Life never was Easy

by King Of The Below

Rating: mature
Tags: Profanity, Violence, Princess Celestia, Human, Anthro, Main 6, My Little Pony: The Movie, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Death, Alternate Universe, My Little Pony Comic, Sad, Romance, Princess Luna, Drama, Princess Amore, Suicide / Self Harm
Length: 57788

Lost to his new world, a man tries his best to survive with the foundations laid by a strange empress and a looming unease the world feels. Will he truly rise above his former life or will he simply fall to the darkness below?

Humanity isn't perfect, far from it. We all know this but what if someone dumped a human into the mythical land called Eques, not Equestria that Era is long gone. Discover not just those good friends that life brings but enemies, lovers, hate, and destruction. Coping with the concept of a new world can be challenging and no species gets it worse than humans.

This is not the Land we once knew as Eques, far more akin to feudal lords and emperors of sections of one world. Three sit atop the ashes of the old world, The Lunar Empire and their Mare of the moon, The Solar Empire and its Day-breaking Empress, and The Crystal Empire and their caring and cunning Queen of Love. Ruled by laws not fitting for all classes can one person inspire small changes? Can truly things get better?

Watch the man coined "Eon" for his fascination with time, Go through and begin to accept himself and those around him in his new Second life, be it the many who see him as someone not fit to be around royalty. Someone who should be treated less due to his lack of magic, or someone to be feared for his new perspectives. Reality can be a hard thing to grasp and this man aims to get invested in his new life, be it the romance, the drama, the dread, the hardships and the eternal questions percolating his mind.

(Note: Any criticism is welcome, I want to give the best effort I can and I am glad to hear any critiques of this work. ALSO, despite the tag limits, this also does include Adventure, Tragedy, Dark, Slice of Life, Comedy and Crossover. Eldritch beings/Monsters and weapons will be included from some franchises, hence the crossover title despite them being changed to better fit the world.

Published 2023-06-25 19:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-01-10 20:29:05 UTC

Chapter 1: Life, what a cruel game to play.

The Begining of Eon

The first thing I felt when I hit my bed was the overabundance of dread, from the factory to home, day in and out. My limbs felt numb from the mind-boggling hours at work but it paid off well and despite the reputation of factory work I was never one to question things too big for me to judge. My mind was exhausted just as much as my body, I had just not only dealt with work but the heartache known as relationships, original I know. Quick rundown, my girlfriend of roughly 2 years decides our paths in life are just too different and wants to end it. Don't get me wrong in retrospect it doesn't sound bad but what made it worse for me was that I had wished to continue our relationship but in the end, I understood her reasons and chose to respect her by leaving on my accord. Maybe I was too rude? maybe too pushy? Whatever had led to the both of us choosing this, in the end, was never my thought as all I could think of was that..day. Call me pessimistic but my emotions were running a bit high at the time.

In my life on this Earth I'd done many things, said much, and worked hard, and yet I couldn't begin to compare that pain to anything I had ever dreamed of. I loved her as much as I could, was that not enough? Was this merely my wish of a hopeless man? Maybe I was just tired, that's it. Arriving home I had strung myself onto the couch and put my head in my hands only a sniffle breaking that tension. I looked at the picture stuck neatly in my drawer, painfully aware of my circumstances as I sniffed taking the picture in my hands, a photo of a happy family one long gone by now. My sisters Jeremia and Jasmine are both long gone by now, off to some college or work-related courses. They try to call but our calls become more and more infrequent as time goes by. My parents, I, and my pop never had the most heart to heart but he was proud when I got a job and got myself out of our old little town.

My mom and I never saw eye to eye on anything, me being a working man, me not taking care of my mental health, chores, and even hanging out with my friends in my teen days. She loves me nonetheless and I her. I knew my pop and she held me together despite the issues of raising kids and yet...I felt like being that kid again, running into my mom's arms and crying my heart out. Why did things get so rough, was it that bleak look in her eyes? Were the many times that issues came from failing dates or having to laugh off excuses too much for her? Was I ever wrong about it all?

I could feel my tears well up and yet I simply kept that picture tucked into the drawer, I wouldn't let this define me I thought, I wouldn't let it keep me down, fat chance. I cried, I cried like the boy who had missed his mother, his former friends, and his family. Waking up later on was nothing short of a miracle but things had....changed. I couldn't quite tell, everything was so dark, and yet I had a fine vision. Then it dawned on me, was I kidnapped? What for? why? Or was this some cruel prank gone wrong? Whatever the case, a light suddenly filled my vision. The cave I had appeared in, roughly by my estimate I wasn't here long and what's worse, a snowstorm was up ahead. The mouth of the cave shined like a fire in the dark as I ran forward feeling that same light I was given dim as I reached the entrance.

My first trek through this odd land wasn't a pleasant one, I had faired a little better than those hikers who would climb Mt. Everest and come back nearly dead. This wasn't much of an improvement as despite the full belly and physical stamina I had relied on for so long, with thick snow almost always over the horizon it was like walking down an infinite hallway. My legs were the first to give up, treks through the snow were nearly impossible and I had all but lost my stamina for the day, through each inch of snow I could feel the prickly sensations of cold overcoming my feet but I pushed on.

The snow wasn't more than one would expect and I could barely see anything in front of myself yet through it all I made it to what appeared to be a...Light? The orange glow of what looked to be a light shined as I called out to them "Hey! Someone's here and in need of attention fast! I'm not prepared for this blizzard and I have no idea where I am!" The Glow seemed to get closer despite my feeble attempts to wobble through the heavy snow. I could feel my hands for sure but it wasn't until later that day that I knew my horn had been giving off a light and that I wasn't just giving off a light but shooting it into the air unintentionally. The brimming light had been seen for a few meters and was quite impressive even for "Someone with Amnesia and no magic training" The light of a newborn was seen as a gift but this? This was just seen as some mish-mash mess of energy and control. The little time I was afforded before passing out was the thoughts I had running through my head: Would I survive, where was my home, and more importantly my friends and family? were they even ok? was I sent into some weird time travel incident or was this just some psychotic episode I've never had before?

Awakening, I was frantic still with little idea as to where I was, the beeping sound of what appeared to be some form of medical equipment was strapped to me tightly as a nurse walked in. She appeared no younger than most women despite the horn on her head and the rather odd set of....female features. Was I trapped in one of those Anime shows people dreamed of being in? Shaking my head I spoke first

"Miss, I apologize for any rash movements but can you answer me as to where I am?" Hearing little more than some hesitance that drew awkward tension as she spoke but a bit...afraid? What was there to be afraid of? Had I done something to offend this...woman?

"Sir, I promise that you're not going to be harmed here. This is Crystal Empire Foundation Hospital and my name is Bleeding Heart, may I ask for yours in return?" Though I was hesitant that gentle tone combined with said female features, I couldn't help but feel a bit safe as I responded to her. Though I couldn't help but fumble my name up, call me crazy I think it's reasonable under the circumstances, Fumbling the words I barely spoke coherently

"Uh well....yes my name that...uh...my name is....." Thinking back I should've told them something more original than from some show about a kid with an alien watch "My name is Eon Miss, apologies for the fumbling of words I've not had the best time and merely want to recover quickly" giving her my best smile to hopefully ease said tension, I was surprised to notice she smiled in return jotting something down on her paper.

Next was the arrival of what appeared to be guardsmen or rather guards. They looked the part just as stoic as one would expect and brought the nurse aside to speak to her before she turned to me and smiled once more, easing myself as that bit of tension finally passed. "Well, Mr. Eon the guards here informed me you had quite the spill in the blizzard outside the walls of the Empire and might I say you're lucky you were even still alive with how long you may have been out there. The Guards just have a few questions before someone arrives to talk to you"

That smile vanished as she turned and the guards walked up to me with the cold expression same as before but something not only screamed to me to run but do what I could to survive. The next question was menial and I wouldn't try to bore you people much but anywho "Well Mr. Eon, we're here to determine if you're a safe individual as Head of the Guard around here, it's my job to keep people safe, I want to ask of you some questions: Why were you in the snow?"

That was easy as I hesitantly spoke up "Easy Sir, I was simply at home one day then I somehow end up stuck in the snow after I passed out weirdly enough, I know it's hard to believe but-" That response was cut off as he raised his hand and spoke, "If you were transported randomly to some area you know nothing of, I find that weird and not only weird but hard to believe sir, Magic may occur and Unicorns may be able to teleport but no mare or stallion just passes out and vanishes in thin air."

That response only seemed to solidify the fellow guard's opinions of me as I spoke up once more: "Yes Sir, I understand, but if I may, I'm not one to even know what "Magic" is much less what a stallion or mare is alright? I just happened to appear here and merely have no idea of what I'm doing here or how I even ended up here."

***

That response got weird looks, even from passing doctors and nurses, as the guard spoke, barely holding back a chuckle: "Sir, you are a stallion, are you not? You might not believe me but please look to the window and look at your reflection." The guards behind him stifled their chuckles as they ever so slightly shifted under his gaze.

Standing up not understanding the point of this, it dawned on me. I still had good hands but my skin? It was a pale white color with dots of yellow all over me. What I later learned was "Flank". My backside was half white and half black like some sort of Zebra! That led to my reflection, my "mane" was a rather long streak of black and pale whites as I looked to be what would be called a "unicorn" with a horn atop my head and rather pointing as I poked it with my hands and felt a pinch of pain reeling back I stumbled into my seat and breathed a bit heavily. My mind raced with possibilities, explanations, reasons, and conclusions as I had to come to terms with this in some form, I was some sort of "Stallion" With a horn and no doubt appearing normal like the rest of them. The guard spoke a bit confused as he lifted a hoof for one of the stallions to keep me from falling over.

"Sir, are you ok? I know it may be odd to see yourself after seemingly so long but the best the Doctors have determined based on everything they know and hear from you is that you seem to have no identity at all." Huh? "They can't seem to find any records of you being in the Empire for any time nor any Record of your name so if I was to be clear Mr. Eon. You're considered more than just a normal citizen but someone that must be judged to be fit to be around others and cleared of any mishaps."

Walking in next was a woman or rather a mare with not just the same horn I had but large pink wings, stunning in all regards if you asked me. The Woman smiled at me as she merely waved to her guards who all quickly bowed before she spoke, not in the same fashion as a politician you'd think but as some angel from the heavens above.

"Might I ask what you're doing to this stallion Captain? I asked that you bring him in and show him some kindness before asking questions and not interrogate him like a criminal am I correct?" The woman before him oozed a regal manner, handling as I'd later find out was the term for how she dealt with the captain.

The "Captain" sputtered his words as he spoke up "No my empress, I apologize. I was merely thinking of the best interest of the public, and a stallion Unicorn though diseased should be-" He was cut off by her raising a hand as she sighed in seeming frustration "-Please Captain, a disease-ridden Unicorn may not be considered dangerous if he was out of the hospital?" She waved her hand as the Captain sighed in relief and merely bowed responding "Of course your Empress" His words carried pure adoration despite the display before me. Honestly, he looked like a puppy asking for a walk.

Jokes aside, the woman turned to me as I stiffened in my position something just seemed off. The air she gave off was something with the presence of what could only be described as an angel. Even if she wasn't the sheer pressure I could feel emanating from her gaze was enough to make me cower. The soft voice of this woman spoke, bringing me out of my stupor as she smiled gently "Now Mr. Eon right? May I ask what you were doing in such a blizzard and a long way from the Solar and Lunar empires? If I'm right then you must be from those areas, most ponies travel between both after all."

That damned smile, it seemed so sweet yet I could feel the compelling nature to speak as the words sputtered out "Uh well, as I said to the guards miss-" "Empress or if we ever become allies should the need arise call me Cadence" The woman chuckled more like birds singing. "Oh um sure, apologies Empress but as I said before I was merely awoken in the snow and had no idea of my surroundings until I had awoken here after I had passed out in the blizzard, and uh thank your guards for my rescue."

Her response came as a shock to my tired mind but nonetheless appreciated, "Of course Mr. Eon as the Empress of the Crystal Empire I welcome you to our borders but before we continue" She motioned to the guards to leave and though the captain's eyes told her that he wanted to stay she steeled her gaze for a moment as he shook his head and his troop left.

Getting a proper look at the woman I could not but was even more enamored by her appearance than I'd thought possible. A long stretch of hair that went down her back seemingly fitted with a bow atop her head placed under the crown on her head, gems sparkling in some strange light amidst the staring. Next was her more...Female Features, despite me being no perv I couldn't help but admire her looks despite the strange feeling brewing inside of me. She was a more buxom woman than I had seen before her sitting beside me, her legs leading down in a spindly manner more refined and covered in golden laces more befitting some of you'd hear in legends like Aphrodite. Her giggles broke me out of my stupor as I immediately felt the need to apologize for my brutish behavior "I deeply apologize Empress, I am still new to this world, and well be it far from me to say this but you look lovely."

The woman's smile ticked up slightly as she giggled before she spoke, "Oh don't worry, I get this stare often and while it's a bit off-putting you're new so I'll let it slide Once." Her smile then ended as she spoke: "I was hoping to learn more about the true cause of this name, Eon is not a normal name by any stretch much less one from the Empire, so if you'd please, allow me to read your mind."

That mere request boggled my mind as I stuttered out a response "Oh no, normally not like that...If I may, please understand when I say I may have..lied a little bit. I'm not truly from here and while I can't truly explain how I was transported to this world." The blabbering from my mouth made me want to merely explode, great going dumbass! Day one and you already exposed your secret!

(Credits to Margony on DeviantArt for the art)

The woman's next words came as quickly as my response: "Sir or Mr. If you were going to lie you should've said so, I'm no stranger to lying but another world? If you truly are as you claim then let me be the first to say welcome to our world and the second to say that I must first verify this beforehand by asking you this: When was the Treaty of the Crystal, Lunar, and Solar empires first brought to public knowledge?"

Her question gave me little time to respond as I fumbled a quick response although I had no true idea "Empress if you will, I have no bloody idea what you mean much less what the "Solar" or "Lunar" Empire is. I only know of your land from the basic knowledge that I was told my location and that I'm simply here in your Empire."

She nodded as she popped her elbows out before pressing them onto her knee as she spoke: "I see..then your claim is at least somewhat funded, but to be sure as an Empress, I would have you taken care of by our finest you will remain a guest of the Empire until we figure out some accommodations for you." That made me nearly crack a joke but under the situation, I doubted that being a jokester would get me anything less than some roughhousing by those beefy guards.

The next few minutes felt like an eternity, with doctors looking over my heart rate, taking shots from me to ensure there were no signs of viral disease as the Empress had recommended to them. The question burning through all this was..why? Why was I thrown to the wolves of this new land? What compelled whoever sent me here to condemn me to this fate? Left in a land I had no sight or any form of reason to believe in. I had left my only family, my few friends, and my life behind. Maybe I was sent here and could go back but what were the chances of some other world knowing how to traverse dimensions or worlds? As nightfall came the doctors cleared me but wished that I be left in their care for at least a few days to ensure that no lingering effects of whatever "Amnesia" had overcome me. That night, I couldn't help but feel those tears well up in my eyes. My whole life is gone. My friends, my family, everything I had ever come to know up till now is gone.

***

That night I didn't sleep, How could I? I was trapped in a body not my own, forced to live this life not of my own volition, and what? Trying to live? What point was there in that? I'd never be one to call myself depressed but what else could there be for me at this rate? I blankly stared at the ceiling above, taking care not to alert anyone and trying to hide it however cowardly that may be. My own thoughts and feelings would satiate anything I need anyways.

The next morning arrived without a moment's notice. That mere day turned into more as I refused the same food I had eaten time after time even as the staff forced me I'd just refuse them and cause a scuffle. It's been days now, maybe more by now in this body, and yet the doctors come back as if I would do what they wish again, they simply left that day.. I awoke to that same woman, would I even bother to remember the names of them all? Why now? If I was to be a guest then I would spend my time as I pleased, with silence.

"Guards, please leave us if you will" That same gentle harmonious voice from before, my senses on alert as I sat straight up with no answer, how do I do so without the aid of rest and some food? "Um...Mr. Eon right, Well I've heard from the doctors that you refused any sort of food today as well as any checkups unless they had held you down with aid from security. May I ask what troubles you so?" Her voice was laced with that thickness of kindness I had begun to resent despite my state of being.

"Your Majesty if I may, I've been trapped here and after several days all I seem to get is those placid and complacent looks from nurses and doctors, some pitying this mere man sure, some could care less, some probably don't even bother. I have nothing to say of no family, friends, Heaven above I have no speck of life to resemble something even worthy acknowledgment. Stuck in this hole with nothing but my own thoughts so please, how do you think I feel?" I snarled that retort, my momentary lapse letting her feel that pain although all I could see was worry. no pity, no kindness, just plain worry. What would her next words be? How could I improve myself and fix myself like these doctors want or the nurses or the guards who can't seem to answer any questions I give them?

"While I understand your situation, if it's of any comfort please understand that we just wish you a recovery, you may be lost, but what more do you have to lose? If I may be so blunt, but you're not eating, you're not caring for yourself and yet you say you're hurting? If you cared for those in your previous life, they may not be within reach but you can do your best to care for yourself and work toward that goal. Yes, you may be millions of miles from home or worlds away, but that doesn't mean you cannot try. All I ask of you is to try this, if not for yourself then as your Empress I ask you to try." Cadence stood not one hint of anger in her tone, not even the slightest ounce of frustration, just hope. Hope that some pony would give themselves a chance.

".........." For a time I pondered this as she left, leaving me to stew in my own thoughts. Was it truly the best path? If anyone were to know from what I trusted of these people it would be that simple talk. Was she right? Was she the one I should listen to? If I was going to live here I'd need to try and trust others right? I guess it wouldn't hurt to try something at the least maybe to get used to my situation less stewing in my own thoughts would mean I'd manage a way out somehow. I wanted to go home, but was that truly possible? She spoke of worlds as if they were just fiction. was it truly a hopeless endeavor?

***

For several days I pondered my own actions in this little world of mine, was it truly just some hopeless endeavor? Maybe it was wrong to hide myself or maybe I could trust the doctor's and nurses' smiles? For a few days as I was stuck there because of that pink woman's orders and I quote from the doctor "Ensure the patient is fully up to living his new life" Whatever that meant. For several days the doctors and nurses would continue to ask questions like "How I was" "How are you feeling" or any random mundane ones, I'd give simple responses like "Good" "Doing ok" and "Could be better" too many times if you ask me. I had heard of her name from some of the Doctors apparently "Miss Mi Amore Cadenza" Or "The Empress of Love" I had little understanding of such a title but I went with the motions. if it meant they'd leave me in peace, I could care less. There were rumors flying from some of those nurses: "That stallion has brainwashed the Empress!" or some form of that, always just asking the same question. Why was this mare invested in such a person? I was merely another one of the "Subjects" No doubt she'd seen dozens if not tens of thousands of me right?

As those days passed and flew by in a moment, I'd get my answers to that very question. One day she had just happened to come by in similar attire to the one I'd seen in her several days ago. She merely sat on the bed and asked softly "How are you today Eon? feeling better? Is the staff treating you well?" As much as I wanted to simply ignore it, I couldn't help but be a bit soft, I was quite rude to her after all it'd be best not to piss off a royalty of an Empire.

***

"I'm doing ok I suppose, I can't complain really. The doc and the nurses are doing just fine really, it's all just a bit pushy. They seem...too nice. If they are ordered to, I don't want Harper on anyone's day and to be a bother, I'd rather just be in peace and recovering from whatever else is wrong with me.." The response was quick but I couldn't even look back and see the holes in such a tale.

She was rather surprised I had talked at all, apparently, it was well known by now I was particularly not the conversationalist and mostly quiet and kept to myself. She spoke with a light smile "Eon, There is nothing wrong with you at all I did not mean to offend you, I was just asking how you are and you seem to be better than a few days ago" She lightly teased, giggling softly as she spoke once more "I've come to my own conclusion if you are truly from another world then, you might never be able to return to the said world and while I cannot give you that at the moment, You would be a guest to all nations but I would be willing to give you a job in my castle personally as a....friend." She chuckled momentarily at my confusion.

"So you, an all-powerful Empress, a god damned God basically, want me to be your friend...Why?"

"Simply put, I'm an Empress and a "God damned God" as you say, Being on top doesn't afford you friends outside of caretakers I assure you."

"What's the catch? Why bother with someone you barely know and could care less for? I'm just some guy in a world I don't understand, I'm no stallion in my heart but I'm just as much myself as I was at home. So why me? I'm nothing but one cluster of a mess."

"Even easier to confirm for you, I'm an Empress sure, but even I can want to have a friend, and who better than a newcomer who wouldn't see someone like me as a royal but as just another person and better yet, you'd get to leave~" She winked.

"Sure, if it just means I can get out of these hospital gowns and be outside of this place then sure uh...Cadence? Let's begin this again then, Name's Eon, former Resident of Earth." He used his free hand after getting up to offer a handshake to the tall woman.

"Fine by me, I am Mi Amore Cadenza Ruler of the Crystal Empire, daughter to the former Empress Amore. I am pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Eon," she smiled, grabbed my hand with a firm return, and shook my hand as I released my grip, and so did she.

Leading me from the hospital after what she called "Royal Clearance," she led me through the streets, giving me little time to glance at my fellow ponies who seemed all the more confused as to why this random Stallion and the Empress seemed like chums. Guards from less than a week ago have now followed right behind, careful to stay out of the way but not too far away, guess they're committed to the job, good for them. My thoughts were interrupted as we reached a strange building, dwarfing the others as the large castle stood before me, Gems lined each edge all colored pure silver, not the fake stuff you see but Pure silver. The lining of the inner sanctum had sculpted pictures on the glass, almost lifelike. Each a small portrait of her life and her accomplishments including some strange Older mare beside her, huh? Arriving at the room she let me in and allowed me to explore its contents, dotting the room was a faded blue tapestry covering the walls, each side lined with fully stocked shelves full of books. The closet seemed almost too big and the bed fit my size and more than accommodated me. I couldn't help but let a smile loose as I gave her a simple thank you in the form of a smile. No words needed to be exchanged as she merely smiled and nodded.

***

Waking up, I had quickly gotten myself ready for the day, clothes and all. I spent no time pinching myself as I had done days ago time and time again just to see if this was all some dream and yet still nothing. Still stuck in this world full of colorful ponies and abilities unknown to me. My headache from last night had only persisted, gripping my head little flashes back and forth like some sort of heat stroke, I had done my best to keep it hidden but it was really starting to annoy me. The same dreams back and forth, for the past few days I've been having this strange dream. Maybe it's just my new mind and body but this felt all too real. Less like a dream and some kind of dark horror story written up over decades.

Every dream would start the same, waking up in my old bed and wandering the house in my old body like nothing had happened. I'd walk around and look at each picture of my family, placed neatly among the walls, and it's just blank. Nothing to speak of, no names, who even were they? who were they to me? Was this just some dream? Was I dead? these questions never escaped my lips yet remained in my head. Each time I would enter the door, each time I would enter a new home, this looked no different than the one before, with small adjustments here and there but basically the same. Was that picture frame empty before or was that just my imagination? The dream then shifted before me, gone was the house of a thousand more and there was a plain field, the grass was being pushed by some breeze I could not feel. All that sat there was a woman who looked strikingly like Cadence, I had wanted to say something but for whatever reason my throat was caught in a bundle as the woman turned to ash before me. Was that just my mind, was the first question, Was I only dreaming?

This would always end the same, a flash of white and me waking up shaking. My body never felt warm, it felt cold to the touch, more than one should be. I couldn't make sense of things, what was it for? why was this happening? I did my best to hide it for the first day, then the next, and now. It became annoying, despite my feelings of anxiety and fear running at an all-time high. Knock's was heard at my door, getting myself dressed I said "Sorry, I'm just getting finished up whoever's there, apologies!" I called them, only getting a chuckle in response as the door opened. There she was, The Empress of Love in what I could only describe as pajamas. Soft blue's all over her frame, covering from head to toe with a cute hoodie on top for her, less like Royalty and more like some kid coming home from a slumber party. The pajamas were lined with little dots from side to side in a straight pattern, near her head was a necklace formation on the neck piece in an oval shape in the form of the same necklace she had been wearing out in the hospital.

"Hello Mr. Eon, hope you had a good morn-Oh my are you ok? you look like you haven't been getting much sleep, do we need to get the royal Physician here?" The woman's gaze made me wanna just buckle and tell the truth but something in me told me to just bury it. Keep the smiles going.

