Discord was here to-

*WHUMP* I felt something slam into me. I look to my right and saw that Discord joined the group hug. But… We’re in a dream…

“Discord?” Celly asked.

“Thee one and only!” He proudly stated.

“What’re you doing here? You knew we were here or something?” I asked.

“More or less.” He answered with a smile. I shrug and file his little, stunt, as ‘Discord being himself’. And basked in the nice, warm embrace.

*Ahem* Discord cut the hug short. “I hope this doesn’t put a damper of the festivities. Buuuuut… Tirek may or may not be out and about.” It took me a full minute to process the words that passed Discords lips. Same could be said for the girls.

Once I fully understood the statement, I very slowly turned to Discord. And if his worried, sheepish face had anything to say, well,

“You helped him, didn’t you?” I said, more as a statement than a question. Discord visibly winced and he hung his head a little.

“He… he tricked me. He made me think we could rule Equestria.”

“Don’t care,” I suddenly said. Rage building to unmanageable levels. “going to kill him, now.” I will myself to wake up, but Discord shouting made me stop.

“You can’t! He’s already absorbed every single pony’s magic! He’ll steal yours too!” I turned just my head to him this time.

“You’re… right. I can't do shit without making it a suicide mission.” I slouch a little. “Then what do we do?”

“Let me handle this.” Discord said, his goat face set on determination mode. “I started this. I can end this.” I shoot him a scrutinizing look.

“... Can I… even trust you?” I ask. Discord flinched. “I know I should, but last time you said something like that...” An image of Discord as a statue briefly flashed in my head. Discord knew what I meant and his body slackened, for lack of a better word.

“I… I know… But… But this time, I won’t fail you three.” His face hardened. “I know I… Bucked up in the past.” He sniffed. “But this time… this time, I will do the right thing.” His paw rest on his chest. Shock briefly registering on his face. The girls didn’t seem to notice though, good for him I guess.

But anyway. I could tell his was being sincere, genuine even. And the slightly pained, expectant look on his face told me he was actually being true to himself and us.

That was all I needed.

I walked up to him and pulled him into a bone-crushing man hug. It lasted in silence before I let go.

“There’s the Discord I know.” I said, smiling. “I’ll go with you no objections.” His widening grin turned into a resigned grimace.

“Alright… Just don’t get close to Tirek, at all. Ok?” I smirked at him.

“No promises.” Everyone kinda chuckled at that. “But seriously.” I said. Noticing their unhappy looks. “I’m going to do everything in my power to absolutely destroy that bastard.”

“You speak as if you know him personally.” Moony said.

“I may have run into him before he went to Tartarus.” I replied. “Not a good time, if you can tell.” I added. Moony nodded slowly. “Now. Let’s do this.” I look to Discord expectantly and he snaps his fingers. Then everything goes white.

My eyes flutter open, the first thing I see. Blue, with dots of white.

Figuring I was laying on the ground somewhere in the open. I get up and look around. I'm back in Ponyville. Why did Discord bring me here?

“Ah, Discord.” Oh, that’s why. I turned to the direction that voice came from. And stare a little in awe at what was before me. There he was, towering over the tallest building of this village.

“Have you already stolen all the pony’s magic?” I heard Discord ask. Since the towering being didn’t notice me I quickly took cover behind a building. Daring to peek from its corner. Discord and Tirek converse for a while. And the gist of what they said was as follows: The plan worked. The ponies won’t stand a chance against them. And me, along with the princesses, were fools for trusting Discord.

fools…

Fools…

FOOLS! Discord said that we were idiots trusting him.

*When I get my hands on both of you I’m tearing you heads off and dump piles of shit down your FUCKING THROATS!* Discord glanced in my direction and smirked. As much as I wanted to just that right then and there. I couldn’t. There was nothing I could do against Tirek as this point. If he stole all my magic from me. I’m good as dead. So all I could do was watch. Watch as those two demons went to town after town, city after city, village after village. Stealing more and more of the pony’s magic. I had no idea why they didn’t start with Ponyville. Bt knowing Discord, he has something planned.

Nothing kept my rage from building though. By the time they started making their way to New Canterlot. Tirek was easily the size of a small mansion. And wisps of flame were dancing around my body. I teleported to Celestia and Luna, namely their throne room. And there they were. Including a third alicorn. I push that train of thought aside.

