“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