Wish Gone Awry. Enter Equestria! Enter New Life!

by terras

Rating: mature
Tags: Drama, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Fetish, Suicide / Self Harm, Romance, Non-consensual, Sex, Dark, Zecora, Alternate Universe, Human, Narcotics, Main 6, Princess Luna
Length: 286068

Human goes to a museum, makes a foolish wish, and goes to Equestria. Now starts his new life.

Julius is a fairly normal human. He and his class end up going to a museum, the same museum they've been to several times before. Bored, and cynical he comes across a strange new amulet in a display case. At its urging, he makes a wish, a wish that takes him to the world of Equestria. This is his new life. How will he fare, how will the others treat him, how much will he affect things, and how does magic interact with him?

(Sexual acts will be present, though not in every chapter).

(If you're wondering why the Narcotics tag is there/added Chapter 48 has marijuana use in it, that's why the narcotics tag is there. As for the Dark tag Chapter 56 deals with very obvious dark themes, well, 1 dark theme.

(Thank you to rikithemonk for the cover art :yay:)

(Thank you to GraySlayer for help catching mistakes :yay:)

Published 2020-10-30 02:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-02-27 02:31:45 UTC

Chapter 2: Zebra Savior, and Sanctuary

"What?" A regal female voice echoed out. "What are you" Julius heard. Looking around, all he saw was a faint blue mist. Rubbing his head, Julius felt disorientated, not entirely awake, but definitely asleep. Panting heavily, Julius called upon all of his willpower.

"OK, OK, I'm dreaming," Julius said aloud to nobody, "but I know it. So I can control it," he continued walking through his dream while massaging his head. "I can AHHH~" Julius moaned in pain, his head throbbing. A shooting pain raced through his head, a pain that felt as though someone, something, was trying to force its way in.

"What are you?" The female voice returned. "How can you resist me?" The voice asked, obviously strained. "What do you have to hide?" The disembodied voice now stated with mild irritation. A small blue tear started to form in the sky. Slowly but surely, it was growing. Looking up in a combination of awe, and terror Julius slowly backed up. The pain echoed through his head. Holding his head in pain, Julius fell to his knees. Panting heavily and looking up towards the tear through watery eyes, Julius grew pale. A blue furry hoof made its way through. With great effort and lots of grunting, the tear in the dreamscape sky was opening, and something was coming through.

"NO!" Julius screamed in panic and fear.

Shooting up fully awake and in a cold sweat, Julius looked down at himself. Trying to steady his breathing while pressing on various parts of his body, Julius confirmed that he was indeed awake.

"So you can speak," A female African voice said. "That is good, but there is no need to skreak," the voice finished sounding slightly annoyed and slightly amused.

"Sorry," Julius said meekly, "I just," Julius shivered at the thought, "just had a nightmare. Well, I think it was a nightmare," Julius said, rubbing his head still in slight pain. "I hope it was a nightmare," he said, gaining his bearings.

"Why would one hope for that. Nightmares are things to combat," The female said, getting somewhat closer though still holding her distance.

"Well, if it wasn't a nightmare, then," Julius started to trail off as he surveyed his surroundings, "that means I'm dealing with a dream demon," he finishes as his eyes fall upon a zebra. The to meet the other's gaze, his focused, narrow, much like a predator but not wholly so, hers wide and bright though hiding fear. "Uhhh, shot in the dark, am I talking to a zebra?" Julius asked, the inflection in his voice clearly showing bafflement.

"So you know of my kind. Forgive me, but of yours, I am blind," The zebra said as she took in the stranger's features. Sure she looked him over while he was passed out but awake, aware his features were revealed more, the rapid movement of his eyes, the movements of his hands, the pantings of his mouth, the teeth, the clearly pointed teeth for eating meat. The zebra backed up a bit.

"Right, of course, why not," Julius said with bemused annoyance. "This world has magic and mythological beings, so why wouldn't it have talking animals?" He said in a slightly nervous laugh. Holding his head, Julius couldn't help but laugh. The whole series of events was so bizarre. What was supposed to happen was an ordinary, boring trip to the museum, followed by a typical boring homework assignment, then continued by a normal boring life. However, now he had to deal with magic, monsters, talking animals, and the extreme unknown.

Looking on at the strange creature lying on the floor laughing, the zebra cocked her head in confusion. "I think I may have broken you. Can you tell me who or what you are, for I have no clue?" She asked, somewhat nervous.

"Right, right, right, sorry," Julius said, his laughter dying down. "My name is Julius, and I am a human," he said as he looked around the place he was in. Sitting up with a sigh, he continued. "I take it you're the one who saved me; if so, thank you," Julius thanked as he took in the surroundings. The place was definitely a home of some sort, looked vaguely tribal, and had many potion-like containers. Maybe this zebra was a witch doctor or wise woman, something along those lines.

"My name is Zecora, and I am indeed your savior. Now, what gave you your wound must have been more than bad behavior?" The zebra named Zecora asked him, still keeping her distance but her stance softening.

"Well, the short of it, an amulet talked to me, then there was a bright flash of light. Then I was in the middle of a forest; I learned that I somehow gained some magic powers. I tested out what I had, and then a manticore attacked me," Julius summarized as he rubbed his arm where the manticore's tail got him.

"A creature out of place. You are lucky I am a creature of grace," Zecora said softly, smiling. "Manticore venom is no joke. Even a small dose, and you'll croak," she said, slowly walking towards Julius. "I'm guessing you must have some healing magic. If not, then your story would be a lot more tragic," she said, standing in arms reach of Julius.

"Yeah, yeah, I do have some healing magic, though I'm not sure how much," Julius said, resisting the urge to pet the zebra. "I learned I have it by accident. Obviously, I didn't want to test it, you know, since it'd mean getting hurt," he stifled a nervous laugh. "In an unknown place, I'd like to avoid injury as much as possible," Julius said as his stomach started to growl. "Sorry, I guess I'm hungrier than I thought. I hope I'm not imposing but could I please have something to eat?" Julius asked as his hunger dawned on him.

"It's no imposition at all," Zecora said as she turns to her cauldron, serving up some soup in a bowl Zecora gives it to Julius. "I imagine you'll need more; for you, the bowl is quite small. If more is what you need, you can serve more yourself, or give me a call," Zecora says, chuckling as Julius pretty much drinks the whole bowl down in one mighty gulp.

"Thank you, you're too kind," Julius says as he fishes out another full bowl. He usually could eat two bowls, but these were so small it'd be four easy, and of course, it was vegetable soup, so make that five minimum. Drinking this bowl down slower, Julius had more time to savor the taste. The soup tasted hearty, earthy, and fresh; it was quite refreshing.

Looking on with some mirth, Zecora chuckled. "I had you pegged as a large eater. At this rate, you'll eat a liter," she laughed as Julius downed another bowl. After six bowls, nearly emptying the cauldron, Julius finally stopped to take a proper breath. Placing his bowl down, he looked somewhat sorrowfully at Zecora.

"Hey, Zecora, why do this?" Julius asked, clearly confused. "I'm a completely unknown being," Julius started. "I can tell you figured that I eat meat," he continued " I'm obviously a threat to you, and yet you healed me, you sheltered me, you gave me food, why?" He asked, his voice saturated with confusion that masked some sadness.

"I know what it's like. For others to look and say 'take a hike.' To be feared without being known. To see your chance at friends, at a home all but blown. You may look like a threat to me. Your size and teeth are clear to see. But in your soul and mine, I can tell. We are two of a kind, so please rest and get well," Zecora says calmly to Julius, walking over to him.

"Ah, alright if you insist," Julius says, smiling. "Though I have to ask. If it's not a problem," he says, slightly blushing, his voice slightly straying off, "can I umm, can I pet you?" He asked, slightly hanging his head and averting his gaze from hers.

A little startled at the request Zecora composes herself, "I have a few moments to spare. So if you really wish, you may pet this mare," she says softly, climbing onto Julius's lap.

Running his hands through Zecora's mane and fur, Julius softly starts humming. The melody is calming, peaceful, relaxing, a fitting to the atmosphere of the room the two are in. Deeply breathing, Julius could smell the herbs, the concoctions, and the cooking; it made for a soothing scent, one like a country home. Zecora, for her part, couldn't help but lean into Julius; his fingers and hands seemingly had a magic all of their own. Each finger deftly hitting spots no hoof could hope to hit, and with such precision and strength, every knot in her body seemed to wither away. Relaxing in the somewhat socially awkward position, Julius finally broke the silence. "Zecora, you seem to be a wise woman or well mare. Do you think you could teach me magic?" Julius asks while playing with her mane.

"The magic you possess is closer to ponies than to mine. But I know the theory, so we can but on fundamentals just fine," Zecora replied. "Aside from healing, what powers do you possess. It would be much easier if you told, and I didn't guess."

"Well, I seem to have physical augmentation; you know I can increase my strength, speed, endurance, stuff like that. When I used them in the forest, they weren't very noticeable. When I was in danger, though, they were suddenly a lot stronger, but using them was a lot more exhausting. It was weird, as when I wasn't in danger, I had to really focus hard to get anything from them. I'm kind of worried that I don't really have control of them," Julius explained to Zecora.

"I see I see my human friend. I shall make some exercises for your magic to ascend, while to your wounds I shall tend," Zecora tells Julius as she forces herself up and away from his hands, as difficult as it was.

And so Julius's wounds got better. Even with healing magic and healing potions, it turns out manticore venom takes some time to heal fully. After it passed, Julius started on Zecora's training regime. It was basic, very basic, but effective nonetheless. With each passing day, his magical endurance increased; eventually, Julius could maintain a constant buff to himself. His healing abilities, meanwhile, lagged. Sure he had Zecora's place to stay at, but it didn't change the fact that he was still in a dangerous place, that he quite frankly didn't know much if anything about, so he was apprehensive about letting himself get injured to build that magical skill. Though injuries did happen, so it did build up very slowly.

As the days passed, the two got to know each other, with Julius telling Zecora about his world, friends, and family. From the look on her face, it was clear she didn't fully believe him, heavier than air flying machines, a population of over seven billion, walking on the moon, surely he was making stuff up. For his part, Julius tried to believe what Zecora was telling him. Still, it was difficult, pegasi controlling the weather, some half unicorn half pegasi controlling the sun, an evil one sealed in the moon, yeah, a lot to take in.

Every night, when Julius slept, the same voice kept hounding him. Asking him questions, but thanks in part to his training and many of Zecora's charms, it wasn't a problem.

Weeks would pass on like this until something changed, a chance meeting with a creature Julius wasn't quite sure he wanted to meet, if what Zecora told him held any truth.

Chapter 3: A Talk, A Bath, And The Start of Training

Weeks pass as Julius stays with Zecora in her literal treehouse. For the first few days, Zecora taught Julius about the world he was in; while his body healed from the manticore venom.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Julius said in utter surprise. "You mean to tell me that females outnumber males at least five to one?" He finished jaw agape.

"That is the closest stallions come to the number of mares. We had had times when it was ten to one, truly horrid affairs. From what you have said in your world, there are only pairs. If you are compatible, perhaps your mares could share their male heirs," Zecora explained, laughing.

"Uhhh, I'm not so sure," Julius shakily said. "In my world, we are the only cognitive being. Even if we thought of you as aliens, well, it would take a lot, and I mean a lot of coming to terms with. Sure there are some real weirdos, but we really don't like to talk about them, let alone acknowledge them," Julius said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Some time to adjust is to be expected. Some time for your thoughts and wits to be collected," Zecora calmly said as she started to make a stew. "But come around, you will in time. You are, after all, a stallion in his prime," Zecora said, preparing the vegetables. "A single mare you will take. If to your ways you do not forsake. If your ways they should though break; I wonder how many mares it would take, for your breeding taste to slake," she finished adding in a bevy of chopped vegetables while slightly blushing.

"Oh haha, very funny," Julius mockingly laughed. "I mean really 'for your breeding taste to slake' I'm pretty sure humans can only get other humans pregnant," Julius said, looking off in the distance, not really at anything. "Well, as far as we know at least," he said with a sigh.

"If you are ever curious, I can give you a test. To see if your seed would be a welcomed guest," Zecora said, slowly stirring the cauldron of stew. "Just add some into a special mixture. If brown, try not to frown, but if blue, then your progeny will be a fixture," Zecora said, tasting the stew. Smacking her lips, she pauses. "Hmmm, could use some more. Sage or thyme which would make the taste soar?" Zecora asked.

"Honestly, I'd prefer something hotter, like say chilies or pepper, but I'm no culinary expert in my world, so here I'll just go with whatever you think would be best," Julius said with a slight catch in his throat. Breathing deeply, almost unable to imagine what he was about to ask, he mustered his will and asked, "So this mixture, do you have any here?" It was fortunate that Zecora wasn't adding in the herbs; she would have dropped them all in at the question if she were.

"W-why yes I do. That flask there filled with pink is for you," Zecora said, hardly believing that Julius asked for the concoction. Adding in the herbs, she slowly, slyly, grinned. "You only just got here, and these thoughts possess your mind. Or are you too afraid of pregnancy to unwind," she asked, slightly laughing.

"Look OK," Julius said with a resigned sigh as he grabbed the flask. "I already know that I'm stuck here, that there is no hope of going back to my world. There must be an infinite number of universes, and the odds of finding mine are between never happening and impossible. And so what if I do? There's no guarantee the portal, or spell, or whatever will take me somewhere safe; I could end up in a volcano. Hell, it could take me to a far worst universe," he said almost crestfallen. "It's safer for me to stay here, in this world, and try to make a life for myself. I know this," he said as Zecora looked at him in a mix of confusion and shock. "I know this, but I haven't accepted it. I know this, but I deny it. I know this, and yet I fight back against it," Julius said in a sad chuckle. "It's a very human thing. Look if I," he starts trying to steady his breathing, "if I can start a family here, with my own kids, then accepting that I'm stuck here well, it wouldn't be so hard." Walking to a hidden door, Julius opens it, leading down into a dimly lit passage. "I'm going to take a bath, and well, you know," he said, blushing as he walked down the passage.

Zecora waited until Julius was out of sight, then dimmed the fire. When Julius first arrived at her hut a few days ago, she wondered what this strange creature was and why it was wearing such clothes. She tried stripping him, but his clothes were too complicated for her to remove; maybe with unicorn magic, it would be possible, but not for mouth and hooves. Her first chance to see Julius naked was yesterday when she guided him to the underground hot springs. While she tried to convince him to join her, he flatly refused, no joking, no prodding, no complimenting, nothing worked. While she usually would have dropped it, something nagged at her to find out how he looked without his clothes on. A part of her thought he might be a gelding, but that thought was quickly put out of her mind; his scent carried far too much of a masculine musk to it. Honestly, it was distracting to her, so much so she thought he must be in heat. This, however, might just be her chance, so as ashamed as she was, Zecora quietly followed Julius to the bath.

Walking down the path, Julius couldn't help but stare in awe. Gems, genuine gems, lighted the path. How rich was this world that diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other gems were used like this? Were they common, was gold common too? What about metals. Were rare metals common here as well? It helped take his mind off the fact that he was about to jerk off into a flask to see if he could knock up magical talking equines. Getting to the subterranean hot springs, Julius took a deep breath before stripping down.

Watching on from a distance was Zecora. Somehow watching Julius strip felt erotic to Zecora. As his clothes came off, Zecora felt herself getting more and more turned on, if she didn't know better, she would swear she was going into heat, but no, that wasn't for another four weeks. Zecora watched on as the first layer of clothes came off. To her surprise, Julius was wearing more clothes, though there was much less, just something covering his feet and his groin. First came off the cloth covering his feet; they looked weird, kind of like his hands, but thicker and slightly arched. Then off came the last piece of clothing. Zecora couldn't help but stare. Julius's cock flopped free, hanging down it was easily one of the biggest she ever saw, worthy of being in those sultry mares' magazines, and the shape looked exotic. While a stallion's looked like it wanted to kiss a mare's cervix, Julius's looked like it wanted to pierce right on through. It was definitely built for breeding. Then his balls, their size perfectly complimented his cock; they looked thick and full. The musky scent emanating from Julius's balls was truly overwhelming; it was like she was in the middle of a stallion's bar in the middle of breeding season.

Reaching up, Julius stretched his muscles, the bones cracking, while Julius releases a relaxed sigh. Grabbing the flask, Julius stepped into the hot springs, the water feeling refreshing against his skin. Zecora watching on, moved a little closer. She thought for a moment about revealing herself to ask if he needed any help but dismissed the thought, surely if he needed help, he would have asked.

Reaching down, Julius grabbing his hardening cock, began to stroke it slowly; with each deft stroke, his cock growing harder, bigger, and thicker. Zecora was holding herself back, but, now seeing this, she couldn't help herself. Sitting down, she reached a hoof down and started to fondle herself, trying to keep in rhythm with Julius's own stroking. The pace was almost painfully slow for Zecora; matching Julius's slow, deliberate pace left her aching for more, she wanted to go full-on clopping, but he, well, he seemed to enjoy teasing himself.

Slowly gliding his hand down his throbbing cock, he let the back of his fingers brush against the top of his balls. While sliding his hand back up, his thumb seemed to caress the tip of his cock. The scent, the musky, masculine scent, just kept growing, thicker, fuller, hotter. Zecora felt herself burning up. No creature, none could stand to be in this lust-inducing cloud. Zecora's mind started to cloud over as she rocked her pussy against her hoof, juices liberally spilling out of her flushed marehood. She thought of how good it would feel to have that massive breeding cock slam into her aching pussy, to feel those thick, full balls slap powerfully against her clit and breasts. She thought of how it would feel to have Julius force his cock right past her cervix and for him to blast her womb full of his breeding batter. Zecora was almost entirely lost to her lust; it was all she could do to stop herself from moaning out in ecstasy. As she was gushing out her love juices, Julius started to speed up his thrusting, slightly thrusting his hips while doing so. Zecora looked on at the erotic sight, Julius looking like he was trying to breed his own hand with his oversized cock.

In the back of her mind, Zecora lamented it; how good it would feel if he used her instead of his hand, she thought as she started to let out some soft moans. For his part, Julius wasn't really thinking of much, a few hot girls back home, that one hot teacher, they were thoughts he was trying to suppress, the sooner he could move on to lusting for ponies and other cognitive animal beings, the less he would hurt for home. He started to think of the one being he knew here Zecora, her accent felt exotic and exciting, she was warm and welcoming, and sure her speech took some getting used to, but it was endearing. Thrusting faster while stroking faster, Julius moaned out.

"Oh, Zecora," Julius absentmindedly moaned as his cock twitched, pre-cum dripping down from it. At hearing her name, Zecora's heart skipped a beat. Was she caught? No, he wasn't moving. He was pleasuring himself more; he was thinking of her. Zecora couldn't help but blush. The thought that she could attract such a creature excited her. The thought that their nights could be that much more intimate made her marehood ache. Her tongue hanging out of her mouth, lusty pants, lusty moans filled the air around Zecora. She quietly thanked the spirits that Julius seemingly couldn't detect musk; otherwise, they'd be in a very awkward position. Closing her eyes, Zecora vigorously mashed her hoof against her pussy as a wave of pleasure washed over her. Overtaken, she loosed herself and climaxed hard, her eyes rolling back a bit while her flushed pussy squirted heavily. Wetting a good part of the floor, she was on Zecora slowly opened her eyes, looking back at Julius. Sure enough, he was still pleasuring himself, though now he was faster, rougher; it was clear he too was losing himself to the lust.

Powerfully thrusting, Julius's balls slapped hard against his hand while his hand deftly worked his cock. Thoughts of what he and Zecora could do swimming in his mind, thoughts of having his own harem danced alongside. The feeling of having a bevy of mares to spend his life with called to him much more than he'd like to admit. Flushed red was both arousal and embarrassment. Julius's cock throbbed powerfully. He could feel it; his orgasm was fast coming. Quickly holding the opening of the flash to the tip of his cock Julius blasted multiple thick shots of cum right into the container. Zecora watched on; sure, Julius's musk only grew, but she wasn't as affected thanks to her own orgasm. She watched in awe as his cum filled the flask, threatening to overfill it.

"My word if any mare took that. Then her belly would be fat, not flat," Zecora remarked in awe as the cum swirled in the flask. Seeing all she wanted to see and fearing getting caught, Zecora quickly went back upstairs. Besides, she had a stew to attend to.

Filling the flask, Julius set it down carefully on the nearby floor, pushing it back far enough that it was safe, and he went on with his bath as normal.

Finishing his bath, Julius got out, got dried off, got dressed, grabbed the flask, and started back upstairs. On his way out, he noticed that the floor a short ways away from the bath was wet and had a scent to it. The scent wasn't bad, but it made him feel horny. Standing for a few moments on the wet spot, he felt life race back into his cock as it throbbed. He felt a heat fill his once emptied balls as they churned more cum. Taking a few deep breathes, Julius willed himself away from the spot before he ended up jerking off again.

"The last thing Zecora wants is for me to paint her house white," Julius laughed as he made his way through the passage. Walking up the stairs, Julius could hear Zecora humming one of her native songs and smelt the stew.

"Must be ready," Julius said to himself as he reached the top. Opening the door, he walked into the main room of Zecora's house. The scent of her hardy stew filled the air; it was a pleasant thing to come back to after a bath. Looking towards the cauldron, Julius couldn't help but blush a bit as Zecora had her back turned to him. Feeling his gaze fall upon her, Zecora smirked a bit and started swaying her hips a bit, slowly swishing her tail in the process. Julius looked a little closer; Zecora always had her tail just blocking the view of her pussy, but now, with it wagging to and fro, he could just barely make out glimpses of her pussy; he found the sight oddly erotic.

"Here you go, Zecora," Julius said in a slightly labored voice as he set the flask down on a nearby table. "So what do you need to do to it?" He asked, trying to focus more on the stew Zecora was making.

"That just swish it together. Then we shall see if our kind can truly be two of a feather," Zecora told him as she poured out a bowl of soup for herself. Grabbing the flask, Julius vigorously shook it, his cum thoroughly mixing into the liquid. As the two intertwined, the color changed, first from pink, then to blue, then to brown, then back to pink, then finally setting. As the color stabilized, it was a swirling mass of both blue and brown, the two colors entwining with the blue dominate.

"OK, so what does that mean?" Julius asked as he grabbed a soup ladle and just ate from the cauldron; neither of them really minded.

"Hmmm, it would seem that your seed is changing to take to a mare. What wonderful news, this means you won't be bare," Zecora said with more happiness than Julius would have expected. "While not quite yet, the change is still underway. Sometime soon though, you'll be able to give mares a true and full lay," she said, smiling more than she should have.

"Heh, well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Humans are stupidity, adaptable, and scary, determined if nothing else. I guess someday I'll be starting a family, hell, maybe even a harem, or a, what did you call it a herd? Either way, someday down the line, it'll be happening," Julius said, with a bittersweet smile. It was as if with the news that he could have his own children here, the door to his past life shut, and the door to his new life truly opened.

Finishing their lunch with nothing more than slight small talk, the two learned more about the other's world. Julius had thanked God more times than he could count after hearing about how dangerous the Everfree forest was and how lucky he was in making it to Zecora's. The many dangers of the forest sounded too absurd to consider, but after all, he had been though he just lapped in Zecora's knowledge of the Everfree, he had no intention of leaving the forest soon. She told him of a town of ponies somewhat nearby, they were a few hours walk away, but she didn't really know anything about them. Whenever she went to the town, they seemed to run and hide.

"Really, I mean really, they're shunning a zebra? And here I thought we had problems in my world," Julius offhandedly remarked.

"This thing is known to you as well? Tell me why is it that others of your kind you repel," Zecora asked, tilting her head.

"Well, basically nobody really wants to forgive anyone, we really like holding onto grudges, and honestly, we spend far too much time trying to pick a fight," Julius responded, deadpanned. "Seriously, never ask me about our history; it's uhhh, I'd like to say bad, but that'd be an improvement," Julius said in a nervous laugh. "But yeah, if though ponies reject you just for having stripes, then I'm pretty sure they'd try to lynch me, so I'll be avoiding that place and any ponies for the foreseeable future," Julius finished.

Finishing their lunch, Julius stepped outside. Taking in a deep breath, the scent of the forest was truly refreshing. The air was clean, pure. Compared to the air back home, it was like comparing a brilliant crystal to sludgy dirt. Sitting down on the soft grass, Zecora soon followed him out. Nuzzling her muzzle against his side Julius slowly ran his fingers through Zecora's mane. Enjoying the silence, the atmosphere caused by the forest, the scent of wildflowers, and songs of birds, the two absentmindedly leaned into each other.

"Tomorrow, I'll be starting my magic training, I suppose," Julius somewhat asked, but more stated.

"It'll be more physical training, using your innate magic to keep you from straining. To built your reserves and your control so that using your magic doesn't take such a toll. However, a true gift is your healing magic. Not to train that would be tragic," Zecora told Julius, sighing.

"Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be getting many small cuts and bruises that I can heal while I train. That said, I am not going out of my way to get hurt," Julius said in a huff.

"A wise choice, don't get me wrong. Still, train it whenever you can for it to be strong," Zecora said softly, petting Julius's knee.

And so their day continued, with not much to note, just small talk and learning until it was time to sleep. Zecora slept in her bed, while Julius being too large for any furniture, slept on a very well-padded floor. Julius's sleep was a lot quieter that night. The same presence was there, but Zecora had put up many charms, and Julius could resist to some degree. He honestly felt somewhat bad. The presence didn't feel malevolent, just curious; if it was malevolent, then it could just burst right into his dream, but it seemed to respect his decision not to let it in.

Waking up, Julius prepared himself for the day. After eating a filling breakfast made by Zecora, Julius went off into the Everfree to train. For the most part, he did endurance training, running through the woods as fast as he could maintain. As his exhaustion started to overcome him, his magic would activate, refreshing him. For the first week, this was all he could safely do, but he could more readily call upon this magic as the week passed. At the end of the week, he was ready to move onto strength and speed.

The second week focused more on strength and speed. Like the week before, it started as nothing too special, just a burst when it was needed, but as the week progressed, he could more readily call upon this as well. His strength when boosted was impressive, sure it wasn't as much as a trained soldier or a minotaur, but his speed, agility, and endurance made up that difference. His speed was faster than earth ponies but slower, much slower than pegasi, but his insane endurance made up for it, and his agility was mind-boggling. Zecora could hardly believe it when Julius told her that this kind of endurance and agility was common among humans, well, minus the magic. Still, even without it, he'd be a challenge for any creature to take.

The third week went much the same, just a continuation of the second week, though focusing more on building up his magical control and reserves. His healing magic became more noticeable this week, healing off minor cuts from thorns almost as they happened. By the end of this week, he could go from sunrise to sunset at a constant pace before tiring. It was clear; his greatest strength was his endurance. It would be his healing magic if he could train it more. Skilled healers were easily worth twice their weight in gold, as complex as the magic was, but for the moment, all Julius could heal was himself, though he could do a fine job of it. He could even heal away some poisons; this was found out at Zecora's behest that he should try to heal them off under her supervision with the antidotes right there. The fourth week, however, on the fourth, things would change.

Chapter 4: The Fourth Week, The First Encounter

The fourth week appeared to be going along just as smoothly as the last. Julius's training had intensified each week, so by this point, he was using his magic to buff himself to a point where he was training like an Olympian gold medalist. He made sure to push himself so that at the end of the day, he'd always be exhausted; this, combined with his new, reluctant vegetarian diet, burned off nearly all his body fat. To begin with, he was never very fat, but he was hardly an athlete. Now though, the body he sported resembled a finely honed athlete. Sure he had the help of magic and a talking zebra wisemare, but hey, it still counts.

During his limited free time through the prior weeks, Julius had made himself a nice solid staff. He had two things in mind for it. The first a melee weapon. It could kill if needed, but most things would be driven off by a solid smack or two. The second was a possible magic focus, to use it in a way similar to how unicorns used their magic. While that venture hasn't worked quite yet, he had only just started trying that, and he was starting with his barely developed healing magic. Yeah, that would be an uphill battle. All in all, everything was shaping up to be a typical mid-week day until Julius heard growling.

"Timberwolves, yeah, I think I'ma just avoid them," Julius said, sighing. Sure he was confident he could take a few, but he reasoned it was better to avoid fights rather than to charge towards unnecessary ones, and that is what this was, an unnecessary fight, well it was until he heard it. It was faint, barely more than a whisper; only by straining could Julius make out the sound.

"No, please, somepony help me!" A soft, demure voice pleaded.

"Son of a bitch!" Julius sighed very heavily. That had to be one of the ponies from the nearby town, and it was in danger of the timberwolves. He could leave the pony to its fate. The townsponies knew the dangers of the forest, and he wouldn't be figured out. It would be the safe sensible thing to do. But Zecora helped him while he was an unknown entity. She had placed herself in great danger for him. Feeling it was time to pay it forward and maybe thaw the relations between the ponies and Zecora and himself, Julius ran full speed towards the cry for help.

Running deftly through the familiar forest, he quickly came across the timberwolves. In total, there were six poor odds for him. They were cornering a pegasus pony, one with soft yellow fur and a pink mane. The lead timberwolf leaped up and towards the pegasus fangs and claws bared. The pegasus, for her part, shrieked and cowered, waiting passively for a devastating strike, and what a devastating strike it was.

CRACK

A thunderous crack echoed through the Everfree as a shower of wood and leaves fell upon the pegasus. Timidly looking up, she quivered and slowly backed away. Before her stood something she had never seen before, a tall, bipedal, clothed animal with a wooden staff stood where the timberwolf was. The pegasus curled up into the tree's base while shaking, while this thing seemed to ignore her to focus on the timberwolves.

"Get out of here!" The creature commandingly yelled as he flourished his staff. Stepping a few steps forward, bracing himself for the inevitable onslaught, he sighed. "You have wings, so fly out of here, leave these animate bundles of kindling to me!" He commanded now clearly at the pegasus as the timberwolves circled the creature.

Deeply breathing, Julius steadied himself. Being surrounded by five timberwolves was daunting. If he were alone or had someone he could count on, then he'd feel confident about his odds, but no; instead, he had to take on five timberwolves while protecting an extremely scared pegasus. Oh yeah, he was going to come out of this with his fair share of wounds. Tracking all five enemies was extremely difficult. The first timberwolf struck out at Julius. With a swift, powerful movement, Julius strikes that one, breaking its timber skull; however, as it fell, two others dashed in. Barely reacting in time, Julius dodged and parried the attacks away from doing any real damage, but still, their wooden claws slashed through his arms and legs. Julius winced in pain as he magically closed the wounds. Julius felled the second timberwolf while swiftly sliding back. Usually, Julius would have been fine, but this was mid-day, he was already halfway to exhaustion, and he was making heavy use of his magic to allow him to take out the timberwolves in one hit, and it was showing.

The three remaining timberwolves got together. If Julius didn't know better, he could have sworn they wore an evil grin. All at once, the three loosed a mighty howl, at which Julius's eyes went wide. He knew what they were doing; they were calling for help. Time was very much of the essence now. Taking one deep breath, Julius summoned all the magical strength he could and swept into the timberwolves. The pegasus watched on in both awe and terror. No land creature should be that fast or that strong.

"Oh please, Celestia, please let it like ponies," the pegasus begged under her breath, shaking in fear as the three timberwolves were dispatched. The creature didn't come out unharmed, claw marks and bites covered his arms, but they closed quickly. Upon turning around, the pegasus got a look at the creature's face. Its mane was a dirty blonde, its eyes were small, blue, and focused, like a predator's, its face was pretty flat. But what really scared the pegasus was its teeth. Unmistakably it had pointed teeth, the teeth of something that ate animals, maybe even ponies. While panting hard, the creature grabbed the seemingly paralyzed pegasus.

"We need to get out of here now!" It said with a harsh commanding tone. Holding the pegasus firmly to his chest, he bolted through the woods. It was a new sensation for the pegasus. The creature walked, well ran, upright on its hind legs, and while it was fast, it was equally agile. It was very sturdy, yet its movements allowed for gentle rocking. How weird a creature, it seemed that its own body delighted in contradicting itself.

Knowing the general direction of the town, Julius made it there in good time. While usually, it would have been roughly a two-hour walk, Julius was running, making the trip in a little less than thirty minutes. Stopping at the treeline of the Everfree, Julius held the pegasus to his chest for a few moments, his breath hard and heavy. Setting the pegasus down, Julius gave her a soft push on her rear.

"Go home, and don't return to the Everfree for at least the rest of the day!" He commanded her as he darted back into the forest.
Heavily breathing, the pegasus collected her thoughts.

"OK, it's OK, Fluttershy, no reason to panic," she said to herself, slowly regaining her long since lost nerves. "Some unknown speaking creature that can fight timberwolves and possibly eats ponies knows where Ponyville is, nothing to worry about," she said, trying to reaffirm herself. "He seemed friendly enough, well caring; he did save me," she said, picking herself up off the ground.

Walking towards her cottage, Fluttershy stopped. "Maybe the princesses know something about it, oh but Twilight and the others...," she trailed off, "no, they can't know, not yet at least," Fluttershy said to herself as she made her way to the Golden Oak Library. She kept thinking she should tell them about the creature, but they were more the 'blast first, then blast again' type, and that might not go over well. Making her way to the library, Fluttershy knocked at the door. Opening the door, Twilight greeted her.

"Oh hey Fluttershy, I wasn't expecting you!" Twilight said in pleased surprise. "What brings you here today?" She asked, letting her friend inside.

"Oh ahhh, I need a favor Twilight," Fluttershy says, almost asking Twilight. "I need to send a letter to the princesses," Fluttershy says. At this, Twilight freezes in place. While Celestia never forbade Twilight's friends sending her letters, it was just never done. There were channels to go through, checks to be made, there was a system. Seeing the gears in Twilight's mind turning rapidly, Fluttershy starts pleading, "Please, Twilight, it's important!" Fluttershy begged with enlarged eyes. Sighing, Twilight agrees to let Fluttershy send a letter.

"What are you sending the Princesses?" Twilight asks, trying to see what Fluttershy is writing. "Did you find a new animal?"

For her part, Fluttershy was lost in thought, lost in the letter she was writing to the princesses; it had to be perfect. Finally noticing Twilight's leering, Fluttershy turns around.

"Twilight, this needs to be a private letter; it's important," Fluttershy said with a conviction that Twilight didn't know Fluttershy could have.

"OK, OK, Fluttershy, I'll trust you," Twilight says, entering a different room. "I'm making some tea, want some" Twilight asks from the other room.

"Oh uh yes, please, if it's not too much trouble," Fluttershy says, clearly more focused on her letter. Twilight bringing out the tea, gives Fluttershy her cup before sitting down nearby, the curiosity eating away at her. I mean, for Fluttershy to be so bold as to want to send a letter to the Princesses, this had to be big, like really big.

"And done, Spike, would you please send this to the princesses?" Fluttershy asked as she gave the letter to the dragon. In a puff of green flame, it was on its way.

"So what did you send to Princess Celestia," Twilight asked almost right away.

"Well, I sent the letter to both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. As for what it was, you'll just have to wait," Fluttershy said with faux confidence.

"Oh, come on, Fluttershy, the only thing you'd write to the Princesses about would be some new animal," Twilight immediately shot back. "So come on, tell me," Twilight begged.

"Twilight, there's a reason I can't tell you. Don't worry though, if everything turns out OK, then I promise I'll tell you everything," Fluttershy assures the antsy mare.

In Canterlot Castle, Luna was just getting up, her rest about as peaceful as it could be, though the concern she had was evident. For nearly the past month, some unknown creature just popped into existence. Its dream signature was unlike any she had felt, and while beings other than ponies had more challenging dreams to enter, this one's was incredibly challenging. The concern and curiosity were what filled most of her waking hours. Walking into the dining hall, Luna sat down to eat something light. Across from her, Celestia was reading a letter.

"An odd time to be reading a letter must be very important," Luna said drowsily, pouring herself a cup of strong black coffee.

"It's from Fluttershy, one of Twilight's friends," Celestia says, her voice more serious than usual, "I think you should go to Ponyville," Celestia tells Luna.

"What why?" Luna responds aghast, "What could be in that letter to make you say such a thing?"

"Read it for yourself," Celestia says, floating the letter over to Luna.

'Dear Royal Princesses

I know you usually get letters from Twilight this way, but it's Fluttershy. There is a strange creature near Ponyville. Today I had some business in the Everfree Forest. A family of bunnies there were having trouble. I went to help them; everything went perfectly. On my way back to Ponyville, I was attacked by six timberwolves. I thought for sure I was a goner. I was too afraid to do anything. I closed my eyes and waited, but none of them attacked me. When I opened my eyes, I saw something I've never seen before. A strange creature stood between me and the timberwolves. It took out each of the timberwolves in a single hit. While doing so, it was telling me to run away. It seemed to have some kind of healing magic. Whenever it got hurt, its wounds just closed themselves.

After the timberwolves were dealt with, it picked me up and ran me back to Ponyville. Then it told me not to return for the rest of the day before going back in. The creature looked very much like a hairless, hornless minotaur, but its body build was a lot different. It looked less bulky and more athletic, and it didn't speak in the same overly harsh tone. I think it might be friendly to ponies, but I'm not sure. I don't want to tell my friends about it. I fear they might try to attack it. If one of you could tell me anything about the creature, that would be great, if it's not too much trouble.

From Fluttershy'

Attached to the letter was a crude drawing of the creature. At this letter, Luna's eyes went wide. Quickly eating her breakfast in a very unprincesslike, un Luna manner, she started to charge her magic.

"That interesting, Luna?" Celestia giggled.

"Yes, this could be it, this could be the creature I've been sensing in the dreamscape. I'm going to Ponyville," Luna said, and in a flash of magic, she was gone.

While relaxing in the library enjoying the after tea time, Fluttershy's and Twilight's peace was interrupted by a flash of blue light and the appearance of Luna. Shocked by the sudden appearance, both ponies kind of just sat there in shocked awe. Uncharacteristically not standing on ceremony, Luna walked right up to Fluttershy.

"Miss Fluttershy, take me to the place in your letter," Luna commanded.

"Oh um, o-ok Princess," Fluttershy meekly squeaked back.

"Oh, I can't wait, I can't wait!" Twilight said giddily with excitement. "Just let me grab a few things, and I'll be ready!" Twilight said, bursting with energy.

"No Twilight Sparkle, stay here," Luna commanded. "Where we are going is for Fluttershy and me alone. We fear that you and your other friends might complicate things," Luna explains.

"Aww," Twilight moans dejectedly, kicking a hoof at the floor.

"Don't worry, Twilight Sparkle, if all is good, then we shall tell you everything. Until then, lead the way Miss Fluttershy," Luna reassures Twilight and commands Fluttershy.

Making their way back to the clearing where Fluttershy was attacked and saved was quite the affair. Fluttershy was nervous and somewhat intimidated, while Luna had major small talk problems. Rather than introduce an awkward talk, the pair traveled in silence. Sure enough, there were more timberwolves around the clearing, but they were no match for Luna. Luna was more the monster slayer, Celestia, more the bureaucrat. Engulfing the area in a blue glow, Luna smiled. It was faint, but it was there a magic trail.

"What are you doing, and why are you smiling?" Fluttershy asked, tilting her head.

"I'm scanning for magic, all magic, even that used by earth ponies leaves behind a trail. That creature you saw was using magic, though very oddly," Luna started to explain. "It feels like unicorn magic, though used in a very earth pony way, how curious," Luna said, smiling all the while. "Nevertheless, I can track it now. Follow close, Miss Fluttershy," Luna commanded.

This magic trail was a complete and utter nightmare. It went everywhere and yet nowhere. It bounded here, there, over there, somehow up there, then it would concentrate in a place before peeling off everywhere. It was like this creature was running around using magic everywhere in the forest. The trail was a maddening maze inside a maddening maze. Fortunately, Luna had enough experience to follow the trail properly. After hours of unwinding that trail and far too many encounters with dangerous creatures, Luna and Fluttershy finally spotted it, a treehouse much like the Golden Oak. The trail led inside. Walking up to the house, they heard two voices inside. Luna recognized one as a female zebra, and the other was the creature from the dreamscape, the one that resisted her, the one she was curious about.

"That's the creature," Fluttershy quietly said, "that's the one who saved me from the timberwolves."

"Well, no time like the present," Luna said, walking up to the door, "let's go say hello," she said as she knocked at the door.

Chapter 5: A Meeting, A Clear-Up, And a Lake

Laying back on the bed, Julius got lost in thought. Running through the events of the day, he tried to think how things would go over. Sure he had saved one of the ponies, but there was no guarantee it was from the nearby town. It could have been from a different nearby town or just visiting. Maybe it wasn't well-liked, or perhaps it wouldn't even be believed. It could just have written off the event as an odd occurrence; according to Zecora, such oddities are relatively common in the Everfree Forest. Countless different scenarios played through his head.

"Well, at least it didn't follow me. I'm pretty good at covering my tracks," Julius sighed under his breath. "Still though, I should make a marker system in the forest," he continued rubbing his eyes. "It would be -" he was cut off.

*KNOCK KNOCK* A firm, steady knocking rasped at the door. Julius's head snapped towards the door at a remarkable speed while Zecora's ears perked up. Breathing deeply, Julius grabbed his staff. Sure using it inside would be awkward, but he could use it to poke whatever's there away. Julius gave a questioning look at Zecora. She knew what he wanted to do, but this was Zecora's house, so it was her call.

"It is rare for visitors to come. What a social spot my house has become," Zecora chuckled while Julius eyed the door intently. "Greetings to you, my wayward guest. Tell me with whom are we blessed," Zecora asked close to the door while not opening it.

Thinking of her response, Luna waited. Sure she could boom her name and title in the Royal Canterlot Voice, but whatever lived here likely didn't know her, know about her. Maybe it would be nice to have friends who didn't know, who wouldn't treat her so differently. Sure hiding the fact that she was an alicorn would be difficult, but well, maybe they'd get the hint.

"My name is Luna," she responded confidently, "and I come with a young pegasus named Fluttershy. some creature saved her earlier today. We have come to meet it, and thank it," she finished as Fluttershy meekly tapped Luna.

"Princess, that wasn't the voice of the creature that saved me," Fluttershy meekly said.

"I figured. What was talking to us is likely a zebra. Her speaking patterns are the same as one," Luna explained quietly.

While the two were outside, Zecora looked at Julius; his eyes were wide, nearly as wide as hers.

"How, how did they follow me? I was sure I covered my tracks. I was sure they were impossible to find, let alone follow," Julius said, his hand tense around his staff. Zecora placed a hoof on Julius's leg and softly rubbed it.

"Calm down, my friend; all will be well. Behind the door, the mare sounds like quite the belle. Take cover in the bedroom if you must. But I'll be letting them it to earn their trust," Zecora said, walking towards the door. Julius followed though stopped mid-way to the door. There was something about that voice, something that sounded familiar; he just couldn't place it.

"Well, if they want to thank me, I suppose I should meet them," Julius said, leaning his staff against a nearby wall and sitting on the floor. Zecora smiled before opening the door; before Zecora stood a taller mare with a horn and wings. Looking right at Zecora, she softly smiled.

"I thank you, wisemare, for letting us in," Luna said before looking up. She would have scanned the room and try to find the mysterious creature, but she would have had a harder time finding the moon on a clear night. There it was, sitting in the middle of the room. Luna could tell right from first glance that it was bipedal, lean, likely an omnivore, and tense, very tense. For his part, Julius's eyes narrowed. He had placed the voice. This was the same voice as the one from four weeks ago, the same one that tried to invade his dreams. His eyes locked onto hers. For her part, Zecora knew that this was a princess but didn't quite understand why she didn't introduce herself as such. Maybe she didn't want them to know or act upon it, or perhaps she thought it was a bit much. Zecora stepped aside and ushered the two mares inside.

"And you must be the mysterious creature," Luna said, containing her emotions, rather poorly but still trying. "I've been looking forward to meeting you," she said, stepping closer to Julius.

"I could tell," Julius replied dryly. "Your little dream invasions made that quite clear," he was prepared for a fight, despite knowing that would be the worst thing he could do. Aside from wrecking Zecora's house, he was still basically out of energy, and this mare looked like she could take him even fully rested, no problem.

"D-dream invasions?" Luna gasped and slightly jumped back in shock and dismay. "I've done no such thing. I am a dream warden. I help in looking after the dream realm. I protect others from bad dreams," she explained, not entirely telling the truth, hiding enough to hide her royalty, well hide from a stranger who didn't know any better. "From you, I felt an unusual signal and felt a negative energy. I was only trying to help," she pleaded.

"Sure, sure," Julius replied unconvinced. "Look, just don't cause any trouble here, OK. And in the future, if you want to try digging around in my head, let me know beforehand, OK," he said, mildly annoyed but more exhausted. "Anyways, you said the pegasus I saved earlier is here and wants to thank me, are you sure? I think she's more comfortable hiding behind your leg," Julius said, chuckling.

"Y-you can see me?" Fluttershy meekly asked.

"Well, I hope I can. If not, then I must be going insane," Julius jokingly said. "Although that would explain a lot," he laughed.

"Go ahead, dear Flutter. He's quite friendly, no need to pause or stutter," Zecora encouraged, walking up to Julius and laying partially on his lap. As if on cue, Julius placed a hand on Zecora's head and started petting her, softly caressing her ears, massaging those spots hoofs could never hit.

Luna stifled a laugh at this while Fluttershy thought about it, she has always wanted to be the pet for once, and Luna would surely protect her. Slowly walking up to Julius, she felt an odd mixture of emotions, emotions she couldn't make sense of. Seeing Fluttershy approaching him timidly, Julius reached out his hand lowly with his palm up as if to caress the underside of her chin; but he stopped before touching her. Cautiously bringing her head to Julius's hand, Fluttershy gently nuzzled her head into it, the underside of her chin in his palm. Sighing softly, Julius was taken aback by the sheer softness of the fur. Slowly his fingers danced up Fluttershy's cheek until reaching the back of her right ear, gently scratching the same spot behind Fluttershy's ear as Zecora's ear Fluttershy started to melt. Her head leaned deeper into Julius's hand, letting his fingers scratch deeper, harder. The rhythmic massaging of Julius's fingers coaxing Fluttershy closer to him until she laid down across Julius's other leg, occupying the other half of Julius's lap. Fluttershy gently rocked her body and made pleasant cooing while Julius deftly worked over Fluttershy's body.

"It would seem you have a way with mares," Luna chuckled. "I wonder if it'd work on stallions as well," Luna laughed jokingly.

"It would trust me," Julius calmly said back. "You ponies seem to have all the same sweet spots as large dogs, and I had them as pets before," Julius explained softly, teasing Fluttershy's and Zecora's necks. "So I'm sure you have questions for me, go ahead, I'll answer, well answer as best as I can," Julius told Luna, a soft smile creeping onto his face as he relaxed.

"Yes, I do," Luna plainly stated as she sat down, trying to ignore the two mares practically melting in pleasure. "Let's start with what you are," and so the line of questioning began. Every question was one that Zecora had already asked during the past four weeks. As he answered question after question, the expressions on Fluttershy's and Luna's faces changed. Fluttershy's became more relaxed and warmer. While Luna's slightly hardened, her mask reinforced. Luna knew full well the Julius was dancing around questions that could be considered dark, especially the history of his people.

As their questions became more scientific, Luna felt something she wasn't expecting; she felt fear. She felt fear, awe, and pride. She wanted to believe what Julius was telling her was lies, but she could tell he wasn't lying. That his people, these humans, had gone to the moon, no magic, no real reason, they just did it because they could, and that was baffling to her. The explanation of nuclear energy awed her. Then he told her about some of the more theoretical things, and they stretched her mind to the breaking point and beyond. When he got to a Dyson Sphere, Luna was frozen. Here sitting before her, was a creature from a species that dared to dream of impossible things, of unbelievable ventures, yet they persisted; despite all odds and reason, they chased their impossible dreams and succeeded. She couldn't help but feel pride, for some strange reason, while she saw the terror they could be, she saw hope as well; she saw the realization of dreams.

Luna knew that she had to see what Julius saw while he slept, what impossible wonders he would come up with, what daring feats he would attempt. He went on for hours Fluttershy and Luna losing themselves in what he told them, a world that seemed to be too fantastical to exist, and yet sitting before them was proof that it did.

Zecora made supper for all four there while Julius told the other two mares the stories he had told her. While she has already heard them, it didn't take away from the wonder of them. It comforted Fluttershy and Luna to see that Julius could eat vegetables and wasn't a strict carnivore. True to what Zecora was implying, Julius was rather pleasant company. The two mares spent more time at Zecora's than they thought they would, then came the question, the one that Julius thought would have come sooner.

"Ummm, Zecora, Julius, why are you living in the Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy asked.

"I tried to move into Ponyville. My being there went against their will. I was driven out with spears and jeers. The town, I think, is ruled by fear," Zecora explained.

"Yeah, you drove Zecora out, and she's an equine like everypony else in that place," Julius followed up. "Now, if you did that to her, what do you think you would do to me?" Julius asked leadingly. "Yeah, I'll take my chances here in the Everfree with Zecora. She did save me from manticore venom when I first came here after all," Julius said, looking out the window, the unmistakable colors of the sunset were coming through.

"I did not realize the time. We should be going," Luna said, standing up. "Thank you for the food and for telling us about yourselves. We shall see about things being made better for you two," Luna said thankfully but somewhat cryptically.

"Yes, thank you for the food. It was very delicious," Fluttershy thanked the two. "And both of you are welcome at my house anytime. It's the cottage right by the forest with all the animals," Fluttershy said, smiling.

"I suppose I should go with you," Julius said, standing up, cracking his bones and joints. "There is a place just outside of the edge of the forest I want to go to," he explained, grabbing his staff. "Don't worry, I won't be too long, Zecora," Julius smiled back at her.

Julius led Fluttershy through the Everfree Forest. Having trained there for nearly four weeks straight, he knew the forest well, and what took Fluttershy and Luna hours Julius did in around forty minutes. The trio emerged from the Everfree close to a lake and near Fluttershy's cottage. Taking in a deep breath, Julius sighed and looked around. Other than Fluttershy and Luna, there was nopony.

"I take it you know where you're going from here," Julius said, eyeing the nearby lake. "Not to be rude, but I don't think it'd be good if I were seen with any pony just quite yet, so I'm just going to go over to the lake there," Julius apologetically explained as he made his way over to the lake. Fluttershy and Luna looked at each other quizzically. Fluttershy went right home, but Luna just ducked out of sight. When the time was right, she raised the moon and then started to make her way over to the lake where Julius was.

It never ceased to amaze Julius at how swiftly the day and night transitioned into each other. It was a magic all of its own. With a sigh, Julius laid down on the grass by the lake and looked up at the starry night sky. As Luna approached Julius, she saw something she wasn't expecting. She saw Julius drawing lines in the air with a finger and laughing. Walking up to him, Luna sat down next to Julius.

"What are you doing?" Luna asked, slightly tilting her head.

"I'm drawing constellations," Julius replied. "In my world, the stars made pictures in the sky. I never could see them, though; I saw different pictures. So I made my own constellations and my own stories to go along with them," Julius explained, smiling. "The funny thing is, they always seemed to change night by night," he laughed. "See that one there," Julius said as he drew connecting lines from star to star, making a flower "that's the Faerarhea flower. The honey made from its nectar was so divine that those who ate it grew wings. However, it was a delicate flower, so when the war of Cleradin happened, they were all destroyed. God lamenting the loss of such a flower placed it forever in the heavens, so all would remember it," Julius said, finishing the story. Luna knew better. She placed the stars, and she knew the history; she knew that Julius got exactly zero things right, and yet she couldn't help but smile. The next words Julius said, Luna really wished she didn't hear. "Oh night sky, may your beauty forever give succor to a weary soul," Julius offhandedly sighed while laying back. Blushing, Luna stood up and nuzzled against Julius.

"I know it's a bit sudden, but..." Luna trailed off, trying to steady herself "may I look inside your dreams tonight?" Luna asked, poorly suppressing a blush.

"Well, since you asked nicely and since you're cute, sure," Julius replied, as he nuzzled Luna's fur back, the soft, soothing fur calling him to rest. "I'm just going to rest here for a while," Julius said, lying to himself as he fell asleep nuzzled against Luna's soft fur. Draping a wing over Julius, Luna softly kissed his forehead.

"Thank you," she softly said, small tears of happiness in her eyes. "You do not know how much that meant to me" she smiled as she took her mind into the dreamscape. And all was well that night, but the morrow brings a heavy specter.

"What is that? What is it doing with Luna? Why is it drawing lines in the sky? Why are they nuzzling together? Why did Princess Luna kiss it?" Twilight freaked out, looking on from the Golden Oak Library's telescope. "No, no, no, it's OK, Twilight, it's OK," she tried to reassure herself. "It's Princess Luna. She can handle herself," she told herself in a failed attempt to calm herself down. "I'll just have to find out tomorrow, oh I can't wait, I can't wait, I CAN'T WAIT!" Twilight trotted in place, her eagerness overcoming her. Sleep would be difficult for her tonight.

Chapter 5.5: Of Dreams, Lust, and Love

As Luna felt the dreamscape falling around her soul, her eyes cleared. There around her, the dreamscape loomed. Few dream bubbles floated, the night was still reasonably early, most ponies would still be up for a couple of hours.

"I should find Zecora, let her know what's happening," Luna said to herself. Focusing hard, Luna called forth Zecora's dream bubble. A slight breath escaped Luna's mouth. Looking into Zecora's dream bubble, Luna's face flushed a bright and fierce red. Luna saw Zecora and Julius. Both were naked. For Zecora, she was baring everything; as for Julius, he was no longer wearing his clothes. Her eyes fell over his bare body toned and firm; he looked like a slender, athletic minotaur. Luna's eyes wander downwards to Julius's crotch. His cock and balls were impressive, to say the least; those stallions in those playmares magazines would die for a cock like that, so large, so thick, so exotic. Then those balls, those large, full foal-makers Luna could just imagine how they'd, with every thrust, smack powerfully, lewdly, against her lowest breasts, teasing her with their thick, copious, foal-bearing seed.

"No, Luna, no," Luna shook her head, "you're better than this. The first creature to be nice to you, and you get like a filly in her first heat, come on, get a grip," she admonished herself. Luna had seen many different lusty dreams, mare on stallion, mare on mare, stallion on stallion, orgies, just about every fetish at some point, some ponies held bizarre fetishes; but this, this was different. Whenever a pony would fantasize, they'd at least keep their biology more or less accurate, but this, Zecora had to be making up Julius's size.

Entering Zecora's dream, Luna decided not to reveal herself just yet and just watch. As she entered, a powerful, masculine, musky scent overcame her. Luna watched as Julius grabbed his imposing cock in one of his hands, his grip not fully wrapping around the thick member. His other hand cupping and fondling his ample balls, massaging the foal-makers. While Luna watched, so to did Zecora, except Zecora herself was laying spread and presenting to Julius. Zecora's pussy was drenched with her love juices, one of her hooves working her pussy, another teasing her breasts.

Mare and human before each other, both were seeing to their own pleasures until Zecora pulled her hooves away. Holding her love juice-covered hoof up, Zecora beckoned Julius to her. Moving his hands away, Julius walked towards Zecora, his massive, throbbing cock bobbing with each step, his heavy balls swaying softly but noticeable. Standing over Zecora, Julius knelt, his cock resting on top of Zecora's drenched pussy and going between her breasts. Lightly grabbing Zecora's juice-covered hoof, Julius slowly licked off Zecora's juices while rubbing his cock against Zecora's pussy and breasts. Julius's tongue flicked and licked around Zecora's hoof, eagerly, lustfully licking off all of Zecora's juices. With each lick of his tongue, his cock throbbed powerfully, slamming against Zecora's drenched pussy. After lavishing Zecora's hoof, Julius slowly kissed up Zecora's foreleg, slowly up her neck, finally his lips meeting hers, the two sharing a passionate, lust-filled kiss as Julius pulled back his hips.

Slowly he drew his cock along Zecora's pussy until just the tip touched her drenched lips. Looking deeply into her eyes, Julius slowly slid his cock inside Zecora's well-prepared pussy. With each throbbing inch buried inside her aching sex, Zecora's belly took more to the shape of Julius's cock. As he pushed deeper, Zecora broke their kiss in a yelp. A slight tinge of red came from Zecora's pussy as she was broken in for her first time. Moaning and squirming, Zecora could barely control herself, the massive cock ravaging her insides powerfully. Julius made it maybe three quarters inside Zecora before slamming against her innermost wall. Moaning with lust, Julius grinned down at Zecora like the predator he was. Zecora blushed and moaned powerfully, savoring being at the mercy of this lust-filled ravenous beast, savoring her place as his prey. Slow, steady, lust-filled thrusts rocked Zecora's body back and forth, each time the tip of Julius' cock threatening to pierce her cervix. With each lust-filled thrust, Julius's balls slapped loudly, powerfully against Zecora's ass, her soft cheeks cushioning his heavy balls.

Slowly Julius started to speed up, thrusting in and out faster, harder and further. Zecora's tongue lolled out from her mouth as her eyes slightly rolled back in pleasure. Each time Julius would nearly pull out, leaving only the tip inside, before slamming it back inside, battering against Zecora's innermost depths, each thrust splashing Zecora's love juices everywhere. Looking down at Zecora, Julius grinned as his eyes narrowed. Slowly, achingly he pulled his cock almost fully out; even his tip almost came out of Zecora's pussy. Julius grabbed Zecora's hips, and in one sudden motion, thrust into Zecora while pulling her onto his cock. The two combined to do what Julius was threatening to do; finally, his cock forced opened Zecora's cervix and buried its tip inside her quivering womb. At this, Zecora unleashed a mighty moan; pleasure and pain coalesced in her forming a potent cocktail. As Zecora fell back, Julius wrapped his tongue around hers and pulled her into a sloppy, passionate kiss.

Julius's thrusting became wild; no longer was it loving, but rather like a beast in heat, breeding its chosen mate. Drool escaped from the sides of their joined mouths as Julius ravaged the inside of Zecora's mouth and the depths of her womb. Thrust after thrust of Julius's massive throbbing cock sent wave after wave of ecstasy rushing through Zecora's quivering body, each thrust forcing Zecora into orgasm, trapping her in a never-ending orgasmic loop. The slapping of Julius's heavy full balls threatening to flood her most intimate depths with their eager seed. Julius broke their kiss and, in a mighty bellow, began to thrust harder and deeper than he had before. His cock twitched, his balls throbbed, and a torrent of thick cum blasted straight into Zecora's womb. Feeling the first blast of cum fill her womb Zecora went rigid. Blast after blast of cum distended her belly, making her look like she was already pregnant with Julius's foals. After the third blast, Zecora felt the thick, hot cum cover her ovaries, the sudden heat, the sudden feeling sending all of her hooves wrapping around Julius, pulling him into her. As their orgasms ended, the two lay there, together in their afterglow.

Looking on, Luna could hardly believe Zecora's dream. It was definitely one of the more intense breeding dreams she'd ever seen. Luna couldn't really interrupt Zecora's dream now; that'd just be mean and cruel. So instead, she left a magic message, telling Zecora that Julius was fine and was with Luna and that he'd be back in the morning. Sealing the spell so that it would reveal its message after Zecora got out of her lusty state. Leaving Zecora's dream, Luna's pussy was utterly drenched; such a lewd display would do that to anypony. Luna wondered if she should go to Julius's dream in the state she was in; after thinking about it for all of maybe five seconds, she went. Julius's dream bubble was easy to find, with how unique it was, but it was difficult to enter.

"Oh, what wonders, what impossibilities await me?" Luna gleefully asked herself, trotting in place, her love juices dripping everywhere. Luna entered Julius's dream; a cacophony of images passed by her, of cities that would put Canterlot to shame, of great machines, of carriages that moved without any help, of great metal birds flying so high and fast that only an alicorn could keep up. All these passed in an instant until Julius's dream settled. Luna walked through a field, a plain grassy field, until off in the distance, she heard what sounded like smacking, like sucking, like moaning.

"You too?!?" Luna sighed in exasperation. "Well, at least it'll be interesting to see how your kind mates," Luna lustfully said to herself. Approaching the noise, what Luna saw shocked her. She had expected Julius to be having sex with another of his kind, but here he was, face buried in a mare's pussy, in Zecora's pussy.

Julius had his face buried between Zecora's legs, his tongue lovingly lavishing Zecora's pussy with licks and kisses, his fingers teasing her nipples and clit, gently pinching and rolling the little nubs. All the while, Zecora lay on top of Julius, her tongue wrapped around his still massive cock. The size of Julius's cock and balls was the exact same as in Zecora's dream.

"Ok now, now I have to know," Luna said, exiting Julius's dream and the dreamscape altogether. "Most stallions dream themselves with a much large. Why, why should he be any different?" Luna said to herself as she cast a deep sleep spell on Julius so as not to wake him. "I'll just take a look for myself and confirm that you're not that big. You just can't be," Luna shakily said as she slowly pulled down Julius's pants with her magic. "It's good to know that you can see mares in that way; it means there's hope, hope for..." Luna didn't finish that. She hardly knew Julius. Sure he was nice, forgiving; he even praised the beauty of the night but still. Luna looked away, shook her head, and blushed. Sighing at herself for denying her growing feelings, Luna looked back at Julius; her eyes grew large, and she stepped back.

"I-it really is that big!" Luna stammered out as she looked at Julius's half-erect cock. The proud member lustfully twitched and throbbed as Luna looked on. "And these, these really are that full," she marveled as she softly caressed one of Julius's balls. A soft moan escaped Julius's lips as Luna's hoof gently caressed the ball. Sitting on her, ass Luna brought another hoof up to fondle and caress the heavy, full balls. She noticed the same masculine musky scent fill the air as she did. "Oh, you poor colts, you must be so backed up," Luna lustfully moaned, her pussy still drenched from the dreamscape. "Well, here, let me help you out," she playfully giggled as her horn lit up. Luna's deft hooves caressed Julius's balls from the outside while her magic teased them from inside, causing waves of orgasmic pleasure to wash over Julius. Quite frankly, he would have orgasmed right then and there if Luna's magic didn't stop it.

"Now now, can't have you wasting that precious foal-batter," Luna lustfully moaned, slowly moving up Julius's body. Stopping herself as her pussy got close to Julius' cock Luna fought the urge to impale herself on that massive lance.

"No, our first time together, we'll both be awake to enjoy it," she stated, and with all her willpower, she brought herself back down, so her mouth was right at the tip of Julius's cock. "Until then, I can at least do this for you," she moaned as she slowly took Julius's cock into her mouth. The taste, the feel, the sheer lust was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. It was as if her whole body was being overtaken with the presence of Julius's cock, like it was begging her to give in, to stop resisting, to know a pleasure she'd never known before. Fighting against herself, Luna kept her lips firmly around Julius's cock while she started to tease the twitching, half-hard member with her tongue. Quickly Julius's cock grew to full size inside Luna's mouth. Nearly gagging as the tip almost made it to the back of Luna's throat, she quickly adjusted for it.

Wrapping her deft tongue around Julius's cock, Luna started to slowly suck his cock. Luna's mouth would go up while her tongue would snake down. As her tongue climbed up, her mouth came back down. Luna repeated the action in slow rhythmic motions, while with her magic, she stimulated every part of Julius's balls. Through her magic, Luna could feel it, the torrent of cum that was building up inside Julius's balls, the torrent that desperately wanted out. Holding back the veritable deluge of cum, Luna cycles her magic through Julius's balls, churning the entrapped cum.

Bucking his hips up and down in sloppy rhythm with Luna's sucking, Julius moans in lustful breaths. His heavy balls were lightly tapping against the underside of Luna's muzzle, the full balls begging, aching for release. Luna moaned with Julius's cock in her mouth, the vibrations tingling through Julius' cock, teasing it more over the edge. The back of Luna's soft, warm tongue teased the tip of Julius's throbbing cock. Each warm, wet breath caressed the tip of his cock in concert with her tongue. Lustfully moaning and panting, Julius's hips bucked wildly; with each thrust, his cock twitched fiercely.

Slowly sliding her mouth and tongue up Julius's cock Luna softly and quickly kissed the tip before taking just the tip in her mouth. Gently pressing her hooves on his balls, Luna braced herself and released the spell blocking Julius's orgasm. A loud, lusty moan escaped Julius's mouth as a massive torrent of cum was forced and massaged out from his balls. The first blast plastered the inside of Luna's mouth, the overwhelming masculine taste sending Luna into a spiral of lust. Barely gulping down the first blast, a second quickly followed. Blast after blast of cum filled Luna's mouth, the mare barely being able to take the whole load, rivulets of cum drooling down from the sides of Luna's mouth. Sucking out the last drops of cum from Julius's cock, Luna released his cock, licking her lips as she did.

Luna's marehood was utterly drenched. Drops of her love juices liberally coated the ground beneath it. Sure the moisture could be explained as morning dew, but the scent was unmistakable. Luna could only hope Julius wouldn't notice it. Rubbing her flushed pussy against Julius's exposed leg, she fell on top of him, her breath teasing his ear. Moaning softly, Luna gazed upon Julius's sleeping form. Softly kissing Julius's cheek, Luna lustfully rubbed her marehood against his leg as lust-filled thoughts pervaded her mind. Thoughts of him waking up and taking her then and there, thoughts of her taking him back to Canterlot and keeping him as her royal consort, thoughts of her and Julius doing what she saw in Zecora's dream.

Thoughts of motherhood filled Luna's head; sure, it was always a dream for her, but she never had the time. First all the studying under Star Swirl, then securing Equestria from all the monsters and threats, then being banished, Luna never had the time. Now, however, she did, now there was a being who didn't quiver in fear before her. Now she had another who she had feelings for. Luna's orgasm was quick and hard, her juices flooding and drenching his leg. Looking through lust-filled eyes, Luna kissed Julius's forehead before relaxing in her afterglow. Gathering herself, Luna cleaned up her juices before pulling up Julius's pants. Looking down sultrily at Julius, Luna moaned.

"One day, my sweet prince, one day," Luna moaned, full of lust and love. Nuzzling around Julius, Luna wrapped her wings around him as if acting as a blanket. Steadying herself, Luna resumed her regular nightly duties, her lust and curiosity sated for now.

Chapter 6: Shocking Awaking, and An Awkward Meeting

Morning broke, and Twilight nearly jumped out of bed. Taking a quick look through her telescope at the lake, she confirmed both the creature and Princess Luna were still at the lake. Twilight rushed through her morning. She usually was extremely meticulous in her morning routine, but today she had a reason to rush. Grabbing just a light breakfast and downing her morning earl gray in nearly a single gulp, she readied herself for anything.

"Twilight, where are we going?" Spike asked in bewilderment at Twilight's frantic rushing.

"No time; can't explain; stay here," the sleep-deprived unicorn quickly said as she rushed out of the Golden Oak Library. The questions flowed through her head, what was that creature, why was it with Princess Luna, why did they fall asleep together at the lake, why did Princess Luna... blushed Twilight as she trailed off at that thought. She tried to get asleep after spying Princess Luna raising the moon at the lake, but she couldn't. Curiosity overtook her thoughts as she remembered last night.

"I'll just take a quick peek," Twilight quietly giggled to herself. Something drew her, was it her curiosity, her worry, or was she just having one of those nights? Who can say? Looking through her telescope, she couldn't believe what she saw Princess Luna doing. Any thoughts of going down to the lake that night to scout out the creature, make sure Princess Luna was safe, and over-prepare for tomorrow's meeting were banished entirely. If she interrupted the two, then she'd surely face Princess Luna's wrath. Twilight tried to pull herself away, tried not to look; Twilight tried, and she failed. She spent all night looking at the perverse scene Princess Luna was putting on. Even after Princess Luna finished, Twilight still had thoughts, images, and fantasies running through her head. She knew that she and the other element bearers had to investigate. Investigate the creature and Princess Luna; something was going on, and they had to know.

Darting through Ponyville Twilight made nearly Dash-worthy time to Sweet Apple Acres. Frantically knocking at Applejack's door, AJ answered to a frantic, exhausted-looking Twilight.

"Howdy sugar-cube; you look more worked up than an apple in a cider press; what's eating you?" AJ asked as Twilight grabbed her hoof.

"No time, come with me to the lake now!" Twilight practically commands, lightly pulling at AJ's hoof.

"OK, OK sugar-cube, give me a moment. Granny, Big Mac, Applebloom, Twilight needs me. I'll be right back," Applejack yells as she follows Twilight. This process repeats from each of her friends until Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie just went right along, excited at the prospect of fun. Rarity went along after Twilight told her that there was somecreature wearing a lot of clothes. Rainbow Dash, well, she wasn't happy at being woken up but went along for her friends and for a possible adventure. Leaving towards the lake, the five stopped at Fluttershy's cottage. Knocking at the door, Twilight prepares her at this point rehearsed routine.

"Who is it?" Fluttershy meekly asks while her door is closed.

"It's Twilight. I'm here with the rest of our friends. You have to come with us, this is big, like really big!" Twilight explains excitedly. Rumbling around her cottage for a few moments, Fluttershy comes out.

"Alright girls, what's this big thing?" Fluttershy asked as she followed after the girls.

"No idea," Rainbow Dash replied, yawning, "whatever it is must be big," she stated, finishing her yawn.

"Oh, it's big, real big," Twilight said, grinning as she led the girls to the lake. "I saw a creature, a never before seen creature. It was at the lake last night with Princess Luna. They're still there!" Twilight said excitedly. All the girls gave each other odd looks, all except Fluttershy.

"Twilight, what did this creature look like?" Fluttershy nervously asked, an idea of who it was already in her head.

"No idea, Fluttershy," Twilight said as Rainbow Dash whispered something into AJ's ear. "It was too dark to make out its features clearly, but it's big, maybe as big as Princess Celestia!" Twilight finished as Rainbow Dash, and AJ started to laugh. "What's so funny?" Twilight asked with mild annoyance.

"Twilight, do you really think we should be intruding on Princess Luna's date?" Rainbow Dash asked, both suggestively and mockingly. Think back to what Twilight saw last night, what Princess Luna was doing, her cheeks flushed red.

"Princess Luna is not dating that thing," Twilight firmly said.

"I don't know; they seemed fairly friendly yesterday," Fluttershy unknowingly said under her breath. She thought nopony heard her; she thought that until she walked into Twilight's flank.

"Fluttershy," Twilight slowly said, "what do you know?" Twilight asked firmly.

"I, I know nothing," Fluttershy nervously laughed.

"Fluttershy, you're a terrible liar," AJ flatly stated.

"Hey, now don't be so hard on her, I'm sure she has a reason," Pinkie Pie said, bouncing closer to Fluttershy, "and I wanna know it!" Pinkie stated energetically.

"I know what it is," Rainbow Dash said. "Fluttershy here is running a dating service, matching up difficult to match ponies with rare and exotic beings," Rainbow said, half laughing. "Maybe she can hook you up, Twi," Rainbow said, laughing, as AJ and Pinkie started to laugh while Twilight and Fluttershy blushed.

"Oh come now, girls, we won't get anywhere like this," Rarity said, trying to act mature but still holding back her giggles. "Now, Fluttershy, darling, tell us everything. Who did you match up with Princess Luna?" Rarity asked, joining in on the joke. Breathing deeply, Fluttershy steadied herself. She knew that Julius didn't want to be found out, not yet at least, but it was inevitable. Figuring that it was better to tell them everything she knew, hopefully avoiding a disaster, Fluttershy spoke up.

"Twilight, remember yesterday how I needed to send a letter to the Princesses?" Fluttershy asked. The other girls went quiet as she asked this; was Rainbow Dash's joke actually, right?

"Yes, why?" Twilight asked cautiously, really hoping Rainbow's stupid joke wasn't accurate.

"Well, the letter was about that creature," Fluttershy explained. At this, all laughter stopped, and all eyes turned to Fluttershy. "You see, I was in the Everfree Forest helping out a family of bunnies. Six timberwolves attacked me. I thought I was done for, but then that creature came out of nowhere. It destroyed the timberwolves and brought me back to the outskirts of Ponyville," Fluttershy explained, and at this, the girls paused in their tracks.

"So let me get this straight. We're going to awaken and probably annoy something that can destroy timberwolves?" Rainbow Dash asked somewhat excitedly, somewhat nervously.

"Don't worry, girls," Fluttershy reassured. "Julius might be a bit cranky from getting woken up, but he's nice enough. I think you'd like him a lot, Twilight," Fluttershy said before giggling a bit, getting at least a little in on Rainbow's joke.

"Julius, that's its name, it talks?!?" Twilight exclaimed in shock.

"Oh yes, he does," Fluttershy gently says. "He's something called a human. From what he's told Princess Luna and me, he's not from our world. His world is a place called Earth," Fluttershy explains as the girls stop dead in their tracks.

"Creature. Otherworld. Talks. Timberwolves," Twilight stumbles over her words as her mind races ahead of itself. "Luna. Lake. Mouth stuff. Wingblanket," she continues. "I HAVE TO KNOW!" Twilight shouts before running off towards the lake.

"Mouthstuff?" The other five girls all say quizzically, looking at each other. Realizing Twilight was racing ahead of them; the girls run after her. They weren't too far from the lake, maybe five or ten minutes at full gallop, and Twilight wasn't exactly athletic, so catching up to her wasn't hard.

"What did you mean by mouth stuff?" Rainbow asked, flying beside Twilight.

"Ignore that," Twilight said, blushing.

"Were you spying on them, Twilight? Are you a voyeur?" Rainbow asked teasingly. "I never thought you had it in you," she giggled. "Honestly, I saw you more as a submissive schoolmare," Rainbow joked teasingly.

"OK, yes, I watched them from my telescope. To see a Princess raise or lower something outside the castle is rare, and to see a new creature is even rarer. But just ignore the mouth stuff, please," Twilight pleaded with Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, so that's why you didn't get enough sleep," Rainbow said with a sly grin. "You were busy imagining yourself in the human's place," Rainbow said teasingly and laughing. "Or maybe you imagined yourself in Princess Luna's place?"

"S-shut up, Dash," Twilight stammered out, blushing as the group came to the lake. Slowing to a walk, the girls slowly approached the two figures lying near the lake. One was definitely Princess Luna; the other, though, the being Princess Luna was nuzzling against and had her wing over he was new.

"Aww," the group collectively cooed before walking forward. They only made it a few steps before they smelt a scent. Each one of the mares knew the scent, and each one blushed at the implications.

"Well, Princess Luna sure had a good time last night," Rainbow giggled. "And Twi, you're definitely explaining mouth stuff now," she finished smugly. Twilight really didn't want to admit to what she saw last night, so a hasty plan formed. Charging her horn, Twilight sent a light shock towards Julius.

"Ah, what the..." Julius said, awaking in shock, a dull zap running through his left leg. It wasn't painful, just annoying and unexpected.

"Oh, look at that; he's awake," Twilight deflected. "Let's go say hello, and continue this talk never, OK, OK," Twilight said in haste, trotting towards the awaking human, the others following, Fluttershy closely.

"I've had worse awakenings," Julius said, rubbing his eyes. "None come to mind," he said in a sigh, standing up, Luna's wing softly caressing his chest as he stood, the feathers dancing down his side as he stood. The girls stopped reasonably close to him. Yeah, he was slightly taller than Celestia. They watched as he stretched his body. It was strange how flexible he seemed and how much his body seemed to crack. The girls all looked at each other before their eyes settled on Fluttershy. Nervous but knowing what she needed to do, Fluttershy took a moment to brace herself.

"Good morning, Julius," Fluttershy said meekly.

"Oh, Fluttershy," Julius responded groggily. "Look, I just woke up, and I haven't had any coffee. I'm in no condition to deal with anything until either I have a good cup of coffee or an hour or so to wake up," Julius explained as he continued his stretching. Almost as if on cue, Pinkie Pie came up beside Fluttershy. Reaching into her mane, she pulled out a carafe filled with coffee and a large mug.

"Here you go," Pinkie energetically said, giving the carafe and mug to Julius.

"I take sugar and cream with my coffee," Julius said, yawning as he took the carafe and mug.

"I got those too," Pinkie said, pulling sugar cubes and cream out of her mane.

"I would question you, I really would, but I'm too tired for it," Julius said as he prepared his coffee. "Besides, I'm sure I'd just end up with the mother of all migraines if I tried to apply logic to you," Julius said. He sniffed the freshly made coffee, a warm smile coming over his face as he sat back down next to Luna, one of his arms slightly pulling her into his side.

"Wow, a few moments with her, and he already accepted Pinkie Pie's Pinkieness," Applejack said slowly, walking up to the now sitting human.

"Yeah, must be a fast learner," Rainbow Dash continued following above Applejack.

"I accepted nothing but the coffee, cream, and sugar. And learning has nothing to do with it," Julius said before taking a quick sip of coffee. "I'm just far too tired and apathetic to put forth any energy into understanding her. So I'll just accept the weirdness. My day just started, and I'm not ready for it to end," Adding a little cream, Julius begins to drink his coffee. As Julius drank his coffee, Fluttershy introduced her friends.

"So where are you staying, umm, mister Julius?" Twilight asked, her inflection increasing with 'mister.' Breaking away from the mug with a healthy sigh Julius relaxed a bit.

"Just Julius is fine. I don't really care for formalities," Julius said, smacking his lips together. "And I'm staying in the Everfree Forest, with the zebra Zecora" he finished taking another drink from his mug.

"WHAT!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, the loud yelp getting a moaning response from a sleeping Luna.

"Keep in down, please. Moonshine here is trying to sleep," Julius requested between gulps of coffee, his free hand sliding under Luna's regalia and gently caressing the tuft of her chest fur. The girls looked at each other in shock, to just casually caress a mare's tuft, a princess' at that, was there really something going on between them.

"You probably shouldn't do that in public. It's kind of intimate," Twilight explained, blushing.

"Oh, well, OK," Julius said, his hand still in Luna's tuft. "I'm still going to do it. I'll just feel a little awkward doing it," he replied with a soft smile, his fingers deftly massaging her tuft. Trying their best to ignore the display and Luna's soft cooing, the girls giggle slightly to each other.

"So... who is Zecora, and why do you stay with her?" Twilight asked before Pinkie approaches her.

"Zecora is an evil zebra; I even made a song about it," Pinkie Pie says before going into her whole Evil Enchantress song, Julius biting his tongue hard, trying not to laugh. After Pinkie finished her song, Julius was almost in tears.

"Pinkie, you got everything wrong," Julius said, barely muffling his laughter. "I live with her. She literally saved my life when I first came here. She's an apothecarist. She makes potions, excellent ones," Julius explained.

"If she's not evil, then why does she live in the Everfree Forest?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"When she first moved here, she was thrown out of town before she even got a chance to settle down; she nearly got lynched. She had nowhere else to go. Besides, once you get used to it, the Everfree isn't that bad, lots of ingredients there. And it's a great place for training," Julius continued to explain. "Honestly, aside from her saving me, and admittedly our relationship being awkward, Ponyville doing that to her is a big reason for me living in the Everfree with her," he stated.

"Why wouldn't you live in town?" Twilight asked.

"I'm an alien omnivore who would come to town from the cursed forest filled with spooky, scary evil things. Oh yeah, that would go over so very well," Julius said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mean, the Zebra was shunned for simply being a Zebra, and she's an equine like the ponies. So I'm sure me just showing up would go over fantastically," Julius finished rolling his eyes. Looking at each other, the girls got the point. Finally stepping forward, Rarity made herself noticed.

"I couldn't help but notice that you're wearing clothes all over your body. Is there any reason for that?" Rarity asked, examining his clothes and his body.

"Yeah, humans don't have fur. We wear clothes to keep ourselves warm, also to protect our modesty," Julius explained as he felt Rarity's gaze gloss over his body.

"I see, and I take it from what Fluttershy told us that's your only set of clothes?" Rarity asked, her voice hinting at something.

"Well, I was magiced here by some stupid amulet, so yes, this is my only set of clothes. Why?" Julius asked, wondering what Rarity was getting at.

"Well, that just will not do!" Rarity stated. "You saved our dear friend Fluttershy and are in desperate need of more clothes. After you finish waking up, you're coming with me," she stated plainly.

"Umm, OK, why?" Julius cautiously asked. "I have no money. Are you going to buy me new clothes?" He finished asking, eyebrow raised.

"Don't be silly, darling," Rarity said with a bit of exaggeration in her voice. "I'm going to make you new clothes," she stated softly, smiling.

"You heard the part where I don't have any money, right? I literally have no way of paying you," Julius told her very matter-of-factly.

"It's OK. I'll accept no payment from you. You are new to this world, you saved our dear friend, and your image of us has been tarnished somewhat; this is the least I can do. Besides, a chance like this is golden. To make clothes for a creature that always wears clothes, you'll be the perfect model!" Rarity giggled at the thought.

"Well, if you're going to make them, can I make a request or two, nothing big I promise," Julius asked somewhat nervously, his free hand now brushing through Luna's wings softly preening them, causing Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to blush slightly.

"Anything darling, just name it," Rarity said, lost in thought.

"Great, first off, the clothes you make could they be suited for survival in the forest. So like grays, browns, greens, and blues in a camo pattern," Julius said as his fingers carefully tested Luna's feathers.

"Well brown, and gray are a bit, ugh, but I can do. After you move into town, we'll have to get you nicer clothes," Rarity said while thinking of how she should make the clothes.

"Thanks, and second," Julius said as his finger found a loosened feather. Plucking the nearly fallen feather off of Luna's wing, all six girls gasped, unbelieving what he just did. "Can you make a hat with this feather sticking out from it?" Julius asked, holding up a large blue feather. The girl's jaws all hanged opened. He didn't know; there's no way he knows what he was doing, what he just did, what he was asking for. The girls all thought to themselves. Collecting herself, Rarity started to stammer.

"W-well, y-yes I can, but," Rarity said awkwardly, "you do know what that means, right?" She asked.

"Well yeah, of course, I do," Julius said confidently, leaving all the girls in shock. "I'll have the best looking hat, with the coolest feather," he said, turning the feather in the air; Luna's feather still looking somewhat mystical.

"Umm, wearing a pegasus's feather in your mane or clothes usually implies an intimate relationship," Rarity said, blushing. Looking at Luna, Julius chucked a bit.

"Considering the position that we were found in, I don't think she'd have a problem with that," Julius chuckled as he continued to preen Luna's wings absentmindedly. Looking at the ponies, he noticed they were just standing there in shock, jaws agape. "This intimate too?" Julius asked with a sigh.

"Yes," Rainbow Dash said, blushing hard.

"Well, her feathers feel amazing, so I'm still going to do it. I'll just feel a bit awkward doing it," Julius replied, grinning.

"Can you please just do it in private? This kind of sends the wrong message," Twilight requests as Julius finishes his coffee while his fingers play with Luna's feathers.

"Fine, fine," Julius sighed, slowly sliding his arms under Luna. Gently lifting Luna, Julius carried her close to him in a princess carry. "Well, lead on to your workshop," Julius said, looking at Rarity. The girls, for their part, looked at each other in pure shock. The sheer audacity he had was insane. At the same time, though, it was somewhat refreshing, and if what he said was true, then Ponyville had an apology to make and an apothecarist to get. Lost for words, the girls took the lead, walking towards Ponyville, more specifically Carousel Boutique.

Chapter 7: Breakfast, Intimacy, and Voyeurism

Walking towards Ponyville, the five ponies started to make small talk with Julius, Fluttershy having already talked with him, somewhat leads the conversation. The other girls were too shocked to know where to start, and Julius was still too sleepy to care. Every question the girls asked was a question already asked by Fluttershy, and Luna, and Zecora, so for his part, Julius was just tiredly going through the motions. The girls, however, we're growing more interested, more animated. For Julius, however, they were just questions he already answered, and facts about a world he long sense became jaded too.

"Pink pony," Julius started to say tiredly.

"Name's Pinkie Pie, what is it?" Pinkie Pie asks, bouncing closer to Julius.

"You can pull things out of your mane, correct," Julius both asks and states.

"Well, not everything but some things. Why?" Pinkie Pie asks, slightly tilting her head.

"Long shot here. I don't suppose you can pull a laptop out of there, can you?" Julius asks forlornly.

"Nope, only baked goods, party supplies, and my party cannon!" Pinkie Pie states before pulling out her party cannon and firing it off, spreading confetti everywhere.

"Of course," Julius says with a sigh, "a party cannon that's reasonable. A laptop, however, that's crossing the line. Your magic mane has weird rules," he continues his hands gently brushing through Luna's fur.

"What's a laptop?" Twilight asks curiously.

"It's a machine you can take anywhere easily," Julius starts to explain absentmindedly "it can do many things, play movies, play games, connect to the internet," he starts to drone on.

"What's the internet?" Twilight asks, getting closer.

"It's the best and worst of humanity. Also, it's a collection of basically all our knowledge," Julius says before mentally face-palming. The whole group stops to let Twilight collect herself.

"Twi, are you alright?" Rainbow Dash asks, waving a front hoof in front of Twilight's faces. Twilight just stares blankly.

"I think I broke your friend," Julius says nervously, laughing, "is, uhhh, is she going to be ok?"

"Don't worry, she'll be fine," Fluttershy assures.

"Yeah, she just doesn't realize that you're exaggerating," Rainbow Dash chimes in as she and Applejack carry Twilight forward.

"I'm not, though. Well, not as much as you'd expect," Julius replies flatly as the group approached Ponyville. "Ponyville, the friendliest place in Equestria," Julius reads a nearby sign out loud, "ironic," he lightly laughs.

"Why is that ironic, and why did you laugh?" Applejack asks.

"Well, I'm sure Zecora would say otherwise, and judging from what I see," Julius says, his voice trailing off, "I'd agree," he finishes as he looks around Ponyville. Not a pony insight, and not a sound to be heard, and somehow a tumbleweed blows on by. "As for my laugh, well, that's for Sheev," Julius says, smiling. The girls just shrug and leave it as they move through the town. Getting to Carousel Boutique Rarity holds a hoof up.

"Wait here; Sweetie Belle is still inside. I should go in first and explain things to her," Rarity explains as she enters her store.

"Sweetie Belle, is that her daughter?" Julius asks, lightly rolling his shoulders; Luna wasn't that heavy, but the weight was starting to get to him.

"Sweetie Belle, Rarity's daughter," the girls all say in unison before breaking out snickering and laughing. This question was enough to break Twilight out of her shock.

"Sweetie Belle is Rarity's younger sister, not her daughter," Twilight says, barely containing her laughter. "Their parents are often out of town," Twilight explains, charging some magic into her horn. "Here, hold still," Twilight tells Julius before a soft purple aura envelopes him.

"What did you do?" Julius asks with a bit more energy while blinking rapidly, his eyes slightly brighter, his body slightly sparkling before mostly fading.

"Just a quick refreshing spell. I noticed your shoulders getting sore. I use it on Spike while we're sorting books," Twilight half-heartedly explains while Applejack gives her a crooked look. Before Julius or Applejack can make anything of it, Rarity opens the door.

"Ok, come on in everypony," Rarity ushered in the group.

"Thank you. Is there any place I can lay Luna down?" Julius asks as he enters the store.

"Oh yes, follow me. Girls, could you please work on breakfast? I don't think any of us have had anything to eat yet," Rarity says as she leads Julius to her bedroom. Twilight, however, goes to the living room. Entering Rarity's room, Julius walks up to her bed and lays Luna down on it.

"We should go back downstairs, let the princess get some sleep," Julius says, heading out of the room.

"Wait, you knew? How since when?" Rarity asks, baffled. "And why do you treat her like you do?"

"Zecora told me about the different types of ponies, alicorns included. I pretty much guessed she was a princess of some kind when I first saw her," Julius explains as they walk down the stairs. At the same time, Twilight's jaw drops.

"He knew, this whole time he knew!" Twilight exclaims as she looks into a blueish mirror-like rift. Realizing they were coming downstairs, Twilight closes the rift.

"As for how I act with her well, she didn't introduce herself as a princess. I figured that she didn't want me to know for some reason. Maybe she has a heavy past. Maybe she's tired of everypony bowing, kowtowing, and putting her on a pedestal. Zecora told me some equines worship alicorns, so maybe she's tired of being worshipped. Or maybe it's something else altogether. Either way, she doesn't want me to know. So I'll oblige her and act like I don't know," he tells her as they approach the kitchen. "Anyways, don't let her know that I know. It's her secret to tell, and she'll tell it when she's ready," he finishes as he opens the door to the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen, Julius and Rarity see that the girls, other than a missing Twilight, are fast at work, making both oatmeal and pancakes. Julius stifles a laugh. Ponies cooking just looked too adorable. Walking up to the girls, Rarity joins in the cooking. Sniffing the air, Julius notices a distinct lack of scent.

"Rarity, do you have any brown sugar and maple syrup?" Julius asks as he sits down at the table.

"Yes, I do. Why?" Rarity responds as she sets the table.

"Try adding a few tablespoons of them to the oatmeal, about one tablespoon of each for each cup of oats," Julius requests.

"Sounds interesting, recipe from your world, I take it," Applejack states as she flips pancakes onto eight plates.

"Yes, it's one of the most popular flavors of oatmeal," Julius explains. "honestly, I'm kind of surprised you never tried it," Julius remarked as a plate of pancakes is levitated in front of him. The pancakes were smaller than he was used to and lighter, more fluffy than the ones he had back home. Adding butter and maple syrup to his pancakes, he tries one. "They're good, thank you," he says after swallowing the first bite. Upon hearing the talking in the kitchen, Twilight's ears perk up.

"Sorry girls, I just had to do something," Twilight apologized, entering the kitchen.

"It's ok," Applejack assured Twilight as the ponies sat at the table.

"Sweetie Belle, breakfast is ready. Come down and say hello," Rarity shouted in a singsong voice. Almost immediately following her call, rhythmic clopping can be heard. A small unicorn looking almost exactly like Rarity, only with a paler mane, enters the kitchen. Sweetie Belle immediately locks eyes with Julius, who stifles a laugh.

"So what I asked outside, are you sure I was wrong?" Julius laughed while the ponies just shake their heads, mildly smiling.

"What did you ask?" Sweetie Belle nervously asks as she sits at the table, her breakfast already served up.

"Not important, don't worry about it," Julius quickly replies. Breakfast went by reasonably quickly; Sweetie Belle asked a few questions between bites of food, and Julius answered as much as he could. Most of the girls acted normally, Twilight being the sole exception. With what she saw last night and what she saw and heard through the magical rift, she was a little cautious of Julius. Sure he seemed nice enough, but he knew more than he let on; he was oddly protective of any question about his world like he was dancing around some of the heavier questions; it all came off as very suspicious. After finishing the meal, the group quickly cleans up the mess.

Afterward, Twilight quickly thanks Rarity before briskly rushing back to the Golden Oak Library. Applejack follows suit, except she heads to Sweet Apple Acres, no rest for the farm ponies. Sweetie Belle says her goodbyes before heading off to school, leaving just Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Julius, and a sleeping Luna inside the Carousel Boutique. Sure only Rarity and Julius needed to be there, but the other three didn't really have anything to do yet, and Luna was blissfully sleeping.

"Alright, let's start getting your measurements," Rarity sang out. "Go ahead, take off those clothes so I can get proper measurements," Rarity commanded with an air of authority, clearly in her element.

"Is that necessary?" Julius hesitantly asked, slowly taking off his light jacket.

"For proper measurements, yes. a few centimeters can make a world of difference, darling," Rarity explained, somewhat over-exaggeratingly. "Why, darling, is there a problem?"

"Well, it's just that humans don't have fur," Julius began to explain, "clothes are for protecting modesty as well as the environment for us," he continued, mildly blushing.

"That's all? Don't worry about it," Rainbow Dash said, "just keep it in your sheath," she told him as the other mares nodded in agreement.

"That's the thing. Human's don't have sheaths," Julius said, his voice trailing off.

"Oh, I see," Rarity said slightly awkwardly. "It's ok, every mare has seen unsheathed stallions, and every stallion has seen many different marehoods. It's nothing to be embarrassed about," Rarity assured while she and the other mares slightly blushed. Sure it was true, but it wasn't something outright said. Still, though, Julius looked apprehensive, shifting about.

"Why are you so nervous? Hiding a little thing?" Rainbow joked while the other mares lightly laughed.

"Look," Julius said, rolling his eyes, "if it's necessary, I will, but only in front of Rarity," Julius says resigned but firmly.

"Why only Rarity? Do you have a thing for her?" Pinkie Pie asks as she and Rainbow laugh while Fluttershy and Rarity blush.

"It's because she's a professional," Julius sighs, face-palming. "It'll be less embarrassing ok," he says, sighing. The mares stifling their giggles, slowly leave the store. While the girls left, Twilight ran into the Golden Oak Library and quickly locked herself in her room.

"Spike, I need you to take care of the library for a while. There's something important I have to do," she yells from her room. Casting a spell, Twilight opens a rift, giving her a panoramic view of Julius and his area. "Alright, now if you try to do anything, I'll know," Twilight says smugly. "I don't know what you're trying to hide, but I'll find out whatever it is," she smirks.

After waiting a few moments after they leave, Julius breaths deeply. "Ok, let's just get this over with," he says quietly to himself. Slowly taking off his clothes, Rarity is somewhat taken aback by how many clothes there are. A shirt, pants, socks, and smaller pants underneath the first pair of pants; even for the fanciest event, he would have been overdressed. Stopping with only his smaller pants on and with his back to Rarity, Julius sighs. "Is this enough? Can you get proper measurements now?" Julius asks while blushing.

"No darling, I need it all off," Rarity responds, all while ogling Julius's backside. Sure, she could have gotten the measurements, but he looked quite attractive, and she was curious as to how he looked. Looking intently at Julius's body, as he took off the last piece of his clothes, Rarity reared up slightly. The first thing she saw was his large balls hanging freely between his thighs. They were easily among the largest she had ever seen. Slowly approaching Julius, Rarity smells his masculine scent. The potent, fertile scent seemingly screamed breeder.

"Well, you certainly don't have anything to be embarrassed about, do you," Rarity seductively says as she brushes her body against Julius's side. Tilting her head down see locks her gaze firmly on Julius's cock, the large member twitching as it grows to full length. Panting heavily from Julius's masculine scent, Rarity slyly smirks. "Looks like you could use some help," Rarity practically states, letting her chest fur brush against his throbbing cock. For the last month, Julius has been putting up with temptations given by Zecora. If it was back in the first, even second week, he could have resisted. Even on the third week, he could have mustered the will to do so, but at this point, after four weeks, he had enough resisting. So what if they were ponies, they were females, they were sentient, they were willing, and they were tempting.

"Well, if you're offering, though not here, follow me," Julius responded, smirking, leading Rarity upstairs, his cock lightly bobbing with each step. Fortunately, there were only a few rooms upstairs, and Julius quickly found the room he was looking for. Opening the door, he walked into Sweetie Belle's room, he would have taken Rarity's, but Luna was sleeping there. Walking into the middle of the room, Julius lays down, his cock throbbing powerfully in the air. Ushering Rarity over, she closes the door behind her before her. Walking up to Julius, swaying her hips widely with each step, Rarity stands between Julius's legs.

"Why you would ever feel the need to hide this," Rarity starts licking her tongue up the throbbing length of Julius's cock "it's quite impressive," Rarity says, her breath caressing his cock while she slowly runs her warm, wet tongue over it. Throwing his head back, Julius basks in the pleasure of Rarity's tongue. Rarity flicks her tongue against the tip of Julius's cock with each lick. Pre-cum dripping out of his cock and onto her tongue. Twirling her tongue around the tip, Rarity savors the taste, the potency of the pre-cum, each drop of it heating up her marehood.

Leaning up, Julius lightly brushes his hands through Rarity's mane before softly grabbing her, moving himself to the side, and Rarity towards him. Looking up at Rarity's dripping marehood, Julius's hands grab Rarity's hips. Pulling her hips softly down, Julius starts slowly running his tongue over Rarity's wet pussy. Flicking his tongue firmly against Rarity's clit Julius swiftly kisses her moist lips before thrusting his tongue into her marehood. Rarity's eyes widen, and ears perk up in surprise at the feeling. Holding Julius's cock in her tongue, Rarity slowly takes his cock into her mouth. Warm and wet between her tongue work and the natural state of her mouth, Julius had to resist throat-fucking her right away. Bringing his mouth right up to Rarity's pussy Julius kisses her lips before burying his tongue into her. Loud wet smacking sounds can be heard echoing through the Carousel Boutique.

Twilight meanwhile watches on through the rift. Her eyes were going wide at the sight of Julius's stallionhood. Seeing the erotic display of man and mare pleasuring each other vigorously, Twilight couldn't help but get a little horny herself. Her marehood was slowly getting wetter and wetter as she watched Rarity take that massive, throbbing cock into her mouth. Watching Rarity's muzzle lightly brushing against Julius's large, heavy-looking balls, almost as if teasing the cum inside, Twilight started to consider how it would taste. Sitting down on a nearby chair, one of Twilight's hoofs found its way to her pussy. Twilight began to work herself over, trying to keep pace with the two she was watching.

Julius caressed Rarity's hips; her flanks felt firm but still plush. Working one of his hands lower, he softly cupped one of Rarity's soft little teats. Julius started to massage the soft little milk mounts in rhythm with his licking, lightly pinching and rolling the nipples between his fingers. At this, Rarity brought her head up; tongue rolled out in panting breaths. Sitting back, forcing Julius's tongue deeper inside her drenched marehood, Rarity's eyes roll back. Sure his tongue wasn't as big as a stallion's, but what he could do with his hands and fingers more than made up for it.

"Oh, sweet Celestia, yes," Rarity moan out loudly, rocking her hips against Julius's mouth. Sliding his other hand down, Julius lets both hands fondle Rarity's soft little teats, the plush little mounds easily fitting into his firm hands, allowing him to move between them while deftly teasing her nipples swiftly. The gentle pinching, light pulling, the hypnotic massaging, it was as if she was getting suckled lovingly. Rarity tried to get back to pleasuring Julius's throbbing cock, but it took all she had not to fall over in pleasure. Pushing his head up, Julius slowly forced Rarity to lift her hindquarters. Slowly pulling his mouth away, Julius's tongue flicked against Rarity's clit strongly as he broke from her marehood, thought strings of Rarity's lust remained.

"P-please," Rarity pleaded, "keep going," the lust-filled mare begged. Julius just grinned. Getting up, he grabbed Rarity by her mane and led her to the bed. Holding her head down into the mattress, Julius dragged his wet, throbbing cock against Rarity's flanks, lightly spanking her flank cheeks with his cock before pushing the tip against her pussy. Rubbing the tip of his cock against her lower lips, Julius grabs the back of Rarity's head. Pushing just the tip inside her pussy Julius turned Rarity's head to look her in her eyes.

"Beg me," Julius firmly commanded as he teasingly humped Rarity, not letting any more of his cock sink into Rarity's pussy.

"Sweet Celestia, take me already," Rarity lustfully begged, shaking her hips invitingly. Leaning over Rarity, Julius pulls her into a deep, wet kiss as he pushes his cock into Rarity's pussy. Where her mouth was warm, Rarity's pussy was a loving furnace. The hot caressing of the folds making Julius melt into Rarity. His kissing becoming more sloppy as the tip of his cock slammed into her cervix. Tongues entwined man and mare took a moment to savor the feeling. Slightly pulling away, Julius allowed the air to touch their tongues. Julius and Rarity's tongue danced together in the air before Rarity reconnects their lips. Allowing himself time to settle, Julius starts slowly thrusting into Rarity's pussy. With each thrust, the tip of his throbbing cock slams against her innermost depths. With each powerful thrust, Julius rocks Rarity's whole body. With each twitch and throb of his breeder's cock Julius sent waves upon waves of pleasure racing through Rarity's body, causing the mare to quiver in pleasure. After breaking their kiss, Rarity's head falls heavily on the bed, her tongue flopping out freely as her body gets ravished with pleasure. Panting, Julius roughly grabs Rarity's mane. Pulling her head back by her mane, he speeds up his thrusting. Like a beast in the throes of lust, with each powerful thrust, Julius grunted loudly.

Stirring from her sleep Luna slowly awakens. Rubbing her eyes softly with her hooves, she hears what sounds like a beast and a pony. Snapping fully awake quickly at the sound Luna follows the loud grunting and moaning. At first, she thought a pony was under attack, that some fearsome beast was here, but as she stood before the door to Sweetie Belle's room, she smelled the unmistakable scent of sex.

"No, it could not be," Luna said to herself. Slowly, quietly Luna cracks the door open. The sight brought a variety of emotions. Envy, jealousy, and lust all danced in Luna's head, along with them, was hope; she wasn't sure if Julius even looked at mares in that way. It was safe to say that he did, judging from his rutting of Rarity. Enraptured, Luna watched on in bated breath.

Breathing deeply, Julius plowed Rarity's pussy harder and harder; with each thrust, the tip of his cock threatened to penetrate her womb. As Julius ravaged Rarity's tight, drenched pussy, his large balls slapped teasingly against her pert little teats, the erotic slapping edging both man and mare closer and closer to orgasm. Pulling almost completely out, Julius steadied himself. Julius buried his cock fully inside Rarity's quivering pussy in one mighty thrust, the tip of his cock finally penetrating her womb. Crying out in a mixture of pain and pleasure, an orgasm unlike any she had experienced overcame Rarity. As her pussy squirted in orgasm, Julius felt his own coming over him. Pushing as deep inside Rarity as he could, Julius grunted in pleasure as he let his orgasm happen. A torrent of thick cum blasted through Julius's throbbing cock and filled Rarity's quivering womb. The thick, hot flood of cum quickly filled every part of Rarity's womb, forcing a rapid second orgasm to ravage her body. Feeling the warm, fertile cum fill her deepest depth, Rarity fell fully onto the bed, void of all energy and thought. Keeping his cock buried in Rarity, Julius took a few moments to catch his breath, his cock starting to go soft slowly. Then grinning, he again pulled Rarity's head up by her mane.

"I'm not done with you," Julius stated through a wolfish grin. Julius's cock regained life with each passing moment as it throbbed back to its full size. "I'm still not satisfied," he said, looking down on Rarity, her eyes glossed over as she was lost in a haze of lust. Slowly resuming his thrusting, Julius's cock churned the cum that already filled Rarity's womb. This time, though, Julius went as hard and as fast as he could right from the start. Each eager lusty thrust fiercely ravaged Rarity's tight pussy. Her lust-addled body was flopping in broken rhythm with Julius's thrusting. With each powerful thrust, Julius's large balls slapped vigorously against Rarity's soft teats, sending waves of painful pleasure surging through Rarity's body.

As the passionate, lustful rutting went on, it seemed less like Julius was making love to a pony but more like he was ravaging a lifeless breeding mount. Rarity's limp body now just moving along with the motions as Julius fiercely, passionately ravaged her body. Grinning and growling softly through a wolfish grin, Julius falls over Rarity's body and softly bites the side of her neck. His canines passed through her soft fur and softly pressed into her tender skin. The sudden feeling elicited a gasp from the nearly passed-out mare. The feeling of those teeth. The teasing of his tongue against her delicate neck, combined with the ravaging of her pussy, completely overtook her. Wrapping his strong arms around Rarity's barrel, Julius pulled her closer to him before letting loose a loud moaning grunt. A second large torrent of cum blasted into Rarity's overfilled womb, her belly distending slightly to accommodate the massive deluge of cum in her womb. Panting tiredly, Julius fell over beside Rarity while keeping his cock buried inside her. Pulling her into his chest, Julius spooned the mane while softly kissing her neck.

Looking on in a mix of lust and amazement, Luna quietly closed the door.

"Maybe it is possible," Luna said to herself as she walked away from the room "it's not like being in a herd would be a bad thing," she said as thoughts of the possible life swelled in her mind. Walking downstairs, Luna figured she'd get something light to eat before going back to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the Golden Oak Library, Twilight had brought herself to orgasm after orgasm. Her tongue rolled out similarly to Rarity's, but Twilight still held control of herself. Closing the rift, Twilight dispelled the over-watch spell she had placed on Julius. Taking some time to clean herself up and to clean up her room, Twilight thought about what she should do.

"Well, at least he doesn't mean us any harm," Twilight said to herself as she thought out loud. "It's too soon to really decide what I should make of him. I should probably spend a day with him sometime," she said, lost in her thought, "but probably not today" she blushed as she cleaned herself up and readied herself for the rest of the day.

Chapter 9: Farm Work, Twilight and Applejack, Confession, and Flirting

"What horrible thing did I do to deserve this? Never mind, don't answer that," Julius internally lamented as Granny Smith went on about the early years of Ponyville. Back then, it was little more than a few houses, and Sweet Apple Acres was called Pleasant Apple Hide. But the name was somewhat clunky and a bit dated, so they ended up changing it after a few years and a few more acres to Pleasant Apple Acres. Which, while better, the name flowed awkwardly, so they changed it again to Sweet Apple Acres. "I've learned more about apple farming than I ever wanted to, which was nothing. At least it can't get any worse," Julius's painted smile was starting to crack.

"Now, let me tell you young'un back in my day, the girls and I were quite a catch," Granny Smith chuckled. Twilight's face started to blush as her eyes quickly darted around. Spike was looking confused, bored, and confused. Julius meanwhile barely kept up his painted smile, though Twilight could tell it was cracking quickly.

"Oh dear sweet merciful God please no!" Julius mentally face-palmed. "Please oh please God give me an out, any out. I know I don't deserve it, but please!" Julius mentally begged, his smile twitching the cracks becoming more and more visible.

"Now I'd tell you how Auntie Applesauce got the nickname Spicy Applesaucy but with Spike being here and all," Granny Smith said, gesturing to Spike. Both Twilight and Julius breathed a soft sigh of relief.

"Oh, that's ok," Spike said, jumping up. "I have to use the little dragon's room," Spike said as he started to leave the room. Twilight's eyes went large, but before she could do anything, Julius acted.

"I should go with you, Spike," Julius quickly blurted out. "I didn't say anything earlier, but I sensed some timberwolves around. Don't worry, Spike, I'll protect you," Julius stated, standing up quickly, seemingly wanting to leave faster than Spike. "Spike, if we were alone, I'd hug you," Julius thought as he worked his way out of a very unpleasant story.

"You can do that?" Both Spike and Granny Smith asked somewhat unbelievably.

"Oh yes, of course, how else do you think I saved Fluttershy, don't believe me, then ask Twilight," Julius lied right through his teeth while throwing Twilight a bone, her own get out of mental scaring card.

"Oh uh yes, of course, he can," Twilight confirmed shakily. "Humans are the dominant species in their world. His world is quite hazardous. They can sense danger as a survival mechanism," Twilight quickly and somewhat unconfidently said. "I should go with them, just in case Julius here needs help," Twilight followed after them. Shrugging, Granny Smith let them leave, while Spike started shaking. After leaving the farmhouse, the trio made their way towards the outhouse, Spike's gaze darting all over the place. After the group gets about halfway to the outhouse, Julius firmly placed a hand on Spike's shoulder.

"Spike, it's ok. There are no timberwolves around," Julius said reassuringly. "I was lying to get Twilight and myself out of that talk," Julius explained while Twilight just nodded in agreement.

"Why did you two lie to her? Couldn't you just have told her the truth?" Spike asked accusingly.

"Oh, Spike, old ponies don't take too well to that," Twilight started to explain. "If you try telling them you don't want to hear their stories or that their stories are inappropriate, they'll just ignore you and tell it anyways," Twilight says as both she and Julius shuttered as unpleasant memories came flooding back to the both of them. "You have to find a way to leave the conversation," Twilight stated while Julius nodded in agreement. Still looking oddly at the pair, Spike just sighed.

"Well, I still have to use the little dragon's room," Spike said as he continued towards the outhouse.

"That's ok, we'll stay right here," Julius told Spike as they stood about halfway between the outhouse and farmhouse. As Spike went into the outhouse, Julius turned to Twilight. Placing a hand on her head, he softly stroked her mane. "Well, you're certainly a poor liar, but we got out of that. Good job, us," Julius smiled as his hand ran through Twilight's mane, his fingers feeling like the most amazing comb.

"Well, maybe you're just a good liar," Twilight shot back. "I mean, you lied to Granny Smith like it was nothing," Twilight said as she leaned her head into Julius's hand.

"Hah, fair enough. To be honest, lying is a larger part of our society than we'd like to admit. Most people have tells. You really have to train yourself to get rid of them," Julius explained as his fingers started to play with the tips of Twilight's ears softly. "Anyways, we probably should leave Granny Smith alone for a while. Once Spike gets back, let's go find Applejack," Julius said as his fingers teased Twilight's ears, his palm softly rubbing the crown of her head.

"Good idea, she'd probably appreciate the help," Twilight almost cooed, her head nearly nuzzling into Julius's hand. "Applejack always has so much to do and is so reluctant to ask for help," if a pony could purr, then Julius would have sworn Twilight purred that.

"She just doesn't want to trouble others and wants to make sure the job gets done properly. Workaholics are the same everywhere, it seems," Julius smiled as Spike came out of the outhouse. "Good timing, Spike. Let's go find Applejack," Julius said as he quickly withdrew his hand from Twilight's head.

"Ok, let's go find her," Spike perkily said as he took the lead. Walking down one of the trails, Julius and Twilight walked slightly behind Spike. Julius's hand would dip down out a bit, caressing Twilight's mane, deftly playing with the soft flowing hair. Twilight would softly smile, gently cooing as Julius' deft hand plays with her mane and occasionally teasing her ears.

"Oh sweet Celestia, how is he this good at this?" Twilight thought as she lightly blushed. Twilight was barely in control of her head as it seemingly betrayed her. His hand, his fingers, felt better than any head massage she'd ever had. "You know if you're ever looking for a job," Twilight started to coo. "Ponyville spa would love~ to have you," Twilight moaned as Julius hit an especially sensitive spot right at the base of her horn.

"Hah, I'm sure they'd find many different uses for me," Julius winks at Twilight. "I'm just lucky that you ponies seem to have the same sweet spots that my dogs do," Julius lightly chuckles as he works the base of Twilight's horn.

"Ok, ok, you two," Spike says, rolling his eyes, "you can stop flirting anytime," Spike chuckles. Twilight blushes at the accusation while Julius just stifles a chuckle. The rest of the walk down the paths was spent in awkward silence. Julius kept his hand on Twilight's head, playing with her mane and caressing her ears. Twilight did stifle her cooing and moaning but otherwise did nothing to stop him. If anything, her nuzzling only encouraged him. After quite some time, the group hears a very feminine grunting and the sound of apples falling, shortly after Applejack comes into sight.

"Hey, Applejack," Spike yells out, "am I glad to see you. Julius and Twilight won't stop flirting," Spike laughs while Twilight blushes fiercely, and Julius wolfishly smiles.

"Well, Twilight," Applejack pants catching her breath, "I didn't know you felt that way about him," AJ giggles. "Has 'it' come early for you?" Applejack slyly laughs, earning a chuckle from Spike as well.

"Well, she isn't doing anything to stop me, so... maybe?" Julius joins in, smiling at a blushing Twilight. "Not that I mind or anything. I have a soft spot for cute bookworms," Julius teases as Spike and AJ burst out laughing.

"Applejack, we came to find you to see if you need any help!" Twilight yells out, blushing fiercely. After a few moments of laughter, Applejack finally collects herself, her cheeks a little sore from laughing.

"Alright, alright, sugar-cube. Big Mac is over there," Applejack points a hoof to her left towards a somewhat far-off Big Mac. "Julius and Spike, you two go over there to help him. Twilight, you're with me," Applejack commands.

"Alright, Spike, come on," Julius says, still smiling. Picking up a giggling Spike, Julius walks over to Big Mac. Applejack sighs after watching them walk off for a while. After they get far enough to be out of earshot, Applejack turns to Twilight, get gaze narrowing.

"Alright, Twilight, it's time for you to fess up," Applejack says accusingly. "You've been acting oddly, back at Rarity's what did you really cast on Julius, and what did you mean by 'mouth stuff?'" Applejack asked, walking closer to Twilight.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Twilight nervously said, her eyes darting around the area.

"Twilight, I know you're lying to me. Look, sugar-cube, Julius is far away enough that he cannot hear us. I know you did something you shouldn't have, and you know it too. All of us girls know you were spying on him and Princess Luna at the lake as well. What did you really see?" Applejack firmly asked. After a few tense moments of Twilight shaking and Applejack staring her down, Twilight finally cracks.

"Ok, but you can't tell anypony, especially not Princess Luna and Julius," Twilight says, ashamed while looking away from Applejack. Applejack just tilts her hat and nods. Twilight beings the whole story. The entire time at Lake Hinny, Julius knew Luna was a princess, what Julius and Rarity did, everything. Applejack's cheeks grow redder and redder as Twilight tells AJ what she saw. "And that's everything!" Twilight franticly says that both she and Applejack were embarrassed and unable to look at each other.

"I, uhhh, I see," Applejack staggeringly said as she brushed her front hooves together in embarrassment. "I didn't think Princess Luna had that in her. Julius must be a real charmer to pull that off. He and Rarity well," Applejack shot a look towards Big Mac and Julius "if he really is that big, then maybe he should be wearing those pants. Even out of their heat, mares can get quite desperate; he'd only make it worse," Twilight and Applejack both nodded at that. "Look, sugar-cube, I won't say a word about any of this, but when you're ready, you really should tell Princess Luna, Rarity, and Julius," Applejack advises. Thinking of something briskly, Applejack looked at Twilight. "I suppose this is as good a time as any to ask. Do you want to join the group Twilight?" Applejack asks.

"What group?" Twilight asks in visible confusion.

"Twilight before you came to Ponyville Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and I were all friends. One day we all got together and had a serious talk about stallions, about what we would do if one of us got one. Many mares have ended their friendships because they got a stallion and wouldn't share," Twilight nodded at that, remembering the shocking number of times she heard that happening in Canterlot. "We didn't want that to happen, so us girls got together to discuss what we would do. We decided that we'd all join the same herd. For this, we each picked a condition the stallion had to meet. For Pinkie Pie, he just had to make us all happy, not quite sure what that means. For Rarity, he has to like fashion, with all those clothes, I'd say he meets that requirement easily. For Fluttershy, he has to like animals, though I'm guessing she wants more. For myself, he has to be a hard worker. As for Dash, well, he has to be the best; we asked her to be more specific, she settled on being able to beat her in a race. Of course, we all still have to like him, but those are the big things," Applejack explains.

"Wait, why did you ever tell me?" Twilight asks, tilting her head.

"Well, a lot was happening, and it can be an awkward thing to talk about," Applejack said, avoiding Twilight's gaze. Twilight's eyes darted between the ground and Julius, something Applejack noticed. "You're interested in him, aren't you?" Applejack gently asked; Twilight just turned away. "Look, Twilight, I'm not entirely against the idea of being with him. He seems nice enough. I'd like to get to know him better first, though. Sure, I highly doubt he could beat Dash in a race but beating six timberwolves at the same time might be enough for Rainbow Dash," Applejack tries to comfort Twilight.

"Is it that obvious?" Twilight asks, looking down and ashamed.

"Well, you kept spying on him after seeing his stallionhood and what happened at Lake Hinny. Then continued to watch him rut Rarity. You wouldn't do that unless you had some interest," Applejack chuckled. "Look, Twilight, you don't have to decide now. I'm just saying he probably has a better chance with us than you'd think. Besides," Applejack smiles, "you two did look cute together," she says as she reassuringly places a hoof on Twilight.

"Thanks, Applejack," Twilight smiles and giggles. "Well, there's a lot of work to do, might as well get started," Twilight stated as she mentally got her body ready for some farm work. As the day went on and the work picked up, Twilight's muscles screamed in pain. Applejack, noticing, slowed down a bit. Sure she was going a bit slower than usual, but a second pony still made the work go by faster.

Occasionally both mares would glance towards Big Mac, Julius, and Spike. Big Mac was going on business as usual. Meanwhile, Julius and Spike worked together on picking apples from the same tree. To their credit, they were working quickly, clearing a tree for every two trees Big Mac cleared. Julius couldn't buck the trees, but he could grab and shake them hard enough. Sure it took more energy and effort, but it worked.

After an hour, the mares smelled a strong masculine scent. Looking towards the boys Twilight and Applejack saw Julius without his shirt on. Both Twilight and Applejack stared longer than they should have. His upper body looked like a slimmer, much more athletic minotaur's, muscles showing clearly but not grossly. His body had the barest hint of hair gently blowing in the wind. His body coved in what seemed like a thin coat of water, accentuating his features; the scent coming from him slowly clouding the mares' mind in a haze.

"Ok yeah, if he isn't wearing clothes next week, he'll be mobbed," Applejack stated, forcing her head away from Julius's topless body. Twilight just nodded, forcing herself to follow Applejack's lead. Applejack sighed, looking back at the apples they already collected and realizing their situation. "Well, we got more done than if you weren't here, and somehow I get the feeling that we won't get much more done today. Let's take the haul back to the barn and get something for the boys to snack on," Applejack suggested as both hers' and Twilight's faces flushed with desire.

"Lead on, Applejack," Twilight said, forcing her gaze away from Julius and the boys. Trotting back to the barn, apple load in the cart, both mares stayed in silence. Even though the musk was weakened, they could still smell Julius's scent, the rich, masculine aroma slowly driving them into lust. "We're going to have to wash up," Twilight thought as the soft, unmistakable scent of their marehoods became obvious, from Applejack's expression that she thought the same.

Getting to the barn, the girls quickly unloaded their apples. Leaving the barn, the girls filled up two washbasins and swiftly washed up. After drying off, Applejack smirked at Twilight.

"Wait right here, sugar-cube, I'll be right back," Applejack told Twilight before going inside the house. Twilight, shaking her fur a little dryer, just shrugged and waited. After a few minutes, Applejack came out with a bottle filled with a pale purple liquid. "Here, sugar-cube, it's perfume," Applejack explains, giving the bottle to Twilight. "It's jasmine-musk scented," Applejack said while Twilight took the bottle and turned away from Applejack.

"Why do you have this?" Twilight asked as she applied the perfume, the enticing flowery scent baring softly on the air.

"It was a gift from Rarity. You know how Rarity is. 'A mare must always be prepared,'" Applejack explained while accurately imitating Rarity, causing Twilight to laugh. "It suits you, Twilight, like a real mare on the prowl," Applejack teased while Twilight blushed.

"Thanks, Applejack," Twilight thanked as she gave the bottle back to Applejack. "Come on, let's go in and make some snacks," Twilight energetically said, trotting into the house, following after Twilight, Applejack was right behind her.

"Don't worry about Granny. I explained enough to her. Now let's get started," Applejack said as she laid out a bunch of ingredients and some foods. After an hour of cooking and baking, the two mares had a nice spread of treats and some freshly made apple juice. "Twilight set the table. I'll go get the boys," Applejack told Twilight as she made for the door.

Twilight took her time setting the table, making sure everything was set to perfection. Having a few minutes to herself, Twilight thought over the events of the day. "Ok, with how he's been acting, he's clearly attracted to me. But that's only by pony standards. What if those gestures mean something else to his species? He did say I have the same sweet spots as his dogs. What if that kind of intimacy is common for his kind? How can I know I can't just risk doing anything that might put him off. Oh, think Twilight think," so caught up in her thoughts Twilight didn't hear Applejack and the boys enter the house.

"Twilight, we're back!" Applejack shouted while shaking Twilight while the boys went to sit down at the set table.

"Oh, Applejack, I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," Twilight blushed while rubbing her front hooves together.

"You were thinking about Julius and what to do, weren't you?" Applejack asked, nearly telling Twilight what she was thinking.

"I just don't know what to make of him. Sure he's showing attraction but in a pony way, but he's not a pony. He might not know what he's doing. He's not even from this world. What if everything he's been doing means something different to his species?" Twilight explained, looking downtrodden.

"Well, you could just ask him, but you're too nervous to try that," Applejack suggested to a nerve-wracked Twilight. "You could always try some flirting, see how he reacts," Applejack further suggests. "Either way, the boys are in the kitchen waiting for us, so let's go," Applejack tells Twilight as she guides Twilight into the kitchen.

Sitting at the table, Big Mac, Spike, and Applejack sit just so, forcing Twilight to sit next to Julius. The snacking was a bit quiet as Spike, and Big Mac whispered to each other and giggled between bites. Applejack would shift her eyes between Twilight and Julius. Julius looked perfectly calm, sure his facial features were much more challenging to read. Even with her natural talent, Applejack couldn't make heads or tails of what he was thinking. Twilight, meanwhile, could be read with impunity. The nerves clearly showing, ears twitching and smile cracking. Julius himself noticed this and started to slowly, calmly rubbing her head.

"Dear Celestia, he's just making it worse," Applejack mentally facehoofed at the cute scene. Picking up on Applejack's expression, Julius quickly wrote something on a napkin with his free hand without letting Twilight see. Handing the message to Spike, he passed it to Big Mac, who gave it to Applejack. Looking at the front of the message, it only read 'Twilight.' Not being able to resist, Applejack looked at the contents. "That's adorable," Applejack giggled as she gave the note to Twilight. While reading the letter, Twilight's eyes widened as she glared right at Applejack, who just nodded her head. Blushing hard, Twilight raised her head to whisper to Julius.

"Y-you uhhh," she stammered, "you put the xy in sexy" Twilight blushed fiercely while looking away.

"And you're sweeter than 3.14," Julius whispered back, winking at Twilight while Twilight froze.

"Adorable," Applejack sang as Spike and Big Mac chuckled. The rest of their snack carried on in much the same fashion, with Julius leading the flirting while Twilight followed. Spike and Big Mac were near beside themselves, giggling though they did manage to hold themselves together. Applejack just sweetly shook her head at what had to be the most adorkable thing she had ever seen.

"So I know where Rarity is, but where are the rest of your friends?" Julius asked, finally breaking from his flirting.

"Oh uhhh well," Twilight stammered powerfully, "Pinkie Pie is busy with party stuff. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are off getting Zecora," Twilight managed to explain.

"Getting Zecora, I wonder how that's going. Hopefully, they'll get to her safely," Julius remarked as his thoughts wandered to the dangers of the Everfree Forest and how Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash would fare.

Chapter 10: Bringing Zecora to Ponyville

"So ready to get Zecora?" Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy as they stood before the edge of the Everfree Forest. The vague path Julius led her and Luna out of right before the pair.

"Well, not really, Fluttershy shuttered. "I don't think I could ever be ready to go into the Everfree Forest," she told Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy looked deeply into the forest, it didn't look back, but it still tested her resolve.

"Fluttershy, we have to go in, both of us," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy. "I would go in alone, but I don't know the way to Zecora's place. I need you with me, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash reassured Fluttershy. Smiling at Rainbow Dash demurely, Fluttershy breaths deeply.

"I know Rainbow Dash. Let's just go in and get this over with," Fluttershy says through deep breaths.

"Attagirl!" Rainbow Dash exclaims. "Lead the way, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash smiles. Fluttershy takes a few more deep breaths before walking into the Everfree Forest. Fluttershy had to look for the incredibly vague well-hidden signs while walking down the extremely ill-defined path. A branch broke here in such a specific way. Aquamarine flowers pointing the way, ignore turquoise flowers and avoid at all cost flowers with bright blue petals. Lookup for flowing lime green moss growing up the tree, not wavy neon green growing down the trees. The signs were nearly impossible to spot unless you knew them and actively looked for them.

"You see Rainbow Dash, these are the signs," Fluttershy giggled as she explained, the lime green moss slightly tickling her fur. Rainbow Dash's head spun; all the signs looked the same.

"Yeah, I'm not getting any of this," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Maybe Rarity or Twilight would but not me. Is there any water around here? I'm getting thirsty," Rainbow Dash stated. Sure, when Julius led them out, it only took a little over forty minutes, but he knew the forest better than anypony, other than Zecora. It took Fluttershy nearly an hour just to get roughly halfway to Zecora's tree hut.

"Here, try this," Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash as Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash some forest green moss. "Julius said there's drinkable water in the moss. He often drinks from the moss while training in the forest. Just squeeze the moss, and water should flow out," Fluttershy explained as Rainbow Dash took the moss. Looking at her oddly, Rainbow Dash took the moss and squeezed water from the moss.

"Fluttershy," Rainbow asked as she drank the mossy water, "why does the water taste like grapes?"

"Well, Julius did say the water from the moss tasted odd. Apparently, there is bright pink moss with water that tastes like carrots and oranges," Fluttershy laughed. "When Luna asked about it, Julius just shrugged and said 'I stopped trying to apply logic to this forest,'" Fluttershy explained.

"That's pretty neat," Rainbow said as she drank the water. Finishing her weird mossy water, Rainbow Dash breathed a very refreshed breath. "Alright, Fluttershy, I'm ready to move on," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy as she tossed the now dried moss aside. Resuming their trek through the Everfree Forest, Rainbow Dash tried to make small talk with Fluttershy, but she was so focused on spotting the vague signs that she barely responded. Rainbow Dash perked up slightly as a slight hunger set in thanks to spotting all kinds of different berries and fruits of all different colors.

"So Fluttershy, do you think any of these are edible?" Rainbow Dash asked while sniffing at some bright pink berries with large lime green dots.

"If I remember, Julius called those cackleberries. He said you could eat them, but they make you laugh for a bit if you do," Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash as Fluttershy examined the berries.

"Cool, I'm going to try some," Rainbow Dash said as she ate a few of the berries. Chewing them, they tasted like candied apples before fizzing and popping. "Hehehe. Ahahahaha," Rainbow Dash started giggling, barely being able to walk. Looking back, Fluttershy held a hoof in front of her mouth as she stifled her giggle. The rest of the way had Rainbow Dash asking about all kinds of fruits and berries they passed.

"Those there are fluberdubs," Fluttershy said, pointing at some large spiky-looking apple-like fruit. "You have to boil them before eating. Otherwise, they bounce all over the place. Those are dyerimes," she said, pointing to a cluster of multi-colored berries. "They dye your body different colors until you wash the color out," Fluttershy cautioned Rainbow Dash. Stopping and trying nearly every edible fruit and berry only added to the pair's travel time.

After nearly another two hours of following vague signs, accidentally taking wrong paths, just getting turned around, and stopping to try new fruits and berries, the pair finally stood before Zecora's hut.

"Well, we're finally here," an exhausted and slightly frazzled Fluttershy exclaimed, twigs sticking out of her mane.

"Finally," Rainbow said, spitting out a few leaves, "I thought we would never get here," her mane equally frazzled and filled with twigs. "Well, let's go on in," Rainbow Dash exhaustedly said as she took the lead. "Hey, hey, is Zecora in there?" Rainbow asked as she knocked on Zecora's door.

"Such a direct question. Please, my dear mare, heed this suggestion. When using aggression, use your discretion. It gives off a bad impression, but this time I shall allow your indiscretion," Zecora lightly admonishes Rainbow Dash. Opening her door, Zecora stands before Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.

"We're sorry, Zecora, it's been a long journey here," Fluttershy softly apologizes.

"It's quite alright. Come in, please take my invite," Zecora ushered the pair inside.

Walking into Zecora's house, Fluttershy sat down on the couch. Rainbow Dash, however, looked around. It was amazing how much it was like The Golden Oak. If it wasn't for the odd decorations and furniture, it could nearly be mistaken as an empty Golden Oak. Sitting down next to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash eyed Zecora, who was stirring a cauldron.

"You caught me at an awkward time. I'm making lunch; could you please pass me the thyme?" Zecora requested as she added a few diced carrots. Passing over a jar of thyme, Fluttershy sat back down. "So dear Fluttershy, who is the rainbow mare? Those of her coloration are quite rare," Zecora asked as she added the thyme.

"I'm Rainbow Dash, and we came to bring you to Ponyville," Rainbow Dash briskly explained.

"Our friend Twilight Sparkle wants to apologize to you and welcome you to town," Fluttershy adds when she notices the concern on Zecora's face.

"I am glad to hear. I can guess that with this party, Twilight plans to endear," Zecora observed. "I see Julius is not with you. I can take it that his relationship with the Princess of the night grew?" Zecora asked, tasting her stew.

"They did seem a lot closer this morning than when we left. We did see them asleep together by a lake," Fluttershy confirmed.

"I see; thank you for your answer. It would seem Julius's mind has been made to be a lancer," Zecora chuckled softly. "We can leave here in a bit. Lunch is almost done; it's quite good, I'll admit," Zecora lightly boasted as she added a few more herbs to her stew.

"Smells good," Rainbow Dash remarked as a herby scent filled Zecora's house. "So after we eat, we'll head off to Ponyville then," Rainbow Dash stated as the scent of the stew makes whets her hunger.

"I'm fine with that. After we eat, we shall leave my habitat," Zecora confirmed as she poured herself a bowl of stew. Pouring another two bowls for her guests, the group started to enjoy their lunch. Taking a bite, Rainbow Dash sighed a bit. The hearty, earthy flavor was accented with just the barest hint of spice. A flavor that danced on her tongue long enough to be pleasant but left before it became oppressive. Nice, filling, and warming, the stew seemed to caress her body in a teasing warmth, as if a plush blanket covered her. Savoring their lunch, the group took a bit longer than they usually would, but the food was worth it.

"Alright, I'm finished eating," Rainbow Dash exclaimed, licking her lips as she placed her bowl on the counter.

"Great, can you start cleaning up? If you do, our departure will be sped up," Zecora pretty much tells Rainbow Dash.

"Fair enough, I suppose," Rainbow Dash sighs as she starts cleaning up. Finishing their bowls shortly after Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash get ready to leave, with Zecora leading the way behind them. At the head of the group, Zecora swiftly leads them through the Everfree. Much like Fluttershy tried, Zecora tried to point out the signs to Rainbow Dash. Much like Fluttershy, Zecora had no success. A short thirty minutes later, the group stood at the edge of the Everfree forest near Fluttershy's Cottage. Walking up to the cottage's door, Fluttershy sees a note stuck on her door with bubblegum.

'Dear Fluttershy

I need more time. Avoid Ponyville and go to Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight and Julius are there. Do not go to Carousel Boutique, trust me.

Pinkie Pie'

"I see. Girls Twilight and Julius are at Sweet Apple Acres," Fluttershy tells the pair while giving the note to Rainbow Dash. Swiftly reading the note, Rainbow Dash destroys it swiftly.

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get going!" Rainbow Dash energetically exclaims as she starts towards the long path to Sweet Apple Acres. Sharing a giggle, Fluttershy and Zecora followed after. Slowing down enough for the other ponies to catch up, Rainbow Dash trots very slightly ahead of the pair. "So Zecora got any stories to tell?" Rainbow Dash asks.

"Oh, I have many to tell. One of a snake under a horrid spell. Another of a winged dog. It was patrolling the smog-filled bog. Perhaps a tale of a wizard. He was a mighty lizard. His roaring was the cause of many blizzards. Or mayhap you wish for a story not of this world. I have heard a few where the end has unfurled" Zecora offers several stories.

"The otherworld one that one sounds interesting" Rainbow Dash practically leaps at the story.

"Very well this tale I shall tell. Where gods do battle with demons most fell. This tale, however, is not mine. It's Julius's, but I can tell it just fine," Zecora explains. "This is the tale of Ragnarok where the gods face their twilight. Where they fall, and their world ends despite Odin's foresight," Zecora starts telling the pair the tale of Ragnarok. Rainbow Dash gets invested nearly right away, listening to every word with growing investment. Fluttershy, meanwhile, tries to block out the story hiding slightly under Rainbow Dash's left-wing. Wrapping up the story, the group enters Sweet Apple Acres.

"Is that really what they believe?" Rainbow Dash asks shock and awe.

"Well, that's one of many believes of his kind. His people have many beliefs bare in mind," Zecora tells Rainbow Dash before looking at Fluttershy. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. They have more peaceful beliefs to that I can testify," Zecora reassures the shaken pegasus. "Though his practice of Eucharist is odd. His own belief is something I still have to prod," Zecora said, looking off in the distance.

"What do you know of it?" Fluttershy asks as the group walks down the path to the farmhouse.

"Sadly not much. Julius has been tight-lipped about such," Zecora says as the group walks down the tree-laden path, glossy apples glistening in the sunlight. "All I know is the Eucharist, and he sometimes prays. Alas, I know no more of his ways," Zecora shrugs as the farmhouse comes insight.

"Doesn't matter right now. There's the house. They should be inside, right?" Rainbow Dash asks as she flies ahead to the doors, the other two mares trotting behind her.

"Really, Applejack lying led to that?" Rainbow Dash hears Julius laughing from inside the house.

"Ok, ok, it's not that funny," she hears Applejack shyly say.

"They're inside," Rainbow Dash says, smirking while looking back at the pairs.

"You nearly got your brother pruned by your grandmother while trying to sell alcohol," the mares outside hear Julius laugh.

"Sounds like quite a story. I'm guessing from the laughter the story isn't gory," Zecora remarks hearing the laughter.

"It's not, but it is embarrassing for Applejack," Fluttershy tells Zecora as Rainbow Dash knocks on the door.

"Hey Applejack, I'm here with Fluttershy and Zecora," Rainbow Dash shouts in.

"Oh, sweet Celestia, thank you," Applejack can be heard saying in relief. "One moment, I'll be right there," Applejack says briskly cantering to her door. Opening the door, Applejack eagerly welcomes the group in. "I take it you're Zecora," Applejack states as she looks at the zebra.

"That is my name. I take it you're glad we came," Zecora responded, smirking.

"That's an understatement. Follow me. There are still snacks on the table," Applejack says, leading the group into the kitchen. "Hey, y'all, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Zecora are here," Applejack tells the group as the kitchen gets filled up.

"Oh, hey, Zecora. Sorry about not coming back last night. I kinda fell asleep by a lake. In my defense, her fur was plush and warm," Julius says, rubbing the back of his neck while Twilight lightly blushes.

"It's ok Luna told me in a dream. So you slept with a mare, does that mean you're on our team?" Zecora asks, smirking while Twilight blushes harder.

"Zecora, I did not sleep with Luna in that way. I am on your team, though," Julius says, rolling his eyes. Spotting the red-faced Twilight, Julius looks right at her. "Wait, why are you blushing? What do you know?" Julius asks, stepping closer to Twilight.

"Ummm ahhh welllll," Twilight stammers as Big Mac whispers something into Applejack's ears. Blushing slightly and stifling a laugh, Applejack quickly responds.

"Big Mac here was just saying that Twilight was jealous it wasn't her," Applejack relays while Big Mac and Spike giggle. A very thoroughly embarrassed Twilight dropped her face into the table.

"I knew it. Honestly, I can't fault your taste in guys," Julius smirks while lightly petting Twilight's head. "I'm getting used to it. I seem to have that effect on mares," Julius reassures Twilight as he runs his fingers through her fur.

"I know," Twilight laconically replies. "Can we please change the subject" Twilight begs? Seeing her friend's embarrassment, Fluttershy steps in.

"Well, Zecora mentioned something of your beliefs on our way here. Can you tell us more about them?" Fluttershy asked, trying to turn the conversation a different way.

"Oh yes, please tell us more about them," Twilight quickly almost pleadingly supports.

"That's a long story. It's a chaotic mess that has been abused by so many. With so many branches over things that seem small, it's insane," Julius sighs. "A reasonable summary of every belief from my world is 'God save us from half the people believing they're doing God's work,'" Julius shakes his head. "Are you really sure you want to know?" Julius asks.

"Yes, please," Twilight begs, face still bright red.

"Very well, sit down. This is going to be a long story. I'll summarize, but we'll still probably be here until sunset." Julius says, sighing, rubbing his eyes at the long, messy story he was about to tell. "Well, at least I can clear up some things in that book, though I wish it were here, it would make this easier," Julius thought to himself as he started the history on one of the messiest, most convoluted religions to grace his world.

Chapter 11: Party Time, the Start of a Herd.

"So you're saying that one religion split into three that are arguing about small details. One of those religions exploded into a bunch of others. While another split into two from a succession crisis, and that none of them like each other?" Twilight said, rubbing her head with a hoof.

"Yeah, pretty much yeah. I know it makes no sense, well, unless you're human. Two humans enter a building, and suddenly there are a hundred different opinions on just one thing," Julius laughs half-heartedly. "I've been trying to reconcile them. Honestly, it's not hard if you do it for yourself, but doing so for others," Julius trails off, looking far into the setting sun "wars were fought over that. Wars still are," he said, looking pensively outside. Fluttershy asking about Julius's belief did save Twilight from embarrassment but replaced it with a headache. Everypony else just kind of looked blankly in front of themselves, having not gotten much of it.

"That's confusing; my head hurts," Twilight moans, trying to make sense of what she was just told. Twilight could have easily summarized the past several hours as 'confusing and painful.' All the wars, the arguments, all the apparent contradictions, the whole convoluted mess just sounded like chaos made manifest. To Julius, however, it seemed to make perfect sense, as if in that chaotic maelstrom, he'd somehow made an island of calm.

"So you're confused and in pain. Great! Now you just need to be angry and hoping for the impossible, and you'll truly understand humanity," Julius jokingly laughs as a telltale *boing* can be heard coming closer. "I think Pinkie Pie is coming," Julius says, hearing the sound.

"Hey, everycreature, I'm here~" Pinkie Pie's bubbly voice sings out as she bounces towards the farmhouse.

"I'll get the door," Twilight says, her head still trying to make sense of the chaotic storm she was just told. Opening the door, she's greeted by a bouncing Pinkie Pie. "Hi Pinkie Pie is everything set up," Twilight asks, rubbing her head with a free hoof.

"Yup. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are waiting with Rarity at the Carousel Boutique. The rest of the ponies are at the Golden Oak, and Rarity wants us to stop by her place. She has some clothes finished for Julius," Pinkie Pie told Twilight as Pinkie Pie bounced around.

"Thank you, Pinkie Pie," Twilight sighs in relief. "I'll be glad to finish the day and get a good night's rest," Twilight says, smiling.

"Well then, no point in wasting time. We have a party to get to!" Pinkie Pie energetically exclaimed while bouncing around Twilight.

"Yes, Pinkie, we should get going to the party," Twilight nods while smiling. Walking slightly inside the house, Twilight looks into the kitchen. "Hey, everycreature we should get going, Rarity has some clothes for Julius, and I have some things to show him at the Golden Oak," Twilight softly yells into the kitchen.

"Well, she finished quickly," Julius said with a slight grunt as he stood up and made for the door.

"Rarity gets into her work. Especially when it's something new and interesting," Spike chirped up almost dreamily. Looking back at the ponies, Julius sees them all nod in agreement.

"Well, ok then. Let's get going," Julius said, walking to the door. He stopped right by Twilight and placed a hand firmly on her shoulder, lightly gripping it. The rest of the group soon followed out of the house, Zecora being the last to leave.

"It is rude to keep one waiting. It can be quite grating," Zecora remarked as she left the house to be greeted by a bouncing Pinkie Pie.

"So you're Zecora," Pinkie Pie said as she stopped bouncing right in front of Zecora.

"For as long as I have been. Don't let my skin forgo your grin," Zecora responds as she stands before Pinkie Pie.

"Don't worry, I won't," Pinkie Pie bubbly responds as she turns around. "Come on, everycreature, it'll be sunset soon," Pinkie Pie practically commands as she bounces along the way to town. Following her, the group leaves for town, with Julius pulling Twilight behind the rest of the group, just far enough so that they wouldn't be heard.

"Ok, I have to ask, does Spike have a thing for Rarity?" Julius almost whispers to Twilight.

"A little puppy crush, yes why," Twilight asks before mentally answering her question "oh," she blushed, looking away from Julius.

"I don't know how, but you know more than you're letting on-" Julius starts.

"And you dance around some of the harder questions I have," Twilight interrupts defensively.

"Fair enough. Still, you're telling me everything later," Julius says, taking a deep breath. "I have to talk to Spike," he says with a sigh.

"Because you want Rarity?" Twilight asks.

"Because I wouldn't do the poor boy dirty like that. He doesn't have a chance with her. Maybe with her younger sister, they'd be cute together," Julius says as both he and Twilight start giggling, making Spike look back at them.

"Stop flirting back there. Rarity is waiting," Spike tells the pair, the impatience drenching his voice. Looking at each other, Twilight and Julius caught back up with the rest of the group. The rest of the way to the Carousel Boutique was filled with all sorts of assorted small talk, mostly the rest of the group getting to know Zecora. Clearing up misconceptions and myths, Zecora and Julius both had to laugh at some of the things they believed about Zecora.

"No, I won't put you in a stew. From what I've been told, you'd be difficult to chew," Zecora chuckled.

"Well, she does dance by moonlight; she won't put you in a trance," Julius says while thinking. "Though she is quite elegant as she dances," Julius laughs while Zecora lightly blushes. The two would joke about the absurd things the ponies believed. The ponies were not joining in at first, not knowing if it was ok, but as the two continued to laugh about it, the rest of the group joined in. Reaching the doors of the Carousel Boutique, the group was fully laughing at the absurd things believed about zebras. Knocking at the door, Twilight spoke up.

"Rarity, I'm here with our friends," Twilight spoke up as she knocked.

"Come on in, darling," Rarity spoke from within the store, her voice sounding slightly strained. Entering the Carousel Boutique, the group poured in Spike rushing towards Rarity's voice and Julius entering last. While walking into the store, a voice rings out.

"See, girls, I told you I wasn't making it up," A high-pitched squeaky voice stated. Feeling eyes cast on him, Julius looked around. Spotting three small ponies two of while looking on in a mixture of emotion, Julius takes a moment for things to click.

"Oh, you're the little sisters," Julius recognizes as he spots Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, "but I don't recognize you," he said as he spotted Scootaloo.

"The girls thought I was making you up," the voice's owner spoke as she approached Julius. "I'm Sweetie Belle," she introduces herself, "that's Apple Bloom, and that's Scootaloo," she continued pointing at her friends.

"I know your sisters told me about you. After I mistook you for Rarity's daughter," Julius told Sweetie Belle, making her blush and her friends burst out laughing. "They thought they should tell me about Apple Bloom before I asked if she were Applejack's daughter. To be fair, I would have," Julius finished making Scootaloo laugh harder and causing Sweetie Belle to join in the laughing. "I'd stay to talk, but Rarity has some clothes for me," Julius tells the laughing fillies before heading into Rarity's workshop.

Entering the workshop, Julius sees a single set of clothes. A beautifully made set of dark blue and forest green landsknecht clothing. Walking up to the clothes, he noticed some silver adornments, buttons, and the eyelets trimmed in silver. Lightly grabbing the shirt, he felt the fabric. It felt soft as if a fine velvet or silk, thick but breathable, fitting. Looking down, Julius spotted a pair of finely polished black faux leather knee-high boots with buckles and eyelets trimmed in silver. Finally, looking at the table, he spotted a finely made black musketeer's hat. An indigo purple outer band locked with a silver buckle, and sticking out proudly from the right side of the crown was a large midnight blue feather, sparkles of magic dancing around it.

"See, I told you it'd make for a fantastic adornment," Julius said, looking at a proud Rarity as he picked up the hat and put it on.

"Yes, you did," Rarity started to say as Julius gathered the clothes, preparing to take them upstairs to get dressed. "I put the feather in after getting the ok from Luna," Rarity said with a slight blush as the group of ponies recoiled in shock.

"Wait, she was ok with it? She knows what that means and was ok with it?" Rainbow Dash blurted out in shock as Julius went upstairs with the clothes.

"She and I had quite a talk once she woke up," Rarity started to explain. "She has her reasons for being ok with it. Honestly, I can understand why she would be," Rarity awkwardly giggled, remembering her experience with Julius.

"S-so does that mean," Twilight started to stammer "h-he and Luna," Twilight's head started to spin "t-they are" Twilight caught herself on Rarity's fainting couch.

"Not necessarily," Rarity giggled as Twilight nearly fainted. "She's ok with him wearing her feather. As for any romantic relationship, well, she's not against the idea," Rarity said as the group looked at each other, the shock on their faces clear to all. Steps echoed down from the steps, a soft *k'duh* coming from each step.

"Ok, how do I look?" Julius asked from the doorway. Turning to look towards the doorway, the group saw Julius standing there.

"You look absolutely ravaging," Rarity said with a dreamy sigh, both in part to his look and her work. The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

"I, uhhh, I must admit," Twilight tried to steady her stammering, "you do pull off the colors of the night very nicely," she complimented, trying to avoid his gaze.

"Thank you. I always took more to the darker shades," Julius thanked Twilight as he ruffled her mane. "Well, I got my new clothes, and Twilight has something to show me at the Golden Oak, so let's go," he nearly commanded as he made for the door, his presence enhanced by his clothes and his glimmering feather. The group following closely behind him.

"Well, somehow you've done it," Sweetie Belle spoke up. "You made clothes that are somehow bold yet subdued," she complimented her sister's work.

"Thank you, Sweetie Belle," Rarity thanked, her head held high. "This is some of my best work if I do say so myself," she said as the group couldn't help but look at feather adornment. The midnight blue feather seemingly dancing in the breeze as it sparkled softly, a small shred of Luna's magic trapped inside.

"Alright, since we're going to Twilight's place, she should lead the way," Julius suggested as the group left the Carousel Boutique.

"Ah right, follow me," Twilight chirped up as her senses came back to her. Taking the lead, she took the group to the Golden Oak. Pointing out a few landmarks and buildings along the way, it wasn't long until the group stood before a great tree, one that looked quite similar to Zecora's own. "Alright, we're here, let me just open the door," Twilight said as she creaked open the front door. Walking into the library, it was dark and quiet.

"SURPRISE!" A group of ponies shouted as the lights came on before a collective *GASP* came from the same group. The ponies were told about Julius and Zecora; what they weren't told about was the human wearing the feather of a princess, seemingly stating that they were together. Looking at the human jaws agape, Julius laughed as he took in the situation.

"I thought this was a surprise party for us," he said, gently petting Zecora's head, "and yet you're all more surprised than us" he laughed as he softly rubbed the underside of Zecora's chin. "Honestly, I kind of feel bad now for not yelling surprise," he remarked as he led Zecora to a couch. Sitting down, Julius grabbed a bowl of chips and some dip and allowed the ponies some time to take in the surprising sight.

"It's not you," Twilight whispered to Julius as she sat down beside him. "It's you wearing Luna's feather. Remember what it means?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, come on, it can't be that rare. Besides, it was ok'd by Luna," Julius defended as a new presence came to the door.

"Greetings, I am here for the festivities!" Luna proclaimed as she stepped into the Golden Oak, eliciting a loud and audible *GASP* from all the ponies. The silence in the building was deafening as Luna spotted Julius wearing the hat with her feather in it, the only sound being that of a soft sparkling emanating from the feather. The ponies looked at each other, not knowing what to do, almost fearful of Luna's reaction. A thousand questions rushed into their minds, had this weird creature somehow taken advantage of Luna, was he some prize hunting thief, did Luna summon him to be in her herd? These thoughts and more flooded the minds of the ponies of Ponyville. Walking up to Julius, the ponies parted as Luna approached him, breathes held baited. After stepping up on the couch Luna laid down. Her rear on the couch, her upper body on Julius's lap. "My my, you are quite bold," Luna chuckled as she laid down on his lap. "It does look quite good on you," Luna softly said, looking into the couch. The group of ponies breathed a collective sigh of relief as Julius smirked at Twilight.

"Told you," Julius smugly as he started to scratch behind Luna's ears. With the tension mostly gone, the party started. The party went more or less like every Pinkie Pie party. The ponies got along quite well with Zecora, her speech patterns being especially charming to the ponies. Julius and Luna, however, seemed to be an island onto themselves. Ponies looked on in a mixture of fear and awe. Sure they knew from Pinkie Pie that he wouldn't harm them, but they still found him and the situation he was in to be intimidating. This large, nearly unknown creature was massaging the most feared of the alicorns. Said alicorn seemed to be signaling that the two were in a relationship, or at least that he had her favor. Any one of these factors alone would be enough to make merely approaching a daunting task, but all together, it was about as easy as saying the sun was an oppressive ball of hot gas to Celestia.

After some time and some drinks, a mint-colored unicorn walked up to the pair on the couch. For all the fear the ponies felt from Julius and Luna seemed calm and peaceful. The unicorn sat in front of the pair and looked on as Luna seemed to nuzzle her head into Julius's hand. While Julius had his eyes closed, seemingly humming a calming tune. For all it was, it looked quite pleasant. After having had enough of looking on at the scene, the unicorn got up on the other side of the couch and nuzzled her head under Julius's free hand. Softly fluttering his eyes, open Julius looked at the mint-colored unicorn in her eyes, his hand resting on her head.

"What it looks like, it feels good," the unicorn started to say, "besides, Pinkie Pie and her friends seem to trust you," she told him as she was nuzzling her head against Julius' fingers. "Oh, oh, that does feel good!" She nearly purred.

"Yes, I get that," Julius responded as he started to gently scratch her head, his hands in nearly perfect synchronization. "Do you have a name, or should I just call you," Julius started looking over the pony; spotting her cutie mark, he takes a guess "Lyra?" Julius guesses much to the unicorn's shock.

"Good guess, my name is Lyra Heartstrings," Lyra purrs as Julius's hand hits spots hooves never could hit.

"Thank God these ponies have fairly predictable names," Julius thought to himself. "And I'm Julius; the pleasure here is clearly yours," he and Luna chuckle while Lyra continues to nuzzle into Julius's hand aggressively. Lyra seemed to rock her head in rhythm with Julius's caressing. Caressing the heads of both mares, other ponies slowly start taking notice and start lining up for head scratches. Mare after, mare gets introduced to the masterful scratching of Julius's fingers, succumbing to the luxurious feeling. The night passed on, and pony after pony filled out of the Golden Oak until all that remained were Twilight, Spike, Luna, Zecora, and Julius.

"H-hey Twilight, it's pretty late, and I'm a little drunk" Julius tried not to slur after drinking an impressive about of cider. "Think we could stay the night here," Julius sort of asks, but more imposes as he stands up, a mildly shaky Zecora and a fully steady Luna followed.

"Sure," a fully lucid Twilight concedes as she leads the group to a spare bedroom. Leading them to the spare bedroom, Twilight noticing Julius eyeing over Luna, pulls him back before he enters the room. Magically holding him as Luna and Zecora enter, Twilight pulls him back a little "How do you feel about Luna?" Twilight tentatively asks.

"She seems lonely. She puts on a strong front, but under that," Julius trails off "she really needs a hug," he says with a sigh.

"Then why not be the one to do it?" Twilight asks as she gives him a crooked look.

"Because she is very vulnerable, I'm not about to take advantage of someone in that kind of state," Julius tells Twilight as Twilight looks right at him.

"You won't be taking advantage of her; trust me, she wants you," Twilight said, taking several deep breaths, steadying herself. "Listen while you two were at the lake," Twilight starts before telling Julius all of what she saw Luna doing at the lake. "So you see, she wants you. All the signs point to it," Twilight tells to a flabbergasted Julius.

"Well then," Julius says in shock, "forget everything I just said," he said, his head swimming in thoughts. "If she wants me so badly, then so be it, she shall have me," Julius almost triumphantly declares after collecting his thoughts, walking with a purpose into the bedroom as Twilight watched on. Walking boldly in to the bedroom, Julius quickly sights Luna and Zecora, the two mares close to each other, nearly cuddling.

"Oh, Julius, we were getting ready to sleep. Come join us in this comfy heap," Zecora offers as Julius locks his gaze onto Luna. Stripping off his clothes, Julius walks up to the prone mares, his cock throbbing to life with each step. Looking back, Luna spots a fully erect Julius standing almost right behind her.

"I know about the lake," Julius tells Luna while grabbing her flank over her cutie mark. "You thirsty mare, just doing whatever you please," he teasingly berates Luna as his fingers roughly brushing through the fur on her flank "like, I'm some kind of toy," he cuttingly says while lightly slapping Luna's flank.

"I-it's not what you think" Luna starts to stammer as the slapping slowly inches towards her backside proper.

"Oh, what? I suppose you don't want me then, do you?" Julius taunts before shooting Zecora a glance.

"What kind of madness is this? To do such things to a royal sis," Zecora starts before gasping as Julius grabs one of her back legs.

"Then I suppose you won't mind just watching then will you" Julius grins at Luna before flipping Zecora onto her back. Grabbing both of her hind legs, Julius spreads them apart, revealing Zecora's flushed marehood. "I know she's wanted me for some time now," Julius practically declares before bringing his head to Zecora's barrel. Slowly, softly kissing down Zecora's body, all the while glancing at a reddening Luna, Julius stops at Zecora's teats. Slowly sliding his tongue over Zecora's perky nipples, Julius lightly nibbles and suckles the pert nubs.

"W-what are you, *nyaaan~*," Zecora panted in labored breaths. "I-I cannot *fuyaaan~*" she cooed as Julius slid a hand to Zecora's free nipple. Working over Zecora's nipples, flicking his tongue against one, rolling the other between his fingers; lightly, playfully biting one, softly pinching and pulling the other. "B-by the great *Ayaaan*" every attempt Zecora made to talk was cut off by her moans of pleasure as Julius played with her nipples. Luna lustfully, almost jealously, watched on as Zecora's musky scent filled the room. Her marehood was getting wetter and wetter by the moment. Slyly smiling, Julius slowly slid a hand over to Luna, softly caressing her inner hind leg. Blushing, Luna slightly parted her hind legs allowing Julius's hand to slide up her leg. As Julius's hand slid up Luna's leg, he kissed Zecora lower and lower until the tips of his fingers brushed against Luna's pussy, and Julius was softly kissing Zecora's drenched pussy. Both mares' eyes shot open as Julius started to play with their pussies.

Flopping out his tongue Julius slithered his tongue firmly against Zecora's hardened clit. Dragging it down against her lips, Julius lightly teased the little love button with his upper teeth while his tongue lightly danced against Zecora's pussy lips. His hand on Zecora kept teasing her nipples, lightly pinching and pulling the little nubs. Rolling the aching nubs between his fingers, Julius massaged Zecora's teats. Julius's hand against Luna's pussy started to toy with the wet lips. Slowly dragging his fingers between Luna's lips, he slowly slipped his pinky and ring finger into Luna's pussy while his index finger and thumb teased her clit.

"O-oh come now," Luna panted in lustful breaths "d-don't be such a tease," Luna cooed as Zecora moaned in the background, Zecora's speech gone, the lusty mare now sounding like a wild animal in heat. Pulling away from both mares, Julius stood up, facing Zecora.

"Luna, stand over Zecora," Julius commanded as he slid his throbbing cock between Zecora's teats and against her sopping wet pussy. Slowly thrusting his cock between Zecora's teats, Julius's heavy balls slapped loudly against Zecora's ass as Luna walked over Zecora's prone body. Facing Julius, he huffs, "Other way, face Zecora, keep your lovely flank to me," he commands as he softly runs a hand against Luna's face. Blushing, Luna reoriented herself so that she was looking right into Zecora's lust-filled eyes and so that her dripping pussy was over Zecora's and almost right in Julius's face. "That's better," he smirked as he slid his cock down, the tip brushing against Zecora's pussy until it was resting in the utterly drenched folds. Teasingly prodding Zecora's pussy with a few light thrusts, Julius grabs the base of Luna's tail. Lifting it high, he draped it over his head as he let the scent of Luna's wet marehood wash over him. Cock throbbing, Julius reached a hand down and grabbed Zecora firmly by her waist. In a single powerful thrust, Julius buried his cock deep into Zecora's drenched marehood.

"O-oh s-spirits yesss," Zecora barely moaned out as Julius' cock slammed hard into Zecora's cervix. Grabbing Luna's flank firmly, Julius buried his mouth into Luna's pussy as he finally took Zecora. Flicking his tongue roughly against Luna's wet pussy, Julius starts fucking the zebra and eating out the pony. Taking a few minutes to steady his rhythm fully, Julius gets it down and starts to ravage the marehoods offered up to him. His cock throbbed powerfully with each thrust, each thrust slamming strongly against her cervix, nearly forcing its way in. His tongue was eagerly lavishing Luna's now flooding marehood, his tongue thirstily, hungrily lapping up Luna's juices as his tongue worked over the folds of Luna's pussy.

Both mares couldn't help but let their mouths hang open, their tongues hanging out panting in pleasure, sliding his hand up along Luna's phenomenally toned body, reaching up as far as he could Julius softly pushed on Luna's back. Softly encouraging her, Luna lowered her head a bit while Julius rocked his head against her flooding pussy. Luna's and Zecora's tongues nearing each other the two mares lock eyes. Both lost in the throes of lust, Zecora barely focused on Luna. Sloppily lurching forward, Zecora's tongue wrapped around Luna's as Zecora pulled Luna into a deep sloppy kiss. Eyes widened at the sudden kiss Luna taking a moment to gather herself while Zecora's tongue sloppily dances around inside Luna's mouth. Luna returns the kiss with vigor.

While the two mares make out, Julius squeezes Zecora's hip firmly and nearly pulls his cock fully from her pussy. At the same time, his tongue hungrily works over Luna's pussy, the pert, slightly lavenderish juices flooding his mouth, fueling his lust. Holding himself steady, Julius takes Zecora entirely in one mighty thrust. His twitching cock ravaging through Zecora's tight pussy and piercing right through her cervix. Moaning into Luna's mouth as the mares kiss, Zecora's eyes go wide as Julius's cock buries its head right in her womb. Bucking her hips lustfully against Julius' hips, it was all Zecora could do as Julius ravaged her deepest depths, a pleasure that the flared head of a pony stallion could never give, a pleasure only Julius could offer.

Taking a few moments to savor the feeling of Zecora's innermost depths, Julius slowly started to thrust into Zecora's quivering depths. Julius's heavy balls were slapping powerfully against Zecora's ass while his cock plundered Zecora's pussy and her womb. Taking long lusty thrusts, Julius moans lustfully into Luna's pussy as the princesses' lust-fueling juices flooded into his thirsty mouth. Thrust by thrust, lick by lick, Julius lost himself more and more to the lust engulfing him. Juices were splashing from Zecora's pussy with each thrust; her body was racked with orgasm after orgasm. The pleasures of such a large breeder's cock plundering her pussy, and her womb while making out with a lusty mare not giving Zecora's overwhelmed body a moment's rest.

Slamming his cock deeply, powerfully into Zecora's pussy, both Julius's cock and balls twitched powerfully as a rush of cum rocketed from his balls. Burying his cock as deeply as he could, Julius blasted his full load powerfully right into Zecora's quivering womb. Feeling thick, potent ropes of cum flood her depths, Zecora's eyes widen as heat emanates from her womb. As each thick load of cum flooded into her pussy Zecora's own body ached until she felt a thick, creamy warmth engulfing her ovaries, sending her body into a wild, uncontrollable orgasm. Savoring his orgasm, Julius rides out the feeling, keeping his cock buried in Zecora's pussy, forcing her to take the entire load. Slowly sliding his cock out, Julius firmly grabbed the base of Luna's tail. Holding his cock just barely inside Zecora's pussy Julius stopped for a few moments letting his cock get fully hard again as he pulled his mouth away from Luna's thoroughly drenched pussy. Drawing his cock out of Zecora's pussy Julius swiftly, in one fluid motion, pulls Luna's tailback, forcing her dripping wet pussy to get fully impaled on Julius's cock. Taking Luna to the base in one movement, Julius's cock furiously pounded right into Luna's quivering womb.

"*AHHHHHN, OHHHHH, AHHHHHN*" Luna loudly moaned as she broke her kiss with Zecora. "G-gentle, please," Luna pleaded as she blushed. Orientating himself so that he was lying between Zecora and Luna, making sure he faced Luna, Julius grinned.

"Why it's not like you're," he starts pulling his cock back a bit before looking down "oh, oh you," Julius starts, unable to finish. Seeing the slightest bit of blood glistening on his cock Julius softly embraced Luna allowing the mare to nuzzle into the side of his neck. Softly peppering her muzzle with kisses, Julius brushed his fingers through Luna's fur as he held his cock deep inside Luna's pussy. Looking deeply into each other eyes, Julius and Luna deeply, passionately kiss. Julius' tongue, while not as large or wet as Zecora's, was more dexterous, deftly teasing spots with a precision a pony's tongue could only dream of. Passionately making out, Julius feels a pair of legs embrace him from behind. A soft pressure rhythmically pressing against the small of his back. Feeling Luna's legs pull him into a full-body hug, the pressure slowly builds on his back, forcing Julius to hump Luna. With Zecora nuzzling her head against his face. Julius softly nuzzles back while passionately kissing Luna.

Slowly picking up his thrusting, Julius starts to allow Zecora to dictate the pace. Zecora's humping was sloppy, messy, lusty. If Luna weren't just deflowered, it would have worked better, but as it stood, Julius compensated so Luna could feel more pleasure. Julius felt Luna's quivering womb holding fast to his cock with each thrust. It felt as if a million fairies were kissing the head of his cock. As he pulled his cock out to thrust back in, Luna's pussy clung, begging to his cock, doing all it could to keep the intruding member from leaving. Reaching her legs out, Luna embraced Julius into her, pulling both him and Zecora closer, the warmth of the mares filling his body with a soft calm. Breaking their kiss Luna looked down lustfully at Julius.

"It's ok, do it," Luna moaned breathily, her hot wet breath dancing around Julius' ears as Luna softly kissed his forehead. Picking up the pace of his thrusting, Julius started to truly ravage Luna's begging pussy. With each powerful thrust, Julius' cock twitched wildly, slamming fiercely into all the sweet spots of Luna's aching pussy. With each powerful thrust, juices splashed freely from Luna's flooded and full pussy, liberally coating Julius' cock and hips. Each mighty thrust brought Julius closer and closer to a powerful orgasm.

"Do it, my prince. Give Luna's womb a spermy rinse," Zecora teasingly commanded as she lustfully breathed into Julius's ear.

"*UGGGN YESSS~* Do it, fill me up," Luna pleaded as Zecora commanded Julius. Both mares softly licked Julius' neck, their wet sloppy tongues teasing the most sensitive parts of Julius' neck. A familiar heat built up in his balls as Julius was thrusting furiously into Luna's pussy.

"*GRRRR, GRAAAAAR*" Julius loudly, beastly roared as he filled Luna's aching womb with a torrent of thick, potent cum. With each twitch of his cock the cum flooded Luna's hungry womb, giving Luna all the same pleasures Zecora enjoyed. The same as when his cum flooded her deepest depths, the same as his cock fiercely twitched, the same as his cum bathed her ovaries in their potent seed. Riding his orgasm down, Julius slowly pulled his cock from Luna's pussy. Feeling the marehood of both mares, barely any cum dribbled out, the thick loads locked in their wombs.

"It's a good thing our heat hasn't started yet," Luna heavily breathed "else we'd be heavy with foals," she chuckled as Julius rolled onto his back.

"It's a shame my balls are empty," Julius nearly whispered as magic softly surged into Luna's horn. A soft midnight blue glow engulfed Julius's balls as heavy heat engulfed them. "What are you doing?" Julius quickly asked.

"A spell made by a very old friend of mine, Domina Trix. She made this spell to 'refill' stallions so they could keep going" Luna laughed as Julius's eyes widened at the strange new feeling. Feeling his balls full and heavy, Julius leaned his head by Luna's ear.

"Twilight's been watching the whole time. I say she should join in," Julius wolfishly grins as he whispers into Luna's ear. Returning Julius's wolfish smile with one of her own, Luna nods as magic surges through her horn.

"*AHHH* What's happening?" Twilight yelps out in shock from right outside the door. A soft midnight blue aura engulfed Twilight moments after Twilight was getting pulled into the room. Looking right ahead of her, Twilight sees Luna's horn glowing with magic. "Why, Luna, why are you..." Twilight trails off as her eyes lock onto Julius' throbbing erect cock. Sure she had seen it through telescope and magic viewing but not with her bare eyes: the imposing presence, the overwhelmingly masculine musk coming from the dominating member overtaking her senses. Being pulled closer and closer, Twilight suddenly realizes what's about to happen. "N-no wait, please," Twilight starts to beg. "Julius, please listen," Twilight starts to beg as Julius reaches out to grab her. "I know Applejack was joking about it early, but she wasn't wrong. My heat has come early," Twilight started to explain as he swiftly, deftly rolled over, pinning Twilight under him. Realizing there was no preventing what was about to happen, Twilight began to channel a spell. "L-let me just *GASP*" Twilight recoiled in shock as Julius firmly grabbed her horn, preventing the spell. Softly massaging Twilight's horn, Julius reached a hand down to her marehood. He would finger her and make her wet enough, but Twilight was already a flooded, drenched mess. "Please let me cast the spell. If I don't, I'll get pregnant!" Twilight panicky begged as Julius grinned over her.

"The last time I got tested, the potion wasn't fully blue. You'll be fine," Julius grinned as he slid his cock against Twilight's pussy while Zecora thought about something. "Besides, you'd make a great mother don't you think" Julius teased as he slowly slid his cock into Twilight's pussy.

"Indeed, you'd give birth to lovely foals. You'd raise our foals with loving care, wouldn't you, Twilight," Luna joined in as she hugged Julius and Twilight. Blushing at the encouraging Twilight squealed as Julius's cock slowly slid into her pussy. Sliding his hand down, Julius grabbed Twilight's hips with both hands while Luna softly licked and sucked Twilight's horn. Any attempt at channeling magic was pointless as Twilight's horn was lustfully assaulted. Julius stopped pushing his cock in as he smacked against Twilight's maidenhood.

"Don't worry, Twilight; it'll only hurt for a moment," Julius comforts while brushing his hand against Twilight's cheek. Julius took Twilight's virginity in one powerful thrust and slammed powerfully against Twilight's cervix.

"*AHHHHHGN* OH CELESTIA YESSS~" Twilight moaned in pain and pleasure.

"My sister wouldn't take such a position," Luna mused, her voice vibrating against Twilight's horn.

Holding his cock deep inside Twilight's pussy Julius allowed Twilight some time to relax. As he held firm inside, Twilight, Zecora cuddled up to them as well. Wrapping her legs around Julius and Twilight as well, Zecora joined in on the hug. Bringing her face closer to Julius and Twilight, Zecora softly smiled.

"This is a shock. The first of our herd to have foals will be one who could only gawk. Julius though you may think the potion wasn't blue enough. It was, now give Twilight foals fill her muff," Zecora encouraged Julius while grinning at Twilight. Upon hearing this, Julius grinned powerfully while a panicked look plastered Twilight's face.

"Twilight, it's ok, you'll be with us, in our herd," Luna comforted Twilight as Julius slowly started to hump Twilight.

"Twilight, you'll make a wonderful mother," Julius reassured her as one of his hands found one of Twilight's teats "our foals will love your milk," he smirked as he steadily plowed into Twilight's pussy.

"Twilight, all will be well. So please join our herd and let your belly swell," Zecora encourages as she nuzzles into both Julius and Luna.

Overwhelmed in pleasure and the encouraging of the three around her, Twilight let her front hooves fall over Julius's back in an awkward embrace. Blushing, Twilight lightly kissed Julius's lips. Feeling Twilights soft lips against his, Julius fully returned the kiss, breaking open Twilight's mouth with his tongue and twirling his tongue around hers. Muffledly moaning, Twilight's eyes went wider as she felt Zecora lightly bite the side and back of her neck, as though she was a stallion breeding a mare. Her body was flooded by pleasure from so many different sources. She swiftly locks her forelegs around Julius's upper back and her hind legs firmly around his hips. Feeling the sudden firm weight pushing against his hips, Julius is forced to bury his cock right to the base inside Twilight's pussy. Feeling Julius's cock thrust suddenly right through her cervix, Twilight moans loudly and lustfully into Julius' mouth.

Holding his cock deep inside Twilight's pussy and womb, Julius tries to pull back. After pulling back only a few centimeters, Twilight's hind legs snap him back fully inside almost instantly. Julius's humping gets forced as he fights against Twilight's hind legs and the muscles of her quivering pussy. Every muscle in Twilight's lower body seems to be set on keeping Julius's cock as deep inside her as possible. With the wet tightness of Twilight's pussy and having already orgasmed powerfully twice, Julius was right on the edge of orgasm again. Pulling his mouth away from Twilight's, he allows their tongues to stay connected for a slight moment, his tongue dancing around hers outside their lips before he pulls away.

"Twilight," Julius says breathily, a hand rubbing Twilight's belly right over her womb, "our foals will love you," he moans, looking her right in her eyes as his cum blasts from his cock. Keeping his cock buried deeply inside Twilight's womb, a true torrent of cum floods Twilight's womb. Swiftly flooding her innermost depths, Twilight's ovaries are almost immediately flooded in Julius's thick, potent seed.

"*AHHHHHN~, OHHHH~, UHHHN~*" is all Twilight can moan as her own overwhelmed orgasm tears through her body, ravaging her every muscle. Feeling her belly grow slightly as Julius's cum floods her womb, Twilight raggedly breaths, her breath caressing Julius's neck. "D-do you really want me," Twilight starts to ask through staggered breaths, "t-to have your foals?" Twilight asks, her eyes begging Julius. Softly embracing Twilight, Julius lightly kisses her cheek.

"Yes, I do," Julius looks at Luna and Zecora "we all do," he confirms, softly kissing Twilight. Hugging Julius tightly to her, Twilight buries her head into Julius's neck as she nuzzles him.

"F-fine," Twilight stammers while blushing. Rolling onto his back, Julius lays back in the embraces of Twilight, Luna, and Zecora. Slowly falling asleep in the embraces of his mares, Julius takes one last sleepy look at Twilight.

"Don't worry, you'll be a wonderful mother," Julius reassures Twilight before falling asleep.

Chapter 12: Enlightening Meeting, Solar Dominance

Looking over her schedule Celestia made sure that she was reading it correctly. Yesterday she worked extra hard, pushing through paperwork, speeding through meetings, doing meetings scheduled for today yesterday. Celestia pounded through her work with vigor. Raven Inkwell had a field day yesterday. Moving so much around for Celestia on top of her regular duties pushed her to near breaking. Stepping out to the balcony connected to her room Celestia raised the sun.

"Magistri Solar Cohortis Bright Sky, come here," Celestia commands while looking out from her balcony. Entering Celestia's room almost instantly, an armored unicorn steadily walks up to Celestia. With each heavy step, her golden trimmed iron barding lightly *clinks*, a soft *clink* echoes through the room as the mare deeply bows.

"You called Mistress?" MSC. Bright Sky affirmed her forehead and horn against the marble floor.

"Yes, I did," Celestia confirms rolling her eyes at how Bright Sky addressed her but wearing a soft smile. "In regards to today, I shall be taking leave of the castle and Canterlot. There is something that requires my attention. Two days ago, my sister went ahead to check it out. I met with her yesterday. She suggested that I come with her that day. I was too busy that day, but today I am freed up. No pony is to know where I am. This is a very delicate matter, one that I must handle alone, uninterrupted, is that understood?" Celestia explained to Msc. Bright Sky.

"Affirmative Mistress" MSC. Bright Sky affirmed, clicking her front hooves together as she stood up. "No pony shall know where you are. All pending meetings shall be put on hold. Any inquiries shall be diverted. Your mission shall succeed," MSC. Bright Sky firmly stated.

"Good, you understand, dismissed," Celestia commanded MSC. Bright Sky as she fluffed her wings, ready to fly off.

"Yes, Mistress," MSC. Bright Sky saluted before walking away, hearing that MSC. Bright Sky exited her room; Celestia turned around, making sure nopony was in her room, and the door was shut. Magically locking her door, Celestia flew off to Ponyville.

"It's weird that Luna didn't return last night. Ponyville is in sight of Canterlot. Luna assured me the creature; this Julius wouldn't cause harm to ponies unless he had to defend himself. Besides, it's Luna; I doubt he could do anything to her," Celestia thought, wondering why Luna didn't return to the castle last night. "Maybe she got drunk? No, that's silly; Luna's more responsible than that. Even if she did, she's more than capable of flying from The Golden Oak Library to the castle. What possibly could have kept her away from the castle?" Celestia internally questioned as she landed outside The Golden Oak Library. "It's early, but I'm sure Twilight's already up," Celestia chuckled to herself as she softly knocked on the door. "Twilight, it's Celestia," Celestia softly announced as she knocked. Celestia heard a soft swift *pitter-patter* rushing to the door, clearly not Twilight's.

"Greetings, Your Majesty" Spike quietly welcomes Celestia as he opens the door. "Twilight is still asleep upstairs," Spike tells Celestia as she walks in.

"Oh really?" Celestia questions as Spike shuts the door. Sniffing the air, Celestia can make out the slightest hint of musk, many different scents mixed in but obviously to Celestia, Luna's was in there as well. "Tell me, Spike, do you know where my sister Luna is?" Celestia asked, already knowing Luna was there.

"Oh Luna, she's upstairs. Last I saw of her, Luna and Zecora went into the same bedroom. I think Julius followed after them, but I'm not sure," Spike told Celestia as her ears perked up. "I'm not sure where Twilight is, though. She was in her bed when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, she wasn't there. I think she's in the room with the others, but Twilight forbade me from going in there," Spike told Celestia as he scratched the back of his head. Celestia keeping her composure, gently placed a wing on Spike's back.

"Spike, wait outside; I'm going to get Twilight. Once Twilight comes out, do what she says," Celestia commands Spike as she walks up the stairs. *Clip-Clop, Clip-Clop, Clip-Clop* Celestia's hoof steps softly echoed through the library. Walking right up to the bedroom door, the musk coming from the room being so heavy, Celestia could nearly taste it. Trying the nob, it refused to bulge; smirking, Celestia magically unlocks the door. Opening the door, Celestia walks into quite a sight. Laying on the bed facing the door, Luna, Twilight, and a zebra cuddled up to a naked creature.

Smirking widely, Celestia quietly walks up to the creature; standing between the creature's legs, Celestia looks right at the creature's stallionhood. "Well, Luna wasn't lying. You are quite an impressive stallion" Celestia silently chuckles as she slips out of her golden horseshoes. Sitting down between the creature's legs, Celestia raises her front right hoof, softly resting it on the creature's balls. Celestia lightly fondles them. "You have no idea how long it's been," Celestia smirks, feeling the balls beneath her hoof, "since I've had a stallion to toy with," Celestia sighs. Beginning to lift her left hoof as well, Celestia notices the mares starting to stir. Quickly withdrawing her hoofs, Celestia quickly slips her horseshoes back on and steps back from the creature.

"Morning already?" Twilight yawns before softly nuzzling Julius' neck. "I should get up. I have a busy day today," Twilight yawns before kissing Julius on his cheek. Softly sliding out of bed, still sleepy-eyed, Twilight walks right into Celestia's peytral. Freezing in place, Twilight slowly looks up, meeting Celestia's gaze.

"Good morning, Twilight, I take it you had a" Celestia smugly smirks, "pleasurable night," she chuckles, looking right past Twilight.

"P-p-princess Celestia, what a surprise," Twilight stammers before following her gaze "don't hurt him" Twilight nearly stumbles over her words as she sees Celestia looking at Julius.

"Twilight, calm down," a sleepy awakening Luna moans. Sliding out of bed, Luna clears her eyes only to see Celestia. "Oh, you're here. A little late, aren't you, sister," Luna tells Celestia while she still awakens.

"I'd say you're too early, sister," Celestia coyly shoots back, much to Twilight's amusement. Sliding out of bed, Zecora cleans the sleep from her eyes.

"I know it is the morning after, and we're all a bit sore. We should be quiet, though, as I can hear our lover's snore," Zecora remarks as she cleans herself up. Turning around, Zecora spots Celestia. "Ah, the princess of the sun is here," Zecora remarks before noticing Celestia is looking at Julius, "Julius is our lover, please his flesh don't seer," Zecora requests as Julius slowly stirs.

"Would you all please shut up" a grumpy Julius groans, his eyes still closed. "I'm not a morning person," he grunts in pain as sunlight hits his eyelids, making Luna snicker. "Would somebody, anybody turn down the sun? It's too bright," Julius grunts in slight pain before blindly grabbing a pillow and throwing it over his eyes. Hearing his grumbling Twilight and Zecora recoil in shock. Sure he was asleep but saying that right before Celestia was unheard of. Luna, for her part, was biting her tongue, trying not to laugh. Celestia managed to keep her mask on, if only just.

"Everypony, leave the room," Celestia calmly says, making Twilight's and Zecora's eyes go wide while Luna just breaths deeply. Luna, looking at Twilight, and Zecora calmly nods her head in a show of assurance. Watching Twilight and Zecora leave the room, Luna walks up to Celestia, standing right next to her Luna leans close to Celestia's ear.

"I know it's been a while for you, but please, sister, be gentle with him," Luna whispers to Celestia. "He might be grumpy, but he is important to me," Luna tells Celestia. Eyeing the hat with Luna's feather in it, Celestia chuckles softly.

"I can tell. Don't worry, sister. He'll be fine, exhausted but fine," Celestia tells Luna, a devilish grin growing on her face. "Tell Twilight and the others that The Golden Oak Library is closed for the day and that under no circumstance is anycreature to come in," Celestia tells Luna.

"Celestia, I wouldn't let anycreature see what you do with stallions in your bedchamber. I see enough messed up dreams, and I don't need to see you in those dreams as well," Luna rolls her eyes before leaving the room. Magically locking the door behind Luna, Celestia walks back up to Julius, once again slipping off her horseshoes. Standing before Julius, Celestia again sits down on her ass and lifts her front hooves. Softly placing her right hoof on Julius' balls and her left at the tip of his cock.

