A Shadow Caught In The Sun

by Mystogan Vokunkiin

Rating: mature
Tags: Sex, Tragedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Main 6, Princess Luna, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Nightmare Moon, Romance
Length: 49323

Maverick, a straight out of high school kid going right into college is playing his favorite VRMMORPG During his break before college However, something goes wrong, and he is dragged into a new world as his character.

AS ALWAYS, READ THE DESCRIPTION BEFORE THE STORY! THANK YOU!

(Alright everyone, take two of this story. And this time, I know I will succeed. Moon Elf/Garou x Royal Sisters fic. Have any questions, ask me.)

You ever play a game for so long that it becomes part of your daily routine? Well one college student has been playing this game since he was a freshman in high school it is a VRMMORPG or 'Virtual Reality Multi-Massive Online Role-Playing Game'. The game is called 'De Terra Magicam Habet' or 'Land Of Magical Beings'. Your typical fantasy game. However, there is a twist. Your character ages and dies. However, if you character has a child, you can continues as that child. He was able to get his human garou to marry a female moon elf. And thus, they had a child together and named him Zemrite

This child grew up, having the abilities to gain a class and a sub class due to his half and half blood A shadowmancer and a ranger. This class was named 'Ghost' Because the attacks were never really seen. And that is how Maverick liked his character, sneaky and deadly.

However, on a boss raid one day, this party wipes. Everyone dies, including him. But something was off. He felt like he was...really dying. A voice speaks to him from the darkness asking him.

"Do you wish to be reborn in a new land?"

He thinks this was something the devs may have cooked up, so he says yes. Little did he know that he will never return to his human body ever again, and this time, be reborn in his character's body. This new land seemed somewhat familiar to him. and it was so..colorful and bright. And once he realizes he isn't in the game anymore. His life gets interesting, as he is now in the world of Equinus, and in the land of Equestria.

Published 2017-01-09 18:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-11-24 21:10:44 UTC

Prologue: Reborn From The Shadows

It was a cold winter’s morning. And it was time for Maverick to do his daily routine. Get up, get a shower, have breakfast, and spend most of his day back in bed with his VR headgear as he normally did. He was trying to get in as much game time as possible before college hit. He knows that when that time comes, it’s going to be school first, then gaming. Once he had finished showering and eating, he puts on a clean shirt and cargo pants. He lays back down on his bed and slips his headgear back on. He smiled to himself and closes his eyes. He reaches up and pressing a button on the side of the helmet, then places his hand back down as the headgear takes control.

At first, nothing but white, then a light brown ceiling comes into view. Then a pair of metal clawed hands come into view. He moves his fingers up and down, the sound of sharp metallic metal rubbing together.

“Heheh...good to be back as always…”

He said as he got out of bed, the large man walks over to the mirror.

“Good to see you as always Zemrite. What are we gonna do today?”

He said as he opens up his interface, tapping a few buttons here and there. His cloak and bow appear on his back along with the black book that rested on his hip on a chain. He throws his hood over his head and looks in the mirror. Again.

“Alright...here we go.”

Suddenly there was a sound of a bell ringing in his ear and then a voice.

“Come on Zemrite! The rest of us are waiting for you, bro!”

“Yeah yeah, I am on my way. Geez, I can’t even have any peace and quiet to get ready?”

“Nope, let’s roll!”

--Town Square--

“So when is this Ghost of yours suppose to show up?”

Asked the tank of the group, acting all high and mighty because he is the damage taker and thinks the party can’t survive without him.

“He is coming. I just messaged him. And you’d be wise to show him some respect when he gets here. The Ghost class is a mix of ranger and shadowmancer. And shadowmancer isn’t an easy class to obtain. Not to mention his racial skills are quite handy. He is half moon elf and half garou. It’s a very scary combination.”

Said the sorcerer of the group. Soon he felt the cold steel of Zemrite’s claws on his shoulder. Making him jump a bit.

“It’s alright Milo. He is just upset that he is stuck as a run of the mill punching bag for the mobs. And without our lovely healer, Misha, He wouldn’t last a minute with the boss we are heading for today.”

“What your mouth! If it was just a one on one duel with me and you, I would have you down on the ground in no time flat!”

Zemrite laughed lightly, the eyes of his mask glowing brightly.

Please...a noob like you is only good for taking hits whenever the rest of us are throwing our attacks and risking our necks. All you have to do is stand there and swing your sword while a healer makes sure that you don’t die. Without healers you would be nothing. In fact you will learn to respect my guildmates. Should you disrespect Misha in anyway...she may just ignore your screams of pain and let you die while we all escape. Leaving you alone with the aggro.”

Misha giggled cutely and nodded.

“You know me too well, Zemrite.”

They all three laugh and begin the journey to the lair of the bos. They were going to meet up with a few other parties to join a raid. The guardian simply growled in annoyance but followed.

“I bet you got to the status you are at with nothing but cash shop items…”

Zemrite laughed again.

“Cash shop items in this game are purely cosmetic. The only thing I bought from the shop was this mask because it was a sponsored event. My armor and everything else is four years of hard work and dedication to this game. You on the other hand look like you have been only playing for a few months. So quit your bitching or we can always find another guardian who is better than you.”

--Jack The Reaper’s Boss Room--

Once the raid party got passed all the lower level enemies in the lair, they finally made it to the boss room. Before they pulled however, they all made sure they were healed up and buffed. The clerics and mystics casting their spells on their party members. Once everyone was buffed up and ready. The attack began

"CHARGE!!!"

Everyone shouted with might. The tanks and the close range DPS players moved in quick. While the magic casters and rangers stood back and let loose the massive damaging attacks on the boss. The boss was a hooded figure with glowing red eyes, wielding a massive scythe and unholy magic. He was an undead after all. Zemrite and the other rangers stood in a line in front of the magic casters, him standing in the middle and up front.

“Ready your volleys!”

The cast time was relatively quick, each ranger sending down a barrage of arrows onto the boss, then Zemrite released his.

“Shadow Volley!”

He yelled out loud as he pulled back on his bow string, multiple shadow arrows forming before he releases them. His arrows were like regular arrows, but had a magical corroding over time bonus to them. This went on for awhile. Milo looked back to Zemrite.

“What’s your RP meter at?!”

“It is nearly full! I just need a bit more time and then I can change!”

‘RP’ or ‘Racial Power’ meter was what enabled him to use his garou powers. Meaning once it is full, he can change into his ‘Crinos Form’. That of which is a massive black and ice grey werewolf that stood about fifteen feet tall. However, this form only lasted for a minute and a half. If it lasted any longer, well that would be very fair would it? See in this form,Zemrite’s health, strength and speed are increased five times of his own, making him a deadly ally or enemy. He has a dire wolf form as well, but that is used mainly for long distance travel..or sometimes to snuggle up with the girls in his guild. Hey, when you have guildmates that are obsessed with wolves and you can turn into one, why not?

“A few more second and it will be ready!. Misha, cast Quick Cast on me!”

“On it!”

She answered,lifting her staff and casting the buff upon him.

“Alright...I am ready!!!”

Zemrite said as he sheathed his bow and began the shift. Black mist forming around him. Normally the cast time took about a minute, but with the buff, it was cut down to thirty seconds. Afterwhich a large hulking wolf beast emerged and let out a blood freezing howl.

“Go tear that boss apart Zemrite!”

Shouted Milo with a knowing grin that after that minute and thirty seconds, that boss’s health was going to be cut in half. The large garou charged forth into battle, leaping into the air and pounces onto the boss. Zemrite began his furious attacks, clawing biting tearing at any part of the boss he could get his claws on. The raid watched on in shock as small chunks of the boss’s HP bar disappeared every second. But like every garou, they had a great weakness, Silver. The boss’s scythe blade was made of that very kind of metal. And when he took a swipe at Zemrite with it, it graze his shoulder, making the beast leap back in pain as it burned his shoulder. But he didn’t have time to worry about that now. His time was limited and he needed to get as much damage in as possible. When his time was up, his health was cut down to half from being hit with the silver blade, but he had managed to get the boss’s health down to half as well. He leaps back to the casters and falls to a knee, changing back to his normal form, and he was exhausted. He looked up at his hud and saw the timer was at thirty seconds

Fuck...we aren’t going to make it…”

“Milo, Misha, we have thirty seconds left! After that we are dead for sure!”

He shouted as he stood up.

“Everyone, teleport now! We can’t finish this in thirty seconds! He is going to use his ultimate attack that will wipe us all out!”

Everyone jumps away from the boss and casts their teleport spells, only to not have them work.

“What…? Why are they..?”

Suddenly a loud female scream echoes about the room, to the point of nearly shattering everyone’s eardrums.

“Cry Of The Banshee…”

A large clock appears behind the boss as it laughs evilly. It counts down, the hand of the clock moving every second.

Five...

Four…

Three…

Two…

One…

The sound of the bell was heard, and everyone fell to the floor dead. Though, something was off with Zemrite. He was...actually dying. His headgear was going off, sending a signal that would send a medical team to his home to try and save him. It was as if he was having a heart attack. His body was now in a black void, struggling to breathe and grasping at his chest for dear life.

“Is...this how I die? From a damned video game boss?”

“It doesn’t have to be this way you know…”

Said a calming voice that sounded like it was a mixture of female and male talking at once.

“You can be sent to a new world. Where your abilities will be of more use. If you want to stay alive and continue.”

“Y-yes….please, I am not ready to die…”

“Very well then. Zemrite, you have been chosen to be reborn. And fittingly for you, from the shadows.”

Zemrite was flung through the void, the mind and soul of his player fusing with him and becoming a real, physical being.

--Canterlot Castle West Garden, Midnight--

Princess Luna was sitting in front of the railing, staring up at the night sky at her beautiful moon. She sighs lightly as she closes her eyes.

“Nothing ever happens here during the night. The only amusing thing I have to look forward to every night is Night Court. And that is still boring as well.”

She said in annoyance, stomping her hoof as she spoke. But, that was all about to change. In the darkest corner of the garden, a dark shadow was growing behind her, almost creeping towards her, it became wider and longer with each inch it moved. She senses something behind her, her eyes widening at what she was seeing.

“By the moon…”

She said shakily as she saw the metallic claws slowly rise from the shadow and claw into the ground, the other soon following as the figure pulled himself slowly out of the ground, his eyes glowing a fierce yellow from his mask that hid his face. He lets out a growl as he continues to struggle to climb out. Once out, he slowly stands to his feet, struggling to stand on them, falling back to his hands and knees. A shadowy aura radiating from his body. He was breathing heavily. Clutching at his chest as he slowly lifts his head, looking up to see…

“Princess...Luna…?”

He asked before collapsing to the ground, passing out from complete exhaustion.

Author's Note

Well, here it is, the prologue of a complete redo. Hope you enjoy

Act 1: A Shadow And A Pair Of Royal Sisters

Zemrite lets out a groan of pain as he opens his eyes, a muffled voice was heard as he slowly sat up, holding his chest where his heart is.

“Sister...is...up!”

He could still feel the after effects of...whatever happen to him. His vision was blurry and he was feeling dizzy. He felt like he was going to vomit. He slowly starts to bring himself to his feet, only to all back to his hands, his arms shaking to hold him up.

“You..to….relax...you...alright?”

Asked another voice, fading in and out as it spoke. He lifts his head to have his vision finally clear and looks at the two...ponies?

“Tia..Lulu? This...this has to be a dream right?”

Both of them look at him with confusion in their eyes and a tilt of their head.

“How is it you know those names, stranger? You don’t even look like you are from this world.”

Luna asked as she as she stared curiously at Zemrite.

“Well, you two are quite famous from where I come from. And all the other ponies that are involved in the show. But you...look more humanish...Wait. I...I remember the boss casting his ultimate ability. And then me and my raid party died…”

He looks back up to them, eyes wide behind his mask.

“And think...I think I died...in the real world. So why am I…?”

He grabs at his head with one hand, the feeling of what felt like a huge migraine hitting him all the sudden. When he sees his hand though, he blinks. It was the hand of Zemrite, his character. That same metallic clawed hand. He gets to his knees and lifts both of his hands up.

“I remember this voice asking me if I wanted to be reborn in a new land.I said yes, and next thing I knew. I was clawing my way out of darkness that felt like it was crawling through molasses. Then I remember seeing you, Lulu…”

Celestia kneels down in front of him and puts a hand on his shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his cloak when she does so. Luna kneeling at his other side. They both examined his mask. It was rather startling, but in a way, very beautiful.

“May we see what is under your mask? Forgive us for prying...we are just curious. We have never seen any being like you before. And your attire seems….very outlandish.”

Zemrite simply nods and reaches up to pull off his hood, his hair falling from it and reveals his elven ears. He brings his hand up to his mask and waves over it, the mask disappearing and revealing his marked face and his rather sinister eyes. They both lean away from him a bit.

“Oh my...that is rather startling to say the least…”

Celestia said, though she found a dark beauty in his markings, she and Luna both wanted to reach out and trace their fingers along them. They also noticed his pointed ears. Like theirs, but more sharper and longer.

“What...exactly are you..?”

Hey both asked in fascination.

“Well, I am half moon elf and half garou.”

Celestia’s eyes widen at that last bit.

“Wait...garou. I have heard that term before. It is in association with the term lupus. You are saying you are half wolf?”

Zemrite nodded.

“Well...technically yes. I was a regular human back in my own world but now...well, I am the very being I created. It’s really weird…”

Luna and Celestia both nod to each other and help the man up.

“Come, everything can wait till later. But right now, it looks like you really need some rest.”

They were both much taller than he was, but he was still a bit heavy. Sot it took both of them to help him into the castle. They eventually got him to one of the guest chambers, opening the door and carefully lowering him onto the bed. He doesn’t even bother with removing his cloak. Once he hits that mattress, he was out like a light. Celestia and Luna giggle quietly and leave the room, carefully closing the door behind them.

“So what do you think Tia? Is he the one you saw in your dream?”

“Well,the way you explain how he...crawled from the shadows. And the way he was explaining how he was reborn. I think he may be the one. He may be the one to combat..’him’ should he ever return. Fight fire with fire.Or in this case...shadow with shadow.”

I am still curious on how he knows those nicknames and how he seemed to know us…”

Said Luna as she placed a finger on her chin in thought. Celestia places a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

“There will be plenty of time for questions later. For now, let him sleep. If what he said is true about transference from one body to another, it must have been divine magic that brought him here. In other words, it must have been Mother.”

“Did you also notice the markings on his face, Tia? They looked like they had been carved into his skin...they looked so painful.”

“Indeed. Do you think they may be the reason why he can do the things he can do with shadows and darkness? I also noticed that he has no malicious intent in his heart. Like, he is a wielder of dark magic, but at the same time he is a kind hearted being to those who show him the same treatment.”

They both start walking down the hall, eyeing the bedroom he was in before heading down the stairs.

“Whatever the case is, it can wait till the morning comes. I am headed back to bed. If he needs anything…”

“Of course sister, I will see to him personally.”

Luna said as she heads back to the throne room, Celestia heading back upstairs to her chambers

--Morning--

Zemrite slowly opens his eyes, placing a hand on his head as a small bit of pain still lingers, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle. He makes his way out of the bed, walking over straight to a mirror and runs his fingers over his face.

“Yep...this is definitely not a dream it seems. Why...do I feel no desire to return back home though? Is it because in my heart I knew Ii would become just some run of the mill office desk jockey? Even after I finished college? Other than play the game..all I did was eat, sleep and went to school. Not like I have much back home waiting for me.”

He lets out a sigh, then laughs to himself.

:Iam literally living every brony’s dream right now. It’s a good show don’t get me wrong. But that’s all I ever did, just watch the show. You figured someone who did that and collected the merchandise hardcore would be here instead of me...oh well.”

He said before masking himself again and pulls his hood over his head.

“Who knows...maybe I will like it here.”

He said as he walks over to the room door and makes his way out, seeing two guards standing outside waiting for him. Both a little startled after seeing such a dark figure emerge from the room.

“Um..Princess Celestia wishes for you to meet her in the royal study, we shall escort you there.”

“Lead the way, fellas.”

He said as he waited for them to go ahead of him. Once they starting walking about the castle, Zemrite looked around at all the architecture of the castle. It was definitely spot on from what he could remember back home in the TV show. Eventually they made it to the study, the guards opening the doors for him and letting him in. One thing he noticed that it was full of rather comfy looking pillows. Then again, he thought she may spend most of her time here if she wasn’t in the throne room. Which he was wondering why she didn’t have him brought there.

“Thank you for bringing him, you are dismissed.”

“But your highness...should we really leave you alone with a being like-.”

“It’s fine, he is no threat to us. At least not yet anyways.”

“As...you wish princess…”

The guard said before backing out and closes the doors behind him. Celestia turns her attention to Zemrite and smiles warmly to him. Motioning to come and sit on the pillow across from her. He does so hesitantly, plopping down on the pillow and crosses his legs, his cloak bellowing out behind him and resting straight on the floor behind him.

“So first off. What is your name?”

Should I give her my character name or my real name? Well...it really shouldn’t matter...since my other body is dead…

“My name is Zemrite. My occupation is a ‘Ghost’,I am also good at alchemy. It is my non-combat profession.”

Celestia nods in fascination, very curious at to what he means by ‘ghost’.

“So tell me Zemrite. What do you mean by the term ‘Ghost’? Apparently you really aren’t one.”

He couldn’t help but laugh and shake his head.

“No no, Tia. By Ghost it is a combination of a ranger and shadowmancer. It was decided the combination of those to classes be called ‘Ghost’. Because their attacks could be rarely seen. I mainly specialize in long range combat, but I can kill someone up close without them knowing until a minute or two. A delayed reaction, and by that time I am already gone.”

Celestia places a finger to her chin in thought.

Hmmm, a deadly being indeed, but since he is here. He won’t have much use for that…

“Yous aid you also specialize in alchemy? Such as potions and such?”

He nodded to her in response.

“Mhmm, I can make health potions, mana potions potions that enhance your strength and speed for a short while. All kinds.”

Celestia tilts her head at the second one he spoke of.

“What is..mana?”

Zemrite reaches into his cloak and pulls out a glass bottle with a glowing royal blue liquid. Inside of it. Celestia stared at it with great curiosity.

“This, is mana. It is a potion that replenishes magical energy when casters like me get low of it.”

He reaches into his clock again and pulls out a red one. It looked like blood.

“This here is a healing potion. Should you ever become wounded, simply drinking this will fix you right up.”

“It...looks like blood.”

“If it looks like blood, then it is a true healing potion. They say if you are able to craft a potion that resembles the color of God’s blood, you are definitely a fine alchemist.”

“And they are safe to drink…?”

“Well, other than having a bitter flavor to them, yes, they are safe to drink. Though I am not sure how the mana potions would work on you..or anypony for that matter.”

“If you don’t mind...I would like to try a mana potion.”

Zemrite quickly places them both back in his cloak.

“Forgive the denial, Tia. But the last thing I need is for the sun princess to be a tripped out on a mana potion. I am not sure it will grant you the same effects as it would with me.”

She gave a cute pouty face at him. She was wondering why he called her by her nickname, and why it didn’t bother her so much. Luna felt the sameway as well when he called her Lulu. Speaking of Luna, she makes her way into the study as he puts up the potions. Celestia looks over to her sister with a big smile.

“Lulu, I have found out quite a bit of information on our guest here. And he is so willing to share!”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I see you as no threat, Tia. Nor do I see Lulu as one.”

Luna walks over to them and sits in front of Zemrite next to Celestia. She looks over to Luna and smiles.

“He is quite a skilled fighter, but even more impressive when he told me he is an accomplished alchemist.”

“Hmmm, very handy indeed. Did he give us a name?”

He did, his name is Zemrite.”

“And does this name hold any particular meaning?”

He blinks and looks away.

“I am not sure you want to know, it’s pretty grim. I don’t know what I was thinking when I chose it at first, it just sounded cool.”

“It can’t be all that bad. Please tell us.”

Said Celestia as she leans in close, along with her sister.

“It means….to die. It’s a word in one of many languages I have back home, it is from a language called czech. It is part of my heritage. I am mostly german...well, I was anyways.”

Both the sisters did lower their ears at such a grim name, but shook their heads.

“It is your name. It doesn’t mean that is who you actually are, in a personality sense anyways.”

“Well, I am just a laid half breed who is trying to make a bit of coin. Back before I was put into this body, I was a an eighteen year old kid who was going straight into college right out of high school. And now, here I am. A half moon elf half garou that controls the power of shadows and can pin a fly to a wall with an arrow without killing it.”

Zemrite could in fact do that. He was at max level back in the game, and it seemed all his items and skills followed him through. He still had all his weaknesses of course. Silver was still a threat to him, and the sun was a threat to his shadowmancy. It cut his power down in half. The sisters looked to each other and whispered to one another.

“What do you think we should do sister? Should we send him down to Ponyville and see how he fairs with them first? We don’t want to cause an uproar in the city.”

“I agree Lulu, maybe it is best if he is introduced to Twilight and her friends. Maybe they could show the others he is no threat. I know that they would hear us, but would still have doubts.”

Celestia’s eyes widen and a heavy blush comes across her face as she felt a hand running over her wings.

“Wow...so soft…”

Celestia looks over at him with a rather cutely embarrassed stare. He quickly pulls away.

“S-Sorry! I couldn’thelp myself! You...have such lovely wings, as do you Lulu. I have always wanted to touch them. Uuumm..Oh! I know!”

He shifts into a black blob for a moment, then out comes a large black and ice grey direwolf, already sitting on his back legs.

“Here you go, feel free to pet me as much as you-...”

Zemrite’s eyes widen at their reaction. They leap towards him and wrap their arms around his large form.

“Oh my...Tia...he is so ,lovely! And such well kept fur!”

“And he is so large! I have never seen wolves this big before. Sure the timberwolves can get this big, but an actual wolf?!”

They both nuzzle their faces into his fur, running their hands through it gently and just all around enjoying the warmth. Zemrite on the other hand was rather...shocked.

“I didn’t think you two would ever have a fondness for wolves. Maybe you Lulu, but certainly not Tia.”

Luna looks up at him with hopeful eyes.

“How...long can you stay like this?”

“Oh I can stay like this for as long as I want. Though shifting back and forth is limited. I mainly use this form to travel long distance. But it seems-.”

“Oooh could you please stay like this for a little longer then? We have always wanted to snuggle a wolf, and the fact that you can change into one at will…”

She lets out an adorable squee as she tightens her arms around him. What has he just done…?

Author's Note

Yeah..I feel like this is going in the right path. Much better than my last version of this story.

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 2: Sent To Ponyville

Act 2: Sent To Ponyville

After being cuddled for HOUR, Zemrite was finally sent off to Ponyville to meet with Celestia’s star pupil, Twilight Sparkle. Zemrite of course, having his knowledge of the human world still intact, was rather excited to meet her. He favored her mostly out of the mane six. Mostly because he found intelligence very attractive in a female. Well, and Fluttershy of course. Cause she is the most adorable thing ever. But he remembered they were going to be anthrofied like the princesses. Keeping his fantasies in check. He finally touches down in Ponyville after being teleported there by Celestia. Stumbling a bit after his first time at being teleported. He felt like he was going to be sick...again.

“So..that’s what real teleportation feels like...gah.”

He said to himself as he places a hand over his gut, luckily the contents of his stomach stay down. He looks about area he was in. From what he could tell, he was definitely in Ponyville now. Should he go and find the Golden Oak Library? Or would Twilight even be there in this world? She may not even be friends with the ponies he knows she is friends with back in the TV show. So much could be different in this universe. Not to mention that others will see him and probably think he is some kind of evil monster. Well...he is sort of a monster, but his wasn’t a monster about it. He shakes his head and peeks out from the side of a building that he was teleported behind.Of course, the streets were populated with familiar ponies he saw in the show, just anthrofied.

“Other than obvious anthrofied bodies...they still look the same…”

He sighs to himself and takes in a deep breath.

“Calm down... everything is gonna be fine...it’s all gonna work out…”

Once he steps foot out of hiding and into plain view for all to see they all turn and stare at him with wide eyes and muzzle agap. He slowly raises a hand and waves his fingers.

“Uuuuh...hi everyone. How’s it going?”

Unfortunately, he forgot that his voice changed from lighthearted and soft to sinister and gravelly. They all began to flee for their lives. Going into buildings and shutting their doors and windows. He blinks behind his mask.

“Geez...Now I definitely know how Zecora felt…”

He said before wandering the streets out in the open now. He looks around at all the buildings. Same design as it was in the show. Pretty much everything looked the same, except the ponies themselves. Zemrite felt eyes on him from whatever open shutters were cracked open. He eventually made it to the Golden Oak, reaching up to knock on the door, doing so a few times. No answer. He does it again. The door slowly opens, he sees a pair of pretty purple eyes gazing out at him with worry in them. He raises a hand and waves.

“Hey Twi..Celestia told me you were expecting me…?”

“Y-yes...please c-come in…”

Zemrite walks into the building. Twilight quickly back up as the tall and imposing being made his way in. She was very pretty, even more so now that he was seeing her up close and in reality. Crazy right? Not only was she there, but all her friends were to it seemed All of them but Fluttershy stared at him with stern looks. Zemrite arched a brow under his mask. He pulls down his hood and removes his mask with a wave of his hand, revealing his face to them. The markings on his face only bringing them to greater concern.

“What..are you?”

Asked Rainbow Dash as she floated over to him and circled around him cautiously.

“Well, I can be a few things really. But for now, I will just say I am a moon elf.”