“He’s coming.” I said ominously. It was at that time I noticed their names weren’t flowing like they usually did. And the three of them were missing their cutie marks. “What happened?” I asked.

“We surrendered our magic to Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia tiredly answered. “She went back to Ponyville.” I nodded and prepared to teleport again.

“Wait.” Moony weakly called out. I canceled the spell I turned to her. “... Be careful.” I felt my tense muscles soften for a second.

“I will.” I went over to my little Princesses and brought them close for another hug…

… And probably the last.

No. I will be back to see them. I will kill Tirek with god as my fucking witness.

… Well, whoever is watching at this point.

I teleport to Ponyville and look for Twilight.

“So what will it be, Twilight; Your friends? Or your magic?” Tirek asked. I couldn't believe what transpired not just a few minutes ago. I spent practically an hour looking for Twilight, failing in the process. Then this fucker shows up and Twilight comes out of her home and fights him. And the fucking battle was something straight out of Dragon Ball Z. Especially when Twilight Kamehameha’d Tirek’s ass.

But the fucker still didn’t go down! He even brought her friends into it! If it weren’t for his ability to steal magic I’ve already would have taken him down six feet under. Or maybe a few hundred.

But when I saw Twilight trade magic for her friends. The same magic that belonged to My. Little. Princesses.

I fucking lost it.

At that moment. The very moment I saw the last of Moony’s and Celly’s magic get swallowed by Tirek. I let my all of my anger take over. The wisps of fiery hatred grew and expanded all over my body. Dimly noted that it changed from its yellow color to a hellish red. Now like a white center that gradients to red. No, the fire that now made up my entire being fully red. No other color but shades of red, I look like a star in the shape of a human.

But anyway, as much as I wanted to admire my new looks, since last time I burst into rage flames they looked like a normal fire. I had some more important things to do. Like murder a certain centaur.

So, without further delaying myself, I launch into the sky with speeds comparable to The Blackbird. Making a spectacular sonic boom wit fire and crap.

I apologize in advance, my memory of events from that point become quite hazy. The only things I remember trading a few blows with Tirek after I socked him hard enough to be sent flying a good while. Then next thing I’m frozen in place.

*Whoa, what? The fuck?* I struggle a bit, then turn to Tirek. The ball of magic lit up in between his horns. *Aww FUCK ME!*

“I must admit, pewny mortal, you gave a good fight. Too bad it had to end so shortly.” I started floating towards him. And struggling turned into flatout writhing. I tried in vain to escape his magical grip. But with all the magic of Equestria running through him. I was powerless. “To think you even had a chance at defeating me? Preposterous!” He bellowed.

*No! No! This isn’t how it ends! It’s not how…* The flames winked out. Reverting back to my original form. All I could do was sit there and wait until he took my magic. *No…* Images of Moony and Celly flitted through my head. *No…* Their tired, scared looks bore into me. *No…*

“Be careful...” Moony’s now last words rang in my mind as Tirek started draining me of my magic. That probably would’ve been painful if I was still lucid…

*I’m sorry Celly. I’m sorry Moony. I… I failed you…* That was my last coherent thought before I slipped into whatever afterlife the ponies have.

White. Nothing but white. Everything was one shade of white.

*Am I in heaven?*

“Not quite.” I twist this way and that. Looking for the source of the voice. I then realized I’m standing on something, my body back to before I changed to an anthro. Blue, jeans, Niner’s shirt and all. “Over here.” I heard a giggle. When I finally saw who spoke, I felt my jaw drop.

There were two Alicorns, one stallion and one mare. Both having pristine white fur. While the stallion had black, curly hair with streaks and white and grey that drooped over his face with grey eyes. The mare had stock red hair that look remarkably like Twilights. Stopping right at the forehead, with bright blue eyes that go well with her colors. A quick glance showed a red gradient feather dipped in an inkwell for the mare. And a pencil atop two papers; one with cartoon writing, the other with a drawing of a familiar looking head. Looked like some character with small ponytails on each side of what I assume is her head.

“Ah, we finally meet the at last. Ember.” Redhead said.

“Um, yeah.” I said, not very certain whether it’s a good thing or not. “But, how do you know me?”