"Oh no I'm alright just a bit tired is all, nothing to worry about, Promise." I smiled, giving the best smile I could under the circumstances which seemed to remove her worry for the moment, she smiled in return as she looked rather nervous but looked at the floor as I asked "Empress, Sorry Cadence. Are you sure you're not the one who needs someone to check on them? you don't exactly appear dressed yourself," pointing out the obvious I had hoped to give her a little jab of my own.

What came next was rather shocking despite the little I knew of her: "Oh just well, um, I'm not exactly sure how friends work and I had hoped you would know something about it. See, I have never really had the time for such relationships even in passing, and well, I'm rather new to this whole experience I was just asking, I apologize if it's too much to ask" She bowed, making me sputter in a bit of embarrassment, what was with this woman?! The strange looks I'd gotten from passing staff didn't help me at all.

"E-Empre-Cadence no its ok! now please stop bowing, I don't like the looks from your staff.." She looked confused but did so and merely smiled as if nothing had happened at all. "I understand that but please answer me this: Don't you have some form of friends anywhere? relatives or anything like that?" She looked rather perplexed but answered nonetheless.

"Well, there was my mother and father, Princess Amore, and her husband, King Crystal Heart. They have long since been out of the public eye as part of traditional law, as a former Empress and Emperor they left this empire and have not been seen since...I was on the throne." The last part of it struck me, she seemed...somber. No more than that, just depressed. How long had it truly been for her? How long had those parents of hers discarded the throne and left her to do this?

"Cadence if it's not too much trouble, why are you the only Empress you say your mother and father were married or at least they seemed to be but why just leave the throne and all that responsibility to you? Why didn't someone from your family stick behind you at the least? It sounds like they're just ditching their child to a fate they had no choice in." Maybe I was a bit blunt at that but come on, a mother and father leaving their only child to run an entire Empire? It just didn't sit right with me. But her response is what shocked me.

"No! You have no idea what they have done for me, raised me, cared for me, and made me into the Empress the empire needed! Maybe it was wrong of them to be left alone but I can't fault them, can I? Who else would take the throne, some noble who had no care for anyone but their own greed? Or some pompous dictator who would ruin our law and make the land a hellish nightmare for my people? I cannot imagine they wished to abandon me of their own will but what choice did they have? Leave the throne vacant and just hoped I'd take over someday, They had no choice in the empire's leader just as those before them."

"Cadence, I may be your new friend but let me at least explain myself. I can in good faith say that from what you say, your parents had a good reason for giving you the throne the past few days have only started to show me why but what I cannot excuse is leaving you behind. You're their flesh and blood, their child, the one child they had and they leave you to a fate you had no control over. Good intentions do not excuse the results of one's choices. You're a pers-pony. You're an Empress, yes, but you're just as much a person as you are the crown on your head."

For a while we both sat in silence, unable to come to some agreement despite the words coming from our mouths. Yes, I can see her parent's good intentions from her view but that's only one side of things to me. Why did her parents leave, Why her? Why can't she live a life of her choosing rather than one thrust upon her? She had been the only kind of person to approach me so far, not question me, just act like any other person, and be kind to a newcomer she had no idea about. If I could at least return that kindness in return I'd be satisfied. The once kind Empress simply walked away, it was a touchy subject that maybe she needed some time on and I'd be fine giving her that time. I would never waver in my views, but I'd support my new friend the best way I can.

***

I'm starting to feel less like a welcome guest and more like the thing put in the backroom, it was an odd feeling. Today was normal as all can be but what surprised me is the same maids, guards, butlers and even some chefs that walked by said no words to me. I knew I was probably out of line for these Ponies but sometimes new perspectives had to be said, even if the other person doesn't like it. I could hear some laughter coming down the hall and despite me still being in the pajamas laid out for me the night before I had no change, I didn't sleep well. Not because of the argument mind you just, bad memories and those same nightmares creeping back. I still felt like I was alone truly, maybe that was just the depression in me talking or my overactive imagination but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was just alone. Laughter could be heard so I followed the sounds despite the looks of the staff and some of the guards. What surprised me was a rather large table, lined with what appeared to be some nobles or maybe some ministers or something. Each had regal outfits fit for a king, lined with gems encrusted into each lining of their outfits, monicols and all. The whole work. What stood out to me was the three Mares at the head of the table, One as pale as the moonlight, One as bright as the stars, and Cadence, the same Empress that wished to show me kindness.

The dining accommodations looked amazing enough, but what drew my eyes was the strange feelings from the two mares. One of the stars and one of the moonlight, I couldn't help but feel like they knew I was looking but I chose to simply go back to my room. I didn't feel like disrupting this event or lunch, I was simply not in the mood. Maybe it was just missing home, feeling like Cadence and I had already gone off on the wrong hoof, or the cold feeling I got from the staff along the way. Whatever the case, I couldn't help but just want to curl up. Trying was always tough, people would say that just getting up and fixing it all could work out but was it really that simple? I had wanted to get and make a life for myself but so far all I've done is screw up conversations, fail to make the one person in this wide world that had shown me some sliver of kindness just a bit happy, and yet all I felt was that this traced back to me. I didn't hear the knocking or the staff calling my name as I ignored them, popping open a book and prancing through the words that had me locked in.

It's been hours, I continued to listen to the laughter and light chatter but kept myself busy reading each page I could to distract myself. I had learned some things in my time here, after all, that was my first thought. These Empires were run by usually a ruling class or Empress in this case, Cadence was one, One called Luna was the second, and the Third was seen or at least implied in the text as the "hope of the world" or Celestia. Each of these lands encompassed much of the continent and though there were other lands and small pockets of those who ruled by their own lands by calling for independence ultimately the Empress of each had the final say as they were territories owned by said Empire. Some had made the cut and some didn't, some were simply told no and some were allowed to be their own place but if Earth had taught me anything, nothing was as it seemed. To me, this was no better than an invasion or takeover, leaving those places out of your reach but you could always be the one to regulate trade and economic growth, and many old systems you had in place were the ones they adopted.

The next knock at the door drew my ire, I was in a grumpy mood and just wanted them to stop. I walked up and groggily answered and before me, I was rather surprised. There stood a bright-colored woman, hair like fire and gentle what looked like orange in her locks all tied into a bow, she had no dress but looked to be a scholar. Her attire seemed to be more fitting of a librarian, a plain shirt and pants, her shirt tucked in, and wearing a rather adorable set of glasses.

"Sir, if I may you're the one the Empress had recommended I talk to about..." She leaned a bit closer to "Other-worldly life."

That notion had shattered my previously grumpy mood and made me more than anything just shocked, speaking up was all I could do really, what else could I do to tell her no? If Cadence or one of those strange women had somehow known of my origins then this could spell something bad for me, I had no idea of other royals outside of Cadence. "Um well...I guess you could say I know something about that but can I ask who and why you were sent to me? As far as I know, only the royal staff knew of me and the Empress herself"

"Oh I'm sorry but I was told to explicitly keep that information to myself, I apologize once more but I'm only here to learn about you as much as I was told"

With a heavy sigh internally, I let her in. She smiled and gave me a thankful nod as she wandered into the room, she looked rather surprised at the small pile of books present all over my bed. I was a bit perplexed at the starry gaze in her eyes at all the books before it clicked with me, she loved books. Can't say I was a fan myself but being in this world meant I had to learn something sometime right? Like me, this woman was a Unicorn. Her horn was as orange as the rest of her and despite her tidying up the bed I had stopped her to do it myself, it'd be rude to let her just clean the mess I made after all.

Sitting across from her was the easy part, getting to talk was tough. She nervously stared across the room and began our little dance of words "So...You've only been here 2 weeks now? May I ask how your day is going?" The answer was simple, I had only given her a look and she had seemed to take the hint "Oh um sorry, I was just interested today and well wanted to learn if the rumors were true that some Alien had arrived from another world. I know it sounds silly but that sorta thing is always in science fiction novels always some faraway hope that no one is alone in this wide universe"

The words coming from my mouth were the only ones I could conjure up, I didn't want to be rude to this woman, she seemed nice. A bit curious as anyone would be nice nonetheless. "Well, I don't know about rumors around but I am from another world. I understand if you have questions but, to be frank, I'm not really feeling up to answering too many if that's ok with you" I rubbed my head, feeling that same headache crawling back to fuck with me once more.

She was rather receptive to this, nodding with a soft smile on her face "I have no qualms with that, just a few questions and if you'd like I'll be on my way, For one who is the dominant race in your home world? I've always understood that species in many worlds in said fiction novels can have more than one race who speaks as we do and acts as we do."

"Honestly, you're not far off. Homosapiens or Humans are the dominant race on earth but in terms of numbers one could say ants are the dominant lifeforms, they cover our world with each step and use our world as their playground. They cover the land and forests like small dots all except one continent. Sorry if that seemed exploratory, but I felt like that would suffice" I gave her a tired yet wry smile in return.

"Interestingly, well for one the same could be said for the Empire and the world as a whole, many species could outnumber us ponies but are in truth just animals. Enough of that, my next question would have to be how advanced is your race truly? You speak of them as if they are worlds apart, so to speak," she chuckled slightly as I returned to the notion and let out a little chuckle of my own.

"For one, your people use magic as something I've yet to begin understanding and here I sit saying that we're more advanced...If you mean by technology then yes we have vehicles that remove the need for walking or ones that can fly us to any destination we wish. Or boats that can speed faster than most crafts in the water and even technology that allows us to get information in a snap from anywhere in the world" I had hoped this would satiate her curiosity, my headache was getting worse and I couldn't help but feel like I was taking up more of her time, I did not want her involved.

She took it well, all things considered, kindly giving me a nod and speaking for the first time in a little while "I apologize once more for the intrusion, I may not be omniscient but even a silly mare like myself can see you're not doing the best, I'd like to talk another time if that's ok. We may be two different kinds but we can all learn a thing or two from the other, right?" She snickered, a blazing fire lit in her eyes and I couldn't help but be enamored as I nodded numbly at this and smiled, shaking her hand and in return, she gave me a hug. I was rather shocked but chose to go along with it, hugging the woman back I softly let go shortly after and allowed her to leave. My worries had been somewhat mitigated, maybe there was more than one person I could call...Friend.

***

Wishful thinking really, Was I walking into the Lion's den at this moment? Today was an average day except for the strange new guards outside my room, dawned in armor with an odd lunar symbol, not a moon more of a crescent moon. They spoke in old English that was more like Shakespearean or something you would hear in old novels of long-begotten times. "Thee shall cometh with us, the empress of the moon demands thy presence" The first one spoke, it was a woman for sure she seemed a bit smaller than the others and her voice gave it away more than I had imagined, just who were they?

Then the next came "Followeth us, we shall guideth thee to her Highness" I could only nod, I was hesitant to speak maybe out of terms or one of these guards would have me locked up for disrespect. I had no idea. Following them behind I noticed a second set of guards waiting by a door, this time they were dressed as if they were made of gold each piece of their armor dawned with the stamp of a burning sun. With a lump in my throat, I proceeded and opened the door to find the three women from that table before me. Cadence wore royal attire as she usually does but the other two caught my eye more than I expected. The first woman was taller than even the other two, a sight all the more familiar to me from being in Cadence's company for weeks now. She wore a dress bathed in fire, golden gems sat across each part of her ankle and leggings underneath, and next was the top. Much like Cadance, she was rather...boxum. Her chest was covered cleanly but the shirt she wore had a symbol of a blazing Phoenix much similar to one found in Greek paintings. Her hair was similar to a raging inferno but dangled down her back and sat freely amidst her shoulder's without a care almost looking like it moved on its own without a breeze.

This next woman struck me as someone you'd find in the darkest of pits, she had the eyes of a cat or a lizard, or maybe something in between her armor covering her entire frame from head to toe. Not one piece of skin was on display, but it didn't appear bulky, more lightweight, as if she cared only to show force rather than talk. The three women could only gaze upon me, a commoner, no more dressed than any other stallion would be on his normal days as the Firey woman first spoke "Thou art one oddity young one, to be from another world and yet so comfortable in the careth of an empress, What a strange creature forsooth, empress of loveth"

The second woman then said: "Life sister, the speaketh as if 't be true we wast any less alien to this young one than us to that gent. Should we not at least exchange greetings with a visitor from another world?" Her tone carried some form of playfulness as she glanced at the fiery woman before saying once more, "I am the Empress of the moon, a weaver of dreams and nightmares, Nightmare Moon." She motioned with her hand for her fellow Empress to respond who seemed more interested in that...Phoenix?! when did that thing get in here?! Going to put that on the list of things I wish not to know.

The fiery woman spoke with a tone I couldn't help but feel as if I had offended her somehow, with less than kind words to be frank. "I am The Empress of the Blazing Sun, Provider of Light and life, Daybreaker, Peasant." That snark in her voice made me nearly shudder to the floor as her sister sighed and merely shook her head, Cadence merely looking off to the side as if she didn't want to even be here. Though I could at least read the room, I had to play my part even if it didn't look to be formal.

Dropping to one knee I said "I am pleased to be in your presence, Great Empress of the Sun, Great Empress of the Moon, and Great Empress of Crystals." I tried to play it all cool, even letting myself be degraded in such a way but what I didn't expect was the complete lack of acknowledgment at this display as I stood back up. I met the eyes of the three trying to keep my composure, I wouldn't lie in saying I could feel the sheer cold and heat coming from those two, like a chokehold around me tightening its grip.

The next words coming from them were not so much as surprising but just terrifying to know of "So you speak as if you know us but yet we know from our friendly Ally here that your stay has much been...complicated. You hold no answer to our laws, our people, and yet you make yourself one said "The friend of Cadence" You hold your title up as if it were mere words young one, Speaking from my own heart I can tell that this is folly. You're nothing but a traveler from another world are you not? Do you hold the value of use to this Empire and its people? If you were to be allowed to continue living in this Empire, I would have expected more than a small greeting from someone like yourself" The words coming not from the mare of the moon, but from this deadly woman of the sun were all but scathing. She was right, I had no true value not to these Empires, not to these people. I was an outcast.

The approach from the woman I had argued with some time ago, showed me something I had never given myself, confidence. Standing tall was the Empress of Love, her wings flared and seemingly ready for a strike herself as she spoke scathingly to the Empress beside her: "I must ask Empress Celestia as your ally, do you not find it a bit disheartening to request that someone from another world provide amicable growth and prosperity to an entire nation in only a few weeks? He may not yet even know his own potential and yet you expect him to be all ready to fit into a line, be it a soldier or a weapon? Do you wish the best for our Empire or do you speak to further your own ambitions"

The scathing reply made the Empress merely nod as her sister on the moon sighed, putting her hand on her head and shaking it, most likely like watching two children fight over their toys. Next was The Woman of the Moon "I'd ask for you two to calm down, but seeing as the centuries have not been kind to our tempers, might I ask Empress Cadence what you wish of this Human from another world My sister is right in stating that objectively he holds no value for your people or ours. If you did not want the response to this to be more than truthful, you should have been more forthcoming with the origins of such a man before we questioned you about it, it's better to inform your allies of significant changes pertaining to the status of refugees in any crisis is it not?"

Her retort only had me wishing I could just leave this and go hide in my room "While that is the case, given the display today I would be hard-pressed to even consider giving up information such as this correct? Your sister shows disrespect to my friend, regardless of his work ethic or his value. To give love to something and show the way to love others and themselves is my goal you know this, so please tell me why I should spend another moment with this-this Harpy of an Empress you call your sister!"

Finally came the voice I had not expected, the fiery woman of the sun "Oh quit the blathering, both of you. I merely gave an opinion the Love Empress disagrees with, I should not expect you to agree with me all the time, that's just plain arrogance. If you valued such a "Friendship" as you claim then you should have explained so beforehand. It is not my fault that you chose to disclose the nature of your "Friendship". Is it now fellow Empress~" The fiery woman gave what could only be described as teasing, Cadence for her part merely shook her with a light blush. "While I appreciate your words, Celestia, I would ask that in the future you please go through me before you consider asking anything of mine..friend." That word, Friend. Maybe I had gotten off to the wrong start with her, but truly what else could I call her at this point? She was the one who had requested for my healing, to give me a new "job", a future. I could only repay such a debt by doing whatever I could to make it up.

***

The Conversation quickly ended as I felt all their stares on me before I ask, rather meekly I mind you "Um, I apologize for any form of disrespect your Highness, I was merely trying to do what I could to repay my host for her kindness, as You say, I have no value currently but I hope not to just live up to someone's expectations but try my best to surpass those, in my own way." The response given was no laughter nor anger nor disgust, just something I couldn't even begin to describe. From her chair the Fiery woman only stood above me, taller than me despite being a former human, and merely smiled "It seems you hold value I've yet to understand then right I do hope my expectations weren't misplaced, I wouldn't want your "friend" to be disgraced right?" Kind words yet just the same strange yet smoldering air in those words. I gulped and kept my composure but I'm sure she knew, I was merely in her palm.

Back to my room I went, escorted by my friend and strangely enough she seemed more on edge than I had imagined, I thought it went well, was there another reason? Perking up for a second, I decided to break the tension "So...They seemed friendly enough. I don't want to intrude into this Emp-Cadence, but why the worry? if it's any consolation I don't think you have anything to fear from them, you can handle yourself better than I ever could" I gave a light chuckle at my own ineptitude.

She chuckled merely, wiping the brow of sweat from her head as she spoke, "Eon, I may be an Empress but I'm not invincible no one is, not even them but what worries me most. It's what's ahead of you, my fellow Empresses may be kind and I'd even go so far as to call them benevolent, but promise me this. Do not ever, under any circumstances, go to them. Asking them for a favor is as callous as throwing away your own life, alright?" She gripped my hand a bit tightly. "They are as trustworthy as Discord and the Demon Tirek, two-headed snakes. All I ask is for you to be careful. I don't want to lose my new friend so soon" She smiled warmly. We shook hands but she ended up hugging me in return. These past few weeks were honestly something I can't even begin to describe, maybe sad, maybe unfortunate but not hopeless.

I couldn't help but feel this was some kinda of a dream truly, to be in the arms of a friend. It was soothing. After I had arrived in my room I was quick to notice a note had been left by who guessed, Sunset, a little questionnaire about my world for another day huh? Maybe I could get used to such a thing. To be the only human in this land, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I'd still miss home, Made a puppet by some scary mares, and one woman who seems to care about me as her friend. What a strange start to this new life.

End of Chapter 1

Author's Note

Apologies if this seems off, I'm writing down my first story after 11 years of writing experience that I INTEND to finish up, I've got lots and lots of ideas cooked up for everyone to enjoy. Any and All feedback is appreciated. Also, I know it's more popular to use Shinning Armor but trust me, he will play his part in due time.I do intend on making both this world and the pair itself make more sense and become more in-depth as the story goes along, friends never do start just in love after all.

Chapter 2: Selfish woes and Bright Days

”Love All, Trust a few, Do no wrong to another”

Today was a rather unfortunate morning as per my usual unlucky nature, still those same dreams again. It only seems to get worse as time goes forward as I make progress as a person-er Stallion and seem to be 2 steps back when it comes to these nightmares. I still miss my family dearly. It’s funny really, here I am complaining about my woes to myself and finding no way back home already. I think I’ll try to breach that subject with Cadence today, maybe just maybe, I can find a way. I’d only expect the bare minimum, from those days in the hospital she had spoken of other worlds as just a throw away line, and so did Sunset. I guess the only way I would get an answer is by trying.

My dreams weren’t getting better as one would imagine, each time I’d awake in that cold sweat and have to call upon myself to snap out of it. More like a vivid dream or something you would see in horror films. I looked at myself in the mirror and still all I could hope for was that moment it’d just be me again, the same old black hair, same frame, same eyes, same heart. No such luck. Maybe I was just acting up again, same old feelings in this new body. Propping myself back up from my bed later on, I popped on the glasses I had used for reading, some cool stallion gave it to me a while ago now. What was his name....High Mark? Anywho, it had been something I had never noticed before, maybe the change of body had given me this but words always appeared small, tiny even. Like it was trying to hide away. Regardless of this, setting a piece of paper folded neatly into the book I left it on the side of my bed. Getting up once more, I decided to take a trek on my own today. Wouldn’t hurt to get out into the world right?

Passing the time was easy but trying to do so in a world not my own, not like I had a job or TV or anything like it to use when I was bored. Walking out of the palace was odd. None of the staff stopped me and while I saw some guards I just assumed some of them were with Cadence maybe some noble or legal stuff? Regardless, I kinda hoped we’d get to hang out today considering things had been a bit slow for my taste, maybe I was overreacting but I just wanted to do what I could to make it up to the gal, she’d given me a home after all. Then it struck me, Home? Was this place going to be home? Sure, I wanted to get out into the world on my own and maybe find some little peace of happiness while I bided my time to get home but what was home right now? Was it in that room? With Sunset or Cadence? Who knows? I was knocked out of my thoughts when I felt something hit me and sent me spiraling to the ground, I heard a thud as my vision collected itself. Before I knew it, I could hear someone yelling out before me was a strange mare, to say the least, ”Oh, a new one amongst the people of Crystal. What a sight to behold, you look different, strange”

Before me was a tall, yet strangely lanky figure, she had bountiful locks of amber hair. A skewered horn and a reptilian set of patches of what looked like scales, maybe it was some sort of Dragon hybrid? She had no emotion on her face but the few words she spoke told a different tale altogether. I stood up and offered a hand to her ”I do apologize miss, I wasn’t looking where I was going. I’m hopeful that you aren’t too mad” She looked confused but shook my hand. I couldn’t feel anything but a jolt of energy surge through me making me reel my hand back. She kept that confusion going before asking

”So may I ask what you are? You don’t appear to be like anyone I’ve seen before, you’re one of the first to come to my attention, you’re one strange creature.” That same look echoed as she circled me, looking over at me, lifting my arm and poking me in the side. I was rather confused but answered her ”Oh um...Name’s Eon miss-” “Autumn Blaze if you please, Human.” That freaked me out to no end, grabbing hold of her mouth a bit tight I might add, many ponies looked confused but I brought her a few blocks down before letting go, noticing she still looked confused at this. Just what was this mare? I looked at her with a bit of a glare ”May I ask how you know I’m a human? Much less, anything about humans?”

She seemed to find something funny, giggling a bit as she spoke through some laughter ”I did not mean any offense to Mr. Eon. I was just confused. You see, I’m a Kirin and where I come from humans are regarded as myths rather than reality, not even the great elders have even recorded information on a human I thought it was common knowledge of humans existing?” That got me confused, I thought Cadence said that beings from other worlds were an unknown factor, how come they happen to be legends of Humans in this one area in one world without humans? Too many questions, and no answers, best to entertain the mare before me.

I shook my head and looked at her with an eyebrow raised ”Sure I’m a human, I did get this body though, and while I’m never one to complain about life’s mysteries can’t say I happen to like the body of uh...a Pegasus if I’m right. Look, I just happened to arrive outside of the Empire a few weeks ago, I was given a home as a guest by the Empress bless her heart and I’ve just sorta been living here, May I ask why a Kirin is out here?”

She simply nodded, “Well I was here as an Ambassador of my kind, you see the Crystal empire and the Land of the Kirin have been good allies for several years now it was only through the bond of Kirin and a crystal pony did our kinds first begin talks and soon after we came to be allies. Many of our kind still prefer to live in the forests and enjoy nature, but some do come to the Empire and live out peaceful lives. I was sent here with an important mission to the Empress’s Ambassador, I would imagine that’s not you, Huma-Mr. Eon. If you would be so pleased as to guide me to the Empire, its a mystery to me even with this map see?” She lifted up a scroll that unfolded to unleash a rather large map of the Empire to which I noticed something odd, turning it around. I gave her a deadpanned expression “Um, it might’ve been upside down miss Autumn. That may be why you’re lost.”

