God of War in Equestria

Chapters

Prologue Part 1
Prologue Part 2
Chapter One
Chapter Two

Prologue Part 1

Prologue

Part 1

For Rand coming to the convention had not been on his list of things to do but it was for a special cause. His son Damien had been begging to go for weeks and it just so happened to coincide with the boy’s birthday so Rand was giving his son what he had asked for with the whole nine yards. Damien had wanted to cosplay as characters from their favorite game God of War. It helped that Rand had Kratos’ body type from years of being in the Military. Though it had drawbacks with him being gone for so much of his son's childhood and now with the boy reaching thirteen years old, it felt as if he had an uphill battle before him.

So there they stood Rand with his head shaved to the skin with a burly beard and wearing the Death’s Vow Armor. His skin was painted white with the red marking and Scars all in the right place. His son was Atreus wearing the Death’s Vow Armor as well so they looked rather impressive. It was also appropriate for his mother who originally made the plan had been in an accident and taken from them. It had been the reason he resigned from the military so he could raise his son.

There they were in their costumes minus their gear as they had not been able to find one that would arrive in time for the convention. So far Rand hadn’t been bored finding he and his son shared an enjoyment of Games and nerding out occasionally. The other thing they enjoyed was My Little Pony weird, yes but it had good characters and at least some engaging stories.

They wandered for hours till coming to the Vendors hall and the place Rand had been dreading knowing a trip through the place would put a real dent in his wallet which was stuffed with quite a bit of cash for the trip. They browsed the stand and it seemed none carried what they would need for their costumes but they did pick up a few other bits here and there. “Damien stay close,” Rand called out to his son who hurried forward excitement and happiness clear on his young features. The boy almost did look like a double for an Atreus with the fake runic tattoos painted on by his aunt who they had stayed with for their trip.

The boy wasn’t looking where he was going as he suddenly collided with a stall knocking over a display holding the infinity gauntlet from Avengers. The case hit the floor and broke allowing its contents to clank to the floor. “Oi! What you think you’re doing kid,” came a gruff and angry voice from behind the Vendor’s table who was dressed as the Merchant from Resident Evil 4.

“Sorry, sir,” Damien said as he got up in time to see the man coming from behind his table to clean up the mess, “I can help,” Damien said as he bent down to pick up the gauntlet and offer it to the Merchant. The man snatched it from his grasp glaring at him from under his hood before his look softened and he grumbled a ‘thank you’. Damien was picking bits of glass up when his father caught up, “Damien. What did you do?” he asked as he watched his son and the Merchant clean up before deciding to help. “I’m sorry for the damage. Is anything broken?” Rand asked as they dumped the glass shards into a trash can.

“Nothing of value was damaged," the Merchant assured him as he returned to standing behind his booth. "So what brings you two to this convention?" he asked and Damien eagerly answered.

"We're here for my birthday," he said smiling excitedly before his father could caution him on revealing too much to the strange merchant.

"Ah, I see," the Merchant said smiling as he turned from the father and son and rummaged in something behind his booth before pulling out a perfect replica of Atreus' fully upgraded bow from the game with a quiver filled with arrows. "How about a gift for the Birthday boy?" the Merchant offered as he held out the bow to Damien who's face had lit up at the sight of the bow. Damien reached for the bow but a cautionary grunt from his father made him pause and look up at Rand.

"Please Dad?" the boy pleaded pulling out the puppy dog eyes complete with lip quiver. Rand found himself powerless against his son's begging stare and he sighed.

"How much?" he asked pulling his wallet out of one of the pouches on his belt.

"For the boy, it's free after all it's his birthday," the Merchant said before turning around again and producing more items for the duo. Among the Items was the Shield and Leviathan Axe but not fully upgraded but with one of the best pommels in the game if you asked Rand. Next was a set of the Blades of Chaos fully upgraded version, Atreus' knife and Talisman that looked like it had the symbol for the Shattered Gauntlet of Ages etched into the gem of the talisman. "If you're interested in the rest I'd say it'll come to fifteen hundred," he said to a surprised Rand. The rest were little plastic gems that had different runes etched on them a few had runes for the socket on his son's bow which Damien put one in surprised it stayed without needing to be glued.

"That's awfully cheap for all this," Rand said skeptically at the price of the gear that laid on the table while his son was busy running his hands over his new bow.

"Well...you did help clean up the mess and you're the first Kratos and Atreus Cosplayers I've seen that almost look like the real deal so I'm happy to complete the look," the Merchant continued his eyes wrinkling suggesting he was smiling beneath the mask.

Rand took the cash from his wallet and handed it to the Merchant who pocketed the money while Rand and Damien picked up the items off the table. They secured the items and just before they stepped away from the table the Merchant chuckled and waved, "I hope you both enjoy your destination," he said which gave Rand a terrible feeling he turned toward his son as things began to blur together as he reached for Damien everything went black.

POV Damien

Damien groaned as sunlight hit his eyes making him roll over and try and find his blanket only to find leaves and twigs which shocked him into full awareness. He was still wearing his Atreus gear but it felt different more substantial than the fake leather and fur his aunt had used, he ran a hand through his short hair removing leaves that had stuck as he looked around at the tall dark trees that surrounded him. He found himself to be in the center of a clearing, as he continued to take in his surroundings before resuming his self-examination. His fingers ran over the Runic tattoos that his aunt had drawn on him and found that they were now real after trying to rub them off. Then he found his bow and quiver finding the arrows to be just as real as the bow, even the knife on his hip was also real. A startling realization then struck the young man he was alone.

