It had been 40 long years since my death, I think at least. Time works differently here, in ways that only God understands. You may question such a long stay, however it was a precaution. Since Jesus was slain by the hands of men, I was ordained with God's many gifts. First among them was the gift of knowledge.

Being in heaven, you'll find no short amount of intellectuals in every field imaginable. Some of them, being great heroes of mine. Since my stay in Cologne I had often passed the time between scavenging and worship with reading. Books of course being plentiful in such a large city. Often I had read the historic texts of great heroes of old but never in my life or in this case, death, would I imagine seeing them first hand.

I went across various fields, learning both the practical and cultural arts. Though I had been restricted partially due to the world I'd be residing in being in a far less technologically advanced stage than mine. So to that end, I was relegated to the heroes of antiquity, medieval times and renaissance. I had learnt from Heraclius; the first crusader, from Bach; one of the best composers of all time. My favourite teachers though were the many angels who would come bearing the information about this grand new land I was to arrive in.

Although bereft of human life, it nonetheless has creatures on par with the intellect of humans. Many I had previously viewed as nothing more than myths and legends. In the relative centre of the planet's continents lay a huge continent dominated by a single people, the ponies. They are divided into three tribes. The pegasi, who bear the gift of flight and the ability to control the weather at their whim. The unicorns, who bear the gift of magic and the ability to cast various spells from their horns. Those ones I had my doubts about, however the angels have assured me that their powers are not evil in origin. Then comes the simplest and most numerous of the tribes, the earth ponies, who possess the gift of strength and the ability to harvest the earth with great ease.

Previously disunited, these tribes had come under a confederation of sorts after an incident with demons called Windigos. Apparently they had been feeding off the hate of the various tribes and using it to drive frost further down south, bringing starvation with it. However the leaders, realizing this, threw away their hate in order to combat their common enemy, and through great effort beat them back up north. If only things had been so simple in my world.

To the north lay smaller peoples with more isolationist tendencies. First there are the crystal ponies, relatives to the earth pony tribe who have bound themselves to their mineral rich homeland. A powerful artifact called the crystal heart over time has given them a crystal colouration along with an incredible will to defend their home.

Along with the crystal ponies come the yaks, a disunited people hailing from the mountains of the far north. They are nomadic in nature with a brash, bombastic and a lesser intellect than the average pony. However they are the only creature native to the continent who overpower even earth ponies on strength.

On the opposite end of the continent we see a far hotter yet just as inhospitable area as the north. However, just as the north has people there, here too we find a land rich in life despite the circumstances. In the lands surrounding the deserts and tropics of the south we find the Zebras, a people adept in alchemy. Yet they are far more disunited than their northern brethren since they have not had the displeasure of Windigoos.

Moving onto the eastern continent lays a land just as diverse as the central continent. Here we see a land far more mysterious and uninhabited than its western counterpart. Here lay disunited peoples locked in near constant dispute with one another. Some out of nature, some over happenstance.

First among them are the griffons, half lion half eagle, they are a proud race yet often vain, greedy and aggressive. Despite this, they have flourished and are one of the prime civilisations on the planet.

Smaller in number, yet just as fierce are the dragons of the south. Giants in their own right, they rule the skies and are the most brutal of the planet's species. They hail from badlands they had burnt out from a forest and from it they travel out across the world in search of riches to fill their massive hordes.

On the western continent lay a land with even more unknowns. Despite being connected by a land bridge to the central continent just as the western one is, due to the terrain there has been no major exploration. Here there lay no relatively advanced societies except for a small number of zebra colonies on the southernmost point. Over their entire continent lay vast swaths of wilderness interspersed by various chiefdoms and tribes of minor species.

The place I will be arriving in however, will be something entirely different. Between the central and eastern continents in the northern oceans lay a large island shrouded in fog. There lay three peoples' there who are trapped within a valley and unable to escape. There, unbeknownst to them, they are being held captive by the frost demons that had previously ravaged the ponies.