The mare before me looked me in the eyes before, falling over. I sighed and helped her up before I lightly chuckled at this, it was kinda cute in a way to see this mare confused but none the less I wished to help. ”If you would like I can just take you to it, you weren’t too far from it. You were pretty close, only a few blocks from the entrance to the Castle.” To this she smiled and jumped in, giving me a tight hug. I swear I could feel some of my bones crack at this as I patted her head, giving her a wry smile. As she beamed at me and spilled thank you’s over and over. Were ponies always this strong? Once free of that death grip I led her down the street. I got less looks than usual and maybe that would have to be the Kirin woman next to me who bounced like she was high or something, talking my ear off. Not that I minded, it just was a bit much. She’d talk about her home, maybe it was just me being silent or me being myself. I’m not entirely sure but I listened to her. She’d talk about her family, her brother and sisters in the forests, the myths of my kind to which got some looks of confusion. I had to tell her that my whole identity was a secret and only the Empress knew of it, not a total lie.

***

Once we had arrived at the castle I let her on her way, not before she smiled at me and promised we’d meet again, I’d like that. She was chaotic, maybe a bit ditzy and a bit of an airhead when it came to social norms but fun. More relaxed than Sunset, less uptight than Cadence can sometimes be. I had decided to keep to myself today, a bit of a change of pace, maybe I just wanted to relax or rest a bit. Less taxing than the headaches and nightmares, still felt like I could tell somebody but all the same I didn’t want to inconvenience others. Going right to the castle not too long after the Kirin from before, I found myself inside of the halls once again it was rather impressive with all the self-portraits on the walls, some of Cadence, some of her as a child, some when she looked a few years younger from now and surprisingly little of her family. Huh, that was odd. I knew there was a portrait of her mother still up but why none of her and her family? Was it customary to not be in the picture?

Going down the hall, I noticed Cadence and made my way over, flicking her shoulder she gasped, looking like she nearly jumped out of her skin, turning she gave the cutest death glare in my direction. She puffed her cheeks before continuing to glare at me. I spoke, grinning from ear to ear at my little prank ”Hey Cadence, how are you today? Oh yea, some Ambassador came in a while ago a Kirin, if I remember right” She stopped glaring to give me a confused look for a moment, before she snapped her fingers and nodded.

”Ah that one, nice girl that one. Surprised you’d seen her did she get lost?” Cadence held back a chuckle at the mention of the lost Kirin to which I smiled in return, She seemed less than surprised when I explained to hear that Kirin had the map upside down and had been close to the castle but what shocked me was the mention that she knew of humans to which Cadence looked....worried? Why?

”Ah I see, well we can just hope that she keeps that a secret, I’ve known Autumn Blaze for a little while, she’s trustworthy if a little airheaded” To which I nodded, chuckling to myself. “Oh yes! I did have something to tell you, so I’ve understood that for a while now you haven’t so much as touched magic right? Well since you’re a unicorn and my friend I thought it best you at least start learning a little bit and don’t worry about a cover story, I’ve got that under control you can meet with your new teacher, she’s a bit strict and somewhat bossy but she’s been a great help to a lot of Unicorns” I nodded in appreciation, I really wanted to say something, in private.

“Hey Cadence do you mind if we talk? I just wanted to clear the air a bit” “Oh sure lets go to my room. Give us a little privacy. Sorry, I never suggested this before” I shook my head “No no its alright, lead the way.” I followed right alongside her and was a bit curious myself, I’ve never seen her room before, a bit odd to not suggest something like a spare room or a dining area but her room was fine, just surprising. Getting to a set of doors I wasn’t too surprised to see them lined in crystals covering each frame and coating the doors like diamonds. The inside was surprising, each wall was lined with photos of herself and her family, from some photos of the trio, her mother, her father and a young cadence to the woman I know now. It seems odd that their was this Photo of 4 Alicorns, Cadence, Luna and Celestia but some strange women were also there they didn’t look too old I’d say about 17 years old roughly. I wanted to ask about it but, given my time with questioning her about her family, I’d rather not burn another bridge. I looked around rather stunned at how calm her room seemed, no vibrant colors or extreme blotches of pink just a plain room.

I heard a giggle behind me. I went a bit red in the face feeling kind of embarrassed to be caught like that but sat down with her patting the side of her bed, pushing a hair out of her own face. She smiled before asking ”So what did you want to talk about Eon? Well if I’m to be honest, I wanted to talk about that um...incident and our little spat about your family, From everything I could gather it was a difficult subject for you to discuss and I’m sorry if I said anything out of line to make you feel upset at me” She surprised me with a somber but faint smile ”Eon, its ok. I know you were just trying to be nice to me and that’s ok, I appreciate that, it’s part of the reason you’re still my friend just next time, think before you act alright?” She chuckled.

I nodded before I spoke once more. ”Cadence, I’ve asked you about those difficult things and I think it’s time you learn a little bit about me, I was willing to ask about that so I can be just as willing to talk about something difficult” I gave her a smile, hoping to re-assure her and all I got was her chuckling and nodding ”Sure, if you’re ok with it then I’m all Ears”

”I guess that first thing would be my name. Sure, I like the name Eon but...you don’t exactly know my own name after all. My real name is Albrecht or in my home land it means Bright, my mother named it for how bright I was growing up. I would always tinker with little things, bolts, wires, toys I’d get, anything I could get my hands on and try to make it work in my own way. My mother and father were both great if a bit tough on me. Growing up I had friends, sure, but I never had people come over to my house or come to hang out. I would always go out. I never sat home most of the time, I would walk often and spend my time being quiet and sit on some stairs outside near a hospital. I would just quietly watch things, maybe it was a bit weird in hindsight but I was never mean to people passing by, if some said hello I’d just say hello and even wave a little” Looking over all I could see was her stary eyes and I couldn’t help but smile, she was glad to know something. I’ve done a good job. Good stallion.

”Well now, didn’t know my friend was such a geek, maybe I’ll find some power Pony comic books next?” She grinned, winking at me as I rolled my eyes ”Yes yes, you told me about those and no Cadence, I’m not a comic buff. I may like to tinker, but that doesn’t mean I read books of super stallions and super mares,” I shook my head, finding myself smiling as she giggled. For a time we sat in silence, I wasn’t the best at communication at home or here in this Empire and with my new friends. I looked away from her, I wasn’t about to ruin the good moment until I felt something flick my nose and I furred my brows groaning at this ”Yes Cadence?” She smiled and propped her legs up, putting her head on her elbows and looked at me ”You know, Sunset did say you were quiet sometimes, but this is unprecedented. Those are the two things I’ve learned about you today. I’m glad to be your friend Eon” I merely smiled at that, Sunset. Good to know she was still around, haven’t seen her in a little bit after all, would be kind nice if we talked again sometime.

Oddly enough, I’d find myself more so intrigued about our talks, we’d discuss the boring things she’d have to do in court, such as trying to keep the few nobles who believe and support her truthfully from being corrupted, and the Times to taking precautions on laws regarding the goings about trade and local law enforcement, she sounded truly worn out. But I guess having an Empire to run is going to wear you out sometime. From what she says, dealing with these nobles must be like dealing with rowdy children, she would have to unravel schemes or deceit in the courts and then hold them accountable to the best of her ability. One thing I found interesting was their place in the courts, the nobles while filthy rich in some aspects were like governor’s, holding pieces of land in and out of the Empire, managing workers and the people within it even setting their own rules as part of an “investment” into these lands. I’d heard of that sorta thing in history class but to hear about it first hand was something different, it felt too illogical. What use would someone with that much money use getting land of all things? It’s just wasteful.

One thing popped into my head and being the brainiac I am, I decided to broach the egg ”So Cadence, you’ve talked a bit about those other Empresses, but why the hostility? I’m sure they’re prolly more skilled or stronger Rulers right? I mean, I’m sorry if it’s rude its just-” I was cut off as she gained this odd look, all the warmth gone from her face as she sighed and spoke “I was afraid of this, Eon if you really want to know then I’ll tell you but first I need to explain to you how those two came to be alright?” I merely nodded, a bit scared at her demeaner’s shift so suddenly. “Just as my mother and father once ruled the empire, they had their own parents and their own families. They lived in harmony for several eons, crafting and creating an Empire of unparalleled power. Things were great even, me, Opaline, Moon and Sun all danced under the sun and moon playing and becoming something like friends, we all thought it would last forever until our final breaths”

”Things were never meant to be, even with the tribes all united under our hands, raising the sun and moon, moving the well of the elements to help each tribe thrive, guiding them with love and compassion those two...they stole their rightful place. They made those who did not bow sit in their cells, now I’m not saying they killed anyone, even me and Opaline, have been unsure what they truly did to those ponies, all we can guess is most of them were locked up. From what we understand, they stole the power from their family and rendered them inert, not killing anyone mind you just draining power from their mother and father to rule the sun and moon as they wished. They ran their kingdoms in the beginning into rubble, burning down all opposition via false reports and false arrests, their parents disapproved and so after a squabble between the four of them, my mother felt it best to have us avoid any children of the Sun and Moon.”

”I spent much of my time trying to figure it out, trying to understand why they fought with them, for control over celestial objects its there I understood my connection to love. I wanted to do what they could not, bring balance. I’ve tried for so long to understand their methods, both good and bad, sometimes I just hope they know what they are doing even now I sometimes worry about their methods. Brutal but effective, some say, I just call it downright cruel. But there isn’t much I can do as an ally of their Nations but try to make talks more...calm.”

I was rather stunned at this information, were they truly just benevolent rulers or was that just an act? I had no idea what to guess but I could only go with my gut at this point. Cadence wouldn’t lie to me that much I know and I have no reason to doubt her. I was a bit silent and while that same smile replaced her gloom like before, I couldn’t help but feel a bit weirded out which I think even she understood in some aspect.

”Eon, I apologize its just hard to not...question them. They wanted to know of you, a stallion in my Castle at first they told me I had found a Emperor of my own to which I denied obviously but even I can’t handle the pressure they exued on me, I did tell them of your origins yes but I only did so for your own safety. I wasn’t sure what they would do to gain information on you, even spying amongst my staff. It’s gotten me a bit paranoid, I will admit, but truthfully I was just scared they’d hurt you”

I only shook my head and hugged the woman. She seemed shocked, but hugged me back as I smiled at her ”Cadence you did what you thought was best and I truly appreciate that. Maybe telling them I was an alien was iffy on your part, but I can’t imagine what it would be like to be in that position, given the choice I would’ve eventually caved. Next time though, just ask me. I know I’m not a noble or an important member of your courts, but I just want you to ask me before you go through with things next time” She nodded, smiling brightly, good stallion, and kept her happy.

I was glad, maybe this wasn’t the talk I expected but I was glad to know that I had asked the right question this time, no screw ups. For some time we both sat in silence, called it awkwardness, called it just boredom but we enjoyed each other’s company. I don’t know how to explain it properly but it was nice. It just felt right. Looking to my side I noticed her starting to daze off, I smiled and got up ”I’ll let you rest Cadence you seem tired, is there anything I can do to help?” She looked confused for a moment before she smiled, ”Just ask the guards to ensure that Mrs Sunset shimmer can accompany you and you two have a fun day alright? Sorry, I’m so sleepy but-” I put a hand up ”No Cadence its ok, you work hard enough as is I’m sure an hour of rest can’t hurt an entire Empire right?”

Letting her rest, I waved closing her door as she yawned and covered herself. Leaving the room I noticed the stationed guards looked like they were trying not to laugh? I decided to talk to them, what was so funny? One responded: “Sorry sir its just...guess the Empress needs her stallion right?” I was confused for a second before my whole face went beet red, I quickly got myself out of there with only their chuckles behind me as I sighed, sometimes I wondered why people made those kinds of jokes.

Did it get me thinking though, Wasn’t I supposed to meet someone today? My thoughts were interrupted before the spill once again. I crashed right into someone and fell, damn my balance. I hastily got up and began an apology when I noticed the attire, a round but beautiful ruby red dress that was unecessarily fluffy, She had no glasses but her eyes were cold yet stern, a teacher. Her hair was pure purple, streaks of pale blues in her own hair as she looked quite annoyed at me but I had an idea of who she might be, standing up I was more and noticed her strange horn it was quite large, Speaking for myself I smiled ”I apologize ma’am but I think I’ve at least known about you in some form are you the teacher that the Empress wished for me to learn from?”

She looked a bit surprised for a moment, but merely nodded “I assume you’re the one that I was told to teach the basics in magic, right? An interesting fellow, if I must say, but you hold no potential. You seem as clueless as they come.” I only chuckled “Nice words teach’ hope I learn well under you” She rolled her eyes, motioning for me to follow. What did she mean by no potential? Sure, I had only been here for a few weeks but was I really that oblivious when it comes to magic?

***

Arriving in a rather large room full of scrolls and books, I was surprised to find this was just another sector of the library in which it seemed I was to receive tutoring but why is this secretive? Was it because she feared those Empresses would send someone to watch me grow in skill or was she afraid of someone finding out my origin? I know it better than to question things like politics but those two always scared me more than I can imagine. Just the thought of two beings who could use celestial objects as weapons or through magic? It’s truly a threat not to be underestimated. I broke from my stupor as she tapped the table ”Pay attention sir, I know the Empress asked me to teach you but if you cannot pay attention then I can only expect you to do the bare minimum. So pay attention boy”

For the next several hours we practiced simple spells, Levitation magic was rougher than I had expected, I had broken several plates with it, good thing I knew a royal who was willing to pay for it. It was difficult, a bit of golden glow from my horn was hard to stabilize my head was pounding like hell. I felt even worse than usual, It was tough for sure that much was obvious but my head, damn the pain. I’ve really got to find a way to get rid of these headaches, its just becoming annoying now. I looked at that same cold stare from the unicorn as I asked, ”So Ma’am or miss, apologies, but did the Empress say anything as to why we’re in a secluded room and not out on some sort of training field?”

”The Empress informed me of not where you came from if that’s what you’re asking but rather you were an Amnesiac who has failed to grasp the basics of magic after a nasty spill in the blizzard, a large way from your homeland from what I gather so the Empress instructed me to instruct you on magic to become what she described as “a sword and shield” she wished you find a means of defending yourself said the time come to do so. Though if I were to be frank, you’re even less talented than I imagined, no cutie mark and no magical potential to speak of. The Empress must be thinking of some scheme if it were to involve one such as you” This got a confused look from me What kind of plot would Cadence want with me? I wasn’t that special at all, I could barely function being a normal stallion what would I have to defend myself from? Those Empressesses? I doubt I could do much at all even if I mounted all my strength at once they’d casually crush me like a bug.

This just didn’t sit well despite my training, I knew I was bad but to be like that? Just what did Cadence expect out of me? I had no idea. Maybe I wasn’t the worst person in the world to learn magic but what was that tale about really? What did those people do to their parents? What did they even do to warrant such suspicion from Cadence? Just what was this world coming to, did I just arrive in some false paradise Mom? Oh dear, Dad would just tell me to accept things as they are to make things my own. Jeez this is just a mess, another headache for the morning I suppose. For the next several hours I tried my hardest to grasp this skill, but every turn seemed to only work against me, every thought, every piece of me was just refusing this simple skill. Was I truly talentless in this manner? Maybe I should’ve been a Pegasus or something that could’ve been better to do things than simply fail at magic....No. I can’t complain really, given the chance I think a lot of people here would want to be in my position. I have to make it up to her, whatever it takes.

In regards to this, I was just getting nowhere. She seemed patient enough but she was just annoyed at least by the furred brows and twitch in her eye. She sighed deeply, her chest going up and down “How could I get stuck with the worst magic caster I’ve seen?! This is just nigh-Impossible! You can’t even keep it off the ground for a few moments, all that happens is it breaks down and just shatters like the others, why isn’t anything working?!” I looked to the side rubbing the back of my head, mom always said I wore my heart on my shoulder and failure was never my forte’ jeez. Hearing that just made me want to crawl away even with my resolve. I simply tried again, still failing to hold it for more than a minute. She even made sure to use her little watch to keep in check.

I sighed and spoke up ”Sorry mrs, but I’m not exactly good when it comes to this. Is there any other type of magic we could practice for a while? I don’t think this is getting me anywhere. For whatever reason it seems I’m incapable of this type of magic” She sighed, once more ”You could just call me Mrs. Glimmer if that’s the case or Starlight if you prefer, I feel like we’re going to be here for quite a long time.”

This went on for some time, we had switched it up next was basic weaving magic that is enhancements or creating magical items such as scrolls or pieces of paper. It was a simple task in theory and one I was starting to enjoy a bit, I had only managed to make two scrolls that when used would send a message to anywho I desired and I decided to play a little trick, scare her a bit. Forming two messages, one that I had learned how to create messages via scrolls and two that you gave me a good teacher. I did look to Starlight, who shook her head in response: ”You are quite the troublesome student Mr. Eon, are you trying to temper the one who gave you a home? You play a dangerous game that you do but enough of this, for today I’ll at least have you marked down as having learned the basics of message magic sir. I hope you have a good day” She gave a small smile in response. I was rather surprised given her snarky if a bit rude attitude but I couldn’t help but smile in return.

I was rather surprised, later on during the day I noticed Sunset talking to someone, violet, almost like Starlight? No not too dark colored really, when I waved to her she seemed to notice, the other person quickly vanishing into another room. She smiled brightly and walked over, giving me a hug in which I returned “How’s it going sunset? How’s the quiet talk with your friend over there?” I smirked, She stuttered a bit but spoke up:

”O-oh someone yea umm......don’t worry about that! Just u-um some small talk with an old friend is all but I did hear about your new magic lessons how are those going?”

I smiled and nodded, although I was curious I didn’t want to push too hard on the subject, I don’t wanna muddy the waters.
”Well not bad I guess it’s the best word you can say, I can’t seem to levitate any objects I try but I’m somewhat adapt at creating scrolls, I was told not to but I sent a few to the Empress while she was sleeping no less I don’t imagine she’ll be too happy but I can’t help but I wanna tease my little friendly empress”

”Oh so that’s how it is huh? Tease your friend the Empress, is teasing your only goal eh?~ Oh and Your Empress huh? I guess I didn’t know the extent of your feelings until now, but I guess I wasn’t the only friend on watch~” She giggled, while I could only stutter with a blush and put my head in my hands.

”Oh Jesus, not you too....No Sunset I’m not that involved with her highness, yes I care about her and she’s my friend but not in the way, jeez first the guards and now you? I’m really starting to stressed” I sighed deeply, not only was my headache still not over but all the same nightmares still plagued me, she stopped to laugh and patted my back.

”Oh come on Eon, its just a little tease besides wouldn’t you like to be with someone like her huh? It might have more perks than you think~” She giggled, poking my cheek.

”Oh stop Sunset, she’s just my friend and hey she gave me a home and some friends. The least I can do is value you all a bit more than usual and take the time to treasure my new friends” I smiled in which she did the same, we both shook hands. But she didn’t know how to fist bump and that was something I wanted to do with her one day. It’d just be badass. I let her go shortly after we caught up, she had been learning more advanced magic from the school of the Crystal empire, they specialized in mostly emotional magic and more travel magic or even messenger magic something that was simple and that was the point. They were overlords of trade negotiations due to the sheer amount of talented magical casters in the arts of teleportation and messenger magic, they worked hard to forge these bonds and some nobles even took the fancy of cultivating images and warlocks that could produce bloodlines of amazing magical users in hopes they’d specialize in more types of magic.

***

That night I was rather surprised to hear a knock at my door, quickly filing in were several guards to which those same eyes as before, Luna. I was rather frozen if you can believe it, no gusto, not even words as I could only stutter out a reply

”Y-Your Highness I-I’m quite honored to see you this late may I ask why you’re in the Empire and in my room?” The woman before me merely nodded and motioned to her guard, they filed out of the room, she wore a similar armor to before, Pale blues coloring each piece of her armor ending in a point and though she looked to not be glaring at me I couldn’t help but feel this way.

”I see you’ve begun to learn the magic of your Empress young one, good. You’re quite the interesting human I must admit. Maybe my sister was wrong to judge you so quickly after all. But let me be clear, your mind is unbreachable to my dream magic and that intruiges me, maybe it’s because of your human mind and soul or something all the different that concerns me more” She gave no emotion as she spoke, not a single glance in another direction. I couldn’t help but merely fumble my way out of bed and keep my pajamas from falling they were rather loose lately. She looked rather confused but merely chuckled at this.

”You’re an interesting fellow, willing to bow to another Empress yet you seem to show loyalty to the one you call friend. Tell me Human, why do you seek magic? Do you seek to arm yourself as a soldier of the Empire, or are you simply looking to overthrow your “friend”? This made me angry and I don’t even know why, who was she to question me on what I felt? All I’d heard from Cadence and this interaction made me nearly confirm that suspicion, maybe they were just monsters in sheep’s clothing, acting as part of a good ruler until they wanted to confirm their true intentions.

”Ma’am...No your highness, I am not looking for power please understand I just want to survive, like any of your subjects or the ones I live with among the commoners or even nobles I just want to survive. I have no way with this life to know if things will go well or not, I have no alterior motives if that’s what you’re wondering. I just want to live a good life, maybe get home if I can and do what I can to make up to Cadence for what I’ve gotten” I steeled myself, keeping my resolve in check, trying not to anger the literal god in front of me.

From behind, I heard a snicker, as well as a scowl ”So not only do you question my friend without my knowing, but you wander into his bedchambers without any consent and break the law by acting out of your sister’s twisted ambitions and will am I right? Let me guess-” Coming into view was Cadence, she was clearly still in pajamas and they were rather revealing, but at this point I didn’t care. Business came first. She didn’t stop her rant and got into Luna’s face, the two could be seen glowing almost and glaring at the other: ”I told you the last time that any further actions were to go through me involving my friend and his progress, not only have I understood that you were spying on my kingdom but you’re looking to exploit my friend or find some way into his dreams, another round of nightmares for another tortured soul Luna?”

That seemed to tick her off more than I knew, I could only stumble back as two massive auras spiked from the very earth beneath them. A pure magenta aura clashing with a blackened and blue aura sparkling with dust akin to stardust. The Nightmares in store for me were not going to end anytime soon were they? I couldn’t help but speak up trying to throw some water at the flames:

“L-ladies if we can at least calm down first, I don’t think we want to start any international incidents at all r-right?” It seemed to only soothe the flames slightly, Cadence calmed down and sighed and so did the other before her and the two sat down to which I merely pulled up a seat to the table and sat in between the two of them more scared than I had expected.

”Let me get this straight nightmare. Did you want to simply ask him questions about his dreams? I can hardly believe such a claim, let me be frank with you in that I’ve doubted you and your sister’s actions for eons, more than I can count so please let me say that this is just a pile of shit, plain and simple. I’m ordering not as an Empress but as your ally to leave my nation, any further action against my friend in any way without my approval will see you tried as stated in our ratification treaty, you will be tried as a criminal in our Empire as anyone else. Do you understand?” The message seemed to get through to her somewhat, as the Empress nodded before her reply:

”While I find your actions questionable at best and horrendous in defense of a simple outworlder, I will never understand such actions. I know the law well Cadence, I will not tread on your territory without your proper authorization around your friend here but let me say this Human, I will see your intentions and if I find them as distasteful as my sister then you will find yourself in more trouble than you can imagine.”The words from her only seemed to anger Cadence more, but before she could reply the woman was gone as her guard bowed to Cadence and shortly left after. I let the air free from my lungs, feeling my heart race.

”Christ Cadence, next time warn me before you go all sicko mode on that Empress...Jesus...”I could only hold my head in my hands before I felt her hand on my back and I looked up to her smiling somberly:

”I’m sorry you had to see that but now I think you understand why I’m so against them as is, we may be allies in all but blood I don’t like the way they speak to you much less the way they have handled interacting with you thus far and I can only imagine what her sister will try in the near future.....”

I could only give her a small smile in response ”Cadence, you’ve handled them enough for the past few eons right? I may not be immortal or ageless like you but even I can say that without a shadow of a doubt that I’ll be ok I promise. You gave me a home, some friends, a decent teacher and things to want in this world. Maybe I’m not fully about living in a new world, but I can’t help but see them like innocent kids don’t get me wrong they are terrifying as all hell, maybe more scary than those gods I’d hear about in stories or even if those were real...I just know that they have some reason for acting the way they do around me and I wanna do what I can to survive here. By any means necessary.”

She only gave me a wry smile in response before nodding, wishing me well and hoping I had a good night I couldn’t help but look to the moon. What was their end goal really? That confused me, did her sister know this? Just what kind of world did I land into? The hours ahead would be rough with my nightmares, but hey maybe I would have something to help this one day. Maybe.