Twilight herself was fascinated by his appearance, but still rather uneasy as well.

Maybe I should continue to act like I Zemrite when I was in the game. I know Tia and Lulu know a bit about my human past. But maybe I should keep it a secret from them...for now.

“What is a moon elf?”

She asked with intrigue.

“Well, my kind are beings that are extremely well versed in magic and we love to learn about it as much as we can. We generally get along well with other races with no problems. And it takes a lot to get us angry.”

Twilight’s ears perked up at the first part, but she listened to all of he had to says. Next to approach was Rarity. Zemrite was guessing because of the clothing he wore. She took note of the leather armor he was wearing and the metal plating. She then reached out and touched his cloak, blinking at how well made it was and how soft it felt.

“You certainly have a decent sense of fashion and functionality...it just...too much black, darling…”

Zemrite chuckles lightly.

“Well, Ms. Fashionista. It is only natural I wish to wear these kind of clothes because of my profession. I am a ghost after all...well not an actual ghost but-.”

He was cut off by Pinkie screaming.

“A GHOST?! AAAH!”

Zemrite facepalms as he watches the pink party pony run about in the library.

“Not an actual ghost, Pinkie Pie...geez, I should have expected this.”

Zemrite said with a shake of his head. Applejack walks up to him next and stares at him, unamused.

“And how is it, that you know ours names?”

She asked in her southern drawl.Which Zemrite had to admit was a bit sexy. But back to the matter at hand.

“Well,that is a secret I will keep from you all for awhile until I see fit to tell you. I am a complete stranger to all of you and this world..somewhat anyways..”

His gaze turns to Fluttershy, who was hiding behind her mane like she always did. Zemrite couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.

“I know what will get her to warm up to me…”

He said as he backed away from the others and shifted into his fire wolf form again.When he did so, Fluttershy’s eyes widen and a big smile forms across her face.

“Oh my...an actual dire wolf?!”

She said before pushing pass everyone else and wraps her arms around his neck, nuzzling into his soft fur.

“Oooh such a handsome wolf to...so well kept…”

Zemrite wagged his tail happily as he was being snuggled by one of his favorite ponies. Nuzzling into her as well.

“I can also speak in this form as well.”

This time both Fluttershy and Twilight were even more impressed. Both that he could speak, but Twilight was more interested in how he could shift so easily. Other than Pinkie who came over to snug Zemrite as well. They were not so easily swayed. While Fluttershy and Pinkie clung to Zemrite, he looked over to Twilight.

“So, Tia and Lulu have sent me here. Not sure what good it did since everyone ran into their homes or the nearest building. I mean, I know I am scary looking but geez. Zecora is way less frightening than I am. Anyways, she said I was to be staying with one of you until further notice. I know Rarity would want nothing to do with me. I am sure my presence would be bad for her business. Rainbow Dash...not gonna happen, I don’t do cloud homes. Pinkie Pie...too much party time for me. And with Applejack and her family, nah I would only cause trouble there as well. So that would leave Twi and Shy here.”

Fluttershy was surprisingly the first to offer.

“Oh oh oh, you could come and stay with me! I could brush your fur and snuggle you all day long! And...I kind of always wanted to ride a wolf…”

Zemrite blinks at that last part. It wasn’t uncommon though. Some of his guildmates have used him at a mount a few times when they needed to get somewhere quick.

“I think you should stay here with me, Zemrite. The princess has asked me to learn all can about you and what you are..”

Zemrite was torn between the two. His two favorite ponies agreeing to have him stay at their homes. It would totally be worth it to stay in wolf form just to get snuggled by Fluttershy, but it would also be cool to hang out with Twilight and help her take her studies further with discovering a new being.

“I got a better idea. How about you leave Ponyville and go back to where ever it is you came from?”

Asked Dash with her arms crossed under her bust. Zemrite lowered his ears and looks down. Fluttershy and Pinkie opening their mouths in disbelief at her words. Even the others were surprised at this.

"Dash, he may be a stranger, but that doesn't give you the right to-!"

Twilight was cut off by Zemrite, who shook his head

“I can’t. Even if I could, I have no body to return to. I died to be reborn into this form.”

Dash realized she may have stepped on a sensitive subject, she lessens her glare at him and looks away.

“Oh...sorry…”

“It’s alright Dash. You didn’t know. And I know all of you have your doubts about me. But let me ask you this. Don’t you think the princesses wouldn’t have sent me down here if they didn’t have faith in a complete stranger? Especially one who looks like me?”

They all thought on it for a moment. Zemrite did have a point. If their rulers saw fit to send him down here, who are they to judge him. Though, they were still going to keep an eye on him...juuuust in case.

“Maybe I better stay here with Twi. As much as I would love to snuggle up with Shy, I think the princesses are expecting me to stay with her. Sorry Shy. But how about this? I will come visit you and you can snug my wolf form all you want. How does that sound?”

Fluttershy’s ears dropped at the first part of what he said, then perked back up. She nodded with a gentle smile at his question.

“Then it is settled. I will stay with you then Twi.”

“Why do you not use our full names? You speak to us as if you have known us for years.”

“Well, technically I have known all of you for years. And also-”

He looks around the library, noticing one other being missing.

“Uuuh Twi, where is Spike?”

“Spike? Who do you mean? I don’t know anypony named Spike?”

Twilight was genuinely confused as to who he was speaking of.

“Spoke..little purple and green dragon...you hatched him from an egg didn’t you? As a test to enter Celestia’s magic school…”

Twilight thinks back on her test and does indeed remember hatching a dragon, but after that the little guy was never seen again. Probably sent off to live with the dragons. Poor little guy.

“I remember him yes, but I never named him.”

“Oh. I see.”

Well, that’s another thing that is very different in this version of the MLP universe.

He thought to himself before shifting back to his normal form. Fluttershy and Pinkie both giving off a disappointed ‘Aawww…’ before stepping away.

Hopefully, things will get better between him and the others. But enemies will come and disrupt the peace. And then, shadow will have to be fought with shadow

Author's Note

Here you go everyone. Shirt chapter,but I have been very busy as of late. Sorry.

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 3: Making A Scary But Good First Impression

After having the mayor let everyone know that Zemrite was not there to hurt anyone, things quickly went back to the way they were after a couple of days. When he walked the streets though, he still got looks of uncertainty from all the ponies, especially the younger ones. Twilight was showing him around town. Telling him where everything was and how to get there. One thing that Zemrite noticed is that the buildings were in the same places as they were in the show. The town was definitely bigger than he thought it was though. Maybe he should travel by rooftop to get around better. He does possess ‘the mouse’ and ‘the fox’ passive skills. Both these skills combined allow him to trail up walls and trees and any upright surface he could sink his claws into while also allowing him to leap large gapes as well, combined with his garou agility. He was listening to Twilight go on and on, while looking for fun routes to take should he ever need to be in a hurry.

“Are you understanding so far, Zemrite?”

She asked as they stopped in the middle of the square

“Yeah. It’s a pretty nice town you got here. Definitely bigger than I thought it would be.”

They continued the walk. Twilight felt so short compared to the man. She was six foot even, but he was at least seven foot. Celestia being a foot and a half taller. As they walked along however, a stallion runs into Twilight and doesn’t even stop. She isn’t knocked over, but Zemrite catches something that pisses him off to no end. He saw it back in the game, and now he sees it here to?

Pickpockets…

“Hey!”

Twilight shouted at the running stallion. She suddenly hears the pullback of Zemrite’s bow. Her eyes widen as she sees him aiming for the stallion.

“Zemrite wai-!”

She was too late. The arrow was released and it whistled through the air at amazing speed. Not only landing the stallion in the shoulder, but pinning him to the building that was going to turn in front of to try and lose any pursuers. Zemrite walked up to the stallion who was just barely able to stand on his hooves as he struggled to not move to cause anymore pain or discomfort. Zemrite walked up to him with a smile and removed his hood.

“You know. I knew a guy once who could steal all the coin out of your pockets just by smiling at you. But you? You don’t have the style to work Ponyville, let alone the marketplace.”

He said as he held his hand out, the stallion immediately giving back the bit bag he had taken from Twilight.

“You might want to find yourself a..new line of work.”

He said before punching him across the face and yanks the arrow out with a quick clean extraction, leaving a small wound that could easily be bandaged up.

“Off you go.”

He said walking away from the stallion who fell to his knees. Slowly getting up and walks away holding his shoulder. Zemrite walks back to Twilight tossing her bits up and down in his hand.

“I do believe these belong to you, Twi.”

She blink and reaches unto her bag, noticing that her bits were indeed gone. She looks up just in time to see the small pouch flying towards her and catches it with her magic, placing it back into her bag.

“I hate pickpockets...so very much.”

He said looking at Twilight who was both scared and impressed with his accuracy with a bow. Others had seen the commotion as well. So if he were to be questioned later by the guards or whatever authority was in the town later, he would have his bases covered.

“How did you do that? You completely immobilized him without seriously hurting him...I have never seen such precision.”

“I suppose you can say...years of practice.”

“You continue to impress me with your skills, Zemrite. A magic user and a fine sharpshooter. Do you have any flaws at all?”

“I have plenty of flaws Twi. Both physically and mentally. I am not a perfect being after all.”

He made his way beside her and they continued on, leaving behind a stunned crowd of ponies. They really couldn’t complain about what he had just done. After all, he did just prevent a pony from stealing another’s hard earned bits. They walked through the stall of the marketplace, Twilight gathering the things she had came there for. Groceries, papers, quills all the things she needed. Especially when it came to aiding ehr further in her research.

“Want me to help carry some of that stuff, Twi?”

She looks up at him with a smile. He was sweet to offer.

“You don’t have to, Zemrite…”

“”Naaah, I insist. Let me carry half of it at least.”

He holds out his arms to have her give him half the things she was carrying. She does so with a grateful smile.

“Thank you Zemrite...I really appreciate it.”

She said as they began to walk back to the library. But on their way back, they run into Rarity who was out doing her own errands. She smiles and waves to Twilight

“Good afternoon darling! Getting some shopping done I see.”

“Yeah, and Zemrite was kind enough to come with me. He even offered to help carry half.”

“Well, I offered to carry all of it since it would be no issue. But I will help her in however I can.”

Rarity was a bit stunned and impressed. She certainly did not expect this being to be so...chivalrous.. She only smiled up at him with her hands on her hips.

“Oh Rarity! I need to tell you what happened earlier!”

Zemrite knew where this was headed.

“Oh come on Twi...I just did what needed to be done was all.”

--A Few Minutes Later--

“It was amazing! He is quite the gifted archer!”

Zemrite sight, throwing his hood over his face to hide it. Rarity on the other hand was looking up at Zemrite with sparkling eyes.

“Oh my...chivalrous AND heroic...I am very impressed, darling…”

“It’s nothing really...I would have done it for you, or the other girls. I hate pickpockets in general anyways. He got what was coming to him.”

He walked into the Library, placing the things he had in his hands on the table and removes his cloak and tosses it in the air, watching it fade into a black mist. Both Twilight and Rarity watched him as he moved about the library. They noticed that he seemed to be subconsciously fixing up things in their proper place as he roams about.

“Well look at that, he even has a domestic side.”

Rarity said with a slight giggle.

“Well, I must be going. Busy day today. I need to go and obtain new fabrics for my new line coming this fall! Take care you two!”

She said in a singing tone at the end, closing the door behind her with her magic.Little did Zemrite know, that his good deed would be spread around Ponyville rather quickly. And that things were going to get quite interesting from here on out.

--Two Days Later--

Zemrite was walking through the town by himself this time. He was on his way to Fluttershy’s cottage just outside the town. He was expecting the same, uncertain gazes from all the ponies that laid eyes on him. But today, there was nothing of the sort. Instead, they stared at him with...delight and admiration. The waved to him as he passed by, him doing the same. Even a filly approached him, holding up a muffin with a bright smile on her face. She looked...familiar. Then he knew who it was when her mother approached her. A grey pegasus mare with a blonde mane and tail and with derpy eyes.

“M-Muffin?”

The filly asked as she held up the chocolate muffin with chocolate chips in it. Zemrite points his finger towards himself.

“For me…?”

“Mhmm!”

Zemrite reaches out and takes the muffin grateful. And boy did it look tasty. He brings it to his mouth and takes a bite out of it, it was as good as it looked. He smiled down at them both and gently ruffled the filly’s mane with his free hand.

“Thank you, sweetheart. It tastes wonderful.”

She lets out a happy gasp and suddenly wraps her arms around his waist in a warm hug, nuzzling into his side then backs away back to her mother. He then walks off and waves good bye to them, thanking them for the muffin once again. Now that he was on the path to Fluttershy’s home, he decided he would surprise her in his wolf form. After having finished his muffin, he changes into it as he approaches her cottage, already seeing she was outside. He pads his way over to her, gently pressing his head into her side as he approached her from behind. She lets out an adorable little squeal, but when she realizes who he was, she drops everything and wraps her arms around his neck in a tight and warm embrace.

“Yaaay, You came by!”

She said as she nuzzled into the fluff of his neck. Zemrite wagged his tail happily and brought one of his forearms over her shoulder in a wolf hug.

“I did say I would come by didn’t I?”

“You did. And I am really happy you did. Please, come inside and make yourself comfy.”

She said as she walked over to the door and opened it for him. Once they were both inside, she quickly makes her way to an open spot and plops down, patting the open area with her hand. He makes his way over to her and sits down beside her. She looks up at him with those same big sparkly eyes Rarity looked at him with, running her fingers along his muscular back. She seemed enthralled by his mighty appearance and his soft fur. She leans in against him and continues to nuzzle along his side.

“Mmmh...so big and strong and yet so soft and warm…”

“Do you not see actual wolves that often around here, Shy?”

“Oooh nonono. They are such a rare species. Sure, we have plenty of timberwolves, but those are just made of leaves and bark. To have an actual wolf here with me...it’s absolutely wonderful!”

Zemrite could feel her soft and warm body pressing firmly against him. To be this close to Fluttershy...it was amazing. He was living every brony’s dream right now. And he wasn’t even that hardcore of a fan! Fluttershy reaches behind her and pulls out a brush.

“May I...brush your fur?”

Zemrite lowers down and rests his head in her lap, he closes his eyes.

“By all means. Brush and snuggle me till your heart’s content.”

Fluttershy did just that for what felt like hours and hours, just snuggling and brushing the dire wolf. Though eventually, she became rather sleepy and he was already asleep from the attention. So she snuggled up against him, closing her eyes and began to nap with him soundly. Listening to his heartbeat and soft breathing as they napped together. Eventually, Zemrite awoke from his nap to find Fluttershy lying on top of him. Zemrite blushed hard. Glad it couldn’t be seen under his dark fur. Especially feeling those soft and lush breasts rubbing against him every now and then as she stirred. Should he wake her? Or just let her be?

Eh..a few minutes longer.

He thought to himself as he lowers his head back down. This was definitely something he would have never gotten the chance to do in his life. Perhaps the being that brought him here, had something more in store for him then just offering him another chance at life.

Author's Note

Aaaand another!

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 4: The Full Moon That Compelles...

It was the final day of the month. Zemrite was doing his usual reading to learn more about the world than he already knew from the show. Something was bothering him though. Both physically and mentally. And as it grew later and darker, he became more irritable. A massive headache began to hit him harder and harder with each passing hour. He sets the book down he was reading and lets out a frustrated sigh. He gets up from the couch and walks quickly to the bathroom, Twilight catching sight of this from her own book as she studied. She sees Zemrite as a laid back and calm being. So to see him so...frazzled made her worry.

When Zemrite gets into the bathroom, he turns on the water of the sink and splashes his face with water to see if that would help him feel any better. One thing he did notice is a horrible pain in his teeth. They felt like they were...shifting and changing. His eyes also changing from the black and purple to black and ice blue. Zemrite began to understand what was happening. And he was scared. Twilight comes in behind him with a worried look.

“Zemrite...are you okay.”

“Yeah Twi...I am fine…”

“Are you sure? You seem like you are really-.”

“I SAID I AM FINE!”

He said with a deep wolvish growl. This frightened Twilight enough to make her fall back and slide away from him, shaking in absolute fear of the face she had just seen from him. He had realized what he had done after a moment and frowns.

“Twi..I am sorry..I didn’t mean to-”

He groans in pain as he leans on the countertop for support. Knocking a few things off the top of it. He looks out the window to see his worse fear come to life. A full moon was out tonight. He had to leave. Now. He wasted no time in doing so. Running pass Twilight and down the stairs. He runs outside not even closing the door behind him, Twilight giving chase as she was now genuinely worried about him rather than herself.

“Zemrite! Where are you going?! What’s wrong?!”

He didn’t respond. He only ran faster to get away from her, and any other pony that was in the area. His head and heart were pounding hard. He could already feel the transformation slowly happening and it was VERY painful Once he finally made it away from Ponyville and into a more secluded area, he could no longer hold back the change.

With the moonlight fully shining on his body, bones began to crack and his body began to shift as a black mist surrounds him. He lets out loud screams of unbearable pain. The cracking and changing of his bones becoming more violent as his body grew and grew. His screams becoming deeper and more animalistic. Dark fur began to form on his body, his muscles grew, his ears moved to the top of his head, his face grew a muzzle and he sprouted a tail. The transformation felt like an eternity until it was complete. Afterwhich he stands on his feet and lets out a roar mixed with a howl that nearly every pony that was awake could hear. And it was bone chilling. He falls to a knee in exhaustion and pants heavily. This was the first time an actual change has occurred. Back in the game it was just a long cast time and poof, he was in his ‘crinos form’. But this was a full on painful bone crunching change! And holy fuck it hurt! He looks around for anything that could show him his reflection, he spots a small pond and slowly makes his way to it. And there it was, staring right back at him, was the face of his crinos form.

{i]Oh god...this is really me...I have become a monster I never thought that I would never see for myself as a human…

He places his hands on his head and growls. He closes his eyes hard and lets out a scream of agony, which changed into more of a roar, the shock of his change affecting his mind after a slight delay. Suddenly he heard a wicked seductive chuckle, it was coming from all around him. He quickly shifts his gaze from side to side, looking for the source.

“My my. what do we have here?”

The voice’s source finally revealed itself in a dark blue mist, slowly forming into a curvy busty Nightmare Moon, dressed in her black and blue armor, though it was rather revealing in certain spots. Zemrite slowly rose to his full height and looked at the dark alicorn.

“Nightmare Moon…? How are you even…?”

“Not to worry, Zemrite. She isn’t going to hurt you. Not that she could anyways.”

Said another voice, this time belonging to Luna herself who was approaching from the other side of him. He was very confused. How could both of them exist at once. Wasn’t Nightmare Moon destroyed? Then again...the show never really said she was destroyed. Twilight and the others merely ‘cleansed’ Luna of Nightmare Moon.

“Just look at him Lulu...such a handsome and fierce looking beast...and VERY well endowed.”

She said as she eyed what was between his legs, licking her lips and shudders, imagining what it would be like to have him mount her in full lust. Even Luna herself couldn’t look away. But she shakes her head and clears her throat.

“She is still as troublesome and in heat as always. Forgive her, Zemrite. She is the one that told me about what has just happened. Why...have you become this beast?”

He sighs and lowers down, sitting on the back of his feet and places his arms on his thighs.

“I should have told you and Tia from the start...but I was afraid of what it could mean for me…”

He said as he lowered his head. Though he slowly lifted it up when he felt Luna’s hand run over his arm gently.

“You were afraid to tell us because you thought we would see you as a threat to our subjects and treat you as an exile?”

He pins his ears to his head and nods. Luna shakes her head with a gentle smile and rubs his arm gently, Nightmare Moon coming to his other side and eyes him up and down.

“I don’t think that would do that to you, handsome. You are just a big ol pup I am sure. That is only if you aren’t in a blood frenzy though.”

“Well, I only get like this when I am in a fight. But with the rise of the moon, I suddenly changed. And it is a full moon that changes me. Though I don’t want you to think this is your fault, Lulu. It is just how the curse works after all. Usually I am able to control when i change. But full moons compel me to change into this...monster.”

“A damn sexy monster at that~!”

Nightmare Moon said as she pressed herself against him, only to pull away when Luna shot a glare in her direction.

“It doesn’t matter. This is still a serious matter.”

Said the voice of Celestia as she appears in front of him. She looks up at him, eye to eye. Though he turns away and lowers his ears more, shutting his eyes tight

“Tia...I…”

He feels a gentle hand caress the side of his muzzle. He slowly opens his eyes to see a smiling Celestia with a gentle and loving gaze in her eyes.

“Zemrite...look at me.”

He does so hesitantly.

“Is this the only thing you were hiding from me and Lulu?”

He nodded, starting to shake a bit.

“I am sorry Tia...I really am. I should have just-’

She continues to gently caress his cheek, shaking her head.

“Calm down, Zemrite. I understand the fear you felt when you did not tell us what was under the flesh. And you were wise to come out this far so as to not frighten the ponies and your new friends.”

“I..I didn’t want you, Lulu, Twilight and the others to see me like this.”

“Zemrite?! Where are you?! Please come back!”

His fur stood up on end as he indeed heard Twilight calling for him. His first instinct was to run far away from here, but Luna and Nightmare had him by the arms, and Celestia shook her head, as if knowing what he was going to do.

“She needs to know as well, Zemrite. As my most faithful student, and the fact that you are staying with her, she must know everything about you and what you are, including this.”

She then calls out to Twilight.

“Twilight Sparkle, over here, we have found him!”

“Princess Celestia? Is that you?”

“Yes my dear. And Zemrite is here with us to.”

Oh thank Faust! I was so worried about him! I-”

When she came into the opening and saw the hulking beast standing near the princesses, and Nightmare had disappeared before hand, she stares at Zemrite in total fear, he can visibly see her shaking and he looks away from her.

“She is scared of me...that’s all there is to it…”

She could hear his voice under the growly tone. She stopped shaking enough to approach him slowly.

“Z-Zemrite…?”

“Hey Twi…”

He said as he lowered his gaze.

“This..is why you ran away…?”

“Yes Twi...I didn’t want you to see this. To see one of my favorite ponies look at me with the eyes you did earlier, and even now…”

Celestia began telling Twilight what she had just found out about him and this form.

“So..this is a curse? Can it not be prevented with magic?”

Zemrite shakes his head.

“I am afraid that it in my blood to become this during a full moon with no choice. I can resist it, but as the moon rises, the control lessens. That’s why I left quickly like I did.”

He stands to his full length, Twilight gasping at just how large he was.

“I don’t think you or anypony else would want to see this running through Ponyville.”

She looks him up and down, eventually her eyes fell between his legs just like Nightmare’s, a huge blush coming across her cheeks as she saw his entire sex. She shakes her head roughly.

“I-I see. Well, at least I know now why you seemed so irritated...but Zemrite, I want you to know I was extremely worried about you when you left. I thought I had done something to upset you…”

“And Iam sorry I lashed out at you the way I did...I was just in so much pain at the time.”

“So, how long does this curse hold you for?”

“I will change back when the dawn comes. And the next full moon, it will happen again.”

“And there is no way to even help you suppress it?”

He shook his head.

“I am afraid not. No magic will be able to hold back my transformation. Believe me, it has been tried. But enough of that, I suppose I will have to go and find somewhere comfortable in the forest to slumber for the night.”

Before he could turn and make his way into the forest, Celestia grabs his hand and shakes her head.

“Oh no mister. You are coming with me. Beast form or not, I will not be having you sleep without a comfortable bed. You can stay in the guest room at the castle for tonight. I will have guards stationed at your door and order them not to disturb you. Then you can return to Twilight’s in the morning.

?Are...you sure, Tia?”

“I am. Now come on, let’s get you back.”

She looks at Twilight.

“This stays between us. Alright, Twilight?”

“Of course princess. I would never tell another pony about this. I know that is what Zemrite would want anyways.’

“Very good. Now, head back home, my dear. And sleep well”

“Wait!”

Twilight shouted before she ran up to Zemrite and wrapped her arms around his waist and nuzzled into his side. This surprised him.

“I know you are still you Zemrite...and I know you wouldn’t hurt me or frighten me intentionally…”

“Thanks Twi...I really did need to hear that from you…”

Author's Note

Well look at that, I got another one done, and quicker this time!

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 5: Lunchtime With The Royal Sisters

It was nearly noon, Zemrite had slept most of the morning away from his exhaustion of last night’s transformation. He slowly pushes his body up and onto his knees, he rubs his eyes and stretches out his body. Having gone back to his normal self during his slumber. He looks down to see that he was completely nude, but it didn’t surprise him. He slowly makes his way out of the bed and spots the bathroom.

“A shower sounds pretty good right about now…”

He said as he walked in and turned on the water, waiting for it to get nice and hot before stepping in. He let the water run over his form for a while. He just stood there, thinking back to last night’s events. The water trailing down his marked body.

“Man...now I know why the werewolves are always so pissed in the movies...that shit hurt!”

He began to scrub his body down, making sure he got as clean as he could. One thing he noticed and took was that there was a fresh loofah and soap sitting there for him. Had this been given to him to use by the princesses? He shrugged and took them and began to clean his body with them. Surprisingly they didn’t smell as girly as he thought they did. Oh well, he was getting cleaned, that’s all he cared about. Once he finished his shower, he gets out a dries himself off. His wolfish side kicking in as he shakes his hair free of water, getting the walls and mirror completely soaked.

“Alright, feeling a bit better now.”