"Now that we're alone, I can get started," Celestia giggled as she began to fondle Julius' cock and balls. Celestia started to roll around Julius' balls, getting a good feeling for their weight and feel while softly pressing her right hoof down. Gently rubbing Julius' cock with her left hoof Celestia teased Julius' cock up to its full size. "Well, it is nice that Twilight and Luna had some fun; it is a shame they left you nearly empty," Celestia coyly lamented as she fondled his balls beneath her right hoof. "That's ok; I know the spell made by Domina Trix" Celestia smirked as she started to charge a spell. A golden glow enveloped Julius' balls as Celestia's spell started. Julius began to stir as warmth enveloped his balls.

"Uhn. W-what's going on?" Julius asked in a daze as he awoke. Seeing Julius starting to awaken, Celestia slid her left hoof down the length of Julius' erect cock and onto his balls, Celestia's hooves trapping one ball under each. Feeling both a warmth filling his balls and a weight on them, Julius threw the pillow off his head and sat up. Clearing his eyes, Julius looks right into Celestia's magenta eyes. "Would you remove your hooves?" Julius asks as he notices Celestia's cutie mark. "I believe I should be fleeing from you right now," Julius states as he realizes who the pony is.

"Now, why would you think that you need to flee from me?" Celestia teasingly asked as she softly massaged Julius' balls and ended her spell. "Is it that my light is too bright? Should I turn it down?" Celestia jokingly asks as she firmly caresses Julius' balls. Realizing his situation, Julius tries to think of a way out.

"Ok, ok, look, I think we got off on the wrong hoof, but-" Julius starts.

"Oh no, I think we got off on exactly the hoof I wanted," Celestia interrupts. "Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've had a stallion to toy with?" Celestia asks while massaging Julius' balls. "Sure, the Solar Guard do their job quite well, but thanks to them, I've had no stallions to toy with. Do you have any idea how boring paperwork is? It's so much better having a stallion's tongue at work lavishing your pussy while your hooves are working over his stallionhood while doing paperwork" Celestia starts to rant as she starts to get rougher with Julius' balls. Heavily working over Julius's heavy full balls, Celestia starts to fly above Julius.

"Y-yes, that does sound, *mhhhph*-" Julius starts to say before Celestia sits down on Julius' head.

"If you understand, then get started," Celestia commands as she wiggles her flank, her pussy right above Julius' mouth. Slowly licking his tongue out, Julius starts to lick Celestia's pussy. "That's a good stallion," Celestia coos as she feels Julius' tongue against her pussy. "Smaller and thinner than a pony's but so much more precise," Celestia moans as she takes Julius' cock between her front hooves. Tenderly stroking Julius' cock between her hooves Celestia slowly teases Julius' cock, the soft undersides of her hooves feeling like warm plush pillows. Feeling the stroking of Celestia's hooves, Julius starts to thrust his hips, humping against Celestia's hooves.

"Well, aren't you a desperate stallion" Celestia giggled and moaned as she felt Julius's tongue flick against her pussy. Grinding her pussy down, Celestia deftly stroked Julius' twitching cock. "How many moons has it been since I've had a stallion like this?" Celestia cooed to herself as she teased the tip of Julius's cock. "At least nine hundred moons," Celestia answered herself as her deft hooves rhythmically massaged Julius' cock. "Be that as it may, my skill hasn't waned," Celestia chuckled as her hooves teasingly stroked Julius' cock.

"*Mhhhph*" Julius muffled his tongue buried in Celestia's pussy as her juices coated his tongue.

"Oh, be quiet down there," Celestia admonished as she ground her pussy into Julius' mouth and tongue. "All you need to concern yourself with is servicing your princess," Celestia commanded as she levitated a large desk to her. Setting it down in front of her, Celestia teleported some unimportant paperwork onto the desk. "Ah, I've missed this pleasure," Celestia cooed as she felt Julius' tongue go deeper into her pussy. "Doing paperwork has always been so much better when I've had a stallion eagerly lavishing me," Celestia pleasingly huffs. Levitating a quill, Celestia starts doing paperwork while her deft hooves stroke Julius' cock.

"Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork," Celestia laments as she works through a sheet of paperwork. "Honestly, if ponies knew how much paperwork there was, they'd never wish for this job," Celestia sighs as her hooves tease Julius's cock to its edge, pre-cum dribbling out from the tip. "What can one do but do it herself?" Celestia sighs in pleasure as she feels Julius' tongue flick against her clit. "My little ponies could never bring themselves to do this mind-numbing work or to mediate in such disputes," Celestia moans as she flicks through the paperwork. Finding a paper, she smirks. "Like this one here. Some lesser unimportant noble wants to raise the taxes on carrots in his fief by one percent. While the merchants don't want the raise, and the farmers don't care either way. What of you, what would you do? Pass the raise or deny it?" Celestia coyly asks, raising her hips enough for Julius to speak.

"*Haaa, haaa, haaa*" Julius can only pant his hot, moist breath kissing Celestia's dripping pussy. "I-I would, *mhhhph*" Julius starts before being cut off by Celestia pressing her pussy back against his mouth. Grinding her pussy into his mouth Celestia grins as she once again feels Julius' tongue against her moist folds.

"See what I mean," Celestia taunts as she slides her hooves onto Julius' balls. "You couldn't make the decision. That's ok, though," Celestia coos as she fondles Julius' balls, letting his pre-cum run down his cock. "Your loving, caring princess is here to take care of all those decisions for you," Celestia condescendingly reassures while edgingly massaging Julius's balls. "Just look at you, a strange, unknown being, in a land unknown to you. Filled with beings that exist only in your mythology, and here I am, a princess giving you her favor and protection, allowing you to eat her out," Celestia chuckles as she roughly teases Julius's balls. "Oh, how rude of me. You just woke up and haven't had a proper breakfast yet, have you? Do you want breakfast, my little human?" Celestia coyly cooed as she lifted her pussy up again.

"*Haaa, haaa, haaa* Y-yes please," Julius pants, his voice moist and dripping with lust.

"Is that how you ask your princess for something?" Celestia leadingly asked, emphasizing choice words.

"Y-yes, my princess," Julius begs, his head swimming in lust. Levitating herself and Julius up, Celestia moves herself to be sitting on the edge of the bed while having Julius kneeling between her legs. Breaking the spell, Celestia looked down at the kneeling Julius.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Celestia asked as she exposed her teats to Julius. "You wanted breakfast, so start sucking," Celestia commanded Julius.

"T-there's no milk," Julius panted, his wet breath caressed Celestia's nipples. Looking down at Julius, Celestia sighs.

"I have a spell for that. An old family friend and Equestria's first wet nurse Milky Way made this spell long ago," Celestia began to explain as she started charging a spell, golden glow enveloping her nipples. "She taught it to mares all over Equestria. It's a staple in maternity wards," Celestia told Julius as the glow dissipated and milk started dribbling from her nipples. "Now be a good little stallion and drink," Celestia motherly commanded while looking expectantly at Julius. Slowly bringing his head to Celestia's milky nipples, Julius took a nervous breath, the tart taste of Celestia's juices still in his mouth. Flicking his tongue against Celestia's left nipple, Julius gets a taste of Celestia's milk. Rich and smooth, her milk tasted heavily of vanilla with a soft hint of cinnamon. Enjoying the taste, Julius laches onto Celestia's left nipple and starts desperately suckling her milk.

"Good little stallion," Celestia coos as she feels Julius suckle her left nipple for milk; while hanging her hind hooves off the side of the bed and sitting upright. Brushing her hind hooves against Julius's twitching cock Celestia's eyes go wide as she feels Julius suckle harder. "Well, you were right on edge, weren't you?" Celestia knowingly asks as she feels Julius's cock twitch and shoots cum over her hooves. "Either that or you love my hooves," Celestia giggles as she presses her hind hooves against Julius's softening cock. Deftly massaging Julius's cock Celestia gets his cock hard right away. Teasing Julius's cock Celestia smirked at the kneeling, nursing human.

Levitating the desk and paperwork back to her, Celestia places the desk down so that Julius is kneeling under the desk. Levitating a quill, Celestia gets back to her minor paperwork while Julius suckles her nipples.

"*Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm*". Celestia pleasantly hums as she feels the milk flow from her nipples. Rubbing Julius's cock between her hind hooves, Celestia losses herself in the pleasure of Julius's suckling and the pleasure of dominating a stallion while she does the minor paperwork.

Suckling hard from Celestia's milky nipples, Julius savors the rich taste of Celestia's milk. The vanilla-cinnamon flavor was soothing him into pure relaxation as he humps Celestia's hind hooves. Rolling the milk and Celestia's nipples around in his mouth, Julius drinks down the nourishing milk as Celestia's hooves stroke, tease, and edge his cock. Right on the edge of orgasm, Julius tries to hump faster and harder, but when he tries, Celestia lowers her hooves, softly pressing her hooves into Julius' balls. Softly, teasingly grinding her hooves into Julius's balls, Celestia's practiced hooves put just enough weight on her hooves to hold Julius right on the line of pain and pleasure. Holding her hooves down just long enough to stop Julius from cumming, Celestia returns her hooves to Julius's cock.

Going through the paperwork swiftly, Celestia alternates between stroking Julius's cock and softly stepping on his balls, keeping Julius's cock dribbling pre-cum. Paper after paper get's signed, approved, or disapproved as Celestia toys with Julius' cock and balls; the soft undersides of Celestia's hooves giving Julius a nearly torturous amount of pleasure. Pulling his mouth away from Celestia's milky nipples, he lets his tongue flick against her milky nubs.

"*Haaa, haaa, haaa* O-ok, I'm full," a lust-addled Julius moaned, his mind entirely taken by the throes of lust. Sliding her hips forward, exposing her drenched pussy to Julius.

"What do you say?" Celestia asks, wiggling her hips. "How do you thank somecreature who just fed them?" Celestia dominatingly asks as her musk drives Julius's lust harder.

"T-thank you for breakfast, my princess," Julius pants, his breath heavy with lust. Moving his head closer to Celestia's exposed pussy, Julius slowly opens his mouth, tongue ready. Feeling Julius's breath on her pussy Celestia shifts her hips back, hiding her pussy.

"Now, now, now, I did not say you could go back to eating me out, did I?" Celestia coyly asks. "If you are that thirsty, then beg me," Celestia smugly commands, her hooves firmly pressing into Julius's balls.

"P-please. Please let me serve you in this way, my princess," Julius begs desperately as Celestia's musk keeps driving him deeper into the throes of lust.

"Very good, my little human," Celestia smugly grins. "You may proceed," Celestia tells Julius as she once again reveals her pussy to him. Wasting no time, Julius brings his face right to Celestia's pussy and starts feverishly licking. Lapping up Celestia's juices, Julius drowns in complete lust, humping wildly against Celestia's hooves.

"O-oh my!" Celestia yelps in pleasure. "You really were thirsty, were you?" Celestia asks as she grinds. Her pussy into Julius's face. "Of course you were. You love your princess, don't you?" Celestia smugly states as she swiftly strokes Julius's cock, allowing the heavily edged Julius to cum. Shooting thick ropes of cum over Celestia's hind legs and hooves, Celestia milks Julius's cock. "Of course you do," Celestia smugly states as she feels Julius's cum paint her hind legs. "Surely you have more in you for your beloved princess?" Celestia coyly asks Julius as she uses Domina Trix's spell to refill Julius's balls completely.

Feeling a familiar heat coming from the core of his balls, Julius humps against Celestia's hooves harder and faster. As he feels his balls fill back up, Julius eagerly drives his tongue against Celestia's pussy. Eagerly licking Celestia's pussy, Julius's arms wrap around Celestia's waist. Julius's tongue delves deeper into Celestia's pussy, as he pulls her further into himself. Celestia's juices were flowing liberally as Julius eagerly, lovingly eats Celestia out.

"Good little stallion, good little stallion," Celestia coos as she feels Julius's hands against her flanks. Feeling Julius's hands caress her flanks, Celestia's hooves playfully toy with Julius's cock. "I hope you are ready; I have a full day planned for us," Celestia grins as her hooves tease Julius' cock.

The day marches on, with Julius buried underneath Celestia in some way. Be it kneeling under her with his head between her legs with Celestia's hind hooves toying with his cock and balls. Or with Celestia laying right on top of Julius, his tongue feverishly eating Celestia out while her forehooves tease his cock and balls. All the while, Celestia was doing minor paperwork.

"Oh, look at the time," Celestia coos as she looks out the window. Sun setting, Celestia stands up, freeing Julius from underneath her.

"*Ahhh, haaa, haaa*" Julius pants, his face covered in Celestia's juices and milk. Walking off Twilight's bed, Celestia's legs and hooves were covered entirely in Julius's cum.

"Well, we can't stay looking like this. Follow me, my little human. I shall allow you to clean me up," Celestia commands as an exhausted, lust-addled Julius tries to follow. Julius falls over himself, his body tired from servicing Celestia. As he fell, Celestia's magic caught Julius. "Oh, you poor little human, you poor fragile stallion. Here let your loving princess do it for you," Celestia smirks as she levitates Julius to the washroom. Filling the tub with water, Celestia sits Julius down on a stool while she walks into the tub. Heating the water, Celestia looks right at a breathless Julius.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Your princess needs to be cleaned," Celestia tells Julius as she lays down in the tub. Shakily walking to the tub, Julius steps in with Celestia. Sitting down, Julius grabs a brush and some shampoo. Squirting a large glob of shampoo on his hands, Julius starts massaging it into Celestia's coat. The soft scent of lilacs fills the room as Julius massages the shampoo in and massages Celestia's body. "Well, you are quite skilled at this. Those hands of yours sure are useful," Celestia coos as Julius massages her body. Running the brush through Celestia's coat, the shampoo washes right out along with Julius's cum.

"Good job, my little human. Now sit down, let your princess take care of you," Celestia commands as she levitates a cloth and some shampoo to Julius. Being washed by magic felt weird, like a firm, warm touch was pressing against him, just hard enough to feel pleasurable but never too hard. The feeling of pony shampoo equally felt weird. It felt thick and heavy but felt soft and smooth. It seemed to be a mixture of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Closing his eyes, Julius lets the scent of lilacs and Celestia's magical washing overtake him. Getting lost in the scent and pleasure, Julius looks around almost franticly as he feels Celestia's magic disappear. "It's ok, my little human, you're clean now. Let us dry off and go clean up Twilight's room," Celestia tells Julius as she steps out of the tub while levitating Julius out. "I think you know what to do," Celestia says while looking at Julius.

"Yes, my princess," Julius breathily responds while grabbing a towel. While drying off Celestia, Julius massages Celestia with the towel, savoring every one of her curves. Sure, she may seem to have a little extra weight to some, but Celestia just naturally had a curvaceous body. Toweling her down, Julius steps back and looks over Celestia.

"Good stallion, my little human" Celestia smiles at Julius while levitating a towel to him. "Now, just stand there and relax," Celestia commands as she dries him off. The magical toweling off felt fantastic, like a plush angelic hug. Savoring the toweling off, Julius closes his eyes just as Celestia finishes drying him off. "Good stallion," Celestia cooed after she put the towel into the clothes bin. "Now, let us go up to the bedroom to clean it up," Celestia commands as she leads Julius up to the spare room.

Entering the bedroom, Julius stumbles to his clothes. As he got dressed, Julius hears a bunch of magical whirling. Finishing getting dressed, Julius looks around. He sees the room is perfectly cleaned and a fully adorned Celestia looking sideways at him.

"You seem to be quite taken by fashion, don't you?" Celestia giggled.

"I don't have fur. I need clothes to stay warm and to cover up," Julius explains to Celestia as she leads him downstairs.

"I see. That sounds very inconvenient," Celestia comments as she walks up to the front door. "Well, today's meeting has been enlightening. I can safely confirm to the court that you are no danger to anypony. We should do this again sometime," Celestia smirks as she eyes Julius's crotch. "Remember though, you speak of this to nocreature," Celestia firmly tells Julius as she opens the door. Walking outside, Celestia and Julius spot Twilight, Luna, Spike, and Zecora walking back to The Golden Oak Library.

"Princess Celestia, Julius!" Twilight excitedly yells as she runs up to the pair. "Everything went ok?" Twilight asks while Luna knowingly smiles at Celestia.

"Yes, Twilight, everything went just fine. Though there will be future meetings between Julius and myself," Celestia tells Twilight as she gets ready to fly off to Canterlot. "Are you coming, Luna?" Celestia asks.

"Not tonight, sister," Luna tells Celestia as she walks up to Julius and Twilight.

"Very well. Until we meet again, have a good rest," Celestia chirps as she flies off to Canterlot.

"How are you feeling?" Luna sympathetically asks Julius.

"Exhausted. In literally every way exhausted," Julius tiredly pants as he turns back to head back into The Golden Oak. "Twilight, I know I'm imposing, but I'm staying the night again. I'd say my day's over, but it never really started," a tired Julius panted as Luna walked up to him to brace him. "Thank you," Julius said, looking at Luna.

"It's ok," Twilight says, looking away blushing "does that mean," Twilight says, trailing off.

"No, not tonight. Tonight I just want to sleep," Julius said as he and Luna walked into The Golden Oak and upstairs.

"We should follow after. Where are those two going, to the spare or the master?" Zecora chuckles while looking at Twilight before following after.

"Meh, why not, Spike come on," Twilight tells Spike as the two enter The Golden Oak.

"Finally. After nine hundred moons, I finally have a way to get a stallion to play with, a stallion to dominate. I'll have to stop by for some work time with Julius" Celestia chuckled to herself as she flew into Canterlot Castle. Landing on her balcony with a soft *clip-clop*, Celestia walks into her room and magically unlocks her door. "Magistri Solar Cohortis Bright Sky, come here," Celestia said aloud, guessing the MSC. Bright Sky was right outside her room.

"You called Mistress" MSC. Bright Sky responded, entering the room with a salute before bowing down to the floor.

"There is a new resident in Ponyville. This is a new creature to Equestria. He is a human; his name is Julius. He looks somewhat like a smaller slender minotaur with no fur. He is a full citizen of Equestria," Celestia tells MSC. Bright Sky.

"He accepted Your Royal Highness as his princess Mistress?" MSC. Bright Sky asked for confirmation.

"Yes, he did," Celestia confirmed with pride and satisfaction.

"As you command Mistress" MSC. Bright Sky confirmed.

"I'm glad you understand. Tell the rest of the ponies in the various guards about him and that he's a full citizen. Dismissed," Celestia told MSC. Bright Sky. Having ended her bow MSC. Bright Sky stands up, salutes, and leaves Celestia's room.

Walking up to her bed Celestia crawls up on her bed before laying down and going to sleep.

Chapter 13: A New Day, a Plan, and Sparring

Blinking blurry-eyed, Julius slowly woke up. Trying to stretch, Julius felt his limbs constrained and a light, furry warmth around his body. Slowly Julius looked around himself. Looking right ahead, Julius looked right into Luna's sleeping face. Looking around his body, Julius saw his body being enveloped by Luna's legs. Her forelegs wrapped around his neck in a slightly awkward hug. Her hind legs wrapped over his legs, holding him firm to her. Wiggling his body, Julius found that he could only barely move.

"W-well *nyaaan* you're comfy enough," Julius yawned before nuzzling his face into the side of Luna's neck, falling slowly back to sleep, a comforting scent comes into the room. "Smells like they're making breakfast. *nyaaan* J-just a few more minutes" Julius yawned into Luna's neck before falling back to sleep. After some time, Julius slowly wakes back up. Eyes slowly blinking awake, Julius brushes his cheek along Luna's neck before opening his eyes. Looking right into Luna's eyes, Luna softly smiled.

"Slept well?" Luna knowingly asked while stifling a giggle.

"Yes, thank you," Julius responded, slightly blushing. "Please tell me you're not going to be like Celestia?" Julius asks to Luna's amusement.

"Don't worry. My sister might be a bit of a dominatrix, but I'm not," Luna tells Julius while laughing. "Was it really that bad?" Luna asks between giggles.

"Well, I wouldn't call it bad per se, but it was a lot rougher than I was expecting. She made it very clear she was on top. The stories about her must be wild," A laughing Julius told Luna.

"One thousand moons ago they were. My sister has told me that she hasn't had any stallion in roughly nine hundred moons. Back then, it wasn't uncommon to find my sister in the privy chambers or her office being eating out by a stallion while doing paperwork. She had a real reputation for being..." Luna started to explain while trying to remember something "I believe stallions called her a 'motherly dominatrix' or something like that, judging from the look on your face, I'd say that's still true," Luna told Julius, who held an agreeing look on his face.

"Well, that's one way to put it. I'd hate to imagine what she'd do if you were to deny her" Julius chuckled. "Anyways, I think we may be a little late for breakfast, but I'd still like something to eat," Julius told Luna while softly caressing her forelegs.

"O-oh right, sorry," Luna softly yelped in surprise before releasing Julius from her embrace.

"It's alright; you're a good hugger, warm, and quite comfy," Julius complements while getting out of bed.

"And you're quite nice to hug and quite cool," Luna blushed as she watched Julius get dressed. Getting out of bed herself, Luna slipped into her silver horseshoes.

"Here, allow me," Julius told Luna as he grabbed her peytral. Sliding it over Luna's head Julius gave the blushing mare a quick kiss before heading towards the door. "Coming?" Julius asked before heading downstairs. Following Julius, Luna and Julius walked downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Good morning, lovers," a bubbly voice sang out.

"Pinkie Pie, is that you? What are you doing here?" Julius bewilderedly asked.

"I came here to help," Pinkie Pie started to explain, bouncing towards Julius. "I mean, you are going after all of us. Twilight, Zecora, and" Pinkie Pie turned to Luna and began to giggle, "Luna, all seem quite happy with you. So why wouldn't the rest of us? Besides, we all made an agreement, and Twilight's a part of it," Pinkie Pie explained as Twilight and Zecora entered the kitchen.

"Pinkie Pie, I didn't agree to anything," Twilight immediately told Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, Twilight, don't be silly. You agreed as soon as you became our friend," Pinkie Pie laughed as she looked at Julius. "So stud, who's next on your list? Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Dashy, Me," Pinkie Pie asked, giggling.

"Well, somehow, you seem to know everything. What's your suggestion?" Julius asked Pinkie Pie as he and Luna walked to the table.

"Perhaps I can be of some help?" Twilight offered as she went to get Luna and Julius some pancakes. "The other day, while we were at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack told me everything," Twilight started to explain as she gave the pair some cooled pancakes and syrup. "Each of them has something they're looking for in a stud. For Rarity, you have to like fashion; for Fluttershy, you have to like animals; for Applejack, you have to be a hard worker. For Rainbow Dash, you have to be the best, but she shortened it to beat her in a race; for Pinkie Pie, you have to make us all happy," Twilight told Julius as he and Luna ate the pancakes.

"So by default, Pinkie Pie is last then. Rarity is out for now. Applejack will take time. That leaves Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy," Julius says between bites.

"Awww, why am I last?" Pinkie Pie moans.

"Because I have to make the other mares happy," Julius tells Pinkie Pie. "Before you ask, Rarity is for later because she's working on clothing for me. I'd rather not interrupt her if possible to allow her to concentrate; she does seem like a perfectionist. For Applejack, I'll probably have to do a lot of farm work," Julius rubbing his arms as he says that "I hurt all over just thinking about it. So that leaves Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I already like animals on the whole, but I suspect she means more than just that. I'll probably just have to spend some time with her. If all Rainbow Dash needs me to do is beat her in a race that sounds like the quickest to do, I'll start with her," Julius says as Twilight and Pinkie Pie looked in shock at him. "What?" Julius asked.

"Rainbow Dash is the fastest pegasus there is," Twilight tells Julius. "You can't beat her in a race," Twilight tells a grinning Julius.

"Oh really, tell me more about Rainbow Dash," a grinning Julius requests.

"Well, she's the fastest, most loyal, most competitive pegasus there is. No pony I know is more athletic than her!" Pinkie Pie explains.

"That sounds impressive. So Rainbow Dash is all that and humble?" Julius leadingly asks.

"Hah! Dashy is one of the least humble ponies I know. Well, to be fair, she can back up her boasting," Pinkie Pie tells Julius before sneaking a pancake off him.

"So you're telling me Rainbow Dash is a competitive, athletic, over-confident pony, correct?" Julius asks for confirmation.

"More or less, that's what Pinkie Pie said. It's pretty accurate," Twilight confirmed while giving Julius a puzzled look. "Why are you smiling?" Twilight asked a smiling Julius.

"I have reasons. Did Rainbow Dash give any restrictions on the race? Like does it have to be a specific kind of race, any time limits, can it take place anywhere?" Julius asks while holding his smile.

"Nope, no restrictions like that at all. All Dashy said was, 'The stallion must be able to beat me in a race,' that's it," Pinkie Pie told Julius while making an extremely accurate Rainbow Dash impression.

"Perfect!" Julius exclaimed, his voice dripping with glee. "I can beat her in a race; I know it," Julius says with surprising confidence, much to Twilight's and Pinkie Pie's dismay.

"Didn't you hear Pinkie Pie? Rainbow Dash is the fastest pegasus there is. The only ponies that would possibly beat her in a race, any race, would be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna!" Twilight exclaims to a grinning Julius.

"Oh, Twilight, how wrong you are. There's an easy way to beat Rainbow Dash in a race; no cheating is required. Trust me; I have a plan," Julius says, grinning as he looks at Zecora. The two shared a look for a moment before Zecora returns Julius's grin.

"The place you are thinking of would work. I can see now why you smirk," Zecora seems to confirm with Julius as the other mares in the room just look at him.

"Great, now let's finish eating, then go find Rainbow Dash," Julius says as he resumes his breakfast. Swiftly finishing their breakfast, Julius and Luna lead the rest of the mares outside. Recoiling slightly as the morning sun hits his eyes, Julius shakes his head and blinks before looking ahead.

"You're not a morning 'person,' are you?" Luna giggled while tasting the word person.

"I'm not, I'm not. Anyways where can we find Rainbow Dash?" Julius asked while slightly shielding his eyes.

"Probably around the swimming hole," Twilight told Julius, "follow me," Twilight tells Julius as she leads the way. Walking through Ponyville, the group gets quite a few looks. The group can hear whispers and murmurs, but the gossip gets ignored. The walk is pretty quiet and pleasant for the most part. As the group saw the swimming hole, Pinkie Pie sprung to life.

"There's Dashy!" Pinkie Pie exclaims while seemingly suspended in the air. "Rainbow Dash~!" Pinkie Pie sings before seemingly literally bolting to Rainbow Dash.

"I wonder," Julius says, trailing off as he stares where Pinkie Pie was. "Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie, Pinkie Pie," Julius says in rapid secession. Looking around him expectantly, Julius sees no Pinkie Pie. "Damn, I thought that would work," Julius chuckles before following after Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Rainbow Dash exclaims as she is nearly hug-tackled by an oncoming Pinkie Pie. "Pinkie Pie, what's up?" Rainbow Dash asked while flying just out of Pinkie Pie's reach.

"Oh, not much. I just came here with some friends," Pinkie Pie tells Rainbow Dash while bouncing around her.

"Doesn't that get tiring, always flying?" Julius asks as he and the mares approach Rainbow Dash.

"Nah, besides, flying is better than walking or standing," Rainbow Dash quickly responds while turning to face the group. "So what's with the group?" Rainbow Dash asks, looking at everycreature.

"Well, I came by because I have business with you. The mares, well, they came for a show," Julius tells Rainbow Dash somewhat playfully.

"That so? Well, I have business with you," Rainbow Dash tells Julius flying right up to him. "Fluttershy said you took on six timberwolves by yourself. So come on, let's see what you got," Rainbow Dash tells Julius before landing a little ways away from him.

"Wait, are you saying you want to fight me?" A very bewildered Julius asks.

"Well, not fight spar, so come on," Rainbow Dash challenges, raising on her hind legs and punching the air a few times.

"This will end poorly for you, but ok, sure. Stand back, like twenty steps back," Julius tells the mares. Stretching out his limbs a bit, Julius turns to face Rainbow Dash. "Ready when you are," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he steadies his breath. Rainbow Dash wastes no time, charging right at Julius. At the last moment, Rainbow Dash darts to his side and lashes out with a wing. Julius easily catches her wing.

"Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?" A truly baffled Julius asked Rainbow Dash as he firmly held her wing.

"I-I'm using a pegasus martial art," a strained Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she tries to free her wing.

"This is a fake martial art. It fails completely against a resisting opponent. Even more so against a creature that has hands. Or a creature that can grab things. This sparing match is over; I won. If it were to continue, my next move would be to break your wing," as if to illustrate his point, Julius tightens his grip on Rainbow Dash's wing.

"*Ahhhg* Ok, I get it," Rainbow Dash yelped before Julius freed her wing.

"Trust me; I know more about this stuff than you think. We humans have a lot of martial arts, many are fake, or for show or only work against a willing opponent," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he deftly leaps back a few paces away from Rainbow Dash and towards Luna.

"So what, are you saying I shouldn't use my wings?" Rainbow Dash asked while flapping her wing a few times.

"Not really. Use your wings, just not like that. Use them for mobility and mobility only. Here look at Luna's hooves," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he lightly grabs one of Luna's hooves. Raising her hoof, Luna lets Julius hold it in his hand. "See how she's wearing silver horseshoes. Now, if those were made of hard metal or something like that, and she dove down on a creature," Julius leadingly starts while staring at Rainbow Dash.

"It would cause a lot of damage," Rainbow Dash finishes.

"Exactly," Julius says, letting go of Luna's hoof. Softly brushing his hand against her cheek, Julius walks a bit towards Rainbow Dash. "Now, let's try this again this time; however, fight smarter, not harder," Julius tells Rainbow Dash, giving Twilight a quick look at 'smarter' before looking back at Rainbow Dash.

"Ok, you asked for it," Rainbow Dash said before energetically charging at Julius. The two sparred for several rounds each round Rainbow Dash tried something different every attempt Julius somehow counters. "Ok, I'll admit you're pretty good," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she picks herself up off the ground.

"Pretty good, I think that makes it four wins to zero," Julius told Rainbow Dash, slightly laughing.

"I think I can see what you're trying to do," Luna says, looking at Julius. "Perhaps I can give some guidance," Luna offers, looking at Rainbow Dash. "Listen to me, and it'll go better for you," Luna tells Rainbow Dash. The two resume their sparing with Luna, offering guidance to Rainbow Dash. Round after round, Julius wins; dancing around Rainbow Dash's offense, deft movements, and decisive counters, Julius conserves most of his energy while Rainbow Dash expends hers. Rainbow Dash puts up more and more of a challenge with each round. Scoring light glancing blows and becoming harder to peg down, Rainbow Dash's style slowly morphs into something different.

"Ok, I think we'll end it here for today," Julius says, slightly panting.

"No, way," a heavily panting Rainbow Dash says, picking herself up off the ground.

"Rainbow, it's been twenty rounds. I won every round. We're both getting tired out. If we continue, then there's a good chance one of us, probably you will get hurt. Sure healing magic is a thing, but I'd prefer to avoid pain if possible," Julius explains to Rainbow Dash. "Besides, we can pick this up another day. It'll take weeks, months, maybe years to finish this," Julius tells Rainbow Dash while looking at a knowing Luna.

"What, years! Finish what?" Rainbow Dash exclaims through panting breaths.

"This whole time, Julius and I have been guiding you to a different style. This style seems to borrow aspects of styles from his world" Luna looks at Julius, who just nods. "It looks like he's helping you to make a better style," Luna tells Rainbow Dash as Twilight gets them some water and Pinkie Pie gets them some cookies.

"More or less, that's right," Julius says, grabbing a levitating cup of water. Drinking down the water, Julius collects his breath. "Now Rainbow Dash, on to my business with you," Julius says while Rainbow Dash drinks several cups of water. "I want to race you," Julius tells Rainbow Dash, who nearly chokes on her water.

"Look, you might be a great fighter, but I'm the fastest pony around," Rainbow Dash tells Julius while clearing her throat.

"Oh, I know, I heard all about you. Rainbow Dash the fastest pony in Equestria. Honestly, that must be an understatement. You're the fastest creature on this planet!" Julius starts to compliment Rainbow Dash, who just blissfully nods in agreement. "I mean, it's obvious just look at you, just look at your cutie mark, a rainbow lightning bolt. It embodies speed, awesomeness. How could any pony even hope to be nearly as fast or awesome as you?" Julius continues to sing praises to Rainbow Dash, who is smiling widely. "I mean, honestly, Equestria should make an elite team of flyers for you to lead!" Julius tells Rainbow Dash, who comes right up to Julius.

"I know, right! I should already be a Wonderbolt!" Rainbow Dash, puffed up with pride, tells Julius.

"Who are they?" Julius asks with slight disdain in his voice.

"They're only the best flyers in Equestria!" Rainbow Dash tells Julius, who just looks at her.

"They can't be the best. You're not a Wonderbolt. How can they be the best if you're not one of them? After all, you're the best," Julius tells Rainbow Dash.

"I know, right; I'm going to join them as soon as I get the chance," a giddy Rainbow Dash tells Julius.

"I think they're afraid of you. That The Wonderbolts aren't letting you join until they get better. You know, so you don't completely show them up," Julius tells a pride-filled Rainbow Dash.

"You really think so?" Rainbow Dash excitedly asks Julius.

"Of course, do you have any idea who you are? You are Rainbow, the greatest pegasus around, oh who am I kidding, the greatest pegasus ever Dash!" Julius tells Rainbow Dash while the other mares look worriedly at each other.

"True, true, it's all true," Rainbow Dash says, flying around in pride. "So knowing this, why do you want to race me?" Rainbow Dash asks.

"Oh, come on now. Just racing you would be a great honor. I mean, honestly, nobody likes getting beat. But getting beat by the best, a pegasus so great that even alicorns would have great difficulty keeping up with; well that alone would be rewarding enough," Julius tells Rainbow Dash, who's flying high on pride.

"Well, if you put it like that, I guess I can give you the great honor of getting beat by me," Rainbow Dash tells Julius while smiling widely.

"Thank you, Rainbow Dash. If I may, though, could I pick where we race and what kind of race it is?" Julius asks the pride-filled mare.

"Why?" Rainbow Dash asks, head still figuratively in the clouds.

"Well, you can beat me anywhere, anytime, in any race. So what does it matter to you? I'll just be picking where I want to lose," Julius tells Rainbow Dash.

"Alright, I'll let you pick where you want to lose. So when do you want to race?" Rainbow Dash asks Julius.

"Well, let's have a short rest, some lunch, then race after our lunch has settled," Julius offered, giving Zecora a quick look. Zecora giving Julius a quick nod, walks off somewhere.

"Sure, I'm fine with that. So what do you want for lunch?" Rainbow Dash asks.

"Oh, I got that covered," Pinkie Pie says as she presents a fully laid out picnic spread.

"Well, that answers that. Come on now, lunch awaits, and I'm hungry," Julius tells the mares before walking towards the setup picnic.

"Wait, where's Zecora?" Twilight asks, noticing Zecora's absence.

"She's off somewhere preparing something now come on; lunch awaits," Julius tells Twilight. Shrugging and trusting Julius, the mares sit around the picnic. Laying on the blanket and grabbing various assorted foods, the group starts their lake-side picnic lunch.

Chapter 14: Time For a Picnic, and a Race

Sitting down at the laid-out blanket, the group starts to eat Pinkie Pie's prepared picnic lunch. Pinkie Pie prepared a wide array of food, many different flowery sandwiches, more normal ones, pastries galore, hay burgers, and fries. Looking over the foods, Julius spots something out of place.

"I-Is that meat?!?" Julius asks in shock as he looks over one of the hay burgers. Looking at each other, the ponies start laughing.

"Oh Julius, you're so funny," Pinkie Pie laughs. "It's fake meat. Every pony food place has some fake meat, in case we get visitors who eat meat," Pinkie Pie says, laughing before eating a fake meat burger as if to demonstrate her point.

"Oh, ok. That makes sense, but what about the buns? What are they made out of?" Julius asks, turning one of the fake meat burgers around in his hand. "I can't eat hay. Well, I can, but it doesn't do much for me," he explained while trying a bit of the fake meat.

"The fake meat burgers are made with wheat buns," Pinkie Pie tells Julius while pushing a few burgers and fries to him. "Don't worry; the fries are made from potatoes," Pinkie Pie assures Julius as he tries one of the burgers. "So, how are they?" Pinkie Pie asks, bouncing around Julius. Chewing a few bites, Julius gets a good taste before swallowing.

"Well, it's a bit grassy and grainy," Julius starts to explain while rocking his head as if to get a fuller taste "and could use some oil, but on the whole, not bad," Julius says before trying the fries. "Honestly, the fake meat we have is better, but we have a point of reference," Julius tells Pinkie Pie as he eats the extremely crispy fries.

"Meh, I'll take it," Pinkie Pie says as she starts eating several cupcakes in rapid succession.

Slowly eating several of the foods, Julius looks around at the ponies. Luna and Twilight, for the most part, are eating as he'd expect. Not exactly small bites but reserved bites, and eating quite flowery sandwiches. Luna's sandwich had many dark purple and light blue flowers. In comparison, Twilight's sandwich had many light purple and dark pink flowers. Pinkie Pie seemed to be eating every pastry at a sickening pace. Looking on in awe, Julius stopped eating for a few moments.

"Yeah, Pinkie Pie loves her pastries," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she grabs a fake meat burger. "She's always like that, eating everything with sugar in it," Rainbow Dash chuckles before taking a bite of the fake meat burger.

"Wait, you like those?" Julius asks, bewildered as Rainbow Dash eats the burger.

"Well yeah, there are a few ponies who like fake meat. Mostly those who live around creatures like gryphons, or athletes" Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she eats the burger.

"It's true, most of the guards have grain-meat with one of their meals," Luna confirms as she takes a grain-meat burger. As she tried it, Luna hummed in thought. "It is better than most I've had, but the royal cooks make them better," Luna says while looking at Pinkie Pie. "It's perfectly fine, Pinkie Pie; very few ponies have experience cooking fake meat," Luna tells her before finishing her burger.

"I have experience cooking fake meat," Julius pipes up between eating fries. "We do have different fake meats in my world. They're not all bad, but you can tell they're fake, well I can. I can't say I'm sure how they're made, though," Julius tells the ponies before adding some ketchup to a burger.

"Great, then I can use you to taste test my burgers!" Pinkie Pie chirps up between cupcakes.

"Well, if you're offering and it won't kill me, I won't say no to free food," Julius accepts as he eats another burger.

The picnic continues with Julius trying a bit of everything. The pastries tasted very good, if not a bit too sweet for his tastes. The flowery sandwiches tasted very odd, like a sandwich with only bread and lettuce with some soft flavoring. The hay burgers tasted much like a vegetarian burger with a very grassy bun. The fries tasted normal, a bit on the crunchy side but normal.

"Well, they're a bit different, but they mostly taste familiar. I think I'll be staying away from the flower sandwiches, though; I don't care for them," Julius said as he laid back. Relaxing in the late afternoon sun, Julius shuts his eyes.

"Hey, now don't start napping; you still have a race to lose," Rainbow Dash tells Julius poking his belly with a hoof.

"I'm not going to start napping. I'm just relaxing. We'll race in an hour; let lunch settle first" Julius chuckles as Rainbow Dash's hoof tickles him.

"Awww, is the human ticklish?" Rainbow Dash asks teasingly as Pinkie Pie bounces closer.

"I think he is!~" Pinkie Pie sings as she starts rubbing Julius' belly alongside Rainbow Dash.

"O-ok ok, stop it," Julius laughs as the two ponies tickle him.

"I think it's cute," Luna says with a hoof over her mouth, stifling a laugh.

"I agree. I didn't think you could look so cute," Twilight remarks chuckling.

"W-well maybe we," Julius brokenly starts laughing, "s-should be wrapped in ribbons," Julius tries and fails to stifle his laughter, "a-and cuddle puppies, since so cute we are," Julius laughs as the other ponies start laughing as well. "Ok, ok, enough," Julius laughs nearly in tears, "if you continue, we won't be able to race today" Julius tried to bargain.

"Alright, let's let the human rest Pinkie Pie," a laughing Rainbow Dash told a harder laughing Pinkie Pie.

"Alright, Dashy," Pinkie Pie conceded as the mares removed their hooves from Julius' belly. Settling down after the tickle attack, Julius laid down with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie flanking him. "Pinkie, somehow you seem to know everything involving anything relevant; think you can wake us up in an hour if we fall asleep?" Julius requests while looking at Pinkie Pie.

"Sure can do!" Pinkie Pie chirps in response.

"Great, thanks Pinkie Pie" Julius thanks as he lays his head back. Relaxing in the warm sunlight and the furry plushness of pony fur, Julius falls half asleep. Relaxing peacefully in the warmth and silence, Julius enjoys the moment while absentmindedly petting the ponies around him, their soft nickering keeping him from entirely falling asleep.

"Hey stud, an hour has passed!~" Pinkie Pie sings seductively while looking at Julius.

"Awww, but I'm comfy," Julius moans as he runs his hand through something plush and soft. Turning his head, Julius looks right in the eyes of a fiercely blushing Rainbow Dash. Feeling where his hand is, Julius realizes he's ruffling her barrel. "Well, if it's any consolation, it's quite soft," Julius smirks at Rainbow Dash while the other mares laugh.

"I know," Rainbow Dash shoots back before moving away from Julius. "Anyways, an hour is up, so let's race. Lead on to where you want to lose," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as he picks himself up.

"Alright, follow me. Pinkie Pie, you can clean this all up in an instant, right?" Julius says as he starts to walk towards Fluttershy's cottage. *BRRRM* A loud vacuum sounds behind him. Turning around, Julius sees nothing but Pinkie Pie holding a vacuum.

"Party vacuum cleans up parties in seconds flat!" Pinkie Pie chirps as she stores the vacuum away.

"Of course, a party vacuum, that's perfectly normal," Julius says, laughing and shaking his head. "Well, let's go this way; we got a little bit of walking to do," Julius tells the mares before walking off towards Fluttershy's cottage. While walking along a familiar path, the mares recognized the path.

"There's no track around here. Any reason we're going to Fluttershy's?" Rainbow Dash asked as the cottage came into view.

"Well, where we are going to race is this way. So why not see if Fluttershy wants to come along?" Julius explains, earning an odd look from the ponies. Following his lead, the mares follow Julius as he walks up to Fluttershy's door. "Hey Fluttershy, you home?" Julius asks as he knocks on Fluttershy's door.

"One moment," Fluttershy's soft voice rings out. Opening her door, Fluttershy looks up at Julius. "Hello Julius, girls, what can I do for you today?" Fluttershy asks as she closes her door behind her.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash and I are going to race. The place we're racing at is close to here. Want to come and watch?" Julius asks, which gets him an odd look from Fluttershy.

"You're going to race Rainbow Dash near here?" Fluttershy asks while racking her memory. As if struck by lightning, a knowing look grows on Fluttershy's face, to which Julius slyly smirks; words between the two were not needed. "Alright, I'll go with you," Fluttershy giggles softly before following after Julius.

"So Fluttershy, you're going to come to watch Julius get beaten, are you," Rainbow Dash states as Fluttershy joins the group.

"I'm coming to watch the race, yes," Fluttershy responds as Julius leads the group further away from Ponyville. Farther and farther, the group is led until a weird forest, somewhat connected to the Everfree, comes in view. Strange-looking trees with twisting branches filled the view of the group. The trees were so thick they were almost mistaken for a wall. A dense canopy covered the forest. The group could spot a few possible paths in the woods before disappearing as the tree branches shift.

"Well, here we are; this is where we'll race," Julius states pointing at the shifting forest. "In the middle of the forest, Zecora is waiting for us. She has two cloths, one red and one blue. We race to her, get a cloth, I'll take red, and you'll take blue, then we race back," Julius explains while drawing a line in the ground with his boot. "It should take about an hour to get to the middle and about an hour to get back. The first one to cross this line with their cloth is the winner," Julius tells a baffled Rainbow Dash.

"This is the weirdest race I've ever heard of," Rainbow Dash says, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. "But if it's how you want to get beaten, then you're on," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she limbers up.

"Alright, Twilight care to give us a count down?" Julius asks as he gets ready to run.

"Alright, start on the go," Twilight nervously says. "Three," the pair finish their stretching, "two," the pair get square to the forest "one," the pair ready their muscles to take off "GO!" The pair take off towards the forest. Julius doesn't seem to move all that fast, going at maybe a canter. Rainbow Dash, however, bolts ahead full speed.

"This is bad," Twilight says as Rainbow Dash blasts away towards the forest.

"I know. Rainbow Dash can't win," Fluttershy says, shocking everypony.

"Fluttershy, you see the speed difference, right? Julius can't catch up," Twilight tells Fluttershy.

"Twilight, I know this forest," Fluttershy tells Twilight and the group. "I have animal friends who are from this forest, and I had to go into it a few times. You can't fly through it. If you try, you'll hit a branch. And the branches and roots are always moving. If you're not careful, you'll get caught and stuck," Fluttershy explains. *BANG, CREAK, SMASH* Almost as if on cue, to punctuate her point, a loud crash is heard from the forest. "Hear what I mean, girls," Fluttershy says as a slow realization dawns on the mares.

Entering the forest, Julius slows down, from a near run to a light jog. Jumping through the forest, nimbly navigating the branches and roots, Julius softly chuckles. "I guess that makeshift parkour training has a use, good job me, and thank you brain," Julius thinks to himself. Julius notices a rainbow tail and light blue rump sticking out of a tree; jogging up to the tree, Julius chuckles. "How's it going?" Julius asks, laughing as he stops by the rump.

"Very funny," Rainbow Dash says, muffled as she struggles to get free of the tree.

"Do you want a hand?" Julius asks, biting his tongue.

"I'm fine, I'll be fine," Rainbow Dash says, strained he hooves trying to get herself free from the tree.

"Alright, see you at the finish line~" Julius sings. As he playfully slapped Rainbow Dash's rump before jogging off towards the middle of the forest. Freeing herself from the tree, Rainbow Dash looks in Julius' direction.

"I'll get you for that!" Rainbow Dash huffs. Much of the race continues in that same fashion. Rainbow's incredible speed allows her to catch up to Julius with remarkable ease; her recklessness and blinding speed, however, causes her to crash hard into shifting branches. Racing nearly neck to neck, the pair enter a grove with Zecora standing in the middle with two cloths.

"You're looking tired, Rainbow Dash. If you want, we can stop and rest after getting the cloths," Julius offers a panting Rainbow Dash.

"Hah, rest, I don't need a rest. You need a rest!" Rainbow Dash shoots back at Julius as they approach Zecora.

"Very well," Julius sighs as the two get their cloths from Zecora. Julius simply grabs his while Zecora ties Rainbow Dash's around her neck like a foulard or an ascot. Racing back into the forest, the two are neck and neck entering.

"So girls, do you think it'll be enough?" Twilight asks the mares.

"Well, Julius seems quite flexible but surely not enough to navigate a thick, shifting forest faster than Rainbow Dash can fly," Luna says with some apprehension as Twilight cautiously nods in agreement.

"I've seen him move through the Everfree Forest when he saved me; you'd be surprised," Fluttershy says in defense of Julius with Pinkie Pie nodding along.

"Pinkie Pie, why do you think Julius will win?" Twilight asked the grinning pony.

"Because Twilight, I know everything about my friends," Pinkie Pie explains while slyly grinning at Twilight and Luna, causing the two to blush. "Besides, Dashy would never gallop if flying was an option. Flying is an option here, so she'll try flying through the forest," Pinkie Pie explains. The group, hearing rustling from the forest, turns to face it.

"Well, looks like we'll soon have our answer," Luna says as the mares look at the forest with their breaths bated. Closer and closer, the rustling came until a body emerged from out of the forest. Luna and Twilight's jaws are agape as they look on in shock, while Pinkie Pie bounces around happily, and Fluttershy smirks.

"Where's Rainbow Dash?" Julius shouts to the waiting mares as he approaches the finish line.

"Nowhere to be seen!" Pinkie Pie ecstatically exclaims. "This is your race to win!" Pinkie Pie bounces around happily. Shaking their heads in disbelief, Luna and Twilight start clapping their hoofs against the ground. Running right up to the line, Julius stops just before crossing it.

"I'll wait here," Julius says just a few steps from the line. "I want Rainbow Dash to see me cross," Julius proudly says while smirking.

"Don't be foolish, Julius, just cross the line and win!" Luna practically commands nearly using the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"Yes, I'm foolish, I know, but I just can't resist," Julius responds, grinning foolishly, causing Luna, Twilight, and Fluttershy to facehoof hard. For a whole hour, the mares try to get Julius to cross the line, but to no avail. Looking up in the sky, Julius sees the sun starting to lower. Standing up, Julius starts to make his way back to the forest.

"Where are you going?" Luna almost demands.

"Back into the forest. It shouldn't take this long for Rainbow Dash to come out; she's stuck somewhere. I'll be right back with Rainbow Dash," Julius says, running off into the forest.

"Wait!" Twilight shouts, but Julius just runs off, making Twilight facehoof yet again.

Nimbly making his way through the forest, Julius takes only ten minutes to find a struggling Rainbow Dash. Walking up to Rainbow Dash, Julius notices that her body is stuck in a tree trunk and a wing is badly hurt.

"So how about now? Need some help now?" Julius asks, looking Rainbow Dash in her eyes.

"Y-yes, please," a blushing Rainbow Dash meekly asks. Smiling, Julius helps Rainbow Dash get unstuck from the tree. Julius began slowly working her body out of the tree. After a few long, painful minutes, Rainbow Dash gets freed. "T-thank you," Rainbow Dash meekly says, her head low to the ground. Pain rips through Rainbow's body as she tests her injured wing.

"Here, allow me," Julius offers. Julius placed his hands on Rainbow Dash's injured wing. "Now, I have never done this on anything other than me but first time for everything," Julius says as he begins to focus. His hands feel a magical warmth envelop them, and energy flows through them. Julius tries to heal Rainbow Dash's wing. After a few moments, Julius removes his hands. "Well, I don't think that you're fully healed, but you're better," Julius says as Rainbow Dash tries her wing.

"Yeah, a lot better. Thank you," Rainbow Dash thanks. Feeling no pain in her wing anymore, Rainbow Dash is about to fly up before Julius pulls her into a hug. Holding her firmly to his body, Julius starts walking out of the forest. "W-what are you doing?!?" Rainbow Dash asks in shock.

"I'm not sure if I fully healed you. You could still be injured. Let's not risk it," Julius tells Rainbow Dash, who slightly snuggles against Julius' chest.

"Ok fine," Rainbow Dash chuckles as he gets nearer to the edge of the forest. "You already won the race, I suppose," Rainbow Dash quietly says, avoiding Julius's eyes.

"Oh, oh no, I didn't. I didn't cross the finish line. I was waiting for you," Julius says, smiling at a shocked Rainbow Dash. Swiftly rearranging his hands, Julius locks Rainbow Dash against his chest.

"W-what are you doing? Let me go!" Rainbow Dash tries to struggle out of Julius' grip, but to no avail.

"I'm going to cross the finish line first. Then carry you across," a grinning Julius tells a shocked Rainbow Dash.

"No, you're not!" Rainbow Dash defiantly tells Julius. Struggling all the way, Rainbow Dash tries to break Julius' grip; but the sparing, the race, and the injury sapped almost all of Rainbow Dash's energy and strength. Walking out of the forest with a barely struggling Rainbow Dash in his arms, Julius spots the waiting mares.

"Hey mares, I found our little Dashy!" Julius coyly smirks, much to Rainbow Dash's embarrassment.

"P-please-" Rainbow Dash blushes.

"Rainbow listen, this race I won it," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he walks towards the finish line. "I did not beat you though; you beat you. In a normal race, you would have beaten me with pure ease. In any race which gave you open terrain, you win easily. You didn't have to accept this race. You could have and should have bowed out. Don't get me wrong, you did well, far better than I thought you would, but it wasn't enough. In the future, if somecreature starts flattering you like I did, trying to goad you into a competition, don't accept; they're luring you into a trap," Julius explains to an exhausted Rainbow Dash as he gets within earshot of the mares. "Do any of you have a blue ribbon? The winner deserves a blue ribbon," Julius asks the mares. The mares look through their stuff, finding no blue ribbons.

"I have pink ribbons!" Pinkie Pie chirps up.

"That's ok; I can easily get a blue ribbon," Julius smirks as he stops a few steps before the finish line. Turning around, Julius takes a few measured steps backward; stopping one step from the line, Julius looks at a panting exhausted Rainbow Dash before quickly kissing her noes. Taking one step backward, Julius makes sure that only his back leg crosses the line while the rest of him, Rainbow Dash included, doesn't.

"T-the winner by a leg, Julius," a disbelieved Twilight says.

"Rainbow Dash got hurt in the forest, her left-wing. I tried to heal it, but she should still get in checked out," Julius tells the mares as he turns around, letting an exhausted, blushing Rainbow Dash cross in his arms. "Speaking of wings," Julius smirks as he runs a hand through the feathers of Rainbow Dash's left-wing. After plucking a large feather from Rainbow's wing, Julius sets Rainbow Dash down. "I'll take my blue ribbon from one of Rainbow's wings," Julius grins as he holds up Rainbow's feather, some of her innate magic trapped inside it.

"W-why my feather? You know what that means!" An embarrassed Rainbow Dash asks in disbelief.

"I do, and I know about your agreement. I believe you wanted a stallion who can beat you in a race," Julius says, smirking. Blushing, Rainbow Dash looks around at her friends.

"It's ok, Rainbow, it's amazing," a blushing Twilight comforts Rainbow Dash.

"F-fine, but you still have to get the others with you," Rainbow Dash huffs while avoiding the looks of everycreature.

"Oh, I plan to. Now Dashy, want to walk to the hospital or want your stallion to carry you," Julius playfully teases.

"I'll walk. I still have some pride," Rainbow Dash awkwardly chuckles as she starts to head towards Ponyville. Following after, the group heads back to town. Before leaving the area, Julius looks right at Twilight.

"See Twilight; I told you I could win," Julius tells Twilight, grinning.

"Yes, Julius," Twilight says with a chuckle, "yes you did," she smiles as the two follow after the group.

Chapter 15: Hospital and Heart to Heart

The walk back to Ponyville was rather pleasant, the low-hanging sun painting the sky a warm orange. It was odd, though, seeing Rainbow Dash walking instead of flying. The only pony among the group who've seen Rainbow walk was Fluttershy; even then, it was only on clouds. To see her walking on the ground was somehow very odd, very out of place.

"I'm serious, I'm fine, I can fly," Rainbow Dash said, complaining.

"Yes, you can fly, but you're not fully healed," Julius said as he walked closely behind Rainbow Dash. "You could still have some hairline fractures in your wing. It'd be better to get them checked out before flying," Julius reasoned with Rainbow.

"I felt you healing me. I'm fine," Rainbow pouted. "If you're not confident, I'm sure Twilight or Luna can finish healing my wing," Rainbow half pleaded.

"Sorry, Rainbow Dash. My magic is more combat-based, and I always worked alone. Everything I've come across, I was able to deal with no problem. I haven't had any real reason to develop my healing magic," Luna explained.

"I've never had any training or practice with healing magic," Twilight started to explain. "I don't think starting on a broken bone would be a good place to start," Twilight told Rainbow Dash.

"But Julius used healing magic; why can't either of you?" Rainbow Dash asked pleadingly.

"Healing magic is rare; It's challenging to use. Julius was fortunate to be given such a gift," Luna told Rainbow Dash.

"Yes, I could learn it, but it'd take time, a lot of time. I'd have to start small, mild scrapes and cuts, not fractures," Twilight added on.

"Fine," Rainbow sighed, dejected at being told she couldn't fly. Sure she could try, but between Luna's and Twilight's magic and Julius's strength, she'd be held down right away. Rainbow knew that they had her health in mind, but she still hated walking on the ground. At least clouds were soft and fluffy, the ground though it was hard, and cold such an alien feeling to her. Getting towards Fluttershy's cottage Fluttershy breaks off.

"I'm sorry, but I have to get to sleep soon. I have a hectic day tomorrow. Harry will be coming by for his monthly massage," Fluttershy apologetically says, heading off to her cottage.

"Fluttershy gives massages?" Julius asks unbelievably.

"To animals, yes," Rainbow Dash tells him. "Not to ponies, though. Trust me; you wouldn't want her to give you a massage" Rainbow awkwardly laughs.

"Why is that? Is she too weak?" Julius asks, trying to imagine a Fluttershy massage.

"Opposite actually, you'd be surprised at how strong she can be, I know I was," Rainbow Dash laughs, rubbing the back of her neck with her good wing.

"I thought massages and things like that were too girly for you," Twilight giggles into her hoof.

"A sports massage is different," Rainbow Dash huffs, much to the groups' amusement. The small talk continues as the group makes their way to Ponyville General Hospital. As they enter Ponyville, Pinkie Pie breaks off from the group to go back to Sugarcube corner. The rest of the way, Julius and Rainbow Dash start some small talk to get to know each other better.

"Well, here we are; let's get Rainbow Dash checked in," Twilight says, leading the group inside. "Hello, Paper Heart, we're here to check in Rainbow Dash," Twilight tells the unicorn working the desk.

"Again?" Paper Heart sighs as she sees the group walking in. "At least it's not the human. Ok Rainbow Dash, what did you do this time?" Paper Heart tiredly says.

"I broke my wing. Julius healed it, but they're all worried there might still be a fracture," Rainbow Dash tells Paper Heart, almost on routine.

"I see, Julius, are there pegasi where you are from?" Paper Heart asks Julius.

"No, and no magic either. Also, my healing magic isn't very well developed," Julius tells Paper Heart.

"Ok, then yes, there is a good chance that there would be a small fracture. No pegasi means he likely isn't familiar with pegasi biology, and no magic means he isn't used to using it," Paper Heart says while grabbing a quill and some paper. "Ok, tell me the details," Paper Heart tells Rainbow Dash before looking at Julius. "You too, tell me about your healing of her wing," she tells him while writing down what was already said to her. After hearing everything and writing down all the details, Paper Heart places the papers in a file. "Nearest nurse to the reception, code Rainbow," Paper Heart yells before sitting down at the desk.

"Really, code Rainbow. How many times have you been here for them to make a code Rainbow?" Julius asks, barely containing his laughter.

"A lot, we stopped counting once we hit fifty," Paper Heart dryly responded as she went back to doing her crossword.

"Well, looks like I'll be getting that healing magic practice I've been putting off," Julius laughed through gritted teeth.

"Yeah yeah, laugh it up," Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes as a nurse entered the room.

"Follow me, Rainbow Dash," Nurse Redheart told her as she spotted Rainbow Dash. "The rest of you will have to wait here," Nurse Redheart told the group as she led Rainbow Dash into the hospital.

"Hey, Julius, where's Zecora?" Twilight asks him as the group sits down on a couch.

"Oh, she's back at her house. She's worry about leaving it unattended for so long in the Everfree Forest," Julius tells Twilight as he starts to scratch behind Luna's and Twilight's ears.

"Aren't you worried about her?" Twilight asks as she nuzzles her head into his palm.

"Not really, no. Zecora has repellants for creatures in the Everfree Forest; how do you think she survives there?" Julius tells Twilight as he pets the pair.

"I guess we're going to be spending the night at her house then," Luna dreamily says as Julius' hand hits a sweet spot Luna could never get. "We need to get a large place for all of us," Luna coos, her head rocking in pleasure.

"I know, we could fix up the castle!" Twilight chirps up, making Luna mull over the idea.

"Castle? Oh, you must mean that old castle in the forest; what's its story?" Julius asks as he remembers the castle he spotted.

"Oh, it was destroyed a thousand moons ago in a tragic event," Luna quickly responds, earning her a crooked look from Julius.

"Very well, I won't ask any further," Julius says, eyebrow raised, deciding to drop the subject. "Luna is hiding something about that castle I'm sure of it," Julius thinks as he looks at Twilight " and Twilight knows what it is" he thinks as he notices the expression on Twilight's face.

"It doesn't matter what happened to it; we can rebuild it. It should be big enough for all of us" Twilight encourages the idea.

"Well, I have always wanted to live in a castle, if nothing else for the novelty," Julius smiles at the thought of being the lord of a castle. Making plans to rebuild the ruined castle, the three pass the time. Luna plans out getting supplies while Twilight and Julius work out improvements to add to the castle, things like crystal lighting and plumbing. Some time passes before Nurse Redheart comes out with Rainbow Dash, Dash's wing bandaged up.

"Rainbow Dash's wing still has a few slight fractures. As long as she doesn't use it, she should be fine in about a month," Nurse Redheart tells the group.

"Would healing potions help any?" Julius asks as Rainbow Dash walks to the group.

"Yes, they would, but they're difficult to make, don't try it," Nurse Redheart tells a smiling Julius.

"Ok, Zecora has healing potions; we'll get some from her. Hey, nurse, if the hospital is interested, I'm sure Zecora will sell you healing potions for a good price," Julius offers as some happiness returns to Rainbow's face.

"I'll have to ask the hospital board, but I'm sure the board will be interested," Nurse Redheart tells the group as she gives Rainbow Dash her papers. "Remember no flying until fully healed Rainbow Dash," Nurse Redheart firmly tells her.

"I know, I know," Rainbow Dash tells the nurse before taking the papers. Leaving the hospital, the group looks up to the sky, the sun nearly being fully set.

"I suppose I should be raising the moon and setting the stars; one moment please," Luna tells the group as she starts to charge her horn with magic. A soft purple glow fills the sky as stars begin to blink into view. Big ones, small ones, pulsing ones, stars of all kinds flash into the sky. Following after, the moon rises enveloped in a light blue glow as the moon gets placed in its path.

"If I told anybody from my world about what I just saw, they'd call me crazy," Julius quietly says under his breath. "Good job Luna," he compliments softly, scratching the top of her head. "So she can control the stars, then shouldn't she be able to control the sun?" Julius thinks to himself while he scratches Luna's head. "Hey, Luna?" Julius asks before thinking about it.

"Yes, what is it?" Luna responds happily.

"Oh uhhh nothing, never mind," Julius awkwardly says. "I better not ask; I have a feeling that'd start a fight," Julius thinks to himself.

"Oh, ok," Luna tells him as she enjoys the feeling of him scratching her head. The group is about to head off to the Everfree Forest until Twilight stops them.

"Can we stop by the Golden Oak Library? I want to tell Spike that we'll be staying at Zecora's tonight," Twilight asks.

"Sure, it'll only be a quick detour," Julius tells Twilight. Heading down a few roads, the group stands before the Golden Oak.

"I'll be a moment," Twilight says before walking into the Golden Oak. A few short moments pass before Twilight and Spike come out.

"Twilight, where will I stay tonight?" Spike whines as the pair exit the Golden Oak.

"If I may. Rarity is working on some clothes; I'm sure Rarity would like the help," Julius suggests making Spike's eyes light up.

"With Rarity, it is!" Spike energetically announces, nearly skipping to the Carousel Boutique.

"Knew that would work, now on to Zecora's," Julius says, half laughing while Twilight locks up the Golden Oak. Walking towards the Everfree Forest, the ponies start to slow.

"I know Zecora's house is in there but is it wise to go there at night?" Twilight apprehensively asks as the Everfree comes into sight.

"Honestly, the Everfree isn't much more dangerous at night. A few creatures are sleeping, a few are awake, some plants change, but on the whole, it's the same. Besides, we got Luna and myself what could threaten us in there," Julius laughs while softly brushing his knuckles against Luna's cheek.

"Julius is right; we'll be fine," Luna happily says, rubbing her cheek against Julius' knuckles. The two lead the group into the Everfree. The path to Zecora's house is still mostly visible; only a small number of landmarks have changed or have become hidden. Twilight walked very close to Julius, nearly right at his left side. Rainbow, meanwhile, put on a strong front but still walked closer to Julius and Luna than she'd admit. Despite the misgivings, the walk was uneventful, a few far-off sounds got a jump or two, but that was about it.

"Been a few days since I've been back," Julius said as the house came into sight. The windows aglow, hinting at the warmth within.

"Great, let's head on in," Rainbow Dash chirped up before heading inside, Twilight close behind her. Luna was about to follow before Julius grabbed her shoulder.

"Hold up, Luna, before we go in with the others, I have to ask, why me?" Julius asked to Luna's confusion.

"What do you mean?" Luna asked, puzzled.

"Ok, I have to drop all pretense for this. I know you're a princess, I know you're powerful, you're an alicorn, and you're beautiful. Even with mares outnumbering stallions, you still must have lines of suitors. It just seems somewhat odd that from all the stallions, you go with the being from a different dimension," Julius explains. "Oh, and about the whole princess thing, don't worry, I won't treat you any differently until you make a big deal about it," Julius tells Luna petting her shoulder.

"In another world, another time, you may be correct," Luna says, sounding forlorn, "but sadly, it is not like that. For most of my youth, I had to spend learning how to vanquish the various monsters that threatened Equestria. I had to raise the moon, set it in its path, place the stars, guard the dreams. I had to do it all, all alone, all in darkness. Doing all of that holding fast as the unseen bulwark, I never got much recognition. Even now, few know of me. Of those few that do, they only thank me out of obligation," Luna quite forlornly says, looking down.

"I get it. It's a hard, thankless job. Necessary but thankless. When I came along and unconditionally appreciated your work," Julius started to follow up.

"Exactly," Luna said, cutting Julius off as Julius softly hugged her. Starting to bring a hoof up, Luna stops as she hears a voice.

"Come on, love birds Zecora has some stew ready for us," Rainbow Dash mockingly yells out to Luna and Julius.

"I suppose we should head in," Julius says, breaking his hug. "Are you sure that's it, Dashy, or do you just want to get into bed?" Julius asks teasingly.

"Oh please, with how reluctant you were at Rarity's, I doubt you're anything special," Rainbow Dash laughingly mocks, making the mares shake their heads.

"Rainbow Dash, Julius is very well endowed. You shall see when you get plowed. Though you will be in a crowd, it'll be ok to be loud," Zecora tells Rainbow Dash while smirking.

"Sure, sure," Rainbow Dash laughs dismissively. "We'll find out after we eat," Rainbow Dash says before taking a mouthful of stew.

"That we will Rainbow, that we will," Julius says, smirking as he and Luna enter Zecora's house. Shutting the door behind them, Julius gets a large bowl of stew and sits down to eat.

Chapter 16: Rainbow Ride

Sitting down to eat, Julius and the ponies each had a bowl of harvest stew. Trying Zecora's cooking so close to having Pinkie's, the difference was pronounced. Pinkie Pie's cooking tended to be on the sweet side. Sure this sweetness worked for pastries and candies. But for other foods, it took a little getting used to. Zecora's, however, was quite hardy. Her cooking felt very down-to-earth, very basic, yet very well done, gently seasoned with select herbs adding a nice bit of flavor to what would otherwise be plain food. Looking at the mares eating, Julius could help but stifle a laugh. Sure the Luna and Twilight had an easy time eating using spoons, Rainbow Dash and Zecora had to use special utensils, making them look like they were trying to punch the stew. No matter how many times he'd seen it, it was always at least mildly amusing.

"This flavor is quite different. I have never tasted it before. What is the flavor?" Twilight asked between bites.

"You are tasting mavuno ya sayari a herb from my land. It is quite hard to grow that you have never had it, I understand. It tastes like oregano and thyme, or so I have heard. Honestly, to that, I have concurred. Many other herbs from my land are in my possession. For use in potions and cooking at my discretion. There is muhula wa jua which is earthy and slightly spicy. It's tough to grow and can get a bit pricey. We have maua hua mellow and sweet. It's often added to our pastries to make them complete. Mtoto wa mwezi soothing and calm. It makes for a good tea and an effective balm," Zecora described some of the herbs she had brought with her. "The soil in the Everfree is very fertile. Able to grow all my herbs without a hurtle," Zecora told Twilight before taking another mouthful of stew.

"The different herbs she has makes for some interesting recipes. We have tried quite a few. Some were very good, others though," Julius shuttered at the thought "were just outright awful," Julius said as he ate from his large bowl. While chewing over a mouthful of food, an idea struck Julius. "Hey, Zecora, I've tried some fake meat while in Ponyville. Think we could start making it to add to some of the meals? We could add in a bit of muhula wa jua to the fake meat for some added flavor," Julius asked between mouthfuls of food. Truthfully this was a thought that did cross Zecora's mind a few times though she dismissed it every time. Sure fake meat was a substitute for omnivores and carnivores, but it always tasted a bit too bland. The blandness was a common complaint from every creature who tried it. Adding herbs, spices, and various seasonings could be done, but it was at best challenging with how fake meat was made. Almost always, either the herbs would be burned, or the fake meat would be undercooked.

"This could be done of that, I'm sure. Many attempts it will take for a recipe to be secure. Muhula wa jua is a curious herb to select. Why is it that you want that herb to inject?" Zecora asked, confirming that it could be done. Looking around, Julius knew there was pretty much no way to address this topic without it being uncomfortable. Deciding to just go for it as quickly as possible, Julius sighed.

"Spiced meat is delicious; let's leave it at that," Julius quickly yet quietly said close to Zecora, hoping the ponies wouldn't hear. Sure there was this implication from the start that he ate meat, but he never said anything about it, and the ponies didn't want to talk about it. So they had an unspoken don't ask, don't tell agreement about the whole thing leaving a thin veil. The ponies seeing Julius seemingly whisper something to Zecora, perked up to look at him before he quickly pulled away.

"I see, I understand. I won't ask if you know firsthand. In that case, we can do it. It'll be an interesting experiment, I must admit," Zecora said, taking a slow mouthful of stew.

"What did Julius whisper to you?" Rainbow Dash asked her bowl nearly empty.

"Don't worry about it, Rainbow Dash. Worry about tonight, for you're in for a smash," Zecora deflected, making Luna and Twilight chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Rainbow Dash asked the two chuckling mares.

"Zecora's not wrong," Luna told Rainbow Dash with a sly grin.

"Oh, come on, he cannot be that big. Back at the Carousel Boutique, he outright refused to take off his clothes. Why wouldn't he take them off unless he was hiding something small? If it was that big, then he should be showing it off, not hiding it" Rainbow Dash huffs to the amusement of the group.

"Rainbow Dash, trust me, he has a good reason," Twilight tells Rainbow Dash, making the mare look at her in mild shock.

"Wait, have you already done it?" Rainbow Dash asked while looking at Twilight.

"Yes," Every mare answered as Julius smirked, nodding his head.

"Wait, all of you, even you, Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked in shock. Looking away from Rainbow Dash, Luna nodded with a soft blush. Taking a moment to gather herself, Rainbow Dash walks up to Julius.

"Well, aren't you a shy stud" Rainbow Dash laughs while nudging Julius softly.

"Well, soon enough, you'll be finding out," Julius smirks while ruffling Rainbow Dash's mane.

While finishing up their supper with teasing small talk, the mares laid back to relax for a few moments while Julius stepped outside. Few ponies have been in the Everfree Forest, much less at night. The Everfree Forest, for all its danger, the Everfree held a nightly mystique. A lone wolf started howling off in the distance, backdropped by the soft buzzing of insects made for an oddly relaxing melody. Streams of moonlight raining down through the forest canopy accentuated by glimmering fireflies made for an almost magical sight, as if countless stars were dancing in and out of sight. It was a setting to be relaxed and yet to be aware of. After living in suburbia for his whole life, this was a rare experience for Julius, one that hasn't lost any of its wonder. Looking out into the Everfree, Julius contently took in the view.

"You out there hiding?" Rainbow Dash teases while chuckling.

"Just enjoying the view before making you squeal like a filly," Julius responded while stretching out his body, getting ready for the mares.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say," Rainbow Dash chuckled from inside. Cracking his joints, Julius walked back inside. Eyeing Rainbow Dash right away, Julius shut the door and started to walk towards her. "So you ready or, *WAH?!* h-hey!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Julius picked her up in his arms and brought her into the bedroom. Laying Rainbow Dash down on the bed, Julius pinned her down on her back and eyed down her body. Looking down at her body, it was clear that Rainbow Dash was incredibly toned; even through her fur, he could tell. Little if any body fat could be seen, and her muscles, while not imposing, could easily be felt. Sliding a hand down her body Julius slowly massaged her body. "H-hey a little help here," Rainbow Dash requested to the mares in the other room.

"You taunted him into this Rainbow Dash. Now take care of what you started," Luna told Rainbow Dash.

"Don't worry; we'll come in after you get a good feeling for him," Twilight chuckled back.

"He'll take you fast, and he'll take you hard. But worry not your pleasure he'll regard," Zecora assured Rainbow Dash.

Sliding his hands down to Rainbow Dash's lower legs, Julius held them opened. Eyeing her teats, he noted their size; they were the smallest of the mares but still quite pert with stiff, noticeable nipples. Slowly rolling his tongue over one of the hard nubs, Julius softly started to suck Rainbow's teat. Lightly biting the nipple and flicking his tongue against it, Rainbow Dash rocked and swayed her hips in rhythm with Julius' suckling.

"W-well, aren't you a thirsty little colt. Sorry, no milk yet," Rainbow moaned to Julius, getting a seemingly wolfish grin from him. Loudly pulling his mouth away from Rainbow's teat, Julius grinned.

"Hey, Luna, you know Milky Way's spell, right?" Julius asked certain that Luna did.

"I do. You want me to cast it on Rainbow Dash?" Luna asked as Rainbow Dash looked confused.

"Yes, please," Julius responded while looking Rainbow Dash right in her eyes. A warm burst of magic struck Rainbow Dash. Energy ran through her body, focusing in her teats; they felt heavy, swollen, full, tender. "No milk, I think you're lying" Julius grinned as he started to suckle one of Rainbow's teats again.

"Of course there's no milk I'm not," Rainbow Dash started before feeling a rush through her sucked teat "OH SWEET CELESTIA!" Rainbow Dash loudly moaned, shooting up. Sure the suckling and soft biting felt nice before, but now Rainbow Dash felt a warm liquid rushing from the teat Julius was sucking. Curling up her body, placing her front hooves behind Julius' head Rainbow Dash pulled him into her teat as he suckled her milky teat. Tongue lolled out Rainbow Dash panted lustfully as Julius greedily suckled the milk from her teats. "N-no fair, no using magic," Rainbow Dash panted. Julius looked Rainbow Dash right in her eyes, slowly struggling to pull his head up. Grinning with bulging cheeks, Julius deeply kissed Rainbow Dash. As the two's lips met, Julius opened his mouth, allowing Rainbow Dash's milk to flow between them. Their milky, lusty, french kiss was forcing Rainbow Dash to get a good taste of her milk. Breaking away, Julius visibly swallowed the milk left in his mouth and grinned.

"Want the spell to end?" Julius asked, grinning at the panting mare. Swallowing her own milk Rainbow Dash shyly looked away and blushed.

"I didn't say that," Rainbow Dash quietly said, still tasting her milk. Smacking her lips together, Rainbow Dash was a little surprised; her milk tasted a lot like sweetened almond milk. Absorbed in her thoughts, Rainbow didn't realize where Julius's head was.

"Then quit complaining and enjoy it," Julius commanded as he kissed Rainbow Dash's lower lips. Feeling a wet sensation push against her pussy, Rainbow shot up again. This time to feel Julius' tongue drag along her pussy. Kissing and licking, Julius slowly worked over Rainbow Dash's pussy, making the mare squirm and moan.

"Well, you sound like you're enjoying yourself," Twilight said as she walked into the room.

"H-h-he's good enough, at foreplay," Rainbow Dash stuttered between moans "b-but I haven't seen anything yet," she moaned as she looked at Twilight. Standing right by Julius' head, Twilight smiled softly.

"Here, let me help," Twilight more told then offered. Feeling magic tugging at his pants, Julius goes along with Twilight's magical pulling allowing her to take off his pants. Julius throbbing cock springing free, Twilight took a good moment to look it over. Large and imposing, looking so much like the spear of a royal guard. It was an apt description for what it could do to a mare, and the scent, oh that wonderful, lust-inducing masculine scent, Twilight couldn't help but give Julius' cock a lusty lick. Such a scent did not go unnoticed by Rainbow Dash.

"W-what's that," Rainbow Dash lustfully moaned as she eagerly rocked her hips and pussy against Julius's mouth, "that wonderful smell," she cooed in pleasure as Julius' tongue worked over her pussy.

"That's the big reason Julius wears clothes," Twilight answered for Julius, her tongue flicking off his tip, pre-cum covering his tip and the tip of Twilight's tongue. Savoring the taste, Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash's milky teat. Slowly bringing her face to the milky nub, Twilight licked at the nipple Julius was sucking. Tasting Rainbow Dash's milk, Twilight fully engulfs the nipple, suckling it like a hungry filly.

"W-w-whaaa, what are you doing, Twilight?!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in surprise as her orgasm came nearer and nearer.

"I believe she is helping," Luna told Rainbow Dash as she swayed into the room, Zecora close by. Seeing the mares enter the room, Rainbow Dash looked away in embarrassment to be seen in such a position and by a princess nonetheless. Zecora walked over, standing on the opposite side of Twilight, and Luna went to stand closer to Rainbow's head; Luna grinned. "Alright, I think she's had enough teasing; she should be nice and ready for you," Luna chuckled as she looked at Julius. Pulling his face away from Rainbow's pussy caused the mare to whine.

"Oh, come on! I'm so close!" Rainbow Dash begging as Julius grinned at her. Dark blue and lavender glowed around his shirt as Luna and Twilight took it off, allowing Rainbow Dash to see his naked torso. With the visible muscles, the well-honed tone, the delicate light hairs, for how alien he was, Julius looked quite attractive.

Pulling their mouths away from Rainbow's teat, Twilight and Zecora shared a look before each placing a hoof on Julius' lower back. Softly urging him to stand a little taller, Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide as she looked at his erect, throbbing cock. While not the thickest, it was the longest she'd ever seen, and that spear-like point made it all the more imposing.

"What's the matter Rainbow Dash? I thought you said I was 'small,'" Julius said, standing over her with a wolfish grin. Twilight and Zecora each placed a hoof on Julius' cock as Luna took it in a magic grip; the three slowly guided it towards Rainbow's pussy.

"W-wait, I'm not ready," Rainbow Dash said in a lusty panic as she felt his cock rub against her milky nipples.

"You're wet enough, so why do you say that unless," Julius grinned widely, his teeth bared, "you've never had sex before, have you?" Julius asked as the tip of his cock rubbed against Rainbow's drooling lips. Feeling like a trapped bunny before a hungry wolf, Rainbow tried to look away only to be met with a mare where ever she looked.

"For all the teasing you gave Fluttershy, Applejack, and I. To think that you're a virgin," Twilight chuckled while looking at Rainbow Dash.

"W-well, I wouldn't just give myself to any stallion, only the best" Rainbow blushed as she felt the three mares make Julius' cock tease the lips of her pussy. "Besides, I'd like to see you take this monster," Rainbow Dash shot back as she rubbed her pussy against Julius' cock. Looking hopefully into the distance, Twilight rubbed her lower belly with a hoof.

"I have Rainbow Dash; I have," Twilight contently said as she, Luna, and Zecora slowly guided Julius' cock into Rainbow's pussy. After getting a bit of it in, Luna and Twilight magically grabbed Julius' sides while Zecora placed a hoof on his lower back. "Welcome to the herd" Twilight playfully winked at Rainbow Dash as the three mares pushed Julius forward. Moving in rhythm with their urging, Julius swiftly slamming against Rainbow Dash's cervix. If there was any pain from her deflowering, Rainbow Dash didn't notice. She was on the edge of orgasm; as soon as Julius' cock was thrust into her, Rainbow's orgasm overtook her. Burying his cock in Rainbow, Julius smiled at Twilight and Zecora.

"Well, you both were nice enough to help me, so I'll help you" Julius grinned as he savored the feeling of Rainbow's pussy. The extreme tightness and the muscles made for a truly wonderful massage. Placing a hand on the heads of Twilight and Zecora, Julius forced both mares down towards Rainbow's milky teats. Each mare allowed Julius to guide their heads to the teats. As their lips touched the milky nipples, the mares started to suckle the milk from Rainbow's nipples.

"Too much, too much, too much!" Rainbow Dash lustfully moaned. The feeling of having both her teats suckled for their milk and having a cock slammed right against her cervix nearly overwhelmed her. Looking up and panting, Rainbow Dash saw Luna standing over her. Her dark blue pussy flushed with pleasure and lust.

"Well, Rainbow Dash, I think you know what I want" Luna grinned as she lowered her pussy right before Rainbow's mouth. While she'd never openly admit it, Rainbow Dash was a little curious, and this was coming from a Princess. Slowly flicking her tongue up, Rainbow Dash slowly and awkwardly licked at Luna's pussy. The taste of a mare was something odd, something different, not altogether unpleasant, but it was something that would take getting used to.

Looking at Rainbow Dash awkwardly, eat out, Luna Julius grinned lustfully. Slowly humping, Julius felt every muscle in Rainbow Dash's pussy contract around his throbbing cock. Slowly pulling back inch by inch Julius felt the contractions trying to pull him back into her depths. Sighing deeply at the wet, warm, muscular massage, Julius grinned as he looked down. Seeing both Twilight and Zecora suckling Rainbow Dash, their rears wiggling almost as if waiting for something. Slowly thrusting his cock back into Rainbow Dash, Julius places a hand on the flanks of Twilight and Zecora. As Julius thrust into Rainbow Dash, he slid his hands over the mares' flanks and to their pussies. Pounding hard against Rainbow's quivering cervix, Julius slid his fingers into Twilight's and Zecora's pussies.

Feeling Julius' fingers delve into their aching pussies both mares started to suckle harder. The feeling of Julius slamming against her innermost depths, the feeling of the suckling, and the mixture of thick pheromones had Rainbow Dash at the edge of her second orgasm. Assaulted on all ends, Rainbow Dash buried her muzzle into Luna's dripping pussy. Licking Luna's pussy as she moaned, Rainbow's whole body quivered as she was assaulted with pleasure on all ends.

Speeding up his thrusting, Julius rocked Rainbow's whole body. Back and forth, Rainbow's body moved, forcing her to lick all along Luna's pussy, and to tease her clit. With each thrust, Julius' domineering cock pounded hard against her cervix, threatening to penetrate the overwhelmed mare further. Julius slowly sped up with each thrust, his balls slapping loudly, lewdly against Rainbow Dash's ass and brushing against her tail.

Moaning lustfully into Luna's pussy, Rainbow Dash squirmed and writhed in pleasure as her second orgasm ravaged her body. Her suckled teats gushed out milk while her pussy quivered and ached. As her orgasm ended, Rainbow Dash felt two strong hands grab her sides. As she rid down, her orgasm Rainbow Dash felt Julius pull her down as he thrust into her. In one swift, powerful motion Julius slammed his throbbing cock home. Penetrating her battered cervix, the tip of Julius' cock twitched inside Rainbow's womb.

"*Mhhhph! Mhhhph! Mhhhm!*" Rainbow Dash moaned into Luna's pussy as a cocktail of pain and pleasure was fed to her body. Feeling Julius' cock twitching in her quivering womb, Rainbow fully understood just how large he was.

Pausing only for a few moments, Julius grinned wolfishly at the sight before him. Cock throbbing and twitching wildly, Julius started thrusting powerfully. With each thrust, the tip of his cock threatened to be pulled out of Rainbow's womb but just barely stayed in before slamming deeply inside. Cock twitching wildly, pre-cum spilled out into Rainbow's deepest depths.

As his thrusting became more powerful, more eager, so to did Julius' fingering, his fingers alternating in and out of the mares as deft pistons. His thumbs toying, teasing with their clits. Juices were flowing freely from the mare's fully teased pussies. Working his rhythm, it took several thrusts before Julius synced up to his fingering with his thrusting.

Wet lewd sounds echoed from Zecora's house as the group enjoyed their little orgy. Julius' thrusting sending lightning bolts of orgasmic pleasure racing through Rainbow's body. Twilight's and Zecora's suckling were bombarding her mind with thoughts of what could be. The taste of Luna's marehood, the marehood of a princess sending lustful shivers through her body. Rainbow Dash was bathing in the throes of pleasure.

Breathing heavily, Julius grinned. A dull, familiar ache ran through his cock and balls. The feeling of his orgasm was slowly coming over him. Julius' thrusting became wild, erratic as he gradually lost control. Julius's cock was feverishly twitching as if begging to blast Rainbow Dash full ravaged her pussy harder and harder with each twitch.

Hearing the familiar heavy breathing Luna and Twilight used their magic. Softly fondling Julius' heavy balls Luna and Twilight teased the large foal-makers from within and without, seemingly forcing them to blast their full load deep into Rainbow's womb; not much teasing was needed. Feeling the magical total massage of his balls, Julius slammed his cock as deep into Rainbow Dash as he could. Loudly animalistically roaring, Julius felt his orgasm coming. Throbbing and twitching powerfully, Julius's cock blasted Rainbow's womb full with his cum. Powerfully twitching, Julius's cock eagerly flooded Rainbow Dash's aching womb with his thick cum.

Feeling her womb fill up with Julius' cum, Rainbow Dash bucks and quivers wildly. The warmth, the thickness, the filling feeling of Julius' seed; feeling the heat spreading through her marehood Rainbow Dash quivers and shakes as a thunderous orgasm rocks her body. As Rainbow's orgasm ravages her body, waves upon waves of pleasure wash over her body as Rainbow's body goes limp. Riding her orgasm, Rainbow Dash falls to the bed, panting and limp.

"Well, Rainbow Dash seems to have enjoyed herself," Luna laughs in a huff, breaking the spell on Rainbow's teats. "I, however, have not yet had an orgasm. Julius care to finish what Rainbow Dash started?" Luna asked as she laid on her back, her pussy exposed to Julius.

"With pleasure, milady," Julius panted. Keeping his cock buried inside Rainbow Dash, savoring their lustful connection, Julius brought his head between Luna's hind legs. Flicking his tongue against Luna's sopping wet pussy Julius began to eat Luna out fervently. The mixture of Luna's juices and Rainbow's being incredibly intoxicating. Losing himself in the unique taste and the incredible tightness of Rainbow's pussy, Julius drunkenly devours Luna's pussy. Tongue flicking in and out of Luna's pussy, lavishing the drenched folds with pleasure, Julius's tongue ravaged Luna's pussy.

Moving his hands away from Twilight and Zecora, Julius picked Twilight up and placed her over Luna, laying the two together belly to belly. Both pussies against each other, Julius seamlessly went from eating one out to eating out the other. Grabbing Zecora while he ate out the two mares, Julius picked Zecora up and moved her over to Luna, making Zecora's pussy straddle Luna's horn. Taking the cue, Zecora slowly mounted Luna's horn and started to ride it. The odd ribbed horn was making for an odd yet pleasant feeling. On Luna's end, the feeling of having her horn buried inside a mare's pussy nearly brought her right to orgasm.

Wet sloppy sounds further filled the room as the mares quickly approached their orgasms. Luna's and Twilight's juices mixed on Julius' tongue as he lavished both mares' pussies closer and closer to orgasm. While Zecora fucked Luna's horn, Twilight's smaller horn gently teasing her teats and nipples as she pleasured herself on Luna's horn. Moment by moment, lick by lick, hump by hump, the three mares came closer and closer to orgasm.

After a few short minutes of their pleasuring, the three mares all had their orgasms wash over them. Luna and Twilight both gushed their juices liberally, while Zecora's juices flooded down Luna's horn. Bringing his head up, Julius lustfully sighed before laying down between the mares. Taking a few short moments to bask in their afterglows Luna, Twilight, and Zecora untangled themselves and curled up along with Julius. Basking in the collective warmth of the herd, Julius and the mares slowly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 18: Fluttershy's Cottage

Returning to Zecora's Hut, Julius sits down to compose himself and collect his thoughts, while Luna is almost back out the door right away.

"I'll search the area, make sure everything is fine," Luna tells Julius before heading off into the Everfree.

"Yeah, yeah, she'll be fine," Julius thinks to himself while gathering his thoughts on what could be stalking him. "Ok, it's probably not a predator; I gave plenty of chances for it to attack me if it was. It's not a prey creature; prey creatures don't stalk things; they run and hide. I don't think it's somecreature from the Everfree; it seemed too controlled, too out of character for any of its native creatures. Maybe it's an enemy of Equestria? Maybe I stumbled onto some shape-shifting creature that's spying on this area of Equestria? Unlikely considering we're nearly right in the middle of the country, but Canterlot is close by, so possible? As thoughts run through his head, one thought comes almost to the forefront. "Could it be a unicorn with invisibility magic? If so, it'd have to be extremely well trained in stealth, to move through rough terrain like that without making any sound. Nothing like this has happened in the past month, and this only started today, after I returned from Ponyville. Either an unnervingly skilled unicorn from Ponyville is stalking me for fun or, Julius' eyes go a bit wide as a possibility dawns on him "a unicorn was ordered to spy on me by Celestia or Luna" Julius thinks while sitting in silence.

Playing over different scenarios in his head, the last one seems more and more likely. "Luna's been with me pretty much the whole time, so I don't see when she could have given the order unless she did it via a dream. Celestia, well, I think our first meeting went well enough, all things considered. Maybe she's ordered that her booty call is to be watched over from the shadows? Maybe she doesn't trust me and is keeping tabs on me?" Thinking on the powers and position of Celestia, a shiver makes its way up Julius' back. "Maybe some zealots who worship her are doing it on their own accord? I hope that's not the case Julius shudders at the thought. "Oh well, I seem to be safe enough, and I did plan to go to Fluttershy's today," Julius says to himself while standing up. Grabbing his staff, he turns around and heads out into the Everfree towards Fluttershy's Cottage.

Walking at a steady yet guarded pace, Julius knew full well the trip would be longer than he'd have liked. What would typically take him maybe thirty minutes would now take him easily an hour, if not more. About a quarter of the way Julius noticed something, or rather he didn't notice anything, the Everfree seemed normal. Normal sounds, normal animal activity, normal plant activity, everything was normal. Mentally weighing his options, Julius decided to stay guarded just in case. A walk, a long walk among a trail that was seeing more use, wasn't that bad. The air had that unique scent of the Everfree, the flowers were lovely, and the animals gave a pleasant background noise. For fifty minutes, this was Julius' walk, nice and peaceful. Nearing the end of the Everfree, it happened again; the Everfree went quiet.

"Great, my stalker is back," Julius thought to himself at the onset of the silence. "Maybe I should shout out to it," Julius thought before lightly shaking his head. "Nah, better for it not to know that I know it's there," Julius thought as he came ever closer to the edge of the Everfree. Julius spots Fluttershy's Cottage almost right away from the forest line.

The whole approach to Fluttershy's Cottage was beautiful. The grass was very well kept, the flowers bloomed beautifully, the trees softly hugged the surrounding area, the birds in the distance sang a song that carried all through the area, and the little brook had a pleasant sound and freshwater; truly a nature lover's dream. Stopping for a quick drink from the brook, Julius perked up his senses as much as he could. Focusing magical energy to his ears in an attempt to hear better, it worked, but it didn't make him hear too much better. It was tiring, taking more energy than he thought it would, but it was just barely enough. Julius heard soft steps. Not looking away from the brook, both not to let it know, and the water was refreshing, Julius had to estimate where his stalker was.

"Maybe thirtyish steps away, roughly behind me," Julius thought as the steps fell silent. Focusing more energy to his hearing, Julius heard nothing. "Appears to have stopped," Julius thought after a few minutes of listening. Lowering the energy he was using back to where he could barely hear the creature, Julius got up and resumed walking to Fluttershy's Cottage. For every step Julius took, his stalker seemed to take a step and a half, staying at the same distance. Walking up along the dirt path after a few minutes, Julius stopped sending energy to his ears. It took too much energy, hurt his ears, and his stalker seemed to stay the same distance away. Step by step, Julius got closer to Fluttershy's door. Knocking on the door, Julius allows himself to relax somewhat.

"Fluttershy, are you home?" Julius asks after knocking.

"I am. Give me one moment," Fluttershy responds as animal sounds come from inside. Opening the door, a wolf barrels out at break-neck speed, swiftly darting its head around, first looking at Julius, then off at something near the tree line, then back to Julius, then back to the same spot at the tree line. Teeth bared and snarling, the wolf's attention was split.

"Accalia down, girl!" Fluttershy commanded with surprising firmness. *Woof, woof! Grrr, yowl! Owooooo!* Accalia responded while keeping her attention fixed to the tree line. "Accalia, this is Julius; he's a friend," Fluttershy told Accalia. "What do you mean there's something in the trees?" Fluttershy questioned Accalia.

"I can answer that," Julius quickly told Fluttershy. "Ever since I woke up, something has been stalking me," Julius told Fluttershy, making her recoil in shock. "It doesn't seem to be hostile; it's had many opportunities to attack me. It seems to be content just to watch me from some distance," Julius explained to Fluttershy.

"Oh dear, that sounds scary," Fluttershy meekly says. "Do you think you'll be ok?" Fluttershy asks with concern.

"Well, who knows how long it's been stalking me? So far, nothing has happened, so I think I'll be fine. It's unnerving, though, being stalked. Mind if I come in?" Julius asks while looking inside.

"Oh right," Fluttershy nervously giggles, "come on in," Fluttershy says as she leads Julius inside, Accalia following close behind, though still quite focused on the tree line. "Welcome to my home; feel free to sit anywhere," Fluttershy offers as Julius steps inside. Looking around, Julius spots a nicely sized couch; sitting down on the couch, Julius watched as Fluttershy grabbed a serving tray with a kettle and some cups on it while Accalia leers out the window. "I'm sorry about Accalia; she's not very good with creatures she doesn't know," Fluttershy tells Julius as she walks over to him with the serving tray. "Would you like some tea and snacks?" Fluttershy asks, setting down the tray on a nearby table.

"Black tea with some lavender, please, and yes, something to go with it, maybe some tea biscuits and blueberry jam," Julius requests with a heavy sigh, leaning his staff down against a nearby chair.

"Alright, there should be some black tea bags on the trey. I'll be right back with some lavender, biscuits, and jam," Fluttershy says as she walks into her kitchen. Looking around Fluttershy's house, Julius spots many different animals, bunnies, cats, dogs, mice, hedgehogs, snakes, all kinds of birds, some chickens running around outside, and other animals running around outside. Looking over the animals, Julius feels a gaze fall on him. Trying to find what's glaring at him, Julius looks around the room. Seeing nothing at first, Julius quickly gets up and looks out the window Accalia's looking out of, still nothing. Taking another closer look around the room, Julius spots a bunny staring him down.

"A-are you giving me the stink eye?!?" Julius bewilderedly asks the bunny, who just stares him down. "O-ok then. I'm just going to sit back down now," Julius awkwardly says as Fluttershy reenters the room.

"Talking to the animals?" Fluttershy asks while setting down some lavender tea bags, tea biscuits, blueberry jam, and some carrots. Sitting down across from Julius, Fluttershy makes herself a cup of tea.

"Just that bunny, I think it wants something," Julius tells Fluttershy as he makes up his tea.

"Oh, that's just Angel Bunny; he probably wants a snack," Fluttershy explains while giving a carrot to Angel "here you go," Fluttershy pleasantly says with giving Angel a carrot. Taking the carrot, Angel hops off a little way to a small comfy looking cushion. "Angel's a very nice bunny," Fluttershy tells Julius as Angel sits down on his pillow.

"I doubt that," Julius thinks to himself. "I'll take your word on that," Julius tells Fluttershy as he tries his tea. Energizing and relaxing, it was just what Julius needed. Trying one of the tea biscuits, they were light and dry but good; the blueberry jam went well with them and the tea. "Thank you, getting here was a bit more taxing than I thought it would be. It turns out trying to use magic in a way you haven't learned is possible, but tiring," Julius tells Fluttershy while savoring the tea and snacks.

"Why did you do that?" Fluttershy asks, concern evident in her voice.

"Well, when I was a few minutes away from your cottage, I stopped by the brook for some water. I got the idea to try to hear for my stalker. In my defense, it worked, if only just," Julius lightly laughed before taking a sip of his tea.

"I see. That sounds like it's dangerous to do; you really shouldn't do it again," Fluttershy cautions as she enjoys her tea.

"I know, but I'll do it anyway. Too useful not to build up. I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to train it with Luna, and Zecora" Julius tells Fluttershy as he makes up another jam-covered tea biscuit.

"As long as you do it safely," Fluttershy says with some concern in her voice. "Anyways, what brings you here today?" Fluttershy asks while making herself a jam-covered biscuit.

"Oh, nothing much; I just wanted to spend time with you," Julius tells Fluttershy with a soft smile.

"You're after me because of that agreement my friends and I made a while ago," Fluttershy tells with a bit of a chuckle. "It was pretty obvious when you wanted to race Rainbow Dash. That and Pinkie Pie told the rest of us," Fluttershy tells Julius before eating a biscuit.

"As true as that is, I still want to spend time with you," Julius admits while looking around the room again. "I heard you had a bear to massage today. Did you already do that?" Julius asked before taking another sip of his tea.

"Yes, I did. I don't have too much to do today, but I do have to help out at Sweet Apple Acres today. Applejack is having a problem with some gophers and beavers again. They can be a bit stubborn, so it could take some time," Fluttershy remarks while mentally preparing herself for the encounter.

"So Applejack needs both your help and Rainbow's; seems like fate is pulling me there too," Julius chuckles. "So why does she need Rainbow's help?" Julius asks while savoring his tea.

"Probably a few fields in need of some heavier rain. Maybe an old building needs to come down. I'm not entirely sure myself" Fluttershy offers some suggestions of what Rainbow might be doing.

"Good enough reasons, mind if I go with you when you go to the farm?" Julius asks while relaxing with his tea.

"Oh, not at all. I'm sure Applejack will appreciate the help," Fluttershy tells Julius before taking a bigger sip of her tea.

"Yeah, I bet she always has work to do. If farm life in this world is anything like farm life on mine, then she'll love all the help she could get," Julius remarks before taking a quick sip of his tea. "You're taking the news that I'm going after you and your friends very well, all things considered," Julius tells Fluttershy right after he finishes his sip.

"Well, I always knew the day would come; we all did. It was always a matter of when. I was mentally preparing since then. Honestly, though, I was a bit surprised that you were after us. After seeing you and Luna together at the lake, I thought you were in her herd," Fluttershy explained to Julius.

"In her herd? Wait, I thought herds were one male multiple female deals," Julius says with a bit of confusion.

"Normally yes, but there are cases of high-status mares having a herd of multiple stallions. They're rare, though, very rare. It's seen as being very selfish, with how few stallions there are. Both Celestia and Luna could have their own herd of stallions, and it wouldn't be a problem, though I'd imagine they'd share stallions with each other. There are also cases of large herds having several stallions, but that's almost always when there are more than ten mares, or if the stallions are excellent friends," Fluttershy explains to Julius.

"Ah, I see; Zecora missed that. It must be extremely rare for her not to know about that," Julius remarks at hearing this.

"Oh, it is; I don't know any mare that would do it," Fluttershy confirms. Finishing their tea and snacks, Fluttershy returns the tray and dishes to her kitchen. Walking back out, she notices Julius rubbing his arms and legs. "Are they sore?" Fluttershy asks with a bit of concern.

"Just a bit, I'll live through," Julius says before trying to stand up. As he starts standing, Fluttershy walks over to him.

"Lay down and let me take care of it," Fluttershy tells Julius.

"Are you sure, like really sure?" Julius asks while laying down on his stomach, a bit of surprise in his voice. Taking off his shirt, Julius drapes it over the chair that his staff was against.

"If you're helping Applejack out, you'll need it. She'll work you to the bone," Fluttershy tells Julius as she takes his right arm between her hooves. Lightly pressing her hooves against his arms, Fluttershy slowly pushes harder and harder.

"Ok, about that hard," Julius says to Fluttershy as she starts to use a fairly high amount of force. More than she'd use for most animals and ponies; it was still less than the strength she'd use for a bear.

"You're feeling quite tense," Fluttershy remarks as she massages his right arm. Moving slowly to his back Fluttershy almost recoils in shock. "My oh my, you seem to have many knots. I'm guessing you've needed this for a while," Fluttershy remarks as she resumes her massage.

"You have no idea," Julius said, extremely relaxed. Under Fluttershy's hooves, Julius felt more and more relaxed. Meanwhile, during the massage, Fluttershy was fully enveloped in Julius' musk.

"Well, this would explain a lot," Fluttershy giggles. "I imagine if I weren't used to musk, this would be quite bad," Fluttershy remarks while massaging Julius' back.

"You're used to musk?" Julius said with some shock despite his relaxation.

"Oh yes, many of the animals that come here give it off," Fluttershy tells Julius while working over his back.

"You have no idea how relaxing that is. I was a little worried you'd go all lust crazy too," Julius chuckled while relaxing under Fluttershy's massage.

"I can imagine that's quite exhausting," Fluttershy remarks while Julius relaxes. Massaging down his body Fluttershy slightly blushes. Well-toned and lean, she did find it attractive even if it was filled with knots. Arms, legs, back, and neck all had many knots. She had dealt with many animals with knots before but rarely with this many. Feeling Fluttershy's hooves massage, his body Julius relaxed in the odd sensation. The rough hardness of her outer hoof and the soft cushion of her inner hoof made for a strange yet pleasant feeling, like a plunger if the inside of it was a soft pillow. The massaging worked very well on the knots; the pressing down and the suction of Fluttershy's hooves easily broke up the knots. Rolling her hooves across Julius' body Fluttershy slowly ends the massage. "There you go. All better?" Fluttershy asks as she finishes the message.

"Oh greatly, thank you," Julius thanks while laying down. "Hey, you don't mind if I just lay here for a while, do you? I feel too good to move," Julius requests.

"I don't see why not; I don't have to be at Sweet Apple Acres for another hour and a half. You can lay there for an hour, then I'll get you up, and we'll head out," Fluttershy tells Julius.

"Thank you; you're a saint," Julius thanks Fluttershy as he lays on the couch seemingly zenned out while Fluttershy heads into the kitchen to do the dishes.

Chapter 19: To Ponyville and a Café

An hour past an hour in relaxed bliss, Fluttershy's massage fully relaxed every muscle in Julius's body, which, while pleasant, made it nearly impossible to move. However, the relaxation was worth it, as it was something Julius desperately needed after his morning. The couch he was lying on was soft and plush, thus pulling his body even further into relaxation. The only thing preventing Julius from succumbing to sleep was the birds' soft singing and the animal sounds.

"Julius, Julius, it's almost time to go." Fluttershy gently spoke while lightly poking him with her hoof. Slowly sitting up, Julius rubbed the relaxation from his eyes. Taking a quick moment to yawn, and stretch Julius slipped his shirt on.

"Alright, alright," Julius says, with a waking sigh. "I'm ready," Julius affirms, grabbing his staff in a flourish. "Lead the way then," Julius says, with a stretch as he approaches the door. Seeing Julius reach the door, Accalia perks right up, her body tense.

"Alright then, let's, "Fluttershy starts to say, as she opens the door, "*WAH*" Fluttershy squeaks as Accalia bolts out the door and runs into the nearby field. Sniffing around the area, Accalia searches the field, intent on finding something. "Accalia down, girl!" Fluttershy sharply commands the wolf.

"*Bark, bark, wolf! Grrr, Owooooo!*" Accalia howls in response as she seemingly picks up a scent. Hackles raised Accalia stares off into the trees; teeth bared, and body tensed Accalia was ready to strike. Looking at Julius, Fluttershy holds herself ready to stop Accalia.

"It's your stalker, so I'll follow your lead," Fluttershy tells Julius with surprising confidence.

"I'd rather not chase my stalker through the forest; it's too dangerous. For now, it's better for me to stay aware, not to do anything aggressive, and hope my stalker screws up. Hopefully, nothing will come of it, but if it does well, there isn't a good way to handle it." Julius tells Fluttershy as he breaths in the air, slightly lost in thought.

"Alright, I'll get Accalia," Fluttershy tells, a barely aware Julius. Flying towards, Accalia, Fluttershy stands in front of her. "Accalia, enough of this! Calm down and go back to the cottage!" Fluttershy commands Accalia, who stays focused on the spot in the forest. "Accalia, don't make me use the stare!" Fluttershy warns, with more firmness. Accalia looks a little concerned for a moment but stays focused while the firmness in Fluttershy's voice snaps Julius out of his thought. Looking over towards the pair, Julius sees Fluttershy standing in front of Accalia. Julius sees Fluttershy close her eyes and take a deep breath before sharply opening her eyes. Seemingly glaring down, Accalia, the wolf, slowly backs down. Looking on, Julius looks right into Fluttershy's eyes. They seemed somehow hypnotic, a deep penetrating stare, laying bare his emotions, making him feel guilty, ashamed, yet somehow drawing him in. To Julius, standing still lost in Fluttershy's gaze, it seemed like nothing else existed.

Accalia, having backed up fair enough, Fluttershy breaks her stare. Looking up, Fluttershy sees Julius just staring off somehow into the distance and yet also at her. Walking up to Julius, Fluttershy gently taps him with a hoof.

"Julius, Julius, you there?" Fluttershy asks, concern evident in her voice. Shaking his head, Julius looks down at Fluttershy.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. What just happened?" A perplexed Julius asked as he regained his senses.

"Oh, you got caught in my stare," Fluttershy starts to explain as she leads Julius into town. "I don't like doing it. It feels somewhat mean to the animals, but sometimes it's necessary. Accalia means well, but she can be very stubborn. When she gets like that, either she gets her way, or I have to use the stare on her." Fluttershy explains to Julius as the two started down the path to town. "You must have gotten caught in it when you looked over towards Accalia, and I sorry." Fluttershy apologetically says to Julius.

"It's ok; you have nothing to apologize for; it was an accident." Julius assured Fluttershy before looking at Accalia "*FWEET*" Julius loses a sharp whistle at Accalia while nodding his head towards himself and Fluttershy. Standing still, Accalia tilts her head while looking at Julius. "Fluttershy, can you call Accalia over here? I'd like her to come with us." Julius requests.

"I can; if you don't mind, why do you want her to come with us?" Fluttershy asks as she ushers Accalia over with her head.

"She's a wolf. Dogs came from wolves. Dogs have gotten the moniker 'Man's best friend' for a good reason. It would make me feel better to know there was a lookout like her," Julius explains to Fluttershy while Accalia walks over.

"I see," Fluttershy says as the group walks towards town. "Do you have ponies in your world?" Fluttershy asks, making Julius nearly stumble. In truth, he knew this would come up, and he was slightly prepared for it, but not entirely.

"Well," Julius starts, thinking over his words carefully, "pegasi and unicorns exist only in our myths. Horses and ponies do exist, though. They're much bigger than the ponies here, but they can't talk or anything like that. Humans would ride horses though some still do. I tried it once, but saddle sore sucks." Julius starts to explain to Fluttershy, who's listening intently. "Horses are one of the more important animals in our world. They are generally well cared for and protected. Ponies a bit less important, but not by much. Horses and ponies are roughly as important as cows, chickens, and sheep. Also more protected for reasons I'd rather not get into." Julius explained somewhat awkwardly. Fluttershy looking at Julius makes him kind of look away. Taking a moment, Fluttershy understands and leaves well enough alone.

"I see. You say pegasi and unicorns exist in your myths. Do you think that any ponies from Equestria accidentally made it into your world in the past?" Fluttershy asked as the trees became buildings, the three having walked into town.

"I doubt it, though; there are many different myths about unicorns and pegasi," Julius says, as he thinks it over. "I suppose it's possible though I'd imagine people would write about talking pegasi and unicorns. As far as I know, in every myth involving pegasi or unicorns, they never talk or use magic," Julius tells Fluttershy as the group walks through Ponyville. The ponies weren't running away or hiding or anything like that, but Julius was still getting a lot of weird looks. The two stopped their conversation; the stares felt awkward for both, with Fluttershy bashfully turning away from the gazes, while Julius just felt uncomfortable. Julius and Fluttershy heard some high-pitched snickering from school fillies though neither Fluttershy nor Julius saw any. Walking through Ponyville, Julius smelt a very familiar scent, one he hasn't experienced since coming to Equestria.

"Fluttershy, is that coffee?" Julius asks with incredible energy.

"I believe so, yes. The Hay 'n Hoof café sells coffee if I remember." Fluttershy confirms to Julius, who's very much following his nose.

"I don't suppose you can spare the bits for a cup of coffee, can you?" Julius asked very much, following the scent of the coffee.

"A quick cup. We don't want to be late to Sweet Apple Acres." Fluttershy concedes to Julius as she and Accalia follow after him.

"Thank you, I need this," Julius says, smiling while following his nose. "Seriously, it's been about a month since I've had any coffee." Julius sighs while following the scent of coffee.

"*Hehehe*" Fluttershy giggles while she and Accalia follow after Julius. Walking a short distance, the three come to an open-spaced café. Standing outside the open-space café, Julius stands there, still with a slightly baffled look on his face.

"So, uh, do we just sit down at a table or what?" Julius asked Fluttershy while scratching the back of his head, unsure of what to do.

"Yes, we do," Fluttershy explains to Julius as she walks up to an empty table by a hay bale row. Sitting down on the side opposite of the hay bales, Julius quickly follows. Sitting down on one of the hay bales, Accalia follows, lastly, sitting down beside Fluttershy. "Now we wait, don't worry, the servers here are quite skilled," Fluttershy assures Julius.

Almost as if summoned, a sharply dressed mare walks out to them. The mare looks over Julius as the server approaches the table. Breathing deeply, she finishes walking up to the table.

"Good afternoon. My name is Glowing Mane, and I'll be your server today. What can I get for you?" The mare asked while standing by the table.

"Good afternoon Glowing Mane. I'm Julius, and I'd like a large coffee, three sugar cubes, three teaspoons of cream," Julius says, placing his order. Taking Julius' request Glowing Mane turns to Fluttershy.

"Oh, I'm fine, maybe a small glass of rose spring water, please," Fluttershy requests from the server.

"Alright, I'll be right back out." Glowing Mane, tells the two before walking into the building.

"I said a small cup of coffee," Fluttershy reminds Julius, a little disappointed.

"Relax, Fluttershy, I'm bigger than you ponies. A large for you is likely a medium for me," Julius tells with a chuckle while Fluttershy raises an eyebrow at him. Fortunately, the two didn't have long to wait as Glowing Mane quickly returned with the drinks on a tray.

"Here you go, one small rose spring water and one large triple-triple." Glowing Mane, said as she sat the tray down on the table. Fluttershy's water was small, though not as little as Julius thought. Julius took his coffee; as he expected, it was smaller than what he considers a large but still more generous than a medium. Looking at Julius, Fluttershy allowed herself a slight smirk.

"Ok, ok, I'll admit it, this is bigger than I thought. Still, though it's smaller than a large I'm used to," Julius conceded to Fluttershy. Taking a sip of his coffee Julius savors the taste. The coffee was milder than what he was used to; maybe it was a very light roast, he had a little too much cream and sugar, maybe next time two each. Still, though, coffee is coffee, and it was still refreshing. "Weaker than I'm used to, but still good. I'll have to play around with roasts, cream, and sugar, but I'm fine with that." Julius tells Fluttershy with a contented sigh.

"I'm glad to hear it," Fluttershy softly says before sipping some of her water. Crisp, fresh, soft, chilled, and slightly sweetened rose spring water was a pleasantly refreshing drink. The two sat in a nice moment of silence, enjoying their respective beverages. Fluttershy was taking smaller dainty sips while Julius was taking large gulps. They sat down for only a few short minutes, but those minutes were quite relaxing. Swiftly finishing their drinks Glowing Mane soon after came back out. Walking over to the table, Glowing Mane eyed the two.

"Enjoyed your drinks?" Glowing Mane, asked while standing by the tray. Both Fluttershy and Julius placing their empty cups on the tray.

"Yes, very thank you" Julius thanks the mare as he places his cup on the tray.

"Oh yes, it was very refreshing" Fluttershy thanks the mare as she places her cup on the tray.

"I'm glad to hear it!" Glowing Mane, tells the two as she turns to Fluttershy. "That'll be 10 bits." Glowing Mane tells Fluttershy, seemingly ignoring Julius entirely. Giving the bits to Glowing Mane, Fluttershy stands up and walks over to Julius. Looking at the two side by side, Glowing Mane stifles a giggle. "Well, Fluttershy, you do have an interesting taste in stallions. Good for you for finding one" Glowing Mane compliments Fluttershy before taking their tray and walking off into the building.

"Well, that was weird, wasn't it?" Julius asks, looking down at a very blushing Fluttershy. "Fluttershy? Fluttershy? Hey, you in there? You ok?" Julius asks, gently petting Fluttershy's head. Feeling Julius' hand on her head Fluttershy slightly jumps in shock.

"O-oh, ummm, what was weird?" Fluttershy asked Julius as she collected herself.

"How she ignored me when getting the bill," Julius told Fluttershy, "also her thinking we're a thing," Julius lightly laughs.

"O-oh that, well you see," Fluttershy stammered while she continued to collect herself "here, it's considered poor form if a mare doesn't treat her stallion," Fluttershy explained to Julius, who just stood there slightly dumbfounded.

"W-wow, that," Julius sighs "that feels so weird being on the other side," Julius commented, lightly shaking his head. "Ah well, this was a nice break, but Applejack still needs us. You ready to go?" Julius says while gently petting Fluttershy's head.

"O-oh yes, we should be on our way," Fluttershy, slightly absentmindedly, says as the two continue their walk to Sweet Apple Acres.

Chapter 20: A New Taste On The Farm

The group swiftly arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. Julius was walking with a bit more energy after his coffee; Fluttershy, too, was feeling a bit more refreshed from her drink. Sure they were a few minutes late, but it was worth it. Standing outside Sweet Apple Acres, Julius looked around, marveling at the town road's transition to the farm's road. The trees lining the town's street were all different kinds; oaks, maples, hickory, and chestnuts were the most common; however, there were a few other types. Going into the farm road, though, was wholly different. At the gate and fence were a few maple trees, but there were just apple trees after that. Red apples, green apples, and golden apples were all growing.

"Lots of apple trees. Guessing they're all different types?" Julius absentmindedly asked Fluttershy.

"Oh yes, they are. I don't know all the types, but I do know a few of them." Fluttershy started to explain. "Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, and McIntosh are the only types I know. I'm sure Applejack or one of the Apples could tell you more, though." Fluttershy listed off as she remembered something. "Oh, there are also Zap Apples, but they're special. They only grow for a short time, and only Granny Smith knows when they'll come in." Fluttershy tells Julius as they walk along the tree-lined path.

"I'm sure Applejack has forgotten more about apples than I'll ever know." Julius chuckled as the group walked down the path. It was surprising to Julius how many dirt roads there were. Considering most if not every sentient creature was equine, he expected more developed roads, but so far, most of the streets just looked like well-worn trails: no drainage, no reinforcement, no decorations, no street lights, no particular dirt, nothing. The only exception was the main roads, and they only had street lights. "Hey Fluttershy, any reason why the roads have no real development?" Julius asked as they got closer to the barn.

"Maybe, I'm not too sure. Twilight might know, or Mayor Mare. If they don't, you could always ask Princess Celestia she should know." Fluttershy told Julius as the two heard some voices close by.

"So the old deal stays the same then?" A masculine voice asked, almost as if he already knew the answer.

"Yes, Filthy, the old deal stays the same." Applejack responds as the group comes into sight.

"I'm glad to hear it. I would love to continue this conversation, but I do find it in poor taste to discuss business in the presence of those not directly involved." The male, presumably named Filthy, said before turning to face the group. "Greetings, I'm Filthy Rich. If I remember, you are that creature from the other day, Julius, was it?" Filthy Rich introduced himself.

"Well, at least you're honest about it. Yes, I am Julius; nice to meet you." Julius returned the greeting, much to Applejack's and Fluttershy's amusement.

"Honest about what?" Filthy Rich asked, somewhat confused before quickly coming to a realization. "Oh, right, the name. My name is Filthy Rich. While I may be rich, I can assure you that I came by my bits honestly." Filthy chuckled while a magenta filly rolled her eyes.

"Like you haven't heard that one before, father." The filly rolled her eyes.

"None of that now, Diamond Tiara. Julius here is an important creature." Filthy half-heartedly reprimands Diamond Tiara. "Forgive my daughter; she was in Canterlot with her mother during the party." Filthy asks Julius.

"Oh, come on, how can that creature be important? He isn't even a pony, much less a unicorn." Diamond scoffs dismissively.

"Diamond Tiara, enough of that!" Filthy harshly reprimands. "Julius here has the ear of the Princesses." Filthy explains to Diamond Tiara. "Please forgive my daughter's rudeness." Filthy slightly nervously asks Julius.

"Hmmm, give me a moment to think about it," Julius tells Filthy Rich while walking towards Applejack. "I'll need Applejack's opinion on it first," Julius lightly smirks while walking over to Applejack. Leading Applejack a little bit away, with Fluttershy close behind, Julius sits down on the ground. "Shot in the dark here, but she's a bully, isn't she?" Julius asks, looking at Applejack.

"I've heard my sister complaining about her. From what she's said, Diamond Tiara doesn't sound too pleasant, though usually, she's decent enough around Granny Smith, Big Mac, and myself." Applejack explains to Julius, who's slightly lost in thought.

"I see. Applejack, I think I have an idea. A way to get Diamond Tiara to stop being a bully, though I need your help with it." Julius tells Applejack.

"I'm listening; what do you have in mind?" Applejack asks, her head slightly tilted.

"I'll tell Filthy Rich that I'll forgive her daughter if she helps out on the farm," Julius tells Applejack. "It'll get her away from whatever's happening at home, give her some time and space to clear her head, and give you a bit more help on the farm," Julius explains to Applejack.

"Well, Granny Smith always said hard work makes for good ponies," Applejack responded, sounding a little unsure. "It's a good idea, don't get me wrong, but I don't think Filthy would be onboard with it." Applejack tells Julius.

"If he agrees, will you agree to it?" Julius asks Applejack, confident that Filthy Rich will allow it.

"Sure. If somehow you can get Filthy Rich to allow Diamond Tiara to help out on the farm, I'll allow it," Applejack tells Julius. Smiling slightly, Julius walks back to Filthy Rich with Applejack and Fluttershy following after.

"Alright, Filthy Rich. I'll forgive your daughter if she helps out on the farm," Julius tells Filthy Rich.

"WHAT!" Diamond Tiara exclaims in utter disbelieve.

"Interesting thought," Filthy Rich says, thinking it over. "Tell me, why do you want Diamond Tiara to help out on the farm?" Filthy asks curiously.

"I think it'll be good for her. I'm sure there are a few ponies who would agree with me," Julius tells Filthy Rich with a wink.

"I see your point," Filthy Rich says with a bittersweet smile. "You know how to make an argument," Filthy tells Julius, both exchanging knowing looks. "Very well, she'll start tomorrow," Filthy Rich offers while Diamond Tiara watches on in dismay.

"That works," Julius tells Filthy Rich while smirking at Applejack.

"I'm glad to hear it. Now I'd love to stay, but I've already spent too much time here; I have to get back to Barnyard Bargains. Until next time, and remember, Buy Better, Buy Brighter, Buy Barnyard Bargains." Filthy Rich says to Julius before leaving, Diamond Tiara blankly following after her father.

"Told you I could do it," Julius smirks at Applejack. "Moving on from that distraction, Fluttershy and I are here to help for the day," Julius tells Applejack, who's smiling and shaking her head.

"Tomorrow will be an interesting time," Applejack chuckles before acknowledging Julius. "I was expecting Fluttershy, not you, though, well, not yet at least," Applejack laughs. "Still though, if you want to start sooner than expected, I won't complain, nor will the mares. Now, if you can keep your clothes on, you can work with us; otherwise, you'll have to work alone in an orchard," Applejack tells Julius.

"You expected me to help?" Julius asked in some surprise.

"Not at first, but after hearing that you beat Rainbow Dash in a race, I figured it was only a matter of time," Applejack explained to Julius. "After all, the only reason I can think of for wanting to race Rainbow Dash is the deal we have," Applejack tells Julius. "Look, I'm okay with it as long as you can work out on the farm in some way. Honestly, your timing couldn't be better. We've been getting requests for Big Mac for a while, mostly from Cheerilee and Bon Bon. Rarity hasn't requested him yet, and Pinkie Pie cut back on her requests" Applejack lightly laughs.

"Are the requests for sex? Is Big Mac getting paid to have sex with ponies?!?" Julius asks, slightly amazed.

"Eeyup," a very hardy-sounding Big Mac responds, walking up behind Applejack.

"Damn, son, respect," Julius chuckles while Big Mac smiles, and Applejack laughs.

"Remember, in this world males are a lot rarer than in your world. This kind of thing is pretty common here. It's a fantastic way to bring in bits for the farm." Applejack explains to Julius while laughing.

"I suppose you have a point, still though" Julius slightly trails off. "It's warm out. I'll probably work shirtless," Julius sighs.

"Alright, Big Mac, take Julius to the western orchard. Julius will be working there while he works here. I'll take Fluttershy over to the reservoir; hopefully, she'll be able to deal with those beavers quickly," Applejack commands Big Mac before she goes down a trail.

"Accalia, go with Julius," Fluttershy tells the wolf as she follows after Applejack.

"Okay," Big Mac responds before looking at Julius. "Follow me," Big Mac tells Julius before walking down a different trail.

"So you can say more than two words in a sentence," Julius jokes as he and Accalia follow Big Mac down the path.

"Eeyup," Big Mac says while taking a few looks at Accalia. Following down the trail, Julius notices Big Mac taking several glances at Accalia.

"Don't worry about her. She's with us because of me. You see, it turns out I picked up a stalker at some point. Not sure when I picked up my stalker, or where, or even why, but I have one now. I noticed it this morning. So far, my stalker has been following me all-day from the Everfree Forest to Fluttershy's Cottage, to Ponyville, and now to here, it seems," Julius explains to a concerned looking Big Mac. "Don't worry; I don't think my stalker is going to harm us. They've had many opportunities to attack me, and they haven't," Julius reassures Big Mac, who still doesn't look all that assured.

"If you say so," Big Mac concedes to Julius as they continue down the trail.

"Huzza! We got an even longer sentence out of you!" Julius jokingly congratulates while Big Mac shakes his head, chuckling. Walking down the path, Julius looks around at the trees. The scent and feeling of being in an orchard felt soothing as if his cares were being washed away into a sea of leaves and trees. It was helping ease his mind about his stalker. Fresh apples on the branch and the clean smell of the air kissed with the soft sweetness of fruit certainly did lull his senses. Despite the hard work that lay ahead of him, Julius enjoyed the feeling. Stopping before a gate, Big Mac unhitches the gate and opens it.

"Here we are, the west orchard," Big Mac announces as he leads Julius and Accalia into the orchard. Walking over to a nearby large shed Big Mac pulls out some large baskets from the shed. Grabbing one of the baskets, Julius remembered what to do. Last time on the farm, he was getting apples from trees; this time, it appeared that he'd be doing it again. Julius took a moment to watch as Big Mac bucked apples out of one of the trees. If nothing else, it was undoubtedly impressive how both he and Applejack could shake every apple down from seemingly any tree. Taking off and folding his shirt, Julius placed it inside the shed before joining Big Mac.

"Hey, Big Mac, shouldn't you be off with the mares?" Julius teases as he shakes some apples out of a tree.

"Nope," Big Mac responds as he bucks all the apples from the tree with a single hoof.

"Starting with them tomorrow?" Julius asked as he filled his basket with fallen apples.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responded as he filled up his basket.

"Back to just one word, shame," Julius jokingly lamented. The two went on as such for some time while Accalia looked out into the orchard. As they cleared the trees of apples, a curious thought began to form in Julius' head. "So Big Mac, you and your sister can buck apples from trees no problem, right?" Julius asked leadingly through heavy pants.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responded with a hardy grunt as he bucked a tree.

"Can you buck fruit out of other trees?" Julius asked as apples fell around him.

"Nope," Big Mac shot back almost instantly before filling his basket with apples.

"Have you tried?" Julius asked with a heavy grunt as he lifted the full basket.

"Nope," Big Mac responded as he lifted his full basket.

"Then how do you know you can't?" Julius asked as the pair walked towards the shed.

"Applejack tried," Big Mac said as the two walked to the shed.

"What did she try on?" Julius grunted as they made their way to the shed.

"Orange trees," Big Mac told Julius as the shed came in sight.

"Just orange trees, hardly confirms anything. There are more trees Applejack could have tried on," Julius tells Big Mac. "Come on; there must be other trees nearby that grow fruit," Julius tries to suggest. Thinking for a moment as the pair reach the shed, Big Mac doesn't say a word; nevertheless, his expression betrays his thoughts. "What are you thinking?" Julius firmly asks Big Mac.

"The abandoned Pear farm," Big Mac almost spits with disgust as he drops off his apples.

"Wow, that's some genuine hatred. What's the story?" Julius asks as he drops off his apples.

"The Apples and the Pears are rivals," Big Mac again almost spits with disgust.

"Why?" Julius asked with some confusion. Big Mac just looked awkwardly at Julius. "You don't know, do you?" Julius asked, eyebrow raised.

"I don't," Big Mac responds while turning to go back to apple bucking.

"Look, Big Mac, we're making good time. We can spare a little. How about we go over to the Pear farm, and you try to buck down some pears if it's not too far, of course," Julius suggests to a stunned Big Mac.

"Nope," Big Mac hardly responds, starting to walk off.

"Oh, I understand if you're afraid that you cannot buck down pears," Julius leadingly chides Big Mac. "I mean, pears are better secured to their branches than apples," Julius mocks Big Mac with a sly grin.

"Now you listen here!" Big Mac commands firmly. "The Apples are the hardest working Earth Ponies around! Anything a Pear can do, we can do better!" Big Mac firmly states.

"Except harvest pears," Julius adds while grinning at Big Mac.

"Follow me," Big Mac commands Julius, who follows after grinning. A grumpy Big Mac leads Julius through the west orchard. Passing trees filled with apples but paying them no heed. The path through the orchard twisted and winded through dense trees and heavy foliage. Singing birds flew away as the group practically mowed through the shrubbery. While heading onto a seemingly non-existent path, Big Mac grumbled while branches to the face slowly washed away Julius' smirk. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, not helped by the branch assault, the group stood before a rotten fence. Looking off a bit into the distance, Julius spots a few pear trees.

"This the pear farm?" Julius asks while hopping over the fence.

"Eeyup," Big Mac gruffly responds, following after eager to put this waste of time behind him. Walking through the mostly fruitless trees, the group finds a tree full of fruit after a few minutes.

"Well, you going to prove me wrong, or you just going to stand there gawking?" Julius teases, earning a glare from Big Mac. Walking up to the pear tree Big Mac turns around, facing Julius and with a back leg ready to buck the tree. Bucking the tree, Big Mac looks right at Julius.

"Waste of," Big Mac starts to say before a pear smacks Big Mac on his head. Looking up, Big Mac sees pears falling from the tree. Looking around him, Big Mac sees that the ground is littered with pears; nearly every pear fell from the tree. Walking up to Big Mac, Julius picks up a nearby pear.

"Well, looks like you can buck fruit from other fruit trees," Julius tells Big Mac before taking a bite from the pear. Grabbing another with his free hand Julius offers it to Big Mac. "Wanna try it?" Julius offers to a stunned Big Mac.

"N-Nope," Big Mac nervously responds while sitting down.

"Oh, come on, you already bucked the fruit down. Are you afraid that you'll like it?" Julius laughs while finishing his pear. Rolling his eyes, Big Mac eats one of the pears. Chewing the pear, Big Mac finds that it tastes good, delicious even, with a taste quite similar to an Envy apple. Finishing the pear, Big Mac looks down and away from Julius. "Better than you thought?" Julius asks, that same infuriating grin plastered on his face.

"Eeyup," a dejected Big Mac conceded, head hung low.

"Come on, let's head back," Julius told Big Mac, snapping him back into his mind. Absentmindedly Big Mac followed Julius back to the western orchard, with Accalia following behind the pair. The walk back to the orchard was rough. There were just as many branches, exposed roots, overgrown shrubbery, and all together rough terrain. After what felt like an eternity of bushwacking, the group finally got back to where they started.

"There you two are!" Applejack yelled out at them, her voice somewhat muffled. Walking towards the group, Applejack was wearing a mask.

"Oh dear God, not here too," Julius angrily said as he saw the mask.

"The mask is for your pheromones," Applejack told Julius. "Guessing you have some mask problem in your world?" Applejack asked as she still kept a healthy distance from Julius.

"Worldwide pandemic, though people are refusing to wear masks for," Julius trails off. "Reasons? Reasons. Reasons, yeah, let's go with reasons," Julius tells Applejack. "Anyways, what's up?" Julius asks Applejack.

"Well, I was shouting after you two," Applejack starts before getting cut off by some barking. "To get you three to get you to come back for dinner. Neither of you responded, so I came by to check things out," Applejack explained. "Where were you two?" Applejack asked, seeing twigs, and leaves sticking out of Big Mac's coat and Julius' hair.

"Well, Big Mac took me to the abandoned Pear Farm to test something," Julius started to explain to Applejack, who began to look at him oddly. "As it turns out, you can buck down pears," Julius told a now shocked Applejack.

"That's impossible!" Applejack stated in disbelieve. "I tried bucking orange trees, mango trees, lemon trees, coconut trees, plum trees, cherry trees, peach trees, fig-trees, pomegranate trees, and grapefruit trees; almost no fruit fell from any of the trees! When I was lucky, maybe two or three would fall, but that was it!" Applejack told Julius, almost yelling at him. "Big Mac, is this true? Did you buck down pears from a pear tree?" Applejack asked almost accusingly. Looking at Big Mac, he and Applejack shared a moment of silence.

"Eeyup," Big Mac said, breaking eye contact with his sister.

"WHAT?!?" Applejack loudly exclaimed in surprise. "I don't believe you; prove it!" Applejack demanded while lying to herself.

"Look, Applejack, I'd love to trudge back to the Pear Farm, get smacked in the face by every branch all just to get some pears," Julius exaggeratedly said while Applejack rolled her eyes at his sarcasm. "But I'm somewhat hungry, and I'm sure Big Mac is as well," Julius said while looking at Big Mac.

"Eeyup," Big Mac agreed with Julius though Big Mac was still somewhat out of it.

"Fine," Applejack said, turning around. "Julius will get washed up; we'll eat dinner, then we'll go to the Pear Farm, okay?" Applejack practically demands.

"Fine by me, I'm starving," Julius told Applejack.

"Same," Big Mac agreed, his stomach punctuating this by lightly growling.

"Alright then, follow me, boys," Applejack told them while starting to head back to the farmhouse. Following after her, Julius, Big Mac, and Accalia made their way to the farmhouse and dinner.

Chapter 21: Bath Time, Meal Time, Proof Time

Entering the barn alone, Julius looked around. The barn had a few animal pens in it and a large tub filled with warm water. Near the tub was a wood stove, obviously there to heat the water.

"All things considered, not a bad setup," Julius said to himself as he started to walk towards the tub. Taking off his shirt, Julius laid it down on a shelf near the tub. Looking into the tub, Julius tested the water with his hand. "Cooled down too much," Julius sighed as he took his hand out of the water. Putting a few logs into the stove, Julius reheated the water. Stripping the rest of his clothes off, Julius put them on the shelf and got into the tub.

Laying back, Julius let the warm water wash over him. The soothing warmth was draining the fatigue from his muscles. Reaching over to a small dish Julius grabbed a bar of soap. "Probably goat's milk," Julius said to nobody as he grabbed the bar. "Huh, smells like vanilla and sandalwood. Honestly, I didn't expect scented soap from the Apples or bar soap" Julius chuckled as he started to lather himself up. The soap was bubbly, very bubbly, bubbly enough to fill the tub with an impressive amount of bubbles in a short time. Chuckling to himself, Julius couldn't resist playing with the bubbles a bit. It's been years since he's had a bubble bath, mostly from him only taking showers for years, so why not enjoy the bubbles.

"You need a hoof in there?" Rainbow Dash asked from outside.

"Yes, actually, that would be helpful. Getting my back is impossible for me," Julius responded as Rainbow Dash came into the barn. Walking up to the tub Rainbow Dash stood outside the tub behind Julius. "Not for nothing, but how exactly are you going to help me?" Julius asks with some bewilderment.

"Heh, I have my ways," Rainbow Dash chuckles as she wets her wings in the soapy water. Softly brushing her wings against Julius's back, Rainbow Dash washed his back with her wings.

"Oh wow, that feels amazing," Julius sighs in relief. Rainbow Dash's feathers, while being slightly ticklish, were amazingly soft. They caught and held the soapy water while brushing against his back like a soft loofah. Dancing on his back, Rainbow Dash's feathers felt as if a million fairies were kissing his skin. "Where did you learn to do this?" Julius asked almost with a purr in his voice.

"I've picked up a few things from Fluttershy. She often washes animals with her wings" Rainbow Dash chuckled while her wings danced against Julius's back. Several pleasurable minutes of Rainbow Dash washing Julius's back passed before she withdrew her wings.

"Awww, done already?" Julius jokingly moaned before hearing a splash behind him. Turning his head around, Julius saw Rainbow Dash in the tub with him. "A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one," Julius chuckled when he saw Rainbow Dash in the tub with him.

"Well, I would mind a quick bath before supper, besides," Rainbow Dash said with a playful grin. "I can't let you in the farmhouse like this," Rainbow Dash teased while brushing a front leg against Julius's erect cock. "Apple Bloom shouldn't see this beast," Rainbow Dash smirks while softly rubbing Julius's cock.

"I'm not complaining. What did you have in mind?" Julius asks while laying back.

"Oh, I think you know what I'm thinking," Rainbow Dash said with a mischievous grin. Embracing Julius from behind, Rainbow Dash wrapped her front hooves around Julius and slowly stroked his cock, gently teasing the throbbing member. "I'm guessing you haven't gotten off since last night?" Rainbow Dash asked while teasing Julius's cock.

"Yeah, you're right," Julius sighed with pleasure, relaxing while Rainbow Dash teased his cock. While being sloppy, there was an awkward pleasure to her caresses. Slowly making her way in front of Julius, Rainbow Dash pushed him back until he was lying back against the edge of the tub. Moving her hooves up his body Rainbow Dash wrapped her front hooves around Julius's neck.

"You ready big boy?" Rainbow Dash jokingly teased as she felt the tip of Julius's cock poking against her pussy. Responding with a grin, Julius grabbed Rainbow Dash's thighs firmly.

"More than you could know," Julius grinned as he pulled Rainbow Dash down onto his cock while thrusting up into her.

"ANGH!" Rainbow Dash yelled in surprise at the sudden penetration. "E-easy there, big boy," Rainbow Dash moaned as she felt Julius's cock slam into her cervix. "I-I'm still not use to it," Rainbow Dash half moaned, half squealed.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Julius grinned as he slowly humped Rainbow Dash's pussy. Pulling his cock nearly entirely out of Rainbow Dash's pussy leaving only the head inside, Julius thrust back inside the tip battering Rainbow Dash's cervix. Each thrust was rocking Rainbow Dash's body, sending waves of pleasure and mild pain. The two sensations were mixing to form a potent cocktail of ecstasy spiked with stinging shots.

"Y-yeah, I-I hope so," Rainbow Dash stammered between lustful moans. Rainbow Dash's legs stiffened around Julius's body, pulling his body tightly into hers, while the rest of her body went semi-limp. Rainbow Dash's head rocked in rhythm with Julius's thrusts, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. Julius lightly taking Rainbow Dash's tongue between his canines. Julius guided Rainbow Dash's tongue to his mouth by softly pressing his canines into her tongue. Wrapping his tongue around hers, Julius started french kissing Rainbow Dash. The pair's tongues were dancing in their mouths. Rainbow Dash's sloppily guiding Julius's tongue while Julius's tongue lustfully danced around Rainbow Dash's.

Wet sloppy splashing sounds filled the barn as the pair lustfully fucked. Tinged with the muffled sounds of Rainbow Dash's moaning.

Grabbing Rainbow Dash's thighs firmly, Julius pulled her down while thrusting powerfully into her pussy. Julius penetrated Rainbow Dash's cervix in a swift, coordinated movement while he loomed over her. Rainbow Dash's eyes went wide as she felt Julius's spearlike cock plunder her womb. Sliding his arms up Rainbow Dash's body, Julius warmly embraced her as he ravaged her whole pussy.

Thrust after thrust, Julius's cock throbbed in Rainbow Dash's pussy; battering her mind with surges of pleasure. The pent-up pair tried their best to hold back their orgasms in a losing effort. Breaking their kiss, Julius lustfully grinned down at Rainbow Dash. Eyes meeting, both knew what was going to happen.

"Cumming!" Both moan loudly as the pair's orgasms collide. Rainbow Dash's pussy gushing a torrent of juices, while Julius's cock flooding Rainbow Dash's womb with his thick, potent seed. The two embracing each other in post-orgasmic bliss. Panting in lustful ecstasy, Julius slowly eases Rainbow Dash off his cock.

"Thanks, Rainbow, I needed that," Julius sighed as his cock came free from Rainbow Dash's pussy. Looking around for a drain, Julius sees none. "How, uh, how do we empty the tub? Do we tip it over or what?" Julius asks while getting ready to get out of the tub.

"Yeah, tip it over. It's surprisingly easy, and the tub is extremely sturdy," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she stumbles out of the tub.

"Alright, give me a moment," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he forces himself out of the tub. "Good thing I filled you up so deeply; otherwise, the others might get suspicious," Julius chuckles as he gets a look at Rainbow Dash's hindquarters.

"Oh, you're one to talk," Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes before looking at Julius's still semi-hard cock. "If you had entered the farmhouse as you were, they'd think you wanted to breed all the girls there," Rainbow Dash teases while lightly caressing Julius's balls with her feathers.

"Hah, maybe not all of them, just most," Julius chuckles as he empties the water from the tub. "You, Fluttershy, Applejack, that's about it," Julius tells Rainbow Dash with a light grin.

"That's pretty much all the mares in the farmhouse," Rainbow Dash tells Julius. "I mean, there's Granny Smith, but I think she's too old. Then there's Apple Bloom, but I'm not sure she's even had her first heat yet," Rainbow Dash tells Julius.

"I'm not interested in Granny Smith," Julius tells Rainbow Dash as he straightens the tub, "and I think Apple Bloom is too young for me," Julius says as he grabs a nearby towel.

"True," Rainbow Dash responds while Julius dries off. "Nice," Rainbow Dash smirks while watching Julius dry his body, enjoying a few minutes of eye candy. Rainbow Dash's eyes meet Julius. The two share a silent moment before chuckling.

"Want help drying off?" Julius offers while grabbing a second unused towel.

"Sure, thanks," Rainbow Dash accepts while presenting herself to be dried. Gently placing the towel on Rainbow Dash's body, Julius starts to dry her body in a massaging way, beginning soft and tender around her wings and growing firmer as he moves to her legs. Gradually moving across Rainbow Dash's body, Julius nearly lays over her, only barely avoiding contact. Drying off Rainbow Dash's head, Julius holds a moment while the towel lays over her head.

"All done," Julius breathily whispers into Rainbow Dash's ear before pulling away from her.

"That felt great," Rainbow Dash thanks while stretching out her body. "I'll go ahead and tell the others you'll be right in," Rainbow Dash tells Julius as she leaves and he gets dressed.

Julius is immediately met with an accusing gaze from Applejack upon entering the farmhouse.

"You and Rainbow Dash sure took your time," Applejack said almost knowingly.

"It was a relaxing bath," Julius told Applejack, who raises an eyebrow at him. "A very relaxing bath," Julius says with a smirk.

"You'd better have emptied the tub," Applejack firmly tells Julius.

"Don't worry, I did. Anyways what's for supper?" Julius asks as he follows after Applejack.

"Well, there's apple cinnamon coconut bread, apple grape pasta salad, and finally sweet potato and apple latkes," Applejack tells Julius as they enter the kitchen.

"Not that I'm complaining or anything, all that sounds very good, but does everything have to have apples in it?" Julius asks as he sits down at the table.

"Eeyup," Big Mac, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy all say in Big Mac's voice.

"Well, that's pretty definitive. This just an Apple family thing, or a pony thing?" Julius asks as the smell of cinnamon and apples dance into the room.

"More of a Ponyville thing," Rainbow Dash tells Julius.

"We mostly grow apples; because of that, the apples in Ponyville are extremely cheap," Applejack follows up.

"Because of that, almost every family in Ponyville uses a lot of apples in their cooking!" Apple Bloom says almost too energetically.

"I see. I suppose I should get used to apples in everything then," Julius says as Granny Smith comes in with a tray of apple cinnamon coconut bread.

"What, you don't have apples where you're from?" Granny asks as she sets the tray down on the table.

"No, we do; we don't use them in everything, though. Mostly we eat apples by themselves or in deserts," Julius tells the group as he takes a slice of bread.

"What do you use then?" Apple Bloom asks as she takes a slice of bread.

"Honestly, pretty much everything. Poisonous things are even fair game for us," Julius tells the group to their shock. "Seriously, don't underestimate what we'll eat; I'm not even going to try to justify half of the stuff we eat," Julius tells the group, half laughing. Granny Smith breaks up the talk as she sets down a massive bowl of pasta salad. Everyone at the table scoops up their bowls. Big Mac and Julius both have nearly the same amount of food, both bowls almost looking like large mountains.

"Heh, it's not a contest, you two; there'll be enough food for both of you," Applejack chuckles at seeing the imposing amount of food the pair took.

"We worked hard; we're hungry," Julius flatly tells Applejack.

"Eeyup," Big Mac supports before he starts eating his pasta.

"Now now, Applejack," Granny Smith says as she enters with the last tray of food, setting the latkes aside as a desert. "The boys will need their energy; remember what time it is," Granny Smith reminds Applejack with a wink.

"I remember," Applejack says, mildly annoyed. "As does Julius and Rainbow Dash evidently," Applejack says, looking crossly at Rainbow Dash while Fluttershy chuckles.

"What, what time is it? What do they remember?" Apple Bloom chirps up.

"You'll learn when you're older. Don't be in such a rush to grow up young'un," Granny Smith tells Apple Bloom.

"So uh, Rainbow Dash, why are you here?" Julius swiftly asked in an attempt to guide the conversation elsewhere.

"Oh, Applejack needed help watering some of the orchards," Rainbow Dash responded as she started to eat.

"Yeah, we would have gotten more done if somepony didn't injure themself in a foolish race," Applejack followed up, both mildly annoyed and mildly amused. "Still, we got a fair bit done. I reckon that with you and Rainbow, we should be set for the season within the month," Applejack told Julius before she started to eat her food.

"Hah, a month of farmwork. Well, if nothing else, I won't be hurting for exercise," Julius chuckled between bites. "So Miss Granny Smith," Julius started before being cut off.

"Just Granny Smith or Granny is fine, sonny," Granny Smith told Julius.

"Very well. I heard that there was a pear farm next door some time ago. Do you know what happened with it? Like what's its story?" Julius asked while everypony fell silent. Applejack and Big Mac looked worriedly at each other, knowing from experience the result. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash backed up slightly from the table; they knew not to ask the Apples any questions about the Pears, while Apple Bloom listened in with genuine curiosity.

"The Pears are a bunch of no good varmints!" Granny Smith nearly spat out. "They're horrible farmers with delusions of adequacy, failing at growing delicious apples so having to grow those grubby pears!" Granny Smith spat with surprising ire.

"Well, sounds like there's a story there, do share," Julius encouraged, amused at the fire in Granny's voice. "Let me guess you had a spat with the head of the Pear family."

"Oh, don't get me started about Grand Pear; he's the only stallion I could hate! A wannabe self-made pony who worships his perceived creator!" Granny Smith started before devolving into barely coherent old person rambling. The supper carried on with all save Granny making small talk. For her part, Granny was angrily rambling on. Finishing up supper and dessert, Julius stayed behind to help Applejack clean up and talk to her.

"There's a story there," Julius told Applejack as the two cleared the table. "I'm telling you from the way Granny was talking, Grand Pear and Granny were a thing."

"We are not part Pear," Applejack shot back almost right away as she and Julius took the dishes to the sink.

"Then explain why Granny was spitting fire at Grand Pear. Like that wasn't stuff you say about anybody unless there's something personal between you two," Julius chuckled while remembering some of the things Granny said. "Explain why Big Mac was able to buck down pears the same way he bucked down apples."

"She said that stuff because of the feud, and Big Mac bucking down pears was a fluke," Applejack firmly stated as they started to wash the dishes.

"Shame we couldn't find out any more about the Pears might have uncovered something," Julius offhandedly says.

"Goldie Delicious would know more, but I'm not seeing her just for the feud," Applejack equally offhoovedly says.

"If you can buck down pears just as well as apples, then will you?" Julius asks while they clean up.

"Sure, though that won't be happening," Applejack chuckles, assured that no pears would fall from her bucking any pear tree.

With the clean-up being finished, Applejack and Julius leave the farmhouse to go to the old Pear farm. For the third time today, Julius took branches, twigs, leaves, and other assorted shrubberies to his face. Given that this was the third time he took this path today, it wasn't as bad, but it still was quite rough. Climbing over the fence, Julius almost offered to help Applejack over, but she just jumped the fence.

"Here we are, now let's find a good pear tree. Unrelated if that path doesn't get cleared, I'ma start carrying a machete with me," Julius half-jokes while looking for a pear tree.

"No such thing as a good pear tree, but we can find one that bears pears," Applejack tells Julius while looking up for pears.

"Geez, what did the Pears do to you? No, I don't mean the feud; I mean you personally. Honestly, this is getting to human levels of absurd hate" Julius laughs as the two make their way towards a reasonable pear tree.

"Well, uh, nothing, I suppose, but the feud is what matters," Applejack tells Julius as they reach the base of the pear tree.

"Ok, human levels of hate it is; hopefully, yours can be dispelled quicker and easier than ours," Julius chuckles while standing back from the pear tree.

"As soon as they make right for whatever it is that they've done," Applejack tells Julius as she strongly bucks the pear tree. "There see no," Applejack gets cut off as a pear falls from the tree and smacks her on her forehead. Looking around, both Applejack and Julius see the ground littered with pears from the pear tree. Smirking, Julius walks up to Applejack, grabbing a fallen pear along the way.

"So what wasn't going to happen?" Julius knowingly asks. "I can't hear you over that thing happening," Julius smugly says, holding out the pear to a stunned Applejack. "Wanna try it, or afraid you might like it?"

"I-I'll try it," a somewhat dejected Applejack said. Eating the pear Applejack finds it to taste a lot like an Envy apple, just like Big Mac's experience. Meeting Julius's eyes, the look on Applejack's face says it all.

"So the trip to Goldie Delicious's place will be," Julius starts to ask.

"Three days, on the start of the weekend," Applejack absently says while being completely spaced out.

"Great. Now it's getting late. I think it'd be best if we all got home, that ok with you?" Julius says that smug grin still plastered on his face.

"E-Eeyup," Applejack blankly says, in an awkward, almost Big Mac way. Making their way back to the farmhouse, nearly no shrubbery assailed Julius, though him breaking off nearly every outlying piece was the most significant cause for that. Walking up to the door, Applejack and Julius spot the ponies and the wolf waiting right at the door.

"Well, it's been a day; I'll see you tomorrow," Julius tells Applejack and Big Mac as Rainbow Dash and Accalia walks in front of him, Fluttershy staying at his side.

"Y-yes, see you tomorrow," Applejack barely says, her head still swimming in her thoughts.

"Goodbye, see you tomorrow!" Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy say before heading off back home.

"Goodbye, see you all tomorrow!" Apple Bloom responds, while Applejack looks off into the distance and Big Mac looks at Applejack. "You two got hay in your ears or what?" Apple Bloom asks her older siblings.

"Bucked a pear tree?" Big Mac asks.

"Eeyup," Applejack responds.

"Pears fell?" Big Mac asks.

"Eeyup," Applejack responds.

"Tried a pear?" Big Mac asks.

"Eeyup," Applejack responds.

"Liked it?" Big Mac asks.

"Eeyup," Applejack responds.

"Going to Goldie Delicious's?" Big Mac asks.

"Three days," Applejack responds.

Chapter 22: Back to the Hut, and Getting Her Due

Walking back to Zecora's home Julius, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy meet Luna and Twilight, seemingly waiting for them near the Golden Oak Library.

"Waiting for us?" Julius asked as he saw the mares.

"For a little bit. I had some things to do at the Golden Oak, mostly adding to my notes. Zecora's knowledge of plants in the Everfree Forest and her own kind's plants filled in some blank spots!" Twilight excitedly said.

"Yes, they did. I felt a little hungry, and I wanted to look around Ponyville," Luna told Julius as the two mares walked to meet the group.

"Ah, fair enough. We spend most of the day at Sweet Apple Acres. I might have started a bit of a problem," Julius chuckles while rubbing the back of his neck, "so now the Apples and I are going on a trip to see Goldie Delicious's place in three days" Julius laughs while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lightly shake their heads.

"What did you do?" Twilight and Luna both ask, Twilight sighing while Luna holds back a smirk.

"Not much," Julius says, leading the group towards Fluttershy's Cottage, "just got Big Mac and Applejack to buck a pear tree, pears fell," Julius chuckles before nearly tripping over Twilight.

"Wait, what?!? They bucked down pears? I tried so many fruit trees; why didn't I try pears? Where did you find pear trees? Why did the pears fall?" Twilight rapidly asks after seemingly teleporting in front of Julius.

"Next to Sweet Apple Acres," Julius told Twilight as he steadied his footing. "As for why it worked well, I'm not sure, though I suspect Applejack and her siblings are a quarter pear," Julius guessed while leading the group to Fluttershy's Cottage.

"Interesting, why do you think that?" Twilight asked as she walked alongside Julius.

"It's just what Granny Smith was saying about the Pears, Grand Pear specifically. You don't say those things unless there's personal history there," Julius said while chuckling, remembering what Granny was saying. "I'm guessing she and Grand Pear were a thing when they were younger, and for some reason, they split."

"Or they had a breeding contract," Luna absentmindedly commented.

"A what?" The rest of the group all asked in unison.

"A breeding contract. They're rare nowadays but back when Celestia and I were young they were quite common. Generally, a mare will pay for a stallion to impregnate her; usually, it's a planned thing, leading to the mare joining the stallion's herd. Sometimes though, the two-part ways afterward, although that's rare. It's possible something like that happened between Granny Smith and Grand Pear; only the parting was sour," Luna explained as Fluttershy's Cottage came into view.

"I suppose that could be it. But the pure vitriol in Granny Smith's voice suggests something more," Julius remarked as the group got up to Fluttershy's door. "Ah well, we'll get answers in a few days," Julius sighed as he opened Fluttershy's door. "I'll see you at the farm tomorrow Fluttershy. Accalia keep being a good girl," Julius said lightly, scratching Accalia's head.

"Alright, I'll see you and Rainbow Dash tomorrow at the farm. Goodnight everycreature," Fluttershy says to the group while ushering Accalia inside.

"Goodnight, Fluttershy," The group responds as they turn away. Starting to walk into the Everfree Forest, Twilight remembered something.

"I just remembered," Twilight chucked at her slip of the mind. "Rarity wants to see you tomorrow, Julius," Twilight told Julius as they started to walk into the Everfree.

"Really? Why's that?" Julius asked as he took point.

"She's having some trouble with making your clothes. She's having a bit of a mental breakdown with the finer details," Twilight chucked into a hoof. "Spike suggested some gems; rarity is thinking of using golden and silver thread; I suggested that they just ask you, they went with that," Twilight told Julius.

"Gold and silver thread, gems, how common is stuff like that here?!?" Julius asked with some disbelief.

"Very common," Luna pitched in, "alchemy makes them even more common."

"Equivalent exchanged be damned," Julius chuckled to himself. "Well, honestly, I would like some mail attached to the inside of the landsknecht shirt. Kind of like a brigandine, only using steel, or if possible, titanium," Julius told Twilight as they started to make their way through the Everfree.

"Steel, titanium, what are those?" The ponies asked while Julius gave them a baffled look.

"Steel, you know, refined iron. And titanium it's a silvery metal that's about twice as strong as steel while being lighter and more resistant to corrosion," Julius told the ponies, who just gave him an odd look. "You probably have a different name for iron. You know it's usually a dark gray or rusty red. It's used to make most metal tools. Comes from meteorites," Julius says as something clicks to the ponies.

"Ĉiela metalo," Luna, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all respond.

"I like iron better; it's easier to say, I'm going to keep calling it iron," Julius tells them.

"Why would you want iron in your clothes? It's heavy," Rainbow Dash asks.

"Usually, only guard ponies wear iron armor. Pegasi that wear it almost always forgo flying for it. If they do fly, it's slow and cumbersome," Twilight adds.

"It's not too bad if it's made into mail armor. Still a few kilograms, but you don't lose much flexibility. And if you can use alchemy to turn things into gold, then you should be able to turn things into titanium. In that case, I'll swap out the iron for titanium," Julius tells the ponies.

"Won't work," Luna shoots down almost right away. "Turning things to gold and silver is extremely difficult. It takes a high-level magic-user who's a master of alchemy and a protected spell to turn metals from one metal to another," Luna sighs almost sadly. "Besides, we've never seen titanium before. Turning one metal into another we know nothing about would be nearly impossible; I'm sorry."

"Wait until we get back to Zecora's hut," Julius says, lightly grinning. As the group walks down the path, a strange chill runs down the group's backs. "Jesus fucking Christ, it's been all damned day," Julius angrily sighed under his breath.

"Anycreature else feel an odd shiver?" Rainbow Dash asked, to which Twilight nodded.

"Ignore that; it's just my stalker; they won't go away," Julius explained as he and Luna continued along in stride.

"What?!? We can't do that! We have to find your stalker; we have to put a stop to this!" Rainbow Dash powerfully exclaimed.

"I agree with Rainbow Dash," Twilight told Julius as she started to charge a spell. "Stalking anycreature is very bad, especially a stallion."

"God, that still sounds weird coming from the other side," Julius thinks to himself. "No, don't please," Julius tells the two ponies softly, placing a hand on the heads of both ponies. "Charging through the Everfree trying to chase down something that I can't see isn't something I want to do. Besides, if I'm right about who my stalker is, then doing anything against them would be the worst thing to do."

"Who do you think your stalker is?" Rainbow Dash asks as she and Twilight slowly turn back to the path. A quiet moment passes as Julius collects himself.

"Honestly, I think it's some pony from Celestia's court," Julius says, much to Twilight's chagrin. "It's the only thing that makes sense. Either she sent a specialist pony to keep tabs on me, or a pony is doing that without her knowing," Julius sighs.

"Princess Celestia would never do that!" Twilight protests.

"Yeah, the Princess wouldn't just spy on some creature for no reason!" Rainbow Dash jumps in.

"She may have private reasons," Julius quietly says while giving Luna a knowing look. "I'm only guessing at who it could be. So far, the creature hasn't been hostile. It's just been watching me. Some pony or creature from the court is the only thing I can think of that makes any sense," Julius tells Twilight and Rainbow.

"What about Lyra? It could be Lyra. She's always been interested in strange and unique creatures," Twilight says, trying to defend Celestia.

"The mint-colored unicorn? Don't you think that's stretching a bit? I mean, whatever creature is stalking me has stealth magic," Julius tells Twilight.

"I can't see Celestia spying on anypony," Twilight exclaims to Julius's amusement.

"Well, I can think of a pony or two that would," Julius chuckles while giving Twilight a wink.

"Can we hurry this up?" Rainbow Dash chirped up. "Being watched by a stalker is creeping me out."

"I know how you feel Rainbow, that's been my whole day," Julius sighs in agreement. "Fortunately, we're almost back to Zecora's house."

The rest of the way, the group felt an uneasy gaze settle upon them. It didn't matter what turn they made, which fork in the path they took, if they doubled back, or if they stopped for a few moments. The gaze followed them the whole way, the entire time, without fail. Much to her credit, Luna seemed utterly unfazed. Julius masked it well, but with having to put up with it all day, his irritation was starting to show. Twilight's head was darting around, her eyes looking hard at every shadow trying to spot the creature, to no success, her worry evident on her face. Rainbow Dash, though, took it the hardest. Her whole body seemed tense even her injured wing seemed to be trying to flare. Every sound, random, planned, or otherwise, seemed to set her off a bit. Rainbow Dash seemed as if she was ready to pounce hard on anything that moved towards the group. It was a short way to Zecora's house, but the tension made it feel a world away.

"Finally back here," Julius said with some life in his voice. "Come on, let's get inside," Julius said as he tried to usher the others in.

"Stallions first," Twilight responded as Julius looked away.

"Right, of course, reverse gender roles," Julius thought while rolling his eyes. "Zecora, we're back."

"Ah, welcome back, welcome back. It's good to see you and the rest of the pack. I collected plenty of plants to go with my chants and brews. Some are easy to abuse; some are easy to diffuse; some can amuse, and some can give you new views," Zecora tells Julius as he and the rest of the ponies enter.

"Long shot here, but I don't suppose you can make a potion that can let you see invisible things, can you?" Julius asks as he walks into a small side room to set his stuff aside.

"I have no potion like that on me, though the very notion of making such a potion is one I can get behind. A potion to make the unseen defined will take time to be designed. A range of ingredients I will need to find. Without them, you might well end up blind. Should the right ones get entwined, under my pestle's grind, then the unsighted will be assigned," Zecora tells Julius as he returns to the room.

"Won't be ready for a while, got it," Julius chuckles as Twilight rushes up beside Zecora.

"A revealing potion. Can I watch you make it?" Twilight asks while Zecora shuffles through her collected herbs.

"A potion for another day this one is. For now, I want something of his," Zecora tells Twilight while ushering towards Julius. "Something you have and I do not. Despite having saved him, I have not gotten the 'knot,'" Zecora says before mixing an odd-looking herb into a vial with a purple-white liquid. "Now get into the bed. Tonight it's my legs that shall be spread. Twilight has been fulfilled with your seed. Now it's my time to do the deed," Zecora tells Julius before she drinks the potion. Practically forcing Julius into the bedroom, Zecora swiftly guides Julius to the bed. Nearly throwing Julius onto the bed, Zecora looked at him impatiently.

"Geez, you're usually not this forceful," Julius said in mild surprise as he let himself be guided to the bed. "Ok, ok, give me a moment," Julius told Zecora as he sat down on the edge of the bed. Stripping naked, Julius started to lay back before a hoof pushed, almost guided, him down.

"For days now, I've lived with one who has first gotten your seed. Despite having been the one to take you in, she was the first to bear your breed. To this, I might have acceded; but rest assured, my intentions will be heeded." Zecora told Julius as she got on top of him. "The next to bare your brood shall be I. These breeder balls I shall milk dry." Zecora lustfully said while dragging her drenched pussy across Julius's hardening cock.

"Ok, ok, yeah, I should have knocked you up first. But Twilight was a-" Julius started before being muffled.

"Now now, you can't forget the rest of us," Luna told Julius as she got over Julius's head. Lowering her body down, Luna's pussy was right against Julius's mouth. Starting to lick Luna's pussy, Twilight and Rainbow pinned his arms down, his hands against their pussies.

"You might be new to herding, but you still have to abide by the conventions," Twilight tells Julius as his fingers softly trace lines against their pussies. Taking a few moments, Julius starts to synchronize his tongue and fingers, awkwardly pleasing the three mares at first but slowly getting a better feeling for the timing. While Zecora was slowly dragging her soaked pussy against Julius's cock, getting the throbbing member nice and wet while savoring the pleasure of the imposing cock throbbing against her pussy.

"This feeling is one I've been craving, this time one that I've been saving. For a while, I've been waving, taking too long to go down this path I've been paving," Zecora starts to moan while grinding on Julius's cock. "For too long, I have waited. But now, in about a year, in me, new life will be created." Zecora moaningly states as she takes Julius's cock into her pussy. Swaging her hips, Zecora seemingly dances down the length of Julius's cock. Each throbbing inch massagingly being taken into Zecora's drenched pussy. Feeling the wet warm heat and pressure engulf his cock Julius muffledly moans into Luna's pussy as an enrapturing embrace takes hold of his cock.

Through sloppy movements, Julius awkwardly pleasures the mares. Fingers, tongue, and hips all in staggard rhythm, sending chaotic bursts of pleasure to the mares. Thrusting up into Zecora's quivering pussy, the tip of Julius's throbbing cock batters roughly at her innermost depths. Enraptured in bliss, Julius rocks his head back and forth in pleasure, his tongue teasing Luna's lowermost lips and clit with reckless abandon. Julius's fingers were roughly alternating their ministrations, sending teasing bolts of pleasure jolting through Twilight's and Rainbow Dash's bodies.

Muffled moans from Julius mixed with the loud unbridled moans of the mares, making a lusty slurry of lust-poisoned howls. The group getting lost as they delved deeper into the throws of lust. The pure scent of fertility and female desire hung heavy in the air as the mares' juices flowed freely from their quivering pussies.

The strong muscles of Zecora's pussy powerfully massaged Julius's cock. With each thrust, his throbbing member threatened to penetrate her innermost depths. Losing himself in the lusty musk, Julius energetically pounded into Zecora's pussy as a lewd mixture of pre-cum and juices covered his already drenched hips. Julius buried his cock fully into Zecora's womb with one mightly thrust. An intense pleasure clouded Julius's addled mind as a plush tightness embraced the tip of his cock. It was as if a million fairies were massaging the head of his cock, urging him to full Zecora's waiting womb with his potent seed. Julius needed little coaxing as he swiftly approached orgasm. Thrusting up powerfully, Julius impaled Zecora's pussy. Julius, fully burying his cock in Zecora's innermost depths, let loose a furious muffled moan as a torrent of cum flooded Zecora's tight pussy. The mares riding Julius's body felt him tense up in orgasm. Julius's fingers tensed, roughly pressing against Twilight's and Rainbow Dash's sweet spots. Julius's tongue shot out before lolling back, teasingly licking the length of Luna's pussy before resting against her clit. Loud, lusty moans filled the hut as the mares felt their orgasms overcome them. Their lusty juices flooded freely from their pussies as they collapsed in orgasmic bliss. Laying down for a few minutes, Luna staggeringly gets up while Twilight and Rainbow Dash cuddle up to Julius's sides and Zecora cuddling Julius's chest.

"I-I'll get some towels," Luna manages to stammer out. "I'll be right back."

"O-Ok," Julius says in exhaustion as he starts to pass out.

"W-wait," Twilight pants, "didn't you have something to show us?" Twilight asks while cuddling up to Julius.

"It can wait until tomorrow," Julius practically sighs as he starts to close his eyes. "It'll still be there tomorrow," Julius vague alludes to as Luna reenters the room with a few towels. Swiftly cleaning up the bed with the towels, Luna tosses them aside before cuddling up to Julius, resting his head almost right on her belly. The group fades softly into the welcoming embrace of sleep.

Chapter 23: A Ring and a New Pony

Eyes fluttering slowly open, Julius awoke. A soft scent of lavender filled the room as warm pulsing breathing cushioned Julius's head. Turning his head to a side, Julius nuzzled his cheek against the soft belly lavender-scented fur tickled his face as he subconsciously kissed a pert nipple.

"A bit early in the day for that, don't you think?" Luna teased while giggling.

"Mhm, maybe, but it's comforting," Julius moaned, half awake. Nuzzling deeply into Luna's belly, Julius hovered between being awake and asleep. "Where are the others?" Julius sleepily groaned, relaxing softly in Luna's warmth.

"Zecora is harvesting some herbs. Twilight is in Ponyville, sending a letter to her brother. Rainbow Dash, however, she's off scouring the Everfree Forest trying to find your stalker," Luna explained with a slightly amused huff.

"A brother, great, I suppose I'll have to deal with him at some point," Julius slightly grumpily remarked as he slowly got up. "So what kind of brother is he?"

"While I haven't seen much of him, Shining Armor seems like a decent enough stallion," Luna starts to explain as Julius starts chuckling, "last I've seen of him, he and Mi Amore Cadenza were getting close."

"His name is Shining Armor, really Shining Armor? Oh, please tell me he has a fedora-wearing friend named White Knight," Julius laughs while sitting up. "And Mi Amore Cadenza, that sounds vaguely Latin to me. I think that's My Love Song or something like that," Julius absentmindedly said, much to Luna's confusion.

"I'm not sure what this Latin is, but Mi Amore Cadenza is a descendant of the Crystal royal line," Luna explained as she got out of bed.

"Oh, was that out loud? My bad ignore that," Julius lightly laughed as he got up out of bed. "Can you get whatever's left of breakfast together? Zecora always left a good bit left for me, so there should be something left," Julius asked as he got his clothes, "I would do it myself, but I need to find something."

"I take it this thing you need to find is the thing you were going to show us last night?" Luna asked as she left the room.

"Almost I'm looking for a lockbox; the thing I want to show you is locked inside," Julius clarified as he got dressed. After he got dressed, the first place Julius checked was Zecora's dresser. Tribal-looking clothing, jewelry, and accessories littered the dresser, but the lockbox wasn't there. The second-place Julius checked was the closet. Dark, messy, and cluttered could describe the closet if one felt nice. Many long minutes passed of Julius ruffling around in the closet until finally, he found a small oaken lockbox with Zebrican script inlaid in brass. Grabbing the lockbox, Julius walked out to the kitchen. Eyeing the kitchen table, Julius saw what looked like bowls of oatmeal. Placing the box on a clear spot on the table, Julius sat down and picked up a spoon.

"That is a gorgeous box," Luna remarked upon seeing the box, "I'm guessing you have something locked inside," Luna guessed as she ate a spoonful of oatmeal.

"Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I can never remember the combination to unlock it. So unless you know an unlocking spell, we gotta find Zecora," Julius jokingly laughed as he started to eat. As Julius raised a full spoon, he heard the telltale sound of a lock being unlocked. "You know an unlocking spell? I was joking, you know," Julius laughed before eating a spoonful of oatmeal.

"I know many spells. As far as my magical education goes, I am very thoroughly taught," Luna explained as she opened the lid of the box. "So what is it that you have in this box?"

"One second," Julius said as he swallowed a mouthful of oatmeal. Reaching into the box, Julius rummaged around inside the box. Fine Zebrican jewelry made with yellow gold and brilliant emeralds filled the box. It'd be impossible to tell by touch alone what Julius was looking for to one unknowing. To Julius, though, he knew what he was looking for, a seemingly plain ring. After a few moments, Julius found the ring. Pulling his hand out of the box, Julius held out his hand. In his palm alone, out-of-place ring. Unadorned, no engravings, and seemingly a glowing white-silver instead of yellow gold, it seemed like it didn't belong in the box. "This is titanium," Julius told Luna as he presented the ring to her.

"That ring is a thing of true beauty!" Luna exclaimed, looking over the ring. "That must have been expensive," Luna remarked as she looked at the entrancing ring.

"It was a gift from my uncle. Though to be fair, he did pay a lot for it," Julius cleared up for Luna. "Here, let me see your hoof." Obliging Luna held out her hoof. Taking Luna's hoof in his hand, Julius slipped off the silver finery adorning it, and in her bare hoof, he placed the titanium ring.

"It's light!" Luna gasped in shock. Sure she wasn't expecting it to weigh much, it is a ring after all, but it was much lighter than when she thought it would be. "And you say that this is stronger than ĉiela metalo?" Luna asked as she felt the ring in her hoof.

"Very much so," Julius confirmed as he ate his breakfast. "So, do you think it can be duplicated?"

"I don't see why not," Luna said as an ethereal blue glow engulfed the ring. Luna started to lift the ring with her magic before the glow dissipated, making the ring fall to the table.

"What just happened?" Julius asked with some concern.

"I-it slipped!" Luna said in shock. "Are you sure the ring is not enchanted in any way?" Luna asked as she lightly tested the ring with her magic.

"It was made in my world with metal from my world. My world doesn't have magic, so yes, I am very sure it isn't enchanted," Julius told Luna as he watched Luna test the ring.

"There might be a problem then," Luna said as she tried her magic on the ring. It would seem like this metal is naturally magic resistant," Luna said as she focused hard on the ring. With an amount of focus and energy she wasn't expecting to use, Luna could levitate the ring and move it around before setting it down before Julius.

"Well, it can still be affected by magic, so how resistant is it?" Julius asked as he grabbed his ring with his free hand.

"With such a small amount and such limited testing, I cannot say for sure," Luna said as she put her silver finery back on. "But if I had to guess, it's exceptionally resistant. Comparing it to other things, I'd guess that it's about the third or fourth most resistant thing I've come across."

"Ok, so what's more resistant, and how much more resistant are they?" Julius asked as he rolled the ring around his fingers.

"Well, the most resistant would be the Changeling Black Stones. They absorb all non-Changeling magic. I've seen a small one destroyed by magic when I was a filly, but Starswirl did it, and the stone was no bigger than your ring. The second and third most resistant thing is the hide of Ursa Majors and Maulwurfs. It's hard to say which is better at resisting magic, but both are immune to all but the strongest unicorns," Luna explained as Julius shot a look at her.

"Ursa Majors? Is that the name of that colossal starry bear? Are there more of them?" Julius asked in some exasperation.

"Yes, and did you run into an Ursa Major?" Luna asked with great concern.

"Accidentally, yes. Deep in the forest. It started to rain heavily one day, so I took shelter in a cave. I heard some hefty breathing once I was inside. I looked behind me and saw a large starry bear lying down next to this massive starry bear. I backed up slowly out of the cave; then after I was out, I ran like hell," Julius explained to Luna's shock and somewhat amusement.

It's a good thing that you did," Luna told Julius. "The only ponies I know that could take on an Ursa Major alone are Celestia, and even in my weakened state myself," Luna said as she resumed eating her breakfast.

"So enough of giant starry bears," Julius chuckled lightly, "can the titanium be duplicated?"

"It might be possible," Luna said, swallowing a mouthful of oatmeal. "Either Celestia or I would have to work right next to the Alric brothers. It would likely take up a large amount of magical energy, and you wouldn't get too much," Luna started to explain, "that is assuming that Celestia allows it."

"Well, why wouldn't she allow it?" Julius asked with a bit of annoyance.

"This titanium seems to be naturally resistant to magic. Materials that have natural magical resistances are very heavily controlled in Equestria. There is a chance that my sister won't allow it, or she will allow it but only a small amount and even then only if she knows what it will be used for," Luna explained as she ate her breakfast.

"Not sure it'll help, but I can offer her some alone time," Julius jokingly laughs.

"I'll keep your offer in mind when I ask her about it," Luna chuckles as she finishes her oatmeal. "After we finish here, I'll fly off to Canterlot to talk to my sister about it," Luna tells Julius, "may I take the ring with me?" Luna asked.

"As long as I get it back, and as long as it's needed, sure," Julius told Luna as he placed the ring on the table. "How will you take it with you? Want me to slide it over your horn?" Julius jokingly teased.

"Thank you, but no, that'd interfere far too much with my magic. I'll take it with me in a saddlebag," Luna told Julius as she levitated a spare saddlebag over to her.

"Ok, just don't lose it," Julius told Luna. "In my world, it's valuable; here, it's one of a kind."

"Don't worry, I won't lose it," Luna assured Julius as he carefully placed the ring inside the saddlebag. Finishing off their breakfast, Julius and Luna cleaned up and headed out. "I'll go ahead to Cantarlot. When I come back, expect my sister to me with me," Luna told Julius as she stretched he wings. "I suspect she'll want to talk to you directly about this."

"Alright, I'll prepare for a meeting with your sister," Julius said as Luna started to fly. "Good luck! I believe in you!" Julius shouted at Luna as she flew off towards Canterlot. "Alright, now to find Zecora, then Rainbow Dash," Julius said as he lightly stretched. Eyeing a few mildly hidden paths, Julius started down the one that looked to be the most recently traveled. It was a nice calm several minutes as Julius traversed the trail. Various lime green markings adorned the trees. Zecora had assured Julius that these markings were ancient Zebrican protective wards, and while Julius had some doubt, the few trails they were found on tended to be much safer than other trails. Traversing the trail, Julius emerged at the edge of a pleasant glade. Looking into the meadow, Julius spotted Zecora harvesting several different herbs. "Hey, Zecora, how are the herbs?" Julius shouted as he approached her.

"The herbs today are doing well, from the ones that can help you foretell to the ones that can aid in a potent spell," Zecora replied as she put several herbs in her saddlebag. "Right now, I'm getting those that can be made into a gel. Some could be used to repel; others could be used to dispel," Zecora told Julius as she harvested some more herbs.

"Ah, getting together some herbs to help with my invisible 'friend,'" Julius remarked as he looked around the glade in vain. "Luna has gone off to Canterlot. It turns out that my ring is magically resistant, so Luna will be trying to convince Celestia to allow the metal to be duplicated. I'm going to find Rainbow Dash before she tries something stupid," Julius says with a chuckle. "If she could temper her energy, she'd be able to do great things."

"Ah yes, an energetic one our dear Rainbow Dash is. More likely to take to the skies in a whizz than ace a quiz. The tempering of one's energy is a boon. One that we can only hope she learns quite soon," Zecora confers with Julius as she examines the herbs around her.

"Agreed. Don't suppose you know-" Julius starting to ask.

"Hey, stalker, get out here now!" Rainbow Dash's voice thundered through the Everfree Forest, causing Julius and Zecora to burst out in laughter.

"Nevermind, I think I have my answer," Julius said through his laughter.

"Indeed, I think you do. In that direction, travel fast and true," Zecora pointed a hoof towards Rainbow Dash's voice. "After some time, I suspect you'll come across the pony blue. Hopefully, she hasn't traveled far; she'd be difficult to pursue," Zecora remarked as she picked another herb.

"With her injury, she should be doing anything like this," Julius shook his head. "After I find her, I'm going to head off to Ponyville. I want to ask Twilight about a few things, and I have to help out at Sweet Apple Acres," Julius chuckled a bit, "hopefully, they've gotten over yesterday's shock," Julius lightly smirked as he started towards Rainbow's voice.

"Very well, I bid you farewell for now. Later today, we shall meet at the Golden Oak this I avow," Zecora assured Julius as he headed off to find Rainbow Dash. Humming happily, Zecora continued to pick several choice herbs, now and then pausing to caress her belly.

Julius went down another trail; this one lacked the protective wards of the herbal path, and Julius could feel it. The familiar eeriness of the Everfree loomed over him, and he could feel an all to familiar gaze rest upon him. Doing his best to ignore the gaze, Julius continued moving towards Rainbow Dash's voice.

"Idea, I could try going a way that a pony couldn't follow. If it doesn't follow me, I could rule a few possibilities out," Julius thought to himself as he came upon some dense foliage. "Well, I have a routine to keep up anyways," Julius quietly sighed as he started to run through the rough foliage. Darting through the brush, Julius practiced his movements. For the first several minutes, he lost the gaze, peace of mind started to overcome him. As he bounded over a fallen log, though, the gaze returned. It felt distant, though, as if the creature was barely keeping up. "Great, when I was starting to rule out a pony. Damnit, I hope that whatever this thing is, it's under orders from Celestia," Julius angrily thought as he got closer to where Rainbow Dash was. "At least if it's from Celestia, I can predict what it'll do. I can be sure of my safety. If not, though," Julius's thoughts trailed off a bit. "God, please help me if it's not from Celestia," Julius finished his thought as an angrily stomping Rainbow Dash came into view.

"Get out here right now, you perverted mare!" Rainbow Dash shouted into the Everfree as she stomped about. Hearing a rustling behind her, Rainbow Dash jumped around and tensed her body towards the sound. "Ahah! Trying to sneak up on me! Well, put 'em up!" Rainbow Dash challenged as she raised on her hind hoofs, punching the air in front of her as she did so.

"Calm down there, cowgirl," Julius said bemused as he came into Rainbow Dash's view. "It's really easy to sneak up on you when you're loud enough to outshout a train," Julius laughed as he flipped over a fallen log to land into the small clearing.

"Oh, you're finally awake," Rainbow Dash remarked as she got back down. "Guessing that means Luna is awake too?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked behind Julius.

"Yup. She's gone off to Canterlot. If all goes well, then Equestria will have a powerful new metal to work with," Julius told Rainbow Dash as he approached her. "A limited amount of that metal but still counts," Julius adds before resting a hand on Rainbow's head. "Anyways, do you think you could stop trying to wake up all of creation?" Julius joked as he lightly rustled Rainbow's mane.

"Hey, I'm not that loud," Rainbow Dash laughed as she nuzzled her head into Julius's palm. "Besides, we need to deal with your stalker now!" Rainbow Dash firmly exclaimed. "Hear that, you freaky pervert! We're coming for you!" Rainbow Dash loudly exclaimed as Julius rubbed his eyes with a grunt.

"Rainbow, you're trying to join the Wonderbolts, a military group right?" Julius leadingly asked.

"More or less yes, why?" Rainbow Dash asked in slight confusion.

