Crystal Destiny

Chapters

The learning process
Find the silver lining
Meeting the princesses and a King
A wrench in the Kings plans
Of crystal and Shadow
Life on Nocta's Shadow
Return from Shadow
The Myth of the Empire returns
Weird dreams and a normal day in Ponyville
Friend to some, Nightmare to others
The Oldest and Newest Cadenza
My crystal heart beats for yours
Before the storm
Shadow and Crystal Unbound
A new Empires Foreign guest
Understand yourself, the rest is easy...Maybe?

The learning process

“This is weird, I’m not gonna lie Amore.” Jai said, walking alongside the Princess.

“Princess Amore, but yes I agree. Your circumstances are anything but ordinary that is for certain” Amore corrected. Jai after getting his clothes back had finally had a civilized talk about what he was and how he ended up in the Crystal Empire. Amore listened as the human had recounted the day before. From the sense of not belonging, to the old man and the ring he was given.

“I uh, also can’t take the ring off. So that's fun” Jai said sarcastically. Looking down at the ring on his left hand middle finger.

“A being from another world, with magic strong enough to throw my guards can’t take off a ring?” Amore teased looking at him. Jai rolled his eyes and bumped into Amore who scoffed in mock hurt. She looked at Jai and then craned her head upwards. It wasn’t something she had to do often, save for when her friend, Celestia, came to visit. It wasn’t unpleasant just… different; good different.

“I’ve been here a little over a week with no apology for the literal backstabbing I got. A few bruised sides and noses is the best you could ask for.” Jai shot, breaking the Unicorn's train of thought. A large crystal door at the end of the hallway signified their destination.

“I suppose so. Anyhow we are here, the Crystal Library. All jokes aside, is there anything else I can do to make up for the incident?” Amore inquired again. Ever since Jai had gotten out of his cell Amore had been more sensitive to the humans emotions. One reason was because she did truly feel bad for detaining and borderline torturing a being not from this world. The other reason was his magic, she didn’t know the trigger for it. Even if she was a unicorn his magic felt strangely volatile, yet familiar. She couldn’t put her hoof on it but she would just observe him for a while.

“Unless you’re going to help me with the eating meat thing no. The room, library access, and a tailor are good…I’ll get your side of the story later.” Jai responded as he walked into the library. He put his arm up and waved her off as he ventured off to find the books on magic. Amore shook her head pouting and walked back towards her office.

“He’s so frustrating to deal with. His poor mother must have quite the time raising him” Amore mused to herself. Running fake scenarios in her head of a smaller human running around, being a little menace to the household. Her thoughts then began to drift from his foal hood, to the thought of foals in general. ‘Maybe when Sombra is dealt with’ Amore thought upon entering her office.

“Your highness, news from the scouts has finally returned.” The elderly unicorn mare said. Amore jumped, she was so deep in thought that she hadn’t recognized her own advisor.

“Thank you Opaline. What news from the borders?” Amore asks quickly composing herself.

“Not good news, your highness. Seven of our eight scouts are heavily injured and Sombra’s forces are amassing just beyond the ravine.” Opaline explains. Among the rest of the report nothing else was out of place. The barrier was up, soldiers on standby, her citizens happy or at least as happy as they could be.

“All we can do for now is monitor the situation, dismissed” Amore said, sighing heavily. Opaline bowing slipped out of the office. The click of the door was all the Princess needed to slouch in her chain and grunt irritably. Stupid mad ‘king’ trying to invade and take what wasn’t his.

“One day at a time Amore, one day at a time” She reminded herself. Looking out of her window at the mountains in the distance.

“You’ve been here for two and half days, Jai. Come ea- argh SHOWER. I can smell you from here!” Amore shouted at the human. She had been wondering what he had been reading for the past few days. When she dropped by the first time the Librarian was cautious of the foreign guest. When she dropped by the second day she saw the Librarian leaning against the human using her wings to point and explain. This time she smelled him before she saw him.

“Your highness please don’t yell” the Librarian pleaded. The dark circles under her eyes thicker than usual.

“Sorry QuillHeart, but one he smells and two why haven’t you slept?” Amore inquired using her magic to pinch her nose.

“Well per my contract as long as somepony is in here I cannot close the Library. Also your highness, he’s had a lot of questions.” QuillHeart said exhaustion was clear on her face. Yet she didn’t appear upset about this at all.

“You don’t seem too upset about it. Might I ask why?” Amore inquired genuinely curious. She had seen them sitting together but the teal Pegasus was nice to every pony.

“Not at all your highness, he was excited to learn and listen. He took notes, and asked so many questions. Some even I hadn't thought about.” QuillHeart said, humming in satisfaction and adjusting her glasses.

“Well I will be taking him with me, he smells and he needs to eat-” Amore began to say.

CRASH. THUMP, THUMP

The sound of a lamp falling and books hitting the floor startled the two mares talking. They each exchanged glances before hurrying towards the source of the noise.

“Heart, I’m fine just knocked a few things on the shelf over don’t stress- oh hey Amore” Jai said looking over towards the two mares. Amore was shocked to say the least at what she saw before her. The human had managed to get basic levitation down for a couple books. As soon as Jai looked away the two books fell with the rest of the mess on the floor.

“Didn’t you tell me magic isn’t native to humans?” Amore asked, eyebrows raised.

“I did and that’s true, your advisor was there the entire time remember? But Heart here explained pretty well how to get started. I’m already so far behind everyone else so this isn’t that impressive.” Jai admitted rubbing the back of his head.

“While true, understanding magic while not being native to it is still impressive.” QuillHeart happily chimed in.

“QuillHeart I hate to do this to you but could you clean this up? It's time for him to go now.” Amore said. The librarian knew that tone of voice and hurriedly nodded. The princess was no longer asking, most only knew of her kind and caring demeanor. Her closer staff knew better than that however and did their best to stay in her good graces. Quill did not know what she had done wrong, but it was best to just go with the flow.

“But I was just getting it down!” Jai whined in protest following the Princess out of the library.

“Feel free to come back anytime,” QuillHeart said. Which she regretted instantly when the Princess turned to glare at her. Did she really do something to irritate the princess? She did drop the human in her library unannounced and she didn’t complain. The confused librarian shrugged and began to clean up after the human.

“Grumpy much? I figured you would have been happy to have me occupied.” Jai remarked sarcastically. Amore said nothing which made the human uncomfortable. The two walked in silence down multiple hallways. Jai finally smelling himself grimaced and understood why he needed to leave the library. He hadn’t showered in a good while and it was not pleasant.

“Here. You are to borrow my bath until we build one that is big enough for you.” Amore said, waving the human inside.

“Got it. I take it, the replacement clothes are here?” Jai Inquired before he entered. Amore nodded and pushed the human into the bathroom.

“They are inside, leave your smelly clothes by the door. I will have a maid come and collect them” Amore stated, turning to leave.

“Thanks, Amore ‘preciate it!” Jai thanked her happily as he began to run the hot water and strip.

“Princess Amore” She corrected again. The Princess turned back and stared at the silhouette for a moment and then hurriedly left the room. Why was she fixated on the human? Why did she care how close he was to QuillHeart? Was she jealous of the librarian for getting to spend quality time with him? No, there’s no way she was jealous for even a moment. They had just met a week ago. Sure he was interesting, and quirky, but no more than that… right?

“You want to train with us?” Rockhoof asked again tilting his head. The human had been in the empire for about a month and a half now and was relatively well known. More for being a night owl and magic addict than anything, but not a major problem. Well not a problem to the civilians; he was a pain to the Princess and himself primarily.

“Rocky I need the exercise. I can’t just sit in the library all day. I think I made Amore mad at poor QuillHeart so let me join you, PLEASE.” The Human pleaded.

“Why can’t you be considerate like that to me.” Rockhoof complained. Jai booped the guard who jumped in surprise and then grumbled.

“You and Heart are both big ol’ softies but she’s a librarian. I’d feel bad if I pestered her.” Jai said, throwing his hands up and shaking his head. A vein appeared above Rockhoof’s brow as listened to the human speak. Him a ‘big ol’ softy?’ As…bucking…if.

“Fine, join us when you get up tomorrow. We’ll be waiting for you. Now if you will excuse me” Rockhoof said smiling. He felt bad for the soldiers, but this was going to be hell week until the human quit. This Rockhoof promised, no this he Vowed.

“Thanks Rocky!” The human called behind him. The soldier only waved a hoof in passing as he continued his patrol shift around the castle. Jai, turning on the spot, jogged towards the kitchen and poked his head in.

“Brule? Are you here?” Jai called out. The other cooks looked at the door and laughed before nudging a large green earth pony in the back.

“I hear ya, sourdoughs on the counter take it and git’ gone” Crème Brule yelled in mock irritation. Jai levitated the loaf over to himself and laughed.

“Thank ya kindly sir” The human retorted, bowing deeply and then jogging off towards the courtyard. He had raided the kitchen enough times to get acquainted with the staff. First they were irritated that their ingredients had gone missing. Then they ignored him when he showed up to cook his own meals. After about 3 weeks they paid attention to how he cooked his eggs, toasted his bread, and cooked the fish they imported for him. Eventually they all started to get along when Jai would bring the ingredient shipments himself. The head chef had taken a liking to the human since he didn’t have to cook for him. Eventually the staff chose to cook for him since he wasn’t stuck up like the nobles that would visit.

“Grey skies, cool air, and the best bread I’ve ever had. Magic practice starts now!” Jai said excitedly, running into the castle courtyard. There was a large willow tree in the center of it, and it had become his new favorite spot. Primarily since the tree was not made of crystal, which was a nice change of pace. Eating half of the loaf Jai then sat at the foot of the tree and crossed his legs. Setting the other half in his lap he closed his eyes, and put his hands together interlocking his fingers.

“Just like when we got here. This is my territory; nothing in, only out” The human muttered to himself. Magic slowly gathered around him forming a thin layer of magic. The magic flowed counter clockwise in a steady stream. As each moment passed, the magic took the shape of a sphere as it flowed.

BOOOM

“My territory; only out, nothing in.” Jai repeated as droplets of water began to slowly fall. The sound of rain coming down around him filled his ears. However the rain that made it through the branches of the willow did not fall on his head. The water moved with the magic around the human as he continued to mutter the same thing over and over again.

“Only out, Nothing… Ugh.” Jai groaned, grabbing his head. The water suspended around him fell to the ground and onto his clothes, along with rain he was getting thoroughly soaked. Maintaining the sphere like he did when he ended up at the Castle was his goal yet there was something missing.

“Goddamn, whatever, maybe Amore or Heart can help me out. If basic levitation is all I can do after almost 2 months I’m going to be so mad” Jai mumbled to himself quickly getting up and running back inside.

“Forget about today's forecast I see?” A now familiar voice called out from down the hallway.

“You don't miss an opportunity to be a smartass, huh Amore?” Jai retorted, still holding the left side of his head. Amore looked the human up and down. The fabric clinging tightly to him revealed a frame that lacked muscle definition but not unattractive. Attractive? Why was attractive where her mind went?

“Princess Amore” The princess stated, trying to pull her head from thoughts of the human. Her cheeks flushed as she shook her head, much to Jai’s confusion.

“You uh… Ok? You look a little pale, are you sick?” Jai asked, approaching the Princess.

“Don’t come any closer, I’m fine! I need to um, draft a letter to Canterlot I will see you later bye!” Amore exclaimed, slowly backing away then running from the human. What was wrong with her? Certainly Celestia could help her navigate her confusion right?

“Meant thank her for this fish. I don’t smell that bad though, do I?” The human asked no one in particular as he watched the Princess of the Crystal Empire, the standard of beauty and grace, haul absolute ass away from him.

Author's Note

Our human still hasn't gotten his apology, Amore hun... tf's going on? Well I guess everyone (pony) is learning new things about each other. And boy... Rocky is gonna have good lesson on the indomitable spirit of the human hehe. :rainbowwild:

Chapter 3 Preview: Will be fleshing out our resident human's familial background,
As always if I missed something or got hoofs/hands mixed up (again) let me know! I stay up late and miss stuff too lol. Anyway Stay blessed!

Find the silver lining

“Captain please, we don’t know what we did but We’re SORRY!” A private gasped. The Crystal guard had a mandatory hell week once a year and was usually less than a week. For some reason Rockhoof the captain of the guard had begun hell week early, and not only early but for longer than a week.

“It is no longer a punishment, this is a matter of principle” Rockhoof stated, his gaze not wavering. He was watching the human drag 2 of his guards up the hill. The rules for hell week were simple really. Unicorns no magic unless sanctioned, Pegasus no flight unless sanctioned. As the human didn’t have wings the only rules that applied to him were magic.

“Hah, jeez, hah. Rocky this is way worse than my gyms at home. Jeez” Jai managed to get out in between breaths. The armory, and tailors fashioned him a set of half armor. He had a purple chest piece, and metal boots and thigh plates.

“You are welcome to quit anytime human.” Rockhoof quipped smirking at the human. Jai rolled his eyes and released the ponies he was dragging and stretched out his arms and legs.

“And leave you without my presence I think the hell not!” The human retorted glaring down at the orange crystal pony. Only looking away because why the hell were these ponies so shiny? The sun beat down on the remaining guard as they attempted to trudge up the hill, the last obstacle in their marathon.

“After this, we have a 5 minute break, into sparring. Then you will run around the castle until sundown,” Rockhoof announced. Groans and grunts of disapproval came from the guard as they sat exhausted.

“Well, shit I was gonna give up but Rocky wants to be an ass,” Jai muttered to himself.

“Oh, and those who finish top 4 in sparring do not have to run and will have the evening off. DISMISSED,” Rockhoof shouted smugly before heading towards the sparring field. Rockhoof figured if he couldn’t get the human to quit during exercise, then he would rig the sparring. Colts going against my best poor bucker, he thought.

“Aight lads, lets get on over there lest we have to run for being late!” Jai exclaimed. This elicited more grunts and groans but the ponies all got up and followed the human. How the heck is he still fine after all of this? A majority of ponies thought; a small sliver of admiration forming in their minds.

“ATTENTION!” Rockhoof yells. The crystal guard all scramble from the messy group they jogged in, to a neat line. The sparring center was about half the size of a football field and was split into 4 quarters from there. Jai looked around and saw bleachers, lining the area around each section.

“You will be divided as you can see, Undefeated or first place in each block does not have to run. Put on a show for our citizens. Let them see we are strong!” Rockhoof proclaims. The guard stomp their hooves and Rockhoof starts going down the line assigning sections.

“So what are the rules here? No magic still?” Jai asked when Rockhoof got to him. The captain smiled at the human.

“Use whatever you need to do to win, just don’t kill anypony. Now go to block 1 and uh, good luck” Rockhoof responded moving down the line once again to assign the rest of the guard. There was no way this hairless thing, albeit nice, was going to avoid running, Rockhoof thought laughing to himself.

“Aight Rocky, thanks” Jai said happily. He finally got to use magic practically during training. Granted he could have quit training a while ago. He had a good workout plan from the guards, and magic from QuillHeart to practice. However for some reason, he felt the need to go until he couldn’t. Whether he was crazy or determined it didn’t matter too much to him. Arriving at his block he looked around and saw the stands around his block filling up more than the others.

“Woah, this side seems a little stacked eh?” Jai mumbled. Not expecting a response he jumped when a soft voice spoke behind him.

“W-w-w-we have all of the winners f-f-from last year,” the meek voice sputtered. Jai looked down to his right and saw AquaBolt, a teal earth crystal pony. He was in all honesty one of the nicer ponies to him. Even if he was an extreme pacifist and even more skittish than everyone else was.

“That’ll do it, well looking at the schedule, I’m up second so Imma go warm up. Later Aqua~!” Jai sang as he began to walk towards the ring before Aqua ran in front of him and stopped.

“I-I like you so I'll tell you. Forfeit if you c-can” the teal pony stammered, unable to look Jai in the eye.

“And why would I do that, hmm?” Jai asked, turning around to face the bundle of nerves. AquaBolt closed his eyes and took a few moments to gather his thoughts. Opening his eyes he met Jai’s own for the first time since they had met 2 weeks ago.

“Because, these guys are cruel. They send other guards to the infirmary just because they are in a bad mood. It’s just-” Aqua stops as Jai puts his hand up to stop him.

“I get that but as of now, they have done nothing to me. I’m no hero or altruist but I also have the itch to use my magic.” Jai said, shrugging his shoulders.

“But what if-” Aqua whined. Only stopping due to the petting he was receiving from the human.

“Thanks for the concern. It’s…new to me” Jai stated, laughing at the confused ponies facial expression. Hearing dull thuds and the cheering getting louder Jai figured the first match was almost done. Looking into the stands he saw a familiar face in the crowd trying to not be noticed. A disguise he had been the victim of a few times in the castle, Amore using magic to appear as a shorter paler maid. Waving to get her attention she freezes and holds up her hoof locking eyes with him. Amore then slowly draws her hoof across her neck and shakes her head.

“Don’t rat me out or you’re dead” the princess mouths before walking off and finding a seat. Jai rolls his eyes and heads to the edge of the ring. As he approaches the match ends as one of the guards is thrown over the edge.

“BY RULE OF OUT OF BOUNDS, THE WINNER IS JADECOMET!” The announcer bellows. Cheers erupt as he waves to the crowd smiling from ear to ear.

“NEXT UP, THE GUEST HUMAN, JAI YOUNG” The announcer states. As Jai hops into the ring, whispers flood the stadium.

“What is that thing?” A mare asks.

“The princess had it in the dungeon last month I heard” Another chimes in.

“I think it’s her pet right?” A stallion snorting.

“WIN THIS JADECOMET!” A voice screams from the back of the stands. More ponies start chanting as the human gets closer to the center of the ring to start the match.

“So the reason we’re in hell week is here. Sorry about this I’m just really angry about that, don't give up too soon ya hear?” JadeComet mocks. Jai had been subject to a lot during his time on earth. From abusive parents, fake friends and family, being homeless and worst of all being torn from his new start at life.

“Ya know…no hard feelings. I’m not in a good mood either” Jai responded coldly. The judge backs up and counts down. JadeComet had this whole thing planned out; rush him, tackle him and throw him out. No sweat since he was so skinny that he’d probably just break, the stallion thought snickering to himself.

3…2..1. TWEEEET. The referee’s whistle goes off. JadeComet rushes Jai and makes contact with the human.

“Too easy like the.. wait a minute-”The dark green stallion is stopped inches before he made contact with Jai. Looking up, his eyes meet the humans gaze. Jai’s grey eyes boring into the stallion's soul making him shiver and back up immediately.

“You already lost dude” Jai stated, slowly walking towards the stallion. JadeComet sneered at the comment and braced himself for a heavy impact. He waited, and waited as Jai drew closer and closer. Until Jade is lifted up slowly in Jai’s magic and dropped out of the ring. Comet just looked around and then to the announcer who was just as shocked.

“IN AN ANTICLIMACTIC WIN, JAI THE HUMAN HAS WON VIA OUT OF BOUNDS” The announcer states to a silent crowd.

“Next, I got what…seventy to seventy-five of you to beat. I need practice.” Jai announces.

“BOOO!” Several voices echo.

“Fight like a stallion, give us a show!” A stallion screams. Several screams of approval follow soon after. Sighing the human shrugs and turns to the next stallion entering the arena.

“Fine if they want a goddamn show, REF starts this shit. Now.” Jai commanded as the referee jumped back and blew his whistle.

“You wont get me like Jade you cheater!” the unicorn says confidently. Jai smiles, sticking his right hand out to his side. His magic taking the form of a golden short sword.

“Don’t need too, Limit testing time!” The human says rushing the guard, throwing the sword. The guard dodges and shoots a beam of magic at the human. He falls to the dirt and sees his magic stuck in the ground behind the guard.

“You’re done now!” The guard charges up another magic shot and aims at the prone human. Smiling Jai sticks out his left hand and the sword comes flying back towards him hitting the unicorn in the back of the head. The spell fizzling out as the guard yelped. Taking the opportunity Jai gets up as fast as he can. Sprinting towards the Unicorn he throws a punch.

THUMP! The punch connects square in the side of the guard's face.

“Jesus Christ, why is your skull so hard?” Jai complains holding his hand.

“JAI THE HUMAN WINS BY KO!” The announcer yells. Looking at the guard on the ground Jai smirks. He turns to see the disguised Amore in the crowd with her hooves over her mouth. He gives a thumbs which causes the mare to giggle. Taking a deep breath he turns back to see the next guard raring to go.

“Ooh boy this might be harder than I thought” The human admits taking a ready stance before the next match begins.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU GIVE UP WHEN THEY BROKE YOUR ARM??!!” Amore scolded.

“I uh, don’t have an answer for that. Not yet anyway” Jai responds looking up at the ceiling of the infirmary. He’d done pretty well for himself despite breaking his left arm in half. He’d really made the ponies watching his matches plot on his demise. They all stood in solidarity when the last 15 matches rolled around. He had tried to slide and got stuck in a mud spell and in defense from a follow up spell. Although he did win by throwing some small but dense magic at the unicorn. He had to retire from sparring with his injuries.

“For Celestia's sake you were going to keep going if I did not intervene-” Amore yelled before stopping. Jai, using his spare hand, reached out and gently pet Amore.

“This is the first time anyone err… anypony, has cared enough to scold me. Thank you” Jai said happily. The mare didn’t say anything, she just blushed lightly and leaned into his hand. It felt nice to say the least, and he seemed to have learned his lesson so there was no harm. Although there was something bothering her.

“The first time? What about when you were home?” Amore inquired. This made Jai tense up and stop petting her. Did she say something wrong? Her worries were put to rest as soon as they surfaced as he continued to rub her head.

“I uh, didn’t have the greatest time at home. I argued with my mom and dad a lot. They wanted me to be just like my siblings. Perfect grades, best at their sport, and a lot of friends.” Jai explained. Amore just sat next to him listening to him talk.

“Every time I didn’t meet their expectations, they’d yell and tell me I wasn’t their son. I was a failure. They’d ask why I couldn’t be more like my older siblings. So I was relieved to finally move out” He finished.

“Well, you certainly did ‘Move out’ that is for certain” Amore quipped. The human laughed until tears formed in his eyes. What she said wasn’t all that funny, but the sheer absurdity of being in another world in a relatively comfortable situation with someone else. It was nice to say the absolute least.

“I’ve taken enough of your time Amore, Don’t you have other things to do?” Jai asked. Amore shook her head and looked at Jai smiling.

“Nope! You are stuck with me until the doctor gets here, and she has other patients around the empire. So get comfortable~!” Amore sang. Jai groaned in mock annoyance at her words. Well maybe taking a break from training wouldn’t be so bad right?

"Whatever, enough about my childhood tell me about yours" Jai demanded. The mare feigning ignorance held a hoof over her mouth.

"My my, I never would have thought you were interested in hearing those pointless stories" Amore said, holding back a giggle.

"Well if YOU don't you have a nanny somewhere in the castle that just looooves tea at 2pm?" Jai asked sarcastically. Now it was Amore's turn to groan in annoyance.

"Fine. I'll tell you where do I begin?" She mused thinking about where to start. Jai laughed as her face scrunched up trying as she thought. Yea I could get used to this he thought as he listened to Amore begin her stories.

Author's Note

Sometime you have to pick and choose your battles, Jai hasn't learned the "pick" part. Someday he'll learn

OKI thanks for reading, if I missed something as always lemme know!
Chapter 4 sneak peak: The threat to the empire ,and guest to the Crystal Empire! Now good or bad is the question :3
I know I wanted to add the guest for this chapter but I didn't think this was the right place. So this coming week chpter 4 and 5 will hopefully be less set up and introduction <3

Meeting the princesses and a King

“Sho they’re yur fwiends Amore?” Jai asked, his mouth full of rice and crab. He hadn't had a decent meal since he'd been transported here. Thankfully Amore had managed to get into contact with the griffins and trade with them. He'd have to do something nice sometime for her he thought while eating.

“How many times do I- Ugh! Yes, they are Jai” Amore said, trying to be angry with his lack of manners. However, her control over her smile weakened, causing Luna and Celestia to giggle into their hooves.

“It is nice to meet you more professionally. We spoke a couple of nights ago but I will reintroduce myself. I am Celestia Princess of the Sun,” The alabaster Alicorn said across the table.

“And I am Luna Princess of the Moon, her sister,” The royal blue alicorn said. Jai nodded in acknowledgment of their reintroductions and continued to stuff his face. Amore sighed as she noticed her friends were waiting for a response from the human. Amore nudged the human and cleared her throat.

“Mmmhmm” Jai said, swallowing hard. “I got it, I got it, Jesus. Let me enjoy the food. It's been MONTHS since I’ve had real food.” The human said glaring at the crystal princess. Amore just sighed and used her magic to clean a couple of grains of rice from the corners of his mouth.

“Yes that is nice and all, however, my friends are here. At least use the manners I taught you” said Amore giving the human a pleading look. Jai rolled his eyes and set his fork down. Turning his attention away from Amore and to the Princesses that sat across from him.

“I am Jai Young, a human from earth. No, my last name has nothing to do with my talent. I greet you on behalf of the one who sent me here.” Jai said, getting up and giving a slight bow before sitting again.

“Thank you now you ca-” Amore said before she stopped upon seeing the human dig back into his food. She was so happy that he had remembered everything she said to him. From the little joke to the polite bow. She was very annoyed however with how he ignored every pony around him and ate. She couldn't win them all she thought, sighing to herself. Celestia and Luna smiled as they watched their friend grin helplessly at the human eating his meal.

“You two are almost like a married couple” Celestia mused using her magic to take a sip from her wine. The human hearing this choked on his food. Which caused Amore to give a panicked look towards Celestia before patting the human on the back.

“OW, I’m fine stop hitting me so damn hard!” Jai said, swatting the hoof pounding his spine away.

“Sorry, Sorry I didn’t want you to choke an-” Amore began before Jai put his hand over her mouth. A muffled explanation came from behind his hand as he looked at Celestia.

“Please don’t say things that are going to gross out the Amore. I’m positive a hairless bipedal creature is not on the list of royal consorts” The human said indignantly. Amore continued to talk behind the human's hand before she realized he was now looking at her. Her face turned red as she quickly stopped talking. Jai removed his hand and turned back to the Princesses on the other side of the table.

“I apologize if that joke was in poor taste. My sister's jokes often come at some pony's expense” Luna said apologetically.

“Yeah, I’m not sure what she's thinking but I’m done eating, so I’m gonna head out first,” Jai said annoyed, tidying up his space at the table and exiting the room. Amore watched as he left and as the door closed her face saddened.

“Why did he leave?” Amore asked, confused. Her mind had been elsewhere with the human’s hand, his smell on her face.

“A joke in poor taste. I did not think of him as much different than us. My jest seems to have hit a sore spot and for that, I will have to apologize later” Celestia said. After a few moments, Amore’s brain finally caught up.

“Ah! Shi- I’m going to go talk with him. I hope he isn’t angry…” Amore said abruptly, getting up from her seat and leaving the dining hall after Jai. Luna tilted her head at her sister but said nothing. Knowing what her sister was going to ask of her in 3,2,1~

“Luna would you be a dear and-” Celestia began

“Yes, sister I will. The price is a night shift off this time” Luna said not lifting her gaze from her salad.

“Deal! You’re the best” Celestia said as she too dug into the rest of her food.

“Why am I so upset by that? Ahh I should apologize or something.” Jai thought as he hastily walked to his room. He didn’t really understand why he felt embarrassed by what Celestia had said. He could have poked fun at the crystal princess like usual but this time was different.

“Goddamn what's wrong with me,” Jai groaned, running his hands through his hair as he got to his door. He pressed his palm to the door and let his magic flow. Click! The door unlocked and he twisted the knob and entered. Maybe a shower would clear his mind and let him reorganize. After letting the water run, and steam build up Jai got into the shower. The sound of running water against tile filled the bathroom. The hot water elicited a relaxed hum from the human closed his eyes and began to think.

“I've been here what…almost a year next week? Let's chalk this up to hormones and magic and-” Jai flinched, his eyes shot open.

THUD THUD THUD

Someone was banging on his door like their life depended on it. Probably a maid checking to see if he’s in here.

“Doors unlocked come in” Jai called, stepping out onto the cold tile floor. He looked at himself in the mirror and used a hair tie on the sink to put his hair in a bun. He’d just tell the maid to come back another time. He wrapped a towel around his waist before he began to brush his teeth. Now where was he …ah magic and hormones right. It's gotta be the changes since being here.

“Shince they chalk I guess I forgat aren’t hooman” Jai mumbled as he continued to brush.

THUD THUD THUD!

The knocking at the door got louder and more aggressive. Jai groaned in annoyance as he spat and rinsed out his mouth.

“DOORS OPE- oh for the love of.” Jai yelled before giving up. He wiped off the toothpaste in the corners of his mouth. Leaving the bathroom he swung the door open and looked down annoyed. Then his expression softened as he saw her, Amore.

“OH I’M SO SORRY! I CAN COME BACK LAT-” Amore stammered in a frenzy. She had been rehearsing what she was going to say to the human. She was going to first apologize, then ask him if he was ok. Finally she was going to ask him to join her for a walk to help him relax. All of that however went out the stained glass windows when she saw him in his towel. The steam coming off oh his brown skin, the water running off his face and down his cheek.
“-ore? …AMORE?” Jai asked, waving his hands in her face trying to get her to focus.

“Oh, ummm I-is everything o-ok? Y-you left so abruptly.” Amore stammered out. Her composer slowly returning to her.

“Oh, yeah I’m fine just uhh was full. I got tired, that was all, don't worry I’m ok.” Jai reassured, scratching the back of his head.

“Well would you like to join me on a walk?” Amore asked, looking him in the eyes best she could. Jai sighed and shook his head at her.

“Not tonight, It’s not a good time and besides I’m not wearing clothes at the moment” Jai said, giving a soft laugh. Amore blushed again and turned to leave. He knew he should walk with her or talk for a bit but he was feeling off.

“Another time then, I’ll see you tomorrow” Amore said walking away.

“You always do” The human replied smiling before closing his door and changing into shorts. Jai looked at the desk in his room by the window and sat. Flipping on the desk lamp he pulled a journal from the top drawer.

“Where do I even start for a journal entry?” Jai mused to himself before recounting the last few days. He dipped the quill he was gifted into the inkwell and began to write. After a few hours he looked over and read the wall clock, half past midnight.

“Let's call it there and…YAWNNNN~ head to sleep” Jai said stretching his arms out and turning the lamp off. He walked over to his bed and flopped onto it. He didn’t even bother trying to get under them. He would find his way there eventually, maybe?

“I see Princess Amore will just let any riff raff into my castle these days” A low voice said. It sounded like it was just above him. He was dreaming so he didn’t need to respond, Jai thought. Until he felt something tapping the side of his head.

“Jesus Christ who is it and why are you bothering me this lateeee” Jai groaned in irritation sitting up. What he saw when he sat up confused him. A pitch black mass of smoke with glowing red and green eyes.

“Is it considered bothering you if you are in my Castle?” The voice said, sneering at him.

