When genocide is committed, it must be seen.

I think today was one of those days that just made me double-take the things before me, let me begin. So it was like any normal day, getting the guards and staff not to call me sir, getting more of the same decent breakfast’s as usual. Same old heartache and problems sleeping, but that was something I was just pushing to the back of my mind at this point. This tale of queer events begins when I had come to the city once again, I was thinking of visiting Albedo and her little shop their family seemed nice, and I wanted to help them anyway I could. I can’t imagine being who they were but also outcompeted by magical users and that business being too popular with the public, maybe being seen with the friend of the Empress would help them out?

I had come to the park as I usually do with my time off. It was delightful to just enjoy a little peace and quiet, not the bustling city of the chaos that is my life here in this new world. I was only thinking of how to better control my magic from my lessons, I could hear a faint noise before something tackled me to the ground, I was on complete alert before I noticed the woman before me.

Her shirt was tattered and seemed to be just as fucked as the rest of her clothes. Her hair was a mess and that glare in her eyes told me one of two things, I’d either be stabbed by some strange pony or worse gutted like a pig. Using the bit of magic I had, I pushed her off, she was quick to try again before I called out ” Hey! Are you going to stop that? I’m not trying to hurt you, look I’ll give you anything you need, just please stop trying to attack me ok?”

She looked at me strangely ” And what would a pony of the Bloody Empire want to not attack me for? You and your kind slaughtered us, Sirens, when we did nothing wrong! Give me one good reason I shouldn’t gut you now and steal your life essence!”

That shocked me, the Bloody Empire? What happened when I wasn’t here? What was going on… I spoke up after a bit and gulped, feeling that fear or flight rise up in me: ” Miss I’m no stranger to these people than you are, please if I was going to try to hurt you what could I do? I can barely use magic as is, I’m just as lost as you appear to be. Please. If you want we can just talk about this and hey to make it even better for you, I will just never mention you were here or anything I don’t want Cadence to be bothered by this and wor-”

” Are you acquainted with the Empress of Blood? Interestingly, you claim to be clueless, yet you befriended the one being in this world feared more than the Empires of Smoldering sun and deafening night. You are one of the most dangerous indeed, may I ask for your name Friend?”

I was a bit hesitant to respond, this woman looked ragged, and I’d seen what desperate people would do on earth, I needed to play this smart. I gave the best smile I could, and held out a hand ” Name’s Eon, you may not believe me, but I’m not from around here at all. Furthermore, I don’t know a ton about the world. I was only an Amnesiac Unicorn for my time in the hospital, and the Empress gave me a home in her castle as compensation for my situation…”

She found this hard to believe, I imagined, when you really thought about it, a random man being taken in by an Empress? Though I just hoped she wouldn’t question it further, and thankfully she didn’t: ” I see, then allow me to introduce myself, I am Adagio Dazzle, Princess of the Siren people, I am humbled to find a pony kind enough to keep my where abouts a secret, I thank you.”

I couldn’t find the proper words, but knowing my fumble from earlier, I had to be at least nice to this woman ” It’s no issue at all your majesty. I don’t exactly know what went on between you and this land, but I can assure you that I have no reason to question your motives, from what I can tell. You seem charming enough, I’d be glad just to be able to give you a chance. Now may I ask why you consider this the bloody empire of all things? From what I know, the Crystal empire hasn’t had much in the way of conflict or even harming other people. Most of the ponies are nice, even some nobles”

“Eon, if this pleases you sir but allow me to explain a few things. I’m sure you’ve most likely seen the empress’s good side I’m sure or the side she chooses to utilize for the public at large but trust me when I say this is just lies. The Empress ordered the execution of my people. At first, we all worked together, just as the great gods above intended, but as we continued to spread, not only did my people become more feared. Some of us wished to extend our lives, some took to the lands and used their magic to harm ponies, changelings, dragons, and even the wendigos alike.”

“Our people became public enemy number one, both solar and lunar empires simply watched. They took no part in my people’s slaughtering but ignored it all together, not a sliver of help from them. The Empress of love held me and my family in court, regarding us as if we were the enemy. Condemning us to our fates. She decreed that our kind were to be punished for the crimes. My father and sister worked with my mother’s ability and desire to spare Siren’s, we have worked to help our neighbors and even foster relationships, what good would it do the Empire to cut us out now? She cared for no one, her own husband and daughter supporting this action and caring little. So the siren’s as a whole tried to play this off, maybe this was all some nightmare we’d wake from, but as the reports piled in so did the bodies. Each day we’d come to find more of our people hunted and gutted for their flesh. I took no part in the conflicts that followed, but I only did what I could, I took my sister’s to another place. I told only my mother and father of their health and location, that they understand and have since rarely written back in a letter. Furthermore, I can only assume the worst and just pray to the gods that this was nothing but a dream…”

