Author's Note

• Proofread and edited by Underrated Drake

• I have no idea how Luna is supposed to speak, the only thing I have noticed is that translated into Spanish she tends to speak in the plural when referring to herself
  I don't know if it's ok to put it like this or just make it more confusing, please tell me what you think

• I have been told that the characters tend to mix the masculine terms with the feminine ones so from now on every time a character that does not appear in the series comes out (Since these were not altered) I will put a part of their data in the author's notes

Bramble: Deer prince (Deer/Male)
Aspen: Deer king (Deer/Male)
Hawthorn: Aspen Brother, Deer General (Deer/Male)
Waning Shadow: Captain of the night watch (Male/Thestral)

11- Even winning, I lose

I would walk from aisle to aisle reading the titles of the books until I noticed something that caught my attention, then I would levitate it and flip through a few pages until I found what I was looking for before putting it down and moving on to the next one.

To any outside observer, including my guard who was watching me from afar, it looked like I was just taking a walk looking for something interesting to read, but actually I was transcribing the books.

Much of the magical Equestrian achievements, guarded and preserved in this millennial library, were being copied by almost two dozen modified Timberwolves while a librarian doe glared at them, probably because she ordered them to take all the paper from the place.

Another point in favor of my creations

I had found a lot of interesting things in my time here, like how large creatures like dragons or whatever a big dipper is, evolved to eat different foods and not be as dependent on meat.

I was surprised to see that dragons were not only omnivorous, but even had a special taste for eating gems.

I guess that explains why the hydra moved into one of the deer breeding grounds, but it makes some sense, if creatures that size only needed meat to survive we would all be in big trouble.

"What is that place?" I had already taken a wide tour of the aisles and had collected everything that seemed relevant, obviously I should have missed one or another important book, but for now I had everything I wanted.

Now my attention was on a black gate that just by looking at it you could tell that it was VERY haunted and just behind it a sea of scrolls and tomes, they looked old

"That's one of the forbidden sections, there are others, but this one holds very dangerous spells, only some members of the guard besides the princesses are allowed to enter there." I took a closer look at one of the shelves and you could actually see it. see a sword

"Are those... offensive spells?" I asked with some doubt, I did not want to raise suspicions

"Maybe in part, I think that's where sunguard instructors go when they look for spells to teach, but I'm not in it so I'm not sure," he said without hesitation or hesitation, hadn't he just said that those places were off-limits?

He didn't even seem to care why I was asking him about them, I mean it's not like I'm complaining, but if someone walks into a bank and asks how much money they have and where they keep it then, keep an eye on them!

"Wow, what do we have here? He must have made a mistake, the kitchen is on another floor, I think they had a pest problem" A voice as pompous as it was annoying to hear came to the library "I think your skills will be more than ideal to solve the task"

I could see how the guard forced a smile on his face and did what he could not to bite him on the spot... I know that expression.

"Prince Blueblood as nice as always, you know that our duty goes beyond chasing simple rodents"

"Oh, but of course, even though they're so similar I don't see the point and please hide those fangs you want, we don't want them to think we let wild animals in."

I didn't need more than that to get out my canteen and take a big sip of Zecora's herbal mix, now three times more concentrated.

And just in time since as soon as I finished drinking I noticed that his gaze turned to me along with his smug smile, just remember he's a prince bear it

"I was wrong if we let them in apparently" First Strike asshole

"HAHA How funny" Although he did not seem to like my sarcastic recitation

“Mh Isn't she trained that she can't even greet her superiors properly” …Hold on, have you already forgotten how many brats you had to take care of at home? This is nothing

"Prince, she is Princess Luna's guest, please have respect for her." The guard didn't seem to think that would be enough to make him back off because he didn't look surprised when the idiot just kept talking as if he hadn't said anything.

“Or is it that he wasn't taught how to act in a civilized way? what a tragedy”

"Sure I can, I just didn't see why waste my time on it when he obviously doesn't even care."

"Wow, they're not as stupid as they seem, I'll bring you a prize next time" This son of-... breathe, don't get mad

"My apologies, but I think I've made the princess wait long enough, have a good night, Your Majesty" I knew there couldn't be a really good royalty, history classes made that very clear to me

"Same to you and guard please tell the princess to remember to keep her pets on a leash"

Luckily for us, that was his last comment before we were finally able to leave and get lost in the corridors where I could finally let out a sigh.

Just wait imbecile I'll get revenge

"You are well?" The guard looked… strange, he almost looked scared.

"Sure, I just have a few anger management issues." I tried to give him my best smile.

"Yes I can see it" That confused me until the guard pointed to one of the windows where you could see the reflection of a Kirin with its mane on fire

"There are!" I quickly turn them off, even if I have good control over them they are so natural that it's hard to notice when they come out and they almost always do, thank goodness they don't affect the illusion "Thanks for that, but since when have I been like this?"