He walks out of the bathroom and stands in the middle of the bedroom. He closes his eyes and holds out his arms to his sides, a black mist covering his body and slowly flowing down to the floor as his clothing appears on him as the mist fall to the floor. Once fully clothed, he makes his way to the door and opens it. He walks out to see two guards standing at each side of the door.

“Thanks for keeping watch, fellas.”

“No problem, sir. But we have been asked to escort you to the dining hall at this time. Lunch will be served very soon. And the princesses have requested that you join them.”

Zemrite grabs at his stomach, a loud rumbling coming from it. Food certainly sounded like a good idea to him. He hopes there was a lot of it. The guards began to escort him to his destination. As they walked through the halls, he could help but think to himself.

I am actually in Canterlot Castle...I am continuing to live every brony’s dream right now...it’s so crazy….

Eventually, he and the guards reached the dining hall. Both Celestia and Luna already sitting at the table having a hushed conversation. One of the guards clears his throat

“Your highnesses, the guest as you have requested.”

They both look Zemrite’s way and smile to him warmly. They then nod to the guard.

“Thank you, you are dismissed.”

The guards bow and take their leave. Their attention fixed back to Zemrite.

“Good afternoon Zemrite. I trust you slept well?”

Ask Celestia as she motioned him to come and sit at the chair left of her. He gladly takes the seat beside her.

“Like a deadman. Meteors could have fallen and I would still be snoozing like a pup.”

They both giggle at him as he said that last part.

“Well, we figured you would be rather hungry. So we thought you would like to join us for lunch.”

“You ladies didn’t really have to worry about me. But it is very sweet of both of you to do so. Thank you both.”

They both blinked at how polite he was being. They certainly did not expect someone like him to be so...gracious. They didn’t think he was a bad being sure, but he was so...gentlemen-like.Little did they know that he was slowly becoming more like his character each and every day, the human side of him slowly slipping away. Even he did not know it. It seems...being in the body of a halfling that holds a human soul and mind, slowly begins to take over those very things. Slowly, but gradually. And after what had happened last night, his humanity was indeed fading.

“Well, we wanted to make sure you felt at home while you are here, Zemrite. We had our griffon chef prepare something special for you. Our pony chefs can’t handle preparing meats.”

Right as Luna said that, the smell of a juicy beef steak hit Zemrite’s nose when it wasn’t even in the room yet. And was that…? It was….mashed potatoes. His mouth was watering.

“By the shadows...I can already smell it coming…”

He catches himself speaking the way he spoke, he covers his mouth for a moment.

“Since when did I start talking like that…?”

He asked as he looked to them in confusion. They had no idea what was going on either. Before they could discuss it however, the food was brought in and placed in front of their respected owners. The steak he had was large, and the heaping helping of mashed potatoes went nicely with it. It was perfect. He took up the fork and knife, twirling both between his fingers before beginning to cut into the soft and tender meat of his steak, scooping some of the mashed potatoes onto the peace like a professional. He takes a bite of the hot food and closing him eyes in delight.

“It is absolutely wonderful...the best steak I have ever had. Please give my compliments to your griffon chef. They did a fine job with this.”

Suddenly, an older female griffon with a soft motherly voice comes out from the hall and smiles warmly at Zemrite, bowing her head with her claws folding in front of her.

“Thank you very much, dearie. It isn’t often I get to cook my recipes these days. But when I heard we would have a guest like you joining the princesses this afternoon, I just couldn’t resist.”

Zemrite smiles and stands up, bowing to her.

“Well, thank you for taking the time to prepare this meal for me. It’s just how I like it. Properly seasoned with the outside lightly burned to a crisp while the inside is nice and juicy. I make have to come by again and see what else you got.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his politeness.

“You have such good manners young one.”

“Actually ma’am. I am two-hundred fifty years old. My kind can live for thousands of years.”

Wait...what am I saying?! I am only eighteen!

Both the sisters and the griffon blink when he says this.

“Oh...oh dear, please forgive me.”

Zemrite quickly lifts his hands in front of them and waves them frantically.

“N-nonono, please do not worry about it. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to prepare this for me. I greatly appreciate it.”

He quickly sat back down and began stuffing his face

Just eat...keep your damn mouth shut…

He thought to himself as he avoided eye contact with Celestia and Luna, who continued to just stare at him with curious eyes. Eventually their gaze was too much for him and he broke.

“I...didn’t tell you because I didn’t think it was worth mentioning...I only gave you the dangerous details about me cause I thought that is all you wanted to know…”

He said after he lowered his utensils down on his place, lowering his head. Thinking they may have been slightly upset with him, luckily that wasn’t the case.

“Do not lower your head, Zemrite. While it is true we wish to know everything we need to know to protect our subjects, we also want to know you because we have an interest in you. And the fact that you are nearly immortal has our attention. Not to mention that lovely wolf form of yours…”

Luna said with a smile and blush at the end. Celestia nods in agreement, she to blushes as she thinks back to the snuggle they all had, wishing so very much it could happen again very soon.

“Well...I am not sure what all I can tell you. I am a half moon elf half garou. I am a shadowmancer that is also a ranger. I am an alchemist. These things I have already told you.”

Luna leans in on her elbows, quite interested in what ‘shadowmancy’ is.

“And what kind of magic is shadowmancy, Zemrite? I am rather curious about it, being the princess of the night.”

Zemrite blinks a few times.

“Well, from where I am from, shadowmancy is a very rare magic. It has no evil or good alignment. So anyone could do it if they were devoted to its arcane art. It is the ability to control and manipulate shadows and darkness to one’s will. See, being a shadowmancer is a symbol not of evil, but a symbol of complete magical mastery. It is believed that if one’s magical aura is black and so is their magic, they have the potential to master any kind of magic they wish. I even have a spell I use whenever I am out of options. It is called ‘False Night’. I can cast an entire city into darkness with this one spell, but it deplete my mana entirely. That is why I keep these on hand at all times.”

He said as he reaches to his belt and sets down that familiar royal blue potion onto the table.

These fill my mana pool back to the top should I run low or run out. I don’t have an unlimited source like you two.So I have to make due with these.”

Celestia reaches out and picks up the small bottle, examining the glowing liquid. Zemrite arching a brow at her.

“Tia…”

She looks at him with a bit of a pouty face and puts the bottle back down.

“Just a taste…?”

He takes the bottle back and slides it in his belt.

“You wouldn’t like it. Trust me, it’s bitter and it leaves a bad aftertaste in your mouth.”

He was lying of course, it actually tasted pretty okay, especially for a potion.But he wasn’t going to have something bad to happen to Celestia or Luna and have him be the cause of it. He cared for them too much. Then again he cared for all the ponies he has come into contact with since before he came here. Never knowing that he would actually physically be in the same world as them.

“So you have mastered both magic and alchemy? That is quite something, Zemrite. Very impressive.”

Celestia said before she began to eat her own lunch, Luna doing the same.Their conversation went on until they had finished. Eventually walking Zemrite out of the castle and into the courtyard.

“Thank you for taking care of me Tia and Lulu. You two are too good to me.”

They both blush lightly and smile to him.

“Feel free to come by anytime, Zemrite. We wish you would stay for some cuddle time though…”

He chuckles lightly.

“How about next time I come over, you can snuggle me till your heart’s content?”

They perk up at this and nod with big smiles. He chuckles and nods back.

“It’s a date then.” He then stands there with his arms open.

“Alright Tia, fire when ready.”

With a blinding light, Zemrite is teleported back to the Golden Oak library. Afterwhich nearly causes him to puke up the delicious lunch he had enjoyed earlier, but he fought it back.

“Geez….fucking teleportation…”

He said as he opened the door. He was quickly met with the tackling force of a certain lavender unicorn who was hugging him tightly and nuzzling into his chest.

“You are back!!!”

She exclaimed happily. Her tail swaying behind her in delight. He reaches up and pets her gently.

“Heheh...hey Twi.”

Author's Note

Here ya go, enjoy!

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 6: A Familiar Enemy Appears

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.

Act 7: The Beginning Of The Road To A Deeper Bond

Author's Note

Oh my god. Two chapters in one day?! What is this?! Christmas?! :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 7: The Beginning Of The Road To A Deeper Bond

A flashing white light appears as Zemrite, Celestia and Luna come flying out of it and onto the floor. Having just escaped the eyes of the other ponies before the shroud completely vanished. Zemrite gets to his feet quickly and turns to look at both Celestia and Luna.. he quickly makes his way to them and helps them up and has them sit on Celestia’s bed. Not even thinking he removes the remains of the top of their clothes to make sure that scaring hadn’t taken place. The two princesses blinked and blushed heavily at what he was doing.

“You two don’t feel any lingering pain in the place that was wounded do you?”

He asked with genuine concern, more worried about them than what he was looking at now. They both nod and smile to him lightly, still blushing.

“We are fine Zemrite...I am impressed, however. You have such self-control when you are in the presence of two nearly nude mares…”

“Indeed, very very impressive.”

They both teased. Zemrite facepalmed, shaking his head in the process.

“Come on now...if this was a different situation sure. But you two go really hurt by that thing. How could I not worry?”

They both nod in agreement, both having new undergarments appearing on their bodies to hide the good, but only just.

“We know that, Zemrite. We were just teasing you is all.”

Said Celestia with a giggle hidden behind her hand, her sister followed after speaking as well.

“Indeed...always so serious.”

Zemrite crossed his arms. He couldn’t be angry with them, he knew they were only teasing him. They were trying to make light of the situation. Then his thoughts turned to Twilight and the others.

“I need to go see if Twi and her friends are alright. Hopefully, they ran to the guest rooms you provided for them.”

He turns and makes his way to the door. Before he opens it however, Celestia calls out to him.

“Zemrite, please return here after you are done.”

“Uuuh...okay?”

He said before he walked out the door and closed it behind him. He started running down the large corridors at great speed. Making a stop by the Gala hall to make sure there was no pony hurt. The corpse had already been moved it seemed. He ran towards one of the guard and reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Any casualties from the beast?”

The guard shakes his head, happily.

“Thankfully no. We did not see how the beast was defeated after this strange darkness came along and swallowed the castle. We couldn’t even see our hands in front of our faces. But when it faded and we made our way to the Gala hall. It was completely dead. Something..or somepony carved it up and put a killing blow to the head. I am also happy that our citizens didn’t see what happened either. Though the princesses have disappeared. And they were hurt badly in the attack i heard.”

You don’t have to worry about them. They are safe and their wounds have been treated. I made sure of that.”

Before the guard could ask anything else, Zemrite ran out the room and down to the guest wing. Remembering which door Twilight was behind, he reaches up and knocks on the door.

“Twi? Are you in there? It’s Zemrite”

The door slowly opens, that familiar purple gaze peeking out at him. The door opens to reveal her and...the others apparently. He tilts his head slightly as he comes in.

“Good...you are all safe. I am gla-.”

Suddenly he is pounced by both Twilight and Fluttershy, both of the mares nuzzling into him tightly.

“You are alright! We were so so worried about you Zem!”

Exclaimed Twilight, pressing herself against him, Fluttershy doing the same.

“You were so brave! I still can’t believe you took that thing down!”

He blinked as he heard that come out of Fluttershy’s mouth. He expected her to be a little upset for what he did. But she wasn’t. The others smiled up at him as they approached.

“We saw the whole fight. Twilight cast a spell so we could see in the dark. And what we saw was pretty awesome, not gonna lie!”

Dash said with a fist pump, lightly punching him in the arm as well.

“Oh indeed. You took down that brute like it was nothing. It got what it deserved!”

Rarity said with a firm nod

“Remind me not to make you mad...that’s for sure.”

Applejack said with a bit of nervousness in her voice. And of course, Pinkie Pie starts jumping around Zemrite. Being her usual energetic self.

“And you looked like a scary ghosty-goo while you were doing it to!”

Twilight looked up at Zemrite, her eyes focusing on his.

“The princesses..they are alright?”

“Yes Twi. The healing potions I have them sealed their gashes shut, not even scars remain. Even though I took a risk on it, not knowing if they would work or not. But I am glad they did.”

She nodded, giving a sigh of relief. Both her and Fluttershy release him from their embraces, backing away from him.

“The corpse of the dread wolf has been disposed of I think. It was gone when I had passed the Gala hall. Though I am curious as to how it was even here. Dread wolves are creatures from my world. So to have one here...it raises concern. But as long as all of you are safe, that is all I am worried about.”

“Aww...thank you Zemrite...that is so sweet of you to worry about us.”

“Come on Twi. You know I care about you and your friends. I know you and Shy are quite fond of me. But even if the others aren’t I don’t mind. Anyways, the princesses requested I return to them after I have got done checking on you. I hope you all get a good night’s sleep, especially after that. Sweet dreams to you all.”

He said before walking to the door, opening it and making his way out.

“Good night Zem, sweet dreams to you as well.”

Twilight said before he shut the door. He makes his way back to Celestia’s chambers, lightly knocking on the door before speaking.

“Tia, Lulu, it’s me. May I come in?”

“Ah, yes please Zemrite. Do come in”

He heard Celestia say. He nodded and opened the door, only to find them both lying on their sides in sensual poses. His heart nearly exploded as he saw this. If he had his tail sprouted right about now, it’d be wagging out of control.

“I..see you have made yourselves comfortable.”

He said as he walked over to the couch that was in front of the bed, sitting down in front of them and keeping his gaze to the floor. He starts fidgeting with his hands as he maintains a glance to the floor.

“So what is it that you wanted me here for again?”

They both giggled at him. Finding his shyness rather adorable. Clearly, he hasn’t had much experience with this kind of situation. Having one female nearly nude was hard enough. But two? They both slide from the bed and walks over to him, each one sitting beside him and lean in, nuzzling against his shoulders affectionately.

“You don’t need to be so tense, Zemrite. You have cuddled with us like this before…”

Celestia said in a gentle tone.

“Y-yeah, but I was in my wolf form...when I am in this form it affects me differently. N-not in a bad way, just…”

They nuzzle in closer, wrapping their arms around him in a warm embrace.

“We owe you very much for what you have done this night, Zemrite. The fact that someone like you would rush to our sides when we were hurt so badly. And even gave us something that you may have needed in the future. It means a great deal.”

“Tia is right, it was a selfless act. You see, we may be immortal. But that doesn’t mean we are invincible. We can die from bleeding out and various kind of physical damage when enough is applied. Had you not been there tonight, that beast may have very well ended us.”

Zemrite looks between them both, then back down at his hands.

“Well...how could I not rush to your side? Other than Twi and Shy, you two are my absolute favorite ponies. I like you, Tia. Be cause of your gentle and warm nature. And you, Lulu, because I can relate to how hard it is to make friends in the real world.”

“In the real world?”

She asked with curiosity. Zemrite nodded.

“I believe it is time I told you two of what I used to be. You see, back in my world, there was a show about you, Lulu, Twi and all the other ponies in this world. It was called ‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’. Of course, you were all regular ponies. On four legs instead of two. That is how I knew you two right from the get-go. Along with Twi and her friends as well. I knew the struggles you both went through. How you had to banish Lulu to the moon, knowing full well it was going to hurt you emotionally in the long run. And how Lulu was so lonely all those one-thousand years on the moon. And when you returned as Nightmare Moon, you hatred was still strong. I know many things about this world. Though things have gone different than what I have seen back in my world as of late. It’s like...you are all the same ponies I know, but the events have gone differently than what I have seen.”

The two princesses blink as he reveals to them his knowledge of not only them but the world as well.

“And believe it or not, there is a human in my world with the name Lauren Faust who created the ponies I know. Just like how your creator is named Faust as well. I used to be a human as well. Though, the longer I am kept in this form..the more of my memories I lose. I don’t even remember what my original body and face look like anymore.”

The two sister sit there quietly, listening to him as he opens up to them. Not asking questions, not talking over him, just listening and being there for him. They realized that this has taken him a while to gather the courage to speak about.

“But in the end...I don’t want to lose my memories of the ponies I watched. I know they aren’t you in the here and now. But they are still you at the same time. Back home when I was a human, I lived a very secluded life. I hardly ever left my home unless it was for work or to go and get food from the store. I have no family.And I pretty much just sat in my home and played video games all day. Or I was being a conspiracy nut. Looking up things about the Illuminati, or area fifty-one. Just things a shut-in like me would do. And now here I am. Sitting with both of you. Something I have never ever thought would have happened in a billion years. Sometimes I think I am still in the dream realm, wondering if I will wake up back in the human world in my bed.”

Celestia brings a gentle hand to Zemrite’s cheek, lightly caressing it.

“Listen to me, Zemrite. You are here now...the past is the past. Leave it all behind and focus on the path ahead. Whatever being sent you here to my sister and I did it for a reason. And you may already know us, but we don’t know you. And the fact that you have been so open with us, revealing these things. Well, it makes me want to know you even more so.”

“I agree with her.You are indeed here for a good reason. And we want you to know. That we are here for you Zemrite. And we always want to be here for you, whatever you need. We owe you that much.”

“Tia...Lulu..thank you, both of you.”

“Come on now. It’s time for a good bath. Let Lulu and I scrub you down”

Zemrite tenses up again.

“N-no...really you don’t have to-.”

“You aren’t getting into the bed with us with blood all over you, silly stallion. We are going to make sure you are nice and clean before we slumber tonight.”

Zemrite gulped hard, it was going to be one hell of a night. But you know what? He didn’t care. He knew they genuinely cared for him, and that is all he needed.

Act 8: The Master Of Shadows Meets The Mistress Of Disguise

Zemrite walked through the castle corridors. He wasn’t heading anywhere specific. He was just...well, bored. He had been invited to attend a royal wedding by Celestia. It was for Twilight’s brother and her former foal sitter who she spoke about a lot. It was only until her brother told her that it was actually Cadence herself. Though as of late, Twilight has been a little suspicious of Cadence for..something. The others keep on saying that she is being overprotective of her brother. You can’t blame the mare, though. Shining Armor was the only real friend she had when she was a filly. And Zemrite could understand that. As he was walking along however, he accidentally runs into Cadence herself, effectively knocking her off her hooves. She was about to hit the floor until Zemrite grabbed her wrist and immediately picked her right back up onto them.

“Sorry about that princess. My fault entirely.”

She was a lovely looking mare. Curvy in the right spots, not too slim, and very beautiful eyes. Shining Armor is one lucky stallion to be marrying her.

“Hmph, you should watch where you are going next time.”

“Of course, sorry again.”

Cadence looked him up and down. And when she did, her mood suddenly changed. He noticed that she was licking her lips a bit and narrowed his eyes at him seductively.

“What...exactly are you?”

She asked as she approached him. He backed away from her a step.

“Well, I am no pony...I am not even from this world.”

“I noticed that...there is something inside of you that..has me wanting to keep you all to myself...something powerful.”

Zemrite blinked a few times and decided it was time to bail before things got bad.

“Well, I am a shadowmancer..but I must be going. Tia is expecting me to go see her. Take care, princess.”

He said as he slid pass her and began walking quickly towards Celestia study, knowing she’d be in there at this time of day. Once he was out of range, Cadence shuddered with an evil grin.

“I have no idea what he is. But something dark and powerful resides within him, and his body looks like it is in peak condition. If I can get him under my control, I won’t need Shining Armor. But for now, I will stick with my plan.”

She said as she went on her way as well. Zemrite found Celestia’s study before he could knock on the door, it swung open with the smiling face of the sun princess. Zemrite blinked a few times.

“Hey, Tia. Was just coming to visit you.”

“I got a strange feeling that was you coming down the hall. I am happy it was correct.”

She said as she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug, nuzzling her cheek against his head, more mindful of not robbing him of air with her large soft breasts this time, but still pressing them into it a bit. She releases him and takes one of his hands, guiding him to come and sit by her. He does so, sitting on one of the plush pillows that sat across from a fireplace nestled in the corner of the room.

“Tia...can I take to you about Cadence?”

“Of course. Did something happen?”

He nods.

“I accidently bumped into her back in the hall. I prevented the fall of course and apologized. Then she acted a little aggressive towards me. And when I was about to walk away from her, her mood changed again. She became..flirty, and she gave me bedroom eyes. And there is something else. She smelled...off. If it’s one thing I noticed with my time here, each individual pony has their own unique scent, but hers was like she had been in some kind of moist cave for a very very long time. Very unlike the ponies here.”

Celestia arched a brow, though she scooted closer to Zemrite and snuggled up to him.

“I know you are worried about Twilight and how she has been acting around Cadence lately, But I promise you, everything will be fine. However…”

She said as she opened one eye to look at him.

“...Whenever your nose smells something wrong or off, it is usually right. You know your skills Zemrite. Keep an eye on her if you feel that is necessary. And should things go wrong, in the end I know I can count on you and Twilight and her friends. You may not be an element bearer, but you have a wonderful power of your own. While unconventional and a little scary. I have come to admire it. As well as to admire you. Both Lulu and I in fact.”

Zemrite smiled lightly and gently returns an affectionate nuzzle. He leans in closely and enjoys her warmth.

“I have really come to admire you both as well. And I feel very fortunate to have gotten as close as I am to you two as i have. I like seeing both of you like this. Just acting like regular ponies around me. Don’t get me wrong, you are both impressive when handling royalty matters and such. But when you to spend time with me, I see a side of you both that makes me draw even closer to you. It’s almost child-like and adorable.”

Celestia blushes hard as he said these things about her and Luna. But it wasn’t embarrassing either, the blush was more of a ‘He finds us both adorable?’ kind of feeling, which made her feel happy. She wanted to snuggle up closer and just wrap herself around him. But she didn’t want to go too far until she felt he would allow it.

“Speaking of which, I suppose Lulu is fast asleep huh?”

“Yes, Lulu and I have been busy during these last few days…”

“Because of the threat that was made against the city and castle? Well, from what I remember from the show in my world...things don’t pan out for the wedding in the beginning. Though my memory of my human life is fading quicker and quicker everyday, now only small feelings of deja vu come and go when certain events come along. The only memories that seem to stay intact are ones of you and Lulu, Twilight and the other girls. And a few other ponies. But the memories I have formed here with the town ponies stay. So I suppose I am not losing them in a way. Just learning all over again. Either way, I am glad I still get to keep the ones that involve you and Lulu.”

Celestia can’t help but give an internal ‘Aaawwwwh…’ in her mind. She loved how open he was with her, despite being around royalty. No other pony other than Twilight and Luna was like this. She just wanted to squeeze him tightly and shower him with unlimited affection. The temptation was very great. But she managed to control herself. The two cuddled for a straight hour. But then it was time for the wedding rehearsal. They both got up from their cuddle position and walked out the door of the study, eventually making it to the throne room. Zemrite watched from the open doorway, of course keeping his eye on Cadence mostly. The way she moved about and carried herself. Zemrite could tell she was putting on and act, a very good act that would fool most, but an act nonetheless. But he wasn’t going to jump to conclusions just yet until he had enough evidence to present to Celestia.

Zemrite heard hoofsteps running towards the doorway, he quickly stepped into the shadows of the door before the group in the room and whoever was coming could see him. This was one of his signature abilities, and a personal favorite, ‘Shadow Crawling’. This gave him the ability to melt into a shadow and become one with it, even moving shadows of a living being. They could carry him and not even notice. It was Twilight who had came into the throne room. Harsh words were exchanged, eventually leading to one of those feeling that Zemrite spoke of earlier. He saw the look on Twilight’s face after what her brother had said to her. The poor mare was heartbroken and sad. Zemrite wanted to do nothing but go and hug one of his favorite ponies. But he stayed in hiding, eventually, he followed her into a room where she went to apology to Cadence. That same feeling was burning in his body again.

“I’m...I’m sorry…”

Twilight said genuinely.

“You will be…”

Cadence said as her horn charged up. With as much speed as he could muster, Zemrite ran over to Twilight and wrapped his arms around her. The teleportation spell was cast, sending them both to the underground caverns of the castle. Subconsciously, Zemrite knew where he was headed, and he knew exactly what he had to do. Imagines flashed before his eyes as they teleported, A beaten and battered Cadence sitting alone surrounded by rocks, imagines of an evil laughing Cadence appearing on crystals. Eventually Zemrite and Twilight appeared in the same kind of place he was seeing. He landed on his back as he held Twilight closely, giving her a softer landing, thankfully.

“Twi? Are you alright?”

She looks up to see who was holding her, happy to see that she wasn’t sent here alone, and with somepony she could trust fully.

“Zemrite...how did you know…?”

“I will explain later Twilight, but we need to find Cadence, the real one.”

“What do you mean..?”

“The one that sent us here is a fake. I can’t tell you how I know. But we must make haste.”

He said as he gets up and helps her to her hooves in the process. Suddenly he sees what he saw in his vision, Cadence appearing as an image on the crystals with an evil grin.

“Oh...not only did I get you here, but I got him as well. I will be coming back for you stud...trust me. But for now, I have a wedding to attend to. I am going to make sure your brother stays under my control, and when that happens...he will be all mine.!”

“If you hurt my brother, I swear…!”

“Twilight! Enough, we have to move! She is only baiting you. Come on, I have picked up a scent in this direction.”

Twilight was more than a little frustrated right now, but she nodded and followed Zemrite, eventually leading them both to a rock structure that he could smell another pony through the cracks. He looks to Twilight.

“Mind blasting that thing down for me?”

Twilight blinked but nodded, using her unicorn magic to fire a powerful beam of magic, the rocks crumbling and revealing a lone chamber. And in the middle of that chamber sat Cadence, in the same stated he had seen in his vision. Twilight was about to rush and tackle her out of anger when Zemrite puts an arm out in front of her to stop her. He walks up to the weakened alicorn mare who looks up at him with a bit of fright.