Because of this, they are at a state of near breaking point when it comes to relations with one another. Food is scarce and the frost is just increasing with each year, driving them more and more desperate as time passes. This closeness with one another has forced them to adopt various linguistic changes, as every species has a native language. All of them however also practice the common tongue, which closely relates to that of English in my world.

The first people are called the Drakars. They are a species of feathered dragons, who whilst almost thrice the size of a pony at their tallest are far smaller than their western counterparts. They are by far the most elegant of the three peoples, with amazing agility and a wide range of colourations. They reside on the high grounds in the valley, and their speech is closely related to the Russian of my old world. Their most defining feature however is their magical breath, being able to spit powerful arcane lightning. Together with this, they are also able to manipulate the weather much like the pegasi to the west.

The second people are called the Direwolves. Much like their name implies, they are large wolves, standing just slightly below the height of drakars, but with a large amount of extra features. First and foremost, like all three species, they bear large wings. Though not flying high amongst the cliffs like the drakars, they instead are at their best in the forests they call home, making use of their high agility to hunt their prey. Their speech is related to the German language of my old world, however with some dialectical differences between large groups. Their most defining features are the various runes that run across their pelts. Much like the unicorn's horn, these runes function as a conduit for them to channel their magic through. This gives their magic a wide range of usage and versatility.

The final people are called the high griffons. They are much akin to their western counterparts with their half eagle, half lion appearance. They do however have some pretty important differences. First among them is their size, for whilst your average griffon stands just above a pony, a high griffon will stand just as tall as any direwolf. Together with this, their beak also bears a pair of pointed edges on its upper part, almost akin to that of k-9s. Their speech resembles that of Latin and they can be found amongst the open fields of the valley, they actually don't just have ranches but also orchards and farms. Despite appearances the three species are actually omnivorous, being able to eat various fruits and starches as well as meat. The high griffon's most notable feature is their lack of any major magic besides telekinesis, instead they find their biggest skill in enchanting. Thing being a massive boon when it comes to trade and building, making it so that high griffon towns are larger than the average wolf or drakar settlements.

Besides the three species living on the island there are also many interesting things about the geography. It is in the temperate zone, though now colder than usual because of the demon infestation, it has a large amount of forests. In the centre of the island there are also numerous mountains with one especially jutting out towards the sea, with a waterfall running down from it. Among the eastern shore facing equestria there also lie various cliffs that make it nearly impossible to come near during stormy weather. Evidently it has lead to many deaths to equestrian sailors due to the fog surrounding the island, made so to keep the equestrian from driving the demons back north once more.

It's most distinctive feature though is in the magic that surrounds it. It is the home to the so-called winds of magic that spread out towards the west, giving the central continent and it's pegasi the ability to manipulate the weather. This being suppressed on the island itself by the demons. If harnessed however it'd be immensely powerful.

So ends the gift of knowledge, and leads me onto my second gift. The gift of choice. As an orphan I never knew my parents, so being in their image in another world felt wrong, as I wished to just be me, not a haggard orphan. As such God gave me a choice, the choice of how I was to look like.

I now stood at 3 meters tall, just above that of the average drakar to be able to fit into the local environment more easily as I did not have the body mass of a quadruped. I kept my green eyes and pale skin, though I changed my hair from the long dirty blonde hair from my world to a short clean white. My age as well changed to be more mature, growing a short beard across my face. My muscles as well became more visible as my training with the various masters at arms continued.

So ends the second gift, quite a mighty one some would say but in comparison to the third, all others would pale in comparison. For the third gift was something I yearned for ever since I saw the sights of the various families here. I wanted a family that didn't just include God's children, something I could truly call my own. The lord answered.

…

It's been 20 years since I died and it's truly been glorious. In the time that I've been here I've been growing immensely not just in wisdom but also as a person. The lessons of stoicism have particularly captivated me as I've often learnt to deal with hardships, though never really working through them.