"Ok, remember this it'll serve you well. An ambush is only an ambush if the thing you're trying to ambush doesn't know you're there. If it knows you're there, then you cannot ambush it. If it knows you're there and you don't know it knows, then it can turn your ambush into its own," Julius explains to Rainbow Dash. "Unfortunately, it knows now, too late to undo the damage," Julius sighs before turning around to look into the trees.

"Ok, sure, yeah, but this is serious! A pony can't just stalk a stallion!" Rainbow Dash argued as Julius collected his breath.

"Yeah, stalker, I know you're there!" Julius shouted, much to Rainbow's surprise. "I've known for a while now, and do you know why?" Julius asked as he pressed his fingers together, ready to snap. "'Cause ya basic!" Julius shouts as he loudly snaps his fingers, causing Rainbow Dash to look confused. "It's a human insult! It's devastating, your devastated!" Julius commandingly stated, making Rainbow Dash burst out in laughter.

"I don't think that's how insults work," Rainbow Dash says while laughing. "Besides, what happened to 'be quiet?" Rainbow Dash asked while laughing.

"Well, it already knows that I know. So might as well try to provoke it to try something," Julius told the laughing pegasus.

"And you thought that would work?" Rainbow Dash asked as she tried to calm her laughter.

"If I said yes, would you believe me?" Julius asked, making Rainbow Dash suppress a laugh. The pair took a moment to collect themselves, letting the eery calm of the Everfree set over them as they scanned the area for anything out of place.

"Come on, we have to go to Ponyville," Rainbow Dash told Julius.

"What why?" Julius asked as Rainbow Dash tried to pull him towards town.

"A pegasus chariot just flew by. The pegasi flying it were stallions. So that means either Celestia or Luna is in it," Rainbow Dash explained as she led Julius to town.

"Really? Already? Damn, Luna must have a golden tongue!" Julius said, impressed with the quick results of Luna's talk with Celestia. "Alright, let's go," Julius agreed as he followed Rainbow Dash back to Ponyville.

"We'll be back! You basic pony!" Rainbow Dash mocking shouted as she and Julius made their way to Ponyville, laughing all along the way.

"Basic pony, that's a new one," a vaguely eastern European voice remarked, clearly holding back laughter. "The Divine Mistress meeting with that treacherous demon, I should have heard something about that. I'll have to keep an eye on the situation. I might have to act soon," the voice said as a strange-looking pony walked into the clearing. Its black fur was seemingly absorbing the rays of light penetrating the Everfree's canopy. "I got my orders, I got the permission, I really should act soon," the voice said as it seemingly glided into the forest, following Julius at a safe distance.

Chapter 24: An In-law, and Rarity's Need

"Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" Julius and Rainbow Dash heard two voices loudly, playfully chant as they stood on the outskirts of Ponyville.

"Well, one of those voices is Twilight, but no idea who the other voice is," Julius chuckles as he heard the singsong chant, "what about you?" Julius asked while looking at Rainbow Dash.

"No idea," Rainbow Dash flatly stated as she looked at Twilight and the ponies near her. "But I think that white stallion is her brother," Rainbow Dash said as she narrowed her eyes at the stallion's cutie mark.

"Great," Julius sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Guessing you've met Shining Armor before?" Julius asked as he mentally braced himself for meeting Twilight's brother.

"Nope. Twilight was talking about him like all day yesterday," Rainbow Dash cleared up as the two slowly walked towards the group. "It sounded like they were very close," Rainbow Dash chuckled into a wing.

"Ok, well, what about princess bubblegum there?" Julius asked, pointing at the pink alicorn next to Shining Amor. "Know anything about her?"

"We have a Princess Bubblegum?" Rainbow Dash asked with some surprise.

"N-no," Julius said, unsure. "I'm pretty sure that's Mi Amore Cadenza. Luna told me a little about her before we left the house," Julius said as the two got within earshot of the group.

"Sorry, Twily, but things have been busy that past several months," Shining Armor apologized as he ruffled Twilight's mane. "Besides," Shining Armor starts to say as he looks up. Jumping back slightly as a magical aura engulfed his horn. "Twily, get back!" Shining Armor commands as Mi Amore Cadenza walks up beside Shining Armor. "A monster has come out of the Everfree Forest!" Shining Armor tells Twilight as Cadenza fluffs her wings defensively.

"Really?!?" Julius asks, flipping his hands up in exasperation. "I have a pony with me," Julius said, pointing to a chuckling Rainbow Dash. "If I were dangerous to ponies, then she would be there. Now Twilight, tell White Knight and Princess Bubblegum to stand down, would ya," Julius told Twilight as he took a few more steps towards the ponies.

"Wait! Don't fight!" Twilight shouted as she broke out of her stunned stupor. "He's the one you're here to meet!" Twilight shouted as she ran between the two sides. Shining Armor and Cadenza stopped charging their magic right away. After a slow, awkward pause, the two ponies looked somewhat unbelievingly at Julius.

"Y-your Julius?" Both Shining Armor and Cadenza asked, almost hoping for a no.

"Ever since I was born, yes," Julius responded, slightly annoyed. "See Twilight, this, this right here, this is why Zecora has lived in the Everfree Forest this whole time, and why I wasn't in a hurry to introduce myself to the ponies," Julius told Twilight as she avoided his gaze. After a few moments of silence, Julius finally spoke up. "Can we just go and get a drink or something and forget about this," Julius offered while keeping his eyes on Shining and Cadenza.

"Sure, is there someplace you'd like to go?" Twilight asked as Shining and Cadenza took a few moments to take in the situation.

"Someplace with coffee and food would be nice," Julius sighed as he rolled his shoulders. "I still have to go help out Applejack," Julius absentmindedly remarks as he looks off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

"Yeah, and you need to talk to Rarity about fashion," Rainbow Dash reminded Julius as she lightly hoof bumps his arm.

"That too, don't worry, I haven't forgotten," Julius chuckles as he walked up to Twilight. "Well, you know the best spots here, so lead on Twilight," Julius said as he gently ran his hand through Twilight's mane.

"Ah right, follow me," Twilight told Julius as she led him to a cozy-looking cafe. "Shining Armor, Cadance, you two coming?" Twilight called after the pair. Letting the truth of the situation set in Shining Armor and Cadance shook off the shock and followed after the two ponies and the human, whispering to themselves during the short walk to the cafe.

The cafe was a small, tucked away building with a quaint little outside dining area. Lightly yet expertly decorated tables adorned the dining area. After sitting down at a table, Julius examined the tablecloths. A purple REG was embroidered onto a corner. The same initials were embroidered into the hem of the table's parasol. Picking up that there was still a bit of an awkward atmosphere, Julius spoke up.

"So who is REG?" Julius asked, trying to break the awkwardness.

"That's Rarity," Rainbow Dash told Julius as she looked through the menu. "Most ponies here don't speak fluent Prench, so most don't know her last name," Rainbow Dash told Julius as she decided what she'd get.

"Rarity Élégante-Grâce," Twilight said with near-perfect enunciation as she set down her menu. The other three set down their menus in short order. Almost right as the last menu hit the table, a waitress appeared by the side of the group's table.

"Can I take your orders?" A well-put-together waitress asked as she looked over the table. For the ponies, it was primarily different teas. Rainbow got sparkling water, but that was the only exception. Then came Julius.

"What do you mean you don't know what a mocha is?" Julius asked in some surprise. Several minutes passed of Julius explaining what a mocha is and how to make one and the waitress looking oddly at Julius while writing down his bizarre order.

"So that's a shot of our strongest coffee, mixed with steamed milk and cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon, and chocolate sprinkles?" The waitress asked as she and the ponies looked oddly at Julius.

"That is correct, yes," Julius said in confirmation.

"Very well, sir," the waitress conceded, "you shall have your drink," the waitress confirmed as she walked into the building, the group's order in her magic grasp. Looking at the ponies, Julius just smirked.

"It's good; if you don't believe me, you can try a bit when it comes," Julius offers as he leans back slightly in the chair.

"Sure, I'll try some," Rainbow immediately jumps on the offer while Twilight mulls the offer over. Having had enough time to come to terms with the whole situation Shining Armor speaks up.

"Is it true?" Shining Armor asks. "That you and he are," Shining Armor trails off slightly.

"That you and Julius are in a herd?" Cadance finishes the question sounding more composed than Shining Armor.

"Yes, it's true," Julius, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash all responded nearly at the same time.

"I see," Cadance responds with mild shock. Sure she was expecting a yes, but not from all three of them. Looking at Shining Armor to gauge his reaction, Cadance tentatively asks her next question. "Have you put any thoughts towards foals?" Rainbow dash bites her tongue to resist laughing while Twilight mildly blushes at hearing the question.

"I think we're past the thinking part," Julius mutters under his breath, quiet enough to not be fully heard but loud enough to tell he said something.

"What was that?" Both Shining Armor and Cadance asked, ears perked up, listening for an answer that they already suspected. Waiting for an answer, Twilight finally collected her thoughts enough to answer.

"We," Twilight gulped, "We already did," Twilight said with a hard blush. Shining Armor and Cadance took a moment to look at each other. Sure they were both expecting the two to have talked about foals, given how Twilight was, but Twilight's blush said more than her words. The two ponies turned to look hard at Julius, who just sat there wearing a sly smirk.

"There are two ponies who can confirm this," Julius proudly stated. "Well, one zebra and one," Julius looked right at Cadance, "Alicorn," Julius slowly said, tasting each syllable as he said the word.

"You did not sleep with Celestia!" Both Shining and Cadance shouted in some anger and some shock.

"Not yet," Julius knowingly chuckled. "Her sister, Luna, though, is quite a treat," Julius told the two shocked ponies.

"He, he didn't really," Shining and Cadance studdered in shock at the statement.

"Oh yeah, he did," Rainbow Dash confirmed as she patted Julius's thigh. "Though I didn't know you already knocked up Twilight," Rainbow said as she lightly rubbed Julius's crotch. "Good job, boys!" Rainbow Dash laughed as she gave Julius's crotch a quick rub before she went back to caressing his thigh.

"Well," Cadance said as she composed herself. "It's, surprising that Auntie Luna has gotten herself into a herd," Cadance managed to say while Shining collected himself.

"Yeah, considering she's a complete ice princess," Shining quietly muttered to Cadance, to which both chuckled.

"Mean, but true," Candace confirmed as she saw the waitress approaching with some drinks and a light fruit salad. "Well, looks like our drinks are here," Cadance said as the waitress set their order down.

"Three glasses of sparkling spring water, one mocha, and one fruit salad," The waitress confirmed as she gave the group their orders. Pulling his mocha over, Rainbow snuck a quick sip of Julius's mocha. Getting a good taste of the drink, Rainbow Dash looks surprised.

"Tastes kind of like a hot coffee milkshake with some chocolate," Rainbow Dash said in surprise as she smacked her lips together. Offering to let the others try his mocha, the three other ponies all mostly agree with Rainbow's opinion. The four had a mostly pleasant snack. Shining Armor and Cadance were still a little cold towards Julius, but they warmed slightly.

"Well, I'd love to stay, but I have to go see Rarity, then work on Sweet Apple Acres," Julius said as he got up with a stretch. "I'll see you all later," Julius said as he started to walk away.

"Don't worry," Twilight said to Julius as she walked up next to him. "I'll talk to Shining Armor and Cadance for you," Twilight whispers reassuringly to Julius.

"You'd better," Julius whispers back. "Whether we like it or not, he and I are kinda brothers now," Julius whispers in a sigh. Giving Twilight a quick but passionate kiss, Julius heads off towards Carousel Boutique.

Walking up to Rarity's door, Julius just kind of stares at it.

"So, uh, do I knock or just walk in?" Julius asks himself, somewhat befuddled at whether to treat the Carousel Boutique as a store or a house. "Ah, to hell with it," Julius says, knocking at the door. "Rarity, it's Julius; I'm coming in!" Julius shouts as he enters the building. Mere moments after entering, Julius gets tackled to the ground.

"Ah, good you're here, darling!" An exasperated Rarity says as she practically mounts him. Julius feels a slightly warm, wet spot rubbing against his crotch. "I needed to see you badly!" Rarity coos as Julius awkwardly run his fingers through Rarity's mane.

"Ah, good you're here," Spike shouts from another room. Eyes going wide, Rarity quickly picks herself up. Spike walks into the room to see Rarity and Julius standing side by side. "We've been having trouble deciding what accents to use for your clothes," Spike says as he sits down on a nearby chair.

"I've heard," Julius flatly says as he sits down on a couch with Rarity close behind him. "Don't worry; I might have it taken care of," Julius tells the pair as Rarity sits down. "Right now, Luna is talking to Celestia, trying to get her to allow titanium to be duplicated. If it's allowed, then that is what'll be used," Julius tells the two, who look oddly at him. "Right, my bad. Titanium is a metal from my world. It doesn't exist here, and it's magically resistant apparently," Julius explains as he softly plays with Rarity's mane. "So Rarity will get to use a whole new material."

"I, I, I, I, I, Wha?" Rarity stammers. "A new material, you're serious? Oh, sweet Celestia!" Rarity coos as she passes out. Looking concerned, Julius turns to Spike.

"Don't worry, that's pretty common," Spike explains with a chuckle.

"I see," Julius says in a bit of disbelief. "Hey Spike, I'll take over here for a while. You got family in town," Julius tells Spike as he lightly, stealthily caresses Rarity.

"That'll be ok; Twilight knows I'm busy here," Spike happily says.

"Shining Armor and Cadance are here," Julius tells Spike. "They should still be at The Canter's Corral," Julius tells Spike.

"Really? It's been so long since I've seen either of them!" Spike excitedly says. "In that case, I suppose I can take a break," Spike says as he heads to the door. "Take care!" Spike exclaims as he leaves the building.

Waiting a few moments to make sure Spike has left, Julius moves Rarity's tail. Sure enough, Julius sees that Rarity is very aroused. Lifting Rarity in his arms, Julius carries Rarity up to her room, all the while Rarity's arousal starts to get to Julius. Laying Rarity down on her bed Julius gently kisses Rarity's cheek.

"Rarity?" Julius calls to the passed-out mare. "Rarity?" Julius calls while kissing down her body. "You there?" Julius playfully asks as he softly licks Rarity's nipples. "Guess not," Julius says as he looks right at Rarity's wet pussy. "Well, you sure look like you need this," Julius smirks as he kisses Rarity's pussy, earning a soft moan from the mare. Grabbing Rarity's flanks, Julius slowly starts licking Rarity's drenched pussy. Feminine juices liberally flow from Rarity's soaked pussy as Julius licks her flushed lower lips. Julius feels his arousal grow as his cock twitches to life as he eagerly eats Rarity out. Firmly grasping Rarity's flanks, Julius buries his head between Rarity's legs. Eagerly, energetically eating Rarity out, Julius's ears are caressed by a chorus of soft feminine moans.

"Mhm!" Rarity moans as she slowly awakens, bolts of pleasure rushing through her body. Looking down, Rarity sees Julius's head buried between her legs. "My oh my!" Rarity exclaims in pleasure as she feels Julius's tongue ravage her pussy. "You sure know how to awaken a mare," Rarity moans as she bucks her hips, "I could get used to this," rarity squeals as Julius's tongue flicks against her clit.

"You'd better," Julius says as he pulls his head away from Rarity's pussy. "After all," Julius says, a smirk forming on his face, "you are going to be in my herd," Julius tells Rarity as he takes off his pants. Cock hard and throbbing, Julius rests his imposing cock on Rarity's pussy.

"My, so forceful!" Rarity squeals as she feels Julius rub his cock against her pussy. "Claiming me for your own so soon!" Rarity coos as she bucks her hips against Julius's cock. "You're quite a stallion, aren't you? First waking me up with that tongue of yours, threatening my marehood with that monstrous thing, and finally outright claiming me for yourself," Rarity teases as she wraps her front hooves around Julius in a hug. "What can a mare do before such a beast?" Rarity teases as she feels Julius's cock start to enter her pussy.

"Well, a beautiful mare like yourself can join my herd," Julius practically commands Rarity as he slowly penetrates Rarity's drenched pussy. "A stunning mare like yourself can be pleasured every day," Julius tells Rarity as his cock throbs wildly inside Rarity's pussy. "A wonderful mare like yourself can give me many babies," Julius tells Rarity as he feels his cock slam against Rarity's cervix.

"Oh, how beastly!" Rarity moans as she feels Julius's cock twitching inside her pussy. Pulling Julius's head down, Rarity kisses him while he thrusts deep into her pussy. Julius, returning the kiss, entwines his tongue with Rarity's as he plows the mare's quivering pussy. Feeling his tongue around her's Rarity wraps her hind legs around Julius's waist in bliss. Sure making love to this human was odd, but it was also more intimate than with a pony. As Rarity tightened her body to Julius's, she spared a thought to her past pony paramours. Sure they were satisfying, and yes, they were a bit thicker, but Julius's cock penetrated so much deeper, and the way he faced the mare made Rarity feel a much stronger connection. That and how easy it was to make out with him while he ravaged her made sex with him all the more pleasurable.

Moaning as they kissed, Julius's tongue vibrated softly against Rarity's as the two lustfully kissed. Julius's cock came closer and closer to fully penetrating Rarity with every thrust. Feeling Rarity's hind legs wrap tightly around his waist, Julius thrust powerfully into Rarity's pussy, burying the tip of his cock inside her womb. Eyes opening wide at the piercing feeling, Rarity felt her legs tighten firmly around Julius's body as she broke their kiss.

"Oh, yes," Rarity lustfully moaned, her breath tickling Julius's ear. "Breed me, you beastly beast you," Rarity cooed as she gave him an affectionate kiss on his cheek.

"Aren't you demanding?" Julius teased as he placed a hand over Rarity's womb. "Don't worry," Julius teased as he kissed the tip of Rarity's horn. "I'll gladly fill your belly with my babies," he cooed as he kissed down her horn and back to her lips.

Exchanging passionate kisses, Rarity and Julius lustfully made out while he ravaged her pussy with lustful abandon. Every passionate kiss, every lustful thrust brung both closer and closer to their orgasms. Every thrust, Julius's heavy balls slapped lewdly against Rarity's juice-covered ass, sending loud, lustful smacks echoing through the room. Feeling a low, dull ache build in his balls, Julius knew his orgasm was close.

"I, I'm cumming!" Julius panted, his voice full of lust.

"As, as am I darling!" Rarity returned, her voice filled with desire. "Inside, fill me up," Rarity beggingly panted, her pussy tightening its embrace around Julius's cock. Hugging Rarity tightly, Julius blasted her waiting womb full with his potent seed. Feeling the surge of cum full her womb, Rarity threw her head back. "Cumming!" Rarity loudly moaned as a torrent of juice flooded from her pussy. Laying down together in lustful bliss, Julius exchanged short but loving kisses with Rarity.

"I'd love to stay," Julius moaned between kisses, his voice still heavy with lust. "But Applejack needs me at the orchard," Julius sadly tells Rarity as he basks in their afterglow. "I can stay for a few more minutes, though," Julius grins as he gives Rarity another kiss.

"I understand completely," Rarity assures Julius as she lightly kisses him. "You have no idea how badly I needed this. The past few days have been utter torture," Rarity tells Julius as she kisses him. "Please, do come by more often," Rarity coos as she nuzzles softly into the crook of his neck.

"Don't worry, I will, I promise," Julius smiles as he cuddles with his pony lover in the embrace of their afterglow.

Chapter 25: Eating an Apple, and a Timberdirewolf... Wait! What?

After several pleasurable minutes of relaxing in Rarity's embrace, enjoying their afterglow, Julius finally gets up and leaves Carousel Boutique.

"Damn, I'm going to be late," Julius sighed as he forced his body to move. "Hopefully, she won't be too mad," Julius says aloud as he makes his way to Sweet Apple Acres. Walking towards the orchard, Julius hears the telltale sound of hooves hitting trees. "Well, some of the ponies are hard at work," Julius says as he rubs his chin. "Odd though, I thought Big Mac was busy today," Julius says to nobody as he enters the farm. Walking through the farm, following the sounds of bucking, Julius sees Applejack hard at work bucking some mature apple trees.

"Well, look who decided to finally show up," Applejack says with some irritation in her voice.

"I know, I know, I'm late, please forgive me," Julius nearly begs as he walks up to Applejack.

"What, no excuse?" Applejack asks, somewhat surprised.

"No, there is," Julius flat out tells Applejack, "but that's all it would be, an excuse," Julius tells Applejack as he walks up to her.

"Well, I can respect you straight up owning up to it," Applejack says as she eyes down Julius. "But don't let it happen again," she firmly tells him. "We're already short hoofed enough without Big Mac."

"Yeah, he's 'busy' today, isn't he," Julius chuckles as he remembers what Big Mac gets hired out for. Looking Applejack up and down, Julius lightly sighs. "I can tell you're getting a little tired and that you need a break," Julius says as he walks up to a leery-eyed Applejack.

"And just where exactly are you going with this?" Applejack accusingly asks as she stares down Julius.

"Look, I know this time of year can be rough for you," Julius starts to say.

"Excuse you, mister Studly the Stallion, but I ain't just raising my tail for every stallion I come across!" Applejack very firmly states.

"Just hear me out," Julius says as he lightly places a hand on Applejack's muzzle. "You need a break and 'release' I need to make up for being late. So how about we duck off somewhere private, I eat you out, then you take a break while I take over," Julius offers to a confused-looking Applejack.

"You want to eat me?" Applejack says with surprise and disgust. "Now, why in tarnation would I agree to that?" Applejack asks, backing up from Julius.

"You don't know what that means?" Julius asks, surprised. "Look, I'm not going to eat you or anything like that," Julius chuckles. "I've done it for all the mare's I've been with; they love it," Julius tells Applejack. "Just try it; you'll love it, I promise," Julius offers to Applejack.

"Alright, but I swear by Celestia, if you try to eat me, you'll be sorry," Applejack warns Julius. "Now follow me," Applejack tells Julius as she leads him to a nearby shed. "Ok, nopony should be able to see us here," Applejack says as she stands in the shade of the shed. "Now, how exactly are you going to 'eat me out' if I may ask?" Applejack asks as she stares at Julius.

"Ok first lay on your back," Julius tells Applejack. Obliging, Applejack slowly lays on her back, avoiding Julius's gaze. "Ok, now just relax," Julius coos as he slowly massages Applejack's hind legs. Blushing softly, Applejack turns her head away as she feels Julius's hands moving to her inner thighs. Pulling Applejack's legs apart, Julius looks down at Applejack's pert teats and her glistening marehood. "Deny it all you want, you need this, and you know it," Julius smirks as he moves his head between Applejack's well-toned thighs.

"What do I," Applejack starts. "What the hay?" She gasps as she feels Julius kiss her nipples. "Hey now, I'm not a mother, and you're not a foal; you'll get no milk from those," Applejack moans as she feels Julius lightly kiss and suck her nipples.

"Hehehe, sure, keep thinking that," Julius chuckles. "There's a spell that can change that," Julius tells Applejack as he kisses down from her teats.

"Why would I," Applejack slightly stammers. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, hey there!" Applejack exclaims as she feels Julius kiss her pussy. "Calm down there, cowboy! T-that's dirty!" Applejack stammers as she feels Julius's tongue against her pussy.

"Applejack, this is what I meant by 'eat you out,' ok," Julius tells the panting mare. "Now, just lay back and enjoy," Julius commands as he slowly starts to lick Applejack's flush pussy lips. Kissing and licking Applejack's pussy, Julius got a liberal amount of her juices on his lips and tongue. Each of the mares had their unique taste, and Applejack's juices were that of apples. Mellow, sweet, and tangy, it tickled his tongue with its addicting taste. Burying his head between Applejack's thighs, Julius eagerly licked Applejack's drenched pussy, each flick of his tongue sending lightning bolts of pleasure rushing through Applejack's body.

"O-oh yeah," Applejack barely moaned as waves of pleasure assaulted her mind. "T-that feels so," Applejack stammered as Julius's tongue flicked against her clit. "So good," Applejack practically melted as she bucked her hips against Julius's tongue.

Greedily devouring Applejack's pussy, Julius started to massage her teats with his hands. Juices covered Julius's tongue as Applejack's sweet moans caressed his ears. Each teasing lick, each flick of her nipples brought Applejack closer and closer to orgasm.

"O-oh, yes, more, more, oh please more!" Applejack begged as her hips bucked wildly against Julius's mouth and tongue, her orgasm rapidly approaching. "Oh, Oh, OH~" Applejack loudly sang out as a torrent of juice flooded from her pussy, her body stiff in orgasmic bliss. Laying back as her orgasm subsided, Applejack looked starry-eyed at Julius. "E-every mare in your herd gets that?" Applejack panted in post-orgasmic bliss.

"More or less," Julius panted as he caught his breath. "Now you lay here and relax; I'll take over work for you," Julius tells Applejack as he licks the remainder of her juices from his lips.

"Al-alright," Applejack barely mutters as she lays back in relaxing bliss.

Making his way back to the orchard, Julius looks up at the trees. "Ok, all these trees look that same; I think I need an Apple to point out which ones are ready for harvesting," Julius says as he scans the trees. "Speaking of, shouldn't they only be able to harvest apples once a year? I swear Big Mac and I harvested some of these trees the other day. Yet they're growing apples again, already! Equestrian farming is weird; I'll chalk it up to magically bullshit," Julius sighs as he looks through the orchard, trying to find either Apple Bloom or Granny Smith.

"Oh, this is rich," a slightly familiar voice angrily says. "You make my father sent me to work on a farm, and yet you're late! You just wanted an excuse to get out of work," a filly says as she spots Julius.

"Oh yeah, your, uh, Diamond Tiara, aren't you?" Julius says as he racks his brain. "I got held up. Now, where's Apple Bloom or Granny Smith?" Julius asks as his ears pick up the sound of bucking and grunting.

"Hayseed and her friends over there," Diamond Tiara snarkily says as she points a hoof towards the sounds.

"I could have guessed that after hearing the sounds," Julius tells the filly as they both walk towards the sounds. "You know why you're here, right?" Julius asks as the two travel down the path.

"I'm here because you're mean, and father wants the endorsement of a Princess," Diamond Tiara tells Julius while glaring at him.

"No," Julius corrects right away. "You're here because you're acting like a bully," Julius starts to explain to Diamond Tiara. "This kind of behavior is usually related to your home life," Julius explains to a slightly stunned-looking Diamond Tiara. "Look, I'm not going to tell you to change or to tell me anything, though if you want to, you're certainly welcome to. You're here to get you out of your house, to help clear your mind," Julius tells a blankly stammering Diamond Tiara. "Oh, look at that, there they are," Julius says before Diamond Tiara can say anything. "Hey, Apple Bloom!" Julius shouts as the two approaches.

"Julius!" Apple Bloom responds. "Diamond Tiara," she continues with sharpness in her voice.

"Blank Flank," Diamond Tiara shoots back.

"Enough!" Julius says, breaking up the two before they can continue. "I'm not here to break up fillies fighting," Julius says while rolling his eyes slightly. "I can't tell the apple trees apart, like which ones need to be harvested. I need an Apple to point it out," Julius tells Apple Bloom, making Diamond Tiara chuckle a bit.

"That's fair," Apple Bloom says, ignoring Diamond Tiara. "To non-Apples, it can be difficult to tell which trees are ready to be harvested. I'll point out which trees can be harvested, you drop the apples from them, and we'll pick them up," Apple Bloom offers to Julius.

"Sure, works for me, lead on," Julius confirms with Apple Bloom. Leading Julius through the orchard, Apple Bloom points out trees with ripe apples. Julius grabs the trees and shakes them, and the fillies gather the fallen apples. After a few trees, Julius hears Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom giggling. "What's so funny?" Julius pants after shaking the apples from a tree.

"Oh nothing," Sweetie Belle lightly sang. "You beastly beast you," Sweetie Belle giggles in a mockery of Rarity's voice, making her friends and even Diamond Tiara laugh a bit.

"Ok, how, and did you see anything?" Julius asks right away as he looks right at Sweetie Belle.

"I had to get something from home; Rarity is quite loud," Sweetie Belle tells Julius as, much to his shock, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo agree. "Don't worry; I didn't see anything," Sweetie Belle sweetly said to an unbelieving Julius.

"Sure," Julius said with a sideways glance. "Let's just get back to work, and please try to get that out of your mind," Julius tells the laughing fillies. Tree after tree was shaken, many apples fell. Considering the group was four fillies and a non-apple, they were making great progress. Sure only slightly faster than Big Mac or Applejack, but still, progress was solid and steady. Three long hard hours passed, many trees were cleared, and Julius was starting to get tired.

"There you are!" Twilight exclaimed as she, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Shining Armor, and Cadance approached the group.

"Yes," Julius panted. "Here I am," Julius panted as he caught his breath.

"I see y'all have made a good bit of progress," Applejack said, looking at the collected apples.

"Yes, and I see you enjoyed your break," Julius responded as more of his breath came back to him.

"Yes," Applejack said as she looked away from Julius. "Rainbow, you were right about his tongue," Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash.

"I know, right. You should see when those hands can do," Rainbow whispered back as she lightly bumped Applejack's shoulder.

"I need a drink, is there any water nearby?" Julius asked while the two mares whispered to each other.

"Over that way. Towards the clubhouse, there's a water pump," Apple Bloom said. "Here, follow me," Apple Bloom said as she started to lead Julius towards an old clubhouse. Nothing better to do the three other fillies followed after the two. The walk was peaceful, pleasant; verdant apple trees lined the path the group took. It was a long, thirsty, fifteen-minute walk until an old yet under repair clubhouse came into view. "There's the water pump," Apple bloom said as she pointed towards a pump.

"Thank you; I'll be right back," Julius panted as he ran up to the water pump. Drinking straight from a water pump was awkward; the video games made it look so much easier than it was. The water was cool and fresh. Getting up from the pump, Julius saw the fillies approaching.

"Hey now, save some for us. We're thirsty too," Scootaloo joked as the group came close to the pump.

"Don't worry, I didn't drink," Julius stops, and his eyes go wide. "Get back to the other, NOW!" Julius firmly tells the fillies as a familiar howl is heard.

"Oh, come on," Diamond Tiara angrily pouts. "That's fair off; besides, no creature would dare attack Ponyville," Diamond Tiara confidently says as she gets closer to the pump.

"That's a timberwolf howl; they can be on you very quickly. Leave now, get back to the other ponies!" Julius commands as he looks for something to use as a weapon. "Ah, yes, a real knight's weapon," Julius chuckles to himself as he flourishes a shovel.

"Oh please, you're," Diamond Tiara gets cut off as a timberwolf barrels out of the tree line straight at her. "AHHH! TIMBERWOLF!" Diamond Tiara yelps as it explodes into wooden splinters. Julius, standing slightly to the side, flicks the shovel clear.

"Well, look who's wrong!" Julius said while sparing Diamond Tiara only a glance. "Listen, timberwolves attack in packs; there are more. Run back to the other ponies; get them over here. I'll be able to hold them off for a while," Julius commands the fillies as he steadies himself.

"Got it, sir," Apple Bloom manages to say. "Come on girls, we need to to the grown-ups," Apple Bloom reinforces as she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo drag a nearly catatonic Diamond Tiara away.

Breathing deeply, Julius allows himself to loosen up as much as possible. While his magical abilities weren't developed beyond augmenting himself and some healing, Julius could still sense the magical vibrations of hostile creatures, even if only just.

"This is a big pack, really big," Julius sighed as the howling came closer. Within moments the howling was on top of him. Almost instantaneously, the timberwolves burst out from the tree line, almost as if their howls were following them. As the first pair leaped out, Julius was on top of them right away, smashing the wooden skulls of the two fell creatures into little more than kindling.

Retreating almost right away from the tree line, Julius's viper-like strike allowed him to avoid being pounced on by two more timberwolves by mere centimeters. Unfortunately, he didn't avoid the one that circled behind him. Tripping backward over the timberwolf's body, Julius fell hard to the ground. Rearing up on its hind legs, the timberwolf prepared to slam its forelegs into Julius's chest, only to be cut off by Julius swiftly slamming the head of the shovel into the timberwolf's neck.

Rolling quickly to the side, Julius avoided the falling wood and the pounce of another timberwolf, only to get struck hard by the wooden paw of a different timberwolf. Grabbing the timberwolf's leg, Julius threw the timberwolf powerfully towards the tree line, throwing it into three more timberwolves. Getting up quickly, Julius barely caught a timberwolf's jaws. Holding both its lower jaw and upper muzzle, Julius broke off its lower jaw before slamming the timberwolf into the shovel handle.

Julius dodged three pouncing timberwolves with just barely enough time, suffering only minor yet painful scratches. Mustering his rage, Julius swiftly dispatched two of the offending timberwolves with utter contempt. Grabbing the third by its neck as it lunged at him, Julius slammed it hard to the ground before crushing its wooden skull with a mighty stomp.

As his boot crushed the wooden skull to splinters, the ninth timberwolf pounced on Julius from behind, making him bend forward. Following through on the bending, Julius flipped forward, throwing the timberwolf off him. Grabbing the shovel, Julius quickly bashed the timberwolf's skull right in.

"Nine for nine! Are there any more?" Julius roared triumphantly as a tenth timberwolf slowly walked out from the trees. "Oh, come on! I was joking!" Julius said in exasperation. This last timberwolf didn't charge Julius right away. Instead, it just paced around Julius, the two holding each other's gazes. In those hollow eyes, Julius could swear he saw something dark, something sinister, more so than the usual. Favoring Julius a quick grin, the timberwolf recklessly charged Julius head-on. Shovel in hand, Julius quickly took out the timberwolf; oddly though, the timberwolf made no effort to dodge the strike; it was almost like it wanted to take the hit.

"JULIUS!" Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack yelled as Julius propped himself up with the shovel. Running towards him, the ponies see Julius, arms covered in minor cuts, the ground littered in countless kindling.

"It's ok, all the timberwolves have been dealt with," Julius panted heavily, his head hung in exhaustion.

"I can see," Rainbow Dash said, impressed with Julius's work. "Nice job!" Rainbow Dash congratulated as she gently patted his thigh.

"Thank you. All ten timberwolves destroyed," Julius said with pride.

"Wait, did you say ten timberwolves?" Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadance all asked, concern in their voices.

"Yup, ten attacked, ten were destroyed," Julius said boastfully as Rainbow Dash gave him a hoof bump.

"That's bad, very bad; we have to run now!" Twilight said in a panic as Shining Armor and Cadance shook their head.

"Why, there's no threat?" Julius asked as Shining Armor approached him.

"Listen, when ten timberwolves are destroyed in the same place, their bodies must be destroyed by fire, or a purification spell has to be used," Shining Armor starts to explain. "If neither happens, the ten destroyed bodies fuse and reanimate as a timberdirewolf," Shining Armor tells Julius as the wooden remains begin to rumble.

"Oh, come on!" Julius exclaims in exasperation. "What kind of magical bullshit is this?" Julius asks in anger. "Don't suppose anyone here has fire or purification strong enough for this, do they?" Julius desperately asks.

"We got magical beams and a magical shield, that's about it," Shining Armor tells Julius as a body starts to form out of the wood.

"Perfect, just perfect," Julius sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Ok, listen. Applejack, you go back to the farm, keep the fillies safe," Julius orders.

"You got it, be safe, y'all," Applejack said before departing for the farmhouse.

"Rainbow Dash, you're the fastest. Go to Ponyville, send a message to Luna and Celestia telling them about the situation," Julius orders Rainbow Dash.

"But I want to fight the monster!" Rainbow dash slightly whines.

"Listen, you have an important job. A job only you can do. If you don't do your job, there will be a tragedy. So please, do your job, get that message to Luna and Celestia!" Julius orders Rainbow Dash.

"Fine, fine, have fun with the monster," Rainbow Dash said as she departed, a fowl feeling filling the air.

"Ok, us four are going to stay here and keep this monster restrained here," Julius tells Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadance.

"You're surprisingly well composed, all things considered," Cadance remarks as she prepares, alongside Shining Armor and Twilight.

"Video games and cadet training since I was twelve," Julius says as he looks around the clearing. "Hey, do you think you three can hold it here for a few minutes?" Julius asked as he saw the clubhouse.

"For a few minutes, probably yes, why?" Shining Armor asked as he prepared a shield.

"I have an idea. Keep its attention away from the clubhouse over there ok," Julius tells the three ponies as he starts running to the partially repaired clubhouse.

"Ok great, just leave us to clean up your mess," Shining Armor sighs in exasperation.

"Focus," Twilight tells her brother. "It'll be coming soon," Twilight said, ears pressed firmly to her head, as a truly huge wooden body starts to fully form in front of her.

Nearly bursting into the clubhouse, Julius looks around. All sorts of building material lay scattered about. Planks, nails, hammers, not the things Julius was hoping to find. Nearing the back of the room, Julius spots many empty bottles and a bucket filled with a black liquid. Sticking a finger inside, Julius pulls it out, the black ooze sticking to his finger.

"Tar, perfect," Julius grinned as he grabbed the empty bottles. A loud bass roar thunders through the air, shaking the clubhouse, a roar filled with primal fury, a roar that sounded like ten demons all harmonized to shake the very bones of everything that stood before it. Running to a window, Julius saw a frightful sight. It was a timberwolf, sure; only it was nearly as large as the ursa major he stumbled upon, and it had ten snarling heads.

"Well, that's intimidating," Julius said, nearly choking on his words. Shaking his head, Julius returned to the task at hand. Filling up ten bottles with tar, Julius clogged them with scraps of torn-off curtains. "Need a fire, need a fire, need a fucking fire!" Julius said as he scanned the room. Spying a rock and a metal rod, Julius grabs both. "Please, dear God, let this be iron and quartz," Julius begs as he begins striking the two together over a small cloth-covered wooden plank. Several tense minutes of nothing but the sounds of furious battle passed before a spark.

"Oh, thank you, God," Julius thanked. Throwing the bottles of tar into two saddlebags, Julius grabs the makeshift torch and runs out of the clubhouse. The sight he was greeted by wasn't too promising. Shining Armor's shield was protecting the three ponies while Twilight and Cadance were blasting the monster back, but it just seemed like a minor annoyance to the hulking monstrosity. Sprinting behind the monster, Julius leapt onto its leg. Grabbing the wooden leg was like grabbing a handful of brambles and thorns. Gritting through the pain, Julius climbed up the monster's body. The climb felt longer than it was, but in a few minutes, Julius was on the thrashing back of the timberdirewolf. Making his way up the monster's back, Julius finally got to the back of its head.

"You said your stallion was a fighter," Shining Armor winced as another crushing blow slammed powerfully into his shield. "Well, then where in Tartarus is he?" Shining Armor winced as his shield weakened. Cuddling beside him, Cadance shared her power with Shining Armor, allowing the shield to hold.

"I'm right up here!" Julius shouted down from atop the timberdirewolf's rightmost head. "You wanna eat something? Well, here choke on this!" Julius angrily said as he lit one of his makeshift Molotov Cocktails alight before flinging it into the monster's open mouth. A burst of sticky flame exploded in that head of the monster as it thrashed back in pain. Julius nearly fell off but just managed to hold on. Climbing back up to the next head, Julius repeated the procedure. Julius repeated the procedure for each head; with each climb, Julius's body became more and more covered in scratches, until finally, only the left-most head remained. Barely conscious, Julius held onto the side of the wooden head.

"Welcome to my happy world. Now get your shit and leave!" Julius said with pain and anger in his voice as he lobbed the last Molotov Cocktail into the final mouth of the monster. His grip slipping, Julius fell from the timberdirewolf, falling quickly, a violet glow enveloped his body as Twilight caught him in her magic. Setting him down gently, the four watched as the heads of the timberdirewolf burned. Thrashing and flailing wildly, the magical wooden monstrosity howled in pain before falling to the ground. Area thoroughly ravaged, the creature burned to cinders.

"D-don't suppose," Julius stuttered, barely conscious, "any of you could spare a cup of magic, could you?" Julius heavily panted, eyes nearly closed.

"Here," Twilight panted as her glow around Julius intensified, "you look like you need it more than me," Twilight said as she gave Julius a good amount of her remaining magic.

"Thank you," Julius panted as Twilight's glow around him faded. Having energy again, Julius started to heal himself magically. As the healing started, two magical pops could be heard.

"WHERE'S THE MONSTER!" Luna and Celestia both exclaimed. Looking around the area, the pair spot the burning pile of monster, an exhausted-looking Cadance, a tired-looking Shining Armor, a nearly passed out Twilight, and Julius laying down, slowly healing himself.

"At the moment," Julius winced as his wounds closed, "the monster is burning," Julius barely made out, his eyes remaining closed.

"Taking down a beast like that, very impressive," Luna congratulated as she looked at Julius.

"Indeed," Celestia said, approaching Julius. "Safe to say you're not in any state to talk, are you?" Celestia asked but mainly stated.

"Give me a nap and a meal, and I should be fine," Julius panted back.

"I think that could be arranged, but it would be better to do so in a house, not a field," Celestia said as she looked towards Twilight. "You don't suppose Applejack would mind if we ate at her house, would she?" Celestia asked, already knowing the answer.

"No, Princess, she most certainly would not," Twilight says with surprising energy.

"Excellent, then that's where we shall go," Celestia happily says as she looks to Julius. "Need a hoof up?" Celestia asked, looking at the prone human.

"I'll need more than a hand," Julius panted. "Luna, come here, please," Julius requested.

"I'm here; what do you need?" Luna asked as she laid down next to Julius.

"I need a ride back to the farmhouse," Julius told Luna as he mustered the last scraps of his strength to climb on top of Luna's back. "You don't mind, do you?"

"Normally I would, but you're a special case," Luna comfortingly assured. Standing up, Luna walked to the one path leading away from the clearing; a healing Julius draped over her back.

"Follow me," an exhausted Twilight said as she started down the path. And so an exhausted party and two alicorns made their way to a very well-deserved rest.

Chapter 26: Meeting, Meal, and Meetup

A good thing about Big Mac's side work, satisfying mares, was that the Apple Family usually had a free large room. Sure it wasn't something they made use of much, but today was different. Gently levitating Julius off her back, Luna stripped off Julius's torn clothing, then placed the half-asleep human down on the free bed. He did a good job healing his wounds, with most of them fully closed, but it still meant that he was bleeding for quite a while across Luna's back.

"I'm going to take a bath, wash this blood off me," Luna said as she placed Julius stomach first on the bed. "Can one of you wash off the blood from his back?" Luna asked as she went to leave the room.

"I can," Twilight said as she started to follow Luna. "I just need a rag and some warm water."

"I can help with that," Applejack said, walking next to Twilight. "Here, I'll show you where everything is," Applejack told Twilight as the three mares left the room, each to do their stated tasks. Leaving Celestia, Rainbow Dash, and Spike alone in the room with Julius.

"Well, I guess the talk will have to wait a little bit," Celestia sighed as she watched the human fade into sleep.

"What talk?" Rainbow Dash and Spike asked, both with a look of confusion.

"It would seem your reckless stallion here wishes to bring a whole new metal into Equestria," Celestia started to explain as she levitated a small red velvet bag from her side. "This metal is from his world," Celestia continued as she gently dropped a ring from the bag onto the nearby bedtable. "The thing is," she continued as she tried picking up the ring with magic, "it resists magic," Celestia sighed as her magic slipped off the ring.

"Cool!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she got a closer look at the ring.

"Wait, are you saying that you can't affect the ring?" Spike asked in disbelief.

"Oh, not at all, Spike," Celestia chuckled as she lifted the ring in the air with her magic. "It's just that, to affect it with magic takes far more energy than it normally would," Celestia explained as she gently placed the ring on the table. "I'm not entirely opposed to such a metal, it definitely would have many uses, but I do want to know what exactly he wants to use it for and why," Celestia explained as Twilight and Applejack reentered the room. "Ah, Twilight, you're back."

"Yes, Princess," Twilight said as she levitated a warm, moist cloth over to Julius, Applejack close behind with a warm tub of water. "What were you doing? I thought I heard the sound of something falling," Twilight asked as a soft golden glow took ahold of the cloth.

"Here, let me wash the blood off," Celestia told Twilight. "There is a ring on the table. I want you to take a look at it and tell me your thoughts on it. Be thorough, but be careful; no harm is to come to the ring, understood?" Celestia asked as she began softly washing Julius's back.

"Understood, Princess," Twilight said as she walked to the table. "I don't understand, though. Why do you want me to look at the ring? I sense no magic from it," Twilight said as she looked at the ring. "And aside from looking highly polished, it looks like a normal silver ring," Twilight said as she tried to lift the ring with her magic. A violet glow engulfed the ring before slipping off, fading into the aether. "What?!?" Twilight exclaimed in surprise, barely managing to keep from shouting. "Princess, what just happened?" Twilight asked with evident concern.

"It's ok, Twilight," Celestia reassured as she massagingly washed Julius's back. "That appears to be normal for the ring," Celestia reassured. "I can't tell you anything about it at the moment; I don't want to color your opinion. Rest assured, though, after I have your honest opinion; I'll tell you everything I know about it," Celestia told Twilight as her focus remained on the lightly sleeping human.

"Ok, Princess," Twilight said as she went back to examining the ring. To Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike, it appeared like Twilight was playing with the ring, flipping the ring over in the air, looking at it from all angles, once she even slipped it on her horn, only to have her magic stop working. A chuckling Rainbow Dash and Applejack watched as Spike removed the ring from Twilight's horn. After several more minutes of examining the ring, Twilight finally placed the ring down on the table.

"Well, Princess," Twilight sighed as the exhaustion of fighting the timberdirewolf and testing the ring set in. "The ring is unlike anything I've ever encountered. It's lightweight, durable, beautiful, and somehow naturally resistant to magic. I have no idea where you got this from, but the material could be beneficial to Equestria as long as it remains a controlled material," Twilight tells Celestia, who strains the cloth.

"I am glad that we have the same opinion," Celestia tells Twilight as she moved on to cleaning Julius's legs. "As for the ring itself, it does not belong to me. It belongs to Julius here, the material that it is made of is titanium," Celestia explains as she washes the blood from the back of Julius's legs. "I wanted a second opinion on the ring before talking to Julius about it."

"You don't say," Applejack says as she lifts the ring in a hoof, slightly marveling at how light it is. "Rarity would go crazy working with this," Applejack chuckles at the thought of Rarity losing her mind.

"Speaking of Rarity, shouldn't somepony go get her. Julius seems to like clothes, and honestly, he should be wearing them in public," Twilight states to the agreement of all.

"Already taken care of, Cadance is getting Rarity and Zecora as we speak. Shining Armor is downstairs helping with supper," Celestia tells Twilight as Julius's body is scrubbed clean. Looking over Julius's body Celestia puts a golden glow around him. "Well, he has done a good job at healing himself; Julius has missed a few spots," Celestia remarked as the few remaining cuts closed themselves.

"Wait, I thought it was difficult to magically heal creatures other than ponies?" Rainbow Dash asked as she watched Celestia heal Julius.

"For serious injuries, yes. Knowledge of the creature's anatomy is required to fully heal them. But for superficial injuries, like those cuts, the healing is pretty straightforward," Twilight explained as Celestia turned to the ponies.

"Alright, it would do Julius well to have some peaceful rest," Celestia told the ponies as she ended her healing. "We should leave the room," Celestia said as Luna reentered the room. "Oh, Luna, we were just leaving."

"I can see that," Luna told Celestia as she walked up to the bed, "I'll be staying here," Luna told her sister as she took off her peytral and crawled into the bed cuddling up next to Julius.

"It's ok," Julius sleepily said. "It's nice cuddling something warm and soft," he sleepily moaned as he nuzzled his head into Luna's tuft. Shrugging, the four other ponies left the room, heading downstairs to help with supper.

Julius's rest was pleasant and peaceful. On several occasions, he thought he had heard the voice of an excited Rarity and a concerned and enraged Zecora, but he just brushed them off to return to his rest. Luna's tuft made for a very interesting pillow, soft, comfy, and thick her tuft felt very reminiscent of Rainbow Dash's, but with the delicate scent of lavender and blueberries. Coaxing him deeper and deeper into sleep, Julius faintly feels the bed shift as a second body crawls into the bed to cuddle up to him. Shifting and rolling around, Julius awakens only to have his head firmly embraced by Luna's and Zecora's tuft.

"Feeling better?" Luna asked as Julius's eyes flutter open.

"Reckless human fighting such a beast," Zecora admonishes from Julius's other side. "But you are fine at least, now downstairs what awaits is a feast," Zecora tells Julius as she lightly brushes his arm with a hoof.

"If not me, then someone else, so why not me?" Julius said as he slowly pulled himself up; stretching his body Julius still felt quite heavy. "Ugh, I'm still exhausted," Julius groaned.

"That is to be expected," Luna remarked as she and Zecora helped Julius up. "You used a lot of energy, nearly all of it. You'll be suffering the effects of magical exhaustion for a few days," Luna explains as the three get to their feet and hooves.

"I see; what about the others?" Julius asks as the three make their way to the kitchen.

"Twilight and Shining Armor are pretty tired, but not as severely as you. A good night's rest should be all they need. Cadance is perfectly fine. While she has no actual combat training, she does have alicorn magic and alicorn energy. It'll take a lot to exhaust her," Luna explains as the three enter the kitchen.

"Julius! You're awake!" Twilight remarks at seeing the three enter the kitchen.

"I'm aware," Julius chuckles as he nearly falls into a chair. "So what's to eat; I'm starving," Julius says as he lays back in the chair.

"Well," Twilight starts listing off a plethora of different exotic foods. Colorful dishes line the table; various fruits fill the presented platters, elaborate dishes interspersed among the salads and fruit plates. Grabbing two traditional dishes from the Crystal Empire, Julius has a bowl of what looks like schi and a plate of carrot, apple, and nut salad.

"I hope you don't mind," Luna started to say as she levitated two bottles and a cup to Julius. "But I looked through your dreams to find something you may like," Luna said as Julius gave her a narrow glance. "It's not quite this 'rum' and this 'coke' in your dreams, but it is the closest we have," Luna said as she placed the bottles and cup by Julius.

"Thanks, I think," Julius said, unsure of how exactly he felt about it. Pouring a bit of the bottle labeled 'Canterlot Épicé Sec' into the cup, Julius tried a small mouthful of the drink. It was wine, dry, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla; while the taste was quite telling, the '8%' on the label removed all doubt. Trying some of the drink in the other bottle, Julius was surprised to find that it was some kind of fizzy cherry soft drink. A mild sweetness accompanied a robust cherry taste.

"Well, I can see what you were trying, good effort," Julius complimented as he mixed himself a drink. Trying a mouthful of the mix, it did, to an extent, stimulate his usual drink. Pouring herself a similar mixture, Luna got herself a drink, quickly followed by the rest of the ponies. The taste was an interesting one to the ponies; a warm, fizzy mixture with a dry sweetness played with their tongues as it danced in their mouths. In a few short moments, every pony had their meals served. It was weird, seeing so many non-apple-based foods in the Apple Family farmhouse, weird but refreshing. The group made light small talk as they enjoyed their meal.

"Sorry about not being able to do more today," Julius said between mouthfuls of food.

"Think nothing of it sugarcube," Applejack told Julius. "If you didn't do what you did, there would have been timberwolves attacking the orchard. Stopping that attack was work enough," Applejack assured Julius as she ate her seared apple, grapefruit, and peach stew.

"If you say so," Julius responded as he ate his meal. The small talk continued as the ponies got to know Zecora better and how the last month with Julius was. Much to everypony's surprise, it was a relatively quiet month. Julius spent most of his time training in the Everfree Forest, most improving his physical augmentation and coming to grips with his situation. Twilight, Luna, and Celestia learned what Zecora had taught Julius. Zecora covered a widespread, from general knowledge to some relatively obscure knowledge. His magical tutelage under Zecora was basic, very basic, but strongly focused on being creative and clever.

"You certainly had a well-rounded education with Zecora," Luna remarked as the group finished their supper. "I can think of a few different ways to take your magical training."

"What did you have in mind?" Julius and Celestia both asked.

"Well, you have natural healing magic," Luna starts. "So after confirming your classical elemental affinity, I would like to try a specialization of healing magic, purification magic," Luna stated as she finished her meal.

"Wait, don't tell me," Julius started. "The four classical elements are Earth, Air, Fire, and Water," Julius laughed.

"Good guess, you are correct," Celestia said, as she, Luna, and Twilight were unsure of why he was laughing.

"Of course they are. Do I need to go on an epic quest to get a treasure of each of the elements so I can save the world from a great evil?" Julius laughs.

"No, the test is very simple," Twilight said. "Although it's usually only done on unicorns, to find their secondary element," Twilight explained.

"Explain, please," Julius requested as he finished his meal.

"Well, you see, each of the pony tribes is naturally attuned to an element," Celestia started to explain. "Earth ponies and pegasi are attuned to Earth and Air, respectively. Unicorns are attuned to Fire but can manipulate the other three elements. Generally, most unicorns have a secondary element, one they can learn and manipulate with almost the same ease as Fire. This test is used to find out what that second element is," Celestia explained. "Oh, and if you are wondering, alicorns are attuned to all four elements," Celestia told Julius before he could ask.

"Makes sense," Julius said as he laid back in relaxation. "You don't mind if I lay back down, do you?" Julius asked as he relaxed in his chair.

"Go ahead, Celestia wanted to talk to you anyways," Applejack allowed as she and the other ponies started to clean up.

"Follow me," Celestia said as she led Julius into the living room. Entering the living room, Julius made sure they were out of earshot of the other ponies.

"Is this a booty call? If it is, I'm not opposed, but time and place, you know," Julius asked as he laid down on the couch.

"If it were, you'd be at the castle right now," Celestia told Julius. "No, this is about your ring and duplicating its metal," Celestia told Julius.

"Yeah, I thought there might be a bit of a problem," Julius sighed. "So what do I need to do to get you to allow it?" Julius asked as he relaxed on the couch.

"I just want to know what you want it for, why exactly it has to be this metal, and what, if any, plans you have for it in the future," Celestia calmingly said.

"Well, I want it for some clothes Rarity is making for me. To have it knitted into an attached mail undershirt," Julius starts to explain as Celestia gives him a very odd look.

"Knitted metal? And an undershirt made for stallions?" Celestia asked in confusion.

"When I said 'knitted,' I mean attaching the rings with rivets. And mail doesn't mean stallion; it's a form of armor. The armor looks like a mesh net when finished, well, if properly made," Julius cleared up for Celestia. "Mail can be attached to clothes, so in this case, it would be an attached undershirt. I've heard that pegasi have difficulty flying with plate armor, so you could switch their plate for mail," Julius suggests, hoping it will help sway Celestia. "It has to be titanium because it's much lighter than ĉiela metalo and more durable. As for plans for the future, well, I honestly don't have any at the moment. You could keep the metal as a special reward, like a badge of honor. Or use it to outfit your elite guard," Julius offers to Celestia.

"I see," Celestia says, her voice measured. "There would be a problem, though. The Aleric brothers don't have the energy to transmute material into titanium. To make it work, either Luna or I would need to lend power to the spell. Maybe Twilight, but that would require her learning the spell, and ever since ancient times, it's been illegal for anycreature other than alicorns and the royal transmuters to learn the spell," Celestia explains. "Seeing as titanium is magically resistant, and all our forges use magical heat Luna would have to lend her power to the spell as only my magic would be able to make the titanium workable. Well, I suppose a lot of unicorns could also work, but it would cause a lot of problems for the economy," Celestia explained to Julius.

"I'm sure you could do it," Julius starts flattering Celestia. "To a powerful alicorn mare such as yourself, such a thing would be easy," Julius continues, much to Celestia's amusement. "I could make it worth your while," Julius slightly sings.

"Hmm, you do drive a hard bargain," Celestia hums while keeping a straight face. "Very well, I accept your terms," Celestia says, allowing Julius to think he's convinced her despite having already made up her mind. "I'll be bringing you to the castle later this week for your payment," Celestia slightly smirks as she tastes the word on her lips. "Aswell as to discuss something else. Luna told me that you're interested in repairing and renovated the old castle," Celestia said as she stood up. "But that's a conversation for another day. Today, I fear I spent too much time away from the castle. I better get going before Bright Sky calls the whole Solar Guard to tear Equestria apart to find me," Celestia says as she makes her way to the door. "The meal was very lovely; thank you for the meal, Apples," Celestia said to the mares in the kitchen.

"Oh, think nothing of it, Princess," Applejack said as she finished cleaning up.

"The pleasure was all ours," Granny Smith followed up. Celestia stood outside, moments after Luna stood beside her. Standing together, the two sisters lowered the sun and raised the moon.

"So then, the metal will be made?" Luna asked, already sure of the answer.

"Yes, it will," Celestia confirmed. "Come to the castle tomorrow; we'll make it then. The blank check Julius gave me, I'll cash in later," Celestia chuckled to herself.

"Oh, you're terrible, Celestia," Luna chuckled, "playing with stallions like that."

"Every pony has their vices, Luna. Besides, how many stallions do you think ever get close to me? Bright Sky usually threatens them with a trip to that accursed place," Celestia shutters with disgust.

"You really need to talk to her about that," Luna sighed.

"I have; it's pointless, you know how they are. No reasoning with fanatics; can only keep them on a short leash," Celestia sighs regretfully. "I imagine you wish to stay with your stallion," Celestia says while looking at Luna.

"Yes, I do," Luna confirms.

"Thought as much; I'll see you tomorrow, sister," Celestia says before teleporting back to Canterlot.

"Celestia already left?" Julius asked as he walked out of the farmhouse.

"Yes, she has preparations to make at the castle and some fanatics to keep leashed," Luna told Julius as she started to walk away. "Forgive me, but I must excuse myself for a moment."

"Oh, I see. Please hurry up; I have to 'excuse myself' as well," Julius said as he saw the outhouse Luna seemed to be going to. A mild chill blew through the evening air, leading Julius to head back inside. "Why don't the Apples have an indoor toilet?" Julius sighed as he reentered the farmhouse. Several long minutes passed of Julius holding it in before Luna entered the farmhouse.

"Great, you're back; I'm out!" Julius rapidly said as he bolted right out the door. In this world and his, Julius hated using outhouses. They were always messy and smelt horrid, even when well kept. Not to mention they tended to be pretty far away from anything else.

"Ah, I needed that," Julius sighed into the night air.

"Yes, herr-fürst, I imagine you did," a voice addressed Julius.

"So you have a voice," Julius sharply said, his head looking around the area. He could have sworn that the voice came from his left, but there was nothing there.

"Oh, I have more than a voice herr-fürst," the voice said as it seemed to circle Julius. "I have knowledge. I know of your dealings with the Divine Mistress," the voice slightly laughed as it seemed to circle Julius.

"Ok, this is getting old," Julius said as he prepared himself. "Come out and face me like a man, er, stallion, ummm, mare?" Julius tripped over his words, trying to find the right one. "Warrior, sure, warrior. Come out and face me like a warrior!" Julius shouted to a laughing voice.

"Oh, but you see herr-fürst, I already am out," the voice said as a hoof tapped Julius's back.

"What the hell!" Julius exclaimed as he swiftly jumped forward and spun around, only to see nothing. "Where the hell are you?" Julius asked in anger.

"Why herr-fürst, I'm right infront of you. You just can't see me," the voice started to taunt. "Maybe it's because..."

"Don't you dare!" Julius warned as he saw what appeared to be the shimmering outline of a pegasus approaching him.

"Ya basic!" The voice said nearly right in front of Julius before retreating. "I am told that it is a human insult and that it is devastating. Tell me herr-fürst, are you devastated?" The voice mocked as it faded away.

"Motherfucker!" Julius exclaimed as he swatted at the air around himself, trying to hit something. After several angry moments of thrashing the air and the sound of nothing but his anger a miffed, Julius made his way back to the farmhouse.

"I'm back," Julius said as he took in a deep breath.

"You sound a bit angry," Applejack said at hearing how deep Julius's breath was. "Something bothering you, hon?"

"Just the stalker," Julius sighed. "Turns out it's a stallion."

"You saw it?!?" The ponies exclaimed in shock.

"Not entirely," Julius said as he sat on the couch. "It was kind of shimmery and translucent, almost like it was cloaked. Like imagine looking at a pegasi-shaped blob of water," Julius tried to explain awkwardly.

"Fascinating; I've never heard of such a thing!" Twilight exclaimed. "I meant it's disturbing too, but fascinating!" Twilight said while lightly clapping her hooves.

"Well, now that we know it's a pegasus, we can prepare for it," Rainbow Dash said as she sat beside Julius. "Don't worry; I won't let any pegasus do anything to you."

"Your wing is still injured, and besides," Julius started to say. "Aren't gender roles here reversed from my world? Won't there be problems if you attack a stallion?" Julius asked as he scratched the back of his neck.

"Normally yes, but this is an extreme case," Luna said. "Still, a shimmering, nearly invisible pony. Twilight, you should look more into this," Luna suggested.

"I plan to," Twilight said with a mixture of glee and seriousness. "Would you know anything about such a pony Luna?" Twilight asked.

"I believe I do. But before I say anything, I want you to research it for me," Luna said.

"Why?" Twilight and Julius both asked.

"After I came back, I tried to find something, something lost. I found them quickly enough, although I could find no record of them. The fact I could find nothing about them before meeting them has disturbing connotations," Luna explained. "So I would like you to try to find out, independent of my knowledge," Luna told Twilight.

"But what about Julius?" Twilight asked.

"Don't worry. I swear that Julius will come to no harm. I will see to that personally," Luna assured the ponies and the human.

"You're hiding something," Julius said while looking at Luna. "You have your reasons, but you're hiding something. I want a full explanation once this is all over," Julius flatly told Luna.

"Of course, and you will have it, I promise," Luna promised as she nuzzled Julius's free side. "Thank you for trusting me on this."

"Well, you haven't done me wrong yet; I can't see you starting now," Julius assured Luna as he scratched the top of her head. Looking around the room, Julius turned to Applejack. "Where's Apple Bloom and her friends?"

"Oh, they're staying at Scootaloo's place," Applejack told Julius.

"And her parents, and uh, herd mothers are ok with it?" Julius asked, unsure what to call the other mares in that herd.

"Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood are members of the Royal Equestrian Geological Corps. Unfortunately, they're rarely at home," Rainbow Dash explained.

"Yeah, and Snap Shutter only has the one mare, although he does extra work, like Big Mac," Applejack followed up.

"So four fillies are home alone?" Julius asked with evident concern.

"Scootaloo's aunts make sure that she is well taken care of," Rainbow Dash told Julius.

"Not what I asked," Julius firmly said.

"Not all the time, though there are nights when Scootaloo is home alone," Applejack cleared up. Looking firmly at a wall, Julius finally sighed.

"Looks like I have something to talk to Celestia about," Julius silently sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I know I rested for most of the afternoon, but I'm still quite exhausted. Let's turn in for the night," Julius said as he mustered his energy.

"Fair enough. Get started early tomorrow," Applejack said as she got up. Leaving to go to her bedroom, the other ponies followed suit, Applejack going to her bedroom, Granny Smith going to her's, and the rest going to Big Mac's. Starting to get up, Luna pulled Julius back down.

"What do you have to talk to my sister about?" Luna asked. "I know it has to do with Scootaloo and her parents."

"Well, you see," Julius started before hearing a knock at a nearby window. "What's that?" A pony stood outside the window. At first glance, it looked like Fluttershy and sounded like Fluttershy, but something was off, very off.

"That's a magical anomaly," Luna explained. "You see, as negative emotions arise, the dream realm gets filled with negative energy. If it gets too much, then the odd anomaly can slip out. The anomalies tend to take a nightmarish form of somepony, you know. Usually, they cannot harm you; only a very rare few get that strong, like Grogar," Luna explained as the anomaly beckoned them over.

"I see; how do you beat them outside the dream realm?" Julius asked as he fixed his gaze to the anomaly.

"A simple purification spell will usually suffice," Luna said as Julius walked over to the window. "What are you doing?"

"Well, you don't want to break the window, do you?" Julius said as he stared into the anomaly's eyes. Dark, baggy, and bloodshot, the eyes were all off. The teeth looked like row upon row of jagged razors. The mane appeared normal enough, although streaks of what appeared to be blood ran through them. Looking right into the anomaly's eyes, Julius favored it a slight smile. "Hello," Julius greeted before opening the window. Swiftly sidestepping, Julius cleared the way for a very stern-looking Luna.

"And goodbye," Luna followed up, blasting the anomaly to oblivion with a purification spell.

"Good work Luna," Julius congratulated as he closed the window. "Now, let's go up and join the others," Julius said, playfully slapping Luna's flank.

"Oh, stop it, you," Luna blushed as she followed Julius upstairs to the bedroom.

Having retreated deeply into the apple orchard after taunting Julius. After scanning the area carefully, the creature came fully into view.

"That was more fun than I thought it would be," it chucked. "That won't work on me Anya, I know what to look for," the creature flatly stated while looking at a rock.

"Oh, you're no fun," Anya said as the rock transformed. Taking a pony's form but with a glossy crimson, carapace-like coat, Anya approached the creature. "Seriously, Onyx, couldn't you at least pretend I wasn't there?"

"Could you not watch me?" Onyx shot back with a sigh. "My sister sent you, didn't she?"

"She was worried about sending her little brother to keep surveillance over an unknown creature, that human. Thought you could use some changeling help," Anya said, chuckling. "Honestly, it was sort of looking like you might."

"The Divine Mistress seems to trust him. Is that not enough? Besides, what do you mean I might need help?" Onyx asked with a raised eyebrow.

"That human, he fought off timberwolves and survived, with help, in the Everfree. He even fought off manticore venom long enough to find help. Sure, for most creatures fighting a thestral at night is insanity; this one just might try it," Anya speculated as Onyx stretched his large bat-like wings.

"That's fair, though, The Divine Mistress doesn't want any harm to come to him," Onyx told Anya as he flexed his body. "She knows about the test the coventry wants and is ok with it happening, though," Onyx tells Anya as he limbers up his body.

"Yes, The Maiden of Mercy does seem quite fond of the human. How far do you think they've gone?" Anya asked with a chuckle.

"Don't be absurd; a Goddess does not need such things," Onyx sighed while rolling his eyes. "Now come, let us make camp; I am starting to get hungry," Onyx said as he flew off deeper into the orchard.

"Stallions," Anya chuckled as she flew after Onyx.

Chapter 27: Waking Up, and Learning about Magical Elements

There was a particular pleasure with sleeping in your herd. The soft, fluffy fur of the ponies caressed Julius's body; it was as if his whole body were enveloped by a pillow made of the softest down. Each pony had their unique scent that was very pleasant while mild, requiring close contact to notice the scents fused to make a relaxing aura. The scents of the mares' coats fused, the lavender of Luna's coat, the lilac of Twilight's, the lily of Zecora, and the juniper of Rainbow's mixed, making for a scent that could coax the most restless mind deep into sleep. Julius's body and mind quickly delved into a deep, restful sleep.

"Alright, y'all, time to wake up!" Applejack exclaimed as she entered the bedroom. Twilight woke up with no issue. Being an early riser was nothing new for her.

"A few minutes more," Zecora said as she snuggled up to Julius. "Then we shall be awake for the daily chore," she bargained, some sleepiness in her voice but still clearly awake.

"I agree with her," Rainbow Dash yawned as she cuddled up to Julius. "Just like, five more minutes AJ."

"Fine," Applejack glared at the rest of the group. "You have until breakfast is ready, then I'm pulling you out of bed," Applejack conceded. "Is that fair?"

"Sounds fair to me," Twilight said as she shook her head, getting the sleepiness entirely away from her.

"Yes, thank you, AJ," Rainbow Dash thanked as she started to doze back off.

"Great!" Applejack exclaimed with a mischievous smile. "BREAKFAST IS READY; WAKE UP ALL!" Applejack immediately shouted into the room, waking up the herd.

"AHHH!" Julius and Luna woke up in shock.

"AJ, what the Tartarus?" Rainbow Dash asked angrily.

"I concur," Zecora said, eyes wide awake. "A few more minutes is what I would have preferred such as it were."

"Come on, Applejack, the sun isn't even up," Julius said, looking out the window, sun nowhere to be seen. Almost as if on cue, the sun rose, right as Julius looked out the window. "I stand corrected, also cranky," Julius glared out the window.

"Mhn, Ahn, grrrr," Luna mumbled as she lowered the moon and dropped the firmament. "Stupid Celestia and her early mornings," Luna murmured as she fought the urge to go back to bed.

"I figured y'all would try something like bargaining to sleep until breakfast was made," Applejack said as she knowingly looked right at Rainbow Dash. "So it's already made." Both Julius and Luna looked at Applejack with sleepy yet intimidating glares. Zecora, for her part, was mostly ok, though she did miss the cuddling. Rainbow Dash just lightly chuckled as she pulled herself out of bed.

"I do that a lot, don't I?" Rainbow Dash lightly laughed as she slowly pulled herself to the door.

"Yes, you do," Applejack flatly said.

"You don't have coffee, do you?" Julius asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"No, I don't," Applejack said as her eyes wandered down Julius's body. "We need to get you some better clothes. Those short pants aren't hiding anything," Applejack said, looking away with a blush.

"I can solve both problems," a sleepy Luna said as she charged her horn with magic. "I'll be right back," Luna said as she teleported away, forgetting her peytral and horseshoes.

"She must be sleepy," Twilight said as she chuckled at seeing the sleepy Princess.

"Hey Julius, you could always wear Luna's peytral; she doesn't seem to be using it," Rainbow Dash joked as Zecora and Applejack laughed along.

"Rainbow, that's a bad idea," Twilight admonished. "Luna's peytral is a piece of royal finery; besides, it probably wouldn't even," Twilight was cut off by harder laughter.

"Like this?" A sleepy Julius said as the peytral rested on his shoulders.

"JULIUS!?!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise. "You can't just wear royal finery, quick take it off before," once again, Twilight was cut off, this time by a magical 'pop.'

"Would need to be remade," A half-asleep Luna said at seeing her peytral resting on Julius's shoulders. Placing some large clothes on the bed, Luna looked Julius up and down. "Still not a bad look for you," Luna allowed herself a light laugh. "Here, these are some spare minotaur clothes we had at the castle. Not quite your size, but it's the closest we had. Also, I brought some of my coffee beans," Luna told Julius as she had a paper coffee bag.

"Luna, you're a lifesaver," Julius sighed at hearing that Luna had coffee. Taking off the peytral, Julius put it on, Luna.

"Hey, prince charming, want to put her horseshoes on her too?" Rainbow Dash playfully joked to the other ponies' amusement.

"If she wants it, sure," Julius responded, making Luna blush slightly.

"Well, if you're offering," Luna said, slightly looking away from Julius. Sitting up on the bed, Luna let her hoofs hang free, allowing Julius access to them.

"Very well, milady," Julius said with a wink. Grabbing a hoof with one hand, Julius slid the horseshoe on Luna's hoof, kissing the fur right about the hoof as he did so. The horseshoes went on quite easily, much to Julius's surprise. He was expecting to have to use nails, or glue, or something, but they just slid right on and locked in place. Repeating the process with each hoof, Julius finished, leaving Luna more than a little red.

"T-thank you," Luna said with a blush while the watching ponies giggle and snicker.

"Alright, you two," Applejack says with a giggle. "Enough horsing around; breakfast will get cold."

"Agreed," Twilight said as she started to leave the room. "Get dressed and come down for breakfast," Twilight told the half-asleep pair. Leaving the room, only Julius and Luna remained.

"I suppose I should be getting dressed now," Julius sighed as he reached for the minotaur shirt, only for it to be held in a cobalt blue aura.

"Allow me," Luna said as she levitated the shirt. "It is the least I can do," she told Julius.

"Alright, if a beautiful mare wants to dress me, who am I to complain," Julius lightly smiled as he allowed the shirt to be put on him. The shirt felt weird; it was like a very loose, long sleeve tunic reaching down to the middle of his shin. "Hah, with this, I pretty much don't need pants," Julius joked as Luna slipped the tuniclike shirt on him.

"Not a good idea. Those short pants of yours do little to block your pheromones," Luna told Julius as she grabbed the pants. "Now, just relax," Luna told Julius as her magical aura enveloped him. Levitating Julius up, Luna slid the loose-fitting trousers onto Julius's legs before placing him down. "I'll leave the tightening of the clothes to you," Luna told Julius as she headed out of the room. "I'll go downstairs and make the coffee," Luna said as she left the room. Tightening up the clothes, with their attached drawstrings, Julius made his way downstairs.

"That smells good," Julius remarked as he entered the kitchen. The soft scent of pancakes and the strong scent of coffee caressed his nose. Sitting down at the table, the ponies looked over Julius.

"Well, the colors suit you; just don't let Rarity see you dressed so sloppily," Rainbow Dash said, remarking at the loose-fitting clothes. "She might just try to tailor them while you wear them," Rainbow Dash joked between bites of her pancakes.

"I'll keep that in mind," Julius told Rainbow Dash as a mug of coffee was levitated to him. "Speaking of Rarity, where are the others? You know, Rarity, White Knight, Princess Bubblegum, and Spike," Julius asked, not seeing any of them in the room.

"Rarity went back home last night. Shining Armor and Cadance teleported Spike back to the Golden Oak. they stayed the night there," Twilight explained.

"Good call on their part," Julius commented as he tried some of Luna's coffee, it was strong, really strong. A very dark roast with mild hints of chocolate. "Ok, that's a strong roast. Any cream and sugar?" Julius asked before taking a bite of a pancake.

"Of course, here you go," Luna said as she gave him some cream and sugar cubes. Taking a deep drink of her coffee, Luna sighed. "I usually have mine without cream or sugar; today, I'll really need it," Luna winced at the thought of what she had to do.

"Why's that?" Every creature asked in unison.

"I have to go to an ancient, forbidden place," Luna starts to explain, taking another deep drink of coffee. "Celestia has done well enough in keeping that cursed place sealed, but I still have to refresh my seals on that evil place."

"Oh, what is it? A shadow temple? If so, can you take me with you?" Julius asks, his interest perked.

"The Temple of Shadows is in an entirely different place," Luna flatly tells Julius. "Why would you want to go to the Temple of Shadows?" Luna asked, surprised at the energy Julius showed.

"Simple, I want to go to the Temple of Shadows to get the hover boots and a medallion," Julius laughs as the ponies give him an odd look.

"Neither of those things exist there. Dark secrets, forbidden magic, and rituals best left forgotten are all that exist in the Temple of Shadows," Luna tells Julius.

"Shame," Julius sighs.

"Tell us more about the place you have to go," Twilight requests while eating breakfast.

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you much about it. The place is best left forgotten, as is what took place there," Luna says, giving a quick look at Julius. "All I can say is it was a place sacred to an ancient, nearly extinct death-cult, where a truly fowl practice took place," Luna told the ponies as Zecora looked at Luna.

"I think I know of the place you speak of," Zecora said, cautious of her words. "A place deep underground, not one above. A grotto of practices most gruesome by ponies gone insane. Ponies wishing for death and pain, the age of winter eternal again. The return of wendigos their ultimate goal, to give the world over to their control. These are things I've read in an old weathered scroll. I could say more, but such things are best left forgotten. The act that took place there was truly rotten," Zecora told the group while under the heavy gaze of Luna.

"That sounds... accurate," Luna wearily said while looking at Zecora. "Whisper the name of the place to me," Luna told Zecora as she mentally tempered herself. Leaning in close, Zecora whispered something to Luna. "So, the place you were speaking of is the same place," Luna told Zecora with some concern. "Please, if you find the scroll again, destroy it," Luna firmly said.

"Worry not, that scroll is ash. One day in a flash, Julius here accidentally turned it to trash. Tripped over a pot, knocked the scroll from its spot. The scroll fell into a fire; honestly, I was fine consigning it to that pyre," Zecora told Luna.

"I remember that. I had a lump on my head for a while," Julius said, rubbing his head as he ate his breakfast. "So I take it you'll be away most of the day," Julius sighed as he enjoyed the pancakes.

"Sadly, yes. Believe me; I wish I didn't have to go to that cursed place. For a good while, it gave me the worst nightmares. Even now, it still gives me my second worst nightmares. For Celestia, it's her worst," Luna explained with a slight shutter.

"Wow, that place must be truly evil," Twilight remarked at hearing all the information.

"It really is," Luna flatly said. Finishing up their breakfast, the group cleaned up the mess. With so many doing the cleaning, the mess was quickly cleaned. Walking out of the farmhouse, the group stretched their muscles as the crisp morning air and bright morning light welcomed them.

"As much as I'd like to avoid going, I must," Luna lamented with a sigh. "I'll be back later, probably around nightfall," Luna said as she flexed her wings. Giving Applejack a quick hug and, her fellow herdmares, a customary hug and cheek kiss before standing in front of Julius. "I'll be back as quickly as I can," Luna told Julius before giving him a quick but passionate kiss. Returning the kiss, Julius smiled at Luna.

"If you need some support after you're done, just let me know," Julius told Luna as she began to fly off.

"Don't worry, I'll be ok," Luna shouted as she flew off.

"I should get going too," Twilight said as she started to make her way off the farm. "I'm guessing you haven't been tested for your magical affinity; I'd like to test for it. Also, I would like to spend some time with my brother and Cadance," Twilight told Julius as Zecora started to follow her.

"You are correct. Elemental testing is something that I did neglect. Sadly to say, the equipment to test I lack. When coming to Equestria, those are things I did not pack," Zecora informed Twilight as she followed the mare.

"Alright, see you both later," Julius told the departing mares. "Well, I guess that just leaves the three of us," Julius said while looking at Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "So, where do we start?"

"Well, Rainbow Dash needs to help with watering the crops in the south field. You and I will take care of the trees in the west orchard. Big Mac should be busy all day with mares; I think Bon Bon has him booked for today. Apple Bloom and her friends should be back after school," Applejack explained as she walked over to a shed. "Now we wasted enough time with waking y'all up. Let's get to work," Applejack commanded the pair.

"Very well," Julius responded as he grabbed a cart of empty buckets.

"Yes ma'am, commander Apple ma'am!" Rainbow Dash jokingly responded, earning a small laugh from Julius.

"Very funny, Dash," Applejack said while rolling her eyes. "If you're done trying to be Pinkie Pie, we got work to do," Applejack said as she led Julius into the west orchard.

"As much as I'd like to joke around with you, Applejack is right," Julius sighed deeply. "Lead on Applejack," Julius said as he followed the mare.

"Yeah, I suppose," Rainbow Dash conceded as she made her way to the south field. "Have fun 'working' together, you two!" Rainbow Dash said with a chuckle as she trotted to the south field.

"We're not doing anything like that," Applejack firmly told Julius.

"Sure, sure, I believe you," Julius smirked as the two walked off into the orchard.

Chapter 28: A Bit of Farm work, and A Bit of History

Stopping at a nearby shed, Applejack and Julius grabbed many tools to tend to the trees. Two large carts, two spades, some buckets, various pruning tools, and a lot of water. After locking up the shed, the pair continued down the path.

"Quit looking at my rear!" Applejack commanded Julius as he followed her down the path.

"I'm not looking at your rear; I'm looking past it," Julius told Applejack as they passed by some apple trees. "Though with you swishing your tail like that sure is making it difficult not to look at it," Julius tells Applejack while he steals the odd glance at Applejack's rear.

"I, I'm what?!?" Applejack exclaimed. Looking behind herself, Applejack noticed that her tail was swaying just a little too far past her flanks.

"Yeah, see?" Julius told Applejack as they both look at her swishing tail. "Honestly, I can almost see your pussy," Julius chuckled while Applejack blushed.

"You will tell no pony of this," Applejack shot at a smirking Julius.

"Look, if you want to duck into a shed for some relief, I'm OK with it," Julius half-joked while Applejack turned around to glare at him.

"Now listen here!" Applejack shot at Julius while walking right up to him. "You might have gotten Dash easily. You might have gotten Zecora easily. Even getting Twilight and Princess Luna isn't that surprising. But don't you think for one apple-picking minute that you can just come in here, unsheath your stallionhood, and have me raising my tail like a filly in her first heat!" Applejack firmly tells Julius before turning back around. "Now get serious! We have a lot of work to do today!" Applejack said, a mixture of embarrassment, anger, and arousal.

"OK, OK. But please tell me, why you think getting those mares specifically was easy?" Julius asked, surprised at Applejack's belief.

"Dash is very brash," Applejack told Julius as she lightly tapped a tree with a hoof. "Her taking the first stallion who beat her in a race guaranteed that she'd be getting with a stallion before she was twenty-three. She might be fast, but Dash can be tricked easily enough," Applejack starts to explain as she shakes her head, moving on to a different tree.

"Twilight, well, she's a bit of a repressed introvert," Applejack tells Julius as she looked at a few trees. "So an interesting, unique stallion showing up, showing her attention and affection, well she'd fall for him quickly," Applejack half states, half speculates as she tests a few trees.

"Zecora, well ya got me there. I don't know much about her," Applejack concedes as she looks up and down a large appletree. "But Princess Luna, well, that's easy," Applejack tells Julius as she looks right at him. "But you already know why, don't you?" Applejack asks Julius as she notices the slightly guilty look on his face.

"I know she was in a mentally compromised place and that I unknowingly took advantage," Julius responds, looking guilty. "But I don't know the details. I get the feeling that she doesn't want me to know. Whatever the details are, they must be bad," Julius confirmed to Applejack, who just nodded at him.

"Yeah, the details are pretty bad," Applejack solemnly told Julius as she slightly smiled at the tree. "Honestly, my friends and I only know what Princess Celestia told us and what we've experienced. We don't know anything about what Princess Luna went through; she's very tight-lipped about it. We've talked about it a few times among ourselves, but it gets pretty depressing," a slightly melancholic Applejack said as she lightly tapped the ground with her hoof. "We've talked enough about this, though. The trees here should be fine. However, these trees need care," Applejack, with a heavy breath, told Julius.

"Alright, fair enough. We came here to work after all," Julius said while scratching his neck. "So, uh, how exactly do you know which apple trees need help? And what kind of help they need? All these trees look the same to me," Julius remarked as he looked upon a grade grove of similar-looking apple trees.

"Heh, cutie mark. All the Apples can sense what apple trees need tending to and in what way," Applejack explained. "Fortunately, there shouldn't be much heavy lifting today. You might be strong, but I doubt you could match Big Mac," Applejack laughed as Julius gave her a crooked look.

"Oh, and why do you think that?" Julius asked as he grabbed a watering can. "In case you forgot, I fought off timberwolves," Julius proudly stated as he walked over to an apple tree.

"Don't get me wrong; you could outlast Big Mac, even outfight him. But in terms of pure strength, Big Mac has you beat. Don't take it personally. Big Mac is one hay of a pony. For Tartarus's sake, I'm pretty sure that the only ponies that are stronger than Big Mac are the Princesses," Applejack reassured as she looked through the carts. "Take the pruning poll; I'll do the watering," Applejack tells Julius as she takes a watering can.

"Only the Princesses can match Big Mac's strength, come on, you're exaggerating. There must be stronger ponies and stronger creatures. Honestly, I can't see him overpowering a dragon," Julius says while he starts to prune a branch that Applejack pointed out. "Spike doesn't count; I mean a fully grown dragon," Julius clarifies to Applejack's slight amusement.

"Well, I suppose Bulk Biceps might be stronger; he is more muscular after all. It's a bit of a toss-up as the two never competed," Applejack conceded. "But aside from that, I've never seen any pony stronger than Big Mac. The Princesses have alicorn magic, and that's a whole different kind of apple; can't compete with that," Applejack said while she watered a few trees. "Other creatures, like dragons and the such, might be stronger, but they ain't here, are they?" Applejack conceded further. The morning marched on with the pair making sporadic small talk, meanwhile, at the Golden Oak.

"Big brother, Cadance, I'm here!" Twilight happily exclaimed as she entered The Golden Oak Library. "And I brought a guest," Twilight chirped as she ushered Zecora inside.

"I thank you, my fellow mare," Zecora thanked as she entered the Golden Oak. "Now, would it be too much to ask for a chair?" Zecora asked while she looked around the room.

"Twilight!" Spike happily exclaimed while running up to the mare. "Welcome back!" Spike happily sang as he hugged Twilight.

"It's good to see you too, Spike!" Twilight happily returned the hug. "Where's my brother and Cadance?" Twilight asked as she led Zecora to the defacto living room of the library.

"Right here, Twilly!" Shining Armor responded as he and Cadance entered the Golden Oak. "It's nice to see you!" Shining Armor happily said as he and Twilight shared a quick hug.

"We thought you would have been at Sweet Apple Acres all day today. You know spending time with your, uhhh, stallion?" Cadance unsurely said as she brought in some baked goods.

"Stallion is fine; he's made no qualms about it," Twilight confirms for Cadance as she leads the two into the living room. "I would be with him most of the day, but he and Applejack are doing farm work today. I wouldn't be very helpful at farm work," Twilight told the pair as she sat down beside Spike. "Besides, Julius really should be tested for his magical elemental affinity, and I plan on doing that," Twilight explained as she magically took a strudel.

"So he got magical training without knowing his affinity?" Shining Amor asked as he looked at Zecora.

"Training is a strong word. When Julius trained, his physical abilities were preferred; his magical skills were deferred," Zecora started to clarify as Twilight gave her a strudel. "His augmentation is quite deft. But to his healing, we are bereft," Zecora continued to explain as she took a bite of the strudel. "Affinity testing wasn't something I could do. I lacked the tools; it's sad but true," Zecora said after swallowing a mouthful of the strudel, strawberry jelly lightly painting her lips. "If I may offer a guess, I think he is of Fire and Water persuasion. Fire for being able to activate magic on his occasion, Water for him being able to heal an abrasion," Zecora said with some confidence, though a tinge of doubt could be heard in her voice.

"You sound pretty sure there, Zecora, but I get the feeling that you're not fully convinced," Cadance said as she sat down beside Shining Armor. "Why is that?"

"He could be of Water though he could also be of Earth. It is possible from how he can improve his physical worth," Zecora speculated as she finished her strudel.

"That is a good point," Twilight said as she racked her brain, trying to decide what she'd test for first. "Well, either way, I'll test for all four elements. I think I'll start with Fire, then Water, then Earth, and finally Air," Twilight said aloud as she ate her strudel, cherry jam lightly kissing her lips.

"Seems a bit excessive to test for all four. Once you have the other element Julius is affiliated with, why continue testing?" Spike asked as he grabbed a strudel.

"Two reasons Spike. First, Julius is a human; magic doesn't exist in his world. For all we know, magic might work differently for him. Sure it's likely that he'll be Fire-something, but what if he's different?" Twilight happily asked as she clapped her hooves together, thoughts of the testing swimming through her head. "Second is the way he came to our world. He mentioned being blasted with magic from a strange amulet. It's possible that this was dark magic and has affected his magic in some weird way," Twilight told Spike, to which Cadance's ears perked up.

"Twilight, can you describe the amulet to me?" Cadance asked with more interest than the group was expecting.

"Well, Julius said that it was a 'stupid amulet' not much more than that though," Twilight said, a bit dismayed that she didn't know more. "Why do you ask?"

"I might know what that amulet is," Cadance told the group. "Shining, honey, stay here and enjoy some time with your sister. I'm going to ask Julius about this amulet," Cadance told Shining Armor and the room as she stood up to leave.

"So big brother, about you and Cadance..." Twilight started to say as Cadance teleported out of The Golden Oak.

"Sweet Celestia!" Rarity exclaimed as she saw Julius. "What in Tartarus are you wearing?" Rarity asked as she ran over to a slightly dirty and quite sweaty Julius.

"Spare minotaur clothes," Julius panted as he caught his breath. "Apparently, they were laying around the castle," Julius heavily panted as he looked at Rarity. "Never thought I'd see a mare wearing a skirt and camisole."

"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of slightly modifying your designs to fit ponies," Rarity explained as her light purple skirt fluttered in the light breeze. "I really do think that they could catch on," Rarity said with some pride as her light, white camisole barely contained her chest fluff. "But enough about that for now. Darling here, change into these!" Rarity commands as she gives Julius a midnight blue tunic with kelly green trim and what appeared to be shamrock green joggers. "You must forgive me, darling, but I'm still working on the boots," Rarity told Julius as she gave him the clothes.

"That's OK," Julius assured Rarity as he took the clothes. "Applejack, Rarity is here! She brought me some clothes! I'm going into the shed to change!" Julius shouted into the orchard as he walked off towards the shed.

"Alright, don't be too long, though! We still have a lot to do!" Applejack shouted back, her voice sounding like it was moving closer. After several minutes Rarity could hear hoof steps coming closer.

"Applejack, darling, you sure are working the poor stallion hard," Rarity joked as she saw Applejack approaching her.

"Keep laughing, Rarity; I'm not working him any harder than Big Mac," Applejack shot back before sharing in the joke. "So what brings you back, other than bringing Julius some finished clothes?" Applejack asked as she caught her breath.

"Well, Applejack, I'm-" Rarity started to say before getting cut off.

"AHHH! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!" Julius bellowed out loudly as he stumbled backward out of the shed.

"Julius, darling, what's wrong?" Rarity asked as she and Applejack turned to look at him.

"PRINCESS BUBBLEGUM JUST POPPED OUT OF NOWHERE!" A very naked Julius exclaimed while still recovering from the surprise.

"Calm down, calm down," Cadance calmly said as she walked out of the shed. "I came to ask you some questions, but I can see I've interrupted your changing. I'll wait out here while you change," Cadance told Julius as she took a few steps towards Applejack. Stumbling over himself, Julius scampered back into the shed.

"Cadance, why are you here?" Rarity asked as she looked at the alicorn. "And why aren't you affected by Julius?"

"Rarity, I'm the princess of love," Cadance lightly laughed, "I'm used to strong pheromones. Applejack, however," Cadance explained while charging a spell, "she could use some help," Cadance stated as she blasted Applejack with a spell.

"Where am I? What am I doing? Cadance, why are you here?" Applejack started asking as she came to her senses.

"You'll be OK, Applejack. I just used a spell to dispel the lust you were feeling. Give it a few moments, and you'll remember everything," Cadance comforted as Applejack regained her senses.

"I uhhh, I," Applejack stammered as she remembered everything, a slight blush coming to her face. "So Cadance, why are you here?" Applejack quickly asked again, trying to banish the real question she wanted to ask from her mind.

"I'm here to ask Julius some questions about the amulet that brought him here," Cadance told Applejack as a wry smile made its way on her face. "I'm guessing that you have a question you also want to ask?"

"I, uhhh," Applejack started to stammer, her cheeks turning redder. "I do," Applejack blushed, slightly ashamed. "But I'm not saying it!" Applejack fiery blushed as she turned away from the mares.

"It does feel quite a bit different from a pony's, but it hits spots that a pony's cannot. Oh, and the feeling of when he fills you up is pure magic darling," Rarity giggled, much to Cadance's amusement and Applejack's surprise.

"Really, you too, Rarity?" Applejack asked in surprise.

"Well, he certainly has an impressive size, and his pheromones are strong enough," Cadance complimented as the shed door opened.

"You know I could hear you the whole time, right?" Julius asked as he came out of the shed, fully dressed in the clothes he got from Rarity. "Honestly, Applejack, if you're so curious, I know of a good way for you to find out," Julius joked as Rarity and Cadance laughed.

"This, Rarity, this is one of the reasons I'm working him so hard. There is a lot to do, and his mind needs to be taken off of mounting mares," Applejack firmly said to a laughing Rarity.

"Oh, like you have any room to talk. I swear every time I look your way, your tail is nearly uncovering your pussy," Julius shot back, much to Applejack's embarrassment and Rarity's laughter.

"Alright, that's enough, you two," Cadance said between laughs. "I'm not here to talk about stallions and their tools or breeding mares," Cadance said while turning to Julius. "I'm here to find out more about the amulet that brought you here," Cadance said while looking at Julius.

"Yes, I heard while I was in the shed," Julius said as he closed his eyes. "Well, it was primarily black; I think it was onyx. It had ruby red accents and a decently sized ruby in the middle. The central part of the amulet was an upsidedown triangle. Coming out of the top of the amulet was a unicorn's head and two wings. The amulet's accents glowed, and a black mist seemed to come from it. Then the amulet spoke to me. At first, I didn't understand the language, but I started to understand it as it spoke. It told me to make a wish, so I wished to be taken to where the amulet came from; the amulet obliged and blasted me with a red wave of magic. I felt nothing but pain, and then I woke up in the Everfree Forest," Julius summarized to Cadance.

"I see," Cadance said in concern. "I know what that amulet is," Cadance said to the shock of the two mares and the human. "It's an ancient artifact, The Alicorn Amulet," Cadance said as she looked hard at Julius. "When Twilight tests you for your magic, we will need to test for dark magic as well," Cadance solemnly said.

"Why? I never used dark magic before," Julius asked while Rarity and Applejack looked at each other.

"The Alicorn Amulet was made over one thousand moons ago. From what I've been told by Celestia, about one thousand five hundred moons ago, there was a unicorn sorcerer named Sombra. Sombra was a talented sorcerer, one of the best in early Equestria, but he always wanted more. More power, more influence, more everything. But the thing he wanted most was Princess Luna; but at the time, both Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna were far too busy pacifying the land to make any time for love or stallions. Sombra couldn't wait, so he decided to delve into dark magic. After many dark rituals, Sombra had succeeded in making The Alicorn Amulet. It gave him magical power on par with that of the Princesses, but it was evil, corrupt. Sombra wanted to help pacify the land so that he could get with Auntie Luna quicker; however, both Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna recognized the corruption in the amulet and the corruption in Sombra. Leaving Equestria dejected, Sombra went north to the Crystal Empire. Once there, he usurped the Crystal Throne, enslaved the Crystal Ponies, then declared war on Equestria. Fortunately, Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna managed to defeat Sombra; however, he cursed the Crystal Empire to fade away with him," Cadance explained to Julius. "The Alicorn Amulet is inherently dark. If you were sent here by it, then there is a chance that you have some magical corruption as well," Cadance told Julius.

"Wait, if I had magical corruption, then wouldn't it have shown itself by now?" Julius asked as he took in Cadance's story.

"If you made heavy use of your magic, then yes. However, it seems like you only use your magic for physical augmentation and, when needed, healing," Cadance started to explain. "Don't worry; I don't sense anything too off about you. If there is any corruption, it's likely minimal. Still, though, it should be tested for," Cadance reassured and affirmed.

"Fair enough," Julius conceded. "So when will this testing take place, and where?" Julius asked as he moved around a bit in his new clothes.

"The testing can wait until this evening, and it can take place at The Golden Oak," Cadance said as she started to turn away. "Anyways, I found out want I wanted to, and I have some business to take care of; I'll be going now. It was nice talking to you," Cadance chirped before teleporting away.

"Well then, this break was nice, but we really should get back to work," Applejack said as she stretched her legs.

"One moment, Applejack," Rarity said as she walked over to Julius. "I have a favor to ask of Julius."

"No rarity, you cannot rut him," Applejack said, rolling her eyes.

"Very funny," Rarity shot back at Applejack. "No, it's not about that, though I wouldn't be opposed. It's about the clothes," Rarity started to explain. "The designs you gave me were unique. I think they could have a strong market in Equestria. If it's OK with you, I would like to sell versions of them, modified for ponies, of course," Rarity requested of Julius.

"Sure, I don't see why not," Julius told a very happy Rarity.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rarity happily exclaimed as she pranced around Julius. "I cannot wait! I'll get to work making the pony versions of those clothes while I wait for the titanium I need to finish the landsknecht outfit!" A very happy Rarity exclaimed while prancing. "Your other clothes, though, are finished. You can pick them up whenever you get the time, darling!" Rarity exclaimed, the energy still heavy in her voice. "Now I really must be off; I have many new clothes to make!" Rarity happily exclaimed before quickly kissing Julius. "Thank you so much, darling! You've done fashion in Equestria a great service!" Rarity happily declared while prancing off.

"Well then, Applejack, let's get back to work," Julius said as he started to make his way back into the orchard. "I believe you were telling me about the history of Ponyville?" Julius said as he grabbed the pruning poll he put down.

"Yes, I was," Applejack responded, making sure that she didn't walk ahead of Julius. "It all started back when Granny Smith was just a young filly..." Applejack started as she told the familiar tale of Ponyville's founding. The midday sun was shining brightly in the sky as the two resumed their work.

Chapter 29: Apple and Rainbow

High in the sky, the sun shone, beating down on the mare and the human. The two carried on their work dutifully into the afternoon, Applejack pointing out the trees that needed tending to and doing the more pony-friendly work. At the same time, Julius assisted in doing the work that was difficult for a pony. The clothes the Rarity brought Julius were a significant improvement over the spare minotaur clothes that he was wearing; the light yet loose-fitting tunic and pants were much better suited for this kind of work. Still, though, the day was a hot one, and Julius had to fight the urge to take off his shirt. If he were working with Big Mac or alone, he would have, but on Applejack's request, Julius kept himself fully clothed, as difficult as it were. For her part, Applejack tried to keep her tail swishing to a minimum and tried to walk to Julius's side, but still, now and then, she failed. Her tail would occasionally sway just a little too far past her flanks, just barely exposing her pussy, a sight Julius took in more than a few times.

"Applejack," Julius started to pant, "you're doing it again."

"Well, would ya stop looking then," Applejack flatly told Julius as she reigned in her tail's swishing. "We still have a lot of work to do," Applejack said to the sweating human.

"I would, but you keep walking ahead of me," Julius reminded Applejack between panting breaths. "I know I joked earlier, but seriously, if you want to have a 'stress' break, I'm fine with it," Julius panted as he wiped away some sweat from his forehead.

"It's kinda hard not to lead unless I'm ahead," Applejack said while rolling her eyes. "Give me a moment," Applejack told Julius as she assessed their situation. They had made excellent progress; sure, they weren't as far along as Applejack would have been if she was working with Big Mac, but Julius could do work that otherwise needed a unicorn or minotaur. "Well, we aren't quite as far along as I'd like. But we have done some of the more difficult work," Applejack said while mulling over her thoughts. "OK, fine, since you can't stop looking, and since you insist we will," Applejack conceded.

"Finally! It's about time!" Julius exclaimed in a sigh.

"Not so fast there apple seed," Applejack firmly told Julius. "Don't think that you'll be rutting me just like that," Applejack told Julius as she walked up to him.

"OK," Julius said, his voice trailing off. "What did you have in mind then?" Julius asked as Applejack came closer to him.

"What you did yesterday," Applejack said with a slight blush. "That again," she told Julius as she nudged him to follow her.

"Oh, so you liked getting eaten out?" Julius teased as he followed Applejack.

"It felt good, very good," Applejack blushed as she led Julius to a large apple tree. "Don't ya worry, if you do a good job, then I'll take care of ya," Applejack assured Julius as she led him around the large tree. As the two rounded the tree, Applejack placed a hoof against Julius's chest, gently yet firmly pressing it against him as if to guide him down to the ground.

"Well, somepony is eager," Julius laughed as he let himself get guided down.

"You try working with somecreature with heavy pheromones," Applejack shot back as Julius laid down. "Seriously, it was all day with that, and then," Applejack trailed off, "then you had to stumble out of the shed all naked," Applejack said as she regained her voice.

"Not my fault. Unexpected alicorn happed," Julius defended himself as he laid down. "Now, how do you want to do this?" Julius asked as Applejack walked over him, her pussy right over his head.

"Like this," Applejack told Julius as she started to lay down. As Applejack began to lay down, the scent of feminine arousal overpowered Julius. As Applejack was lying down, Julius reached up and grabbed Applejack's flanks. Taking a moment to run his hands through her fur, lightly massaging her flanks, Julius firmly held Applejack's hips and pulled her down. Gasping slightly at the sudden movement, Applejack allowed herself to lay fully down on Julius. Sticking his tongue out, Julius traced the lips of Applejack's pussy with his tongue; the slender lips were flushed with arousal as Applejack's feminine juices slowly ran down them. While gingerly licking Applejack's pussy, Julius's cock throbbed to life, his form-fitting pants having a good outline of his cock, hidden only by the bottom part of his tunic.

"Why ya would need these pants when ya got a shirt this long is beyond me," Applejack lightly moaned as she lifted the hem of Julius's tunic. While awkward, the hem was still easily raised with hooves. As Applejack folded the hem over Julius's waist, Applejack's eyes stared right at Julius's crotch. "Not leaving much to the imagination, are ya?" Applejack smirked as she saw the unmistakable outline of Julius's cock.

"Mhhhn, mmm," Julius could only moan as his tongue started to lavishly lick Applejack's wet pussy.

"Heh, that feels good," Applejack moaned as her hooves pulled down Julius's pants. "It'll take more than a skilled tongue for this beast to breed me," Applejack lustfully sighed as she freed Julius's cock, the proud member standing erect before her. "Well now, it's not right that you're doing all the work," Applejack lustfully said as she ground her hips against Julius's face. "Here, let me help," Applejack offered as she lustfully licked Julius's cock. From base to tip, the throbbing member tasted odd to the mare. The musky scent suggested it would taste as such, but a slightly mild sweet and salty taste accompanied it, not necessarily good, but not bad either, definitely arousing, though.

Feeling Applejack's wide wet tongue start to lick his cock, Julius pulled Applejack's hips down harder, letting his tongue ravage deeper parts of her pussy. Feeling Julius's tongue go deeper into her pussy, Applejack gasped slightly, her warm breath tickling the tip of Julius's cock. Lustfully lavishing Julius's cock with her tongue, Applejack thought it was curious; he had no sheath like a stallion, but he did have some skin covering the tip. Every lick against the head of Julius's cock sent shivers down Applejack's body; it tasted the strongest, both for good and ill, and it aroused her marehood in a way she wasn't expecting. Man and mare devoured each other as their lust grew.

"Hey, Applejack, you here? I'm done watering the crops in the south field!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she followed the sounds she was hearing and Julius's unmistakable lustful scent.

"Dash!" Applejack exclaimed in surprise as her tongue flicked off the tip of Julius's cock. "Come on, get up! Rainbow Dash can't see us like this!" Applejack said in a slight panic. To both her dismay and pleasure, Julius grabbed her flanks firmer and held her down. "W-what are you doing?!?" Applejack moaned in surprise as Julius's tongue lustfully flicked against her clit. "We have to... Oh, applesauce!" Applejack exclaimed as she saw Rainbow Dash walking towards the pair, a triumphant smile plastered on her face.

"So Applejack," Rainbow Dash smirked while sauntering over to the pair. "Care to remind me how you two wouldn't be 'working' I seem to have forgotten," Rainbow Dash jokingly mocked as she approached the two.

"Rainbow Dash, I can explain!" Applejack moaned as Julius's tongue battered against her sweet spot.

"No need, it's OK," Rainbow Dash assured as she walked up to Julius's legs. "I get it," Rainbow Dash said as she looked down at Julius's slick, throbbing cock. "Hey there, big guy, might if I join?" Rainbow Dash asked while she dragged her pussy against Julius's cock. "Seriously, Applejack, you're missing out by not riding his cock," Rainbow Dash moaned as she ground against Julius's throbbing cock.

"R-Rainbow," Applejack moaned as Julius's tongue ravaged her pussy. "J-just 'cause I'm, Oh Celestia, letting him do this doesn't mean I'm breeding him!" Applejack lustfully said while biting her lower lip.

"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash chuckled. "You keep telling yourself that," Rainbow Dash smirked at Applejack as Rainbow took the tip of Julius's cock into her pussy. "Just try it, and you'll be hooked!" Rainbow Dash moaned as she slowly slid down Julius's cock, savoring the feeling of each throbbing inch.

"Y-you're just saying that," Applejack moaned as Julius's tongue devoured her pussy. "Just saying that 'cause you got a weak will," Applejack defensively moaned as Julius's tongue teased her clit.

"Oh, Celestia, yes~!" Rainbow Dash moaned as Julius's cock kissed her cervix. "If I have a weak will, then so does Twilight and Luna," Rainbow Dash shot back as she braced herself. "Hey there, big guy, hope you're ready to get rode hard," Rainbow Dash moaned as she started to ride Julius's cock.

"Oh come on, Rainbow, you know I don't mean that," Applejack tried to defend as Julius's hands slid across her flanks. "What I mean is, Oh Celestia!" Applejack moaned in surprise as Julius's hands grabbed her teats.

"Oh!" Rainbow Dash moaned in lust and mock surprise. "You're saying Celestia has a weak will?" Rainbow Dash lustfully chuckles as she rides Julius's throbbing cock.

"Q-quit twisting my words," Applejack moaned as Julius softly caressed her teats, light pinching her nipples while voraciously eating her out.

"Or maybe~." Rainbow Dash lightly sang through her moans. "You're saying Celestia has already conquered this cock," Rainbow Dash joked as she rode Julius's cock, each throbbing inch ravaging every drenched fold of her aching pussy.

"G-get real Rainbow!" Applejack loudly moaned as Julius lustfully assaulted every pleasure point he could. "C-Celestia is above such things," Applejack lustfully moaned as she fell forward, her head braced against Rainbow's shoulder.

"I don't know about that," Rainbow Dash lustfully teased as she came down harder and harder on Julius's cock. "She might be an alicorn, but she's also a grown mare with grown mare needs," Rainbow Dash teases while playfully biting Applejack's ear.

"R-R-Rainbow Dash!" Applejack lustfully moaned, her breath caressing Rainbow's ear. "S-stop teasing me, Julius doesn't need your help," Applejack moaned as Rainbow Dash threw her head back.

"Oh, Celestia! Yesss~!" Rainbow Dash lustfully sang as she hilted herself on Julius's cock, his massive cock pillaging her womb. "Th-that's right big boy, breed this mare!" Rainbow Dash lustfully commanded as she ground her hips against Julius's waist.

"Rainbow?" Applejack moaned. "A-are you OK?" Applejack lustfully moaned as Julius lightly teased her lips with his teeth. Pulling her head forward, Rainbow Dash looked lustfully at Applejack for a moment before kissing the blushing mare. Holding the kiss for a few moments, the two broke their kiss, a small strand of saliva still connecting the two.

"J-just give in AJ, join the herd," Rainbow Dash lustfully moaned, her tongue lolled out as Julius's cock ravaged her innermost depths.

"N-no Rainbow Dash," Applejack moaned, Julius's tongue lavishing her pussy with wanton abandon. "It won't be that that, Oh Celestia~!" Applejack loudly lustfully sang, her voice echoing through the trees as Julius brought her to a body-shaking orgasm, juices flowing liberally from her thoroughly ravaged pussy as Julius eagerly lapped up Applejack's love nectar.

"That what?" Rainbow Dash lustfully panted, Julius's cock roughly battering the back of Rainbow's womb. "I-I couldn't hear you, o-over that orgasm," Rainbow Dash mocked as she felt her orgasm fast approach. "C-come on, AJ, aren't you going to say anything?" Rainbow Dash moaned through gritted teeth, trying to hold off her orgasm.

"I-it's not going to be that easy," Applejack panted as she rode down her orgasm. "Now, let me return the favor," Applejack said as she looked at Rainbow's neck. "You teased me, only fair if I tease you," Applejack lustfully panted as she gently nipped at Rainbow's neck.

"A-AJ!" Rainbow Dash lustfully moaned. The fulfilling feeling of Julius's cock plundering her womb, along with AJ's nipping, drove Rainbow Dash over the edge. A gushing torrent of juice flowed from Rainbow's pussy as her love nectar coated Julius's hips and balls. Feeling Rainbow's nectar gushing over his cock and balls and feeling Rainbow's quivering, orgasming pussy milking his cock finally sent Julius over the edge. Thrusting powerfully, Julius's buried his cock fully inside Rainbow's womb and flooded her womb with his thick, potent cum. Thick, powerful blasts of cum filled every nook of Rainbow's womb as her belly swelled with Julius's seed. Riding out his orgasm, Rainbow Dash let Julius fill her with his cum, savoring the feeling of her belly bulging with the potent cum. After a few moments of riding down the orgasm, Rainbow Dash shakily stood up, letting Julius's cock flop free from her pussy, before laying down beside him. Applejack followed suit, laying on Julius's opposite side.

"I, I think we all needed that," Julius panted as he caught his breath, the taste of Applejack's juices still fresh on his lips. "It's nice to know that you'll be the next one with my, ummm," Julius stumbled over his words. "Foals? Children? Kids? Offspring? Let's go with offspring," Julius said in confirmation to himself. "It's nice to know that you'll be the next one to bear my offspring," Julius said with pride as he softly caressed Rainbow's belly.

"Yeah, not so soon," Rainbow Dash chuckled as she nuzzled into his shoulder. "My heat doesn't start until next week," Rainbow Dash told Julius as she basked in their afterglow.

"Yeah, most mares don't go into heat until next week," Applejack told Julius as she enjoyed the afterglow. "Some have early heats, and some just love the feeling of getting bred," Applejack further explained.

"Good to know," Julius said while still caressing Rainbow's full belly. "Then next week. I'll make sure to knock you up then," Julius smiled at Rainbow Dash.

"Hah, I'm sure you'll try," Rainbow Dash chuckled as she gently ground her belly against Julius's hand.

"Alright, you two, enough flirting," Applejack said as she slowly stood up. "Apple Bloom should be coming back soon, and I'd rather her not see all this," Applejack said as she looked at the still laying down pair.

"Good point," Julius said as he relaxed in the afterglow. "Don't suppose you have a spare cloth or anything, do you?" Julius asked. "I'd like to wipe off all this juice."

"Give me a moment," Applejack said. "No breeding while I'm gone, you two," Applejack told Julius and Rainbow Dash as she walked off.

"I'm fine with that," Julius said as he kissed Rainbow's forehead.

"So am I," Rainbow Dash agreed as she kissed Julius's cheek. The two went on, teasingly kissing each other while basking in their afterglow. Several minutes of light teasing passed until Applejack returned with a clean cloth.

"Here," Applejack said as she dropped the cloth on Julius's waist. "Clean yourself up, then after you're all cleaned up, help me put away the tools," Applejack told Julius.

"Thanks," Julius thanked as he started to clean off the juices covering his waist.

"Here, AJ, I'll help you know," Rainbow Dash offered as she stood up.

"Thanks, Dash," Applejack thanked as the two mares headed off to put the tools Applejack and Julius were using back into the carts. Several long minutes passed as Julius thoroughly cleaned himself off. After getting dressed, Julius met the mares back at the carts.

"Took your sweet time," Applejack chucked. "While you were getting cleaned up, RD and I loaded up the tools. Now, all we need to do is take them back to the west shed," Applejack told Julius. "Now come on, y'all, let's get moving," Applejack commanded as she hitched herself up to a cart.

"Alright," Julius said as he grabbed the handles of the other cart. "Let's go back."

"Right with ya!" Rainbow Dash chirped up as she walked beside Julius. The walk back to the shed was pleasant, the sun lighting up the orchard in a very earnest way. Both the colors of the trees and the scent of the apples made for a relaxing walk back. Making their way back to the shed, the three put away the tools and the carts.

"And that's everything," Applejack said with a sigh. "Every last tool returned, good job y'all," Applejack complimented. "We got a lot of work done today! Now let's get back to the house," Applejack told the pair.

"Did we really get a lot of work done?" Rainbow Dash and Julius asked, both with some surprise.

"Well, with Big Mac, we would have gotten to more trees. But with Julius, we were able to do work that we would have had to hire outside help for; I figure that balances itself out," Applejack explained as she led the two back to the house. "As for Rainbow, well, it would have been better if she could fly, but still she did what was needed," Applejack complimented as she walked ahead of the two.

"That's fair," Julius conceded as he followed Applejack.

"Don't remind me," Rainbow Dash said as she rubbed her bad wing with her good one. "Not flying already sucks enough; I don't need to be reminded that I can't anymore," Rainbow Dash complained as she walked alongside Julius.

"Then you shouldn't have raced through a forest," Applejack admonished with a laugh.

"She got you there," Julius joined in on the laugh.

"Yeah, I know that now. But at the time, I thought I could win," Rainbow Dash said while rolling her eyes. "Enough about that though, what for supper?"

"Probably country stew," Applejack said as they got closer to the house. "Definitely apple fritters for dessert," Applejack assured as the group approached the house.

"Great, I'm starving!" Julius said as the scent of fresh food came from the house.

"As am I!" Rainbow Dash said as she started to trot towards the house.

"I hear y'all," Applejack chuckled. "Hard work will do that. Now let's hurry along; supper is waiting!" Applejack told the pair as she too started to trot towards the house.

"Hey, wait up!" Julius chuckled as he chased after the cantering mares. All three running swiftly towards the house and supper.

Chapter 30: Homework Help, and a Magical Test

As they entered the farmhouse, the group was greeted by the smell of freshly made country stew.

"Heh, guess we're just in time," Applejack said as she led Julius and Twilight into the kitchen.

"Hey, Applejack, you're late," Apple Bloom joked as she sat at the table.

"Very funny, Apple Bloom," Applejack said while rolling her eyes. "Where's Granny Smith?" Applejack asked as Julius and Rainbow Dash all sat down at the table.

"Here I am," Granny Smith said as she walked into the kitchen. "I was just cleaning myself up," Granny Smith said as she shut the door. "Guessing y'all are hungry," Granny Smith said as she and Applejack walked over to the counter.

"Yes, very," Julius and Rainbow Dash both said in tandem.

"Heh, with all that you've eaten, I'm surprised that you're still hungry," Rainbow Dash jokingly whispered at Julius.

"Yeah, yeah, keep laughing," Julius whispers back to Rainbow Dash as he joins in the joke. "I've only gotten my fill of Apples for a time," Julius quietly chuckles to Rainbow Dash.

"What's so funny?" Apple Bloom asked a laughing Rainbow Dash.

"D-don't worry about it," Rainbow Dash tells Apple Bloom between laughs. "Ask again in a few years."

"OK," Apple Bloom said, her voice trailing off.

"Well, that's surprising for you, sugarcube," Applejack said as Granny Smith approached the table.

"What's on your mind, little one?" Granny Smith asked after setting down a large pot of stew.

"Not much, just the homework I have to do," Apple Bloom sighed. "It's nice that Miss Cheerilee isn't giving as much, but it's still a pain to do," Apple Bloom moaned before she got herself a bowl of stew.

"I can help out," Julius offered as he got his bowl of soup. "I might not have been the best student, but I still got honors with distinction when I graduated high school," Julius said as the ponies gave him an odd look. "I got at least ninety percent in every class," Julius clarified for the ponies.

"Oh, so you're an egghead too," Rainbow Dash lightly joked as she got her bowl.

"Not really, just naturally smart and had almost no social life," Julius told Rainbow Dash as she and Applejack started to laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," Applejack said, biting her lower lip, "Twilight," Applejack laughed as Rainbow Dash laughed even harder.

"Now now, girls," Granny Smith lightly chastised, "the dinner table isn't a place to be teasing a guest," Granny Smith told the laughing mares before getting a bowl of stew. "Eat your supper, then you can tease Julius some more," Granny Smith playfully chuckled.

"Thanks for the brief respite," Julius half-heartedly thanked. "Though really, I don't see us being that much alike," Julius retorted as he ate a spoonful of stew.

"Well," Rainbow Dash started, muting her laughter, "Twilight is also really smart, and she also didn't have friends."

"Now Dash, I think Spike said something about Twilight having friends in Canterlot," Applejack interjected as she started to eat her supper.

"Yeah, he did, but has Twilight ever mentioned them?" Rainbow Dash responded eyebrow raised. "Does it count if she doesn't mention them?"

"OK, yeah, that's bad," Julius absentmindedly said. "I might not have had much of a social life, but I still had some of one. A few at-school-only friends, and a couple of groups, but they still count," Julius defended himself between spoonfuls of stew.

The group carried on their supper, with bouts of teasing Julius, and Julius defending himself breaking up the meal. The two mares were having a bit more than their fair share of teasing Julius, and Julius, returning the favor with plenty of eye-rolling. Granny Smith only half-heartedly reprimanded the mares while getting in on the teasing a bit. Apple Bloom, surprisingly, was being well behaved, badly wanting some help with her homework.

"OK, girls," Apple Bloom started to say as she finished her supper, "I'm done eating, and I really need help with my homework," Apple Bloom said as she got up from her chair. "Come then, mister smart guy," Apple Bloom told Julius while lightly pulling at the hem of his tunic.

"OK, OK," Julius sighs, "you'll all be fine cleaning up here, right?" Julius asked the mares as he starts to let Apple Bloom lead him.

"Well, if you're going to be helping the young'un, I reckon we'll be fine," Granny Smith tells Julius. "Do make sure to get it all done now, ya hear," the wizened mare tells the two as they walk off.

"OK, Apple Bloom," Julius sighs, "where is this homework?" Julius asks as he pulls a stool over to Apple Bloom's desk.

"It's right here," Apple bloom chirped up as she pulled out a few notebooks from her saddlebag. Setting the notebooks down on her desk Julius starts to look through them. On the one hand, it somewhat infuriated him that he was in a new world but still doing schoolwork; on the other, Julius did want to learn more about Equestria's society. Flipping through the books, Julius found that they were mostly math, an English book, or Equish as the ponies called it, and a science book.

"I'm fine with the science work; it's mostly earth science," Apple Bloom assured Julius, who just agreed. "The math and Equish ones are the ones I need help with," Apple Bloom told Julius.

"Fair enough, living on a farm will do that, I suppose," Julius said to Apple Bloom as he flipped through the Equish book.

"If you want to start with Equish, I'm OK with that," Apple Bloom told Julius as she sat down beside him.

"Well, where I'm from, it's called English, but they do seem to be the same, save for a few phrases and words. So sure, let's start there," Julius agreed with Apple Bloom as he helped the filly with her homework. Sure enough, the work was almost identical to the very same work he had to do in that grade. Sure Julius basically knew every answer already, but some were creative writing questions. He couldn't guarantee a perfect grade, but he could guarantee a high grade.

"I have to ask, why did you want to help me with my homework?" Apple Bloom asked as she finished her English homework.

"Honestly, I wanted to learn more about Equestria; this was a good excuse. Also, I figured it'd help win Applejack to my side," Julius admitted. "Honestly, it feels like she's coming around, but it feels like she still wants something," Julius told the filly as he opened up the math book.

"Yeah," Apple Bloom said, sadness heavy in her voice. "She's been like that as long as I remember," Apple Bloom said as she started on her math problems.

"Like, in general?" Julius asked as he pointed out a few mistakes Apple Bloom made.

"With stallions," Apple Bloom said, her sadness growing at that statement.

"Why's that? Did something happen?" Julius asked as he showed Apple Bloom the formula to the problem she was trying to answer.

"Kinda, from what I could tell, it was the disappearance of our parents. I don't remember them. I was still a foal when they disappeared, so I don't remember them that well," Apple Bloom said as she fixed her mistakes. "But Applejack was thirteen at the time, and Big Mac was fifteen. According to Granny, Big Mac was pretty fine after a few months, but Applejack never recovered. Don't tell her I said anything, but I think she's afraid of making any romantic connections," Apple Bloom quietly told Julius.

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss," Julius solemnly said. "I'm sure they're in a better place."

"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked with mild shock. "Ma and Pa aren't dead or anything; they're just missing. They're still alive, I know it!" Apple Bloom firmly states as she finishes her next question. "We Apples are strong as can anything, even alicorns!" Apple Bloom energetically says, much to Julius's amusement.

"Don't change Apple Bloom, please, don't," Julius says with a bittersweet smile on his face. "Moving away from such a morose topic," Julius starts to say, "do you think you can talk to your teacher for me? I want to sit in on a few classes."

"You want to go to school? Why?" Apple Bloom asks with some surprise.

"Don't get me wrong, Zecora is a great teacher, and she's taught me a lot. But she hasn't taught me much about Equestria. The most Zecora has told me of Equestria is that it's been a mostly isolationist country for a very long time, only, you know, in rhyme," Julius told Apple Bloom.

"Oh, OK," Apple Bloom said, sounding somewhat sad. "I'll ask Miss Cheerilee about it," Apple Bloom told Julius, who was chuckling. "Why are you laughing?"

"No reason, your teacher must be very firm," Julius chuckles while he tries to stifle himself. "Her teacher is getting plowed by her brother, and yet Apple Bloom's teacher still gives her this much homework. Hate to meet her in a bad mood," Julius thinks to himself.

"Well, I think that's about it," Apple Bloom happily said as she and Julius stood up. "Thanks for your help!" Apple Bloom happily said as Julius looked out the window.

"No problem Apple Bloom," Julius happily said while rustling the top of Apple Bloom's mane. "It's starting to get late, Rainbow Dash, and I really should be getting back to Zecora's place," Julius tells the filly as he starts to leave the room.

"Fair enough, I'd imagine that The Everfree is dangerous at night," Apple Bloom said as she followed Julius down.

"Yes, and no. It's more dangerous in some ways, but in many others, it's safer. Honestly, it's a wash," Julius told Apple Bloom as they walked downstairs. "Hey all," Julius says as he enters the living room.

"Done, already?" Granny Smith asked, suspicion clear in her voice.

"Yes!" Apple Bloom happily chirped as she sat down on a plush pillow.

"She didn't do too badly," Julius complimented as he sat down on the couch. "Without help, I'd she'd have gotten around seventy-five on her math and Equish," Julius said as Rainbow Dash sat down beside him. "Now, easily a hundred on math, and I'd say at least ninety on the Equish."

"Can't guarantee a hundred for Equish, huh?" Granny Smith said accusingly while walking towards Julius.

"Well, there's some creative writing involved and some room for opinion," Julius said as he met Granny Smith's gaze. The old mare and the human share a tense moment gazes locked firmly on to the other.

"That's alright, appleseed," Granny Smith laughed as Julius laughed with her. "Thank you, young'un, for entertaining an old mare in her foolishness," Granny Smith thanked.

"It's really true; old people everywhere are the same," Julius laughs as Applejack and Apple Bloom looks on in mild shock.

"Can't believe you answered Granny like that," Apple Bloom said as she recovered from her shock.

"My grandmother used to do the same thing; I'm used to it," Julius told the filly as he brushed his fingers through Rainbow Dash's mane. "Shouldn't Luna be getting back by now?" Julius asked as he looked at a clock. Almost as if on cue, a burst of cobalt blue pops into the middle of the room. A tired-looking Luna walked out from the light.

"Sorry, that took a bit longer than I thought it would," Luna panted as she got up on the couch. "My wards at that cursed place were gravely worn," Luna panted as she rested her head on Julius's lap, opposite of Rainbow Dash.

"Must be some powerful stuff you and your sister are sealing," Julius said as he gently brushed Luna's mane.

"Yes, Windigos can be rather strong. These ones and this place especially so," Luna pants as the ponies look at Luna in shock; even Julius stopped his petting. "What?"

"You got some explaining to do," Julius and Granny Smith both say.

"Oh, was that out loud? My bad, forget I said anything," Luna said as everycreature looked right at her. Holding the silence for a few moments, Luna sighed. "Look, I can't say much; that place is forbidden for a very good reason, trust me. What I can say is that if my or my sister's wards fail, Windigos could reappear at that place. If they do, then that place will, once again, live up to its name. Trust me, nocreature wishes for that," Luna said with a shiver.

"Fair enough, Zecora's told me enough about Windigos to know not to mess with them," Julius said while petting Luna and Rainbow Dash.

"What did she tell you about them?" Rainbow Dash asked while relaxing.

"Well, she told me that they're ghostlike zombielike spirits that can possess creatures and start blizzards," Julius told the ponies. "She didn't tell me too much, though. It was like the Windigos were mythical even to her."

"More or less, what Zecora has told you is accurate," Luna said as she relaxed.

"You know more?" Julius asked, eyebrow raised.

"Considering my sister and I had to fight them directly, yes, we both know a lot more," Luna said. "Nothing you want to know, though, trust me. Somethings are better left forgotten."

"Must be pretty dark stuff," Julius said while scratching behind Luna's and Rainbow Dash's ears.

"It is," Luna lightly moaned as Julius scratched a sweet spot behind her ear. "We should get going. I fear if we stay like this, I'll end up falling asleep," Luna lightly laughed as she willed herself up.

"Yeah, we probably should. After all, Twilight did want to do that magic affinity test, or whatever it is," Julius said in agreement.

"Oh fine," Rainbow Dash groaned as she stood up. "Shame too, I was very comfortable."

"I could tell," Julius lightly chuckled as he stood up. "Thanks for supper," Julius thanked as he, Luna, and Rainbow Dash started to head to the door.

"Not a problem, dearie," Granny Smith responded.

"Thank you for your help," Applejack and Apple Bloom thanked as the three left the farmhouse.

Making their way through the orchard, the three held a silence. Both Julius and Rainbow Dash wanted to ask more about the Windigos, but both knew it was a dark subject, which Luna didn't want to talk about. Luna, for her part, knew that the two wanted to ask, but she didn't dare say anything without needing to. Pre-Equestria history had its dark spots, this one especially so.

"You know Luna," Julius said, finally breaking the silence. "Human history is extremely bleak. Whatever these Windigos are about, you can tell me, I can take it," Julius tried to reason.

"I doubt that," Luna flatly said. "From what you've said, and from what I've seen in your dreams, it doesn't look that bad."

"Then I've hidden it well," Julius bitterly smiled. "I've been trying my best to put forth the best of humanity. But trust me, there are parts of our history that would give you the worst nightmares," Julius told Luna as they walked into the town proper.

"Like what?" Luna and Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, our wars come to mind, and well the violence in general," Julius flatly said.

"War is a sad thing," Luna said as the group walked towards The Golden Oak. "Equestria has had a few, though the last was the Crystal Liberation War against Sombra."

"Sometime, in private, we'll talk about our histories. Then you can decide whether or not I can handle your knowledge of the Windigos," Julius offered as The Golden Oak came fully into view.

"Very well, but I can assure you that you cannot," Luna chuckled with a sad bitterness as the group stood outside The Golden Oak.

"Twilight, Spike, Bubblegum, White Knight, we're here!" Julius shouted as he knocked on the door.

"Come on in!" Twilight happily responded as Julius could feel the eye-rolling from Shining Armor and the sighing from Cadance.

"Those aren't our names," Shining Armor told Julius as the three entered the library.

"I know, but your reaction is funny," Julius laughed. "Besides, I get the impression that you're a bit of a white knight," Julius told Shining Armor, much to Rainbow Dash's amusement.

"Come on now, you're not here to tease my brother," Twilight said as she entered the room. "You're here to get tested."

"Indeed you are," Zecora agreed as she entered the room behind Twilight. "We were discussing your affinity while you were afar. We came to some conclusions that were most bizarre. Rest assure that of our conversations, you were a star," Zecora told Julius as she walked up to him.

"Well, glad to know that I'm a science experiment," Julius said before looking to his side for a moment. "A magic experiment? A magical science experiment? An experiment, yeah. Glad to know that I'm an experiment then," Julius settled on.

"Understand that you are pretty unique," Cadance said as she looked at Julius. "As far as we know, no human has ever been in Equestria before. And while the Alicorn Amulet interfering with your magic, who knows how it's been affected," Cadance told Julius.

"True enough, I suppose," Julius agreed. "So, how does the test happen? Like does it need my blood or something?" Julius asked.

"WHAT? NO!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise. "Why would you ever think that?"

"The test can theoretically be done with blood, but there is a much easier, much less painful way," Luna calmly said as Julius sat down. "There are four magical crystals, each primed with the energy from an element. Touch each crystal with your magic; if the crystal glows, then you have that magical affinity," Luna explained.

"Oh, thank God. That sounds much better," Julius sighed with relief. "So are the crystals color coated, like if I touch the fire crystal, will it glow red?" Julius asked as Twilight recovered from her shock.

"Yes, by their color are the crystals coded," Zecora said as she sat beside Julius, "Fire, for example, with red it is loaded. Water is blue, as I'm sure you already knew. Earth is brown, like the color of the ground in town. Air is green, and it has a gleam that must be seen," Zecora explained to Julius while Twilight went to get the crystals.

"Alright, pretty straightforward," Julius said as he petted Zecora's head. "So how do I touch the crystals with my magic? Do I just cast a spell on them?" Julius asked.

"More or less, yes," Luna responded. "For unicorns, it's enough to levitate the crystals, but you haven't shown the ability to levitate," Luna said in thought. "Try using your healing magic on the crystals; that should work," Luna told Julius.

"I can't think of anything better, so I will," Julius said as Twilight entered the room, four dull, translucent crystals with her. Each crystal having a pale hue of its color.

"Alright, I have the crystals," Twilight said as she sat them down on a table in front of Julius. "I trust somepony told you how the test works?" Twilight asked as she sat opposite Julius.

"Yes, Luna did," Julius told Twilight as everypony and Spike sat around the table. "Luna told me to use my healing magic since I can't seem to you levitation."

"Yes, that should still work," Twilight said as she looked over the crystals. "Might as well confirm what we all already know. Julius, please take the red crystal and try to heal it," Twilight told Julius. Following Twilight's instruction, Julius grabbed the translucent red crystal. Julius felt magical energy flow from his body into the crystal as he focused on the crystal.

"There, just as we all thought, the crystal is glowing," Twilight said, her eyes closed.

"Uhhh, Twilight," Julius and Spike both started to say. Looking at each other, Julius let Spike tell Twilight.

"The crystal isn't glowing," Spike told Twilight.

"Oh Spike," Twilight starts to chuckle while slowly opening her eyes, "to use magic actively, you need to have an affinity for fire," Twilight explains as she shakes her head. "See Spike? The crystal isn't glowing, which means Julius isn't attuned to fire. Proving that he is attuned to fire," Twilight confidently says, her mouth going faster than her brain. "Wait, it's not glowing? It's not glowing!" Twilight exclaims, her voice shattering the silence that has overcome the room.

"I noticed, so what exactly does this mean?" Julius asked as he placed the crystal down. "Guessing that my magic works differently."

"More or less yes," Luna tells Julius as she collects herself. "Fire represents energy. When a unicorn or an alicorn uses magic, we add our energy to the spell for it to work. There are ways to supplement this, but they only have a limited effect. I suspect one of these supplemental ways is your main way to use magic," Luna offers as the others collect their thoughts.

"To that, I must agree. Three other crystals are what I see," Zecora started to speak up. "During our talk, I thought your spirit might be that of Water or Earth. Why not try one of them to see if it shows your worth?" Zecora offers as a suggestion. "Though, as I say this, I have a thought. Perhaps both Water and Earth are what ought to be sought."

"Sure, guess I'll try Water next," Julius said as he picked up the pale blue crystal. "After all, humans are about sixty percent water, give or take," Julius absentmindedly said as he focused on the crystal. Like the Fire crystal before, Julius felt a rush of energy flow from his body into the crystal. Unlike before, though, he felt a current of energy flow back into him; it was as if a rushing river was flowing into his arm. A deep blue light shone from the crystal, with tiny, brilliant white sparks interlaced in the sea of sapphire light.

"My thoughts about you being of Water's patronage seems to be founded. Judging from this sea of light of which we are surrounded," Zecora softly smiled. "Now Earth is in order to try. To the brown crystal, your magic you should apply," Zecora told Julius.

"Alright," Julius said in agreement as he sat the crystal down. Removing his hand from the crystal, he felt like a flowing calm was ripped away from him. Julius once again focused his magical energy into a crystal as he picked up the dull brown crystal. As he did so, As Julius did so, he felt his body being embraced in a comforting hug. It wasn't hot, nor was it overbearing, but rather, it was like a parent's hug. A brilliant earthy brown light filled the room; the same tiny white sparks as the blue light were present here as well. "Guessing that makes Earth one of my elements as well. Shall I try Air too? Who knows, maybe I'll have three elements," Julius joked as he places the Earth crystal down. Removing his hand from the crystal, it felt like he was breaking off that hug.

"I doubt that," Twilight said as the light faded from the room. "Still, though, I did doubt that you wouldn't be Fire, so I suppose it's possible. Better to test it, rule out any possibilities," Twilight said as she started to pack up the three other crystals.

"Alright then," Julius said as he grabbed the pale green crystal. For a final time, Julius focused his energy. This time, however, no light shone from the held crystal. Holding the crystal for a few moments, just to make sure, Julius finally set the crystal down.

"Thank Celestia," Twilight sighed in relief. "I'm not sure how many magical anomalies I could take in a day," Twilight happily sighed as she put the final crystal away.

"Twilight, you're forgetting something," Cadance told Twilight. "The Dark Magic test," Cadance reminded Twilight.

"Oh, yes, that," Twilight nervously laughed. "The thing is," Twilight started to trail off, "I don't have the crystal to test for that," Twilight sheepishly said.

"Understandable," Luna assured Twilight. "It's rare that a test for Dark Magic needs to be done. There is a crystal that can test for it at the castle; I'll go get it," Luna told Twilight as she teleported away. A few short moments passed before Luna teleported back, this time with a saddlebag. "Here, the crystal for testing for Dark Magic," Luna says as she levitates a pale black crystal from the saddlebag. Placing it down on the table in front of Julius, Luna said down beside Julius.

"I'm guessing it's the same process as the other crystals, right?" Julius asked as he picked up the pale black crystal.

"That is correct, yes," Luna confirmed.

"Alright, one last time then," Julius said as he focused his energy into the crystal. At first, Julius doesn't feel anything; that all changes. A surge of energy gets pulled from Julius's arm. The energy gets replaced with biting cold. A black light fills that room; tiny white sparks shine in the dark void of the light, and lines of white light run through the darkness as if veins of light were cutting through the darkness.

"Well, you've definitely been touched by Dark Magic," Luna observes. "But it seems like you're doing a fine job of fighting it back," Luna remarks as the white veins seem to pulse with energy.

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence," Julius sighs as he places the crystal down. "So, how long will I have to deal with this? Is there a way to get rid of it?" Julius asked as he removed his hand from the crystal, the dreadful cold finally leaving his body.

"Unfortunately, there isn't any way to fully remove Dark Magic," Luna sadly tells Julius. "But don't worry, you're doing just fine fighting it off," Luna reassures Julius.

"Wait a moment," Rainbow Dash chirps up. "What about the Elements of Harmony? They should be able to get rid of that Dark Magic," Rainbow Dash offers.

"It can, but only for a time. After being touched by Dark Magic like this, it'll always have some hold on you. The Elements of Harmony can banish it, but only for a time. We know, we tried that on Sombra," Luna told Rainbow Dash.

"You and Auntie tried to purify Sombra?" Cadance asked. "Auntie never told me that."

"It was the first thing that Celestia and I tried. It worked for a time, but the darkness came back. Granted, Sombra chose Dark Magic, but even before he started to practice it again, we felt the darkness return to him," Luna told Cadance. "I'm sorry, Julius, but you'll be dealing with this for the rest of your life. But don't worry, I swear I won't let you fall," Luna assured Julius.

"I see," Julius sighed. "Well, thanks for letting me know," Julius thanked as he rested back on the couch. "Well, it's been a long day, and I think both Luna and I could use some rest. Wanna just rest here for a bit before heading back to Zecora's?" Julius asked as he started to relax.

"Sure," The group answered. Twilight put away her four testing crystals, Luna returned the dark crystal, and the group relaxed as they let the day's exhaustion pass over them.

Chapter 31: A Gauntlet Thrown, and Relaxation

"Alright, we'll leave the Golden Oak in your capable hooves. Spike, be good and make sure that Cadance and my brother are well behaved. See you two tomorrow!" Twilight chirped as she, the other ponies, and Julius left the Golden Oak.

"Don't worry, Twilight; you can count on me!" Spike happily sang before standing at a salute.

"See you tomorrow, Twily!" Cadance and Shining Armor waved as the two ponies shut the door to the Golden Oak. Turning to her fiance, Cadance smiled lightly.

"I give Spike another hour," Cadance whispered to Shining Armor.

"I give him forty-five minutes," Shining Armor whispered back as he nuzzled Cadance's neck.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" Spike asked while marching towards the pair. "This is a library; it's for reading and studying, not flirting!" Spike explained to the couple, eliciting a laugh from the two ponies as they remembered their days at the Royal Canterlot Acadamy.

"So," Julius started to say as the group entered the Everfree Forest, "what do you think it means, my elements being Water and Earth?" Julius asked while looking at Zecora and Luna, the two seemingly deep in thought since the crystal test.

"Fire is that of energy while Earth means stability, and Water is that of change. The fact that you can use magic without Fire is quite strange. Perhaps the source of your magic is not an energy exchange. Rather, your magic takes what's there, and to it, you can arrange," Zecora offers as a suggestion.

"Interesting thought," Luna remarked. "And quite possibly what's happening. The norm for Water spells involves changing what's already there, be it physical form, like healing, or spiritual form, like purifying magic," Luna explained. "It would explain why you can use healing magic so easily."

"It sounds like you two have already decided that my primary element is Water. Why do you think that instead of it being Earth?" Julius asked as he grabbed a few yellow and blue-colored fruits.

"Earth and Air don't have strong interactions with pure magic energy. In contrast, Fire and Water both directly manipulate magical energy," Luna started to explain. "The element that makes the most sense to be your primary is Water, though we can't know for sure until we test multiple humans. It's also possible that your tribe's magic is healing; if so, then we must find a way to bring more humans to Equestria," Luna remarked as she took one of the fruits that Julius offered.

"Tribe's magic? Do you mean that humans can naturally use healing magic?" Julius asked as he offered one of the fruits to each of the mares.

"Yes, I do," Luna confirmed as she took a bite of the sweet and salty tasting fruit. "The Everfree Forest sure has some weird fruit. It's changed much since I've last been here," Luna remarked as the group walked through the barely noticeable path.

"Really?" Twilight asked as she licked the fruit's juices from her lips. "What was it like when you were last here?" Twilight asked, her ears perked up in interest.

"Not much to say about it. Back then, the Everfree Forest was called the Royal Regal Weald," Luna said, her eyes looking off to the side. "But one day, that changed," Luna said, her voice heavy with sadness. "I saw what it had become from where I was," Luna quietly said before swiftly covering her mouth.

"WHAT?!?" Twilight exclaimed in shock.

"Repeat that last part," Julius told Luna as both he and Twilight looked right at Luna.

"Oh uhhh, you heard that?" Luna asked, slightly taken aback. The look both Julius and Twilight, especially Twilight, told her enough. "Forget I said anything, please," Luna told the pair.

"I can't just forget something like that," Twilight said while waking up to Luna. "Tell me what exactly you just said," Twilight commanded while looking Luna right in her eyes. A few tense moments pass as the two mares stare each other down; Twilight's stare holds strong, all things considered, but Luna's faulters, if only for a moment. "N-no," Twilight stammers while backing up.

"Enough of this," Luna says while collecting herself. "We really should be getting back to Zecora's house," Luna tells the group while looking at Twilight, "come now," Luna says as she takes the lead of the group.

"I'll be right behind you," Julius said as he walked slightly off the path. "I have to, ummm, use a tree," Julius said, unsure how to phrase his need.

"Yeah, we can't leave you alone," Rainbow Dash said as she looked right at him. "In case you've forgotten, you're being stalked."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten, but I really have to go, and I can't do it with an audience. Look, I'll be fine, trust me," Julius assured the mares.

"If he insists, let him have his privacy. I'm confident that he'll be fine," Luna says in Julius's favor. "Now, let's get back; I'm exhausted," Luna insisted as she led the mares ahead. The mares slowly followed Luna, with Rainbow Dash being the last to leave, her eyes locked on Julius for a fair bit of time until she finally turned around.

"Finally," Julius sighed as he ran behind a tree, "been needing to do this for a while," Julius quickly said as he slightly pulled down his pants. Sighing with content, Julius 'watered' the tree. Quickly cleaning up, Julius pulled up his pants and turned around.

"Sounds like you really needed that, herr-fürst," a familiar voice remarked.

"OK, really? Do you have to perv on me while I'm relieving myself?" Julius sighed as he looked around. Remembering the same shimmering outline from the other night, Julius focused hard, trying to see the creature. Look, I know you're there, so just come out and let's settle this!" Julius commanding said.

"Herr-fürst, that is the idea, yes, but not quite yet. Tonight, go to the lake in the forest, the one you so often like to relax in. There you shall be tested, pass, and I shall reveal to you want I can. Fail, and well, The Divine Mistress will be most disappointed; she has high hopes for you, please do not disappoint her. Come alone, or not at all. With that, I shall take my leave messir," the voice told Julius before seemingly departing.

"OK serious, how long have I been stalked?" Julius asked himself. "Question for later, for now, I have some mares waiting for me," Julius said as he started to make his way to Zecora's hut. "Heh, little over a month ago, and that would have sounded weird. Hell, two weeks ago, it would have sounded weird," Julius chuckled to himself as he made his way back to the path. Briskly walking down the trail, Julius made up for the bit of lost time. Going down the rough route, Julius reached down and picked up a flower with pink petals and a blue stem. Plucking some of the stamens, Julius sucks the nectar from them. Nice, cool, and refreshing, the nectar tasted like sweet orange. Keeping his pace, Julius quickly caught up to the mares.

"See, I told you he would be fine," Luna smirked. "Welcome back."

"Thank you," Julius thanked as he offered one of the stamens to Luna. "Here, try this; it's refreshing," Julius tells Luna as she takes a stamen from Julius's hand.

"This is quite nice," Luna remarked as she savored the stamen. "You seemed to have learned much about the flora of the Everfree Forest," Luna commented as she held the taste of the nectar on her tongue.

"Thank Zecora for that, well, her and human appetite," Julius lightly laughed.

"Thanks is not needed. It was enough that my warnings were heeded. Your hunger is indeed something to be feared. Since you came to the forest, quite a few fruits and flowers have disappeared," Zecora chimed in. "As for Luna's suggestion that more of your kin should be here. More food is what's needed, or Equestria would be out within a year," Zecora lightly joked. "I must confess that I think your kind must know how to work the land. Your kind's population is large, and your hunger is grand," Zecora remarked as she trotted alongside Julius.

"Yeah, mechanical farming is a wonder. Honestly, I kinda wonder how much food we could produce if we combined that with Earth Pony magic and our farming techniques. From what little I've seen, Earth Ponies seem to forgo rotating their crops. If so, they must have strong magic to keep the soil viable for as long as they have," Julius remarked as the group approached Zecora's home.

"Oh, so that would work," Twilight said as Zecora unlocked the door to her home. "Applejack was talking about trying to rotate her crop placement. She said it should reduce the amount of magic that they have to use," Twilight said as she entered the literal treehouse.

"Well, it takes quite a bit of planning, and you have to know the crops quite well, like what they take out of the soil and what they put back in, but yes, it would work," Julius confirmed to Twilight. "I've had enough farming for today, though, so let's talk about something else," Julius said as he entered the house. "I know," Julius said as he sat down on the couch, "Zecora, do you know anything about The Divine Mistress?" Julius asked as the others entered the house.

"I know of many different spirits, many different deities, and many masters. Beings that could, with the greatest of ease, cause great disasters. But a Mistress of the Divine is a name I've not heard. Tell me, from where has this name been disinterred?" Zecora asked as she sat down beside Julius.

"My stalker. He mentioned that The Divine Mistress has high hopes for me. I'm not sure if that's comforting or not," Julius told Zecora. "What about you two? Do either of you know about The Divine Mistress?" Julius asked as he looked between Luna and Twilight.

"I never heard anycreature called that. The closest is what the Solar Guard call Princess Celestia, Lux Sancta Mater," Twilight told Julius as Luna laughed.

"Holy Mother of Light," Luna laughed, "Celestia hasn't changed much in all these long years," Luna laughed as she collected herself. "I may know this Divine Mistress," Luna said as her voice became measured again.

"Well, spit it out! Who is this Divine Mistress?" Julius asked with more energy than he knew he had.

"Well, it could be one of three beings," Luna started to explain. "The first, some ancient spirit that this stalker believes in. The second myself, and the third my sister," Luna calmly said.

"OK, I can see some ancient spirit or something like that. But you and your sister? Explain, please," Julius said as he leaned forward.

"In times gone past, both my sister and I were worshipped as Goddesses. To this day, that still happens. The Solar Guard is an excellent example of that. Your stalker may follow one of the religions devoted to my sister or me," Luna explained. "Tell me, did it mention anything that could be related to one of us, like the sun or moon?" Luna asked.

"It seems to be contacting me at night, granted it's only contacted me two times so far," Julius said, trying to keep the meeting tonight a secret. "So I guess that narrows it down to you, though, that's a bit flimsy. It could be some spirit that the creature associates with the dark," Julius said as he laid back to relax.

"Agreed, shame there wasn't any more that the creature said to you," Luna sighed as she sat down beside Julius.

"Yeah," Julius agreed. "Though now I have to ask. Why are you and your sister worshipped? And what's the official stance on it?"

"Well, Celestia controls the sun, whereas I control the moon and stars. That alone would be enough for most creatures to worship us. But we're also Alicorns; many ponies view us as divine beings. Soon enough, there will be a cult devoted to Cadance; I'd imagine ponies will worship her as 'The Goddess of Love' or something like that. As for the official stance on it, well, don't encourage it, but don't stop it either," Luna explained.

"Why not encourage it, and why not stop it?" Julius asked as he relaxed his head between Luna's and Zecora's bodies.

"Encouraging it has only led to trouble and problems. Stopping it has never worked. We have tried both. So it was decided long ago just to let it be," Luna told Julius as she and Zecora lightly cuddled him.

"Ah, damned if you do, damned if you don't pretty much," Julius remarked as he nuzzled the two mares back.

"Think you could continue that on the bed," Rainbow Dash asked while giving the three a look.

"Yeah, there's room for all of us there," Twilight spoke up in agreement.

"Fine, you have a good point," Julius sighs, slightly frustrated that he has to move from between the mares. "Come on, you two, let's go to bed," Julius said as he forced himself to get up. Zecora followed with ease while Luna just laid down on the couch.

"If it's alright with you, I'll sleep this one out," Luna yawned as she stretched out on the couch. "Hopefully, the dream realm will be calm tonight," Luna tiredly said as a sphere of black, liquid-looking energy engulfed her body.

"That's fair," Julius yawned as he walked into the bedroom, Zecora right beside him.

"Took you two long enough," Rainbow Dash said, her rump raised in the air. "Now, you just going to stand there, or are you going to rut me?" Rainbow Dash mockingly said.

"Well, aren't you a greedy mare," Julius smirked as he took off his shirt. "Didn't I already plow your field today?" Julius joked while Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.

"That might fit better on Applejack," Twilight said as she stood beside the bed.

"Yeah, I know, but Rainbow Dash is the one I plowed. Applejack, though, she's still only OK with being eaten out. I think she might be warming up a bit, though," Julius said as he stripped off his pants.

"Really, interesting," Twilight said as she got up beside Rainbow Dash. "You already had your turn. Now it's mine," Twilight said as she presented herself in front of Julius. Sharing a look, Julius and Zecora chuckled to each other.

"I think I have an idea," Julius said as he stood behind the mares. Lightly pushing Rainbow Dash down, Julius rolled her onto her back. "Twilight stand over Rainbow," Julius told the mare.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash yelped as Twilight stood over her.

"Just relax, Rainbow," Julius said as he pushed Twilight's rump down, the mares' clits just barely touching each other. Sliding his cock along Twilight's plush bum, Julius slowly guides it to the mare's pussy, gently prodding the lips of Twilight's pussy; Julius found it to be pretty wet already. "Well, don't just stand around, join us, Zecora," Julius said as he teased the lips of Twilight's pussy.

"Do not worry; I plan to. I wasn't in a hurry; I was enjoying the view," Zecora said as she walked around the three. Getting up on the bed, Zecora stood right in front of Twilight's and Rainbow's head. "The mares you shall plow, while to their tongues I shall put to work. You'll get to watch consider it a perk," Zecora told Julius as she turned around, presenting her rear to Julius and the mares.

"Nice thinking Zecora," Julius said as he stopped teasing Twilight's lips. "I guess then that we should get started," Julius said with a wolfish grin. Firmly grabbing Twilight's soft ass, Julius powerfully thrust into the mare's pussy. The strong thrust forcing Twilight forward, her clit rubbing against Rainbow's while her lips kissed Zecora's pussy. "Oh yeah, you really needed this, didn't you?" Julius asked as he felt his balls slap against Rainbow's pussy. "Don't answer; you got something more important things to do with your tongue," Julius grins as he grabs Zecora's tail. Gently, yet firmly pulling her tail up and back, Julius starts to slowly fuck Twilight's pussy, each thrust teasing Rainbow's pussy with his balls and Twilight's clit.

"Mmph!" Twilight meekly moans as her tongue gets forced into Zecora's snatch, her mind assaulted by pleasure coming from all ends. Both Julius's thrusting and Zecora's hips were causing Twilight's tongue to go deeper. As Julius pulled back on Zecora's tail, Zecora allowed herself to get pulled back; it was as if both of them were fucking Twilight's pussy and mouth.

"Z-Zecora," Rainbow Dash lustfully moaned, "I, I think, my view is better," Rainbow Dash moaned as she saw Twilight's tongue lavishing Zecora's pussy. The long thick tongue both teasing Zecora's clit, and penetrating her depths.

"I have to agree with Rainbow," Julius moaned as he slid his free hand down Twilight's flank. Gently grabbing Twilight's and Rainbow's teets, Julius massaged the two soft milk mounds. The contrast felt very lovely; Rainbow's teets, while smaller, were quite firm, just what Julius would have expected from an athlete. Twilight's, though, were decently large and soft; they felt very motherly.

"T-that feels nice," Rainbow Dash cooed as Julius teased her nipples, rolling the stiff nubs between his fingers and against Twilight's nipples.

"I can tell," Julius grinned as his balls made a firm yet wet, slapping sound against Rainbow's pussy. Speeding up his humping, Julius's cock battered Twilight's aching cervix, each lustful thrust rocking Twilight's entire body.

For several lust-fulled minutes, the four lavished each other with pleasure, each working to bring the others to orgasm. Twilight's juices flowed freely from her pussy, leaving a glistening waterfall of lust onto Rainbow's snatch. Rainbow's pussy, battered by a more teasing pleasure, left a constant dribble of her love juices flowing from her. Zecora's juices caused the least mess due mostly to Twilight's tongue; while sloppy, it was still soft and flexible and felt oh so good. As for his part, Julius's cock twitched powerfully; it was like a mighty polished rod taming wild mares.

"Cumming!" The three mares moaned as their orgasms overtook them. A lusty torrent of juices washed over Julius's groin as his orgasm came upon him. Pulling just in time, Julius swiftly thrust his cock into Rainbow's quivering pussy, and filled her with his thick, potent seed. Hand over her belly, Julius could feel his seed swell inside the mare. Collapsing on the bed, the four laid down, basking in their post-orgasmic bliss.

"I'll," Julius panted after several minutes, "I'll get some towels," Julius said as he made his way to the linen closet; fortunately, there were two, one in the bathroom, one in the bedroom, so Julius didn't have to go far. Cleaning up the mess their lovemaking made, Julius placed the towels in the laundry hamper before laying down in bed with the mares.

As sleep overtook the mares, Julius laid still, not awake, yet not truly asleep. A light sleep, a short rest before what could be a trying confrontation. A time passed, Julius wanted to say hours, but it very well could have been just a few minutes. Forcing himself awake, Julius checked the three mares in bed with him; sure enough, they were all asleep. Getting up and getting dressed, Julius made his way out into the living room. A black liquidy ball of energy greeted him, Luna's shield while in the dream realm. Sighing softly, Julius grabbed his staff before heading outside, out into the Everfree at night. The crisp air greeted his skin as Julius mentally prepared himself.

"No time like the present," Julius quietly sighed as he quietly made his way into the Everfree Forest. The path he had to take was clear in his mind.

Chapter 32: A Moonlit Lakeside Test

Julius groggily made his way through the moonlit forest. Sure his mind was awake, but his body sure wasn't; from both the day's work and the little rest, Julius felt like his body was made out of bricks. His heavy feet fell on the forest floor with a near reckless thud, one that Julius hasn't let happen in quite some time. Making his way down the path, Julius picked up several different berries, fruits, and flowers that he knew he could eat. Sure there didn't do much, but every bit helped restore his energy; every bite refreshed him, if only slightly. Juices, sour and sweet, flooded his mouth from the fruit while the flowers helped clean up the mess and toned down the myriad of tastes. It would almost be pleasant if only he had time to stop and enjoy it, maybe make a tea out of it.

"Almost there," Julius sighed, more awake now than before. Approaching the clearing by the lake, Julius stopped before breaking the treeline. Surveying the area, Julius noticed how quiet it was. Even at night, the forest wasn't supposed to be this quiet; it was eerie. Collecting himself for a few moments, Julius gathered his strength and energy before walking into the middle of the clearing. "Alright, I'm here," Julius said as he stood on guard in the middle of the clearing. "Now, give me my answers!" Julius commanded. Short moments later, something pounded into Julius's back, sending him hard to the ground.

"Come now, messir, you did not think answers would come that easily, did you? I did say that you'd be tested, didn't I?" The voice chuckled with mirth. "Come now, messir, The Divine Mistress, has such high expectations for you," the voice seemingly taunted. "Surely you can do better," it laughed and taunted while Julius laid on the ground.

"This. Proves. Nothing." Julius said through gritted teeth. Gathering his breath, Julius started to stand back up. A few short moments after getting to his feet, the same force slams into Julius's back, sending him tumbling back to the ground.

"Come now, messir," the voice started to laugh, "you are supposed to be a lover of mares, not a lover of dirt. Or mayhaps you've added dirt to your paramours?" The voice laughed as Julius gathered himself.

"Oh shut up, you stupid stealthy twat," Julius grunted as he picked himself up off the ground. Bracing himself for an attack, Julius found that none came. Slowly standing, Julius started to count mentally. Once again, a strong force slammed into his back and sent him hurtling to the ground. Panting intensely, Julius closed his eyes, a smirk starting to form on his face. Bracing himself as best he could, Julius stood back up, ready to take a hit.

"Not running, you have more guts than most ponies," the voice complimented, "but that doesn't mean that you're wise," the voice chastised. Shortly after the admonishment, the same force sent Julius back to the ground.

"There's where you're wrong," Julius quietly said, grinning as he hit the ground. Sure he took a good hit, but one he was expecting, one he was prepared for. Rolling through the fall, Julius stood right back up and started to count in his head. At the count of three, Julius swiftly turned around and grabbed at the air with both hands. Grabbing onto a hoof with each hand, Julius spun his body around before slamming the creature hard into the ground. Sure it seemed to be invisible, but it still had a form. Swiftly mounting the creature, Julius smirked down at the shimmering form.

"Good showing," the creature coughed as its shimmering form became apparent. It looked like a pegasus but with bat wings and slimmer, the same musculature, though.

"Maybe, but I'm not so convinced," a different voice said; this one almost sounds like a young British lady, only with a slight wispiness to her voice. Hearing the sound of flames from behind him, Julius turned his head around to see a glossy red ponylike creature running right towards him.

"Answers later," Julius quickly said before delivering a solid chop to the back of the batpony's neck, knocking it out. Julius had just enough time to dodge the barreling glossy pony. "So, are you this Divine Mistress?" Julius asked as he prepared himself.

"You do me far too much credit. No, I am not the Maiden of Mercy," The creature said as it prepared to attack.

"That only adds questions!" Julius yelled in exasperation. He only had a moment before the figure was upon him. Like with the batpony, Julius grabbed this one's hoof. "Nice try, but you'll never hit me like that," Julius smirked.

"Agreed, a change is in order, don't you think," the glossy pony grinned. Azure flames surrounded the glossy pony, the flames caressing Julius's arm. While looking like fire, they were actually quite cool. Julius didn't have time to be surprised as the hoof in his hand changed its shape. Keeping his grip firm, Julius saw eyes that were all too familiar to him. "Is this more to your taste?" The same voice said, but this time, it came from a somewhat androgynous, naked female human. Julius had no time to be distracted as she tried to deliver a stiff knee to his stomach.

"What the fuck!" Julius exclaimed in surprise as he blocked her knee with his own. "If you think cheap tricks will help you, then you have another thing coming!" Julius said, anger in his voice as he placed one of his legs behind the fake human. Twisting his body and sweeping his leg, Julius tripped the fake human while falling on top of her.

"Nice trick," the fake human says as she falls. Upon hitting the ground, familiar blue flames surround her and Julius as she once again changes form, taking the form of a pony, only larger; the shapeshifter bucked Julius right off her. Landing hard near the lake, Julius collected himself for a brief moment. Julius then quickly rolled to the side, barely dodging a pouncing stomp.

"Piss off!" Julius grunted as he punched up into the shapeshifter's stomach; this hit connected. Sliding a hand up, Julius grabbed the winded shapeshifter's wing and threw her into the lake. "Where's my staff, where's my staff," Julius quietly repeated to himself, trying to find his staff. Taking the little time he had, Julius started to search around the prone batpony. "There you are!" Julius exclaimed as he grabbed his staff. Taking a strong sigh of relief, Julius turned around to see a large spout of water burst forth from the lake. A light mist fell upon the clearing as the shapeshifter was in her original form. Flying down swiftly at Julius, the shapeshifter flew down, her hoof in front of her, ready to dive-bomb Julius.

Had he'd been faster, Julius could have countered, but fatigue and desperation clouded his mind. Instead of stabbing at the shapeshifter with his staff, Julius threw a powerful punch forward. Hoof met fist as the two limbs slammed into each other. As fist and hoof bounced off each other, both human and shapeshifter recoiled in pain. If there was one thing Julius was thankful for, it was that the shapeshifter wasn't wearing horseshoes or anything like that. Sure his left hand was severely scrapped and hurt immensely, but it could have been worse.

"By the stars, what are you made out of?" The shapeshifter asked as she limped on the ground, not letting her throbbing hoof touch the ground.

"Harder stuff than you," Julius firmly said as he brought his staff down on the shapeshifter's back. Sending the shapeshifter to the ground, Julius flourished his staff, bringing the tip of it right before the creature's face. "Convinced now?" Julius asked as he glared down at the creature.

"Stars curse you, Anya, this wasn't your mission," the batpony seemingly cursed as he got up.

"Maybe not, but I didn't want poor little Onyx getting all the fun," Anya laughed as she struggled to get up, her back aching with pain.

"OK, what's going on here?" Julius asked as he nursed his left hand. "Did I pass the test? Who are all of you? What are all of you? Who or what is this Divine Mistress and Maiden of Mercy?" Julius started asking while eyeing both of the creatures.

"One question at a time, messir," Onyx said as he shook his head. "First, yes, you passed the test. You passed when you caught me. Anya's interference wasn't supposed to happen," Onyx said while shooting Anya a sharp glare for a moment.

"Hey, I wasn't ordered to stay out of it either," Ayna chuckled while shaking her injured hoof.

"You know what they meant," Onyx said as he turned to look at Julius. "As for our names, well, I'm guessing that you figured out that I am Onyx, and she is Anya. Full names are Onyx Glowerwing, and she's Anya Suthersell," Onyx said as he gestured to Anya, who spared only a short curtsy before going back to tending her hoof. "As for The Divine Mistress and the Maiden of Mercy, they are the same being. You know her as Princess Luna," Onyx explained as Julius's eyes went a little wide.

"Luna? Wait. Did she order you to spy on me?!?" Julius nearly shouted in surprise.

"Not at all messir," Onyx laughed. "No, your observation was ordered by the coventress, the leader of our coven's council," Onyx explained to a baffled Julius.

"OK, well, how long was I being watched for, and how does Luna fit into this?" Julius asked.

"I spotted you nearly a month ago," Anya said as she tried her hoof. "At that time, you were doing a bunch of weird things in the Everfree Forest, like breaking branches and hitting trees," Anya explained. "After the manticore attack, the coventress ordered you to be watched," Anya explained.

"YOU'VE BEEN WATCHING ME SINCE DAY ONE?!?" Julius shouted in surprise. "WHY DIDN'T YOU HELP WITH THE MANTICORE?" Julius shouted with anger.

"You were unknown at the time, it was too dangerous. If you had fallen there, then I would have hit the manticore with some sedative. Then transport you back to the coven, where you'd likely be placed in a secure place and given medical care," Anya explained to a glaring Julius. "Fortunately you got to Zecora's house, and I didn't have to swoop in to save you."

"Please understand, messir, we're in a somewhat compromised position. We have been for the past thousand moons. We may be more cautious than the Equestrians, but we are more welcoming to those who need it," Onyx started to explain. "Tell me, do you know what either of us are?" Onyx asked as he and Anya stared at Julius.

"A batpony and a shapeshifter," Julius said right back.

"We prefer Thestrals, but yes," Onyx said as he gestured to Anya. "She, however, is a Changeling," Onyx said as he pointed a hoof at the glossy red mare.

"Don't listen to those Equestrians; Changelings can be good," Anya said as she put more and more weight on her hoof.

"Messir, understand, Thestrals are outcasts. We haven't been a part of Equestria since the great treachery a thousand moons ago. Reformed Changelings are in a similar state," Onyx told Julius.

"OK," Julius said, too exhausted to argue. "So, how does Luna fit into all of this?" Julius asked as he sat down on the ground.

"The Divine Mistress is our Queen, our Goddess," Onyx told Julius.

"The Maiden of Mercy is the first Equestrian noble who seriously wanted to try to reform Changelings," Anya told Julius. "One thousand twenty moons ago, she had an idea, take in Changelings that didn't want to live in the way that the hive did. The Equestrians dragged their hoofs on it, then the great treachery happened. Equestria abandoned that idea, but the Thestrals kept it. To honor her memory, we call her The Maiden of Mercy," Anya explained to Julius.

"Interesting," Julius said, "why haven't I heard anything about any of this?" Julius asked as he laid back.

"Messir, you'll find that Equestria has forgotten most of its older history. Of that which is remembered, it's usually carefully picked," Onyx told Julius. "Something I suspect you have experience in," Onyx said while he and Anya gave Julius a knowing look. "Now, if you don't mind my asking, why have you never asked about us?" Onyx asked while looking Julius down.

"I never knew that you existed. No creature said anything about either of you, " Julius said. "Well, Zecora told me about changelings, but never anything about good ones," Julius said as Onyx walked closer to him.

"Really," Onyx sighed. "The Divine Mistress spoke highly of you, and that is what you tell me?" Onyx said, almost sounding insulted. "Think back. Remember what the solar tyrant told you about magic affinities," Onyx nearly spit out, venom evident in his voice. "How each tribe has their own element."

"Yeah, Earth belongs to the Earth Ponies, Air to the Pegasi, and Fire to the Unicorns," Julius said.

"Forgetting something," Onyx asked, "maybe something wet," he said while looking right at Julius.

"Wait, if your element is Water, why didn't anypony say anything?" Julius asked as he realized what Onyx was getting at.

"I'm not sure if you noticed, but us Thestrals and that monster don't like each other," Onyx spat as he walked up to Julius. "The other ponies likely haven't heard of us before; as for The Divine Mistress, she didn't say anything because she wanted you to ask about it. Ask about who had Water as their element. She was disappointed when you didn't," Onyx told Julius.

"I see," Julius said as he used his magic to heal his left hand. "Luna and I will have to talk at some point," Julius sighed. "So, before I leave to go back to Zecora's, I have to ask, what's with the hatred towards Celestia? I mean, I know I'm missing something, but I don't know what," Julius asked as he got ready to stand up.

"I am sorry messir, The Divine Mistress doesn't want you to know. Just know that what that monster did was unforgivable," Onyx spat with fiery venom.

"Goddamnit!" Julius exclaimed, "I really want to know what happened. It's going to be affecting me after all," Julius almost pouted.

"Why's that?" Onyx asked as Anya walked over.

"Let's just say, the Maiden of Mercy name needs a replacement for 'Maiden,'" Julius chuckled as Anya started to walk up to him.

"Be that as it may, that will still be her title to us," Anya said as she walked right up to Julius. "A little healing, please," Anya requested as she presented her injured hoof to Julius.

"I'll see what I can do," Julius said as he started to heal Anya's hoof. "Aren't you surprised by what I said?" Julius asked as he used the little magical energy he had remaining to heal Anya's hoof.

"Why would I be?" Anya asked as she felt her hoof getting better. "She's a grown mare with grown mare needs. Besides, you're packing quite a fearsome monster in there. It makes sense for the monster slayer to tame that beast," Anya joked as she looked right at Julius's crotch.

"It was a surprise to be sure when we found out that The Divine Mistress took a paramour, but we're happy that she is finding happiness; she deserves it," Onyx said in agreement.

"So, you're saying it was a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one?" Julius asked, a stupid grin on his face.

"A little awkward if you say it like that, but more or less," Onyx said while giving Julius a wry look.

"Oh, never mind. You won't know the meme joy of that grand space opera," Julius told the two equines, who just looked at each other and shrugged. Sighing, Julius sent down Anya's hoof, having done all he could. "I, I think I'm tapped," Julius panted as he struggled to stand up.

"Come on, you big lug," Anya chuckled as she walked up to Julius's side. "Up you go," Anya said as she and Onyx pressed up against Julius's sides. Helping Julius up, the two equines stayed by Julius's sides while he steadied himself, using his staff to help support himself.

"It looks like you're wholly exhausted, messir," Onyx said as he stood beside Julius. "Let us help you back to Zecora's house," Onyx told Julius as the two equines walked beside Julius.

"Well, this was a quick turnaround," Julius lightly laughed. "You really don't have any bad feelings towards me?" Julius asked as the two helped him back down the path.

"Messir, we never did," Onyx said as the group walked down the path. "The stalking, as you called it, was just us following orders. We have to protect the coven, and our coven is close," Onyx told Julius. "We understand, though, that you probably do have some sour feelings, messir," Onyx sighed as the three walked down the barely visible path.

"Good, cause I do. I'm just too exhausted to show it," Julius yawned. "Bad feelings can wait until tomorrow," Julius once again yawned.

"Understandable," Anya said as she picked a flower. "Most creatures don't take well to being watched from the shadows," Anya said as she ate the flower, honey-tasting petals tickling her tongue.

"So you'll stop then?" Julius hopefully asked. The two equines looked at each other before sharing a light chuckle.

"I am afraid, messir, that would be quite impossible," Onyx flatly told Julius. "You live in the Everfree, the backyard of my coven. If that wasn't enough, The Divine Mistress has taken you as a paramour," Onyx told Julius, who just rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, messir, you haven't been judged as a threat. As long as that stays true, you don't have anything to worry about," Onyx assures Julius.

"Yeah, think of us as your guardians in the shadows," Anya winks while lightly, playfully nudging Julius's side.

"Yeah, sure," Julius said unamused. "So, just how much about me did you know?" Julius asked as they continued down the path.

"Everything," both Onyx and Anya tell Julius as Anya gives Julius a small fruit.

"When you say everything..." Julius says, trailing off as he took a bite of the fruit.

"Oh, we mean everything," Anya smiles with a wink. "Your magic, your relationships, your knowledge, well as much as anycreature here knows, and," Anya says while licking her lips, "your body," Anya breathily said to Julius.

"Anya cut it out; the poor stallion is exhausted enough," Onyx told Anya while rolling his eyes. "It is true, though; we know just about everything about you that you've told and shown to the ponies," Onyx confirmed.

"Well, geez, it's nice to know that my stalkers are thorough," Julius jokingly laughed. "So I suppose I don't have to catch you up on anything, do it?" Julius asked, too exhausted to really care what he was talking about.

"Not really, no," Onyx confirmed. "Though we would like to know more about your kind and your kind's history," Onyx told Julius.

"Really? Well, I want to know more about this thing that happened a thousand moons ago. I guess we all get to wonder, don't we?" Julius tries to shoot back, but it gets ruined by his yawning.

"Fair enough," Onyx sighed.

"You want to know badly, don't you?" Anya said as Onyx gave her a sharp look. "Don't worry, I won't tell him what happened," Anya tells Onyx to dissuade his worries. "The Maiden of Mercy is just worried about what you'll think of it, of her," Anya told Julius.

"She shouldn't be," Julius yawned, "human history isn't very pleasant," Julius yawned again as Zecora's house came into view.

"Guessing that we'll have to take your word on that for now," Onyx said as he spotted Zecora's house. "For now, though, we must depart. We trust that you can make it back from here?" Onyx asks as Zecora's home was very clearly in view.

"Yes, I'll be fine," Julius yawned. "Well, until we meet again," Julius yawned as he walked towards the treehouse.

"Probably in a few nights, a week at the most," Anya said as the two equines walked off into the Everfree Forest.

Entering Zecora's home, Julius spotted Luna, sphere gone, looking right at him.

"I'm too tired for this right now," Julius yawned as he met Luna's gaze. "Later, we're going to talk, though," Julius powerfully yawned as he stumbled into the house. Luna's magic enveloped him as Julius set his staff down.

"I know. For now, though rest easy, I'll carry you to bed," Luna told Julius as he faded to sleep, wrapped in the embrace of Luna's magic while the mare levitated Julius into the bed with the other mares.

Chapter 32.5: Anya, Onyx, and Their Coven

Onyx and Anya walked off into the Everfree Forest, each of the equines nursing their injuries. Onyx, for his part, wasn't that badly injured. He might have a large bruise on his back in the morning, but he'd live. Anya, on the other hoof, was in much worse shape. Sure, Julius attempted to heal her, but he didn't accomplish much due to his lack of energy and inexperience in healing. The wounds from her fight showed with every step. Anya's injured hoof was slightly limping with every step.

"If you're looking for mercy, you can forget it," Onyx said to Anya. "You were not meant to interfere with Julius's test, and you know that," Onyx chastised Anya.

"Oh please, Onyx," Anya lightly laughed, "if I weren't expecting to get hurt, then I wouldn't have interfered," Anya winced as she limped through the thick undergrowth of the Everfree Forest.

"You still shouldn't have interfered!" Onyx seemingly pouted, earning a chuckle from Anya.

"Your sister was right!" Anya cooed. "You're so cute!" Anya remarked as she looked at Onyx's pouting face. "Come here, cutie!" Anya called to a retreating Onyx.

"Starsdamnit Anya! I'm a scout in the Reĝa Akva Stelo Coven!" Onyx shot at Anya as he backed away from her. "Stop treating me like I'm some helpless foal!" Onyx commanded the slightly giggling mare.

"I know, I know," Anya chuckled as she collected herself. "You're still a stallion, though, and need protecting," Anya said while earning a glare from Onyx. "I know, I know, your whole Stallion's rights thing," Anya sighed as she ducked under a branch. "But seriously, come here. I could do with some love," Anya told Onyx as she limped up to him.

"Fine," Onyx grumbled as he nuzzled with Anya. "You have to stop treating me like a foal, though," Onyx said as excess love energy flowed from him and into Anya. "I'm a fully grown thestral now," Onyx protested as Anya absorbed the spare love energy.

"Yes, I know," Anya said as she stopped nuzzling Onyx, "but you're a stallion. You know that there are far fewer stallions than mares. So you know that you have to be careful and be protected," Anya reminded Onyx. "Besides, your sister would kill me if anything happened to you," Anya remarked. "Tartarus, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't take kindly to Julius, considering he harmed her 'most precious treasure,'" Anya laughed as she and Onyx walked deeper into the Everfree Forest.

"Cut it out, Anya," Onyx blushed, "that nickname is embarrassing."

"Oh, come now, Onyx," Anya smiled as she lightly nudged him. "I think it's cute that your big sister loves her little brother so much," Anya admitted as she dodged an errant tree branch.

"I know, you've said so on so many occasions that I've stopped keeping track," Onyx sighed. "It's just, my sister never even considered another stallion," Onyx again sighed as he hopped over a small hole in the path.

"OK, so she skipped the courtesy of waiting until she was in her mid-thirties to herd with a stallion family member," Anya conceded. "So what? She loves you all the same," Anya told Onyx as the two went down a very well hidden path.

"I know," Onyx yelped as he barely dodged a spiky branch. "It's just, what if I want more mares? I'm a little afraid of what she'd do to them," Onyx told Anya, who just lightly smiled at him.

"You don't have to worry about that," Anya comforted Onyx. "I'll talk to Laurina about it," Anya told Onyx. "Though I do wonder, who exactly are these 'more mares' you're thinking of, hmmm," Anya teased as she leaned closer to Onyx. Onyx just looked away and blushed slightly. "Am I perhaps one of these mares?" Anya devilishly grinned.

"This conversation is going nowhere!" Onyx defensively said as he puffed out his chest and started to walk ahead of Anya.

"By the Maiden, I am, aren't I?" Anya giggled while trying to hop towards Onyx, only to fall, thanks to her injured hoof.

"Stars take you," Onyx sighed as he walked over to Anya and helped her up. "What will I ever do with you?" Onyx asked, shaking his head while helping Anya up.

"Well," Anya started to say, a smirk growing on her face, "if you had it your way, I'm guessing breeding, maybe some cuddling, perhaps some walks by the lake," Anya joked, much to Onyx's embarrassment.

"Would you stop it, please?" Onyx pleaded as the two continued down the hidden path. With each step down the trail, Anya became more aware of Onyx's gaze on her.

"See anything you like?" Anya teased as she flared out her wings.

"I'm just worried about your injury. It would be bad if you kept falling," Onyx sighed as Anya draped one of her wings over Onyx's back.

"Come now," Anya coyly whispered. "You can tell me the truth," Anya teases while gently nibbling at his ear.

"OK, OK, fine," Onyx says while blushing. "Yes, I have thought of you in that way," Onyx admits while avoiding Anya's gaze. "There, are you happy?" Onyx asked his cheeks almost as red as Anya's chitinous skin.

"There, there, was that so hard?" Anya chuckled as she dragged her wing across Onyx's back. "It's OK, your big changeling sister understands," Anya cooed as she rubbed her cheek against Onyx's cheek. "I'm OK with sharing your bed with you and your sister," Anya said, winking at Onyx.

"Come on, Anya, don't tease me like that!" Onyx blustered, his face growing even redder.

"Oh dear sweet Onyx," Anya started to say in a singsong voice, "who said I was teasing?" Anya asked as she kissed Onyx's cheek.

"I, ummm, I uhhh," Onyx stammered. Not paying attention to his surroundings, Onyx walked headfirst into a tree.

"Oh, Onyx, never stop being cute," Anya chuckled as she helped Onyx recover. Shaking his head clear, Onyx just gave Anya a bashful look before turning his attention to the path. Going down the winding path, Onyx and Anya followed the nearly perfectly hidden trail. If the clues to Zecora's house were difficult to spot, then these were borderline impossible to see. Cutting through some of the roughest brush the Everfree could offer, the two made their way through dense brambles and various poisonous plants.

"Almost there," Onyx said with a sigh. "How are you doing, Anya?" Onyx asked as he looked beside him.

"Don't worry about me," Anya confidently told Onyx as she followed beside him. "I'm a strong mare; I'll be OK," Anya winks as she falls slightly behind Onyx.

"No, Anya," Onyx said as he walked behind Anya. "You take the lead here. If you start to fall, then I'll be able to catch you," Onyx told Anya as he walked carefully behind Anya.

"Awww, you do care," Anya chuckled as she took the lead. Anya started to walk along the cliff edge, being very mindful of her footing. The edge was a near straight fall down; sure, both Anya and Onyx had wings, but the shock of falling suddenly still wasn't pleasant. Anya kept her footing well; sure, the ledge was narrow, but not so thin that an equine would have trouble crossing. Now a minotaur or something larger would have great difficulty passing over the ridge. Step by measured step, Anya and Onyx carefully made their way across the cliff's edge.

"Finally across that gap," Onyx sighed in relief as he finished crossing the edge.

"It's good to walk over that," Anya said as she rolled her shoulders. "Best not to get too used to flying over everything," Anya chuckled as the two continued down the trail towards the coven.

"I know right," Onyx chuckled as he walked beside Anya. "I swear some pegasi fly so much that they forget how to walk," Onyx joked as Anya laughed. As the winding trail came to a clearing, Anya and Onyx walked into the middle of the clearing. "Might as well prepare now," Onyx sighed as he gathered himself.

"No time like the present," Anya comforted. "Hey, Laurina, we're back!" Anya shouted at a cliff-face. Nothing happened. "A stickler for the rules," Anya sighed while walking up to the cliff-face. "As night falls, we shall head out. We heed the stars' calls, and they plot our route," Anya said to the cliff-face. As Anya finished talking, a magical glow surrounded a section of the cliff-face. For the briefest of moments, that section shimmered and shone before it became transparent. "Stallions first," Anya said to Onyx, who just rolled his eyes. As the pair walked into the now open entrance, a slightly larger thestral came barreling towards Onyx.

"Welcome back, sweetie!" A feminine voice sang as the female thestral tightly embraced Onyx.

"Geez, Laurina," Anya lightly laughed as she entered. "Give the poor stallion a break; remember the test," Anya reminded Laurina as the entrance closed behind the two.

"I know," Laurina disapprovingly said. "It should have been me to go, not my dear sweet little brother," Laurina said as she tightly embraced Onyx against her tuff.

"Mhhhph," Oynx muffled as he finally broke free of his sister's embrace. "Sister, if you went, then you two would have battered each other senseless," Onyx told Laurina as he took a few steps back from her.

"I might still have to if he hurt you," Laurina told Onyx as she went to nuzzle him.

"He got in a solid hit, but I'm fine," Onyx told Laurina as he looked at Anya. "Anya though took far more damage," Onyx said as Anya limped up to Laurina.