***

Time always seemed to screw with me, crap! Waking up later that night I was only sweating, Jesus what was happening with me. This time it was about home, I had gotten home and all was well and it was just some coma or some injury but the moment I saw Sunset was the moment my dream broke. Things crashed around me and fell apart at the seams, the second I did notice this I woke up. Still the same body as before, no change. Another nightmare to add to the bucket and another headache to the list. I just felt like sometimes this was the price for going to another world, nightmares, freaky god-like Empresses and not to mention the weird forms of magic and people in said world.

I groggily got myself to work, propping my back into place with a crack feeling of some small relief, I noticed I was slimmer, not any bulkier or any more muscular than normal, just thinner, made me smile a bit. Seems like all my travel and work was paying off already. Getting dressed for the day, I tried to conjure up some glow and see if my magic was somewhat operational and thankfully I could get some sparks going. Walking into the hall I noticed my new teacher, sitting in a chair next to my room she looked at me and merely sighed:

”Your sleep schedule will need some work Mr. Eon, its already afternoon after all. Now come along we begin our lessons once more, today we will be trying to hone your message magic more while we work on your levitation skills more and hopefully we’ll get some results this time” I nodded numbly, still a bit groggy and a bit irritable no breakfast but truthfully, I felt like not really eating. I was kinda hoping to see Sunset today and talk with her a little bit. Maybe after class I’d get some time.

Arriving in a different room this time, this one was next to Cadence’s and so I had to question it: ”So Mrs. Starlight, what’s the deal with this new room? And why is it close to the Empress out of everyone, don’t get me wrong she’s a good friend but wouldn’t I be working in the same class as before?”

To which she merely turned as entered ”The Empress informed me that due to security concerns she wished the room of your teachings closer to her own in case of further issues, lest someone be spying on a Unicorn with little experience I would not understand but none the less we have lessons to get to”

I nodded, for the first attempts she tried to get me to levitate bottles she had spare from the day before, luckily none shattered this time but it was rather frustrating when I made little progress, I had really hoped to make big jumps. She looked me at me and rolled her eyes ”I do hope you weren’t expecting instant results. Depending on how bad this Amnesiac condition was, we could be for a while longer than I may have expected, but these results show you’re starting to improve even if a little”

She was right after all, I didn’t expect to have some magical expertise within a few measly tries. Though I was determined to at least master this, if I could do this then what would change if I knew anything else? Maybe I could make some message pranks on some of the guards for fun...nah. Probably would get skewered for that if I wasn’t the Emperor’s friend. Or thrown in jail for interfering with an officer or pranking them, they had that sort of law on earth so it wouldn’t be a stretch to guess a magical world would have something similar. Maybe learning magic wasn’t so scary being an other worlder.

For several hours, we worked hard at trying to get me to levitate something and while I was able to somewhat levitate objects in conjunction my message magic seemed to falter completely, I hadn’t ignored it we just didn’t seem to understand why it was faltering. First was testing my levitation on larger objects, slowly but surely I was able to slightly lift some objects off the ground though the bigger the more it seemed to strain my mind. Guess humans and magic don’t mix too well. Something was definitely wrong with my magic at least to some extent and though she didn’t seem to know the answer, I had a few guesses, being human, human mind/soul, among other things as well as coming from a world where magic is just parlor tricks and nothing else.

This would go in a cycle for a while, before I decided to try something silly, levitating myself. Despite my inability to lift objects, lifting myself seemed to come almost naturally. Starlight knew it was something that some unicorns could do but it was rather strange I had picked it up quickly, maybe my natural strength as a human aided in that regard? I tried to lift myself out of my chair and while I could go about 2 feet into the air I would always lose concentration quickly, like my body was trying to force me down. Guess gravity was still a big factor even with magic.

We both agreed it would be good to take a break, she could at least see I was straining myself pretty hard, had I ever mentioned just how dull the food was? Yeah, not rich-people food, but food in general - sure, the occasional eggs and ham were good to have, but mostly they stuck to a nearly all vegetarian diet. I could almost not stomach the stuff, it was always annoying to try and chew without gagging on it, like hard food going down or something so gross like medicine. The truly tasteless stuff, maybe that was the human side of me coming out but I never liked the food here. Never would most likely.

Soon after, she would try to tell me, ”I may be your teacher, but The Empress also instructed me that I needed what she called a “Support system” or allies. I thought it best to at least get to know my students in some form before we continue, to better atune my lessons to your strengths and weaknesses” I nodded, though I was a bit confused that this wasn’t mentioned earlier, given my horrible time with magic before she probably never had the chance to talk about much.

”Well Starlight, I guess there’s not too much to know about me really, I was just a humble Amnesiac before the whole mess with the Empress and now being her Friend, its been a hell of a journey so far I’ll tell you that much, weird guards, weird Empress’s and such but nothing normal for me from what I know my past, sometimes I wish I wasn’t as involved really just a quiet life typa deal”

”Interesting wish Eon, Normally one in your position would ask for more, a house, family, friends but you truly just want to be alone? If I may, why do you want to be so alone does it not feel better to be around the friends you have here than out who knows where and left to stumble through life alone?”

”Yeah, I guess, but the thing is, I don’t know who or where my previous folks were so I don’t exactly have much to turn to after all. And to answer that question, I truly feel like less of a bother to people that way I guess. I may love my current accommodations and love to spend time with my friend the Empress and my other friend but its not like they can understand how it is to be like this. Alone. I have no memory of my home and no idea where or if it’s even still around.....”

”A-ah I see...I’m sorry. I apologize if that was rather rude, I was only wondering, Its just, well I don’t exactly get called to the Empire often from my work in the archives in the Solar empire and I may be just a librarian at heart I don’t exactly call this anything more than just fun. For the first time I get to teach something, even if you’re not great at magic I’m sure with some time and effort we can hopefully forge a new path for you, me, your friend and the Empress as one little group. We may all be different people Eon, but I hope you know your friends will only worry for you if you just up and left. Even if you knew them for what only a month now?”

We both conversed a bit more, she spoke of her best friend a nice guy named Sunburst, she hadn’t seen him in a while since his departure into the Lunar empire to study on Lunar magic of all things but she hoped he was just doing ok. He seemed like an oddball, the two of them were friends for only a while before he left for the Lunar empire but he’s kept up somewhat through letters and scrolls back and forth though it seemed to lessen as time went on. I just hoped this guy didn’t ditch her and pursue all this magic instead of a good friend.

”Hey teach, I know we haven’t known each other for the longest time but trust me when I say, if he wants and is your friend in the end he will come back, sure he may not talk to you all day but I’m sure he’s prolly thinking right now just how much you don’t talk to him and vice versa” Starlight smiled at that, patting me on the back for that.

For the remainder of our time together, we spent this time working on that levitation and trying to get me to see how long it would last and roughly it could only last a few moments with my stamina, maybe its just in my head sometimes but it felt hard even though according to starlight, Unicorns are supposed to be specially attuned to magic. It’s just a simple work around I guess, the world wanted to give me a harder time I suppose.

***

The rest of my day was an odd one, with no Sunset or Starlight or Cadence to help me somewhere. I just chose to leave the castle for the day. It was nice to get out and check out the sights truthfully. I had only seen a fraction of the city I found, using a map given to me by starlight I would rummage my way around the Large city. The city itself was massive, compared to what I had thought the original size of the city wasn’t that large compared to now, more like a small town than anything else. Though apparently, they acquired lots of territories from outside mostly through older methods long lost to time such as pilaging and ransacking areas full of resources and absorbing little city states into their land. They would hold elections and place people that wanted to unite the lands under the Empire banner as “legal” aid and then when those places went under Empire control so did the people and in time the Empire grew to amass a massive amount of land mostly rich in ore deposits and magic due to the overabundance of caves and cavern systems.

Taking my time to explore this wide Empire I wandered to a lone shop, it seemed oddly out of place. On the sign and glass windows was a symbol of magic, hats, cards, even a little rabbit they’d pull from a hat, was this the parlor tricks of this world? Odd, given how they know magic is real. Walking In I was greeted by a blue mare, wearing a goofy wizard hat on her head and baggy clothing that seemed to excenuate her body but not in a sexual manner more likely to show off than anything else. The woman looked surprised but smiled at the prospect of a customer “Ahhh welcome lovely customer! My name is Albedo Lunamoon, and this here is my little shop now who may I ask is willing to gaze into the mystical arts today?” She smiled brightly, a bit forced really.

”Oh no, sorry! I was just going around the city for a bit and stumbled around here but I’m not very good with magic Ma’am Oh! My name is Eon and I apologize for the inconvenience, I just happened to stumble upon here, may I ask what you mean by the mystical arts? Isn’t that just magic after all?”

”Oh no no my dear boy, The mystical arts refers to not just that hocus pocus posh but the true arts, sleight of hand my body now please pick just one stone from the table” She pointed using her finger at the three stones on the counter, I pointed to one and by moving not the shells with her hands but by magic, using them to move the letters around quicker than I could keep hold of. I knew I had failed when I picked the wrong one and she merely smiled with an air of pride in her tone.

”So ma’am, may I ask why you are interested in parlor tricks? Wouldn’t magic just work better for you, less sleight of hand and more likely to just be spells or weaving your magic”

”Oh my boy that’s the clever part, I see many ponies just using magic to conjure spells but how my family and I use them is less than spells but creating loopholes so to speak, we use our magic to create means that normal magic cannot abide by, say a hand full of cards and you try to pick the same card from said pile, normally you would stack multiples into the deck to ensure ponies can pick it and become more acquainted with magic. Now when I use my magic I change not just a few cards but the entire deck and if someone is wise enough to the ploy then the simple response is to change up the tactics.”

I guess I never had that though, sure people could play some tricks like on tv or in those fortune tellers who could “predict your future” and what not but what made me more amazed was how she went about it, yes it was deciteful and maybe wrong but ultimately it was more of just sleight of hand. Man, I had a ton to learn about these ponies. I even got to meet her daughter, she was around my age I think. Trixie seemed less about others and more about her “most beautiful and elegant” self, as she claimed. Strange family, but good on them. I bought a few things with the money I had from Cadence enough to keep them going for a while.

Today was quite fun so far, I’d meet a nice family of mage parlor artists and the lessons from but honestly I was quite hungry and I happened upon a little cafe, I ordered a few things here and there making sure to not buy much I wasn’t too fond of using all of Cadence’s money even if it was for me. I can’t lie when I say that I found it interesting the few things I’d seen today, maybe the world out there was worth seeing. Maybe not, those two Empressess’s scared the hell out of me, I was still worried about that person sunset was talking to and why she hid it, why I was being taught to “Defend myself”, What really went wrong with those girls all those years ago and why did Cadence truly dislike them now?

Going home after a while, I was happy to arrive and have a quick talk with her. She was surprised to hear of Lunamoon’s and noted that the father was in the Solar Empire. Last time she checked she happened to be acquainted with their daughter due to a failed performance for the royalty on all sides. This day just continued to get weirder and weirder, stuff was usually out of place but the guards seemed nicer than usual they’d call me “Sir” or “Lord” I would have to ask them quite often not to. Cadence found it funny truthfully that they did, and she called it “some sort of respect. They’d seen the lengths I would go to for my empire and being close to royalty wasn’t too hard to start calling me as such. I still didn’t like it too much but as I sit in my bed I can’t help but think of all these things, maybe if I do the nightmares will stop for a while.

End of Chapter 2

Author's Note

I apologize if this was a bit slow to update but I've been re-doing this and even at one point re-started the whole chapter and still think it could get some work done honestly. if you guys like it, then love it if you can. if you have any suggestions honestly, let me know in the comments I'd love the comments and of course any suggestions, I'm still a growing writer.

Chapter 4: The basics of magic, from a human.

Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa Claus. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don’t, who will?⁣ – Unknown

Time was truly never on my side, was it? Today was strange to wake up to, no bad dreams or nightmares. Neat. But something appeared off, I wasn’t sure how to describe it, but things seemed to move in slow-motion almost, not completely still but just moving much slower than usual. Within the blink of my eye, the same odd effect vanished. It was rather strange, but I chose to ignore it. Today I would begin class off with starlight, it was a strange time given my past few days, but I tried my best to work it off, better to hide yourself away and lock up those feelings tight I thought. Arriving in the same room as before, I was surprised to find that Starlight and Sunset were there. Greetings with a smile, I got to work as per usual, though Sunset and Starlight (still unaware of my true origins) decided it would be best to go over the basics when it came to magic.

As a reminder, some people might imagine magic to be a simple conjuring of objects, an effect or any variation there of, but shockingly, it was much deeper than that. For a basic look, from what I could gather magic was not just something you conjured but more like a life-force for the equines and the many creatures that inhabited this world and even some from their ancient past. Think of it like Ki from some martial artists on earth, they used Chi/Ki to bend and surpass their natural limitations and control the heat in their body, allowing them to even achieve feats that could be considered superhuman.

Magic was the basis for many things, rather than go into the basics I would like to explain it as my teacher did. Sometimes it shocks me just how different my world is, truth be told. The world was full of magic, quite literally. Things breathed and created magic just as they moved, talked and wandered the world. Magic was full of most creatures and most objects even. Simple objects such as scrolls have small traces of magic fused into them by the weaving of creation. It was fascinating all the same, maybe I wasn’t the worst at history, but it got me excited learning of how magic worked. Sunset would guide me on the basics of learning to tap into my own magic. For all creatures, magic was more special than it appeared for each pony. That pony could be unique all their own, this went for other creatures as well. Some ponies were masters at pyromancy and were able to use this innate talent of magical fire to create a dazzling show. Turbulent winds with enough practice and command heat as well as their own body, allowing them to survive temperatures usually inhospitable.

Mastery of magic was typically treated as just a filly’s tale, no one had been born with the talent of magic in several thousands of years. Only a select few even existed to begin with, so the time for my talent being such was practically zero. That kind of sucked, honestly, it would’ve been cool to be this master mage with innate talent. Though that wasn’t the extent of magic and its history. For one, Alicorns were considered the beings with the most innate magic of all kinds within Equus or the Empires, even lands outside the Empire. Like the oddly Germanic Griffon kingdom, who solely depended on their medical and technological process but used magic nonetheless. Diamond dogs and their mining expertise and lust for gems and magic made them hated despite their good leaders. Then came the Hippogriffs and their mastery of both sky and land, their magic despite being more rudimentary and less refined than even infant Unicorns was hailed as the peak of the mix of land and sky.

Beings composed of all three components known as Alicorns like Cadence could not only utilize more special magic to themselves such as elemental magics like gravity or time in some extreme cases in the past. Eques, or the Love Empire as it is now, was once a beacon of both science and magic but turned to abandoning science in favor of more reliable magic. Magic became something that both treated and expanded into unknown horizons, though just hearing it all was still confusing regardless. I could only fixate strangely on the idea of magic and what my magic could be internally, what was my magic, and what was it to be?

For some time I took the basics of these lessons to heart, I used that same drive that got me into so much trouble as a kid. I put more effort into the spells I tried to conjure and despite my work to better levitate, Sunset assured me that the simple trick was just the basics of magic and that I was capable of more. She believed in me. I continued to impress as much as I could, this wasn’t simply bending like in those TV shows but using a finite source of energy within me. Although the progress was slow, Cadence had given me plenty of time and money on hand to do as I wished, so I truly wished to spend this time learning.

Simple was the spell of conjuring messages, I decided to play a bit of a prank on Adagio and Chrysalis and propped two messages to both of them. Later that day, they rewarded me with a swat on the head, such good friends, am I right? Next was at least mastering basic spell casting, the first was a spell to conjure up a glass of water, simple enough right? That was my thought despite struggling to conjure water and ending up conjuring more obstructive objects such as a bunny, parrot, sunset herself, and some other failed attempts.

The basics of conjuring were a bit more complicated, much of my remaining lessons focused on harnessing the aspect of my magic that was noted as “Your true self”, The idea of this magic was that much like a cutie mark it was your talent and yours alone. No two beings had the same talent, no matter the age or time, no matter what. However, they have mentioned some of the most proficient magic users who just so happen to be on the world’s shit list. Some included the Deadly Chrysalis, Hellish Siren Leader Adagio, Trader of Chaos Discord, The Centaur of the Nine Circles and Tirek among others.

Much of this list outside of Adagio and Chrysalis was off-putting, that many magic users who were considered angels of death? Had to at least scare a few foals when these stories were mentioned. In my mind I knew I had no chance of being as notorious as them be it for good or bad reasons in the future, but I would do what I could, it was my drive to make it up to them. Helped Adagio and Chrysalis and do what I could to survive. Though, something interested me, Dark magic. What was it? They didn’t exactly outright tell me but considered it even more dangerous than Chaos magic or Wild magic that the dragons possessed. This was said to be more corrupt in nature, even corrupting one of the older rulers of the Empire.

Dark magic was an aspect of both emotion and nature fusing into one. Those that used Dark magic could seemingly do as they wished, but the trade-off was just as deadly: whatever was created, cast or generated from the magic would always come back in the form of a trade-off, a live-for-live situation. Some Alicorns have even become gifted in the past of Dark magic and have called it the force of creation itself, though this was considered just rumors and blatant lies. Some users even named it their magic, calling it something that they could make unique all their own. I decided on a similar name myself, I could cast golden magic, right? Then maybe the name would be something I could see as uncool and kinda stupid, but “Storm Clairvoyance” sounded cool to me. The two of them get me odd looks, but I simply shrugged that off, I’d use this power and make my friends happy. Whatever it took me.

Different elements of magic were key to not only casting more advanced spells but less of a hassle in Starlight’s opinion. Magic was not only a part of one’s soul but something that could be even drawn from the air itself, it’s what gave the original rulers of the sun and moon their power. If I used this well, perhaps I could be a decent mage someday. Potentially enough to help Cadence. The first few lessons passed and soon ended. My first day of true magic training had been a success and I couldn’t wait to improve. At first, I asked for more classes, but then Starlight got an idea and outright asked if Sunset wished to be my tutor. Although surprised, she wasn’t in the slightest opposition and smiled at me, nodding.

For some time, instead of pure magic lessons. Whatever I learned would be refined and improved upon when Sunset had the time, she was a busy mare, and I was more than happy to learn from her when I could. She’s a good magic caster like Starlight and I appreciate two sets of teachers, even if it were a bit opposing. As I wandered down the hall to my room, there it was again.

Nothing seemed off, but my mind seemed a bit fuzzy. With everything slowing to a crawl within seconds noticed, maybe this was some nightmare or day-dream problem arising? Whatever it was, it was kinda cool. It felt weird to touch the glass and poke it, as the shadow of my finger could only seconds away pass as it landed. Soon enough time seemed to resume almost like I controlled it? Odd. It probably wasn’t, but it was cool nonetheless. Though I did somehow keep count, about 5 seconds had passed as that perception of time seemed to still occur but slowed dramatically. Potentially my mind and soul were becoming more attuned with my progress of magic and in turn making things seem slower than they truly were? I’d have to ask the others about this sometime. I was more worried about dealing with the throbbing headache I could feel coming on.

***

My time for the day was spent with my friends, I got to spend more time with Chrysalis and Adagio though they seemed to be in brighter spirits than I imagined. Chrysalis had explained that due to my better mood she’d better explain herself a bit, Changelings could feel on emotions and though love was preferred for how easy it was to cultivate other emotions could bring them just as much food as love. Though my good mood was a food she’d not enjoyed in a long time, the times we shared she noted seemed to feed her more than the love and emotions she could feel from her wife, it was truly strange. I just smiled and was glad to help her I replied, she merely shook her head with a snicker.

We spent our time going from shop to shop, though Cadence did ask me where the money went and I only told her that If I told her I’d have to have her neck, she rolled her eyes and chuckled at that. I was glad to at least keep them secret, maybe it was wrong to hide that from them but them knowing these two’s true origin could mean I’d put them in more danger than I thought possible. This became my main drive for learning to magic, to protect them. Maybe that was selfish and in some cases rude to do for two powerful mares but they meant more to me than they knew. I had to at least repay their friendship in kind and do what I could to look out for them, anyway I could.

The times I spent with these two just reminded me more of home, the splendid times with my sisters, these two were like those two, always scheming and always by my side. We may have only met roughly 2 weeks ago now but it still felt like yesterday. I’m always glad to have them as friends and maybe one day we could go out in public as they truly were. Maybe that was just the folly of a dream, but who knew honestly, history always seemed to favor those most desperate.

My day ended with some good talks with Cadence, we talked about the usual that being her boring times in court and the many boring cases to hear despite the amount of good ones under the floorboards. Though something that came to my mind was about my mind. I was only prepared to say what I could.

”Cadence, if we want to drop the topic I want to bring attention to something I’ve been dealing with ever since I got here, you know how I’m a human right and just somehow ended up in this fantastical world and well? I can’t lie saying that this has been some of the best times in my new life here, I’ve made some amazing friends, you, sunset, Starlight and those two Unicorns I mentioned earlier but I’ve had a devil of a time. I want to go home, despite my wishes to stay. I don’t want this body, I don’t want this life....”

She in turn seemed just as shocked as one could imagine hearing this from a friend and most of all the person she came to treasure as her best friend. She swept me in a hug and merely smiled despite the small tears in her eyes:

”Eon, no matter your choice, always know that as your best friend I can support you in any way I can. I can’t take your pain away but what I can do is my best to support you anyway I can, I may not be able to bring you home, I may not even be able to give you the grandest treasures in the world. I can only offer my hand and tell you as we all treasure you in our hearts, I can do what I can to save my friend.” She smiled brightly, tears fluttering down her cheeks as the two of us embraced. Letting my heart cry out to the unknown that was my brightly colored friend. After a while I sat down letting go of my own problems temporarily to try and ease the tension.

”I know its a ton to ask from you Cadence, I’ve only done this and here I am requesting practically the impossible to go home, I always knew that it was a long shot anyway. But I feel this pain, this drive to rid myself of this body. I can only question myself and hope that things improve, I’m all the more grateful to you for my saving grace for helping me. I cannot thank you enough for this Cady...”

She only giggled ”Oh you’re “Saving Grace” Huh? Maybe I should tell Sunset and Starlight that the bright and talented Unicorn friend is thinking of his Empress in such a haughty manner? Eh?~” She winked at this, only getting me to chuckle. It felt good to relax. Even if only for a while.

"Yeah yea, sure Cady. But truthfully, I don't know how to thank you girls and how to make it up to you most of all to improve myself. Maybe it's selfish to want to improve for your friends' sake, but I want to, even if it means that one day I'll have to go beyond what I thought possible and do something my friends wouldn't normally do" I smiled, It felt good. Talking like this had me relaxing even as the fear crept into my soul.

"It's weird really, I've always watched shows that would have this idea. Being thrown into some super strong character's body or being put into a world where you can reign king but truth be told, I don't wanna be a king, I don't wanna be super strong, I just wanna make you guys proud of me, however this dummy I call my brain can" I leviated some tension, a little self-depricating here and there couldn't hurt.

For some time we just talked, I talked of my nightmares, my fears, my whole mindset. In return, she just listened and gave the best advice she could and that was nice enough for me, someone I could uphold myself onto and just let them listen. It felt great in all truth and I left her room feeling better than I had in sometime. Maybe it wasn't the perfect answer I had been searching for but it was the start of something new, this life. My new life.

***

Waking up the next day was surprisingly not that bad, sure I had the same nightmares and headaches but it felt better than before. Maybe that talk did more than I had imagined, alleviated some of the pressure I guess. For my second day with magic, my lessons mostly came from my tutor Sunset. The first was to go over whatever I had learned from days prior which was the afromentioned leviation and my messaging magic. Creating scrolls was easy from wood and paper but this spell would be able to conjure a message and scroll from the magic you use, it was difficult. The magic required to make something from nothing wasn't a novice spell but most mages could at least do this, rather annoying to know if you ask me. It's not like I have bad self-esteem issues, I just keep bringing up my faults.

The prospect of it seemed useful, maybe I would get some use out of this sometime. Though Sunset seemed to be more innate when it came to my personal weaknesses when it came to magic, it wasn't so difficult as it was strange to feel. My body and mind worked fine but the magic only seemed to come out in short bursts and would only magnify under very specific circumstances, at least that's what sunset thought. She guessed that my magic due to my origins must be more a dormant source of magic as opposed to the same magic that most Unicorns possessed however that worked she wasn't sure but what she did know was that it was different.