I couldn’t find the words to respond, just what did they do to deserve a fate and Cadence supported this?! That only led me to only a small conclusion at the time. I would help this siren, even if she found out and called me a traitor or whatever, this person did not deserve to die for the sins of a few. I did want to just make this go away for her, let her be coddled and told it’ll be ok, but this wasn’t a story, this was reality and I had to do my part in saving these people. Anyway, I could. I only spoke up after collecting my thoughts, she gave me this scary look as if I was going to turn her in at any second before I simply placed my hand on her own: “Miss Adagio, I promise you this and only this. I don’t want to hurt you or turn you in if that’s any reassurance, but what I cannot do is give you back your people. What I can do is try to help you as best as I can. I will take you to my home, shelter you, hide you away and protect you at all costs if need be, I’m sure one day we can look back and laugh this off as just one dark chapter in history”

She looked at me for a second, wiping that look from herself as she steeled her eyes and nodded numbly. “I am pleased that you are willing to help me, but why, good sir? Why help a forsaken kind like myself when if you’re found out you will surely be rendered a traitor or worse thrown out of your new home for aligning yourself with our kind” To which I only grinned. Giving her my best smile and gripping her hand a bit tight, noticing her wince.

“Adagio, you and your sisters can’t trust me yes, but I’m not any normal pony and I will do whatever I can to assist you now first things first. I can sneak you into the castle at night, but I’d prefer to do this now to avoid suspicion from any guards or staff. What will be tough is keeping you fed and cared for without anyone noticing” Damn it, I hadn’t even thought this through, and I’ve most likely just crushed this poor girl’s dreams already.

“Oh that won’t be much of an issue, my people are skilled in illusions unless it’s those damned Empresses’s then I should be able to appear as a Unicorn pony. Though my strength has been waning for some time, I don’t know if I can keep it up for long.” I shook my head at this, she was right. I would have to hide her from Cadence, I just couldn’t bare the thought of her being left in her hands.

***

“O-oh I apologize for not mentioning, but it is not just me that is here, you may come out now Chrysy he’s a kind pony, shocking I know.” Out from the brush ahead, came a rather staggeringly tall woman. With what looked to be broken wings and a broken body, some holes on her large crooked horn and her strange hair were blotches of green and black, almost like those goth people back home. She looked just as ragged as the siren and though I wanted to just help her up, she could only glare at me, it seemed, can’t blame her really.

The Person before me was rather imposing, but I tried to strike up some words: “H-hello miss, I’m Eon I’m not sure if you heard that from your friend here, but I was just merely trying to help I’m sorry if I come off as imposing not exactly fault I’m stuck like this”

She continued to glare but sighed, her chest rising quickly as if trying to catch her breath as she spoke up: “I do apologize for my glare sir eon, It’s just not the best of times for me and my wife here, and we were only trying to survive, I do apologize that she attacked you. I hope that my humble apology is enough for you kind one” She bowed, with her “Wife” only giving her a slight glare and shaking head, after getting up I gave her the best wry smile I could. I was feeling more at ease strangely, maybe it was the story or claims, but them being ok just made me feel at ease.

I nodded in appreciation, I offered them some money but they refused and while I was a bit confused, looking back I should’ve realized sooner. I led them to the castle before I broke from my stupor to notice while they hadn’t changed much they look like a pair of normal unicorn women.

(Credits to the original artist: https://twibooru.org/1863891)

(https://www.equestriadaily.com/2021/07/drawfriend-equestria-girls-anthro-mlp.html)

Chrysy or Chrysalis as I later found out, took to her casting some minor magics to conceal her wings and conceal the both of them in addition to the magic provided by the siren, any good scorceror could tell it was an illusion but I had hopes for them. Leading them through as just “Friends of mine” was simple enough, getting them to my room I had brough some of the leftover money and put it into Chrysalis’s hands ”Now make sure when you go out to spend that, buy some food, some clothes if you can and anything else you can to make yourselves look as normal as any other Unicorn couple, I don’t think anyone would suspet a thing in your guys’s case”

She looked rather confused but nodded all the same before Adagio hugged me, I hesitantly chose not to hug back but smile none the less to which she smiled brightly ”If it’s all the same with you, We could hide in your room and live as roomates, it may not be fitting of two royals but having an ally to assist us and keep us safe is not a thing I would pass up” I only smiled at her words

”Adagio, Chrysalis its nothing really, I promise. I may not be from around here or understand why the changelings and sirens are hated as much as you two would, but I can only tell you that I will do whatever I can to help you two, from what you’ve told me Adagio you two deserve this small gratitude”

I was met with Chrysalis giving me a curt nod: ”I thank you Young Unicorn, its not often that simple folk like yourself tend to help those in horrible situations, given the context I can’t think of any time I would offer to help a lone unicorn but maybe with this chance you’ve given me and my wife we may do the right thing and help you.”

I only smiled, I didn’t want to deflate their hope, what could I do really? I was just some earthling stuck in a new world without much to do myself other than magic but still, the bloody empire. That would be something I couldn’t just ask from Cadence, if they have fear of her then its best I search this up covertly. I didn’t think through the best I could admit but I just wanted to help them, damn the consequences.