“W-who are you…?”

“My name isn’t important right now. The question is. Can you prove you are the real Cadence?”

He looks over at twilight and motions her over. Then returns his gaze to Cadence.

“I believe Twilight told me that you two had a little dance when she was being taken care of by you….”

Cadence nods and looks up at the glaring mare.

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hands…”

“And do a little shake….”

Twilight finished, a smile coming across her face as she rushed over and hugged Cadence tightly.

“It really is you! Zemrite it’s the real one!”

He couldn’t help but smile at their display of affection, but then he heard the evil laughter coming from the cavern. He quickly wraps his arms around both of them.

“We don’t have time to lose. I am getting you both out of here, close your eyes and stay still, this will feel a little weird at first.”

Before they had time to ask any questions, they sank into the ground under a large dark shadow. There was no sunlight in the cavern what so ever, so he could literally shadow crawl along any surface he wished, no matter the texture or obstacle. Twilight and Cadence, however were too scared to even open their eyes or move. It’s like they were in a moving pocket dimension or something. But Twilight knew she could trust Zemrite. She grabbed Cadence’s hand to reassure her that everything was going to be alright.

--The Wedding, Throne Room--

“Without further ado, I know pronounce you-”

Celestia was stopped by the sound of the doors slamming open, Twilight standing there with a look of hate in her eyes, glaring at the supposed Cadence.

“This wedding is off!”

She shouted.

“GAH! Why does she have to so protective of her brother?! I mean...why does she have to come and ruin my special day…?”

She said with fake sobs.

“Because it’s not your special day, it’s mine!”

Shouted Cadence as she entered the room, the same look on her face as Twilight.

“What?! But how did you escape my bride’s maids?!”

Zemrite comes in the room with a chuckle. His hood over his head, glowing deep blue eyes in the shadow of his hood.

“You see, as a shadowmancer, that dark secluded cavern you left us in was practically a playground for someone such as myself. Finding the way out was easy. We didn’t even run into your bride’s maids.”

Her eyes grow wide at who she was looking at.

“You?! You helped these two escape?!”

“I sure did. Just because I am a user of dark magic doesn’t mean that I am a evil being. In fact, see you with that face makes me feel better, knowing that your plan will fall to pieces now. Why don’t you show us who you really are, Chryssy?”

He said her nickname that a lot of the fandom back in his world had used, that was one of the few pieces of memory he still had left. And he was glad to, because it seemed to have gotten under her skin, or in this case, exoskeleton. She growled and transformed back into her real self. She had the same kind of figure as Celestia, just...more insect-like. Lots of holes in her limbs to. She lets out an evil laugh and smiled wickedly as she takes to the air.

“It doesn’t matter anyways, I have already taken control of Shining Armor’s mind, and it suffices to say he is currently unable to perform his duty as captain of the royal guard!”

“Not my Shining Armor!”

Cadence shouted as she runs towards the stallion, a toxic green beam of magic firing at her when she does.

“Ah-ah-ah. Don’t want to go back to the cave do w-?”

She was cut off by a black arrow piercing its way through her shoulder, she lets out a cry of pain and her gaze turns to the one who shot it. Zemrite smiled wickedly as he lowered his bow.

“You should be more focused on me, sweetheart. I am the one that going to give you more holes in the shelled body of yours.”

He said with an evil chuckle. It was time for him to get to work, to make things right here with Cadence and Shining Armor. This was their special day after all.

“You will pay for that you filthy beast! I was going to make you my prime breeding stallion. But now...I am going to kill you here and now.”

She said as she flew at him full force. She drew in close, but he slid out of the way and chuckled lightly. Time slowed for that one moment as he spoke.

"Not quick enough, Chryssy."

He said before slamming his elbow into her back, connecting directly in the middle of her spine, a loud crack was heard as she falls to the ground. She lets out a growl of pain and quickly gets to her feet. His hit connected to the nerves of her wings, rendering them useless for about thirty minutes. Zemrite jumps back and chuckles again

“Uh-oh. Looks like you won’t be doing any flying for awhile.”

He said as he watched Chrysalis stand and a black and blue sword appears in her hand from a green fire. She glared at Zemrite with hate.

“I..will not continue to let you make a fool of me!!”

She said as she lunged at him with her blade. He quickly reaches in his cloak and pulls out his dagger, ‘Demon’s Demise’. All the ponies looked on in shock and horror as they saw what was going down. Celestia wanted to step in more than anything, but she knew that when a pony had their sights set on Zemrite and filled with anger and hate for him. She knew that the battle was already in favor.

The clashing sounds of metal echo through the throne room as the blades met over and over, Zemrite jumped around and flipped about, using his acrobatic skills to out maneuver the enraged changeling queen. What she didn’t notice is that Twilight and the others had slipped out to retrieve the elements of harmony. Zemrite was surprisingly good with a dagger, especially at close range. He’d get in and stab her in the arms multiple time after parrying her sword. But she wasn’t easy to get close to. Her swings were wide and wild, he had gotten cut a few times through the fight, but it wasn’t anything he couldn’t take. He was lucky the blade wasn’t made of silver, or he’d be in a world of trouble. However, she did get one good hit in. She managed to stab him through the shoulder. He lets out a growl of pain as the blade is shoved through down to the hilt. And what’s worse, it had a poisoning effect with it. Zemrite could feel it burning through his body, blood spurting from the wound.

This was starting to worry Celestia as she saw his blood spill on the floor, she was about to rush in and attack Chrysalis with a vengeance, but then she heard Zemrite laugh, even though he was growling in pain.

“Come on Chryssy...is that the best you can do?”

He said as he took hold of her sword arm and plunged the blade into it with force, digging it around and slicing everything he can. He had her arm in his grip, those metallic claws sinking through the hard exoskeleton of her body. She lets out a loud cry of pain and tries to pull away from him.

“Let go! Let go!”

She cried out in pain and anger. Eventually, her pulling and his slicing did exactly what he wanted it to do, she gives one last pull and a sickening ‘pop’ and ‘splatch’ was heard. He head severed her arm completely, green blood flowing from both her severed arm and the area where he had cut it off. Zemrite chuckles again, fighting the pain of the poison that was taking a toll on his body.

“Heheheh...Looks like….”

He then coughs up a bit of blood.

“...you won’t be using this anymore…”

He said as he slowly stood up and pulled her sword as quick and swift as he could from his shoulder, tossing the blade aside. The metal sound echoed through the room as it slid across the ground, painting the floor with his blood.

“It doesn’t matter...you will be dead soon anyways...I have won!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, Queenie.”

He said as he flips a small vial in the air and catches it between his fingers. He pops off the top and swallows down the light green liquid. The poison already being cleansed from his body.

“I didn’t bring my healing potions with me today, but I always keep antidotes on me at all times, just in case I am poisoned. Now then..”

He said as he twirled his dagger in his hand. Slowly approaching her as she begins to crawl back away from him.

“Are you going to leave here with your minions, who are being taken care of outside by the element bearers? Or do I have to cut off the other arm?”

“What/..do you mean?”

They slipped out when I was keeping you occupied. Your little bugs are being swatted out of the sky as we speak. And Cadence here has already brought Shining Armor out of the mind control you had on him. Looks like my job here is done. Cadence, Shining, see her out will you?”

He said as he stepped back. Chrysalis looked over to see the couple powering up some kind of ‘super love’ spell, effectively repelling her out the window along with her minions, sending them to the far reaches of Equestria. The crowd cheered loudly as did the ponies outside. The threat had been neutralized and all was well once more. Zemrite smiled lightly and fell back against the wall, slowly sliding down as his vision starts to blur.

Just gonna….rest here for a bit…

He thought to himself as his eyes slowly started to fall closed. The last thing he remembers seeing, was Celestia and a few others running towards him, calling out his name in worry. The fight had exhausted him, and even though the poison was gone from his system, it did wreak havoc on him internally. Finally rendering him unconscious.

Author's Note

Here ya go everyone, a nice long chapter for ya!

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 9: Be Her Shadow, Protect Her From The Shadow

Zemrite woke to the sound of rain hitting the window of the room he was in. Slowly he opened his eyes and looked over to the window to indeed the a grey sky and rain falling heavily. He sits up carefully from the bed he was lying in and looks around, his body was sore and his vision a bit blurry until it cleared up after a moment. He then looked around the room to see where it was he was at. The last thing he remember is the battle he had with Chrysalis. And then passing out from the poison that had drained him of his energy and hurt him internally. She he was sore now, but at least he was still alive.

“Geez...that poison really did a number on me. If I hadn’t had that antidote. Who knows what condition i’d be in now…”

Zemrite noticed suddenly, that he had no clothing on except his boxer shorts. He looked down at his markings that covered his entire body, running his hands along the pitch black hardened skin..

“I be whoever got my clothes off had one hell of a shock when they saw this.”

He laughed to himself lightly as he slowly stands up and walks over to the window. The rain was really coming down hard, and lightning and thunder happened every few seconds. He blinks a few times at the seriousness of the storm.

“Hmmm...they must really be lacking rain if they need it this badly…”

He looks around the room afterwards. From the view he saw and the rather comfy bed surrounded with medical devices, he assumed he was in the castle medical wing. He looks around his his clothing first off, which appear to not be in sight. Though he did notice the rather large scar on his left shoulder from where Chrysalis’ blade had shoved into. Just then the door opened with a nurse holding a tray with a few items on it. When she saw that her patient was up and moving around however, it startled her and caused her to drop the tray.

“Ah...you are awake!”

He turns to the mare and nods with a light smile walking over and starts helping her pick up the items.

“Oh you don’t have to..”

“It’s fun. I take it you have been the one who has been tending to me while I have been out?”

She nodded, leaning down to gather what he didn’t.

“My name is Healing Vision, it is a pleasure to finally meet you when you are awake Mr. Zemrite. Luckily when they brought you in, all we had to do was patch up the wound. They said you were poisoned, but we couldn’t find any trace of any kind in your body.”

He looked the mare up and down. She was a rather beautiful one indeed. Sky blue fur with a dark blue mane, beautiful golden eyes and an hourglass figure that would make any stallion’s jaw drop, and the sweetest softest voice, almost as soft as Fluttershy’s.

Healing Vision indeed...I am sure a lot of stallions and a few mares feel better after laying their eyes on you.”

She blushed heavily at his comment, a giggle coming from her.

“And yes. U was poisoned, but I took an antidote before it could have caused more serious complications. How long was I out?”

“You were out for two days. We hadn’t expected you to be up and around yet. Though it is a wonderful thing to see you moving around. Are you in any pain at all?”

“Well, I am a little bit sore still from the hits I took, but other than that I feel fine.”

She nods and lightly guides him by the arm to have him sit on the bed. Her touch was gentle and loving. It felt nice to him.

“Well, I still need to check your vitals.All part of the job after all.”

Zemrite nodded and sat down on the bed. She began checking his heart rate with her stethoscope. Smiling as he sounded healthy, she removes them medical tool from her ears and looks him over, writing down a few things on her clipboard.

“Sounds good. Though I have to say what concerns me the most is these markings all over your body. They look like they are completely scarred over. But they are leathery and black. What in the name of Celestia happened to you?”

Zemrite rubbed his chin a bit in thought. Think back to his past. Wait, HIS past or his human past?

“Well, lets just say that in order to gain my shadowmancing abilities, I was part of a ritual when It was but a child. And it involved me getting carved up by an obsidian dagger possessed by a shadow demon. Nothing too dangerous.”

He said with a laugh at the last part. Though she did not seem to find it very amusing.

“And they did this to you when you were a colt?! That is just...awful!”

She said with a sad look in her eyes, she looked like she was on the verge of tears.

“H-hey...it’s a;right. I didn’t feel any pain. Honestly I really didn’t.”

It would have been rather hard to explain why he didn’t but she only saw it as him being brave and wanted to hug him tightly, but she was on the job after all..

“Well, your vitals are in good shape Mr. Zemrite. I know the princesses will be thrilled to hear you have made a full recovery..”

And right on cue, Both Celestia AND Luna lean in from the doorway with curious eyes, hoping to find the man awake. They eyes light up with the utmost joy. He was awake! Thank Faust he was alright! They both run in and both wrap their arms around him and nuzzle into his body, the man falling back onto the bed and is once again squished by large princess breasts.

“Oh Zemrite, you are alright! We were so very worried about you when you fell unconscious!”

Celestia said as she smothered him with affection along with her sister.

“”Yes, Tia told me what had happened! That was awfully reckless of you! But..very brave.”

There was no response from him, they did not understand why until the nurse pointed this issue out.

“Um...begging your pardon princesses, but you are...smothering him…”

She said with a light blush. They both look down to see that they were indeed cutting off his air supply with their rather ample breasts. They both blush hard and quickly scramble off him. He lays there with a goofy grin on his face and his eyes closed.

If I was to die from that...I would have died happily….

He thought to himself before taking in a gasp of air. Opening his eyes and looks between the two royal sisters. They saw the look on his face and blushed even more. He appeared to like their generous bust size from what they saw. Celestia clears her throat softly.

“Please...forgive me and my sister, Zemrite. We...were very worried about you when you collapsed. We are just happy to see you are back in good health.”

“Indeed, poor Tia here has been crying over you ever since.”

Luna said with a big grin, poking fun at her sister.

“I have not! Lies and slander!”

Celestia said in a defensive tone. Folding her arms and pouting cutely at her sister, who was having a giggle fit. Soon enough the nurse came back with good new. A smile on her face.

“Well, since you are feeling much better. You can leave the hospital wing. I am sure that makes you very happy to hear that.”

“Awww, that’s too bad. I won’t have you come and visit me and tend to me anymore.”

He said with a wink. The mare giggles lightly and hides her blushing muzzle behind the clipboard.

“Thank you for taking care of me, Healing Vision. I am pretty lucky to have had you as my nurse.”

“Oh...it was no trouble at all Mr Zemrite..I just wish I had more time to know more about you.”

He chuckled lightly, turning to ehr.

“Oh, I am sure this won’t be my only visit here...as bad as that sounds.”

They all laugh at that. Though the royal sisters can’t seem to keep their eyes off his nearly nude form, admiring those markings all over his body, their wings slowly rising up. He looks to Healing Vision again clears his throat.

“Um….where is my clothing and my armor? I’d like to get back into it if you don’t mind.”

“Ah, I have that right out here for you.”

She walks out of the room and comes back in with his things on a cart. He walks up to the and wastes no time in getting himself fully clothed.the leather stretching as it forms it’s tight fit around it’s owner as he moves about, making sure that every strap was fit just right. He then slides on his cloak and belt, making sure his black book and bag of holding was still there. As well. And last but not least, he slid on his gauntlets, the metallic claws lipping back onto his fingers where they belonged. He squeezed his hand into fists, the sound of leather stretching again and cold metal pieces running against each other.

“Aaah...feels good to be back in these.”

He said before looking over to the pair of sisters.

“Thank you for keeping me here while I recovered, ladies. It was very sweet of you, even though you know you didn’t have to.”

“Oh Zemrite, you need to stop being so serious all the time! Let loose for once!.”

“Indeed, Lulu makes a good point, you do need to loosen up a bit.”

Zemrite grins and crosses his arms. Staring directly at them both.

“Says the two most serious ponies in all of Equestria.”

They both cross their arms at him with smirks. This makes him arch a brow and tilt his head. Before he knows it, he is grabbed by them both and they disappear into teleportation, leaving behind a confused Healing Vision in the process.

--Celestia’s Bed Chambers--

All three of them reappear within Celestia’s bedroom on her bed.. They both smile down at the man and nuzzle into him lovingly, wrapping their arms around him and lacing their legs with his. Obviously, they could not wait any longer to snuggle up with him and show him just how much they had missed their garou friend.

“In all seriousness though, Zemrite. We are glad you are back. We are going to need your help once more tomorrow. More specifically, Twilight will need you.”

Zemrite blinks and nods, sitting up and looking down at them both.

“What do you need me to do? You know I am more than happy to help how I can.”

Celestia sighs and sits up next to him, as did Luna.

“We have been informed that the Crystal Empire has returned. For a thousand years, it was sealed away, only to have just returned yesterday. Twilight Sparkle has been given a test. I have every faith in her abilities that she will succeed in this. But, I ask this of you. Please accompany her and her friends to them empire. A cruel being may have been unsealed along with the empire. And should things go wrong. I want you there. To fight shadow with shadow.”

Luna nodded.

“Long ago, Tia and I overthrew him when he ruled over the kingdom.Who is to say he hasn’t returned as well. And if anyone can vanquish the Shadow King, it is you, Zemrite.”

He looks down at his hands for a moment, then back to them, rather unsure of himself with this task.

“Why does this all seem so familiar to me? Could this be part of my former life’s memory that is melting away? And while I have fought off a demon dread wolf...and held my own against the queen of the changelings. I am not sure about this one…”

He saw Luna reach over and gently cup his jaw in her hands, locking eyes with him.

“Listen to me, Zemrite. My sister and I wouldn’t have asked you to do this if we didn’t think you could do this. Besides, you are a gifted individual. In all the times we have seen you in action, there isn’t one of them you haven’t come out on top of because of your cunning and improvisations.”

Celestia nods with a reassuring smile, wrapping her arms around him and nuzzling into him gently.

“Indeed. You are a shadow that is made to defend against evil. You know what shadows do and how they attack and when they do so.. Please, by my precious student’s shadow. Make sure she is kept safe from harm. I know you can do this. We know you can do this.”

These two really had that much confidence in him? He knew he was a skilled fighter, but he never would have thought they saw him in such high respects.

“Alright...I will do my best to help her. But only when needed. After all, she is a very dear friend of mine as well. And I want to see her succeed. You can count on me.”

Author's Note

Here you go everyone, next chapter will be one of the toughest fights our hero will ever face!

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 10: You WILL fail, Sombra

Zemrite stood in front of the train tracks, awaiting the train to come and pick him up so that he and the others could be on their way to the Crystal Empire. The train itself was going to Canterlot first, then to go to ponyville. He leaned against one of the beams of the station, wondering what is was exactly that he needed to be so ready for. This was a fault of his memory vanishing from his past life. Should it have stayed intact, he’d of known exactly what he was going to face. The sound of the train grew louder as it neared, eventually coming to a stop

“Aaallll Aboarrrd!”

Shouted the pony in charge of getting passengers on. Zemrite walked over to the stallion and handed him his ticket. He looked down at the ticket, making sure it’s authentication was real. He smiles and nods

“You are clear sir. Hop on.”

“Thanks bud.”

He said before making his way into one of the cars of the train, finding himself a good seat and making himself comfortable. A few minutes later the train starts its way off to Ponyville. Zemrite was still wondering about why he was needed. Twilight is a smart mare She has her friends as well. So why exactly would he need to go along as well? He knows that Celestia spoke of something or...rather someone who was return, but that was all he had to go on.

Whatever the case may be...I will do my best to make sure she is kept safe. Along with the others.

He thought to himself, closing his eyes and lowering his head, dozing off into a little nap before the train car got too loud with passengers at the next stop. Once there, he hears the brakes of the train screech, this waking him up from his nap. He looks out the window to see his group of friends conversing with each other. Though, when Twilight looks his way to the car, her eyes widen and she turns to her friends, they all immediately show their tickets and then pile into the car that Zemrite was in. Twilight leaps up and pounces on him, wrapping her arms around him tightly and nuzzling into his chest. This nearly knocked the wind out of him, even though he was prepared for something like this.

“I am so glad you are all better!”

She exclaimed as she squeezes him as tight as she could, nuzzling into him more with her eyes closed and a smile on her face. The others smiling as well and nodding in agreement.

“Yeah, we were wondering’ if ya’ll’d be alright to come with us on this trip. But it looks like you are quite the tough stallion after all.”

“Applejack said with a nod of approval.

“Of course he is, he took on Chrysalis all by himself! That takes guts AND coolness. He is like...twenty percent cooler for that!”

Exclaimed Dash, lightly punching him in the arm. The others giggle lightly and take their seats, Twilight remained next to him, though. As the train started going after all its passengers boarded, she looked over at Zemrite with a nervous look on her face. He indeed noticed it right away.

“I know you are worried twi. But don’t worry. I know you can do this. You are a very smart mare and very capable.Should things come to me helping you though, I will be there for you. Tia made that very clear.”

“I know that, Zemrite. And thank you very much for coming with me. But it’s just...helping to protect an entire empire. It seems like such an overwhelming task. I am going to admit...I am a little scared.”

Zemrite slowly brings his arms around the lavender unicorn and holds her closely, running his hands up and down her back comfortingly, Twilight clinging to him.

“I won’t let any harm come to you or the others, Twi. I promise.”

Once they got to the Crystal Empire however, it certainly wasn’t what they were expecting. There was snow. Lots of snow and a blizzard blowing fiercely when they stepped out of the train car. Zemrite walked out behind them all, his cloak flowing behind him front the heavy wind.

“Uuuh...I was thinking the Crystal Empire would be more...crystal-y. I see nothing but snow.”

He said as he kept himself alert. Something about this place made him feel uneasy. A feeling of something sinister and dark run up his spine as they walked.

“Twilight!”

A voice called out from the snow. Zemrite nearly drew his bow before seeing who ti was that approached them. It was Shining Armor, Twilight’s brother. She smiled and ran to him, hugging him tightly. He then looks over to Zemrite and arches a brow.

“Ah, hello again, Zemrite. It’s good to see you again. I never got to thank you personally for helping my wife and I. Thank you very much.”

“You are welcome Shining.”

He nods and turns to lead the way.

“We better get going, there are things out here we don’t want to get caught up in.”

The walks through the blizzard, making their way to the empire. Twilight and the others seemed to be freezing. The hadn’t planned on there being snow here. Even Rarity with her scarf was shaking.

“Something keeps trying to break into the empire, we believe it’s an old unicorn king who used to rule!”

Suddenly, there was a loud low howl coming from the snowy wind. This especially put Zemrite on edge.

“Th-That’s one of the things, isn’t it?!”

“We need to get to the Crystal Empire, NOW!”

Shouted Shining. Right on cue, a large smoky shadowy creature appeared behind them. They immediately began to run as fast as they could.As they got closer, there was a bright light visible. Both Shining and Zemrite slid to a stop and turned to face the beast. Shining shot a beam of magic at the creature but it dodged. Zemrite only had seconds to react as the creature swallowed them whole into the smoke.

Twilight and the others made it in on the other side. She looked around for her brother and Zemrite. Only to see them push through the barrier, Zemrite holding Shining up with an arm around his shoulder. Twilight runs over to them both with worry on her face.

“Oh no..your horn!”

She said as she looked at her brother’s horn which was covered in black crystal., then looked at Zemrite.

“Thank you for making sure he got here…”

“It alright Twi. Nothing a little shadowmancer skill couldn’t take care of. A simple shadow image was enough to distract him.”

She nods with a smile, wanting to hug him, but now wasn’t the time for that. Once they finally make it through the town and to the castle, they are taken to the throne room where Cadance was sitting on her throne. Zemrite could see that the poor mare was running ragged. She looked extremely exhausted. His thoughts were correct. No doubt the barrier they went through is of her conjuring.

“Cadence!”

Twilight said happily as she ran up and hugged her tightly, then they did their little dance. However, Cadence nearly collapsed afterwards

“One day we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn’t hanging in the balance…”

She looks to her friends and notices Zemrite had came along as well. She walks over to him tiredly and smiles up at him. Wrapping him in a hug.

“Good to see you again, Zemrite. Thank you again for what you did.”

“You are welcome, Cadence. Have you been holding up that barrier all on your own…?”

“Yes...but I am fine, don’t you worry...”

She nearly collapses against Zemrite, but he holds her up carefully. Shining comes over to take care of his wife, nodding to Zemrite.

“She is not fine. She hasn’t slept, barely eats…”

As Shining gets everyone up to speed, Zemrite walks over to one of the windows and peers out. Something was right here. This was one of those times when that burning feeling of deja vu hits him, but can never really remember why.

“I feel as if I should know what happens here...but I cannot remember it for the life of me…”

He whispered to himself, rubbing his chin in deep thought. He suddenly gets an idea, but he’d have to sneak out unnoticed by the others. He uses a walking skill called ‘nanba’.No, this skill wasn’t exclusive to any class. If you had the patience and time and a high enough dexterity and cunning rate, nanba could be acquired. Once he was out of the castle, he took on his wolf form and darted back to where they had come in from, leaving the safety of the barrier and back out into the blizzard. He shifts back to his elven form again just in time to see Sombra approaching him once more.

“Brave, but foolish of you to return here.”

“Zemrite chuckles lightly.

“You seem pretty confident in yourself, Sombra. Things are going to go your way when those ponies have someone who can fight fire with fire.”

He said before holding his hand up and forming it into a fist, a fiery black aura rising from it. Sombra arched a brow in his smoky form. This had him very curious.

“You wield that shadows and darkness as if you are their friend, but I can see that your heart is not as black as night. How are you able to maintain the dark power and not be affected by it?”

“I shall not tell you for the security of my own mind and heart. I don’t know why, but I feel that i should tell you nothing of what keeps me the way I am.”

Sombra growls lowly.

“Hmph...clever. No matter. I will just dispose of you when this barrier falls.”

“Why not try and dispose of me now hmm? Are you afraid of coming into the barrier and fighting me when there is no darkness to be used?”

Sombra growls again in anger. Zemrite knew he had hit a nerve. He turns and head back into the barrier, but turns and looks at Sombra again.

“You will fail, Sombra. You may put up a fight, but you will fail.”