Frantically he searched for his father and even called out for him, fear swelled inside him till he was sitting in the clearing rocking back and forth. He felt his eyes burn with tears but his father's words came back to him that tears were useless when one was in trouble. Taking a deep breath he pushed down the fear and tears as he stood up and decided to at least find out where he was. He examined the trees and found where the moss grew and headed in the opposite direction leaving an arrow carved into the tree pointing to where he had gone.

He walked and walked pushing through the dense underbrush of the forest leaving marks on trees as his father had taught him the few times they had managed a family trip. He was marking another tree before screams in the distance made him turn and look around, the screaming was coming from close by and Damien knew someone needed help. He rushed toward the sound stopping only to listen for the screaming to make sure he was getting closer rather than further away, as he got closer he came to a cliff upon looking down he saw three young anthro horse like beings being surrounded by a group of antlered anthro males wearing light armor each armed with a sword. Damien watched as they drew closer to the girls. Each of them looked equine and dressed differently the first had white fur and wearing a blue dress, the second wore overalls with a yellow shirt that matched her fur her red hair was held back by a pink bow. The last one wore running shorts and a t-shirt. The armed anthros moved closer to the young equines gripped each other's hands as they closed their eyes.

Damien had seen enough as he leaped from the cliff fluidly drawing an arrow and knocking it as he cried out, "Nista!" shooting an arrow at the first antlered male he could the arrow seemed to crackle with electricity as it shot forward hitting the armed anthro in the neck sending him backward. The Antlered Anthro looked up revealing their faces which belonged to Caribou as Damien landed drawing his bow back with another arrow ready to go. The gem on the bow glowed as Damien felt a surge of power and cried out again shooting the arrow not at the Caribou but into the air where it exploded into a swirling storm of crows. "Come on!" Damien said to the girls as he grabbed one by the hand and ran off as the birds kept the attackers at bay.

Damien and the girls ran as fast as they could till they came to a ravine that cut through the forest on the other side was a ruined castle that looked familiar to Damien but he was too occupied with getting to safety to really focus as he saw a bridge spanning the ravine. "Head for the bridge!" he ordered and the girls obeyed running for the bridge as Damien drew and knocked another arrow just as one of the Caribous burst from the trees only to receive an arrow in the chest and another barely a heartbeat later. As he fell to the ground Damien was running after the girls who had crossed the bride, he followed and was part way across when the rest of the Caribou appeared. They hurried to the ruins and looked for a place to hide the girls clung to him as they huddled in their dark corner of the throne room hoping to avoid detection.

They waited for what felt like an eternity Damien's heart was beating a mile a minute as he blocked the girls with his body. They heard their pursuers enter the throne room their voices echoing off the ancient stones as their leader ordered them to search the room. Then came a roaring shout and the sounds of battle that followed lasted mere moments before everything was quiet. Damien waited for a minute before he looked out from their hiding place, all the Caribou were dead but suddenly his sight was blocked by a figure that picked him up and squeezed him, "Damien. You're safe," said the figure in the voice of his father but when the figure released him enough to so Damien could look up at him and the face he looked up at was Kratos and not his father with the burning amber eyes that looked at him with concern and joy at finding him.

"Dad!" Damien said as he hugged the figure. The girls poked their heads out from their cover and watched the two of them. As the adrenaline and fear passed Damien's mind found something to focus on, "I killed them, Dad, I killed..." Damien trailed off as he squeezed his father tighter. He felt his father remove his arms from around him as he knelt to cup his face in his hands.

"Close your heart to it," his father said quoting Kratos as Damien looked into his father's eyes. "You did well," he continued before a cough from behind them reminded Damien that they weren't alone.

"Hello," said the white-furred equine in the blue dress.

"Are you girls okay?" asked Damien as the others came out of hiding giving him a much better look at each of them. He realized who he had saved as he saw their coloring clearly, they were the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Damien hid his surprise so that he wouldn't give away he already knew them.

"Yeah, thanks to Y'all," said the yellow furred filly with the bow in her hair her voice had a clear southern drawl to it that was unmistakable. "Ah'm Applebloom," she continued before pointing to the oranger furred equine next to her with an obvious set of wings poking out the back of her t-shirt. "This here's Scootaloo," Applebloom continued then turned to the white-furred filly that Damien now took in the horn sticking out from under her light purple and pink hair. "And she's Sweetiebelle," Applebloom finished introducing her friends who each gave a smile and nod in greeting. "Who are you?" she then asked and Damien had to think fast but his father answered first in his deep rough voice.

"I am Kratos and this is my son Atreus," his father answered which confused Damien but he said nothing secretly liking to play the role of the young Half Jotun boy.

"Thank you for saving us," Sweetiebelle said smiling at Damien blushing a little when he smiled.

"Yeah, you were pretty good," Scootaloo interjected in an unimpressed tone.

"Glad to help," Damien replied as they all seemed to relax around each other. "Why were there Caribou after you three?" he asked which seemed to remind the girls of why they were here as each of their eyes opened wide.

"That's right the Caribou attacked Ponyville," said Applebloom as they all looked worried and Damien heard his father begin to stomp off. "Hey, where Y'all going," she called as she ran around Damien and hurried after Rand.