“We have been watching you for quite some time Ember.” The stallion answered.

“Bwuh… how? And why?” I sputtered. How were they watching me? How do I know they’ve been watching me?

“That one is quite simple to answer.” Reddy suddenly said. “How else would we be sure our daughters were in good hooves? Or hands, given the circumstances.” What?

“Wait, daughters? Who...” Alicorns… plus Celly and Moony, plus huge white room. Oh… Oh. “You’re their parents?” I breathed. They nodded. “Oh, wow, ok. Well, it’s nice meeting you two as well.” I walk up to them and hold out my hand. Taking the hint that shake hooves to hand with me. “Alright, now that’s not awkward for me… Uh, names?” I haphazardly asked. I still get it through my head that I’m talking to Celly and Moony’s parents! Holy crap! But that also means… oh…

“Oh! How could we forget! My name is Lauren Faust.” The newly named mare introduced herself.

“And you can call me Craig McCracken. Or Craig, for short.” The stallion smirked at Lauren. She just smiled playfully back at him.

“And we both know why you’re here.” Lauren said upon seeing my saddened state. “But, it is for that same reason that we decided to bring you to this specific area.”

“What?”

“We wanted to speak to you privately.” Craig clarified.

“Oh.”

“And we firstly wanted to say thank you. For taking care of our girls. You have no inkling as to how much we appreciate it.” That got me to smile a bit.

“Oh, I don’t know. I might have an idea.” They chuckled. But their features quickly became somber, so did I.

“I think you should tell him already, honey.” I heard Craig whisper to Lauren.

“Tell me what?” I perked up slightly, and Lauren kind of glared at Craig.

“We shall give you a second chance.” She declared.

“Oh… ok… Wait. What!?” At first I thought it was gonna be something negative! The hell!?

“She said we’re gonna send you back to the living.” Craig, once again, clarified. I took me a couple seconds, or minutes, or maybe half an hour, to process what they said.

“... Why?” I finally ask.

“Think of it as repayment for caring for our girls for so long. And there’s a bit of a surprise in it too. I think you and the girls will like it.” At that I frown. Despite the sheer of overloading joy that flooded my senses.

“What surprise? If you’ve watched me as long as you have then you should know I’m not a big fan of surprises.”

“D’oh, fine.” Craig smiled. “We’re making you an alicorn. Mostly to rekindle our race.” When he said I gapped. Mostly because there were already four alicorns. But then I thought, ‘Eh, fuck it.’ And nodded in barely restrained glee. But there were still a few questions I had to ask. And one request.

“This is all extremely wonderful. Thank you. But do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

“Of course not! We have all the time you need.” Answered Lauren.

“Alright,” I nodded. “What happens to Tirek?”

“Oh, we’ll take of him, don’t worry about that.” Craig answered.

“Good.” Smile. “What of Discord?”

“He has been reformed.” Lauren stated matter-of-factly. “He has been even before he went to go warn you. You should really put more trust in him.” She chided. “Even though he did go behind your back at first.”

“I know, I’ll work on that.” I scratch the back of my neck. “Anyway, one last thing. Since I’m going back. Can be a ghost for a bit?” Both god-alicorns flinched in a surprised way. Cocking their heads back while staring wide-eyed.

“Uh… t’uh…” Heh, caught them off guard pretty good. “... Why?” Lauren asked.

“I’ve always wanted to know what’s like being a ghost ever since I meet a few haunting an ancient house a couple years ago. And I don’t want it to be permanent. Just a day or two, please?” I put on the most pleading face I could muster. Both alicorns considered and looked at each other. Almost as if they were talking to each other telepathically.

“... We shall grant you this request.” Lauren said when they finished deliberating. “Just one day thought. Luna and Celestia are planning your funeral in two days.”

“All the time I need. And what’ll to my body in the meantime?” Man, I’m already getting pretty uncomfortable. And juding from their faces they aren’t all too happy talking about it either.

“... Your body… shriveled up like a dying flower when Tirek stole your magic. And it wasted away like one too...”

Epilogue: Now this is Heaven...

“Now this is the life...” I lay back in my cloud beach chair.