Chrysalis looked to me with one look of pride before speaking: “Since my wife decided to relay her kind’s story then I shall in return relay the situation with the changelings, notice there are none in this supposed empire of love. The Lunar and Solar empires took their pity they threw at us, letting us mingle with them yes but without restrictions. We were refused services so when we took action by heeding them in the court of law, they laughed it off and simply gave us areas run by changelings only. Remarking that they could refuse service to anyone they wished. Not to mention we could not pursue a relationship, outside of my wife and I, the changelings were not meant to mingle with what they said would be “pure-bred pony kind” and didn’t want us to filter our bloodlines with our own and yet they claimed it was in the best interests of the public. Can you imagine that, I couldn’t even be with my wife in public for the ponies and there “sense of purity” damn the gods above and below.....” Adagio merely smiled and kissed her wife’s cheek, the two hugged it out and I couldn’t help but smile at the two. They helped each other, supported each other and supported each other’s problems.

”I-I’m sorry its just, my children, my family, my home. We’ve never been the same as we sit here on pony land and yet we’re treated like pests! We’re treated like scum of this earth and yet we did nothing, we breathe, we love, we play, we do all the same things and yet my own children cannot be in the streets with their beloved......” Tears formed in the woman’s eyes, I looked to her wife who merely held her wife. Tears streamed and I managed to make sure no guards had followed before hand, hopefully no one heard her. These two...just what did their kind do to deserve such treatment? Maybe fear? A few bad apples just don’t make their whole race these horrible beings! I could only clench my fist.

What a time to be alive, right? I couldn’t help but feel that same gloom will it self to my heart, these people. I had to help anyway I could, no one else has done so as far as I know and the best I can do is to help them now. I could only give so much though, what did I stand to lose in the end? My friends? Cadence, sunset, my teacher starlight? I could only hope that I would make it out of this shit-show unscathed.

***

For some time I had to make sure that my room was arranged to give them the proper space for them. They accepted the closet but I just wished that maybe one day, we could hang out and act like friends in public. Maybe it was better to just hope than dream. I knew I was tired of dreaming of home. I'm another Worlder myself and I could relate, maybe we understood each other better than I'd let them know, I can't have them punished for my sins though. I made sure to tell them to keep quiet and while they could leave the castle any time if they got into any trouble I wanted them to head to my room and remain hidden as best as they could.

It was around Lunch time now, I was rather curious myself until I noticed something odd. The Guards were posted just as usual but they gave me no mirth, I was silent until one of them spoke up "The Empress wishes to speak to you sir, I imagine it's something urgent please go in and be quick" I headed quickly the door that looked to be Cadence's, wandering in I was showered in cafetti and a shout of surprise from Three woman, before me was Cadence, Sunset and Starlight strangely. Sunset smiled widely as she spoke up:

"Hey Eon! Sorry about the guards but I just came and found Starlight and here's what I imagined she'd never be willing to do but she was the first to suggest a little get together, it's been nearly 2 months since you came into our lives and we wanted to throw a little get together"

I could only smile, sure I was hiding something from them now but it couldn't hurt to indulge myself a bit, maybe I wanted Adagio and Chrysalis here to show them that not all ponies could be bad but maybe another day. I just chuckled as I broke from my thoughts "I'm glad you three came together. I'm honestly glad you were willing to put this together, but truly you three, thank you for an early start to my new life. Truly."

Starlight only gave a slight smile as she nodded where a sunset and cadence both gave me a hug, I was glad to have some friends, especially these gals. We may not have had the greatest of circumstances but I'm glad to have met them at all. For the little time we had, I would talk with them, get little insights into their days and how things were going. Starlight, though, had requested that I put as much effort as I do into talking as I do my magic, to which I saluted and snickered "Yes Ma'am," she only rolled her eyes at the comment.

Sunset told me that she had gotten through to some extent with her magical teachings and works with my "Origins" which had starlight confusion but she didn't seem to question it all the same. She noted that she had begun to practice more advanced forms of teleportation, she knew that teleportation was a simple skill to learn but wanted to see just how far she could take such a skill. I was a bit confused why I hadn't learned that but then again, I wasn't the best magic user. She noted that she had managed to teleport longer distances but it would take longer and more preparation roughly a few minutes for teleporting to somewhere as vast as the end of the city to the castle.

For her part, Cadence and I talked about her day-to-day life in politics, knowing what I did, I tried to put on my best poker face for such a thing. Most of it was her venting and truthfully I could not blame her. Some of the nobles had tried to put into a law that would limit certain ponies from voting based on class and though she knew this was some co-opt to get more power she couldn't help but laugh in the nobles faces. Some of course did have some good ideas, some were suggesting more funding for schooling and less taxes on the normal folks of the Empire but that of course was heavily debated upon to the extent that she had to call an early recess in order for it to be resolved. Though some other nobles regarded several other bills and proposals, her court seemed pretty ok all things considered. I was just glad she was holding up OK, though I imagined the strain it had, to deal with ponies that would get smarter and smarter over time to better gain their foothold in her majesty's court.

The talks we all had accompanied by the food only made me a bit happier I suppose, still sucked I couldn't be seen with adagio and Chrysalis they'd love this stuff. As the party came to an end both sunset and Cadence wished me well as did my teacher who told me I had the day off, a little gift from her.