"Not long, just since we turned the first corner out of the library." That was about ten minutes ago, that explains the guards who suddenly decided to turn around and patrol other areas. "So, do you want to see the princess?"

I thought about it for a second and definitely I didn't want to go back to the library with that idiot there, plus I already had what I wanted and knowing me if I went to the waiting room I would surely fall asleep

"Of course" With that he turned around and opened the doors... I must be more careful where I am going or one day I will pay dearly

Notice that this time we entered through the back of the throne room, how many doors does this place have? When they took me to the library we also used another door

" Waning Shadow , has there been any problem?"

“Blueblood” Simple and short and somehow enough for the princess to understand, damn that guy must be a real jerk

"My most sincere apologies, I did not expect you to have the misfortune of running into him, it is not usual for him to be awake at this time"

"I think I heard it had something to do with the deer trade."

"How strange, they informed me that it had stopped" Well, it was comforting to know that the only discomfort I have had on this trip is the result of my own fault

"It's not necessary princess, in fact it was already finished" I took a quick look at the throne room and noticed that everything was exactly the same as it was before I left, if so, maybe you don't care "Princess wanted to ask, why not is there anyone here?"

I immediately regretted asking that, it was enough to see the downcast face that he tries to hide

"Our night court has not been the most popular, neither before nor now" He said with reluctance and resignation, two things that should not be mixed

"I… I know you said it wasn't the time for a song, but don't you think this place could use something to liven up the atmosphere?" I suggested while taking out my lyre again "I mean only if you want to"

She seemed to think about it for a second, but apparently temptation overcame her.

"Okay, but as soon as the approach of a pony is even reported, you must stop immediately"

"Of course, princess." As I told Celestia, I would make sure that this night would never be forgotten.

I don't know why I was surprised, it was obvious that something like this would happen, I thought as I put the letter in one of the drawers.

"Thank you very much for giving it to me, you can go now" And so he left in a hurry, perhaps fearing some kind of punishment for having lost it, but it would be hypocritical of me when I don't even know where he goes most of the time, he has a talent for disappear when he feels like it

Without further ado, I got up from my seat and headed towards my next objective, that Zebra

During her time here she hasn't done anything other than pester some people with questions, but other than that she's been an ideal guest, even helping make potions.

“TOC, TOC, TOC” I had the idea of offering her a room in my house to stay, both to be able to contact her easily, and to keep an eye on her

"I'll open the room in a moment!" And true to his word, he didn't take long to open and give him a little bow when he saw who it was.

"You don't have to do that every time we meet, you've been a more than accommodating guest." She nodded.

"I give you my gratitude for this virtue" After that she moved to the side, apparently noticing that he did not come just to wish her good night.

As soon as I walk in I notice the mess, papers everywhere full of scribbles, some stuck to the walls while others were simply discarded on the floor.

Without much thought I pick one up

"Is this what you're working on?" I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the content of the sheet, I had come here to find out what this Zebra hoped to achieve and in this sheet was exactly what I expected to be in it, a formula and various ingredients for a potion

But what puzzled me was the purpose of the potion “A sleep potion?”

Potion making was something we deer were very culturally attached to, practically every family had at least one alchemist and as a king I was obviously quite well versed in this art as well.

"My friend is cursed, she needs to control her fatigue"

"You, do you want to make a painkiller for her?" The nature of the magic that the heart works with was never a mystery to us just that unlike ponies we are not that fearful, however I have not been blind to the mood swings or the occasional little fires that happen to their hearts. around

"Wanted." She shook her head in obvious frustration. "Unicorn magic, dragonfire, manticore blood, the list goes on." Each creature can react differently to the same potion depending on the species, size, and magic it uses.

And the heart of the forest was… hard to classify.

"Yes, I also think you should include a physique like that of earth ponies, even with magic there aren't many that can prevent a hydra's mouth from closing" I said to the frustration of the Zebra who was already taking some papers off the wall and throwing them to the ground "If you really want to help her you're going to need more than some creativity and some old books"

"Yes... I lack the knowledge, but I can't leave her in her need to end up in the dark." I could see both the frustration and the determination in her eyes.

It took me a few seconds to consider what I was about to do.

"If you're serious, maybe I can let you access our village's recipe codex" I could see his eyes sparkle and fill with new energy "But under my supervision" I said before he could get too excited

"That would be an honor my lord"

"Very well, now sleep, it looks like you need it and tomorrow will be a busy day."

Finally, now I can rest

“BANG”

Or not, while I suppressed the strange feeling of let bu I went to the source of the noise

"Shit, dad is going to kill us"

"Bramble, what have I told you about imitating your uncle's speech?" It was kind of satisfying to see him shudder and slowly turn around, at least someone in the family still respects me.