He said before vanishing fully into the barrier.

Author's Note

Decided to save the best part for the next chapter. :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 11: Two Shadows, One Outcome

Zemrite walked back into the Crystal Empire after his little chat with Sombra. Apparently while he was gone, a carnival of some sort had started in his absence. He walks down the street and looks around, all kind of stands, good smelling food, and games. Was he gone for longer than he had thought? As he walks down the street though, he feels eyes on him. Those of the crystal ponies. They all looked worried and slightly afraid of him. Though he raised his hand and waved, offering a light smile. He walks up to the booth that Rarity appeared to be working at. She was making hats it seemed. She sees Zemrite and quickly motions him over. When he was in range, she pulls him down to her level and whispers to him.

“Twilight’s doing what?!”

He quickly takes off as fast as his legs could carrying him, his cloak flowing behind him from the initial take off. Once he finally catches up to her, he looks at her with slight worry.

“So...fill me in on what just happened?”

Twilight explains everything on the way to the castle, both of them running around inside searching for a relic known as the ‘Crystal heart’. He shakes his head and can’t help but laugh.

“Come on Twi, something called the ‘crystal heart’. Sounds like an important relic, not something that can just be carved from a common crystal stone. It’s treasure hunting 101.”

She scoffs at him, but he was right, especially with it being so important, she should have thought it through more.

“I know that, Zemrite, and thank you for coming along…”

He nodded in response.

“I am here to simply help when needed, Twi.”

They get to the throne room, he nearly runs passed it, but stops, Twilight backtracked as well. He walked towards the throne, as did Twilight. And at the same time, they both had the same idea. Though from different experiences. He walks up to the floor in front of the throne and kneels down, running his hand over the surface. He felt a dark energy channeling through it.

“Twi...you know, right?”

She nodded, a big smile on her face.

“Stand back, I learned a little spell that Celestia had taught me.”

He nods and does so. He arches a brow in slight surprise as he sees Twilight using some form of...dark magic? Though in the end it served it’s purpose in revealing a stairway that lead to...who knows where below. Twilight was about to head down by hoof, but then Zemrite scooped her up in his arms, startling her a bit and making her blush slightly. The way he was carrying her felt..nice. If only this wasn’t a time for panic.

“Hold tight Twi, it’s gonna be a quick drop.”

Wait what do you-”

She was cut off after he had leaped into the darkness, completely avoiding the stairs on the way down as they plummeted. Twilight let out a rather adorable scream as they fell further and further. Only to be swallowed up by a shadow that Zemrite had formed on the ground below, and then lifted out as if nothing had happened. The poor mare clung to Zemrite with her heart beating over a hundred miles an hour.

“D-don’t EVER do that again!”

She shouted. He laughed and sat her down, letting her get her composure before they looked to the door that had a crystal over the top of it. Twilight tried to hit it a few times with her magic. Though it seemed to avoid her every attempt, it actually...slid all over the wall! Zemrite’s gamer senses were tingling..something wasn’t right. Wait...gamer sense? Hmmm…

“I got it!”

She said after using the dark magic again. Though once she approached it, something was off. She fell to her knees and her eyes changed color. She was mumbling about something, and it worried Zemrite greatly. He kneeled beside her and shook her gently.

“Twi...Twi...snap out of it!”

She snaps back to reality. She looks back up to him with sadness in her eyes.

“Zemrite..I was back in Canterlot...the princess didn’t want me as her student anymore...and you were...you were..”

He hugs her, wrapping her in a warm and comforting embrace.

“Easy Twi…..I think what you are dealing with is a doorway that leads to your worse fears. There was something similar back in my world.”

She sniffles and holds him closely, squeezing his cloak in her hands tightly. He helps her up to her hooves and pets her gently, trying his best to comfort her quickly.

“Come on Twi...pull yourself together. We need to find this relic quickly. Know any other spell that might work on this door?”

She nods and casts a white beam of magic from her horn, it seemed to have worked, because when they walked through, there was a tower of stairs...a very large tower. He looked at Twilight and chuckled lightly.

“This time, it won’t be so scary...promise.”

Before she could protest, he scoops her up again and begins to use the shadows under the stairs to travel up them quickly. Eventually they reach the top of the tower. They both rise up from the shadow as it vanishes. There it was, just floating there ready for the taking. However, Zemrite was getting that burning feeling again. He saw Twilight wandering over to try and grab the floating relic. His eyes widen as he turns around quickly to stop her, but it was too late. An alarm had gone off. A surrounding wall of black crystal came up around her as the heart flew out of reach. Though Zemrite was quick to catch it and slide it into his bag of holding.

“Twi?! Are you alright?!”

“The heart! Where is the heart?!”

“I caught it Twi, don’t worry! Can you find a way to get out?!”

She tries teleportation, only to be forced back into the circular prison by its magic. She falls to her knees and hands.

“I was so eager to get it….”

She looks over at Zemrite who was backing away from the smaller black crystals that were slowly approaching him.

“Zemrite...you are the one that must take the heart to Cadence. It’s our only chance left…”

He knew he was intervening more than he should but she was right. Without any way for her to escape. He nodded and jumped on the railing of the tower, looking back at her.

“She will understand twi...don’t beat yourself up over this alright? All that matters is we get this done. I will end this personally.”

He took out his bow and one of his arrows, lining up the shot with a building not too far from the area and shot it, a line of magical rope appears at the end of it and creates a zip line down, he take ahold of the glowing handle and begins to ride down, eventually coming to the ground and performing a recovery roll to his feet to break the shock of the fall. He turned to see Sombra, the tall dark unicorn king smiling evilly at him. As he approached.

“I had a feeling i’d be seeing you again...looks like you failed to acquire the heart…”

He said with an evil chuckle. Though Zemrite chuckled back.

“As far as you know I don’t have it. But regardless if I do or don’t, I am here to kick your ass anyways.”

“Why bother even fighting? You are a being of darkness, just like I am. Why not join me? We can take over these crystal ponies together...and you can have all the riches and mares you want, I will even kill the prince and you can have the princess all to yourself.”

He walks up to Sombra with an arched brow, the deal seemingly to have caught his attention.

“Really? All the riches and mares I want? Me and you ruling this kingdom together? That actually sounds pretty sweet.”

Sombra grins wider and offers a hand out to him. All the ponies stared at Zemrite with gasps and surprise as he took Sombra’s hand. But then blinked and gasped again at what happens next.

“Excellent choi-GAH!”

He was cut off by Zemrite’s punch to his jaw, sending the stallion flying across the ground, tumbling back a few times..

“Yeah right. Like I would ever take such a lousy deal from you. I have plenty of mares who want my affections already. And I don’t need riches and money. Plus, if I wanted to take this kingdom over, I could do it by myself. Besides, Shining and cadence and all the others trust me, I will not break those bonds for something so trivial!”

Sombra growls and gets up quickly, a low growl coming from him, clearly he was very angered.

“You will die for that, welp!”

Sombra charges forth, making a blade of pure shadow appears in his grasp. He swings his blade up as he gets in front of Zemrite and swings down, only to have Zemrite's trusty dagger, 'Demon's Demise' stop the blow He chuckles lightly and glares at the unicorn.

“Did you forget..? I dwell in the shadows just as much as you do...if not more.”

The two disappear into the ground and begin their fight in the dimension of shadows. Their shadow figures soaring across the ground, colliding with one another as they fight. Their weapons clashing together over and over. Their shadows appeared everywhere, on the ground, on the walls of the castle, other buildings, the sounds of their battle screams and weapons echoing in an eerie, ethereal tone. All the ponies could do was watch the fight that held their fate in its hands.

Not only did blades connect, but Zemrite had skills that seemed to remain from his former life, martial arts. The man landed solid kicks to Sombra’s jaw whenever he could, even to his stomach as well. Eventually he was forced out of the shadow dimension they were fighting in, Zemrite close behind as he chased his target out. They both emerged with cuts and wounds that covered their bodies, but they still stood and fought.

“These ponies are nothing but servants that need to be chained and bound in their proper place! Why do you fight for them?!”

Sombra screamed angrily as they continued to fight.

“Because unlike you. I do this because i have friends I fight for! And they would be very upset if I didn’t do this!” Their weapons collide again in a deadlock, they both growl and grunt, staring one another in the eyes.

“Your magic illusions may have worked on Twilight, but my mind is resistant to such tricks…”

“It doesn’t matter. I will cut you down and sever your head from your body. And I will show all these ponies and your friends that you fought a futile battle. Then I will make the mares of yours my personal sex slaves…”

Zemrite chuckled darkly and glared at Sombra, a shadowy aura forming around him, and rising like a raging bonfire

“You will not be touching any of them, because I will be slitting your throat and absorbing your power as you die. See, as a real shadowmancer, I can absorb shadow magic from others and make it my own…”

Sombra felt that he wasn’t lying, and this made him a bit nervous.

“I told you...I have been one with the shadows for all my life. You?You are barely even able to manage staying in the shadow dimension…”

He kicks Sombra back and sheathed his dagger. He thrusts his hands into the ground and shouts.

“CHAINS OF SHADOW, BIND MY ENEMY!!!”

Suddenly large black chains explode from the ground and wrap around Sombra, pinning him to the ground on his knees. He tries his best to use the shadows that Zemrite conjured to his own advantage, but something was off.

“Why...can’t I break free?!”

“Because, these aren’t your shadows, Sombra, they are mine…”

He said before conjuring up a spell that’d aid him in his final blow. A pair of large clawed hands come up from where the chains were and grasp around the struggling stallion, they begin to squeeze as hard as possible, Zemrite in full control of them.

“What was it you said? You’d turn my friends into your personal sex slaves? You should have kept your fucking mouth shut. I was going to end your suffering quickly by cutting your throat, but now…”

The sound of Sombra’s armor breaking under pressure from the hands that squeezed his body was heard. He lets out a scream of pain as he struggles. The sound of bones starting to break are heard.

“Gah! I don’t know what kind of magic you are using to keep me here, but you will pay for this! I swear it!”

More sounds of snapping bones and armor breaking apart was heard, Sombra screams out in absolute pain as his life was being ended slowly and painfully. Eventually shards of broken armor started digging into his flesh, causing more pain. Zemrite grins wickedly and chuckles, saying one more thing before ending the unicorn’s life.

“I am the master of the shadows, not you.”

Suddenly he pulls his hands apart, a sick cracking and blood splattering sound it heard when Sombra is ripped cleanly in half and dragged down by the hands, leaving nothing behind except a puddle of blood. Once he finished up, he slowly and tiredly walks over to the place where the heart was supposed to be. The ponies watch him carefully, though a bit sick and disturbed by what they had seen, they gasp in surprise as they see him pull out the crystal heart from his cloak. He looks it over before tossing it into it’s place of rightful belonging. He looks to the ponies with an exhausted grin.

“Well, do your thing everyone, I am just gonna...lie down for a bit.”

He said before he collapses and passes out, slumber hitting him hard after he had used so much power outside of night time.

Author's Note

Sorry for taking too long, was hard to find the right song for this battle.

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 12 Inevitable Feelings Rise

Zemrite and Twilight both walked through Canterlot castle. They were on their way to see Celestia and Luna now that they had returned from their journey to the Crystal Empire. Twilight looked extremely worried, and Zemrite knew why. It had been bugging her ever since they left the empire. Zemrite reaches up and gently places a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

“Twi...you had no choice. You couldn’t get out of the trap and if I hadn’t taken the heart, things could have gotten bad. I know Tia and Lulu will understand. Besides, if it hadn’t been for you, we would have never even found it.”

His words were helping a bit, but it still haunted her mind. Would she fail because, in the end, it was Zemrite who took down Sombra and returned the heart? She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of the double doors being opened. Zemrite placed a hand on Twilight’s shoulder and rubs it gently, nodding in reassurance.

“Whatever happens Twi, I know you will pass. You always do, no matter what kind of test it is.”

His words and touch did indeed help her feel better. Soon they were both greeted by Luna and Celestia. Zemrite was about to leave to wait for Twilight outside when Celestia called out to him.

“Please stay behind, Zemrite. I need to talk to you as well regarding Twilight’s test.”

Zemrite was wondered what he was going to hear. Did he do too much for Twilight? He felt like he didn’t have a choice, though! He couldn’t just let things fall apart! He looked up at Celestia slowly, his eyes meeting hers. Luckily what he saw was a gaze of..approval?

“It’s beautiful.”

She said as she then gazed at the stained glass window that showed Zemrite holding up the crystal heart.

“I wish it was me who made it so. But in the end, it was Zemrite.”

Celestia shakes her head gently and lightly places a hand on her student’s shoulder.

“As I understand it Twilight, it was Zemrite who defeated Sombra and returned the heart because you were sure how quickly you could find a way to escape the tower. You weren’t willing to sacrifice the future of the ponies of the empire, in order to guarantee your own. Far better that I have a student who understands the meaning of self-sacrifice than one who only looks out for her own self-interest.”

Zemrite couldn’t help but smile at Celestia’s words as she spoke with Twilight. She was right.

“Does...this mean..?”

Celestia nodded to her. Happy to give her the good news. Twilight gasps and runs over to Zemrite and hugs him as tight as she could, nuzzling into him before running off to go tell her friends, but not before saying.

“Thank you Zemrite...so so much…”

He couldn’t help but feel his heart melt when she said that to him. For once, he helped out someone who was very dear to him instead of causing her trouble. It made him feel good about himself. And he couldn’t have been happier for her. She was going to move on to her next level of study, and he knew that was going to be a big deal for her. Both Celestia and Luna turn their attention to Zemrite. Once the door closed as Twilight left, they approach him. He arches a brow as they do.

“We both heard about your grotesque display of your power, Zemrite. You literally tore Sombra in half and even made him suffer before that. He must have really gotten to you if he made you do that.”

Said Luna, crossing her arms under her bust as she looked down at him. Though she didn’t appear disappointed

“He had it coming with the threats he was making. I will not go into detail, but I believe my actions were justified.”

“We do not blame you for your actions, Zemrite. In fact, Lulu and I believe that nopony but you could do such a thing. You see, we sent you knowing that if it came down to it, you would not think twice of making sure that the dark unicorn king could not return. Ever. You possess a dark and cruel power, yet it does not corrupt your heart”

“Yes, it baffles us so. When I used dark power, my heart was immediately taken over by it, and thus Nightmare Moon was created. But how is it that you are unaffected..?”

“Because I learned shadowmancing slowly and nourished off it. Years upon years of studying the art. From a mere age of seven years old. I am not sure if I remember telling you, but those markings you have seen on my body were carved into my flesh using a demonically possessed obsidian knife. I either had to fight the demon there and gain control of i’s power, or die.”

He sighs and lowers his head a bit. These two trust his every word, it was time he revealed his critical weakness to them.

“Tia...Lulu. Despite the power and abilities I possess. I am very vulnerable to one thing. And it doesn’t matter what form it takes, it can seriously hurt me or even kill me, silver.”

They both tilt their head at him, rather curious as to why it was so dangerous to him.

“It has to do with my garou blood. You see, silver is a pure substance, almost holy in nature. And it is deadly to blood like mine. It causes my blood to boil and the point it touches to burn. So you could imagine what a silver blade or arrow could do to me, should I not be quick enough.”

Celestia looks down at Zemrite, lightly placing her hands on his jaw and looks into his eyes.

“And why is it that you are telling us this?”

“Because I trust the both of you. You trust me, so you deserve mine as well. And...I also...well…”

This is something that he had been holding back for a good while now. It was now time he brought it to light.

“With all the times you have had me over and the time we have spent together. I must say that I've grown to really really like the both of you. You two let your guard down around me, and you are just so adorable and sweet when it is just us. I know you probably think I am crazy by telling you all this. After all, you two are royalty and I am sure you have plenty of stallions fighting for your affection. I thought I should just tell you anyways. That is why I gave you my critical weakness. Should things get out of hand, you two need to-”

Before he could finish saying the last sentence, all three of them teleported into Celestia’s chambers, both of the mares held him tightly, their arms wrapped around his frame and multiple kisses being planted on his cheeks and lips. It was so sudden, but he certainly didn’t mind.

“Did I say something I should have?”

He asked jokingly. Hearing them both giggle made him smile.

“We have a confession of our own, Zemrite. Both my sister and I do enjoy your presence very much. No matter the form you take. So we both decided if you shared your feelings with us, then we both share ours with you. That gives you not one, but two mares to love.”

Zemrite’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull at the words of Celestia. His heart nearly exploding out of his chest as well.

“Y-You can’t be serious. Both of you?!”

The poor guy has never had a girlfriend in his life, and yet these two just confessed to having those kind of feelings towards him, and agreed to BOTH be with him?! Not to say he hated the idea. Oh no, he was all for it. He just couldn’t believe it. But the nod from both of the sister confirmed it, only to have them nuzzle into him and drape that legs over each side of him.

“Oh yes, Zemrite. Believe it or not, your abilities, your power, your sweet and caring nature and your trust in us. It has won the both of us over.”

Celestia said as she pressed her breasts against him gently.

“You are quite the lucky stud, wolfy.”

Said both Luna and Nightmare Moon. Wait...Nightmare Moon? When did she get here?!

“Little Lulu, how dare you leave me out of the equation. I am still part of you after all. Besides, I want some of that monster side of him! He looked like he could split me in two!”

Said the dark mare as she runs his hands up and down her front with a light moan. Clearly having lewd images of his garou form laying claim to her body. As sweet as it sounded, it did make Zemrite blush, he immediately pulled his hood over his head to hide the blush. If it weren’t for the two beautiful mares snuggling up to him, he would have vanished into a shadow and gone off to hide.

“Aawww...the poor dear is shy. Not worry about that. Once we have had our way with you, we will make sure that shyness is well taken care of…”

Luna glared at her counterpart, as did Celestia.

“Leave us.”

Ordered Luna. Having no choice in the matter, Nightmare Moon pouts, but smiles and winks at Zemrite.

“See you on the next full moon, my sweet wolf.”

She vanishes into a cloud of black smoke. Luna sighing and shaking her head.

“You know Zemrite, for her to take notice of you that much, you must really be somepony special.”

“Yeah? Well pretty soon she won’t have to wait. The full moon is coming within two days. I can already feel my garou side stirring and wanting out. I am not sure what plans you will have for me then. Just remember I won’t be able to hold back the transformation.”

Celestia reaches up and caresses his cheek gently.

“Then, I think it best that you stay with us for the time being, Zemrite. Both Lulu and I will make sure that you are taken care of, personally. After all, you are ours now, just as we are yours. We wouldn’t be very good marefriends if we weren’t.”

She ended in a matter of factly tone. They both started showering him with affection once more. If he was to die right then and there, he could go happily. But luckily it wasn’t his time, so he just enjoyed them both, bringing his arms around both of their waists and pulls them closer to him.

Yeah...I think I can handle this...I hope…

Author's Note

Well, now that the relationship of double princess lovins has surfaced, things are gonna get fun and interesting. :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 13: One Hell Of A Night

The day of the full moon was now upon Equestria. Zemrite could already feel it in his bones, quite literally in fact. He stood out on the balcony of the chambers that he had stayed in last time when he was here. The wind blew through his hair as he stared up into the sky. It was bright and sunny, not a cloud in the sky. But he knew in less than twelve hours, the sun would indeed fall and the painful transformation would begin. As much as Luna would love to help him, all she could do was raise the moon. The effects it had on him were not in her area of expertise. He would have no choice but to let it happen, and hope that the pain won’t be as intense as it was the first time.

There was a knock at his door, it slowly opened as Celestia and Luna peeked in.

“Zemrite? Are you okay?”

They both asked in unison. He lets out a sigh but nods to them as he turns to meet them.

“As alright as I will ever be I suppose. Just not really excited for the cracking and shifting of my bones later tonight is all. Everything going alright with you two? Any fun Day Court cases going on?”

Celestia giggles at his little joke and shakes her head.They both come in and stand next to him on the balcony, looking out over the whole city below. They couldn’t be more happier than they were now. They were with the one male who they had deep feelings for, but at the same time, they worried for him greatly. They wanted to be there whenever it happens to comfort him when it was done, and that was exactly what they planned to do.

“Well, we will be there for you when that happens…”

Celestia and Luna both take one of his hands and lightly squeeze it, lacing their fingers into his.

“Yes, Tia and I will stay with you as long as you need us to. The nobles will just have to do without tonight

Zemrite looked up at both of them, his amethyst eyes looking into their, a slow smile forming across his face. He squeezes their hand gently and nods.

“Thank you, both of you. You are very sweet to offer your support.”

“Well what do you expect you silly stallion? We are your marefriends after all. If we weren’t there for you, we’d be very poor marefriends. Wouldn’t you think?”

The both wrap their arms around him while his was in the middle, their breasts pressing against him firmly as they nuzzle into him.

“Besides...we know how to make it all feel better once the pain is gone…”

Celestia said in a rather sultry tone.

“Mhmm...I hope you are ready. Our sweet shadowmancing wolf. Tonight's a night that you are going to feel pain, but afterwards, pleasure…”

Only one thing was going through his mind when those words came from them both. He gulped lightly.

Shadows preserve me, I beg of you…

--Zemrite’s Chambers, Sunset--

The hour was at hand. Zemrite watched as the sun slowly disappears as Celestia lowered it from his balcony. Luna was there as well. Looking back at Zemrite with a pained and sad expression on her face, but she had to do her royal duty.

“Zemrite...please forgive me.”

“It can’t be helped, Lulu. I am ready.”

With the sun now fully set. Luna hesitantly raises the moon. Once it is fully above the land, Zemrite felt the pain slowly start to grow throughout his body. His eyes going from their beautiful amethyst to a deep blue a.nd his teeth shifting into sharper ones. Both Celestia and Luna watch on in pained horror as his body began to shift. He grabs at his head as he growls and groans in pain. He falls to his hands and knees next. The sickening cracking and shifting of his bones and muscles growing and spreading. Soon enough, his clothing and armor melt off his form and a swirling cloud of black smoke encircles him. Luna tries to run to him, but Celestia grabs her arm and shakes her head.

“I know, sister...not yet.”

As if right on cue, Nightmare Moon pops in from the balcony and smiles widely as she sees the transformation happening.

“Oh yes...there he is!”

Once the transformation was done, he was now in his true form once more. A fifteen-foot wolven monster on two legs. He lets out a mighty roar/howl as he throws his head back, but falls back to his knees and hands again, panting heavily from exhaustion of the transformation. Both Celestia and Luna ran over to him with worry on the faces, lightly wrapping their arms around him and petting along his side.

“Zemrite…”

They both said as the nuzzled in closely.

“I..I am alright. It wasn’t as bad as the first time. Just give me a few moments…”

He said as his gaze shifted between both of them, then it fell upon Nightmare who was now standing in front of him with absolute desire in her eyes. Like a mare who hadn’t seen her love in ages. She reaches up and lightly cradles his jaw in her hands.

“Oh yes...look at you. Those deep fierce eyes, those powerful pulsating muscles, that beautiful soft fur...mmmh.”

The alicorn was completely enamored with his appearance. He could tell it in the way she looked at him and the shakiness in her voice. One could say she was ‘over the moon’ for him. The author of this story is sorry for the horrible pun but felt it was necessary. Both Luna and Celestia look at Nightmare with puffed cheeks and slight glares. They really couldn’t be too angry with her, though. She may be a separate pony, but at the same time, she is part of Luna.

“Hey, he doesn’t need that right now! Besides, we already promised to tend to him later! He is ours!”

Said Celestia holding onto him in a possessive manner, as was Luna. Just as before the bickering between the three of them however, there was commotion outside the hall and down below outside. Zemrite’s ears twitch at the sound of a roar, another familiar sound that belonged to a monster he’d never truly wished he’d encounter in a real situation.

“First a dread wolf...now one of those…”

“W-what was that?”

Asked Celestia, a bit startled from the sudden noises from outside. Zemrite however quickly got to his feet and ran out onto the balcony, having to duck his head to get out in the process. Once he saw what was outside, his suspicions were correct in what he heard. There in the main courtyard was a large brute of a creature. One that had more than enough strength to break down the walls of the castle. An abyssal ogre.

“Tia, Lulu, Moony, you three stay up here. This is another creature that is super resistant to magic.”

Now that he has fully recovered from his change, he felt the power of his true form surge through his body. And it felt….intoxicating. The power of his strength and speed now significantly increased, not to mention his blood lust was off the charts now. Before they could stop him and ask him about the beast, he leaps off the balcony and slides down the wall, using his claws to slow his fall before leaping off the wall in front of the ogre. Their gazes locked, giving each other death glares.

"Sorry, there is only room for one beast here. And that beast is me..."

Zemrite said as he and the ogre began to walk in a circle, sizing each other up. The fur on his back stood on end and his claws flexed. He lets out a low ethereal growl/bark mixed with a slight hiss. Asserting his dominance and issuing a challenge. In this form, he was more beast than elf. And he was going to protect what was his. And just like that, they charge at one another, locking arms and pushing against one another. Zemrite growled and snarled at the ogre as they were in the deadlock. The soldier who were recovering from their fight with the ogre before he got there we're watching on in both fear and awe.

“W-where did this one come from?!”

“It doesn’t matter, clearly he is on our side if he is attacking the other one as well.”

“Come on big guy, tear that bastard to shreds!”

The other guards cheered on Zemrite as he and the ogre fought on. The guards didn’t know that the large garou was, in fact Zemrite however. Thw was, until both Luna and Celestia made their way down, but kept a reasonable safe distance away from the fight.