“Yours? This is Amore's castle. Before anything else who errr-what are you and why are you bothering so late?” Jai said, rubbing his eyes and looking around.

“Yes mine, I am the king of this castle Sombra, an Umbrum and the most powerful one at that.” Sombra said proudly.

“Uh huh… and why are you bothering me?” Jai asked again. The voice scoffed at the human's attitude but quickly let it go.

“I’ll have you know I have selected thee as my next vessel. Be proud to serve your king” Sombra said. Jai could have sworn he could see the smile within the black smoke cloud when he heard that.

“Next vessel? Mr. all powerful needs a new vessel?” Jai said, mocking what he’d just heard. He was in all rights confused as hell.

“Betrayal is common, betrayal via Umbrum is a way of life. Those that harmed me not finishing me however will be their greatest mistake.” Sombra said, spite oozing from every word.

"And why me specifically?" Jai asked tilting his head to side.

"Our magic affinities while opposite are compatible. So until I can regain my former strength and form you will do" Sombra said.

“Mhm now, hear me out counter argument.” Jai said, holding hand up and yawning.

“Speak.” Sombra said, eyes narrowing. The two stared at each other in silence for a few minutes before the Sombra spoke again.

“Your counter argument, hairless minotaur?” Sombra questioned.

“No, that was all I was saying. The silence should be an answer” The human said laughing. Sombra roared in irritation.

“You insolent little-” Sombra said before enveloping the human's head in smoke. The smoke seeped into his pores, eyes, and nose. For a moment Jai felt nothing, then he felt everything. Every hair, tendon, every muscle contraction.

“Ah. the hell is th-” Jai paused before coughing. His lungs burned, his head felt like it was splitting in two. He heard Sombras voice bellow in his ears.

“§ÚßMÌ† †Ö MÈ! §ÈRVÈ MÈ" Sombra’s voice rang in his ears.

“GAHH get out of my head you fu-”Jai rolled out of bed and onto the floor. “AHHHHH!” He screamed. The pain was everywhere; his eyes felt like they were bursting, the magic seal on his back burned hot like fire.

“ßRÈÄK!” Sombra roared. Jai rolled around on the floor screaming until he couldn’t scream anymore. The pain was too much for him, his eyes rolled back into his head as he choked. Holding his throat gasping for air he clenched his fist.

“F-f-flare” Jai croaked as the room flashed gold and red.

Author's Note

Man Our human cannot catch a break huh? Well tis life I suppose....

I got back to this sooner! HAHA I'm already half way done with the next chapter for this so it'll be done soon. I hope yall enjoy and I'm going to get back to writing the next one and as always if I missed anything just let me know :yay:

A wrench in the Kings plans

Everything was perfect for Sombra. He had found a being that could contain his magic. A being inside the castle he wanted to conquer. From there he would have his revenge on those of his people that betrayed him and yet.

“Get up yo-” Sombra said before stopping. The human was still unconscious on the floor. Sombra huffed in irritation as he realized that he inadvertently trapped himself. He hadn’t realized this creature could wield magic well enough to interrupt him taking over the body. What he also hadn’t expected was the magic engravings on this being absorbing his magic while he was distracted.

“GAHHH!” Jai screamed as he clutched his chest.

“You finally woke up brat?” Sombra asked, hovering closer.

“Oh for the love of- That wasn’t a dream?” Jai said, sitting up and putting his face in his hands.

“No and if not for my quick thinking I would have been gone” Sombra said sneering at Jai.

“I would have liked that so much more. I’m not a big fan of a smoke cloud with eyes around me” Jai retorted.

“Hmph, this would not have happened if y-” Sombra was cut off.

“IF you had left me alone! Goddamn I’ve only been here a little under a year” Jai said irritably.

“Or if-” Sombra began.

“NO! There is no; ands, ifs, buts, or coconuts! You leave me alone, we aren't here, end of story.” Jai said, his hands now behind his head. Taking a deep breath he stood up and walked to the balcony and watched the sunrise. Sombra’s incorporeal form just stared at the being before him. Was he really trapped with this thing? No, all he had to do was detach himself from the thing, simple really.

“Alright, I’ve got stuff I wanna do today so go the hell away?” Jai said, turning to the black cloud.

“You Hairless Minotaur Mongrel! You dare speak to the King that way!?” Sombra spat, glaring at the human.

“First I am a human, and second when the ‘king’ has been reduced to a parasite I’ll be damned if you demand respect right now.” Jai said with all of the spite he could muster in return. Sombra could only glare as this human was right.

“Tch” Sombra scoffed as he turned away from the human. Jai rolled his eyes and got changed. Amore had been really nice about getting him more than one set of clothes. He sported an white hoodie and jean jacket that was a nightmare to try and explain to the tailor. Followed by black jeans that were also a goddamn nightmare and his faded blue converse.

“So I ask again; Why are you even still here?” Jai said, folding his arms and looking at Sombra. The two were silent for minutes until Sombra huffed and got closer to the human who flinched.

“I am bound. Whatever you did to your magic channels sucked in my remaining magic when I tried to take over. So now I cannot leave, even though I would have loved to” Sombra said.

“How’d you manage that?” Jai asked, smirking. Sombra mumbled a response that Jai didn’t quite catch.

“I can’t hear ya your majesty? I asked how’d y-” Jai began to mock the king before he heard a knock on his door.

“You sir are a pain in my ass” Jai said, strolling over to the door and opening it.

“Is now a bad time Sir Jai?” a teal Pegasus maid asked looking up at him.

“Nah, rooms all yours Lola. I’m heading down to eat.” Jai said letting Lola in and leaving for breakfast.

“These halls are much different than I remember. There used t-” Sombra stopped speaking when he noticed the humans gaze. His face said it all, ‘why are you talking?’. The two continued in silence until they reached the dining area. Jai opened the door to two of its occupants bickering.

“Lu-Lu! You said you would help me!” Celestia whined as she stuffed a pancake in her mouth.

“I tried sister but something was in the way and I couldn’t do it!” Luna shot back.

“Don’t lie to me, you just forgot didn’t you?” Celestia asked using her magic to point her fork at her sister.

“No tia, I promise I didn’t forget th-” Luna paused looking at the door.

“Don’t mind me carry on Tia,” Jai said sarcastically, quietly closing the door and finding his seat at the table once again.. He had a sausage and eggs prepared. Wasting no time he dug in and saw Celestia and Luna look at him concerned. The human smiled in response causing the the two to relax.

“Jai, how are you feeling today?” Amora asked the human. Jai looked over at her and smiled,

“Well enough for an evening stroll around the castle.” He said looking at the princess who took a moment to process. And when she did her face glowed.

The walk was nice to say the least. Jai didn’t say much but instead listened to Amore rant about all of her meetings after breakfast. His favorite complaint of hers was,

“Could they at least try to act like they don’t think I’m dumb? Why are they dumbing down laws I WROTE?!” Amore complained. Jai could really only shrug and laugh as she huffed in irritation. The two parted ways and Jai made his way out to his spot under the willow tree in the courtyard.

“Now let's get today's practice in” He murmured to himself as he sat in the shade. Placing his hands together he closed his eyes. He felt the tingle on his back and left arm where the magic engravings were. He felt the familiar warm feeling in his left arm and a soothing feeling in the other. After a few moments his magic destabilized as a new feeling took over in his chest area.

“Christ! What is that?” Jai asked, coughing uncontrollably. Sombra finally emerged from wherever he went and looked down at the human.

“That would be my magic, much different than what you are used to I’m sure” Sombra said smiling.

“Well considering magic as a whole is new to me yea this is different” Jai retorted.

“Hmph. My magic is that of the void. A separate plane exclusive to the Umbrum. It is pure-” Sombra monologued as Jai tuned him out. How did he feel when this Things magic manifested.

“Empty…no that's not it. Well…”Jai thought as Sombra droned on about how old and great his magic was.

“My magic only knows one equal and I have found the key to fixing that” Sombra finished. Jai opened his eyes to look at Sombra. What he expected was to see the smoke cloud again but he was relatively surprised to see a pony. A pitch black pony with a red curved horn the size of his palm floating just in front of him.

“I suppose you aren’t going to tell me how to fix this weakness in your magic?” Jai asked. Sombra’s grin only grew wider and more sinister.

“Only if you give me your body,” Sombra said.

“Yeah…No I’ll pass on that” Jai said, rolling his eyes and resuming his meditation. What did he feel when this foreign sensation emerged? Just before he felt the sharp pain in his chest, what was this?

“What is with this world and its correlation to magic and how I feel?” Jai complained.

“Magic is most ponies everything and by extension them. Your magic is you and if you do not understand your own nature. How do you expect to utilize your potential” The mini Sombra lectured.

“I really wasn’t expecting an answer. Besides I know that I probably hate you” Jai said, uncrossing his legs and leaning against the tree.

“Touché human.” Sombra said.

“Scratch that. It’s not probably, I do hate you. One for messing with my magic that I still don’t understand. Two you're just so annoying” Jai whined. Sombra just clenched his jaw in anger. He could argue with this human or he could come up with a plan to escape or take over. He just needed time and to accumulate more magic.

Author's Note

Just a quick and simple chapter! Set up for the coming chapters so as always if you see any errors just lemme know. Dms are open and obviously so is my comment section! Love you all and stay blessed as I start working on the next chapter! :yay:

Of crystal and Shadow

Thud! Crack!

“Yo Rocky a hand, hoof or whatever over here?!” Jai shouted from down the hall.

“You’ll have to go alone, I cannot leave my men!” Rockhoof shouted back at him. Jai groaned as he turned on his heels and sprinted. Something would go wrong when he was trying to sleep. He should have known better than to relax. Why did Celestia and Luna have to leave due to official duties within their own kingdoms?

CRASH!

Glass shattered around him as he ran through the upper halls of the castle. Shadows emerged shortly after from all sides of him as he ran and ran.

“Yo Sombra! Jackass what the hell is all of this?” Jai asked, as he ducked a knife. Sombra's incorporeal form floated next to him as he ran, scowling at the shadows around him.

“The traitors are making their move. They are probably after Princess Amorè-” Sombra said. Jai after hearing that only sprinted harder through the corridors. Why did Celestia and Luna have to leave yesterday?

“I’ll be damned if I let them have their way, any other info you got?” Jai asked, rounding the final corner towards Amorè’s room. Sombra simply shrugged as the human banged on the doors.

“Yo! Amorè! Are you ok there? It's me Jai!” The human shouted. No response from the other side. The shadows he’d avoided had caught up with him. They slowly rose from ink black pools on the ground. The ink black Umbrum materialized around him as the human looked from left to right.

“What isss this…Thing?” one hissed as it tilted its head looking at him.

“A hairless minotaur perhaps?” Another chimed in.

“This place has sunk so low as to let this roam the halls. Maybe the generals will have use for him” The center one said scoffing. Jai had gotten very, very sick of being called everything but a person.

“Ya know I was going to find Amorè, but now I’m a little upset,” Jai said. He readied a spell in his left hand as the shadows screamed and charged him.

“Dead or alive! It matters not brethren!” One said as it slashed at Jai with shadow magic. The human raised his left hand and grabbed the magic.

“My turn,” Jai said. Lifting his other hand the hallway was illuminated in a gold light. Banshee shrieks filled the area as the shadows dissipated in the light. After a few moments the human turned to the door behind him and broke it down.

“Amorè! Jesus this is a pain,” Jai said. His arms ached from the skirmish seconds ago. Practical use of magic was a lot different than training. Especially when his life was in danger. Searching the room, Jai found no signs of any life.

As he approached the window he looked out to see the empire. Beneath the dark of night was a blazing fire spreading through the streets. Ponies running from the shadows, screams of pain and terror echoed were faintly heard, but felt. Shattered ponies lay in pieces which caused a brief wave of nausea to overtake Jai.

“Not how I envisioned my evening going, now where the hell is she?” The human groaned. As he did so he looked out the window again and saw a flash of brilliant white light from the roof.

“Found ya,” Jai said, smiling as he turned and looked for the stairs that led up.

Amorè was less than pleased about how the events were unfolding before her. Even that wasn’t doing justice to how she felt. However she didn’t have time to process her emotions at the moment. Before she could do so and help her citizens she needed to deal with the ponies, no, the monsters before her.

“How could you do such a thing to such innocent ponies!” she screamed at the 2 figures in front of her. 1 tall and lanky shadow took a stable form and laughed at the princess. It was a maroon red mare with pitch black mane and emerald green eyes.

“You go and have some fun, I’ll deal with her hun,” The maroon mare said. The other figure sank into the shadows and began to retreat.

“You’re not going anywhere!,” Amorè exclaimed, shooting magic from her horn at the mare in front of her. The magic dissipated just before reaching her and scattered around the rooftop creating a barrier.

“Oh my. Nero dear, I guess we shall have to work together first,” The mare said, sighing. The shadow slowly took a more stable form next to the mare. The brilliant green coat and electric blue mane matched his blue eyes.

“Well…there is plenty of fun to be had later so might as well, Flora dear” Nero said.

“Despicable that you would invade and hurt these poor ponies” Amorè said, her voice strained and cracking. She needed to detain these two and help her citizens, and fast. From the looks of it the fires in the streets were spreading fast, and the shadows were closing in.

“On and on about the ponies. Please we aren’t going to hurt them all.” Flora spat, sarcastically.

“That is true dear, we do need workers for when the rest of us get here. Makes rebuilding easier” Nero said, smirking. Amorè’s eyes twitched hearing the two in front of her mock and threaten her ponies.

“I will make you regret those words one way or another” Amorè said, through gritted teeth. She began firing large clusters of magic one after another. Nero and Flora laughed as they effortlessly dodged and weaved through each spell. Amorè after a few minutes knew she was going to have to think of something and quick, for her ponies sake.

“Just had to be a day when it was cold as hell,” Jai complained, as he climbed the ladder towards the rooftops. He had been up here on occasion with Amorè and Celestia for sunrise and a picnic breakfast but not much else. He wasn’t too sure if Amorè was even up here but he needed to find her.

Whizz! BOOM!

Jai braced himself on the ladder as it shook. Stone and crystal debris fell around him as he continued up. Jai heard another loud crack before he flung the hatch open and pulled himself up. Jai didn’t like what he saw before, not one bit. He cared about the crystal ponies as they had been nice to him. However, for one reason or another seeing Amorè hurt, pissed him off more than anything.

“Oh, did your pet finally come to find you Princess?” Nero mocked. Amorè was lying on the ground with the green stallion's hoof on her face.

“Oh my I’m sure Queen Primrose would love it!” Flora exclaimed in mock excitement. Jai could have cared less what they were saying about him. He really didn’t hear them at all as he made eye contact with Nero.

“Your hoof. Move it.” Jai mumbled.

“HUH? Say something? Or are you scared pet?” Nero asked, beginning to laugh.

“Now.” Jai said, sternly. Nero slowly stopped laughing when he noticed that it was getting warmer. In the middle of the winter in the north, the temperature was rising.

“Neat trick pet! Any other tricks this fake princess taught y-” Flora mocked before she jumped out of the way. Jai raised his left hand and opened his balled fist. Before Nero could say anything else he followed suit in diving out of the way. Crescent arcs of gold magic flew as he walked towards Amorè.

“This isn’t hide and seek Amorè, you have ponies to save,” Jai said, kneeling down. Amorè tried not to but giggled. Which she immediately regretted as she coughed up blood from her previous engagement.

“It's Princess Amorè and they are with the ponies behind this” She said weakly. Jai nodded slowly trying to stay rational. Not an easy ask by any means but he did it, even if it was a great struggle.

“Thank you sherlock glad we figured that out after they beat you up, I’ll be back” Jai said. He took off his jean jacket and folded it under her head. Nero and Flora just stood on guard as they watched the human get up.

“I don’t know you or what the hell you want but…” Jai paused as he gathered magic and charged the ponies in front of him.

“I don’t like when people touch what's mine,” He said, annoyed. He didn’t know why he said that, but he did. Throwing a flurry of punches and kicks imbued with magic he fought the two to a standstill. However Flora and Nero had the upper hand in stamina that much was apparent the more they fought. The warmth the magic emitted earlier slowly dissipated along with the length of the fight.

“Awww what's wrong? Out of shape pet?” Nero said, landing a kick to the back of Jai’s legs causing him to stumble.

“Why ask the obvious dear? I’m sure we can walk him after we summon our queen,” Flora said. Jai had no clue what they were talking about but they were right. He was no trained soldier, even if he did work out and spar with the crystal guard. His starting point for training was far off from most. The difference in experience with magic and in combat was painfully obvious with his bruised sides and legs.

“I wish rocky was a better teacher,” Jai grumbled. He couldn’t quite replicate the spell he used when he was angry. Frankly he didn’t even know if he could, with the state he was in. His arms burned from the magic running hot on his skin, his muscles ached as the magic channels in his body were forced to work harder than they had been.

“What are you doing? Boy kill them all, here… let. me. ₕᴱₗᴾ ʸₒᵁ,” Sombra’s voice boomed in Jai’s skull.

“Get. Out!” Jai screamed, falling to the ground.

“And now it’s scared, Adorable. Pitiful but adorable,” Flora said, finding her place next to Nero as they watched the human writhed in pain on the ground. Jai’s head felt as though it was splitting open, his shoulder blades felt as though someone was pulling hooks from them.

“Just… Give. In boy. Y̶̓͛Ou͛̓͝ a͍̯͢R͙̉̎e͟n̩̬͂’̤T g̓͋o̗͓͡Odͫ eͯnÖ̪́ͥU̢̓̉g̥h͛͋̂ o̭͚n y͉̪̐oƯ͌r̖̯ o̜̠͔ẅ̢̼́N̘!” Sombra said, his voice echoing in the human's head. Sombra smiled as he looked on at the human as he squirmed on the ground. He internally jumped for joy as he watched the humans' magic once gold and silver start to run pitch black.

“Ngh, stop…you… asshat,” Jai said, in between pants of exhaustion and pain. He slowly pushed himself up. Everything hurt, and Sombras influence was still in his mind.

“Nero dear, I think it's time we end this. It’s talking to itself and we need to help our queen descend,” Flora said. Nero nodded in agreement, but before he could move a wave of shadow magic washed over him. He trembled in fear as he felt a presence he had thought to be gone.

“S-s-so,” Nero stuttered as he stood frozen in place.

“Nero honey, what are you waiting on,” Flora asked.

“It’s Sombra! That's his magic! That thing is him!” Nero shouted, panicked from what he felt. The shadow magic seemed to stick to the ground and cling to the two the magic was directed at.

“Nero, sweetie, Queen Primrose killed him. So get over there so we can open the wa-” Flora paused as another wave of shadow magic washed over her. It was suffocating, the way in clung to her coat. As the magic in the air and it entered her lungs she felt an involuntary panic start to set in.

“No way what? That I’m back~” Sombra said. Flora and Nero looked at the human in front of them in a panic. The deep sinister voice of their former king frightened them. Amorè could only struggle to keep her consciousness as the voice of the stallion driven out reverberated in her head.

“Noo-” Amorè croaked. She couldn’t believe that the situation before her was going from bad to hopeless right before her eyes. The once soft and caring beautiful grey eyes Amorè grew to love, now burned red and green with spite.

“YES!~” Sombra screamed in extasy. He hadn’t felt this alive since he ruled over the Umbrum. He could truly feel the cold air, the pain of his bruised ribs, the blood in his mouth. He was ALIVE again and he was going to keep it that way.

“Now where was I… Ah yes,” Sombra said. With a wave of his arm, Nero and Flora fell over clutching their throats.

“P-please” They pleaded, as Sombra let out a deep laugh and ignored them. Walking over to Amorè he knelt down and grinned.

“I am going to take what is mine, Princess,” Sombra said. Amorè hated hearing Sombra’s voice come from the human’s mouth.

“G-give him b-back,” Amorè stammered, unable to get up. Sombra laughed once again as he then made his way over to Flora and Nero.

“Betrayers, tell your queen that I am back, and that I am coming for her,” he said scowling, as he lifted his hand once again using his magic to push them off the roof.

“N-No-” Amorè said softly. She had failed to protect her ponies, her kingdom, and worst of all…him. A tear fell from Amorè’s eyes as she watched Sombra walk away from her towards the ledge. As the tear fell, the sky illuminated in a blinding flash of gold.

“Oh you brat, this isn’t why I had you sent here," An old raspy voice said.

“Who would dare to-” Sombra said, turning around to be met by an elderly unicorn wearing torn clothes similar to Jai’s.

“I would, but you wouldn’t know me. Youngin’ if yer’ listening I’m pretty peeved right now” The old man complained. He was more than peeved really, he had given Jai his magic, his heirloom, and the means to prevent this and yet everything was wrong.

“Sage Varos? Is t-that you?” Amorè croaked, slightly lifting her head.

“Aye it is me, it seems I am late. Neither the sun or moon in sight either. Hmm suppose I will have put a bandaid on this” Varos said, sighing.

“I know not who you are but-” Sombra stopped mid sentence. He felt as though he was being pulled backwards. When he turned his head he saw, Home.

“This should be a good lesson for the boy. Amorè I’m sorry but this is all I can do for you and for him,” Varos said, as a magic hand dragged Jai and Sombra into the land of the Umbrum. The portal closed behind them as they fell into the shadows.

“Why, why, why!” Amorè shouted, her voice hoarse.

“Couldn’t I do anything,” She cried out.

“This is my fault, I should have given him a hint for the ring sooner, sadly traversing dimensions is more difficult than expected.” Varos said, shaking his head and sitting by Amorè. The two stayed in silence for a moment. Then snow started to fall, the screams died down, and Amorè slowly got up.

“How is he getting back?” Amorè asked, whipping tears from her face. Varos said nothing for a moment.

“That is up to him and his ability to pull himself together. I can only send those creatures away, not summon them.” Varos said. Amorè took a deep breath and steeled herself.

“Then I will find a way to just summon him. No matter how long it takes. No matter what” Amorè said. Looking out over the crystal empire the snow fall had begun to put out the smaller fires. Her guards were helping the injured and reorganizing. However her focus was simple: find him and bring him home.

“ ‘mine’ is what he said. And his I will be.” Amorè mumbled, making her way down the ladder and into the castle.

“What happened to her!” Celestia’s voice echoed in the library.

“It seems the spell went wrong and she is…well” Quill heart said dejectedly. Ever since the human had disappeared the castle wasn’t the same. Amorè had been more reserved, she smiled less, and was in public less.

“How come we can’t undo this?” Luna said, walking in a circle. All three were stunned at what they saw. The Crystal princess encased in technicolor crystal.

“You know what this means right sister?” Luna said looking somberly at her Celestia who nodded.

“Your majesties what does this mean fo-” Quill heart was cut off. Celestia used her magic to put the librarian to sleep and sighed.

“It seems that the crystal empire will be away for quite some time.” Celestia said, shaking her head. Without a ruler to power the crystal heart, the entire kingdom would lose its lifeline. The entirety of the empire would become a barren wasteland of snow and crystal devoid of any signs of life soon.

“How long do you think it will remain this way?” Luna asked.

“Hmm, my guess is until the boy comes back,” Varos said, slowly approaching the two.

“And that is how long?” Celestia asked. Varos sighed but did not answer.

“ I simply suggest you leave, and take care of Equestria. I would hate for you to be in harm's way after the heart loses power” Varos said leaving the library. He could only hope the human could overcome himself and the shadow king. For the sake of Amorè, and for the sake of stopping Primrose from returning.

Author's Note

Our boy is GONE! For now... This chapter is one I will probably edit the details of soon. Either way I hope you beautiful sons of guns enjoy! I love you guys and thanks for the support writing this! Stay blessed! :heart:

Life on Nocta's Shadow

Author's Note

2 chapters in a week?! You betcha!
This chapter, has some harsher violence in it nothin crazy but here's your heads up anyway. Either way I hope you enjoy! Last chapter and this chapter are subject to content updates! I've just been motivated to keep this going so bear with me. Stay blessed ya'll :heart:

Life on Nocta's Shadow

Jai looked around the room and sighed. These dark stone cave walls were his home for now. The large expanse of rooms in the cave surprised him when he was allowed to stay here. The torches that adorned the walls in the hallways lit the way around. He needed to find a way back out of Nocta and back to the Crystal Empire.

“I wonder if Amore's ok.” Jai said. Thinking about his time here so far he sat at the desk in the room. The candle flame danced as he opened up his journal. He’d have to think about getting his time here published, he doubted any sane person or pony rather had been here and back, right?

“ I wonder what's going on, on their side.” Jai thought, as he began to read his early journal entries.

Day 2 I think:
I met a purple and black colored mare in the forest today that’s helping me hide. She didn’t ask me too many questions and led me to a cave. It's more house-like than I thought with different rooms and such. This mare gave me a journal to write in but when I asked for her name she just ignored me and went to find food. She said writing helps keep her sane, and said to ‘ do whatever with it’. I’m mad I was too weak to help Amore and gave up. The pain caused a lapse in judgment and I let Sombra use me. I felt gross and the consequences were the old man sending me away…again. Either way everywhere I look when I go out it's this blackish purple sky, with dark brown ground everywhere. The trees are pitch black versions of evergreens. The ground is broken in some places revealing this place is just a series of floating islands.

Day 12:
I don’t really have a choice but to hide all the time since these shadow ponies seem to sense my magic in the area when I use it. I’m still incredibly pissed at Sombra for getting us sent here. Nocta, a dangerous place filled Umbrum like Sombra who were invading us. Good News is that this shadow mare isn’t going to turn me over. I'm a little annoyed that she wont answer all my questions but at least told me the date. Anytime I ask about what kind of monsters and such I should be looking out for. She tells me to go explore and find out. I get she doesn’t really care if I die here but MAN! Ugh, whatever, I'm not dying here so I’ll just learn what I can and get back. There is no sun and yet the moon glows? I’m all sorts of confused but what else is new, besides the obvious change in scenery. I just hope it’s not permanent.

Day 33:
Sombra’s been trying to cozy up to me again since I stopped talking to him after getting to Nocta and it’s really frustrating. Considering he’s the reason I’m stuck here. The only good news is this shadow mare isn’t working with this Queen Primrose. A name I seem to be hearing a lot as I hide from Umbrum when I’m out. My benefactor says if I’m gonna stay then I need to help. Hunting is hard without magic because every time I try within minutes Umbrum are everywhere. I don’t fish well and catching birds isn’t my strong suit but I haven’t given up yet. I did have to ask why Umbrum eat meat since they are still ponies…I think? Though the response was expected, ‘You can't be picky if you want to live.’ Other than that, having to wash my clothes daily is a pain in the ass.

Day 50:
Found out today that our lovely benefactor is a blacksmith! I asked if I could watch but she didn’t say anything. I sat away from her so that the sparks wouldn’t get me and watched, she didn’t turn me away. This beats having to listen to Sombra talk about…literally anything. I wonder if she will let me borrow a sword or something. It would have made hunting a little… scratch that, A LOT easier.

Day 73:
Selene Glow, That's her name. Thankfully she has decided that I have been hunting with my bare hands for long enough. She gave me a short iron sword. There's no grip on it and it's dull as hell but I can fix that… I think. She has also told me she’s surprised I’m still alive. I just took it as a compliment and rolled my eyes. Oh I almost forgot Selene told me she would teach me shadow magic so she doesn't have to babysit. I haven’t told her I've experienced shadow magic before, but it's irrelevant anyway.

Jai turned in his chair and looked at the dull iron sword at the foot of his bed. Giving a soft smile he closed the journal and walked over to it. He thought there were so few entries for being here for 2-3 months. He’ll just add more since surviving is taking a lot of time. Writing can come later, he thought.

“You’ve been through a lot huh?” Jai asked, rhetorically. He let out a soft laugh, picking it up and placing it into the sheathe. Leaving the room Jai was met with a familiar sound.

Clang! CLANG! CLANG!

The sound of Selene in the forge room. The only part that annoyed him about listening to her work was that Selene was making better swords than she gave him. However, he was still technically a guest so it made sense why he would get a relatively dull blade. Though he had managed to talk her into giving him a whet blade. The only condition was he wasn’t allowed to use the drinking water. Which made enough sense to him.

“Still have to leave for this?” Jai asked sarcastically, lifting the sheathed sword. Selene didn’t even acknowledge him and continued to swing the hammer in her magic. Rolling his eyes, Jai continued to the cave exit and opened the door.

“Bring something to eat back,” Selene called after him. Jai shut the door behind him and headed into the dark forest. He used the loop on the sheathe then fastened it to his belt and closed his eyes. Shadows slowly danced around his feet as he focused on expanding them outward. He learned from Selene that this was how she was able to keep him away from the scouts.

“This is just as gross as I remember,” Jai said, as a wave of nausea hit him. As useful as shadow magic was, he absolutely abhorred it after the incident that got him sent here.

“What do you mean gross? You should be proud to say the least, not every pony can learn shadow magic, and even less use it this well,” Sombra said, with a hint of approval.

“Please save the flattery for someone who cares. Stay out of the way and shut up,” Jai said. As he finished speaking his shadows caught onto something. Opening his eyes he set out deeper into the forest.

Jai hadn’t expected to fall down a ravine while trying to get food. Then again a lot happened against his will here in the past couple of years. It didn’t seem like anything was going right for him, especially now that he’d been away from Selene and her protection for a long period of time.

“If there’s a god, I’m SO kicking his ass when I see him.” Jai grumbled, putting away his canteen. He whipped out a rag from his back pocket and wiped sweat from his forehead . Jai had seen better days, that's for sure. His caramel colored skin was covered with cuts and bruises. He had been lucky enough to not have his jeans ripped too bad, and his brown boots were holding up alright. Though that hardly mattered since he’d fashion knee guards from the armor of Umbrum he’d ambushed. His shirt had long since passed on and instead he had made his own makeshift chest plate as well. He wore it under his beige sherpa jean jacket, and boy did that thing need to be replaced.

“HE’S SOMEWHERE CLOSE!” A voice yelled from somewhere in the dark of the forest. Jai rolled his eyes and got up. He pulled out his dagger and picked up a broken spear on the floor.

“Round 300 or whatever, fight” He mused, as the street fighter announcer’s voice rang in his head. Torch lights approached him slowly, 3-5 maybe. Preparing for five Jai steeled himself and took a deep breath before drawing his sword and coating it in shadow magic.

“THERE HE IS ATTACK!! Primrose wants it ALIVE” The voice screeched. Chaos ensued as 2 of the Umbrum lunged at him. Jai sidestepped and stabbed one in the neck and pushed him into the other. A bolt of magic whizzed by Jai’s left cheek cutting it. Wincing Jai slashed the air sending the shadow magic in the direction the magic came from. There were 3 left and he’d have to gamble with this fight, he hadn’t prepared much else and his sword was beginning to chip.

“god-damn can you just let me rest for 10 minutes?” Jai whined. They only glared at him before 2 rushed him screaming. The Umbrum in the back was preparing another spell and Jai had to do something about it.

“Hope this works,” he thought. He coated a dagger he’d picked up with gold colored magic. Jai mumbling a silent prayer threw it between the 2 rushing him and hit the archer square in the forehead with the blade. She groaned and fell, this distracted one of them which was good enough. Using his sword Jai plunged it into the eye socket of the closest Umbrum. The scream of pain was ear splitting but he couldn’t stop fighting yet.