***

Getting to my room, I noticed the two of them had vanished so I was just looking to take a break. I was really unsure what to do with all my spare time so I decided it was the most likely time for me to be looking into the history of their kind, find anything I could that could give me some edge in helping them. Rushing to the library I was a bit disheveled but still cordial to the staff. I would begin my looks into the sirens in which I found a section on them, one in particular that interested me was the "History of Sirenkind" written by a siren as well huh? Why keep it if the Siren's were such a dangerous lot? Was this the dangerous beings I had been told needed to be erased? What a joke.

Turning through the index I found a section on the history of the people as a whole. But when I turned to find anything relating to the extermination, nothing at all. I tried the next book I could find and the next but none led me anywhere. It was all just stuff I could ask Adagio! What kinda library was this? I tried to find next to anything on changelings and all I did find was books on the laws regarding them and various books from Changeling authors who wished for change and tried to revolutionize their species as a whole. But with none of the extermination or anything relating to their kind being exiled or outlawed, any book would have pony lawyers and various folks give their testimonies as to how their kind could be regulated more and managed. It was just bullshit right? Did ponies really think like this, what of Zebra, donkey, dragons, whatever other races I can think of! Why were they hated? Just why? I clenched my fist tightly.

Leaving that library was the best thing for me right now, I couldn't stand to look at this shit. For the rest of that day I waited patiently and eventually the two did return having told me of their adventures for the day, they managed to get their strength back up somewhat though without a solid amount of food they would eventually start starving again. I honestly wasn't even sure if this was a good idea, I couldn't just bring them food forever, the maids clean my room every so often unless these two were ninja's even illusions won't hold forever. I listened to them talk of their time together and I couldn't help feeling a bit down, I had friends sure, I cared for my new friends as well but what was I really after? Maybe that's too much on my plate right now. I just wanted to sleep. I let them be on their way handing them a second bag of money, Sunset gave me some bits as did Cadence and Starlight for anything I needed or wanted to shop on my own for.

I turned in my bed, it was night time now and all I could hear was the light breeze into the cold night. I couldn't sleep, what a surprise. Getting out of bed I could see them sleeping soundly, cuddled up against each other, good for them. Jesus what was wrong with me, I started my trek out and though the guards asked why I was up late I just gave them no response to which they took as just an answer and simply kept on their patrol. Walking out of the Castle I noticed only a few lights on, I was cold but right now I could care less. Getting to a pond in the center of the City, I was met with an old reflection, that of human me. That same damned face continued to torture me even in the waking world. I just walked away from it, that wasn't my face, neither was this face. My true face was just some misbegotten misshapen mess by now. It had to be.

That cold pale Luna light, I could feel its cold embrace and despite my better judgement I sat on a bench. I didn't move for some time, I felt a light breeze and what appeared to be eyes gazing above, just a trick of light I thought. I felt like I was in chains sometimes was that weird? I was chained to this life before me, not of my own choosing and while I've had a great time so far, still never erased my own problems. I could only look to the moon and above, hoping someone out there anything that could be called god would watch over me now, I needed it more than I ever hoped.

For some time all I did was wait in the silence, the chitter of little creatures would always interrupt that silence but I couldn't be angry at them, no my anger was reserved for myself and my soul alone. What was this husk I really called Eon? Just a fool playing pretend, that's what. I played the guy who would help everyone, I played the fool who thought he had friends but what if I was really deep down just human, no that couldn't be it, I was just a trapped human. Trapped by chains and digging deep into my soul. This cage of tinder around me, the cold moonlight above me like the screeching banters of heaven above. Why god? Why condemn me to this world, this wasn't the paradise I wished for, this wasn't a paradise anyone wanted. A life where one misstep in race could end with you jailed, feared, hated. What would they think of me as being human? Would this world accept a human anymore than they do a Changeling? Would I just become a disgraced former friend of the Empire and be forced to live out my days in some cell?

These questions burned in my soul, my heart, my mind, who was I and what was my place? Would I be feared or hated? Would I be condemended or loved by the world? What was this all for? That thought stuck with me most. Why help the changeling and Siren, they would just cause me problems in the future after all, if they found anything about those two I'm screwed and I know it. Not a plee from starlight or sunset would free me. The tears began soon after, a rugged mess of tears and blood. Eon, the faceless stallion.

My time outside afforded me no kindness, I soon went back to my room, shivering like hell had frozen over and red in the face, the guards didn't question me this time. Good, no witnesses, no help. I was careful not to wake the two, even if they caused me trouble I was still compelled to help them in the end, I had been given a home so I could give someone else a home at the least.

***

The next morning was the same, little sleep, little will to eat. I just brushed off that headache and pushed forward greeting the world with the same smile as always. I knew it better than to let that cat out of the bag, better to hide than become bathed in light as others. I had gone to my lesson that day all the same, I was somewhat focused my head still not feeling the best. I was still able to levitate myself for sure but I could only do it for so long, and Starlight noted that it might be best to focus my efforts on this and more routine magic than the normal cricular that most Unicorns learned from. The spells were the same, the day was the same. As I left the session I could vaguely hear her mutter something before learning but chose not to act on it. Next was a visit from Cadence, she'd gotten word from Starlight that I didn't look well. I had assured her I was doing ok and that I was just not having the best sleep. She looked worried enough but I did my best to reassure her and that seemed to fix things.