Today I spent time with Belisarius and Justinian, learning about the campaigns and tribulation of the early Byzantine empire. Hearing about the horrors of what the Lombards did truly did terrify me if I was to meet something similar. In the end though, Belisarius assured me that if I just kept learning I'd be able to face down any challenge, no matter the odds. As an example he gave me some accounts of Heraclius' campaigns against the persians and how truly bleak the situation was at times. However even then, the light of christendom shone through and beat back the heathens.

I left with a spring in my step but slowed down once I walked past more and more people. I don't have any problem with them of course, most of them I even like. Since I arrived here I've even met up with some old acquaintances from before the fall. When my old caretaker saw me for the first time, she bawled her eyes out. Both over happiness that I had made it here, and that I had to suffer through poverty and eventually death. Nowadays though we often engage in conversation, talking about the past and often my future.

So what causes me such pain when I walk amongst these people? I truly don't know, I feel a deep yearning for something that I can't place.

I was broken from my thoughts when a blinding light came from my right as I was swept off my feet. Blinking, I tried to refocus my sight as everything was still blurry. As my sight finally returned I was met with a familiar sight. Jesus Christ, with a warm smile on his face.

"Hello my child, how've you been?" He asked.

I stood there in awe for a second before I caught myself and answered.

"I've been well my lord! Your love brings me unending happiness and your gifts have served me well." I said.

I watched as he stood there with what appeared like pity in his eyes. He walked forward and embraced me before pulling back once more and saying.

"Now that isn't wholly true, is it Elijah? Over your years here I have often sensed your yearning, a yearning that all too often grips those who reside here. That of family."

I just watched as he continued.

"I can help you, my child, but it comes at a cost. Your children would be a part of yourself, living just as long as you, for they shall be made from your very soul. I won't lie, it would be extremely painful, however it's your choice in the end."

I was lost in thought as he finished. Had it truly been the yearning for family that had gripped me all this time? Thinking back it must be true, I had always been alone and since I have arrived in heaven I've been taken care of to no end. Over time I've also wished to take care of someone, to teach, cherish and to love someone. Not in a romantic way, I wish to bond with someone like those many families do up here. Knowing this, and knowing this might be my only chance, no pain could bar my way.

"Please, please give me this my lord. I know I am not worthy of either your love or your gift but I beg of you, give me a child."

He smiled and nodded, as he lifted his hand and placed it on my chest, against my heart. With his other hand he gripped my other hand whilst asking me to close my eyes and breathe slowly. I did so, and on the other side of my eyelid I felt a great light slowly rise and descend toward my chest. As it made contact, I felt the most excruciating pain I have ever felt in my entire life. From frostbite to death itself I had never felt greater pain. It was as if my entire body was tearing itself apart and my chest felt like it was on fire. The pain was so great that I couldn't even cry, couldn't scream, couldn't even open my eyes. I didn't know how long it lasted, but it felt like hours. In the end I laid heaving on the ground, my knees and arms barely keeping me up. My body twitch irregularly from the exertion placed upon my body as I laid there for 10 minutes before finally opening my eyes.

I saw Jesus standing there, a smile filled with pure joy as he held two bundles of white cloth in his arms. Ignoring the lingering pain in my legs, I stood up and limped over to see two babies resting within the bundles.

"Congratulations Elijah, you've been given twins! A boy and a girl."

Jesus said whilst I stood blinking at the two sleeping forms before me. Opening my mouth and closing it for a couple seconds, I finally said.

"Can I hold them?"

Nodding, he gingerly handed them over to me as I looked upon the two most beautiful creatures I had ever seen. As I held them, tears fell as I felt nothing but pure joy at the prospect of raising them.

…

And that was 20 years ago. Now fully grown they both stood at nearly exactly the same height, though still slightly smaller than me, much to my son's chagrin. They both bore massive white wings upon their backs, as they were produced through both me and christ.