“Princesses! Thank Faust you are safe! Where is your suitor?! Shouldn’t he be down here dealing with this?!”

She shook her head and pointed to the large garou.

“He is.”

The guard let out a collective ‘Whoooooaaa’ when she reveals that it is him who is fighting the ogre. Zemrite got a hit dealt to the face that sent him flying back and rolling across the ground, he lets out a yelp of pain, but quickly rises back to his feet and leaps into the air, landing on top of the ogre and pushes him down, beginning to rake his claws through the ogre's face and neck as much as he could, the sound of flesh tearing could be heard before he was kicked off. He had blinked the ogre, having torn out its eyes. But this made him more of a danger to others than him. The beast started flailing about indiscriminately. Nearly hitting the guards before they could run away. He was quick to act. Running toward the ogre and jumping on it’s back, sinking his claws into the back of its neck and digging through the flesh again until he reached it’s spinal cord. Little did he know that throughout the fight, he had received quite a bit of damage and was bleeding quick a bit. But his blood lust and rage were masking the pain for now. He was going to be in a world of hurt afterwards. Once he finally got ahold of the spinal cord, he began pulling on it as hard as he could with his claws sunk into it, and with a sick ‘CRACK’, he ripped it free. The ogre when limp instantly and fell to the ground on its face. Zemrite lifted the spine up and gave out a loud howl of victory as he stood tall and proud. The guard couldn’t help but raise their weapons and cheer with him.

However, once the fight was over and the victory was clinched, Zemrite began to feel the pain of the battle, and holy fuck was he hurting. He falls to his hands and knees, panting heavily as blood ran down his body from his wounds. Both Celestia and Luna ran over to him in a panic. Both trying to keep him supported, getting covered in his blood.

“Get the medical ponies here now! He is going to bleed to death!”

Shouted Luna. Trying her best to stop the bleeding anywhere she could, as did Celestia. Zemritechuckle slightly, but grunts in pain.

“Gah..heheheh. That was...actually pretty fun. I haven’t had a fight like that in...a while. Uugh!”

He growls through his teeth again, trying his best to stand on his own.

“Zemrite, what were you thinking?! You just went right after the thing without explaining what in equestria it was!”

“Because you are your magic wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Just like the dread wolf back at the gala…”

He gets to his feet, only to fall back down on his knees again.

“Damnit…”

“You need to rest! You are bleeding so so much! Don’t be so stubborn!”

Scolded Luna. Both ehr and Celestia were very upset with him, but at the same time, they had no right to hold it against him. He jumped to not only their defense, but her guards as well. So also, they were very proud of him. But when he felt better, he was definitely going to get an ear full. No doubt about that.

Author's Note

Well, it was gonna happen, but I changed my mind, not tonight! :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 14: What Was Promise Before, Now Happens Tonight

Zemrite laid in his bed, bandaged up and resting quietly. He slowly opens his eyes and sits up quickly. Getting out of his bed and..wait, this wasn’t his bed, in fact,these weren’t his chambers he usually stayed in at all! And these weren’t definitely Celestia’s or Luna’s. Though the design was a mixture of light and dark, more like twilight. And shadows looming in certain spots. Just where in the nine hells was he?! He looks down at his bandages and pulls them off. His wounds already having regenerated over the time he had rested and shifted. He walked over to the window and looked out the window. No doubt about it, he was still in Canterlot. And he was most definitely in the castle. Maybe this is a new room that they decided to put him in? Who knows.

“Bah, I will worry about it later. Right now I feel like I could sit in the shower for hours…”

He makes his way into the rather spacious bathroom and arches a brow at its design. The shower was definitely big enough for more than just one person. He shakes his head and walks in, he turns on the water to a nice hot temperature and presses his hands against the wall and leans forward as the water runs down his body. He lets out a low growl of delight as it trails down his form. Yep, he did love showers and baths, like a lot of canines did.

“Oooh yeah, that’s the stuff. Nothing like getting nice and clean after going full garou.”

While he was in the shower, Celestia and Luna walked into the room and closed the door behind them. Blinking as they find their bed empty of their soon to be lover.

“Looks like he is up and about Tia.”

She said as she picks up his bandages and tosses them into the nearby trash can. Looking over at her sister who now had a sultry smile on her face.

“Looks like he got the water ready for us just in time. Wouldn’t you agree?”

They both heard the shower water running and giggle lightly, both shedding their clothing and regalia, quietly slipping into the room as they watched him. The way he was stretched out as the water pour on him showed the extent of his muscles to them. They could help but let out small moans as they looked him up and down.

“My my, not even a scar!”

Celestia said as she slides into the shower, her sister following quickly. Zemrite heard their voices and turns with a smile, like he was just seeing them as usual.

“Yyyep, being a garou, our wound can regenerate over time as long it wasn’t silver tha-.”

There they were, in their full glory standing before him, the princess of day and night. Completely naked and smiling at him. His heart rate sky rocketed. Not only were these mares taller than him, but their curves were absolutely amazing. He always knew Celestia was curvy, but in full sight, it was in all the right places! And Luna was definitely not bad to look at either. She wasn’t as curvy as her sister, but son of a bitch. She was damn hot.

“Uh oh Tia, I think we may have made his heart burst within his chest.”

Celestia giggled lightly and makes her way over to Zemrite, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his front, her large plump breasts pressing against him back. Luna wasted no time in claiming his front, her own well-sized breasts pressing against his chest., grinding against him.

“Oh don’t worry Lulu, I can tell his is still standing...in more way than one apparently.”

They both giggle again and nuzzle into Zemrite, the elven garou was still at a loss for words for a while, until he shook himself out of his paralyzed state and looked back and forth between the two.

“Tia..Lulu..? What are…?”

“Oh come now Zemrite,you honestly didn’t expect we would not get you here sooner or later. You are our mate after all. And we need to make sure that our love is properly taken care of. Especially after what happened two nights ago…”

Celestia said as she gently ran her lips along his shoulder and arm, tracing his markings ever so gently. And sensually with her soft kisses. Zemrite blinks a few times and looks back at her.

“Wait...two nights ago? I have been out for that long? I must have really gotten banged up from that ogre…”

“You did,Zemrite. We were very concerned for you when we saw you bleeding excessively during the fight. And yet you kept on going. I take it that is part of your garou side?”

Luna asks as she kisses along his chest gently, rubbing her hands up and down his form, this makes him take in a few breaths, their sensual touch making him even more aroused.

“I-it’s known as blood lust. It happens when a male garou feels that his territory and mate is threatened and so they fight until the death, no matter the cost.As long as what is his is still his…”

Both of them blink a few times and blush heavily at this, only to have big smiles slowly creep across their faces.

“Did you hear that, Lulu? He has claimed us as his apparently.”

“I did hear that Tia. And I loved hearing it straight from his mouth. Please, Zemrite...say it again…”

He takes in a deep breath, seeing the pleading teal eyes looking to him, he could not deny either of them.

“You are both mine..and only mine. I will tear the throats out of anyone else who tries to take you from me…”

They both let out a moan of delight as he said that, their folds dripping not only from the water but their arousal as well. They both begin to start grinding against him. Their tails waying behind them to get their sweet scents flowing through the air. And it affected Zemrite greatly. His body pulsated, his member now fully rock hard and standing up straight, lightly rubbing against Luna’s inner thighs as she grinds her body against him. He knew his was in trouble, but also in for the ride of his life.

Shadows, give me the strength and fortitude for these mares, as they are going to make me sorer than I have ever been…

The three spent a bit more time in the shower, getting each other nice and clean before the main event. However, both Celestia and Luna were getting rather impatient. They both took ahold of Zemrite and carried him onto the bed and laid him down, both of their bodies now lying over each of his legs and their muzzles going straight for their prize. They kiss and lick and suck all over his throbbing member, eventually going down further and taking his well sized orbs into their muzzles and rolling them around and sucking on them with love and desire in their eyes. Zemrite was growling lowly as they tended to him with such devotion and want. They were merciless towards him. Wanting to taste that sweet seed that he had kept away from them for so long. Luna kept her muzzle on his orbs while Celestia moved back up to his member and swallowed it down without hesitation, both of them working their muzzles to please their one and only.

“By the shadows…”

Was all he could muster. He started growling and snarling in delight, his claws retracting and digging into the bedding as he was being serviced by these two beautiful mares. Their sweet sensual moans combined with their eager slurping and suckling only drove his arousal further off the charts. At this rate, he wasn’t going to last very long, not at all. But that is what they wanted. They wanted him to release his seed as soon as possible so they could taste him.With a lewd slurp and pop, Luna releasing her orbs from her loving mouth and begins to give attention to his member once more. Celestia and Luna began kissing each other over his member’s tip, sandwiching their breasts against his member as they did so. That was it, he couldn’t take it anymore, he lets out a loud roar of delight as his seed spews all over their pretty faces and breasts, turret after turret of thick seed flowing freely, Celestia slides her muzzle down on him as she swallows some down, then alternates with Luna so she could get her fill as well. Surprisingly, he tastes sweet to them. Like fresh fruit. Once they finish drinking down his essence, Celestia lays on her back. Luna climbs on top of her and rests against her older sister, their breasts pressing together firmly. Both moving their tails away and looking back at him with eyes of pure desire. Their marehood started winking at him.

“Please Zemrite….come and claim us for your own. My sister and I are yours, and we want to only be yours.”

Celestia said between pants, her chest going up and down as she could feel her marehood was burning, along with Luna’s as well.

“Yes, we are yours, our sweet garou…”

Zemrite was still rock hard, and their presentation was definitely not going to make him any less harder than he already was. He wasn’t sure who he should take first though! Though, he gets an idea. He grins wickedly and crawls on the bed and slides his member into Celestia first. But then raises a hand and chants lowly. Suddenly multiple shadow tentacles slither their way up onto the bed and hold down his mares, each one wrapping around Celestia and Luna’s curves. Squeezing and fondling them roughly. He wanted both of his princesses to feel good after all. While his member occupied Celestia’s marehood, a couple of tentacles slide into Luna’s and begin to thrust and wriggle around inside of her. Zemrite began to work his hips into Celestia with a chuckle.

“Not their...intended use...but I want both of my mares to scream for me while I claim them at the same time.”

“By the moon!!!”

“By the sun!!!”

They shouted as they started to get fondled and groped and penetrated by his tentacles. Every now and then he’d alternate between the two, giving each one of his lovers the equal amount of attention.They called out his name. Begged,pleaded cried for more and more. Screamed even. They just didn’t want him to stop. These mares have been needing this for some time now. Being an immortal being and not having a true lover for nearly hundreds of years can leave an alicorn severely wanting. The sensual and rather lewd lovemaking went on for hours and hours on end, nonstop. It was only until in the extremely early hours in the morning did they finally decide to stop. Zemrite was wiped, spent and out like a light after the whole thing was finished. Both Celestia and Luna laid there on each side of him. Completely soaked between their legs of their lover’s seed and their own juices.

“Wow Tia...he lasted much longer than I thought he would for his first time… And those tentacles he summoned….I couldn’t get enough of them…”

“Oh yes Lulu, but the main part I Ioved the most, was when he was the one inside me...and he always left me wanting him more when he switched between us… he knew exactly what he was doing. And he has never laid with a mare before?”

“Is that right, Tia? Our garou has never EVER laid with another? I find that hard to believe after that. But, I know he wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

They both ran their hands up and down the length of their sleeping mate’s body, eventually reaching up to run their fingers through his hair.And he still slept so soundly with all the chatting and such.

“Tia...I think we have finally really found our one true love. Even to the point where...you know.”

“Not quite yet, Lulu. We don’t want to scare him. I love him too much to have him run away from the idea of sharing our immortality. I know you feel the same way.”

“I know Tia, but he is technically semi-immortal already.Let us give him time. Until then, we show him our full love and desire. And we don’t have to worry about him bedding anyone else. One of his strongest traits is loyalty after all.Must come with the garou territory.”

They both giggle and continue to shower Zemrite with affection, happiest they have ever been in hundreds of years.

Author's Note

Holy hell I am on a roll tod- *face smashes into keyboard as he passes out snoring*

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 15: The Royal Summit

Zemrite walked the halls of the castle the next morning, having woken up before his lovely princess mates. Though he knew that they’d be waking up anytime soon for the setting of the moon and the rising of the sun. The echo of his boots was the only thing that could be heard, and even those were quiet, giving his skill in being a shadow walker. He walked passed a few guards on his way to the training ground. It was a good chance to brush up on his archery skills before the summit began today. Luckily it was going to happen here in Canterlot and not in another castle away from home.He knew it made both Celestia and Luna happy just as much as it did him.

Once he was out on the range, he summoned his bow to his side through the power of shadow grip. Along with his quiver appearing on his back. The man took and arrow and placed it on the string and pulled back slowly, the sound of the tension on the bowstring could be heard stretching as he takes in a breath and narrows his eyes to focus in on the target. He releases the arrow just as he exhales, hitting the dummy target directly in the head. Then another in the torso, then another in both shoulders, then one more in the throat. Sharpshooting is on target as always. After he gets done practicing, by which he ran out of arrows, he looks down at his bow thoughtfully. This was his trusted weapon. Before he became a Ghost, he was just a simple archer. But this the one and final weapon he had crafted and was able to get to plus twenty. Something that required work and luck to create. The name he gave this weapon? The ‘Dreadwyrm Bow’. Why? Because the items needed to make this fearsome weapon was required from the Dreadwyrm, an enemy that took three guilds to take down.

“We’ve been through a lot you and me…”

The bow flares up with a dark purple fire as if responding lovingly to its master. Zemrite smiles lightly and then reach into his cloak and pull out ‘Demon’s Demise’.

“And you, my dark friend, you have come through when I have needed you as well.”

A red aura surrounds the blade and flares up through the holes in the skull just at the base of the blade. Zemrite looks down at his two weapons and began to speak with them as if they could hear him.

“I ask you both to stay with me till my day of death. I rely on you both for, without you, I am just a simple shadowmancer who can do only so much. Please help me protect the two maresI care for the most here.”

They both flare up again in response, their auras wrapping around his hands that he held them in, then around his arms, his torso, his legs, then back around the weapons themselves. Zemrite knew what their answer was and smiled just a bit more.

“Thank you, both of you.”

He places the weapons in their respective places on his person.He walks to the south gardens and finds his usual spot where he goes to carve you arrows after having grabbed the supplies he needed from the stockroom in the back of the training grounds. He became so focused on the tree which he sat while carving that he did not notice Celestia approaching him from the front. She saw how focused his eyes were, those bright amethyst hues mixed into that black sclera always made a chill run up and down her spine when he had such a gaze in his eyes.

“Zemrite, what are you up to my love?”

Asked the still sleepy alicorn as she sat next to Zemrite and pressed against him, placing her head on his shoulder and nuzzling him affectionately. He looks back to Celestia and gives her a warm smile and a kiss while lightly rubbing one of her ears.

“Just making some new arrows. I was practicing this morning and ran out. My skilled need to be ready just in case something should happen today. Which I am really hoping doesn’t. I take it Lulu took her moony butt back to bed?”

Celestia giggled lightly and nodded.

“Mhmm~. She is still the princess of the night, and her sleep schedule still remains the same. But do not worry, she will be ready for the summit later today, she just needs to get a few hours in.”

He nodded again and sighs, placing the arrow down which he had finished making. Celestia could tell that this summit was on his mind and the potential dangers that came with it.

“Everything will be fine, Zemrite. And if something does happen, I know you will be quick on your feet like you always are.”

“I know Tia. But my first and foremost priority will be the safety of you and Lulu. Not because it’s my job, but because it’s you two. I care deeply for both of you, you know this well. So to ask me to care for anypony else but you two should things derail, I will have to deny that order and make sure yours and Luna’s well-being comes first above all else’s.”

Celestia blinked a few times at his words. The fact that he would defy orders at all surprised her. But at the same time, it touched her that he would do such a thing to make sure that she and her sister stayed safe. She wraps her arms around his neck and pulls him close, nuzzling him affectionately while his head rested on her breasts.

“It makes me happy...and I know it makes Lulu happy to that you would go to such lengths to ensure our safety. But you must understand that we are the rulers of Equestria. You don’t have to protect us all the time. We are quite capable in magical combat. It’s just as of recent, these odd...creatures that have been appearing...our magic seems to not have any affect on them.”

Zemrite sighed and wrapped his arms around the larger mare. He nods as he listens to her words.

“I understand that, Tia. I never doubt your or Lulu’s magical abilities. They are damn near god-like if not so. But one wrong move and you could end up hurt like last time. You are powerful in magic, but your bodies lack the physical fortification. You are...what we used to call back in my world ‘glass cannons’. You hit harder than anything but you are soft and squishy when it comes to physical force. And even your magical shields can only take so much of the attacks.”

Zemrite averts his gaze a bit from Celestia, then back to her again after a moment.

“You two cannot be compromised in any way. You two are this world’s rulers after all. Not to mention you two are also the only ones i care most about.”

Celestia understood why he was being so adamant about this. He must have known that being of royal importance that others may not see your views the right ones. Certain ponies or any other beings for that matter may try to strike them down. She removes his hood and gently begins to run her fingers through his thick long hair. His scent of rain and winter pine filling her nostrils. Oh, how much she loved his scent. It suited him perfectly.

“Regardless of what happens today Zemrite, Lulu and I will be fine. We know that if all things come to that point, you will be there to defend us...even though we may do it before you get there.”

She said teasing him lightly. He couldn’t help but smile at that and gave a firm nod.

“Wouldn’t be more humiliating that an assassin was done in by a beautiful princess? I may very well just let you handle it yourself~.’

He teased back. They both giggled and enjoyed the rest of the morning together. The summit was drawing ever closer. Was it going to be derailed like Zemrite felt it would? Or, will everything just go as planned?

--Outside The Summit Chamber--

Zemrite leaned against the wall beside two other bodyguards that had accompanied their respected rulers to the summit. He felt all eyes on him as well. Not one of them could figure out what he was because he was wearing his mask to cover up his face and with all the leather armor he wore which had no holes, it only made it that more difficult. The one out of all the others in the hall that seemed to take interest in him the most was a griffon soldier. She had black feathers that faded into a slate grey at the tip and dark gray fur on her lower half. Her eyes were a bright peach color and Zemrite could feel her gaze trying to burn through him.

“Hey, buddy. Why do you take off that mask huh? Got something to hide?”

Zemrite wasn’t even going to respond to that. The issue with that though, is that the griffon had a bit of a temper, and didn’t like to be ignored or blown off, being the commander of the entire griffon army, defiance didn’t sit well with her.

“Hey, I am talking to you!”

She said in a commanding deep husky tone. Somehow though, it was a sexy kind of husky tone. Zemrite turns his glowing gaze over to the griffon, the amethyst glow sending shivers up the griffon’s spine, but she was about to keep it well hidden.

“Yes, i know you are talking to me. And if this was your ruler’s castle, and I was in your command, I’d address you. But going around and demanding complete strangers to remove their masks is quite rude. How would you feel if I demanded you strip naked right there and now hmm?”

Some of the male guards chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“That would most certainly be a sight indeed.”

Said a crystal pony stallion guard who gave a smirk at Zemrite. This didn’t sit well with the griffon at all. She got up in Zemrite’s face and locked eyes with him.

“You listen here, bub. I am well respected in my country, so you better show just as much respect to me as my kind back home would. I am from a very important noble house there and you will show me the proper respect.”

Zemrite chuckled under his mask and stood on his feet from the wall.

“Why should I give respect to someone who clearly demands it from being an intimidation? You have a pretty face, don’t get me wrong. But your attitude and your behavior is not welcomed here. This isn’t your land to call the shots on. In fact, if your superior came through this door and saw this display you are putting on, I bet she’d be just soooo embarrassed that her top general is getting so upset that someone chose to defy her that isn’t even under her command.”

The female griffon was getting hot under her armor. Not only was this smug bastard talking to her like that, but all the other bodyguards were snickering and laughing quietly behind their hands at her. She moved her talons to grip at the hilt of her sword getting ready to draw, but the doors opened and all the rulers came out. The griffon ruler having come out and saw exactly what was going on.

“General Ravenheart!”

Shoe barked in slight anger as she knew that this could have gotten bad quickly. Once the griffon heard her master’s voice, she quickly jumped back away from Zemrite.

“E-Empress! H-He started this whole ordeal first!”

The griffon ruler looked over at Zemrite and tilted her head slightly. His gaze met with her before she asked.

“Tell me young one, is it true of what she says?”

Zemrite loved it when others called him young. By appearance sure, but time wise, he may have been older than her.

“No ma'am. She got all hot-headed because I did not remove my mask when she ordered me to.I told her politely this isn’t her castle nor does she have any command over others here.You finished at a good time, she was about to draw her blade on me.”

The others that were watching the ordeal nodded in agreement with Zemrite’s words. The Empress sighed lightly and walked over to Zemrite, giving him a very obvious set of bedroom eyes.

“Please forgive my General, my dear. She is used to everyone but me bending to her will. I would be more than happy to make it up to you myself...or perhaps I could command her to service you later tonight?”

Ravenheart feathers fell flat and her eyes widen at the thought. A heavy blush formed across her face. As she frantically waves her arms, the males once again grinning and making ‘Oooooh’ sounds. Zemrite arched a brow under his mask as he looked the empress who was parading her goods noticeably.

“Tempting offer. But I am afraid I am going to have to decline. My two mares wouldn’t be happy if i brought a griffon home with me. Besides, muzzles are a bit comfier than beaks.”

He said with a wide grin under his mask. The Empress couldn’t help but laugh at his little lewd joke. She nodded and walked away from him, swishing her tail playfully.

“Two mares huh?”

“Loooong story…”

“Fair enough. Do take care, handsome.”

She looks back to her general and motions for her to follow, she does so while glaring at Zemrite once more.

“We aren’t done…”

Zemrite shrugged and waited till both Celestia and Luna came out and looked at their lover with arched brows.

“What was that all about?”

Asked Luna as she watched them all leave down the hall. Zemrite sighs and takes his two mares by the hands and squeezes lightly.

“I’ll tell you both over a nice hot bath.”

“Ooooh, yay!”

Yes, bath time. Their routine special alone time together that they shared each night.

Author's Note

Sorry if there are a lot of errors. My program I am using is flipping out on me x.x

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 16: The Duel

It was the very next morning since the summit had taken place. The rulers were taking an extra day to relax and enjoy a bit of time to themselves before heading back to their own lands. However, the griffon empress seemed to be keeping a rather watchful eye on Zemrite in particular.She was just as curious as for her general, Ravenheart about what exactly laid behind that mask he seemed to always wear. She had no intentions of trying to get close to him after he had denied her advances from the day before, respecting his decision to keep his lovers to the princesses whom he had given his heart to solely. But she was extremely curious as to what he was capable of. She could clearly see that he was an archer of sorts by how he had his bow and quiver on his back. But what else was he hiding in that leather armor and under that cloak?

Today would be the day that both she and her general would find answers, one way or the other. But they’d have to be careful as to not rub the princesses the wrong way. Especially noticing how close he and both the sisters were. Seems like she knows about the two mares he was speaking about now after having watched him shower the two with his love and affection, the Empress was actually feeling a bit jealous that she didn’t have someone like him to give her that kind of attention. But that wasn’t the main concern for now. She sits in her room now, observing the grounds below from her balcony.

“Ravenheart.”

She called out to her general who was standing just feet from her. The other female griffon was quick to respond by kneeling beside her on one knee.

“I’d like you to keep a close watch on that..handsome mystery of a male for me. While I will not advance on him, I'd like to know what he is capable of. Before we leave, I’d like you to challenge him to a duel.”

“But mistress, he looks to be nothing more than an archer. I’d only need to dodge him enough to where he runs out of arrows and then it would be a rather unfair fight.”

She said puffing her chest out in pride thinking that it would all she’d need to do so in order to beat him and make him submit to her. The Empress, however, only smile with a low chuckle. It is wise to underestimate that...black wolf.”

She said finally putting a comparison to him, nodding a few times thinking it seemed very appropriate. Little did she know how right she was in saying just that. Ravenheart scoffed a bit at those words.

“Mistress, he is no wolf. If anything, he is more of a mutt than anything. I can tell without that mask of his, he is no pony nor a griffon. And he is most certainly NOT a wolf.”

See to griffons, wolves are their worthy counterparts in this realm. And she definitely felt like that Zemrite didn’t deserve to be called a wolf. The Empress just chuckled lightly and looked back to her thick headed general, a smile slowly forming across her beak.

“My, if you are so confident in your abilities, then by all means, put him in his place in a duel then. Show him that you are the dominant one in this land. But I warn you, if you do not do recon on his abilities, it will turn around to bite you in that lovely rear of yours, Ravenheart.”

“Tch, just watch me…”

She said as she stomped out of the room and slamming the door behind her in the process. She walked down the hall brisky with her claws wrapped around the hilt of her blade.

“I will show you I am not a little girl anymore….mother.”

--A Bit Later--

Zemrite was walking down the halls of the lower castle after having visited with his lovely princesses, making sure that they had all they needed for their day. Once that was done, he went about his own day, just walking through the castle, making sure everything was in order and all was right with the guests. It’s not that he had to, he was just bored enough to do so. He rounded a corner before coming face to face with General Ravenheart, he blinks a few times behind his mask and tilts his head slightly.

“Something I can help you with?”

He asked in a rather calming and bored tone. The griffon glared at him slightly at his attitude and leaned up to him.