“Yeah you gon’ learn today.” Jai said, removing the sword from the squirming monster. The last Umbrum recoiled in fear watching him get closer to them.

“Gah! You wanna live? Just go, and if I see you in this area again I’ll end you” Jai said, trying to hide his fatigue. Standing up he took a deep breath and held his arm. The engravings hurt more than they used to when he used his magic. Ignoring the pain the best he could, he took the rations they had on them and went to find a new spot to rest. He heard the hoof steps from the Umbrum growing fainter and fainter as they went their opposite ways.

“You are getting better I would say. More violent too…I like it boy,” Sombra said, giving a smile that would make the Cheshire cat a run for his money.

“ Ugh, at this rate my arms are gonna melt off before I get back to the empire. How long has it been?” Jai asked. Sombra hummed in thought as he looked up for a moment and then back to the human.

“Well…I’d say a 2 weeks give or take.” Sombra said nonchalantly. Jai sighed, but said nothing and kept walking. Until the ground beneath him began to shake. He looked up and his heart sank through the island.

“SO NO-ONE WAS GONNA TELL ME ABOUT SHADOW DRAGONS?!!” Jai screamed. There was a lot that didn’t go right, getting a job, making friends, finding food, or getting chased by shadow ponies. What he really was not ready for was for his poor directional skills to lead him into a dragon. Thankfully when you’re running for your life, things like the pain in your arms seem to not be at the fore-front of your mind.

“In my defense, the landscape has changed just a lit-” Sombra began, but was cut off by a dragon's roar.

“Don’t care!” Jai panted, running through the forest towards a mountain. The closer he got to the mountain, the closer the rampaging dragon got to him. Using what little magic he could muster at the moment he enhanced himself to get to the base of the mountain. There he spotted an opening, his only hope at survival.

“This place and its convenient cav-” Jai said as he entered.

“I hate to break it to you but boy…we’re falling. It was a sinkhole.” Sombra said, sighing.

“SHERLOCK I SWEAR IF I LIVE-” Jai screamed falling into the dark…then.

SPLASH!

The only stroke of luck he had in the past 2 weeks was that instead of falling to his death. He fell into an underground lake. He really couldn’t complain, other than the fact that he couldn’t breathe. Frantically swimming up he breached the top of the lake and gasped for air. Jai was over falling from great heights, like really, really tired of it.

“Small island due north,” Sombra said. Jai, struggling with all of his clothes and his waist bag of essentials swam to the piece of land at what seemed to be the center of the lake.

“So let me get this shit straight… You’re a talking sword and you aren’t cursed?” Jai asked. He was being chased by a Dragon when he fell down a hole. He thought he was going to die cursing Sombra’s awful name but now he was talking to a sword.

“Yes. For the 8th time, yes. Now pull me out of the ground please” A feminine voice said from the sword. Jai was sitting with his legs crossed and jacket off while it dried. The short sword had a brown leather handle, but the metal was black with a reddish tint to it. The hand guard was circular though which threw him off a bit.

“Before I do, Tell me about the hell I'm in please? This clearly isn't a stroll in Kansas unless I’m on drugs” Jai asked. The sword went silent for a moment before speaking to him.

“I do not know what this Earth is, but sure. This specific place is just below the Umbrum city, Tempest.” The sword replied. Jai thought back to seeing the Umbrum wandering in the forest so the sword wasn’t lying about that.

“Ok two more things, what do I call you? And do you know how to leave Nocta?” Jai asked. The sword went silent again.

“Dusk was the name I was given by my creator, and yes… although I’ll need a lot of magic to do so, I think” The sword replied. Jai sighed getting up and tying his jacket around his waist.

“Well I’m Jai and uh what happens if I pick you up?” Jai asked, looking down at the blade.

“A weapon that won't break when you hit some pony” Dusk said. Jai raised an eyebrow, folding his arms.

“Did you just say…Some pony?” he asked. An awkward silence overcame them as Jai just stared at Dusk.

“I did, yes, I speak the Equish language.. ” The sword stammered out. Jai just threw his hands up exasperated.

“Equish, English don’t care, just didn’t expect to hear you say it,” Jai said. He grabbed the sword handle and closed his eyes waiting for something bad to happen. After a brief moment of waiting he heard another robotic-like voice.

“ERROR: Contract conditions unfulfilled :ERROR”

“The hell does it mean contract conditions are unfulfilled?!” Jai exclaimed.

“What are you talking about? I didn’t say anything. Am I teaming up with a weirdo after Celestia knows how long?” Dusk despaired.

“So you didn’t hear that, so I’m crazy. Great…” Jai said, exhaling hard.

“Told you I wasn’t cursed.” Dusk said smugly.

“Whatever I have enough in my head already. Between a talking sword and the boogey man of Equestria I’m doomed” Jai lamented.

“The boogeyman?” Dusk asked, concerned.

“He means me...,” Sombra said, irritated.

“ I thought you were gone, I was happy for a moment Sombra. Know anything about a weapon contract” Jai said, turning to the small shadow pony.

“I don’t know what that means either, although you're not crazy yet since I heard it as well,” Sombra admitted. A sigh of relief came from the human as he was just grateful he wasn’t losing his marble yet.

“S-sombra? The. Sombra” Dusk stuttered. Jai just nodded and put Dusk on hip opposite his other sword.

“I’ll catch you up when we get out of here, now how to do that…” Jai said, scanning the lake with his magic.

“Only way out is up Mr. Jai,” Dusk said.

“Thanks now to expose my location yet again and run from a dragon,” Jai said, heaving another sigh. This was going to be a long way back, he felt it and expected it this time.

“D-dragon!?” Dusk exclaimed. Sombra and Jai just ignored her. Jai, using his magic, launched himself back the way he fell.

“God, I am staying true to my words, you better run” Jai mumbled as he saw the bright moonlight from the ‘Daytime’ moon.

Return from Shadow

“Alright Mr.Jai, watch your step. Traps and junk are probably all over the place” Dusk said to him. Jai was pretty impressed with how things were progressing. Scratch that, he was in disbelief how things were progressing.

“I should have used you before I broke this P.O.S. ” Jai said, holding up the broken sword from Selene.

“You got cut pretty bad, Is everything ok? ” The sword asked. Everything was peachy and that was what was confusing him.

“Yea! You’re just so much sharper than I thought” Jai said. He sat on a fallen log wiping the blood off of Dusk. He stared at his surroundings and sighed twenty-three fallen Umbrum lay strewn about the surrounding area around him.

“I told you what you were getting when you picked me up, You missed a spot,” Dusk said proudly, while nitpicking.

Sombra was just as impressed as the human as he looked around. It was bitter sweet to Sombra. To watch the Jai grow into a decent fighter made him feel happy, and yet angry. He knew if Jai didn’t need him, he would be at the humans mercy.

“Jackass, why do you look like you have to take a dump? Do you even have to do that?” Jai asked, looking over his shoulder. Sombra’s eyes twitched after hearing such a stupid question.

“Just had some unpleasant thoughts, that's all,” Sombra said. He felt like an idiot for worrying about the human in the first place. Over the course of the past month and a half in the wilderness, he had done fine.

“Yeah don’t hurt yourself thinking.Ah, Never mind please keep it up,” Jai said, turning away from the now red faced Umbrum. Dusk snorted, as Jai got up a familiar rumbling was getting closer.

“Is it back?” Sombra asked.

“Yeah,” Jai said, stretching his arms.

“Need magic to run?” Sombra asked, grinning.

“Pfft! Like hell I want your help. But now I’m pissed off that you think I need help,” Jai said, drawing dusk from the sheath.

“Um Mr. Jai? You aren't going t-” Dusk began, before getting cut off.

ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

“Call it test number two. Just take his magic and get us home,” Jai said.

“YOU SAY IT LIKE THAT'S EASY!!!!”Dusk shrieked. Jai ignored the sword reading shadow magic. He didn’t want to use anything that would cause him pain or have more Umbrum flocking to him.

“Well this works for me, you die…I win,” Sombra said, with another creepy grin.

Trees fell as the black dragon rampaged around after Jai. So far Jai had figured out that the dragon didn’t want to burn the forest to the ground. Or it couldn’t use a wide breath of flame on him for some reason. Another thing he learned was that Dusk made shadow magic stronger if he used them both at the same time.

“Jesus Dusk, you’re a lifesaver so far,” Jai said. If nothing else, if Jai died he would be so happy. It was weird that he would enjoy fighting just for the hell of it, so much. Less so the Umbrum but this…this felt different.

“I’m doubling down! You are crazy,” Dusk yelled. Jai said nothing as he continued to dodge. The dragon clawed, stomped, and flung magic at him. However Jai dodged each and everyone. Some he dodged narrowly others it was as if he could see it coming a mile away. The better Jai got, dodging with magic and pure instinct the angrier the dragon got. He was in the zone, he moved instinctually

“Yeah, maybe I am!” He replied, before stabbing through the dragon's left eye.

GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! ROAARRRRRRRRR!!

“YOU INSIGNIFICANT LITTLE FUCKKKKKKKK,” The dragon roared, its voice echoing throughout the forest. Jai covered his ears as he fell back to the ground.

“So it could talk and decided to choose violence, lovely…”Jai said, face palming.

“Why would I, a superior being. Converse with a monkey?” The dragon asked, leering down at him.

“I’m.Not.A.Monkey. I’m so happy to know that I’m the only human to grace these god forsaken lands,” Jai said sarcastically. He gripped Dusk’s handle tighter in irritation. Higher being his ass, even if it killed him unless this bitch had a good reason he was going to kill it.

“A failure like you is all that's left? Aww then I shall forgive you and let you waste away elsewhere,” The dragon said, sarcastically. Her condescending tone and toothy grin reminded him of someone. Someone that he had some deep seated hatred for.

“Ma…?” He mumbled. The dragon just looked at him frozen in place. Jai’s mind was racing and the dragon above him was savoring the moment. She knew when he accepted, and he left the area he would be reduced to ashes by her. She would have liked this area

“You failure! Your brother did better than you again. Why can't you do anything right!? I let you live here and you embarrass me? I shouldn’t have had you!” His mothers voice echoed. The dragon sounded just like her. He hated it, he hated being looked down on as less. He hated her.

“Your answer then, thing?” The dragon mocked. Jai looked up and glared daggers at the hulking figure above him. He already knew diplomacy was out of the question and frankly right now, he didn’t care. Here, in this place, being a person with feelings didn’t get you far.

“Ahhh, I'm better than this,” Jai said, exhaling sharply. Traces of gold, silver, and shadows danced in the air around him. His body felt lighter than it usually did, even more so with his fatigue.

“SUCCESS: Contract conditions fulfilled”

“Not no-”Jai mumbled before image after image flooded his mind. Unfamiliar poses, no these weren’t poses. These were memories that weren’t his, and they were flowing into his head at an alarming rate. They were overwhelming but one thing stood out to him at the moment..

BOOOOOM!!!!

The dragon dropped its claws on the human and clicked its tongue. The shockwaves reverberated out past the city of Tempest in the distance.

“Tsk, I grew bored of waiting. You were worse than a bug,” The dragon said, scowling. Turning around and stalking off into the distance. She wanted to torture the poor thing since it took her eye. However a life for her eye seemed to be appropriate.

“You are really good at making things angry,” Dusk said. She was surprised that he had reacted at all to the dragon attempting to step on him. Dusk was even more surprised to find that Jai didn’t stop hiding behind a tree.

“Gahh, old habits die hard,” Jai heaved. He was exhausted and full of energy at the same time. After hearing about the contract being fulfilled he felt it. The overwhelming difference in magic between him and the dragon.

“So how did you figure out the conditions?,” Sombra asked, looking at the human. His magic had made a halo of gold and silver with an aura of shadow magic under it.

“I didn’t. I just felt lighter and now the world's spinning-,” Jai said. The halo fading as the human slumped face first into the dirt.

“What was that? Is he ok?” Dusk asked. Sombra shrugged and sat close to him.

“He’s alive, probably just exhausted from all of that,” Sombra said, motioning to the destroyed forest area the dragon left behind. Hours passed as storm clouds began to form and a light drizzle of rain started to come down.

“Nghh,” Jai groaned, as he rolled over and sat up. His head felt almost as bad as the day he woke up after the whole possession incident. The only difference this time was that his magic pathways weren’t all twisted up.

“Ah you’re up boy,” Sombra said, looking down at him.

“How long was I out?” Jai asked, rubbing the dirt from his face.

“Not too long, a few hours at most,” Sombra replied. Jai felt honest to god, embarrassed that he even thought he could fight a dragon in the first place. He couldn’t even beat two Umbrum soldiers 6 months ago. What made him think he was that much stronger now?

“I…I have a lot to improve on,” Jai mumbled, slowly getting up. Now that this area had been relatively leveled out, he could actually make his way around. The smell of rain and pine filled his senses as he trekked back through the forest.

“How much longer do we have to gooo?,” Dusk complained.

“You don’t even have to walk, why are you complaining?” Jai asked, too tired to really care about a response.

“The rain is going to ruin my finish. My sheath is already rotting and it's gross!” The sword whined. Jai just rolled his eyes as a welcome sight came into view.

“Yo Selene? You home?” Jai called out as he used his magic to enter the cave dwelling. He looked around and let out a small laugh. He thought maybe she would update the interior or something.

“Oh, you’re alive? I took you for dead since it's been quite a while,” Selene said, using her magic to slide her smithing hammer into her apron.

“Don’t blame ya. Now, mind if I wash up?” Jai asked, motioning to his muddy attire. Selene nodded her head towards the bathroom.

“Same place as always,” she said.

“Oh also, you got an extra sheath for this one?” Jai asked, holding up Dusk. Selene put a hoof to her chin as she examined the sword.

“Probably, go wash up and I’ll see what I have. What happened to the lump of iron I gave you?” Selene asked, looking at the handle of the other sword.

“I broke it. You can have it back. I'm too tired right now. ” Jai said, pulling the sheath and broken sword from his pants. He slowly walked towards the bathroom and turned on the water heater. He knew he’d have to fill the water tank later but he didn’t care, he just wanted to rest. The cuts and scrapes strung his skin as it washed over him.

“Alright let's organize…whatever this is,” Jai thought. He was stuck in Nocta until he figured out how to use Dusk to leave. Jai could only prepare and hope for the best.

Day 127:
It’s been a while since I’ve written in this journal. I was surprised to get this back in all honesty. Selene had held onto it after cleaning the spare room out. I almost shed a tear when she handed it back to me. I almost forgot what I had written in it, until she asked me about the Sombra situation. While pointing a sword at me…have to say, a new feeling being on the receiving end. After telling her my side the tension seemed to relax. She even told me more about herself. She’s a former shadow guards mare, only in her mid thirties, and currently m.i.a after a mission. I decided to leave it at that.

Day 150:
When asking Dusk about how to leave she just kept saying it wasn’t time yet. She said something about the thinning dimensional magic and all. I’ve seen sci-fi movies about shit like that but I guess it's real. Other than that I got to finally start swinging Dusk around like the dragon in these memories. It’s weird seeing a bipedal dragon not the size of a 4 story building, but I’m no expert on dragons. The red dragon called this the four seasons sword dance. Sounds awesome and it’s something that should keep me alive. In these memories it looks like he has a ring of fire around the center of his wings. Why is it a dragon in these memories anyway? Dusk talks like the ponies in the crystal empire not like a dragon. Whatever, I’ll ask later when I care.

Day 216:
I’m at an absolute impasse with this sword shit right now. I have the Summer dance down relatively well but when it comes to The others … I just freeze up. Using magic is out of the question too because the way I swing this damn thing messes up my concentration. What if I could…

Day 280:
I figured something out. Sombra let it slip that before I passed out my magic all combined into a halo. Maybe the difference in magic is why I’ve been struggling. Honestly It’s been that way since I’ve been dropped into magic pony land. When I think back to that fight with the dragon, there was that brief boost. A feeling of unity, I was so focused on not dying that well the obvious happened. Whatever, Selene wanted to eat together tonight and it’s the first time she’s been outwardly nice…ever. Hopefully nothing is wrong but time will tell.

Day 281:
Selene was ok…well as ok as ok gets. She was telling me why she helped me when I fell from god knows where. She said I reminded her of a former squad mate that had died. He was brutally strong, uncontrollable, but sweet and kind with the brightest smile. If I didn’t know any better I’d say she loved the guy but that's none of my business. She said she felt compelled to help me out but was scared to get close to me. She wanted to apologize for giving me such a shitty sword. It was a way of coping for her if I died so she could say she tried, but even she knew that was messed up. I kinda figured that was the case but it hurt more hearing it than I thought it would. Trauma makes people move in wild ways and I am no exception to that. Well either way I’m glad we had this talk, it was comforting in a way. She also gave me a sheath for dusk that fits, and clothes that act like leisure wear! I don’t even know when she had time to do this but with this I’d say she is forgiven!

Day 405:
I’ve been here over a year, and I finally figured out these memories from Dusk's previous owner. The red dragon was from the first war with the Umbrum, and left Equestria to take the fight to them. Only to lose to Sombra and Primrose who was a knight captain. Sombra seems to vaguely remember the movements of the sword but his age is showing as he says he doesn’t remember too well. This Summer sword dance is probably my favorite, more so since I got the Halo to manifest when doing it. It makes everything in these memories flow together easier but I guess not being a dragon makes this harder. I’m missing something, but I’ll figure something out when I get back to Equestria, Dusk said it’s almost time.

“Dusk so you mean to tell me. After a whole year, I can change what kind of sword you are?!” Jai yelled. Scratching out the journal entry for Day Four hundred and Sixty-seven, he scrambled from his chair to grab the sword.

“I mean, yeah. HELLOOO Talking sword. Why wouldn’t I be able to do anything else cool?” The Sword said sarcastically.

“Why wait until we have to leave Nocta to tell me this?,‘What do I get if I pick you up’ remember that question?” Jai asked, shaking the sword like a rattle.

“AHHHH, I guess I forgot to mention itttttt,” Dusk said, regretting staying with a human. She couldn’t even leave if she wanted to anymore, since her former masters' will had been passed on and the contract was finalized.

“Forget it, what can you turn into? I’m pretty sure this was what I’ve been missing.” Jai asked, putting the sword down and pouting. Dusk taking a few moments began to transform into 3 different swords. A silver Rapier with an ornate and floral hand guard, a ken sword, And a Longsword. Before turning right back into the black short sword.

“WOAH, that takes a lot out of a sword,” Dusk wheezed. Jai had only seen the dragon use two swords in the memories he’d had. The short sword, and the longsword. He’d just figured it was whatever suited him. With this however maybe this was what he needed.

“It’s time to go anyway, you said something about the moons overlapping?” Jai asked, putting Dusk down. He continued to pack up his things in his waist bag. His journal, magic flask for water, and a simple first aid kit. Getting up Jai looked around the stone room for the last time. He saw the sweat stain in the stone from his countless hours of training at night. Sliding the carpet from the bed closer to the center of the room he chuckled and left the room.

“Sombra you’re awfully quiet these days?” Jai said. The Umbrum ignored him, choosing to remain silent. Jai stared at him for a moment before, shrugging his shoulders. This was what he wanted earlier in his stay here, but now wasn’t a bad time.

Clang! CLANG! CLANG! Thunk!

The sounds from Selene in the forge room slowly got louder as he approached. Peering into the room, Jai saw the purple and black colored mare focused on her work. After a while she noticed Jai and wiped sweat from her brow and smiled then frowned. She saw he was wearing his waist bag filled and the repaired clothing he’d shown up in the forest.

Setting her hammer down on the anvil. Jai nodded his head and she sighed. Walking over to her desk she picked up a small dagger in her magic and levitated it over to Jai.

“Here, this is one of my best this time I promise.” Selene said, laughing as she watched the human reluctantly take the dagger.

“I’ll come back and haunt you otherwise,” Jai said sarcastically. The two shared a laugh while Jai walked over knelt, and hugged Selene.

“I probably wouldn’t have been able to live this long and be sane without you, thanks Selene,” Jai said. Selene returned the hug patting him awkwardly on the back.

“You made me regret it a few times but I am thankful for our time,” Selene admitted. The two shared the hug for a little longer before the human stood up.

“Well, hopefully I can come back under better circumstances,” Jai said, smiling and leaving the dwelling.

“Y-yeah, maybe you will,” Selene said, waving as she watched him walk back into the familiar dark forest. The two moons usually separate slowly, beginning to overlap, causing Selene to smile. She hoped it was a good sign, and wished she didn’t have to lie to human.

“Alright Dusk, spill it. The moons doing the thing,” Jai said, drawing the sword from her sheathe.

“I get you’re impatient master but you could be nicer,” Dusk complained. The human rolled his eyes and looked to the sky. A double lunar eclipse? It was pretty cool to be honest, if this place didn’t want him captured he’d probably stay.

“Perform Summer, since it’s the only one you can do,” Dusk said, changing into a Ken sword. Jai shrugging followed what Dusk said. Lifting the sword, he felt off but he ignored it. Each thrust, slash, and pause felt heavier than usual. As he finished the dance, there was only silence around him. A blinding white light enveloped him. Lifting him slowly upward. He felt so happy, after a year of this dark, dreary place. He got to leave, and on his own terms.

“Dusk we did ittttttt,” Jai screamed, his voice trailing off as he was suddenly launched upwards at a dizzying speed. Closing his eyes the only thought in his mind at that moment was ‘don't puke’. When he re-opened his eyes, he was in another cave.

"I'm so sick of caves ya know..." Jai complained. Then he heard shuffling, and then 3 figures appeared in front of him. They were grey with green eyes and holes all over.

"Strange intruder! Get him!" One hissed.

"I mean no harm I just want out!" Jai said, slowly backing up.

"Lies! We will feed on you intruder die!" Another said as they rushed him. Jai sighed and prepared for more fighting.

"I miss Amore's breakfast," The human mumbled.

Author's Note

I'm curious how you feel about the journal entries. I feel like they help add a little more insight to how Jai is feeling or his thoughts. But i'm open to other ideas.

If you got this far...Thanks and I love you! Hope you're enjoying this story so far. As all always stay blessed :heart:

Ps. Next chapter is almost done hahahaha

The Myth of the Empire returns

“Take a left here, no no, a right sorry” Dusk said. The sword was indecisive as always and Jai was getting tired of it. He figured out that he had teleported into a changeling hive. They were kind of like tame succubus if Sombra’s explanation was anything to go by. He was more talkative since they left Nocta but since he needed answers this wasn’t the worst.

“Stupid cursed sword. Just stop talking. I’m trying to focus on getting better damnit” Jai said in a hushed tone. He didn’t have anyone to ask about the talking sword he had. Every time he saw a changeling they would just attack him. Then again he couldn’t blame them for doing so at this point. He had to have slaughtered hundreds of the things trying to find a way out. Anytime Jai thought he saw sunlight, it was just another room. And almost always, said room was filled with changelings.

“I am not cursed, Nor am I stupid!” The sword barked. Jai just rolled his eyes and continued to feel his way through the dark tunnel.

“Gods I hope the next creature I run into will just talk to me. I’m so over talking to you two,” Jai whined. He had been in these tunnels for maybe two to three months. He really wasn’t sure due to the lack of quality sleep. Between the constant fights, running away, and hiding he was honestly ready to never fight again.

“Doubt it. Plus I’m better than nothing. You’d go crazy without Sombra and I, ” The short sword pouted. Jai exhaled and crept through the dark tunnel until he saw a small room with torches and a door.

“Boy on your left,” Sombra warned, as Jai scanned the area for more changelings.

“Huh, glad I didn’t listen to you,” Jai mused. He looked around carefully for traps or more changelings. Jai held his breath as walked over into the light and placed his ear to the wall. He heard a couple of voices beyond, arguing.

“ How have you not captured the intruder yet?” A squeaky voice screeched behind the door. He heard a dull thud and a whimper.

“G-General s-sir, I am so-sorry. It moves t-to quick for us to c-catch” The second raspy voice stammered. Hearing another thud Jai drew his Dusk preparing to rush in. He figured he would have a better chance winning with the element of surprise.

“Dusk I swear to god if you break, I'm cursing you to hell and back.” Jai hissed sarcastically, looking at the sword in his left hand. He willed Dusk to change into the Ken sword, and coated the blade in shadow magic.

“I won’t break, if you lose I will laugh at you until you die,” Dusk shot back. Jai tried not to laugh, since he knew Dusk wouldn’t break. He just figured a bit of humor would help loosen his nerves. Gathering his magic he rushed through the archway as fast as he could.

“If you don’t find it then-” The squeaky voice screamed. Jai saw the changeling turn to face him but it was too late. He decapitated the changeling that was towering over the one on the ground.

“Y-you killed the general!?” the changeling on the ground said. Its black and green eyes went wide in fear.

“Yeah I did, If you don’t want to be next. You’ll spill how I get out of here.” Jai said angrily, turning to stare down at it.

“I’ll never betray my, EEP!” The changeling exclaimed as Jai brought the sword down next to his head.

“Look, whatever your name is. I want to go home and take a hot shower. TELL ME HOW TO LEAVE!” Jai roared at the changeling who quivered in fear.

“F-Fine… other side of the r-room. Exit leads outside” The changeling stammered. Jai slowly pulled the sword away from the creature's head.

“Thank the Lord, and one more thing. How many of you guys are left here?” Jai asked. The changeling continued to shiver.

“We number fewer than 100 left here. Most have been dispatched to other hives,” The creature whimpered out.

“Cool thanks for the info, cya!” Jai lifted his sword above his head.

“You said I wouldn’t be next!” It cried out in desperation. Jai just shook his head and gave a devilish smile.

“Never said that at all, Curse me in your next life,” Jai said, as he swiftly brought his sword down onto the changeling's neck.

“You’re acting like me boy,” Sombra said grinning, ear to ear. He was amused watching the human have to fight for his life again.

“You’re evil you know that?” Dusk said. Jai swung the sword flinging the blood off before putting it back in his waist.

“No, I’m trying to get back to the Crystal Empire. This is self-defense, they’d attack me first anyway,” Jai said, going to the wall and grabbing a torch. He gathered all that was flammable in the room and put it in a pile. Then he dropped the torch on it and ran to the exit.

“I don’t know if this is the only exit, but I’m burning this shit to the ground,” Jai said as he ran. Running to the back of the room he saw a ladder leading up. He prayed this was it, and scrambled up the ladder. As he came to the top of the ladder he pushed the hatch above him open. It was the middle of the night and the moon was high in the sky.

“FINALLY!!!”Jai yelled, as he crawled out of the hole. Looking around he saw tree’s everywhere. He tried to piece together where he was, since this clearly wasn't anywhere close to the Crystal Empire.

“Hey are you gonna stand here and let them catch you?” Sombra asked. Jai snapped from his thoughts and picked a direction and ran.

Jai had been wandering through the forest for a day or so since leaving the caves behind. He was able to stop eating those disgusting rations because he found fruit. He found some grape vines, and strawberry bushes while he searched for a city. Hearing running water to his left, Jai followed the sound. The water saturated the air, and the smell of pine tree’s filled his nose. As he emerged into the area he was honestly taken aback.

“Lord have mercy this is… so much better than Niagara.” Jai said, giving a low whistle in astonishment.

It was beautiful, the white frothy cascade of water plunging down from the cliff. The moss on the rocks beneath it, the misty spray giving way to a rainbow. The tree’s he smelled as he walked he saw hanging from the side of a cliff. Some stuck out from the flowing water, some at the top of the cliff and all around it. He saw birds, flowers, and dragonflies all around the area.

“Ahem. Civilization first.” Dusk said, interrupting Jai as he took in the view.

“That can wait, I’m filthy and honestly I could go for a soak” He grinned. Walking to the edge of the water he took off his waist bag. Setting Dusk against one of the two rocks he saw, Jai stripped his clothes and put them on top of the left rock.

“You’ve changed for the better. You look like a true fighter now,” Sombra said, nodding with approval. Jai rolled his eyes at the statement.

“Y-You really have to do that n-now?!” The sword stammered. Without facing the sword Jai just walked into the water. Slowly walking across the mossy rocks underwater. Further and further he went until he could no longer walk. When the water took his weight Jai swam around. The water was cool on his skin, the mist spray from the flowing water hitting his face and bird calls above all made him relax.

“If only the others were here to enjoy this…”Jai thought aloud. Treading water Jai looked ashore and glanced at his belongings. Moving on could wait a little longer, he looked around and saw a flat boulder by the cascading waterfall. It’s sunbaked surface and incredible waterfall backdrop drawing him in. When he got over to the smooth stone, he lay on it. The warm stone comforting him and warming him up.

“Gah, this is so nic-” Jai yawned. “Nice man was I always this sleepy here?” He asked himself. Closing his eyes he figured a nap wouldn’t be too bad. Nah maybe not a nap but this would be a nice time to meditate. Mental health was important, more now than ever.

“Ahh, this is nice, but I think it's time to get moving,” Jai said to himself. Getting up he jumped back into the water and swam to shore.

“WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG!” Dusk yelled at him. Jai rolled his eyes as he walked to the rock where his stuff was.

“Give him a break Sword, you wouldn’t understand the simple pleasures nature has,” Sombra scolded. Jai laughed to himself as the two bickered between themselves.

“I was relaxing for the first time in months. You got separation anxiety?” Jai said, mocking the sword. Dusk didn’t respond which made the human laugh a little louder. Jai moved Dusk over and sat atop the rock next to her. He needed to dry off anyway so chilling out here couldn’t be that bad. Popping a grape into his mouth he sighed content with the view again. Suddenly a shiver ran down his spine and he turned around. If he had gained any skill in the caves, he knew when someone was watching him.

“Wow, Aren’t you something?” A feminine voice called out. Before Jai could scramble for his clothes the source of the voice had already walked into view.

“Who are you? And What do you want?” Jai demanded. The figure put a hand on her chin and thought about the answer. As she came into view Jai saw her yellow fur. She had wings and was wearing safari style clothing.

“Great question! I am the adventurer and thrill seeker extraordinaire Daring Do!” She said, posing for dramatic effect. When she noticed Jai hadn’t moved she coughed into her hoof.

“Who or rather what are you?” Daring Do asked. She looked him up and down as he sat on the rock. They traced his broad shoulders, muscular chest, and down to his waist. When Jai noticed her eyes wandering he shifted to cover himself up more.

“Yea uh, long story can I get my clothes first?” He asked. She nodded and covered her eyes as he got dressed. She slid her hooves down to peek at him and was met with a bundle of grapes thrown at her.

“Perv, let me get dressed,” he said, annoyed.

“So, you’re telling me the Crystal Empire is gone? How?” Jai asked, a slight panic in his voice.

“The Crystal Empire is more of a myth really, Some stories are around but it’s pretty much speculation,” Do said, waving her hoof as she spoke.

“The Empire wasn’t a myth, I was just there two and a half years ago,” Jai said looking at the yellow Pegasus. Daring Do turned and stared at him like he said something crazy. Then she began to laugh.