"To the village," Rand answered and soon all of them were following him.

"Follow us we know the way back," said Scootaloo as she raced ahead of them.

Damien looked up and noticed the plumes of smoke rising over the treetops in the distance. His father raised his hand and his ax flew to his open hand surprising the girls before he started to run following Scootaloo. They raced down the path and across the bridge following its twists and turns but always in the direction of the smoke. It only took minutes to arrive at the edge of the forest at the top of a hill, he knew now the forest was the Everfree. In the distance stood the village of Ponyville a few houses were burning and Damien could see a crowd in the center of town from their vantage point.

"What do we do Dad," Damien asked looking up at his father as he drew his bow and a fresh arrow getting ready for action.

"Get ready to fight," his father grumbled as his grip tightened on his ax.

Author's Note

My first story. Please share any tips or constructive criticism.

Prologue Part 2

Prologue

Part 2

POV Rand

Rand sat bolt upright as his eyes snapped open and he immediately rolled to his feet scanning his surroundings with the trained skill of a Marine. He was in a forest clearing surrounded by tall dark trees, he felt the uncommon weight of the shield on his left forearm. His eyes fell on the ax he had bought from the Merchant and his memory returned sharp and clear as he remembered the parting words. Anger welled up inside him before it was replaced by a far greater emotion worry as his eyes scanned the clearing again searching for his son.

"Damien!" he shouted his deep voice echoing out into the quiet forest, "DAMIEN!" he called again louder as fear mixed with his worry. He picked up the ax and holstered it on his back in a smooth motion that felt natural to him. He spotted the Blades laying not much further from him than the ax had been but with a surprising amount of chain next to them. He wrapped the chains around his forearms as he kept scanning the treeline hoping his son had just wandered off instead of the more dreaded option that they were permanently separated. Once the chains were in place he picked up the blades and was surprised to see them catch fire in his grasp, pushing his surprise aside he sheathed the blades on his back though he had no idea how they stayed there.

He moved toward the trees scanning their trunks and the underbrush for signs that someone had left. As he approached one side of the clearing he spotted an arrow carved into one of the trees and child-sized footprints leading in the direction the arrow pointed. Without any hesitation, he followed the path his son had left him. He walked following the trail for what felt like forever till the marks stopped, kneeling he examined the ground his eyes finding his sons footprints now heading away from the tree at a fast pace. He stood and charged in the direction his son had ran, following his prints till he came to a cliff and feared the worst before looking down.

At the base of the cliff, a figure laid in the dirt an arrow sticking out of its neck. Jumping down Rand hurried to the body spotting the antlers and muzzle that was distinctly Caribou in shape. The rest of the body was covered in leather armor and had a sword lying next to his fallen form, Rand checked the scene further and found his son's footprints this time followed by three sets of small hooves then more hooves as the Caribou gave chase.

With new urgency, he followed the tracks not needing to stop as the disturbed underbrush and churned earth told him he was headed in the right direction. He cleared the trees at the edge of a ravine and a quick look around showed him the bridge and the ruin on the other side where a group of armored Caribou just finished rushing into. Rand hurried to follow them crossing the bridge and entering the ruined castle.

Once inside he slowed so he wouldn't be spotted, the old stone hallway led him to what appeared to be a throne room where the Caribou were just now spreading out to search. He watched them for a moment before reaching into the pouch he had put the gems picking one out he drew the ax and placed two ice blue gems in the sockets in the handle. Taking a deep breath he hoped he had the powers of Kratos before rushing from cover with a battle cry that drew the attention of the Caribou.

He swung at the nearest opponent catching him off guard and cutting him down with a vicious slash to the chest the blade of the ax cutting through the leather armor like a hot knife through butter. The others rushed at him only to receive a counter charge as his shield snapped into shape on his arm as an icy aura surrounded him. The charge stunned the Caribou as the strange magic froze and shattered the two that came into contact with the shield while the third received a heavy slash from the ax. The attack left the others shocked before they were spurred to action by their leader.

"Kill him!" the lead Caribou shouted shoving his men forward before receiving an ax to his face when Rand threw it.

"Fool now you're dead," said one of the Caribou that closed in on Rand raising his sword but at the last moment the shield appeared again blocking the strike and shoving the attacker back. Rand lifted his hand and the ax flew to his open palm as another icy aura surrounded him and just as quickly he slammed the ax into the ground freezing more of the Caribou. He felt a smile reach his lips which was short-lived as one of the Caribou managed to slip around him and slashed his side with his sword.

The pain was sudden and instead of weakening their foe seemed to fuel his lust for battle as he dropped the ax and pulled out the blades on his back. They caught fire as he lashed out and they screamed through the air in a wide arc around him. The final foes were cut down by the blades and left smoldering as he sheathed them and retrieved the ax from where he had let it fall. He looked down at the gash in his side just as it shimmered and healed before his eyes.

*That's convenient,* he thought as he looked around the ruined throne room for any sign of his son. His eyes scanned near the broken stone thrones catching a tuft of brown hair appearing from behind the more intact of the two thrones. He rushed over and picked up his son wrapping him in a tight hug.

