Chapter 22: Questions and Recovery

3rd POV

Location: Crystal Castle

5 days have passed since the battle in the Crystal as Frank had been laying on a medical bed within the crystal castle as he was still unconscious after defeating Umbra and Shining Armor. Once this was announced by the Princess of love along with her aunts who stood by her many of the citizens where shocked and afraid once they heard that the mad queen and former prince had returned but were soon relieved to hear that they were both dealt with thanks to Frank. Soon the human became the talk of the town since some of them were able to witness the human in action from saving lives, beating the many black crystal soldiers, to fighting a giant crystal golem. They were also happy to hear that Frank had also saved Princess Cadence who was severely hurt after Shining struck her with his sword along with Barb as they started to call Frank the savior of the empire.

Celestia and Luna however were beginning to feel worried at the fact that Frank has yet to awaken after battle and after he reverted into his normal self again as his body seem to have weakened to the point of looking semi-skinny. Twilight and her friends were also worried about the human though many of them were still in disbelief at what he did especially Twilight who learned that the human had unlocked a form of magic that is unheard of and allows to user to open portals for transportation or to summon a beast greater than anything that has ever been seen in Equestria. Each day some of them would take turns to check on him to see how he was doing as his body was slowly forming muscle again as Twilight began to jot down notes for further study and it was one the 6th day that he finally wakes up….

Morning

Frank’s eyes begin to slowly open his eyes as his vision begins to become clear as he begins to look around at his surroundings and found himself in some medical room as he tries to sit up only to feel something over him. He then looks down and sees Eris sleeping on top of him as Frank had a serious WTF look on his face as the female draconequus slowly opened her eyes before letting out a cute yawn as she smiled at the human.

“Good morning, Frankie…” she said as she rubs her nose onto his as Frank had a bewildered look on his face.

“Eris…why are you laying on top of me? Wait as a matter of fact where the hell am I?” said Frank as he was able to sit up as Eris floated off from him and the bed before stretching out her body.

“You’re currently staying at the medical wing of the Crystal Castle of the Crystal Empire.” She said as Frank moves to the side and was off the bed only to feel lightheaded for the moment and was about to hit to floor before Eris manages to catch him.

“Hey easy there. You just woke up so you might feel a little weird right now plus you dress in just your underwear, and I could see a familiar bulge sticking out.” Said Eris though she said the last part mischievously.

Frank on the other hand was unamused at her words.

“Just hand me some pants and I will be good to go.” He says as Eris pouts at him before snapping in some pants onto him.

“You are no fun Frank.” She says as Frank rolls his eyes at her.

“So how long was I knocked out for?” he asked as Eris helps him onto his feet.

“About 5 days.” She says nonchalantly as Frank goes wide-eyed at the news.

He was about to say something until he began to feel weary and was about to hit the floor thankfully Eris was able to keep him up.

“Why the hell do I feel so sluggish?” he asked to as Eris sighed at him.

“Not only were you knocked out but for some reason your body was in bad shape when Sun-butt and Moon-butt brought you in. You looked more skinnier and less muscular we were all worried that you were dying after using that strange magic I am just glad to see that you are alright.” said Eris as she nuzzles onto his neck as Frank rolls his eyes at the gesture but found it comforting in a way.

Just then the sound of hooves stomping was made as two figures enter the room as Frank and Eris turn to find the royal sisters there as they were panting like crazy and were both wide-eyed to see Frank awake and well. Everyone of them were silent until Frank decided to say one simple thing that would end it.

“Hey girls…how’s it going?”

Soon both sisters charged at him as Eris disappears was Frank was then tackled to the floor by both princesses much to the human’s surprise.

“FRANK YOUR AWAKE!!”

Is what they yelled out as they shed tears of joy at the sight of their beloved human as they hug onto him tightly. All Frank could do was simply lay back down and smile at this as Eris reappears above them while letting out a giggle at the sight of Frank being hugged by both princesses like a teddy bear.