“Nice one Homan, haha. The Crystal Empire’s been gone for centuries. So unless you're an Alicorn like Princess Celestia or Luna I don’t buy it,” Do said, tilting her head as the two continued to walk through the forest.

“It’s Human, but I mean I haven’t seen Tia in a couple years but her and Lu left the day the Umbrum attacked,” Jai said, recounting the events of two years prior. Grimacing, he shook his head. No he’d changed since then. Surely this was joked, like the one’s Celestia would pull. Jai, trying not to panic, took a few deep breaths before tuning back into his conversation with Daring.

“Tia? I hear only her friends call her that? Are you saying you’ve met the princess?” Do asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

“I’ve met all three Princess’s yea. Celestia, Luna, and Amore. Though I’d have to say I’m closer to Amore than the other two,” Jai said, letting out a soft laugh. Daring do, opened and then closed her mouth. Amore, was a name she hadn’t heard a lot about. Only that she was a distant relative to Princess mi Amore Cadenza.

“Right…Well I can accompany you! I have to make stops until I find another place to explore! This will go great in my book!” Daring do said looking up at the human.

“Honestly that’d be great, If I get lost and have to fight one more dragon, Umbrum or changeling I’m gonna lose it,” Jai said, rubbing his face. He figured using shadow magic to navigate would be suspicious, so a guide couldn't be too bad. The Pegasus looked like she had seen a genuine ghost when he listed off those three.

“T-Those are out h-here?” Daring do asked, trying not to sound terrified. Jai just laughed and petted the Pegasus lightly on the head like a child.

“Just changelings, but I dealt with a lot of them. The Umbrum and shadow dragons are in Nocta so you’re safe,” Jai said smiling. She was curious what this human was, but looking at him, he couldn’t have fought a dragon; and the Umbrum are the stuff of nightmares used to scare fillies. Maybe he knew that and was trying to scare her. Well…she wasn’t scared, ok maybe a little but she would never admit that.

“Right so, we go this way to get to Apple-Loosa, and then we can take a train to Ponyville, and then Canterlot from there,” Daring do said. Jai just nodded his head in agreement. He had no idea what these places were and where he was going.

“This is weird, unless the Umbrum invasion succeeded the Empire should be doing well?” Sombra asked. Jai only shrugged his shoulders. Sombra was right about that. Since all the Umbrum he came across tried to take him to Primrose, he assumed they failed and ended up staying in Nocta. Whatever the case was, he was a step close to finding his way to some answers.

TWEEEEEEEEEEETTT ALLL ABOARDDDD!!!

The conductor screamed as the train began to slowly gain momentum. He was really annoyed that getting onto a train was this much of a pain in the ass. Not only were the train cars a little small for him. The conductor asked Jai what condition he had to be so hairless as a minotaur.

“HAHAHA WHAT CONDITION,” Sombra howled, as he laughed at the human. Jai figured after all of the grief he gave Sombra this was universal karma coming back to him.
‘You’d think karma would give me a break, but getting back to Equestria seems to tip the bloody scale,” Jai mumbled, as the Umbrum in his ear continued to laugh as the train headed from Apple-Loosa into Ponyville. He needed to get this pain in the ass a body so he could punch him, but that wasn’t that high on his priority list. Jai slouching in the train car pulled out his journal and began to add detail to the maps he’d drawn.

“Whatcha doin?” Daring do asked him.

“Filling in maps that I’ve drawn from Nocta and that hive, Maybe Tia can use em’,” Jai said, not looking up from his journal. He really had no interest in talking right now.

“Mr. Jai, when can I change back?” Dusk asked. Jai completely forgot that he had changed the swords form the other day. Closing his eyes he focused his magic on changing the sword back into a short short.

“Thank you!” Dusk hummed. Jai glanced up to see Daring staring at the sheathe.

“What was that?” The yellow Pegasus asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Cursed sword,” Jai said bluntly, going back to his journal. Dusk wiggled in the sheathe in irritation. Daring flinched as she watched the sword jump around in the sheath.

“That's so cool! Where’d you get it?” She asked, batting her eyelashes at him. Jai sighed and closed his journal, putting it back into his waist bag.

“Found it, sorry but I’m tired. Wake me up when we’re there,” Jai said, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. The mare pouted but said nothing as Jai drifted off into a less than comfortable nap. Memories from the red dragon playing like a movie. This wasn’t a memory to teach him, more just the little things in life. The dragon liked to garden, and when he left for Nocta missed it greatly. Jai slept through the train ride smiling as he imagined this fierce red dragon enjoying a floral garden.

CLACK CLACK SCREEEEEEECHH!!!!

“Hey we’re here!” Daring said, nudging the human awake. Jai groaned as he yawned and tried to stretch his arms out.

“Ah shit, this thing is too small,” Jai complained, bumping his hands against the roof of the cabin. He didn’t think he would but he missed Celestia and Luna a bit. They treated him relatively well and were useful.

“You’re just not pony sized, human,” Daring said sarcastically. Jai’s eye twitched, but he took a deep breath. Violence wasn’t the answer, he wasn’t in Nocta and this mare was helping him out. Much like Selene…He hoped she was doing well. The train stopped and ponies lined up to get off. Eventually Jai and his yellow guide got off.

“Finally! This is so much better,” Jai said, getting a true stretch. Looking around he saw a sign in the train station that said “Welcome to Ponyville”. Walking out into the station he noticed the weird looks he was getting. At this point he didn’t care, all he wanted were answers. As he stepped out into the town he admired the cobblestone roads, and greenery all over. The cottages reminded him of a painting he had in his old apartment.

“I need to grab some stuff and make a call, Meet me by the sugar cube corner,” Daring do said, hurriedly. Before he could ask where the hell that was, she had disappeared. Sighing he turned to wander the streets and explore. He’d ask about Sugar cube corner later, he needed some information.

“She’s actually coming back right?” Dusk asked.

“Who knows, honestly now that we’re here I don't care,” Jai said, putting his hands behind his head and strolling through town. After a while he found a sign with directions and smiled. He saw Sugar cube corner to his left, Treehouse library straight ahead, and Sweet apple acres to his right.

“Let's see here, let's stop by the library first I guess,” Jai said, whistling and walking through the rest of town.

“This seems like a nice place! Now that I think about it, what was the Crystal Empire like?” Dusk asked. Jai scrunched his face while he thought of his experience. Then he laughed before speaking.

“Well, like this but everything is technicolor crystal, or a solid color if you’re so inclined. There were markets for almost anything and it was cold as hell,” Jai said, as the Library came into view. Well he hoped it was the library, he wasn’t sure how common tree houses were here.

“Think I’ll get to see it?” Dusk asked. Jai grimaced and shrugged as he looked at the sign on the door. Library and residence of Twilight Sparkle.

“At least it’s the right place, but who lives in a library?” Jai asked rhetorically, before opening the door a jingle going off as he walked in. He looked at the walls coated in shelves, stairs off to the left going up. He looked up and saw a familiar sun on the ceiling and smiled.

“Maybe I’ll find something about these supposed centuries passed,” Jai said, now scanning the shelves. After a few moments he came across Equestrian history: A Dramatic retelling and grabbed it off the shelf. Figuring this would be a good start, he found a seat on the floor and began to read.

“Find an explanation yet boy?” Sombra asked, peering over Jai’s shoulder.

“Nothing that makes sense to me. It says the Crystal Heart in the empire lost power during a half successful Umbrum attack and disappeared.” Jai said, scratching his head.

“Hmm, well that would only make sense if That Princess who powered the heart was captured, or di-” Sombra said.

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Jai said angrily. Sombra shrugged and went back to reading over the human's shoulder.

“Ummm Sorry to bother you but are you ok?” A voice asked from behind him. Jai turned and saw a purple Unicorn with a confused look on her face staring at him.

“Nope, I’m confused as hell,” Jai replied bluntly.

“Oh! What are you confused about?” The Unicorn asked, approaching him.

“Where is the Crystal Empire, and what happened to A- Princess Amore?” Jai corrected himself, trying not to laugh.

“The Crystal Empire? It disappeared when its’ Princess went missing. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza is a distant relative of Princess Amore,” The unicorn said, continuing to lecture him about the politics, and events that lead to the disappearance.
“Ah sorry! I’m just rambling now. I don’t believe we’ve ever met, I’m Twilight Sparkle,” She said smiling sheepishly at him.

“No, I doubt we’ve met,” Jai said, running his hands through his messy locs. After a few moments the bell on the door rang again and Jai’s eyes went wide.

“Oh hey Spike, welcome home!” Twilight said, turning to see the purple and green dragon enter the library.

“Hey Twilight, Who’s that, and why does he look angry?” Spike asked, slowly closing the door.

“I just met him but he seems ni-” Twilight paused. She took a step back as she realized this being was angry.

“Ah, sorry ptsd with dragons. I'm Jai, a human,” He said, giving a small wave and closing the book. This pretty much confirmed his fears after meeting Daring. The flow of time in Nocta was much different than here in Equestria.

“No worries, but human? There was only ever one recorded in history and that wa-”Twilight froze mid thought and looked at Jai.

“Yup, unless there was another that dropped in after me,” Jai said, sighing. Twilight couldn’t believe what she was hearing, let alone seeing.

“Y-y-you?!” Twilight stammered.

“Yeah um, can you stop staring at me like that?” Jai asked, scooting away from Twilight. She shook her head and turned to spike.

“Letter, Celestia, NOW!” She said hurriedly. The small dragon moved at Mach speed and returned with a parchment and a quill. Twilight recounted the conversation they had asked Celestia for her help. Jai watched as the dragon lifted the letter and burned it in green flames.

“The hell was that?” The human asked.

“Oh, it's one of Spike's gifts. With this we can talk to my teacher Princess Celestia.” Twilight said proudly.

“Celestia’s still alive?” Jai asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Why wouldn’t she be? Wait, you know my teacher Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked, pulling a notebook and pen from thin air.

“Yeah, her and Luna were friends with Amore, The castle was pretty lively with them around. Although your teacher had some poor taste in pranks at times,” Jai said, watching the pen scribble down what he said into the notebook.

BURRRPPPPP

“Ah sorry, happens when I get letters,” Spike said, letter in hand. Twilight dashed over to retrieve the letter and examine its contents.

My beloved Student,
This is interesting news indeed! Please make sure he is to feel welcome as he is indeed an old friend of mine. I shall find time to visit soon with Luna and we shall see what is going on. We had thought he had died, but I shall explain the details in person. Thank you for finding him, Until then
Your loving teacher,
Celestia of the Sun

Twilight read the letter aloud, and Jai shook his head and smiled. At least someone he knew was still alive. That at the very least brought him solace, and hopefully one step closer to understanding where time went.

"Ah! Maybe I should have given him directions! Where did he go?!" Daring do said, scolding her self as she wandered around looking for the Human. Maybe that call with her editor could have waited just a little bit longer. How hard could it be to find this human anyway, right?

Author's Note

Time flies, literally and figuratively. Wonder if Old man Varos expected this much time to pass...

Weird dreams and a normal day in Ponyville

“JAI! Breakfast is ready! You need to be up for school!~” A feminine voice called from outside the door. Jai groaned and turned over pulling up the covers. Ah it was this dream again, one he’d had a few times in Nocta.

“Hmmm 5 more minutes ma…” Jai mumbled. His aunt sighed and cracked the door open to let their dog in. Their German Shepard ran into the room and jumped onto the bed licking him in the face.

“Ocean wants you up too, mister. Go brush your teeth and get ready” His aunt said walking away giggling at her nephew struggling with the dog.

“Agh! Fine, I'm up! I’m up!” Jai screamed in mock despair. Sitting up and yawning, Jai moved the puppy off of him. Petting her he slowly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Grabbing his clothes from the chair by his desk on the way out. Setting his clothes down on the toilet seat, he looked at his disheveled appearance in the mirror. His messy black and grey locs sticking up all over his head. His wrinkled black T-shirt, caramel skin, and tired grey eyes looking back at himself, as he yawned.

“I haven't seen auntie Dani since I was 12, man I miss her,” Jai whispered to himself as he sat on the checkered tiles. As he thought about what was happening, his surroundings faded and reshaped once more. This time he was at his high school, in the hallway. From the room to his right he heard his own voice.

“ALRIGHT FINALLY WE’RE DONE!” the dream Jai screamed at the top of his lungs stretching his arms out. Watching his past self finish cleaning the room he remembered this day; it was the second to last day of his freshmen year. He didn’t know he could dream like this but weirder stuff had happened to him. Shrugging he decided to just follow his past self to see if this is what he remembered.

“Dude, shut up. I don’t want to have to deal with Mr. Herbert calling us back inside” Samuel said annoyed. The two of them looked at each other as seriously as they could for a few moments. After about 30 seconds of their intense stare off; they burst into laughter.

“Alright alright my bad Sammy. Let's get out of here and go eat. I'm starving.” the dream Jai said exaggeratedly, wiping a tear from his eye. Samuel nodded in agreement smiling and scanned the empty school yard and all of its now empty parking spaces.

“Make sure you have everything. Your mom will be so mad if she has to bring you back over the weekend,” Samuel said sarcastically.

“Touche man. Your parents would be so happy if they had to grab your backpack from school…again,” Jai shot back.

“It was a bad week man let it go,” Samuel groaned, as Jai snickered at him. As the duo continued their banter, they froze as the sound of brakes screeched. Jai sighed as he realized this was the day he lost Sam. Seeing the scene slowly fade he heard Amore’s voice in his ear.

“Welcome… back…” The voice said, before everything around him turned a blinding white. Then after a few seconds he saw a man with wings that looked like him. He was talking with a pale woman with long red hair.

“Huh, this is new.” Jai said, before both figures turned to look at him. The pale redhead looked at him with grey eyes like his own. She looked heartbroken upon seeing him.

“You poor thing…,” The redhead said, reaching out to him.

“He made it this far, he’s fine. It's too soon to talk with him anyway. Oh tip use a spear not a sword,” The man who looked like him said, before waving his hand and the dream ending.

“AH!,” Jai said, gasping for air and sitting quickly in a cold sweat. He wiped his forehead and swung his feet over the side of the bed. Looking out the window he saw the glow of the sun on the horizon. The colors of the rising Sun reminded him of Amore and their morning walks. Sighing, he looked at the clock on the wall; 06:27.

“Ain't goin back to sleep anytime soon,” Jai mumbled. He got to his feet and put on a black t-shirt and jeans that he’d gotten from Twilight after she saw all of the holes in his clothing. He wondered how she got his measurements to get these made, but then again he was grateful. Making his way out of the bathroom he crept to the bathroom to brush his teeth. As he was finishing up he looked at the door and saw Twilight's little green dragon looking at him. Towel and toothbrush in his claws, the dragon tensed up.

“Ah, Sorry didn’t mean to bother you,” Spike said, looking at the ground. Jai rinsed his mouth out and spit into the sink. Stepping around the dragon he went back to the guest room to grab Dusk, his waist bag, and boots.

“A little cold to the little dragon aren’t ya?” Sombra said, smirking at Jai.

“Whatever, it’s too early in the morning for this,” Jai said, yawning and heading out of the room and towards the door.

“ Mr. Jai, are you ok?” Dusk asked, wiggling in the sheath.

“Coffee shop, first questions later,” Jai said. Making his way out of the door, he paused in the doorway. Waving his hand he left magic letters by the entrance to let the purple Unicorn know he would be back. Nodding his head in approval he sifted through his waist bag to check for the ‘bits’ he was given. Feeling the cold coins he left to clear his head and search for a coffee shop.

“Even black coffee is too sweet,” Jai mumbled, as he took a sip of the drink. Although the drink was much to be desired he liked having coffee for the first time in, apparently centuries. He felt like he was having another existential crisis again thinking about how long he was gone. Taking a few deep breaths he pulled out his journal and began to write and doodle. He’d have to thank Selene if he ever saw her again for this.

“Um whoever you are…can you um…help me please?” A soft unfamiliar voice asked behind him. Jai sighed, and turned around to see nothing behind him.

“Now I’m losin’ it, great,” he mumbled. Then he felt a tap on his lower back.

“Um, down here, eep!” A yellow Pegasus with a pink mane, said. Her hooves over her head as she spoke. Jai tilted his head, and took a sip of his coffee.

“At least I’m not crazy yet. What’s up buttercup?” Jai asked, setting his drink down. He laughed to himself as he said that. It was something his aunt would say to him when he was little. The mare looked up at him with puppy dog eyes. He knew that look, he was going to get an annoying request, wasn’t he?

“Actually I’m FlutterShy and I was wondering if you’ve seen a little white rabbit? His name is Angel and I’m really worried about him,” She said. Jai shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

“It's a figure of speech, but I haven’t seen a rabbit of any kind FlutterShy,” he said, turning around in his seat.

“Would you min-”FlutterShy began to ask.

“Yeah, yeah. If I see him, I’ll figure something out,” Jai interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. The mare's ears perked up, and she stopped covering her face.

“Oh Mr. Thank you so much,” FlutterShy said, smiling. Jai said nothing and kept writing in his journal. He had enough on his mind this morning and for all intents and purposes, he was stressed. He heard hoof steps walking away from him after a few moments as he finally closed his journal. Putting his journal back in his waist bag, he took a long swig of his coffee finishing it off.

“Dream journal started I guess. Next on the to-do list is to find a nice open field,” Jai mumbled to himself getting up.

“You’re going to look for a bunny… now of all times?” Sombra asked, appalled that this human thought now was the time to cater to others. Jai shook his head as he picked up Dusk, and yawned as he began to wander around Ponyville.

“Nah, since there's nothing threatening my life at the moment. I should stay ready, rather as ready as I can be,” Jai said ,causing Sombra to nod in approval. Strolling through the town Jai watched as ponies went to work, and began their days. It reminded him of walking through the Crystal Empire, man he missed that place. Wandering around town he saw a path that led out towards a forest.

“This is as good a place as any,” Jai said, taking his shirt off and folding it up. He had found a clearing in the forest with a few boulders, and oddly shaped bushes. After stretching, he began to swing Dusk. Focusing his magic around the sword as he did so.

“You haven’t made any progress with my original owner's sword dance. Are you bad at learning or?” Dusk asked, as Jai tripped over himself again. Panting, the human stuck the sword into the ground and sat on one of the rocks.

“I might be, but this is also just hard as fu-” Jai snapped at the sword. Then he heard growling from the bushes that were now forming legs and getting up. Taking the form of dogs, no, wolves fifteen or more circled him.

“Ah, Timber wolves. Haven’t seen these beasts in quite some time,” Sombra said, looking down at the exhausted human.

“Ya know, this is fine. I didn’t want a peaceful morning workout anyway,” Jai whined, as he wiped sweat from his forehead.

“I could deal with this for you, you know?” Sombra suggested, grinning. Jai rolled his eyes and stood up.

“Like hell I need you for this. Push come to shove I’ll use shadow magic,” he said, popping his knuckles and pulling Dusk from the ground.

“Try not to die!” Dusk said, enthusiastically, making the human laugh. Focusing, he felt magic swirl around him, A gold semi halo forming above his head.

“Fought and lived through worse,” Jai said, smiling as the wolves began to charge at him. Swinging Dusk around the human removed limbs and heads alike from each wolf that came his way. After the first 3 the others became wary and circled him. They had realized his limited range and sought to use it. Jai remembered the dream figures words. Since Dusk could change shape, why not a spear? Channeling his magic, his halo turned Silver as he turned Dusk into a simple silver spear.

“You actually had a good Idea. I'm so proud,” Dusk said, vibrating in his hands.

“Whatever cursed weapon,” Jai mocked, as he continued to slaughter the pack of wolves. When he was done, there were heads, legs, and various other timber wolf body parts scattered about.

“Not bad However I would not have taken any bites from those lesser beings. You also could have been messier” Sombra said, scoffing at the bite marks and scratches on the human.

“In my defense asshat. They waited until I was already tired. Thisis fine,” The human said motioning to himself.

“I agree! Your magic is different from my other owners but it's fine,” Dusk said. Jai picked up his shirt and shook off the stray grass and dirt from the fight.

“You say that every time. Ah hell my shirts all messed up,” Jai said, throwing it over his shoulder and relaxing. The halo fading as he walked towards town with a grin plastered on his face. He felt good, despite the minor injuries. Getting some exercise helped set his mind right about his next course of action. First was to wait for Celestia, then find out what happened to Amore and how to get to her. Before all of that however…

“You’ve got an audience if you haven’t noticed,” Sombra said, sitting on the humans shoulder. Jai turned to see four ponies and another dragon goat thing looking at him.

“There you are the- Are you ok?” Twilight asked, rushing through the crowd of ponies.

“Yeah, fine. Just a few scrapes, cuts, and bites. Nothing magic won't heal,” Jai said nonchalantly.

“What happened? I saw your message this morning, but then my friend said there was a problem outside of town and I got worried,” Twilight said, scanning over the human frantically. She needed him alive and well for obvious items.

“Oh uhhh, I think they’re called timber wolves?” Jai said.

“You were attacked by Timber Wolves? Well I guess we’ll have to put out a warning for them,” Twilight said, sighing in relief that he was ok at least.

“They’re dead so don’t worry about it,” Jai said, pointing at a few of the heads that were still intact. Twilight looked around wide eyed as her jaw fell.

“How does your magic work? How did you do this?!” Twilight asked aggressively.

“I believe the words you're looking for are ‘thank you’,” Jai said, lifting up the dirty black tee. It had claw marks and holes all over the front. Twilight huffed in irritation due to her questions being brushed off but she relented.

“Thank…you,” She said, trying to sound grateful; She was grateful but she hated his attitude. How did Celestia ever put up with him?

“Mhm, so who are they? What's with you and being around dragons? I hate them,” Jai said looking at who Twilight had brought.

“I beg your pardon? I am Discord the draconequus and the embodiment of Chaos, not a dragon,” Discord said, crossing his scaly arms.

“I wouldn’t get involved with him and that is coming from me,” Sombra said, frowning at Discord. Jai could have sworn he could see Sombra the way he was looking at him but there was no way right?

“Don’t care. You look too close to a dragon for me. Next?” Jai said, ignoring the pouting draconequus. He saw an orange pony, a blue Pegasus with a rainbow mane, and a white Unicorn.

“Howdy partner, I’m Applejack,” She said, waving.

“I am Rarity. A pleasure darling,” She said, nudging the blue Pegasus.

“I’m Rainbow Dash, I saw your fight with those wolves! It was so awesome, you were like; Swoosh, Zoom, Pow and they were like-” Rainbow said, re-enacting the fight she saw before going to Twilight. Jai facepalmed as he listened to the Pegasus go on and on. He didn’t know if he was pissed that she just watched, or that she was doing an awful job with the sound effects.

“Charmed, Anyway when’s Tia gettin here? I need a shower,” Jai said. Twilight’s eye twitched hearing the human refer to the Princess in such a casual manner. Applejack as if on queue jogged over to Twilight.

“Well we shouldn’t be standin’ around, Twi said the Princess would be here later today,” Applejack said. Jai, content with that answer, smiled.

“Great! One step closer to getting filled in on the time I missed,” Jai said, happily.

“You don't look much younger than us. How old are you for a princess to fill you in?” Rainbow Dash asked, hovering next to the human as he began to make his way back down the trail to town.

“Oh I don't know, give or take a few centuries I guess. Fighting like your life depends on it seems to have kept me young,” Jai said, sarcastically. He tried not to think too hard about that fact again, he’d panicked enough today.

“Ah few centuries? So you don’t age like the princesses?’ Applejack asked. Jai shrugged his shoulders once again.

“Who knows. Maybe the halo keeps me young,” The human said, as he turned Dusk back into a short sword.
"What she didn't tell you about that?" Jai asked, pointing above his head as he channeled his magic.

“How? Huh?” Twilight asked, pulling out her notepad once again and writing what she was seeing.

“Oh, aren't you just a treat? What did you say he was again…a Human?” Discord asked, amused. He was still annoyed that the human thought so little of him, but he could take his time figuring out why.

“Human, yes and stay away. Or don’t I’m ok with a fight,” Jai said, inching away from the draconequus.

“Hmm another time, I have a tea date so, Ta Ta now. Oh and I hope you like the shirt,” Discord said, before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Jai groaned as he looked at his now repaired shirt. The only difference this time, being the atrocious color scheme of the chimera all over the front.

Author's Note

Sorry if the dream section of the chapter is a little confusing, I'll try to fix it if I can. Enjoy another intermission type chapter. Hope it gave ya a chuckle of some kind with a bit of lore drops and character set up. As always dms and comments are open for edits here, if I missed anything. I'll edit this sometime tmr, its 3am rn lmao (I know I missed commas by dialogue please please please don't say anything I'm gonna fix it just lazy) :fluttershysad:

Friend to some, Nightmare to others

“Cadence, I think you will like him! He was pretty close to your ancestor Amore,” Celestia said, remembering the human she’d met centuries ago. He was thought of about every fifty or so years but not much else after the first few he’d disappeared.

“Auntie Celestia, I have never heard you mention this Human before,” Cadence said, tilting her head. The train ride to Ponyville was one Celestia thought she would be taking alone. That was until her adoptive niece overheard of her trip to Ponyville. Cadence took every chance she could to see her future sister in law and this trip was perfect.

“Hmm not directly no. However, there was a romance novel I recommended. That I might have published,” Celestia said, smiling.

“Echoes of the Heart? That novel what does that have to- no…” Cadence said, her interest piqued. She’d read Echoes of the Heart, back when she was training to be a princess and loved it. It was a lovely novel of a soldier who realized he loved his princess.

“Mhm, that novel is about him and Princess Amore. Their last recorded words are in that book,” Celestia said, closing her eyes and remembering what Varos said before disappearing.

“I don't like when some pony hurts what is mine; and mine’ is what he said. And his, I will be,” Cadence said, swooning thinking back the first time she’d read it.

“Yes, but I believe he said someone, but I digress,” Celestia said, letting out a laugh of amusement.

“Someone?” Cadence said, confused.

“It will make sense when you see him. Oh look we’re almost there,” Celestia said, looking out of the window.

“Either way I'm excited!,” Cadence said, as she looked at Ponyville, coming into view and getting closer.

“WE ARE APPROACHING OUR DESTINATION PONYVILLE STATION,” The conductor said over the intercom. After about fifteen minutes, the train began to slow as it pulled into the station. The two princesses, after talking with the guards, had some take luggage to their accommodations and the others accompanied them to see Twilight and Jai. As the two exited the train, many were surprised to see the Princess of the Sun in Ponyville. Some panicked due to the history of the town they live in. Celestia sensed the high tension in the room and sighed.

“Fear not My little ponies. Nothing is amiss to my knowledge. I am just visiting my student and an old friend,” Celestia said. An invisible weight lifted for the ponies in the train station as they all continued to go about their days. As the two made their way through town, they heard yelling.

“I thought you had a tea date? Why are you back?” Jai yelled.

“Oh FlutterShy understood. Besides I came to get angel, you know the bunny that's been following you,” Discord said. Jai groaned and facepalmed as he looked around and saw it. A white bunny, standing on its hind legs and with crossed arms.

“That's ugh, fine take him and leave,” Jai said, throwing his hands up in the air. Celestia laughed as they approached the commotion in the park near Sweetapple acres. As Celestia drew nearer she watched as the small white bunny ran from discord and hid behind the human.

“Well I have been forbidden from using my powers on menial tasks, so I must ask that you hand him over,” Discord said, holding his claws out towards the human. Jai looked down at Angel and then back at Discord and smirked.

“No,” Jai said, looking at Discord.

“No? What do you mean, No?” Discord asked, irritably.

“I don’t wanna. He doesn’t look like he does either,” Jai said, pointing his thumb at the bunny peeking behind his legs. Angel stuck his tongue out a Discord, making him go red in the face.

“Jai, why are you antagonizing Discord? Again?” Twilight asked, rolling her eyes.

“The shirt, The goddamn shirt and- Oh Tia!?” Jai said, looking over. He smiled seeing the familiar face after so long. The small but loud group, all turned with varying expressions. Discord scowled then smiled, Twilight a smile of relief, and every pony else more or less a look of awe.

“Yes it is me. Hello friend it has been -oh,” Celestia said surprised, at how fast the human had made his way over to hug her. Her guards flinched for their weapons, but she shook her head at them.

“It’s been too long, Oh man were you always this warm?” Jai asked. Celestia laughed and wrapped her wings around him, returning his hug.

“I sure have. Although I think Amore would be more than a little jealous right now,” Celestia said, as the embrace ended. Jai rolled his eyes and smiled.

“Glad to see your sense of humor is still there, But uh what happened? I was gone for 3 years and now everyone is saying it's been centuries?” He asked, looking at Celestia. She sighed looking at the look in his eyes. He sounded jovial and sarcastic, but he looked lost and scared.

“It is a long story, come we do have much to discuss. Cadence do catch up with Twilight,” Celestia said, motioning him to follow.

“Wait, I actually want to hear this. If uh you don’t mind Princess,” Twilight said, jogging over to them. Celestia looked at Jai who shrugged.

“Yeah sure, whatever. Just no Discord,” Jai said, walking away with Celestia. Angel finessing his way into the human leather waist bag, made a face at Discord. The draconequus wasn’t used to something not being afraid of him. It was new, he didn’t hate it but he didn’t like it either.

“I am curious how you ended up in a changeling nest?” Celestia asked. Jai shrugged then continued to pet angel who had nestled onto the human's lap. They had ended up back at Twilight’s Treebrary. Jai was reclined in a bean bag while the others opted for chairs and stools in the presence of two princesses.

“Hell if I know. Technically I fell into the equivalent of pony purgatory first, but that was because of some foul magic,” Jai said, letting out an exasperated laugh and ignoring Sombra’s scowl.

“I don’t mean to nitpick but can you not swear? Please?” Twilight said, looking at the human with pleading eyes.

“How I speak isn’t my number one priority right now. Since I’d rather live in Equestria than on earth, my goal is simple. The Crystal Empire’s restoration, and finding out what happened to Amore,” Jai said, without looking away from Celestia. He watched the pink alicorn shift around with glee. He looked at her and tilted his head trying to remember what was her name…Ah Cadence right.

“Oh sorry, Hi I’m Cadence. To be more Specific I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. It's a pleasure to meet someone my distant relative got along with,” Cadence said, getting up and bowing. Jai felt like someone was squeezing his heart in his chest for him. Distant relative? Did Amore marry and have kids while he was missing? It would have made sense, he was technically gone for hundreds of years.

“Ah-erm. Pleasures all mine,” Jai stuttered, getting up to return the bow much to Angel's dismay. Cadence stifled a giggle seeing the look on the human's face.

“Worry not human. Princess Amore had three younger sisters. I share blood with one of them though I am not sure which,” Cadence said, smiling as she watched Jai’s face soften. Much like how Shining was when she reassured him she loved him.

“Ahem, anyway. What happened to the Crystal Empire and Amore? Last thing I remember was fighting lackeys of some Queen Primrose,” Jai said, clearing his throat and returning to the beanbag.