My son, Mark, has golden yellow eyes that nearly shine when he is excited. He, much like his sister, has white hair, though his is a lot shorter. Much like his name's origin in Mars, he excels at anything militaristic or administrative. Though he does have a bit of a temper, he cares deeply for both me and his sister. When he was little he was actually quite adorable with how clingy he was. Since then though, he has grown strong and stoic. He's almost as well trained as me when it came to combat as he constantly spent his time with German men-at-arms to perfect his style. His body itself was also something to marvel at, it was as if one of the ancient Greek sculptures came to life and grew wings. He still had one very cute part of him left though, that he constantly strived to make me proud, much like my daughter.

Helena, as I'd named her out of respect for Constantine's mother, truly an angel in every respect, as well as a daddy's girl. Standing a little shorter than her brother with sleek white hair that ran down to her chest and sky blue yes, she was one of the most beautiful beings I'd ever seen. Instead of the marshal disciple and temper of her brother, she instead had a much more soft personality. Though skilled in administration and war, she far more excelled in the fields of art. From every kind of music imaginable, to painting and sculpting and woodwork. She often complemented her brother when it came to things like city planning and architecture as both of them tried to bring out both the beauty and productivity within their city plans.

"Mark! Helena! Get your butts down here before I go and ask Heraclius to come and tear them off!"

I yelled whilst I waited next to Christ as the kids made their final preparations.

"Coming dad!"

Came in unison and I heard the pounding of wings slowly coming down. Those things were a bitch to keep track of when they were kids as they'd near constantly fly off when I wasn't looking.

As the wing beats became louder and louder they finally landed with a slight thud. Hopping up to me, Helena almost tackled me with how powerful her hug was as her brother gave out a snicker at the scene.

"I can't wait! This is gonna be so much fun! Do you think they'll have otters, dad? Or maybe bunnies! Or maybe possums! Or maybe--"

She let out a squeak as covered her mouth with my hand.

"Calm down, sweetheart. They'll have those and plenty more I'm sure."

Giving out a whine, I let go of her mouth as she gave me the cutest little pout before hopping to my side and hugging my arm. Mark walked up and stood on my other side as Helena hollered.

"Well what're we waiting for?! Let's go!!"

Giving out a chuckle, Jesus approached me.

"Soon enough little one, first I wish to impart a little transport to your family to make your journey easier."

Lifting an eyebrow, I was about to ask what he meant until the sound of hooves and wood creaking broke the silence. Coming out from one of the clouds to my right, much to both me and Mark's surprise and Helena's glee came a giant white shape. There from out of the clouds came trotting what I recognize as an Irish elk, however it's fur was pure white and it's eyes an icy blue. Attached to the elk was a carriage of masterful design with intricate etchings covering it depicting my life and resurrection. It would've brought tears to my eyes were it not for having to hold back Helena from immediately trying to cuddle the elk.

"Th-thank you my lord! Oh co- for crying out loud Helena you're allowed to pet it not strangle it!"

Whilst Jesus was laughing up a fit and Mark was checking out the inside of the carriage, I finally managed to calm Helena down enough for her to just begin petting the-

"WHY ARE THE CUSHIONS PINK?!" I heard Mark screech

Sigh… Discussing final checks with Jesus we eventually formed up in front of the carriage.

"Well, the time has finally come, Elijah. Do you feel ready?" Jesus asked.

"With my two little angels by my side, I can face down all of hell's demons, I'm ready." I replied whilst Helena blushed and Mark lightly punched my arm as Jesus chuckled.

"Well that's as good an answer as any! Before you go though, remember that I'll always listen, I'll be there with you all the way. I'll always love you as my own child."

Nodding and sharing one last embrace with my saviour, I held both my kids close to me. Jesus then held a blinding light and I felt my consciousness fading as I felt like I was falling.

Author's Note

This is my first story, so expect it to be quite stinky at times. (If not all the time.)

Also be sure to point out grammar errors if ya spot em!

Here are some pics of how i imagine the three species with some noted changes. The griffons and drakars both have the widest range of colors amongst the three races. The wolves usually range from from white to black and occasionally shades of brown. It should be noted that the griffons don't have the red eyes as in the picture. They usually are found with either brown or soft orange eyes. Oh and the wolves don't have halos around their head as shown in the pic.