Scene Change: Hilltop overlooking Ponyville

The revelation that his son had saved the CMC and that Ponyville was under attack told Rand that they were in Equestria. The situation had been on his mind during the whole run to the hill with the CMC in tow, they now looked down at the town and he could see a crowd near the center of the town. He was examining the situation and trying to form a plan of attack when the orange-furred filly filled his vision. Her wings were beating rapidly creating a low buzz sound as she hovered up to his face.

"So what do we do?" Scootaloo asked as she sank back to the ground.

"'We' aren't doing anything," he answered gently yet firmly pushing Scootaloo out of his way. "My son and I will clear out the Caribou while you three hide in the trees," he added wanting to keep them safe.

"Hey! We can help," said Applebloom placing her fists on her hips and glaring up at Rand.

"I said, 'No'," Rand said his voice becoming angry as he turned toward the three fillies and pointed at the trees. "NOW!" he shouted making the three girls jump and cling to each other. Rand sighed as he calmed himself but before he could apologize his son spoke up.

"My Dad's right," he said trying to comfort the girls, "If you get in trouble who's going to save you when we're busy with the bad guys," he said which got the girls to look away from him and nod sullenly. "Don't worry it will be ok," he added smiling confidently impressing his father with how he was putting up a brave face for the fillies.

"I hope Rarity's okay," Sweetiebelle said sniffling quietly while her friends comforted her.

"Now hide," Rand ordered gently and the CMC obeyed hiding in the underbrush at the edge of the forest. Rand tapped his son's shoulder and they turned toward the village and began to move toward it.

Minutes Later

Rand and Damien made it to the village without being spotted and were walking between two of the smoking houses closest to the center of town when they stopped. Damien clutched his bow to his chest while Rand scanned the gathered Ponies and Caribou. The few stallions among the mares looked as though they had gotten beaten into submission, two of the biggest Caribou were holding a large red-furred stallion dressed in overalls and a tight white t-shirt down but were struggling to do so as he fought them. The mares were huddled together among them he could see Twilight Sparkle noting the lack of wings placed them before her Ascension. There was a black stone ring on her horn which he guessed was why she hadn't used any magic on the attackers. She was clutching a rather bruised Spike to her closely as it appeared the young Dragon had done his best to protect his Mother/Big Sister. Rainbow Dash wasn't among them and she wouldn't have left her friends unless she had a plan, Fluttershy was looking after an unconscious Applejack the Earth pony mare had clear signs of taking a beating. Pinkie Pie was tightly bound and gagged while Rarity was in the grasp of who he assumed was the leader of the Caribou.

There were more Ponies than Caribou but the unarmed Ponies were easy to subdue by so few. Why send so many after three little fillies? His thoughts were interrupted by his son leaning against the building and sliding down until he was squatting with his knees against his chest as he seemed to be shaking.

"Hey? What is it?" Rand asked kneeling before his son.

"I don't think I can do this," his son said looking up at his father his blue eyes shimmering with held back tears. "I didn't want to kill them but it happened so fast," he continued and Rand recognized his son was falling apart.

Rand cupped his son's face again and looked into his eyes, "Remember, close your heart to it," he said but it didn't seem to help this time as his son shook his head. "I know you're not used to this but I can't do this alone," he said and pulled his son gently to his feet. "Push Damien aside and let Atreus pull the string back," he told him and his son closed his eyes a few tears falling down his face which Rand wiped away with his thumbs. "Ready?" he asked and his son nodded shakily. "Good, I'll distract them while you find a place to attack from above," he instructed getting a nervous nod from his son.

Rand picked out a few different gems that were the Runic attacks and placed a new one in the Heavy attack slot of his ax, *I should really learn what the Runes mean,* he thought before he stepped out of the alley. The Caribou's leader released Rarity when he spotted Rand and drew his weapon walking to meet Rand when he came to a stop a few feet separated them. They eyed each other Rand didn't even seem concerned as the rest of the Caribou surrounded him.

"Who the hell are you?" the leader asked pointing his sword at Rand's chest.

"My name doesn't matter to dead men," he said his voice carrying to the ponies who were watching the scene now.

The Caribou began to laugh at what they assumed was empty bravado their leader joining his men as he lowered his sword. "I admire your bravery stranger but I must ask you to disarm," he said and when Rand didn't move to obey the smile died on his face, "Hand over your weapons now!" the Caribou leader ordered but Rand didn't even flinch.

"A Spartan does not surrender and hope you never see one who does," Rand said but the levity was done. The leader nodded to two of his men who approached Rand with swords drawn but halted when Rand drew his ax. "I give you this one chance to leave with your lives or join your men I left dead in the forest," Rand said which made the Caribou look nervously at one another before their commander motioned for them to attack.

Rand concentrated his magic as his ax began to glow before he raised it high into the air. The air became frigid rapidly as the surrounding Caribou were either frozen or thrown back by the icy whirlwind that sprung up. The leader was stunned and was the first to feel the icy bite of Rand's ax as he brought it down in a heavy strike cleaving the Caribou nearly in two. The survivors tried to rush Rand only to be bowled over by a sudden stampede of ghostly boar as his son appeared on the roof of a nearby house. It was an easy fight after that with the arrows raining down from above and powerful warrior among them the Caribou were finished off save for the two that still had a hold on Big Mac. They released the stallion and ran for their lives toward the forest harassed by Damien's arrows.