Projecting the message was my first choice and shockingly I had managed to do with some difficulty. It wasn't an easy thing I assure you, think of it like trying to split your head while you had to hold up a heavy object like furniture. The second lesson was to start casting normal spells. I had only learned the basics of conjuring objects so spells were a bit fast but Sunset reminded me that I was quickly adapting to magic despite my origins. From the doorway I could hear the disguised Adagio and Chryalis despite my intinal rejection of them meeting sunset Adagio promised they would keep the illusions to the highest degree they could. I never truly explained just who they were as the disguised couple of unicorns.

Chryalis became a thin and dainty mare named Wind Waker, her eyes a blazing emerald and her coat that of that same emerald shine just as beautiful as her true form if you asked me. Adagio made a form similar to her original one, a firey organe mane dashed with bits of green and purple along her mane's edges, her coat was a bright purple and though she appeared normal her horn was large, due to her siren body. I was glad that they and the susnet seemed to hit it off well.

I tried to divert Sunset back to my lesson to which she seemed to realize this and chuckle, waving at the two unicorn mares who had left with some of my money to go out today it was close to their first meeting and they wished to celebrate it. It felt nice to know my friends valued each other this much, made it easier to tease them and mess with them when I had the time.

I was beginning to feel like these tutors became lessons to which Sunset noted that Starlight was out due to seeing a young stallion today for a date, so I was a bit surprised Starlight? Her? Sunset noted my funny look and merely chuckled. Apparently they had met up from an old acquaintance of Starlight's and she wished to see where things went. My lessons would continue from here and I couldn't help but be more enthralled than before, maybe that was my ADHD talking but it was exciting.

Next were the next lessons in the steps of magic I had learned, from magical scroll creation to messages to some basic conjuring. It went pretty much as you would expect with a big failure personally, I am glad I had Sunset to encourage me. Sunset had to explain the tiers of magic and what could be considered normal for Unicorns and in my case me if I were to appear more normal to the public. 1st tier magic is usually considered very basic things like pulling objects or moving things around. 2nd and 3rd tier magic usually implies simple defensive, healing and offensive magic like calling upon a shield to protect yourself or one to cushion your fall off of something. 4th and 5th Magic was usually more advanced forms of teleportation, sealing, curse, emotional magic, and some other forms of magic usually more powerful than anything in the previous tiers.

The 6th and 7th tier magic was considered not only rare but difficult to cast, things like warping objects, transmutation, portal creation and even further advanced forms of teleportation. Some of the spells cast from this ilk were some of the many spells that made the legendary star swirl the bearded an extremely renowned mage, he was considered one of the if not the only mages to ever go beyond 7th tier and was considered a legend for his research into magic. Though Sunset explained that the further tiers were only available to those who had spent a life-time's worth studying magic such as star swirl, the higher tiers could be considered magic of the gods in that sense. They mostly called upon the forces of both nature and sometime reality, dark magic was also in this tier due to the sheer amount of things they could achieve.

For a few moments though, that same thing happened again. Time slowed to a crawl almost as sunset continued to talk but it was like she was barely there. This same loss of time, what was it? My body seemed no different aside from my perception and my mind was doing ok, just what was this? As soon as those same seconds passed everything returned to normal. I wasn't even sure what this could be called and I didn't want to burden the others with this, it might be something I need to deal with on my own. Whatever it was, it could wait.

The furthering of my magic seemed to have to do with this weird "Time loss" effect, whatever it was it was tied to my magic and I was only more confused. Not only did my nightmares continue and while the conversation last night with Cadence helped, I still knew that it'd be a tough road ahead. My magic was improving and whatever the influx was this time. Causing even more of a problem for me in the future combined with the meddling of both the Empresses of the sun and moon? My life was only just beginning to get hectic. After getting called from my room, a guard informed me that the Empress wished to see me. Something about "helping out", I arrived to Cadence's room to find her waiting for me for which I sat in one of the spare chairs awaiting her response:

"So Eon, I've been thinking. You've heard me complain about the courts and that little display of those ambassadors could prove useful in deterring that sunny empress and her sister away from you so...well....if you wanted you could become my personal guard. I know it's a lot to ask but I want your true opinion on this, it's just. I don't want you to become distant so much that they try to do something against my wishes to you such as taking you in or claiming I have "no use of you" or something similar. They want something from you and whatever it is, I want it far from their reach"

"Cadence...." I was thinking this over as the thoughts bounced into my noggin, yea it would be good to be in the position of the crown's guard and let them know indirectly I wasn't to be messed with but was antagonizing them really worth it? They weren't stupid, far from it. They could just as easily use my origins as a means of thwarting any intention that Cadence or I could come up with if we weren't careful.

"I'll do it, not because I want to be some big shot but seeing as I kind of get that by this point, that dinner, the talk and possibly whatever else in the future I've gotta try something to deter them, just hope I get those two off my back because let me tell you. It's not fun having the thought of two women seeking something from you that you have no idea of-" I stopped to see her chuckle at this and snicker:

"And here I thought some stallions wouldn't mind being wanted by two mares and an Empress, poor eon the stallion with a flock of women at his beck and call perish the thought~" She feigned innocence merely smiling at my blush

"Oh jesus, not this me and romance bullshit. Cadence is flattering, but I can't imagine most stallions having to deal with a good friend and two whack-job empressess.'s who control the celestial objects in the sky, I would think most stallions would high tail it and run away as fast as possible if anything" She and I both shared a good laugh, it felt good to at least ease my mind of the responsibilities ahead.

"Since you've agreed as per the law you would normally be considered a noble but seeing as I don't imagine you'd want such a title I'll simply let you stay my friend just know sometimes I might call upon you to help me in court, be it with minor disputes or using your infamous kindness to ease the vicious nobles" I smiled, nodding as she patted my back

"I want to say thank you eon, not only have you given me the best highlights of being a friend I'm just truly glad we met even if it was only 2 months ago I'm glad that we met at all. I perish the thought of remaining alone. Some of us need some good friends here and there" That was a bit cryptic but I ignored it, only nodding as I left soon after.

***

It always felt great to talk to Cadence, maybe it was because I was her friend or maybe because she was the one that helped me all that time ago but I truly felt indebt to her and I wasn't sure how I'd repay such a kindness. Maybe one day I'll find that answer. But for now I am going back to hanging out with with Adagio and Chrysalis and even Sunset today, since I was her student it basically didn't hurt to go out every so often to ensure that I got some time out and not just huddled up in my room with my books.

Today was a weird time, we went to see the Lunamoon's and surprisingly I could see that smirk form on Adagio and Chrysalis as the two of them and Trixie vanished via one of mrs Lunamoon's illusions, she was glad to see her daughter making friends with two lovely unicorns. The mare informed me that trixie had called the three of themselves "The Crusaders of the Empire" they were going to be elite heroes or so they said and loved to play pranks on some ponies, strangely due to trixie's odd personality it drove some new business to Lunamoon's her father who she said was studying abroad and had come to the shop rather than go without seeing his family. Though Mrs Lunamoon made sure to let me know she appreciated that I had come by, someone seen as a close friend of the royal had its benefits. It had me go a bit red in the face, I never did great with praise. My sister would love to tease me about it just as much as my father said I took no credit in my work sometimes and it was frustrating when he'd try his best to praise me for my accomplishments at work or at school.

Still to this day, I'll never let it down that it was from my tutors and friends at that time that I had the will and reason to push forward to do my best in class. Though Mr. Lunamoon was rather surprised to see the list of fresh money coming into the shop, he had sent a letter to the royalty to thank me personally for helping his wife and daughter. I was only glad that people saw the value in what they had been using to charm people. It was fun, even if a little decietful. One thing I noted was the strange pressence of the Nobles I had not noticed before, they seemed to be more keen to touch something that the "royal friend" or "Royal guardsmen" could see as valuable then they had assumed it must be something interesting.

From my day forward it was mostly spending time with Sunset to let those two have their fun with trixie, it was good to hang out with Sunset though she seemed out of her element I tried to ease her by taking her around the city. Some of the nobles around us seemed to whisper and give us odd looks but I didn't see the point in questioning it. If one of them has an issue then they could bring it up with me or Sunset.

For the remainder of the time she had, before my next set of duties that being introduced to the court of nobles for Cadence. We spent our time mostly talking about whatever came to our minds, maybe she wasn't the best in public but I wished to do what I could to make it feel better for her even if it was a bit bombastic on my part. Just as we finished she had realized I was nearly late, rushing back to the castle the guard only snickered at the sight of us, our hairs a mess from just how much we ran with a bit of sweat. After a quick shower and dress I was prepared to do this, I hoped.

I was instructed by a guard to the room, though he reminded me that though I was a commoner by all measures he had some hope that I'd do some good. Good Pegasus, that guy, I believe his name was Big Mac. Entering into the room I was greeted by a massive room full of varying colors and shapes, the windows were shaped like ovals, the glass brightly colored from top to bottom. The most striking thing was her regal attire, a black encrusted chest plate covered with a small crystal heart, the color of it was a bright magenta. Her lower half was covered in what looked like straps across her stomach, covering up to the leggings on the armor that sat on her legs, the crystal heart this time replaced with a symbol of herself or a symbol of her kingdom and people. The nobles all looked to varying degree's what I had expected.

The nobles all wore varying fashions of gold and blues all over, some were daring enough to even use some magenta but they looked nice. I noticed a seat next to Cadence and she merely smiled and motioned for me to sit to which I did, feeling rather embarrassed with all the stares that could be seen from each noble. One decided to speak up, one named Hallow Blues as I recall. Strange name The mare looked to me with some suspicion like I was going to draw a knife any second

"Your majesty is it far from it to question your motives but may the court of nobles ask for the identity of this commoner? It is not every day that you entertain the masses, and we simply wish to err on the side of caution," Cadence nodded and motioned for me to speak up.

"Miss, I apologize for my intrusion but my name is Eon, I am but a humble unicorn learning under some of the Empressess's hand picked teachers, I am an Unknown even to myself due to former incidents I wish not to speak of but to be honest with you ma'am I am just the friend of her highness and wish to be treated as such if you would"

This was a bit surprising but she did seem to give me a genuine smile and responded in kind: "I thank you sir Eon, I understand that things may have gotten off to a bad start us nobles don't have the best of reputations but I hope my kindness can be returned in the future" She bowed to me not even giving me time to tell her not to. Cadence could only stiffle the giggle in her throat at this as I tried my best to respond

"Ma'am No, Hallow Blues please do not bow. It's just kindness after all ma'am I just don't want any special treatment or anything of the sort alright? Please raise your head" I sighed deeply, she did indeed raise her head and giggled just like Cadence. Mares, what odd creatures. For some time it was mostly random jargin I couldn't understand, I tried but from what I could gather the first few petitions were just requests for tax breaks, more land, the usual from what Cadence had told me.

From varying plans to dictate how some of the lands of the kingdom would be better utilised by the workers on these properties to some claims of rights from others, to the menial task of approving or denying claims, I could Sorta see why she was so worn out all the time. These tasks were truly menial. Why not just propose these things to the public to have them vote on? Not only would people er Ponies not have to pine for her favor, but they could also get a wider range of voices. Guess some people just wanted to kiss up to royalty rather than let some vote. Maybe more nobles like that Hallows woman would show up more often, she proposed something worthwhile. A bill that would allow for the workers on the land to receive pay no matter the task but in order to get it past the nobles who refused such a basic request, the pay was extremely small in comparison to the pay of the work itself.

It was a worthwhile request and I just hoped that Cadence would approve of it, baby steps always laid the foundations for greater gains later. Unfortunately, and to my surprise she did not, requesting that Hollows better suit silly requests to the other nobles if it meant having this slop in her court. This was a shock to me, I had assumed that Cadence would approve but that cold look in her eyes said something different. I felt it best not to question her decision and while Gallows gave me that look, hoping I'd speak up I mouthed to her to wait. She seemed to get the point and sat down, looking rather upset given this would only benefit the working class.

It was rather scary to see Cadence like that, terrifying really. It only reminded me just how Adagio and Chrysalis spoke of her family and her rule "The Bloody Empress" "Empress Impaler" "Bringer of death" so many names from two people, what did this have to do with this family, was this why Cadence wanted me to not talk about her family? Was she scared I'd find out the true horrors hidden beneath and if that was the case....I had to be careful. If I was a betting man, she may even have alterior motives for keeping me from the Empressess's who's to say they were any better or worse than Cadence even if that was true?

For some time I watched, only voicing my meager opinions from Cadence or some of the nobles when asked, though some of them truly were good people just in a bad spot. It seems the group was split down the middle, some with good intentions and some who sought nothing but their own benefit. Things are truly weird sometimes, never understood why some politicians just sought more power for power's sake.

Some of the requests were a bit interesting outside of the ones I noted, some along the lines of getting the Empress an heir or having her be endowed to one of the sons of the nobility to "preserve the loyal bloodline." this sorta creeped me out and at the time I didn't know why but I suppose Cadence didn't care to entertain it.

***

Something was strange to say the least, to me at least. I never felt weirded out by Cadence but that proposal something just struck me as off if that made sense. Maybe I was just overthinking, at least that's what I guessed. I wasn't one to simply disprove things but that just seemed off to me, maybe the air change or the cold look in her eyes at it, this young noble lady seemed nice enough so why reject it?

My bed felt off. Maybe I was just thinking too much. I wasn't even sure. Adagio and Chrysalis had been sleeping soundly and for those wondering while sunset and Starlight were weirded out I had made up some sort of story about them being from a bad-place and they just needed someone to rely on right now, not really wrong but I couldn't delve into them too much. I don't want anyone looking too much into this problem. Something just didn't feel right, I couldn't sleep. I walked into the night just as I had done nights ago and I ended up on that same bench.

Things were rough to say the least, too many questions and not even answers really. Things were beginning to click but it made no sense if her family truly did do these horrible things then why show me kindness? Why not brand me this alien and a dangerous being to others? It just made me feel weird, maybe things just weren't all sunshine and rainbows. Jesus, what world did I come to?

The time around me once more seemed to pass without me knowing, I quickly made my way back to bed without trying to stir anyone, trying to shake that feeling that I was being watched. Maybe tomorrow and the days after would be better, just didn't want to be near that political center for now...

***

I had been getting better, I think. I still had trouble sleeping but it seemed to improve over time, working on it wasn't easy but last night, Luna er Nightmare moon made another appearance. We talked for a while, well when I say Talked I meant listen to her talk while I just listened. She did seem concerned in some fashion, though I wasn't sure if I could trust that or even think that she meant it.

It was a similar dream to last time, the same memories and world crashing into my reality. Those same things breaking into my perception just as they crashed into my mind. There she was but she looked...different. Her hazy blue hair is full and grown just as before but she appeared, different. Like a mix of the two. Those same cat-like eyes are now more like daggers into my very soul, her armor was gone and before me stood no woman but a figment of my mind, at least I hoped. She wore only rags that looked battered and broken. Her eyes never left my own, her embrace was just as cold as before as I wept. My broken soul could not be mended could it? A broken mind and a broken soul come hand in hand. The cold touch of death before me.

Snap.

The world before me spins and then I wake up, my hands fine and my body seemingly fine. I checked myself in the mirror but I seemed to be ok, at least for now. I was scared, truly scared. I couldn't keep this going could I? This facade of smiles and joy. These thoughts raced in my mind over and over, time and time again. I wasn't sure how to explain this feeling, nothing at all. My body is not my own and my mind is simply just some creation of magic and chaos. Strange, I thought that discord guy used chaos as a medium and here I was, a soul full of chaos. I could see it to you know, Cadence, Adagio, Chrysalis, Starlight, Sunset. All of their smiles twisted into scowls of hatred and pure loathing. A human in its most bare state, a beast, a creature, to be feared and hated. They barked, scorned me, damned me, tarnished me. Condemned my dark soul to the pits.

There it was, my heart. A black mass of energy, a voice called from the void "You call upon the graces of an unkindeled soul, one fit for less than even a tarnished blood, cast to the coast " I grasped it just as I was commanded to, maybe deep down I knew this wasn't the right thing, but at this point? I could give a damn less. Tears flowed from my eyes, black liquid poured around me and consumed my vision once more. Next was a white room, there she was, Cadence. Though it wasn't the being before me who wore her skin but not her soul, it was weird. My own black flame, my black soul. It called to the void and yet all I could see was the bright light.

Snap.

I grasped at my chest, the burning pain inside writhed free from my grasp yet I tried evermore. The pain was eternal, my body was just as torn as my soul. Two halves, on one hand was my human self, the body I wished for evermore and the one I desired most. On the other, a black stallion, full of life and new joys and whims, he loved to read, he loved to hang out with a siren and Changeling couple, he loved his teachers and best friend Cadence. He loved that life but who was to say it was his life?

That voice called to me once more but louder this time "Who is this soul young mortal, who are you and who is he? Who becomes the stallion you await when you wake?"A second flash of light engulfed my senses as chains formed beneath my feet keeping me stuck to the floor, I grasped tightly at the air leaving my lungs. For the second time I woke up. This time my own body didn't respond, stuck like the chains coiling around my body.

"You will inherit the legacy of man young ash, Thy will be a hunter of the void and become the legacy of ash for man and for all kind. You will become the thing monster's fear, mortals fear, the world fears. You will become the representative of our world and our way of life. The legacy of the forgotten kind will become your home, we will craddle you as you have done for those in your former life. Awaken not as Eon or your former self, Awaken as the being needed for this-" The voice was cut off as a woman burst from the shadows, drabbed in dark armor and a blazing aura she looked to my desperate state.

"And this is thy nightmare? Coddled by the forces of old and new huh? The Dark chooses not of this care or any care but of its own goals I hope you will live up to those expectations set by my sister, now begone dark." The world of void vanished just as quickly as it appeared, the very shadows peeling and leaking a black liquid like myself as the shadows wrapped and consumed themselves, I had no strength left. The chains branded both my wrists in a searing black flame.

The very earth trembled beneath me as she embraced me, pressing her hand on my back and keeping me close to her wings wrapped around me as the world was showered in that same black "Thou has experienced so much yet with so little time spent, Mine sister would be displeased to know such a future champion wrinkles and withers in the dark, we must leave this place now." A snap of her fingers was all that was needed, the world vanished as I shot awake from my tasteless dream.

For that day I knew little of my own existence but I came to fear not the dark but that light, what light would cause this kind of harm I wasn't sure but even the light of waking up terrified me. I trembled beneath my sheets and even as guards beckoned for me I did not respond. I chose to remain as I was, even as Cadence attempted to keep me company I spoke no words even as she hugged me and wished me well. Even as I recalled Luna, I couldn't help but damn her. She whisked me not to some saving grace but the brutal hand I was dealt, wrong with whatever that voice wanted from me and her sister's plans, all this planning and no measure of control.

Even as the days passed, I felt no hunger nor drive for thirst despite my friends please for me to speak. The eyes in my sockets are not my own, even as I look in the mirror, a black flame kindling the backs of them. The blackened flames of hell writhing in my soul, keeping me afloat but not alive. At least I thought so, I no longer wished to eat or drink until I desired that feeling. This was something entirely new, not human, not pony, nothing at all. A hollow soul. A Hollow being. I tried to talk but all my words sounded off, to me, I spoke in olden English like some stallion from the olden ages according to Sunset. I spoke of the beasts hiding, the ones toiling in the inner flame, the ones locked away by the Empress of the old world and the Emperor of all kind.

I began to document what I had dreamt of since I awoke, some of old beasts brandishing not just armor but the flesh built of a thousand kin, some brandished the swords of not men or stallions but the blades of the corpses of their fathers. Cadence wasn't the happiest with this change but any change was good at this point right? I looked no different but something to Adagio and Chrysalis when they were with me felt off, in their view it was like a feeling of not death or some omen of destruction but a draining. I was different, in a way I could not properly explain, I could eat, sleep, drink just fine but it did nothing for me, Doctors were marveled at this according to sunset, they had assumed I became some Alicorn and the form was just a change but when nothing did change the theory was discarded, she had searched high hell and back but nothing did support my condition. I wasn't even sure who to support myself, me or that flame.

The flames of dark were no better than the ones that supported the sun, blazing and scorching all the same. I decided to get up, though doctors found me to be physically fit I was going to try and screw that dark bullshit. I wasn't some pawn in their game, whatever it may be, I would break free of my chains and make my own fate. I smiled and then did my friends, I had returned, albeit changed.

For the next few days I spent a large amount of my time not focusing on magic or spells, I tried to spend it with them and though Cadence insisted on the lessons I told her that after my change, the best I could do was adjust before I rush this. She agreed but still wished for me to continue my lessons at some point lest I fall behind even more she didn't want her best friend becoming some husk right? That got me to snicker, then she smiled seemingly brighter than I ever knew and hugged me tight. We hugged but after some time I let go and simply smiled at her.

***

Like her royal friend and seemingly guarded in some manner, Cadence wished I could pick up a weapon but I refused. I was no fighter at heart, sure I would defend people but I never wanted to hurt others, even my worst enemy. I was more scared to hurt than I was that darkness or those Empresses funny how that worked out.

It felt great if you can believe it, for a time the nightmares stopped, the headaches stopped and even as I hung out with my friends those little things started to add up over time. That voice never seemed to truly go away if that made any sense, he/it/she who knew always seemed to replay those words in my head as my nightmares returned but just as I did I tried to survive, however long it took me. The feelings of thirst and hunger slowly waned, as if those were just pieces of the old me. Who was even me anymore? What was this game for and who was that voice? How did Nightmare know of them? this just created more frustration than answers and I knew it best not to question those things for now. I had friends, and for all the troubles in life those would help me right now.

My days of mozing about would soon end, just as much as those nightmares came back so did my lessons. I seemed more focused, less worried about the downsides, was this part of that touch with that dreaded black flame? My choice of weapon would not be some blade of metal and blood work, It would be my own and maybe one day I'd find that thing. To protect my friends, give them a chance at a life I never had a chance of gaining. Sunset noted that despite no changes besides not eating or drinking anymore, my magic seemed slightly off. It seemed more like a newborns magic and that was to be expected but what wasn't just how much I had drawn out, I had set some records for some kids I imagined. Starlight noted that even with my progress slow due to my recovery I was starting to get better it seemed which made me smile, I was even more meek than before it seemed. But I still tried and to me that's what mattered.

That day was full of smiles and I had begun to talk to Cadence, this time about the dreams of nightmares and black, we were in her room as before and were simply talking when I broached the topic: "Cadence, She.....She was in my dreams. Nightmare was there and I-" She looked to yell but quickly realized it best to allow me to continue and motioned for me "She helped if you can believe it, she helped me when all I could see was the clashes of dream and reality before me. I couldn't even begin to describe how it felt and yet it felt like I was just being given what I deserved. All my past sins, all my current ones, all of them crashing down like weights in the ocean. Each and every agony simply dealt to me then she arrived, keeping me like she cared, like she wished for this to end and wanted that peace I desired, she let me out and I can't help but still be wary, why does she help, why does anyone help me?"

"Eon I- I can't even begin to understand what you went through for those days alone in your head, I can't imagine why my fellow Empress would help you, she's always been distant even with her sister and more like this working force of nature in the background. She'd never even helped her sister with internal affairs despite their alliance, they just sorta worked on their own thing and ignored the world and desired nothing but peace if that even is her goal..."

"I'm truly astounded she'd even come to your aid much less interfered in the dreams of someone not from this world, its truly a mystery even to myself and as to why anyone helps you? For one you're my friend, Eon whatever the storm or the dangers ahead I know in my heart that I wish to be your friend and support you however I can through whatever means I can no matter what, thats what being a friend is silly maybe I'm wrong for supporting you to others but I want you safe and happy! If that means that you're with this dark flame you told me about, or nightmare moon visiting your dreams I'm going to weather this storm and be there for you ok?" I couldn't even put into the right words what I felt, I hugged her tight and shook, she only held me and sat on her bed and let me cry. I just let it loose and soon both sunset and Starlight came in all three hugging me and keeping me safe, my friends. I grew up in that second not just cherishing them more than my home and former life but maybe even myself, they kept me anchored, hard at work, growing, learning, even without Adagio and Chrysalis I knew I'd have a talk with them sometime.

This feeling of not just caring but love for me as a person? it could be what I wanted one day and wished for upon on earth. Maybe life wouldn't be the worst, the storm was over and this was my aftermath. This was something I didn't even know if I was right to feel this way, was I just a depraved soul desperate for attention or was I some pawn in some big plan set forth by basically gods, that sounded less cool out loud and just downright terrifying.