“Yes, yes it is.” The mare cuddling next to me said. I lazily turned my head to her, her bright green eyes stared back at mine. Her beautiful orange-red mane draping over her face and muzzle, her glossy, dark-tan fur that seemed to sparkled in the mid-afternoon sun -Her fur and eye color a testament to her heritage. She was beautiful.

“And spending it with the mare of my dreams makes it all the more… magical.” I leaned over and breathed the last word into her ear, making her shudder. She always loves it when I do that. Just add a little scritch-scratch and she turns into putty. She let out a giggle.

“You always know how to tease me.” She batted me lightly on my arm.

“I try.” I laugh. We fell silent and continued to watch the blazing sky, it was only a few more hours until evening, so the sky was bathed in bright and brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange and purple. All seemed to swirl and line up in just the right places to make a beautiful masterpiece. It was truly a beautiful.

RIIIIIIING!

Until the patio phone decided to make itself known.

With a groan of complaint from Sunny, I get up and head to the table the phone rested on. The phone, along with every single piece of furniture and appliance, made of cloud fluff. Again the rang just as I picked it up, taking a moment to admire the piece of magitech.

*I’ll never understand how the hell magic works.* I thought with a smile. I put the brick of a phone against my ear.

“Hello?”

“Ember!” It was Celly, huh… What could she want?

“Celly? It’s been a while, what’s up?”

“Please, I need you at Canterlot. Come as soon as you can. It’s urgent.” Oh shit, what happened?

“Alright. Be few in a few.” I hastily put the phone back on its resting place. “Hey Sunny. Celly needs me for something, be back in a bit, sounded urgent.”

“Oh? Alright.” She gave the same concerned look I had. Celly never called me like the way she just did. In fact, she hardly even calls in the first place…

Bah! No matter. She needs me now.

POP!

I teleported to the throne room of New Canterlot and spotted Celly and Moony upon their thrones, staring intently at something across. I briefly wondered what or who they staring at when I faced towards the other end of the chamber.

I felt my stomach drop when I made eye contact with the figure across the large room.

King Claudius, king of the gryphons, was standing in all his damnable glory. His beak and eyes as sharp as ever. His facade of superiority faltered just the tiniest bit when he laid eyes on me. His guards visibly tensed at this.

“Ah, Prince Ember. How… lovely, for us to meet again.” His deep voice reverberated throughout the room.

“Claudius.” I gave a curt nod. *The same cannot be said for you, tyrant.* Last time I saw this waste of life was on the other side of crossed swords. How that bastard is even allowed to set talon on Equestrian soil is lost on me with all that he has done.

“Come now. We’re friends, are we not? You can call me King Claudius.” He said with a smug grin.

“I would, if you were a king.” I responded hotly.

“My patience thins with you, Ember.” He narrowed his eyes at me, he clearly didn’t like my comment.

“Likewise.” I state. The sound of Celly clearing her throat took my attention off the pigeon.

“Ember. I called you here so the four of us can deliberate on a peace treaty.” She smiled.

She… she can’t be serious.

“... Are you kidding me? You want to make peace with that… with that pigeon!?” I wave an arm exasperatedly at the gryphon king.

“That’s it! I have had enough of your insults!” Claudius took to the air and went to rush me. He did so with enough speed I had barely had time to think of a plan; let him get one hit on, and decimate him.

So, with that in mind I let him tackle me and throw a few punches and scratches. Right around the the third time I sprung into action. I got my legs under the bastard and, with a mighty heave, sent him sprawling to the floor. Before he or any of his guard could react I snap my fingers, my magic taking hold of their very beings. With my other hand I let out a shrill whistle by placing two fingers in between my lips. And eight changeling fly in from the shadows. Surprising both the princess and gryphons.

“Replace them.” Was all I said before the changelings nodded, saluted, and went to work. Using some mind spells I taught Chrysalis a while back.

“Ember! What is the meaning of this!?”

“Steps I’m taking to prevent all-out war between ponies and griffins.” I calmly quip. Everyone falls silent, save for the gryphons since I’m keeping their beaks shut, while the changeling effectively copy their memories to their minds. Essentially making them duplicates. And all they to do is- Ah! Now they look the part. Now they just need the clothes and armor.