"That crazy human," Anya chuckled. "Instead of dodging, he punched my diving hoof. At least I gave it as hard as I took it," Anya laughed while Onyx sighed.

"Yes, and he got a solid strike on your back," Onyx reminded Anya.

"Please, don't remind me. My back is still killing me," Anya said as Laurina walked up to Anya.

"He attacked you? Why did he attack you?" Laurina asked, her voice steeped in concern.

"Anya interfered in the test. After Julius caught me, she jumped in," Onyx told his sister, while Anya just sheepishly laughed.

"Anya," Laurina firmly said, "you know you were not supposed to interfere in the test. I ordered you to watch out for my Onyx, nothing else," Laurina chastised Anya while tapping a hoof against the ground.

"I know, I couldn't resist, though," Anya told Laurina while lightly patting Laurina's back with one of her wings. "Besides, I gave it to Julius pretty well, so don't worry about paying him back for anything he did to Onyx," Anya told Laurina.

"Anya, you'll worry my sister if you say that," Onyx said as Laurina ran up to Onyx. "Relax, sister, I'm fine. I just got thrown to the ground and took a hit to the back of my neck. Trust me, Anya got the worst of things," Onyx tried to comfort his sister.

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Laurina firmly said. "Not only are you a stallion, but you're my brother. I don't care why; you should never get harmed," Laurina cooed as she nuzzled her brother.

"Stars curse you, Laurina," Onyx cursed as she struggled against his sister's nuzzling. "I'm a fully grown thestral; stop treating me like this!" Onyx exclaimed as he tried to break away from his sister. "For star's sake, I'm in the military! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to get in?" Onyx reminded his sister as she nuzzled him.

"I know, as a stallion, it's difficult," Laurina said as she lightly rocked Onyx's head in her wings. "If I had it my way, you never would have joined. Even as a scout on patrol, it can be perilous. You really should be back home, planning our family," Laurina cooed as Anya laughed.

"Starsdamnit, Laurina!" Onyx exclaimed at Laurina's statement. "Stallions can do more than merely stay at home and tend to the household," Onyx protested.

"Yes, yes, your stallion's rights thing," Laurina sighed. "You know you have it better here than in Equestria, right? I mean, sure, we're no Zebrica or any of the splinter countries of the former Griffon Empire, but still, you have it quite good," Laurina reminded Onyx.

"I know, I'm still going to push for more, though," Onyx said as Anya ruffled his mane.

"Ever the idealist," Anya laughed as she looked at Laurina. "Listen, my hoof is still in pretty bad shape. I'm going to go to medical and get it fixed up. I'll see you two later," Anya told the pair as she started to fly off. "Oh, and don't forget to give your sister your report," Anya reminded Onyx as she flew off into the hollowed-out mountain.

"Ah right," Onyx chuckled as he scratched the back of his neck with a hoof.

"Yes, the report," Laurina said as she took a few steps away from Onyx. Clearing her throat, Laurina prepared to speak. "Master Corporal Onyx Glowerwing," Laurina started to say as she regained her composure, "you were given a mission by the Coven Council to investigate and subsequently test the human known as Julius. Seeing that you have returned, I suspect that you have finished your assignment. I expect a full report on my desk within four hours!" Laurina commanded.

"Yes, General Coveness Glowerwing!" Onyx responded. "The Report shall be on your desk within four hours, General Coveness Glowerwing!" Onyx finished responding.

"Very good. Dismissed!" Laurina commanded as she walked off towards her office.

"You'd think having a big sister as a general and on the council would have made me getting into the military easier," Onyx started to mumble once he was alone. "But no~" Onyx exaggeratedly said, "instead of helping, she tried to block it," Onyx sighed as he started to walk off towards the barrack. As Onyx walked off towards the barracks, soft gems twinkled from the ceiling, lighting the massive cave; it was like the stars themselves illuminated the cave. Looking up at the cave ceiling, Onyx sighed. Paperwork sucked, but it had to get done; after all, it's what the bureaucracy wants. And as always, the bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy. Absentmindedly walking towards the barrack, Onyx ignored the thestrals and reformed changelings around him. As he approached the barrack, the doors opened up.

"Oh, you're back, Onyx," a female voice said as Onyx entered the building. "How did your 'special assignment' go?" the female thestral teased as she lightly bumped his shoulder.

"I think it went well, Xiaolee," Onyx responded as he made his way to one of the barrack offices.

"Awww, not going to say more than that?" Xiaolee moaned. "Come on; your top-secret assignment was all the talk of the barrack," Xiaolee pleaded with Onyx.

"For the umpteenth time, no," Onyx firmly told Xaiolee. "Although you did just remind me of something," Onyx said as he made his way to Major Alarie's office.

"Going to the Major, why?" Xaiolee asked as she followed Onyx.

"You, you and the others in the barracks, that's why," Onyx responded before stopping by a door. Knocking firmly at the door, Onyx piped up, "Major Alarie? Master Corporal Onyx Glowerwing, requesting a meeting!" Onyx sounded off before the door. Moments passed in silence.

"Enter!" A single command came from the room. Leaving Xiaolee behind, Onyx entered the office. Looking around, Onyx noticed a single thestral behind a desk, with four guards standing at attention in the room. "Why have you requested this meeting, Master Corporal Glowerwing?" The thestral behind the desk asked.

"Major Alarie, as you know, I've been given a top-secret assignment," Onyx started to say.

"Yes, yes, and it's been the talk of the barracks for the last month. What of it, Master Corporal Glowerwing?" Major Alarie asked while cutting Onyx off.

"My assignment has been completed," Onyx continued. "General Coveness Laurina Glowerwing wishes for a full report. As my assignment was, and still is, top-secret, I request the usage of a private office, Major Alarie," Onyx requested, as Major Alarie got up from her desk. Walking over to Onyx, the mare held him in her gaze for a few moments.

"Since it's for a top-secret mission, and report, very well," Major Alarie said as she made for the door. "You and two of the guards, come with me," she commanded as she left her office. Onyx and the two guards closest to the door followed Major Alarie out. Walking down the hallways, Onyx found himself by an unmarked room. "Here," Major Alarie said as she unlocked the door. "You may write your report in there. You two guards!" Major Alarie said as she turned to the two guards. "You are to make sure nocreature enters that room other than Master Corporal Onyx Glowerwing. After Master Corporal Onyx Glowerwing is finished writing his report, you are to escort him to General Coveness Laurina Glowerwing's office. Then return immediately, understood?" Major Alarie commanded.

"Yes, Major Alarie!" The two guards responded.

"Perfect," Major Alarie said before turning towards Onyx. "What are you still doing out here?" Major Alarie shot at Onyx. "Do you want me to smoke you like a salmon? You have a report to write up! Get in that office and write it up! Understood, Master Corporal Glowerwing?" Major Alarie commanded Onyx.

"Yes, Major," Onyx responded as he entered the office. After hearing the door shut, Major Alarie walked back to her office to finish her paperwork.

Chapter 33: Road Trip to Goldie's

Sleeping deeply, Julius barely moved the rest of the night. Julius scarcely made a move or sound during the whole night. A refreshing change, to be sure. While he didn't snore as loudly as Rainbow Dash, Julius did still snore. But, deep in sleep, Julius had a peaceful, restful sleep.

"-Up," A feminine voice said. "Wake up," the voice once again said. "Julius, wake up!" The voice commanded as something shook Julius.

"Five more minutes," Julius moaned.

"You said five more minutes five minutes ago," the voice firmly told Julius, who was already back asleep. "Oh, to tartarus with this," the voice sighed. "Julius, I'm coming in." There was nothing but a watery void in Julius's dreamscape, like a pristine crystal lake; Julius seemed to be floating in the dream lake. "JULIUS, IT IS TIME TO WAKE UP!" Luna commanded in the Royal Canterlot Voice as she stared at Julius's dream form.

"Luna?" Julius tiredly asked. "What are you doing here? You know how I feel about you just barging in on my dreams," Julius told Luna. "I mean, seriously, if you keep doing that, then soon enough, you'll get scarred for life," Julius told Luna as he floated in the dream lake.

"I doubt that; I've seen some dark things," Luna told Julius as she flew right over him. "I tried to wake you up from outside, but you weren't waking up, so now I'm here," Luna explained to Julius.

"Why are you trying to wake me up? You know I had a long day and a long night last night," Julius asked as his eyes narrowed at Luna.

"Yes, yes, I'm aware," Luna sighed, "but I do believe that you have a road trip with the Apples today," Luna reminded Julius.

"Wait, that's today?" Julius said in shock while Luna nodded her head. "What time is it?"

"It's almost seven," Luna told Julius, whose eyes shot open.

"I have to wake up!" Julius said in a quick panic as his dreamscape started to fade away. Then, shooting up, Julius swiftly moved to get out of bed.

"I see that got you awake," Luna chuckled as Julius got dressed in a panic.

"Yeah, Applejack can be a bit of a slave driver," Julius responded as he stumbled over himself as he got dressed. "She'd kill me if I were late," Julius said as Luna gave him a sideways look. "Well, not literally, but you know," Julius cleared up for Luna as he stumbled into the kitchen.

"For you, this is early. Hopefully, you're not feeling too surly," Zecora remarked at seeing Julius awake.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash followed up, herself only being slightly more awake than Julius. "We're just finishing up breakfast. We saved you some," she told him as Rainbow finished her last pancake.

"We made them with some berries from the Everfree," Twilight said, her plate long since empty. "They're delicious. Honestly, I didn't think that the Everfree had such good fruits," Twilight smiled before she took her plate to the sink.

"Yeah, the Everfree is like that," Julius quickly said as he sat down at the table. "Where are the leftovers?" Julius asked in a slight panic.

"Forgive him," Luna said as she sat down at the table. "Julius is in a hurry to get to Sweet Apple Acres. He has to go on a road trip with the Apple siblings," Luna explained as she levitated some pancakes over.

"I'm sure they're aware," Julius said before quickly taking a bite out of one of the pancakes.

"Is something wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at Julius.

"Agreed. I understand that sleep is what you need. But even for this early hour. Your voice sounds rather sour," Zecora followed up as she and Twilight stared at Julius.

"Oh, there's a reason, Luna knows why," Julius told the three while Luna looked away. "If you want to know, ask Luna about the thestrals," Julius said, much to Luna's shock.

"What's a thestral?" Rainbow Dash and Twilight asked.

"I'd tell you, but Luna is far more fit to explain. Isn't that right?" Julius asked while looking right at Luna.

"I must confess. About these thestrals, I could know no less. More is what I'd like to know. Princess of the night, could you make it so?" Zecora requested while looking at Luna.

"Give me some time to wake up," Luna sighed as she started to eat her breakfast. "Not exactly how I wanted this to come to light," Luna sighed as she looked at Julius.

"Yes, you wanted me to ask about something that I didn't know existed," Julius rolled his eyes as he ate his breakfast.

"Uhhh, girls," Rainbow Dash started to say, "why do I have the feeling that we're missing something here?" Rainbow Dash asked while the other two mares nodded.

"You are," Julius said as he quickly finished his breakfast. "Luna will fill you in. I would, but I have to go," Julius said in a rush as he bolted up from his seat and made for the door. "Thank you for breakfast!" Julius thanked right as he left Zecora's house. Then, rushing swiftly through the Everfree, Julius made near-record time in making it to Ponyville.

As he entered Ponyville alone, Julius noticed how much different things were while he wasn't with any of the mares of his herd. Ponies stayed just a little more clear of him, their whispers just a little louder. It felt strange. By no means was Ponyville a small place, not large, merely average, but it felt colder than the other days. Had Julius the spare time, he'd question it more, but as it was, he'd be lucky to make it to Sweet Apple Acres with any time to spare. Swiftly going through the streets, Julius ignored the ponies that seemed to be avoiding him. Making his way through the gates to Sweet Apple Acres, Julius saw four ponies. The three Apple siblings and another pony, a mint-colored pony.

"But I was told that he was here," the mint-colored pony told the Apples.

"Yes, Julius does work here, but he doesn't live here," Applejack told the mare as her eyes narrowed. "Speaking of," Applejack said, her voice trailing off, "you're late," Applejack said, sounding very annoyed.

"Yeah, yeah, sorry," Julius panted. "I had a rough night. I just woke up about an hour ago," Julius panted as he caught his breath. "Oh, uhhh, Lyra, was it?" Julius asked as he spotted the other mare.

"Oh good, you remembered my name," Lyra said, sounding pleased.

"If you two don't mind, we have to get going! Lyra, you can ask Julius about that thing when we get back. And away from Apple Bloom," Applejack told Lyra.

"Why away from me?" Apple Bloom whined. "I'm old enough for anything!" Apple Bloom proudly stated.

"Apple Bloom, please, don't be in a rush to grow up," Applejack and Julius said in unison while Lyra looked on.

"Julius," Lyra said as she walked up to him. "When you get back, can you come to Sweetie Drops' Candies?" Lyra requests of him. "I'd say more, but I'd like to avoid a bucking from Applejack," Lyra joked before she walked off.

"Did she want -" Julius started to say.

"Eeyup," Applejack and Big Mac both cut him off.

"Really? Nice," Julius said, smirking while nodding his head.

"Enough about that nonsense," Applejack commandingly said as she walked beside Big Mac. "We've wasted enough time! Goldie Delicious is waiting," Applejack reminded Julius. "Let's get a move on," Applejack said as she and Big Mac started to walk off, with Apple Bloom and Julius following closely behind. The group took a different path out of Ponyville than the one Julius took to get to Sweet Apple Acres. It was a moderately small, nondescript dirt road with no adornments.

"So, where are the street lamps?" Julius asked as the group walked down the road. "And the drainage, and the pavement? Where is the road work?" Julius continued to ask as the group continued down the road.

"Remember Ponyville," Applejack reminded Julius as she walked beside Big Mac.

"Well, yeah, I just ran through there on my way to Sweet Apple Acres. But this is somehow worse," Julius remarked as he kicked a stone off the dirt road.

"Well then, if it bothers you that much," Applejack started to chuckle, "put in a word about it to the princesses. I seem to recall you being close to one of them," Applejack said as she winked at Big Mac.

"Yeah, that's on hold for a bit," Julius sighed as he breathed in the fresh countryside air. "Some things have happened," Julius wistfully sighed.

"What happened?" Apple Bloom quickly asked, her voice steeped in concern.

"I suppose nothing too serious. Luna screwed up, and I overreacted. I need some time to get my thoughts about things in order. But, honestly, this trip will be good for that," Julius told the three ponies as he picked one of the flowers.

"Princess Luna screwed up? How? She's a princess," Apple Bloom asked, surprised at what she had just heard.

"She had the best of intentions, I think. But I didn't like how it happened," Julius said as he scratched the back of his neck.

"OK," Applejack said, her voice slightly trailing off. "That doesn't explain anything," Applejack told Julius.

"Tell me," Julius started to say, "have any of you ever heard of thestrals?"

"Nope," all three ponies replied.

"Do you know about any other pony tribes?" Julius asked the three.

"Hmmm," the three ponies thought in unison.

"Oh, I know!" Apple Bloom energetically said. "Vampire ponies!"

"Apple Bloom," Applejack sighed, "vampire ponies don't exist. That's just an old mare's story Granny told ya," Applejack sighed as she shook her head.

"I want to hear about these vampire ponies," Julius told the ponies.

"Well," Apple Bloom started to say, "vampire ponies are the dark worshippers of Nightmare Moon. They're said to look like pegasi, only with bat wings and fangs. They only come out at night because they can't stand the sunlight. If you're out at night, all alone, then a vampire pony will swoop down and suck your blood!" Apple Bloom energetically explained.

"Don't listen to her," Applejack sighed while rolling her eyes, "vampire ponies don't exist."

"You're right; they don't," Julius sighed while rubbing his eyes. "The thestrals probably aren't happy about that," Julius said as he shook his head.

"There's that name again," Applejack said at hearing Julius mention thestrals. "Who are these thestrals?" Applejack asked as the group walked along the road.

"Well, those vampire ponies are likely based on the thestrals. They are a forsaken pony tribe. They look exactly how you described vampire ponies," Julius started to explain.

"YOU'VE SEEN A VAMPIRE PONY!" Applebloom excitedly exclaimed while bouncing around Julius.

"No, I've met a thestral," Julius told the excited filly. "As for the sun and drinking blood, I'm not sure, but I highly doubt it. No idea who this Nightmare Moon is, but I can assure you that they don't worship her," Julius lightly laughed. "They do, however, recognize Luna as both their Queen and Goddess," Julius told the three, who stopped in shock.

"Wait just one moment," Applejack said as she walked up to Julius. "Just how have you met one of these thestrals? And why haven't we heard anything other than rumors about them?" Applejack asked while staring Julius down.

"Well, my stalker was a thestral, well, a thestral and a reformed changeling. I met them last night," Julius told them while rolling his left wrist. "No, I don't want to talk about it," Julius quickly followed up. "As for not hearing anything about them, I'm guessing that has to do with the great treachery. It's something that happened a thousand moons ago," Julius explained to the ponies, who just nervously looked at each other. Seeing their looks, Julius stared right at Applejack. "Really? Does everypony know what this was except me?" Julius lightly laughed with derision.

"Look," Applejack started to say.

"It's just that Luna is worried about what you'll think of her," Applejack and Julius both said, both in nearly the same voice.

"Yeah, I've heard that one before," Julius quickly followed up.

"It's just that what happened is very bad," again both Applejack and Julius both said, Julius with a slightly tired look on his face.

"Again, heard it before," Julius sighed while rolling his eyes. "I suppose if I want to learn about what happened, I'll have to show Luna that it won't matter," Julius said, deep in thought.

"What do you have in mind?" Applejack asked. "Watch your head, sugarcube," Applejack said as she pulled Julius's head down, causing him to miss getting hit by a tree branch.

"AH! And thanks," Julius exclaimed while rubbing the back of his neck. "I have something in mind," Julius said while taking an intense breath. "I might have to tell her more about human history," Julius deeply sighed.

"How would that make anything better?" Applejack asked as she gave Julius an odd look. "Everything you've said made it sound like your world is a paradise," Applejack told Julius as the group came ever closer to Goldie Delicious's house.

"Yes, I know. That was intentional," Julius sighed. "Look, I've intentionally only told everypony the best parts, leaving out the worst. Trust me; our worst is truly horrific," Julius explained to the ponies.

"Oh, come on," Applejack reassuringly said. "I'm sure it's not that bad," Applejack said comfortingly.

"When was Equestria's last war?" Julius immediately asked.

"Ummm, I'm not sure," Applejack said while thinking.

"The Crystal Liberation War," Big Mac said. "One thousand seventy-five moons ago."

"He lives!" Julius exclaimed. "And he talks!" Julius laughed. "Not sure how long a moon is, but I'm guessing it's a while. Look, I won't say much, but we had several wars going on before I came to this world," Julius told the three ponies.

"That's impossible," Applejack laughed, "you made your world sound so perfect," she continued to laugh. "You're lying, right," Applejack said while looking right at a stone-faced Julius. "Right?" Applejack asked, this time sounding somewhat nervous. "You're not lying," Applejack flatly said as she looked into Julius's eyes.

"Yeah, I'm not," Julius rather solemnly said. "I won't say more than that, well, I will, but only to Luna and Celestia," Julius sighed as a house came into view.

"There it is!" Apple Bloom blurted out. "There's Golden Delicious's place!" Apple Bloom excitedly said as she started to dart ahead. The other three just shrugged before following the energetic filly. The three followed after the filly and quickly caught up. Walking up to the door, Julius went to knock on it before Applejack pulled him to the side.

"Don't stand in front of Goldie's door," Applejack firmly told Julius. "Never stand in front of Goldie's door."

"Why?" Julius asked as Big Mac, and Apple Bloom walked to the same side Julius was on. Knocking on the door, Applejack swiftly dove to the other side. A soft rumbling could be heard inside the house before an avalanche of assorted nicknacks and cats spewed out from the doorway.

"Now that's how you make an entrance!" An elderly voice exclaimed. "Or is it an exit?" The voice asked as an elderly mare dug herself out of the mess of nicknacks and felines.

"I-is that a tiger?" Julius said, barely able to contain his shock while backing up.

"Rest assure, young'un, she's more scared of you than you are of her," the elderly mare said as she looked towards Julius. "Well, aren't you a biggun!" The mare exclaimed upon seeing Julius. "Seeing as you're with my kin, I'm guessing that you're a good type. If not, I'm going to have to talk with that sister of mine," the elderly mare asked as she approached Julius. "I'm Goldie Delicious, a pleasure," Goldie introduced herself as she neared Julius.

"I'm Julius, a pleasure to meet you," Julius returned the greeting.

"Goldie," Applejack spoke up, "we came here to learn about our parents and our grandparents."

"Oh," Goldie said, sounding a little sad. "So that time has finally come," Goldie sighed. "Well, I can't tell you much," Goldie said while looking at the avalanche. "Stripes there is laying on the book. But I'll tell you what I can remember," Goldie said as she took a few deep breaths.

"Thank you, Goldie," Applejack thanked as she, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Julius sat down on the ground.

"Well, now, your father's parents aren't anything too special. Granny is an Apple, always has been, always will be. Your grandfather, well," Goldie started to giggle.

"Goldie, please, stay focused. There's a filly here," Julius said as he got an approving nod from Applejack and Big Mac.

"Right, your grandfather was a nice stallion from Vanhoover. If I remember, he was from a baker family," Goldie said as she tried to search her memory. "Your father, Bright Mac, well, you know all about him. A real quality stallion if ever there was one," Goldie sighed as she met the gazes of the listening group. "It's your mother you're interested in, isn't it?" Goldie sighed. "Of course, you know her as Buttercup, but that was just a nickname your father gave her. Pear Butter was her real name," Goldie told the group, to which a smile broke on Julius's face.

"Told you!" Julius smiled mirthfully at the shocked Apple siblings.

"No, you said that our grandfather was a Pear," Applejack corrected.

"Semantics," Julius brushed off.

"How'd you guess that?" Goldie asked as she walked up to Julius.

"Oh, I saw Applejack and Big Mac buck down pears from a pear tree. Well, to be fair, I taunted them into it," Julius told Goldie.

"I see," Goldie said. "I wish I could tell you more, but with Stripes there on the book, I can't," Goldie said as she looked at the tiger.

"Hey Julius," Applejack said while looking at him. "Don't suppose you want to get the book?" Applejack asked before she started to laugh.

"Really? Are you really asking me to fight a tiger? A tiger; of all things, a tiger, really?" Julius asked in surprise. "No, I have no intention of fighting a tiger. I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'm going to leave here and not fight the tiger. I'm going to get something to eat, and then I will not fight the tiger. I will figure out how to deal with the whole situation I'm in, and then I will not fight the tiger. I will tend to my herd, and then I will not fight the tiger. I will go to sleep, then wake up, and then I will not fight the tiger!" Julius firmly explained to Applejack.

"Relax, sugarcube, I was joking," Applejack laughed. "Thank you for telling us about our mother," Applejack thanked.

"Thank you, Goldie," the other two ponies thanked.

"You're quite welcome," Goldie happily responded. "Oh, I just remembered something. Your father was very close friends with Burnt Oak. And your mother was close friends with Mrs. Cake. You should talk to them if you want to learn more about your parents," Goldie suggests to the group.

"We will. Thank you so much, Goldie," Applejack thanked as the ponies got ready to leave.

"We're just going to leave?" Julius asked as he looked at the avalanche of nicknacks.

"Don't worry about me, young'un; I'll be fine," Goldie assured as she and a bunch of cats started to clean up the mess.

"Well, if you insist," Julius said as he followed after the Apple siblings. "A pleasure meeting you," Julius said as he bade Goldie farewell.

"And a pleasure meeting you too, young'un," Goldie bade back as she and her cats cleaned up the mess.

"So, what now?" Julius asked the Apple siblings as they started on their journey back to Ponyville.

"Well, I reckon that us three will spend the rest of the day learning about our parents," Applejack said, to which the other two ponies nodded. "As for you, well, you should go see Lyra; and you should figure out this whole thing that's eating at you," Applejack recommended.

"I will, and I plan on it," Julius confirmed with Applejack. "Thanks for the day off; I needed it. It really helped to clear my head," Julius thanked as he walked slightly behind Applejack.

"Thank you for getting us to go on this trip," Applejack thanked Julius back.

"Yeah!" Apple Bloom happily exclaimed. "Thanks to that, we know that we're half Pear! Oh, maybe my cutie mark will be a pear and an apple mixed as a new fruit!" Apple Bloom energetically exclaimed while the other three chuckled. And so, the four made their way back to Ponyville, enjoying the scenery as they were mentally preparing for the rest of their day.

Chapter 35: Derpy and Doctor

Rolling out of Lyra's bed, Julius walked to the attached bathroom.

"Hey Lyra, want me to bring you a towel or something?" Julius asked as he looked for a towel.

"Yes, please," Lyra cooed from comfort as she nuzzled into her blankets.

"Alright," Julius responded as he ruffled through Lyra's bathroom. He found many washcloths, some worn clothes, even panties, but no towels, not until Julius pulled back the thin curtain by the bathtub. "Every time, the last place you look," Julius sighed as he grabbed two towels and two washcloths. Wetting the washcloths with warm water, Julius cleaned himself up, placed the towel and washcloths into the laundry basket, and brought the clean ones to Lyra.

"Sorry, my bathroom is a little messy," Lyra lightly laughed as she took the damp washcloth and tower from Julius.

"It's a bathroom; it's fine," Julius waved off as Lyra cleaned herself up.

"True," Lyra awkwardly laughed. "I'd love to keep you for the day, but I imagine you have things to do," Lyra said while awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck.

"I mean somewhat. I do have some business with Luna, well, a fair bit, but one of those things can't be done until night," Julius chuckled back.

"Must be important," Lyra yawned while cleaning herself up.

"One is very important. The one that we can only do at night, well, that's more of a personal interest," Julius told Lyra, who was toweling herself off.

"I understand, believe me," Lyra lightly laughed. "Guessing one of those things is about some tension between you two. I'm not going to pretend to understand the Princess of the Night, but I'm sure she has a good reason for whatever caused tension between you two. If you caused it, I'm sure you had a good reason," Lyra comforted as she placed the towel and washcloth in the laundry.

"I suppose, in a way, we're both responsible," Julius lightly laughed. "Short of it, Luna did something that I didn't like, and I didn't take it well. Still, though, some time away has done me good. So, thank you, Lyra, this has really been what I needed," Julius smiled while lightly petting her mane.

"Hah, I guess you should be paying me then," Lyra started to laugh, "the bits are in the bag on the dresser," Lyra told Julius as she began to stretch out her body.

"Alright," Julius responded as he walked to the dresser. "You know, you don't have to pay me. I have literally no expenses," Julius somewhat exaggeratedly said as he grabbed the bag.

"Maybe, but you can use it to buy yourself something nice," Lyra winked. "Besides, not paying a stallion that serviced you is always poor form," Lyra explained as Julius counted out the bits.

"I see," Julius blankly said as he counted the bits. Several minutes of mental counting passed before Julius turned to look at Lyra. "You sure this is right? There're more than six hundred bits here," Julius told Lyra as he counted the bits for the third time.

"Should be six hundred fifty bits," Lyra said while stretching, "why, is the cost different where you're from?"

"I'm, uhhh, I'm not sure. But that many bits, well, seems like a bit much," Julius stammered. "Hey Lyra, I have an idea!" Julius chirped. "We can do this whenever I have free time; you only pay one hundred bits, and, later, I can call in a favor," Julius suggested.

"That's awfully generous," Lyra said with some suspicion, "what kind of favor?" Lyra asked with growing suspicion.

"I don't want to say anything yet; I could be wrong about things. But if all goes as I think things will go, then how would you feel helping out Rarity?" Julius asked as he took a hundred bits from the bag.

"Well, Rarity has made me quite a few costumes, as you can see. I suppose I wouldn't be opposed to it, but I don't see how she'd need my help," Lyra conceded.

"Trust me; I have an idea," Julius said as he took another twenty bits from the bag. "Hope you don't mind, but I took another twenty bits from the bag," Julius said as he started to laugh. "I just realized I don't have anything to put the bits in," Julius laughed as he shook his head.

"I got a spare bits bag," Lyra said as she levitated a light blue pouch with a deep red drawstring attached. "It's a bit old, but it's still perfectly fine," Lyra assured as she gave the bag to Julius.

"Looks good to me," Julius smiled as he filled the bag with the bits. "Well, I better get back to Zecora's place; this was nice; we should do it again," Julius suggested with a wink.

"If you're only going to ask for a hundred or so bits, maybe I'll look for you tomorrow," Lyra winked at Julius as he left Lyra's room. Walking down the stairs and into the candy shop, Julius started to look at a few candies.

"I see you have a bit bag now," Bon Bon said while looking Julius over, "it seems a bit light, though," Bon Bon said while narrowing her gaze.

"Yeah, Lyra wanted to give me over six hundred bits. I don't need anywhere near that much, so I only took a hundred and some change," Julius said as he looked over some very colorful candies. "Any suggestions?"

"That's very generous," Bon Bon said as she looked at a few of the candies Julius was looking at, "do you like sour candies?" Bon Bon asked as she saw Julius looking at a few yellow candies.

"I could go for some sweet-sour candies," Julius said as his gaze fell upon a light blue, bright yellow striped candy.

"Alright, I'll get you some. How many do you want?" Bon Bon asked as she grabbed a candy bag.

"How about ten bits worth," Julius said as he looked over a few other candies.

"Ten bits of candies coming up!" Bon Bon happily chirped as she put the candies into the bag. Of all things, watching an Earth Pony put candies into a bag was interesting. A few minutes of candy picking later, a full bag of candy rested on the counter. "That'll be ten bits, please!" Bon Bon happily said, with all the poise of a talented service mare.

"Thank you!" Julius happily responded as he gave Bon Bon ten bits and picked up the bag.

"You're welcome! Come back anytime!" Bon Bon happily said as Julius left Sweetie Drops' Candies.

"Pretty good," Julius happily said as he ate one of the candies. It was sweeter than sour, but it still had a nice sour bite right at the end. The candy's texture was a rather unique crunchy soft; the outside was a hard sugary shell, while the inside was chewy. All in all, the candy was delicious. Absentmindedly walking down the street, enjoying his candies, Julius's mind was in the clouds.

"INCOMING!" Several random ponies shouted as every pony dove to the ground. Looking around, Julius saw nothing. Shrugging, Julius turned his head around, only for some pegasi's rump to slam into his face.

"Not my best landing. But at least no pony got hurt!" A very happy-sounding feminine voice chirped.

"Mhhhmf!" Julius angrily grunted from under the pony's butt, his lips vibrating against her pussy.

"That feel's good, hehe," the pegasus mare happily purred. "Oh, oh my, I'm so sorry!" The mare yelped as she realized that she was sitting on somecreature, standing up; the mare turned around. "Are you OK?" The mare asked as she offered her hoof in helping Julius up.

"Aside from some random mare flying rump first into my face, yeah, I'm pretty fine," Julius said, somewhat annoyed. "I didn't see you at the party, so I'm guessing you're new in town," Julius said as he looked at the gray pegasus.

"Nope, I've lived here for nearly ten years," the mare happily said as she pulled a basket of muffins out of her mane in a very Pinkie Pie fashion. "Muffin?" The mare offered.

"Then why didn't I see you at the party? And yes, thank you," Julius asked as he took what appeared to be a blueberry muffin.

"Oh, that, hehe, yeah," the mare awkwardly laughed. "I kinda locked myself inside again that day," the mare chuckled.

"Well, why did you do that?" Julius asked as he ate the muffin. "This muffin is good, like really good." Julius thought as he ate the muffin.

"I forgot how to unlock my door. It's OK, though; a window was opened, so I just flew out," the mare happily said as she watched Julius enjoy the muffin.

"Wait, you literally locked yourself indoors? How? Also, is your door still locked?" Julius asked in disbelief.

"I did. But it's OK; Doctor Hooves unlocked my door for me," the mare happily said.

"I think I remember him," Julius said as he searched his memory. "The pony who looked like a Dr.Who cosplayer if I remember," Julius thought out loud.

"The two might know each other," the mare commented. "You can ask him later if you want," the mare said as she looked at Julius. "Oh, silly me, I never introduced myself. I'm Derpy, Derpy Hooves!" The pegasus happily said while saluting with a wing. "The best mailmare in all of Equestria! Also, Rainbow Dash's replacement on the weather team."

"I see," Julius said as he looked Derpy in her eyes. "Oh, uhhh, screw it, I said what I said," Julius said while Derpy laughed. "I'm Julius," Julius returned the introduction.

"A pleasure meeting you! Don't worry about what you said; I'm used to comments about my eyes," Derpy assured Julius as she walked beside him.

"Good to hear that you're OK with it. It takes a strong mare to be," Julius comforted the mare while ruffling her mane. "So, why were you flying so fast?" Julius asked as he looked slightly off towards a building.

"Oh, I was rushing to the café. I'm supposed to meet Doctor there," Derpy told Julius as the two walked towards the café.

"Funny that, I was thinking of going there myself. Get a coffee, and maybe a donut or something," Julius laughed as Derpy smiled.

"Well, want to walk there together?" Derpy asked as she walked beside Julius.

"Sure, why not," Julius accepted as the two continued to walk to the café, eating both the candies and muffins as they walked to the café.

"Welcome to The Hay 'n Hoof Café!" A chipper voice greeted as the two entered the café. "I'm Glowing Mane, and I'll be your server today!"

"Hah, same server, neat," Julius remarked as he and Derpy stood before the mare.

"Hi Glowing Mane," Derpy happily greeted, "is Doctor Hooves here? I'm supposed to meet him."

"Oh, Julius, and Derpy!" Glowing Mane happily noticed. "Yes, Doctor Hooves is here. He arrived, ummm, maybe ten minutes ago. Want me to take you to his table?"

"Yes, please!" Derpy happily requested. Glowing Mane ushered the two to follow her with a swish of her head. Walking through a fairly full dining area, Glowing Mane led the two to a table with only one stallion at it.

"My word Derpy, I was worried sick about you!" A remarkably chipper, very British voice said. "Oh, and I see you brought the human, Julius, was it?" The stallion asked as he noticed Julius.

"Yes, that's my name," Julius lightly smiled at the stallion. "I think I remember you from the party. I never got your name, though, just Doctor," Julius said as he and Derpy sat down. Derpy beside Doctor Hooves and Julius across from them.

"Well, actually, it's just Doctor," Doctor Hooves chuckled as Glowing Mane brought over two more menus. "That's quite alright; that mistake is one I'm used to," Doctor Hooves smiled as he and Derpy lightly nuzzled each other.

"Ah, your a couple, married, I presume, or at least in the same herd," Julius sweetly said as he looked over the menu. "How did you two meet?"

"Our parents," both ponies responded as they whispered to each other.

"Oh, so, your parents set you two up?" Julius asked as he set down his menu.

"Nope. Honestly, mom and dad were surprised we broke custom and didn't wait until I was thirty," Derpy told Julius as she set her menu down.

"I don't see why it was so surprising to them," Doctor Hooves said with a slight huff. "With all that you've been through and how close we always were, it was a forgone conclusion."

"Wait, are you two siblings too?" Julius asked, eyebrow raised.

"Yup," Derpy happily said as Glowing Mane came over.

"Are you all ready to order?" Glowing Mane asked, ready to take their orders.

"Yes, large coffee, three cream, three sugar, and the harvest soup," Julius said as he gave Glowing Mane the menu.

"Medium rosehip tea, please, and a garden salad," Derpy requested as she gave Glowing Mane her menu.

"Large cardamom tea added cinnamon and a garden salad if you would be so kind," Doctor Hooves politely said as he gave Glowing Mane his menu. After repeating the orders and getting a confirmation from each creature, Glowing Mane left to put in the orders.

"So, brother and sister together. There has to be a story behind that, please, do tell," Julius requested as he looked at the two ponies.

"Well, it's more common than you think here," Doctor Hooves chuckled. "Though yes, we do have a bit of a story behind us," Doctor Hooves said before quickly nuzzling Derpy.

"As I was growing up, I was always teased and picked on because of my eyes," Derpy somewhat sadly said. "Some of it was playful, but most of it wasn't," Derpy said as she nuzzled Doctor Hooves.

"Yes, some of those mares were quite nasty to Derpy. So I walked up to them and gave them what for," Doctor Hooves happily said as he puffed out his chest.

"They mostly backed off. Few mares would start something with a stallion. It looks very bad," Derpy told Julius. "It worked well enough while I was in Manehatten. But when I went to live in Cloudsdale with our aunts, the teasing resumed."

"So I got on a hot air balloon, went up to Cloudsdale, and gave those pegasi what for," Doctor Hooves proudly chuckled.

"He nearly fell through the clouds. The Cloudsdale Arial Safty Division saved him," Derpy lightly laughed.

"Yes," Doctor Hooves awkwardly said while rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. "But I came back up there and still gave them what for!" Doctor Hooves proudly asserted.

"Ah, so sister protected by her brother, fell in love with said brother, and the two hooked up," Julius said while lightly smiling. "Makes sense, though; I would have thought it was the other way around here."

"Yes, for the most part, it is the other way around here," Doctor Hooves confirmed. "But you see, I have had visions! Visions of other worlds, worlds which, I can assure you, are considerably different from yours or ours! I've seen various wise mares and shastallions about these visions, and I have gotten a great many different responses to them. Some think that they are things I've seen in another life; others believe they are visions of a future yet to come. I've been told that I have very imaginative dreams, and some simply think I'm insane," Doctor Hooves chuckled at the thought.

"I have your orders!" Glowing Mane happily sang as she interrupted the conversation.

"Thank you," Julius happily thanked as Glowing Mane set their orders on the table. "That conversation was, uhhh, getting very meta," Julius sighed as he grabbed his coffee and soup. "No offense or anything, but I didn't come here to discuss metaphysics, philosophy, and religion," Julius told Doctor Hooves as he tried some of the soup.

"That's perfectly understandable; this is a restaurant, after all, not a hall of learning or anything like that," Doctor Hooves said as he started to eat his salad.

"It seems like you found somecreature who you can talk to about your visions and won't write you off right away," Derpy happily said as she ate her salad.

"Yes indeed, that is quite rare. But I've had a good feeling about our bipedal friend here. I don't quite know why but somehow he seems familiar, like a being from one of my visions," Doctor Hooves said after swallowing a mouthful of salad.

"By chance, did any of these visions have a red rectangular box with glass sides?" Julius asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Why yes, they all do! Tell me, why did you think that they would?" Doctor Hooves excitedly asked.

"Just a hunch, nothing more," Julius very quickly said before taking a strong drink of coffee.

"I see, very fascinating," Doctor Hooves said while rubbing his chin. "We will have to discuss your hunches more." And so, their lunch carried on with the three making polite small talk between mouthfuls of food and drink.

"All finished?" Glowing Mane asked as she approached the table.

"Yes," the three all responded.

"Great, that'll be twenty-four bits," Glowing Mane told the group as she gave Derpy a quick look.

"Give me a moment," Derpy said as she started to get out some bits.

"Here you go, my good server," Doctor Hooves said as he placed seven bits on the table.

"Well, this time, I actually have bits, so why not," Julius said as he too placed seven bits on the table.

"Thank you!" Derpy happily said as she placed ten bits on the table. Shrugging, Glowing Mane took the bits before taking the used dishes.

"Probably could have worked that out a bit better," Julius said as he started to get up.

"Oh dear heavens no," Doctor Hooves chuckled as he and Derpy stood up. "You see, when a stallion and mare both split the bill, it's customary for the mare to pay more than the stallion. So with our bill being split three ways, us paying seven bits, and Derpy paying ten worked out perfectly," Doctor Hooves explained as the three started to leave the café.

"It was really nice of you two to help with the bill!" Derpy smiled as the two exited the café.

"Thank you for the muffins," Julius smiled back as he looked off into the distance. "Probably a bad time to see the Apples; guess I'll try to find Rainbow Dash," Julius said while stretching.

"Oh, if you find her, give her this for me, please!" Derpy sweetly said while giving Julius a muffin. "It's blueberry chocolate chip, with vanilla cream. Rainbow Dash loves them!"

"Hah, I can kind of see that," Julius chuckled.

"Always thinking of others," Doctor Hooves smiled while lightly nuzzling Derpy's neck. "Alas, I would like to spend more time here, but we should be getting back to the herd; Dinky will get worried otherwise," Doctor Hooves said with a light chuckle.

"Is she one of your wives?" Julius asked at hearing the name.

"Oh no," Derpy responded, "Dinky is our daughter. I gave birth to her shortly after we moved to Ponyville," Derpy smiled.

"Oh, I see, well, good for you two," Julius congratulated in surprise. "Honestly, I'm not in any position to judge," Julius thought to himself.

"Nine years late, but in this fabric of time, that's as good as the day of!" Doctor Hooves said with a flourish. "Now then, let us be off. Allons y!"

"Bye Julius! It was nice meeting you!" Derpy waved before following Doctor Hooves off.

"Bye Derpy, bye Doctor!" Julius waved as he saw them off. "If nothing else, they're a cute couple. Now, if I were a betting man, Rainbow Dash would be at the track field," Julius said while scratching his chin. "So I guess I'll start looking there," Julius said to himself as he started to make his way towards the field.

Chapter 36: An Annoying Brother

Casually strolling down the streets of Ponyville, Julius passed many ponies. He still got quite a few looks, but he didn't care; he had sex, candy, and a nice meal. As far as he was concerned, the ponies could stare all they wanted. Walking to the track field, Julius heard a very telltale boing sound.

"Well, somebody looks like a happy human!" Pinkie Pie sang as she bounced next to Julius.

"Oh, Pinkie," Julius said as he spared the pink pony a glance. "More or less I am," Julius smiled as he continued to walk.

"I can tell! Been playing the lyre, have you?" Pinkie asked with a giggle and a wink.

"Of course you'd know," Julius chuckled while shaking his head. "Yes, I have. Also met two new ponies."

"Derpy and Doctor," Pinkie knowingly said as she lightly sniffed him. "Great, Derpy has ruined you too," Pinkie jokingly said as she hopped next to him.

"Ruined me? How so?" Julius asked in confusion as he tried to imagine what Derpy could have done.

"You ate her muffins," Pinkie Pie sternly said. "Do you have any idea what that means?!?" Pinkie Pie energetically asked as she pulled Julius's head down to look him right in his eyes.

"That I ate the best muffins that I've ever had?" Julius said very unsurely as he freed his head from Pinkie's grip.

"Exactly!" Pinkie Pie loudly said. "Everypony knows not to eat Derpy's muffins; they're too good! Even I can't make muffins that good!" Pinkie Pie informed Julius as she bounced in front of him. "Oh, the woe and sorrow. Now you will never know the tasty joy of other muffins," Pinkie Pie exaggeratedly said as she faux fainted onto a conveniently placed fainting couch.

"Wait, I thought that you were the best baker in Ponyville?" Julius asked in surprise as he looked around for where the couch could have come from.

"I am! That's why it's so vexing that Derpy can make better muffins than me. Honestly, when most ponies first meet her, if they don't know her name and have one of her muffins, they think her name is Muffins," Pinkie Pie said as she hopped up from the couch. "Enough lamenting over lost muffins, you're looking from Rainbow Dash, right?" Pinkie Pie asked as she hopped around Julius.

"Yes, I am," Julius said as he watched Pinkie Pie hop around him. "I'm guessing that she's at the field, so that's where I'm going," Julius said as he turned his attention back to a couch, or he would have if it didn't seemingly vanish from existence. "W-were did the couch go?"

"Don't worry about that," Pinkie Pie chuckled. "As for Dashy, she isn't at the field; she's at Fluttershy's," Pinkie Pie explained as she started to hop off towards Fluttershy's cottage. "Come on, let's go! Fluttershy has some special guests!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she hopped towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"Sure, why not," Julius shrugged as he followed the peppy pink pony. "So, special guests, who are they?" Julius asked as Pinkie Pie bounced in front of him.

"Oh, they're her father! Her mother! And, ugh, her brother," Pinkie Pie said with some disgust.

"I, I noticed some disgust at the end there. Anything I should know?" Julius asked, surprised that Pinkie Pie could show that emotion.

"Well, Zephyr Breeze is, well, ugh," Pinkie Pie shuttered while bouncing forward.

"Oh, come on, he can't be that bad," Julius laughed off.

"He has a thing for Rainbow Dash, and he thinks that she is in love with him. He's also absolutely entitled. Ugh, I swear, he's so bad that he's nearly tested Dashy's patience several times!" Pinkie Pie started to explain, to nearly no avail, as Julius just sped walked towards Fluttershy's cottage while cracking his knuckles. "Uhhh, Julius? Are you OK?" Pinkie Pie asked while catching up to him.

"I'm just going to talk to him," Julius said, sounding calm while cracking his knuckles. "I'm just going to talk to him. All I'm going to do is talk to him."

"Maybe it'd be better if you didn't," Pinkie Pie nervously laughed as she bounced next to him.

"I'm going to talk to him. I'm going to talk to him. That's all I'm going to do, talk to him," Julius said through gritted teeth. After a few moments of walking, a bright, light blue lightning bolt could be seen flying from Fluttershy's cottage. "I'm just going to support Rainbow Dash; I'm just going to support Rainbow Dash. That's all I'm going to do, support Rainbow Dash," Julius said as he cracked his neck and sped up towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"OK, OK, calm down, Julius, please, this isn't needed," Pinkie Pie nervously laughed as she tried to hop in front of him. The walk continued in much the same fashion, with Julius saying that all he would do was talk to Zephyr and support Rainbow Dash while cracking different parts of his body and Pinkie Pie trying to stop him.

"OK, I can see you have some feelings about this," Julius and Pinkie Pie heard as they approached Fluttershy's cottage, "but you should know that it's mostly your fault for the way that you're sitting. But that's OK, cause I like how it's turned out. You look like one of the pegasi sky soldiers. So I guess what I'm saying is, you're welcome," the voice proudly said as Julius was nearly running to the house.

"Zephyr! For the love of Celestia, shut up!" Pinkie Pie yelled as she crawled out of a couch cushion.

"Oh, Pinkie Pie, this is unexpected," Fluttershy remarked as Pinkie Pie flicked her tail free of some lint. "What's going on?"

"Julius is coming and coming fast. I don't think he likes what he's heard," Pinkie Pie said while jittering in place.

"Oh, good!" Rainbow Dash smiled brightly. "Yeah, Zephyr, you really should shut up," Rainbow Dash said with a bright smile.

"Girls, please. I know that he's different, but Julius wouldn't start anything," Fluttershy tried to assure.

"Where is that little self-absorbed, entitled, millennial, twat," Julius's voice sounded from outside, much to Rainbow Dash's laughter.

"Oh yeah, that's the voice of someone who isn't going to do anything, I'm sure," Rainbow Dash laughed into a hoof as the door to the cottage opened.

"By the skies!" Zephyr recoiled in shock. "What is wrong with your mane? Did a disaster attack it?"

"By God! From pissed to infuriated instantaneously, you have talent!" Julius remarked as he walked towards Zephyr.

"Listen, you strange minotaur thing," Zephyr started to say. "I understand that you're mad about your mane, but even with my vision, I could not fix it," Zephyr said as he exaggerated the last few words. Breathing deeply, Julius barely noticed the mares looking at him.

"Listen," Julius growled while breathing deeply, "Bob," Julius started to say.

"Actually, my name is-" Zephyr started to say.

"IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS, BILLY!" Julius shouted while pointing at Zephyr. "Now listen here, Jimmy-" Julius started to say.

"OK, this whole name thing-" Zephyr tried to say.

"KNOW YOUR DAMN ROLL, AND SHUT YOUR DAMNED MOUTH, TOMMY!" Julius yelled while pointing at Zephyr, while Rainbow Dash could only barely contain her laughter. "Now listen up, Timmy. I know exactly what you are!" Julius started to say in his best Rock voice. "And what you are is a cowardly, timid, beta-male that's never finished or accomplished anything in your whole life. You put on an arrogant, self-important front, while internally, you're nothing but a quivering mess," Julius started to say as Rainbow Dash held Fluttershy's mouth shut.

"T-this really isn't-" Zephyr started to say.

"MICKEY, SHUT YOUR NOISE HOLE, JABRONI!" Julius interrupted straight away. "Now listen, Jerry, every relationship you've ever had has been out of nothing but pitty or forced obligation. And it'll stay that way until you burn every bridge," Julius said as he grabbed Zephyr's muzzle to hold it shut, "and no, you will not be able to fly over the gaps you made. So unless you want to end up as a sad, pathetic, lone loser, jabroni, listen up, little Kenny! Shape up! Finish something for once in your life. Set some goals and accomplish them; I recommend as your first goal to shave your facial hair, I can grow a better beard on my dick," Julius said with authority making Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie burst out laughing. "Then, find something you like doing, and stick with it. You're metro enough; try working in a salon. Then get to work on your personality. Cause I swear if I hear you being a disrespectful little twat again, then I'll take off my boot, I'll shine it up real nice and bright, turn that son bitch sideways, and shove it right up, your candy ass!" Julius finished with a flourish as he released Zephyr's muzzle. Twirling back, Julius noticed a laughing bunny. "IF YOU SMELL~L WHAT THE MAN IS COOKING!" Julius fully finished in his best Rock impression. A few moments of stunned silence, broken only by Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie Pie's laughter, was finally fully broken.

"I'm, uhhh, I'm just going to be over here," Zephyr timidly said as he walked over to a cushion in a corner.

"I'll be right back," both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie said while repressing their laughter.

"Fluttershy," Julius whispered, "tend to your brother; I'm going to find the other two," Julius said as he followed Rainbow Dash out. Sure, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had a good lead on him, but they were easy enough to find. All Julius had to do was follow the sound of snickering and laughing. A few minutes later, Julius walked slightly into the tree line and saw the two mares rolling on the ground laughing. "Enjoyed that?" Julius asked while lightly laughing.

"That was the funniest dressing down I've ever heard," Rainbow Dash said.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie laughed. "Where did all that come from?" Pinkie Pie asked through tears of laughter.

"You can thank The Rock for that and, well, professional wrestling in general. People can say what they want about it, but some of the promos are just amazing," Julius wistfully said.

"Thank you, mister The Rock!" Pinkie Pie thanked him while waving a hoof off into the distance. "The Rock says that the ponies are welcome and that we'd like The New Day, whatever that is," Pinkie Pie told Julius.

"He sure did Pinkie Pie," Julius said as he reached a hand into Pinkie Pie's mane. "He sure did," Julius said as he pulled out three snowcones from Pinkie's mane. "Snowcones?" Julius asked as he offered a snowcone to each of the mares.

"Please," Rainbow Dash said as she grabbed a blue snowcone with her good wing.

"Thank you!" Pinkie Pie thanked as she grabbed a pink snowcone with the forward curl of her mane.

"I guess that leaves the green one for me," Julius sighed as he started to eat his snowcone, which oddly enough tasted like grapes.

"Well, there are a few others in there. But they're for Fluttershy and her family," Pinkie Pie told Julius as her tongue worked over her snowcone.

"I've meant to ask about that. Where were Fluttershy's parents? I didn't see them there," Julius asked as he enjoyed his snowcone.

"Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Shy are slow flyers. They're a lot more like Fluttershy than Zephyr is. Those two are probably still on their way, though they should be there soon," Rainbow Dash explained as she ate her snowcone. "Speaking of, where is Fluttershy? Helping her brother?"

"Yup. After basically destroying his whole life, he'll need it," Julius said as he licked away at the snowcone.

"Was that really a good idea?" Pinkie Pie asked as she energetically savored her snowcone. "I mean, it was funny and all, but sounded a bit mean."

"It was a good idea; he needed it. I mean, really, what do you think would have happened if he tried that stuff on, say, a minotaur, or a griffon, or a dragon?" Julius asked as the two mares shuttered. "Exactly. Not straightening him out would have been far meaner. Sure I basically destroyed him, but now he can be built back up, better than before. Besides, he was hitting on a mare in my herd," Julius said as he sat beside Rainbow Dash, "I don't share my mares," Julius firmly said as he massaged the back of Rainbow Dash's ears.

"Well, aren't we some lucky mares," Rainbow Dash whinnied as she nuzzled her head into Julius's hand.

"We sure are!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she laid across Julius's lap and finished her snowcone.

"Wait, I haven't gotten around to getting you yet," Julius said while licking his snowcone.

"Oh Julius, let's be honest," Pinkie Pie laughed while shaking her head. "You're going to get all of us. I mean, you already have two of us. Rarity is basically already yours. Applejack, well, remove her emotional block, and she'll fall right into your arms. Me, well, I'm resigned to it. The only one of us you have to work for now is Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie explained as she went to lick Julius's snowcone, only for her tongue to lick Julius's tongue. "Your tongue feels funny."

"Funny that, I think the same thing about yours," Julius said while smacking his lips together. "I know this will sound weird, but can you stick your tongue out?" Julius asked Pinkie Pie while rolling his tongue in his mouth.

"Oh, I see," Pinkie Pie said while smiling. "You want a Pinkie taste," Pinkie Pie slyly said. "Well, taste away!" Pinkie Pie happily said while sticking her tongue out. Gently pressing his tongue against Pinkie Pie's, Julius french kissed the pink pony. While the feeling of Pinkie Pie's tongue felt the same as other mares, it, for some reason, tasted like a sweetened lollipop. Holding Pinkie Pie with his free arm, Julius pulled her closer to him as he french kissed her.

"OK, I know Pinkie Pie's tongue is tasty and all, but shouldn't you finish your snowcone first?" Rainbow Dash asked as she ate down her snowcone. Pulling away from Pinkie Pie's mouth, Julius looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Wait, how do you know how she tastes?" Julius asked as he still tasted Pinkie Pie on his lips.

"Well, how do you think Dashy and I dealt with our heats? Well, besides the anti-heat potions," Pinkie Pie asked as she giggled.

"Wait, you and Rainbow Dash were-" Julius started to say.

"Yes," Rainbow Dash said while rolling her eyes. "For some reason, Pinkie Pie and I have intense heats; some days are worse than others. So Pinkie Pie and I would help each other out. It's a lot easier than finding a stallion," Rainbow Dash explained before finishing her snowcone.

"Wait, why didn't you just share Big Mac or get stronger anti-heat potions?" Julius asked as he resumed eating his snowcone.

"Big Mac likes to devote his attention to one mare at a time," Pinkie Pie told Julius.

"Yeah, besides, he couldn't beat me in a race. As for stronger anti-heat potions, well, they exist, but they can mess with your heat schedule. Trust me, getting off your heat schedule sucks," Rainbow Dash explained as she looked at Pinkie Pie. "Saying that it has been a while," Rainbow Dash said while trailing off.

"Say no more, Dashy!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she french kissed Rainbow Dash.

"Heh, hot," Julius smirked as he watched the two mares make out. Enjoying both his snowcone and the sight of the mares making out, Julius laid back to relax. Savoring the taste of his grape snowcone and the sight and sound of the mares making out, Julius looked up at the sky and sighed. "Well, as much as I'd enjoy plowing the both of you here, I think we should be going," Julius said as he saw three figures in the sky near Fluttershy's cottage. "I think Fluttershy's parents are there. And it looks like somecreature else is with them," Julius said while squinting at the sky.

"Luna, it's Luna," Pinkie Pie said as she broke the kiss with Rainbow Dash.

"Wait, you said you had a snowcone for all of Fluttershy's family; what about Luna?" Julius asked as the three distant figures landed.

"Oh, I have some gelato for her. A swirl of Fior Di Latte and Sweet Wine Raisin," Pinkie Pie explained to Julius.

"Really? Damn, that sounds good!" Julius remarked as he licked his lips.

"Yeah, no kidding! Pinkie Pie, next time think you could bring some for us too?" Rainbow Dash asked as she too licked her lips.

"If you really want some, I should have more than enough in my mane," Pinkie Pie explained as she started to hop towards the cottage. "We can find out after we get back to the cottage!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she continued to hop towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"Well, better follow her," Julius shrugged as he finished his snowcone.

"Ugh, I suppose," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Still not looking forward to dealing with Zephyr, though. Rainbow Dash sighed as she helped Julius up.

"Don't worry about him. Worst to worst, I'll be there. Besides, Luna will also be there. There's no way he'd be a fool with Luna right there," Julius laughed as a dark blue light shone from Fluttershy's cottage. "Oh dear God. I have become error. Let's hurry," Julius quickly said as he and Rainbow Dash ran off towards Fluttershy's cottage, following closely in Pinkie Pie's hops.

Chapter 37: Reconciliation, and a Father's Help

Rushing back to Fluttershy's cottage as fast as they could, the group was making fantastic time.

"SHUT YOUR MOUTH CUR!" Luna roared, the Royal Canterlot Voice echoing off the trees.

"Bad sign?" Julius asked, already knowing the answer.

"Extremely!" Rainbow Dash shot back. "Come on! We gotta hurry!" Rainbow Dash energetically yelled, every muscle in her body fighting the urge to fly.

It only took a few short moments for Fluttershy's cottage to come into view. Feeling a burst of energy, Julius sped up, breaking into a full-speed sprint. Not slowing down for the door, Julius barreled right through it. Bursting right through the door, Julius spotted an infuriated Luna immediately. Luna's wings flared out, her eyes were glowing, and Luna nearly levitated off the ground. Seeing this, Julius wasted no time and called on his magical energy to bolster his strength. Then he tackled Luna to the ground. Grasping his arms and legs around Luna's body in a sort of full-body hug, Julius struggled greatly to contain the enraged princess.

"Dear God, how strong are you?" Julius grunted through gritted teeth as he called on all of his magical energy to barely hold Luna down.

"LET ME GO!" Luna roared, making everycreature flinch. Luna struggled against Julius, nearly breaking free, only for Julius to find a little more energy to hold her down.

"Is everything OK? Where's Luna?" Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash asked in a panic as they entered the cottage.

"No, everything is not OK," Julius painfully grunted. "Luna is here. Now, Pinkie Pie, give Luna the ice cream," Julius grunted as he felt his strength waning.

"Well, it's not ice cream; it's gelato-" Pinkie Pie started to explain.

"OH, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, PINKIE PIE, JUST GIVE IT TO LUNA!" Julius very quickly and very loudly commanded as he felt his grip slipping.

"Okie Dokie!" Pinkie Pie sang as she hopped over to the two. Pulling a large bowl of gelato out of her mane, Pinkie Pie placed it right by Luna's mouth. "There you go!" Pinkie Pie happily said before swiftly retreating from the two.

"Look, Luna, happy food, eat it, please," Julius pleaded as he barely held Luna down.

"NO, THE CUR MUST PAY FIRST!" Luna roared, the Royal Canterlot Voice still sounding strong.

"Oh, to hell with it," Julius grunted as he moved his head to the bowl of gelato. Taking a mouthful of the gelato, Julius found the flavors to mesh very well. If he wasn't holding down an angry princess, he might have savored it. Keeping his mouth full of gelato, Julius french kissed Luna, forcefully feeding her the frozen treat. As the gelato passed into Luna's mouth, Luna started to calm down. After sharing their kiss for a few moments, Julius's grip finally failed while Luna calmed down. "Feeling better?" Julius asked as he broke their kiss.

"A little," Luna said as Julius rolled off her. "I'm going to eat outside," Luna calmly said as she got up, levitated her bowl of gelato to her, and walked outside.

"Seriously, she's OK?" Julius asked as he watched Luna walk off. "I'm exhausted, and I feel like my body was just mauled by pure pain. Yet she's perfectly fine? How durable is she? How strong is she?" Julius panted as he laid on the floor.

"Well-" Zephyr started to say

"Shut up. Just shut up. I'm not getting into this with you right now; just shut up," Julius repeatedly panted.

"Luna is an alicorn," Fluttershy started to explain. "Alicorns have far more magical energy than other ponies."

"I know, I've heard from Zecora. But still, experiencing it for myself, first hand, dear God. My everything still hurts," Julius moaned as he rubbed his shoulders. "Listen," Julius started to say as he used the wall to help himself stand up, "I'm going after Luna; we have some things to talk about," he said as he started to walk out. "Fluttershy, say hi to your parents for me when they get here."

"We're already here, dear," a quiet, soft, feminine voice said, a voice so quiet, Julius didn't hear it.

"As for the dullard, shut him up. I recommend duct tape if it exists here," an exhausted Juliush sighed as he stumbled out the door, trying to follow Luna. "Ow, my literal everything."

"No idea what duct tape is, but yeah, Zephyr should shut up for a while," Rainbow Dash agreed as Fluttershy buried her face into her hooves and wings.

"Dear God. I was expecting Luna to be strong," Julius moaned in pain, "but Christ!" Julius exclaimed as he heard some soft slurping sounds. "Not too far away, I see," Julius said as he approached Luna, all the while rubbing his body.

"No, I guess not," Luna replied as she looked at her bowl of gelato. "Guess this really isn't my day is it," Luna lightly bitterly laughed before taking a mouthful of gelato.

"Everybody's allowed to have a bad day every now and then, don't worry about it," Julius painfully chuckled as he walked up to Luna. "If you're worried about the moron, don't be; my reaction wasn't much better. Honestly, if I wasn't going for Fluttershy, I'd probably have done worse," Julius laughed as he looked down. "As for this morning, well, I'm sure you could tell, I'm not a morning person. Look, about all that, we both screwed up. Let's just call it even and put it behind us," Julius offered as he sat down next to Luna.

"Yes, I suppose we did both screw-up," Luna solemnly said as she looked at Julius. "You look hurt; are you OK?" Luna asked as she offered her side for Julius to lean on.

"Well, I'll live," Julius sighed as he laid his head down on Luna's side. "Though, it'll take about a million mommy kisses to make it better," Julius laughed.

"Well," Luna started to chuckle, "I guess I should get started," Luna laughed alongside Julius.

"That's OK, just enjoy your gelato," Julius smiled as he started to pet Luna. "Besides, we have bigger things to worry about," Julius said with some seriousness.

"Like what?" Luna asked as she enjoyed her gelato.

"Well, I did drop the ball about the thestrals, so figuring out that whole situation is a start," Julius said as he snuck some of Luna's gelato on his finger. "Pretty good," Julius said as he licked the gelato off.

"Don't worry about the thestrals. They're my responsibility; I'll deal with them," Luna said between gelato bites.

"I mean about telling the rest of the herd about them since I revealed their existence, and no, you will not deal with them. You are in a herd, my herd; we'll deal with them," Julius said while hugging Luna.

"T-thank you," Luna said, taken aback by the hug. "Well, I guess first things first, who shall I, we, tell first?" Luna asked as she took another bite of gelato.

"Zecora, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash are a given," Julius said as Luna nodded. "Rarity seems like she's close to joining, and I have an idea with her, so her too," Julius continued, Luna raising an eyebrow at 'idea.' "Fluttershy seems like a natural choice. Even if Fluttershy isn't in the herd yet, she will be; besides, I don't see Fluttershy being a gossip," Julius continued, Luna listening carefully. "Applejack, she should know as well, but not today; she and her siblings are dealing with a lot right now. As for Pinkie Pie, that's a moot point; I'm sure she already knows."

"Yes, I, too, am under the impression Pinkie Pie already knows. I can agree with your choices, but I must ask, what is your idea with Rarity?" Luna carefully asked. "It isn't anything about having thestrals work for her, is it?" Luna asked, her voice surprisingly stern.

"W-why? Would that be a bad thing?" Julius asked, taken aback by the sternness in Luna's voice.

"Somewhat, yes," Luna started to explain. "A thousand moons ago, before the thestrals split from Equestria, they weren't treated all that well. One of the problems was how much they were getting paid for their work. A pony and a thestral could do the same job, producing the same results, yet the thestral would get paid less; this was one of many problems back then," Luna explained.

"Really? That happens here as well," Julius sighed while face palming, hard. "OK, look, yes, my idea was to have one work for Rarity, at night, while the Carousel Boutique was closed," Julius started to explain, "having the thestral set up the store for the next day. As for the pay, I was thinking of having them get paid slightly more, like maybe one bit more an hour, a nightshift premium," Julius explained to Luna.

"An interesting thought," Luna remarked as she finished her gelato, "tell me, why do you care so much, both about the thestrals and the Carousel Boutique?"

"Well, they might have been stalking me; hell, they probably still are," Julius paused as he heard a rustle in the bushes, seeming to confirm his suspicions, "but if they're close to you, then they're close to me," Julius sighed. "As for the Carousel Boutique, well, once Rarity joins the herd, then in a way, it'll be part mine, so I want it to be as successful as it can be. Besides, we all must remember the dying words of Spock," Julius chuckled while Luna gave him an odd look.

"And those words are?" Luna asked.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one," Julius told Luna. "Look, sooner or later, the thestrals have to rejoin or at least have a good relationship with Equestria. This might not do much, hell, it might do nothing, but I'd rather fail trying than fail doing nothing," Julius said, much to Luna's amusement.

"You know, I've had a similar idea. To meet another who shares it, it's comforting. If Rarity agrees to pay the thestrals that work there fairly and to keep them a secret, at least until they're ready to expose themselves on their terms, then I think I can convince them to accept it," Luna assured Julius.

"I think she would; Rarity seems like a very generous type," Julius said as Luna nodded.

"Well, she is the element of generosity," Luna smiled while Julius just looked at her. "Long story, I'll tell you more about it later. Anyways," Luna heavily sighed, "shall we return?" Luna asked as she smiled at Julius.

"No, not yet," Julius said; this time, it was his turn to be solemn. "I have to tell you something. Well, you, Celestia, and Zecora," Julius heavily said.

"For both my sister and I, it must be serious, but why also Zecora?" Luna asked, sounding concerned at the solemnity in Julius's voice.

"Because I have told Zecora a bit more about human history, she might be able to handle what I'll be telling you and Celestia. Besides, Zecora deserves to know more," Julius sighed.

"I don't know what could be so bad," Luna laughed. "From everything that you've said, human history is amazing, a vast story of incredible achievements!" Luna smiled as Julius just sat there, stone-faced.

"Yes, I've done an excellent job cherry-picking examples from our history. But those were only the best parts; trust me, there are some truly awful things in our history. The worst thing I've told Zecora was two weeks ago; that was Agincourt; it disturbed her," Julius sighed. "I told her to brace herself for the next thing I would tell her would be many times worse."

"I'm sure it's not that bad," Luna tried to reassure.

"You'll see, you'll see," Julius sighed.

"If it's this hard for you, why are you doing it?" Luna asked as she could practically feel the anxiety rolling off Julius.

"Because, as things currently stand, there's a wall between us. You won't tell me of your past. I suppose, to be fair, I'm shady about our's as well. I get that whatever happened was bad, but trust me, whatever it was, I won't hold it against you. Still, it's unfair for me to ask something like that without giving something in return. So take this as a show of good faith," Julius explained as the two heard a soft fluttering of wings.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting something?" A kindly pegasus stallion asked as he flew up to the two.

"We were just finishing up. I'm guessing that you're Fluttershy's father," Julius said while looking the pegasus up and down.

"Yes, I'm Minty, Mintyshy," Mr. Shy introduced himself before turning to Luna. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything, Your Highness," Mr. Shy said as he landed with a bow, "but we were concerned about you two."

"It's quite alright," Luna smiled. "Everything is OK."

"That's a relief," Mr. Shy sighed as he stood back up. "If you want to come back to the cottage, you don't have to worry about Zephyr. Fluttershy put him in his place," Mr. Shy assured the two.

"Wait, Fluttershy put him in his place. How?" Both Julius and Luna asked with equal surprise.

"Oh well, Fluttershy can be quite a strict disciplinarian. Cloudy and I know that we should be the ones letting Zephyr know his boundaries, but not all of us can be as bold as Fluttershy," Mr. Shy explained.

"Fluttershy. Fluttershy bold? What?" Both Julius and Luna asked in great surprise.

"Oh yes, she's the boldest one of my foals," Mr. Shy smiled with pride, as Julius just held the sides of his head.

"Your herd is composed of nothing but your sisters, isn't it?" Luna asked, seeming to have shaken off the shock of what she's been told.

"Oh yes. My sisters were never brave enough to find a stallion, and I wasn't brave enough to put myself out there. We were all always close, so it just kind of happened," Mr. Shy said with a smile. "But enough about my herd, I'm here for Julius," Mr. Shy said as he looked at Julius.

"I'm sorry, my brain is still resetting," Julius said as he rubbed his temples. "What? Is this about me putting the verbal smackdown on Zephyr or something else?" Julius asked as he massaged his temples.

"It's about Fluttershy," Mr. Shy said as he reached a wing into his sweater. "Now Pinkie Pie told us that you wanted her in your herd; Rainbow Dash backed her up. Is that true? Do you want Fluttershy in your herd?" Mr. Shy asked as he took a few steps towards Julius.

"Oh, great, are you going to go all hyper-'protective' father on me?" Julius sighed while rolling his eyes.

"What? Heavens, no?" Mr. Shy chuckled as he walked up to Julius. "I'm here to help you. Here, give Fluttershy this," Mr. Shy said as he pulled a flower out of his sweater. "Be careful with it; it's a very special flower," Mr. Shy warned as he gave the flower to Julius.

"That's one way of putting it," Luna remarked as Julius took the flower. "Don't let it touch the ground. If it does, then it'll be destroyed," Luna warned as Julius looked over the flower.

"I haven't seen anything like this before. What is it?" Julius asked as he carefully held the flower.

"It's a cloud-flower, a cloud-lily, to be specific. They're Fluttershy's favorite flower," Mr. Shy explained. "I'm guessing that you've never seen a cloud-flower before, have you?"

"Well, I've heard about them from Zecora, but I've never seen one. Honestly, I thought they were just flowers made out of clouds," Julius admitted as he held the delicate flower.

"Oh no, though they only grow in clouds. Cloudyshy grows cloud-flowers in our yard," Mr. Shy explained to Julius.

"Impressive," Luna remarked. "Growing cloud-flowers isn't easy. Does she grow any cloud-lavender?" Luna hopefully asked.

"Why yes, she does, Your Highness," Mr. Shy said with a bow, "it helps in achieving restorative sleep. Why, would you like some?" Mr. Shy asked as he ended his bow.

"Very much so, yes, also if she could come by the castle sometime. I very much would like to get some cloud planters to grow some cloud-lavender myself," Luna requested.

"These flowers must be special. Why's that?" Julius asked, making Mr. Shy give him an odd look.

"Not to be rude, sorry if I am, but didn't you say that you've heard about them from Zecora?" Mr. Shy asked.

"I did, but my brain wasn't there. I was still processing things. All I remember is that they exist and that they're rare," Julius sheepishly said.

"Ah, that's fair," Mr. Shy smiled. "Cloud-flowers only grow in clouds, and, as long as they're in either a cloud or water, they'll never go rotten. Cloud-flowers have a higher than normal magical energy to them, meaning they make more potent potions. The thing is, only pegasi and alicorns can grow them. Few pegasi are skilled gardeners, and even fewer alicorns exist, so cloud-flowers tend to be extremely rare," Mr. Shy explained as Luna nodded.

"I see. If there's any that can make a potent healing potion or restoration potion, could you give me a few? They would be nice to have on hand for Zecora," Julius asked as he carefully stood up.

"Cloud-orchids and cloud-dahlias," Luna said, "those are what you're looking for."

"I don't think Cloudy grows those, but I can ask," Mr. Shy warmly said. "You look a bit wobbly; need a hoof?" Mr. Shy asked as he noticed Julius having trouble standing up.

"I'll be fine, just, completely exhausted. Used nearly all my energy to hold Luna down," Julius smiled as he fought to keep his balance.

"Oh, right," Luna chuckled while blushing. "If you want, I could give you some of my energy, just a bit, though," Luna offered.

"Yes, please," Julius requested as he placed a hand on Luna's body to help himself stay balanced.

"Alright, this will just be a moment," Luna said as she closed her eyes. A small whirl of sparkling blue energy ran from Luna's horn into Julius's body. As the magical energy entered Julius's body, his eyes shot open.

"Damn!" Julius yelped in surprise at feeling the energy enter his body. "I thought you were only going to give me a small amount of energy," Julius exclaimed as he felt full of energy.

"I did. That is a small amount of energy. Well, to Celestia and I," Luna chuckled at Julius's surprise.

"If this is a small amount of energy, then no wonder alicorns were worshipped," Julius laughed as he felt good as new.

"Well, we still are in places, but, meh," Luna shrugged.

"You two are cute together," Mr. Shy chuckled.

"Thank you," Luna giggled. "Now, shall we be returning to Fluttershy's cottage?" Luna asked as she stood up, ready to go.

"Sure. Oh, Mintyshy, how long will you and Cloudyshy be visiting?" Julius asked as the three started to walk towards the cottage.

"A little while, why?" Mr. shy asked.

"I want to introduce Zecora to you. Well, Cloudyshy specifically. Zecora would be very interested in the cloud-flowers," Julius smiled.

"You know what, that sounds lovely. I'm sure Cloudy will be overjoyed. She has so few ponies to talk to about her cloud-flowers," Mr. Shy warmly smiled as the three walk off towards Fluttershy's cottage.

Chapter 38: Fluttershy and Brothers

Walking back to Fluttershy's cottage, Mr. Shy, Luna, and Julius entered the house. Upon entering, everything seemed normal enough, aside from all the guests.

"Nothing?" Julius asked as he looked around the cottage. "He's not going to say anything?" Julius asked as the three sat down.

"Nah, Fluttershy saw to that," Rainbow Dash said as she stretched her body. "You missed something special. It's rare to see Fluttershy go off like that," Rainbow Dash smirked as she gave Fluttershy a playful nudge.

"Please, Rainbow Dash, I don't like doing that," Fluttershy blushed. "Princess Luna, Julius, I'm sorry about how my brother acted," Fluttershy timidly apologized.

"It's OK, Fluttershy," Luna forgave.

"You're not responsible for his actions, don't worry," Julius said as he remembered the flower. "Here, for you," Julius offered as he gave the cloudlily to Fluttershy.

"Oh, thank you," Fluttershy said in surprise. Taking the cloudlily with her wing, Fluttershy thought for a few moments as she got a cloud planter. "So, I guess this means that mom and dad approve," Fluttershy said as she planted the cloudlily in the planter.

"What are you talking about; I got it myself," Julius said as Fluttershy just looked straight at him. "Rainbow Dash got it for me," Julius slightly stammered as Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at him. "OK, fine, yes, they gave it to me to give it to you," Julius conceded.

"That's OK," Fluttershy laughed into a wing. "Though I must admit, it is somewhat unexpected," Fluttershy remarked as she sat back down.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dear," Mrs. Shy apologized. "It's just, with what you wrote about him, we just thought that you were going for him," Mrs. Shy apologized as Fluttershy facewinged. "We just wanted to show you that you have our support."

"It's," Fluttershy sighed, "it's OK, mom," Fluttershy sighed as she rubbed her eyes with her feathers.

"If you say so dear," Mrs. Shy conceded as she turned to face Julius. "I'm sorry about my son. Zephyr can be difficult to deal with, but he's a good boy," Mrs. Shy apologized. "I'm Cloudy, Cloudy Shy, by the way," Mrs. Shy properly greeted herself.

"Sure, let's go with difficult," Julius chuckled. "I'm Julius, a pleasure ma'am," Julius returned the greeting. "Where is Zephyr anyways?" Julius asked as he looked around the cottage, not spotting the brother anywhere.

"Oh, he went off outside for a little bit. He'll be back soon enough, though," Mrs. Shy said as she looked out a window.

"Probably for the better. I mean, getting chewed out by Fluttershy, that's gotta be humbling," Julius chuckled. "He probably just has to get his mind in order," Julius sighed as he turned to Fluttershy. "Sorry to impose, but do you have anything to drink?"

"Well, I have some teas, some juices, water obviously, hot chocolate, and milk. Oh, and my parents also brought some dry blueberry wine," Fluttershy said as she walked into the kitchen. "What did you have in mind?"

"If it's OK with you, some blueberry wine. With what I'll have to do, some alcohol would be very helpful," Julius said as Fluttershy's parents nodded as if to give their OK.

"Alright, just not too much," Fluttershy said as she grabbed a glass. "What do you have to do? If I may ask," Fluttershy asked as she poured Julius a glass of wine.

"Well," Julius started to say as Fluttershy grabbed a tea set, "as much as I don't want to do it," Julius sighed as Fluttershy made some tea, "I have to talk to Zephyr," Julius winced at the thought at Fluttershy put mixed up a special teabag.

"Is it going to be like your last talk?" Fluttershy asked as she brought Julius his wine.

"No, it's going to be more serious," Julius sighed before taking a drink of the wine. "Strong wine," Julius coughed before shaking his head, "good though."

"I see," Fluttershy said as she filled the kettle with water. "Why are you going to talk to him if you don't want to? Zephyr will be OK; this happens now and then," Fluttershy told Julius as she placed the kettle on the stove.

"Normally, I wouldn't have a thing to do with him," Julius admitted. "But I'm going after you; that means that Zephyr will end up being family," Julius took a stiff drink at saying that. "So I'll go further out of my way than I should for him."

"Really?" Fluttershy and her parents all asked in surprise. "You really don't have to do that," Fluttershy said as she shook her head. "Zephyr will be OK after some time; he always is," Fluttershy told Julius as she grabbed some sugar and cream.

"I want to help him though, not for him, but for you," Julius said before taking another drink of wine.

"OK, but why, though?" Fluttershy asked as she grabbed some tea cakes.

"Well, you said that you wanted someone who likes animals. That's a bit nebulous, so I figured that you want someone kind," Julius reasoned. "If going out to help Zephyr doesn't prove that, I don't know what will," Julius said as Luna, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all nodded in agreement.

"That's not necessary; you seem nice enough. Besides, you seem to like animals," Fluttershy started to say.

"Oh no, don't you start with this," Julius shook his head. "Fluttershy, I have family who are like you; they're too kind. I know where this is going. Please, don't do it; please be greedy, be selfish, it's OK to put yourself first every now and then," Julius told Fluttershy as he took a sip of wine. "If not for yourself, then for me."

"What are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked after hearing the odd statement from Julius.

"Fluttershy is planning on just rolling over and joining the herd. She's planning on doing it for her friends and myself while completely ignoring herself," Julius said while the ponies thought it over.

"Yeah, that does sound like Fluttershy. That's a good thing, isn't it?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"No, it's not. Fluttershy needs to think more about herself; otherwise, she'll just let others abuse her for their own benefit. Fluttershy, please, if only for myself, think more about yourself before you do this. Asking me for something more, it's OK," Julius insisted as far too familiar memories came back to him.

"Why do you think that?" Fluttershy asked, bemused at what Julius said.

"My grandparents were the exact same way. In many ways, they were like your parents, only human, and not brother-sister. They were some of the nicest people you could meet, but people took advantage of them all the time; it hurt to see. Please, Fluttershy, if for nobody else than for me, think of something selfish that you want from me, OK," Julius again requested.

"That's sad; I'm sorry to hear that people took advantage of your grandparents," Fluttershy comfortingly said.

"You know Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash started to say, "Julius is right. I've already seen ponies try to take advantage of you."

"Really? I've never noticed," Fluttershy lightly gasped while Julius just rubbed his eyes.

"They do it a lot," Pinkie Pie chimed in. "Like last week, at the market, how many ponies cut in front of you?"

"Oh, that's OK, I didn't mind. I'm sure they had a lot of important stuff to do," Fluttershy smiled while Julius lightly groaned.

"Fluttershy, it's not OK. You're a pony, a living creature, not a doormat," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy. "What about a few days before that, when ponies kept interrupting you, or those ponies who tried to take credit for those animals that you saved?"

"I didn't have anything important to say. And I was just happy that the animals were safe," Fluttershy smiled before Julius facepalmed, and the ponies groaned.

"OK, I can't hear this again," Julius said in slight pain. "Pinkie Pie, where did Zephyr go to," Julius winced before drinking the last of the wine in his glass.

"He's by Lake Hinny; you should run into him somewhere around there," Pinkie Pie told Julius as he placed the empty cup in the sink.

"Great, thanks. I'll talk to Zephyr. Can you all please help Fluttershy think of something selfish that she wants from me?" Julius asks as he heads out of the cottage.

"Will do!" Pinkie Pie happily chirps as Julius walks off towards Lake Hinny.

Julius didn't exactly make for the lake with any speed as he wasn't looking forward to talking to Zephyr. Sure the glass of wine helped, but it didn't help nearly enough. For the briefest of moments, he thought about going back, getting another glass of wine, or ten, but if he did, he knew he'd stay there, drinking to avoid the talk. Savoring the walk and the aftertaste of the blueberry wine, Julius leisurely walked to Lake Hinny. The walk took a bit of time, not too much, but it could have been longer for what Julius had to do. Approaching the lake, Julius heard some mumbling and some splashing.

"-didn't even do anything," Julius heard Zephyr mumbling before hearing a few splashes. Walking towards the lake, Julius watched as Zephyr sat by the lakeside, skipping stones into the lake. Standing by for a few moments, Julius collected himself, as much as he could, before walking towards the lake. "-my name doesn't matter, your name doesn't matter," Zephyr continued to mumble to himself.

"You about done feeling sorry for yourself. 'Cause I guarantee you, you're the only one feeling sorry for you right now," Julius said as he walked up to Zephyr and the lake.

"Oh, well, look who it is," Zephyr over exaggeratedly said as he looked at Julius. "If it isn't mister perfect magic creature, what out of mares to take. Wait, I know, you got tired of fighting monsters. No, no, you got tired of being perfect at the cottage, so you just decided to come over here to be perfect, right?" Zephyr Breeze said as he angrily looked at Julius, well as angrily as he could look.

"That it? You done?" Julius asked, his arms folded.

"No, no, I'm not done," Zephyr shot at Julius. "Do you have any idea how tired I am of hearing about you? DO YOU?" Zephyr loudly, angrily asked as he took a few steps towards Julius. "Every! Single! Day!" Zephyr huffed before stopping. "It's every day with Fluttershy. Every day, she's sending letters about you. Oh, this day, you beat some timberwolves and saved her. Oh, that day you got with a bunch of mares. Another day you beat even more timberwolves than a timberwolf monster, then got with even more mares," Zephyr huffed in annoyance. "And every letter, every single one, her annoyance come through. Seriously, it's tiring!" Zephyr yelped in exasperation.

"Well, the timberdirewolf was Twilight, Shining Armor, Cadance, and myself," Julius said as Zephyr rolled his eyes. "But from most of that, it sounds like you're jealous," Julius lightly laughed.

"A little yes. Jealous and annoyed," Zephyr clarified. "You just get to walk in here all, 'look at me, I'm mister perfect, I can't do anything wrong, now get over here so I can breed you.' If that wasn't bad enough, you completely ignore my sister after saving her; what's up with that?" Zephyr asked before getting almost right up in Julius's face.

"Hah, me, mister perfect? Boy scout, you have no idea how hard I worked to get as good as I am, how much I sacrificed," Julius said as he pushed Zephyr away from him. "Let's go swimming," Julius said before he started to take his clothes off.

"Oh, I'm so sure that you've sacrificed a lot," Zephyr said while rolling his eyes. "And work so very hard."

"You know, I was in cadets," Julius said as he took off his shirt. "Army cadets, to be specific. For six years of my life, I was molded into shape. For six years, I gave up my free time to improve myself," Julius chuckled while huffing. "For the most part, I did everything fantastically well. I was almost the model cadet, almost," Julius said as he took off his boots and pants. "There was one thing, just one, that I just kept on failing. And boy scout, I failed hard," Julius said as he folded his clothes and sat them on a nearby rock. "You know what that one thing was?" Julius asked as he stepped into the water.

"From the looks of you, keeping your dick in its sheath," Zephyr huffed as he stepped into the water.

"Yeah, pretty impressive, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash winked as she nudged Fluttershy's and Pinkie Pie's shoulders. The two mares shook their heads as they collected their thoughts.

"It'll be interesting to see how he feels compared to Big Mac," Pinkie Pie giggled.

"T-that, in you. O-Oh, Oh my," Fluttershy stammered and blushed.

"This is nice and all, but I do agree with Julius's sentiment; we should be trying to help Fluttershy, not using my magic to spy on Julius and Zephyr," Luna sighed as she kept up the scrying spell.

"Relax, Luna; I got it all figured out. Besides, do you trust those two together right now?" Rainbow Dash asked. The other ponies just shook their heads. "Thought so."

"Human's don't have sheaths for our dicks, and no, that's not it," Julius said as he doggy paddled into the lake.

"Then what is this thing you claim to have struggled with," Zephyr asked as he swam path Julius.

"Swimming," Julius calmly said as he continued to doggy paddle. "To this very day, I can only doggy paddle and barely float. I was constantly criticized for my complete inability to swim or float. Even the instructors said it was something I had to work on improving. When I was twelve, it was seriously bad; I nearly drown. So I took swimming lessons, and for some reason, swimming is just something I never really got," Julius said as he doggy paddled in the lake. "Sure, as the years went on, I got better, slowly, but I did improve. In my last year in cadets, I managed to swim as far as was expected. I struggled the whole way, and I did the worst out of everyone there, but I passed," Julius said as he kept on doggy paddling.

"OK," Zephyr said, very unsure of things. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you think I'm mister perfect, that everything was just handed to me on a golden platter, it wasn't. I worked hard every day to improve myself. Boy scout, it sucked, it sucked a lot. There were so many days that I'd have rather stayed indoors and play video games or go out and hang out with what few friends I had. Or maybe go out and make more than the two friends that I had. Yes, now I'm pretty impressive, I'm worth being proud about, but that's only because of years of hard work," Julius explained to Zephyr. "Look, nobody is born perfect. Anyone who appears perfect is either putting on a good act or has worked stupidly hard to get that good. Look, if you want to get better, then I'm all for it, but you have to start soon, like now," Julius said as he doggy paddled around.

"OK, but there's one thing I don't get," Zephyr said as he swam around. "Why do this, why go so far for me?"

"Honestly, it's not for you. I'm going after Fluttershy. When I get her, you'll be my brother-in-law. That's why I'm going so far for you. I refuse to have a brother, even if it's only through marriage; that's a loser," Julius told Zephyr. "Just be glad I'm doing this, and it's not my younger brother; Alex wouldn't be so nice," Julius laughed.

"Oh, you have a brother," Zephyr said before dryly laughing. "He must hate living in your shadow."

"Well, to be fair, I have a slightly younger twin sister too, Julia," Julius laughed. "But as for Alex and I, we fought quite a bit, but he's blood. End of the day, we had each other's backs. Son, I cannot tell you how many fights I got in because of him," Julius laughed as he kept on doggy paddling.

"You got into fights, why," Zephyr asked, surprised at hearing about fights.

"Alex is a firebrand who cannot stand bullies. It started in grade two. A kid started to pick on him; eventually, he threw Alex into a wall. Alex got hurt, and, thanks to zero tolerance violence, Alex and the bully both got suspended, despite Alex literally having done nothing," Julius sighed as he doggy paddled. "After the suspension, my sister, Alex, and I were out for blood. My sister kicked him hard in the dick, I uppercutted him back up, and Alex pushed him down some stairs, squad goals!" Julius chuckled. The three of us got suspended for it, but our father had our backs, asking if the bully would get suspended too, zero tolerance and all," Julius started to explain. "After some arguing, the bully was suspended for it too. Our parents weren't too happy with us, but they understood. Unfortunately, though, that was the start of Alex becoming a school vigilante. He fought back hard against anybody who tried to bully him, and he picked fights with known bullies. Julia and I got pulled in more than a few times," Julius laughed.

"That's not very nice," Zephyr said, shocked at what he's heard.

"That is, or, well, was, the world that I lived in. Look, the point is, you're going to be family whether or not I like it. So, yeah, I'll go out of my way to help you. Now, you wanna go back or stay here swimming for a while?" Julius asked as he doggy paddled around the lake.

"I'd like to stay here for a bit," Zephyr said as he floated on the surface of the lake.

"Alright, we'll go back when you're ready," Julius agreed as he doggy paddled back to shore. Getting up on the shore, Julius rolled over on his back, letting the sun dry him off.

Chapter 39: Convincing Fluttershy

Quite some time passed as Julius and Zephyr swam in the lake and rested on its shore. Feeling that he was dry enough, Julius got up.

"Alright, Zephyr, you ready to go back?" Julius asked as he went to get his clothes.

"I suppose," Zephyr sighed as he swam back to shore. "I'm just," Zephyr sighed again, "I'm not looking forward to it, you know?" Zephyr continued to sigh as he stepped out of the water.

"Look, if it's about Luna, she won't kill you or anything when we get back. Though, if you do or say anything stupid again, I promise nothing," Julius assured Zephyr as he got dressed.

"Well, Luna too," Zephyr nervously laughed. "It's my parents. Facing them after anything like this is the worst," Zephyr sighed as he started to walk towards the path.

"Yeah, owning up to people who've seen you do wrong is never easy. But you have a loving, understanding family. You have nothing to worry about," Julius said as he got dressed. "Look at it this way; your family does that because they care for you. If they did nothing, then it'd mean that they don't care what happens to you. If they went overboard, then it would mean that they don't respect you," Julius told Zephyr as he put his shirt back on. "Sure, you might get the worst of it from Fluttershy, but that just means that she cares the most about you. Now, come on, the longer we wait, the worse it'll be," Julius said as he started to walk down the path.

"That is an interesting point," Luna said as she looked through the scrying bubble, "he isn't wrong, is he?" Luna asked as she looked at Fluttershy and her parents.

"He isn't," Fluttershy blushed, the view of a naked Julius still fresh in her mind. "Zephyr has always had a great artistic talent. Whenever he could be bothered to, he'd always do fantastically in art class. But those were rare times. More often than not, Zephyr would hit a minor stumbling block, lose hope right away, and just give up. As his big sister, it hurts to see."

"Yes, that can be a painful thing," Luna agreed as she saw Julius and Zephyr start to walk back to the cottage. "Looks like they're coming back," Luna sighed as she ended the scrying spell. "Rainbow Dash, are you sure you have everything figured out?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I do," Rainbow Dash confidently smirked.

"Well, here we are again," Julius said as Fluttershy's cottage came into view. "First thing I'm doing when I get in is having another glass of that wine," Julius said as he smacked his lips together.

"What, that blueberry wine?" Zephyr asked as he ruffled his muzzle slightly. "I think you, dad, and Fluttershy are the only ones who like that kind of wine. I mean a dry, berry wine, ugh," Zephyr remarked in mild disgust.

"More for us," Julius shrugged off as the two walked up to the cottage. Opening the door to the cottage, Julius stepped in. "We're back," Julius said as he and Zephyr entered the cottage.

"W-welcome back," Fluttershy blushed as she avoided Julius's gaze.

"I take it that everything is all smoothed over?" Luna knowingly asked as she made herself comfortable on the couch.

"More or less," Julius said as he started to walk towards the kitchen. "Fluttershy, Mr. and Mrs. Shy, I'm having another glass of wine," Julius said as he washed out his previous glass.

"Another glass already?" Rainbow Dash chuckled. "And I get grief for how much I like cider," Rainbow Dash laughed as Julius poured himself some wine.

"Hey, with everything that's happened today, I deserve it. Besides, I just want some," Julius playfully shot back as a blue glow enveloped a clean glass. "You want some too, Luna?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna, who just nodded.

"Thank you," Luna thanked as she stretched her body. "Unfortunately, we haven't had much luck with Fluttershy," Luna lightly moaned as she stretched her body out.

"Again, relax, I have it all figured out," Rainbow Dash assured as she got herself a glass of water.

"Well, I'm interested," Julius said as he gave Luna her glass of wine. "Alright, Rainbow Dash, what do you have?" Julius asked as he sat down by Luna and Pinkie Pie.

"Alright, the problem with asking Fluttershy to be selfish is that she literally cannot be selfish. Trust me; I've tried," Rainbow Dash started to explain as she sat back down with her glass of water. "Throughout flight school, the instructors tried the same thing that you're trying. It never worked. That's OK though, I know what will work!" Rainbow Dash proudly said before she took a drink of water. "Fluttershy will just join the herd!" Rainbow Dash proclaimed, much to Julius's surprise.

"OK, I said find something that Fluttershy wants for her to join the herd, and you say just wave that. Interesting take, ignoring what I said. Care to explain why before I roll my eyes and mock it, or mockery first, I'll let you pick," Julius said as he sipped his wine.

"Fluttershy will never ask for something for herself, and she won't improve for herself; she never has," Rainbow Dash explained with a sigh. "Around the end of flight school, I found the secret to get Fluttershy to do both! The secret is, make her a part of something!" Rainbow Dash happily said. "Fluttershy won't do either of those things for herself, but she will do it for a group; that's how I got her to improve her wing power. So if you just accept her into the herd, as she is, we can help her improve! She'll be far more open to it since she'll be a part of a group!" Rainbow Dash happily proclaimed.

"Rainbow Dash," Julius stoically said as he took a drink of wine, "that is," Julius continued as he sat his glass down, "brilliant!" Julius exclaimed as he hugged the mare. "I never would have thought of that! Yeah, yeah, actually, I'm on board with that!" Julius said as he ruffled Rainbow's mane. "What do you say, Fluttershy? Are you OK with Rainbow's idea?" Julius asked, smiling as he sat back down.

"I don't know," Fluttershy meekly blushed as she hid behind her mane. "I can be a lot of work," Fluttershy dismissed. "When Rainbow Dash helped me with my wing power, it didn't improve by that much," Fluttershy started to refute.

"Ugh," Rainbow Dash sighed in slight anger. "Listen, Fluttershy, the only reason your wing power didn't improve that much is that I found out that trick a week before I stood up to those bullies for you!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as Julius and Luna gave her an odd look. "That happened in the last week of flight school. Fluttershy fell to Ponyville in that race, and she's stayed here ever since," Rainbow Dash briefly explained. "Look, Fluttershy, even if you don't believe it, you are so much better than what you think you are. We can help you; we want to help you, please, Fluttershy, take this!" Rainbow Dash pleaded.

"But, if I join, that'll take time away from you and the others. I don't want to do that; that'd be too selfish," Fluttershy meekly said while continuing to hide behind her mane.

"Ugh, Mint, Cloudy, some help here, tartarus's sake, Zephyr, help?" Rainbow Dash sighed while slapping her forehead with a hoof.

"Fine," Zephyr said after looking at his parents, "if neither of you will speak up, then I guess it's up to me, Zephyr Breeze, to do it!" Zephyr proudly said. "Listen, sister. Ma and Pa have read the letters home you sent, hay, I've read them too," Zephyr said as he draped a wing over Fluttershy. "We all know that you want this, and now, it's just being given to you. All you have to do is something that you've wanted to do for a long time now. Listen to your baby brother, take the deal," Zephyr reasoned with Fluttershy, who just blushed intensely.

"Zephyr Breeze!" Fluttershy loudly exclaimed as she flew into the air, seemingly forgetting about the others. "Why did you read those letters? They weren't meant for you!" Fluttershy said with an energy that surprised Julius, Luna, and Pinkie Pie.

"Now, sister, I can see that you have some feelings about this," Zephyr chuckled. "But Ma and Pa were just cooing so much. I had to see what it was about; speaking of, they seemed to want this, you don't want to disappoint them, do you?" Zephyr slyly asked.

"Well, that's dirty but effective," Julius whispered to Luna and Pinkie Pie, who nodded in agreement.

"Why are you bringing them up?" Fluttershy asked as she flew above Zephyr. "They aren't even-" Fluttershy started to say as she looked to her side. Seeing her parents sitting down, Fluttershy stopped flying. Looking around the room, Fluttershy remembered who else was there. "Eep!" Fluttershy squeaked before blushing and running into her bathroom.

"See?" Mr. Shy asked while chuckling into a hoof. "Fluttershy is the bold one," Mr. Shy confirmed as Mrs. Shy and Zephyr nodded in agreement. "I'll talk to her," Mr. Shy said as he stood up and walked after Fluttershy.

"Well, at least she looks like she's starting to break," Julius laughed as he drank his wine. "Honestly, I didn't think Fluttershy would be this kind of hard."

"Yes, it is a bit odd," Luna confirmed before taking a sip of wine. "When it came to Fluttershy, I thought you'd have to help her tend to animals, or something like that," Luna said before taking another sip of wine. "Though I suppose she could have self-image problems that would prevent her from ever accepting," Luna speculated as she drank her wine.

"Sounds about right," Rainbow Dash sighed while shaking her head. "Unfortunately, Fluttershy has had that problem for nearly her whole life," Rainbow Dash confirmed as she continued to drink her water.

"Yeah, though you'll still need to like animals!" Pinkie Pie reminded Julius in a singsong voice as she saw Julius slightly back up. "What's wrong? See something you don't like?" Pinkie Pie giggled as she looked where Julius was looking.

"I respect all animals," Julius said as his eyes followed something. "That doesn't necessarily mean that I like every animal," Julius stated as Mrs. Shy lightly giggled.

"Oh, that little guy," Mrs. Shy chuckled as she walked up to a small creature that was walking towards Julius. "This is a supporter spider," Mrs. Shy said as she gently lifted the red-eyed brown spider on a wing. "I know they look scary, but they're quite nice," Mrs. Shy said as the spider pulled out a few small flowers.

"Can it understand us?" Julius asked; Mrs. Shy nodded. "Alright," Julius breathed deeply, "as long as you don't build webs in places like doorways, and you don't crawl on me randomly, we'll be fine," Julius told the spider.

"Guessing spiders doing that is a problem in your world," Luna chuckled as she petted the spider.

"God, yes," Julius sighed. "I cannot tell you how many times I accidentally walked into a spider web and turned into a kung-fu master for like, a good two or three minutes. But, at least all the spiders where I'm from aren't dangerous to humans," Julius chuckled as he nervously took the flowers from the spiders.

"Guessing that you have some really dangerous spiders," Rainbow Dash said as she sat down beside Pinkie Pie.

"Oh yeah, we do," Julius laughed. "Hell, there's one spider that can eat birds and shoot its hair at you," Julius said, shocking the ponies and even the supporter spider. "We also have some cute ones, like the peacock spider and the jumping spider. Male peacock spiders dance, and jumping spiders can become your pet; they'll even shake your hand."

"Your world has some weird animals," Pinkie Pie giggled, "though, I would like a peacock spider as a pet; they sound really fun!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as the supporter spider started to dance awkwardly.

"Heh," Julius lightheartedly snickered, "that'll do spider, that'll do," Julius chuckled as he very carefully petted the spider's abdomen. "I honestly can say, I did not expect to be petting a spider today, or, well, ever really."

"OK, I think she's ready," Mr. Shy said as he walked out of the bathroom. "Oh, hello, mister spider, thank you for the silk. It made some very nice curtains and doilies," Mr. Shy said as he saw the supporter spider, who greeted Mr. Shy with a swift salute. "Fluttershy will want to speak to you alone about joining," Mr. Shy told Julius, "she's waiting in the bathroom," Mr. Shy said as he went to pour himself and Mrs. Shy a glass of wine.

"Makes sense. Despite being the bold one, Fluttershy is still very shy," Julius said as he got up. "I'll go talk to her now," Julius said as he slightly stumbled before catching himself. Walking into the bathroom, Julius saw a heavily breathing Fluttershy, clearly steadying herself. "Hey, Fluttershy," Julius calmly greeted.

"Oh, Julius," Fluttershy said with a slight shock, "I take it that my father told you I was ready?" Fluttershy asked as she turned around. Julius just nodded. "If," Fluttershy started to say, quite unsure of herself, "if you're really sure, then I'll join," Fluttershy said while averting her gaze.

"Of course, I'm sure," Julius assured Fluttershy. "Though, I have to ask, what brought you around? What did your father say?" Julius asked as he took a few steps towards Fluttershy.

"Not too much, mostly he just retold me what Rainbow Dash said, only in his words. Father is very persuasive; that's how he got a job at the could factory, and how he got promoted so quickly," Fluttershy smiled. "Also," Fluttershy lightly pawed at the ground, "father reminded me that I was starting to come down with H.S.S," Fluttershy said while looking away.

"Hss, never heard of that before; what is it?" Julius asked as he gently patted Fluttershy's mane.

"H.S.S, Herd Separation Syndrome," Fluttershy said as she relaxed her head into Julius's palm. "It's extremely rare; few mares ever get it. Usually, they only get it if they're separated from their herd, though mares not in a herd can get H.S.S. All they need is to feel like they're in a herd, and if the herd they feel like they're a part of either rejects them or moves away without them, they can get it," Fluttershy explained. "As I said, it's extremely rare."

"I see, mare only mental ailment?" Julius asked as he caressed Fluttershy's mane.

"Only mares have been seen with it," Fluttershy purred as she savored Julius's petting, "but stallions can, in theory, come down with it too. But because of how few stallions to mares there are, a stallion could easily get into a herd," Fluttershy explained as she rocked her head against Julius's palm.

"I see, well, sorry for making you suffer," Julius smiled as he rubbed the back of Fluttershy's head.

"It's quite alright; you didn't know," Fluttershy smiled as she relaxed. "So, what did you have in mind for me? I can't imagine that you'll give up on improving me," Fluttershy hummed.

"Well, after Rainbow's wing is fully healed, she and I will be training together with Luna," Julius said as he gently wrapped his free arm around Fluttershy. "You'll join in on that," Julius said, much to Fluttershy's surprise.

"Me? Train? With Rainbow Dash? And a Princess?" Fluttershy stammered in surprise. "Why?"

"Your biggest problem seems to be self-confidence. Training can be a great way to build that and to continue to work on your wing power," Julius started to explain. "Rainbow will be focusing more on developing a new martial art with me. As for you, well, Luna seems to be well put together. You two could really benefit from each other. So she'll be helping with your mentality," Julius explained.

"Wait, Princess Luna said she would?" Fluttershy asked with some surprise.

"Well, no, but she'll be helping with Rainbow Dash and me. Besides, I'm sure she will say yes; you two will be in the same herd after all," Julius assured.

"Well, if you're sure," Fluttershy said as she turned around in Julius's arm. "Well, I guess there's just one thing left to do-" Fluttershy started to say as a knocking was heard from the outside door. "Oh, another guest," Fluttershy gasped," guess we should hurry along. Do you want to take the feather, or would you like me to get it?"

"I think it'd be more special if you took it off," Julius smiled as he hugged Fluttershy. Reaching her wing around, Fluttershy plucked off one of her primary feathers, a slight magical tinkle held to the feather, as soft pink sparkles danced in a pale yellow glow. As Fluttershy gave the feather to Julius, a new voice was heard.

"I'm Anya, Anya Shift," the voice said from outside. "May I come in, please?"

"Guess we should get out of the bathroom and meet the new guest," Julius lightly smiled as he took the feather. "Fluttershy, welcome to the herd," Julius said before kissing Fluttershy. Fluttershy's eyes went wide as she felt Julius's lips meet hers. They were smaller than her lips, and his tongue was smaller too, but the kiss made her melt ever so slightly.

"Hey, you two, hurry it up in there!" Rainbow Dash yelled at the bathroom. "There's a guest here!" Savoring their first kiss for a few moments more, Julius and Fluttershy broke their kiss.

"I guess we should meet our new guest," Julius lightly smiled.

"Oh, yes," Fluttershy blushed as she touched a hoof to her lips, "we should," Fluttershy said as she gathered herself. Walking to the door, Fluttershy opened the bathroom door and let Julius walk out first. Stepping out into the living room, Julius and Fluttershy spotted a deep purple-colored unicorn with a black mane. "I take it that you're Anya Shift?" Fluttershy asked as she walked towards the new pony.

"Yes, I am," Anya replied before looking at Julius. "A pleasure to meet you," Anya said while giving Julius an extremely quick wink and smirk.

"Yes, a pleasure to meet you too," Julius chuckled in a huff. "Where's Luna?" Julius asked as he looked around the room.

"Luna is going out, said she has somethings to do," Pinkie Pie started to explain. "She said for us to meet her at Carousel Boutique in about an hour for something important," Pinkie Pie told Julius and Fluttershy.

"Oh, the Princess of the Night has something important to tell you. I wonder what it could be?" Anya said as she sat down. "She does need to work on her timing, though. I have a business appointment at Carousel Boutique in an hour," Anya chuckled.

"Well, I suppose you can come with us," Rainbow Dash said. "Worst case, Luna just asks you to leave," Rainbow continued as Julius chuckled.

"Rainbow," Julius said while chuckling, "I think Luna may want Anya there, call it a hunch," Julius said while winking at Anya. "Either way, we got about an hour to kill, and I really should meet my new in-laws," Julius smiled as he held up Fluttershy's feather.

"Nice work convincing her, Mint," Rainbow Dash smiled while giving Mr. Shy a light shoulder bump.

"Oh, it was nothing," Mr. Shy blushed. "Honestly, you all did the hard work. It was a group effort," Mr. Shy brushed off. "So, Miss Shift, tell us about yourself," Mr. Shy shifted the conversation.

"Why not," Anya smiled as she walked to the seat. "I'm in Ponyville to invest in businesses that have potential-" Anya started to say as she sat down. And so, the group got to know the new pony as they passed the hour away, Fluttershy now sitting much closer to Julius.

Chapter 40: Group Introduction to Thestrals, Part 1

"Well, I suppose we should get going," Julius said with a yawn and stretch as he stood up. "The hour is just about up," Julius affirmed as he cracked his neck.

"Carousel Boutique isn't that far away," Rainbow Dash told Julius as she slightly tilted her head, "you wanna be early or something?"

"A little. Honestly, if I can help it, I prefer to be a little early. I hate rushing to places unless I have to," Julius confirms as Fluttershy, Zephyr, and their parents stood up.

"That's understandable," Mrs. Shy said as she stood up, "it was a pleasure meeting you," she smiled as she walked towards the door.

"Definitely," Mr. Shy agreed as he followed his wife, "you'll have to come up to Cloudsdale sometime," he offered as he and Zephyr made for the door.

"Isn't that a city made of pure clouds?" Julius asked as he racked his mind. "I don't think I can go there. Humans have this nasty tendency to fall right through clouds. Upside, it makes skydiving far easier," Julius chuckled as the other ponies stood up.

"Oh, don't worry about that, dearie," Mrs. Shy comfortingly said, "there's a spell that lets you walk on clouds."

"Yeah, tourism is the second biggest industry in Cloudsdale," Mr. Shy backed his wife up. "Biggest is the weather industry, obviously," he smiled.

"Yeah, that spell can exist all day, good for it and all. But I'll only be going to Cloudsdale if either Luna or Celestia is with me, and even then, only if I'm holding onto them the whole time," Julius laughed while Rainbow sighed.

"Oh, come on, you'll skydive but not walk on clouds?" Rainbow Dash laughed as the ponies started to leave Fluttershy's Cottage.

"I never said that I ever went skydiving; I only said that it exists," Julius laughed as Fluttershy ushered him out.

"Fair, but you should try that spell. Trust me; clouds are way more comfortable than any bed," Rainbow Dash told Julius while Fluttershy locked up her cottage.

"Really? I would imagine they'd be rather cold and wet," Julius said as the group started to walk towards Carousel Boutique.

"Yeah, you'd think they'd be, but they feel more like the down of newborn birds," Rainbow Dash said, with the other pegasi nodding in agreement. "Granted, they are a little cool, but they aren't cold."

"Sounds interesting," Julius said as he looked up towards the sky. "Don't suppose one of you could fly up and bring a small cloud down, could you?"

"Give me one moment," Fluttershy said as she flew up into the sky.

"Ugh, I wish my wing was better," Rainbow Dash grumbled as she watched Fluttershy fly into the sky. "Can't you use your healing magic to speed things up?" Rainbow Dash complained despite knowing the answer.

"You know I can't; besides, Zecora's potions are working just fine. I know it sucks, but take it as a lesson to never fall victim to the same kind of trap," Julius told Rainbow Dash, who just rolled her eyes.

"Sorry I took so long," Fluttershy said as she flew down with a small cloud. "I didn't want to get one that was too big," Fluttershy said as she brought down a cloud that was slightly smaller than a pony.

"It's alright," Julius said as he reached out a hand. Running his hand across the cloud, his fingers lightly sunk into it. True to Rainbow's words, the cloud felt like it was made of the softest feathers, only slightly chilled. "That is really soft, but, I can tell if I tried to sleep on this as is, I'd fall right through, look," Julius said as he clenched his hand inside the cloud, his fingers going right through the cloud with no resistance. Pulling his hand back, a few strands of cloud stuck to his hand before dissipating, "see?"

"Well, yeah, that's why you need the spell," Rainbow Dash said as she watched Julius grab at a strand of cloud. "What are you doing?"

"This is made out of solidified water," Julius said as he narrowed his eyes at the cloud, "I can eat this, I can eat you," Julius said as he looked right at the cloud. Slurping up a loose strand of cloud, like it was spaghetti, Julius swallowed the bit of cloud. "It's tastes like a mix of many different kinds of flower water," Julius remarked while the pegasi chuckled.

"We've all done it at some point," Mr. Shy assured as he composed himself.

"Makes for a nice wakeup drink," Rainbow Dash said, the other pegasi nodding in agreement.

"I get it, believe me, back home, we have this homemade winter snack where you pour maple syrup onto the snow and eat it," Julius said as Pinkie Pie tried some of the cloud.

"Yup, that definitely tastes like honeysuckle water," Pinkie Pie remarked as she drank some of the cloud's water. "That maple syrup on snow thing sounds like it'd be delicious; we'll have to try it in a few months!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she bounced beside Julius.

"Ah yeah, we're just hitting autumn, aren't we?" Julius sighed as he rubbed his eyes. "Really not looking forward to winter," Julius winced as he thought of home.

"Can't stand the cold?" Fluttershy asked with concern.

"Hah, I've dealt with negative thirty degrees wet cold; I'll be fine. It's the snow that I'm not looking forward to; shoveling is a pain," Julius assured.

"Yeah, plowing the snow does suck," Rainbow Dash agreed. "But with winter, you get all the winter sports!" Rainbow Dash happily exclaimed.

"Fair, skiing isn't too bad. And who knows, maybe I'll finally get into snowboarding," Julius conceded as the group made their way through Ponyville.

"Do you think we should be here for this?" Mr. Shy asked as the group approached Carousel Boutique.

"Yeah, it feels like something not exactly meant for us," Mrs. Shy agreed with her husband.

"You two don't seem like gossips, so as long as you don't tell anycreature what Luna has to say, it should be fine," Julius told the two. "That goes for you as well," Julius firmly stated while looking at Zephyr.

"Relax, relax," Zephyr lightly laughed while slightly backing up. "After last time, I don't feel like making Luna angry; once was more than enough. But what about her?" Zephyr asked while looking at Anya.

"I'm pretty sure Luna wants her there," Julius flatly said as Rainbow Dash spared him a glance.

"You sure seem to know what Luna has to say," Rainbow Dash slowly said. "What do you know?"

"I'm like, ninety-nine point nine, nine, repeating, of course, percent sure of what Luna wants to say," Julius told Rainbow Dash. "If I'm right, Anya being there won't be a problem, though, Onyx or somepony like him would probably be better."

"You're right," Anya agrees, "but he and most of the others are asleep right now," Anya continued as the others watched them.

"You two seem to know each other. And who's Onyx?" Rainbow Dash asked, slightly confused at the odd amount of familiarity the two seemed to have.

"Onyx is a friend of hers. As for us, well, you can say that we've met before," Julius told Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, it was a brief meeting while Julius was out on a late-night run. We talked for a little bit under the moonlight; it was nice," Anya smiled in agreement.

"You really should be careful," Mrs. Shy said with concern. "While it's rare, there are mares who'd take advantage of a lone stallion at night," she cautioned as Rainbow Dash started to laugh.

"Good luck with that," Rainbow Dash laughed, "he'd be fine. Tartarus, I pity any mare who'd try that with him."

"I've been here for a month, and God, it's still weird hearing that reversed," Julius rolled his eyes. "I wasn't in any real danger, at least from that. The Everfree Forest doesn't have many ponies in it," Julius told Mrs. Shy.

"Why were you walking in the Everfree Forest at night?" Mrs. Shy asked. "You know that's extremely dangerous at the best of times."

"Oh, there are a few beautiful lakes and ponds in there," Anya quickly said. "They're nice enough at the daylight, but moonlight brings out their true beauty."

"She's right," Julius agreed. "There's this one flower by a few of the ponds; during the day, its petals are folded up, so you only see the dark brown undersides. But at night, the petals open up, revealing their violet and yellow petals."

"Luftacen móna," Anya said, "that's the name of that flower. It's usually given as a romantic gift," Anya told Julius.

"Makes sense," Julius said as the group approached the door to the Carousel Boutique. "Well, let's go in," Julius sighed as he knocked on the door. "Rarity, Luna, you both in there?"

"Yes, darling. Twilight and Zecora are here too, come on in," Rarity said from inside.

Julius opened the door and ushered the group inside. After the last pony entered, Julius followed behind, making sure to shut and lock the door. Looking around the room, Julius saw all the ponies sat around on different couches and pillows, all with well-made embroidering. Julius sat down on a slightly larger couch and watched as the ponies moved around, deciding where to sit. Unsurprisingly, Anya sat the closest to Luna.

"You're all here, good," Luna calmly said as she looked around the room. "What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room, understood," Luna very firmly said while looking right at Zephyr.

"Yeah, yeah, I already got that from Julius," Zephyr said while fighting the urge to roll his eyes. "Though, honestly, this feels like some conspiracy theory stuff. Is Alex Pones going to come out spouting his latest insane theory?" Zephyr joked as a few of the ponies stifled their laughs.

"Oh my God, yes, please!" Julius laughed. "Tell me where I can find this guy; I got some things I wanna bounce off him!" Julius heartily laughed.

"I have no idea who that is," Luna said, "also, can we focus?" Luna firmly asked as she waited for the laughter to die down. After a few laughter-filled moments, all the laughter died down. "We all good? Alright," Luna sighed as she prepared to continue. "Tell me, what do you know of the pony tribes?" Luna asked the ponies.

"Well, there are three tribes. Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns," Twilight started to say. "They've existed since time immemorial. Earth ponies worked the land, pegasi managed the weather, and unicorns moved the sun and moon, well before you and Celestia," Twilight started to explain. "A very long time ago, the three tribes escaped from the frozen north and founded Equestria," Twilight summarised.

"Yes, that is the answer I was expected," Luna sighed, sounding a little sad. "I see the whole history hasn't been taught," Luna said, much to Twilight's surprise.

"What's missing?" Twilight energetically asked.

"A lot, though for now, we'll focus on one thing," Luna told Twilight. "There weren't just three tribes in the beginning; in truth, there were four tribes," Luna said, confusing the ponies. "The fourth tribe guarded the night and the dreams. This lost tribe are the thestrals. Sadly, from events out of their control, history hasn't been kind to them, and they've been all but forgotten," Luna explained.

"Guarded the night, sounds almost like vampire ponies," Twilight commented. "Why have they been forgotten? What happened?"

"Vampire ponies don't exist," Luna assured, "that's just a slur for thestrals. As for what happened, well, it happened a thousand moons ago," Luna said as the other ponies immediately got what she was getting at.

"Reinforcing that something big happened a thousand moons ago," Julius absentmindedly commented.

"Yes," Luna sighed. "Anyways, suffice to say, thestrals don't hold my sister in high regard. There are many reasons for that, but the two main ones are what happened that day and their functional isolation from Equestria," Luna explained.

"Well, where are they now? And why are you bring this up now?" Twilight asked.

"They are still in Equestria, just in their own communities, called covens. As for bringing this up now, I have reason to believe that Julius may have encountered one," Luna explained.

"Luna, you know I've encountered one," Julius confirmed. "Context behind our meeting aside, he seemed rather pleasant, if not a little formal."

"Wait, you encountered one, when, why?" Twilight asked.

"You want to tell them, or shall I?" Julius asked Luna as Anya stood up.

"I think I'll take over from here," Anya said. "Roughly one month ago, one of the covens got word that a strange new creature was found in the Everfree Forest. The creature was placed under watch to study it and to see what threat it posed to the coven. As you can probably guess, the creature in question is Julius here," Anya said as she pointed to Julius.

"Wait, with how you're saying this, it sounds like you're a part of this coven," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Anya.

"I am, though I'm not a thestral. Frankly, those of my kind find the Thestren more welcoming than the Equestrians," Anya told Rainbow Dash. "Anyways, myself and another, Onyx, were ordered to test Julius."

"Yeah, both of you were," Julius laughed as he rolled his eyes. "Bring in Onyx, and he'll fact-check that."

"What was the test? And what do you mean by 'my kind'?" Twilight asked.

"Not important what the test was. As for what I am," Anya started to say as she spared a glance at Luna, "well, with the present company, it should be safe enough," Anya said as azure flames enveloped her body slightly awing, and worrying the ponies. As the flames vanished, a glossy red pegasus stood in her place, only her wings seemed more bug-like, and her hide seemed to be chitinous, not furry.

"Changeling!" Twilight exclaimed. "Quick, Luna, do something!" Twilight freaked out as Julius and Anya rolled their eyes, and Zecora chuckled.

"Twilight, though many are ill thought of, not all of Anya's kind are fell. This is one that I can assure you means well," Zecora calmly said as she looked over Anya's body. "It has been quite some time since we've met. Would you please forgive Twilight's fret? Unfortunate as it is, her sentiment is one shared among the masses. From the lower to the upper, it is shared among Equestrian classes," Zecora said as Julius quickly shot her a look.

"Wait, you met her before, when, and why didn't you say anything about it to me?" Julius asked as he looked at Zecora.

"My apologies but to secrecy, I was sworn. Given how you are, I don't expect you'll show any scorn. As for our meeting, well, that was a year ago. An injured Anya stumbled into a herb patch and tripped over my hoe. Far be it of me to turn away one in need. Like you, I invited her in and commenced a healing deed. After that, on rare occasions, she and some others would come by my home. I would give them healing salves, and they would give me many a pome," Zecora explained to Julius.

"Yes, it was seen as a fair trade," Anya spoke up. "Honestly, finding a skilled apothecarist in the Everfree was a blessing; it was extremely convenient."

"While this is all interesting, I must ask, why did you need to do all of this here?" Rarity asked as Twilight slowly calmed down. "It seems like you could have held this meeting anywhere. Honestly, Zecora's house seems like it would have been a safer place."

"I do agree," Luna said as she gently placed a hoof on Twilight's head to help calm her down. "However, there are a few reasons to do this here," Luna said as she looked at Julius.

"Right," Julius said as he turned towards Rarity. "It seems to me like you have a lot to do," Julius said as Rarity listened.

"I do; why do you ask?" Rarity confirmed as she gave Julius a questioning look.

"Well, what if you hired somepony to work at night while the store was closed?" Julius asked.

"Interesting thought," Rarity said as she mulled it over, "I could find quite a few things that need to be done, and it would save me a lot of time during the day. But my sister and I live here."

"But you're open to the idea," Julius said as Rarity nodded. "Well, what if Luna stayed here for a few days at first, then came to stay, let's say, three times a week?" Julius asked. "Trust me; there are concerns from the other side as well."

"Well, I suppose if you can find a thestral that's into fashion and is willing, I suppose we could try it," Rarity concedes.

"I'd be willing to do that," Luna told Rarity.

"Velvet Dance," Anya said. "She's pretty into fashion, though I doubt as much as Julius."

"I'm not into fashion. Humans have to wear clothes; they're kind of like our fur," Julius said as Rarity chuckled.

"Oh really?" Rarity smugly asked. "Then why do you insist on being well put together?"

"Just because I prefer to look nice, and have a decent eye for it, doesn't mean that I'm into fashion," Julius insisted.

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked. "The last time we were all here, all you and Rarity talked about was fashion. Honestly, it was worse than that time Fluttershy got talking to Lacyshy," Rainbow Dash told Julius.

"Oh, uh, Lacyshy is one of my aunts and herdmothers. She works in a fashion store in Cloudsdale," Fluttershy explained.

"OK, fine, I might be more into fashion than most creatures here, but I don't think I am too into it by human standards," Julius conceded.

"Oh really?" Rarity once again smugly asked. "How many outfits do you have at home?"

"Well, I do have some random shirts and pants, though I do make sure they're matched. Then I have a bunch of specialized clothes, all in fully matched sets. My favorite was a set was a light green tunic, with navy blue pants, a black tabard with light green embroidery, suede leather boots with polished black leather gaiters, black suede leather gloves, and a dark green cloak with navy embroidery," Julius explained as some of the ponies giggled. "OK, yeah, kind of proving your point there," Julius admitted.

"OK, OK," Anya laughed, "as fun as teasing stallions can be, we shouldn't do it too much. Look, I need a firm answer as to what's happening. I'm running on a tight timetable," Anya explained as she stood up.

"Well, if Luna vets this Velvet Dance, and Luna agrees to stay for the first few days and to come back every few days, then I'll agree to it," Rarity tells Anya.

"That'll have to improve, but I suspect that'll improve over time. Still, I'll agree to it," Luna told Rarity as she stood up with Anya. "We'll head off now to the coven. I've meant to check in on the covens for some time. The best one to start with is the one closest to Ponyville," Luna said as Anya retook her previous form. "Remember, all the information about Thestrals, Changelings, and what not stays here, well, for now," Luna firmly reminds the group before she and Anya leave the Carousel Boutique.

"Hmmm, I'm guessing she's a little worried at how the masses will take the news or something like that," Rarity hummed as the two left. "Shame, it'd be nice to see another culture's style, speaking of," Rarity started to say as she turned to Zecora, "I do believe this is the first time that you've been here. You must tell me all about the styles of your homeland!" Rarity exclaimed with sparkles in her eyes as she walked up to Zecora.

"Oh, brother," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Rarity, I'm going to make a snack," Rainbow dash said as Rarity just nodded, "any of you want anything?"

"I could go for a sandwich," Julius said as he stood up. "Maybe some honey or blueberry jam."

"Oh, making food? Count me in!" Pinkie Pie happily chirped as she followed the three into the kitchen.

"So Zecora, about the fashions of your homeland," Rarity continued to ask, as the other ponies laughed.

Chapter 41: Phractari

"Alright, Rarity, we'll continue this later," Julius said as he and the ponies left the Carousel Boutique.

"Very well. I'm assuming you have more ideas then?" Rarity asked as the group filled out of her place.

"You could say that, yes," Julius confirmed. "But, that can wait. The day's getting late. Oh, there is one thing, though," Julius said as he ruffled through a pocket, "could you add this to the hat?" Julius requested with a sly smile as he held up the feather that Fluttershy gave him.

"Certainly," Rarity smiled as she took the feather with her magic, "though, I must warn you," Rarity said as she placed the glittering feather gently on a nearby counter, "you'd better treat her well. Or else," Rarity firmly said as she narrowed her eyes at Julius.

"Hah, don't worry, she's in very good hands. Remember, I did save her," Julius laughed. "Though, it's nice to see that you're concerned for her. Honestly, I don't blame you."

"I know," Rarity lightly laughed as she rubbed one front hoof against the other, "it's just that Fluttershy is very sensitive and gets hurt easily," Rarity chuckled with a sigh. "Just be good to her. Now then, I have an additional accessory to add to your hat~!" Rarity happily sang as she shut the door after the group left.

"I think you're forgetting something," Pinkie Pie said while looking at Julius, who just looked oddly at her. "You know, the rest of your idea."

"Right, of course, you'd know," Julius chuckled. "Look, the day's winding down, and all that's left for me to discuss is a bunch of boring business stuff. Do you really want to hear about a bunch of boring business ideas?" Julius asked while raising an eyebrow.

"No," almost all the ponies say.

"YES!" Twilight happily replied.

"Hah, yeah, shoulda seen that coming," Julius chuckled while shaking his head. "Look, when I talk to Rarity about it, you can come along, OK? Actually, probably better if you're there. Believe it or not, I'm not too familiar with Equestrian law. Having someone with, would be helpful, and I imagine that you're pretty well versed in that," Julius smiled while ruffling Twilight's mane.

"I am," Twilight happily smiled. "It'd probably be helpful to have Luna there too. I'm pretty sure that she's caught up on current Equestrian law. Getting Princess Celestia involved too would be great, but I think that she's too busy. Still, I'll ask her next time I write her a letter. Oh, maybe we can get together for a few games of phractari," Twilight excitedly trailed off.

"Phractari? What's that?" Julius asked, hearing something familiar about the name.

"Oh, that's an old board game from Maretonia. I have the board and pieces at The Golden Oak; I could show you how to play if you want. It would be nice to have another creature to play it with, Spike isn't that good at it, and Celestia is usually far too busy," Twilight offered.

"Sure, why not. Though why don't you play with your friends?" Julius asked as he looked at the ponies.

"Because it's boring," Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Zephyr Breeze all sighed.

"I'm not very good at Phractari, but my parents are," Fluttershy sheepishly admitted.

"It's a good pastime for us older ponies," Mr. Shy smiled.

"It can be a bit slow at first, but it easy to get drawn into it. I know it might seem boring at first, but please, give it a chance," Mrs. Shy assured.

"I'm fine with that. I mean, I got into chess, and that can be a pretty slow board game. I'm sure phractari won't be too bad," Julius smiled as Twilight led the group to the library. The sun hung low in the sky, making for a lovely backdrop as the group walked towards The Golden Oak.

"We're here!" Twilight happily announced as she and the group entered The Golden Oak.

"Twilight!" Spike happily sang as he ran up to the mare to hug her.

"Guessing that you'll all be staying here tonight," Shining Armor smiled as he saw the group enter the living room.

"Probably for the best, the Everfree can be a bit awkward at night," Julius said as Twilight ruffled around a few chests. "Well, I mean, here, or Fluttershy's, I would like to see Rainbow's place, but I'm guessing she lives in the clouds, and I'm not a fan of falling," Julius chuckled.

"Heh, yeah, can't blame you there," Shining Armor smiled. "Falling is never fun. Uhhh, Twilight, what are you looking for?" Shining Armor asked as Twilight started to rip through the chests frantically.

"My phractari set. I know I had it in one of these chests," Twilight grunted as she looked around deep inside a chest.

"Cadance, Twilight wants her phractari set!" Shining Armor yelled upstairs.

"Alright, Shining!" Cadance happily sang as she came downstairs, phractari set in her magical grip. "Here Twilight, Shining Armor, and I were playing a few games," Cadance happily said as she placed the board and box on a nearby table.

"Ah, OK, thank you," Twilight happily chirped as she took out the pieces for the game from the box. "Alright, I'll explain how to play and what each piece does as I set up the game," Twilight happily said as Julius looked carefully at the pieces, each piece somehow feeling familiar. "The object of the game is to capture the other player's Princess," Twilight said as she held up an ornate-looking piece. "The Princess can move to any adjacent square," Twilight started to explain as she set the piece down on the board...

"So the pieces are Hobelars, Destrier, Coursers, Palfrey, Prince, and Princess, that correct?" Julius repeated with a slight scrunch to his face.

"That is correct. Why do you look like you're having trouble with their names?" Twilight asked as she carefully looked at him.

"Well, I know these pieces, but by different names. Phractari is literally chess. Well, chess but with old rules that nobody plays by anymore," Julius told a surprised Twilight. "Hobelars can move two spaces, but first move only, and they have a second kind of attack, en passant. The Prince is a fusion of the Destrier and Palfrey. And the Princess can castle, but only if it doesn't put her into check, and only if she, and the Destrier she's castling with hasn't moved," Julius explained as he demonstrated each change. "If it's OK with you, could we play with these changes?"

"Interesting changes, hmmm, alright!" Twilight happily chirped as she sat down at the table. "Now, how to decide who goes first?" Twilight wondered out loud as Julius grabbed both Princesses, one in each hand. Holding his hands behind his back, Julius switched the Princesses around, then held both hands in front of him, apart and clenched.

"Pick a hand that'll decide which color you are," Julius told Twilight as he held his fists out.

"Very well, I'll pick the left hand," Twilight said as Julius opened his hands. Placing the princesses back on the board, Twilight going first with the tulip tree pieces, and Julius going second with the ebony pieces. "Alright, let's start," Twilight happily said as she moved e4. Smiling and with almost no thought, Julius played e5. The following moves happened quickly, with Julius smiling at Twilight's third.

"Ruy Lopez, a good opening," Julius smiled at the board as he moved Cf6. "The Berlin Defence, a better counter."

"We have different names for them. I'm guessing that you have played more than a few games," Twilight smiled as she castled her Princess.

"Trying out castling? Not a bad choice, almost always good to castle as soon as you can," Julius commented as he played Cxe4.

"Thank you. And you, being aggressive, trying to take back the initiative. I can't blame you there; it's what I'd do," Twilight smiled as she played d4. The two continued their game, making some small talk and complimenting each other as they moved. The game lasted a lot longer than either thought it would, but finally, after sixty-three moves, the sixty-fourth move ended the game. "Princess captures on B3, looks like a draw to me," Twilight smiled as she looked at the board.

"Yup, this game is drawn," Julius agreed as he looked at the board. "Good game," Julius smiled as he and Twilight set the board back up.

"Oh, come on!" Rainbow Dash sighed in exasperation. "Fifteen minutes, sixth-four moves, just for a tie?" Rainbow Dash sighed as she sat down on a cushion.

"That's phractari," Mr. Shy and Mrs. Shy lightly laughed as they each patted one of Rainbow's shoulders.

"Want to have another game?" Twilight asked as she set the board back up.

"Sure," Julius responded as he helped set the board back up. With the pieces back on the board, Julius swiftly made his first move, e4. Twilight, wasting no time, moves e5. The pair's next moves happen nearly instantly until Julius takes some time to think. "Accepting the Evans gambit, I hope you know what you're doing," Julius commented as he pushed c3.

"Seaward Sheet's game is one I know well," Twilight responded as she played Pd6.

"I can see," Julius smiled as he continued his attack on the center. The two continued their game, with Julius taking a strong offensive position and Twilight responding with an active defense. Move by move, the two exchanged pieces until Julius started to laugh. "Really? Back here again?" Julius laughed as he took Twilight's last Hobelar.

"Looks like it," Twilight chuckled as the two agreed to a draw, both with just their Princess and a Destrier left.

"Really? Another draw?" Rainbow Dash sighed in exasperation. "Let me guess; you'll play again and get another draw," Rainbow Dash huffed.

"Honestly, we'd probably draw most, if not all, games we played," Julius told Rainbow Dash as Twilight nodded in agreement.

"The games were well played, though; I did see a few mistakes," Mr. Shy quietly said.

"Oh yes, there were a few," Mrs. Shy said in agreement as she set the board back up, only the pieces were in a played position. "Like here. Twilight should have played this," Mrs. Shy said as she played PRxa3, "instead of what you played," Mrs. Shy said as she instead played PRf1. "While your move was move defensive, and the better move against most, Julius seems to be an aggressive player. Against them, playing more aggressive tends to be better," Mrs. Shy said as Mr. Shy nodded in agreement.

"And in your second game, Julius should have played this," Mr. shy said as he played Cb4 instead of Cxd5. "While aggressive play is fine, you got a bit over-eager there," Mr. shy said as Mrs. Shy nodded in agreement.

"Well, geez, I wasn't aware grandmasters were watching," Julius joked as he nudged Twilight's side.

"Twelve years running," Mrs. Shy sheepishly said while blushing.

"Really? I was joking," Julius laughed as he facepalmed. "Still, I would like to see you play against Nakamura or Carlsen. That could be quite interesting."

"Maybe one day, if we ever get the chance to meet," Mrs. Shy told Julius. "But more about this another day. It's getting late; we should be getting home," Mrs. Shy said as she made for the door of the Golden Oak. "It was nice meeting you all," Mrs. Shy waved as she left.

"We'll have to meet up again sometime," Mr. Shy smiled as he left.

"Well, time for this Breeze to blow on. See ya later, sister," Zephyr playfully said as he briefly ruffled Fluttershy's mane before leaving.

"Well, your brother is a little, him," Julius awkwardly said while rubbing the back of his neck. "But on the whole, I like them. Shame I can't go to Cloudsdale."

"Well, you can actually," Cadance told Julius. "Cloudsdale's tourism board has a stockpile of cloud walking potions just for tourists. Also, I believe there's a spell that lets you temporarily grow wings."

"Oh yes, that spell," Twilight said as she twisted her muzzle, trying to remember what the spell was. "Ithicarian's Flight, I think it's called. I'm not sure off the top of my head, though. I only saw it in passing while reading through an old potion's book."

"Ithicarian's Flight is indeed the name of that spell. If you drink it, then in the skies is where you can dwell. Though great care is to be taken should you partake. For if you get too close to the sun, your wings shall break. Glittery and beautiful those wings are. With them, you can travel far. There are those who, with them, think they are quite the star. But if you ask me, they just look bizarre," Zecora confirmed to Twilight, as well as warning the others.

"Ah yes, we're all familiar with Ithica's fall," Twilight said as the ponies nodded. "Oh, my apologies, I forgot. You probably haven't heard of it, have you?" Twilight asked while looking at Julius.

"Nope. I'll listen, though," Julius said as he started to put away the pieces and board.

"Very well, of that, I'm glad to hear. The end of her story is, however, quite severe. Ithica was a mare born to a unicorn, and a pegasus, as such, was gifted a horn. Though her magic was strong, it was wings that she wanted to have worn. Spell after spell, Ithica tried to fly. To that attempt, all her effort she did apply. Despite her attempts, it seemed like flight was not of her blood, for all her tries ended with Ithica in the mud. With each spell the mare tried, she hit the ground with a thud. One day, after many attempts, Ithica succeeded. All of Ithica's expectations were greatly exceeded. However, to the wind, caution was thrown. Hard to the ground, she fell when too close to the sun she'd flown. Though her story may be an allegory, its message holds true. Keep your ambitions in check lest you fall to them too," Zecora said as she finished the story.

"Huh, funny that. We have a very similar story. The message is similar enough, too, though our story ends with a son dying in front of his father," Julius nervously chuckles while the ponies look mildly shocked. "I'm guessing you don't want to hear it," Julius laughed.

"I think we'll be fine," Twilight said as she looked out of a window. "Fluttershy's parents were right; it is getting late. We should be getting to bed soon. think Luna will be back soon?" Twilight asked as she started to head upstairs.

"Maybe, but I doubt it. She'll likely want to check out the thestral's home, wherever that is. Maybe set a few things in place, you know," Julius said as he looked around the room. "Guessing, no, well, you know, considering," Julius said as he made a glance toward Spike.

"Probably for the best. Besides," Twilight said as she leaned in close to Julius, "Fluttershy, well, she's a bit nervous, you know."

"I can see that," Julius says, winking at Twilight.

"So, we going to bed then?" Spike asked with a yawn.

"Yes, spike, we're going to bed," Twilight smiled. As Twilight said that, the ponies started to head upstairs to the bedroom, with Julius holding Fluttershy back.

"Listen, Fluttershy," Julius quietly said as the ponies went upstairs, "I know you might be nervous. So we don't have to jump right into it, you know," Julius said as Fluttershy smiled softly.

"I know, and believe me, I'm very aware of it. I take care of animals remember," Fluttershy softly giggled. "I've seen plenty. Still, I do appreciate that you're willing to take it slowly. You, uhhh, you seem like you might be a bit much," Fluttershy blushed as she made a swift glance at Julius' crotch before looking back at his face.

"That's fair, now, shall we join the others," Julius smiles as he softly leads Fluttershy up towards Twilight's bedroom.

Chapter 42: A Drink Planned, And Fluttershy's First Time

Tossing and turning, Julius grunted as he slowly woke up. As he suspected, the mares were already up, leaving Julius alone in Twilight's bedroom. Getting up, Julius peaked out of the curtains.

"So, if the sun is about halfway up in the sky," Julius started to say as he rubbed his eyes. "Oh, what am I doing? There's a clock right there," Julius laughed as he shut the curtains and looked at the clock. "OK, 10:30. A bit later than I'd like, but meh," Julius sighed as he did a few stretches to help wake up his body. After a few stretches, Julius got dressed and went to leave the bedroom before he spotted a rather large book. "Hello, what's this?" Julius wondered as he grabbed the book. "Ogres and Oubliettes. Rule Book and Player's Guide. Does this world really have its own version of D&D?" Julius chucked as he opened the book. After reading a few pages, Julius started to chuckle again. "Yup; first edition too," Julius said as he grabbed a coin. "Heads I change it, tails I don't," Julius mused to himself as he flipped the coin. "Heads, change it I shall," Julius confirmed to himself as he put the book away. Leaving Twilight's bedroom, Julius walked downstairs. "Morning all," Julius yawned as he walked into the kitchen.

"It's almost afternoon," Spike told Julius as Julius made himself some oatmeal.

"It's normal for him," Twilight smiled. "Good morning. Had a good rest, I take it?" Twilight asked as she set down the book she was reading.

"More or less. It could have been better if, well, you know. But other than that, it was pretty fine," Julius said as he added some cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple slices to his oatmeal. "I did have a dream, though, a memory from back home. I'm going to need to see Pinkie Pie later today. She should be up for some food experimenting, and she should have the ingredients for what I'm thinking of," Julius said as he started to eat his oatmeal.

"Oh, an experiment!" Twilight excitedly chirped. "What will it be?" She asked, her tail happily swishing and her eyes sparkling.

"Well, it's not really an experiment. I've done this before with my parents. The first part was with my father, the second with my mother," Julius clarified as he ate. "For the first part, we'll need water, yeast, hops, barley, corn oats, rye, and some specialized equipment that I'm sure Pinkie Pie will just yeet out of her mane," Julius chuckled between mouthfuls. "Then, after that's all done, I'll need some ginger, nutmeg, cloves, demerara sugar, butter, and egg yolks," Julius told Twilight as he ate his breakfast.

"That sounds more like you're trying to make a potion. Wouldn't Twilight or Zecora be better for that?" Spike asked as he tried to make sense of the things Julius needed.

"Hmmm," Twilight wondered. "What are you planning on making?" Twilight asked as she racked her mind while Julius chuckled.

"I'll leave it as a surprise," Julius chuckled. "Though," Julius said as he glanced at Spike, "is Spike fine to have cider or wine?"

"Technically no, but I've let him have a cup of them on special occasions; why?" Twilight asked, her interest more peaked.

"What I'm making is like wine and cider. Only a bit different, this is a homebrew my father and I made. That's the first part. The second part turns it into a festive drink. My mother used to make it from our homebrew every Christmas. That's all you're getting from me for now," Julius winked at Twilight as he went back to eating.

"Sounds interesting. Hopefully, it tastes better than wine," Spike complained as he scrunched up his muzzle.

"I want to say it will taste like batter," Twilight said as she racked her mind as Julius chuckled.

"You'd think, but no. It tastes more like caramel," Julius told the two, much to their surprise.

"Sounds nice! I can't wait to try some," Spike happily said.

"As am I. Though, I have to ask. What would you have done if I said Spike couldn't have any?" Twilight asked as she looked at Julius.

"Oh, well, in that case, I'd sneak him a small cup of it. One lone cup won't do anything," Julius laughed as Twilight smiled and shook her head.

"I think nearly every herdmother would agree with that," Twilight chuckled. "Oh sure, they'd never do that for their foals. But for the others, of course, they would. Ah well, if you wouldn't, I'm sure Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, or Fluttershy would," Twilight said as she started to walk up to Julius.

"Wait, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, I get. But Fluttershy, why?" Julius asked before immediately answering his question. "Right, too nice. That's on me, my bad," Julius flatly said to the two's amusement.

"That, and Fluttershy has quite the wine collection. From what I remember, one of her herdmothers, Syrahshy, if I recall, has a winery in Cloudsdale," Twilight said as she undid a magical lock on a cabinet. Looking inside the cabinet for a few moments, Twilight pulled out a clear bottle with a blue liquid in it. "Syrahshy, Summer's Rest," Twilight read off the label. "It's a bit early, but you should be good to try some if you want," Twilight said as she looked at Julius.

"Bit early, yes, but a shot or two never hurt. Besides, I never had blue wine before," Julius smiled as Twilight poured him a small glass of the wine before putting it back in the cabinet and locking it. Tasting the wine, Julius slightly perked up. "It has a nice mellow sweetness but a rather surprising bite at the end; I like it," Julius said as he smacked his lips together.

"I think the water is from clouds flavored with lightning; that's what you're tasting," Twilight told Julius.

"Cloud water flavored with elements, nice," Julius said as he finished his breakfast. "Speaking of Fluttershy, though, where is she? Her cottage, I'm guessing?" Julius asked as he cleaned his dish.

"Yeah. Fluttershy has many animals to look after, so I'm not that surprised that she went there early," Twilight told Julius. "Luna is still out, probably sleeping right now, if I had to guess. Rainbow Dash is with Applejack. Good thing, too, Applejack seemed a bit out of it. And Zecora is out gathering some herbs in the Everfree Forest," Twilight told Julius.

"With how many herbs she has, you'd think Zecora would take a few days off from collecting herbs. Ah well, at least they're always fresh," Julius chuckled as he got ready to head out. "Applejack and the rest of the Apples probably still need some time to internalize things. So I'll see Fluttershy first, probably stop by Zecora's after," Julius told Twilight. "I take it that you'll be spending the day with your brother and Cadance?"

"Nope, they left this morning," Twilight told Julius as a green flame burst from Spike's mouth. "Oh, a letter! What does it say?"

"It's from your parents," Spike said as he read the letter. "It seems like they want to see you at the estate," Spike told Twilight, who just facehoofed.

"Wait, estate? Explain," Julius said as he looked right at Twilight.

"Right. My family is minor nobility on my father's side. It's been that way for generations; we're not sure why, though. About two hundred years ago, there was a fire in the family records; our genealogy records were destroyed," Twilight explained.

"Interesting, also worrying. Look, when your family asks about me, do not say anything bad about me. If possible, convince them I don't exist," Julius told Twilight as he opened the door.

"Why? Bad experiences with nobility from your world?" Twilight asked as Julius started to leave.

"In a sense, yes. Long story, I might tell you later, depending on if human history is pony friendly," Julius told Twilight, slightly surprising the mare. As Julius left The Golden Oak, he immediately went off towards Fluttershy's cottage. The streets of Ponyville were quite a bit busier than they have been, but still, Julius got the odd stare. "Jesus Christ, ponies. I know I'm new and odd and all but come on. I'd ask if you want to take a picture, but I don't think you even have cameras." Julius thought to himself as he heard a *click* followed by a few ponies angrily looking at him for a moment. "Oh, looks like they do. Also, guess I just photobombed them, nice," Julius mentality smiled to himself. "Sorry," Julius quickly said as he continued on his way. The rest of his walk to Fluttershy's was relatively uneventful, allowing Julius to take in the fresh air and scenery fully. Spotting Fluttershy's cottage, Julius walked up to it. "Fluttershy, you inside?" Julius asked as he knocked.

"One moment," Fluttershy responded as she walked up to the door. Opening the door, Fluttershy stepped aside. "Sorry I wasn't there in the morning. I have to get up early; a lot of animals depend on me," Fluttershy apologized as Julius walked inside.

"That's OK; I like to sleep in, so it'll probably happen a lot," Julius assured as he shut the door. "So, how do you spend the day? I can't imagine that taking care of animals takes too long, well, unless you pamper them," Julius asked as he sat down.

"Well, there's feeding, grooming, rehabilitation from injuries, specialized knowledge, and experience. Honestly, some days it feels like I'm the only pony equipped to deal with these problems. Not that I mind, the animals are so friendly," Fluttershy smiled as she went to a cabinet.

"Guessing that you get subsidized by the government?" Julius asked as he looked over Fluttershy's cottage. The animals already left, but their mess was still mostly left.

"Yes, and donations from the ponies," Fluttershy clarified as she pulled out a container from the cabinet. "So, ummm, I'm guessing that you're here for," Fluttershy started to say while holding back a blush, "well, you know."

"Well, I suppose, yes," Julius confirmed as he looked at the bottle in Fluttershy's wing. "Are those birth control pills?"

"Oh, you've seen them before," Fluttershy said. "I shouldn't be surprised. Yes, they are. Why? Do you not want me to take them?" Fluttershy asked as she set the bottle down.

"Well, do you want children, and are you ready for them?" Julius asked as he ran a hand through Fluttershy's mane.

"Oh yes, I do want them! And I feel like I'm ready for them!" Fluttershy happily said. "Honestly, I've wanted foals of my own for a long time. But if you don't want any," Fluttershy sadly started to say.

"Oh, quite the opposite," Julius mirthly laughed. "Twilight and Zecora are both, hopefully, already carrying. It is a kink of mine; besides, I always wanted a large family," Julius told a relieved-looking Fluttershy.

"Oh, good!" Fluttershy happily said as she put the bottle away. "So, um, how do you want to do this? Like, um, does your kind has a special way, or, um?" Fluttershy nervously asked.

"Oh, we have a lot of ways. Though, I think I would prefer missionary with you," Julius told a confused Fluttershy. "You might know it as the mating press," Julius clarified for Fluttershy.

"Oh, I've heard of it from some animals. It's not too common, though. Um, I take it that a bed would be nice?" Fluttershy asked as she led Julius to her bed.

"A bed isn't necessary, but it's preferred," Julius told Fluttershy as he allowed himself to be led. Walking up to the bed, Fluttershy fidgeted a bit.

"Ummm, how do you want to start? I've seen some animals do 'it,' but I don't have any experience myself," Fluttershy asked as she fidgeted. Lightly picking Fluttershy up, Julius gently placed her on the bed.

"How about here," Julius said as he spread Fluttershy's legs. Lightly pressing Fluttershy's tail against the bed, Julius looked at Fluttershy's marehood. The flushed marehood was already wet and lightly winking at him. "Looks like you're already ready," Julius smirked as he traced his fingers down Fluttershy's body and across her teets.

"Oh, um, it's my heat, sorry," Fluttershy blushed as she covered her face with her front hoofs.

"Don't be sorry," Julius smiled as he lightly kissed her teets. "Damn Fluttershy. I never really noticed before, but you have big teets, like really big. Fitting, I suppose, you do seem motherly," Julius smiled as he kissed down her teets towards her marehood. Blushing harder, Fluttershy continued to cover her face as Julius lightly kissed Fluttershy's marehood. Lightly running his tongue against Fluttershy's marehood, Julius gently started to lavish her pussy. The tangy, musky taste surprised Julius, mostly from how strong it was. After a few short licks, Julius tightly held Fluttershy's flanks and plunged his tongue deeply into her drenched marehood. Eagerly licking the soaked marehood, Julius's own arousal grew strongly as Fluttershy's musk teased his mind.

"Nyaan~" Fluttershy moaned as she reveled in the pleasure. Julius's tongue did feel a lot smaller than a pony's, but it sure could bring a mare pleasure. Squirming in pleasure, Fluttershy bit her lower lip, fighting back her orgasm.

"It's OK, Fluttershy, stop holding back," Julius said between licks as he continued to batter her marehood with licks and pleasure. Biting her lip a little harder, Fluttershy clenched her thighs together, hugging Julius's head between them.

"Ah, Ah, Ahhhn~." Fluttershy lustfully moaned as she bucked against Julius's tongue, her mind giving in to the pleasure. Panting hardly, Fluttershy bucked powerfully before feeling a rush emanating from her marehood. Panting tiredly, Fluttershy slowly collected herself. "Sorry, I couldn't help it," Fluttershy blushed as she regained herself.

"No, it's OK, that's what I wanted," Julius comforted Fluttershy as he stood up. Licking his lips, Julius stripped off his clothes.

"Oh. I've, uh, I've heard of some males doing that. It's supposed to make impregnating a mare easier," Fluttershy blushed as she started to move her hooves away from her face. Feeling something slap against her marehood and teets, Fluttershy looked down. "O-oh, wow. Ummm, I suppose you're ready?" Fluttershy stammered as she looked right at Julius's hard, throbbing cock.

"Yup," Julius smiled as he licked his lips, Fluttershy's taste further driving his lust. Cock throbbing, Julius traced it between Fluttershy's teets and down to her thoroughly drenched pussy. Lightly pressing the tip of his cock against the lips of Fluttershy's marehood, Julius lightly laid down on top of Fluttershy. "Don't worry, I'll be gentle," Julius whispered into Fluttershy's ear as he slowly starts to push his cock into Fluttershy's pussy.

"O-OK," Fluttershy quivered as she felt Julius's cock slowly enter her marehood. Breathing deeply, Fluttershy tried to relax as Julius's cock penetrated her depths. Inch by inch, Fluttershy felt Julius's thick, throbbing manhood entering her until he suddenly stopped.

"This might hurt a bit, but only for a moment," Julius calmly said as he slightly pulled out.

"It's OK, I know, I'm ready," Fluttershy breathed as she braced herself. In one swift movement, Julius buried his cock into Fluttershy's marehood, robbing the mare of her virginity. Wincing a little at the pain, Fluttershy held back a yelp just buried her face into Julius's shoulder.

"It's OK, it's OK," Julius comforted as he gave Fluttershy a few moments to adjust to the feeling of his cock inside her. Gently petting Fluttershy's mane, Julius comforted the mare as his cock dominantly throbbed inside her.

"It's fine, I'll be fine," Fluttershy panted after a few moments. "Please, continue," Fluttershy asked as she lightly kissed one of his cheeks.

"Very well," Julius said as he slowly started to hump Fluttershy. Long, gentle thrusts rocked Fluttershy's body as Julius started to ravage Fluttershy's marehood. With each strong thrust, Julius's cock battered against Fluttershy's womb.

"Ahn, Ah, Oh, Ahhhn~," Fluttershy moaned as she felt Julius's throbbing cock ravage her marehood. Bucking her hips with each thrust, Fluttershy looked up at Julius. Being in the mating press felt so odd. Her wings, pinned under her, the body looming over her, her soft underbelly exposed. She felt so weak, so exposed, so dominated. "Yesss~ Please more," Fluttershy lustfully moaned as she hugged Julius and started to kiss him.

Lustfully kissing Fluttershy back, Julius slowly started to hump her harder. Each thrust was battering harder against her womb. Each throb was sending shudders of pleasure through Fluttershy's body. Thrust after thrust, Julius ravaged Fluttershy's body.

"Keep going, keep going~," Fluttershy squealed in pleasure as she felt Julius's cock batter against her womb. "Keep, keep, AHHN~!" Fluttershy loudly moaned as she felt Julius's cock penetrate her innermost depths.

"Y-you OK?" Julius panted as he rested, his cock throbbing as it ravaged Fluttershy's marehood.

"G-give me a moment," Fluttershy panted as she adjusted to the odd feeling. Wrapping all her hooves around Julius's body, Fluttershy tightly hugged Julius. "It's OK, I'm ready," Fluttershy panted as she kissed him.

Kissing Fluttershy back, Julius slowly started to hump Fluttershy again. Julius felt Fluttershy's pussy tightly hug and massage his cock with each thrust, and her womb kiss and tease his tip. Julius's thrusting slowly became wilder and wilder as he started to lose his senses to the pleasure. Humping away with increasing abandon, Julius ravaged Fluttershy's body with each dominating thrust. Thrust after thrust, Julius's cock wildly throbbed as he fought back his orgasm.

Panting heavily, Julius strongly grabbed Fluttershy's flanks as he pulled he firmly against his hips. Burying his cock fully inside Fluttershy, Julius allowed his orgasm to overtake him. Lustfully flooding Fluttershy's womb with his thick, potent seed. Holding Fluttershy tightly to him as he rode down his orgasm, Julius felt Fluttershy buck wildly against his hips. Feeling the muscles of her pussy wrap tightly around his pulsing cock, Julius felt her quiver as Fluttershy's own orgasm overtook her.

The two held and kissed each other as they rode down their orgasms. Fluttershy was reveling in the feeling of her womb filling up with Julius's cum. Her heat-addled mind swimming in thoughts of motherhood as Julius's cum swelled her belly.

"My, my belly," Fluttershy panted as she broke their kiss. "I, I'm going to be a mother," Fluttershy softly blushed as she tried to touch her belly.

"Yes, you will be. And you'll be a wonderful mother," Julius smiled back as he placed a hand over Fluttershy's belly. While Julius lightly rubbed Fluttershy's swollen belly, Fluttershy lightly cooed as she enjoyed the feeling of Julius's rubbing. "Wanna stay like this for a while?" Julius asked as he massaged Fluttershy's belly.

"Yes, please, if you don't mind," Fluttershy said as she rested her head back.

"I'd like that," Julius smiled as he laid down next to Fluttershy. Slightly moving her body so that Fluttershy was lying next to him, Julius kept his cock buried inside Fluttershy's marehood as the two basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Chapter 43: A Human Snack Food

Stretching in bed, Julius felt around, noticing that Fluttershy was missing.

"Guess I must have dozed off. Ah well, Fluttershy is soft and comfy, worth it," Julius chuckled to himself as he got out of Fluttershy's bed. Getting dressed, Julius looked out a nearby window. "Hmmm, guess I was only out for an hour or two," Julius yawned as he left Fluttershy's bedroom. "Sorry about passing out like that. You and your bed were just too comfy," Julius chuckled as he heard some humming.

"Oh, it's quite alright," Fluttershy giggled as she brought out a serving plate with a teapot on it. "You're a good snuggler. Getting out of your grip was a bit difficult. Still, I made it to the door in time to catch Mooriella for some milk," Fluttershy told Julius as she poured the two some tea.

"Hah, Mooriella. That sounds like a cow's name," Julius laughed as he mixed some cream into his tea.

"Oh, it is," Fluttershy happily said as Julius set his cup down. "Mooriella is very nice, though she can be a bit timid. Why, just a few months ago, she got scared by a snake," Fluttershy giggled as Julius started to breathe heavily.

"Fluttershy," Julius heavily breathed, "I'm going to ask you a question. I know the answer, but please, lie to me. Are cows sentient?" Julius sternly asked.

"Oh, well, ummm," Fluttershy tripped over her words. Looking into Julius's eyes, Fluttershy sighed. "I won't lie. Yes, cows are sentient; why?" Fluttershy asked as Julius slightly backed up.

"Well," Julius started to say, "I think you know the answer to that. My reaction alone should give it away. Look, I can never meet a cow. I think it would destroy me," Julius told Fluttershy, who started to understand.

"Oh. OH!" Fluttershy exclaimed. "Look, it'll be OK. Your world is different. From what you said, only humans are sentient there," Fluttershy said as she walked up to Julius. "You haven't done anything like that since coming here; it'll be OK," Fluttershy continued to comfort as she gently patted Julius's back with a wing.

"I know, I know, it's just," Julius sighed, "it's just weird, OK. Like, if you went to a world where apples were sentient. Sure, you know that you've done nothing wrong, but it would still feel awkward. And you'd still feel horrible," Julius said as Fluttershy continued to comfort him.

"Yes, it would be awkward, and I would feel horrible. But the fact that you're feeling horrible about it shows that you're a good creature," Fluttershy assured Julius as she gently patted his back.

"Thanks, but it'll still take some time to come to terms with that," Julius bitterly chuckled. "Just another thing to work on, for now, though; let's just have a good day," Julius said as he went back to mixing his tea.

"Agreed," Fluttershy smiled as she went back to her seat. "So, I've heard that you've been helping Applejack recently. How's that going? And why aren't you there today?" Fluttershy asked as she mixed her tea.

"Slowly," Julius answered. "Honestly, I've been helping her to win her over. I mean, I'm sure it's helping, but it doesn't feel like I'm getting too much closer. I mean, sure, I'm not exactly expecting it to be as easy as giving her a few gifts, taking her on a date or two, and asking about her teet size. But still," Julius sighed, "I was expecting a little more than what I've gotten so far."

"That has to do with her parent's disappearance," Fluttershy told Julius.

"Yes, I've heard. They died somewhere near the Everfree Forest," Julius responded.

"Well, technically, they aren't dead, just missing, though the case went cold years ago," Fluttershy told Julius. "Their disappearance really hurt Applejack. Ever since, she hasn't allowed herself to get close to any stallion. I'm sorry to tell you, but it's going to take a lot more than hard work to win Applejack over," Fluttershy told Julius.

"Well, I'm open to ideas. Honestly, the only thing I can think of is solving a multi-year-long cold case," Julius laughed. "Trekking through the Everfree Forest to find two ponies that are definitely dead, but legally, just missing," Julius laughed as he took a sip of his tea.

"That's what I was thinking," Fluttershy said as she took a sip of her tea. "About eight years ago, when I first started to talk to animals, some animals told me that they saw some shady creatures in the Everfree Forest. They told me that they were making off with a sack the seemed to be fighting back," Fluttershy started to tell Julius. "I went to tell the guardsmares, but they just laughed it off," Fluttershy said as Julius pinched and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Jesus Christ, I was joking," Julius sighed. "Well, those odds aren't really in my favor. But, maybe," Julius started to say as he stroked his chin, "if their bureaucracy is good enough," Julius continued as Fluttershy stared oddly at him. "It's a long shot, I mean like, a really long shot. Hell, it's a hail mary on a wing and a prayer, but there might be a way to find them," Julius said to Fluttershy's surprise.

"What did you have in mind?" Fluttershy asked as a slight smile formed on Julius's face.

"Well, a lot of praying to a God that I'm not sure can hear me. If he can, then he and I need to have a serious talk about his plan for me. Then a lot of placing my trust in a forsaken civilization that, from the sounds of things, dislikes Equestrians at best and hates them at worst, hoping that they have both the information and the will to help me find some Equestrians. So, yeah, optimistically, my odds are horrible, but hey, weirder things have happened," Julius laughed.

"OK," Fluttershy slowly said. "I was thinking of asking the Princesses. One of them might know something," Fluttershy suggested.

"I don't think Celestia knows anything; if she did, then I'm sure she'd have done something. Luna, well, I don't think she knows anything either, but she'd probably suggest going to the thestrals, which is what I'm already thinking. Still, I might ask Luna to pull rank at the mayor's office to get me the documents surrounding the case," Julius conceded.

"Well, it sounds like a good plan to me," Fluttershy smiled as a knocking came from her door.

"Fluttershy, is Julius in there?" Applejack asked as she knocked.

"Yes, I am," Julius responded as Applejack opened the door.

"There you are. Two days of slacking off. Do you think farm work just does itself?" Applejack huffed as she looked at Julius.

"Well, plants do a decent job growing themself. But seriously, I thought you could use some time to internalize your revelation. Besides, generally, humans get two days off each week, usually together," Julius said as Applejack rolled her eyes.

"Well, it has been a long two days, I suppose. And it has been nice learning about my mother's side of the family," Applejack chuckled.

"Oh," Fluttershy said as she offered Applejack a cup of tea, "what did you learn?"

"Well, I learned that my mother was a Pear. It turns out that she and Mrs. Cake knew each other as fillies. And my mother was quite the baker," Applejack said with a bittersweet smile. "There's so much that Granny Smith hasn't told us about her," Applejack happily sighed.

"See, not all was in vain. You got to learn about your mother," Julius smiled as he patted Applejack's shoulder. "Hey, Fluttershy, I'm kind of feeling like a snack. I don't suppose you have some potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt, do you?"

"I do odd things to ask for, though; potatoes aren't really a snack food," Fluttershy said as she walked to her kitchen.

"There's where you're wrong. Trust me; I know a way to make potatoes into one of the best snacks," Julius smiled as he followed Fluttershy. "Come on, Applejack; you'd like this recipe; it has the best kind of apples, pomme de terre," Julius joked to Fluttershy's amusement. "Oh, you speak French?"

"A little Prench, yes. Enough to get that joke," Fluttershy giggled behind a hoof.

"Hmmm," Applejack hummed as Julius and Fluttershy got the potatoes and some cutlery. "I've heard of many kinds of apples, but no 'pomme de terre' I'm guessing it's some kind of fancy apple. Considering its name is Prench and all," Applejack said as she watched Julius peel the potatoes.

"Well, pomme de terre translates directly to 'apple of earth' if that helps," Julius said while winking at a giggling Fluttershy.

"Hmmm, apple of earth," Applejack hummed, deep in thought. "That sounds like an apple that grows right from the ground. One that doesn't need a tree," Applejack guessed as Fluttershy filled a bowl with cold, slightly salted water.

"Yup, you're right there," Julius smiled as he sliced the potatoes into extremely thin slices.

"Hmmm, that's all I've got," Applejack said as she looked on the counter, seeing only potatoes, salt, oil, and a bowl of water. "What the hay? Where is this 'pomme de terre'? All I see are potatoes and some cooking ingredients," Applejack asked as she looked over the counter again, making sure that she didn't miss anything.

"Applejack," Julius said with a stupid grin, "pomme de terre," Julius grinned as he held up a potato in his hand, much to Applejack chagrin.

"Pomme de terre does directly translate into apple of earth. But the intended translation is potato," Fluttershy explained while giggling.

"I, you, but, what?!?" Applejack stammered as Julius put the potato slices into the bowl of water.

"Hah, you're cute when you're flustered," Julius chuckled as he mixed some different salts, spices, and herbs.

"Very funny," Applejack glared at the chuckling pair. "So, what now?" Applejack asked as she saw Julius wash his hands.

"Well, we gotta let the potatoes soak for roughly thirty minutes, then we can continue. After the soak, though, they'll be quick to cook up, only like, maybe four or five minutes," Julius told the pair.

"This recipe sounds very odd," Fluttershy said as she looked at the herbs Julius used. "Garlic salt, cloves, parsley, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and chili powder. Interesting choices. I can't wait to try whatever it is that you're making," Fluttershy smiled.

"Trust me; it'll be good. Pretty much every human likes them. I got a little fancy with making them. Honestly, all you need are potatoes, oil, and salt. The extra herbs and stuff, well, they just add more flavors," Julius assured. "I suppose if you wanted to, you could add more salt. I'm guessing that you'd probably like them saltier than I would."

"Why's that? Don't you like salt? I seem to recall a salty smell coming from you while working," Applejack asked as she sat on a cushion. "Among other scents," Applejack huffed under her breath.

"No, I do. Just, humans don't need nearly as much salt as horses. If you're anything like the horses and ponies from my world, then you'll like salt a lot more than I," Julius explained. "As for the salty smell, human sweat is made up of water, salt, and fat; that's likely what you were smelling."

"Makes sense. Most animals that sweat has salt in theirs," Fluttershy said. "Though, mostly all I can smell from you are pheromones," Fluttershy lightly giggles.

"Again, it makes sense. Human sweat is almost entirely water. Anyways, we got like twenty-five minutes to kill. Wanna do something?" Julius asked as he sat down.

"Well, I got a phractari set and cards," Fluttershy said as she went to get the things.

"I could play some Texas Hold 'Em," Julius said as Applejack and Fluttershy looked oddly at him. "Right, I should explain," Julius sighed. Explaining the game, Applejack laughed.

"Oh, you mean Buffalo Style Poker," Applejack said after hearing the rules. "I've played a few rounds of that with Braeburn in Appleloosa. It's pretty popular down there," Applejack explained. "Well, I'm in; deal me up," Applejack happily said.

"I guess I could play a few rounds," Fluttershy said as she sat at the table.

"Great, I'll deal us up," Julius said as he shuffled the deck of cards. Applejack and Fluttershy proved better at bluffing than Julius had thought. Sure there weren't any bits on the line, but he still played to win, and the two didn't make it very easy. The three were surprised to hear a timer go off after some time.

"Oh, the potato slices are done soaking," Fluttershy said as Julius was mid-shuffle.

"Oh. Thank you for setting a timer," Julius said as he placed the deck down on the table. Getting up, Julius walked into the kitchen; draining the water, Julius put the potato slices on some paper towels and patted them dry. Grabbing a large skillet, Julius put some oil in it, then started to heat it. "Alright, now to wait for the oil to heat up, which shouldn't be too long," Julius sighed with a stretch. Sure enough, within minutes, the oil was nicely heated. "Perfect, now for the potato slices," Julius said as he swiftly yet carefully placed the potato slices into the skillet.

"Wait just a moment," Applejack said as Julius finished putting the potato slices into the skillet. "All this here, it seems awfully similar to hay fries," Applejack said.

"If those are anything like french fries, then that's no surprise. The result is similar to fries, but a bit different," Julius said as he stirred the potato slices. "Just trust me, you'll see," Julius assured as he turned his full attention to the skillet. After a few short minutes of stirring, Julius took the fried potato slices out of the skillet and placed them on paper towels. Swiftly drying the fried potatoes, Julius seasoned them almost instantly. "Alright, here you go, try some," Julius said as he ate one of the thin fried potato slices.

"Sure, I'd love to," Fluttershy smiled. Taking one of the slices, Fluttershy popped it into her mouth. It had a nice crunch and a pleasant medley of flavors, followed by a nice mild sweet heat. "It's good, really good! What are they called?" Fluttershy asked as she took another.

"They're called potato chips, or just chips," Julius said as he offered some to Applejack.

"Oh sure, why not," Applejack said as she took a chip. Applejack's ears perked right up while eating the chip. "They're good, really good!" Applejack repeated after Fluttershy as the two took more chips.

"Yeah, they are. As I said, humans love them," Julius chuckled as he set the chips down on the table. Sitting around the table, the three enjoyed the chips, their tea, and a few rounds of Buffalo Style Poker.

Chapter 44 : A Deal, And a Strange Voice

After playing a few rounds of Buffalo Style Poker while enjoying the freshly made chips, Julius stood up to stretch.

"Well, as much as I'd love to laze around, I should at least try to do something today," Julius sighed as he stretched. "Maybe see if Pinkie Pie can get those ingredients. The sooner the fermentation starts, the better," Julius absentmindedly said as he got a look from Fluttershy.

"Fermentation? Making wine?" Fluttershy quizzically asked. "I have family who can help with that," Fluttershy told Julius.

"Yes, Syrahshy, Twilight told me about her. It's not a wine that I'm making, more like fermented liquid bread," Julius awkwardly said. "It's a popular drink, trust me," Julius assured. "Who knows, maybe I'll run into Luna on the way. Get that nightmarish task started," Julius said with a shudder.

"What nightmarish task?" Applejack asked as she helped Fluttershy clean up.

"Basically, I plan on doing something obscenely stupid, with nearly no hope of succeeding, but having a load of unjustified confidence that I'll succeed," Julius explained, making Fluttershy laugh.

"How is Rainbow Dash involved?" Applejack sighed while shaking her head.

"She isn't; why would you think," Julius started to say. "Right, obvious, my bad," Julius laughed. "Still, it's something I have to do. If nothing else to move things along, and maybe get somecreature the help they need," Julius sighed. "Worst to worst, it'll help restore somecreatures to good standing, maybe, hopefully," Julius said, starting to sound unsure. "Well, at least there aren't any vampire ponies or anything like that; they'd complicate things," Julius laughed.

"Well, there are stories of vampire ponies," Applejack flatly said.

"Of course they exist," Julius sighed in exasperation. "Why wouldn't they exist. Tell me about them," Julius said as he sat back down.

"Well, they're a foal's tale. There's a lot of different stories about them, but they all have some things in common. They look like pegasi, only more slender and fluffier. The sun burns them, so they only come out at night. They live in dark, remote places, like caves and the like. They don't eat food, but instead, they drink the blood of ponies. The stories are told to foals, mostly to keep them away from such places and to keep them inside at night," Applejack explained as Julius wrapped his arms around his mouth in a strange kind of self hug. "What are you doing?" Applejack asked as Julius fell to the floor.

"AHHHHH!" Julius yelled into his arms. "Oh, God fucking damn it!" Julius exclaimed as he moved his hands to cover his face. "Nothing. Nothing can ever be easy," Julius continued as he rubbed his temples. "How? How did the thestrals become vampires? They were a part of Equestrian society! Ah, my brain, my brain hurts, ow," Julius groaned as he stood up. "I have so many questions," Julius sighed as he shook his head.

"What was that about, and what are thestrals?" Applejack asked as she looked oddly at Julius.

"That, Applejack. That was reality hitting me like I owed it money. As for thestrals, they're a people? Creatures? Sentients? Sentient. Let's go with sentient," Julius nodded. "They're sentients to whom an injustice was done," Julius explained. "Like seriously. How do things get that bad? Honestly, does Equestrian society live in stasis or what?" Julius asked as he walked to the kitchen.

"Well, Equestria was founded on harmony," Applejack said as Julius ran his head under a stream of cold water.

"Ah," Julius said as he dried his head. "Equestria took harmony to an extreme and became locked in stasis, got it."

"Now, hold on a moment," Applejack said as she walked up to Julius. "Just what exactly do you mean by that?" Applejack asked as she looked sternly at Julius.

"I mean that Equestria has chosen to forget its history and or rewrite parts of it in the name of harmony. The fact that the thestrals are being called vampire ponies is proof enough," Julius confidently said.

"That's just one example, the lone exception," Applejack brushed off, "nothing more."

"Oh really, so nothing bad is happening in Equestria, or has happened in recent memory?" Julius asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"I never said that," Applejack firmly said. "Nightmare Moon appeared a few months ago. Then there's the whole buffalo problem around Appaloosa," Applejack firmly told Julius.

"Only two things," Julius sighed. "Interesting, and Equestria is responsible for none of that?" Julius asked. "Look, all I'm saying is that there's information that's being suppressed to keep the status quo. And while it might be well-intentioned, it's also locked the country in stasis. Who knows what else has been suppressed? Maybe there's a powerful prisoner in a castle somewhere. A prisoner whose being is opposed to harmony but is critical to existence," Julius said as he heard a laugh.

"You have no idea, my dear human. But leave that for now and return to the matter at hand. Worry not; we shall meet soon enough. My coming shall be heralded by chocolate rain; this time, ponies won't turn their heads the other way," a masculine voice laughed as Julius looked around.

"Did, did either of you hear anything just now?" Julius asked as he looked around Fluttershy's cottage.

"All I heard was you," Applejack said as she looked oddly at Julius, who was in the middle of looking under the couch. "Are you OK?" Applejack asked as Julius looked under the cushions.

"I'm fine; I must have imagined it," Julius chuckled as he shook his head. "I must have looked silly."

"A little bit, yes," Applejack and Fluttershy laughed.

"I'm sure there are things that we're not told," Fluttershy started to say. "But it's kept Equestria safe and peaceful for a long time. And that's good for us ponies," Fluttershy told Julius.

"Fair, but still, it feels like something is missing," Julius said. "That may just be the jaded criticism of my government coming through," Julius sighed. "Feel free to ignore it. I'd imagine that applying stuff like that here probably isn't necessary. I mean, I'll still do it, but feel free to ignore it," Julius laughed.

"OK, I'm sure your world isn't that bad," Applejack laughed as she looked at Julius.

"You'd think, but the last time I checked, we were like, a hundred seconds to midnight," Julius said as the two ponies looked oddly at him.

"What does time have to do with anything?" Applejack asked.

"Nevermind, just ignore that. Just know that the governments in my world can be divided between ones that'll stab you in your back while smiling at you and ones that'll stab you in your front while smiling. And that's why I'm like this about these things," Julius explained as he went back to the kitchen. "Hey Fluttershy, I'm taking a few chips with me, OK?" Julius asked as he put some chips into a bag.

"Oh, sure, go ahead," Fluttershy smiled as Julius filled a bag with chips.

"Thanks, I'm sure Pinkie Pie will love them," Julius smiled as he took the filled bag.

"Those chips are very good; she'll love them," Fluttershy smiled as Julius opened the door. "I'll see you later," Fluttershy smiled as she waved at Julius and Applejack.

"Yup, I'll see you later, probably tonight," Julius smiled as he waved back.

"See ya around, Fluttershy," Applejack waved as Julius shut the door.

"So, thinking about bringing over a drink from your world? How do you make liquid bread?" Applejack asked as she and Julius started to walk back to Ponyville.

"Well, that's just one possible nickname for it. Really, it's a grain-heavy drink. Think of it like wine, only made from grains instead of grapes and berries," Julius told Applejack. "Honestly, I would like to start making mead and rum too. Hah, that'd be nice, starting a brewery," Julius laughed. "A good business, a nice synergy with what you all have going on, a possible future for our children," Julius started to go on.

"Heh, well, it's nice that you're thinking of the future like that; you're missing a few things," Applejack laughed. "First, all Apples work on one of the Apple's farms. Second, who said anything about us being together?" Applejack asked as she poked Julius with a hoof.

"Look, I'll be honest," Julius said as he took a deep breath. "I'm going after you and all your friends, Zecora, Luna, Celestia, and screw it, Lyra too, and I guess any other willing creature I can breed," Julius told a stunned Applejack. "OK? OK. Glad we came to an understanding," Julius smiled as they continued walking.

"Quite a herd you have in mind," Applejack lightly laughed. "How exactly do you expect to get Princess Celestia in it?" Applejack asked almost mockingly.

"No idea. But, I am a human. If nothing else, I have a stupid amount of willpower. Hell, my younger brother and I beat Battletoads on co-op. If I can do that, then I can do anything," Julius assured Applejack. "Seriously, have you any idea how many times we lost? That was the embodiment of a million failures than success is a success," Julius laughed.

"You don't really talk much about yourself or your family. So you have a younger brother? How old is he?" Applejack asked at hearing something about Julius.

"Alex is three years younger than me. I also have a twin sister, Julia," Julius told Applejack. "Would have had more siblings if my father had his way, but my mother went behind his back, got her tubes tied, and pissed off his family," Julius lightly laughed.

"What does that mean? And why would it make your father's family mad?" Applejack asked as the two walked into Ponyville.

"She made it so she can't have children anymore," Julius started to explain. "As for making my father's family mad, his parents are Irish Catholic, 'nuff said there. Honestly, his parents didn't care much for my mother," Julius said as he looked at Applejack. "Before you ask, her parents are English and Protestant. A lot of bad blood there. So trust me, I'm used to family drama," Julius laughed as they walked to Sugarcube Corner.

"Can't be as bad as the Apples and the Pears," Applejack lightheartedly laughed.

"I don't know about that. There's at least a hundred years of war there, and that's just on the country level. Get's worse when you include religion," Julius laughed as they walked up to the Sugarcube Corner. "So, I take it we just walk in, with it being a shop and all," Julius said as Applejack opened the door, a bell lightly jiggling. "That answers that," Julius said as he followed after.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner," a blue mare happily said. "Oh, Applejack, and Julius. What brings you two here today?" The mare asked as she stood behind the counter. "Here to learn more about your mother?"

"No, not today Mrs. Cake," Applejack said as she looked around the store. "We're here to see Pinkie Pie. Is she around?"

"Sorry, Applejack, you just missed her. She should be at Sweet Apple Acres with Big Mac doing, well, you know," Mrs. Cake giggled.

"I didn't think Big Mac had an appointment with Pinkie Pie today," Applejack laughed. "So, we can either go back to the farm or do something else," Applejack said as she looked at Julius.

"I'm not about to blue ball Big Mac; besides, I think I can work with Mrs. Cake," Julius said as he looked at the mare.

"Thanks for the offer, deary, but I'm happily herded," Mrs. Cake laughed as Applejack laughed and Julius rolled his eyes.

"I didn't mean like that, though, I suppose, to be fair, I would be willing," Julius admitted. "Here, try these," Julius said as he placed the bag of chips on the counter. Taking a chip out, Mrs. Cake ate it.

"Oh, oh my. That is good," Mrs. Cake happily said. "Honey, come here. There's something you have to try," Mrs. Cake happily said as she ate another chip.

"What is it, honey?" A stallion asked as he entered the room. Saying nothing, Mrs. Cake slid the bag of chips to the stallion and ushered him to try them. Seeing Mrs. Cake eating the odd-looking food, the stallion tried one. "Oh, that is good," he happily said as he ate a chip. "What are they?" He asked as he ate a few more.

"They're called potato chips," Julius said as he too ate a chip. "A snack from my world. Fortunately, they can easily be made here. If you want, I'll sell you the recipe for, let's say, a five percent post-cost royalty," Julius offered.

"Now, hold on a moment," Applejack interjected. "Why do you need bits? You live cost-free with Zecora and the other mares. Also, this is a bakery; those were fried," Applejack firmly stated.

"Correct, but having some cash of my own would be nice. Besides, if possible, I should at least try to contribute more than just my body. I mean, sure, being a glorified boytoy sounds pretty nice, but there's more to me, or at least I'd like to think there is," Julius laughed. "True, they're fried, but you can make chips by baking. If it really is that much of a problem," Julius said as he looked at the two other ponies. "I can see you're a little worried about them selling, so if you want, we can have a trial sale of them next week. All you have to do is provide the ingredients; sound good?" Julius offered.

"Hmmm," Mrs. Cake hummed. "Your offer is tempting. And you're not asking for anything unreasonable," Mrs. Cake continued to hum. Taking a brief look at the stallion, Mrs. Cake smiled. "Alright, tell you what. You get me and Mr.Cake tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, and we'll try selling them there. If they do well, then you have yourself a deal," Mrs. Cake offered.

"Ummm, what's that? And how do I get tickets for it?" Julius asked. "It sounds like a fancy event, so I'd imagine that they'd be pricy, and I have no money. Am I going to have to pimp myself out to get the money for the tickets?" Julius sighed as the ponies laughed.

"No, you won't," Applejack laughed as she gently patted Julius's back. "The tickets come from the Princesses, so just as Princess Luna, or Princess Celestia. You should be able to get tickets from them," Applejack told a chuckling Julius.