The feelings of dread and hopelessness that had plagued me while not gone had softened somewhat, I knew it'd be best to try and not dwell on it Cadence assured me as such sure but what stuck to me in the back of my mind was this whole ordeal, what was it to these gods or these demons? Sometimes I feel like, I shouldn't want to know these things, they hurt me, cause me nightmares, turn me into some freak of nature. Who knows what else they have planned for me?

***

Today would be a good day right? It depends on who you ask. Sometimes people expect days to go bad and then they get worse but this? this was just downright annoying. Today was magic lessons, this time it was trying to conjure up my own magic, something that was similar to the magics I had done before. I noted that this seemed out of place, even for me. Why learn magic from my source but that was the confusing part I had no idea what the source of my magic was honestly. Maybe it was something more intrinsic to my personality like some of those cheesy Astrology-personality tests.

Magic was just against me it seemed, despite my best efforts it was one of the few things of this world I felt like I could never grasp that fact of magic. Sometimes, I really hated magic. Think of it like the biggest test you study for and still fail, if that analogy doesn't make much sense I'm not much of a man of words so to speak. The lesson itself wasn't the worst thing but drawing from my source was something I think I would never be able to pull off. I wasn't always sure of it but that effort, that draw of time, it was different now, it was just a black flame full of the same pulsing light brimming under the surface.

Following through on the motions, I have managed a few more spells but something happened once more, the same spell I tried to conjure seemed to charge up just as sunset instructed but the beam of light shone into a pure pulsing red color, almost like blood. Something felt wrong, my body was moving up and down, the breath in my lungs getting weaker by the second as I forced the spell to stop. Sunset couldn't help but quickly call for a doctor and have me sent back to my room...I just felt useless. my once bright mood had been ruined and I couldn't help but feel like I was just letting everyone down again.

For the rest of my day I was told to rest, whatever was going wrong with my magic couldn't be helped by say traditional medicine, the biggest reccomendation was not rest but that I stop magic all together to which I refused, the doctor in turn stated that if I continued to do magic I would need to take it slow, whatever happened to me is affliciting my magic rate of consumption. The doctor was sure that in time my wounds could be healed but that whatever the problem that was with me could be mended by rest and taking it slow. Cadence had since ordered that I not take magical lessons for some time until the doctors could clear me of this issue, it just made me feel terrible..

My eyes began to feel weaker as I stared up at the ceiling before me, my mind in a mess just as much as my body and I didn't know why. I could feel that same flame rage inside of me as it did before and the many nights before, my soul was a broken mess. I was some broken mess of a stallion now fearing for his own life and his own existence. Could I even have a normal life here? it seemed unlikely if the past few days had anything to tell me.

I could feel myself slipping into dreams once more, what horrors awaited me this time? I could only imagine the freevent dreams of a future madman would only be tortorous, maybe the world I lived in was just that nightmare I spoke of, I didn't know. I would try to sleep tonight, maybe I'd get some sleep and try to work on magic in time...

End of Chapter 4

Author's Note

I know it may seem cheesy to involve darkness and things like that, but I felt like making him an alicorn or a good mage would be too easy and too generic, so I wanted to spice things up. Humans are known for their versatility in situations, after all, so who's to say being touched by this legacy isn't something old from humanity or lost to it?

I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel per se, just adding my own little twists and plans for the future, but you'll have to wait and see buckaroos!

Chapter 5: How Magic and Politics fucked with my mind

Dreaming is never fun.

Not anymore.

I’ve been waking up in that same cold sweat, but I’m never warm, I’m just cold. I’m just unfeeling. The doctors cleared me once more but what surprised me was how everyone treated me after, not anything bad I guessed. Everyone acted like I was this delicate flower who would snap at the slightest amount of effort or touch. I wasn’t sure how to feel, on one hand it was odd and on the other I hated it. I didn’t like being taken care of. Not only that, but I didn’t like being told everything would be ok. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be ok truthfully, how else was I supposed to be ok with this…burning reminder literally in my head.

My days were filled with “taking it easy” as Cadence assured me, I wanted to go against it but big shocker I was too much of a coward to consider even denying her request. That mare Hallow even wished me well after a day in court. No one could seem to come up with a cure, and I wasn’t sure if this was really the best path for me anymore. What was I to gain by sitting around and just resting, what would that do? It felt like the doctors were just throwing things at the board until they stuck at the wall.

It was a strange time for me, only learning what magic wouldn’t set off whatever affliction was upon my mind and body. Not only that, but it wasn’t fun nor was it inviting that I had lost my original drive for magic now that this...curse was upon me. I couldn’t make heads or tails of it, my dreams only grew more vivid, as did my heart’s clenched flame. I continued to be plagued, but something more troubling approached me the more the magic lessons continued. Those same flickers of time slowing grew more and more.

The seconds would pass until 5 seconds soon came and vanished before my eyes, the time slowed and ruined before me, yet it was simply a figment of my imagination, I had to believe that. Things just didn’t add up, and it didn’t help that my sleep got no better as the days passed. Soon the hours turned to days as the plague of this curse continued its hold on me. Something that struck me as odd was my sense of time, not that it was off, but that sense of time you feel as you complete tasks or have fun. Time seemed to slip from me, even as I sat in bed and talked with Adagio and Chrysalis.

Things were just weird, to put it blatantly. I never felt at true peace, the air felt off, my food tasted bland and my throat never dried for a second. Even as I spoke at length with the two fugitive women before me. Sometimes, I just wished that we all could relax. No royalty, no kingdoms, just people in one nation that offers prosperity, fairness and kindness to everyone. It felt horrible that we couldn’t do this. At least in my lifetime. I knew better than to consider myself some revolutionary.

It was just some fool’s dream I imagined, maybe others on earth or here could do something like that, but I wasn’t such a person. I was just thinking too much, I imagined. It wasn’t fun just sitting around and without Adagio and Chrysalis to talk to, often I was left alone in my thoughts. I would usually try to suggest practicing magic, but even starlight was hesitant, and I just wanted out. I really just wanted peace of mind and heart, whatever that may be and if that meant that I had to rest and be a worthless stallion then maybe that’s what I needed, I wasn’t sure. Back in my room, I noticed it was just Adagio and waved to her, getting her to smile before looking at me confused:

”Hey Eon, are you ok? You look like shit, no offense”

”Yea, just feeling useless is all, I can’t practice my magic, can’t attend court with cadence and whatever else, feels like I’m trapped...”

”Well, it’s just getting better, right? I mean I’m not the most knowledgeable on pony cultures and their medicine having run from them for eons and all, but even I could guess that the treatment they are giving you is just one that they hope works, they are just as desperate as your friends are to see you happy again”

”I know that I want to be as well, but what worries me more is....just the whole situation. If no one knows what this verdant darkness is or its effects on me, who knows what I’ll become in the future? Maybe I’m just going to become some monster or some worse cursed being like those monsters Discord or Tirek. It just feels like I’m in a tomb and I can’t get free, trapped beneath the rubble and rendered inert”

”Eon, I know it may be hard to hear this, but...-I’m a criminal. So are you, we’re both criminals who may or may not one day face up for our supposed crimes, and we have nothing to gain from this. My wife can only guard you and me for so long before one day we’re found out, and I just pray to the gods above that each day is not that day. I can only expect of you to hope the same, that each day you don’t become what you fear and push to be the best you can as only you can”

The disguised mare hugged me, gripping me a bit tight before giving me the best smile she could, it was obvious she had been worried. I just hoped that those words reached my mind today. Her eyes gave off that same mirth I had seen in Cadence, Sunset, Starlight and even Chrysalis. I couldn’t help but let a tear loose from my eye.

I thanked her with no words but a small and a nod. She patted my head and chuckled ”Good stallion, maybe now you’ll be a bit more entertaining as my oh so gracious host?” I rolled my eyes, finding myself smiling at this. This will be ok for some time. Just hanging out even if I felt useless now what would be the point in staying down?

***

Within a few days I was cleared for some form of regular study under magic as well as allowed in Cadence’s Court, it wasn’t what I had truly wanted and just wanted this done days ago, but cadence just gave me a look. I don’t know how to explain it but think of it as a *Stare* she had no givings about, telling me that if I showed any further signs of problems that I were to retire to my chambers.

For some time I felt a bit uneasy from her tone and face, maybe it was just the moment, but something shone through in that instance. The Cold of a Blizzard, shining through my very soul. It was a weird moment, but I tried not to think about it too much. Something that struck me as odd was the odd looks from the guards, but I suppose being given that look did give them something to joke about at my expense.

Arriving at the court I was surprised to see Hallow once more, she alongside who I presumed to be her daughter who I later learned was named Violet Gallows. The two of them were taking the former seat of two nobles that had since retired due to complications in age. I was surprised but smiled at them, getting Violet to bound to me and simply bow before speaking:

”Hello sir, my name is Violet Gallows. I am Mrs. Hallows’s daughter and I wish to do my best in making you comfortable”

I was rather confused but nonetheless accepted this, according to Cadence some nobles will eventually try to court me in the same manner as a friendship and wish that I get some favor for their kindness. Maybe that was a bit selfish but Hallows seemed kind enough, maybe I would have some way to benefit from it, but I want to see how she uses my friendship. Hopefully as a true friend and not just some pawn in her own game.

The day court would begin as per usual, the same few nobles from the days before or the last time I was here had been petitioning in particular for the Empress to name an heir for her throne as her family has none left, this seemed to only annoy cadence. From what I had understood, this was something ever since her teen years, they had been petitioning for her to announce an heir from either a royal blood or someone from one of the nobles families. This was some sort of plot to ensure they’d retain ultimate power within their own line, but truth be told, it felt silly. Why petition a woman like Cadence for a child? She didn’t seem like the sorta gal to have a kid for royalty but just no kids at all really. She didn’t seem to find the idea interesting, truth be told.

It was rather strange given the idea that her family abandoned her, it wasn’t a comfortable thought, but maybe that was why. Though I wasn’t privy to this at the time, I was pretty sure many of the nobles saw Cadence as not just some ticket to fame but as a sexual object of their own whims. Many of them had slaves or servants as they said in the form of earth ponies. It was despicable really, I could hardly believe that slaves of that caliber existed, but since one world could have problems then it was only fair to assume other worlds could produce the same evil.

Wasn’t the worst thing I could imagine at the least, knowing that the sirens and changelings were hunted and treated as lesser than even the earth ponies even to people like Cadence was truly a scary thought. That had to be changed, at least to me. Maybe they will be allies one day. I was broken from my stupor as I heard the voice of a noble

”Your Grace, is it wise to have a commoner among your ranks, especially one considered your friend? It’s dangerous to invite such low-level thinking into such a place. Yes, they may be under your care, but please consider inviting such dangerous ideals in the past, such as the nobles in the Lunar and Solar empires who employ Changelings into their ranks. We should remain careful of all those who are not directly linked with either your majesty’s family or one of your loyal noble factions.”

This only got a mere nod from Cadence as she looked at me for a moment, then back at the noble.

”Sir Blueblood, while I appreciate your concerns about those Empires, understand they are our allies and for you to question their actions speaks not of their rule but your own inner thoughts. I am your Empress, I may make a decree for taking care of someone, whether they be of noble blood or my own family. The trust aspect is not something I cannot change for you, while he’s my friend he is no servant nor a guard and merely here of his own volition and my request unless you find a problem with this?”

This did seem to shut him up, though he did try to think of a response for a moment before going silent, but something struck me so I motioned for cadence for some permission to which she allowed.

”Mr. Blueblood I may not be a noble or some royal family member, I’d be more than happy to calm myself a friend of her highness for one reason only, to repay the debt I owe to her in not just heart but my mind and body. I owe the Empress my life for the things she’s given me, friends, a home, a job as her friend and maybe that’s not the most glamorous thing or even the thing I truly desire from my life here. So please, if you have to bare any fangs for her highness please do so myself.”

The noble’s appeared a bit shocked at my words, maybe I was a bit too extravagant with the wording I mean, I didn’t exactly lie about it but it wasn’t the most truthful interpretation of my thoughts. This seemed to even surprise Cadence who only smiled at me as I sat down in my new chair, they had given me a seat next to her a sort of guard for her. It wasn’t a position I loved a lot to be honest, but it was kind of fun to be called her highness royal guard.

It felt nice, really, to be called that. Though I didn’t think of myself as some guard for Cadence, I couldn’t even do magic well. Who’s to say I was good in a hand-to-hand fight. The aspect of me fighting did seem cool to be fair, It would be like I’m a real fighter for my friends. Maybe that’s something I should look into. Could be fun. For the time being though I chose to listen to cadence and the surrounding court stuff, it seemed important and maybe I could help alleviate that load off of her in the future.

The usual jargin I could understand was truly boring. Maybe I wasn’t so cut out for this sort of gig. It felt weird to just sit here and do nothing for god knows how long. Though something of interest did catch my attention as I left with the Cadence, an odd mare who seemed to be on her lonesome.

(Credits to the original artist: https://www.deviantart.com/flairnightz/art/I-still-got-the-touch-709650434)

Before me was a mare dawned in black armor, looked like some sort of guard but she had no horn or at least a functioning one. Her horn seemed to be broken free from her head and had been long lost. Her armor was a dark raven color, similar to those found in some sci-fi novels I would imagine, a raven shaped elbem on her pectoral and her demeanor screamed something fierce.

Walking up to her, she gave me little emotion and merely spoke the second I arrived:

”I see, the Royal friend of the Empress, an unknown Unicorn from a place unknown wishes to speak to me? This must be important sir if you wish to speak to me in such an odd manner”

”Oh well Um, I apologize miss but I was merely curious about you, see I’m an Amnesiac and have no real records of my former life so unfortunately all I have is the few friends I have and of course her highness, May I ask for your name ma’am?”

”Certainly, my name is Tempest shadow head general of the Empire of Love’s armed forces, her highness informed me of your situation not long ago and wished for us to get acquainted as she put it “he’ll become more used to other ponies this way” or something less silly. Her highness informed me of your current condition and so I wish to extend an apology to your current predicment sir, I wish you a speedy recovery now may I ask what you wished to speak to me about?”

”Oh, apologies M-Tempest. I am simply curious about your horn if you can believe it, I apologize before hand if that’s just rude of me to ask but I’m a curious stallion and seeing as you know of my current condition then I can assume you know that I know little of this world and remember very little of how unicorns operate.” I was rather nervous given her seemingly lack of emotion, not for a second did she drop her facial expression.

"I'm afraid I cannot disclose that to you and only her highness knows of such a thing, I would ask that you please not ask any further about this or her highnesses's family. Her highness informed me of your questions and as such I'm obliged to tell you this, the royal family has chosen this path for the benefit of all ponies. To question her highness is to disrespect her."

The answer itself didn't worry me as much as the whole family thing, I hadn't questioned cadence about that in some time so why was it something that I had heard now was wrong in this manner? I guess it wasn't too important since she seemed to have vanished into the crowd of nobles passing by. It was a rather strange set of words exchanged but she seemed nice enough, maybe we could be friends one day.

***

My lessons in magic continued despite my condition, oddly enough I was seemingly improving despite the consistent strain put on my body and mind. My heart would heat up seemingly every time I tried magic but I pushed past it for those brief moments I could spare and was able to conjure some magic. The doctors weren't sure how I was able to do such a thing but hypotheseed it could just be a natural build-up of magic from my condition that is being released as excess energy. Though in truth even I was unsure how I was doing this.

Maybe it was just my stubbornness to sit in bed all day, to let them all down and even make myself appear weak in any way but whatever the case I continued with my lessons. The first was trying to push the basics of my magic further, this was through the conjuring of messages, usually, but today they wanted to test my defensive magic, something having to do with protecting myself more than Cadence can do. The first means of this was getting me an instructor that could teach me defensive magic and so I was told to head to the foregrounds for such a test.

Not long after, arriving in the foregrounds I came across an odd mare to say the least. She looked similar to Cadence, with bright hair down her back, her magenta curls perfectly covering her horn almost though it was rather large compared to most Unicorns I imagine. She had a cutie mark in the form of a Golden shield shaped with a red heart crest. She seemed rather petite given her frame, she had what could only be described as a supermodel body. Though she seemed to have some muscle to her like those body builder women but less steroid like and more like a hidden mask.

She seemed to notice me as the woman smiled brightly and bounced over to me speaking to me in a thick accent though it was quite hard not to tell if she was french or not, maybe this world had an equivalent to the french?

"Ah Monsieur Eon, j'ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous de la part de son altesse, elle parle bien de vous. Vous deviez devenir mon nouvel élève, n'est-ce pas ?"

For those who couldn't understand I was given a little trinket, a magical bracelet from Starlight, she had informed me that miss Fleur Dis Lee was from the Prench Nation allied with the griffons who held a strong respect for the swordsmanship of the Prench. Though all miss Fleur spoke to me about me being a new student to which I agreed with her. She seemed strangely nice, I had heard from the guards that spoke to me that she was a fierce warrior and didn't back down from any challenge, it was rumored she was even stronger than an alicorn.

For the basics in defence, the first step was getting me to conjur a defense of magic in the form of a shield. It wasn't easy and even the most simple of shields were barely able to take the first jab, from her arrival a light-ray in the form of a blade sharpened to the tip. Her eyes lost that same mirth as she ordered me:

"Vous êtes lent, vos réactions manquent et vous êtes trop concentré sur cette pose imprécise."

The same blade struck me this time on my shoulder, nicking my shoulder blade and a little bit of blood spurted from the wound. I tried again this time using the same shield against her and while it wasn't as bad what was difficult was the randomness of her attacks, each little opening I did have she seemed to completely take advantage of. It was bad, if this was a real fight I'd be down for the count or worse. I could feel my chest heating up, my breathing becoming shorter, I pushed my shield forward and fully caught the one strike I could see. She seemed surprised but let loose a grin before drawing back her blade.

"Bon travail, vous avez réussi à retenir au moins un coup. Étudiant intéressant, mais ça va? Tu as l'air beaucoup plus fatigué que je ne l'imagine. Vous devriez vous reposer avant de continuer M. Eon"

I could only nod, my magic still acted up despite my resolve. Sitting down I noticed she seemed to only keep practicing, wasn't she some sort of teacher? Why keep pushing herself like that? I hadn't noticed before but she had a few scars, primarily on her neck in the form of slashes and what could be seen as bites. Wonder what she had gotten to cause that? From my side I could see someone snickering, turning around I noticed a fiery woman, She had what looked like a toned body and looked more like an actual bodybuilder. She wore a fiery armor set that seemed rather loose, covering only vital parts of her body and seemed to let a lot into the imagination.

"Staring at the Commander of the Empire's Royal forces huh? Tsk tsk, what a dangerous game you play stranger, name's Spitfire, guard of the commander and considered the strongest pegasus around, what about you hotstuff?"

I felt rather embarrassed, trying not to feel like I had just been bamboolzed by a mare. Damn my human pride.

"Oh um sorry ma'am er uh sir, I was just merely curious about The Commander, she's a good teacher so far I just hope that I live up to what was requested of me and please do not call me hotstuff, it feels weird."

She seemed to take some of the hint before giggling at me and patting me on the back a bit hard, making me stumble up from my seat from just the sheer force behind her hands

"Oh come on stud, if you can't take this then I don't imagine you'll do well as the Commander's newest student, good thing you're not looking at her ass man, she'd tear you to shreds for that, the boss isn't exactly fond of guys so shocker that her highness sent a Unicorn of all things to a stallion-hater but hey can't exactly question it"

I only sighed at this, this just made things tougher honestly. Guess I'd have to cross this bridge when I got to it, walking back up to my teacher after composing myself I readied myself as the woman didn't bother to look in my direction before her blade struck near my shoulder once more, I just barely managed to defend against this. The second strike was near the center of the magical construct, breaking it nearly with a powerful strike. I tried to reinforce it quickly before the third strike as it arrived not a moment sooner.

For several hours this was the sort of training I was provided, using this flimsy magical shield over and over to deflect her blows sure it was decent to help my reflexes in my new body but what worried me was spitfire's words and the fact that ethier Cadence or Starlight chose this strange woman. Why a man with her of all people? As our training came to an end I was surprised to see my teacher nod in my direction before speaking

"Vous avez bien fait pour la première leçon, monsieur, peut-être que son altesse n'exagérait pas un tel potentiel"

I could only nod and give a smirk to her trying to seem like the pain wasn't all over my body from constant use of magic and consistent physical training was rather taxing given my current condition. My body just wasn't prepared so it was rather taxing given what I had survived in my dreams before hand. I would retire for the night, heading to my room the guards welcomed me into the castle with a smile, I returned that same smile to them and walked past.

Heading to my room, I was happy to find both Adagio and Chryalis sleeping soundly in their bed. Good for them, maybe tomorrow I'll get to talk and see what they did for the day but who knows, this world is rather bizarre.

***

Waking from the same dreams and same issues, I grogily got out of bed, making sure not to step on my friend's sleeping forms as I headed to the bathroom. Getting ready for the day I was met with a knock at the door, trying to get to it quickly, the door burst open with what looked like...Spitfire? That same weird woman from before who barged in and looked at my friend's sleeping forms as well as me in the bathroom before wagging her finger

"And here I thought you were just a regular stallion, already snagged two mares a day after meeting me? Devious stallion, the commander wanted me to simply come by and tell you that her highness has ordered that you report to her for all your more combat-related magic lessons from now on and save standard magic for the others, whatever that means"

I quickly moved her out of the room as Adagio stirred from her sleep and looked at me

"You do know I may not be fully awake, but even I know it looks weird to us two here with you.."

She fell right back to sleep while I could only sigh and facepalm myself. I could feel a blush crawling onto my face as I got myself ready for the day. I only found Spitfire waiting outside my door with a snicker on her face as I just tried my best to ignore her and walked to the foreground just as the day before.

Today would be a normal day for training if it wasn't for the audience watching us, waving to me brightly with a smile was my kirin comrade Autumn blaze and next to them was starlight, Sunset and Cadence. According to Spitfire, this was some sort of little game just to see how I was doing. In my head I had imagined it was a bit more than that but truth be told I was just glad they came to see me. Conjuring up the same shield as before I was stopped by my teacher as she took the blunt end of her magical blade and tapped me on the head lightly.

"You Mr. Eon will be sparring with me today, at the behest of her highness and your friends they wish to see a little display. They wish to know the depths of your potential firsthand and maybe just to see if you could impress a certain mare, most of all my student you will go with all you know from your past in mind. Use what you have learned from them to oppose me, give me a show."

Jeez, I knew I was human but I was fighting my instructor on day 2? Was Cadence just bored and in need of me getting my ass kicked that much? Jesus. I readied myself, not using the shield but what I could conjure of my magic, the first strike was at my shoulder just as the day before, I just managed to slightly veer off from the blade's end. The first strike from me used a small blade I could conjure, a black blade full of brimming golden light that struck her hoof, barely scratching her but nonetheless effective in the moment.

The same blade as before struck my own, a clattering sound from the two blades as my strength waned, so did my blade though she seemed a bit confused about something. That second of compromise pushed me forward, drawing my blade closer and clattering right against her armor once more and attempting to at least scratch her like she did me. The two blades clashed, metal sparks danced in the air around us and my heart just continued to race from the sheer excitement and I didn't even know why.

What about this trading of blows that got my blood pumping, my heart didn't burn like it did before. All I could feel was the pumping of blood and that flame growing over time, exploding from within as I could feel that same black flame coating my blade and maybe they noticed but I didn't. Our blades continued to clash as the separation of our flesh and them closed more and more.

Following through on the motions, almost as if it were instinct I continued to dance with my teacher. The first was her defensive strike at my blade in an attempt to get me to lose concentration, it worked well. I lost my balance for only a moment before catching myself and conjuring my blade once more. The second I got back up the moment she took advantage of was my opening, throttling my blade at her face to which she evaded and grinned, a flaming glint in her eyes.

This battle was all my mind cared about, later I learned I was grinning as the battle drew closer and closer to its conclusion. My mind was at an impass, on one hand my magic was waning and the strain to my body was continuing to mount and on the other my inner self all but screamed to keep fighting. That same flame flickered in my heart, for only a moment as my magic was once called upon, rising myself just above my teacher for a moment as our blades clanged together both of us not letting an inch come between us. My heart began to feel this same pressure as It did before, the pressure of battle, the pressure to grow stronger, all of that confounding into one burst as a black blade formed from my very magic and smashed into her own.