This day only seemed to be more of the same and I couldn't help but feel at ease, change wasn't helping me get better so maybe staying to the routine would fix that. I hoped. Nothing changed much that day, I just mindlessly went through the motions and could only feel the faintest of touches from Sunset, Starlight, Chrysalis, Adagio, Cadence. Those 5 girls gave me a life and yet all I did was dissapoint, I wasn't a great magic user. I wasn't the best at emotional talk like cadence, I wasn't the best at anything. I was just a human after all, no talent, no name, no face, no soul.

My second time going to sleep was met with minor resistance, I could only sleep after the voices stopped. Those same voices that told me it was just fine, I could be a pony, I just had to give up being a silly human. I could get all the magic I ever wanted, I could be with my friends again and everything would be ok right? All I had to do was stop being human. My hands trembled beneath me as I clenched my blanket tightly. This will be a difficult night.

***

Today was a different day, today I'd do my best to show Chrysalis and Adagio around the city, it would be the least I could do for them. We started from the castle and after a bit of illusion magic from my room, it was as if I was just walking alone. Walking into the grand city we decided to go wherever we could find rather than one simple path. From here we went to a few places, that same little magic shop from last time I was around. It seems it was still kicking and I was more than happy to let my friends glance around at all the trinkets they had never seen in their time. I could never not find their cute little couple jokes funny, the perverted ones even, they bought a few tricks and while I was happy for them, I couldn't help but find myself looking to buy something as well. I decided to buy a fake sword, the blade was impressive even for being a fake and it took a lot of the bits we had around 200 but it was well worth it, could let them practice or practice myself with levitation magic. Maybe I'd get better that way?

We next headed to some of the cafes and little shops for food. It was nice to buy them some food, give them a bit more strength and let them keep those things like strength down for a while. I had fun playing some of the few games they could make up, to pass the time as we waited for food. Many of the ponies walking around were quite amazed to see the supposed "Friend of the Empress" with two lovely mares, but I could care less. I was in the company of two beings who understood me, even if they didn't know it yet. I felt overjoyed really, made it better for me to try and erase those old feelings for the time being, I'd conquer my demons one way or another I was sure.

For some time, though they tried to keep to themselves I encouraged the two to try and make some other friends, it wouldn't hurt if they were going to live with me for a while to which I wasn't surprised to find they just refused, baby steps. I had to make sure they weren't seen as off-standish and rude, assumptions leading to leaps in logic and panic between people and ponies led to fear.

It was difficult but they did talk to ONE pony, that being Trixie. That lady from before was more than happy after I explained that my new friends were from a rough home and were married as a result of some trauma. They can't seem to not be apart. Trixie and them seemed to get along well, from what Adagio told me they all shared a pride in themselves and that's what allowed them to at least talk to each other somewhat, it was mostly just asking the day, how they were, how long they were married, etc.

After a while, I decided to let them stay together. it would be nice if they got to make friends with at least one pony after all. Maybe I'd find that sort of joy one day, all 5 of them at a round table having a good drink or two and just talking. I was only hopeful if a bit naive for the future. For the remainder of my journey through the city, I could wave and smile to the ponies who seemed to be lightening up to the new guy, got a few hellos and had a good day's from some of them. Made me feel nice. even if only for that moment. What did I do to deserve such things? I was just another Worlder after all.

My day was full of smiles and yet all I could feel was that same soul-crushing feeling as the many nights before, I was no longer Human and I had to deal with it, I had no idea how. Maybe that'd just come to me naturally like some gift from the heavens, one would only hope so. I tried to get myself off those thoughts and then I began to think of the friends I had, the memories so far, my first times meeting Cadence and Sunset, the times in the hospital with Cadence. Many times I have talked with Sunset about mundane earth culture and her in terms of talking about the culture of Eques as a whole. Good memories, maybe those could stave off this feeling of dread for just a while longer.

I could faintly hear the sounds of laughter, I had happened upon a similar dinner as before. Cadence was at the helm with a blue-haired stallion a few seats down, and the two seemed to converse and hit it off well. good. I was glad she was happy. I don't know if anyone noticed but I did manage to get back to my room. I tried to sleep, that did little for me, still the same man in the mirror, the same old human face giving me that smile as days before. The same issue time and time again. I found my first implanted in the mirror's surface, shattering some of it, my hand was bleeding so I simply washed it off. The shards fell into the drain and I had alerted a staff member, one of the maids I think her name was Applejack came to my aid. She noticed my hand and with care I had never seen used a bandage lying in the bathroom and over my banged up my knuckles, the pain singed for a while but I could get through this, I had to. I had asked the maid for her name in which she confirmed it for me, I gave a smile and thanked her for the help. she curtly nodded, before leaving the room and closing it for me.

For the past few hours I slept, I only noticed it was night due to the glimmer of the night ahead of me poking through the room. I wanted to try to feel something maybe that was my answer. I just couldn't try and fake being happy could I? Sunset would eventually find out, leading to Cadence and the others finding out. I couldn't let that happen, just tell them it was an accident and that I had tripped. tell them I was just happy and that it was all fine. tell them nothing. Nothing seemed to work out for me so I would simply wait in this shell of mine. The refusal to sleep never failed me once, I could only warily pull myself from my covers and look into the night sky, why was this just one part of my life? Why? I was happy once you know, happy to have friends and those somewhat close to me now ones I cherished even after a little while.

