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.