"So, yes, but just to ponies that I've already done it for then, perfect," Julius jokingly said. "You got yourself a deal," Julius said as he held his hand out. As the ponies looked oddly at Julius, Julius sighed and pulled his hand back. "Right, of course, no hands, that probably makes handshakes difficult," Julius said as he looked at the ponies. "So, what do you have in place of it?"

"I think the closest we have to a 'handshake' is a hoofbump," Applejack told Julius. "Well, that and maybe a neck hug if you're very close."

"Ah, OK. Either way, it's a deal, though, right?" Julius asked as he looked at the Cakes.

"Yes, it is a deal," Mrs. Cake smiled as she nodded her head.

"Great!" Julius happily chirped. "Keep the chips. Oh, and when you see Pinkie Pie, tell her that I want to see her," Julius said as he started to leave the store.

"Will do, though; she said she needed to pick up some things while she was out," Mrs. Cake told Julius. "If I remember, she said she needed yeast, hops, barley, corn oats, rye, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, demerara sugar, butter, and eggs," Mrs. Cake told a very facepalmed Julius. "Odd list of things, I wonder what she'll be making," Mrs. Cake excitedly said.

"Of course, Pinkie Pie knows," Julius said into his hands. "I swear, that mare sees the matrix or something," Julius sighed as he looked up. "It's a drink. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me, it's a drink. I would question how Pinkie Pie knows what I want to make, but it's not worth the migraine, so I'll just accept it," Julius sighed as Applejack laughed.

"Still wanting to question Pinkie Pie? You just can't seem to let that go, can you?" Applejack joked as she walked to the door.

"The logical side of me has to know. But the practical side of me knows that knowing would melt my brain," Julius said as he rubbed his temples. "It was nice meeting you two; good day," Julius waved goodbye as he exited the store.

"It was good seeing you two. I'll be back another day. Both for some baked goods and for more stories about my mother," Applejack said as she too left the store. After walking for a few steps, Applejack turned to go back to Sweet Apple Acres. "I have to go back to the farm," Applejack told Julius. "As much as I'm sure that you'd love to have me shadow you all day, there's farm business I need to take care of. And then I need to talk with Pinkie Pie about hiring my brother behind my back. I'll see you tomorrow," Applejack told Julius as she walked back towards the farm while mumbling. "Friends don't hire their friend's brother without talking to them first," Julius could hear Applejack mumbling as she walked off.

"Hah, to be fair to Applejack, I think that breaks the girl code or something like that," Julius thought out loud. "Now, let's see. Zecora should be back at her house by now," Julius continued to think as he started to walk towards the Everfree Forest. "So I guess that I'll go there first," Julius sighed as he made his way back to Zecora's house.

Chapter 45: Talking to Myself? No, Just Spirits.

Walking back through Ponyville, Julius looked around a bit. Sure enough, some ponies were still looking at him oddly, but his mind was wandering too much to notice; the rustic beauty of Ponyville, the light breeze, the voice. As Julius walked through the town, his thoughts kept going back to that same odd voice he heard in Fluttershy's cottage. Sure it was only there for a brief moment, but it was definitely there. It felt somehow strong, commanding, like a voice of primal authority. And yet, it didn't sound harsh or stern; it sounded welcoming, like a parent welcoming back a long-lost child. As much as he tried to bury the voice, it kept surfacing to the front of his mind. Walking out of Ponyville and towards the Everfree Forest, Julius thought he heard something.

"Can't get my voice out of your head, can you?" The same voice knowingly asked. "That's quite expected, and welcomed, it is what I want after all," the voice continued as Julius rapidly scanned the area. "Don't bother looking for me. I am a spirit, and my physical body, well, let's just say it's quite statuesque at the moment," the voice laughed.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Julius asked as he tried to steady himself.

"Hmmm, my name, well, I'd rather not tell you my real name, for now. Celestia and Luna don't think too highly of me, despite all that I've done for this world," the voice grumbled. "Oh sure, get rid of the physical bodies of wendigoes and nocreature remembers. Blow off a little steam, and all of a sudden, you're some great evil," the voice sighed. "For a name, you may call me John. If you don't like that name, I'm also fine with Q, Irwin, Eugene, Eagleton, or Leonardo," the voice playfully offered.

"I think I'll stick with John," Julius sighed as he rubbed his temples. "So, John, what do you want? Also, do you wear a tie?" Julius jokingly asked as he started to walk into the Everfree Forest.

"First, remember, you're being watched. Just think your thoughts, and I'll hear them," John told Julius. "Second, I don't wear a tie, but that doesn't mean that I'm a plumber. Third, what I want is your help," the voice seemed to say with a smile. "You see, six great treasures have been stolen from Equestria. These treasures are vital to the health of the land. I need you to return these treasures to their rightful place," John told Julius.

"Why do you need my help? And why do you think I'd go off prancing around some dark dungeons filled with monsters just to retrieve some treasures?" Julius asked as he followed the path to Zecora's house.

"We both know that you like games like Zelda and Skyrim, don't deny it," John confidently said. "Second, I know exactly where these treasures are, no dark dungeons or anything like that, I promise. Third, I need your help because, as I currently am, I cannot retrieve those treasures. Even if I could, my other half doesn't exactly like me," John said with a seeming grimace.

"True and fair. Though, how do you know about those games? Video games don't exist in Equestria; hell, that level of tech doesn't exist here. Also, what makes you think that I could retrieve these lost treasures?" Julius asked as he carefully navigated the path through the Everfree Forest.

"Oh, trust me, I know a lot more about your world than what you may think. And before you ask, no, sadly, I cannot get you things from your world. Well, I could try, but it would be unreliable. I might get your laptop, or I might get a giant fire-breathing spider," John laughed, "wanna try anyway?" John mischievously asked.

"No, I'm good," Julius shuddered at the thought.

"So boring, ah well," John sighed. "Anyway, I think you can retrieve the treasures because they are currently in the custody of one Celestia Astra, Princess of Equestria, the bringer of the morning, the bringer of the sun, the giver of light to the world-"

"Enough, enough, OK, OK, I get it," Julius mentally sighed. "Like, what were you and her knocking boots back in the day or something?" Julius jokingly asked.

"Well, that is the long-standing rumor," John chuckled. "But seriously, like eight hundred moons ago, she had a whole song to her that went like that. It only fell out of favor roughly a hundred moons ago," John laughed. "She does have the six treasures, though, and they do need to be returned to their resting place, not locked up in the castle, waiting to be used as a weapon, again. If it comforts you, I'm pretty sure Luna would agree with me; she did hold reservations about taking the treasures in the first place," John assured.

"I'm sure if the swan princess is keeping those treasures locked in the castle, there's a good reason for it," Julius said as he avoided some poison joke.

"And I can assure you that they are needed far more where they belong," John countered. "Look, if you don't believe me, I can show you where they belong. You're actually pretty close to their home right now," John offered as Julius raised an eyebrow. "Sounds odd, I know. Their home is a cave underneath Castle Astra, oh, or well, I suppose nowadays it's called The Castle of The Two Sisters," John corrected himself while laughing.

"That wouldn't be that old castle here, would it?" Julius asked. "I was thinking of fixing it up and moving in, but with everything that's going on, and the broken bridge and the odd feelings I've gotten from that place," Julius started to trail off.

"That's the castle. Though if you plan on moving in, have Luna do her purification magic all over that place. If you earnestly believe it'll help, do the purification rituals of your God, whatever they might be," John said; Julius could hear John rolling his eyes. "Don't give me that; purification magic is weird and works off of magical power and belief," John told Julius. "Look, go to the castle. Don't worry about the bridge; I'll carry you across both ways. I'll even guide you right to the cave," John offered.

"You seem pretty desperate to be going this far. Why ask me, and not a pony or a different creature?" Julius asked as he diverted to go to the castle.

"Oh, come on, you're better than that," John sighed. "I'm not asking another pony because, well, you know how they're like to non-ponies."

"Right, yeah. Stupid question on my part," Julius acknowledged.

"Agreed. As for a different creature, how many of those do you think live in Equestria? Look, I'm reaching out to you because in you I see a kindred spirit," John happily said. "Another who is perceived as an outsider. One who was lucky enough to get a chance, even if he had to risk his life for it," John sweetly told Julius.

"Oh come on, timberwolves are hardly threatening. Well, unless they come at you in a group of ten or more," Julius chuckled as he remembered the fight. "My back and arms still kinda hurt remembering that.

"Maybe so, but it doesn't change the fact that you risked your life to help a creature that, for all you knew, was hostile to you. Maybe, I'm hopeful that you'll extend the same courtesy to me," John sweetly said. "Tell you what. Since I'm such a nice guy, I'll sweeten the deal for you. Return the treasures, and I'll work on giving you a gift. I seem to remember that you were reading the Cadia books, and the Lord of the Rings books. I'll work on teleporting those books here for you," John offered.

"Wait, I thought you said that you couldn't get me things from my world; why the change?" Julius suspiciously asked.

"I never said that, per se," John defensively said. "Pulling items from one universe to another is random. Sure my magic is naturally on the random side, but even for me, it's not something I can guarantee. Don't worry; if I pull anything weird out, I'll send it to my dimension. So what do you say?" John asked, seemingly smiling at Julius.

"I'll have to see," Julius said as he bit his tongue. "Whatever this being is, he sure is trying to tempt me-," Julius started to think.

"Yes, I am. I just think that you should get paid for your hard work," John happily said, much to Julius's surprise. "Forgot that you were talking to me by me reading your thoughts, didn't you?" John knowingly asked.

"Yes, I did," Julius said as he facepalmed. Briskly continuing through the Everfree Forest, Julius quickly came to the broken bridge. "So, uhhh, how are you going to carry me across?" Julius asked as a soft plaid magic aura surrounded him. Lifting him into the air, Julius was levitated across the gap to the other side. "Ah, OK, levitation was my second guess," Julius laughed.

"What was your first, a magical bridge repair?" John asked as Julius sheepishly looked away. "Oh, come now. I'm a magical spirit of the land, the embodiment of a fundamental force that's required for the land to function properly. I am not a magical carpenter sent here to redeem your sins," John mockingly said as Julius tried to give him an angry look. "Oh, you look so cute when you're mad. Like a puppy who got a little scrap of power," John laughed as Julius walked to the castle. "Follow the path lead down; there should be stairs," John directed as Julius came to a break in the path.

"Hey, listen," Julius started to protest. "First, I'm pretty strong. Second, if you know me, then you know not to diminish Jesus like that," Julius growled.

"What? With your communion involving eating the flesh and drinking the blood of your God for salvation, would you prefer me to call Him your vampire savior?" John joked as Julius scowled.

"Will you shut up, man!" Julius angrily sighed as he continued along the path. Walking down the stone stairs, Julius felt something. Vaguely, it felt like Twilight and her friends, only all of them combined and somehow polarized to John.

"What you're feeling is the energy of my other half," John told Julius. "Albeit, a lot weaker than it should be," John sighed. "If Tranquility were at her full power, then the Everfree Forest would have been returned to the Everbright Forest," John again sighed, this time seeming a little angry as Julius looked oddly in the direction of his voice. "Oh, ignore me, just the ramblings of an ancient spirit," John sighed. "Please, continue. Though if it's all the same, I'll wait outside that cave. Tranquility and I don't exactly get along," John said as Julius heard some whistling coming from behind him. Sparing a quick look behind him before entering the cave, Julius saw nothing. Shrugging, Julius entered the cave.

Walking into the cave, Julius felt a very odd sense of calm overcome him. He felt like he was at peace, and yet, somehow, it felt off. It was as if he were intruding into a calm meadow, walking deeper into the cave, the feeling kept getting stronger. Coming to a large, mostly clear area, Julius saw a great crystal tree. The tree emanated with primal energy, and yet, it felt weakened. Walking up to the tree, Julius spotted six indentations in the tree, as if something was carved out of it.

"Well, I can guess where these treasures are supposed to go," Julius said as he approached the tree. "Strange, these holes seem familiar. I could swear that I've seen them somewhere before," Julius said as he stood right under the tree. "No idea what you are; if you're Tranquility or something else. But it's clear that you've lost a lot of energy," Julius said as he touched the tree.

"You're not supposed to be here," a voice said from behind Julius. Swiftly turning around, Julius spotted the glimmering outline of a pony.

"Who, or what are you? And why does your voice sound like Twilight and her friends layered over each other? And why exactly don't I belong here?" Julius asked as he turned around.

"I am the spirit of harmony, Tranquility," the spirit told Julius. "I sound like those six due to them being the element bearers and them not having a proper leader yet. Though, if tradition holds, Twilight will end up becoming the leader. She's usually the element of magic. As for you not belonging here, it means what it means. You are a human; humans have never existed in this universe, nor were they ever supposed to," Tranquility told Julius.

"Yeah, well, Carlos Mencia was never supposed to have a comedy career, and it happened anyway," Julius shot back, "besides, even if I wanted to return to my world, I can't. Literally, no stable way exists. And so what if humans aren't supposed to be in this universe? We live in Australia, have you any idea what's there? Mini jellyfish that sting you, then, five minutes later, you're dead. Multiple animals exist nearly everywhere, all of whom are venomous. And don't even get me started on the dingos," Julius told Tranquility. "Besides, I lived my whole life in Canada. Have you any idea how cold it can get there? I've experienced seven-foot-tall snow before. And negative forty-degree temperatures. What's that spirit, celsius or fahrenheit? How about both in the same day," Julius loudly said. "So yeah, I might not belong here, but I'm here anyway. There's no chance that I'll get drafted into a war I want nothing to do with, to support a government that's hostile to me. Granted, Equestria isn't perfect, but I don't have to worry about all the bullshit happening in my world," Julius sighed.

"Uhhh, isn't negative forty degrees the same in celsius and fahrenheit?" Tranquility asked in minor confusion.

"That's the joke," Julius facepalmed.

"I see," Tranquility responded. "Regardless, you don't belong here," Tranquility insisted. "You speak of dangerous animals in this Australia. Trust me, in this world, there are animals that are far more dangerous. Manticores, ursa majors, ursa minors, and timberwolves are just the ones you've encountered. Trust me, there are far worse waiting. Bugbears, chimeras, cockatrices, cyclopes, and worse," Tranquility told Julius.

"Yeah, they might exist, but that's OK. I'll just avoid them," Julius brushed off.

"There's also fly-ders," Tranquility flatly said.

"Are those," Julius started to ask as Tranquility nodded. "OK, OK, that's OK," Julius repeated. "So you have flying spiders, that's OK," Julius kept repeating. "That's, wait, that is OK. I have a Fluttershy," Julius laughed. "Your animals have no power over a Fluttershy. What was I worried about?" Julius snorted in derision.

"You're missing the point," Tranquility sighed. "There are dangers in this world that you aren't developed for, and this world isn't developed in such a way to accommodate you," Tranquility firmly stated.

"Again, so what? Humans exist wherever we want to. Hell, we have plans to terraform a planet so we can live there. Do you think a few spoopy animals will scare me off? Besides, I'm adapting well enough," Julius defended.

"what if I told you that there might be a way back to your world?" Tranquility asked. "My other half, Discord, its magic can open portals to different dimensions. Mine can stabilize it. If you can convince Discord to go along with it, then we can return you to your rightful home," Tranquility offered. Thinking about it for more than a few moments, Julius finally spoke up.

"No," Julius firmly said. "I'm not going back. Sure, I'm leaving family behind, and yes, there are people and things that I want to bring to this world. But I won't go back, at least not to stay. I can see the writing on the wall. You think I'm not welcomed here, hah, in my own country I'm less and less welcomed by the year. Here, this world is a chance for a new start, a fresh start. A start where instead of being judged for things I've never done; things I find abhorrent, I can be judged on who I am," Julius stated as Tranquility started to speak up. "No, stay your tongue. I don't care if you are some spirit of the land. I'm speaking, and for now, I shall speak boldly, roaring like a lion," Julius firmly stated as he grabbed Tranquility's vague muzzle. "Why I was brought here, I have no idea. But I choose to believe that it was for greater things. I choose to believe that I was chosen to help a different world and, hell, maybe give humanity a new start. Maybe find my own way to bring good honest humans to this world, where they can live in peace. Sure, I might be entirely wrong, and this was all random chance. That the collective multiverse, or whatever, is just having a massive laugh at the expense of some random foolish human. But I choose to believe that I was chosen, whether I'm right or wrong. You can keep your offer of sending me back to my world. It's a world that has long since forsaken me, here not so. Here I have a future, and I intend to see it shine bright," Julius firmly said as he went to leave the cave. "Our meeting is done," Julius flatly said, looking forward as he left the cave. Walking a few steps out of the cave, Julius heaved a sigh of relief and fell to his knees.

"Oh God, I'm in way over my head," Julius said as he held his head. "What was I thinking?" Julius started to lament as a familiar laugh came from around him.

"You were listening to your instincts," John heartily laughed. "Instead of bowing to some being, you stood up, spit in its face, and soldiered on, like a good little human. Oh, I couldn't be more proud," John laughed as Julius picked himself up.

"You know, in the cave, Tranquility mentioned Discord. I'm guessing that's you," Julius said as he slowly brushed the dirt off his pants.

"Ugh," John sighed. "You know, my other half can be so boring sometimes. Yes, it's true, I am the spirit of chaos and disharmony, the purveyor of pandemonium, lord of lawlessness, earl of turmoil, bringer of bedlam, Discord!" Discord triumphantly said.

"Of course, figures," Julius sighed.

"Oh, don't be like that," Discord scoffed. "Believe it or not, I'm actually on your side. I'm team human! Hyoo-ma-nuh-tee! Hyoo-ma-nuh-tee! Imagine me waving flags with 'Humanity' on them," Discord chanted.

"Why are you on my side? And why should I believe you?" Julius asked as he started to go up the stone steps.

"Normally, I wouldn't be on any creature's side. But with humanity, I think I found my creatures," Discord happily said. "You're such wonderful balls of self-contained chaos and creativity that I just can't help myself. Always going on about, 'Ordahhhh, Ordahhhh'!" Discord said in a very British voice. "But then, turning around and destroying that order the first chance you get. Oh sure, your kind commonly takes part in war, the most boring kind of chaos, but no creature can be perfect," Discord assured Julius. "As for believing me. Well, aside from buying your services, I'm kind of tired of this game," Discord started to explain. "You see, I'm going to break free of this accursed stone prison sooner or later. What was going to happen was, I get a day or two of chaos, then, your little herd blast me back into it. But then, a human, you, came along, and I got a better idea," Discord continued to explain as he started to levitate Julius across the broken bridge. "You see, instead of repeating the same song and dance, I would break free, pledge my loyalty to you, and just bask in the chaos that you make. And who knows, maybe help you a little along the way," Discord told Julius as he set Julius down on the other side.

"You really expect me to believe that?" Julius asked in thought as his feet touched the ground.

"Oh, for Scorpan's sake," Discord sighed. "I'm buying your services; I'm extending a helping limb in goodwill; what more do you want?" Discord asked. "What do I also have to birth one of your crotch spawn too? I'd really rather not; I much prefer my male form," Discord told a confused Julius.

"How can you bear children you're male?" Julius asked as he rubbed his temples in mental pain.

"True, I am male now, but spirits can pick and choose our form; why Tranquility has appeared as Celestia, Luna, Starswirl, Clover the Clever, and Gusty the Great, to name a few. I have taken a female form a few times, but I don't much care for it. Honestly, the thought of bearing any creature's crotch spawn for six and three-eighths months gives me shudders," Discord said to a more confused Julius.

"I, I, why six and three-eighths, and, I, why, what?" Julius stammeringly asked as he massaged his temples.

"Because it's weird and random. Come now, get with the program," Discord said. "Look, I can see you have a lot on your plate, with the whole, 'I must rescue the Apple parents to get in Applejack's snatch' and all," Discord said in a mockery of Julius's voice. "So you can ignore this for now. But keep in mind, a time will come where an opportunity will present itself. And I'll be ever so grateful if you take it. Trust me, being trapped in stone seriously sucks," Discord huffed. "For now, though, I shall be leaving you. As a personal favor, don't tell any creature about me. Celly and Lulu still don't really like me all that much, and it would just make things awkward for you," Discord said as Julius heard a *snap*. "One more thing," Discord said in a mock Chinese voice. "Ask your zebra mare, Zecora, about spirits. If I remember, the major Zebrican, or Farasian, or whatever they're calling themselves, their major religion is based around spirits and spirit worship," Discord told Julius. "Well, until our next meeting, so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye," Discord sang as his voice faded away.

"Good God, I was too sober today," Julius moaned as he mentally recovered. Taking several long minutes, Julius slowly recovered and made his way to Zecora's house.

Chapter 46: Spirits and Parents

Walking through the Everfree Forest, Julius swiftly made his way back to Zecora's house, all the while massaging his temples. Walking up to the door, Julius knocks.

"Hey, Zecora, it's Julius; I'm back," Julius sighed as he opened the door. Walking in, Julius made for the kitchen.

"Why'd you bother introducing yourself like that?" Rainbow Dash asked as she lay on the couch. "We know it's you from your voice," Rainbow Dash said as her wings relaxed over her body.

"Because the Everfree likes to screw with you at times," Julius sighed as he filled the kettle. Placing it on the stove, Julius turned around. "Like this one time, I heard my voice coming from deeper in the forest. So, I followed it, as you do. I came to a grove of blue and pink flowers. The blue flowers were poison joke; I learned that the hard way. The pink flowers were mockicry flowers. They can mimic your voice," Julius told Rainbow Dash as Zecora came out from another room.

"I remember that day well. When you came back, I really could tell. Something terrible had happened to you, your mood was most fell. But what that was escaped my intel. It had to do with poison joke, of that, I'm sure. As to what it did, that you've kept secure," Zecora said as she took a vial filled with a swirling blue and red liquid.

"Well, at the time, we weren't fucking," Julius said as he looked away with a slight blush. "Let's just say; I got knotty," Julius said as he went to check on the kettle.

"Bahahaha," Rainbow Dash laughed as she heard that. "The poison joke made you 'knotty,' really?" Rainbow Dash laughed as she drank the potion.

"Sounds about right for poison joke. The plant wants a laugh; to that, it will provoke. Its effects are wide and varied. Unfortunately, the effects cannot be parried. That said, there is a cure. To that, I can ensure," Zecora said as she gave a slight chuckle. "My exposure to it was quite a shock. My rhymes were all put on lock. Back home, a sister of mine rubbed against some on a dock. To our great surprise, she grew a cock," Zecora said as Julius and Rainbow Dash suddenly looked at her.

"OK, yeah, getting a knot isn't that bad then," Julius conceded as he prepared a teabag. "Speaking of home, Zecora, your people worship spirits, right? Think you could tell me more about that?" Julius asked as he mixed some chamomile, lavender, and vanilla for his tea.

"An interesting turn of events. It was to my knowledge that your beliefs and mine are dissents. What has caused this change? Honestly, it feels quite strange," Zecora asked as she went into her room.

"A lot, and nothing all at once. Short of it, a spirit decided to talk to me, and now, my brain hurts, I'm outta brain. Also, I'm in way over my head," Julius sighed as he waited for the kettle to boil. Walking out of her room, Zecora looked concerned.

"Be very careful when talking to spirits, both lesser and greater. To them, it is easy to see us as a prater," Zecora cautioned as she placed a large book on a table. "Now, which spirit talked to you? It's important to know, so please tell me true," Zecora said as she prepared to turn the pages.

"I can't say. The spirit in question doesn't want to be identified at the moment," Julius said as Zecora heavily sighed. "What spirits are associated with Equestria?" Julius asked as Zecora took in several heavy breaths.

"How many spirits were there? And of themselves, were they aware?" Zecora asked as concern seeped into her voice.

"Two, and extremely aware," Julius said as he thought back. "Also, I may have been a bit of a dick to one," Julius nervously laughed. "I kinda cut it off while it was talking, then walked away," Julius said as Zecora dropped her head on the table. Recovering herself, Zecora regained composure.

"In Equestria, there are two greater spirits who see to the land. I know their names, but they don't want to be known for now, as I understand. One is the spirit of harmony, a spirit that often appears as a female persuasion. She seems to be aligned with the pony ideals, from what little information there is. While largely peaceful, she can be a terrible foe, like all greater spirits, to know that shouldn't take a wiz," Zecora explained.

"Yeah, I figured. I just let my blood get a little boiled," Julius lightly chuckled while rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, as much as I hate to admit it, the second one played me well. Like disturbingly well," Julius admitted with a sigh.

"That second spirit is one of great danger. To many, he is no stranger, though his conduct could not be stranger. He is a spirit of chaos and change, the opposite of the ponies' matron. He means no direct harm, though it usually comes as a side effect of his meddling, such is chaos's patron. Take great care if dealing with him. My kind will ask for protection if we have to deal with him and his whim," Zecora cautioned. "While I know not of your spiritual provider, please, for your sake, request their protection. Lest the side effects of his dealings remove you from nature's selection," Zecora advised.

"Yeah, not gonna lie, I might be a bit on the outs with God," Julius admitted. "I mean, The Bible is pretty clear on the whole 'no magic' thing, also with the whole 'no fucking animals' thing. Though, somehow, I don't think it accounted for a whole other universe," Julius sighed as he started to pace the floor. "I mean sure, people say 'oh it's all a part of God's plan' and 'everything happens for a reason,'" Julius said in a bad mockery. "But no, I can guarantee you, this was not a part of God's plan. None of the things that have happened to me in the last month happened by His will. Bad things, odd things, can just happen for no reason. I have faith that God is trusting me to roll with it, and besides," Julius said as he walked up to an opened window. "Hey God!" Julius shouted as he stuck his head out the window. "I know they look like animals, but come on, they have their own culture, they can talk, and I have needs!" Julius angrily shouted at the sky. "Seriously, I lasted nearly a month, a month! I did better here than any stupid attempt at no nut November. So, can I get a rock and a chisel and amend one of your rules? Being in perma-heat around these thirsty cock teases sucks if you can't take them!" Julius shouted into the sky.

"What do you mean by 'perma-heat'?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at Julius. "I know heat can be rough, and it can feel like it never ends, but after a month, it passes, well, give or take a few days," Rainbow Dash said as she drank a bright red potion. "Too cherry-flavored," Rainbow Dash coughed as she shook her head.

"Oh, and I suppose you want strawberry or apple flavor? Or maybe a mix," Julius said as his eyes slightly lit up."Hey Zecora, the next batch of healing potions, think they could be a strawberry, apple, banana, pomegranate mix?" Julius asked as Zecora shook her head.

"I'll see what I can do. But, back to the question about you. I know for some, heat can be rough. But to say it lasts forever, I thought you were tough," Zecora teased.

"Right, I should explain," Julius said as he poured himself a cup of tea. "So, the thing is, humans don't really have heat," Julius said to the surprise of Zecora and Rainbow Dash. "Rather, we're always in a mild heat. Like, if I had to guess, I'd say take your average heat, make it half as intense, and experience that all the time. That's what we go through, and damn can it suck hard," Julius said as he fell back into a chair while Rainbow dash got up.

"You don't have heat, really?" Rainbow scoffed. "You expect us to believe that? Every creature experiences heat!" Rainbow firmly stated. "Look, stay here; I'll be right back," Rainbow Dash said as she bolted off towards Ponyville.

"What's that about?" Julius asked as he relaxed in the chair.

"If I had to guess, Rainbow is getting either Twilight or Fluttershy, maybe both. Like to confirm your libido, as to this world, it is quite loath. What you describe is rare, to say the least. Yet, even so, you can be quite the beast," Zecora said as she went to get herself a cup of tea.

"I know there are animals that don't have heat, like, ummm," Julius stumbled over his thoughts. "I think bats don't, I think. Look, I was going to be a GP, not a vet. My medical knowledge is based around humans," Julius said as he took a sip of tea.

"I believe you are correct. Bats breed to a different effect. If I recall, once a month, their females bleed. Then, in about a week, their males meet their breeding need," Zecora unsurely said as she racked her brain.

"You know what's funny," Julius said, starting to laugh. "That's what happens to human females. Well, that and their fertility stops in their late forties/early fifties. Honestly, kinda glad I got yeeted to this world before my OB/GYN rotations. Being a male doing that can be awkward," Julius said as he and Zecora laid back to relax. After an hour of relaxing and small talk, several flashes of bright light flashed from outside Zecora's house.

"What the hay, Velvet?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed from outside the house. "I thought you were going to teleport us into the house, not outside it," Rainbow Dash sighed as Zecora and Julius gave each other a knowing chuckle.

"Magical wards. Direct magic doesn't really work. Well, some types do, like healing, ummm," Julius looked at Zecora, "enchanting, potion-making, and I think that's it," Julius said unsurely.

"Light and dark magic work as well. Warding fully against those is impossible you won't excel. Fortunate it is that their users are rare. Else surely we'd be in grave danger, that much is clear," Zecora said as the door to the house opened. Several ponies walked into the house, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy, along with two unicorns that Julius didn't recognize.

"Way to bring the whole squad," Julius laughed. "Assuming you're not here to try to blast me with a magical beam or something, I'm guessing that you're here because Rainbow Dash is convinced that I have heat," Julius said as Twilight looked at him.

"How could you think that you'd be blasted by magic?" Twilight asked, her ears folded to her head as Julius just gave her a knowing look. "Right, stupid question."

"Very," Julius flatly confirmed. "Now, from the look of those two, I'm guessing the mare is your sister," Julius said as his eyes darted between Twilight and Velvet. "How nice of you to bring your sister to me, and it's not even Christmas or my birthday," Julius said, a grin slowly forming.

"I'm stopping this right now," Twilight immediately said as she looked at Julius. "They're my parents," Twilight told Julius.

"Ah," Julius said as his eyes darted between the two new ponies, "and I'm guessing that's your father?" Julius asked as Twilight nodded. "Well, all that would have been good to know about two minutes ago," Julius sighed as he drank his tea.

"There are worse things than being told that you still look like a young mare," Velvet giggled. "I'm Twilight Velvet, and that's Night Light," Velvet said as she introduced the two. "I'm guessing, from your looks, that you're Julius, the human," Velvet said as she took a few steps forward.

"Yeah, I am. I imagine that you probably have a bunch of questions for me. Understandable, all things considered," Julius started to say as Velvet and Light gave each other a quick look, "but I think Rainbow Dash will explode if she doesn't get her's answered, speaking of," Julius said as he turned to Rainbow Dash. "Was bringing the everybody really necessary? I mean, you're only asking a question; you don't need to come in force like this."

"Well, I figured either Fluttershy or Twilight would be best. I just happened upon both of them. As for Twilight's parents, they were with her," Rainbow Dash explained. "And no, I didn't go to Canterlot to get them," Rainbow Dash firmly stated. "They were all at the library."

"Fair," Julius conceded. "So, how much has Rainbow Dash told you all?" Julius asked as he looked over the ponies.

"Rainbow said that you don't have heat," Twilight said. "I'm sure she just misheard you, though. There's no way you don't have heat, only, well, certain special creatures," Twilight said as she and Fluttershy shuddered.

"Really, really, here too? With the ratio and all. Really?" Julius sighed as he shook his head. "I do not approve."

"Relax, doing that is illegal, for very obvious reasons," Velvet assured. "I believe it's always been illegal in Equestria."

"Good, it damn well should be," Julius firmly said.

"What are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked as the three had their back and forth.

"If you don't know that's good, keep it that way," Julius told Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy, any animals that naturally don't have heat?" Julius asked as he looked right at the mare.

"A few, though they're extremely rare," Fluttershy said. "All kinds of bats, one kind of shrew, one kind of mouse, and the monkeys all experience monthly bleeding related to their breeding," Fluttershy said as Julius looked oddly at her.

"What kind of monkeys are there?" Julius asked as he looked at Fluttershy.

"Only one kind, they're only found in the jungles of southeastern Equestria. Even there, they're almost impossible to find. We don't know much about them, but I have heard things about them from other animals. From what I've heard, they can use tools, live in family groups, fight with each other, and they like to throw rotten fruit at animals," Fluttershy explained as Julius started to laugh.

"Yeah, sounds about right," Julius confirmed, "monkeys from my world are very similar. As for Rainbow's question, I take it this answers it for you. Yes, some creatures don't have heat, and yes, I'm one of them," Julius said as Twilight came up to him and Fluttershy slightly moved towards him.

"What's it like, not having heat?" Twilight eagerly asked as she sat very close to Julius.

"It would be nice to know. Bats tend to avoid ponies, and monkeys are seldom seen," Fluttershy said as she tenderly sat close to Julius.

"Well, take your heat, make it half as strong, and experience it all the time. That's what I got," Julius said as the ponies recoiled.

"You experience that all year; that's terrible," Fluttershy exclaimed as she nuzzled Julius.

"Tell me about it. Thank God for masturbation," Julius laughed. "I mean really, without that, well, good lord Zecora you know what you were doing," Julius laughed as he scratched behind Fluttershy's ears. "Well, enough about all that. I imagine you two have questions, so go ahead," Julius said as he looked at Twilight's parents. Walking over to a nearby couch, Velvet and Night Light sat down on the couch.

"Hmmm, let's start with your story. How and why did you come here?" Velvet asked as Julius pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Like, come to Equestria?" Julius asked as Velvet nodded. "Crap. Better get some drinks, maybe some snacks; this could take a while," Julius sighed as he collected himself. "It all started about a month ago. My university class went to a local museum to see the natural history exhibit," Julius started as Zecora got up to get some drinks and snacks.

Chapter 48: 'Tea' Time With Tranquility

Making the way to the cave with Tranquility, Julius returned to the fallen bridge.

"Don't suppose I can get a lift across? I don't think flapping my arms will really work," Julius joked to a likely listening Discord. As he was lifted into the air, Julius smiled. "Thank you," Julius said as he was levitated across the chasm. Walking back to the cave, Julius took time to look around the area surrounding the ruined castle and cave. "Well, it's not as chaotic or random, but it sure is desolate," Julius commented as he walked along the path.

"Oh yes, that will happen when one misuses magical items related to a greater spirit," Discord says as a spirit form of himself floats alongside Julius. "Long story. I could tell you, or Tranquility could, but it'd be better if you uncovered the truth for yourself. Rest assured; there is enough surviving documentation to piece together the whole story," Discord laughs. "Or well, you could find one pony. Honestly, I keep an eye on her. Either she's completely wrong, or she accidents into the truth, there's no in-between," Discord laughs.

"I'll take your word for it," Julius sighs as he continues down the trail. "Guessing that the items recoiled on the land or something," Julius said as he walked towards the cave.

"Yes, they did," Discord confirmed. "The magic rebounded onto the land, twisting the Everbright Forest into what it currently is," Discord sighed. "Seriously, the elements were meant to maintain and heal; how didn't they figure that out?" Discord murmured under his breath, getting a raised eyebrow from Julius. "Oh, don't mind me, musings of an old spirit and all," Discord said.

"Sure, if you say so," Julius said unconvinced as he walked into the cave. "Alright, Tranquility, I know you're here," Julius said as he looked at the crystal tree. "I've come back to," Julius trailed off as he scanned the cave, spotting some plants growing in a corner. "Is that pot?" Julius asked as he started to walk to the plants. "Fuck me, that's pot. What the hell, Tranquility, sharesies," Julius said as he continued towards the plants.

"No, no no no, no, I do not approve of this," Discord said as he flew in front of Julius.

"Oh no, a ghost is trying to physically block me; whatever shall I do?" Julius laughed as he walked right through Discord.

"Right, stupid of me," Discord facepalmed.

"No, wait, you can't take those," Tranquility suddenly said as she took a physical form.

"Oh, and why not? If it helps any, it's legal where I'm from," Julius said as he turned around to face Tranquility.

"It's not finished, and even if it was, who knows how it would affect the world," Tranquility said as Julius sighed.

"Well, any creature who consumed it would be more chill, that's about it. Also, how isn't it finished?" Julius asked as he slightly tilted his head towards Tranquility.

"Well, I," Tranquility started to say, "wait, you have this herb in your world?" she asked as she looked quizically towards Julius.

"Well, probably by a different name, or well many different names, but it counts," Julius said as he walked towards the herbs. "Marijuana, weed, mary jane, pot, reefer, and a lot more. We have a stupid amount of names for it. So stop holding out, come on, sharesies; I know how to brew it into a tea or make it into some foods," Julius said as he brushed his fingers against the leaves of the herb.

"Wait, how do you know how to use pot like that?" Discord asked as his spirit form floated towards Julius. "You don't seem like the type to take illegal drugs."

"First off, I'm from Canada; it's fully legal there. The government finally got greedy enough to pull that trigger. Second off, my father has PTSD, so he had a prescription for it before it was fully legalized. Now I'm not saying that we've made gummies or anything with it; I'm just saying innocent until proven guilty," Julius laughed as Discord stared at him. "Oh what, he also had a friend who grew it, The Chief, a good guy. So Tranquility, what do you say, up for making use of the herb?" Julius asked as he softly caressed the leaves of the plant.

"Well, I am a little curious as to what you've come up with," Tranquility hummed as she got lost in thought. "As long as it stays within this cave, and it doesn't threaten this world, I'm up for it," Tranquility said as Julius took a deep breath.

"Great! First, we'll need some butter, honey, a pot, water, and fire," Julius said as he inspected the herbs. "Also, ummm, you pick the plants to use. I can't really tell which ones are ready. Despite how much The Chief has done for us, he always kept my siblings and me from his plants; I suspect my mother had something to do with that," Julius said as he stood up. Julius saw a slightly glittering pot, a jar of golden honey, and a lit campfire as he turned around. "Well, that was quick; I take it that you're not having any Discord," Julius laughed as Discord sighed.

"You're correct," Discord said as Tranquility went to inspect the herbs. "Your father does know that there are better ways to deal with PTSD than getting high, right?" Discord asked as Tranquility carefully picked a few of the herbs.

"Yeah, you're right; he does," Julius said with a sigh. "But, well, after his last deployment, and all the stuff surrounding it, his relationship and trust in the government starts and ends at 'fuck you, you fucking daft cunts, eat a dick, eat a hairy dick, eat a million hairy dicks, go suck a fart out of a cow's dick' or well something like that. And that's on a good day," Julius laughed as Tranquility brought over a few of the herbs. "Trust, a lifetime to build, minutes to destroy," Julius bitterly laughed as he took the herbs from Tranquility. "Oh, forgot, need a mortar and pestle," Julius said as Tranquility's horn glowed, glittering in a lightly sparkling mortar and pestle. "Alright, time to get started," Julius said as he started to prepare the tea.

"Are you sure you don't want any?" Tranquility asked Discord as Julius prepared the tea.

"First off, you're well aware that I'm still only in my spirit form. I still can't eat or drink anything. Second off, no, I don't support drug use in his world, and I won't support it here. The only reason I'm not more opposed is because it's legal where he's from," Discord firmly said as Tranquility sighed.

"You know that petrifaction spell is weak enough for you to break out of; it has been for a long time now," Tranquility sighed as she looked disappointed.

"I know that believe me, I felt it, and I was watching the whole thing. I have to say I wasn't that surprised," Discord sighed with equal disappointment. "Honestly, the fact that I predicted the whole thing with near-perfect accuracy is the problem with ponies. I think I was only off by a few months, give or take," Discord said as Tranquility closed her eyes and shook her head.

"From your perspective, maybe, but that kind of stability is required," Tranquility calmly said.

"From your perspective," Discord shot back, laughing. The two greater spirits continued on their conversation as Julius brewed the tea. After half an hour, Julius took a deep breath.

"Alright, just need some cups and a strainer," Julius said as he examined the simmering tea. Noticing Tranquility's horn glowing, Julius looked around only to find two cups and a strainer glimmering into the cave. "Hah, you know, it kinda looks like Scotty is beaming them in," Julius chuckled as Tranquility finished bringing in the cups and strainer.

"Oh, now you're just mocking me, and you know it," Discord said in a huff.

"Maybe," Julius snickered as he poured the tea through the strainer and into the cups. "You know, we could add some mint to the tea if you want," Julius said as he placed the pot down.

"Could be good," Tranquility said as she brought in a few mint leaves. "Hopefully, you don't mind; the honey is lavender honey," Tranquility said as she added some honey to her tea.

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me," Julius laughed as he added a little honey to his tea. "Somehow, I think I'll be falling asleep here," Julius nodded his head as he sprinkled a little mint into his tea. Following Julius's lead, Tranquility also sprinkled some mint into her tea. Giving the tea a few minutes to cool, Tranquility took a sip of the tea.

"A little earthy," Tranquility commented as she huffed. "Good thing I added the honey and mint," she smiled as she turned to a slumped back Julius.

"Geez, you grew some strong herbs," Julius laughed as he relaxed against the crystal tree. "I mean damn, I'm definitely not leaving for a while," Julius said before taking another sip of his tea.

"And thus, the reason marijuana is also called dope, you dope," Discord scoffed as Julius started to laugh at him.

"Didn't realize that you're l-seven," Julius snickered as he took another sip of tea while Discord and Tranquility looked oddly at him. Sighing, Julius put down his tea and held up a finger and thumb on both hands. "L-seven, see," Julius sighed with a snicker as Discord realized what he was saying.

"Really? That's how you're going to call me a square? Do you have any idea how old that is?" Discord huffed as Tranquility laughed.

"Do you have any idea how much I don't care? It's a lot, I assure you," Julius snickered as he slowly drank his tea.

"Geez, Discord, how long has it been since anycreature called you a square?" Tranquility jokingly laughed as she drank her tea.

"Laugh it up, you two," Discord huffed. "Besides, the only reason you're not so affected is because you're a spirit. Honestly, except for alicorns, I suspect all creatures would react similarly to Julius there," Discord hummed and hawed. "Maybe some of the Zebrican high priests would have a slight resistance to it, and the knights of the Arcturian Order, but that's about it, I think," Discord said unassured.

"I suppose you're right," Tranquility sighed as she drank her tea. "I should grow a weaker version of the herb."

"See, that's where I come in!" Discord proudly exclaimed. "While you're busy trying to maintain the world in perfect order, I'm willing to interact with it, to actively change it. If you had done that, then you'd have already known that the effects of that herb are too strong as they currently are. Also, you could have helped me in defeating the wendigoes. Seriously, have you any idea what I've seen? Celestia and Luna think they've seen the worst of them, but they haven't, not even close," Discord huffed as Tranquility sighed.

"Yes, and what happened after you dealt with them? You change the world without any care, without considering what could happen to the world as a result of your actions," Tranquility said as she continued to drink her tea.

"So I'm a little rash; at least I'm actively working towards something rather than sitting back passively hoping things will get better. Trying and failing is better than doing nothing while trying to think of the perfect plan," Discord again huffed.

"Alright, enough arguing, you two," Julius slowly said as he tried and failed to get up. "The good thing about listening to you two, I think I understand why you're so concerned about me being here. Well, that or I'm on Mars, could be either-or," Julius laughed. "You think I'll change the world for the worst while trying to make it better, and you're worried that I'll somehow bring other humans here, aren't you?" Julius asked as he finished his cup of tea.

"More or less, yes. I've heard more than enough of humans from Discord. You're going to try to make things better, and in the process, set off a chain of events that'll threaten the world in ways it hasn't been since time immemorial," Tranquility calmly said.

"Yeah, that sounds like a very human thing to do," Julius laughed. "Look whatever you think about us; honestly, it's probably justified and then some. But I promise that I'll try not to screw up too badly, and if I do, I'll come to you two for help, OK?" Julius said as Tranquility looked unsure. "I'm not perfect, and I won't try to be. If I do, then I'll end up doing nothing. But I'll try to be the best I can be, and try to get better, deal?"

"Well, there is another thing," Discord slowly said. "I've already made peace with that thing, but Tranquility and the other greater spirits, well," Discord started to trail off. "I think Eyr is pretty fine with it, she's usually very chill, and Arcturius if, and only if, what comes of more humans here helps the order," Discord vaguely says.

"I feel like you're alluding to something. You're alluding to something. What are you alluding to?" Julius asked as he started to lay down.

"He's alluding to something that hasn't happened since the disaster that was Queen Specter," Tranquility said. "Well, to be fair, she was a lesser spirit that tried to reach beyond what she should have and failed. The last to kind of succeed was Arantigos. The last pure one was Sycaecia," Tranquility said as Julius tried to stay awake.

"Surprises for later, I take it?" Julius asked as he reached out and grabbed Tranquility's glittering body. "Sorry, but I get snuggly when body high," Julius yawned as he pulled Tranquility to him. "I guess I'll find out later," Julius yawned as he closed his eyes.

"So, are you going to give it up to him too?" Discord teased Tranquility.

"Very funny," Tranquility sighed as she rolled her eyes. "He should have a bed or some bedding at the very least," Tranquility said as she struggled out of Julius's grip.

"True, I'll handle that; you clean up all the stuff that you brought in, the cups and whatnot," Discord said as a plush bed appeared under Julius, complete with a soft pillow and warm sheets.

"And done," Tranquility said as she poofed away all the things she brought in for the tea. "Now, we should get going; I feel that Luna will be here soon," Tranquility said as Discord nodded.

"Agreed, she's on her way now," Discord said as he puffed away.

"Always on the move. Taking a few moments to relax won't kill you," Tranquility sighed as she seemingly melded into the crystal tree. Entering the crystal cave, Luna looked around.

"Hmmm, his magic signature led me here, but how could he have gotten here?" Luna wondered as she walked into the cave's antechamber. Spotting Julius sleeping beneath the crystal tree Luna looked up at the sparkling tree. "So you are still here," Luna said as she flew up to the tree. "Still, I wonder, that day, all those years ago, were we right?" Luna asked as she placed a hoof on a branch of the tree. "Taking the elements, using them as we did. I was always unsure of it," Luna said as she looked at the empty spots in the tree's trunk. "Spirit magic, light or dark, shouldn't be taken lightly," Luna said as she looked away from the tree. "I wonder, could we have dealt with Discord another way?" Luna sighed as she flew down to Julius. "And you, how did you get here, and why is there a bed here?" Luna laughed in bewilderment. "Anyways, time to- wha-what?!?" Luna yelped as Julius grabbed her and snuggled up to her.

"Soft, warm," Julius moaned in his sleep. After struggling for a few moments, Luna sighed.

"Not worth it; besides, I can do my work just fine like this. Though you might feel a little odd," Luna quietly said as an orb of black energy engulfed the two.

Chapter 49: On Parental Punishment

Groggily waking up, Julius felt a furry warmth in his arms. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Julius sighed deeply. Slowly opening his eyes, Julius looked around the area. First, noticing Luna in his arms, Julius quickly realized the bed they were lying on.

"Uggh, guessing one of them got the bed here," Julius yawned as he slowly awoke, "and guessing that Luna came looking for me. Still, I should get back to Zecora's place. The others might be worried," Julius said as he got out of the bed. Gingerly stretching his body, Julius heard a yawn from behind him.

"Yes, they likely are," Luna yawned as she slowly awoke. "Though I suspect Zecora isn't as much. I'm guessing that she's a little more used to this from you. Going off and sleeping in the forest, I mean," Luna said as she stretched out in bed.

"A little, yes. It happened a few times during my first week here. I mean, I told you the story about me and those shadowy bellends," Julius scoffed at bellends as he stretched his arms. "Fortunately, I'm kind of used to camping. When my father was home from duty, we would go camping. While camping, he'd show my siblings and me some of his survival training. Nothing too hard, but valuable things, and, some, rather disgusting things, but still very good to know," Julius said as he stretched his back. "Good thing he demonstrated the snake thing first, or we wouldn't have tried it," Julius awkwardly chucked under his breath.

"Snake thing?" Luna asked as she slowly walked up to Julius. "What snake thing?" She asked as she started to stretch her limbs.

"Do you really want to know?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna. "Alright," he sighed as he saw the look on her face, "though I warn you, it's a bit, yeah," he said while averting his gaze. "So, in jungle survival training, one of the things my father was taught is that you can drink snake blood and eat raw snake, along with other things, like spiders and scorpions. Of course, he had to do these things," Julius said as Luna looked slightly surprised. "So when we went camping, and when we were old enough, he showed us, and we followed suit. Odd thing I know, but you're never too young, or old, to learn survival training. My father passed on what he could to us, well, within reason," Julius laughed. "It sure freaked out the other kids in cadets when they saw us eating bugs," he laughed as Luna sighed.

"I'd imagine that would be quite odd if you're not used to it," Luna said as she chuckled. "While that does sound very odd, it's not too dissimilar to what thestrals learn in later grades. If I remember, most covens start survival training around grade ten, give or take a grade. A part of it is learning to identify odd foods that you can eat and how to build different shelters," Luna told Julius as she stretched. "Still, I wouldn't mention that to other ponies; they'd be very uneasy about it, to say the least," Luna said as she finished stretching.

"Yeah, I figured that much. To be fair, a lot of people are uneasy about it too. But that's the thing about survival skills and training, it's not pretty or even comfortable, but if it comes down to it, it can save your life," Julius said with a big yawn. "He wasn't around much, but when he was, my father made sure he taught us how to survive through hell and high water," Julius laughed. "Well, that and helped straighten us out when we got into trouble."

"I see," Luna said as she started to walk towards the entrance of the cave. "How were you and your siblings punished? I'm guessing it was either very odd or very normal," Luna asked as Julius followed after her.

"Well, to us, it was normal. To other kids, it was bizarre. To other parents, it was 'cruel,' but to my parents, 'timeouts' and 'being grounded' were borderline torture. So everything kind of balanced out," Julius laughed as he followed Luna. "So there were three things that could happen. First, if we broke the rules, but it was justified, they'd do nothing, like if we got into a fight, but it was to protect someone. Sure it was against the rules, but we were justified. Second, if we broke the rules and it wasn't justified," Julius winced. "First, we'd have to make things right, if possible. Second, we'd get a nice round of PT until we were tired. Push-ups, sit-ups, supermans, planks, squat jumps, bridges, hip rotations, suicide runs, just to name a few. Then a poetic punishment," Julius powerfully shuttered as he said poetic. "Then a nice two-kilometer run, that was the easiest part."

"You said 'poetic punishment,' how so? Also, you spoke as if you all got punished if any of you broke the rules, were you?" Luna asked as the two walked up the stone stairway.

"Yes, if one of us broke the rules, we all got punished. I am my brother's keeper and my sister's keeper, as they are mine. We kept each other in line. As for the poetic punishment, well," Julius sighed. "When my sister was young, she drew on the wall. So, we had to clean it, do PT, and paint every rock in the driveway. Finally, we had a nice run afterward," Julius told a laughing Luna. "Say what you want; we had the cleanest walls of any house, and that never happened again," Julius laughed with Luna.

"I can imagine," Luna laughed as the two walked towards the broken bridge. "You said there was a third thing; what was it?" Luna asked as she stood at the broken bridge.

"Fly me across, and I'll tell you," Julius said as Luna let him get on her back. Flying him across, Julius took a deep breath. "So the third thing," Julius sighed. "My mother is extremely good friends with a local Amish community," Julius said as Luna looked oddly at him. "Think Applejack's family, if they were about ten times more religious, at least as hard-working, had no magic whatsoever, and were somehow even more rural, and you have a good idea of the Amish," Julius explained to a surprised Luna. "Now, if we fucked up, and I mean we really fucked up, well, goodbye to our weekend. Our mother would take us to the Amish community after school on Friday, then pick us up Monday morning. We would have to live like the Amish for the weekend," Julius told Luna as they began walking back to Zecora's place. "Now, I love the Amish, really friendly people, honest and hard-working, always good to my family, and especially my father, but good God, that life isn't for me. On the extremely few times we got that punishment, whatever we did to deserve it never happened again. We made damned sure of that," Julius told Luna.

"Being sent to work on the Apple farm with no magic, yeah, I can see that being extremely rough," Luna chuckled. "Your parents really had a very interesting way of punishing you and your siblings. My mother would just put us in time out or ground us," Luna said as Julius looked at her.

"Did it work?" Julius asked as he ducked under a branch and picked a fruit off it.

"A bit, though not as much as it could have, maybe if it did, things could have been different," Luna wistfully sighed.

"Yeah, my parents thought as much. Sure their punishments were odd, and if one got punished, we all did. It did strengthen our bond, get rid of our excess energy, and strengthen our bodies, and almost always only lasted less than a day. Honestly, if it wasn't for that, I probably couldn't keep up with Big Mac on the farm, even with magic," Julius said as he took a bite of the fruit. "Want some?" Julius asked as he offered the fruit to Luna.

"Sure, thanks," Luna said as she took a similar fruit from a different branch. Taking a bite from the fruit, Luna chewed it for a bit. "Juicy and sweet, it's good," Luna said as her ears perked up a bit. "Oh, and a bit sour at the end. What a nice fruit," Luna said as she ate it.

"I know, there's a bunch of them around," Julius said as the two neared Zecora's house. "I think today is potion-making day if I remember," Julius said as he saw some odd colored smoke rising from Zecora's house. "Definitely potion-making day," Julius said as a strange yet pleasant scent filled the air.

"Going to make potions with Zecora?" Luna asked as she sniffed the air. "Smells good," Luna absentmindedly commented.

"Nope, I suck at making potions, and I've barely improved. Potions are Zecora's domain; I won't tread on that," Julius laughed as he grabbed the door handle. "I'm back, Zecora," Julius said as he opened the door.

"Your absence last night caused quite a stir. In the future, if you could be back, that would be great, monsieur," Zecora said as Julius and Luna walked inside. "I calmed the others down, so don't be worried. Good thing too, they were quite flurried. Seeing as I'm making potions, I'm guessing you'll be off to do other things. To my mind, something springs. Earlier, Pinkie Pie came by. She said she has the stuff, the items, the supply. If I may offer a suggestion, you should go to her. She seemed very eager to get started on your project, good sir," Zecora said as she added a few herbs to her cauldron.

"I suppose you're right. I haven't spent much time with her, and I'm guessing Applejack is still a bit out of it. She's probably running around trying to learn more about her parents. Honestly, I don't blame her; I know I would be," Julius said with a sigh.

"Interesting, what are the two of you making?" Luna asked as she examined the potion Zecora was making.

"Just a drink from my world. It's a bit festive and alcoholic, but it's still good. My mother and I would make it in the winter," Julius said as he lightly scratched behind Zecora's ears.

"Sounds good, though; how alcoholic is it? Equestria does have some alcohol laws," Luna asks as Zecora lightly nuzzles her head into Julius's hand.

"Not very. I'd say around as much as wine, maybe a bit less," Julius hums and haws. "That should be fine, right? If not, then, well, could you look the other way?" Julius asked with a smile.

"Don't worry, if it's that weak, then it's perfectly fine," Luna laughed. "As for looking the other way, if I did, I'd want some," Luna mischievously giggled.

"Don't worry; we'll all have some once it's done," Julius assured as he lightly patted Zecora's head. "So, what about you Luna, what are you going to do?" Julius asked as he walked towards the door.

"Check-in at the castle, then; I have some paperwork to do," Luna tiredly sighed.

"Oh, great!" Julius happily said. "Think you could get me four tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala? The Cakes want to go, and I have a deal with them. And I imagine Zecora wants to go," Julius said as he turned to a nodding Zecora.

"Shouldn't be a problem. When you go, though, try to stay close to me and the others. Most of the nobility are locked into their ways; very few would have anything to do with you, much less be pleasant. Well, a few are decent, I suppose. There's Fancy Pants; you might get along with him," Luna says as she scratches her head.

"Of course, there's a pony named Fancy Pants; why wouldn't there be," Julius lightly laughs. "Alright, so I'm off to check-in at Sweet Apple Acres, then I'm going to Sugarcube Corner. See you later," Julius said as he quickly gave Zecora a light kiss on her cheek before leaving.

"As am I," Luna also says as she leaves the house. "Well, what about me?" Luna coyly asked.

"Don't worry; I haven't forgotten you," Julius smiled as he leaned in to kiss her. As Julius did so, Luna turned her head, kissing him as he leaned in.

"I'll be back later, with a few golden tickets," Luna smiled as she flew off towards Canterlot.

"Hah, there are worst things than kissing a pony princess in the afternoon," Julius lightly laughed as he watched Luna fly off. "I really need to learn how to ride horses at some point. If nothing else, flying on the back of a pegasus or alicorn would be amazing," Julius thought out loud as he walked off towards Ponyville.

Chapter 50: A talk With Granny Smith. And Brewing With Pinkie Pie

Entering Ponyville, Julius made for Sweet Apple Acres, conflicted on whether or not he should go. On the one hand, Applejack would likely appreciate the extra help; on the other; she's still likely processing what she's heard about her parents. Deciding to err on the side of safety, Julius made haste towards the farm. Entering the front gates of the farm, Julius walked down the earthen trail, the road lined with fruitful apple trees, each bearing healthy yet still growing apples. Walking down the path, Julius made it to the farmhouse without seeing the hide or hair of any creature. Walking up to the farmhouse door, Julius knocked.

"Hello, is anyone home?" Julius asked as he knocked.

"I'm coming; I'm coming, hold your apples," a wizened voice replied. "Dang nabbed locks," the same voice mumbled from behind the door. "Oh, so you decided to show up today, huh?" Granny Smith jokingly asked as she opened the door.

"Yeah, decided I wasn't feeling too lazy today. However, I can't say that I've seen anyone in the trees or fields. Where are they?" Julius asked as Granny smith ushered him inside.

"Well, young'un, Apple Bloom is at school, and Big Mac and Applejack are hearing stories about their parents from Burnt Oak," Granny Smith said as she shut the door. "I'm guessing you've had something to do with that," Granny Smith said as she eyed Julius.

"Accidentally, yes," Julius lightheartedly chuckled. "Here, I thought that helping her find out more about her parents would warm her up a little, but no," Julius exaggerated said as he rolled his eyes. "Applejack is still the same as before," Julius sighed as he sat on the couch.

"Unfortunately, yes, that mare takes too much after me," Granny Smith wistfully sighed as Julius gave her an odd look. "Well, not like it'll change much now anyways, well, unless you got some way to go back in time," Granny Smith sighed. "You see, back when my sisters, my cousins, and I were young, we swore that we'd never get tied down to any stallion or herd. We'd stay young and free. It was good, well, it was, for a time. Unfortunately, we started to get older. The good times began to dry up, and, well, things changed. Goldie Delicious, well, I'm guessing you've already met her; you can see how she ended up. Then there's Auntie Applesauce, just as old as me, except more alone, and still hitting on almost any stallion, heh, there's a reason she's Auntie Applesaucey" Granny smith bitterly laughed. "Then, poor Apple Rose, party pony to the end, ruined her hearing she did. I came out of the whole mess the best off, though I didn't think so at the time," Granny smith started to explain. "The family needed a firm hold in Ponyville, so I decided to sacrifice that thought of being 'always young, always free' to take a breeding contract and start a true branch family here. At first, I was bitter about it. I was throughout my pregnancy. But then when Bright Mac was born, well, one look at him and all my bitterness, all my regret was gone, well, most of it. I regretted that I waited so long. By the time Bright Mac was born, well, I was a bit too over the hill," Granny Smith sighed.

"You're afraid that Applejack will end up the same way, aren't you?" Julius asked as he listened to Granny Smith's story.

"I am. Tartarus's sake, she already is," Granny Smith sighed. "She's turned down every stallion, and not just ponies, buffalos, and deer too. Hay, things got bad enough that the thought of her and Big Mac came up, and even that was a hard no. Unfortunately, that's started to rub off on Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom has been balking at all the colts in her class, only complaining about them," Granny Smith sighed. "I suppose it's my fault, really. I shouldn't have made that life seem so good; I should have let myself look weaker instead of keeping up this mask. Listen, Applejack isn't going to come around anytime soon. You just keep being you and leave Applejack to me, OK. Just make sure to give her a good life, got it, young'un?" Granny Smith told Julius.

"Sure, if you insist. And don't worry, I plan on it," Julius assured Granny Smith.

"Good to hear," Granny Smith smiled. "Now, go on, I'm sure you have other things to do, other mares to see," Granny Smith said as she ushered Julius out.

"Alright, it was good talking to you," Julius said as he left the farmhouse.

"You're too kind, young'un. See you around," Granny Smith said as Julius left the farmhouse. Locking the door, Granny Smith walked over to a locked drawer on the bookshelf. Unlocking the drawer, Granny Smith opened up an old-looking photobook. "I shouldn't have been so prideful," Granny Smith somberly said as she looked at a photo.

"She's nice but lonely. There's gotta be an elder stallion somewhere that would keep her company," Julius started to chuckle. "Maybe Grand Pear, see how that would work out," Julius laughed as he walked towards Sugarcube Corner. Walking into Ponyville proper, Julius spotted a few different-looking ponies, a dark brown pony wearing a cowboy hat, a mare with a light gray coat, and a mare with a white coat, sunglasses, and what looks like headphones. Taking a quick look at the new ponies, Julius seemed to lock eyes with the white unicorn for a moment before she scrunched her muzzle and looked away. "What's her problem?" Julius wondered as he knocked on the door to Sugarcube Corner. "Hello, anyone home?" Julius asked as he knocked.

"Yes, and the door's opened," a mare's voice called out. Opening the door, Julius saw Mrs. Cake behind the counter. "You know, this is a store; you can just come in. Now entering the living area behind me, well, that's a bit different," Mrs. Cake said.

"I know, but it still feels weird to me," Julius told Mrs. Cake. "So, I've heard that Pinkie Pie has some stuff for me," Julius said as he looked around the store.

"She does. It and Pinkie are in her secret party cave, though it's not much of a secret. Just go upstairs, enter her room, and press the giant ice cream cone. Oh, and be prepared for a fall," Mrs. Cake told Julius.

"Alright, thank you," Julius smiled as he started to walk upstairs. Walking down the hall to Pinkie's room, Julius heard the ringing of the door's bell as the front door opened. Timing," Julius smiled to himself as he entered Pinkie Pie's room. "I could just go down, or I could snoop a bit," Julius said as he spotted a sealed envelope with his name written on it. "What?" Julius asked as he opened the envelope.

'To Julius

Yes, I do have edible panties. They're in my top left drawer in sealed bags, though, today I'm wearing some. *hint, hint* I'm guessing that Mrs. Cake told you how to get into the party cave if she didn't just press on the top of the giant ice cream cone. See you soon!

Pinkie Pie'

"I wasn't thinking that," Julius thought.

"Yes, you were!" Pinkie Pie responded from underground.

"How," Julius started to ask before getting cut off.

"You were thinking too loudly!" Pinkie Pie sang out.

"Well, OK then," Julius said as he walked towards the giant ice cream cone. "Please have a mattress or something soft to break my fall," Julius said as he pressed the top of the giant ice cream cone. After a few seconds, the floor under Julius opened up, and Julius fell into the hole. Screaming in surprise, Julius fell to the cave floor, mercifully landing on a soft mattress. "Thank God there's a mattress," Julius sighed with relief.

"No need to thank him, but you can thank me," Pinkie Pie sang as she started to blink at Julius rapidly.

"Yeah, kinda walked into that one, or, well, rather, fell into that one," Julius chuckled. "Thank you, Pinkie Pie," Julius said as he looked around the party cave. "So, you just have your own little Batcave for party planning?" Julius asked as he looked around the cave.

"Yup, with files on every pony in Ponyville! Well, my Zecora file is a little lacking, and my file on you is also a little lacking, but they're still there," Pinkie Pie said as she walked up to a bunch of pots, buckets, tools, and ingredients. "I suppose that I'll have lots of time to build those files in the next few days, though," Pinkie Pie smiled as she opened some of the ingredients. "Anyways, here's all the stuff that you need. So are you ready to do some brewing?" Pinkie Pie sang as she inspected the ingredients.

"As ready as I'll ever be. Though, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get to see you pull all the stuff out from your mane," Julius laughed as he looked over the ingredients.

"Don't be silly; I didn't pull any of this from my mane. The ingredients we're bought and the tools were borrowed from Syrahshy; silly human," Pinkie Pie laughed as she patted Julius's head.

"You know, the fact that that's normal is very unnormal for you," Julius jokingly laughed as he took a deep breath. Smelling the ingredients, Julius sighed. "Alright, so first we need to clean and sanitize the equipment," Julius said as Pinkie Pie pulled out a large bucket of soapy hot water.

"I'm pretty sure that Syrahshy keeps her tools very clean, but I get making sure that they're clean, just in case," Pinkie Pie said as Julius grabbed a soapy sponge. "Like this one time, I asked Applejack for some help with baking. She was tired and wasn't paying attention, well, neither was I. Anyways, she added a bunch of odd stuff to the muffins; those weren't baked goods, they were baked bads," Pinkie Pie giggled as she grabbed a soapy sponge with her tail. "That day, I learned always to be careful with my tools and ingredients; well, after I got out of the hospital, food poisoning sucks," Pinkie Pie exaggeratedly said as she scrubbed out one of the pots.

"Wait, you got food poisoning; how?" Julius asked as he looked at Pinkie Pie.

"Don't be silly; even I can get sick. I mean, it takes a lot, but it can still happen. My mama Pie always said I had an iron stomach," Pinkie Pie giggled as she continued to scrub out the pot.

"I suppose that's fair; everybody gets sick now and then. Still, surprising to hear that you got food poisoning," Julius said as he rinsed out the pot he was cleaning. The two continued with their small talk as they cleaned the equipment and started brewing. As they two started the brewing process, Julius noticed a musky-sweet scent coming from Pinkie Pie as she'd wiggle her rump at him.

"So, it looks like we're done for now. How long until it's ready?" Pinkie Pie asked as Julius added the last of the ingredients.

"A few weeks, though six would be best; most lagers do best with at least six weeks," Julius said as he stepped away from the equipment.

"Long time, well, not too long considering its alcohol," Pinkie Pie said as she walked over to the mattress. "So we have six weeks to waste while your brew gets ready; I have an idea how we could spend some of it," Pinkie Pie sang as she lewdly looked at Julius.

"Yeah, yeah, OK, sure," Julius said as he walked over towards Pinkie Pie, slowly undressing as he walked over.

"Wait, really? I thought it would have taken more than this," Pinkie Pie said in some surprise as Julius stripped.

"Yeah, I got talking with Granny Smith. She made a good argument to leaving Applejack alone for now. So screw it, since you're fine with it, let's fuck," Julius said as he stripped off the last of his clothes.

"Well, of course, I'm OK with it; I always was. And by the way, nice," Pickie Pie lustfully said while licking her lips. "Now remember what you gotta do to get your reward. They're watermelon flavored," Pinkie Pie sang as she rolled over onto her back, exposing her panty-clad pussy to Julius.

"Don't worry, I remember," Julius laughed as he kissed Pinkie Pie's forehead. Lightly kissing down Pinkie Pie's body, Julius teasingly kissed down Pinkie Pie's barrel and belly down to her nipples. Gently suckling on Pinkie Pie's perky nipples for a few seconds, Julius moved on to her panty. Softly licking the gummy watermelon-flavored panty, Julius playfully teased Pinkie Pie as he slowly licked away the panty. Lick after teasing lick, Julius's tongue melted away the edible panty while teasing Pinkie Pie's pussy. His tongue was tantalizingly close to flicking against Pinkie Pie's pussy. As Julius's tongue melted away the last bit of the panty over Pinkie Pie's pussy, Julius gave the flushed lips a quick kiss before kneeling up over Pinkie Pie. "So, ready for what happens next?" Julius coyly asked as he slapped his throbbing cock against Pinkie Pie's drench pussy.

"Oh, I'm ready. I think you need to ask yourself, though," Pinkie Pie started to say as she wrapped her hind and forelegs around Julius's body. "Are you ready for the main course?" Pinkie Pie seductively asked as she pulled Julius in. Pulling Julius in, Pinkie Pie kissed Julius as she forced his throbbing cock into her pussy. Pinkie Pie winced slightly before breaking the kiss as she swiftly took most of the length. "Geez, good thing I have experience with Big Mac," Pinkie Pie lightly giggled as she nuzzled into Julius's neck.

"Timing Pinkie Pie, timing," Julius slightly moaned as he started to hump Pinkie Pie, his heavy, full balls, slapping lewdly against Pinkie Pie's cheeks.

"Right, sorry," Pinkie Pie moaned as she felt Julius's cock lightly kiss her cervix. "Ohmygod, I forgot to ask!" Pinkie Pie quickly said as she ground against Julius. "Would you have preferred it if I was still like a virgin, or not? I know some stallions like it that way; it makes them feel special," Pinkie Pie moaned as Julius groud against her g-spot.

"Either or," Julius grunted as he grabbed Pinkie Pie's hips. "Guessing that you can regenerate yourself?" Julius asked as he pulled Pinkie Pie against his cock.

"Aghn!" Pinkie Pie moaned as she felt Julius's cock slam powerfully into her. "Y-yes," Pinkie Pie moaned as her hooves massaged Julius's back. "It's been very useful," Pinkie Pie moaned as she lightly nibbled Julius's ear.

"I, can, imagine," Julius grunted as he powerfully thrust into Pinkie Pie's pussy, each powerful thrust intensely knocking at her innermost depths. Grunting strongly, Julius firmly grabbed Pinkie Pie's hips, his hands caressing her soft curves. "Under all that fur, you're really curvy, aren't you?" Julius asked as he caressed Pinkie Pie's hips.

"Yeah-huh, breeding body, my mama said," Pinkie Pie moaned as she bit her lower lip. Feeling Julius's cock slamming into her, Pinkie Pie braced herself and slightly tightened her hind legs around Julius's thighs. "Ready to go deeper?" Pinkie Pie asked as she pulled Julius in and forced herself down, fully taking Julius's throbbing cock into the entirety of her marehood. "Nyyn," Pinkie Pie moaned as she felt Julius fully penetrate her.

"Damn Pinkie," Julius grunted as he barely resisted blasting her full of his cum.

"T-that's my line," Pinkie Pie moaned as she ground against Julius. "I mean, I've had some big boys, but none have gone this deep; their flared tips stopped them. Breeding cock for breeding body, am I right?" Pinkie Pie cooed as she ground into Julius, her pussy caressing and massaging his cock.

"I, I guess," Julius grunted as he fought to hold back his orgasm.

"Go ahead, do it, I know you wanna," Pinkie Pie purred into Julius's ear as her pussy masterfully worked Julius's cock. Each muscle was masterfully massaging Julius's cock, while trying to milk Julius for all his worth. "Fill me up, make me a momma Pinkie," Pinkie Pie cooed lustfully as her pussy powerfully massages Julius's cock.

"I, I, I," Julius sighed in lustful bliss as he used all his willpower to resist cumming. Each second felt like heavenly bless as Pinkie Pie's pussy thirstily milked his cock. "Hah, hah, hah~" Julius panted as he fell on top of Pinkie Pie, her hooves pulling him tightly into her.

"Do it~" Pinkie Pie seductively purred into Julius's ear. "We both know you want it~" she purred as she felt Julius's cock thrash about in her pussy and womb, the throbbing member barely holding back the oncoming flood. "Want to make me bloat with your babies~" Pinkie Pie continued to sing as she nuzzled against Julius's neck.

"I, I," Julius stammered as Pinkie Pie's pussy greedily massaged his cock, each fold masterfully working over Julius's aching cock. "I'm cumming," Julius grunted as he thrust forward, the tip of his cock buried deeply in Pinkie Pie's womb as Julius's aching balls finally let loose their pent-up load. Julius's cock throbbed powerfully as ropes of thick cum blasted out, filling every bit of Pinkie Pie's womb and pussy.

"Ahn, yesss~" Pinkie Pie cooed as she felt her orgasm hit. The flooding of her marehood and the throbbing of Julius's cock made for a lusty brew in Pinkie Pie's mind, overwhelming her. Grinding down harder onto Julius, Pinkie Pie hugged him firmly. "That's right, let it all out~" Pinkie Pie cooed as she rode down both her orgasm and Julius's. Holding him tightly to her, Pinkie Pie snuggled against Julius as she nuzzled against his neck.

"So," Julius panted as he rode down his orgasm, "wanna just stay like this for a while?"

"Yeah, I'm comfy like this," Pinkie Pie smiled as she lightly kissed Julius's cheek.

"So am I," Julius smiled back as he cuddled Pinkie Pie back.

Chapter 50.5: Granny Smith and Applejack Talk

"Granny, I'm home," Applejack said as she entered the farmhouse.

"I hear ya," Granny Smith yelled from the living room. "Where's Big Mac and Apple Bloom?" Granny Smith asked as Applejack shut the door behind her.

"Well, Big Mac has a client, so he's with her. As for Apple Bloom, she's hanging out with her friends at Rarity's place. Why do you ask?" Applejack asked as she walked into the living room.

"I wanted to know if they were with you; they're not, that's good. Come Applejack, sit down," Granny Smith told Applejack as she pointed at an empty couch.

"Why is it good that they aren't with me?" Applejack cautiously asked as she sat down. Looking around, Applejack sighed. "Usually, if you want one of us alone like this, it's nothing good. Look, Granny, whatever it is, I swear I didn't do it," Applejack protested as Granny Smith started to laugh.

"Hold your horseshoes, filly; you're not in trouble," Granny Smith laughed before taking a deep breath. "But yes, you are correct, this is something bad," Granny smith sternly said as she regained her composure. "Listen, Applejack, about your future," Granny Smith started to say.

"Oh no, we are not having this talk again," Applejack huffed as she went to stand up.

"Sit your rear right back down, young filly!" Granny Smith very sternly commanded, making Applejack sit back down, both in surprise and respect. "That's better," Granny smith huffed. "Now listen, I know that after Bright Mac and Buttercup passed, I mostly raised you. Now I like to think that I've done a decent job, but evidently, I didn't," Granny Smith sighed as she collected herself.

"What are you talking about, Granny? Of course, you did a fine job; just look at how we've turned out," Applejack said in protest.

"I have," Granny Smith sighed, "and I don't like where you and Apple Bloom are going," Granny Smith said as Applejack looked oddly at her. "You and Apple Bloom grew up hearing stories of me, my sisters, and my cousins. Heh, they were good stories, entertaining stories, but I think you two have gotten the wrong message from them," Granny Smith wistfully sighed.

"Again, what are you talking about? In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been going around trying to lay with every stallion around, and neither has Apple Bloom," Applejack firmly said.

"Yes, and that's a good thing, don't get me wrong. But you two have gone too far to the other extreme. Instead of being forever young, forever free, forever partying around, you two are growing up to be forever young, forever free, forever working," Granny Smith told Applejack. "You two took a lesson from my stories, but not the right one. That's my fault, really; I wasn't clear on what you should have taken away from them. Applejack, have I ever told you about the time I was pregnant with your father?" Granny Smith asked as she looked pensively into the distance.

"No, why?" Applejack asked as she started to look uncomfortable.

"I didn't think so; it's a story you should hear. I got pregnant with your father from a breeding contract; I won't go into details for both our sakes. Now, throughout the pregnancy, I was bitter about it. Bitter that the family decided that I had to be the mother of the branch here. Bitter that I had to give up the life that I wanted. Bitter that I had to go through months of 'the joy of life' while suffering. Oh, I was a cranky old biddy; make no mistake about it. While I was at home, being careful of my pregnancy, my sisters and cousins were out partying, well, the ones with the same idea that I had. There were a few with a more traditional mindset, like my youngest cousin and head of the family, Apple Orchard," Granny Smith sighed. "Apple Orchard always was that way, thinking of the family first and willing to make compromises. You know, she's the reason that the Oranges are our cousins. She got herded to Orange Grove. Oh, sure, it was a bit rough at first, but she ended up happy. A nice sized herd, a bunch of herd sisters to do things with, and oh, did she have quite a few foals. I thought she was crazy when she said that she was happier than she's ever been where she was. It took about ten years, but when Bright Mac was born, and I first looked at him, I knew that she was right," Granny Smith sighed.

"OK, and what does this have to do with me?" Applejack asked as she listened.

"Listen here, filly, I know the path that you're on, cousin Fuji Apple, that's who you'll end up like," Granny Smith firmly said.

"Cousin Fuji Apple? Who's that? I never met a Fuji Apple," Applejack said as she tilted her head at Granny Smith.

"Of course, you haven't; she runs an apple farm in the far east. Also, Fuji Apple is herded not to a stallion nor a bunch of mares; no, Fuji Apple is herded to her farm. I swear her personality starts and ends at work with that old mare. And you, Applejack, you are acting a lot as she did in her youth. Now, if you were only affecting yourself, that'd be bad enough, but you're also affecting Apple Bloom. She looks up to you, follows your lead, she respects you," Granny Smith said while pointing at Applejack. "Why just look at her little friends, that Sweetie Belle is already taking an interest in a few colts, what were their names?" Granny Smith asked as she scratched her chin. "Ah yes! Button Mash, Featherweight, and even Spike. It seems like she has an eye for the nerdy type," Granny Smith said while giggling. "Scootaloo hasn't been nearly as loud about them, but she does hold that conversation with Sweetie Belle well enough. Well, I suppose I've heard Scootaloo gush about some fictional stallions in some action books," Granny Smith hummed. "But Apple Bloom, no interest whatsoever. If anything, Apple Bloom balks at their talks about colts and stallions," Granny Smith sighed as she looked at Applejack. "That ain't right; she's hitting that age around now."

"And what are you suggesting? In case you've forgotten, she's still just a filly and will be for quite a few years to come," Applejack firmly said as she glared at Granny Smith.

"Don't you give me that look filly, I didn't forget, and I'm not suggesting anything like that," Granny Smith shot back as she glared back at Applejack. "I'm saying around Apple Bloom's age, it's normal for fillies to be getting interested in colts, and Apple Bloom isn't in the slightest. Well, that's a lie. She's interested in complaining about them, that's it. Tell me; Applejack does that sound familiar," Granny Smith sternly asked, her gaze growing ever more withering.

"OK, fine, so Apple Bloom is a slow bloomer, like I was, so what?" Applejack brushed off as Granny Smith recoiled.

"Slow, Slow bloomer, you?!?" Granny Smith stammered in surprise. "You're supposed to be the element of honesty, and you lie like that? Filly, you're twenty-five and have taken an interest in precisely zero stallions!" Granny Smith started to rant. "How many Earth Ponies did I try to set you up with, but you refused everyone for stupid reasons? What about Pegasi and Unicorns? I've tried Diamond Dogs, Deer, Griffons, hey even Dragons, but every one of them, nope, nope, nope, and nope!" Granny Smith firmly said as she walked up to Applejack.

"Oh, none of them were good enough for you, were they? Tell me, Applejack, what will it take for you? We both know Big Mac isn't good enough, already tired that in desperation. Do you want a prince, is that it? Want me to go up to Princess Celestia and ask for a prince for you? Maybe she has a secret colt; would that be good enough for you?" Granny Smith asked. Shoving a hoof in Applejack's face before she could respond, Granny smith immediately got back to ranting. "No, of course not. He wouldn't know the first thing about hard work. I know, I should go to the Griffon Empire, go to the temple of Boreas, ask for Boreas himself to come down for you, would that be good enough? No, of course not. He's not a pony or a mortal; he wouldn't understand our life," Granny Smith continued. "Tell me, Applejack, with all that you've turned down, what will it take? If you're waiting for mister perfect, then take my word for it, he'll show up, you won't recognize him, and either he'll pass you by, or you'll start some foolish rivalry with him," Granny Smith pensively said. "Or, in my case, both," Granny Smith nearly whispered under her breath.

"Why are you getting so uppity about this now?" Applejack asked as she pulled Granny smith's hoof away from her muzzle. "You never were before?"

"Because again, a stallion has shown up, taken an interest in you, and you're doing the same routine," Granny Smith firmly stated. "Look, I'm old, old, and tired. I've lived my life, and I can honestly say that I would do things differently if I could. I don't want you and Apple Bloom to make the same mistakes as myself or my sisters and cousins. I want you two to grow up and be happy. I want you two to grow up in such a way that when you're my age, you can look back on your life fondly instead of always asking 'maybes' and 'what ifs' alright? From what I see, the two of you will end up like one of us, and trust me, it's a lonely life. Look, I'm not saying you have to change right away; I'm just saying, give him a fair chance. Stop moving the goal post, like you do every time. Can you do that for me?" Granny Smith asked as she sat back down.

"Fine, if it really means that much to you, I'll try," Applejack grunted, somewhat annoyed.

"Thank you," Granny Smith said as she started to laugh. "Oh, I recognize that look alright; I had the same one when I had to get pregnant with Bright Mac. You might be mad now, but you'll thank me later," Granny Smith cackled. "Please though, deary, don't be a grumpy grump around him, OK?" Granny Smith said as she relaxed on the couch. "Now, how about something to drink and some snacks? These old bones could use it," Granny Smith said as she looked at Applejack.

"Yeah, I could go for a few, apple-cinnamon tea with some oatmeal cookies?" Applejack asked as she got up.

"Sounds perfect," Granny Smith said as she stretched out and relaxed on the couch.

Chapter 51: Wait, You Can Talk?

"Alright! Time to get up, sleepyhead!" Pinkie Pie sang as she nuzzled up against Julius.

"Oh, come on now, I don't wanna get up, and neither do you," Julius moaned as he held Pinkie Pie tightly.

"True," Pinkie Pie hummed as she rubbed her face into Julius's chest. "But we got a day to live!" Pinkie Pie sang as she jumped up. "Now, let's get you up and at 'em, mister sleepyhead!" Pinkie Pie sang as she lightly tugged at him.

"Fine, fine," Julius grumbled as he slowly got up. "You know, this is mostly your fault; you're too snuggly," Julius joked as he lightly petted Pinkie Pie's head.

"Hehe!" Pinkie Pie happily giggled as she nuzzled her head into Julius's hand. "I know, thank you!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she lightly rocked her head against his hand. "I've been told by many ponies that I'm very soft and cuddly. Now, let's get you dressed!" Pinkie Pie sang as she hopped away to grab Julius's clothes. "Catch!" Pinkie Pie sang as she tossed Julius his clothes.

"Thank you," Julius said as his tunic landed on his head. "Nice throw," Julius chuckled as he took the tunic off his head. Slipping into it, Pinkie Pie swiftly threw Julius his trousers and belt.

"You know, it's a shame that you have to wear pants cause you're packing some nice equipment," Pinkie Pie winked as she watched Julius get dressed.

"I'm aware, believe me, I've been told quite a few times," Julius laughed as he got dressed. "So I'm guessing there'll be introducing you to everyone, but you already know everyone, well, everyone other than Zecora," Julius said as he shored himself up.

"That's how this usually goes, and you're right. I mean, I can take a few guesses at how Zecora's like, her likes and dislikes, and so on. But getting to know the pony is much better. Besides, I can practice my rhyming on her!" Pinkie Pie giggled. "Big human is trying to get everything together. He has clothes for all weather," Pinkie Pie said in an imitation of Zecora's voice.

"I'd leave the rhyming to her; besides, I think that has something to do with her training. If I remember, Zecora was trained under her mother, the Zebrician high priestess of Aardse Skatte en Veiligheid, or something like that. Either way, talking only in rhyme is a part of that, something about the earth spirit liking it. In a world where literally everything is magic, I won't risk pissing off the spirits," Julius said as he stretched out.

"Fair, though not everything here is magic; we got bendy straws!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she pulled out some bendy straws from a hidden crevice. "I call this one, Fernando," Pinkie Pie smoothly said as she presented a straw to Julius, as he just gave her a bemused look. "Look, it would be a little weird if I named it Bender; I mean, it doesn't even bend. Well, I suppose it does bend, but it doesn't bend other things," Pinkie Pie conceded as she rubbed her chin.

"You know what, sure, I won't even question it," Julius nodded his head. "So, uhhh, how do we get out of here?" Julius asked as he looked around.

"Like this, silly!" Pinkie Pie sang as she sat at the bottom of the slide. As Pinkie Pie zipped up the slide, Julius just stared.

"Oh great, having to run up a slide. It's almost like I'm five again. Hopefully, I can avoid slide burn this time," Julius said as he limbered himself up. "Alright, here I come!" Julius quickly said as he ran at the slide. Gripping the sides of the slide firmly, Julius ran and pulled himself up the slide to a waiting Pinkie Pie.

"Did you really run up the slide?" Pinkie Pie asked a panting Julius.

"Yes, why?" Julius panted as he caught his breath.

"Silly human!" Pinkie Pie giggled as she patted Julius's head. "Didn't you see me? All you have to do is sit at the bottom of the slide, and it'll take you right up. Oh, you thought I pulled myself up with my Pinkieness, didn't you? Hah, that's funny, you're funny," Pinkie Pie laughed as she gently patted Julius's back.

"Of course, that's how you get back up the slide. I was the foolish one for thinking that you had to run back up it," Julius panted. "You know, you should put a sign there saying 'to get back up, just sit on the foot of the slide' or something," Julius sighed as he regained his breath.

"I'll take it under consideration," Pinkie Pie said as she led Julius out of her room. "So I'm guessing now we'll go see the others. Maybe Dashy, see how her wing is doing. Or maybe Fluttershy and her animals, or maybe Twilight, I'm sure she still has questions for you!" Pinkie Pie excitedly suggested as the two walked into the shop part of Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh, you two!" Mrs. Cake said as she saw the pair. "DJ-Pon3 and Octavia have been waiting here for something, I think one of you," Mrs. Cake said as she pointed at the two ponies.

"I'm just here with her; she's the one waiting," Octavia huffed as she looked the Julius. "You must be new here. Terribly sorry for the late introduction, but we just came back from tour," Octavia apologized as the other pony walked up to Julius.

"That's OK; I get it; life happens," Julius said as the white unicorn pulled Julius's head down to her's. "Ummm, can I help you?" Julius asked as the unicorn pushed her forehead against Julius's. "Ummm, I need an adult?" Julius said, sounding very unsure.

"Silly, you are an adult!" Pinkie Pie told Julius.

"A responsible adult," Julius clarified.

"Again, you," Pinkie Pie sang.

"Yeah, about that. I got completely fooled by a magical amulet, resulting in me getting sent to a different world. My responsibility should be greatly questioned," Julius told Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, well, in that case," Pinkie Pie started to say.

"No dear, no, you're not. At least in the way Julius wants," Mrs. Cake said, cutting Pinkie Pie off.

"Awww," Pinkie Pie said, sounding sad. "Hey, Octavia," Pinkie Pie yelled as the unicorn's brow furled, "a little help over here?" Pinkie Pie asked as the unicorn looked more annoyed.

"Oh, tosh, nothing will happen. She does this from time to time; it's her talent," Octavia assured as she drank a milkshake.

"What is?" Julius asked as the unicorn lightly pushed him away.

"'earing music from other's mind, ya berk," the frustrated unicorn said. "Also, my s'age name is DJ-Pon3, and it's pronounced DJ-Pony. My real name is Vinyl Scratch!" The pony huffed in a strong cockney accent.

"You can talk?!?" Pinkie Pie and Mrs. Cake gasped in surprise.

"My bucking Celestia, of course, I can talk you bunch of camel's hump heads! Wha', you think jus' 'cause I don' 'alk much fat I can't?" Vinyl angrily said.

"OK, OK, I kind of understood that. But I need you to take the cockney down by a lot, alright?" Julius requested as he tried backing up from Vinyl.

"Oh, you'd like fat, wouldn' you?" Vinyl asked as she held Julius close. "Well, while we're doing favors for each other, s'op finking abou' music fat we canno' replica'e. Seriously, all I've heard since coming back was your music, and we canno' make fat music. Cut out all fe woodwind ins'rumen's!" Vinyl demanded as she eyed Julius down.

"Look, I can't help what music I think of, and, unfortunately for you, most of the music I listen to feature woodwind instruments," Julius told Vinyl. "Look, I'll meet you halfway. If you know someone who can teach me how to play woodwind instruments, I'll try to learn; I always wanted to learn the ocarina," Julius said as Vinyl mulled over the idea. "Also, if you're a musician, can't you just remix the music?" Julius asked as Octavia walked up to the two.

"Nice try, but I already said that," Octavia sighed. "You must forgive her; she's normally not like this. But when she hears something new and interesting, she really latches onto it. It just so happens that your music is a bit difficult for us to make; ponies don't do too well with woodwind instruments. Though I think we have a friend in Canterlot who specializes in woodwind instruments," Octavia hummed as Vinyl's eyes lightly lit up.

"Alrigh' you 'ave yourself a deal," Vinyl said as she lightly smiled. "Crys'al Clarine' one of the few woodwind ins'rumen' 'eachers around. Also, here," Vinyl said as she gave Julius some tickets. "For your 'roubles, 'ickets for our nex' show," Vinyl smiled as she turned around. Pulling her headphones on her ears, Vinyl started nodding her head as she started to walk off.

"Heh, well, at least she hasn't forgotten her manners," Octavia lightly laughed. "Again, terribly sorry about this, Vinyl just got in a mood, and she really had to know; thank you for understanding," Octavia smiled as she followed after Vinyl. "Until next we meet," Octavia chirped as she left the Sugarcube Corner.

"You know, the weirdest thing about that is a pony using leetspeak. Of all the things here, that's one I never thought I would have seen here, or, well, anywhere really," Julius laughed as he looked at the two mares. "I'm, uhhh, I'm guessing that she doesn't talk much," Julius said as he saw the looks on their faces.

"Doesn't talk much? Try hardly ever!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she stretched up before bouncing up. "Oh, I wanna have a party for this so badly!" Pinkie Pie happily said while running in place. "I know you're not much of a party person, though, hmmm, I know!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she rustled up to Julius. "We can go to one of her shows together sometime, get backstage, and hang out with her there!" Pinkie Pie sang as she bounced around Julius.

"Well, I mean, we were literally invited. And," Julius started to trail off as he looked over the tickets, "I don't see 'backstage pass' written anywhere on here, but I'm sure somehow you could pull it off," Julius said as he rubbed Pinkie Pie's head.

"No problem! You just leave that to me!" Pinkie Pie winked as she stood by Julius. "Well, we're off, Mrs. Cake, have a good shift!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she led Julius outside. Exiting the Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie hopped next to Julius. "So who are we going to see? Twilight maybe; I'm sure she could ask you questions for days. Or maybe Fluttershy, her, and her animals always love the company. Well, Fluttershy acts all shy and whatnot, but I know she really likes the company; who doesn't like friends coming over?" Pinkie Pie laughed as Julius walked towards the lake. "Maybe Rarity, help her a bit with the clothes. But you still need the metal for the last set of clothes. Are we going to Canterlot then?" Pinkie Pie asked as she bounced around Julius.

"Well, I was thinking of going to the lake. Rainbow Dash is probably there, and I would like to check on her wing. After all, I'm like, at least fifty percent responsible for it," Julius said as he walked down the path to the lake.

"Well, I suppose that's true. But you did try to heal it, and Dashy should have known not to fly through that forest," Pinkie Pie reasoned. "Either way, you're so sweet to be checking in on her like that! Well, I suppose you're all herded up and all, but it's still sweet!" Pinkie Pie sang as she happily bounced next to Julius.

"Well, any good person would do it. Besides, I imagine that staying still for so long is driving Rainbow Dash insane. Shame that I couldn't get some of my old games here; she'd love Mario Kart 64," Julius laughed as the lake started to come into view.

"A classic, good choice! Though, Dashy getting nailed with a blue shell would drive her insane. So far ahead, so close to victory, but then, taken away by the cruel, unfeeling blue shell! Oh, the ponity of it all!" Pinkie Pie sang in a dramatic tone. "And on the last lap of Rainbow Road too!" Pinkie Pie giggled as she feigned fainting before continuing to bounce.

"God, I've been there before; it sucks," Julius sighed with a wince. "Mario Kart, that games where winning and being the best don't necessarily go hand and hand," Julius joked as Pinkie Pie laughed.

"Hehe, yup, but hey, that's what makes them fun!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she bounced alongside Julius to the lake. The two spotted Rainbow Dash lying lazily on a beach chair as they went down the path.

"I knew it," Julius said as Pinkie Pie giggled.

"Silly, it wasn't difficult to guess that Rainbow Dash would be here," Pinkie Pie laughed as she lightly petted Julius's thigh.

"Fair, I'm guessing she spends a lot of time here," Julius said as they walked up to Rainbow Dash.

"Well, when she isn't working or pranking. Then there's working out; she usually works out either here or at the track field," Pinkie Pie hummed. "Oh, I know!" Pinkie Pie happily sang. "Even with her wing injured, she can still swim! She can help you learn to swim better!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she bounced towards Rainbow Dash.

"Maybe, but I think ponies and humans swim in very different ways. I'm not sure that work, unless," Julius hummed," we could keep on swim racing; that might work," Julius suggested.

"Well, it's a competition; Dashy is always up for those. And swimming is good exercise. I think you might be on to something there," Pinkie Pie slyly said.

"Agreed, though, I'm not looking forward to it. I can swim, but only just," Julius dryly chuckled as the two stood by Rainbow Dash.

"Hey, doggy paddling is still swimming!" Pinkie Pie sang as she looked at Rainbow Dash. "Hey, Dashy, wake up," Pinkie Pie softly purred into Rainbow Dash's ear as she lightly rubbed her head.

"Mhhhn, what is it, Pinkie?" Rainbow Dash moaned as her eyes fluttered open. Lightly wiping the sleep from her eyes, Rainbow Dash looked to her side. Spotting Pinkie Pie and Julius, Rainbow Dash yawned. "I'm guessing you put Applejack on hold and are going after Pinkie Pie now, and you want my help," Rainbow Dash yawned as she cleared her eyes.

"Nope, Dashy, already done that!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she happily bounced in place.

"Ah, so you finally moved on from that," Rainbow Dash yawned as she looked at Julius. "What changed your mind on it?" Rainbow Dash asked as she gingerly sat up from her chair.

"Granny Smith said that she'd talk with Applejack. Hell, she pretty much demanded it. I trust her to do it. Applejack seems like she's about as stubborn as my family, but she probably also places the same value on family, so Granny Smith has a good chance of getting through to her," Julius told Rainbow Dash.

"True, if any pony could get through to her, it'd be Granny Smith. Celestia knows nopony else can. Some time ago, Applejack tried harvesting the entire orchard by herself; Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Twilight, tartarus, we all tried talking her out of it. She only accepted our help after she passed out while harvesting," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"That sounds very much like Applejack," Julius laughed. "Has she learned her lesson yet?" Julius asked while trying to imagine Applejack harvesting the whole of the orchard.

"Well, a little, after all, you are helping out of Sweet Apple Acres. Still, she's as stubborn as ever," Rainbow Dash said as she stretched her legs.

"True. Anyways, how's your wing doing?" Julius asked as he looked at Rainbow's wings.

"Well, it's still a little tender, but it's doing great!" Rainbow Dash happily said. "Zecora's healing potions work amazingly well!" Rainbow Dash happily exclaimed.

"Yeah, I know, they saved me quite a bit of pain before. Hell, they saved me from manticore venom before," Julius told Rainbow Dash. "So, are you up for getting your win back, well, in a sense?" Julius asked as he looked at Rainbow Dash and the lake.

"Maybe; what do you have in mind?" Rainbow Dash asked as she eyed Julius.

"Pinkie Pie suggested that you could help me to swim better. Why not have a bit of fun with it?" Julius said as Rainbow thought it over.

"Maybe after you can swim better," Rainbow Dash said. "As much as I'd love to beat you, I'd really prefer not risking you drowning. But yeah, we can do some swimming," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at the lake. "So, when do you want to start?" Rainbow Dash asked as Julius looked at Pinkie Pie.

"I got it!" Pinkie Pie sang as she pulled out some swim trunks and towels from her mane.

"Hah, mindreading Pinkie Pie, the world isn't ready for that yet," Julius smiled as he took the trunks and a towel.

"Hah, the world is never ready for a Pinkie surprise!" Pinkie Pie happily giggled as she laid down on the soft beach.

"True that," Rainbow Dash smiled as she looked at a relaxing Pinkie Pie. "So, you ready now, or," Rainbow Dash asked as she looked Julius up and down.

"Ah well, give me some time to get changed; I'd rather not walk around in wet clothes. That's why swim trunks exist," Julius said as he started to walk towards the bushes.

"You know, you can just swim naked. We do it all the time," Rainbow Dash suggested as Pinkie Pie gave Rainbow Dash a sultry look.

"Yeah, but I'd like to keep some modesty," Julius said as Rainbow Dash lightly giggled.

"You have modesty? Since when?" Rainbow Dash joked as she watched Julius.

"Well, it's rather newly found," Julius joked back as he ducked behind the bushes.

"You just want to get some, don't you?" Pinkie Pie slyly cooed at Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, a little," Rainbow Dash lightly blushed.

"I already milked those boys today," Pinkie Pie giggled. "You know, you can get him in the mood if you just get off those herbs. He's like Fluttershy and me, you know, in that he wants lots of children," Pinkie Pie cooed as she rubbed Rainbow's lower belly.

"I know, but I'm not sure if I'm ready. Well, I mean, I know my body is ready, but I don't know if I'm ready, you know," Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie.

"Yeah, I know, but remember, Fluttershy will be one of the herd mothers! And I think we've all agreed that Fluttershy would be the best mother out of all of us," Pinkie Pie assured Rainbow Dash.

"True," Rainbow Dash conceded. "I still need some time to prepare myself though, you know," Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie.

"That's fair. I'm still going to try to convince you, though! A good herd wife supports her stallion; my mama taught me that!" Pinkie Pie sang as she relaxed by Rainbow Dash.

"From what I've heard, that's true," Rainbow Dash smiled as she limbered up, getting ready to swim. "Now, to wait for Julius to come back," Rainbow Dash said as she continued to limber up.

Author's Note

Vinyl is speaking with a cockney accent, that's why her dialog is spelled as such :twilightsmile: Give me some credit for trying :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 52: Swimming and Cloud Watching

"You know, I'm happily surprised that you resisted giving me speedos and gave me regular swim trunks," Julius said as he came out from behind the bushes.

"Well, it's not too late!" Pinkie Pie jokingly sang. "I'm kidding; I doubt you'd fit. Even if you did, they can't be comfortable," Pinkie Pie said as she looked over Julius's body.

"True, I think. Honestly, never worn them before, and I have no intention to start," Julius said as he limbered up. "Good thing today's a warm day, better for swimming," Julius said as he continued to stretch.

"Yeah, warm days are the best for swimming and sunbathing," Rainbow Dash said as she put a hoof in the water. "Though, I'm guessing you don't get too much sun," Rainbow Dash said as she looked over Julius's body.

"Well, I do sunburn easily," Julius said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "But I do use plenty of sunscreen. If I didn't, I'd be a sun-roasted human," Julius laughed as he walked up to the lake. "So, how do you want to start this?" Julius asked as he tested the water.

"Let's just start with some basic exercises first. As much as I'd love to beat you right away, if you're not a strong swimmer, swimming races can be dangerous. After all, nopony has drowned on dry land," Rainbow Dash said as she waded into the lake.

"Yeah, about that, dry drowning is a thing," Julius said as he walked into the water. Hitting waist-deep water, Julius shivered. "Geez, gets a little cold at ball level," Julius chuckled as he took a moment to adjust to the temperature.

"You're not the first to say that. Though I'd imagine without fur, it's even worse than usual," Rainbow dash said as she looked back to Julius. "I know you said why you don't have it, but seriously why don't you have fur?" Rainbow Dash sighed as Pinkie Pie hopped up.

"So they could hunt better!" Pinkie Pie quickly said as she hopped to her hooves.

"That was a rhetorical question, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash sighed as Pinkie Pie giggled.

"I know. I gave you a rhetorical answer!" Pinkie Pie laughed as Rainbow Dash and Julius smiled as they shook their heads.

"If anyone were to give a rhetorical answer, it'd be Pinkie Pie," Julius laughed as he slowly made his way deeper into the water. "So, where do we start?" Julius asked as he slowly doggy paddled up to Rainbow Dash.

"Hmmm," Rainbow Dash hummed as she watched Julius swim. "First, let's see how you do with swimming a few laps. Don't worry, I'll be right with you the whole time," Rainbow Dash said as she swam up beside Julius. "Come on, let's get started," Rainbow Dash said as she urged Julius forward. As Julius swam along, Rainbow Dash easily kept pace with him. Rainbow Dash's movements were easy, practiced, natural, while Julius's were difficult, sloppy, and awkward. After several laps, Julius flopped up on the beach.

"O-OK," Julius panted as he laid on his back, "what do you think?" Julius continued to pant as he made himself comfortable on the beach.

"Well, you're clearly not a natural. And you clearly don't have much practice," Rainbow Dash said as she treaded water close to the beach. "But you're willing, and there is something there to work with, and I think I can make it work," Rainbow Dash smiled as she slowly swam up to Julius.

"Great, any chance for a break?" Julius panted as he slowly sat up.

"Hah, what happened to all that stamina?" Rainbow Dash jokingly mocked.

"Oh, it's taking a break with your race record. The difference is, my stamina will come back," Julius coyly shot back.

"Well, at least you can still run your mouth," Rainbow Dash winked as she got out of the lake. Walking up to Julius, Rainbow Dash lightly hip bumped him. "Come on, Pinkie Pie should have something prepared," Rainbow Dash said as she looked over at Pinkie Pie.

"She's not wrong!" Pinkie Pie sang out as she roasted some food over a grill, a picnic blanket laid close to the beach. "Hope you don't mind, but I got some baked goods, some fruits and vegetables, and some fake meat," Pinkie Pie said as she flipped some patties out of the grill.

"I'm fine with that; any tinfoil grilled vegetables?" Julius asked as he slowly walked over to the picnic blanket.

"Yes, some carrots, parsnip, onions, and some other things," Pinkie Pie smiled as she took the rest of the food off the grill.

"Great, I'm hungry, and tinfoil grilled vegetables are good," Julius said as he sat on the edge of the blanket.

"Yeah. It sounds like Pinkie Pie grilled up some good food," Rainbow Dash said as she sat next to Julius. "I'd ask how you knew the timing, but it's a Pinkie thing, isn't it?" Rainbow Dash jokingly laughed as Pinkie Pie brought over the grilled food.

"Yup, yup!" Pinkie Pie happily smiled as she placed the dishes in the middle of the blanket. "Well, go ahead, help yourselves!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she grabbed her food.

"Don't mind if I do," Julius said as he made himself a hamburger and got some vegetables.

"Same here, I'm a little famished," Rainbow Dash said as she looked over the food. "Looks good, and smells good too," Rainbow Dash smiled as she got her food.

"Hehe, thanks!" Pinkie Pie smiled as she got her food. "I also brought some deserts, like some peanut butter oatmeal cookies!" Pinkie Pie happily chirped as she swiftly ate a cookie.

"What, no muffins?" Julius jokingly asked as he grabbed a few cookies.

"Oh Ha Ha, very funny," Pinkie Pie dryly laughed. "I already told you, Derpy has ruined muffins for you. Curse you, Derpy!" Jokingly lamented as she dramatically shook a hoof in the air.

"Yeah, yeah, I remember," Julius chuckled as he ate his hamburger. "Pretty good, all things considered. Still, fake meat, well, not quite as good," Julius murmured under his breath.

"Yeah, for whatever reason, Derpy is stupidly good at some of the most random things. Like when she was a filly, she somehow won the Applewood Derby," Rainbow Dash said as she ate her food. "That, muffins, mail delivery, like why, how and why?" Rainbow Dash sighed as she ate.

"Maybe it's genetic?" Julius suggested as he ate a few vegetables.

"Doubt it," Pinkie Pie mumbled with a full mouth. "Well, except for delivery, her mother was a very good mailmare. She won Ponyville's best mailmare reward every year until she retired," Pinkie Pie said as she snuck a few more cookies.

"Impressive, and her father?" Julius asked between bites.

"Not much to say about him," Pinkie Pie hummed. "He's a pretty standard house stallion. You know, making a home and all, taking care of his mares, normal house stallion things. Well, you wouldn't know, but, you know. You know?" Pinkie Pie said between bites of food.

"I don't know, well, not firsthand, but I get it," Julius said as he finished his food. "Now, for dessert," Julius said as he grabbed a few cookies. "Oh hey, is that whipped cream?" Julius asked as he looked at a container by the cookies.

"Yup, they go well with peanut butter oatmeal cookies!" Pinkie Pie happily chirped as she dipped the cookies she had in the whipped cream. "Mhhhhm, creamy," Pinkie Pie hummed as she ate the cookies.

"Hah, is it any wonder why she's so plush and huggable," Julius smiled as he ate a few cookies. "These cookies are good," Julius mumbled, his mouth filled with cookies.

"Yeah, how Pinkie Pie doesn't get sick is a mystery," Rainbow Dash laughed as she finished her food. "Still, I could do for a cookie or two," Rainbow Dash smiled as she grabbed a few cookies. "Good cookies," Rainbow Dash smiled as she ate the cookies.

"Thank you, I do my best," Pinkie Pie smiled as she walked over to the lakeside. "Come on, after you're finished, let's rest by the lake. Have to wait a little bit after eating to go swimming after all," Pinkie Pie sang as she laid out three towels.

"Well, she does have a point," Julius said as he finished his food.

"Yeah, she does," Rainbow Dash agreed as she finished her food. "You got the clean-up?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stood up.

"I suppose it's probably a lot easier since I have hands," Julius said as he stood up. Sharing a look, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash laugh a little.

"You'd think, but," Rainbow Dash smiled as she placed a hoof on the edge of the picnic blanket. "We ponies can pick things up with our hooves just fine," Rainbow Dash told Julius as she lifted the edge of the blanket.

"OK, how?" Julius asked as he scratched his head. "I mean, I'd expect this from Pinkie Pie or a unicorn using magic, but every pony can pick things up with their hooves; how?" Julius again asked, sounding very bewildered.

"I don't know; no pony does. It's one of the great pony mysteries," Rainbow Dash said as she started to fold the blanket. "You going to help? Or just stand there looking confused," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Julius.

"Yeah, just, just give me a moment. My mind is still coming to terms with that," Julius said as he shook his head. Getting his senses back, Julius helped Rainbow Dash fold the blanket. Having folded the blanket and getting everything together, Julius looked at Pinkie Pie. "Uhhh, where do you want all of this? I don't see a basket or anything," Julius said as Pinkie Pie walked over.

"Silly, I thought you'd have figured it out by now!" Pinkie Pie happily giggled. "My mane storage area!" Pinkie Pie winked as she shoved the picnic supplies into her mane.

"Oh, into bad puns now, are we?" Julius asked as he walked over to the beach. "Well, I could be a beach about it, but I'll give your pun a pass," Julius said as he laid on one of the towels.

"OK, that was a little too forced," Rainbow Dash said as she and Pinkie Pie walked over to the towels. "Your jokes are a little wet behind their ears," Rainbow Dash said in an equally lousy pun.

"You should both stop. Your jokes are really punishing," Pinkie Pie said, giggling as she laid on a towel.

"Hey, no fair, we keep setting you up," Julius jokingly pouted. "Come on, throw us an easy one," Julius said as he scratched behind Pinkie Pie's ears.

"Do you really want an easy one or one you've earned?" Pinkie Pie asked as she nuzzled her head into Julius's hand.

"Fair enough, I suppose," Julius sighed as he lightly rested. "So, what do you wanna do while we wait for the food to settle?" Julius asked as he looked at the sky.

"We could do some cloud watching," Rainbow Dash suggested.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie happily said. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, could you fly up and get a cloud to drink?" Pinkie Pie asked as she stretched out on the towel.

"Sure, one sec," Rainbow Dash said as she flew up towards a cloud.

"Is it really fine to be flying after eating?" Julius asked as he watched Rainbow Dash fly up.

"Oh yeah!" Pinkie Pie assured. "Pegasi eat and fly all the time, Rainbow Dash especially," Pinkie Pie sighed. "Honestly, it's kind of surprising how often she eats and flies. We thought about talking to her about it, but, well, after meeting her parents, well, it makes sense," Pinkie Pie told Julius.

"How are her parents, and how many, ummm, herd mothers does she have?" Julius asked, slightly unsure how to word the question.

"My parents are very loving. As for the number of mares my father has, it's just the one," Rainbow Dash said as she flew a cloud down.

"I have a feeling there's more to unpack here than what you're saying," Julius said as he looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Look, if, well, when you meet my parents, just follow my lead, OK," Rainbow Dash told Julius. "My parents can be a bit much," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Pinkie Pie. "Hey Pinkie, got some flavoring in there?"

"You know it!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she pulled out some cups and flavoring from her mane. "I got all the berries, watermelon, apple, pineapple, fruit punch, and some homemade flavors," Pinkie Pie said as she placed them all down between the three.

"I'm kind of scared of your homemade flavors; I'll stick to what I like," Julius said as he grabbed a cup and blueberry flavoring.

"Smart," Rainbow Dash lightly laughed as she grabbed a cup and a random flavor."

"It's what I do, though; if there were a flavor mix of coconut, pineapple, and rum, I'd be interested," Julius smiled as he filled his cup with water from the cloud.

"What's rum, and why those flavors?" Rainbow Dash asked as she made her drink.

"Because I like Pina Coladas," Julius said smiling.

"Oh, what about getting caught in the rain?" Pinkie Pie sang, smiling as she made her drink.

"Yeah, but I'm not into yoga, and I have half a brain," Julius said as he bit his tongue.

"Well, we know you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape," Pinkie Pie sang as she teased Julius.

"No idea how you know that song, but I'm not complaining," Julius smiled as he tried his drink. "Tastes like a blueberry snowcone. I like it," Julius smiled as he tasted his drink.

"Yeah, clouds usually have that effect on water," Rainbow Dash said as she tried her drink. "Hmmm, tastes kinda sour, kinda sweet, kinda creamy, and a little bit of a dry sweetness," Rainbow Dash said as she smacked her lips together.

"Can, can I try?" Julius asked as he looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Sure, go ahead," Rainbow Dash said as she let Julius try her drink. Tasting the drink, Pinkie Pie smiled as Julius's eyes opened wide.

"How, how did you get Pina Colada flavoring?" Julius asked as he enjoyed the taste.

"I have my ways. I have my ways," Pinkie Pie slyly smiled as she pushed the flavor tube towards Julius.

"You know what, I'm not complaining," Julius said as he gave Rainbow Dash back her drink.

"It's not bad, but it feels like it's missing something," Rainbow Dash said as she took her drink back.

"Yeah, that'd be the bite of the rum. It's a stronger alcohol made from molasses," Julius explained as he laid back.

"Sounds good," Pinkie Pie said as she licked her lips. "You have to give the recipe to Syrahshy!" Pinkie Pie excitedly exclaimed as a myriad of thoughts ran through her head.

"Hah, I don't know how to make rum. I know how to make homebrew beer, that's about it," Julius laughed as he relaxed with his drink.

"Awww, shame," Pinkie Pie sadly said as her ears flopped down. "Anyways, let's look at clouds!" Pinkie Pie sang, happily rebounding. "That one looks like a bear, with a bird on its back," Pinkie Pie said as she pointed at the cloud.

"I'ma call the bear Banjo and the bird Kazooie," Julius said while smiling.

"Good names!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as the three looked over the clouds in the sky.

Chapter 53: History and Sassy Fluttershy

Sitting up slightly, Julius leaned up and rubbed his eyes; several shadows fell over him, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. Turning around, Julius blinked a few times.

"Hi, Luna! Hi, Twilight! Hi, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie happily chirped as she laid down. "We're cloud watching. That one looks like a pegasus stuck in the middle of a cupcake," Pinkie Pie said as she pointed to a cloud giggling.

"You know, Equestria has some strange clouds. I mean, really, what's the story there?" Julius asked as he looked at the three ponies.

"It's the cloud factory in Cloudsdale," Rainbow Dash quickly said. "The ponies making the clouds have a list of cloud shapes and themes they can choose from; usually, they randomly pick from the list. You know, give the sky some more flavor," Rainbow Dash said as she laid down.

"That sounds about right from what I've read," Twilight said as she looked at Julius. "Where were you last night? We were worried," Twilight asked as she and Fluttershy walked up to Julius.

"I passed out in a cave after trying a herb I wasn't expecting to find here. In my defense, not the worst sleep I've had, or the weirdest place I've fallen asleep," Julius told Twilight.

"What was the weirdest place you've fallen asleep in?" Luna asked as she magically rummaged through a saddlebag.

"That'd be in my standing shower. Long story short, I somehow found a way to break a door, locking myself in the bathroom for a few hours," Julius said as he laughed, remembering the event. "Also, it was my worst sleep," Julius affirmed.

"Oh, dear, well, I'm glad that you're OK," Fluttershy said as she walked up to Julius and wrapped a wing around him.

"It was a few years ago. My father was off duty at the time, so he busted down the door when he got home. Usually, doing something that resulted in breaking something would cause us to get punished, but the whole thing made him laugh enough to let it slide," Julius said as Twilight looked oddly at him.

"Why would your father get punished for it? To me, it sounds like he saved you," Twilight asked as Julius stretched his arms.

"Oh, I meant myself and my siblings," Julius said as Twilight gave and the other ponies, save Luna, gave him an odd look. "Right, I only told Luna. When one of my siblings or I gets punished, we all get punished. It doesn't matter if we have nothing to do with it; we all get punished. It made us very good at keeping each other out of trouble," Julius told Twilight.

"Sounds kind of like the ancient Cloudsdale Jinetes," Rainbow Dash absentmindedly said as Julius and Twilight looked at her. "What?"

"I'm surprised that you know who they are. History doesn't seem like your thing," Twilight said in surprise.

"Well, every pegasus in Cloudsdale is taught about the Jinetes and their chevauchées," Rainbow Dash told Twilight. "Honestly, it was one of the few things I didn't sleep through," Rainbow Dash smiled.

"Ah, yes, the chevauchées, I remember them well enough," Luna said as the others looked at her. "Back before Equestria was unified, Cloudsdale was The Grand duchy of Cloudsdale. They were one of the more persistent obstacles to Equestrian unification. A combination of defeats on the field and the passing of the herding act finally led to Cloudsdale's fall. Honestly, the chevauchées lasted for a few years after the herding act was passed, but it largely put an end to it," Luna explained.

"OK, but what were the chevauchées?" Julius asked. "In my world, chevauchées were raids on lands, usually done to destabilize the area," Julius told Luna.

"In a way, chevauchées here were similar, although, differently. Before the herding act and Equestria was unified, some city-states and mares went on chevauchées. Chevauchées were raids committed by mares to take stallions for themselves. Because of this, pre-unification Equestria was a much more dangerous place. Ultimately, when Celestia and I passed the herding act, many smaller city-states joined us. Our lands were far more stable, allowing us to grow faster and stronger than the surrounding belligerents. It still took several decades for Equestria to be unified, but, well, you know the borders of modern-day Equestria," Luna explained. "Though I am somewhat surprised, Equestria seems to have gained some of the buffalo's lands in my absence," Luna hummed.

"I see," Julius said as he scratched his chin. "And I'm guessing that's what happened to your father?"

"Maybe, honestly, we're not sure what happened to him," Luna forlornly said. "Mother never did speak much of him, but whenever we brought him up, she looked sad," Luna told the group.

"That reminds me," Twilight started to say," who was your mother?"

"Oh, Princess Platinum," Luna responded. "As for our father, well, there have been rumors through the years. I've heard of Star Swirl the Bearded being put forth as him, Clover the Clever, Commander Hurricane, I've even heard of Dragon Lord Ignatius being suggested. Oh, that's Dragon Lord Torch's father. Those are a few of the candidates for our father," Luna explained as Twilight eyes sparkled.

"I knew it!" Twilight happily said as she happily bounced around. "I knew that Celestia's mother was Princess Platinum!" Twilight nearly sang as she happily bounced around.

"I'm not sure why that's cause for celebration. It's been well documented that our mother was Princess Platinum from the beginning of the Principality of Canterlot," Luna said as she watched Twilight bounce around.

"Oh," Twilight said, sounding sad as her ears drooped, "you haven't heard, have you?" Twilight asked as she looked crestfallen, to which Luna responded with a quizzical look. "After your absence, Equestria switched to years; for the first hundred years, not much is known; almost all documentation was destroyed. I've asked Celestia about it before. She doesn't remember much about that time, but what she does remember were several great fires starting. Much was lost during that time; it took Celestia a hundred years to get everything under control. But, by then, it was too late. Lands were ravaged by fire, books were destroyed, and even several smaller settlements vanished. There were even rumors of a tribe vanishing during that time, though I suspect they were the Thestrals," Twilight explained.

"Yes, they would have disappeared around that time. Well, not disappeared exactly, but retreated to their adoptive cities," Luna corrected. "As for the fires," Luna hummed, "I can make a few guesses, but it's better not to say such speculations. Besides, all it would be are guesses," Luna sighed as she looked at Julius. "Enough about the past. Here, I got the tickets," Luna said as she levitated four golden tickets to Julius.

"Ah, thank you," Julius said as he grabbed the tickets. "The Cakes will be happy, and, well, I'm sure Zecora will find something interesting about the gala, if not the castle," Julius said as he put the tickets into a pocket.

"What about you?" Pinkie Pie asked as she fluttered her eyes at Julius.

"Me, well, I'm not too sure. I'm not much of a party person," Julius said, eliciting a gasp from Pinkie Pie, "and I doubt I'll be very welcome there, well, aside from a few of the nobles. I'll probably just duck away somewhere. Eat some food, maybe talk to a few nobles who don't look at me and go 'monster, attack!' or something," Julius said as he scratched his head.

"Fortunately, you shouldn't have to worry about being attacked at the gala; that would break decorum. And I'm sure Celestia will tell the guests of your presence; still, most of the nobility will be quite cold to you. Again, there's Grand Duke Fancy Pants and a few of the marchionesses and marquesses, but, other than them, you won't find many friends," Luna hummed as she thought.

"So, Equestria has a grand duke; what's he like, and where's his territory?" Julius asked as he got off the towel.

"Fancy Pants is a progressive pony. He's a bit of a stallionist, and he's a very agreeable pony, a rather charming and an efficient administrator. He's a bit more militarist than other ponies, but that is to be expected, as he is the duke of the Grand Marches. If you want, we could go to the capital of the territory, Acornage; it's quite nice despite its location," Luna told Julius.

"What's wrong with its location?" Julius asked as Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash got up and put away the towels.

"It's very close to the border. Less than a day's trot away lay the Changeling Lands and Olenia. The Changeling Lands has been an issue since before we've united Equestria. As for Olenia, well, they're going through some civil strife at the moment. Queen Velvet has been ousted from the country; this has caused some concerns as it could spill over into Equestria," Luna explained as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie cleaned up.

"Ah, so typical political stuff from border countries then," Julius said with a sigh as he rubbed his eyes.

"Unfortunately, yes," Luna affirmed. "If it were up to me, I'd send in the armies, get both countries sorted out. Restore Queen Velvet to the throne, and put a friendly changeling on the throne of Vesalipolis. Alas, Celestia is having none of it," Luna said as she closed her eyes.

"I get it; you'd sacrifice some now to save more later and get the outcome that you want. While Celestia wants to try to protect everyone, right?" Julius asked as Luna nodded. "Well, if it's any consolation, I agree more with your mentality. An old military adage, he who protects everything, protects nothing. Besides, I like an active defense more than a passive one," Julius assured Luna.

"As do I. Waiting around just lets the other side dictate terms and take the initiative. Sure taking action does mean that some will suffer, but some suffering now is better than a lot more later. The whole Sombra-Crystal Empire affair should have been proof enough of that," Luna sighed as she groaned.

"Well, both sides have their merit; it's all about knowing when to switch from one to the other. Besides, hindsight is twenty-twenty, isn't it?" Julius said as he gently patted Luna's head.

"True, I suppose. Still, doing nothing drives me insane," Luna said as she lightly nuzzled against Julius's hand.

"I know what you mean," Rainbow Dash chimed in. "Just sitting around, waiting for things to happen when you know things have to be done makes me feel so helpless," Rainbow Dash said as she and Pinkie trotted up to the others.

"So you say, yet every time I've been to your house, your room has been a mess," Fluttershy quietly said, making Julius and Twilight laugh.

"Fluttershy, you know how to be sassy? Can we get more?" Julius jokingly asked.

"Oh, was that out loud, my bad, sorry," Fluttershy timidly said as she slightly retreated behind her mane.

"No, it's OK," Rainbow Dash assured as she walked up to Fluttershy. "I'm proud of you," Rainbow Dash said as she lightly patted Fluttershy with her wing.

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she hopped up to Fluttershy. "Do me next!" Pinkie Pie happily giggled as she bounced.

"Oh, ummm, well," Fluttershy stammered. "I, I don't know if I should," Fluttershy stammered.

"Go ahead, Fluttershy, let me have it! Give me your best shot Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie encouraged as Fluttershy took a deep breath.

"Could you speak up? I can't hear you over your coat," Fluttershy said while demurely looking away from Pinkie Pie.

"Damn," Julius said as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughed, "Fluttershy, you got claws," Julius applauded.

"Not really; I got that one from Angel Bunny. Honestly, he says stuff like that a lot more than you might think. I might have picked up a little," Fluttershy blushed.

"That's surprising; I honestly wouldn't expect that from a bunny," Julius said as he looked at Fluttershy.

"He says that one of us has to be tough and that it's sure not me. So he'll be the tough one. I know Angel Bunny can seem a bit mean and tough at times, but he really does have my best interest at heart," Fluttershy assured the others.

"Well, that's nice of him. A bit of an awkward relationship, but still, nice and sweet either way," Julius said as he looked towards Ponyville. "Say, do you all mind if I go see Rarity for a bit? I want to see how my clothes are coming along," Julius asked.

"Sure," Twilight said as she and the other ponies turned towards Ponyville. "I would like to check in on her myself."

"Great! I wonder if she's changed or added anything, or if she's having any problems?" Julius asked as the group headed off to Ponyville.

Chapter 54: Examining the Clothes

Walking back to Ponyville, Julius and the ponies made their way to the Carousel Boutique. As the group approached, they saw Spike relaxing right by the door.

"Well, I thought you would have been at the library or something," Julius said as he spotted Spike.

"Usually, I would be. But Rarity needed help making you clothes and adapting them for ponies. While things like that tunic were easy, the poofy, fancy clothes were hard. Rarity wanted to add a bunch of things to them, like pleating for the cloak, trim for the cloak, shirt, pants, and hat, design choices, and just general Rarity things," Spike said with a sigh. "Still though, I get to spend time with her," Spike said while smiling while turning around. "Rarity, I'm coming back in with some guests!" Spike happily said as he opened the door and walked inside.

"Alright, Spikey-wikey!" Rarity happily sang from a different room. "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique. My name is Rarity, and I'm," Rarity started to say as she entered the room, "oh, hi everycreature," Rarity quickly said as she saw who was entering the building. "Terribly sorry about the wait, all your clothes are done, well, except for the landsknecht," Rarity unsurely said, to which Julius nodded, "clothes," Rarity said with a slight nod, "still waiting on the metal for those; well, for yours anyways. For the pony version, I have those done. And I've been playing around with their design!" Rarity happily sang. "Follow me!" Rarity urged with twinkles in her eyes.

"Well, she seems really happy about things," Julius smiled as he and the ponies followed Rarity.

"Yeah, she's been happy all while working on the clothes. The pony designs are more bright than what she made for you," Spike started to explain as he led the group into the back room. "She asked a few ponies for their opinions and got some ideas for colors," Spike said as they walked by some ponyquins garbed in ponyesque landskncht clothes.

"Yes, and they were oh so very helpful," Rarity said as she walked ahead of the group. "While some felt that the clothes were a bit much, those who liked them, they loved them!" Rarity sang as her eyes twinkled. "The recommendation for colors was a bit different from what you wanted," Rarity said as she pointed to a ponyquin. "Roseluck requested that one. We talked a while about colors until we settled on this pattern. An alternating floral white and mint green, with blush pink flower designs close to the hem and trimmed with gold thread," Rarity said as she pointed at another set of clothes, these having alternating chocolate brown and erin green. "Lotus Blossom requested that one," Rarity said as she continued to point at other ponyquins and explain who ordered them. "As you can see, they prove to be reasonably popular. I suspect they'll be in high demand for shopkeepers and other professions in which one wants to draw your eye. I may even get orders from Sapphire Shores, or Countess Coloratura, or even some from Canterlot!" Rarity happily squealed.

"Well, I have to go to Canterlot anyway; why not make some for you and the others? They can wear them there," Julius suggested as he looked at the designs.

"I'm already ahead of you there, darling," Rarity chirped as she unveiled eight ponyquins wearing ponyesque landsknecht clothes, each designed for a different pony. And a smaller dragonquin with a much smaller set on it.

"They look great, Rarity! But, we never asked for any of this," Twilight said as she looked at her clothes.

"Yeah, why didn't you ask for our opinion?" Rainbow Dash said as she looked over hers.

"Because you girls can be impossible when it comes to this kind of stuff. The last time I tried to make a dress for Applejack, she wanted to add galoshes. Then there's trying to get you to hold still for a fitting, and how many flames and lightning bolts you'd want to be added," Rarity told Rainbow Dash.

"Hey! I wouldn't be that bad!" Rainbow Dash huffed as Rarity raised an eyebrow at her. "Hehe, o-OK, maybe I would be," Rainbow Dash nervously laughed.

"Exactly," Rarity flatly said, sounding very unamused.

"About the galoshes," Fluttershy started to say. "While they wouldn't go with a dress, you could have substituted them with gaiters. Have the inside be a heavy-duty textile while the outer layer could have been silk," Fluttershy suggested, much to everycreature's shock.

"Fluttershy," Rarity said as she walked towards her, "that's brilliant; also, how did you think of that?" Rarity asked as the group, other than Rainbow Dash, looked at Fluttershy.

"Oh,ummm, one of my herd mothers runs a clothing shop in Cloudsdale. Her name is Cashmareshy; she owns the Hoof 'n' Hemline," Fluttershy said as Rarity's eyes went wide.

"Wait, you're related to Cashmareshy?" Rarity yelped as she walked up to Fluttershy. "Why didn't you ever say anything?" Rarity asked as she eyed Fluttershy.

"How didn't you figure that out?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I mean, they both Shys, shy is in their name. Cashmareshy even looks like Fluttershy, an older, slightly different shade of Fluttershy, but still," Rainbow Dash said as Rarity shot a look at her.

"How did you know that Fluttershy was related to Cashmareshy?" Rarity asked Rainbow Dash.

"Uhhh, hello, we grew up together. Also, Cashmareshy has the contract for the Wonderbolts uniforms. Oh, by the way, thank you, Fluttershy, for that favor," Rainbow Dash thanked as Fluttershy softly smiled.

"What favor?" Pinkie Pie asked as she felt the clothes Rarity made for her.

"Oh, when Cashmareshy got the contract, Rainbow Dash was more excited than she was. So Rainbow Dash came over for a few days. She said it was to help, but really it was to try to see a member of the Wonderbolts. Still, Rainbow Dash had a few ideas. I may have passed a few on to Cashmareshy," Fluttershy explained as she looked at Rainbow Dash. "You're welcome, but you don't have to keep thanking me. That was way back when we were fillies," Fluttershy told Rainbow Dash.

"I know, I know. But thanks to that, I got to see the Wonderbolts in pony, up close. I even got to add something to them!" Rainbow Dash happily said as Rarity looked closer at Rainbow Dash. "Right, the lightning bolts by their hoofs, that's me. Well, I suggested more, but still, Cashmareshy added it for me!" Rainbow Dash happily said.

"Cashmareshy took a lot out of it, but she did rearrange it, so a few of the lightning bolts stayed. If she kept everything, then their outfits would have been nothing but fire and lightning," Fluttershy chuckled.

"Yes, I can see Rainbow Dash being like that for clothing design. Furthering my justification in going ahead and just making your outfits. However, I should have asked you since you know so much and have connections," Rarity conceded as Rainbow Dash started to laugh.

"You don't want Fluttershy to give you her honest opinion on fashion. Trust me; she'll tear your clothes apart. We almost got kicked out of a few shops in Cloudsdale because of that," Rainbow Dash laughed as Fluttershy blushed.

"Whatever do you mean?" Rarity asked as she gave both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy a puzzled look.

"Well, when we entered a clothing store, Fluttershy would look at a few things. She'd eventually get to talking with the owners, and they'd ask for her honest opinion, and that never ended well. Every time she'd find something wrong, like something with the armscye, or one of the collars, or the hems, or the pleats, or the fabric, or the stitching, or something else like that," Rainbow Dash sighed.

"I tried to warn them that they didn't want my honest opinion," Fluttershy meekly squeaked as she blushed and hid away in her mane.

"Yes, all that can be quite disappointing to hear. But I can assure you that none of my clothes have those problems," Rarity confidently stated.

"Well," Fluttershy started to say before Rainbow Dash lightly pushed her hoof against Fluttershy's muzzle.

"Come on, Fluttershy, we've talked about this," Rainbow Dash sighed.

"Right, sorry," Fluttershy muffledly said.

"Anyways," Luna said as she looked over all the outfits, "these clothes kind of look a little like the old minotaur mercenary clothes. A little smaller and a bit poofier, but I can definitely see the similarities. If you changed the pants with a plaid kilt and took off the sleeves from the shirt, then it'd look exactly like the old minotaurian creachadairean," Luna said as she looked over the details of the outfits.

"Hah, funny you should say that. These are landsknecht clothing worn by the Landsknechts; they were German mercenaries. Excellent ones, and very flamboyant, but make sure they get paid; otherwise, you'll lose control of them, and they might go sack a city," Julius said with a light laugh.

"I'm guessing that's happened before," Luna hummed as she felt the fabric.

"Yeah, it was one of the most complete sacks possible without completely destroying the city. It took Rome years to recover, but the mercenaries got paid, so, cash money?" Julius said with a shrug.

"Hah, that's always the case with mercenaries. In an odd way, it's comforting that it's the same in your world as in this world," Luna dryly laughed. "Though the flamboyance is very different from the minotaurs. Minotaurs prefer darker earthy colors; I'm guessing these Landsknechts wore many different colors," Luna said as she lightly tested the fabric.

"Oh, they wore all kinds of colors in all kinds of fashions. Rarity, Fluttershy, you might want to cover your ears for this," Julius said as he quickly turned to them. "Landsknechts even wore stripes with plaid and horizontal stripes with vertical stripes," Julius said as Rarity's and Fluttershy's eyes went wide. "They got your attention in every way possible. Though, to be fair, you have to be very self-assured and bold to wear stuff like that," Julius laughed.

"Yes, you do," Luna smiled. "I remember back in the day, smaller dragons, about your size," Luna said as she pointed at Julius, "would also wear such bold and outlandish clothes. Both to announce themselves on the field and to attract mates. It worked quite well even inspired the look of the Jinetes of Cloudsdale," Lune smiled as she reminisced.

"You remember how the Jinetes looked? How did they look?" Fluttershy asked in surprise.

"Right, no remaining records," Luna sighed. "I believe I saw some younger dragons wearing the same clothes as way back then. If you go to the badlands, you might be able to see them, though it'll be dangerous. There'll be younger dragons there, so there'll likely be older dragons," Luna warned.

"And these clothes, they're similar to what the Jinetes wore?" Rarity asked.

"Very much so, yes," Luna assured the two ponies. "When flying over the area, I was surprised to see such accuracy. Though I did encounter a few elder dragons while flying over the area, I even encountered Torch, the current dragon lord. So if you go there, be very careful," Luna warned.

"What happened when you met Torch?" Julius asked as he listened.

"Oh, well, we talked for a little bit. Torch and I go way back. So we chatted, caught up a bit, and I went on my way. Even dragons want places like that cursed place sealed," Luna lightly huffed.

"What place?" Julius and Pinkie Pie asked.

"It's an ancient place, older than even Celestia and I. I'm not sure what it used to be, but what it was when we came was nothing short of horrifying. Celestia and I purged that place before we even tried to unite Equestria. Unfortunately, we could not destroy that place, so we kept it physically and magically sealed. The magic in that place is strong, so we have to refresh the magical seals now and then," Luna told the group.

"Wait, is that the same place that you and Zecora were talking about some days ago?" Julius asked as Luna nodded. "OK, really, what is that place?"

"It's a place where a truly disgusting practice took place. A truly evil cult carried out those acts. Now, that cult and those acts are best left long forgotten. The ponies have not seen acts nearly that bad in many lifetimes, and we'd like to keep it that way. But you," Luna said as she looked at Julius, "if your history is as dark as you say, I might say more, but if I do, please, don't tell others. It'd be for the best if such things are forgotten," Luna told Julius.

"Hah, if you want an example, I'll tell you about Vlad the Impaler. You'll never guess what he did," Julius lightly joked.

"I don't see how that's bad. You impale ponies all the time," Pinkie Pie jokingly said.

"Yeah, but in a different way," Julius laughed.

"I see," Luna said as she took a few deep breaths. "That sounds like a discussion best kept for a different time and in private. Until then, though, let's continue to look around. Rarity has made some fabulous clothes," Luna said as the group looked around Rarity's workshop and storage.

Chapter 55: On Medical Knowledge and Spirit Magic

"Well, this has been nice; your designs are very interesting," Julius said as he looked around Rarity's workshop, "but we should get going," Julius sighed as he started to walk out. "Though, you still need metal for my outfit, correct?" Julius asked as he scratched his chin.

"Correct. Unfortunately, no metal matches what's required for your clothes. They're all in bar or plate form, that is, assuming that they haven't been made into something," Rarity confirmed. "Even if they weren't, it's all too heavy, or stiff, or, well, both to be used," Rarity told Julius.

"Well, I have to go to Canterlot anyways, so how about we go there tomorrow?" Julius suggests to the group.

"There shouldn't be a problem, well, for the most part," Luna responded. "The court and," Luna snickered a little, "guards," Luna snickered again, "have been told about you. So as long as you stay in the castle and the castle grounds you should be fine. Leaving the castle grounds, though, could cause problems. Canterlot is an old city with many old families stuck in their ways. We could provide you with a guard detail, but that'd draw attention and could cause problems," Luna explained.

"Sadly, that sounds about right for Canterlot," Twilight sighed. "I've only ever seen diplomats, ambassadors, and other such dignitaries from different countries and species. Even while wearing obvious diplomatic clothes and guard ponies, most Canterlotians were cold towards them," Twilight agreed with Luna.

"Well, there are a few places that'd probably be fine with Julius," Spike spoke up. "Canterlot Confectioners," Spike said as Twilight looked at Spike, "that's Donut Joe's place. Maybe The House of Enchanted Comics. They seem to care more for their fans and readers than the creature. Oh, the School for Gifted Unicorns. I'd imagine they'd like to do some tests on you," Spike offers in suggestion.

"Well, I'm sure the castle alone will be fine. I'll definitely be staying away from that school, though. Under no circumstances am I a science experiment," Julius lightly laughs.

"Well, with the equipment there and the professors, they could learn a lot about you, and by extension you," Twilight absentmindedly said.

"Oh really? And just how would they do that?" Julius asked as he raised an eyebrow at Twilight.

"Oh, was that out loud, sorry," Twilight half-heartedly giggled while blushing. "They'd likely start with some blood tests, then some bio-physical tests, probably involving using medical magic to scan you while getting you to do various activities. Then there would be mental and psychological tests, testing your mental health and well-being, your general intelligence, how you'd react to different stimuli. Spike went through those tests before," Twilight told Julius.

"It was a long month," Spike sighed.

"Not only no, but hell no," Julius flatly said. "I already know that I'm generally healthy, with a slight need to watch my diet for cholesterol and with O Negative blood. Blood tests suck; I'm not having any done unless absolutely necessary. Also, I'm not staying away for testing for a month, just no," Julius firmly told Twilight.

"Blood type? What's that?" Twilight eagerly asked.

"You haven't found out about blood types yet?" Julius asked as Twilight looked right at him. "Right, it's only useful for blood transfusions. Your parents and genetics determine your blood type. O Negative means any human can receive my blood. It also means that my sister, my brother, my father, and I kept getting harassed for our blood," Julius explained to Twilight.

"What about your mother?" Twilight asked. "Doesn't she have the same blood?"

"Nope, well, kind of; mother has O Positive blood. She gets the odd call for her blood, but not as often as the rest of us," Julius sighed as he rubbed his head in memory of all the phone calls.

"Why do they keep coming after you for it? Can't they just go to other people?" Twilight asked.

"Not really. O Negative is extremely rare. While anyone can take our blood, we can only receive other O Negative blood. It kind of puts us in an awkward position. Thank my father for that," Julius laughed.

"Why, what did he do?" Twilight asked as she listened.

"Well, my mother had a rough childbirth. She needed a blood transfusion during it, so in stepped my father. It worked, but he was on record as a blood donor from then. I suppose we can complain, but we still joke about it," Julius laughed.

"Awww, that's sweet of him," Twilight cooed.

"Yeah. As I said, he's a good man, just wasn't around too much. Thank his work for that," Julius sighed.

"Sounds like it," Twilight said as she hummed. "So blood types are used to determine what blood somecreature can receive. Is that correct?"

"Basically, yes. Well, blood cells and plasma," Julius nodded.

"I see. The Equestrian Medical University needs to hear about this!" Twilight happily clapped as Julius gave her an odd look. "Right, we already do transfusions, but they're magically aided for success. Without magic, they usually fail. It's been theorized that there's a way to do transfusions without magic reliably, but no way has been found. With this, we know what to look for; it solves a medical mystery!" Twilight happily said.

"I see; it's always good to have a non-magical solution, just in case. Tell them to look at the blood plasma and blood cells for markers when you tell them. That's how you'll determine the blood type," Julius tells a very giddy Twilight.

"I will!" Twilight happily said. "Who knows what else we'll find with this! Maybe it'll just be blood types, but could we also learn more about possible magic unique to blood? I can't wait!" Twilight giddily said.

"Twilight," Luna sighed, "blood magic is illegal in Equestria. I would have thought that Celestia would have taught you that," Luna told Twilight.

"If it was to help ponies, I'm sure it'd be fine. Besides, we use magic for transfusions already," Twilight argued.

"That was heavily debated but was decided that it wasn't blood magic. Besides, just because magic can be helpful to ponies doesn't mean it's safe," Luna told Twilight, who just looked at her. "Celestia hasn't taught you anything about spirit magic, has she?" Luna asked as Twilight shook her head. "The most well-known spirit magic is dark magic. It's often seen as evil, though it's not inherently evil. As you can infer, light magic also exists. It's often seen as inherently good, though, again, not true. Tell me, have you heard of the healer's curse?" Luna asked Twilight.

"A little bit. I think the records of it were destroyed. So all I know are old foal's tales," Twilight told Luna.

"Well, ages ago, spirit magic was more commonly used. Light magic was often used to supplement healing magic, and it worked to great effect. However, those healed with this light augmented healing had a high chance of suffering consequences. The healing would spiral out of control, as the healed creature would get covered by growths. The light magic, which was meant to help, harmed far more than it helped. This phenomenon became known as the healer's curse. A counter was developed, but it too was risky, as it used dark magic to counter the light magic. And even then, the growths would need to be removed. This whole event was just one reason that spirit magic was banned, despite being extraordinarily powerful," Luna explained to Twilight.

"That's awful; I feel so sorry for those poor creatures," Twilight and Fluttershy both said. "Are there any creatures in Equestria that know spirit magic?" Twilight asked.

"Well, three creatures legally know it. Celestia, Cadance, and I," Luna told Twilight. "Celestia specialized in light, while I specialized in dark. I'm sure that in forgotten corners, there are those who use it illegally, but they wouldn't use it openly," Luna told Twilight.

"I see. Is there any chance I can learn it?" Twilight eagerly asked.

"No," Luna flatly responded. "It's only taught to alicorns, and that's out of necessity, as the spell to turn one into an alicorn involves infusing them with spirit magic," Luna explained to Twilight.

"Wait, infused with spirit magic," Twilight hummed. "That sounds like what happened to Julius," Twilight slowly said.

"You are quite sharp, that is correct," Luna confirmed. "While it's unclear just how much it's affected him, it's likely that Julius will need to learn some basic control of dark magic out of necessity. That is still something Celestia and I have to agree on. Julius, not knowing any is dangerous, as if it goes out of control; well, Sombra learned what happens first hoof. On the other hoof, spirit magic is extremely seductive to use. It's far stronger than regular magic. Once a creature starts using it, it can become easy to allow yourself to be controlled by it, which is dangerous," Luna explained. "Honestly, there isn't a good option here. Though something that can work in favor for him learning it is him not jumping to use magic to solve every problem, and him not relying on magic."

"Hah, why do I have the feeling that's a backhanded comment at Twilight," Julius lightly laughed.

"Well, Twilight did rely on magic during the Winter Wrap-Up, well, at first," Rainbow Dash said while looking at Twilight.

"Ohhh, Ohhh!" Pinkie Pie said as she started bouncing. "Winter Wrap-Up! Winter Wrap-Up! Let's finish our holiday cheer!" Pinkie Pie started to sing.

"Pinkie Pie, it's not Winter Wrap-Up. It's not even winter; save it for next year," Rainbow Dash told Pinkie Pie.

"Awww, but it's so catchy, Dashy," Pinkie Pie pouted. "Oh well!" Pinkie Pie started to sing. "Springtime Mash-Up! Springtime Mash-Up!" Pinkie Pie began to sing in the same voice.

"Kind of walked right into that one, didn't you?" Julius laughed while looking at Rainbow Dash. "Ah well, she isn't wrong; it is catchy, even if it's not the type of music I usually listen to," Julius said as he lightly hummed along.

"Agreed, it is, but it's more of a seasonal song. It feels weird hearing it out of season," Rainbow Dash told Julius.

"I agree with Rainbow Dash. While the song is catchy, hearing it out of season just sounds a bit odd to me," Rarity chimed in agreement with Rainbow Dash. "So, you'll be going to Canterlot and staying in the castle. Can I come!" Rarity happily asked as her eyes twinkled.

"I don't see why not. I mean, I can't imagine a castle is hurting for rooms. But wouldn't that mean losing out on business?" Julius asked.

"Oh please," Rarity brushed off. "A day off can easily be justified when you're building possible future business relations. Besides, a chance to stay in a castle in Canterlot, how could I say no?" Rarity asked as she looked at Luna.

"Well, there are a lot of empty rooms at the castle that are there for guests. However, I don't know how exciting it'll be. Most of the nobles are in court for the day, where they argue and debate over small silly things. Though, some of the dignitaries seem like they could be interesting," Luna told Rarity.

"So I can come, great!" Rarity giddily sang as she happily jumped up and down.

"I don't see why not," Luna said, "though, I don't look forward to staying up in the morning to leave. Nights are long and tiring. Hopefully, tonight will be an easy night," Luna sighed. "And hopefully, I won't have to go to your dreams," Luna said as she looked at Julius.

"Wait, why me specifically?" Julius asked.

"Your dreamscape, or at least what little I've experienced of it, is odd. I wouldn't say it's draining or anything, but it's different. It could be unique to you, or it could be a human thing. That, combined with the unusual way I had to enter it, lends itself to an unusual experience, one I don't want to deal with if I know I'm in for an early morning," Luna explained.

"Can't you enter it more easily now? I thought you could enter it more easily now?" Julius asked.

"To an extent, yes, though, it still feels odd. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Griffon's dreams feel different from the dreams of ponies, so I think that it's a human thing and that I just need to get used to the feeling of your dreams," Luna assured Julius.

"Ah, OK," Julius said, "I'll try not to have any bad dreams for you then," Julius said with a light smile. "Instead, I'll have a late-night and try to find that odd figure I saw in the Everfree," Julius lightly joked.

"Please don't," Luna smiled as she shook her head.

"Oh come on, I said that ironically, we should be fine," Julius laughed as he looked around. "Wanna watch me tempt fate. What are the odds of that happening? Again, said it ironically, we should be fine," Julius laughed as Rainbow Dash laughed too.

"Pinkie warning, Pinkie warning!" Pinkie Pie quickly said as her body convulsed oddly. "And it's a doozy," Pinkie Pie sighed as Rainbow Dash stopped laughing.

"What?" Julius and Twilight asked.

"My Pinkie Sense is telling me something big is going to happen," Pinkie Pie explained to the two. "Though I don't know what, I never felt anything like this before," Pinkie Pie hummed in thought. "No, wait, I did once. Right before the whole Nightmare Moon thing, remember Dashy? That reminds me, you still own me a cupcake from that," Pinkie Pie said as she booped Rainbow Dash.

"Do I? I thought I gave you one for that," Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Julius. "Well, apparently, you temped fate to give you exactly what you want," Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"Doubt it. I mean, really, what are the odds of that happening?" Julius asked as Pinkie Pie convulsed again. "That, proves, nothing," Julius firmly stated.

"I don't know; it proves enough to me," Pinkie Pie told Julius. "Even if you don't believe it, could you stop tempting fate? The convulsions are getting annoying. I mean, at least my twitchy tail feels funny, and my flappy ears look cute," Pinkie Pie told Julius.

"You know what? Just for you, I'll do it," Julius told Pinkie Pie.

Thank you!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she lightly kissed Julius's cheek.

"No problem," Julius smiled. "Now, let's get back to Zecora's, it sounds like we have a busy day tomorrow, and I wanna be rested for it," Julius said as Twilight looked out a window.

"Yeah, it's starting to get dark; we should be headed back," Twilight said in agreement with Julius. Looking between Julius and Spike, Julius nodded. "Spike, wanna come with us?"

"Sure, while it's nice to have spent so much time with Rarity, it'll be good to spend the night with you again," Spike said while smiling.

"Alright, I'll see you all out," Rarity said as she led them to the door. "Have a good rest, and I'll see you all bright-eyed in the morning!" Rarity happily said as she saw the group off.

Chapter 56: Why Does That Place Still Exist

Making their way back to Zecora's house, the group took in the sights of the Everfree Forest in the evening. The soft light of the setting sun painted the mystical forest in a gentle, warm glow that made several flowers glow.

"Ohhhh, glowy," Pinkie Pie cooed as she spotted some glowing flowers.

"You might wanna stay away from those flowers. Believe it or not, those are poison joke. Zecora and I have no idea why they glow in the setting sun. If I had to guess, well, the flower wants to make you laugh, so better to lure you in, I guess," Julius explained with a shrug.

"Oh, do they," Pinkie Pie slyly said with a smirk. "Maybe I wanna try it," Pinkie Pie said as she started to walk towards the flowers.

"Don't," Julius told her. "If you wanna try it, Zecora has poison joke extract at her house, and she has the antidote there. If you wanna try it, please, at least do it in a controlled setting," Julius asked of Pinkie Pie.

"Fine, but I better get something funny," Pinkie Pie pouted with a giggle.

"You will, though; I can't promise you'll find it funny. I'm sure we will, but you, well, you might not," Julius said as the group continued along the path.

"I don't know," Pinkie Pie said as she looked at Julius. "I know something's going to happen, so I'm sure I'll be OK with it," Pinkie Pie insisted.

"Well, if anyone can take a joke, it's you. So, it's possible, still, expect some kind of physical change," Julius warned Pinkie Pie.

"Ohhhh, that has me more interested," Pinkie Pie smiled. "Think I'll get wings? Or maybe a horn? Or, or, maybe I'll become glow in the dark, like a light-up Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she bounced along.

"Well, I suppose it's possible. Still, I wouldn't count on it. Poison joke is kind of a jerk. I guarantee you, if it gives you something you want, strings will be attached. That's why, if you're going to try it, you'd best have the antidote with you," Julius told Pinkie Pie.

"Sensible precaution," Twilight commented. "What is the antidote to poison joke?" Twilight asked.

"It's a potion that you take as a bubble bath. Well, I suppose you can drink it too, but, from what I remember, it doesn't taste very good. It makes a great bubble bath, but otherwise, it tastes like sweetened soap," Julius grimaced as the ponies shuttered.

"Yes, that sounds about right for the antidote," Luna said. "As I remember it, the antidote never tasted good. Still, to hear it tastes like sweetened soap is a vast improvement of its taste."

"It used to taste worse? What did it taste like?" Julius asked as he immediately rethought what he said. "Never mind, I don't want to know."

"Hah, smart, safe to say though, it tasted truly rancid," Luna laughed. "Even my sister and I could only barely withstand the taste."

"Really, Celestia had trouble with the taste?" Twilight asked, puzzled. "I mean, I've tried some of the peppers she eats, so it's hard to believe there's a thing she couldn't eat."

"Does Celestia have bad-tasting peppers?" Julius asked.

"No, but they're absurdly spicy," Twilight laughed. "I accidentally ate one before; I thought of lighting my mouth on fire to cool it down," Twilight laughed.

"That sounds about right," Luna flatly said. "Celestia always had a penchant for spicy food. Though, I suppose when you can breathe fire, you find little to be hot or spicy."

"Makes sense. I'll keep it in mind to stay away from any peppers tomorrow," Julius said.

"Not all of them are spicy. Just avoid the glowing red ones with yellow stripes and orange seeds. Those are the spiciest ones; they always have been," Luna told Julius. "I remember when we were unifying Equestria, a Vanhoover ambush captured a caravan with those peppers. The raiders made the mistake of eating them. Our forces captured them as they threw themselves in a nearby river. It was easy to capture them; all we had to do was tell them that we had a way to neutralize the spiciness," Luna said with a laugh.

"You could have stopped at 'glowing red' that was enough to tell me not to eat them," Julius huffed with a chuckle.

"I suppose that's true," Luna said as Zecora's house came in view. "Well, I guess that we're back," Luna said as she walked up to the door.

"Yeah, we are. You lot go ahead. I've been a bit lazy today, so I'm going to spend some time exercising in the forest," Julius told the group.

"Are you sure? Isn't the Everfree Forest dangerous at night?" Twilight asked.

"Not as much as you'd think. Besides, I know this place well enough. If nothing else, it'll never be as dangerous as that time the shadow walkers attacked me," Julius flatly said.

"If you insist, at least take something with you for protection," Luna told Julius.

"Alright," Julius acquiesced. "I don't suppose you have anything like that with you, do you?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna.

"On me, no, at the castle, yes," Luna told Julius. "Though, I seem to recall you were saying something about blessed salt, why not make some more?" Luna asked as she held her gaze.

"You just want to see it being made, don't you?" Julius asked after thinking about it for a minute.

"Guilty," Luna giggled. "Though, it would be helpful to see how it's made. As things stand, I can only guess how it works. To truly understand how it works, I need to see it being made, see it in use, and use it myself," Luna told Julius.

"Fair, though I think it's just faith-based," Julius said as Luna opened the door.

"That's likely, which would make it a subset of spirit magic, likely light, or maybe dark-enhanced water magic," Luna said as the group entered Zecora's house.

"Hey Zecora, we're back," Julius said as he entered. "And I'm going right back out, well, after making some blessed salt, maybe some holy water too," Julius hummed as he shut the door and headed to the kitchen.

"Always on the move you are. Frankly, it's a surprise that, as of yet, you haven't gotten a mar," Zecora said as she followed Julius into the kitchen. "I hope you don't mind, but I think I'll watch. I've tried to make your blessed salt, but so far, it's been botch after botch. I can't quite tell why; all I do is the same as you. Perhaps by watching through first hoof review, I can see how to make it true," Zecora said as she stood close to Luna and Julius.

"Sure, why not? It looks like I'm going to have an audience anyways. Besides, I don't think secrecy is required to make blessed salt," Julius said as he got a stone bowl and some salt. Pouring the salt into the bowl, Julius took a few deep breaths as he closed his eyes. Kneeling, Julius bowed his head. "Omnipotens sempiterne Deus," Julius started to say as he began a prayer. "Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum. Amen," Julius solemnly said as he finished the prayer.

Observing Julius, Zecora and Twilight made a quick look at Luna, who made a soft hum. The three watched as Julius got another bowl. Half filling the bowl, Julius once again kneeled.

"O aqua, creature Dei," Julius started to pray. After finishing his prayer, Julius added some blessed salt to the water. Pouring it into the water in the shape of a cross, Julius solemnly prayed. "Miscetur sal et aqua; in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen," Julius prayed in a relatively short prayer. After ending the prayer, Julius took a few breaths both, again, closing his eyes. "Benedictus es, Domine, omnipotens Deus -" Julius started to pray yet again. "- ut semper in novitate vitae ambulemus," Julius finishes his prayer as he made the sign of a cross over the water. "And after a lot of Latin prayers, blessed salt, and holy water," Julius said as he turned around. "Thoughts?"

"Definitely spirit magic," Luna said without hesitation. "During your first prayer, I could feel the telltale sign of light magic. And yet, oddly, it feels like both are trying to resist magic itself," Luna told Julius. "Could you flick a few drops at me?" Luna asked.

"Weird request, but OK," Julius said as he dipped a finger in the holy water. As Julius flicked a few drops at Luna, Luna tried to block the drops with her magic. As Luna's magic touched the drops of holy water, the air seemed to shimmer and fizzle as both the drops and Luna's magic violently fizzled away.

"As I suspected," Luna hummed as she nodded. "Your holy water, and blessed salt, seem to be extraordinarily anti-magic. Such things can be highly valuable and useful. If it's not too much to ask, could you make some more, preferably soon? I think I have an idea to weave it into protective runes, and there are a few places that need strong runes," Luna tells Julius.

"Like that weird place you had to go to some time ago?" Julius asked as he packed up the blessed salt and holy water.

"Among other places, yes," Luna told Julius.

"I suppose, though, Zecora just saw me make it; maybe she could try to make it?" Julius asked.

"That I could not do. Your faith I'd have to be inducted into. Such is the way of faith-based magic, be it direct or potion. Whether or not I would is a difficult notion. I know little of it and little of the ordained ways. And to learn them would take many days. For one such as I, it's a difficult contemplation. I'm afraid I need much more information," Zecora told Julius.

"Quite. At best, one not of your faith could only make a drastically weaker version of the two. Such is how faith-based magic works, no matter its form," Luna said as she backed up Zecora.

"Yeah, I thought as much, still, worth a try," Julius sighed. "Alright, I'll make some for you, but I wanna go with you to this place. I'm curious to what it is," Julius firmly stated as Luna and Zecora shared a look of concern.

"It would be best for you not to go to such a place. For you, it could be a terrible case. Foul practices made their home at that cursed grotto in ages long since passed. A terrible practice, one that would leave you aghast," Zecora firmly warned Julius.

"Zecora is correct. Though my sister and I have long since cleared that place out, we have no idea what evil magic might still linger there. That's why that grotto has been kept sealed, warded, guarded, and off the maps," Luna told Julius.

"Cool story and all, still curious, though. I'm not budging on this," Julius shot back as he made for the door. Following Julius out, Luna walked close to him. "I'm headed out for a bit, getting some late day, early night exercise," Julius said as he opened the door. Following Julius out the door, Luna quickly shut the door behind them.

"You won't let this go, will you?" Luna asked as she held the door shut tight with her magic.

"Yeah, that's right, I'm sticking firm on this," Julius firmly said as he looked into Luna's eyes. As the two shared a deep look. Sighing, Luna spoke up.

"Look, speak of this to nocreature, alright," Luna firmly told Julius as she slowly walked him a little bit further from Zecora's house.

"Alright," Julius said as he let Luna lead him.

"Many years ago, when Celestia and I set up the Principality of Canterlot, all sorts of sects existed across Equestria. One such sect worshiped the windigoes, evil spirits, representing the absolute worst of winter and death. This place was one of their sect's sacred places," Luna started to explain. "Tell me, do you know what gelding is?" Luna asked.

"Why do you ask?" Julius said as he gave Luna an odd look before taking a step back.

"I'll take that as a yes," Luna said as Julius nodded. "Well, at this place, the windigo cult practiced that very thing as a part of their foul rituals; thus, the name of that place, gelding grotto," Luna told Julius.

"Oh, OK," Julius calmly said as he started to walk away with a blank look on his face. After making it a few steps into the forest, Julius rapidly walked back to Luna. "WAIT. WHAT?" Julius asked as emotion returned to his face, a mixture of anger and disbelief.

"An appropriate reaction," Luna said. "Our reaction was much the same when we learned of the place. Celestia and I went to that place and cleared it out. Afterward, we warded the area and sealed it," Luna told Julius.

"Why not destroy the area? Celestia has the power of the sun at her disposal. Blast that whole area in fire, bathe it in an inferno, destroy it with fire!" Julius proclaimed. "Hell, you control the moon, and it's a grotto, use the tides to flood that place, then summon a kraken or something to destroy it!"

"We considered destroying it, believe me, but that risks any trapped magic being released into the world. It was deemed safer to contain the magic, to seal the place and keep it warded," Luna explained to Julius. "though if it makes you feel any better, I had a similar reaction," Luna chuckled. "Anyways, that's why I want some blessed salt and holy water. If I can work it into my wards, it can better contain the magic there. Though I'll have to perfect it in a controlled environment, and that might take some time, it's a time investment I'm willing to make," Luna told Julius.

"Look, I'll think about it," Julius sighed. "I'm still curious about that place, but I don't really wanna go there now," Julius said as he scratched his chin. "Look, if this really is faith-based, then I'll pray on it. If I get something telling me 'OK,' then I'll make some for you, alright?" Julius offered.

"That is acceptable," Luna said as she turned around. "I'm going back inside now; try not to stay out too late," Luna sang as she gave Julius a wink.

"No promises. After all, I might find that odd figure," Julius laughed as he turned to face the forest.

"If you do, make the same type of protective circle and fall asleep in it. I'll keep watch out for your dream. If I see it while you're not here, I'll go to it so we can talk, alright?" Luna asked as she turned to Julius.

"Got it," Julius said with a nod.

"Good," Luna smiled with a nod. "Now, don't stay out too late," Luna smiled as she reentered Zecora's house.

"Don't worry; I won't dream horse, I won't," Julius said to himself as he went off into the Everfree for some late-day, early-evening exercise.

Chapter 57: A Ghost, And A Cursed Village

Dashing deftly through the forest, Julius went on a nice, head-clearing run through the woods. Julius decided to practice some parkour while running through the woods, getting somewhat fancy. Flipping over a few exposed roots, swinging from branch to branch, bouncing off of tree trunks, Julius bounded through the forest with increasing speed and ease. As Julius made his way through the woods, something caught his gaze. A shimmering light seemed to hide in the corner of his eyes. Trying to turn his head towards the shimmer, Julius fails, only barely keeping it in his peripheral vision. Taking a few deep breaths, Julius slows and steadies his breathing before trying to follow the shimmering light.

Following the odd shimmering light was challenging. At times it moved extremely fast, seemingly plowing through the forest as if nothing was there; at others, it seemed to slow right down, as if letting him catch up or scanning the area. Staying firmly out of sight, Julius trusted his senses to tell where the light was. Feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, Julius began rapidly looking around. Spotting a small drop with a large tree right on edge, Julius lightly smiled, resisting the urge to laugh.

"Well, it worked for the hobbits; why not?" Julius mirthfully thought as he ducked down under the roots of the tree. Julius steadied his breathing and attempted to hide, taking several slow deep breaths. Hearing no steps but hearing leaves rustling and branches breaking, Julius pushed himself as far back as he could, obscuring himself as deep beneath the tree as he could. Finally, taking a few moments, Julius covered his face in dirt and leaves to try to reduce any glare his skin might give off. Laying flat to the ground, Julius waited a few tense moments.

"Where did you go, friend?" A cheerful, feminine voice sang out as the crunching and snapping sounds got closer.

"Oh, it knew I was following it. That's comforting," Julius thought as he suppressed a sigh and rolled his eyes.

"Come out, come out where ever you are," the voice sang as the shimmering light seemed to float down in front of the tree.

"Well, fuck," Julius thought as he reached for the blessed salt that he brought. Swiftly throwing a sloppy circle of it around himself, Julius finished the semi-circle just as the light touched the ground in front of him.

"I could have sworn that I heard something around here," the voice said as it looked around. The light appeared to be a female pony, but somehow, it seemed off. "I know you're around here somewhere," the voice said as it looked around.

"Yeah, but I'm hiding," Julius mentally laughed as he calmed himself. "Time for a nap. Gotta try to get in touch with Luna," Julius thought as he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. It took nearly half an hour of laying still with his eyes closed as the creature looked around, but finally, Julius managed to fall asleep. Fading out, Julius let himself fall into his dream realm.

"Alright. Assuming Luna is keeping a watch for my dream sign, or however she tracks my dreaming, she should be dropping by pretty soon," Julius said as he looked around his dreamscape. A grayscale forest surrounded him with trees in various states of being, some bearing leaves, some with leaves falling, and others with budding leaves. Roots broke the ground and twisted and turned, violently toiling the land. Clouds swirled overhead, making an ever-changing kaleidoscope of shapes. And finally, somewhere off in the distance appeared a few rustic buildings. "This is pretty tame and normal for one of my dreams. I'm chalking it up to the forest," Julius laughed as a heavy-looking door appeared in his dream. "Should be Luna," Julius said as the door began to open.

"Ran into some trouble, I take it?" Luna knowingly asked as she walked through the door.

"Yeah, I did," Julius flatly admitted. "I followed a weird glowing light. It turns out that was a" Julius stopped himself as he thought what the light-being was, "spirit, ghost, thing?" Julius said unsurely. "I don't know what exactly it was, but it was the same thing that I've seen before, I know that much," Julius told Luna as she calmly yet sternly nodded.

"I see," Luna softly hummed. "I should be able to get to you fairly quickly," Luna told Julius as a dome of light rhythmically flashed around Julius's dreamscape.

"What's this?" A female voice rang out in Julius's dream realm. "There's something here," the voice said as the dome flashed in a seeming knocking fashion.

"Oh, unlucky!" Julius lightly sang before looking at Luna. "That's the voice of the thing I was following; I think it found me," Julius told Luna.

"One, two, three, on the stranger!" The voice sang out as the flashing continued.

"Yes, it did," Luna said as she made for the door. "Stay in that barrier. Whatever you do, do not leave it. Do not listen to whatever it might say. Try not to look at it in its eyes. If you feel like something is urging you from the inside, hurt yourself in some way, pain tends to help in resisting such pulls. Might I suggest punching yourself in the arm?" Luna instructed Julius as she started to leave Julius's dream. "Don't worry, I'll get to you as soon as I can," Luna said as she left Julius's dream.

"Hah, so, that cliche stuff does work, neat," Julius said as he slowly woke himself up. Eyes slowly fluttering asleep, the first thing Julius saw were large, glowing pony eyes staring right at him. Biting his tongue hard, suppressing his voice, Julius rolled over to look at the dirt.

"Come on out from in there!" The voice sang as her hooves knocked at a barrier around Julius. "I know you're in there!" The voice continued to sing as it continued to knock at the barrier.

"Why me? Why all the time me? My name's not Reginald, and I'm a reasonably good person. So, why me?" Julius lamented in thought as he endured the knocking and singing commands. After a rather annoying amount of time, Julius finally heard a friendly voice.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" An extremely stern Luna commanded as she landed outside Julius's hiding place.

"Oh, were you the one hiding in this cave?" The creature asked as she turned around. "No, you can't be; I still sense something in there. Oh, are you a friend of the thing hiding in there?" The creature asked as she approached Luna.

"Enough!" Luna tersely commanded as she charged her horn. "You will answer my questions!" Luna firmly demanded. "Why are you here? What is your purpose?" Luna demanded as she leveled her horn at the creature. "Ghosts don't normally exist here," Luna stated as she readied herself for a confrontation.

"Ah, so you could tell? Well, I suppose it's pretty obvious," the ghost laughed. "I'm still around because of a curse on my village, or, well, I suppose my former village," the ghost forlornly said. "I've been lurking in these woods for; I don't know how long, trying to find somepony to lift the curse. I remember when this forest was bright, beautiful, and benevolent, whatever happened to it?" The ghost wistfully sighed.

"Wait, you remember when this was the Everbright Forest? How long have you been here?" Luna asked, surprise evident in her voice.

"A long time," the ghost laughed. "I don't suppose you can lift the curse on my village, can you?" The ghost asked as she looked at Luna.

"Yes, and no," Luna told the ghost. "While I can lift the curse, due to the twisted magic of the Everfree Forest, the curse will just come back. In order for the curse to remain broken, the Everfree Forest would have to become the Everbright Forest again. Sadly, I do not know how to make that happen," Luna told the ghost.

"Oh, I see," the ghost sadly said. "But, even with the curse being temporally lifted, it would be enough for the others to get some rest, correct?" The ghost asked.

"For a time, yes. They will come back, though; I don't know how long that'll take," Luna told the ghost.

"Hey, that works for me!" the ghost happily sang as she bounced around. "Here, follow me!" The ghost happily sang as she started to prance away.

"Very well," Luna sighed. "Stay hidden," Luna shouted out as she followed the ghost, "I'll be right back."

"Got it, Luna," Julius quietly said as he lightly stretched his body. "Please, hurry up. If you don't, my everything will be stiff," Julius groaned as he stretched his body. "Oh, this is cramped," Julius complained in a grunted sigh.

After waiting for what felt like days, but it was only an hour or so, Julius finally heard something not natural to any forest. Julius heard the sound of lasers being fired in the distance. Julius stayed firmly in place, resisting every urge telling him to rush towards the sounds; Julius stayed firmly in place.

"Luna doesn't need my help; I'll only get in the way," Julius kept telling himself as the sounds of lasers continued. After several moments Julius sighed. "I really wanna see what's happening," Julius lightly whined as he heard a loud burst. "Well, something just happened," Julius laughed and sighed as he tried to get comfortable. Waiting several moments, Julius eventually saw dark blue legs and hooves land outside his hiding place.

"It's alright; the ghost problem has been resolved, well, for now," Luna told Julius as she looked into Julius's hiding place.

"Good," Julius firmly said as he crawled out of his hiding place. "The was really uncomfortable," Julius said as he cracked his body.

"I can imagine," Luna lightly laughed as she heard Julius stretch his body. "After you limber up, I need you to follow me," Luna told Julius as he stretched.

"Why, what's up?" Julius asked as he rolled his shoulders.

"That ghost's village has been cleansed. But it's only temporary. Even with my magic, the ward would have to be refreshed now and then. I'd like to see how well your blessed salt and holy water works in reinforcing such a ward. I would test them myself, but they seem faith-based, so I'm not too sure how well they'd work if I tried to use them," Luna told Julius.

"That's fair, though; they should work. They did for the jackass," Julius sighed as Luna looked oddly at him. "Right, I suppose I should explain," Julius said as he ushed Luna to lead him to the village. "So, back in my world, there's this thing called an ouija board. Supposedly, it lets you talk to the dead, but most of the 'talking' can be explained with science," Julius said as Luna gave him a stern look.

"I thought you said magic doesn't exist in your world? And either way, you shouldn't disturb the dead," Luna told Julius.

"I never said for sure that magic doesn't exist in my world, and I agree with you about the dead," Julius told Luna. "Anyways, using ouija boards is highly unrecommended; when you get Christians and Wiccans agreeing that something is a very bad idea, it's a very bad idea, don't do it. Sadly, a guy at my school didn't listen to Lily or me and used an ouija board. The first results were what we expected; the second results had all of us, save the first guy, going to church. That guy got fucked, until Father O'Sullivan purified his house; for good measure, Lily also purified his house. Despite the guy being an Athiest, the purifications worked," Julius told Luna.

"I see," Luna hummed. "What happened the second time you used the board, and how were you involved?" Luna asked as she led Julius to the village.

"Well, I just wrote down the results of the board. They were all typical answers the first time, which was expected, as nobody was blindfolded. The second time though, they were all blindfolded. Every answer appeared to be in gibberish, our Finnish friend though, he turned pale, well, even paler. The answers were in Finnish. He translated them for us, and that freaked us out. We ended the ouija session then booked it to church to confess, repent, and purify. But, the guy who started the whole thing, he didn't believe and didn't take any of it seriously. Long story short, he almost died, he reluctantly agreed to the purification, then, after it worked, and after all that, he still doesn't believe or even concede that something supernatural happened," Julius sighed.

"Well, if magic in your world is so rare, I'm not too surprised. Still, experiencing all that, I'd at least consider respecting such things," Luna said as the two of them entered the village. Skeletons of ponies littered the ground around the village.

"The hell happened here?" Julius asked as he looked around.

"Oh, cursed zombie ponies infested this village," Luna said very matter-of-factly. "I got rid of them, though, as you can tell," Luna told Julius.

"Yes, you did, though the bodies are still here. Might I recommend fire?" Julius asked.

"Wouldn't help. It's a curse; destroying the bodies would only worsen things. The spirits will be bound to bodies; without bodies, the spirits will be free to roam as ghosts, which are far harder to deal with. At least with bodies, they can be outrun, and they cannot possess you," Luna told Julius as she walked towards the town's well. "Here, try purifying this well," Luna said as she pointed at the well.

"Very well," Julius said as he walked up to the well. Pouring some holy water down the well, Julius said a short prayer as white-blue sparks flew from the well.

"Interesting," Luna said as one of the sparks hit her. "That's unpleasant," Luna laughed as she shook her head.

"Are you OK?" Julius asked as he finished his prayer.

"I'm fine," Luna told Julius. "The spark felt purifying, if that makes any sense. Now, follow me; there is another place that should be purified," Luna said as she went to a somewhat nearby house. Following Luna, Julius entered the nearby house. As Julius entered, Luna stood by a fireplace and pointed at it.

"Ah, the fireplace, I take it?" Julius asked as Luna nodded. "Very well," Julius said as he walked up to it. Looking inside, Julius looked back at Luna. "You're aware there's a skeleton in the fireplace, right?" Julius asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, that's the skeleton of the ghost pony that you saw. Now, imagine if she was hostile. That's what would happen if we destroyed the bodies," Luna told Julius.

"That'd be bad, very bad," Julius lightheartedly chucked. "Alright, time to purify the fireplace," Julius said as he flicked holy water into the fireplace. After flicking in the holy water, Julius drew unbroken lines of blessed salt around the openings of the fireplace. Julius said another short prayer; white-blue sparks once again bounced around the place, only, this time, they appeared to be contained in the fireplace.

"Interesting, very interesting," Luna said as she watched Julius. Finishing up, the two of them left the house.

"Anything else?" Julius asked as he looked around the village.

"No, that should be good," Luna told Julius. "Now, let's head back to Zecora's place. Best not to worry the others," Luna said.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Julius agreed as he followed Luna.

"Would you mind telling me about any magic from your world? Like things about it that are believed about it," Luna asked as the two walked back.

"Sure," Julius hummed in thought. "Guess I should start with what I know of Wicca, fitting considering we're going to Zecora's," Julius laughed.

"Why is that fitting?" Luna asked as the two walked through the forest.

"You'll understand when I tell you how they do magic," Julius told Luna as the two made their way back to Zecora's place.

Chapter 58: Zecora's Thoughts on Wiccan Potions, And a Myth

"This Wicca you speak of sounds very similar to the Zebrican belief," Luna told Julius. "Admittedly, I don't know that much about their traditional belief, but the veneration of spirits and creation of potions as a magical medium fits right in. If I remember, even this threefold rule fits in with some Zebrican sects," Luna said as she and Julius approached Zecora's house.

"Well, good thing I don't know too much about Wicca," Julius lightheartedly laughed. "Though I know one Wiccan spell, the one Lily cast on me to convince me that she could do magic," Julius said as Luna gave him a quick look. "Right, it was a spell to give the person it was cast on wealth; Lily cast that spell on me. On the one hand, I did find more coins on the ground; on the other hand, like ten bucks in change over seven years isn't really wealth," Julius told Luna as the two briefly stopped outside Zecora's door.

"That could be interesting," Luna hummed. "Assuming it's a potion," Luna started to say, as Julius nodded, "then Zecora should be able to make it work if it can work. If not, it'll still be interesting to see what happens. Well, who knows, it could lead to a new kind of potion being made," Luna said with a smile before opening the door to Zecora's house. "We're back!"

"That we are," Julius followed up as the two entered Zecora's house.

"You have been out for quite a long time tonight. From the way you carry yourself, I'd say you countered quite a fright. Luna's absence has been noticed. To go to an area that is the remotest. A creature most unusual given Julius an invite. For Luna to intercede, performing a rite," Zecora welcomed the two as she read their body language.

"You know, your ability to read people is stupefyingly uncanny; remind me to never play poker with you. Or any social deduction game for that matter," Julius laughed as he walked up to Zecora. "Random question, do you have the following?" Julius asked as he listed off several herbs and a few other odder things.

"Some such herbs I do possess. But others I do not, I must confess. These ingredients are odd; why you want them, I have to guess. To make a potion I have not heard of, not to digress. Where have you heard of one needing such things, I must ask. The formula, I would imagine, would be odd for such a task. Mixing things of plant and metal leads to a potion that's difficult to settle. Such is the nature of the craft when slag and crag are fused with petal and nettle," Zecora told Julius.

"Thought as much, shame," Julius sighed as he shook his head. "Those were the ingredients for a potion of wealth from my world. Well, alleged potion of wealth. A religious group from my world uses potions like that as magic. Honestly, I'm curious if such potions would work in this world," Julius said as Twilight swiftly appeared next to Julius. "Where'd you come from?" Julius asked as a bright-eyed Twilight looked on with intense interest.

"Oh, please, don't mind me, continue!" Twilight energetically said as she listened on.

"You mentioned new magic," Pinkie Pie said from the bedroom. "That gave her energy and made her interested. She'll be with you until you're finished talking. Speaking of, it's getting late," Pinkie Pie told the group.

"Yeah, that tracks, shoulda seen that coming," Julius laughed as he scratched Twilight's head while Zecora sternly hummed.

"Great care must be taken here," Zecora sternly warned. "If not, foul things could easily appear. Such potions are known to my kind. Though, they're rarely brewed, for they can leave one in quite a bind. An offering made in the form of a potion, such is what you have described. It is worn as an amulet to the spirit it has been ascribed. Such bribery can sway their humor. But, to the other spirits, it will create a rumor. The boon of one oft leads to the bane of another. It's best to stay neutral, then seek the blessing of one and the ire of the other," Zecora warned Julius.

"Oh, so such a thing is possible," Julius said in mild surprise. "I know it's a bit iffy, but can we try anyways. For me, and Twilight too; honestly, she might go insane otherwise," Julius pleaded with Zecora. Closing her eyes, Zecora spent a few moments in thought.

"Wealth, in monetary form, is that of the earth. The spirit of wind is who you must give mirth. Placate that spirit first before the potion is made. That would be the safest course to take for this trade," Zecora told Julius. "In some time, back in my kind's realm. There will be a festival by an ancient elm. It is dedicated to Upepo wa Upepo wa Uzuri wa Anga, the lord spirit of air. Placate her first, then your path shall be fair," Zecora told Julius.

"So, field trip to Zecora's homeland in a few weeks?" Julius asked as he looked at Zecora, who nodded. "Great. Honestly, kind of interested in seeing your homeland. I don't know why, but I'm getting the feeling that it's some kind of forest or jungle between mountains and the ocean," Julius said as he rubbed the back of his neck in thought.

"Good guess, you are correct. That does sound much like my homeland, last time I checked," Zecora told Julius. "A verdant land, rich in natural resources and beauty. Unfortunately, often a target of pirates looking for booty. In great abundance are gold and jade. Common in our jewelry in trade. As too are plants not known to Equestrian lands. Both here and in others, they fetch high demands," Zecora explained to Julius.

"Hah, in a way, that sounds like Mesoamerica," Julius laughed. "Well, minus all the more extreme aspects," Julius nervously laughed as Zecora looked oddly at him. "Trust me; you don't wanna know. The short of it, death in battle was far better than getting captured," Julius said, shocking Zecora and Twilight, while Luna lightly nodded.

"Yes," Luna forlornly hummed. "There have been societies like that in the distance past. Fortunately, shortly after Equestria was unified, my sister and I got to work either reforming such societies or ending them," Luna said as Twilight quickly looked at Luna. "At first, we would offer to help reform such societies in any feasible ways. Many societies took that offer; a few took it after their locals revolted," Luna lightly laughed. "But there were a rare few that refused. For them, well, action had to be taken," Luna tiredly sighed. "How far my sister has fallen? How far I have fallen?" Luna again sighed, this time quietly under her breath.

"How so? What do you mean?" Julius and Twilight both asked.

"Oh, you heard that," Luna dryly laughed. "Back then, my sister and I were quite different. While I have seen Celestia make hard decisions, she doesn't do so with the same thoroughness, the same zeal as she once did. Where once Celestia brooked no threat to Equestria, now she talks to those very threats while trying to micromanage the ponies. Though, I can't say I'm any better. What happened to us?" Luna sighed as thoughts of days gone by flooded her head.

"From the sounds of it, you both got too comfy," Julius blankly said. "It happens when an empire gets too strong. After they face no threats, they start to weaken. Vigilance gives way to complacency, and thus, slow rot sets into the empire. It happens to every empire, at least, it has in my world," Julius sighed.

"Sadly, that sounds about right," Luna sighed as she shook her head. "I've been away for quite some time, and few great empires have existed in our world. Equestria, The Griffonian Empire, and, if you believe the old tales," Luna laughed, "the Stor Bevidsthed om Imperiet, but that's if you believe mare's tales that were old when Celestia and I were young," Luna laughed.

"Stor Bevidsthed om Imperiet, I've never heard of that," Twilight said as she looked at Luna. "What is it?" Twilight asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"I'm not surprised; I doubt any mortal creature today has heard of it," Luna told Twilight. "Back when Celestia and I were young, the Stor Bevidsthed om Imperiet was the mythical first empire that ruled the world. Supposedly, one day, a great cataclysm befell the empire. It fell, broken into the various states that exist today. The original species of the empire has long since been lost to myth, as has its original heartland. Back then, every realm had myths surrounding how they came from that ancient, mythical empire, so any information on them has always been murky at best," Luna told Twilight.

