Zemrite opens his eyes and sits up. He was in a beautiful moonlit field with a gentle wind blowing through the slightly tall grass. He stands up and looks around, his eyes gazing into the beautiful scenery before him. Though he winces when he looks up to see the full moon shining upon him. He starts expecting the worst, but fortunately, it never comes.

“Rest easy, Zemrite. You will not shift here.”

Zemrite turned to see Luna lowering herself to the ground from flight., he hears another voice afterwards.

“Good evening to you, Zemrite. I trust you are sleeping well?”

Asked Celestia as she lands behind him, both of the sisters seemed quite happy to see Zemrite. He looks between them both.

“This is a dream...I know that. And I know Lulu is Lulu, but are you the real Tia? Or is this all part of something I conjured up?”

Celestia giggled lightly.

“No sweetie. Lulu has linked us into the same dream. We’d figure we’d both come and check on you. It has been nearly a month now. You need to come and visit us more often.”

Zemrite nods.

“I want to come see you two more often, but I know you both have busy schedules. I just don’t want to distract you is all.”

“Oh believe us, we could always use a good distraction from all the craziness during our court times.”

Celestia nodded, both sisters walking over to Zemrite and sit down beside him on a large smooth rock that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. They both pat the middle, inviting him to come and sit with them.

“Indeed...we may be the rulers of Equestria, but we do get tired to. The nobles come and complain to us about the silliest things. We would most definitely welcome you.”

Zemrite nods and sits down with them, they both wrap him in a warm hug and nuzzle against him, their ample breasts pressing up against his arms which make him blush hard. They were so so very warm and soft…

“We also want more cuddle time with your wolf form to...we miss brushing your fur and just over all spoiling you.”

Celestia said with a giggle.

“But we have another reason for coming to you this night, Zemrite. The Grand Galloping Gala is coming up. And we were wondering if...well...if you’d like to come?”

Zemrite arched a brow at Luna’s question, then looks back to Celestia.

“You sure you both want me to come to a gathering like that?”

Celestia can sense his worry, though she reassures him.

“Not to worry, Zemrite. It will be masquerade themed, everypony will be wearing masks so you will fit in quite nicely.”

That did make him feel a bit better. But a masquerade gala? That certainly didn’t happen in the TV show back home. He thinks it over for a moment, he then smiles and nods.

“I will go as long as Twi and the others get invitations as well.”

Celestia giggles again.

“It’s funny, Twilight said the same thing in a letter she wrote to me. She and the others didn’t want to go unless you were attending as well.”

Zemrite arched a brow at this. Clearly, he was surprised that the others wanted him to go as well. He has spent plenty of time with Twilight and Fluttershy, but Dash and the others wanted him to go to?

“Well then, I guess I will be coming as well then. Don’t want to let them down after all.”

The two sisters look composed on the outside, but both were squeeing like little fillies on the inside, for they had plans for Zemrite on the night of the Gala..or after the Gala rather. What was it exactly? Who knows.

“The Gala will be in a week. We both look forward to seeing you there, Zemrite.”

Said Luna with a warm smile.

“Oh yes.And we do hope that you and the others will stay the night. We have invited twilight and her friends to stay in the guest chambers, and there is plenty more should you want to stay as well.”

Zemrite, remember just how comfy those beds were, he’d be a fool to pass up that opportunity again.

“If it doesn’t cause you both any trouble, Iam definitely down for a good afterparty.”

He said with a wide grin.

“And we all know the real fun begins when the stuffy snobby nobles leave the castle.”

Both of them giggled with a hand over their muzzles. Both knowing it is all too true.

“Well then, we look forward to having you and the girls. Until then, sleep well, Zemrite.”

They both lean in and kiss his cheek, this making his heart skip both in and out of the dream realm.

--The Night Of The Gala--

Zemrite walked into the room where the Gala was being held. The girls had split off to go do their own thing. Rarity went and mingled with the crowd, Pinkie when to go spice things up in her own way, Dash went to hang out with the Wonderbolts, Applejack sells her various apple related foods, and Fluttershy was out in the garden for sure. No doubt that Twilight was seeking to be at the side of Celestia. Things were going as they did in the show..well mostly anyways. He remembers the events, but a masquerade was definitely not in the show. And with everypony wearing a mask, he couldn’t tell who was who. Then again, no one could tell who he was either, since he wore both a mask and his cloak with his hood over his head.

Most ponies stayed away from him though, due to his dark appearance. But he didn’t mind this one bit. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen tonight that would indeed put everyone in danger even the princesses themselves. It bugged him to no end. He was glad he kept his bag of holding with him at all times. This was his inventory back in the game, but now it was just a simple magically enhanced bag that stored all his weapons and items.Why was he getting such a nagging feeling from this night? It’s not going to be a full moon. So what the hell is bothering him so much? He shrugs it off or, tries to at least.