Meanwhile in an unknown location…

Far from the Canterlot and the Crystal Empire deep within the ground was an underground hideout where a dark and sinister being resided one that had been in hiding for many years. This individual being the true mastermind for all the madness that had been going on in Equestria and the one that had been supplying the villains with the crystals that give them the power to take over the land. As he sits on a chair while looking at a crystal ball on top of a wooden table as he witnessed what had happened to each of his associates as they were defeated by the strange human with the metal hand.

His bloody red eyes staring at the human’s face as he let out a sinister grin showing off a set of razor-sharp teeth as he let out a dark chuckle that sent shivers down anyone’s spine.

“It would seem that some one is in the way of my plans.”

Said the strange individual as he rewatches some of the humans’ victories as the individual lets out another sinister chuckle for, he had plans for said human on how to deal with him and maybe more.

“Well, if this human wants to get in my way… Then let the games begin…”

Frank POV

Things have wind down after being unconscious for the past 5 days now though I can tell you this I am still sore as hell but after a while I was able to walk right and into some proper attire which was a dark purple V-neck shirt, black jeans, belt, and converse sneakers. I was then escorted toward the dining room with Celestia, Luna, and Eris and upon entering the room I found the mane 6, Barb, and Princess Cadence waiting there. Just then I was hugged by both Barb and Cadence who proceeded to wrap their arms around me on both sides which surprised me and for some reason I was sensing a murderous vibe from behind me.

They soon let go of me as the mane 6 also appeared before me with happy smiles on their faces.

“I am so glad to see that you are awake Lord McCloud.” Said Princess Cadence who smiled happily.

“Same here we were worried that you would never wake up.” Said Barb to which a scratched the back of my head at her response.

“Yeah, sorry for making you all worried though I am glad to see that you are both alright. Especially you Princess Cadence I am glad to see that the serum was able to heal your wound in time.” Said Frank as Cadence nodded at him.

“I have been meaning to ask about that. Just what kind of serum did you use on me to heal my wound?” asked the pink princess as Twilight and Barb came into the conversation.

“Same here I have never seen something like that before.” Said Barb as Twilight then came in with her response.

“I have never heard of anything like this in any of the medical books nor have there been anything that could seal a serious wound that Candence received.” Said Twilight as I had both hands raised up and with a nervous look on my face.

I was about to say something until a loud growling sound was made which seemed to have startled everyone around me as it echoed throughout the room however to my shock and to the others shock the sound was coming from me specifically my stomach.

“Heh heh sorry about that. I guess I must have built up an appetite after being in bed for the past 5 days.” I said sheepishly as the other shook out of their stupor though Pinkie did giggle a bit which changed the mood.

“Oh but of course I will have the castle chefs make you something to eat and, in the meantime, you will explain to us what the serum you used on me.” Said Cadence as I looked at Celestia and Luna who both nodded at me in confirmation.

“Alright though I think you all should sit down for this for I am about to tell you not only explains what the serum and what it does, but it also relates to what I went through after spending some time back in the Everfree.” I said as all of them agreed to it as we all sat down as the castle chefs brought in some food which was a range of chicken and fish.

After eating about 5 to 10 plates of food and after the others shook out of their surprise, I then proceeded to tell them about my experience in the Everfree. From meeting Leah, the alien protogen, stopping the caribou, saving a bunch of female slaves, fighting a necromancer, and becoming the new king of the changelings. To say that the girls were shocked to hear all of this was an understatement they were completely blown away by all of this, especially Twilight who was excited to hear about an actual alien being here Equestria. And that Leah had crashed landed in the Everfree after escaping from being slaves to Kane’s army and as thanks gave me the serum that saved Cadence and repaired the damage done to her.

Along the way I then explained how I was approached by Queen Chrysalis and her changelings who were being hunted down by a necromancer after refusing to serve under the mages master and had destroyed the jade hive. She then seek me out to ask for my protection from the mage who came and tried to destroyed us only for me to do quick work on him as he was destroyed by me. She then explained how she was another victim of Shining Armor which led to the invasion at the Canterlot wedding and how she was desperate to feed her children at the time and after I gave her and her children some of my love they ended up evolving into something greater than before. And as a result I was crowned as their king as Chrysalis believed that I would lead her children into a brighter future much to my bewilderment as they now live in the castle of the two sisters.

