“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.