“Well, Amore tried to bring you back. While we left to find out more on how to do so a spell went wrong and she ended up…,” Celestia paused, gathering herself. She hated reliving this day, because she was so easily tricked into leaving under the pretense of business in Canterlot.

“Ended up what? Is she dead?!” Jai panicked.

“Encased in Crystal. Luna and I tried to get her out but even we could not get through. So we do not know,” Celestia said, defeated. Jai sighed in relief, there was a chance she was ok.

“Ok so where is she?” Jai asked. His question met with another long sigh from Celestia.

“Buried in the tundra somewhere in the crystal mountains,” Celestia said.

“How does a whole EMPIRE GO MISSING?” Jai said louder than he meant to. Twilight looked as though she was about to punch the human but Cadence quickly put a hoof on hers.

“Magic. Without the Crystal heart powered the entire Empire is effectively powerless,” Celestia said.

“How do we power it? We’ve got plenty of magic between us. I'm sure that's how shit works here right?” Jai asked, looking around the room.

“Unfortunately, only those chosen can power the Crystal Heart. It also runs on the morale of the crystal ponies and…” Celestia trailed off.

“And what?” Jai asked, making Cadence giggle.

“Love. It feeds off of Love. Sounds like you have plenty for Princess Amore, Lucky Mare,” Cadence said. Jai blushed and looked away from Cadence and Celestia.

“More like respect. I have no clue what you’re talking about,” Jai said, still refusing to make eye contact with anyone looking at him.

“Say what you will, but there's a whole romance story modeled after you two~,” Celestia mused. The human’s face could not burn any more than it did at that moment. Romance novel, about him and Amore? Who would have even written something like that about the two of them.

“Ah we weren’t like um…that,” Jai mumbled his face now in his hands. Twilight couldn’t believe what she was seeing. He was so rough and rude when he first showed up. Yet at the mention of a long lost Princess he was… almost adorable.

“Tell me, what was she like? What did you like about her? Is it true your last words were you claiming her as yours?” Cadence asked, bombarding the already embarrassed human with more questions.

“Too much too soon. I know what happened to Amore now great, now I have to ask. Who is Queen Primrose?” Jai said, rubbing his temples.

“Primrose? Other than what you have told me, nothing. It is not a name that has reached my ears until now,” Celestia said, putting a hoof on her chin in thought.

“Back to square one. Ah well this was more than enough for now. Thanks Tia I owe ya one,” Jai said, smiling.

“Oh? Then hear this request of mine will you?” Celestia asked, with a smile Jai could swear spelled trouble.

“Hmmm, I’m listening…” Jai said, hesitantly.

“Help with security for Cadence 's wedding. Maybe show the guards a thing or two? I’m sure they’d love to hear from the Crystal Empires last Knight no?” Celestia said, raising her eyebrows at him.

“Oh! The Crystal Empires Last Knight, what a cool title you have. I feel safer already,” Cadence said, happily.

“Are you sure he’s a good option? I mean we have the Elements of Harmony ready for this too,” Twilight said. Celestia hummed in acknowledgement of her students' words.

“I don’t know what these Elements of peace are, but if I can help you I will. I’ve dealt with worse,” Jai said, getting deja vu.

“Elements of Harmony and Have you now?” Twilight said, trying to keep her tone respectful in front of her teacher. Jai laughed at the question recalling Nocta, his fight with Sombra, and changelings.

“Well when you fight a forgotten king, a shadow dragon, and said hive of changelings. You can mock me, little one,” Jai said, smirking at the purple Unicorn.

“Please, every pony knows Shadow dragons are extinct. Right Princess?” Twilight asked, looking at her teacher.

“Hmm I don’t know. He has been around for a while so who knows.” Celestia said, amused.

“Forgotten king? Which one, maybe we’ve heard of him!” Cadence said, like an excited school girl.

“Sombra.” Jai said, flatly. Saying his name seemed to drain the life from the room. Sombra noticed and smiled, happy his name still carried weight.

“You mean, THE King Sombra. Tyrant of the Umbrum, the one who was attacking the Crystal Empire before it was lost?” Twilight asked in disbelief. The human had said a lot of wild things, but this took the cake.

“Oh so a being not from this world makes sense, but him being strong enough to beat your boogie man isn’t?” Jai asked sarcastically.

“I still find it hard to believe,” Twilight said with narrowed eyes. She found him very suspicious to show up before Cadence's wedding and to just know Celestia.

“Well I'm sure there's a lie detector somewhere, but he is the most insufferable ass I have met in a while,” Jai said.

“Is? Don't you mean was? If you’re going to lie, keep it consistent,” Twilight corrected.

“For a purple Unicorn you sure are annoying, first the dragon and now this?” Jai said, frowning at Twilight.

“You leave Spike out of this. Yo-” Twilight said before Celestia stomped her hoof.

“That's enough. Jai stop fighting with my student, I promise she means well,” Celestia said.

“Fine. I’ll stop but I’m putting your guards through hell now. They can thank purple over there,” Jai said, irritated.

“I am sure they will thank you one day. Now let's get re-” Celestia said, as the ceiling of the Treebrary began to cave in.

“What's going on?” Twilight asked, watching parts of her roof cave in. As they all looked to the hole in the roof they saw a swarm of changelings.

“Yikes, these guys again?” Jai said, standing up slowly and stretching.

“This is no time to be relaxed! We must-” Twilight said, racing around the room.

“It is the time. Think rationally, Protect the citizens, I’ll go have fu- I mean get rid of them,” Jai said, catching himself.

“Twilight I think he’s right, safety first.” Celestia said, getting up.

“Ah Ah, You two are staying put. It’s probably not random that they’re here, we just talked about this. Come out if necessary but not before,” Jai said, walking to the door and grabbing Dusk.

“I hate that you are right. Fine I shall have to await good news as usual,” Celestia said, with a hint of irritation.

“Are you sure you can handle this? You were exhausted fighting Timber Wolves?” Twilight asked, making the human laugh again.

“I’ll just show you what I can do when I’m not handicapping myself,” Jai said smiling. Letting his magic flow, he turned Dusk back into a spear.

“At least you were not idle while you were missing. My guard will aid you but please be safe,” Celestia teased. Jai rolled his eyes, and opened the door. He saw familiar Umbrum, and Changelings alike running amok.

“Both? Strange, the Umbrum should still be sealed?” Sombra asked. Jai shrugged as he grabbed a changeling flying at him.

“Bitter sweet reunion trust me it's personal,” Jai said, gutting the changeling and dropping it.

“Umbrum are weak to harsh daylight, they planned this when the sun was low.” Sombra said, looking around.

“Find her! Our Queen commands it!” A changeling said, commanding others. Jai looked and grabbed a guard who almost hit him with the butt of a spear.

'Woah there I'm with you. I think they want Celestia or Cadence send more over there I'll handle them," Jai said, petting the guard as he walked by.

"What the? What are you on about?" The guard asked, insulted. Jai ignored him and kept walking. He gave an suggestion, anything else is their fault for falling short.

“Guess I have to scare them…again,” Jai said, magic circuits in his arms glowing as he gathered magic into Dusk. Then with a large sweep he emitted a wave of gold magic that incinerated the nearby Umbrum and Changelings.

“IT’s You! Why are you here!?” A shrill voice called. Jai turned to see a changeling staring up at him shaking. Then he remembered when he was in the hive, the one Changeling that got away.

“For your sake, you better hope you can run away again,” The human said menacingly.

“No no, HELP!!!!! I FOUND IT! THE DISASTER FROM THE PLAINS HIVE,” The changeling wailed. This drew the attention of the surrounding invaders. Well at least that was good for Twilight helping the citizens.

“Hmm, it seems a lot of you have heard of me. I’m flattered really. No autographs today though,” Jai said, walking towards the horde in front of him. This was nothing, now that he knew he had a chance to find Amore. He was never going to lose to something this trivial.

Secondary Conditions: Fulfilled

Jai winced as the robotic-esque voice boomed in his ears again as he tried to focus in front of him. After a brief wave of confusion he felt…better. His vision felt sharper, his magic didn’t burn him as he used it. He simply felt;

“God I feel overloaded right now!” Jai yelled.

“CHRYSALIS WANTS THAT THING ALIVE! FOR THE QUEEN!” The changelings said, as all hell broke loose.
Twilight couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The amount of Shadows and Changelings attacking the human were countless and yet he made it look easy. The way he effortlessly changed weapons while he fought was mesmerizing.

“Uh Twi’ focus for me sugar cube,” Apple Jack said, nudging the purple Unicorn.

“S-sorry, it's just…I’ve never seen anything like that,” Twilight said, putting up another protective spell. They had almost coated the entire town in spells that would prevent damage and harm to its citizens. The guards were getting the stragglers, and getting the civilians inside of the protective barriers.

“You should probably finish this quicker,” Sombra said, watching the human start to struggle. There weren't many changelings or Umbrum left, but the boost of energy Jai had was starting to fade.

“Yeah yeah, I was getting the hang of something,” Jai said. He gained a little distance before setting his feet and putting Dusk back into the sheath.

“We will succeed for our Queen!” Both Umbrum and Changelings said, as they closed in on the human.

“Um hey! Why did you put me away?!” Dusk asked, alarmed. Jai raised his right hand and he watched as shadowy hands gripped and bound the rest of the Changelings.

“Wh-What is this? Umbrum, have you betrayed us?” One changeling asked. As it looked over he saw the Umbrum were bound by chains of light.

“Don’t curse me too much in hell,” Jai said, as he closed his fist to his right. The bindings tightened, and tightened and gasps for air were heard for a few moments and then…Silence.

“That was um, ... intense” Dusk said. Jai wheezed for air as he fell over . He had used all of the magic he had left to end the fight.

“Sir are you alright?” a guard asked, looking down at the human. Jai laughed and nodded weakly.

“I think so. Wh-” Jai said, passing out.

“Sweet Celestia, what are you?” The guard asked, looking around the mess.

“He is something for sure isn't he captain Shining Armor?” Celestia said, walking over to them. Celestia lifted the human in her magic, and let out a sigh of relief. Only magic strain from overuse and a few hairline fractures in his ribs and arms.

“Yes Princess he is. Who is he if you don't mind me asking?” Shining asked, bowing.

“Your security. Now go gather those left alive for questioning,” Celestia ordered, turning and walking back to the Treebrary.

“He left some alive?” Shining mumbled to himself as he went to survey the area. Low and behold, there were Changelings that were left unconscious.

“Best case scenario, wow,” Shining said, grinning to himself. He felt like he was in good hands for the first time in a while.

“Yo dude you’re wasting time, focus up!” A voice said to Jai. Making him groan and sit up. Looking around he saw his couch, tv, and dirty laundry all over the place.

“Huh?!” Jai said, sitting up and rubbing his face. Focusing on his couch he made out a familiar figure. Was it him?

“Jesus thank god we’re up,” the dream figure said, smiling.

“Oh man, what did I eat?” Jai asked himself.

“Enough jokes, you passed the second test so you get to ask two questions. Oh and don't ask me stupid shit like who am I,” The dream figure said. Jai frowned because he really wanted to know who he was talking to and why he looked like him.

“Fine, what's this condition fulfilled stuff?” Jai asked. The dream figure smiled and nodded.

“It is the re-unlocking of your potential, granted you should be stronger but you deviated more than usual,” The dream figure explained. Jai’s eyes went wide when he got an answer. Re-unlocking his potential?

“You got one question left, please don’t waste it. Next time we talk is gonna be minute,” The dream figure said. Jai’s head was already spinning with the information he had just gotten. After a few more moments Jai had his next question ready.

“Who were you talking with when you told me to use a spear?” He asked. The dream figure smiled and nodded.

“You’re already better than the last! I was arguing with Faust, the God who created this world.” The dream figure said. Jai’s jaw might as well have fallen off after hearing that. He’d seen some wild shit, but hearing that the person in front of him was talking to god was crazy.

“I uh, am rarely speechless but wow,” Jai said, sitting on the couch next to him.

“Mhm weird huh? Anyway, when you wake up some things are gonna be different. A Good difference but you’ll get used to it,” The dream figure said, laughing.

“Am I even allowed to ask different how?” Jai said, sighing.

“Nope, have fun~!” The dream figure said, ruffling its wings and snapping his fingers. The familiar blinding white flash greeted him as he woke up.

“Ngh, why is it so bright?” Jai groaned.

“Huzzah! Thou art awake?” a feminine voice said. Jai groggily rubbed his eyes and saw a navy blue Alicorn and he smiled.

“Lu, It’s been, OW! Too long,” Jai said, flinching in pain. His everything hurt as he sat up.

“Do not force thy self. There is significant strain on thy body,” Luna said. As he remembered the dream he figured him being in pain was the significant change he was referring to.

“Ah what-,” Jai asked, before Luna cut him off.

“Every pony is fine, and few are injured.” Luna said, smiling as she saw the look of relief wash over his face.

“That's nice, oh why are you here?” Jai asked, looking and seeing angel jump up at the foot of the bed he was in.

“He was in the bag you carry with you. We have informed FlutterShy so worry not,” Luna said, laughing as she watched the bunny nuzzle into Jai's hand.

“So now I get to ask. Where am I ?” Jai asked, looking around at the room. It was made of stone with a few book cases, a desk and two very pretty stained glass windows.

“You are in Canterlot, we have been told you will be helping with guarding the wedding,” Luna said, making her way to the door.

“Ah uh ok, I guess I’ll rest and see you later?” Jai asked, prompting a curt nod from Luna and then she was gone.

“Welcome back, you’ve been out for a week,” Sombra said, floating over his head.

“Yea well, I kinda over did it so it makes sense,” Jai said, rubbing his arms then freezing. He looked at his left arm and saw the engraving he had Amore do was gone.

“Weird huh, if you think that is Odd. Wait until you get a mirror,” Sombra said, smirking as he noticed Jai’s confused look.

“A mirror? What kinda gnarly scar did I get?” Jai asked, annoyed. Moving the sheets, he got up. His body protested with sharp pains and aches, but he ignored them.

“Bathrooms over there,” Sombra said, opening the door.

“How did ya do that?!” Jai asked, surprised.

“I might tell you later,” Sombra said, with his Cheshire cat grin. Rolling his eyes, Jai limped to the sink.

“What the fu-” Jai mumbled, looking in the mirror. His locs had turned bright white and his eyes had turned a familiar light pink instead of grey. Remembering his arm, he took it out of the sleeve and turned.

“Hahaha, this is what he meant!” Jai said, laughing hysterically. He didn’t know if this was a blessing or if something was messing with him. On his left bicep he had 5 blue crystals, around a snowflake. He had Amore’s cutie mark, with the faint scars of the circuits he had prior under it.

“I had to have asked the wrong questions right?” Jai said, limping back to the bed and passing back out.

Author's Note

Bit of a doozy for a chapter. BUTTTTTTTT it is a little longer, and I think I like where this is going. Enough of the tootin my own horn. I'm eepy' since its 03:30am and I will get to edits and such when I wake up. Love yall and I'm glad you read this far. Hope you enjoyed and stay blessed. <3

The Oldest and Newest Cadenza

“Angel we gotta go dude, Fluttershy has to be worried sick. You’ve had a nice enough vacation,” Jai said, looking down at the bunny clinging to his ankle. Jai sighed in defeat as he looked at the bunny give him puppy eyes.

“Ugh fine, just let me get dressed. I won't take you back today,” Jai said, exasperated. He watched as the bunny jumped side to side in victory. Shaking his head, the human went and grabbed the clothes Rarity had made for him. She was rather excited by the commission, as an artistic challenge. The crystal tailor wasn’t even close to that excited.

“Oh wow!,” Jai said, happily putting his new clothes on. Walking to the mirror he examined the black jeans, white t-shirt, loose pink sweater he got. To top the rest of the outfit off, was a blue crystal half heart necklace and the ring he got from the old man. This was honestly better than anything he’d gotten on earth. It also wasn’t his usual style either but he wasn’t out in the wilds for now either. He turned dusk into a dagger, grabbed his waist bag, and left the room. He sauntered off through the hallway and down into the garden.

“Ah Instructor Cadenza, what brings you by?” Shining asked, gritting his teeth and saluting him. Shining although he thought he was over the incident from a three weeks ago, still felt a twinge of anger upon seeing the human.

“Jesus, of course Tia would have you guys calling me that. Please just Jai,” he said, face palming. Since the whole changeling attack incident, and all of the more personal changes. Jai had to deal with explaining to Celestia why he now had a cutie mark on his arm, and why it was so similar to Amore’s. Needless to say the changes to his state of being, somehow got his last name changed from Young, to Cadenza. He was under the impression it was a formality for later, not a widespread change.

“But sir, The Prin-” Shining said, as the human held up his hand.

“I will personally do each and every combat drill of Hell week, ” Jai said flatly, as he watched the stallion stiffen at the words. He knew the human was strong but training and teaching were separate matters. To the misfortune of the guard, he seemed to be well versed in both.

“Understood…Sir,” Shining said, nodding hurriedly.

“Stop nodding so much, you’re gonna get vertigo or something I don’t know,” Jai said, letting out a short laugh. Getting a day off from all of the personal training, guard training, and planning for the wedding was nice. Days like this reminded him of messing around with Rock hoof.

“Yes sir. I have to continue my rounds so I will be on my way,” Shining said, saluting and race walking off. Jai rolled his eyes and kept walking through the garden. He usually enjoyed his time here before he wandered through the library. Lack of information on Queen Primrose was starting to bother him.

“Still stayin' silent on this Queen?” Jai asked. Sombra snorted at the question but kept quiet. His only lead is doing the one thing he never did.

“Maybe if we go out again we’ll find something?” Dusk asked.

“Not like we have much of a choice. The only good news is that the Crystal Empire is making an appearance soon,” Jai said, kicking a rock as he made his way towards the front gate. Thanks to the annoying purple Unicorn and one of her mishaps. Her elements of peace or harmony had picked up on something in the north.

“Please! Let me in, I swear I know him,” A familiar voice whined, breaking him from his thoughts.

“No entry just to see the human, he is not a zoo attraction. Princess orders,” The front gate guard said. As Jai approached he saw the pervert, err the archeologist.

“Oh, I knew I was forgetting something in pony ville. Take it easy Ironside, I owe her one,” Jai said, brushing past the guard as he opened the gate.

“I-Instructor Cadenza, honest mistake I sw-” Ironside sputtered, as the human held up a hand.

“Sir, is good enough. I'm headin’ out anyway. When you get a chance, talk to Shining about the whole Cadenza thing,” Jai said, trying his hardest not to make a face. God, he needed to have a chat with Celestia about changing his name on a whim.

“Yes Instr- I mean, Yes sir,” Ironside said, closing the gate behind Jai and Daring do as they walked back down the path from the castle.

“Woah I find you as a hobo and next I see you; I hardly recognize you Mr. Instructor. Guess you did know the Princesses,” Daring said, in mock amusement. Jai just rolled his eyes as they walked.

“Yeah, a lot of bs happened. I blame you for just disappearing on me,” Jai complained. Daring laughed as they approached a cafe.

“On me then? Then you can tell me this long story,” She said, using her wings to motion him ahead of her.

“Mhm, use it for your book I’ll kill you. I'm in enough literature as it is,” Jai said, walking in.

“Guess I’ll be running from the almighty human then,” Daring retorted, following him into the cafe.

“And after all that fighting and junk. I woke up to bright white hair, light pink eyes, and a cutie mark that neither Princess can explain and my magic is all different,” Jai ranted, grabbing his coffee taking a big swig. This time he remembered to request zero sugar so at least he could drink this one comfortably.

“AHAHAHA,” Daring bursted out laughing. In all her years of adventuring she had rarely met anything that had made her laugh this hard.

“Mhm. So now on paper Princess Amore Cadenza’s Uncle,” Jai said, unable to hide the irritation and embarrassment on his face. This only made Daring do laugh even harder as the human just frowned and sipped his coffee. After what seemed like an eternity to the irritated human, Daring finally stopped laughing.

“HAhhh, Ok ok. This pissed off The captain of the royal guard why?” Daring asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.

“He thought I was going to be marrying Cadence instead of him because of the name change. Like man, technically I’m what…four five hundred years old and I just met her!” Jai said louder than he intended. He got odd looks from several of the other patrons making him flinch.

“While fascinating, you never mentioned what piece of literature you were in. You know, for some pony to not want to be in my book is rare,” Daring said, nudging the human. Jai shook his head, his face burning red.

“Erm, that’s not important. Just keep me out of yours,” Jai said, finishing his coffee and throwing his cup away.

“Oh cmon, is it that bad?” Daring asked, following him.

“Ya know what. I’m done with it, so here,” Jai said, reaching into his bag. He set his copy of Echoes of the Heart on the table and left.
“Lets see what- Oh. Makes sense now,” Daring said, as she sat at the table and began to read.

“That book is a little too-” Jai said, pausing looking for the right word.

“Accurate? Real? Oh how about Detailed?” Sombra said, sitting on Jai’s shoulder. The human’s face continued to keep its rosy hue as he walked through the Canterlot streets. As he neared the castle he saw fancy carriages bearing different emblems on them.

“One, two, three… five different ones wow,” Jai said, whistling as he admired all of the fancy decorations and such on them. As if on queue, all the carriage doors swung open. He saw griffons, hippogriffs, Kirin's, there was Cadence, and-

“You’re favorite, look human,” Sombra said, laughing. The human frowned and took a deep breath.

“Yes, I see the lizards. Maybe my bias is unfounded and I’m traumatized,” Jai admitted, continuing back to the castle.

"That Spike might need an apology then," Sombra said, teasing the human. Before Jai could respond he approached the gate. Ironside seeing the human nodded and stepped aside. He watched the guard mouth ‘good luck’ as he passed. Jai gave him a quick salute and hauled ass through the garden trying his best to avoid the company in the castle. He knew what that warning was for and he didn't want to-

“Oh, there you are. I was looking for you,” Celestia said, the group from outside the castle following behind her.

"God Damnit," Jai thought to himself. He wished there were less work and formalities for him to deal with. He didn't even know what was going on half the time until it was happening. The human mentally kicked himself, realizing he hadn't responded yet.

“Everything's all good I hope,” The human said, sighing and forcing a smile.

“So far yes, we haven’t run into any immediate trouble just yet,” Celestia said, laughing.

“ It is so nice to see you today. You’ve been so busy since you’ve returned,” Cadence said, smiling at him. It took every bone in his body to not walk by them and close his door. Cadence was closer to Celestia than him when it came to acting. He was extremely envious due to his own lack of facial expression control.

“You know Celestia. She keeps me on my toes, haha,” Jai said, laughing awkwardly.

“Oh where are my manners? These are the leaders of the nations around Equestria,” Celestia said, stepping aside so that he could get a better look at them.

“I am the son of Griffon's King, Prince Quentin III,” The griffon said. Taking a shallow bow, he ruffled his dull grey and brown feathers. His green eyes avoided the humans as he stood back up.

“I am Sky Star, Daughter of Queen Novo,” The yellow hippogriff said, smiling and waving a wing at him.

“I am Athena Blaze, here on behalf of our Queen,” The white Kirin said. As she bowed her green scales along her nose and back shimmered in the light. Her playful gaze gave him hope that his next encounter with dragons wouldn’t leave a bad taste in his mouth.

“I am Ember, Daughter of the dragon Lord,” The blue dragoness said, nodding at him. Jai would take it. She wasn’t rude, or condescending so plus one to the dragons reputation in his book.

“I’m sure we would all love to get to know each other better but, I would like to get to business if you don’t mind,” Quentin said. Jai didn’t like the sound of that at all, and by the look on Cadence's face neither did she.

“Ah yes, where were we again… Rights over the Crystal Empire?” Celestia asked, tilting her head in thought.

“Yes we were. As the emergence of this Crystal Empire draws nearer we would request the rights to rule,” Quentin said, launching into a speech. Jai zoned out when he started mentioning the benefits it would bring to everyone, trade, and how they being slightly closer should have rights. It was in essence a child saying it's closer and I should get it but what did he know, he was just a human.

“Yes and while I would, Cadence here holds the rights to that. Being one, a descendant of the previous ruler, and two her cutie mark symbolizes her importance to the Empire itself,” Celestia said, much to the griffon's irritation.

“All due respect, we saw what happened last time with the Crystal Empire. It fell pathetically and disappeared under ponies. We believe it is time for a change,” Quentin said, looking at Cadence and frowning.

“Your opinion is noted, However I still do not possess the ability to give you that authority,” Celestia reiterated to him.

“Or instead of handing it over to us, might I propose a marriage between the griffons and Princess Cadence,” Prince Quentin said, licking his beak. Jai could deal with a lot of things here in Equestria. Getting sent away for hundreds of years, getting dropped in a new world twice, and crawling out of a changeling hive. One thing he wouldn’t stand for was any slander on Amore and her leadership. He watched her care for each crystal pony personally on their strolls through the city.

“You. Flying rat,” Jai said, looking down at the griffon who looked up at him offended.

“Pardon you? What di-,” Quentin said, as the human spoke over him.

“Got any way to prove you’d do better defending the Crystal Empire?” Jai said angrily, glaring at the prince.

“Our soldiers are more than capable, not to mention our excellent strategist, yours truly leading them,” The griffon said, proudly puffing out his chest.

“I want your best here tomorrow. Prove to me that you would lead and strategize better than Amore,” Jai said, trying to calm himself down.

“And who are you to address me like this?!” The griffon demanded.

“Oh dear, I guess my age is showing. This is Jai Cadenza, the last Knight of the Crystal Empire I was telling you about,” Celestia said, holding a hoof up to her mouth. The griffon looked like he had seen a ghost after Celestia made that announcement.

“You’re Princess Cadence’s Uncle?” Sky Star asked, her blue eyes full of curiosity.

“More or less. Now Flying rat, you better back up those words. Actually how about this, any of you beat me I'll endorse you,” Jai said, putting his finger in the griffon's chest.

“Y-you mean what you say,” Quentin said, stuttering.

“Now Uncle no need to be ra-” Cadence began to say before Celestia put a hoof on her back.

“Trust him,” Celestia whispered, winking at the Princess of love.

“Bring your best, don’t worry I wont kill them,” Jai said, his magic starting to leak. Parts of his white hair began to crystalize as he looked at the Prince. Behind the human a singular translucent wing began to take shape.

“T-Tomorrow then at noon,” the prince sputtered, turning to Celestia and bowing.

“Noon's too early, try two,” Jai said, taking a deep breath and calming himself. The crystalized hair slowly returning to normal and the wings fading.

“Well it has been wonderful meeting you but I would say this is good for today. We might as well give it a shot tomorrow as well,” Athena said, bowing and leaving the hallway. The others following suit all left one by one. Until it was Jai, Celestia, and Cadence.

“Care to explain why we are letting him do this?” Cadence asked, quite a bit miffed at how the situation played out.

“Tia, I get we’re doing this for influence and to raise support for her, but there have to be other ways to go about this than me fighting those weaker than me,” Jai said, rolling his eyes. He figured out Celestia intentionally left who he was out for something like this to happen. He only really figured it out when he started to calm down.

“My apologies, but I would not stop getting requests about marrying Cadence off to one of them, or getting her to give them the Crystal Empire,” Celestia admitted.

“Although this works out better. If my family member here wins it looks good for me and shiny to get married and have the last knight here endorse us,” Cadence said, finally putting all of the pieces together for Celestia's plan.

“Now you see. I do feel bad about playing with your emotions Jai, for this I do apologize,” Celestia said. Jai stared at her and sighed.

“It’s going to have to be whatever, what's done is done. I’m going to go rest and get ready for tomorrow.” Jai said, walking past the two and to his room. Once the human was out of earshot Cadence looked at Celestia.

“Was this all really necessary? Can’t we just tell him the news?” Cadence asked.

“We could but he could use the motivation. Well more than simply missing Amore,” Celestia said, giggling and walking away. She couldn’t wait to tell him what Twilight had found while up north.

Author's Note

Yippee antics before Cadence and Shining's Wedding! Thanks for reading, love yall. As always if i missed anything ( and I'm sure I did) let me know I'll do my best to get to it.

My crystal heart beats for yours

“Alright, grab your weapons. Sorry I’m late, I was with a tailor trying to get this damn shirt fitted,” Jai said, looking at the opponents in front of him. After issuing the challenge to the ambassadors the day before, was late due to his appointment with rarity. He would make it up to them fairly easily. Unfortunately losing was not how he intended to do that. Considering they brought the best to fight him, he would maybe only use his left hand. He also didn’t bring dusk so at least it felt fair. It was him, versus the Captain of the Dragon corps, the Griffon’s best aerial fighter, and several guardsmen from the Hippogriffs and Kirin.

“Why are you dressed like you are going to a ball? All due respect this feels like you are joking with us, and we-,” A Kirin guardsman said, trying to reason with the human. His complaint fell on deaf ears as Jai popped his fingers and shook his head.

“I won’t kill you, so quit worrying. My magic is a little off so you might break a bone or two,” Jai said, continuing to stretch out. Each soldier from their respective race all made eye contact and nodded at each other. They were the best their race had to offer, and they were going to show this human why that was the case.

“Do not hate us too much then. We do not take insults to our honor lightly,” The red dragon commander said. Jai scoffed, and stood up as straight as he could. Even at his tallest he was still a foot or two shorter than the bipedal dragon before him.

“We agree on something, I do not tolerate any insults about Amore,” Jai said, straightening his tie. He had been given a set of armor from Celestia but to be honest it was way too flashy and heavy for him to want to fight in. He wanted to handicap himself, not just lose. So he opted for the only clothing he had on standby, a white shirt with a black tie, black dress pants and shoes. It wasn’t ideal but he might as well look good for a public event.

“The rules for this are obviously, no murder, and to fight until one side concedes. The reward is the endorsement for ownership of the Crystal Empire. Do all parties agree?” Celestia said, looking down at the public dueling facility. It was reinforced for today's event, so hopefully the human had courtesy enough to not break it.

“Mhm.” Jai said, frowning. He really could have thought of a better use of his time other than bullying these soldiers in the stead of their ambassadors

“I feel bad for them. Well almost feel bad,” Sombra said, looking at the determination on the faces of the soldiers in front of him.

“Don’t,” Jai mumbled.

“We accept,” They all said one by one.

“Wonderful, so who would like to go first?” Celestia asked, looking at the challengers.

‘I will," the red dragon said. Walking forward and adjusting his shoulder pads on his silver armor. Jai wasn’t used to seeing dragons in armor but then again, he’d seen weirder things.

“Oh good, my traumas confronting me first,” Jai said, trying not to laugh. The dragon's eye twitched as he looked at the human.

“I am Paronos Champion of the four mountains, I will win,” Paronos declared. His voice carried through the spectators' stands as they erupted in cheer. He drew his double edged axe from his back and readied himself. The sound of his armor shifting made him nostalgic about the forge room Selene had.

“Tia owes me a steak or something after this,” Jai said, sighing heavily and drawing the knife he got from Selene.

“FOCUS ON ME!” Paronos screamed, charging the human. His red wings flapped behind him as he roared, swinging his axe. Jai tensed his left hand with the dagger in it and swung to meet the dragon's axe. As Paronos looked at the dagger, he saw it was made of yellow crystal. His surprised look reminded Jai of how he felt when he first did it.