"Yes... hello, dad." Next to him was a ball and a broken vase, if I remember it as one of his mother's favorites.

"Hello son, now do you want to explain to me what you're doing up at this hour?"

"I was outside and I was on my way home, but then Uncle Hawthorn came up and challenged me and some friends to hit the ball at-"

"Enough, I can imagine how this story ends, where is he?" Raising his helmet, he pointed to a window whose edges were smashed, probably from being pried open with great brute force instead of simply unlatching, that idiot.

I could only sigh with resignation

"We'll discuss this tomorrow, clean up and go to bed" He nodded obediently, although I could feel him mocking me behind my back, until I heard something that caught my attention.

“Okay, you heard, help me with this.” Was there anyone else there? I turned around and to my surprise there was, just not as I expected.

It was one of those rare Timberwolves, I had gotten used to having them around since the heart moved here so seeing them no longer surprised me, but what did get my attention was the fact that I was really helping my son pick up the pieces of the vase

"What are they doing?" My son looked at me confused.

"What did you tell me to do?" I look just as confused

"I'm talking about the Timberwolf, why is he listening to you?" He looked at me in surprise as if he had just realized that he was a Timberwolf.

"I... I don't know, everyone else did it, so I didn't think it was wrong." It took me a second to process that.

"Everybody?"

“Yes, everyone, I saw how Mirvi's mother used them to clean her house and cook, even the school teachers use them to bring us after break if we are late, they even do my homework, no matter how late it is! Y!"

He suddenly stopped realizing that he said more than he should.

"Ok, you and I will have that conversation right now and as for the Timberwolf" I could see how he had just put all the pieces together and left to return with a broom and shovel "I'm having some ideas"

Was there something I could've said

To make it all stop hurting?

It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless

So, before you go

I breathed heavily as silence fell over the throne room, dammit! I never imagined that singing could be so exhausting.

"CLAP, CLAP, CLAP"

The applause was not long in coming to my relief, even with the help of the body and having rehearsed a bit, I just wasn't up to it.

"Amazing!"

"Marvelous!"

"I think I fell in love"

But it seems they didn't know it when they started pelting me with compliments and roses? Where did they get them from?

"Uh, AHEM, princess, how was it?" She blinked a few times coming back to reality, it seems she got distracted at some point, too bad I thought I made a good choice

"That was beautiful, the singers from your land seem to be very well versed in this art" Before I started I told them that these were not my songs, but from the place I come from, obviously lying too much is a recipe for disaster

"Thank you very much Princess" I was getting ready to start again, but my attention was caught by one of the guards tapping my shoulder.

"Sorry to interrupt you, but I wanted to ask you a question." He looked doubtful.

"Sure, don't worry" What will it be?

His tone was slow and nervous "You see... I was wondering if you eat... meat" One of his classmates gave him a sape

"Good question, how long does it take to run away"

"Hears! You know you wanted to ask that too."

"But not so direct!"

What about the meat? Regardless of that, I did not want the discussion to intensify.

"In fact, I do eat meat"

…

There were a few seconds of silence as the guards stopped arguing and looked at me incredulously.

"Seriously?" I ask one, I don't know which one

"Sure" I showed my fangs "I know how to cook, nothing exotic, but enough to survive" The guards looked at each other, as if they were suddenly surrounded by enemies

"Do you know? I know a place in the lower Canterlot area where they serve the best steaks, wouldn't you like to go and try them?" That... actually healed tempting, if meat simply heated with fire tasted so good now, what would real cooking taste like?

“The low area? Are you kidding? I have a friend who works in the festive dragon and he is happy to find us a place” Said a Thestral mare

"I don't know wh-"

“I also know how to cook, what do you think if we make a dish together? I have everything at home” This one I don't even know where it came from

"Thanks but-"

"House, don't you mean cave?" There was a few chuckles as other guards gave me more and more invitations.

Where did so many come from?! I didn't even notice them and I'm already surrounded

"ENOUGH" That took us all by surprise causing some to jump or fall "Spirit I apologize for that, but I think it was necessary seeing how my guards have lost the art of subtlety"

"Eh, it's okay princess" I said as I got up, yes... I was one of those who fell silent in fear

"RING, RING, RING" An alarm caught everyone's attention making us look at a specific bat pony, I think it was the same one that was my escort, now he was holding a watch

"Princess, the night court is over."

The princess nodded "Very well, everyone go back to your posts" Some groans and protests were heard "Maybe I should give them overtime to make up for the time lost in entertainment?"

As all the guards returned to their previous positions, without complaint and twice as fast, I struggled to contain the ruffle.

"Now join me Spirit Flame, we'll continue with the entertainment in private" Without waiting for an answer she just moved forward while I struggled to keep up with her through the endless stairs, damn legs, who needs that many?