“You, me, duel. Meet me out on the training ground in thirty minutes. You better be there to…”

“Ah, so we are settling what YOU started yesterday? This will be fun! I need to go and tell the princesses. They will want to watch me put you on your ass. They weren’t too happy with how you threatened me yesterday you know. I told them to let it go, but since you are wanting to duel me, I believe they will be as giddy as schoolfillies. Very well, I accept your duel request. I suppose it would be fair since you do have an advantage over me with that silver sword of yours. Oh well, that just makes it more challenging for me. See you soon, lionbutt.”

He said that last bit in a teasing manner. That’s right, he could spot that metal from miles. And silver was not the kind of metal he wanted to come in contact with. He’d have to get that blade away from her as first priority. However, it also dawned on him that her armor had its faults in its design. He would exploit those if necessary. He heard the griffon growl in anger at his nickname he gave her. He laughed to himself knowing full well he had struck a nerve, and he loved it. He couldn’t wait to tell Celestia and Luna what was going to transpire within the next half hour.

--A few Minutes Before The Duel--

“Are you sure about this love? If what you say is true, she already has a big advantage over you, and if that blade connects with your flesh…”

Celestia knew he was strong and capable, but she and Luna worried like any lover would for their mate. Zemrite walked up to both of them and smiled up at them lovingly. They could tell that he was giving them that same caring look he always gave to them, even from behind a mask.

“Tia, Lulu, you don’t need to worry. I won’t let a hot-headed griffon who thinks she is hot shit take me down. In fact, those kind of opponents are fun to humiliate when all is said and done. Knock’em down a few pegs, you know. Now, you two go and get comfy and watch the show. I may come out with a few cuts here and there, But I am sure that you will make me feel much better later~.”

He said with a wink at the last part. They both giggled and nodded rapidly. They most certainly would help him feel better.. Zemrite walks out into the open training grounds where everything had been cleared away for the duel at hand. He removes his cloak and places it on a nearby training dummy before making his way to the center. He noticed that the griffon empress was watching from the other side as her general approached, drawing her silver double-edged sword with a smirk on her face. Zemrite reaches behind and pulled out his bow and readied an arrow.

“I am going to make you cry like a little bitch…”

She threatened.

“Little bitch? Is that the best you can come up with? Or do you lack intelligence in that thick skull of yours? Oh and before we get started, I should mention that if you get knocked out of the white line that borders this place, it’s an automatic loss. So be careful how far you live away birdy.”

They start at each other intently for a few moments, then the bell sounds off. Ravenheart flies at Zemrite with a loud battle roar and she was closing in quickly. At the last second, Zemrite grins and shifts to the side and quickly sheaths his bow and arrow.

Hmmmm...looks like arrows aren’t going to help me here. She is rather quick in her flight, let’s see if my new toys can do something about that.

The crowd watched on in awe at Ravenheart’s relentless attacks and Zmerite’s acrobatic dodging and maneuvering. He was wearing her down long enough to wait for the right moment to strike. And it would be something that would even the playing field a bit more.

“Come on! You gotta attack at some point! You afraid, mutt?!”

He chuckles lightly and shakes his head.

“Resorting to name calling, are we? I am not so hot-headed like a certain griffon when it comes to petty insults.”

The griffon makes another charge at Zemrite who gets in a good window of opportunity now. He jumps into the air, doing a side flips and connects his hand to the open part of her armor where her wings were. When his hand connects, a small needle retracts from his gauntlet and slips into her flesh, giving a small dosage of a poison that paralyzes the affected area. He quickly pushes off her back with another flip. Shoving her into the ground in the process. The crowd that had gathered lets out a collective “ooooooh!” as this was done. While others may have missed what Zemrite has done, both the princesses and the griffon Empress saw what had happened. And it was now evident to the onlookers after Ravenheart got up and tried to get airborne again, but her wings wouldn’t operate, at all.

Mmmh...handsome AND clever. Looks like Ravenheart failed in following my advice...poor girl is going to get eaten by the wolf, that’s for sure…

Thought the empress as she sat back in her chair resting her jaw on her right hand. The way he moved and attacked, it was as if he was a living shadow. Ravenheart made it back onto her feet and growled lowly at Zemrite.

“Whatever you did to my wings...that was a dirty trick!’

She said as she turned to reach for her sword...which was missing. Zemrite had the blade in his hand and tosses it out of the boundary. A wicked grin formed under his mask as he did this.

“Let’s get rid of that nasty thing, shall we? The last thing we need is for someone to get a scar that would take quite a long time to heal.”

He said in a mocking manner. Clearly, this general did not have any experience in fighting with a trickster and her lack of was about to cost her the duel. Shen charged at him in a blind rage now, angered that he had made a fool of her in front of her empress and the other onlookers. But Zemrite wasn’t done. He was about to show her true humiliation. Once she got in close enough, Zemrite threw down a small black vial that contained a pure black smoke screen that filled half the arena. The sound of metal clashing and falling to the ground could be heard as Zemrite moved in the darkness, using his dagger to peel off Ravenheart’s armor piece by piece, cutting the straps and various other objects holding it together, One by one, the pieces of metal fell to the ground outside of the smoke screen until it cleared. Once the smoke had dispersed, Zemrite had his left arm wrapped around the now nearly naked griffon’s lower body and his right hand holding his dagger to her throat.

“Yield…”

He said in a low growl as he pressed the blade to her neck a bit more. Ravenheart was stunned at what had just happened. How was he able to move so fast in that cloud of smoke?! And what's more, how was he able to dismantle her armor completely?! Looking down as she was in nothing but her bra and underwear, she lets out a gasp and falls to her knees covering herself as best as she could, her wings still being out of commission.

“I...I yield…”

“Smart girl.”

He said before motioning a guard over.

“Get her something to cover up with, this duel is over.”

“R-right away, sir…”

Everyone there was completely taken at how Zemrite handled the duel. Not single bruise, cut, or injury was on either of the two. Ravenheart’s wings would soon regain their functionality again. But it was the fact that she now realized that he was toying with her this whole time. He makes his way back into the castle after grabbing his cloak from the training dummy. Both the princesses and the griffon empress watched on in awe. This wasn’t a duel, this was a slaughter without one ounce of bloodshed. One thing’s for sure, Ravenheart’s pride was the thing that was slaughtered here today.

Author's Note

Here's another :D

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 17: Though We Are Apart, I will Return Soon

Zemrite walked along the halls of the castle as he tried to get his surroundings memorized. He wasn’t staying in the castle he knew, he was now living at the Crystal Empire, living in one of the guest chambers provided by Princess Cadence for his lengthy stay Why was he staying there one would ask? Well, it is because of the request of both Cadence and Shining.

--Yesterday Afternoon--

Zemrite walks through the halls of Canterlot Castle, brisk in his movements as he had been called to the throne room by both Celestia and Luna. When it was both of them needing him in the throne room, and in a hurry, something must be going on. He quickly pushes one of the doors out of his way and makes his way up the long red carpet to see not only his two mates but Cadence was there as well. He offers a slight smile to the princess of love and bow to her lightly.

“Good to see you again princess Cadence. I trust you are doing well with ruling a kingdom?”

She smiles to him and wanders up to him, wrapping her arms around him into a hug. He lifts his arms up to his sides a bit and blinks a few times. He certainly wasn’t expecting a greeting like that from her. Sure, Luna and Celestia pounce hug him every single day. And he loves it. But he hardly knew Cadence. She is a nice mare sure, but still.

“There is no need to be so formal, Zemrite. It’s just us here. Ease up there, mister Stoic.”

Luna teased, her sister giggling lightly behind her hand at him. Zemrite lets out a ‘tch’ sound and steps away from Cadence when she releases him. She blinks a few times and looks back to the others.

“Aunty Tia…? Did I do something wrong?”

“No no, He is just like that with others he doesn’t know well. He is actually a big ol' softy once you get to know him. He can even transform into the best living snuggle pillow ever! I might even let you borrow him some time!”

Zemrite shook his head and laughed lightly at Celestia’s comment. Crossing his arms knowing full well that both she and Luna would never ever allow any other p0ony snuggle times with him. They had laid claim to that right solely. Besides, laying with another male when she is married is blasphemous...right? Then again, he is the mate to both the sun and moon princess. Maybe she was serious? Celestia clears her throat and returns to her own seriousness.

“I have called you here for an important matter, Zemrite. Cadence has come to me and asked that I lend her your abilities and knowledge of your….unique abilities. There has been a disturbance of sorts. A rift is trying to open, and the energy grows larger day by day. Soon, something will slip through, and we cannot take a risk of it being some kind of creature that we cannot contain like the ones before it. So, I ask you this as your mate. Will you please go and watch over the Crystal Empire while Cadence does her royal duties until all is clear?”

Zemrite looks up at Celestia and Luna, then shifts his gaze back to Cadence who had a hopeful gaze in her eyes. He then looks back to the others. A look of slight sadness on his face.

“But...I don’t want to be apart from you two. You know how I feel about that, especially at night. I have gotten so used to you and Lulu…”

“We don’t like it as much as you do, Zemrite. But it would only be for a short while, then you can return to us and life will resume as it has with us.”

Luna reassured. Zemrite looked back to Cadence and lets out a sigh, he nodded in agreement to Celestia’s proposal. He wasn’t upset about it, but he wasn’t happy either. He had to be away from the warmth of his mares for who knows how long. They both get up from their thrones and walk over to him, both wrapping their arms lovingly around him, nearly burying him in their soft warmth. He sighs and nuzzles into them lovingly.

“We may be apart, but I promise you, I will be coming home. Back to both of you.”

--Present Time--

Zemrite finally makes it to his chambers for the night. After being mobbed by nearly every stallion and mare for his autograph and picture. He walks out to the balcony and stares up at the night sky, he slowly removes his hood and sighs lightly.

“I know it’s only been a couple of days...but I miss them both so much already. I guess I have gotten used to them spoiling me with their love and affection. Well, the sooner I get this done with, the sooner I can go back home. But for now, bed time.”

He removes his cloak and armor, setting it aside neatly so that he could be ready to jump back in it at any moment’s notice. Just in case something happens while he was sleeping. Once free of his clothing, he slides his nude form on the bed and under the covers. Already he was feeling a little sad that he didn’t have his princesses to snuggle up to. However, that would all change within a few minutes. He was just about to doze off to sleep when he heard a familiar voice and a warm, curvy female form press against him with her arms wrapped around his form and a leg resting on top of his.

“Not to worry, handsome. You won’t be sleeping alone~. Luna made sure of that~.”

Zemrite opens his eyes to see Nightmare moon looking into his eyes. She was her usual curvy self, but she looked...more beautiful than normal. She had regular long blue hair and she had normal eyes. He blinks a few times.

“Lulu sent you with me…?”

“Mhmmm~. Both her and Tia agreed on it. They did not want you to slumber alone, nor did they want another mare in your bed. So they sent me. I am part of Luna after all. So technically, you have three mares all your own. You stud~.”

She said before pressing her soft body against his more. Zemrite couldn’t deny it, she felt so warm and soft. He wraps his arms around her waist and nuzzles into the dark mare. She lets out a gentle coo. He smiles lightly and runs a hand up and down her back.

“I liked the eyes you had, but this regular hair is definitely better. You look more beautiful this way, Moony.”

That was a first, no one ever called her beautiful when she was still in full control of Luna all those years ago. It made her feel happy and made her heart pound quickly. She can’t help but squeeze him a little tighter.

“Well, you are the only male who’s opinion I value. In fact, you are really the only other being I like besides Tia and Lulu. You are strong, handsome, and you have such a...mmmmh~...wonderful beast deep within you~.”

Zemrite shook his head with a light chuckle and squeezes his arms around her a bit more firmly, nuzzling into those ample breasts of hers. Which made her let out an adorable gasp, but she welcomed his affections. Eventually, Zemrite fell asleep. Nightmare was smiling slightly and holding him closely and protectively.

“Sleep well, my sweet master of shadows…”

--Dream Realm--

Zemrite opened his eyes to see his usual spot where he and his princesses would meet in the dream world. He turned around to see both of them charging at him and tackling him down to the ground in a hug. Zemrite flails as he falls to the ground. He lets out a laugh as both Luna and Celestia squeeze him and nuzzle into his chest and shoulders.

“It’s good to see you both as well….though it isn’t quite the same as the real thing.”

“Oh, we both agree on that, sweety. But it’s better than nothing. We miss you so so much. And we hope you get to come home soon~”

Celestia said as he places a kiss on his lips. Luna giving one soon after.

“I try that Nightmare is keeping you warm?”

Zemrite nodded and chuckles, quite surprised still that they both agreed on that.

“She is. Thank you for sending her with me. She is a sweetheart when it's just the two of us it seems. I complimented her beauty and it seemed that it was the first time someone had. She said something like...I was the only male she really liked. Apparently, I really do appeal to her. So technically, even if she is a part of Luna, I have three princesses who have a place in my heart.”

They both nod in unison, wrapping their arms around him tightly and continuing to show him their affection.

“Well, Nightmare has become something of her own self as of late. She is sassy and mean to others, yes, but that is all harmless from what she used to be. But around my sister and I, and you as of late. She is this sweet, loving and delightfully awkward mare who just wants to be loved. And I believe you could give that to her. She has become like a third sister in our family. And she knows we love her. But I think a wonderful male such as yourself can give her that affection and intimacy that she has been wanting for years now but was never able to find the right one to give it to her.

Zemrite nodded as he listened to Luna. He shakes his head lightly and sighs.

“I feel bad that she can’t be seen by others though. I mean, I understand the reason. The last thing we need is for others to panic,thinking she has returned for vengeance. But that’s not how she is anymore. She is a bit scary to some sure, but she can’t help that. Hell, I am scarier than she is.”

Both sister giggle and nod.

“Yes, you are scary, but you are a sexy kind of scary. She is just sexy and scary.”

Luna said with a snicker as she teased her other half, knowing full well she couldn’t hear her since she was keeping Zemrite comfy in the real world. Zemrite laughs lightly along with her.

“Also, she lives like that by choice, Zemrite. She doesn’t want her appearance to be known by many. She likes being invisible. She only appears to those who she favors. Which is you and us. Which makes it easier for her and us as a whole. So don’t feel bad for her. As long as she has us, she is happy.”

Zemrite nodded again as he listened. The rest of the night was spent with Nightmare in his arms, and Celestia and Luna smothering him with their love in the dream realm. And he was okay with this. No complaints whatsoever.

Author's Note

Something big is coming next chapter! :D

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 18: Crystal Army VS Greenskin Army

Zemrite ran down the stairs from his room he was staying in after gathering his weapons and armor. Making sure that his cloak was secured as well, he leaps over the railing and lands on his feet as he makes his way to the war room in the back of the castle. He knew something was going to come out of the rift eventually, but nothing like this!. The tall elven garou plowed through the doors seeing both Shining and Cadence turn their gaze to him with other high ranking members of the Crystal Army looking his direction as well.

“The enemy your guard spoke of is what is now as a greenskin. Though this could either be goblins or orcs. Give me a full detail report on their appearance.”

Zemrite said as he placed his hands on the table and examined the map that laid before them. He was in a mood of haste. Should it be orcs, they had to move fast. Orcs are large muscled beings with sharp teeth and a brutish ‘take no prisoners’ policy. Unfortunately., after the guard who had saw them first and was able to get away described the invade enemy as such. Zemrite turned his head to Shining with a serious stare on his face, his eyes clearly giving him a shiver down his spine.

“Shining, gather your soldiers and prepare for a hard and heavy battle. Blood will be spilt when we are fighting these things on both sides. I know I shouldn’t tell you how to command your ranks. But you have no experience with these things. And i can tell you everything you need to know. Will you trust me to give me to help lead you and your soldiers into battle?”

Shining was extremely hesitant in allowing this.He thought hard. Very, very hard. Once he made up his mind he gives Zemrite a nod. Giving him the answer he wanted, Shining walked next to him so that he could show them where the orcs were coming from.

“They are coming from the northern part of the land. They haven’t advanced probably because of a new land has made them cautious but-.”

Zemrite cuts him off.

“Orcs tend to prefer war at the break of day. This will give you time to prepare a fully mounted defense. They may be strong and large, but there is never really an intelligent orc.Have your archers set up here and here.”

He said as he pointed to a bottle necking area that lead into the land surrounding the castle. Both Cadence and Shining were rather impressed with his clever tactics he was throwing out onto the table, placing markers for different kinds of soldiers to be set up.and It was as if he had commanded an army before in such a way. But the talent of being a strategist seemed to come….natural to Zemrite. It could be because back in the game, he was actually his guild’s lead strategist. The way his was just throwing down pins and sliding his hand across the map table was so….awe-inspiring.

“...And once that’s done, we will have them right where we want them. Remember, take no prisoners. These beings must all die. I know you may not agree with this plan. But remember, they intend to treat us all the same.”

“But Zemrite, they are living being just like us. You can’t just-.”

Cadence gently takes hold of her husband’s arm. She gives Zemrite a look of uncertainty, but asks him a question.

“You are certain that there is no other way…? We cannot find a more peaceful solution with these beings?”

Zemrite shakes his head, knowing that it’d sadden her, but it needed to be done.

“I am afraid not princess. Orcs tend to want everything for themselves and can never reach a compromise. Even with other orc tribes. These beasts must be slaughtered on the spot. I am sorry Princess.”

She simply nods to him and looks to her husband once more.

“You heard him my dear. We must fight for the lives of our subjects, and that means killing each one of the enemy.”

Shining sighed lightly and gave a nod. The princess has given the order, it must be done. He turns to Smile and nodded to him

“What do you need from me to help us win this battle?”

“Give me your best healer and mage, your two best hard hitters, and your two best shield and sword users. With a team like that with the attacking force, they will never reach the civilians. Let your archers break their numbers down in the bottle neck, and the fight will be easier. They do not retreat even if the odds are against them. If all goes well, this battle will be over quickly. At least these are enemies I know we can defeat. Anyways, bring those ponies to me. So that I can work a plan with them.”

After a couple of hours, the ponies that Zemrite requested entered a room with him. They saw the tall cloaked man standing at the end of a table with his arms folded. The mage and the healer already seemed rather intimidated by him. He could tell they were both twin sisters as they looked the same. They wore the same robe design that clung nicely to their upper bodies, but hung freely to give them free moment. Obviously the mag wore the dark purple robes and the healer wore the white. And from what he could tell, their fur was a light creamy color and their tails where a light grey and their eyes a beautiful emerald green The two attackers….were also twins as well, but larger in stature and muscular, though still keeping the curves in the right places. Their armor was mostly leather, but metal plating in all the right places to give them a bit of defense. These two mares had more of a dark tan fur with solid black manes and tails. And their eyes were a bright yellow. Next was the more heavily armored sword and shield users. Both of these twins brothers. Thick, built and ready for battle, they had a pure black fur coat and silver mane and tail and heavy shields and swords on their back. Zemrite nodded to the ground and motioned them to come forward.

“Thank you all for coming. I am sure that your commander has briefed you on the situation?”

One of the brothers stepped up first. Sizing Zemrite up as he stares down at him.

“Yeah, he told us about it. But why should we follow somepony like you when you don’t even reveal your face? Not to mention your whole shady appearance just screams ‘spy’. Take off that mask.”

The larger pony barked. Another one who thinks he can demand him around huh? Zemrite would love to show this stallion up, but now wasn’t the time. He pushes the male back slightly and shakes his head.

“We don’t have time for this now. You can fight me later for the chance to see what is behind my mask. But for now, your commander has left me in charge of all of you. Now, I have your names here. Your commander gave them to me. You and your brother here. Divine Shield and Iron Fortress. Good names for shield barriers like yourselves. We will be counting on you.”

He then walks over to the two large mares who were eyeing him rather...oddly. They were giving him...bedroom eyes?! He shakes it off and looks up to them and at the swords they were using. Greatsword users. Excellent.

“And you two must be Wind Cutter and Diamond Slicer. Good to have you here. I trust you will destroy the enemy with those fine blades of yours.”

Wind Cutter spoke first, still giving Zemrite those seductive eyes.

“Oh don’t you worry, handsome. My sister and I will cut them down and make sure that no harm comes to our magic users or you. And don’t let Divine Shield bother you. He is just jealous that i am looking at you instead of him now~.”

She said as she brings a hand to Zemrite’s cheek under his hood.

“Personally, I think the ‘shadowy rogue’ is a sexy look. My sister and I can’t wait to see what you can do in battle. My sister and I are looking forward to showing your our...other skills after it is all said and done.”

Zemrite shook his head with a light chuckle, pulling away from her touch.

“That’s all well and good. But I already belong to a pair of sisters. And I don’t think they’d like it if i came home with another set.”

He then walks over to the magic user pair and looks down at them both. They stared up at him with their adorable big eyes. These two looked sweet. But if they were the best here, then they were hiding great power.

“And you two. Blazing Comet and Healing Touch. A pleasure to meet you both. Make sure to be as destructive as possible with those fire and ice spells. Just make sure you don’t hit us.”

The mage simply nods and hides behind her sister, who seemed to be the more talkative one. Zemrite turned his gaze to her afterwards.

“And you, if any of us get hurt, we will be counting on you to patch usi up. Alright?”

She simply nodded.

“Y-yes, sir. We are just nervous is all. The monsters that we were told about just seem really really scary…”

Clearly these two mares were still young, barely eighteen even. Zemrite gently places his hands on the head and rubbed their manes gently. They both closed their eyes tightly, but slowly opened them up when they felt his gentle touch.

“All we can do is our best. Nopony is perfect. Plus, I am sure you will do just fine if not more than so. Just stay behind us and do what it is you two do best. Can you two do that?”

They could both her the smile and sincerity in his words. They blushed lightly and gave him a firm nod.

“Mhm! We can do that, big brother!”

Big..brother? Where the hell did that come from? He just shook it off and nodded to them both.

“Excellent. The hour is upon us. Let us go and prepare for the fight ahead of us. To the snowy outskirts!”

--The Icy Outskirts Of Teh Empire--

Zemrite stood there with his team and the large amount of soldiers ready to attack whatever comes towards them. He sees movement off in the distance and uses his hawk-eye vision to get a better look. It is the archers, and it looks like they all made it back in one piece. Which means that the orcs aren’t far behind.

“It’s our archers, hold position!”.

Zemrite said before the captain of the archers ran up to him trying to catch his breath. Leaning over and panting.

“They...planned worked..as you said it would! They never...saw it coming!”

He said in an exhausted but excited tone of voice. Zemrite nodded and saw as the rest of the archers came up as well.

“Excellent. Head back up to the upper part of the field behind us. You did an excellent job breaking down their numbers. We will need your division’s eyes to take down any others that get too close to the fighters in the fray.”

“Sir!”

They all said before running up to where Zemrite had told them to go. Shining came up next to Zemrite, having heard that that plan went off nicely. He places a hand on his shoulder with a grin and arched brow.

“You have the makings of a general my friend. Ever thought of taking on the role of Celestia’s or Luna’s second in command?”

Zemrite chuckled and shook his head, looking back out to the distance waiting for more movement.

“Nah, I am not for all the military rules and such. I am a ghost and that is what I will keep being. Besides, being a general is boring and no fun. Hell you put up with it is beyond me. Now look sharp, we have company.”

Zemrite said as he places his fingers to his lips and lets out a loud echoing whistle that seemed to go on for nearly miles, even in the falling snow. This signaled a hail of arrows that flew up into the air and began to rain down on the enemy.

“Take them down!”

Zemrite roared as the full amount of soldiers charged into the fray after the last arrow had fallen. The sounds of swords and war cries accompanied with flying magical orbs of fire and ice and other elements flying overhead echoed across the snowy field. Soon, the pure white snow became darkened by both orc and pony blood alike. Zemrite knew this wouldn’t be a one sided battle. Even with his skills with the bow and dagger. The orcs overwhelmed him at times. He heard a cry from one of the magic users behind him, quickly turning to see an orc charging for both the sisters.

“Big brother!!!”

They both cried out. The orc was a mere foot away from them. They fall to their knees and hold each other closely in fear of death claiming them. But Zemrite wasn’t going to allow that. He leaps into the air and brings the sharp edge of his dagger to the orc’s neck and gives a clean deep slice into his flesh, a fountain of blood splatting down on the white snow in a sickening gush. He wastes not time in helping them back to their hooves and then throws a throwing knife at another orc coming to aid the dying one, effectively killing him off as well.

“Don’t you two worry, I got you both! Just keep it up and this fight will be over soon!”

The battle went on and on until their leader was all that was left. Which Zemrite came into contact with as he lunged for what he thought to be the last enemy. Horgoth was his name. And once their blades connected. They were now in a struggling deathlock, their feet grounded into the snow.

“Well well, looks like I get to kill the great leader of the Blood Fist orc clan myself, Horgoth the Destroyer.”

The orc grinned wickedly as he remembered the mask that Zemrite wore. As the ghost had been an issue many times with his plans on raiding villages and various other merciless agendas.

“Ha! I should have known you’d be here to get in my way as you always do! But this will be your final time to do so. You may have killed all my men. But that won’t stop me!”

They growl and push against one another until the deadlock finally breaks and they both leap away from each other.

“I didn’t let you harm any innocent people back in our realm, I won’t let you do it here…”

With those final words, they charged at each other again with mighty roars. Whatever remained of the army and the team that Zemrite was on just watched in awe as Zemrite and the orc leader clashed blades over and over again. Kicks and punches were thrown in, both fighters getting pretty banged up and bleeding from either cuts or bruises that were inflicted. Horgoth hit Zemrite hard enough in the face that his mask shatters and poofed into black smoke, revealing that marked face and his amethyst eyes to all that looked on Horgoth leaped into the air and attempted to plunge the silver blade into Zemrite’s chest. And because this blade was silver, the cuts that Zemrite suffered were hurting him badly. He was in a bad spot, but manages to roll over quickly to avoid the death blow.