“Yea I was surprised when I did it the first time too,” Jai said, pushing off from the first clash. Paronos began to swing wildly at Jai, garnering more cheers from the crowd.

“Get him! You got this Paronos” A shout came.

“He’s so much smaller than you, no way you lose!” another screamed.

“I bet 2 months pay on this, don’t lose!” Another said. Which made Jai laugh, much to the irritation of Paronos.

“Ahaha, Sorry could you give me a moment,” Jai said, tears in the corners of his eyes blurring his vision.

“IS THIS A JOKE TO YOU?!” The dragon roared, as his axe caught fire. Jai continued to dodge effortlessly, while trying to stop laughing at the poor soul who was losing so much of their income.

“Man I can't even get a second to stop hahaha, laughing. Boring,” Jai said. Using parts of the Winter sword form to push the dragon back. In Between his short swings he parried and thrust, driving the dragon back. Paronos had underestimated the human in front of him.

“I underestimated you, I will now- Urk,” the red dragon said, flinching. Jai had thrust his dagger at the dragon's face, cutting some of the scales on his cheek.

“Enough with the Cliches .” Jai said, spacing himself out. Paronos grit his teeth, and swung his fiery axe, emitting a flurry of large flame arcs towards Jai. A pillar of white crystal erupted from the ground blocking the strike. Before Paronos could be surprised that the human blocked his attack, he was on the defensive again. Paronos, desperate, decided to take a gamble.

“Take THIS!,” He screamed, his scales catching fire as he threw the axe towards the human's neck.

THUD! CRACK!

That axe head splintered, shocking the crowd.

“How? That was volcanic steel!” Paronos said, shocked. It was an axe that had been with him since his first deployment, and countless fights for his position.

“Are you done or is it hand to claw now?” Jai said, releasing the crystal coating from the dagger and putting it away. Ignoring the question and staring down the dragon. Paronos always knew that there was something stronger than him, but he’d never thought it would be this hairless fleshy alien. He’d noticed in the human’s movements; he wasn’t even trying.

“N-no, I admit defeat here. It is my loss,” Paronos muttered, turning to leaving the ring. Boos erupted from the crowd. The dragon felt like he was looking at a wall when he was fighting Jai. As he picked up the broken pieces of the axe head, his heart sank. The human wasn’t even trying, and he could do nothing but struggle.

“Coward!” One shouted.

“You didn’t even try hard enough!” several shouted. The dragon however ignored them all and left the ring.

“Alright enough! Next challenger or I am gonna be here all day,” Jai yelled. He already regretted issuing this challenge. He could be looking for clues on the Empire or on this cutie mark slightly changing his magic. Jai watched as the Griffon representative stepped forward, with metal talon covers and full battle armor.

“Do you need a break, Human?” The griffon asked. Jai shook his head and coated his arms and fist in magic.

“Nah, let's just get this shit over with,” He said, as Celestia gave the ok to start. He was going to breeze through this and go take a nap after this.

“I, Razor wing, will not fall as easily as that lizard. Don’t think us all so weak,” The griffon proudly proclaimed.

“Good God above, I thought I had an ego,” Jai said, rolling his eyes. He saw Celestia fight a laugh as she gave the go ahead for them to fight. Razor wing threw knives and steel feathers at Jai who caught most of them and sighed.

“Ya know, these need to move a lot faster if you’re going to hurt me,” Jai said, dropping the weapons on the ground. He didn’t need much for this fight, it was just another cocky soldier and he’d fought plenty of those.

“ I will show you- SQUAK,” Razor wing yelped in surprise, as was surrounded by 3 pillars of yellow crystal. Trying to fly up and out he was stopped by Jai who had waited for him at the top.

“Hmm, wrong way,” Jai said, punching the griffon straight down onto the stone flooring. Cracking one of the blocks beneath him.

“I ugh my head,” Razor wing said, attempting to stand and falling over.

“Another Win for Jai,” Celestia announced to the dead silent stadium. He didn’t expect to have anyone rooting for him, he seldom did on earth anyway.

“Next.” Jai said, proudly touching one of the crystal pillars and having it shatter. It sounded like a perfectly broken sheet of ice being dropped, followed by a beautiful snowfall. If he was going to continue to waste his time with these antics, he would put on a show and a damn good one at that.

“Why didn’t you bring me?!” Dusk whined, as Jai returned to his room.

“I didn’t wanna kill em’ dude. I haven’t had enough time to practice coating you in crystal. Don’t wanna mess up and kill someone’s ‘best’ ya know,” Jai said, rolling his eyes and loosening his tie. He sat at the desk in the room and sighed.

“They were not too bad. Well the red dragon was probably the best,” Sombra said, shrugging his shadowy shoulders.

“I guess, anyway I really just came to change shirts. Tia insists that I mingle, and I don’t feel like getting up now that I sat down though,” Jai said. He looked down at his now sweaty dress shirt. He had to get this cleaned soon so he didn’t have to listen to Rarity yell at him. As Jai bickered with Dusk he heard a knock on his door. Jai looked at the door and used his magic to open it.

“Oh um hey…,” Twilight said, looking sheepishly at the human. Jai motioned her in and smiled.

“Come on in, no hard feelings. What's goin on?” Jai asked, closing the door behind the mare. Twilight sat next to him on the floor, a hesitant look on her face.

“Well. I have good news, and bad news.” Twilight said, looking up at him.

“Alright, good news first.” Jai said, undoing his tie and the top button of his shirt.

“The Crystal Empire has been found, but-” Twilight said, flinching as she watched Jai smile and jump up.

“Well shit! What are we waiting for?” Jai said, looking around his room for clothes to travel in.

“But the bad news-” Twilight tried to say, as she watched the human zoom around the room.

“Yeah yeah, in a sec. I gotta find my other boot,” Jai said, ignoring her. Twilight sighed and levitated said boot close to him and kicked him with it.

“Listen, to this please…” Twilight pleaded. Jai, who was going to protest being kicked with his own boot, held it in.

“Fine, I'm listening now. Sorry about that,” Jai said, rubbing his calf that was kicked.

“It's ok…Well, when the girls and I went to check out a magical disturbance. We saw the Empire, but it was shrouded in a thick shadowy miasma,” Twilight said, shivering as she recounted what she saw.

“So what I’m getting from this so far is no entry, yeah?” Jai asked.

“Yes, exactly that. Any magic that came into contact with it, added to the shadows” Twilight said.

“Did you try shadow magic itself?” Jai asked, tilting his head in thought. Twilight raised an eyebrow at him.

“Shadow magic? Only the Umbrum can use shadow magic, or demons,” Twilight said. Jai held up his right hand, and a small mass of shadow floated.

“W-what? How are you doing that? Are humans a type of demon?” Twilight asked, slowly backing away from Jai.

“In a way, but not literally. I was just taught how to do it when I was in Nocta,” Jai said, laughing a little and dissipating the magic in his hand. While she was distracted, he grabbed the boot out of Twilight's magic.

“Anyway, that helps but it isn’t the biggest problem. I am sure you remember how the Crystal Heart works correct?” Twilight asked. Jai nodded, recalling something Amore and Celestia had said to him about it.

“More or less, what's wrong? Is it broken?” Jai asked, sighing. Twilight however shook her head at him.

“No it isn’t broken. It’s just that…” Twilight paused, mid thought. Every time she told some pony about this, they told her she was just jealous.

“Twilightttttt~ You ok there. Lookin 'a lil’ spacey,” Jai said, waving his hand in front of the purple unicorn's face.

“Ah sorry just um, needed a moment to think,” Twilight said, looking down the oak floor boards.

“Look I’m no expert in reading the room but something seems to be wrong, what?” Jai asked. The news he was getting wasn’t matching the look of fear on her face.

“It’s just that… I don’t think this is the real Cadence. Something is wrong with my brother and we need them to help Power the Crystal Heart,” Twilight said, panicked.

“Uh-huh…,” Jai said, nodding in thought. He didn’t know what else to say really, since he’d only known Cadence for about a month at most.

“I know it sounds paranoid, and like I am just a jealous sister losing her brother. But please, I think something is off and-” Twilight pleaded. Jai put his hand up to stop her from rambling on any more.

“I believe you,” He said, calmly. Celestia praised this purple Unicorn after she lectured him on being polite. Apparently Twilight was very accomplished, and well read on a number of topics in Equestrian history, magic, and random facts no one cares about.

“I know you don’t believe me and all but I swe-. What?” Twilight said, looking at him like she had just seen a ghost.

“I believe you, I’m hungry so let's talk about this later, yeah?” Jai said, motioning to the door. Then putting his index finger up to his lips. Twilight looked confused then, looked to the door. Nothing happened for a few moments then.

THUMP THUMP THUMP

“Comin’ gimme a sec,” Jai said. Before getting up from the desk he tapped his journal a couple times and then opened the door. There was Cadence, smiling at them.

“Auntie Celestia had me come get you for dinner. Oh hey Twi what are you doing here?,” Cadence asked, looking past the human.

“Gotcha, thanks. I’ll head down first, Twilight lock up after you read the book you wanted to borrow.” Jai said, thumbing toward the desk.

“Uh, Oh yeah I will! Almost forgot since we were talking about the last one,” Twilight said, sheepishly rubbing her neck. Cadence paused for a moment, then giggled.

“So that’s what you were up to, don’t take too long. I would hate for your dinner to be cold,” Cadence said warmly. Seriously, Jai didn’t really feel like much was off. However if the look on the purple Unicorn's face was anything to go by, she was extremely desperate. He would trust her until given a reason not to.

“Mhm, anyway. Let's go on down first Cadence, Tia owes me meat,” Jai said, his mouth watering.

“The soup from the kitchen is to die for, you have to try it. Also sorry in advance,” Cadence said, walking beside the human.

“I might have to, Angel come on let's go eat. I’m sure I’ll want him if this dinner is bs,” Jai said, calling out to the rabbit. Angel hopped from somewhere in the room and up to the human. Jai picked him up and continued down the hall. The two left Twilight behind and as soon as they were out of sight, Twilight opened the journal, magic letters like the ones in her home popped up.

Read only the highlighted pages in the journal. That is all I know and have found regarding the Crystal Empire and Umbrum. I’ll know If you read anything else, so don’t try it. Other than that, write down anything important that we can not speak about out loud. If we alert whatever this is, then planning gets harder.

“Read the highlighted…OH! Fascinating,” Twilight said, reading about Nocta and how Jai learned Shadow magic. After glancing and seeing roughly forty to forty-five highlighted pages she got curious.

“He said he would know? He would understand a peek right-” Twilight said, trying to rationalize her being nosy. As she went to lift a darkened page, a small crystal flew past her face cutting her cheek, followed by a message.

Dumbass.

Twilight blushed in embarrassment. A tear of terror ran down her cheek as she returned to reading what she was instructed to do.

“So when I was promised meat, I was under the impression I was going to get to enjoy it,” Jai said, annoyed. He sat down next to Luna and set Angel on his lap.

“Oh, Friend! We saw thy battles and we have to say you are quite ferocious,” Luna said, in between bites of her salad.

“Thanks Lu, I tried very hard to win all of those fights,” Jai said, trying not to sound sarcastic.

“Hmph, I underestimated you, human. Do not think griffons are such easy opponents,” Quentin said, pointing a claw at him.

“Now now Prince, it was all done fairly. There is no reason to press the issue now,” Celestia said.

“I don’t blame the fighters. I would have blamed the peerless strategist, but that's just me,” Jai said, taking a bite into his salmon and shrugging. He fought the urge to sigh heavily as he ate. It was hardly seasoned, at least the chefs from the Empire used seasoning of some kind, Jai thought.

“You, I will make you regret this,” Quentin said, before sulking in his seat and eating.

“I for one am impressed! Where did you learn to do all of that?” Sky Star asked. Jai shrugged and continued eating.

“Guard training, and lots of getting beat up,” Jai said, nonchalantly. It wasn’t a lie to say that at all. Granted most of his growth was thanks to him finding Dusk, and inheriting weird memories. They didn’t need to know all of that though.

“Who could have beaten you up? They must have been the strongest around,” Sky Star asked, excitedly. Jai’s expression softened for a moment as he recalled Rock hoof. Sure he was rough and an ass most of the time. However, Rock hoof is the reason he was able to survive half as long as he did in Nocta.

“He’s probably long dead now. Captain Rock hoof, hell of gu- I mean Stallion.” Jai said, returning to his meal and feeding Angel bits of the vegetables on the side.

“Probably? You didn’t keep tabs on your teacher?” Athena asked, curiously. Jai shrugged his shoulders but didn’t respond to her.

“Tia, please tell me why I’m here?” Jai said, setting his fork down.

“These lovely ambassadors asked me to invite you. It is about the wedding-,” Celestia said, causing Jai to get up.

“Sorry Tia, not interested. I am training the guard in my spare time instead of looking for clues about my situation,” he said, turning to leave.

“I have had enough of this. Human you have been nothing but disrespectful upon our arrival here.” The griffon prince said, angrily. As Jai turned back, he saw slow nods of agreement from the other ambassadors.

“Touché flying rat. You would be too if you felt like this was a waste of time,” Jai said, taking a deep breath. He didn’t have the energy to argue or care about anything at the moment. He motioned for Angel to follow him. The bunny pouted, grabbing a celery stick as he hopped off of the table and followed.

“Waste of time? Is that how you view your Empire returning? We talk of peace and what to do wh-,” Athena asked. Jai shook his head and closed his eyes. He remembered the day he lost the home he was making for himself.

“Jai, I think you are overreacting here. I also went through the trouble of finding information for you. I feel like your cooperation here is necessary for the wedding. Amore would-,” Celestia said.

“Don’t bring her into this! If any of you cared, you would want to just have a good relationship with the crystal ponies. I- Never mind enjoy your dinner,” Jai snapped irritably, cutting himself off and leaving the dining hall. He understood what Twilight meant by something that seemed off. For starters no one seemed to have noticed Cadence hadn’t blinked once since they sat down. Along with her not touching dinner, despite praising it so heavily. Whatever that was, Twilight was right and Celestia was too caught up with the idea of a marriage to see there was a problem. As Jai walked back to his room, he saw Shining Armor making rounds.

“Armor, what's the word?” Jai asked, expecting the startled response as usual. However he said nothing as he turned to face the human.

“In…struc…tor Cadenza,” Shining said, almost lifelessly. Jai furrowed his brow at the response.

“Didn’t I say something about that? Why are you slouching too? Do I need to go harder on the training?,” Jai asked, trying not to freak out.

“I A…pol…o…gize Sir…,” Shining said, each syllable strained as he struggled to speak.

“Yeah I’m sure you do. Umm as you were, I guess,” Jai said, picking up Angel and hurriedly jogging back to his room.

“Yo, Twilight are you still in here?” Jai called out, into his room. As looked around he saw the purple Unicorn slumped on his desk with the lamp on. Jai fought back a laugh, and wondered if Celestia knew her student snored so loud. Well maybe he’d ask when he was done being pissed at her.

“So how’d the dinner go?” Sombra asked, looking at the human from the desk. He found out he could have distance between him and the shadowy pain in the ass. Ever since his appearance and magic changed.

“It was what you would expect from lovestruck and power hungry leaders,” Jai said, sighing and setting Angel down on the bed.

“No pony has noticed then?” Sombra asked.

“No one seems to really care. Crystal Empire this Wedding that, and yet none of what they say about the Empire is helpful,” Jai complained as he walked into the bathroom.

“And the verdict on the fake Cadence?” Sombra asked, phasing through the wall. Jai hated when he did that scared the shit out of him.

“That probably isn’t Cadence, and Shining is acting weirder than usual. He’s more spacey and less awkward,” Jai said, before brushing his teeth.

“So what's the plan?” Dusk asked.

“For now nothing, I’m gonna read what Twilight put down and then find Cadence I suppose,” Jai said, rinsing his mouth out.

“She was pretty curious about what else you had written down, you know,” Sombra said, laughing.

“How many times?” Jai asked, rolling his eyes.

“Twelve,” Sombra said, laughing a little harder. Jai sighed, he’d heal the cuts and scold her for being nosy later. The two never really had a chance to talk since, even in Ponyville. Maybe he’d spare a question or two so she’d focus on the problem at hand.

“C'mon Twilight we’re gonna be late,” Jai said boarding the train. The wedding was in a week and a half and he was being sent on errands. He was to help Twilight get her friends Canterlot and give them their duties. Why did he have to go? To make up for the damages he caused when he went out of his way to save the town.

“I'm coming!” Twilight said, squeezing through a group of ponies in the corridor.

“Ok so I have Angel, Dusk, and something to eat. I think I’m set,” Jai said, finding their private section.

“You named the sword?” Twilight asked, sitting across from him and magically closing the door.

“Well the sword told me its name, so I didn’t name it,” Jai said, opening his snack bag and throwing a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

“It told you?” Twilight asked, tilting her head.

“Ah yeah, I guess if you have any questions I’ll answer them. As long as they aren’t annoying,” Jai said. Twilight’s face lit up as she summoned a notebook and pen.

“So where did you find the sword? And how does it communicate with you?” Twilight asked, flinching as the train whistle blared. The conductor yelled and the train began to move.

“Well, I found her in Nocta in a cave beneath a city. To be honest I think it’s telepathy or something like that but I usually just respond out loud,” Jai said, rubbing his chin. He never really thought about how he could talk to a sword, he just did.

“Her? That's really interesting! Does the sword have anything to do with your change in appearance?” Twilight asked. Jai took a few moments to think back to the dream he had before he changed.

“As far as I know, no it doesn’t. This sword is special, but not that special,” Jai said, feeling the Dusk shake around in her sheath.

“Ok um last question for now, Who is Queen Primrose?” Twilight asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine, she was a problem in the Empire when I fell into Nocta. I think she has something to do with Sombra no longer leading the Umbrum,” Jai said. Twilight took note of that and smiled.

“That’s all I have for now. You should rest for now, you will have to deal with Discord when we get into town so you might need it,” Twilight said, giggling. Jai nodded in agreement and leaned in his seat.

“Angel, wake me up if there's a problem,” Jai said to the bunny, who saluted him. Jai smiled and crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He drifted off to the sound of the iron train wheels clicking and clacking on the rails. Only to be woken up to what felt like seconds later to Angel tapping him on the chest.

“NOW PULLING INTO PONYVILLE STATION,” The conductor shouted. Twilight closed the book she had brought. The Two got up and left the train car, to be met with familiar faces upon arrival.

“Twilight your ba-,” Spike said happily. Pausing only when he saw the human exit after Twilight. Jai shrugged and walked by the two.

“Take your time, I’m gonna go check in with Fluttershy then get Rarity, and Apple Jack,” Jai said, Angel sitting on the human's shoulder.

“Still no apology?,” Sombra asked, mocking the human. Jai rolled his eyes as he wandered around town taking directions from the bunny, which he found adorable. Eventually Jai came to a house on the outskirts of town. Well house would be putting it kindly, it was more like a zoo with all the different types of animals running around.

“Alright Angel, I think we’re here. What now-,” Jai asked, looking at his shoulder where the bunny should have been. Only to look down and see him pulling on at the cuff of his jeans. Jai continued to follow until he came to the door of the house.

BUMP BUMP BUMP

“J-Just a minute,” Fluttershy called from somewhere within the home. Jai waited until he heard something fall. He winced hearing what sounded like a pot rattle around on the floor. Then a few moments more passed and Fluttershy opened the door, her disheveled pink mane, full of twigs, and leaves.

“You good Shy?” Jai asked, looking at her. She looked up at him, bags under her eyes. Then she processed who was in front of her.

“O-Oh my. J-Jai when did you c-come back to p-ponyville?,” Fluttershy stammered, as she tried to fix her mane.

“I just got here today, what's going on with you? You look…tired,” Jai asked, reaching to pull a stick out of her mane. Fluttershy looked away, as a blush crept onto her face.

“I um, I’m n-not used to doing all of this myself. Angel and Discord u-usually helps out a lot,” Fluttershy admitted. Jai looked down at the bunny and frowned.

“Ah so that's why you didn’t wanna come back right away,” Jai said, crossing his arms. Angel looked up at him and then at Fluttershy and huffed.

“I-it’s not his fault. He already does so much for me, an-,” Fluttershy said, as Jai held up a hand.

“Sure he does. Besides I don’t see Discord anyway, so make a list of what you need done, I’ll help you out before I head to Rarity and Apple Jack,” Jai said, taking off his grey hoodie.

“Y-you don't have t-to do that,” Fluttershy said, looking at the ground.

“I know I don’t but I need you in good health with this wedding coming up. Tia sent me here to get you guys to Canterlot anyway,” Jai said, tying the sweatshirt around his waist.

“N-need me?! B-but,” Fluttershy stuttered. Then she looked at Angel with crossed arms shaking his head.

“None of that, I’m here for the next week anyway. So make the list and go washup, rest, and all that other self care stuff,” Jai said, crossing his arms as well. Fluttershy hesitated, but relented as she retreated inside for a few minutes. Jai knelt and gave the bunny a few pats on the head as he waited. When Fluttershy returned and handed the list to the human with her wings.

“Oh and be careful with the chickens, they can be a handful, oh and the-,” Fluttershy said, pointing somewhere on the list.

“Shy, go. We got it,” Jai said, laughing as he watched the mare's face go red again. She thanked him again and went back inside, the sound of her hooves going up the stairs grew fainter and fainter as she moved away.

“Aight Angel, let's get to it. Since you’ve been on vacation I better see you working,” Jai said, looking down at the bunny. Angel shrugged and hopped next to the human as they made their rounds. Changing birdfeeders, feeding the birds and squirrels were all first on the list. The next on the list was to feed the otters and…

“Massage the…bear?” Jai asked, looking down at Angel who nodded at him. Jai shrugged and continued around Fluttershy’s cottage until he saw a big brown bear lazing about under a tree. Angel went ahead of the human and woke the bear up with a number of taps to the nose, cheek, and forehead. After the bear woke up, Jai watched what he assumed was a conversation. A series of bear grunts, bunny clicks and lots of pointing from Angel were seen. Then the bunny waved him over.

“I’m gonna massage your back and shoulders I guess,” Jai said, trying not to sound too uneasy. He wasn’t scared of the bear, he just didn’t want to hurt it and make Fluttershy sad, or angry. The bear grunted in approval and rolled over onto its stomach.

“What did I sign up for?” The human asked himself mentally. The day was only half over, and the list seemed to go on and on. He wondered if this was all the time, or just because she was just behind. Either way, he was almost done here so he might as well do his best until the end.

“Twilight um, do you know why he hates me?” Spike asked, as he, Twilight, Apple Jack and Rarity walked.

“He hates you?!” Rarity gasped, looking at Spike.

“Hmm I don’t think it’s personal. He seems to have an aversion to all dragons,” Twilight said, matter of factly.

“That seems…like a very outdated way to think,” Apple Jack said, shaking her head in disappointment.

“Well maybe, please do remember he was gone for hundreds of years, maybe more. He also seems to have been through… A LOT,” Twilight said, putting special emphasis on her last words. The trio grumbled as they walked the path to Fluttershy’s. The last time they did this, they saw something unbelievable.

“I can’t thank you enough! Really, umm d-do you want to maybe join me fo-,” They heard Fluttershy ask, as they approached the cottage. They walked around the outside to see the shirtless human hauling, nets of fresh fish.

“Shy, I’ll have to pass on dinner for now. I want to wash the smell of fish off my hands and- Oh hey you guys. I was finishing up here before I came to you,” Jai said, setting a net down and waving.

“Howdy uhhh, pardner. You got time to help us at sweet apple acres? You look like you could be of use,” Apple Jack asked, trying not to gawk at him as she watched his muscles contract and relax.

“If it’ll get you lot to the wedding faster, sure. Tomorrow since it’s pretty late in the evening now,” Jai said, sighing.

“You have a lot of scars,” Twilight said, tilting her head looking at him. His torso had various dark scars and burns on his skin. Some were long wrapped around to his back, others were short knicks scattered about. One that stood out to Twilight were intricate lines along his left arm.

“Well…probably, fighting seems to be what I’m best at. Think I could be a decent fisherman though,” Jai said, pointing at the net.

“Well, you would make an excellent model. Wait, you aren’t wearing the clothes I just made are you?” Rarity asked him, looking at the mud covered jeans and boots.

“I totally am. Sorry bout’ that,” Jai said, laughing and averting his gaze from the irritated mare.

“I can’t with you!,” Rarity huffed, turning her nose up.

“Rarity it’s my fault. I l-let him help me,” Fluttershy said, approaching her.

“Oh dearest Fluttershy, It is not your fault at all. It’s the insufferable yet lovable humans,” Rarity said, pointing her hoof at the Jai.

“Ya got me. Now I’m going to put these awa-. Where’d they go?” Jai asked, looking down and not seeing his fishing nets.

“Ohohoho, worry not. I have done you a favor Jai,” a familiar and annoying voice said from behind him.

“Yeah only took you until the sun was setting to show up,” Jai said, irritably.

“I was busy. Chaos doesn’t always run itself you know,” Discord said, floating in circles above the human.

“Right…Anyway since I’m done where am I crashing for the night? Preferably away from that,” Jai said, wiping sweat from his brow and pointing at the floating DraconEquus.

“More than likely with me. I still have the spare bedroom,” Twilight said. Jai shook his head, and sighed.

“Nope, the room was caved in remember. Have you furnished it since?” Jai asked, arms crossed. Twilight opened her mouth and then closed it blushing. She had in fact forgot to put furniture back into the guest room after the events a month ago.

“You could stay with me Darling! I could also run some of my ideas by you!,” Rarity suggested excitedly. Jai nodded in approval and uncrossed his arms.

“Aight’ I’m gonna go grab the rest of my clothes from around front,” Jai said, carefully stepping around the various animals that had come to say goodbye. As he got out of earshot the mares looked at each other and nodded in unison.

“Are we positive he’s taken Twilight?” Rarity asked, in a hushed tone. Twilight shrugged in response.

“How do ya not know sugar cube?” Apple Jack asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“I mean we have all read the book, but I haven’t heard him talk about any other mare besides the former Princess of the Crystal Empire,” Twilight said.

“So, there is a chance for me then?” Rarity said, putting a hoof to her chin. Spike flinched, and looked up at Rarity wide eyed then to the human walking back towards them.

“Alright, I’m back, Angel stop, ugh fine,” Jai said, trying to take the bunny out of his bag. After failing to do so he relented and looked to Fluttershy.

“It’s um, ok,” Fluttershy mumbled.

“Sorry Shy. I don’t know why he follows me around so much,” Jai said, sighing.

“I for one am famished, mind if we get going?” Rarity said.

“Sounds good, I really just want to sleep,” Jai said, yawning and following Rarity back to the boutique.

“I guess the feeling is mutual little dragon?” Discord asked, looking at Spike glare daggers at the two walking away.

“What no, I’m fine. Hahaha, let's go home Twilight” Spike said, dismissively laughing off the question.

The week went by relatively quickly once Jai got situated and busy with helping out Twilight's friends. Jai helped run errands for Rarity, pick and haul apples with Apple Jack, and brainstorm with Twilight about what happened to Cadence. Ultimately the two came up with nothing and ended up going back to Canterlot with no leads. As Jai got back to his room in the castle he sighed. They had two days until the wedding and he was starting to doubt his judgment.

“You barely touched your food. Are you alright?” Twilight asked, looking up at the human.

“No, I feel off but maybe I’m just tired. We can try looking for more clues later,” Jai said, throwing his hands up and shaking his head.

“Yeah I guess you are right. Good night then!” Twilight said, smiling and walking off. Jai made his way to his room and closed the door. He didn’t feel like changing, he just wanted to sleep. He could shower in the morning anyway.

“Dusk wake me up if something’s wrong. I still don't trust numb nuts over there to help me,” Jai said, yawning loudly.

“OKI!” Dusk said. Sombra grumbled and dissipated into a cloud of smoke. Jai laughed to himself as he drifted off to sleep. A familiar dream greeted him as he felt the embrace of sleep. Amore’s multicolored mane, floating in the wind as the two sat on a crystal balcony laughing, and enjoying the sunrise.

“Rock hoof really likes you. I have never seen him go above and beyond his duties for any pony,” Amore said, smiling at him.

“Likes me? More like, he likes beating me senseless. I should just be a politician,” Jai whined, making her laugh once more. Jai loved her laugh, she was in all honesty one of the best friends he had ever made. It felt like she filled a piece of him he didn’t know was missing.

“I miss this. I miss you Jai,” Amore said, making the human flinch.

“What do you mean miss me? I haven’t gone anywhere,” Jai responded, looking at her confused.

“I think we will meet again sometime. I just hope we will have moments like this again,” She continued to say. This wasn’t how Jai remembered this, this wasn’t what she had said at all.

“What are you? What the hell?” Jai said, getting up and looking at her. She smiled and blew him a kiss as her figure began to fade. Then slowly everything around him went dark.

“Wait!,” Jai screamed, sitting up. His voice echoing back at him. Wincing he rubbed his back, since when did his bed feel like a brick? Why did he feel like the pit in his chest had gotten denser?

“You’re awake! I’ve been alone for… I actually don’t know how long," a female voice said from behind him. Shaking off his grogginess, he turned and saw Cadence? Wait where was he anyway? He looked around and saw gems protruding from grey stone, and that they were behind bars. The torch light reflected from the gems in the cave. There were unused minecarts and rails in the distance.

“You look awful,” Jai said, struggling to push himself up. His hands were cuffed tightly together making it hard to move his hands. The situation gave him Deja vu for some reason, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“You really know how to make a mare feel special don’t you?” Cadence asked, sarcastically. She tried to smooth her disheveled mane as she responded, making Jai laugh. There she was, she felt more…real to him.

“I don’t know what’s going on. How did I end up from my bed to a cell?” Jai asked, finally getting to his feet and walking around.

“Her,” Cadence said, pointing her wing at the area just beyond the cell. There stood a pony, tall like Celestia, with a crooked horn and translucent wings like an insect. Riddled with holes in her legs.

“Oh a Changeling lovely. I guess being an arsonist wasn’t my calling,” Jai said, groaning in irritation.

“You who murdered my sweet children, will know true pain. Once I, Queen Chrysalis, take over Equestria,” The queen said, gloating as she stared at the two in the cell.

“Tia is so gonna owe Twilight an apology,” Jai said, clicking his tongue and leaning on the wall. Trying to use his magic, it fizzled and popped in his hands making the Changeling Queen laugh harder at him.

“And with those restraints, strong enough to hold an Alicorn down. I now have every variable out of my way. Queen Primrose should be grateful she has such a competent partner,” Chrysalis said, smiling wide.

“You won’t get away with this!,” Cadence said, stumbling as she approached the bars of the cell.

“Oh but I will. With the Love I have from my Shining Armor, along with this humans feelings I am unstoppable,” The Queen said, turning and leaving the two of them alone once more.

“What are we going to do?” Cadence said, her voice shaky.

“Ahhh I guess I’ve been a little too nice since I’ve been back in Equestria,” Jai said, sighing and clenching his fist.