With nothing else but a mental twitch of the old brain. The heads of all the real gryphons present spin precisely one hundred degrees to the right. WIth them being no more of a threat than cow dung, I drop them and let the changelings continue with their orders. I then turned to face the two mortified faces of Celly and Moony. They went to speak, but I held up a hand to silence them.

“Before you say anything. There almost literally wasn’t a thing you could do from preventing Claudius declaring war on Equestria again. So, I did the best thing I could.”

“Murdering them!? And replace them with changelings!?” Moony shouted.

“Basically, yes.” I nodded a little sagely.

“But, why!? How!?”

“Because, like I said, there really wasn’t anything I could do. And how, well… that really doesn’t matter.” I said while charging up my magic.

“Why would that be!?” An angry white alicorn yelled.

“You won’t remember this, ever.” I snapped my fingers and the same memory spell that a… purple alicorn used to restore memories. But in this case it’s erasing them. I’m sure they’re aren’t happy at this.

SLAM

Yeah… not happy at all. If that piece of pillar somehow crashing on top of me is any indication. But, no matter, I’m doing what I can to keep everyone safe and happy.

It should’ve been made apparent by now. But I feel I should make it clear that I will anything to keep my little princesses safe and happy. Anything.

Anyway, with everything sorted out, the bearers of the Elements of Harmony suddenly walked into the chamber.

“Ah, Twilight and friends. Good to see you all again.” I say by way of greeting.

“Good tah see you too partner.” Applejack tipped her hat to me.

“Ember darling! Good to see you!” Came Rarity’s hello.

“Hey Emby!” Said an exuberant Pinkie.

“Hello Ember.” Smiled Twilight.

“H-i Ember. It’s g-good to see you again.” Fluttershy timidly said.

“Hey Ember, how’s it hangin’?” Asked Rainbow. By this point the sisters shook themselves from the stupor I put them in.

“Ah, hello Twilight.” Celly more or less addressed the young alicorn. “You came just in time. Come, let us delegate this peace treaty.” The girls, ‘gryphons’, and me all follow the her and Moony to a room with a large round table right in the center. We all took our respective seats. Me sitting between the solar and nightly diarchs. The element bearers to the right. And the ‘gryphons’ to the left. All of them oblivious to the quite clean travesty that happened not more than three minutes ago.

And that is how it’s going to stay.

Hours of boring political delegations later…

Jesus christ, I’d never think talking about the finer details of a peace treaty would take so fucking long! At least I had some form of entertainment with my girls by pretending to fall asleep every once in awhile. Causing either Celly or Moony nudging me with an elbow. It also got some snickers from the ponies and changelings disguised as gryphons. But, that ended when they started glaring daggers at me. Too bad I could speak daggers at them for no probable cause.

Anyway, with the treaty signed --by the princesses, gryphons, and me for some reason-- we all left to go retire for the day. I had to put trust in the changelings that they would properly rule Gryphon Stone with the late king’s memories. Bah, who am I kidding, of course they’ll do it properly. And I just gave them a new supply of love to boot.

So with the threat of war long gone, I teleported home and was immediately tackled by Sunny Skies.

“Hey Sunny.” I manage to say before she locked lips with mine.

“You said you’d be gone for a little bit.” She pouted once we broke the kiss.

“I know, things just got a little hectic. There was a peace treaty signing between the Equestria and Gryphon Stone.” Sunny winced, remembering the stories I’ve told her.

“Oh, that bad huh?” She slowly got off me, brushing a hoof a little too close to home before she stood up.

“Yeah, how ‘bout we got to bed. Feelin’ kinda tired.” I groaned while I got up. The cloud floor is pretty comfortable, what with it being made of cloud and all, but the cloud was just that much better in comparison.

“But-but I was hoping we could have some fun before we go to bed! You left me alone all day!” And humphed and crossed her forelegs, pouting like a foal.

“Then you can be on top this time.” I feigned a yawn. “And I swear, you’re such a foal sometimes.” I crack a smile.

“Well someone’s gotta be fun around here!”

“Hey! I can be fun too!”

“Fun isn’t juggling knives on fire.”

“It is for me.” I grumbled. “C’mon, let’s have dinner before we go to bed.” I looked out the window and saw the moon already rising from the horizon.

“Hmph! Fine. But you better be extra fun in bed this time!”