Getting...weaker. I need to finish this quickly…

He thought to himself. He’d be fine if Healing Touch hadn’t exhausted her magic, or anyone hadn’t exhausted themselves so raggedly. Even Shining was exhausted. This whole fight came down to the elven garoun and the leader of the orcs. Horgoth decided he thought he was smart and attempt to make his retreat. Orc did that at times, even leaders’ However, Zemrite had a little trick up his sleeve. Quite literally in fact. With the final amount of his strength, a blade flew from under his right gauntlet attached to a thick rope chain and buried itself fully in the back of the orc’s upper spinal cord and near the head. Zemrite grips the chain with a wicked grin on his face.The orc stood there, grabbing at his neck with a sickening gurgle and twitching violently

“You aren’t slipping through...my fingers..this time…”

He said before ripping the Orc’s head clean off with the spine still attached to it, the blade having hooks on the end of it to destroy anything that is pulled back on them. Was the head fell to the ground, so did the now convulsing body of the orc. Blood fountaining from the now headless neck. That was it, it was over. No more orcs lived this day in this realm.

“See you...in hell…”

Zemrite said before passing out from his inflicted wounds, the injuries still burning from that silver edge that made it through his armor.

“Zemrite---in there! We are--medical---now!”

Was all he heard from what sounded like Shining’s voice. His vision blurred and finally, the darkness came over his eyes.

Author's Note

I had fun with this one. And sorry I haven't been uploading much, been rather busy.

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 19: A Celebration To Remember

Zemrite's eyes suddenly shot open as he lunges forward and pins an unsuspecting mare to the ground and reaches for his dagger...or where it should be anyways. He grabs for the hilt multiple times and blinks a few times as he looked still half asleep. Apparently, he was doing this out of habit when he felt an unknown presence around him. The mare in question was Princess Cadence herself who had come to check on the recovering rogue from his close battle with the orc leader that had come from the rift that had opened in the Crystal Kingdom.

“Z-Zemrite, it’s m-me!”

Zemrite fully opened his eyes as he had become fully aware now.He looked around the room to see exactly where he was. It looked like a medical wing room from the smell of antiseptic and various other medical items that sat on the shelves and such. He then looked down at Cadence who had a look of complete fear and shock on her face but at the same time a blush that formed across her muzzle. Zemrite was holding her down with a hand pushing and squeezing on her left breast. Zemrite quickly made a point to get off her with a back leap and put as much distance between himself and her at the same time.

“Wh-what’s going on? I remember collapsing and~.”

He feels the temperature of the room on his face...that’s not supposed to happen. At least not when he is in his chambers with Luna and Celestia. He places his hand on his cheek and looks back at Cadence who is getting to her hooves. Zemrite stands up from his crouching position and locks his gaze with hers.

“My mask..how did you…?”

“We didn’t Zemrite. Your mask just...disappeared off your face a few days ago. You have been out for nearly a week now from your injuries. They were pretty bad.”

Realizing what he had just done, he quickly bows his head and holds up a hand.

“Sweet shadows...I am SO sorry Princess...I didn’t mean to….it’s a defense mechanism...I-”

“Zemrite!”

Cadence exclaimed as she came up to him and gently cradled his jaw in her hands.

“Settle down...take a deep breath and relax. I know you didn’t do it on purpose...I should have taken aunty Tia’s words to heart. She did warn me about that.”

Zemrite blinks a few times at the soft touch of the princess of love. He feels his beating heart slowly climb down to a normal speed. He nods and turns away from her, quickly grabbing the beds thin sheet to cover up his naked form. He sighs lightly as he turns back to her.

“How many know of my real face…?”

He asked in a calm manner. Hoping that not many did actually see his face. Thankfully he was more than happy with her answer.

“Well, along with Shining and I, a few of our trusted medical ponies only saw your face. Tia and Lulu made it very clear in their letter the sent. I believe they are on their way to the castle off the train as we spe-”

“Where is he?!”

Zemrite knew those voices that shouted out in the hallway of the medical wing. He prepared himself for what was to come, bracing his footing on the floor. Cadence only had time to step out of the way before a white and dark blue blur rushed into the room and tackled Zemrite to the large bed. The amazonian mares tackling their beloved and wrapping their arms around him tightly

“Zemrite, we came as soon as we heard! We4 have been so so worried about you!”

Exclaimed Celestia as she nuzzled into his chest with her cheek, Luna doing the other side

“You are so reckless! Why must you worry us so?!”

Luna and Celestia both didn’t let him go for what felt like hours. Between smothering him with their affection and their words of worry, he was powerless. But at the same time, he was more than thrilled to see his sweet mares once more. Shining walked into the room to see this and stood alongside his wife with a nervous smile.

“I...tried to get them to calm down..but they were quite determined to get to him. I gotta admit I am a bit jealous...he gets two princesses…”

Cadence crosses her arms under her large breasts and glares up at her husband who quickly recovers from his words.

“B-but they don’t compare to you sweetie!”

He said as he scratched his head with a nervous face. They then gaze back to Zemrite and the two sisters who were smothering him with their large breasts and just loving on him as much as they could before finally releasing him, then peppering his lips with kisses. After which they finally gave him time to recover. He flies up out of the bed and looks back at them both as he gathered his breath.

“Not that I didn’t miss you two, and not that I mind those wonderfully soft and sexy bodies of yours. But geez, you gave me little time to prepare! He said before snapping his fingers, a black mist surrounds him and covers him from head to toe, clothing him in his armor and cloak.

“We were worried about you! We thought that you may have really been seriously hurt…!”

“Indeed! We all know that you don’t handle silver well...we could have lost you!”

Zemrite sighed and turned towards them, seeing tears well up in their eyes. He walks up to them and gently takes their jaws into both of his hands and gazes down at them in a loving manner. He could definitely tell that haven’t gotten much sleep over the matter.

“Come on ladies. I am a tough moon elf. A little bit of silver may hurt me, but I certainly won’t let it kill me. I would be an idiot leaving you two behind simply because I got careless in a fight. Now, no more tears…”

He said as he leaned in and hugged them close to his form. They, in turn, wrap their arms around him and nuzzled into his chest. He could hear a few light sniffles and feel both of them gripping at his cloak from behind.

“I will never leave this world behind, not as long as I have you two.”

After a few more warm-hearted words and a five-minute long embrace, the three finally break apart all except their hand which Zemrite helps them back to their hooves. He then turns to Cadence and Shining as a black mist forms over his face, placing his mask where it rightfully belongs.

“Now that I am up. What happens now?”

“Well, actually we were hoping you’d awaken today. Shining?”

Cadence asked as she looked to her husband.

“See that the preparations are made for later this afternoon.”

“Of course. He does deserve it after all~!”

Said Shining as he leaves the room with a smile, more than happy to get the much-awaited party underway. Zemrite, on the other hand, was slightly confused as to what exactly he deserved. His gaze falls to Cadence once more

“What..is going on, exactly?”

“Oh, you will just have to wait and see. In the meantime…”

Her gaze goes to Celestia and Luna. A wicked smile on her face slowly appears.

“I do believe you have a lot of catching up to do, feel free to take him to your chambers~.”

Zemrite puts a finger up in protest, but it was too late. The mares jumped at the moon elf and teleport him. Faust knows what kind of lewd, steamy things are going on in that room now. Cadence could only giggle to herself before exiting the room to help with the preparations and gather all the guests.

--4 PM, Ballroom of the Crystal Castle--

The ballroom was now full and lively with nobles and select few members of the army that survived the onslaught of the orcs. Shining and his wife stood in the back of the room greeting their subject and spending time with them. All this went on until the door swung open and soon, the room began cheering and welcoming in the team that Zemrite had worked with. Until it came down to him.

“And now, for the one who made it all a success with his cunning planning and nerves of steel, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the last but far from least, Zemrite!”

And with that, Zemrite walked into the room with his usual garb on. He really didn’t like the whole fancy clothes thing. But that didn’t stop Celestia and Luna dressing up in lovely silk dresses in their respected colors that also hugged them in the right spots. Both at each side of the moon elf with their arms looped around his. All Zemrite could do is just keep his gaze low. Had he known this would have happened, he would have found a shadow to hide in or something! He doesn’t like big fancy parties like this and this was definitely a big party. Not to mention everyone cheering for him wasn’t exactly something he’d be used to.

“Look at you mister popular~. So many mares will want your attention tonight, Lulu and I will have to beat them off you with a stick.”

Celestia said with a cute giggle, loving at how he kept quiet and still kept his head down. As she knew his face was bright red under that mask he wore. He sighs in slight annoyance.

“I hope something happens to make this party short. I am still kind of exhausted from the whole ordeal..among other reasons…”

Both of them giggled again knowing EXACTLY what those reasons were. The party went on into the evening. Ponies enjoying the food, the music the company. Just all around having a good time. That is until the whole area began to rumble and shake. Everyone started panicking and wondering what exactly was going on. It seemed that Zemrite got his wish in the end, and it was going to be him that got to leave first. A dark portal opened up above him. And long jagged tentacles came down and wrapped around his limbs faster than he could react.

“Zemrite, NO!!”

Shouted Celestia and Luna as they flew toward Zemrite who was being pulled up into the portal. But a dark force was keeping them away from getting to him. And they noticed that Zemrite was actually calm and not really struggling within the grasp of these appendages. He looks over to them and simply says.

“I will return, don’t you worry.”

That’s right, Zemrite has been expecting this for a very long time now. Something he had never even told Celestia and Luna. it was time for Zemrite’s next class evolution. Even in this world, his ties to the game that he once played when his human self was alive, is causing all the issues with the rifts in Equestria. And Zemrite knew it from the very first rift when the Dreadwolf came through

--Dark Abbey, Unknown Location--

Zemrite woke to find himself in an all too familiar place. It was cold and rainy. And he was surrounded by a dark forest on a large cement slab that laid before a path that leads to a large building in the distance. He stood up from the slab and looked made his way down the path in a slow walk, the wind blowing at his cloak as the light rain came down. Zemrite’s eyes felt upon the abbey that was in front of him. Once he made it to the gate, it asked him a question in a sharp loud whisper.

“What is the eternal power that we cherish most in the world beyond all others?”

"Darkness, my brother."

“Welcome home, brother.”

The gate slowly opened with a low squeak, allowing the moon elf entry into the abbey, the doors of the building slowly opening as he makes his way into the dimly lit area. Inside the abbey was gothic looking architecture and statues of both werewolves and vampires. Walking around the abbey were various races from his old world. But either werewolves or vampires. This was neutral ground for both the races and even friendly to most who came here. Zemrite removed his hood as he made his way closer to the black marble altar where a man in a long robe and deep hood was waiting for him, and others began to gather around as well. The man spoke in a dark and old sounding tone.

“Brother Zemrite, it has been too long since your last visit here. I assume the Goddess and God of darkness deemed it time for you to evolve once more? You must have been very busy in your travels to have earned this right. And such a rare gift they are giving you...you are going from Ghost….to Reaper. You must have spilled much blood and killed many to have earned this.”

Zemrite noticed that all the beings gathering around him gave him smiles of approval and placed their hands on his shoulders. Each of them whispering to him.

“A fine achievement…”

“The darkness has indeed chosen well for the next reaper…”

“May you slay your enemies and collect their souls from here on….”

“Indeed. So shall we begin with the ceremony then, brother?”

Asked the older male who turned to pick up a black chalice that held a black liquid. No, this was not blood, this was something that was far more precious. Pure essence of darkness, given graciously by the god and goddess themselves and reserved for Zemrite only. Not that he was the only reaper. Not by a long shot, but the pair usually select their reapers. Zemrite removed his mask and took the chalice into both hands. He quickly drinks down the dark liquid and waits for what is to happen, happens. And soon enough, he is jerked up from the ground and into the air with his hands stretched out to his side, he begins thrashing about and letting out grunts and screams of pain. His ears grow to be longer and sharper, and his long dark hair begins to turn platinum white. And his eyes form a soul blue aura around them that seemed to be permanent now. Not only did his physical form change, but also the kind of armor he wore. He went from just leather and a cloak to a now full-length open robe with wide sleeves, and his leather armor became brand new and tighter to his skin, giving him the perfect leather armor to silently stalk his enemies without a single footstep heard and to top it off, a pair of large bone wings sprout from his back to reveal that he has truly reached dark divinity. The bone wings then disappear as Zemrite is lowered to the ground onto his feet. His brothers and sisters catching him before he could fall back. They carefully lay him onto a similar cement slab he came in on.

“This is truly a celebration to remember everyone. One of our brothers has achieved dark divinity this day. This is truly a celebration to remember. Now then my brother, return to your land. And put the fear of death and darkness into your enemies…”

And with that, Zemrite’s vision faded to black. All he remembers was the sound of the same portal opening before he lost total consciousness.

Author's Note

Here you are everyone, enjoy! And yes, Zemrite still has his weaknesses, calm your tits. :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Act 20: The Return Of A Familiar Enemy

--On The Battlefield Hours After The Rift--

The four princesses of Equestria laid on the ground beaten and bloody as the sky darkened over them. Their armor almost completely destroyed and their weapons shattered. Guard laid dead all around them dead or severely hurt by the one-sided slaughter that had happened. A figure stepped forward with a rather evil and haunting chuckle. He wore a hood that covered his face completely and walked with a scythe in his right hand. He gazed down intently at the fallen alicorns and pointed the blade down at Celestia first. The figure stood tall. And wearing dark robes with a red fiery aura flowing around him. He began to speak in an ethereal tone, one that sends shivers up one’s spine

“You fought bravely. But no one can defeat Jack The Reaper. After all, I am death himself. And you cannot cheat death, no matter how lucky you are. Now then. I believe it is the time I sent you to your creator my dears. And the first to go will be your beloved sun princess.”

Celestia looks up at Jack with a defiant look. Trying her best to hide her fears of what is about to happen.

“He will stop you…. I know he will.”

Just as the scythe was making it’s way down to make the killing blow, there was a loud boom in the sky, and a solid black and white beam of light felt towards their direction, and at a quick rate. Jack leaped back out of the way before whatever...or whoever was inside the beam could collide with him. Once the dust cleared, Celestia only looked up to see another hooded figure. But she knew exactly who it was just by the mask he wore. A weak smile formed on her face and tears began to stream down her cheeks. Luna had the same reaction as she knew who it was as well.

“You came...I knew we hadn’t lost you Luna and I have missed you so so much…”

Luna gave a weak smirk towards Jack.

“You are finished now…”

--A Few Hours Before The Rift--

It has been a few months since Zemrite was pulled into the the dark portal that came to claim him. Both princesses and every other pony involved still remember that day fully. It was a celebration of him and the crystal army having defeated all the orcs that had come through a rift that had opened. After that, that is when he disappeared. Where he was, he was only gone for a day. But it would appear that in Equestria a few months have rolled by. And all was quiet until this day.

Celestia gazed out the window of their bedroom. Luna was off doing her royal duties for the evening and making sure that things were kept in order like any other ruler would do. But both of them had the same being on their mind. And missed and worried for him dearly. Celestia stares up at the moon and then looks down at the shadows that cast over the town from the buildings and mountainside. Both of their hearts were aching without Zemrite at their side.

I will be back, I promise.

Those words rang over and over in the two sisters’ minds day after day. In the months that Zemrite had been gone, quite a few things have happened. Twilight had become a princess for some reason. Something about true friendship. Then faced down some evil centaur creature and even gained a castle for it. Zemrite was going to be in for quite a surprise with that. Even the other girls would have a lot to tell Zemrite about their experiences whenever he’d return. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. A familiar voice spoke from behind it, making Celestia’s ears perk up.

“Aunty Tia? It’s me.”

Spoke Cadence as she awaited a response from Celestia.

“Come in my dear.”

She said in her soft warm tone. The door opens and Cadence walks in, seeing her aunt staring out the window like she has been for a while now. Cadence stands by Celestia and hugs her gently, nuzzling into her affectionately. She knew what both her and Luna were going through.

“He will be back Aunty. He would never ever leave you two behind. He said so himself…”

Celestia gave a weak smile and hugged Cadence against her gently. She knew that as well. But, the aching in her heart was still there because he wasn’t there. Her gaze returned to the sky, hoping that the next rift that would come would bring him back to her and Luna.This hasn’t stopped both of them from completing their royal duties, not in the slightest. But there isn’t a day that goes by that they haven’t missed their mate. But suddenly, as if on cue lightning flashed throughout the sky and clouds began to swirl above the castle. Celestia’s eyes lit up with potential joy as she saw the dark portal open and a figure lowered itself from the sky. Celestia wasted no time in jumping to her hooves and running to her balcony, immediately taking flight and flying down to meet with what she assumed was her lost love. Luna wasn’t too far behind herself.

“W-wait, Aunty!”

Cadence cried out. Something was...off with this figure. She could sense these things about beings and it nearly frightened her. She flies down after Celestia and lands next to her, grabbing her wrist and tries to pull her away.

“Aunty...be careful…”

“Zemrite...you are finally back! We have missed you!”

Luna exclaimed as she ran towards the figure who spun around and grabbed her by the throat and lifted her up with one hand. This startled all three of them. Luna started gasping for air and kicking her legs, trying to break free from the hardening grip. She was able to get a look at the face under the figure's hood to find out that it was NOT Zemrite. But someone much more sinister.

“Well well, it seems you have mistaken me for someone else. How unfortunate for you, my dear.” he said before tossing Luna back towards Celestia and Cadence like she was a ragdoll. The mare started gasping for air and coughing. Both princesses rush to her aid and get a good look at the figure who now appeared to be completely different than what Zemrite was.

--Present Time--

The dust cleared as Zemrite slowly rose to his feet from his feet. He eyes looked around the area seeing all the casualties of the one-sided battle. He eyes fall to all four of the princesses who looked up at him with weak smiles and hopeful eyes. He was worried about them all, but he was mainly worried about his two mates and Twilight who he considered a little sister. He walks over to them and kneels in front of them, removing his mask and gently placing his hands on Celestia and Luna’s cheek. They immediately noticed the change in his features as he pulled his hood down. They were concerned as to what had happened to him

“How...long have I been gone…?”

He asked in a slightly surprised tone, under that calm tone, however, was an angered monster ready to tear apart who hurt those he cared for with so much love.

“It’s been nearly three months my love...Lulu and I thought something bad had happened to you….”

Celestia grunts in pain as she tries to reach out to him. Luna trying to do the same. His gaze turns over to Twilight and frowns.

“Hang in there Twi...this will all be over soon.”

He said as he takes out two red potions and holds them to Luna and Celestia. A look of concern on his face as he looks back to the other figure who he instantly remembered. He then looks down at his mates.

“Drink these and get yourselves and the others out of here. The last thing I need for you to do is to get even more hurt out here. I promise I will explain everything later when this is all said and done. For now, please go.”

Before he could get up back to his feet, they both grabbed his wrists and give him a serious gaze.

“You better come back from this. You have made us wait long enough, mister.”

“Too long in fact..”

They both said before drinking down the potion, their wounds healing enough to where they had enough strength to grab Cadence and Twilight to teleport away from the scene. Once that was done, he turns his attention to the one who started this whole change in his life. The one who killed him when he was a human.

“Ah, Jack. Looks like we meet again. This time, however, you are in MY world now. And you have the balls to fucking come here and try and hurt my loved ones? Looks like I am going to have to show you what happens when you mess with the wolf. You get the fucking teeth.”

Jack lets out an evil laugh and removes his hood, revealing a rather pale and bony face. And spoke the spell that killed Zemrite when he was human.

“Cry Of The Banshee.”

The ethereal clock appeared behind Jack as it began its usual countdown. However, A slow smile crept across Zemrite’s face Before he canceled out the spell with another. This putting Jack off guard and a bit shocked.

“Reaper’s Mercy.”

And just like that, the countdown stops and the large clock vanishes. Zemrite stands there with a smirk on his face and his dagger drawn.A storm starts to roll in as Jack realizes what he’s up against. This wasn’t the same moon elf from before.

“That’s right Jack. I am a reaper as well. And I was hoping there would be a day where I get my revenge on you for killing my friends and I. And now that you are here in my world trying to hurt those I love and take them from me, it gives me more of a reason to kick your bony ass and send you to hell where you belong…”

Zemrite launched towards Jack with nearly the same speed as lightning. The fight was on. A fight that Zemrite had wanted to relive with that one memory in the back of his mind. And now that he had returned to find this monster attempting to take away his loved ones, the man was a bit more than angry. He was going to kill Jack one way or another. And it wasn’t going to be a merciful kill.

“You are going to pay for taking my guildmates’ lives!”

Shouted Zemrite as his eyes glowed with rage and revenge. His blade connecting with the blade of the scythe that Jack used. The fight was unbelievable to watch. every time the blade connected, a bright like bounced off them. They moved across the ground at great speeds. It almost seemed like time slowed down for them though. Their weapons swung and cut through the now falling rain perfectly.

“Why should you even still care? You are far from what you used to be. Why still worry about them and these soft beings? I am sure that you noticed I hurt them more than they hurt me. Imagine if you hadn’t had showed up, those four horse bitches would have been dead at my feet, and all the rest would have soon followed~.”

Zemrite’s eyes narrowed, those very words really pissed him off, and his cruel nature in the way he spoke about it only made him angrier. A fiery black aura surrounded him as his eyes struggled to stay their soft soul blue glow and not go crimson. Jack was digging himself a rather deep grave with his words. Three of those mares are the world to Zemrite. And he will be damn if he would protect them with every fiber of his being. The fight kept going on as they clashed their blades with each other. Little did that Jack know that Zemrite may have evolved into a reaper, but he still had all of his shadowmancing abilities and even could still shift into his garou form.

“You won’t lay your boney hands on any one of my mates or my friends anymore. This isn’t the old world. Here i can kill you for good and you cannot return.”

“The same goes for you little wolfy. And from the looks of it, you are starting to tire out. Soon enough, I will run my scythe through your neck and sever your head from your body. Then your loved ones will share the same fate…”

The fight went on for what felt like hours. And it appeared that Jack was right. Zemrite was still quite new to his power and he was wearing down quicker than the other reaper. He falls to a knee, breathing heavily as he stares in anger at the approaching Reaper who had his scythe resting on his shoulders. Zemrite kept his head down with a wicked smile slowly forming across his face, however. All was going according to plan. As the sun had fully set now.

“And now, to add your soul to my collection. Permanently.”

Zemrite lets out a dark ethereal chuckle as he looks up at Jack. Zemrite may be hurt from his wounds that Jack had inflicted upon him. But now that the night was fully out, and the storm was still going. The clouds blocked out any light from pouring through. Zemrite suddenly disappears as Jack swings the scythe down for the killing blow. But, he missed completely.

“You see, Jack. You were an NPC reaper. That’s all you are. A reaper. But I went through stages to get here. And you may know about my werewolf form, but you don’t know about this…”

Zemrite said before moving through the darkness as quickly as possible, digging and running his dagger through the body of Jack with each pass by. A wicked laughter coming from Zemrite as he deals blow after vital blow. Jack was aware of shadowmancers back in the other world sure, but he wasn’t aware of this kind of shadowmancy. It’s like a totally different breed! He started to get shaken and swung his scythe around blindly to try and hit Zemrite in any way he could. But no succession. He was starting to get angry with him.

“Come out of the shadows and fight me like a warrior! You are nothing but a coward!”

Suddenly there was a sharp slice through the tendons to the back of Jack’s knees which caused him to fall to them instantly. He used his scythe for support to hold himself up from falling, only to see Zemrite approaching him, twirling his blade around in his hands. Jack looked up at his face, the skull of the grim reaper appearing in his vision where his face should be. Jack knew he was staring death in the face now. Zemrite kicks the scythe away from Jack, making him fall to the ground. Suddenly many, many hands reach up from the ground and start to tear off any part of Jack’s body they could reach, boney shadow claws digging into the flesh and ripping it out and breaking bones slowly and roughly. Blood started spilling and pooling onto the ground and splattering everywhere accompanied with the screams of Jack. Zemrite only watched as the slow death happened before him.

“How does that feel? This is a little something that i created myself. Devouring Shadows. That’s the very pain you caused my loved ones here. Only you will not get to recover from it. This is for them. And my comrades you killed back in the other world. May your soul burn in the lowest circle of hell for all eternity.”

Whatever remained of the body was pulled from the ground and devoured by whatever was summoned by Zemrite. After all was said and done, the sky cleared and the rain went away. Revealing the beautiful night sky with Luna’s moon high in the sky with stars shining brightly. Zemrite could only take in the now calming stillness. He was exhausted. But at least this time, he didn’t pass out. Quite an improvement. He makes his way back to the castle, knowing that his beloved mares would be in the medical wing.

“What a homecoming... “

Was all he said.

Author's Note

No, this isn't the end. Calm your tits. :P

May the darkness grant you peace.

Author's Note

As one of my most highly rated stories. I am cutting the first half here for now and going to plan out the second half a bit more carefully. Why am I doing this? Because I want to focus on my other stories while I think on a clear path for the other half of this story and take my time doing it so I know you will love it even more. Plus, a good cliffhanger is always fun is it not? Thank you. All of you for your support in my writing. I am not the best, that is for sure, but if I can bring you entertainment with it, it makes me happy.

May the darkness grant you peace my loyal readers.