Maybe some food will calm me down…

He thought to himself. Making his way through the crowd, he gently pushes people out of the way so that he had enough room to slip by. This was a passive skill of his when moving through large crowds. The skill, named ‘Blend In’ was a valuable skill to have, especially when escaping npc enemies and actual player enemies. This is usually an assassin class skill, but he felt it was necessary to obtain. He was able to obtain the skill simply because it was in the beginner tree of the assassin skill set. He also obtained ‘dagger wielding’ but, he relies more on his shadowmancing and bow skills. Once he made it to the food table, he lifts up his mask slightly and begins stuffing his face.

Just eat..smother the worry. Everything will be fine…

“Ah, there you are!”

Shouted a familiar voice from behind him. He quickly swallows his food and pulls his mask back down, turning around to see Luna dressed in a beautiful black and blue dress with light blue accents and trimming. She was wearing one of this common masks that you see at every masquerade. But the dress she wore...it showed her off nicely...VERY nicely.

“Hey there Lulu. I guess you could tell it was me huh?”

She giggled lightly and nodded.

“I don’t know any other pony who wears a mask like that, nor dresses the way you do.”

She was clearly teasing him but, in a fun and playful way. He chuckled in return

“You look beautiful Lulu. The dress is a little revealing, not that I am complaining, though.”

She blushes slightly and fidgets with her hands, looking down at the ground.

“You really like it? I was so nervous coming here tonight. But knowing you were coming, I just had to show up.”

“And I am glad you did come. And I know for sure that Tia is happy you did as well.”

He reaches up and pets her head gently. He didn;t know why, but he just did. Maybe it is just an old habit that never dies. Back in the game, he was the tallest among all his guildmates and friends. The younger members always called him ‘big brother’ because of his gentle and caring nature. He’d always pat them on the head or listen to them if that had in game or real world problems. Then again, his character was older than everyone in the guild, even the guild master. Luna didn’t pull away from his gentle touch, in fact, she leaned into it, a large blush forming on her cheeks, but a big smile as well. Then she snapped back to reality.

“Ah, Tia is looking for you as well Zemrite. She wishes to say hello and spend a bit of time with you.”

“You are coming to, aren’t you Lulu?”

“I will be there in a few minutes. I need to make sure that the guards are stationed at their proper posts.”

He nods to her.

“Hurry back, Lulu. It’s not a party without you.”

He said before heading off into Celestia’s direction. Leaving Luna giggling on the inside like a lovesick filly. Zemrite eventually made his way to the place where Celestia had been spending the evening. At the top of the stairs greeting all those that came in. She looked so...bored. No one could tell just by looking at her. Always smiling and greeting her subjects. So routine.She had Twilight beside her, that helped a little. Zemrite approached her. She wasn’t even looking his direction.

“Good evening, welcome to the Gala.”

She said plainly.

“You look just as bored as I do Tia.”

That nickname, and that voice. Suddenly her gaze shot to him quickly and her eyes widened and sparkled.

“Oooh you made it!”

She said as she wrapped him in a tight hug, smothering him with her large breasts in the process. Twilight’s face went into one of shock as she watched her mentor suffocate Zemrite with her ample chest with a hug.

“I am so so happy you came Zemrite!”

He lightly taps her arms as a signal to release him, she quickly does too. He then takes in a gasp of air.

“”Oh my..I am so sorry! I was just so excited! I…”

“It’s alright, Tia. Just...warn me next time…”

That is about as close to tits I have gotten out of the game...holy hell!

He thought to himself, happy that he was wearing a full mask to hide his massive bluish. And what Celestia was wearing wasn’t helping either. She wore something similar to Luna, but it was pure white with gold accents and trimming. Twilight was curious about the relationship between Zemrite and the princesses. They seemed to respond happily when he calls them ‘Lulu’ or ‘Tia’. She’d have to get answers out of him at some point. But for now, they were to just enjoy the evening, hoping that Luna would join them soon.

--An Hour Later--

The Gala was now in full swing. Everyone was having a good time. Eventually, all the girls had gathered in the gala hall, and Zemrite, Twilight and the princesses moved in there as well. Everything was going fine. Until Zemrite heard something he had never EVER hoped to hear outside of the game. A blood-curling demonic howl and the sound of large paws making its way towards the Gala hall. Every single pony in there had the look of fear and terror on their faces.

“EVERYONE, MOVE AWAY FROM THE MAIN DOORS NOW!!!”

Zemrite shouted at the crowd before leaping over the railing of the stairs.

BOOM!!! CRASH!!!

The doors were smashed open by a large monster. When the dust settled, Zemrite’s eyes widened in horror. It was a Demonic Dread Wolf. A mid-dungeon boss that Zemrite had faced many, many times. And it was here in this world. But how?! He pushed through the crowd, trying to get in front of them all to confront the beast before it could harm any of them. Celestia and Luna were already on the beast, however. They both released a magically concentrated beam from their horns, showing the beast with powerful magic. However, the beast was completely immune, as it had not taken a single scratch from the powerful princesses.

“Tia, Lulu, get back! It has immunity to magic!”

Zemrite shouted. Unfortunately he was too late. The large beast had jumped up and swiped its massive claws across their torsos, leaving large gashes across their bodies. They let out screams of pain as they fall to the floor from flight.