They were also shocked to hear about the caribou as the royal sisters explained how I stopped a couple of them who were transporting slaves while also stopping them from finding out ways to invade Ponyvile. And after that I went to their kingdom and took down their king who turned out to be using a medallion to mind control the citizens while also taking the magic of the doe while the males did his bidding. And revealed that he was no royal king but a noble who wanted the throne and had the real rulers killed before I punished him and freed the kingdom and brought back order to the land. And how some of the female slaves that I met in the Everfree are now staying at the castle along with Leia who wanted to learn more about the kingdom.

Everyone around were in disbelief at what I and the princesses had said as some were relieved that the Caribou were dealt with though some of them mainly Twilight, Barb, and Cadence were still worried about the news of the changelings living in the Everfree.

“This is some heavy news you’re laying onto us big guy.” said Rainbow as I nodded at her.

“Still, it is shocking to hear that the Caribou were planning to invade Ponyvile from right under our nose.” Said Rarity who was shivering at the thought.

“Not to mention that the changelings are livin in the old castle of the two sisters no doubt.” Said Applejack as the others had nervous looks on their faces.

“I know what your all thinking, but I assure to you that Chrysalis and her changelings are not evil just misunderstood. And if it hadn’t been for ponies like Shining who saw her and her children as threats to the ponies the invasion would have never happened.” I said as Celestia said her piece.

“Frank had also used a lie detection spell on her when she told her story which hadn’t react to anything that she said proving that she was telling the truth.” Said Celestia as Luna continued.

“Not only that but she also went as far as to offer herself to Frank in order for him to protect her children she even admitted that she was desperate when she lead the invasion for you see changelings need to consume love otherwise their bodies would begin to cannibalize themselves which explains why their bodies had holes on their bodies.” She said as this brings up a thought to my mind.

“Speaking of which how is Chrysalis and the other Changelings?” I asked to which Eris answered before popping up next to me.

“She is doing fine though she, Leah, and the other rescued girls got worried when you were bedridden after the battle in the Crystal Empire. Right now, I just finished letting them know that you’re okay though Chrysalis has been going frantic when she heard the news and was ready to fly over to the crystal empire if I hadn’t stop her.” She said as I said while facepalming at this.

“As soon as we all head home I will make sure to visit her to help ease her worries.” I said and at that point Cadence cleared her throat getting my attention.

“And this serum that you injected into me its called Bio-Armor?” Questioned the princess of love as I tried to gather up what Leah had told me.

“Correct Leah explained to me that the serum is filled with tiny machines called nano-bots that once injected into the body begin work on repairing the body from any injuries while also giving you tougher skin. By the way Princess Cadence how are you feeling after I injected the serum into your body has there been any side-effects of any problems that occurred while I was out cold?” I said as Cadence had an unsure look on her face.

She got up from her seat then proceeds to walk toward the nearby wall before delivering a right jab to the wall leaving a large hole as she pulls her hand back as we all stared at her with surprise and disbelief.

“I seem to have obtained super strength just like you Sir McCloud.” She responded as I shook off from my stupor and got from my seat and walked over to her as I then held up her right hand up to examine it.

No surprise to see that there was no damage done to her hand however a part of me wondered how she was able to punch a hole on a crystal wall as I hummed in wonder about this and to discuss this with Leah when I come home.

“Umm…Sir McCloud.” Said a nervous looking Cadence who blushing at me as I raised an eyebrow at her wondering why she was reacting that way until I realized how I was holding her hand I then let go and backed away.

“DAMN IT!!... S-sorry about that your highness I really didn’t mean to hold your hand out like that I was mainly curious about how your hand was alright and wondered how you were able to break a hole into the wall is all.” I said frantically as Cadence raised her hand to me telling me to stop as she cleared her throat before speaking to me.

“It is fine Sir McCloud; I understand that you were only curious about the effects that the nano-bots has done to me just be mindful next time you wish to examine something like this again in the future. Also, you don’t have to call me by my tittle since you and my aunts call each other by name its fine if you call me by just Cadence if you like.” She responded as I scratch the back of my head sheepishly to her.