"Interesting, so you have your version of Atlantis," Julius laughed. "We have a similar myth, only, not all the different peoples of my world claim to come from Atlantis, and we kinda proved it doesn't exist," Julius told Luna.

"Yes, to be honest, I never believed that our mythical empire existed. But it was an interesting story that unified many different races and states, so it was quite useful in the unification of Equestria," Luna replied. "But, enough of mythical empires, and days gone by. Since your world seems to have seen more empires, what are your thoughts on the matter?"

"About Equestria?" Julius asked as Luna nodded. "You're not going to like it," Julius warned. "From what I can tell, if what you're saying is true, and you're not exaggerating, Equestria is starting its death spiral. It's not hopeless; anything can be saved, but there'll have to be hard times for the Equestrians to accept what has to be done. I really hope that this is just you looking too deeply into non-problems. If not, well, I don't want to think about the future, but I might have to," Julius wearily sighed. "Still, this is just speculation on my part from very limited information. I'm probably wrong, hopefully, I'm wrong, and this is just holdover doom and gloom from my world."

"Oh, come now, I'm sure your world isn't that bad," Twilight smiled as she lightly patted Julius's back.

"Hah, depending on how tomorrow goes, we'll see if you can still say that," Julius laughed as Twilight tilted her head at him. "Tomorrow, I'm going to tell Luna and Celestia about my world. Two events that happened in our past, and the current situation, well, as best as I can. If they say it's OK to tell you, first, I'll be questioning them; second, I will if you want me to," Julius told Twilight.

"I'm sure those events won't be too bad," Luna calmly told Julius.

"Cannae," Julius said, "Cannae, and a period of time in the early sixteenth century in Europe. I won't say what exactly, as the name will give it away," Julius said as Luna just looked calmly at him. "Trust me, every human knows of Cannae; it's a testament to human mentality. As for the second one, well, 'döpas och dö i strid' best summarizes it."

"The fact that you switched to a different language to summarize the second one somewhat concerns me," Luna said. "But my sister and I have seen the worst this world can offer," Luna said as a deep, mirthful laugh could be barely heard in the wind outside, "I'm sure there is nothing you can tell us that could disturb us," Luna confidently said as the laugh could be heard a little clearer, making the group look around.

"Never heard that sound in the forest before," Julius said as his eyes narrowed.

"Sounds almost like," Luna started to say. "No, no, that's impossible. He's a statue now," Luna laughed off. "It's probably just an unfortunate animal that got into some poison joke or some other weird form of flora," Luna confidently claimed.

"Well, I have come across laughing flowers here, and much weirder," Julius laughed.

"Like what?" Twilight asked.

"Dancing flowers, literally dancing flowers. They get up, dance on their roots, and move to other places. The first time I saw that, I had no words. I just came right back here and held my head for far longer than I care to admit," Julius laughed.

"I remember that day quite well. Your reaction sent me into quite the laughing spell. Those flowers are harmless and very entertaining. Though, I can see how they'd cause shock without some explaining. It may sound odd, but of this, I can assure you. Brew the leaves into a tea, and you'll make your dancing debut," Zecora said.

"Somehow, I can see that. Still, I think I'll be fine without dancing," Julius said with a yawn. "We should be getting to bed soon. We have to go to Canterlot tomorrow," Julius yawned with a slight grumble.

"Not looking forward to it?" Luna asked with a light smile.

"No, I just don't care for traveling," Julius again yawned. "Last time I traveled anywhere, I got yeeted to a new world," Julius joked.

"Well, at least you're in good spirits about it," Twilight giggled.

"True," Julius smiled. "Now, how about we get to bed?" Julius said as he, Zecora, and Twilight went to the bedroom, and as Luna started her spell to enter the dream realm.

Chapter 59: Morning Exercise w/ Fluttershy

As the morning sun rose over the Everfree, a few ponies in Zecora's house started to rouse. Twilight and Zecora yawned with a stretch as they slowly woke up while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stayed cuddled next to Julius, and Luna remained in her inky black orb.

"Morning, Zecora," Twilight yawned as she slowly blinked. "Where's Pinkie Pie?" Twilight asked as she slowly looked around the room.

"Here I am!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she entered the room, eliciting a groan from a sleeping Julius and Rainbow Dash. "Oh, sorry," Pinkie Pie quietly, yet happily giggled. Crawling up onto the bed, Pinkie Pie lightly sat over Julius's waist. "I was just getting an early morning cupcake and doing some stretches," Pinkie Pie explained as she lightly laid down. "It was tough getting up. It turns out humans are really good at cuddling. I think Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have the right idea," Pinkie Pie smiled as she lightly nuzzled against Julius's neck.

"A-actually, I'm awake," Fluttershy softly said. "I woke up around the same time as you. But, well, it's nice being the pet for once," Fluttershy said with a blush as she too lightly nuzzled Julius. "I suppose I should get up soon and look after the animals, but they shouldn't be waking up for another hour or so," Fluttershy hummed as she enjoyed the skinship.

"Awww, you want to be the pet," Pinkie Pie cooed as she lightly giggled. "It makes sense, though; you give so much to the animals. It's only fair that you'd want some of it returned. Come here, you," Pinkie Pie said as she lightly petted Fluttershy's mane.

"You mean you couldn't tell?" Rainbow Dash grumpily asked as she slowly woke up. "Fluttershy's been taking care of animals since she was a filly. Being treated the same way has been her dream for years, literally years. Give it a few nights; you should hear her sleep talking about it," Rainbow Dash softly chuckled as she tossed and turned a bit.

"I sleep talk? What haven't you said anything?" Fluttershy asked as she looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Easy. You're cute when you sleep talk. And when you react to your dreams. Seeing you nuzzle your head against something that's not there is adorable," Rainbow Dash lightly laughed as Fluttershy blushed.

"I have to admit, that does sound adorable," Twilight said as Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded her head.

"Guess I'm waking up," a groggy Julius groaned as he kept his eyes closed.

"Well, you're already very awake down here," Pinkie Pie seductively said as she wiggled her hips.

"Yeah, it's morning, and you're grinding on me," Julius groggily said as he playfully grinded back.

"Hehe, guilty!" Pinkie Pie giggled as she brought her face close to Julius. "Now, wakey wakey, you got a big day ahead of you!" Pinkie Pie sang before kissing Julius.

"I suppose you're right," Julius reluctantly agreed as he slowly opened his eyes. Looking around the room, Julius sighed. "If I didn't know that Luna was woking, I'd call her lucky," Julius sighed as he slowly tried to get up before falling back down. "Getting up would be easier if I wasn't so comfy," Julius smiled as he cuddled the ponies.

"Well, we are known to be soft and cuddly!" Pinkie Pie sang as she and the others cuddled back.

"As much as I would like to stay this way. There's much to do; breakfast is a good way to start the day," Zecora said as she slowly broke the cuddle and got up, her body more awake now.

"Zecora's right," Twilight sighed. "We planned to go to Canterlot today, so we should get ready," Twilight said as she got up and followed Zecora into the kitchen.

"Ohhh, cooking, wait for me!" Pinkie Pie sang as she bounced into the kitchen.

"I suppose that just leaves us," Rainbow Dash winked as she looked at Fluttershy and Julius.

"Yeah, it does," Julius yawned with a stretch. "Still, I kind of want to get up. Early morning exercises aren't bad every now and then," Julius said as he gritted his teeth. "Come on, body, get up," Julius grunted as he slowly got up.

"Good idea," Rainbow Dash agreed as she equally struggled to get up. "Come on, Fluttershy, you're coming with us," Rainbow Dash commanded, much to Fluttershy's surprise.

"W-why me?" Fluttershy squeaked.

"Because Fluttershy, you need it. Your wing power has barely changed since we were fillies. It's not healthy," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy.

"She's not wrong. Being unhealthy or out of shape doesn't help anybody. What if an animal is in danger?" Julius asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"Well, if Fluttershy sees them in danger, she can really move, but that's only if she sees the danger. Otherwise, there're fillies faster than her," Rainbow Dash responded.

"OK, yeah, that's bad," Julius yawned with a stretch. "Fluttershy, you're coming with us," Julius said as he helped Fluttershy up.

"T-that's OK; I'll just slow you two down," Fluttershy meekly said.

"Fluttershy, it's just some light early morning exercises. You won't slow us down," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy as she walked to the door.

"I really should go to feed the animals," Fluttershy protested.

"You haven't had breakfast yourself. They can wait until you take care of yourself. No matter what you think, you matter too," Rainbow Dash said as she waited by the door.

"But, I, um," Fluttershy nervously started to say as she lightly bit her lower lip.

"You're out of excuses, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash is right. A little exercise does a body and mind good," Julius said as he lightly ushered Fluttershy along.

"Hah, here that, I'm right!" Rainbow Dash proudly said as she smiled. "You hear all that Twilight? You'll be coming with us someday too!" Rainbow Dash smugly asked as she looked into the kitchen.

"Rainbow Dash, not everycreature does morning exercises," Twilight sighed as she rolled her eyes. "Right," Twilight asked as she looked at Zecora and Pinkie Pie, "right?" Twilight nervously asked.

"Twilight, I woke up early to do some stretches and light exercises," Pinkie Pie flatly told Twilight. "You heard me say that in bed, right?"

"One's mind and body are connected. It is best to strengthen both, not to leave one neglected. I myself practice traditional motions and positions. In my land, they're practiced by all the magicians," Zecora told Twilight.

"You're soft and plush and all, and that's very nice, believe me, I'm not complaining," Julius started to say. "But you still have to look after your body," Julius told a grimacing Twilight.

"Fine," Twilight grumbled. "Never liked physical education. I can do magic; why bother with physicality?" Twilight grumbled as she helped Zecora and Pinkie Pie cook.

"Hah, grumbly Twilight is funny Twilight," Julius and Rainbow Dash laughed as they left the house. "Alright, follow me. There's a nice river close by, good for exercising. Also, it has a few herbs and fruits growing near it," Julius said as he led Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy behind the house and down a slightly hidden trail. Walking down the trail for a few minutes, the group stopped at a cleared riverside.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" Fluttershy gushed as she saw the scenery and the animals. "Why, hello, little friends!" Fluttershy happily sang as she softly walked up to a few of the smaller animals before they burrowed away. "Awww, what's the matter?" Fluttershy asked as she tried to look for them.

"Honestly, they're probably a prey animal. This place is a hotspot for them. Zecora and I keep it really safe. Her for growing herbs and the like, me, well, it's just a nice place," Julius told Fluttershy.

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Fluttershy sadly said as her ears folded to her head. "Most small prey animals are like that at first. It'll take some time, but I'll win them over yet," Fluttershy said with determination.

"Well, guess you'll be coming with us every morning then, won't you?" Rainbow Dash knowing asked, a sly grin showing on her face. "After all, you don't want to miss the new animals, do you?" Rainbow Dash smirkingly asked as she started to limber up.

"Damn, Rainbow, that's good," Julius lightheartedly laughed as he joined Rainbow Dash in limbering up.

"Well, I've known Fluttershy since we were fillies. We pretty much grew up together. Heh, back home, there was even a rumor that we're cousins," Rainbow Dash laughed as Fluttershy sighed. "I know how to push Fluttershy's buttons, and she trusts me," Rainbow Dash confidently said as she lightly hip bumped Fluttershy's flank.

"Well, maybe second cousins, we really have to look up your family tree at some point," Fluttershy said as she briefly danced around Rainbow's taunting question. "Alright," Fluttershy said after taking a deep breath in and out, "I'll come with you in the mornings, before breakfast, for these exercises. Rainbow Dash is right," Fluttershy reluctantly conceded with a sigh, "I am somewhat out of shape. I should try to get in better shape. For the animals," Fluttershy declared.

"Hey, as long as you're doing it," Julius said as he laid belly to the ground. "I have no idea how you pegasi exercise, so I'll leave it to you and Rainbow," Julius said as he slowly started to do diamond push-ups.

"Actually, that's pretty close to a fairly basic wing exercise, wing-ups," Rainbow Dash said as she put herself into a similar stance as Julius. Moving the tips of her wings inwards, trying to mimic the position of Julius's hands, Rainbow Dash did a wing-up. "Sweet Celestia, that's difficult," Rainbow Dash grunted as she continued to do the wing-ups.

"If it makes you feel any better, it's still pretty rough for me too," Julius grunted as he powered through more push-ups.

"If it's all the same to you two, I'll just stick to normal wing-ups," Fluttershy meekly said as she got down to do a basic wing-up. Struggling, Fluttershy managed to do several before collapsing to the ground.

"All you can do at the moment?" Julius and Rainbow Dash grunted through gritted teeth as they slowly powered through more push-ups/wing-ups.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy panted as she rested on the ground. Sharing a look, Rainbow Dash sighed as she rested on the ground.

"Alright, Fluttershy, let's switch over to sit-ups," Rainbow Dash said as she rested her wings. "Those wing-ups are killer; I'm going to have to do more sometime," Rainbow Dash said as she rolled onto her back. "Alright, Fluttershy, with me!" Rainbow Dash commanded as Fluttershy rolled onto her back. "And up!" Rainbow Dash commanded as she and Fluttershy slowly sat up. "And down!" Rainbow Dash again commanded as the two sat back down.

"Yeah, Rainbow, yeah," Julius grunted as he continued to power through his push-ups. "Diamond push-ups are brutal. My record is seventy-two; I regretted doing that many. I won a bet but lost a day," Julius bitterly laughed as he grunted through a few more push-ups. "And, forty," Julius sighed as he let himself rest on the ground.

"Impressive," Rainbow Dash said as she kept an eye on Fluttershy. "I'm guessing you lost the rest of that day," Rainbow Dash said as she slowed down her sit-ups.

"No, actually, I lost the next day. I went to sleep fine, but I could barely feel my arms when I woke up," Julius said as he rolled over. "My brother, the loveable ass that he is, decided to get in trouble that day. He did that only to get me smoked with him and my sister. The two laughed their asses off while I suffered. Don't worry; I got them back," Julius laughed as he rolled over onto his back.

"Now that's mean and kinda funny," Rainbow Dash chuckled as Fluttershy panted. "Wanna rest, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked as she noticed Fluttershy struggling.

"Y-yes," Fluttershy heavily panted as she collapsed.

"You did good, Fluttershy," both Rainbow Dash and Julius assured Fluttershy. "Get that pink apple-looking fruit from that bush; it tastes like watermelon because, I don't know, Everfree?" Julius told Fluttershy.

"Yeah, and get some water; the river should be safe," Rainbow Dash added as Julius nodded. "Yeah, it's safe," Rainbow Dash said as she and Julius did sit-ups.

"I didn't do that good. You two are still going," Fluttershy timidly said as she got one of the fruits.

"Fluttershy, we're in much better shape than you. I'm an athlete; I train hard every day," Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy.

"And I come from a military background, with grandparents who grew up in poverty, starvation, and war, and parents who had only marginally better conditions. We're a lot harder than you. But give it time, you'll work your way up," Julius assured Fluttershy as he and Rainbow Dash continued their sit-ups.

"Really, your grandparents lived through all that?" Rainbow Dash asked as she and Julius kept pace with each other.

"Well, my paternal grandfather did. Before we moved, he was a Provo in the troubles. Hell, if it weren't for my mother getting knocked up with me and my sister, he'd probably still be one. Funny that my sister and I managed to save a life before we were even born," Julius laughed. "He might be pushing sixty, but he's still a tough old bastard. Guess growing up on Belfast's streets will do that."

"Sorry to hear that," Rainbow Dash grunted between sit-ups. "I don't think we have anything like that in Equestria," Rainbow Dash grunted while keeping pace.

"Don't be sorry; it's not your fault," Julius grunted as he did another sit-up. "I think we spent enough time here. Wanna get cleaned up and head back?" Julius rasped as he rested on the ground.

"Sure," Rainbow Dash panted as the two clamored towards the river. As Julius and Rainbow Dash reached the river, they dunked their heads into the river, cooling down and drinking the water.

"Hehehe," Fluttershy quietly chuckled. "You two go well together," Fluttershy commented as Julius and Rainbow Dash lifted their heads from the river.

"Yeah, that's fair," Rainbow Dash sighed as she shook her head dry, getting water everywhere.

"That doesn't hurt my feelings any," Julius laughed as he lightly scratched behind Rainbow's and Fluttershy's ears. "Now, let's get going back," Julius said as he led the way back to Zecora's through the path. Getting back to Zecora's, the three could slightly smell a pleasant scent. "Smells like breakfast is almost done."

Yesh," Rainbow Dash said as she sniffed the air. "though, I don't recognize some of the scents," Rainbow Dash commented as she sniffed the air.

"I think those are herbs from Zecora's homeland," Julius said as the three approached Zecora's door. "We're back," Julius said as he opened the door.

"Good timing, breakfast is ready," Pinkie Pie happily smiled as she welcomed the three inside. "Though Luna is still, um, asleep, in the dream realm, I don't know. Luna is still doing Luna things," Pinkie Pie hummed as she guided the three to the table. "Here, eat up!" Pinkie Pie happily said as they all sat down at the table. After eating their breakfast, the group got up and prepared to leave.

"Shouldn't we get Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at the inky black sphere.

"We should, but she's probably tired," Fluttershy hummed. "Maybe we should try carrying her and that orb," Fluttershy said as the inky orb slowly fell away. "Oh, uh, never mind," Fluttershy said as she slightly backed away as an extremely tired and grumpy-looking Luna slowly walked out of it.

"Long night?" Julius lightheartedly asked. "I think there's still some coffee," Julius said as Luna blankly walked past him.

"Can't talk, too tired," a yawning Luna barely said as she levitated an orange to herself and ate the orange, peel and all.

"Hah, I get it," Julius laughed as he saw Luna eat the whole orange. "We're just getting ready to leave to go to Canterlot. You coming or staying behind to get some sleep?" Julius asked as Luna lightly swayed on her hooves.

"I'll come now," Luna grumpily groaned as she slowly walked to the door.

"Don't worry; we're taking pegasi chariots from Ponyville to Canterlot. So you should be able to get some sleep on the trip there," Twilight told Luna.

"Good," Luna tiredly moaned as she left Zecora's house.

"We should catch up. Luna might accidentally wander into trouble in her state," Julius lightly smirked as the rest of the group followed.

"I won't," Luna tiredly groaned as a timberwolf dove out of the bushes, only to get blasted away by Luna right away. "Stupid thing," Luna grumbled as she and the group made their way to Ponyville to go to Canterlot.

Author's Note

Next chapter, we're in Canterlot :yay:

Chapter 60: An Over Secure Welcome?

After making a quick stop for Fluttershy to feed the animals, the group arrived outside Ponyville. Waiting for the group was a pair of pegasi guards.

"A little late," one of the guards said as Luna swiftly glared at him. "But that's fine. We were told to expect a bit of a delay. Follow us," the guard ordered as the pair walked the group to a small clearing just east of the town center.

"So, why only two guards? Considering Luna's here, shouldn't there be more? Like, at minimum, a full squad," Julius asked as they were led to the chariots.

"For most, yes. But, considering it's Luna, there really isn't much that could threaten her," one of the guards said. "Yeah. Besides, considering her mood, I'd dread to cross her. Whatever did, well, we'd probably protect them more than her. Guessing she didn't sleep well last night," the other guard absentmindedly said.

"Very observant," a tired Luna grumbled. "I never sleep well at night; I'm always working at night, remember?" grumpy Luna growled as the guards kept their gaze fixed forwards.

"Right, our apologies," one of the guards said. "Too used to guarding Celestia. I swear she's awake before anypony else," the other said as they walked up to several chariots.

"Yes, that does sound like Celestia," Twilight said as she entered one of the chariots. "I tried to wake up when she did a few times. I would wake up anywhere between four in the morning to five-thirty. I might be a morning pony, but even that's a bit too early for me," Twilight said as she and the others got into the chariots, with Luna immediately laying down in a corner. As soon as Julius sat down, Luna used her magic to pull him over to her.

"Comfy," Luna yawned as she fell asleep, gripping Julius in her legs as though he was a body pillow.

"It's OK, I'm OK with this," Julius smiled as he struggled to take his sweater off. After several moments of struggling, Julius got his sweater off; Julius draped it over Luna's head as he got comfortable.

"Thank you," Luna softly cooed as she drifted off deeper to sleep.

"All on board?" The driving pegasi asked, to which all save Luna answered. "Luna too?" One of the drivers for the chariot Luna was in asked.

"She is, trust me," Julius responded as Luna softly sighed, groaned, and snorted while sleeping. Quickly looking back, the coachmare saw Luna's body in the chariot.

"She is," the coachmare confirmed, "let's head off now," the coachmare commanded as the pegasi took off. Flying up through the sky, Rainbow Dash looked out from the sides.

"You sure you're OK there? You're missing out on quite a view," Rainbow Dash asked Julius as she looked at many different things.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Honestly, it's probably better this way. If I were looking out the side, I'd probably be freaking out right about now," Julius lightly laughed as he nuzzled against Luna.

"Sounds like Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash laughed as Fluttershy lightly shivered in a corner. "Point proven. Honestly, it's a little surprising that you're afraid of heights," Rainbow Dash commented as she watched a loft of pigeons fly by.

"What are you talking about? I'm not afraid of heights," Julius laughed. "Now falling, that terrifies me. But what about Fluttershy? She's a pegasus; why is she afraid?" Julius asked.

"Not sure if you're aware of this, but Fluttershy is afraid of nearly everything. I've seen her jump at her own shadow," Rainbow Dash told Julius.

"But, isn't she the bold one in her family? How? Why? What? Why?" Julius asked, bewildered as he scratched his head lightly against Luna's horn.

"Oh, easy, her family isn't that brave," Rainbow Dash told Julius. "Well, I suppose there are some outliers, but on the whole, Fluttershy's family is quite timid," Rainbow Dash explained.

"I suppose that makes sense. Being the bravest doesn't take much when the bar is set that low," Julius said as he hugged Luna.

"Here, everyone, I got cloudycones!" Pinkie Pie sang as she passed out what looked like snowcones, only made out of clouds to everyone. "I take it those two are too comfy to move, so they can have theirs later, Pinkie Pie said as she looked at Luna and Julius. Pinkie Pie licked her lips after taking a few large licks of her cloudycone. "Snow is nice, but clouds can really be refreshing sometimes," Pinkie Pie happily smiled as she enjoyed her cloudycone.

"Yeah, clouds are nice and fluffy," Rainbow Dash hummed while licking her cloudycone. "Though, they are a bit light on flavor. Hey Pinkie, got and flavors in your mane?" Rainbow Dash asked as Pinkie Pie rummaged through her mane.

"Hmmm, wooden cup graily thingy that feels odd, no. Glowing red stone that keeps turning things into other things, no. Carved jade dragon, no. Pretty jeweled necklace with a star, no. Big yellow diamond, no. A special-looking six-branched candle, no. A book titled 'Q Source,' no. A bunch of very fancy eggs, no," Pinkie Pie said as she rummaged through her mane.

"Geez, Pinkie, how much does your mane hold?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I thought only party-related things could be stored in your mane," Twilight remarked.

"Sometimes, but only when it feels like it. I don't know the rules of my mane; I only pretend to know them," Pinkie Pie confidently said as she pulled out some flavoring. "Why, one time, I pulled out a crown of thorns from my mane, talk about weird. Why'd anycreature make a crown of thorns?" Pinkie Pie laughed as she passed out the flavors she found.

"I refuse to believe you on the grounds of my sanity," Julius flatly said.

"That's fair. I got my mane tested by several unicorns, and none of them can explain it. Though one of them did link it to my Pinkie Sense, so I guess they're related," Pinkie Pie shrugged as she and the others enjoyed their now flavored cloudycones. Eating their cloudycones and enjoying the ride, the group made their way to Castle Canterlot.

"Alright, we're here," the coachmare said as the chariots landed on a landing pad right outside the castle. As the chariots landed, an entire battalion of armored guards was waiting to greet them.

"Geez, what's with all the guards?" Rainbow Dash asked as she hopped out of the chariot.

"Lieutenant Colonel Misty Horn of the Seventh Iron Lightning Battalion," a unicorn said as she presented herself before the disembarking group. "We were ordered here from the northern border as additional security. We were briefed on an unusual creature that would be coming to Canterlot, and the Princess is concerned," the mare said as she looked around. "Where is the creature?" Misty Horn asked as she looked around.

"That's me; Luna is cuddling me. Won't move, can't move," Julius said from inside the chariot.

"Ah, we were warned that something like this might happen," Misty Horn said as she turned around. "First platoon, enact the 'sleeping alicorn' plan; second platoon, support!" Misty Horn firmly commanded as roughly a hundred unicorns walked forward.

"OK, a hundred, really? That's too much," Rainbow Dash huffed.

"We try not to break up the platoons, even for seemingly small things like this," Misty Horn tersely explained as some unicorns levitated Luna and Julius out, and the others rested them on a movable couch. "Alright, company one, take the Princess and Julius to Ravenloft, make sure no creature disturbs Luna, or so help me, Celestia, there will be tartarus to pay," Misty Horn commanded.

"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel Misty Horn!" Another armored unicorn answered. "Mares, form up. Platoon one, drive the couch; platoon two, escort platoon one; platoons three and four scout the ways. Platoon three, scout and clear ahead; platoon four, you have the rear, understood," the armored unicorn said.

"Yes, Major Shock Charge!" The company mares respond.

"Good, carry out your orders," Shock Charge commanded as she went to lead the company to Ravenloft.

"Alright, troops, the greeting is over. Get back to guard positions, platoon five, escort Zecora," Misty Horn ordered.

"Yes, Lieutenant Colonel Misty Horn!" The rest of the battalion responded as they went to take up their positions.

"A whole battalion, it still seems a bit much," Twilight commented as she and the others walked by the armored unicorns.

"Celestia was clear; she wants no trouble. We have standing orders to have Julius under the guard of at least one full platoon at all times. While he'll be discouraged from leaving the castle, he will not be stopped. In that case, the guarding platoon is to act as security. Twilight, you've grown up in Canterlot; you know how it can be to outsiders, even if they're only outside ponies," Misty Horn explained to Twilight.

"True," Twilight sadly hummed as her ears flattened to her head.

"Of course, these orders apply to you as well," Misty Horn said as she looked at Zecora. "Platoon five is here to provide you security. We strongly discourage leaving the castle. If you should, platoon five will escort you to wherever you go. We understand that this may feel a bit restrictive, but they are just there for your protection," Misty Horn told Zecora.

"I understand. I accept their command," Zecora responded as the group made their way through the castle hallways. Walking through several hallways, the group hears a voice coming from their destination.

"-yes, you've already said that. But I do not understand why that exactly means I cannot see him," a stallion said to an armored unicorn in protest.

"My Lord Duke Pants, I regret to inform you that, that information is on a need-to-know base at the moment, and you do not need to know," the unicorn responded, making the stallion sigh.

"Oh, Your Grace, Sir Fancy Pants," Twilight said as she approached him.

"Please, Twilight, you know I don't stand on ceremony unless I have to," Fancy Pants responded with a tired sigh. "Forgive me; I've been trying to get a meeting with someone," Fancy Pants said as he started to hum. "Say, I think you could be of some help here. My sources tell me that you know this odd new creature. Is that true," Fancy Pants knowingly asked.

"How did you know?" Twilight asked as she slightly backed up.

"Please, Twilight, I am an Archduke, and Ponyville is on Canterlot's doorstep. If I didn't know about news like that in that situation, then I'd never last in my position," Fancy Pants laughed. "I shall take that as a yes. Tell me, Twilight, why can't I meet with this creature? From my understanding, he should be here now," Fancy Pants said as he looked at Twilight.

"Princess Luna decided he'd make a good pillow," Rainbow Dash said with a light laugh. "So he's with her, and she's sleeping right now. You might disturb her if you met with him," Rainbow Dash told Fancy Pants.

"I see," Fancy Pants heartily laughed. "Good for her. I've been meaning to meet with her, too, at some point. But scheduling makes her a nightmare to get in touch with. Still, it's good that she's interested in somecreature," Fancy Pants smiled. "So, when could I meet with him, or, well, either of them really?"

"Well, Luna just fell asleep about an hour ago, so maybe five to seven hours from now? We'll let you know when we next see them," Twilight told Fancy Pants.

"Can't really be helped, can it," Fancy Pants sighed. "Guess I'll take care of other business while I wait. Until later," Fancy Pants said as he left to go to the castle court.

"Was it really necessary to tell him that?" Misty Horn asked as she raised an eyebrow at Rainbow Dash.

"I don't see why not. Besides, Luna seems like she'd like to get to know some creatures," Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Oh well, what's done is done. Come on, show us around!" Rainbow Dash energetically said as Twilight sighed before following the group.

Chapter 61: Going to Ravenloft

"Alright, I'll be taking my leave here," Misty Horn said as the group passed by a slightly ornate door.

"What? Not staying for the rest of the tour?" Rainbow Dash teased.

"No. My battalion and I were already given a tour of the castle and Canterlot. I was going with you because you happened to be walking towards the officer's quarters," Misty Horn responded as she started to go towards the door.

"Aren't you here on guard duty? Shouldn't you be guarding?" Pinkie Pie asked as Misty Horn loosed an angered sigh.

"I am a Lieutenant Colonel, a commissioned officer. I lead, train, plan, and maintain morale. If I have to get personally involved, then that means things have gone horribly wrong, and troops will get smoked until all that's left are puddles of sweat and tears. I will be handling the planning of Julius's and Zecora's protection, the general deployment of troops, and the rotations, and that's all I should be doing. Ideally, my Majors won't have to get involved physically, but I'm not discounting it. Now, if you don't mind, I have things to discuss with Warrant Officer Shadow Light," Misty Horn explained as she looked at the rest of the group. After a few seconds, Twilight saluted, followed by the others. "Very good," Misty Horn said as she left through the door.

"Geez, serious much," Rainbow Dash sighed as the group continued through the castle.

"Well, with what little I've interacted with military officers, she was kind of relaxed," Twilight responded as she led the group through the castle. "I suppose she isn't as friendly as Shining Armor, but I'm his younger sister, and you girls are my friends. Of course, he'd be more casual with us. He'd be a lot more stern with others, though, or when on official duty. Speaking of, where is he?" Twilight asked as she looked around. As Twilight looked around, she spotted no royal guards, only soldiermares from the Seventh Iron Lightning Battalion. Shrugging, Twilight walked up to one of the mares. "Excuse me. Where are the royal guards? And where is Colonel Shining Armor, Captain of Celestia's Royal Household Guard?" Twilight asked as her friends looked oddly at her.

"Colonel Shining Armor has, temporally, been granted leave. Until Princess Celestia is assured of Canterlot's safety, things are to remain that way. As for the rest of the Royal Household Guard, they've been sent to Base Layaway," one of the mares said before being lightly bumped by the other mare. "Sorry, I meant Forward Operation Base Firelight," the mare corrected.

"I see. Thank you," Twilight thanked as she led the group towards the inner gardens through the castle.

"I thought your brother was a Captain," Rainbow Dash said as Twilight led her through the hallways.

"Technically, Shining Armor is a Colonel since he's not in the navy. Moreover, since he personally leads Celestia's guard, he outranks higher ranks in matters involving her protection," Twilight explained as she turned a corner, leading to a pair of large open doors.

"Oh, OK," Rainbow Dash said as the group walked out into the inner garden. A plethora of exotic flowers and lush bushes lined the pathways, and beautiful, well-maintained trees provided shade over some of the lushest grass any of the group had experienced. "So, not that I'm complaining or anything, but why are we here? Shouldn't we be with Celestia or Luna?" Rainbow Dash asked as she lightly landed on the grass.

"Well, I don't know where this 'Ravenloft' is. As for Celestia, well, I'm going to her now. But I'm warning you; she'll likely be holding court right now. You and Pinkie Pie will probably find it incredibly dull," Twilight said as she looked at the group. "Still, you're welcome to come along if you want," Twilight offers.

"I will go with you. Celestia's court is something I'd like to review," Zecora said as she went to follow Twilight.

"Alright. Anypony else?" Twilight asked as the other ponies shook their heads. "Alright. I'll make sure to ask Celestia where this 'Ravenloft' is," Twilight told the other three ponies as she and Zecora went back into the castle.

"Well, this sucks," Rainbow Dash sighed as she relaxed on the grass.

"I wouldn't say that. The garden is quite lovely, and it attracts a lot of birds," Fluttershy said as a few birds landed on her back and started to chirp softly.

"True," Pinkie Pie sighed. "But I just wish we had some games or something. I like a nice garden as much as the next pony, but it feels like such a waste. A perfectly fine field, yet no games to be found," Pinkie Pie said in a mock pout as she sat down.

"Well, I say that instead of waiting around doing nothing, we go and find Ravenloft," Rainbow Dash firmly declared. "Or, at the very least, explore. It's better than just sitting around here doing nothing."

"There's nothing wrong with relaxing every now and then. Also, we don't even know where to start looking," Fluttershy said as two armored mares entered the garden.

"Well, I know where we can start," Rainbow Dash confidently said as she flew up to the two mares. "Do either of you know where Ravenloft is?" Rainbow Dash asked as the two mares looked slightly unnerved.

"Yes," one of the mares slowly answered as she slowly regained her nerves. "We're coming from there. On orders to inform Misty Horn that Princess Luna and Julius have safely arrived," the other mare said as she eyed Rainbow Dash. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'm bored. Also, We're all in the same herd," Rainbow Dash explained as she pointed to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. "So, if you know where it is, could you take us there?" Rainbow Dash requested.

"Well, your cutie marks check out," one of the mares said. "Besides, if you're not lying, well," the other mare said as the two armored mares nervously looked at each other. "Look, we'll take you there; just be aware, the guards there are different," the first mare warned as they turned around.

"Why? We've met guardmares before. What makes these guards any different?" Rainbow Dash asked as she and the other two ponies followed.

"We don't quite know," one of the mares said. "All we know is the name of their leader, and just being around them feels extremely unnerving," the mare continued. "Yeah, and that's coming from us. We've been trained for a lot. For their presence to affect us in such a way, I don't like it," the other mare continued.

"Well, that answered nothing," Rainbow Dash huffed. "What's the name of their leader then?" Rainbow Dash asked in a huff.

"Aloysia Ida Steffi Jager Hofstute," one of the mares responded. "Neither of us has heard the name before. We only know two things about her. The first thing, she was personally selected by Princess Luna. The second thing, Princess Celestia looked uneasy at the mention of the name. Honestly, I dread to think what being could make Princess Celestia break her mask, even if only for a moment," the mare continued as the two armored mares led the group through the winding halls of the castle. "We've been taking bets as to the history of Aloysia. The most boring guess is that she's an especially vicious mercenary that caught Princess Luna's eye; most of us think that or something along those lines. On the other hoof, Windy Waves has the most eccentric guess. She thinks Aloysia is a vampire pony who was alive when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were young," the armored mares chuckled at the thought. "Could you imagine? Vampire pony, every pony knows vampire ponies don't exist," the two said through laughter.

"Hah, you have a mare in your battalion that believes in that old mare's tale?" Rainbow Dash laughed as she thought of a military mare shaking over some mare's tale.

"Well, Corporal Windy Waves does believe some strange things. But she's been right more often than she should be, all things considered," one of the mares shrugged. "Like that time in the forest," the other mare said. "Do you mean the time when we were on patrol and couldn't find anything to drink, so Corporal Windy Waves brought mushrooms that bled nectar as long as they were fed plants?" The other asked. "No, the one where we got lost, and she found the way out by tickling that tree, and sparks of light came out from it, leading us back," the other mare clarified. "Of yeah. Raselaylila, or something like that she called it," the mare said as she lightly facehoofed. "We kind of lost track, but you get the point. Corporal Windy Waves is a bit weird, but with how much she's been right and what she's been right about, we don't discount anything she says. We might slightly doubt it, but we never fully discount it," the other mare said as the two mares saluted two other armored mares as they exited through some doors. Following the mares, the group left out the doors, leading to a wild, unkempt path with thick blue rose bushes, lavender, moonflowers, valerian, and aloe vera lining the way.

"This is a lot more unkempt than I thought it would be. Considering this is the royal castle and all," Fluttershy commented as an eerie silence befell the area.

"Yeah. From what we were told, Princess Celestia had this whole area closed off for over a thousand years. Only recently has it been reopened, and even now, few come here," one of the mares said as they approached a stone building with a grand keep rising from the middle. "Here we are, Ravenloft," the mare said as the two armored mares stopped. "We'll wait here. If you get turned away, we'll lead you back. We'll head back ourselves and deliver our report if you go in," the mare told the group.

"Alright," Rainbow Dash said as she walked ahead of the mares. "Come, you two. Julius and Luna are inside. Besides, if this place has been closed off for so long, it'll be like we're treasure hunters!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she gleefully flew towards the building.

"Ohhh, that sounds fun!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she happily bounced after Rainbow Dash.

"Thank you for leading us here. Sorry if we get you into any trouble," Fluttershy said with a bow, and she timidly followed the other two mares.

"The briefing was right, Rainbow Dash is eager for adventure, and Fluttershy is very nice," one of the mares said as the other nodded. After making their way up to the building, the three mares tried to open the door, only to find that it was firmly locked.

"What the hay? Let us in!" Rainbow Dash commanded as she pounded on the door.

"Vee have our orders," a female voice in a thick accent responded from beyond the door. "No kreature is permittet to enter. Zis inkludes members of Zee Great Mozer's herd. So, unless vee get new orders from Zee Great Mozer or Aloysia, you schall be denied entry," the voice calmly and carefully said before some murmuring could be heard.

"Geez. Think that accent is thick enough?" Rainbow Dash asked with a laugh.

"What do we do now?" Fluttershy asked, ignoring Rainbow Dash's question.

"Well, they're talking about something behind there. Maybe they're," Rainbow Dash started to say as she caught her breath, "getting zeir new orders," Rainbow Dash mockingly laughed.

"Hah, good impression," Pinkie Pie laughed as the mares heard a loud sigh from beyond the door.

"Your impression is as uncous as your kontemptible farce of a kulture. A millennium more has passet, yet you louts have changet only a little," the voice spat in response. "Vee have indeet gotten orders from Aloysia to let you in. Remember, Zee Great Mozer is sleepink, so been sie quiet, and been sie respektful," the mare commanded as the door slowly and quietly opened.

"Well, that's lucky, come on," Rainbow Dash said as she led Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy into Ravenloft.

Author's Note

First time writing with a German accent, I think I did fairly well :twilightsmile:.

Chapter 62: So They Do Exist

Entering the main building, the group slowly looked around. They tried to get their eyes to adjust to the darkness, taking several moments. A deep, seemingly oppressive darkness surrounded the ponies as they entered. While the group slowly adjusted, the door behind them shut, leaving the already dark room somehow even darker.

"Hey!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she heard the door shut. "Mind giving us some light or something?" She angrily asked in a huff.

"No," a raspy voice responded, seemingly from behind her. Swiftly turning around, Rainbow Dash only saw darkness but felt that something was off. "Vee don't take vell to the sun. Just followen sie das the air; it vill lead you to Zee Great Mozer," the same voice commanded, once again, seemingly from behind Rainbow Dash.

"Ummm, OK," Rainbow Dash nervously said while Fluttershy shuttered behind a humming Pinkie Pie. "Guess we'll just follow the breeze," Rainbow Dash sighed as a light breeze brushed through her fur. Slowly following the air's current, Rainbow Dash's and Fluttershy's fur stood on end. "OK, Pinkie Pie, why are you so calm? Everything here seems so off. And these things; I don't know what they are, but I'm pretty sure they aren't thestrals," Rainbow Dash asked as she carefully led the group.

"Silly Dashy," Pinkie Pie smiled. "Luna won't let anything happen to us. Besides, they haven't done anything to us so far. If they wanted to do something, they would have by now," Pinkie Pie explained before happily blepping as she bounced behind Rainbow Dash.

"That's surprisingly well thought out for you, considering this isn't related to a party or anything," Rainbow Dash responded as she narrowly avoided a set of barded thestral armor.

"Silly Dashy, this is a party," Pinkie Pie laughed while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy gave her an odd look. "Meh, Spike and Big Mac would get it; maybe Julius too; probably Twilight," Pinkie Pie hummed while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked at each other and shrugged. Walking through the halls, the group came to a spiral staircase, with stairs going higher and lower and a breeze leading upward.

"Good thing the breeze is going up. I'd hate to see what's lower," Rainbow Dash nervously laughed as she and the others started to climb the stairs.

"Zee kammern des erholsamen schlafes, zee bereich für schulungen, und zee essbereich und küche," a gruff voice responded from behind the group.

"Geez. Couldn't you speak standard Equestrian? And could you stop being so creepy; it's creepy," Rainbow Dash sighed in a huff.

"Nein," the voice swiftly responded as the group continued up the stairs.

"Figures," Rainbow Dash huffed in annoyance. As the group reached the top of the stairs, they stood before an ebony door with a bright, seemingly glowing waxing crescent moon adorned the door. "Guessing this is Luna's room," Rainbow Dash said as she placed a hoof on the door. Pushing open the door, the first thing the group noticed was the increased light. Where the rest of the building seemed to be shrouded in darkness, the room seemed to be bathed in moonlight. The second thing the group noticed made Rainbow Dash's wings flare out. The group noticed what appeared to be a large thestral, with a pale blue coat, with her forehead against Luna's and Julius's.

"Get away from them!" Rainbow Dash commanded as she charged the mysterious thestral. As soon as Rainbow Dash got close, the thestral seemed to disappear into a black mist. "Wha, where did she- AH!" Rainbow Dash yelped as she was sent flying away from Luna and Julius.

"So fery quick to fight," the mare sighed as Rainbow Dash slid to a stop. "Tell me, young one, have you ever shtopped to think before doink anythink?" The mare asked as she placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash's head.

"Get off her!" Pinkie Pie commanded as she began her own charge.

"Kute, but pointless," the pony sighed as a thick black mist emanated from her. The mist surrounded Pinkie Pie, leaving her in a swaying daze. "Ant vat of you, karetaker? Are you goink to try to stare me down?" The mare asked while looking away from the three mares.

"N-no," Fluttershy shuttered as she backed away from the mare.

"Very good. You alvays seemed to be one of the more tempered ones," the mare commented as she began to walk away from Rainbow Dash. "Kollect your friends, and tell those fools to behave themselves," the mare commanded as she walked to a nearby counter.

"Hey, we're not finished," Rainbow Dash groaned as she slowly stood up.

"Vrong, vee are," the mare firmed stated as a slight chill enveloped Rainbow Dash. Shivering, Rainbow Dash backed slowly away from the mare.

"W-who are you?" Rainbow Dash asked as she tripped over a dazed Pinkie Pie.

"Erster Mondkinderführer der Nächtlichen Seligen Aloysia. Vell, I suppose you voult have trouble with our old tongue. So just Aloysia is fine, if not disrespektful," Aloysia said as she filled a kettle with water and began to boil it.

"W-why is it disrespectful? And why did you call me caretaker?" Fluttershy asked as Rainbow Dash was still recovering and as the black mist left Pinkie Pie.

"It is my official title, dating back to a few years after Luna became an alicorn. As for karetaker, it is vat you are. You and your friends have long been known to us. Vee have long known zat you six vere the elements of harmony. You specifikally have been noted, mostly from you taking kare of our bats. For zat, vee thank you," Aloysia explained as she began to make a cup of coffee.

"Bats, bats," Fluttershy hummed. "Wait, when bats have stayed at my cottage, I'd find small fruit baskets outside my door. Was that you?" Fluttershy asked while Aloysia prepared the coffee.

"No. Zough, some of my kind have done such sinks, as vell as some sestrals," Aloysia responded as she added a few extra things to the cup of coffee.

"Oh, thank you. The bats and other animals enjoy the fruits," Fluttershy thanked while Pinkie Pie shook her head clear.

"Why did you say you and your kind? Aren't you a thestral as well?" Pinkie Pie asked as Aloysia tasted the coffee before balancing it on one of her wings.

"Yes, and no. I am, but I am also much more," Aloysia steadily said as she turned around. Black sclera with white star-like dots, piercing ruby red eyes, slit pupils, and protruding fangs greeted the ponies. Walking in a seeming gliding gait, Aloysia seemingly floated over to the side of the bed with Luna and Julius on it, placing the fresh cup of coffee on the side table.

"Va-va-va, va-va-va," the three ponies shuttered as they backed into a corner.

"Oh, grow up," Aloysia sighed as she watched Julius. "It is as Luna said," Aloysia commented as she saw Julius wiggling and heard him groaning. Watching him closely, Aloysia saw his eyes slowly flutter open. "Come on, let's get you out of Luna's legs," Aloysia calmly said as she helped Julius get untangled from Luna's embrace.

"I smell something good," Julius groaned as he sniffed the air.

"Yes, I just made some koffee for you. Food shall be here soon. I sink you'll be pleasantly surprised. Zem, not as much, especially zee karetaker," Aloysia said as her eyes flicked swiftly to the quivering ponies.

"It'd be nice," Julius yawned as he sipped his coffee. "Vanilla cinnamon coffee, nice," Julius sighed as he looked around the room with sleepy eyes. "Why are Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie shaking in the corner?" Julius asked when he saw the three.

"Get away from her. She's a vampire pony," Rainbow Dash said as she tried to collect herself.

"No, she's a thestral," Julius disagreed as he turned to look at Aloysia. "OK, maybe I'm wrong. But honestly, I just woke up. Too drowsy to really care. Besides, if there's one vampire pony here, then the whole place is probably filled with them. How'd we escape, and how'd we deal with them? They're no problem as long as they aren't attacking or anything; besides, we're under Luna's protection, remember?" Julius groggily groaned as he resisted the urge to lay back down.

"Smarter than you look," Aloysia commented as she sat on the bed.

"Well, drowsy and apathetic right now. Honestly, if I were fully awake and didn't know that Luna was protecting me, I'd probably do something stupid. Like freak out, attack you, and try to run away," Julius said as he sipped the coffee.

"Zat's more vat I expected," Aloysia said as the door opened and three vampire ponies walked in, one with a covered platter. Setting the platter down on the side table, the vampire ponies nodded in a short bow at Aloysia. "Fery good, zank you," Aloysia thanked as the three vampire ponies took their leave. "Your breakfast," Aloysia said as she presented the covered platter. "Zee ponies may wish to leave. Your breakfast may disturb zem," Aloysia cautioned.

"Why? Are you feeding him blood or something?" Rainbow Dash accused as she flared in wings in bravado.

"Don't be absuret. Vee have been told of Julius's dietary needs. Vee feel zat vee are more villink to meet sose needs," Aloysia responded as Julius lifted the cover. A creamy-looking salad with some bright greens and something pink and seared greeted him with a fork and knife. Cutting off a piece of the seared pink thing, Julius tried it. Slowly crewing it, Julius's eyes widened.

"Is this salmon?" Julius asked in surprise as he took another bite.

"Seared, salted, peppered, ant vith some lemon," Aloysia confirmed. "Vee vere tolt zat you ate meat. Vile fake meat exists, vee have fount zat fish tent to be a better fit. I take it from your enjoyment zat vee are correct," Aloysia said as Julius ate his breakfast.

"Very much so," Julius said as he ate. "Even back home, salmon is kind of rare. Stupid expensive fish," Julius grunted before trying some of the salad. Tasting the creamy salad, Julius bit into something crunchy. "Cucumber?" Julius asked in surprise.

"Yes," Aloysia said. "An old dish, but shtill common," Aloysia further confirmed as Julius continued to eat. "I take it zat all is to your likink," Aloysia said as she looked towards the counter.

"Well, I could do without the heavy German accent. But other than that, yes, very much so," Julius confirmed as he enjoyed the food.

"Is this any better?" Aloysia slowly asked as she got up and walked towards the counter.

"Very much so, yes. Wait, if you can talk normally, why don't you?" Julius asked while Aloysia grabbed a cup and poured something into it.

"This isn't normal for me. Most of my kind, or vampire ponies, as the ignorant know us, still speak in our ancient tongue. Only a few of us can talk without our accent," Aloysia explained as she took a sip of her drink.

"Fair. Considering how secluded thestrals are, you're probably even more secluded. So, what's in the cup?" Julius asked as he finished his food.

"A mix of several different juices and a small amount of blood. Staying awake this early is quite tiring for our kind," Aloysia said as she sipped her drink. "Now, I have my orders. Let your food rest, and prepare yourself. Once you are ready, let me know. I shall take you downstairs and test you," Aloysia told Julius.

"How so? What do you mean?" Julius asked before finishing off his coffee.

"I talked with Luna in the dream realm. I got orders from her to test you, primarily for spirit magic capabilities, though other things will be tested. As I'm sure you could guess, this test will consist of us sparring; well, I'll be sparring, you'll be fighting," Aloysia told Julius.

"What do you mean? 'I'll be fighting, and you'll be sparring'?" Julius asked, sounding offended.

"Frankly, you cannot harm me. Were we to fight seriously, you'd have no chance. I have as much combat experience as Luna and a mastery of dark magic only exceeded by Luna herself. You are completely outclassed. That said, the point isn't for you to win, just for me to take your measure, for me to see where exactly to start your training in dark magic," Aloysia explained.

"So, I will be getting trained in dark magic, neat," Julius commented.

"Against Celestia's wishes, yes. Luna and Celestia are still arguing about that. Those two still haven't changed thousands of years later," Aloysia sighed deeply.

"How do you know that? How old are you?" Julius asked as he looked at Aloysia in surprise.

"I am a few months older than Luna and a few months younger than Celestia. I grew up with those two, and they're still mostly the same after all this time," Aloysia sighed with mild annoyance.

"Damn, the three of you have aged really well," Julius said as he stood up and started to do a few stretches.

"Biological immortality and eternal youth will do that. It comes with becoming an alicorn and becoming one of the chosen blessed," Aloysia explained. "Now, I'll go ahead to prepare the grounds. Once you are ready to be tested, leave the room. You shall be guided towards the training grounds," Aloysia told Julius before leaving the room. Fully recovering from their shock, the three ponies approach Julius.

"You're not going with her, are you?" Rainbow Dash asked as she walked up to Julius.

"I am," Julius flatly said. "I'll be fine; I trust Luna," Julius said while stretching.

"Yeah, I doubt she'd let anything bad happen to you," Pinkie Pie hummed. "But fair warning, it's really dark in there, like bold new levels of dark. It's advanced dark in there," Pinkie Pie said spookily.

"Hah, thanks for the warning," Julius thanked as he continued to stretch.

Chapter 63: A Fighting Test

Aloysia led the group out of Luna's room while Luna slept. As Julius walked out of the room, he stopped.

"You know, I think it's less dark if I close my eyes. I don't know how that's possible, but I'm pretty sure of it," Julius said as he stopped to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. "Hey, Pinkie, got anything in your mane for this?"

"Hmmm," Pinkie Pie hummed as she rummaged through her mane. "I got a glove!" Pinkie Pie sang as she gave Julius a rubbery glove.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" Julius asked as he looked baffled at the glove.

"Rub it!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she lightly rubbed the glove, causing it to glow slightly, barely illuminating anything.

"How does that-, no, no, let it go," Julius sighed as the glove glowed.

"That glow is really helping," Rainbow Dash sarcastically laughed as she followed Aloysia.

"Yeah. It's helping so much," Julius sarcastically agreed as the glove's glow fizzled away. "Even more so now," Julius quipped as he carefully followed the group.

"I know, right!" Pinkie Pie happily squeed. "It's hard to be worried when you're joking around," Pinkie Pie said as she stuck close to Fluttershy. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. Auntie Pinkie Pie will protect you."

"Pinkie, I'm older than you," Fluttershy flatly told Pinkie Pie.

"Yeah, yeah! That's the spirit! You keep telling yourself that, and one day it will be true!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she lightly patted Fluttershy's withers.

"Pinkie Pie, I'm not that scared," Fluttershy sighed. "I'm just adjusting. I was scared at first, but after having some time to think things over, I'll be fine. Besides, Julius made some good points; and I look after their bats, apparently. No animal lover would harm a creature looking after their animals," Fluttershy reasoned while she followed behind.

"Timidness or intelligence?" Aloysia said as she led the group down the spiraling stairs. "For a while now, that's been a question about you. While you are quick to run and hide, you are also quick to avoid trouble and de-escalate. While your actions speak highly of timidness, the way in which you carry them out speaks of intelligence," Aloysia hummed.

"For Fluttershy, a bit of both," Rainbow Dash replied. "She might be scared of nearly everything, but she's also one of the smartest ponies I know. I think only Twilight is smarter. Fluttershy, what were your grades again?" Rainbow Dash asked as she closely followed Aloysia.

"Oh, it's been a while; I don't really remember," Fluttershy brushed off. "They were in the low nineties, though. Oh, except this one grade was only in the high eighties, but that was Prench class," Fluttershy said with a light blush.

"See, a bit of both," Rainbow Dash said. "Also, show off; I'm proud of you, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said as she looked back and winked at Fluttershy.

"Oh? Was I showing off? I'm sorry," Fluttershy said, blushing as she slightly hid behind her mane.

"That's more like Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie sang as she saw Fluttershy being timid.

"I see. Most of us suspected that; it's good to have it confirmed," Aloysia said as the group got to the bottom of the stairs. Leading the group through some hallways, Aloysia opened a door, leading to a wide-open, slightly lighter arena. "Here we are, the indoor training arena," Aloysia said as she ushered the group inside. "Now, as for the test, well, as long as it pushes you and involves you using everything that you can, the activity taken for the test doesn't matter. So go ahead, choose how you'd like to be tested," Aloysia told Julius.

"OK, what do you mean? And why let me choose?" Julius asked as he felt the ground, swiftly pocketing a handful of sandy dirt.

"What exactly the test is, does not matter. All that matters is that you are tested appropriately. As for letting you choose, well, the gap between us is so vast that it doesn't matter how you wish to be tested. For example, in a popular foal's comic, this teacher tested her students by requiring them to grab a bell from her; we could do that. Of course, that is just an example. We are in an arena; you could test yourself in a straight-up fight if you wish. Perhaps you'd like to try hiding from me? That too, is an option. Or maybe a written test? There are ways we can test your abilities with a written test. Of course, all of these are just suggestions; common ways that I've tested others," Aloysia told Julius.

"Hmmm," Julius hummed as he slowly paced. "Interesting suggestions. I'm interested in seeing how a written test would test my abilities, but I can take a few guesses," Julius hummed as he slowly got closer. "Playing hide and go seek with a vampire seems like a losing game. So, I guess," Julius said as he paced closely to Aloysia's flank, "I'll-," Julius slowly said before swiftly lunging at Aloysia, grabbing the vampire pony before she turned into black mist and flew away.

"No such thing as a fair fight, I see. Good mentality. A mentality I've often seen before, one that's never gotten the better of me, though it's a mentality I agree with," Aloysia said, her voice echoing from the shadows.

"Hey, at least I tried," Julius shrugged as he started to calm himself.

"Calming yourself, trying to sense where I am. Fairly basic, every thestral learns it, though few who are not blessed as my kind can sense us with it," Aloysia commented as the shadows twisted and turned.

"You said this is a test," Julius said as he closed his eyes. "And the point is to take my measure and test my spirit magic abilities. So, I'm guessing that you're going to force me to use it, aren't you?" Julius asked as he intensely focused.

"You are correct. Though, there is more to using spirit magic than just using it," Aloysia said as she remained sequestered in the shadows.

"Found you!" Julius triumphantly said as he quickly turned to look at a group of shadows, only to get grabbed by a shadowy tendril.

"Congratulations are in order; you found me," Aloysia sarcastically said as she walked out from the shadows. "It's a shame that you forgot about your surroundings," Aloysia said as she walked up to a struggling Julius. "What now?" Aloysia asked as she took a few measured steps towards Julius. Waiting a few moments, Aloysia sighed. "I know what you're planning. You're not the first to try it; you won't be the last," Aloysia firmly told Julius, who steadied his breathing. "Fine," Aloysia sighed, taking a few more steps towards Julius, "for the test."

"Element of surprise!" Julius shouted as dark energy pulsed through his body, giving him enough strength to break the tendrils and charge at Aloysia, only to get casually batted away.

"I told you, I've seen that trick before. You'll have to do better than that if you want to trick me," Aloysia firmly told Julius.

"At least I'm trying," Julius grunted as he slowly stood up, only to crumble down in pain.

"Yeah, if you aren't used to it, dark enhancement can be quite painful. Still, you have healing magic. So quit whining and use it," Aloysia commanded.

"Geez, not letting me rest much, are you?" Julius asked as Aloysia appeared to his side and pushed him down.

"Not much rest?" Aloysia asked as she forced Julius down. "In a real fight, you'd be getting nowhere near this much rest. In a real fight, I'd have won within the first few seconds," Aloysia told Julius from atop of him.

"I think I know about real fights," Julius grunted as Aloysia kept him belly down on the floor.

"Why? Because you beat a few timberwolves? That means nothing. Any competent soldier can take them down. Or is it that timberdirewolf? Most are wise enough not to bring one forth. And of those few times they are brung forth, a competent squad can take them down. You required an alicorn, a guard captain, and the element of magic. What you've done may seem impressive, but that is compared to a meager standard. Or perhaps you speak your time in your world? You may have been in multiple fights in your world, but this is a world of magic; fighting here is quite different," Aloysia said while running down Julius.

"Geez, kind of made everything I've done seem irrelevant," Julius sighed as he healed up and gathered his strength. "Though, I suppose you're right. This is a different world; there would be differences," Julius said as he reached into his pocket. "Still, some things do carry over, like -" Julius hummed as he took his clenched fist out from his pocket. "POCKET SAND!" Julius shouted as he threw the sandy dirt from his pocket into Aloysia's eyes.

"Cheap trick," Aloysia grunted as she backed up off Julius and shook her head.

"I've got plenty," Julius confidently said as he uppercutted Aloysia in her teets, to no response.

"Please, this is a test. At least try to retain some class," Aloysia dismissively said as she bucked Julius in the head, sending him flying back as she shook her head.

"Really? Nothing?" Julius grunted as he sat on the ground, panting heavily.

"You're not the first to try the teet beat, and you won't be the last. If I were a normal mare, then yes, that would have been effective," Aloysia said as she gave her head one last firm shake before walking towards Julius. "If this is all you can do, then I've seen all I need to see," Aloysia said as she stood a little bit away from Julius.

"No, I can do more," Julius grunted as he slowly stood up.

"Since when?" Aloysia asked as she steadied herself.

"Oh, you know, about nowish," Julius grunted as dark energy flowed through his body.

"Hmmm, dark magic-infused healing. Effective, if you know what you're doing," Aloysia said as she carefully watched Julius. "Oh, using dark magic to bolster your strength and speed again, a bit boring," Aloysia hummed before her eyebrows slightly raised. "What's this, something more?" Aloysia slowly said as she braced herself.

"Yeah, yeah, something a lot more," Julius firmly said as he stood up. "Even without magic, humans can drastically boost their strength, as you'll see," Julius grunted as his arms slightly twitched.

"Hmmm, it seems like you humans are capable of frenzied vigor. Here we thought only minotaurs and dragons had that ability," Aloysia said as she prepared herself. "Alright, I'm game. I always wondered what would happen if dark enhancement mixed with frenzied vigor," Aloysia slightly smirked as she kept her eyes on Julius.

"Well, let's find out," Julius said as he charged at Aloysia.

"He's fast!" Aloysia commented as she swiftly backed up, barely avoiding a hard punch. "Hit me now, and I might actually feel it," Aloysia commented as she avoided punches, elbows, knees, and kicks by the narrowest of margins. "As is, you seem to have speed on par with my kind, but strength, well, one way to find out," Aloysia grunted as she braced herself for what she needed to do.

"You might be letting me hit you, but a hit is a hit," Julius grunted as he landed a solid punch on Aloysia's flank, sending her flying. "Still counts," Julius heavily panted as he fell to one knee.

"Yes," Aloysia grunted as she picked herself back up. "And you couldn't do the job. This is over; you are finished. Your body is too damaged from the combination of frenzied vigor and dark enhancement. Besides, I now know all I need to know," Aloysia said as she turned to the door, hoofsteps echoing from the hall.

"From the feeling of dark energy, I take it that the test is finished?" A tired Luna yawned as she entered the arena.

"Yes," Aloysia flatly said. "I already have a few ideas of where to start his training," Aloysia said as Julius slowly limped up behind her. "Turns out we were right about frenzied vigor mixing with dark enhancement. So for a starting place, we-AHHH!" Aloysia yelped as Julius tackled her to the ground. "What do you think you're doing?" Aloysia angrily asked as Julius held her down.

"I don't remember giving up," Julius grunted through gritted teeth.

"You can't be serious. You're in pain; your reserves of magical energy are low. You are beaten; just give up," Aloysia angrily commanded.

"I may be beaten, but I'm not defeated," Julius grunted as Aloysia sighed. "I'll fight you in the arena; I'll fight you in the fields. I'll fight you in the hills and the mountains. With growing confidence and growing strength, I'll fight you in the seas and the air," Julius started to say as Aloysia rolled her eyes.

"I've heard this before, and I know how to deal with it," Aloysia sighed. "You like fish; it's a part of your diet. I'm guessing that you'll get little, if any, from the Equestrians," Aloysia flatly said.

"I know what you're doing, and you can forget it. I cannot be tempted," Julius resolutely said.

"Give up now, and I'll make sure that whenever you're with us, you'll be able to have some, along with other things that you want," Aloysia told Julius.

"Oh, I forgot," Julius said as he loosened his grip, "I can be tempted by things I want, deal," Julius said as he helped Aloysia up.

"Bribery always works," Aloysia said as she got up. "Now, you should get some rest, or a warm bath, or both," Aloysia said as she turned to Luna. "As for us, we should talk about areas he needs to focus on; well, after you wake up," Aloysia said as she looked at Luna.

"Agreed," Luna yawned. "The usual?" Luna asked as she levitated Julius to her.

"I think some of the food was prepared with different herbs, but other than that, yes," Aloysia confirmed.

"Great. I'm just going to drop Julius off in the bath. Bring my food to my room when it's ready," Luna lazily yawned as she took Julius out of the arena.

Chapter 65: On Different Cultural Negotiations

"Your courts are quite absurd. All that talking, just to say a single word. In my lands, as far off as they are, our courts go by much faster, while yours move as though it's stuck in tar. All the talking with nothing said to me is bizarre. I've long since heard rumors, and that helped put me off from going to your city hall. I see I was correct if this is the fate that upon my head would befall," Zecora said as she and Twilight left the main hall. "To cover up all your thoughts, wants, and needs with such flowery language is disingenuous, to say the least. If it were up to me or my kind, all that long ago would have ceased. Frankly, in our time in the court, only two things were brought up that warranted any actual intervention from the country's leaders. But this gaggle wandered in with far too many requests for Celestia, each coming from a horde of incoherent pleaders. She should have seen them out or charged them with wasting the court's time. Coming to the country's top court to argue about minor changes to regional price changes should be a crime," Zecora criticized as she and Twilight headed towards the dining hall.

"Honestly, I agree with you," Twilight heavily sighed as she led Zecora towards the dining hall. "I grew up with it, and even I'm not that used to it. My parents only put up with that because they have to, even they try to leave the court as soon as possible. There are times I wonder how Celestia puts up with it and times when I wonder how it's gotten to this point. But then I remember that Celestia has more experience than any creature alive; surely there has to be a reason behind it," Twilight logicized as she opened the door to the dining hall and walked up to a table.

"I sure hope that you are correct. For the only reason I can see would be to heavily control the Equestrian subject. Now that is a reason I would prefer not to entertain. I would like to believe that she is benevolent enough not to be so vain," Zecora said as she sat next to Twilight, waiting to be served. "Still, to be in power for so long. To have a solo rule for centuries, millennia even, to not let it get to you, you'd have to be extremely strong. While Celestia's strength isn't in question, it is always important to remember that the road to Tophet is paved with good intentions. The urge to do good, to provide for your kind, in that foul actors, whatever their form, make their interventions. Celestia, having maintained her station for so long. Up on high without an equal, to have some concerns, I feel is not wrong," Zecora said as the castle staff served the two their lunch.

"I see where you're coming from; I really do. But, well, Celestia is perfect. As long as I've known her, she has never made any mistakes. My parents and grandparents also never said anything against her. In the schools I've been to and the cities I've visited, I've never met a pony who has anything bad to say against Celestia," Twilight assured Zecora as she started to eat.

"But what schools have you been to; who was their matron? Think of that when you think of the schools that you have been a patron. The cities, too, I'd imagine, are heavily loyal to Celestia without fail. Yet venturing out of those cities, you will find those who do wail. There are the thestrals, which I've known for quite some time. To call Celestia perfect to them, I'd imagine, would be less than sublime. A whole tribe, possibly a fourth of Equestria in disagreement. Of this, I'm sure they'd be quite vehement. Then there are the problems with stallions; the sheer fact that a stallionist movement has started speaks to issues with the crown. I am not saying that Equestria should become like Griffonia, or Asterion, or other such places, but it is a problem that cannot be played down," Zecora told Twilight.

"Fair points, though; I know nothing of the thestrals. And while Griffonia and other places may not have such a difference between stallions and mares, but Griffonia has been going through some serious problems. From what I've heard, The Empire is close to fracturing. As for Asterion, that whole region has been in turmoil for, well, longer than I've been alive," Twilight responded between bites.

"All that might be true," Zecora said as she started to eat. "But those problems have different roots, I thought you knew. It's no matter; my point remains. There are problems across the Equestrian domains. Those problems have to be resolved. This must happen for Equestria to say it has evolved," Zecora commented as she began eating.

"That much we can agree with, though, those problems lay at the royal court, not with Celestia herself," Twilight told Zecora.

"Celestia controls the court. The court's problems are her import. Even if she didn't intend for it, they are her problems to solve. Even if forced on her, those are her's to resolve. And for the court to have become the way it is, that is a problem all in itself. Maybe she thought it wasn't that bad at first and put it on the shelf. Years upon years passed, and eventually, the court took its current form. And now, to resolve that problem would create quite a storm," Zecora pondered as she ate.

"I can see that happening. Celestia wants to see the best in everypony, so she missed that happening. She really is too good to us. Honestly, some of the lower nobility, my parents included, wouldn't mind Celestia taking more control of the court and weeding out some of the more frivolous cases. Alas, we haven't gotten enough support for it. The biggest supporter is Fancy Pants, but he cannot come out publically and support it until there are several other higher nobility publically supporting it. If he did, it'd be political suicide. It's unfortunate, but we understand. It's good having a friendly pony so high up," Twilight said between bites.

"Indeed, I understand that position all too well. The trappings of nobility can, at times, be quite the cell. Our bars that hold us may not always be of the physical kind. Sometimes, the bars that hold us the tightest are the bards of our mind," Zecora said as the two continued to eat.

"That bath was nice, like it was really nice," Julius said as he stretched. "The only thing I could complain about are small personal things. And when that's the only complaint, well, that's a good thing," Julius contently said as he walked back to Luna's room.

"Yes, the bath is set to a standard. Most creatures find the standard to be comfortable. The only ones who have ever really complained are dragons, but to be fair, they usually bathe in lava. I do not believe Spike is old enough to have bathed in lava yet, and I don't think Twilight has tried it for many different reasons. But, I'd guess, in a few years, Spike will start to find the baths too cold and will want to seek out lava pools to bathe in. Fortunately, that shouldn't be a problem; if I remember, the castle does have a lava pool just for that purpose. Though it's hidden and under heavy guard for obvious reasons," Luna told Julius as the two walked into her bedroom.

"OK, I might like hot baths and showers, but that's too hot for me, like way too hot," Julius laughed as the two walked it, with the ponies looking at him. "Oh, we were just talking about dragons taking lava baths. Thoughts?" Julius asked as he sat on a plush sofa.

"I don't think I've ever seen Spike taking a lava bath. But it does make sense since he is a dragon. I'm pretty sure dragons can handle a lot of heat," Fluttershy said as she racked her brain.

"They can," Luna confirmed. "My sister almost always dealt with the dragons since she can handle the same heat that they can. I guess if you really want to split ends and include spirit magic, I can also take that kind of heat, but I much prefer not doing that. On the occasions where I've had to deal with the dragons, I prefer to do it on more neutral grounds, like a plateau. The elder dragons prefer the heights, and I prefer not being surrounded by extreme heat, trying its best to incinerate me," Luna jokingly smiled. "Spike still has some time until he starts bathing in lava. If I had to guess, maybe a few years after he gets his wings," Luna hummed as she tried to make an accurate guess.

"What does lava feel like?" Pinkie Pie blurted out. "I know my sister Maud would really like to know," Pinkie Pie smiled as she sat down next to Julius.

"Imagine trying to swim in the thickest pudding while it's boiling, and you are on fire. I think that's the best way I can describe it. I haven't entered lava that often. Neither has my sister, but she's entered it a bit more than I have. That can really help negotiations with dragons," Luna told Pinkie Pie.

"That sounds awful; I never want to swim in lava. I didn't before, and, somehow, I want to even less now," Julius sighed as he tried and failed to imagine swimming in that type of mess.

"Believe me; it's just as awful as it sounds, possibly worse. But if negotiations reach a hitch, it can tip them in your favor. So reluctantly, we will do it, though the dragons don't push for it. They know that having to do so puts my sister and me in a foul mood," Luna said with a sigh.

"Well, nopony can say that you two don't have Equestria's best interests at heart. I mean, doing something that extreme for Equestria, good job both of you," Rainbow Dash complimented. "Any other extreme things done in negotiations?" Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered in place.

"Well, minotaurs tend to like to spar, no magic, no weapons, just physicality and skill. The whole no magic thing makes it difficult for us. Fortunately, such things are rare, but if you insult a minotaur diplomat or the two negotiating cannot decide the order of things, a round might be held to settle things. A similar thing happens with griffons, but with weapons and armor. Though they keep that in reserve for direct and intentional insults to their honor," Luna told the group.

"Well," Aloysia started to interject, "Grover the second fought in many duels of honor. During the unification wars of Griffonia, if I remember, Grover the second, or just Grover the Conquerer, fought in over a thousand duels. His strength and size were extremely odd. The Grover line was always strong griffons, but even by those standards, Grover the Conquerer was especially large and strong. We've always thought that he may have been born with some form of spirit magic, or from birth, he was dedicated to one of the griffon's greater spirits and was granted power by the spirit he was dedicated to," Aloysia explained. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure if I could take him. His natural strength, his enchanted sword, his enchanted armor, and ferocity made him a terrifying opponent," Aloysia said as she thought back to memories of him fighting.

"I see," Julius said with a sigh. "I suppose it's a good thing that he's dead then. It means we don't have to deal with him. Ummm, he is dead, right?" Julius nervously asked.

"Yes, he is. The current Grover is Grover the Fifth, the sick bird of Griffonia. Under him, The Empire suffered greatly. It's speculated that The Empire will fracture more than it already has after his death. His infant son, Grover the Sixth, will have a monumental time holding The Empire together, assuming it's still around when he comes of age," Aloysia explained.

"You know, in a weird way, that's comforting. The more things change, the more they stay the same," Julius bitterly laughed. "Well, I suppose I should get ready. Is Celestia busy at the moment?"

"She'll be busy for another five or so hours, and then she'll have some free time. Why?" Aloysia asked.

"I have some things I have to tell Celestia and Luna. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it," Julius heavily sighed as he rubbed his temples.

"Ah, yes. If I remember correctly, Cannae, some period of time, and what's happening now in your world," Luna said. "Relax, I'm sure it's not that bad," Luna assured.

"You're right; it's worse. Though I suppose to be fair, I could tell you of pretty much any Chinese civil war. Those will make pretty much everything I'm going to tell you two look tame. I'm, uhhh, I'm not sure if that's really better or worse," Julius nervously laughed. "Ah well, we got a few hours to kill; got any board games or something?" Julius asked as he leaned back.

"Oh, I got The Galloping Ghouls board game!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she pulled the board game out of her mane.

"Great, I'm up for a few games, if nothing else, to take my mind off things," Julius said as Pinkie Pie set up the game.

Chapter 66: Human History

"You know, of all the board games for Equestria to have, I really didn't think a survival horror mixed with social deduction would show up. I'm not complaining; it's a welcome surprise," Julius said as he helped to clean up the game.

"It's not a game we often play," Pinkie Pie said as she put the pieces away. "Applejack doesn't do well with social deduction, and Fluttershy doesn't deal well with either social deduction or horror. I'm proud of you, Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie stated as she cleaned up the game.

"I've had to do worse. Besides, Rainbow Dash has been trying to get me to try some new things," Fluttershy said with a blush.

"I have, and you're doing great with it," Rainbow Dash complimented with a smile. "Shame Twilight isn't here. She has some of the best freakouts with social deduction games. She went insane about fifteen minutes in the last time we played one," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"I can see that all too well," Julius chuckled as Pinkie Pie stored the board game in her mane. "So, I'm guessing that enough time has passed for Celestia to have some free time?" Julius asked as he got up to stretch.

"She should have some free time soon, yes. Head into the castle proper now, send a messenger to her, requesting a personal meeting, and by the time you make it to her chambers, where I suspect you'll want to talk, she should be there," Aloysia told Julius.

"Alright," Julius said with a heavy sigh, "I suppose I've been putting this off long enough. Might as well just get it over with," Julius sighed with a wince. "Come on, Luna, let's get this over with."

"Wait, why only Luna? What about us?" Rainbow asked, sounding a little insulted and a little left out.

"Look, what I'm going to tell them, well, if I said that it was bad, that'd be an improvement. I'm not sure how it is for this world, but in my world, history is a harsh teacher, often showing us some genuinely despicable things. There are bright spots, but, in many ways, the few really are like stars in the night sky," Julius solemnly said.

"I won't lie; our world and even Equestria itself have had its fair share of terrible moments. But I think the difference between good and bad moments has been switched. At least, if what you're saying about the bright moments being akin to stars in the night sky," Luna said as she got up to follow Julius. "If that is the case and the things you plan on telling us are that bad, I do suggest that you do not come with us or try to listen in. Celestia, Aloysia, and I have each lived through a lot and have seen the worst of the worst. Just half of the worst things I've seen would give any other pony, probably any creature alive, nightmares for the rest of their life. We can deal with it," Luna explained as Aloysia followed her.

"Are you sure that you want Aloysia there?" Julius asked before leaving the room.

"Well, I am curious, I have the time to kill, and I've been by Luna's side through the worst of the past. Whatever you're going to tell those two, I can take it. Besides, it's been ages since I've talked directly with Celestia, not since that night. I really should say hello," Aloysia laughed.

"Wait, has this keep been empty all that time?" Julius asked in bewilderment.

"No, we of the chosen have been maintaining the place. We kept the doors sealed for nearly everycreature. Only those that we knew were allowed in," Aloysia told Julius. "Now, enough delaying; you have things you want to tell us, so let's go," Aloysia commanded. "The rest of you can stay here if you want, or leave, either-or."

"I don't know about you two, but I think we should head back into the castle and find Twilight and Zecora," Rainbow Dash said as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy nodded in agreement. "Then that's settled; we'll be headed back into the castle," Rainbow Dash said as the two others got up to follow.

"I thought as much," Aloysia said, "one of the guards by the main hall should know where Twilight and Zecora are. Though, if I had to guess, they are probably in the dining hall," Aloysia suggested.

"Alright, thanks for the suggestion. Now let's head out," Rainbow Dash said while smiling. Walking down the spiraling staircase, Rainbow Dash nervously chuckled. "I know I'm not going to be attacked or anything, but still, seeing all these red eyes watching us creeps me out."

"They're just on guard duty. Frankly, they're no different from the castle guard, aside from quality. In terms of quality, these are some of the best we have. Just one of them would be able to easily deal with any threat that attacked," Aloysia proudly stated as the outside doors opened. "All these years later, I still don't care for the sun. I'll meet you two in Celestia's chambers," Aloysia said before fading into the shadows.

"How'd she do that?" Julius, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie asked at the same time.

"Shadow walking. Quite a useful spell. Dark magic in nature. While slower than teleportation, it has much better fine control and allows you to see everything that you usually would. It's far better for battle and covert operations than teleportation," Luna explained as she led the group into the castle.

"Hah, I'd imagine that's something that Twilight will be eager to learn," Pinkie Pie said as she happily bounced behind Luna.

"She would be, but Twilight is not yet ready to learn any form of spirit magic. Honestly, she has a lot of maturing to do before learning spirit magic. As she is now, Twilight would likely do significant damage if she learned spirit magic, even if she didn't intend for it," Luna explained as she led the group to the main hall.

"What do you mean? Twilight Sparkle is great at magic. She can do any spell, no problem," Rainbow Dash said in defense of Twilight.

"Twilight's skill isn't in question. What is, is her ability to use magic responsibility. That is a problem that's common among unicorns. While it may not seem like it at first, unicorns tend to grow too accustomed to using magic for everything. That goes for Twilight as well. What's more concerning is Twilight's willingness to use magic as a first resort and her potential power with it. Should she learn spirit magic as she is, I fear that it would lead to her causing a horrific amount of damage, possibly mentally scarring her, along with what other damage it would cause. For that reason, she is not ready to learn it," Luna explained as they reached the main hall. "Here we are; we'll part ways here," Luna said as she turned to go to Celestia's chambers.

"Alright, good luck with your mysterious meeting!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she waved them goodbye.

"So," Julius started to say as the two walked to Celestia's chambers, "Twilight isn't ready to learn, but I am," Julius lightly laughed.

"Well, yes, and no," Luna bitterly chuckled. "Due to your magical entwinement with dark magic, you have to learn it. If you don't, it's only a matter of time until you accidentally use it. Should that happen, I fear the result would be similar to what would happen if Twilight used spirit magic. For this reason, you must learn it. Fortunately, you don't have the problem of using magic for everything. Unfortunately, because you grew up without magic, you need to work heavily on your control," Luna explained to Julius.

"Yeah, I suppose that's fair. I'm guessing that a lot of my training will first consist of learning how to control magic, right?" Julius asked as Luna led him up a marble spiral staircase.

"Yes, from what I saw Aloysia preparing, yes. Prepare to get cut a lot," Luna warned.

"Why would I get cut? What is she planning?" Julius asked with some concern.

"From what I saw, she's likely going to use an old training method for controlling magic. If I'm right, she'll give you a special set of cutlery, glasses, plate, and bowls. They'll be very easy to break, and you will have to use them instead of their regular variants. Not only that, but you'll have to use them while using magic to increase your strength as much as you can," Luna said as she hummed and hawed.

"Geez, I hope she has a lot of replacements," Julius dryly laughed.

"Not needed. If she uses that method, they'll all have an enchantment that will repair them a few moments after they're broken," Luna assured Julius. "It'll probably be the same old set that Celestia and I learned with, back when we were students of Starswirl the Bearded," Luna said as the two got to the top of the stairs.

"That old, huh," Julius said as he looked around, spotting only one hallway, with a single door at the end and many heavily armored mares, the closest two snapping their necks to look right at Luna and Julius. "Well, they look different from the normal guards," Julius said as the two mares approached Luna and Julius.

"You are in a heavily restricted area. Leave immediately, or you may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," one of the mares commanded.

"It's OK; I'm Luna Empyrean Astra, Sovereign Dirach Princess of Equestria, Sovereign Queen of the Threstrals, Warden of the Dream Realm, and Slayer of Beasts," Luna told the two mares in response. "And this is Julius, my consort, and I guess, by default, an ambassador from another far-off realm," Luna said as a third mare approached the four, this one looking slightly more important.

"Celestia did tell us that the two of you may be coming here. However, for security reasons, we have to confirm your identity. If you truly are Princess Luna, you should have no problem raising the moon. Not too high, just over the horizon will do," the third mare said as she looked at Luna.

"Security is a lot tighter than the last time I was here. I'm guessing that there's more to this than just a check," Luna sighed as she lifted the moon into the sky. "I trust this is high enough?" Luna asked as she looked at the three mares.

"Yes, that'll do," the third said. "Forgive the impudence, but Celestia has reasons to believe that Canterlot may face a threat sometime in the near future. For that reason, security here is tightened heavily," the third mare explained. "While we have no way of confirming your identity, you are with Luna, and that's enough. If you are a changeling infiltrator, I'll warn you now, resume your standard form; you do not want to draw the ire of the Royal Sisters. A stay in prison would be far more preferable," the third mare warned.

"You know, I'd really love to be able to transform. If nothing else, I'd be abusing the hell out of the Sexy Jutsu. Sadly, I cannot transform; I'm just plain old normal me, the human. Hell, I'm so human; you could call me superhuman," Julius joked.

"Sure, sure," the third mare dryly said. "Return to guard positions! Resume guard duties!" The third mare commanded. "Follow me," she said before leading Luna and Julius to the door; walking up to the door, the mare opened the door for the two. "Enter; Princess Celestia is waiting for you," the mare commanded as she opened the door. Walking into the room, Luna and Julius walked into a grand anteroom.

"Well, if nothing else, this is the most impressive room I've ever seen," Julius said as he looked around the room. Walking up onto a step, Luna led Julius into Celestia's room.

"Indeed. My sister has always preferred wide open designs," Luna said as she walked up the few stairs. "I am here, sister, as is Julius. I take it that you know why we are here," Luna said as she crested the stairs.

"Yes, I have," Celestia responded. "And, it was a rather slow day at court. For two hours, several nobles argued about cheese, of all things cheese. I don't think that even the yaks or minotaurs spend that long arguing about cheese," Celestia laughed as she looked at Luna. "What's the matter? You look like you're expecting something?" Celestia asked as she saw Luna looking around.

"Ah, there you are," Luna said as she looked into a shadow. "How long are you planning on hiding in there?" Luna smiled at the shadow.

"At least until you got here," Aloysia said as she walked out of Celestia's shadow. "While they might be your best, your guards are still lacking," Aloysia told Celestia as she walked in front of her.

"After over a thousand years, that's how you greet me?" Celestia asked as she looked right at Aloysia.

"I promise you, that's a far better greeting than any of the other chosen would have given you," Aloysia assured.

"Considering that you and your kin abandoned your sworn duty, I'd expect a friendlier greeting," Celestia retorted.

"After sending Luna to the moon, keeping that duty would be political suicide; you and I both know that. Besides, after the bright age, I did save you from the worst of your nightmares. And for the rest of the time, we upheld our duty. Only to the thestrals and those under the mantle of the coven," Aloysia argued back.

"Enough, you two can argue more later," Julius sighed as he rubbed his temples. "Is there somewhere I can sit and have a warm drink? Hot chocolate, maybe," Julius asked as he looked around.

"There is a chaise lounge over there. As for hot chocolate, there's hot chocolate imported from the cultists in Tenochtitlan. Along with fruit from Tenochtitlan as well," Celestia said as she levitated a platter of those to a table near the chaise and a kettle of boiling water. "Now, about this history that you need to tell us," Celestia said as she looked at Julius.

"Right," Julius sighed heavily while Luna and Aloysia made themselves comfortable. "I guess I'll start with Cannae," Julius solemnly said as he made himself a cup of hot chocolate.

Chapter 67: After The Talk

"Well, at least that's how things were when I was last on Earth," Julius said after telling the three ponies a bit about humanity's past. Julius took a deep drink of his hot chocolate and looked at the three ponies. "What?" Julius asked as he saw the three ponies staring seemingly blankly at him.

"You're lying," Celestia flatly said. "You have to be lying. Fifty thousand dead in one day. A war that lasted thirty years, wiping out over fifty percent of the population in places, and the state of your world. Even the most hawkish of the griffons and minotaurs wouldn't go that far. Even the changelings at least don't consider their kind as their enemy. For all her faults, Chrysalis genuinely cares for her subjects. But from what you said, if it were to be true," Celestia shakingly said.

"How did your world reach such a state? What could have possibly happened? And why tell us all this?" Luna asked while holding back a shudder.

"The how, that's a long depressing answer. What happened, greed, pride, arrogance, etcetera," Julius flatly responded. "As for telling you all this, simple, so you avoid making a tragic mistake. I came to this world. Accidentally, but still, here I am. If a day comes when a portal between our worlds opens, you very well might have done something foolish, like joining the U.N. How'd you like to import the problems of my world to Equestria? What about having foreign governments dictate Equestria's foreign policy?" Julius asked as he looked at Celestia. "Look, I get it; all that sounds very bad, and, frankly, it is. But still, there are good people trapped in my world, people who, by no fault of their own, are trapped in a borderline abusive relationship with their government. I'd like to save them if the opportunity comes," Julius said before finishing his hot chocolate.

"I'll admit such a union sounded attractive. It sounded too good to be true," Celestia said. "I may have considered entering into negotiations with some of your countries after learning about them. But with this, well, it's given me more to think about. I'm sure you have your own biases, and, from the sounds of it, your government has personally wronged you and your family several times in the past," Celestia said as she collected herself. "Should such a day come, I'll have to take any diplomatic considerations under intense advisement. Still, regardless of that, your family is welcome here, and those you personally know who fit into our values are as well. Any others, well," Celestia said as she trailed off.

"Think you could make an exception for the Amish? They don't exactly fit into Equestrian values, but they are pacifists who largely want to be left alone," Julius asked.

"Hmmm, from what you've said, they live in mostly self-sufficient communities. I'd have to meet with the leader of their community and judge for myself," Celestia told Julius.

"Fair. Frederick is a pretty agreeable man. He's the head of the community my siblings and I would stay at when we really screwed up. Honestly, he was a bit light on us. The number of times he caught me napping under a tree next to a Haflinger is probably a lot higher than I know," Julius said with a chuckle.

"What's a Haflinger?" Celestia asked as she levitated a cup of tea to herself.

"It's the breed of horses that Frederick's community keeps. My siblings and I were there for the birth of a few of them. Each of us even got to name one; I named mine Epona because I like The Legend of Zelda. Then my younger brother learned how to ride to spite me, and my twin sister learned the ocarina also to spite me. And no, you cannot convince me otherwise," Julius poutingly said.

"That seems a little petty," Celestia said while staring at Julius.

"It is, and we are petty enough to screw with our siblings in ways like that. One time, my brother and I put a bunch, I think about two hundred or so, plastic cups half-filled with water in our sister's room and covered her doorway in saran wrap. That took a lot of time and was really stupid, and we'd do it again," Julius told Celestia.

"Why would you do that?" Celestia asked as she tilted her head a bit at Julius.

"I don't know; I forget why. She was probably being a bellend in some way," Julius replied. "I do remember hearing a very audible 'What the fuck? You knob gobblers!' from her, though," Julius said as he laughed.

"I'm guessing that sort of thing happened a lot between you three," Celestia said with a sigh.

"It felt like it was a daily thing. We'd screw with each other, but we had each other's backs at the end of the day, and we took the collective punishment in stride. Honestly, we laugh about how we got punished now. I mean, when your punishment involved painting rocks, you know it's something that you'll laugh about later," Julius said while smiling.

"I'll admit, that does sound like an amusing way to discipline your children. It seems to have been effective enough for as odd as it sounds," Celestia told Julius. "Now, I take it that's the thing you needed to tell me about your kind's history, correct?"

"Yes, though, I'd like to know why the whole battalion to guard Zecora and me? Surely just a team or a squad each would be enough," Julius asked.

"You've probably heard the rumors that I'm expecting a threat to Canterlot," Celestia said as she got up and looked out her balcony window. "Those rumors are true. For some time, I've been getting intelligence that Chrysalis might be planning an attack on Canterlot. While information coming out of the Changeling Lands is usually questionable at best, this source is reliable. I don't have much to go on. So, in preparation, I've been looking for a reason to move proper soldiers into Canterlot. You and Zecora coming to the city make for a good excuse. I've moved as many soldiers as I reasonably could into Canterlot. While a whole battalion may seem a bit much, I can justify it as following the procedure of taking entire groups instead of taking only partial groups. While it's true that there are smaller battalions, again, I can justify bringing the Seventh Iron Lightning Battalion as a show of strength to a possible foreign dignitary. As such, you have been designated as both a dignitary and a royal consort. To allocate you inadequate protection would reflect poorly on the crown. While some in the court have raised some concerns, they have all been alleviated," Celestia explained.

"That sounded like a very political answer, with very political reasons. While it's justified, that whole roundabout dance is why I never liked politics. If only more beings would take to being direct," Julius sighed.

"Tell me about it. You have no idea how stressful it can get. There are days when I fully understand why our mother made the court rules what they were. But stupid concessions forced some changes. Honestly, why push for that? The only stallions it affected were the ones that enjoyed it. It still happens, just unofficially," Celestia slightly angrily sighed.

"What concession?" Julius asked as he lightly patted Celestia's whithers.

"Our mother was very much about keeping the status quo. Some nowadays would call her a reactionist mareinist, but that was the order of the day back then. Still, neither she nor I passed any laws against stallions. That said, our mother was a fairly lusty mare. It was extremely difficult to find her without a stallion's head between her legs. That caught on, and as such, it became the norm in the royal court, despite there being no laws passed about it. In a weird way, it did benefit them as they could hear nearly everything that happened at the royal court. Stallionists, who were never a part of that, were rallying against it. Stallions who were a part of it told them to stop and that they enjoyed it, but they were ignored. It still happens, just more in private. Honestly, it really helped relieve stress and made the doldrums of the royal court more bearable," Celestia explained.

"You know, having lust and violence switch places is weird, but it makes more sense; making life is generally better than taking it. Still, it's better to keep that stuff behind closed doors. Ah well, if you're ever looking for that relief, well, I'm willing," Julius half-joked as he raised his hand.

"While you're here, I might take you up on that. Also, it did take place behind closed doors; the royal court is the innermost part of the court. It's not open to the public. You can only get in by direct invitation and through several security checks. Honestly, nothing exciting happens there; it's almost all paperwork. Some joking, some small talk, and some assistance with crossover work, but that's it. If you're really curious, there are minutes of the royal courts available to the public. Though I'm warning you, they are quite dry, save for some bad jokes," Celestia told Julius.

"No, no, that's OK, I'm good; I'll take your word for it," Julius said as he waved it off. "Oh yeah, that reminds me for whatever reason. Any thoughts about using your alchemists to make more titanium?" Julius asked Celestia.

"Well, as long as you have your ring, we can see about it. I'd imagine that it'll take a lot of magical energy to duplicate. Maybe in the region of changeling black stone. If it takes that much, then either my sister or I will have to add our magic to the spell," Celestia told Julius.

"Really, why you two specifically?" Julius asked.

"The crown strictly controls materials that have high degrees of magical resistance. If we used non-alicorns to supply the additional magical energy, then A) it would take a large number, possibly ten or more. B) they would demand high payment, possibly some of the titanium. And C) that would reveal the workings of the transmutation spell to those unicorns. As things currently stand, only myself, Luna, Cadance, and the Aleric brothers know the spell. For obvious reasons, the spell is a heavily guarded state secret," Celestia explained. "Now, if the spell takes that much energy, then Luna will likely have to supply the energy while I supply the fire to make it workable," Celestia hummed.

"That sounds about right," Luna said as she spoke up. "While I don't think that duplicating the titanium will take quite that much magical energy, I do believe that it will take a substantial amount. It'll be a long night for me when we do it," Luna sighed. "I'll probably end up delegating most, if not all, of my dream work."

"I already have preparations for that. Just give the word, and we'll set it in motion," Aloysia told Luna.

"Nice to see that you've finally changed your mind about that," Celestia quipped.

"Hey, even with the political ramifications, I still got rid of your nightmares. Well, after the one hundred year bright age," Aloysia responded while rolling her eyes.

"I've no idea what you're talking about. Equestria has never had a bright age. A dark age lasting a hundred years, but not a bright age," Celestia confidently said.

"Of course, you wouldn't remember. The griffon must have really done a number to you. Wonder what happened to him," Aloysia hummed as the three others looked oddly at her. "Right, of course. During the bright age, Celestia wasn't Celestia. That changed after a golden griffon in radiant armor met her. No idea who the griffon was or what happened in the meeting. All I know is that it ended the bright age. And that the griffon noticed me as I was in the shadows. I remember he looked right at me and said, 'The right of griffons is neither yours, your kind, or your estranged kind's to claim. You'd do well to remember that, foolish little shadow walker'. Not entirely sure who he was, but safe to say, he wants us to stay out of Griffonia," Aloysia told the three.

"Interesting little story, but I don't remember any of it. Are you sure that you're not making it up? That you didn't have a realistic feeling bad dream?" Celestia asked.

"Very much so. I would have recognized it right away if it were such a dream," Aloysia assured.

"Shot in the dark, that griffon wouldn't be some sort of spirit taking physical form or anything, would it?" Julius asked.

"That's what I'm guessing. But, unless he shows up again, I doubt we'll get a solid answer," Aloysia responded.

"From the sounds of it, we don't want him to show back up. It could be dangerous if he does," Luna cautioned. "But, such speculations are moot points. Your ring, you have it with you, correct?" Luna asked as she looked at Julius.

"Uhhh... no... I forgot it," Julius awkwardly smiled as he patted down his body.

"That's alright. I'll retrieve it from Zecora's place," Luna said as she trotted over to the balcony.

"Alright, sister. Meanwhile, we'll go to the brothers; we'll meet you in the treasury's alchemical laboratory," Celestia told Luna.

"Very well," Luna responded as she flew off towards the Everfree Forest.

"I'll go back to the keep," Aloysia said before fading into the shadows.

"Alright, follow me," Celestia told Julius as she led him out of the room.

Chapter 68: Welcome to the Mint

"Lock up, keep my room secure, and keep doing a good job," Celestia commanded and complimented as she and Julius left Celestia's room.

"Forgive my questioning, Your Supreme Beatific Venerableness," the lead guard mare said as she bowed. "Where is The Royal Sister? I would not be doing my job if I didn't accurately document every entrant to your room."

"No, no, that's quite alright," Celestia assured as she motioned for the guardsmare to raise. "My sister has flown off from my balcony towards the Everfree Forest, likely via Ponyville. She should be back shortly, though I'd imagine that she'll be entering through the front doors. Julius left something important at Zecora's house. As such, my sister has gone to retrieve it," Celestia explained. "That reminds me, we really should look into getting you and Zecora a house in Ponyville proper," Celestia hummed as she led Julius down the hall.

"Nah, that's OK. Zecora prefers the Everfree. It has herbs, flora, and such that are unique to the Everfree Forest; besides, if I understand things correctly, we all share property by being in the same herd," Julius said as he followed Celestia.

"Technically, no," Celestia told Julius. "While it may seem that way, each member of the herd individually owns whatever property they brought into the herd. After joining the herd, whatever property is brought is collectively owned by the herd in question. There is an exception to any awarded property that is solely owned by whomever it is awarded to. So as it stands, you technically own nothing, save for your clothes and whatever you brought with you. While I cannot imagine that it'll ever be a problem, especially with Rarity being in Ponyville, it reflects poorly both on you and on us as a society if you do not have your own property or at least your own apartment. Though finding you an apartment could be awkward, they're only in large cities like Manehatten and Las Pegasus. They're interesting buildings, like a bunch of small houses all in one large house," Celestia explained as she led Julius through some winding hallways.

"I know; we have apartments in my world. My friend Grygoriy and his family live in one. After Russia took Crimea, his family saw the writing on the wall and noped out of the country. They moved into the apartment next to my other friend Alexei, which, well, I laughed," Julius told Celestia as she gave him an odd look. "Right, I should explain. Grygoriy is Ukrainian, and Alexei is Russian. Grygoriy's family moved away to escape from the Russians, only to move right next to a Russian family. Wolfgang, Julia, Alex, and I nearly laughed to death. It took several years, but the two families get along pretty well nowadays," Julius explained to Celestia.

"I see, a bit of an unexpected outcome, but it sounds like it all worked out. Funny how life happens, isn't it?" Celestia quipped as she walked by the dining hall. "Hungry?"

"Nah, I just ate in Luna's place," Julius replied as rapid hoofsteps could be heard approaching.

"Celestia! Julius!" Twilight happily said as she trotted up to the two. "Zecora and I were just having lunch after the morning court," Twilight said as Zecora walked up behind her.

"I see; how was court?" Julius asked as he looked right at Twilight.

"Well, ummm, it was," Twilight stammered.

"The court was a world gone mad. Surely all the nobles there are more aggravating than a gad. So long, arguing all that time, and for what? Cheese, just cheese, hours all about cheese, surely some of that could have been cut!" Zecora huffed in some annoyance.

"NO! No, no, no, she doesn't mean that," Twilight quickly interjected.

"It's quite alright, Twilight," Celestia said with a light laugh. "To be honest, there are days when I find the court to be rather trite. Unfortunately, those days are the most common. I swear, the nobility have a secret sport for bringing the most unimportant things to court," Celestia sighed while smiling.

"It may not be my place, but I do have a suggestion. Refuse all that nonsense; that should cut back on the congestion. Should your nobles complain about you not hearing their every moan, like a bunch of mewling foals. Well, the titles of nobility are given by you; surely you can revoke those roles," Zecora suggested as she looked at Celestia.

"Maybe that could work. But the nobility are heavily entrenched. Removing them would cause problems for the citizens, not to mention the vendetta the removed nobility would hold towards me. Honestly, the issues that would generate just aren't worth it. It's easier and better for everycreature if I just sit, smile, and nod," Celestia replied, causing Zecora to mumble angrily.

"I have to side with Zecora on this one. Hours about cheese is just excessive. Though, to be fair, you are handling the nobility far better than I would," Julius said as he nodded at Celestia.

"Yes, it takes a different type of creature to deal with nobility. Honestly, most of them are just dreadful. Though, a few of the nobility are decent," Celestia sighed as she turned towards a hallway. "Now then, Julius and I are on our way to visit the Aleric brothers. You're welcome to come with us," Celestia said as she started to walk down the hallway.

"Really?" Twilight happily squeed. "I'd love to! The transmutation spell is one of the few that I've only heard of but don't know," Twilight happily said as she and Zecora trotted after the two.

"That is a spell that will remain unknown to you," Celestia told Twilight. "As it is, there are only six beings who know that spell, the Aleric brothers, Luna, Aloysia, Cadance, and myself. For state security, that list will not increase, well, not unless there's another alicorn," Celestia further told Twilight.

"Awwww, wait, who's Aloysia? Why does she know?" Twilight asked as she looked carefully at Celestia.

"Aloysia is an old friend. She isn't supposed to know the spell, but she's about as good at shadow walking as Luna. So I suspect that she snuck into in innermost chambers of the royal mint and learned the spell. Fortunately, she's loyal enough to Luna not to abuse the spell in any way," Celestia told Twilight.

"Aloysia is a pretty solid mare. Though, I'm a little concerned about what she has in store for me. Luna did say that I might be getting cut a lot," Julius sighed.

"Getting cut a lot? What on, oh those little," Celestia huffed. "ALOYSIA, I THOUGHT WE TALKED ABOUT THIS!" Celestia loudly said to seemingly nocreature.

"No," a voice responded from seemingly nowhere. "You and Luna argued; I'm just doing it. You know as well as I and Luna that this must happen," the voice sighed.

"Honestly, I'm not sure which is the bad influence and which is the victim," Celestia sighed while shaking her head. "I shouldn't have to tell you, but by law, I must, do not abuse spirit magic," Celestia sternly warned Julius.

"I only promise to try," Julius said as Celestia narrowed her gaze at him. "OK, fine, I won't abuse it. I'll only use it either if I absolutely have to or under the supervision of either you or Luna, alright?"

"Better, but I'm still uneasy about it," Celestia sighed.

"Why does he get to learn but not me? I'm the element of magic; I should know this," Twilight pleaded.

"Twilight," Celestia sighed, "you are the element of magic. Your potential with magic is among the highest of any creature I know. But just because you have the potential doesn't mean that you should use it or that you are ready to use it. As you currently are, you are not mentally mature enough. I was hoping that you'd come to this conclusion on your own, but sometimes a helping hoof isn't out of place. Every unicorn that learns of spirit magic wants to learn it, but almost none of them can use it safely," Celestia explained. "Look, if you genuinely want to learn spirit magic, you must work on two things; the first is your body. Spirit magic can be extremely harmful if your body cannot handle it. I'm not telling you to get buff or anything. However, you need to maintain fitness that's well enough to pass the Equestrian Physical Fitness Examination at a level of 'Excellence.' The second thing you need to work on is your restraint on the use of magic. For at least an entire month, you must not use any magic with the assistance of a magical suppressant ring. Then another month without the ring and limited magical use, each use must be documented and justified. You must also show better judgment in using magic, like, not using it as a first resort. This is a part of the reason that I sent you to Ponyville," Celestia explained to Twilight.

"I, I see," Twilight said, sounding slightly dejected.

"Twilight, this isn't no, never, this is no now. You're not ready at the moment, and spirit magic is extremely dangerous," Celestia assured Twilight. "As for Julius learning it. Well, dark magic is tied to his being due to how he came to Equestria. Considering that he can use magic, there is a genuine danger of him accidentally using dark magic. Why he hasn't yet, well, Luna has a few speculations. It could be that ritual with the wine and bread. Maybe his faith. Perhaps due to the world he grew up in, he's naturally averse to the use of magic and just hasn't used it too often. Or maybe it's a different reason entirely. Whatever the reason, it is somewhat lucky that there hasn't been an incident yet. I wanted to wait a little longer, see how he developed, and have a plan fully devised. But, it would appear that my sister and Aloysia thought otherwise and have started his training," Celestia sighed with a slight eye roll.

"Well, to be fair, I haven't started any training yet. But I did fight Aloysia. And she does have some ideas on where to start my training. Apparently, I might get cut a lot," Julius said with a sigh.

"That sounds a lot like those two. It's funny; the more things change, the more they stay the same," Celestia said as she approached a heavy-looking door guarded by a squad of stern-looking guardsmares.

"You are entering a heavily restricted area. State your names and business!" One of the guardsmares commanded.

"I'm Celestia, Sovern Princess of Equestria, Raiser of the Sun, Uniter of the Realm, and so on, and so forth. Honestly, these formal titles get rather silly," Celestia laughed.

"Well, that fits Celestia's personality," the guardsmare responded. "Still, we require a confirmation of your identity. Simply moving the sun five degrees left, then ten degrees right, then back to its original position will suffice," the guardsmare told Celestia.

"A bit excessive, but, considering what you're guarding, it's understandable," Celestia said as she complied with the demand.

"Identity confirmed. Welcome to the mint, Your Supreme Beatific Venerableness. Now about those with you," the guardsmare said as she looked at the three following Celestia.

"They're with me; I've confirmed their identity myself. Rest assured, they will not see the transmutation spell; I shall see to that personally," Celestia told the guardsmare.

"If you insist, but if you let them in, then we cannot guarantee the security of the mint in regards to them," the guardsmare warned Celestia.

"That's quite alright. For this visit, I alieve you of your responsibilities towards these three. I, Celestia, hereby take these three under my mantle," Celestia told the guardsmares.

"Very well," the guardsmare said as four of the other guardsmares opened the doors.

"Professional soldiers tend to make for better guards. They're a bit expensive to maintain but worth it for guarding the important areas of the castle," Celestia remarked as she led the three into the mint's foyer. "Oh, Aloysia, of course, you're here. Snuck by the guards again," Celestia sighed while shaking her head.

"What can I say? Shadow walking is useful, and making fools of guards makes me smile," Aloysia said as she walked out of the shadow of one of the couches. "You sure took your sweet time. What, stopped to take a walk through the gardens?" Aloysia lightly joked.

"V-v-v, v-v-v," Twilight studdered.

"Oh, spit it out, mare. You think to call me a vampire. A blood-sucking demon, here to drain you of your life essence and turn you into a thrall. Honestly, I was there for how such rumors started, and I still wonder how they started," Aloysia sighed.

"A pony tied to the dark. I thought such a being would have a spark. For it to be a pony, though, that is a surprise. I'm guessing that Luna has to do with your guise," Zecora calmly remarked.

"Quite right. Once we were thestrals, but thanks to Luna, we've become more. Also, she needs help with the dream realm. Seriously, that place can be a nightmare. And there's an insane amount of work to do there," Aloysia sighed.

"Yes, quite," Celestia sighed as Twilight shook behind her. "Auric, Sterling, are you busy?" Celestia asked as she sat down on one of the couches.

"Oh, no, not busy at all. We're just making the country's new money supply ourselves and, at the same time, taking into consideration the economics of the whole thing. You know, the ramifications and all. Not busy at all," a slightly high-pitched voice quipped back from behind a heavily locked door.

"That's Auric," Celestia sighed with a smile. "Aloysia, want to try to get them?"

"Already tried. That door has got to be the single most warded thing in Equestria," Aloysia sighed.

"Yeah, we specially warded it against you," Auric laughed from behind the door. "Sterling and I have been warding it more and more in our very limited free time. Just try to get in; I dare you! You're not getting through this door unless you're packing Celestia's solar fire. Hay, even that might not be enough," Auric smugly said.

"Brother, you shouldn't tempt Celestia like that," another, more timid voice said from behind the door.

"Oh please, Sterling, what's she going to do? Replace us with Cadance or Luna, or perhaps she wants to add making bits to her already ludicrously long list of things to do in a day? You know as well as I that we've warded that door against everything. And then, we further warded it with so many redundant wards that we made Twilight look lazy," Auric told Sterling.

"OK, that's where I draw the line," Twilight said as she walked up to the door. "You can insult me, but insult my work ethic," Twilight said as she charged her horn. "Insult this!" Twilight said as she vanished, only to smack off the door.

"Say that to my face, Twilight," Auric taunted. "Oh, wait, you can't," Auric said while chuckling.

"I'm just getting started," Twilight grunted as she charged her horn with magic.

"Should we stop her?" Julius asked as he looked at Celestia.

"Eventually, yes. But, hopefully, she'll stop on her own before she exhausts herself. And hopefully, she'll understand that using magic as a first resort isn't always the best idea," Celestia sighed as Twilight blasted the door with a magical beam.

Chapter 69: Hello Brothers

"I, I am, I am getting through to you!" A sweaty, panting Twilight grunted.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say, bookhorse. I swear you haven't changed since school," Auric sighed.

"Wait, what do you mean? Did we go to school together?" Twilight asked as Celestia sighed and shook her head.

"Yes! I was in the same grade as you! We had all the same classes! I was the colt who constantly did better than you in transmutation!" Auric angrily said as he stamped his hooves. "Sterling was in the year behind us! How dare you not remember us!" Auric growled.

"Brother, it isn't anything to get angry about. We knew that we'd always be working in the background. In a way, not being recognized was good practice," Sterling tried to calmly reason.

"What'd I miss?" Luna asked as she walked into the mint's foyer. Looking around the room, Luna sighed. "See, sister, I was right," Luna said with a smile as she walked up to the warded door.

"I never disagreed with you. I just said that she'd be ready eventually. Evidentially, eventually is not today," Celestia sighed as she walked up to Twilight. "Alright, Twilight, you tried. Don't feel bad. That door has been warded by every stallion that has ever worked the mint, as well as my sister and myself. Let Luna deal with it," Celestia told Twilight.

"Why has it been warded so many times? It seems a bit excessive," Twilight asked as she looked quizzically at Celestia.

"It became a tradition among the Aleric family, though I'm not too sure why myself. I never looked deeply into it and always chalked it up to a family tradition," Celestia shrugged.

"Brothers! Brothers, are you there?" Luna asked as she approached the door.

"Well, if the prodigal sister hasn't returned. What do you want?" Auric deeply sighed.

"I have with me a metal, not of this world. I would request that you look at it and see if you can duplicate it," Luna requested.

"Uhhh, we're the royal transmuters. We spend all day making gold and silver. We can transmute anything into anything; of course, we can," Auric confidently said.

"Great! So you can open the door then?" Luna asked as she looked at the door patiently.

"No," Auric flatly said. "Have you any idea how busy we are? We've been working the whole time Egghead McBookhorse has been trying to break down the door," Auric told Luna.

"I brought a gift," Luna said as she levitated a bag in front of the door. "Fresh vegetables from Sweet Apple Acres and a few sweets from Sugarcube Corner."

"I see, bringing a bribe, I see," Auric chuckled. "Well, usually, we don't take bribes, but if it's coming from a princess, I guess we can make an exception," Auric happily said as some heavy-sounding hoof steps approached the door. "Alright, Sterling, help me unlock the door," Auric said as the two started to grunt heavily. "No, no, Sterling, that chain goes over there."

"B-brother, you need to move that deadbolt that way," Sterling told Auric.

"OK, Sterling, get over here; I need to get on your back," Auric said with a grunt. The two continued like that for several minutes.

"How locked is that door?" Julius asked as two pained yelps came from the other side of the door.

"Each Aleric added their own wards and locks to that door. The last time I saw the other side of the door, it looked extremely convoluted. I get a headache just thinking about it," Celestia sighed as angry murmuring could be heard from the door.

"And opened," Auric sighed as the doors slowly opened. "Oh, come on, you heavy bastards," Auric grunted as the doors slowly opened. Once the doors were opened, two stallions stood in the doorway. One was a petite blonde pony; the other was a tall, dark blue pony. "Alright, the bribe first," the blonde pony said as he looked at Luna.

"See Twilight. The door was just a small matter," Julius said as he gave the two stallions a sideways look. "You made a mountain of a molehill of such a minute matter. Frankly, it was of little concern," Julius said with a devilish grin.

"I know what you're doing!" The blonde pony angrily said as he ignored Luna and the bag and stomped up to Julius. "You got something you want to say to me? Well, say it to my face!" The pony angrily commanded as Julius looked around.

"You, uhhh, you got a ladder? Or do you want me to lay on the ground? Or maybe you can stand on your older brother's back?" Julius taunted.

"I got a better idea. How about I put you on the ground, punk!" The blonde pony angrily said as he started to charge his horn.

"Alright, enough, enough, we didn't come here for a fight," Celestia sighed as she levitated the two and suppressed the blonde pony's magic. "Julius got his fun, and you got your taunting on Twilight; let's end this here. Julius that's Auric, and the large blue one is Sterling. They're the royal transmuters; please, try not to antagonize them too much. Auric, Sterling, that's Julius, and over there is Zecora. I trust that you've already met Twilight," Celestia said as she got through the introductions.

"I don't know, have we? I think I've talked to Twilight once or twice, be she seemed to talk to a book each time," Auric huffed. "Now, why are a zebra and a weird minotaur here?"

"Human, actually, I'm a human. I'm here because the metal belongs to me, and it could be beneficial to Equestria," Julius told Auric.

"Right, the metal," Auric sighed. "Sterling, have you got the metal from Luna?" Auric asked as he heard some crunching.

"Oh, sorry, brother. I was eating some of the vegetables. They're fresh; they still have a nice crisp to them," Sterling said with a smile.

"Oh, come on, Sterling. We can use those to make a good stew," Auric sighed as he walked up to Luna. "Let me see the metal," Auric said as he looked at Luna.

"Alright, though, be warned, the metal seems to repel magic," Luna warned as she levitated a bag over to Auric. "The metal ring is in the bag."

"Alright, good to know," Auric said as he took the bag in his own magic. "Hmmm, slippery, like soap, or maybe a magnet," Auric hummed. When I said that it repelled magic, I thought it did so along the lines of changeling black stone, but this really does repel magic," Auric assessed as he levitated the bag.

"Wait, I thought changeling black stone repelled magic. If it doesn't, what does it do?" Julius asked.

"Changeling black stone is often simplified to repelling magic, though, technically, that's not true. It absorbs whatever non-changeling magic is around it, then dispels it into neutral energy. Under normal circumstances, this difference doesn't matter. It's only in a technical setting that such a difference matters," Sterling calmly explained as Auric let the ring fall out of the bag and onto one of his hooves.

"It's lighter than I thought, and it looks nice," Auric commented as he saw the ring. Testing his magic on the ring, Auric closed his eyes in thought. "It is possible for us to transmute other materials into this, but it won't be easy. It'll take most of our energy. So, if you want more of this metal, either we'll have to close down the mint for the day, or we'll need help. The only creatures with clearance that can help us are Celestia, Luna, and Cadance, so it'll need to be one of those three. Also, we'll need to keep the ring with us as the principal metal. Now, seeing as this is a special request, we'll be requiring payment, which we'll take in the form of enough of this metal to put a sheet of it over the inside of the door," Auric told the group. "Oh, and what's the name of this metal?"

"It's called titanium, and we figured that you'd require help transmuting it. Luna and I already talked about it, she'll help with the transmutations, and I'll help with providing the heat to work the metal," Celestia told Auric.

"We can work with that," Auric said as he magically prodded the ring. "Though be honest, you also want an excuse to skip out on the royal court. We've all heard the rumors. And I've sat in on a few court hearings; it's so dry and whinny," Auric said as he winked at Celestia.

"I won't lie; I can count this as court work, which can get me out of the royal court for a time. While some of the things the nobles bring to court are a bit prosaic, it's still nice to be so relied on," Celestia said with a warm smile.

"Over relied on if you ask me," Luna, Zecora, Aloysia, and Julius all said in agreement.

"Maybe, but all my little ponies need a strong mother to guide them. And I'm more than willing to be that motherly figure," Celestia confidently said. "Remember the olden days?"

"Well, yeah, I was there, but the land has been tamed for the most part. Most of the dangers have been dealt with; the borders are secured; honestly, these days don't require the same kind of control over our subjects," Luna commented.

"Oh, Luna, you've always been so hooves off with your subjects. Remember how many times that's gotten them in trouble?" Celestia said as she looked at Luna.

"Yes, and we dealt with it. Besides, you've always been so controlling with our subjects. Remember how slowly it took for any change to happen in the olden realm?" Luna shot back.

"Well, change might have been slow, but it has happened. And Equestria has been stable all these years," Celestia told Luna.

"Yes, but the change has been slow. A thousand years ago, the train was new, and yet, it's barely been developed. The only tracks are leading toward the major cities, and after a thousand years, there haven't been any advancements to it," Luna argued back.

"Enough arguing, you two," Sterling interjected. "This isn't the place for it. Now we need your help for both the transmutation and the working of the metal. So if we can just work out a date that'd work for you two, we can get to work," Sterling calmingly said.

"OK, I know this isn't related, but you have a really soothing voice. Seriously, if you ever need a hobby, look into doing therapy," Julius suggested. "Well, either that or reading books to creatures."

"Thank you. I do read to the local senior homes when I get free time. They seem to like it," Sterling said with a smile.

"Somehow, that's very fitting. I don't know why, but it just fits with you so well," Julius commented.

"Again, thank you," Sterling smiled. "So, about the times you two can help us?" Sterling asked as he looked at Celestia and Luna.

"Well, we could help today. I have no problems with it," Celestia offered.

"I'll have to shift most, if not all, of my dream work onto Aloysia and her charge, but yes, I can help today," Luna said in agreement.

"Great! Brother, what do you think?" Sterling asked as Auric continued to test the ring.

"Well, we can do it today, I guess. Technically, we are ahead of schedule. And it would be helpful to have more magic power to test the metal. As is, I only have a theoretical grasp on transmuting something into titanium. I'd imagine there'll be a few failures before we make quality titanium. So as long as you two are willing to put up with some magical bumbling, today works," Auric said as magical energy bounced off the ring.

"I thought you had a lot of work to do?" Celestia teasingly said.

"We're ahead of schedule, but if either of us gets sick, that'll change. It's a bit of a cushion, but not much of one," Auric cleared up. "So, are we doing this today?" Auric asked as he flipped the ring off his hoof and onto his back as he walked towards the inner sanctum of the mint.

"Yes, today works," Celestia and Luna said after a brief look at each other.

"Great, just follow us inside. Oh, remember, we will need to keep the ring," Auric said as he walked inside.

"We'll see you all later. We would let you in, but the inner sanctum is only accessible to the brothers and direct royalty, sorry," Celestia apologized as she, Luna, and Sterling entered.

"Well, that's fair," Julius said with a shrug. "So, what to do while we wait?" Julius asked.

"Well, Fancy Pants wanted to meet you," Twilight suggested.

"Of course, there's a pony named Fancy Pants. He sounds like a stuck-up noble," Julius sighed.

"Actually, the Arch-Duke is one of the good nobles. I think he should be in the gardens," Twilight hummed as she walked towards the exit of the mint.

"Well, I can't think of anything better to do, so why not," Julius said as the group left the mint.

Chapter 70: A 'Mythical' Being, and Fancy Pants

"Alright, I know this is a castle and all, but why is it so labyrinthine? Like, this castle isn't going to be used in a defensive role. If anything, it's a residential castle," Julius asked as he followed Twilight through the twisting corridors.

"Originally, Castrum Canterlot de Nova Lux was built to protect a small central village. Before the building of the castle, Canterlot was a relatively small village. The original capital has been lost since roughly Luna's banishment. So Celestia made Canterlot the new capital. It makes sense; it is centrally located. Anyways, the castle was originally made for defense, but it no longer needs to fulfill that role. Still, I'd imagine that there are many secrets hidden deep within these walls," Twilight explained as she led the group through the halls. "If you listen to Alex Pones, then somewhere deep under the castle are crystal caves. And in those caves is an ancient race who secretly controls the country. And they're waiting for the right time to reveal themselves and take control of the world," Twilight said while laughing.

"You know, there's someone from my world Alex Pones just has to meet," Julius said with a chuckle. "Seriously, those two would hit it off in ways I cannot even comprehend," Julius said as Twilight took a deep breath, smelling the scent of fresh flowers.

"We're close to the gardens," Twilight sighed as she released her breath. "Maybe, but I doubt that they'd get along too well. As of the past, oh, six or so months, Alex Pones has been putting out articles on this 'ancient race' and how they've been both helping and controlling ponykind ever since the mythical days of Dream Valley," Twilight said while laughing. "According to her, these 'Homo Sapiens' helped beat Grogar, Tirac, the Smooze, and a bunch of other mythical, non-existent beings," Twilight said with a chuckle as Julius looked wide-eyed at her.

"I'm sorry; what was this mythical ancient race called?" Julius asked as his lips quivered.

"Homo Sapiens, why?" Twilight said as Julius doubled over in hysterical laughter.

"Well, I can tell you this much," Julius huffed out through teary-eyed laughter. "Homo Sapiens definitely exist. I should know; I've met many," Julius said as he laughed.

"Where? In The Everfree Forest?" Twilight asked as Julius laughed.

"In The Everfree Forest, I've been for quite some time. Homo Sapiens I've never spotted, neither infirm nor in prime. A great many creatures I've learned of, and a greater more I've met. Alas, a Homo Sapien is one that to meet I've yet," Zecora said as Julius tried to collect himself.

"OK, OK, I think I'm fine," Julius huffed as his laughter died down. "Alright, you probably aren't going to believe me, but there's a Homo Sapien here. I've seen him not too long ago," Julius said in a warning, stern voice.

"Really? Where? If it's really here, I have so many questions to ask it!" Twilight excitedly said as she clapped her hooves.

"Well, Twilight," Julius said as he looked around, ensuring that nocreature was watching them. After he was sure that the coast was clear, he pulled Twilight, Zecora, and Aloysia into a huddle. "Homo Sapien is just the scientific name for Human," Julius whispered as he nodded his head.

"What," the three ponies flatly said.

"Yeah. Though how stories of us got here, I've no idea. Before you start asking questions, I had never heard of a world of talking animals until I came here. Maybe Pones just ended up using the same name as us? I mean, we seem to have an extremely similar language," Julius reasoned.

"Yeah, yeah, you're probably right," Twilight sighed.

"According to the stories, Grogar, Tirac, The Smooze, and the other mythical beings, these Homo Sapiens are alleged to have helped beat, are far beyond your capabilities," Aloysia calmly said. "According to Princess Platimum, those beings could only be beaten by the combined strength of all ponykind and some outside help," Aloysia said as the three others looked at her. "Luna and Celestia's mother said she was alive back in Dream Valley, but I always questioned that," Aloysia sighed. "Though, she did say that some strange ghost-like ponies caused a terrible winter that forced the ponies to leave Dream Valley. I'm guessing that those were Windigoes. I'm also guessing that she was just telling tales again to teach the sisters through stories," Aloysia sighed. "Anyways, I have preparations to do; give Fancy Pants my regards," Aloysia said as she faded into the shadows.

"Hah, even in this world, things get lost to the mists of times," Julius mirthlessly laughed. "Best put it behind us; a noble apparently wants to talk with me. Seriously, why, and how had he heard of me?" Julius sighed.

"Fancy Pants said that he has his sources, nothing more than that," Twilight told Julius. "Don't worry, Fancy Pants is a good noble. He's been a friend of my family for years. He's been trying to push through some reforms, but it hasn't been easy for him," Twilight explained.

"Oh, I get it. I'm to be a political bargaining chip," Julius sighed as he followed Twilight.

"How bad are the politics in your world for you to be so melancholic about it?" Twilight asked as she approached the garden doors.

"Well, I'd tell you, but I'm pretty sure Celestia and Luna have most, if not all, information about my world on lockdown. Safe to say, a rock would be a better politician. Honestly, I'd be OK if The Rock became a world leader," Julius said with a laugh.

"I'm guessing there's a person named The Rock?" Twilight quizzically said.

"Well, that's his stage name. The best way to describe him, fuse the personalities of Big Mac, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity, and put that into a human body," Julius said as Twilight led the group into the gardens.

"Sounds weird. I'm guessing it would make more sense if we see him," Twilight said as she walked towards a gazebo with two ponies under it. "Oh, there's Fancy Pants, and it looks like Fleur de Lis is with him," Twilight said as she and the group walked up to the two ponies.

"Ah, Twilight, I thought that I heard your voice. I take it that you are with company," Fancy Pants said as he relaxed on a plush blanket.

"I am. I brought Julius and Zecora. Oh, and ummm, Aloysia gives her regards," Twilight explained as she walked up to the two ponies.

"Ah, the dark matron. Always good to hear from her," Fancy Pants said with a nod as he turned his head towards Twilight. "I've heard that you were a tall one, and you certainly are. I'm Fancy Pants. If you want to be formal, Arch-Duke Fancy Pants," Fancy Pants said as he introduced himself.

"And I'm Julius, not sure if I have a title, though; I think I might be a consort. And you know what, I'm OK with that. After all, I'm just a sexy boy, a sexy boytoy," Julius slightly sang as Twilight and Zecora stifled a laugh, and Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis gave him a look. "What can I say? I think I'm cute; I know I'm sexy."

"Well, considering who you have in your herd, you're probably not wrong. Forgive me, but I'm only into the opposite sex," Fancy Pants said with a hum. "Now then, on to the business at hoof. From what I've heard, things in Ponyville are a bit, hmmm, awkward for you. I get it; Ponyville is a quaint enough hamlet, but it's a bit slow to change, even by Equestrian standards. But, all this is second hoof information. What do you have to say about it?" Fancy Pants asked as he looked at Julius.

"Well, uhhh, I guess. To be fair, even in my world, I was a bit awkward. I mean, I got work, kind of, I got some ideas that I want to put to use, and I might be able to. I got a few places to stay and a decent herd, still growing. My only real complaint is that things can get rather dull. Though, to be fair, I had to give up my laptop and things right away. Shame, too; I was looking forward to playing through Book of Mario, oh well," Julius said with a shrug.

"I see; I'm guessing those are all things from your world. And that, with context, we'd understand it better," Fancy Pants hummed. "If things ever get bad for you, let me know. I may not be one of the princesses, but I still have a kind of leverage that they don't quite have," Fancy Pants offered as Fleur levitated a rolled-up paper to Fancy Pants. "Right, thank you, dear. Here, I'd like you to take a look at this and tell me what you think of it," Fancy Pants said as he rolled out the paper.

"Well, it just seems to be a map of Equestria," Julius hummed as he looked over the map. "Divided by the different duchies, baronies, and such," Julius hummed. "Wait, wait, wait, what's that. What is that? What is that!" Julius asked as he pointed at a symbol on the map.

"It looks like a forward operations base," Twilight said as she looked at the same spot.

"It is, but it's marked as being a forward operations base against the Changeling Hives. Despite that, it's nowhere near the Equestrian-Hives border. If anything, it's closer to the Equestria-Buffalo border, and even then, it's a bit far back to be an effective forward operations base," Julius commented.

"Good catch," Fancy Pants complimented. "That base has a bit of a colored history," Fancy Pants hummed. "It's a forward operation base on paper. But in practice, it's a base that nobles can send their sons so that their sons can say that they served on the frontlines. It's far enough back from any possible frontline that they should be completely safe. As for the base commander, well, he's loyal to Celestia if nothing else," Fancy Pants sighed.

"Loyal but thoroughly incompetent. I swear, I could 'sneak' into that base just by walking through the front gates. No wonder that base's funding is as low as it is," Fleur sighed as she shook her head.

"Indeed, as could I," Fancy Pants said in agreement. "Still, it is good that you caught that," Fancy Pants said as he looked at Julius. "From what I've heard, you did seem to have some military experience; from that, there must be at least some there," Fancy Pants speculated.

"Well, kind of. My father served, and I was in cadets," Julius shrugged. "That and I like history, even if our's is on the dark side," Julius bitterly chuckled.

"That's good to hear. It's good to know that my assessment of you in that regard was correct," Fancy Pants smiled. Walking over to the map, Fancy Pants pointed at the duchy right on the Equestrian-Hives border. "That is the Acornage March, my duchy. Now, understandingly, with tensions between Equestria and the Hives being as they are, I am worried about security. The Equestrian defense budget is, at best, barely adequate. While the Marches get the majority of the funding, it's still nowhere enough. Most of the experts in Equestria don't have anything practical to add. So I was hoping that you might have some ideas," Fancy Pants said as he looked at Julius.

"Well, maybe," Julius hummed. "I mean, I'd have to survey the defenses already in place, look at the funding, consider the available technology, review the terrain, then there's the public opinion," Julius hummed and hawed. "Still, even with minimum funding, I think I could offer several suggestions. If you could pull in, ummm, enough funding to build several forts, then I could probably suggest a solid defensive line. Wouldn't work in my world now, but it should be quite helpful to you," Julius suggested. "Trap any invaders in this world's version of Verdun," Julius dryly laughed.

"I've stored away enough bits to build ten solid forts. So far, most experts have suggested building an absurd number of forts, but that quickly gets expensive, and the public would never allow it, even if they need it. Still, I put away bits in hopes of hearing a plan that I can work with," Fancy Pants told Julius.

"Well, if the terrain allows for it, and the airspace can be secured, maybe five to ten forts is all you'll need. Well, those and some shovels, a lot of ponies, some engineers, and hard work," Julius suggested.

"Hmmm, interesting. I'm guessing this is coming from something in your kind's past," Fancy Pants hummed.

"Yes, a race. A race to the sea," Julius told Fancy Pants.

"Given the context, that sounds like a weird race," Fancy Pants hummed. "Ah well, this has been rather heavy for our first conversation. How about we go out around Canterlot? I know a few good places around here," Fancy Pants offered.

"Well, as long as you don't mind ten military mares guarding me, I'm up for it," Julius said as Twilight and Zecora nodded.

"Fantastic. Let's head out then, shall we?" Fancy Pants said as Fleur got up from the blanket.

"After you, dear," Fleur said as she ushered Fancy Pants forward before following him. "Come now. I believe I know where Fancy is taking us," Fleur confidently said as Julius, Twilight, and Zecora followed the two nobles.

Chapter 71: Parks and Geese

Following Fancy and Fleur through the winding corridors of the castle, the group came out close to the castle's front doors from a small, nondescript entrance. As the group walked up to the front doors, they were stopped by a host of armored soldiers.

"Halt!" One of the soldiers commanded. "Where are you taking the human and the zebra?" The mare commanded as some of the mares blocked the doors, and the rest surrounded the group.

"Relax, it's OK. The human, Julius, has taken me up on my offer to see Canterlot. The zebra, Zecora, as well as Lady Twilight have decided to come along with us. So, Fleur and I were going to take them to a few places," Fancy Pants told the soldiers.

"I see," the mare seemingly in charge said as she looked at Julius and Zecora. "While neither of you is confined to the castle, we must warn you that Canterlot is an extremely traditionist city," the mare said as she looked over the two, "though I can see that neither of you will just go back into the castle. We must inform you that we have been ordered to keep the two of you safe. A squad has been assigned to both of you in accordance with your positions, perceived or otherwise. You understand, correct?" The mare asked as Julius and Zecora nodded. "Very well," the mare said as the other soldiers took up positions around the group, "let's get on our way then," the mare commanded as she took the group's lead. "Where to first?" The mare asked as she led the group outside the castle.

"I was thinking of taking a walk down Garden Row towards the Royal Commons Park, then from there maybe see about a restaurant or two; I know a few places that'd be fine with non-ponies. Then, maybe see about a few sightseeing places, the arena, the temple, perhaps Blue Hen Way," Fancy Pants joked as Fleur lightly laughed while the soldiers looked at him.

"I don't think they'd care for Blue Hen Way," one of the soldiers flatly said.

"Why, what's there?" Julius asked while Twilight lightly blushed.

"It's a street of ill repute," the lead soldier said. "Erotic spas, brothel-style stables, love inns, and so on," the soldier said as Julius lightly chuckled. "I should tell you now that the employees there are mostly stallions. The few mares that work there are mostly for the front of the businesses," the soldier said while Julius nodded.

"Makes sense, considering how the gender imbalance is. Still, it's kind of surprising that Canterlot has a red-light district. Honestly, I'm kind of curious," Julius lightly smiled while Twilight blushed a little more. "Why so red? Have you been there before?" Julius joked as Twilight slightly hung her head. "You, uhhh, you have, haven't you?" Julius nervously said while Twilight blushed.

"My senior term in Celestia's Academy for Gifted Unicorns," Twilight said with a blush. "During my first week as a freshpony-senior, a bunch of the mares went down to Blue Hen Way. It was kind of an unofficial class thing, so I went as well. While there, we went to one place, The Bucking Bronco. The sheer musk in the place was insane; first, it was heavy with stallion musk, then it quickly changed to mare musk. That was the first place I've intentionally seen an unsheathed stallion," Twilight explained with a blush.

"Twilight! You pervert!" Rainbow Dash chuckled from above as the soldiers turned to look at her.

"Relax, she's with me. She's one of mine," Julius said with a soft sigh.

"Sorry, need to make sure," one of the soldiers said as she looked at Rainbow Dash. "Stay still; this will only take a moment," the soldier said as she charged magic to her horn.

"Wait? What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked as a soft yellow light enveloped her.

"You're all clear," the soldier said as she returned to guard the party. "That was scanning magic, used to detect Changelings, though; I suppose it could be used to detect other shapeshifting beings," the soldier explained.

"Huh, neat," Rainbow Dash shrugged as she flew close to Julius and Twilight. "Either way, I never thought that you would have been to a brothel before. My bad, an 'exotic dance club' better," Rainbow Dash joked as the lead soldier sighed.

"Look, we know it's really a brothel. The brothels and the crown have an awkward relationship. As long as they don't operate openly as a brothel and treat their 'employees' with the standards set by the Equestrian Workers and Labour Board, the crown leaves them alone. Better they have work in a safe place than in a place that'd exploit them more than they already are. Well, that and getting rid of brothels would make a lot of mares extremely angry. Some of these soldiers among the angry ones," the lead soldier said with a mirthful laugh.

"Surprisingly pragmatic," Julius said as he nodded in agreement. "So, what's this about Twilight going to a brothel, and what's a freshpony-senior?" Julius asked as he looked right at Twilight.

"I didn't know that it was one at the time. And a freshpony-senior is a pony who's just started their post-schooling education at Celestia's Academy for Gifted Unicorns. It goes from magical kindergarten to university. I had just started my post-schooling studies at the time," Twilight hurriedly explained.

"I see," Rainbow Dash said as a mischievous grin grew on her face. "Still, a young mare like yourself must have really taken in the sights," Rainbow Dash said as she winked and nudged Twilight. "What?" Rainbow Dash asked as the others looked at her. "Don't give me that. You know Twilight, as smart as she is, skipped a few grades. There's no way she was of age to enter anyplace on Blue Hen Way," Rainbow Dash reasoned as she looked at Twilight. "I'm proud of you," Rainbow Dash jokingly winked.

"T-that's neither here nor there," Twilight furiously blushed.

"My oh my, looks like somepony has a pair of horns," Julius joked as he lightly rubbed Twilight's whithers.

"Well, one horn actually," Twilight said as Julius lightly chuckled, "oh, it's a turn of phrase," Twilight embarrassingly laughed. "Anyways, can we move off of my past on Blue Hen Row," Twilight requested as she blushed.

"Sure," Julius said with a nod. "So, Fancy, where are we?" Julius asked as the group walked out into a large park.

"This, my boy, is the Royal Commons Park," Fancy Pants said as he waved a hoof in a greeting fashion. "It's a park that's funded directly by the crown. Mostly, it's kept for general usage by the populous for outdoor activities and events. A few quartets and quintets play in the gazebo. Multiple groundskeepers maintain the park, and several animal specialists take care of the animals," Fancy Pants explained as several geese started to walk up to the group. "These little birds can be quite the hassle if they aren't kept happy," Fancy Pants smiled as he and Fleur said as the two fed the group of geese.

"Uhhh, you can feed the geese, but I'm going to be standing over there," Julius said as he started to back up. "Far over there," Julius again said as he kept on backing up.

"Why's that? Scared of geese?" Fancy Pants light-heartedly joked.

"A little, yes. I'm from Canada; trust me, Canadian Geese can be extremely vicious," Julius said as he stopped backing up, feeling that he was at a safe distance.

"Understandable, most geese are when you first meet them. These geese, though, are usually quite friendly, though," Fancy Pants said as he trailed off.

"They can be quite the beggars," Fleur continued as a goose walked up to the soldiers surrounding Julius and 'honked' a few times.

"Right, of course," one of the soldiers sighed. "Don't suppose that anypony has any hidden crackers or anything, do they?" The soldier asked as the others shook their head.

"Here," Fleur said while she levitated a few crackers to Julius as the goose started to honk louder. "As long as you give them some food, crackers, or bread or something like that, the geese won't attack you. They're quite well trained," Fleur assured as Julius carefully took the crackers.

"If you insist," Julius said as he got ready to feed the goose, who seemed to be staring him down. "Am, am I getting stared down by a goose?" Julius asked incredulously.

"Yes, they have a habit of doing that if you have food but don't give them any," Fleur told Julius.

"That's weird; these are weird geese," Julius said as he knelt. "Here, good goose," Julius carefully said as he held out a few crackers to the goose. Looking at the offered crackers, The goose carefully pecked them a few times before eating the crackers. Honking happily, the goose waddled away. "Again, these geese are weird," Julius once again affirmed.

"All these geese do that. The first time someone new comes to the park, the geese try to shake them down for food. They'll go away eventually, but it's a lot faster just to give them some food. Besides, if they find something valuable, they're more likely to give it to you if they like you," Fleur explained as she gently patted a goose.

"So, basically, these are geese with intelligence on par with crows and magpies? Yeah, geese really don't need to be that smart," Julius sighed as he stood up.

"Oh no," Fleur told Julius. "Crows are much more intelligent. Often times crows have been shown to outsmart schoolponies. Some have even been able to mimic our speech slightly. A few studies have been done on their speaking abilities, and it's been shown that the crows know exactly what they're saying," Fleur told Julius.

"Yeah, crows really needed to be smarter," Julius said with a slight smile and nod. "And what about magpies?" Julius asked.

"No idea what those are," Fleur shrugged. "Though, there are old mare stories about a cursed pony named Magpie. Do you mean her?" Fleur asked with a slight tilt of her head.

"Nope," Julius flatly said. "Magpies are related to crows, though magpies like to take anything shiny and are extremely protective of their nests," Julius explained to Fleur.

"I've never heard of birds like those. What about any of you?" Fleur asked as she looked at the other ponies, who all shook their heads.

"I guess magpies don't exist in this world, lucky you. They exist in Australia, and somehow, despite everything that exists there, Australians are afraid of them. And that's saying something. Everything there is either venomous, aggressive, or both, yet the magpie is high on that list, somehow," Julius explained as he lay down on the grass. "This is really soft grass."

"The hired groundskeepers use a special grass. It's a crossbreed of Luna Bay seafoam grass and Bales carpet grass. This is among the highest quality grass in all of Equestria. Honestly, at this level, the only way to get better grasses is for them to be for extremely specific uses. But, for relaxing and feeling, Canterlot royal grass is the best," Fancy Pants told Julius. "The taste isn't all that great, though; it's like seaweed mixed with hay," Fancy Pants said with a shudder.

"Good thing I don't eat grass then," Julius said with a relaxing sigh. "So where to after this?" Julius asked as a goose approached.

"I'm thinking the arena, then the temple. And I suppose if you really want to go, Blue Hen Row. Though I was joking when I suggested it," Fancy Pants said with a mirthful chuckle.

"Got a coin?" Julius asked as he held out a hand.

"I do; why?" Fancy Pants said as he levitated a bit to Julius's hand.

"Simple," Julius said as he flipped the coin high in the air. "Heads, we don't go to Blue Hen Row; tails, we do," Julius said as he caught the coin," Julius said as he caught the coin and flipped it to the back of his other hand. "Who argues with a coin flip? Nobody, nobody argues with a coin flip. It's an object; arguing with an object is insane," Julius reasoned as he removed his hand. "Tails, we go," Julius said as he showed the coin to the group.

"I get your reasoning, kind of," Twilight said. "But why decide whether or not to go there by a coin flip?" Twilight asked as he looked oddly at Julius.

"Because I'm torn on it. On the one hand, I did not live my life and travel to another world just to see a stallion's ding dong. On the other, the curiosity of an Equestrian red-light district would eat me from the inside. I mean, really, how even would it work?" Julius bemusingly said with a shrug.

"That's pretty fair. Honestly, I kind of wonder how they work in your world, too," Twilight slightly shyly admitted.

"Wish I could tell you, but sadly, I cannot. I know there are brothels, strip clubs, possibly legal drug dealers, and adult toy stores; of course, this is all assuming any of it is legal. Also, I'm obviously guessing," Julius said with a shrug.

"Sounds about right. Though I must admit, the who clothes thing seems odd. I know it's a cultural thing, but still," Twilight said as she trailed off.

"Well, among the higher nobility, some forms of clothing show class. As well as some professions require wearing some form of uniform," Fancy Pants said.

"Back in my homeland, where we zebra thrive. We all wear jewelry with which we don't deprive. I know, it's not quite like clothing. But for us to remove it causes much loathing," Zecora added.

"Fair, though clothes also hold more meaning for us. We don't really have fur. Some of us have a lot of body hair, but that's not real fur. Also, we developed as a species to be rather modest. So clothes serve as our fur and protect our modesty," Julius explained.

"I figured. It was more of a rhetorical question," Twilight sighed. "Still, the whole modesty thing seems silly to me," Twilight said as the others, save Julius, nodded in agreement. "Why be ashamed of your body?" Twilight quizzically asked.

"Hah, if that throws you for a loop, then you should see some of our surgeries. Make things bigger or smaller, adjust things, move things around, and change from male to female or female to male. Then there are tattoos, where someone needles ink under your skin to draw an image on you. It's kinda like a cutie mark, only it hurts getting one, and it doesn't give any benefits," Julius explained.

"That sounds a bit like branding, only more colorful," Twilight and the others shuddered.

"Honestly, it kinda is like branding. Only nowadays, it's not used to identify prisoners. It's only used for aesthetics," Julius assured.

"Still, that could have negative connotations in Equestria. It'd probably be for the best if it's not introduced here," Twilight commented as the others nodded in agreement.

"Agreed. Even in my world, tattoos are a bit controversial. Some countries really hate them," Julius said as one of the soldiers gave the approaching goose a few pats. "Anyways, shall we continue?" Julius asked as he stood up.

"Sure," Fancy Pants said in agreement. "Might as well go to the Grand Solarian Temple; it's closer to here than the arena," Fancy Pants suggested.

"Sure. I'm kind of curious how they worship something that's basically living down the street for them," Julius lightly joked as the group got up and left for the temple.

Chapter 72: Temple and Closed Arena

"Hah, I wonder where the temple is?" Julius joked as he looked right at an imposing building prominently featuring an ornate statue of an alicorn.

"Oh, it's the large building right there. If you look for the large statue of Celestia, then you can't miss it," Twilight earnestly replied, while Julius just smiled and shook his head.

"I think he figured that out, Twilight. I believe Julius was just being sarcastic," Fancy Pants told Twilight.

"No! Me, being sarcastic? Never!" Julius said in an extremely exaggerated fashion.

"I know you're just being a smartypants, but being that overt with your sarcasm helps," Twilight told Julius.

"Noted. However, you will have to pick up on sarcasm eventually. Not just for me but for many other creatures. Ah well, give it time; you're with the right guy," Julius said as he lightly rubbed Twilight's withers.

"Pinkie and I agree," Rainbow Dash said as she nodded in agreement. "Believe it or not, Twilight has gotten better at noticing sarcasm. Shame that AJ's always so busy; Twilight could take lessons from her," Rainbow Dash said as the group walked up to the grandiose temple. As the group walked up to the temple doors, the soldiers gave a quick salute to two apparent guards.

"Really, guards here? Why?" Julius asked as he bewilderedly looked at the guards.

"They're a division of the Royal Guard, the Honour Guard division. Their presence here denotes that this is a building of significance. You'll find them 'guarding' temples, some theaters, important creatures, making patrols around the parks, and other such things," the lead soldier explained. "Honestly, they're not expected to do any fighting or any actual policing. They're more for show and to serve as a political concession. After the introduction of the Honour Guard to the public sphere, some of the more extreme stallionists quieted a bit," the soldier continued to explain as she led the group into the temple.

"I remember overhearing that at court," Twilight chirped up. "They were louder than usual that day," Twilight said as she looked around the temple, spotting a few ponies, most wearing a red headdress trimmed in gold. "Just as expected, it's mostly the clergy and a few really devoted ponies," Twilight said as she looked around.

"Surprised you weren't here worshipping," Julius joked with a nudge.

"Very funny," Twilight sighed as she rolled her eyes. "I've never been a Solarist; I just really respect Celestia, that's all," Twilight protested.

As all ponies should," an elderly mare wearing the red-gold trimmed headdress said as she approached the group. "I am Heliacaless Blessed Dawn. May I inquire why a procession of soldiers has come into the temple today? And just who is that odd being with you?" Blessed Dawn asked as she looked over the group.

"Our tall friend here is Julius, a human," Fancy Pants said as he spoke up. "I'm taking him on a tour of the city. The soldiers are for his and Zecora's protection," Fancy Pants explained.

"I suppose that the rumors of a possible attack on Canterlot might have some truth," Blessed Dawn hummed. "Either way, Her Beneficence has long since opened the temple to all. If you have any questions, we'll answer," Blessed Dawn calmly said.

"The only questions I have are of the facetious variety. It's probably for the best if I don't ask them," Julius said as he slightly cracked a smile. "Besides, my God is a jealous God. I should count myself lucky that I haven't been struck by lightning," Julius joked.

"Oh, come now, I'm sure he wouldn't do that," Twilight confidently said.

"Well, he flooded the whole world, then destroyed two cities with sulfur and fire. Though, to be fair, those were some truly evil cities," Julius said with a shrug while the ponies just looked at him.

"So, two cities were being evil, and your God destroyed them?" Rainbow Dash asked. "That's hardcore; what else has he done?" Rainbow Dash eagerly asked.

"Well, he parted the seas, made water come from a rock, toppled so many buildings, given super strength to people, made fire from nothing, controlled animals, transformed normal water into healing water, cured leprosy like a lot. Stood with three guys in a furnace to protect them, perfectly raised the dead multiple times at that, oh," Julius said as he drew close to Rainbow Dash. "And he held the sun and moon in place for a full day," Julius whispered in Rainbow Dash's ear. "Then, there's his Son, Jesus, of course," Julius said as he pulled away from Rainbow Dash.

"Considering that your world doesn't have magic, that's extremely impressive, but what did you whisper to Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked while Rainbow Dash rapidly blinked and shook her head.

"A lie, he told a lie; there's no way that happened," Rainbow Dash adamantly stated.

"A lie or not," the lead soldier started to say, "necromancy is illegal in Equestria. The laws around it are quite clear, and the penalties for breaking those laws are quite severe," the lead soldier firmly told Julius. "We don't need a zombie infestation," she sighed.

"Fair, but these people weren't brought back as zombies, just as themselves," Julius said as he looked around the temple.

"Impossible," Twilight flatly said. "Magical research into necromancy proved that it's impossible to bring the dead back to life. The most that can be done is to reanimate their body in a state of perpetual decay. Even Celestia could only do that much," Twilight said as the group looked at her. "I asked her about it before. Don't worry; I doubt she has ever actually tried it," Twilight assured.

"I can believe it," Julius said in agreement. "Celestia doesn't seem like the type to basically enslave a bunch of corpses. Anyways, I'm sure there's plenty of stories here," Julius said as the group entered a great hall.

"You'd be surprised," Twilight flatly said. "Much information was lost in the dark age, so most of what's preached here is just speculation. Celestia has confirmed some of the things, but not all of them," Twilight explained.

"Like what?" Julius asked.

"Well, there was Celestia dealing with the Rings of Scorchero," Twilight said. "From what Celestia has confirmed, an enchantment was placed on four rings. Should those rings ever come together on a ritual pillar in Talacon, then the sun would scorch the land for roughly eight hundred years. Celestia firmly dealt with the enchantress, but the rings seemed to be indestructible. After trying many different ways of destroying them, Celestia settled on scattering the rings to the four corners of the Tenochtitlan Basin," Twilight said as Julius looked at her. "And before you say it, yes, she tried throwing them into a volcano. That only made the volcano erupt," Twilight said in anticipation of what Julius was thinking.

"I see," Julius said as he looked around the hall, spotting a bunch of cushion benches and a pulpit. "Well, aren't you lucky, getting cushioned pews. There were only pure wooden pews in every church that I've been to. Well, that and wine and wafers, but those were strictly for communion," Julius said as he touched one of the cushioned pews. "Soft."

"I think some of the southeastern temples have something like your communion," Twilight hummed. "If I remember, after dedicating some fruits, chocolate, and honeyed wine to Celestia, they eat and drink them," Twilight said as she racked her memory.

"Kind of similar, only missing the transubstantiation," Julius said as he looked at the pulpit. "Of course, they'd be a statue of Celestia in front of a mural of the sun," Julius said with a light laugh.

"Well, it's a Solarist temple. What were you expecting?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yeah, true, true," Julius hummed. "Anyways, I've seen all I've needed to see. Shall we move on?" Julius asked as he looked at the group.

"Sure, how about the arena?" Rainbow Dash offered. "If we're lucky, then the Wonderbolts will be there!" Rainbow Dash giddily squeed.

"Again with the Wonderbolts," Julius sighed. "What's the big deal with them anyway? They can't be that great," Julius said with a shrug as the group left the temple.

"They are, like, the best flyers in Equestria!" Rainbow Dash fangirled.

"Somehow, correct, and not correct," the lead soldier followed up. "While they certainly are skilled stunt flyers, their combat abilities leave much to be questioned. Some have questioned if the Wonderbolts are even militarily ready," the lead soldier told the group.

"Yeah, I get that," Julius nodded. "They think that they're more stunt flyers than military personnel. That they've traded efficiency for flashy moves that, while they look cool, in combat would be either worthless or worse," Julius said as the lead soldier nodded.

"Exactly," the soldier affirmed. "While the Wonderbolts are skilled, the concerns are whether or not those skills are practical in the battle skies. After all, they've never been on any deployment, only shows, and base. That and we've heard some rather troubling rumors about them," the mare sighed.

"Rumors, what rumors?" Rainbow Dash asked with wonder.

"Well," the soldier hesitated, "we've heard rumors about their esprit de corps. That's all I'll say. Frankly, it's not really my place to say anything about it; besides, they're just rumors. It's worth remembering that they could be wrong," the soldier mare told Rainbow Dash while she led the group down Recreation Way.

"They're the Wonderbolts, the pride of Cloudsdale; there's no way there's an esprit de corps problems with them or anything," Rainbow Dash assured as the group passed by several gyms, sports stores, and physical therapy clinics.

"I don't know," Twilight hummed. "With all the praise they get, it's possible that it's gone to the heads of the Wonderbolts," Twilight reasoned.

"There's nothing wrong with being told 'good job' for a task well done. But to let that get to your head can split many into one. As pride builds, egos flare. Once built up, out goes all care. What could be things like hazing and teasing will be met with stares and glares. This leads to a sad state of affairs. Resentment builds as good folks become disillusioned and chastened. As such, their exit is hastened. Now, should this transcend to those who are full members. Then all sense of teamwork will end in embers," Zecora said, seemingly supporting Twilight.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. But they're professionals; they'd never let something like that happen to them," Rainbow Dash claimed in defense of the Wonderbolts.

"You'd be surprised," Julius calmly said. "There are many athletes, actors, famous people of all kinds who get massive egos, and they just suck. Impossible to work with and impossible to be around. The same thing may have happened to the Wonderbolts," Julius said with a shrug.

"You too?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at Julius. "Look, if it'll make you happy, then fine. I suppose that it's possible that it happened to the Wonderbolts, alright," Rainbow Dash sighed with a shake of her head. "But I doubt it," Rainbow Dash murmured under her breath.

"Rainbow Dash, we're just saying not to place your heroes on too high a pedestal," Twilight told Rainbow. "And to remember that even our heroes aren't perfect."

"Really, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked right at Twilight. "With how high you've put Celestia, can you really say that?" Rainbow asked as she raised an eyebrow.

"That's different," Twilight lightly huffed.

"No, it's not," Julius firmly said. "Celestia has lived for how many years, and she's a politician. I can guarantee that she doesn't have a spotless record. Even the best politicians have to walk like wolves every now and then," Julius told Twilight.

"Maybe in your world, but not here, not Celestia," Twilight firmly said.

"Hah, that's right, Twilight, channel your inner Rainbow Dash," Julius chuckled.

"Yeah," Rainbow chuckled in agreement. "Hey!" Rainbow shot back after a moment.

"Well, she was. I'm sure the others can affirm," Julius told Rainbow.

"Can confirm," Zecora chirped up.

"Thank you, Zecora, and nice follow-up," Julius complimented with a nod.

"Yeah, yeah, nice play off each other," Rainbow said with a sigh. "Anyways, we're here!" Rainbow Dash excitedly said as she flew up to the entrance to the arena. "Oh, what the buck!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she read a poster.

"What?" Julius asked as Twilight levitated the poster to her.

"It says that the arena is closed for repairs, groundskeeping, and to set up the arena for an exhibition," Twilight read off the poster. "The arena should be opened again in a week or so," Twilight said as she levitated the poster back to the wall.

"Oh, yes, that's right, my bad," Fancy Pants lightly laughed. "I forgot that there was supposed to be a game between, ummm, forgive me, I don't exactly follow sports," Fancy Pants said.

"The Riverriders and the Swiftswells, in hoofball," Rainbow Dash replied. "Shame, too; I was looking forward to looking around the arena," Rainbow Dash sighed.

"Rainbow," Twilight sighed as the group turned around, "we're showing Julius around," Twilight sighed as the group walked away.

"I know. Can't I be excited to go to a place, though," Rainbow pouted.

"You can," Julius nodded. "Now, I believe there's one place left to go?"

"Yes, but are you really sure that you want to go there?" The lead soldier asked.

"I'd kick myself if I didn't; besides, I did flip a coin," Julius said with a smile.

"Very well," the lead soldier sighed. "Mare's, prepare yourself. We're going to Blue Hen Way while on duty," the soldier commanded as she and the rest of the soldiers took a deep breath and walked towards Blue Hen Way.

Chapter 73: Blue Hen Way, Part 1

"Halt!" A strong stallion's voice rang out as the group approached an ordinary-looking yet guarded gate. "You know full well that soldier-mares on duty are not permitted access. Turn back at once," the stallion commanded as he and the other guards sternly watched the group.

"We're not here for pleasure. We're here as a part of a tour," the lead mare responded. "A foreigner is curious about Blue Hen Way. That's why we're here."

"Four hundred thirty-seven," the guarding stallion responded. "If you're going to lie, at least have the courtesy to be original. Even if you weren't lying, orders are orders. You don't want a repeat of the night of nine hundred eighty-four, do you?" The stallion leadingly asked.

"I'm aware, but my orders come directly from Celestia. We are to guard the human and the zebra without fail," the lead mare shot back.

"Is that so?" The stallion asked as he levitated a scroll out of a pack. "Give me one moment," the stallion said as he swiftly wrote something on the scroll before teleporting the scroll away. "You realize that lying about getting authority directly from the crown carries a severe penalty," the stallion said as he tapped a hoof.

"I know," the lead mare sighed.

"So," Julius spoke up, "you don't seem like one of the castle guards. I'm guessing you're from a special division or something."

"Yes, special guard division thirty-seven. We guard places that mares either cannot or places it'd be problematic for them to guard. Blue Hen Way is a perfect example of such a place," the stallion responded as another scroll appeared in front of him; while reading the scroll, the stallion nodded and sighed. "Must be a rough day at court. Squads four and five, you're assigned to escort duty. Make sure that the soldier mares stay under control," the stallion commanded.

"Scroll from Celestia?" Julius asked as the stallions took up positions.

"Yes. It's extremely uncommon for her to be so curt. Usually, it only happens if the nobility are really out of hoof," the lead stallion replied.

"I see, fair enough to her; nobody can be perfect all the time," Julius hummed as he and the group walked past the open gates. "I didn't think the spell would be that hard on her," Julius quietly said under his breath. Walking down the street, Julius looked around, seeing only several ponies walking down the street. "OK, what's the deal? I was expecting far more than this," Julius said in a mild pout.

"It's the middle of the day; how many mares were you expecting?" Rainbow Dash shot back.

"Fair enough, but still, I was expecting more," Julius sighed.

"There is still a lot going on," one of the soldier-mares said through gritted teeth. "Can't you smell the musk?" She asked through grunted teeth.

"Yes," all the stallions and mares responded.

"No," Julius flatly said. "Is it really that bad?" Julius asked as he looked around, only to accidentally see a 'winking' Rainbow Dash. "Never mind, I very literally see," Julius said with a light chuckle. "Wait, haven't we been over this before?" Julius asked as he scratched the back of his head.

"We have, yes," Twilight answered. "But with it being so strong here, maybe you could have smelled something."

"Well, unless it's stupidly strong, I, and many other humans, won't smell it," Julius confidently said. While looking around the streets, Julius's eyes fell upon a building. "It looks like this building is a shop. Let's go in," Julius said as he walked towards the shop. As the group entered the shop, the door rang with a pleasant little jingle.

"Welcome to the Covert Cashe," a shopmare welcomed from behind a counter. As she looked over the group, the mare noticed the soldiers. "I can assure you that all my taxes are paid and that I'm in full compliance with all Equestrian labor laws," the mare assured as she spotted the soldiers.

"They're here guarding me," Julius spoke up. "I'm just looking around; it's my first time here," Julius explained to the mare.

"Oh, a foreigner," the mare said as she looked at Julius. "First time in this kind of store?" The mare asked with a slight moan, drawing a look from one of the soldiers.

"Nope, we have these kinds of stores where I'm from; I'm just curious as to what's in an Equestrian sex shop," Julius told the mare as he looked around the shop.

"Well, we have all kinds of toys, enhancers, accessories, and things of the like," the mare smiled between muffled moans as one of the soldier-mares walked over to her. "Don't worry, he's one of my herd," the mare said with a wink as she looked at the approaching soldier.

"He'd better be," the soldier sighed while Julius and the others looked around the store.

"Hah, I wasn't expecting edible panties to be here," Julius said as he looked through some of the clothes. "I'm guessing that these bulgy ones are for stallions, and these ones with the cups are specifically for teets," Julius said as he browsed through the clothes.

"Yup," Rainbow Dash said as she walked up next to Julius. "There's also some non-edible clothes that are too racy for Rarity to make. Like some of the stockings and skirts," Rainbow Dash said as she pointed to a few of them. "I bet that Twilight has some hidden away," Rainbow Dash whispered with a chuckle.

"And I know that you have some," Twilight firmly said from behind Rainbow Dash.

"Yeah, I do. I have worn edible clothes before, but Pinkie Pie quickly ate them off," Rainbow Dash said mirthfully. "Though she says that she likes them all and can't choose a favorite, her favorite seems to be strawberry, mascarpone, and brandy," Rainbow Dash said while looking through some of the clothes. "Ah, here, I'm sure we can get them 'tailored' to you," Rainbow Dash laughed as she held up some edible underwear for Julius.

"You know what, sure, I'm game, let's get 'em," Julius responded with a nod.

"Great, let's pick some up then," Rainbow Dash eagerly responded with a smile.

"Surprise me. I'm going to look around some more," Julius said as he went to look at the other things in the shop. From sex toys shaped like other creatures to different lubes and even some rings and piercings, Julius laughed as he looked at what the shop had to offer.

"Hey, you ready to go?" Rainbow Dash asked as she had a bag with her.

"More or less. I'm guessing that you've gotten all that you wanted to get?" Julius asked as he looked at the bag Rainbow Dash had with her.

"I did; even Twilight got some things. I'd tell you, but you said to surprise you," Rainbow Dash told Julius with a mischievous grin.

"True, I did. I guess I'll find out soon enough," Julius said in agreement. "Alright, let's head out," Julius said as he went for the door.

"Thank you for your business! Come again!" The shopmare cheerfully said as the group left the store.

"So, where to next?" Julius hummed as he looked down the street at the various signs. "Oh, that one looks interesting," Julius happily said as he pointed at one of the signs.

"A massage parlor, here?" Twilight asked as she read the sign. "You know what will happen there, right?" Twilight asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, I have a few ideas. Still, I'd like to see what it's all about; besides, I could do with a good massage," Julius said with a sly smile.

"Well, at the very least, that's a herd-friendly parlor," Twilight sighed as the group walked over to the parlor.

"Welcome!" The reception stallion greeted. "Oh, quite the group. The herd deal, I'm guessing?" The receptionist asked.

"Ummm," Julius hummed as he looked at Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Zecora."

"Not quite," Fancy Pants spoke up. "Two individual massages, but leave them open for herd members to join in later if they so desire," Fancy Pants ordered.

"Ah, alright. First off, how many mares are in each herd?" The receptionist asked.

"For myself, today just one, Fleur. For Julius there, three, Twilight, Rainbow, and Zecora," Fancy Pants told the receptionist.

"Alright," the receptionist hummed. "That'll be a hundred and ten bits for your massage and a hundred and thirty for Julius's massage," the receptionist told Fancy Pants after doing some mental math.

"Here," Fancy Pants said as he put a sack of bits on the counter. "Four hundred bits, keep the change," Fancy Pants told the receptionist.

"Very good, sir. I can see that you've been to this kind of establishment before," the receptionist said with a smile. "It'll be a few moments for you, sir," the receptionist said as he looked at Fancy Pants. "As for you, sir," the receptionist said as he looked at Julius. "Due to your unique body, a minotaur table will need to be slightly modified. Fortunately, we can do that here, but you'll need to wait a few moments longer than mister Fancy Pants," the receptionist told Julius.

"That's alright," Julius said with a nod. "I can wait," Julius said as a mare came out and ushered Fancy Pants into a room. As Fancy Pants entered the room, Fleur closely followed behind him. "Well, at least they have comfy benches," Julius said as he sat on the bench.

"Yeah, inside places tend to have cushioned benches. Only in outside areas will you find pure wooden benches. Even then, the higher-end wooden benches will have an enchantment placed on them to make them feel softer," Twilight told Julius.

"OK, I know this is rich, considering what I've done in Skyrim, but enchanting is bullshit," Julius sighed as he shook his head.

"What's Skyrim? What did you do there?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Enchanting is strong, but it's a pretty rare magic. Only a small number of unicorns can use it; even they need a lot of specialized knowledge and training. I can do some minor enchantments, but nothing on an industrial scale. I think the most impressive thing I've done with enchanting was making a glass orb float and glow," Twilight told the group.

"Nice, magical light bulbs. Those will be extremely useful," Julius said with a smile.

"If we hand to switch from glow-crystals, then yes. But until then, it's just a neat little trick," Twilight said with a slight blush.

"Julius, your table is ready," a mare said as she walked up to him.

"I'm going in right away," Rainbow Dash said as she got up and followed Julius inside the room.

"Clothes, hmmm, if you've come to a parlor like this, then you should know that clothing will make the massage impossible. You'll need to remove them," the mare told Julius as he and Rainbow Dash entered the room.

"Right, fair," Julius nodded as he stripped off his clothing.

"That's a nice musk. Have your herd really been taking care of you?" The mare asked as Julius's musk flowed off him.

"Yes, we have. He's like this all the time," Rainbow Dash told the masseuse. "It turns out his kind don't have a 'heat' or breeding season. For them, they're always in a mild 'heat,' and it's always breeding season," Rainbow Dash explained.

"Must be heavily populated where he's from," the masseuse whistled. "And nice," the masseuse smiled as she saw Julius naked. "You must have fathered quite a few yourself," she said with a wink.

"After coming to this world, yes. I got a few mares knocked up," Julius said as he looked at the table. "Well, I wonder what that hole's for?" Julius jokingly asked as he lay on the table, letting his cock and balls fit through the hole.

"Yeah, it's a mystery," Rainbow Dash sarcastically said as she rolled her eyes.

"I know, so many uses," the masseuse lightly laughed. "Alright, so let's get started," the mare said as she gently tested his skin. "Hmmm, a bit thinner than a ponies, but I can work with it," the mare said as she poured some lotion on her hooves. "Oh, that's right, I suppose I should introduce myself," the mare said with a light-hearted laugh. "I'm Misty Dew," Misty said as she rubbed her hooves together before lightly placing them on Julius's back. "Your skin might be a bit thinner, but your muscles are just as tight as any that I've felt. Have you been fighting or something?" Misty joked as she started to massage Julius.

"I know you're joking, but yes, I have. I've been fighting, working out, and exercising," Julius responded with a contented sigh. "I'm not complaining or anything; I really needed this, but it's not quite what I expected," Julius said as he felt Misty's hooves work over his body.

"Well, I know the district we're in and its reputation, but we are still a legitimate massage parlor. Still, if you want a bit of teasing," Misty coyly smiled as she charged her horn with magic and lightly grabbed Julius's cock in her magic. "Is this a bit better?" Misty coyly asked as she slowly stroked Julius's cock while massaging him.

"It is," Julius pleasantly sighed as Misty worked over his body. Gently massaging his limbs, Misty channeled a steady flow of magic through her hooves right into Julius's body, loosening his muscles and increasing his blood flow.

"That's right, just relax and let me take care of you," Misty cooed while massaging Julius's body. After thirty minutes of massaging, Misty smiled. "So, shall we end things here, or shall you turn over," Misty slyly suggested. Carefully rolling over, Julius smiled.

"You know what to do," Julius said with a wink as his thoroughly teased cock throbbed lustfully.

"Well, about that," Misty said as she looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Have you taken any control today?" Rainbow Dash asked with a sigh, to which Misty shook her head. "Are you in a herd, or at least in a pact?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Herd no, pact yes. There are six mares, myself included," Misty told Rainbow Dash.

"Well, you know how this works. The standard deal," Rainbow Dash told Misty.

"Great, I knew you'd understand," Misty happily said as she mounted Julius's groin and as Rainbow Dash moved over to his head.

"What's happening? I'm about as confused as a homeless man under house arrest," Julius asked as Misty looked at him with a lusty grin.

"Right, you wouldn't know," Rainbow Dash said as Misty slowly ground on his cock. "Mares that work like this generally don't have a stallion. So when a willing stallion comes in, they'll breed with them. The foal is taken in by the mare and her pact. The father is made known of the child and usually comes by when he can," Rainbow Dash explained.

"Uhhh, but wait," Julius hesitated.

"Don't worry, nothing bad will happen to you. This is seen as just another form of breeding contract," Misty assured. "If anything does, the parlor has it covered, don't worry. Now, let's breed," Misty lustfully said while Julius's cock eagerly twitched under her pussy.

"Well, if anything bad does happen, it'll affect us all equally. So, screw it, let's breed," Julius said as he felt his cock slide into Misty's drenched pussy.

"That's the spirit, stud!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she mounted his face. "Ride him hard, and leave knocked up, girl!" Rainbow Dash happily cooed as Julius began licking her pussy.

"Oh, I plan on it," Misty happily cooed as she slowly took Julius's throbbing cock into her pussy. "Oh, Celestia, yesss, this is what I've been missing," Misty happily sang as she felt the tip of Julius's cock kiss her cervix. "Dear Celestia, he really is a breeder, isn't he?" Misty cooed as she rocked back and forth on Julius's cock.

"Yeah, he is," Rainbow Dash moaned as she felt Julius's tongue eagerly lavishing her pussy. "You should hear the mares squeal as he fucks them," Rainbow Dash cooed.

"I, can, imagine," Misty grunted as she rode Julius's cock. "Feels, so, good," Misty moaned as she savored the feeling of Julius's throbbing cock battering against her quivering pussy.

"And then, when he thrusts into your innermost depths, oh!" Rainbow Dash teasingly moaned as Julius lustfully lavished her pussy.

"Oh, yes, more," Misty moaned as she bounced on Julius's cock. "Give me a foal," Misty commanded as she rode Julius, "twins," Misty cooed as she bounced harder on Julius's cock, "triplets!" Misty lustfully moaned as she felt Julius's cock pierce her cervix. "Yesss, breed me."

"Oh yeah, you're feeling it, girl!" Rainbow Dash happily moaned as she lustfully ground her pussy against Julius's tongue.

"You know it, sister!" Misty moaned as she flexed her tail back. Wrapping her tail gently around Julius's balls, Misty softly teased the two aching babymakers as she yearned to be bred.

"Mmmph, mmmmmm," Julius moaned as he lashed Rainbow's pussy with his tongue while he frantically thrust into Misty. Julius teetered on the edge of orgasm.

"Oh, he's close now!" Rainbow Dash cooed as she lustfully panted.

"Good," Misty lustfully responded. "Fill me up, breed me, make me a mother!" Misty lustfully commanded as she felt Julius's cock ravaging the whole of her marehood.

"Mmmph, mmmph!" Julius lustfully moaned as he desperately buried his cock inside Misty's pussy.

"Cumming!" Rainbow Dash and Misty Dew moaned as a thunderous orgasm rocked their bodies. As the two mares came, so too did Julius cum. Thick, powerful bursts of cum flooded Misty's womb as Julius eagerly bred the lusty mare. Panting heavily, Rainbow Dash rolled off Julius's head and laid on the plush carpet.

"T-thank you," Misty tiredly moaned as she fell forward onto Julius's chest, her ballooning womb filled with Julius's potent seed.

"Not a problem. Until recently, I also didn't have a stallion. The struggle is real, girl," Rainbow Dash panted as Julius stopped cumming.

"You don't mind if I rest for a few minutes, do you?" Julius asked as he lightly hugged Misty.

"Not at all," Misty cooed into Julius's ear as she lightly kissed his cheek.

Chapter 74: Blue Hen Way, Part 2, A Planned Event

"Well, that was about as relaxing as I thought it would be," Julius smiled as he and Rainbow Dash left the massage room. "Though I must admit, with the male-to-female ratio, I would have thought that the masseuse would have been a stallion. I'm not complaining or anything; it was just a bit surprising," he said as the two reentered the main area.

"Yeah, all these places have at least a few mares employed," Rainbow Dash told Julius. "Most mares are willing to get it on with another; besides, when a stallion comes by, they usually prefer to be serviced by a mare," she said with a slight chuckle.

"I'm guessing that you got fully serviced, so to speak," Twilight suggested with a raised eyebrow.

"You better believe it," Rainbow Dash smugly said. "You know, in a weird way, it feels good to do a favor for somepony. Well, as long as it's something like that," she said with a sly wink.

"The usual deal?" Twilight asked.

"The usual deal," Rainbow Dash smiled back.

"I figured that you'd take that deal," Fancy Pants said as he walked out from another room. "Honestly, most of us do. Why did you take it, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Well, the good book says to 'spread thy seed,'" Julius jokingly said. "But honestly, mostly because I'm pretty horny. One hundred percent selfish there," he admitted with a nod.

"That's entirely fair," Fancy Pants said with a nod. "It's one of the more common reasons, but still a perfectly valid one. Now, shall we leave? I believe there are a few clubs around that would allow us a quick look around," he suggested.

"That's because you're an arch-duke, dear," Fleur flatly declared. "Even if you're just showing somecreature around, it'll boost the prestige of any place you go to."

"True, still though, it's a genuine offer. Besides, all that other stuff is ancillary. Somepony has to show our guest around," Fancy Pants conceded and confirmed.

"Sure, I kind of want to see what these clubs are like. Like, what kind of music do they play, how is it broadcasted, how do ponies exotically dance? And things like that," Julius said as the group left the parlor.

"I'd imagine that our dancing is quite different from yours. I'm not quite sure why, but I suspect that your kind dances a lot like the younger dragons. While they're about your sized and not the size of several large buildings," Fancy Pants suggested as the group walked down the street.

"Dragons, dancing?" Julius said with bemusement. "Oh, that brings back bad Pokemon memories," he said as he looked away from the group. "Stupid Winona," he quietly murmured under his breath.

"I have not heard of this Pokemon. And for years, I've lived in the Everfree from dusk to dawn. Such bad memories do spark some interest, though. Tell us, what are these things, so that we can be in the know," Zecora said as the group walked by a few smaller buildings.

"It's a stupidly large game series; Spike would love it, maybe Fluttershy, and maybe Rainbow Dash," Julius said while sparing a quick look towards Rainbow Dash. "The bad memories comes from an Emerald Nuzlocke. The sixth boss has a dragon-type Pokemon that knows Dragon Dance and can easily beat your whole team. You know things are bad when you're relying on a Castform to win," he said with a bittersweet laugh.

"Winning by dancing? Pinkie Pie would approve," Twilight smiled while Fancy Pants and Fleur slightly shuddered.

"Well, there's a bit more to it than that. If I get the chance, I'll show you the game. Honestly, there are some things in the games that I really want to show Celestia and Luna," Julius lightly smiled as he suppressed a laugh.

"I really wish you didn't bring up dancing," Fancy Pants said as he regained his composure. "Speaking of, Twilight, you have gotten dance lessons, correct?" He asked as he and Fleur eyed Twilight.

"Yes, I've learned from Cadance," Twilight confirmed while Fancy Pants and Fleur looked even sharper at Twilight. "What?"

"Cadance doesn't count," Fleur flatly told Twilight. "Cadance never properly learned to dance. Please, Twilight, if not for your sake, then for the sake of every other being, learn to dance from a certified dance teacher," she requested while Twilight looked oddly at the two higher nobility.

"Well, if you say so. But I don't see any problems with my dancing," Twilight conceded with a sigh.

"You may not, but trust me, those who've seen you dance would say otherwise. Trust me, Twilight, most ponies are too polite to say anything. But it is something that needs to be said if you insist on dancing," Fleur calmly told Twilight.

"Fine, do any of you know how to dance?" Twilight asked as the others shook their heads.

"Of many things I do know; some for purpose, others for show. Asking for my help will lay you're dancing low, though there should be many others that can help you feel the flow. Dance teachers, there are many who exist. There's quite a list of creatures who can assist. Though I know of none, I know that they are around. If you search, they will be found. As for my kind, we do have dances. But they're for ritual, not mere prances," Zecora told Twilight.

"There are quite a few here in Canterlot. If you insist on dancing, might I recommend Simona Allard Beaufort-Blanchet? She's one of the most well-renowned dance teachers to the nobility. While you are from the lower nobility, lower nobility is still nobility," Fleur suggested.

"Isn't she booked solid for months?" Twilight asked as she tilted her head.

"Yes, and no, things often change with the booking when nobility are involved. If you book lessons, they very well could get bumped up," Fleur told Twilight as the group walked up to a building.

"I see," Twilight said as the group saw a pony with an apple cutie mark standing outside a building.

"I know this will sound a little racist, but think that pony knows Applejack?" Julius joking said as the pony perked up a bit.

"You know cousin Applejack?" The stallion asked as he walked up to the group.

"Sure do," Rainbow Dash confidently said. "Though I don't think she's ever said anything about you," she said while scratching her head.

"That's understandable," the stallion said with a nod, "the Apple family is quite large. I'm Braeburn. I'm from Appleloosa!" Braeburn energetically said as he happily bucked up.

"This is quite a ways away from Appleloosa," Twilight commented. "Why are you so far from home? And while in this district of Canterlot?"

"Oh, just negotiating trade deals, requesting support, the usual business stuff. As for why I'm in this district, well, the owners of establishments are always looking for stallions, even if they're only temporary. It's a good way to make some extra bits. Maybe use those bits to grease some hooves to get the support we need. If not, we can try to use it to solve the problem on our own," Braeburn explained with a sigh.

"While Appleloosa isn't in my stewardship, I can guess what the problem is. The native buffaloes in the region, correct?" Fancy Pants guessed.

"You'd be correct. The buffaloes keep stampeding through our lands. While the land they're going through isn't used at the moment, it's extremely fertile. We plan on planting a whole orchard there, but if the buffaloes keep stampeding through, I don't know if we'll be able to use the land. If we do, I fear it might start an incident or something," Braeburn confirmed with a tired sigh.

"I thought as much. I'll talk to Duke Briar and Count Neighvis about it. I cannot promise that they'll do anything right away but give it, maybe a year or so," Fancy Pants hummed as he racked his brain.

"That's the problem with you, nobility," Braeburn sighed as he stamped a hoof. "These things can't wait until next year. If they're not resolved soon, there could be a serious problem," he complained.

"And that's the problem with you peasants," Fancy Pants sighed back. "You think that diplomacy can be done right away, it cannot. There's travel, expenses, learning the culture, learning the problems, and getting other affairs in order. If we just ran off at the drop of a hat at a problem, we'd likely end up escalating the situation while ignoring others we're working on fixing. Either you can wait and have the problem properly resolved, or try to solve it yourself and risk a needless escalation," he offered.

"And while we wait, we'll suffer," Braeburn argued.

"And if we just run off right away, you very possibly could still suffer, and others would also suffer," Fancy Pants argued back. "Look, this is neither the time nor place. We're here to show our friends around. You wouldn't happen to know of any club that wouldn't mind, do you?"

"Well, all the clubs are closed at the moment. But I could ask the headmare of this one. She's preparing for a special event, so last night's show was the last one for a little bit," Braeburn explained as he walked into the build. "You-lot wait right there."

"Well, he seems nice enough," Julius shrugged.

"To be perfectly honest, he seemed like most of the lower classes," Fancy Pants said. "They always come to us with their problems and expect us to solve them immediately. Even Celestia takes a bit of time to solve problems. Proper solutions take a bit of time to work out. Unfortunately, few of the lower classes understand this. It's already caused problems in Severnaya. Steel Stallion almost threw the region into full revolt, but fortunately, Arch-Duke Rock managed to calm the situation, but at a high personal cost. Still, Severnaya is quite unstable."

"I kind of see both sides of things. The lower classes want their problems solved as soon as possible, and they think that the nobility are just a bunch of fat layabouts when they aren't solved in a day or so. While the nobility tries to solve the problems, but the lower classes don't give them enough time, so they think that the lower classes are just a bunch of complaining nuances," Julius said.

"Broadly speaking, correct. There's a bit of truth to both sides," Fancy Pants confirmed as Braeburn walked out of the building.

"Madame Freesia will see you, but only for a short time. She's quite busy getting things ready," Braeburn told the group.

"Great, let's enter then," Fancy Pants smiled as he ushered the group inside.

"Wow, big room," Julius whistled as the group entered a large ballroom with a raised stage.

"Yes, we'll need it for the upcoming event. Besides, most nights, we're packed with randy mares," a posh, well-dressed mare said from the stage. "I'm Madame Freesia. I'm guessing that you're the guests that Vaquero here told me about," Madame Freesia said as she eyed the group.

"That's right," Julius said with a nod. "We were told that there's some event that's happening here soon," he said as Madame Freesia walked up to him.

"That's right, in a few days," Madame Freesia said as she walked up to Julius. "Foreign, so, you're exotic, and we always have mares looking for that kind of thing. How about working that night? I could sign you on for the event at the standard exotic rate. If I had to guess, you could make five hundred twenty-three bits, plus about a thousand or so per mare you personally service per night. Well, minus the fee, but even then, you'd stand to earn close to eight thousand bits for the whole event," the mare offered.

"Well, that's very tempting; I'd have to, hey, wait a minute," Julius stopped himself before getting too swept up, "I have my own herd to service," he said with crossed arms.

"So do most of the stallions who we hire. They can come and watch for free, though joining in with the personal service depends on the mare in question," Madame Freesia told Julius.

"Oh, Madame, where can Vinyl set up her equipment?" Octavia asked as she walked up to the mare. "Oh, I wasn't expecting to run into you here. Are you working the night too?"

"Maybe. Honestly, I'm just touring Canterlot," Julius responded.