I tried to dream this time and this is what scared me, a dream of nothing is better than all I suppose. the endless expanse of white is what I was used to, the faint memories of both lives colliding in front of me before nothing as every night before but this was different. Before me was Luna, or was it? The woman looked nothing like the one I had come to know, gone was the armor and the mascera around her eyes. They weren't the same piercing orbs as before, more gentle and fuller than before.

"Thou have been dreaming for some time, young one. It would seem that your dreams are nothing but a mystery. Shattered echoes of two lives, two paths colliding into one and yet no singular form achieved. Quite the spectacle, isn't it?" Her voice was somber, almost concerningly so. She seemed to really feel the pain I felt and maybe that was for the worst, I didn't want this out no matter the cost.

"I Understand that some mortals wish that their dreams remain confined to the realm of dream but what do you hope to gain young one? You seem to value even the Empress of love and those others highly though the two new ones are an interesting pair, young unicorns just like you. Just as I cannot enter their dreams I can enter yours curious is it not. Why do you wish to hide this from those you hold dear?" You could never understand, not one person could in the whole Universe. trapped within a body that is not your own and left to survive in a world of darkness and strife.

"One such as yourself cannot claim as such, I imagine many mortals feel as you do. I'm no exception to this after all, you know of my self in the physical world. The self that I chose instead to better rule my people and do what I can to survive, just as you do young one. No single being's suffering can be ignored and this must be corrected, I may be the mistress of dreams and nightmares but I am no soulless being." I could only feel a cold touch, she held me. The weeping of a faceless stallion isn't worth any more than the average stallion after all.

For a time all I did was cry, letting go of her to just whimper and fall onto my own two knees. The woman never relented like a flickering flame in the void she remained and for some time all that was, was silence. We didn't speak, there was no need for words at this point in some small way, she understood. That was enough for me to relax. even if only for a while. It was nice, having a blank canvas of dreams and hope. Something I could see was little in this world, even with the rule of three gods there was no hope for others was there? what of the changelings and what of the Sirens? What about the others of this wide world?

She remained silent as ever, even as the dream faded and before me was the ceiling. It was still night, a nightmare once again after all but it wasn't all bad. I stood up and looked to the moon "Thank you my lady, I hope you have a lovely night" I muttered, clenching my hand as I laid back in bed.

***

The day soon came, I managed to get some decent rest all things considered. I was willing to give this thing another shot and that's what mattered to me, one step at a time. Maybe one day they will learn, maybe. First up was my classes and surprisingly I seemed to have a better time levitating myself than usual, my magic seemed to flicker just a good bit better than usual and starlight was truly confused as to why, even I was. I had managed a few seconds more than usual, I was impressed but honestly I just felt like not talking much. Starlight was a bit worried I could tell, a healthy student was a good student after all but I gave her the best smile I could. That seemed to wash away her worries for now.

When I went out with Chrysalis and Adagio again, I thanked the people around me who did smile and greet me with my own greeting back, I owed these people that much. They may not have saved me from these chains but they did loosen them a little bit. I was more than glad today, I was happy. for the first time in truly a while, sure, the party was amazing, but this? It was just great. I had been out for a while and learned that Cadence would be free today and she wanted to hang out with me, I was more than happy to greet her back at the Palace, she was all the happy to see me as I was her. It was good to be with friends sometimes.

For our trek on the city today, me and her visited many of the same shops I had taken the girls to the day before. it was rather lazy of me to do so, but I didn't know Cadence's entire history after all. She seemed happy, I liked it. It made me happy to see her happy. I could see some of the noble folk and even some of the regular ponies whisper when seeing me with the Empress, but right now I could care less. I was just glad to be in a friend's pressence. it felt great.

The first few groups who made their way seemed to be in awe, some would make light jabs I could hear "Hey that could be the Empresses's new stallion" or something like that. It was weird. I had only eyes for the magic I had come to enjoy and the few friends I had now were all I had. I didn't really have the time or want for romance, it was sorta something in the back of my mind. Though honestly, I was just glad people weren't calling us anything or being rude. It made me smile a bit more.

For the day we seemed to converse though I can't really remember now what about, that dream's still too fresh in my mind. makes everything else hazzy really. But that did get me thinking, there was this thing called Happy Heart's warming day right? I was wondering what I could get for everyone really, I thought of it like Christmas. A day where we could all enjoy sitting around, knowing that Adagio and Chrysalis couldn't join us would be weird for a while. But I just hoped one day we could get together and have that dream come true.

It was an amazing time. We ended our little trip in the same park we'd taken a liking to. sitting there and just enjoying each other's company. With the light breeze and sun bright above, Cadence wore a sundress today, covered in magenta and blue stripes atop her head was a rather cute sunhat, I noted this mostly because she kept having it blow away because of her horn getting in the way, she tried to push it back multiple times until she just stabbed a hole through part of the hat keeping it on finally. I found it cute really, I smiled and patted her head which got me a glare from her, I just laughed it off.