The fight now over the air began to warm up once again and the Ponies stood up surprised at being rescued by such strange looking individuals while also stunned at what they had seen. Damien dropped down from the tree and rushed over to his father smiling proudly that they had saved Ponyville. Before anyone could speak the sounds of beating wings filled the air as Royal Pegasi Guards appeared led by Rainbow Dash and a loud popping sounds alerted him of the arrival of more guards by way of Teleportation spell. The new arrivals were as surprised as the ponies at the scene of battle before them even the frozen Caribou drew nervous glances.

"They're not here for us are they?" Damien asked worriedly as his father placed a hand on his shoulder and he was gently pushed behind his father.

One of the armored Pegasi approached them a mare if the shape of the breastplate was anything to judge by as it was formed to fit a mares curves her fur was a grassy green while her helm hid her mane. She carried a bow on her back with a full quiver of arrows and seemed to be the leader of these guards, "I'm Royal Guard Soaring Glory. Who are you?" she asked her tone firm but she couldn't completely hide nervousness.

"I'm Kratos of Sparta and this is my son Atreus," Rand answered the mare looked at the boy noticing his arrows matched the ones sticking out of a few Caribou.

"I think I should take you to see the princess'," said Soaring Glory looking between father and son.

Author's Note

So far so good. Working on two stories at the same time so I might be slow getting new God of War out. Thanks for the kind comments and if any of you out there have tips or suggestions to better my writing please don't hesitate to express them.

Chapter One

Author's Note

Yeah, I'm switching to calling them by the character names instead of going back and forth.

Chapter One

Chapter One

Rand and Damien sat in the carriage as they flew toward the city on the side of the mountain to meet Princess Celestia and Luna. Damien was moving around the cabin looking out at the windows at the world below as they traveled toward the Capitol of Equestria. After a time his son settled into his seat across from him and looked around for something to talk about eventually asking something.

"Should we tell them who we really are, what about being gods?" he asked which got his father thinking before he answered.

"No, it would complicate things so we are Kratos and Atreus," his father said as he looked out the window. "This is obviously an altered version of the show and the Caribou suggest a type of Fall of Equestria timeline as well," he continued while stroking his beard. "It's best we do not reveal too much or we might upset the flow of events to a disastrous degree," Kratos continued.

"What's Fall of Equestria," Atreus asked getting the usual I'll tell you when you're older from his father which had him feeling left out.

Canterlot was coming up fast now as the carriage started to descend which made Atreus grip the seat tighter as it reminded him of when he was tied to Baldur's dragon. He shook his head reminding him that he really wasn't Atreus but Damien, it was weird how easy it was to slip into that character for him. Once the carriage came to a stop he waited for his father to exit first. As he came out his jaw dropped at the sight of the royal palace it's tall marble towers stretching into the air high above them yet the peak of the mountain still overshadowed them. The large courtyard was occupied by a mix of guards from all three tribes though the majority were female which reflected the low number of Stallions in Equestria. Other carriages drawn by winged horses that a Pegasus guard had explained weren't actually pegasi arrived carrying the Mane Six, Spike, and the CMC. Once the girls and Spike were on the ground they were guided into the Palace Atreus gazing in wonder at everything around him excited to not only be in a different world Equestria itself. He raced ahead of the group heedless of his father's order to stay close.

He rounded a corner too fast and ran into a Stallion dressed in a rich royal blue suit over his white fur, he had collided with enough force to knock the stallion off his hooves. When Atreus recovered and took a look at who he had collided with he fought back a groan as knew he had just run into the most snobbish Pony in Canterlot. Prince Blueblood. Atreus stood up and tried to apologize but the posh and prissy stallion backpedaled away as if he were afraid of the small human.

"Guards! Guards! There's a creature loose in the castle!" the stallion shouted as he slapped Atreus' hand away. The rest of the group caught up when they heard the shouting Kratos rounding the corner first which got the Stallion shouting louder for guards till he spotted the few that were escorting the group. "Guards, seize these creatures!" he ordered but the guards made no move to obey which seemed to shock the blond-maned stallion.

"Prince Blueblood these two are guests of the Princesses," the Soaring Glory said which got a confused and disgusted look from the Stallion.

"What?! These creatures should be in chains one of them attacked me!" he said pointing to Atreus who hid behind his dad.

"I just bumped into you," Atreus defended himself while looking at the stallion from behind his father who was glaring at the stallion in silent fury that the younger human could almost feel.

"See? It was only an accident," Soaring Glory said as she attempted to soothe the situation but Prince Blueblood wasn't having it as he demanded the two humans be thrown out of palace or into the dungeons until Spike spoke up.

"Will you shut it already? The Princesses are waiting for us," he said glaring at the rude noble.

"How dare you address me you overgrown lizard," Blueblood said but nothing more made it out as Twilight stormed up to him and slapped him across the face with enough force that Blueblood fell again. The shock and pain seemed to stun the stallion into silence as the group moved away only Kratos spared a look back at the stallion who was glaring at their backs. He made sure he remembered to be wary of Blueblood for the foreseeable future.

"That was awesome Twilight," said Rainbow Dash who was happy to see the snobbish pony get put in his place.