"I see. Well, now's a good time if you want a nice, peaceful tour. Though, if you work the night," Octavia started to say as she eyed Julius. "Yes, this could work. Vinyl's been wanting to try something a bit new. With a pony, well, it'd be a bit awkward. But with a dragon, or you, or well, some creature with your shared body shape, it could work. Do you think we could requisition you for the night? You wouldn't be working in a normal role, but rather, a roll directly under Vinyl," she offered.

"Now, hold on here, just what exactly are you planning?" Madame Freesia asked while she eyed Octavia.

"Well, you see," Octavia said as she moved closer to Madame Freesia; whispering into her ear, the mare made a variety of expressions.

"That's really perverted. I like it," Madame Freesia said with a smile.

"What's she planning?" Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Julius all asked at the same time.

"Best leave that a pleasant surprise," Madame Freesia said with a wink. "Honestly, you should take the deal. If I were a stallion, then I would," she suggested to Julius.

"Ummm," Julius hummed as he looked at the members of his herd. "I guess," he said with a shrug as the mares gave him a reassuring nod.

"Great, I'll let Vinyl know!" Octavia happily said. "Oh, before I go, I have to know. Are you open to siring?"

"Yes," Julius and his herd all quickly answered.

"Fantastic, I'll let Vinyl know," Octavia said with a smile as she walked off to the back rooms.

"Well, it looks like you'll be busy those nights," Madame Freesia said with a wink. "Now, what you see here is all there is that's open to the public," she said as she waved a hoof around the ballroom. A large stage dominated the room, but there were a few smaller ones with some chairs and couches, and a well-stocked bar stood off in a corner. "Now, sadly, I cannot show you the back rooms or the private rooms as they're for employees. Well, the private rooms are also for paying guests, but, well, you know what I mean," she told the group.

"Understandable. I'm guessing I'll be shown around when I come by to work the event," Julius said as he looked over the room.

"Exactly. Just come by a few hours before the event. It's in three days, starting at seven pm, so try to show up around five pm," Madame Freesia told Julius. "Of course, your herd is welcome too, but, with what Vinyl wants, I suspect they'll just be watching," she slyly said.

"Still, it'll be nice to see the show. From what I remember, the bars have very good food. A bit pricy, but still good," Twilight hummed.

"We try to please all the senses," Madame Freesia smiled softly.

"I can tell," Twilight smiled back. "We should be getting back now. I want to see what the others are doing."

"Yeah, I'm wondering that myself," Julius said in agreement.

"Alright, see you in three days!" Madame Freesia happily said as she waved the group goodbye.

"So, back to the castle then?" Fancy Pants asked as the group nodded back. "Excellent, I have some work to do," he pleasantly said as the group headed back to the castle.

Chapter 75: A Defensive Plan Made

"Well, that was a nice trip. Still surprised that Canterlot has a red light district, but it makes sense," Julius said as the group returned to the castle.

"I'd imagine that our cultures have a few differences that'd be surprising to the other," Fancy Pants speculated. "That's the way things usually are. There is more to Canterlot, but it's starting to get a bit late, and some of the areas can get rather rowdy around this time. Better to keep your guards happy," he knowingly said.

"Yeah, keeping the help, whatever its form, happy is quite important. History teaches that much, at least," Julius said with a sigh. "Still, I'm guessing that Celestia and Luna are still busy," he said with a shrug.

"Possibly," Fancy Pants half-heartedly semi-confirmed. "They tend to be quite busy, and if they're helping out with something complex, then it may take a bit of time. We could start looking over the things I have in mind," he offered as the soldiers guarding the group returned to their stations by the castle doors.

"Why not? Assuming that you have the things that I need to offer any suggestions," Julius said with a shrug as he and the rest of the group followed Fancy Pants and Fleur.

"I should have them in my office here. I might have to look around for them, though. I don't exactly look at them very often. The last time I did was when I got advice from the staff planners. While their advice would work in theory, in practice, I could never put it to use," Fancy Pants tiredly sighed.

"Well, if you already got advice from professionals, I don't know how much help I'd be," Julius said with a shrug. "I mean, they're professionals; I'm not. It's their job to know whatever this stuff is, not mind."

"Yes, you'd think, but Equestria hasn't seen any international conflict in, well, longer than I've been alive. We have no international conflicts on the books, the only ones we think we've been in, but that's all hearsay and before the hundred-year dark age," Fancy Pants told Julius as he led the group to his office. "Our tactics and what not could be out of date. If what I've heard is true, you're from a culture that frequently engages in such things. That, combined with you owing no allegiance to any other country, and your own not existing here, makes you a near-perfect candidate. If I asked, say, a griffon, or a minotaur, there'd be a real risk of a security breach, which I cannot allow," he calmly said as he walked up to the door to his office.

"Fair enough. Though warfare in my world is significantly different than what it is here. Just off the top of my head, you have magic, and we don't," Julius told Fancy Pants.

"That might be true, but after surveying so many sights and learning as much about it as I could from other species, I've learned one thing," Fancy Pants told Julius as he opened the door to his office. "Thing might be different, but war never changes," he said as he walked into his office. "Now, just give me a few moments to find the papers."

"I probably should take my leave. My presence at this meeting would be quite naive. As what he said is true, and I would have conflicting goals. So it would make sense for me to leave you, souls," Zecora said as she went to take her leave. "You two to should come along. The impression of your presence could be quite wrong. Affairs of these sorts should be kept confidential lest an enemy gains significant potential. Therefore, our leave should be essential," she said as she looked at Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

"Zecora, my family has been friends with the Pants family for generations. I'm sure my presence wouldn't be a problem," Twilight protested.

"There's where you are quite mistaken, Twilight Sparkle. In this system, dangers come from without and within the hierarchal. Should an enemy of Fancy Pants ponynap you, or an enemy of Equestria do such a thing. To great disaster to Fancy Pants, it could bring. A ransom, your life for information, that's their offer, knowledge of his defenses their payment, not a full coffer. Such a misstep could draw many a scoffer," Zecora cautioned.

"I see your point, but still," Twilight lightly whined as Zecora gave her a stern look. "Fine, come on, let's leave the three," she defeatedly sighed as she looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Whoa, wait, why do I have to leave?" Rainbow Dash asked in protest.

"The same reason that I do. You could still easily be ponynapped and ransomed," Twilight firmly told Rainbow Dash. "Now, let's go see where Pinkie Pie is," she said as she and Rainbow Dash walked off.

"Thank you," Julius quietly said to Zecora as she gave him a knowing nod before walking off after the pair.

"Your Zebra mare is quite perceptive," Fleur commented as the three walked off. "Picking up that Fancy Pants wanted this too, more or less, be a private meeting was a good insight. Of course, I'll be there; we're rarely ever apart, but my presence is a special exception," she said as Fancy Pants opened the door to his office.

"Indeed, the lead mare of the herd rarely ever leaves the stallion. Even more so when she's a lady of the land," Fancy Pants commented as he looked at the two. "Now, come on in; I think I have everything that you need," he said as he ushered the two into his office.

"Nice office," Julius whistled as he looked around. Ornate, gilded furniture filled the room, along with plush red carpeting and cushions.

"Like it? The wood is made from pure bocote brought in from south-eastern Equestria," Fancy Pants said as he walked up to his desk. "Come, sit; I can assure you that the cushions are quite soft," he offered as he and Fleur sat down at his desk.

"Very well," Julius said as he accepted Fancy's offer. "Yeah, these are soft; I don't think that I'll want to move if I stay sitting down. So, these are the papers?"

"Yes, they are, various maps of the region showing differences in elevation, resources, population, geographical features, and so on. There are census data. The number of creatures that live there, how many are in the military, how many could be, and such. As well, there are a few of the more realistic plans offered by those I've already consulted," Fancy Pants told Julius as he waved a hoof over the papers.

"Yeah, that should be all I need, I think. First, let's start with the already offered plans," Julius said as he picked up a stack of papers. Reading through the papers, he slowly closed his eyes. "Please, tell me this is the least realistic plan."

"Most realistic; why?" Fancy Pants asked as Julius hit his head against the desk.

"Face desk, for when a facepalm just isn't enough," Julius moaned with a tired sigh. "This plan is basically 'oh, let's just build a wall,' I can see many problems with that. For example, you're defending against changelings; they can fly. Also, the sheer number of forts this plan calls for is insane. I'm pretty sure just trying to build half this amount would bankrupt you. I don't want to look at the other plans," he cried as he slowly went to look over the other offered plans.

"Believe me, we both said the same things. But, sadly, that was the best-offered plan," Fleur told Julius while Fancy Pants quietly nodded.

"The best-offered plan sucks. This one sucks even more," Julius firmly stated as he read through the plan. "Like, in what reality is this even supposed to be remotely viable. And the third one, are you sure a traitor didn't make it? At this point, I'm somewhat surprised that I haven't seen 'retreat' and 'surrender' as plans yet," he sighed as he continued to read through the offered plans.

"Yes, some of them get rather creative," Fancy Pantys politely said.

"Nice way of saying irredeemably stupid," Julius and Fleur both shot back.

"Well, yes. But it's important to keep up the appearance of being polite. We might be in private, but it's still good practice to keep good form in any setting," Fancy Pants calmly told the two.

"I know, dear, but I've never been that good at dealing with fools. I work in an industry that's filled with fools. Besides, you know how I've been," Fleur said before giving Fancy Pants a light kiss.

"Of course, dear, I understand. Still, I don't have that luxury. With the nobility, if you let the mask slip, you'll never get it back on," Fancy Pants responded with a smile.

"Speaking of, what does Fleur do?" Julius asked as he rubbed his eyes while reading through the plans.

"Well, aside from being a part of the upper nobility, I'm also a supermodel. I've been in every major magazine, fashion show, and even some racier shoots. While the racier ones don't quite pay as well, they're a lot funner than the other things I do," Fleur told Julius.

"Really? I know this may sound inappropriate, but I'm kind of curious," Julius said with a slight smile as he put down the plans.

"Here," Fleur said as she levitated a magazine to Julius as he set down the plans.

"Neither of you mind?" Julius asked as he grabbed the magazine. "Oh, yeah, culture difference, forgot. In my world, something like this would start a fight right away, hell, maybe even war," he said as he flipped through the magazine. "Is it weird that somehow you look more erotic with clothes than without clothes?"

"We get that, believe me," Fleur said with a slight smile.

"Indeed. So, I'm guessing that you don't think too highly of the offered plans," Fancy Pants said as he looked at Julius.

"Well, either they couldn't work for various reasons, or they just wouldn't work," Julius commented as he looked through the magazine. "Still, I need to see the maps and census and what not to try to come up with one of my own," he said while whistling at a picture of Fleur. "I know the male-to-female ratio is really screwed, but you could still make a guy thirsty."

"Not sure what that means, but thanks," Fleur said as Fancy Pants passed Julius the maps and censuses.

"It means that you're sexy, you're attractive, that guys want you, you know, stuff like that," Julius said as he switched over to reading the maps and censuses.

"Oh, well, thank you," Fleur thanked as Julius looked over the various papers. "Though it makes some mares quite angry, I'm used to getting those kinds of compliments. Still, it's always flattering to hear," she said with a warm smile.

"And thank you for just taking the compliment," Julius thanked back as he looked over the papers. "Hmmm, I see some things here. Definitely something I can work with," he hummed as he flipped to another paper.

"Do you? That's good to hear. I can guess what they are; some of the others also saw some workable things," Fancy Pants said happily.

"Yeah, there's definitely something I can work with here. And a defensive line would be possible if you could prevent the changelings from flying," Julius commented while looking over the papers.

"We can, well, sort of," Fancy Pants told Julius. "Magically enchanted crystals and stones can make flying difficult. Also, some specifically enchanted crystals can shoot lightning bolts into the sky. They're a bit dangerous due to the crystals firing at anything that flies, but still, they exist," he told Julius, who immediately looked at him. "What?"

"I can design a defensive line for you at a fraction of the cost that should work," Julius confidently told Fancy Pants.

"Well, that was quick. I'm guessing that you're taking inspiration from your world," Fancy Pants commented.

"Yes. A combination of the inundation lines for the Benelux and Verdun. The lines will be on a much larger scale, while the forts will be on a much smaller scale," Julius flatly told Fancy Pants.

"Interesting, here, draw out your plan here," Fancy Pants said as he levitated a map over to Julius.

"Alright," Julius said as he started to draw a few features on the map. "And done," Julius said after a few minutes.

"Again, that was quick," Fancy Pants commented as he looked over the map. "There's not much added, a few forts, some ditches, but they're doing nothing," he said as he followed the ditch lines over to the Luna Bay. "Oh, oh, that's smart. Vicious but smart," Fancy Pants commented with a light smile.

"Don't thank me, thank Maurice of Nassau. He thought of the inundation lines to protect the Benelux," Julius told Fancy Pants.

"I see; well, thank house Nassau for me. But these forts, what's the purpose of them? This first line of forts looks like they could easily be taken from behind, and they're right where the land would be if it were flooded. This second line, though, it looks like it could withstand anything," Fancy Pants commented as he looked at the few forts on the map.

"That's the point. The defenders hold those forts just long enough to sucker the changelings in; then, they fall back to the second line. After the changelings have fully moved into the forts, that's when it happens; that's when we release the flood. The whole occupied area will be flooded, the only places the changelings can stay will be flooded, and everywhere they can go will be flooded. By the time they realize the trap, the race to the sea will already be over. This second line of forts has to hold long enough for the rest of Equestria to get together, mobilize, and come to the front. I believe that it's capable of holding that long. After the rest of the Equestrian army comes, that's when the counter-offensive begins. The first lines of forts being easily taken from behind will then greatly benefit the Equestrian army," Julius told Fancy Pants.

"Vicious, but effective. Now, as for the ditches, how will they be dug? That'll still be expensive," Fancy Pants asked as he crunched some numbers in his head.

"Simple, the military will do it. That'll serve a secondary purpose of preparing the army to dig trenches," Julius simply told Fancy Pants.

"Trenches, ditches, forts, flooding, air, you certainly aren't leaving anything to chance," Fancy Pants commented with a smile. "While this plan will still be expensive, it's not too bad. Maybe, it could be justified if the ditches were built with the stated purpose of being used for farming, from crown stipends that'd cut down on the cost a lot. We'd be defending, so not as many ponies would need to be drafted. Yes, this could work," he commented with a growing smile.

"Wait, Equestria has the draft, really?" Julius asked with disbelief.

"To my knowledge, it's never been implemented, but yes, it's technically on the books. Equestria has many laws that are technically on the books but never acted on. For example, Equestria technically has the death penalty on the books, but it's never been used. The closest it's come in recent memory was on Steel Stallion. Some of the nobles called for it in private, but Celestia oversaw the trial herself. After hearing the trial, Celestia pardoned Steel Stallion on the condition that he stays in the castle for the next decade while she resolves the situation in Severnaya. It was house arrest, and we all knew it, but he accepted nonetheless," Fancy Pants told Julius.

"That's surprising. But still, that's a very merciful response from Celestia. In my world, if you tried to rebel against your government, they'd more likely call in their allies and declare war on you than sit down, talk things out, and try to improve them," Julius flatly told Fancy Pants.

"Please, don't take this the wrong way, but your world sounds like a very violent place," Fancy Pants commented back.

"Oh, trust me, you have no idea. Now, shall we hammer out the details of the plan?" Julius asked as he, Fancy Pants, and Fleur worked out the plan's details.

Chapter 76: Metal Done

"Well, there certainly were a lot of details to hammer out. You must have spent quite some time thinking about this," Fancy Pants commented as he, Fleur, and Julius left his office.

"Not really," Julius said as he followed Fancy Pants. "Most of what I suggested was based on French, Belgium, Dutch, and German defensive plans. Modified slightly to accommodate your form, but mostly the same," he admitted with a nod.

"I see. Then your kind must have quite a deep history with warfare," Fancy Pants solemnly said as he led Julius through the castle.

"You have no idea. Trust me, you don't want to have an idea," Julius responded with a sigh.

"Indeed. As uncomfortable as it is, such conflicts are a part of governing. For the past, well, longer than any of us can remember, Equestria has been nominally at peace. But at the borderlands, there have been some difficulties. The buffaloes are just one; the colony of Nova Griffonia, the Olenia crisis, the yaks, and jaks, even Haukland, not to mention the Changeling Lands. Equestria faces far more problems than the average pony realizes. I only hope we can weather the coming storm," Fancy Pants admitted wearily.

"Wait, all those all external, what about the internal ones?" Julius asked as Fancy Pants led him down some stairs.

"Well, those are a given. We prefer not to think of them with external problems. Honestly, we already have far too much to deal with. Though a few token reforms and appointments won't be enough. More stallions are becoming hardliners; the crisis in Severnaya only bred secessionist thought in other places, then there are the thestrals. Equestria may look strong, but I fear for our internal security," Fancy Pants tiredly admitted.

"And you can't just force the reforms; that'd just cause a larger rebellion; the wonderful headache of ruling a country," Julius quipped.

"Quite, though, I do have a plan that could help things along. For several reasons, I cannot tell you too much about it. Suffice to say, thestrals aren't unknown to all Equestrians; some of us do have working relations with the covens," Fancy Pants told Julius.

"Oh, sounds like you have something interesting planned. Can't wait to see it," Julius responded with a smile.

"I think you can; I think most of us can. I know I can wait," Fancy Pants heavily told Julius.

"Weighing on you?" Julius asked as he saw Fancy Pants' head slightly tilt.

"It is; it weighs on both of us. Sad that things have come to this point," Fleur told Julius.

"It's not anything illegal, is it?" Julius asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Technically, no. It's in a very gray area. When it all happens, we can say that we did enough to avoid any trouble, and considering the context and situation, we could even be commended for our efforts. But still, it's sad nonetheless," Fleur assured Julius.

"Well, if it's something that needs to be done, then it needs to be done. Still, such things are uncomfortable," Julius sighed as the group approached a familiar set of heavy doors. "Isn't this the mint?"

"Yes, it is. We've been out long enough that I suspect that the princesses are done with the thing they're doing. If they aren't, then they're probably close," Fancy Pants told Julius.

"Alright, if you say so. I guess I'll see you around," Julius said as he waved the two ponies goodbye. "I'm Julius; I believe the princesses are waiting for me inside," he said as he walked up to the guards.

"One moment," one of the guards said as they magically scanned him. "All clear. Yes, the Royal Sisters are waiting for you inside. Well, not quite, Celestia still has a little bit of work to do, but she should be finished shortly," the guard told Julius as the two opened the massive doors.

"Alright, thank you," Julius said as he walked into the ornate room. "Well, you look exhausted," he smiled as he was greeted by a panting Luna lying on a couch.

"Exhausted, yes, perhaps that is an apt word to use," Luna panted as she kept her head on a pillow. "I swear, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that metal was mythril. But, that only exists in old mare's tales from back when Celestia and I were young," she quipped as she rested.

"Funny that, we also have a mythical metal called mythril. What's yours supposed to be like?" Julius asked as he sat beside Luna.

"According to the tales, as strong as dragon scales, as flexible as heated copper, as light as silk, as magically resistant as changeling black stone. While your titanium does come close in some ways, it's not quite to that level, thankfully. If it was, then it'd have taken far more energy. I know the brothers were getting fed up with it. While Auric might be quick to anger, Sterling is usually calm and level-headed," Luna told Julius.

"Is that hairless minotaur, or whatever it is out there?" Auric yelled from behind the inner doors as they slowly opened. "It is good!" He firmly stated as he stomped up to Julius. "Have you any idea how much work duplicating that Tartarus-sent metal was? Do you?!?" Auric asked as he looked right into Julius's eyes. "We've worked quadruple overtime before, and that was easier. And don't get me started on the fire; oh, Celestia can take that fire and shove it! I swear, it'd be cooler to just banish the metal itself to the sun. The whole smeltery feels like the inside of an oven if the oven was in the sun!" He firmly complained as he kept stamping a hoof for emphasis.

"But the metal is duplicated, right?" Julius asked as he looked back at Auric.

"Is the metal duplicated? Is the metal duplicated. Is the metal duplicated," Auric laughed as he slowly looked over to Luna. "He wants to know if the metal is duplicated," he continued to laugh. "Yes! The metal is duplicated! There is more of the metal! It has increased in its amount! The metal has been doubled multiple times over! We have taken the metal, taken some wood, and magically changed the wood into the metal, making more of it!" Auric shouted as one of his eyes twitched. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, yes, we have, in fact, duplicated the metal. Happy?" He said with a huff.

"Brother, please, not so loud," Sterling said from the other room. "I'm trying to rest. Besides, it's not like he knew it'd be so difficult," he reasoned as he yawned.

"Well, I kinda guessed that it would be," Julius said with a light smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"You knew it would be!" Sterling loudly proclaimed as he rushed out and got right in Julius's face. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Well, I only had a vague idea. Besides, didn't you assess that it'd be difficult?" Julius asked back.

"None of your fancy excuses! You should have warned us! I haven't used that much energy since the silver shortage, and that was spread out over several weeks! Weeks I tell you! Brother, let's never duplicate it again unless we absolutely have to," Sterling huffed with a pout.

"Agreed," Auric firmly stated as he stamped a hoof down. "That used far too much energy, it took far too long, and dealing with Celestia's literal solar fire isn't in my paygrade. That's not in anycreature's paygrade," he said as he softly closed his eyes.

"Hey brother, have you ever wondered how Celestia doesn't burn herself as she breathes the fire?" Sterling asked as Auric slowly turned to face him.

"Well, I've always imagined that she magically protects herself. But I've never asked," Auric responded as Julius got up. "And where are you going?"

"I want to see Celestia breathing fire," Julius flatly said as Auric lightly chuckled.

"Normally, no creature is allowed past those doors except for one of the royal transmuters or the Royal Sisters. But, if you can stand the heat of Celestia's fire, then you can stay back there as long as you want," Auric told Julius.

"Great, it can't be that hot," Julius said with a smile as he walked into the back rooms.

"I give him one minute," Sterling said.

"I give him thirty seconds," Auric responded.

"Oh, please, you two. Ten seconds maximum," Luna flatly said.

"Wow, talk about a lack of faith," Auric said as he looked at Luna.

"Maybe, but it looks like I'm right," Luna told Auric as Julius slowly walked out of the back rooms.

"I think I'm still drowning in my head juices. Have you any idea what burning eyeballs smell like? I do, at least, I think I do, now," Julius panted as he slowly walked away from the door, his head drenched in sweat.

"Did you see Celestia breathing fire?" Auric coyly asked.

"No," Julius flatly responded. "I turned the corner, and I swear, it started to rain from my head. Why isn't that area protected from the heat?" Julius asked as he collapsed on a couch.

"It is; the whole area is. Due to the magical resistance, that's the kind of heat we needed to use," Auric told Julius.

"I swear, if I knew how to make an induction furnace, I'd give you the plans to make one," Julius panted as he slowly cooled down.

"What's that?" Auric and Sterling asked at the same time.

"It's what we use to melt metal. It's an enclosed furnace; I think it uses electricity or something like that to melt metal," Julius told the brothers.

"That'd be very helpful. If you get plans for making one, let us know," Auric told Julius.

"Don't worry, I will. No creature should have to suffer that kind of ungodly heat. I swear, it was like standing on the edge of the lake of fire," Julius sighed as he deeply breathed.

"Oh, you've been to Da burnuroz Wunder eron Drakna'th alar. What did you think of the myth surrounding the place?" Luna asked as she slowly turned her head to Julius.

"I haven't, and what?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna.

"Da burnuroz Wunder eron Drakna'th alar, or The Burning Lake of Dragon's Bane, is a lake of fire deep underground. As far as I know, the passage to it is known only to Celestia and me. The myth surrounding the lake is that sometime in the future, a great king will cast an evil dragon into the lake to pay for its crimes. It's a myth from back when our mother was young. Why that myth was old even to Starswirl the Bearded," Luna said with a laugh.

"Funny, that's very similar to something from my world. Where did your story come from?" Julius asked with a light smile.

"If I remember, it came from the first oracle of Nimbusia. The story is a rough translation of what he said. It was said that a lot was lost in translation. While some doubt that story, every oracle has given accurate predictions. Though, this story is vague in its descriptions of this great king and of this dragon. All it really says about them is that the king is the most beloved scion of the heavens and that the dragon is the most despised enemy of the heavens," Luna told Julius.

"You know, to be honest, that sounds like a flavored version of what God will do to Satan," Julius responded. "What are the odds that they're the same story," he jokingly said.

"Well, you came from your world to here, so it's possible," Luna said with a shrug.

"Yeah, but that was entirely by accident. It was probably just some irresponsible twat randomly banishing a magical inconvenience to a different world. What are the odds of that story going to the same world? There must be a literally infinite number of worlds it could have gone to," Julius reasoned.

"True, but still, the odds are the same as the odds of you coming to this world," Luna reasoned.

"Yeah, I suppose that's fair," Julius nodded.

"Good, you're here," Celestia said with heavy breaths as she walked out of the inner doors.

"I am; I take it that you're done?" Julius asked as he looked over to Celestia.

"Yes, I am. The titanium has been melted into countless little rings, and the brothers have a nice big sheet of it," Celestia said as she walked over to one of the couches.

"Great, fantastic; after we have our energy back, we'll reinforce the door," Auric said as he and Sterling rested.

"As for us, well, wanna rest up here for a bit before I pay you," Julius coyly said with a wink.

"Yes, definitely. That was a lot more exhausting than I thought it would be. Though, not the most exhausting thing that we've done. Some of the creatures that roamed the lands before Equestria was united were more difficult to take down than working with titanium," Celestia sighed as she lay on a couch.

"Hate to run into those creatures," Sterling said as he stretched out.

"Well, country unification and assimilation benefits everyone. Just as long as the country stays strong," Julius blankly commented.

"True, and keeping a large country strong and unified is monstrously difficult," Celestia tiredly sighed.

"I can imagine. Still, no matter what, you've done a pretty good job over all these years. Take heart that you've done better than anyone from my world," Julius assured Celestia.

"Thank you," Celestia said with a smile as she got comfortable on her couch.

Chapter 77: Pleasure Before Sleep

"Well, that's surprising," Julius said as the guards to Celestia's room let them pass without any fuss. "Honestly, I expected them to scan us," he admitted as the three walked in.

"Normally, they would," Celestia told Julius. "However, seeing as both of us are with you, they needn't bother. The fact that you are with me shows that you are to be trusted, well, as long as you enter with me by your side. If you were a changeling, well, no changeling has been fool enough to try to enter my private room. There is a very good reason for that. Likewise, no pony or really any creature has tried to sneak into my private room."

"What about Aloysia?" Julius quickly asked.

"Yes, her, well, she doesn't count. Even after all these years, I haven't developed a way to keep her out. I thought I had with the guards and the scanning and whatnot, but evidently, I didn't. She was just staying out for personal reasons," Celestia sighed as she pinned her ears to her head for a slight moment. "But enough of that; she's not here now, right?"

"That is correct, sister," Luna confirmed. "With all the work I'll be shifting onto her and the others, she'll be busy all night. The dream realm is vast and filled with many dreamers of many different kinds," she said as she walked up to Celestia's bed. "Now, how exactly to do this?"

"Well, he is your stallion, so why not let him fulfill that long-standing fantasy of yours and finally become a mother?" Celestia teased Luna while giving Julius a sultry look.

"Celestia!" Luna shouted as her face turned red. "Whatever do you mean? My long-standing fantasy?" She desperately stammered. "Besides, if either of us has a motherhood fantasy, it is you. With how you run Equestria, with how you baby the ponies, I swear you think they are all your children," Luna said in a huff.

"Oh, Luna, Luna, Luna," Celestia tisked. "All the ponies on this planet are my children. I am the mother to all ponies, maybe not physically, but spiritually. It is my eternal responsibility to mother all ponies," she told Luna while shaking her head. "I already have nations of children," she said with a smile. "Besides, have you forgotten how you'd treat the ponies that were supposed to help us deal with the dangers of early Equestria? 'Oh, have no fear, my little ponies, place yourself not in danger for our sake. I, your loving princess, will slay that beast for you,'" Celestia said in an accurate mimicry of Luna's voice.

"Ah, well, uhhh," Luna stammered, "That was," she continued to stammer as Julius got on Celestia's bed and lay down.

"I can see where this is going. While you two decide, I'll just lay down. This bed is soft enough that I could just lay down forever," Julius said as he tried to lay down, only to get caught in the magical auras of Celestia and Luna.

"Clothes off first," Celestia told Julius.

"If you can tell where this is going, you should realize that much," Luna added as the two alicorns swiftly stripped Julius.

"Well, if you ask me, you're both as thirsty as the other," Julius said with a smile as he lay down on Celestia's bed. "I'll be ready whenever you are," he said with a smirk as his cock lightly throbbed.

"Smell, that Luna? That's the scent of a stallion ready and willing to knock up his mare. Do it, Luna. Just give in; we both know that you want to. Think of the children," Celestia seductively cooed to her sister.

"Sister, please," Luna whined as she quivered in place.

"Oh, please, go ahead. He's willing and waiting. Do it; claim your stallion. Rut him hard and fast and put him away wet and tired. Like we both know you want to do," Celestia continued to coo into Luna's ear.

"B-but, I," Luna murmured as she bit her lower lip lightly.

"Do it. Make your children real, mother," Celestia slyly cooed into Luna's ear.

"Children, mother, me," Luna hypnotically said as she slowly walked up to Julius. "Me, a mother. Me, with children. Me, with my own offspring," she continued to moan as she magically forced an already willing Julius to the bed. Gently grabbing Julius's cock in her magic, Luna gently stroked the throbbing member as she slowly stood over him.

"Now now, little sister. We have to make sure that he's ready to breed you properly," Celestia slyly said as she magically held Julius's balls. Gently fondling the two babymakers, Celestia slightly grinned as she tisked. "Well, it looks like some stallion isn't fully prepared. That's OK; I can fix that," she lightly grinned as a warming heat filled Julius's balls.

"Oh, oh, that still feels weird," Julius moaned as he felt his balls fill with cum. "Still, I'm not opposed to it," he wryly grinned as he felt Luna's drenched pussy lips caressing his cock.

"Soon, soon," Luna lustfully panted as she lightly ground on Julius's cock while magically stroking him off. "I'll be a mother; I'll have children," she lustfully panted as she teased the tip of Julius's cock slightly entering her pussy.

"Well, it looks like Luna is ready," Celestia said with a smirk as she walked around to Julius's head. "You know, I was planning on waiting until I had some paperwork to do to enjoy this, but helping my sister to get pregnant is a good use of it, too," she said with a bright smile.

"Look, if you need some stress relief while churning through mindless paperwork, all you need to do is ask," Julius told Celestia as he made several clumsy thrusts at Luna's pussy.

"Thank you; I'll remember that," Celestia smiled as she lightly pressed a teat against Julius's face. "Now, I think you know what to do," she warmly said as Julius lightly licked Celestia's teat before taking it into his mouth and lustfully suckling the princess.

"Me, motherhood," Luna lustfully moaned as she slowly took each inch of Julius's throbbing cock. "Foals of my own," she lustfully drooled as she savored every throbbing inch.

"How does it feel?" Celestia teased as she relaxed her teats against Julius's face. "Taking a princess's virginity, I mean," she coyly said as Julius lustfully thrust up into Luna's eager pussy.

"Mmph," Julius moaned as he lavished Celestia's teats. Eagerly suckling the two firm milky mounds, Julius relaxed and let the waves of pleasure flow through his body. Feeling the tip of his cock kiss Luna's cervix, Julius's cock twitched and throbbed wildly. Lustfully and clumsily thrusting into Luna's tight, drenched pussy, Julius barely kept from orgasming while Luna's and Celestia's horns glowed with magic. Luna's as she magically stroked Julius's cock, while Celestia's as she fondled Julius's balls.

"Give me my foals," Luna lustfully moaned as she eagerly bounced on Julius's cock, desperately trying to milk the throbbing member for all its worth.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, make Luna a mother," Celestia cooed as she magically massaged Julius's balls. With each pulse of magical energy, Celestia carefully yet lustfully massaged Julius's aching balls. "She's been waiting for this for so long; go ahead, make her dreams come true," she teasingly cooed as she shifted slightly, making Julius eat her out instead of suckling her.

"Mmph, mmm, mmnph," Julius moaned as Celestia's musky scent filled his head. Each breath filled Julius with increasing lust as he tried his best to hold back from orgasming. With each bounce from Luna, her tightening pussy lustfully massaged every twitching inch of his cock, while she continues to magically stroke his cock. While Luna lustfully milked Julius, Celestia basked in the pleasure she was receiving. As Julius ate her out, she teasingly continues magically massaging his balls, lightly squeezing them just hard enough to feel the warming magic of Celestia before slowly releasing them, then softly massaging the two orbs, each aching for release.

"You," Luna moaned as she bounced on Julius's throbbing cock, "will," she moaned as she ground against Julius's twitching cock, "give," she lustfully panted as she looked to the ceiling, "me," she loudly moaned as she tried to collect herself, "foals!" Luna powerfully moaned as she whipped her head forward and looked down at Julius as she wrapped her tail around his balls and softly teased them.

"Mmmhp, mmmph, mmmph!" Julius lustfully moaned as his head spun in lustful pleasure. Unable to hold on any longer, Julius finally let himself cum. Torrent after torrent of thick, potent cum blasted out as the pleasure overwhelmed him. As his orgasm died down, a warming pressure filled his balls as they slowly felt full and heavy again.

"Now now, surely you'll give Luna more than just that?" Celestia teased while Luna moaned as she felt Julius's thick, potent cum fill her womb. As warm heat filled her core, Luna fell down in pleasure, her head right by Celestia's teats. "Go ahead, Luna, you know you want to," Celestia teased as she lightly wiggled her teats in front of Luna.

"Haaa, haaa, haaa," Luna panted, her hot wet breath caressing Celestia's teats. Finally, after catching her breath, Luna lightly licked her sister's teats before softly suckling the soft milky mounds. Hungrily suckling her sister's teats, Luna basked in the pleasure as she felt Julius's cock twitch inside her and as she felt her womb fill with Julius's seed.

"Now, I know you have more in there for Luna," Celestia lustfully teased as she lightly placed a hoof on Julius's balls. "I can just feel how full they are. Poor things, just begging for release. Go on, give Luna more. Make sure that she's good and pregnant," she teased as she massaged Julius's balls both with her magic and with her hooves.

"Mmph, mmm," Julius leisurely moaned as pure lustful pleasure flooded his mind. Unable to think of anything else, Julius just clumsily thrust into Luna's quivering pussy. His twitching, throbbing cock awkwardly battered her pussy as increasing bolts of pleasure ravaged his body.

"Mmmmph," Luna lustfully moaned while suckling her sister as she felt the thrusts of Julius's cock. The twitching member hit every sensitive spot in her pussy at awkward angles and at awkward times, sending alternating waves of pleasure through her body. Each pleasurable wave battered Luna's mind like waves against a cliff.

"That's right, little sister, enjoy the pleasure," Celestia panted as Luna and Julius pleasured her. The pair's eating out and suckling, edging her closer and closer to her own orgasm. "Think of the foals you'll have; think of the mother that you'll get to be," she teased as she basked in the pleasure the two lavished onto her. As the three reveled in their shared pleasure, they brought each other closer and closer to orgasm. Waves of pleasure washed over the three as bolts of orgasmic bliss rocked their bodies. Thrust after thrust, Julius's cock wildly twitched and throbbed as he came closer and closer to another orgasm. Luna lustfully moaned as thoughts of finally being a mother flooded her head. The experience of heat, along with her fantasies, mixed in a potent cocktail that further fueled her desires.

Reaching up, Julius firmly grabbed Celestia's hips and pulled her down as his tongue lavished her drenched pussy. Lustfully licking her dripping pussy, Julius let the lustful desires take over as he sloppily ate Celestia out and clumsily thrust into Luna's pussy. As Julius pulled Celestia down, Luna's suckling increased as she powerfully suckled her sister's teats like a hungry foal.

"Yes, yes," Celestia lustfully panted as her tongue flopped out of the side of her mouth. Do it stud, fill my sister, guarantee her motherhood. Sire her foals," she lustfully commanded as she began to massage Julius's balls roughly. The pleasure from the two princesses quickly overwhelmed Julius as he couldn't hold back anymore and powerfully flooded Luna's already filled womb with more of his potent seed. As Julius strongly came, his cum started to swell Luna's belly as the thick, potent seed drenched the innermost parts of Luna's marehood.

"Mmmph, mmmph!" Luna loudly moaned as she felt Julius's thick, warm cum bathe her ovaries. As the potent cum ravaged her innermost depths, eager to impregnate her, a powerful orgasm rocked Luna's body as she strongly suckled Celestia's teat. As the other two hit their orgasms, the pleasure rocked through them and into Celestia.

"Yesss!" Celestia loudly moaned as an intense orgasm flooded her body. As the three rode their orgasms down, the three collapsed on each other. Panting lustfully, the three slowly faded into sleep.

Chapter 78: Pleasure After Waking

"Mmmhp," Julius groaned as he groggily rolled in place. "What time is it?" He slowly moaned as he felt something constrict him. Slowly fluttering his eyes opened, Julius was greeted with a field of soft midnight blue. "Luna," he slowly groaned as he nuzzled into Luna's chest fluff. "Soft, warm," he hummed while softly nuzzling into Luna's barrel. As Julius nuzzled Luna, he felt her legs tighten around him, pulling himself closer to her, Luna's body heat warming Julius to his core. "Feels warm, feels good," he pleasantly hummed right as he felt Luna's teats against his manhood. "Feels really good," he sleepily smiled as he slowly started to hump her teats.

"Hmmm, good morning," Luna tiredly said before kissing Julius's head. "Aren't you feeling amorous this morning?" She teased as she felt Julius lustfully humping her teats.

"You don't seem to be complaining," Julius smiled back as he teasingly kissed her horn.

"Well, no, but after last night," Luna lightly blushed as she rolled on top of Julius. "Still, if you insist, I'll be more than happy to help you get some relief," she teased as she softly caressed Julius's cock between her soft, motherly mounds.

"I have to admit crotch boobs really do have an advantage," Julius smiled as he lightly kissed her neck. "So, will I be finishing inside? You know, making sure that you're pregnant," he teasingly asked as he lightly nibbled one of her ears.

"Yes, me, a mother," Luna lightly moaned as her heart skipped a beat. Slightly shifting herself, Luna's lower lips started to caress Julius's cock, their warm wetness lightly kissing his throbbing member.

"Really, you two?" An annoyed sounding Aloysia huffed as she stepped out of some nearby shadows. "My kin and I spend all night covering for you so that you can work on your special project, and all you do afterward is, have sex? I mean, really, you both are better than this," she huffed with indignation.

"I'm not, I'm really not. I know what I'm all about," Julius replied with a sloppy smile.

"Oh, come now, Aloysia, you're so married to your job. So much like Raven Inkwell. Well, like all the Inkwell mares," Luna commented as she sat up, letting Julius's manhood penetrate her pussy as she did so. "Oh yesss," she purred before looking over towards Aloysia. "You need to relax; come over here," she smiled as she charged her horn with magic.

"Don't dare to compare me to that overly traditionist puppet. She has no thought of her own, is dismissive at the best of times, a misandrist at the worse," Aloysia started to complain, not noticing the blue aura surrounding her. "I swear, I've tripped over rocks with more personality than her. She's just another old-fashioned bureaucratic secretary, with a mindset that would have been fitting for your mother's day," Aloysia huffed. "Wait, what am I on?"

"Finally noticed, have you?" Luna mischievously asked as she looked Aloysia right in her eyes. "Go ahead, sit down, relax a bit," she offered as Aloysia felt a moist warmness caress her marehood.

"I couldn't; it wouldn't be, WAHHH!" Aloysia yelped as she felt two hands grab her flanks and pull her down. "What are you? Oh, oh, that's good," she moaned as she felt a few flicks of Julius's tongue against her marehood.

"You've always held yourself as an austere pony, a mare thoroughly married to her job. You've never experienced the pleasures a stallion can give. Think of this as an ordered reward. If you're worried about what Julius thinks, well, his reaction to you should be enough," Luna smiled as she bounced on Julius's cock.

"But, but," Aloysia stammered as her tongue lolled out of her mouth. "AGNNN, OHHH, HAAAA!" Aloysia loudly moaned as she felt Julius's tongue lick her pussy, and his teeth lightly teasing her clit. "Yes, more, more, MORE!" She lustfully commanded as one of her back hooves battered the bed in pleasure.

"Well, I never would have expected you to be a screamer. Always so quiet, who'd have thought that all you needed to make some noise was getting some loving attention paid to your marehood," Luna teased as she lustfully grinned. "Maybe you'll also be a squirter," she teased with a wink.

"N-no," Aloysia protested as she bit her lower lip, trying to suppress her moaning. "M-mommy raised a good mare," she blushed as she fell forward into Luna's barrel, all the while lustfully panting.

"It's OK, let it out," Luna cooed into her ear. "We've all done it," she assured as she felt Julius's cock throb wildly in her pussy.

"I, I, I," Aloysia panted as Julius continuously lavished her pussy with licks and kisses. "OH, OH STARS, YESSS!" She loudly moaned as Julius lightly held her clit between his teeth and teased it with his tongue. Flicking, circling, rubbing, Julius's tongue lavished Aloysia's pussy in every way he could think of. "YES, more, more, MORE!" She continuously commanded as she felt a lewd warmth filling her core.

"Are you close? Go ahead, enjoy your orgasm," Luna said with a blush as she relished in the pleasure she was feeling.

"I'M, I'M, AHHHGNNN, OHHHH, AHHHHHH!" Aloysia loudly moaned as she felt a dam burst inside her. A lewd heat ravished her body. As a torrent of lust rushed through her body, from her head to her pussy.

"Good timing, you two," Luna smiled as she felt Julius's cock flood her pussy with cum. "I'm guessing, from your reaction, that you are a squirter," Luna commented with a pleasant smile as Aloysia laid on Julius's body, her head near Luna's teats. "I believe that means a yes," Luna said as she saw Julius with a thumbs up at her.

"I, I can see why you and Celestia had that policy for so long. That feeling, that rush, and now, all I want to do is hold his head in place for the rest of the day," Aloysia commented as she lightly nuzzled between Luna and Julius.

"Yes, I know that feeling all too well," Luna smiled as she lightly petted Aloysia's whithers.

"Yes, I'm very aware. I've heard the stories of the stallions that you've turned into one of us. Honestly, the way they speak of it, it sounds like they enjoyed it," Aloysia panted as she collected her breath.

"Well, if they enjoyed it so much, maybe we should look into something similar," Luna teased. "Of course, I have a stallion now, but I'm sure the mares of your kind would like it. Speaking of my stallion, you might want to get up. If he keeps breathing in your musk, he'll get hard again. If he does, I'll have you take care of it," she teased with a wink.

"Right, of course," Aloysia lustfully said as she rolled off of Julius's body.

"Yeah, she's a squirter, alright," Julius heavily panted as Aloysia got off his face. "Good thing you got off when you did, or I'd be breeding you right now. A slight suggestion, if you do make the stallions of your kind eat you out, or whatever, if it's something like that, make sure they also get off; it could end badly if they don't," he suggested as he softly petted the two ponies.

"Yes, the Equestrian way. We learned in the pre-Equestrian days what happens if it's just a one-way thing. It was more common than you'd think for tribal mares to be that way. It only led to trouble in so many ways. Before Celestia and I set off to unite Equestria, we changed that practice. We changed and fixed a lot of laws and customs before the unification campaign. The current Equestrian legal code is still very similar to what we first set, which, while comforting in some ways, is worrying in others," Luna told Julius as she got off him. "You see, back when those laws were made, I always knew that they would need to be changed. Those laws were meant to be a bridge to help the population adjust to what would be the final laws. Sadly, the only changes seem to be token ones. While my sister has done a fine job keeping stability for all these years, I fear that stability may have made Equestria too stiff," she commented as she magically opened one of the doors in the room.

"Stability is required, but too much change too quickly can be ruinous. Striking that balance for any amount of time is difficult, nearly impossible," Julius commented as he looked into the open room. "What's in there?"

"That's my sister's bathroom. She has quite a spacious bath. I believe we should have one before we do anything else this day. Be it sleep after a long shift or go about our day," Luna suggested as she walked into the bathroom.

"Yeah, that's a good idea. It'd suck to spend the day so sticky and what not," Julius nodded in agreement as he and Aloysia got out of the bed and followed after Luna. "So, what exactly is your experience with stallions, or well, sex in general?"

"Aside from masturbation and estrus suppressants, none. Always work to do, if not dealing with the dream realm, then there were managing things. Oh, and of course, recruiting and training, always busy," Aloysia sighed.

"Hah, sounds a lot like busy businesswoman who's too busy to realize that she's missing something," Julius joked. "What about Raven Inkwell? It sounds like there's some history there."

"Yes, Raven Inkwell, or well, all the Inkwells are extremely traditionist. For the last, oh, thousand some odd years, the eldest Inkwell mare has served as Celestia's secretary. For better or worse, the family is fanatically loyal to Celestia and I guess they've been decent secretaries. The problem with the family is how traditional they are. I fear they might need to be removed for any sort of unification between the covens and Equestria were to be considered. Well, that or a political batter ram is needed. Celestia could be one, but she has never forced anything through; she's always gotten things done through subterfuge. Which, while admirable, isn't always the right response," Aloysia told Julius as the two entered the bathroom.

"Ah, the eternal headache of politics, ss is always the case, damned if you do, damned if you don't. Who knows, maybe, if Luna pushes hard enough, she'll force Celestia's hand, or, well, hoof, I guess," Julius said as he looked around the room. A giant ornate bath filled the room, with Luna testing the waters.

"Yeah, that should be hot enough. You two sure took your time. Talked about something interesting?" Luna teased as she walked into the bath.

"Not really, only politics and some history. It's funny; the more things change, the more they stay the same," Julius dryly laughed as he tested the water. "Yeah, that's hot enough," he said with a nod as he walked into the waters.

"You really like hot water," Aloysia commented as she slowly walked into the waters. "I'm guessing that has to do with your lack of fur."

"More or less, yes. Also, I just find hot water to be relaxing. Sure, dermatologists don't like hot showers and baths but screw it, the comfort is worth it," Julius said with a smile.

"I see; still, it seems like an odd thing for you not to have any fur. I know why you don't, but it's still odd," Aloysia commented as the two went to the middle of the bath with Luna.

"Tell me about it. Most animals in my world have fur. There are a few that don't, like pigs, hippos, rhinos, elephants, and probably some others that I can't think of," Julius said as Luna and Aloysia looked oddly at him.

"I've heard of pigs and hippos; we have those here, but not of rhinos," Luna told Julius. "What are these animals?" She asked as the two ponies started to wash up. "And as for elephants, they're a mythical beast; they aren't real here."

"Well, rhino is short for rhinoceros; they're like if you took a unicorn, removed the fur, removed the magic, gave them skin like metal plates and made them like three times taller and add like a thousand or so pounds, oh and made them nearly blind. As for elephants, they are the largest land animal from my world. They're like ten feet tall, two to seven tons, with massive tusks and trunks. Fortunately, they're gentle giants. There are even stories of them saving people from drowning and I think I remember a story of an elephant pack making a yearly vigil to a conservationist's house. Just avoid the males while they are in musth. But well, I shouldn't need to tell you to avoid a ten-foot, seven-ton horny animal; that story doesn't end well no matter the ending," Julius laughed as he washed up.

"That sounds like the myths, only our myths have them being larger, being able to speak, and even able to do some magic," Luna told Julius.

"Geez, I hope they're as relatively friendly as the ones from my world," Julius nervously laughed.

"Indeed. As for those rhinos, they sound like quite the threat," Luna commented.

"You'd think, but that comes from being nearly blind and being native to Africa. Rhinos raised in zoos act more like overgrown puppies. Still, I wouldn't mess with them; it's best to give large animals the respect they're owed," Julius said.

"Indeed, many unfortunate souls tend to forget that. It's led to many avoidable incidents," Luna sadly sighed. "Pass me the liquid soap?" She asked.

"Sure, Julius said as he poured some of the soap into his hands and started to lather Luna up. "You want me to do you next?" He offered with a smile.

"Sure," Aloysia smiled back as the three continued with their bath.

Chapter 79: I'm Not Suppose To Be Free Yet

Leaving the bath, Luna and Julius went down to the rest of the castle, while Aloysia left for the tower, both to get some rest and to make some plans.

"Think we should find the others?" Julius asked as Luna led him down some spiraling stairs.

"Yes, we should. They're probably worried about you, even if they know that you're safe," Luna confirmed as the two reached the bottom of the stairs. "I know, it may sound odd to you, but it's a deeply ingrained thing, both in our culture and our kind."

"Right, with the history of raiding and ponies being herd animals," Julius nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Though you have used herd animals to refer to us before, what exactly are your kind?" Luna asked while leading Julius towards the main hall.

"You know, to be honest, I'm not exactly sure. We wouldn't be herd animals and are far less social than horses. And our social structure is a lot different; we don't have lead alphas or anything like that and usually our leaders are hated by at least half of those they lead over. But we still need social interactions. If I remember, denying it for longer than thirty days is considered both a war crime and a crime against humanity, and we have an uncanny knack for bonding with others and animals. I'd call us social animals, I guess, but I don't quite know; I could be wrong," Julius speculated with a shrug.

"I see, interesting. You didn't mention war crimes before; what are they?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow as the two walked towards the main hall.

"Ah, those are limits we place on war so that it's not complete hell, and it works, in theory," Julius sighed. "In practice, when war starts, both sides ignore the rules, treating them more like suggestions; the losers are prosecuted to the fullest extent, while only the most egregious of the victors are prosecuted. They help limit the sheer brutality of war, but it's a bit like pissing on an inferno to put it out. I mean, just look at white phosphorous, or, well, don't," he nervously said.

"Why, how bad can it be? I want to say extremely bad from your reaction," Luna carefully asked.

"You got banished to the moon. In a sense, we can banish the sun to us. Let's leave it at that," Julius sighed as Luna looked right at him.

"And just how can you manage that?" Celestia asked as she walked by the two in the main hall, a cup of tea in her magical aura.

"Don't worry about it. I cannot do it. I'm like ninety-nine percent sure that it won't come up. Just avoid my world like the plague unless I'm with you, and I'm dealing with it," Julius nervously said.

"Well, you are the only one from your world here, so that was always the plan. While I'm sure a lot of the nobility wouldn't like an outsider being promoted to such a position, it's better to have a creature familiar with the culture in such a position to avoid an incident," Celestia solemnly said with a nod.

"Nobility will be nobility. I'm guessing that has happened before?" Julius asked with a sigh.

"Sadly, yes. After all these years, the yaks of Yakyakistan still haven't reopened diplomatic channels. From what news has came out of Yakyakistan, there has been a schism, the yaks following the royal family, still calling themselves yaks, and the yaks following a rebel breakaway group, calling themselves jaks. A regrettable situation. Hopefully, it won't spiral out of control and affect Equestria," Celestia sighed.

"Damn, what could have happened to cause such a thing?" Julius asked as he looked surprised at Celestia.

"I'm not sure. I was told several times, but I don't remember much. What I do remember is that it was extremely stupid and that it involved a saddle, twelve and seven eighths buckets of half water, quarter milk, and a quarter lemon juice, six and three-sevenths ounces of crushed gemstones, and that's it. I think my brain shut down after that," Celestia nervously laughed.

"No, that's OK, I get it. I think my brain started to shut down just hearing that," Julius laughed as he shook the blank look out of his eyes. "Anyways, what are you doing here? I thought that the royal court was in session?" He asked.

"It is, but we're taking a short break right now. The nobility were being ridiculous. Fortunately, Arch-Duke Fancy Pants noticed my growing annoyment and suggested a short break. After I backed his suggestion, the rest of the court quickly fell in line. The Pants family have always been such good children to their mother," Celestia happily said with a warm smile.

"Sister, what do you mean by 'their mother'? They are not your children," Luna told Celestia.

"Don't be silly, Luna. All ponies are my children, even the wayward ones," Celestia told Luna. "That's the way it's always been."

"Uhhh, right," Julius said. "I don't suppose you know where Zecora, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie are, do you?"

"Zecora and Twilight are in the library. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie are in the central garden; from what I saw, Rainbow Dash seems to be trying to get Fluttershy to exercise, and Pinkie Pie seems to be stretching. I swear I'll live for ten thousand more years and never figure out how a pony can be so flexible," Celestia said with a laugh.

"Ten thousand years? How old are you?" Julius asked with surprise.

"Far older than any other mortal being. Semi-immortality and eternal youth do have their benefits, despite having its drawbacks," Celestia calmly told Julius.

"Indeed. I'm not looking forward to, well," Luna slowly said as she looked away.

"Well, if it's that hard on you, why not share the semi-immortality and eternal youth with me?" Julius earnestly asked.

"Can't do; it's gotten from us being alicorns," Celestia told Julius.

"So? Why exactly can't I be one?" Julius asked.

"Well, first, you're not a pony; second, you're not a mare; third, would you really want to?" Celestia flatly told Julius.

"Well, first, how do you know, have you tried turning a non-pony into an alicorn? Second, what does being a mare have to do with it? And finally, third, well, OK, look, I would have to give it some serious thought, maybe pray, you know, do some serious soul searching. Have a serious moment at the lakeside, where I'm just looking into the lake, reflecting on my life while soft music plays, maybe something like Dust on the Wind or something like that. But I wouldn't be fully opposed to it," Julius told Celestia.

"Well, we've never tried turning any creature other than ponies into an alicorn. Though, to be fair, I've only turned Cadance into one. As for being a mare, well, I've only felt that mares have been called to be an alicorn. Still, if you're not entirely closed to the idea, I'll keep an open mind," Celestia responded.

"You've only had a sample size of one; that's hardly enough to be sure of anything. Look, Shining Armor will probably be marrying Cadance, right? So why not, as a wedding gift, turn Shining Armor into an alicorn, or at least try?" Julius suggested.

"Not a bad suggestion. Cadance would be lonely after Shining Armor passed. And it would put to bed a question I've had for many years," Luna said in support.

"I'll consider it if I feel that same surge that I felt for Cadance," Celestia assuringly said. "Though, I've never really felt it from many ponies. I've only really felt it from Cadance and several others, albeit a lot weaker. There's one I can feel it from now, and I'm trying something with her."

"That's Twilight, isn't it?" Luna knowingly asked.

"It is. I'm not entirely sure why, though, it could be with her cutie mark being magic itself. With that being a part of the foundation of our world, she could be turned into an alicorn. That follows the logic of Cadance, Luna, and myself becoming ones. Though with that, Starswirl should have also been one; he did make the spell after all. The only reason I can think of for why he wasn't one was that he's a stallion," Celestia reasoned.

"Well, that does make sense," Luna hummed. "But there was always this air about him. As if something was always off. You don't suppose that he might have been magically scarred or something like that, and that prevented him from casting the spell on himself?"

"It's a possibility. I'll admit, I have thought of the whole 'Starswirl is cursed' theory. It would answer a lot of questions. But what was he cursed with and why? He never really spoke of his past, and I've found no records of him," Celestia asked with a shrug.

"I remember. I've tried to look into his dreams, but every time I tried to, a wall of plaid light blocked my access. I have reason to believe that Discord either cursed him or is related to it," Luna speculated as she turned to Julius. "I suppose I should explain. Discord is the spirit of chaos and disharmony. Back before my sister and I united Equestria, we had to deal with him. He was an extremely powerful foe, requiring equally powerful magic to defeat," she said as she trailed off.

"Yes, though Luna has always had misgivings about it. Believing that Discord wasn't truly defeated. That he might one day return or that his spirit might be able to roam the land. But after all my long years of vigil, I've never seen hide nor hair of him," Celestia confidently told Julius.

"I don't know about that sister. You've seen Pinkie Pie; perhaps his magic wasn't fully contained and infected her? If it has, who knows how many other ponies were infected?" Luna asked with concern.

"I will admit, that thought has crossed my mind. But such situations are rare, and those able to produce effects as pronounced as Pinkie Pie's are even rarer. Sister, you know how magic works, such things, while being rare, are not of any great concern," Celestia assured Luna.

"I hope so. I fear what Discord might do if he were to break free. Being imprisoned for so long wouldn't make him very happy," Luna said with a sigh.

"Oh, quite right Luna is," Discord slightly hissed as he telepathically talked to Julius. "But it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I did get to discover your world from it," he chuckled.

"Are you OK?" Celestia asked as she saw Julius looking around aimlessly.

"Oh, uhhh, yes. I just thought that I heard something. I guess it was just the wind," Julius lightly chuckled.

"It could have been, but I did feel some magic. It was masked but still very strong. Tell me, is some being contacting you?" Luna asked as she eyed Julius.

"Well, it's possible, I think. Remember, this whole magic thing is extremely new to me," Julius half-heartedly admitted.

"Right," Celestia slowly said while giving him a sideways look. "Either way, I should be getting back to court. Our break will be over shortly," she said with a heavy sigh before walking toward the court. "You know how the nobility can get."

"You know," Luna said as she watched Celestia walk away, waiting for the doors to the court to be shut, "Celestia and I know that you were lying. While it was one of the better attempts to lie, we still saw right through it. I have no idea who is trying to talk to you, but please, do be careful. Beings that are capable of such things are exceptionally powerful and tend to have their own agenda. If you get into trouble, please, come to Celestia and me right away," Luna firmly told Julius as a toad hopped up to Luna. "Odd; where did this toad come from?" She asked as the toad flicked its tongue out at Luna, slapping her face with it and a scroll.

"Please, let that be a summoning contract," Julius laughed.

"No, it's not," Luna flatly said as she read the scroll. "It says, 'Dear Royal Sisters, no hard feelings. But I do have something planned. Signed, and old friend. P.S. If you meet Starswirl the Bearded before me, do me a favor and call him Startwirl the Maned for me. It drives him nuts.' Strange that it's addressed to both of us and that we're just getting this now. I think before we do anything, we should go to the royal gardens and check up on Discord," Luna firmly stated as she walked off towards the gardens.

"Fair. I'll follow you there," Julius shrugged as he followed Luna out to the gardens. Walking through the paths, Luna led Julius to a very odd-looking stone statue.

"This is Discord. My sister and I imprisoned him in stone. Thus, he became this statue," Luna explained as she checked over the statue. "Hmmm, a few cracks, he might be breaking out. No matter, it's an easy fix," she said as she cast a spell on the statue, resealing the stone. "There, good as new."

"Maybe, but it's a shame that he's trapped in stone. It's a shame that there's no other option," Julius said as he absentmindedly touched the statue.

"Oh, why'd you have to go and do that?" Discord said as the stone rapidly cracked before breaking. "Relax, relax; I didn't have any plans on being released at this time. Some fool just decided to make it happen for reasons that I'm sure even he doesn't know. Still, though, consider this a fair warning. Keep the cutiemark crusaders away from me in my statue form. I don't want to be released before the time is right," Discord warned the two as he poofed in an armchair.

"What are you planning? You wouldn't be going back into stone if you weren't planning something," Luna demanded to know as she leveled her horn at Discord.

"Well, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you, now would it? Now, I might have told you if you were so kind as to seal me sitting in a comfy chair, but you didn't, now did you? Some ponies, so rude," Discord huffed as he slowly turned back into stone. "But here, two things for you. One is waiting in Luna's room. Have fun with that unmitigated collaboration of chaos. You, humans, do me so proud sometimes. The other, rest assured, the time is coming where I will properly return. My agent is working on that, and I have complete faith in them. But until that time, toodles!" Discord mocking quipped as he returned to stone.

"This is serious. We need to gather the others and get into my chambers. Hopefully, Discord didn't do anything too extreme," Luna exasperatedly said.

"Agreed, I think. Who are the others you're talking about?" Julius asked as he followed Luna back into the castle.

"My sister, and the elements of harmony along with the element bearers. So, Twilight and her friends," Luna firmly said as she quickly trotted back into the castle. Walking back into the castle, Luna and Julius were greeted by Celestia and all the element bearers, and Zecora. "I'm guessing that you felt the disturbance and gathered the elements right away?" Luna asked as she saw the element bearers wearing their elements.

"Correct," Celestia firmly told Luna. "I don't like using teleportation, but this is serious. First, we have to reseal Discord; second, we need to undo any chaos and damage that he may have done," Celestia said as Applejack and Fluttershy shook their heads.

"It might be quick, but teleportation sure wrecks havoc on your mind," Applejack sighed as she shook her head.

"I saw Discord reseal himself in stone, but I suppose there isn't any harm in making sure it sticks. As for any chaos and damage, I have reason to believe that it's contained to my chambers in my keep," Luna told the seven other ponies.

"Well, that's not too bad if the chaos doesn't affect any of the artifacts in there. Tell your shadowwardens that we will be coming," Celestia told Luna as a dark shadow grew in the shadows of one of the pillars.

"Night Mother," a vampire pony greeted Luna as he walked out of the shadow. "Something very strange has appeared in your room. Well, several strange things," he told Luna as the mane six slightly backed away from him.

"Yes, I suspected as much. Are they doing anything?" Luna asked as she looked at the pony.

"No. I brought one of the things here for your inspection," the pony said as he pulled out a bag. Giving the bag to Luna, he carefully watched her.

"Odd, I've never seen something like this before," Luna hummed as she magically pulled a gray cartridge from the bag. "What about you, sister?" She asked as she floated the cartridge to Celestia. As the cartridge passed across Julius's vision, he quickly lunged forward and grabbed it.

"He didn't; he didn't; please tell me he didn't," Julius repeated as he looked over the cartridge.

"I haven't, but I suspect that Julius has," Celestia said with a light smile as Julius turned the cartridge over and read its label.

"He did," Julius said as he firmly facepalmed.

"What is it? Is it dangerous?" Celestia and Luna asked as they looked at Julius shaking his head in his palm.

"In a sense, it is. In another, it's harmless," Julius groaned. "Luna, your room is safe; tell your guards not to touch any of the stuff. I'll set it up when we get there," he heavily sighed.

"Uhhh, OK, but what is it?" Luna carefully asked.

"It's the most powerful party known to humanity," Julius heavily sighed as he looked at the label. "It's Mario Party."

Chapter 80: N64

"So, this isn't actually a statue, but a petrified villain who threatened Equestria," Twilight hummed as she looked at the statue of Discord.

"Yes. Before Equestria was united, Discord caused, well, discord. He is the spirit of chaos; spreading chaos is literally in his nature. While he claims that he resealed himself, I don't trust him. Nor do I trust anything that he might have given anycreature. Sure, he looks sealed, but it's very possible that he made a weakness in the stone, waiting for the right time to unseal himself. So, just in case you are to use the Elements of Harmony to confirm the sealing," Celestia told Twilight and her friends as she carefully inspected the statue. "You might want to cover your eyes," she cautioned Julius as the Element Bearers started the resealing spell.

"On it," Julius responded as he closed his eyes and looked away as Twilight and the girl's eyes turned pure white. After a moment and an intense flash of rainbow light, Julius opened his eyes. "Damn, that was bright. Even with my eyes closed, I still saw some light."

"Yes. Spells cast from the Elements of Harmony tend to have that effect," Celestia calmly said. "Depending on what's awaiting in Luna's chambers, it might not be the last time that we use them today," she hummed as she and Luna led the group towards Luna's keep.

"I very much doubt that. I know what the cartridge is; if what I'm thinking is correct, then Discord didn't send anything too dangerous into Luna's keep. Just a few things from my world," Julius said as Twilight's eyes sparkled.

"Stuff from a different world? We have to hurry! There's so much to discover, so much to learn!" Twilight happily sang as she clapped her hooves.

"Hah, I doubt you'll learn much. It's just games and what's needed to play them. Though, I wonder what he got for a power source. I want to say a solar battery bank, but I'm thinking a gas generator," Julius thought as he rubbed the top of his head.

"That by itself is something to learn about!" Twilight protested. "I mean, sure, we have some crystals that can store solar energy, but that's by magic. You claim that your world doesn't have magic, yet you also claim that you can harness solar power and use it for your needs. How?" Twilight eagerly asked as she stamped a hoof.

"Physics, mostly. The law of energy conservation; energy cannot be created or destroyed, just converted. I can show you an example of it right now, if you want," Julius offered a giddy Twilight.

"Please do so!" Twilight happily squeed.

"Alright, feel how my hand feels normal?" Julius asked as he placed a hand on Twilight's withers.

"Yes."

"Alright, good," Julius said as he clapped his hands together and rubbed them together very quickly. After a few moments, Julius put a hand back on Twilight's withers. "Feel how my hand is warmer? That's because kinetic energy, my hands moving together, was transferred to thermal energy by the friction between my hands. Or something like that; I'm not really a physicist," Julius explained.

"I see, and I take it that solar energy is harnessed and stored in a similar way?" Twilight asked as Celestia's ears twitched their way.

"I believe so. There's so much specialized stuff in my world that nobody knows everything. This is just what I can remember from a few things I've read," Julius said with a shrug.

"Very interesting. It could be worth looking into as an alternative to crystals," Celestia hummed as the group stood outside Luna's keep. "You should lead from here, sister."

"Agreed. Guards, open the doors. My sister, the elements, Julius, and I are coming in to investigate the strange things that appeared in my room!" Luna commanded as the doors unlocked from the inside. Scores of red eyes watched the group as the group walked into the keep.

"Well, this isn't creepy or anything," Applejack nervously laughed.

"They're just here as caretakers and guards. Functionally, they're no different than the palace guard; only these guards are far stronger, more experienced, and more professional," Luna stated with pride as she led the group to her chambers.

"Yes, Luna, I get it. You have great guards," Celestia sighed as the group stood outside Luna's room, a smug-looking Aloysia looking at her.

"Music to my ears," Aloysia smirked. "I only permitted one of those gray things to be taken out for your inspection. There are others in there and some other really strange-looking things. Like this one thing, it's like a window; only the glass is black, and it's already in a frame. And its frame is weird too, it's made out of something weird, and it has buttons on it," she explained as Julius smiled and shook his head.

"That's a T.V," Julius said as the doors opened. "It's needed for the cartridges," he confidently said as the group walked into Luna's room. "Give me a few moments; I'll get everything set up," he sighed as the ponies watched him. "Oh, Discord did go with solar power, makes sense," he shrugged as he moved things around and got things set up. "Really hope that my family doesn't freak out; things randomly disappearing is a bit scary. But well, this was all in the attic," he shrugged as he looked over the console. After several minutes of moving things around and grunting, Julius finished setting things up. "And done! All these cartridges go in here, and then you can play a game. At some point, Luna and Celestia have to play Majora's Mask, and Rainbow Dash and Twilight have to play Ocarina of Time," Julius said with a smile.

"Yes, at some point. But I believe there is a party? Wait, it looks like there are a few parties. Which do we try first?" Pinkie Pie asks in a mild panic.

"Well, if you want to start with Mario Party, I need a pillowcase first, and we all have to leave the room," Julius said as the ponies looked oddly at him. "Trust me, it's important," he said as Luna levitated a pillowcase to him. Grabbing the pillowcase, Julius and the ponies left the room. "Alright, so two rules for Mario Party. First, everyone playing, chuck your friendship in the pillowcase; what happens in Mario Party stays in Mario Party; it's nothing personal. Second, do not be that guy. If you're in first, and you don't need the coins, but you're in a team minigame, you still play to win. Oh, also, no cheap tactics, like blocking the view of the other players, unplugging controllers, and so on," Julius said as he held open the pillowcase.

"I think you're being a bit dramatic, but if you insist," Luna said as she and the other ponies symbolically put their friendships in the pillowcase before reentering Luna's chambers. "OK, now what?" She asked as Julius grabbed one of the controllers.

"Well, this can be a four-player game, and there are four controllers. So three others can play; I'm guessing Pinkie Pie will be playing," Julius said as Pinkie Pie nearly teleported right beside him.

"Yup! A game, a party, and fun, all in one! How couldn't I try it?" Pinkie Pie happily asked as she picked up the controller. "I'm guessing that I'm supposed to hold it like you?"

"Yup," Julius confirmed as Twilight and Rainbow walked up to the other two controllers.

"So, uh, how exactly are we supposed to play? All I see you doing is looking at that T.V," Twilight asked as Julius grabbed another rectangle thing.

"Well, I need to turn it on first, here," Julius said as he hit a button on the rectangle, then hit a button on the console.

"How's that possible?" Twilight asked as the T.V sprang to life, and a multitude of light and movement flooded the screen.

"It's the game, or well, showing some things from the game. Oh, that reminds me, Discord was nice enough to give us gloves; seriously, we should wear them. I really don't want another palm-wide blister," Julius suggested as he passed some hoof gloves to the three playing ponies.

"How does this game give you a blister? It looks like all we do is watch these characters move on this T.V?" Twilight asked as she put on the glove.

"Because some of the minigames involve rotating the control stupidly fast. Now, let's get started," Julius said as he started to set up a map. "Thirty-five turns, Mario's Rainbow Castle, sounds good, alright, pick your characters," he said as he quickly picked Yoshi. "Gotta go with my boy."

"Ohhhh, she's pink; I like her," Pinkie Pie smiled as she picked Princess Peach.

"I'm guessing that Mario is the main character; obviously, I have to be him," Rainbow Dash proudly said as she picked Mario.

"Hmmm, none of these characters really speak to me. Hmmm, I guess Luigi looks like he might be smart," Twilight hummed as she picked him.

"Great, we all got our characters. Good luck; let's play!" Julius said as he started the map. After a dull first turn, the four got their first minigame. "Oh yeah, no way Yoshi can lose this!" Julius happily smiled.

"Why's that? A hidden advantage?" Rainbow Dash asked with a raised eyebrow.

"In a sense," Julius smirked as Twilight started the game. "Denver, the last dinosaur. He's my friend and a whole lot more ~," he sang as he skated across the falling bridge. "Oh, would you look at that? I won. It's like I'm a skateboarding dinosaur or something," he smirked as the coins were given out.

"Well, still, we all got some coins," Twilight said as the three ponies got a few coins.

"Yeah, but I won," Julius smirked as he looked at Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, you're asking for it now," Rainbow Dash grunted back as she narrowed her eyes at Julius. "Hah, you landed on a red space," she taunted as she blew a raspberry at Julius.

"Hi pot, the name's tea kettle," Julius smirked back as Rainbow Dash landed on a red space.

"Come on, you two, get along," Twilight sighed as she took her turn.

"Oh, come on, Twi, this is a part of the game. I mean, just look at how it's set up. It's made for this kind of taunting," Rainbow Dash confidently told Twilight.

"Rainbow Dash is right, first time for everything," Julius taunted as he stuck out his tongue at Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, screw you, I've been right about a lot of things," Rainbow Dash huffed as Julius snickered.

"Turns done!" Pinkie Pie sang as she finished her turn.

"Great, now I can beat this sex-crazed beast in the next minigame," Rainbow Dash stated as she eyed down Julius.

"OK, first, we're on the same team in this minigame. Second, I'm not sex-crazed; I just have a healthy sex drive," Julius said with folded arms while the ponies eyed him down. "A very healthy sex drive," he laughed as the minigame started.

"You were going too fast," Rainbow Dash huffed as the minigame ended.

"No, you had no control; that's why we fell off," Julius huffed back as Twilight and Pinkie Pie got the coins.

"Good job, Pinkie Pie," Twilight happily said.

"Thanks! Great plan, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie sang as they returned to the map.

"Alright, next time they're going down!" Rainbow Dash firmly stated as she focused hard on the game.

"Yeah, that's the spirit!" Julius backed up Rainbow Dash as he took his turn. After the four took their turns, Julius loudly groaned. "Thank you, Discord, for the gloves."

"I think that this is the minigame for which the gloves are needed?" Twilight asked as Julius rubbed the palm of his hand.

"Oh yeah. Honestly, my palm hurts just thinking about it," Julius nervously laughed. "Alright, I'm ready when you all are," he said with a heavy sigh.

"You're all going down!" Pinkie Pie energetically said as she got ready to rotate the control stick.

"Of course, Pinkie Pie won; her body is made of flubber or something," Julius winced as he rubbed the palm of his hand.

"Oh, that was painful. Good thing we have the gloves," Twilight said as she shook her hoof.

"Drinks? I went and got you some," Fluttershy offered as she set a tray on a nearby side table.

"Yes, please, a Cuba Libre, two shots," Julius requested as Fluttershy just looked at him oddly. "Right, drink from my world, my bad. Something that's strong, sweet, and a bit citrusy," he told Fluttershy.

"Ah, OK," Fluttershy said as she mixed up a drink. "I'm guessing the same thing for Rainbow Dash, a dry, full-bodied red wine for Twilight, and something sweet for Pinkie Pie, maybe a cosmare," she hummed as she served Julius and Rainbow their drinks.

"Yup," Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie all nodded. Smiling softly, Fluttershy quickly mixed up their drinks and served them to Twilight and Pinkie Pie. Enjoying the drinks, the four continued the game.

"Figures, screwed by the bonus stars," Julius sighed as Twilight won the game.

"Still, it was a close game. It was very fun," Twilight softly smiled as she stretched her hooves.

"Yeah, it was; what's next?" Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie happily asked.

"Well, it's a one-player game, but multiple people can play it at the same time, kind of," Julius said as he swapped out the cartridge for a different one. "Ocarina of Time, it's an action/adventure game with puzzle solving," he said as he gave the first controller to Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, I like puzzle solving," Twilight happily sang as she clapped her hooves.

"And action/adventure sounds cool," Rainbow Dash grinned as the game started up.

"Well, you do play as the hero of time," Julius told Rainbow Dash with a wink.

"Oh, that sounds epic!" Rainbow Dash grinned as she started a new file and as the group watched the starting cinematic.

Chapter 81: N64 Twilight and Rainbow OoT

"Alright, remember, while this is an action/adventure game, it has a fair bit of puzzle solving. You can't brute force everything," Julius cautions as he starts up Ocarina of Time.

"Well, that's why Twilight's here," Rainbow Dash teased as the opening cinematic started.

"I like the music," Twilight smiled as she and the ponies saw Link riding by on Epona. "Ohhh, who are they?"

"The human is Link, who you play as, and the mare is Epona. You get Epona later in the game, where she proves she's the best horse and has the best cinematics," Julius told Twilight.

"Wait, I thought you said that you had a horse named Epona?" Fluttershy asked as she vaguely remembered something.

"Well, kind of. I don't own her; I just named her and cared for her when I was with the Amish. And yes, this is where her name came from," Julius confirmed as Rainbow Dash started the game. After making a new file and waiting through the opening, Rainbow Dash began to move around.

"OK, so, what do we do?" Rainbow Dash asked as she explored the village.

"Well, the twerp by the log will tell you to get a sword and a shield. The shield costs forty rupees; the sword is poorly hidden. Just look at the map, and you should be able to find it," Julius said as Twilight narrowed her eyes on the map.

"There, it's there in that weird triangle place, isn't it?" Twilight asked as she pointed to the map.

"Maybe, go there and find out," Julius coyly said.

"Yeah, it's definitely there," Rainbow Dash smiled as she rushed to the area. Crawling through the small wooden pipe thing, Rainbow Dash looked around, only to see a giant boulder rolling around. "I'm guessing I don't want to be touched by that," she nervously laughed as she followed the boulder. Coming to the giant chest, Rainbow Dash walked up to it smiling. "Oh, treasure! I wonder what it will be?" She teased as she opened the chest. "Nice!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she got the Kokiri Sword and gave it a few swings.

"Yup, and now you can get rupees faster. Just cut grass, and you'll get the forty eventually. This game has a weird bit of grinding early," Julius sighed as Rainbow Dash began to collect rupees. After getting the rupees and buying the shield, Rainbow went to Mido.

"Get out of my way," Rainbow Dash commanded as she passed Mido. Rushing down the path, Rainbow got hit and knocked back by a Deku Baba.

"Huh, I could have sworn those were confined to the southern part of the Everfree Forest. Though, I suppose that probably isn't the same forest," Celestia hummed as Rainbow slashed at the plant.

"Wait, what?" Julius asked as he quickly turned to Celestia.

"Voreus Trepidants, a plant that has been known to grow in the southernmost parts of the Everfree Forest. It looks almost the exact same as that. Only, it has what looks like a small fruit in its mouth to lure prey into its mouth. The guard in the area has standing orders to keep the plants confined to the Everfree. Expeditions to end the plants entirely haven't worked; that part of the Everfree is especially dangerous, and the magic in the plants makes them grow back too quickly," Celestia explained.

"Of course, there'd be plants like that here; why wouldn't there be? I'll make sure to avoid them," Julius sighed.

"That'd be smart; they have been known to spit a weak acid and seeds," Celestia told him.

"Oh, that's great, a Zelda/Pokemon crossover. A crossover I didn't need to be real. Trust me, I have no intentions of getting hit by acid or bullet seed; those look painful," Julius told Celestia as Rainbow Dash entered the Great Deku Tree.

"Oh, this takes place in a tree? I have a feeling that I'll like this," Twilight happily said as Rainbow Dash looked around.

"Well, it's cursed and is figuratively and literally crawling with enemies," Julius told Twilight as Rainbow Dash explored the room.

"Is that a skull spider?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at a vine-covered wall.

"Oh, Deathmark Spiders, I haven't seen those in, well, I'm not sure how long. When did we clear out the Darkfall Caverns of necromancers?" Luna asked as she turned to Celestia.

"Oh, umm, I think that was about one thousand seven hundred some odd years ago. Be careful; they're venomous, aggressive, and they spin extremely strong webs," Celestia cautioned Rainbow Dash.

"OK, what's with the wildlife of this world?" Julius asked before looking back to the game. "Don't worry; these spider wannabes aren't any of those things. They just try to headbutt you if you climb up the vines."

"Magic has affected the wildlife in many weird ways. We can't complain, though; we've benefitted from it quite a lot," Celestia responded.

"Fair, I guess, but still," Julius sighed as Rainbow Dash continued to explore.

"Hey, I found another big chest," Rainbow Dash happily smiled.

"Wait, be careful! That platform," Twilight started to say as Rainbow Dash rushed in, "doesn't look stable," she finished as she facehoofed.

"Hah, that's OK, there's a way out. That platform falling is only a problem in randomizers," Julius assured as Rainbow Dash opened the chest.

"Hey, I got another thing!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she got the slingshot. "What do I do with it?"

"Hmmm, well, Julius said that the platform falling wasn't a problem. So, I'm guessing that it's used to escape the room somehow," Twilight commented as Rainbow Dash looked around the room. "There, that ladder, maybe you can use that slingshot to shoot it down," she suggested.

"On it," Rainbow Dash responded as she took aim and shot down the ladder. "Nice, it worked!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she left the room. "Maybe I can use it to shoot down those spiders," she commented as she returned to the vines. Taking aim, Rainbow Dash shot down the spiders. "Hah, try headbutting me now!" She taunted.

"Hold that thought," Julius chuckled as Rainbow Dash climbed all the way up. Rushing over to one of the open spots, Rainbow Dash gets hit and knocked back by a giant spider.

"What the? Why are there giant spiders?" Rainbow Dash asked as she swung at the giant spider, only for every slash to ding off and for the giant spider to spin, damaging her again.

"Maybe their weak spot is their underside. It looked pretty soft," Twilight commented as Rainbow Dash looked at her.

"Yeah, OK, but how do I get to its underside?" Rainbow Dash asked as the giant spider spun around to reveal its underside. "Oh," she lightly laughed before taking down the spider.

"Good job," Twilight congratulated. "Now, I think if you jump down and land on that web, you'll be able to break it," she speculated as Rainbow Dash looked down at the web.

"Yeah, yeah, in a minute. I want to explore up here a bit," Rainbow Dash told Twilight.

"OK, just be careful. I think you can only get hit once more," Twilight cautioned as Rainbow Dash explored the uppermost floor.

"Don't worry; I'll be careful," Rainbow Dash said as she explored. Collecting the compass, Rainbow Dash saw a golden spider. "Why does this one look different?"

"Oh, it's for a side quest. You need to collect a bunch of tokens from them to break a curse. Good luck getting all one hundred," Julius laughed as Rainbow Dash got the first token.

"Oh, that sounds fun," Rainbow Dash sighed as she rolled her eyes. Returning to the main room, Rainbow Dash walked to the edge and looked down at the web. "So, you're sure that jumping down will break the web?"

"I think it will. Right now, that's all I got," Twilight told Rainbow Dash before turning to Julius.

"Hey, I know the answer, but I'm trying not to backstreet game too much," Julius said before catching himself. "Backseat, I mean backseat."

"Too late, you backstreet gamer, you. I know that you game it that way!" Pinkie Pie teased as she winked.

"Yeah, yeah, I deserved that," Julius sighed with resignation as Rainbow Dash jumped down and broke the web.

"Good, that worked," Rainbow Dash sighed as she fell into a pool of water.

"Well yeah, of course, it worked. Though, I would have preferred to use magic. Maybe a firebolt or a flaming barrier, or even maybe teleportation. But I don't think this game lets you do those," Twilight sighed.

"Twilight, you shouldn't use magic when a non-magically way is possible and realistic. That aside, I think if we just stamped on the web hard enough, our hooves would break it," Celestia told Twilight.

"Yeah, you're probably right, though humans don't have hooves. Frankly, we kinda suck at striking; we're far better at grappling and throwing. Opposable thumbs are so nice," Julius smiled.

"I can tell," Twilight giggled as Rainbow Dash burned away some webs. Watching Rainbow Dash beat a Deku Shrub, Twilight watched carefully. "Two, three, one, OK, I got it," Twilight said with a nod as Rainbow Dash nodded back.

"Alright, Twi, I'm going on ahead then," Rainbow Dash confidently said as she continued through the dungeon. Making her way through the dungeon, Rainbow Dash looked oddly at one of the rooms. "What the hay? I can't get in there. How do I get in there?" She asked as she looked at Julius.

"Do you really want me to tell you?" Julius asked before Rainbow Dash pointed at him.

"Yes, how do I get in that room," Rainbow Dash demanded to know before booping Julius.

"I woke up this morning, and now I'm getting booped by a mare. I was not prepared for the day," Julius joked. "Alright, to get into that room, you need bombs, oh, but you'll also want the boomerang before entering that room. Good old trusty boomerang, it always comes back," he said with a smile.

"Alright, so come back later, got it," Rainbow Dash said with a nod. Working together, Rainbow Dash and Twilight got down to the lowest level.

"Alright, Rainbow Dash, I think here you need to hit the middle one, then the right one, our left, then the last one," Twilight suggested.

"Got it," Rainbow Dash confirmed with a nod. Knocking back the seeds, Rainbow Dash hit the shrubs in the correct order. "Awww yeah, it's boss time!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she entered the boss room. "What do you think it is?" She asked as she looked at Twilight.

"Well, judging from what we've encountered, either an even bigger skull spider or the mother of those larvae we encountered in that other room," Twilight hummed as Rainbow Dash walked around the dark room.

"Well, we'll soon see. I think it's a spider; something is making the same sound as them," Rainbow Dash said as she walked around. "Alright, you big skully spider, show yourself!" She commanded as she looked up at the ceiling. As Rainbow Dash looked up, a gigantic monster fell from the ceiling right in front of her, making her and most of the ponies jump back.

"That big enough for you?" Julius laughed.

"Oh, a Kubwa Mama Buibui Ya Kukumbatia Giza Ya Chuki," Zecora calmly said. "I know they can look quite spooky. Rest assured, they are mostly harmless to those that pass by. It's only if you mess with their children that you'll die."

"Oh, come on!" Julius huffed. "You're really telling me that Queen Gohma is real in this world? Tell me where so I can avoid that place like the plague," he huffed as Rainbow Dash tried attacking Queen Gohma.

"The deeper caves of Zebrica are where you can find them. Deep in the caves, usually nested on a giant gem. While they are hostile, you have no need to fret. They keep to themselves, so only if you bother them will you experience regret," Zecora told Julius, as Rainbow Dash kept trying and failing to damage Queen Gohma.

"Alright, so avoid caves in Zebrica, got it. Also, Rainbow Dash, try Z-Targeting the Queen and hitting the yellow up arrow; that might help a bit," Julius suggested.

"I don't need help," Rainbow Dash huffed before remembering Twilight. "Well, I don't need help outside of my friends," she lightly laughed.

"Hmmm, maybe; I think I have an idea," Twilight hummed. "When it climbs on the ceiling, try shooting its eye when it turns red," she suggested.

"Good idea Twi," Rainbow Dash smiled as she tried Twilight's idea. Shooting at Gohma's eye, the queen fell to the ground. "Nice, it worked!" Rainbow Dash happily said as she started to slash at the queen. "And I can damage her now!" She happily said as Gohma got back up and recoiled away. "Too late; I know how to beat you now!"

"There is another way. If you're quick, you can get her with a Deku Nut and stun her for a bit longer. No harm in telling you now; next time will be the last," Julius told Rainbow Dash as she nailed Gohma with another shot.

"Well, that would have been good to know," Rainbow Dash huffed as she finished off Gohma. "Oh, a heart and light. I'm guessing get the heart first, then the light?" She asked, to which Julius nodded. Getting the heart, Rainbow Dash saw her health increase. "Nice, more health, that'll be useful," she smiled as she entered the light, getting teleported to just outside the tree.

"Oh, so teleportation is in the game. Why can't we have it?" Twilight huffed as Julius looked away.

"No talk time; it's story time," Julius quickly said as the Great Deku Tree told his story before passing away.

"Wait, I thought we broke the curse. What the hay?" Rainbow Dash protested.

"You did. Don't worry; the tree has a plan for this. But how about we switch to a different game? I'm thinking of something for Applejack and Fluttershy. Maybe Banjo-Kazooie, it's the one with a bear and a bird on it," Julius suggested.

"Oh, I like both those animals," Fluttershy warmly smiled.

"What the hay, I'm up for trying it," Applejack said with a nod.

"Great, just save the game, and I'll switch them out," Julius said as Rainbow Dash saved the game so he could switch them.

Chapter 82: AJ and Fluttershy, N64 Banjo

"Alright, this is pretty much Rare in top form. Fair warning, there is some violence, but it's all very cartoony," Julius told the two ponies as he started the game.

"Hah, Fluttershy, doing something with violence? Are you sure there isn't a better game for her?" Rainbow Dash joked as the game started up.

"There is, ummm, I think there is. I think I remember seeing a Harvest Moon game for the Nintendo 64, but I'm not quite sure. It would fit Fluttershy and Applejack better; it's a game all about farming." Julius replied.

"Now, why would I like a game like that? I live on a farm; if I wanted to farm, I'd just go outside. I play games to not farm," Applejack huffed as a bear, and a bird came on the screen.

"A farming game does sound nice, but this looks good too," Fluttershy softly smiled as Applejack started the game.

"Alright, so you can skip the tutorial and do it at your own pace if you want," Julius told the two as Applejack talked to Bottles.

"I'm fine with the tutorial; it's good to know how to do things," Applejack said as she accepted the tutorial.

"I like the music and art of the game. It's so bright and cheery," Fluttershy happily smiled as she hummed along with the music.

"Oh yeah, we're definitely getting you two to play up to the third world," Julius chuckled as a few of the ponies looked at him. "What?"

"Why up to the third world? What's waiting for us there?" Applejack asked as she completed the tutorials.

"Well, world two has the most terrifying enemy I've ever seen. I've fought vampires, a five-headed dragon goddess, were-creatures, ghosts, so many undead, and other things; yeah, the enemy in world two outdoes them all," Julius said with a shudder. "As for level three, well, there's a very big surprise there," he mischievously chuckled.

"I don't like the sound of any of that," Applejack said as she walked up a path. "Last one," she sighed as she again talked to Bottles.

"Are, are they fighting vegetables? Vegetables with googly eyes?" Rainbow Dash asked as Applejack aggressively made salad.

"Yup. I love this design philosophy, find a random thing, slap googly eyes on it, and bam, and NPC. Upside, they don't walk around saying 'orange man bad,'" Julius chuckled before Applejack glared at him.

"You got a problem with orange folk?" Applejack shot at Julius.

"Nope, though some people in my world do. You'd have to talk to them about it. Still, fair warning, get ready for doublethink and mental gymnastics that'd give Celestia a headache," Julius told Applejack as she finished destroying the vegetables.

"I think you underestimate my political experience," Celestia told Julius.

"Yeah, I probably do. But you underestimate how dedicated humans are about being right and dying on a stupid hill. And make no mistake, we will, in pure defiance of all logic, die on that hill while being right, despite being wrong," Julius joked as Applejack made her way into Grunty's Lair.

"I'm sure you're exaggerating," Celestia smiled as Applejack picked up a dancing jiggy.

"I wish I was. Oh, they're about to enter the first world. Fair warning Zecora, you might find something offensive in this world," Julius warned as Applejack finished the puzzle and entered Mumbo's Mountain.

"In my day, I've seen a lot. So much so, that much have I forgot. Worry not about myself being offended. This is a game; I can take it as intended," Zecora calmly said.

"Those purple things look mean. They almost look like an angry Spike if he ate a lot and hit puberty," Applejack said as she hit the one chasing her. "Though, I think Spike is made of sturdier stuff than them," she smiled as she took them out and explored the level.

"Oh, a friendly bull," Fluttershy happily said as she saw a bull walking around. "Let's go up and say hi."

"Well, alright, but I get the feeling that he isn't friendly," Applejack hesitantly said as she approached the bull. "Wah! I Told you!" She yelped as the bull charged her away.

"Yeah, that's Big Butt," Julius chuckled. "Fair warning, he's immortal; just ignore him," he suggested as Applejack spotted an ape.

"Good idea. Now, I'm not a betting pony, but that there looks like a boss or something," Applejack said as she walked up to the ape, only to get oranges thrown at her. "I knew it!" She yelped as she ran around.

"Applejack, he's throwing oranges; maybe you need to get him to throw the oranges onto those pads," Fluttershy suggested as she spotted the orange pads.

"Well, it's worth a shot," Applejack shrugged as she stood on a pad, dodging out of the way at the last moment the orange hit the pad and seemed to press it down. "Hey, that seemed to do something! Onto the others!" She happily said as she tricked the ape into hitting the remaining pads, earning a jiggy for their trouble.

"Oh, over there, on the stump, there's a monkey. He seems to be trying to get our attention," Fluttershy told Applejack.

"Remember what you said about the bull," Applejack sighed. "I'll approach it, but I'll be ready to act if it tries anything," she sighed as she walked up to the monkey while avoiding oranges. "Oh, well, it is friendly and wants an orange."

"Well, that mean ape is hoarding all the oranges. We should get one from him for the monkey. Make that mean ape share," Fluttershy huffed as Applejack rushed the tree the ape was standing on.

"Hah, you'd like Robin Hood then," Julius chuckled as Applejack stole an orange from the ape. "He stole from the rich and gave to the poor. A mythical figure, but one inspired by the reign of Bad King John," he finished as Applejack gave the monkey the orange.

"You really had a king named Bad King John?" Celestia, Luna, and Twilight all asked.

"Well, John Lackland was only known as Bad King John after his death. Basically, he did literally everything wrong and screwed up so horribly that all the nobility rose in revolt and made him sign the Magna Carta, significantly limiting the crown's power. The peasants couldn't really do anything, but they did make a mythical folk hero who stole from the king and gave the stolen goods to the poor. At least, I think that's how it went; I might be mixing up some things," Julius shrugged as Applejack and Fluttershy played through the level.

"Oh, come now. There's been a lot of weak rulers in our world; I doubt there could be any event that would cause all the nobility to rise against a monarch," Celestia flatly told Julius.

"Bad King John lost almost all English lands in France, which was about two-thirds of the country, and turned the royal palace into a brothel where he would whore out the wives and daughters of the nobles to get money. Also, he nearly converted the whole country to a different religion that nobody in the country followed," Julius responded.

"So, how was this king only known as Bad King John, and not Bad King John the Terrible, or something like that?" Luna asked.

"Because the English like to understate things," Julius told Luna as Applejack walked up to a giant skull-shaped building. "Oh, Zecora, this is the part where you might get offended."

"I'm guessing those skull things do something in here," Applejack said as she walked up to the skull.

"Be careful; it looks scary," Fluttershy shuddered as Applejack walked inside.

"This music sounds a bit familiar and yet a little off," Zecora said as Applejack talked to Mumbo Jumbo. "And this shaman, his magical knowledge, would make me scoff," she said as Mumbo started to cast a spell. "An ant, he turns you into an ant? What are you a threat to, a plant?" Zecora scoffed as Applejack ran around.

"No, not a threat to anything. But you move quickly, and you can run up steep walls," Julius replied as Applejack made her way to the big tower-like thing close to Mumbo's hut.

"I think we can make it up that now. If we can run up steep walls, then we should be able to run up that steep ledge," Fluttershy suggested as Applejack walked inside the tower.

"I was thinking the same thing. Though, we'll have to avoid the ants," Applejack said as she made her way through the tower.

"Well, they're termites," Fluttershy quietly corrected.

"Fluttershy, I honestly don't care. They're big, mean, and they look like ants," Applejack sighed as she made her way up the tower.

"I realized, but still, we should do our best not to make those mistakes. They could lead to some very big problems," Fluttershy quietly said.

"Yeah, if they were real. Fluttershy, they aren't real beings; they don't care what we think of them," Applejack sighed as she grabbed the last jiggy from the top of the tower. "You know, I bet we could get that jiggy in the cliff with this form," she smiled as she ran to the edge of the tower. "I'mma jumping!" She happily said as she jumped off towards the cliff. "Hey, it works!"

"How'd you know that you wouldn't take any damage?" Fluttershy asked as Applejack took the honeycomb.

"I didn't. It just seemed like a fun thing. Though, this gives me an idea. Remember how we saw a jiggy pop out of the top of the mountain we entered?" Applejack asked.

"Yes," Fluttershy responded. "You think that we can get it in this form?"

"Exactly! I'm guessing that we could even walk up that steep hill we first saw when we entered the witch's lair," Applejack told Fluttershy. "If we can't, well, ummm, maybe Kazooie can get us up there," she said with a shrug.

"Sounds good to me," Fluttershy warmly smiled as Applejack left the level. Turning around, Applejack swiftly ran up the mountainside, grabbing the jiggy.

"Congratulations, you managed to one-hundred percent the first level, though I have to warn you, level two has a nasty surprise," Julius said with a chuckle.

"Oh please," Applejack scoffed. "Whatever is waiting there for us, we can deal with it," she confidently said as she made her way through the tower.

"Oh, the level looks like a beach or an island," Fluttershy happily said as she clapped her hooves.

"Oh, it looks like there might be pirates there," Rainbow Dash happily said as she lightly flew. "Think that you'll join them?" She teasingly asked.

"I doubt it. If anything, we'll likely end up fighting them," Applejack told Rainbow Dash as she made her way to the level.

"A pirate ship, canons, and a treasure chest? This level is cool!" Rainbow Dash squealed.

"Rainbow, I haven't even entered the level yet," Applejack sighed as she hopped into the treasure chest. "Honestly girl, you gotta get ahold of yourself."

"Oh, this music is nice. It's upbeat and happy," Fluttershy hummed. "Oh, I think I hear one of those Jinjos."

"Yeah, it's under us. Odd, why is it so close?" Applejack wondered as Julius blankly smiled. "No matter, time to save it," she said as she jumped in the water. Swimming towards the Jinjo, the music quickly turned menacing. "What's happening?" Applejack asked as she got the Jinjo, only to get rammed by a shark. "Shark!" She yelped as she quickly swam to the shore. "So, that's why it was so close, it, wait, is that shark turning invisible?"

"Yup, that's Snacker, an immortal teleporting ghost shark," Julius laughed as he told Applejack.

"Oh, Sea Terrors are in the game," Celestia absentmindedly said.

"Indeed, though, it didn't fly or shoot any lasers. It must only be a baby," Luna added.

"I'm sorry, I think I had something insane in my ear. You want to run that by me again?" Julius asked as he cleared out his ears.

"It'd be easier if I just showed you," Luna said as she levitated Julius onto her back. "We'll be right back," she said as she teleported them both away.

"I'm sorry, but what's a Sea Terror? I've never heard of them," Twilight asked.

"Don't worry about them; they only live in the Sea of Shrieking Ghosts. Don't worry; there's no chance you'll encounter them unless you go out of your way. In which case, well, just don't, OK," Celestia told Twilight as Luna and Julius teleported back.

"Flying sharks that fire laser beams from their mouth," Julius blankly said as he looked at a wall. "Why? Just why? I mean, really, why? Don't answer, please don't. They fly, they go invisible, and they shoot lasers. Do you know what sharks need? None of that. They were already perfect," he blankly said as he stared at a wall that he found increasingly more interesting.

"Not really; there are far more threatening things in the ocean," Luna told Julius.

"Yes," Luna confirmed, "the worst being, and excuse my pronunciation, it's been many ages, Domhanda a chuimsíonn nathair. Bána an phláinéid. Eater na réaltaí. Seirbigh na mbeo. Or, just The Great Serpent, if you prefer."

"I, I don't wanna know," Julius blankly said. "Just play the damned game, please," he blankly sighed as the ponies laughed as continued to play through the level.

Chapter 83: Nearly Time to Act

"Alright, now for you two, let's see here," Julius hummed as he looked through a few of the games Discord teleported to Equestria. "Well, ummm, hmmm, shame this isn't my Gamecube; Animal Crossing would be perfect," he grunted with a sigh.

"That's alright; honestly, I'm a little afraid of what we might learn from other games. It seems like Celestia and Luna tell us of a different scary thing with each one," Fluttershy said with a shutter. "Though, I'm surprised that I haven't heard of any of these creatures."

"It would be far more surprising if you did," Celestia flatly replied, with Luna nodding.

"Indeed. These creatures are in places where you have to go far out of your way to get to; you'd have no reason to go to any of those places," Luna said as she backed up Celestia.

"Or, you'd have to know some extremely powerful forbidden magic. Fortunately, the only beings with such knowledge and the power to act upon it are Luna and me. Well, I suppose the monks of Canterhorn might have the power if they all banded together, but they'd never do that; it goes against everything their order stands for," Celestia said as Luna looked at her.

"You mean those stallions and mares are still around? Honestly, I thought they disappeared when you and I took over raising the sun and moon," Luna replied with a surprised huff.

"Yes, they are. Though, they're no longer a glorified retirement home for those that did our job before us," Celestia told Luna as Twilight listened intently.

"These are the monks living on the mountain's peak, right?" Twilight eagerly asked.

"Yes," Celestia responded. "Before us, Starswirl had help from powerful unicorns to raise the sun and moon. Raising them takes a lot of magical energy, it's not uncommon for unicorns to drain their magic to absolute zero in the process; those unicorns who completely drained their magic in raising the sun or moon retired to the monastery on the peak of Canterhorn. Now, obviously, that hasn't happened in many lifetimes, but still, there are those rare few unicorns who follow in their hoofsteps; those who do, join the monastery," Celestia explained.

"Wait, why would a unicorn willingly give up their magic?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, for starters, the Monks of Canterhorn are one of the only groups allowed to teach spirit magic. Also, the very few books detailing the spells for controlling the sun and moon are in the monastery, as well as some other powerful spells. But before you get too excited, only the abbot has access to those spells, and they can only use them under extremely strict circumstances. Think of it as a failsafe if something were to happen to Luna and me," Celestia explained.

"Not going to lie, I kinda wanna join them," Twilight absentmindedly said.

"No, Twilight, no you can't," Celestia flatly told Twilight. "You don't meet the requirements. Besides, they're a very dull bunch. Look, Twilight, I know you want to learn spirit magic, but you simply aren't ready. While your magic is strong, and your potential is great, your respect for magic itself is little better than that of most unicorns, which, sadly, is lacking," Celestia sighed.

"I know, I know, you've said it before, but still," Twilight sighed, her ears pinned to her head. "One day, I'll learn it."

"I'm sure you will," Celestia responded. "Well, there is a way to get a start on it now, in a sense," she hesitantly said.

"How? When can we get started?" Twilight excitedly asked as she hopped up and down.

"Give me a moment," Celestia said as she rummaged through what appeared to be a jewelry box. "Hah, why do I still have that? And those, oh my oh my, I don't think I've ever used this; mother would be furious," Celestia chuckled as she rummaged through the box.

"Do I want to know? I don't know if I want to know. I think I want to know, but I don't know, you know?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna.

"Trust me, you don't," Luna sighed. "Celestia is likely looking for a chalinge ring."

"I am, I found it," Celestia said as she held up a glossy black ring in her hoof. "The first thing you'd need to do if you want to be considered for learning spirit magic is to wear this ring for a full thirty days and nights without complaint," Celestia said as she flew over to Twilight.

"Stupid question, why don't you just levitate the ring?" Julius asked as he watched Celestia hold the ring.

"It's made from Changeling black stone, enchanted with several powerful anti-magic enchantments. Usually, these are only fitted to high-risk unicorn criminals, but they're also fitted to those who want to learn spirit magic," Celestia explained. "Do know, Twilight, that even if you succeed in wearing the ring for the allotted time, you still might not be allowed to learn spirit magic. Do you understand and still wish to continue?" She asked as she offered the ring to Twilight.

"Awww, why not?" Twilight asked as she carefully took the ring in her hoof and lightly tested it with her magic.

"After the ring is removed, you must write down every use of magic and justify it for at least another month. And when I say every use of magic, I mean every use, including small things like, for example, levitating a cup," Celestia told Twilight. "Also, not using magic fails this. The whole point of this is to empathize with those who cannot actively use magic in the same way that unicorns can while learning to use magic respectfully."

"I see, well, might as well start now," Twilight sighed as she screwed the ring down her horn. "It feels funny, almost like a chilled shock, but it's gone now," she commented as she tried to cast a spell, only for the ring to glow with her magic as the energy was dispelled.

"That will happen every time you try to cast a spell," Celestia calmly told Twilight. "Now, the ring would be locked in place if you were a criminal. But since you aren't, it won't be locked; try not to give in to the temptation to take it off early. If you do, I'll know," she firmly told her as Twilight shook her head.

"Down worry, I won't, though; how will you know if I take it off?" Twilight asked as she eyed Celestia.

"I have my ways," Celestia mischievously smiled with a chuckle.

"My ways are more efficient," Luna sighed as she rolled her eyes.

"Well, I don't have access to your ways," Celestia sighed back as Luna shook her head.

"And that's your fault, not mine. Honestly, they've been separate from Equestria proper for how long?" Luna snarkily asked.

"Oh, very funny. I was busy keeping order and stability in the land for the past millennium. Equestria is a large country, the largest in the world, with many different cultures. Keeping that united isn't easy," Celestia firmly told Luna.

"It's like I said all those years ago; unity is our strength. We have to stop looking at ourselves as Canterlotians, Cloudsdalians, Whinnyapolians, Baliens, Baltimares, and so on, and instead, all of us being Equestrians must come first," Luna argued back.

"Oh please, you think it's that easy? That you can just stamp your hoof, and ponies will just do that?" Celestia scoffed as Julius looked at the ponies.

"You know, it's funny; the more things change, the more they stay the same," Julius absentmindedly chuckled as Celestia and Luna turned to look at him.

"I take it that there are similar problems in your world. I don't suppose that you have any solutions?" Celestia asked as Julius lightly shook his head.

"Sorry, nope. Well, we have very poor solutions, but I'm not counting bad ideas. Luna's right; there needs to be unity as Equestrians, but getting there, at best, will be extremely painful. Well, I suppose you could do what Germany did," Julius joked as the sisters took a few steps toward him.

"What did this Germany do?" The sisters asked as they carefully looked at Julius.

"The, ummm, I think several hundred countries united under Prussia after Prussia pushed two other countries into declaring war on it," Julius said as he got slightly lost in thought. "Sorry, I don't know how many countries made up Germany; I'm pretty sure it's something stupid like every large city was a country," he said with a shrug.

"Yeah, let's hope Equestria doesn't need to resort to a war or something like that for us to get a greater sense of Equestrianess. Got any other ideas?" Celestia asked as Julius lightly chuckled.

"Well, yes, but they're all extremely worse. Trust me, all I can come up with for uniting the general populous involves either war, hatred, or both," Julius told the sisters, who just looked at him. "What? That's basically the past time of several countries, like the Balkan countries, the United Kingdom, all of East Europe, all of Africa, all of the Middle East, China, Russia, South America, and, ummm, I swear, we're not as bad as it sounds," he said with a nervous chuckle.

"Here's an idea, why not try a party? You can unite with a party," Pinkie Pie suggested as Julius lightly smiled.

"Well, the country I'm from got its freedom with a party. No, seriously, we invited the crown diplomats over, got them drunk, asked for our freedom, told them we'd take Quebec with us and keep the monarch on the money, and they bought it," Julius told Pinkie Pie.

"See, see, why don't we try that?" Pinkie Pie happily said as she bounced around.

"We are trying that. Why do you think there are so many holidays? It's sort of working," Celestia told Pinkie Pie. "That aside, how did just asking for your independence work?"

"There was a lot of alcohol involved, and we said we'd take Quebec with us. They were British; Quebec is full of French people; the French and British hated each other at the time, roughly eight hundred fifty years into their mutually sustained nine hundred-year hate boner. Honestly, I think the whole 'we take Quebec' thing really sold them on it," Julius joked.

"I get it," Celestia hummed. "Something similar happened between us and the Griffon Empire about two hundred years ago. It ended with a trade of land. They got the colony of Nova Griffonia on Equss, and we got the colony of New Mareland on Griffonia. I would have also tried to get the various River Ponies, but they were extremely problematic at the time. I offered to mediate between the River countries, but Wittenland, Nimbusia, and Barrad were extremely hostile to that idea. Though in recent years, The River Republic has been looking promising, they might unite the Riverlands and be willing to unite with us," she hummed as she thought out loud.

"If they're open to it, go for it. More land is never a bad thing," Julius said as Luna facehoofed.

"We're already having problems with unity, and you want to have more problems with it? Really?" Luna asked in exasperation.

"I'm a human; I reserve the right to contradict myself and to make no logical sense whatsoever. The bottle incident is proof of that," Julius huffed as he crossed his arms.

"I'm almost afraid to ask, but what is the bottle incident?" Luna tiredly asked.

"Oh, it happened in the Balkans. One day a man was found in a farm field with a bottle shoved up his, well, you know. Nobody really knows how or why, so a bunch of countries got involved, and the Balkans almost went to war with themselves over it," Julius said as the ponies stared blankly at him. "Honestly, I don't see why it was such a big deal; that sounds like a normal Tuesday in the Balkans," he said with a shrug.

"How?" All the ponies shouted at the same time.

"Look, that whole region of the world can be summarized as nobody likes anybody, and everybody hates the Turks," Julius said as a few of the ponies stared at him. "OK, OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but still, it can feel that way at times. Well, that and getting stuck on the road from spontaneous sheep herds. Seriously, my family went to Romania, we were driving through the country, and I swear, out of nowhere, a bunch of sheep appeared. We were surrounded by, like, a thousand of them. Made getting to Bran castle take longer."

"Hah, sheep herds are a problem in your world too, I see," Celestia smiled. "Who lives in Bran castle?"

"Now, nobody, but in the past, Vlad the Impaler. Seen as a national hero in Romania and was a massive inspiration for vampires. You'll never guess what he did," Julius lightly joked.

"If he were anything like Ignus Flame, the Defiler, I'd prefer not to know," Celestia flatly said as the others looked at her. "Oh, she was a tyrant of Barrad about two hundred sixty years ago. She's still ponsona non grata in Kasa; honestly, I don't blame them," she calmly said.

"Yeah, that's fair. People with those titles can be controversial at best," Julius hummed as he looked out the window. "Is, is it really getting that late already?" He asked as he saw the sunset.

"Yes, time really flew by, didn't it?" Celestia knowingly asked.

"Yeah, it sure did. I'll be right back; gotta use the restroom," Julius said as he got up. Walking into Celestia's private bathroom, Julius saw a note with his name on it. "Hello, what's this," he hummed as he read the note. "Hmmm," he hummed with slight worry as he set the note down, and it vanished in a flash of plaid magic. "Well, it's about time to act, I guess," he sighed as he washed his hands. "Let's turn in early tonight; I think this has been a bit of an exhausting day for us."

"Mentally, yes," Twilight nodded her head in agreement.

"Can it wait a bit? I wanna see what's after the tree," Rainbow Dash asked.

"Alright, I'll switch the games out, but still, we should only play for a little bit longer," Julius said with a soft smile as he remembered asking his mother the same thing.

Chapter 84: A Return

"Wake up, wake up, come on, wake up," Discord urged Julius as his spirit floated above him. Slowly stirring, Julius slowly fluttered his eyes open. "Good, you're awake. Don't say anything; the others can't hear me, but you can," he said as Julius rubbed the sleep from his eyes and looked oddly at Discord. "Oh, don't give me that. I'm the spirit of chaos; making sense isn't really my thing. Sure, yes, we're all bound by rules, but those are so loose that they're more like suggestions. I mean, there was this one time where Maar and Eyr did the thing, and the whole Eyr Valley, oh, what do you care, we got work to do, follow me," he huffed as he flew over to a box on Celestia's desk. Slowly staggering his way over to the box, Julius stared at it as Discord chuckled. "You know, this box is a prime example of how arrogant Celestia has become. If you ask her, only she is capable of opening it and the doors to the Canterlot Vaults, but that's not entirely true. Any alicorn could open them, as could any of us greater spirits, observe," Discord exaggeratedly exclaimed as he, with a flourish, fazed a claw into the lock and opened the box. "Now, take the elements, and go back to Tranquility's tree. She'll be waiting for you there," he commanded before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Grabbing the elements and hiding them on himself, Julius carefully and quietly made his way out of Celestia's room. Saluting the guards, Julius quietly made his way out of the castle.

"I don't know about this," Julius thought to himself as he snuck out of the castle. "I mean, this feels right. It feels like the elements belong in the tree. If they didn't, why would the tree have those indentations? But still, trusting Discord, the literal spirit of chaos, I don't know. OK, based on what I've seen, Discord can't create life, so Tranquility must be legitimate, but Discord could corrupt. But, Discord hasn't lied to me, and if anything, he's been rather generous. But giving out gifts and being generous are powerful tools for evil to win over others," he mulled over in his head as thought raced through his mind. "Why couldn't this be something easy, like fixing a country?" He mentally moaned as he snuck his way out of Canterlot.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Aloysia asked as she walked up to Julius from behind him.

"To do the right thing foolishly or be stupidly manipulated by evil. Honestly, I'm not sure which. I'm arguing with myself over it, and all it's doing is spinning my head. I mean, the act itself feels right; it feels like it's supposed to happen, but with who's telling me to do it, it muddies the waters," Julius sighed as he turned around to see Aloysia scanning him.

"Hah, looks like I owe Pale Night some bits; the elements problem became real," Aloysia dryly laughed as Julius oddly looked at her. "The elements problem was a thought experiment put forward shortly after the elements were first used. Should the elements be returned to the tree, and explain your answer. After all these years, we still don't have a good answer on both sides there have been good answers, playing both to logic and morality. From what you've said, I'm guessing Discord has been talking to you," she confidently said.

"Yes, he has, and the scary thing is, he's making a lot of sense and is being extremely reasonable. I mean, he's the spirit of chaos; why would he be sensible and reasonable? Doesn't that go against his whole being," Julius asked as he scratched his head.

"For a chaotic being to always be chaotic means that they're not chaotic at all, for you can always count on them being chaotic. Pale Night said that when he gave his answer to the elements problem. He could be entirely on the level, in service to greater chaos, or this could lead to something he wants and is entirely on board. Regardless, I understand how his presence muddies things. Still, I don't think it changes my answer to the question, so come on, let's get going to the tree," Aloysia told Julius.

"Wait, you're OK with this; why?" Julius asked as he followed Aloysia.

"From the first day, no before the elements were even removed, I was against removing them. When they were in the tree, I felt a special kind of magic, a magic I've seldom felt. After the elements were removed, the feeling started to dim. It didn't dim by much, but it got weaker every year. It took longer than I'd like to admit, but eventually, I realized what that magic was; it was the magic of life. When in the tree, the elements were giving magic and life to the very land; without them, the land has been dying a slow death, one that's taken many centuries. Even if it means that Equestria loses a powerful tool, even if we have to face down Discord without them, we have to return the elements. The cost of keeping them separate is far too great," Aloysia told Julius as she led him to the tree of harmony.

"Yeah, good points," Julius said in agreement. "I take it that you have a plan for taking on Discord. You know, in case things really go south," Julius asked as Aloysia rocked her head.

"Kind of, not really," Aloysia sighed. "Greater spirits are a different kind of powerful; they're often worshipped as deities for a reason. Discord's true power is unknown. I've seen the 'fights' between him and the sisters, and, honestly, it didn't seem like he was fighting them, just toying with them. I've also seen what his magic is capable of; I suspect that reality itself is nothing but an annoying suggestion to him. We have a plan, so to speak, but I'd rather not use it, if possible. Magic as powerful as what we'd be using always comes at a cost, at this cost would be extreme," Aloysia told Julius as the two entered the Everfree.

"Yeah, I really don't like the sound of that; I'm guessing it's some kind of ritual or something," Julius asked as he ducked under a low branch.

"Yes, it is. I'd rather not go into details; suffice to say it was made based on a spell 'liberated' from Magehold," Aloysia said.

"Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I mean, with a name like Magehold, it must house some powerful mages," Julius responded.

"Magehold is the defacto capital of the Dread League. It's full of necromancers, liches, fallen vampires, zombies, skeletons, ghosts, ghouls, wraiths, and other such foul magic users and undead. It isn't a place you want to go, nor is it a place you want to learn magic from. Sure, they have some of the most powerful artifacts and spells, but they all carry a steep cost, usually live sacrifice like the perverted chalice of life. We've no idea where it came from; originally, the chalice was full of a winelike blood, if you drank from it, then all your injuries would be healed, and all your ailments would be cured. It emanated an extremely potent magic, unlike anything I've ever felt. The Dread League somehow stole the chalice and somehow corrupted it. Now, the chalice is empty, but if a vampire pours all their blood into it and some creature drinks it, they'll become a vampire with powers many times greater than the original vampire. Truly a perversion of the chalice and a perversion of us," Aloysia angrily huffed.

"Wait, I thought that Luna originally made you?" Julius said as he looked at Aloysia.

"Yes, she did, but she did so via spell. Anyone can cast the spell; all they need is enough power and enough master over dark magic. Only an extremely rare few meet those requirements," Aloysia cleared up. "You know, it's funny, we're often seen as weak to sunlight, that it'll burn us to a crisp if it touches our fur. Yet, Celestia is fully capable of casting the spell. Ironic, isn't it, that a creature perceived to be weak to sunlight could be made by the very being that controls the sun," she mirthfully laughed.

"Yeah, it's about as ironic as the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise," Julius calmly said as he nodded.

"I'm not familiar with that one. A story from your world?" Aloysia asked.

"Oh yes. He was a dark lord of the sith who was so powerful and wise that he could prevent those he cared for from dying. So naturally, his apprentice killed him in his sleep. Ironic, isn't it? He could save others from death but not himself," Julius said with a wry smile.

"Oh, you mean Morgath the Darklight. Yeah, I've heard of that before," Aloysia calmly said. "Well, I was there for it; I was the one who killed her. But how have you heard about it from your world?"

"Wait, what?" Julius nearly spat as he almost tripped over himself.

"Yeah, Morgath the Darklight was a fallen vampire. She thought she could use corrupted magic to serve the greater good. It's a story told many times; a well-meaning creature sees the power of corrupted magic, they think they can use it to help others while not becoming corrupted themselves, and then they always become corrupted. The good ones realize their mistake, and their former selves breakthrough long enough for the unfortunate deed to be done, making a final repentance before allowing themselves to be taken out. That's what happened to Morgath, she meant well, but the road she took led only to pain and suffering. At least, in her final moments, she found peace. I allowed her to be interred in the catacombs. Usually, the fallen are instead cremated, but those that repent will be allowed to be interred. Shame what happened to her; she was a good friend," Aloysia sighed before swiftly picking a random fruit.

"Sorry for bringing that up; it must be painful," Julius apologized as he grabbed a similar fruit.

"Don't be; it's not your fault, and you didn't know. Besides, with having biological immortality, you get to learn to cope with it. We've all seen plenty of close friends and family pass. Honestly, it's the biggest reason we keep such a strong wall between us and others. Though she's never said it, Celestia is the same way. Even after thousands of years, pain is still pain. Eventually, you get tired of the hurt, so you build a wall, not between you and others, but between you and the pain; it just so happens that others get caught in between. At least for us, we have a small community of fellows that can support us. But Celestia, she's been alone for a long time; sometimes I wonder how much damage that's caused her. Sure, she wears a strong mask, but what's underneath it? Honestly, I'm not sure I want to see beneath that mask," Aloysia absentmindedly said as she led Julius through the Everfree.

"I imagine she's in far more pain than even she knows. When she has to confront that pain, well, hopefully, she'll have a strong support group. If not, many could suffer for it. Pain can make creatures lash out in unpredictable ways," Julius sighed as the ruined castle came into view.

"Isn't that the truth," Aloysia sighed. "Look, if you're thinking of preempting it, be careful. Celestia is one of the most powerful mortal creatures you'll ever meet. Taking off her mask, even if it's to heal her, could cause her so much pain that she could lash out at you. So if you try it, make sure Luna, myself, and several other vampires are with you," she warned.

"Oh, come on; do you really think that I'd do that?" Julius asked as Aloysia raised an eyebrow at him. "OK, fair point, but it has to be done. If not me, then someone else, so why not me? Besides, have you seen how others act around her? It's like they treat her like a goddess; some literally do that! I doubt any of them would dare suggest that she's anything less than perfect," he flatly told Aloysia as the two walked up to the castle and started to walk down the stone stairway.

"Sadly, that's all too true. Few thestrals want anything to do with her, we vampires have our own problems to deal with, and the few of us that were alive for the bright age, well, yeah," Aloysia nervously said as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Look, I'm not opposed to it; I'm just warning you. In confronting Celestia about it, she might not be the only one hurting."

"Yes, kinda like getting a needle. Honestly, I'm not looking forward to it. Still, I won't be doing anything like that anytime soon. After all, I got time, and who knows, maybe I can ease her into it, so she heals without knowing anything," Julius sheepishly said as he started to walk towards a cave.

"Hah, yeah, good luck with that. Maybe you can pray to your god for help. Celestia might act a bit dense at times, but she's extremely aware of things happening around her, and she's a workaholic. She'll know if you try something, and she'll likely bury herself in her work. It wouldn't be the first time she's done it," Aloysia sighed as she stopped outside the cave.

"I see; wait aren't you coming in?" Julius asked as he looked back at Aloysia.

"Nah, I'll wait outside. I spend enough time underground and in caves," Aloysia told Julius.

"Alright, see you soon then," Julius said with a shrug as he walked into the cave. "Wait, if Celestia is so aware, then wouldn't she know that I'm here? Maybe I caught her sleeping or something. Well, she is sleeping, but still," Julius mentally sighed as he walked up to Tranquility's tree. "Well, it might be time to right a wrong, ummm, maybe."

"Hesitating now?" Tranquility asked as she walked out from the tree.

"Yes. I know I said I would at the time, but now, in the moment," Julius sighed as he slightly hung his head.

"I get it; you're worried that Discord created me to use you. The fact that both of us agree on something seems odd, and it's setting off warning bells. That's good, be critical, but know this, simple truths are easily agreed upon by all those of sound mind. While it might loath him to admit it, Discord's actions have some level of clear thought. He's not entirely random. The return of the elements is something that we both agree on for similar and different reasons," Tranquility told Julius as she took a few steps to him.

"Yeah, but if Discord can make plans, then couldn't he just make you say those things?" Julius asked as an air of annoyance filled the cave.

"Oh, for Scorpan's sake!" Discord angrily exclaimed as his spirit poofed into the cave. "Here, Tranquility, take this book, put a hoof on it, and swear on it that you're not lying. It means something to him," he angrily huffed as he poofed in a bible on the ground. "Arrivederci!" He angrily exclaimed as he poofed away.

"To be fair to him, Discord did give you things ahead of time," Tranquility said as she looked at the book. "I'm not familiar with this book. I'm guessing it's a religious book of yours?"

"Yes, it is, one moment," Julius said as he picked up the bible and flipped through a few pages. "A nice one at that; it has a few illustrations. A bit graphic, but very well made," he complimented as he placed it down in front of Tranquility.

"If you don't mind," Tranquility said as she opened the bible, only to stop and look at Julius. "Why is this man nailed to a cross?"

"Oh, that's my God, the Son of God. That's a picture of the crucifixion," Julius flatly explained.

"Why?" Tranquility asked as she tilted her head at him.

"Oh, the Son had to die so we could be saved. He was the last living sacrifice. It's OK, though; he was only dead for three days, then he came back to life. Besides, in some beliefs, when He was dead, Jesus went to hell to fight demons and fallen angels to save the souls there," Julius told Tranquility.

"That sounds like something the griffons would say," Tranquility said as she turned a page. "Well, this isn't so bad; it's just a meal," she said with a smile.

"Oh, the last supper, where the twelve apostles ate the flesh and drank the blood of Jesus. We still do that today," Julius responded as Tranquility immediately looked at him.

"I, I don't even," Tranquility sighed. "It's not worth the headache; it reminds me far too much of an ancient cult. No matter, just hoof on the book and swear that I'm telling the truth?" She asked as she closed the book.

"Yup, swear to God that you're telling the truth. Also, what cult?" Julius said as he watched.

"I swear to your god that I'm telling the truth," Tranquility said as she placed a hoof on the bible. "I'm not a part of Discord, nor am I made by him. For the sake of clarity, we're counterparts and spiritually connected. Happy?" She asked as she took her hoof off.

"Yes, quite, I guess, and that cult?" Julius asked as he cautiously walked up to the tree.

"A long lost race worshipped something they called The God of Life. But we've never seen any proof of the spirit, and that race disappeared long before Discord, and I existed. Still, others have theorized that such a spirit could exist. I've never gotten into it, and Discord just rolls his eyes at it. Though the eye-rolling is pretty recent," Tranquility said as Julius started to put the elements of harmony back in their tree slots.

"Huh, shy spirit and lost continent, maybe?" Julius asked as he awkwardly put the elements back. "This would be so much easier if I had telekinesis," he grunted as he got ready to climb the tree.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" Celestia knowingly asked as Julius felt someone staring at him.

"Oh, you know. Things and stuff," Julius flatly said as he avoided looking behind him.

"Oh really, things and stuff. Things and stuff like what?" Celestia asked as she took a few hoofsteps towards him.

"Like climbing a tree, it's good exercise," Julius said as his eyes darted around.

"Right, and doing anything else?" Celestia asked as she eyed Julius.

"Well, considering how I want to do this," Julius hummed before sighing. "Fuck it; I'll die on this hill. Celestia, returning the elements of harmony to the tree is the right thing to do. I'm returning them, and you can't stop me," he huffed as he jumped down from the tree and stood between it and Celestia.

"Is this really happening? Are you really doing this?" Celestia nearly spat as she locked eyes with Julius. "The elements do need to be returned, and it was on my list somewhere. But for somecreature to go behind my back. I don't think that's happened since before Luna's banishment. Well, there are those nobles who think they're being sneaky, but do they really count?" She thought as she watched Julius.

"Oh, it's happening. And you can't stop me," Julius confidently stated as Celestia slightly smiled. "Woah, woah, let me down, let me down!" Julius yelped as he was levitated into the air.

"I thought that I couldn't stop you? I mean, that's what you said. Would you prefer that I not use telekinesis?" Celestia asked as she placed Julius down. "Oh, I can have fun with this. Please, do stay difficult, at least for a while. I got an annoying day tomorrow, and I don't want to miss too much sleep," she thought as she blasted Julius with a spell, who quickly fell to the ground.

"I'm less mad that you paralyzed me and more mad that I can't feel my tongue," Julius grunted as he lightly bit his tongue.

"Stunning spell, very useful for law enforcement. I can refrain from using it and use other spells if you want," Celestia playfully taunted.

"Yes, please. Also, if you could restore feeling in my tongue, that'd be great, thanks," Julius requested as feeling slowly returned to his body. Carefully standing back up, Julius brushed himself off. "OK, well, if you want to stop me, you'll have to get past me, and I won't let you," he huffed as Celestia poofed away.

"Teleportation. Somehow, I doubt you can block it," Celestia breathed into Julius's ear from behind him.

"OK, look, listen, this whole thing isn't going to work like this," Julius sighed as he turned around.

"Ummm, what do you mean?" Celestia asked as she looked Julius in his eyes.

"Look, I had this whole thing planned out, where you'd face off with me from a distance. I'd tell you that you'd have to stop me over my dead body, you'd stop and think that I was crazy, and I'd respond, 'Maybe, but I'm taking a stand for what I believe is right,' and you, stunned at that, would just let me put the elements back after thinking about it," Julius explained with a huff.

"Oh, that, well, that would be new. I can't say that any creature has tried that with me," Celestia hummed. "Look, returning the elements was always on my list; it's just low on it. It's not like many beings know of this old castle, let alone this cave. They should be safe enough here. I can't say that this is how I'd thought they'd be returned, but, well, I guess it's fine. Just hurry up and put them back," she sighed as she took a few steps to the side.

"Oh, well, this is a bit anti-climatic," Julius lightly stammered as he looked at the tree. "I'm having trouble with the higher slots; think you could," he trailed off as he looked at Celestia.

"Oh, very well," Celestia sighed as she let Julius get on her back.

"Thank you," Julius said as Celestia flew him to the slots. "So, how did you find me, Aloysia?"

"Aloysia? That's a name I haven't heard in a long time, a long time," Celestia solemnly said as Julius returned the elements. "No, I felt the magical ripples as the first element was placed in the tree. You can't do anything with magic this powerful without some powerful ripples being released. Fortunately, unless you know what to feel, you wouldn't notice, so very few beings would know about this," she explained as Julius placed the last element back.

"Ah, makes sense, I think," Julius said with a shrug. "Well, it's been a long night; back to your room to go to bed?"

"Yes, I'd love to get back to bed," Celestia responded as she teleported the both of them back to her room.

Chapter 85: The Morning After

"Quiet, quiet," Julius mumbled as he was still mostly asleep, as the sound of hooves rushed around him.

"How can we be quiet at a time like this?" Twilight yelped in worry. "This is a disaster, a catastrophe, a national emergency! Celestia will, Celestia will," she shook as Julius slowly rubbed his eyes awake.

"OK, OK, what's the panic? A typo in a dictionary?" Julius joked as he slowly awoke.

"Hah, nice, no, if that was it, I think Twilight would be in a bigger panic," Rainbow Dash laughed. "No, the elements of harmony are missing. Twilight thinks that they were stolen; the rest of us think that Celestia took them," she explained as Julius slowly woke up.

"Well, in a way, both of you are right," Julius groaned with a yawn.

"Explain," the two mares flatly said.

"Well, long story short, I took the elements to return them to their home. Celestia found me, toyed with me, then helped me return them; thoughts?" Julius groggily said as he stumbled out of bed.

"You did what?!?" Twilight exclaimed. "Why? How?"

"They belonged back in the tree of harmony. Being separated from the tree was slowly killing the tree and damaging the land. Come on, Twilight, you should have known that when you took the elements from the tree; silly pony," Julius joked as he lightly petted her mane.

"We didn't get them from a tree; we got them from a ruined castle in the Everfree Forest. Where is this tree of harmony?" Twilight asked as she eyed Julius.

"Oh, it's in a cave, literally just under that castle. Like, literally just under it. There's a narrow stone path leading down the cliffside to the tree's cave. The tree looks like it's made out of crystal, and it's, ummm, guardian, spirit, Tranquility; Tranquility tends to look like Twilight if she were made out of crystals. Though I suspect she can appear however she wants to," Julius explained to the mares.

"Who or what is Tranquility?" Twilight asked. "And why does she look like me?"

"Tranquility is the spirit of harmony and no idea. I'm guessing that it's a spirit thing like they can appear however they wish. No real evidence for that, just a guess," Julius yawned as he did a few stretches.

"Reasonable guess, I guess," Twilight shrugged. "But why did you decide to do it? Surely something must have triggered you to return the elements of harmony."

"I have my reasons," Julius hummed as he avoided eye contact with Twilight. "Don't say that you were basically bribed," he thought as he stretched.

"I guess Pinkie Pie won that bet," Rainbow Dash lightly chucked as Julius quickly looked at her. "Oh, Pinkie Pie said that you probably returned them to where they came from during breakfast. Nopony believed her except for Celestia, I think, who just calmly drank her tea."

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Julius said while stretching.

"Celestia just said that the elements were stored in a safe and secure location. One which she could easily and quickly get to if needed. I thought she might have just been saying that to keep us calm," Twilight awkwardly said.

"Yeah. I suggested that Twilight try to find them so she wouldn't freak-out and go all Twilinanas," Rainbow Dash replied.

"Oh please, I do not freak-out and go all Twilinanas!" Twilight huffed.

"Twilight, you've literally sung whole freak-out arias," Rainbow Dash flatly told her.

"Yeah, I can see her doing that," Julius chuckled.

"Look, I might take things a bit too seriously, but it's better than your lackadaisical approach to life," Twilight defensively huffed.

"No idea what that means," Rainbow Dash said as she lightly tilted her head.

"It means lazy or laid back," Julius shrugged as he finished stretching.

"Oh," Rainbow Dash hummed. "Look, I might be relaxed, but that's a pegasus thing. Being all tense and stressed is horrible for flying. Most pegasi figure this out before their first day at school, but even at school, it's the first thing taught to pegasi," she told Twilight.

"What about Fluttershy?" Twilight shot back.

"And how often does she fly? How strong of a flyer is she?" Rainbow Dash replied. "I like the mare, hay, I've grown up with her and defended her whenever she's needed it, but she's always been the weakest flyer in school. By graduation, every pegasi had a wing power of at least six, Fluttershy only had a point three. The only reason she didn't fail was that literally, nopony could break it to her."

"What about you? What was your wing power?" Julius asked.

"Oh, school was too restrictive for me to achieve my dreams, so I dropped out. But even then, when I did, I had a wing power of nine. That was a few years ago; now I think I can hit eleven, which is more than a few of the Wonderbolts," Rainbow Dash proudly stated.

"Nice, if nothing else, that's worth a GED, I think," Julius said as he scratched the back of his head. "Though, I'm not sure how just physical performance is worth graduating."

"Cloudsdale has very focused schooling. Based mostly around the weather factory or service in the Equestria Defence Force," Rainbow Dash explained.

"Makes sense, considering that most of Equestria's weather is made in Cloudsdale, and it's military tradition," Twilight hummed.

"That still sounds weird; how does one place make all the weather for the land?" Julius asked as he got dressed.

"It doesn't, well, not entirely," Rainbow Dash said. "Cloudsdale makes all the major weather and does all the planning; local teams of pegasi do the minor weather. In places without pegasi, I have no idea. I'm guessing they just let the weather do whatever, or they have some sort of powerful magic."

"Stupid do whatever magic. Seriously, how isn't the go-to solution to every problem 'just blast it with magic' or something like that?" Julius asked as Rainbow Dash, and Twilight looked at each other.

"It is," they both said as Julius facepalmed.

"Of course it is. Can't be too mad at that; honestly, I'd be very tempted to take that route," Julius sighed as he walked to the door. "Well, I'm kinda hungry; I'm going for breakfast. You two coming?"

"Well, we already ate, but sure," Twilight said as she opened the door.

"Yeah, I gotta get in a few laps before my afternoon nap," Rainbow Dash said as she stretched her wings.

"Really? Afternoon nap?" Twilight sighed.

"Flying takes a lot of energy," Rainbow Dash said as the three saluted the guards outside Celestia's chambers. "That and keeping warm so high takes even more."

"So that's why you ate as many pancakes as Pinkie Pie," Twilight hummed. "Honestly, seeing how much the two of you ate made me feel full."

"Yeah, we pegasi get that from non-pegasi," Rainbow Dash calmly said. "Fluttershy doesn't fly much, so she doesn't eat nearly as much. But I guarantee you, if she started, she'd eat about as much as I."

"Have you seen her teats and flanks? She'd be eating more than you," Twilight chuckled.

"Have I seen her teats and flanks?" Rainbow Dash huffed. "Yes, Twilight, I have been behind Fluttershy before. Kinda hard to miss those. I think only Celestia and Luna have bigger teats and flanks. How is that fair? Luna exercises at least as much as me! Stupid alicorn biology," she again huffed.

"Yeah, any children Fluttershy nurses will be getting a lot of milk. Those children will grow up big and strong," Twilight warmly smiled. "Oh, uhhh, sorry, this must be a little awkward for you," she said with a blush.

"I mean, a little, but not really. This isn't the first time I've had to deal with morning wood," Julius said as they walked through the castle. "Besides, Fluttershy does have nice teats and ass. I can't imagine how difficult it is to fly with udders like those."

"I know, right!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "There's a reason most pegasi are slim. But no, not Fluttershy. Somehow that mare's got a breeder's body. I don't really know how I feel about that. I mean, sure, it's always been easy for her to get a stallion, but her flying will always suffer for it," she sighed as Twilight led them through the castle halls.

"Yeah, drag and wind resistance and all that. Still, how do pegasi mares fly while pregnant?" Julius asked as he could faintly smell pancakes.

"Oh, we give birth to relatively small foals," Rainbow Dash explained.

"I see," Julius said as he looked at Twilight. "You know what I'm going to ask."

"Our horns are small, nubby, and covered in foal feathers, like our hooves. Though, our horns can use magic after roughly a month, give or take a week," Twilight explained.

"Foal feathers? Hmmm, I'm guessing that's just fairy slippers," Julius hummed. "It's this weird protective covering that covers the hooves of foals when they're born. I remember the first time seeing it; I thought it looked weird."

"Yeah, they're the same things. Fortunately, foals aren't born with magic; unfortunately, when they start to develop it, they cannot control it. Unicorn foals are usually quite difficult to deal with. Apparently, I set more than a few plants on fire," Twilight said with a nervous chuckle.

"Can relate, kind of," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Most pegasi foals start flying a month or two after birth. We can cause a lot of damage when we're first finding our wings. Many broken pots, cups, plates, windows, and things like that."

"Geez, so, get a lot of padded flooring and walls, and maybe see about getting a few of those magic suppression rings then?" Julius asked as he scratched the back of his neck.

"The padding would work, but not the rings, I think," Twilight responded. "Those first months are extremely important to a unicorn's magical development. Those rings would likely interfere with the development of their thaumaturgic system, stunting their magic. It'd be a short-term solution that'd lead to a long-term problem."

"Well, if it could do that kind of damage, it's best not to use it. Still, I have to imagine that there's some sort of measure that we can take to be prepared for it," Julius responded.

"I should be able to cast preemptive countermagic spells on all the things in the house. Usually, that takes far too much magical energy to be practical, but with my reserves of magic, I should be able to pull it off. Zecora might also know of a few tricks," Twilight suggested.

"Sounds good to me. Then again, I got nothing else," Julius said with a shrug. "So, are we close to the dining hall?"

"Should be just a few more turns," Twilight said as the three turned a corner to be greeted by two grand doors.

"OK, why is it that castles need such large doors? Like, I get gatehouses, but other than that, just why?" Julius sighed as he walked up to the doors.

"Maybe as a statement? To make those who walk through them feel small?" Twilight suggested as she magically opened the doors.

"Makes sense, but Celestia very literally controls the sun. If she wants to make others feel small, she can just have her court covered in reflective surfaces. That way, nobody could look at her throne," Julius said as the three walked into the dining hall.

"Tried that for a while. Honestly, it got very annoying very fast for everycreature. It lasted a week. Though, I have gotten suggestions that I could line the court with flowers that bloom toward the throne. I kind of like that idea, but that'd mean closing the courtroom for at least a month," Celestia responded as the three walked into the dining hall.

"I think one of the kings in my world did that. Louis the Fourteenth, the sun king. I think he did that or something like that. My French history mostly ends at the end of the Hundred Years' War," Julius said as he sat at the grand table.

"Oh, so you had a sun king! Did he, too, control the sun?" Celestia asked as she gave Julius a plate of blueberry-covered pancakes.

"Nope. Closest we got to that was when Joshua asked God to stop the sun and moon, so He did for nearly a whole day," Julius said as he tried one of the pancakes. "Light and fluffy, good."

"Impressive. What did this Joshua do with that extra time?" Celestia asked as she sat at the table.

"Oh, he commanded his army to continue to fight. That was God showing some extreme favoritism there," Julius chuckled as he poured some maple syrup on the pancakes.

"OK, is there any part of your history that doesn't involve fighting of any kind?" Celestia sighed as she shook her head.

"Ummm, ahhh, well," Julius hummed and hawed. "I think there was a Thursday," he nervously chuckled.

"I swear, my sister and I will have to review any human history that you intend to introduce to our world," she tiredly sighed as she composed herself.

"Yeah, that'd be a very good idea. Though I don't envy Luna, she could have some bad nightmares to deal with," Julius responded between bites.

"I'm sure it can't be that bad," Celestia assured as a herald entered the dining hall.

"Your majesty, there's a guest that wants to see you. The message they sent said that they can wait until you, Luna, the element bearers, and Julius are in the court. But it requests that you hurry, as they have to deal with thinggummywuts," the herald told Celestia.

"The court isn't set to be open for another hour. This is quite unusual," Celestia hummed. "I can't think of any noble who'd try something like this. Maybe a griffon or a minotaur, but there are no griffon or minotaur ambassadors in Canterlot."

"I think I know who it might be," Julius sighed as he ate.

"Who?" Celestia asked.

"It can wait. Jerusalem is a world away; Rome is right here," Julius responded as he continued to eat.

Chapter 86: Guess Who's Back, Back Again

"Well, I suppose we shouldn't keep this mystery guest waiting. Thinggummywuts can be extremely difficult to deal with; they've been known to terrify the elderly," Julius joked as he finished eating.

"That's mean! Why do they terrify the elderly?" Twilight asked as Julius got up.

"No idea, even less because they seem to target mysterious old powerful men. I know, they're weird like that," Julius told Twilight as he and the mares walked to the royal courtroom.

"OK, how do you know what they're like? Are they from your world?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Wait, you don't know what thinggummywuts are?" Julius jokingly asked, to which the mares all shook their heads. "Good, you're lucky; try to keep it that way," he said with a chuckle.

"That doesn't answer anything," Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack all huffed.

"Don't worry; it's an inside joke, likely a reference to something from his world. We might get in on it later," Pinkie Pie calmly told the three.

"Doubt it. Even with his power, I doubt that this world will get our internet. So unless you have a spare portal to my world lying around that nobody knows about, you'll have to settle on it being something stupid," Julius sighed.

"Hah, maybe we do. Have you tried Pinkie Pie's mane?" Rainbow Dash asked with a chuckle.

"I know you're mocking me, but I'll try it," Julius flatly said before sticking his head into Pinkie Pie's mane. "Nothing," he flatly said as he pulled his head out from her mane, "literally nothing; my head just hit Pinkie Pie's head. Somehow I'm both overwhelmed and underwhelmed. My brain hurts, owch."

"Welcome to logic when Pinkie Pie's involved," Applejack told Julius, who was rubbing his forehead.

"Yup, pretty much," Pinkie Pie said as she pulled a snowcone out of her mane.

"Yeah, yeah, that complete random nonsense makes perfect sense. It's too early in the morning for me to be questioning existence itself," Julius sighed as he rubbed his head.

"Well then, I get the feeling that you picked the wrong day to wake up!" Pinkie Pie sang.

"You know exactly what's going to happen, don't you?" The whole group asked.

"Yes! And No!, Pinkie-sense! It wasn't like anything I had ever gotten before! But somehow, I know what is going to happen! Though, the voice sounded a bit different. Mentioned something about said something about needing to be unshackled from the past," Pinkie Pie sang with a shrug.

"I do not care what he says; I refuse to believe that he's John de Lancie," Julius pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest and as Pinkie Pie gave him a piece of paper.

"From the voice," Pinkie Pie smiled.

"He could even appear as Q or de Lancie himself; I'd still be in denial," Julius huffed as he unfolded the paper. "Be careful with that joke; it's an antique," he said as he crumpled the paper and tossed it on the ground as the others looked at him. "Oh, the paper just said, 'that's a river in Egypt.' I don't care that he knows that; it proves nothing."

"You seem pretty confident in who this mysterious visitor is. Care to say who you think it is?" Luna asked as the group approached the doors to the courtroom.

"Not really. I'm about a hundred percent sure I know who it is, but I don't feel like getting in trouble this early," Julius said as he tapped his fingers together.

"What?" Luna flatly asked.

"I'm already on top of it," Celestia sighed. "If it comes down to it, we'll need to hold out for, maybe ten or so minutes. Then the Elements of Harmony will be here, a problem will be solved, and I'll be telling someone, 'I told you so.' Someone, but I'm not going to say who," she said as she looked at Julius. "I think you might know him very well," she jokingly sang.

"If it comes to that, I'll gladly take it," Julius sighed as he lightly hung his head.

"Good," Celestia calmly said as she opened the doors to the courtroom. As they walked to the throne, joyous, upbeat music started playing from nowhere.

"Oh yeah, this is very familiar," Luna sighed as she shook her head. "Subtlety isn't his strong point. All of you, get behind the throne and stay there until we say it's safe. Should the worst happen, run."

"Luna, I have agents on their way to get the Elements as we speak. All we need to do is hold out for ten minutes. I think we can do that," Celestia told Luna.

"I'm glad you feel that way. I'm not at my full power. And the last time we dealt with him, we had to use the Elements, and even then, we only got him because he was too busy laughing. If he were serious, I don't think we would stand a chance," Luna argued back.

"Oh please, do you really think that fool can take anything seriously?" Celestia huffed.

"First time for everything," Luna shrugged. As the others got into place, the royal sisters stood firmly in front of the throne. As the sisters got prepared, the main doors to the courtroom opened. "Brace yourselves," Luna huffed as she and Celestia started to charge their magic. Running down the courtroom, a frog running full speed, with large exaggerated windmillesk steps charged towards the throne. Standing before the throne, the frog opened its mouth, spitting out a large talking book.

"Hey, look, it's Twilight as she always wanted to be," Rainbow Dash joked as Julius bumped her hoof, and Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Announcing the not hyped enough arrival of the greater spirit of chaos and disharmony, the purveyor of pandemonium, lord of lawlessness, earl of turmoil, bringer of bedlem, slayer of windigos, savior of the land, wellspring of creativity, patron of artists. Presenting," the book stopped speaking as the pillars grew stone trumpets and started playing triumphant fanfare, and as light, clouds, leaves, tooth floss, donuts, and pocket lint came together to form various dancers.

"The sad thing is if we interrupt this, he'll only go harder on us," Luna sighed as Celestia sternly looked forward, ignoring all the fanfare.

"Discord!" The book triumphantly announced as it and the frog poofed away and as Discord started to moonwalk down the courtroom towards the throne while wearing a white suit and a white fedora and looking down while having his back to the throne.

"Discord! I had a feeling," Celestia firmly said as she nodded at Luna.

"You've been hit by," Discord sang as two powerful beams of magic blasted towards him, "you've been struck by," he sang as the beams of magic warped around him before he and the magic beams disappeared. "A smooth draconequus!" He sang as he appeared between the sisters, effortlessly flicking their magic away. "But, honestly, the first meeting in, what, a thousand or so years, and that's how you greet me? By attacking me? Why, if I wasn't such an advanced being, I might take it personally," he huffed as he floated between the sisters.

"Discord, give up now!" Celestia commanded. "The Elements of Harmony will be here in a few minutes, and then you'll be turned back to stone! Give up, beg for mercy, and maybe we'll go easy on you!"

"Oh, oh really? You think that'll work?" Discord laughed. "Well, violence is the most boring form of chaos. So I hope you don't mind, but I'll speed this up," he said as he snapped his fingers. "There, your agents are now at the Tree of Harmony. If they get the elements, they'll be teleported back. But spoiler alert, they won't be getting them," he smugly said.

"Not to play devil's advocate, but that was a pretty jank greeting," Julius absentmindedly said.

"I know, right? Is that how you greet an old friend that you haven't seen in a millennium? We had such fun together; then they took it too far when they turned this body to stone," Discord pouted.

"You took it too far when you turned the world into pure chaos!" Celestia said through gritted teeth. "And when you attacked us!"

"OK, first, I only turned a small area into pure chaos. Second, that was right after I destroyed the physical bodies of the windigos. You only fought against them in their spirit forms. Do you want to imagine what they could do with physical bodies? Actually, don't; Luna couldn't deal with the nightmares. Third, literally every meeting you initiated the fight, even this one!" Discord huffed with crossed arms. "Oh well, the past is the past. And I'm not here for the past," he said with a shrug.

"OK, well, why are you here? What are you planning?" Celestia asked as she kept her horn leveled at Discord.

"I'm glad you asked. You see, being trapped in stone is aggressively boring. So I detached my spirit and went to a different world. And on this world, I came across this rather interesting species. I would tell more about why they're interesting, but," he said as he moved to something only Pinkie Pie could see. "it'd spoil a lot," he said as he returned to the sisters. "Now, as you could probably guess, I came across the humans. Now, sure, I may have toyed with them a bit and became several beings that became historical figures."

"Like who?" Julius asked as he interrupted Discord.

"Ever heard of the Count of Saint Germain? That was me," Discord smiled. "Anyways, these humans showed so much potential, and I got this idea. Why not bring a few of these guys to this world? And I know what you're thinking, and no, I'm not responsible for the alicorn amulet getting to Earth. In a roundabout way, that's on you two," he said as he pointed to the sisters.

"How is that our fault?" Celestia asked with a glare.

"Tell me, when you turned this body into stone, do you really know what you did?" Discord asked as he eyed the sisters.

"We turned you into stone and saved the world?" Luna said with a shrug.

"Not quite. You see, I'm a focal point for all chaos magic. By turning me to stone, this world had no focal point, so chaos magic could just run rampant. I can control it; it's no problem for me, but for lesser creatures, like alicorns and ponies, well, Pinkie Pie, just Pinkie Pie," Discord said as he pointed at Pinkie Pie.

"Oh, that makes so much more sense. But why did you start talking to me now?" Pinkie Pie asked from behind the throne.

"Oh, simple. I wasn't here until a few weeks ago. I returned to Equestria shortly after I felt the presence of a human here. Honestly, I had this whole plan where I would take the elements, trick you all into going into a maze, and turn you all opposite, but helping humanity to come to this world sounds more interesting. Speaking of," Discord said as he poofed Fluttershy in front of him and some chocolates in his hands. "This is a congratulations gift. In that plan, you manage to beat me. Well, I still turn you, but it's through brute force, and I consider that a loss. These are Teuscher chocolates; enjoy."

"Oh, ummm, thank you?" Fluttershy unassuredly said as Discord set her down.

"So, no, I'm not here to cause chaos or anything. I'm here to help bring humans to this world. Honestly, they're chaotic enough that I could basically retire, like Tranquility, Lord Boreas, or one of the other greater spirits," Discord said with a smile. "Though, oh, what are the odds? Never tell me the odds!"

"What are the odds of what?" Julius asked.

"Oh, never you mind. Oh, by the way, the rest of the stuff I promised you. You'll find it all there, and no internet. It might be pure chaos, but it has far too much porn, hentai, and worse on it. Seriously, you lot don't even have heat, and yet you're lustier than the most desperate ponies! How?" Discord said as he snapped his fingers, making the rest things he promised to Julius appear.

"Were you really bribed?" Applejack asked as the ponies turned to him.

"I can explain. He made a very good argument. Besides, he tempted me with the one thing that can tempt me, things that I want," Julius nervously laughed as the ponies stared at him.

"Oh, don't be so hard on him. Trust me; I can be very persuasive. Besides, you seemed to like all that stuff from his world I poofed in earlier. That was a sign, a show of faith. I know, trusting the Lord of Chaos sounds completely insane, but trust me, I'm on team humanity. Who knows, maybe I'll take them on as their patron, like how Tranquility did to the ponies," Discord said as he looked around the area. "Why do I feel a chill?"

"Your majesties, there's another visitor. She just let herself in. We tried to stop her, but when she told us to let her through, we were compelled to listen to her. I think she's using some kind of persuasion magic," the herald told the royal sisters as a large, blonde-furred mare walked into the court. Ignoring all the others, she walked up to Discord.

"Message for, and I quote, 'the ungrateful twerp who I allowed to take refuge in my realm and didn't show me the respect I deserve,' that's you, Discord," the mare said as she sternly eyed him. "Don't, just don't. Message from my boss."

"Your boss? How rich," Discord sighed while rolling his eyes. "Fine, tell the absentee father that he can have his children. I'll just be the fun uncle that's always around."

"Do, do you have a death wish?" The mare asked in near disbelief.

"Not really. I guess humanity might have rubbed off a bit more on me than I thought," Discord replied with a shrug.

"Hah, Discord, with a pony friend? I never thought I'd see the day," Luna chuckled.

"Oh, her, she's not my friend. She's just a messenger," Discord said as he winked at Julius.

"Why are you," Julius started to ask before cutting himself off, "oh. Oh, which one are you? And why do you look like a pony?"

"Don't worry; you'll meet me properly at a later date. As for my form, we appear as we need to as not to alarm those we interact with. Perhaps you'd prefer it if I had four heads, four wings, and a bunch of eyes?" The mare jokingly teased.

"No, no, I'm good. I don't need to see that," Julius immediately back peddled.

"Very well. I'm going back home, well, for now," the mare said with a shrug as she left.

"Messagers getting in the way of fun," Discord sighed. "The more things change, the more they stay the same; something you can relate to, eh?" He joked as he playfully nudged Julius.

"You know, if they're always getting in the way, maybe you're the problem," Celestia quipped.

"Maybe, but I'll continue to ignore that. Where's the fun in never being the problem?" Discord laughed as he cracked his neck. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, I believe you wanted to fight me? Well, not really fight, more like wave a flashlight at me," he said with a chuckle.

"Oh, get off your pedestal! You might be more powerful than us, but it's not by nearly that much!" Celestia and Luna protested as Discord and Julius laughed. "Why are you laughing?" They asked as they glared at Julius.

"Word choice. You two are both literally standing on a pedestal," Julius responded with a chuckle as the two alicorns felt a familiar magical signature.

"Fair observation, but it doesn't matter; the elements are back," Celestia firmly said as she and Luna felt them approach. "And it feels like they're just as strong as when we first took them to seal you!"

"Sure, the elements are coming to help you. Keep telling yourselves that," Discord said as he filed some of his nails.

"I've brought my elements with me for safekeeping, not for you or the bearers to use," a voice like Twilight's said as the voice approached the courtroom.

"Hi, Tranquility," Julius flatly greeted.

"The shut-in NEET comes out of her cave at last! May I, your twin brother, cordially welcome you to the world!" Discord jokingly greeted with a flourishing motion.

"Very funny," Tranquility sighed as she walked into the courtroom.

"And you are?" Celestia asked.

"Tranquility, the greater spirit of harmony. The counterpart to Discord. Your agents are in Ponyville, resting. I'm just here to see if you'll actually challenge Discord. And, if you do so, how he'll respond," Tranquility said as a grin grew on Discord's face.

"Oh, I have a few ideas," Discord laughed as he coyly bit his lower lip.

"We beat him before; we can do it again!" Luna firmly stated.

"No, you didn't; you never have," Tranquility rebutted. "Discord never fought you properly, only played with you. Granted, it was his form of play, but still. In your last encounter, you only sealed him in stone with the elements, my elements. If you truly believe yourselves able to challenge greater spirits, then perhaps it's better if a more playful one, like Discord, puts you in your place. Better him than Lord Boreas, or Maas, or Amarah Getih jeung Maot, or Sekhmet, or one of them," she flatly told the sisters.

"Wait, Sekhmet, that name sounds familiar. I can't quite place my finger on it, though," Julius said as he scratched his chin.

"She's one of the more vicious of the returned spirits; a group of greater spirits that left this world and went to another. They returned after several thousand years. They claimed the Bane of the Universe was slain, but that's absurd. It never existed, just a myth, invented by the elders to scare us," Tranquility laughed.

"I have so many questions; my brain hurts," Julius said as he held his head. "Owch."

"Yes, yes, I'm sure you do," Discord sighed. "Now, on to our fight," he chuckled. "Do you want to do it? Do you want to try your luck?"

"We have to. How do we know that you won't act up again?" Celestia reasoned.

"First, that was stress relief from fighting windigos. Second, I'm on team human! Acting out wouldn't help them. Third, if you're really that concerned, may I suggest taking one of the human's celebrations and making it a holiday? It's called April Fool's Day, a day all about causing pranks. I'll accept it taking place once a month, every third Tuesday, starting at eight fifty-two AM and ending at ten twenty-four PM. Times subject to change based on how I feel," Discord offered.

"Why that day, why those times? It's so awkward, so random," Luna asked as Discord rolled his eyes. "Oh, right, random. Self-answering question."

"Well, the time is a bit random, but he's being reasonable. Honestly, I'd take the deal. You get a fun holiday and a powerful ally from it," Julius reasoned.

"See, this is why I love humans! Good human, have a cookie," Discord smiled as he gave Julius a massive cookie.

"Nice!" Julius smiled as he took a bite of the cookie. "Chocolate chip, macadamia nut, and gummy worm? Odd choice, but it works."

"Listen to Julius; take the deal. Nothing good will come from picking this fight," Tranquility told the sisters. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll help you if Discord does anything," she offered.

"Fine," Celestia sighed. "If you feel that strongly about it, we'll accept the deal. But we fully expect you to hold up your end of the deal when Discord breaks his."

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence," Discord huffed.

"Don't worry, I will," Tranquility assured. "Now, I'm going back to my cave. Discord brought over some interesting entertainment from Julius's world," she said as she left the courtroom.

"I, too, must take my leave. I fear the thinggummywuts might have messed up my home while I was stoned. Until next time!" Discord said as he poofed in a bicycle, got on it, and peddled in place before teleporting away.

"Are you sure just letting Discord go free like that was wise?" Twilight asked as she stepped out from behind Celestia's throne.

"Well, we have an equally powerful spirit on our side and the elements. Worse to worse, Equestria takes some temporary damage, Discord gets dealt with, and I get to say, 'I told you so,'" Celestia calmly said as she slightly stuck her tongue out at Julius.

"Don't care, got cookie," Julius replied as he ate the cookie.

"Can relate," Pinkie Pie said as she tried some of the cookie.

"Tiring way to start the day," Celestia sighed. "Alright, clear the courtroom. It's about time for court to start properly," she commanded as all, save Celestia and Luna, were cleared from the courtroom. "Now, what's the first item on the docket?"

"Says here that there's a disagreement between counties regarding cheese," Luna said as she stared at Celestia.

"Not again!" Celestia whiningly sighed before composing herself to hold court.

Chapter 87: What Movie to Watch

"So, I got a lot of stuff from my world. Wanna check some of it out? Or do something else?" Julius asked as some ponies helped carry the things Discord poofed in for Julius to the guest chambers.

"I'd like to read some of these books!" Twilight happily said as she looked over the covers of some of the books. "They look kind of like the Daring Do books, only a bit different. I'm guessing the genre is the same, or at least very similar. Oh, except this one; it's big and official looking."

"Be careful with that book. You might not be able to deal with what's in it," Julius warned as Twilight oddly looked at him.

"Why? What could possibly be in it?" Twilight asked as Julius sighed. "From its title, it's a holy book. I don't imagine there could be anything that bad in it."

"Yeah, about that. Two cities are annihilated, and everyone in them is turned into salt, slavery, mass murder, torture, oh, and the whole world getting flooded. That's just off the top of my head," Julius told Twilight as the ponies stood still in shock.

"Oh, you have a flood story too? Interesting. In the ancient pony religion, there was also a flood. In ours, a whole species vanished. I believe that the Zebras still have a flood story," Twilight said as she looked at Zecora.

"That we do. However, ours has a bit of a different view. In ours, The Children of Creation built a large boat. In that, upon those dreaded waves did they float. On orders from the now missing spirit, did they act. That being who in their lives had a great impact. Zebra societies in other parts of the world have slight variations on the tale. Though it's only a difference in their mode of transportation, they end the same without fail," Zecora told the group.

"Interesting, I haven't heard much about the missing spirit. To the best of my knowledge, only the Zebras know anything about it. What can you tell me about this mysterious spirit?" Twilight eagerly asked Zecora.

"Even I, with my background, don't know much about the missing being. Among the various temples, there's little agreeing. Most of what we know is based on oral tradition and filling in logical gaps. Though with this method, there are a lot of traps. Across all the species, there is a spirit for death but none for life. So we associate the missing spirit with life and creation so that there's no strife. All we do know is that this spirit greatly favored the missing folk. So much that the other races sought their cloak," Zecora told Twilight.

"Interesting. I suppose that makes sense. Though it's unfortunate that we don't know more about the spirit. While Equestria might not have much contact with other countries, we at least know about their religions and cultures," Twilight said as Zecora raised an eyebrow at her. "OK, it might not be common knowledge or taught in most schools, but knowledge of other cultures does exist in Equestria; you just need to go looking for it. I did while staying at the castle."

"What about you, Zecora? Who or what exactly do you worship?" Julius asked.

"Us Zebras pay hommage to all the spirits as we see fit. To the leader of the earth spirits, Gnome, I was given to at birth to submit. My mother was and still the high priestess of the earthen temple in my land. Great power and authority are hers to command," Zecora told the group.

"I see. I'm guessing that being given over to one of the spirits gives you benefits. If nothing else, societal benefits," Julius guessed with a shrug.

"You are quite correct. Being dedicated to a spirit as such confers several benefits as you can expect. For me, Gnome empowers my potions, granting them great potency and marvelous effects. For this, from time to time, I have to undertake several special projects," Zecora explained.

"Oh, so that's why you can make such strong potions," Twilight hummed.

"Well, that and my skill and training. Take my word for it; the regime was quite draining. Zebrician alchemical training is quite extensive. To those that know but a little, the prospect is quite apprehensive. If I am to be honest, of the seven of you, Julius, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash would be unable to learn my exact craft. The rest of you would get the shaft," Zecora told Twilight.

"Hey! Why couldn't I learn it?" Twilight protested.

"Simple purple one. We only train those affiliated with earth, the rest we shun. You three lack that very connection. Therefore, this would not be your direction," Zecora explained.

"But I've made potions before; they worked just fine," Twilight protested.

"Quite possible, but I doubt they are anywhere near the potency of mine. I can brew a potion to mend a chipped tooth or to fix your spine. Given the right ingredients, lost limbs can regrow. Sounds impossible, I know. However, this is a thing I have done before. My eldest sister, a charger, lost a leg in a war. Mother took the opportunity to teach me the potion. It's not one you can learn; it takes true devotion. Granted, my sister had to take several months of rest while she healed. To her, that aspect was not appealed. Please, do not take this as an invitation to be careless and act as though there are no consequences, for there will be. The spirits like not to be tested, trust me. If you took a healing potion under such circumstances, horrible side effects would occur. Things such as the healer's curse, I must concur," Zecora informed the group.

"Yeah, I've heard of that. I can't say for sure without seeing it firsthand, but it sounds like an extremely aggressive form of cancer. In my world, we have treatments and possible cures for it, but those cures are hard on you. Lower white blood cell count, so you get sick more often, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, blood clots, memory fog, general pain, and some other side effects that I can't quite think of. If healing magic works the way I think it does, I might be able to cure it. But I'm guessing that'll take a lot of training," Julius hummed as he scratched his head.

"It's possible, but don't count on it. Healer's curse is an affliction of both body and spirit; they are not split. To cure it, you'll need to mend both aspects, not just one. Only then will the healing be done," Zecora told Julius.

"Well, that's just great. Hey, maybe I could pray it away," Julius light-heartedly chuckled.

"I know you jest, but that has worked in the past. So far, that method has yet to be surpassed," Zecora told Julius.

"Great, yeah, that doesn't surprise me," Julius sighed. "I swear I can hear some people from my world salivating over that thought. So, I take it that Twilight will be reading the Bible; what about the rest of you? Wanna just Netflix and chill? Well, not quite Netflix and chill, I don't have either, but I should have some movies and shows on my laptop," Julius offered.

"Oh, that sounds interesting. Got any action movies?" Rainbow Dash eagerly asked.

"You know, there are other movies than just action movies," Rarity sighed.

"Yeah, but they're the best. I only wish they were in color," Rainbow Dash told Rarity.

"Wait, you don't have colored movies? Well, I suppose I'm a bit surprised that you even have movies," Julius said as the ponies quickly swarmed him.

"You have colored movies?!?" The group eagerly asked as their eyes sparkled.

"Yeah, we have for years. I would offer some suggestions, but my favorite movies are all action/adventure. I don't think Fluttershy would really like Lord of the Rings," Julius suggested.

"It's OK; I can take it. As long as it's not real," Fluttershy smiled softly.

"Are you sure? The Lord of the Rings movies are about war, there are massive battles in the second and third movies, and the first has a truly demonic monster in it," Julius warned.

"You'd be surprised," Rainbow Dash told Julius. "Fluttershy is a lot tougher than you think; well, she's a lot tougher than she thinks too."

"Oh, I'm not that tough," Fluttershy meekly said with a blush.

"And how many ponies do you know would walk into a swarm of fly-ders to calm them? What about your bees? You are one of the only ponies that keeps bees in all of Ponyville," Rainbow Dash asked as she eyed Fluttershy.

"The fly-ders were just lost and scared. And bees aren't bad; they just don't like their honey being greedily stolen without even being asked. Any pony could do what I do if they only wanted to; I'm not special," Fluttershy deflected.

"Ummm, what are fly-ders? Those sound like flying spiders," Julius hesitatingly asked.

"That's exactly what they are. Usually, they're only in the Luna Bay region, though strong winds have been known to blow them into other regions, though that's rare," Twilight calmly said as Julius jumped a few steps back.

"Flying spiders? But why, though? Yeah, screw it; if Fluttershy is tough enough to deal with them, then she's tough enough to watch Lord of the Rings. I swear, Fluttershy, you're a different breed of tough. The kind of tough that would eat a bowl of nails without any milk," Julius stated as he collected himself.

"Why would I eat a bowl of nails?" Fluttershy asked.

"High iron content?" Pinkie Pie suggested. "I know my sister Maud ate a bowl of rocks every morning, but she had them in milk and a glass of rock juice with them," she said with a smile.

"You have a sister that eats rocks?" Julius asked in surprise.

"Yup, my whole family eats rocks! They live on a rock farm, after all. I lived there too, but I moved away to Ponyville after getting my cutie mark. Fortunately, the Cakes have been family friends for years, so I just moved in with them," Pinkie Pie happily said.

"Uhhh, Pinkie Pie, a rock farm is a quarry," Julius and Twilight flatly said.

"No silly sillertons," Pinkie Pie laughed as she patted the heads of Julius and Twilight. "A quarry is where you mine rocks to build with; a rock farm grows rocks to eat. You two are silly!"

"Ummm, what?" Julius and Twilight asked, both with blank looks on their faces.

"What? Don't tell me that neither of you has grown rocks before. Wait, neither of you has? I'll have to get my family to send some rock geodes for us to grow!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she clapped her hooves together.

"It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it," Julius and Twilight both said as they looked at each other.

"Hah, you two should see yourselves!" Rainbow Dash laughed as the two mirrored each other.

"It is kind of funny," Fluttershy meekly said with a giggle.

"Yeah, you two sure are looking like a pair of apples in a tree. Though I suppose to be fair, this is Pinkie Pie you're talking about. If you're too attached to logic, that mare can be a hard creature to understand," Applejack calmly said with a nod.

"Agreed. Pinkie Pie, you really should tone down the randomness and joking around some creatures," Rarity suggested.

"Who's joking about what? And I can't tone down my randomness; when I do that, my mane goes all down and straight, and I feel weird. Like, not a good funny weird, but a cold bad weird," Pinkie Pie said.

"Joking about eating rocks. No pony eats rocks, Pinkie Pie," Applejack flatly stated.

"Who's joking? Oh, that's right! Ponyville doesn't have any editable rocks and doesn't trade any. Edible rocks are a common food in southwestern Equestria and in the mountains. My family makes quite a few bits selling the edible rocks, the quarried rocks, and the gems we find. I remember this one time Marble Pie found a giant diamond; our parents were so happy! I threw a big party for her! Well, after I saw that big beautiful rainbow blast. I think that was the second party I ever threw. I'm still kind of flippy-floppy on one party. Somedays, I wake up and count it; other days, I don't," Pinkie Pie said with a shrug.

"No offense, Pinkie Pie, your family sounds weird," Rainbow Dash told her.

"Tell me about it. My mother got a little weird when I told her that I was getting with Big Mac to deal with my heat; no idea why. She seemed to be a bit better with Julius, though she thinks your name is odd," Pinkie Pie said as she booped Julius.

"Well, compared to your names, I guess mine does sound a bit odd," Julius said with a shrug. "So, we agreed on watching Lord of the Rings?"

"Yup," the group responded.

"Great, and you, Twilight?" Julius asked as he looked at her.

"I'll read when you're doing something else. Movies can be a great way to learn about the cultural beliefs of a folk!" Twilight smiled as the group got to the guest chambers and as Julius set everything up.

Chapter 88: Distracted Celestia, Bored Luna

"Keep it together, Celestia. This is almost over," Celestia sighed in thought.

"And that is why the price of internal cheese tariffs needs to be raised by at least four bits," a noblepony firmly said as she stamped her hoof.

"Oh yes, this is such a gouda situation, isn't it?" Discord mocking said to Celestia through her thoughts as she zoned out. "What, surprised? Obviously, I can telepathically communicate. I've been zoning in now and then. After seeing human politics, Equestrian politics are just so boring," he huffed as Celestia tried to focus.

"So this is why the internal cheese tariffs need to stay at the same rate," a different noblepony stated as she eyed her counterpart.

"Celestia is it grating," Luna whispered as Discord chuckled in Celestia's mind. "I'm leaving; if I stay here any longer, I'll probably defenestrate somepony."

"If the tariffs don't increase, then our cheese producers won't make any bits," the noblepony shot back as Luna got up from her throne. "Where are you going?"

"Oh, important princess of the night duties. I am not to be disturbed unless it is an emergency," Luna stated as she walked away.

"Well, Luna sure is the lucky one. I bet you wish that you could just get up and leave, don't you? But this cult of personality you built up around yourself over, what, a thousand plus years sure has its disadvantages," Discord chuckled.

"And if the tariffs are raised, then our cheese consumption will decrease. Making several industries suffer," the other noblepony argued back.

"Then just subsidize them," the noblepony huffed.

"You subsidize your cheese producers."

"Enough!" Celestia firmly stated. "Tariffs are damaging to our internal trade. That said, your county has fallen on some rather difficult times, whereas yours has prospered. The tariffs will remain the same, but the Count of Bales shall pay the Count of Whinnyapolis fifty-thousand bits. These bits are to go to economic stabilization, which will be overseen by crown actors. Any misappropriation of these bits will be dealt with with the utmost seriousness. Am I clear?" She leadingly asked.

"Clear and understood, Your Royal Majesty," the two countesses responded.

"Good. Now it's about midday; court is dismissed for lunch," Celestia stated as she watched everypony leave the court. After making sure that all the ponies left her court, Celestia sighed. "I swear, these arguments are asinine," she sighed as she shook her head before leaving to go to the royal dining hall.

"My sister's court is the stupidest thing I've ever seen!" Luna angrily huffed as she teleported into the room that the rest of the herd was in. "Nearly two hours arguing over cheese, cheese! The royal court isn't meant for such petty disputes. Oh, what's this? Who are they, why are they surrounded, what's surrounding them?" She asked as she saw the screen.

"Oh, we're watching Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring. Durin's Bane is about to show up," Julius explained as the goblins parted and the group began to run. "Those are goblins; they're trying to kill the heroes because evil. They're parting because even though they summoned Durin's Bane, they can't control it and are terrified of it, though, if I remember, it's a bit different in the books."

"Must be quite a monster. Either way, I wouldn't be afraid of it; I'd show it who's boss," Rainbow Dash proudly stated.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that. If it came after me, I'd run far, run fast, and keep on running," Julius said as the fellowship got to a slender stone bridge. "Oh, you're about to see it," he said as a gigantic flaming shadow demon walked after the group.

"Oh, an Irae Incarnati, I haven't seen one of those in ages. From the darkness, It looks like it's an Umbra variation. The funny thing is, the Lux variation was far more common. Necromancy and light magic usually aren't combined, but for them, it works," Luna said with a shrug.

"OK, I need you to back up; what?" Julius asked as he stared blankly at Luna.

"Oh, those are highly advanced necromantic constructs, combining necromancy with summoning and spirit magic. Fortunately, they were rare, even in the pre-Equestrian days. Unfortunately, they still popped up from time to time. Usually, they stuck to the lairs of necromancers, but sometimes they escaped to caverns, volcanos, and the such. I believe my sister and I eliminated the last of them, but they could come back due to them being a construct. But I doubt that would happen; we destroyed all knowledge on how to make them, and we never taught any creature how to make them," Luna explained as Durin's Bane swung its sword down onto Gandalf.

"Good call; those don't need to exist," Julius said with a shutter.

"Agreed. Honestly, some of the things that necromancers come up with are just disturbing. Not quite as bad as the windigo's cult, though there did seem to be a lot of crossovers. It was speculated that necromancers could be an offshoot of the cult, but as far as windigos go, they seemed more interested in controlling them. I meant to investigate it further and see if windigos were manipulating the necromancer council, but, unfortunately, that never manifested. Still, there should be an agent stilling on the council," Luna said as Gandalf and Durin's Bane fell into the abyss.

"They're going to save him, right?" Rainbow Dash quickly asked as Gandalf fell.

"How? They cannot fly," Julius asked Rainbow Dash.

"Wouldn't being on the necromancer council be highly illegal? I know that necromancy is illegal in Equestria, so shouldn't being a lead necromancer be even more illegal," Twilight asked Luna.

"Normally, yes," Luna firmly stated. "However, if you're an agent of the crown sent on a mission, the rules change a bit. Sometimes it's better to get an undercover agent to infiltrate an organization than to just attack it head-on. If you attack the organization straight away, you'll likely miss members, they'll disperse, and things will be fine for a little while, then they'll come back as strong as ever. So, instead of an endless chase, sometimes an agent is sent. In the process of infiltration, they may have to commit some crimes. It's an unfortunate situation, but it needs to be done. Get enough agents on a ruling body, and you can prevent the worst from happening while ending the threat before it really begins. The Yarding case proved that," she reasoned.

"The Yarding case? I've never heard of that. What is it?" Twilight eagerly asked.

"Technically, it was the fifth case of an attempted break up of Equestria by internal actors. In reality, it was just a continuation of the first. The first four times went exactly the same; we got word of it, then we charged right in, arrested some members, lost some, the group went silent for a few months, then came back with a different name. After the fourth time, Aloysia got an idea. Instead of waiting for it to happen again, why not send specially trained thestrals into the group? Send a small number in to infiltrate the group; once in, they can report to us on the group's movements and activities. If possible, they should become the leaders of the group. To assist their mission, we gave the infiltrators false information but dressed it all up so it would seem real. It was expensive, hiring actors, building false settings, and crafting the information, not to mention the infiltrators themselves, but it worked. The infiltrators became the leaders of the fifth group; they got all the group members to gather in a seemingly secure location and told us about it. We came in with a full division; we were not leaving anything to chance. In one swoop, we got all the members. It set the president for such actions, and so, my thestrals took up the mantle of the EIATO, Equestrian Intelligence and Anti-Terrorism Organization," Luna explained.

"So, even in this world, black operations exist. Funny, the more things change, the more they stay the same," Julius dryly chuckled.

"Indeed. Though, after the schism, the thestrals took their services with them. The current intelligence services, the EIS, aren't nearly as good as the EIATO, but the leader is fantastic at staying anonymous. Even I don't know who they are," Luna replied.

"What are you talking about? Haven't you read Alex Pones's paper?" Pinkie Pie asked with a chuckle. "The leader of the EIS is Prince Blueblood, and how he appears in public is just an act," she laughed.

"Pinkie Pie, that's insane. There's no way the gibbering buffoon could possibly be the head of Equestrian Intelligence," Luna sighed as she rolled her eyes.

"Agreed. Besides, everycreature knows that Alex Pones is just a crackpot conspiracist. You really shouldn't take her seriously," Twilight added.

"Sounds interesting. Where can I get her papers?" Julius asked as Pinkie Pie pulled one out of her mane. "Thanks. Gamia wants to bring Grover the Second back to life to reconquer Griffiona. Is that possible?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna.

"No. While his body could be brought back, he wouldn't have his mind or soul; he'd just be a zombie. The only way for your mind and soul to transcend death is through some extremely powerful forbidden magic that you committed to in life. The most common result is becoming a lich. So while yes, his body could be brought back, it wouldn't do anything other than being a zombie. If he were granted a boon from Lord Boreas, that would have expired along with him," Luna explained.

"I see, so false, but not as false as it could be. I guess that's for the better; fighting a superpowered zombie griffon could be bad," Julius sighed with a shrug.

"You would die; it would not even be a fight," Aloysia said from the shadows.

"How long have you been here for? And what do you mean?" Julius quickly asked back.

"I've been here from the beginning. As for what I mean, Grover the Second could probably beat Celestia and Luna simultaneously. Frankly, if we didn't assassinate him when we did, Equestria probably would have been conquered. Duke Wenceslaus of Bohemia got a promotion and bonus for that," Aloysia said as she thought back.

"Duke Wenceslaus of Bohemia? Neither a name nor place I'm familiar with. Whom is this thestral, and where is Bohemia?" Luna asked.

"No idea. He just randomly showed up one day and introduced himself as such. We tested him; he is a thestral, not a changeling or anything, and a remarkably skilled warrior. He's remained tight-lipped about his origins. When pushed, all he says is, 'died once, won't happen twice.' We tested him for necromancy, and nothing. We just accepted that he's an eccentric thestral with an overactive imagination," Aloysia shrugged.

"Wenceslaus, Bohemia, I know those names," Julius spoke up as the two mares looked at him. "Bohemia is an ancient kingdom from my world. Nowadays, it's a part of Czechia. As for Wenceslaus, I know they were Bohemian kings, but the only one I know of is Good King Wenceslaus, mainly from a Christmas Carrol."

"Must be a coincidence. After all, why wouldn't he look like you and not a thestral if he's from your world?" Aloysia reasoned.

"Maybe, weirder things have happened," Julius said with a shrug.

"So, Celestia, having a salad and some pastries, how boring. For limited mortals such as yourself, I know true chaos cannot be understood, but if I may, you could make a wheel and spin it to decide what you're going to eat," Discord mentally said to Celestia.

"Are you going to be quiet anytime soon?" Celestia thought back as she ate her lunch.

"Oh, well, I could, but I'm too busy at the moment, mowing my lawn with tweezers and bubblegum. You would not believe how out of control my lawn got! Honestly, you seal me in stone, and you don't even look after my house?" Discord huffed.

"I don't even know where you live. Besides, how would I even take care of the absolute storm of chaos that is your house?" Celestia shot back.

"Excuses! Getting to my house is easy; you just need to mail yourself to my address. And do you really think that my house is a storm of chaos? That's what I mean; you mortals have such a limited understanding of chaos," Discord huffed in derision.

"So, just stick a stamp and note on my flank and write 'To Discord' on the note, and the postal service will take me to a place they've never seen, heard of, or been to, is that right?" Celestia mocking asked.

"Exactly! Or just get the IRS to pay me a visit," Discord chuckled.

"Sure, whatever. I'm going to enjoy my lunch, maybe take a nice warm relaxing bath, then get back to court," Celestia huffed as she ate.

"Sure, sure, just try to ignore me. Challenge accepted."

Chapter 89

"Discord is being annoying!" Celestia huffed as she teleported into the room with the others.

"I don't see him? Where is he?" Julius asked as he and the others looked around Celestia.

"He's talking to me telepathically. Now he's just repeating, 'I'm a tumor, I'm a tumor,' over and over," Celestia grunted in irritation.

"Oh, come on, Discord, you're better than that! I mean, really, ripping off Family Guy? You can do better," Julius huffed as he crossed his arms.

"Oh, very true, but I only set out to annoy Celestia. If I can do so with less effort, then I will. Don't worry, Luna; your turn is coming up soon enough, maybe. I have an appointment to keep with a cosplayer who has emotional damage," Discord said while chuckling.

"Cosplayer with emotional damage, that's not very helpful. Could you be more specific?" Julius requested.

"Different universe, there I'm the Harlequin of Hate, the Clown Prince of Crime, the Ace of Knaves! I can let my darker side freer there. Later super friends!" Discord chuckled as the scent of sandalwood and sulfur filled the room.

"Alright, say hi to Heath Ledger for me," Julius said as the smell faded into vanilla rainfall. "Discord being the Joker makes way too much sense. Anyways, aside from Discord being Discord, how have you been?"

"Well, the nobles are still coming to me with petty things. Very few things of importance made it to the docket, which I suppose is good. A few items of some concern made it, though, reports of timberwolves outside the Everfree, the odd monster sighting on some of the more wild trails, and the possible appearance of a new monster," Celestia explained as Luna perked up.