“Right, Prince-… I mean Cadence I will be mindful about that the next time this happens. (God damn it I haven’t been this nervous since high school.)” he said though the mentally said the last part to himself.

3rd POV

“Hey Frank, what was that purple glow you had when you fought Shining Armor?” asked Barb as all eyes were now on Frank who then raised an eyebrow at that question.

“Young Barb does bring up an excellent question Sir McCloud. When me and my sister found you, your body was emanating a strange purple aura unlike anything that we have ever seen before.” Said Luna as Celestia stood beside her with a nod.

Frank tries to remember what had happened, however all he could remember was being enraged at Shining Armor then wanting to beat the living crap out of him and then uses said power on Umbra before passing out.

“I am not sure. All I can remember was being pissed off then proceeded to beat the ever living crap out of Shining Armor.” He said as everyone else looked at him with surprise and a bit of fear at knowing that bit of info.

“Jeez big guy, remind me never to get on your bad side.” Said Rainbow Dash as Twilight then asked a question.

“But what in Equestria would get you that angry to unleash such a power?” asked the purple Alicorn.

“Well, that’s the weird part. When I faced him, I was looking at him straight in the eye and then I was hit with visions of what he and his cronies did to the other races that were near Canterlot and Ponyvile. The sound of the many races they tortured and brutalized overtime not to mention how seeing Cadence laid in a pool of her own blood brought me back to how I found my sister in a similar state just sent me over the edge. And the cries of Shining’s victims still echo within my mind I am just glad I was able to punish that bastard for what he did wherever he is I hope his suffering is slow and painful.” He said clenching his metal fist tightly.

Just then his hands begin to glow with a red and black aura as this startle everyone around him as they backed away from him, he then takes notice of this and was about to say something about it until he noticed the glow around his hands.

“The hell?” he asked in bewilderment as Twilight gasps at this.

“That aura it’s the same aura that Trixie had when she used the alicorn amulet!” she said as everyone else gasps at this as Barb and Cadence go wide-eyed at this.

“Wait last I check Umbra was wearing the amulet when she entered the castle.” Said Barb as Cadence nodded at her.

“That’s right, but if that’s the case how is it that Frank is using its power?” questioned Cadence as both Celestia and Luna stepped in to answer.

“Frank has an ability to obtained new abilities after defeating an enemy and it would seem he obtained the power of the alicorn amulet in the process.” Answered Celestia as Luna turned to Frank.

“Though it would seem that Frank is some how able to use its power without being corrupted.” Said Luna as this reminds Frank of something.

“And that’s not all I got.” He said but just as he was about to say something two black demonic creatures appear from Frank’s back as this causes some of the girls to scream as both Rarity and Fluttershy were seen shaking at the sight of them.

“What in sam hill are those things?” questioned Applejack as Frank let out a sigh.

“We are creatures of the shadow orange one.”

Said the left shadow creature as this action surprises the girls and Frank for they were not expecting one of them to speak well in a complete sentence in Frank’s case mind you.

“I’m guessing that you two were created after I absorbed Umbra’s shadow magic, right?” asked Frank who stood there with his arms crossed as the tentacle beasts nod at him.

“We only exist to serve our master, the one who is capable of being our host. And unlike our previous master, you are able to have a better control over the powers of shadow without being tainted by its influence. As it created us so that we may aid you in your battles against those who would oppose you master.”

Said the two tentacle heads as the girls look off with shock and worry at what they said as Frank seemed to be unnerved at the thought of something like things popping out from him.

“NOT JUST THEM BOSS.”

Just then a smaller creature appeared from behind Frank as he stood beside him much to the shock of the girls as Frank looked down to see a blue skinned imp wearing a small black jacket, a fedora on his head, and black shades over his eyes.

“And if you’re wondering why you’re seeing me it would seem that the power of shadows granted you to create a minion like me as well as many more if you like that is. And like those heads I work to lend a helping hand to you boss and if ya need someone to protecting your lady friends there.”

Said the imp as Frank began to ponder at this though he did notice the worried faces on the royal sisters, princess of love, and magic. Frank then looks back at the imp.

“So, what’s your name?” he asked as the imp smiled at him.