She stopped me for a moment as she looked at my blade, a mix of both confusion and some fear glinted in her eyes. Before I was the woman I was convinced could not be shaken with those scars to see her confused even after such a short time couldn't help but worry about me.

"So this is your blade Mr. Eon? A blade of pure black and flame, what an interesting calling you have drawn from your soul. If you have such an interesting path, may I ask of my fellow student's above to watch over thy blade. Please draw your blade once more but what shall you call it Mr. Eon?"

"Before we continue Mr. Eon, allow me to explain a little about the sword of a warrior, from warrior to warrior, Blades conjured up usually take the form of a magical item but in some cases such as myself and your own our blades are aspects of our very soul and are drawn not just from magic but ourselves, it shows our very soul as a weapon"

The blade, I once got a good look at it was one encrusted with strange metals, the gem near the edge of the blade glistening in the sunlight above. My hand gripped the hilt tightly, it felt right. Like this flame was almost at peace, each part of the blade had something sticking out of it almost like it challenged the very world from touching it. I only smiled and nodded at my teacher

"Let us continue Teacher! I won't give in just yet, I've been too much of a weakling to stand on my own, this is my first step as a warrior and I won't let you back down now and I don't think that the mighty Warrior of her highness, the one I heard of that could begin to think of stopping"

The battle continued despite her grin, our blades met once more, one coated in pure white and the other in pure will, forming a clash of warriors even if I wasn't one yet. With each strike I could feel my muscles begin to burn, the gritting of my teeth, sweat going down my face only pressured me to continue. First was her blade knocking my arm, knocking my blade away for a moment while I avoided a second strike and then a third. The further we continued the longer I seemed to not exhaust, strike after strike on my leg, shoulder, even knocking my sword from me one last time didn't put me down and I could see some small frustration from my teacher. In one feil swoop I could feel the air leave my lungs as the blade was embedded into the ground my teacher's snicker clear on her face before I rose again and felt exhaustion over-take me. I rose to my feet and saluted her, she seemed rather confused but repeated my action. Guess a salute was something you didn't do here? It's odd.

"You have done well as a novice in combat Mr. Eon, I commend you for your will and drive to push forward, but next time, try not to waste your magical reserves as much, you could've passed out or worse if you had continued down your current path" She cheekily reminded me, giving me a snicker and one wink in my direction.

Autumn burst down from her seat to congratulate me, crushing me in a hug and smiling brightly, Starlight tapped the girl on the head with a book getting her to whimper and look to starlight confused before starlight scolded her for crushing an injured stallion. I could only smile at this interaction, Starlight seemed more friendly than her previous Cold Queen persona let on. She even scolded her just to simply pat me and the back and give me those same worried eyes, I smiled before Cadence burst forth and tackled me in a hug herself. Even Starlight and Sunset couldn't help but grin and wink in my direction, even the teacher could only shake her head as Cadence composed herself seeing the looks. She was clearly blushing even as Spitfire wrapped an arm around her.

"Oh your highness, didn't know you thought that highly of a stallion, wonder what else you think of this stallion, hope you've got yourself ready then stud!"

I immediately stood up and waved my hands feeling a blush cross my face as I spoke up, this woman sometimes got on my nerves. But she meant well, even if it was awkward.

"Oh no no miss Spitfire, I mean yes Cadence is a lovely woman but truthfully I don't think I'm worthy of that much less anything but her stray she decided to take in...."

Sunset only sighed and took her hand before swatting my head, I gave her a quick glare for her to only snicker at me and shake her head.

"Why thank you, Eon but you're not a stray you're my friend alright? Don't degrade yourself like that."

I could only give her a small smile and nodded, The commander walked up to me and merely smiled nodding before taking the brunt of her blade and giving me a light tap on the head.

"You did well to impress her highness, I do apologize if we became rather dedicated towards the end of our duel your highness, I just felt that a public display of your friend and giving him some training in combat from this day forward could be more acceptable than sheer defensive training. His body show's an aptitude for combat I've only seen in a few hundred soldiers ever, he seems to be more of a combative stallion than I imagined."

Something that struck me oddly even as we left was the look my teacher gave me, she seemed....worried. if that could be believed, I wondered why that was, but with how tired I was, I didn't give it a second thought.Heading back to my room for the day, I was met with Adagio and chrysalis just coming back from what I learned was shopping, mostly due to the bags hanging from their sides. I was quick to get back into my book though, I hadn't lost that luster for reading even with all the shit going on. For the rest of the day, I broke the silence by talking with them while I read, I felt like it was something I could get used to even if me and the girls didn't do things often considering the circumnstances around us.

Later that night, I felt myself slowly wind down and fall asleep once more. Then it all began again, that same whisp of dark fluttering into my heart and lighting ablaze just as the battle took place. That same damned dream began to play, though this time there was something more dangerous in the air around me. That battle played in my dreams even but I saw it from her view, before me or her was a stallion colored by the black flame, the blade a piercing cold aura around it.

The first slash came my way and just as she did, she evaded or I did it was really confusing. Those piercing eyes are full of a flame unborn from darkness. The words from not long ago echoed "You will become the legacy of ash" Was I this ashen being? consumed by a flame that cannot burn and is always present? This same battle continued, but this ending was not one that occurred. Before I was my teacher, her body was littered with wounds and covered in cuts. Then the scene that scared me to my core, her head slid to the ground the blood seeping below my feet a black liquid flowing from her with only a blank look on my face in response.

The flame of the blade surged around her body, encasing it in said flame burning and smoldering her flesh. Then came the screams from the headless body, her screams welled in my head as I gripped my head tightly just barely able to keep myself composed from the volume alone. It was then snapped as the flesh from her body was ripped, leaving only her skeleton. The creature's bones then turned to dust under my blade. I looked at my own hands, covered in blood and full of her hair. The very world around me shifted, growing and shifting like a mass of light. The furious tendrils and chains then once more chained me to the ground I struggled, even calling my own magic and forming my blade, its cold aura shined through the darkness. I tried as best as I could, forcing the blade against my own flesh even to try and cut myself free for that second until it vanished just as the blade itself.

I began to dream of those flames, the smoldering lights above me. dwindling masses of fire and ice smoldering at the surface of my body. I screamed to the heavens above as the chains ripped from my flesh, tearing my wrists apart but freeing me none the less, I felt no pain. I would not be shackled. I will not fail them again. These flames shackled me to this world and I would only weigh them down. It made me realize just how little this world was to this....thing. For my next few moments were spent with blood and flame. The moment I could feel the cold escape me was the second the flames exploded all around me and consumed everything in their path leaving only ashes behind. That simple thought got me to sit and accept the flames, consuming me until a snap could be heard.

It was foolish of me not to simply accept the fate I had been dealt and maybe this was my punishment for it, to become a monster, to become a simple beast of battle and blood. That sense of dread creeped upon my body from head to toe, I could feel my body wane and dim from my sight as that same snap occured. Luna stepped through the black with no expression on her face as she looked more than frustrated and downright angry. Her eyes blazing with fury as she looked down at me before lifting me to my feet, using her own aura to keep me from falling, my frail and lifeless body before her.

"So it is your choice to simply let these minions of black and blood fuel your own issues and let yourself falter before the negative mass before you, I may not be the best option to help you now Human but I'll be damned to allow that woman's dear friend fall to darkness" Her words hissed out at me as she gripped me tightly before the world of black vanished, before I awoke she spoke something but I could not hear her nor understand.

My day began with a simple relaxation test, hoping I didn't look like shit before everyone else knew of my nightmares. This would become something of a routine I imagine, maybe I would break it in the future. I couldn't help but keep myself in my study for a while, not responding to knocks or requests for my pressence anywhere, for some time I spent my time reading trying to keep my mind off the nightmares, the black and that acursed flame. I chose to ignore even Cadence's pleas for Sunset and noted that despite no changes besides the usual, my magic still felt weird. What was odd about my magic today though, it felt....more full. Like the same magic I used normally was more complete than usual.

This day would be a change in my soul, I could feel it. Getting up I decided to take the day to spend time with my friends. First was sunset, heading down the hall I noticed something rather strange: she and that same strange purple Unicorn seemed to converse before she noticed me and just as before, vanished. I feel like at some point I would know who this was and why Sunset didn't tell me about her, but I felt like I couldn't push for that, we were friends but it wasn't my business to know who she talked to. I decided against it, maybe she'd deserve some time away from me so I headed to the foreground. The first thing on my list was to visit my teacher and see if she was around I'd gotten kinda excited to spar again but all I could find was her resting against the bench, her armor a bit worn and seemingly cut up.

Walking up to her I waved to her, I found that she didn't seem to respond at first before I snapped my fingers, she seemed to be lost in thought before smiling and standing up before holding out a hand, the two of us shook hands but the sheer grip she had made me nearly rip my hand away from how much it hurt.

"Ah it is good to see you, student though your lesson was quite a while ago, might I ask why you were late hm?" She seemed to have a dangerous glint in her eyes, grinning at me.

"Oh um....well. Sorry Miss fleur de lis, I just had a tough time sleeping due to....previous events. Let's just say that I didn't have the best time waking up and was struck with something so I was advised to simply rest in my room for the time being...again sorry." Not a total lie, besides I think it could pass as real if I tried.

She seemed to buy it, nodding at me and giving me a grin before she spoke: "We will be honing your reflexes, your power and defensive strikes while impressive could be worked on but what showed me most was your lack of timing on turning back a blow on your opponent, if I was aiming to kill you then I would have stabbed your open arms and legs without a second thought, further more you lacked any sort of response to my advanced, you kept yourself back and focused on pure power, a failure on your part as my student that I must correct" She tossed to me a set of armor, instructing me to put it on to which I fumbled on, struggling to get it on and felt rather embaressed when she helped me get it on like a child.

Within a few moments we got ourselves ready, the first strike wasn't from a blade but from her own magical blast burning against my leg she glared at me before speaking up:

"You continue to focus on my blade just as before, keep your guard up! My blade is not your only foe now resume!" I tightened my grip on my own blade, I hadn't even noticed it manifested before the second I looked away her blade struck my own, it was like some reflex. my arm moved on a second's notice, the same flame igniting in my heart, the cold blade shining briefly as my moves continued to try and evade her strikes. My body seemed to move less of my own accord and more of on pure instinct alone, I was confused and felt like I was out of my own body within those few moments.

The pressure of my mind attempting to keep up with her blistering speed wasn't the most optimal but it was all I could do, I would receive strike after strike just barely managing to keep myself together in those moments. I chose to go on the offensive to return said harm, bringing my cold blade I called out something I had no idea of even doing!

"Icy Burst!"

The blade glowed as a cold aura swooshed about into the air and colliding with her own, her magic seemed to hold out well despite the frost covering the blade. a massive gust of air coated the area before us as she herself coated herself in a shield meant to deflect the icy wind. I could scarcily believe in my own power, this was something I had no note of. What even was this magic? was this something to do with the flame in my dreams? something that was meant to be with me all this time? Or was this the discovery of my potential talent? For that moment all that their was, the cold air and the silence broken by the screeching metal as my blade met her own, she seemed to steel her own eyes at me, a bit scary if you ask me. Our two blades clashed once more, I pulled myself back and tried to evade the second strike, getting a cut across my cheek for it before her magic met my body, knocking the wind out of my sails throwing me to the ground.

Unfortunately, I had little time to recover, trying to get myself back up but that burning feeling of air flowing into my lungs was the last thing I could feel before a blade's blunt end crashed against my side. My first point of action was to get up, rolling onto my side I gripped my side feeling the air come back for a moment, proping myself up before she spoke again. Just as she began to speak, my vision became hazzy, my breaths became haggered and weak before it all went black.

End of chapter 5

Author's Note

Apologies for it being a bit shorter than normal, the idea for me is roughly 8-10k per chapter. I apologize if things have been a bit slow, I've just been doing other stuff! Also, if you have suggestions or any forms of critique, please comment below. Hope you enjoyed this chapter

Chapter 6: The Heart always fails when you need it most Part 1

Chapter 6: The Heart always fails when you need it most Part 1

Waking up, I could never really get used to this now could I? What was I doing this time? Looking to my side I noticed I was in my bed, just like the night before but noticed my horn felt weird. I felt weaker than usual if that made sense, it was like I was cut off from my main magic, I could just barely see things before me and tried to get up feeling someone lightly push back down on me. Looking up my vision just cleared, I could see something vaguely white like an angelic figure before me sat an Alicorn woman. The woman was an oddity, It felt weird to even say that she was off putting. There was nothing in her that could be seen as such, just a gentle soul. Her voice carried a pure authority that not even Daybreaker could fathom.

"You're one interesting child. You suffer in a body not your own, yet you try your best to defy the fate that you were dealt when arriving on this plane. Such an interesting child you have called upon, a lost soul, a former human and now the future friend of an Empress, your future is unclear even to one such as me, I see little reason to keep you long but I will aid you for the kindness you have shared friend." She waved one hand, my pain vanished in a second, the fresh feeling through my body welled up., my blade seemed to come to me in a moments notice he/she I wasn't truly sure, looked confused but smiled none the less.

The next few moments were all but a blur, but I can vaguely hear her words even now as I look out the window "You young ash, take care of your soul before you give your heart out, one cannot love and care for others without loving themselves first." Waking from my dream, shooting up from my bed, doctors rushed into the room and tried to ease me, but I was rather annoyed with this doctor crap. I was about to knock one of them out before bursting into the room was Autumn blaze followed by Chrysalis and Adagio, though in their disguises I hoped that Autumn couldn't see through them.

The bed's restraints had been coupled with a few mages on standby, I was more than miserable at this point stuck in this hellish form, this body not my own, a mind and land not my own and not to mention I still had no idea how to get home, I could feel those claws grip and tear at my mind with each passing day I was becoming....normal. I was becoming more pony than human and that terrified me, to the behest of some doctors reassuring me all I could imagine was the sinking feeling that this wasn't the truth and that this was all some dream once again. I could only imagine the bloody body I was getting more used to, the feeling that I would lose my humanity and worst of all lose my life. I can't begin to fathom this and yet my mind was rushed with it over and over time after time.

In my mind I could see it, not some flame nor some cold but a corpse of a thousand words. This corpse spoke no truths nor did it tell me a riddle but all it did was tell of my past, my mistakes, the burning reminders I sit with every day. The world around me turned to ashes, the flames of my mistakes burning bright with the hatred I felt. The world vanished in a puff of smoke, next was my turn and I could feel the burning sensations rise in and out of my gut. Today was the day wasn't it? That time when I became less than human. The cold feeling of the corpse beneath my hands, my hands clenched tight on the arm of the man below me, the paramedics urging me to let go from my friend and to let things be, I was the one who had to sit in the waiting room those moments almost an eternity following the second I could only bare to see the body of my friend, their lifeless corpse before me, twisted and mangled like nothing seen. I couldn't help but wonder if I was going mad, if this was a true problem or was it just in my head playing games with my soul?

From this moment forward my mind was a mess, I could barely tell what was even going on except that constant beeping sound. I could feel my heartbeat quicken and then shoot up drastically with my eyes opening, my body shuddered to life with my hands feeling more like a sheet of ice than flesh. I wasn't sure if that dream was even more a illusion than reality, what was the point in all this torture? I had to sleep in this body, bathe it, treat it as my own flesh and blood and nothing came from this only my own frustration, I hated my flesh.

From this reality, came the realization that I was stuck not just with this body but with this growing thing I could call my life, what would I do with this I wasn't sure but I had no idea how to go forward every door seemed closed just as before just as then and nothing seemed to fit. That damned reflection, I hated it. The same stallion that awoke in bed, going through the motions giving the same damned smile to those he considered his friends, those he grew to enjoy being around and those he wished to care for.

The next moments were all a flash before I found myself bound to the floor beneath me, stored I imagine deep underground by the feeling in the air alone the same feeling as a heatwave and rain mashed together. From the darkness a voice called to me but this voice sounded like me, Cadence, my friends, my family, everyone all at once its tone clearly annoyed yet passive "The universe dumps the soul of a future madman into my domain and expects me to grant you some sort of answer? Pfft, what rubbish those fools above claim to know of, you're no saint and I'm no devil, You child are merely a vessel for this soul you wield and for that you must be given the proper time to acclimate don't you think?" The black creature reached with one its gangly limbs, covered with blood and covered in blisters like a diseased animal. The hand grasped my head before my eyes clenched tight awaiting that swift end until a slice came, not at my throat or head but into my chest, from this tendrils of pure black grasped and pulled themselves into my body, the pain was unimaginable but yet I was alive by this mad being's design and chosen for this pasture.

The black hands of the mass pulled away, The hands this time vanished as it cackled, coughing in the midst of this laugh, the enjoyment clear in its tone as it spoke "Now? You're as cursed as those accursed "Immortal" Alicorns, you will see how fruitless your struggle is in this coming age friend, you will understand how it is to be like the bloody empress, the slayer of the moon, the world ender of the sun and the purple mare burdened with death's very touch. You will see how life cannot exist without sacrifice and learn the hard way your place in such a world my dear friend" The voice cackled once more, this time a large tongue I think slithered onto my face and lathered me with juices, pulling back and with a snap I awoke once again.

The words I heard, the swarming mass in my gut threatening to spill out before me? I couldn't comprehend the pain and yet all I could feel was the sneaking suspicion this wasn't the last time I would be tormented, there was much to come I imagine.

***

I could feel my day coming close, I could feel the cold touch of the blade before me, today was the day I'd "recovered" but I hide it well I hoped, I didn't want to burden those around me with this problem. A voice shot me out of my stupor, this one was as sweet as honey and just as enjoyable, Cadence. The radiant woman before me could only smile as she walked up to me I in return gave her a small smile she seemed to not notice anything wrong so I did my best to be the friend she wanted.

"How's it going Cadence? Hope you're having a good day, I'm sorry that I got out of the hospital again, Honestly I'm stumped as to why these things keep happening, feels like I should I hire a doctor to live with me at this point honestly" I sighed, shaking my head at this, she could only chuckle in response, before flicking my head.

"Oh don't pish posh it Eon, you're a human and as you have said this body is not one you're used to so who knows what the extent of your complications could be in the future?" She smiled brightly, good to see her being hopeful for her friend, wished I could have the same hope for myself sometimes. The two of us could only give each other a smile before something snapped her from her stupor "Oh yes! I did have something to do today and well I was going to ask if you wished to meet someone rather special to me, Here she comes actually, she can be so impatient sometimes!" The woman sighed, seemingly more amused at this than annoyed. Before long, a woman of rather astounding stature stood before me, like Cadence although very different than I imagined. She was a bright purple and although a good foot taller than myself she wasn't very imposing, she was covered in dazzling gems from head to toe in an odd attire, if I had to make a comparison it would be like something you'd see in one of those high school anime's.

The bright purple Alicorn looked rather confused at Cadence before speaking, she seemed young, younger than Cadence I think but honestly sounded older and give her more buxom frame I wouldn't be shocked if she was honestly. I preceded to create a bit of dialogue, I didn't like sitting in silence, especially with the days I've had "Oh well, Hello Miss I hope Cadence isn't too much of a bother, name's Eon, Cadence's royal friend if you will" I held out a hand to the woman but she didn't seem to grasp it but smiled none the less.

"Oh I've heard a bit about you but my name's Twilight, I'd never consider her a bother Mr. Eon she's been my best friend for ages now honestly sometimes I need her more than she needs me, I get a bit too into it as she sometimes says but I'm not entirely sure what she means by that"

Cadence rolled her eyes at this comment "Oh quit being so modest Twilight we both know you and your books have a special relationship when it comes to how long you've spent deep in them, honestly You should marry some of them the way you go into it" Twilight only groaned at this before her wings flexed.

"Quit it! I already have Izzy and Sunny to tease me about my schedule as is, I don't need you to and Its not a "Special relationship" I just love to read!" The alicorn seemed more amused than annoyed but the two seemed to bicker like sisters more than friends, it was cute honestly. It was kind of cartoonish how they bickered but that must've just been a trick of the eyes.

Turning to twilight she looked at me rather confused "So I'm hopeful this isn't rude of me but you're the only human right? When Cadence told me of such a thing I wanted to really see something like that for myself, I've never heard of your kind and I was hoping if you could answer a few questions for me if that's ok?" Being reminded of myself, didn't help my mood but I couldn't falter around them, not now nor ever. I nodded with a smile "Sure Miss Twilight, if you don't mind having some time out of your day today then I'd be glad to answer your questions."

She nodded excitedly and bounced a bit while shaking my hand with a bright smile, to which Cadence chuckled at the sight and I could only settle myself after being thrown around a bit much like a toy, after a bit of recollecting I couldn't help but feel this strange sense of sadness come over me, I wasn't sure but in a snap I made the choice to make a small excuse and leave.

I wasn't sure myself of what this was but what I knew was the reminders, the feeling that I'd never get home, that ache to see my family, my friends, my home. I was sure that over these past few weeks and nearly 4 months in I've become friends with Sunset, Starlight, Cadence and De Fluer to some extent but was I really sure about this life? My whole existence plucked into a magical land filled with beings I could never truly relate to, sure I wore their skin but I was never a pony, I was a human.

My mind was a mess and I knew it, I couldn't hope to keep my facade up forever, to play the friendly guy who welcomed and enjoyed the company of the staff, from my thoughts a clapping of shoes behind me broke me from my stupor before me was a smaller mare, long and pink hair full of locks to the very edges as she looked to me shyly I meekly responded "M-Miss? May I ask if you're alright are you lost?"

The mare seemed confused but only gave a tiny whisper "I'm not lost..." She appeared rather young, maybe a teenager? This mare was a confusing person to say the least, I sat in one of the chairs near the balcony I was at and awaited her to which she softly sat down as well.

"Miss I don't mean to barge but were you listening in on me and I'm sorry if you heard anything distressing please don't alert the staff or cadence I just...want to be left alone, I think, not really sure anymore...." She seemed to get the idea but rather than leave she gently spoke "I-I....I don't mean to barge as well Mr. but....well when I hear anypony who feels the way you do? I can't help but want to help them feel better...I'm not entirely sure myself but I'm more attuned to emotions than most and I just wanted to ask...a-are you ok?"

I wasn't sure if I wanted to answer, was I really ok? I knew in my heart that I wasn't and that I was more or less contemplating my own existence in this new land but was that really a bad thing for me? I wasn't sure anymore, not in the least confused about who I was or what I was in this new world and if my memories of my family and friends would remain or be replaced and I'd just be another pony. This would never be easy I'd imagine.

"I won't be unfair and say that I'm doing chipper if anything, I'm doing horrible. I'm lost in a land I don't know, I have no idea what or who I am, I don't know if I belong in this castle aided by those I can call friends, treated as a royal friend, I just don't know if I deserve such a thing as luxurious when so many have no means of money, friends, family or even a home."

We both sat in silence for a few moments before the timid yellow mare spoke "I'm not entirely s-sure what you're going through....you sound alone and in need on comfort but I can say this Mr?" To which I said Eon "Eon.....You may find yourself alone in such a land but you must believe that there is a reason you're here, any of us are here for one reason or another, I can't fix your problem and tell you everything will be ok tomorrow or the next day, I can only say that...you deserve what you've been given even if you don't believe it yourself. You deserve to live."

I sat with a lump in my throat, nodding, the smaller mare gave a small smile and promised we'd talk again if by chance again but she had to get back to her friend rainbow and make sure she wasn't destroying more of the Empress's gym equipment. I gave a small smile in return and a silent thank you, the mare nodded before departing and those words sat in my head for a while. I couldn't help but wonder if what she said was true, maybe I wasn't destined for luxury or some lavish extreme life but I deserved to live I was sure of....I just wasn't sure of what I am and who I was to be.

Maybe my day would get better, at least that is what I hoped. My name, what was that? Was it Eon or was it Alexander? Was my name just another piece of me gone to the wayside in this new world or could I truly be me? The stallion in the mirror or the human withering on the inside. During the day I began to wander the city, something of late I hadn't done and noticed a music night was going on soon at this pub nearby, It was interesting and all things considered one or two drinks wouldn't hurt with an excitement I had thought lost long ago I prepared myself for such a time. Cadence was a bit confused why I would want to go to a pub but I had told her it was just to get more used to the city as a whole, I couldn't be stuck in the castle all the time right?