***

As we arrived home, I couldn't help but feel like I hadn't given any time to sunset but that was probably the case given her studying and being abroad she couldn't always come over. I felt bad but had to remind myself, not like I was her only friend in the world anyways, still wished I could just have those same peaceful and fun talks with her.

Dinner arrived not long after and surprisingly this would be one for the books: I was told that tonight Cadence would be hosting the Solar Empress, Lunar Empress and the ambassador's for the Kirin, Yaks, Dragons and Griffons. All of them sounded like important people so I would need to be the best I could be.

Arriving in the hall I was greeted by the smiling face of Autumn who waved to me, in which I returned. making sure to sit next to Cadence, from what I gathered this was to keep me away from the Lunar and Solar empires. I didn't mind it, they still scared me even if I had encountered Luna the night before I wasn't ready to be friendly with her just yet, I would have to wait and be patient for that chance. Daybreaker looked at me, a blank expression on her face before she nodded and went back to her food. Across from me where the Ambassadors mentioned, a woman named Ember was the representative of the dragons, next was Yona the representative of the Yaks and next to her was Gallus, the representative of the griffons. The first to speak to me was Yona, she seemed bubbly and almost like Cadence in a way. Though her table manners could use some fixing.

The dragon woman seemed nice enough, she called me a hatchling which was a bit confusing until I put two and two together. The Griffon didn't say much, but what surprised me was how much the yak spoke in third person a ton. She seemed friendly, if a bit loud, and quite the talker once you got her going. Apparently this dinner was to show these young ambassadors that the empire and their people joining said alliance could become beneficial for them in the future. Though I got the sneaky suspicion that Cadence wanted me here for a different reason and I could only hope this wasn't just a show of force over the day empress.

According to Cadence from later, Cadence was worried this was just another attempt to scare me or force me into the political arena with three young ambassadors who themselves didn't have the greatest experience from what she told me. I wasn't sure how else to think of it truthfully, I'm not the biggest politics guy so I just kind of enjoyed my dinner and even shook hands with the ambassadors as thanks for their arrival here. They each greeted me with kindness, even that Griffon, he seemed pretty chill although he did seem to have a thing for that dragon but maybe that was just my imagination.

I was just hopeful that this wasn't anything bad, so why did I need to be in the political arena anyways? I wasn't going to be king or anything so the idea of something like that was honestly off-putting. I've seen enough of politics on earth to have no interest in that, regardless of the world. Sometimes people were so confused, even all-powerful beings like Cadence and Daybreaker, what was the point of this truthfully? Surely it wasn't just for the political advantage of keeping me on guard or pressuring Cadence for something, hopefully.

As dinner went on, I heard the clatter of a drink, looking up to see all three Ambassadors eyes on me with Daybreaker at the head of the table speaking up: "So young one, my fellow Empress tells me of your short progress into the magical realm correct? If I may, how well is that going for you? I would hope that the exalted friend of the Empress of Love had some wisdom to share with these Ambassadors" eyes flickering over to the curious people in question.

Shit, she had me in the spotlight once again! What was her deal, by god. "Ma'am if I may, then I have nothing good to report in that department I may be a unicorn but it seems I have no talent so far using telekinesis or forms of traditional magic, my teacher has been quite adapt at adjusting things but we've only had a few days to teach me so I'm hopeful that I may improve in time, I have managed to levitate myself" That got one of the ambassadors, the young griffin to raise his cup and speak for the first time.

"Mr. Eon if I may, you said you are a unicorn are you not? Then why are these simple spells so difficult for you? Be it far from me to question you but it just seems odd that a Unicorn cannot handle the traditional arts you ponies are so well regarded for" That got a response. from the Dragoness next to him she seemed to carry an air of authority around her, kind of scary really.

"Another thing, from what the Empress said of you. Something of a mystery. There are no public records besides the ones provided by the Empire and only small activity, I apologize if I'm intruding but the Empress here informed us of this matter and wished our Leaders to ask questions from you. You seem to be the only unicorn in your post in some time, the last unicorn in the Empress of love's care was roughly 50 years ago. Is there anything you wish to get out into the open?" She was clever, I liked that.

I may not be smart but I can try and act smart for a bit, maybe they'll buy it and hopefully I can get out of this without a severe sun burn "Mrs. Ember its quite alright, the Empress took me in after we knew of each other after a few weeks time. I was trapped in a hospital without any memory of my family, friends, land or origin. I was simply a clean sleight so the Empress sought out me not because of any feelings. I can imagine but to assist a commoner like myself, I'm truly grateful for her hospitality as I am yours but I want to be clear with you. I simply have a trouble getting over my own problems if that's ok to say, I just have had trouble with my past and with no mention of any family in the Empire, no records of those things I don't think its a stretch to say I'm etheir lost to my home or have been long since forgotten" I wasn't totally lying, for all I knew on earth I was just another face on the missing person's list by now or was presumed dead for all I know its been nearly 2 months. It got no response and a quiet table as The Yak then spoke "Yak Yona is sorry for the intrusion, sir on behalf of Yak Yona and our country we wish to apologize for the issues that plague you." Soon following the dragon and griffon, Daybreaker's expression never changed, but there was the slightest hint of a smirk. But I was probably just imagining it.