“The name is Tony boss, as for the creatures the right one is Shade and the left one is Onyx, and I will look forward to working with you in the future. And don’t worry about trying to control you after all you are a much better user than what queenie could ever be. Take care boss.”

Said the imp was he then walks over to a nearby shadow and disappears while the two tentacle creatures slithered back onto his back.

“Well that happened.” He said a little bewildered but had to remember that this wasn’t the weirdest thing that has happened to him. Though he did wonder how shadow magic would allow him to conjure creatures from “The Darkness” videogame though he had to admit it was pretty cool.

“Frank are you alright?” asked a worried looking Celestia who was now on his right while Luna was on his left.

“Yeah, I am fine just surprised is all. Honestly this is the first time that I gained an ability to summon sentient creatures like that.” He said as Celestia and Luna looked at each other.

“Are you certain that you aren’t feeling any differently after absorbing that kind of magic?” asked Luna as Frank raised an eyebrow at her question before realizing what she meant as he then let out a sigh.

“If you are worried about me being corrupted than you don’t have to worry about that. After all I would have shown signs of that after absorbing that black crystal when I first arrived to Equestria.” He said making good point as both princesses sighed at this before wrapping their arms around him much to his surprise as they held onto him tightly.

“That still doesn’t mean that we can’t be worried about you Frank. When you collapsed after defeating Umbra me and my sister were both worried for you especially when you didn’t wake up for the past 5 days. I feared that you would never wake up, but I was soon relieved to see that you woke up and was on your feet again.” Said Celestia to which Luna said her piece.

“Even though you show no signs of being corrupted by Dark magic that still doesn’t keep us from fearing the thought of you becoming a monster. I know what it was like to be consumed by darkness and that last thing I wish to see in my beloved friend to suffer the same fate as me for the thought of that would break my heart.” Said Luna as she held on to him.

Frank let out a tired sigh at this before smiling a bit as he hugs both princesses while also patting their heads trying to ease them of their worries.

“There, there, no need to worry. After all I hate seeing you two like this especially from two of my favorite pony princesses.” He said while grinning cheerfully yet he didn’t notice the blush on the royal sisters who smiled back at him as they enjoyed the hug.

Everyone else smiled at the sight of the royal sisters hugging the human though Cadence was able to sense a large amount of love coming from her aunts and all pointed towards the human which surprised the princess of love. She was also able to sense the same thing from Frank, yet she felt something from within Frank’s heart that was keeping his love for her aunts from growing. As the sisters let go of Frank, a thought came to his mind as he recalled what had happened to Umbra before passing out.

“Speaking of which whatever happened to Umbra?” asked Frank as everyone grew quiet.

“I think you should see for yourself, Frank.” Said Barb as they all motion Frank out of the dining room for what he was about to see would shock him for the rest of his life.

Location: Medical Wing/ Crystal Castle

As the group enters to the medical wing of the castle they are then brought to someone who was laying on one of the medical beds was Umbra as she laid there with magically enhanced cuffs on her wrists and a silver ring on her horn. However, he did notice something off about her for he didn’t sense any dark magic from within her as Twilight stood beside him.

“From what the princesses told us, you used that strange power on Umbra which somehow cleansed her of all the dark magic turning her back into a normal unicorn mare. The doctors said it was impossible but after scanning her body they were able to confirm that she was back to normal.” She said as Frank takes a good look at the unconscious Queen who was kept in cuffs strapped to the bed as Cadence stepped forward.

“The doctors say that she is in a comma and that there is no telling when she will wake up, but as a safety measure we have placed these magical cuffs to keep her contained until the day she wakes up. Once she is awake, she will be trialed and face justice for what she has done I am just glad that the nightmare is over.” Said Cadence as she let out a relieved sigh as did the others.

Soon the others leave the room as Frank makes one last look at the comatose queen before leaving the room not noticing the slight movement of woman’s index finger. The group were then seen walking down the hall as Frank lets out a tired sigh.

“I don’t know about you girls, but I could use a vacation. I may not get physically tired, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get mentally tired from all this corrupted business here.” Said Frank as he stretches a bit as Celestia giggles at his response.