“NO!”

Zemrite shouted. He leaps out in front of them. Bow drawn and arrow already flying toward the beast’s six eyes. He manages to take out three of them. The beast reels back in pain and paws at its face. Letting out a howl of pain and anger. Zemrite looked back to the bleeding princesses. The mere sight of them brought his anger to a boiling rage. But why? Sure he would have been concerned for his friends, but this was a totally new and personal hatred for the dread wolf now. He turns to the beast, his eyes glowing crimson from behind his mask, a black fiery aura coming from them. His cloak and mask drift away into a dark mist.

"You will pay for this! Do you hear me?!"

He shouted as he brought his bow up again, firing arrow after arrow, his attack speed had quickened. This was a garou ability, ‘Bloodlust’. This ability boosted his attack speed and physical attack strength. Normally activated through a hotbar key, but here, it was activated by anger and hatred. The beast was dodging as many of the arrows as it could, eventually closing the distance between Zemrite and it. Taking a swipe at him and landing a hit across the chest, luckily his armor is more durable than it looks, but it knocks him across the room and slams him into a wall, making him drop his bow. Zemrie lets out a groan of pain as he falls to the floor, he slowly gets up.

There has to be a way I can end this quickly...I could use...That’s right! It is immune to direct magical attacks, but with my type of magic….

He stands up and gets into his shadowmancing stance. A black fiery, dripping aura forming around his hands.

"Complete Shroud!

He screamed. Thrusting his hands into the air and then slamming them down with force. The ground shook as a flash of pure black engulfed the entire castle. Luckily when he did they, the ponies were on the top floor watching and away from dangerous Zemrite glared at the beast with hatred in his eyes.

“Alright, you son of a bitch. You are in my territory now….”

He said before chugging down a mana potion that restored his magic. Using that spell deplete a caster’s mana bar entirely. But thankfully he had plenty of potions on hand. He reaches into his bag of holding. Pulling out something he had been saving for a long time.A rare item drop that he had ninja looted from an assassin he was questing with. He felt bad about it at first but knew he would need it one day. And here it was, the Demon's Demise.

The battle was now in Zemrite’s favor, even though the beast could see him perfectly, that wasn’t an issue for Zemrite. It charges for him, nearly swiping him against but this time, Zemrite sinks into the darkness with a wicked laugh, reappearing behind the wolf and shoving the blade into his left hind leg, then disappeared again, shoving it into its side and running the blade deep in and across. The beast was howling in pain as Zemrite appeared all over, landing blow after blow quicker than the wolf can respond. Yes, it was indeed in his realm now, the realm of a shadowmancer. In complete darkness, a shadoamncer is at full power. At night, he is at normal power, and during the day his power is cut in half. That is why it is essential that when dealing with a high-level enemy, and you are alone as a shadowmancer, you use this spell and end it quickly. For the Complete Shroud only lasts so long.

If one could see in the darkness of what Zemrite looked like while he moved, they’d see what looked like a figure drifting about with tattered and frayed robes that float without the wind. And his crimson eyes glowing under a hood. This was a shadowmancers true form in complete darkness. The dread wolf was starting to realize it wasn’t going to win this battle. It tries to make a break for the exit however, it falls to the ground just as Zemrite cuts all the tendons of it’s legs. Letting out a painful whine and yelp as it could no longer move or stand. Zemrite appears in front of the beast, who now had a look of fear in it’s eyes as it stared at its executioner.

“Die.”

Was all he said before plunging the blade into the beast's head, all the way until the blade couldn’t sink any lower. He even dug it and twisted it around for good measure. Even though the beast died once the blade penetrated its brain. He didn’t waste anytime in running to the sides off the princesses who were still clinging onto life. Without even thinking he takes out two health serum potions, the most powerful he has and immediately has them drink them, each time holding their heads up in his arms then laying them back down.

Please...please work for them…

He repeated in his head over and over. Eventually, the wounds began to slowly close up, completely healing them of their wounds, they quickly sit up and gasp for air. They look down at their torso and see...it is completely healed. Not even feeling any lingering pain.

“Zemrite...how…?”

“I took a risk and gave you and Lulu a couple of my potions...I couldn’t let you two bleed out while waiting for help…”

“Well, you have done me and my sister a great service...we both owe you our lived, Zemrite…”

When they looked up to him however, they saw the true form he took in the darkness,as the spell hasn’t worn off yet. They both shudder in fear at what they are seeing. But know that it is him.

“You two need to get out of here. I am sure that you do not want your subject to see that your dresses are completely ruined...and that you are pretty much naked.”

They both gasp and blush heavily as they cover themselves., they could indeed feel that their flesh was exposed.

“Lulu, teleport us to my chambers, Zemrite as well. The last thing they need to see is the one who killed….whatever that thing is.”

“Of course Tia.”

Zemrite saw the shroud beginning to flash in and out, quickly with every second.

“Hurry!”

He exclaimed. And just in time, the three of them were gone.

Author's Note

And here you go everyone. Another chapter!

May the darkness grant you peace.