The dinner from there was rather pleasant, I tried to talk to the three of them and they seemed surprised as did Cadence but here was a penny for thought. If I was going to be put in this position by this Empress, not only would I work to forge relationships that could help benefit both Adagio and Chrysalis in the future, then it was well worth the price of being her guinea pig. The talks went well surprisingly they seemed to relax themselves, like they were being held on leashes I mean I get it truthfully. They were convoy's for this Empresse's insidious goal, whatever that may be, and I wanted to hijack them and besides, three friends can't hurt to have as well. I may not want that political power but giving them a chance as people and becoming friends sounded more of a useful trade to me.

As dinner came to a close, and soon they all filed out even Cadence, Daybreaker kept me back, giving me one look and merely smiling. "You impress somewhat young ones, do try your best not to court that Young Alicorn ally of mine, I'd hate for her to be thrown into these squabbles and our little game" That just hit a nerve in me.

"Look your majesty, I appreciate the dinner but I'm not trying to court anyone I just want to live in peace and why can't you just call me by my name? I'm a pony for Pete's sake, a stallion the least you could do is just give me that please? And another thing, leave Cadence out of whatever mess you're conjuring up. She deserves better than this."

The look in her eye made me nearly want to cower to my knee's right then and there as she simply chuckled "You've got some nerve to question the Empress of the sun Young Eon, rest assured I know full well just how you feel about my former friend, your friend will be spared from your path. I intend to make this more interesting for the both of you in the future, I've got quite the show to put on, but for now let me leave you with this. Do you think your Empress is so keen and pure that she does not have blood on her hands, just ask the Siren's or better yet ask those Changelings I allow into my city, Or if you want to be generous ask the Earth ponies how they truly feel about the Bloody Empress" She then casually walked out, her guards in tow. Leaving me stunned and just as scared as before. Jesus.

At least she didn't know Chrysalis and Adagio well, that meant I had at least one thing to hold over her head. But whatever this bloody empress nonsense is, I'm sure I will find out eventually, most of the time on earth political schemes and those things don't stay hidden forever and if that was true then nothing could stay lost forever here just as well.

***

My nightly activities prevented me from usually sleeping when I'd wake up in a cold sweat but for the first time in weeks I truly felt tired. I felt better even, maybe I was improving or changing somehow I wasn't sure but this world wasn't that bad now that I look at things. I'm probably being too naive or even too overzealous with the notion this is some perfect paradise, earth wasn't and might never be, this world might follow that same path. I was just glad that I began this path no matter where it takes me, its gotten me 5 good friends so far and a good life somewhat. Maybe things won't be too bad.

Looking over I noticed the two mares fast asleep, still amazed me just how skilled they were to get in without those two alicorns noticing them. Guess they had to practice trying to stay away from ponies for who knows how long. Truthfully I felt like they belonged here. If only those damn laws weren't just put in place by some pompous assholes to ruin their peoples lives. Guess you can't win in life sometimes.

Turning over to my side I tried to ignore that creeping suspicion that not only would I not get some good sleep but I'd prolly just be all night out thinking, ya know what. Why not? Getting up from my bed I noticed something odd above me, what looked to be wings in the distance outside, they must be flying late if there's nothing in the sky huh odd. I looked up at the moon and smiled still in my head thanking Luna for that good night, sleep and maybe another one to see if I was lucky. Pondering about a lot was something I had an issue with back home, I would spend my hours mindlessly thinking aloud to myself a ton. People used to think I talked to myself so much that my mom had me go to therapy. Maybe things wouldn't be so bad that I'd get put in a loony house, or who knows I'm not too sure about the medical care in such a place. Hopefully it's better than German Healthcare, wouldn't that be something right?

I went back to my bad, I'd done enough and I could feel myself getting sleepier by the moment, maybe things would become better if I just tried like Cadence told me but who knows. Things have seemed more chaotic around here ever since I got here, Cadence has more pressure from those two other rulers, making political nonsense to fumble me, asking me about my magic indirectly, coming into my dreams. For whatever reason, be it just plain disdain or something they knew of humans and seemed all the more keen to keep that little secret tight lipped even from their future allies. Crafty but honestly not unexpected, I didn't think she'd honestly keep it to herself but hey even a German man can be surprised once in a while.

My eyes nearly shut and the currents calling for this show to end, my first thought was what the dreams laid before me had in store, what did these interactions with Nightmare and Daybreaker do for me and what else could I do to ensure that Cadence doesn't get involved in whatever plot that she has cooked up for this Empire? Jesus, I sound like a bureaucratic person already. Great, another chance for that mare to win over me. not this time though, if I was to be involved in the running of any government it meant I could help Chrysalis and Adagio and that meant more to me than I could imagine at the time.

End of chapter 3

Author's Note

As for the topic of writer's note this time, I'm trying to stir the pot. Not every Empress is blatantly free of negatives just as much as one can bring positives to this world and any. Just look at any fantasy with decent world-building for what I mean. Other than that, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, I'm thinking tomorrow chapter 4 will begin roughly and I should have that done maybe in a day or 2.