“Well, you may have to put that on hold for you will be attending a royal summit with the other rulers of Equestria with me and my sister very soon mister.” Said Celestia as Frank raised an eyebrow at her.

“The leaders of the other nations wish to meet the one that saved their people who enslaved by the caribou. It would seem that you have made a good impression on them after dealing with the caribou and there king.” Said Luna as Frank scratched the back of his head sheepishly as the royal sisters giggled at him.

“Also, there is something else that you have to attend first.” Said Cadence as she looked at Frank as they arrive in front to a set of doors where two of the crystal guards arrive and salute to their princess as they salute to her before opening the doors as Frank was then hit with a blinding light…

Frank POV

I was hit with a flash of bright like as I quickly covered my eyes and as the brightness begins to dim, I lowered my hand only to go wide-eyed at the citizens of the empire who all cheered at the sight of me. Soon the sounds of trumpets were made as well as confetti that was being dropped at me as I look on with disbelief as I turned to the girls who smiled back at me.

“You didn’t think the citizens of the crystal empire wouldn’t thank you for saving their lives, right?” said Rainbow Dash as the other giggled at me as I scratched the back of my head sheepishly.

“I also wish to give you something as thanks for all that you have done here. And I believe my aunts and sister-in-law wished to do something as well for what you did back in Canterlot and Ponyvile.” Said Cadence as the other alicorns nodded at her as they each were now in front of me.

For a moment I stood there until Pinkie appeared beside me before whispering to my ear.

“This is the part where you kneel…” she said I quickly got onto one knee as I looked up to see one of Celestia conjure up a sword in her hand.

“Frank McCloud today is the day that you will be forever recognized here in Equestria.” Said Celestia as Luna stepped beside her.

“Many days ago, you stopped in invasion that was led by our traitorous nephew and with great bravery you were able to stop him and his golem minions while also protecting many of our ponies and guards during the chaos.” Said Luna as Twilight then stepped up.

“Not only that, but when you heard wind of the attack in Ponyvile you risked your life to save the residents of the town from the raiders and saved me from the dreaded dragon that was leading them as well as taking him down. And for that I am forever in your debt.” Said the purple alicorn as she bows her head at me as my face redden at the praise as Cadence then stepped up.

“And most recently you stopped Queen Umbra along with her army from taking over the kingdom and stopped the traitor known as Shinning when he wanted revenge on me and Barb. You were also the one to save me when the traitor struck me down and like Twilight light said I am forever in your debt.” Said the pink alicorn as she bows to me.

“As rulers of the sun, moon, magic, and love we the alicorn princesses pronounce you as SIR MCCLOUD THE OMEGA GUARDIAN OF EQUESTRIA.” Said Celestia as she taps my left shoulder then the right shoulder with the sword as she motions me to rise from the ground to which I did.

The citizens then cheered as I was then given 4 sets of medals which depict the cutie marks of the 4 princesses as they were placed onto the side of my shirt as I then saluted to all 4 princesses as they and the girls smiled at me.

“You know what this called for, right?” I said as I look over to Pinkie who then let out a bright smile.

“A PARTY!!!!!”

She announced loudly as the citizens soon cheered in agreement as Pinkie then started things off with a bang literally as she pulls out her party cannon and fires some confetti to the crowd.

“There is still something else that I wish to give as thanks for saving me and my subjects Sir McCloud.” Said Princess Cadence as I turn to her.

“Sure what is it?” I asked and without warning she proceeds to kiss me in the cheek as my face turned red at the action as everyone around me grew wide-eyed at this as some of the citizens ohed at this.

Cadence then giggles and winks at me as my face became hotter than the sun as steam began to exit out from my ears as I placed my metal hand over my right cheek where she kissed me. I also notice a dark aura emanating from the royal sisters and Eris who seem to be glaring at Cadence with a burning hatred. I soon let out a sigh before looking up at the sky as I then let out a phrase that explains how I am feeling right now.

“Por favor dios o Faust dame fuerza…”

Note: he said please god or Faust give me strength.

Author's Note

this took so many rewrites but i am glad that i managed to write a new chapter for this story hope you all like this and will see you in the next post.