"New monster, I don't remember hearing about that!" Luna exclaimed.

"You probably slept through it. A bit to the southeast, just outside the Verdant Expanse. The corpses of dead animals have been found all over the ground. Usually, this wouldn't be concerning, but the number of animals, along with the tracks, is unusual. A few have tried to get close to the suspected lair of this creature. Those who have approached its lair reported hearing strange noises. They reported a bunch of throaty sounds and what sounded like Equis, only with a thick accent. The creature seemed to be aggressive and violent; also, the area reportedly reeked of alcohol. I suspect that this creature is really a group of foreign bandits. Still, I'm putting together a special task force to deal with them; a full company, one unicorn platoon, one pegasi platoon, and two earth pony platoons. Even if their numbers and capabilities are unknown, they should be enough to ensure that everything goes smoothly," Celestia explained.

"Or you could just go yourself," Luna huffed. "We're more powerful than anything on any of the continents; by sending them and not yourself, you're just risking their lives," she protested.

"I can't go flitting off to solve every problem like this that comes up; if I did, nothing would get done. My place is here, commanding, not out in the field. You never really got that part; always more concerned with playing heroine," Celestia sighed.

"OK, I can see where this is going. Before it even starts, you're both right. Both sides are needed; it's finding balance in the middle that's difficult," Julius swiftly interjected.

"True enough. Either way, the company is getting put together as we speak. I suspect it should only take them a week or so to get this whole thing under control," Celestia sighed.

"What about the creatures? What will happen to them?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, it depends. If I'm wrong, and they are just wild animals, they'll be brought back for documentation and study. If I'm right, though, they'll be brought in to face charges for their crimes. At the very least, they're poachers; at the worst, well, I'd rather not think about it. Related to these creatures, I've sent a team out to find a Miss Thatcher; the reports state that this creature is hostile to her. The strange thing is, that's a name I've never heard of," Celestia said with a shrug.

"No, I'm imagining things," Julius said as he shook his head.

"If it could help with this case, then please, speak up," Celestia insisted.

"Well, back home, there's a song called Mrs. Thatcher. She was the leader of the U.K. for a time, known as the Iron Lady. I'd call her controversial, but that's an understatement. The whole song is just one big insult to her; it has a bit of a pro-Eire vibe to it. It was one of the songs I would hear my grandfather singing. For a moment, I thought it might be him, but that'd be stupid," Julius laughed.

"What if it is him?" Luna asked.

"First, how did he get here? Second, that company, yeah, increase it to a battalion at the least, and tell them that they'll be fighting him for years, literally years. Third, don't bother trying to kill him. My whole family is convinced that he died years ago; just every time Death comes for him, he literally fights it off," Julius said with a laugh.

"You're just being silly," Twilight laughed.

"The funny thing is, not really. With everything that stubborn mule has survived, either he died long ago, and Death just gave up on trying to take him, or his guardian angel is working overtime. Probably both," Julius laughed.

"Hah, sounds a bit like aunt Aurous," Luna laughed. "How she lived to see the unification of central Equestria, I'll never know."

"Tell me about it. I know she was a pony, but I swear, she acted more like a Zebrican charger or a Griffionian knight. Still, she made the whole unification process much quicker. A bit abrasive, but still, I miss her from time to time," Celestia sighed.

"Agreed. She wasn't the nicest of ponies, but she was one of the best combat instructors we ever had. Those spells were really useful in so many situations," Luna added.

"Like what spells?" Twilight eagerly asked.

"They'd be classified under combat and/or law enforcement spells. Only taught to ponies in relevant professions, well, usually. Pulsate et Dormi is taught to doctors, though they almost never use it; rather, they cure it," Celestia calmly said.

"What does it do?" Twilight further asked.

"It knocks out what it hits and puts them into a deep sleep. It's usually considered a stronger version of Somnum, but it's far more restricted due to the added unconsciousness. It's mainly used on patients that need to undergo painful medical treatments or criminals that resist the stun spell. Fortunately, that's an extremely small list of creatures; the stunning spell works on nearly everycreature," Celestia explained.

"Oh, can I learn it!" Twilight eagerly asked.

"Twilight, are you a doctor, or in the military, or in law enforcement?" Celestia asked as Twilight shook her head. "That's what I thought. Twilight, some spells are restricted to specific jobs for a reason. The spell in question could be easy to abuse, or have dire consequences if misused, or might just be extremely difficult to use. Either way, testing needs to be done to determine if you're even suited to learn such a spell. A part of that test is a background check to see if you responsibly use magic."

"Oh, oh," Twilight slowly said as her ears were pinned to the sides of her head.

"Maybe one day, Twilight, but not today," Celestia told Twilight. "Anyways, what are you all doing?"

"Oh, just watching some movies. They're a lot better than the ones we have; they're in color!" Pinkie Pie happily said as she hopped up.

"I see; the cover art seems to be well done," Celestia smiled softly. "Well, it's been an annoying day at work, so I hope you don't mind, but I'll be borrowing someone," she said as she levitated Julius onto her back. "I just need some help with some paperwork."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, and I'll make sure to help her out as best as I can," Julius said with a smirk.

"Alright, have fun!" Pinkie Pie sang as she riffled through the movies. "Oh, this one looks interesting!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as Celestia teleported away.

"So, what do you need help with?" Julius coyly asked as the two teleported into Celestia's office.

"Oh, you know," Celestia smirked.

"I know, but maybe I want you to say it," Julius winked as he massaged Celestia's shoulders, slowly massaging down her body.

"Oh, so you want to play like that?" Celestia cooed as she magically caressed Julius's body. "Maybe I should just milk those balls of yours for the rest of the day?" She teased as her magic enveloped his balls.

"But if you did that, you wouldn't get any work done," Julius moaned as he fell backward, only to get caught in Celestia's magic.

"Oh, I'd manage," Celestia winked as she stripped Julius. "Ah, that pure masculine musky scent. I swear, if you humans could smell it as easily as we can, you'd never get anything done. Thick and full," she commented as she lustfully licked his balls. "How you do anything else is a bit of a mystery. Not that I mind; lusty stallions like you were always a favorite of mine and my sister. Always so eager to please your mommies, aren't you?" She coyly asked as she laid him down on some soft blankets.

"As long as they're my sexy alicorns," Julius winked as Celestia softly laid down on top of him.

"If you think just sweet talking me will be enough, I'm sorry, but it'll take more than that. I'm the mother of all Equestria, you too," Celestia coyly moaned as she felt Julius's tongue flick against her pussy. "But please, do keep trying."

"Maybe I'll eat my way to your heart," Julius cooed between lavishing Celestia's pussy with licks and kisses.

"That's so corny," Celestia chuckled as she grabbed Julius's cock with her magic and slowly stroked it. "This pure virile scent, so invigorating. I always loved it. It just sets something off in a mare. I could bask in it for days," she contently sighed as she started to do the paperwork on her desk.

"Here are the papers for the mining expansion in the southern crystal mountain range," Raven Inkwell calmly said as she walked into Celestia's office. "Am I interrupting anything?" She asked as she entered the room.

"Not really, just indulging in an ancient custom. The stallionists don't like it, but none of them have ever been a part of it. Of those who have, none of them ever complained. You're welcome to join us," Celestia offered with a wink as Raven set the papers down on Celestia's desk.

"I'll admit, this scent is intoxicating, but I have my work to do," Raven sighed as Celestia muffled a moan.

"Oh, Raven, lighten up. Not only are we all caught up on the paperwork, but we're doing things that are required to be submitted for several months. It won't kill you to relax; I'm sure our friend here wouldn't mind," Celestia slyly smiled as Julius's cock twitched in her magical grasp. "That feels like an 'Oh please, join us, Raven' to me," she coyly teased as she softly stuck out her tongue.

"OK, who is this friend you're talking about?" Raven asked as Celestia motioned to walk around her. "I can't imagine who, it, would, would, uhhh," she stammered as she saw Julius lying under Celestia, eating her out while his cock lewdly twitched.

"Go ahead, Raven, he would mind, will you," Celestia coyly asked, as Julius slightly nodded his head in confirmation, his tongue dragging across her pussy while he did so.

"But, this is improper! Besides, I'm a proper, upstanding lady, doing such things, its, its," Raven stammered as she kept her eyes locked on Julius's cock.

"It's perfectly fine. This kind of thing could even be considered traditional. Shortly before you were born, the stallionists made such a fuss about this. Of course, the stallions actually involved didn't mind it, but no, what did they know? Of course, this still happens, just more behind closed doors. Honestly, I missed this. Come on, Raven, join us. We both know that you need it," Celestia moaned as she lightly ground against Julius's tongue.

"W-w-w-well," Raven stammered as she watched Julius's cock wildly twitch, rivulets of pre-cum dripping from the tip. "I, um, ahhh," she stammered and moaned as she tried to regain her senses. "No, I cannot; I must not! I'm a proper mare," she shakingly stated as she absentmindedly took a few steps towards the two.

"Just join us; you won't regret it," a muffled Julius moaned between licks and kisses.

"There, see, the stallion himself confirmed that he has no problem with it. Besides, I've seen his type many times in the past. This poor stallion is a breeder; won't you be a good mare and help him?" Celestia coyly teased as she moaned and as Julius lightly shook his hips.

"I, uhhh, well," Raven said with a blush. Taking a few more tentative steps forward, Raven stood between Julius's legs. Lightly reaching a hoof out, Raven lightly pressed the frog of her hoof against his cock. "It's hard and hot!" she exclaimed as she lightly rubbed his cock.

"That's right, you never really did anything with stallions, have you? Always too busy being the perfect secretary. It's OK to have a life outside work. If anything, I'd prefer you to have a few foals. House Inkwell has served the crown well; I really wouldn't want it to die out," Celestia lightly moaned as she flipped through the paperwork.

"It's hard and soft and slippery," Raven absentmindedly commented in a daze as she rubbed Julius's cock with her hoof. "And these, soft, yet strong," she hummed as she rubbed his balls with the frog of her other front hoof.

"Be careful with those; they're quite important," Celestia teased as she read through some papers.

"I'm aware!" Raven blushed as she continued to fondle Julius. "It's just that they feel so, so, different from anything that I've ever felt," she stammered as she lightly giggled. "It twitched against my hoof."

"Hmmm, might you be a hoof fetishist, one of those mares who likes a stallion's equipment under your hooves as you tease him?" Celestia teased between light, stifled moans.

"I'm, I'm not," Raven protested as she eagerly caressed Julius's manhood with her hooves.

"It's quite alright. I'm rather fond of it myself. Luna, on the other hoof, took more of a shine to stallions already in relationships. Be it in a herd or single; she liked it when the stallion had a significate other there too. What was it Luna was called, the cucktress of Canterlot, or something like that? Not that the thestrals minded. Most were more than eager to share their stallion with their goddess, even viewing it as a sacred duty," Celestia lightly moaned as she finalized and canceled some papers. "Well, not like I have much room there; some of the adherents to the solar temple had the same views for me," she hummed as Julius lightly teased her clit.

"Ahn!" Raven exclaimed as a thick torrent of cum blasted out from Julius's cock. The thick baby batter coated Raven's hooves and legs and hit Celestia's rear. "T-this is," she stammered as her face flushed red, "his, his," she continued to stammer as she licked a bit off of one of her hooves.

"Well, looks like somebody needed that," Celestia giggled as she felt Julius's cum splatter against her flanks. "What about you, Raven? Will you continue to tease the poor stallion with your hooves, or will you go further?" She teased as she wiggled her rump against Julius's face.

"I, ummm, I need some time to think," Raven said as she blushed a fierce red.

"Understandable," Celestia sighed as Raven slowly made her way out of the room. "Oh, if you could be a dear and come back with a warm towel or two, that'd be great," she smiled as Raven absentmindedly left the room.

Chapter 90

"Oh, you're still going at it," Raven Inkwell sighed as she walked into Celestia's office. "In regards to the mining expansion, there could be a problem. The owners of the mine might need to be investigated. While the corporation has been profitable, some of the employee complaints are concerning, and they're slightly higher than expected. I recommend sending agents of the crown to their mines to investigate," she said as she held herself together.

"This had to come up now, hasn't it," Celestia sighed with some annoyance. "Well, I've already finished the paperwork for the day, and it wouldn't change anything if I waited until tomorrow. So, put together several teams of qualified professionals to inspect the mining sites and interview the employees. After the teams have been put together, bring them to me for inspection and for me to finalize the inspection," she told Raven as Julius worked his way out from under Celestia.

"Wait a moment. You don't think that'll work, do you?" Julius asked in mild shock. "I know how this song and dance goes; it happens far too often in my world. They'll cover up the problems, pay off the employees, and if it's too bad to cover, they'll find a fall guy to take the fall, probably by offering them a generous retirement package," he told the two mares.

"Yes, I am aware of that being a possibility. During the official inspections, everything is fine, but those are known in advance. This shall be a surprise inspection on all the sites simultaneously," Celestia calmly stated.

"Oh good, you planned for that," Julius sighed. "What about their punishment?"

"Usually, it's just a fine," Celestia started to say.

"NO, JUST NO!" Julius loudly exclaimed. "You can not, I repeat, CAN NOT, just fine these corrupt bastards! They have the money to pay the fine! You have to go harder; you have to make an example of them!" Julius strongly insisted.

"Well, this certainly isn't a response I was expecting," Celestia chuckled.

"Indeed. It is quite odd for a stallion to insist on such matters so strongly. I'm guessing it's a cultural thing," Raven added.

"From what I know of his kind, I'd have to agree," Celestia nodded. "Tell me, what did you have in mind?"

"If any of the mining sites have any severe violations, don't just fine them; nationalize the site. If at least thirty percent of the sites have severe violations, then nationalize all the sites, then put the owner, the board, and whoever is in charge on trial for crimes due to their endangerment of pony life, and give them life sentences with full asset forfeiture," Julius firmly stated as he stamped a foot hard on the ground.

"That's far more extreme than I was expecting! Does the crown even have the legal authority to do that?" Raven asked in shock.

"Yes, I have had to seize a few corporations in the past, although that hasn't happened in over six hundred years. In every instance, the corporation in question was auctioned off, though. Keeping the mines under crown authority would serve Equestria well, but it would add to the burden of the crown. Perhaps something could be done if suitable creatures were found to run the mining sites. But until then, I'm not sure. Your suggestion, while extreme, does have some merit. I'm guessing this sort of thing has happened in your world and that you've heard of it," Celestia commented.

"Yes, far too often. Large companies get away with breaking the law so often it's downright infuriating. Oh, sure, they get fined, but who cares when the fine is just a fraction of a day's profits? And sure, if things get really bad, then people might get fired. But I guarantee you, those fired were fall guys, given a generous severance package for taking the fall. In my world, I couldn't do anything about it; but here, with the ears of the rulers, I can. Don't make those mistakes; don't let the thieves, the exploiters, the corrupted, the criminals among us walk freely, doing as they wish. Make them pay, make an example of them," Julius firmly stated.

"While such aggressive actions are uncomfortable," Raven slowly said, "there is some merit to doing them. It has been quite a while since the crown has exhibited its power, and some of the lower-class citizens have begun to question the crown's power and authority. The near rebellion in Severnaya under Steel Stallion is proof enough of that."

"Agreed. While extreme, that is a good point, one that I've been considering for some time. I have an idea of some creatures that might be well suited to run the sites, but I don't have good relations with them. I suspect that Luna might be able to pitch the idea to them," Celestia responded.

"What are those creatures?" Julius asked as Celestia slightly closed her eyes at him. "Oh, oh, yeah, yeah, Luna probably could talk them into it," he slowly said as he facepalmed.

"I'm guessing you mean the thestrals," Raven calmly said. "Are you sure that your sister could talk them into it? With all due respect, the thestrals have always shown contempt for the crown."

"True; however, my sister has always been extremely highly regarded by the thestrals. Many of them still worship her as their goddess. If she goes to them with this idea, they might just accept it; the intelligent among them should see this for what it really is, a peace offering. I suspect their leadership already knows this and would welcome an excuse to become closer to Equestria," Celestia told Raven.

"That's some confidence; why are you so sure?" Julius asked.

"I have my sources. While Equestrian Secret Services may not be as good as the thestral's, the head of the ESS is probably the finest agent I've ever seen. Why they even have the 'specially chosen' fooled," Celestia confidently stated.

"Who is the head? Do I know them?" Julius quickly asked.

"That information is confidential. The only creature in all of Equestria who knows the head of ESS, other than them, is me. I'll tell Luna in time, but I want to see if she'll figure it out on her own. Honestly, I think she'd appreciate it; after all, it is based on one of her ideas," Celestia responded.

"I can confirm that it's confidential. Not even I know who the head is, or even if there's only one. I have a few guesses, but that's all they are, guesses," Raven confirmed. "As for these 'specially chosen' ones, I have no idea who they might be. If I had to guess, I would suspect they're a group of thestrals selected for special training."

"Well, I guess that's technically accurate," Julius absentmindedly said.

"Wait, you know who they are? Who are they?" Raven asked.

"If Celestia is being secretive about them, then she has her reasons. Besides, I don't think they'd like me to talk about them. Though, I guess it's fine if I say that they're not a threat unless you give them a reason," Julius said with a shrug. "I mean, I wouldn't want to fight them again seriously."

"Wait, you fought them; why?" Celestia asked in bewilderment.

"It was to test me. In all fairness, I chose that test with a surprise attack; it was a hundred percent on me. If I'm being honest, I didn't stand a chance, but I still took a shot," Julius proudly stated as he puffed out his chest.

"Foolishness is not something to be proud of," Celestia sighed. "Which one did you fight?"

"Aloysia," Julius said as Celestia groaned and rubbed her eyes.

"You are so lucky she wasn't serious. So very, unbelievably lucky. She's roughly as dangerous as Luna or me. If it were a real fight, you'd have lost in under a minute, no question," Celestia sighed. "You know, at times, you show great intelligence and wisdom, then you go and do things like that, and I question how you survive."

"Well, as long as she wouldn't kick me while saying 'know your place,' it wouldn't be groan-inducing. As for the whole survival thing, well, I'm the most level-headed of my siblings, and I'm far more composed than my grandfather. I swear I've seen that man pick a fight with his reflection; in his defense, he won," Julius chuckled.

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Celestia sighed. "Can we just get on with the day? I already have enough to think about."

"Yeah, sure, I wouldn't mind walking around a bit," Julius said as he nodded.

"Great, let's leave," Celestia said as Julius got dressed.

"In one moment," Raven responded as she ensured all the papers were filed. "Alright, coming," she said as she walked out the door with the other two. Locking the door behind them, Celestia started walking down the hall until the three spotted an out-of-place pony.

"Isn't that the pony that's always with Lyra?" Julius asked.

"Bon Bon, yes. I wonder why she's here. Something must have happened," Celestia guessed as she hummed and eyed the mare.

"Well, let's go ask," Julius said with a shrug as he walked up to the mare. "Bon Bon, is it? Can't say I was expecting to see you here; what's up?"

"Yes, it's not often I go to the castle," Bon Bon said as she spotted Celestia. "Your highness," she said with a quick bow. "Forgive my abruptness, but I have to borrow Julius for a little bit."

"OK, I know where this is going. The castle has many bedrooms," Julius said as he started to stretch.

"Does everything have to be about sex with you?" Bon Bon jokingly asked.

"Not everything, just things that matter," Julius joked back.

"Don't worry; I won't be long with him, I think. It's just something is going on," Bon Bon sighed as she shook her head.

"Guess I'll go with Candy for a bit, see what's up, see you in a bit," Julius chuckled as he followed Bon Bon.

"I'm guessing it's something to do with Lyra," Celestia said as Raven looked at her.

"Do you think he knows?" Raven asked.

"What about Bon Bon's job? I doubt it," Celestia chuckled. "She's a professional, after all."

"So, Bon Bon, what's up?" Julius asked as Bon Bon led him into a private room.

"It's about Lyra," Bon Bon said as she collected herself. "Ever since she's been with you, she's been different. Lyra's always been a bit different. She's always been interested in non-pony beings and always had these odd thoughts and ideas. Honestly, she's always sounded a bit odd and out there, but she insists that they would work. She speaks with such confidence despite having no evidence that any of her ideas would work that I want to believe her, even though I know better. Why this one idea she had involved building a giant metal tube and filling it with liquid gas or something and using it to fly to the moon," she laughed as Julius looked surprised at her. "I know, crazy, right?"

"No, that would work. It's a bit too simplistic, but it would work. And I bet Equestria has the tech to pull it off, too," Julius confidently said.

"Really? You believe that? Why?" Bon Bon nearly spat out in surprise.

"Because in my world, we literally did it. It coined one of the most famous phrases, 'That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.' Though how Lyra came up with this, I have no idea," Julius said with a shrug.

"The fact that your kind even tried such a thing is insane," Bon Bon sighed. "I have no idea how she came up with such an idea, but what I do know, after your session, she's been, well, melancholic. Constantly looking off into the distance, sighing, and just being despondent. I asked her about it, and all she said was, 'Distant memories of a different life that I wish I could forget.' then she would sigh. Since this started after she saw you, I thought that maybe you could do something about it."

"A bit of a leap, but why not? I'll see what I can do. Is Lyra here or in Ponyville?" Julius asked.

"She's here; she's staying at Minuette's house," Bon Bon told Julius. "Do you want time to get ready?"

"Nah, I'm ready now," Julius said with a confident nod.

"Alright, follow me," Bon Bon said as she led Julius out of the room.

Chapter 91

Author's Note

This is your fair warning, this chapter deals in something real, and dark (in the it's dark to contrast hope kind of way). If you continue reading, well, it's on you, don't say I didn't warn you. With the new red tag, I'm sure you can guess why. If you want to skip this chapter, that's OK.

Chapter 91

"What are these soldiers doing?" Bon Bon asked as several armored mares blocked her and Julius's way out of the castle.

"Orders. Julius and Zecora are not to leave the castle unless they're under armored guard. If Julius wishes to leave the castle, we must accompany him," one of the guards said as nine other soldiers surrounded the two. "We must ask you, where are you going, and why are you going there?"

"I'm going to some mare's house, Minuette's house. I'm going there because Lyra is there and having some kind of trouble. Bon Bon thinks I might be able to help," Julius told the soldiers, who all shared a look.

"Going off to some random mare's house, not exactly safe for a stallion. Still, we'll be with you; it should be safe enough. If trouble comes up, the ten of us should be able to deal with it and escort you to safety," one of the guardmares commented as the rest took up guard detail. "We're ready to leave now if you are."

"I have no problem leaving now if you're ready," Julius said as he looked at Bon Bon.

"Yeah, I'm ready," Bon Bon said with a smile. "Don't worry; the guards don't bother me; they're just doing their job; they got their orders. I meet plenty like them in my line of work."

"You meet a lot of creatures like that in your work? That's surprising; I thought that you ran a candy shop," Julius said as the guards led the two out of the castle.

"Yeah, but due to how close to Canterlot Ponyville is, many soldiers stop by when they're headed out. Most of the shop owners have more experience with soldiers, guards, royal officials, and whatnot than most other places. Sure some military towns might be more familiar with soldiers and border towns with guards, but we have the most experience with all forms of officials. I've seen more than a few soldiers pass through my shop and more officials. Eventually, you get used to it," Bon Bon told Julius in between giving directions to the guards.

"Yeah, that makes sense. I'm pretty sure university, and college towns get the same thing. Frankly, good for them. I swear if I had to put up with Karens asking for some ridiculous order that's literally impossible to do while insulting everybody; or some wannabe Chad wanting extra protein powder in his coffee while calling everyone else a bunch of soyboys cucks, I'd lose my mind. Oh God, I feel stupider just saying that. Ow, my brain," Julius said as he rubbed his temples.

"Oh, you have those kinds of customers too. We get them from time to time; they're always difficult to deal with; I think the worst we get on a somewhat regular basis is Spoiled Rich. Funnily enough, Filthy Rich is pretty good," Bon Bon chuckled as they walked through the streets.

"Yeah, he seems pretty good, which, considering his name, is really surprising," Julius commented as the group made their way to Minuette's house.

"You're not the first to think that. I think in a very distant second would be Aloe, Lotus, and Bulk Biceps. They aren't bad, just a bit demanding. Though, to be fair, we pay it back to them when we go to the Day Spa," Bon Bon chuckled. "A bit of professional joking," she giggled as a slightly odd-looking house came into view.

"I can't tell if that house wants to be European or Arabic," Julius chuckled as he spotted a house with what seemed to be an exaggerated hat for a roof.

"Oh, that's Minuette's house," Bon Bon said as Julius looked at her. "I've no idea what European or Arabic is, but that style is common a bit further north. I think it's to help with keeping snow away from their doors and windows," she said as the ground walked up to the door.

"Makes sense; still, it'll take me a moment to get used to the look. I don't hate it; honestly, I kinda like it, but it's a bit in the cultural uncanny valley," Julius said with a shudder as Bon Bon knocked on the door.

"Lyra, are you in?" Bon Bon asked as she knocked.

"Yeah, I am. Minuette is at work right now, give me a moment," Lyra responded as she walked over to the door. Unlocking the door, she opened it to be greeted by two guardmares. "Ummm, why are there guards here?"

"Standard protection detail. We need to do a sweep of the premises to ensure that they're safe. Just let two of us in, and we should be done with the sweep in a few minutes," one of the guards told Lyra.

"OK," Lyra slowly said as she stepped outside, and two unicorn guardmares stepped in. "Bon Bon, what's this about?"

"Oh, they're here because of me," Julius jumped in. "Celestia ordered that Zecora and I were to be guarded at all times if we were to leave the castle. So, don't mind them; they're just doing their job."

"Oh! Oh," Lyra exclaimed as she slightly shied away.

"I brought him to see if he could help you with whatever you're feeling right now," Bon Bon told Lyra. "Since this started shortly after you two met, I'm guessing that he's somehow involved."

"I suppose that's technically correct," Lyra hummed. "But how did you find him?"

"I ran into him at the castle," Bon Bon responded. "I know, I know, it seems odd that I was at the castle. But I owed a favor to a few of the chefs, so I went to help with some cooking."

"Yeah, I think I remember you saying something about helping at the castle. Sorry, Bon Bon, my head's not in a good place right now. Old memories of another time," Lyra sighed as Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

"Again, with that, Lyra? I know you've had episodes in the past, but it's been worse these past few days. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Trust me, I've seen some pretty odd things before," Bon Bon told Lyra.

"Yeah, you'd think, but this, this is different. Somehow Doctor Whooves understood it and explained some of it, well, the time part of it. He said that time is not like a fabric, but it's more like a rug, then he said not to worry about it," Lyra dryly laughed.

"I know he's a doctor, but I don't really trust Whooves. I mean, I've looked into it, and I've never found where he's gotten his degree. He seems nice enough, but he's more than a little weird and a bit suspicious," Bon Bon told Lyra.

"Don't worry about it, Bon Bon, Doctor Whooves seems to be your standard Time Lord," Julius told Bon Bon.

"Yeah, he mostly seems to be on David Tennant's time," Lyra added, making Julius look at her.

"How, how do you know that?" Julius nearly spat out.

"Oh, well, I'll tell you in private," Lyra said as she avoided Julius's gaze.

"All clear," one of the guardmares said as the two exited the house. "You're clear to go in," the other guardmare said as the group entered Minuette's house.

"Julius, follow me," Lyra said as she ushered him towards the stairs. "We need to talk alone."

"Don't worry; I can handle myself. Worst to worst, I think I can deal with one lone unicorn," Julius smiled and nodded at the guards.

"Even so, we'll be waiting close by. Just outside earshot if you're just talking, but we'll easily hear you if you shout. No matter how confident you feel, if multiple creatures enter the room, or if you're in trouble, shout immediately, understood!" The lead guard ordered.

"Yeah, yeah, though, I'm pretty sure nothing like that will happen," Julius sighed as he followed Lyra. Following the mare upstairs and into a bedroom, he collected himself. "Alright, so what is this about?"

"It's just," Lyra began as she locked the door and collected her thoughts, "it's just how did you do it? You know, keep your human form after you killed yourself?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Julius loudly exclaimed.

"Is everything fine in there?" One of the guards shouted at the room.

"Ummm, maybe. Honestly, I don't know. If one of you could make me a really strong drink, like a Cuba Libra minus the coke," Julius requested as he mentally recovered.

"No idea what that is, but one of us can go out and get you a strong drink," the guard responded.

"Good, thank you," Julius said as he rubbed his ears. "Now, Lyra, I need you to repeat what you just said. I think I had something insane in my ears."

"You didn't," Lyra assured Julius. "How did you keep your human form when you killed yourself?" She repeated.

"OK, I have just two questions. First, what! Second, the fuck!" Julius exclaimed as he sat down.

"You, you really have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?" Lyra asked as Julius shook his head. "Then how did you get to this world?"

"Magical amulet from this world," Julius flatly said.

"Ah, lucky you," Lyra solemnly said. "I, well, you can guess."

"Yeah, I can. And seeing a human is reminding you of your old life?" Julius guessed.

"Yes, it is," Lyra somewhat sadly said.

"Don't suppose you'd mind telling me about it? Talking might help," Julius suggested.

"Well, I only started to remember things clearly when I was about twelve. Before then, I just had some vague dreams, but when I turned twelve, the memories began to come back. My early memories were nice, but my middle school memories, well," Lyra trailed off.

"Yeah, I feel you. In my middle school, a girl also ended her life, overdosing on painkillers if I remember. The school held a memorial for her. I prayed for her for what it's worth," Julius told Lyra.

"That was nice," Lyra softly smiled, "and a bit painful. I went the same way. The bullying just became too much after a while."

"I see; I'm sorry. Do you have any regrets about it?" Julius asked.

"Yes, a few. I wanted to be a musician, which, to be fair, I am now. Then, there was this boy from school. I never really got to know him, but we had a few classes together. About half of the girls were afraid of him because of all the fights he got into; the other liked him because he was handsome. From the classes we had, he seemed nice, but we never talked. I asked one of the boys that were around him about him before. Jan said that 'his parents always keep him and his siblings busy. Honestly, they have almost no free time.'" Lyra admitted.

"Hah, funny that. In school, I hung around two guys, Jan and Wolfgang, though most called Wolfgang by his middle name, Leon," Julius laughed as Lyra eyed Julius.

"Your middle school, what was it? And when did you go?" Lyra asked.

"Highland Park, and my last year there was two thousand seven. Why do you ask?" Julius asked as Lyra tried to say something. "Wait, no. You're lying."

"Lyra Monroe," they both said as they backed away slightly from each other.

"Is everything OK in there?" One of the guards asked after a seemingly dense air of silence came over the house.

"No, I need an adult," Julius flatly responded.

"You are an adult," Bon Bon shouted back.

"Not in this situation. Not when I'm on this kind of feelstrip," Julius responded shakingly.

"What about Lyra? How's she?" Bon Bon asked.

"She's more in shock than me," Julius said.

"I'll be fine," Lyra said as she collected herself. "I've had a lot of time to come to terms with this. Still, I didn't think we'd ever meet, at least like this."

"Tell me about it. Though, shouldn't you be a lot younger?" Julius asked.

"Yeah, you'd think, but we all get sent to different times. That's what I asked Doctor Whooves about, and what he explained as a rug," Lyra laughed. "You could just imagine my surprise when I met Robin Williams."

"Wait, Robin Williams is here? Like, 'You'll never have a friend like me' Robin Williams?" Julius asked in surprise.

"Yes, he's a comedian. We're pen pals," Lyra smiled at Julius.

"I must meet him," Julius firmly stated.

"I'll mention that a friend wants to meet him in the next letter I send him," Lyra smiled. "But, what about Bon Bon? Like, what should I do about her?"

"That's your decision. Though, if you tell her the truth, I'll be right there with you if you want," Julius offered.

"Maybe after a drink or two," Lyra chuckled. "Do you think that guard is back with your drink?"

"No idea, let's find out," Julius said as he led Lyra out of the room.

Chapter 92

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 93

"Not gonna lie, I'm surprised that Canterlot has a colosseum. Honestly, I'm surprised anywhere in this world has one," Julius commented as he read over a flier advertising the event.

"Yeah, I know, right," Lyra agreed as the group walked through the streets of Canterlot. "I think there's a history behind it, but I have no idea what it is. Do any of you know?" She asked as she looked at the group, who all shook their heads.

"Maybe I'll look into it at some point. Or I'll just be lazy and ask Twilight; I bet she knows," Julius laughed as he joked with Lyra.

"Bet I know what?" Twilight asked as she, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity walked by them.

"Oh, nice timing. The history behind the colosseum. For the life of me, I can't imagine what it would be. Well, I can, but it's a bit counter to Equestria's history," Julius nervously laughed.

"The first colosseum was a joint project between Canterlot and Cloudsdale shortly after the autonomous Grand Duchy of Cloudsdale was absorbed into Equestria. As a sign of the two cultures becoming one, the Canterlotian amphitheater and the Cloudsdillian arena were merged into one building. Due to the effort, and the representation of it, the building was named the colosseum. There's one in every major Equestrian city. The one in Canterlot was the first one built; its official name is The Grand Colosseum of the Royal Sisters in the Name of Unity. But that's a mouthful; so many just call it the colosseum, or The Sister's Arena/Theater, depending on what's happening there," Twilight explained.

"Ah, OK, yeah, that makes sense," Julius and Lyra both said with a nod. "What are you two doing here anyways?" Julius asked as two of the soldiers scanned the mares.

"Rarity and I were talking, and we realized that we don't have much in common," Rainbow Dash said as she ruffled her wings after being scanned.

"Quite," Rarity calmly said as she walked past the soldiers. "Twilight thinks that she found something that we both would like. Honestly, I am somewhat curious as to what it could be."

"It's a new kind of show being held at the colosseum," Twilight said as she pulled out a pamphlet from her fur. "It looks like it fuses elements of traditional theater with physical activities to create a new yet familiar form of entertainment. It seems like it's becoming popular among the griffons, the minotaurs, and some ponies. I figure if anything will bring these two together, this would be it!" She happily exclaimed as Julius read the pamphlet.

"Huh, Equestrian Championship Wildcard," Julius chuckled as he rubbed his temples. "There's even a card," he hummed as he read through the card. "Really? Really? I mean, really?" He sighed heavily. "Well, Lyra, good news, also sad news, also exciting news, there's a pony in the show just like you, Eddie 'The Warrior' Agave. I mean, really, is he even trying? Well, now we absolutely have to go."

"Ummm, do you somehow know this, Eddie?" Rarity asked as the group walked to the colosseum.

"No, and yes, well, if I'm right, which I'm like, pretty sure that I'm right," Julius said as the ponies looked oddly at him. "Even you, Lyra? Come on, you should know!" He exclaimed as she just looked at him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Lyra flatly stated.

"Come on, lie cheat steal!" Julius exclaimed as the ponies looked even odder at him. "How don't you know what that means, Lyra? How? What were you doing in school? Even I knew what that meant, and I swear I had negative free time!"

"Well, to be honest, mostly band, homework, and dealing with things," Lyra somewhat shyly replied.

"Right, yeah, that's my bad," Julius said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "No matter if I'm right, and I am, then you'll get to see one of the most creative minds at work. I wonder what he has in mind for the show?" He happily said as the group made their way to the train station. "Wait, I think we're lost; that's the train station."

"No, we're not lost," Twilight calmly said. "We're just taking the local line to the other side of the mountain. If we just walked, it would take all day, on the local line, maybe thirty or so minutes. We're between breakfast and lunch, so it shouldn't be too bad."

"Why aren't all those things on the castle side of the mountain?" Julius asked as everyone bought their tickets and boarded the train.

"It was decided early on in the city's development that the commercial and academic buildings would be on the castle side, along with the grand temple. It was seen as being more important for the crown to have direct oversight over those institutions than entertainment. Besides, the princesses could easily fly over to the other side; it'd only take them maybe a minute if they were taking their time," Twilight explained as the train started to move.

"Of course, it must be nice having wings," Julius sighed.

"It is," Rainbow Dash happily said. "But you have hands; they're almost as good," she chuckled.

"Oh, thank you, I feel so much better now," Julius sarcastically said as he rolled his eyes.

"It's good that Rainbow Dash made you feel better," Twilight happily said as Julius and Rainbow Dash looked at her.

"I can't tell if she's serious, and that's concerning," Julius, Rainbow Dash, and Lyra each said simultaneously. "Would a sarcasm detector help you?" Julius and Lyra both asked.

"You two have a sarcasm detector?" Twilight genuinely asked.

"Oh, Twilight, never change," Julius chuckled as he hugged her.

"Is that a no on the sarcasm detector?" Twilight asked as she hugged him back and lightly tilted her head.

"Yes, that's a no on the sarcasm detector. No such thing exists," Julius flatly said.

"Really? Great!" Twilight happily exclaimed. "I'm going to invent one!" She giddily exclaimed as the train moved along.

"Is that even possible?" Julius asked as he scratched his head.

"Well, the emoticrys reacts to the holder's emotions, so with some magical tuning, it should be able to detect when somecreature is being sarcastic. Though, I wonder what color the crystal should change to, maybe brown," Twilight hummed in thought.

"Yeah, I'm out of my depth here, so, ummm, words, just words, words exist, let's use words," Julius slightly stammered as he sat down. "So, any idea which seats we'll get?"

"It depends on how many bits we're willing to spend. Box seats are invitation only, so probably not those, but if we're willing to spend a few bits, we could probably get front-row seats," Lyra said.

"Really? Front-row? Wouldn't they be long sold out by now?" Julius asked in surprise.

"You'd think, but no," Rarity chimed in. "Canterlot is a city very set in its ways. Something new like this wouldn't catch on very well here. While I'm sure that some ponies will buy tickets, they won't be sold out, and there won't be enough buying front-row seats for it to be a problem. Still, it's Canterlot; it's going to be expensive. Considering the location, the scale, and the expected numbers, I would guess that front-row seats would be between one thousand and one thousand five hundred bits, give or take a few. Then there would be concessions; I would imagine those would add another fifty to a hundred bits," she hummed as she did some mental calculations.

"Not a problem for us," the guard captain stated. "This would be considered a work-related expense, so it would be a write-off, though any concessions wouldn't be considered as such."

"So that just leaves us," Julius hummed. "I don't suppose any of you have bits to spare," Julius half-heartedly joked.

"Yeah, I can spare that," Twilight flatly said. "I already planned to, so I took the bits with me. Plus, some extra in case we ran into some creatures that wanted to come with us. If we found no other creatures that wanted to come with us, maybe donate some of the bits or something like that. I haven't really decided yet," she nonchalantly said.

"You know, back at home, the kids always said I was rich because we had nice things, never knowing that my parents worked their lives off. And even then, we weren't rich; they only had enough to put us through school and live reasonably. Then you come along just able to drop five grand like nothing; that's real money," Julius lightly chuckled.

"Well, it's not quite nothing to me. I have a maximum monthly allowance of ten thousand bits from my parent's estate; furthermore, the crown covers any expense related to my work, studies, etcetera, up to a further ten thousand. So this is about half my monthly budget," Twilight said as everycreature stared at her. "What?"

"I swear, Twilight, if I had the ability, I'd have you tested for Asperger's," Julius said as he shook his head. "Twilight, don't mention how many bits you can spend in public. I guarantee you, you are by far the richest creature on this train."

"What's Asperger's, and why shouldn't I?" Twilight asked.

"Asperger's is on the autism spectrum. The short of it, it's a mental disorder that makes you really smart but really socially awkward. To be fair, I was tested, and I was close. I had to work extremely hard on it. And you don't talk about your money because you have extremely more than the greater majority of creatures, and talking about it will make them really angry and jealous," Julius explained.

"OK, but why? Money is just money," Twilight asked as she lightly tilted her head.

"Twilight," Rainbow Dash slowly said, "I'm going to take you out camping sometime. And I mean real camping. And we aren't going for a day or two, oh no, we're going for at least a month. And for that whole time, we'll only have, at most, a thousand bits."

"Isn't that a bit extreme? Even in the most rural places ponies don't live like that, especially on such a small budget," Twilight insisted.

"No, Twilight, there are ponies who live like that," Rainbow Dash sighed. "I have a cabin in the Verdant Weald; we'll stay there."

"How can you afford a cabin in the Verdant Weald? And don't you normally sleep on clouds?" Twilight asked as she took a few steps toward Rainbow Dash.

"I can afford it with my money," Rainbow Dash brushed off. "And yeah, I usually do sleep on clouds, but it can be annoying when camping. All the bugs and everything," she said with a shiver.

"Very good answer Dash," Julius said with a nod. "If someone asks you about money, Twilight, and you're drawing a blank, just respond with that answer."

"But Rainbow Dash works in Ponyville weather patrol; they pay well, but not that well, nowhere near that well. It doesn't make any sense," Twilight insisted.

"Twilight, follow me," Rainbow Dash sighed as she led Twilight away with a wing.

"WHAT?" Twilight loudly exclaimed as Rainbow Dash whispered something in her ear.

"Keep it quiet, Twi; others don't need to know," Rainbow Dash told Twilight as the two returned to the group.

"But that's really big!" Twilight exclaimed.

"I know, I know, but if other creatures find out, well, Fluttershy made that mistake before with her family. That's how we first met, she let news of her family's wealth slip, and I protected her from the fallout. One of the rare times letting your wealth slip didn't completely destroy everything," Rainbow Dash said as the others looked at the two. "Just talking about my parents and what they did and do," she said with a smile.

"Fair enough. I suppose I'll have to meet them at some point. What are they like?" Julius asked as Rainbow Dash's eyes shot open.

"NO!" Rainbow Dash loudly exclaimed. "Let's not rush to meet them; that can wait. That can wait for a long time, a very long time," she said with a fierce blush.

"Now that you mention it, I don't think any of us ever met your parents. Fluttershy has, but she's always been extremely tight-lipped about them," Rarity commented.

"Oh, I think I know what it is!" Julius happily exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together. "Her parents show off her baby pictures!"

"I wish it was just that," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Look, my parents are really supportive and all, but they're a bit too supportive, OK."

"Oh, I got cha'," Julius said. "There was a girl in high school who had parents who were the exact same way. They were nice, but good lord, when it came to their daughter, they went way too far in their support. So far that they got banned from a few events. Poor girl got bullied for it."

"Honestly, I wish my parents could get banned from places sometimes. I don't mind being supported, but when you bring a cannon and fireworks with you," Rainbow Dash trailed off.

"Sweet Celestia! That is going multiple steps too far! Have you talked to them, darling?" Rarity asked.

"I tried many, many, many times. Every time I do, they call me a 'modest pony,'" Rainbow Dash said as everyone laughed.

"Rainbow Dash, you're about as modest as me. The only difference is I have a bit more self-control over it," Julius laughed.

"Yeah, I noticed," Rainbow Dash sighed as she rolled her eyes. "Can we please just focus on the trip and what we'll be doing?" She huffed.

"Fine, fine, I won't tease you about it," Julius said with a wry smile.

"But I will!" Rarity sang as she got close to Rainbow Dash. "So, Dashy," she started to say.

"NOOOO!" Rainbow Dash yelled as the train moved on.

Chapter 94

"Not quite what I expected when I heard of a colosseum," Julius said as he got off the train and looked up at the grand building, "but it still works."

"What were you expecting?" Rainbow Dash asked as the ponies stepped off the train and started to walk towards the colosseum.

"Well, in my world, we have an ancient building called The Colosseum. It's a giant stone building with a lot of stone archways. I was expecting something like that, but this is more like a modern stadium from my world. I'm not complaining or anything; if anything, I think I'd prefer it over an old stone building. It's just unexpected," Julius explained as the group walked down the roads. "I'm guessing it's, what, about a tenish minute walk from the station to the colosseum?"

"Give or take," Twilight shrugged. "The station was built far enough away so that the sounds from the trains and the station wouldn't interfere with the enjoyment of the stadium while being close enough to be convenient."

"Sounds about right," Julius responded as he looked around. "I know we're still close to the station, but this looks like a pretty upscale neighborhood," he commented as he looked over a few buildings.

"Most of the upscale neighborhoods are built close to the temple district, the market district, or the entertainment district. There's also Canterlot Heights, but that's almost exclusively reserved for the highest of the upper class. Even the cheapest homes there cost several hundred million bits," Twilight explained. "Most ponies who live there live on old family estates, dating back to the founding of Canterlot. Almost all of them are a part of the original nobles who settled here."

"If any Equestrian city would have gated communities, it makes sense that it would be Canterlot," Julius sighed. "How much do you want to bet some dark secrets are in those estates? You don't stay in power that long without some shady dealings."

"Uhhh, Celestia," Twilight swiftly said.

"I stand by my statement," Julius confidently stated. "She probably knows far more about the devious game of politics than any living mortal being. Honestly, a part of me wants to ask Discord to get The Prince and give it to her to read. I wonder how much of it she could relate to?"

"Who's The Prince?" Twilight asked.

"Not a who, a what," Julius responded. "The Prince is a book written by Niccolo Machiavelli several hundred years ago. It's basically his thoughts on how a prince should rule. The book can be summarized by the phrase 'The end justifies the means'. As well as the often misquoted 'it's better to be feared than to be loved.' The actual quote is closer to this 'One should try to be both feared and loved, but if one must choose between the two, it's better to be feared than loved.'"

"Why would a ruler want to be feared instead of loved?" Twilight asked in bewilderment.

"Equestria has been pretty safe and secure for so long it's forgotten," Julius mirthlessly chuckled. "While being feared can set up walls, it also keeps threats and dangers to the country in line. While completely eliminating crime is impossible, lowering it to nearly nothing is possible. If the penalties for crime are too light, they won't really act as a deterrent. Lightwise, if the penalties are too extreme, they'll only serve to foment rebellion against a perceived tyrant. A leader who appears to be too loving puts their people at risk; hostile nations can manipulate them just by kidnapping a few citizens. A leader who's only feared will find it nearly impossible to get international allies, and those that they get will be, at best, fair-weather friends. A balance should be struck," Julius commented as they approached.

"To come up with such thinking. Don't take this the wrong way, but your world sounds pretty harsh," Twilight commented.

"Believe me, I'm very aware. After all, I lived there," Julius commented as the group lined up to enter the colosseum.

"Wait here; I'll go ahead and speak to the security," the lead guardmare told the group as she walked up to the security mare. After a few minutes, the guardmare walked back. "Alright, we'll be going to the royal booth. We'll still have to pay for tickets, but the seating is better."

"How did you get them to give us the royal booth?" Rarity asked in surprise. "That's only for the princesses and their entourage."

"Normally, yes," the guardmare agreed. "However, there are two things at play here. First, while not married, Julius is in a relationship with one of the princesses. As it's going well, he'll likely become a prince consort at some point. Second, I was given a royal seal when I was appointed as the lead guard to his detail. I cannot abuse it, but in situations like this, I can use it," she explained.

"So, you just told them who I was, showed them the seal, and they believed you?" Julius asked.

"You're in a relationship with one of the princesses; that's news in Canterlot," the guardmare explained. "Furthermore, you're a large, furless, bipedal creature with predatory eyes and lots of clothes. Oh yeah, you look like so many other creatures around here," she sarcastically said as multiple earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns passed them.

"Right, yeah, of course, my bad," Julius somewhat sheepishly said as a few ponies looked at him.

"A rather casual attitude considering whom you're guarding," Rarity commented as the group got their tickets.

"Agreed," Twilight said as the group walked up to the royal booth. "Most nobles would be quite angry at that."

"I'm very aware," the lead guardmare said. "But, when assigned to guard a specific being, you're given details about that being. One of those details is a psychological evaluation. Julius's psychological evaluation suggested that he'd be okay with at least some informality. All those assigned to the guard detail are given the details and required to read through them. Both to familiarise yourself with your charge and to better guard them." She explained as the group walked up many stairs.

"Makes sense, but when did they get a psychological eval on me? I don't ever remember them asking me any questions or anything," Julius asked as he scratched the back of his head.

"No idea, beyond my pay grade, I'm not paid to ask questions; I'm paid to follow orders," the lead guardmare flatly said. "If I had to guess, you were being observed from the moment you entered Canterlot, and it was put together from that. What I can tell you is after I got assigned to this detail, a dossier was waiting for me on my desk, and it was about you. It was oddly detailed. Honestly, I'm curious about how they got so much information. I want to say that they got really accurate with their guesses and estimations, but the details about Ponyville baffle me a bit."

"Ponyville, but didn't you say," Julius started to say as he trailed off, "oh. I think I might have an idea. Do you remember a seal on the dossier?" He asked as the group kept on climbing the stairs.

"It was the standard royal seal. Wings and a horn bordered by a laurel reef stamped on red wax. Why do you ask?" The lead guardmare told Julius.

"Just something I was thinking. If it's a standard royal seal, well, it could be what I'm thinking, or it could have just been delivered by an official while you were in a meeting or something," Julius told her as the group reached a rather ornate door. "Don't worry about it; it's probably nothing," he told her as she shrugged. Twilight used her magic to open the door as the group approached it. The door opened to a large, ornately decorated room with amble incidentals.

"Don't worry, everything here is free," the lead guardmare told the group. "Well, not exactly free; it's stocked at the expense of the royal purse. So enjoy yourselves," she told them as two of the guards took up positions by the door.

"Great," Julius said as he took a handful of cashews. "Salted, nice," he commented, eating them and looking out on the arena. Many stage hooves and claws were finishing setting up the arena. "A bit early, but not too early. Considering this won't be televised or anything, I doubt there'll be anything like a pre-show," he commented as he watched the helpers finish setting things up.

"No idea what this 'televised' is, but it might be captured on film," Twilight told Julius.

"Wait, movies exist here? Why didn't any of you tell me?" Julius asked in mild shock.

"You never asked. Besides, most movies are only a few minutes long and used for informational purposes," Twilight told Julius. "Most movies are pretty grainy and low quality; maybe in fifty or so years, movies will have significantly better quality," she offers before enjoying a few snacks.

"I seriously want to have a word with whoever made this world's tech tree," Julius sighed with a joke. "It shouldn't take fifty years. In my world, from the first silent film to the first films of any quality and length, it was only around fifty years. From the sounds of it, you already have movies with sound, and they must be at least several minutes long, so it should only be ten, maybe twenty years."

"Average movie length is about ten minutes," Twilight told Julius. "Some royal commissioned movies can be as long as twenty or even thirty minutes, but those are rare."

"Well, there's The History of the Wonderbolts movie, that's about thirty minutes," Rainbow Dash offered.

"Why do they get such special treatment?" Julius asked as he poured himself a drink.

"They're only the greatest fliers in Equestria!" Rainbow Dash excitedly explained.

"They're the successors to the Earth, Unicorn, Pegasi Guard. They made up the Protective Pony Platoons. Technically, they still exist today, although most don't know this. The Wonderbolts are the most famous of the Protective Pony Platoons, as they put on public shows fairly often and tend to be the most flashy," Twilight explained. "The Earth Pony equivalent is The Rockblasts. The Unicorn equivalent is The Lightning Guard. Neither tend to put on shows though, both tend to stay out of the public eye. From what I've heard at court, The Wonderbolts being so showy has caused some tension between the groups, but Celestia enjoys the shows, so they continue."

"Here's hoping that tension doesn't boil over," Julius said as he went to take a drink. "Hey, wait, what about the Royal Guard? What's their purpose, then?" Julius asked before taking a drink.

"Honestly, mostly show and status symbol. Though they are trained in protective and healing spells, they aren't expected to take on serious threats. It's more expected for the Royal Guard to serve as a delaying force. Holding the line until The Wonderbolts, The Rockblasts, and The Lightning Guard show up. Once they show up, the Royal Guard is expected to take a more supportive role, healing the wounded and filling in gaps if needed," the lead guardmare told Julius.

"Makes sense, I suppose," Julius said with a shrug. "But still, do Celestia and Luna really need guards? I mean, being able to move the sun, the moon, and the stars, it's difficult to believe that anything could threaten them. And if something could, wouldn't anyone guarding them just get in the way or be meat shields if they needed to retreat?"

"The princesses are powerful, but their power isn't infinite. All it'd take would be to send multiple waves of hostiles at them. Eventually, they'd be too exhausted to defend themselves. The cost to the attacker would be extreme, but they would eventually overwhelm the princesses. Or if a threat powerful enough to threaten the princesses by itself appeared, like some of the things that existed in ancient Equestria, then yes, the various guards would be charged with serving as a rear guard while the princesses retreated to get some of the more powerful relics which might be able to deal with the threat," the lead guardmare told Julius. "All the guards know this and agree to it when becoming guards. Fortunately, such a thing has not had to happen in our history. Hopefully, things stay that way."

"Pragmatic and reasonable," Julius said as the seats in the stadium filled up. "Looks like the show's going to start soon," he said as he looked up at a board. "Iron Claw vs. Feathered Storm is the opener; it should be interesting."

Chapter 95

"Hmmm, something isn't quite right," Twilight hummed as the group watched the match. "The moves are impressive, but are they physically possible without magic?" She asked as Iron Claw hit Feathered Storm with a modified powerbomb. "Like that. Griffons might be strong, but to flip a pegasus up like that, and I think I saw Feathered Storm's hind legs push off."

"Twilight, darling, you don't quite understand theater, do you?" Rarity knowingly asked. "This is functionally theater. The two creatures in the ring are working together to tell a story without words. It's not about being possible; it's about looking good and telling a story," she explained.

"So, all this is fake?" Twilight asked as Julius, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all looked at her.

"No!" The three exclaimed at the same time.

"The athleticism is real," Rainbow Dash started to say, "the strength and conditioning are also real, and some of the moves are very real," she said as Feathered Storm gave Iron Claw several extremely hard wing chops. "Like those, they were real. Ask any pegasus who's done any combat; wing chops making that sound aren't fake."

"While most of the moves require your opponent to cooperate, these are still moves that hurt, even if you take them properly, like that powerbomb. Feathered Storm took it perfectly, but even so, I can promise you he felt every bit of it. Then, there are weapon moves. I doubt we'll see any chairs or anything like that, but even gimmicked, a steel chair to the back still hurts like hell," Julius explained as Feathered Storm reversed a suplex into a flight-assisted piledriver. "Wait, a piledriver? Ok, nevermind; we might see weapons if they'll pull that out," he said in surprise as the ref counted to three.

"Why is that surprising?" Twilight and Rarity both asked.

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash agreed, "it looked really strong, and if it weren't done safely, it'd definitely end a fight."

"You answered your own question," Julius flatly said. "The piledriver is dangerous; mess it up, and you can easily break someone's neck. Some promotions in my world banned it for this reason," he explained as the two creatures left the arena and the next two entered.

"This match is set for one fall," The announcer stated. "In the red corner, standing at five foot five inches, weighing at one hundred seventy-seven pounds, Lightning Shock! In the blue corner, standing at seven foot nine inches, weighing at three hundred eighty-three pounds, Sharp Horn!" He announced as the crowd roared.

"If this were a real fight, it'd be a complete mismatch," Rainbow Dash flatly stated. "Both the size and weight are such a mismatch that there's almost no chance that Lightning Shock could win."

"Agreed," Rarity said. "Although, the contrast between the sizes does make for an exciting story. A smaller, more nimble unicorn trying her best to take down a large, imposing minotaur. It really is a storybook tale," she stated as the two competitors started the match.

"It's a pretty common match-up in wrestling," Julius stated. "Put a small guy against a giant; tell a David vs Goliath story. If the small guy wins, well, everybody loves an underdog story. If the giant wins, well, it's realistic," he explained as Sharp Horn easily threw Lightning Shock across the ring.

"I'll admit, I have read a few books with that kind of match-up. Usually, some pony fighting a giant monstrosity to save a prince," Twilight said as Lightning Storm went through a hope spot before getting shut down. "Sometimes, I'd read them to Spike before bed."

"Yeah, that sounds about right," Julius nodded. "I kinda want to flip through a few of those books. See what these monstrosities are. In my world, they're usually something like a dragon, but with dragons being sentient here, I can't imagine they'd be the big bad," he said as Lightning Storm bounced off the ropes and knocked Sharp Horn down.

"Looks like Lightning Storm is going to win," Rainbow Dash said as Lightning Storm started to go off on Sharp Horn.

"Maybe, but I doubt it," Rarity replied. "We might be in Canterlot, but if only ponies win, it would tell a bad story. You can't give the audience everything that they want; you have to keep them thirsty, keep them wanting more so that they'll come back. I'd say maybe a sixty-forty split," she hummed.

"Yeah, but remember, we're in Canterlot. That might work better in border cities and smaller cities. But in these old, traditional cities with old bits and nobility in them, it wouldn't go over as well, trust me," Rainbow Dash responded.

"You do have a point. But business sense remains the same. Good business sense always gives the audience a bit of what they want but not all of what they want. It keeps them returning and gives you plenty of room to keep improving," Rarity firmly stated.

"Honestly, I'm a bit surprised at how soft the heels are," Julius interjected. "It's difficult to tell who the bad guy is. I think it's supposed to be Lightning Storm, but it's a tough call with how she's being cheered. Maybe it's from being in Canterlot," he trailed off.

"If heel means bad guy, then it's definitely Lightning Storm," Rainbow Dash confirmed.

"Oh indeed," Rarity reinforced. "Her tactics and moves are not something a sophisticated pony would use."

"Yeah, besides, she keeps trying to cheat when the ref isn't looking," Rainbow Dash slightly spat. "She's probably only being cheered because they're in Canterlot."

"Why the disdain?" Rarity asked. "I thought that you would be able to relate to Lightning Storm. You know, with the running of the leaves and all," Rarity giggled.

"Hey, I never technically cheated!" Rainbow Dash defensively exclaimed. "Well, ok, at the end, I did, but I didn't in the Iron Pony contest! I followed the rules to the letter; it's AJ's fault for not saying that I couldn't use my wings before we started! Besides, why do you like Lightning Storm so much? Hmmm," she shot back. "Got a thing for bad ponies?"

"In theater, yes," Rarity calmly said. "In theater, when there's a good guy and a bad guy, the good guy sells merchandise, while the bad guy sells the show. I can think of quite a few plays that the bad guy carries. The play suffers if the lead antagonist cannot live up to the role, even if every other creature does. The idea here is very much the same," she said as Sharp Horn caught Lightning Storm and slammed her down.

"One, two, three!" The ref counted. "The winner by pinfall, Sharp Horn!" The ref announced as the crowd booed.

"Hah, we're in bizarro-land, and we aren't even in Canada," Julius laughed as the two competitors left the arena.

"What do you mean?" The three ponies asked.

"Just an insider joke from my world; don't worry about it," Julius chuckled as the show continued. Different matches took place as the show continued, several performers cut promos, and the announce team advertised upcoming matches and shows until the show reached the final match. Loud, lively, upbeat music started to play.

"I never heard this kind of music," Rarity giggled as she started to bop in place.

"I know," Rainbow Dash agreed, "it's very catchy."

"It sounds very exotic," Twilight said as she listened to the lyrics. 'Mentiroso, tramposo, robador. Mentiroso, tramposo, robador', the lyrics repeated. "The language isn't one I'm familiar with. Odd, I studied a bit of every language."

"You did?" Julius asked.

"Enough to ask for directions and to tell whoever that I only speak Equish," Twilight clarified.

"I see," Julius said as a relatively small, stout zebra walked out. 'No soy débil, viniendo de la calle. Provenientes de la Tierra, desplumando a los tontos con engaños.' "I think this is Spanish; it sounds like it. If nothing else, the music is salsa; I'm very sure about that," he said as the zebra swaggered into the ring. "Let's see if anything has changed," Julius laughed as the music died down and another song started. This time, a well-built, younger dragon walked out.

"This match is set for one fall," The announcer stated as the dragon entered the ring. "In the red corner, standing at eight foot three inches, weighing at three hundred twenty pounds, Flame 'Hunter' Scale! In the blue corner, standing at five foot even, weighing at one hundred thirty-four pounds, Eddie 'The Warrior Agave!" He announced as the crowd roared.

"Zebra vs dragon, normally a wash," Rainbow Dash confidently stated. "It'll be interesting to see how they make this interesting."

"With the difference, it'll definitely be a challenge," Rarity agreed. "But I've seen a few plays that have pulled off similar things before. It's definitely possible," she said as 'Hunter' easily rag-dolled 'The Warrior' around the ring.

"With the sheer difference in strength, 'The Warrior' can't afford to try to match up with 'Hunter' in a straight-up fight," Rainbow Dash stated as 'The Warrior' gave 'Hunter' a few solid hits. "On a non-dragon, those would hurt, but to a dragon, with their scales, I doubt he really feels it."

"Seems kind of pointless," Twilight said as 'The Warrior' jumped up and uppercut 'Hunter,' knocking him back to the ropes. "That had to be a hard hit," she said with a wince.

"It was," Rainbow Dash confirmed. "With how his head moved, I don't think the 'The Warrior' pulled his buck; if he did, it wasn't by much," she said as 'The Warrior' strutted around the ring. "Come on!" Rainbow Dash yelled down at the ring. "Pin him already!"

"Oh, what the hell?" Julius chuckled as he leaned slightly out the window. "Nah ese!" Julius yelled down. "Lie, cheat, and steal! You know you have to!" He yelled down with a chuckle as 'The Warrior' locked eyes with him for a second.

"What the buck stallion?" Rainbow Dash asked as Twilight pulled him back.

"Yeah!" Twilight agreed. "I thought that you'd like the heroes!"

"Normally, yes," Julius told them. "But in wrestling, I'm all for the heels; they carry the show," he chuckled as a wry smirk grew across 'The Warrior's face.

"It's so nice to find another creature who appreciates a well-played antagonist," Rarity stated. "It's so rare to find one who understands the whole point and reason for them. Most ponies only really like the heroes," she said as the 'Hunter' and 'The Warrior' continued the match.

"I know," Julius sighed. "The world might change, but everyone will always pay good money to watch a prick get the ass beat."

"I wouldn't exactly word it that way, but I agree," Rarity nodded in agreement. "And finding creatures who can play a good villain is so difficult. Every creature wants to be a hero," she slightly chuckled.

"Well, yeah," Rainbow Dash firmly said. "No creature what's to be booed and hated. We all want to be heroes."

"We might all want to be heroes, but this is a play, darling," Rarity told Rainbow Dash. "You're not a villain for real, just in the play."

"Yeah, that may be, but you're still getting booed, and creatures still hate you," Rainbow Dash insisted. "It doesn't matter if it's a play or not, boos and hatred are still boos and hatred," she emphasized as 'Hunter' and 'The Warrior' locked up, 'The Warrior's mane covering their faces.

"Shut up," Julius told Rarity and Rainbow Dash, "something big is being planned," he said as they all turned their attention to the ring. After several seconds of being locked up, 'Hunter' picked up 'The Warrior' and threw him across the ring, knocking down the ref. After a few seconds of 'The Warrior's mane covering both their faces, 'The Warrior' rolled out of the ring.

"What's happening? Why is he leaving?" Rainbow Dash asked as 'The Warrior' pulled a chair out from under the ring.

"There is no way we're going to see a chair shot," Julius said as 'The Warrior' chucked the chair into the ring. "We're going to see a chair shot," Julius said in mild shock as 'The Warrior' swiftly hit 'Hunter' directly in his eyes. As 'Hunter' backed up in pain, 'The Warrior' picked up the chair and had a wry smirk on his face. After teasing a chair shot a few times, 'The Warrior' smacked the mat hard with the chair before throwing the chair at 'Hunter.' As 'Hunter' caught the chair, "The Warrior" fell, and the ref got up. Hearing the smack, seeing 'The Warrior' down, and 'Hunter' holding the chair, the ref called the match.

"The winner by DQ, Eddie 'The Warrior' Agave!" The ref announced as 'Hunter' protested. 'The Warrior' fake limped out of the ring as he mocked 'Hunter'

"Hah," Julius laughed. "Lie, cheat, and steal," he continued to laugh.

"Oh, that's very clever," Rarity giggled. "Brava!"

"Come on, 'Hunter' clearly had that won! What a load of oats," Rainbow Dash huffed.

"While I can appreciate the cleverness of the win, I still disapprove of it," Twilight flatly stated.

"I think the show's over. They're just cleaning up now. We should try to beat the crowd out," Julius said as the arena slowly cleared out.

"Good idea," Twilight agreed as the group swiftly got ready and started to leave. The group managed to get out of the halls before most of the ponies; as the group got to the exit, they were stopped by several imposing minotaurs and dragons.

"Security," one of the imposing creatures said. "You're requested backstage," they flatly said.

"Why?" Julius slowly asked.

"No idea," they responded. "All I know is that you're requested backstage. Asking questions is out of my pay grade. Now, come with us," they commanded. Looking at his guards, they shrugged at Julius.

"Alright," Julius said slightly nervously. "Lead on."

Chapter 96

"We're not in trouble, right?" Julius quietly asked the lead guardmare as the group was led through the back areas.

"As far as I'm aware, no laws were broken, and all rules were adhered to. If they try anything, we are authorized to protect you with whatever methods and force that we deem necessary. Considering that we've all done border duty and that I've seen active combat against small-scale raids, I'd say that we can take them if it really comes to that," the lead guardmare quietly assured. "If I had to guess, somecreature important saw you, thought you were unusual, and wanted to talk."

"Well, that's comforting," Julius sighed. "Hey, security! Where are we going?"

"We've been ordered to take you to the catering. This is a pretty unusual request; you're definitely not family to anyone here. And I don't recognize you from anywhere, so I doubt that you're famous. Your look probably just caught the eye of someone, and they want to talk," one of the arena security responded.

"Do you know who might want to talk to me?" Julius asked.

"No idea," the security quickly responded. "This is their first time here, so it's our first time working with them. We're only security for this arena, so we don't know these performers that well. As they were setting up, they seemed a bit odd, but nothing out of the usual," he said as the group was led into an open area with food on several tables and a few creatures standing around them.

"Thanks, guys. You can go back to whatever you were doing before," a distinctly zebra voice said. Security shrugged and started to leave as the zebra began to walk up to the group. "Thirty," he said as he watched the security leave, "for thirty years, I've been on four hooves and forced into being a vegetarian. And now you come along, an unchanged human. How'd you do it ese?" Eddie asked as he looked right at Julius.

"I didn't have much of a choice; a magical artifact happened," Julius told him. "Wait; should you be so open about humanity?" Julius asked as everyone, not a part of his group, started to laugh.

"Half of us here were once human," Eddie said between laughs, "we all know about it. It's the reason we started doing this, to find others who would otherwise be alone. The show is full of references from our world. Well, that and this job always kind of lives in you," he explained.

"Fascinating!" Twilight exclaimed. "It's an excellent way to see the world while finding others. Where did you get the idea from?"

"The Corbyn Sibling's Traveling Theatre," Eddie responded. "They're like us. We're all a part of a network trying to find and help others in our position."

"How many do you find?" Twilight quickly asked.

"Honestly, not many," Eddie sighed. "In a large town, maybe two or three. Better than nothing; it's better that they have creatures who understand what they're going through than them going through it alone. Trust me, it sucks. Growing up, dreaming of a different world where giant metal carriages move themselves, of massive cities making Canterlot look small, and of strange creatures walking on two legs. Most parents get when concerned you keep talking about it, and when you try to make some of those things," he drily laughed.

"Yeah, I can see that," Julius sighed.

"So, where are you staying?" Eddie asked as he looked at Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. "With these mamasitas? What about work?"

"Well, them and a few others. I'm also staying in the castle. And I'm fine for work. I can always go to the Sweet Apple Acres for work," Julius responded.

"Good to hear," Eddie smiled, "and the castle, nice. Got with one of the staff?"

"In a way," Julius smirked, "Princess Luna."

"Princess? How'd you pull that off?" Eddie nearly spat in surprise.

"Sheer unrelenting charm," Julius smirked as Rainbow Dash laughed.

"More like you got lucky. You were just in the right place at the right time," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Agreed, darling," Rarity nodded. "Luna had just returned; everything was cold to her, and you just so happened to be warm to her. Had you just been a year later, or Princess Luna returned a year sooner, I doubt it would have happened."

"Ok, first, was I lucky when I beat you in a race?" Julius shot back as he looked at Rainbow Dash. "And second, so what if I was in the right place at the right time? I basically lost my whole family and life when I came here. Becoming a princess's boytoy sounds fair to me," he chuckled.

"Yes," Rainbow Dash huffed, "you got very lucky when we raced," she pouted. "That's the only way any creature can beat me in a race."

"I don't remember getting lucky when I beat you in the running of the leaves," Twilight said as Julius looked right at her. "Oh, every earth pony raced in it. Rainbow Dash and Applejack tied for last," she said as Julius fell over laughing.

"So, did all of Ponyville get lucky when they beat you?" Julius mocked as he laughed.

"Shut up!" Rainbow Dash blushed. "If it had been a one vs one race, I would have easily beaten any of them! I just got distracted by Applejack's cheating!"

"Oh please, Dashy. There's no need to be so chagrined," Rarity giggled. "I was considering joining the race, but I decided against it. I see now that I should have since it means I'd have a win over you."

"Oh, don't you even," Rainbow Dash shook as the others laughed. "What's so funny?" Rainbow Dash yelled as her face was a bright red.

"You lot are a lot like an old married couple," one of the dragons commented. "It's sweet; you're all sweet together. Reminds me of my husband back in the day," she chuckled.

"Hear that, not even married yet, and yet we look like it," Julius teased as Rainbow Dash hid her face behind her wings.

"Oh, come now, Dashy, no need to be so bashful," Rarity added as she and Julius laughed.

"Ok, you two," Twilight sighed, "enough teasing Rainbow Dash," she told them before turning to face Eddie. "You seemed to be very welcoming to Julius; why?"

"Simple," Eddie said as he composed himself, "it can be difficult to find a place when you're so out of place. But, considering that he's with a princess and living in a castle, I think he's doing just fine," he said with a laugh.

"True, though living in the castle isn't quite as easy as you'd think. Some of the rooms are rather drafty, and it can be quite a walk to get to the dining room," Twilight absentmindedly said.

"I didn't think that you'd prefer living in the Golden Oak Library," Rarity commented. "Sure, you might have to put up with some drafts and a little bit of a walk, but that's why cloaks were invented, and the walk makes you feel less bad about yourself when you delve into some sorrow ice cream."

"My cloak is getting a bit worn, and I've never had any sorrow ice cream. Mostly, when I'm feeling sad, I read a book. There's more than a few feel-good books, like Golden Crisp and the Clockmaker's Son," Twilight explained as Rainbow Dash chuckled.

"Egghead," Rainbow Dash chuckled under her breath.

"I might be a bit of an egghead, but I bet that I can find a book that you'd enjoy. I bet you'd love the Daring Do series," Twilight confidently stated.

"Sure, sure, keep telling yourself that," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Old married couple," the dragoness chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah, hah, hah, hah, very funny," Rainbow Dash dryly laughed. "We've been married for years; we get it," she said as she rolled her eyes.

"It's cute. You all are cute together," Eddie laughed in playful mockery while a soft hum came from the lead guardmare.

"Excuse me, one of the princesses is trying to talk to me," the lead guardmare said. "I'll be right back," she said as she walked away while keeping her eyes on the group.

"Is the princess going to teleport here?" Julius asked as the mare pulled out an odd-looking glowing crystal.

"No," Twilight flatly said as she saw the crystal. "That's a distance harmonic resonance crystal. They allow you to talk with a creature with any crystal it's attuned to. They're very rare and very expensive. Usually, they're only found with the special forces or those on special assignment. Other than that, only the top nobles can afford them," she explained as the mare nodded and quietly talked to the crystal.

"So, basically a magical crystal cell phone, neat," Julius commented. "I kinda want one, but I kinda don't. Wait, if you're so close to Princess Celestia, then why don't you have one?" He asked as he looked right at Twilight.

"Simple, I have Spike. He can send letters right to Princess Celestia with magic fire. It's more versatile than the crystal, and they're rare enough, so I'd rather not use one if I can avoid it," Twilight explained as the mare nodded her head and walked back to the group.

"I was expecting Princess Celestia, but instead, I got Princess Luna," the guardmare commented as she returned to the group. "Julius, you have been requested to return to the castle at your earliest convenience. I would suggest that we return immediately. Usually, these requests are less of a request and more of a polite demand," the guardmare suggested as she tucked the crystal away in a hidden pouch.

"Figures, the more things change, the more they stay the same," Julius chuckled. "Looks like I'm being called back to the castle. Come by sometime; we'll have a nice feast or something," he offered as the group started to leave.

"We'll take you up on your offer some time," Eddie responded. "Hey ese, enjoy your royal booty call," he teased as the group left.

"Was it a booty call?" Julius asked as he looked at the lead mare.

"Not directly, no," the lead guardmare sighed as she rolled her eyes. "I was just told that you were to return to the castle as soon as possible. I doubt it's an emergency, as an unicorn didn't teleport to us and teleport us back. It might be a booty call, but I heard other voices around her. If this was a booty call, then I'd imagine she'd have made the call in private. Considering it's Luna and the voices I heard, I'm guessing that she has some teachers for you to learn from," she guessed as the group walked out of the colosseum.

"Oh, teachers!" Twilight happily exclaimed. "What are they going to teach him? Maybe Equestrian history and culture. Or maybe magical theory, or perhaps," she started to go on.

"I highly doubt it," the lead mare flatly stated. "From the profile that we've been given on both Princess Luna and Julius, I'd guess that the teachers would be teaching him more combat-orientated things. Things like battlefield uses and applications of magic. While he has shown creativity in the past, Julius's application of magic has been rather basic. This is to be expected, as his training in the magical arts has been nonexistent. Considering Princess Luna's past, pre-banishment, and Julius's personality, this should be remedied sooner rather than later before he gets himself in serious trouble," she explained as the group walked through the district.

"Yeah, that's pretty fair," Julius nodded in agreement. "Honestly, I kinda want to learn how to shoot lightning bolts and things," he chuckled as the guards stopped and looked at him.

"You're an idiot," the lead mare sighed. "Lightning spells require a massive amount of energy; they tend to exhaust the user incredibly quickly. Considering your thaumaturgical system is likely minimally developed and it's had little use, you could only use one lightning-based spell before becoming completely exhausted. That's the best-case scenario," she explained.

"She's right," Twilight agreed. "Lightning spells are very taxing, even for me. Besides, the worst case scenario would be you trying to use the spell, it failing, and you causing damage to your thaumaturgical system. If the damage is bad enough, you might not be able to use magic again," she cautioned.

"Ok, ok, I hear you, but there's something that you're not considering," Julius started to say as he looked at Rainbow Dash. "Lightning spells are cool," he flatly said as he bumped Rainbow Dash's hoof.

"Again, you're an idiot," the lead mare sighed as she shook her head. "Let's just get back to the castle and see what Princess Luna wants," she again sighed as the group got to the train station.

Chapter 97

"Welcome back," a castle servant welcomed as the group returned to the castle. "Julius, you are expected in Princess Luna's tower," the servant told him as the group entered the castle.

"Ok, any reason, or," Julius asked as he trailed off.

"None that I was told. When you returned, I was told to direct you towards Princess Luna's tower. From Princess Luna's voice, it isn't anything too serious, but it still sounded important," the servant responded. "I was also told that he was to enter the tower alone," the servant said as they looked at the group.

"Sounds like we are relieved of duty for the time being," the lead guardmare said as she was given an official letter from the servant. "Alright, guards! We are to go back to standby orders!" She commanded as she read the letter.

"Hey! What about us?" Rainbow Dash asked as the guards entered the castle.

"Sorry. But it was requested that he enter alone. I honestly know nothing beyond that. That whole tower is still quite a mystery to many of us. Given the relationship between Princess Luna and Julius, he should be fine. Maybe she just wants to talk with him or something like that," the servant offered.

"I doubt it," Twilight flatly commented. "If Princess Luna wanted to talk about something, she'd be ok with us being there. There was never a problem with that before; I can't imagine there would be one now."

"That's just my guess," the servant responded. "Princess Luna is still a mystery to most of the castle staff. Her guards and attendants seem to get her, but they're drawn entirely from thestrals. To the rest of us, we mostly guess. Sometimes, we might overhear a thing or two, but most information about her, or the things she's involved in, is second-hoof at best. From what I've heard, Princess Luna has plans for Julius, but beyond that, it's all rumours," they said as Julius looked at them.

"Rumours?" Julius asked as he perked up a bit. "Please, do go on," he insisted.

"Well, it's all at best second-hoof, but we've heard that you are to be trained in what we have no idea. You are going to be kept as a stallion-toy; used as a diplomat to dragons, griffons, and minotaurs; some think that you're going to be made a full prince-regent, but honestly, at best, you'll probably only be a prince-consort. The most outlandish was that you're going to be trained to assassinate Princess Celestia so that Princess Luna can fully take over, but that was after a lot of drinks," the servant said through chuckles.

"Oh yeah, that's definitely it," Julius laughed. "Look, tell the crazy drunk pony that I'm here to fuck Celestia, not to fuck her up," he laughed even harder. "I'm sure that I'll be fine. Whatever Luna wants, I'm sure it's in my best interest. Knowing her and how things are going, it's probably some political training, or martial training or something like that. Or maybe some alone time. It'd just be nice to know ahead of time what to expect," he suggested as he started to walk towards Luna's tower. "I'll see you around," he calmly said as he walked away.

"Well, the rest of my day is free," Rainbow Dash sighed. "Where's Pinkie Pie? She's usually up to something interesting?"

"Uhhh," the servant muttered, "Pinkie Pie is missing. We have no idea where she is, no idea where she could have gone; we searched the castle, checked around Canterlot, but nothing," the servant insisted as Pinkie Pie awkwardly walked out of the castle.

"Hi Rainbow Dash, hi Twilight, hi Rarity!" Pinkie Pie happily sang as she saw the three ponies. "You really are a pegasus and unicorns, I guess I wasn't lying. Wait, is it pegasus or pegasi, maybe pegasee, pegasuses, pegasussy," Pinkie Pie asked as she trailed off and the others just stared at her.

"Ok, I know the bar is set really high, but does anypony think that Pinkie Pie is acting odd?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Where did you come from?" The servant asked. "We searched literally everywhere for you."

"Oh, you know, I came from my own world," Pinkie Pie sang.

"Uhhh, you're Pinkie Pie, that's not helpful," Rainbow Dash flatly responded.

"What are you hiding? What do you know?" Twilight asked as she looked right at Pinkie Pie.

"Hahaha, hiding? I'm not hiding anything! And I know a lot of things; I know things that you don't know and things that I don't know. Hahaha," Pinkie Pie nervously laughed as she pulled a full-sized wedding cake out of her mane, ate it and started to walk inside the castle.

"That's not helpful," Rainbow Dash huffed.

"Agreed. It's just standard Pinkie Pie nonsense. If it wasn't for that whole cake thing, I'd think she was a spy," Rarity said in agreement.

"Maybe we should take it at face value," Twilight shrugged.

"Yeah, sure, Twilight," Rainbow Dash laughed. "That Pinkie Pie is from a different world. She and our Pinkie Pie switched places because why not," she laughed.

"Oh indeed," Rarity laughed. "In that world, we all go to secondary school, and we aren't friends," she commented, joining Rainbow Dash in mockery. "The princesses wear awful clothes, and ours are somehow worse."

"I'm just saying, it's Pinkie Pie. If anypony were to find a way to another world, it'd be her," Twilight huffed.

"Well, I think Princess Celestia should have some free time during supper. You could ask her then if there's any way that could be a different Pinkie Pie," the servant suggested.

"Good idea. What is Princess Celestia doing right now?" Twilight asked.

"I believe that Princess Celestia is meeting with some countesses and marchioness to discuss some regional matters. There were a few important-looking mares in the castle waiting for an audience with Princess Celestia. Beyond that, I have no idea what they're talking about. Probably another stupid argument about regional taxes, tariffs, petty feuds, you know, things like that," the servant told Twilight.

"I see; I guess I'll wait until supper then," Twilight sighed as the ponies entered the castle.

"Hey! It's Julius! Open up!" Julius commanded as he banged on the door to Luna's tower.

"You could at least say please," a voice sighed as the door creaked open.

"I could," Julius slowly said. "I could have also been told why I'm being summoned here. I guess we both get to be disappointed today. Huzzah!" Julius mocked with laughter.

"You are a glib one, aren't you," the thestral sighed.

"I can be. Some see it as a curse; I prefer to see it as a gift," Julius chuckled as the thestral led him through the tower.

"You're going to be both a prince and a king; could you at least try to act refined? Glibness will not benefit your future station," the thestral told Julius.

"I could try, but for now, I'll get it out of my system. Wait. I am to be made prince and king? I thought those were just rumours! When did this happen?" Julius asked in surprise.

"Officially, it hasn't. But most of the ponies and thestrals agree it's just a matter of time. Granted, you'll be a consort, not a regent, but it's still an extremely important station. Your actions, behaviour, requests, and whatnot will reflect on Queen Luna. You will be in a position to give her great honour or great shame," the thestral explained.

"Queen Luna?" Julius asked.

"To us, she is not merely a princess but our queen. Furthermore, to many of us, she is our goddess. Should you officially become her stallion, you'd be in a position that many would greatly envy; it'd be the most prestigious position in our society that a stallion could obtain. Even among mares, in all but on paper, you'd greatly outrank them. Many eyes would be on you, and your every move would be scrutinized. Until you reach an acceptable level of decorum, an official marriage would be out of the question. Being simply being used for sex? That's fine; mares have always done that; there is nothing scandalous there. But a proper spouse? If nothing else, you must be able to act according to your station," the thestral firmly stated.

"Yeah, I suppose that's fair. Still, it'll take a lot of time for me to learn all that court stuff and longer to get used to it," Julius sighed as the two reached a door.

"They're expecting you inside, enter," the thestral told Julius as he opened the door.

"Rather big, empty room," Julius whistled as he walked inside.

"It's used for training," Aloysia told Julius from up on a balcony. "That's partly why you're here," she told him.

"Neat! What kind of training?" Julius asked as he looked up at both Aloysia and Luna.

"Aloysia has asked one of the best of my following to train you in all matters. Having met the stallion, I can confirm that he's extremely well-versed in many matters related to both the court and the battlefield. However, he's rather taciturn in who he'll train," Luna told Julius.

"Indeed," Aloysia nodded. "In the past eight hundred years, he's only trained four beings. They've all gone on to do great things, so great expectations will be placed on you. You're here to be tested to see if you can achieve those expectations. Honestly, you won't end up meeting all the requirements to be trained by him right now, but he'll get a good feeling for you, and if it's even possible."

"So, I'll be fighting him?" Julius asked, making Aloysia laugh.

"No," Aloysia laughed. "He would not hold back against you; he has never held back. If you were to try to fight him, he'd completely destroy you. You'd have no chance."

"Instead of fighting him, I'll use my magic to animate your shadows. You'll fight your shadows until you're either defeated or give up. Remember, you're fighting to impress," Luna advised.

"Alright," Julius said as he looked around the room, spotting a few assorted weapons lying around. "Will the magic hurt or anything?"

"No, but it will draw upon your energy. And the shadows will be able to hurt you. If it gets bad enough, we will step in, so you won't be in much real danger. Still, the fighting will be very real, so brace yourself. When you're ready, I'll cast the spell," Luna said as someone walked up behind her.

"No," a dignified voice quietly said from behind Luna. "Cast the spell right now. If the boy has any potential, he'll be able to defend against such a surprise. Training him would be a waste of both my time and his if he can't," he calmly stated.

"Alright, just going to," Julius started to say as a dark blue light enveloped him, "wait, what the hell?" He asked in surprise as his shadow came out of the ground. "Oh? Ok? It's going to be like that? Bring it on!" He commanded as he swiftly backpedalled towards one of the weapons. Reaching back, Julius grabbed a quarterstaff and charged the still-forming shadow.

"Swift and decisive action, a good mentality to have. Still, a bit too much preparation for him," the stallion behind Luna stated.

"Ever the stern teacher," Aloysia sighed as he poured himself a glass of red wine.

"In my experience, training a student strictly benefits both the teacher and the student. To the teacher, it allows them to grow in their position. To the student, it better prepares them for what they can, and will face in the real world. Sweat now spares blood later," the stallion stated as he sipped some wine.

"Agreed. But it can be off-putting to many to be so strict so quickly," Aloysia commented.

"Perhaps. But rather than train a legion of fools, I would train an elite select few," he firmly stated as Julius destroyed the shadow. "Make two shadows for him to fight at once. If he beats them, then make three, and so on until he breaks," he commanded as he carefully eyed Julius.

"A bit extreme," Luna responded as she made two shadows come out of Julius's shadow.

"Maybe I've known others like him. If he's worthy of my time and my attention, he should be able to exceed my expectations. Push the boy to the edge of the abyss; if he won't jump in, push him in. As we fall, we learn if we can fly or not. So fly, boy, fly high. You already have great expectations on you. What's a few more? Soar to the heavens and claim what's yours, or fall in disgrace and lay down with the rest of the rabble," the stallion firmly commanded as his eyes gleamed a deep blood red.

"High expectations indeed," Aloysia chuckled as Julius frantically fought off the shadows. "Need some help?" She mocked as she yelled down at Julius.

"Screw you!" Julius yelled back as he dodged the shadows. "I can take at least five times this much!" He shouted as he powerfully struck a shadow on its head.

"The boy has quite some bravado," the stallion smirked. "Humble him," he commanded.

"What do you mean?" Luna slowly asked as she turned to look at him.

"He said he could take at least five times as many. There's only one shadow now. If my math is correct, two times five is ten. So, make nineteen more shadows for him right now, give him an even twenty. Humble the boy," the stallion commanded.

"Are you insane?" Luna spat. "Twenty? Twenty shadows? Even if they're weaker than him, the sheer numbers will be too much!"

"Cry me a river," the stallion firmly said. "Let the boy earn his place, earn his words. Twenty-to-one odds? I've faced down much worse. If the boy wants to talk a big game, let him play a big game," he sternly said. Sharing a look, Aloysia nodded at Luna.

"If he looks like he's in danger," Luna firmly said as her voice trailed off and as she started to cast the spell.

"Why is this happening right now? There's still a shadow. Stop casting the spell!" Julius quickly said as he blocked a hit from the shadow.

"You said that you could take at least five times as many. So we're obliging," Aloysia told Julius.

"I! Was! Exaggerating!" Julius yelled as multiple shadows surrounded him. "One, two, damn! You must suck at math; two times five is ten, not twenty!"

"You said, at least. Talk a big game, play a big game," Alyosia told Julius.

"Damn me and my big mouth," Julius sighed as he tried to avoid the shadows. Julius desperately tried to lure the shadows into a line by ducking, dodging, and rolling, but they kept him surrounded.

"Is this all he can do? Run and cower? I expected more," the stallion huffed.

"There's twenty; he's alone," Luna firmly told him.

"His magic is still undeveloped, and even if it wasn't, this would be incredibly difficult for anyone," Aloysia said, backing up Luna.

"Do you have a point?" The stallion asked. "Julius was talked up; he talked himself up. I know my history quite well. There have been battles where one side has been outnumbered twenty-six to one, and the outnumbered force won. He wants to think that he's a big boy, that he's some great hero, then let him prove himself. Let the boy earn his spurs," he firmly stated.

"If nothing else, he's lasted far longer than I thought he would," Aloysia sighed as Julius rolled on the ground, dodging several attacks and knocking a few shadows down.

"Indeed, he's managing to take a few out, but at this rate, he won't last," Luna commented as Julius firmly swung through a shadow.

"Why'd I have to open my mouth?" Julius asked himself as he panted. Looking around, Julius spotted Luna and looked at her horn. "I don't care if it's dangerous; I have no other choice," he said to himself with a smirk.

"You've done well, better than most. Just give up. Winning isn't everything!" Luna shouted down to Julius.

"You're right. Winning isn't everything," Julius conceded. "It's just the only thing that matters," he tiredly smirked as a dark aura enveloped him.

"The boy has finally decided to spread his wings. Good. Now fly. See if what you've been gifted with is a blessing or a curse," the stallion smiled.

"This is dangerous; he's had no training in controlling magic, let alone dark magic," Luna quickly said.

"Agreed," Alyosia commented. "We should stop this."

"No," the stallion quickly told them. "Let him continue, let him flourish," he smiled. "Should the worst come to pass, we're in the best place to cure him."

"I'm firmly against this," Luna flatly stated.

"Noted," the stallion said as Julius gave a powerful swing, crushing through multiple shadows.

"Yeah, I like this feeling," Julius growled slightly. Awkwardly channelling the magical energy through his body, Julius focused on making himself faster and stronger. Rapidly moving through the shadows, Julius swiftly struck down the shadows. Julius lay on his back as the last shadow fell to the ground, panting heavily as the magical energy left him.

"Most impressive," the stallion smiled. "Continue," he calmly said.

"Julius is clearly exhausted; he cannot continue!" Luna firmly stated.

"He is not yet beat, nor did he submit. So continue," the stallion firmly said.

"This is madness," Luna sighed as she walked to the balcony's edge, standing at the edge, ready to jump down.

"Oh, what's Luna doing?" Julius panted as he saw her horn light up and a familiar light envelope him. "Oh, hell no!" Julius quickly said as his eyes shot open, and he promptly kicked up.

"This is such a bad idea," Luna angrily said as she looked at the backing-up stallion. As Luna turned back around, Julius threw the quarterstaff at Luna. "AH!" She yelled as Luna ducked out of the way. "What the, AH!" She yelped as Julius jumped onto the balcony and grabbed Luna's horn.

"I. Beat. Twenty. At. Once," Julius very heavily panted. "I. Win," he firmly stated as he fainted from exhaustion.

"Going for the head took him long enough to recognize what he should have been doing from the start," the stallion clapped as he walked up to Julius's prone body. "For all your potential, in a stressful situation, you go for the direct approach and lose your head. Your skill with magic is nonexistent, but you were willing to do what needed to be done. I can work with this. During his magical training, try to get him to keep his head in stressful situations. After he's finished his magic training, I will meet with the boy," he said as he turned around and started to walk away.

"The whole point of this was for him to come at me?!" Luna spat.

"All warfare is based on deception. Battles and duels are no different. Even a fight like this is just a deception from the real goal. Any fight where the fight itself is the goal is not worth entertaining. Knowing him, he should have seen through this," the stallion calmly stated as Luna fumed.

"Let's... let's just get him to my bed," Luna sighed as she lifted Julius onto her back and started walking to her bedroom.

Chapter 1: From Human Museum, to Equestrian Forest.

It was a fairly typical day, nothing overly special, well, a field trip to a museum, but that's pretty much it. Sighing as he stepped off the bus, Julius rubbed his eyes. "Dear God, why are we here?" He thought to himself. "All that's here are bones, rocks, rocks that look like bones, and cheap knock-offs of actual relics," his thoughts becoming more and more agitated. "We could have gone somewhere exciting, hell even a movie theater, but no the class just had to vote to come here. Again!" He loudly thought. "For the fourth time this year," Julius thought, he thought, but nope, the words slipped out from under his breath.

"Hah, relax," a guy next to him said, muffling a laugh. "At least we're not in class," the boy said, smiling.

"Listen, Luke; I would prefer to be in class. At least then, we wouldn't be wasting time. I mean, really, the fourth time here, what exactly changed?" Julius sarcastically asked, rolling his eyes. "Oh, look, I think that crack is new, wait no, the rock is totally different; it moved a few centimeters. Wait, the bones aged more and now evolved into an Aerodactyl!" Julius said very mockingly. "Quick use Ancient Power!" Julius exclaimed, laughing. The class teacher shot a look back at him.

"Be quiet back there," she said before leading the class forward.

"OK, OK, I get it," Luke said, smirking at Julius's mockery, "but they do have a new artifact," Luke said reassuringly.

"New replica," Julius quickly shot back, "and so what, some random person probably just found a stone arrowhead in their yard while gardening," Julius said, very bored.

The museum tour continued until, nearing the end, they came upon a new exhibit, a weird amulet, made of onyx maybe, with ruby accents. The figure on it looked like a unicorn, but wings were coming from the sides. "So this is it, this is the amazing new relic?" Julius asked out loud. The teacher looked back at Julius, clearly annoyed, but the museum guide kept her smile and answered.

"Yes, it is. This amulet was found in the forest. Due to its condition, we thought it was a fake, we tried to test it, but somehow, all known testing methods came back inconclusive. A weird script is on the back, one that no linguist has recognized," The guide explained.

"So you brought a possible hoax into a museum?" Julius asked, bewildered.

"Well, not exactly. While we cannot confirm what exactly it is or where it came from, but it is clearly not of this time, it matches no known styles, and the cost of making such an amulet well, you'd need to be rich to afford it," the guide continued to explain while smiling. The rest of the class moved on, but Julius, Julius, stayed, staring at the amulet. He couldn't explain it, but somehow, just at the edge of his hearing, he could make out someone, something speaking. Julius felt compelled to walk closer to the amulet. Step by step, inch by inch, as he came closer to the display, the voice became clearer, more pronounced. At first, the language was odd; it sounded Latin but different. Once he was touching the glass that held the amulet, though, the language became perfectly clear. Sure it still sounded like Latin, but he understood it.

"Make a wish," the voice tolled Julius. The ruby accents started glowing softly. "Make a wish, use me," a disembodied voice nearly pleaded with Julius. Rubbing his eyes, shaking his head, Julius laughed.

"This isn't happening," Julius thought.

"It is, though," the voice said, almost responding to Julius's thoughts. "Make a wish, use me," it continued. Julius looking shocked, took a moment to regain composure.

"I get it, hidden speaker, good effect, almost got me," he laughed. A dark, smoke-like mist started to fill the room. Seemingly emanating from the amulet, the mist seemed to be making equine figures, if only for a few seconds.

"Not fake, real. Make a wish, use me," the voice pleaded. Gathering himself, Julius sighed; either this was the most elaborate display of any museum or an authentic magical amulet.

"Alright," Julius said, a thought forming in his head. "Take me to where you came from," Julius said, smirking. This amulet baffled experts, so there was no way the people behind the illusion could grant this wish. Oh, sure, he could have asked for something more mockingly impossible but hey, why not play along.

"Hehehehehe," the voice laughed, the rubies glowing brighter, "Very well, I shall grant your wish, good luck," the last thing the amulet said. A flash of light, bright red, furious and powerful, engulfed the room. Electricity pricked through Julius's body, rushes of energy surged through his body. Each jolt felt like it was ripping his body apart, only to stitch it back together. Panting hardly, Julius passed out.

"What, what are you?" A gentle, feminine voice asked. Julius shooting up awake, looked around, panicked. As he looked around, his eyes widened.

"This," he gulped heavily, "this isn't the museum," he said, a quiver in his voice. Looking around, Julius found himself in a verdant forest. It looked crisp, pristine, it looked peaceful, and idyllic, but the energy coursing through his body told him that this was a place of great danger, a place that was not natural.

Slowly, shakily picking himself up, Julius breathed in. The air was refreshing, far cleaner than anything he was used to, yet a shiver permeated the air. This was the most beautiful forest Julius has ever seen, but something else, some strange energy told him that he was in great peril, told him that only darkness and danger rested in this forest, it told him to leave.

"O-OK," Julius made out, not sure what exactly to do. "Well, if nothing else, a sturdy walking stick would be nice," he tried to laugh, walking up to a tree. Grasping a thick branch, slightly longer than his body Julius braced himself. "If nothing else, it might help scare off-" CRACK The sound of the branch breaking off echoed through the forest. A rush of energy bolted through his body; his arms felt unrealistically stronger as if he could just casually juggle elephants; he only pulled on the branch softly, but it snapped off and sent Julius hard on his ass. Slowly grabbing the torn off branch Julius picked himself up once again, eyes bulging "-OK, OK, OK, OK, OK," Julius kept saying to himself. "Don't freak out, don't freak out," he said, clearly freaking out. "So you have some kind of super-strength, that's OK, that's OK," Julius said, walking up to the tree. He tried to push the tree, but nothing happened; Julius's energy was still there but wasn't activating. "OK, so it only activates sometimes. I uhh, I have to test this out."

Hours passed as Julius tested the extent of his powers. All Julius had was drastically improved physical capabilities, strength, speed, endurance even regeneration from what he could make out. Julius accidentally got a slash on his arm. Julius placed his hand over the cut, and a white glow came from his palm; the pain got sucked away. When he pulled his palm away, the white light seemed to have healed the wound. These powers were terrific but were not always there. It appeared that they only came up when he truly needed them or when he really concentrated.

"OK, so these powers are nice to have, but I shouldn't rely on them. Keep them as a last resort," Julius said as he walked through the forest. "What time was it," Julius thought out loud. Day, night, dusk, dawn, some weird time he never heard of, he couldn't tell, this forest seemed to follow its only rules. One minute, it was raining harshly, the next it was scorching hot, then snow, followed by heavy winds. "I can see why I sensed leaving was a good idea," he sighed before hearing a deep, bellowing roar.

Julius froze; the roar sounded like a lion but kind of clicky. Heavy steps followed the threatening roar. Whatever made that roar was coming his way, and it was close. Working his breathing, Julius gave his walking stick a few swings, the last thing he wanted was to fight this creature, but he might be able to scare it off, make himself look big enough, make himself seem like too much work to eat, it might just make it run away. That changed when a large winged lion with a scorpion's tail jumped out of a nearby bush.

"What the, A MANTICORE?!?" Julius yelped wide-eyed "That's impossible! They don't exist!" He said fearfully, though the beast's bellowing roar and breath instantly dispelled that notion. As scared as Julius was, he felt the energy return. The manticore lunged at Julius. As the beast bared its fangs towards the bewildered human Julius smacked the beast with his walking stick. CRACK A deafening sound echoed through the forest, the branch burst into a storm of splinters, and the beast went flying off. As the beast flew away, its tail scratched through Julius's left arm.

"AHHHGN~" Julius yelped in pain. Sure the cut wasn't deep, but it bled, and it burned. It burned like fire. Placing his right hand on his arm, he felt the energy flow through his palm and arm. His magic healed the cut and numbed the pain, but there was still a pain, unlike other cuts. Wincing hard, Julius tried to steady his breathing. "Venom, it has venom," Julius said in a panic. For whatever reason, the healing didn't work on the venom. Maybe he needed to know what the venom was or needed to know the cure. Perhaps the venom was just immune to magic, but whatever the reason, he needed help. Focusing, he felt the energy rushing through his body, trying and slowly failing to counter the venom.

Walking swiftly through the forest, he looked hard for someone, anyone. Each step felt like fire. His vision blurred with each pain-filled step, his breath becoming heavy, pained, worked. Close to passing out, he spotted what appeared to be a treehouse. It wasn't a shack or something in a tree, but rather a large tree that had been converted into a house. Julius stumbled up to the door, vision almost gone.

"Please," he harshly moaned as he reached the door. Knocking at the door, Julius forces out, "Please, help me," his ears burning. The door opened just as Julius's last grasp on conscience faltered. Through blurred vision, he thought he saw a maybe four-foot-tall zebra. Usually, Julius would be questioning why, but it was all he could do to barely say "Man, tuh, kor, veh, nuhm," before passing out.

Author's Note

Man, tuh, kor, veh, nuhm is Manticore venom, just in phonetic form. Felt it was appropriate considering Julius was passing out, his breathing, and speech would have been strained, and labored.

Chapter 8: Setting a Party in Motion and Sweet Apple Acres

Holding Rarity close to himself, Julius pleasantly sighs. He had tried to pull out of Rarity's pussy a few times, but each time he tried, every muscle in her pussy pulled his cock back in. Resigning himself to his fate, Julius lays with Rarity, not sleeping but not truly awake. His firm hands massaging her soft coat while his lips pepper her head, horn, and lips with gentle kisses. Julius basked in the afterglow of their love-making and Rarity's subtle perfume, the soft scent of vanilla and jasmine teasing Julius's noes, calling him to rest and enjoy himself.

"If she always wears this perfume," Julius breaths heavily, taking in the erotic scent, "then stallions must be flocking to her!" Julius breathily exclaims in a pleasantly exhausted lusty moan. Laying down in a nearly meditative state, Julius continues his soft caressing and kissing.

In the Golden Oak Library, Twilight finished collecting herself. Her thoughts in order, her day planned, or at least as planned as it could be, and her composure regained. Opening her bedroom door, Twilight trotted down the stairs and headed towards the front door.

"Spike, get ready to go out. We have work to do," Twilight states as she stands by the door.

"Finally," Spike says in an annoyed sigh, "can I finally get some answers?" Spike asks as he climbs on top of Twilight, mounting her back. "Between this morning and your frantic running around when you got back, you had me worried," Spike says, concern mixed with curiosity. Exiting the Golden Oak Library, Twilight shuts the door and makes off towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"Well, Spike, last night I saw Princess Luna at Lake Hinny. She was there with a creature I've never seen. Princess Luna and the creature seemed to be quite friendly" Twilight blushed lightly at 'friendly.' "So this morning, I got the girls together to investigate. I didn't want to bring you just in case he was dangerous. It turns out he's something called a human. His name is Julius, he can speak, and he's from another world!" Twilight squeals while Spike's mouth goes agape, his Jaw just hanging. "Anyways, we got some work to do. First things first, go to Fluttershy's and get her to bring Zecora to town," Twilight explains as she canters towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"Who's Zecora, and why Fluttershy? She isn't exactly the social type," Spike asks, slightly tilting his head, trying to understand Twilight's decision-making.

"Oh, yesterday, when Princess Luna came by, she took Fluttershy to the Everfree forest. Fluttershy was saved from timberwolves there by Julius. So Princess Luna took Fluttershy to find Julius. It turns out he was living in the Everfree with a zebra named Zecora," Twilight explains as Fluttershy's cottage comes into view.

"Well, this Julius sounds alright, but why are he and Zecora living in the Everfree Forest?" Spike asked, truly bewildered.

"When Zecora first came here, she had a negative welcome, very negative. She moved into the Everfree because she had to. Julius lives with her because she saved his life; also, he was worried about getting a worse reaction than Zecora," Twilight explained as she came to Fluttershy's door. After knocking lightly, a rough voice answered.

"Yeah, who is it?" Rainbow Dash shouted from inside.

"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight yelped in surprise. "It's Twilight. I'm here to see Fluttershy," Twilight told Rainbow as she and Spike gave each other an odd look.

"One second," Fluttershy's voice softly sings, unlocking her door. Fluttershy opened her door, letting the two inside. "What brings you here, Twilight?" Fluttershy asks as she walks in and sits down by Rainbow Dash.

"I wanted to ask you to go get Zecora and bring her to town. So we can apologize and properly welcome her. But that can wait for a few minutes. Why is Rainbow Dash here?" Twilight asks as she sits down beside Rainbow, Spike sliding down her back and landing on a cushion.

"Well, we were at Rarity's with AJ and Pinkie Pie, but we had to leave," Rainbow started to explain. "When Rarity asked Julius to take off his clothes to get measurements, Julius refused. Apparently, Julius didn't want to take his clothes off in front of us," Rainbow Dash suggestively says while smirking. "So we had to leave. I went with Fluttershy, originally to rest at her place, but then she started telling me more about Julius's fight with the timberwolves," Rainbow Dash said as Fluttershy raised an eyebrow at her. "OK, OK, I asked about it. I wouldn't mind sparing with him sometime," Rainbow confidently says, all while smirking.

"I see," Twilight said in a mild blush. "Fluttershy could we have some tea, please?" Twilight requests as Spike sat down close beside Twilight.

"Of course you can Twilight, I already have a kettle on," Fluttershy chirps back as she grabs a kettle full of hot water, pouring Twilight and Spike each a mug of hot water and presenting them with different flavors of tea and some biscuits. Twilight took a strong earl gray and Spike a warm cinnamon tea.

"Thank you, Fluttershy," Twilight and Spike said at the same time as they made their tea, the scents mixing, forming a warming, invigorating scent. The four friends made some small talk to pass the time while drinking their tea. The dominant topic of their conversation was Julius and the arrival of Zecora.

"I'll get Pinkie Pie to throw the two of them a party," Twilight said between sips of her tea. "For Julius, a welcome party. For Zecora, an apology and welcome party," Twilight explains as she magically dips a biscuit into her tea. "Hopefully, we can convince them to move into the town. Ponyville could use a good apothecarist," Twilight states as she eats her tea biscuit. "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, can you two go get her?"

"Sure, Twilight," Fluttershy responds softly.

"We'll leave after you and Spike finish your snack," Rainbow energetically states.

"Great, thanks, girls," Twilights thanks as she quickly finishes her snack, glancing at Spike, favoring him a sideways look.

"What is it, Twilight?" Spike asks as he enjoys his tea and biscuit.

"We have a lot to do, Spike," Twilight flatly says. Spike taking a few moments, picks up the hint. Spike hopped on top of Twilight's back as he quickly finished his snack, eliciting a giggle from Twilight. "You didn't have to finish that quickly," she giggled as she finished shortly after Spike.

"You say that," Spike knowingly says while knowingly looking at a smirking Rainbow Dash. Finishing her snack shortly after, Twilight picked herself up and made for the door. "Bye, girls," Spike waves as Twilight opens the door.

"I'll see you two later with Zecora," Twilight says as she leaves the cottage to head to Sugarcube Corner. Quickly cleaning up the cottage Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash made off to get Zecora. Trotting off back into town, Twilight spots Pinkie Pie coming out from the local party store.

"Hey, Pinkie!" Twilight shouts.

"Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike!" Pinkie Pie responds as she bounces down the road, party supplies in tow.

"Wow, Pinkie Pie, you must be getting ready for a big party!" Spike exclaims in surprise at the sheer amount of party supplies Pinkie Pie picked up.

"Well, duh, I have a party for Julius and Zecora to make, and it has to be ready by the end of the day," Pinkie explains, her bouncing sounding more and more energetic.

"Well, that's convenient. I was just coming to ask you to do just that," Twilight remarks following after Pinkie Pie.

"I figured you'd want me to throw them a party. Besides, I wanted to throw them a party anyways," Pinkie Pie joyfully explained as she bounced her way back to the Sugarcube Corner. "Anyways, Twilight, I have a lot to do to prepare for this party. You should go to the Carousel Boutique. I think Julius is about ready to see the rest of Ponyville," Pinkie Pie explains as she gets to the bakery's door.

"How do you know that?" Twilight asks, tilting her head in confusion.

"Oh Twilight, when it comes to my friends, I know everything!" Pinkie Pie giggles as she gets closer to Twilight. "Everything," Pinkie whispers into Twilight's ear, giggling knowingly.

"Oh well, OK," Twilight nervously laughs "come on, Spike," Twilight tells Spike as he eagerly pushes Twilight towards the Carousel Boutique. Meanwhile, at the Carousel Boutique, Julius and Rarity finally separated, and Rarity finally got the measurements she wanted.

"Well, it's a good thing I got those clothes off," Rarity blushed and giggled "if I didn't, I would have made the pants far too tight," she breathily cooed.

"I think we're both glad you aren't going to make that mistake," Julius awkwardly laughs. "Bad for your reputation and bad for my boys," Julius remarks as he stretches out his mildly stiff body. The cracking sounded somewhat painful but relaxing. Rarity was watching with a bit of awe, and a bit of attraction, the flexibility of Julius being both shocking and attractive.

"Tell me, darling are all humans so flexible?" Rarity asks as she ogles at the display.

"I'm not that flexible. Many humans are far more flexible them me," Julius explains as he stretches his arms. "Actually, I'm one of the least flexible people I know. Well, I suppose after nearly a month living and training in the Everfree Forest, I got a bit more flexible, but still, I'm pretty stiff. I just do this to loosen up my body, and it feels good" Julius laughs as he continues his stretching.

"I see. It is quite impressive nonetheless," Rarity giggles as she works out several designs for outfits while stealing glances at Julius. Rarity started working on several different rough designs ranging from frilly to tight. Finishing enough of a few designs, Rarity gives the rough sketches to Julius for approval. Flipping through the designs, Julius chuckles at a few.

"Hah, a few of these I'd be too embarrassed to wear in my world even though I like them," Julius smiles. "I like this one," he hands Rarity a sketch of a highlands-like outfit complete with kilt. "This one," Julius says, as he handed her a sketch of a landsknecht-like outfit complete with pleating and cloak. "This one," Julius tells Rarity while he hands over a fairly normal-looking sketch with a tunic that looks slimming and light pants. "Oh, and this one," Julius remarked as he hands over a sketch of an outfit that looked like a snug yet breathable bodysuit. "If possible, could you make three of each?" Julius requests.

"Of course, darling, tell me any color preferences?" Rarity asks as she looks over the chosen outfits, color patterns already coming to her mind.

"Well, for the bodysuit, a color pattern that would blend into the forest. As for the others, I would prefer darker shades of blues, reds, greens, and purples, also black. But I'm not good with fashion, so I'll trust you to do a good job. You are the professional after all," Julius says while smiling.

"Thank you for your trust. I promise you I won't let you down," Rarity sings as she moves to get some fabrics. "It'll take me quite some time to make the clothes. Why don't you get Twilight to show you around? She should be at the Golden Oak Library. It's the large tree building. You can't miss it," Rarity tells Julius as she begins to hum a song.

"Alright, I'll do that. Thank you for all you're doing and for helping me come to terms with things," Julius blushes as he makes for the door. Walking out the door, Julius is shocked to see Twilight coming towards the door with what looks like a small dragon on her back. Closing the door behind him, Julius notices the dragon's eyes go wide.

"Good timing Twilight, I was just finishing up with Rarity," Julius says as he goes to meet Twilight halfway. Thinking quickly on her hooves, Twilight gets an idea to get Julius away from Ponyville long enough for Pinkie Pie to set up her party.

"Yes, good timing," Twilight laughs nervously. "Hey, want to see where Applejack lives? Sweet Apple Acres is quite an amazing farm," Twilight tries to lead Julius. Mauling it over in his head Julius comes to a decision.

"Sure, I kind of wanted to meet Applejack's family," Julius concedes as he lets Twilight lead him.

"So uhhh, I take it you're Julius," Spike nervously laughs as Julius towers over him.

"Yes, I am. Are you a talking dragon?" Julius exclaims as he locks eyes with Spike.

"Yes, I am," Spike responds with a bit of pride.

"Cool, can you breathe fire?" Julius asks as he looks excitedly at Spike while Twilight giggles.

"I sure can watch!" Spike turns his head away from Twilight before breathing a relatively large spout of green fire.

"OK yeah, that's cool. When you get bigger, let me know," Julius laughs while widely smiling.

"And you were worried," Twilight giggled while Spike blushed with pride.

"Hah, me, worried, never," Spike defensively says while Julius and Twilight looked at each other, both knowingly smiling.

The rest of the walk to Sweet Apple Acres was Julius catching Spike up on his story. Twilight was too embarrassed to add anything to their talk. While Julius did a fine job cleaning himself up, he still had a bit of Rarity's scent on him. Sure nopony would probably notice anything. Even if they did, they'd make nothing of it, but Twilight knew better, and the scent kept bringing thoughts into her mind. Going to Sweet Apple Acres was both for Julius as well as herself. Perhaps some farm work would help take her mind off of what Julius and Rarity have done. As they made their way to the farm gates, the group was greeted by a large red stallion bucking apple trees.

"Hi, Big Mac," Twilight chirps. Big Mac stops bucking and turns around to look at Twilight. After facing Twilight, Big Mac doesn't look at her but rather Julius. The two lock eyes as they measure each other. After a few tense moments, the two take a step towards each other.

"Big Mac," Julius states.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responds.

"I'm Julius," Julius states.

"A pleasure," Big Mac responds.

"Working?" Julius asks.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responds.

"A lot to do?" Julius asks.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responds.

"Strong silent type?" Julius asks.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responds.

"Hard worker?" Julius asks.

"Eeyup," Big Mac responds.

"Respect," Julius compliments.

"Thanks," Big Mac responds.

Twilight and Spike watch on at the laconic conversation. Though awkward, it felt somehow fitting. The two nodded at each other while Twilight and Spike walked ahead to lead Julius down the path towards the farmhouse. The path flanked on both sides by a multitude of extremely fruitful apple trees.

"He's a good pony. I like him," Julius finally speaks up.

"Big Mac?" Twilight and Spike both respond.

"Yeah, I knew people like him in my world. They can be a bit difficult to get to know, but they always turn out to be solid, down-to-earth people, well, in my experience. He's a good pony, a good guy," Julius says while nodding.

"Really because it looked like neither of you said much," Spike said while Twilight nodded in agreement.

"We said a lot. Just nonverbally," Julius explained as a large red farmhouse came in sight.

"There it is, the farmhouse," Twilight says as she quickly scans the area. "Fortunately, Applejack is right there," Twilight happily says, cantering towards Applejack. "Applejack, hey Applejack," Twilight shouts as Spike bounces lightly on her back.

"Hi Twilight," Applejack answers as she looks towards the voice "hi Spike, and Hi Julius," Applejack says, stopping before going off into the orchard. "What brings y'all here?" Applejack asks as the group approached her.

"Oh, you know, I thought Julius would like to meet your family," Twilight quickly responded. Applejack just looks right through Twilight knowingly.

"Well, Apple Bloom is still at school. She and the rest of her friends won't be back for at least another two hours. You're still welcome to meet Granny Smith and Big Mac, though," Applejack explains.

"I already met Big Mac. He's a good guy," Julius flatly says.

"Oh well, OK then. Granny Smith is right inside. I would go in with you, but I have a lot of work to get finished by the end of the week," Applejack says with a slight blush. Twilight blushes as well, knowing full well why Applejack needed to get the work done before next week. Looking between Applejack and Twilight, Julius smirks to himself.

"Heat?" Julius asks. Twilight and Applejack blush harder while Spike just looks on confused.

"If Applejack gets hot, she can just cut her fur," Spike says, getting a laugh from Julius and a head-shaking from Applejack and Twilight.

"Oh, poor innocent Spike," Julius says, laughing. "Well, Applejack, if you would like help next week, let me know," Julius teasingly says, winking at her, making the two mares blush harder.

"You'll cut her fur?" Spike asks while Julius laughs.

"Spike, that would be the nicest thing I do to her," Julius responds while grinning wolfishly at an embarrassed Applejack.

"Come on guys, let's go inside to meet Granny Smith. I'm sure she has some apple pie inside," a crimson red Twilight quickly blurts out.

"OK, OK, but first," Julius says, leaning down his mouth right next to Twilight's ear, "the offer is open to you as well," he whispers quiet enough that Spike couldn't hear. Twilight standing stiff and blushing wildly, started to stammer.

"Y-you shouldn't tease mares like that," Twilight blushes as Julius walks towards the farmhouse. Turning back, Julius looks at both the mares slyly, grinning.

"Who says I'm teasing" Julius slyly and seductively responds. While walking to the farmhouse, the three all bare very different expressions and emotions. Julius is walking tall, standing proud, each step oozing swagger. Twilight, however, is barely walking forward, her tail furiously swishing as she looked at the ground. Spike just looked between the two, confused. Walking up to the front door, Julius almost knocks but decides that letting a pony knock and introduce him would be much better. Waiting for Twilight to catch up, Twilight knocks at the front door by walking headfirst into it.

"Well, that's one way to knock. I would have used my hoof if I was you," Julius snickers while Spike laughs.

"Oh uhhh sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going," Twilight meekly says as she backs up from the door. Grumbling from inside the farmhouse can be heard, definitely the mildly annoyed mumbling of an elderly lady. Fumbling at the door is heard as the door opens. An elderly mare stands in the doorway.

"Oh, Twilight, how nice to see you," Granny Smith says as she looks out the door. Eyeing Julius, Granny Smith backs up slightly. "I see you brought a friend," Granny Smith shakily says.

"Yes, ma'am, I'm Julius. A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Julius respectfully greets Granny Smith.

"Well, now, that's a polite greeting. I'm Granny Smith. Come in, come in" Granny Smith ushers the group inside. Walking inside, Twilight and Spike both look at Julius while Julius just smiles back. "Now, what brings you all here?" Granny Smith asks as she fumbles around in the kitchen.

"Well, Julius here is new to town. He already met my friends and me, so I thought he'd like to meet the rest of the Apples and learn a bit about Ponyville," Twilight says as she sits down in the living room. Following her lead, Spike and Julius sit down as well.

"Well, you came to the right place!" Granny Smith gleefully says as she enters the room with a tray of baked apple goods. Setting the tray down on a table between the group, Granny Smith takes a seat of her own. "Ponyville started many years ago when I was just a filly," Granny Smith Started.

"Oh great, we'll be here for a while." Julius internally laments as Granny Smith starts on about Ponyville's history, right from the beginning.

Chapter 10.5 Luna Awakens

Rubbing her eyes, Princess Luna stretches and softly moans. Blinking a few times rapidly, she quickly awakens. Looking around at her surroundings, Princess Luna takes it all in.

"Ok, so I fell asleep at the lake, and now I'm in Rarity's residence. How did I get here?" Princess Luna wondered as she remembered what she saw earlier. "Well, Julius sure seemed to be into mares or at least Rarity. Either way, it's good to know that he can feel that way about mares" Princess Luna softly chuckled as she took a short walk around the room to wake up her body. Doing a few light callanetics and stretches to wake up a limber her body Princess Luna hears some soft humming and singing.

"Well, it's not often that I'm serenaded while I go through my routine. It's pleasant. I should see about getting somepony to start doing it more often," Princess Luna mused as she stretched each of her legs. Slowly methodically working each muscle in each of her legs Princess Luna softly grunts and moans. "My sister might have flank and chest fluff, but I have the legs and body," Princess Luna chuckles as she stretches before a full body mirror. While stretching out her rear legs, Princess Luna's hoofs lightly stepped on the plush carpet while one of her hind legs gets stretched long and straight. Looking back at her reflection, Princess Luna watched as she slowly twitched each muscle in the extended leg, her soft fur seemingly dancing with the twitching. Deftly switching to the other rear leg, Princess Luna repeats the motions. Looking into her reflection, she starts giggling.

"Oh, how many stallions lost themselves to this?" Princess Luna reminisced. "So many guards just walking right in to get a full view of my perfectly toned body. They're so fun to tease," she giggled as she sat down to stretch forward. "There was Glimmering Dust who just stared in awe. Dusty Mist just cutely stammered. Fair Flier just fell over himself, trying to back out of the room. Oh, and poor Lightning Shot, poor little colt lived up to his name," Princess Luna laughed as she switched to stretching her sides. "Just one look had him shooting his load all over the floor," Princess Luna laughed as she looked back on the poor stallions in the castle guard. "We have to see about getting some real stallions for guards," Princess Luna looked pensively at her reflection, "well, I might have found one, even if I have to share him," Princess Luna lightly smiled as she got up, her body nice and limber. "I should get a proper breakfast," Princess Luna sighed as she left the room. Walking softly down the stairs, she hears the same voice clearer now.

"And that's the art of the dress~" Rarity's voice rings out, her elegant voice filling the Carousel Boutique. Looking at her from further back, Princess Luna sees Rarity working on what looks like an elaborate poncho if the sides were not closed. The piece of clothing appeared to be primarily a dark blue, though the puffy sleeves were slashed, revealing a deep forest green pleating. There were a few fixtures on the shirt; they appeared to be polished silver buttons with a cross over an ornate design.

"That looks very nice Rarity, what is it?" Princess Luna asks as she softly walks up behind Rarity as she finishes a stitch.

"AHHHH!" Rarity jumps as she hears Princess Luna's voice from behind her. "Oh, you scared me, your majesty. I'm making clothes for Julius. This is a shirt he wanted. This set is based on clothes from his world. In my opinion, the fanciest of the clothes that he wants, it looks quite fetching," Rarity complements her work as she holds it up with her magic. As the shirt is held, the sleeves open up as if a calm night sky was parted for a verdant forest.

"Oh, that is quite nice," Princess Luna remarks as she brushes her cheek against the slashed sleeve. "Love the coloration" she smiles softly. Slightly opening her eyes, Princess Luna's eyes quickly shoot open. "W-W-W-Where did you get that?" Princess Luna stammers as she checks her wings. Putting the shirt down, Rarity looks at the table, spotting a single, large, night-blue feather. Suddenly realizing what the Princess was looking at, Rarity lightly blushes.

"Oh, your feather, well ummm, how do I put this?" Rarity shyly says as Princess Luna looks over her wings. "You see, oh dear, Julius carried you here. While you were in his arms, he started to preen your wings. While doing so, he took out a few loose feathers. He, uhhh, he said he wanted that one adorning a hat. We told him what it means, but he still wanted it," Rarity meekly explained, backing up slowly as Princess Luna's wings shot open, a look of surprise plastered on her face.

"I see," Princess Luna said, blushing. "Well, if he really wants it, then I suppose it's ok," Princess Luna tells Rarity while shyly looking away from Rarity.

"Really? That's ok with you?" Rarity asks in surprise. "You know what that means, right?"

"I do, Rarity; it's ok. Besides," Princess Luna huffs with a bit of pride, "do you have any idea how hard it is to find a stallion worth calling a stallion? So many stallions are just so passive. Honestly, it's refreshing to find a bold stallion," Princess Luna tells Rarity, a smirk starting to form on her face as Rarity sits back down on her stool. "You know all about that, though, don't you?" Princess Luna asks leadingly.

"I ummm, ahhh, I have no idea what you're talking about. Hahaha!" Rarity awkwardly laughs, avoiding Princess Luna's gaze.

"Rarity," Princess Luna says calmly, placing a hoof on Rarity's leg, "I heard you two. I saw you two. I know," Princess Luna tells Rarity as Rarity's body stiffens.

"How much did you see, Princess?" Rarity deadpanningly asks.

"Enough," Princess Luna replies. "Just Luna is fine. We might as well start getting familiar now," Luna softly laughs. "So, how was it?" Luna breathily asks her words tickling Rarity's ear.

"Ahn" Rarity softly moans. "It was amazing. His stallionhood seems like it's built for breeding. Not quite as thick as Big Mac's but just as long. It doesn't have a flat head but rather a softly pointed one. It just rips right into you and ravages your body. Then there are those massive balls; the way they slap against your teats is unbelievable. Then there are his teeth and hands. The feeling of him softly nipping into your neck with those soft fangs is incredible; it really makes you feel like a mare getting a proper rutting. Those hands are miracle workers, the way they tease and massage your teats truly feels like he's getting them ready for some foals. Oh and his cum, oh the feeling of that thick foal-batter filling your womb is just divine," Rarity coos as she gets further and further lost in her memory of Julius rutting her. Luna listening on and looking on, can see the lusty memories in Rarity's eyes.

"It seems you're quite taken with him," Luna remarks smiling softly.

"Well, he is quite a stallion, and he really can breed a mare. Despite his protests, he seems to know quite a bit about fashion. But I would like to get to know him a bit better first. I have my friends to think about after all," Rarity says, lust lightly dancing on her voice.

"Why do your friends factor into this?" Luna asks as she looks away before thinking of something. "Let me guess, you all want to be in the same herd?" Luna asks as she looks at Rarity.

"Yes, we made that agreement a few years ago. You know to keep our friendship. I'd imagine Twilight will want to get in on it," Rarity tells Luna as she tries to calm down her building lust. "Why are you looking to take him as well?" Rarity teases as she softly laughs.

"So far, he is the most ideal stallion I have found," Luna replies. "He's bold, he appreciates my night, he has the equipment of a proper stallion" Luna looks away for a brief moment. "Do you have any idea how many ponies recognize my night? Sure there are the thestrals, but they practically worship me. Pretty much all of the other ponies are so afraid of me that they rarely get close. When they do, they practically worship me, but Julius is different. He doesn't blindly worship me; he isn't afraid of me. When I'm with him, I feel like I can really be myself. I feel like I can stop being a princess and start being a real mare," Luna laments as Rarity lightly leans her muzzle against Luna's.

"Yes, I can see how that would attract you to him" Rarity tries to comfort Luna. "I have heard the trappings of royalty can be like a gilded cage. It looks nice and beautiful, but it's still a cage, binding and restricting. It would sound like this is true," Rarity melancholically remarks as she and Luna lightly nuzzle. "So I guess if we do take him, you'll be in the herd too?" Rarity asks, making Luna shoot up straight up in surprise.

"Join you and your friends in a herd?" Luna almost spits out as she nearly chokes on her surprise.

"Why not? The number of stallions to mares pretty much requires us to herd. You do seem quite taken with him yourself. Besides, you are right about stallions. So many of them are just so passive. I swear it's like us mares have to breed them," Rarity giggles as Luna joins her giggling.

"You're right about all of that, but it means telling him about me being a princess and my past," Luna looks sadly away. "I don't think I can do that. I don't want to risk it," Luna says, her sorrow filling her voice, looking at the crestfallen princess Rarity breaths deeply.

"Luna, I told him I wouldn't tell you, but you need to hear this. He knows that you are a princess. He knew from you being an alicorn," Rarity tells Luna, much to Luna's surprise. "He doesn't know about Nightmare Moon, so don't worry about that. He said that it was up to you to tell him that you're a princess and that until then, he'd keep treating you as he does," Rarity explains to Luna.

"See, I can't tell him. If I do, he'll, he'll-" Luna starts to make out before being cut off.

"Luna, it's ok. You don't have to tell him everything all at once, or right away, just when you're ready," Rarity interrupts, reassuring Luna. "You can wait until you're ready, he'll still be here, and we'll be here too. We'll be ready to support you, Luna," Rarity comforts Luna as Luna looks away.

"Thank you, Rarity. I need some time to think about things, about this," Luna says reflectively as a soft *grr* comes from Luna. "It would seem my body wants a proper breakfast. Would you mind if I had something to eat?" Luna asks as her stomach growls at her.

"Not at all. Actually, here let me show you something. A kind of oatmeal from Julius's world, it's called maple brown sugar oatmeal," Rarity says with some energy as she leads Luna into her kitchen.

"That sounds quite good, Rarity. I'll take you up on that," Luna smiles as she follows Rarity into the kitchen. "So, where are the others?" Luna asks as Rarity starts to make the oatmeal.

"Well, I know Twilight, Spike, and Julius are at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack. Fluttershy is likely at her cottage. The others, I'm not sure, though. Knowing Pinkie Pie, she's probably planning some sort of party, and Rainbow well she could be anywhere," Rarity told Luna as she added some maple syrup to the oatmeal.

"Hmmm, I see. After breakfast, I should tell my sister about Julius," Rarity blushed as Luna joined her, "well, not everything, just what she needs to hear" Luna laughs as Rarity joins her. As Rarity finishes making the oatmeal, the scent of maple and sugar permeates the Carousel Boutique, further whetting Luna's hunger. "It smells quite good, now let's see how it tastes," Luna says, getting a spoonful of flavored oatmeal. After taking a bite, the flavor explodes in her mouth. "Oh, this is quite good indeed," Luna complements as she wolfs down the bowl. "Seconds, please," Luna requests as she magically holds out her bowl. Giggling softly, Rarity filled Luna's bowl with more of the flavored oatmeal. After eating her a few more bowls, Luna gets up and stretches her wings.

"That was splendid thank you, Rarity," Luna thanks as she makes for the door. "I should go see my sister now, and you seem like you have a lot to do," Luna says, looking around Rarity's workplace. "I'll be back later in the evening," Luna tells Rarity before flying off to Canterlot.

"I wonder if Luna will be ok? Hopefully, she won't run from this for too long," Rarity cleans up before returning to her work. Rarity starts to make a flamboyant dark blue wide-brimmed hat with the right side cocked up after getting the ok from Luna. "The rules of Rarity~" Rarity starts to sing as she resumes her work.

Author's Note

If you want a picture of what the shirt and hat look like look up landsknecht shirt and musketeer hat. Obviously the pants will be landsknecht as well.

Chapter 17: Morning in the Everfree

It was a long, peaceful, restful sleep the group had. Sure they were over the blankets, but the herd sleeping was warm and comfy enough.

*Mhhhp, mmmph* A raspy feminine moaning caressed Julius' ears, slowly dragging him awake. Pulling a hand to his face Julius slowly rubs the sleep from his eyes as they flutter open.

"About time," the same voice says as Julius's arm and hand move. "I like to sleep in and all, but seriously this is late," the voice jokingly complains as Julius looks down. Looking back at him, Rainbow Dash grins and chuckles softly. "Morning, sleepyhead," Rainbow Dash coyly says before lightly booping Julius.

"Did you just boop me?" Julius almost recoils in surprise as Rainbow Dash gets out of bed.

"Yup, I did" Rainbow Dash chuckles while she stretches her wings. "Ah, still tender" Rainbow Dash lightly yelps as she stretches her injured wing.

"Well, it is still injured; give it some time," Julius tells Rainbow Dash before leaning his head back. While leaning back, Julius's head gets softly pressed against a soft tuff of fur. Looking back, Julius looks up at Luna. "Oh, good morning Luna," Julius greets Luna before looking around the room "where's Twilight and Zecora?" Julius asks, not spotting either.

"They woke up a few hours ago. Zecora took Twilight out to learn about the herbs she has and the potions she can make," Luna tells Julius as she shifts slightly in bed.

"Wait, have you been awake in bed since then?" Julius asks, almost in disbelief.

"I was comfy, besides I fell back asleep," Luna says, Julius making Rainbow Dash chuckle.

"Well, fair enough, I suppose," Julius comments while sitting up. "I've had much worse excuses to sleep in," Julius dryly chuckles while lazily getting out of bed.

"So, what do you have planned for today?" Luna asked Julius as she followed his lead.

"I was planning on getting in a light exercise through the forest, then to go see Fluttershy," Julius told Luna as he stretched out his body. "Gotta get all the friends in the herd besides," Julius started to chuckle as he began to do some light calisthenics and stretches. "If you believe the magical mystery that is Pinkie Pie, I'm going to do it," Julius laughed while waking his body up.

"Just wait until you see her Pinkie sense; it warns her of the future," Rainbow Dash chirped while lightly slapping Julius' behind with her good wing. "If you ever see her tail twitching take cover," Rainbow Dash warned while looking Julius over while he went through his morning routine.

"Are you sure she isn't a unicorn or that her cutie mark lets her see the future? Is she a Doctor here to save the universe from forces beyond our understanding?" Julius asked, half-seriously half-mockingly.

"Nope, she's just Pinkie Pie; besides, how would a doctor save the universe?" Rainbow Dash told and asked Julius.

"With a Tardis and science fiction technobabble," Julius flatly said while Luna and Rainbow Dash gave him an odd look. "Oh, never mind, I was referencing something from my world," Julius softly chuckled while shaking his head. "After I've finished my routine, I'm going to clean up then go out for a light workout in the forest; either of you wanna join?" Julius offers the mares.

"I would, but I have to help AJ today," Rainbow Dash tells Julius. "I'll need a big breakfast for that," Rainbow Dash followed up before heading out. "I know the way, and I'll eat at AJ's, see you both later today," Rainbow Dash quickly tells the pair before rushing out to AJ's.

"Fair enough, AJ will work her hard. What about you, Luna?" Julius asked, looking at Luna.

"Zebrican herbs and potions are somewhat of a blank spot in my knowledge. If it's all the same to you, I would like to stay here and learn," Luna regretfully tells Julius.

"It's ok, I understand; prepare to hear a bunch of weird names, smell some interesting smells, and learn some interesting recipes for both potions and food," Julius chuckles while reminiscing about his learning. "Oh, if she tells you to try moto mkali, don't, just don't trust me," Julius warns Luna before gathering his clothes to get dressed.

"Moto mkali, I take it that it tastes unique," Luna remarks while watching Julius get dressed.

"Unique sure, let's go with that," Julius lightly laughs while slipping on his shirt. "Take that as a general rule; most of her herbs by themselves taste unique. Moto mkali is just a stand out" Julius reaffirmed, looking himself over.

"I'll keep that in mind," Luna assures Julius before heading to the kitchen. "Come, it sounds like we both have a busy day, and breakfast won't wait," Luna tells Julius while waiting at the doorway. Finishing getting ready, Julius leads Luna to the kitchen. Walking into the kitchen, Julius scraps together a modest breakfast. Some pre-made Harcha with honey and whumpa fruit. With some extra strong earl gray tea for both.

"Here, it's a fruit from the Everfree. It tastes a bit like watermelon mixed with grapefruit; Zecora calls it whumpa," Julius tells Luna while making up a plate for both of them.

"Sounds interesting," Luna said while accepting the plate. Taking a bite of the whumpa fruit, Luna chewed it over. A mild sweetness, with a pleasant sourness following. "Quite an interesting taste" Luna nodded while trying the harcha. Tasting like a fluffy, bready pancake, a hint of mint followed. Mixed with the honey, it was a nice filling meal. "This is very nice; I take it this is a normal breakfast for you?" Luna asked after trying the harcha.

"More or less. Zecora likes to wake up early; I prefer to sleep in, so we usually eat breakfast separately. Lunch and supper we eat together, though," Julius told Luna while eating his breakfast.

"I see; I know what that's like," Luna remarked while eating her breakfast. The harcha tasted somewhat similar to Celestia's pancakes, though a bit heavier, they're still fluffy and rich. The whumpa broke up the taste and refreshed her mouth quite nicely. Trying the tea Luna was taken slightly aback. "How did you know I like my earl gray strong?" Luna asked, mildly shocked.

"Lucky guess. Honestly, I prefer coffee, but I haven't found any here. The closest to it is earl gray. I guessed you would be the same" Julius chuckled while sipping his tea. "Most people have theirs with cream and sugar; I'm one of those people," Julius told Luna before drinking his tea.

"Good guess. We do have coffee here; I'll have to get some coffee beans for you," Luna offered, much to Julius' delight. After finishing up their mid-morning breakfasts, the pair step outside.

"Well, I'm off. There's a small path behind the tree; it leads to a herb garden. Twilight and Zecora should be there," Julius tells Luna as he gets ready for a brisk, quick after-meal exercise.

"Alright, thank you for telling me. Have a good run," Luna thanks as Julius starts off into the Everfree.

Starting at a light jog, Julius breaths in deeply. It was only a few days; that's all he was away for, and yet those few days away made the scent of the Everfree seem more vibrant. The flowers, the different saps, the trees, and their leaves. All their aromas combined in a way that was absent in his world, and even in Ponyville, this was nothing short of the scent of nature, pure, raw, and unfettered; it was a relaxing scent. Jogging through the Everfree on paths he'd established, Julius let his mind wander. The few days he was away were eventful, with barely anytime to think or let his mind rest.

"It's good to relax your mind," Julius reminded himself as he navigated the path. "Nature is good for it," Julius said out loud; as he hopped onto a log flipping off the log, Julius continued down the path. The sound of the Everfree was a nice one; a choir of birds seemed to be omnipresent, the scuttling of the small animals made a pleasant rustling, even the occasional wolf howl spoke volumes of the life of the Everfree.

Going further and further down the path, over fallen logs, over mild ditches, under low hanging branches, and through some uneven ground, Julius sighted a lovely small hidden pond in a tucked away clearing. Slowing his jog and getting ready to take a quick refreshing dip, Julius completely stopped before entering the clearing.

"Something's not right," Julius quietly murmured, the hairs on the back of his neck raised. Sure the scent of the Everfree was still there, but the sound was gone. It was as if all life in the Everfree came to a sudden halt. Looking around himself and the clearing, he saw nothing out of the usual. Carefully taking a few cautious steps into the clearing, nothing happened. Step by step, Julius slowly approached the pond, all the while nothing was happening, while the Everfree was impossibly quiet. Picking up a nearby stick on his way to the pond, Julius felt it over a few times in his hand. Breathing heavily, expecting something, Julius worked to calm his breathing as he looked into the calm water of the pond. For a good minute, he just looked into those clear waters, letting the moment happen, letting the silence be. Swiftly and deftly, Julius turned around and chucked the stick right into the trees. A few snaps and cracks could be heard, but nothing else. For a moment, all was still; then the sound came back to the Everfree.

"Something was stalking me; I know it," Julius said with mild irritation. Cautiously slipping off his light clothing Julius stepped into the pond. "It seems to be gone now," Julius speculated while relaxing in the cool pond water "hopefully, it wasn't anything too dangerous, or persistent" Julius said while the pond water refreshed his body. Swimming over to the other side of the pond, Julius reached up to a low hanging branch and picked off a curious-looking fruit. Green skin, orange stripes, and blue flesh made for an interesting-looking fruit. Julius bit into the fruit; a salty sweetness filled Julius's mouth as the juices poured in, a tangy sourness followed as the fruit's flesh followed. Finishing the fruit, Julius took a quick dunk under the water before getting out of the pond.

"Love this pond," Julius contently smiles while he dries himself off with the large leaves of a nearby plant. Not fully dry, but dry enough, Julius gets back into his clothes. Leaving the pond and the clearing, Julius made his way back to Zecora's tree. Heading out, Julius didn't jog but instead walked. While he was left alone in the pond, the feeling, he was being stalked still stuck with Julius. Making his way through well-navigated obstacles, it started again. At first, only a few animals went silent, but more animals went quiet with each step until complete silence. Halting his walk, Julius looked around. The Everfree seemed no different; the only movement and sound seemed to come from Julius. Every hair on Julius's body was raised, his muscles tensed, readying for a fight, his mind preparing for some odd fantastical creature. At first, a few seconds passed, then a minute, then two minutes passed as nothing happened. Julius stood alone in the Everfree; the silence was his only companion.

Slowly stepping away, Julius cautiously walked away, his guard fully raised. Each step measured as Julius' mind started to play out different scenarios, different animal attacks, a possible hostile pony maybe, or perhaps another sentient being he'd yet to meet. Julius' mind raised through a million different thoughts all at once. Julius expected something to happen; eerily, nothing did. Despite his mind racing through his thoughts, Julius was able to keep a veneer of calm. It helped that he was getting closer to Zecora's tree and the ponies. Recognizing several signs, Julius knew he was close to Zecora's.

"Hey, Luna, you here!" Julius shouted, figuring he'd call for the most experienced pony before calling for the others. Julius's head almost snapped right back as he heard a snapping sound from behind him. It was the only sound he heard that he hasn't made in the past forty-five minutes. That thing did follow him, and that thing just screwed up. Julius' eyes locked onto the spot where the sound came from, but he saw nothing. Julius narrowed his eyes, focused hard, and he saw nothing. Hoof steps from behind casually sounded.

"I am Julius," Luna's voice called out. She was close, but Julius didn't turn his head, not wanting to take his eyes off the spot. "Julius, is something wrong?" Luna asked as she nudged him lightly.

"Yes," Julius flatly responded. "Something or someone has been stalking me," Julius told Luna as one of his hands found Luna's head. Lightly petting her, Julius started to calm down. "Just a few minutes ago, it finally made a sound, but it seemed to have just vanished," Julius told Luna. Luna's ears went stiff, almost pointing in front of them. A rush of magical energy raced through Luna's body as she nearly instantly cast a spell. A blue orb emanated from Luna's horn, going out for quite a distance, maybe a hundred or so feet if Julius had to guess.

"It's gone now. I cast the spell to sense for creatures. I sensed nothing out of the ordinary," Luna explained to Julius. "Still though there was something there, we should get back to Zecora's," Luna suggested to Julius, her head nuzzling softly into the palm of his hand.

"No arguments here, lead on Luna," Julius agreed eagerly. Following Luna's lead, the two made their way back to Zecora's. As thoughts of his stalker possessed Julius' mind, a different thought took hold of Luna's.

Chapter 34: Anthros and Lyra

As the group walked back to Ponyville, Julius got slightly lost in his thoughts, mentally preparing himself for what he'd face with Lyra. It felt a bit odd to him that a random mare he barely knew at all would, seeming out of nowhere, request to rut with him. Weighing his options in his mind, Julius nearly asked Applejack and Big Mac, but the presence of Apple Bloom stopped that. Still, though, the thought did give Julius an idea.

"So, Lyra was asking about me," Julius started to say, "what can you tell me about her."

"Well, Lyra is a bit strange," Applejack told Julius as Big Mac nodded. "Sure, she's a skilled musician and a pretty fine artist," Applejack said, starting to trail off.

"OK, so she's creative; what's strange about that?" Julius asked as he looked at Applejack.

"Well, she's creative because she's an anthro," Applejack said, making Julius recoil. "You heard of them?" Applejack asked in surprise.

"Yes, although I think that it has a different meaning to me. What does it mean here?" Julius cleared up.

"Well, there's a comic series based out of Vanhoover called Our Anthros. I'm not too sure what it's about, but I have seen fanart. The creatures in it all stand on two feet, they all have two arms, and well, they kind of looks like a mix between you and a pony," Applejack said as she scratched her memory. "Honestly, I don't know too much about it."

"I know a bit more about it!" Apple Bloom chirped up as she trotted beside Julius.

"How do you know about it?" Julius asked as he turned to the filly.

"Some of the colts in my class talk about it," Apple Bloom clears up for Julius. "Our Anthros is a comic for young colts. It's about six anthro friends living their lives. In every issue, they have some problem, based on something that could happen, only exaggerated," Apple Bloom explained.

"Thank you, sugarcube. Our Anthros has gotten a following among mares; Lyra's one of them. From the art that I've seen, you look a lot like a creature that could be from the comic," Applejack told Julius.

"So," Julius started to laugh, "Lyra is this world's equivalent of a furry," Julius laughed, "nice."

"What's a furry?" Applejack and Apple Bloom asked.

"Don't ask about that," Julius swiftly waved off. As the group entered the outskirts of Ponyville, Julius pulled Applejack aside. "Hey, Applejack," Julius somewhat awkwardly whispered.

"What is it?" Applejack asked as she looked around him.

"How much should Lyra pay?" Julius asked while making sure that Apple Bloom wasn't listening.

"From the looks of it, Lyra was thinking several hundred. That sounds about right," Applejack whispered back. "Not a good time though, Apple Bloom is near," Applejack told Julius as she walked back to Apple Bloom and Big Mac.

"Fair," Julius agreed as he followed Applejack back. Walking a short way down the main road into town, Julius parted ways with the Apple siblings. Julius to go to Sweetie Drops' Candies, the Apple siblings, to find out more about their parentage. Walking through Ponyville, Julius looked at the shop signs. Each sign felt either like a pun in some way or like it was way too on the nose. Like the smith, Barding, and Guarding, or the bookstore, Books, Books, Books! Shaking his head as he walked by, Julius had a good bit of the street to himself; most of the ponies gave him a wide enough berth. Walking through town, Julius made his way to the cafe he and Fluttershy were at a few days ago, figuring that all the food places would be around the same area.

"There it is," Julius said as he spotted a sign with 'Sweetie Drops' Candies' written on it. Walking towards the shop, Julius looked over the sign. It was painted light pink, with baby blue stripes coiling around the edges, while the writing was a bright yellow. The sign felt like it fit a confectionery shop. Walking up to the door, Julius entered the shop.

"Welcome to Sweetie Drops' Candies," a mare greeted from another room as she heard a bell ring. "What can I? Oh, you're here for Lyra," the mare said as she walked around the counter. "I'm Bon Bon, the owner and Lyra's housemate, as well as her best friend," Bon Bon greeted as she walked towards Julius.

"Bon Bon? I'm sorry, but with the name, I thought that the owner would have been Sweetie Drops," Julius chuckled somewhat awkwardly. "I'm Julius. I don't remember seeing you at the party a few days ago," Julius returned the greeting as he walked up to Bon Bon.

"I get that; Sweetie Drops was one of my herd mothers," Bon Bon explained as she motioned for Julius to follow her. "I had business in Canterlot the day of the party, but Lyra told me about it. Honestly, I'm surprised she waited so long for this," Bon Bon chuckled as she led Julius towards Lyra's room.

"Because she's an anthro?" Julius asked as he followed Bon Bon.

"Oh, you know about them? Yes, because she's an anthro," Bon Bon shook her head while chuckling. "Lyra isn't overly into ponies, but she's into other creatures, like minotaurs and dragons that stand on their hind legs," Bon Bon explained. "Lyra is out picking a few things up; she'll be back soon, though," Bon Bon explained as she opened the door to Lyra's room.

"Alright, guess I'll wait here then," Julius said as he looked around the room. Spotting several comics lying around, Julius picked one of them up. "I take it this is Our Anthros?" Julius asked as he picked up the comic.

"Yeah, issue thirty-three, I think," Bon Bon said as she looked at the comic. "If I remember, that's the one where Green Seas' boat gets damaged, and he has to ask his friends for help," Bon Bon said, sounding very unsure.

"Wait, are you an anthro too?" Julius asked, shocked at what Bon Bon just said.

"Nope, though I have read a few Our Anthros comics with Lyra," Bon Bon explained. "Honestly, the artwork is outstanding, and the storytelling is pretty well done, but it's not for me; it feels far too coltish," Bon Bon told Julius as she looked over the cover of the comic. "Yeah, that's the boat one."

"That's fair," Julius said as he flipped through a few pages. "Think Lyra would mind if I read a few?" Julius asked as he already started to read the comic.

"I don't see why not," Bon Bon said as she turned around. "You'll be fine up here, right? I have to go back downstairs and tend to the shop," Bon Bon said as she started to leave the room.

"Yup, I'll be fine," Julius told Bon Bon as she left Lyra's room. Reading through the comic, Julius did laugh a few times. In many ways, it did feel like it was targeted towards a younger audience, but it felt endearing nonetheless. It was a pleasant, quick read. Setting the comic down, Julius looked around Lyra's room. It appeared almost precisely how he thought it would, except there were many clothes, primarily costumes, and a few instruments. Walking up to the instruments, Julius picked up a lyre.

"How do you play the lyre with hooves?" Julius asked himself as he plucked a few strings. The lyre played no music but instead played a crude noise. "Yup, still no ear for music," Julius laughed as he set the lyre down.

"I'd say," Lyra chuckled from behind Julius. "Not the worst I've heard, but still not good at all," Lyra chuckled as she placed a bag down on her dresser. "Here, give it to me," Lyra said as she grabbed the lyre with her magic.

"Oh, right, magic," Julius slowly said as he facepalmed. "That one is on me; somehow, I completely forgot," Julius said as he shook his head in his palm.

"Hah, not sure how. Our horns are quite prominent," Lyra laughed as she started to play some music. A golden magical aura masterfully plucked each of the lyre's strings, creating a beautiful melody. Alluring music came from the lyre that filled the whole shop, drawing a few customers from the street. After playing a short song, Lyra set the lyre back down. "So, how was it?"

"Very good," Julius applauded. "You must have gone to school for a long time to learn to play that well," Julius said as he lightly rubbed Lyra's mane.

"Well, school and natural talent," Lyra nearly purred as she nuzzled her head into Julius's palm. "My cutie mark, remember," Lyra cooed as she showed her flank to Julius.

"Right, a lyre," Julius said as he looked at Lyra's cutie mark. Sharing a few moments of patting, Julius finally spoke up. "I take it you know why I'm here," Julius said as he looked at Lyra's bed.

"Yeah," Lyra said as she slightly looked away. "Sorry for stepping out, but I desperately needed something," Lyra apologized as she magically ruffled through the bag.

"What did you need?" Julius asked as Lyra levitated a bottle out of the bag and towards her.

"Well, since we are going to do this," Lyra started to say, her voice slightly trailing off, "I looked for some birth control, but, heh, I uhhh, I ran out," Lyra nervously laughed as she took out a green jellylike pill from the bottle.

"Ah, good point," Julius said as he looked at one of the pills. "They kind of look like green jellybeans," Julius commented as he closely looked at a pill, "what are those deep green specks in them?"

"Oh, those are a few of the herbs that weren't fully pulped," Lyra told Julius as she swallowed one of the pills. "Yeah, they look like jellybeans, but trust me, they don't taste like them," Lyra chuckled. "Trust me, every mare made the mistake of biting into one of the pills; they taste awful. They still work if you bite them, but it's better not to bite into them, avoid the horrible taste and all," Lyra told Julius as she made herself comfortable on her bed. "So, how do you want to do this?" Lyra asked before casting a spell on the room.

"Well, how about some foreplay at to start, then we can go at it, maybe mix in some cosplay too," Julius winks while looking at Lyra's costumes.

"Hah, thanks, but washing stains out of those costumes is brutal. Besides, Rarity would kill me if I got them dirty like that," Lyra laughed as she slowly raised her hindquarters and tail. "Not worry about noise, I cast a spell of silence, nocreature can hear what happens in this room, and we can't hear anything outside it," Lyra winks while shaking her hips, her marehood right in front of Julius.

"Convenient spell you have there," Julius smirked as he ran his hands over Lyra's flanks. "Guessing that spell is common?" Julius asked as he traced his fingers over Lyra's cutie marks.

"Every unicorn learns it at - oh Celestia, yes!" Lyra moaned as she felt Julius's tongue rub against her pussy, the tip of his tongue flicking against her clit.

"Oh, so I go to Celestia to learn this spell," Julius smirks as he lightly bites Lyra's clit. "I wonder why she teaches it," Julius playfully said as his tongue traced Lyra's lower lips.

"She, she, she," Lyra could only stammer as she felt Julius's tongue lavish her pussy. Giving up on trying to speak, Lyra just buried her head into her pillow, surrendering herself to the pleasure. Smirking, Julius slid his hands to Lyra's teats, the soft mounds resting gently in Julius's light grasp. Softly fondling the motherly mounds, Julius teasing the perky teats while his tongue lavished her quivering pussy.

Lyra's head swayed side to side in pleasure as Julius assaulted her body's sweet spots, her pussy, and teats getting ravaged by the human's ministrations. Julius's hands had a pleasant roughness to them, oddly soft yet rugged; it felt as if ribbed velvet was caressing her aching teats, like if the roughness of a minotaur's hands met with the smooth under scales of a dragon's palm. Then his tongue, while smaller than other creatures, was defter and cooler; the mild yet noticeable difference felt like his tongue was sending soft teasing shocks through her pussy. With each lick, each rub of his hands, Julius brung Lyra closer and closer to orgasm. Sensing her orgasm approaching, Julius quickly pulled away from Lyra's body.

"Hey," Lyra whiningly moaned, "why'd you pull away?" Lyra moaned as she rolled over. As Lyra rolled over, she saw Julius start to strip, his shirt already off. Lyra laid on the bed, legs spread, and watched as Julius fully stripped. Lyra watched lustfully, and her eyes were instantly drawn to Julius's crotch as he freed his cock. Julius's cock, only slightly hard, throbbed to life in front of Lyra.

"Well, what do you think?" Julius playfully smirked as his cock throbbed to life in front of Lyra's eyes.

"This should tell you enough," Lyra playfully winked as she wiggled her rump, her pussy drenched.

"You need this, don't you?" Julius teased as he rubbed the underside of his cock against Lyra's drenched pussy.

"Oh, you tease," Lyra playfully cooed. "Just buck my brains out already," Lyra pleaded as she rubbed her pussy against Julius's cock.

"Normally I wouldn't, but just for you," Julius coyly winked as he slowly slid the tip of his cock into Lyra's pussy. Inch by throbbing inch, Julius buried his cock in Lyra's pussy. Lyra's quivering marehood felt quite a bit different from the other mares. While still very tight, it felt like it was more used to larger cocks. Comfortably burying his cock inside Lyra's pussy, Julius looked down at her. "A size queen, are you?" Julius teased.

"Dragons and minotaurs," Lyra winked as she clenched her pussy around Julius's cock. "Now, buck me," Lyra lustfully commanded as she hugged Julius with all her legs.

"Well, aren't you a thirsty mare," Julius lustfully teased as he felt Lyra's legs tightly hug him. Slowly humping Lyra's drench pussy, Julius's cock ravaged the lusty mare's aching marehood. Lyra's pussy nearly perfectly molded itself to Julius's throbbing cock. The feeling was different but pleasant; unlike the other mares' pussies, Lyra's near-perfectly molded pussy readily took Julius's cock.

"Oh, yes," Lyra moaned in pleasure as she felt Julius's cock kiss her cervix. "You have no idea how much I needed this," Lyra nearly sang as she savored the feeling of Julius's cock filling her marehood.

"I can imagine," Julius grinned back as he felt the wet embrace of Lyra's pussy. Bringing his head down, Julius lightly kissed Lyra as he eagerly humped Lyra's pussy. The tongues of man and mare entwined as the two lustfully pleasured each other. With every thrust, Julius's twitching cock battered Lyra's aching pussy, slamming into her sweet spot and her cervix. A lusty musk and the sounds of passionate sex filled the room as the two ravaged each other. Thrust by thrust, Julius felt his orgasm approaching, while Lyra's seemed to be constantly orgasming, her love juices flowing freely, like the flow of a great river. Breaking their kiss, Julius panted heavily.

"Soon," Julius lustfully panted as he held back his orgasm.

"Inside," Lyra moaned through gritted teeth, "give me all of it! Fill me up with your human cum," Lyra lustfully moaned as she lightly bit her lower lip.

"If you insist," Julius grunted as he thrust his cock fully inside Lyra's pussy. Feeling the tip of his cock kiss Lyra's cervix, Julius held it there and flooded her pussy with his cum. Thick shots of cum blasted into the depths of Lyra's pussy as Julius lustfully filled Lyra's pussy. As Julius's thick cum flooded her pussy, Lyra felt her belly grow a bit. Feeling the warmth fill her marehood, Lyra threw her head back as another orgasm overtook her. Basking in their shared orgasm, Julius fell on top of Lyra as he rode his orgasm down.

"So, what now?" Julius asked as he rolled over to lay next to Lyra.

"If it's OK with you, I'd like to stay like this for a while," Lyra cooed as she nuzzled her muzzle into Julius's chest.

"Yeah, I think I'd like that," Julius sighed as he relaxed. Taking Lyra in a tight embrace, Julius lightly kissed Lyra's forehead as the two basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

Chapter 47: Story Time, Shadow in the Forest

"And that's how I came to Equestria, and my first month here," Julius said as he finished telling his story to Velvet and Night.

"So, you came here from another world because you listened to a magical amulet?" Velvet laughed. "Haven't your parents ever taught you not to listen to enchanted objects?" Velvet teased as Julius breathed deeply.

"No magic in my world, remember. Well, no magic that we can use. There might be something there, but if it is, it's insanely muted, or I come from a world where everything is absurdly magically resistant," Julius told Velvet. "As for listening to enchanted objects, well, I'd love to see how you'd react to an iPhone, or a computer, or a T.V. All of those are basically talking enchanted objects," Julius laughed as the group looked at him. "Right, lots of sciency stuff that I don't really understand, but trust me, we have them," Julius assured.

"Right," Night Light trailed off, "back to your story. It sounds like you skipped over a lot of stuff," Night Light insisted. "I mean, surely you couldn't have just stayed in the Everfree Forest the whole time."

"Look, I had a lot, and I mean a lot of coming to terms to do in those first few weeks," Julius sighed. "I mean, I was taken from my world, put into a whole new world, where I'm the only human. At the time, I had literally no future for all I knew. I have a family and for all I know, I'll never see them again. I was in the middle of med school, and I was forced to drop out because of this. I'm a human, and the only one here, for all I knew, that meant no children. Hell, this is a world with no evidence of my God, so nothing, even on a spiritual level. I had literally nothing and nothing to live for; that takes a lot of coming to terms with," Julius explained. "For the first week, I was a complete mess. Though I suppose to be fair, I did leave two things out, well, other than me exercising," Julius said as the group looked at him with interest.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What did you leave out?"

"Two encounters with, ummm," Julius stumbled over his thoughts. "Well, one ghost, at least I think it was a ghost. And one other thing, not sure what it was, though. Maybe a demon, Luna would know; she did play a part of that," Julius bitterly laughed as the group looked oddly at him.

"Princess Luna was a part of a demon attack?" Velvet said in surprise. "I find that a little hard to believe. The Princesses would never work with demons," Velvet assured as Julius rubbed his eyes.

"No, she did help save me from it. Though, at the time, I still thought she was a demon, so I ran, well hid, from her until she went away," Julius dryly laughed. "I suppose I should tell that event," Julius sighed as he slumped back into his chair. "OK, so one day, ummm, I think it was right after my first week with Zecora; my memory of that time is hazy about that time," Julius bitterly laughed. "Hey Zecora, when did I come in asking for a bowl of salt?" Julius asked as he looked at Zecora.

"You asked me for a bowl of salt on the eighth day of your stay. You never said what it was for though I gave it to you. After you took it, you quickly went away. If I had to guess, it had a role in the story that is to ensue," Zecora told Julius.

"It does," Julius flatly said as The door to Zecora's house opened up. Walking in, Luna rolled her wings.

"Sorry, I had an early morning. Court business and stuff," Luna tiredly sighed as she nearly flopped onto a couch.

"It's OK, you have good timing," Julius laughed, "I was about to tell them the story of the shadow demon," Julius said as Luna shot straight up, fully aware.

"Give me one moment," Luna sternly commanded as a bright, light blue surge of energy ran through her horn. Engulfing the entire area in a cool, pale blue light white spots danced in the air as Luna sat back down. "There, we should be safe, continue," Luna said as she sighed.

"Geez, are they that dangerous?" Julius nervously laughed.

"Yes," Luna sternly said. "I still have to talk to my sister about them," Luna said with narrowed eyes as the others looked at her. "Ah right, Julius, you tell your story first. I'll say what I know about them afterward. Though, never, and I mean ever repeat the story without first purifying the area and warding it well," Luna cautioned.

"OK, your timing is perfect then," Julius said as he gained his thoughts. "So, at about the seventh day of my stay here, I felt something odd in the forest. Now, given that it's the Everfree, that's pretty normal, but this, well, this was different; this felt dangerous. It happened slowly at first; stepping into shadows or shade, I felt an eery chill. Sadly I got lost, I think," Julius said as he scratched his head, trying to remember. "Time felt muddled. After I don't know how long, I saw something in the shadows. It looked like a pony but different. As I looked at it, it screamed an ungodly scream and charged at me. Stumbling backward, I fell into a clearing with some sunlight peeking through. As the shadow pony came close to the light, it backed away. Even still, I felt it glaring at me. Guessing and praying that it was afraid of light, I grabbed some sticks and started to make a fire. It was long going, but, eventually, I was able to make a torch. I made sure to stick to well-lit paths as I made my way back to Zecora's house. As I was walking back, I kept seeing things, shadow ponies, visions, hallucinations. Now, fortunately, I could recognize what was happening; I was suffering from sleep deprivation. Somehow, those shadow ponies were messing with me long enough for that to set in. Making my way back to Zecora's, I got a bowl of salt. I thought, for a moment, of staying with Zecora, but, well, those demons were hunting me. If I stayed with her, then she'd be in danger; hell, she might have been already, but I didn't want to chance it, so I left. Making my way to a nearby river, I braced myself for the encounter in case my sleep-deprived mind's idea failed. I said a quick, desperate prayer, then tried to bless the salt; fortunately, I succeeded. Pouring the salt around myself, I said five different prayers of protection, and then I passed right out," Julius said as Luna looked oddly at him.

"My mind awoke in the dream realm, though; I wish it didn't. Horrific shadow ponies surrounded me. They looked like zombie ponies, only made of dripping liquid darkness. They circled me, charging at me, though they never made it to me. A pale yellow wall of light separated them and me," Julius said as he looked off into the distance.

"On the one hand, I was safe; on the other, I was trapped. After some time, I saw a tear in the sky, and Luna came through it. Not sure what happened next. All I did was say another prayer of protection; then I hid. While hiding, I fell fully back to sleep. When I woke up, it was morning. Those demons were gone, but the area still felt off. I said an earnest prayer of thanks, then went back to Zecora's," Julius said as Luna thought back.

"It is fortunate that you are faithful. That lends itself well to purifying magic," Luna said. "Whether or not your God heard you is irrelevant; it's your faith that gave strength to the wards," Luna said. "Those demons, those shadow ponies, they're shadow walkers," Luna said as Twilight shot Luna an odd look.

"Shadow walkers? Aren't those just a filly's tale? Even if they aren't, the last anycreature has heard of them was nearly eight hundred years ago," Twilight said as Luna closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

"I got rid of them a long time ago, over a thousand years ago. That said, they are 'demons' from the dream realm," Luna explained. "A part of my job is banishing bad dreams and purifying the dream realm. If that isn't done, then negative magical energy can build up, leading to creatures like shadow walkers and that other creature, the crooked shadow," Luna explained. "Normally, they're too weak to escape the dream realm, but if they're given enough time to gather strength, they can break out. Though they'll be weakened, such creatures feed off negative emotions, like fear. So if left alone long enough, they can become a major threat," Luna explained to the group.

"Now, as for your story," Luna started to say. "I felt an odd presence in the dream realm, so I went to look for the presence. As I entered the dream realm, I saw what looked to be a pony made of light but with four different heads. It ushered me down a path. See, the dreams of ponies appear as bubbles, griffons as portals, but yours, well, yours appear as a locked door at the end of a path. The odd light pony ran down the path to your dream as I followed it. As I came to the end of the path, it opened the door and vanished. Looking into your dream, I saw several shadow walkers attacking a bright whitish-yellow dome. Knowing that the shadow walkers cannot be allowed to return, I swiftly entered your dream and destroyed them. I looked around your dreamscape for a little while and inspected the dome. As I touched it, the same light pony came back. It smiled at me, then opened a door back to the broader dream realm. It ushered me out. To this day, I have no idea what it was," Luna laughed. "Though I suspect you might," Luna said as she looked at Julius.

"First, thank you for the save. I know, a few weeks late, but thank you," Julius thanked as Luna nodded. "Second, I think that was a cherubim, only taking the form of a pony," Julius said as the group looked oddly at him. "Right, cherubim are an order of angels from my world, second highest at that. Not sure who, but someone heard my prayer. I choose to believe that I got the right God. Who knows, maybe He was reaching out to you," Julius laughed.

"Interesting," Twilight said as she rubbed a hoof against her chin. "The magical interplay between two different worlds and the possibility of divine beings meeting on an astral plane could have massive ramifications," Twilight said as she paced a little. "If you see that cherubim again could you get me, Luna? I would really like to talk to it," Twilight asked as Luna sighed.

"As would I. Sadly, I haven't seen it again. Shame really, I would like to ask it some questions," Luna sighed as she and Twilight looked at Julius.

"Don't feel bad. God and the heavenly host is like that with humans too. Upside, it's comforting that he trusts us enough to allow us to make mistakes and grow. The downside, damn it, God, you got about a hundred different beliefs all fighting over minor details, like come on. Also, we done fucked up royal, come on man, we need you," Julius sighed as he took a drink of water.

"Anyways, there's the second story, but, well, Luna and I will be handling that one soon enough," Julius said as Luna looked at him. "What? Do you think I'm just going to tell you about it then go away? Oh no, sister, I'm coming along for that ride; me all out there, seeing ghosts, and a weird village, and stuff. There's a story there, and I wanna know it," Julius said as Luna chuckled.

"Perhaps we can deal with it after you learn purification magic. It could be a good test. Besides, if it is what I think it is, you might get a reward from it, well, assuming the bounty is still out for it," Luna said as the others gave her a quizzical look. "Right, long ago, a village around these parts went missing. A bounty was set for anycreature who could provide information on what happened. It's not much nowadays, only five thousand bits, but back then, that was quite a lot," Luna explained.

"Hey, five thousand is five thousand. Take that, invest it in Rarity's store, steal ideas from my world, give them to Rarity, it could work very well," Julius smiled as the others looked at him. "What, if it helps her, then it helps me. I have a vested interest here."

"Hmmm," Night Light hummed as he thought over things. "Guessing that you're from a well-off family. Considering all that you've said about yourself," Night Light said as Julius started to laugh.

"My family, well off? Hell no," Julius laughed. "Though, I suppose my father was supposed to be knighted. He turned it down for two reasons," Julius said as Velvet, Night, Twilight, and Luna gave him a bizarre look.

"He turned down being a part of the court; why?" All four asked as Julius sighed.

"Look, being knighted in England doesn't really mean anything; it's literally just a title. So there's that. Then, there's the part where the British crown somehow forgot that my father is Irish. If he accepted getting knighted by them, then he'd get disowned, and, well, my grandfather's 'friends' would have 'words' with him," Julius said as Luna narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't look too deeply into that. I knew better than to ask about my grandfather's life; good man though," Julius laughed. "Then, well, there's the reason he was offered to be knighted in the first place. We don't like to talk about it. Short of it, my father did what was right, was punished hard for it, veterans made a hell-storm about it, and the knighting was just political theater. Please, leave it at that," Julius said as he got up to stretch.

"Fair enough," Night and Velvet both said. "Trust me; I know what that's like. Being in the military and having to do unsavory things," Night assured.

"Not like what he did," Julius sighed. "JTF2 lost a hell of a man," Julius sighed under his breath, "but at least I finally got a father; it only took sixteen years," Julius dryly laughed. "Look, it's getting late, and I have a spirit I have to see. I might have pissed it off, and I don't need any problems with them. I'ma head out and make things right before it decides to screw with me," Julius said as he stretched his limbs.

"Alright, I'll go with you; the Everfree Forest can be dangerous at night," Luna said as Julius turned around.

"No. The spirits won't appear if you're there. One of the two made that very clear," Julius said as Luna looked sternly at him. "If it makes you feel any better, I don't think that they're evil or anything."

"Fine," Luna said as she walked into Zecora's kitchen. Walking back out, Luna held a small bag of salt. "At least take this with you," Luna said as she gave the salt to Julius. "I'll stay alert for any magic disruptions; if I feel any coming from you, I'll be right there," Luna assured Julius.

"Alright, and thank you," Julius thanked as he took the salt. "As for you two," Julius said as he looked at Twilight's parents. "Sorry for leaving like this, but I want to get this all cleared up as soon as possible. I'm not sorry for hitting on Velvet, though," Julius laughed as Twilight sighed and her parents giggled.

"It's OK; the spirits shouldn't be kept waiting," Velvet said.

"Yeah, it's fine. Velvet is a hot young mare, isn't she," Night laughed as Julius shook his head, smiling, Julius left Zecora's house.

"DAD!" Twilight cringed as her parents laughed.

Author's Note

The shadow ponies/walkers were inspired by Flashgen. If you want a good spooky story check out the story he wrote. https://www.fimfiction.net/story/22323/a-fleet-ng-light-n-the-darkness

Chapter 64: Bath and Confession

"Alright, let's get those clothes off. I doubt you want them to get wet," Luna said as she stripped Julius, placing his clothes on a nearby shelf. "Here you go," Luna sighed as she lowered Julius into a warm, bubbly bath with a soft lavender-vanilla scent.

"Thanks, and you're right; wet clothes suck," Julius pleasantly sighed as he felt the water wash over him.

"I thought as much. On the times where I've had to wear formal caparison, it always felt awkward when wet," Luna commented as she turned around. "I'm going to go get something to help wake me up. You just stay here and relax," Luna told Julius as she left with a yawn.

"Can do," Julius sighed as he relaxed, sliding pleasantly into the water.

"I suppose that you want to wait until you are fully awake to discuss things?" Aloysia asked as she waited outside the bath.

"I'd be for the best. I'm still a little drowsy; I don't think I'd remember much of anything right now," Luna said as Aloysia helped guide her to her room.

"I figured; still, I have to ask," Aloysia sighed as the pair walked down the hall. "The three others really need to relax. Being as tense as they are isn't good for one's body," Aloysia told Luna as they approached her room.

"Heh, hearing you say that some creature needs to relax, it sounds odd. Considering that you are you and how you are," Luna chuckled as she opened the door.

"I relax; I just do so on my free time. While performing my duties, I take them seriously," Aloysia said as Luna again chuckled. "Really? After all this time, you still laugh at such things?" Aloysia tiredly sighed as she shook her head.

"Laugh at what things?" Pinkie Pie asked as the two entered Luna's room.

"Luna still laughs at some rather uncouth things. A habit that she has never gotten over," Aloysia told Pinkie Pie. "Honestly, Luna and Celestia are quite different than most would think. While after what Celestia did severed ties between us, I still kept tabs on her. Admittedly, personally, not professionally," Aloysia told the group, while Luna sat down to eat a light salad and drink her coffee.

"How so?" Rainbow Dash asked as she kept her eyes on Aloysia.

"If I told you that Celestia has played multiple games of Orges and Oubliettes, and when she can, she does some rather extreme things, such as jumping off high things and deep diving, would you believe me? She's been like that since, well, since she was a filly," Aloysia told the three.

"Yes, and you've always been the consummate workaholic," Luna said between bites of her salad.

"Well, one of us has to be. Besides, training and converting takes a lot of work and effort. Sure, you can convert others easily, but it's an exhausting process for me," Aloysia sighed.

"Converting what?" Fluttershy asked.

"Converting another being to one of the chosen. Contrary to what you may believe, the only beings in Equestria that are capable of such a conversion are Luna and me. Though there might be a few others who have learned the spell, even fewer have the mastery or reserves of dark magic to cast it. For myself, it's tiring; for Luna, it's not. Not exactly surprising considering that she made us," Aloysia explained.

"What, Luna made vampires, why?" Rainbow Dash asked with surprise as Aloysia scowled at her.

"Not intentionally," Luna said as she ate. "They were made to help me look over the dream realm. In order to allow them the access to the dream realm that I have, I had to imbue them with dark magic, this gave them many benefits, but it had some unintended consequences. One such consequence was that they could drink blood; considering the effects of blood on them, it's heavily controlled and not drunk unless required. A decree that I see fell out of favor," Luna said as she looked at Aloysia.

"After you were banished, the political situation was tenuous. Concessions had to be made to keep everything together. Relaxing blood-drinking and keeping our dream patrols to thestrals and chosen only were the most significant concessions. A few other minor ones had to be made, but they're mostly inconsequential," Aloysia told Luna.

"I'll have to go over that at some point. You know, the funny thing is, my sister would probably understand such concessions better than I," Luna said before taking a sip of her coffee.

"Believe me, that wasn't lost on me. I had a short laugh about that myself," Aloysia assured Luna.

"Wait, why do they need to drink blood?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked at the two.

"The stories nowadays tell of a group of unicorns needing to sacrifice all their magic to help Starswirl raise the sun," Aloysia started to explain. "In truth, this is an embellishment. The unicorns did have to use a lot of their magic, though, so much that it completely drained them for a year. This magic was taken from volunteers, but it wasn't just given; it had to be drawn straight from their blood. Blood, being a vital fluid, carries a large amount of magical energy. We, the chosen, use a lot of magical energy; blood is simply one of the best ways of replenishing our energy. Before you ask, no, normal unicorns cannot draw magical energy from blood; that takes spirit magic to do," Aloysia explained.

"What, from what you've said, doesn't that mean that Celestia and Luna could also drink blood to gain a benefit?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes, we could," Luna responded. "However, our reserves of magical energy are so great that we've never had to do such a thing."

"Well, there were the many times where you two tried to deal with Discord. I wonder, if the two of you resorted to blood magic, could you have beaten Discord without the elements?" Aloysia wondered out loud.

"I doubt it," Luna flatly said. "While dealing with Discord, I never really got the feeling that he was fighting us, though I did feel something off about him. I didn't really want to use the elements. I wanted to feel out the situation more. Sure, he was chaotic, but it was contained to a relatively small area, and we still don't know the long-term effects of the use of the elements. And then there's the fact that Discord will return someday; I fear all we did was delay dealing with the problem. And, if I'm right about Discord not truly fighting us, I fear all we may have done was anger him," Luna said as she finished her salad and coffee.

"From what I have observed from your encounters and from what you have told me, I agree with your assessment. Fortunately, such an occasion is something that I have been preparing the others for. Should Discord come back, and it is decided that the elements won't be used, you shall have the whole of the chosen standing ready," Aloysia told Luna.

"Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. From what my sister and I have experienced with Discord, if he were serious, the whole of the planet could be in grave peril. Fortunately, he seems to be more akin to an oversized child than an evil despot," Luna sighed as she stood up. "Aloysia, come up with your training plan. I have something I have to do, something that I've been putting off," Luna sighed as she walked back towards the bath.

"Will do," Aloysia said as she sat down at a desk and started to rummage through some papers.

"What 'cha looking for?" Pinkie Pie asked as she bounced up to Aloysia.

"The training documents for new chosen ones. Julius fits comfortably into one of the general categories," Aloysia told Pinkie Pie as she rummaged through the desk. "I really need to organize this at some point," Aloysia sighed. Walking down the hallway, Luna sighed as she mentally prepared herself. Walking into the bath, Luna slid into the water.

"Enjoying the bath?" Luna asked as she let herself relax in the water.

"It could be a little warmer, but I've always taken hot showers. Sure, dermatologists say it's bad for you, but I live in a place where it's either winter or almost winter all year round. Take that and add biblical rains, and screw the dermatologists; I'm treating myself with a hot shower, damn the consequences. Other than that, it is very relaxing," Julius said as he relaxed against the edge of the bath.

"I get it. The ponies of the Crystal Empire were the same way. If I remember, they had some of the best mountain hot springs," Luna said as she leaned against the edge of the bath. "The bath should be relaxing; it has healing herbs added to it. Anyways, we need to talk," Luna said as she looked at Julius.

"I don't like the sounds of that. What about?" Julius asked as he looked at Luna.

"About the past," Luna said as she gathered herself.

"Look," Julius sighed, "I know I said I'd tell you more about the history of humans, but Celestia probably should be here for that," Julius heavily said. "Especially with what I'm thinking of telling."

"I'm not talking about that; I'm talking about my past," Luna told Julius.

"Right, the thing you've been hiding, that somehow, I've been referencing, or something like that, correct?" Julius asked as he turned to look at Luna.

"Yes, that," Luna said with a heavy breath.

"Look, if it's that hard for you, you don't have to tell me. I'll be fine with not knowing," Julius assured as he placed a hand on Luna's withers.

"No, you should know," Luna heavily said. "So, a long time ago, things got bad between my Celestia and me. Things between us kept getting colder and colder until, eventually, we fought. During that fight, I became consumed by my spirit magic, becoming something else, a being called Nightmare Moon. Celestia ended up using the elements on me, resulting in me getting sealed in the moon for a long time," Luna told Julius.

"Geez, I've heard of some bad sibling fights; hell, I've had a few before, but sealed away? Like, not just grounded, but full-on sealed, right?" Julius asked as Luna nodded back. "I'm guessing that led to all the problems between the thestrals and the rest of Equestria, right?"

"Along with other problems, yes. Only recently have I returned to Equestria, roughly four months ago. I'm still getting my bearings on things," Luna told Julius.

"Wait, so you were sealed for a long time. You came back and were still out of things. Then I came along and," Julius started to trail off.

"Pretty much, yes," Luna confirmed.

"Oh," Julius said as he looked down, "I'm a dick."

"What do you mean?" Luna asked in some confusion.

"I picked you up while you were vulnerable; you just don't do that," Julius said while looking down.

"It's OK, don't worry about it. If anything, I kind of did the same thing to you," Luna assured Julius.

"Yeah, but I wasn't sealed. I still had family and, well, ummm, I guess you could call them school friends. Ummm, friends who you are only friends with at school, or work or something like that," Julius said while stammering over himself. "Either way, I still had other people," Julius said as he shook his head clear.

"Maybe, but either way, don't worry about it. Aloysia and a few others from our past suggested that Celestia and myself find somecreature. So it kind of works out," Luna assured Julius.

"Well, if you say so. Still, I'll feel at least a little bad about that for a while. I'm guessing that whole sealing thing is what the thestrals were talking about by the great betrayal or something like that?" Julius asked.

"Yes, though the rest of Equestria calls it something else," Luna confirmed.

"Hmmm, I still get the feeling that I'm missing something," Julius hummed in thought. "How did things get so bad? I mean, you don't just seal your sibling away; there has to be something more. At the very least, there should have been signs," Julius said as he thought out loud.

"You're right about there being signs, but Celestia and I were always too busy with our obligations to really spend any time with each other. I had to deal with the beasts and monsters that threatened Equestria, as well as dealing with the dream realm. That's a part of why I made Aloysia and the rest of her kind so that I could have some free time. But even then, Celestia had to deal with the nobles; they took up nearly all of her time," Luna said as Julius looked right at her.

"You said nobles?" Julius asked as he looked firmly at Luna.

"Yes. They always went to my sister. Celestia was dedicated to maintaining the order, so they gravitated toward her. Meanwhile, I tried to enact change, but they didn't seem to like that. Honestly, despite all the time that has passed, Equestria has hardly changed. Sure, a few changes have happened, but nowhere near the changes that I wanted," Luna explained while Julius rubbed his eyes.

"I've heard enough," Julius heavily sighed. "I swear, the nobility are behind the rift between you and your sister. I know this is a different world, but I've seen the same thing happen in my world," Julius angrily sighed.

"Yes, some of the thestrals think the same thing. And while I'll admit, it does have some merit; there's no evidence of such a conspiracy. Though, should such a thing be proven, well, it'd be an easy case of high treason. But, surely the nobility wouldn't try anything like that," Luna slowly said.

"I hope you're right, but I'm not holding my breath. In my experience, the nobility are two-faced twats. But I'm a bit biased there," Julius admitted as he relaxed.

"I hope so too, though, in a weird way, it'd be comforting," Luna said with a bitter smile.

"I get it. I guess I should tell you and Celestia about our past now, but that can wait until after this bath. Seriously, this is a relaxing bath," Julius said with a contented sigh as he relaxed into the bath.