Of course I learned to climb them, but it didn't mean it was easy or comfortable, I still got tangled up from time to time, but I hid it pretty well

"Sorry, but I wanted to ask what happened back there?" She just giggled and looked at me as if I were a naive child wondering , why is the sky blue?

" Thestrals have an excellent sense of hearing, I suppose they found your singing appealing and I dare say almost hypnotic" It seems I didn't do as badly as I thought "That and you miss her with which you can find a pony that doesn't panic for eating meat I suppose they made you a great game”

"...There is" I couldn't help but put on a disgusted expression, I knew he was a bit of a donkey when it comes to hints, but this was too much.

"Something happens?"

"No, no, just... let's just say that I'm not interested in their type at the moment" It's not that I consider them ugly or anything, I even dare to say that they had some good parts

I looked for a second at Luna's perfectly rounded flank from my vantage point just behind her, but quickly turned away when I remembered who it belonged to, though I kept the mental image.

I knew that sooner or later I would end up falling, especially because I never gave importance to the physical, even in my previous world I went out with a boy once... maybe that's why I care so little about the changes in this body

Anyway, I wasn't ready for this new one yet… let's call it 'pony style' so I'll just ignore them for now.

Luckily I managed to put my thoughts in order before starting a fire and so we arrived at what seemed to be Luna's room without her realizing how close she had come to literally starting a fire.

His room was... dark, with a few gothic touches, not at all what I imagined a royal room would be like, but I guess everyone has their tastes

She only invited me to go immediately to the balcony where she offered me a place to sit and a delicious tea.

"Thank you" I didn't know what else to say

"There's no reason, it's the least we can do after you went to so much trouble just to give us a good time, we're grateful" he said with a genuine smile on his face

I decided not to risk ruining the moment so I just kept quiet enjoying the view.

It was amazing, it almost made me forgive the idiot who designed this, from where we were we could see all of Canterlot perfectly, in addition to the landscape, in the distance you could even see my forest and some nearby towns

But it didn't stop there, that was only half of it, the fun part was just above, even though the city was just below and they had streetlights somehow they didn't seem to affect this specific place so I had a privileged view of the night sky that seemed impossible to find on earth

I looked at the stars intently, strangely every night that I looked at them I could swear that they changed places, but that must be because I was still comparing it with the one at home, just that

As I continued admiring the view I came across a strange sight, the sky seemed to… move, almost like hellos

"Something happens?"

"Ah, nothing" This time I could feel small flames form from shame, damn divine hair, how long have I been looking at her?

I suppressed my embarrassment and took another look, she was perfectly camouflaged, maybe because of her the sky was so clear?

While I was looking at her, another question arose in my head, a stupid one, I tried to suppress it, but it insisted on leaving so, surrendered to my stupidity, I checked that my camouflaged Alpha was still parked near the castle and asked

"Princess, I wanted to ask you something" She turned, nodding at me, my last chance to retire... oh to hell he, I who was thinking of the consequences, was consumed in the fire the day I got here "Can I touch his mane?"

She looked at me in surprise and then warily.

"Why?"

"I just find it intriguing" He didn't say anything as he looked at me suspiciously and grabbed some strands of hair and moved them on his helmet, was he really thinking about it?

"If this is some kind of joke, I advise you to stop immediately." His tone and look made me think twice.

"If you don't want it, that's fine, it just made me curious, I've never seen anything like it" He continued to look at me cautiously, almost as if waiting for me to say something else "She also looks cute and I have a weakness for those things"

“In all my years no one has been so… direct”

I just shrugged at that showing how little I cared "That's how I am honestly" I said that and on the outside I looked smiling and confident, but on the inside I was considering which of these roofs I could survive on if he throws me from here

But to my surprise she just seemed, happy? And he thought that the weird one was me, he dropped the piece he was holding and admired the view again, I was already sitting down again when "You can touch it"

"Seriously?" I looked at her incredulous

"Is it that you don't want to anymore?"

"No, not only... I didn't expect you to accept" Without further ado, wanting to get there before she regrets it, I approached, although I could see how she always kept her watchful eye on me.

And then I touched it...

It wasn't what I expected, the problem I think was that I got too excited because it felt INCREDIBLE, I mean it felt incredible, but I expected something better... I didn't fully understand myself

It was like water only more dense, but somehow just as flexible, it was soft and cold to the touch, I don't think there is a word that can describe it.

It was… nice, it had been a long time since I felt something cold, even ice, after so long feeling this was very relaxing

"Whoa" A small yawn escaped me, true I couldn't rest well after training because of that damn rainbow

I'm not usually up that late, but I wanted to feel a little more of that freshness so I decided to move a little closer, where either by luck or because I hadn't mastered walking as well as I thought.

probably the last

I ended up falling face down on top of the incredibly fluffy pony.

Yes... I'm dead