“What do you me-,” Cadence began to ask him. A bone deep chill ran down her spine, making her slowly turn down. She watched as the shadows in the cell danced and writhed around the light. After a few moments the shadows collectively weaved towards the cell door. They continued to squirm around the light and into the lock.

C L I C K

“Come on, I'm gonna kill her,” Jai said, a little too psychotically for Cadence's taste. However she had no choice. She had no magic due to the magic lock on her horn, and she was too tired and weak to fight.

“Sweet aunt Celestia please,” Cadence said quietly to herself. Hopefully they could get to the surface in time, she missed her Shiny.

Author's Note

I think he's had enough of waiting to find Amore, what do you think. Anyway here's a wee longer chapter. :D
If you'd prefer chapters of this length I guess I can do that I don't mind just know they will take about this long to do. For this chapter if you have any grammar, quotes, etc. pls just dm me. I don't want a long chapter edited in the comments. Thanks a bunch and stay blessed you lovely sons of guns. :heart:

Before the storm

Cadence had seen Jai fight before the changelings were abducting her. She felt their fear mixed with her own, but she didn’t quite understand why they were scared. That was until the two of them were navigating the gem mines below Canterlot. She watched as he eviscerated and interrogated any changeling that they came across.

“Please! Spare me! I’m just following ord- AGH,” A changeling pleaded before Jai put a dagger through the roof of his mouth. Cadence winced and averted her eyes. She was spiteful that she was foal napped but now she felt bad for any pony unfortunate enough to cross him.

“This blows, none of these guys have a key!, ” Jai yelled angrily. Although the situation was reminiscent of the changeling hive. He didn’t have the time to study the surroundings and map out everything.

“Is there anything I can help with?” Cadence asked weakly. Her ability to feel the emotions of those around her was something she had lived with her whole life. She had seen anger, well she thought she had seen anger before. However what she felt from the human in front of her was deeper anger. What Cadence saw was no longer the sarcastic, easy going, and curious human, but a monster.

“Not really. You can’t use magic and if you get hurt I don’t have first aid,” Jai said, shaking his head. He knelt and looked into a few of the saddle bags the changelings had. He found the usual crappy hardtack, daggers, and canteens.

“Did um…any pony notice that it wasn’t me up there?” Cadence asked, unable to bear the heavy silence that had fallen. Jai hesitated to speak as he continued to see if any of the changelings had the key to the cuffs.

“Yeah, Twi did,” he said, standing up. The shadows around him expanded down the paths that surrounded them. Cadence still hadn’t gotten used to seeing magic she thought exclusive to Umbrum.

“What about Shining?” Cadence asked, hopefully. Jai shook his head and stood up after taking a canteen.

“Twilight noticed. Something's wrong with your hubby, and everyone else is wedding crazy,” Jai said, walking over to her and setting down a canteen of water for her.

“Oh that's…,” Cadence said, going into deep thought. Jai let her rest while he expanded the radius of his shadow magic. It was hard to do with the restraints on but this was all he could feel in his metaphorical tank.

“Wait a damn minute. Who needs a key when I can do this,” Jai said, recalling the shadows from the paths around them.

“Um, what?” Cadence asked, after setting down her canteen.

“Who needs a damn key,” Jai asked, rhetorically. Using the shadows around him he knelt to the ground and used them inside the lock. Jai focused as he tried to precisely pick the lock.

Click~

A faint click brought a smile to the humans face as the cuffs fell to the ground. Pumping his fist he approached Cadence and stared at the lock on her horn.

“Hmm. Yours is different,” Jai said, touching his finger to the lock. Shadows permeating the lock. He couldn’t use his own magic on this one, and upon further inspection the material used was oddly familiar to him.

“Well I’m sure the key to mine is around here somewhere right?” Cadence said, trying to sound optimistic.

“Mhm. Anyway, since I can use magic again I’m gonna black this area off and rest for a bit. Pretty sure we have a day to spare,” Jai said, waving his arms. As he did, crystals from the walls blocked off the tunnels around them.

“That's um... ok,” Cadence said, looking down.

“Mhm,” he responded, sitting against the wall and passing out.

“Oh man, I was half kidding when I told him to disappear," Spike mumbled, as he walked around the castle with Twilight. He did not actually think that the human would just straight up vanish for days. He was just really jealous that he had Rarity’s attention and not him. As Spike followed Twilight he did his best to cope that he was not the reason Jai went missing.

“Spike, are you listening to me?” Twilight asked, as the small dragon ran into her.

“I uhh, …yes?,” he said, rubbing the back of his head and averting his gaze. Twilight glared down at him, making the small dragon sweat.

“Spike, you do understand this is important right?,” Twilight asked, sighing as she began to repeat what needed to be done.

“Twi, please I understand we need to find him and all but…,”Spike said, trailing off. Although he hoped he didn’t have anything to do with the human’s disappearance. Didn’t mind not having to walk on eggshells walking around the castle.

“But what Spike? No pony else sees anything wrong,” Twilight said, impatiently stamping her hoof on the marble floor and rambling about what could be happening.

“BUT I DON’T LIKE HIM! He’s-He’s rude, selfish, arrogant, and dangerous!,” Spike spat out, his face turning red as he raged about the human. Twilight snapped her full attention back to the small dragon. She hadn’t seen this side of him since, well ever really.

“Spike? Is everything alright?” Twilight asked, kneeling in front of the frustrated dragon.

“NO! Ever since he showed up, everything is about what he wants, or does. I’m sick of it,” Spike ranted.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner how you felt?” Twilight asked, her ears flattening on her head.

“I tried! No pony listened. It’s whatever lets go find this stupid human,” Spike said, grumbling as he pushed past Twilight.

“Spike, wait!,” Twilight called after him. Spike kept walking down the hallway as Twilight caught up with him.

“We don’t have to do this now Twi,” Spike said, trying to hold himself together.

“Spike, I think we should,” Twilight said softly as she stepped in front of him again.

“No Twilight please let's just do this. I feel better now that I got that off my chest,” Spike said, wiping the tears from his eyes and sniffing. The two locked eyes and nodded, heading towards their destination.

“What are we even looking for Twi?” Spike asked, as Twilight picked the lock on Jai’s room and entered.

“Any clues. He just disappeared last week and the wedding is tomorrow and-,” Twilight froze looking at the sword vibrating on the floor.

“Is that um…normal?,” Spike asked, concerned that the humans room was haunted.

“She did move when he spoke to her so maybe it is,” Twilight said, unsure as she approached Dusk.

“Her?” Spike asked, confused.

“That's what he said, and her name is Dusk,” Twilight said, levitating the shaking sword over to her and spike.

“Today is full of surprises, I guess- WOAH!,” Spike yelled, watching the sword jerk around in Twilight's magic, almost bonking the small dragon on the head.

“Woah um…Dusk do you know where Jai is?” Twilight asked, not expecting an answer. Dusk however stopped thrashing around for a moment. To Twilight's surprise the sword began to point out the window of the room towards the cliff.

“I don’t know why we didn’t come here sooner Spike,” Twilight said, as she smiled and trotted out of the room.

“Maybe it was the unusual guard presence outside and inside the room, remember?” Spike said, rolling his eyes following Twilight out of the room.

“It isn’t this way either,” Cadence said, as the two of them found themselves at yet another dead end. Jai grunted in frustration as they walked back the way they came. He had no clue how long they had been walking since he woke up.

“I should have spent more time learning to use these damn shadows,” Jai said, as he sifted through the saddle bag he had taken. Pulling out his canteen he took a big swig of water then capping it he returned it to the bag.

“Umm, what spell did you use to move them? Maybe I can help,” Cadence asked, looking at the unkempt human next to her. He had bags under his eyes, his white t-shirt had holes around the hem at the bottom. His jeans were covered in dust, and soil, along his boots that were beginning to tear around the laces.

“Spell? I have not once learned a spell of any kind. I just think and do and it happens,” Jai said, shaking his head. Cadence opened her mouth then closed it. Every great magic user in Equestria made spells to use powerful magic. At least that was what she was taught growing up. Most had to say the spell out loud and more advanced users of magic could do it mentally.

“In all this time, you have not learned a single incantation?” Cadence asked. The human was still so full of surprises. She thought maybe he would remember a spell to get them back to the surface. Auntie Celestia always remembered a spell when it mattered.

“You say, ‘in all this time’ like I’m- Oh right time difference,” Jai said, sarcastically throwing his hands up.

“Time difference?” Cadence asked, confused what he meant by that.

“Yeah- shhh,” Jai said, putting his hand over her mouth.

“Mhmph,” Cadence mumbled in surprise, through his fingers. As the two stopped walking they crouched and heard hoof steps and whispers. Jai readied his magic and waited at the the corner of the intersecting paths as the steps grew closer and closer until-

Crack! Swish!

The sound of rocks breaking and dirt sifting aside as Jai raised crystal from the ground around the corner.

“Eep! Spike no!” The voice yelped. Jai knew that voice, but he couldn't let his guard down yet. Before Jai could say anything he turned to see Cadence missing. He frowned and rolled his eyes and he peered around the corner.

“Twily! I missed you!” Cadence said, throwing herself at the purple Unicorn.

“Wait, how do I know you're the real Cadence?,” Twilight asked, breaking free of the hug and igniting her horn. Dusk still in her sheath pointed at Cadence. Jai nodded in approval as he was relieved that at least Twilight was on guard against changelings. Even if the sword wasn’t drawn at least the mindset was there.

“Twily its me, your foal sitter. You know…Do a little shake?” Cadence said passively as she performed the little dance she did for Twilight as a filly.

“Oh thank goodness! The wedding is today and we can find Jai and stop the changelings!,” Twilight said, her voice full of hope.

“Right here,” Jai said, finally coming out from around the corner. He released the magic trapping the small dragon and smiled at Twilight.

“Um, here you go,” Twilight said, floating Dusk over to the human.

“Good job Twi. Ya did good,” He said, grabbing Dusk with his right hand, and approaching Twilight. He gave her a few pats on the head, eliciting a sigh from her.

“Ahem! I lead them here. Took them long enough to come get me,” Dusk said, irritated.

“Yes, you too Dusk. Good job, now let's get out of here and wait Twi did you see anything on your way in?” Jai asked, as the cave shook around them.

“Um no actually Spike and I just walked right on in,” Twilight said, furrowing her brow a bit.

“Wait so if no-one’s here then-,” Jai said as he was abruptly cut off by the cave shaking around them. Dust fell as the tremors continued for a few moments. The sounds of rocks cracking, and gems falling filled the cave system.

“That doesn't sound good, Twi,” Spike said, looking up at Twilight.

“No, It doesn’t. Come on, let's go!” Twilight said, turning and trotting back the way she came.

“I wonder what it is this time,” Jai mumbled as he followed behind the trio out of the cave. The sun temporarily blinded him as he exited the cave. He winced as his eyes slowly started to adapt to the light once more. He wasn’t happy with what he saw once he got his vision back. The Canterlot barrier had been deployed around the walls. There were countless changelings and Umbrum banging at the barrier. He saw smoke rising from somewhere in the city, and the panicked screams and shouts in the distance made him remember what happened to the Crystal Empire.

“How many times do I have to repeat that day,” Jai thought as he continued to follow Twilight into the city.

“What do we do?” Spike asked as they approached the chaotic streets.

“Take Cadence, get that magic inhibitor off her and get Tia or Luna,” Jai said, grimacing at his surroundings.

“What are you going to do then?” Twilight asked.

“Citizen evac, damage control, and whatever else I think might keep this place in one piece,” Jai said, drawing Dusk from her sheath and turning her into a spear.

“But-” Twilight tried to stop him.

“Twi, use your head. If THIS is happening now that means the shit went sideways topside. You said the wedding was today, right?” Jai said, trying to keep his cool. Twilight's eyes went wide in realization as the humans words clicked.

“Ok, be safe! Cadence this way!” Twilight said, sprinting towards the castle with Spike on her back.

“What she said. Please don’t do anything stupid,” Cadence said, as she followed after Twilight.

“No promises. Stupid seems to be my middle name,” Jai said, laughing to himself.

“There is no ‘seems’. You are stupid,” Dusk said, sarcastically.

“I missed talking to you too,” Jai said, smiling as he began to make his way through the streets.

“Where's Sombra?” Dusk asked, curiously.

“Haven't seen him, Dudes been oddly silent for something I can feel in my magic,” Jai replied, as he moved debris out of the way with his magic for an elderly couple. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy but then again when was his time here ever easy. As he moved with the couple, in the distance Jai saw a familiar dark, and menacing shadow approaching the castle walls.

“Oh for the love of please don't be what I think that is,” Jai thought to himself. It was like the world was trying to give him a stroke before he even had a chance to fight back.

Author's Note

Wonder what Sombras up to, he's not yapping away for once and its... ODD Oh well at least Spike got his frustration out. Hope the lil guy feels a bit better :3

Yes its only 2k words, yes I am working on longer chapters. Love yall enjoy the suspense (or dont) and stay safe. I am going back to working on Sols not from here now lol. :yay:

Shadow and Crystal Unbound

Author's Note

I guess this is a PSA for 2 reasons. 1 this chapter might get a little graphic, and the next chapter is the probably the last or second to last for this story. ( I will edit this sometime this Friday, or this weakened. I finished this after taking my insomnia meds so pls give me a lil lee way i feel off lol. Love yall <3 (I wanted to get this done, I stg i will edit this for grammar soon if its really bad just dm me 👍)

Shadow and Crystal Unbound

“Ok, that should be all of the farmers and their families,” Jai said, taking a deep breath. The wrecked farmland around him saddened and infuriated him. The ground shook, as the dragon from Nocta marched forward in the distance.

“Jai behind you!,” Dusk shouted, as the human dove forward and rolled. An axe came down milliseconds after Jai saw the face of his new opponent. To his dismay it wasn’t just one, but the vanguard of the Umbrum and Changelings.

“There! Send word to Primrose we have found the human,” An Umbrum said to a changeling soldier. Jai watched as the changeling flew away and several guards had weapons and shields floating in front of them.

“Oh come on. I gotta get the hell outta he-,” Jai said, as he focused his magic beneath his feet.

“Help me! Where's my mommy? It hurts!,” A child's voice echoed, through the chaos. Jai glancing to his left saw a soldier kick a young colt away from him. Through the smoke and debris of the fires raging around them Jai’s eyes grew wide.

“Ugh, shut up KID!” The soldier grunted moving to swing a shadowy sword down on him.

“Eek,” The colt shrieked, as he closed his eyes and cowered against the wall.

“Goddamnit-,” Jai mumbled, as he launched himself into the sword path of the soldier.

WHOOOSH!.... CRACK!

The colt looked up and saw the human kneeling in front of him with his head down. The sound of metal striking against crystal rang in the surrounding soldiers' ears. Using the brief moment he had been struck he encased himself and the colt in a dome of gold crystal.

“I am so fighting god, when I get the chance,” Jai said through gritted teeth. The colt looked at him and then to Jai’s right.

“Mister! Your hur-,” The colt said, trying to hold back his emotions. Looking at the sword stuck in the human's shoulder.

“Is what it is. Can you run?” Jai asked, standing up and looking at his right side.

“Ngh, yeah,” The colt said, nodding and wiping his tears away, as mucus ran down his nose.

“Turn around, and when I say ‘go’ run as fast as you can,” Jai said, wincing in pain. The colt nodded and turned around. Jai gripped the handle of the shadow sword and pulled it out and grunted.

Defend against Shadow Changeling Army: 47/400
Defend outer walls until the Guards arrive: time n/a
Upon completion: Meeting within ???

The robotic voice said to him. Jai rubbed his head as it pounded from the overstimulation. He had no clue what an advancement was but it probably had something to do with the thing that looked like him in his dreams. His thoughts were cut short as cracks in the crystal formed. The ground rumbled and the sounds of shouting were getting clearer and closer.

“GO!,” Jai yelled, as he dropped the dome. The colt ran as fast as he could away from the Human. The soldiers that tried to follow were frozen in place as crystals formed around their hooves.

“Ignore the colt! Focus your efforts on the human!” A changeling soldier hissed. The soldiers Jai had rooted in place had begun to chip away at the crystal at their feet with their weapons.

“Stupid quest, stupid voice, stupid dragon. I hate this! Where the hell am I supposed to find a mirror?,” Jai yelled, as crystal spires erupted from the ground. He threw the sword he pulled from his arm impaling the chest of a soldier about twenty feet from him.

“Agh!” Countless soldiers screamed in pain. Those who hadn’t freed themselves were impaled, the others jumped and dodged until the attack subsided.

“Hope I got everyone out. Ready?” Jai said, turning Dusk back into a short sword.

“Don't die on me!” Dusk said, sarcastically. Jai rolled his eyes and charged forward. Dodging, stabbing, and blocking the best he could.

Advancement Condition confirmed: Civilians evacuated 213/213

The voice said as Jai ducked an Arrow aimed at his neck. He smiled as his magic began to radiate off of him and the surrounding crystals.

“Just what I needed to hear, now I can let loose!” Jai yelled, as a crystal halo formed above his head. Parts of his skin shone as patches of yellow and silver crystal formed. Said crystals coated the edges of Dusk as well as he held the sword firmly in his left hand. This was all Jai had left to give in defending Canterlot. The Umbrum had already taken so much from him when he was weak. It wasn’t going to happen again, it couldn’t happen again.

(Simultaneously on the other side of Canterlot)

“AGH! T-this isn’t over. I h-haven’t lost yet,” Chrysalis stammered out, before disappearing in a puff of black and green magic. The six elements of harmony all looked at each other as if on queue after the Queen's retreat.

“Twi, we’re sorry. We should have listened to ya’,” Applejack said, bowing her head. She and the rest of her friends realized too late something was wrong. Even though Twilight had been pointing it out.

“AJ, it happens to the best of us. I wish I wasn’t right this time.” Twilight said, shaking her head slowly.

“Twilight, you said you went to get the human right?” Rarity asked as she sighed, exhausted from fighting Chrysalis.

“Yes. He is actually the reason I was able to come straight here. He should-,” Twilight said.

BOOM! CRASH! CRUMBLE. . .

The six of them made their way to the balcony of the wedding venue. They overlooked the chaos in the streets of the upper city. Then in the distance they saw the source of the commotion and earthquakes shaking the area.

“What is that?” Rarity asked. She watched as pillars of crystal, and magic flew in different directions.

“It looks intense whatever it is,” Rainbow dash said, turning to take off before anyone could advise her not to.

“I think that's Jai, but how did he end up so far away from the center of the city?” Twilight asked, as she got lost in thought.

“Ahh, Girls I think we have another problem,” Rarity said, pointing a hoof upwards. Small holes in the barrier around the castle had begun to form. Changelings had begun to squeeze through the barrier where they could. The barrier was holding up, but was getting weaker by the moment.

“Well girls, I guess helping the human will have to wait!,” Rainbow said, taking off quickly and heading straight into the danger above.

“I’ll help Rainbow out, the rest of you please go help Princess Celestia with the barrier ok,” Twilight said. The rest of them nodded and retreated back into the castle.

“Uh Twilight? What about me?” Spike asked.

“I need you to talk with the ambassadors. See if they’ll help us, or if they can,” Twilight said. Spike saluted and ran towards the door as fast as his little dragon legs could run. Twilight only hoped that they could get through this in one piece. After casting a spell to levitate, she took off after her technicolored friend in the sky. Hoping that the barrier would hold off the monstrosity she saw further in the distance.

Clank! Clink! Thud. . .

Steel and magic alike were being exchanged. It was on paper a losing battle for the lone human. The Umbrum and changelings numbered into the thousands. Yet here he was, a blinding blur of gold and silver. Dancing through the battlefield like it was nothing at all.

“Above! Left! Down!” Dusk called out, as Jai continued to make his way around the battlefield. As he dove into the dirt, a ball of fire blazed past him.

Conditions updated: Survive

“What the hell does it mean to survive?!” Jai whined, as he quickly stood up. In front of him was the very thing that haunted his dreams. Standing as tall as the moment he ran into her in the forest of Nocta.

“YOU! I killed you!” The dragon said, scowling down at him. Tracing the scar over its right eye with one of its claws.

“Did you kill me? News to me,” Jai said, looking himself over. He had seen better days for sure but alive.

“Now you mock me! I will have your he-,” The dragon roared before going silent.

“Oh, the esteemed human. I have heard and seen so much about you,” A smooth feminine voice said. Jai glanced down towards the feet of the dragon and there was a shadowy grey mare. With a pale yellow mane, sparkling green eyes, and a familiar red horn.

“My Queen, please let me take care of this mistake,” The dragon said, as quietly as it could.

‘Nonsense Rouge, he is a potential colleague,” the mare said, approaching Jai.

“So, I take you’re Primrose?” Jai asked, trying to keep his composure. Here was the mare that ordered the attack on his new home. Ruined and corrupted it since she couldn’t have it and left.

“Tis’ I. This makes things a bit easier then. Join me,” Primrose said, smiling sweetly at him.

“I refuse,” Jai said, flatly. Primrose however did not relent in her proposal.

“How dare yo-,” Rouge said, before Primrose turned to glare at the dragon. Rouge grew silent quickly once again and Primrose continued towards the human.

“I will give you everything you ask for. Whether that be a castle, more power, or even me. If you just help me,” Primrose said, finally stopping right in front of him. Jai could only scowl at her as she beamed up at him expectantly.

“What do you want anyway?” Jai asked.

“I knew you would see reason! I want revenge and to unite Equestria with the world beyond the mirror,” She said happily.

“Ok, then give me back Amorè and every crystal pony you killed,” Jai said, watching the smile fade from Primrose's face.

“Well I should have said I can give you ‘almost’ anything. This time around I need her gone,” Primrose said. Jai snorted as she responded to him.

“Knew she was better than you” Jai said, smirking down at a now annoyed Primrose.

“Fine. I had hoped this time around Destiny’s child would have asked for the removal of my father from your soul and joined me again,” Primrose said, backing away from the human frowning.

“Destiny’s what now? Father? That explains why he doesn’t wanna sell you out,” Jai said, laughing as it dawned on him. Sombra usually wanted to help and would give advice. However when this invasion started and when he looked into Primrose the tyrant was silent.

“You really haven’t learned a thing? I guess you did come sooner than usual. No matter though I can still succeed without you,” Primrose said, nodding to the dragon and then disappearing.

“She has forsaken you now. I CAN KILL YOU!,” roared Rouge. Suddenly the dragon began to shrink and stand upright. She was about the size of the dragon warriors he fought in the castle. Sleek black scales, two black and purple wings and angry gold eyes glared at him.

“Figure size isn’t everything here?” Jai said, holding back a snort at his own joke.

“You who ruined my face. I will enjoy ripping you limb from limb,” Rouge screamed running at him. Swinging her claws at him frantically, she pushed the human back. She opened her mouth and spat purple flames at him.

“Stop wasting my time. Last time you waited I took your eye,” Jai said, cutting through the attack and cutting the dragon's cheek. In a fit of rage, Rouge roared once more, her scales catching fire in her rage. Her black scales emitted a purple glow from the fire, as she gave the human a crazed look.

“NGH! You will mock me, NO LONGER!” Rouge screamed, continuing to rush Jai. Regret settled in as Jai realized he wouldn’t be able to win this as easily as he’d hoped.

“I would make the mistake of underestimating an army,” Jai said , frantically blocking the dragon's claws and tail swipes. Using everything he’d learned in magic from the Empire’s library, to the sword and spear techniques from the memories in the sword. Jai struggled with every part of his being. The gap in strength was apparent and he needed a plan to deal with army shooting arrows at him and the dragon beating him down. He had a plan he wasn’t fond of, but he was running out of options

“I will not fail in killing you this time,” Rouge said, taking a moment to distance herself from him. She had every advantage on him in terms of strength, magic ability, and instincts. Yet she felt uneasy looking upon the crystal clad human.

“Stop talking. I'd rather listen to Primrose spit bullshit at me again,” Jai said, irritably. Jai swore he could see a vein pop from the dragon's head.

“HOW DARE YOU!” The dragon said once again. Her wings flapped as she flew at him with blinding speed.

“Yea, how dare I again, Oh Shi-,” Jai said surprised, as he blocked the attack but went flying backwards into one of his own crystal pillars. Slumping against the pillar, the dragon took the opportunity to kick the sword from his hand.

“DIE!!!!,” Rouge screamed, as she jumped on the human pushing him to the ground.

Thud Thud Thud Thud

Punch after punch was thrown into the face of the human. Rouge continued to punch him until the scales on her hands began to crack and split. Jai, whose face had been bloodied and swollen, groaned as he heard the laughter of the tyrant in the back of his head.

“Come on boy. You know you need my help~,” The tyrant cooed in his ear. It made him shiver hearing him sound so happy that he was getting beat the hell up.

“Shut up,” The human said weakly.

“Still strength to talk? Good because I am going to make good on the promise of pulling you apart!” Rouge said as she knelt on his chest.

POP Click RIIIPPPP

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHH,” Jai screamed as Rouge pulled his right arm out of socket. She grinned as he screamed in agony as she took her time dislocating it.

“Music to my ears,” She said, giving a wide toothy smile. As she pulled and pulled, then suddenly she toppled over backwards. Confused for only a moment, then she looked down to see she had finally pulled his arm clean off. She watched as he rolled around in the dirt. Watching him made her laugh hysterically as she savored her imminent victory.

“JESUS FU-, OWWW,” Jai yelled in agony. Rouge wasted no time getting up to kneel over him again.

“I told you I would,” She whispered in his ear and she tossed his dismembered arm aside. She slowly gripped his left arm and stared him in the eyes before she started to pull again.

“Say the word boy. It’ll be over in a minute when you accept my help~,” Sombra said again. Between the blurred vision and voice in his head Jai had to hold on for the perfect moment. His everything hurt like hell, and he was barely able to breathe the right way. Then…

“I’ll be taking the other one now-, Umph!,” Rouge’s mockery was cut short by the sword protruding through her chest. The hilt of the sword pressed into her back as she fell on top of the human. Her blood soaking through what was left of his clothing.

“Wha-what happened. I won, I-i beat you,” Rouge sputtered, trying to avoid choking. Jai laughed weakly delirious from the amount of blood lost during the fight.

“Simple levitation. I couldn’t win with your guard up. Bye asshat,” Jai said, cursing the dragon. He watched as he willed Dusk out of the dragon's chest. Rouge opened her mouth, and Jai watched as purple flames began to form in her mouth. Using the last of his will power he used his magic to pull Dusk straight up, cleaving the rest of the dragon in two. He watched as the flames faded like the life in the dragon's eyes.

“Eat a dick Sombra. I d-don’t need yo-,” Jai said, as his breathing shallowed.

“Jai please don’t leave me! Please, I don't want to be alone again!” Dusk screamed. The sword writhed and shook as she rested near him.

“Sorry. Couldn’t keep good on my word,” Jai said weakly. Faintly he could hear the voice that spoke of the contract as he drifted off into death's embrace.

Defend Until guards arrive: Error!!
Defend against Shadow Changeling Army: 400/400 Fulfilled
Unprecedented Victory: Shadow Dragon Rouge, The Conqueror Slain

Would you like to r̶̘͗̌̉̅̉̌̂͌̏̐͊́͝͝ẹ̷̡̢̨̤̺̞̹͍͖̗̝̫̗͈͎̝̓l̸͍̠̇͒̇̀̀̒͆͗́̔͛e̸̬̟͍͍͎̠̤͙̲̝̻̱̅̄̊̾̒̒̐͒̀͘̚͝a̷̢̻͖̻̐̈͆̍̈́̔̈́̃̍̊̒͌̈́̕̕͝s̸͉̰͍̫͖̯̳͌̽̓́̿͌͘e̵̹͕͊̿̀̐̌̉̒ ̷̪̮̜̹͈̟̮̬͇̻̰̽͛͘͝t̸͉̯̠͎̹̻̬̱̮̏͋̒̌͘͜h̴̬͇̆̈́̅̎̓͛̒͌̊́̀̅̀͛͝é̶̛̞͇̾̌̕͝͝͝ͅ ̶̡̨̨̪͉͎̰̊̔̈́̅̊̐̀̐̏̒͆̌͒͝r̶̺̯̻̗̙̝͇͔̟̬̪̠͕̂͗̐̅̿̈́̎̓͗̂̒̇̌́͜͝e̴̢̨̘̙̰̻̗̭̻̝̘͎̤̩͓̲̫͌̅̂͆͗̓̌͝s̴̛͓̺͔͇̺̦̏̀̓̐̑̔̑͂́͋̐̾̽͘ẗ̴̡͍̣̗͉̦̞̺̲̹̬͍̬̭̥͈̉̍͛̓̇̋̅̑̐͊̇̏͝͝r̵̨̛̩̳̩̗͎̱̖͇̤̝̠͍͙̉̌̾͗͂̒̑̏͊̋͜ą̷̘̫͇̯̲͙̠̘͙̲͉̰͑̓̿̈́̀́̓̓͗̅͐͑̔̐͝ï̷̡͓͋͗̈́̆̇͌̃̉̊̚͘͝͝ń̸̯̮͔̮̠̳̤͌́̋͛̀̉̎̚͝ͅţ̵̞̹̲̹̬̼̝̖̝̫͉̘̆̈́̆̍̾̈̋̀̚s̴̮̐͂̋̑̾̍̽͊͛̚ͅ?

“Do I what?” Jai mumbled as he tried to stay conscious. The shouts and screams of the guard's pony were drowning out his own thoughts. At this rate whatever Primrose had planned might be put to an end. Yet, he didn’t feel like it would. She talked as if she knew him personally, and like she knew what was going to happen.

The voice asked again. Jai in his final moments of consciousness made his choice.

“Sure…,” He muttered and everything went grey.

“I’ll be damned! This is the first time that has happened!," a male voice said from in front of Jai. Groaning Jai sat up slowly rubbing his eyes. Then he realized he was only rubbing one eye. Glancing down he remembered what happened to his poor right arm and himself.

“Shit that's right I died,” Jai said, face palming.

“Not yet, you agreed to have your restraints removed, there is a catch however,” The voice said again. Looking up, Jai saw the old man from the corner that he ate with.

“The hell? Are you telling me you're the last person I see before I go?” Jai whined. The figure clenched its fist but did not move from the spot he was floating.

“Perhaps this form isn’t suitable. I have others,” he said, changing from the dream figure of himself, to Varos the elder pony from the crystal empire and then one of the colts Jai had protected from the soldiers. Finally settling back on the old man from their first meeting.

“Ok, what the hell is going on and where are we? Who are you? What are these quests?,” Jai asked, confused. He hadn’t really been this confused since he was transported to Equestria.

“I am Destiny, we are in Eden, and the quests were sent to you via the ring I gifted you. Finally you have earned the right to not be bound,” Destiny said, smiling brightly at him.

“Primrose called me Destiny’s child? I'm your son?” Jai asked, hoping that wasn’t the case. He had other questions but for some reason asking this felt necessary for his mental state.

“Hmmm, more like a deity foster parent. Now enough of the chit chat,” Destiny said, snapping his fingers. The grey fog around them transformed and Jai saw where he was moments prior.