***

When night came I was quick to get my Chrysalis and Adagio interested, they hadn't had a drink themselves in a while so we'd have a hang out tonight and I had a sneaking suspicion they'd be interested in what I had planned. From the moment we entered the pub I wasn't shocked at the crowd that had appeared but it looked more like a modern pub than something you'd see in those medivial tv show, clean bars and oddly nice staff and seemingly a happy group of people all around and tonight was the karaoke night and I wasn't the most outgoing but tonight i felt like I could say what I felt in a bit of a song and maybe people would like it?

I waited patiently and thought I wouldn't do it honestly, felt less courageous now that it was time but with a lump in my throat I got onto stage with those eyes watching me...I couldn't help but freeze up but that deep part in me seemed to get started.

So here we go, we're walking on
Side by side and arm in arm
I stand to count the disappearing dreams
But through the fog my friends are what I see

Fog seemed to accumulate around the stage without even me seeing it, almost like I called upon it at will but at the time all I could think about was telling how I felt, this other me seemed to be in the driver seat.

You're on the path that you seem to know
But you don't know where to go,
and from the darkness it seems to be,
that there's another me!

Chrysalis had mentioned that just as the fog peered from the room this sense of darkness and dread overcame some of the crowd some even seemed scared but all the more calm with the words from my mouth.

Just let it out, bloodthirsty shouts
You stab my heart when you let out those awful cries
stay with me, I want you to show me the world through your eyes
The answer that you wish to see
I have discovered that it was right inside of me
Learn the tactics and reach the end
You must learn to fly higher game!

Step after step, I try to carry on
But arm in arm together we are strong
I reached my dreams, and watched them slip away
But all my friends I found are here to stay

Adagio told me that a vague mirage of the empress, me, sunset, them, autumn and starlight all shimmered with brilliant colors flooding the stage beneath my feet.

I feel so lost, as I walk down this road,
even though its so familiar,
And from the darkness that is coming in,
another me is born!

Just let it out, bloodthirsty shouts
And let it pierce right through this small broken heart of mine
come along, I want you to see with your eyes instead of mine

Inside your heart, you'll find the truth
Nobody else can answer your questions for you
But only if our goal's the same
Can we win life's harsh cruel game!

Just let it out, bloodthirsty shouts
You stab my heart when you let out those awful cries
stay with me, I want you to show me the world through your eyes

With every mention of this other me, my world became more and more dim my eyes seemed to reflect this as Chrysalis noted my eyes turning a dark shade purple, like something else was in control entirely.

Inside your heart, you'll find the truth
Nobody else can answer your questions for you
Learn the tactics, and reach the end
You must learn to fly higher game,
So we can win life's harsh cruel game!

(Lyric by Aden Music for Kaiwata Sekabi)

The second the song ended, my world exploded back into view and I stood there rather confused myself until the cheers of the crowd blasting into my ear drums, it was rather embarrassing and even some of the mares giving me sultry looks did put me in a rather odd spot to say the least. Some of the staff even congratulated me on a well job done. From the crowd three...no four figures stumped me, Nightmare Moon, Daybreaker, Cadence and even that young lady twilight, clear as day and even as the crowds bowed the voice of the sun broke me from my stupor "I do hope that isn't all you have young one, I had my hopes up you'd be fumbling about but seems there is more to you than just being a friend to our empress of love~" That drew a flaming hot flush to my face, she had me cornered in just a few words and I wasn't sure what to do but as if by some unseen hand my eyes glazed over and that other me, took over.

La ta ta ta ta
We're in an endless fantasy

Wonder why I can't satisfy
Overnight, feeling like I'm dying
Everything is in my grasp, this world I hold it in my hands
I've got, I've got only my bones

In my vision, my own limbs looked like bones, boney fingers crackling together just nicely with a crunch or here the mood I hoped to set, one of despair and one of revere.

Oh, I'm crying to the darkest sky
There's no light in this lonely night
There's nothing I want no more
But even then somehow I
Can't stop getting all (oh)

To the fortress above, lies glory and gold
Soon we will watch as our future unfolds
Through all the ruins, I'll live like a corpse
I'll keep up this undying hope
Just give me more power

Roll the dice, we'll take a chance
And live out through this dance
Stuck in this endless nightmare
Madness keeps us in a trance
Give into all your sins and dance the night away
Even in our emptiness, our pride will stray
Ba ba da da da da

For this with one motion, I had seemingly drawn cadence to the stage she followed me in this dance to the amazement of the stallions and the ire of the mares, a quiet duo, one of grace and following the other in each others hand safe and alone, to some.

La ta ta ta ta
We're in an endless fantasy
La ta ta ta ta
Come on now hurry don't you see
La ta ta ta ta
We're in an endless fantasy
La ta ta ta ta
The ground is breaking beneath
I can't help from falling down

In my site, I can't see no life
Hold me tight, I won't be alright
If what I wish just won't come true
Then this is what I'll do
I can't stop getting mad, oh

Letting go of Cadence she seemed rather confused, my hands letting go of her waist softly she seemed a bit annoyed I had stopped before I softly put my hand up in a quiet manner, getting the motion she exited the stage quickly with the band in the background giggling like school girls.

I don't know how to be a king
I wander all over the world aimlessly
The dreams that I seek, all in my sleep
It's taking control over me
Don't give me more power

My horn shined brilliantly, flowing with power my beet red eyes flowing with pure magic from the expression alone some seemed a bit scared even as the cloak of magic formed over my body.

Close up your lungs cause' now we're gonna drown
Lose your mind to the madness, now we'll take the throne and crown
Come and we'll let waves wash us all away
Even if our pride and greed eats us we'll say
Ba ba da da da da

Even when there's a little chance of hope
It's so far away like the stars in my sight
I'm never gonna reach em but just know I'm gonna throw
My hand up to the sky

Just give me more power

Grab onto me and dance now endlessly
Chase after hollow hunger even when we're on our knees!

From the crowd, with a motion of my hand I brought them up with mere words alone, all of them cheering for a moment before I snapped my fingers and in my hands two dice fell onto a table as The voice in me continued.

Roll the dice, we'll take a chance
And live out through this dance
Stuck in this endless nightmare
Madness keeps us in a trance
Give into all your sins and dance the night away
Even in our emptiness, our pride will stray
Ba ba da da da da

La ta ta ta la
We're in an endless fantasy
La ta ta ta la
Come on now hurry don't you see
La ta ta ta la
We're in an endless fantasy
La ta ta ta la
The ground is breaking beneath
I can't help from falling down

(Hollow hunger: Lyrics by Dangle on Yt, go check him out bois!)

To emphasize my point I even fell off the stage, using magic to catch myself effortlessly. The crowd seemed quiet for a moment as I ended with some confusion and some with stars in their eyes, the crowd erupted into cheers with some shouting that I should settle down the Empress after that, that seemed to snap me out of it with a bright red flush on my face and repeated denial, despite my efforts I never saw those four, they seemingly left after my little performance. My night was filled with drinks and praise from both stallions and mares even some asking me to come by again. I would consider it, whatever was in me seemed satisfied for now but I wasn't sure if I had it in me to keep it going for that long again, my throat was a bit strained after all.

The morning after was a bit more lively than I expected with some glances from the staff who had seemingly heard of my singing and the fact that I had done the tango with Cadence with dozens to see, some gave me confusion and some gave me a bit of ire as if it was sacrilege to do so. To be fair I'd guess it wasn't a common sight to see royalty dance with the commoners but I hoped it wasn't much of a affair to Cadence.

The morning seemed more bright than I had expected, maybe what that young mare had said was coming to fruition. Maybe just a little at a time was all I needed. hopefully that pain in my chest, the feeling I got when before a storm would steer me the other way.

END of Part 1

Author's Note

Ok so I DEEPLY apologize for the lack of uploading, I completely understand if some of you find this chapter cheesy and as always any critique is welcome. I hope the little bits of romance are enough because going forward I want to develop this friendship between cadence and our hero deeper, not romantically but you'll see. Anywho I apologize for the lack of updates I've been busy and haven't had the best of motivation but some comments got me back into the swing of things!

Chapter 7: The Heart always fail you when you need it most Part 2

In the ancient ash of forgotten worlds, destruction wasn't a mere historical epoch but a calculated collaboration of the cosmos, leaving everything in ruins. My heart, then as now, failed to fathom the depths of this cosmic chaos. As I gaze upon the stallion in the mirror, questions gnaw at me—what lies beyond him, what he is, what he desires, and how my life has transformed.

Only a few days have passed since that fateful night in the bar, yet peculiar sensations pervade my senses. The heart, a mysterious force, manifests itself in my clammy hands, aching sides, and a restless mind. I can't shake this overwhelming feeling. The enigma lingers – why do I truly exist? My struggle against depression persists; I yearn to escape, to find a cure, to liberate this accursed form from the shackles of this wretched feeling. Yet, my entire being cries out for release.

Today, the illusion of liberation beckoned, or so I tried to convince myself. These relentless days felt ensnared in a pervasive despair, causing me to abandon my classes and fabricate excuses for my failures, even drawing a reprimand from Starlight. I couldn't find the courage to speak up, despite the concern evident in her gaze. My feeble attempts at addressing the issue remained futile, my voice ensnared in an unbreakable cage.

The claws of desolation never relented, persistently gouging into my heart. As I pen down these words, I sense their unyielding grip, pulling at the fragile threads of my mind, tearing through my feeble restraints and allowing that malevolence to seep in. Whatever was implanted within me remains a sinister force – violent, hateful, and resentful. Above all, it deems me a pest upon this world, a belief not entirely unfounded. I am an invasive parasite, driven by an inscrutable impulse to forge a new existence, one that could perhaps cleanse the stains of my past sins.

This alternate version of myself, or the "other me" as I dubbed it, wrought changes within me that surpassed mere pestilence; it birthed an entirely new persona. This entity communicated in tongues of fire and brimstone, its words unintelligible to my ears yet comprehended with eerie clarity. It harbored a fervent desire to mete out punishment to the wicked, akin to a deranged zealot. Endlessly, it expounded upon the sins of those in power – the bloody empress presiding over a nation of slaves, the mare in the moon leading a cult, the mare of the sun governing a nation of fools. He alluded to others, but their significance remained a perplexing mystery.

In the midst of his fervor, he revealed a desire to engage in a peculiar game, a "shadow game," where the stakes were singular and dire – nothing less than the players' lives.

Crimson orbs, akin to the sunset above my head, locked gazes with mine. Today unfolded like countless others – awakening to a pounding headache, adhering to the prescribed medication, and stepping outside only to bear witness to something scarcely believable yet all too familiar: the torment of the vulnerable.

From the shadows emerged wings of pure light, emanating a searing heat as they approached. A voice followed, declaring, "You will not subject them to a deadly game; you will release them this instant." The tone was cold yet commanding, eerily familiar. My alternate self appeared less than amused, retorting, "What would you wish of them then, goddess? Shall we throw them to the authorities, booking them for a crime that will never see justice served? Aid them on their way to…?" For what felt like an eternity, the two locked eyes in a tense standoff.

The stallions seemed to terrified to move, my other self only sighing as the shadows vacated their position. The stallions running off with some guards helping the mare up and into a medical tent near by, the mare of the shadows, that odd purple mare, the mare of the sun and cadence? what were they doing here? especially out in the open? my other self seemed less than fazed at this. "Oh, what a delightful surprise – the bloody mare, the devoted cultist, the vengeance bringer, and the mare who's too innocent to discern between foe and friend. All assembled just for yours truly. How utterly predictable, yet amusing."

***

I found myself unable to grasp the unfolding chaos, desperately imploring my alter ego to cease, to simply offer an apology and let go of this conflict, allowing it to fade away like transient dreams. I beseeched any deity within my mental reach, yet received no response, not even from the internal presence. Amidst the turmoil, Nightmare Moon voiced concern from the collective consciousness, questioning the sudden emergence of power in someone as inherently kind as me. "What magic could lead you to subject these stallions to a deadly game?" she inquired. My other self scoffed at the inquiry, dismissing it as nothing more than a jest. "A mere joke," it sneered. "You're toying with gods!" Nothing is infallible, weaker self."

"You appear quite invested in championing the cause of those stallions who laid hands on a mare. The poor girl found refuge in your guards, yet one can only speculate on the potential consequences had I not intervened. It's interesting to observe your greater concern for their souls rather than acknowledging the blemishes on your own, my old friend. Or should I address you as Luna?"

How did it....how? The words seemed to anger the four of them, Nightmare moon herself glaring daggers "How do you come by such knowledge? This should defy possibility, yet your understanding exceeds what my sister and I had envisioned. This does not augur well. Even your ally appears conflicted by your proclamations, Eon. Are you genuinely in control, or is there a deeper force at play?" My other self seemed more amused at her response than anything.

"My other self, right? He's merely observing events as they unfold, while I extended an opportunity for those stallions to amend their decisions. No stallion or mare is beyond the reach of justice, and what needs to be done will only unfold within a Yami no Gēmu. All will be unveiled within such games. You are no exception, and neither are the stallions who will wander these streets, haunted by the consequences of their choices." This other me, he spoke with such a revere I couldn't help but admire a little, taking little chances to let them override his words.

Daybreaker merely sighed "You mention my sister's name, a fact only a foal within my family would be acquainted with by now. Attempting to play out this little game with your crude notions of justice, you're not the Eon my fellow empress speaks of – nothing more than a feeble imitation." My other self seemed angry at this notion, before all goes black. Him. Me. Who am I?

"You mention my sister's name, a fact even a foal would be acquainted with by now. Attempting to play out this little game with your crude notions of justice, you're not the Eon my fellow empress speaks of – nothing more than a feeble imitation." Those words seemed to hold value to my other self, my weaker half, his mind a mess and with little negotiation I knew it better to hide for now, lest they find me. Things all must go black.

***

My head ached and my mind was a mess, something felt off. Wincing with every little grasp for air I awoke, this time in.....Cadence's room? Why was I here of all places? The air felt off, was this a magical barrier? I had been keen enough to know some spells by now and this seemed all too familiar but why? What had my other self done now? From the door came in cadence, looking rather annoyed, maybe at me or him I wasn't entirely sure, his actions were my own after all.

"Eon....what the faust was that show? First you display songs that not a musician in this world can play or renact in any way Then you go and trap those alleged criminals in some death game?! What in the world is going on with you! The doctor's have already relayed that your mind seems all over the place. You talked in your sleep in tongues I couldn't find the words to. Twilight couldn't even find the first inkling of a translation and she'd been working for 3 days already! Just....tell me what in the great heaven's is going on....please." That sweet tone, that gentle face, all things melted in my friends aura. I wanted to truly just tell it all but something held me back, maybe my sense of comfort to not confront it, maybe him working some strings, who knew really. I stayed silent.

She couldn't help but groan at this and for a while tried anything she could think of to get me to open up but I refused, ever bit of my will holding back the dam from breaking. For some time this would be a little bit of our own, she'd try to get me to open up and time after time it'd fail. Every ounce of my strength seemed to be in keeping this front going but why? I couldn't even remember how I ended up here! much less what I had done at the bar or even before? what did I do? My mind was a mess, riddled with nightmares, filled with this other force. Even my own actions were becoming more detached from my soul. Every last bit of the soul I once had was gone, maybe I wasn't me, maybe whatever did what had been done was me, who was he? what was he like?

"Very well. If you choose not to share, I regret to inform you that I've been granted authorization by the court and my allies to proceed. I am compelled to delve into your mind to discover firsthand the issues troubling you, my friend. I am committed to assisting you, even if you resist help." I could struggle against the magic holding me down but my friend's horn touched my forehead and then everything went black once more.

A gentle darkness.

a creeping light.

Parasites.

My self woke from his dream, now present in the maze that had become my mind, winding stairs and doors that led to nothing. She tried for some time did she not? going from the left door into that middle one, then the right door and the second right door. Seeing me must've made things more complicated but I would keep this safe. Even if you did not myself. This maze would keep our souls connected, keep them safe and more importantly shield you from the work that must be done.

"You're the one who wished to see me correct?" Before Cadence was not just some imitation, an exact copy. The only difference his once brown eyes now a piercing silver color. "What do you seek from this place? my other self does not wish to be disturbed and I would imagine invading the mind of your friend would be a dangerous prospect all its own. Maybe I'm wrong to judge you some good force in my life Cadence, invading the mind of your one friend you hold in high regard? What friend pries where she should not?"

Cadence looked to me with somber yet gentle eyes "You claim to be Eon, but your actions don't align with his character. Who are you truly, and why have you seized control of his soul? The games you intend to impose on the sinners won't rectify the issue you seek to address with justice."

"What do you understand about justice, bloody empress? You massacred an entire nation for your so-called 'greater good,' ruthlessly ending hundreds of lives over a minor disagreement with the former king. Sombra wasn't a fool; he saw through the kind façade you present." She glared and vehemently shouted at the man standing before her.

"Sombra was a fool! I believed it wiser to preemptively invade and quell the threat rather than allow it to fester. What were the Zebra's intentions? They possessed muskets, weapons of war, and their hatred towards ponies became increasingly overt. What was my alternative? Permit a reformed tyrant to appease these monsters, letting them trample on our people? I couldn't allow that to happen."

"Nevertheless, you executed him and countless Zeebras, creating a throne of blood. It's no mystery why your fellow empresses view you as a child. How else should one deal with a ruler consumed by bloodlust and hatred towards their own kind? You've become a petty tyrant, turning a blind eye to the plight of your people. You falsely reassure them that their struggles are over, justifying the massacre of Ponyville under the control of those Zeebra adversaries as a necessary sacrifice."

"My friend has nothing to do with my sins! allow him freedom from this darkness before it becomes worse, please save him, please free him, he's my only friend!-"

"You have no authority to command me; you're merely an intruder in a human mind, child. You claim to seek friendship, yet you evade accountability for your own transgressions. You're no angel, and neither is your friend; he's just a sinner striving to address his issues. While you seek retribution for him, you choose to bury your own past, disregarding the deaths you once held in high regard. You turn a blind eye to the pleas of the souls you've condemned for centuries. You're no empress; you're a petty child yearning for power." With a snap of his fingers, the world of shadows vanished from Cadence, with a yelp her horn backed up from the man's forehead, her horn singed with dark magic. She held herself, a shaky breath from her jaws echoed in the room as she gripped her garb tightly.

"If you're reluctant to accept help, Eon, then I won't force it upon you. But if this... entity wishes you down this troubling path, I can't idly stand by. I'll guide them, guide myself, and guide both of you towards the righteous path you aspire to find. Who is this spirit that has taken hold of your soul, Eon? What are its true intentions? Despite becoming my friend, I can't help but feel a sense of pity for you even now. I earnestly hope that, as friends, we possess the strength to see this through." She muttered these words to herself, gently holding her friend's hand as he shook and shivered deeply in slumber.

For a while, all I could manage was to vaguely clutch myself and absorb his words resonating within my soul. In this moment, a faint twinkle of light emerged, accompanied by impossible shapes and voices dispersing around me. From a wretched mass of bones and flesh, a shadow of pure black materialized, my blade coiled around his neck like a small necklace. He spoke assertively, "Begone, demons! This vessel, this alternate self, shall no longer be tormented by the malevolent entities of dreams and wickedness. You shall cease!" A golden glow enveloped both of us, and the world seemed to transition into a state of almost crystal clarity.

The world of white turned to a blanket of pure dream. My good life, my old life, My mom, dad, sister's Lily and Sage, my young brother Alexander and me. All happy in a cute little frame, I could feel it in my hands and could barely hold back the tears ebbing from my eyes. I just wanted home and this was the closest I could get. I could feel his er, my hand on my own shoulder "I think its best I name you right? Since we seem stuck together other me...how about.....Yami?" He only grinned at this, a sickening grin I might never get over yet one that felt all too familiar "Sure other me or Eon right? I guess that would make me Yami Eon huh? weird name for sure."

This other stallion, he was certainly strange. "Not that I was opposed to whatever we'd done...if I'm right anyways. Why do you seek justice? how do you even know of Cadence's past? I know I've only been her friend for a few weeks maybe 2-3 months at this point but I still worry about her a lot." He merely shook his head at this, seemingly more passive than his confident persona from before...how did I know that? "No other me, I do not know of her, only what has been recorded after all, I may be your other self but I am in no ways omnipresent, though that guess of Luna was spot on. I simply am for justice, that is my goal after all. Why or how is irrelevant in my eyes but what confuses me how we look the same. I was once not you, nor your soul's second half. Whatever brought this mix forth clearly was not regular magic and that remains a question best suited for another time it seems."

"Well you said this was magic so whatever brought me here, somehow mixed two souls into one, reminds me of this game back on earth but yea. Truth be told, I wasn't even sure this was all real, thought it was just another nightmare or visit from Nightmare Moon. Or for all I knew just my mind going insane, honestly not sure."

"Hm, I see. I can confirm whatever dreams have become an issue will not remain an issue forever though you must face them without me when the time comes my other self. We may bring justice but it is not a good or fun game. Justice is for the benefit of all even if your bloody empress wishes me to be locked up and thrown away."

"Why lock you up? From what I know, we haven't hurt anyone, just merely being around each other and existing in my-our body. What possible crime could we have commited to recieve such a punishment?"

"Your friend, be damned decided to intervene herself and cause more trouble for ourself, trying to pass judgement to our soul as if we were just another one of her court or her people, pitty she never gave me the chance."

I wasn't so much shocked as surprised, if this other me was to believe then she wanted to simply lock him away? I don't know why but that angered me. Maybe it was because at the time I was naive or maybe now I see things from a different perspective. Locking some soul away for actions that I-We committed was just wrong! If we were this unruly creature then surely a trial made more sense not just locking us into whatever cell she had.

"Ironically she tried to pass judgement, thankfully in this space all thoughts and memories are as free s the air. Seeing her sins wasn't an issue for myself but for her to pass such judgement when she hasn't faced even a sliver of the bloodshed? Childish and unfortunately for one with such potential."

I was every bit as confused with every word but I decided it'd be best to ask....me about this.

"You say she's a sinner and all this nonsense but why treat her harshly? sure she went into our mind without provocation or asking but what benefit would that bring us to lock her away? even if she was deserving of such of a fate, what in gods name brough you to the conclusion she deserved to be put into a life and death game?"

"Simple other me, she's no better. You may not see it now, but be wary. She's no kind empress nor is she some savior. No good deed comes about without some darkness, even I accept this. No empire is built from good intentions, not in all the history we've been privy to."

The flashes of black and white collided in this room, this place of dream and thought. My other self sighed at this notion before waving it off with a dismissive groan "It seems you're waking up, well other me, its been fun to talk for once but let me clear here, when I decide justice I am in control got it? Never again will you try to sway me from passing such judgements onto the sinners of this universe." Though I wasn't sure why, I agreed. Something in me told me I could at least trust him on that, well trust me on that. Still all so confusing. Within a moment's notice everything turned to sunshine, waking up in a fluffy yet comfortable pink bed I was shocked to find Cadence near the bed on a chair awaiting me while sleeping. Heh, she looked goofy like this to be fair.

I sighed in relief, making sure to be quiet to not stir her from slumber, things were just a mess now. I had this other self completely obsessed with his justice ideals, passing judgement, condemn my friend to some unknown fate worst of all, I didn't even know what I did to end up being judged like this! My mind was just some mess now and for once I couldn't be helped but feel some tears well up. Just what was my new life coming to? I spent days in the hospital, never practicing combat again, limiting my magic, embellished with some blade and stuck in a world I had no heads or tails on understanding!

If anything was right as of now was that I seemed to be in a better state of mind, things were a lot less confusing. I think. My mind didn't hurt, the nightmares seemed less now and to top it off I've got a voice in my head, I sound like some madmen to be fair. Just what was this all for? why send me here? why bring some dangerous justice obsessed psycho into the picture? Things may be different now, but if anything's going wrong its the fact I must learn to live with this...thing. Him. Whatever I wanted to call him.

I can hear her stir from her slumber and honestly I just want to rest for once, good nice sleep, sounds good really. I can already feel myself getting tired within the few words left on this page. I'll say that this life, is just the beginning of more crazy shit.

END of chapter 7

Author's Note

I apologize for taking so long with this, had too many rough ideas and holidays creeping up among many many other life problems. I will try to be more active but I think making the odd dreams and now "Yami" a more present force will be more fun going forward. Hope you all had a lovely holiday!

Chapter 3: Song of the Sirens, Plea of the Changelings. Desperate Humanity.

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.