"I admit darling that was satisfying to see and he should have known better to insult our Spikey Wikey," Rarity added as she affectionately leaned down to pinch the young Dragons chubby cheeks who waved her off when he heard Atreus laugh a little at the pet name the Mare had given him during his time in Ponyville. They continued on in silence than on only a few glances passing between the mares and Drake who would often stare at Kratos examining his scars one looking as though it should have killed him with how it crossed his abs. As for Atreus and Kratos, they were taking in the decorations lining the hall from the small tables holding golden or silver candlesticks sometimes a portrait of an old Noble or historical event. One caught Kratos' eye as he stopped to examine it.

The painting showed a large battle between Caribou, Ponies, Griffins, and Minotaurs and in the center were Celestia and Luna's hands raised as they struck down a large Goat horned being who had the rest of his body obscured by shadows. The girls hadn't noticed him leaving the group till Twilight turned and saw him a few yards away staring at the painting. Telling the girls to go on ahead she approached Kratos sliding next to him as she suddenly felt nervous as if she was standing next to a barrel of blasting powder that was set to blow.

"That's the Last War, it was Equestria's final true conflict with the Caribou and their king's advisor Grogar the Corruptor," Twilight finally piped up as she informed the tall male of the painting's subject. "This is when the battle ended with the Celestial Sisters striking down the powerful Necromancer and destroying his raised legions which turned the tide of the battle allowing Ponies and their allies to defeat the Caribou and their King," the knowledgeable Unicorn finished. This information drew only a grunt from the human before he resumed walking followed by Twilight who was a little down after thinking she was teaching the stranger about their history.

They caught up to the others just outside the large golden doors that led to the throne room. Once Kratos and Twilight arrived the guards that were flanking the door opened the door by igniting their horns and two different auras gripped the door and began opening it. Their guard escort took the lead followed by the girls and Spike leaving Kratos and his son to bring up the rear of their group. Kratos looked up with keeping his excitement concealed behind his brooding mask, his eyes taking in the figures on the thrones that he knew only in pony form. Seeing them as Anthro's Kratos was highly surprised at how attractive they were. Celestia had E or F cup breasts and her waist was slim before blooming into her wide hips that seemed to be plenty of cushion for her on her white and gold throne. The princess of the sun's mane rippled in an unseen breeze displaying it's warm morning hues. Luna though shorter and smaller was no less attractive and while Celestia was beautiful it was Luna that caught Kratos' eyes and he continued to openly watch her which the Alicorn noticed. Luna's throne was made of dark marble but gilded in pearls that created an effect much like her mane which was like a window into a cloudless starry sky.

The girls bowed including Atreus who was being respectful but Kratos didn't bow getting disapproving looks from the guards and Twilight but she said nothing. The silence grew as the Alicorn Sisters seemed intrigued by this stranger who didn't bow to them as many others do. It was Celestia who broke the silence, her voice coming out in a warm and welcoming tone as she greeted her student and her friends and bid them all rise.

*Do you feel it sister?* Celestia asked her younger sibling as she looked at the two strangers.

*Yes sister, we must show caution,* Luna replied noticing the young boy was looking between them as if he had heard the telepathic exchange.

"Welcome strangers and my deepest thanks for saving my student and her friends from the Caribou," she said looking from Atreus to Kratos her eyes lingering on his strong form for a long moment before she continued. "May we know your names?" she asked smiling at them kindly.

"I'm Atreus your Majesty and this is my father Kratos," Atreus spoke up quickly his smile threatening to pop the top of his head off it was so wide. His eagerness got a giggle from the Solar Princess who watches the young boy with some interest.

"I am Princess Celestia one of Equestria's rulers and beside me is my co-ruler and sister Luna," Celestia says introducing her and her sister. "I'm sure you're wondering why you were brought here," Celestia said standing from her throne and approaching the group. With each step, her hips sway in a naturally seductive manner that Kratos attempted to not notice but it was futile not to stare. "The Caribou have never before made such a bold strike into Equestria and their target was clear," Celestia said as she came to stand before the group she was taller than Kratos but only by a head minus her long spiral horn. "They wanted the Elements of Harmony though they remain here in the castle the ponies who can wield them were home," she continued placing a calming hand on Twilight's shoulder who had become rather nervous with this revelation. "I fear Equestria is on the brink of war," she added but looked at Kratos then and her eyes shimmered for a moment but he had seen it. "If not for you and your powerful magic I'm sure my student and her friends would have been lost," she said her face becoming less cheerful with her words.

"Is there a point to this?" Kratos asked which surprised the girls and both princesses.

"Indeed," Luna answered now making her way down from her throne her body matched Celestia's only in smaller portions and she was as tall as Kratos which meant they were looking into each other's eyes as she approached, "But if thou wouldst come with us to speak privately," she said her smile was kind like her sister's but unable to hide her nervousness.

"Very well," Kratos said nodding. "Boy. Stay with Twilight and her friends do not wander off," he told his son his tone firm and commanding as he waited for his son to answer with a 'Yes sir'. With that Kratos was led from the throne room by the sisters around the back of the dais and thrones and through a door that led to a round room with a small table, desks, and chairs as it's only furnishings it must have a chamber they used when they needed to take a break from the snooty noble petitioners. Once the door shut the tone of the meeting seemed to shift as both princesses turned to stare at Kratos with serious expressions on their faces.

"We know what you are," Celestia said her tone not as motherly as it had been was now the tone of someone who ruled. "Your son also," she continued and her eyes noticed his hand inch toward the haft of his ax. "We do not seek trouble God," Celestia said, "Only to know why you have come to our land?" she finished asking him why they were there.