“Why am I looking at my own corpse? Kind of morbid don’t ya think?” Jai asked, rolling his eyes at Destiny.

“Haha, sorry. You aren’t quite dead yet, but this is what would have happened had you died,” Destiny said, laughing as the scene began to play. He watched as Rouge got up, looked at the guards and began to rampage, massacring everything in her way. Then the scene shifted to Twilight and her friends trying to stop Primrose from taking Celestia’s life.

“So what does all of this mean anyway?” Jai asked, confused what any of this had to do with him or why he was brought to Equestria.

“Well if Celestia dies, Primrose takes her magic. An Umbrum with control over sun magic is disastrous,” Destiny said, grimacing. Their surroundings changed once again and what Jai saw made his heart sink. Above the Crystal Empire was an eclipse, and it seemed the world had been lit ablaze. As far as he could see everything was going up in flames, and dying around him.

“So everything ends if she kills Celestia?” Jai asked, wide eyed.

“It simply makes things harder, this is what happens when she pulls both worlds together," Destiny said, snapping his fingers again. He saw buildings and people walking around, but the stark difference being some had horns, others had wings.

“This is almost like earth?” Jai said, amazed at what he saw. People who shared the colors of the ponies in Equestria, yet they looked human. Some had wings or horns, but they looked human.

“The world beyond the mirror. The place where Primrose turned back time, disrupted the balance, and shattered both worlds in her quest for revenge,” Destiny said, frowning.

“So I have to fight someone from the future to stop them from in essence blowing the world up a second time?” Jai asked, sighing.

“She turned back time so as to not ruin the world. She wants to rule over both worlds, not bury them in ash,” Destiny said.

“Cool. So revenge and world domination. How original,” Jai said, laughing to himself as he stood up.

“Quite original indeed. Now that I have explained that to you, please help Faust and I protect these beings,” Destiny asked, bowing his head. Jai felt a lot of emotions when he was asked to help. Where was Destiny when he needed help in Nocta, or when Amorè went missing, or when his goddamn arm got pulled off.

“You know I hate you so much right?” Jai asked, staring down at the being bowed before him. Destiny said nothing in response to the humans question. The silence that followed only served to piss off the human more. Jai approached Destiny as calmly as he could.

“I’m a man of my word. You seem to know that better than anyone,” Jai said, making Destiny raise his head.

“That I do,” Destiny said, slowly extending a hand to Jai. Who looked at the outstretched hand, clenched his fist and promptly punched the celestial being square in the jaw staggering him.

“How many times did I say I would fight god when I saw him? However this is bigger than how much I hate you,” Jai said, shaking the deity's hand.

“There will be more who join Primrose. It will not just be Chrysalis, especially if you cross the mirror,” Destiny said, taking a hold of the human's hand.

“Well…It's fight or burn and frankly I’d rather stay in my skin,” Jai said, laughing to himself. Destiny smiled at the human and let his magic flow into him.

“Go and get your better half back. This is a temporary boost for now. Chase your destiny unleashed,” Destiny said, laughing to himself proud of his play on words. Jai rolled his eyes at the deity, not too pleased that he called him out.

“Whatever, now send me back. I have a plethora of ponies and then people to help,” Jai said, smiling. Destiny waved his hand and Jai disappeared from Eden.

“You know, you left out that you’re the reason the world is this way?” A pale redheaded woman said, as she walked through the wall of grey fog.

“Faust, I don’t think you would understand. I would rather eat star shards than run the risk of him being a threat…again,” Destiny said, shaking his head sadly.

“I know not why Primrose remembers her other lives, however, I hope this is the last time we have to loop time,” Faust said, shrugging her shoulders.

“We have turned time back one hundred and fifty-seven times. I promise this is the last time,” Destiny said, staring at Faust who looked at him with disgust.

“You will not be forgiven for ruining either boy's life. He should have hit you again,” Faust said, turning and walking away. Destiny knew that, he couldn’t even forgive himself for what he’d done. In every timeline, every time Amorè died. Jai would burn Equis and the world beyond to the ground in anger. Each and every time he did, he would end up at Eden's door step, ready to pull the very heavens apart.

“I hope his help is ready when the time comes,” Destiny said solemnly as he took a seat. Looking down he watched the moment Jai had Destiny’s fate in his hands.

BOOOM!

The ground shook as a blinding light hit Jai changing him. A pair of white wings sprouted from his back, the inner plumage matching his pale pink eyes. As his minor cuts and bruises healed he was able to push the corpse of the dragon off of him and sit up. He rolled his shoulders and shuddered with the unfamiliar sensation on his back.

“YOU'RE ALIVE THANK GOODNESS,” Dusk wailed. Jai winced from the volume but quickly smiled.

“Apparently I don’t die,” Jai said, sarcastically.

“Hmph, I was so close to having a body,” Sombra complained. Jai rolled his eyes in response to the tyrant's comment. His reunion with his body was interrupted however when yelling came from behind him.

“The human has killed the dragon, quickly move in! Kill him! We must not fail her majesty!” A soldier said, rallying the surrounding enemies to charge him.

“Oh no, what are we going to do? You’re out of magic… wait what?!” Dusk panicked at first then confused. She had felt the magic power of the humans diminish as they fought. Yet he was stronger than when he was fighting earlier.

“Well, god finally got a punch in the face,” Jai said, grinning ear to ear as he flapped his wings and took off as if he’d flown his whole life. Looking down at the battlefield he watched as the Umbrum soldiers stared back at him in disbelief. His instincts kicked in and a sense of Deja vu hit him. He knew exactly what magic to do about the situation.

“Crystalis…Regia,” Jai mumbled. No sooner than he muttered those words, his cutie mark glowed, and the ground froze over in colors of grey and gold. All Umbrum and Changelings in the area were incapacitated. Either stuck in place or completely encased in crystal it didn’t matter. He had never felt so in control of his magic, or over himself for that matter.

“Since when? What is this?” Sombra asked in disbelief.

“I gave up an arm for this,” Jai said exhaling sharply. Although his other injuries healed up, doing everything one handed was still awkward to him.

“The voice gave you this power?” Sombra asked, still confused how the human grew so strong in the amount of time he was down.

“Who knows. Why would I tell someone who wants to kill me,” Jai said, mocking the bewildered tyrant. Landing slowly he reached down to pick up Dusk. It was time to head to the castle. He had some words for the little miss from the future he needed to say. Flapping his wings Jai disappeared in a flash towards the castle

“Come on Princess Celestia, you’re better than this,” Primrose mocked. Spell after spell was thrown at the diarch. Each time Celestia blocked but couldn’t counter. Celestia had not expected to be tracked down, let alone have all of her guards on the upper floors taken out.

“You will not be allowed to hurt these innocent ponies,” Celestia said, trying to sound as confident as she could. The magic being thrown at her was heavy and much stronger than what she could withstand while trying to keep up the barrier.

“Mhmm, you said that last time sweetie. This time however, I will be taking the sun in one piece,” Primrose said, readying another spell to throw at Celestia. She knew she had to make a choice here, keep the barrier up or lose her life. She figured she would die of old age, but this feeling of impending dread.

“My Faust guide my soul,” Celestia said, resigning herself to the end of her life as she watched a spell she knew she could not block.

“OH SHIT, MOVEEEEE,” Jai screamed as he broke through the wall of Celestia's bedroom and into her study.

“I give it a 4,” Dusk said, laughing at the human sitting in the pile of stone and books on the floor.

“New to the wings piss off,” Jai mumbled, slowly standing up.

“You never cease to impress me, love,” Primrose said, laughing at him as he stood. A cold chill ran down Jai's spine as he heard her speak to him.

“Eww, I think I might hate hearing you call me that more than Destiny right now,” Jai said, making a gagging sound.

“Hmph, I’m not giving up on you. Seeing how you are still alive,” Primrose said, turning back to Celestia.

“S h a t t e r,” Jai said, as the magic Primrose was readying to throw at Celestia dissipated.

“Tsk, I see. This is going to be a problem,” Primrose said, clicking her tongue and frowning.

“Although I have a lot to curse at you for, I’d rather just kill you,” Jai said, clenching his fist. Primrose took a moment to study the Human and then she sighed.

“I found the mirror. This isn’t Ideal but I’ll leave you for now Sun bearer,” Primrose said, as she began to dissipate into the shadows.

“No, you goddamn don’t,” Jai yelled, using his magic to throw Dusk and the dagger from Selene at her. He felt a connection from the dagger, but was disappointed to see that only a piece of her horn had been taken.

“I thank you. If not for you then I would have lost my life, along with countless others,” Celestia said bowing her head.

“You are only alive because of the inconvenience it causes me if you die. I’m pissed at you,” Jai said, glaring at Celestia causing her to flinch. Sighing, Jai walked over to the spot Primrose had dissipated at and picked up the horn piece she had lost.

“I-well. You have every right to be angry with me. I am so-,” Celestia said, trying to apologize.

“Nope, I don’t forgive you. Save that apology for your student, who you totally disregarded by the way,” Jai lectured. Celestia’s ears flattened against her head as the human continued to lecture Celestia on looking at the bigger picture. He would have continued had it not been for the door to her bedroom slamming against the wall as it opened.

“Princess! Is everything alright?” Twilight asked, as she frantically barreled towards the alabaster mare. Tackling the Princess who froze for a moment, then wrapped her wings around her student. After a few moments Celestia couldn’t hold herself together and for the first time in a hundreds of years; Celestia sobbed. The rest of the elements of harmony began to slowly show up.

“Ah, maybe give them a minute, or two,” Jai said, ushering them out of the room.

“Oh dear, your clothes are…,” Rarity said, looking at Jai with wide eyes. Looking down at himself Jai saw that his clothes had much to be desired. His pants had been reduced to a loin cloth, his boots were missing the toes and his shirt was now nonexistent.

“Oops. Wouldn't happen to have a towel lying around would you,?” Jai asked, laughing as he and the other elements of harmony left Celestia and Twilight alone.

A new Empires Foreign guest

Author's Note

I think I got this story to where I want it so far so I hope you enjoy. I've been trying to get this out for a while but just couldn't pin point how I wanted to do it!

If I missed something/grammar off let me know. I love Comments over likes because I like to talk a lot :twilightblush: so feel free to indulge hehe. Now without further ado enjoy Crystal Destiny

A new Empires Foreign guest

“Woah, so you worked for the government?” Jai asked in between bites of his chicken nuggets.

“Boy, I tell ya’s I darn near ran the government hehe” A gravely deep voice said from across the table. Today had been particularly odd for Jai when he got off work. He encountered a homeless man but for some reason he couldn't just walk by him like he usually did. Jai wasn’t rich but he could spare to help out the man with a meal, who accepted and here they were.

“So how’d you end up under a bridge in a tent with holes and uh... no food?” Jai asked again with the tact of a bowling ball falling on fingers.

“I’ll tell ya on one condition. What’dya say eh?” The old man asked, raising his eyebrows up and down.

“I don't swing that way, I can't help you” Jai stated his facial features hardening and his arms forming an X in front of him.

“NOT LIKE THAT YA IDGET! Take this and don’t ask questions” The old man bellowed, producing a silver and gold ring with two cyan blue gemstones on it.

“I-I can’t take something like this. It looks stupid expensive” Jai said, holding up his hands defensively. In Jai’s defense it looked really cool but common courtesy told him to turn it down. If he was thinking correctly then another offer should come in 3…2…1

“Fine, I’ll tell ya how I got here and if you come back tomorrow I’ll tell ya’s the why. Deal?” The geezer smiled, finishing his proposition. The crooked smile and missing teeth should have been a red flag that told Jai this guys nuts. But something told him to accept, what did he have to lose anyway and the ring would be a cool ass conversation starter.

“Deal! I’m all ears but one sec!” Jai said, pumping his fist and running towards the counter to order more food.

“Heh maybe he’ll be fine” The old man said under his breath. Jai returning had another set of nuggets and a drink that he passed to the old man.

“Ok, now I’m all ears!” Jai exclaimed plopping down on his side of the booth.

“Alright now, this whole cluster started when I began workin’ with those prissy physicist in block 12-A in Manhattan…” the old man rambled. He spoke of secret bases, dimensional travel and its possibilities and how he’d been fired for destroying decades worth of research.

“Oh man! So how’d you get away with all that?” Jai questioned, hanging on every word. The old man let out a hearty laugh, spit flying from his mouth as he did.

“I tunneled right out from underneath the bastards and I’ve been on the streets of Eclipse hills since” The geezer stated a hint of sadness in his eyes but as soon as Jai caught it, it was gone.

“Man you knew I was going to ask why, UGHHH” Jai moaned in frustration much to the old man’s enjoyment he let another deep raspy laugh out.

“ If you buy me food tomorrow then the ,why, is all yours as per our deal” he stated looking Jai in the eyes. Before a response could be formed the cashier walked up to the two.

“I see you two are having a blast but we closed 20 minutes ago could you umm please leave?” She pleaded. Jai pulled out his phone and saw the time; 11:45pm.

“Oh sh.. I gotta get goin I work tomorrow at 7am. I’ll see you here same time tomorrow, old man don't be late!” Jai hurriedly spat out as he dumped his food tray away in the trash and jogged home. The old man smiled as he watched him run off into the distance. The clouded sky above him and the scent of impending rain made his light jog transform into a brisk one.

“Well Amore, my work here is finally done, he is the one.” The old man said quietly. The cashier tilted her head looking at the old man but before she could speak again he was gone. She frantically blinked and rubbed her eyes, she wasn’t crazy right?

“I gotta get a vacation. There was someone here right…right?” She questioned as she cleaned and closed up shop.

Opening the door to his apartment Jai felt oddly tired. Not just physically where his insomnia kept him up, but wholly tired for the first time in years. Had to have been the conversation with the oldie from the diner, Oh well he thought. Unbothered, Jai slumped on his couch too lazy to take off his clothes or shoes as a loud boom went off.

“I forgot to ask the old head's name,” he murmured to himself and yawned. Drifting off to sleep as the sounds of rain and thunder soothed his mind.

THUD!

“Jesus, was the floor always this cold?” Jai groaned more in discomfort than annoyance. It was a poor habit he had of tossing and turning in bed coupled. This made for some less than ideal moments in the middle of the night.

“My my, who do we have here?” A soft feminine voice called out.

A voice Jai was NOT familiar with. Quickly opening his eyes and scrambling to his feet. He looked around and was beyond surprised at what he saw around him. It was beautiful, the crystal structures all around him. The multiple colors he saw made his eyes sparkle. From the floors and furniture to the pillars, ceiling and the horses pointing spears at him?

“Who in the actual hell…”Jai began before crystal spears were pointed at his neck. Looking down at one of the many spears pointed at him. Jai saw intricate detailing on the blade. Unfortunately he couldn’t see much further than that. The shaft of the spear was hard to see when anytime he shifted his head the spears moved to meet his grey eyes.

“That is what we are trying to find out, strange one” The feminine voice called again.

Before the sound of hooves stopped in his line of sight as a few of the spears lowered. Jai looked towards the soothing voice and his eyes grew wide. It was a cream colored horse, wearing a flowing floral dress, with gold and silver accents. A pink and blue mane that shone like the crystal he saw everywhere, and atop her head a crystal crown around her horn? Huh that wasn’t right, unicorns weren’t real so this had to just be a dream.

“Right… talking magic horses, neat. I’d like to wake up now.” Jai remarked flatly. Then he jumped and yelped as the spears behind him dug into his lower back. As if that wasn’t enough he was then pushed over, his body now flat across the crystal floor.

“Show respect to the Princess if you value your life whatever you are” A deep voice demanded from on top of him.

“Enough, now speak. What are you and how did you end up in my bed chamber?” The Unicorn asked, irritated she was just called a ‘horse’.

“Humans don't exist or something? Hell if I know how I got here, I was home when I fell asleep. And honestly I don't appreciate being stabbed by the way” Jai said indignantly, glaring at Mare in front of him. He was confused and angry at how he was being treated. He’d had it hard at home but when he moved out he was finally starting his own life. Now he was half sure he was tripping. If he was in another world how’d that happen in the first place?

“I do not know what a Human is, but if you do not understand how you got here. Perhaps time in the dungeon will jog your memory.” The mare said, turning away from him. The guards began to move to restrain him and take him away. Jai thrashed around kicking one of the horses in the nose and punching the other breaking free of the hold the guards had on him.

“I’ll be damned if I let colorful horses lock me up. I just want to go home” Jai said, looking at the growing number of guards around him.

“You forfeited your right to leave when you came here ‘human’ assassin. Now guards arrest it!” The pink mare exclaimed. The guards around the room now drawing their weapons and closing in on him. Jai looked around rapidly for an escape but the room was chalk full of horses that came up to his chest. The sense of desperation to leave flooded his senses and made his hands shake and his vision blur occasionally. Then he felt a strange tingle in his arms down to his shaking hands.

“What the…what's happening to me.” Jai mumbled. The guards took the first initiative to try and grab him. Dozens of them in a circle around him pounced on him in a dog pile, now covering the human in a pile of clanking armor. As the pink mare began to turn to leave she stopped as a bright light filled the room and the guards on Jai were flung across the room. Some guards collided with the wall, others hit their fellow guardsmen. The unlucky few towards the top of the pile were flung at the ceiling.

“Princess Amore get down!” A guard yelled as he tackled the Princess to the floor as a guard was launched helmet first at the Princess. Hearing the crunch she winced and ran over to the guard slumped on the wall.

“Rockhoof are you ok?” Princess Amore asked frantically. She ignited her horn to use healing magic and sighed when the guard groaned in response.

“I can’t stop! Go away, Jesus Christ, do you have no self preservation you dumb rainbow horses!” Jai yelled. Whatever was going on was nice for all of 10 seconds. He was happy to not be piled by the equines but he couldn’t control what he was doing. Anything that got too close was launched away and thrown weapons encircled him and were flung in a random direction.

“Assassin, you have shown your true colors now!” Another guard yells as he charges. Sighing Jai backs away from the guard.

“Dude! Stop! I’m trying to help yo…” Jai trailed off. Fatigue hitting him like a freight train and within the brief break in concentration. Something hits him in the head and everything fades to black.

Princess Amore looks around at the disheveled guard in her bed chamber. Using her magic she checks the injuries of those on the ground. Minor injuries and unconscious guards littered the room but a few were missing.

“Captain Rose Quartz, are you there?” Amore calls out.

“Um, Princess look up.” Rose calls from above her. What Amore sees makes her own eyes widen. The Ponies that the human had flung were suspended in the air. Whatever it had done, despite saying it was out of control, did not kill any of her guards. Amore sighed in relief as she used her magic to bring the ponies down. Maybe she was wrong about this human creature, but that would be a problem to face later. For now she would clean up and sleep in one of the many guest rooms for the night.

“Come on Rocky boy, Can I please have my pants back? They aren't magical and I'm cold” Jai whined. Since he’d woken up… again, he’d been sitting in a cell. Just like the rest of what he saw, was a crystal cell which was not retaining heat at all. More so in having been in the dungeon for a little under a week. Or was it over? He’d really just lost track of time; really wanted his clothes back.

“Princess’ orders. Nothing is to be…” Rockhoof began but stopped as Jai spoke up again.

“Ok how about this. How would you feel if you were hairless in a crystal cell and nothing to keep warm hmm?” Jai retorted. The guard hummed in thought and then grumbled. Jai smiled seeing his socks and jeans slid through the bars in a light grey aura. He still wasn’t used to this whole ‘Magic’ gimmick but at least he got his pants back.

“Wasn’t me if anypony asks,” Rockhoof says without turning around.

“Was what you?” Jai responded coyly as he put on his socks and pants. Rockhoof laughed but quickly stopped as the sound of hoof steps began to echo throughout the dungeon.

“What’s for dinner today, do you know?” Jai asked before going into a plank on the floor. All he had was exercise and bothering the guards to keep him sane. Keeping his mind off of the cold was all that mattered to him, even if he was really bad at it.

“Our chefs are preparing soups and salads for the staff.” That familiar feminine voice said. The sounds of several hoof steps approached his cell.

“Lovely, So can I have my clothes back Princess Amore? I don't have hair or fur all over me like you” said Jai, taking a seat on the floor from his plank and motioning to his bare torso.

“Soon, so are you ready to answer my questions now, human?” Amore inquired, raising an eyebrow at the human. Amore looked down at the human sitting before her. She found him odd to say the least. His long twisted hair, grey eyes, and hairless body and brown skin were all vaguely similar yet so different from a minotaur. All records she’d read over had no mention of a human and none of the security magic picked up his entry. Her train of thought was interrupted by an indignant sigh.

“I’ve already told you. I fell asleep in my apartment, and woke up on the floor in what did you call this place again?” Jai asked.

“This is the Crystal Empire,” Amore stated.

“Yea here, and then I was attacked with no explanation and this weird magic mambo jumbo started happening. And by the way your guard has ZERO self preservation. You should talk to them about that.” Said Jai trying not to laugh as he saw the bandage on Rockhoof's nose from the incident earlier in the week.

“Princess It seems he's telling the truth. Our magic has detected no lies” An elderly purple unicorn said.

“Finally the talking horses are seeing reason!” Jai exclaimed, making the Princess visibly flinch.

“WE ARE PONIES,ENOUGH DISRESPECT” The Princess exclaimed in her royal voice. Jai put his hands over his ears and frowned.

“I- I don’t know the difference. I wasn't into equines on earth” Jai said, rubbing his head. How could anything get that loud without a megaphone?

“Y-You don’t know the difference?” Princess Amore parroted back to him.

“Nah, not really.” Jai said. He was confused why he was being yelled at for making an observation. Honestly the difference couldn’t be that big right?

“Again your majesty, he is not lying” The Unicorn spoke up again. Jai beamed at her, she was his saving grace right now. He would hug her if he wasn’t behind bars and shirtless.

“So can I have my stuff back please? I’m cold and could use a warm drink and maybe just maybe. An explanation” Jai said, getting up and stretching his arms and wiggling his fingers. Amore watched the human, her gaze wandering from his arms to his fingers. Getting lost in thought for a moment she was pulled from her reverie when Rockhoof cleared his throat.

“Your highness, Excuse me so I can let him out.” The guard stated sternly.

“Oh, OH! Yes of course, ahem I’ll be in my office. See that his items are returned to him.” Amore said, shaking her head in embarrassment.

“Shirt and Jacket here I come!” said Jai excitedly jumping up and heading to the door of the cell. Rockhoof opened the door and motioned for him to follow.

“Your belongings will be this way, then you will be escorted to Princess Amore’s office.” Rockhoof explained, staring straight ahead.

“Uh-huh that's all fine and dandy but let me pick your brain about a few things, Rocky” Jai said enthusiastically.

“It's Rockhoof, Sgt. Rockhoof” The guard replied.

“Whatever Rocky, So about what's acceptable…” Jai asked as the two made their way into customs for the human belongings.

Understand yourself, the rest is easy...Maybe?

CLACK! THUNK! THUD!

“I feel like you take way too much pleasure in kickin my ass,” Jai said sarcastically looking up at Rockhoof. Rockhoof after failing to get rid of the human in his training, even after breaking his arm, started to warm up to Jai. He had noticed the human wasn’t the best with weapons in his hands compared to when he was using his magic. So being the good friend he was, took it upon himself to teach the human.

“The best way to learn the basics is to practice the basics” Rockhoof retorted, jogging over to his water bottle in the grass. Rockhoof had to admit though, that the human had a knack for following directions. Even if in practical training the human ended up on the ground more often than he expected.

“I’m switching to the spear and then we can start again,” Jai said getting off of the ground and dusting his backside off. Rockhoof simply nodded and trotted over to the weapon rack in the sparring area. Once both parties were equipped, they made their way back to the center of one of the fields. The crystal pony fixed the spear fastened to his side and nodded at Jai.

“Ready when you are” Rockhoof stated, taking a wider stance.

THWACK!

The sound of the wooden spears colliding echoes through the field. They broke apart and they began thrusting and dodging each other. The grass was flying up around them as their spar turned into a dancing of two spearmen struggling to land a decisive blow. The human struggling to find an opening as every time he thought Rockhoof was open, he would simply turn and fling the spear tip towards his face. Finally after a few more exchanges between the two…

THUNK!

“OW Jesus Christ that hurts like a bitch!” Jai screamed dropping the spear and rubbing his ribs. Rockhoof laughed as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The captain began to unfasten his spear from his side and walk over towards the weapon rack.

“That's the final one, I have to get the rest of the guard scheduling done,” Rockhoof said sighing.

“That's fine I’m heading back to my room. I think I finally got the problem with my magic solved so don’t worry about next week.” Jai said returning his spear to the rack as well.
“That's what you said last week but if you say so. Drop by my office if you need me.” Rockhoof said nodding at the human and walking away. Jai jogged back towards his room, confident in himself this week.

“Just you wait Rocky. With Heart's help, I won't be taking the butt of a spear to the nose again.” Jai muttered as he approached the castle, ready to hopefully remedy his magic problem.

“Isn’t this going to hurt? Are you sure you want me to do this Jai?” Amore asked. She looked at the shirtless human standing in front of her. She was more confused about why he ran to her after being locked in his room for a week.

“Amore, you are probably the most magically gifted Unicorn. I just need you to follow these blueprints to help me out.” Jai pleaded. Amore sighed, looked down at the diagram, and tilted her head in confusion.

“What are all of these lines and symbols for? You want a cutie mark?” Amore skeptically inquired. If he wanted a cutie mark, surely he could work for him like everypony else.

“A cutie what now?” The human yelled out, now confused as well.

“You know, the marks on every pony's flanks. They symbolize our talents and purpose in life.” Princess Amore explained. Jai shook his head in understanding before scratching his head.

“Then no, I’ve been researching magic. Specifically, my magic, and I noticed something weird that I don’t see with anyone else.” Jai said, closing his eyes and feeling his magic flow into his hands.

“And that would be?” Amore inquired, intrigued by the human's dedication to magic.

“It's Silver and Gold. The different colors have different properties to them. Silver is defensive with healing properties. Gold is offensive with something else I haven’t quite gotten yet.” Jai explains, the aura of the two magics dancing in either hand. Gold on his right palm and Silver on the other. Amore was amazed and still confused as to what the human wanted her to do.

“That is new to me. However, I still don’t get why you want me to carve your skin with my magic.” Amore states looking back down at the parchment in her magic.

“The point of these engravings is to help the flow of magic. When I got here and your guards attacked me, I think I forced the magic within me to merge.” The human explains.

“Wouldn’t that mean you would be capable of doing this without this” Amore said, shaking the parchment. Jai shakes his head and continues.

“Keyword, Forced. Not to brag but that’s why I lost, even when my magic kicked in.They aren’t meant to merge but work alongside each other but my body doesn’t have magic channels like ponies to make this happen.” Jai explains. Amore’s eyes light up in realization.

“So these are the magic pathways you would need to use both at the same time!” Amore shouts excitedly as Jai shakes his head yes.

“Bingo Princess! That would be why I struggle with using magic other than simple shaping and levitation. So can you PLEASE help me?” Jai pleaded once more. Amore looked at the human, her chest filling with a foreign emotion. Looking at his physique from continuing training with her guards, and his grey eyes she couldn’t bring herself to say no.

“Ugh fine! Where am I starting?” Amore said, holding the parchment up to her face trying to hide her blush. Jai excitedly hugged Amore.

“Thank you! Thank you! It starts on my lower back and ends on my left elbow!” Jai exclaimed, taking a seat on the floor. Amore glad the human was facing away from her composed herself and ignited her horn.

“Y-You owe me for doing this,” Amore said coyly, smiling at the human. Jai snorted and shook his head at the statement.

“YOU haven’t apologized for jailing me. All do respect Princess I don’t owe you shit” Jai said sarcastically. Amore even though she corrected the human hated when he called her princess. Rolling her Eyes Amore spoke the spell on the parchment and began to follow the diagram.

“Fine. Don’t expect me to stop when this hurts” Amore replied pouting.

“GODDAMNIT!” the human hissed as the water of the bath soaked his skin. The engraving went well, honestly better than he thought it was going to go. He did right by asking Amore to help him with it but he felt she took way too much pleasure in watching him squirm as she worked.

“Who woulda thought picking up the wrong book from Heart woulda helped me,” Jai said to himself laughing. The echo of his laugh carried into the hallway. As his amusement subsided, Jai got out of the bath and put on his boxers and jeans. The holes in the knee exposed his skin as he went to stand in the mirror. Turning around he examined the engraving on his back and left arm. A crescent facing upwards on his lower back, with two lines protruding upwards towards his shoulder blades. Just under his shoulder blades, three lines ran under them with the center line extending to his left arm. That was the tricky part because he was ticklish, although he hated to admit it. The circuit started on his tricep with a circle surrounded by a series of smaller triangles. To finish it off below that 5 lines faded as they got to his elbow. Leaving the bathroom and putting his T-shirt on he froze.

“Now I just want to… Who’s there?” Jai asked. A pair of giggles were heard as Jai turned to see 2 mares with horns and wings. He had read about the few ponies that had such traits. What were they called again? He thought to himself, staring skeptically at them.

“Sister he is here.” The dark blue mare said.

“Indeed he is,” The other white mare said.

“I’m right here and honestly a little creeped out,” Jai said, frowning. Finally, he remembered what the anomaly was in front of him. Alicorns. He had read a book or two when he was researching how to stop passing out when using magic.

“You are a fascinating creature,” the white alicorn said, approaching Jai slowly. Jai eyed her suspiciously as she came closer.

“I could say the same thing about you, you’re a little tall for a pony don’t ya think?” Jai asked sarcastically.

“Funny too. Just like Amore described” the white mare giggled.

“So do I get names or am I supposed to guess?” Jai inquired, tilting his head. The white mare looked back at her sister who shrugged, then she faced the human again.

“I am Princess Celestia of the Sun, and this is my sister Princess Luna of the Moon,” Celestia said motioning to her sister.

“We extend our greetings to thee,” Luna said, giving a small bow to the human before her.

“And I’m Jai Young, a human from Earth. Sorry to cut the meeting short and all but I’m in a lot of pain. I’ll see you two around if you’re here for Amore” Jai said, walking past the two and making his way towards his room from the staff bath. Once the human was out of earshot, the two sisters made eye contact and giggled amongst each other.

“I do not think there has been any pony who has been so indifferent,” Celestia said, still laughing.

“Thou would be correct. At least from what we can remember.” Luna replied her laugh subsiding. The two Princesses shook their heads in unison as they made their way back to Amore. They liked this human so far, so surely their friend who asked them to be here wouldn’t mind sharing… right?

Author's Note

The first challenge is underway Begin to understand magic. Shouldn't be too hard now that he is equipped to not pass out right away... right?

First off I re-read my ending to this chapter, its not a harem I promise. Now I know this was a shorter than usual chapter. I have finals coming up and I have a METRIC TONS worth of papers to turn in this week. So I wanted to give you guys something here so I can focus on that. Also as per usual if I missed anything or misspelled anything lemme know. I hope you are enjoying this so far It's a pleasure to write as I work on this in between other projects.