Kratos merely shrugged his broad shoulders, "This is where our path led us and I have no desire to cause trouble," Kratos answered his hand stopping and moving away from his weapon. "We merely seek a place to make our home," he added getting Celestia and Luna to look at each other. The silence grew until Luna spoke up.

"What is thou a God of?" she asked and both princesses sensed a change in Kratos before he answered.

"War," was his simple and short answer.

POV Atreus

Atreus sighed as he walked along with the girls and Spike through the grand palace. Seeming to sense Atreus' gloomy mood Pinkie Pie bounced out in front of him. Atreus was so absorbed in his gloom he didn't notice and walked right into the pink mare. The boys head coming into contact with Pinkie's generous bust which was covered by a tight shirt, she giggled as he tried to pull back but the cotton candy maned earth pony was quick to wrap him up in a hug. The group had stopped as they watched while Pinkie attempted to cheer the boy up. "What's the matter?" she asked hugging Atreus close to her chest making the young boy blush brightly with where his head rested.

"He left me out again," Atreus said not meeting the blue eyes of the party pony.

"Aw shucks Sugarcube that ain't nothing to get down about," Applejack said and Pinkie nodded in agreement with her friend.

"Besides the Princesses asked to meet with him alone, meaning you get to hang out with Equestria's greatest flyer," Rainbow Dash boasted stretching her cyan wings.

"Of course we'll need to find you some better clothes," Rarity chimed in as he ran a finger over Atreus' fur vest, "Fur and leather are far out of date Darling," she continued.

"Oh! And I get to throw a Thank You for Saving Us/Welcome to Equestria party!" Pinkie said squeezing Atreus closer to her chest that he couldn't breathe till he was released from the strong embrace by another pair of arms but his situation hadn't improved as he found himself face to chest with Fluttershy who was like Celestia in a smaller form.

"Pinkie you should be careful," she said in her usual shy yet motherly tone that brought back memories of how his mother would comfort him on bad days. He gripped the locket around his neck as he fought back tears that the memories threatened to unleash.

"Could we find a library first?" he asked wanting to find some way of distracting himself and the best way was to occupy his mind with a book. His words got Twilight Sparkle to look at him with a wide smile on her face at the prospect of books.

"Of course there is, and if memory serves we're very close," Twilight answered the bookish pony pointing dramatically down the hall toward where it joined another hallway. "Just over there," she said before taking the boy's hand and pulling him along with her as she made a beeline for the library followed by her friends and a grumpy Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Twilight was proven right as they came upon a set of double doors ornately carved to show a wise old unicorn stallion standing there with what appeared to be a spell in his right hand and a scroll in his left. "This is Starswirl's second greatest contribution to Equestria the Grand Library," she said in dramatic fashion as she opened the door.

Atreus couldn't hide the fact that he was surprised at the number of books crammed onto the rows of shelves, they weren't along either as many unicorns wandered about taking books or checking them out at a large desk in the center of the library. Twilight seemed to be in full lecture mode as she explained that the library had been filled by Starswirl as he collected tomes from many other famous Unicorns from Clover the Clever to Dusk Shine the Wanderer who many historians claim he had a more romantic relationship with. She went on to explain how it was open to the public as well as being a part of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. She continued to gush about the amazing other wonders Starswirl left from powerful spells to the occasional enchanted item.

Her words were absorbed by Atreus as he began to scan the rows of old books, he couldn't read the titles on some since their spines weren't marked.They continued through the library for a little while Twilight sometimes rattling off a suggestion for his book, after a while, the books did become labeled though some still didn't or they had faded from age. He picked one at random which caught Twilight's attention halting her lecture on Polymorph spells that Starswirl invented.

"What did you find?" she asked as the group stopped to turn and see what she was talking about.

Atreus looked at the front and there was only what appeared to be a set of stars with three swirling lines behind them. There was not title it seemed and he opened the book to see if it was on the inside, his eyes were met by strange almost rune-like symbols that seemed familiar. As he kept looking at them they changed and shifted until he could read them as perfect English he stared in wonder at the book as he read the first few words to himself. He noticed Twilight's approach as he looked up to meet her curious gaze, he offered her the book and she took it in her hands.

"I don't think you'll be able to read this," Twilight said as she examined the page he had opened to in the book. "It's written in ancient Equestrian and I think only the princesses would be able to read it," she continued closing it and staring at the cover her brows knitting together as she seemed to be trying to remember something. "I don't think even I've read this book," she said and before she could move on Spike chimed in.

"I find that hard to believe and I was the one fetching the books," he said which made Twilight turn on him.

"It wasn't always you," she said as what Spike said sounded as though he was treated poorly by his older sister. "I'd go get my own books plenty of times," she countered and Spike seemed ready with a response.

"Yeah, I'd have to come looking for you and I'd always find you in a book fort reading another book with your flashlight," he said which made Twilight blush and her friends laugh.

"That's our Egghead alright," Rainbow Dash said laughing a little louder which got an immediate shushing from the other library patrons which made them all cringe.

Twilight was about to return the book to the shelf but Atreus stopped her, "I'd still like to look at it some of the letters...look familiar," he said which caught Applejack as well as Twilight's attention.

"Familiar you mean you've seen more writings in Ancient Equestrian before?" she asked but became confused when Atreus shook his head.

"I mean I've seen shapes like them just different but I can make sense of it," he said which he could tell left Twilight no closer to understanding.

"You can read it?" she asked and waited for his reply.

Atreus decided to explain it how he had before, "Mom taught me some languages she knew," he began pausing as he remembered the words. "But they're all sorta connected so sometimes I can feel my way through things I shouldn't know. Ya know!" he said and briefly cast a glance at the locket that hung around his neck the glance got one of the CMC's attention.

"What's that around your neck?" Sweetiebelle asked pointing to it which drew the eyes of the others to the small object.

"It's just a locket that dad got me so I could carry mom with me," he said which got confused and rather weirded out looks from the group. "My mom passed away a while back and it's tradition on her side of the family to carry a some of a passed loved one's ashes," he started to explain and this turned the girl's confusion to sadness especially from Applejack and Applebloom who knew what it was like to lose a mother. "Dad has one too but he doesn't wear it," Atreus continued as he looked down at the locket sadly so he didn't see Applebloom and Applejack approach. They wrapped their arms around him the tall Farm Pony having to kneel in order to hug him in an attempt to comfort him. They were soon joined by the rest of the girls and Spike. The moment was soon interrupted by somepony clearing their throat to get their attention, the newcomer was a stallion with blue fur wearing a butler's uniform.

"The princesses and would like me to inform you that dinner will be served soon," the butler began his tone polite and without any snootiness that one would expect of a Butler in a palace. "Will you be joining them?" he asked them and waited for a reply.

The girls all broke away from Atreus the CMC being last to realize that something was going on and release the young boy. Each girl was blushing and looking anywhere but at Atreus or their sisters who had wide smiles on their faces. "We're never going to live this down are we?" Scootaloo asked her ears drooping as she knew Dash wouldn't pass at the chance at making jokes. Only silence followed as the elder sisters smiled widened and the CMC cringed already imagining how it could get worse. They were all brought out of their thoughts by the others calling them from the end of the row of books from where they had come. Atreus was holding the book which had now been forgotten by Twilight as she was eager for something to eat. Since she had been interrupted in the middle of breakfast by the attack which now felt like a distant memory since she had arrived in the Palace with her mentor.

It took them a while to arrive at the dining hall the guards opening the doors to let them in. Celestia sat at the head of the long oak table with Luna on her left followed by Kratos who had been speaking when the doors opened but cut off to greet the new arrivals and smile at his son who sat next to him. The rest found seats around the table Fluttershy sat across from Kratos and next to Twilight who sat at Celestia's side. Applejack and Applebloom were next to Atreus while Rarity and Sweetiebelle were between Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash who was across from Scootaloo. Once they were seated a servant appeared with a notepad to take their orders, it appeared the show kept the Herbivore aspect as the girls and princesses ordered varying types of Salad or the equivalent of a hamburger and French Fries. When it came to the Kratos and Atreus there was a momentary pause as the servant processed the order of a steak and baked potato but it was only a slight surprise to the ponies who rarely cooked for meat-eating species. The servant left to give the orders to the cooks before returning with their drinks of apple cider or soda pop which was a new beverage in Equestria. Kratos and the Princesses had ordered different drinks, for Kratos, he ordered a Mead which luckily there was some since Minotaurs loved the stuff and King Minos had sent a few barrels as a gift to the Princesses. Celestia and Luna chose a wine to go with their meals.

The table then buzzed with some conversation as they waited for their meals Twilight was talking with Celestia about a letter she had sent some time ago. Kratos was sitting silently listening to the chatter and watching his son as he distracted himself with the book he had brought with him, he would have asked about it but at that moment the servant arrived with their drinks placing them around the table for their specified recipient while informing them that the food would be out soon. Once he was gone again the talking picked back up but now Celestia had noticed Atreus and his book.

"What did you find in the library?" she asked the young man.

Atreus looked up from the page he had been reading to himself discovering the book was a journal by Starswirl that Twilight would use to ascend. He was so absorbed with his reading he didn't hear Celestia till his father tapped his shoulder and got his attention, "It's just a journal," he said handing it to his father who passed it to Luna her eyes widening at the symbol on the cover before handing it to her sister who also took a surprised look when she saw it also.

"Oh that's right," Twilight spoke up, "I was wondering if you'd let Atreus translate it for me," she said which made the looks on both sisters faces to grow even more shocked as they looked at Atreus in amazement.

"You can read this?" Celestia asked him getting a nod from the boy, as she seemed to process this she remembered Twilight's request and shook her head. "I'm sorry Twilight but this journal wasn't supposed to be in the Library," she said as she placed it next to her and saw the crestfallen look on Twilight and Atreus' faces. She was rather surprised that the young boy could read the long forgotten language but knowing what he was she could only guess what abilities he had.

The meal was soon over as the princesses excused themselves to deal with their duties of moving the sun and moon to bring in the night. While this happened another servant arrived to show them all to their rooms which weren't far from the Princesses chambers. Kratos and Atreus were put in one room, then Rarity and Sweetiebell, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo followed by Applejack and Applebloom in their room. Fluttershy bunked with Pinkie Pie while Twilight and Spike took the room across from Kratos and his son. They all settled in for a long and peaceful night or at least some of them did others weren't so lucky by their Nightmares were quelled by Luna's magic as she patrolled the realm of dreams.

Chapter Two

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